Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site. 0108263 License for publishing multimedia online Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349 China strongly dissatisfied with EU probe into Chinese wind power enterprise: commerce ministry Xinhua) 08:17, February 05, 2026 BEIJING, Feb. 4 (Xinhua) -- China has voiced serious concerns and strong dissatisfaction over the European Commission's decision to launch an in-depth investigation into a Chinese wind power enterprise under the Foreign Subsidies Regulation (FSR), a spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce said on Wednesday. The remarks came in response to a media query on a recent announcement by the European Commission. The European Union (EU) has frequently used the FSR tool to investigate Chinese companies, and it has announced that its current probe into wind power and security inspection equipment enterprises will be escalated to an in-depth investigation, demonstrating clear targeting and discrimination, the ministry said. It emphasized that these investigations overgeneralize the concept of "foreign subsidies," involve issues such as non-transparent procedures and insufficient evidence to initiate cases, and are typical acts of protectionism disguised as "fair competition." Following its own investigation, China's Ministry of Commerce legally confirmed in January 2025 that the EU's relevant practices constitute trade and investment barriers. "Instead of correcting its wrongdoing, the EU has gone further down the wrong path," the spokesperson said. The ministry highlighted that Chinese enterprises in green industries like wind power have been providing high-quality green products and making positive contributions to the global climate response, relying on continuous technological innovation, a sound industrial system and full market competition. "The EU's abuse of investigative tools not only seriously disrupts mutually beneficial China-EU industrial cooperation and undermines Chinese companies' confidence in investing in Europe, but will also delay the green transition in Europe and around the world," the spokesperson said. China has always advocated resolving differences through dialogue and consultation, and opposes the politicization or securitization of economic and trade issues, according to the ministry. "We urge the EU side to immediately correct its erroneous practices, exercise prudence in using the FSR unilateral investigation tool, and create a fair, just, predictable market environment for China-EU cooperation," the spokesperson said, adding that China will closely monitor subsequent developments, and take all necessary measures to resolutely safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) New brand identity clarifies Meriton's role as an alliance of HVAC manufacturer representatives committed to building partners for life DALLAS, Feb. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Meriton, a national alliance of HVAC manufacturer representatives, today announced the launch of its newly defined brand, marking a milestone in the company's evolution and bringing greater clarity to its long-term role in the industry. The new brand reflects Meriton's growth from a holding company into a unified alliance of manufacturer representatives built on partnership, local leadership and a long-term commitment to being relentless advocates for our partners' success. This milestone was celebrated during an event in Las Vegas to kick off AHR 2026, the HVAC industry's largest tradeshow of the year. "The Meriton brand is not about changing who we are. It's about finally giving voice to it," said Dana Dowdy, Chief Marketing Officer, Meriton. "Our industry is evolving quickly, our scale has grown, and our partnerships have deepened. This brand gives us a clear, consistent way to show up together, and it reflects the people-first culture that has always defined Meriton." Meriton is an alliance of 19 brands across 25 states, with more than 2,000 employees, serving as trusted manufacturer representatives in their local markets. Each operating company brings deep regional expertise and long-standing customer and manufacturer relationships, while benefiting from Meriton's shared resources, collaboration and strategic backing. Captured in the new tagline, "Building Partners for Life," the brand reflects Meriton's belief that strong local businesses, supported by shared ownership and a long-term mindset, are best positioned to deliver lasting value to customers and manufacturer partners. The new Meriton brand is designed to strengthen, not replace, local operating company brands. Each operating company will continue to lead in their markets with their existing names, teams and relationships, supported by Meriton's national scale and collaborative model. The brand provides a clear framework for how Meriton and its operating companies work together as one network while preserving local autonomy and focus. About Meriton Meriton is a privately-owned alliance of manufacturer representatives made up of exceptional people and proven HVAC businesses. With 19 brands across 25 states and more than 2,000 employees, Meriton strengthens what's already strong, giving local companies the backing, tools and shared expertise to grow without losing their independence, urgency or identity. For more information, visit www.meriton.com. Meriton. Building Partners for Life. SOURCE Meriton Group WPD officers discover children hiding in trunk of car The Westminster Police Department Facebook NEED TO KNOW The Westminster Police Department in Colorado released bodycam footage of the DUI arrest of a man who had three children hiding in his trunk In the footage, the officer could be heard asking the man whether he had been drinking and then asking him to do "roadside maneuvers" before handcuffing him The driver then admitted that he had three children hiding in his trunk, who police confirmed were unharmed despite the freezing temperatures outside Police in Colorado made a shocking discovery after catching a drunk driver. The Westminster Police Department (WPD) in Colorado shared bodycam footage on Facebook from a recent driving under the influence (DUI) bust, which also involved several underage children. The incident began when a WPD traffic officer observed a car driving recklessly in the area of City Center Dr and 93rd Ave. in Westminster, Colo. The officer made contact with the driver and immediately noticed the smell of alcohol, per WPD. In the footage, the officer could be heard asking the driver whose face was obscured why he believed he was being stopped and whether he had drunk alcohol. The driver said that he believed he was stopped because he was acting like an idiot" and denied drinking any alcohol. The officer responded, "You're lucky you didn't hit somebody... Are you sure you didnt drink any alcohol because I got a smell of alcohol coming from the vehicle right now?" The officer then asked the driver if he would be willing to do some voluntary roadside maneuvers, to which the driver initially agreed, but then appeared to quickly change his mind. After that, the officer could be heard telling him, You dont want to complete these? Alright, put your hands behind your back. A police officer talks to the driver, whose face has been blurred out in the body cam video The Westminster Police Department Facebook After the driver was handcuffed by the officer, he admitted that he had three children hiding in his trunk. So, you have three kids hiding in the trunk?, the officer asked him. You didnt think that would be a good idea to say something before? he added. When officers opened the trunk, they indeed found three children squeezed together in the back. The WPD did not identify whether the children belonged to the driver in its statement. We'd like to point out it was also freezing temps outside during this stop, the WPD said in a statement. Luckily, the kids were unharmed. Several bottles of alcohol were also recovered from inside the vehicle, police added. A police officer asks the man to do roadside maneuvers in this clip The Westminster Police Department Facebook 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. Child Protective Services was contacted and the kids were released to family. The driver, meanwhile, was arrested on suspicion of DUI, reckless driving, failure to provide a valid insurance, and three counts of child abuse. He was transported to Adams County Jail. WPD did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for comment on this case. Read the original article on People New analysis reveals deepening economic strain, declining confidence, and growing concerns over regulatory actions OMAHA, Neb., Feb. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Modern Ag Alliance released its inaugural State of the American Farmer report , providing a first-of-its-kind national assessment of the economic, regulatory, and operational challenges facing U.S. farmers. The findings reveal an industry in crisis. Farmers are facing rising input costs, declining commodity prices, and growing regulatory uncertainty, contributing to increasing concern about the long-term viability of their operations. In this environment, farmers stress that maintaining access to proven crop protection tools is essential to producing enough food and keeping prices affordable for American families. "With operating costs rising and margins slimming, farmers need relief," Missouri farmer Blake Hurst said. "This begins with lawmakers understanding the realities of modern farming. We need practical policies and continued access to crop protection tools that afford us the stability to do our jobs and produce high-quality food." "Farmers are being squeezed from every direction," said Elizabeth Burns-Thompson, Executive Director of the Modern Ag Alliance. "This data shows that economic pressure and regulatory uncertainty are colliding on the farm. Policymakers need to understand what this means in real termsfor farmers' ability to stay in business and for the affordability of America's food, fuel, and fiber." Together, these pressures underscore the urgency of congressional action on a Farm Bill and the need for federal and state policymakers to pursue clear, science-based agricultural policy. Key Findings Farm finances are under severe strain. Input costs continue to rise while commodity prices for major crops have fallen by as much as 58% since 2022. Farmer bankruptcies are up roughly 60% year over year. Input costs continue to rise while commodity prices for major crops have fallen by as much as 58% since 2022. Farmer bankruptcies are up roughly 60% year over year. Farmers are increasingly concerned about the future. 60% of farmers say that without a course correction, farming may "cease to exist as we know it," and only about half would recommend farming as a career to their children. 60% of farmers say that without a course correction, farming may "cease to exist as we know it," and only about half would recommend farming as a career to their children. Regulatory uncertainty is compounding the problem, highlighting the importance of clarity for farmers. Eight in ten farmers agree that they should be consulted on the operational impacts of new regulations. Eight in ten farmers agree that they should be consulted on the operational impacts of new regulations. Restrictions on modern tools would raise costs and food prices. 57% of farmers expect higher input costs and 39% expect lower yields if access to crop protection tools is restricted. Nearly three-quarters say new agricultural regulations will ultimately lead to higher food prices for American families. The full State of the American Farmer report is available here . About the Modern Ag Alliance The Modern Ag Alliance is a diverse coalition of more than 110 agricultural organizations advocating for U.S. farmers' access to the crop protection tools they need to ensure a robust, affordable domestic food, fuel, and fiber supply. To learn more, visit modernagalliance.org. Contact: [email protected] SOURCE Modern Ag Alliance State Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington Washington D.C. West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Puerto Rico US Virgin Islands Armed Forces Americas Armed Forces Pacific Armed Forces Europe Northern Mariana Islands Marshall Islands American Samoa Federated States of Micronesia Guam Palau Alberta, Canada British Columbia, Canada Manitoba, Canada New Brunswick, Canada Newfoundland, Canada Nova Scotia, Canada Northwest Territories, Canada Nunavut, Canada Ontario, Canada Prince Edward Island, Canada Quebec, Canada Saskatchewan, Canada Yukon Territory, Canada Zip Code Australian data centre operator Adisyn has appointed board member Arye Kohavi as its new managing director, with the previous title holder, Blake Burton, moving into an executive director role. Kohavi entered into the picture in January last year when his Israel-based semiconductor IP business that he founded, 2D Generation, was acquired by Adisyn. At the time, Kohavi was appointed as non-executive director. As the new managing director, Kohavi is expected to support the acceleration of Adisyns semiconductor-focused strategy, which includes technology development, commercial partnerships and market engagement. Meanwhile, Burton will play an active role at the company by supporting strategy execution, corporate development and stakeholder engagement. Blake has provided strong leadership through a period of significant transformation for Adisyn, including the acquisition of 2D Generation and the companys strategic repositioning toward semiconductor technology, said non-executive chairman Kevin Crofton in a statement released to the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX). On behalf of the board, I would like to sincerely thank Blake for his commitment and leadership. Consultancy DevOps1 is rebranding to dx1 following its acquisition of cloud engineering firm Innablr. In a statement, dx1 said the rebrand marks a pivotal shift in the companys trajectory, with Innablrs deep data expertise integrated with DevOps1s cloud and security DNA. The dx part of the brand focuses on the intersection of data (d) and transformation (x), while the 1 is a callback to its former name as well as its commitment to being the primary partner for its clients, the company explained. In the modern economy, data is the base variable. The x represents a multiplier effect, dx1 noted. DevOps1 announced its acquisition of Innablr back in October, the consultancys CEO, Alex Rea, said the acquisition was a reflection of both the scale of opportunity in the market and the lack of Australian challengers. Global players are consolidating the market which leaves Australian organisations with fewer specialist options at scale, he said at the time. Seattle Theatre Group (STG) is a nonprofit organization and independent event promoter that stewards the historic Paramount, Moore, Neptune, and 5th Avenue theatres, as well as Kerry Hall, in Seattle, and an outdoor venue at Remlinger Farms in Carnation, Washington. Established in 1990, STG presents over 700 events, including concerts of all genres, comedy and podcast shows, speakers, dance performances, and touring Broadway musicals through its Broadway at the Paramount series. Our mission is to create enriching arts experiences, engage diverse communities, and preserve historic theatres. Additionally, our Education and Community Engagement (ECE) Programs offer small classes, workshops, and summer camps for community members. TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS POSITION, PLEASE SUBMIT A COVER LETTER AND RESUME. Seattle Theatre Group (STG) is seeking an experienced, innovative Chief Marketing and Communications Officer (CMCO). The CMCO is a vital member of STGs senior leadership team, serving as the strategic steward of the brand. Reporting to the Executive Director, this role offers both strategic vision and hands-on leadership for all marketing, communications, and sales/audience services efforts, ensuring they align with the organizations mission, values, and long-term goals. The CMCO is responsible for advancing and protecting the brand, strengthening audience engagement, and driving revenue through integrated marketing and communications strategies. Working collaboratively across all departments, the CMCO fosters a culture of partnership and shared accountability, ensuring that messaging, storytelling, and audience strategies are cohesive and impactful organization wide. In addition, the CMCO actively cultivates and sustains partnerships with cultural and community-based organizations to expand reach, deepen relevance, and advance meaningful engagement with diverse communities. Through these relationships, the CMCO champions inclusive practices that reflect the organizations commitment to equity, access, and representation. When applicable, the CMCO represents the organization to a wide range of community partners and business leaders. This role demands a dynamic leader who combines strategic insight with operational excellence, inspires collaboration, and leverages data, creativity, and community connections to foster growth, visibility, and lasting impact. This position earns between $157,872 and $252,595 (Midpoint $205,000) plus medical, dental, vision, life LTD and STD Insurance as well as paid sick, vacation and holidays. We also offer a 403b retirement savings plan with a discretionary match. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES These include the following. Other duties may be assigned. Oversee marketing, communications, audience services and sales functions. Ensure effective STG branding; articulate STGs desired brand voice, image, and position, and ensure consistent communication of such, both internally and externally. Lead the development of storytelling assets to assist in awareness of STG as a non-profit community arts organization, bolster fundraising efforts, and increase stakeholder engagement. Oversee STG sales programs, ensuring maximum value proposition for STG and our patrons. This includes the management of our Broadway, concerts, and comedy programs. Create and manage unique strategies and campaigns that reach a diverse population and feature a variety of performing arts genres Broadway, rock & roll, hip-hop, dance, comedy, family, film, ECE programs, and more. Manage the relationship with our ticketing platform provider, Ticketmaster. Ensure well-managed, effective websites, email campaigns, and social media accounts to extend STGs reach and facilitate internal and external interactions. Create a high public awareness around STGs Education & Community Engagement (ECE) programs. Shared accountability for STGs overall organizational strategy. Work within STG teams to: Develop and maintain a strategic perspective (based on marketplace, patron, and constituent needs and satisfaction) in organizational direction, programs, and decision-making. Participate in the general management of the organization as well as special projects and initiatives that advance the institution. Ensure that STGs mission, vision, and values are upheld and practiced throughout the organization. Oversee with the data specialist the organizations data strategies. Act to raise awareness and provide solutions aligned with institutional priorities. Participate in advocacy and public affairs opportunities, in support of STG and our arts & culture industry/economy. Oversees audience and market research and shares findings with the entire organization. In partnership with the communications manager, oversee the development of appropriate messaging, including crisis communication, to represent STGs mission and vision, both internally and externally. Manage people and programs to maintain the best possible workforce and culture. Ensure effective people management within the department. Lead and mentor a high-performing marketing, communications, audience services, and sales team Support, participate in, and oversee cross-functional teams within STG. Effectively support all staff so they can act on behalf of STG by: Transmitting STGs values, vision, mission, and direction. Engaging people in deepening STGs significance in the cultural community. Proactively supporting, developing, and promoting STGs equity initiatives. To perform this job successfully, an individual must satisfactorily perform each essential duty. The requirements listed below are representative of the education, experience, knowledge, skill, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. QUALIFICATIONS 10-15+ years of sales and marketing experience in the performing arts or a similar industry with proven success in a senior management role. Demonstrated ability to plan, implement, and manage at both strategic and operational levels. Exceptional presentation and writing skills. Proven track record of developing and implementing marketing and sales strategies that have consistently met or exceeded planned objectives. Experience with subscription, club, and/or membership programs preferred. Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment. Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and staff to create a high-functioning team Successful experience using a CRM-Salesforce and Ticketmaster preferred Demonstrated successful press and media relationships Demonstrates a strong, proven ability to handle and prioritize demanding workloads calmly and professionally. A good listener and strategist; comfortable receiving input from many sources, and able to analyze and formulate disparate information into a sound, well-organized plan. Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor. by Sumon Corraya About 300 faithful attended the event at the Church of the Rosary in Tejgaon. Archbishop Bejoy N. D'Cruze: divisions are a great scandal. Methodist Bishop Simon Biswas: When we are united, Christ becomes visible. An invitation to pray for national harmony in the pre-election context. Dhaka (AsiaNews) - Division among Christians weakens their witness to the world, while unity makes Jesus Christ visible. This was stated by Protestant Bishop Simon Biswas during an ecumenical prayer meeting in Dhaka on 3 February 2026. Held in the Church of the Holy Rosary in Tejgaon, with a religious service and the singing of hymns for Christian unity, the event brought together priests from the Catholic Church and pastors from 18 Protestant denominations. About 300 people attended the event, organised jointly by the Commission for Dialogue of the Archdiocese of Dhaka and the parish of Tejgaon. Speaking to AsiaNews, Fr Kakon Luke Corraya, coordinator of the Dialogue Commission, explained that the meeting was part of the wider celebration of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, held from 18 to 25 January, with numerous initiatives around the world. Throughout the week, members of different Churches prayed and reflected together, Corraya said. As part of this celebration, we organised a large-scale prayer for Christian unity in the church in Tejgaon, so that harmony among us may be strengthened day by day. Addressing those present, Bishop Simon Biswas of the Methodist Church emphasised the importance of unity in diversity among Christian denominations in Bangladesh. We often talk about divisions and conflicts, but we rarely talk about the beauty of our differences, he said. Despite our differences, what matters most is to remain united, Biswas continued. Divisions among Christian denominations give a weak witness to the world, Bishop Biswas added. But when we are united, Christ becomes visible. Every church and every denomination has something beautiful that glorifies Christ and helps us all move closer to unity. Using a simple analogy, he compared Christian diversity to a sweet shop. A sweet shop has many kinds of sweets: some less sweet, some sweeter, some white, some red, some green. Together they create beauty. In the same way, we churches may not be the same in everything, but mutual respect is our strength, he said. Bejoy N. D'Cruze, Archbishop of Dhaka and President of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Bangladesh, described Christian division as a great scandal before the world." The followers of the same Christ are divided into numerous groups and sects, he said. Perhaps that is why Jesus prayed, May they all be one... so that the world may believe that you sent me. Recalling the history of the Church, D'Cruze noted that during the Second Vatican Council, Protestant Churches expressed their desire for greater unity. He also referred to Pope John Paul II, who actively promoted dialogue with other Christian communities during his pastoral visits abroad. Furthermore, he recalled that concern for Christian unity is not limited to Catholics. "In 1908, Anglican priest Paul Wattson initiated prayer for Christian unity after witnessing deep divisions between the Churches. He believed that prayer would be the source of strength for unity," he added. At the beginning of the service, Fr. Joyonto S. Gomes, parish priest of Tejgaon Parish, welcomed the participants and linked the prayer to the current context of the country. This is an important moment for our nation, especially as we are in a pre-election period, he said. Let us pray for peace in the country and for unity among the Churches, so that society may progress towards harmony. In Bangladesh, the Episcopal Commission for Christian Unity and Interreligious Dialogue, established in 1974, has long worked to promote mutual understanding. According to its statutes, the commission aims to foster dialogue between religions, study the spiritual values of others, share Christian values with respect, and publish materials that encourage mutual respect and cooperation. by Steve Suwannarat At stake is not only who will lead the government, but also the possibility of rewriting the constitution imposed by the military in 2017. With the Shinawatra clan's Pheu Thai weakened, the battle appears to be between the reformists of the People's Party and the Bhumijaythai party led by incumbent Prime Minister Anutin, who seeks to capitalise on the nationalist wave sparked by the conflict with Cambodia. But the real challenge is the faltering economy. Bangkok (AsiaNews) Thais go to the polls in a general election and referendum next Sunday (8 February), which is shaping up to be a decisive moment in their countrys history. On that day, 53 million eligible voters will choose who will sit in the 550-member House of Representatives and decide whether the new legislature, in addition to picking the next prime minister, will also be tasked with rewriting the constitution drafted by the military in 2017 to consolidate their power after their May 2014 coup. The election campaign, which began on 27 December, and the vote are inevitably affected by armed tensions with neighbouring Cambodia, with just below, the countrys growing economic difficulties and geopolitical uncertainty. On the first point, undoubtedly the situation with open conflict since last spring over disputed border areas between the two countries could have strong political repercussions, boosting not only pro-military and pro-monarchist parties, but also those that play the nationalist card and show decisiveness in managing the crisis. On the other hand, for the more progressive movements, whose electorate is younger and middle class, increasingly pressing economic issues amid a contraction in industrial production and tourism revenues, and the growing difficulties in ensuring adequate employment and income levels cannot be separated from seeking social and cultural renewal designed to reduce the power of aristocratic elites, oligarchs, and the armed forces. Other political groups are focusing on encouraging support for populist policies, building on consolidated relationships in the region, and listening to local needs and aspirations, with a more nuanced ideological commitment and broad but less clearly defined programmes. Three political forces (Bhumijaythai, People's Party, and Pheu Thai) can aspire to nationwide success, while a fourth, the Palang Pracharath, is significantly declining in the polls, despite being a direct emanation of the military. Still the role of the latters uniformed sponsors remains crucial and could emerge even after the results are announced, as has often happened in the past, citing the "need" for order, the preservation of national identity, or protection from external aggression. Stability, security, and growth are everyone's mantras, but the methods to achieve them differ. The Pheu Thai party, overwhelmingly favoured by voters in its various reincarnations in the past, now appears to be struggling to secure a leading role again. For many years under the tutelage of its founder, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, from inside the country or from exile, the party chose its leaders from the formers close associates and blood relatives, including his sister Yingluck Shinawatra and his daughter Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who has led the party since 2023. With roots in the densely populated but low-income Northeast, Pheu Thai's history has been marked by ongoing conflict with the monarchy and the generals, as well as questionable choices and programmes. Today, it can only marginally count on the prestige of the Shinawatra clan. So far, the People's Party, whose roots are mostly urban and among students, is ahead in the polls. It is led by 38-year-old Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut. It too rebranded itself and chose new leaders after the courts forced it out of politics in previous elections, and now has focused on modernisation, an end to corruption and privileges, and a revision of the relationship between country and Crown. As Move Forward, it won the May 2023 elections by a wide margin, only to find itself ousted from power by the unprecedented and opportunistic alliance between the Pheu Thai and the Bhumijaythai Party, once archrivals. The latter which has only been in government in recent months with its leader Anutin Charnvirakul serving as caretaker prime minister could be the real outsider, but will likely face a hard opponent in the People's Party. Of all the major parties, it stands to benefit the most from the charisma of its leader, who enjoys a broad network of connections and interests, and from the promotion of nationalism, as well as support from the top military brass. However, it can rely much less on its electoral platform. by Nirmala Carvalho After two years of presidential rule, the northeastern state is governed by an elected government. The appointment of Nemcha Kipgen, an ethnic Kuki, as deputy chief minister has sparked protests and strikes in the hill areas, where demands for a separate administration remain strong, reigniting tensions with the Meitei majority. Imphal (AsiaNews) After nearly two years of direct administration by the central government, the northeastern Indian state of Manipur has an elected government led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The formation of the new government is, however, already rekindling ethnic tensions. Several Kuki-Zo community organisations have launched protests against the appointment of their representative, Nemcha Kipgen, as deputy chief minister. Yesterday, Yumnam Khemchand Singh was sworn in as Manipur's 13th chief minister, formally marking the end to presidential rule imposed after violent ethnic clashes broke out in 2023 between the Meitei, who make up the majority of the population, and the Kuki-Zo. However, the new political phase has not brought about any easing of tensions. The decision to include Nemcha Kipgen, a Kuki lawmaker elected for Kangpokpi District, in the cabinet has sparked a backlash from numerous ethnic groups, who accuse the politician of accepting the post without the community's consent. The Joint Forum of Seven (JF7), which brings together several Kuki-Zo organisations, has called a dawn-to-dusk general strike for today, 5 February, in areas where the community is the majority. Within hours of her appointment, the slogan Blood on your hands, traitor Nemcha Kipgen began circulating among protesters. Some claim that she chose the post of deputy chief minister over her own community. Tensions escalated further when a group of armed village protection volunteers announced cash rewards for the killing of Kipgen and two other ethnic Hmar-Zomi MPs who attended the swearing-in ceremony in the capital, Imphal, a predominantly Meitei city. Nemcha Kipgen is not a newcomer to local politics. She previously held ministerial positions in governments led by N. Biren Singh. During the 2023 ethnic violence, her official residence in Imphal was torched. Kipgen is also among the ten Kuki-Zo MPs who had previously called for a separate administrative structure for the hill areas, where the Kuki population is concentrated. In a statement released yesterday, the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) reiterated its opposition to participating in the Manipur government. The council states that, after "unspeakable atrocities" suffered and the physical separation imposed by the Meitei, the Kuki-Zo community cannot participate in a shared government without written political guarantees from the state and central governments. The main demand remains a separate administration for the Kuki-Zo areas, in the form of a Union Territory with its own legislative assembly. According to the KZC, participating in a government with the Meitei would be "neither logical nor acceptable" under current conditions. The council also clarified that any Kuki-Zo deputies who choose to join the government do so in a personal capacity and assume the political consequences. The birth of the new government has therefore taken place amid a still fragile climate. Meanwhile, in the hill areas, calls for greater autonomy and political recognition continue, while the wounds of the 2023 clashes remain open, making true reconciliation impossible for the time being. SEATTLE, Feb. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Morrison Foerster, a leading global law firm, is pleased to announce that it has opened an office in Seattle, a significant expansion that establishes a presence in one of the nation's most important innovation markets. The firm will welcome 15 partners, most resident in our Seattle office. The Seattle group will provide immediate depth and scale across the firm's trial, complex litigation, product liability, and regulatory practices, and its technology and AI industry groups. The office is the firm's 19th globally. "Seattle represents a critical market for technology and regulated industries, areas that are well aligned with our core capabilities and areas of strategic growth," said Eric McCrath, Chair of Morrison Foerster. "Given our deep tech roots, Seattle has been an important market for the firm for years, and the timing was right for us to get boots on the ground in one of the most active tech hubs in the world. To anchor the office, we are thrilled to welcome an exceptional group of litigation partners, including Brendan Murphy and David Perez. This group brings strong local and national connections and established client relationships, with synergies across our global platform, and reinforces MoFo's position as a worldwide technology and innovation market leader." A seasoned team of trial lawyers joins Murphy and Perez, including Zachary Davison, Mallory Gitt, Ray Hartman (based in San Diego), Laura Hill, Megan Houlihan, Michelle Maley, Matthew Mertens,* Gregory Miller, Jacob Speckhard (based in San Diego), and Eric Weiss. A cornerstone of the Seattle office will be its market-leading litigation practitioners, whose experience spans product liability and mass tort capabilities, nationwide consumer class actions, cross-border disputes, constitutional issues, business torts, real estate litigation, and other high-stakes disputes. The team represents many of the leading companies in the Pacific Northwest, especially in technology, manufacturing, retail, real estate, and life sciences. "This move creates a unique opportunity to build a truly integrated trial and litigation platform in the Pacific Northwest," said Perez. "Morrison Foerster's collaborative culture and global reach give us the ability to handle the most complex disputes our clients face anywhere in the country or the world, while expanding our presence in a market that sits at the center of technology, commerce, and innovation." "A number of the most consequential product liability and consumer litigation issues facing technology companies today are being shaped in this region," said Murphy. "Morrison Foerster offers the scale, integration, and strategic focus that allow us to deliver exceptional results for clients while expanding the reach and impact of our practice." "With the opening of the Seattle office, Morrison Foerster continues its disciplined approach to growthinvesting in key markets, adding high-caliber talent, and strengthening its ability to serve clients wherever innovation and business intersect," said Michael Glaser,** West Coast Head of the firm's Emerging Companies + Venture Capital practice and Managing Partner of the Seattle office. "MoFo is a storied tech firm with deep ties to the Bay Area, so it was a natural step for us to move into the Pacific Northwest and establish ourselves in Seattle, a city that is synonymous for technology and future-focused businesses." *Mertens is not yet admitted in Washington. **Glaser is not admitted in Washington; admission by motion pending. About Morrison Foerster Morrison Foerster is a leading global law firm. Our clients include some of the most innovative companiesfrom startups to Fortune 100 leadersin technology, life sciences, financial services, food and agriculture, and other industries. Highlighting the firm's commitment to client service, leadership in market-changing deals and impact litigation, and valuesbased culture, Morrison Foerster has been named on The American Lawyer's A-List for 21 of the ranking's 22 years. Year after year, the firm receives significant recognition from Chambers and The Legal 500 across their various guides, including Global, USA, Asia Pacific, Europe, UK, Latin America, and FinTech Legal. Our lawyers passionately care about delivering legal excellence while living our values. We believe that an inclusive workplace is crucial to leveraging the talents of all people who work here and enhancing our ability to provide top-class legal services for our clients. For more information, visit www.mofo.com. SOURCE Morrison Foerster by Vladimir Rozanskij The three variants that had passed the national competition were rejected by the Zogorku Kenes, the Kyrgyz parliament, which nevertheless undertook to continue the search. The new anthem, following the new flag, reflects President Zaparov's desire to affirm Kyrgyzstan's historical and current identity and its aspiration to play a leading role in the world. Bishkek (AsiaNews) - The great debate on the new national anthem continues in Kyrgyzstan. Three variants, which had passed the national competition, were heard in the Zogorku Kenes, but none of them managed to arouse the enthusiasm necessary to revive the patriotic spirit. Yet MPs are not giving up on their search, encouraged by President Sadyr Zaparov himself, who had already succeeded in changing the national flag, again after much debate, replacing the wavy rays of the Kyrgyz sun with vertical rays, more incisive and determined. Throughout 2025, attempts were made to resolve the issue of the new anthem, at the suggestion of Parliament Speaker Nurlanbek Turgunbek uulu, in response to further encouragement from Zaparov. The first selection examined 700 variations of the text, without reaching any conclusion because none of them met the requirements of content and artistic quality. In the autumn, five text variants were identified, which were then matched with the musical proposals collected in another competition. The three final proposals were presented without revealing the names of the authors, to ensure transparency and objectivity, as explained by Culture Minister Mirbek Mambetaliev. On 27 January, however, the three proposals were rejected because our aim is not simply to change the anthem, but to ensure that all Kyrgyz people aged 7 to 70 know it and sing it with enthusiasm, whereas the variants presented are marches for toy soldiers, commented Turgunbek. In his opinion, the anthem must be a song as free as the land of Kyrgyzstan, we must stop with the marches... the anthem must be such that it can be sung not only at official events, but also when we are at the table celebrating. The chairman of the parliamentary committee for constitutional legislation, Kurmankul Zulusev, stressed that none of the three variants presented surpass the quality of the current anthem, either in terms of lyrics, content or melody. Today's news: suicide of three Indian minors in Ghaziabad, online gambling addiction under scrutiny. US oil giant Chevron signs agreement with Syria for offshore oil and gas fields. Islamabad declares operation in Baluchistan over and points finger at India. Passengers' phones checked on Moscow subway. CHINA-UNITED STATES Chinese President Xi Jinping had a telephone conversation with Donald Trump yesterday, the first since last November. The US president, who is expected in China in April, announced the phone call on his social network Truth, writing that Beijing is considering significantly increasing its purchases of soybeans grown in the United States. For his part, Xi said that Taiwan is the most important issue in relations between China and the United States and warned Trump to be cautious in supplying weapons to the island. However, both leaders reiterated the importance of stable relations between the two powers. INDIA India is in shock over the tragic death of three underage sisters who died after jumping from the ninth floor of their apartment building in Ghaziabad in the early hours of yesterday, in what police suspect to be a case linked to excessive online gaming. The extreme act was reportedly motivated by a family dispute over their growing addiction to a role-playing game linked to Korean popular culture. In addition to this, investigations so far have indicated social isolation, distorted family dynamics, and financial difficulties that the family was experiencing as the main causes. SYRIA US energy giant Chevron has signed a preliminary agreement with Syria and UCC Holding, a Qatari company, to explore oil and gas fields off the country's coast. The energy agreement follows an even larger investment in Syria by Saudi Arabia. Chevron is already active in the eastern Mediterranean, where it operates the giant Leviathan gas field in Israel, which has helped make the country a net gas exporter. PAKISTAN Pakistani security forces said they had successfully concluded Operation Radd-ul-Fitna-1 in Baluchistan, with a toll of 216 terrorists killed during operations lasting several days. Islamabad also acknowledged the deaths of 36 innocent civilians and 22 of its own security forces, pointing the finger at Indian-sponsored terrorist elements to explain the continuing instability in the region bordering Iran. SOUTH KOREA Lim Dong-hyun, grandson of Samsung chairman Lee Kun-hee, recently participated as a speaker at an informational meeting for students at a private school in Daechi-dong, recounting his journey to admission to Seoul National University, the most prestigious university in the country. Offering advice on how to prepare for the Korean College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT), he urged students to avoid using smartphones for three years, emphasizing the importance of concentration and discipline in their studies. RUSSIA Passengers' phones will be randomly checked in the Moscow metro under new measures decided by the Ministry of Transport, both on platforms and during journeys, in addition to checks at entrances as necessary, along with all other security measures. Metro staff will not have the right to issue fines for refusing to turn on phones, but will be able to expel passengers from carriages and stations. TAJIKISTAN Tajikistan's Minister of Labor, Solekha Kholmakhamadzoda, presented the Dusanbe government's plans for the diversification of labor migration, expanding cooperation with European and Asian countries, with agreements signed with the governments of the Benelux (Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg) and Japan in the sectors of agriculture, construction, social assistance, and medicine, especially for skilled workers. 5 February 2026 14:46 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more The Baku Military Court is currently delivering verdicts for the defendants in the ongoing trial of Armenian citizens. According to Azernews, it was noted that despite Madat Babayan being charged with crimes that could result in life imprisonment, he cannot be sentenced to life because he reached the age of 65 before the final court decision was made. As a result, the court sentenced Madat Babayan to 19 years in prison. Prosecutors had originally recommended a 20-year sentence for him. During the trial, Babayan confessed to participating in the Khojaly genocide as part of the Armenian armed forces. This trial involves citizens of Armenia who are accused of various serious crimes, including crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, preparation and waging of a war of aggression, genocide, violations of the laws and regulations of war, terrorism, financing terrorism, forcible seizure of power, and other offenses stemming from Armenia's military actions. The reading of the verdict is part of the ongoing proceedings. 5 February 2026 16:15 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more The Baku Military Court has handed down sentences to seven more defendants in the ongoing trial of Armenian citizens, Azernews reports. According to the verdict, Melikset Pashayan was sentenced to 19 years in prison, Garik Martirosyan to 18 years, Davit Allahverdiyyan and Levon Balayan to 16 years each, while Vasily Beglaryan, Gurgen Stepanyan, and Erik Ghazaryan were each sentenced to 15 years in prison. The court noted that the verdicts were delivered as part of proceedings against citizens of the Republic of Armenia accused of crimes committed as a result of Armenias military aggression. The charges include crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, preparation and conduct of a war of aggression, genocide, violations of the laws and regulations of war, terrorism, financing terrorism, forcible seizure and retention of power, and other serious offenses. 5 February 2026 08:30 (UTC+04:00) Nazrin Abdul Read more As artificial intelligence reshapes economies and governance worldwide, Azerbaijan is seeking to move from strategy to implementation. A new memorandum of understanding signed with Israel on artificial intelligence signals a push towards infrastructure, talent development, and applied use cases. In this interview, AI expert Etibar Aliyev outlines what the agreement aims to deliver, how it fits into Azerbaijans national AI strategy, and which sectors stand to benefit most. --------------------------------- Q: What is the main objective of the memorandum signed between Israel and Azerbaijan in the field of artificial intelligence? What potential benefits could this cooperation bring to Azerbaijan, and in which areas is growth expected? The MOU's primary goal is to formalize a framework for practical collaboration between Israel and Azerbaijan in AI, with a focus on implementation rather than merely symbolic agreements. As highlighted by Etibar Aliyev, the cooperation is designed to enhance Azerbaijan's AI capabilities through infrastructure development, research initiatives, and human-capital development. "The agreement targets key bottlenecks such as access to computing power, operationalizing AI safely at scale, and ensuring the availability of skilled professionals," he explains. For Azerbaijan, these advancements have the potential to significantly accelerate its AI landscape. The agreement offers substantial benefits by tackling the critical barriers to AI integration, such as building the right infrastructure and ensuring the trained workforce necessary for the deployment of AI at scale. Aliyev further emphasizes that this partnership will foster AI-driven innovation in sectors such as urban mobility, cybersecurity, and human-capital development. These areas are expected to see immediate traction, contributing to both economic growth and digital transformation. Q. How can cooperation with Israel in the field of AI contribute to the successful implementation of Azerbaijans Artificial Intelligence Strategy for 20252028? Azerbaijan's Artificial Intelligence Strategy for 20252028 outlines an ambitious vision for AI integration across the economy and public services. The partnership with Israel, according to expert, aligns perfectly with the strategys goals and will likely accelerate its implementation. The cooperation can expedite the deployment of enabling infrastructure, create the workforce readiness needed for successful AI adoption, and demonstrate real-world use cases for AI across various sectors. "The memorandums focus on supercomputing and applied deployment can provide the necessary tools and frameworks to translate the strategys goals into tangible outcomes," he explains. This includes defining deployment standards, establishing monitoring mechanisms, and ensuring the responsible use of AI. Furthermore, the human-capital focus of the MoU will reinforce Azerbaijans workforce priorities by introducing joint training programs and project-based learning, ensuring that the country develops a strong talent pool capable of advancing AI innovation. Q. What new projects could emerge from the cooperation between the two countries in AI in the future? What specific steps can be taken in terms of training specialists and conducting joint research under this collaboration? Looking to the future, he foresees a variety of projects stemming from this collaboration, which will combine infrastructure, applied pilots, and structured research initiatives. The emphasis on supercomputing and AI application in civilian sectors is likely to result in new projects focused on improving access to high-end AI resources for Azerbaijani institutions and startups, as well as establishing shared governance frameworks for AI deployment. Smart mobility and transport digitalization stand out as one of the most promising areas for collaboration. AIs potential to optimize traffic flow, improve route planning, and enhance fleet management could significantly impact Azerbaijan's urban infrastructure. He also points to cybersecurity and secure digital transformation as key areas for collaboration, which will be critical as the nation continues to expand its digital footprint. As for the development of AI specialists, the expert suggests that education must be directly linked to the deployment needs of Azerbaijans public and private sectors. "Creating role-based competency tracks, running 'train-the-trainer' programs, and incorporating real-world capstone projects will ensure the workforce is equipped with the skills needed to meet national challenges," he asserts. Joint research efforts should also be grounded in real-world applications, with clear problem-solving goals and access to computing resources, data governance rules, and collaborative structures for transparent intellectual property management. Q. In which key civil sectors can joint AI projects be implemented, and what impact could these projects have on Azerbaijan? AI holds the potential to transform a variety of key civilian sectors in Azerbaijan, and several areas are particularly ripe for AI-driven innovation. As the expert points out, transport and urban mobility are high-priority sectors where AI can address issues such as congestion forecasting, predictive maintenance, and fleet optimization. Additionally, AI can improve public services by automating workflows, enhancing citizen support, and reducing administrative burdens. These initiatives are expected to improve the efficiency and accessibility of services, ultimately benefiting the general population. AI can also play a transformative role in energy and utilities by enabling predictive maintenance, demand forecasting, and operational optimization. These applications not only improve service reliability but also help reduce operational costs. Furthermore, healthcare and education sectors stand to gain from AI through resource allocation optimization and the development of AI-assisted learning systems that can enhance workforce readiness. In terms of national security, the integration of AI in cybersecurity will be crucial to protecting Azerbaijan's digital infrastructure as the country undergoes increasing digitalization. The memorandums emphasis on civilian applications ensures that the projects will have a broad impact, directly benefiting citizens while simultaneously building long-term AI capabilities for Azerbaijan. ------------------ Why Azerbaijans AI deal with Israel matters The memorandum between Azerbaijan and Israel reflects a shift away from aspirational technology policy towards execution. Rather than focusing on abstract innovation goals, the agreement prioritises computing infrastructure, applied deployment, and workforce readiness the elements that often determine whether AI strategies succeed or stall. Israels appeal lies not only in its technological sophistication, but in its experience translating AI research into scalable civilian systems. For Azerbaijan, this offers a chance to shorten development cycles and avoid the costly inefficiencies seen in many emerging AI ecosystems. Crucially, the emphasis on civilian sectors anchors AI development in public value rather than experimentation for its own sake. If implemented consistently, the partnership could help Azerbaijan build a durable AI ecosystem that would be capable of scaling over time and contributing to both economic growth and social resilience. 5 February 2026 17:43 (UTC+04:00) By AzerNEWS Staff Today, the Baku Military Court delivered its verdict on a group of Armenian citizens found guilty of committing war crimes during Armenias military aggression against Azerbaijan, which signifies one of the most consequential moments in the post-conflict justice process in the South Caucasus. Long framed internationally as an intractable territorial dispute, the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict is now being revisited through the lens of accountability, criminal responsibility, and international law. The defendants include former leaders of the illegal Armenian administration in Garabagh, among them Arayik Harutyunyan, Arkadi Ghukasyan, Bako Sahakyan, Davit Ishkhanyan, David Babayan, Levon Mnatsakanyan, and others. Azerbaijani prosecutors accuse them not merely of participation in hostilities, but of playing leading roles in the planning, execution, and political management of a campaign marked by crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, terrorism, and genocide. The scope of the indictment is vast, reflecting the scale and duration of the violence inflicted on Azerbaijani civilians over decades. At the heart of these proceedings is Azerbaijans argument that the war in Garabagh (Karabakh) was not an isolated local conflict, but an organised and state-backed military aggression by Armenia, carried out through its armed forces and illegal armed groups operating on Azerbaijani territory. According to the prosecution, these structures acted under centralised command, supported logistically and politically by Armenian state institutions and senior officials. The charges draw directly on international humanitarian law and mirror categories used in international tribunals, including genocide, forcible deportation, torture, and the intentional targeting of civilians. One of the most sensitive aspects of the trial concerns crimes committed against Azerbaijani civilians during the early 1990s, particularly the Khojaly massacre of February 1992. During the proceedings, defendant Madat Babayan confessed to participating in the killing of civilians in Khojaly as part of Armenian armed formations. That admission, alongside extensive documentary and testimonial evidence, has reinforced Azerbaijans long-held claim that mass atrocities against civilians were not accidental by-products of war, but deliberate acts intended to terrorise and expel the local population. The sentences handed down so far reflect both the gravity of the crimes and the constraints of Azerbaijani law. Bako Sahakyan and Arkadi Ghukasyan were each sentenced to 20 years in prison, despite prosecutors initially seeking life sentences. Azerbaijani legislation prohibits life imprisonment for individuals who have reached the age of 65 at the time of sentencing, a provision that has shaped several verdicts. Madat Babayan received a 19-year sentence, while other defendants were sentenced to between 15 and 19 years, depending on their level of involvement and command responsibility. Critics abroad may view these trials through a political prism, questioning timing or motive. Yet to dismiss them as mere victors justice risks ignoring the broader context. For decades, Azerbaijani civilians were killed, forcibly displaced, or deprived of basic rights in territories under Armenian occupation. Entire cities and villages were razed. Hundreds of thousands were expelled from their homes. Until now, no meaningful legal process had addressed these crimes or the individuals who oversaw them. What distinguishes the current proceedings is their openness and their grounding in codified law. The trial is public, defendants are represented by lawyers, evidence is examined in court, and verdicts are delivered with reference to specific articles of the criminal code. This is not a symbolic exercise, but a judicial one, aimed at establishing individual responsibility rather than collective guilt. More broadly, the trials signal a shift in how post-Soviet conflicts may be reckoned with. Azerbaijan is asserting that reconciliation cannot rest solely on ceasefires and diplomatic statements, but must also confront the legacy of mass violence. Accountability, from this perspective, is not an obstacle to peace but a precondition for it. Whether international audiences are willing to engage seriously with this process remains an open question. But what is clear is that the trials in Baku represent a deliberate attempt to anchor the post-war order in legal judgment rather than historical denial. For Azerbaijan, this is not only about the past in Garabagh, but about setting a precedent: that crimes against civilians, however politically complicated, will not remain beyond the reach of justice. Unified platform will reduce costs, streamline reporting, and deliver actionable statewide and local analytics to support student success SANTA FE, N.M., Feb. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Edupoint Educational Systems today announced that the New Mexico Public Education Department (PED) has selected the Synergy Education Platform, including Edupoint's Synergy for States solution, as the state's first statewide student information system. The initiative marks a major step forward in New Mexico's efforts to modernize its K12 data infrastructure while improving data access, consistency, and decision-making at both the state and local levels. For more than a decade, PED explored the possibility of implementing a single statewide student information system to replace the seven or more disparate systems used across New Mexico. Those fragmented systems made it difficult to share data efficiently, support student transfers, and access timely, accurate information for reporting and analysis. Recent improvements to the state's data collection processes, combined with new legislative funding, made the transition to a unified, statewide solution possible. "Moving to a single statewide student information system is a major step forward for New Mexico," said Mariana Padilla, cabinet secretary of the New Mexico Public Education Department. "This initiative allows us to reduce costs, improve data quality, and ensure that districts and educators as well as parents and students, who rely on the system to stay informed and engaged have equitable access to modern, reliable tools that support teaching, learning, and student success." PED conducted an extensive competitive evaluation process that included statewide stakeholder input, product demonstrations, and in-depth reviews of functionality, usability, value, and cost. The department gathered feedback from internal teams, an external advisory group, and student information system power users from districts and charter schools across the state. Following two rounds of vendor presentations, stakeholders unanimously recommended Synergy. "As we evaluated statewide solutions, Synergy stood out for its ease of use, strong core functionality including support for special services and the overall value it delivers to districts," said Gregory Frostad, assistant secretary of the New Mexico Public Education Department. "Equally important was the Synergy for States analytics framework, which gives both PED and districts access to timely, actionable data to support better decision-making." Through Synergy for States, PED and participating local education agencies will have access to SEA- and LEA-level analytics designed to move beyond traditional dashboards. These analytics surface attendance trends and early warnings, graduation readiness indicators, and other key patterns, enabling educators and leaders to identify emerging issues earlier and take informed action to support students. Under the statewide model, PED will make the full Synergy platform available to participating local education agencies, including student information management and integrated solutions that support teaching and learning, assessment, analytics, and a multi-layered system of supports. This approach ensures that districts and charter schools of all sizes have equitable access to the same comprehensive set of tools. "We designed Synergy for States specifically to help state education agencies turn data into action," said Rob Wilson, President and Chief Innovation Officer at Edupoint Educational Systems. "By unifying student information, special services, instructional tools, and statewide analytics in a single platform, Synergy enables states and districts to move from compliance-driven reporting to proactive insight supporting better outcomes for students at every level of the system." Implementation will begin this summer with an initial cohort of local education agencies representing a significant portion of New Mexico's student population, including large urban districts as well as rural and charter schools. About Edupoint Educational Systems For more than 35 years, Edupoint Educational Systems has delivered forward-thinking, impactful student data management solutions exclusively for K12 education. Synergy Education Platform by Edupoint is an industry-leading ecosystem for managing student information, teaching and learning, and special services. Synergy provides real-time, systemwide data and insights within a framework built for communication and collaborationengaging families and empowering educators to identify and respond to student needs quickly and effectively. Edupoint serves school districts of all sizes, including some of the largest in the country as well as education service centers, with a strong focus on partnership and a consultative approach to customer service. Synergy offers a unique suite of seven role-based mobile apps and a kiosk app supporting self-service. More than 5.5 million students use Synergy in 22 states. Learn more at https://www.edupoint.com/. MULTIMEDIA: Image link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/26-0205-s2p-synergynm-300dpi.webp Image caption: Synergy modules in New Mexico's SSIS offering This release was issued through Send2Press on behalf of the news source. For more information, visit Send2Press Newswire at https://www.send2press.com/. SOURCE Edupoint Educational Systems 5 February 2026 10:22 (UTC+04:00) Nazrin Abdul Read more The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved technical assistance worth 2 million USD to support the implementation of the Private Capital Mobilization Indicator Preparation and Implementation project. Azerbaijan, as one of the developing countries, is participating in this project. As reported by Azernews, citing the bank, the project will be financed through the Special Technical Assistance Fund. It aims to develop a comprehensive methodology for Private Capital Mobilization (PCE) and apply it to various projects in ADB's member countries. This initiative covers a broad region, including not only Azerbaijan but also Central Asia, South and Southeast Asia, East Asia, and the Pacific Islands. The technical assistance will also strengthen ADB's analytical base in private capital mobilization projects, contribute to knowledge dissemination, and enhance potential across the bank's operational departments and member countries. Special attention will be given to enhancing the bank's ability to systematically measure and stimulate private sector involvement in development projects. The expected impact of the project aligns with ADBs long-term objectives for private sector development. These goals include expanding private sector participation in the development of Asia and the Pacific and creating sustainable mechanisms to mobilize private capital and foster private sector growth. As a result of this technical assistance, ADB anticipates the strengthening of its institutional capacity to support private sector development through more efficient operations and enhanced mechanisms to increase potential in this area. 5 February 2026 20:07 (UTC+04:00) Leyla Aliyeva met with Afghan womens rights activist and researcher Zarqa Yaftali today, in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates (UAE). During the meeting, Leyla Aliyeva noted that the Heydar Aliyev Foundation has been implementing numerous significant projects covering education, healthcare, and social support for many years, contributing to the creation of equal opportunities for vulnerable segments of the population both in the region and internationally. The discussions revolved around the opportunities for cooperation between the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and the Women and Children Legal Research Foundation**, adding that** the activities of the Foundation headed by Zarqa Yaftali have ensured access for over 100,000 women and children to education and legal protection. The meeting underscored the shared goals of implementing global humanitarian initiatives and addressed the importance of protecting womens rights and ensuring sustainable education. 5 February 2026 10:00 (UTC+04:00) Qabil Ashirov Read more On February 4, 2026, Azerbaijans Minister of Foreign Affairs Jeyhun Bayramov held talks in Abu Dhabi with the United Arab Emirates Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Azernews reports, citing a statement released by Azerbaijans Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The meeting focused on the political, economic, trade, energy and humanitarian dimensions of the AzerbaijanUAE comprehensive strategic partnership, as well as cooperation within regional and international organizations and the current security situation in the region. The two sides emphasized that reciprocal visits by the presidents of Azerbaijan and the UAE, along with the agreements reached and documents signed during those visits, have played a decisive role in elevating bilateral relations to the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership. The ministers reviewed the implementation of agreements reached during the first meeting of the Cooperation Committee on the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership held in November last year and welcomed the ongoing preparations for the committees second meeting, which is scheduled to take place in Baku later this year. Both parties underlined the importance of continuing mutual support within regional and international organizations. During the talks, Foreign Minister Bayramov also briefed his counterpart on the peace agenda following the August 8 Washington summit. The positive momentum in AzerbaijanUAE relations was highly praised at the meeting. The sides also discussed possible steps to further facilitate travel for citizens of both countries. The ministers additionally exchanged views on other issues of mutual interest. 5 February 2026 10:59 (UTC+04:00) Qabil Ashirov Read more At the invitation of the Government of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, Azerbaijans non-resident ambassador to the country, Elchin Huseynli, paid a visit to the capital Colombo on February 4 to attend events marking Sri Lankas national holidayIndependence Day, Azernews reports, citing the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan in India. The visit included participation in a military parade and an official reception held in Colombo. During the visit, Ambassador Huseynli held meetings with Sri Lankas Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Vijitha Herath, as well as Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Arun Hemachandra, Foreign Secretary Aruni Ranaraja, and other senior officials. The meetings highlighted a strong mutual interest in expanding bilateral cooperation between Azerbaijan and Sri Lanka in political, economic and trade relations, as well as in the fields of energy, tourism, air connectivity and education. The importance of enhancing cooperation and exchanges in multilateral formats was also emphasized, particularly during Azerbaijans chairmanship of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA) and in the context of the 13th Session of the United Nations World Urban Forum (WUF13), scheduled to be held in Baku on May 1722, 2026. Sri Lankan officials expressed deep gratitude to the leadership and people of Azerbaijan for providing humanitarian assistance following the countrys recent natural disaster, as well as for offering opportunities for Sri Lankan citizens to participate in Azerbaijans state education grant programs. 5 February 2026 13:03 (UTC+04:00) Qabil Ashirov Read more The Baku Military Court has continued the trial of Armenian citizens, during which verdicts are being announced for the accused. Azernews reports that under the courts ruling, defendant Levon Mnatsakanyan has been sentenced to life imprisonment. It should be recalled that prosecutors representing the state prosecution had also requested a life sentence for the accused. The trial concerns citizens of the Republic of Armenia charged with committing crimes against peace and humanity and war crimes as a result of Armenias military aggression against Azerbaijan. The charges include the preparation and conduct of an aggressive war, genocide, violations of the laws and customs of war, terrorism and financing of terrorism, as well as the violent seizure and retention of power and numerous other serious crimes. The court proceedings are continuing with the announcement of verdicts. 5 February 2026 13:12 (UTC+04:00) Qabil Ashirov Read more The Baku Military Court has continued the ongoing trial of Armenian citizens, during which verdicts are being announced for the defendants. Azernews reports that under the courts ruling, Arayik Harutyunyan has been sentenced to life imprisonment. It should be recalled that prosecutors representing the state prosecution had also sought a life sentence for the defendant. The trial concerns citizens of the Republic of Armenia accused of committing crimes against peace and humanity and war crimes as a result of Armenias military aggression against Azerbaijan. The charges include the preparation and conduct of an aggressive war, genocide, violations of the laws and customs of war, terrorism and the financing of terrorism, as well as the violent seizure and retention of power and numerous other serious crimes. The court proceedings are continuing with the announcement of verdicts. 5 February 2026 16:06 (UTC+04:00) Nazrin Abdul Read more On February 4, 2026, Azerbaijans Foreign Minister, Jeyhun Bayramov, articulated the country's position on the Taiwan issue during an interview with Global Times, Azernews reports. Responding to a question about the enduring support between China and Azerbaijan in safeguarding core interests, sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity, Bayramov reiterated Azerbaijans firm stance. Azerbaijan's position on Taiwan is clear, consistent, and firmly grounded in international law, Bayramov stated. He emphasized that Azerbaijan does not recognize Taiwans independence and was one of the first nations to condemn the elections held in Taiwan in January 2024. The Foreign Minister reaffirmed Azerbaijan's strong commitment to the "One China" principle, asserting that any actions that destabilize the regional order are harmful and counterproductive. Provocations, unilateral actions, or attempts to alter the status quo through external interference only heighten the risk of conflict and undermine international trust, Bayramov said. Bayramov further highlighted that Azerbaijan's support for China on the Taiwan issue aligns with the countrys broader foreign policy principles, including adherence to international law, respect for the sovereign equality of states, and the mutual trust that underpins the comprehensive strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and China. The Foreign Ministers comments underscore Azerbaijans commitment to regional stability and its ongoing strategic partnership with China, which continues to play a significant role in shaping the two nations' diplomatic relations. 5 February 2026 17:40 (UTC+04:00) "Official visit of President Ilham Aliyev to the United Arab Emirates (02-05.02.2026)". Footage of President Ilham Aliyevs working visit to the United Arab Emirates has been published on his social media accounts. Here we are to serve you with news right now. It does not cost much, but worth your attention. Choose to support open, independent, quality journalism and subscribe on a monthly basis. By subscribing to our online newspaper, you can have full digital access to all news, analysis, and much more. Subscribe You can also follow AzerNEWS on Twitter @AzerNewsAz or Facebook @AzerNewsNewspaper Thank you! 5 February 2026 11:56 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more SOCAR AQS (Absheron Drilling Company) is participating in tenders for the implementation of drilling projects in Iraq as part of its strategy to expand its international operations. Azernews reports that the information was shared by Elvin Nasibov, country manager of SOCAR AQS for Turkiye, during the IADC Drilling Caspian & Black Sea 2026 conference and exhibition held in Baku. According to Nasibov, SOCAR AQS is actively involved in several regional tenders, with Iraq standing out as a key market. He stated that the company is currently participating in a tender together with Crescent Petroleum, one of the regions private operators, for the drilling of an exploration well in Iraq. The project scope includes a 1+4 well program, with the first well designated for exploration. If the results meet the operators expectations, four additional wells will be drilled. In parallel, SOCAR AQS is also taking part in another tender in cooperation with the Basra Oil Company (BOC). This project involves drilling operations using rigs with a capacity of 2,000 horsepower and will be implemented through direct rig operations. Nasibov emphasized that ongoing projects in Turkiye and Iraq highlight SOCAR AQSs growing international footprint and operational expertise. He noted that these activities reaffirm the companys commitment to delivering safe and high-quality drilling services both within the region and globally. 5 February 2026 11:37 (UTC+04:00) Nazrin Abdul Read more In a phone call with US President Donald Trump on Wednesday, China's President Xi Jinping emphasized that Taiwan is "the most important issue" in US-China relations, urging caution over US arms sales to the self-governed island, Azernews reports, citing foreign media. Xi stressed that Taiwan is "China's territory" and reaffirmed Beijing's commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty and territorial integrity, warning the US to "handle the issue of arms sales to Taiwan with prudence," state media reported. The call, which Xi described as "excellent" and "long and thorough," also covered a range of other global issues, including Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the situation in Iran, and China's oil and gas purchases from the US. Xi's comments come as tensions over Taiwan remain high, with Beijing consistently vowing to reunify with the island, even leaving the door open to the use of force. In response, Trump praised his "extremely good" relationship with Xi and reiterated the importance of maintaining strong ties between the two nations. Trump also revealed that Beijing is considering increasing its soybean purchases from the US, from 12 million tonnes to 20 million tonnes. This conversation follows a series of high-profile visits by Western leaders, including UK Labour leader Keir Starmer, to China in an attempt to reset relations with the world's second-largest economy. Trump is also set to visit China in April, a trip he has expressed enthusiasm about. The US and China have long navigated a delicate diplomatic balance, with Washington officially recognising Beijing over Taiwan, while remaining Taiwan's largest arms supplier. Last December, the Trump administration announced an $11 billion arms sale to Taiwan, which included advanced rocket launchers and missiles, a move that Beijing condemned, warning it would escalate tensions in the Taiwan Strait. Despite these challenges, Xi and Trump expressed a shared interest in managing their differences, with Xi emphasising that if both sides work in the spirit of equality and mutual respect, they can find solutions to address each other's concerns. Just hours before speaking with Trump, Xi held a virtual meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, where both leaders hailed the growing strength of Sino-Russian relations. PENSACOLA, Fla., Feb. 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Regenative Labs, in collaboration with Babak Baravarian, DPM, Director of Foot & Ankle Research at University Foot & Ankle Institute, today announced the publication of a new observational case series examining the use of Wharton's jelly connective tissue allografts in patients with plantar fascia defects associated to plantar fasciopathy. Clinical examination image showing manual palpation of the medial plantar heel at the calcaneal insertion site of the plantar fascia. This region is a common focus during assessment of plantar heel pain and plantar fasciarelated pathology. The study, titled "Wharton's Jelly Tissue Allografts for Tearing in the Plantar Fascia: A Case Series," was published on September 24, 2025, in Biomedicines, a peer-reviewed, open-access medical journal. The case series reports outcomes from nine patients with plantar fasciopathy based defects who received a single ultrasound-guided application of a collagen-rich Wharton's jelly connective tissue allograft and were followed for 90 days. Plantar fasciopathycommonly referred to as plantar fasciitischaracterized by microtearing of the plantar fascia that can significantly impact mobility and quality of life. "The single best method we've ever used in the care of plantar fasciopathy has been Wharton's jelly umbilical cord tissue allografts," said Babak Baravarian, DPM, senior author of the study and Director of Foot & Ankle Research at University Foot & Ankle Institute. Study Findings In this small observational cohort (n=9; mean age 73), patients demonstrated an overall trend toward improvement across pain, function, and quality-of-life measures over the 90-day follow-up period. Reported outcomes included: 60.98% mean improvement in Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) scores from baseline to Day 90 in Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) scores from baseline to Day 90 49.55% mean improvement in WOMAC Total scores from baseline to Day 90, with statistically significant improvements observed across total and subscale measures in WOMAC Total scores from baseline to Day 90, with statistically significant improvements observed across total and subscale measures No adverse reactions reported during the observational period "These findings contribute to a growing body of peer-reviewed literature examining Wharton's jelly in homologous musculoskeletal applications," said Naomi Lambert, corresponding author and Research Scientist at Regenative Labs. "They also highlight the importance of structured outcome tracking in regenerative medicine research." The authors note limitations typical of early-stage observational research, including a small sample size, the absence of a control group, and reliance on patient-reported outcomes. The study recommends further prospective research to evaluate safety, consistency, and clinical potential in larger populations. Context and Clinical Relevance The authors frame plantar fasciopathy as a degenerative, collagen-based condition rather than a purely inflammatory process. This perspective supports emerging approaches in conservative musculoskeletal care that focus on tissue maintenance and structural support, guided by diagnostic imaging and longitudinal outcome tracking. Study Overview Design: Observational case series with follow-ups at baseline, 30 days, and 90 days Observational case series with follow-ups at baseline, 30 days, and 90 days Population: 9 patients with plantar fasciopathy (mean age 73; 5 male, 4 female) 9 patients with plantar fasciopathy (mean age 73; 5 male, 4 female) Eligibility: Patients had failed at least three months of conservative therapy prior to allograft application Patients had failed at least three months of conservative therapy prior to allograft application Intervention: Single ultrasound-guided application of 2 cc of 150 mg/mL Wharton's jelly connective tissue allograft into areas of confirmed degeneration Single ultrasound-guided application of 2 cc of 150 mg/mL Wharton's jelly connective tissue allograft into areas of confirmed degeneration Outcomes Measured: NPRS, WOMAC, and Quality-of-Life Scale (QOLS) NPRS, WOMAC, and Quality-of-Life Scale (QOLS) Safety: No adverse reactions reported "This publication reflects our commitment to clinician-driven, IRB-backed research that emphasizes safety, transparency, and responsible data collection," said Tyler Barrett, CEO of Regenative Labs and a co-author of the study. "Our role is to support physicians with compliant tissue processing and research infrastructure so meaningful clinical questions can be evaluated rigorously." Transparency and Disclosure The authors disclose relationships with Regenative Labs, including company involvement in aspects of study design, analysis, manuscript preparation, and the decision to publish. The study reports institutional review board (IRB) oversight and informed consent. About the Publication Biomedicines is an international, peer-reviewed, open-access journal published by MDPI. The full article is available online. About Wharton's Jelly Connective Tissue Allografts Wharton's jelly is an umbilical cordderived connective tissue rich in extracellular matrix components. The publication discusses its structural composition and use as a homologous tissue allograft in musculoskeletal applications. About University Foot & Ankle Institute University Foot & Ankle Institute is a nationally recognized podiatric medical group specializing in complex foot and ankle pathology, biomechanics, and advanced non-surgical and surgical interventions, with an active focus on clinical research. About Regenative Labs Regenative Labs is a Pensacola, Floridabased tissue processing organization. The study notes that Regenative Labs follows FDA- and American Association of Tissue Banks (AATB)-aligned tissue processing protocols as described by the authors. Important Information This press release describes findings from a small observational case series. Observational research results may not be generalizable to all patients. This material is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Patients should consult a qualified healthcare professional regarding diagnosis and treatment options. Media Contact Evan Dempsey Regenative Labs Phone: +1-800-891-3452 Email: [email protected] Scientific / Publication Contact Naomi Lambert Regenative Labs Phone: +1-800-891-3452 Email: [email protected] SOURCE Regenative Labs 5 February 2026 12:23 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more US President Donald Trump has claimed that Iran attempted to restart its nuclear program following US strikes carried out over the summer, warning Tehran against pursuing any new nuclear facilities, Azernews reports. Speaking in an interview with NBC News on Wednesday, Trump said Iranian officials had tried to return to a previously targeted site but were unable to access it. They tried to go back to the site. They weren't even able to get near it; there was total obliteration, he said. Trump added that Iran had considered building a new facility elsewhere in the country, prompting a direct warning from Washington. I said, You do that, we're going to do very bad things to you, he stated. Trumps remarks come as the United States and Iran prepare for talks on Tehrans nuclear program scheduled for Friday in Muscat, the capital of Oman. Although the negotiations were briefly cast into doubt earlier this week, a White House official confirmed to Anadolu that the talks would proceed. Iran also confirmed the meeting, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi saying discussions would begin Friday morning. United States President Donald Trump told NBC News on Wednesday that Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei should be "very worried" right now. The comment comes shortly after the news that the scheduled talks between the US and Iran have been called off. Furthermore, Trump said Iran is a "mess right now because of us", while reiterating his support for the anti-government protests in the Middle Eastern country. Earlier in the day, preparations for the encounter between the US and Iranian delegations faced obstacles as Washington insisted that the issue of Iran's ballistic missile program be included in the agenda. Tehran, on the other hand, rejected it, stating that only its nuclear program should be on the agenda. According to Axios, Washington rejected Iranian requests to change the location or format of the talks. The outlet quoted an unnamed US official as saying, We told them it is this or nothing, adding that Tehran initially responded by rejecting the conditions. Axios reported that the US remains open to talks this week or next if Iran agrees to return to the original format. Iranian media had earlier reported that the negotiations in Muscat would be indirect and focused strictly on nuclear-related issues. While Istanbul had previously been proposed as a venue following Turkiyes mediation efforts, the talks ultimately remained scheduled for Oman. Meanwhile, Irans semi-official Mehr News Agency cited a source claiming that Washington is seeking to expand the agenda beyond nuclear issues to include defence-related matters. The source described such demands as fundamentally non-negotiable, stressing that Iran is willing to negotiate only within a clearly defined nuclear framework based on mutual respect. Sources cited by Reuters said Trump is currently more inclined toward military action against Iran, amid rising tensions fueled by a US military buildup in the Persian Gulf and repeated warnings from Washington. Oman has previously played a key mediating role in indirect contacts between Tehran and Washington, while several countries, including Turkiye, have recently offered to help ease tensions. The US and its ally Israel accuse Iran of seeking to develop nuclear weapons, a claim Tehran denies, insisting its nuclear program is intended solely for peaceful purposes such as electricity generation. 5 February 2026 17:50 (UTC+04:00) By News Centre President Recep Tayyip Erdogan paid an official visit to Egypts capital, Cairo, to attend the second meeting of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council. Speaking at a joint press conference following the meeting, Erdogan said relations between Turkiye and Egypt were advancing across all fields. Recalling that the councils first meeting was held in Ankara in September 2024, Erdogan noted that high-level contacts between the two countries have intensified over the past 16 months. He said the number of reciprocal visits during this period has approached 50 and stressed that the joint declaration and agreements adopted at the meeting had further strengthened the legal framework of bilateral relations. Touching on economic ties, Erdogan said Egypt continues to be Turkiyes largest trading partner in Africa. He stated that the two sides aim to raise bilateral trade volumecurrently hovering between $8 billion and $9 billion over the past three yearsto $15 billion. Erdogan also welcomed the fact that Turkish companies investments in Egypt have approached $4 billion. The Turkish president said the two countries were seeking to develop joint projects in a range of areas, particularly energy and transportation. Erdogan also underlined positive developments in tourism, noting that more than 500,000 tourists were hosted mutually last year. He said the goal is to double that figure in the coming period. He further emphasized the importance of reopening the Alexandria branch of the Yunus Emre Institute, as well as the offices of TIKA and TRT in Egypt. Delivering a message of cooperation in the Eastern Mediterranean, Erdogan said Turkiye and Egypt aim to take joint steps in maritime trade, transportation and maritime security. He added that such cooperation would contribute both to regional peace and to the strategic interests of the two countries. Addressing the Palestinian issue at length, Erdogan said that despite the establishment of a ceasefire in Gaza, the humanitarian tragedy continues. He rejected Israels attacks and actions that violate the Sharm el-Sheikh Declaration, stressing that cooperation with Egypt would continue to ensure peace in Gaza and support the regions reconstruction. Erdogan said developments in Libya, Sudan and the Horn of Africa were also discussed, noting that preserving Libyas unity and territorial integrity remains a shared objective. He expressed hope for a lasting ceasefire and peace in Sudan and said Turkiye does not accept steps that target Somalias sovereignty. On Syria, Erdogan stressed that safeguarding the countrys territorial integrity and political unity is vital for regional stability. He also warned that external interventions against Iran pose serious risks to the entire region, adding that issues concerning Iran should be resolved through diplomatic means. Erdogan thanked President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and Egyptian officials for their hospitality and expressed hope that the decisions taken would contribute to peace and stability in the region. Speaking earlier, President el-Sisi highlighted cooperation with Turkiye across various fields, saying Egypt considers Turkiye its leading partner on the African continent. He said both sides are working to raise bilateral trade volume from $9 billion to $15 billion. Referring to developments in the Middle East, el-Sisi said the region is rapidly becoming prone to crises and turbulence, stressing the need to deepen cooperation between Egypt and Turkiye to achieve sustainable political solutions. El-Sisi recalled that a ceasefire in Gaza was declared through the joint efforts of Turkiye, Egypt, Qatar and the United States. He said the immediate priority now is the swift delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza and the restoration of calm, adding that a two-state solution and the establishment of a Palestinian state in line with international and UN resolutions are essential. He also called for an end to all unilateral measures against Palestinians and for the protection of holy sites, particularly in Jerusalem. The Egyptian president said he and Erdogan discussed developments in Sudan, emphasizing the importance of preserving the integrity of Sudans state institutions. He also underlined his countrys opposition to Somalias division and stressed the need for stability in Libya. On Syria, el-Sisi said Egypt supports Syrias unity and sovereignty, expressing hope that recent agreements, including one signed between the government and the SDF, would protect the rights of all segments of society. Addressing Iran, el-Sisi said the two leaders also discussed developments related to Tehran, stressing the need for a resolution of Irans nuclear issue to ensure peace in Iran and the wider region. Concluding his remarks, el-Sisi said Egypt would increase cooperation with Turkiye on regional and international issues, announcing that the third meeting of the council will be held in Ankara. He described Erdogan as Egypts most distinguished guest and voiced hope for stronger relations and lasting peace and stability in the region. 5 February 2026 18:29 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that Russian leader Vladimir Putin fears only one person on the global stage, US President Donald Trump, stressing that Moscow is not deterred by Europe alone, Azernews reports his remarks to Le Monde. Putin does not fear Europeans. He only fears Trump, thats a fact, Zelenskyy said. What Trump might say to Putin is not my business. Zelenskyy recalled that the US president has expressed a desire to end the war in Ukraine through compromise, noting that Kyiv supports Washingtons peace initiatives. However, he emphasized that Ukraine will not make any concessions that undermine its sovereignty. If Ukraine does not stop Putin, he will attack Europe, Zelenskyy warned, adding that countries bordering Ukraine understand they would be the first targets if Russia advances further. He pointed to Russias military capabilities, saying its drones can operate deep inside territories and that its missiles have the range to strike virtually anywhere. I do not want to scare anyone, Zelenskyy said, adding that European states which fully understand this threat are already providing Ukraine with effective assistance. The Ukrainian leader also referred to his recent speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, arguing that democratic values alone are insufficient to deter Moscow. Democracy cannot defeat Vladimir Putin, who does not respect the rules of war, he said. Meanwhile, US officials have said that negotiations between Ukraine and Russia are making progress, though the most difficult issues remain unresolved, potentially delaying any final peace agreement. On February 4, a second round of talks involving Ukraine, Russia, and the United States was held in Abu Dhabi. The discussions lasted several hours, with further negotiations expected to continue on February 5. 5 February 2026 19:12 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more Al Jazeera has reported that it obtained details of a proposed US-Iran deal put forward with the mediation of Turkiye, Qatar, and Egypt, outlining a broad framework aimed at de-escalation and renewed diplomatic engagement, Azernews reports. According to the report, Iran would agree to reduce uranium enrichment to zero for a period of three years, after which enrichment would resume at levels below 1.5 percent. In addition, Irans highly enriched uranium stockpile, estimated at about 400 kilograms, would be transferred to a third country. The proposed arrangement also includes security-related commitments. Iran would reportedly agree not to transfer weapons or military technology to non-state allies in the region and would pledge not to be the first to use ballistic missiles. Another key element of the proposal is the conclusion of a non-aggression pact between Iran and the United States, aimed at reducing the risk of direct military confrontation. Al Jazeera notes that the details reflect an effort by regional mediators to bridge gaps between Washington and Tehran amid heightened tensions and ongoing uncertainty over the future of Irans nuclear program. Neither the US nor Iran has officially confirmed the reported terms of the proposal. The stakes are high and the gaps between Tehran and Washington remain significant. The US wants Iran to limit its ballistic missile capability that keeps Israel and US military bases in the region within reach. Iran says these missiles are part of the countrys defence capability, pointing to Israels attacks in June that killed more than 1,000 people in Iran. Washington wants Iran to stop supporting non-state allies across the region, a demand supported by Israel and some Arab governments. Iran rejects the argument that supporting what it calls the axis of resistance is destabilising. Then there is Irans strategic space programme tasked with achieving self-sufficiency in satellite design and communication. The US, Israel and other Western governments have voiced concern about this and the increasing cooperation between Iran and Russia. Tehran says the talks must be fair and must include lifting the sanctions, which have devastated its economy. In Stalin's Russia an enemy of the state would be made a "non-person". The rulers of today's European Union, longtime enemies of free speech and freedom of expression, now have their own way of doing that. Since the American left is prone to copy things done by European authoritarians, we had better keep a close eye on what is happening. The EU and some of its more globalist member states have long used things like "hate speech" diktats to suppress free speech. Call an inept politician a moron in Germany, and you will find yourself facing criminal charges. As a feminist leader in France, calling for private spaces for biological women, and you will find yourself facing criminal charges. As a member of parliament in Finland, post a Bible verse online, and you will find yourself facing criminal charges. Europeans have testified before the US Congress on how the European Union is trying to export its censorship and suppress free speech by Americans. https://thefederalist.com/2026/02/04/europeans-testify-on-how-europe-is-banning-americans-from-saying-what-they-believe/ Now they have come up with something worse, extra-judicial personal sanctions. If you are hit with one of these from the bureaucracy, there is no judicial appeal. Your bank accounts, social media accounts, and jsut about every aspect of your life are frozen. Businesses are not supposed to deal with you, even to sell you food. This is the reality of the modern day EU authoritarian state. Some years ago, Hungarians started calling the EU the "EUSSR". They may have hit on something. https://www.zerohedge.com/political/what-goes-around-eus-extralegal-sanctions-regime An elderly man escaped injury after a Co Down house fire last night, the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service has confirmed. NIFRS said three appliances attended the incident in the Abbot Crescent Mews area of Newtownards. The fire happened at around 9.27pm. News catch up - Monday 2 February A NIFRS spokesperson said: Firefighters were called to reports of a fire at a property on Abbot Crescent Mews, Newtownards. One casualty had self-rescued prior to the arrival of firefighters. "Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used 1 hose reel jet to extinguish the fire. "The casualty was transferred to the care of NIAS. The cause of the fire is believed to be accidental ignition and the incident was dealt with by 10.29pm. Read more Northern Ireland braced for days of heavy rain as Met Office issues warning The family of a missing vulnerable mother-of-two have pleaded for help in finding her after she was last seen in Co Armagh five days ago. Caitlin Green (24) was last seen in the Derry Street area of Lurgan on Saturday. According to her family, she was last spotted in Lurgan Park and she has not been in contact with anyone in her family since Friday. According to the PSNI, Caitlin, who has two young children, was wearing a grey Regatta jacket and black leggings when she was last seen. In a social media post her mother Stephanie Green said: This is my daughter Caitlin and her beautiful babies, I have not been able to contact her since Friday. I am incredibly worried about her, if anyone knows any tiny snippets of information could you please let me know, I just want to know you are ok, we love you and need you home. A public search for her is also to take place for her tonight in the Gilford area. Search and Rescue and K9 teams have been deployed to help find her alongside groups of volunteers. Speaking to the Belfast Telegraph, Ryan Gray said K9 Rescue has been working alongside the police and search and rescue teams - alongside Caitlins family to attempt to locate the mother of two. The family are very worried, but we are all doing all we can to help, said Ryan. We have been supporting the family for the past several days and will continue to do so throughout the search for Caitlin. Belfast History Explained: Who was Mary Ann McCracken? Please call 101, or if you would prefer to give information anonymously you can call the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. In a statement, the PSNI said: Have you seen Caitlin Green? The 24-year-old, who also goes by Caity, has been missing from the Enniskeen area of Lurgan since Saturday 31 January. She was last seen in the area of Derry Road/Lord Lurgan Park after leaving a friends home nearby at around 12.30 that afternoon. She hasnt been seen or heard from since. Caitlin is described as having some vulnerabilities and friends and family are very concerned for her. Police enquiries to date have established no activity on her social media since the weekend, which family say is very unusual for Caitlin. Extensive searches are being carried out in the local area by police and local search and rescue volunteers, and we are asking the public to keep an eye out for Caitlin as well. When last seen she was wearing black leggings and a grey Regatta jacket and we dont believe she had a change of clothes with her. Anyone who sees Caitlin or knows where she is, or Caitlin herself, is asked to please get in touch with local police. We want to know she is safe and give peace of mind to family and loved ones who are missing her. Read more Criminal Bar Association in talks with PPS over Chloe Mitchell murder trial proceeding as exceptional case JOTO PR Disruptors has partnered with Roadmaster Drivers School, a national leader in CDL training, to amplify its mission of expanding economic opportunities through modernized facilities, hands-on training, and direct career pathways in the trucking industry. TAMPA, Fla., Feb. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- As the U.S. faces a persistent need for skilled professional drivers, Roadmaster Drivers School is leading the charge in workforce development, creating direct pathways to stable, high-paying careers in the trucking industry. With recent multi-million dollar investments in renovated training facilities in states like Mississippi and Georgia, Roadmaster is modernizing CDL education and expanding economic opportunity. "Roadmaster is proving that when you invest in people and give them a clear path to success, you strengthen the entire economy. They are not just filling truck seats; they are building a stronger, more resilient workforce, one driver at a time." JOTO PR Disruptors signed the national CDL training leader because its mission to empower individuals with practical, high-value career skills aligns perfectly with the agency's Anti-PR philosophy of championing organizations with proven, life-changing solutions. Roadmaster isn't just offering a license; it provides a comprehensive support system that includes financial assistance and direct job placement. "Roadmaster is fundamentally changing the financial trajectory for families by providing a direct route to the middle class," said Karla Jo Helms, Chief Evangelist and Anti-PR Strategist for JOTO PR Disruptors. "They've built a model that dismantles the barriers to entry and equips people with the skills for a secure career in about a month. That's not just training; it's economic empowerment in action." The partnership leverages JOTO's Anti-PR strategy to amplify Roadmaster's leadership in vocational training and workforce development. The campaign highlighst how Roadmaster's hands-on, modern approach prepares graduates for the real-world demands of the trucking industry, building a pipeline of road-ready drivers for America's supply chain. With the trucking industry offering competitive wages well above the median household income in many states, Roadmaster's ELDT-compliant program provides a tangible alternative to traditional career paths that require extensive time and investment. By pre-qualifying students with hiring carriers, Roadmaster ensures a seamless transition from training to employment. "The conversation about the labor shortage often misses the most obvious solution: accessible, high-quality training for essential careers," Helms continued. "Roadmaster is proving that when you invest in people and give them a clear path to success, you strengthen the entire economy. They are not just filling truck seats; they are building a stronger, more resilient workforce, one driver at a time." About JOTO PR Disruptors JOTO PR Disruptors is the Anti-PR agency behind some of the fastest-growing tech and innovation brands in the U.S. By applying crisis management techniques and modern media algorithms, JOTO PR creates third-party credibility campaigns that produce measurable results and build undeniable market influence. Learn more at www.jotopr.com About Roadmaster Drivers School Roadmaster Drivers School is a national leader in Class A CDL training, providing students with the hands-on experience and comprehensive support needed for a successful career in trucking. With schools across the country, Roadmaster offers financial assistance options, job placement support, and modern training to prepare the next generation of professional truck drivers. Media Inquiries: Karla Jo Helms JOTO PR 727-777-4629 Jotopr.com SOURCE JOTO PR Police have slammed those behind a hoax bomb alert that forced people out of their homes. The alert in Omagh, Co Tyrone, has now ended. Some homes were evacuated, with a PSNI officer saying the culprits had shown a complete disregard for the community. Detective Sergeant Malone said: Shortly after 10.20pm yesterday evening, Wednesday 4th February, police received a report that a suspicious looking object had been located in the Culmore Road area. Cordons were put in place, with a number of nearby properties evacuated. Ammunition technical officers attended the scene, and the device was deemed not viable. Residents have now been permitted to return to their homes, and all cordons have now been lifted. Detective Sergeant Malone continued: Those responsible for this incident showed a complete disregard for the local community and wider area who were inconvenienced by it. I would this morning strongly condemn the significant impact on the community that hoax calls of this nature have for local residents. Orfhlaith Begley, a Sinn Fein MP for West Tyrone said it was a senseless act which caused disruption to elderly and vulnerable residents. Local residents are once again being asked to evacuate their homes at this late hour, she said. She added: This alert comes just months after the previous one in September and local people are rightly furious. Read more Remorseless killer of Belfast mother Jennifer Dornan wants Supreme Court to overturn murder conviction Three Northern Irish locations have been selected among the most welcoming places in the UK this year. They made the list compiled by Booking.com for the websites annual Traveller Review Awards Newry clocked in as the second most welcoming UK city, just behind Harrogate in North Yorkshire. Meanwhile, Enniskillen placed fourth, with Portstewart coming in fifth, directly behind the Co Fermanagh town. Destinations had to have at least 50 eligible accommodations to be included in this list, and were sorted by the highest share of award recipients per destination. The full list of the UKs Top Most Welcoming Cities 2026, according to Booking.com, also included Broadway in Worcestershire, Wells in Somerset, Dornoch in the Highlands, Hornsea in East Riding of Yorkshire, and Stornoway in Isle of Lewis. Further across the globe, Montepulciano (Italy), Magong (Taiwan) and San Martin de los Andes (Argentina) also feature in the list of the most welcoming cities. The awards are based on more than 370m verified reviews from travellers across the world. They celebrate a record-breaking 1.81m travel partners across 221 countries for their outstanding hospitality. The statistics from Booking.com also show that apartments continue to dominate as the top accommodation choice for global travellers on the website, followed by holiday homes and hotels. Watch: Omagh in top 15 UK places to visit in 2026 Elsewhere in Northern Ireland, Omagh was the only NI place to feature in Time Out magazines top 14 places in the UK to visit this year, ranking among places like Edinburgh and Birmingham. Those rankings were revealed last month, with locals in the Co Tyrone town describing it as a hidden gem. The Sunday Times will also soon be revealing their Best Places to Live guide for 2026, with Co Down village Dundrum hometown of RTE presenter Patrick Kielty being named the best place to live in Northern Ireland last year. Read more Im probably the only country singer from a Protestant, unionist background so its a bit different for me Turning Point NI: Widow of Charlie Kirk expected to visit Northern Ireland Erika Kirk is rumoured to be visiting Northern Ireland as part of a tour to recruit young people to the conservative organisation founded by her murdered husband. The assassination of her husband Charlie Kirk on a Utah college campus last September sent shockwaves across the globe. Immediately after, Mrs Kirk became the CEO of the right wing think tank Turning Point US, which also has a UK branch. The organisation had its start on university campuses across the US. Talks to set up a Turning point chapter in Northern Ireland are said to be at an advanced stage, but a spokesperson for the group in the US has called the claim fake news. Its understood that former DUP MP Ian Paisley has been consulted about setting up a branch of the group Northern Ireland to carry forward their christian-right ethos. Paisley previously attended President Trumps inauguration last year and hosted Eric Trump in Northern Ireland. Could Turning point come to NI, what would it stand for, and would the conservative groups views resonate with young people in Northern Ireland? Olivia Peden is joined by Belfast Telegraph journalists Brett Campbell and Kurtis Reid. The chairman of Bord Bia has questioned how allegations of double standards could be applied to his company sourcing Brazilian beef when farmers import feed for their animals from South America. Larry Murrin said allegations around him having a conflict of interest are false and driven by social media, as he referenced calls for his resignation at the Agriculture committee. Mr Murrin has rejected repeated demands to step down from his role at the state agency, which is charged with promoting and enforcing standards on Irish food, including beef. The dispute arose out of revelations that Mr Murrins company Dawn Farm Foods had sourced less than 1% of its beef from Brazil last year for contingency planning in a contract. On Thursday, he said his company was a major customer of Irish beef producers but said security of supply agreements with major international customers require provisions for food crises, disease outbreaks, and supply issues. Members of the Irish Farmers Association protest outside the offices of Bord Bia in Dublin (Niall Carson/PA) He also questioned how an allegation of double standards could be applied to his company but not to Irish farmers who import animal feed from South America, adding he did not have a problem with that personally. Mr Murrin told the Agriculture Committee that somewhere in the southern hemisphere would always be on the contingency list for his companys customers. He said: Im not a champion for Brazil and I want to make that perfectly clear today, but Brazil is the largest exporter of beef in the world today and our global customers look at commodity markets globally, and I have to be able to demonstrate as part of our supply-chain security arrangements that this country can access those raw materials if it needs to. He insisted his quality assurance team have stringent requirements and work with the most reputable companies in Brazil when they need to. He said his company carries out testing on beef from Brazil for hormones, adding that teams have conducted audits in third countries that the company may import from. Mr Murrin said it is completely incorrect to suggest that Dawn Farms promotes products containing non-Irish beef under the Bord Bia quality mark, adding: Those claims are false and have caused damage. The Irish Farmers Association (IFA) and the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association (ICMSA) have called for his resignation over claims of a conflict of interest as they say Bord Bia places standards on Irish beef that they do not believe are met by Brazilian farms. However, Bord Bias chief executive, Jim OToole, said it was in the best interests of Irish farmers for Mr Murrin to remain as chairman, and Agriculture Minister Martin Heydon has also expressed confidence in Mr Murrin. He said his position on the board had been presented to him as an ultimatum by the farming organisations, adding: I dont do ultimatums unless they come from my wife. Mr Heydon has said that Mr Murrin had been willing to give a detailed and confidential briefing about the arrangement to the farmers groups. Members of the Irish Farmers Association protest outside the offices of Bord Bia in Dublin (Niall Carson/PA) The issue is particularly sensitive as the European Commission seeks to progress the Mercosur trade deal with Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay with Irish farmers concerned their beef exports to Europe would be at risk because of cheaper Brazilian beef entering the market. At the Oireachtas Agriculture Committee on Thursday, Mr Murrin said his role as chairman of Bord Bia was a non-executive position and he did not manage day-to-day operations or quality assurance programmes. He said there had been a misrepresentation of conflict of interests in his duties. Mr Murrin said he has never been conflicted in leading the board and ensuring its effectiveness. I have spent my entire working life advocating on behalf of Irish food, drink and agriculture in global markets in the best interests of Ireland, he said. I have spent every week since assuming the chair of Bord Bia doing likewise that will not change. Outside of the less than 1% supply from Brazil, Mr Murrin said Dawn Farm Foods sources well over 50% of its beef from Ireland and the remainder from the UK and the EU. He also told the committee that the company sources some poultry from Brazil but no pig meat. He said 7-10% of the white poultry meat imports into Ireland. Fifteen tractors parked along Kildare Street in Dublin near Leinster House (Grainne Ni Aodha/PA) He told the committee that he had entered into a joint venture with a Brazilian company in 2005/2006 but exited the business in 2012, adding that he had no investments in South America currently. The dispute has seen the IFA stage a days-long protest outside Bord Bias headquarters in Dublin, with some demonstrators even occupying the lobby of the building for a time. A protest also took place outside the Oireachtas last week, with several tractors parking along the roadside outside a main entrance to Leinster House. Mr Murrin said he had enormous respect for farmers but added: I do not support the behaviour of IFA members occupying Bord Bia reception in recent days. Elsewhere on Thursday, Justice Minister Jim OCallaghan said he was surprised by the stance taken by the IFA. He told Newstalks The Claire Byrne Show that the Government should not be intimidated by interest groups into changing a decision, adding that he believed the IFA was being led a bit by those on the more militant side of the Irish farming lobbying groups. He called for mature people to recognise that you cant have a situation where people are forced out of public jobs through pressure. Sinn Fein senator Joanne Collins asked Mr Murrin if he ever made a donation to a political party but committee chairman and Fianna Fail TD Aindrias Moynihan said the Bord Bia chairman did not have to answer the question as it was beyond the remit of the hearing. After the committee, Sinn Fein said Mr Murrin had provided no answers and reiterated its call for him to resign. IFA president Francie Gorman issued a similar call, stating the hearing raised further questions. Irish president Catherine Connolly is to continue her three-day official visit to Northern Ireland with a number of engagements in Co Londonderry. Ms Connolly will address a civic reception at the Guildhall, where she will be greeted by the Lord Lieutenant for the County Borough of Londonderry Ian Crowe and Derry City Mayor Ruairi McHugh. In the afternoon, the president will visit the Museum of Free Derry where she will view the exhibition on Bloody Sunday. President of Ireland Catherine Connolly speaking during a visit to Ulster University Campus in Belfast (Brian Lawless/PA) Last Friday marked the 54th anniversary of Bloody Sunday. Ms Connolly will meet with some 50 family members of those who were killed and injured in 1972. Over the course of the day, the president will also visit a number of community initiatives across Derry. The presidents three-day visit to Northern Ireland marks the first official visit of President Connollys presidency and fulfils a commitment made in her inauguration address that her first official visit would be to Northern Ireland, where she would meet with people from all communities and celebrate the rich heritage and traditions of all who live there. On Wednesday, the president commenced her official visit with a number of engagements in Belfast, including a meeting with First Minister Michelle ONeill and Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly at Stormont Castle, an address at Ulster University, and a number of community engagements. The visit will conclude with a further engagement in Derry on Friday. Parts of Ireland have already flooded amid rain warnings in place in 18 counties across the island. Authorities have asked those in the impacted counties to work from home on Friday if they can in order to free up roads for essential services. The areas expected to be worst-hit are those that have already flooded in recent days, including those in Dublin, Louth and Waterford. On Thursday afternoon, flooding was evident in parts of Clontarf in north Dublin and along Dart tracks on the Dublin coast. You must enable social media cookies to see this content. You can change your cookie settings under the link below. Change settings Barry Kenny, of Irish Rail, said that Dart lines remained closed between Lansdowne Road and Dun Laoghaire, due to flooding up to platform level at some locations, including Blackrock. This really is very, very severe, I think its unlikely that we will be back this evening, he said, adding that there could be further disruption in the morning. Irish forecaster Met Eireann said spells of very heavy rain will be falling on already saturated ground and that this, combined with high river levels and high tides, was likely to lead to more flooding and travel disruption. The National Emergency Co-ordination Group warned of another challenging phase and said local authority teams had offered people sandbags, drain clearances and other flood prevention works. The group met on Thursday to co-ordinate the latest response to severe flooding and has emphasised that heavy rain in one county can impact on flood-prone areas in an area where less significant rain has fallen. Those in the impacted counties, who have the discretion to work from home tomorrow, Friday, are urged to do so in order to free up roads for essential services, it said on Thursday. It also warned that the risk of flooding will continue into the weekend as water moves down through the catchments. The Government has offered financial support for homes and businesses affected by recent flooding. Elaine Byrne (centre) with her daughters Abbey (left) and Lyndsey at her flood-damaged home in Riverfield in Aughrim, Co Wicklow (Brian Lawless/PA) Following recent rainfall, many rivers are at or above bank-full levels. Meanwhile, strong onshore winds and storm surge will increase the risk of wave overtopping and coastal flooding. Status orange rain warnings are in place for Wicklow and Dublin from midday on Thursday until 3pm on Friday and for Waterford from 9am on Thursday until 9am on Friday. A yellow warning for those counties had been in place from 9am on Thursday until noon on Friday. An orange warning is in place for Louth from midday on Thursday and 6pm on Friday. Status yellow warnings for rain are in place for Carlow, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Wexford and Tipperary from 9am on Thursday until 9am on Friday. You must enable social media cookies to see this content. You can change your cookie settings under the link below. Change settings Cavan, Meath and Monaghan are also under a status yellow warning for rain between midday on Thursday and 6pm on Friday. In Northern Ireland, the Met Office has issued a yellow warning for rain between midday on Thursday and just before midnight on Friday for counties Antrim, Armagh, Down, Londonderry and Tyrone. It is warning that heavy rain may lead to some flooding and travel disruption. It said: Rain is expected to be particularly persistent over the east and south east-facing slopes of the Mourne Mountains and Antrim Hills, which may receive 60-80mm; here low impacts are most likely overall with a small chance they could be medium. Further rain is projected next week. Nigel Farage made his second campaign visit to a crucial by-election destination as Reform UK hope to overturn Labours hold in Gorton and Denton. Mr Farage opened the campaign offices for Reform UK in Denton, alongside his partys candidate, Matt Goodwin, and around 100 party faithful. He claimed the partys campaign had got off to a very, very good start before cutting the ribbon to open the partys by-election HQ, during his second visit in seven days to the constituency. Mr Farage said Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer had displayed terrible judgment regarding Lord Peter Mandelson and Jeffrey Epstein, and described the affair as the biggest scandal for 100 years. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage and Reform UKs Gorton and Denton by-election candidate Matt Goodwin in Denton on Thursday (Danny Lawson/PA) After fielding questions on the national political scene, Mr Farage was asked about the Prime Ministers speech, earlier on Thursday, promising 800m to arrest the decline in communities. He said: This is classic, classic, what governments in trouble do. Theres a by-election going on. And lets face it, Gorton and Denton is a very high-profile by-election. So you announce youre going to splurge, lots and lots of money, so people are going to say, OK, we forgive you for everything. Look, this is about the sixth safest Labour seat in all the country. Been Labour since the end of the First World War. But there is now a real fight going on here. I think were off to a very, very good start. And what we dont yet know is, what will the impact of the Mandelson affair be. I think where this potentially helps us is people say, Well, look, we want to get rid of Starmer, weve had enough, and this by-election could be the way to do it. Labour has announced Angeliki Stogia, Manchester city councillor for Whalley Range, as its candidate after Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham was blocked from standing. The by-election was prompted when former Labour MP Andrew Gwynne stood down citing health reasons. Mr Gwynne won the seat for Labour with more than half the vote 18,555 in 2024 while Nigel Farages Reform UK came second on 5,142 votes, narrowly beating the Greens with 4,810. Councillor and plumber Hannah Spencer will run for the Greens, the Conservatives have chosen retired police detective Charlotte Cadden to run, while the Liberal Democrats have named local campaigner Jackie Pearcey. Voters go to the polls on February 26. The reputation of Sir Keir Starmers Government is in tatters after the latest revelations about Lord Peter Mandelson. The Prime Minister told the Commons on Wednesday he was aware of the relationship between Lord Mandelson and the paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein before his appointment as ambassador to the US, following the release of new information by the US Department of Justice. The Metropolitan Police announced this week it had launched an investigation into allegations of misconduct in public office after emails appeared to show the former minister passed government information to Epstein during the financial crash. The Government was then forced to cede control of the release of documents relating to Lord Mandelson to Parliaments Intelligence and Security Committee after facing a backlash from MPs led by former deputy prime minister Angela Rayner. Speaking to the Press Association on Thursday, John Swinney hit out at how Sir Keir has dealt with the scandal. The Prime Minister has been shown to have demonstrated the most appalling lack of judgment in the appointment of Peter Mandelson as the UKs ambassador to the United States, he said. The relationship between Lord Mandelson and Epstein should have been a red flag at the time, he added. I think that demonstrates a most shocking and appalling poor judgment by the Prime Minister and, as a consequence of that, I think the reputation of the Labour Government is in tatters. Mr Swinney announced on Wednesday that Scotlands top civil servant had launched an audit of the Scottish Governments dealings with Lord Mandelson during his time as a minister in the governments of Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, and in his ambassadorial role. He said Sir Keir is under enormous pressure over the Lord Mandelson scandal, with the First Minister urging him to follow through on his commitment to publish the documents. But he added: I think the issue that will haunt the Prime Minister is his appalling lack of judgment in selecting Peter Mandelson to be the UKs ambassador to the United States, and the damage that has done to the reputation of the Labour Government. Earlier on Thursday, senior UK Cabinet minister Steve Reed said the Prime Minister and chief of staff Morgan McSweeney are safe in their jobs, claiming they were not at fault, having been lied to by Lord Mandelson. Youre only as good as the information you receive, Mr Reed said as he blamed the vetting process for failing to disprove Lord Mandelsons claims his relationship with the convicted sex offender was next to nothing. Donald Trump has suggested Sir Keir Starmers Chagos Islands deal was the best he could make in an apparent signal of support after attacking the agreement last month. The US president, who weeks ago branded the deal an act of great stupidity, said he had very productive discussions with the Prime Minister about Diego Garcia, where a UK-US military base is located. Under the deal, which will cost 35 billion over the next century, the UK will cede sovereignty of the British Indian Ocean Territory to Mauritius but lease back the facility on the island. In a post on Truth Social, Mr Trump said: I understand that the deal Prime Minister Starmer has made, according to many, (is) the best he could make. However, if the lease deal, sometime in the future, ever falls apart, or anyone threatens or endangers US operations and forces at our base, I retain the right to militarily secure and reinforce the American presence in Diego Garcia. Donald Trump indicated his backing for the deal on Thursday after attacking it last month (Leon Neal/PA) Let it be known that I will never allow our presence on a base as important as this to ever be undermined or threatened by fake claims or environmental nonsense. Downing Street said the two leaders agreed on the importance of the deal to secure the joint UK-US base of Diego Garcia in a conversation on Thursday. On Ukraine, the leaders discussed the ongoing peace negotiations. The Prime Minister expressed his deep concern about Putins continued barbaric attacks on innocent civilians, particularly in freezing temperatures, a No 10 spokeswoman said. They also agreed on the importance of the deal to secure the joint UKUS base on Diego Garcia, which remains vital to shared security interests. The UK and US will continue to work closely on the implementation of the deal, they agreed. Mr Trump in January lambasted the agreement as an act of total weakness and claimed the site of the military base was being given away for no reason whatsoever. His criticism came as transatlantic tensions flared over his ambitions to take control of Greenland, with the Prime Minister accusing him at the time of making the comments to pressure Britain to lift its objections. Legislation to ratify the deal is in its closing stages in Parliament but progress has been delayed since the presidents outburst. On Tuesday, No 10 said the two leaders had agreed their governments would work to guarantee the future operation of the base in the first known discussion between them since Mr Trumps extraordinary attack. Last week, the Prime Minister insisted the Republican president initially backed the deal in very clear terms following sign-off by US intelligence agencies. He pointed to public expressions of support from the US president and his top team, who praised the deal as a monumental achievement, securing the long-term future of the shared Diego Garcia base. Earlier this week, Downing Street insisted the case for the Chagos Islands deal was crystal clear after Lord Mandelson claimed in an interview with the Times there had been a wobble over it within the Government. The former ambassador to the US, who is at the centre of a storm over his ties to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein, claimed there were concerns over the cost and legal necessity of the agreement. Claims that we negotiated this deal solely because of the 2019 ICJ (International Court of Justice) advisory opinion are simply wrong, the Prime Ministers official spokesman said later. That wasnt the only challenge we faced. Without a deal, Mauritius would inevitably pursue a legally-binding judgment, and that judgment would then be applied by countries and international organisations alike. And without a deal, wed face serious, real-world operational impacts on the base. Asked about the wobble, the spokesman said: There was a change of governments in both the US and Mauritius in November 2024. Its only right that both new administrations would want to understand the details of the deal, and the deal has subsequently undergone an extremely high level of scrutiny, both through the parliamentary process and through two US administrations. The Kremlin said it regretted the expiration of the last remaining nuclear arms pact between Russia and the United States that left no caps on the two largest atomic arsenals for the first time in more than half a century. Arms control experts say the termination of the New Start Treaty could set the stage for an unconstrained nuclear arms race. Russian President Vladimir Putin last year declared his readiness to stick to the treatys limits for another year if Washington followed suit, but US President Donald Trump has been noncommittal about extending it. He has indicated that he wants China to be a part of a new pact something Beijing has rebuffed. Beijing has rebuffed the suggestion that it be included in Donald Trumps three-way new pact with the US and Russia (Russian Defence Ministry Press Service via AP) US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that Mr Trump has made clear, in order to have true arms control in the 21st century, its impossible to do something that doesnt include China because of their vast and rapidly growing stockpile. Mr Putin discussed the pacts expiration with Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Wednesday, noting the US failure to respond to his proposal to extend its limits and saying that Russia will act in a balanced and responsible manner based on thorough analysis of the security situation, Kremlin adviser Yuri Ushakov said. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Moscow views the treatys expiration negatively and regrets it. He said Russia will maintain its responsible, thorough approach to stability when it comes to nuclear weapons, adding that of course, it will be guided primarily by its national interests. With the end of the treaty, Moscow remains ready to take decisive military-technical measures to counter potential additional threats to the national security, the Russian Foreign Ministry said. At the same time, our country remains open to seeking political-diplomatic ways to comprehensively stabilise the strategic situation on the basis of equal and mutually beneficial dialogue solutions, if the appropriate conditions for such cooperation are shaped, it said in a statement. US President Barack Obama and his Russian counterpart Dmitry Medvedev, after signing the New Start treaty (Mikhail Metzel/AP) New Start, signed in 2010 by then-President Barack Obama and his Russian counterpart, Dmitry Medvedev, restricted each side to no more than 1,550 nuclear warheads on no more than 700 missiles and bombers deployed and ready for use. It was originally supposed to expire in 2021, but was extended for five more years. The pact envisioned sweeping on-site inspections to verify compliance, although they stopped in 2020 because of the Covid-19 pandemic and never resumed. In February 2023, Mr Putin suspended Moscows participation, saying Russia couldnt allow US inspections of its nuclear sites at a time when Washington and its Nato allies have openly declared Moscows defeat in Ukraine as their goal. At the same time, the Kremlin emphasised it wasnt withdrawing from the pact altogether, pledging to respect its caps on nuclear weapons. In offering to abide by New Starts limits for a year to buy time for both sides to negotiate a successor agreement, Mr Putin said the treatys expiration would be destabilising and could fuel nuclear proliferation. New Start was the last remaining pact in a long series of agreements between Moscow and Washington to limit their nuclear arsenals, starting with the Salt I in 1972. Mr Trump has indicated he would like to keep limits on nuclear weapons but wants to involve China in a potential new treaty. I actually feel strongly that if were going to do it, I think China should be a member of the extension, Mr Trump told The New York Times last month. China should be a part of the agreement. In his first term, Mr Trump tried and failed to push for a three-way nuclear pact involving China. Beijing has baulked at any restrictions on its smaller but growing nuclear arsenal, while urging the US to resume nuclear talks with Russia. Russian officials have argued that any attempt by the US to negotiate a broader pact should also involve nuclear arsenals of Nato members (US Air Force/Staff Sgt. Shannon Bowman/AP) Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said: Chinas nuclear forces are not at all on the same scale as those of the US and Russia, and thus China will not participate in nuclear disarmament negotiations at the current stage. He said China regrets the expiration of New Start, calls on the US to resume nuclear dialogue with Russia soon, and responds positively to Moscows suggestion that the two sides continue observing the core limits of the treaty for now. Mr Peskov reaffirmed that Moscow respects Beijings position. He and other Russian officials have repeatedly argued that any attempt to negotiate a broader nuclear pact instead of a US-Russian deal should also involve nuclear arsenals of Nato members France and the UK. Arms control advocates bemoaned the end of New Start and warned of the imminent threat of a new arms race. Daryl Kimball, executive director of the Arms Control Association in Washington said: If the Trump administration continues to stiff-arm nuclear arms control diplomacy with Russia and decides to increase the number of nuclear weapons in the US deployed strategic arsenal, it will only lead Russia to follow suit and encourage China to accelerate its ongoing strategic build-up in an attempt to maintain a strategic nuclear retaliatory strike capability vis-a-vis the United States. Such a scenario could lead to a years-long, dangerous three-way nuclear arms build-up. MILWAUKEE, Feb. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Ademi LLP is investigating Marine Products (NYSE: MPX) for possible breaches of fiduciary duty and other violations of law in its recently announced transaction with Texas Instruments. Click here to learn how to join our investigation and obtain additional information or contact us at [email protected] or toll-free: 866-264-3995. There is no cost or obligation to you. In the transaction, Marine Products stockholders will receive $2.43 per share in cash and 0.232 shares of MasterCraft common stock for each share they own. Based on MasterCraft's closing share price of $23.12 on February 4, 2026, this implies a value of $7.79 per Marine Products share. Marine Products insiders will receive substantial benefits as part of change of control arrangements. The transaction agreement unreasonably limits competing transactions for Marine Products by imposing a significant penalty if Marine Products accepts a competing bid. We are investigating the conduct of the Marine Products board of directors, and whether they are fulfilling their fiduciary duties to all shareholders. We specialize in shareholder litigation involving buyouts, mergers, and individual shareholder rights. For more information, please feel free to call us. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes. Contacts Ademi LLP Guri Ademi Toll Free: (866) 264-3995 Fax: (414) 482-8001 SOURCE Ademi LLP With the US-Russia nuclear pact expiring on Thursday, US President Donald Trump is renewing calls for a new stronger pact instead of extending the current agreement known as the New Start treaty. Rather than extend NEW Start (A badly negotiated deal by the United States that, aside from everything else, is being grossly violated), we should have our Nuclear Experts work on a new, improved, and modernized Treaty that can last long into the future, Mr Trump said in a social media posting on Thursday. The end of the treaty would effectively lift the last remaining caps on the two largest atomic arsenals for the first time in more than a half-century. Mr Trump has previously indicated he would like to keep limits on nuclear weapons but wants to involve China in a potential new treaty. US President Barack Obama and his Russian counterpart Dmitry Medvedev, after signing the New Start treaty (Mikhail Metzel/AP) Meanwhile, the Kremlin said on Thursday it regretted the expiration of the last remaining nuclear arms pact between Russia and the United States that left no caps on the two largest atomic arsenals for the first time in more than a half-century. Arms control experts say the termination of the New Start Treaty could set the stage for an unconstrained nuclear arms race. Russian President Vladimir Putin last year declared his readiness to stick to the treatys limits for another year if Washington followed suit, but Mr Trump had been noncommittal about extending it. He has indicated that he wants China to be a part of a new pact something Beijing has rebuffed. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Wednesday that Mr Trump has made clear in order to have true arms control in the 21st century, its impossible to do something that doesnt include China because of their vast and rapidly growing stockpile. Mr Putin discussed the pacts expiration with Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Wednesday, noting the US failure to respond to his proposal to extend its limits and saying that Russia will act in a balanced and responsible manner based on thorough analysis of the security situation, Kremlin adviser Yuri Ushakov said. Even as New Start expires, the US and Russia agreed on Thursday to re-establish high-level, military-to-military dialogue following a meeting between senior officials from both sides in Abu Dhabi, the US military command in Europe said. The link was suspended in 2021 as relations between Moscow and Washington grew increasingly strained before Russia sent troops into Ukraine in February 2022. New Start, signed in 2010 by then-president Barack Obama and his Russian counterpart, Dmitry Medvedev, restricted each side to no more than 1,550 nuclear warheads on no more than 700 missiles and bombers deployed and ready for use. It was originally supposed to expire in 2021 but was extended for five more years. The pact envisioned sweeping on-site inspections to verify compliance, although they stopped in 2020 because of the Covid-19 pandemic and never resumed. In February 2023, Mr Putin suspended Moscows participation, saying Russia could not allow US inspections of its nuclear sites at a time when Washington and its Nato allies have openly declared Moscows defeat in Ukraine as their goal. At the same time, the Kremlin emphasised it was not withdrawing from the pact altogether, pledging to respect its caps on nuclear weapons. In offering in September to abide by New Starts limits for a year to buy time for both sides to negotiate a successor agreement, Mr Putin said the treatys expiration would be destabilising and could fuel nuclear proliferation. The US and Russia agreed to re-establish high level military-to-military dialogue following a meeting between senior Russian and American military officials in Abu Dhabi, the United States European Command said in a statement. The agreement was reached following meetings between General Alexus Grynkewich, the Commander of US European Command and Nato Supreme Allied Commander Europe, and senior Russian and Ukrainian military officials, the statement said. The channel will provide a consistent military-to-military contact as the parties continue to work towards a lasting peace, the statement said. (Sergei Grits/AP) High-level military communication was suspended in 2021, just before Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine. General Grynkewich was in the capital of the United Arab Emirates, where talks between American, Russian and Ukrainian officials on ending the war in Ukraine entered a second day and as Moscow escalated its attacks on Ukraines power grid. Russia continues to target Ukraines electricity network, aiming to deny civilians power and weaken their appetite for the fight, while fighting continues along the roughly 1,000km (600-mile) front line snaking along eastern and southern parts of Ukraine. Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelensky revealed that 55,000 Ukrainian troops have died since Russias invasion almost four years ago. And there is a large number of people whom Ukraine considers missing, he added in an interview broadcast by French TV channel France 2. The last time the Ukrainian leader gave a figure for battlefield deaths, in early 2025, he said 46,000 Ukrainian troops had been killed. Tens of thousands of Ukrainian troops have been killed in the war (Ukrainian Police Press Service/AP) The delegations from Moscow and Kyiv were joined in the capital of the United Arab Emirates by Mr Witkoff and US President Donald Trumps son-in-law, Jared Kushner, according to Rustem Umerov, Ukraines National Security and Defence Council chief, who was present at the meeting. They were also at last months talks in the same place as the Trump administration tries to steer the two countries toward a settlement. At the time, Mr Zelensky described the issue of who would control the Donbas industrial heartland of eastern Ukraine as key. Mr Zelensky urged allied countries to press Moscow into ending its all-out invasion, which began almost four years ago on February 24 2022, and said his country needs security guarantees to deter any post-war Russian attacks. Ukrainians must feel that there is genuine progress towards peace and not toward a scenario in which the Russians exploit everything to their advantage and continue their strikes, Mr Zelensky said on social media. Ukrainian civilians have also reeled from the fighting. Last year, there was a 31% increase in Ukrainian civilian casualties compared with 2024, the advocacy group Human Rights Watch said in a report. You must enable social media cookies to see this content. You can change your cookie settings under the link below. Change settings Meanwhile, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk arrived in Kyiv on an official visit on Thursday. Two people were injured in the Ukrainian capital as a result of overnight Russian drone strikes, Mayor Vitali Klitschko said. In the wider Kyiv region, a man suffered a shrapnel chest wound, authorities said. Russia fired 183 drones and two ballistic missiles at Ukraine overnight, according to the Ukrainian air force. Russian air defences downed 95 Ukrainian drones overnight over several regions, the Azov Sea and Crimea, which Russia illegally annexed in 2014, Russias Defence Ministry said. SINGAPORE, Feb. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Shield AI today announced the expansion of their partnership with Singapore's Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) and the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) to co-develop and proliferate Artificial Intelligence (AI) across a wider range of autonomous drone applications using Shield AI's Hivemind software development kit (SDK). Building on existing explorations and early use cases, the expansion looks to develop and embed autonomous capabilities across multiple drone's applications, using the SDK to tailor AI solutions for current operational and future environments. The collaboration has allowed RSAF and DSTA to use Shield AI's SDK to independently design, test, and deploy mission autonomy. Within six months, operational and developer feedback from the RSAF and DSTA has led to refinements to the SDK, strengthening their developers' capability to develop and deploy mission autonomy for RSAF's Concept of Operations (CONOPs). The mission autonomy supports users in completing missions safely and effectively without human intervention and is able to reroute around no-fly zones, avoid threats and respond to unexpected conditions. "RSAF and DSTA have been outstanding partners," said Brandon Tseng, Shield AI's president and co-founder. "Through their adoption of the Hivemind platform, Singapore is on a path to become the first country outside the United States with true sovereign autonomy, meaning the ability to develop and field its own AI pilots across its platforms. This matters because autonomy is a way to decouple military fighting strength from population size, and in Singapore's case, from a declining population, a challenge many nations around the world also face." "Building our capability to independently develop and field mission autonomy is a priority and an important step forward," said DSTA's chief executive Mr Ng Chad-Son. "This collaboration goes beyond technology adoption. It allows our defence engineers and aircrew to develop hands-on experience that will grow a sustainable pipeline of AI specialists with good operational understanding. We will continue to leverage market solutions to integrate autonomy across a broader spectrum of applications for the RSAF, ensuring our unmanned systems are highly adaptable and mission-ready for any challenge." The agreement was announced during the Singapore Airshow 2026, where Brandon Tseng participated in a panel on autonomy and human-machine teaming. Tom Schaefer, vice president of Hivemind engineering at Shield AI, spoke the same day at the Singapore Aerospace Technology and Engineering Conference, held on the sidelines of the airshow, on software-driven autonomy for next-generation defense systems. About Shield AI Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed deep-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include the V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, Hivemind Enterprise, and the Hivemind Vision product lines. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and the Asia-Pacific, Shield AI's technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube. Media Contact: Lily Hinz; [email protected] About Defence Science and Technology Agency The Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) is a leading technology organisation that drives innovation and delivers state-of-the-art capabilities to make the Singapore Armed Forces a formidable fighting force. Harnessing and exploiting science and technology, our engineers and IT professionals leverage multidisciplinary expertise to equip our soldiers with advanced systems to defend Singapore. DSTA also contributes its technological expertise to support national-level developments. To achieve our mission, DSTA excels in systems engineering, digitalised platforms, cyber, software development and more. Visit www.dsta.gov.sg for more information. Media Contact: ZHOU Junlin / TAN Li Hui, DSTA Corporate Communications +65 9820 1160 / +65 9673 0586 [email protected] / [email protected] SOURCE Shield AI If you'd like to leave a comment (or a tip or a question) about this story with the editors, please email us We also welcome letters to the editor for publication; you can do that by filling out our letters form and submitting it to the newsroom. Dalton officials are seeking to hire a third-party accounting firm after staffing shortages left the town two years behind on closing its financial books. With rising costs and major budget decisions ahead, town leaders say outside help is necessary to ensure accurate financial data. After discussion about how to ensure the 40-year-old bar wont serve underage patrons again, the Board landed on a three-day suspension to be held in abeyance for 6 months meaning, if there is another incident it is an automatic three-day suspension. Advocates for ideas and draws conclusions based on the interpretation of facts and data. Carole Owens | Commentary The science vs. fear fight over vaccines is not new for US Access this story and all of our stories with 24/7 unlimited access. Seth Brown is an award-winning humor writer, the author of From God To Verse and dreams of a boring future. His website is RisingPun.com. Quality local journalism needs your support Access this story and all of our stories with 24/7 unlimited access. Subscribe today. Cancel anytime. Subscribe now for 99 Subscriber Sign In | Return Home The Space Robotics market demonstrates robust expansion driven by accelerating demand for on-orbit servicing, satellite life-extension, debris mitigation and planetary exploration. Key growth factors encompass technological advancement in autonomy, artificial intelligence, miniaturized sensors, high-precision actuators and modular payload architectures. Investor appetite, strategic partnerships, mergers and acquisitions, increased capital expenditure by OEMs and favorable procurement cycles bolster market penetration and revenue acceleration. Segment analysis highlights commercial satellites, government exploration programs and defense applications as primary end-user verticals. LEWES, Del., Feb. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Global Space Robotics Market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 12.5% from 2026 to 2033, according to a new report published by Verified Market Reports. The report reveals that the market was valued at USD 5.1 Billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 14.5 Billion by the end of the forecast period. Download PDF Brochure: https://www.verifiedmarketreports.com/download-sample/?rid=488876&utm_source=PRNewswire&utm_medium=360 Browse in-depth TOC on Space Robotics Market 150 - Pages 126 Tables 37 Figures Scope of The Space Robotics Market Report REPORT ATTRIBUTES DETAILS STUDY PERIOD 2023-2033 BASE YEAR 2024 FORECAST PERIOD 2026-2033 HISTORICAL PERIOD 2023 ESTIMATED PERIOD 2025 UNIT Value (USD Billion) KEY COMPANIES PROFILED Altius Space Machines, Astrobotic Technology, Olis Robotics, Effective Space Solutions, Honeybee Robotics, Ispace, Made in Space, Maxar Technologies, Metecs, Northrop Grumman, Motiv Space Systems, Stinger Ghaffarian Technologies (SGT), Space Applications Services SEGMENTS COVERED By Type of Robotics, By End-User Sector, By Technology, By Application, By Functionality, By Geography CUSTOMIZATION SCOPE Free report customization (equivalent to up to 4 analyst working days) with purchase. Addition or alteration to country, regional & segment scope Global Space Robotics Market Overview Space Robotics Market: Trends and Opportunities Commercialization of On-Orbit Servicing and Assembly: Space robotics is transitioning from government-led experimentation to commercially scalable deployment. Robotic systems designed for satellite servicing, refueling, inspection, and in-space assembly are becoming integral to cost-optimization strategies for satellite operators. This trend directly supports longer satellite lifecycles, reduced launch frequency, and improved return on space infrastructure investments. Space robotics is transitioning from government-led experimentation to commercially scalable deployment. Robotic systems designed for satellite servicing, refueling, inspection, and in-space assembly are becoming integral to cost-optimization strategies for satellite operators. This trend directly supports longer satellite lifecycles, reduced launch frequency, and improved return on space infrastructure investments. Autonomous and AI-Enabled Robotics as a Growth Catalyst: Advances in artificial intelligence, machine learning, computer vision, and edge processing are redefining operational capabilities. Autonomous navigation, fault detection, and adaptive manipulation allow space robots to operate with minimal human intervention, mitigating communication latency and enabling deep-space and cislunar missions. These capabilities are increasingly viewed as strategic differentiators. Advances in artificial intelligence, machine learning, computer vision, and edge processing are redefining operational capabilities. Autonomous navigation, fault detection, and adaptive manipulation allow space robots to operate with minimal human intervention, mitigating communication latency and enabling deep-space and cislunar missions. These capabilities are increasingly viewed as strategic differentiators. Defense, Security, and Space Domain Awareness Demand: Space robotics is emerging as a core enabler for defense applications such as satellite inspection, threat monitoring, and orbital asset protection. Governments are prioritizing resilient and responsive space infrastructure, creating sustained demand for robotic platforms that enhance situational awareness and mission assurance. Space robotics is emerging as a core enabler for defense applications such as satellite inspection, threat monitoring, and orbital asset protection. Governments are prioritizing resilient and responsive space infrastructure, creating sustained demand for robotic platforms that enhance situational awareness and mission assurance. Small Satellite Proliferation and Constellation Economics: The rapid growth of small satellites and mega-constellations is driving demand for robotic launch integration, autonomous deployment, and debris mitigation solutions. Space robotics supports scalable constellation management, including precision placement, maintenance, and end-of-life deorbiting. The rapid growth of small satellites and mega-constellations is driving demand for robotic launch integration, autonomous deployment, and debris mitigation solutions. Space robotics supports scalable constellation management, including precision placement, maintenance, and end-of-life deorbiting. Planetary Exploration and In-Situ Resource Utilization: Robotic systems are foundational to lunar and Martian exploration strategies, enabling surface mobility, regolith handling, construction, and scientific experimentation. These applications reduce human risk while establishing infrastructure for future crewed missions and space-based resource utilization. Robotic systems are foundational to lunar and Martian exploration strategies, enabling surface mobility, regolith handling, construction, and scientific experimentation. These applications reduce human risk while establishing infrastructure for future crewed missions and space-based resource utilization. Regional Policy Alignment and Public-Private Collaboration: Market momentum is strongest in regions where government funding, regulatory clarity, and private-sector innovation are aligned. Strategic partnerships between space agencies, defense organizations, and commercial robotics firms are accelerating technology maturation and market entry. To Purchase a Comprehensive Report Analysis: https://www.verifiedmarketreports.com/ask-for-discount/?rid=488876&utm_source=PRNewswire&utm_medium=360 How are autonomy and artificial intelligence reshaping the cost structure and scalability of space robotics deployments? Autonomy and AI are fundamentally altering the economics of space robotics by reducing reliance on ground-based operations and human-in-the-loop control. Traditional space missions are constrained by communication delays, limited bandwidth, and high operational staffing costs. Intelligent robotic systems equipped with autonomous decision-making, adaptive control, and predictive maintenance capabilities can execute complex tasks independently, significantly lowering mission operating expenses. From a scalability perspective, autonomy enables one control center to oversee multiple robotic assets simultaneously, supporting constellation-scale operations. This is particularly critical for satellite servicing, debris removal, and surface exploration missions where responsiveness and precision are essential. For investors and strategists, this shift improves margins, shortens payback periods, and expands addressable markets by making previously cost-prohibitive missions economically viable. What are the primary market restraints limiting near-term adoption of space robotics, and how are industry players mitigating them? Despite strong momentum, the space robotics market faces several restraints, including high upfront development costs, technical complexity, regulatory uncertainty, and mission risk. Space-qualified robotic systems must withstand extreme environments, radiation exposure, and long-duration missions, driving up research, testing, and certification expenses. Industry participants are mitigating these challenges through modular design architectures, digital twins, and simulation-driven development to reduce testing cycles and failure rates. Public-private partnerships are also playing a critical role by sharing financial risk and accelerating validation through government-sponsored missions. Additionally, clearer regulatory frameworks around on-orbit servicing and debris mitigation are reducing legal uncertainty, enabling faster commercialization. Geographic Dominance and Regional Market Dynamics North America currently dominates the global space robotics market, driven by substantial public investment, a mature aerospace ecosystem, and strong defense-sector demand. Government funding for space exploration, national security, and advanced manufacturing has created a stable foundation for innovation and commercialization. The region benefits from a dense concentration of robotics startups, aerospace primes, and research institutions, enabling rapid technology transfer and market penetration. Europe represents a strong secondary market, characterized by collaborative multinational programs and a focus on sustainability, debris mitigation, and robotic exploration. Regulatory alignment across countries and emphasis on responsible space operations are fostering demand for robotic inspection and servicing platforms. Asia-Pacific is the fastest-growing region, fueled by expanding national space programs, increased satellite launches, and long-term lunar and planetary exploration ambitions. Governments in the region are prioritizing indigenous robotics capabilities to support strategic autonomy, infrastructure development, and commercial competitiveness. Emerging markets in the Middle East and Latin America are gradually entering the space robotics value chain through satellite deployment, ground robotics integration, and technology partnerships. While current market share is limited, long-term growth potential is supported by increasing space policy focus and international collaboration. Overall, geographic dominance in space robotics is closely tied to government expenditure on space programs, regulatory maturity, and the ability to integrate robotics with broader digital and aerospace ecosystems. For strategic decision-makers, regional investment patterns offer clear signals on where future demand, partnerships, and competitive advantages are most likely to emerge. Space Robotics Market: Key Players Shaping the Future Leading industry participants such as Altius Space Machines, Astrobotic Technology, Olis Robotics, Effective Space Solutions, Honeybee Robotics, Ispace, Made in Space, Maxar Technologies, Metecs, Northrop Grumman, Motiv Space Systems, Stinger Ghaffarian Technologies (SGT), Space Applications Services, among others, are instrumental in driving the evolution of the market. These companies influence market dynamics through continuous innovation, strategic partnerships, and global expansion initiatives. Comprehensive analyses of their financial performance, product portfolios, and SWOT evaluations offer critical insights into their competitive positioning and the overall trajectory of the industry. Space Robotics Market: Segments Analysis Based on the research, Verified Market Reports has segmented the global Space Robotics Market into Type of Robotics, End-User Sector, Technology, Application, Functionality, Geography. To get market data, market insights, and a comprehensive analysis of the Global Space Robotics Market, please Contact Verified Market Reports. By Type of Robotics Autonomous Robots Tethered Robots Remote-controlled Robots Collaborative Robots (Cobots) By Application Satellite Servicing Planetary Exploration Space Debris Removal Space Station Operations Lunar and Martian Missions By End-User Sector Government Private Sector Academic and Research Institutions Non-profit Organizations By Technology AI and Machine Learning Integration Computer Vision Navigation and Control Systems Communication Systems By Functionality Robotic Arms Rovers Drones Satellite Robotic Systems Space Robotics Market, By Geography North America U.S Canada Mexico Europe Germany United Kingdom France Italy Spain Netherlands Rest of Europe Asia Pacific China Japan India South Korea Australia Indonesia Rest of Asia Pacific Latin America Brazil Argentina Chile Colombia Middle East & Africa (MEA) United Arab Emirates (UAE) Saudi Arabia South Africa Egypt Israel Browse Related Reports: Global Aerospace Prepreg Market Size By Fiber Type (Carbon Fiber, Glass Fiber), By Resin Type (Epoxy Resins, Polyester Resins), By Application (Aerospace Structures, Interior Components), By Manufacturing Process (Prepreg Layup Process, Autoclave Process), By End-Use Industry (Commercial Aviation, Military Aviation), By Geographic Scope And Forecast Global Space Sensors and Actuators Market Size By Type (Mechanical Actuators, Electrical Actuators, Optical Sensors, Magnetic Sensors, Inertial Sensors), By Application (Satellite Systems, Space Exploration), By Technology (Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS), Fiber Optics), By Component (Governmental Organizations, Aerospace and Defense Contractors), By Functionality (Sensors, Actuators), By Geographic Scope And Forecast Global High-Performance Composites Market Size By Type of Composite Material (Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP), Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP)), By Application Sector (Aerospace, A automotive), By Manufacturing Process (Hand Lay-Up, Filament Winding), By Reinforcement Type (Continuous Fiber, Chopped Fiber), By End-User Industry (Aerospace & Defense, Automotive), By Geographic Scope And Forecast Global Aerospace Adhesives Market Size By Type of Adhesive (Epoxy Adhesives, Structural Adhesives), By Application (Interior Applications, Exterior Applications), By End-User Industry (Commercial Aerospace, Military Aerospace), By Formulation (Polymer-Based Adhesives, Solvent-Based Adhesives), By Cure Time (Fast-Curing Adhesives, Medium-Curing Adhesives), By Geographic Scope And Forecast Global Aerospace PCB Market Size By Type of PCB (Rigid PCBs, Flexible PCBs), By Application (Commercial Aviation, Military Aviation), By Material Type (FR-4, Metal Core), By Manufacturing Process (Subtractive Method, Additive Method), By Component Integration (Through-Hole Technology (THT), Surface Mount Technology (SMT)), By Geographic Scope And Forecast About Us Verified Market Reports stands at the forefront as a global leader in Research and Consulting, offering unparalleled analytical research solutions that empower organizations with the insights needed for critical business decisions. 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Contact Us Mr. Edwyne Fernandes Verified Market Reports US: +1 (650)-781-4080 US Toll Free: +1 (800)-782-1768 Email: [email protected] Web: https://www.verifiedmarketreports.com/ Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2486715/5468917/VM_Reports.jpg SOURCE Verified Market Reports PUNE, India, Feb. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Global Supply Chain Management Market size was valued at USD 37.91 Billion in 2025 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 10.4% from 2025 to 2032, reaching nearly USD 75.79 Billion by 2032. Supply Chain Management Market is experiencing strong growth, driven by rapid adoption of cloud-based SCM solutions, AI-powered analytics, and digital supply chain technologies. Increasing demand for real-time visibility, operational efficiency, and predictive inventory management is fueling widespread enterprise adoption worldwide. Supply Chain Management Market- Global Industry Analysis Trends and Forecast 2025-2032 "Discover how cloud and AI are revolutionizing Supply Chain Management globally, reveals Maximize Market Research's latest strategic market insights!" Key Market Trends & Insights from the Supply Chain Management Market Report Based on deployment type, the cloud segment dominated the market in 2025, capturing the largest share due to rapid adoption of cloud-based supply chain management solutions. Cloud SCM enables organizations to enhance real-time supply chain visibility, optimize logistics, streamline inventory management, and improve collaboration across suppliers, distributors, and retailers. Adoption among SMEs is also increasing, fueled by cost-efficiency and ease of integration with existing enterprise systems. Get Full PDF Free Sample Copy of Report: (Including Full TOC, List of Tables & Figures, Chart) @ https://www.maximizemarketresearch.com/request-sample/93915/ AI and Machine Learning in Supply Chain Management: AI-powered supply chain analytics are revolutionizing operations by enabling predictive demand forecasting, intelligent inventory optimization, and proactive risk mitigation. Enterprises leveraging AI-driven SCM solutions are achieving improved operational efficiency, reduced downtime, and cost savings across production, transportation, and warehousing. Enterprise Size Insights: Large enterprises accounted for a significant portion of SCM adoption in 2025, owing to complex supply chains and higher demand for digital transformation. However, SMEs are rapidly adopting cloud-based SCM solutions due to increasing government initiatives, digital campaigns, and affordable access to supply chain analytics tools. Vertical Insights: The FMCG sector is a key driver for SCM growth, as real-time supply chain visibility and inventory management systems are critical for ensuring timely deliveries, reducing spoilage, and complying with stringent safety regulations. Similarly, manufacturing, retail, and healthcare industries are investing in digital supply chain technologies to enhance operational agility, streamline logistics, and minimize costs. Regional Insights: North America held the largest market share in 2025, driven by high investment in logistics automation, advanced transportation networks, and adoption of AI-powered SCM platforms. The United States is expected to dominate the region, propelled by urbanization, traffic congestion challenges, and digital transformation in transportation and logistics sectors. Get Insightful Data on Regions, Market Segments, Customer Landscape, and Top Companies (Charts, Tables, Figures and More) - https://www.maximizemarketresearch.com/request-sample/93915/ Technological Innovation and Future Trends: Emerging technologies like IoT, blockchain, and advanced analytics are reshaping the supply chain landscape. These technologies improve transparency, traceability, and predictive capabilities, enabling enterprises to respond faster to disruptions, optimize distribution networks, and enhance overall supply chain resilience. Market Leadership: Key players in the global Supply Chain Management Market include SAP, Oracle, IBM, Manhattan Associates, Blue Yonder, and Infor, whose strategic investments in cloud platforms, AI, and predictive analytics are driving innovation and competitive advantage in the industry. Unlocking the Power of Cloud-Based SCM and AI Analytics: Top Market Segments Driving Global Supply Chain Growth Supply Chain Management Market is strategically segmented by component, deployment type, enterprise size, and verticals, with software, cloud solutions, large enterprises, and FMCG leading adoption. Driven by AI-powered supply chain analytics, digital supply chain technologies, and real-time inventory management systems, these segments are redefining operational efficiency. Explore how cloud-based SCM platforms and innovative technologies are transforming global supply chains, unlocking growth opportunities, and reshaping the future of logistics. By Component Hardware Software Services By Organization Size Type On-premises Cloud By Enterprise size SMEs Large enterprises By Verticals FMCG Retail and eCommerce Healthcare Manufacturing Automotive Transportation and Logistics Others Immediate Delivery Available | Buy this Research Report (Insights, Charts, Tables, Figures and More) - https://www.maximizemarketresearch.com/checkout/93915/ Scope of the Report: Supply Chain Management Market Supply Chain Management Solutions Inventory & Warehouse Management Inventory Optimization Systems WMS (Warehouse Management Systems) RFID & Barcode Tracking Solutions Transportation & Logistics Management TMS (Transportation Management Systems) Fleet Management Software Route Optimization & RealTime Tracking Demand Planning & Forecasting Statistical Forecasting Tools Predictive Analytics & Machine Learning Models Collaborative Planning Platforms Order Management OMS (Order Management Systems) Customer Order Fulfillment Platforms Integration with eCommerce & POS Supplier & Procurement Management Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) Procurement Automation Tools Contract & Spend Management Systems Key Technologies Artificial Intelligence & Analytics AIPowered Forecasting Prescriptive Analytics Cognitive Automation Internet of Things (IoT) Connected Sensors & Smart Trackers Telematics for Transportation Asset Monitoring Devices Blockchain Distributed Ledger for Traceability Smart Contracts for Procurement & Compliance Robotic Process Automation (RPA) Order Processing Automation Invoice Reconciliation Bots Compliance & Reporting Automation Cloud & Edge Computing Cloud SCM Platforms (SaaS) Hybrid Cloud/Edge Deployment for RealTime Data APIs for CrossPlatform Integration Supply Chain Management Leaders Make Bold Moves: SAP, Oracle, Blue Yonder, and Infor Drive AI-Powered, Cloud-Based Innovations in 20242025 In October 2025, SAP SE unveiled SAP Supply Chain Orchestration, a groundbreaking AIcentric solution for realtime disruption detection and risk impact analysis across planning, logistics, and procurement, boosting resilience and visibility in global supply chains. In June 2025, Oracle was named a Leader in five Gartner Magic Quadrant reports for its unified Oracle Fusion Cloud SCM, underscoring its AIdriven platform's endtoend visibility and adaptability for modern supply chain operations. In August 2025, JDA Software Group, Inc. (Blue Yonder) expanded capabilities by acquiring Optoro to enhance reverse logistics and returns management, signaling a major strategic push into sustainable, AIfuelled supply chain optimization. In 20242025, Infor released nextgeneration demand forecasting and advanced planning tools with ML and GenAI, dramatically improving cloudbased inventory accuracy and supplier collaboration across SCM environments. North America Leads, Europe Follows: How Cloud-Based SCM and AI Analytics Are Shaping Global Supply Chain Dominance North America dominates the global Supply Chain Management Market, driven by rapid adoption of cloud-based SCM solutions, AI-powered supply chain analytics, and advanced digital supply chain technologies. Robust logistics infrastructure, complex enterprise operations, and a strong focus on real-time supply chain visibility and operational resilience are transforming the region into a benchmark for innovation, efficiency, and strategic growth worldwide. Europe ranks as the second largest region in the Supply Chain Management Market, driven by widespread adoption of cloud-based SCM solutions, AI-powered supply chain analytics, and advanced digital supply chain technologies. Strong manufacturing, FMCG, and retail sectors, coupled with strict regulatory focus on traceability and sustainability, are propelling innovation and operational excellence across European supply chains. Explore the Full Market Report - https://www.maximizemarketresearch.com/market-report/global-supply-chain-management-market/93915/ Supply Chain Management Market, Key Players: 1. SAP SE 2. Oracle Corporation 3. JDA Software Group, Inc. 4. Infor 5. Manhattan Associates 6. Epicor Software Corporation 7. The Descartes Systems Group Inc. 8. HighJump 9. Kinaxis Inc. 10. IBM Corporation 11. Top of Form 12. E2open, LLC 13. Descartes Systems Group 14. WiseTech Global 15. Jaggaer 16. Kewill Systems 17. DassaultSystemes 18. Vanguard Software 19. Amadeus 20. Coupa Software 21. Blue yonder 22. Verizon connect 23. BluJay Solutions 24. SPS Commerce Inc. 25. Zaragoza Logistics Center (ZLC) 26. Melcombe Partners 27. Ikanuki 28. ThoughtWire 29. Via and Voxme Software Inc. 30. Vendorful 31. Smart Software 32. Procure Xperts FAQs: 1. What is the projected growth of the global Supply Chain Management Market by 2032? Ans: Global Supply Chain Management Market is projected to grow from US$ 37.91 Billion in 2025 to nearly US$ 75.79 Billion by 2032, at a CAGR of 10.4%, driven by rapid adoption of cloud-based SCM solutions, AI-powered supply chain analytics, and digital supply chain technologies across enterprises worldwide. 2. Which market segments dominate the Supply Chain Management Market? Ans: Supply Chain Management Market is dominated by the software component, cloud deployment type, large enterprises, and the FMCG vertical, driven by real-time inventory management, predictive analytics, and digital supply chain platforms optimizing operational efficiency and logistics performance. 3. Which regions are key drivers of the global Supply Chain Management Market? Ans: North America leads, propelled by high investment in AI-powered SCM platforms, advanced logistics infrastructure, and digital transformation initiatives. Europe ranks second, driven by robust manufacturing, FMCG, and retail sectors, alongside regulatory focus on traceability, sustainability, and operational excellence in supply chains. Analyst Perspective: Supply Chain Management sector is witnessing rapid transformation as enterprises adopt cloud-based SCM solutions, AI-powered analytics, and digital supply chain technologies. Growth potential is driven by enhanced operational efficiency, real-time visibility, and automation across logistics and inventory management. Key players like SAP, Oracle, Blue Yonder, and Infor are investing in innovations, mergers, and platform upgrades. Regional adoption in North America and Europe is setting strategic benchmarks, while emerging technologies promise further disruption and competitive advantage. Related Reports: Supply Chain Security Market - https://www.maximizemarketresearch.com/market-report/supply-chain-security-market/116161/ Global Transportation Management System (TMS) Market - https://www.maximizemarketresearch.com/market-report/global-transportation-management-system-tms-market/96382/ Global Next-Generation Supply Chain Market - https://www.maximizemarketresearch.com/market-report/global-next-generation-supply-chain-market/94604/ Global Supply Chain Big Data Analytics Market - https://www.maximizemarketresearch.com/market-report/global-supply-chain-big-data-analytics-market/93995/ Global Airport Supply Chain Management Market - https://www.maximizemarketresearch.com/market-report/global-airport-supply-chain-management-market/94194/ Domain Focus Information Technology & Telecommunication for Supply Chain Management Market: Our expertise in the Supply Chain Management sector enables clients to identify emerging trends, evaluate technology adoption, and assess competitive dynamics. Maximize Market Research supports organizations in making informed decisions on digital supply chain technologies, predictive analytics, and SCM platform upgrades, establishing a strong market presence and sustainable operational excellence worldwide. About Maximize Market Research - Maximize Market Research is a leading market research and business consulting firm, providing in-depth insights into the Supply Chain Management Market. With a strong focus on Information Technology & Telecommunication, our research empowers global enterprises to optimize operations, enhance logistics, and leverage AI-powered, cloud-based SCM solutions for strategic growth. Contact: Lumawant Godage MAXIMIZE MARKET RESEARCH PVT. LTD. +91 96073 65656 Email: [email protected] Visit Our Web Site: https://www.maximizemarketresearch.com/ LinkedIn.com: https://www.linkedin.com/company/maxmize-market-research-pvt-ltd/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maximizemarketresearch/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maximizemarketresearch/ X (Twitter): https://x.com/MMRAnalytics Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2877905/Supply_Chain_Management.jpg Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2457992/Maximize_Market_Research_Logo.jpg SOURCE Maximize Market Research Pvt. Ltd. Former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has said it is not clear to him what former US Senator George Mitchell is being accused of in relation to his appearance in the Epstein files. Mitchell has said on multiple occasions that he had no contact with Jeffrey Epstein following his conviction in 2008 for procuring a child for prostitution and of soliciting a prostitute. However, the latest tranche of Epstein files released last Friday includes emails which appear to indicate that attempts were made by the disgraced financier to organise meetings with Mitchell in 2010 and 2013. There is no confirmation within the documents as to whether a meeting took place. The names of senders and recipients are redacted, so there is also no clarity as to who was communicating with whom. Speaking today on Newstalk Breakfast, Ahern said he has known 92-year-old Mitchell for the best part of thirty years, having worked alongside him during the Peace process. Advertisement I looked at this as closely as I could the other day, because obviously I know George Mitchell very well. I don't see what he has done. There is a few emails which are unclear whether they were coming from him or they were coming from Epstein. So, that's not clear. Listen I havent been across five million documents, so I don't know what's in it. But all that I can say is that it looks as if Epstein met half the world, and he was trying to interact with half the world. If George Mitchell had a few emails back and forward and God knows what they were about, but on the other side of it, there seemed to have been over a thousand emails between Putin and Epstein. And you would be worried about what all of those were as well. The former Fianna Fail leader said that it was his understanding that Mitchell didnt have any contact with Epstein post his conviction in 2008. I don't see what George Mitchell is being accused of. It is not clear to me what he is being accused of. As I understand it, George Mitchell's position is that he didn't have any contact after that date [when Epstein was convicted]. That's what's an issue now; whether those last emails that were redacted were from George Mitchell or were they from Epstein - and that's not clear. So, I can't assume that George Mitchell had contact with him after 2008. I just dont know If he did, he shouldn't have - but it's not clear. Advertisement Meanwhile, Queens University Belfast has cut ties with Senator Mitchell, arising out of his links to Jeffrey Epstein. A bust of Mitchell has been removed from the campus, whilst his name has been taken off the Institute of Global Peace, Security and Justice. The US-Ireland Alliance has removed the name of the American diplomat from their scholarship programme due to his links with the convicted child sex abuser. Calls have also been made within Belfast City Council to remove the freedom of the city from Mitchell. The Alliance Party, the Green Party and People Before Profit have said the freedom of Belfast should be revoked. Mitchell had received the honour in 2018 for his vital role in the Northern Ireland Peace Process. Cork City Council has declined to comment on whether the Freedom of the City will be removed from former Mitchell over his links the last sex offender, Jeffrey Epstein. In 1998 Cork City Council opted to give Mitchell the Freedom of the City in recognition of what was then described as his exceptional commitment to the cause of lasting peace, justice and harmony in Northern Ireland. In a statement, Cork City Council said that it notes the decision of Queens University Belfast over the weekend. The Freedom of Cork was conferred upon former Senator George Mitchell in 1998, at the request of the then Lord Mayor, to recognise his role in the Northern Ireland peace process. This once-off award was conferred upon him several years before there was public knowledge about the first allegations against Jeffrey Epstein. The City Council has no further comment on the matter at the moment. The High Court has ruled that the case of a convicted sex offender wanted in Northern Ireland for an historic driving offence after he was released from prison on license is an exceptional one, as it rejected the State's application for leave to appeal the refusal of the mans extradition. Justice Patrick McGrath said that it would be disproportionate to order the surrender of Paul Lomas (41) to Northern Ireland, bearing in mind that the matters for which he is sought date back some 15 years. Justice McGrath delivered his ruling on Thursday, after the Minister for Justice applied for leave to appeal the judges earlier decision not to surrender Lomas, with an address in Donegal, to the Northern Irish authorities as the respondent had turned his life around since his offending. Advertisement The surrender of the respondent was sought in respect of six offences: five conviction matters and one accusation matter. The accusation matter related to one charge of driving whilst disqualified in January 2011. The other matters related to his conviction in the Crown Court in Northern Ireland in June 2010 for three offences of assaulting a police officer and two offences of the breach of a Risk of an Interim Sexual Harm Order (RSHO). He received a total sentence of six months' imprisonment, followed by 18 months on licence. A RSHO can be imposed in respect of a person over 18 who resides or intends to reside in Northern Ireland and who has engaged in sexual activity involving a child or in the presence of a child. This order was imposed on Lomas after being charged with and subsequently convicted of the unlawful carnal knowledge of a girl under the age of 17 in August 2008. He pleaded guilty to this offence and was sentenced at Derry Crown Court to 12 months in prison and placed on the Northern Ireland sex offenders register for a period of 10 years. Having served the custodial sentence of six months for the five conviction matters, Lomas lived between County Donegal and County Tyrone. Sometime in 2011, he was arrested in the State and detained in Castlerea Prison serving sentences for offences committed here until early 2012. The High Court noted he was in custody in Castlerea when his licence was revoked in Northern Ireland on May 6th, 2011. Following his release from Castlerea Prison in 2012, he informed the gardai that he had been made subject to the Northern Ireland sex offenders register in 2009. Advertisement He thereafter attended Letterkenny Garda Station for the purpose of signing on in compliance with his obligation under the register and this continued until 2019, when these obligations ceased. Lomas argued that in circumstances where his obligations under the Northern Irish register were being managed by gardai in Ireland, the Northern Ireland authorities must have been aware of his presence in Donegal. Lomas contended that there was an unexplained delay of 13 years in issuing the warrant for his surrender. He said that in that time, he had formed private and family life connections to the State and was unaware that his licence had been revoked. He submitted that, insofar as the two offences under the Northern Ireland Sexual Offences Act 2003 are concerned, Part 3 of the Sex Offenders Act 2001 is the closest that Irish law gets to provide for anything akin to the interim RSHO. He argued, however, that these cannot be deemed sufficiently similar. For an extradition warrant to be enforceable in Ireland, the alleged offence must correspond with a criminal offence under Irish law. He further claimed that there was a lack of clarity as to the sentence he would face if surrendered. In his judgment last December, Justice McGrath noted that the licence revocation arises from the allegation of Driving whilst Disqualified, which he said was a "relatively minor" offence. Bearing in mind the nature of the offences and sentence for which his surrender is now sought and the passage of time, this is a case where I conclude it would, given the development of those family circumstances in the intervening time, be disproportionate to order his surrender, the judge wrote. Advertisement The State subsequently applied for leave to appeal this decision. In delivering his ruling on this application on Thursday, Justice McGrath restated his opinion that this was one of the exceptional cases where it would be disproportionate to order the respondents surrender, bearing in mind the age of the case and the type of sentence he is facing. He said that the respondent had long ago served a custodial sentence for offences that were of a somewhat serious nature, so the case had reached the high threshold where his surrender could be refused. Justice McGrath therefore refused the Ministers application for leave to appeal. Allegations around a conflict of interest for the chairman of Bord Bia are false and driven by social media, Larry Murrin said amid calls for his resignation. Murrin has rejected repeated demands to step down from his role at the state agency, which is charged with promoting and enforcing standards on food, including beef. The dispute arose out of revelations that Murrins company Dawn Farm Foods had sourced less than 1% of its beef from Brazil last year for contingency planning in a contract. On Thursday, he said his company was a major customer of Irish beef producers but said security of supply agreements with major international customers require provisions for food crises, disease outbreaks, and supply issues. Murrin told the Agriculture Committee that somewhere in the southern hemisphere would always be on the contingency list for his companys customers. Advertisement He said: Im not a champion for Brazil and I want to make that perfectly clear today, but Brazil is the largest exporter of beef in the world today and our global customers look at commodity markets globally, and I have to be able to demonstrate as part of our supply-chain security arrangements that this country can access those raw materials if it needs to. He insisted his quality assurance team have stringent requirements and work with the most reputable companies in Brazil when they need to. Murrin said it is completely incorrect to suggest that Dawn Farms promotes products containing non-Irish beef under the Bord Bia quality mark, adding: Those claims are false and have caused damage. Members of the Irish Farmers Association protest outside the offices of Bord Bia in Dublin (Niall Carson/PA) The Irish Farmers Association (IFA) and the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association (ICMSA) have called for his resignation over claims of a conflict of interest as they say Bord Bia places standards on Irish beef that they do not believe are met by Brazilian farms. However, Bord Bias chief executive, Jim OToole, said it was in the best interests of Irish farmers for Murrin to remain as chairman, and Agriculture Minister Martin Heydon has also expressed confidence in Murrin. He said his position on the board had been presented to him as an ultimatum by the farming organisations, adding: I dont do ultimatums unless they come from my wife. Heydon has said that Murrin had been willing to give a detailed and confidential briefing about the arrangement to the farmers groups. Advertisement The issue is particularly sensitive as the European Commission seeks to progress the Mercosur trade deal with Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay with Irish farmers concerned their beef exports to Europe would be at risk because of cheaper Brazilian beef entering the market. Members of the Irish Farmers Association protest outside the offices of Bord Bia in Dublin (Niall Carson/PA) At the Oireachtas Agriculture Committee on Thursday, Murrin said his role as chairman of Bord Bia was a non-executive position and he did not manage day-to-day operations or quality assurance programmes. He said there had been a misrepresentation of conflict of interests in his duties. Murrin said he has never been conflicted in leading the board and ensuring its effectiveness. I have spent my entire working life advocating on behalf of Irish food, drink and agriculture in global markets in the best interests of Ireland, he said. I have spent every week since assuming the chair of Bord Bia doing likewise that will not change. Outside of the less than 1 per cent supply from Brazil, Murrin said Dawn Farm Foods sources well over 50% of its beef from Ireland and the remainder from the UK and the EU. He also told the committee that the company sources some poultry from Brazil but no pig meat. He said 7 to 10 per cent of the white poultry meat imports into Ireland. The dispute has seen the IFA stage a days-long protest outside Bord Bias headquarters in Dublin, with some demonstrators even occupying the lobby of the building for a time. A protest also took place outside the Oireachtas last week, with several tractors parking along the roadside outside a main entrance to Leinster House. Advertisement Murrin said he had enormous respect for farmers but added: I do not support the behaviour of IFA members occupying Bord Bia reception in recent days. Elsewhere on Thursday, Justice Minister Jim OCallaghan said he was surprised by the stance taken by the IFA. He told Newstalks The Claire Byrne Show that the Government should not be intimidated by interest groups into changing a decision, adding that he believed the IFA was being led a bit by those on the more militant side of the Irish farming lobbying groups. He called for mature people to recognise that you cant have a situation where people are forced out of public jobs through pressure. Catherine Connolly has said she is deeply grateful to the people of Derry for showing the path from conflict to peace. She also said that justice is still awaited by the families of victims of Bloody Sunday. The President saw out day two of her three-day official visit to Northern Ireland with a number of engagements in Co Derry. Connolly was greeted on arrival to the Guildhall by the Lord Lieutenant for the County Borough of Derry Ian Crowe and Derry City Mayor Ruairi McHugh. She also stopped to have a brief conversation in Irish with someone who had waited to see the President. In her address, Connolly said she had visited Derry many times in the past and always left with a feeling of wanting to return. The President praised the citys contributions to the peace process, saying Derry has shown us the path from conflict to peace after she had viewed the Nobel Peace Prize shared by John Hume and David Trimble. She added: The other thing that jumps out, of course, as someone whos been quite critical of the government, let me praise the Irish government in terms of the reconciliation fund, because all of these projects have been funded by the reconciliation fund, and theyre full of hope and vision and the champion of diversity and building a brighter future. Connolly said she was conscious that her visit to the city came as last Friday marked the 54th anniversary of Bloody Sunday. Advertisement On Bloody Sunday, 13 people were shot dead when members of the British Armys Parachute Regiment opened fire on civil rights demonstrators in the Bogside area of Derry on January 30th 1972, regarded as one of the darkest days of the Troubles. Im particularly conscious of recent judgments, and justice is still awaited, she said. She added: The suffered people, the weak, do not need to suffer. We have voices. We can speak up. And an injustice in Derry is the same as an injustice in Gaza, is the same as an injustice in the Sudan. Were all human beings at the end of the day. Im deeply grateful to you and Derry for showing us that way forward in a practical way, with vision, with humour and with wit you have shown us. And I will finish by saying, I think Derry is a dune thats hidden in front of our eyes, and for the rest of us outside of Derry to discover that. Connolly then visited the Museum of Free Derry where she viewed the exhibition on Bloody Sunday and met about 30 survivors and their families. Tony Doherty, chairman of the Bloody Sunday Trust, said it was very heartening to see that the President was very keen to meet us and to share with us her solidarity. Advertisement Dohertys father Patrick Doherty was one of the victims of Bloody Sunday, shot in the back at the age of 32 while attempting to assist others, leaving behind a wife and six children. Doherty said: Catherine Connolly is a very popular woman, not just for those who voted for, but for those who couldnt vote. And what we actually did say is that hopefully, in the not too distant future, that some of us will actually canvas for the future president of Ireland on our own streets. So we were very glad to have her with us. The visit went swimmingly well. Were very pleased to see her and she was very pleased to see us. Tony Doherty praised the President (Liam McBurney/PA) He added: Bloody Sunday has made its own imprint on the history of the city and in response, ourselves, as families, have made our own imprint in terms of addressing the injustice of what has happened on that day and for decades subsequently. So were very happy that shes referenced us and the way that she has its, I suppose, a sign of maturity as well that the Presidents office isnt reticent or afraid to address sort of core issues. Advertisement The Presidents three-day visit to Northern Ireland marks the first official visit of Connollys presidency and fulfils a commitment made in her inauguration address that her first one would be to Northern Ireland. On Wednesday, Connolly met First Minister Michelle ONeill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly at Stormont Castle, and gave an address at Ulster University. She also carried out a number of community engagements. Her visit will conclude with a further engagement in Derry on Friday. President Catherine Connolly is to continue her three-day official visit to Northern Ireland with a number of engagements in Co Derry. Ms Connolly will address a civic reception at the Guildhall, where she will be greeted by the Lord Lieutenant for the County Borough of Derry Ian Crowe and Derry City Mayor Ruairi McHugh. In the afternoon, the president will visit the Museum of Free Derry, where she will view the exhibition on Bloody Sunday. President of Ireland Catherine Connolly speaking during a visit to Ulster University Campus in Belfast (Brian Lawless/PA) Last Friday marked the 54th anniversary of Bloody Sunday. Ms Connolly will meet with some 50 family members of those who were killed and injured in 1972. Over the course of the day, the president will also visit a number of community initiatives across Derry. The presidents three-day visit to Northern Ireland marks the first official visit of President Connollys presidency and fulfils a commitment made in her inauguration address that her first official visit would be to Northern Ireland, where she would meet with people from all communities and celebrate the rich heritage and traditions of all who live there. On Wednesday, the president commenced her official visit with a number of engagements in Belfast, including a meeting with First Minister Michelle ONeill and Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly at Stormont Castle, an address at Ulster University, and a number of community engagements. The visit will conclude with a further engagement in Derry on Friday. Johnny Ronans property group has questioned the absence of residential units from the planned 100 million rejuvenation of St Stephens Green Shopping Centre in Dublin. In a submission concerning the planning application by DTDL Ltd, ceo of the Ronan Group, Rory Williams has told the council that the redevelopment of a highly accessible city-centre site without provision for residential use raises questions as to whether the proposal adequately supports compact growth objectives and the delivery of a living city. Mr Williams has told the Council that the inclusion of residential use in the scheme would provide a stable, long-term occupation of the city centre site and contribute to its social and economic resilience. As part of a five page submission by the Ronan Group, Mr Williams states that the employment-led scheme with all upper floors dedicated to office accommodation delivers functional intensity but does not meaningfully contribute to permanent population or residential presence in the city centre. Advertisement In total, the council has received 58 submissions, with the bulk of those opposed to the application. In December, owners of the centre, DTDL Ltd lodged revised plans for the redevelopment of the landmark shopping centre five months after An Coimiusin Pleanala refused planning permission for its 100 million revamp. The designers of the scheme state that the revised proposal will make an enduring contribution to the city's built environment, setting a new benchmark for brownfield regeneration in the heart of Dublin through its exemplar standard of urban design. The newly designed scheme through the BKD Architects/ODonnell + Tuomey collaboration will have capacity to accommodate 3,000 office workers while the retail floor area at basement, ground and first floor levels will be 19,001 sq.m. In a blow however to the revised rejuvenation scheme two of three parties, An Taisce and author and former Irish Times journalist, Frank McDonald, who successfully appealed to An Coimisuin Pleanala Dublin City Councils grant of permission in December 2023 to the original 100 million scheme, have outlined their opposition to the new plan in comprehensive submissions. In a hard hitting objection, Rhona Ni Fhogartaigh has told the council to please retain the existing St Stephens Green Centre and refuse planning permission for its destruction or any significant structural alteration "that would render it unrecognisable, ugly, derivative, uninspiring, boring, light-impacting and overbearingly dominant in a key area of town. Ms ni Fhogartaigh said that what is planned is against the wishes of Dublin people. Advertisement She says: This is our city. We love the area of St Stephens Green and Grafton Street. "We love the existing St Stephens Green Centre.Destroying a beautiful landmark building is not in our interests and not what we want, especially when the reason for doing so is solely to line the pockets of the developers with rental income from new offices proposed, while also reducing the existing amenity of the centre. The proposed redevelopment is shocking to the eye and mind. Member of Dublin City Council, Cllr Claire Byrne (Green Party) has told the council that the proposed replacement building is generic in nature, has already been refused and would further erode Dublin's architectural character and heritage. Cllr Byrne said that the city is increasingly becoming a homogenous streetscape of uniform modern developments. A decision is due on the application later this month. An amateur kickboxer who said he "lost all control" and stomped on his 62-year-old mother's skull after she threatened to kill him has been found not guilty of her murder but guilty of manslaughter by a Central Criminal Court jury on Thursday evening. The jury of seven men and five women took just three hours and 36 minutes to accept the defence of provocation put forward by Luke Donnelly (29), who told the panel of being "groomed" into a life of drugs and violence by his allegedly abusive mother. "In my whole life of being attacked and abused I had never defended myself, just waited for it to be over," Donnelly told the Central Criminal Court last week. The jurors had the option of returning two verdicts in relation to the murder charge against Donnelly, namely; guilty of murder or not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter by reason of self-defence or provocation. Advertisement Donnelly, of no fixed abode, had pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to the manslaughter of his mother Catherine Henry (62) at her apartment on Bridge Street in Dundalk, Co Louth on a date unknown between May 23rd and 24th 2023. The trial jury heard on the day the case opened that Donnelly accepted he caused multiple fractures to his mother's skull and that he left a blood-stained footprint on her back. During the trial, a pathologist testified that Ms Henry died from severe blunt force trauma to the head and suffered multiple fractures to her skull, including one which may have been caused by "a stomping or kicking type of impact". In seeking a verdict of manslaughter for his client, Conall MacCarthy SC, defending, had argued that the defendant and his mother had a "complex, sad and disturbing" relationship, and there was evidence of the deceased being prone to "sudden outbursts of violence". The trial heard that Donnelly had been behaving in "an erratic way" in the months before the killing, including by repeatedly asserting that he was 'Jesus Christ'. In his evidence, Donnelly, who agreed he had "loaded up" on a cocktail of drugs in the hours before the killing, recalled his mother coming into the bedroom of her apartment on May 23 2023 and asking for his key back. Donnelly said he told her he was the son of God and couldn't take the controlling abuse anymore. The defendant said his mother screamed in his face that she would kill him if he left. Advertisement The defendant said he closed his eyes and "waited for it to be over" as his mother lunged at him. "I didn't know whether it was punches or a weapon but I could feel my head and arms being hit". At that moment, Donnelly said he was in fear for his life, snapped and threw a punch, which connected with Ms Henry and spun her around. "I lost all control and proceeded to stomp, it all happened in a moment," he said, adding that he believed his mother was going to kill him. The 12 jurors on Thursday rejected the State's contention by a majority verdict that the defences of provocation and self defence were not open to Donnelly. It was the prosecution case that Donnelly had crushed his mother's skull "like he would a common insect" and that the 62-year-old grandmother had posed no more threat to her son than that. In his closing speech, Garret Baker SC, for the Director of Public Prosecutions, said Donnelly had stamped on Ms Henry's skull and also "upon her character at every available turn" in an attempt to "wriggle off the hook". Following the verdict, Mr Justice Paul McDermott thanked the jury for their time, the efforts they went to and the patience they had shown. The judge described the material the panel had to deal with as "very difficult". He exempted them from jury service for the next five years. The judge directed a probation report and remanded Donnelly in custody until May 11th for a sentence hearing. Advertisement On that date, the Henry family will have an opportunity to make a statement to the court about the impact Catherine's death has had on their lives. Evidence in trial Donnelly's sister, Kathleen Donnelly, told the jury that she was "absolutely terrified" of her mother growing up as she "physically, verbally and emotionally" abused her and her siblings on a daily basis. Ms Donnelly also told the trial that her brother Luke always went back to their mother, no matter how badly she treated him, and that he "absolutely idolised" her. In cross-examination, Ms Donnelly recalled her mother "diving" on top of Luke in a bar in Malta and repeatedly punching him. "I never stood up to her, I was terrified of her and everyone was terrified of her growing up," the witness said. The defendant's father Gerry Donnelly, who had once been married to the deceased, testified that Ms Henry had stabbed him in the arm with a steak knife during an argument around 1999 and that she had also pushed him down the stairs in a separate incident. Giving evidence in his own defence, Luke Donnelly told his trial that Ms Henry's mental health deteriorated when her second husband died and she became very angry, violent and depressed. He said Ms Henry would smash things, drink and take a lot of prescription tablets. Donnelly said when his mother began a relationship with a drug dealer, he was put "out on the street" at 14 years old as he wouldn't move to Portugal with "a drug trafficker". Advertisement The defendant said he later moved to Liverpool with his mother and her partner at 16 years old, when he said he was "groomed" into a lifestyle he didn't want. He said he had to sell drugs, extort money from people and was forced into being violent. He said his mother had run at him with a "massive butcher's knife" in 2020 and tried to stab him. "In my whole life of being attacked and abused I had never defended myself, just waited for it to be over," Donnelly told the court. Donnelly said he never held any anger or animosity towards his mother, no matter what she did or how many times she tried to kill him, spit on him or knock him unconscious. In cross-examination the prosecutor put it to Luke Donnelly that "a 62-year-old unarmed grandmother threatens you and you are in fear of your life?". "You have to understand it was the person who abused me mentally and physically since I was a child," Donnelly replied. The barrister asked the defendant whether Ms Henry was "some kind of lethal killing machine". The defendant replied that she was very good and capable of doing unimaginable things. Donnelly's former girlfriend Stacey Campbell, who had a child with the defendant, said Luke called to her home in Drogheda on the morning before his mother was found dead. She said that when Ms Henry, who was staying with her at the time, answered the door, Donnelly told her: Im Jesus Christ, just let me in. Campbell said she immediately contacted gardai as she was concerned Luke's mental health was deteriorating and wanted him to be lifted so he could receive help. Asked by the prosecution about Donnellys behaviour at the time, Campbell said he wasnt in a right state of mind for a long, long time. He was just not the same person. It was like he was losing his mind as the weeks went on, said Ms Campbell. He was saying he was Jesus. Ms Campbell said Ms Henry had cancer and Donnelly said he had cured her. In cross-examination, Ms Campbell told the defence that Donnelly would do anything for his mother. CCTV footage showed that Donnelly left the house, got a bus to Dundalk and he made his way to his mother's apartment on Bridge Street, where he had been occasionally living. The jury heard that Ms Henry returned to her apartment an hour later around 9.45am on May 23 but was "never seen alive again". Closing speeches In his closing speech Garret Baker SC, for the Director of Public Prosecutions, said Donnelly had tried to "float like a butterfly" by telling a jury that he "snapped" and was in fear for his life when he killed Ms Henry. The prosecutor suggested to the jury that "on a sensible evaluation of the evidence" their verdict ought "to sting like a bee". Counsel also pointed out that the deceased was a 62-year-old grandmother, a cancer survivor, a heavy smoker and had traces of a sleeping tablet in her system. "Let's call a spade a spade: she never had a chance," argued Baker. However, the jury agreed with the defence contention that Donnelly's relationship with his mother "was a tale of two existences". "The relationship on one level was a good one and loving. On another level, it was a complex relationship; sad and disturbing in many respects," said Conall MacCarthy SC. The defence lawyer reminded the jurors in his closing address of a previous account from his client, where Ms Henry had used a butcher's knife on him in 2020. "He tried to force it out of her wrist. When you fall to consider the events of May 23rd, that is the context in which all this came to pass". He said Donnelly had a "sudden and total loss of self-control" when his mother took a step forward and screamed in his face that he was "the son of the devil". Counsel submitted this was "the gravest of things to say" in the context of how the accused had been representing himself to be Jesus Christ. The defence lawyer submitted that what had happened to the defendant, his father and his siblings over the years was "all running through his head" in that moment and that Donnelly had reacted to protect himself from this. Louth has been added to the list of counties under orange rainfall warnings, with other advisories expanded elsewhere in the country. Weather warnings have been issued for 13 counties, with the worst impacts projected for areas that were already severely affected by flooding in recent days. Affected counties are likely to experience more flooding during spells of further heavy rain on Thursday and Friday. Met Eireann said spells of very heavy rain will be falling on already saturated ground. Updates: Status Orange Rainfall warning issued for Dublin, Valid 12:00 today until 12:00 06/02 A Status Yellow Rainfall warning issued prior to Orange for Wicklow & Dublin, 09:00-12:00 today Timing updates issued to other warnings. Visit: https://t.co/w5QtJ1V6un pic.twitter.com/QZAzzLsw87 Met Eireann (@MetEireann) February 5, 2026 This, combined with high river levels and high tides, is likely to lead to localised flooding and river flooding as well as difficult travel conditions. Weather warnings: Status Orange - Rain warning for Dublin, Wicklow from 12pm Thursday to 3pm Friday. Status Orange - Rain warning for Waterford from 9am Thursday to 9am Friday Status Orange - Rain warning for Louth from 12pm Thursday to 6pm Friday Status Yellow - Rain warning for Carlow, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Wexford, Tipperary from 9am Thursday to 9am Friday Status Yellow - Rain warning for Cavan, Monaghan, Meath from 12am Thursday to 6pm Friday Yellow - Rain Warning for Antrim, Armagh, Down, Tyrone, Derry from 12pm Thursday to midnight on Friday The National Emergency Co-ordination Group has warned of another challenging phase. In advance of the latest spell of heavy rain, local authority teams have been deploying sandbags, clearing drains and carrying out other flood prevention works. Advertisement In Enniscorthy Fianna Fail councillor Aidan Browne said: One of the interim measures for flood relief is currently being installed at the Island Road. This is a wall of one tonne of sand bags which is placed at back of the vulnerable houses to create a line of defence against flood waters (from the river Slaney). Wicklow County Council are highlighting that sandbags are available for collection across all Municipal Districts. Stocks will be replenished throughout the day. Collection Points are Arklow Depot, Aughrim Depot, Avoca Depot, Blessington Council Depot, Chapel Lane Baltinglass, Donard Council Depot, Dunlavin Council Depot, Tinahely Council Depot, Kilmacanagoue Carpark, Bray MD Depot and Bog Meadow, Enniskerry. Due to high tides and high easterly winds, the public is being advised by Wicklow County Council to stay away from the following areas Bray promenade which is flooded, Bray harbour, Martello car park and Bray south Promenade car park The Government has offered financial support for homes and businesses affected by recent flooding. Following recent rainfall, many rivers are at or above bank-full levels. Meanwhile, strong onshore winds and storm surge will increase the risk of wave overtopping and coastal flooding. Dublin City Council has said it is monitoring river levels and coastal conditions closely, to ensure appropriate responses as required. Carparks along Sandymount and Clontarf coast have been closed to protect against possible wave overtopping, while the Council has also closed the Clontarf cycle lane as a precautionary measure. Eden Quay Boardwalk (floodgates) also remains closed, as do the floodgates along the River Dodder. In Co Wexford, burst water mains in Kilmore are affecting the village, nearby Bridgetown, Tomhaggart and surrounding areas. Works are (expected) to be completed this evening. Pressure should return soon after, said local Aontu councillor Jim Codd. Advertisement Waterford Sinn Fein TD David Cullinane said that financial resources made available for Waterford shows the town and county lags way behind Cork, Limerick, Galway, Kilkenny and many more counties over the last five years. Likewise in funding for harbours and piers, where Waterford received the lowest allocation, added Cullinane. He highlighted that Waterford ranks 22nd out of 24 counties for Office of Public Works (OPW) major flood relief funding. Over six years, Waterford received just 240,000, the Sinn Fein TD claims. Cork received 115 million. Limerick 37 million, Galway 13 million, Kilkenny 4 million, 17 times more than Waterford. This neglect is unacceptable. Waterford deserves fair funding and real flood protection. A very, very wet day Met Eireann has warned that very heavy rain falling on already saturated ground, combined with high river levels and high tides will lead to localised flooding, river flooding, and difficult travel conditions. The National Emergency Co-ordination Group met on Wednesday and warned of another challenging phase. Local authority teams have been deploying sandbags, clearing drains and carrying out other flood prevention works. The Government has offered financial support for homes and businesses affected by recent flooding. Following recent rainfall, many rivers are at or above bank-full levels. Meanwhile, strong onshore winds and storm surge will increase the risk of wave overtopping and coastal flooding. Senior forecaster with Met Eireann, Gerry Murphy, has warned it is going to be a very, very wet day with rain continuing to fall until mid-afternoon on Friday. This is going to be a lot of consistent, persistent rain," he added, but the rain will arrive more slowly than anticipated. Speaking on both Newstalk Breakfast and RTE radios Morning Ireland, Murphy also cautioned that the rain, particularly in the Dublin mountains, is going to have a knock-on effect at lower levels in areas such as Shankill and Rathfarnham and other parts of South County Dublin. This weather regime is going to continue, today, tomorrow, over the weekend, with a further band next week, he added. Advertisement "Once this rain does get started this morning, it's actually going to continue right the way through the rest of the day, overnight and through tomorrow morning as well. So there's going to be rain where basically it's just going to continue raining from once it starts mid-morning and then basically it's just rain, rain until maybe mid-afternoon tomorrow," Murphy said. As has been well documented at this stage, the river levels are very high, the tides are high, the ground is saturated, so moderate amounts of rainfall can and probably will cause flooding in some places, but this is actually going to be a very wet day." Rainfall in the Wicklow Mountains will have the effect of activating some very responsive rivers and streams in the mountains, which then will have a knock-on effect as it flows down to lower levels," according to Murphy. "But it does look like those heavier, those more significant high rainfall totals will also encroach into the Dublin mountains and parts of South Dublin. Rainfall for January and the start of February has been well above average for the south and east of the country, "so it doesn't take much to tip into a flooding scenario". Additional reporting: PA Events featuring craft of Horinger paper-cutting held to mark "Lichun" in Inner Mongolia Xinhua) 08:40, February 05, 2026 Two children watch a craftsman making a piece of Horinger paper-cutting work at an exhibition hall of the Horinger Tuchengzi Archaeological Site Park in Horinger County, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Feb. 4, 2026. Events featuring the traditional craft of Horinger paper-cutting, a national intangible cultural heritage, were held in Horinger County on Wednesday to mark "Lichun," or the Beginning of Spring, the first of the 24 solar terms on the Chinese lunar calendar, and to welcome the upcoming Spring Festival. (Xinhua/Bei He) Students learn Horinger paper-cutting skills at an exhibition hall of the Horinger Tuchengzi Archaeological Site Park in Horinger County, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Feb. 4, 2026. Events featuring the traditional craft of Horinger paper-cutting, a national intangible cultural heritage, were held in Horinger County on Wednesday to mark "Lichun," or the Beginning of Spring, the first of the 24 solar terms on the Chinese lunar calendar, and to welcome the upcoming Spring Festival. (Xinhua/Bei He) Duan Jianjun (front, 2nd R), a national representative inheritor of Horinger paper-cutting, displays paper-cutting skills for students at an exhibition hall of the Horinger Tuchengzi Archaeological Site Park in Horinger County, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Feb. 4, 2026. Events featuring the traditional craft of Horinger paper-cutting, a national intangible cultural heritage, were held in Horinger County on Wednesday to mark "Lichun," or the Beginning of Spring, the first of the 24 solar terms on the Chinese lunar calendar, and to welcome the upcoming Spring Festival. (Xinhua/Bei He) Duan Jianjun (front R), a national representative inheritor of Horinger paper-cutting, pastes paper-cutting works on a window with villagers in Taigedou Village of Horinger County, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Feb. 4, 2026. Events featuring the traditional craft of Horinger paper-cutting, a national intangible cultural heritage, were held in Horinger County on Wednesday to mark "Lichun," or the Beginning of Spring, the first of the 24 solar terms on the Chinese lunar calendar, and to welcome the upcoming Spring Festival. (Xinhua/Bei He) Niu Chunxia (2nd L), a representative inheritor of Horinger paper-cutting, displays paper-cutting skills for students at an exhibition hall of the Horinger Tuchengzi Archaeological Site Park in Horinger County, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Feb. 4, 2026. Events featuring the traditional craft of Horinger paper-cutting, a national intangible cultural heritage, were held in Horinger County on Wednesday to mark "Lichun," or the Beginning of Spring, the first of the 24 solar terms on the Chinese lunar calendar, and to welcome the upcoming Spring Festival. (Xinhua/Bei He) Two children paste paper-cutting works on a window in Taigedou Village of Horinger County, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Feb. 4, 2026. Events featuring the traditional craft of Horinger paper-cutting, a national intangible cultural heritage, were held in Horinger County on Wednesday to mark "Lichun," or the Beginning of Spring, the first of the 24 solar terms on the Chinese lunar calendar, and to welcome the upcoming Spring Festival. (Xinhua/Bei He) Duan Jianjun, a national representative inheritor of Horinger paper-cutting, introduces a piece of paper-cutting work at an exhibition hall of the Horinger Tuchengzi Archaeological Site Park in Horinger County, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Feb. 4, 2026. Events featuring the traditional craft of Horinger paper-cutting, a national intangible cultural heritage, were held in Horinger County on Wednesday to mark "Lichun," or the Beginning of Spring, the first of the 24 solar terms on the Chinese lunar calendar, and to welcome the upcoming Spring Festival. (Xinhua/Ma Jinrui) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Feb. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Tanmiah Food Company (TADAWUL: 2281), one of the Kingdom's leading vertically integrated poultry and food producers, today announced the signing of two strategic Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with SEQUENCIVE sustainability portfolio companies: PHYLA, a biotechnology company pioneering the production of sustainable alternative protein, and RECYCLEE, a digital waste management solutions provider. Tanmiah Partners with PHYLA and RECYCLEE to Bolster Circular Economy and Food Security The agreements were signed during IFAT Saudi Arabia, the Kingdom's only dedicated exhibition for waste management and environmental technologies, marking a significant step in Tanmiah's "waste-to-value" roadmap, focusing on the digitization of waste management and the research and development (R&D) of alternative proteins to enhance the Kingdom's food security. Tanmiah has partnered with PHYLA to lead R&D into alternative proteins, specifically the use of Black Soldier Fly (BSF) larvae. This initiative explores the R&D potential of locally bio converting organic waste into high-quality, sustainable animal feed. By driving R&D into localized protein alternatives, the Company aims to reduce exposure to global supply chain volatility and support the Kingdom's broader food security objectives, especially as Saudi Arabia remains a significant importer of grains, making the food system vulnerable to external factors. This BSF research is being developed in tandem with Tanmiah's Moringa efforts, positioning the company as a primary R&D driver in alternative proteins to support the Saudi Green Initiative and the national goal of achieving 90% poultry self-sufficiency by 2030. The agreement with RECYCLEE focuses on the digital transformation of Tanmiah's waste management systems. Through the deployment of an advanced tracking platform, Tanmiah will be able to monitor, manage, and monetize industrial byproducts. This digitization is designed to unlock new revenue streams from waste while ensuring full transparency and compliance with national environmental standards, directly supporting national priorities, including Saudi Arabia's target to divert 90% of waste from landfill by 2040. Zulfiqar Hamadani, CEO of Tanmiah Food Company said: "At Tanmiah, our commitment to sustainability goes beyond reducing impact; it is focused on creating a resilient, innovative food system for the future. Through our partnerships with RECYCLEE and PHYLA, we are leveraging technology and biological innovation to improve resource efficiency, strengthen food security, and support national priorities with practical, scalable solutions." Mohammed AlMadhi, CEO of SEQUENCIVE said: "This Memorandum of Understanding not only illustrates our shared goals, but also our shared responsibilities towards contributing to our Kingdom's 2030 vision. PHYLA and RECYCLEE aim to create a long lasting impact by bridging the gap in the feed supply chain with sustainable alternative protein and diverting waste from landfills through combining our operational expertise, digital innovation, and industrial leadership. This partnership will greatly scale-up our food security, circular economy, and environmental impact in the Kingdom." About Tanmiah Food Company Tanmiah Food Company, established in 1962, is one of the Middle East's leading providers of fresh poultry, processed proteins, animal feed and health products, and a restaurants operator. It is a publicly listed Company on the Saudi stock market. It is worth noting that Al-Dabbagh Holding Group Company is a partner and founding shareholder of Tanmiah Food Company. Tanmiah's fully integrated and highly efficient business model includes production, further processing, and distribution with products sold in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, Oman, Jordan, and Kuwait. Tanmiah operates 149 farms, seven hatcheries, four feed mills, and four primary processing plants, and, through its joint venture operations, it operates four further processing plants. Tanmiah distributes its products through a network of wholesalers, retailers, and food service outlets, as well as online directly to consumers. Sustainability is a core principle at Tanmiah, with initiatives including planting a million trees, using wastewater from its facilities, and turning waste products into fertilizer. For more information, visit www.tanmiah.com . Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2877848/Tanmiah_Food_Company.jpg SOURCE Tanmiah Food Company DUP MP Gregory Campbell has told President Catherine Connolly, youre in our country and warned her against rewriting the past on her visit to County Derry. In a short interaction between the pair after Ms Connolly addressed the Guildhall, she said she is here to listen adding at the end of the day were human beings, and we have to have respect. In her speech, the President said she is grateful to the people of Derry for showing the path from conflict to peace, adding that justice is still awaited by the survivors of families of victims of Bloody Sunday. Referring to his attendance on Thursday evening at a debate in Dublin, the DUP MP for East Derry told the President: Youre in our country. Tonight Im going to your country. President of Ireland Catherine Connolly shakes hands with Democratic Unionist Party MP for East Derry Gregory Campbell. Photo: Liam McBurney/PA. He added: Were not leaving the United Kingdom, not now or at any time in the future, so I think its better if we try and ensure no-one rewrites the past as we all build for the future. Ms Connolly said she was looking forward to visiting the Siege Museum later that day, which commemorates the 1689 Siege of Derry, when up to 30,000 Protestant people held the walled city in the face of forces from the Catholic King James II. Advertisement Mr Campbell said he wanted to make our acquaintance to try and build on that. The President replied: Were here to listen and to learn from each other, and rewriting history would be when Mr Campbell interjected, a big mistake, to which Ms Connolly agreed, saying: In any country and in many countries theyve rewritten history to suit a narrative. Mr Campbell added: As you said yesterday, it would be a dull day if we agreed on everything so theres going to be issues where we disagree. Ms Connolly told Mr Campbell she grew up in a family of 14, and there were lots of disagreements, but we had to learn to live and love, at the end of the day were human beings, and we have to have respect, thats very important. Speaking to reporters after the meeting, the unionist politician said he warmly welcomed her to this part of the United Kingdom and he always welcomes visitors, especially visitors from other countries. I was more than disappointed that in her speech there were numerous references to Derry, but not a single reference to Londonderry, Mr Campbell said. Advertisement That she talked about some hardships in the province that there were, for example, with Bloody Sunday, which I would expect her to do, but no reference to the fact that where she was making those comments on the west bank of the Foyle, theres only five per cent of the population that is now Unionist because they suffered hardship and intimidation and murder as well. So I think she got the message, and she apologised for not making the proper references, and I hope that we can build a relationship between her country and our country. President of Ireland Catherine Connolly delivers an address during a civic reception at the Guildhall. Photo: Liam McBurney/PA. Asked about Ms Connollys repeated references to respecting all cultures on the island of Ireland made in her speech in Belfast on Wednesday, Mr Campbell said: If she made a balanced speech yesterday, and I heard most of it and it was balanced, well, why not make a balanced speech today? I just hope nobody in the Department of Foreign Affairs came up with the impression weve got to be balanced when were in Belfast, but see when we go to the north west, were playing a home game. That days over. That day is over. Either were moving forward by agreement, which we are, then we have to reach out to each community. That speech didnt and hopefully it will in the future. Towards the end of their interaction, the DUP MP and Irish president did agree on the importance of not rewriting history and agreed to listen to the others perspective. Advertisement Asked if he warmed to Ms Connolly, Mr Campbell said: I like to think that when people hear exactly what others feel and believe and speak on, that they give them respect that hopefully they deserve, and then they can move forward with mutual respect for each others view. The president is on day two of her three-day official visit to Northern Ireland, with a number of engagements in Co Derry. Ms Connolly was greeted on arrival to the Guildhall by the Lord Lieutenant for the County Borough of Londonderry Ian Crowe and Derry City Mayor Ruairi McHugh. She also stopped to have a brief conversation in Irish with someone who had waited to see the president. You really cant go wrong with a curry. Warming, filling and tasty, theyre the perfect meal for this time of year. But you dont have to spend all your money on a takeaway to have a delicious curry at home just ask Dan Toombs, AKA the Curry Guy. Toombs, 60, is obsessed with bringing curries to the masses, and is releasing his 11th cookbook, The Curry Guy Slow Cooker. After moving from California in 1993, Toombs fell in love with the British curry scene, later begging his way into restaurants to learn the secrets of the perfect dish. Now based near York, Toombs knows a thing or two about taking your curry to the next level Nail the base The main thing Toombs learned from his time in curry house kitchens? Its all about the base. Theres a base sauce for pretty much every curry thats made, he says. Its quite a bland sauce, similar to chicken stock or vegetable stock. Advertisement When its not seasoned, you have this bland stock that you add to almost every curry, and the magic happens when it hits the pan, because you have different spices to make the different curries. So if you get this base sauce down and its quite simple to make, according to Toombs youre golden. Its the secret behind how to make real curry house-style foods. Its not something they do very much in India, its really a British thing. This base sauce is basically an onion stock a lot of places will put other vegetables in it, like cabbage and green pepper, but nothing that has bite to it, and from there you can create pretty much any curry you like. Go off-piste While recipes are a useful guide, Toombs warns against getting too hung up on them. A lot of people concentrate too much on the recipe rather than what they personally enjoy, he explains. So if you like quite a saucy curry, add more stock when youre cooking, or if you enjoy spice, then pump up the chillies. He recommends trying things as you go, especially if youre trying to teach yourself how to cook so you can begin to know what the different spices taste like and will know how to adjust your dish accordingly. Advertisement Its all about trial and error: Youll get the idea behind it, and you can make up your own recipes once you know how to use that base sauce. Dig out your slow cooker The Curry Guys lamb nihari (Kris Kirkham/PA) If you have a slow cooker, it could be the secret to more flavourful curries with a whole lot less effort. What you do get from a slow cooker is a more intense flavour, because youre not trying to rush things, Toombs says. Youre letting all those ingredients melt together. Plus, its a lot easier than slaving over a hot stove. The thing I like about slow cookers is you really can set them and forget them, so you can go to work and know theres not going to be any kind of issues. Youre not going to burn anything to the bottom of the pan or anything like that. Toombs recommends trying his recipe for lamb nihari in the slow cooker. Its a northern Indian/Pakistani dish which is traditionally cooked over a low heat and simmered for about three or four hours, so its perfect for a slow cooker, he explains. You can put it in a slow cooker on high for about four hours, or if you go to work and put the meat in there which is normally lamb shanks just let it become really tender for eight hours [on the low setting]. Theres another benefit to trying your next curry in the slow cooker, with Toombs saying it transforms some of the cheaper cuts of meats into the best dishes, saving you a bit of money along the way. Advertisement A lot of times the cheap cuts have the most flavour the reason why theyre cheap is because they take so long to cook. But if youre putting it in the slow cooker, it doesnt make any difference. You let it sit there and simmer until its cooked through and really tender, and you get a better flavoured meat and its a lot less expensive. Prep your own spice blends and pastes Toombs top tip is to make your own spice blends and pastes at home. While it might require a bit of labour to start with, once youve got them sorted youll be able to make the most delicious curries saving you time and money. Toombs suggests that ground spices that have been sitting on the supermarket shelf for a while might not be their best. So if you buy fresh, whole spices, You can toast them, you can make them taste better than just adding them in their ground form Its something you can just throw into a curry and you know its going to taste good. The same goes for spice pastes and Toombs has recipes for Rogan Josh and tikka masala pastes and more in his new book. Once youve whipped them up, he recommends storing them in a preserve jar with an airtight lid, topping them up with oil so the flavour stays fresh. Spices, once theyre ground, start to lose their flavour. But by making these pastes and covering them with oil, youre giving them a longer life, he says. I use them all the time. Advertisement Try something new From a jalfrezi to a Madras, there are the classic curries we all know and love. But if you really want to take things up a notch, Toombs recommends trying something new like his recipe for a Sri Lankan black chicken curry. Unlike in India, where they dont really use curry powders that much theyll use different spices, like garam masala. But in Sri Lanka, they use curry powders quite a lot, he says. Curry powder is a lot of warming spices that can also have chillies in it And the black chicken curry is one I learned when I was over in Sri Lanka, its one of my favourites. You roast the curry powder until its almost black its like chocolatey brown, and that gives it a really intense flavour. I havent seen it in any other curries from other parts of the world, its something very Sri Lankan, and if youre looking for something unique, thats what you have to try. (Quadrille/PA) Curry Guy Slow Cooker by Dan Toombs is published by Quadrille. Photography by Kris Kirkham. Available now. Donald Trump has suggested Sir Keir Starmers Chagos Islands deal was the best he could make in an apparent signal of support after attacking the agreement last month. The US president, who weeks ago branded the deal an act of great stupidity, said he had very productive discussions with the UK prime minister about Diego Garcia, where a UK-US military base is located. Under the deal, which will cost 40.2 billion (35 billion) over the next century, the UK will cede sovereignty of the British Indian Ocean Territory to Mauritius but lease back the facility on the island. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said: I understand that the deal Prime Minister Starmer has made, according to many, (is) the best he could make. However, if the lease deal, sometime in the future, ever falls apart, or anyone threatens or endangers US operations and forces at our base, I retain the right to militarily secure and reinforce the American presence in Diego Garcia. Donald Trump indicated his backing for the deal on Thursday after attacking it last month (Leon Neal/PA) Let it be known that I will never allow our presence on a base as important as this to ever be undermined or threatened by fake claims or environmental nonsense. Downing Street said the two leaders agreed on the importance of the deal to secure the joint UK-US base of Diego Garcia in a conversation on Thursday. Advertisement On Ukraine, the leaders discussed the ongoing peace negotiations. The prime minister expressed his deep concern about Putins continued barbaric attacks on innocent civilians, particularly in freezing temperatures, a No 10 spokeswoman said. They also agreed on the importance of the deal to secure the joint UKUS base on Diego Garcia, which remains vital to shared security interests. The UK and US will continue to work closely on the implementation of the deal, they agreed. Mr Trump in January lambasted the agreement as an act of total weakness and claimed the site of the military base was being given away for no reason whatsoever. His criticism came as transatlantic tensions flared over his ambitions to take control of Greenland, with the prime minister accusing him at the time of making the comments to pressure Britain to lift its objections. Legislation to ratify the deal is in its closing stages in Parliament but progress has been delayed since the presidents outburst. On Tuesday, No 10 said the two leaders had agreed their governments would work to guarantee the future operation of the base in the first known discussion between them since Mr Trumps extraordinary attack. Advertisement Last week, the prime minister insisted the Republican president initially backed the deal in very clear terms following sign-off by US intelligence agencies. He pointed to public expressions of support from the US president and his top team, who praised the deal as a monumental achievement, securing the long-term future of the shared Diego Garcia base. Earlier this week, Downing Street insisted the case for the Chagos Islands deal was crystal clear after Lord Mandelson claimed in an interview with the Times there had been a wobble over it within the Government. The former ambassador to the US, who is at the centre of a storm over his ties to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein, claimed there were concerns over the cost and legal necessity of the agreement. Claims that we negotiated this deal solely because of the 2019 ICJ (International Court of Justice) advisory opinion are simply wrong, the prime ministers official spokesman said later. That wasnt the only challenge we faced. Without a deal, Mauritius would inevitably pursue a legally-binding judgment, and that judgment would then be applied by countries and international organisations alike. And without a deal, wed face serious, real-world operational impacts on the base. Asked about the wobble, the spokesman said: There was a change of governments in both the US and Mauritius in November 2024. Its only right that both new administrations would want to understand the details of the deal, and the deal has subsequently undergone an extremely high level of scrutiny, both through the parliamentary process and through two US administrations. The US and Russia agreed to re-establish high level military-to-military dialogue following a meeting between senior Russian and American military officials in Abu Dhabi, the United States European Command said in a statement. The agreement was reached following meetings between General Alexus Grynkewich, the Commander of US European Command and Nato Supreme Allied Commander Europe, and senior Russian and Ukrainian military officials, the statement said. The channel will provide a consistent military-to-military contact as the parties continue to work towards a lasting peace, the statement said. (Sergei Grits/AP) High-level military communication was suspended in 2021, just before Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine. General Grynkewich was in the capital of the United Arab Emirates, where talks between American, Russian and Ukrainian officials on ending the war in Ukraine entered a second day and as Moscow escalated its attacks on Ukraines power grid. Advertisement Russia continues to target Ukraines electricity network, aiming to deny civilians power and weaken their appetite for the fight, while fighting continues along the roughly 1,000km (600-mile) front line snaking along eastern and southern parts of Ukraine. Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelensky revealed that 55,000 Ukrainian troops have died since Russias invasion almost four years ago. And there is a large number of people whom Ukraine considers missing, he added in an interview broadcast by French TV channel France 2. The last time the Ukrainian leader gave a figure for battlefield deaths, in early 2025, he said 46,000 Ukrainian troops had been killed. Tens of thousands of Ukrainian troops have been killed in the war (Ukrainian Police Press Service/AP) The delegations from Moscow and Kyiv were joined in the capital of the United Arab Emirates by Mr Witkoff and US President Donald Trumps son-in-law, Jared Kushner, according to Rustem Umerov, Ukraines National Security and Defence Council chief, who was present at the meeting. They were also at last months talks in the same place as the Trump administration tries to steer the two countries toward a settlement. At the time, Mr Zelensky described the issue of who would control the Donbas industrial heartland of eastern Ukraine as key. Mr Zelensky urged allied countries to press Moscow into ending its all-out invasion, which began almost four years ago on February 24 2022, and said his country needs security guarantees to deter any post-war Russian attacks. Ukrainians must feel that there is genuine progress towards peace and not toward a scenario in which the Russians exploit everything to their advantage and continue their strikes, Mr Zelensky said on social media. Advertisement Ukrainian civilians have also reeled from the fighting. Last year, there was a 31% increase in Ukrainian civilian casualties compared with 2024, the advocacy group Human Rights Watch said in a report. Together with Prime Minister of Poland @donaldtusk, we paid tribute to fallen Ukrainian defenders. Eternal memory to our bravest people who fought for Ukraine, defended its independence, and gave their lives in this struggle. Eternal glory to our heroes. We remember each and pic.twitter.com/Kop4f9mtq7 Volodymyr Zelenskyy / (@ZelenskyyUa) February 5, 2026 Meanwhile, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk arrived in Kyiv on an official visit on Thursday. Two people were injured in the Ukrainian capital as a result of overnight Russian drone strikes, Mayor Vitali Klitschko said. In the wider Kyiv region, a man suffered a shrapnel chest wound, authorities said. Russia fired 183 drones and two ballistic missiles at Ukraine overnight, according to the Ukrainian air force. Russian air defences downed 95 Ukrainian drones overnight over several regions, the Azov Sea and Crimea, which Russia illegally annexed in 2014, Russias Defence Ministry said. Fighting against Russias four-year-old invasion has cost the lives of 55,000 Ukrainian soldiers, according to Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelensky, as a US envoy described two days of talks between Moscow and Kyiv officials as detailed and productive. Ukraine has also listed a large number of people as missing in the war, Mr Zelensky added in an interview broadcast by French TV channel France 2. The last time the Ukrainian leader gave a figure for battlefield deaths, in early 2025, he said 46,000 Ukrainian troops had been killed. Tens of thousands of Ukrainian troops have been killed in the war (Ukrainian Police Press Service/AP) The two sides are locked in a grinding war of attrition along the roughly 1,000km (600-mile) front line, snaking along eastern and southern parts of Ukraine, where the Russian army is trying to make the bigger size of its army tell. Both sides are also firing long-range drones and missiles at targets in the rear. Mr Zelenskys figure for troop deaths is much lower than an estimate given last month by a US think tank. The Centre for Strategic and International Studies estimated that up to 140,000 Ukrainian troops had been killed through the end of last year. Advertisement Its report said Russia suffered up to 325,000 troop deaths over the same time. Neither Moscow nor Kyiv gives timely data on military losses. The Russian Defence Ministry has not released figures on battlefield deaths since a statement in September 2022 that said just under 6,000 Russian soldiers had been killed. Ukrainian civilians have also reeled from the fighting. Last year there was a 31% increase in Ukrainian civilian casualties compared with 2024, the advocacy group Human Rights Watch said in a report. (Sergei Grits/AP) Almost 15,000 Ukrainian civilians have been killed and more than 40,000 injured since the start of the war through last December, according to the United Nations Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine. Peace efforts have dragged on, meanwhile, and negotiators from Moscow and Kyiv on Thursday held a second day of US-brokered talks. US special envoy Steve Witkoff said the two sides agreed to exchange 314 prisoners, their first exchange in five months, though the meeting in Abu Dhabi delivered no major breakthrough. While significant work remains, steps like this demonstrate that sustained diplomatic engagement is delivering tangible results and advancing efforts to end the war in Ukraine, Mr Witkoff said on X. The delegations from Moscow and Kyiv were joined in the capital of the United Arab Emirates by Mr Witkoff and US President Donald Trumps son-in-law, Jared Kushner, according to Rustem Umerov, Ukraines National Security and Defence Council chief, who was present at the meeting. Advertisement They were also at last months talks in the same place as the Trump administration tries to steer the two countries toward a settlement. At the time, Mr Zelensky described the issue of who would control the Donbas industrial heartland of eastern Ukraine as key. General Alexus Grynkewich, Natos Supreme Allied Commander in Europe, was also present at the talks, according to a spokesman for the general. Together with Prime Minister of Poland @donaldtusk, we paid tribute to fallen Ukrainian defenders. Eternal memory to our bravest people who fought for Ukraine, defended its independence, and gave their lives in this struggle. Eternal glory to our heroes. We remember each and pic.twitter.com/Kop4f9mtq7 Volodymyr Zelenskyy / (@ZelenskyyUa) February 5, 2026 Mr Zelensky urged allied countries to press Moscow into ending its all-out invasion, which began almost four years ago on February 24 2022, and said his country needs security guarantees to deter any post-war Russian attacks. Ukrainians must feel that there is genuine progress towards peace and not toward a scenario in which the Russians exploit everything to their advantage and continue their strikes, Mr Zelensky said on social media. Meanwhile, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk arrived in Kyiv on an official visit on Thursday. Two people were injured in the Ukrainian capital as a result of overnight Russian drone strikes, Mayor Vitali Klitschko said. In the wider Kyiv region, a man suffered a shrapnel chest wound, authorities said. Russia fired 183 drones and two ballistic missiles at Ukraine overnight, according to the Ukrainian air force. Russian air defences downed 95 Ukrainian drones overnight over several regions, the Azov Sea and Crimea, which Russia illegally annexed in 2014, Russias Defence Ministry said. Advertisement Exclusive Eating outFood Tassis Groups Aunty arrives, and perhaps isnt quite what you think it is Moving into the old City Winery premises, this Modern Asian restaurant feels like another step change for restaurateur Michael Tassis at least in terms of its immaculate design. Take a look inside. Matt Shea February 5, 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 No, Aunty isnt a Cantonese restaurant. Owner Michael Tassis wants to make that clear as he walks you through this precisely designed new venue on Wandoo Street, which opens today. Modern Asian with a streak of rebellion is how its described on the website. Thats perhaps a bit fanciful (as any venue peddling itself is allowed to be, to be fair) but, scanning the menu, there are all sorts of twists and curious remixes. Aunty opened Thursday this week. Markus Ravik Theres xiao long bao, but filled with chicken rather than pork and a lemon thyme broth. Theres a take on dan dan with a traditional pork and sesame sauce that subs in ribbony mafaldine for Chinese noodles. It goes the other way too, with a wagyu beef tartare thats been spiked with chilli bean dressing and is served with lotus root crisps. Still, some of the original inspiration for Aunty came on a trip to Hong Kong and its surrounds with regular Tassis designers Callum Lui and Sanny Tse of Clui Design. Tse has family there, and dragged Tassis across town, from high-end hot spots like Grand Majestic Sichuan and its rambunctious on-trend sister venue Ho Lee Fook, to humble street food joints in obscure alleyways. Advertisement Related Article West End finally welcomes a 12-seat sushi stunner with Michelin cred We went to Macau as well, because I wanted to see that Portuguese influence, Tassis says. We went to a bunch of different bakeries. It was about experiencing the old Hong Kong, he says, but also the new and remixed food in that city and understanding how its influence has spread to other parts of the world. A bar and courtyard sit out front of the venue. Markus Ravik Tassis says the venues name, Aunty, is intended as something of a remix too, this time with James Street in mind. Advertisement When you picture Aunty in Chinese culture, its an older person who you maybe turn to for advice, Tassis says. Shes someone you respect. When we sat down to think about how we wanted [this restaurant to reflect the precinct], it was those women in their 30s and 40s who often define James Street. Maybe theyre business owners, [but theyre] independent and dynamic. Tassis Groups twelfth venue, Aunty feels like a step change in terms of design. Markus Ravik The restaurant itself is set inside the bunker-like former premises of City Winery. Guests are welcomed into a small bar area before, in a theatrical move, a host slides open an imposing door to reveal the restaurant beyond. Twelve venues in, this feels like a step change for Tassis Group and Clui, the restaurant sectioned off into a series of smaller areas through a clever use of booths, different levels, curved ceilings and curtains. Advertisement Charred lamb ribs with a coriander and anchovy dressing, and pickled green chilli. Markus Ravik Emerald-green leather banquette seating throughout is a defining feature, and a shaded mirror runs the length of one wall. Its a restaurant that can feed of the collective energy of a full dining room while still feeling intimate at the table. At the back is an open kitchen, its centrepiece a woodfire grill used for key dishes. Overseeing the kitchen day to day is Salvatore de Ponte, formerly sous chef at Fatcow. De Ponte previously spent two years in the kitchen at Donna Chang, and has conducted numerous extended food research trips throughout Asia over the years. Raw kingfish with charred citrus soy, watermelon radish and macadamia chilli oil. Markus Ravik Advertisement The guts of the menu ranges across snacks, entrees, dim sum, wok dishes and items from the grill. For starters you might order prawn toast with pickled green papaya and yuzu mayo; a sichuan cucumber salad with wood ear mushroom, crushed peanuts and sesame; or charred lamb ribs with a coriander and anchovy dressing, and pickled green chilli. Beyond the xiao long bao, the dim sum menu features Moreton Bay bug siu mai with smoked bottarga, char siu pork puffs, and prawn spring rolls with chilli lime aioli. Moreton Bay bug siu mai with smoked bottarga, Markus Ravik Larger dishes from the wok and grill include chilli crab Shanghai noodles with crab butter and a bisque foam; wagyu stir-fried beef with oyster sauce, kai lan and a five-pepper blend, and market fish with a ginger and shallot emulsion and pickled daikon. Advertisement As usual for a Tassis spot, theres seafood from the tank in Auntys case, a signature chilli crab and grilled lobster with lemongrass garlic butter and a pair of hefty steaks in the form of a 300-gram seven-score wagyu sirloin, and a 650-gram Black Angus T-bone, both of which are served with a trio of condiments. For drinks, theres a 250-bottle wine list that focuses on Australian drops but with a little bit of French and New Zealand in there. Expect plenty of spirited, zesty varieties that can converse with the diverse flavours of the food. Theres also a cocktail list with 10 signatures that tap Asian spirits and flavours. The restaurant is sectioned off into a series of smaller areas through a clever use of booths, different levels, curved ceilings and curtains. Markus Ravik Aunty was originally scheduled to open before Christmas but weathered the usual building setbacks the industry has wrestled with since Covid. It means Tassis has been sitting on the finished venue for a few weeks, waiting until the madness of the Christmas period dies down before unveiling it to the public. Its come together pretty much exactly how I initially envisioned it with Clui, Tassis says. It was an open space so we could do anything we wanted. But I thought the bar out front would always be good to see people drinking, get that vibe, but then theres this whole different venue inside, and as you walk through, it surprises you the deeper you get. Advertisement Open daily 11.30am-late 11 Wandoo Street, Fortitude Valley, (07) 2111 6881 auntydining.com.au Advertisement Review Eating outNorthcote Is Donnys, is good: This new neighbourhood pub holds its own in a boozy little pocket Westgarth watering hole Donnys joins a new generation of venues broadening our horizons on what exactly a modern public house can look like. Tomas Telegramma February 6, 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 1 / 9 The four-person timber booth in the front window (right) is the best seat in the house. Wayne Taylor 2 / 9 Cotechino sausage with buttery mashed potato, jus and crispy sage leaves. Wayne Taylor 3 / 9 A happy hour combo of a dry martini and an oyster for $25. Wayne Taylor 4 / 9 or swap the oyster for a gilda. Wayne Taylor 5 / 9 The dog-friendly rear courtyard at Donnys (namesake pooch Donny, not pictured). Wayne Taylor 6 / 9 Baked oysters with Calabrian chilli butter. Wayne Taylor 7 / 9 Kingfish and scallop crudo. Wayne Taylor 8 / 9 Ox tongue toasts with horseradish cream and gremolata. Wayne Taylor 9 / 9 Donnys is a new mini pub at the bottom of High Street. Wayne Taylor Previous Slide Next Slide Pub dining$$$$ When does a pub pass the pub test? How negotiable is it that theres a parma, Carlton Draught, room for 400? Must it be behind a facade where pints have been pouring for a century? Do you have to inherit and reinterpret an old boozer, or can you create a new one from the ground up and slap the pub moniker on it? What if the walls cant talk? From Caretakers Cottage to The Carpenters Ruin, a new generation of venues is broadening our horizons on what exactly a modern public house can look like. Joining their ranks is new Westgarth watering hole Donnys a small pub in an old terrace thats taken over the bottom-of-High-Street site most recently home to Bar 61. In a pocket thats flush with little boltholes for boozing, owners Xavier Byrne and Kris Miles, who met more than a decade ago while working in bars and the winery at Hobarts MONA, have built a new neighbourhood spot that happily coexists with its neighbours. As a cool change hits on a recent evening, the strips street-side seats at Donnys, the next-door Low Key, the nearby Ophelia are full of punters drinking up the drop in the mercury. Advertisement Donnys is a new mini pub at the bottom of High Street. Wayne Taylor Inside at Donnys, a beautifully motley crew from those behind the bar to those parked up at it screams come one, come all. Tradies still in high-vis after-dark sink pints alongside a suited-up mum and daughter nailing stand-up gildas and fizz at the bar. Staff are disarmingly genuine. Youd tell me if it sucked, right? asks our bartender, who says margaritas arent his forte, despite shaking up a solidly spicy one. As youd expect from a pub, cocktails arent the focus, but Donnys punches above its weight across the board. First off, its got the kind of bang for your buck that most of us need for somewhere to truly become our local in this day and age. Donnys Social Hour runs from 4pm to 6pm, Wednesday to Friday, with $3 oysters, $10 pints (of a sessionable Donnys-branded draught by Collingwood brewery The Mill), and the $25 combo of a dry martini and an oyster or a gilda. Outside those hours, though, $12 will still buy you a decent beer or wine. Cotechino sausage with buttery mashed potato, jus and crispy sage leaves. Wayne Taylor Advertisement That value bleeds into chef Chanon Boriharnvanakhets (Coda, Tonka) generously sized mains: pub stalwarts that are slightly dressed up and, at times, surprisingly, plate-lickingly delicious. The cotechino an enormous round of Italian pork sausage is perched half on a mountain of buttery mash, half in a pool of sticky-sweet jus, with a cluster of crispy fried sage leaves. Its more winter warmer, sure, but dont let the fact its summer stop you. See also: the baked Boomer Bay oyster, a salty, spicy, smoky delight luxuriating in almost-bubbling Calabrian chilli butter. It may yet make a hot-mollusc lover out of me. A happy hour deal of a dry martini and an oyster for $25. Wayne Taylor For a table-blanketing feast, the best seat in the house is the four-person timber booth in the front window, backed by exposed brick, in the glow of its own pendant light and in eye- and ear-shot of the vinyl decks, blasting, perhaps, Together in Electric Dreams. Out back, past the cosily lit dining room, is a shady courtyard where you might be lucky enough to meet the bars namesake: Byrnes seven-year-old retired greyhound Donny. Because even when you have a bar named after you, you still arent allowed inside. Advertisement The Donnys site might lack pub heritage, but it more than makes up for it in heart. And maybe thats the edge of Melbournes new mini, idiosyncratic, owner-operated pubs. Pubs will never not be popular, but as large hospo groups add more to their portfolios refurbing them in a similar image theres something to be said for a personal touch. Three new pubs doing their own thing Daphne Ettas Hannah Green was at first reluctant to call her new venue a public house, but it makes so much sense. Theres counter service in the front bar, Guinness on tap, and a cotoletta as killer as the weekly specials nights. 52 Lygon Street, Brunswick East, daphne.melbourne Le Pub An even more freewheeling sibling for Con Christopoulos French Saloon and Kirks Wine Bar next door, Le Pub encourages you to grab a bottle from the shelf, pull up a stool and dive into something decadent, like a bone-marrow-crowned pie. 380 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne, instagram.com/lepubmelbourne The Carpenters Ruin What was once Karen Martinis Mr Wolf pizzeria is now a mini pub with nautical style for St Kilda, by the couple who founded neighbouring bar The Walrus. Its a vibe on a balmy night, with a weekday happy hour and a Sunday roast. 15 Inkerman Street, St Kilda, thecarpentersruin.com.au Good Food reviews are booked anonymously and paid independently. A restaurant cant pay for a review or inclusion in the Good Food Guide. Remove items from your saved list to add more. You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Save this video for later Add videos to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Advertisement Exclusive NationalQueenslandQueensland councils A council dumped plans for a new supermarket. Its developer questions why Matt Dennien and Julius Dennis February 6, 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 Southern Moreton Bay Islands, across the water from the famous Stradbroke Island, have long been underserved. With dodgy roads, no sewerage, limited shopping options and a reputation for sketchy activity, the islands main appeal is their cheap land. When islanders disembark their ferries on the mainland at Redland Bay, they head for overfilled car parks, often having risked a ticket by parking on the curb. Sidelined developer Don ORorke has raised questions about a council decision about development at Redland Bay. Michael Howard In 2013, the council was told one of the islands needed a bigger shop, and the terminal needed a supermarket. Advertisement Plans for that supermarket were put in place in 2022, with industry giant Consolidated Property Group (CPG) given the green light to deliver the project, which would also include a car park. Late last year, plans for the $250 million development were ditched, with Redland City Council instead relying on the state to build a car park. Now, the head of the sidelined developer has raised questions about how the decision could benefit a local firm with family links to the councils chief executive. The proposed centre would compete with the nearby Woolworths-anchored Redland Bay Shopping Village, developed and still partially owned by directors of local firm Fox and Bell. Advertisement The councils chief executive Louise Rusan has a family link to Fox and Bell managing director, Greg Bell a conflict of interest registered with the council but not previously reported publicly. This masthead is not suggesting any wrongdoing. In a statement to this masthead, CPG chief executive and chairman Don ORorke said the firm won an open tender in 2023 and its plans for a Coles-anchored development were running on time and on budget. CPG chief executive Don ORorke. Paul Harris Redlands Council resolved not to extend the mandate thereby cancelling 200 local jobs, and [the decision also] follows a previous move to also oppose a local Aldi, ORorke said. This now leaves only Woolworths in the area with no retail competition, just as the owners of the Woolworths-anchored shopping centre, Fox and Bell, have put the $70 million centre up for sale. Advertisement ORorke said his firm, which had delivered more than 30 neighbourhood shopping centres over 40 years with Hutchinson Builders, would continue discussions with the state government and council-owned project managers Redland Investment Corporation. Chief executive Louise Rusan has a family link to the Bell family. Redland City Council In response to a series of questions, Fox and Bell principal Garry Hargrave would not confirm whether the existing centre was being sold, describing the question as not relevant. Hargrave, Bell, and Fox and Bells other director and shareholder, Greg Fox, own the business title for the shopping village and part of the land through a company called Carndale. Hargrave initially declined to disclose Carndales interest in the centre, but later said in an email the majority of the centre was not on its land. Advertisement Fox and Bell was not concerned about the impact of a shopping centre at Weinam Creek, but Hargrave said he had raised issues with the council over the development. I have personally spoken with council planning officers regarding the inconsistency of the previous Weinam Creek proposal with the Redland City Town Plan and in particular the centres policy, he said. Weinam Creek was categorised as a priority development area in 2014, but development has progressed slowly, frustrating locals. Last week, Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie called the decision to scrap the CPG development regrettable in a letter to Redlands mayor Jos Mitchell, citing the fact the contract was almost two years old and work had been progressing. Advertisement Related Article South-east Queensland Regrettable: Bleijie scolds Redlands over scrapped shopping hub Under the old plan, work was due to begin later this year for completion in 2028. In a December post on his website, local councillor Shane Rendalls said the change of plan for the site came after Redlands councillors and executives met with Economic Development Queensland and local LNP MPs. The motion to scrap CPGs development also called for Rusan to begin talks with the state to build a multi-level car park. A council spokesperson said the decision was made to fast-track delivery of the car park. Advertisement The decision also included that officers and Redland Investment Corporation regularly consult with council on the progress of the masterplan and multi-storey car park, including the commercial and community benefits, the spokesperson said. Rendalls told this masthead his motion was based on what he thought was best for the community, and made no change to the wider plan other than the removal of the full-line supermarket. The lack of a supermarket at Weinam Creek would also benefit the operator of two smaller nearby IGAs, Jones Retail Group, and the civil construction company that ultimately owns one of the grocery sites, Doval Construction both LNP donors. Jones Retail Group, which operates a suite of IGAs throughout Brisbanes east, made a $1000 political donation to the LNPs Redland branch in 2023. Advertisement A March 2025 diary entry by Rebecca Young, the LNPs first-term MP for Redlands and assistant minister to Bleijie, details a meeting with Rendalls, and representatives of both Jones Retail Group and Doval Construction, regarding portfolio related matters. Doval Construction, which owns the site of the Russell Island IGA through a subsidiary, donated $10,000 to the LNP in 2022. The construction arm is also a platinum sponsor of the Southern Moreton Bay Island Chamber of Commerce, of which Rendalls was president before his 2024 election. Young did not directly answer questions about the meeting, but said the governments priority was to fulfil its election promise to build a car park. Advertisement Responsibility for decisions about the wider Weinam Creek precinct rests with Redland City Council, she said. Rendalls said he was not aware Doval sponsored the chamber of commerce and said the chamber had no sponsors when he was president. The Jones Retail Group and Doval Construction have been contacted for comment. Rusans conflict of interest also hangs over a new annual leasing agreement for the council library at another Fox and Bell shopping centre, at Victoria Point, rumoured to be worth more than $500,000. How the council would progress negotiations for the 1000-square-metre library space was decided during a confidential council meeting in January. Advertisement A council spokesperson said Rusans family links to Fox and Bell were registered and managed under appropriate governance processes, including any negotiations required by a decision of council. Hargrave said Rusan had played no role in negotiations over the library lease, which he said had consistently been rented at below true market value. This masthead is not suggesting the occurrence of any unlawful activity, just that important questions remain over the processes that led to key council decisions. Get alerts on significant breaking news as happens. Sign up for our Breaking News Alert. MAGNOLIA, Texas, Feb. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Texas Regional Bank (TRB) has opened its newest full-service banking center in the northwest Houston suburb of Magnolia. The branch began serving customers on January 5, 2026, marking TRB's continued investment in one of the fastest-growing areas of Montgomery County. TRB Magnolia Branch Exterior Located along the high-traffic FM 1488 corridor, the new banking center expands access to personal and business banking services for residents and business owners across Magnolia and the surrounding communities. The area has experienced significant population growth and steady commercial expansion in recent years, making Magnolia a strategic addition to TRB's Houston Region footprint. TRB has appointed Skip Colvin as Montgomery County Market President. An experienced community banker, Colvin is known for his longstanding support of local businesses and civic organizations. Currently, he serves as Chair Elect of the Greater Southwest Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce, leading its Government Affairs and Business Advisory councils. He also serves on the City of Magnolia's Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors, reinforcing his commitment to the region's long-term growth. "Magnolia is a place where neighbors still help neighbors, a spirit that reflects the character of this community and the momentum behind its growth," Colvin said. "New families, new neighborhoods, and new businesses continue to choose Magnolia as home. I look forward to serving the people I see at local schools, church, ballgames, and around town. Being part of Magnolia and Montgomery County's future is an opportunity I'm grateful for." The opening of the Magnolia branch advances TRB's long-term strategy of strengthening its presence across Texas through organic growth and community investment. Earlier this year, TRB expanded its Houston Region footprint with the opening of its Rosenberg banking center, further supporting the bank's continued growth in Southeast Texas. "The pace of growth in the Houston region continues to accelerate, and Montgomery County stands out as a community with significant long-term potential," shared Lewis Gissel, Houston Region President. "This new location expands our ability to serve customers where they live and work. We're here to support the continued growth of Magnolia and Montgomery County, and the businesses and families that are driving it forward." TRB marked the opening with a ribbon cutting and grand opening ceremony in January, bringing together community members, business leaders, and local officials. Remarks were delivered by local chamber presidents, Montgomery County Judge Mark Keough, and Michael Scaief, Chairman and CEO of Texas Regional Bank. The event concluded with a community donation presentation by Lewis Gissel in support of the Magnolia Educational Foundation's First-Generation Scholarship program. The new banking center, located at 13295 FM 1488, Magnolia, TX 77354, is open and ready to serve the community, with lobby hours Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. About Texas Regional Bank Founded in 2010 and rooted in local purpose, Texas Regional Bank (TRB) is a privately owned financial institution bringing full-service, relationship-driven banking back to the communities it serves. With more than 35 locations across the Rio Grande Valley, Texas Hill Country, Houston, and the DallasFort Worth Metroplex, TRB delivers a full suite of financial solutions for individuals, families, and businesses through locally-led teams supported by the scale and capabilities of a diversified financial services platform. Together with its subsidiaries, TRB offers domestic and international banking, trust and wealth management, insurance, mortgage, capital markets, economic development, and foreign exchange services. For more information about Texas Regional Bank, visit www.trb.bank . SOURCE Texas Regional Bank Advertisement NationalQueenslandCity council Bus use booms in Brisbane but whats driving the trend? William Davis February 5, 2026 3:41pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A The number of people catching the bus in Brisbane has surged by more than a quarter in two years, but there are conflicting opinion on what is responsible. Trips increased by at least 27 per cent since the beginning of 2024, council data released this week revealed. About 6.8 million people tapped onto the Metro since its launch last year. The number of people catching the bus in Brisbane has increased by more than a quarter in two years. William Davis This is the biggest two-year increase in patronage I think we have ever seen, Adrian Schrinner told the City Hall chamber on Tuesday afternoon. Advertisement Advertisement That is something to celebrate and shows that when you plan the reform, you invest in the reform, you consult the community, and you roll it out in a determined and planned manner, people jump on board, he said. Thousands of people walked through the Adelaide Street tunnel beneath Brisbanes CBD as it opened in September. William Davis The Labor opposition was unconvinced, continuing to criticise council public transport policy and instead chalking up the entire increase to population growth and the state governments 50 cent fare program. Thousands more have moved to Brisbane over the past two years, and of course, some need to use the bus does the Lord Mayor want a pat on the back for that? leader Jared Cassidy said in a statement. Adrian Schrinner wont tell you how many more would be on the buses today if he didnt cut bus stops and truncate bus routes in the suburbs. Advertisement The data released by council on Tuesday suggested more people had begun using buses after the new network was rolled out, with 160,000 new trips taken and 1.4 million extra kilometres of services. Council also said the network delivered faster travel for 45 million people, though has previously acknowledged about 15 per cent of trips would take longer than they previously had. Residents in some areas have raised concerns about the changes, which altered about 150 routes to integrate the Metro. No one takes it seriously because were regarded as a low-income area, cancer patient Sandra said after her stop on Gregory Street in Acacia Ridge was made redundant, increasing the distance she had to walk to catch public transport to hospital. Advertisement Its like [they think] rejects live out here or misfits, and I feel that were personally being discriminated against because of our postcode, because were a lower-class people. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter. Advertisement NationalQueenslandBrisbane development Restaurants and high-rise apartments? How Victoria Barracks could be redeveloped William Davis February 5, 2026 9:21pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A The Victoria Barracks site could be developed into a new West Village-style hub with restaurants, retail space, offices and high-rise apartments, while its sale also reopens the possibility of a land bridge linking Petrie Terrace to the Roma Street Parklands. Thats according to one development industry expert, as a Brisbane architectural firm claims the federal government sell-off additionally increases the viability of its radical plan to build a giant new park over the rail yards. Defence minister and deputy PM Richard Marles announced on Wednesday about $3 billion worth of defence department real estate across the country would be sold, including the historic barracks. Loading The 2.7 hectare inner-city site has long been eyed by developers in Brisbane. Many of its buildings are heritage protected and could not be demolished, but there are several large patches of open space and the block has previously been valued at about $200 million. Advertisement It should have been done a lot sooner in my view, because nothing has really happened for a long time, Ross Elliott, chair of the Lord Mayors Better Suburbs Initiative, said. You could envisage it being a precinct of restaurants, retail, housing, professional offices they could probably go high-rise on some of it. A sort of West Village mix [is possible] I think its great news. Elliott, also director of policy and research group Suburban Futures, revealed the underground car park at the former police barracks next door now a major shopping hub was built with possible future expansion into the defence site in mind. Advertisement A land bridge to Petrie Terrace was planned under the Beattie government, but the project never eventuated. Elliott said it should be explored again with any redevelopment of the defence land. Connecting it into Roma Street Parklands would seem to make a lot of sense trying to work out that connection and making it very pedestrian friendly and very intuitive would be probably a plus. Ross Elliott said redevelopment of the barracks could be modelled on West Village in West End, which combines retail space, restaurants, housing and offices. In December last year architect firm Bureau Proberts released a radical proposal for a 7.5-hectare elevated walkable green canopy over the railway yards. It said on Thursday the sale announcement increased the viability of that plan. The sale and development of Victoria Barracks on Petrie Terrace creates a great opportunity to connect this precinct to the CBD, managing and creative director Liam Proberts said in a statement. Advertisement The barracks can be a catalyst for our proposed Roma Street Canopies project, which will create walkable connections and parkland that will link it directly with the CBD and the planned Brisbane 2032 Olympic venues in Victoria Park. This project could benefit the city this will increase accessibility to the site, which is currently closed to the public, generate more foot traffic, and open up the heritage aspects of the location to a broader audience. Bureau Proberts wants a green canopy to span the railway and roads between the Roma Street Parklands and Petrie Terrace. bureau^proberts and Render House Studio Elliott was unconvinced the project was viable. Architects come up with lots of plans for things that cant be built financially its great to have these ideas, I think they should be encouraged, but unless its developable its probably going to stay on the drawing board. Advertisement Its unclear how much immediate developer interest in the barracks was generated by the announcement. The state and local governments kept their cards close to their chest when contacted for comment. A Brisbane City Council representative called the sale an exciting opportunity and said independent planning officers would assess any future plans as they were lodged. Deputy Premier and Planning Minister Jarrod Bleijie said in a statement: Queensland is open for business and wed always be open to exploring opportunities to deliver a fresh start for prime vacant land, including for new housing or defence industry opportunities. The plan would help link the CBD to Olympic sites for pedestrians, according to Bureau Proberts. bureau^proberts and Render House Studio Advertisement The Greens have expressed frustration with the sale of the publicly-owned land, and Queensland senator Penny Allman-Payne described the Labor Party announcement as hypocritical. With precious little public land left in the city, every inch of it that can be built on should be going towards good public housing and amenities like parkland, childcare and aged care, she said in a statement. Its typical hypocrisy that Labor are happy to criticise the LNP for selling off public land to developers, but whenever theyre the ones in charge its all good. We expect this from federal Labor, but really this is the first test for the new Member for Brisbane. Will she stand up for her community, or just be another backbencher who lets the PM sell it off? Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter. Advertisement Updated NationalWACourts Motivated by hate: Perth Invasion Day rally attempted bombing declared an act of terror Hannah Murphy and Hamish Hastie Updated February 5, 2026 2:41pm ,first published 12:17pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A A Perth man accused of throwing a homemade bomb into a crowd of Invasion Day protesters was allegedly motivated by racism, hatred and pro-white ideologies, as authorities formally declare the incident an act of terror. The 31-year-old man, who cannot be identified due to a suppression order, was allegedly captured on camera hurling the explosive into a crowd of around 2500 people gathered in Perths CBD on January 26 to protest the date of Australia Day. The man accused of making and throwing a bomb at an Invasion Day rally in Perths CBD. WA Police The device, which police claimed was filled with screws and ball bearings and designed to explode on impact, failed to detonate and triggered police to evacuate the event. Had the bomb exploded, WA Police and the state government believe it could have caused a mass casualty event. Advertisement The incident was not immediately declared a terrorist act, with authorities taking nine days to investigate the accused mans motive behind the attack. On Thursday, WA Premier Roger Cook, flanked by WA Police Commissioner Col Blanch, Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett, and Indigenous Australians Minister Malarndirri McCarthy, announced the declaration. I can confirm today, the WA joint counterterrorism team comprising WA Police, the Australian Federal Police and ASIO, have determined the incident last Monday in Perth, should be charged as a terrorist act, Cook said. As a result, a 31-year-old man has been charged with one count of engaging in a terrorist act. This is the first time this charge has been laid in Western Australia. Advertisement This charge ... alleges the attack on Aboriginal people and other peaceful protesters was motivated by hateful, racist ideology. The new charge, a result of a joint investigation called Operation Dumfries, carries a maximum penalty of life behind bars. Noongar elder Herbert Bropho taking the microphone to alert the public to what was later confirmed to be a homemade bomb at the Invasion Day rally. Jesinta Burton. Blanch said the mans internet history allegedly revealed he had self-radicalised online and accessed pro-white material. Asked whether the accused had links to white nationalist groups, Blanch said: That ideology was prevalent across his accesses to the internet. Advertisement Blanch said the accused man was not known to police ahead of the alleged attack, but said there may have been signs that family or friends could have spotted. My call-out to our community: if you know someone who is saying these things, whether its against Aboriginal people or anyone else, and they are accelerating in their hateful views, call authorities. We will take action. Were not going to wait, he said. ...whatever was looking over the people in that rally that day stopped it from going off, and we should all be thankful... WA Police Commissioner Col Blanch Barrett said she believed the new charge was the first of its kind in the country where Aboriginal people were the target. She said the charge was a warning to other individuals and groups espousing hateful rhetoric. Advertisement Barrett revealed that AFP national security investigations teams or hate disruptors which are already in operation in New South Wales, Victoria and Canberra were setting up in WA. There are individuals and current and emerging groups across Australia, including in the west, which are eroding the countrys social fabric by advocating hatred, fear and humiliation, that is mobilising towards violence and I am here to put these groups and individuals on notice, she said. The terrorist act declaration comes after rally organisers and politicians urged authorities to recognise the seriousness of the incident, as it appeared to be a calculated attempt to harm First Nations people and their supporters. A motion was also passed in the Senate this week to condemn the attempted bombing, with Senator Lidia Thorpe labelling the incident an act of horrific, overt hate and racism. Blanch rejected accusations that the police did not treat the incident seriously, pointing to the immediate involvement of the AFP and ASIO, and his public commentary after the incident that suggested it was being investigated as a potential terror attack. Advertisement Related Article Crime A horrific act of overt hate: Senate condemns attempted bombing at Perth Invasion Day rally To the people that say it took too long, I disagree with their premise, he said. Rally organiser Fabien Yarran, who will meet with Cook and police on Thursday afternoon, said he was still disappointed it had taken so long to declare the incident a terrorist act. Everybody, from the grassroots and people that were there, saw it was a terrorist act. It was a hate act, he said. I dont know why it took them so long. Advertisement McCarthy, who walked through Forrest Place on Thursday morning with Noongar elders, called the incident an attempted bombing of a peaceful, First Nations rally, led by First Nations, Australians and their allies. Whats happened these past couple of months has certainly highlighted the fact that all of us, wherever we are in this country, need to be vigilant, and we need to deliberately work towards a social, cohesive community, she said. Indigenous Australians Minister Malarndirri McCarthy and WA Senator Dorinda Cox at the meeting on Thursday. McCarthy said there was no doubt in her mind that Australian Federal Police, the WA Police and ASIO, worked immediately to assist to keep Australians safe. In parliament on Thursday, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Australia stood with First Nations people. Advertisement We will do everything required to keep you and your loved ones safe, he said. Federal Opposition Leader Sussan Ley said the nation can never accept a situation where we turn to violence to settle our political differences. These are fragile times for our society and it is incumbent upon all of us in this place to nurture peaceful, civil debate and guard our great democracy against hate and violence, she said. Blanch reiterated that the device allegedly thrown at the rally was a live explosive. It should have gone off and had a fuse that was lit, he said. Advertisement Whether it fell out or failed ... whatever was looking over the people in that rally that day stopped it from going off, and we should all be thankful that we dont have deceased or seriously injured people in Western Australia. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke emphasised the catastrophe Australia could have faced had the bomb exploded. Indigenous leaders met with WA Police and the government at Dumas House on Thursday afternoon. This is a bomb fitted with screws and ball bearings into a crowd of people rallying in support of First Nations Australians, he said. Think about the number of Australians who were there in a tight space, had it gone the way it was allegedly intended to, we would have been looking at something quite catastrophic. Advertisement The 31-year-old man has already been charged with intent to cause harm and making an explosive device with suspicious intentions. He will formally be charged with the terrorism offence when he next appears in court later this month. It is the second terror act investigated by WA Police in as many years, after a teenage boy was shot by police when he stabbed a stranger in a car park in Willetton in 2024. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter. City of Perth Lord Mayor Bruce Reynolds has released a statement after the attempted Invasion Day bomb attack was declared a terrorist attack this morning. Reynolds said the incident was an unacceptable act intended to incite fear and cause harm. While it is incredibly fortunate that no one was physically injured, that does not mean no one was harmed. Acts like this have a profound impact on peoples sense of safety and wellbeing, he said. The City is a diverse community. We support the right of all people to protest peacefully and safely in our City, and we remain committed to facilitating lawful gatherings while prioritising public safety. As always, the City will continue to work closely with WA Police and other relevant agencies to monitor risks, strengthen security measures and ensure the safety of everyone who lives in, works in or visits our City. We want our community to feel safe, supported and confident that we are vigilant in protecting and preserving the safety and security of our City. Meanwhile, the WA Greens have taken aim at the delay in authorities declaring the incident was a terrorist act. We are deeply concerned by the rising threat posed by far-right extremists to the safety of First Nations people, religious communities, and Black and Brown people across Western Australia, a Greens spokesperson said. Significant delays in engaging with First Nations Leaders, event organisers and the broader community about the seriousness of this terrorist act, and an unwillingness to answer questions about how WA Police managed the situation on January 26, has meant that First Nations people are justifiably feeling, once again, that their lives dont matter to the State. The WA Police, WA government and the media must address this now by demonstrating their unwavering commitment to keeping First Nations communities safe and make it clear that hate, racism and violence against First Nations people will not be tolerated. Advertisement Exclusive PoliticsQueenslandQueensland government Minister onto fifth key staffer amid fears of office toxicity Matt Dennien Updated February 5, 2026 8:19pm ,first published 3:32pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A The minister steering Queenslands efforts in the key area of youth justice is now onto her fifth chief of staff and third department head, amid ongoing concern about the toxicity of her office. Andy Longmire, shifted into Youth Justice Minister Laura Gerbers office in September, has now also moved on, according to sources with knowledge of the matter. The sources, granted anonymity as they were not authorised to speak publicly, said the longstanding ally of Premier David Crisafulli had been replaced with another from his office: Ian Kaye. Youth Justice Minister Laura Gerber has now had five chiefs of staff, and three youth justice department bosses, in 15 months. Jamila Filippone Kaye, a Newman government MP for Greenslopes and former police officer of 23 years, has worked with the government since its time in opposition most recently as a policy advisor. Advertisement He is said to have started with Gerber last week. Longmire is now said to have only ever been in the role on an interim basis, according to a spokesperson for Gerber. The minister has previously dismissed what she described as spurious personal allegations about her behaviour. Issues within the Commonwealth prosecutor-turned-Currumbin MP and first-time ministers office have been repeatedly aired since May last year. Labor had raised parliamentary questions of Gerbers office in June, hinting at turmoil. In response, a visibly angry Gerber accused unnamed Labor ministers of throwing staplers at staff. Advertisement Advertisement The ministers responsibility for youth justice, victim support and corrections places her in one of the most important roles to deliver the crime victim number reduction Crisafulli has staked his leadership on. Former youth justice department director-general Bob Gee last year took leave to work as secretary of the CFMEU Commission of Inquiry though publicly denied requesting the move. After acting for a short time as Victims Commissioner following the resignation of Beck OConnor, Gee was appointed Cross-Border Commissioner last month. His acting successor as director-general, Kate Connors, was at the same time announced as the new permanent Victims Commissioner. Michael Drane, a former deputy, now leads the department. A government source, speaking to this masthead on condition of anonymity to detail internal workplace matters, described reported concerns about Gerber screaming at colleagues as ongoing. Advertisement The level of toxicity in her office is resulting in the turnover of staff, they said, adding that the level of micromanagement by Gerber and her office was leading to workload problems in the public service, which was often being pushed to alter public messaging. Its like the separation of powers has just been thrown out the window their in-reach is just on another level. Crisafullis office did not respond to questions. A spokesperson for Gerber initially did not provide a response for publication to questions on the change in the chief-of-staff role. The minister will continue to work closely with Connors in her new role to support victims of crime, and with Gee in her capacity as the local member for the cross-border community in Currumbin, Gerbers spokesperson said. They accused the opposition of trying to get in the gutter and distract from their failures and get in the way of us delivering fewer victims of crime, which we are. Advertisement In a later statement, they added: Andy was always only acting in the chief of staff position for an interim period before Ian Kaye joined the team. Deputy Labor leader Cameron Dick said he was incredibly concerned about the revolving door of leaders in the department and high turnover in Gerbers office. Strong and stable leadership is important in every government and department especially when it comes to the people tasked with addressing the LNPs crime crisis, Dick said. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter. Advertisement Reviews & adviceTripologist Opinion How should I prepare for tipping when arriving in another country? Michael Gebicki is Travellers expert Tripologist. Each week he tackles the thorny issues in travel as well as answering your questions. Got a question for the Tripologist? Email tripologist@traveller.com.au Michael Gebicki The Tripologist February 6, 2026 4:00am February 6, 2026 4:00am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A This might seem a dumb question, but can you please give some advice on how to prepare for tipping porters etc on arrival in a foreign country? I have found it isnt easy to obtain foreign currency in small notes. Any tips, please? P. McMahon, Paddington, NSW It can be difficult to get small denominations of foreign currency before you leave. AP Not a dumb question at all. This is exactly the sort of conundrum that causes awkward moments when youre jet-lagged and juggling bags. Unless its a European or North American country, obtaining small notes in the currency of the country youre visiting is usually not possible before you depart. You can do that at the currency exchange booths when you arrive at your destination airport, but at the end of a long trip Im never in the headspace to deal with currency conversions. The two currencies that are almost universally accepted and valued as tips are euros and US dollars. While you can order and pay for foreign currencies online from providers such as Travelex or the Commonwealth Bank, you cant specify small denominations youll get a mix. The best way to get your hands on small denomination notes is from an exchange bureau, found in major metropolitan areas. As a last resort, try the exchange bureau at your departure airport. My wife and I and perhaps some friends want to do a small-group tour that takes in all the sights of Turkey including Istanbul, Gallipoli, Troy and Cappadocia, ideally with a seven-night gulet trip in September and October. We are also including an island-hopping trip in Greece and are keen to explore lesser-known islands. J. Paterson, Mudgee, NSW Advertisement Turunc Bay in Marmaris, Turkey. iStock Sign up for the Traveller newsletter The latest travel news, tips and inspiration delivered to your inbox. Sign up now. Wendy Wu Tours has a 17-day Fully Inclusive Classic Group Tour of Turkey that includes all the places on your wish list and more. You could combine that with Wendy Wus seven-day gulet cruise, a great way to experience Turkeys coastline, starting from Marmaris. For your Greek islands adventure, you might want to stick to the Cyclades Islands, and the Western Cyclades has some beauties. Serifos is an escapists paradise, with 40 quiet beaches, and reminders of how the Greek islands used to be. Centrepiece of Livadi, the port town, is the Yacht Club, in reality a simple old-school waterfront bar popular for those with time on their hands. Just south of Serifos, Sifnos is a tiny gem with its blue-domed churches, the soft-sand beaches of Cheronissos and Vathi, and narrow, stepped village streets. Sifnos has some of the best hiking trails in the Cyclades as well and a reputation for excellent food. Kimolos and Milos are a short cruise to the south. We are planning a short visit to Uzbekistan in late June. We want to spend a few days in Samarkand with a day trip to Shakhrisabz then two to three nights in Bukhara, and then travel to Tashkent to fly home. Is there a company you could recommend that would organise the land travel for us? What temperatures can we expect? Any advice you can offer? J. Fordham, Richmond, Vic Registan Square, Samarkand. Its better to avoid outdoor activities in the middle of the day during the Uzbek summer. iStock Advertisement The easiest way to do this is with a full package that includes hotel accommodation, guides, transport and airport transfers. UK-based Wild Frontiers is one operator that offers tailor-made tours in Uzbekistan, and they have many years experience in the region. Australias own World Expeditions also offers private trips. In June, you can expect temperatures in the range 19 to 34 degrees. Humidity is low, but you might want to avoid outdoor activities in the middle of the day. Uzbekistan is the most user-friendly of all the Central Asian countries. Its safe and tourism infrastructure is well-developed. Theres even a high-speed train linking Tashkent and Bokhara. The national dish is plov, rice with carrots and lamb. Langman, noodle soup, and manti, dumplings, are also popular. Bread is baked flat on the sides of clay ovens, and if you can get your hands on butter and local honey its a real treat. Tea culture is strong, usually centred around a samovar. Cash is still king, US dollars are the most widely accepted foreign currency, and clean, newer notes are preferred. Uzbekistan is secular but culturally conservative. Headscarves are only required for women when visiting some shrines, but shoulders and legs should be covered. The tradition of hospitality to strangers is very much alive, and youll be warmly welcomed. We have two kids in Canada with teenagers and our other son based in Melbourne along with us. Where is a good holiday meeting point in July or August with heat, interesting locations and minimal flying time? P. Ross, Hawthorn, Vic The Kalalau Trail is rated by many as the premier walk in the Hawaiian Islands. iStock Hawaii. Warmth is guaranteed, youve got plenty of diversity, from live volcanoes and swims with manta rays to mega malls, and its almost mid-point for you and the Canadians. After a few days on Oahu, you might strike out for one of the less populated islands. One place that might appeal to the teenagers is Hanalei, the laid-back biking, hiking, snorkelling and diving capital of Kauai. Hanalei is close to the Na Pali coast, the fluted green volcanic peaks that rise 1000 metres almost sheer from the sea. From Hanalei, the highway continues west for another 10 kilometres through a dreamscape of green tunnels, one-lane bridges, silver streams and tiny, ramshackle general stores. Advertisement The highway ends at Kee Beach, where the Kalalau Trail takes up the journey around the Na Pali Coast. Rated by many as the premier walk in the Hawaiian Islands, this is a remnant of the trail that was carved out by the Hawaiians to reach their taro fields in the coastal valleys, protected by the natural fortress of the cliffs. For a total escape, Lanai is the smallest of Hawaiis inhabited islands, and unlike any other Hawaiian island. There are no shopping malls, no boutiques, no fast food joints, no outlet stores and no traffic lights. Deer are prolific. For every kilometre of paved road, Lanai has 10 of unpaved track. Got a travel question? Include your name and suburb or town and send it to Michael Gebicki - tripologist@traveller.com.au Travel advice is general; readers should consider their personal circumstances Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share License this article More: Tripologist Travel tips For subscribers Opinion Michael Gebicki is a Sydney-based travel writer, best known for his Tripologist column published for more than 15 years in Traveller. With four decades of experience, his specialty is practical advice, destination insights and problem-solving for travellers. He also designs and leads slow, immersive tours to some of his favourite places. Connect via Instagram @michael_gebicki Connect via email Advertisement Reviews & adviceTourism The truth about the cities with the worlds worst overtourism Brian Johnston February 6, 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 If you were asked to nominate a few of the worlds most over-touristed cities, a few spots on the Mediterranean would likely top your list. Venice gets far more attention than other cities that have a higher ratio of tourists to residents. iStock But what does over-touristed really mean? If you measure it by local protests and media noise, no wonder cities like Barcelona spring to mind. Yet theyre not, by a long shot, the worlds most visited cities, and you seldom hear many complaints from the ones that are. Of the worlds top 10 most-visited cities in 2025, just one (Istanbul) is near the Mediterranean and only three (London and Paris are the others) are in Europe. According to analytics company Euromonitor International, Bangkok was number one with 33.3 million arrivals, and Hong Kong, Dubai, Kuala Lumpur and Mecca among the others. Advertisement But I know what youre thinking. The number of arrivals has no relation to a citys ability to absorb large numbers of tourists, right? Isnt that what places such as Amsterdam and Venice complain about? Sign up for the Traveller newsletter The latest travel news, tips and inspiration delivered to your inbox. Sign up now. How does Orlando cope when Barcelona doesnt, and how does Switzerland deal with the same relative numbers as Italy? OK then. Agreed. Bangkok has 11.4 million residents, which means its resident-to-tourist ratio is only 1:3. Its 33.3 million visitors, spread across a year which averages 91,232 a day, although tourism is of course seasonal arent going to particularly bother anyone. The resident-to-tourist ratio in Venice is 1:392 which, yes, seems alarming. But Venice gets far more media attention for its overtourism than places where the ratio is even greater. Have you ever heard the Pope complain about overtourism? No. And yet Vatican Citys ratio is a staggering 1:7709. And you should feel concerned about, say, Gatlinburg in Tennessee, population 4000, annual visitors over 11.5 million because its the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Thats a 1:2875 ratio. Advertisement Gatlinburg, Venice and the Vatican are of course unusual in having negligible resident populations, so lets consider major cities instead. Orlando has far more visitors than the major cities of Europe, but you wont hear any complaints about overtourism. iStock Paris sits at 1:22, Amsterdam at 1:29 and Dubrovnik at 1:32. But theyre all beaten by a place from which you dont hear much grumbling about too many tourists: Orlando in Florida, famous for its major theme parks, at 1:36. A third way to crunch the numbers is to look at tourism density. That takes in visitor nights or visitor numbers in relation to land area. A high value means tourists are squeezed in, with implications for overdevelopment and the environment. In Europe, according to the European Commission, busy tourist countries such as Greece and Spain have only middling rankings (around 1000). Italy is higher (1500) but, despite the publicity it gets about supposed tourism woes, its only about as tourist-dense as Austria, Switzerland and Belgium. Advertisement And the winner, if thats the right term? By a gigantic margin, nine times higher than nearest rival the Netherlands? That would be Malta, with 36,000 annual visitor nights per square kilometre in 2024. Wow. Malta has the highest number of tourists by land area. iStock Astonishing as that is, it pales in comparison with Macau, the Chinese administrative region just 118 square kilometres in size but with a record 40 million visitors in 2025. Thats a whopping 339,000 annual visitors (not quite the same as visitor nights) per square kilometre. Admittedly Barcelona and Amsterdam rank in the top five here too, but over-touristed Prague comes in at number 25, Venice 30 and Dubrovnik 33. For comparison, Sydney is 37th and Melbourne 40th. Theres no denying overtourism is a real and serious issue, with major social and environmental impacts, and I dont mean to diminish the legitimate concerns of residents from Barcelona to Bali. Advertisement Related Article Opinion Travel tips I used to have a great travel tip for Europe. It doesnt work any more Ben Groundwater Travel writer But overtourism isnt all it seems. The problem (as in Italy, or any popular city) is partly a concentration of tourists in certain areas. But how does Orlando cope when Barcelona doesnt, and how does Switzerland deal with the same relative numbers as Italy? Some of the answers lie in better tourism infrastructure, tourism management and planning. Tourism behaviour and flows can be changed through the right government policies, such as restraints on private room rentals and hotel approvals or the removal of budget-airline subsidies. The Vatican City, Gatlinburg, Orlando, Malta, Macau, Dubai and Kuala Lumpur are world champions. It pays to study the numbers and see things in a slightly different light. Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share License this article More: Tourism Europe For subscribers Brian Johnston seemed destined to become a travel writer: he is an Irishman born in Nigeria and raised in Switzerland, who has lived in Britain and China and now calls Australia home. UB named a top producer of U.S. Fulbright scholars My Austrian journey left me inspired and grateful, with new perspectives and lasting memories. UB is among the nations colleges and universities with the highest number of scholars selected in the 2025-26 academic year for the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program. The distinction being named a Fulbright Top Producing Institution was announced yesterday by the Fulbright program. UB is one of 25 institutions nationwide to receive the designation. Six UB faculty members Shermali Gunawardena, Barbara Prinari, Bina Ramamurthy, Adrian Rodriguez-Riccelli, Hua Helen Wang and Hao Zeng received Fulbright awards to study and teach abroad this academic year. UBs standing as a top-producing institution of Fulbright scholars is a testament to the exceptional caliber of our faculty and our steadfast commitment to international engagement, President Satish K. Tripathi says. Through research and education, our Fulbright faculty scholars address consequential issues shaping global society. We are immensely proud of our Fulbright scholars past and present for their enduring contributions to our students, our communities and the world. The Fulbright program, established in 1946, is the U.S. governments premier international academic exchange program devoted to improving intercultural relations, diplomacy and competence between the people of the U.S. and other nations through educational exchange. Coordinated by the U.S. Department of State, it provides opportunities for Americans and participants from 160 countries and locations to study, teach and conduct research abroad, advancing knowledge, science and industry through international exchange and collaboration. UB has increased its efforts to inform and prepare faculty to successfully apply to this prestigious program. This includes workshops, outreach and networking programs led by the Office of Faculty Affairs to help participants fully explore award opportunities, learn more about the application process and prepare a strong application. Since 2020, 19 UB faculty, including the six from this year, received the Fulbright U.S. Scholar award. An additional six faculty participated in the U.S. Fulbright Specialist Program during the same time period. Hao Zeng, the Moti Lal Rustgi Professor in the Department of Physics, is conducting research on chalcogenide perovskite thin films with Japanese materials scientist Hideo Hosono. These advanced semiconductor materials show promise for photovoltaics, tandem solar cells and optoelectronic devices. My Fulbright fellowship in Japan has been an amazing opportunity to collaborate with international peers and gain new perspectives on this emerging field of research that is critical to the advancement of semiconductors and other key technologies, says Zeng, who co-directs the UB Center for Advanced Semiconductor Technologies. Bina Ramamurthy, professor of teaching in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, spent this past fall semester in Austria as a visiting professor at St. Polten University of Applied Sciences, where she taught and conducted research on blockchain-based systems. My 2025 Fulbright experience teaching blockchain technology at USTP St. Polten, Austria was extraordinary, says Ramamurthy. My Austrian journey left me inspired and grateful, with new perspectives and lasting memories. Fulbright alumni work to make a positive impact on their communities, sectors and the world, and have included 44 heads of state or government, 63 Nobel Laureates, 93 Pulitzer-Prize winners, 83 MacArthur Fellows and countless leaders from all sectors and industries across the United States and around the world. UB faculty interested in learning more about the program can contact Maria Almanza, director of faculty recognition, or Tilman Baumstark, UB Fulbright liaison and associate vice provost for faculty affairs. AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Feb. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- New marketing and retail experiences kick off this weekend as Currie competes in the 20th Anniversary King of the Hammers in Johnson Valley, California Jeep brand sponsors Currie Racings "Trophy Jeep" in the main event, The Race of Kings on Sat., Feb. 7 Jeep Experience at The Forty at King of the Hammers, from 2 to 8 p.m. (PST) daily Currie Enterprises joins Mopar Affiliated Accessories program, making legendary Currie off-road parts available through Jeep and Ram dealerships The Jeep Brand is sponsoring professional off-road racer Casey Currie, who will be piloting his Trophy Jeep in the Race of Kings on Saturday, Feb. 7 at the annual King of the Hammers event in Johnson Valley, California. This weekend, professional off-road racer Casey Currie will pilot his "Trophy Jeep" in the King of the Hammers in Johnson Valley, California. Combining brutal rock crawling and wide-open desert runs, King of the Hammers is considered the toughest, one-day, off-road race in the world. It's also the perfect location for the Jeep brand and Mopar to launch a strategic partnership and retailing agreement with Casey Currie, as he demonstrates how true off-road performance is built while inspiring fans and customers to keep pushing the limits with parts and accessories designed and engineered for the most extreme terrains. "King of the Hammers is the ultimate proving ground for off-road performance, and there's no better partner than Casey Currie to showcase what Jeep vehicle capability is all about," said Bob Broderdorf, Jeep CEO. "This race demands strength, durability and precision at every turn. That's exactly where Jeep engineering shines. Designed, tested and proven in the most extreme conditions on Earth for the most extreme off-road community anywhere." "Jeep has been a big part of my family for generations. It's an honor to be sponsored by Jeep and join the Mopar family of affiliates to offer our performance off-road products," Currie said. "To have Jeep with us at King of the Hammers and the iconic Jeep name on my Trophy Jeep is beyond exciting to me." In addition to his racing and marketing efforts, Currie's family business Currie Enterprises has entered into a retailing agreement with Mopar Affiliated Accessories, making a wide array of high-performance rear-end assemblies, differentials and axle components for off-road racing, rock crawling and street performance, available for order through authorized Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram dealerships across the United States. Founded in 1959, Currie Enterprises has become an industry leader in drivetrain components, joining the growing number of affiliated suppliers whose products have been reviewed by Mopar for proper fitment and are guaranteed by each supplier separately. Jeep Activation at The Forty Daily 2 - 8 p.m. (PST) through Saturday, February 7 At the Jeep brand space located at The Forty next to the event entry gate, attendees can check out Jeep vehicles on display, including the Jeep Wrangler 392, Jeep Gladiator Mojave and more. Guided walkarounds led by Jeep product specialists will give fans a closer look at the vehicles' off-road features and performance. Fans who complete a walkaround can receive a Jeep-branded gift, such as a co-branded Jeep x Casey Currie T-shirt, while supplies last, and will be entered into the 2026 Stellantis National Sweepstakes for a chance to win $100,000 toward an eligible vehicle. Race Day Details (Sat., Feb. 7) Race Window: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. PST Watch live: King of the Hammers - YouTube Jeep Brand For nearly 85 years, Jeep has been a global leader in SUVs, delivering legendary off-road capability, advanced technology and exceptional versatility for those who seek fun and adventure. With a commitment to innovation, the Jeep brand offers a diverse lineup of vehicles powered by internal combustion engines, hybrid technology and all-electric drivetrains. Built on a heritage of freedom, adventure, authenticity and passion, Jeep continues to set the standard for rugged and refined vehicles designed to conquer it all. Follow Jeep and company news and video on: Company blog: http://blog.stellantisnorthamerica.com Media website: http://media.stellantisnorthamerica.com Jeep brand: www.jeep.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/jeep Instagram: www.instagram.com/jeep X: www.twitter.com/jeep LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/jeep YouTube: www.youtube.com/thejeepchannel or https://www.youtube.com/StellantisNA Mopar Affiliated Accessories Mopar, the original-equipment parts, accessories and customer care brand of Stellantis, has launched a significantly expanded accessories program for U.S.-based dealerships that sell and service Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram vehicles. The new Mopar Affiliated Accessories program offers more than 1,500 popular accessories from well-known and preferred aftermarket suppliers and the number of available accessories is quickly growing. Every new affiliated product has been reviewed by Mopar for proper fitment and are guaranteed by each supplier separately. Whether during the vehicle purchase or any time thereafter, customers have access to a wider choice of trusted aftermarket options than ever before to personalize or enhance the performance of their vehicles. For more information, see the affiliated accessories section on the Mopar eStore. SOURCE Stellantis Tianqi became SQMs second-largest shareholder through a $4.07 billion acquisition that burdened it with significant debt. Chinese lithium giant Tianqi Lithium Corp. plans to sell a portion of its stake in Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile S.A. (SQM) to improve liquidity. This move follows its defeat in a legal battle against the Chilean governments nationalization of the lucrative mining company. In an announcement on Feb. 4, Shenzhen- and Hong Kong-listed Tianqi Lithium stated it intends to sell up to 3.566 million Class A shares of SQM, representing a 1.25% stake in the company. As of Feb. 3, the book value of these shares was $206 million, according to Tianqi. The 2026 edition of the campaign will include the inauguration of the first phase of the project, delivering 3.3 kilometers (2.05 miles) of trail as part of the regeneration process for access to the Base Torres Viewpoint. TORRES DEL PAINE, Chile, Feb. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Following the success of its first two editions, tourism company Las Torres Patagonia, in partnership with SKY Airline, has launched the third edition of its "10 Volunteers for 10 Days" campaign. The initiative invites people from different countries to take part in rebuilding the trails that lead to the Base Torres Viewpoint in Torres del Paine National Park, with all expenses covered. The 2026 edition will mark a major milestone with the inauguration of the first phase of the regeneration project, which includes 3.3 kilometers of trail: 1.5 km of pedestrian trail and 1.8 km of logistical trail. This design will allow for the separation of horseback operational traffic from visitor flow, improving safety, enhancing the hiking experience, and protecting the natural environment. The completion of the first phase of this three-stage project sets an important precedent for visitor management and long-term conservation within Torres del Paine National Park. The trail to the Base Torres Viewpoint is one of the most heavily trafficked routes in the park and, at the same time, one of the most vulnerable. Its restoration will benefit thousands of visitors from around the world who travel to Chile to experience its unique geological formations, as well as its native flora and fauna. How to Participate in "10 Volunteers for 10 Days" To apply, participants must be over 21 years old, reside in Chile, Brazil, the United States, Canada, or the United Kingdom, and submit a video of no more than 45 seconds via Instagram Stories using the "Your Turn" button, available in the featured stories on Las Torres Patagonia's Instagram account (@lastorres.patagonia). Applicants must tag Las Torres Patagonia and SKY Airline (@skyairline) in their story and post the video from a public account. Applications will be accepted until February 20, when a team from the tourism company will select the winners. Those selected will receive round-trip airfare from their country of residence to Puerto Natales and will then be transferred to Hotel Las Torres, located in the heart of Torres del Paine National Park. During their stay, participants will work on trail reconstruction efforts for the Base Torres trail and take part in excursions that allow them to experience Chilean Patagonia up close. Campaign winners will stay in the national park for five nights during one of the following periods: March 2226 or March 28April 1. "This campaign represents what tourism should be: participatory, regenerative, and deeply connected to the land," said Josian Yaksic, CEO of Las Torres Patagonia. He added that it marks "a concrete milestone in the regeneration of 3.3 kilometers of infrastructure, signaling the beginning of a new way to manage, experience, and conserve the trail to the Base Torres Viewpointintegrating safety, visitor experience, and environmental protection." The development of this campaign in collaboration with SKY aligns with the airline's sustainability strategy of recent years, which has focused on the progressive reduction of emissions, cumulatively avoiding more than 1.2 million tons of CO since 2018. "We are very pleased to support initiatives like this one, which make a tangible contribution to sustainability in Chile and to the protection of its natural heritage," said Mayra Kohler, Director of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability at SKY Airline. "At SKY, sustainability is a long-term strategic pillar, and collaboration between tourism, conservation, and connectivity is key to advancing toward a more responsible development model." This strategic alliance between Las Torres Patagonia and SKY Airline reflects both companies' commitment to sustainability, promoting responsible tourism and a shared focus on reducing their carbon footprints across operations. The Campaign and its Results The most recent edition of the "10 Volunteers for 10 Days" campaign received approximately 1,000 video applications from sustainability enthusiasts in North America, Chile, and Brazil. Ten winners were selected, and during their stay they successfully built 67.1 meters (220 feet) of new trail. Key tasks included removing the vegetation layer in previously designated areas and shaping the trail profile using back slope and out slope techniques, which are essential for proper water drainage and for preventing erosion caused by rainfall accumulation. In addition to work on the new section, volunteers also carried out maintenance on 206.7 meters (678 feet) of existing trail. These efforts included removing overgrown vegetation, repairing drainage systems to ensure proper water flow, and widening certain sections to improve visitor safety and trail flow. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ About Las Torres Patagonia Las Torres Patagonia is a natural and cultural reserve located in the heart of Torres del Paine National Park in Chilean Patagonia. It is a family-owned company with more than 30 years of experience in tourism, focused on nature conservation, Patagonian culture, and the promotion of sustainable tourism. Through its hotel, mountain lodges, and campsites located across five areas of the parkCentral, Chileno, Cuernos, Frances, and Seronthe company offers unique experiences while preserving ranching traditions and connecting visitors to the land through local guides and collaborators. Its commitment is to establish itself as a world-class sustainable destination in Chilean Patagonia. About SKY Airline SKY is a Chilean low-cost airline with 24 years of experience, operating more than 40 destinations across the Americas, with hubs in Chile and Peru. Since its first flight in 2001, the airline has transported more than 70 million passengers. In 2024, SKY was recognized by SKYTRAX as South America's Best Low-Cost Airline for the fourth time, and by CH-Aviation for having one of the youngest fleets in the region. For more information about the contest, terms, and conditions: https://tools.lastorres.com/10-volunteers-for-10-days-2026 SOURCE Las Torres Patagonia By Claudia Savage, Press Association Catherine Connolly has said she is deeply grateful to the people of Derry for showing the path from conflict to peace. She also said that justice is still awaited by the families of victims of Bloody Sunday. The President saw out day two of her three-day official visit to Northern Ireland with a number of engagements in Co Derry. Connolly was greeted on arrival to the Guildhall by the Lord Lieutenant for the County Borough of Derry Ian Crowe and Derry City Mayor Ruairi McHugh. She also stopped to have a brief conversation in Irish with someone who had waited to see the President. In her address, Connolly said she had visited Derry many times in the past and always left with a feeling of wanting to return. The President praised the citys contributions to the peace process, saying Derry has shown us the path from conflict to peace after she had viewed the Nobel Peace Prize shared by John Hume and David Trimble. She added: The other thing that jumps out, of course, as someone whos been quite critical of the government, let me praise the Irish government in terms of the reconciliation fund, because all of these projects have been funded by the reconciliation fund, and theyre full of hope and vision and the champion of diversity and building a brighter future. Connolly said she was conscious that her visit to the city came as last Friday marked the 54th anniversary of Bloody Sunday. On Bloody Sunday, 13 people were shot dead when members of the British Armys Parachute Regiment opened fire on civil rights demonstrators in the Bogside area of Derry on January 30th 1972, regarded as one of the darkest days of the Troubles. Im particularly conscious of recent judgments, and justice is still awaited, she said. She added: The suffered people, the weak, do not need to suffer. We have voices. We can speak up. And an injustice in Derry is the same as an injustice in Gaza, is the same as an injustice in the Sudan. Were all human beings at the end of the day. Im deeply grateful to you and Derry for showing us that way forward in a practical way, with vision, with humour and with wit you have shown us. And I will finish by saying, I think Derry is a dune thats hidden in front of our eyes, and for the rest of us outside of Derry to discover that. Connolly then visited the Museum of Free Derry where she viewed the exhibition on Bloody Sunday and met about 30 survivors and their families. Tony Doherty, chairman of the Bloody Sunday Trust, said it was very heartening to see that the President was very keen to meet us and to share with us her solidarity. Dohertys father Patrick Doherty was one of the victims of Bloody Sunday, shot in the back at the age of 32 while attempting to assist others, leaving behind a wife and six children. Doherty said: Catherine Connolly is a very popular woman, not just for those who voted for, but for those who couldnt vote. And what we actually did say is that hopefully, in the not too distant future, that some of us will actually canvas for the future president of Ireland on our own streets. So we were very glad to have her with us. The visit went swimmingly well. Were very pleased to see her and she was very pleased to see us. Tony Doherty praised the President (Liam McBurney/PA) He added: Bloody Sunday has made its own imprint on the history of the city and in response, ourselves, as families, have made our own imprint in terms of addressing the injustice of what has happened on that day and for decades subsequently. So were very happy that shes referenced us and the way that she has its, I suppose, a sign of maturity as well that the Presidents office isnt reticent or afraid to address sort of core issues. The Presidents three-day visit to Northern Ireland marks the first official visit of Connollys presidency and fulfils a commitment made in her inauguration address that her first one would be to Northern Ireland. On Wednesday, Connolly met First Minister Michelle ONeill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly at Stormont Castle, and gave an address at Ulster University. She also carried out a number of community engagements. Her visit will conclude with a further engagement in Derry on Friday. Gordon Deegan Johnny Ronans property group has questioned the absence of residential units from the planned 100 million rejuvenation of St Stephens Green Shopping Centre in Dublin. In a submission concerning the planning application by DTDL Ltd, ceo of the Ronan Group, Rory Williams has told the council that the redevelopment of a highly accessible city-centre site without provision for residential use raises questions as to whether the proposal adequately supports compact growth objectives and the delivery of a living city. Mr Williams has told the Council that the inclusion of residential use in the scheme would provide a stable, long-term occupation of the city centre site and contribute to its social and economic resilience. As part of a five page submission by the Ronan Group, Mr Williams states that the employment-led scheme with all upper floors dedicated to office accommodation delivers functional intensity but does not meaningfully contribute to permanent population or residential presence in the city centre. In total, the council has received 58 submissions, with the bulk of those opposed to the application. In December, owners of the centre, DTDL Ltd lodged revised plans for the redevelopment of the landmark shopping centre five months after An Coimiusin Pleanala refused planning permission for its 100 million revamp. The designers of the scheme state that the revised proposal will make an enduring contribution to the city's built environment, setting a new benchmark for brownfield regeneration in the heart of Dublin through its exemplar standard of urban design. The newly designed scheme through the BKD Architects/ODonnell + Tuomey collaboration will have capacity to accommodate 3,000 office workers while the retail floor area at basement, ground and first floor levels will be 19,001 sq.m. In a blow however to the revised rejuvenation scheme two of three parties, An Taisce and author and former Irish Times journalist, Frank McDonald, who successfully appealed to An Coimisuin Pleanala Dublin City Councils grant of permission in December 2023 to the original 100 million scheme, have outlined their opposition to the new plan in comprehensive submissions. In a hard hitting objection, Rhona Ni Fhogartaigh has told the council to please retain the existing St Stephens Green Centre and refuse planning permission for its destruction or any significant structural alteration "that would render it unrecognisable, ugly, derivative, uninspiring, boring, light-impacting and overbearingly dominant in a key area of town. Ms ni Fhogartaigh said that what is planned is against the wishes of Dublin people. She says: This is our city. We love the area of St Stephens Green and Grafton Street. "We love the existing St Stephens Green Centre.Destroying a beautiful landmark building is not in our interests and not what we want, especially when the reason for doing so is solely to line the pockets of the developers with rental income from new offices proposed, while also reducing the existing amenity of the centre. The proposed redevelopment is shocking to the eye and mind. Member of Dublin City Council, Cllr Claire Byrne (Green Party) has told the council that the proposed replacement building is generic in nature, has already been refused and would further erode Dublin's architectural character and heritage. Cllr Byrne said that the city is increasingly becoming a homogenous streetscape of uniform modern developments. A decision is due on the application later this month. Mozambique took a major step in its industrialisation drive on Monday with the laying of the foundation stone for the clinker and cement plant in Chibabava. The event, part of the National Programme to Industrialise Mozambique, was led by Minister of Economy Basilio Muhate and attended by Sofala Province Governor Lourenco Bulha. The project is backed by an investment of more than US$280m and will have an annual production capacity of around one million tonnes. Officials said the plant is expected to cut Mozambiques reliance on imported cement and clinker, boost domestic supply, increase tax revenues, and help lower construction costs over time. Chibabava Cimentos is majority-owned by Sino Harbor Construction Group, represented at the ceremony by CEO Cheng Biao. The Chinese-funded development also includes a 28MW captive power plant, which the government said will support stable operations and help position the facility as one of the countrys most significant construction materials ventures. More than 500 jobs are expected to be created, with priority given to local labour, especially young people from Chibabava district. The project also aims to strengthen local value chains through the use of national raw materials, while offering technical training and knowledge transfer. Scheduled for completion in 2027, the plant could eventually supply regional markets, including SADC and COMESA, reinforcing economic cooperation between Mozambique and China. PHOENIX and WASHINGTON, Feb. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- In a statement celebrating Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month, Universal Technical Institute, Inc. CEO Jerome Grant today emphasized the contributions of skilled collar and healthcare workers to the American economy. The company is a national leader in workforce training programs and will educate upwards of 32,000 students this year at its two operating divisions; UTI, which offers transportation, skilled trades, electrical and energy education; and Concorde Career Colleges, which specializes in dental, nursing and allied health. Concorde Career Colleges (PRNewsfoto/Universal Technical Institute, Inc.) "Skilled collar and healthcare workers are the pillars of communities across the United States and touch every aspect of our daily lives. Yet far too many employers face an urgent shortage of these workers, with more jobs available than qualified workers to fill them," said Mr. Grant. He continued, "Universal Technical Institute is honored to partner with the nation's employers to prepare the workforce our economy depends on day after day, year after year. As more people reconsider traditional collegeand artificial intelligence upends what were once considered 'safe' white collar jobsskilled collar and healthcare positions can offer meaningful, stable employment for decades. Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month is an excellent opportunity to raise awareness of and celebrate the expertise required for these positions that align directly with today's job market and are a path to the American Dream." Universal Technical Institute, Inc. announced its Fiscal Year 2026 Q1 earnings on February 4. For more information, visit investor.uti.edu. About Universal Technical Institute, Inc. Universal Technical Institute, Inc. (NYSE: UTI) was founded in 1965 and is a leading workforce solutions provider serving students, partners and communities nationwide. The company offers high-quality education and support services for in-demand careers via its two divisions: UTI and Concorde Career Colleges. The UTI division operates 15 campuses located in nine states, with more announced, and offers a wide range of transportation, skilled trades, electrical and energy training programs. Concorde operates across 18 campuses in eight states and online, with more announced, offering programs in the allied health, dental, nursing, patient care and diagnostic fields. For more information, visit www.uti.edu or www.concorde.edu; LinkedIn at @UniversalTechnicalInstitute and @Concorde Career Colleges; or X at @news_UTI and @ConcordeCareer. Media Contact: Susan Aspey [email protected] SOURCE Universal Technical Institute, Inc. Advertisement Lafarge Africa Plc has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding cement production in Nigeria through new capacity projects at its Sagamu plant in Ogun State and Ashaka plant in Gombe State. In a statement issued on Wednesday in Lagos, the company secretary, Adewunmi Alode, said the planned upgrades will increase annual capacity to 3.5Mt at Sagamu and 2Mt at Ashaka. He noted that both sites will operate dry-process plants equipped with modern kilns, mills and roller presses, aimed at improving energy efficiency and overall operational performance. The expansions are expected to enhance product availability and strengthen Lafarge Africas ability to serve customers more efficiently across key markets nationwide. Alode said the projects also reflect Huaxin Building Materials Groups commitment to Nigerias infrastructure sector, following its 83.81 per cent acquisition of Lafarge Africa in 2024. Lafarge Africa CEO Lolu Alade-Akinyemi said the expansion signals confidence in Nigerias long-term growth, adding that the investments will modernise supply chains, support sustainability goals, create jobs and deepen engagement with host communities. Previous Next Residents in the assisted living community at Morning Pointe of Chattanooga recently gathered for a Hobby Fair in celebration of National Hobbies Month, enjoying an afternoon centered on creativity, connection and personal passions.Officials said, "During the event, residents shared a wide range of hobbies and talents, including quilting, photography, embroidery and wood carving, among many others. Each resident brought items representing their interests and explained why those hobbies continue to be meaningful.Some showcased more than one passion, while others proudly displayed skills theyve practiced for decades."Fellow residents were encouraged to ask questions, learn more about each hobby and connect through conversation, turning the fair into an interactive and engaging experience."The Hobby Fair highlighted the individuality and talents within the assisted living community, while fostering meaningful connections through shared interests and storytelling."Events like this are part of daily life at Morning Pointe Senior Living, where residents are encouraged to stay engaged, express themselves and continue pursuing the activities they love." The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga College of Nursing is partnering with ENCORE Ministry Foundation to launch a new Age-Friendly Congregation Certificate program designed to help faith communities and individuals better support older adults through intentional, practical action.The eight-module program, believed to be the first of its kind nationally, offers a structured, nondenominational approach to helping congregations better support older adults. Open to congregations and individuals across the United States and beyond, the program is free through grant funding and delivered in a self-paced, online format with optional in-person sessions.Developed by UTC faculty in collaboration with ENCORE Ministry Foundation, the certificate program equips participants with tools to reframe aging, improve accessibility, strengthen intergenerational connection and support physical, mental and spiritual well-being.Congregations that complete the program earn an Age-Friendly Congregation designation, while individuals may earn recognition as Age-Friendly Congregation Champions.The Age-Friendly Congregation Certificate program gives individuals and congregations a practical way to become more intentional about supporting older adults, said Dr. Kristi Wick, UC Foundation associate professor and Vicky B. Gregg chair of Gerontology in the UTC College of Nursing. It is a first-of-its-kind program built around learning modules that help congregations turn that commitment into action.The program reflects years of age-friendly work led by the UTC College of Nursing and supported through a Tennessee Department of Health grant now in its fifth year.Dr. Wick said the certificate represents a sustainable way to extend that work well beyond the life of the grant.We brought together what weve learned over the past several years - along with the questions congregations are asking and the support theyve told us they need - to create something sustainable, Dr. Wick said. This program gives people continued access to those resources well beyond the life of the grant.Participants move beyond coursework to implementation. Congregations develop and carry out an action plan, complete a project and document their experience through a photo story, recorded testimony or written narrative.Upon completion, congregations receive formal designation - and digital and physical recognition - to support and expand their work.Rev. Dr. Richard Gentzler, older adult ministry director for ENCORE Ministry Foundation, said the program responds to demographic shifts that faith communities can no longer ignore.The reality is that were an aging society and we need to really be thinking about the needs of older persons, Rev. Gentzler said. People are living longer. Were all going to be older adults at some point if were not already.Rev. Gentzler explained that faith communities occupy a unique space within the broader age-friendly ecosystem because they are already places of trust, connection and shared purpose. At the same time, he said, congregations often overlook practical barriers that affect older adults, such as scheduling evening Bible studies during winter months when traveling after dark can limit participation.He said many congregations want to respond to the needs of older adults, but lack the training to know where to begin.The Age-Friendly Congregation Certificate program addresses those needs through its eight modules: creating Age-Friendly Congregations; healthy aging and resilience; spirituality and aging; supporting older adult well-being; social inclusion and intergenerational connection; ministry models and program design; advocacy and safety; and sustainable action planning.What were trying to do with the age-friendly congregation is make this a really useful, helpful tool for faith leaders and laypersons engaged in this particular ministry within their local congregations, Rev. Gentzler said.Enrollment is open until capacity is reached. Information and registration details are available at utc.edu/engaging With his extensive 30-year background in leadership and agency relations, Joe Tassone leads Warrior Insurance Network's member insurance companies' Iowa expansion. BEDFORD PARK, Ill., Feb. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Warrior Insurance Network (WIN) and its member companies continue to grow as an organization. To help ensure WIN's member insurance companies continue to deliver a superior level of service, we rely on our team of State Marketing Managers (SMM). Dave Alessi, Vice President, Sales and Marketing, WIN shared, "WIN's team of State Marketing Managers each possess extensive insurance industry experience and sales knowledge to assist our valued producer force, and ultimately our insureds. Iowa's new SMM Joe Tassone, AINS, brings over 30 years of industry experience. Additionally, holding an AINS designations, sometimes referred to as Associate in General Insurance, signifies a thorough understanding of insurance principles, policies, and practices." Joe Tassone, ANIS, State Marketing Manager, Iowa, leads First Chicago Insurance Companies' Iowa Expansion. In the state of Iowa, First Chicago Insurance Company (FCIC), a proud member of WIN, offers consumers a personal auto insurance policy that hosts many appealing features including an extensive list of attractive discounts and multiple installment payment options available to accommodate most budgets. In addition to state mandatory coverages, FCIC offers consumers an extensive list of optional coverages including emergency roadside assistance, towing and rental coverage, TNC Rideshare and Livery coverage, an Enhanced Auto Package, as well as many others. SR-22 filings are available on 6- or 12-month policies. Tassone will work to support WIN's agency partners by providing practical, useful marketing resources that help them grow and succeed based on his experience as a P&C agency principal and marketing manager. "I aim to be a dependable, solutions-oriented team member. I am someone who brings energy, accountability, and a willingness to learn. I believe in developing relationships with our agency partners and looking for ways that drive growth and our mutual long-term success," Tassone shared. WIN is currently looking to expand its network of producer partners in the Iowa market and neighboring states. Interested licensed insurance agents are encouraged to contact Joe Tassone via email [email protected] or by phone at 815-654-4338. About First Chicago Insurance Company First Chicago Insurance Company (FCIC) is a proud member of the Warrior Insurance Network (WIN). FCIC, whose roots trace back to 1920, has evolved into a multi-line insurance carrier, now offering Personal & Commercial Auto and General Liability insurance in response to the needs of the company's independent producers and customer base. In personal lines, FCIC has further responded to the changing exposures and needs of their independent producers by adding optional insurance coverages such as Contents Plus Renters, Roadside Assistance, and Transportation Network Coverage to enhance their personal lines auto offerings. FCIC currently offers insurance via independent agencies throughout Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, and Wisconsin. FCIC is headquartered at 6640 S. Cicero Avenue, Bedford Park, IL, 60638. 888-262-8864 http://www.FirstChicagoInsurance.com About Warrior Insurance Network Warrior Insurance Network's member companies include First Chicago Insurance Company, United Security Insurance Company, West Virginia National Auto Insurance Company, Texas Ranger MGA, and Lonestar MGA. WIN is a marketing organization servicing a select group of insurance carriers and independent insurance agents which offer a diverse array of personal and commercial auto insurance products. WIN's member companies are licensed in 27 states. WIN is headquartered at 6640 S. Cicero Avenue, Bedford Park, IL, 60638. 866-400-8600 http://www.WarriorInsuranceNetwork.com SOURCE First Chicago Insurance Company Rise Above Push Beyond Mental Health Awareness Summit will be held on April 18 at the Walker County Civic Center from 10 a.m.-3 pm."This transformative event will focus on mental health awareness, combating all forms of depression and empowering women to overcome lifes challenges and push beyond toward their full potential," organizers said. "Our vision is to create a day of inspiration, education and connection where women from all walks of life can gain tools, encouragement and resources to rise above obstacles and thrive."The event will feature national guest speaker Dr.Cynthia Taylor, live music featuring BET's Season 2 Sunday Best Winner Y'Anna Crawley and Psalmist Kimberly Thomas, and empowerment workshops.For more information, contact riseabovepushbeyond@gmail.com. Day Shift February 3 : A Squad 26-001047 5300 BLK Connell Street Disorder/Arrest Officers responded to this location after the caller reported that her neighbor was on her porch with a gun in his mouth. It was determined that her neighbor was upset about contact with Officers earlier in the morning and came to her residence. The neighbor made a threatening hand gesture to her and began to yell at her through her door. After reviewing the incident via the recorded doorbell footage, the suspect was taken into custody for Disorderly Conduct and transported to the Hamilton County Detention Center without incident. 26-001050 3200 BLK Blackhawk Trail Property The caller reported that two of his business license plates were missing from his trucks. The missing plates were entered into NCIC. 26-001057 - 4214 Ringgold Road - Warrant Service A woman was taken into custody at Child Support Court for an outstanding Alias Capias warrant. She was transported to jail without incident. 26-001062 5400 BLK Connell Street - Suspicious Activity A passerby called police after observing a male banging on a window at this residence. The parties advised they were locked out of their house, and no police action was taken. 26-001053 600 BLK Marlboro Avenue - Backup Other Agency ERPD Officers assisted HCSO Detectives with serving a TPO to an individual. The incident went well, and the party was vacated without issue. 26-001052 1600 BLK Heather Street - Unknown 911 Officers were dispatched after a 911 call hang up from the reported location. Police spoke with the homeowners who stated all was fine. 26-001051- 3300 BLK Ringgold Rd - Alarm Officers were dispatched to the address on reports of an alarm. Patrol found a door unlocked and decided to clear the building. Officers deemed the building empty and determined the door was accidentally left open. 26-001064-1517 Tombras Ave Warrant Service Officers took an individual into custody at court for an outstanding warrant. The individual was transported to 601 Justice Way without incident Night Shift January 30 : C Squad 6-001069 200 BLK Eads Street Disorder Prevention / Civil Matter The caller requested police presence while she secured her belongings from a former friend. The RP was just released from jail. The resident provided text messages showing that another associate of the caller had already coordinated the pick-up of the property. Police found no evidence of criminal activity. 26-001071 3200 BLK Ringgold Road Business Alarm Police Officers were dispatched to an alarm at the business. Officers heard an audible alarm and checked the premises. No signs of forced entry were found, and the buildings appeared to be secure. 26-001073 900 BLK Belvoir Hills Circle Residential Alarm Police Officers responded to a burglar alarm at the listed residence. Officers found no signs of forced entry and the home appeared to be secure. The source of the alarm was undetermined. 26-001081 200 BLK Shallowford Road, Chattanooga Assist Other Agency East Ridge and Chattanooga Police Officers responded to the report of a serious crash on Shallowford Road just outside of Ridgeside. Officers found a sedan had attempted to back out of a long driveway but misjudged the angle. As a result, the vehicle traveled down a hill and over a walled embankment. The driver was not seriously injured, but the vehicle came to rest in a vertical position on the wall. East Ridge Police provided traffic control while Chattanooga Police completed the crash investigation. 26-001082 601 Justice Way Warrant Service While in custody at the Hamilton County Jail, a woman was served with a Forfeiture Capias warrant through the City of East Ridge. The original charge for the arrest warrant was Disorderly Conduct. 26-001085 5700 BLK Roper Street Unconscious Person / Arrest A citizen reported that an unconscious male was slumped over the wheel of a gray sedan at the apartment complex. Police Officers responded to the location and found a man sleeping in the front seat of his vehicle. ERPD also found the vehicle was turned off and was blocking the road in front of Building G. Police woke the man and immediately observed a loaded syringe in plain view. A probable cause search of the vehicle yielded 14 grams of suspected fentanyl, 0.4 grams of suspected methamphetamine, and 81 grams of suspected marijuana along with drug paraphernalia. The party was arrested and charged with Possession of Schedule II, Possession of Schedule VI, and Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Hamilton County Juvenile Court Clerk Gary Behler on Thursday formally announced his candidacy for re-election, pledging to "continue his record of conservative leadership, modernization and integrity in service to Hamilton County families and taxpayers."Campaign officials said, "Clerk Behler, first elected in 2010, has transformed the Juvenile Court Clerks Office into a statewide model of innovation and efficiency. Under his leadership, Hamilton County became the first State Court Clerks Office in Tennessee to be fully electronic, according to the County Technical Assistance Services, digitizing more than 9.7 million pages of court records to date.In recognition of his achievements, Clerk Behler was named the 2023 Tennessee State Court Clerk of the Year by the Tennessee Association of State Court Clerks."Serving the people of Hamilton County as Juvenile Court Clerk has been the honor of my professional life, said Clerk Behler. We have demonstrated that conservative leadership can modernize government, protect taxpayers and serve families with integrity. We have a great team that has been truly committed to moving our office forward. With the continued trust of the voters, I look forward to building on this offices record of success.Campaign officials said, "Under Clerk Behlers leadership, the Juvenile Court Clerks Office has reduced the office operating budget each year for the past 15 years and has had zero audit findings since taking over the office, setting the standard for efficiency and stewardship in Hamilton County."Examples campaign officials listed of his record of leadership are: Has served as Hamilton County Juvenile Court Clerk since 2010; Recognized as Tennessee State Court Clerk of the Year (2023); Past president and legislative chair of the Tennessee State Court Clerks Association and current Board Member; Board Member for the County Officials Association of Tennessee (COAT); Appointed to the Tennessee Human Rights Commission by Governor Bill Haslam and reappointed by Governor Bill Lee Currently serves as Chairman of the Hamilton County Childrens Advocacy Center; Member of the UTC Alumni Board; Certified Public Administrator (CPA) by the UT County Technical Assistance Services; and Certified County Financial Officer (CCFO) by the Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury.Campaign officials went on to say, "Beyond his elected role, he has a deep commitment to service in our community. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from UTC with a B.S. and M.S. in criminal justice (honors). Clerk Behler has served the university as an adjunct professor of criminal justice for 36 years, and has been twice honored as the Departmental Adjunct Faculty Member of the Year."Gary and his wife, Jamie, a rock star kindergarten teacher at CSLA, have two grown children: Brittany, a teacher at Loftis Middle School, and Jared, a worship pastor in Murfreesboro."The Behlers are long-time members of Bayside Baptist Church, where Jamie co-leads the BKids childrens music program and Gary serves as an elder. They reside in Georgetown with the wonder dogs, Jack and Coby."Clerk Behler will stand for re-election in May 2026 in the Republican Primary. B.L.A.C. Fest 2026 is coming to Chattanooga Feb. 20-22. Black Legacy of Arts and Culture Festival is presented by The Pop-up Project in collaboration with Providence Newson Dance Company and SOBI. B.L.A.C. Fest is a weekend celebrating Black artistry across dance, visual art, film and live conversation. The event is co-directed by Crystal Newson and Tarrisha Hicks. Frame by Frame is directed by Taylor Maddox. Graphics and Design are by Josh Brown. For more information and to purchase tickets, click here. Under the motto Science meets industry, the analytica conference covers the broad spectrum of analytical chemistry and bioanalytics. From March 24 to 26, researchers from all over the world will present their latest findings in Munich, at the same time as analytica, the worlds leading trade fair for laboratory technology, analysis and biotechnology. With around 190 lectures in 45 sessions, award ceremonies and a poster show, the analytica conference provides information on new developments and trends in the analytical sciences. Digitalization is a recurring theme throughout the program, this year with the notable addition of AI methods. The progress is remarkable, and the industry is looking forward to the update, says Susanne Grodl, analytica Exhibition Director, adding: The analytica conference combines scientific expertise with practical knowledge, thus accelerating the transfer from research to application. More AI in the lab The Digital analytical sciences (March 25, 9:3011:30) and The next generation (analytical) laboratory (March 26, 9:3011:30) sessions, for example, clearly show that autonomous laboratories have long since ceased to merely be a bold vision. That is also a challenge, as throughput and the flood of data are constantly growing in the face of increasing digitalization and automation. How can the volume of information be managed, evaluated and protected against external attacks? Questions like these will be answered in the lecture series Laboratory data the hidden treasure (March 24, 12:3014:30), Use cases in data science (March 26, 12:3014:30) and Open source and data security (March 26, 15:0017:00). The latter will provide a special insight: Niklas Beierl from Attacking-Lab, a company focusing on cybersecurity, will look at digital sovereignty from a hackers perspective. Food laboratories are also undergoing change. In the Food analysis and science supported by AI and digital innovations session (March 24, 9:3011:30), Prof. Christian Krupitzer from the University of Hohenheim will explain the benefits of digital food twins. Prof. Katharina Scherf from the Leibniz Institute for Food Systems Biology in Freising, will, in turn, describe how proteomics methods predict the baking quality of wheat. When it comes to nutrition, the analytica conference already has a lot to offer: from fat analysis in archaeological food remains to microplastics in drinking water and the botanical origin analysis of honey. Even unknown ingredients that cannot be searched for specifically can now be characterized. British chemist Dr. James Marshall from the food company Mars will be focusing on non-target analysis in the Behind foodomics session (March 24, 12:3014:30). In the service of health Refined analytical methods are also essential for detecting diseases at an early stage. Clinical mass spectrometry (March 25, 12:3014:30), for example, helps with newborn screening, while flow cytometry provides an accurate diagnosis of leukemia (March 26, 15:0017:00). Modern bioanalytics also decodes our metabolism. Under the heading Metabolomics/Lipidomics (March 26, 9:3017:00), researchers from China, Germany, Great Britain, Austria, Poland, Spain and Switzerland will present their findings. Prof. Victor Gonzalez-Ruiz from the CEU San Pablo University in Madrid will explain the connection between metabolic products and infertility. The sessions by the Society for Toxicological and Forensic Chemistry (March 25, 09:3017:00) will be particularly exciting. They will deal, among other things, with detecting lethal doses of insulin, the opioid situation in Europe, and nitazene, designer opioids that are 500 times more potent than morphine. There will also be news on special methods in instrumental analysis, such as chromatography (March 24, 10:00-17:00) and spectroscopy (March 26, 12.3017:00), as well as a series on the green laboratory of the future (March 25, 15:0017:00) and a host of other lectures providing inspiration for daily work in research or routine labs. Gov. Kevin Stitt, facing term limits, delivered his last State of the State address to Oklahoma lawmakers on Feb. 2. 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Paul Rasmussen, senior minister of Highland Park United Methodist Church in Dallas. | Photo credit: Facebook/ Highland Park United Methodist Church In his final sermon as senior minister of Highland Park United Methodist Church in Dallas, Rasmussen compared lifes trials to waves washing away a sandcastle, urging a choice between despair and perseverance. Rasmussen announced last November that he would transition into an emeritus role. Diagnosed in 2020, he told the congregation that by 2024 he began noticing a noticeable change in my energy level, which contributed to his decision to step back from full-time leadership. Buckle up, because in your life, you're going to have a lot of things that are going to get walloped by some kind of wave, he said. You can either cut and start crying and run, or you can simply reach down and pick the shovel up and get to work with whatever remains. But that really is your choice." Reflecting on decades in ministry, Rasmussen told the congregation that one enduring lesson stood out above all others: that change, apart from God, is unavoidable. If I've learned anything in ministry, it is that every single thing save for God is transitory, he said. Everything changes. There's always an ending. Everything ends." His successor, the Rev. Matt Tuggle, is set to assume senior pastor responsibilities as Rasmussen moves into his emeritus role. Rasmussen described the transition not simply as a conclusion, but as an opportunity for renewal. "Life is full of endings. But the beauty of life is that every ending is also at the same time a new beginning, he said. They come together. They're on the same platform. ... Every ending is a new beginning. It just depends on how you look at it." The sermon, which concluded HPUMCs Final Four preaching series, looked back on Rasmussens more than 25 years of ministry at the church. He began serving at HPUMC in 2000 and stepped into a preaching role in 2001 at Cornerstone, the churchs contemporary worship service. A native of Shreveport, Louisiana, Rasmussen is a fourth-generation United Methodist minister. Under his leadership, Cornerstone expanded significantly, eventually drawing weekly attendance of about 2,000. He also led efforts to revitalize the Munger Place Church UMC satellite campus and spearheaded fundraising initiatives to expand contemporary worship and construct a new family activity center at HPUMC. After becoming senior pastor in 2013, Rasmussen also took on leadership roles beyond the congregation, serving on the Methodist Health System Foundation Board of Trustees and the St. Philips School and Community Center Executive Board. Sam Brownback, co-chair of the International Religious Freedom Summit and former U.S. ambassador-at-large for international religious freedom, speaks during the opening session of the IRF Summit at the Washington Hilton in Washington, Monday, Feb. 2. | Photo credit: Christian Daily International The sixth annual International Religious Freedom Summit opened Monday with a call to intensify global advocacy for freedom of belief, as co-chairs warned that religious restrictions and persecution are rising worldwide even as the movement to defend conscience rights gains strength. Addressing hundreds of advocates, faith leaders and policy experts at the Washington Hilton, IRF Summit Co-Chair Katrina Lantos Swett, president of the Lantos Foundation for Human Rights, said the international religious freedom movement stands at a crossroads. It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, she said, borrowing a line from Charles Dickens to describe what she called the growing momentum for religious freedom alongside the expanding repression faced by people of faith. More people than ever now live in countries and regions where their most fundamental conscience rights are restricted, repressed and threatened. The two-day summit, running through Tuesday, brings together more than 90 organizations representing over 30 faith traditions. The event features plenary sessions, spotlight presentations and breakout tracks focused on action, accountability and awareness. Co-chair Sam Brownback, who served as U.S. ambassador-at-large for international religious freedom from 2018 to 2021, framed the movement as both a moral and geopolitical struggle. Ours is truly a global movement feared by dictators around the world because we represent the heart of freedom, Brownback said. They actually fear religious freedom more than they do aircraft carriers or even nuclear weapons. Brownback described people of faith living under repressive regimes as our greatest ally, saying their perseverance and public witness challenge authoritarian systems from within. The IRF Summit was launched in 2021 and has grown into one of the largest civil society gatherings focused on advancing freedom of religion or belief worldwide. Organizers say nearly 80% of the worlds population lives in countries with high levels of governmental or societal restrictions on religion, a trend that has steadily increased in recent years. Summit partners say their goal is to build political and public support for international religious freedom and to encourage governments, civil society and faith communities to defend conscience rights across borders. In her remarks, Lantos Swett said the movements growth has been fueled by a broad coalition committed to speaking on behalf of those who suffer because of their beliefs. Each of us here has answered the age-old question, Am I my brothers keeper? with a resounding yes, she said. The summit is guided by a charter adopted in 2021 that affirms freedom of religion and conscience as a universal human right rooted in human dignity and protected under international law, including Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The charter defines religious freedom as encompassing individual belief, communal practice and public expression, and calls on governments, religious bodies and civil society organizations to take practical steps toward ensuring freedom of religion and belief for all people. Organizers say the annual gathering is intended to strengthen cooperation among advocates and to draw global attention to religious persecution, discrimination and violence, which they describe as growing threats to social stability, human rights and peace. This article was originally published at Christian Daily International. Larry Lyon, newly appointed president of Truett McConnell University in Cleveland, Georgia. | Screenshot: YouTube/ New Orleans Seminary Larry Lyon, senior vice president for business administration at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, has been selected to serve as the next president of Truett McConnell University in Cleveland, Georgia. Lyons appointment follows leadership upheaval at the university after Emir Caner, the schools eighth president, was removed last fall in a divided vote by the board of trustees over his handling of a former vice president. Robby Foster, chairman of the universitys Board of Trustees, announced in a statement posted Monday on the schools website that Lyon was unanimously chosen as Truett McConnells ninth president. Foster said Lyon is expected to officially assume the role on April 1. Lyon previously served at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary as director of enrollment before joining New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. In addition to his administrative leadership, Lyon served as a professor of ethics at NOBTS, teaching courses in Christian ethics, theology of sexuality and gender, and contemporary ethical issues at both the graduate and doctoral levels, according to Foster. Responding to his selection, Lyon expressed optimism about the universitys future. TMU has an incredibly bright future, he said in a statement. Building on the legacy of faith and the Word of God, TMU is poised to continue to make an impact for Gods kingdom in Georgia and to the ends of the earth. I am excited to join the TMU family and begin building relationships with the people that have made TMU an amazing place to study and serve. While at NOBTS, Lyon served on the cabinet of President Jamie Dew and functioned as the seminarys chief financial and operating officer. During his tenure, student-generated revenue increased by more than $2.5 million, endowment investments grew by over $17 million, and the institution completed more than $30 million in campus renovations. Lyons hiring comes amid lingering fallout from the removal of Caner, which occurred after an independent investigation alleged that he had been aware of sexual abuse accusations involving former Truett McConnell Academic Services Vice President Bradley Reynolds. Reynolds, who was accused by former student-athlete Hayle Swinson of grooming and rape, was indicted in December on charges of lying to Georgia police during a 2024 investigation into the allegations. Home News 6 times top Democrats warned against illegal immigration, called for deportations The Trump administration has been fielding intense criticism from many prominent figures in the Democratic Party for its crackdown on illegal immigration in places such as Minnesota. Maintaining a strong border and removing criminal illegal immigrants from the U.S. was once a key pillar of the Democratic Party's platform, and despite their heated rhetoric, many of the same Democratic politicians who now rail against aspects of federal immigration enforcement once warned against the consequences of unrestrained illegal immigration. Here is a list of prominent Democratic politicians who have warned about the negative effects of illegal immigration or called for the deportation of criminal illegal immigrants in the past. Home News American Society of Plastic Surgeons advises against sex-change surgeries for minors in new statement Quick Summary AI Summary American Society of Plastic Surgeons advises delaying so-called gender transition surgeries until age 19. Group says there are no 'validated methods to determine' if gender dysphoria will persist into adulthood. The society will review its position as new evidence becomes available. 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 American Society of Plastic Surgeons is recommending that its members refrain from performing body-mutilating surgeries on trans-identified minors amid an ongoing debate over the effectiveness and long-term impacts of gender transition operations. In a statement Tuesday, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons outlined its position on gender transition procedures for minors, recommending that surgeons delay gender-related breast/chest, genital, and facial surgery until a patient is at least 19 years old. The ASPS Board approved the statement of Directors on Jan. 23. The document repeatedly cited two recent reports questioning the effectiveness of the life-altering surgeries the 2024 Cass Review commissioned by the United Kingdoms National Health Service and a 2025 report published by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Gender-related surgical interventions depend on assumptions about the persistence of gender dysphoria over time, and there are currently no validated methods that allow clinicians to reliably distinguish children and adolescents whose distress will persist from those whose distress will resolve without medical or surgical intervention, the ASPS statement asserted. The statement acknowledged that while gender-related surgical interventions in minors are typically justified as providing psychological or psychosocial benefits, these outcomes are harder to define, measure, and attribute causally, particularly when co-occurring psychological and endocrine interventions are taking place. [S]urgeons are correct to raise the ethical threshold for performing these procedures since the evidence of benefit is either insufficient or very low/low certainty," the ASPS statement reads. For gender-related surgical interventions in minors, uncertainty currently extends as to whether the intervention provides meaningful benefit across key outcomes, including mental health and psychosocial functioning, or if it may instead contribute to harm, particularly in combination with other co-occurring medical/hormonal interventions." Noting that gender-related surgery procedures intervene directly in the processes of identity formation and psychosexual development, the statement warned that these are areas of ongoing maturation during adolescence that warrant particular caution as surgeons assess adolescent medical decision-making capacity. The ASPS says it is committed to an ongoing review of emerging evidence" and will revisit "this position as higher-quality data become available." Should the evidence base evolve to demonstrate clear benefit with acceptable risk, ASPS will reassess its recommendations accordingly," the society stated. Amid concerns about the long-term impacts of gender transition surgeries for minors, 27 states have banned youth from obtaining them: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, West Virginia and Wyoming. Penny Young Nance, president of the socially conservative advocacy organization Concerned Women for America, called the ASPS statement "shocking" but a "long-needed reversal that will help protect children from life-altering, sex-rejecting procedures." Ironically, ASPS is now going to follow the science," Nance said. Perhaps it was due to the recent lawsuit filed by a 22-year-old woman against her doctors for pushing her into a double mastectomy while she was a minor, winning $2 million in a landmark ruling, Nance suggested. Regardless, it is time for sex-rejecting procedures for minors to end. The case involved a Westchester County, New York jury awarding $1.6 million to detransitioner Fox Varian for past and future pain and suffering and $400,000 for future medical expenses. Varian, who once identified as a man but no longer does, underwent a double mastectomy at the age of 16. The jury awarded Varian the damages after determining that medical professionals rushed into performing the life-altering surgery and did not follow adequate protocols in what they characterized as a departure from the standard of care. Many children and teens have been deceived by the medical community that took advantage of them under the veil of gender-affirming care. Drug companies make a fortune (1.73 billion dollars) from pushing cross-sex hormones. Hospitals and doctors have built their practices from procedures that permanently mutilate childrens bodies. And this can all happen before they are legally adults, Nance added. Nance urged the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Medical Association and the American Psychological Association to end their support for sex-change procedures for minors. The medical establishment cannot justify defending the mutilation of children," she contends. As medical bodies in some European countries have re-examined their approaches to care for children with gender dysphoria in recent years, the American Academy of Pediatrics pushed back on accusations it has embraced dubious transgender science and clarified that it doesn't recommend gender transition surgeries to most youth. In August 2022, AAP President Dr. Moira Szilagyi wrote an op-ed for The Wall Street Journal stating that her organization "advises pediatricians to offer developmentally appropriate care that is oriented toward understanding and appreciating the youths gender experience." Szilagyi stated, It doesnt push medical treatments or surgery; for the vast majority of children, it recommends the opposite. Home News Couple continues legal battle after foster application was blocked over LGBT beliefs A Catholic couple who alleges that Massachusetts officials banned them from welcoming foster children into their home due to their religious beliefs is still fighting for their rights in court, even after state foster care licensing rules were altered amid federal pressure. Michael and Catherine Burke say that state officials denied them the chance to foster children despite completing the training and interviews required for the application process. According to the couples lawsuit which they filed in 2023 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts they were denied the right to foster a child because they would not be affirming to a child who identified as LGBTQIA. Becket Fund, the firm representing the couple, announced on Jan. 28 that the couple appeared in federal court to challenge the states decision. The firm, which has argued religious liberty cases before the U.S. Supreme Court, noted that the state is still fighting the Burkes in court despite claiming that it changed its foster care policies. We will never forget the pain that Massachusetts put us through simply for staying true to our beliefs, the Burkes declared in a statement shared by the law firm. What makes it worse is that the state is still defending that decision even while claiming it has changed its rules to welcome families like ours. Were asking the court to put an end to this targeting and allow loving families to care for children who need homes. In December 2025, the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families removed language from its foster care licensing rules that required parents to affirm a child's sexual orientation and gender identity. The move followed a separate lawsuit filed by the Alliance Defending Freedom on behalf of two religious families challenging the regulation. The state agency also faced federal pressure in a September letter urging it to reverse the policy. Massachusetts is talking out of both sides of its mouth on foster care, Lori Windham, senior counsel at Becket and lead attorney for the Burkes, said. The Commonwealth claims that it now welcomes religious foster parents, yet it continues to defend its exclusion of the Burkes in federal court, Windham continued. That is hypocrisy, plain and simple. The court should put a stop to the states religious targeting and clear the way for loving families to help children in need. Becket warns that despite the policy change, the state claims that its decision to reject religious families was justified. Massachusetts has also requested the court to prevent the Department of Children and Families from having to explain its new policies, the law firm said. A decision in the case is expected in the fall, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is investigating the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families for rejecting families like the Burkes. The complaint filed on the couples behalf notes that DCF regulation and policy and the Massachusetts Foster Parent Bill of Rights all prohibit religious discrimination against potential foster parents. DCFs religious discrimination means that any Massachusetts family with similar religious beliefs on human sexuality will be banned from ever fostering or adopting children through Massachusetts child welfare system, the complaint continued. The rule would extend to many Muslims, Jews, Protestant Christians, and other groups who have similar religious teachings. The Christian Post reached out to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families for comment, but did not receive a response before press time. The article will be updated if a response is received. In a series of X posts on Jan. 28, Windham said that Becket Fund argued during the recent hearing that Massachusetts must be held accountable to ensure all qualified families, regardless of faith, can help children in need. Massachusetts is claiming to welcome religious couples into foster care while continuing to defend its exclusion of the Burkes in federal court. Thats hypocrisy plain and simple, the attorney stated. We hope the court puts an end to the states religious discrimination. Home News Pakistan court gives Muslim kidnapper custody of 13-year-old Christian girl Judges reject parents' proof of girl's birth certificate showing her age Quick Summary AI Summary A federal court in Pakistan granted custody of a 13-year-old Christian girl to a Muslim man who kidnapped and forcibly converted her to Islam. The court rejected the girl's official birth record and disregarded earlier findings that the marriage was illegal. Human rights advocates express concern over systemic flaws allowing such abductions and forced conversions to continue. 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 LAHORE, Pakistan A federal court in Pakistan has given custody of a 13-year-old Christian girl to a Muslim man who kidnapped and forcibly converted and married her, sources said. The parents of Maria Shahbaz were devastated at the ruling Tuesday, after the two-judge bench of the newly constituted Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) rejected her official birth record and disregarded earlier judicial findings that the marriage was illegal, said Safdar Chaudhry, chairperson of rights group Raah-e-Nijaat Ministry. Justice Karim Khan Agha and Justice Syed Hassan Azhar Rizvi accepted Marias statement, which her parents and their attorney say was given under coercion, that she had converted to Islam and married 30-year-old Shehryar Ahmad of her own free will, Chaudhry said. We were hopeful that the court would consider the girls official birth document (B-Form) and the sessions court order confirming that the accused had contracted an illegal marriage with a minor, Chaudhry told Christian Daily InternationalMorning Star News. Even the investigating officer informed the court that no marriage record existed at the relevant union council, yet this was ignored. Chaudhry said the court also failed to consider that the girl had remained in the custody of the suspect for more than six months, increasing the probability of coercion. The judges should have taken into account that she was likely to give a statement in the accuseds favor under duress, he said. It is deeply disappointing that the court did not provide a safe and conducive environment for recording her testimony. Maria was abducted on July 29, he said. Since then, her family has repeatedly sought judicial intervention to recover her, without success. Chaudhry, whose ministry is providing legal assistance to the girls father, Shahbaz Masih, also criticized police for what he described as inaction and leniency toward the suspect. After police discharged the abduction FIR [First Information Report] based on the girls statement before a magistrate, we approached the sessions court seeking her custody, Chaudhry said. Although the court did not grant custody, it ordered police to investigate the marriage documents. The investigation concluded that the marriage certificate was fabricated, a finding confirmed by the secretary of the relevant union council in court, he said. The family then requested a reinvestigation from the senior superintendent of Lahore police. After a month-long inquiry, a deputy superintendent restored the FIR and added additional charges, he said. Yet the police made no attempt to arrest the accused, who did not even seek pre-arrest bail and continued appearing in court without fear. This brazen conduct points to police collusion with the abductor. Chaudhry also expressed concern over remarks made by one FCC judge who rejected Marias B-Form and questioned her age. The judge asked why the family registered her with NADRA [National Database and Registration Authority] in 2022 instead of at birth, and then stated that the girl did not appear to be 13 years old and looked much older, he said. He warned that the ruling set a dangerous precedent. If superior courts refuse to recognize official birth documents, there is little hope for protecting minor girls, Chaudhry said. He added that the family and their legal team are considering filing a review petition and pursuing other legal and advocacy avenues. We will approach all available forums to highlight systemic flaws that allow perpetrators to sexually exploit minor girls with impunity under the guise of religious conversion and marriage, he said. Masih, a driver and father of five, said his neighbor, Ahmad, abducted his daughter when she stepped outside their home to go to a nearby shop. Masih filed a FIR at Nawab Town Police Station in Lahore, but police later informed him that Maria had recorded a statement on July 31 before Model Town Judicial Magistrate Hassan Sarfaraz Cheema, claiming she had converted to Islam and married Ahmad voluntarily. Human rights advocates say such cases follow a recurring pattern in Pakistan, where girls, some as young as 10, are abducted, forcibly converted and sexually abused under the cover of Islamic marriages. Victims are often pressured to record statements favoring their abductors, while courts frequently disregard documentary evidence of age and return the children to their alleged kidnappers as legal wives. In May 2025, President Asif Ali Zardari signed a landmark bill raising the minimum marriage age to 18 for both genders in the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT). The law was enacted despite strong opposition from Islamist groups, including the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII), Pakistans top Islamic advisory body. The CII argued that defining marriage under the age of 18 as rape was inconsistent with Sharia (Islamic law). A similar bill has remained pending in the Punjab Provincial Assembly since April 25, 2024. In Punjab, the legal minimum age of marriage for girls remains 16. At the national level, the Christian Marriage (Amendment) Act 2024 raised the marriageable age to 18 for Christians; however, if Christian girls convert to Islam, they are treated as Muslims under Sharia, which allows marriage at a younger age. Pakistan, where more than 96% of the population is Muslim, has been ranked No. 8 on Open Doors 2026 World Watch List of countries where Christians face the most severe persecution. This article was originally published at Christian Daily InternationalMorning Star News Home News Texas school district blames 'procedural breakdown' after student reveals Islamic group distributed Qurans, hijabs on campus Quick Summary AI Summary Texas school district cites a 'procedural breakdown' after Islamic group distributed Qurans and hijabs on campus. Students at Wylie East High School received Islamic materials during a lunch event organized by the group 'Why Islam.' An investigation was launched to determine how the group gained access to the school without proper authorization. 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 Texas school district is blaming a failure to follow established procedures after a Muslim outreach group with ties to anti-Christian ideology distributed Islamic materials to students at one of its high schools. The controversy began after a student at Wylie East High School in Wylie, a suburb of Dallas, posted a now-viral video on social media in which he claimed Islamic religious literature including a pamphlet advocating for Sharia law was distributed on campus. Today, there was an organization called Why Islam that had a huge table booth in front of our school, said Marco Hunter-Lopez, the president of the school's Republican Student Club. According to Hunter-Lopez, the group was distributing Islamic head coverings, or hijabs, to female students throughout the high school as well as copies of the Quran and pamphlets about Sharia law and other Islamic things during lunchtime. After having a discussion with the four women who were there representing Why Islam, Hunter-Lopez said he was confused as to why the group was allowed on campus. We typically have colleges come out. We have our clubs he said. Weve never had a faith group, to my understanding. From what Ive seen, Ive never seen churches or Bibles passed out. I cant confirm that 100 percent, but I can say this was a big thing they wanted to push out today, he added, referring to the Islamic materials. According to a CP review, the Why Islam website promotes anti-Christian ideology that includes statements declaring Jesus is not the Son of God and an entire page devoted to criticism of New Testament teaching, or what the website terms Pauline theology. The websites terms of use page also states that Why Islam is wholly owned by The Islamic Circle of North America, whose website states on its Why Islam page that Muslims believe that God has no father or mother, no son or daughter. None is equal to Him. He is God of all humankind, not of a special tribe or race. Wylie ISD spokeswoman April Cunningham told The Christian Post on Wednesday that during a lunch period, four women representing the organization Why Islam were present on campus. After reviewing security footage, the spokesperson said school officials believe somewhere around 50 students visited their table. Most students appeared to take a piece of candy, while approximately four students received Henna designs, and about a dozen tried on a scarf or hijab, according to Cunningham. The Why Islam table also included informational pamphlets and copies of the Quran. A few students voluntarily picked up materials, and the representatives provided Why Islam-branded bags for those who accepted the items, Cunningham added. It wasnt immediately clear how the group gained access to the Wylie East High School campus or who authorized it. However, Cunningham said the district launched an investigation Monday evening after officials were made aware of Hunter-Lopezs video. While that investigation remains ongoing, we have confirmed that district protocols for guest speakers and student club interactions were not followed, she added. Ultimately, this issue stems from a failure to follow established procedures. The event appears to be linked to World Hijab Day, which the Muslim Student Association at Wylie East High School promoted in a Feb. 1 social media post. The caption for the post described the goals of World Hijab Day as to get non-Muslim women to try on hijab for a day and to give dawah (or invitation) to non-Muslims about Islam. This was confirmed late Wednesday after Wylie ISD Superintendent Kim Spicer told parents that the event was held in coordination with the Muslim Student Association for World Hijab Day, according to CBS News. However, because the representatives from Why Islam did not obtain approval to be on campus or to distribute religious materials, a school staff member has been placed on leave for granting them access to students without authorization. Last February, Wylie East High School Principal Tiffany Doolan promoted World Hijab Day on her Instagram page, writing, Yesterday, our MSA created an opportunity for everyone to experience the beauty of wearing a hijab on World Hijab Day! I LOVED this experience! Cunningham told CP the current controversy stemming from the Why Islam group was not about religion, politics, ideology, or any personal belief system. Instead, she said, it was a procedural breakdown in which mistakes were made, and we take full responsibility. She also denied claims that Why Islams presence on campus was part of a coordinated effort to promote a religious or political agenda. Home News Teen accused of planning mass shooting at Florida church, faces child porn charges Quick Summary AI Summary Jose Pagan Jr., 14, arrested for allegedly planning a mass shooting at a church in Florida. Authorities received a tip about Pagan's access to weapons and intent to attack a local congregation. Pagan faces multiple charges, including terrorism and child pornography, with ongoing investigations. 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 Florida teenager has been arrested for allegedly planning a mass shooting at a church and also faces child pornography charges. The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office arrested 14-year-old Jose Pagan, Jr. after receiving a tip last week that the teenager had access to weapons and intended to attack a local congregation. "HCSO received a tip that Jose Pagan Jr., 14, had access to weapons and was planning to conduct a mass shooting at a church near his home in Wimauma. It was also determined that Pagan was possibly connected to an active HCSO child pornography investigation," announced the sheriff's office on Wednesday. "HCSO served a search warrant at the residence, where they found multiple firearms, ammunition, and electronic devices containing child sexual abuse material." Pagan is facing charges of "Written or Electronic Threat to Conduct a Mass Shooting or Act of Terrorism," "In State Transmission of Child Pornography by Electronic Device," 14 counts of "Solicitation or Possession of Child Pornography 10 or More Images and Content of Images" and two counts of "Unlawful Use of Two Way Communications Device." The investigation is ongoing, according to the county sheriff's office. While Pagan was initially charged as a juvenile, the state attorney general's office could later charge him as an adult. "The age of the individual involved does not lessen the seriousness of these crimes," said Sheriff Chad Chronister, as quoted in the announcement. "Threats of mass violence and the exploitation of children demand immediate action, and we will always move swiftly to protect lives and hold those responsible accountable." Pagan was also reportedly linked to a neo-Nazi satanic group called the "Temple of Love," according to Tampa Bay-based Fox 13. The group believes that violence can be used to advance spiritual enlightenment. Pagan did not specify to authorities which congregation he was going to attack, prompting authorities to patrol two churches near his home as a precaution, Fox 13 reports. A report from the Family Research Council released last August titled "Hostility against Churches in the United States" states that over 400 acts of hostility were recorded against churches in the United States in 2024. Home News Prof. Tobias Brandner on the diversity of Christianity in Hong Kong Originally from Switzerland, Tobias Brandner came to Hong Kong with the Basel Mission in 1996. Having lived in Hong Kong for 29 years, he worked first as a prison chaplain and now teaches at the Divinity School of Chung Chi College, Chinese University of Hong Kong as an academic professor. Also a church worker, Brandner has been involved with many different groups of people, ranging from the homeless, people in substandard housing, drug traffickers, to rich people, people who work in high finance, and in property. Engaging with a wide range of people in Hong Kong, he wrote the book Christians in the City of Hong Kong in 2023 as a portrait of Christians in the city. In an exclusive interview with China Christian Daily, Brandner talks about the book and the diversity of Christianity in Hong Kong. China Christian Daily: Professor Brandner, could you please introduce the book? It is a portrait of Christians in Hong Kong, describing its diversity, different denominations, how Christians are involved in society, mainly through education and social work, how they are involved in cultural life, how they serve the community, and how they have been involved in political change. Ultimately, it asks, "Is there something like theology in Hong Kong?" We understand that all theology is local theology, which is an expression of our faith shaped by our context. Why did you write this book? I wrote it because this is part of a series of books on Christianity in the "Global City," with cities chosen from each continent. I learned about this project and felt strongly that Hong Kong, a great and special city close to my heart, had to be included. After encouraging others to submit a proposal without success, I had a moment of inspiration during a COVID quarantine at 2 a.m. and decided to write it myself. As a non-Chinese person who has lived here for nearly 30 years, I am in a unique positionnot fully local, but not fully a foreigner. This allowed me to connect my many personal encounters and my love for the city and its people with the academic reflection I am trained for. The book is a bit like a testimony of my life in Hong Kong. What is the local theology in Hong Kong? There are two kinds of theology: implicit (or I call "lived") theology and explicit theology. Implicit theology is expressed in how the church is managed and structured. For example, an important image is "the church as a family." Shaped by the Confucian understanding of the family, the church in Hong Kong is often patriarchal and relatively hierarchical, where obedience is important. Another example is that people in Hong Kong are business-minded, and they carry this into the Christian context. Local Christians often live their faith with a business-minded attitude, wanting to grow, become bigger, and be more successful. Explicit theology in Hong Kong can include post-colonial theology and Sino-Christian theology. Post-colonial theology is aware of how much theology has been shaped by colonial structures. Hong Kong has a unique structure of governance and a legal system influenced by the colonial power of the United Kingdom, such as freedom of expression and civil rights. Hong Kong Christians are somewhat "hybrid": they are Chinese, yet in many ways Western, and can be a bridge between the East and the West. The other is Sino-Christian theology. The Tao Fong Shan Christian Centre, which houses the Institute of Sino-Christian Studies, promotes Western theology in the Chinese context and Chinese theology in the Western context, building on this exchange. Here again, Hong Kong has this bridging function. Who are the readers of this book, and is there any feedback from this book? The reader I had in mind was the average person, not an academic, although it is an academic book published by Bloomsbury Academic. I wanted to write in a way that is attractive to ordinary people, both Christians and non-Christians. I've received positive feedback from many people, even those who are theologically very different from me. I myself am a very ecumenically-minded Christian, or what I would call "spiritually progressive." I understand there is a diversity of legitimate forms of Christian faith expressions; there is not one right way. I have learned to appreciate different traditions, for instance, while I am not a Pentecostal myself, I have learned to appreciate Pentecostal and Charismatic Christianity and see their bright contribution to the whole Christian movement. Suppose you were to introduce Christianity in Hong Kong to foreign people, how would you describe it? I would first say that Hong Kong is one of the greatest cities in the world. The people are passionate and hard-working, but also have a great sense of enjoying life. The city is beautiful and unique; you have the dense, vibrant city life, but also the wilderness of nature, mountains, and the sea. It's extremely convenient and well-organized. As a Christian, what I like here is that many Christians take their faith very seriously. They live their faith with passion. They contribute and share, also financially, supporting fellow Christians, mission outreach, and the social ministry of churches. It's a pleasure to work together with these people and to be part of this community, which is very supportive of many initiatives that contribute to society. Could you please give a picture of Christianity in Hong Kong? Christianity in Hong Kong is a "cognitive minority," maybe 15% to 20% of the population. Christians are found in all parts of society, but are very much present among the well-educated. A key feature is their strong involvement in education and social services. Nearly 50% of all schools in Hong Kong are managed by Christian churches. These schools teach academic subjects but also communicate spiritual values like respect, love, and honesty, and they build a link to Christian churches. They are also very involved in social work, from drug treatment and helping street sleepers to advocacy. One important historical group is the Christian Industrial Committee (CIC), which was very active in the 1970s, promoting better conditions for workers. They saw societal change as part of God's mission for justice. This Christian NGO contributed tremendously to social improvement through its advocacy work. Let's dive more deeply into the book. The first chapter is about space. Why did you start with space? I believe that the material presence of Christianity tells a story. In a dense city like Hong Kong, there is not enough space for every church to have its own building. So, many churches are located somewhere between the second and seventh floors of a residential or business building, or even on the 20th floor. This tells something about the uniqueness of Christianity here. The chapter also looks at free-standing churches, some designed in a very Chinese, contextual way. Furthermore, the chapter is about the role of money. The practice of giving is very important and makes the churches here quite robust. This is because they understand their congregation as a family. In a family, you share and support each other. So Christians extend this solidarity to their brothers and sisters in the congregation, which is why tithing and giving are so strong. The second chapter is about the churches. You claim that most of them are evangelical, while some may be Pentecostal, which is different from churches in Seoul or Singapore. Could you give a general picture of the churches there? I distinguish [churches in Hong Kong] between three groups: ecumenical churches (often historical ones), evangelical churches, and Pentecostal-charismatic churches. Numerically, the largest churches are evangelical, including the Baptist Church, the Christian and Missionary Alliance, and the Evangelical Free Church. What is interesting is that Hong Kong has fewer mega-churches compared to Singapore or Seoul. This probably has to do with the "church as a family" model; people prefer smaller groups where they can know and care for each other. The other important finding is that while Pentecostalism is growing worldwide, the biggest churches in Hong Kong are Evangelical. My explanation is the strong Confucian background in the Chinese context. We can see Evangelicals as a kind of "Christianized form of Confucianism"more orderly, emphasizing teaching, learning, and authority. In contrast, some say Pentecostalism is the "Christianized form of shamanism or Daoism," which is less orderly but emphasizes supernatural events. In the book, you also talk about the influence of Confucianism and Daoism on Christianity in Hong Kong. Do you think the churches in Hong Kong need any adjustment, or is this just contextualization? I wouldn't want to be judgmental; I observe strengths and weaknesses in all forms. But I would say this strong influence of Confucianism surely has its problematic side. For instance, many young people have been turning away from Christianity because they find its present form too focused on teaching and submission to the authority of the senior pastor. A colleague found a trend of young people moving from local Chinese-speaking churches to international churches, not for the English, but for the different atmosphere. The pastor there is more approachable, like "Bill" or "John," not always addressed by a formal title like "mushi" (pastor), which creates distance. So there is a certain formalism in Confucian-based, evangelical churchesparticularly the more conservative evangelical churchesand this authority structure of the senior pastor is something that some young people nowadays question. That's maybe one point of criticism, but first of all, it's an observation of something that is happening. In your lecture in January 2025, you noted that there are over 150 international churches in Hong Kong. Can you give a general picture of them? I did find that there are probably around 150 non-Chinese-speaking churches. These may be Korean churches, Filipino churches (mainly with migrant workers from the Philippines), Indonesian-speaking churches, German-speaking churches, or Japanese-speaking churchesall possible kinds of churches. And of course, many English-speaking international churches. There are also a significant number of Nepali churches, and about 15 churches set up by pastors from Africa. Important ones, like The Vine or Island Evangelical Community Church (ECC), are professional with great preachers. We see many local young people going to these churches, perhaps out of frustration with the formalism of local churches. This situation reflects the "hybridity" of local people, standing between the East and the West. In your later chapters, you talk about social engagement. How exactly do they get involved? Christians in Hong Kong are strongly involved in all parts of society and in all different methodological forms. This includes charitable work, individual casework and counseling, and advocacy for social and policy change. Christians have been involved at all levels. Christian groups managed about 50% of schools, which had a profound impact by making Christianity a familiar presence for many in Hong Kong, even if they didn't convert. What I find particularly important with the social engagement is that Hong Kong Christians were successful in negotiating with the government, in navigating a middle road. Traditionally, some of these social ministries have been very much supported; they received funding from the government because they did the necessary social work that the government was grateful someone was doing. For instance, treatment for drug addicts. This is obviously a social need. Many Christian NGOs have taken this up, and they do it probably better than any non-faith-based organization. Faith plays an important role in drug treatment. The same could be said in many other areas. But at the same time, this form of cooperation has not kept Christians from also critically intervening and calling for structural change in policies for the poor. This dual strategy was highly successful in the past. In response to Hong Kong's recent political and structural changes, Christian organizations are now readjusting, a process I believe they are managing quite successfully. What about Hong Kong churches' contribution to global missions? Hong Kong people have been very generous, and churches have supported about 700 missionaries to go all over the world. Traditionally, the mission field was foremost China, though this was in a legal gray area. In the past years, Christian missions have diversified. Nowadays, the most important destinations for missionaries are Thailand, Cambodia, and Japan. But there are also missionaries in the Middle East, in Africa, and elsewhere. What do you think are the challenges and opportunities for churches in Hong Kong? The first challenge is surely the changing political context since 2020. Christian activists have to find different ways of adjusting. The central government is taking a more proactive and visible role. Another challenge is the wave of migration, as many active church members have moved away from Hong Kong. So, a future opportunity and challenge will be to reach out to the new people who come in from mainland China. To reach out to these new residents and rejuvenate our Christian community will be a major challenge. What about the interaction with the Chinese mainland? This has been ongoing. Hong Kong churches have played a major role in supporting Christians in the Chinese mainland: building churches, providing theological education, and grassroots training. I know so many pastors who used to regularly go to China for a week, two weeks, or even just two days, and they would teach in a classroom at a low-level training center where grassroots church workers were educated. They tried to teach them about the Bible, church management, and how to build a good, well-working, vibrant church. I think this will go on, but nowadays, with stricter supervision, it will need to be a more low-key, discreet form of contact. Of course, there are also the more official contacts, with church leaders from Hong Kong visiting leadership in Shanghai or Nanjing, or elsewherethe top leadershipand maybe also visiting the political authorities in China. Do you have any lessons or words for Christians in the Chinese mainland? I feel equally moved by and grateful for Christians in the Chinese mainland, whether they are in official Three-Self churches or in house churches. I believe we are all brothers and sisters in Christ. We can show resiliency in times of adversity and keep strong in our faith. What is special about our Christian faith is that we connect on a deeper levelbeyond national identity, ethnicity, or political orientation. There is so much conflict in this world growing out of nationalism. I believe that as Christians, we should be peacemakers beyond national interests, remembering that fundamentally, we are first and foremost brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ. The last question is about your prison ministry. It seems very special. The prison ministry is a part of the British heritage, where a prison chaplain is common. As a chaplain, I have a special permit to be present in the prison. I reach out to all people in prison, independent of whether they believe in Jesus Christ or Buddha or whatever. I try to show them the power of forgiveness that Christ taught us, telling people that all of us are sinners in need of forgiveness. I try to tell them, "Look, no matter what your background is, you are still a loved child of God. God cares for you, and God does not give up on you." I try to communicate this message of love in the prison context. I do believe it is a very special ministry, and I am very passionate about this ministry. Originally published at China Christian Daily Home News Trump touts religion, attacks political opponents at National Prayer Breakfast: 'You have to believe' Quick Summary AI Summary Trump emphasized the return of religion in the U.S. at the National Prayer Breakfast. He criticized political opponents, claiming they oppose God and religious freedom. Trump announced a national prayer gathering on May 17 to celebrate America's religious heritage. 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 President Donald Trump said "religion is coming back" in the United States and touted his administration's accomplishments for religious liberty while attacking his political opponents during a wide-ranging speech at the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, D.C., on Thursday. Trump opened his speech by dismissing concerns about the state of his soul, given comments he made last year that he is "maybe not Heaven-bound," claiming such remarks were made in jest and misinterpreted. "I say, 'I'm never going to make it to Heaven. I just don't think I qualify. I don't think there's a thing I can do.' But all of these good things I'm doing, including for religion. You know, religion is back now, hotter than ever before," he said. Trump then said he has done more for religious freedom than other modern presidents, claiming most were either too neutral or actively hostile toward faith. He accused Democrats, especially, of opposing God. "Certainly modern-day certainly modern-day presidents, they didn't they bailed out on you. They bailed out. They want to be neutral. They want to be neutral or against," he said. "You know, the Democrats are against. I don't know how a person of faith can vote for a Democrat. I really don't. And I know we have some here today, and I don't know why they're here, because they certainly don't give us their vote." Trump went on to accuse Democratic leaders of opposing voter ID because they want to cheat, before saying, "But let's get on to another subject." After thanking the event sponsors, he veered off again into political issues, boasting that he won the popular vote and "every swing state," strengthened the military and secured Venezuela's oil. Trump also criticized his predecessors, mocking former President Joe Biden for his cognitive decline and accusing former President Barack Obama of sowing division. Trump took a more somber tone at other times during the lengthy speech, noting "no administration in modern history has done more to confront the plight of persecuted Christians around the world than we have," while pledging to defend them. "We knocked the hell out of [ISIS] the other day in Nigeria because they were killing Christians. You know about that. They were killing Christians. You can't do that," he said. "When Christians come under attack, they know they're going to be attacked violently and viciously by President Trump. I know it's not a nice thing to say, but that's the way it is." Trump also claimed religion is resurging in the U.S., noting that "more copies of the Holy Bible were sold in the United States than at any time in the last 100 years," and that within the past year, "young Americans attended church at nearly twice the rate as they did four years ago." "I've always said, you just can't have a great country if you don't have religion. You have to believe in something. You have to believe that what we're doing, there's a reason for it. There has to be a reason for it," he said. Trump drew raucous applause when he announced that on May 17, Americans will be invited to gather on the National Mall "to pray, to give thanks and [...] rededicate America as one nation under God" for its 250th anniversary. Trump fielded criticism from some Christians on X for using the speech to hit at fellow Republicans, specifically Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., as well as Reps. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., and Chip Roy, R-Texas, all of whom are Christians. Categorizing congressional Republicans as either "the type that goes along with us and believes in us" or "the type that needs a little love all the time, no matter what it is," Trump claimed Roy often needs special attention and called Massie a "moron" who consistently opposes the GOP's legislative agenda. "We have one that doesn't get there, we have one guy. He's an automatic no," Trump said of Massie, whom he also called "Rand Paul Jr.," in reference to the Kentucky senator who has also sometimes opposed the president on some legislative issues. Both Roy and Massie responded to Trump's criticism shortly after his speech, with Roy tweeting, "Like you say, Mr. President. I am not always easy but we are good. Love helping you save the country at all hours of the day!" Massie said, "The President of the United States called me a moron at the National Prayer Breakfast this morning because I'm still fighting for what he promised the American people: Reduce big spending, DOGE, no new wars, end foreign aid, defend 1A 2A 4A, prolife, and expose sex traffickers." The President of the United States called me a moron at the National Prayer Breakfast this morning because Im still fighting for what he promised the American people: Reduce big spending, DOGE, no new wars, end foreign aid, defend 1A 2A 4A, prolife, and expose sex traffickers. https://t.co/auezIY6xDw Thomas Massie (@RepThomasMassie) February 5, 2026 Christian author and radio host Eric Metaxas, an outspoken Trump supporter who delivered the keynote address at the National Prayer Breakfast in 2012, appeared to criticize the president for the tone of his address. "Didn't anyone on the President's team advise him that the National Prayer Breakfast is a prayer breakfast? Didn't someone write a speech for him? What's going on? I think they need to bring me in to help. It's that bad. I love my country and will serve if called," Metaxas said in an X post. Jenna Ellis, who served as Trump's attorney, echoed Metaxas, claiming in an X post that Trump's characterization of Massie "just isn't true," citing his 83% lifetime conservative voting score from Heritage Action, compared to 64% for the average House Republican. "Massie overwhelmingly votes with Trump, yet because he is principled, he offends Trump's demand for blind loyalty. Massie is exactly the type of Republican we WANT in Congress," she said. "And not for nothing, the National Prayer Breakfast really isn't the moment to fixate on political squabbles." Home News World Vision calls for urgent assistance in DRC after landslide killed over 200 The Evangelical humanitarian organization World Vision is pleading for humanitarian assistance following a recent landslide in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which claimed over 200 lives and an estimated 70 children. In a statement published Tuesday, the United States-headquartered charitable organization reacted to the Jan. 28 landslide at the Rubaya artisanal mining site in Masisi Territory, North Kivu, where children work in the mines. World Vision warns that the disaster has "had major consequences for communities already weakened by years of armed conflict, forced displacement, and chronic poverty." Amid years of conflict, a desire to control mineral-rich areas has fueled violence that has pushed countless families from their homes and has left children with "few options other than unsafe and poorly regulated mining or other hazardous work to survive. This is a heartbreaking tragedy, said Aline Napon, World Visions national director in DRC. Children should be in school, not working underground in dangerous conditions that put their lives at risk. Yet the minerals extracted here help fuel the conflict that displaces families in the first place and ultimately end up in global supply chains that generate profits far beyond Congo, while local communities remain trapped in poverty and danger. David Munkley, World Visions zonal director in eastern DRC, said that the tragedy will have "long-lasting impacts" on childrens wellbeing and futures. Emergency assistance is utterly needed, but so is action to address the deeper drivers conflict, weak regulation, and poverty that continue to force children into the most dangerous forms of work," Munkley said. The landslide followed intense rainfall and the failure of several underground shafts, the charity notes. Many households in the African nation are without a reliable source of income, leading children to heightened risks of exploitation, psychological trauma, family separation." The result is that many children are "pushed further into hazardous labor as families struggle to cope. The natural disaster exacerbates an already dire financial situation in DRC, which has faced ongoing conflict for over three decades since the aftermath of the Rwandan genocide. The conflicts in Kivu and Ituri have involved several different armed groups fighting for territorial control and mineral resources. In a Jan. 28 statement, the United Nations Office of the Humanitarian Coordinator in the Democratic Republic of the Congo launched an urgent appeal for $1.4 billion in humanitarian assistance designed to address the needs of 7.3 million people trapped in what the supranational agency describes as one of the most protracted and most neglected humanitarian crises of our time. The combination of immense needs and limited resources forces us into extremely difficult, sometimes impossible, choices, stated Bruno Lemarquis, humanitarian coordinator in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. We call for renewed and strengthened financial commitment so that we can respond efficiently, help preserve the dignity of the Congolese people facing acute suffering, and prevent millions from being deprived of life-saving support. The U.N. appeal said underfunding has led to reduced operational capacity and the "closure of more than 1,000 nutrition centres." About 1.5 million people have lost access to primary healthcare due to facility closures, shortages of vital medicines, and limited capacity to prevent and respond to epidemics. We cannot continue operating as before, Lemarquis added. Humanitarian assistance is indispensable because it saves lives, but is not the solution to humanitarian problems. It does not address the root causes of the crises. The best response is the one that sustainably reduces needs. The pursuit of peace must be at the centre of our efforts. Solutions are above all political. It is also essential to move beyond a constant reactive mode and to establish a true culture of anticipation and prevention, both in terms of conflict and disaster risk. Home Opinion Billie Eilish and the Lefts historical ignorance and vacuous moral preening At this years 68th Grammy Awards, Billie Eilish won the Song of the Year for Wildflower, which she wrote with her brother Finneas OConneal. And as most awards shows go with the commercial and mainstream left, Eilish didnt have a Jelly Roll-style speech thanking Jesus Christ for saving her life or declaring that Jesus is for everyone. Instead, she used that moment to virtue signal, declaring, No one is illegal on stolen land, while wearing an ICE OUT pin and adding an explicative to her speech. As expected, the crowd received it with overwhelming applause and a standing ovation. When it comes to the Grammys, there are no surprises except for pleasant surprise of Jelly Rolls speech, which did declare that Jesus Christ and the Gospel are, in fact, for everyone. We love that. But Eilishs words are exactly what wed expect. Within hours, the Tongva tribe, Native Americans whose ancestral lands sit beneath Eilishs multimillion-dollar Los Angeles mansion, made a statement thanking Eilish but also acknowledging the irony that her home sits on their land. Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, quickly noted that land acknowledgments are meaningless without material action. Matt Walsh quipped, Land cannot be stolen if no one is illegal. This is perhaps the greatest irony of all. But this isnt just about one celebritys ignorance or hypocrisy. Eilishs comments represent a broader pattern of historical ignorance and moral posturing thats become standard on the Left. Thats why its critical to respond. So how should we think about this? Here are five points. First, Eilishs statement reveals stunning hypocrisy that exposes the emptiness of progressive performative virtue signaling Billie Eilish lives in a multimillion-dollar mansion in Los Angeles, built on land she claims is stolen. Yet she has taken zero action to remedy this supposed theft. She hasnt returned property. Wheres her remorse and where is her generosity? She wore the trendy political pin renouncing ICE and dropped some profanity on the stage, then she returned to her gated community with private security. If you truly believe that it is stolen, then you should act out on your moral beliefs. Second, her claim is historically ignorant, erasing the historical realities of U.S. land acquisition through legal treaties and purchases Between 1778 and 1871, the United States signed approximately 368 treaties, and some with Native American tribes, ceding over 1.5 billion acres through legal agreements that involved cash payments, annuities, and land exchanges. These were not acts of conquest they were negotiated transactions that gave fair market value at the time they were signed. The Louisiana Purchase in 1803 added 828,000 square miles for $15 million to the French government. America purchased Florida from Spain in 1821, annexed Texas in 1845, acquired the Oregon Territory in 1846, California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, and parts of Colorado and Wyoming from the Mexican government in 1848, and Alaska from the Russian Empire in 1867. All of these were done formally by treaty and included money for land. Hundreds of treaties were also signed with the U.S. government and native American populations that hunted on those lands. That is not to say that the American government always did it perfectly, but it completely overturns the Marxist lie that everything was taken by theft. Calling all American land stolen ignores overwhelming historical realities. America was not uniquely evil. America, in the long history of nations, was uniquely good when it came to westward expansion and conquest. Third, the logical contradiction between no one is illegal and stolen land undermines her entire argument If land can be stolen, then borders and property rights must have legitimacy. If someone can steal land, then someone else must have a rightful claim to it. But if no one is illegal, then borders are meaningless, property claims are invalid, and the very concept of theft becomes incoherent. You cant simultaneously argue that borders are illegitimate while claiming land was stolen across those same borders. While the Left may not care, we must all think about it: The statement is self-refuting. As Matt Walsh put it perfectly: Land cannot be stolen if no one is illegal. Either property rights and borders matter, or they dont. Eilish wants to condemn Americas borders while living securely behind her own gates. She wants to delegitimize property claims while profiting from multimillion-dollar real estate holdings. This isnt thoughtful political commentary. This is sloppy thinking dressed up as moral courage. Fourth, her selective outrage reveals anti-American bias while ignoring identical histories worldwide Every nation on earth exists on land that was once occupied by someone else. The British Isles were conquered by the Celts, Romans, Anglo-Saxons, Vikings, and the Normans. Europes borders have shifted countless times through conquest and throughout history. The Middle East, Asia, Africa all shaped by waves of migration, displacement, and territorial conquest. Yet Eilish doesnt stand at international awards ceremonies, showing condemnation for other nations as illegitimate. She reserves that criticism exclusively for America as if America is uniquely guilty. If Eilish cared, she would give something in return or support specific policies that would immediately remedy what was wrongfully taken. Instead, her focus is simply on ICE. Finally, her attack on ICE is dangerously naive, ignoring the agencys critical role in combating human trafficking and crime ICE has made over 100,000 arrests since the Trump administration took over, predominantly in states like Texas, Florida, and California. Many of those arrests are of the most violent criminal offenders: child rapists, MS-13 gang members, drug traffickers, and the most violent offenders of the law. They arent Dreamers or college students whose visas have expired. Hundreds of thousands of Americans have died due to illegal immigration. Most of the ICE agents responsible for arrests are actually Hispanic Americans. Do not believe the propaganda on the Left that wants to reduce this all to racial identities or intersectionality. Christians should always remember that, yes, America is a nation. Yes, Jesus Christ, who is Lord of Heaven and earth, has appointed the time of nations, including their borders. Jesus Christ is not lawless, nor does he promote lawlessness. We have a responsibility to steward the nation where God has planted us, whether it be the United States or any other nation around the world. And if were going to have serious conversations about immigration, Indigenous rights, and American history, we need more than profanity-laced slogans and performative theater from a celebrity stage. We need real solutions that solve problems for the average American. Make no mistake, the average American did vote for this. The average American does support this. The average American is exactly who has the right to the nation in which they were born in. The American nation belongs only to the American people whether Billie Eilish or the Grammy Awards realizes it or not. Originally published at the Standing for Freedom Center. Home Opinion India's toxic anti-conversion laws: Will Supreme Court finally strike them down? In a significant legal case that could shape the future of religious freedom in India, the Supreme Court recently issued notices to 12 states regarding a petition challenging the constitutionality of anti-conversion laws. The petition, filed by the National Council of Churches in India (NCCI), argues that these laws incentivize violence against religious minorities, particularly Christians, and create a chilling atmosphere for the free exercise of religion. The stakes are high, as the case has the potential to not only redefine the legal landscape for religious freedoms in India but also serve as a precedent for other nations considering similar legislation. Indias religious diversity is one of its greatest strengths, yet it is also a source of tension. While the Indian Constitution guarantees the freedom to profess, practice, and propagate ones religion, the reality on the ground often tells a different story. Anti-conversion laws have been passed in 12 states with the intention of curbing forced conversions, but the laws have been criticized for their potential to marginalize and target minority faith communities, particularly Christians. The misuse of anti-conversion laws: Fueling violence and vigilantism The petitioners primary argument is that these laws encourage vigilantism, allowing individuals and groups to take matters into their own hands. The laws, while ostensibly aimed at preventing forced conversions, have instead created an environment in which religious minorities especially Christians are subjected to harassment, intimidation, and violence. The laws do not effectively differentiate between coercion and free choice, leading to the criminalization of voluntary conversions and stifling religious expression. The consequences are grave. In states with anti-conversion laws, Christians have faced mob violence, accusations of forced conversions, and even arrests for simply practicing their faith. These acts of vigilantism are often carried out with the tacit approval, or at least indifference, of local authorities. The NCCI argues that such laws not only violate the constitutional right to religious freedom but also create a toxic atmosphere in which religious minorities live in constant fear. The role of the judiciary: Protecting constitutional rights As the case progresses through Indias highest court, the eyes of the world are on the judiciary to uphold the countrys constitutional commitment to religious freedom. India, the worlds largest democracy, is home to a rich tapestry of religious communities, including Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Buddhists, and Christians. The countrys secular constitution guarantees freedom of religion, and any law that infringes upon this freedom must be subjected to rigorous scrutiny. The Supreme Court has the opportunity to strike a balance between the protection of public order and the fundamental rights of individuals. While the state may have a legitimate interest in preventing fraudulent or coercive conversions, it must not use that interest to justify laws that are disproportionately applied to religious minorities or that serve as a pretext for violence and discrimination. In past rulings, the Supreme Court has upheld the right to religious freedom, as seen in the 1977 Rev. Stainislus v. State of Madhya Pradesh case, which clarified that while individuals have the right to propagate their religion, they do not have the right to forcefully convert others. The courts ruling emphasized that freedom of religion must be balanced with public order and should not be used to justify social unrest. This precedent will play a crucial role in determining the outcome of the current case. The global implications: A call for international solidarity The unfolding case in India has far-reaching implications beyond the countrys borders. As an influential democracy and a leader in the global community, Indias approach to religious freedom sends a powerful message to the world. If the Supreme Court rules in favor of the anti-conversion laws, it could embolden other nations to adopt similar restrictive laws, undermining religious freedoms worldwide. Religious freedom is a fundamental human right, and the global Christian community must stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in India. As Christians, we are called to support one another in times of persecution, and we must raise our voices against any law that infringes upon the right to freely practice and propagate the Gospel. The NCCIs petition is not just a legal challenge; it is a moral plea for justice, for the protection of religious minorities, and for the preservation of Indias democratic ideals. The global Church has a responsibility to advocate for religious freedom in India and around the world. As citizens of a global community, we must call on governments, international organizations, and civil society groups to stand in support of those who face discrimination and violence because of their faith. Our solidarity with persecuted Christians in India is a testament to our commitment to the values of liberty, equality, and human dignity. A turning point for religious freedom As the case continues to unfold, the world watches with bated breath. The decision that the Supreme Court makes will not only affect the religious landscape of India but also serve as a bellwether for the protection of religious freedoms worldwide. If the Court rules in favor of the petitioners, it will reaffirm the right of every individual to freely practice their religion, free from fear of coercion, violence, or state-sponsored discrimination. For those who care about religious freedom, the stakes could not be higher. Indias commitment to secularism, religious pluralism, and democracy is on trial. The outcome of this case could have profound implications for millions of people, both in India and around the world. As Christians, we must pray for justice and stand in solidarity with those who seek to preserve the fundamental right to religious freedom. Conclusion: Upholding religious liberty for all Religious freedom is a cornerstone of democracy, and it is under threat in India today. Anti-conversion laws that target religious minorities, particularly Christians, must be carefully examined and reformed to ensure that they do not violate constitutional guarantees of freedom of religion. The global Christian community must stand together, advocating for the protection of religious freedoms in India and worldwide. As the Supreme Court of India deliberates on this case, we must continue to pray for justice, stand in solidarity with those who are persecuted for their faith, and advocate for the preservation of religious freedom. Home Opinion No, infant baptism is not abuse One of the most striking aspects of our therapeutic age is the increasing inability of many to sustain a sane and coherent moral hierarchy. Perhaps this stems from the omnipresence of social media. Everything, everywhere always demands our attention and yet, with nowhere solid to stand, we have no way of judging what is important and what is trivial. Or perhaps its because the label of victim has become the most coveted title. Now many seek the prize without having been subjected to real abuse abuse that no one would wish upon himself. A prominent Catholic recently argued in the Irish Times for a new category of victim: those subjected to infant baptism, especially as practiced by the Catholic Church. Former president of Ireland and canon lawyer Mary McAleese declared it to be a long-standing, systemic and overlooked severe restriction on childrens rights with regard to religion. Really? At the very moment when thousands are being slain in Iran for protesting the brutal religious regime, McAleese apparently lies awake at night worrying about infant baptism. This is an eloquent testimony to the moral disorientation that marks our present age. Several comments are in order. First, McAleese does not deny that baptism brings certain spiritual benefits, such as expunging original sin and opening up ... the flow of Gods grace. But she objects to the lifelong membership of the Church that baptism claims to involve. Of course, her fear of the objective responsibilities that baptism entails only has force if she accepts that what the Church teaches about baptism is true. Yet, like a good therapeutic consumer of spirituality, she embraces what comforts her and discards what causes discomfort or demands too much. Second, McAleeses hyperbolic language is ridiculous. Reflecting on her own baptism, she laments that nothing else was to shape my life so powerfully or impose such formidable restrictions on my inalienable intellectual human rights as that brief Sunday baptism ceremony 7 decades ago. Really? Nothing else had such a powerful impact on her life? None of her years pursuing an education? Her marriage? None of the children to whom she gave birth? None of the relationships she had with friends and mentors, intellectual and spiritual? Not one of those shaped her in a more profound way than a ceremony that she sees as deeply problematic in part because she has no recollection of it? That is very hard to believe. Third, she clearly does not understand that we live in a secular age. As Charles Taylor commented, we today can believe in the same things that people did in the 15th century but unlike them, we choose to believe, whereas they had no choice. In that sense, we might provocatively claim that even Catholics are now Protestants. We are creatures of religious choice. Catholics today may be baptized as infants, but if they are still practicing as Catholics by age 20, it is because they have chosen to do so. The Church might still claim the apostates as members, but it makes no practical difference. Yes, the Church can excommunicate, as McAleese points out but that power only has weight if the Churchs teaching about herself is true. Since McAleese rejects church teaching, excommunication should, in her view, amount to little more than an empty gesture. And that leads to another significant point. McAleese herself has spent much of her public life attacking the Churchs teaching on male ordination, abortion, sexuality, and gender. She was a signatory, for example, to the 2021 document A Home for All. That she remains a Catholic would indicate that the Church, far from using baptism as a means to corral and crush her members, is rather lackadaisical or even impotent in that regard. As a Protestant, I am always puzzled by Catholics who so clearly despise their Churchs teachings not only on what it means to be Catholic but even to be human. Why such people continue to use the label Catholic even while treating it in the most un-Catholic way making it mean whatever they want is a mystery to those of us on the outside. I would argue that the Roman Church hierarchy, far from being a despotic bully, is far too gracious and patient with the McAleeses within her fold. The Church would have far more credibility if she showed that she does make the kind of demands on her members that McAleese bemoans by taking firm action against those who have made careers out of mocking her teaching. As to McAleese herself, her concern for the victims of infant baptism is quite a contrast to her lack of concern for the unborn. It is odd that baptism of an infant is so abusive whereas the killing of the same child in the womb is a human right. I might conclude by saying that nothing else was to shape my life so powerfully or impose such formidable restrictions on my inalienable human rights as that act of love between my mother and my father that led to my conception 59 years ago. I suspect McAleese would agree that life was something imposed upon me without my consent. Its therefore just a pity that she does not extend the logic of her objections to infant baptism back to the moment when egg collides with sperm. Originally published at First Things. By Jess rodriguez/ Adobe A trustee of a charity that runs a mosque in Bristol has avoided disqualification after being investigated over a social media post about Hamass attack on Israel on 7 October 2023. Abdul Malik will continue to sit on Easton Jamia Masjids board after the Charity Commission ruled that his decision to repost the material was unquestionably wrong but did not fully meet the legal test for disqualifying him. Malik, also a Green Party councillor in the city, was suspended in December last year, when chair of the charity, as the commission opened a compliance case into a Facebook post he shared in late 2023 about the attack on Israel. In late 2023, Malik reposted a video that reportedly showed a Hamas spokesperson giving an update on the attack in which around 1,200 people were killed and 250 taken hostage. A businessman and magistrate, Malik received a formal warning from the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office (JCIO) in early 2025 before the commissions separate probe. The regulator temporarily suspended Malik as a trustee and considered whether to disqualify him permanently, but has now decided not to do so after completing its case. A Charity Commission spokesperson said: Mr Maliks decision to repost this material on social media was unquestionably wrong. However, the commission can only use the powers given to it by parliament and, having weighed up the evidence and Mr Maliks representations as required under the legislation, we concluded that while his conduct was damaging to trust and confidence in charities it did not fully meet the legal test for disqualifying him as a trustee. While Mr Malik is now able to continue to serve as a trustee, should any further concerns come to light we will not hesitate to assess those and reserve all regulatory options for the future. Malik welcomed the ruling and told Civil Society: I hope this outcome provides reassurance to charity leaders that due process works when matters are assessed carefully on the evidence rather than on commentary or external pressure. Limit to commissions powers The commission had initially proposed a three-year sector wide ban for Malik, the BBC reported, but decided a disqualification was not appropriate following its review. Despite criticising Maliks behaviour, the commission cannot issue an official warning to an individual for personal conduct which could be damaging to trust and confidence in charities. Civil Society understands the commission is in dialogue with the government over its powers. At the end of last year, the government said it would consult on expanded powers for the commission, including the ability to ban people convicted of hate crimes from trusteeship and holding senior manager positions. Previous JCIO warning When the video was initially shared, Malik was not in elected office. In early 2024, before that years local May elections, Malik claimed that he was tagged in the post rather than sharing it himself. However, he later admitted he had directly shared it which prompted the JCIO investigation. The JCIO probe concluded in early 2025 after Malik told the office he shared the post believing it to be from a UK-based humanitarian aid charity for Palestine. Malik admitted he had not checked the posts source or content, but said he did not endorse nor comment on it. Despite apologising for sharing the video and emphasising that he did not support Hamas, Malik received a formal JCIO warning for serious misconduct. A JCIO spokesperson said in February 2025 that Malik failed to exercise due care and diligence. 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, A unit of Aon Plc agreed to settle a class-action lawsuit alleging that calculation errors and faulty investment advice caused Pennsylvania public school teachers to make millions of dollars in extra contributions to their pension fund. The firms Aon Investments USA subsidiary agreed to pay $15 million to settle the allegations, according to a filing last week in federal court in Philadelphia. Its the third settlement between teachers and advisers to the $80 billion Pennsylvania Public School Employees Retirement System, the states largest public pension fund. Asset managers Hamilton Lane and Portfolio Advisors previously settled allegations in the case after they were accused of recommending unsuitable and expensive private equity and private credit investments. The settlement still requires court approval, said Gerard Mantese, a lawyer for the plaintiffs. An Aon spokesperson declined to comment. The Pennsylvania teachers alleged that Aon recommended the pension invest in inappropriate, high-fee hedge funds that led to significant losses. Aon also relied on other financial advisers to compute returns, failed to confirm or check returns or disclose excessive fees, the lawsuit alleged. Aon previously settled U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission allegations that it miscalculated returns of the teachers pension and failed to adequately investigate discrepancies in historical returns. Aon paid a $1 million penalty in 2024 without admitting or denying the SECs findings. The miscalculations caused turmoil at the Pennsylvania pension, leading the chief investment officer and executive director to step down. Aon agreed to a $7 million settlement with the pension fund in 2024. Copyright 2026 Bloomberg. Berkshire Hathaway Inc.s PacifiCorp is asking an appeals court to throw out a 2023 jury verdict in a wildfire class-action case that has exposed the company to billions of dollars in losses. PacifiCorp, which calls itself the largest grid operator in the western US, has been under mounting pressure after being blamed for igniting a series of wildfires that devastated Oregon in September 2020. In the first major wildfire case against a utility to go to a trial, the company was found grossly negligent for failing to shut off electricity in its service areas ahead of dangerously dry and windy weather. Related: Buffett Utility Reaches Oregon Wildfire Settlement With Nearly 1,500 Victims Awards of $645 million for 119 victims and the prospect that damages could ultimately exceed 10 times that amount have rattled PacifiCorp bondholders, upended the companys credit rating and prompted a warning from the utility last year that it may need to shut operations in Oregon. PacifiCorps lawyers are scheduled to present arguments Wednesday to the Oregon Court of Appeals. Theyre asking a three-judge panel to rule that the case never should have proceeded as a class action on behalf of thousands of individual fire victims. The utility argued in court filings that the class improperly grouped together property owners affected by different wildfires across distant areas. Lawyers for the victims have countered that the trial judge correctly determined that PacifiCorps liability could be resolved using common proof despite differences among individual victims property losses. Related: Utilities Extreme Plan to Stop Wildfires: Shut Off the Power PacifiCorp also contends that an Oregon statute bars plaintiffs from recovering non-economic damages for wildfire-related property losses. But plaintiffs lawyers have defended the jury awards of $4 million per victim for emotional distress, on average, as legally permitted. The company faces an accelerated schedule for claims by about 1,400 remaining fire victims in the class action to be resolved this year and next. A ruling from the appeals court is expected in six months to a year. Top photo: The remains of homes and vehicles line a residential street on September 16, 2020 in Talent, Oregon. (Photo by Nathan Howard/Getty Images). Copyright 2026 Bloomberg. An Asian cyber-espionage group has spent the past year breaking into computer systems belonging to governments and critical infrastructure organizations in more than 37 countries, according to the cybersecurity firm Palo Alto Networks, Inc. The state-aligned attackers have infiltrated networks of 70 organizations, including five national law enforcement and border control agencies, according to a new research report from the company. They have also breached three ministries of finance, one countrys parliament and a senior elected official in another, the report states. The Santa Clara, California-based firm declined to identify the hackers country of origin. Related: Cyber Firm Says Moltbook Social Media Site for AI Agents Had Big Security Hole The spying operation was unusually vast and allowed the hackers to hoover up sensitive information in apparent coordination with geopolitical events, such as diplomatic missions, trade negotiations, political unrest and military actions, according to the report. They used that access to spy on emails, financial dealings and communications about military and police operations, the report states. The hackers also stole information about diplomatic issues, lurking undetected in some systems for months. They use highly-targeted and tailored fake emails and known, unpatched security flaws to gain access to these networks, said Pete Renals, director of national security programs with Unit 42, the threat intelligence division of Palo Alto Networks. Espionage appears to be the main motivation behind these attacks as the actors frequently seek access to email communications and other sensitive data. Related: These Five Technologies Increase The Risk of Cyber Claims The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency said it was aware of the campaign. The agency is working with its partners to stop hackers from exploiting any of the vulnerabilities identified in the report, said Nick Andersen, CISAs executive assistant director for cybersecurity. Representatives of the FBI and CIA declined to comment. The NSA didnt respond to a request for comment. Palo Alto Networks researchers confirmed that the group successfully accessed and exfiltrated sensitive data from some victims email servers. The company said it notified the victims and offered them assistance. It also identified some of them in its report, an unusual step for a cybersecurity firm. Some of the hackers actions coincided with issues and events of particular import to the government of China. One suspected breach came the day after U.S. military and law enforcement captured the Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro. As early as January 4, the hackers likely compromised a device associated with a facility operated by Venezolana de Industria Tecnologica, an organization founded as a joint venture between Venezuelas government and an Asian tech firm, according to the report. Venezolana de Industria Tecnologica didnt respond to an email seeking comment. Another hacking campaign targeted government entities in the Czech Republic. In July 2025, Czech President Petr Pavel met with the Dalai Lama. In the following weeks, the hackers conducted reconnaissance on Czech government targets including the Army, police, Parliament and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, according to the report. The Czech cybersecurity agency, the National Cyber and Information Security Authority, didnt respond to a request for comment on the report. The Chinese Embassy in Prague has previously rejected allegations about attacks against the Czech Republic as unsubstantiated. The hacking group also compromised the Ministry of Mines and Energy of Brazil, a major supply base of rare earth mineral reserves, the cyber firms report said. In October, U.S. diplomats held meetings with mining executives in the country. The Ministry of Mines and Energy hasnt identified any abnormal traffic or suspicious attempts to breach the Ministrys systems, connections or digital platforms, a spokesperson said. The hackers are also suspected of being active in Germany, Poland, Greece, Italy, Cyprus, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mongolia, Panama, Greece and other countries, according to the report. The Chinese government recently prohibited companies in the country from using Palo Alto Networks products, along with security technology from more than a dozen other US and Israeli vendors, according to a government directive seen by Bloomberg News. Top photo: Attendees watch a presentation at the Palo Alto Networks booth during the RSA Conference in San Francisco, California, on Wednesday, April 26, 2023. The RSA Conference brings together industry leaders in the world of cybersecurity at their annual event in San Francisco. Bloomberg. Copyright 2026 Bloomberg. COLUMBUS, Ohio Republican gubernatorial hopeful Vivek Ramaswamy and his wife, Apoorva, announced the birth of their third child on Wednesday night. In a news release, Ramaswamys campaign said both Apoorva and their new daughter, Savithri, are doing well. The family is deeply thankful for the prayers and kind messages from Ohioans and friends across the country, the statement said. Ramaswamy, a Republican from suburban Columbus, posted a photo on X on Thursday morning with the words, So grateful and a heart emoji. The birth announcement quickly drew congratulations from supporters and political figures alike, including from the presumptive Democratic nominee for governor, former state health director Amy Acton. Ramaswamy isnt the only GOP candidate for Ohio governor whos been preparing for another baby while on the campaign trail. YouTuber Casey Putsch of Perrysburg says his wife Taylor is due to give birth to their second child, a girl, soon after Ohios May 5 primary election. The winner of this years governors race will succeed term-limited Gov. Mike DeWine next January. Apoorva Ramaswamy is a surgeon and assistant professor at Ohio State Universitys James Cancer Hospital, where she specializes in treating cancer survivors with swallowing and voice disorders. She and her husband already have two young sons. Taylor Putsch is a digital marketing manager for a building materials supply company and director of operations for her husbands nonprofit, the Genius Garage Racing Team, which offers hands-on automotive engineering experience to students. "In-train fair" launched in NE China's Heilongjiang amid Spring Festival travel rush Xinhua) 08:43, February 05, 2026 Attendants in folk costumes showcase frozen fruits at an "in-train fair" in northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Feb. 4, 2026. Train K7103, the host of Heilongjiang's first "in-train fair" of 2026, departed from Harbin and headed for Jiagedaqi on Wednesday. The fair features agricultural specialties of the province, railway-themed creative cultural products, and handicrafts listed as intangible cultural heritage. Items purchased at the "fair" would be delivered to buyer-designated addresses via courier service. China Railway Harbin Group Co., Ltd. has successively launched a number of themed tourist trains in recent years. At the same time, the company tries its best to enable unique and warm experience for its passengers amid the ongoing Spring Festival travel rush. (Xinhua/Wang Song) A attendant in folk costume presents pancakes to passengers at an "in-train fair" in northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Feb. 4, 2026. Train K7103, the host of Heilongjiang's first "in-train fair" of 2026, departed from Harbin and headed for Jiagedaqi on Wednesday. The fair features agricultural specialties of the province, railway-themed creative cultural products, and handicrafts listed as intangible cultural heritage. Items purchased at the "fair" would be delivered to buyer-designated addresses via courier service. China Railway Harbin Group Co., Ltd. has successively launched a number of themed tourist trains in recent years. At the same time, the company tries its best to enable unique and warm experience for its passengers amid the ongoing Spring Festival travel rush. (Xinhua/Wang Song) Attendants in folk costumes perform at an "in-train fair" in northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Feb. 4, 2026. Train K7103, the host of Heilongjiang's first "in-train fair" of 2026, departed from Harbin and headed for Jiagedaqi on Wednesday. The fair features agricultural specialties of the province, railway-themed creative cultural products, and handicrafts listed as intangible cultural heritage. Items purchased at the "fair" would be delivered to buyer-designated addresses via courier service. China Railway Harbin Group Co., Ltd. has successively launched a number of themed tourist trains in recent years. At the same time, the company tries its best to enable unique and warm experience for its passengers amid the ongoing Spring Festival travel rush. (Xinhua/Wang Song) An attendant writes Chinese character "Fu" (meaning "fortune") at an "in-train fair" in northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Feb. 4, 2026. Train K7103, the host of Heilongjiang's first "in-train fair" of 2026, departed from Harbin and headed for Jiagedaqi on Wednesday. The fair features agricultural specialties of the province, railway-themed creative cultural products, and handicrafts listed as intangible cultural heritage. Items purchased at the "fair" would be delivered to buyer-designated addresses via courier service. China Railway Harbin Group Co., Ltd. has successively launched a number of themed tourist trains in recent years. At the same time, the company tries its best to enable unique and warm experience for its passengers amid the ongoing Spring Festival travel rush. (Xinhua/Wang Song) An attendant performs at an "in-train fair" in northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Feb. 4, 2026. Train K7103, the host of Heilongjiang's first "in-train fair" of 2026, departed from Harbin and headed for Jiagedaqi on Wednesday. The fair features agricultural specialties of the province, railway-themed creative cultural products, and handicrafts listed as intangible cultural heritage. Items purchased at the "fair" would be delivered to buyer-designated addresses via courier service. China Railway Harbin Group Co., Ltd. has successively launched a number of themed tourist trains in recent years. At the same time, the company tries its best to enable unique and warm experience for its passengers amid the ongoing Spring Festival travel rush. (Xinhua/Wang Song) This photo taken on Feb. 4, 2026 shows the local specialties for sale at an "in-train fair" in northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. Train K7103, the host of Heilongjiang's first "in-train fair" of 2026, departed from Harbin and headed for Jiagedaqi on Wednesday. The fair features agricultural specialties of the province, railway-themed creative cultural products, and handicrafts listed as intangible cultural heritage. Items purchased at the "fair" would be delivered to buyer-designated addresses via courier service. China Railway Harbin Group Co., Ltd. has successively launched a number of themed tourist trains in recent years. At the same time, the company tries its best to enable unique and warm experience for its passengers amid the ongoing Spring Festival travel rush. (Xinhua/Wang Song) A merchant (L) introduces a local specialty to a tourist at an "in-train fair" in northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Feb. 4, 2026. Train K7103, the host of Heilongjiang's first "in-train fair" of 2026, departed from Harbin and headed for Jiagedaqi on Wednesday. The fair features agricultural specialties of the province, railway-themed creative cultural products, and handicrafts listed as intangible cultural heritage. Items purchased at the "fair" would be delivered to buyer-designated addresses via courier service. China Railway Harbin Group Co., Ltd. has successively launched a number of themed tourist trains in recent years. At the same time, the company tries its best to enable unique and warm experience for its passengers amid the ongoing Spring Festival travel rush. (Xinhua/Wang Song) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Dr. Walter L. Tobin and Mrs. Bernice Tobin present a ceremonial check to members of the South Carolina State University Concert Choir in support of their inaugural performance at Carnegie Hall. Walter and Bernice Tobin designated $10,000 for the college and $3,000 for the Concert Choirs trip to Carnegie Hall. ORANGEBURG, S.C. Retired educators Dr. Walter L. Tobin and Mrs. Bernice Tobin have donated $13,000 to South Carolina State Universitys College of Education, Humanities and Social Sciences (CEHSS). Of the total gift, $10,000 is designated as unrestricted support for the CEHSS. The remaining $3,000 will support the SC States Concert Choirs inaugural performance at Carnegie Hall this summer, a milestone in the universitys history. The $3,000 gift will directly support the Concert Choirs travel to New York City, where in June the choir will perform Adolphus Hailstorks sacred cantata, I Will Lift Up Mine Eyes, at the world-renowned Carnegie Hall. This will mark the first time the SC State Concert Choir has performed on the prestigious stage. The Tobins presented checks to the CEHSS and the choir in a ceremony at the SC State Fine Arts Building on Jan. 22, during which Dr. M. Evelyn Fields, CEHSS dean, reflected on Walter Tobins legacy of service, leadership and excellence. Dr. Tobins legacy is one of service, leadership, and excellence. He has been a steadfast advocate for education and the arts, and his generosity continues to open doors for our students, Fields said. His commitment to giving back reflects a deep belief in the mission of South Carolina State University and in the importance of investing in programs that inspire, empower and transform lives. A two-time graduate of South Carolina State University, Walter Tobin earned a bachelors degree in English and social studies in 1964 and a masters degree in secondary education and administration in 1970. He devoted his professional career to teacher education and educational leadership. He began his administrative career in 1969 as principal of Voorhees High School in the Denmark-Olar School District Two. In 1979, he was appointed secondary supervisor at the South Carolina Department of Education, and in 1983 he became director of the departments Office of Adult Education. In 1989, Walter Tobin assumed his first superintendency in Lexington School District Four in Swansea. Two years later, he became superintendent of Orangeburg School District Five, now Orangeburg Consolidated School District Five, where he served until his retirement in December 1999. Following his retirement, Walter Tobin became known as the Traveling Superintendent, providing interim leadership to school districts across the state while permanent superintendents were selected. Standing alongside Mrs. Tobin at the check presentation ceremony, Walter Tobin addressed SC State students, including members of the Concert Choir, education majors, teacher candidates completing clinical field experiences, and students in the fine arts and social sciences. He shared reflections from his career as an educator, principal and superintendent, noting that his students shaped his leadership philosophy and reinforced his belief that effective leadership is rooted in listening, stewardship and service. Educators must build confident students, encourage them to believe in themselves, and empower them to step boldly into leadership, Tobin said. He also credited his own teachers with instilling in him the value of teacher education and described the moment as coming full circle, presenting a gift to one of his former students, Fields, now dean of the college. This certainly has come full circle for me, Fields said. I am grateful for this monetary gift presented to my college, but even more grateful for the confidence Dr. Tobin and the teachers at Denmark-Olar High School instilled in me confidence that allowed me to believe I could compete and lead, and to do the work I do each day as dean. On behalf of the CEHSS, Fields expressed her appreciation to the Tobins for their lifelong dedication to education and their support of the universitys mission. For more information about supporting the College of Education, Humanities and Social Sciences, contact Dr. M. Evelyn Fields at efields@scsu.edu. University leadership joins distinguished alumnus Dr. Walter L. Tobin and Mrs. Bernice Tobin during a campus event recognizing their generous contribution to the College of Education, Humanities, and Social Sciences. Oil prices held steady on Tuesday as traders weighed the possibility of a de-escalation in U.S.-Iran tensions, with a firmer dollar limiting the upside. Oil prices rose on Wednesday after the U.S. shot down an Iranian drone and armed Iranian boats approached a U.S.-flagged vessel, rekindling fears of an escalation between Washington and Tehran ahead of planned talks. Brent crude oil futures were up 18 cents, or 0.27%, at $67.51 a barrel by 8:05 a.m. ET. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude was up 22 cents, or 0.35%, at $63.43. Both benchmarks have seesawed this week between news of talks to de-escalate tensions between the United States and Iran and heightened fears of potential disruption to oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, a broader selloff of equities, which often move in tandem with oil prices, put a lid on gains. "Oil would be lower without Middle Eastern sabre-rattling," PVM analysts said in a note. The U.S. military on Tuesday shot down an Iranian drone that "aggressively" approached a U.S. aircraft carrier in the Arabian Sea, the U.S. military said. Separately, a group of Iranian gunboats approached a U.S.-flagged tanker north of Oman, maritime sources and a security consultancy said. The U.S. and Iran are due to hold talks in Oman on Friday, according a regional official. OPEC members Saudi Arabia, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Iraq export most of their crude via the Strait of Hormuz, mainly to Asia. Oil prices also found support from industry data showing a sharp drop in U.S. crude stockpiles. Inventories in the world's biggest oil producer and consumer fell by more than 11 million barrels last week, sources said, citing American Petroleum Institute figures. Official data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration is due at 1530 GMT. Analysts polled by Reuters were expecting a rise in crude inventories. On Tuesday, oil prices were also buoyed by a U.S.-India trade agreement that raised hopes of stronger global energy demand while continued Russian attacks on Ukraine added to concerns that Moscow's oil would remain under sanctions for longer. U.S. President Donald Trump speaks before signing executive orders in the Oval Office in the White House in Washington, DC, on Jan. 30, 2026. Trump at that time said the deal "could be a problem" because of the size of the market share Netflix would end up with if the proposed purchase was approved by federal regulators. Trump's latest comment is a pivot from what he said in early December after Netflix's proposed acquisition of WBD was made public. "I've been called by both sides," Trump said. "It's the two sides, but I've decided I shouldn't be involved. The Justice Department will handle it." President Donald Trump said in a new interview on Wednesday did an about-face and said that he will not be involved in the fight between streaming giant Netflix and Paramount Skydance to buy some or all of Warner Bros. Discovery . The president, at the same time, had said he would be involved in the process of reviewing and potentially approving the deal, which, in addition to U.S. regulatory approval, faces a review by European regulators. The billionaire Larry Ellison, whose son David Ellison is Paramount's CEO, is close to Trump. And Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos visited Trump in the Oval Office shortly before his company's offer to WBD was recommended by WBD leadership. Netflix proposes acquiring WBD in a deal worth $72 billion, which would not include the company's cable networks, including CNN. The deal would give Netflix WBD's film studio, in addition to HBO and the streaming service HBO Max. Paramount, in response, launched a hostile takeover bid for all of WBD, with an enterprise value of more than $108 billion. "There's a theory that one of the companies is too big and it shouldn't be allowed to do it, and the other company is saying something else," Trump told NBC News on Wednesday. "They're beating the hell out of each other and there'll be a winner," the president said. Sarandos appeared Tuesday before the Senate Judiciary Committee's antitrust subcommittee, where he reportedly said that his meeting with Trump "was not specifically to talk about the deal." "I have confidence in this case on the merits, and that it will be run by the Department of Justice," Sarandos said, according to The New York Times. Sen. Mike Lee, a Utah Republican, at the hearing said, "All told, one might say that Netflix seeks to become the one platform to rule them all, or at least to exercise a significant amount of market dominance," according to the Times. "The merger raises numerous antitrust concerns, in a nutshell, consolidating both production and distribution power," Lee said. This is CNBC's Morning Squawk newsletter. Subscribe here to receive future editions in your inbox. Happy Thursday. Taco Bell's parent company reported strong same-store sales growth for the chain yesterday, which makes me wonder how much my Crunchwrap Supreme orders contributed. Stock futures are falling this morning. The S&P 500 saw another losing session yesterday. Here are five key things investors need to know to start the trading day: 1. Hard reset Piotr Swat | SOPA Images | Lightrocket | Getty Images 2. Spending spree The Google logo is displayed on a building at Google headquarters on Feb. 4, 2026 in Mountain View, California. Justin Sullivan | Getty Images Alphabet beat Wall Street's fourth-quarter expectations on both lines yesterday. The Google parent's cloud business reported a better-than-expected quarter, though its YouTube advertising totals came in lower than forecast. Alphabet also announced that its capital expenditures spend for this year could be more than double its 2025 total, as the California-based company focuses on building out AI infrastructure. But Wall Street didn't seem to approve: Shares dropped more than 4% in premarket trading this morning. On the other hand, companies who provide AI-related products to Google jumped after it unveiled its bold AI spending plan. Broadcom , which helps Google make the tensor processing units its AI software runs on, climbed as much as 6% in extended trading. 3. Jobs (Wednes)day A 'now hiring' sign is displayed in a business's window in Manhattan on Jan. 9, 2026, in New York City. Spencer Platt | Getty Images The Bureau of Labor Statistics said it would release December's Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey at 10 a.m. ET today, two days after its planned release date. The data was delayed by the short-lived federal government shutdown. Looking ahead, the all-important nonfarm payrolls report for January was pushed to next Wednesday, instead of tomorrow. Data on consumer prices and earnings will also be postponed, according to the BLS. Other labor data this week has offered a bad omen for the forthcoming jobs data. The ADP said yesterday that private companies added fewer jobs than economists anticipated in January. This morning, Challenger, Gray & Christmas reported that January layoffs were the highest for the month since 2009, surging more than 200% from December. Get Morning Squawk directly in your inbox CNBC's Morning Squawk recaps the biggest stories investors should know before the stock market opens, every weekday morning. Subscribe here to get access today. 4. The negotiating table Oil prices rose more than 1.5% in Asian trade on Thursday, on increasing concerns of a U.S military attack on Iran that could disrupt supply from the region. Anton Petrus | Moment | Getty Images President Donald Trump said in an interview yesterday that Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei "should be very worried." The comments come as Trump has threatened strikes on the country unless it agrees to a deal governing its nuclear program. "They're negotiating with us," Trump told NBC News. Oil jumped following Trump's comments, with U.S. crude and the global benchmark Brent each rising more than 3% yesterday. But oil prices fell overnight as traders looked ahead to talks between Washington and Tehran set for Friday. As CNBC's Lee Ying Shan reports, Iran wants to focus the talks on its nuclear dispute with the West, while the U.S. also wants to discuss Iran's ballistic missile program and human rights record. 5. Participation trophies Rainbow flags celebrate Pride Month in New York. Lev Radin | Pacific Press | LightRocket | Getty Images For more than a year, conservative activist Robby Starbuck has pressured companies to back out of the Corporate Equality Index, a two-decade-old assessment of how businesses treat LGBTQ+ employees. New data from the index's operator released yesterday shows the impact of the anti-DEI movement. The Human Rights Campaign reported a 65% drop in Fortune 500 companies participating in its 2026 CEI index compared to last year. The number of participating Fortune 500 firms fell from nearly 380 to just over 130. As CNBC's Laya Neelakandan reports, the HRC said that many companies who ceased involvement hold federal contracts. On the other hand, the group said more than 500 of the 1,450 companies that did participate achieved the top score. The Daily Dividend Electric vehicle maker Rivian is banking on its forthcoming R2 vehicle to help it return to profitability. CEO RJ Scaringe gave CNBC's Robert Ferris an early look at the car. watch now Analysts across Wall Street remained largely bullish on Alphabet following its latest earnings beat , but pointed to its high capital expenditures and a miss in YouTube advertising as reasons for the stock's underperformance Thursday morning. Alphabet beat on both the top and bottom lines in its fourth-quarter earnings report released Wednesday. The Google parent earned $2.82 per share on revenue of $113.83 billion, while analysts polled by LSEG had forecast earnings of $2.63 per share on $111.43 billion in revenue. Other highly watched metrics, including Google Cloud revenue and traffic acquisition costs, also surpassed expectations. But a sore spot on the report was Alphabet's YouTube advertising, which at $11.38 billion came in lower than the estimated $111.43 billion. UBS analyst Stephen Ju chalked up this miss "partially due to some brand issues." "There were some misses with YouTube ads only growing +9% Y/Y against tougher comps, while [subscriptions, platforms & devices] also came in a touch light at +17% Y/Y growth," wrote Bernstein analyst Mark Shmulik. But the bigger weakness highlighted in the report was Alphabet's higher capital expenditures guidance, with the company expecting a sharp increase in artificial intelligence spending this year. The company forecast 2026 capital expenditures, or capex, of between $175 billion to $185 billion. The top end of this forecast is more than double its 2025 spend. On a Wednesday call, Alphabet finance chief Anat Ashkenazi told analysts that this money would go towards investing in AI compute capacity for Google DeepMind and to meet "significant cloud customer demand as well as strategic investments in other bets." But while analysts acknowledge higher capex as a weak spot for Alphabet, they were also more optimistic about this spend than the stock's 3% slide on Thursday morning seemed to suggest. "While capex guidance for 2026 was considerably above expectations, we think the resulting infrastructure footprint creates a meaningful moat that few (if any) can replicate, and perhaps just as importantly, one that Alphabet can best monetize via the combination of its broad service offering (both advertising and subscriptions) as well as through the rapidly accelerating Cloud business," wrote Deutsche Bank analyst Benjamin Black. "Importantly, we believe the doubling of capex Y/Y comes from a position of strength, with Gemini now at 750M MAUs & showing significantly higher engagement per user, Google Cloud revenue accelerating to +48% w/backlog up 55% Q/Q to $240B, & Search revenue accelerating to +17% as AI continues to expand the market," JPMorgan's Doug Anmuth added. Bernstein's Shmulik highlighted the broader software sell-off and general pessimism against tech stocks as a reason behind Alphabet's slight underperformance. "A week ago this print would have been bought up, but it's February, and it seems no revenue beat is enough in an investment cycle that is just as likely to be a race to the bottom as it is TAM expansionary while wiping out FCF in the process," he wrote. Meanwhile, UBS' Ju also pointed out that bears could argue that tight compute supply, alongisde outpacing demand, could cap Alphabet's near-term cloud growth. Overall, however, analysts maintained their long-term bullish stances on shares of Alphabet. Here's how some of Wall Street's biggest shops reacted. Morgan Stanley: overweight, $330 The bank's target implies about a 1% downside from Alphabet's Wednesday closing price of $333.04. "GOOGL's accelerating multifaceted engagement, monetization and capex investment (for further AI-driven innovation and growth) are the second indicator this earnings season (after META's impressive guide) that the leading scaled companies with the most data, reach and ability/willingness to invest are seeing the benefits of their flywheels and that the gap between them and the smaller players across tech space is likely to widen faster than expected even 35 days ago." Bernstein: market-perform, $345 Bernstein's forecast, up from $335, offers upside of 4%. "If investors' chief complaint earlier in the AI LLM/search wars was that Google wasn't spending enough to keep up, they suddenly find themselves reversing course and wondering if Google is now spending too much with a 2026 CapEx guide of $175-185B nearly 2xing investment levels Y/Y over year. And if there was any lingering doubt that management was being conservative, it certainly sounds like their biggest worry these days is how quickly they can spin up more capacity. With EPS/FCF firmly range-bound in an escalating investment cycle, the hope is that the ROIC holds up in 2027+ where questions around revenue growth durability emerge." UBS: neutral, $348 UBS' target corresponds to upside of around 4%. "That said as Google's CapEx guide was $55B ahead of our projection for 2026, total costs increase ~$16B and ~$24B to result in a more muted impact to EPS (2027E EPS rises by 1%), which may disappoint investors as GOOGL shares are near peak multiple levels. We maintain our Neutral rating on balanced risk reward, particularly as the Street begins to discount ChatGPT's approaching ramp in ad monetization." Barclays: overweight, $360 Barclays' target, up from $315, calls for 8% upside going forward. "GOOGL AI story is cranking on full flex-mode with 48% Cloud growth and a massive jump in backlog. Meanwhile Search accelerated and is driving Services margins up. The AI progress comes at a cost, with Deepmind (corp) costs exploding alongside the capex." Bank of America: buy, $370 Bank of America's forecast is 11% above Alphabet's current valuation. "Quarter strengthen thesis that: 1) Google search activity will accelerate from new AI use cases (not losing queries to OpenAI), 2) AI can structurally drive higher Search monetization, 3) Gemini LLM and TPUs are Cloud competitive advantages, and 4) Cloud capex is high ROI, & more capacity will accelerate Cloud growth Key catalysts ahead: Consumer agentic launch, Ads in Gemini app launch, Cloud Next Conf. (Apr 22)." Deutsche Bank: buy, $390 Deutsche Bank's price target, up from $370, represents upside of 17%. "The set-up for Alphabet was not easy, with the stock rallying ~20% since 3Q's results. Against that backdrop, the company reported virtually no hair on revenue and OI results, with strong growth across all major segments - consolidated revenues grew to $114bn, +18% y/y (+17% FXN), outperforming the street by ~2%." Citi: buy, $390 Citi hiked its price target from $350. "That said, with 2026E CapEx guidance of $175B - $185B materially higher than Street expectations significantly impacting FCF, we acknowledge the concern around investments and ROI. But given clear AI demand signals, we believe Google should be investing in product and in alleviating capacity challenges." JPMorgan: overweight, $395 The firm's forecast, up from $385, implies Alphabet stock could rise 19% from here. "While some might say the financial profile and outsized spending shifts Google closer to Meta, we believe we are seeing clear returns on Google's investments across Gemini, Cloud, and Search, and Google differentiates with very meaningful multi-year backlog." Goldman Sachs: buy, $400 Goldman Sachs' target, raised from $375, equates to 20% upside. "Alphabet has climbed a steep wall of worry in the past 12 months around the AI theme and we don't see any reasons to suspect a pause or step back in terms of its operating proof points that would change investor perception over the near term. We continue to expect Alphabet can successfully navigate the current multi-year evolution of its core Search product by leveraging its current strengths (existing user base; leading product innovation, which is accelerating in pace; technical infrastructure footprint and cost leverage vs. competitors; etc.)." Shares of Qualcomm also nosedived 9.68% after hours Wednesday. While the company's fiscal first-quarter results beat expectations, its forecast disappointed due to a global memory shortage. Andrew Jackson, an equity analyst at Ortus Advisors, said that investors were also reacting to Arm's guidance only slightly beating estimates, as well as a poor outlook delivered by its chip design customer Qualcomm. Arm's fiscal third-quarter licensing revenue rose 25% from a year earlier to $505 million, but came in 2.9% below the $519.9 million expected by analysts surveyed by FactSet. Shares of UK-based semiconductor designer Arm Holdings plunged 7.48% in after-hours trading Wednesday after the company's licensing revenue missed Wall Street estimates. Despite missing Wall Street estimates for licensing revenue, Arm posted record quarterly revenue of $1.242 billion for the last three months of 2025, driven by artificial intelligence demand. That figure beat LSEG SmartEstimates, which are weighted toward forecasts from analysts who are more consistently accurate. Arm's chip designs power most of the world's smartphones and are increasingly used in AI data centers and edge computing devices. "ARM is trying to diversify into AI chips used for DC/servers, but the success of this remains uncertain, and its business model is still heavily reliant on royalties from chips used in consumer products such as handsets," Jackson said. He added that if Chinese smartphone production declines due to the memory shortages, Arm's outlook could worsen before improving. Executives at both Qualcomm and Arm have signaled that smartphone makers may scale back production volumes as supply constraints persist. Rolf Bulk, an analyst at Futurum Group, told CNBC that such a scenario would also pressure Arm customers like Apple and Samsung. Smartphones remain Arm's largest end market, accounting for roughly half of its revenues, even as exposure to data centers increases, Bulk said. Shares of Arm, which went public in 2023, have also faced broader tech market pressures in the lead-up to earnings and are down 4% year-to-date. Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman John Boozman, R-Ark., said he feels "very strongly" about reaching Senate agreement likely this year on a cryptocurrency market structure bill, even after Democrats backed out of supporting the version his committee advanced last week. "Everybody is really working hard right now and I think getting it through a committee has kind of shown that we can make some momentum and that's been a good thing," Boozman said in an interview Tuesday with CNBC. Boozman's committee has been working to create a national regulatory structure under the Commodity Futures Trading Commission for the burgeoning industry. The next step would be the Senate Banking Committee approving its version of a crypto market structure bill. That committee's hearing on the text was postponed from Jan. 15 at the last minute after opposition from the crypto industry. The Republican senator had worked with Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., on a draft bill last year. Booker walked away from the version the Senate Agriculture Committee voted on, saying during the Jan. 29 hearing that the measure differed from the bipartisan version the committee laid out in November. Booker's office said the senator was not available for an interview. At the hearing, Booker said Democratic concerns with the bill include the fact that President Donald Trump "is grifting on crypto himself," which he called "ridiculous." The White House did not respond to a request for comment about Democrats' concerns. In past statements, a White House spokesperson told CNBC that "there are no conflicts of interest." During the hearing, Democrats offered amendments that would have included banning public officials including the president from engaging in the crypto industry, preventing scams linked to crypto ATMs and addressing involvement in digital commodities from foreign adversaries. None were approved. The Agriculture Committee voted along party lines Jan. 29 to advance its version of the bill. The legislation builds on the bipartisan CLARITY Act, the crypto market structure bill the House of Representatives passed last summer. Oceania Healthcare Limited (NZX/ASX: OCA) announced today that it has appointed Ms Sarah Ottrey as an independent non-executive director, effective 5 February 2026. Ms Ottrey is a highly experienced director with extensive marketing and commercial leadership experience locally and internationally, including in roles with Unilever and DB Breweries/Heineken. She currently serves as Chair of Christchurch International Airport and the Whitestone Cheese Company, and serves as a New Zealand Member on the APEC Business Advisory Council. Ms Ottrey is also a director of Skyline Enterprises, Mt Cook Alpine Salmon and member of the NZ China Business Council. Previously she has served on the Boards of EBOS Group, The Public Trust, Blue Sky Meats and as a member of the Inland Revenue Risk Assurance Committee. Oceania Board Chair Elizabeth Coutts said We are delighted to welcome Sarah to the Board. Her deep governance experience, strong commercial acumen and background in customer-focused industries will be a valuable addition to the Board as we continue to enhance our customer offering. Oceania also announced today that director, Sally Evans, has indicated her intention to retire at the next Annual Shareholder Meeting. Ms Coutts said I want to take this opportunity to thank Sally for the significant contribution she has made to the Oceania Board since her appointment in 2018. Since joining, she has governed with resident safety and care at the centre of every decision and notably has led the Sustainability Committee through the development of Oceanias comprehensive sustainability strategy. These upcoming changes in Board composition reflect the commencement of the Boards planned refresh as part of its ongoing succession strategy Ms Coutts said. The Board has determined that Ms Ottrey is an Independent Director pursuant to the NZX Listing Rules. Ms Ottrey will hold office until Oceanias next Annual Shareholder Meeting, at which point she will stand for election by shareholders. ENDS Comments from our readers No comments yet Add your comment: Your name: Your email: Not displayed to the public Comment: Comments to Sharechat go through an approval process. 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Related News: SkyCity Appoints Chief Financial Officer February 13th Morning Report February 12th Morning Report NZME 2025 Full Year Results Release Date Turners Institutional Investor Day February 10th Morning Report PEB - Medicare Contractor Novitas Schedules Expert Panel NZK Enters Into Wellboat Lease Agreement Fonterra announces Mainland Group leadership change AIA - Analyst and media webcast for FY26 interim results Cambodia is struggling to recover its tourism sector, as geopolitical tensions and its growing reputation as a cybercrime hub keep tourists at bay. Once a key driver of the country's economy, the industry has dwindled to make up 9.4% of its gross domestic product in 2024, compared to 12.1% in 2019, according to data from the tourism ministry released Monday. Cambodia has been under international scrutiny after reports that it is a central hub for scam center operations. Profits from those illicit activity were reportedly tied to its political elites, according to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime in June 2025. The Southeast Asian country has also been clashing with its neighbor Thailand over a decades-old border dispute, which erupted into sustained armed conflict throughout 2025 until both sides came to a ceasefire on Dec. 27, 2025. Prior to that, the two countries had agreed to a ceasefire in June 2025, but fighting had reignited in early December. Dwindling APAC travelers Tourism numbers from the Asia-Pacific region to Cambodia suffered the most with a drop of 20% year on year in 2025, according to the ministry. "The scam center issue resonates a lot more in East Asia, people hear about it a lot more. People in the U.S. and Europe hear less about the scam centers," said Stephen Higgins, managing partner at Mekong Strategic Capital. Within the region, the biggest drop in visitorship was from Thailand, which fell over 50%, amid ongoing border tensions. This photo taken on December 18, 2025 shows tourists visiting the Angkor Wat temple in Siem Reap province. Travel cancellations due to the Thai-Cambodian border conflict have left the centuries-old stone structures -- Cambodia's top tourist attraction -- unusually quiet and businesses desperate. (Photo by TANG CHHIN Sothy / AFP via Getty Images) / To go with 'CAMBODIA-THAILAND-CONFLICT-TOURISM,FOCUS' by Suy SE Tang Chhin Sothy | Afp | Getty Images South Korean tourists plunged 20.6%, after Seoul in October 2025 imposed the most severe tier of its four-level travel warning system, effectively banning travel to parts of Cambodia "where employment fraud and detention have surged", according to a Google translation of the foreign ministry's statement. That follows the death of a South Korean student who was lured into working in a scam compound in Cambodia, and allegedly died after being tortured. Chinese travelers to Cambodia bucked the wider trend, rising 41.5% in December, but was still less than half of pre-pandemic tourism numbers. That's another blow to the struggling tourism sector as China is one of the key markets for high-spending tourists in Cambodia, according to ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office's report in August last year. China has put pressure on Cambodia to crack down on scam hubs, according to a WeChat post by the Chinese embassy in Cambodia in January, adding that its scam haven reputation risked damaging bilateral relations between the two countries. Recovery efforts TOPSHOT - US President Donald Trump (L) and China's President Xi Jinping arrive for talks at the Gimhae Air Base, located next to the Gimhae International Airport in Busan on October 30, 2025. U.S. President Donald Trump said Wednesday that he had a "long and thorough call" with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping, naming Iran, Russia's war in Ukraine, China's energy purchases and his upcoming visit in April among the key talking points. Beijing's statement, however, singled out Taiwan as "the most important issue" in bilateral relations, urging the U.S. to "handle the issue of arms sales to Taiwan with prudence." China maintains Taiwan is part of its territory, claims that have been rejected by the democratically governed island. Washington approved arms sales to Taiwan worth as much as $11.15 billion in December last year one of its biggest ever to strengthen the island's defenses and deter any military aggression by Beijing. China appears to be reminding Washington "where the red lines are" while seeking to avoid any action that could jeopardize Trump's plans to visit China in April, said David Meale, practice head for China at Eurasia Group. Trump during his call stressed on the commercial ties between the two countries, including China's purchase of oil and gas, agricultural products and airline engine deliveries. China agreed to increase its purchase of American soybeans to 20 million tones for the current season, 25 million for next, Trump said. "The 'transaction-oriented' mindset of Trump should be a gift to Beijing as opposed to an ideology-driven one reinforced by coalition-building," said Neo Wang, lead China macro analyst at Evercore ISI in New York. The U.S. ambassador to China, David Purdue, reportedly said in a closed-door meeting in Hong Kong last month that Boeing was involved in the ongoing negotiations ahead of Trump's visit. Wang expects a signing ceremony for a deal covering as many as 500 Boeing aircraft to be witnessed by the two leaders during Trump's trip to Beijing. With a potential aircraft deal being the "headline victory," Trump could remove the remaining 10% fentanyl-related tariffs on Chinese exports, "during or shortly after" the April meeting, Wang added. While Trump portrayed the call as an "excellent" discussion and touted his personal relationship with Xi was "an extremely good one," Xi took a more measured tone, saying that "the U.S. has its concerns and China has its concerns" but a solution could be found if both sides approached each other with "reciprocity." Signage outside the Google headquarters in Mountain View, California, US, on Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026. Alphabet's fourth-quarter earnings and revenue beat Wall Street expectations. Its cloud unit dazzled, notching a nearly 48% increase in revenue from a year earlier. The tech giant expects capital expenditure for 2026 to come in between $175 billion and $185 billion at the higher end, capex will more than double from last year. The huge increase appears to have spooked investors: Alphabet shares fell as much as 3% in extended trading. Artificial intelligence stocks have been having a difficult time this week. Advanced Micro Devices shares tanked 17.3% during regular trading on its disappointing first-quarter forecast. Other AI-related names, such as Broadcom and Oracle , also fell. The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite lost 1.51% and the S&P 500 retreated 0.51%, clocking its fifth negative session in six. However, the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.53%, lifted by Amgen and Honeywell . While sentiment around AI plays has been hit, CNBC Investing Club creator Jim Cramer is still optimistic on South Korean chipmakers. Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix are "visionary" companies, Cramer said on CNBC's "Squawk Box Asia," adding that he would have wanted to work for them if he lived in the country. Oil prices slipped around 1% following reports that U.S. and Iran will be having talks in Oman on Friday. In other oil news, Venezuela assured China that its oil pricing will not be set by the U.S., and Russia insisted that India hasn't said it would be stopping oil purchases from Moscow, despite Trump suggesting so. CNBC's Jennifer Elias contributed to this report. Modi, in his response on X, expressed delight over the lowering of tariff of 18%, thanked Trump and extended support for his "efforts for [global] peace." Trump said Washington would cut tariffs on Indian goods to 18% from 50% , while New Delhi will lower duties on U.S. goods to zero, replace Russian oil with supply from U.S. and Venezuela, open sensitive markets such as agriculture and buy $500 billion worth of American goods. Less than a week after the India-EU trade pact was finalized , U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday announced in a post on Truth Social that he had agreed a deal with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling him a "great friend." "It's easier said than done," is a phrase I have now heard several times from different experts as we discussed the feasibility of the terms of the U.S.-India trade deal. This report is from this week's CNBC's "Inside India" newsletter which brings you timely, insightful news and market commentary on the emerging powerhouse. Subscribe here. U.S. President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi meet in the Oval Office at the White House on February 13, 2025 in Washington, DC. Despite the outpourings of warm sentiment on both sides, the deal risks being derailed. What was said by the two leaders and what was left unsaid is already leading to confusion. "US President Trump's claims that India will slash duties to zero, stop importing Russian oil, and raise US imports to US $500 bn have not yet been confirmed by the Indian authorities," said Alexandra Hermann, lead economist at Oxford Economics. "They look unrealistic to us, which in turn raises risks of US backtracking," she added. That would not be the first time Trump reverses a trade deal. Last month, Trump raised tariffs on South Korean imports back to 25% from 15%, pointing to a delay in the South Korean legislature approving the agreed trade deal. Nomura in a report on Tuesday said that India's trade deal with the U.S. is a significant breakthrough, but "no deal is certain," citing Trump's renewed threat to raise tariffs on South Korea. Disputed sector India's first official deviation from the terms of trade proposed by Trump came on Tuesday as New Delhi's Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said the deal will protect "the interest of our agriculture and our dairy sectors in full respect." His counterparts in Washington, however, are doubling down on Trump's claim that India will remove non-tariff barriers to its agricultural market for the U.S. and remove tariffs on a majority of farm imports. On Wednesday, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said India will cut tariffs to zero on a "vast" set of agricultural goods, adding that there will be some protection around few certain key areas. "For a variety of things like tree nuts, wine, spirits, fruits, vegetables, tariffs will go down to zero," Greer told CNBC's Squawk Box. "It is a big win." The domestic farm sector is important for both the U.S. and Indian administrations. In December last year, the Trump administration doled out a $12 billion aid package to support farmers, who are facing financial distress due to the trade war between the U.S. and its top economic partners. Washington needs newer markets, as trade ties with its second and fifth largest agricultural export markets, Canada and the European Union, respectively, have been deteriorating. The U.S. president even threatened Canada with 100% tariffs, if it signs a trade deal with China. His plans to annex Greenland have also led to souring of ties between the E.U. and the U.S. As for India, farming is the primary source of livelihood for about 42% of India's 1.4 billion population and is hence a politically sensitive issue. The Modi government's last attempt to introduce farm reforms ended in a failure in 2021, facing intense protests from farm lobbies in the country. India is likely to remain cautious about sweeping tariff reductions in "politically sensitive areas such as agriculture" where domestic considerations "remain strong," said Reema Bhattacharya, head of Asia risk insight, corporate risk and sustainability at Singapore-based consultancy Verisk Maplecroft. This year, three major state elections are due in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Kerala, all of which are ruled by opposition political parties and have strong farm lobbies. The Indian government has been scant with details about the trade deal and is battling questions from opposition political parties. The leader of India's opposition, Rahul Gandhi, has accused Modi of being "Compromised" and of having "surrendered on Tariffs." "Without adequate adjustment measures, a surge in lower-priced food imports could displace certain indigenous products, dampen incentives for domestic value addition, and weaken parts of the FMCG ecosystem," said Nitin Bhasin, head of institutional equities at Indian brokerage and research firm Ambit. Energy security disagreement Questions are also being raised about the feasibility of Washington's demand for India to stop purchases of Russian oil completely and replace it with U.S. or Venezuelan oil. If India stops buying Russian crude entirely, it will damage the long-standing relationship between New Delhi and Moscow, experts said. "New Delhi will not sever its strategically important relationship with Moscow," said Chietigj Bajpaee, senior research fellow for South Asia at Chatham House. On Wednesday, India's trade and commerce minister reiterated the country's position that energy security was a top priority for the government. He added that decisions around energy purchases were made based on market and "evolving international dynamics." Despite U.S. sanctions on Russian oil companies and repeated claims by Washington about India halting Russian oil imports, data from consultancy firm Rystad Energy shows Russia remains the top crude oil supplier to New Delhi with 1.06 million barrels per day shipped in January. Kremlin has insisted that New Delhi has not made "any statements" on stopping supplies from Russia. India is a price-sensitive buyer in the global oil trade, said Avani Bhatnagar senior analyst of oil markets at Rystad Energy, adding that "India's pivot away from Russian crude would likely increase procurement costs." Experts say that at present, Russian crude is cheaper than its peers due to U.S. sanctions, and replacing it with U.S. crude will not be economical because of higher freight costs. Data from commodity intelligence firm Kpler shows that Russian ural crude is currently trading at a discount of $11 per barrel against U.S. Brent. Middle Eastern crude grades cost up to $9 per barrel more than Russian oil. "Russian crude is significantly cheaper," said Muyu Xu, senior oil analyst at Kpler, adding that halting purchases would squeeze refining margins for Indian state-owned companies such as Indian Oil and Bharat Petroleum. With strategic and economic interests at stake, India is unlikely to stop Russian crude imports, according to experts. However, that is a key demand from Washington, so this could be another point of friction in the trade deal. "The energy tradeoff for India is potentially a worse import bill and current account pressures at a time when capital outflow pressures from India are persistent," said Louise Loo, head of Asia economics at Oxford Economics. Buying American Adding further stress to India's import bill is the commitment to buy more American goods. India's overall goods import stood at $720.24 billion in financial year 2025, with its trade deficit at $94.3 billion. That includes goods worth $45.3 billion from the U.S. Now, the U.S. administration wants India to buy half a trillion worth of American defense, transportation, energy and farm goods. Even at a staggered pace, experts believe this number would be hard to achieve. "Analysts would be wise to ignore some of the numbers in the deal, or at least treat them as aspirational," Evan A. Feigenbaum, vice president for studies at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, said in an article on Tuesday. The Indian commerce minister has hinted that New Delhi could increase imports from the U.S. in sectors such as energy, nuclear power, data centers and aviation, but did not share much details. Bajpaee of Chatham House said that India could buy products from those sectors, but "reaching the target of $500bn is a stretch." Neither side has announced an explicit date for the formal announcement of the deal but India's Goyal said a joint statement will be issued soon. Meanwhile, Bhattacharya of risk management firm Verisk suggests investors to look at "headline pledges as opening positions rather than settled outcomes." As negotiators hammer out details, she said there could be scope for "renewed friction." Top TV picks on CNBC Peter Mandelson Bloomberg | Bloomberg | Getty Images Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed regret on Wednesday for appointing Peter Mandelson as UK ambassador to Washington, saying the Labour veteran had created a "litany of deceit" about his ties to U.S. sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Starmer ceded to pressure from the opposition Conservative Party to release documents on how Mandelson was appointed, and was forced to water down an attempt to limit the scope of that disclosure after facing a revolt in his own Labour Party. Mandelson, a government minister when Labour was previously in power more than 15 years ago, quit the House of Lords on Tuesday over links to Epstein, and is now under police investigation for alleged misconduct in office. Files released by the U.S. Justice Department last week include emails suggesting Mandelson had leaked government documents to Epstein, and that Epstein had recorded payments to Mandelson or his then-partner, now husband. Opposition questions Starmer's judgement Mandelson has said he does not recall having received payments. He has not commented publicly on allegations he leaked documents, and did not respond to messages seeking comment. On Wednesday, Starmer defended his own response, saying he had moved quickly to strip all titles and roles from a man he accused of "betraying" Britain. Keir Starmer, UK prime minster, during a news conference in London, UK, on Monday, Jan. 19, 2026. Bloomberg | Bloomberg | Getty Images Asked in parliament whether vetting carried out before Mandelson's appointment had mentioned that Mandelson and Epstein had had an ongoing relationship, Starmer replied: "Yes, it did. As a result, various questions were put to him," Starmer said. He then said Mandelson had lied throughout the process and that related documents would show this. But Starmer's explanation of how Mandelson was appointed did little to quieten opposition voices, who said the ambassador's selection in 2024 put a question mark over the judgment of Starmer and his closest adviser, Morgan McSweeney. It also did little to quell anger in the Labour Party, with lawmakers increasingly frustrated over Starmer's appointment of Mandelson and a series of embarrassing policy U-turns. Mandelson 'lied repeatedly' "I am as angry as anyone about what Mandelson has been up to. The disclosures that have been made this week of him passing sensitive information at the height of the response to the 2008 financial crash is utterly shocking and appalling," Starmer told a rowdy session of parliament. "He has betrayed our country, he's lied repeatedly, he's responsible for a litany of deceit. But this moment demands not just anger but action, and that's why we've moved quickly," he said after telling lawmakers he had agreed with King Charles to remove Mandelson from the sovereign's formal body of advisers. A chaotic afternoon in the House of Commons, in which lawmakers from all sides lined up to criticize Starmer and demand maximum transparency, culminated in the government agreeing a compromise to avoid an embarrassing defeat. After Labour Party lawmakers complained, the government dropped a proposal to withhold documents about Mandelson that it deemed prejudicial to national security or international relations. They will instead be handed to parliament's Intelligence and Security Committee. British police said they had also asked the government not to release some documents over concerns that could undermine their investigation into allegations against Mandelson of misconduct in public office. Emails sent to Epstein Emails released last week appeared to indicate that in 2009 Mandelson had sent Epstein a government memo about possible UK asset sales and tax changes, and in 2010 gave Epstein advance notice of a European Union 500-billion-euro bailout package. Epstein Library page on the U.S. Department of Justice website displayed on a laptop screen and the document document available at Epstein Library displayed on a phone screen are seen in this illustration photo taken in Krakow, Poland on February 4, 2026. Jakub Porzycki | Nurphoto | Getty Images Oil prices fell on Tuesday even as a massive winter storm hit crude production and affected refineries on the U.S. Gulf Coast. On Wednesday, U.S. President Donald Trump said Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei "should be very worried," sending oil about 3% higher. Iran is seeking to focus talks on its longstanding nuclear dispute with Western powers , while the United States wants the agenda to also cover Tehran's ballistic missile program, its alleged backing of armed groups across the Middle East, and its domestic human rights record. U.S. crude oil was down over 2% at $63.8 a barrel in Asia trading (11.34 p.m. ET Wednesday). Global benchmark Brent also fell 2.04% to $68.04 a barrel. Oil prices fell on Thursday after Washington and Tehran agreed to hold talks in Oman on Friday, even as differences persist over the scope of the discussions. Trump had warned last month that he could order strikes on Iran if Tehran fails to agree to a deal around its nuclear program. He had also threatened to intervene in support of protesters who have been raising voices against the Islamic Republic. Analysts cautioned that markets may be over-interpreting diplomatic signals that could quickly reverse. "It can be difficult to filter the messaging on Iran talks, which could lead to de-escalation but could also prove a mere tactical distraction ahead of military action," said MST Marquee's head of energy research, Saul Kavonic, who expects the oil market to "jump around" as sentiment around Iran talks develops and actual outcomes become clearer. He added that underlying risks remain elevated despite the pullback in prices. "Ultimately, the large build up of military assets in the region by the U.S. and allies suggests a strike is more likely than not and the oil price is building in a premium to at least partly reflect that." Other analysts echoed the fragile nature of any diplomatic thaw and the asymmetric risks to oil supply should tensions flare again. "Oil markets continue to react to the on again off again nature of potential talks between the United States and Iran, reflecting the deep distrust that each side has for the other," said Andy Lipow, president at Lipow Oil Associates. While Lipow said he does not expect Washington to directly target Iranian oil infrastructure, the risk of escalation could still come from Tehran. "Iran might issue threats to tankers transiting the Strait of Hormuz in an attempt to halt loadings, and in the worst case attack those tankers in order to close the waterway, sending oil prices significantly higher." The Hormuz strait between Oman and Iran is a vital channel where about one fifth of global oil production flows daily, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. It is a pivotal waterway linking crude producers in the Middle East with key markets across the world. Analysts at Citi warned that upside pressures remain embedded in the market. "Crude oil prices moderated because of discussions concerning the upcoming US-Iran negotiations which have eased immediate risk premium, but both we and market participants remain concerned about upside risks," Citi said, pointing to U.S. actions toward Iran and uncertainty around Indian purchases of Russian oil as key factors. Citi noted that market positioning continues to reflect supply concerns, with oil for near-term delivery trading at a premium to later months, and skewed call option pricing showing that traders are still paying up for protection against higher prices. Pandora, the world's largest jeweler by volume, rose Thursday after the company addressed investor concerns about its reliance on silver. Copenhagen-listed shares rose as much as 7% after it guided for largely flat organic growth in 2026 alongside its quarterly earnings report, and said it would introduce platinum-plated jewelry after the price of silver had more than doubled over the past year. Shares were last seen trading 4.9% higher. "If you look at our volatility of silver, one of the things that we have to [do] for the company is to decouple that from the silver trading," CEO Berta de Pablos-Barbier told CNBC's "Squawk Box Europe." "Varying our basket from new metals is going to help us, because we will not be so dependent on only one metal, which is today silver," she said, adding that about 60% of Pandora's business today was silver. While spot silver was down over 12% early Thursday at around $80 an ounce, it is still up more than 150% from about $30 an ounce a year ago. Analysts have warned that the volatile price of silver was a "pernicious problem" for the Danish jeweler. A more pressured consumer has also impacted sales. Jefferies analysts on Tuesday said investors will be hesitant to engage with Pandora given recent silver moves. "The challenges of the last few months will mean, even in a more normal silver price world, [Pandora] will remain substantially cheaper than even a year ago." Pandora stock has fallen around 60% over the past 12 months. Brad Karp attends the Paley Museum's 50th anniversary celebration at the Paley Museum on Nov. 5, 2025 in New York City. Karp, who was appointed chairman in 2008, will remain at the firm, where he "will continue to focus his full-time attention to client service," Paul Weiss said in a statement. "Leading Paul, Weiss for the past 18 years has been the honor of my professional life," Karp said in a statement . "Recent reporting has created a distraction and has placed a focus on me that is not in the best interests of the firm." Brad Karp , chairman of the major corporate law firm Paul Weiss , resigned that post on Wednesday after fallout over emails between him and notorious sex offender Jeffrey Epstein were made public. Scott Barshay, who had been chair of Paul Weiss' corporate department, was appointed chairman of the firm, effective immediately, according to the firm. Karp had been at Paul Weiss for more than four decades. His resignation as chairman comes two days after the firm said "Mr. Karp attended two group dinners in New York City and had a small number of social interactions by email" with Epstein, "all of which he regrets." The emails were among millions of documents related to Epstein that were released last week by the Department of Justice. Bloomberg reported that one email from Karp asked Epstein for help securing a job for Karp's son on a Woody Allen movie. Paul Weiss, in response to that Bloomberg article, had said, "Paul Weiss was retained by Leon Black, then the CEO of the firm's longtime client Apollo, to negotiate a series of fee disputes with Jeffrey Epstein that spanned several years." "The firm was adverse to Epstein, and at no point did Paul Weiss or Brad Karp ever represent him," the firm said. The firm's new chairman, Barshay, in a statement Wednesday, said Karp made "immense contributions" during his tenure. "As Chairman of the firm, he transformed Paul, Weiss in an unprecedented way to the great benefit of our clients," Barshay said. "We are grateful to him for his extraordinary dedication and service over his many years as Chairman." Karp last March signed off on a controversial agreement to provide $40 million worth of legal work, at no charge, for causes supported by President Donald Trump. The president, in turn, rescinded an executive order he previously issued targeting the firm. BondBloxx ETFs has been making a big bet in private credit. Even with Wall Street fears of an impending meltdown in the space, the firm's co-founder and chief operating officer is confident private credit is a sensible way for investors to pursue income. "What you're seeing in the press maybe a fund of one manager and one manager's assets [are] being marked down, and that's going to happen. There may be a concentration in that manager's approach or in the loans and the companies that are in their fund," Joanna Gallegos told CNBC's "ETF Edge" this week. Gallegos, who's the former head of global ETF strategy at J.P. Morgan Asset Management, contends BondBloxx's approach to private credit protects investors because it's designed to give "immense diversification." "Because of the way it's [BondBloxx Private Credit CLO ETF (PCMM)] structured, you're getting exposure to almost over 7,000 of those loans," she said. "It gives you a pure play to private credit because 80% of the exposure in that product is private credit. And I think there's been a lot of discussion about other vehicles and ETFs that there may not be 100% private credit." The firm launched its BondBloxx Private Credit CLO ETF in December 2024 promoting it as the first-ever ETF that offers investors direct exposure to private credit. As of Wednesday's market close, FactSet reports the fund is up 7% since its inception and up 2% over the past three months. Qualcomm shares plunged 8% after the chipmaker issued disappointing guidance as skyrocketing demand for artificial intelligence data centers eats away at memory chip supply for consumer electronics. On an earnings call with analysts, Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon said the weakness was "100% related to memory." The availability of dynamic random access memory, commonly used in smartphones, computers and wearable tech, was down from a year ago. Amon said handset demand remains strong, but memory supply is down as more resources go toward high-bandwidth memory used in data centers. "The problem is, all of the memory vendors have dedicated all the capacity to data centers," and supply availability for consumer electronics will be lower but costlier year over year, Amon told CNBC's Jon Fortt. February 4, 2026: One notable side effect of the Ukraine War is the international impact of the use, and abuse of drones. Ukrainian soldiers and civilians invented drone warfare and continue improving drone technology, tactics and techniques. The Ukrainian army also has an International Legion of foreign volunteers who fight for Ukraine. So far more than 20,000 foreigners have served in the Legion, and most have survived to return home with battlefield experience in the use of drones. Some of these men sold their expertise to criminal organizations. Decades before the Ukraine War, criminals were using earlier, less versatile drones for smuggling surveillance and occasional attacks on the police or rival gangs, Various drug cartels in Mexico and South America quickly and enthusiastically adapted to the Ukrainian way of using drones. Many of the volunteers for the International Legion were from South America and found their drone knowledge a lucrative career for legal and illegal organizations. The NATO countries that have been supporting Ukraine since 2014 send military and civilian personnel to Ukraine or pay to have Ukrainian drone experts come to them. Some NATO countries have diplomatic or military personnel working with the Ukrainians to keep current with Ukrainian drone developments. For example, one of last years more interesting developments was the use of AI/Artificial Intelligence for drone targeting systems. The AI drone contains a targeting system that finds targets. The AI drone operator confirms which targets are real and once a target is confirmed the AI targeting system needs no further communication with anyone. It is resistant to all forms of jamming. Modern warfare has been radically changed by the introduction of First Person View/FPV drones. These drones are an omnipresent aerial threat to armored vehicles and infantry on foot. Each FPV drone costs less than a thousand dollars. Operators use the video camera on the drone to see what is below and find targets. Armed FPV operators are several kilometers away when deciding when their FPV drones will drop explosives on an armored vehicle, which has thinner armor on top, or infantry in the open or in trenches. To do so, the drone operators often operate in pairs, with one flying behind the other and concentrating on the big picture while seeking a likely target. When such a target is found by the reconnaissance drone, the armed drone is directed to the target. The two FPV drone operators are usually in the same room or tent and can take control of new drones, which are lined up and brought outside for launch when needed. The reconnaissance drones are often unarmed so they can spend more time in the air to seek a target. The Ukrainians developed the FPV drone in 2022, when only a few FPV drone attacks were recorded. The Ukrainian Army was the first to appreciate the potential of FPV drones. By the summer of 2023, the Russian Army also began to use FPV drones in greater numbers. Since then, the number of FPV drone attacks has grown exponentially on both sides. Only twelve percent of those attacks led to the destruction of the target, which could be a vehicle or group of infantry or even a sniper who was firing through a window from inside a building. In this case, the armed FPV drone would fly through the window and explode in the room the sniper was in. The only defense from this was having a nearby open door the sniper could run to or dive through as the FPV drone approached. Sometimes that isnt possible because the armed FPV drone is coming down from above the window and then in. You dont see those coming until its too late. Nearly five million drones are being built this year. The total for 2024 was 1.5 million drones. There have been problems. Chinese component producers are having a hard time keeping up, and, last year, to assist the Russians, China halted sending drone components to Ukraine. Suppliers in Europe, the United States, and elsewhere were quickly found. At least 70 percent of Ukrainian drones are built entirely in Ukraine, and the rest from imported parts or whole assemblies. Some Ukrainian firms have improvised by using plywood and similar materials for their drones. For the FPV First Person View drones, cheaper is better if the drone can hit its first and only target. Most Ukrainian drones are FPV models, which are considered a form of ammunition. Both sides now use the FPV drones, but there are substantial differences in how the FPV drones are put to work in combat. The Ukrainians seek out high-value targets like armored vehicles, electronic warfare equipment, anti-aircraft systems, and storage sites for munitions or other supplies. Russian trucks carrying supplies are another prime target. Various cans of alcoholic ready-to-drink beverages, including Captain Morgan's rum and cola; Bacardi's mango mojito; Archers' schnapps and lemonade; Malibu's pineapple and pina colada cocktails; and Gordon's gin and tonic cocktails, are displayed for sale in a supermarket on Jan. 10, 2024. John Keeble | Getty Images The U.S. alcohol industry had another sobering year in 2025. Spirits supplier revenue fell 2.2% to $36.4 billion for the year, according to new data by industry trade group the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, or Discus. The decline came as economic pressure and weaker consumer confidence weighed on discretionary spending. "While total U.S. spirits sales edged down 2.2% in 2025, the spirits industry remains resilient," said Chris Swonger, Discus CEO and president, in a statement. Overall volumes for the year rose 1.9% to 318.1 million 9-liter cases, indicating growing demand. But the revenue decline suggests that while Americans are still drinking, they are also trading down opting for lower-priced spirits and pulling back on premium purchases. Nearly every major spirits category posted revenue declines. Vodka sales fell 3% to $7 billion. Sales of tequila and mezcal the industry's fastest-growing segment for several years now slipped 4.1% to $6.4 billion. American whiskey and cordials revenue dipped 0.9% and 3.2%, respectively. The exception was in convenience and value. Last call for optimism Sales of premixed cocktails, including spirits-based ready-to-drink beverages, surged over 16% compared to the year prior, reaching $3.8 billion. The category, known as RTD, has more than doubled its market share since 2021 as consumers gravitate toward a lower price point. Within tequila, the shift has also been toward more affordable bottles, as macro headwinds make consumers rethink splurges on premium brands. Volume in the lowest tequila/mezcal price point the trade group tracks grew 6.5% in 2025, along with a 2.8% climb in the next tier higher. Volume for whiskey, vodka, rum and gin all fell at those price points. As consumers move toward more-affordable spirits, companies like Diageo and Brown-Forman may be best positioned, as they have the most exposure to lower-priced tequila and the fast-growing RTD category. Diageo owns Casamigos tequila and has built out a sizable portfolio of spirit-based RTDs, while Brown-Forman controls key mixed-price tequila brands like El Jimador. On the other hand, beer-heavy players like AB InBev and Molson Coors have minimal tequila exposure, although they have been expanding their RTD portfolios. Modelo and Corona owner Constellation Brands is in a unique position with both beer and tequila exposure, but a smaller RTD footprint. Overall, the beverage alcohol market has softened after years of pandemic-fueled growth, and Discus' new data reinforces that normalization is now turning into contraction. "The companies that have started to report are posting weak numbers but no worse than expected," said Trevor Stirling, Bernstein European and American beverages analyst. "The rate of decline is not getting worse, might be slowing and one can dream of a return to volume growth." Lingering trade tensions Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., will ask the Senate on Thursday to condemn and call for the reversal of the sale of 500,000 advanced artificial intelligence chips to the United Arab Emirates. Warren's resolution, shared exclusively with CNBC, comes after a report in The Wall Street Journal last week that Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan of the United Arab Emirates, also known as the "Spy Sheikh," purchased a secret 49% stake in the Trump familys World Liberty Financial days before President Donald Trump's inauguration. The stake reportedly saw roughly $187 million flow to Trump family entities. The chip deal came just months after Tahnoon's purchase in World Liberty Financial, prompting allegations of bribery. Prior U.S. administrations have warned against selling chips to the UAE, citing concern that they will fall into the hands of China. Tahnoon's own AI enterprise, G42, will receive chips as part of the deal. "Why in the world was Donald Trump trying to ship off our state-of-the-art chips to the UAE and China when American startups, universities, and small businesses need them here at home?" Warren is expected to ask on the floor when she introduces her resolution. A draft of it has been viewed by CNBC. "Well, now we know that the UAE greased the skids months earlier when it secretly agreed to pour hundreds of millions of dollars into a Trump family crypto venture just four days before President Trump's inauguration." India has signed the Terms of Reference (ToR) for a potential Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the 6-nation Gulf Cooperation Council. GCC comprises of Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain. India already has an FTA with the UAE, has finalized an FTA with Oman. Saudi Arabia is the largest GCC member in terms of economy, with a population and land area larger than that of all other GCC members combined. India's Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said that discussions were underway for nearly 2 decades between India and the GCC, projecting that a stronger, robust trading arrangement will increase free flow of goods as well as encourage investments. Stating that an agreement with the GCC will further strengthen relations, create job opportunities for Indians, encourage food and energy security for both sides, he termed it a force multiplier for global good. India already has $179 billion worth of bilateral trade with GCC member countries, while the Minister described over 1 crore Indians working in the GCC countries as the living bridge between both economies while they power the GCC's economy. He added that a comprehensive FTA with GCC will help sectors like food processing, give opportunities to farmers and fishermen to export value-added products, as well as provide opportunities to ICT companies in the ever-growing GCC market. Chief Negotiator from GCC Dr. Raja Al Marzouqi stated that the FTA can reduce global uncertainty and free trade between GCC and India, like it has taken place for thousands of years. Crypto exchange Gemini on Thursday announced plans to shut down its operations in the European Union, the United Kingdom, and Australia, while cutting around a quarter of its global workforce. The move, part of a broader cost-cutting and strategic restructuring effort, sent Gemini shares down 5% in early trading.The shake-up at Gemini comes amid a challenging environment for cryptocurrency firms, with rising regulatory scrutiny and slowing market activity prompting many players to scale back operations. Company executives said the decision would allow Gemini to focus resources on its core markets and streamline its operations for long-term sustainability.The news weighed on broader market sentiment, particularly in the technology sector. Qualcomm shares tumbled 11% at the opening bell, marking the chipmakers steepest decline since 2023. Alphabet, the parent company of Google, saw its shares fall 7%, recording its largest intraday drop since May 7.Not all health-related stocks faced declines. Hims & Hers Health surged nearly 10%, reflecting optimism in the telehealth and consumer health segment, while Eli Lilly shares dipped 3.8%.Commodities also faced pressure, with the NYSE Arca Gold Miners Index opening 4% lower, reflecting broader risk-off sentiment in markets amid global economic uncertainty.Analysts said the combination of tech sector volatility and turbulence in cryptocurrency markets underscores the ongoing challenges facing both traditional and digital financial players. A week before one of Bangladeshs most consequential elections, the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami party, or BJI, unveiled its first ever election manifesto in which it said if the party comes to power post the February 12 polls then it will transform Bangladesh into a $2 trillion economy even as it aims to achieve a GDP growth rate of 7%.The Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami first formally joined a governing coalition and held cabinet positions following the general election of 2001. While the party had participated in previous parliaments and provided support to other governments earlier, its official entry into the cabinet occurred through a four-party alliance led by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP)."We envision transforming Bangladesh into a $2 trillion economy by 2040, with per capita income reaching $10,000. To achieve this, priority will be given to technology-driven agriculture, smart manufacturing, ICT, education, healthcare, and the financial service sector," said Jamaat-e-Islami supremo Shafiqur Rahman, while launching the manifesto in the swish Sheraton Hotel in downtown Dhaka.The Jamaat-e-Islami party got banned by the then Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina on August 1, 2024. She even put a ban on the political activities of Jamaat's student wing Islami Chhatra Shibir, citing involvement in terrorist activities during the "July Revolution". However, following the fall of the Hasina government, the interim administration reversed the ban on August 28, 2024.According to Rahman, if the BJI comes to power then it will ensure that Bangladesh achieves steady economic growth clocking a GDP growth rate of 7%. "We will also ensure that an investment-friendly environment gets created through institutional reforms and the removal of systemic bottlenecks, with strong emphasis on encouraging private investment," he said.Today, Jamaat-e-Islami is one of the main contenders in Bangladeshs upcoming polls which is going to be held on February 12. The other contender is the BNP, currently the countrys largest political party. Bangladesh will also be voting for a referendum that seeks to overhaul the countrys governance structure.Before this, BJI had been operating in Bangladeshs political landscape as one of the key allies of the BNP. But this time both parties have decided to contest the polls separately even as Awami League remains barred from contesting the polls due to ban on their political activities.With a target of elevating Bangladeshs economy from the 35th position to 20th in the global index, the party said, it will undertake necessary structural reforms, simplification, and expansion of the tax base. Rahman also said revenue collection will be increased to 14% of GDP, while gradually reducing dependence on borrowing.Increased public revenues will be allocated to priority sectors such as education, healthcare, food security, housing, employment generation, social protection, renewable energy, and transport and communications infrastructure, said the Ameer of BJI. "The budget deficit will be strictly maintained below 5% of GDP and corporate tax rates will be gradually reduced to below 20%, said Rahman.A new pay scale will also be introduced for government officials and employees. According to the manifesto, "Barriers to Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) will be removed, and Bangladesh will be positioned as an effective partner in the global supply chain."Exports are a big component in Bangladeshs economy, particularly export of ready-made garments, which remains the backbone of the countrys economic growth. On this the manifesto said, the countrys trade policy will be reformed. "A world-class, modern trade policy will be established within five years. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) will be increased to $15 billion within this period," it said.The Jamaat said in its manifesto that if they form the next government, then it will go for import substitution and domestic value addition. "Dependence on major imported goods will be reduced by 30% within five years through domestic production and value addition," the manifesto said.The Jamaat said it will seek to maintain a "constructive, peaceful, friendly and cooperative" relations with all its neighbouring countries, including India, Bhutan, Nepal, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Maldives and Thailand.Interestingly, there was no mention of how the party will steer its relationship with China and Pakistan. The manifesto said "constructive and mutually beneficial relations" will be fostered with countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, European Union, Japan and Canada.In defence, the Jamaat has made some big-ticket announcements such as formulation of a National Defence Policy and the development of a new military doctrine that will supplement that policy. "Taking into account contemporary global realities and evolving defence challenges, a modern and comprehensive National Defence Policy will be formulated in coordination with all national defence stakeholders," the manifesto said."In line with the National Defense Policy, the existing Vision 2030 will be modernized and updated, and a forward-looking Vision 2040 will be formulated," it added.This story is written by Nayanima Basu. Sons of Pakistans incarcerated former prime minister Imran Khan have accused the Shehbaz Sharif government of deliberately refusing visas to them, saying democracy in the country is hollow and basic human rights are being crushed.Khan, 73, was arrested and jailed in August 2023 in multiple cases and currently lodged in the Adiala Jail at Rawalpindi after his conviction in one of them.Suleman Khan and Kasim Khan, who currently live in London, are Khans sons from his first marriage with British TV personality Jemima Goldsmith.My brother and I are trying to travel to Pakistan to see our father. For 914 days, he has been held in solitary confinement while his health deteriorates and he is denied access to independent medical care.Now the government is deliberately refusing to process our visas. Denying a prisoner treatment is cruel. Denying his children the right to see him is collective punishment, Kasim Khan said in a post on X on Wednesday.Imran Khans family has claimed he has been in solitary confinement for the past several months and his health condition is not better.On January 29, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar confirmed that Imran Khan underwent a medical procedure for an eye ailment at a hospital a week before and currently is in good health. The development came a day after the former prime ministers party, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf:, claimed that its jailed founder was suffering from a serious eye ailment that could cause permanent damage to his eyesight if not treated promptly.Kasim Khan reiterated that his father has now spent over 900 days in a death cell with no family visits and no access to his personal doctors, and added in his post on X that credible reports confirm he has been diagnosed with central retinal vein occlusion, a dangerous blockage that can lead to permanent vision loss if not treated through urgent medical intervention in a proper hospital.Yet authorities continue to block his treatment and deny him the doctors he trusts. I am even denied the right to speak to him. This is not governance. This is authoritarian cruelty, Kasim Khan said and called on every defender of human rights to act before it is too late. The world must see that in Pakistan today, democracy is hollow and basic human rights are being crushed. I call on international human rights organisations and governments to speak out and act before irreversible harm is done, he said.Before Minister Tarars statement, the PTI had uploaded a post on social media with the title Reaction on Grave Health Emergency of Imran Khan and the Obstinacy of the Government and Adiala Jail Administration. The PTI has learned through credible media reports that former prime minister Imran Khan has been diagnosed with CRVO (Central Retinal Vein Occlusion) in his right eye, resulting in a dangerous blockage in the retinal vein.According to medical experts who reportedly checked him in jail, this is an extremely sensitive and serious medical condition which, if not treated promptly and properly, carries a high risk of permanent damage to his eyesight, it said. Shoring up bilateral cooperation in areas of trade, investment, and defence and security is set to be the key priorities for Prime Minister Narendra Modis two-day visit to Malaysia beginning Saturday even as New Delhi is set to once again press Kuala Lumpur to extradite controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik.Following talks between PM Modi and his Malaysian counterpart Anwar Ibrahim, the two sides are expected to ink several agreements including one on cooperation in the semiconductor sector.India and Malaysia elevated their bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership in August, 2024.The visit will also provide an opportunity to enhance our engagement with the ASEAN region, given the important role of Malaysia as its founding member, Secretary (East) in the Ministry of External Affairs, P Kumaran, said.Malaysia is a key member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).Modi and Ibrahim will review progress under the India-Malaysia comprehensive strategic partnership, especially in priority areas of cooperation such as trade, investments, defence, security, semiconductors, renewable energy, education, and people-to-people exchanges, Kumaran said at a media briefing.He also indicated that India will renew its call for extradition of Naik.As far as the question of Zakir Naik is concerned, I can assure you that all issues will be discussed during the visit. We have had opportunities to discuss the issue in past visits also at various levels, he said.And we will probably continue to take up the issue until all technical procedures are completed, and we hope to get the outcome that we desire, he noted.Naik, currently living in Malaysia, is wanted by the Indian authorities for alleged money laundering and inciting extremism through hate speeches. He left India in 2016.Kumaran said India is looking at boosting defence cooperation with Malaysia.There is a lot of promise as far as defence cooperation is concerned. We are looking at sale of Dornier aircraft. Malaysia also has Scorpene submarines. We are looking at opportunities to try and collaborate, especially in terms of mid-life upgrades, retrofitting, etc, he said.Kumaran said like India, Malaysia too has Su-30 fighter aircraft and New Delhi is looking at the possibility of supporting that country in maintenance and upgradation of the fleet.We have offered proposals for modification, upgradation and mid-life maintenance. We are also looking at potential for supply of naval platforms by Indian shipyards. So, those are all areas that look promising. We hope to be able to get something going on in these areas, he said.Kumaran said PM Modi will also interact with leading Malaysian CEOs from key sectors.India and Malaysia share a strong, dynamic, and diverse economic partnership. Malaysia is Indias third largest trading partner in ASEAN with bilateral trade around USD 20 billion, he said.Our trade has diversified beyond commodities such as palm oil and includes a variety of agricultural products, chemicals, minerals, appliances, and machinery, he added.Kumaran said India and Malaysia are also cooperating under ASEAN for early conclusion of the ongoing review of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA).The two countries are also discussing a joint review of the India-Malaysia Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement, he said.In Malaysia, PM Modi will also interact with members of the Indian community.The visit of the prime minister to Malaysia would serve to further strengthen bilateral cooperation between the two countries as well as to set the path for future engagements for mutual benefit, Kumaran said. The US and Russia have agreed to reestablish high level military-to-military dialogue following a meeting between senior Russian and American military officials in Abu Dhabi, the United States European Command said in a statement.The agreement was reached following meetings in Abu Dhabi between Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, Commander of US European Command -- also NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe -- and senior Russian and Ukrainian military officials, the statement said.Grynkewich was in the capital of the United Arab Emirates for talks between American, Russian and Ukrainian officials on ending the war in Ukraine.The channel will provide a consistent military-to-military contact as the parties continue to work towards a lasting peace, the statement said High level military communication was suspended in 2021, just before Russia's full scale invasion of Ukraine. A team working for President Donald Trump's spy chief, Tulsi Gabbard, last spring led an investigation into Puerto Rico's voting machines, said Gabbard's office and three sources familiar with the previously unreported events.The sources said the goal was to work with the FBI to investigate claims that Venezuela had hacked voting machines in Puerto Rico but added the probe did not produce any clear evidence of Venezuelan interference in the US territory's elections.Gabbard's office, in a statement to Reuters, confirmed the May investigation but denied a link to Venezuela, saying its focus was on vulnerabilities in the island's electronic voting systems. Her team took an unspecified number of Puerto Rico's voting machines and additional copies of data from the machines as part of its investigation, a spokesperson for Gabbard's Office of the Director of National Intelligence said.Her office said the taking of voting machines and data was "standard practice in forensics analysis."Noting similar voting infrastructure elsewhere in the United States, it added: "ODNI found extremely concerning cybersecurity and operational deployment practices that pose a significant risk to US elections."Venezuela's government did not respond to a request for comment.ODNI said that some security gaps in voting machines used in Puerto Rico stemmed from their use of vulnerable cellular technology and that software flaws existed that could give hackers deep access into vital electoral systems.The Puerto Rico operation appeared to be part of an effort by Trump administration officials to pursue unproven allegations of voting fraud, the sources said. The preoccupation with voter fraud dates to Trump's reelection loss in 2020 and has not abated, said the sources, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss non-public operations.Gabbard's appearance at an FBI raid of an election facility in Fulton County, Georgia, last week highlights her direct involvement in these issues. Last week's FBI raid in Georgia prompted alarm among some national security experts worried that Gabbard and the ODNI have overstepped their authority in investigating a sensitive domestic matter.Gabbard was not physically present during the operation in Puerto Rico, her office said, even though her agency took on a coordinating role in the investigation.US officials involved in the Georgia investigation sought records related to the 2020 presidential election that Republican Trump has falsely claimed he lost against Democrat Joe Biden because of widespread fraud.Domestic election security matters are typically handled by law enforcement agencies, say current and former U.S. officials, not the nations intelligence services.Gabbard's office said it had the authority to carry out the investigation."Given ODNI's broad statutory authority to coordinate, integrate, and analyze intelligence related to election security and our known work on understanding vulnerabilities to foreign and other malign interference, ODNI conducted an examination of electronic voting systems used in Puerto Ricos elections," the spokesperson said.Reuters sources said it was the unproven allegation of Venezuelan involvement in voting irregularities in the US territory's elections that had raised questions about possible foreign interference something Gabbard had the legal authority to investigate.The Caribbean island's residents are US citizens but do not have voting representation in Congress and cannot vote in presidential general elections.Challenging the denials of Gabbard's office about Venezuela's role, the three sources told Reuters that the FBI team involved in the Puerto Rico operation was probing the theory that Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro's government had hacked US voting, an allegation that has strong support among some Trump supporters but for which no evidence has surfaced publicly.The operation in Puerto Rico involved the FBI field office in southern Florida whose agents were coordinating with a group overseen by Gabbard investigating threats to election security, said two of the sources familiar with the operation.This group included U.S. national security officials, law enforcement agents and government contractors, the sources said.Gabbard's office said the United States Attorney in Puerto Rico, his team of homeland security investigations agents, and an FBI supervisory special agent "facilitated the voluntary turnover of electronic voting hardware and software to ODNI for analysis."The US military seized Maduro in Caracas in January, removing him from power, and brought him to New York to face drug trafficking charges, which he denies. Puerto Ricos elections have had irregularities but no credible evidence has emerged to support allegations of Venezuelan attacks to influence voting there."We have had widely reported problems in election administration. But they are all attributable to incompetence and corruption, not foreign interference," said Pablo Jose Hernandez Rivera, a Democrat elected in 2024 to represent Puerto Rico in the US House of Representatives in a non-voting capacity. Delegations from the United States, Ukraine and Russia have agreed to exchange 314 prisoners, U.S. President Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff said on Thursday, adding that significant work remained to end the war."Today, delegations from the United States, Ukraine, and Russia agreed to exchange 314 prisonersthe first such exchange in five months," Witkoff said in a post on X."This outcome was achieved from peace talks that have been detailed and productive. While significant work remains, steps like this demonstrate that sustained diplomatic engagement is delivering tangible results and advancing efforts to end the war in Ukraine."Kyiv's lead negotiator had called the first day of new U.S.-brokered talks in Abu Dhabi "productive" on Wednesday, even as fighting in Europe's deadliest conflict since World War Two raged on.Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy had said Ukraine expected the talks to lead to a new prisoner exchange.Witkoff added on X that discussions would continue, with additional progress anticipated in the coming weeks.The envoy did not give details on how many prisoners each country would exchange. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment outside regular business hours. February 5, 2026: Four years of Ukrainian long range drone attacks on targets throughout western Russia have had a cumulative impact. It was obvious that Ukraine needed a locally produced drone that was free of any target restriction imposed by the United States on the use of long range missiles sent to Ukraine. Ukraine is now producing its own locally designed and manufactured Flamingo drone. This is a three-ton drone with a range of 3,000 kilometers, a speed of 900 kilometers an hour and a 1.1 ton warhead. Production began in mid-2025 and during 2026 monthly production will eventually reach 300-500. Each drone costs about $500,000. Ukraine has lots of experience with long range drone attacks on targets inside Russia. Ukrainians maintain timely information on the deployment and capabilities of Russian air defense systems. Then there is BDA, or Battle Damage Assessment. This means obtaining accurate data about how effective your long range attacks are. Ukraine depends on the American surveillance satellite network and reports from Ukrainian operatives inside Russia to verify BDA, though the French have started helping too. Determining the targets of a long-range drone campaign had can be tricky. For example, the World War Two American/British strategic bombing campaign against Germany made a crucial mistake. When selecting which targets to hit and when, one critical target set was omitted. The Allied target planners ignored German electrical generating plants because they incorrectly assumed that the plants were interconnected in a system that was resistant to aerial bombing attacks. After the war it was discovered that power plants were the most vulnerable targets because key components could not be easily replaced and that Germany did not have an interconnected system. Bombing a few of these plants in a region would halt production for up to a year for much of that region. Adding power plants to the target list could have shortened the war in Europe by up to a year. The Ukrainians are still refining their target list to get the most economic damage out of each drone attack campaign. With its extremely long range Flamingo can hit nearly 90 percent of the targets that produce weapons or export income for the Russian military effort. The Russian capital is 850 kilometers from northern Ukraine. It is 1,100 kilometers to St. Petersburg on the Baltic Sea and 2,000 kilometers to the bases of the Russian Northern Fleet in Murmansk, near the Arctic Circle. Targets are usually industrial facilities that support the war effort. These include numerous oil refineries and oil fuel storage facilities plus facilities involving specialty steels for tube artillery, railroad car coil bearings and tanks. The drones came in low and slow to deceive Russian air defenses, which have a hard time detecting low and slow aerial targets, especially at night when most of these attacks take place. While the targets are up to three thousand kilometers from Ukraine, the drones can also move north across a corridor that is several hundred kilometers wide. Russian anti-aircraft defense systems cannot cover an area that wide and long, especially when the attackers are coming in low and slow in the dark. Russia tries to play down the effectiveness of the Ukrainian drone attacks by describing rather obvious burning refineries and fuel storage depots as accidents. There have been a lot of such accidents and Russian troops in Ukraine have to closely monitor their fuel consumption because fuel deliveries are not as frequent and reliable as they used to be. The Russian fuel facilities also supply the commercial and civilian market. The commercial users are important because they supply the firms producing goods needed by the military as well as consumers. The Ukrainian drone attacks also led to disruptions of flight operations at the three airports serving the Moscow region. Ukraine does not comment on details of their drone attacks. Ukraine believes the results speak for themselves. Targets in western Russia are increasingly under attack by Ukrainian drones and the Russian government has a hard time explaining why combustible targets in the region keep exploding or catching fire. Such events are contrary to the official government reports about the Russian war efforts in Ukraine. Russia has not experienced attacks like this on the homeland since World War II and that is something the Russian government does not want to discuss. Ukrainian drone strikes have also hit Russian air bases where Russian MiG-31 fighter-bombers as well as bombers like the Tu-22M and Tu-95 are found. So far at least six of these aircraft have been damaged or destroyed by Ukrainian drone attacks deep inside Russia. The attack on the Savasleyka airbase highlights the vulnerability of military infrastructures to drone attacks. The attack drones come in low and slow at night. This made it difficult for airbase air defenses to detect and destroy many of the drones. These attacks demonstrated how much air warfare has changed because of the use of reconnaissance and attack drones by both sides. Before Russia invaded, military analysts worldwide did not anticipate such a widespread use of drones and how it changed ground, air and naval warfare. Long range attacks by drones were terrifying because the attacker was not risking the lives of highly trained pilots. Pilot training costs over a million dollars per pilot. Skilled pilots lost in combat cannot be quickly replaced. Drones have no pilots and the men and women who build, program and in some cases operate drones are far from the combat zone. Ukrainian annual drone production is now about equal to annual Russian artillery shell production. Because of the extensive use of drones, warfare has fundamentally changed. Ukraine and Russia are both competing to keep up with new drone designs and uses. The long range drone attacks on Russian munitions and fuel depots as well as air bases are examples of that. Russian missile and drone attacks on civilian infrastructure and population centers are the only response they can muster. Ukraine has hidden its stockpiles and combat aircraft more effectively than the Russian. Moreover Ukraine can quickly receive emergency resupplies of fuel and munitions from NATO allies. Russia has a more difficult time because they were subjected to severe economic and military sanctions after they invaded Ukraine. February 5, 2026: Ukraine has asked European nations to cooperate in shutting down the Russian Shadow Fleet. About two-thirds of Russian oil smuggling shadow fleet ships move through the Baltic Sea. If Denmark and the three Baltic States of Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia cooperated effectively, Russian oil exports would be crippled. Despite the economic sanctions, Russia is still able to export most of its oil. Denmark and the Baltic States were unwilling to do anything that would effectively halt Russian use of the Baltics. The main reasons were fears that Russian retaliation via sabotaging ships or port facilities. Then there is the potential damage to shopping companies, especially Denmarks Maersk, which controls one sixth of the global shipping market. Meanwhile, Ukraine is actively going after the Russian shadow fleet of lawless tankers moving sanctioned oil to customers. In 2025 there were at least a dozen drone attacks and sabotage missions against shadow fleet tankers. These included using naval drones in the Black Sea to sink or disable Russian tankers. This happened while the tankers were trying to reach the Russian port of Novorossiysk, which is the primary port for loading tankers. Mediterranean Sea drone attacks from armed Ukrainian merchant ships have recently been made. Russias economy and war effort against Ukraine is financed by oil and other energy exports. Russia is operating under severe economic sanctions imposed to reduce that income and create economic conditions for Russia that make it difficult to impossible to continue their war in Ukraine. The key to Russian oil exports is the use of foreign tankers to covertly smuggle their petroleum and coal from Russia to overseas customers. Western sanctions block overt deliveries. Eighty percent of the oil for China goes by pipeline and cannot be disrupted. China accounts for nearly half of Russian petroleum and other energy exports. Its the other half that is at risk because of a growing list of sanctions. The economic sanctions were imposed on Russia because of its 2022 invasion, in an effort to reduce its hard currency income from exports of oil and natural gas. These are the main Russian exports and the major source of income for the Russian government and war effort. To evade these sanctions, Russia created a growing shadow fleet of oil tankers purchased and/or leased abroad and obtained unrestricted access to a Chinese smuggler haven maintained in Hong Kong. Current estimates are that nearly 900 tankers are smuggling sanctioned Russian petroleum to customers in China, India, the European Union/EU, Turkey and Myanmar. Most refined petroleum products go to Turkey, China, Brazil, Singapore and India. The rest goes to nine countries, in the Middle East, Africa and Taiwan. China has been buying 47 percent of the crude oil while India takes 37 percent followed by Turkey and the EU with six percent each. China, India and Turkey account for about 90 percent of Russian income from the sale of oil, natural gas and coal. The U.S. is imposing additional tariffs on countries that import Russian oil. India is already subject to these tariffs, which increases what they have to pay for exports to the United States. The Americans are negotiating with China and Turkey over what tariffs will be imposed to discourage their Russian oil imports. The nations enforcing the sanctions, particularly the United States, have tracked the routes of the Russian shadow fleet and noted the key role Hong Kong plays in arranging the movement of sanctioned Russian oil to its primary customers in China and India. Hong Kong is also a major source for supplying sanctioned nations with weapons and munitions. A current customer is Russia. Hong Kong does this by allowing Russian tankers and cargo ships, operating with fake credentials to disguise their Russian affiliation, to bring in Russian oil and other raw materials. The Russian ships then leave Hong Kong carrying weapons for their war in Ukraine. Another major player in the Russian smuggling effort is North Korea. For years North Korea has been buying small, second-hand cargo and tanker ships and using them for smuggling. A favored evasion technique consists of taking on or transferring cargo at sea in its own territorial waters. The North Korean merchant fleet consists of about 150 ships, mostly purchased from Chinese firms. North Korea is a notorious and persistent maritime smuggler. Because of North Korean smuggling, the United States expanded its maritime smuggling and sanctions enforcement program in 2018 when a new multi-national enforcement organization was created. Initial members were the United States, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Britain, France, South Korea, and Japan. This Enforcement Coordination Cell, or ECC, is enforcing the UN sanctions that curb North Korean smuggling related to items needed for their nuclear and ballistic missile programs. In addition, the ECC allows member nations to also enforce whatever other sanctions or naval missions their government puts a priority on. The U.S. has since invited India, Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines to join and assist with monitoring growing Chinese violation of offshore water rights, especially in the South China Sea and other areas of the West Pacific. The ECC concentrates on the 2,000-kilometer-long shipping lane from the Indian Ocean, through the Malacca Strait and the South China Sea to North Korea. Along this route there are not only North Korean flagged ships participating in smuggling, but even more Chinese, Taiwanese, Liberian, Sri Lankan, and ships that are independent and fly whatever flag they believe will keep them from getting seized for smuggling. Earlier U.S. efforts had already identified many North Korean and Iranian owned tankers and cargo ships that were often engaged in smuggling. This led Iran and North Korea to use their own ships less and willing foreign ships instead. These third-party ships are the ones the ECC sought to identify. These ships can be identified, along with their owners and the owners can have banking and other sanctions placed on them. Many nations, not part of the ECC, but economic partners with ECC members, will cooperate if a smuggler ship visits one of their ports. At that point the captain can be arrested and the ship seized. The ECC member warships do not depend on inspecting suspicious ships while at sea, but confirming who is where and when. This is especially useful for spotting smugglers who often turn off their location beacons and continue in running dark mode. These location beacons transmit current ID and location to any nearby ships and often, via satellite, to their owner and international shipping organizations. The location data, past and current, can be found on several public websites. The beacons exist mainly as a safety measure for ships operating at night or in bad weather in heavily used shipping lanes. Smugglers have learned how to turn off their beacons near a port where, it is assumed, they have docked or anchored off the coast waiting for an available dock. Such games with location beacons, with ship ownership and with the nationality of a ships registration (flag of convenience) are unlawful under maritime law and entitle any nation with a navy to seize them, sell their contents and sell the ship itself. This is rarely done but the US has begun doing so consistently with ships carrying oil to or from Venezuela. Ship ownership and registration may only be lawfully changed while in a port, as Russia recently learned when one of their shadow tanker ships was seized by the US Navy when it headed towards Venezuela, then changed its ownership to Russia while at sea. Some smugglers are using spoofing, a form of jamming that just modifies the beacon signal to present a false location. This is where warships and maritime aircraft come in as these can identify ships visually or using radar followed by visual inspection. This is more damaging to the smugglers because it provides more evidence that their ship was involved in smuggling, and with enough evidence, you can go after the ship owners and seize the ship whenever it enters coastal waters, within 22 kilometers of land belonging to a nation that will seize outlaw ships. It may also be illegal by itself and entitle countries with navies to seize those ships too. Elon Musk has recently sparked a political storm across Europe, accusing France of launching a 'political attack' on his social media platform X just as he reached an unprecedented financial milestone. The billionaire framed the closure of X's French offices as a warning shot not just at his company, but at free expression itself. Just within days, Musk widened his criticism to anther European nation -- Spain. He publicly condemned Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez over plans to restrict social media access for under-16s. His language was unusually sharp, describing Sanchez as both a tyrant and a traitor to Spanish citizens, escalating a debate already sensitive across the European Union countries. The clash comes at a striking moment for Musk. According to Forbes, he has become the first individual in history to amass a personal fortune of $800 billion, following SpaceX's acquisition of artificial intelligence firm xAI, intensifying scrutiny of his political influence. France Row Fuels Musk's Free Speech Warning Musk's dispute with France erupted after French authorities carried out police actions connected to X's operations, leading the company to shut its local offices. The 54-year-old tech billionaire said the move amounted to political intimidation rather than routine regulatory monitoring, accusing the French state of targeting his platform for ideological reasons, Deadline noted. French officials have pushed back against that description. Authorities said the action related to legal compliance and cooperation with investigations, rejecting claims of censorship or political motivation, BBC News reported. Still, the appearance of police involvement rattled X employees and raised concerns among users about state pressure on digital platforms. For Elon Musk, the closure marked a symbolic retreat from one of Europe's largest markets. He warned that such actions risk driving technology firms out of the region, with ripple effects for jobs, innovation and online debate. Spain's Social Media Plan Sparks Personal Attack The European confrontation deepened when Elon Musk turned his attention to Spain. The Guardian underscored Sanchez proposed banning under-16s from social media, arguing that children need protection from what he described as a 'digital wild west' of misinformation and harmful content. Musk furiously responded on his social media platform, X. He viewed the proposal as an authoritarian overreach. His comments resonated with supporters who see social media restrictions as a gradual shift towards broader speech controls, while critics accused him of trivialising child safety concerns. 'Dirty Sanchez is a tyrant and a traitor to the people of Spain', Musk wrote on X. 'Sanchez is the true fascist totalitarian.' The Spanish government has not responded directly to Musk's insults, but officials have stressed that the proposal aims to protect minors, not suppress criticisms and opposing views. Meanwhile, Spain and Greece are weighing stricter social media regulations, joining Britain and France, after Australia banned children under 16 from these platforms last December. $800 Billion Fortune Reshapes the Power Dynamic As political tensions escalated, Musk's financial growth added a new dimension to the row. SpaceX's acquisition of xAI pushed Musk's net worth to $800 billion, surpassing previous records and reinforcing his status as the most powerful figure in global tech industry. The scale of his wealth complicates Europe's standoff. Regulators face a figure whose companies span space, artificial intelligence and global communications, while critics argue that no individual should exercise such unrestrained influence. Supporters counter that Elon Musk's outspokenness reflects genuine concern about creeping state control. With X retreating from France and Spain weighing new restrictions, the battle lines between governments and tech titans are intensifying and becoming clearer, while its impact on humanity, from users to workers, is already being felt. Originally published on IBTimes UK Daily Mail journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission - learn more It might sound ordinary but after Nigella Lawson was spotted using a Magimix toaster, it's become the star of kitchens everywhere. 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As we step into the Year of the Horse, Magimix is encouraging a mindful approach to investing in quality products that can be relied on for years to come. To shop Magimix's Lunar New Year sale, click here. The British countryside is a racist hellscape, a white environment hostile to all outsiders and especially those from ethnic minorities, who are made to feel not just unwelcome but unsafe. Thats seemingly the message from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), the Whitehall offices overseen by Labour Cabinet minister Emma Reynolds, and its abject nonsense, obviously. Her department claims the countryside is becoming irrelevant in a multi-cultural Britain, suggesting its ultra-privileged white middle-class inhabitants see the villages and fields as their personal domain. In an attempt to counter this, local councils are being urged to commit to diversity targets. I genuinely wonder whether any of the nameless civil servants and quangocrats responsible for the reports have ever visited the countryside, beyond occasional trips to stay in their friends weekend cottages in the Cotswolds or the New Forest. Do they believe that all farmers are like Jeremy Clarkson, gadding about in Lamborghini tractors bought with the spoils of their media careers, or that Midsomer Murders is an accurate portrait of rural communities? Their findings are so absurd, my first reaction was to laugh. But the gross misconceptions they are peddling will have serious and dangerous consequences if they are not corrected. Barrels of council taxpayers money are going to be wasted on the pursuit of rural diversity and thats alarming. Some on the Left simply hate the countryside as a result of their warped perception of British history, writes Rakib Ehsan Radical progressives are behaving as though they have the right to dictate where people with black or brown skin ought to go and visit, and thats sinister. Worst of all, the demonisation of white country people as xenophobes and racists is insulting, damaging and false and it diverts attention from the places in the UK where urgent work is needed to reduce ethnic tensions and improve integration in cities like Leicester, where the 2022 riots primarily between Hindu and Muslim male youths from new and emerging communities unfolded. Some on the Left simply hate the countryside as a result of their warped perception of British history. To them, its country houses, landed gentry, Tory shires, fox hunting, feudal class divisions and the legacy of colonial conquest. An earlier Defra report declared in 2019: Many communities in modern Britain feel that these National Park landscapes hold no relevance for them. The countryside is seen by both black, Asian and minority ethnic groups and white people as very much a white environment. Sometimes on our visits it has felt as if National Parks are an exclusive, mainly white, mainly middle-class club. For the 10.5million people who live in the countryside around 17 per cent of the British population, rising to 35 per cent in Northern Ireland that depiction isnt remotely recognisable. Radical progressives are behaving as though they have the right to dictate where people with black or brown skin ought to go and visit, and thats sinister In fact, a high proportion of countryside folk are working-class or agricultural labourers. Many of them do demanding, often dangerous jobs that are vital to our food security: growing the crops, raising the livestock and bringing in the fish catches. Without these workers, the UK would be entirely dependent on imports for our food. But many on the Left instinctively vilify anything that holds a special place in the hearts of quietly traditional citizens who are deeply conservative. Meanwhile, a report by the Malvern Hills National Landscapes committee makes this outrageous claim: Many minority peoples have no connection to nature in the UK because their parents and their grandparents did not feel safe enough to take them or had other survival preoccupations. All of that is as untrue as it is offensive. As far as I can see, these highly patrician comments are not based on any real data. Theyre simply snobbish preconceptions about people on both sides of a divide that, in real life, do not exist. In fact, inspired by their faith and culture, there are many ethnic-minority people who have a wholesome connection with the British environment they naturally care about its sustainability and preservation. The truth is that families from minority backgrounds are increasingly settling into rural areas and country towns. A 2024 report published by Policy Exchange on the portrait of modern Britain found that growing numbers of ethnic-minority citizens were moving to the countryside, with some setting up successful businesses. A high proportion of countryside folk are working-class or agricultural labourers. Many of them do demanding, often dangerous jobs that are vital to our food security For many, the attractions were obvious: their forebears were country people, they may well have grown up in agricultural towns and villages in their home countries, and they felt more at home in these quieter surroundings than with hectic inner-city life. If the English countryside is so uniquely hostile towards ethnic and racial minorities, would we be seeing these demographic changes as reported by Policy Exchange? It seems to me that those at Defra are simply smearing white rural communities as racist and averse to change. It doesnt surprise me: we see attacks and slurs on rural communities almost weekly now. A common one is the call for dogs to be banned from public spaces or kept on leashes, for the convenience of people from cultures where dogs are seen as dirty or threatening. In 2024 the environmental group Climate Cymru BAME recommended dog-free areas in local green spaces, with the North Wales Africa Society supporting it after a black African female told one of their focus groups that she felt unsafe with the presence of dogs. Its obviously wrong to expect any established community to abandon practices it holds dear, such as owning pets, to accommodate the whims of the few. Integration is not simply about accommodating migrants; it rests on the appreciation of the indigenous majoritys culture, heritage and traditions. Take pubs; its ridiculous to claim that Muslims feel automatically uncomfortable with traditional English village inns, just because many dont drink alcohol. A 2022 report, once again commissioned by Defra, claimed: Traditional pubs have limited food options and cater to people who have a drinking culture. Muslims from the Pakistani and Bangladeshi group said this contributed to a feeling of being unwelcome. Even if this was the case, there are so many other family-oriented facilities and activities to enjoy in the countryside. The key barrier keeping many people from ethnic minorities out of the countryside is the same one that affects everybody: poor transport links. It is difficult and expensive to get out of many urban areas to anywhere that is genuinely green and wild. Britain should belong to all of us. To make that happen, we need much more frequent and reliable train and bus services, and better roads not the vilification of white rural people. Dr Rakib Ehsan is a researcher in demography and integration The downfall of Peter Mandelson is an immense event in British politics. This bad, and now disgraced, man has been a key figure in the Labour Party for over 30 years. When he published his memoirs in 2010, he simply called them The Third Man the suggestion being that, after Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, he was the next most important figure during Labours rule from 1997 to 2010. For once in his life Mandelson told the truth. He was Blairs most influential lieutenant and did more than anyone else to help him achieve power. Later, from 2008, he served Gordon Brown, although the two men had hated each other. In Mandelsons memoirs (in which his friend the paedophile Jeffrey Epstein had a hand, as emails released by the US Department of Justice show) Brown comes across as virtually psychotic. Mandelson occupied three senior positions in the Cabinet and ended up as First Secretary of State, which meant that he was effectively deputy prime minister to Brown. He has been central to Labour, serving not only Blair and Brown but also Keir Starmer, as British ambassador to Washington, before revelations about his close relations with Epstein forced his resignation last September. Now that it has become apparent not only that Mandelson hero-worshipped the dreadful Epstein, but that he was also passing him state secrets about the British economy, Starmer and the rest of Labours leadership are turning on him. This is a monumental diversion. Of course Mandelson is a treacherous and dishonest person but that has been clear to dispassionate observers since the final decade of the last century. The downfall of Peter Mandelson is an immense event in British politics. This bad, and now disgraced, man has been a key figure in the Labour Party for over 30 years, writes Stephen Glover Join the debate Do YOU think Labour has anyone to blame but itself for the Mandelson scandal? Wes Streeting is in the forefront of Labour figures portraying themselves as hapless victims of Mandelsons dastardliness when in fact it should have long been obvious that he was a slippery and self-serving rogue. The Health Secretary was himself an acolyte of the Prince of Darkness. Streeting, who hopes to be our next prime minister, toured the broadcasting studios yesterday morning, possibly with a bag of onions in his pocket to help him sound authentically stricken. He might as well have had a string quartet in the background scratching out some doleful dirge. He declared that he couldnt state strongly enough how bitterly [Mandelsons] betrayal feels for those of us in the Labour Party who feel very personally let down and also feel that he, as well as betraying two prime ministers, [was] betraying our country and betraying Epsteins victims. Epsteins victims have certainly been betrayed, but Labour and two prime ministers (he means Starmer and Brown) havent been. They nurtured the monster Mandelson. Its the British people who have been betrayed. Because Starmer is still just Prime Minister, his indulgence of the Prince of Darkness should outrage us most. When he appointed him ambassador to the United States, with the eager support of his chief of staff Morgan McSweeney, the charge sheet against Mandelson already ran to many pages. Everyone in politics knew he had been sacked from the Cabinet in 1998 for not declaring a 373,000 interest-free loan for a mortgage from multi-millionaire Labour MP Geoffrey Robinson. Mandelson had the unusual distinction of being sacked from the Cabinet for a second time after he intervened to expedite an application for a British passport by the Indian billionaire S.P. Hinduja. Starmer knew all this when he decided to give Mandelson the top diplomatic job, where his alleged expertise in trade matters would supposedly be useful in dealings with the tariff-obsessed Donald Trump. The Prime Minister was also aware that the new ambassador had raised eyebrows as a European Union Commissioner after it was revealed that he had been a guest on the yacht of Paul Allen, a co-founder of Microsoft, while he was at the centre of an EU investigation. A quick Google search would have shown that as an EU commissioner, Mandelson also spent time on the yacht of his wealthy chum Nat Rothschild before flying in Rothschilds private jet from Switzerland to Moscow, and then on to Siberia as a guest of Oleg Deripaska, a billionaire Russian industrialist. Wasnt there more than enough to worry about here for Starmer to take a pass on Mandelson and appoint someone reliable with a less controversial track record? Most of us wouldnt put such a person in charge of a village tombola. But Starmer had more much more. He knew that Mandelson had been close to Epstein, and he should have known about reports in the Press that in 2009 he had stayed at the paedophile financiers house in Manhattan while he was serving a prison sentence for soliciting sex from girls as young as 14. After forensic examination by Kemi Badenoch during yesterdays Prime Ministers Questions, Starmer finally admitted that vetting had revealed Mandelsons continuing relationship with Epstein. Why, then, was the ambassador appointment made? Starmers apologists claim the vetting process was defective. This is a piece of nonsense deployed by the likes of Streeting. The truth is that the PM should have had no need of any vetting in the first place because Mandelsons utter unsuitability for high office was blindingly obvious even to the pigeons in Parliament Square. The fact that the PM still went ahead is further proof of his bad judgment and I would say his lack of moral discernment in a prime ministership littered with disastrous decisions. It is absurd to claim that he was betrayed. By focusing on supposed betrayal, Labour apologists such as Streeting are attempting to absolve Starmer, successive Labour leaders and the party itself of fostering a crooked politician for three decades. Gordon Brown has the cheek to ask why Sir Chris Wormald, the Cabinet Secretary, didnt launch an investigation when he approached him last September over his suspicions that Mandelson may have been responsible for leaks. Doubtless Wormald and the No 10 machine should have done more. But Gordon Brown is gravely at fault for handing his old enemy Mandelson a peerage, and making him de facto deputy PM, despite being fully aware of the mans dodgy past. Brown was in difficulties because of the financial crisis and his own declining popularity, and he misguidedly believed the Prince of Darkness could shore him up. Why should he now be surprised that the man he so unwisely succoured has finally been exposed in all his moral depravity? Tony Blair has even greater cause to hang his head in shame. He virtually invented Mandelson, depended on him and promoted him. He had to sack him once but soon had him back before being obliged to despatch him a second time. Yet the two men remained close conspirators. Blair has so far failed to criticise his old friend. In recent days, comparisons have been made with the Profumo affair. John Profumo was forced to resign in 1963 as Tory Secretary for War after he had lied to the Commons about his affair with Christine Keeler. Mandelsons downfall may turn out to be as momentous in political terms as Profumos perhaps more so. But actually there is no comparison between the two men. John Profumo was a war hero. Until his disgrace, his political career hadnt been characterised by scandals and moral lapses and seedy relationships. After it, he gave himself selflessly to charitable works. Who can imagine Mandelson ever doing that? Here is a man who, more than any other politician in recent decades, has taken politics into the sewer. But he wasnt some irrelevant, rotten backbencher. He was a pillar of New Labour. The betrayal wasnt that of Labour leaders. They knew perfectly well the kind of man he was, and they both countenanced him and encouraged him. No, the people who have been betrayed are the voters. Mandelson is a political mountebank who has disfigured public life. And, until the dramatic repudiations of the last couple of days, he was safe and secure at the heart of the Labour Party. WATER is a pervasive home invader. It brings certain misery and ruin, and for those people whose lives are submerging in heartbreak these days, there is nothing they can do about it. They hear the weather warnings and are glued to the weather apps, and in the pits of their stomachs they know that a life-changing threat is imminent. And so they either get out and leave their home to its certain fate, or they wait in vain defiance of a natural threat that isn't for turning. For most of us, it's impossible to imagine what it must be like, to know that this crucible of all your dreams and most precious memories is going to be destroyed in a matter of hours, and nothing you can do will stop it. But for plenty of people, that fate has befallen them in recent days and, worse, it is creeping towards them as you read this, hour by hour, the water levels rising and their despair climbing with it. Taoiseach Micheal Martin walking through Enniscorthy in County Wexford, as he meets families affected by the recent flooding. George O'Connor in his house in Enniscorthy co Wexford which experienced more flooding last night after Storm Chandra. On his visit to devastated homes and businesses in Enniscorthy, the Taoiseach promised humanitarian support, and that the Office of Public Works would consult with local authorities on interim measures. Then, he said, 'thirdly, the substantial, comprehensive scheme itself will be submitted for planning and it is complex, all of these schemes are, but nonetheless, we want to get that started'. Terrified locals could be forgiven for thinking that was the sound of a can being washed down the road. Surely, he was pressed, there could be a way of expediting flood relief plans that are needed in many communities. 'These are very comprehensive schemes,' he replied. 'They are complex. I'm not going to try and pretend that we can wave a magic wand and just deliver them.' Hope, as well as homes, was soused in the ruined town. Micheal Martin's response could have come from a cautious civil servant before an Oireachtas committee. It was stripped of all emotion, but what the families facing uncertain futures need is hope. There is an urgent requirement for practical assistance but they also need to know that the system is working for them, that the power of the State is behind them. And the Taoiseach could have offered them that emotional crutch on Monday. Taoiseach Micheal Martin (second left) meets Conor Swaine (left), owner of coffee shop BTwenty7 which has been affected by the recent flooding, during a visit to Enniscorthy in County Wexford. The Promenade in Enniscorthy showing the Slaney River at an uncomfortable level for days after Storm Chandra Nobody is demanding that planning processes be ignored, but this was a time when the most powerful politician in the land could have extended a tendril of optimism. Instead, he resorted to the couched language of the technocrat. This is a reaction familiar from the housing and infrastructure crises that are hobbling Ireland, and as in those examples, it leaves people despairing. That's because the system is failing to deliver homes and leads to years, sometimes decades-long waits for a transport system that befits a wealthy country in the 21st Century. But it's also because along with the understandable requirement to follow necessary steps, there is a need to give people something to believe in. And in destroyed homes on the eastern seaboard this morning, that is the promise of a better tomorrow. They should be given all assistance possible to make life manageable in the coming weeks and months, but they should also be promised that where flood defence systems can prevent this carnage happening again, they will be built as quickly as possible. Expediting that involves addressing a sclerotic planning system that we know hasn't been fit for purpose. Judicial reviews are a massive hindrance to long-term planning, and the Government says it wants to limit their effect on big infrastructure projects. The Taoiseach only has to look to his native city to see the repeated misery that flooding causes, and also the farcical obstacles that get in the way of a solution. A flood defence system for Cork has been talked about for decades. It's 20 years since plans were first mooted. In 2013, these became the Lower Lee Flood Relief Scheme. The Office of Public Works revealed last year that 13million has been spent on design and consultation but construction won't begin until the middle of next year at least. This is despite the OPW describing it as 'critically needed infrastructure'. It has been plagued by delays and opposition, and it would take a very optimistic disposition to believe that works will commence inside the next 18 months. We are now conditioned to expect delay, cost increases and miserable outcomes as a result. But that's not good enough, and if the Government is as determined as it says it is to jumpstart these critical public works, then a good first step would be sounding like it meant it. Take responsibility and avoid miserable attempts like last week's one by Minister James Browne to pin blame on Met Eireann. Match promises with actions move heaven and earth to ensure that these projects aren't scuttled by delays and nimbyism. And give people something to believe in. Words aren't always cheap. They can provide solace, too, and when your house is under four feet of water, hope might be all you've got. It should be nourished, not destroyed. Eyes darting side to side, Sir Keir Starmer said: 'I am sorry.' The words were spoken with sullen emphasis, almost in capital letters. He issued his apology at a community centre in Hastings, East Sussex, in front of a small audience of reporters and Labour supporters. Somewhere nearby an agricultural vehicle was making a loud beeping, as happens when machines are reversing after a wrong turn. Sir Keir was in his 'mixing with common people' outfit, which consists of a black shirt, a dark jacket and no tie. After the week's calamities did he look haggard? Drawn? Generally knackered? No. Couldn't have looked much fresher. The bogbrush hairdo was freshly scraped and he seemed rested. Perhaps he simply hasn't a clue what doo-doo he is in. He had dragged his retinue to this dusty venue ostensibly to make a speech about British decency and community values. That, in the light of l'affaire Mandelson, obviously acquired a certain ripeness. Ah, the good old British qualities of betrayal, corruption and sexual indiscretion. The strengths that built an Empire! Aides, fearing that a speech all about decency might expose the PM to a certain amount of sarcasm, wrote him a longish 'not me guv' preamble. This was plopped out with much indignant blinking. The nasal knight wanted us to know how outraged he was that Peter Mandelson had behaved in, er, entirely characteristic fashion. The nasal knight wanted us to know how outraged he was that Peter Mandelson had behaved in, er, entirely characteristic fashion, writes Quentin Letts Mrs Badenoch, in a coffee-coloured silk shirt, went hungrily to work. 'It's a question of when, not if, he goes,' she spat. 'His self-righteousness is his greatest weakness' North London lawyer Sir Keir said he had entered politics 'not to live a life detached from the reality most people face'. All those Gospel Oak dinner parties with Phil Shiner, Richard Hermer and Philippe Sands talking about human rights: yeoman banter, my hearties. All those marches with Vegans for Venezuela, or whatever causes were fashionable with Leftie-activist comrades: the honest muck and toil of the masses. He kept mentioning Peter Mandelson but only by the surname, which was uttered resentfully, his muzzle pushing forward. 'Mundelson.' Ambassador became 'umbusudur'. Sir Keir clamped his lips together with disgust, his mouth forming a little roundel of cat's-bottom tightness. The speech's pace was glacial. He claimed he had been eager to release the Mandelson documents - 'I WANTED to release them yesterday.' This was not quite true, was it? His original Commons amendment on Wednesday was a cover-up gambit, abandoned only when he realised that his backbenchers would not wear it. What will Labour MPs have made of this speech? It plodded. Cliche followed cliche: 'as long as I've got breath in my body; with every fibre of my being; let me be clear; mark my words; call out; frankly'. This was not oratory. It was not personal enough to convince as a mea culpa. It was stodgy porridge, the usual glue, oratory by artificial intelligence, surely, for no sentient No 10 aide could pen such cardboard. How can a prime minister be so prosaic? Sir Keir was still droning away, blaming everyone but himself, when Kemi Badenoch muscled her way to a microphone in front of a throng of genteel Tories. The venue was the Horseguards Hotel off London's Embankment. It was once the HQ of MI5 and MI6. The space we were in was formerly a billiards room with faience tiles and an air of faded opulence. Mrs Badenoch, in a coffee-coloured silk shirt, went hungrily to work, inviting Labour backbenchers to come and talk to her Whips to discuss drafting a Commons no-confidence vote in the prime minister. 'It's a question of when, not if, he goes,' she spat. 'His self-righteousness is his greatest weakness.' Her come-hither will almost certainly be ignored by Labour MPs. It was a daft but cheeky offer. Yet that was by the by. Her purpose was to accentuate her success, to remind voters of her role in Wednesday's dramas, and to revel in Sir Keir's parliamentary difficulties. 'He's bang to rights,' she said. The audience chuckled but Mrs Badenoch's gaze remained unsmiling. Though her speech was animated, her eyes slid over the audience with a beady, unlaughing glint. Chase Johnson was terrified that her cancer would come back. The attorney was just 31 years old when doctors discovered she had the most aggressive form of breast cancer in early 2021. They said that if she had delayed getting the dime-sized lump diagnosed by a few weeks, she likely would not have survived. The North Carolina native endured countless rounds of chemotherapy, surgery and radiation before the disease was declared undetectable six months later. But even then, doctors warned it would likely return. They told Johnson that triple-negative breast cancer, which she had, returns within five years in up to 40 percent of patients - most often it comes back in the first two to three years. She was already exercising, eating clean and going for scans every few months to keep the disease at bay. But Johnson constantly worried it would return. 'I followed every instruction,' she told the Daily Mail. 'But I couldn't shake the worry that it would come back. Cancer had already changed my life so much.' That worry prompted intense research that ultimately led her to become one of just 35 women worldwide to receive an experimental cancer vaccine. Now, four and a half years on from her July 2021 surgery, Johnson, 36, is still cancer-free. She believes the shot helped to save her life and that it will keep the cancer at bay for good. Chase Johnson (pictured), now 36, from North Carolina, was among 35 women to receive an experimental breast cancer vaccine. She said she felt it had saved her life Your browser does not support iframes. 'I certainly think that the vaccine has played a very big role in making sure that I don't ever have to deal with cancer again,' she said. 'It feels amazing to have been among the first to receive the vaccine. 'If by participating in this research I have helped save even one person from going through the horror that is cancer, it will have been worth it.' Johnson first became aware that something was wrong in January 2021 after her dog, Cato, started to behave unusually. He would follow her around and whine, she said. And then, one day, he pressed his nose into the side of her breast. When he pressed, it hurt, and, upon inspection, she found the small lump. Johnson went straight to her primary care provider, who told her it was 'probably nothing' and that she was 'too young for cancer.' She changed providers and was then referred for a mammogram and a slew of other tests. In February 2021, she was diagnosed with stage 2b triple-negative breast cancer. Her tumor was up to two inches in size but hadn't spread. 'If I had listened to my first primary care doctor and just waited until May to get assessed, my doctor said it probably would have spread, and I would probably be looking at a very different outcome,' she told the Daily Mail. Join the debate Should experimental vaccines be offered to cancer survivors before long-term side effects are known? Johnson (pictured with her husband, Ben) went through chemotherapy, radiation and surgery before she was offered the vaccine The American Cancer Society says 92 percent of patients survive longer than five years if this cancer is detected before it spreads. If it spreads to other areas of the body, that prognosis drops to 15 percent. Johnson started her treatment in March 2021. She received eight rounds of chemotherapy in three months, which made her tumor smaller, less prominent and harder to feel through the skin. Then, in July 2021, she had surgery to remove the tumor and nearby lymph nodes that doctors feared could also contain the cancer. At this point, physicians said her cancer was nondetectable. Even then, because of the risk of recurrence, she was referred in mid-August for 24 rounds of radiation followed by six months of chemotherapy. After that, doctors switched her to blood tests every three months and body scans twice a year to ensure the cancer did not return. But, wanting to do more, Johnson turned to the internet, which was where she found the Cleveland Clinic and Anixa Biosciences breast cancer vaccine trial. Johnson received an experimental shot, known as the a-lactalbumin vaccine, which teaches the immune system to attack a protein called a-lactalbumin. Pictured: Johnson in the hospital. She said that cancer had completely changed the trajectory of her life Johnson (pictured) is thrilled to be among the first to receive the vaccine, and said if her contribution helps even one person, it would have been worth it This protein is normally only present in breast tissue during lactation, but it is also produced by about 70 percent of triple-negative breast cancers, which is diagnosed in about 32,000 women every year. In December 2022, Johnson received the three-dose vaccine. The first shot was in her left inner thigh, the second in her right inner thigh and the third in the right side of her abdomen. She said the vaccine was not painful to receive, and the only side effects she experienced were a little swelling at the injection site before a lump appeared and a fever for a few hours. She was inoculated in the Phase 1 trials, which are designed to test whether the vaccine is safe for human use. It included three groups of women: those who had recovered from early-stage triple negative breast cancer and were tumor-free but at high risk of recurrence (such as Johnson), those who had undergone treatment for early-stage disease but had tumor cells, and those who had not been diagnosed with breast cancer but had a genetic predisposition, such as the BRCA gene. Overall, the researchers found that 74 percent of the women developed an immune response to the vaccine. They also found it was safe, with the only recorded side effects being redness and a lump at the injection site. There were no serious adverse effects detected. Pictured: Johnson with her husband. She says she expects to receive blood tests every three months and scans every six to ensure the cancer does not return for the rest of her life Data has not yet been published on whether any patients, who received the vaccines in late 2022, saw a recurrence in their cancer. The experimental vaccine will now progress to Phase 2 trials to test whether the shot is effective. This trial will include 80 to 100 women. Half will receive the vaccine alongside standard treatments for breast cancer, including chemotherapy, immunotherapy and surgery, while the other half will only receive standard treatment. If the shots are shown to be more effective, it will progress to Phase 3 trials. Dr Amit Kumar, a chemist and CEO of Anixa Biosciences, told the Daily Mail that the vaccine was still years away from being made available to patients. He said it was currently being tested as a cancer treatment for women, but, in the future, he hopes that it can also be offered to people to help prevent breast cancer. 'In the near-term, we want this to be used as a treatment and after cancer as a preventer of recurrence, so cancer survivors will have already gone through surgeries and other treatments,' he said. 'But we hope in the long-term that this will be prophylactic, meaning we want to be able to give shots to women who never had breast cancer but are concerned about it in the future.' When it comes to cancer treatment, Johnson told the Daily Mail that 'You just really have to advocate for yourself. I can't stress the importance of that enough. 'When you're healthy, there are a million things that seem important. But, when you're sick, only one thing seems to be important, and that is getting your health back. You really need to advocate for yourself and not just rely on experts.' In today's fastchanging tech landscape, job seekers and career changers are turning to online IT certifications to build marketable skills and stand out in competitive hiring pools. Unlike traditional degrees, many of these programs are shorter, more affordable, and focused on practical, jobready competencies. Combined with the right tech career training strategy, online IT certifications can open doors to help desk, cloud, security, data, and automation roles, even without a computer science background. This article walks through 10 widely recognized online certifications that most improve tech job prospects, along with guidance on how to choose and use them effectively. What Are Online IT Certifications? Online IT certifications are structured programs delivered through digital platforms that teach specific technical skills and end with a recognized credential. These certifications can come from major tech companies (like Google, Amazon, and Microsoft), nonprofit organizations (like CompTIA), or large online education providers. Most programs follow a selfpaced format, allowing learners to complete coursework around existing jobs or family commitments. They commonly include video lessons, hands-on labs, quizzes, and a final exam or project. Completing an online IT certification demonstrates that a person has not only learned core concepts but also practiced them in realistic scenarios, which employers value when hiring for entrylevel and midlevel roles. Why Tech Professionals Need Certifications Technology moves quickly, and employers often look for candidates who can prove current, relevant skills. Online IT certifications serve as portable proof of competence that complements formal education or experience gaps. For people transitioning from other fields, these programs offer a clear ladder into tech roles by teaching fundamentals like networking, cloud computing, and security. Tech career training centered on certifications also helps professionals stay competitive as automation and AI reshape job requirements. Instead of waiting years to earn a degree, many can upskill in a few months and immediately apply new knowledge on the job. This dynamic makes online IT certifications a practical pillar of modern tech career training. Top 10 Online Certifications That Improve Tech Job Prospects 1. Google IT Support Professional Certificate The Google IT Support Professional Certificate is one of the most popular entrylevel programs for aspiring IT support specialists. Hosted on Coursera, it covers essential topics such as troubleshooting, operating systems, networking, system administration, and customer support. Because Google partners with hundreds of employers through its hiring consortium, graduates can access jobsearch resources and targeted hiring opportunities. This makes the certificate especially useful for those with no prior IT experience who want a structured, Googlebranded path into help desk or desktop support roles. 2. Google IT Automation with Python Once someone has basic IT skills, the Google IT Automation with Python certificate helps them move into more advanced, automationfocused roles. The program teaches how to write scripts, automate system administration tasks, and manage large numbers of machines using Python. This type of tech career training is attractive to employers who want to reduce manual work and increase efficiency. Learners finish with a portfolio of automation projects that demonstrate practical Python skills, a strong signal for sysadmin, DevOps, and junior developer roles. 3. AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner For those interested in cloud computing, the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner is a widely respected entrylevel certification. It introduces core Amazon Web Services concepts such as compute, storage, networking, and security, along with billing and pricing models. While the exam itself is not always taught fully online, extensive online IT certificationsstyle training materials and practice labs are available through platforms like AWS Training, Coursera, and Udemy. Earning this credential signals that a candidate understands how cloud platforms operate, which is valuable for cloud support, basic cloud administration, and migration projects. 4. Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals Microsoft's Azure Fundamentals certification is the equivalent of AWS Cloud Practitioner but focused on the Azure ecosystem. It covers core cloud services, security, privacy, and compliance, and is often recommended for anyone working in organizations that use Microsoft products. Like AWS, there are many online IT certifications and prep courses that mirror the exam objectives. This credential pairs well with later, more specialized Azure certifications and fits naturally into a broader tech career training plan for cloudfocused roles. 5. CompTIA A+ CompTIA A+ is a longstanding, vendorneutral certification for IT support specialists. It validates knowledge of hardware, operating systems, networking, troubleshooting, and basic security. Because it is taught and practiced through many online IT certifications programs, candidates can study at their own pace and then take the exam at a test center. A+ remains a strong credential for help desk, desktop support, and entrylevel IT positions, especially in environments that mix multiple vendors and platforms. 6. CompTIA Security+ As cybersecurity becomes critical across industries, CompTIA Security+ has grown into a foundational certification for security professionals. It covers network security, threats, cryptography, identity management, and compliance. Many learners complete this as part of tech career training while still working in general IT roles. Security+ is often a stepping stone to more advanced security credentials and can help candidates qualify for roles such as security analyst, SOC analyst, or securityfocused sysadmin. Read more: 9 Future Tech Skills That Will Stay in High Demand Through 2030 and Beyond 7. Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) CCNA is a widely recognized networking certification from Cisco that validates the ability to configure, manage, and troubleshoot mediumsized networks. It covers topics such as routing, switching, IP addressing, and basic security at the network level. Because networking underpins most modern IT environments, CCNA is attractive to employers hiring for network technician, systems administrator, and network engineering roles. Numerous online IT certifications and practice labs prepare candidates for the exam, making it more accessible even without access to a physical lab. 8. Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate For those interested in datadriven roles, the Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate is a strong entrylevel option. It teaches how to use spreadsheets, SQL, data visualization tools, and basic analytics techniques to explore and interpret data. This type of tech career training opens opportunities in roles such as junior data analyst, business analyst, and reporting analyst. Candidates can complete the program online and build a portfolio of projects that show realworld datahandling skills, which employers often review alongside resumes. 9. Google Professional Machine Learning Engineer and Similar AIFocused Credentials As AI and machine learning become more embedded in products and services, certifications like the Google Professional Machine Learning Engineer credential signal advanced capability. These programs assume prior experience with data science and programming and focus on building, deploying, and monitoring ML models in production. While not entrylevel, they represent a later stage of tech career training for professionals who already have data or software skills. Earning AIoriented online IT certifications can significantly improve prospects for roles in machine learning, data science, and AI engineering. 10. Project Management and ProductFocused Certifications Not all valuable tech career training is purely technical. Certifications such as the Google Project Management Professional Certificate or Agile/Scrum certifications help professionals manage tech projects, coordinate crossfunctional teams, and align technical work with business goals. These credentials are useful for people who want to move into product management, project management, or tech leadership roles. They often include online courses, case studies, and simulated projects, making them another form of online IT certifications that focus on organization and communication rather than coding. How To Choose the Right Online IT Certifications Selecting the best certifications starts with clarifying career goals. Someone aiming for an IT support role will benefit from A+ and Google IT Support, while a cloudfocused path might begin with AWS Cloud Practitioner or Azure Fundamentals. Learners should also consider their current experience level, budget, and time availability. Many popular online IT certifications are affordable or even free, and completion typically takes 36 months when studied parttime. Pairing a certification with hands-on projects, such as building a small network, creating dashboards, or automating common tasks, can strengthen any tech career training plan. Cost and ROI of Online IT Certifications Costs vary widely. Some programs, like Google's career certificates, are relatively lowcost and include exam vouchers or practice materials. Vendor exams, such as AWS or CompTIA tests, usually require a separate fee but are often less expensive than bootcamps or degree programs. In return, many holders report salary increases or faster job placement, especially when they combine certifications with portfolios and realworld experience. For people without a tech degree, this type of tech career training can offer a strong return on investment compared to traditional education paths. How Online IT Certifications Help With Job Placement Many online IT certifications are tied to hiring networks or jobsearch resources. For example, Google's career certificates include resume review guidance, interview preparation, and access to employer partners. Similar partnerships exist for AWS and Microsoft certifications through their training ecosystems. These connections can shorten the time it takes to land an entrylevel tech role. Employers frequently search for candidates with specific certifications, so having them listed on a resume or LinkedIn profile can increase visibility and interviewing opportunities. Frequently Asked Questions 1. Can online IT certifications fully replace a college degree in tech? While online IT certifications can help you land entrylevel roles, many employers still value degrees for mid to seniorlevel positions. Certifications are best used alongside experience and projects rather than as a complete replacement. 2. Do you need prior coding experience before starting tech career training? No, many online IT certifications are designed for beginners and teach fundamentals from scratch. Basic computer literacy is usually enough to start, with coding introduced gradually in programs like automation or data analytics. 3. Are online IT certifications valid worldwide? Most major certifications (like CompTIA, AWS, Microsoft, and Google) are recognized globally, but local employers may favor certain vendors. Checking regional job postings can help you pick the most relevant options. 4. How often should you add new certifications to your profile? Adding one or two relevant certifications every 12 years is a reasonable pace. Overloading your resume with too many lowpriority certs can dilute the impact of your core tech career training. A study found no link between the coronavirus vaccines and reduced female fertility. Researchers at Linkoping University in Sweden analysed 60,000 women aged between 18 and 45 in Region Jonkoping County. Of this cohort, 75 per cent were vaccinated once or more against Covid-19 between 2021 and 2024. The researchers used data on childbirths, vaccinations, miscarriages and deaths from healthcare records. When they compared childbirths and miscarriages between vaccinated and unvaccinated women, they found no statistically significant difference between the groups. This is in line with several previous studies that have not found any association between the Covid vaccine and reduced fertility. 'Our conclusion is that it's highly unlikely that the mRNA vaccine against COVID-19 was behind the decrease in childbirth during the pandemic,' said Toomas Timpka, professor of social medicine at Linkoping University. Published in the journal Communications Medicine, the research investigated the issue after rumours circulated on social media that Covid vaccines make it harder to fall pregnant. A new study has added to the existing evidence that coronavirus jabs do not affect a woman's ability to conceive a child In the later stages of the pandemic, there was a decrease in the number of children born in some countries, including Sweden. This raised the question of whether this could be due to the new vaccines. The researchers believe that the decrease in childbirth can be linked to other reasons, such as financial difficulties, health concerns and changed behaviours, for instance a drop in social mingling during lockdowns. According to the World Health Organisation, a total of 13.64 billion Covid vaccine doses have been administered since July 2020. As of December 31, 2023, 67 per cent of the total population has been fully vaccinated against the virus. A 2022 systematic review and meta-analysis of 29 studies found that there is no scientific proof of any association between Covid vaccines and fertility impairment in men or women. However, in 2023, a study found that the Pfizer, Moderna and AstraZeneca Covid vaccines can cause unexpected vaginal bleeding in older women and women on birth control. Before this study, few papers had looked at the impact on women who don't normally menstruate, such as the elderly and those taking contraceptives. The study looked at data from more than 20,000 women in this category and found the risk of vaginal bleeding increased two to three times in the four weeks after Covid vaccination compared to before the shot. In women entering menopause and premenopausal women, the risk was three to five times higher. Researchers looked at data from August and September 2021. Ninety-eight per cent of the women included reported receiving their Covid vaccines in January 2021, meaning they had received the original Covid vaccine as opposed to any updated booster shots. Additionally, in Norway, where the data was collected from, the Covid vaccines used included those manufactured by Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech and AstraZeneca. When Covid vaccines were first rolled out, tens of thousands of women complained about late or unusually heavy periods. Before formal research was conducted, anti-vaxxers latched onto the reports and used them to instil fear that the vaccines caused infertility. However, research later released showed that while menstrual changes do occur following Covid vaccination, they are minor, temporary and do not impact fertility. Experts are not entirely sure why changes in menstruation occur, but some believe the vaccine causes some of the body's tissue to become inflamed, causing changes to the lining of the uterus and hormone levels throughout the body. Livia McNee had suffered with irregular periods since the age of 14 and, until recently, believed she knew the cause. The 27-year-old civil servant from London had been diagnosed in 2019 with endometriosis, where uterus tissue grows outside of the womb. The common condition often leads to painful and heavy periods. In some cases, it can also cause an irregular menstrual cycle. 'As long as I've been getting periods it's been irregular,' says Livia. 'Sometimes, I'd go months without one. Then I'd have them every two weeks. When I was told I had endometriosis, the doctors said this was probably the cause.' In 2023, Livia underwent surgery to treat her endometriosis. However, while the procedure appeared to improve her pain and lessen her bleeding, her periods remained irregular. Doctors were at a loss why Livia was still struggling with the issue. In November 2024, concerned how her irregular periods might affect her ability to have children, Livia decided to undergo a fertility blood test. These tests measure levels of certain hormones linked to fertility. She was told that her GP surgery could not offer the test, so decided to pay 150 at a private clinic, Hertility Health. Doctors were at a loss why Livia McNee was getting irregular periods, something she has suffered with since the age of 14 The blood test revealed that certain hormones were markedly raised. These included Livia's levels of prolactin a hormone ordinarily linked to breast development and milk production but which can, when elevated, disrupt the menstraul cycle. Livia was advised to immediately see her GP for further blood tests and scans. And, after several months of investigations, Livia received a phone call to tell her the cause of her irregular periods: a brain tumour. 'I found out while at a work party, which is not the best place to do it,' she says. 'I cried a lot, and took some time to process.' Thankfully, Livia's tumour was neither cancerous nor deadly. The growth, her doctors explained, was in the pituitary gland, located at the base of the brain, which controls the release of certain crucial hormones. Research shows that as many as a fifth of people have tumours on this gland. In most cases, the non-cancerous growths will not trigger any symptoms. However, in some cases, pituitary tumours can cause the gland to overproduce prolactin, leading to irregular periods, low libido, breast milk production and infertility. After several months of investigations, Livia received a phone call to tell her the cause of her irregular periods: a brain tumour 'While my tumour is there and causing havoc, I can't get pregnant,' says Livia. 'I'm nowhere near ready for kids but knowing that really affected me'. Experts say that Livia isn't alone other women who suffer with irregular periods may unknowingly have pituitary gland tumours. In some cases, these symptoms could be mistaken for a different condition, like endometriosis, which affects around 1.5 million women in the UK. Meanwhile, around four million are thought to have a condition called polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, a hormone disorder that can lead to irregular periods, as well as weight gain, acne and excess hair growth. Problems in the thyroid a hormone-producing gland in the neck can also lead to the menstrual issue. So too can stress and anxiety. Experts say, given the wide number of conditions that cause irregular periods, having a blood test like the one Livia undertook is crucial for finding the cause. 'If you are a young woman and your period becomes irregular, or stops completely, it's worth discussing this condition with your GP,' says Prof Marta Korbonits, an endocrinologist at Queen Mary University of London. 'There are blood tests that can help diagnose a pituitary tumour.' 'While my tumour is there and causing havoc, I can't get pregnant,' says Livia. 'I'm nowhere near ready for kids but knowing that really affected me' she added Moreover, experts say there are treatments. Research shows that, in some extreme cases, surgery might be needed to remove a pituitary gland tumour. However, for most women, the condition can be managed using a medication called cabergoline. The tablet, typically taken once or twice a week, is designed to shrink pituitary gland tumours. It also combats irregular periods and boosts fertility. But, cabergoline is not without complications. 'The main side effects are feeling nauseous and I definitely feel that,' says Livia. 'I've always been a gym-goer, but the side effects mean I can't do this anymore.' Earlier this year, a scan revealed that Livia's tumour had shrunk. She also says her periods had returned to normal. However, she briefly had to come off the tablets because she began to get swollen breasts a fairly common side effect of cabergoline. Livia has just started taking the pills again and says she hopes it should now banish the tumour. She also urges other women struggling with similar issues to get tested. 'My symptoms were also symptoms of many other conditions, so it was very hard to tell work out the cause,' she says. 'I'd encourage other women to ask their GP for a blood test or, if they won't, go private like I did.' A travel warning has been issued for Cape Verde after more than 1,500 British holidaymakers fell ill with food poisoning and six died. Cape Verde, an island off the coast of Africa, is a popular winter sun destination, attracting nearly 127,000 British tourists every year. But today, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said its investigation has identified cases of shigella and salmonella linked to travel to the paradise isle - and urged people flying there for some February sun or a half-term break to practice extreme caution. Shigella is a bacteria which is transmitted when someone comes in contact with faecal matter through sex, soiled nappies, food or water. It causes bloody and watery diarrhoea, vomiting, fever and stomach pain that can last for weeks - and in some extreme cases it can result in death. If a person contracts shigella, they usually get better on their own, though sometimes antibiotics are prescribed in severe cases. UKHSA investigators found that of the 118 shigella cases reported since October 1 and linked to international travel, some 112 (95%) of those people had been to Cape Verde, the majority to the Santa Maria and Boa Vista areas. Shigella outbreaks usually only occur in areas with little access to sinks, toilets and other hygiene stations, but if you're regularly washing your hands and bathing, you're much less likely to get infected - or transmit the germs. Shigella is transmitted when someone comes in contact with faecal matter through sex, nappies, food or water Furthermore, the UKHSA also identified increases in cases of salmonella in people who travelled to the holiday destination. Since October 1, 43 cases of salmonella from three separate clusters identified using whole genome sequencing techniques have been linked to travel to Cape Verde, it said. Salmonella is a type of bacteria present in the intestines of animals and humans and, like shigella, they are shed through faeces. Humans become infected most frequently through contaminated water or food, often if both raw and cooked foods are stored together. The symptoms are similar to shigella in that salmonella infections cause loose stool, stomach cramps and sometimes vomiting and fever. On average, it takes from 12 to 72 hours for the symptoms to develop after swallowing an infectious dose of salmonella. They usually last for four to seven days and most people recover without treatment. However, salmonella can become life-threatening because it has the potential to cause extreme dehydration. Nearly 127,000 British holidaymakers go to Cape Verde every year With this in mind, the UKHSA has updated its travel advice on the Travel Health Pro website for Cape Verde. It urges people to choose food that is freshly prepared, fully cooked and served piping hot. In areas without a reliable clean water supply, people are advised to drink only bottled or boiled water, including when brushing teeth, and avoid ice in drinks. Furthermore, they are advised to only eat fruit they peel themselves and avoid salads that may not have been washed in safe water. To date, six people have died and more than 1,500 people who have fallen ill after visits to Cape Verde. Four British people died within four months after being struck down with stomach bugs while on holiday there. Elena Walsh, 64, from Birmingham, Mark Ashley, 55, of Bedfordshire, 64-year-old Karen Pooley, from Gloucestershire, and a 56-year-old man all died last year after contracting severe gastric illnesses while on the islands off the coast of west Africa. These cases are being handled by law firm Irwin Mitchell. The other two Britons who have died since 2023 are Jane Pressley, 62, of Gainsborough, who died in January 2023 after falling ill while holidaying at Riu Palace Hotel in Santa Maria, Sal, the previous November, and a man in his 60s from Watford. He died in November 2024 after suffering gastric illness following a trip to Cape Verde, Irwin Mitchell said. Dr Gauri Godbole, deputy director for gastrointestinal infections and food safety at the UKHSA, said: 'February is a popular time for winter sun holidays and we want to help families make the most of their breaks by staying healthy. 'Taking a few simple precautions against traveller's diarrhoea and food poisoning can make all the difference. 'The best way to avoid gastrointestinal infections, including shigella and salmonella, or passing them to others, is simply by washing your hands regularly and thoroughly with soap and water or alcohol gel particularly after using the toilet, changing nappies, and before eating or preparing food. 'Most episodes of traveller's diarrhoea are short-lived, lasting for a few days. 'During an episode of diarrhoea and vomiting, it is important to prevent dehydration, particularly for young children, pregnant women, elderly people, and those with pre-existing illnesses as they can develop complications. 'Continue to hydrate yourself with plenty of fluids and consider purchasing sachets of oral rehydration salt before travelling. 'If symptoms worsen or you have underlying medical conditions, please seek advice from your GP or pharmacy.' A new UKHSA study found local swimming pools, local water and poor sanitary conditions - as well as possible infection from hotel buffets and excursions - can increase the risk of infections like salmonella, shigella, giardia and cryptosporidium. Mr Ashley's wife Emma, 55, said her family are in 'complete shock' over his death. 'We went to Cape Verde expecting a relaxing break, but Mark became violently ill and never recovered,' she said. Three days into their holiday in October, Mr Ashley, a self-employed forklift truck driver, fell ill with symptoms including stomach pain, diarrhoea, vomiting, fever and extreme lethargy, Irwin Mitchell said. Mrs Ashley, an early years assistant manager, said they booked their more than 3,000 trip with tourism group Tui, and she reported her husband's illness on its app on October 9. Jane Pressley, 62, of Gainsborough, died in January 2023 after falling ill while holidaying at Riu Palace Hotel in Santa Maria She said she and her husband, who had been married for 26 years, stayed at the fivestar Riu Palace Santa Maria resort in Sal. The 55-year-old has raised concerns over the hygiene standards at the hotel. After collapsing at home in Houghton Regis, Mr Ashley, who had diabetes which was controlled through medication, was taken to hospital on November 12 but was pronounced dead minutes later. Part-time nurse and mother-of-one Ms Walsh died in August 2025 after falling ill while staying at the Riu Cabo Verde resort on the same island. Ms Pooley, from Lydney, travelled with a friend to the Riu Funana resort in Sal on October 7, 2025, for a fortnight's holiday costing 3,000 and booked through Tui, the law firm said. The retired mother-of-two became sick on October 11 with gastric symptoms including diarrhoea, and in the early hours of the next day she slipped on water leaking from a fridge while going to the bathroom. She was transferred to a local clinic and over the next four days Ms Pooley continued to experience diarrhoea and vomiting, alongside severe pain from her fractured femur. The 64-year-old was airlifted to Tenerife for urgent care on October 16 and died in the early hours of the next day, lawyers said. Her husband Andy, 62, said: 'We're utterly heartbroken. Karen was the kindest, loveliest person. 'She was a devoted wife and mum who loved swimming, walking the dog in the Forest of Dean, and volunteered at a local charity shop. She was also a wonderful friend who lit up every room she entered. 'We're devastated and struggling to understand how she went on holiday and never came home.' Irwin Mitchell said Ms Pooley's initial death certificate, issued by the Cape Verde authorities, said she died of multi-organ failure, sepsis, cardiorespiratory arrest and a broken left leg. Leading scientists have issued an urgent warning that two little-known animal viruses could 'easily' spark the next pandemic if they jump to humans. The alert comes as the US battles a severe winter illness season, with influenza sickening around 20 million people and killing more than 11,000 since October, according to federal data. But researchers say the greater long-term danger may lie elsewhere. In a new review, scientists warned that influenza D a virus that mainly infects cattle and canine coronavirus, a highly contagious virus found in dogs, have the potential to mutate and spread among humans. Neither virus is known to circulate widely in people. However, both spread easily in animals and are poorly monitored, meaning mutations that allow human-to-human transmission could go undetected. The warning was published in January in a CDC-backed paper and echoes growing concerns about animal-borne viruses with pandemic potential, including Nipah virus, an incurable pathogen currently spreading in parts of India. Dr John Lednicky, a research professor in the Department of Environmental and Global Health at the University of Florida and a co-author of the paper, said: 'Our review of the literature indicates these two viruses pose respiratory disease threats to humans, yet little has been done to respond to or prevent infection. 'If these viruses evolve the capacity to easily transmit person to person, they may be able to cause epidemics or pandemics since most people won't have immunity to them.' Scientists are warning that two viruses have the potential to spread to humans and trigger pandemics. Pictured above are USDA workers disinfecting a farm in Minnesota in 2015 for bird flu Your browser does not support iframes. Influenza D virus (IDV) was first identified in US pigs in 2011 and has since been detected in cattle, chickens, deer, giraffes and even kangaroos. Like other flu viruses, it mutates readily. Researchers wrote that IDV strains can 'reassort and recombine', suggesting the virus is rapidly evolving. It is most closely related to influenza C, which infects humans particularly children but is not routinely tracked by US health authorities. IDV is also thought to play a role in bovine respiratory disease, known as shipping fever the most costly infectious illness in North American cattle. The disease can cause pneumonia, heart inflammation and immune suppression, and can kill up to two per cent of a herd. Previous studies by the same team found antibodies to influenza D in up to 97 per cent of cattle workers in Colorado and Florida, indicating widespread exposure. The second virus, canine coronavirus (CCoV), is unrelated to SARS-CoV-2 but is highly infectious among dogs, particularly in kennels. It typically causes gastrointestinal illness and is rarely tested for in humans. 'So far, influenza D virus has not been associated with serious infections in humans,' Dr Lednicky said. Pictured above is a medical worker existing a room with a Covid patient at Franco-Britannique hospital in Levallois-Perret, northern Paris, in April 2020 The researchers wrote that influenza D and canine coronavirus have the ability to mutate and spread quickly without proper monitoring (stock image) 'However, canine coronavirus has but diagnostic tests are not routinely performed, so we don't know how widely it affects people.' In 2021, his team isolated a canine coronavirus strain from a US medical worker who fell ill after travelling to Haiti. That same year, researchers at the University of Texas Medical Branch identified a near-identical strain in a child hospitalized with pneumonia in Malaysia. The virus has since been detected in people with respiratory illness in Thailand, Vietnam and Arkansas showing it can circulate across continents. The researchers warned that without stronger surveillance, improved testing and vaccine development, both viruses could quietly gain the ability to spread between humans. 'Our knowledge of these viruses is limited,' they wrote. 'Even so, the available evidence suggests they pose a major threat to public health.' Controversial wellness and longevity influencer Peter Attia once implied that he 'still wreaks havoc' in his personal life from time to time - as his old comments resurfaced following bombshell mentions of him in the Epstein files. Attia had fans in many elite celebrities, such as Gwyneth Paltrow, serving only 75 patients that included billionaires, per CBS News. On Friday, the Department of Justice released the latest batch of Epstein files, in which Attia appeared more than 1,700 times. Attia was exposed in the files for calling Jeffrey Epstein his 'friend' in hundreds of emails they exchanged, all of them after the sex offender was first convicted. He also made a crude comment about female genitalia in one of the emails to Epstein. Attia became famous for his longevity hacks and approach to living a longer life, which included intense exercise and an emphasis on nutritional stability. But just two years ago, while appearing on an episode of former Jeopardy! host Mayim Bialik's podcast, Attia suggested that he 'wreaked havoc' in his personal life from 'time to time.' The conversation came about as the two were talking about controlling anger and the emotions behind anger. He spoke about the tool he uses to become 'less destructive.' Controversial wellness and longevity influencer Peter Attia once implied that he 'still wreaks havoc' in his personal life from time to time - as his old comments resurfaced following bombshell mentions of him in the Epstein files Attia was famous for his longevity hacks and approach to living a longer life, which included intense exercise and an emphasis on nutritional stability 'I never want to represent that I'm, like, some guy who has got it all figured out and isn't walking around still wreaking havoc in his personal life from time to time, but I'm way less destructive,' Attia said during the podcast episode. 'This trick was to detach behaviors from urges,' he continued, as he gave the example of making sure that he never spoke to his daughter when he was angry about something. In the past, Attia has hinted at the fact that he suffered from childhood trauma, and has spoken and interviewed many therapists on his podcast. During an August 2023 appearance on Jay Shetty's podcast, Attia also admitted that he was a 'very rigid person by nature.' 'Part of control, for me, is rigidity,' he told Shetty at the time. 'Deviating from my plan is a very hard thing to do, but I also realize it's a very important thing to do,' he said. 'I'm the kind of guy who makes lists on weekends...' Attia then explained to Shetty that he was trying to become less rigid and not stick to every list that he makes. In the newly released Epstein documents, Attia exchanged many communications with the convicted sex offender, starting in 2014. On Friday, the Department of Justice released the latest batch of Epstein files, in which Attia appeared more than 1,700 times 'I never want to represent that I'm, like, some guy who has got it all figured out and isn't walking around still wreaking havoc in his personal life from time to time, but I'm way less destructive,' Attia said Many of the emails were crude or overtly sexual, though none appear to have referenced criminal acts. The disgraced billionaire was jailed in 2008 for procuring a child for prostitution and soliciting a prostitute, charges that were well documented at the time. '[Female genitalia] is, indeed, low carb. Still awaiting results on gluten, though,' one of the emails Attia sent to Epstein read. Over the weekend, Attia wrote a lengthy apology to his staff and customers, which he then publicly shared on X (formerly Twitter) Monday morning. 'To be clear: 1. I was not involved in any criminal activity. 2. My interactions with Epstein had nothing to do with his sexual abuse or exploitation of anyone,' the statement began. 'I was never on his plane, never on his island, and never present at any sex parties,' he continued. '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.' One of the more notorious emails which has been making the rounds online made it clear that Attia knew his friendship with Epstein could harm his reputation if it became public. '[Female genitalia] is, indeed, low carb. Still awaiting results on gluten, though,' one of the emails Attia sent to Epstein read 'You [know] the biggest problem with becoming friends with you? The life you lead is so outrageous, and yet I can't tell a soul,' the wellness influencer wrote in 2015. Attia insisted this was not because he had any 'awareness of wrongdoing' on Epstein's part, despite the billionaire's conviction seven years earlier. 'What I was referring to, poorly and flippantly, was the discretion commanded by those social and professional circlesthe idea that you don't talk about who you meet, the dinners you attend and the power and influence of the people in those settings,' he wrote in his public apology. 'What I wrote in that email reads terribly, and I own that.' Although Attia may have never visited Epstein's infamous private island of Little Saint James, another email exchange indicates that he wanted to. In a communication dated to April 2016, the pair compared Epstein's island with Grand Cayman, which the late accused sex trafficker said was very different because 'there are other people there.' 'I need to visit some time,' Attia replied. The wellness influencer also had exchanges with Epstein's staff and associates, including his assistant Lesley Groff, to whom Attia complained he would 'go into JE withdrawal' if he didn't see his convicted sex offender pal soon. 'See you next time, hopefully JE in town when I'm back in 2 weeks. I go into JE withdrawal when I don't see him,' he wrote. Attia claimed that 'the presence and credibility of such venerable people' around Epstein made him seem trustworthy and 'clouded [his] judgement.' He said that Epstein misled him about the crimes he was convicted of, despite the real story being well-publicized and easily searchable. 'Shortly after we met, I asked him directly about his 2008 conviction. He characterized it as prostitution-related charges,' he wrote. 'I was incredibly naive to believe him. I mistook his social acceptance in the eyes of the credible people I saw him with for acceptability, and that was a serious error in my judgment. 'To be clear, I never witnessed illegal behavior and never saw anyone who appeared underage in his presence.' Attia claimed he did not learn the truth until reading a 2018 Miami Herald article, which 'repulsed' and 'nauseated' him. One evening, during my late 40s, I was sitting alone in my bedroom, surrounded by piles of research for the following mornings Womans Hour and a book I should have read but hadnt. I felt completely overwhelmed and lonely but I couldnt tell anyone how low I felt. Friends and colleagues wanted bright, sparky, smart Jenni. My husband and teenage sons wanted me cheerful and dependable as did my ailing parents. Stuck in the middle of the sandwich years caring for both children and parents the thought that ending my life would end all this misery flitted across my brain. I called the Samaritans. On the end of the phone was a young man I would never know, who wouldnt recognise me, but who talked so much sense about what I meant to my loved ones that my mood lifted and I was grateful. I thought back to this dark time when I read about the recent suicide data from the Office for National Statistics. Rates now peak among women in the 45 to 48 age group, followed by those aged 55 to 59. Men have higher suicide rates overall but the number of women taking their own life has increased by a third over the past decade. Whats more, the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy has warned of an epidemic of silence among middle-aged women. A survey of 2,000 women found that two-thirds had struggled with their mental health since turning 50 and almost nine in ten admitted to hiding mental health problems. I did it myself. I always put other peoples feelings first and tried to be strong and indestructible with a stiff upper lip. Jenni Murray admits that she, like many other middle-aged women, struggled with her mental health, but hid it and put other people's feelings first But I know only too well how this can lead to breakdown or suicidal tendencies. I still havent spoken to my husband or my two sons about my suicidal thoughts. In fact, Id prefer them not to know about them. I suffer from an almost manic independence and feel even thinking such dark thoughts is somehow shameful. I should always be the strong one, the one who can cope. In most families it still seems to be the woman who does the majority of the caring. I have friends who describe their brothers as completely useless always there when inheritance is under discussion but never there to wash down a needy parent. Women who find themselves in a similar situation to the one I did are often at a very difficult stage of life. Theyre menopausal, they have elderly parents who may be hard to manage, particularly if theres dementia in the family. Children are at their most trying in their teenage years. As for husbands, Ive come across some who made no contribution, except for finding a girlfriend to get them out of the house or, in some cases, who decide that this was the right time for a divorce. Is it any wonder that a number of women find it all too much? Our family home was in the Peak District. My husband David and I shared responsibility for running the house and feeding the family. Our boys had a long trip to their school in Manchester every weekday. It meant a 20-minute drive to the bus stop, which would take them the rest of the way. Then again to collect them at the end of the day. I tried to do it as often as possible, which was maybe only one day a week. I missed the closeness those journeys would have created with my boys but I had no alternative. My job as presenter of Womans Hour was based in London. There was no possibility of it moving to Manchester. Broadcasting House in London was its home. It was where guests invited to the programme expected to join us. I was the breadwinner. But I was also proud of what Id achieved. For as long as the BBC wanted me, I was determined to hold on to what I considered to be the best job in the world. I had a scruffy basement flat in Camden Town, North London, dubbed Wuthering Depths, where I spent many sad and lonely hours working on the next days programme. Then I would dream of heading for Euston station, boarding the West Coast line which would take me to Wuthering Heights where my family would be pleased to see me. There I was wife and mother, doing my best to cook nutritious meals, wash the clothes, find the rugby boots, help with homework, do all the things necessary to create a warm, loving, happy home. Exhausting. On the other side of the Pennines, however, I was a daughter. My elderly parents did their best to manage their day-to-day needs. Mum had Parkinsons disease and became less able as she grew older. Dad struggled to keep his energy up, not knowing for a long time that he was failing due to lung cancer. After a call with emotional support charity Samaritans, Jenni who had been having suicidal thoughts said she felt grateful and her mood was lifted He managed the shopping and eventually learned to cook as mum became bed-bound. I did my best as their only child. Every weekend I would drive to Barnsley and do as much as I could, dealing with hospitals and social services who appeared incapable of listening to the old people who needed them most. It was in my bedroom at Wuthering Depths that I first had suicidal thoughts. Id never seen myself as someone who could feel so low and its frightening to look back and realise life could wear me down to such an extent. Thank goodness I was too scared to actually go through with it. The last time I hit rock bottom during this period was again when I was alone in my bedroom at home in the Peak District. I was exhausted after a hectic day at work, the long journey home, the kids needing help and, horror of horrors, Id noticed that the nipple on my right breast was inverted. A classic symptom of breast cancer. It was finally diagnosed the day my mother died. After a lot of extremely distressing thoughts about how I could actually kill myself but having no real idea of how to achieve it I seemed to come to my senses. I needed to talk to someone. I was lucky to know the wonderful psychotherapist, Susie Orbach. She told me to come to her the next day. In the end, we decided we knew each other too well for professional counselling to work between us. She recommended another therapist with whom I talked for six months. This therapist made me realise this hectic period would not last for ever. Children would leave. Parents would die and, when it was over, I would find comfort in having done everything I could for the people I love. I also learned that suffering in silence serves no one. Its far better to get it off your chest. Olivia's elegance beats booby prize I fully expected most of the nominees at the Grammys to wear weird garments and they did. Chappell Roans dress hung from her nipple rings; Heidi Klum chose to mould herself in latex. But it was Olivia Dean, winner of best new artist, who stole the best-dressed prize. Looking elegant, not desperate, she was fittingly frocked in Chanel. Well done, Olivia. Punishing price of university My degree at Hull University came for free, exactly as it should be. Why are we burdening so many with horrific debt? One Daily Mail colleague owes 75,000. And then theres the penalty applied for succeeding in the workplace: they only start paying it back if they get a job. No wonder around 700,000 graduates are out of work, with a third of them claiming sickness benefit. We should ban kids on trains, too How clever of the French. Last month, train operator SNCF banned children under 12 from premium carriages on its high-speed trains. That would give me the chance to read my book on a long journey without having Peppa Pig pushed under my nose and chocolate buttons in my lap. A diner has vented his frustration after arriving at a restaurant, only to be told he would need to give the table back by a particular time - before he could even order. Jack Charles, the radio host of The Chrissie Swan Show, made a dinner reservation at one of his favourite restaurants in Melbourne. As he was led to his seat, the waiter bluntly told him he had to leave no later than 7.30pm as the table would be needed for the next customer. Time limits were introduced during Covid when restaurants and cafes began imposing 90-minute to two-hour dining windows amid social distancing. However, despite now being the norm for most restaurants in Australia, the practice still leaves a bad impression on many customers, including Jack. 'Before I could even order a drink or my butt hit the chair, the guy goes, "We need the table back by 7.30pm",' he said in a video. He was frustrated that the employee jumped in with the request before he even had a chance to settle. 'I get it,' Jack explained. Jack Charles has vented his frustration after arriving at a restaurant, only to be told they needed the table back by a particular time - before he could even order anything 'I get it's hospitality and you've got to flip the tables - but like, can we just wait until I've at least had a sip of my martini before trying to boot the customer out? 'It puts me on edge. Why do all restaurants do this now? Just let the alcohol touch our lips first?' The customer said he was already aware of the restaurant's time limits on seating when he made the reservation online. 'I don't think we need to be re-told the second we've sat down,' he said. His rant struck a chord with dozens of Aussies, with some describing the act as 'the most annoying thing ever'. 'Omg this is a pet peeve. I got kicked out of a restaurant 15 minutes before the end of the booking because they needed to flip the table. Bro, plan that into your booking times. I was livid. Haven't been back,' one said. 'Ugh this KILLS the vibe. Also, for all us sober humans it's completely unnecessary, there's not a chance we're going to be there two hours,' another shared. 'Real. Instant turn off,' one suggested. Most restaurants offer up to two-hour seating, with some customers pointing out it's more than enough time to enjoy their meals - unless the service is slow. 'A place did that to me. Then moved me halfway through the meal because they were too slow. And then because they were super slow and we had a show to be at, we asked for the dessert that came as part of it to go, they forgot half of them,' one said. Jack Charles, the radio host of The Chrissie Swan Show, made a dinner reservation at one of his favourite restaurants in Melbourne. As he was led to his seat, the waiter bluntly told him he had to leave no later than 7.30pm as the table would be needed for the next customer Join the debate How do strict dining time limits affect your experience and loyalty to a restaurant? Meanwhile, others shared how they would respond when told they only had two hours to dine. 'I have said "oh ok, we'll leave then, clearly the 7pm booking is more important than us". Doubt it had an impact, but hopefully the wait staff thought about how they delivered the message next time,' one shared about her previous experience. 'I'd just walk off,' another confessed. 'Oh yeah that would be an easy fix for me. "Here, have the table now. I'm out, bye",' one added. However, someone were more understanding, with one explaining: 'At least they tell you at the beginning instead of right near the time and rush you out.' Boutique fitness studio Barry's Bootcamp is under fire after an alleged leaked memo, reportedly showing their internal policy on how to deal with a potential ICE raid went viral. In a copy of the alleged memo circulating online, a detailed breakdown of what instructors are expected to do in the event of an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raid is laid out, step-by-step. The guidelines issued seven steps for instructors, beginning with telling employees to 'stay calm' and to turn off music if ICE agents enter the building. The memo then said to bring the treadmill to a stop and turn all the lights on in the studio. The next instruction was to announce that the agents were inside, suggesting saying: 'Everyone please remain at your station. ICE has entered the room and is conducting an investigation.' 'Stay at the instructor podium unless otherwise directed,' the memo continued. It also encouraged instructors not to take 'further responsibility for anyone other than yourself.' 'The studio leader will be informed that they are in the building and will take the lead on communication with ICE and clients,' the memo concluded. Boutique fitness studio Barry's Bootcamp is under fire after an alleged leaked memo reportedly showing their internal policy on how to deal with a potential ICE raid went viral The Daily Mail contacted Barry's Bootcamp for comment. The memo has not been authenticated by Barrys. Barry's is a high-intensity interval training (HIIT) fitness chain founded in Los Angeles with a treadmill running and strength element. There are 89 studios worldwide, with 56 located in North America. The alleged memo sparked fury among many members, who argued that the chain should be protecting its customers and not letting immigration agents into the building. Some even threatened to boycott Barry's and cancel their membership. 'Apparently, Barry's is pulling out the red carpet for ICE if they want to kidnap one of their members,' one user wrote. 'It seems Barry's guidance is: "if the Gestapo comes into the building, do nothing as they rip away one of your neighbors that you've known for years. Point at them if you have to!' observed someone else. They continued: 'If you have a Barry's membership, I implore you to do your due diligence and speak out against this through social media, email or in person.' Someone else defended the gym, writing: 'My gym also put out guidance like this. You have to look at it from their perspective. Law enforcement is there, you don't want to increase your liability (you want to minimize it), so you tell people to do things that decrease everyone else's danger. Doesn't have to feel good.' The guidelines issued seven steps for instructors, which instruct them to turn off music and let members know ICE are conducting an investigation The alleged memo sparked fury among many members, who argued they should be protecting their customers and not letting the immigration agents in the building (stock image) The alleged leaked memo comes after a Texas-based gym franchise, Crunch Fitness, was blasted after sharing what was claimed to be its policies regarding any ICE raids. In a memo, which was posted to Reddit last week and has since been deleted, the franchise allegedly said its policy was to 'cooperate with any law enforcement officer,' including ICE. The memo, reported by Business Insider, read: 'What to expect during a raid,' the gym chain told employees that some ICE raids 'can last hours' and could include searches of 'offices, lockers, or computers.' Staff were instructed to contact management, keep members calm, and tell them 'not to interfere with the agents.' A spokesperson for Crunch told Business Insider the memo 'does not represent Crunch Fitness's corporate policy.' They added that the gym's lobby is the only area law enforcement can access without a warrant. The memo comes as several large chains have faced backlash over their policies regarding ICE agents. In January, Hilton Hotels severed ties with a franchisee in Minnesota after it sparked outrage by canceling bookings made by immigration agents and refusing them service. President Donald Trump's ongoing immigration enforcement operations have resulted in high tensions around the country. Pictured: ICE agents detain a man after conducting a raid in Colorado Lakeville Hampton Inn in Minneapolis was ordered to remove all Hilton branding as of Tuesday after head office learned that its policy barring Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents was still in effect. Rental car giant Enterprise also faced protests after social media users accused the company of providing vehicles to federal agents. Last week, terrified Target workers told store managers that they're too afraid to go to work after two Target employees - both legal citizens - were detained by ICE on the job, the Los Angeles Times reported. President Donald Trump's ongoing immigration enforcement operations have resulted in high tensions around the country. Conflicts in Minnesota city between immigration officers and protesters resulted in two fatal shootings: Alex Pretti, who was shot on January 24, and Renee Good, who was shot on January 7, causing massive pushback against ICE and the Trump administration. On Wednesday, Border Czar Tom Homan announced the Trump administration is pulling 700 federal agents out of Minnesota. He appeared to take a swipe at Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem's immigration crackdown, conceding it had not been a 'perfect operation' at a news conference in Minneapolis on Wednesday after the fatal shootings of Good and Pretti. If you ever get invited to a soiree by a Weiss family member, don't expect it to be a comfortable experience. Editor-in-Chief of CBS News Bari Weiss has raised eyebrows after a short clip from her podcast revealed her sister's unusual icebreaker - asking about people's weight. In a resurfaced clip from her Honestly show, originally released six months ago, Weiss nonchalantly mentioned that her sister often asks guests at her dinner parties what their goal weight is. 'One of my sister's favorite ice breakers at a dinner party, in addition to asking people's goal weight, is this: "What's your favorite conspiracy theory?"' Weiss said in the opener to her podcast episode, which focused on Jeffrey Epstein and other conspiracies across America. Weiss, who co-founded the Free Press with sister Suzy, has faced internal backlash and accusations of inexperience following her appointment at CBS by Paramount CEO David Ellison. And the resurfaced nine-second clip of the show's segment, which has been widely spread online, has landed her in further hot water. Horrified viewers chimed in to share their outrage at the idea of asking dinner guests what they wish they weighed. 'Who would answer either of those questions?' one appalled person shared to X, formerly Twitter. Editor-in-Chief of CBS News Bari Weiss has raised eyebrows after a short clip from her podcast revealed her sister's unusual icebreaker - asking about people's weight 'Deranged,' declared someone else. 'Racking my brain and can't think of a single worse question to ask,' wrote another. 'Single guys out there this is also a great icebreaker on a first date,' joked someone else. 'If somebody asks you about your weight at a dinner party, leave,' suggested another. 'Mention my "goal weight" at a dinner party and I'm immediately out the door,' declared someone else. 'But the plate comes with me,' they quipped. 'I didn't starve myself all day in pre-game anticipation just to leave empty-handed and weirded out.' According to Psychology Today, commenting on a person's weight, whether it be positive or negative, can result in harmful consequences. 'Comments about weight - whether intended as compliments or criticisms - can be particularly harmful to individuals who struggle with disordered eating,' the publication noted. In a resurfaced clip from her Honestly show, originally released six months ago, Weiss nonchalantly mentioned that her sister often asks guests at her dinner parties what their goal weight is If you ever get invited to a soiree by a Weiss family member, don't expect it to be a comfortable experience (stock image) .@bariweiss says that her sister likes to ask people at dinner parties what their goal weight is. Racking my brain and cant think of a single worse question to ask pic.twitter.com/naLLwrPJFA jasper nathaniel (@infinite_jaz) February 5, 2026 'Research has shown that weight-related teasing or pressure to lose weight is a strong predictor of eating disorders. 'Even compliments like "You've lost weight!" can reinforce unhealthy behaviors and create anxiety about maintaining weight loss,' it read. According to the School of Modern Etiquette, there are particular topics that people should avoid when at the dinner table, as it can lead to arguments and making people feel uncomfortable. Author Monika Walczak shared the six areas to steer clear of in front of company, and commenting on people's appearance or health is a big one. 'Some people may be suffering from a serious illness that causes changes in their appearance,' she pointed out in the blog published to the website. 'If you notice these changes, it's best to take the person aside and talk to them privately. Never bring up someone's health or appearance in front of others,' she suggested. Other topics include asking people about their relationship status, plans for having children, religion, politics or personal finances. They're the shoe of the moment in womenswear, and now men want in on the fun that is ballet flats. Having risen to prominence in the noughties, the lightweight silhouette was once everywhere and on everyone, including 2000s it-girls Sienna Miller, Kate Moss, and Alexa Chung. Last year, they returned to their former glory and took centre stage once again, with styles from MiuMiu, Chanel, and The Row gracing many a wishlist. This time around, though, men are claiming the style for themselves, and with Gen Z role models Harry Styles and Jacob Elordi riding the wave, you might soon catch your son slipping them on. Former One Direction member Styles is such a fan of the look he wore them on stage at the Grammys last Sunday, pairing his Dior blazer with light green flats from the same brand. In the same week, Jacob Elordi appeared on the Jimmy Kimmel show wearing his favourite Bottega Veneta, except this time it wasn't a leather bag slung over his shoulder, it was a pair of ballet flats. The actor, who will soon grace cinema screens globally alongside Margot Robbie in Emerald Fennell's Wuthering Heights, paired his flats with a salmon pink shirt and baggy denim. It's not just famous faces sporting ballet shoes, and over on TikTok, various content creators have shared their take on styling them. With male celebrities, including Bad Bunny, pictured, sporting ballet flats, they might just become the latest trend to take over menswear Jacob Elordi chose a pair of Bottega pumps when appearing on the Jimmy Kimmel show last week For Nick (@nickng), it was a light blue checked shirt and white, linen trousers, while Parisian fashion influencer Noah (@noaharchiv) styled his black pair with an all-brown ensemble. Commenting on the trend, stylist Lisa Talbot told the Daily Mail: 'Men's ballet flats are having a very visible moment again, thanks to fashion-forward men like Harry Styles, Jacob Elordi and Bad Bunny. 'For most men it will stay a directional trend rather than a wardrobe staple, but worn with relaxed tailoring or clean denim, it can look intentional rather than gimmicky.' Elsewhere, Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny made a statement when he chose to wear 'sneakerinas' at a premiere last year. The musician styled contrasting suit pieces with the hybrid shoe, which blends the practical aspects of trainers with the light and feminine features of ballet flats for comfort and style. While they're more on the divisive end of ballet flats, the quirky style has surged in popularity in recent times among women, with the shopping platform Lyst last year witnessing a 1,300 per cent increase in searches for the term 'ballet trainers'. While sneakerinas have been in high fashion circles for some time (MiuMiu, Acne Studios, and Ferragamo all have versions), they've now trickled down to high street stores, and most recently, M&S has revealed its womenswear version. Priced at 50, the shoe blends a classic, dainty Mary Jane with a trainer-like sole, making for an elevated shoe that is fit for dropping the kids off at nine and a fancy brunch at eleven. Former One Direction member Harry Styles sported a pair of green ballet flats at the Grammy Awards in Los Angeles last week Content creator Nick, who goes by @itsnickng on TikTok, paired his ballet flats with linen trousers and shirt 'Blending soft suede finishes, Mary Jane straps and trainer-level comfort, the sneakerina taps into fashion's obsession with wearable hybrids. Polished enough for dresses, practical enough for everyday life,' the website reads. If the M&S version doesn't quite cut it, plenty of others are available to shop on the high street, including silhouettes sported by Dua Lipa, Emily Ratajkowski, and nepo baby Iris Law. While it's easy for pop stars and models to pull off almost any shoe, personal stylist Lisa Talbot told the Daily Mail that they, too, can be perfect for midlife shoppers. 'Sneakerinas sit perfectly between a ballet flat and a trainer and that's exactly why they've taken off,' she said. 'For midlife women in particular, they answer a long-standing style frustration: we want comfort without feeling sporty, and polish without discomfort. 'High-street brands like Marks & Spencer embracing them is a clear signal that this isn't a flash trend, it's a wardrobe solution.' A medical watchdog organization unleashed scathing criticism of Virginia Commonwealth University Thursday after a nurse at the institution's hospital was fired for posting TikTok videos that went viral for suggesting the use of paralytic drugs, poison ivy, and laxatives against Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. "As we've documented at Do No Harm, VCU has a long history of pushing extreme identity politics into medical education and clinical treatment," Do No Harm executive director Kristina Rasmussen told Fox News Digital. "Now, they act surprised when radicalism sprouts from a ground seeded with toxic ideology." The organization, which represents employees and students in the medical field as well as patients and policymakers fighting to keep identity politics out of medical education, research and clinical practice, argues that VCU Health's termination of nurse Malinda Rose Cook represents insufficient accountability for an institution that has systematically prioritized political activism over medical professionalism. "When medical schools and hospitals allow radical politics to shape curriculum, they end up training harmful activists rather than skilled medical professionals," Rasmussen continued. "VCU Health firing this nurse is the bare minimum response. Unless they clean up their act, how will any patient feel safe walking through their doors?" The Viral Videos: Sabotage Tactics and Chemical Weapons On Tuesday night, a compilation of Cook's TikTok videos was shared by popular X account LibsOfTikTok, triggering immediate controversy and investigation by VCU Health administrators. In one video captioned simply "#ice #resistance #sabotage," the nurse, dressed in scrubs, instructed viewers to use what she called a "sabotage tactic" against opponents. "I thought of something good," Cook said in the video. "Sabotage tactic, or at least scare tactic. All the medical providers, grab some syringes with needles on the end. Have them full of saline or succinylcholine, you know, whatever. Whatever. That will probably be a deterrent. Be safe." Succinylcholine is a powerful anesthetic that causes rapid, short-acting muscle paralysis. The paralytic effect typically lasts four to six minutes and is used in medical settings for procedures requiring temporary muscle relaxation. The suggestion to weaponize this controlled substance represents a serious breach of medical ethics and potentially criminal intent. In another video, Cook suggested using poison ivy as a "resistance tactic," explaining that by mixing poison ivy or poison oak with water, it could be turned into a spray to infect opponents. "Aim for faces, hands," she instructed viewers. A third video gave what Cook characterized as "resistance tips for single women," encouraging them to use dating apps to identify ICE agents and incapacitate them. "Single ladies, where these ICE guys are going, have a chance to do something, you know, not without risk, but could help the cause for sure," Cook said. "Get on Tinder, get on Hinge, find these guys. They're around. [If] they're an ICE agent, bring some ex-lax and put it in their drinks. Get them sick. You know, nobody's going to die. Just enough to incapacitate them and get them off the street for the next day. Highly, easily deniable." Cook also suggested targeting ICE agents at their hotels and meals. "I'm just saying, let's get them where they eat. Somebody's not going to be supporting these guys. Where's the hotel where they eat? Who makes that breakfast? Let's find them. Let's make their lives f miserable." Swift Institutional Response VCU Health opened an investigation Tuesday morning after the videos surfaced, calling the posts "highly inappropriate" and immediately placing Cook on administrative leave. Less than 12 hours later, the hospital announced Cook had been fired, bringing her employment at the Richmond institution to an abrupt end. VCU Health did not return a Wednesday comment request from Fox News Digital seeking additional information about the termination, whether the matter had been referred to law enforcement, or what steps the institution plans to take to prevent similar incidents. Do No Harm's Documentation of VCU's "DEI Problem" The swift termination might have ended the story at most institutions, but Do No Harm argues that VCU's nurse scandal represents predictable consequences of the university's systemic embrace of what the organization characterizes as divisive identity politics. Do No Harm has extensively documented VCU's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, publishing multiple reports and analyses exposing what the group views as ideological capture of medical education at the Richmond institution. In March 2025, Do No Harm published an analysis titled "VCU Health's DEI Problem," revealing that almost 400 VCU Medical Center job descriptions contain references to "diversity," including requirements in desired qualifications and duties. The job description for VCU's Vice President and Chief Medical Officer of Health System Transformation, for example, requires candidates to demonstrate "ability to leverage diversity in functional skills, experience levels and backgrounds for innovation." The Chief Medical Officer role states candidates should have "Diversity Equity and Inclusion certification." Do No Harm also obtained lesson plans from VCU School of Medicine's "Advanced Research Mentoring Programs," which the organization characterizes as essentially focused on DEI ideology. Activity titles include "Reflecting on Diversity," "Reflect on Unconscious Assumptions," "Implications of Diversity Research," and case studies discussing "Equity and Inclusion." According to program descriptions, these sessions are designed to help faculty "recognize the potential impact of conscious and unconscious assumptions, preconceptions, biases, and prejudices on the mentor-mentee relationship and reflect on how to manage them." The DICE Inventory: 94.4 Percent Score In April 2023, Do No Harm published VCU School of Medicine's DICE (Diversity, Inclusion, and Community Engagement) Inventory Score of 94.4 percent, based on the institution's own survey response to the Association of American Medical Colleges. The score reflects extensive institutional commitment to DEI programming across admissions, curriculum, faculty evaluation, and administrative operations. Do No Harm obtained VCU's AAMC survey response through freedom of information requests, arguing that Virginia taxpayers funding the institution deserve transparency about its priorities. The analysis revealed that VCU School of Medicine's Office of Institutional Equity, Effectiveness, and Success is directly involved in promotion and tenure decisions, modifying guidelines "to include recognition of Community Engagement as an accepted criteria for evaluation." Do No Harm characterizes this as "a litmus test that requires faculty to toe the party line instead of teaching medicine at the highest level," arguing that political alignment rather than medical expertise drives career advancement. The institution's administrators have engaged in "state-level initiatives regarding required non-discrimination training with the Virginia Governor's Office," according to VCU's own documentation, suggesting extensive political involvement beyond medical education. 2024 Admissions Guidelines: Rewarding "Diversity" Do No Harm obtained 2024 admissions guidelines from VCU School of Medicine revealing that the institution continues to reward "diversity" in the admissions process, potentially prioritizing demographic characteristics over academic qualifications or medical aptitude. The organization also documented a VCU School of Medicine lecture featuring what Do No Harm characterizes as "flat-out misleading claims" including: "Underrepresented Minority Physicians Are More Likely to Serve the Underserved," "Minority Patients Are More Likely to Follow the Recommendations of Minority Physicians," "Diversity on Research Teams Enhances Impact of Research," and "A Diverse Physician Workforce Will Reduce Racial Healthcare Disparities." Do No Harm disputes these claims in a separate research project titled "Major DEI Studies, Major Flaws," arguing that the studies commonly cited to support diversity initiatives in medicine often have serious methodological issues casting doubt on their findings. The Broader Context: National Battle Over DEI in Medicine The VCU nurse scandal and Do No Harm's institutional critique occur within a broader national debate about the role of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in medical education and healthcare delivery. Do No Harm, established in April 2022, has rapidly gained recognition with 16,000 members including doctors, nurses, physicians, and concerned citizens across all 50 states and 14 countries. The organization has achieved over 10,000 media hits in top-tier publications while documenting DEI initiatives at medical schools nationwide. In comprehensive research titled "Activism Instead of Anatomy: The Sorry State of Medical School Curricula," Do No Harm revealed that 23 of America's top 25 medical schools now have anti-racism instruction as a core part of their curriculum, representing what critics characterize as political indoctrination replacing rigorous medical training. A March 2025 report titled "Unethical Expectations: How Accreditors Inject Identity Politics into Medical and Healthcare Education" highlighted how accrediting bodies impose DEI requirements on medical programs, with some explicitly requiring dedicated DEI offices as conditions of accreditation. The American Osteopathic Association's Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation, for instance, explicitly requires dedicated DEI programs and offices for colleges of osteopathic medicine to be accredited, effectively mandating political commitments as prerequisites for medical education. Accreditor Pushback: Signs of Change However, a July 2025 Do No Harm follow-up report found that seven of ten medical and healthcare education accreditors have either eliminated diversity requirements, proposed eliminating them, or pledged not to enforce these requirements following President Trump's executive order to reform accreditation. The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education suspended enforcement of two key diversity requirements, citing state DEI bans. The Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education removed diversity requirements and the phrase "diversity, equity, and inclusion" from its standards entirely. "We are pleased that many of the accreditors responsible for injecting identity politics into medical education are backing off their DEI requirements," said Stanley Goldfarb, MD, Chairman of Do No Harm. "While these early results are encouraging, there is still much work to be done to rid our institutions entirely of the rot of racial politics." Legal and Ethical Questions Legal analysts have suggested that Cook's videos could potentially expose her to criminal liability. Suggesting the use of controlled substances to incapacitate federal law enforcement officers, creating chemical weapons from poison ivy, or advocating for drugging individuals without consent all raise serious legal questions. Whether prosecutors will pursue charges remains unclear. VCU Health's statement did not indicate whether the institution has referred the matter to law enforcement or cooperated with any investigation. Beyond potential criminal liability, Cook's videos raise profound questions about medical ethics and professional responsibility. Healthcare professionals take oaths to "do no harm" and are bound by ethical codes prohibiting the weaponization of medical knowledge or substances. The videos suggest not merely political disagreement with immigration enforcement but willingness to violate fundamental medical ethics in service of political objectivesprecisely the outcome Do No Harm warns results from allowing "radical politics to shape curriculum." Patient Trust and Institutional Credibility Rasmussen's pointed question"how will any patient feel safe walking through their doors?"highlights potential consequences beyond Cook's individual termination. If patients perceive that VCU Health employees might prioritize political activism over medical ethics, trust in the institution could erode. Healthcare delivery fundamentally depends on patients trusting that medical professionals will act in their best interests regardless of political disagreements. The scandal also raises questions about institutional vetting and supervision. How did Cook's views escape notice before she posted videos to a public platform? What oversight mechanisms exist to ensure healthcare professionals maintain ethical boundaries? Are there other employees whose political commitments might compromise patient care? VCU Health's silence in response to media inquiries leaves these questions unanswered, potentially compounding reputational damage from the initial scandal. The Debate Over DEI in Medicine Defenders of diversity initiatives argue they address legitimate disparities in healthcare access and outcomes, prepare medical professionals to serve diverse populations, and create inclusive environments where all students and patients feel valued. Research does document persistent healthcare disparities along racial and socioeconomic lines, though experts dispute whether DEI programming effectively addresses root causes versus serving primarily as political signaling. Critics like Do No Harm contend that DEI initiatives prioritize demographic characteristics over competence, inject divisive politics into medical education, and distract from the fundamental mission of training skilled physicians. They argue that excellence in medical care should transcend political considerations and that patients deserve doctors selected and trained based solely on ability. The Cook incident provides ammunition for critics arguing that political activism in medical settings creates concrete dangers. When healthcare professionals view medical knowledge and substances as potential weapons for political causes, the ethical foundations of medicine erode. Looking Ahead VCU Health faces difficult questions about institutional culture and accountability. Do No Harm's call for the institution to "clean up their act" implies that firing one nurse insufficiently addresses systemic issues. Whether VCU will respond to Do No Harm's broader critique of its DEI initiatives remains unclear. Virginia's political landscape, with competing priorities between progressive educational institutions and conservative state leadership, complicates potential reforms. For Do No Harm, the VCU nurse scandal represents validation of warnings the organization has issued for nearly three years: that allowing political ideology to infiltrate medical education produces harmful consequences extending beyond campus debates into real-world healthcare delivery. As the national debate over DEI in medicine intensifies, the VCU case study will likely feature prominently in arguments about the risks of prioritizing political commitments over medical professionalism and ethical practice. Woolworths is dipping a toe back into designer fashion, announcing the return of the much-hyped Anya Hindmarch tote bags, this time in a decidedly more mini form. The stylish and sustainable Universal Bag, which launched in Woolies stores in early 2025 for $20, was designed by British luxury accessories designer Anya Hindmarch as part of an unexpected yet warmly received collaboration. For context, a tote from the high-end label can retail for upwards of $700. Now, the duo are reuniting to introduce the Mini Universal Bag, set to land on shelves on Wednesday, February 11th. Designed in a fun, compact silhouette, the scaled-down version will be available in two colourways, green and charcoal, and priced at $15. The Universal Bag is a global sustainability initiative led by Hindmarch in partnership with major food retailers, with the Mini Universal Bag marking the 28th international launch of the project. Each reusable bag is designed to be desirable and durable, and is made from 100 per cent recycled and recyclable materials. Likely inspired by the global obsession with 'cutesy', 'little' accessories, the mini tote is perfectly sized for quick grocery runs, packed lunches, picnics, errands and everyday essentials. Woolworths is dipping a toe back into designer fashion, announcing the return of the much-hyped Anya Hindmarch tote bags, this time in a decidedly more mini form Designed in a fun, compact silhouette, the scaled-down version will be available in two colourways, green and charcoal, and priced at $15 It is also making a tangible environmental impact, with the Universal Bag diverting an estimated 433 tonnes of plastic from landfill since the initiative launched in 2021. 'Our customers absolutely loved the bag we launched last year in collaboration with Anya's team, and it is wonderful to still see them being used in our aisles every day,' Woolworths Category Manager Rhonda Ma said. 'This new mini version offers something different again. It's a great size for a quick shop, a chic lunch tote, or even a stylish way to carry your tech. 'They're landing in stores but, if last year's frenzy was anything to go by, we encourage people to get in early so they don't miss out.' The collaboration was not without controversy the first time around, with shoppers divided over the price point amid rising grocery costs. 'So at a time when I can barely afford to buy groceries, Woolies puts out a $20 bag to put barely anything into. Got it,' one shopper wrote in a furious social media post. 'Omg that is outrageous,' another agreed, while a third added, '$20, in this economy?' Others labelled the price 'insane', with one saying they 'literally eye-rolled' upon seeing it in stores. The stylish and sustainable Universal Bag, which launched in Woolies stores in early 2025 for $20, was designed by British luxury accessories designer Anya Hindmarch as part of an unexpected yet warmly received collaboration 'That escalated quickly from free to 10 cents to $1 to $20,' one commenter pointed out. 'They really are out of touch with what's going on these days,' another added. Still, many were delighted by the chance to own a designer piece at a fraction of the usual price. 'I'll buy it because it's the only Anya Hindmarch I'll ever be able to afford,' a woman admitted. 'It's an Anya Hindmarch bag. She's a UK accessories designer who collaborates with supermarkets, mainly in the UK. They sell out every time and we're super lucky to have these in Australia. Got mine because I love it and can afford it,' another wrote. A former cinema worker claims you can recreate the distinct taste of movie popcorn at home - but only with the right ingredients. And run-of-the-mill butter or salt won't cut it. Aussie woman Lauren, who is an ex-cinema worker, shared the gatekept secret in a TikTok video - explaining that all you need are two precise ingredients. The first is a specific brand of microwave popcorn: PopBox Mega Butter Flavour Microwave Popcorn, a supermarket brand that comes with its own box. 'The second - and most important - ingredient is Flavacol,' Lauren explained. This little-known popcorn seasoning is produced by various brands and can be bought on Amazon. In Lauren's video, she shared a picture of the exact one she had used: Gold Medal Flavacol, which is priced at around $30 at different sites. In addition to having the right ingredients is knowing precisely how to combine them, which Lauren demonstrated in the video shared to her @laurenrigoni account. Opening the microwave popcorn box pack, she advised removing the small square container that's filled with unpopped corn kernels. Ex-cinema worker Lauren shared how to replicate movie popcorn in a viral video Lauren explained that DIY movie popcorn requires two ingredients: Flavacol seasoning, which can be found on Amazon, and PopBox Mega Butter Microwave Popcorn, which is sold at Coles and Woolies Lauren explained: 'The reason we use PopBox is it comes in this box with a little container, so you can open the container and add your [Flavacol] salt to it.' 'Whereas other microwave popcorn brands usually come in bags. You can't really open those bags and add anything before you cook it.' Lauren then slightly peeled back the lid of the popcorn kernel container and placed it in the microwave for 20 seconds - just long enough for the butter to melt, but not enough that the kernels start popping. Then, carefully removing the heated container from the microwave, Lauren next sprinkled about a tablespoon of Flavacol directly on top of the unpopped kernels and melted butter, mixing it all together so it's evenly distributed. Finally, she positioned the paper seal back over the container, placed the container back inside the original microwave popcorn box, and then put the entire thing into the microwave to cook for the recommended time. The final seconds of the video show Lauren opening the now filled popcorn box to reveal the buttery and flavourful snack inside - ready to enjoy. The video exploded on social media with over 600,000 views - many from popcorn lovers who had never previously heard of the secret seasoning ingredient. One reply questioned whether Flavacol was the same seasoning the major Aussie cinema chains use, which Lauren confirmed was accurate. Lauren's video shared to her @laurenrigoni demonstrated precisely how to add the Flavacol seasoning to the PopBox container of unpopped kernels and melted butter Many replies to the video were stunned to learn about the existence of Flavacol - with many people declaring that they were jumping on Amazon to buy it Others asked if Flavacol had to be added before the kernels were popped, or if it could just be sprinkled on top at the end. Lauren helpfully replied to say that she had experimented, but decided it didn't work as well because it wasn't evenly distributed. Ultimately, the best result she found came from adding it before popping the kernels. Accordingly, many replies declared that they were jumping straight onto Amazon to track it down. 'You've fed an unhealthy addiction,' joked one response. 'I'm so purchasing that,' confirmed another. 'Omg I can already SMELL it in my nostrils,' added another. Several Aussies even complained that it now appeared to be unavailable on several local Amazon retailers. 'Girl, I think you sold out Flavacol,' laughed one reply. Many commenters noted that you could also make a more budget-friendly DIY version of movie popcorn with Flavacol by simply 'buying the kernels, adding them to a pot with coconut oil and the Flavacol, [putting the pot] lid on, and giving it a shake every minute'. PopBox Microwave Popcorn, $4, is sold at major Aussie supermarkets. Even without Flavacol added, one person claimed it was 'the closest to cinema popcorn' However, a number of commenters raved that the PopBox, which retails at the major supermarkets for $4 for a 100g box, was worth the splurge. 'PopBox is legit the only brand of microwave popcorn we buy now. It is the closest to cinema popcorn. The Mega Butter is our favourite.' Another agreed: 'I love the PopBoxes! I always stock up when they're on special. I reckon it's the best brand! And no burning bags - you just hold the box like in the movies.' 'Popbox is so good by itself. Will try adding the Flavacol too though.' When Lauren's video erupted on TikTok, PopBox themselves even weighed in on the replies, commending her creation. Daily Mail spoke to PopBox CEO Mark Adamson, who thought Lauren's video was a 'fun take' on their product. However, he did add a cautionary note for anyone who wanted to try Lauren's adaptation of their product. 'Mark said: 'PopBox is a completely safe product when prepared as directed, and we've spent years perfecting the recipe to deliver that classic cinema-style flavour straight out of the box at home.' 'If people do want to experiment, we recommend using caution with microwaves, keeping a close eye on the popcorn as it pops, and avoiding overcooking for the best flavour and results.' A former Washington Post columnist is asking why billionaire Jeff Bezos isn't donating any of his fortune to support the money-hungry newspaper following an aggressive round of layoffs this week. Ruth Marcus, a longtime Post opinion writer, posed the pointed question in an op-ed for the New Yorker on Wednesday. Marcus, 67, left the Post in 2024 in direct response to editorial changes administered by Amazon founder Bezos that year. In her new piece, titled 'How Jeff Bezos Brought Down the Washington Post', Marcus sought to explain the economic landscape and decision that led to the layoffs, while casting blame on Bezos for not righting the proverbial, sinking ship. She goes on to question why the billionaire would not just pledge 'one percent' of his estimated $250billion net worth each year in order 'to sustain the paper indefinitely.' Bezos bought the paper for $250million in 2013 and at the time said 'he wanted it to be profitable.' Marcus - the author of 'Brett Kavanaugh and the Conservative Takeover' - went on to concede the prospect was 'a pipe dream' but said 'this arrangement would make Bezos the savior of the Post, not the man who presided over its demise.' In another portion of the piece, Marcus wrote that the Post's financial troubles did not truly start until 2023. Ruth Marcus, 67, left the Post in 2024 after 41 years due to editorial changes made by Bezos. She is now asking why he isn't spending his billions to support the paper Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos and wife Lauren Sanchez at the Christian Dior Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2026 show in Paris Monday, as staffers were tweeting out about layoffs Marcus said that much of the preceding decade was bolstered by 'Bezos-fueled growth', before declining ad revenue and readership began to take away from what was also described as 'some profitable years under Bezos'. As a means to show how the mogul would be hardly affected by the nine-figure annual losses, Marcus evoked a classic scene from 1941's Citizen Kane. In the picture, Orson Welles's character receives some stern words from a father figure for keeping his newspaper, The Inquirer, open in the face of yearly losses of a million. The young businessman - in what is meant to be a show of decency - says at that rate, 'he'll have to close this place in sixty years'. Marcus wrote: 'By that math, Bezos would have more than two millennia before needing to turn out the lights.' The Daily Mail has approached Marcus for comment. The accomplished columnist worked at the Post for more than 40 years before her resignation, which she wrote was in response to the Bezos-designed Opinion Sector revamp meant to focus on 'personal liberties and free markets.' Amazon founder Jeff Bezos bought the Washington Post in 2013 for $250million The newspaper has struggled with decreasing readership and traffic. Bezos has previously said he wanted the venture to be 'profitable' Marcus and many other Post opinion writers resigned in response. In addition to her 41 years as a columnist, Marcus spent nearly a decade as the paper's deputy editorial page director. Bezos and his wife Lauren Sanchez, meanwhile, flaunted expensive couture outfits at Paris Fashion Week last week - as rumors of the then-looming layoffs first began to ring out. The firings came to fruition Wednesday and reduced the Post's by roughly 30 percent. Joe Rogan was visibly disgusted by the lack of free speech in the UK after revealing that more than 12,000 people are locked up each year for their social media posts. On an episode of his podcast, The Joe Rogan Experience, released on February 4, the podcaster sat down with English comedian Andrew Doyle as they immediately began discussing woke ideology and the repercussions for Britons. 'More than 12,000 people have been arrested in the UK in the past year for social media posts,' said Rogan 'And if you read some of those social media posts, they're not even remotely terrifying.' The podcaster was referring to a statistic reported by The Times that found police were making more than 30 arrests a day for 'offensive' uploads under section 127 of the Communications Act 2003 and section 1 of the Malicious Communications Act 1988. Rogan explained how uploads that are non-threatening and are only criticizing topics such as immigration into the country, which lead to police officers arriving at their front doors. The crime of sending 'grossly offensive' messages or sharing content of an 'indecent, obscene or menacing character' on electronic communications networks is punishable by up to two years' imprisonment or an unlimited fine in the UK. Doyle told Rogan how he fears Americans will think the Brits are crazy over the lack of free speech in his country. The podcaster was quick to speak on behalf of Americans: 'We do. We do now. We think you've lost it.' Joe Rogan was visibly disgusted by the lack of free speech in the UK on an episode of his podcast, The Joe Rogan Experience, released on February 4. The podcaster sat down with English comedian Andrew Doyle as they immediately began discussing woke ideology and the repercussions it has left for the Brits Doyle and Rogan discussed the lack of freedom as the Brit admired the First Amendment in the US. Rogan explained how he feels a shift in culture needs to happen before saying the only way people will call for radical change is if the situation becomes dramatically worse 'We also think something happened where your leaders are intentionally trying to tank your country. It seems like they're trying to bring in as many migrants as possible. Cater to them, not to the British people, and do it openly so that everyone knows what they're doing and then create chaos on the streets because of it.' Doyle explained a phrase to Rogan he claimed is commonly used in his country: 'Anarcho-tyranny, you know, where you punish people who aren't breaking the law, but you protect those who are.' The Brit explained how these arrests have been going on for years, noting that the last time he saw Rogan in 2020, already 3,000 people had been arrested for 'grossly offensive speech'. 'What does that even mean?' Asked Doyle. 'I find laws against free speech to be grossly offensive.' He went on to explain the 2022 incident of Darren Brady, a then-51-year-old Army veteran, who was arrested by Hampshire Police officers after he was told, 'causing anxiety' with a social media post. Brady had shared an image of four Pride flags arranged into a swastika, an image first shared by online provocateur Laurence Fox on X. In a viral video of his arrest at his home in Aldershot, he could be heard asking the three police officers: 'Why am I in cuffs?' One officer answered: 'Someone has caused anxiety based on your social media post.' He was later released with no further action taken. The comedian explained to Rogan the 2022 incident of Darren Brady, a then-51-year-old Army veteran, who was arrested by Hampshire Police officers after he was told, 'causing anxiety' with a social media post The tweet, originally by online provocateur Laurence Fox, showed four LGBT pride flags positioned to make a swastika, captioned with the words, 'Oh blessed and most holy month' After hearing the story, Rogan questioned how that could be offensive before he answered his own question: 'That's the problem. You could find anything offensive. You could find anything grossly offensive if you're extremely sensitive.' Doyle pointed out how the US has far more protections than the UK due to the First Amendment. 'It's (First Amendment) very important, and it didn't seem important 20 years ago or 30 years ago,' said Rogan. Doyle made an observation that police routinely checking on people for committing offensive speech is arguably worse than the actual arrests. He added that, in Scotland, the Hate Crime and Public Order Act of 2024 allows people to be prosecuted for what they say in their own home. 'So I think it's worse than just the arrest. I think it's a rotten system that is being trained by activists in the college of policing that no government will deal with,' said the Brit. Rogan noted that the culture has to shift before saying the only way people will call for radical change is if the situation becomes dramatically worse. Today show staff have been wracked with guilt for throwing host Savannah Guthrie under the bus while she was off-air having vocal cord surgery just weeks before her mother's kidnapping, the Daily Mail can reveal. The NBC star had reportedly been anxious to return to work after ratings went up during her absence, but has since dropped everything to support her family following Nancy Guthrie's shock disappearance this weekend. Savannah's colleagues have been among the first to lead an outpouring of support, as police in Tucson, Arizona, doggedly search for proof that her 84-year-old mother is still alive. But just weeks ago, NBC insiders had been singing a very different tune. 'Without Savannah [on air], the vibe shifted immediately. It stopped feeling like a classroom and started feeling like a group of equals,' a source told the Daily Mail last month. 'She naturally takes charge, but when she's gone, everyone else finally breathes. It feels more collaborative, more relaxed. The show feels warmer.' Now, it is understood that those who were quick to criticize Savannah, 54, behind the scenes have now been left guilt-ridden by their comments. 'A tragic situation like this is a wakeup call,' one insider told the Daily Mail. 'It makes you see someone in a totally different light not the hard-driving ambitious TV star but a vulnerable frightened woman who is in the middle of a nightmare. 'We are all hurting for Savannah. We know how much she adores her mother, you could see how genuine her devotion is when she brought Nancy to the show.' Guthrie returned to air less than a week before her mother Nancy was snatched from her bed on Saturday night. Today show staff who were quick to criticize Savannah Guthrie behind the scenes during her medical leave in December have now told the Daily Mail they're racked with guilt by their comments in the wake of her mother's kidnapping Savannah's mother Nancy Guthrie, 84, was abducted from her home in Tucson, Arizona overnight Saturday/Sunday. Now cops are searching for proof that she is still alive on the fifth day of their search Figures obtained by the Daily Mail showed that Today won 12 percent more viewers for the week covering the end of December and beginning of January while she was absent compared to the same seven days 12 months prior. Her colleagues at the time said that Savannah was 'trying to laugh off' the ratings rise, but was really 'in full panic mode'. Now, however, any private griping at her expense has been put aside, with all Today staff uniting behind her ever since the news of Nancy's kidnapping broke. Savannah and her siblings, Annie, 56, and Camron, 61, released a video statement on Instagram on Wednesday night, sending direct messages to their mother and her abductor. In the video, Guthrie described her mother in glowing terms and graciously thanked everyone across the country who has offered prayers and support. The heartbreaking tape hit Savannah's NBC critics hard, with one source telling the Daily Mail that they bitterly regret their prior tongue wagging about the star. 'It isn't easy being Savannah,' another source said. 'She's beautiful, rich, has a great life. People resent that. 'Then something like this happens and your world coming crashing down. It makes us regret b****ing about her. Today show sources told the Daily Mail that the heartbreaking video recorded by Savannah and her siblings, Annie and Camron, begging for the kidnappers to return their mother ,struck them hard in the wake of their previous comments Sources also say Savannahs deep love for her mother was obvious when she brought Nancy to the show Savannah's co-star Craig Melvin confirmed Thursday that he has stepped back from presenting duties at the Winter Olympics in Milan as the search for Nancy continues 'When all is said and done, she's a good person and you can see how devastated she is. 'That video was just heartbreaking.' Savannah and her Today co-star Craig Melvin, 46, have both now pulled out of presenting duties in Milan for the Winter Olympics as the hunt for Nancy continues. On Thursday morning, Melvin was visibly emotional on air. 'Most days, of course, Savannah greets you right here from this desk, but this morning, our dear friend has a very different message,' he said before playing her video plea to Nancy's abductors in its entirety. Melvin is not the only star to send Savannah support publicly. Carson Daly has said he is 'praying intensely'. And support has extended beyond NBC, with fellow journalists such as Gayle King becoming visibly emotional while discussing the case on air, saying: 'Your heart can't help but break.' NBC has also publicly backed Savannah as she steps away from her duties to focus on her family, reflecting the widespread solidarity shown by her peers during the crisis. Savannah used the Instagram video to directly address her mother's possible captors, in the first public admission that she may be being held for ransom. 'We too have heard the reports about a ransom letter in the media,' she said. 'As a family, we are doing everything that we can.' Nancy Guthrie disappeared from the house where she has lived for more than 50 years,with cops saying she was abducted Guthrie said to her mothers abductors: 'We are ready to talk,' but said the family wanted proof that they weren't potentially using fraudulent images of her. 'We live in a world where voices and images are easily manipulated,' she continued. 'We need to know, without a doubt, that she is alive and that you have her. 'We want to hear from you, and we are ready to listen. Please, reach out to us.' Directly addressing her mother, Guthrie said: 'Mommy, if you are hearing this, you are a strong woman. You are God's precious daughter, Nancy. 'We believe and know that even in this valley, he is with you. Everyone is looking for you, mommy, everywhere. We will not rest; your children will not rest until we are together again.' Nancy vanished after she was dropped off at her sprawling property in Tucson, Arizona, shortly before 10 pm on Saturday evening. Originally cops had said her son-in-law Tommaso Cioni, 50, had driven her home, but are now just saying it was a family member No suspect has been identified, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos reiterated at a Thursday press conference, while police insist there is no danger to the wider public. Investigators have not ruled out that Nancy may have been targeted precisely because she is the mother of the famous Today show host. I received a Selfridges voucher for Christmas and ordered an AllSaints jacket for 263 on its website and collected it from the London store. Sadly it didn't suit me, so I returned it within the one-month window by posting it back. I then received an email saying my return had been rejected due to 'damaged buttons' and having 'hair all over'. I only tried the coat on once at home and am certain I didn't damage it. I obviously can't rule out a stray hair finding its way on to the coat, but the accusation that it had 'hair all over' is totally false. I treated the coat no differently than if I had tried it on in the shop. Selfridges won't provide photos of the coat to prove it and just repeatedly refers me back to the terms and conditions. L.C, London Trying it on: Selfridges refused a refund on a coat, despite the customer insisting they had sent it back in the same condition as they received it (file image) Helen Crane, This is Money's consumer champion, replies: This is the second time in a week that a reader has contacted me to say they have been refused a refund on a designer purchase has been because of pesky stray hairs. A coincidence? Probably, but it does show how brutal the battle between retailers and customers is becoming over the thorny issue of returns. Excessive returns are a hugely expensive headache for retailers for two reasons. First, some people wear things and send them back. This is known as 'wardrobing,' and 16 per cent of shoppers admit to doing it according to a 2024 study by Retail Economics. That has always happened, but super-fast online delivery and free returns have made it much easier. Posting something off to a warehouse is much less nerve-wracking than fronting up to a shop assistant, worn dress in hand. Second, some people use online delivery as a fitting room - buying loads of items, including the same outfit in multiple sizes, trying them all on and returning the vast majority. Retail Economics found that, in 2024, a huge one in five non-food items bought online was sent back, costing retailers 27billion. The reality is many returned items won't ever make it back onto the shelves or into the hands of another customer. Shops are therefore employing ever-harsher tactics to crack down on those who abuse the system. Online giant Asos, for example, has angered some customers by introducing a 'fair use' policy which tracks the percentage of items a shopper returns over a year. It deducts up to 7.90 in fees per returned order for those who 'consistently take actions that make providing them with free returns unsustainable.' It's understandable that retailers are on high alert - especially ones like Selfridges who sell expensive, luxury goods. High-end: Selfridges (Oxford Street, London store pictured) is likely to be a tempting target for those looking to cheat the system by wearing an item once and then returning it It must be an extremely tempting target for the wear-once-and-return mob, who want a nice outfit for a big event - but don't fancy paying for the privilege. That doesn't mean they can tar honest shoppers like yourself with the same brush, though. If you simply don't like the look of something, and return it unworn within the specified time, you are perfectly within your rights to get your money back. Yes, the coat you sent back might have had a couple of stray hairs on it - but using that as a reason not to refund you is overzealous. Would Selfridges force someone to buy the coat if they had left a hair on it while trying it on in-store? Not likely. You told me: 'I completely respect that companies have the right to reject returns for damaged items and that there are a very small group of people who try to play the system and defraud companies by wearing and resending items. However, this isn't me. 'I have never once in my 12-plus years of ordering online had a return rejected because it was damaged.' You also told me you have no idea what the comment about the buttons being 'damaged' referred to, and say you didn't even do them up when you tried it on. If there was any 'damage' Selfridges should have sent you photo evidence to justify withholding your money, which it declined to do. You also asked to escalate the complaint, but were ignored. I suspect whoever you spoke to realised the company's original decision had been wrong-headed. I've noticed some reviews online where people have similar complaints. One, posted just days ago, reads: 'I purchased a pair of Jimmy Choo shoes for work online costing over 400. They did not fit. 'I tried them on briefly in my own home, on my wooden floors, to check size and comfort - exactly as any customer would reasonably do. They were never worn outside. 'Despite this, my return has been refused on the basis that the soles were allegedly "dirty and worn"'. Another told how she ordered three potential wedding dresses in different sizes from Selfridges. After trying on the largest and finding it too small, she says she packaged up all three and sent them straight back - only to be declined a refund on the two that she never even took out of the wrapping because they were stained and dirtied. She said she was eventually refunded after calling customer services five times. I contacted Selfridges on your behalf, and am pleased to say it investigated again and quickly overturned its decision. Within 24 hours, the 263 had been re-loaded on to your voucher. A spokeswoman for Selfridges said: 'This case was fully investigated and has since been resolved. The customer has been issued a full refund.' I'd recommend anyone who shops online takes a snap of items before they return them, so they can fight allegations like these. Have you had a refund denied unfairly? Email helen.crane@thisismoney.co.uk Electric cars might have fewer moving components than their petrol and diesel counterparts, but they are still just as likely - if not more so - to fail their first MOT test, according to official records. Data provided by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) - the government body responsible for overseeing MOTs - shows that five of the 10 motors with the worst first pass rates are EVs. All cars are required to undergo their first annual roadworthiness assessment from the third year after they were registered, irrespective of their fuel type. And a freedom of information request issued to the DVSA by vehicle history checking platform Carvertical revealed that the Mercedes EQC - an electric SUV that cost from 65,000 new - has the highest failure rate of all. Of the 4,179 EQCs that were registered in 2022 and underwent their initial MOT in 2025, some 717 didn't pass. That's a failure rate of 17.2 per cent, which is more than any other model. The data also shows that Tesla's current vehicle range are among those with the worst pass rates of all. But experts say there is one specific reason why EVs have a higher likelihood of failing an MOT... Electric cars might have fewer moving components than their petrol and diesel counterparts, but they are still just as likely - if not more so - to fail their first MOT test, according to official records The DVSA's records place the Tesla Model Y in seventh among the list of cars with the worst first MOT pass rates. Elon Musk's electric SUV was the nation's most popular EV - with almost 25,000 purchased last year - having first arrived on UK shores in 2022. Of the 19,282 examples registered that year and was therefore subject to their first MOTs in 2025, 2,859 failed at a rate of 14.8 per cent. And it wasn't much better news for its Model 3 saloon sibling, which was two places lower in the rankings with an initial MOT fail rate of 14.6 per cent. Other electric models featuring in the order of worst first-time MOT fail rates include the BMW i4 (14.9 per cent) and Citroen e-C4 (14.4 per cent). THE 10 CARS WITH THE WORST FIRST MOT PASS RATES IN 2025 Make & model Number of MOTs (2025) Number of passes Number of fails Fail rate (%) Mercedes-Benz EQC (electric) 4,179 3,462 717 17.2% Ford Tourneo Custom 3,141 2,621 520 16.6% Vauxhall Insignia 693 584 109 15.7% Ford Tourneo Connect 1,756 1,481 275 15.7% Land Rover Discovery Sport 3,704 3,144 560 15.1% BMW i4 (electric) 3,830 3,259 571 14.9% Tesla Model Y (electric) 19,282 16,423 2,859 14.8% BMW X5 6,250 5,328 922 14.8% Tesla Model 3 (electric) 13,159 11,235 1,924 14.6% Citroen E-C4 (electric) 2,680 2,301 379 14.4% Source: DVSA data supplied to Carvertical for MOT pass tests conducted from 1 January - 31 December 2025 The non-EVs making up the rest of the top 10 were the Ford Tourneo Custom and Connect SUVs, Vauxhall's Insignia (which went out of production in 2022) Land Rover Discovery Sport and BMW X5. Carvertical said that the presence of electric models at the top of the rankings 'highlights how EVs are now a common sight on UK roads and are increasingly reflected in MOT data'. However, historical MOT records suggest there may be another reason why EVs are among the cars with the worst pass rates... Of the 4,179 EQCs that were registered in 2022 and underwent their initial MOT in 2025, some 717 didn't pass. That's a failure rate of 17.2%, which is more than any other model The DVSA's records place the Tesla Model Y in seventh among the list of cars with the worst first MOT pass rates The Tesla Model 3 - Britain's second favourite new EV in 2025 - had an initial MOT fail rate of 14.6% in 2025. That's the ninth lowest of any car A report compiled by the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) in 2023 claimed EVs are 40 per cent more likely to fail an MOT on tyre-related issues compared to petrol cars. It attributed this to the greater average weight of EVs compared to other vehicles as well as tyres being worn out more quickly due to the incredible instant power generated by battery cars. The immediate torque produced by their electric motors - which means the cars can deliver monumental thrust from a standing start - typically sees EVs churn through tyres more quickly. In order to pass an MOT, a vehicle's tyre must have more than 1.6mm of tread depth across the central three-quarters of the tyre, covering its entire circumference. Concerningly for EV drivers, the report also found that the overall MOT failure rate for newer EVs was higher than their petrol vehicle equivalents. Department for Transport (DfT) data from 2015 to 2018 revealed that 46 per cent of EV MOT failures caused by tyres. Over the same time period, only 32 per cent of MOT failures could be attributed to tyres for petrol cars. Steve Nash, CEO of the IMI, said: 'Most electrics are electric versions of petrol and diesel, so they are relatively heavy, and it doesnt really matter what you do with different tyre mixes, they are simply going to wear tyres more.' However, the report - based on analysis of government records from 2021 - also found that EVs failed 'more on dangerous items' than petrol equivalents. Of the 3,830 BMW i4 EVs that underwent their first MOTs in 2025, some 571 didn't pass. That's a fail rate of 14.9% The car placed tenth in terms of the lowest first MOT pass rates last year was Citroen's electric E-C4 crossover Is it time for an EV-specific MOT test? The Government last year refused to rule out changes to the MOT test to include specific checks for electric cars following the EU's decision to implement changes to its annual vehicle roadworthiness assessment to reflect an increasing electric car parc. The European Commission revealed its intention to make wholesale changes to its 'periodic technical inspection' (PTI) procedure - the rules for MOT-equivalent roadworthiness checks on cars, vans and motorcycles. Among the changes it outlined includes: 'Adapting the PTI to electric vehicles and including new test elements for electronic safety systems through wider use of the electronic vehicle interface (including testing the software integrity of safety and emission-related systems).' The latter is an increased focus on proving routine checks of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), such as adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, and lane keeping assist. According to the EC: 'Current testing methods have not been adapted to advances and roll-out of new technologies, such as advanced driver assistance features, and electric vehicles.' Apostolos Tzitzikostas, commissioner for sustainable transport and tourism, added: 'By modernising our roadworthiness rules we are harnessing the latest technology, strengthening enforcement, and ensuring they keep pace with the evolving realities of mobility.' The proposals will now be considered by the European Parliament and the Council. If agreed, the Commission will prepare the required acts for certain aspects of the implementation of the new rules across the EU. The UK government, despite not being required to do so, could follow suit by introducing similar changes to the MOT test. The DfT told us:' The Department continually reviews the MOT system in Great Britain to ensure road safety and environmental standards are maintained.' The spokesman added: 'Any proposals for the European Union will be reviewed.' More than 350 jobs are at risk of being axed at energy firm Drax, with UK staff bearing the brunt of prospective cuts. Around 300 of the jobs at risk are understood to be based in the UK, although this could change as the consultation process progresses. The company's restructure is focused on core services, commercial and Drax Power Station. Other parts of the business, such as pellets, operations and Drax Energy Services, are understood not to be affected. The energy company, which operates a major power station in Selby, North Yorkshire, currently employs around 3,000 people across the UK and North America. Drax said it was 'evolving its strategy', adding that the planned changes were 'key to our long-term success and our continued commitment to deliver UK energy security'. Job cuts: More than 350 jobs are at risk of being axed at Drax A spokesperson for the business said it was launching a consultation process in the UK and would be 'briefing colleagues in North America on changes that could result in a reduction of more than 350 roles across the Drax Group.' In a statement this week, Drax said: 'This is in no way a reflection of the professionalism, passion and commitment that our colleagues have shown. 'We will support our colleagues as we develop these proposals and work closely with our unions and elected employee representatives as we implement them.' Unite general secretary Sharon Graham, said: 'It is shameful that a firm making billions such as Drax is choosing to target its staff. 'It is morally wrong that workers, their families and local communities pay the price for corporate greed. 'Drax has serious questions to answer about the rationale for this decision. A just transition needs more energy workers with expertise, not fewer, to succeed. 'Unite will not stand by and allow these highly skilled energy workers to lose their jobs.' A Drax spokesperson said the recent signing of an agreement with the UK government was a 'recognition of the important role Drax Power Station will continue to play for UK energy security into the 2030s'. Drax shares fell 2.73 per cent or 24.50p to 872.00p on Thursday, having risen around 40 per cent in the past year. Barnaby Joyce's media commentator wife Vikki Campion is being whispered about as a potential One Nation candidate as the minor party rolls out a string of high-profile recruits. Political insiders say Campion has not confirmed whether she will put her hand up to run for a seat, but it's understood her name is being actively discussed in One Nation circles. 'Vikki's views resonate with disaffected Nationals, who One Nation is trying to win over,' the source said. Campion's regular News Corp column is regularly focused upon criticising renewable energy and the Chinese Communist Party. She is not the only Nationals-aligned figure being closely watched - with MP Llew O'Brien provocatively sitting next to Campion's recent Nationals-to-One Nation defector husband Barnaby Joyce during Question Time on Wednesday. The pair shared a warm conversation. Mr O'Brien, the MP for the Queensland seat of Wide Bay, told The Australian newspaper he may quit the Nationals if the Coalition reunites without a firm plan to repeal controversial hate speech laws introduced after the Bondi Beach terror attack. 'I could only see myself being part of a team that has a plan to repeal that bill,' O'Brien told the newspaper. Campion declined to provide the Daily Mail with a detailed response when contacted for comment about her future. Vikki Campion (left) has been touted by Canberra insiders as a potential One Nation candidate Pauline Hanson in the Senate on Thursday - the first day she was allowed back after her suspension over her wearing-a-burqa stunt She simply said the 'premise' of the Mail's questions about her political future was 'incorrect'. Campion first met Joyce in 2016 when she joined his office as a media adviser. Their working relationship soon became personal, culminating in a national scandal in 2018 after photos of a pregnant Campion emerged - while Joyce, the then-deputy prime minister, was still married. The controversy ultimately led to Joyce's resignation as deputy PM in February that year. The couple went on to welcome two sons, Sebastian in 2018 and Thomas in 2019. In November 2023, Campion and Joyce married in a relaxed 'bush bash' ceremony on Joyce's family farm in Woolbrook, NSW. Campion, a prominent News Corp columnist, has established herself as a forceful voice for populist, antielite and culturally conservative politics, aligning closely with themes often promoted by One Nation. She routinely takes aim at climate politics. Within One Nation, there is a view that Campion's involvement - and forceful tone - would strengthen the party's overall messaging. Vikki Campion (left) has consistently slammed green energy projects and social 'elites' Meanwhile, speaking to media on Thursday, Nationals Leader David Littleproud dismissed suggestions that O'Brien was preparing to quit the party. Littleproud said he had spoken to O'Brien that morning and was 'comfortable' he would be staying with the Nationals. 'The reality is he's made it very clear to me he's not leaving,' Littleproud said. 'He doesn't see One Nation as a party that can deliver for the people of Wide Bay in the way the National Party has.' However, Daily Mail understands other Nationals MPs view O'Brien's departure as inevitable. Wide Bay is expected to be a top One Nation target at the next election, with the party securing 12 per cent of the primary vote in 2025 before surging in recent polls. A Roy Morgan poll released Tuesday put One Nation's support at 25 per cent nationally - ahead of the combined Nationals and Liberals on 20.5 per cent. O'Brien did not respond to a request for comment. LNP MP Llew O'Brien (pictured) has been rumoured to be considering a move to One Nation Former NT Chief Minister Adam Giles has also been rumoured as a One Nation candidate On Tuesday the party also unveiled former Liberal senator Cory Bernardi as its lead upper house candidate for South Australia's state election on March 21. Former Northern Territory chief minister Adam Giles, who now heads Gina Rinehart's agriculture interests, is also being discussed as a possible One Nation candidate and has openly backed the party. Giles, Australia's first Indigenous government leader, urged voters to donate to One Nation and 'put their active support behind Pauline Hanson'. He praised the party, saying Hanson and One Nation were the only ones 'showing the leadership' needed on immigration and net zero to 'save our country'. Giles served as NT Chief Minister from 2013 to 2016 with the Country Liberal Party before taking over as chief executive of Hancock Agriculture and S. Kidman & Co, both owned by Rinehart. 'Australians have been suffering, and will suffer even more, under left-leaning net zero policies,' Giles said. On Sunday 19 October 2025, four men raided the Louvre in Paris, getting away with jewels worth an estimated 85 million. Despite a continent-wide search for the stolen treasures, the items remain missing. The speed and sophistication of the heist has prompted the Daily Mail's Conspiracy Vault to ask: were the elusive Pink Panthers behind it? The Pink Panthers are a shadowy network of thieves responsible for some of the most audacious heists and prison escapes in living memory. Authorities believe the group has committed over 370 high-profile robberies across 35 countries from 1999 to the present day. The network is thought to have emerged from the Balkans in the aftermath of the Yugoslav Wars. Despite making an estimated 400 million from their robberies, the Pink Panthers remain active today, with members linked to a 500,000 jewellery heist at a luxury Greek hotel in September 2025. French authorities arrested four men within weeks of October's Louvre robbery, identifying them through DNA evidence left at the scene. There has been no official connection made to the Pink Panthers. However, as the Daily Mail's Alexis Cimino points out, committing a robbery and being able to offload priceless goods are two very different things. With the jewels still missing, this suggests another party may have been involved behind the scenes. To hear all about the Pink Panthers' many daring heists and their potential connection to the recent Louvre robbery, search for The Crime Desk on YouTube French authorities arrested four men within weeks of October's Louvre robbery, identifying them through DNA evidence left at the scene Cimino describes striking similarities between the Louvre heist and the Pink Panthers' previous crimes, explaining why this style of robbery remains so difficult to prevent Cimino describes striking similarities between the Louvre heist and the Pink Panthers' previous crimes, explaining why this style of robbery remains so difficult to prevent. 'None of the arrested suspects were found in possession of any of the stolen goods from the Louvre', Cimino said. 'Authorities continue to examine whether any additional individuals were involved, including possible insiders, facilitators or third parties. 'Law enforcement agencies have long noted that Panther-linked crimes tend to operate in layers with those who execute the theft separated from those who ultimately handle the stolen goods. That separation has made recovery and prosecution at higher levels extremely difficult. 'Also, this wasn't a jewellery store or private collection, it was one of the most symbolically important museums in the world. Historically, Panther-linked thefts have focused not only on monetary value but cultural significance. 'At the Louvre, there was no high tech intrusion, no cyber attacks, no elaborate theatrics - instead, just disguises and confidence. That approach, prioritising speed over complexity, aligns with the tactics repeatedly used by the Panthers. 'The unresolved disappearance of the goods, not the mystery surrounding the theft itself, is another consistent feature of Panther cases. The unanswered questions are part of their playbook.' Spending just four minutes inside the museum, the Louvre robbers stole items of huge cultural significance. They made off with eight pieces of Napoleon-era Crown Jewels, including a diamond-and-emerald necklace given by Napoleon to Empress Marie-Louise and Empress Eugenie's pearl-and-diamond tiara. The network is thought to have emerged from the Balkans in the aftermath of the Yugoslav Wars Spending just four minutes inside the museum, the Louvre robbers stole items of huge cultural significance They made off with eight pieces of Napoleon-era Crown Jewels The Panthers have been known for stealing items of similar cultural importance. In 2008, they raided Zurich's Kunsthaus Museum, one of the most famous art galleries in the world. The heist remains the largest art robbery in European history, with the perpetrators snatching paintings by Vincent Van Gogh, Claude Monet and Paul Cezanne while the museum was open. Some commentators have speculated there may be an ideological component to the Panthers' crimes, suggesting the gang targets Western cultural institutions as revenge for NATO's involvement in the Yugoslav Wars. However, this theory remains unproven, and investigators have noted the group appears primarily motivated by profit rather than politics. Police have long believed the group does not have a set command structure or individual leader. As Cimino explains, they are bonded by culture and in some cases, family, not by a set hierarchy - this makes them unwilling to give up information and also difficult to investigate. 'Many investigators believe the Panthers are not a traditional crime syndicate, but instead a loose network of Serbian, Montenegrin and Bosnian criminals', Cimino said. 'But they are more than just individuals who occasionally work together. They are linked by culture. 'In a 2010 New Yorker article, a man familiar with the Panthers said their structure was simple: you get a call, you do the job, you get paid. Some participants are friends, some are cousins.' To hear all about the Pink Panthers' many daring heists and their potential connection to the recent Louvre robbery, search for The Crime Desk on YouTube. Government Intensify Treaty Communication Campaign The Government has intensified its communication campaign in relation to the details of the UK-EU treaty in respect of Gibraltar. The Chief Minister this morning briefed the staff of the Borders and Coastguards Agency and HM Customs, which will be frontline agencies in relation to the implementation of the treaty. This afternoon the Chief Minister briefed the business community in a packed meeting at Grand Battery House. This included a detailed presentation by the Attorney General in relation to goods and transaction tax matters. The Deputy Chief Minister and the Minister for Business were also present. There was an opportunity for traders to ask questions, and this was allowed to continue until no more questions remained. Other questions submitted in writing by the Chamber of Commerce and the GFSB will be answered directly by email. A further and more detailed technical notice will be published shortly. Yesterday, the Deputy Chief Minister and the Attorney General provided a detailed briefing to the Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority and the Air Terminal Director on the detail of the aviation chapter of the treaty. It is important to note that the treaty text has still not been formally agreed prior to publication. However, there is a very real risk that it could be leaked at any time. The Government, nonetheless, is not able to publish it until the Parties formally determine to do so. Those Parties are the United Kingdom and the European Union. In this context, it is clear that the Leader of the Opposition does not appear to appreciate the procedure followed in international treaty negotiations. Treaties are negotiated by Governments. When the text is settled, they are published for scrutiny by Parliaments and by Oppositions. The Opposition in Spain and in the United Kingdom have not been involved in the negotiations still less have they been supplied with a draft text before it has been settled. While the Opposition continue with their usual negativity, the Government continues to work busily briefing those who will be directly involved like frontline agencies and the business community. Controversial aspiring Florida Governor James Fishback has revealed an unconventional campaign tactic: using the dating app Tinder to connect with young women. The 31-year-old Republican candidate shared a screenshot of his dating profile on X, explaining that he planned to 'meet young voters' through the app and talk with them about his campaign. 'Ive joined @Tinder to meet young female voters where they are, and share my plan to make it easier for them to get married, buy a home, and raise a family,' Fishback wrote. On his profile, the hopeful politico also shared his 'hottest take,' which was his belief that Florida should 'offer paid maternity leave to all moms.' But his plan reached a grinding halt not long later, when he revealed that he 'ran out of likes' the platform allows its users. As a result, Fishback asked for donations to upgrade to Tinder Plus, which would allow him to have unlimited likes and see who liked his profile. Unsurprisingly, his unusual request received mixed reactions online. 'Fishback Im taking notes for my campaign! Win at all costs brother,' one user wrote. 'This screams incel,' another wrote. James Fishback, a 31-year-old far-right Republican candidate, shared a screenshot of his Tinder profile on X along with plans to 'meet young voters' to discuss his campaign Many X users quipped about Tinder's age restrictions, referencing accusations that Fishback had an inappropriate relationship with a minor which the candidate denied A third comment said: 'This is very weird, man.' 'This is the most cringe campaign tactic Ive ever seen. Embarrassing,' another wrote. 'You are seriously the single MOST cringeworthy person to ever run for public office.' The apparent faux pas prompted some users to bring up Tinder's age restrictions, as they referenced accusations that Fishback had an inappropriate relationship with a minor, which the candidate denied. NBC News previously alleged that a Florida school district cut ties with him following the allegations. The woman who made the claim requested an order of protection against Fishback in 2025, claiming he pursued a relationship with her in 2022 when she was 17 and he was 27. 'These allegations from several years ago are completely false, and after two lengthy court hearings in Florida's Second Judicial Circuit, I was fully exonerated. I have never been arrested, charged, or convicted of any crime,' he said at the time. His primary opponent in the race is Congressman Byron Donalds, the front-running Republican who currently represents Florida's 19th Congressional District, encompassing Naples and Cape Coral. Donalds has already been endorsed by President Donald Trump Just after filing paperwork to run for governor in Florida, Fishback called Congressman Byron Donalds, the frontrunner in the contest, a 'slave.' Fishback followed up, saying Donalds is a 'slave to his donors.' Donalds' team has called the remarks racist Shortly after filing his paperwork to join the governors race, Fishback used an unsavory word choice to criticize Donalds, who is black. 'Byron Donalds is a slave. I'm sorry - he's a slave,' Fishback began. 'He is a slave to his donors. He is a slave to the corporate interests, to the tech bros that want to turn our state into his own words, a financial capital.' His remarks quickly caught attention online, where some critics slammed the 30-year-old for employing racially charged language. The former Wall Street financier and college dropout also recently criticized OnlyFans star Sophie Rain in an online public feud over his proposed 'sin tax.' Fishback vowed 'not to let young, smart, and capable women be exploited by OnlyFans' if elected Governor. 'It is called a "sin tax" because it is a sin,' he told NXR Studios. 'The purpose of the sin tax in economics is to disincentivize and deter a behavior.' Sophie Rain, 21, one of the most well-known and successful creators on OnlyFans, claims to have made $83million since launching her account Fishback vowed 'not to let young, smart, and capable women be exploited by OnlyFans ' if elected Governor He has proposed a policy which would guarantee 'all revenue from Florida's 50 percent OnlyFans Tax will increase public school teacher pay and improve school lunches.' 'I don't want young women who could otherwise be mothers raising families, rearing children, I don't want them to be selling their bodies to sick men online.' Fishback added that he doesn't 'want young, impressionable men who have strayed from Christ, who have strayed from our Lord and savior to be told, and to be drawn into lust, and have their entire brain rewired.' 'Defeat OnlyFans, Restore decency,' he wrote in January in an X post aimed at getting donations for his campaign, which is trailing dramatically behind Florida Rep. Byron Donalds to replace outgoing Governor Ron DeSantis. Fishback's campaign is focused on 'fighting so every Floridian can earn a great-paying job, buy a home, raise a family, and retire with dignity.' A recent Facebook post from Fishback said: 'As Governor, I will make clear that 1. Teachers will not be telling the white students to apologize to the black students. 2. Teachers will not be telling the black students they are oppressed. All are created in Gods image. All are capable of greatness.' A Chicago nurse appeared to suggest letting patients 'bleed out' if they have worked for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Chad Malinowski, 38, made the comments in a sincedeleted TikTok video in which he described 'how much power nurses have in this country' after claiming that 'one of our own was just murdered.' Malinowski was referring to the fatal shooting of ICU nurse Alex Pretti, 37, by federal officers in Minneapolis on January 24. In the video, Malinowski first referenced the femoral artery while describing the type of treatment he appeared to be encouraging. 'The vasculature in the leg, it really bleeds, bleeds well,' he continued. 'Someone could bleed out very quickly from that. Probably like a couple of minutes, really.' He also took aim at healthcare organizations with conservative employees. 'I would really suggest to all the healthcare organizations out there that if you have knowingly MAGA employees, that you terminate them,' Malinowski said. He added: 'They're not safe people to take care of other people.' Chad Malinowski, 38, appeared to imply that ICE agents could be left to 'bleed out' in just minutes Malinowski further blasted rightwingers as racists and again urged for workers to be dismissed. 'If you're openly MAGA at this point, and you're supporting the murdering of people, you don't deserve to be in health care,' Malinowski said. He added: 'You deserve to have your license removed. It's so disappointing.' In the videos, Malinowski identified himself as a cardiac ICU nurse. Hours later, he claimed he had 'become the victim of a coordinated attack between bots and MAGAs.' 'I will be going into hiding for a few days or more,' Malinowski said. He emotionally said his words had been 'twisted,' while maintaining that he was a 'good person.' 'I work really hard and I take care of all my patients really hard,' he said. Malinowski appeared to imply that he had been fired in a follow-up video. However, his most recently listed employer said Malinowski had not worked there for years Malinowski then seemed to imply that he had been fired while defending his actions. He paused and added: 'I took care of all my patients really hard.' A public LinkedIn profile for Malinowski listed him as a family nurse practitioner at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, Illinois about 130 miles south of Chicago. It said he began working at the hospital in December 2019 after holding various positions as a health care worker around the state. However, the hospital wrote Monday on X that Malinowski was a former employee with no current links to the hospital. 'We are aware of comments made by a former employee,' the hospital said. This individual has no affiliation with Carle Health and has not worked at the health system in over three years.' The hospital added that it was 'committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment for all members of the community to receive care.' Malinowski told the Daily Mail that the social media posts that have been circulated about me were misleading and taken out of context. A group stitched together parts of my posts in a way that made it look like I was promoting violence; including a claim that I said nurses should let injured ICE agents bleed out, he said. That is not true and never something I said or believed. He added: What I originally said was a poorly conceived joke shared in frustration, and I regret that it was in bad taste. It was meant as a comment on the current political climate and not as a call for violence or harm against anyone. Malinowski also alluded to the femoral artery while describing the type of treatment he seemed to be encouraging His incendiary clips came shortly after another nurse sparked backlash for posting antiICE videos on TikTok and was fired. Malinda Rose Cook posted multiple clips encouraging fellow medics and protesters to inject agents with muscle relaxants and spray them with poison ivy water. She was initially suspended by Virginia Commonwealth University Health. The hospital said she was later sacked and reported to local law enforcement. In her videos, Cook urged medical providers to fill syringes with saline or succinylcholine a powerful anesthetic that paralyzes every muscle in the body, including those needed to breathe, and use them on federal officers. Cook described the method as a 'sabotage tactic, or at least scare tactic' to be used against ICE agents. She also advised protesters to gather poison ivy, 'get it in some water, like a gallon of water and put it into a water gun,' adding that they should aim for faces and hands. JD Vance let slip a fascinating insight into Donald Trump's chain of command while discussing Nicolas Maduro's capture in an exclusive interview with the Daily Mail on Tuesday. The Vice President was grilled on his whereabouts in the early hours of January 3 as US special forces descended on Caracas in the most audacious military operation in Latin America in decades. Vance was the subject of frenzied speculation in the aftermath as photos beamed out by the White House showed Donald Trump with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and CIA Director John Ratcliffe in the Situation Room at Mar-a-Lago. But Vance told the Daily Mail he was out socializing when Rubio called to tell him that Trump had given the go-ahead for Operation Absolute Resolve. 'I was in a van, in a mobile Situation Room about 20 miles away from Mar-a-Lago,' the Vice President said. 'I was actually with some friends, and Marco called me probably around 10.30pm and said, "This is going to happen tonight."' Vance dismissed rumors about his lack of involvement, telling the Daily Mail: 'I expected it was going to happen that night ... the plan was originally for me to go in.' The Vice President said he and Rubio discussed whether it 'made sense' for him to make the journey to the President's Palm Beach club, but decided it could jeopardize operational security. 'I travel with a very large Secret Service detail, and would it be a problem for the Vice President to show up with 30 siren cars at Mar-a-Lago an hour before this operation goes live? And we decided. Yes,' Vance said. The Vice President said he and Rubio discussed whether it 'made sense' for him to make the journey to the President's Palm Beach club, but decided it could jeopardize operational security President Donald Trump, CIA Director John Ratcliffe (left) and Secretary of State Marco Rubio in the Situation Room at Mar-a-Lago on January 3 A handout picture made available by the White House Press Office shows Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro aboard USS Iwo Jima, a Wasp-class amphibious assault ship of the US States Navy, after he was captured in a US raid codenamed Operation Absolute Resolve 'I would just watch it remotely and ensure that we preserved operational security, which, by the way, we were able to do. One of the critical reasons that mission was ultimately successful is because no one found out about it.' However, Vance admitted that he had not been in Florida every night that the mission could have gone ahead. 'There were a few different nights that operation could have happened,' the Vice President said. 'I was not in Florida every night that we thought it might happen, but I was in Florida the night that we thought it was most likely and the night where we ultimately did it.' Asked by the Daily Mail if Trump was angered by his absence, Vance scoffed at the suggestion. 'No, not at all. I was with the phone with the president and the entire team for about six hours for the entire course that operation,' the Vice President insisted. Join the debate What do YOU make of Vance being away during the operation? 'I think it's funny. The media tries to create something out of nothing.' Operation Absolute Resolve lasted approximately 150 minutes and ended with the capture of Maduro and his wife by US special forces. The former Venezuelan despot now faces multiple federal charges in the Southern District of New York, including narco-terrorism, cocaine trafficking, and possession of machine guns. TV broadcaster Narinder Kaur has been targeted by vicious trolls who edited an image to give the impression she was close with Jeffrey Epstein. A picture of the 53-year-old, known for her appearances on Jeremy Vine and Good Morning Britain, has been superimposed onto an image of the paedophile that was shared by an anonymous user on X. The fake picture, posted on Wednesday, appears to show Epstein dressed in a black polo shirt with his arm around the neck of Mrs Kaur as she pouts into the camera. In reality, the photograph shows the sex offender hugging Belarusian woman Karyna Shuliak, thought to be Epstein's last known girlfriend. The image appears to have been manipulated using artificial intelligence (AI) in order to give the impression that Mrs Kaur knew Epstein. In reality, she has never met Mr Epstein - but told the Daily Mail today her situation was endemic of the widespread use of manipulated and fake images online. She told the Daily Mail today: 'I have never met, or had any dealings with Jeffrey Epstein. The fact I even have to say that out loud shows how dangerous and surreal this kind of AI abuse has become. 'It's exhausting having to constantly defend yourself against things that never happened. There is a real emotional toll to waking up and seeing your face placed into vile, fabricated scenarios.' A fake image of the TV presenter Narinder Kaur with the paedophile Jeffrey Epstein has been circulated on social media The real photograph shows Epstein hugging Karyna Shuliak, Epstein's last known girlfriend, at an event in New York in 2014 Mrs Kaur has hit out at the trolls responsible - and told the Daily Mail she won't be silenced by those seeking to spread misinformation Mrs Kaur says she has been targeted because of the colour of her skin and for being outspoken on social media. 'I'm being targeted by trolls who know exactly what they're doing, they're trying to humiliate me, discredit me and attach my name to something so grotesque that people stop and wonder if it could be true,' she added. 'This is the new form of online abuse. You don't need a real photo or a real event anymore. AI can invent it for you and within minutes people are questioning your reality. 'I think I'm targeted because I speak out. I'm a woman of colour, I'm opinionated and I don't stay quiet. That combination seems to make me a magnet for this kind of hate.' It is not known whether the photograph was edited using artificial intelligence (AI) or image manipulation software such as Adobe Photoshop. However, it appears to bear artifacts that suggest the use of AI, including that a chain necklace around the presenter's neck disappears into thin air, oddly shaped earrings and a lack of a shadow cast by Mrs Kaur in front of Epstein's face. The fake image appears to have taken inspiration from images of Mrs Kaur at a film premiere at the Tate Modern in March 2024, in which she wore a black dress and jewellery that looks similar to that in the fake photo. The account that first posted the image appears to be based in the Netherlands, according to data provided by X. However, the social network notes that the account's location may have been falsified using a virtual private network (VPN), which allows a user to change where in the world they appear to be logging on. Sharing false information online with the intent to cause 'non-trivial psychological or physical harm' is an offence under the Online Safety Act. Anyone convicted of the new offence can be jailed for up to 51 weeks and fined. The AI generated image appears to have taken inspiration from this real photograph of Mrs Kaur at a film premier in 2024, particularly her chain necklace and earrings However, the fake image bears hallmarks of AI generation, including a lack of a shadow, the oddly shaped earrings and a necklace that disappears into thin air The Mail understands that a report on the original post been made to a police force in England, which has now been passed to the Metropolitan Police. However, it has been shared on other accounts since it was first published and seen thousands of times. 'To the people doing this, or seeing these types of images and think it's okay, you may think it's a joke or 'just the internet'... this is harassment, it's degrading and it causes real harm,' Mrs Kaur added. 'What worries me most is that if this is happening to me, a 53-year-old with a platform, what is happening to teenagers, young women or even other older women who don't have the same voice or support?' 'I won't be bullied into silence by people hiding behind fake images and fake accounts.' A Met Police spokesperson told the Mail: 'On Wednesday, 4 February at 16.46hrs, the Met received an allegation of malicious communications that had initially been reported to another force. 'It relates to a post on X. We are assessing the report. No arrests have been made at this early stage and enquiries are ongoing.' Fresh doubt has been cast on the tip off that first led to alarms being raised over Nancy Guthrie's shock abduction this weekend, the Daily Mail can reveal. A fellow congregant at Nancy's church in Tucson, Arizona, was initially reported to have alerted the 84-year-old's family after she failed to attend a morning service on Sunday. Curiously, however, a source has now told the Daily Mail that the elderly mother of Today host Savannah Guthrie, 54, had not been at St Andrew's Presbyterian Church for years. Ever since the Covid pandemic, she has been worshipping 'online'. It is understood that St. Andrews does not have a large-scale Zoom call for online viewing, as some religious organizations do. Instead, the church's 9am and 10.45am services on Sundays are live-streamed and it is impossible for other participants to know who else is watching. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos has said a congregant called Nancy's family at 11am on Sunday after she failed to arrive at church. Our source did not know who called the family, but said Nancy was 'known and loved in the whole community.' The Guthrie family rushed to Nancy's $1million home in the affluent Catalina Foothills neighborhood, arriving at 11.10am Sunday to find the mother-of-three missing. They reported her disappearance to police at 12.15pm. Her phone, wallet, daily medications and car were all still at the property. Nancy Guthrie's abduction from her $1million home on Saturday night was discovered after a church congregant alerted her family that she missed the 11am service Nancy was a parishioner at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church in Tucson, Arizona, which hosts live streams of its 9am and 10.45am services Pictured: An aerial view of Nancy Guthrie's house, from where she was allegedly abducted The previous evening Nancy had enjoyed a dinner with Savannah's 56-year-old sister Annie before playing mahjong, a popular four-player tile game. Guthrie has been a member at St. Andrew's for at least 30 years. 'It's a big church and we know everyone,' a source at the church said. 'Nancy is known and loved here and in the whole community. She was a faithful member here for so long, just a lovely person.' The mother of $8million-a-year TV Savannah also attends seasonal services at daughter Annie's church, Saint Philip's in the Hills, five miles away and where a candlelit vigil will be held for her Wednesday night. Savannah, who is believed to be holed up at the $650,000 home shared by her sister Annie and her brother-in-law Tommaso Cioni, 50, will not be attending the vigil due to her overwhelming anguish, the Daily Mail has been told. Nor will mom-of-one Annie or Cioni. 'They wish to deal with this in private at such a painful time,' said interim rector The Rev. Dr Richard Mallory. Investigators have said Nancy's kidnapper forced entry into her home and grabbed her from her bedroom. She needs regular medication for a health condition, and cops have warned she could die if she doesn't get it. Footage shared on Monday shows blood drops on the doorstep, while a doorbell camera was missing from its holder when cops arrived at the scene. Nancy's Apple Watch stopped synching with her pacemaker at 2am, suggesting she was taken from the home, where the device was found, around that time. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos (left) said that after the congregant alerted the family, they rushed to her Catalina Foothills home, arriving at 11.10am to find her missing Nancy also attends seasonal services at daughter Annie's church, St. Philip's in the Hills, five miles away, where a candlelit vigil will be held for her Wednesday night Savannah, believed to be staying at the $650,000 home she shares with sister Annie and husband Tommaso Cioni, 50, will skip the vigil due to overwhelming grief Annie and Cioni, who were seen leaving their Tucson home on Tuesday morning, will also skip the vigil Blood was spotted on the walkway of Nancy's $1million Tucson, Arizona home Nancy's Ring doorbell camera was also missing, though it is unclear whether it was removed prior to her disappearance Sheriff Nanos has told the Daily Mail: 'She did not walk away. We believe she was forced to leave that residence. It was against her will. 'This is about an 84-year-old woman who is sick, who needs her medications, who, in the middle of the night, was taken from her bedroom.' Lights in the common area were all on and Nancy's front door was unlocked, but there were signs of forced entry. Ransom notes were delivered to TMZ and local news outlet KOLD on Tuesday afternoon demanding an undisclosed amount of digital currency Bitcoin. The notes are reported to have shared details of damage to Nancy's home and what she was wearing at the time of the abduction that have not been publicly released. Pima County Sheriff's Office has acknowledged them but has refused to verify the contents or confirm if deputies have received any ransom demands. The FBI is helping with the case, and President Trump has offered assistance. There is a $2,500 reward for crucial information regarding the disappearance. A day after the abduction, Sheriff Nanos welled up when asked if he thought Nancy was still alive. He conceded the window in which she would be realistically found unharmed was closing. Nanos told the Daily Mail separately: 'We know she could not walk out of that house. Talking to her doctors, we know she had some physical elements that definitely limited her. Pima County Sheriff's Office acknowledged a ransom note sent to TMZ on Tuesday afternoon, three days after the 84-year-old was snatched from her home in Tucson, Arizona. Pictured: The TMZ reporters speaking about the note in their newsroom Nancy (bottom right) with Guthrie (top right) and her other two children Your browser does not support iframes. 'She is very sharp-witted, of good mind, suffers from nothing in the form of dementia or Alzheimer's nothing. 'So, we know she would know what was going on around here.' No suspects have been named. Of the abductor, Nanos said: 'It could be more than one person, we don't know that yet.' Savannah's NBC show has led with the story ever since but its reporters admitted Wednesday there was little new information to share. The star, who had only returned to the studio full time after taking weeks off for vocal cord surgery, issued a statement Monday requesting prayers. She has dropped out of hosting the Milan Winter Olympics while the hunt for her mother continues. With Donald Trump vowing to crush the Ayatollah's grip on Iran, JD Vance disclosed the real nuclear nightmare he says is fueling America's showdown with Tehran. The Vice President said in a wide-ranging exclusive interview with the Daily Mail on Tuesday that Trump does not believe Iran is capable of producing a nuclear bomb, but fears the Ayatollah could acquire the technology once the President leaves office. Trump warned Iran's supreme leader on Wednesday that he should be 'very worried' amid reports talks between the US and Iran over its nuclear program had hit a brick wall. 'What I feel quite confident about is that Iran could not develop a nuclear weapon in the Trump administration,' Vance told the Daily Mail. 'That's how much damage we did to their program,' he added, referring to Operation Midnight Hammer which devastated Iranian uranium enrichment facilities in June. The Vice President then suggested Trump's real fear is that a 'crazy person' will succeed him in the Oval Office and appease the Islamic Regime which is hellbent on the destruction of Israel and deeply hostile to its allies abroad, including the US. 'Donald Trump is not always going to be president, right? Constitutionally, he's got another few years. Maybe we change the Constitution,' Vance joked. 'But fundamentally, three years down the road, the president is likely, as he said, to leave the Oval Office. Who is the next president? Maybe you get a crazy person in there who doesn't care about Iran having a nuclear weapon.' JD Vance in an exclusive interview on Tuesday disclosed the real nuclear nightmare he says is fueling America's showdown with Tehran Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei attends a meeting with students in Tehran, Iran, November 3 Donald Trump sits behind a bill he signed to end the partial government shutdown, at the White House in Washington, DC, on February 3 The Vice President said that Trump wants 'to create the long term situation that ensures and confirms Iran doesn't get a nuclear weapon.' Vance, an Iraq War veteran, defined his early political career with anti-interventionist rhetoric, railing against regime-change military conflicts in the Middle East. As a freshman senator from Ohio, Vance criticized the Obama and Bush administrations for wasting American treasure and lives in fruitless drawn-out campaigns. The Daily Mail pressed Vance on how he squares his crusade against regime change in the Middle East with the Trump administration's move to topple one of the region's most entrenched regimes, and following the capture of Venezuela's Nicolas Maduro. 'Well, look, it would obviously be in America's best interest if we were dealing with a rational regime in Iran rather than a group of religious fanatics,' Vance replied. 'That is obviously true.' Vance then suggested the President would not try to overthrow the Ayatollah if Iran ended its nuclear weapons program. 'The President's main goal in Iran, it's not this or that regime. It's Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon,' Vance told the Daily Mail. 'That is what he's always been focused on. He was focused on it in the campaign back in 2015 and 2016.' 'There are different ways to actually accomplish that goal. And that's what the president has been talking about.' Trump's Middle East peace envoys, son-in-law Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, are expected to meet with Iranian officials in Oman on Friday for nuclear talks. The announcement came after reports diplomatic discussions were stonewalled by Tehran over changes in the location and content of the meeting. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has been accused of a cover-up, with insiders claiming she watered down a report on the fire department's failures to respond to the deadly Pacific Palisades fire. The LA Fire Department released its after-action report in October on the blaze that killed a dozen residents, destroyed 7,000 homes and caused damage worth $150 billion when it tore through the wealthy coastal neighborhood of Pacific Palisades for 24 days straight, beginning in January 2025. But an investigation at the Los Angeles Times revealed that there were several edits made in the report to downplay failures by city and fire department officials. Two sources with insider information now tell the outlet that after receiving an early draft of the report, Bass told then-interim Fire Chief Ronnie Villanueva that the report could expose the city to legal liabilities. They said two people close to the mayor informed them how she wanted key findings about the LA Fire Department's response to the massive blaze removed or softened before the report was made public. One of the confidants even reportedly told one of the unidentified sources who spoke to the LA Times that 'the mayor didn't tell the truth when she said she had nothing to do with changing the report.' The source also said that the confidant advised Bass that altering the report 'was a bad idea' because it could hurt her political career. Still, the two confidants told the unidentified source that Bass held onto the original draft of the report until after the changes were made. Both confidants are now prepared to testify under oath to verify their accounts of what happened if there were a legal proceeding, the sources said. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has been accused of a cover-up, with insiders claiming she watered down a report on the fire department's failures to respond to the deadly Pacific Palisades fire. She is pictured here in January Two sources with insider information told the LA Times that after receiving an early draft of the report, Bass told then-interim Fire Chief Ronnie Villanueva (pictured) that it could expose the city to legal liabilities The fire killed a dozen residents, destroyed 7,000 homes and caused damage worth $150 billion when it tore through the wealthy coastal neighborhood of Pacific Palisades for 24 days straight, beginning in January 2025 Yet the sources who spoke to the LA Times said they were unsure whether anyone at the mayor's office or at the fire department made line-by-line edits at Bass's specific instructions or if they imposed the changes after receiving general direction from the mayor. The fire department had also formed an internal crisis management team and brought in a public relations firm to help shape its messaging ahead of the report's release. Still, one of the sources said, 'All the changes [the LA Times] reported on were the ones Karen wanted.' According to the LA Times' investigation, the fire department's initial draft of the after-action report said the LA Fire Department's decision to pre-deploy all available engines 'did not align' with the department's policy. The final version that was released to the public, however, said that the number of companies that were pre-deployed 'went above and beyond the standard LAFD pre-deployment matrix.' Another deleted passage in the report said that some crews waited more than an hour for an assignment on the day of the fire, and a section saying fire department crews and leaders violated national guidelines on how to avoid firefighter deaths and injuries was similarly removed, the LA Times reports. Other changes appeared to be more superfluous, including renaming a section on 'failures' to 'primary challenges' and changing the photograph on the front of the report from palm trees on fire to a simple LA Fire Department seal. The changes wound up being so extensive that the author of the report, Battalion Chief Kenneth Cook, declined to endorse the final version because of changes that altered his findings and made the report, in his own words, 'highly unprofessional and inconsistent with our established standards.' Join the debate Do YOU believe Mayor Karen Bass covered up fire findings to protect herself from lawsuits? Bass has previously denied any involvement in making the edits to the report She has also been criticized for her efforts to rebuild the wealthy conclave following the fire Bass has previously denied any involvement in the edits, with a spokesperson for the mayor's office saying in December: 'The report was written and edited by the fire department. We did not red-line review every page or review every draft of the report.' The spokesperson then claimed that the mayor's office asked only that the fire department fact-check any findings regarding the effects of the city's finances and high-wind forecasts on the department's performance in the fire. In an interview with the LA Times last month, the Democrat mayor also insisted she did not work with the fire department on the changes, nor did the department consult her about any changes it was making. 'The only thing that I told them to do was I told them to talk to Matt Szabo about the budget and funding, and that was it,' she said, referring to the city's administrative officer. 'That's a technical report,' she added. 'I'm not a firefighter.' In a statement to the Daily Mail, the Los Angeles Fire Department noted that the report was conducted before Chief James Moore was appointed to the position. 'Chief Moore has been clear that he is determined to foster a culture of transparency and accountability,' Public Information Director Stephanie Bishop said. 'He is committed to strengthening the department by taking corrective action wherever appropriate and to ensuring the Los Angeles Fire Department improves its operations and readiness to make Los Angeles a safer city for all Angelenos.' Department officials also announced on Tuesday that most of the 42 recommendations in the after-action report have been implemented, including mandatory staffing protocols and red flag days, as well as training on wind-driven fires, tactical operations and evacuations. In November, critics branded Bass a 'fraud' and 'incompetent failure' after she falsely announced that the city has issued its first certificate of occupancy for the reconstruction of a property in Pacific Palisades. A sign reading 'Fire Mayor Bass' is pictured on a construction site in the Palisades nearly one year after the fire But this is not the first time Bass has faced backlash for the city's response to the destructive fire. In November, critics branded her a 'fraud' and 'incompetent failure' after she falsely announced that the city has issued its first certificate of occupancy for the reconstruction of a property in Pacific Palisades. The newly-constructed home on Kagawa Street was not a rebuild from the blaze. however, as the demolition project began before the Palisades Fire erupted. Thomas James Homes applied for a permit to demolish the one-story single-family home and its attached garage in November 2024, LA building and safety records revealed. Critics had earlier hit out at the mayor for neglecting to disclose when the builders applied for the permit in her statement. One even went as far as calling her the 'worst mayor in America.' A resident-led watch group has also warned that the city's error may suggest LA leadership cannot 'manage the complexity of rebuilding an entire coastal town.' Daily Mail has reached out to Bass's office for comment. To anyone who witnessed the encounter it would have seemed perfectly innocent - a few throwaway words from celebrity TV host to a junior crew member he barely knew. But, to Brooke Nevils, she claims the comment Matt Lauer made to her in passing reignited a trauma which she had spent two years trying to bury. And, to her, the warm smile that accompanied his words was, 'ghoulish' and calculated. 'Weren't you in Sochi?' She had indeed been in Sochi. It was in the Russian city, while working on coverage of the 2014 Winter Olympics, that Nevils alleges Lauer, the Today show's onetime $25 million-a-year anchor, sexually assaulted her. At the time, she was a 29-year-old talent assistant and he was 57 - and one of the highest paid journalists in television history. The alleged rape happened after he had been buying Nevils vodka shots in the hotel bar with her then boss - and Lauer's co-host - Meredith Vieira. She claims that the encounter left her bleeding and struggling to walk. Nevils accusation - made at the height of the #MeToo movement - brought Lauer's celebrated career crashing down despite the fact that he has always maintained that the sexual encounter with Nevils was consensual and denies any wrongdoing. He has faced no criminal charges. Now in her new book, Unspeakable Things: Silence, Shame, and the Stories We Choose to Believe, Nevils explains why she said nothing about the alleged attack for three years, never reported it to police and continued meeting Lauer for sex for several months afterwards. Brooke Nevils was in her late 20s when she alleges Matt Lauer raped her in Sochi At the time of her accusation, Lauer was one of the highest paid journalists in TV history, earning $25 million a year Lauer's former colleagues Savannah Guthrie and Hoda Kotb discuss the rape claim in 2019 Struggling with crippling shame, depression, and the fear she might lose her job if she spoke out, she says she relied on pills and booze to get her through the days. She writes: 'The only thing to do was to find a way to put one foot in front of the other, to find a way to live with myself, to try to forget. I chose drinking. 'When life is too painful, alcohol is the most cost-effective escape.' Then, two years after the alleged attack, she was tasked with recording Lauer's voiceovers for a documentary she was working on. By this stage, she believed she'd 'become a much more assertive person' and no longer felt intimidated by the considerably more powerful Lauer. She writes: 'Matt greeted me that day as he would have any other producer... then, as he left the tracking booth to return to his office, he paused and asked with the warmest of grins: "Weren't you in Sochi?" 'A ghoulish grin lingered on his face.' She said that, in an instant, she was 'cut off at the knees.' 'With just a phrase, he could open a bottomless well of shame, humiliation, and self-loathing. 'I wondered for a long while whether he could have been so clueless as to genuinely believe I remembered Sochi fondly - but then I remember that he was once considered the best live interviewer in the business, that he was celebrated for his ability to instantly read his subjects and trigger the responses he wanted. 'As with so many things about Matt, the answer is unknowable. But that was the last time I ever saw him in person.' It was only as the #MeToo movement gathered momentum that Nevils finally reported Lauer to her bosses at NBC. Nevils (circled) had been drinking with colleagues on the night of the alleged attack Nevils with her then boss and Lauer's co-host Meredith Vieira Nevils in Sochi - at the time she was working as a talent assistant As 2017 drew to a close, a growing number of accusations of sexual harassment and assault by men in positions of power were coming to light - about Fox boss Roger Ailes, Harvey Weinstein, Bill Cosby and PBS talk show host Charlie Rose. Journalists had started following up on rumors about Lauer, and Nevils believed it was only a matter of time before she was connected to those stories. But in the book, she also reveals a much more poignant reason for her eventual decision to blow up her own career by talking about the 'attack.' In August 2017, her mom died suddenly from a catastrophic heart attack. It was three days before her 68th birthday. 'When she died, I stopped throwing away my life,' writes Nevils. 'She spent the final years trying endlessly to bring her only daughter back to life, but I hadn't listened. I broke her heart.' Her mom had left behind a folder for Nevils, titled 'For Brooke for comfort in event of my death.' It contained letters and poems expressing how much Brooke meant to her - how much her life was worth. 'When I opened that folder in 2017,' she writes, 'another shift in values occurred. For three and a half years I'd hated myself - for causing such pain to the people I loved, for making terrible choices to live with something that never should have happened, for the endless lies I'd told. Celebrating Lauer's 20th anniversary with Katie Couric in January, 2017 - by the end of the year he would out of a job and shunned by the industry Nevils says she was prompted to report Lauer after her mother's death Last year it was reported that Lauer, now 67, appeared to be planning a return to the spotlight 'But now I found that I could not hate my mother's daughter, the precious little girl that she had loved so much, into whom she had instilled so much of herself. That little girl meant everything to her, and the time had come for her to mean something to me. 'In the face of grief, shame lost its power.' There was also a poem in the box that her mom had written out, called True Success by C Hoppe. It read in part: 'I hope my achievements in life shall be these: That I will have fought for what was right and fair, that I will have risked for that which mattered.' Nevils, now 41, still believed that coming forward would be a 'suicide mission.' 'The math was not hard,' she writes in the book. 'Matt was going to win.' But, she adds: 'My mother's death meant I'd inherit enough money to pay off my student loans and credit cards, making me debt-free for the first time since I was 19. 'I didn't have a mortgage or children to support. My boyfriend and I were moving in together so I wouldn't be homeless, and I knew he would support me whatever I decided to do. 'Silence and complicity were no longer my only options... now I would be the kind of person my mother had always believed I was.' The day after Nevils reported Lauer to NBC, on November 29, 2017, he was fired. Then the floodgates opened and more women came forward accusing him of sexual misconduct. In a statement at the time, Lauer responded to those claims saying: 'Some of what is being said about me is untrue or mischaracterized, but there is enough truth in these stories to make me feel embarrassed and ashamed. 'I regret that my shame is now shared by the people I cherish dearly.' Last year it was reported that Lauer, now 67, appeared to be planning a return to the spotlight, and was networking with former colleagues to see who could help him find a new job. 'He believes he was unfairly treated and feels he still has something to say, something to offer - he's just been waiting for the right moment,' a source told the Daily Mail. Unspeakable Things: Silence, Shame, and the Stories We Choose to Believe by Brooke Nevils is published by Viking, an imprint of Penguin Random House One of the world's largest scam compounds, complete with fake Australian Federal Police offices and workers wearing counterfeit uniforms to rip off Aussies out of millions, has been uncovered in Cambodia. The sprawling former resort complex near the Thai-Cambodian border is believed to have been a major hub in a global fraud industry that lures victims into fake romances and cryptocurrency investments before draining their savings. The practice, known in criminal circles as 'pig butchering', involves scammers grooming victims for months before stealing everything they can. Inside the compound at O'Smach, investigators discovered a fake AFP office displaying an Australian flag, bogus police insignia and uniforms used to impersonate authorities while targeting victims overseas. Other offices posed as law enforcement agencies from Singapore, China, India, Indonesia, Vietnam and Brazil. Whiteboards still displayed the names and phone numbers workers were ordered to call as part of industrial-scale scam operations. Cybercrime expert Ken Gamble said the compound was part of a massive international fraud machine that continues to expand despite recent crackdowns. 'Thousands of Australians fall victim to these scams every year,' he told Daily Mail Australia. Meet the kingpin who's been scamming your money in the world's largest online fraud operation. The US-indicted scam tycoon Chen Zhi is hooded and shackled as he's led off a plane in Beijing in January Above, one of the fake offices inside the compound on the Thai-Cambodian border where a massive scamming operation has now been busted An Australian flag in the centre where trafficked workers were forced to operate (left), and (right) a fake Indonesian police shirt inside a soundproofed booth in the former Cambodian resort The complex near the Cambodian-Thai border in the town of O'Smach was uncovered when workers revolted last year against their overlords and tried to escape armed with metal rods. 'It was happening before Covid, continued through Covid, and it's only getting bigger. You find your 'pig', groom them, then butcher them by taking their money.' Inside the abandoned buildings, investigators found soundproofed booths where trafficked workers allegedly spent long shifts making scam calls, along with scripts in multiple languages designed to trick victims around the world. Initially focused on Chinese-speaking targets, crime syndicates have since expanded operations globally, stealing tens of billions of dollars annually. Mr Gamble said a single operation like OSmach could target victims in up to 75 countries, including Australia. Workers inside these compounds are sometimes willing participants, but many are trafficked foreigners forced to work under threats of violence. Royal Thai Police General Thatchai Pitaneelaboot described OSmach as the largest scam compound authorities had ever been able to gather evidence from. The operation was exposed after around 60 foreign workers, mostly Pakistani and Nepalese nationals, revolted against their bosses in early 2025 and attempted to escape armed with metal rods. Thai troops later seized the site following weeks of armed clashes along the border, with officials saying the compound reflects Cambodias booming illicit scam industry built on trafficked labour. Trafficked workers were forced to sit in soundproofed booths and make thousands of phone calls around the world to try to scam money from victims via romance or cryptocurrency ruses A journalist tries on a counterfeit police shirt in the fake police office set up in the O'Smach buildings to facilitate the global scam operation. Workers slept in dorms crammed with bunk beds and were poorly paid for long hours while trying to milk people around the world of their money. A Thai police officer in one of the offices used for the international romance and cryptocurrency scams operated by kingpin Chen Zhi. The raid is part of a wider regional crackdown, including operations in the Cambodian border city of Bavet where more than 2,000 foreign nationals were detained in another online fraud bust. Just last month, hundreds fled a suspected cyberfraud hub in Sihanoukville following the arrest and deportation of alleged scam kingpin Chen Zhi. Chen, indicted in the United States over the multibillion-dollar fraud empire, was shown hooded and shackled as he was led from a plane in Beijing after being extradited to China, which has since ordered the liquidation of a bank linked to his network. Chinese state media labelled him the leader of a major transnational gambling and fraud syndicate. Mr Gamble said Chens transfer to China rather than the US could mean he faces execution. China recently executed 11 members of another organised crime family linked to scam operations and the killing of trafficked workers attempting to escape. A growing number of Aussie school teachers are hosting daily Welcome to Country ceremonies in classrooms and wearing clothing with Indigenous slogans. While many teachers are proud of the traditions, others in the profession have argued educators should not be 'ideological enforcers'. It's not only Welcome to Country ceremonies that have ruffled feathers, but recent examples of some teachers pushing an anti-Israel agenda in schools. An unofficial 'teaching guide' encourages educators to use Palestinian stickers and keffiyehs in class and suggests ways to introduce anti-Israel themes into lessons. A teacher from Victoria recently apologised on an online forum after their questioning of daily Welcome to Country ceremonies was blasted by colleagues. Further north, a Queensland teacher defended their decision to wear a t-shirt with the slogan: 'We honour and respect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the traditional custodians of country.' 'Recognising Aboriginal culture isn't a political statement. It's a representation of the diversity in our schools, and should be celebrated as such,' the teacher argued. But other educators disagreed, arguing the move was indoctrinating children. Welcome to Country ceremonies in schools have become a hot topic among teachers There are fears that young kids could be subject to politically-motivated messages by teachers in the classroom 'Your thoughts are yours alone, not to indoctrinate kids,' the teacher wrote on an educator platform, as seen by The Advertiser. Director of the Institute of Public Affairs' schools program Colleen Harkin said kids shouldn't have to interpret messages on the clothing of their teachers. 'Acknowledgement of country, sloganised T-shirts, and symbolic signage are not neutral. They carry political and ideological messages,' she said. 'Schools are not meant to be political arenas.' Opposition education spokesman Julian Leeser argued Welcome to Country ceremonies helped students better understand Indigenous culture and history. But, he said ceremonies and classrooms 'should never be political'. Teachers who support the daily ceremonies say it's not about indoctrination, but rather educate them in line with the curriculum messages taught in schools. 'It is about education, inclusivity, and fostering respect for the rich histories, traditions, and contributions of First Nations peoples,' one teacher said. Kids are being exposed to more and more Welcome to Country ceremonies Children as young as three take part in daily Acknowledgement of Country ceremonies at Possums' Corner Child Care Centre at Lane Cove (pictured) The worry for some is that if certain political messages are allowed, it could open a can of worms of controversial opinions. After a teacher from Western Australia asked fellow educators if they had a Welcome to Country sign in their classroom one replied in a chat: 'You don't need a Welcome to Country for your classroom. That's done for events like assemblies'. Last year, some parents claimed children as young as three were being forced to participate in daily Acknowledgement of Country ceremonies at daycare. Possums' Corner Child Care Centre at Lane Cove on Sydney's lower north shore was among many childcare centres that celebrated the tradition, dividing Australians. Parents were shocked to learn about the 'not age-appropriate' activity in a weekly recap sent out by Possums' Corner, which charges up to $165 per child per day. Protection efforts boost population of endangered Przewalski's horses in NW China's Gansu Xinhua) 08:46, February 05, 2026 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. The Przewalski's horse is listed as a national first-class protected animal in China and remains endangered globally. Starting at the end of the 1980s, the Endangered Animal Protection Center of Gansu Province started to reintroduce 18 studs of Przewalski's horses from Germany and the United States. After 40 years of caring and breeding, the number of Przewalski's horses has increased steadily. By far, taking advantage of its geological and ecological edges, the Gansu Endangered Animal Protection Center has released altogether 56 Przewalski's horses into the wild to the Dunhuang West Lake National Nature Reserve and kept 45 inside. (Xinhua/Chen Bin) 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. The Przewalski's horse is listed as a national first-class protected animal in China and remains endangered globally. Starting at the end of the 1980s, the Endangered Animal Protection Center of Gansu Province started to reintroduce 18 studs of Przewalski's horses from Germany and the United States. After 40 years of caring and breeding, the number of Przewalski's horses has increased steadily. By far, taking advantage of its geological and ecological edges, the Gansu Endangered Animal Protection Center has released altogether 56 Przewalski's horses into the wild to the Dunhuang West Lake National Nature Reserve and kept 45 inside. (Xinhua/Chen Bin) A staff offers water to 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. The Przewalski's horse is listed as a national first-class protected animal in China and remains endangered globally. Starting at the end of the 1980s, the Endangered Animal Protection Center of Gansu Province started to reintroduce 18 studs of Przewalski's horses from Germany and the United States. After 40 years of caring and breeding, the number of Przewalski's horses has increased steadily. By far, taking advantage of its geological and ecological edges, the Gansu Endangered Animal Protection Center has released altogether 56 Przewalski's horses into the wild to the Dunhuang West Lake National Nature Reserve and kept 45 inside. (Xinhua/Chen Bin) 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. The Przewalski's horse is listed as a national first-class protected animal in China and remains endangered globally. Starting at the end of the 1980s, the Endangered Animal Protection Center of Gansu Province started to reintroduce 18 studs of Przewalski's horses from Germany and the United States. After 40 years of caring and breeding, the number of Przewalski's horses has increased steadily. By far, taking advantage of its geological and ecological edges, the Gansu Endangered Animal Protection Center has released altogether 56 Przewalski's horses into the wild to the Dunhuang West Lake National Nature Reserve and kept 45 inside. (Xinhua/Chen Bin) A staff 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. The Przewalski's horse is listed as a national first-class protected animal in China and remains endangered globally. Starting at the end of the 1980s, the Endangered Animal Protection Center of Gansu Province started to reintroduce 18 studs of Przewalski's horses from Germany and the United States. After 40 years of caring and breeding, the number of Przewalski's horses has increased steadily. By far, taking advantage of its geological and ecological edges, the Gansu Endangered Animal Protection Center has released altogether 56 Przewalski's horses into the wild to the Dunhuang West Lake National Nature Reserve and kept 45 inside. (Xinhua/Lang Bingbing) 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. The Przewalski's horse is listed as a national first-class protected animal in China and remains endangered globally. Starting at the end of the 1980s, the Endangered Animal Protection Center of Gansu Province started to reintroduce 18 studs of Przewalski's horses from Germany and the United States. After 40 years of caring and breeding, the number of Przewalski's horses has increased steadily. By far, taking advantage of its geological and ecological edges, the Gansu Endangered Animal Protection Center has released altogether 56 Przewalski's horses into the wild to the Dunhuang West Lake National Nature Reserve and kept 45 inside. (Xinhua/Lang Bingbing) 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. The Przewalski's horse is listed as a national first-class protected animal in China and remains endangered globally. Starting at the end of the 1980s, the Endangered Animal Protection Center of Gansu Province started to reintroduce 18 studs of Przewalski's horses from Germany and the United States. After 40 years of caring and breeding, the number of Przewalski's horses has increased steadily. By far, taking advantage of its geological and ecological edges, the Gansu Endangered Animal Protection Center has released altogether 56 Przewalski's horses into the wild to the Dunhuang West Lake National Nature Reserve and kept 45 inside. (Xinhua/Chen Bin) Staff members check the dung of 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. The Przewalski's horse is listed as a national first-class protected animal in China and remains endangered globally. Starting at the end of the 1980s, the Endangered Animal Protection Center of Gansu Province started to reintroduce 18 studs of Przewalski's horses from Germany and the United States. After 40 years of caring and breeding, the number of Przewalski's horses has increased steadily. By far, taking advantage of its geological and ecological edges, the Gansu Endangered Animal Protection Center has released altogether 56 Przewalski's horses into the wild to the Dunhuang West Lake National Nature Reserve and kept 45 inside. (Xinhua/Lang Bingbing) 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. The Przewalski's horse is listed as a national first-class protected animal in China and remains endangered globally. Starting at the end of the 1980s, the Endangered Animal Protection Center of Gansu Province started to reintroduce 18 studs of Przewalski's horses from Germany and the United States. After 40 years of caring and breeding, the number of Przewalski's horses has increased steadily. By far, taking advantage of its geological and ecological edges, the Gansu Endangered Animal Protection Center has released altogether 56 Przewalski's horses into the wild to the Dunhuang West Lake National Nature Reserve and kept 45 inside. (Xinhua/Lang Bingbing) A staff delivers forage to 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. The Przewalski's horse is listed as a national first-class protected animal in China and remains endangered globally. Starting at the end of the 1980s, the Endangered Animal Protection Center of Gansu Province started to reintroduce 18 studs of Przewalski's horses from Germany and the United States. After 40 years of caring and breeding, the number of Przewalski's horses has increased steadily. By far, taking advantage of its geological and ecological edges, the Gansu Endangered Animal Protection Center has released altogether 56 Przewalski's horses into the wild to the Dunhuang West Lake National Nature Reserve and kept 45 inside. (Xinhua/Chen Bin) An aerial drone photo shows the Przewalski's horses breeding base at the Gansu Endangered Animal Protection Center in Wuwei City of northwest China's Gansu Province, Feb. 3, 2026. The Przewalski's horse is listed as a national first-class protected animal in China and remains endangered globally. Starting at the end of the 1980s, the Endangered Animal Protection Center of Gansu Province started to reintroduce 18 studs of Przewalski's horses from Germany and the United States. After 40 years of caring and breeding, the number of Przewalski's horses has increased steadily. By far, taking advantage of its geological and ecological edges, the Gansu Endangered Animal Protection Center has released altogether 56 Przewalski's horses into the wild to the Dunhuang West Lake National Nature Reserve and kept 45 inside. (Xinhua/Lang Bingbing) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Publication of a Tax Defaulter List under the Income Tax Act 2010 The Commissioner of Income Tax has formally advised the Government that he has exercised his statutory powers under section 68 of the Income Tax Act 2010 for the publication of a list of tax defaulters (15 in total) in the Gibraltar Gazette. This measure is intended to support compliance with tax legislation and to safeguard Gibraltars broader macro-economic interests. The publication of such a list is expressly provided for under the Act and is used only in limited and exceptional circumstances. It is applied as a measure of last resort, following sustained and repeated non-compliance by taxpayers who have failed to meet their obligations despite extensive engagement, due process, and opportunities to regularise their affairs with the Income Tax Office. The cases concerned do not include taxpayers who have entered into agreed settlement arrangements in respect of outstanding liabilities. The preparation of the list has been undertaken strictly in accordance with the law, with all required safeguards, procedures, and statutory criteria carefully observed. The use of these statutory powers was referenced by the Principal Auditor in his report, which was subsequently debated in Parliament. As the Minister for Taxation Nigel Feetham explained during those proceedings, despite and notwithstanding the matters raised in that report, the Commissioners exercise of the powers under section 68 of the Act was imminent. The Government reiterates that its clear policy preference is for voluntary tax compliance and that the Commissioners statutory powers are exercised only as a measure of last resort where an employer has failed to remit employees PAYE contributions to the Government or a taxpayer has failed to pay tax due on profits. Where genuine financial hardship exists and the taxpayer engages constructively with the Commissioner, such powers are not invoked. Three teenagers who posed as delivery drivers so they could steal $4.3million of cryptocurrency were caught a mere three hours later after posting their crimes on Snapchat. The boys - aged 16 and 17 - filmed their getaway after fleeing the scene in Hoxton, London in the victim's BMW X3. They had tricked their way into the flat after travelling down from Sheffield -threatening the occupant with large knives and forcing him to hand over the digital cash as well as his car keys. The victim reported his car as stolen and police were soon alerted when it passed an automatic number plate recognition camera on the M1 in Northamptonshire, less than three hours after the break in. Faris Hassan, now 18, attempted to escape police - reaching speeds of 100mph - but the car was stopped on the M6 in Warwickshire. The three defendants were sentenced to a combined total of 16 years in youth detention on November 7, last year at Sheffield Crown Court. New footage has now been released of the failed stunt. One of the crooks can be seen posing at the front door with a parcel delivery in hand. One of the crooks can be seen posing at the front door with a parcel delivery in hand in new footage of the failed stunt Meanwhile, a hooded accomplice runs through the back gate and the victim is threatened at knife point into transferring his cryptocurrency In a video uploaded to Social media the teenagers can be seen celebrating - prematurely - with vapes in hand Meanwhile, a hooded accomplice runs through the back gate and the victim is threatened at knife point into transferring his cryptocurrency. The trio then make off with the stolen cryptocurrency in the victim's car. In a video uploaded to Social media the teenagers can be seen celebrating - prematurely - with vapes in hand. One says: 'New whip (car) and that yeah.' Another adds: 'Everyone that doubted us fam.' But just moments later their fantasies are dispelled as the driver lets out a scream after spotting a police car. The gang are caught, forced out of the vehicle and swiftly arrested. Hassan, of Sheffield, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, aggravated burglary, transferring criminal property, theft of a motor vehicle and driving without insurance or a licence. He was sentenced to 67 months in custody. The teenagers' robbery fantasies are dispelled as the driver lets out a scream after spotting a police car The interception of the stolen vehicle is pictured. Police were able to locate the car after spotting it on an ANPR camera Hassan, of Sheffield, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, aggravated burglary, transferring criminal property, theft of a motor vehicle and driving without insurance or a licence The gang are caught, forced out of the vehicle and swiftly arrested. They were later jailed for a total of 16 years Detective Constable Jonathan Leung said: 'The suspects thought posting their criminal exploits on social media would build them a following, however all it built was the case against them' Mikyle Bethune, now 18, of Sheffield, pleaded guilty to aggravated burglary, theft of a motor vehicle and possession of a knife. He was sentenced to 46 months in custody. A 17-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, pleaded guilty to aggravated burglary, possession of criminal property and theft of a motor vehicle. He received 80 months in custody. The victim's crypto was recovered within 72 hours and returned two weeks later. Detective Constable Jonathan Leung, who led the Met's investigation, said: 'This case is a clear example of how the suspects thought posting their criminal exploits on social media would build them a following, however all it built was the case against them. 'Aided by specialist assistance from the Met's Economic Crime Command, and with collaboration from police services across the country, detectives have worked tirelessly to ensure that such brazen and reckless offending will not go undetected.' A part-time worker has been awarded triple the amount of compensation she was seeking after the Fair Work Commission found she was dismissed by her employer just days after the traumatic death of her grandmother. Forensic science student Bianca Knott was employed as a supervisor and administrator at indoor obstaclecourse Tru Ninja in Penrith, Sydney, from June 2024. On September 19, 2025, her grandmother died unexpectedly. Ms Knott immediately informed her manager that she required time off to grieve and intended to use her bereavement leave entitlement. But the Commission heard that the company then persistently demanded proof of death within days of Ms Knott's grandmother's passing. According to the judgment, which was handed down on Tuesday, Ms Knott told her manager straight away that she would be unable to work on September 19 and 20 - but said she would provide an update on September 22. Tru Ninja demanded documentation to support the leave later that day, the commission heard. On September 23, the company formally requested a death certificate, funeral notice or statutory declaration. Ms Knott was also asked to supply a working with children check and a first aid certificate, which Fair Work Commission Deputy President Tony Slevin described as 'inexplicable' in his findings. The Fair Work Commission has ruled the company Tru Ninja - co-owned by Tania Romero (pictured) - unfairly requested evidence from an employee after their grandmother's death Between 22 and 29 September, the Commission heard that Tru Ninja's management, Ms Knott, and her family exchanged repeated communications about requests for evidence. On one occasion, Ms Knott informed her managers she was unable to produce documentation so soon after her grandmother's death, the commission was told. The commission also heard that Ms Knott's mother phoned operations manager Olga Ilina on September 23 to explain it was too early to obtain formal proof. The following day, Tru Ninja co-owner Tania Romero emailed Ms Knott outlining bereavement leave entitlements under the Fair Work Act, and requesting evidence by September 28 of her grandmother's death, the commission noted. On September 25, co-owner Evan Wardrope emailed Ms Knott repeating the request for evidence and proposing annual leave be used between September 23 and 27. The commission was told Ms Knott emailed Mr Wardrope a medical certificate and a police event number as interim evidence of the death. The following day Mr Wardrope responded, requesting additional evidence a police report or official acknowledgement email to verify the police event number. He stated compassionate leave would only be paid once the required evidence was received, the commission heard. Bianca Knott informed her manager at Tru Ninja straight away that she would need time to grieve and hoped to use her bereavement leave entitlement, the Fair Work Commission heard Ms Knott answered, saying she had a right to disconnect from work, and provided a funeral notice, the commission heard. But the commission was told Mr Wardrope rejected her right to disconnect, warning of disciplinary action if she failed to comply with lawful directions. On October 9, Ms Knott attended a formal disciplinary meeting with Mr Wardrope and Ms Ilina where she was given a written warning letter. The following day Ms Knott requested an official termination letter and payment for her four weeks' notice, the findings by the commission noted. It heard she was provided with the letter but told there was no entitlement to payment in lieu of notice because the dismissal was for serious misconduct. The termination letter, seen by the commission, alleged Ms Knott engaged in serious misconduct by providing the personal contact details of senior managers to a third party, which the company claimed resulted in threatening and abusive phone calls. It also accused her of refusing to supply required evidence to support her leave application and of failing to read or respond to communications from the owner. The letter further claimed Ms Knott had behaved in a manner that caused significant distress to management staff, including Ms Romero, who was heavily pregnant at the time. FWC Deputy President Tony Slevin said the companys continued insistence for proof of death in the days immediately after Ms Knotts grandmothers death was 'unreasonable' The letter also said the conduct had irreparably damaged the employment relationship, the commission noted. During the hearing, Mr Wardrope told the commission that the dismissal was driven by tense communications between Ms Knotts mother and company staff. However, Fair Work Commission Deputy President Slevin rejected that justification, describing Tru Ninjas conduct as 'unreasonable'. 'I do not find that the communications from Ms Knott's mother were rude and abusive,' he said in his findings. 'They may well have been abrupt and firm, but I would not consider them to be rude or abusive. 'They followed a number of email exchanges in which Ms Knott continued to attempt to access her entitlements. The companys responses, in my view, were unreasonable. 'Seeking proof of death in the days after the passing of Ms Knott's grandmother was an unreasonable request. 'The requests to be given time to provide that evidence were reasonable requests. 'I do not consider anything in the communications either from Ms Knott's mother, nor from Ms Knott, nor from her cousin, amounted to communications that can be considered as serious misconduct on the part of Ms Knott.' The FWC also found Ms Knott had not been notified of a valid reason for her dismissal, had not been warned about poor performance, and that Tru Ninja failed to take into account her distress following the traumatic death. 'True Ninja should have stepped back and given Ms Knott the time that she needed to grieve. It did not,' Deputy President Slevin said in his findings. 'Instead, it continued with emails and requests for information and engaging with Ms Knott at a time where she should have been given time to herself.' The commission awarded Ms Knott $7,596 - three times the amount she had initially sought - in lieu of reinstatement. Tru Ninja has been contacted for comment. A quaint hotel on Italys iconic Lake Como, one of the most glamorous holiday destinations on earth, has hit the market for just $3.3 million, a price tag that will leave Sydney property buyers shaking their heads. Lake Como, a long-time playground for billionaires, movie stars and luxury fashion houses, continues to attract global hotel brands and high-end tourism investment. Even smaller boutique properties in its quieter villages, far from full-service resorts, are now in high demand. At $3.3 million, the listing offers an entire 18-room hotel set against postcard-perfect Italian scenery, the sort of location where guests routinely pay eye-watering nightly rates to stay at properties operating under banners such as Marriott or Ritz-Carlton. By contrast, back in Sydney, Australias most expensive housing market, the median house price now sits north of $1.76 million, and that figure increasingly buys little more than an unremarkable suburban family home. In many parts of the city, $3.3 million would barely secure a tired fixer-upper on a modest block of land. In Lake Como, the same money buys a fully functioning hotel in one of the worlds most coveted luxury destinations, a stark reminder of just how distorted Sydneys property market has become. By comparison, a three-bedroom, one-bathroom home in the inner-west suburb of Concord sold just days ago for $3.3 million, despite its boldly retro, unapologetically old-school interiors steeped in a late-1960s to 1970s aesthetic. This 18-room hotel in Lake Como (pictured) is on the market for the same amount as a dated three bedroom home in Sydney This dated three bedroom home in Concord (pictured) sold for $3.3million in a sign of just how little you get in Sydney now The interior of the 1970s property (pictured) in Concord is dated The contrast is a dramatic illustration of just how far buyers money can stretch overseas, and a stark reminder of Sydneys deepening affordability crisis as locals increasingly question whether their housing market has lost touch with reality. The 2025 Demographia International Housing Affordability report ranked Sydney as the worlds secondmost expensive city to buy a home, trailing only Hong Kong and ahead of Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth. But the report warned Sydney was on track to overtake Hong Kong this year and become the most expensive housing market on the planet. In Melbourne, even a humble beach box, little more than a shed by the sand, now commands stratospheric sevenfigure price tags. The latest beach box to hit the market last month is seeking expressions of interest around $1 million, despite having no power or water supply, and with permanent occupation strictly prohibited. Last April, another beachfront shack sold for $1 million after a bidding war between five buyers pushed the price $350,000 above initial expectations. Cotality head of research Gerard Burg said Australian households now need to devote about 45 per cent of their income to service a new mortgage, based on a 30year loan as of September 2025. He said Reserve Bank of Australia data shows the median pricetoincome ratio for an Australian home sat at about fourtoone in 1991. Today, that figure has blown out to 8.2toone, the highest level on record. In Melbourne even a humble beach box now comes with a stratospheric seven-figure price tag Last April, another beachfront shack sold for $1million after a bidding war between five buyers pushed the price $350,000 above initial expectations 'Todays challenge is very much directed towards the size of the loan, and by association, the size and time required to save the deposit, reflecting how much faster home values have increased relative to incomes,' he said. Mr Burg said some Sydney suburbs had increased ten-fold in price since 1991 including Leichhardt, Strathfield and Auburn which had heavily impacted the pathway to homeownership. 'Various studies in recent years have shown that the average first home buyer is getting older in Australia,' he said. 'This largely reflects the impacts of house prices growing more rapidly than incomes - it takes longer to save a deposit and it is more than likely it requires two incomes to support a typical mortgage. 'The labour market has also changed, with a larger proportion of jobs being part time or casual than was the case in the early 1990s.' Home ownership has been steadily declining for decades, with nearly one in three Australians now renting and alarmingly three out of five renters believe they will never afford a home of their own. Futurologist Rocky Scopelliti said for the first time young Australians are not expecting to live better than their parents - they're expecting to live smaller. 'As younger Australians realise they are inheriting both a broken housing market and an ageing fiscal system, the sense of intergenerational inequity is deepening,' he said. Futurologist Rocky Scopelliti (pictured) said house prices have fallen in many countries like Japan as birth rates shrink Aussie Anthony Randall (pictured) has revealed how he was able to buy a house in Japan for just $5,000 after he was locked out of the property market back home 'That contract is being rewritten, and the next generation wasn't invited to the table.' Meanwhile in parts of Europe and countries like Japan, house prices have fallen as birth rates shrink and affordability pressures reduce buyer demand. NSW man Anthony Randall, 52, believed owning a property in Australia was an 'unreachable' goal and decided two years ago to look abroad. The urban planner from Wollongong found an old abandoned and vacant house - known as an akiya - in the Japanese city of Joetsu. The property's stamp duty costs were a mere $2 - paid in cash - and the actual price of the home was just $5,000. Mr Randall said a declining population has led to an oversupply of housing in Japan, while mass migration of the younger generation from rural to urban areas has also led to millions of properties being left abandoned. 'It's really good for the spirit and your wellbeing,' he said. Traditional owners said the site is now beyond repair A prime block of land along Sydney's harbourfront has been left in ruins, four years after its ownership was transferred to a local Aboriginal council. The former Waverton Bowling Club site on Sydney's lower north shore was assumed by the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council (MLALC) in 2022 following a successful Land and Environment Court challenge against the NSW government. However, it has now been revealed that the 5000squaremetre block has been left in ruins, with broken doors, patched-up walls and termite damage visible at the entrances to the clubhouse. The MLALC said federal native title requirements have prevented it from accessing, developing, leasing or generating income from the site, reports the Sydney Morning Herald. This is despite the council being responsible for its maintenance and security costs. MLALC chief executive Nathan Moran said the site is now beyond repair. 'We've effectively inherited all the liability without any of the benefit,' Mr Moran said. 'Land claims returned to Aboriginal land councils have a requirement no other landholder has we are required to address native title under federal law, even though the land has already been granted to us by the court.' The former bowling club site has been left in disarray, four years after it's ownership was transferred to an Aboriginal land council The clubhouse now has broken doors, patched up walls, and signs of termite damage MLALC chief executive, Nathan Moran, said the former bowls club site is now beyond repair He added: 'Land rights are supposed to be about recompense and shouldn't burden Aboriginal organisations with all the risks, costs and liabilities. It shouldn't be a punishment.' The former bowling club, which began using the site in 1967, was closed in 2019 after the club went into administration. The club was being managed by North Sydney Council at the time, with the council objecting to the land claim brought by the MLALC. Moran said the land council had spent around $100,000 a year on fencing, building reports, security and maintenance. 'We're having to pay for security, building reports, maintenance costs, dealing with trespassers, and people entering the site and treating it like a dog park,' he said. 'We inherit all the costs, but we're frozen from using the land. That's the reality of land rights.' Residents and community groups have reportedly complained about several safety hazards within the site, including holes in fences and overgrown vegetation. Several locals previously told the Daily Mail that it was a 'pity' to have a green space 'so close to the city, not being used'. The once bustling greens of an old Sydney bowling club are now an abandoned wasteland Last year, local resident Ross said a 'a bit of state government money' was needed to tidy it up 'I can understand Aboriginal people deserve to take some of their land back,' Ross, who played bowls at the club years ago, said. 'I just hope they can find an effective use for it. 'A little bit of appropriate cultural monuments to celebrate Aboriginal heritage would be the trick and just a bit of state government money to tidy the area up. It can't be that hard.' Another resident said the site was being used by locals 'when the lawn wasn't that unkempt' but then they were locked out. 'They started putting up warning signs and blocking access the area,' they said. 'And for the last couple of years, it's been left here in disrepair, which is a bit of a pity. 'I don't know what's gonna happen, if it's still going to be a bit of a space for a community or if it will be completely blocked off from the community.' It comes as North Sydney Mayor, Zoe Baker, has called on the NSW government to consider buying the site back from the land council at market rate, amid community concerns the MLALC will move to develop the site. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos confirmed in a press conference on Thursday that the blood drops found on Nancy Guthrie's porch were traced back to her. Nanos confirmed that no suspect had been identified in the investigation, but that no one had been ruled out. The Daily Mail revealed how Nancy, 84, was abducted from her $1 million home late on January 31, early into February 1, according to police. President Donald Trump announced Wednesday night that he has directed 'all federal law enforcement' to help with the investigation 'IMMEDIATELY,' and 'the prayers of our Nation are with her and her family.' Authorities have said they believe the mother of three is still alive despite not having identified any suspects. 'We have nothing else to go on but the belief that she is here,' Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said in a new interview with NBCs Liz Kreutz. 'She's present. She's alive, and we want to save her.' Still, Savannah and her siblings pleaded with their mother's captors to provide proof of life as they fear she may not survive without vital medication she needs to take daily. The woman who went viral on Coldplay's concert kiss cam is cashing in on her newfound fame as a keynote speaker with extortionate ticket prices. Kristin Cabot, 53, is set to share a keynote speaker spot at PRWeek's 2026 Crisis Comms Conference in Washington, DC, for between $750 and $875 a ticket. The mother of two, who was recently at the center of a viral scandal, will appear in a 30-minute talk titled Taking Back the Narrative alongside public relations CEO Dini von Mueffling. Fourteen other speakers are scheduled for the conference in April. Online, Cabot's announcement was received poorly as many accused the former human resources executive of exploiting the scandal for a 'temporary payday.' Cabot found herself involved in a scandal with her boss, ex-Astronomer CEO Andy Byron, after the pair were seen cozying up at a Coldplay concert in Boston in July. At the time, Coldplay frontman Chris Martin told the crowd: 'Oh, look at these two! Oh, what? Either they're having an affair or they're just very shy.' The moment, caught on the stadium kiss cam, went viral after they quickly covered their faces and tried to dash out of view. 'I guess high-profile adultery can be a temporary big payday,' one user wrote on X. Kristin Cabot, 53, is set to share a keynote speaker spot at PRWeek's 2026 Crisis Comms Conference following the viral scandal in July at a Coldplay concert The mother of two is set to appear in a 30-minute talk titled Taking Back the Narrative alongside public relations CEO Dini von Mueffling Tickets are priced between $750 to $875 each with 14 other speakers scheduled for the conference in April 'So I guess being an adulteress does pay off,' another jabbed. 'She has a story to tell and they'll listen to her. It's the new world,' a third comment read. Another user wrote: 'That event will always follow her unfortunately.' 'I dont know who would pay $875 to attend this, but props to her thats an impressive comeback,' one commenter conceded. After months of silence following the viral incident, Cabot finally spoke out in December and revealed she had been hammered with death threats since. 'I made a bad decision and had a couple of High Noons and danced and acted inappropriately with my boss,' she told the New York Times. 'And it's not nothing. And I took accountability and I gave up my career for that. That's the price I chose to pay.' Cabot has been shamed online, mocked by celebrities and branded an 'adulterer' by strangers she bumps into at public places, she said, adding that she had received more than 60 threats on her life. Cabot had found herself involved in a scandal with her boss, ex-Astronomer CEO Andy Byron Cabot shared that she and her husband, Andrew, were separated at the time She admitted that she had a 'crush' on Byron and was excited to introduce him to her friends, but claimed that before that night the pair had not even kissed. Although they shared tequila cocktails, danced together and exchanged a kiss in their VIP balcony seats at the concert, Cabot said that was the first and only time. But she regrets what she described as a 'cliche' moment, adding: 'I want my kids to know that you can make mistakes, and you can really screw up. But you don't have to be threatened to be killed for them.' Cabot recalled how she instantly felt 'embarrassed and so horrified', with both her and Byron rushing back to the bar in the immediate aftermath. Her concerns were about two things: her career and her estranged husband Andrew who was at the same concert with a date of his own. She told the NY Times that she did not want to humiliate her ex. She and Andrew had been married for two years, but were separated at the time of the scandal. Cabot also knew how poorly it looked to be seen snuggled up to her boss. 'I'm the head of HR and he's the CEO It's, like, so cliche and so bad,' she recalled. She shared how she and Byron, in an apparent state of shock, sat at the bar with their heads in their hands and began to devise a plan for moving forward. Both Byron and Cabot were immediately placed on leave by Astronomer as the company carried out an investigation into the incident. Soon after, Byron resigned as CEO. Cabot's resignation followed his. Keir Starmer's premiership was in crisis last night after he admitted bringing back Peter Mandelson - despite knowing he had stayed friends with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. After months of evasion, the Prime Minister was forced to admit he appointed the Labour peer as US ambassador despite being told by officials that he had remained friends with Epstein, even after the businessman's conviction for child sex offences. Downing Street confirmed the PM also knew that Mandelson had continued to stay at Epstein's house while he was in prison and after he was released. It is understood that when Mandelson was appointed towards the end of 2024, Sir Keir was handed a two-page document by the Cabinet Office ethics team, summarising the well-rehearsed conflicts of issues and previous scandals. In what one source told the Times was 'cut and pasted from Google', the matters relating to Epstein were all in the public domain, including a warning from a 2019 internal JP Morgan report that 'Jeffrey Epstein appears to maintain a particularly close relationship with Prince Andrew and Lord Mandelson, a senior member of the British government'. Details of when the architect of New Labour had stayed at the convicted paedophile's home, including in 2009 when Epstein was still in prison, were also spelled out. After months of evasion, the Prime Minister was forced to admit he appointed the Labour peer as US ambassador despite being told by officials that he had remained friends with Epstein (file image) It is understood that when Mandelson (pictured) was appointed towards the end of 2024, Sir Keir was handed a two-page document by the Cabinet Office ethics team (file image) That, it was suggested, was the extent of the vetting Mandelson faced. During angry clashes in the Commons, the PM said he had been 'lied' to repeatedly by Mandelson and insisted that the proper 'process' had been followed. But last night he was facing questions from all sides about his own judgment in continuing with the appointment. Kemi Badenoch, who forced the admission from Sir Keir, said his decision to press ahead was 'absolutely shocking'. Yesterday's admission came after Mrs Badenoch deployed a rare Commons procedure to force the Government to release key documents surrounding the controversial appointment. The PM said he was willing to release all documents except those relating to national security and international relations. Mrs Badenoch said: 'The national security issue was appointing Mandelson in the first place... This is not about national security; this is about the Prime Minister's job security.' Sir Keir insisted he acted swiftly to sack Mandelson last year when it emerged he had advised Epstein to appeal against his conviction for soliciting a minor. Sir Keir insisted he acted swiftly to sack Mandelson last year when it emerged he had advised Epstein to appeal against his conviction for soliciting a minor. Mandelson is pictured here in his underpants inside Jeffrey Epstein's palatial 'House of Sin' in Paris Details of when the architect of New Labour had stayed at the convicted paedophile's home, including in 2009 when Epstein was still in prison, were also spelled out in a two-page document. (File image: Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell are pictured) He told MPs he was 'as angry as the public' about the conduct of his former ally. 'He lied repeatedly to my team when asked about his relationship with Epstein I regret appointing him.' Dame Emily Thornberry, Labour chairman of the foreign affairs committee, said the fiasco could have been avoided if the PM had allowed Mandelson to be interviewed by MPs such as herself, instead of rushing through the political appointment. Mr John McDonnell, Jeremy Corbyn's former number two, told Sky News the PM should quit: 'I've never called for him to go but I have lost confidence in him. The decisions around Mandelson pushed me over the edge.' A food influencer alleged that she was drugged and kidnapped at a luxurious Hollywood premiere party. Meredith Hayden, who is known on TikTok as Wishbone Kitchen and boasts more than 2.3million followers, claimed the terrifying episode happened four years ago. Hayden, 30, revealed the story while responding to a user who asked why she had been anxious before a birthday trip to Japan. She explained that she was 'crying and anxious' because she had been drugged once at a party she thought was a safe space. 'And then when I went outside to try to go home because I started to feel weird, someone pushed me into their car and kidnapped me for like, a few hours,' she said Tuesday. Hayden added that she was laughing as she recounted the traumatic story 'because humor is the way I cope.' 'It happened like, right as I started getting a following on TikTok and I was like, well, I don't want to be the roofie girl,' Hayden said. 'The roofiekidnap girl.' The private chefturnedinfluencer added that she began therapy shortly after the incident, but claimed her therapist told her she 'probably just drank too much.' Food influencer Meredith Hayden, 30, claimed that she was drugged and kidnapped while attending a Hollywood party four years ago Hayden said she had not reported the incident to the police. She added that a psychiatrist later diagnosed her with post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression and agoraphobia 'So no, I didn't report it to the police,' Hayden continued. 'I put my big girl pants on. and I shoved the feelings down for as long as I could.' She said she still felt anxious leaving her house and was not sure when that would ease. The video of Hayden's allegations had more than 391,000 views as of Wednesday night. Hayden also claimed that a psychiatrist later diagnosed her with posttraumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression and agoraphobia. The TikTok star said her fear of cramped spaces became apparent during a trip to Tokyo to celebrate her 30th birthday. 'Guess what's really crowded?' Hayden asked. 'That was my present to myself but that doesn't mean you can't have anxiety about your situation, about being in a foreign country where you don't speak the language, and you know nobody except for the person you're traveling with,' she said. Hayden said she hadn't wanted her 'roofie survival story' to be told this way, but felt her hand had been forced. She said that she did not report the incident to police after a prior experience during which she was allegedly 'robbed in the street in the West Village.' Hayden claimed that teenagers stole her phone and used the Venmo app to send money to themselves. When she went to the precinct to file a police report, she experienced 'the most humiliating, frustrating, and unproductive two hours of my life.' Despite allegedly providing the robbers' full names, police told her there was 'nothing we can do.' The influencer said that experience caused her to not report what allegedly happened at the ritzy Hollywood premiere. 'So what was I going to do? Go into the police station and say, 'Hey, I think someone slipped something in my drink last night?' she said. Hayden claimed she did not know anyone at the party and that there was 'no security footage.' Hayden claimed that the cameras were turned off at the 'luxurious' Hollywood party and that there was no security footage of what happened to her 'This is something I know because the invite to the party said, don't worry, the cameras will be off so we can all really let loose,' she alleged. Hayden said it was 'such a weird red flag comment' but that she ignored it because it was apparently a 'thing at big Hollywood parties.' The food influencer initially worked as a private chef in the Hamptons while planning to eventually publish a cookbook. In 2022, she posted a 'day in the life' TikTok video on a small account, which went viral and rapidly grew her following. Her behindthescenes videos working in the kitchen and planning her life soon drew millions of views and likes. Hayden's debut cookbook was released last year and spent 12 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list. The Daily Mail has reached out to Hayden for further comment. After giving him a third chance in Government and a peerage, Gordon Brown might have expected some gratitude from his erstwhile New Labour enemy. But in private, Lord Mandelson was not only mocking the then Prime Minister and leaking highly sensitive information he had gleaned from serving as his Business Secretary but also plotting to take over from him in Downing Street, damning emails suggest. Files released by the US Department of Justice reveal that Mandelson and financier Jeffrey Epstein were discussing, and often belittling, goings-on in the final days of Mr Brown's tenure. As it became clear the writing was on the wall for the Labour leader ahead of the 2010 election, Epstein urged his friend to run for the top job, saying he could be Britain's answer to Vladimir Putin. He said Mandelson could stand on a joint ticket with David Miliband, putting his Cabinet colleague in No 10 as a puppet, as Putin had done in 2008 when he made Dmitry Medvedev president while retaining power. 'Can we put together for you the equivalent of a Putin Medeyev [sic] deal,' Epstein said. 'Choose someone who will be seen to be your stand-in, run as a team. Milibrandelson. The voters would be voting for you?' It was an interesting comparison from a man some say was heavily linked to Moscow, and maybe even a Russian asset in the US. The convicted paedophile even discussed an unlikely ploy where Labour's former spin doctor could enter No 10 by marrying into the Royal Family, so losing his place in the House of Lords. Peter Mandelson (right) seemingly plotted to oust Gordon Brown as he struggled to cling onto power during his final months in office Peter Mandelson (left) previously claimed he was 'kept separate' from the 'sexual side' of paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein (right) Mandelson and Epstein appeared to message each other mocking Brown's inevitable departure just days before he resigned The pair joked about the peer marrying Princess Beatrice with the paedophile financier describing it as 'incest', emails show Convention dictates the PM must be directly accountable to the elected representatives of the lower house of Parliament. In October 2009, Lord Mandelson was told by Epstein: 'My reading is that if you were to marry Princess Anne, and then divorce you could be prime minister. As the peerage evaporates on a merger with the monarchy. Or you can marry Princess Beatrice, the queen would have a queen as a grandson.' Lord Mandelson told him 'Remember, I am already her Lord President.' To which Epstein replied: 'Does that make it incest, how exciting.' Weeks later Epstein suggested: 'If you married Prince Andrew you would be forced to resign your peerage, and then be prime minister.' Lord Mandelson replied: 'It's a deal.' In another conversation Lord Mandelson revealed 'Tony' had recommended he 'facilitate not initiate', and said that Mr Brown would immediately 'push panic button' if told to step down. 'Highly sensitised to movement of my eyebrow,' he told Epstein of Mr Brown, who had long believed Lord Mandelson had betrayed him by backing Tony Blair to lead Labour. Epstein seemed obsessed by the idea of Lord Mandelson taking over from Mr Brown, who had dramatically brought him back to Government in 2008, even discussing it with an aide to Microsoft billionaire Bill Gates. He told Boris Nikolic in January 2010: 'Unfortunately, he is LORD Mandelson no lord is allowed to be a prime minister.' Of all the countless assertions about the close relationship between Peter Mandelson and Jeffrey Epstein this week, one in particular caught my attention. Perhaps it is because I am a psychotherapist, a profession where we try to fathom out what motivates people to act in the way they do. The comment was made by Shaun Woodward, who was Northern Ireland Secretary under Gordon Brown. Asked about Mandelsons downfall and appalling lack of judgment, he admitted it was hard to explain how somebody so clever and smart did something which if [the emails] are right was anything but those things. When pressed, he added: Im tempted to say he must have been in love with the guy and lost the plot. Now, it sounds a preposterous thing to say. But Shaun Woodward is no fool and there is no doubt he knows Mandelson well and has long considered him a friend. So could he be right? Did Mandelson throw it all away because he was in love with the paedophile Jeffrey Epstein? Would he have abandoned caution to the wind, shared government secrets, risked everything he holds dear in his professional life because he was infatuated with the financier? The emails between the two men are certainly flirtatious, and in Mandelsons case extraordinarily confessional. Mutual infatuation: A laughing Peter Mandelson and Jeffrey Epstein in a photograph released by the US Department of Justice Peter Mandelson sits with late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, as he blows out the candles on a cake, in an undated photograph released by the Department of Justice As far back as 2006, he confided in Epstein that he faced a terrible situation in some unexplained area of his private life, and later the same day sent a second email thanking Epstein for taking the time to speak to him on the phone. Please stick with me through this, he begged. More light was shone on Mandelsons private life in an email exchange in 2009 when Epstein wrote: I spent an hour with Rinaldo [sic]. Call me tomorrow at office. It suggests the financier communicated with Mandelsons partner Reinaldo da Silva, 53, whom he married in 2023, while serving the last few days of his jail term for soliciting prostitution. Thanks for talking to Reinaldo, Mandelson wrote. It did him (therefore me) a lot of good. You now see the problems. I cannot talk to him about these things at all, he wont listen. I am doing Sunday media then will call. Thanks again xxx. Epstein responded: I as always am there. It is as if Epstein is behaving like some sort of agony aunt to Mandelson. Later in 2009, Mandelson wrote to Epstein again about a real bust up with R. Epstein replied within hours, saying: Im sorry but as you enter the springtime of your senility, I think you are in need of a co-pilot, to help fly and navigate through ever more uncertain weather. Here Epstein seems to be telling Mandelson to dump Reinaldo. Shortly afterwards, Mandelson wrote: All I asked him [Reinaldo] was where are the sandals and could he find them. So rude. Problem is that while he gives me nothing, he doesnt demand much apart from money and lodging. Not sure there are many co-pilots around at my time of life. Hardly people queuing up and current photos looking very puffy. Peter Mandelson is pictured and mentioned many times throughout the released Epstein files In this photo, Mandelson stands in white underwear talking to a woman in a bathing robe Epsteins response was both assertive and reassuring: Dont sell yourself short, I wont allow it, I recognize you dont want/like/desire to be alone. However, if he were just a neutral influence, as contrasted with a great deal more heat than light, the decision would be easier. If you like I am more than willing to give him a spiritual spanking explaining that he needs to exorcise his own demons as opposed to becoming yours. What do these emails tell us about the relationship between Mandelson and Epstein? Mandelson here seems to be more besotted, needy. But it is not all one-way traffic. Epsteins response to the bust-up breathes pure contempt for Reinaldo. Could it also be a demonstration of his affection for Mandelson, an expression of jealousy? He depicts Reinaldo as someone to dismiss, someone without worth unlike himself. It is likely that in reading this email from Epstein, Mandelson would have had a frisson of affirmation, because it would enhance his own importance at Reinaldos expense. Other emails show Epstein seeking solace and advice, and Mandelson responding to the challenge. My view is that we are seeing two classic narcissists in Mandelson and Epstein. Mandelson served as Business Secretary to Gordon Brown (pictured in 2010 when Brown was Prime Minister) He was also Keir Starmer's US Ambassador (pictured together at the welcome reception to the ambassador's residence in Washington in February last year) Usually, narcissists need a foil as a deflection from their own insecurities. They are by definition self-consumed, and need someone they consider an unequal to perform for. But I believe the extraordinary meeting between Jeffrey Epstein and Peter Mandelson produced something unique. They found in one another a reflection of themselves, and it pleased and satisfied them both. It was a union in which their personalities merged so completely that a deep emotional bond was established. Was this love? Perhaps so but, as I said, a narcissistic love. Mandelson, for instance, was deeply solicitous in that now infamous email in 2008 offering Epstein succour just before the paedophile went to jail. You have to be incredibly resilient, fight for early release and be philosophical about it as much as you can, he wrote. Everything can be turned into an opportunity and that [sic] you will come through it and be stronger for it. The whole thing has been years of torture and now you have to show the world how big a person you are, and how strong. Your friends stay with you and love you. This relentless correspondence, in which they continually offer each other advice is strangely intimate. In them, both men reveal their desire to be needed, their pride in their ability to fix things and their wish to be perceived as indispensable. They each reveal carefully chosen vulnerabilities that provoke the other to offer solutions and support. Mandelson pictured leaving Downing Street with then Chief of Staff Morgan McSweeney in June 2025, after fresh allegations emerged about his ties to paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein Pictured (right) with former Labour Party leader Neil Kinnock (left) in 2004. As far back as 2006, Mandelson was confiding in Epstein about his private life, writing to him that he faced a 'terrible situation' and sending him emails thanking him for speaking on the phone In one sense, love did blossom between them in this intense relationship. A love in which they are each complimented and reassured by each other. In 2010, Mandelson asked Epstein to watch him being interviewed on TV host Charlie Roses programme in the US. The reassurance he was seeking from Epstein was not long in coming. You were f***ing brilliant. A+, Epstein replied later that night, although he criticised Mandelson for the way he was sitting. Charlie was unnecessarily aggressive, hence my only critique was of your physical posture, you were sitting as if you were imitating a giant prawn. They enjoyed a childish type of humour laced with flirtatious innuendo and poor taste. In one exchange, Mandelson described Epsteins release after serving his sentence for child sex offences as Liberation Day! Mandelson suggested they should celebrate. Epstein responded with a crude joke: With grace and modesty (these are the names of two strippers). Mandelson asked: How is freedom feeling? Epstein responded: She feels fresh, firm and creamy. Mandelson replied: Naughty boy. On the evening after the election in May 2010 in Britain, Epstein wanted to know what had happened. Peter Mandelson shaking hands with President Donald Trump in May 2025 amid a trade deal with the UK Well? he emailed Peter Mandelson, who was effectively deputy prime minister in Gordon Browns government. Mandelson responded: We are praying for a hung parliament. Alternatively, a well hung young man. Tasteless banter? Or something darker? I believe these sordid jokes reflect a co-dependency, a form of intimacy, that helped them to blot out the hidden shame and insecurity they felt about their behaviour. Both of them dealt in betrayal grotesquely so in Epsteins case after countless young victims had put their trust in him. But Mandelson, too, appallingly betrayed the Government in what is now being labelled one of the biggest political scandals of all time. Epstein was asked in the last interview filmed before his death, if he was the Devil. Mandelson was known as the Prince of Darkness. Neither men flinched from these descriptions of themselves. Instead they revelled in them. Mandelson was made a peer in 2008 during Gordon Brown's Cabinet reshuffle (pictured here in 2010) Mandelson (right) pictured with then-PM Tony Blair (left) in 2001, when he served Blair as Northern Ireland Secretary Both seemed to have rejected societys norms in ways that amused them. There was scorn in that amusement. Scorn for the ease with which they controlled people and situations. Their success at manipulation became addictive and fed their affection for each other. But now, with the revelations that are emerging from the Epstein files, the narrative that was shaped and compelled by manipulation and betrayal is reaching its denouement. Epstein, the arch exploiter, died in prison in suspicious and degrading circumstances, his name synonymous with depravity. Mandelsons life is in tatters. In desperation, he now refers to his once best friend, in an interview with The Times, as, Dog muck that you cannot get off your shoe, and as the bubonic plague. When the narcissist is confronted by the kind of humiliation that Mandelson is experiencing, he retreats into a sort of psychological fog. His carefully constructed self-image, reinforced and supported by his buddy, Epstein, has been lost. The reflection of himself that he saw in Epsteins eyes, the mirror of self-delusion has been shattered. And all he can see is his shattered and humiliated self. A Pennsylvania mother nearly died when a huge chunk of ice flew off a tractor-trailer and crashed through her windshield, leaving her with severe injuries as her young daughter looked on in horror. Madeline Grace, 29, was driving outside of Pittsburgh on Saturday morning when the slab came crashing through the glass. Her 7yearold daughter, Mila, was sitting in the back seat and watched the moment ice and shattered glass struck Grace in the face. The ice broke her eye socket and fractured her nose, according to WFMZ. 'The glass shattered, tiny little pieces everywhere,' Grace told the outlet. She said the shards all around her felt 'like sand' as she braced for impact and brought the car to a halt in the fast lane of a busy Parkway West. 'It was in my mouth,' Grace added. 'I was crunching on it.' Photos showed the car's windshield completely shattered, with the worst damage directly where Grace was sitting behind the wheel. Madeline Grace, 29, suffered grave facial injuries when a massive chunk of ice flew off a tractor-trailer and smashed through her windshield Grace has a doctor's appointment set for Thursday to determine whether surgery will be necessary Grace said she tried to reassure her weeping daughter that she was okay until she realized the extent of her injuries. 'I catch a view of myself in the rearview mirror, and I'm like, I am not okay,' Grace. said. She said her overwhelming pain felt like 'somebody hit me in the face really hard.' 'I feel like I was run over by a truck,' she said. Grace said she remained traumatized by the crash and how it happened in front of her daughter. 'Every time I close my eyes, I see that chunk of ice coming at me,' Grace told CBS Pittsburgh. She recalled that there was no time to react once she saw the ice 'flipping over and over' as it careened toward her car. 'Just so grateful that I blocked that from going in the backseat and hitting my daughter,' Grace said. The incident happened on the Parkway West outside of Pittsburgh on Saturday morning. The impact was centered around the driver's seat Grace was driving from her apartment in Moon Township to her sister's home in Oakdale when the ice smashed through her windshield She was taken to the hospital, where she was treated for facial fractures. Doctors are hopeful that she will regain full vision in her right eye, although her recovery remained uncertain. She had a doctor's appointment scheduled for Thursday to determine whether surgery would be necessary. Grace said her daughter had deemed the day of the ice crash the 'worst day ever.' 'I said, "Yeah, it was pretty rough for me too, baby,"' Grace said. 'Overall, she's handling it really well.' Grace had returned from a vacation in Florida less than 24 hours before the crash. She said she was driving from her apartment in Moon Township to her sister's home in Oakdale at the time. 'I've driven this road many times before,' Grace told KDKA. She shared that the crash remained vivid in her mind. 'I still see that ice coming at me and I hear the crunch of it coming through my windshield and hitting my face,' she said. Grace said that her face felt like it was 'not put together the way it should be' after the brutal crash Grace said her pain level had gone up after her facial swelling went down. 'I feel that my face is not put together the way it should be,' she said. 'It's rough for today, for sure.' Under Pennsylvania law, drivers are required to clear snow and ice from their vehicles. Violators can face a $50 fine, while drivers can be fined up to $1,500 if snow or ice strikes another vehicle or pedestrian and causes serious injury or death. Grace said her experience was 'not an isolated incident' and called for greater accountability. 'I have more sympathy for the people that are driving, minding their own business, had zero choice in the matter, and are now injured, possibly permanently,' Grace said. State police have asked anyone who may have been in the area around 10am Saturday to review their dash camera footage. The accident came just one day after a similar accident on Route 22, where falling ice from a truck sent a separate woman to the hospital. The Daily Mail has reached out to Pennsylvania State Police for comment. The FBI descended on the Tucson home of Savannah Guthries mother Nancy on Wednesday as law enforcement efforts were stepped up dramatically in the search for the missing retiree. Nancy, 84, vanished on Saturday evening after being dropped off at the sprawling Arizona property by her Italian son-in-law Tommaso Cioni - the last person to see her. Cops said on Tuesday that they had turned the $1 million adobe-style house back over to the Guthrie family, but that all changed on Wednesday night A pickup truck from the Pima County Sherriff's Department arrived at Nancy's home, along with two carloads of FBI investigators. The house has since been taped off, and agents were still inside as of 5.30pm local time. K-9 units were also spotted combing the inside, according to Fox News. Meanwhile, a second pair of investigators were at the home of Savannah Guthries sister Annie. The detectives were seen collecting what looked like a tripod and lights from their car before going back inside. Officers were previously spotted at the house, where the Today Show anchor is believed to be holed up, on Tuesday. Wednesday's visit came shortly after a detective from an online pedophile unit showed up to talk to the Guthrie family. Nancy Guthrie, 84, was last seen Saturday night after enjoying a dinner with her daughter, Annie (right). They are pictured here with Nancy's other daughter, Today Show host Savannah Guthrie Crime scene tape was put back up at Nancy's $1 million Tucson home on Wednesday Federal agents were seen carrying boxes outside of the home Seen outside the house in Daily Mail photos, the man was wearing a t-shirt emblazoned with the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force badge. The FBI affiliate specializes in combating online grooming and technology enabled child abuse. The uptick in activity comes shortly after a source told a local ABC News affiliate that the FBI is rushing in outside experts - including hostage negotiation specialists. Until Tuesday, the case had been handled entirely by the Pima County Sheriffs Department who called in extra help after realizing the devout grandmother had been abducted. Signs of a struggle can still be seen at her home, with her Ring doorbell removed and a splatter of blood by the entrance door. The 84-year-old mother-of-three lives alone at the house in the affluent Catalina Foothills neighborhood, where authorities found her phone, wallet and car following her mysterious disappearance on January 31. An Apple Watch was also found inside the property, which investigators say stopped syncing with her pacemaker at around 2am - suggesting she was taken from her home at around that time. Officers are now looking into Savannah's superfans who have piled her with gifts and mail before her mother was abducted, the Daily Mail revealed earlier on Wednesday. Investigators specifically asked NBC whether there were any troubling fan interactions that could be relevant to the case, a senior source claimed. No suspect has been identified and police insist there is no danger to the wider public. However, investigators have not ruled out that Nancy may have been targeted because she is the mother of the famous Today show host. Authorities are looking into Savannah's superfans who have piled her with gifts and mail before her mother was abducted Eerie photos from Nancy Guthrie's Tucson, Arizona home show blood splattered on the walkway and her Ring doorbell camera missing At the same time, though, the Pima County Sheriff's Department is looking into the possibility that Nancy's kidnapping may be linked to a trespassing case in January, TMZ reports. In that case, one of her neighbors told authorities he noticed a suspicious person outside of his own home. But when the unidentified lurker triggered a motion sensor, causing floodlights to switch on, he fled the scene and witnesses were unable to provide a description of the suspect. Police are now going door-to-door collecting security camera footage from neighbors as they attempt to identify a suspect and are searching for a vehicle of interest, a law enforcement source said. They are also investigating the possibility that a ransom demand has been made. Authorities said Wednesday they have faith that the mother-of-three is still alive Despite the lack of answers, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos has faith that Nancy is still alive. 'We have nothing else to go on but the belief that she is here,' he said in an interview with NBCs Liz Kreutz. 'She's present. She's alive, and we want to save her.' He noted that his department is taking all tips and leads very seriously. 'The leads weve got coming in are critical to us. Theyre valuable, and were sharing those with the FBI and others,' Nanos said. To aid in the investigation, President Donald Trump announced he was allocating additional federal support for the search. He said on Tuesday he planned to call Savannah, noting that his thoughts were with the news anchor amid the 'terrible' situation. 'I'm going to call her later on, I think it's a terrible thing,' Trump said. 'Very unusual situation, but we're going to find out.' Then, on Wednesday, the president made good on his promise, NBC News anchor Tom Llamas reported on air. He said that Trump took the moment to 'offer words of support for her and her family as they search for her mother.' Authorities are expected to provide another update into the investigation on Thursday. Amy Scott - the police officer who single-handedly stopped Joel Cauchi's deadly stabbing rampage at Westfield Bondi Junction - has arrived at the inquest into the attack that claimed six lives. Inspector Scott, who is currently battling a rare and aggressive form of breast cancer and undergoing chemotherapy, managed a small smile while wearing a bandana as she walked past the waiting media before greeting a colleague inside the building. Inspector Scott ran to the fifth level of the Sydney shopping centre in 2024 after being alerted to the terrifying rampage. She confronted Cauchi and fatally shot him in the chest when he refused to drop the knife. Coroner Teresa O'Sullivan commended Inspector Scott's 'extraordinary' bravery, saying her actions saved lives. 'Inspector Amy Scott, whose heroism has been a centre piece of this inquest. Not only did she act unhesitatingly and with enormous courage and servicebut she attended court throughout the inquest to provide comfort to others. She combined skill and compassion with great humility,' Ms O'Sullivan said. 'She now faces a health challenge I wish her and her family all the very best for the road ahead.' The coroner will determine if more could have been done in treating Cauchi when he lived in Toowoomba, Queensland, and afterwards when he moved to Brisbane. Amy Scott - the police officer who single-handedly stopped Joel Cauchi's deadly stabbing rampage at Westfield Bondi Junction - has arrived at the inquest into the attack that claimed six lives She arrives at the inquest findings bearing the signs of her cancer treatment Bondi Junction hero Amy Scott has been diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of breast cancer earlier this year The 40-year-old had stopped taking antipsychotics before the move and did not find another psychiatrist in the state capital. He was homeless at the time of the Westfield attack. There were also claims of failures in the care provided by psychiatrist Andrea Boros-Lavack to treat Cauchis schizophrenia. She treated Cauchi from 2012 to 2020 and in 2019 weaned him off the powerful medication Clozapine - considered the psychotropic drug of last resort to control severe 'treatment-resistant' schizophrenia. It came after Cauc expressed a dislike of its side effects with included lack of motivation and a 'blunting' effect on his moods. He also wanted to enjoy a sex life with women, and side effects of his medication included sexual dysfunction and deterioration of libido. Dr Boros-Lavack rediagnosed Cauchi with 'first episode' schizophrenia, deeming it safe for him to cease taking Clozapine. His mother, Michele Cauchi, contacted Dr Boros-Lavack's private practice - called the Toowoomba Clinic - seven times in late 2019 and early 2020 to report that her son's schizophrenic symptoms were returning after he was weaned off Clozapine. Inspector chased and shot dead Joel Cauchi following his murderous rampage at Westfield Bondi Junction on April 13 2024 (pictured) Joel Cauchi's psychiatrist has finally been unmasked as Dr Andrea Boros-Lavack (above). Dr Boros-Lavack took Cauchi off his anti-psychotic medication because he didn't like the side effects despite the drugs successfully controlling his schizophrenia for years His symptoms included hearing voices, leaving notes around the family home saying he was under the control of Satan or demons, his gait changing, extreme OCD and compulsively viewing pornography. Dr Boros-Lavack prescribed another antipsychotic drug, Abilify, which he did not take. Cauchi was still off his medication when he went into a 'florid psychotic state' and killed six people in his bloody rampage through the Westfield Shopping Centre in April 2024. Dr Boros-Lavack initially told the inquest that Cauchi was not psychotic. Instead, she said that stabbing to death six people was 'likely due to his sexual frustrations and hatred towards women'. Dr Boros-Lavack's assertion at the inquest that it was Cauchi's misogyny that lay behind the Westfield rampage rather than psychosis drew gasps in the courtroom. Despite offering her 'sincere apologies' and saying of the murders she was 'sharing the pain, it has devastated me personally', Dr Boros-Lavack replied: 'I did not fail in my care of Joel and I refuse I have no error on my behalf.' However, in the witness box the following day, Dr Boros-Lavack withdrew the misogyny diagnosis as speculation rather than a clinical assessment. 'It was conjecture on my part and I shouldn't have speculated four years later after I completed his treatment,' she told the court. The six victims of Joel Cauchi's psychosis-driven murderous rampage, clockwise from top left, Ashlee Good, Faraz Tahir, Dawn Singleton, Pakria Darchia and Yixuan Cheng The inquest heard that people with treatment-resistant schizophrenia who are on Clozapine have a high relapse rate of 77 per cent after one year and 90 per cent after two years if they stop taking the medication. The inquest also heard that Dr Boros-Lavack did not provide a detailed medical handover to Cauchi's GP after he left her clinic in Toowoomba and moved to Brisbane in early 2020. Australian Society of Psychiatrists executive director Pramudie Gunaratne hoped the recommendations would be a 'turning point' towards genuine mental health reform. 'What we saw on that day was a young man who was seriously unwell but left in free fall without mental health support for four years,' she told AAP. 'The most gut-wrenching thing about all of this is that even after such an incredible tragedy, little seems to have changed.' Senior Labour MPs rounded on Sir Keir Starmer last night after he admitted for the first time that he knew about Peter Mandelson's longer-term relationship with Jeffrey Epstein before bringing him back into government. After months of evasion, the Prime Minister was forced to admit he appointed the Labour peer as US ambassador despite being told by officials that he had remained friends with Epstein even after his conviction for child sex offences in 2008. Downing Street confirmed Sir Keir also knew that Mandelson had continued to stay at Epstein's house while he was in prison and after he was released. The admission horrified Labour MPs, with one former minister admitting it was 'one of the worst' days of Sir Keir's premiership so far, while others went so far as to call for the PM's resignation. 'It's time for a fresh start,' a former minister told The Guardian, with another warning they were unsure they could back him in a confidence vote. Even Sir Keir's closest allies were unable to come to his defence, as one cabinet minister admitted Mandelson's appointment was 'very hard to defend' and was 'yet another self-inflicted wound'. Another minister told The Times it felt 'terminal' for Sir Keir, while a third said his performance in Prime Minister's Questions was 'physically painful'. There were also calls for the PM's chief aide, Morgan McSweeney, who is understood to have been key to Mandelson's appointment, to resign with MPs saying they had 'lost confidence' in him and his position was now 'untenable'. Keir Starmer (pictured) is facing calls to resign as PM after admitting he knew about Peter Mandelson's relationship with Jeffrey Epstein before bringing him back into government Lord Mandelson (pictured with Sir Keir last year) was ousted as US ambassador last September after other revelations about his ties to Epstein There have also been calls for the PM's chief aide, Morgan McSweeney (pictured), who is understood to have been key to Mandelson's appointment, to resign Angela Rayner, Sir Keir's former deputy PM, had led a huge Labour revolt against his handling of the Peter Mandelson scandal It is understood that when Mandelson was appointed towards the end of 2024, Sir Keir was handed a two-page document by the Cabinet Office ethics team, summarising the well-rehearsed conflicts of issues and previous scandals. In what one source told The Times was 'cut and pasted from Google', the matters relating to Epstein were all in the public domain, including a warning from a 2019 internal JP Morgan report that 'Jeffrey Epstein appears to maintain a particularly close relationship with Prince Andrew and Lord Mandelson, a senior member of the British government'. Details of when the architect of New Labour had stayed at the convicted paedophile's home, including in 2009 when Epstein was still in prison, were also spelled out. That, it was suggested, was the extent of the vetting Mandelson faced. During angry clashes in the Commons, the PM said he had been 'lied' to repeatedly by Mandelson and insisted that the proper 'process' had been followed. But last night he was facing questions from all sides about his own judgment in continuing with the appointment. Kemi Badenoch, who forced the admission from Sir Keir, said his decision to press ahead was 'absolutely shocking'. Yesterday's admission came after Mrs Badenoch deployed a rare Commons procedure to force the Government to release key documents surrounding the controversial appointment. The PM said he was willing to release all documents except those relating to national security and international relations. Mrs Badenoch said: 'The national security issue was appointing Mandelson in the first place... This is not about national security; this is about the Prime Minister's job security.' Sir Keir insisted he acted swiftly to sack Mandelson last year when it emerged he had advised Epstein to appeal against his conviction for soliciting a minor. He told MPs he was 'as angry as the public' about the conduct of his former ally. 'He lied repeatedly to my team when asked about his relationship with Epstein I regret appointing him.' It is understood that when Mandelson (pictured) was appointed towards the end of 2024, Sir Keir was handed a two-page document by the Cabinet Office ethics team Peter Mandelson pictured with Jeffrey Epstein on a yacht A photograph released as part of the Epstein files apparently shows Lord Mandelson in his underwear talking to a woman who is wearing a white bath robe Documents released in the Epstein files include an Epstein bank statement with a $25,000 transfer to Peter Mandelson - although the peer says he cannot remember receiving the money and believes it is fake The tranche of documents also includes an email seemingly from Lord Mandelson to Epstein, talking about the UK government having 'saleable' assets Dame Emily Thornberry, Labour chairman of the foreign affairs committee, said the fiasco could have been avoided if the PM had allowed Mandelson to be interviewed by MPs such as herself, instead of rushing through the political appointment. Mr John McDonnell, Jeremy Corbyn's former number two, told Sky News the PM should quit: 'I've never called for him to go but I have lost confidence in him. The decisions around Mandelson pushed me over the edge.' Asked whether the vetting process had thrown up Mandelson's ongoing relationship with Epstein, the PM said: 'Yes, it did.. As a result, various questions were put to him.' Sir Keir said the vetting documents would confirm 'the extent to which, time and time again, Mandelson completely misrepresented the extent of his relationship with Epstein and lied throughout the process.' The owner of Arnie the German shepherd has pleaded guilty to all charges after he allegedly abandoned the dog in the back of his ute and visited an inner-city brothel. Nathan McKeown, 43, was charged in November with breaching the duty of care to an animal after the dog was discovered dead in his abandoned ute on Amelia Street, Fortitude Valley, on November 17. The charge was later upgraded to one count of injuring animals (causing injury or death) by night under the Criminal Code. McKeown was further charged with an additional three counts of driving motor vehicle without a driver licence demerit points, and one count each of did drive under the influence (UIL) and serious obstruct police. He arrived at court on Thursday flanked by a team of police officers and was peppered with questions from an eager press pack. McKeown's wife Louise was notably absent from the court room with the 43-year-old instead supported by his parents. Police allege McKeown drove his ute into the heart of the city's nightlife hub at 10.30pm on November 7 and parked his car in Amelia Street in Fortitude Valley. He left Arnie locked in the back of the ute, with police alleging he was intoxicated at the time and later forgot where the vehicle was parked. Nathan McKeown is seen leaving a Brisbane court after facing charges over his dog's death McKeown's wife Louise was notably absent from the court room on Thursday He arrived to court flanked by a team of police officers (pictured) Arnie's body was discovered 10 days later on December 17, after a member of the public spotted the parked ute in Fortitude Valley On November 8, McKeown allegedly told his wife that the ute had been stolen and she filed a police report. Arnie's body was discovered 10 days later on December 17, after a member of the public smelled a strong odour coming from a parked ute in Fortitude Valley. The court heard Arnie had no access to food, water or ventilation, with McKeown breaking down in tears during the proceedings. He was disqualified from driving for eight months and will be required to serve 240 hours of community service. Magistrate Deborah Vasta said McKeown's lie that his ute had been stolen had 'snowballed', with him and his wife launching a social media campaign and offering $6,000 for Arnie's safe return. On November 21, Daily Mail reported detectives were investigating claims McKeown had been visiting an inner-city brothel on the night Arnie was allegedly left behind. The manager of that brothel told this publication that one of their workers saw McKeown on the Today Show during one of his public appeals and recognised him as a customer from the night of November 7. 'He came in and booked a lady and stayed with that lady,' she told Daily Mail. McKeown and his wife offered a $6,000 reward for Arnie's safe return 'We found it difficult to remove him and all he could talk about was that he had lost his car, but there was no talk of his dog [being inside it]. The girl told him to report it stolen, then he called his wife and said it had been taken.' She said McKeown left on his own accord and that CCTV showed him returning to the business between 3am and 3.30am, but none of the ladies would see him. It's understood that the brothel has CCTV footage that allegedly shows McKeown at the premises between 11pm and 1am that evening. The woman reported her alleged encounter to management, who lodged a report with police as news broke of McKeown's arrest in November. McKeown was sentenced to 240 hours of community service, with no convictions recorded, and disqualified from driving for eight months on the three driving offences. Lucy Connolly's criminal charge for a 'racist' tweet was fast-tracked for approval by Lord Hermer, it has emerged. The childminder, who is married to a Conservative councillor, was imprisoned at HMP Drake Hall, Staffordshire in October 2024. She had pleaded guilty to a charge of inciting racial hatred following the Southport riots that summer. It has now come to light that Ms Connolly's case was treated as an 'emergency charging' decision - sealed for approval by Labour Attorney General Lord Hermer. Counter-terrorism prosecutors secured consent for Ms Connolly's prosecution from Hermer's office within 12 hours of requesting it on a Friday night. The details were disclosed in Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) documents, The Telegraph reports. Behind-the-scenes actions of police, prosecutors and the Attorney General were also revealed in the files - with officials reporting Ms Connolly's charge, under the Public Order Act of 1986, was sped up under a national directive to deal with cases quickly. It was intended this would help prevent further disorders in the wake of the killings of three girls in Southport. Lucy Connolly's (pictured) tweet was viewed 310,000 times in three-and-a-half hours before she deleted it It has now come to light that Ms Connolly's case was treated as an 'emergency charging' decision - sealed for approval by Labour Attorney General Lord Hermer (pictured) However, the fast-tracking of the case has sparked fresh claims that Ms Connolly was a 'political prisoner' who was 'scapegoated' by the Government. Chris Philp, shadow home secretary, told The Telegraph: 'This clearly shows that the Government wanted to make an example of Lucy Connolly... she was scapegoated by the Government, and it appears to me that, had she pleaded not guilty, she would have had a good chance of being acquitted. 'Thirty one months in prison for an offensive social media post is grossly disproportionate... an immigrant who sexually assaulted a 12-year-old recently got off with no prison at all.' Deputy Reform UK leader Richard Tice added: 'The Attorney General, who has been exposed in so many different ways as being reprehensible and who conspired to act against British troops, has... acted against freedom of speech. 'The real question is: can he survive these ever increasing revelations or should he do the right thing and resign.' A spokesman for Lord Hermer said: 'Decisions to prosecute are, rightly, made independently of Government by the Crown Prosecution Service. 'For a small number of offences, it is a legal requirement that the CPS obtains the Attorney General's consent after it has decided to prosecute. This case was responded to in the same manner and timeline as many other similar cases at the time.' A source added the idea anything improper took place is 'utterly baseless' and that a 'number of similar prosecutions' had been made in response to disorder that summer. Join the debate Should speech that offends or angers after a national tragedy ever lead to prison time? The post, which she later deleted, said: 'Mass deportation now, set fire to all the f****** hotels full of the b******* for all I care... if that makes me racist so be it' Deputy Reform UK leader Richard Tice said: 'The Attorney General, who has been exposed in so many different ways as being reprehensible and who conspired to act against British troops, has... acted against freedom of speech' Connolly was given a 31-month sentence in October, 2024 after admitting to making her 'racist' post on X, formerly known as Twitter. The post, which she later deleted, said: 'Mass deportation now, set fire to all the f****** hotels full of the b******* for all I care... if that makes me racist so be it.' Connolly had told the Court of Appeal in London she 'never' intended to incite violence and did not realise pleading guilty would mean she accepted she had. But her argument was rejected. Emails show Ms Connolly was in custody on August 9, 2024 as police prepared to charge her. As the day progressed, senior officials discussed the status of Ms Connolly's case. A specialist prosecutor said at 8.45pm that the Attorney General was 'pretty confident' they could get a decision signed off in the evening. An email from Lord Hermer's office the following morning read: 'The Attorney has reviewed and granted his consent, please see fiat attached. Please can you keep us updated with substantive developments in the case.' Ms Connolly, of Northampton, was arrested on August 6, by which point she had deleted her social media account. But other messages which included more condemning remarks were uncovered by officers who seized her phone. Lucy Connolly was imprisoned at HMP Drake Hall, Staffordshire after she pleaded guilty to a charge of inciting racial hatred following the Southport Riots last summer Her X post was made just hours after killer Axel Rudakubana murdered three young girls and attempted to murder 10 others at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class on July 29, sparking nationwide unrest. The former childminder was sentenced at Birmingham Crown Court in October after pleading guilty to a charge of inciting racial hatred. The Southport atrocity sparked nationwide unrest, with several people - including Connolly - jailed as a result. Her tweet was viewed 310,000 times in three-and-a-half hours before she deleted it. She later pleaded guilty to distributing material with the intention of stirring up racial hatred at Birmingham Crown Court and was sentenced to 31 months in prison. But she told the Court of Appeal in May last year that she had no idea about the full extent of what she was admitting, and that her solicitor Liam Muir had not properly explained what 'inciting violence' meant in the context of her tweet. It was only when the judge was speaking at her sentencing hearing that it fully dawned on her, she said when applying to have her prison term reduced. The case sparked international interest with the White House saying in May it was 'monitoring' Connolly's case. US officials expressed 'concerns' about free speech in Britain. Lord Hermer has faced criticism since his appointment as attorney general in July 2024 - including for his role in the Government's decision to hand the Chagos Islands back to Mauritaus and for his approach to government legal advice. FOLLOW DAILY MAIL'S LIVE BLOG OF THE POLICE PRESS CONFERENCE HERE. Police investigating the disappearance of four-year-old August 'Gus' Lamont say a family member is now a suspect, after investigators uncovered inconsistencies in accounts of the day he went missing. The officer in charge of the states Major Crime Division, Detective Superintendent Darren Fielke, spoke to the media on Thursday and revealed the bombshell development. 'We have identified a number of inconsistencies and discrepancies with that information as it relates to timelines and the version of events provided to us by the family members. 'As a result of these inconsistencies, and investigations into them, a person who resides at Oak Park Station has withdrawn their support for police and is no longer cooperating with us.' He said the suspect was not one of the missing boy's parents. 'I can't give you any more information about the suspect, or where the suspect is, or why that person is a suspect. 'We've been obtaining information from family members right from the start of this investigation. South Australia Police are expected to make a huge announcement today in the search for missing toddler Gus Lamont Gus went missing form his family's sprawling sheep property in the middle of nowhere in outback South Australia, nearly 200 miles north of Adelaide 'We have spoken to members of the family on multiple occasions in order to get information in relation to Gus's disappearance. 'Only as recently as January 14 and 15, when we attended the property, did we receive further information which we have analysed and reviewed, again highlighting some discrepancies. 'So when we line up the information we received from the family against what we have been doing concurrently in relation to searches and the abduction possibility, all of that information has taken some time to bring us to this point. We have been examining information right from the start.' Gus was last seen at his grandparents' homestead at Oak Park Station, a 60,000ha property 40km south of Yunta, on September 27. FOLLOW DAILY MAIL'S LIVE BLOG OF THE POLICE PRESS CONFERENCE HERE. Prior to today, police said he was in the care of his grandmother, Shannon Murray, while his mother Jessica and grandparent Josie were tending sheep about 10km away. Police said Shannon was the last person to see Gus, at about 5pm, when he was playing in the sand outside the homestead. When she went to call him inside about 30 minutes later, he had vanished without a trace. Gus was in the care of his grandmother, Shannon Murray (above) while his mother Jessica and grandparent Josie were tending sheep about 10km away Gus's grandparent Josie Murray (above) The family reported Gus' disappearance to police three hours later. At the time Gus went missing, his father, Joshua Lamont, was living about two hours away from Oak Park and was not present when his son disappeared. A friend told Daily Mail that Joshua and Jess remain a couple but have a 'commuter relationship'. Although hundreds of police officers, dozens of soldiers, a small army of volunteers and an Aboriginal tracker have scoured tens of thousands of acres of Outback, the blond, curly haired little boy has not been found. The only trace of Gus was a single footprint found about 500 metres from the homestead - which police have since cast doubt on. There is little hope he will be found alive. At the time of his disappearance South Australian Assistant Police Commissioner Ian Parrott said said they believe that Gus wandered off and was not taken, as the only people who travel on the nearby road are station owners. 'Everything that we have found to date, every piece of information and evidence that we have explored to date, indicates that, as best as we know, Gus has wandered off from this property and we have not been able to locate him.' Locals believe the four-year-old may have fallen into a disused and unmarked mine. The area is dotted with mines and wells from more than a century ago. The mines were used as water sources for livestock and those hunting gold, with many being invisible to the naked eye. In November, SAPOL announced that officers would search six mineshafts near Oak Park Station, nearly two months after Gus disappeared. But just a day later, they confirmed the latest search had found nothing. 'The inspection of the mine shafts, located between 5.5km and 12km from the Oak Park homestead, did not locate any evidence to assist in the investigation into Gus' disappearance,' police said. 'Several of the shafts were relatively shallow and could be visually inspected but the remainder were up to 20metres deep and specialised equipment was required to complete the searches.' Police have discounted several theories that might explain the four-year-old's disappearance, not least those involving animals. While dingos have been responsible for abducting small children, there are precious few in the land around Yunta, since sheep farmers tend to shoot them on sight. A search crew at Oak Park station looking for signs of Gus in October The region is also protected by a 1,200-mile dog fence designed to safeguard livestock. Crocodiles, which inhabit more tropical northern regions of Australia, are not found in the south. Gus is too big to be taken by an eagle, and if he had been attacked by a wild pig, searchers would almost certainly have discovered evidence of a struggle. Local topography, meanwhile, makes it almost impossible that a stranger could have abducted him. The nearest major public road is the Barrier Highway, a desolate 600-mile road that takes long-distance truckers to New South Wales. But to reach it, Gus would have had to wander 48km. Police divers have searched every pond and water tank in the area. A 27-year-old man who allegedly groomed hundreds of children on social media and gaming platforms has been hit with 596 child abuse-related offences. Ethan Mitch Burns-Dederer has been in custody since his arrest in February 2025 when police raided his Maryborough home, about 250km north of Brisbane, and his devices were seized. Police released details about his arrest for the first time in a press conference on Thursday. Burns-Dederer allegedly received more than 23,000 images and videos from 459 children between 2018 and 2025. He alleged created a number of online profiles, posing as males and females, to target mostly boys between the ages of five and 15, and kept meticulous records of all his interactions in labelled folders. During the press conference, Crime Command Detective Acting Chief Superintendent Denzil Clark told media 360 children have been identified so far, about 200 of whom were Australian. Additional alleged victims were from 14 other countries. Chief Supt Clark said one other man has been charged over the alleged offences. A 27-year-old man has been charged with 596 child abuse-related offences (stock image) He described the alleged offences as 'extremely concerning and disturbing'. 'Due to the volume of images and videos of children on the alleged offender's devices, the process of identification took time, skill and commitment,' he told media. 'We are seeing an increasing prevalence of children being groomed, coerced, or threatened into taking and sending sexual images of themselves, often through popular apps, games, and social media sites. 'The trauma that this causes a child is significant. 'Our investigators will not stop and I urge parents and caregivers to continue to take active and ongoing measures to ensure the online safety of young people.' Charges include 244 counts of producing child abuse material for use through a carriage service, 163 counts of using a carriage service to procure persons under the age of 16. He is also charged with a further 87 counts of engage in sexual activity with a child using a carriage service. Burns-Dederer's matter was mentioned in Brisbane Magistrate's Court on Thursday. He did not appear and made no application for bail. A resident of the remote property where four-year-old Gus Lamont vanished is now considered as a suspect by police investigating the little boy's disappearance. South Australian Police Detective Superintendent Darren Fielke on Thursday gave the biggest update to the case since Gus went missing from his grandparents' homestead at Oak Park Station, a 60,000ha property 40km south of Yunta, on September 27 last year. Det Supt Darren Fielke said investigators had uncovered inconsistencies in accounts of the day the toddler went missing, and for the first time ruled there was no evidence Gus had wandered off into the Outback or been abducted. It was previously understood that Gus was in the care of his grandmother, Shannon Murray, while his mother Jessica and grandparent Josie were tending sheep about 10km away, when he disappeared. Police said Shannon was the last person to see Gus, at about 5pm, when he was playing in the sand outside the homestead. When she went to call him inside about 30 minutes later, he had vanished without a trace. The family reported Gus' disappearance to police three hours later. But Det Supt Fielke said a detailed review has now been conducted of all evidence. 'We have identified a number of inconsistencies and discrepancies with that information as it relates to timelines and the version of events provided to us by the family members. 'As a result of these inconsistencies, and investigations into them, a person who resides at Oak Park Station has withdrawn their support for the police and is no longer cooperating with us. 'On 14 and 15 January, this year, Taskforce Horizon investigators attended at Oak Park station, and executed a search warrant.' Det Supt Fielke's suspect was not identified by police. He said a car and motorcycle have been seized from the property. Morning TV star Savannah Guthrie fought back tears in a gut-wrenching video alongside her two siblings as the trio desperately appealed to their missing mother Nancy's captors and begged for proof she is alive. Nancy, 84, vanished on Saturday evening after she was dropped off at her sprawling Arizona property by her Italian son-in-law Tommaso Cioni - the last person to have seen her. The Today Show anchor described her mother in glowing terms in the new clip shared on Instagram with her 1.3million followers as she pleaded for Nancy's safe return Wednesday night. 'Our mom is a kind, faithful, loyal, fiercely loving woman of goodness and light. She's funny, spunky and clever. She has grandchildren that adore her and crowd around her and cover her with kisses,' Guthrie said. Guthrie graciously thanked everyone across the country who offered prayers and support before detailing her 'beloved mom' Nancy's fragile state prior to her disappearance. 'She is 84 years old. Her health, her heart is fragile. She lives in constant pain. She is without medicine, she needs it to survive. She needs it not to suffer,' the mom of two added. Guthrie - surrounded closely by her sister Annie and brother Camron - then directly addressed her mother's possible captors, in the first public admission that she may be held for ransom. 'We too have heard the reports about a ransom letter in the media. As a family, we are doing everything that we can,' Guthrie said in the clip. Savannah Guthrie (pictured center) demanded proof that her missing mother Nancy is alive in a heartbreaking new video Nancy, 84, vanished on Saturday evening after being dropped off at the sprawling Arizona property by her Italian son-in-law Tommaso Cioni - the last person to see her. Guthrie then said to the potential kidnappers that 'we are ready to talk' but wanted proof that they weren't potentially using fraudulent images of her. 'We live in a world where voices and images are easily manipulated. We need to know, without a doubt, that she is alive and that you have her. We want to hear from you and we are ready to listen. Please, reach out to us,' she said through the tears. Guthrie then directly addressed her mother. 'Mommy, if you are hearing this, you are a strong woman. You are God's precious daughter, Nancy,' she said. 'We believe and know that even in this valley, he is with you. Everyone is looking for you, mommy, everywhere. We will not rest, your children will not rest until we are together again.' 'We speak to you every moment and we pray without ceasing and we rejoice in advance for the day that we hold you in our arms again. We love you, mom,' the NBC star added. Annie and Camron Guthrie then echo their sister's words: 'We love you, mom. Stay strong.' The video was simply captioned: 'Bring her home.' The Today Show anchor described her mother in glowing terms alongside her siblings in the new clip posted to Instagram Wednesday night Just minutes after the video hit the platform, President Trump confirmed via a Truth Social post that he spoke with Guthrie and had heard her pleas. 'I spoke with Savannah Guthrie, and let her know that I am directing ALL Federal Law Enforcement to be at the family's, and Local Law Enforcement's, complete disposal, IMMEDIATELY,' the commander in chief wrote on his platform. 'We are deploying all resources to get her mother home safely. The prayers of our Nation are with her and her family. GOD BLESS AND PROTECT NANCY!' Retired FBI agent Dan Brunner told the Daily Mail he believes that the message was released in coordination with the bureau. 'I absolutely believe this is coordinated with the FBI and members of the behavioral analysis unit,' he said. 'They use a lot of keywords to personalize her to make her human how they meant to her, calling her mommy numerous times a lot of keywords that hopefully the kidnappers would be able to feel some empathy for who they've done this to.' CNN legal analyst Andrew McCabe said in response to the video that it appeared unclear whether the Guthries had a legitimate offer. 'I feel like this is a fairly strong signal that they do NOT believe that they've had a legitimate ransom demand yet... This, to me, reads like an effort to establish a line of communication,' he said. Cops said on Tuesday that they had turned the $1million adobe-style house back over to the Guthrie family, however the FBI had returned to the property by Wednesday. Nancy Guthrie, 84, was last seen Saturday night after enjoying a dinner with her daughter, Annie (right). They are pictured here with Nancy's other daughter, Today Show host Savannah Guthrie Crime scene tape was put back up at Nancy's $1million Tucson home on Wednesday Police have previously been investigating the possibility that a ransom demand has been made. The FBI descended on the Tucson home on Wednesday as law enforcement efforts were stepped up dramatically in the search for the missing retiree. A pickup truck from the Pima County Sherriff's Department arrived at Nancy's home, along with two carloads of FBI investigators. The house has since been taped off, and agents were still inside as of 5.30pm local time. K-9 units were also spotted combing the inside, according to Fox News. Meanwhile, a second pair of investigators were at the home of Savannah Guthrie's sister Annie. The detectives were seen collecting what looked like a tripod and lights from their car before going back inside. Officers were previously spotted at the house, where the Today Show anchor is believed to be holed up, on Tuesday. Wednesday's visit came shortly after a detective from an online pedophile unit showed up to talk to the Guthrie family. Seen outside the house in Daily Mail photos, the man was wearing a t-shirt emblazoned with the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force badge. Authorities said Wednesday they have faith that the mother-of-three is still alive Eerie photos from Nancy Guthrie's Tucson, Arizona home show blood splattered on the walkway and her Ring doorbell camera missing The FBI affiliate specializes in combating online grooming and technology enabled child abuse. The uptick in activity comes shortly after a source told a local ABC News affiliate that the FBI is rushing in outside experts - including hostage negotiation specialists. Until Tuesday, the case had been handled entirely by the Pima County Sheriff's Department who called in extra help after realizing the devout grandmother had been abducted. Signs of a struggle can still be seen at her home, with her Ring doorbell removed and a splatter of blood by the entrance door. Nancy lives alone at the house in the affluent Catalina Foothills neighborhood, where authorities found her phone, wallet and car following her mysterious disappearance on January 31. An Apple Watch was also found inside the property, which investigators say stopped syncing with her pacemaker at around 2am - suggesting she was taken from her home at around that time. Officers are now looking into Savannah's superfans who have piled her with gifts and mail before her mother was abducted, the Daily Mail revealed earlier on Wednesday. Investigators specifically asked NBC whether there were any troubling fan interactions that could be relevant to the case, a senior source claimed. This image provided by the Pima County Sheriff's Department, on Monday, Feb. 2, 2026, shows a missing person alert for Nancy Guthrie Authorities are looking into Savannah's superfans who have piled her with gifts and mail before her mother was abducted No suspect has been identified and police insist there is no danger to the wider public. However, investigators have not ruled out that Nancy may have been targeted because she is the mother of the famous Today show host. At the same time, though, the Pima County Sheriff's Department is looking into the possibility that Nancy's kidnapping may be linked to a trespassing case in January, TMZ reports. In that case, one of her neighbors told authorities he noticed a suspicious person outside of his own home. But when the unidentified lurker triggered a motion sensor, causing floodlights to switch on, he fled the scene and witnesses were unable to provide a description of the suspect. Police are now going door-to-door collecting security camera footage from neighbors as they attempt to identify a suspect and are searching for a vehicle of interest, a law enforcement source said. They are also investigating the possibility that a ransom demand has been made. Despite the lack of answers, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos has faith that Nancy is still alive. Law enforcement officers are present outside the home of Nancy Guthrie, the mother of 'Today' host Savannah Guthrie, near Tucson Neighbors of Nancy Guthrie show support for the family 'We have nothing else to go on but the belief that she is here,' he said in an interview with NBC's Liz Kreutz. 'She's present. She's alive, and we want to save her.' He noted that his department is taking all tips and leads very seriously. 'The leads we've got coming in are critical to us. They're valuable, and we're sharing those with the FBI and others,' Nanos said. To aid in the investigation, President Trump announced he was allocating additional federal support for the search. He said on Tuesday he planned to call Savannah, noting that his thoughts were with the news anchor amid the 'terrible' situation. 'I'm going to call her later on, I think it's a terrible thing,' Trump said. 'Very unusual situation, but we're going to find out.' Then, on Wednesday, the president made good on his promise, NBC News anchor Tom Llamas reported on air. He said that Trump took the moment to 'offer words of support for her and her family as they search for her mother'. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos speaks at a news conference, Tuesday Pima County Sheriff's deputies walk through the driveway of Nancy Guthrie's home Authorities are expected to provide another update into the investigation Thursday. Nancy's upscale Arizona neighborhood is quiet and mostly dark at night, lit mainly by car headlights and homes spaced far apart. Long driveways, front gates and desert plants provide a buffer from the winding streets and curious eyes. Saguaro cacti tower sits above the roofline of Nancy's Tucson-area home, and wispy trees partially block the view of the front door. Those are the conditions that investigators are faced with as they try to piece together the moments before and immediately after Nancy's disappearance. Authorities offered no detailed update Wednesday. 'Is there somebody out there who's kidnapping elderly people in the middle of the night, every night?' Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said Tuesday. 'We dont believe that's the case. We believe Nancy was taken from her home against her will.' The sheriff suggested there was video from some cameras, though he didnt elaborate, adding: 'That's all been submitted and we're doing our best with the companies that own those cameras or built those cameras.' Nanos' office said Wednesday that detectives still were speaking with anyone who had contact with Nancy last weekend but that no suspect or person of interest had been identified. The psychiatrist treating a man who went on a stabbing rampage at the Westfield shopping centre in Bondi Junction has been slammed for failing to act on warnings and signs that he was lapsing back into psychosis. On Thursday, Coroner Teresa O'Sullivan found that it was 'a major failing' of Joel Cauchi's psychiatrist, Andrea Boros-Lavack, that she didn't recognise 'early warning signs' he was psychotic and put him back on medication. This was despite the fact that Cauchi's mother, Michele, had alerted Dr Boros-Lavack's private practice that her son 'was very unwell since he came off his medication', and 'that he may have been hearing voices and that he was making notes which suggested that he believed he was under Satanic control', the coroner said. Instead, Dr Boros-Lavack had attributed Cauchi's behaviour to 'his apparent concern that he may have contracted a sexual transmissible infection.' 'Dr Boros-Lavack ultimately failed to take more active steps or to realise the seriousness of the situation that was unfolding before her,' Ms O'Sullivan said. 'She did not do so because she did not believe Mr Cauchi was experiencing a relapse into psychosis.' 'It was ultimately a major failing that Dr B revised her view with respect to Mr Cauchi's early warning signs and did not do more to proactively urge Mr Cauchi to resume his medication.' Ms O'Sullivan was delivering her findings into the events at the Bondi Westfield shopping centre on April 13, 2024. Joel Cauchi's psychiatrist Dr Andrea Boros-Lavack has been slammed Joel Cauchi stabbed 16 people in under three minutes on his rampage at Bondi Westfield, killing six, while he was delusional after ceasing medication for schizophrenia four years earlier After the attacks, Joe Cauchi was shot dead as he ran towards NSW Police Inspector Amy Scott (pictured) who was the first officer on the scene Dawn Singleton, 25; Ashlee Good, 38; Jade Young, 47; Pikria Darchia, 55; Yixuan Cheng, 27; and security guard Faraz Tahir, 30, were killed by Joel Cauchi at Bondi Junction Westfield in Sydney's east that afternoon. In just under three minutes, he stabbed 16 people. Ten were injured, including Ms Good's nine-month-old baby. Ms O'Sullivan found that between 2012 and September 2019, Dr Boros-Lavack had managed Cauchi's mental health treatment 'with personalised, consistent and compassionate treatment'. Cauchi had taken the anti-psychotic Clozapine and was later prescribed a further drug, but he ceased medication altogether in June 2019. 'The evidence suggests that he did not commence any further psychotropic medication after this time,' Ms O'Sullivan said. 'I have concerns regarding Dr Boros-Lavack's management of Mr Cauchi from October 2019.' In her 831-page findings, Ms O'Sullivan said Dr Boros-Lavack did not urge Cauchi to resume his medication and failed to provide the 40-year-old's treating GP with enough information when she discharged him from her care. 'She should have placed greater emphasis on the importance of Mr Cauchi commencing the prescribed medication ... and did not do more to proactively urge (him) to resume.' Floridly psychotic, Joel Cauchi attacked and killed (clockwise, from top left), Ashlee Good, Faraz Tahir, Dawn Singleton, Yixuan Cheng, Pikria Darchia and Jade Young Joel Cauchi's mother Michele (above) had warned Dr Boros-Lavack's private medical practice that her son was very unwell off his anti-psychotic medication, hearing voices and believing he was under the control of Satan However, the coroner said these failings were not the sole cause of the mass stabbing, saying they were only one of a series of shortcomings. Ms O'Sullivan will refer Dr Boros-Lavack to the Health Ombudsman of Queensland to review her care and treatment of Cauchi. After the attacks, Cauchi was shot dead as he ran towards NSW Police Inspector Amy Scott, who was the first officer on the scene. The hero cop attended Lidcombe Coroners Court on Thursday. Ms O'Sullivan commended the police officer for her brave actions in facing Cauchi alone. 'They were extraordinary, calm, skilful and courageous and actions which clearly saved lives.' It was not until two minutes after Cauchi was fatally shot by Inspector Scott that the emergency evacuation alarm was activated. Ms O'Sullivan found that the sole CCTV operator in the Westfield control room was not competent enough to handle the stressful situation. She blamed the management of security firms Scentre Group and subcontractor Glad, who she said should have been aware of the operator's inexperience and taken steps to ensure better staffing. The coroner made a series of recommendations, including that the NSW government obtain advice on the decline of and demand for mental health outreach in the state. The state has also been advised to inquire about mental health resources and come up with a timeline to improve these services. The coroner also recommended the government promote the 'Escape, Hide, Tell' slogan to encourage civilians to remain safe when an armed offender is on the loose. Authorities have formally declared last Monday's Invasion Day rally bomb scare a terrorist attack. A 31-year-old Perth man - who has not publicly been named - allegedly threw a homemade explosive device into a group of peaceful protesters in Perth's CBD on Australia Day. The man was charged with engaging in a terrorist act, the first time such a charge has been laid in WA, late on Wednesday. Premier Roger Cook announced the development, describing the alleged incident as unprecedented. The bomb scare unfolded on January 26 at Forrest Place, where around 2,500 people were marching. Police say the device, described as a 'fragment bomb', was hurled from a firstfloor balcony towards the crowd. The object struck a woman's leg and released a puff of smoke, but failed to detonate, averting what police say could have been a 'masscasualty event'. WA Police Commissioner Col Blanch said the emotional toll of the alleged near-miss on the force, and the community, was profound. 'This was a terrorist attack on Western Australians,' he said. 'As Police Commissioner, that saddens me, no doubt it saddens the rest of our country that a fellow citizen would seek to cause harm to others in our community.' A 31yearold man was charged over an attempted terror attack at a Perth Invasion Day rally Commissioner Blanch confirmed that the nineday investigation involved bomb technicians, counterterror officers, forensic teams, and intelligence analysts, all working to build a brief of evidence that supported the terrorism charge. 'It took nine days for the investigation to establish to a level of being able to charge this person with the necessary charges,' Blanch said. Searches of the suspect's home allegedly uncovered chemicals and materials consistent with homemade explosives, along with electronic devices now undergoing forensic analysis. Police say the accused acted alone. AFP Commissioner Krissy Barrett confirmed that the 31yearold accused has been charged under section 101.1 of the Commonwealth Criminal Code with engaging in a terrorist act, an offence that carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. He remains in custody and is due to appear in Perth Magistrates Court on 17 February, where the Commonwealth terrorism charge will be heard alongside existing state charges. She also revealed the operation, formally designated Operation Dumfries, was launched the day after the incident. Barrett responded to criticism from Indigenous leaders that they took too long to call the incident a terror attack. Premier Roger Cook (pictured) revealed it was the first time a terror charge was laid in WA She explained that authorities needed time in order to lay charges, and issued a message to Indigenous communities. 'You have the right to peacefully protest in this country without facing threats of violence. This is a key principle of democracy in Australia.' She pledged the full force of national policing capabilities. 'The Australian Federal Police, our security and lawenforcement partners will use all our powers, capabilities and resources to ensure hate and violence are not used as weapons to silence communities.' Two members of Gus Lamont's family have hired separate lawyers, as police revealed their only suspect in his disappearance and presumed death was known to him but not one of his parents. Gus went missing from Oak Park Station - a 60,000ha remote South Australian property about 40km south of Yunta - on September 27 last year. An air and ground search of a scale unprecedented in the history of South Australian Police failed to turn up any trace of the four-year-old, and investigators later returned to forensically search the homestead on January 14 and 15. It was revealed on Thursday night that Gus's grandparent, transgender woman Josie Murray, had reportedly hired Adelaide criminal lawyer Andrew Ey, while the boy's grandmother Shannon Murray had sought the legal services of Casey Isaacs, also from Adelaide. Mr Ey is a partner at Mangan Ey & Associates and has been involved in a number of high profile criminal cases throughout his more than 15-year career. He successfully defended Australian Idol contestant Shannon Noll when he was accused of assault outside Adelaide's Crazy Horse nightclub in 2017. Mr Isaacs is from Caldicott + Isaacs law firm and is also the president of the Australian and New Zealand Association of Psychiatry, Psychology and Law. The partner confirmed he had been engaged by Shannon, telling The Advertiser: 'We have been co-operating but we wont be commenting'. The suspect in the disappearance and suspected death of four-year-old Gus Lamont (above) lives on his family's remote South Australian property but is not either of his parents Oak Park is a 60,000ha property (pictured) near the community of Yunta Detective Superintendent Fielke did not disclose the identity of the person who is now considered a suspect in Gus's disappearance Police have not made any arrests or laid any charges. It is common for witnesses to seek legal advice and it is not suggested either were involved in any wrongdoing. Detective Superintendent Darren Fielke said on Thursday that from when Gus first disappeared 'the family members have been cooperating with police'. He said those family members had provided information that 'assisted with establishing the movements of Gus' around the time that he vanished. 'A detailed review of all of that information has been conducted by Task Force Horizon members,' he said. 'We have identified a number of inconsistencies and discrepancies with that information as it relates to timelines and the version of events provided to us by the family members. 'As a result of these inconsistencies, and investigations into them, a person who resides at Oak Park station has withdrawn their support for the police and is no longer cooperating with us.' Detective Superintendent Fielke did not disclose the identity of the person who had withdrawn their support but said that person was now considered a suspect in Gus's disappearance. 'I do want to stress, however, that Gus's parents are not suspects in his disappearance,' he said. Seen outside the family's Oak Park sheep station in November, Gus Lamont's grandmothers Josie (formerly Robert), left, and Shannon Murray, right, attend a meeting at a cafe 90 minutes from their Yunta home, in Peterborough, South Australia Gus went missing from the property on September 27 last year. The station is pictured 'What I can say, however, is that we'll continue to thoroughly and meticulously investigate the disappearance of Gus until we get an outcome.' Detective Superintendent Fielke, who confirmed police do not believe Gus is alive, said he could not elaborate on the 'discrepancies' in information provided by family members. Police have previously said on the day Gus disappeared he was in the care Shannon, who had seen him playing in sand outside the homestead about 5pm. Gus's mother Jessica and Josie were tending sheep about 10km away, while his father Joshua was not living at Oak Park and not present when his son disappeared. When investigators returned to Oak Park last month a comprehensive forensic search was conducted at the homestead. A vehicle, a motorcycle and some electronic devices were seized on January 14 and 15 and are now being forensically tested. Asked whether the suspect was still living at Oak Park, Detective Superintendent Fielke said: 'I can't give you any more information about the suspect or where the suspect is and why that person is a suspect.' Detective Superintendent Fielke described the investigation as 'delicate'. 'A person - we have a suspect - who we believe is known to Gus,' he said. 'So, I'm not going to speak too much about that at all. But I can tell you that Task Force horizon members, myself, are very cognisant of how delicate that is, and what that means for the family.' A local Aboriginal group on K'gari are pushing for changes to the way the island is managed following the death of a Canadian teenager found surrounded by dingoes. The grieving parents of Piper James, 19, arrived in Australia this week and travelled to the island for a traditional smoking ceremony held by the Butchella people in honour of their daughter. Ms James was working on K'gari, formerly Fraser Island, when she went for an early morning swim on January 19. Her body was found a short time later surrounded by a pack of dingoes near the island's popular tourist site, the SS Maheno wreck. An autopsy uncovered evidence of 'pre-mortem' dingo bites but said drowning was the most likely cause of death. It has been suggested the dingoes attacked her and corralled her into the water where she drowned. Ms James' death has triggered demands from traditional owners for a full review into the management of K'gari, with the Butchella Aboriginal Corporation (BAC) revealing it wants to cap visitor numbers, close sacred sites on the island and revamp the dingo management plans. 'We want to to work with the government to make sure there's protocols in place for wongari (dingo) management,' Butchella man Conway Burns told NITV on Thursday. 'Maybe temporary closures, to relax certain areas, when the packs are in their prime ... which will be hard, especially when it's breeding season over Easter. We need to sit down and walk together and put these processes in place.' Grieving parents Todd and Angela James touched down in Brisbane on Tuesday morning after a long flight from their home in Campbell River, about 200km northwest of Vancouver. Local Indigenous people held a smoking ceremony (above) for Ms James' family on K'gari on Wednesday The body of Ms James (above) was found surrounded by dingoes on January 19 There are warning signs on K'gari telling tourists of the dangers of dingoes The couple were distraught and declined to speak with waiting media when they arrived in the country. 'It's hard, it's just so hard,' Mr James said. Their arrival was the first stage of the couple's emotional journey before they embarked on a devastating pilgrimage to K'gari on Wednesday and met traditional owners for a smoking ceremony held on the beach near where Ms James was found. It was previously revealed the 19-year-old would regularly get up early to go for a swim at the beach and call her parents back in Canada. 'This ceremony is important and cultural protocols for us and a way to bring calm to the land, acknowledge her spirit and offer the healing to all,' BAC director Christine Royan said. The Butchulla people have a deep spiritual connection to the land and the tragedy has devastated the entire island, she said. 'We wanted young Piper to leave with footprints of good memories to come back another day,' Ms Royan said. 'It (the smoking ceremony) is part of our culture and responsibilities ... to honour the life and ensure the spirit churning is peaceful.' Ms James' relatives visited K'gari for a traditional smoking ceremony on Wednesday Mr James earlier confirmed his family's plans to visit Australia, writing: 'It is now time to go to Australia to be with Piper' Ms James (left) was working on K'gari at the time of her death The family of Canadian Piper James arrived in Australia on Tuesday morning Mr James earlier confirmed their travel plans on social media. 'It is now time to go to Australia to be with Piper, walk where she last walked, and try to feel the spirit of my baby girl in some way - we will return with Piper back home to Canada,' he posted on Facebook. The family will hold a 'beautiful celebration' of their daughter's life with a funeral service on February 28. Six dingoes have been euthanised following the incident after displaying aggressive behaviour. The BAC said they would meet on Friday to discuss their burial. 'They're our companions. Once upon a time they walked with us. They were our watchers, our camp dingoes, as well as wild ones,' Mr Burns said. Rangers have also increased patrols across K'gari - the world's largest sand island - following the tragedy. More than $40,000 has been raised for the James family in a GoFundMe campaign set up by a family friend. A ban on asylum seekers taking taxis to medical appointments comes into force today after it was found that migrants had travelled huge distances at the taxpayer's expense. In one case, an asylum seeker billed the Home Office 600 for a 250-mile journey to see a GP for a check-up on his knee, according to a BBC investigation. The Home Secretary launched an urgent review in the wake of this and has confirmed the system has now been scrapped. Under new rules, taxis can still be used for rare cases such as disability, serious illness or pregnancy. Any journey where a taxi is used will now require sign-off from the Home Office. Taxis can also be used for asylum seekers travelling between accommodation, but this is still under review by the Home Office. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood told the BBC: 'I have ended the wasteful use of taxis for medical appointments to protect the taxpayer's purse. 'I will stop at nothing to remove the incentives that draw illegal migrants to Britain to restore order and control to our borders.' One taxi driver said his firm would do around 15 daily drop-offs from a south-east London hotel to a doctor's surgery around two miles away. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has axed free taxi rides for asylum seekers visiting their GP One asylum seeker billed the Home Office 600 for a 250-mile journey to see a GP for a check-up on his knee. Pictured: Migrants off the beach of Gravelines, northern France He claimed that these journeys alone would cost the Home Office 1,000 a day. Another taxi driver, named Steve, said that firms would purposely increase the mileage on trips by dispatching drivers from areas further away from the pick-up. He said that while working for a subcontractor, he was sent from Gatwick to Southampton 'more than once', driving more than 275 miles a day with half of his journey without a passenger in his car. It comes after figures released in November show that an average of 15.8million had been spent in a year on taxis for asylum seekers. A total of 41,472 migrants arrived in the UK in 2025 after crossing the English Channel, the second-highest annual figure on record, 9 per cent below the all-time high of 45,774 in 2022. The total for 2025 was 13 per cent higher than the figure for 2024, when 36,816 migrants made the journey, and 41 per cent higher than 2023's total of 29,437. For much of 2025, the number of arrivals was running at the highest level since data on Channel crossings was first published in 2018. But the pace slowed during the last two months of the year and there were long periods when no migrants arrived, including a 28-day run from November 15 to December 12. The Government faced increasing pressure in 2025 to tackle the number of migrants making the hazardous journey across the Channel, having won the general election in July 2024 vowing to 'smash the gangs' of people-smugglers who organise crossings. Join the debate Is this a sensible cost-saving move? Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. The UK's Border Security Commander, Martin Hewitt, tasked with curbing Channel crossings, told MPs in October that the number of arrivals in 2025 is 'frustrating' but that work to stop the smuggling route was 'always going to take time'. Labour has introduced new laws in its bid to curtail small boat crossings, but time will tell whether they yield any results. The Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Act became law in December, which introduces new criminal offences and allows law enforcement agencies to use counter terror-style powers to crack down on people-smuggling gangs. In November, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood also announced 'the most significant changes to our asylum system in modern times' with a raft of reforms that, she said, would deter people from coming to the UK and make it easier to deport them. Under changes inspired by the Danish system, refugee status will become temporary with regular reviews every 30 months, and refugees will be forced to wait 20 years for permanent settlement in the UK, up from five years currently. But the plans, which are yet to be introduced under legislation, sparked a backlash from a number of Labour MPs who saw the proposals as something akin to that mooted by Nigel Farage and Reform UK. Meanwhile, Tory leader Kemi Badenoch said the measures did not go far enough, adding that leaving the ECHR was necessary to address the problem. The Tories have vowed to deport 150,000 people a year if they return to power. Virginia Giuffre has been 'vindicated', her family have said, after an email from Ghislaine Maxwell confirmed the infamous photo with Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is real. Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor had long disputed the authenticity of the image of him in intimate contact with Virginia Giuffre when she was just 17. And his suggestion that the damning 2001 picture may have been faked was central to the defence he tried to put over in his disastrous Newsnight interview. But yesterday, the Daily Mail revealed an email from sex offender Maxwell stated 'for the record as fact' that she had not just introduced Andrew to Ms Giuffre, but the image was taken in her home that same night. The former prince has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. Sky Roberts, Ms Giuffre's brother, told BBC Newsnight that the correspondence 'truly does vindicate' his sister. 'It shows that not only was she not lying this entire time, even though many people across multiple countries indicated that she was.' He added: 'She was telling the truth, not only did Ghislaine mention that the photo was real, but that it was in the same house that Virginia had mentioned. 'It's a moment where we are really proud of our sister, it is a vindicating moment, but we also want to use this as a moment to remind people to believe survivors.' Meanwhile, her sister-in-law, Amanda Roberts, tearfully explained how they had experienced a 'whirlwind' amid the release of a trove of documents known as the Epstein Files by the US Department of Justice (DOJ). Sky Roberts (pictured with Amanda Roberts), Ms Giuffre's brother, told BBC Newsnight that the Ghislaine Maxwell's email 'truly does vindicate' his sister A bombshell email confirms that the infamous 2001 photo of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor with his arm around his chief accuser Virginia Giuffre was genuine Ghislaine Maxwell wrote a draft statement which she sent to the paedophile financier Epstein confirming that she had introduced Andrew to Giuffre when she was a teenager 'I've felt like a moment of such overwhelming emotion because I wish she was here to see this, she fought so hard and so long and she was still so strong,' she said while noting how 'greatly' Ms Giuffre was missed by her family 'in this moment'. The family also said in a statement to the broadcaster that they hoped that Andrew would 'face criminal charges'. Maxwell's recent admission, unearthed by this newspaper, will come as a major blow to Andrew, leaving his controversial Pizza Express 'alibi' in tatters. It was made in a series of 2015 emails released in a tranche of more than three million Jeffrey Epstein-related documents by the US Department of Justice last week. Drafting a statement intended to hit back at reports of mounting allegations in the press, disgraced socialite Maxwell had sent Epstein an email asking for his approval. 'In 2001 I was in London when (redacted) met a number of friends of mine including Prince Andrew,' she wrote. 'A photograph was taken as I imagine she wanted to show it to friends and family. 'I never asked (redacted) to give him a massage,' her draft statement added. In the body of the email, she said: 'I am stating for the record as fact' before adding: 'Prince Andrew came to my house to visit me - (redacted) was in the house and they did meet.' However, she claimed she had 'no knowledge' of Ms Giuffre 'having sexual activity' with Andrew or any other 'famous people'. Maxwell had initially dismissed the image as fake during an interview from jail in the US - but her emails to Epstein confirm its authenticity A removal van arriving at the exterior gates of the Royal Lodge in Windsor this morning Epstein replied saying her statement left 'too many unanswered questions' adding: 'Her and andrew?...whats the deal here? why is she there.' Maxwell insisted that she needs the statement 'asap' and that she was advised to say 'I was not aware of massage w/andrew in my house'. 'These thing they have to stay, along w/meeting virginia and rebutting those allegations. I needs it asap.' In the email headed 'first draft privledged joint defense agreement', Maxwell claims she was compelled to speak out due to the 'salacious claims' against her. She says: 'The allegations made against me by (redacted) are lies. I have consistently stated that they are untrue and I have waited for an opportunity to prove this in a court of law.' Seeking to discredit Giuffre, who took her own life aged 41 last year, Maxwell stated: 'The salacious claims she makes are untrue and made purely for financial gain.' 'The relentless media harassment to which I, Alan Dershowitz and Prince Andrew have been subjected to over the last week has become intolerable and breaches any justifiable sense of natural justice.' She claims she plans to refer 'both the harassment and the unfair and untrue allegations' to the Press Complaints Commission immediately. Maxwell, who was jailed for 20 years, for her role in luring underage girls for her former boyfriend Epstein, said she found the allegations against her 'deeply hurtful'. She concludes the statement saying: 'Finally (redacted) claims she was a sex slave for the rich and famous, however the reality is that working as a waitress in a burger bar.' Mr Roberts said: 'She (Ms Giuffre, pictured in 2019) was telling the truth, not only did Ghislaine mention that the photo was real, but that it was in the same house that Virginia had mentioned' The emails were written days after Ms Giuffre first launched her bombshell legal claim in the US in January 2015 accusing Maxwell of recruiting her as a 'sex slave'. Allegations that she was forced to have sex with the former prince were central to her case. The correspondence directly contradicts repeated denials about the meeting in London ever taking place, with both Andrew and Maxwell trying to cast doubt over the image's authenticity. In a statement yesterday Virginia Giuffre's family said: 'Our sister Virginia Roberts Giuffre is vindicated again. The DOJ released this email from Ghislaine Maxwell in which she admits that she introduced Virginia to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and that the infamous photo of them is real and was taken in her flat. 'We reiterate that Virginia was a truth teller. Despite the death threats and smear campaigns against her, Virginia never wavered. She remembered what she had experienced and by whom, documented it, and reported it to the authorities. Four of the abusers she named are now in prison, dead, or have become pariahs. We are hopeful that Andrew will face criminal charges. 'We would like to note that in the new Epstein files that the DOJ released last week, there is a sworn deposition from Virginia made in a lawsuit. DOJ did not redact the names of most of the abusers Virginia named, and we wish to make sure that this is known. We are hopeful that more of her abusers names will be released in future Epstein files from the DOJ and/or Epsteins estate. 'We will not rest until the whole truth is out and Virginias abusers have been held accountable.' In Andrew's disastrous 2019 Newsnight interview, he famously claimed he was not at Maxwell's home but at a Pizza Express in Woking. 'I was with the children, and I'd taken Beatrice to a Pizza Express in Woking for a party at, I suppose, sort of 4pm or 5pm in the afternoon,' he said. When asked why he would remember a meal at Pizza Express 18 years later, he said: 'Because going to Pizza Express in Woking is an unusual thing for me to do, a very unusual thing for me to do 'I've only been to Woking a couple of times and I remember it weirdly distinctly,' he claimed. Andrew and his allies have long sought to cast doubt over the authenticity of the image, which shows him holding Ms Giuffre, then 17 and known as Virginia Roberts. Despite claiming they never met, the former duke paid Ms Giuffre millions to settle a civil sexual assault claim in 2022. Maxwell, too, dismissed the image as fake in an interview from prison, while those close to Andrew insisted his fingers were 'chubbier' and he was taller than depicted. The convicted associate of paedophile Epstein also claimed in interviews with the US DoJ that she had no recollection of the pair meeting in her home. The picture was unearthed by The Mail on Sunday as Ms Giuffre insisted she slept with Andrew in London - a claim the disgraced ex-prince has vehemently denied. Ms Giuffre said convicted paedophile Epstein took the photograph on a disposable camera before the group went to dinner and then Tramp nightclub. She claimed she was forced to have sex with Andrew that night at Maxwell's house as well as at Epstein's home in Manhattan and on his private Caribbean island of Little St James. The latest revelations will heap fresh humiliation on Andrew's embarrassing ties to Epstein - links that have already seen him stripped of his titles. In addition, he and his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, have been forced out of the Royal Lodge on the Windsor estate, where they have lived for more than two decades. A GP who missed a patient's flesh-eating disease because she failed to examine them in person and then moved to India has been hit with a 128,000 medical negligence bill. Dr Nupur Mittal, a GP at the Waterfield Practice in Bracknell, Berkshire, failed to arrange a same-day face-to-face consultation with NHS patient Oriana McDonald despite her being 'systematically unwell' and 'unable to move' on July 9 2018. The doctor allegedly did not examine Ms McDonald, 57, or take her temperature, but prescribed antibiotics and diagnosed her with cellulitis over the phone. Two days later, Ms McDonald was admitted to hospital and underwent emergency surgery, where doctors removed a large portion of damaged tissue from her stomach area, leaving her with 'significant scarring'. Ms McDonald, who required plastic surgery over the 'unsightly' abdominal scar, has sued Dr Mittal for personal injury, loss and damage as well as pain, suffering and loss of enjoyment of life. The patient's lawyers claim Dr Mittal was in breach of her duty of care on July 9 2018, as she should have either seen Ms McDonald in person or advised her to go to A&E for review. Reading County Court heard Mittal had not responded to the original lawsuit having moved to India, and in a hearing last month the debt was secured against her Berkshire home. It is not suggested Dr Mittal was living in India at the time she was treating the claimant, in July 2018. Dr Nupur Mittal has been hit with a 128,000 medical negligence bill after she failed to arrange a same-day face-to-face consultation with Oriana McDonald, who was 'systematically unwell' when she called the doctor's surgery Since late 2024, Dr Mittal has been running the Ambala Wellness Clinic - in Ambala, a city in northern India - which boasts of her '20 years of international experience in the UK' Dr Mittal was working at the Waterfield Practice in Bracknell when, on July 6 2018, she had a face-to-face consultation with Ms McDonald, who reported a lump on her stomach and told the doctor she had a temperature of 36.6C, court documents show. The patient reported she 'began to feel worse' and telephoned the practice three days later, on July 9 2018. Nicholas Truelove, Ms McDonald's barrister, wrote in a claim form: 'The claimant reported that she felt worse, could not move, the redness had spread, and that she was sweating. 'The defendant prescribed Metronidazole [an antibiotic] and did not review the claimant face-to-face or request the claimant attend accident and emergency.' Two days later, on July 11 2018, Ms McDonald's partner called for an ambulance because she was 'in pain and less alert' and he was concerned that the situation had become urgent. The claimant was diagnosed with a very large abscess or cyst on the abdominal wall with signs of sepsis, Mr Truelove said. He added: 'The suspicion was of necrotising fasciitis and the claimant underwent same-day emergency surgery debridement of the anerior abdominal wall.' Necrotising fasciitis, also known as the 'flesh-eating disease', is a rare and life-threatening infection that starts in a wound. Ms McDonald was subsequently admitted to the ICU and later had plastic surgery to close her open wound on September 20 2018. Reading County Court heard Mittal had not responded to the original lawsuit while she was living in India and in a hearing last month the debt was secured against her Berkshire home Dr Mittal was working at the Waterfield Practice in Bracknell when, on July 6 2018, she had a face-to-face consultation with Ms McDonald, an NHS patient, who reported having found a lump on her stomach and told the doctor she had a temperature of 36.6C Mr Truelove said Dr Mittal was in breach of her duty of care on July 9 2018, as she should have either seen Ms McDonald or advised her to go to A&E for review. The barrister said Ms McDonald's illness would have been at an early stage if she had gone to A&E on that day, which would have meant she would likely have had a shorter recovery period, shorter period of hospitalisation, and significantly less scarring without an open wound. 'The claimant would crucially have also avoided the sizeable lower abdominal scar that is unsightly, leaving her without an umbilicus and asymmetrical overhang as a result of the extensive soft tissue debridement.' Dr Mittal, who was living abroad at the time the original judgment was made against her, did not submit a defence, and Ms McDonald succeeded in establishing she was liable for the failure to diagnose her, which caused her injuries. Deputy District Judge Simon Lindsey told a hearing at Reading County Court last month that Dr Mittal had sent an application on June 27 last year to have the original judgment against her set aside. 'Apparently she was living in India at that time', the judge said on January 15 this year. 'But she did not pay the fee and did not provide the necessary information so that application was never advanced. 'The defendant has essentially been given an opportunity to put in an application to set aside the judgment, that has not been done.' The court heard Dr Mittal's husband, who she was in the process of divorcing from, had objected to the charging order being made on their home, but Judge Lindsey said the debt would only be added to Dr Mittal's share. Judge Lindsey said: 'In light of the value of the debt, which is just over 120,000, it seems to me the appropriate course is to protect that debt by making a final charging order.' Martha Garcia, representing Ms McDonald, asked for her client to be awarded extra costs in the case, pointing out Dr Mittal 'was given generous indulgence' by the court, which allowed her an opportunity to try and contest the case by filing a witness statement. 'None of those case management directions were complied with', Ms Garcia argued. 'It does show disregard for court directions and it has caused the claimant to wait a further five months and incur a further brief fee for counsel.' Judge Lindsey declined to order extra costs, which he said would be 'excessive'. But said he would order that the total fee from the judgement, plus interest, of 128,204.30 could be secured against Dr Mittal's beneficial interest in her home. Dr Mittal, formerly of Ralphs Ride in Bracknell, arrived at court in person after the hearing had concluded, but was told she was too late to attend and inquired about an appeal. The court told the Daily Mail on Wednesday it had not received any appeal from her. Since late 2024, Dr Mittal has been running the Ambala Wellness Clinic - in Ambala, a city in northern India - which boasts of her '20 years of international experience in the UK'. Contacted for comment over the case, a spokesperson for the clinic said it 'is in the appeals court'. A mouse was seen scurrying past Kemi Badenoch as she used a TV interview to lay into Labour over the Peter Mandelson scandal. The Conservative leader was demanding that Sir Keir Starmer release information about the appointment of Lord Mandelson as ambassador to the US when the rodent dashed out from a table behind her. Mrs Badenoch did not appear to notice the mouse running across the floor during an ITV interview with Robert Peston on Wednesday. Asked later if she had been able to clear her office of rodents, the politician said she was 'not scared of mice'. She added: 'I did say that Nigel Farage was doing my spring cleaning. Sadly, he hasn't been thorough enough. But this is Parliament for you. 'There are mice everywhere. Luckily, I'm not scared of mice. I'm not scared of rodents. I know how to deal with them.' Mrs Badenoch used her interview to insist Labour 'had to give in' as she urged the Prime Minister to release all the information about the security vetting of Lord Mandelson within 48 hours. The Prime Minister had attempted to restrict the release of some files relating to Mandelson's appointment as US ambassador on the grounds of national security. But following a revolt from Labour MPs led by Sir Keir's former deputy Angela Rayner, the Government has now agreed it will not have the final decision on what material is released. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch did not appear to notice the mouse running across the floor during an ITV interview with Robert Peston on Wednesday The PM was forced to sack Lord Mandelson from the key role of US ambassador last year after more revelations about Epstein A photograph released as part of the Epstein files apparently shows Lord Mandelson talking to a woman who is wearing a white bath robe Downing Street has admitted that Sir Keir knew Lord Mandelson had continued his relationship with Epstein after he was released from prison in 2009 for child sex offences, even staying at his house while he was business secretary in the last Labour government. Sir Keir continued to defend the then-ambassador even after the release last September of a birthday tribute in which Lord Mandelson called Epstein his 'best pal'. Under pressure from MPs who feared a 'cover-up', Sir Keir instead accepted the decision will be made by Parliament's Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC). MPs this evening approved the release of documents to the ISC following an hours-long debate in the House of Commons, but ministers said the files would not be released immediately. Sir Keir had initially wanted Sir Chris Wormald, the top civil servant, to decide what documents could be released on national security grounds or because they could prejudice international relations. The Prime Minister handpicked Lord Mandelson as US ambassador before being forced to sack him in September over his ties to paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, who died in 2019. Sir Keir has claimed he did not know the full extent of Lord Mandelson's friendship with Epstein when he appointed him. But, during a bruising session of Prime Minister's Questions this afternoon, Sir Keir for the first time admitted he knew when installing Lord Mandelson that the peer's relationship with Epstein continued after the financier's initial conviction for sex offences. There has been further intense scrutiny of Sir Keir's initial decision to appoint Lord Mandelson following the release of millions of documents, known as the 'Epstein files', in the US. No 10 later said Sir Keir had not appreciated the 'depth and extent' of his relationship with Epstein until the release of emails a few days later which showed Lord Mandelson had encouraged the disgraced financier to lodge an appeal against his conviction. Downing Street said it was the 'longstanding policy' of successive governments not to release confidential advice to the prime minister, such as vetting material. MPs, peers and staff have long complained about infestations of mice in the historic Parliamentary buildings, with regular sightings in canteens even running across desks. In 2023, the Parliament's pest control bill rose to 136,000 last year amid complaints that Westminster is infested with mice. The increase could fuel calls for cats to be let loose on the estate, despite years of resistance to the idea from officials. The Parliamentary authorities have previously stressed that the estate 'is made up of a large number of buildings of various ages, covering approximately 258,000 square metres close to the River Thames in Central London'. 'It is therefore vulnerable to populations of animals which can cause significant damage to the fabric of the buildings and health and safety issues,' they said. 'Controlling these pests is a major undertaking and is conducted by a full-time pest control technician provided as part of the Houses' pest control contract and a contract for bird control, alongside a world-leading expert consultant who undertakes regular reviews. 'All pest control on the Estate is undertaken in accordance with appropriate regulatory standards.' Keir Starmer declared he will carry on as Prime Minister despite growing anger within his own party at the handling of the Peter Mandelson scandal which has left him fighting for political survival. Speaking in Hastings, the Prime Minister immediately addressed the controversy surrounding Mandelson's appointment as Britain's ambassador to Washington. In his hastily rewritten speech, he issued a grovelling apology to Jeffrey Epstein's victims for 'believing' Mandelson and insisted the former Labour peer 'lied' about the extent of his friendship with the paedophile financier. The Prime Minister also shared he has been frustrated by police over the release of documents he claims will show Mandelson's deceit during security vetting for thje US ambassador role. Appearing rattled during repeated questioning about whether he can remain in Downing Street, Starmer insisted he was elected to 'change the country'. Reacting to his press conference, the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats have called for a no confidence vote against Starmer with Kemi Badenoch inviting angry Labour MPs to join forces with her party. Your browser does not support iframes. This live page has closed Special Boat Service commandos unfurled a Union Jack after being put through their paces in an incredible high-speed helicopter training exercise. The crack unit held the flag as they underwent gruelling training to prepare for NATO operations abroad. The SBS marines carried out the abseiling exercise involving a Chinook helicopter, two grey high-speed RIBs and a black support boat in Studland Bay, Dorset. Four commandos linked one of the RIBs to cables below the low-flying aircraft, often used to transport troops and supplies. After the boat was lifted 10ft out of the water, the marines were winched into the helicopter at an impressive speed as part of an extraction training run-through. The aircraft then made a lap around the bay before commandos emerged from the hatch and abseiled 50ft down a rope back onto the RIB hovering over the sea. As the RIB was lowered into the water, the Chinook's cables were also released simultaneously. Britain takes responsibility for NATO's special operations forces for a year from July as the world finds itself in an increasingly volatile state. The British Commandos unfurled the flag as they were lifted into the sky in Dorset during the exercise Special Boat Service commandos took part in an incredible high speed helicopter exercise in Dorset The SBS marines carried out the abseiling exercise involving a Chinook helicopter, two grey high-speed RIBs and a black support boat Last month, Donald Trump made threats about invading Greenland, only to back down after pressure from NATO allies. The US President had ordered his special forces commanders to draw up a plan to invade Greenland, but the plan was being resisted by military bosses. However, Trump later backed down on this threat to invade Greenland following rising tensions with Britain and other NATO allies. The Republican leader said in January that he had agreed on 'the framework of a future deal' regarding control of Greenland following discussions with NATO chief, Mark Rutte. Trump also revealed he would put a pause on plans to hit Britain and other countries resisting his land grab of the Arctic Island with tariffs. Markets in the US rallied on his announcement, having climbed on his earlier proclamation that he would not use force to take the 'big, beautiful piece of ice'. The Daily Mail previously revealed Trump was considering making Greenland's citizens an offer of $1million each - 750,000 or 850,000 if they voted to join the US. The SBS marines in a boat travelling at high speed as part of a training exercise to prepare for NATO operations abroad The SBS marines (pictured in Studland Bay, Dorset) are the Navy's equivalent to the SAS During the training, four commandos linked one of the RIBs to cables below the low-flying aircraft, often used to transport troops and supplies After the boat was lifted 10ft out of the water, the marines were winched into the helicopter at an impressive speed as part of an extraction training run-through Meanwhile, NATO military officers had been in talks about a plan where Denmark would give up small parts of the country to the US for military bases. The proposal was compared to UK military bases in Cyprus, by senior bosses, The New York Times reported. The military bases in Cyprus are treated as sovereign British territories. At the time, Mr Trump told reporters it was 'the ultimate longterm deal'. When asked how long, he replied: 'Infinite. There is no time limit. It's a deal that's forever.' It comes after the US President removed Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro in a daring raid. Sir Keir Starmer frantically tried to spread the blame for his disastrous decision to make Peter Mandelson US ambassador today as he grovelled for his job. The PM painted himself as a victim of the New Labour architect's 'lies', claiming he believed assurances he 'barely knew' paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein - despite a litany of reports already having exposed their relationship. Scrambling to save his own political skin, Sir Keir stressed he 'understands the anger and frustration' of MPs, urging them to 'remain focused on what we were elected for'. Sir Keir attempted to throw MI5 and MI6 under the bus, suggesting they had failed to flag the 'depth and darkness' of the ties between the two men. He also insisted documents about the vetting process will be published 'as quickly as possible' - pointing the finger at the police for the delay. But the premier has been warned the 'clock is ticking' on his leadership after an extraordinary Commons humbling yesterday, which left even loyalists admitting he is effectively finished. Kemi Badenoch said it was now a 'matter of when' not if the PM will go, urging restive Labour MPs to talk to the Tories about triggering a vote of no confidence in the government - although that seems unlikely as it could trigger a general election. A new YouGov poll found half of Britons (50 per cent) think Sir Keir should stand down and be replaced by a new Labour prime minister, compared to just 24 per cent who want him to remain in place. The meltdown was sparked when Sir Keir admitted at PMQs that he installed Lord Mandelson in the crucial US job despite knowing he stayed friends with Epstein after his conviction for sex offences. The government then tried to argue that details of Mandelson's vetting process would need to be withheld for 'national security' and 'international relations' reasons. But within hours Sir Keir was forced to U-turn by furious Labour MPs - including his former deputy Angela Rayner - threatening to vote for a Tory disclosure motion. The cross-party Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC) will now decide what material is released, with the chair warning 'embarrassment' is not enough for evidence to be suppressed. An ISC source also disputed Downing Street's suggestion that talks had begun about releasing documents related to Lord Mandelson's appointment. The source said there were 'no negotiations' happening so far. 'We just need the information,' they added. On another rollercoaster day of turmoil: One intelligence source warned it was a 'bit silly' for Sir Keir to try to blame MI5 and MI6; The ISC has written to the PM asking when it will be supplied sensitive material to review and warning it cannot guarantee how long that will take; Labour MPs are demanding Sir Keir addresses them directly to apologise for his 'catastrophic error of political and moral judgment'; Bank of England governor Andrew Bailey said he was 'shocked' by allegations Mandelson sent Epstein secret details of the government's response to the Credit Crunch; Markets took fright at the chaos with the Pound down 0.4 per cent against the dollar and UK government borrowing costs rising; Experts warned a full-blown political crisis could see investors heap pain on so-called gilts. Keir Starmer gave a speech in East Sussex this morning, as he was warned the 'clock is ticking' on his leadership. Even loyalists are saying he is effectively finished Sir Keir bizarrely claimed he believed Lord Mandelson 'barely knew' Jeffrey Epstein when he appointed him US ambassador at the end of 2024 - even though pictures such as this had been widely reported. The image depicts the peer celebrating Epstein's birthday at the financier's Paris flat, apparently in 2007 In an extraordinary Commons moment yesterday, Sir Keir admitted that he appointed Lord Mandelson as US ambassador despite knowing he stayed friends with Jeffrey Epstein (pictured together) after the financier was jailed The tranche of documents released by the US includes a confidential No10 email seemingly sent on by Lord Mandelson to Epstein at the height of the Credit Crunch, talking about the UK government having 'saleable' assets Your browser does not support iframes. Trying to cool the frenzy at an event in Hastings, East Sussex, this morning, Sir Keir said he believes most people go into public life out of 'duty' and 'service' but 'that is not why Mandelson did it'. 'In recent days, serious allegations and serious evidence has emerged concerning Mandelson's conduct, including his relationship with Epstein, a convicted sex offender,' he said. 'It had been publicly known for some time that Mandelson knew Epstein, but none of us knew the depth and the darkness of that relationship.' The PM said Lord Mandelson was asked directly about the nature of his relationship with Epstein, and it is 'clear that the answers he gave were lies'. He insisted the peer had made out he 'barely knew' Epstein during his vetting. He added that he wanted to release documents relating to Lord Mandelson's appointment as ambassador to Washington DC on Wednesday, but the police had 'advised that releasing certain information now could risk prejudicing a future investigation or legal process'. Sir Keir went on: 'The victims of Epstein have lived with trauma that most of us can barely comprehend, and they've had to relive it again and again. 'I want to say this: I am sorry, sorry for what was done to you, sorry that so many people with power failed you, sorry for having believed Mandelson's lies and appointed him, and sorry that even now you're forced to watch this story unfold in public once again. 'But I also want to say this: in this country, we will not look away, we will not shrug our shoulders, and we will not allow the powerful to treat justice as optional. 'We will pursue the truth. We will uphold the integrity of public life, and we will do everything within our power and in the interests of justice to ensure accountability is delivered. 'That is what the public expects. That is what the victims deserve, and it is what I will do.' Sir Keir said after an initial 'due diligence' assessment of Mandelson there was 'security vetting carried out independently by the security services, which is an intensive exercise that gave him clearance for the role, and you have to go through that before you take up the post'. 'Clearly, both the due diligence and the security vetting need to be looked at again,' he said. 'I've already strengthened the due process. I think we need to look at the security vetting, because it now transpires that what was being said was not true. And had I known then, what I know now, I'd never have appointed him in the first place.' Pushed on what he would say to Labour MPs who now believe his position is untenable, Sir Keir said: 'I understand their anger and frustration. I am angry and frustrated like them... 'We must remain focused on what we were elected into government for.' Sir Keir was adamant he will not be resigning, saying: 'I was elected in on a mandate in 2024 to change the country for the better.' Downing Street sources played down the prospects of papers being released today, although it is still possible. Sir Keir has been forced to commit to publishing a bewildering array of material, including all messages between Mandelson and No10 ministers and aides, and details of his severance when sacked as ambassador. Even normally loyal Labour MPs have questioned how long Sir Keir can hang on with his authority in tatters. Senior MPs warned the situation will 'not end well' for Sir Keir and the 'clock is ticking', while ex-Cabinet minister Lord Hutton suggested his time in power is coming to a close. Labour Jonathan Hinder said the PM 'struck the right tone' this morning but he had to go further. 'But what needs to be acknowledged is that this was a catastrophic error of political and moral judgment,' he told BBC Politics Live. 'I don't think that has been addressed yet. So what I am looking for is for the PM to come and speak to Labour MPs on Monday night at the PLP and acknowledge that. 'Because everyone can see that information was available to make a very clear decision, that this many should not just have not been our ambassador he shouldn't have been a borough council election candidate. 'It is an absolute disgrace. And let this be the moment that people like Mandelson are no longer representing a working class party, a socialist party when he is swimming around in those circles. I am absolutely raging about it.' Pressed whether he meant the PM had made a catastrophic misjudgement, Mr Hinder said: 'Yes.' He said he 'understood' Sir Keir's point that he was 'lied to'. But he added: 'I think with the information that was available... I don't think it is unreasonable to suggest it was a mistake even with that information.' He added: 'I think Labour MPs would appreciate the PM saying ''I cocked up''.' Mr Hinder said he did not believe Sir Keir should resign if he accepted his 'error of judgment'. There are demands for chief aide Morgan McSweeney to be axed over the Mandelson debacle - which ignited again after the US release of millions of Epstein emails showing the depth of their relationship. Former minister Karl Turner told Times Radio that Labour is in a 'crisis situation' and Sir Keir must 'get rid of those advisers who have given terrible advice to him' over weeks and months. 'If McSweeney continues in No10 Downing Street, I think the PM is up against it in a way he doesn't need to be,' he said. However, Sir Keir is said to recognise that his own fate is tied to that of his closest adviser. He voiced 'confidence' in Mr McSweeney yesterday, and Housing Secretary Steve Reed said this morning that 'of course' the aide will stay in post. Allies will also take solace from the difficulties facing potential replacements. Ms Rayner has huge support on the Labour benches, but is not thought to have settled her tax issues with HMRC after being forced to resign in September. Meanwhile, Health Secretary Wes Streeting is widely regarded as on manoeuvres, but was previously close to Lord Mandelson. Another oft-touted contender, Andy Burnham, was blocked by Sir Keir from standing in the Gorton & Denton by-election and so does not have the immediate platform to mount a challenge. Some MPs have been talking up the credentials of defence minister Al Carns, although he has only been in Parliament since 2024. Ed Miliband would also be in the frame as a replacement should Sir Keir be engulfed imminently, but has insisted he does not want the job. Rumours of ministerial resignations to enforce the PM's departure have also yet to come to pass. Labour rules require one candidate to get nominations from 80 MPs in order to mount a challenge. One senior Labour source told the Daily Mail: 'Would any credible challenger go before the by election or before May? That's not tempting.' Sir Keir's allies echoed his criticism of the intelligence services for failing to raise red flags about Mandelson. Housing Secretary Steve Reed said during a round of interviews: 'The vetting process was the same vetting process that has been in place for years. In this case it has clearly failed. 'So we'll want to look at that vetting process to find out why was it that Mandelson's deception was not exposed to that point because he should never have been appointed. 'If the (security) forces had come up with more information that showed what had been really going on, he would never have become the UK ambassador, but he did.' Mr Reed told Sky News: 'The person at fault here is not the Prime Minister or his team. The government was forced to U-turn by furious Labour MPs - including his former deputy Angela Rayner- threatening to vote for a Tory disclosure motion Health Secretary Wes Streeting is widely regarded as on manoeuvres, but was previously close to Lord Mandelson Another oft-touted contender, Andy Burnham, was blocked by Sir Keir from standing in the Gorton & Denton by-election and so does not have the immediate platform to mount a challenge Some MPs have been talking up the credentials of defence minister Al Carns, although he has only been in Parliament since 2024. Mr Carns was in Norway yesterday as the row escalated 'It is Peter Mandelson who lied, manipulated and deceived everybody, including the media, actually, because he was on the media an awful lot as well. He conned everybody. 'What matters is what you do when you find out what's gone wrong. And the Prime Minister couldn't have been more decisive. He sacked Peter Mandelson at 5am in the morning as US ambassador months ago.' Mr Reed said he felt like he had 'been punched in the stomach' when he found out about Lord Mandelson's dealings with Epstein from the documents released by US authorities. Lord Mandelson has denied the documents show he broke any laws or acted for personal gain. He has repeatedly said he regrets his friendship with Epstein. Mrs Badenoch told a press conference in Westminster that said she would be 'surprised' if Sir Keir was still in No10 by Christmas. 'I think Keir Starmer is only going to get into more trouble. I think Morgan McSweeney is probably toast. I'm amazed he's still in the job,' she said. Asked if Sir Keir would last until the end of the year, Mrs Badenoch said Labour MPs did not 'want him anymore'. 'It's a matter of when now I think,' she added. Nigel Farage said it was the 'biggest scandal in British politics for over a century'. Speaking at an event at the International Convention Centre Wales in Newport, the Reform leader said: 'It isn't just some sort of Partygate but a bit bigger. 'This involves sex, it involves money, it involves the royal family. It involves the leaking of market sensitive, confidential information. 'I suspect its pretty close, in many ways, to breaching the Official Secrets Act. This is far bigger than the Profumo scandal 60 years ago. This is the biggest scandal in British politics for over one century.' Mr Farage said he believed Morgan McSweeney, the chief of staff for Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, would be 'gone pretty quickly'. 'I don't know how long Starmer will last as PM,' he joked. 'Indeed, I'm very worried about it. I want him to stay forever.' Nigel Green of deVere group warned of an 'acute' risk to Sterling and UK government borrowing costs if Sir Keir is forced out. 'If the Mandelson affair brings down the Prime Minister, which is something a growing number of commentators are discussing, the consequences would not stop at Downing Street,' he said. 'Markets would immediately focus on the UK bond or gilt - market.' Mr Green said Rachel Reeves would likely lose her job alongside, undermining Labour's main appeal of continuity'. Sir Keir Starmer and Peter Mandelson have been mocked in a new AI song video by online pranksters amid the Jeffrey Epstein scandal threatening the PM's time in office. This time the duo behind the Crewkerne Gazette spoof site have reworked Barry Manilow's classic piano ballad Mandy, imagining it as performed by Sir Keir while the video shows him with shamed ex-peer Mandelson. The Crewkerne Gazette has previously created AI videos parodying pop songs and showing new lyrics performed by the likes of Angela Rayner, Rachel Reeves, David Lammy and the King - attracting tens of millions of views. The spoof comes amid mounting pressure on Sir Keir - and speculation about Labour MP moves to topple him as PM - amid the Mandelson and Epstein scandal. New revelations about Mandelson's ongoing communications following the shamed financier's conviction and jailing on child prostitution charges have been revealed in the latest release of more than 3million Epstein-related documents. Emails in the tranche appear to show Lord Mandelson passing potentially market-sensitive information to the financier in 2009, while he was Business Secretary in Gordon Brown's government. Now a new video was shared to the Crewkerne Gazette's 24,000 X followers, adding: 'Is it resignation time yet? Here's Mandy, Keir Starmer sings the Barry Manilow classic to Peter Mandelson, as the Epstein scandal refuses to fade into the background.' The video features a mock-up of Sir Keir sitting at a piano singing a rewrite of the ballad that was a US number one for Manilow in 1974, hitting number 11 in the UK. Sir Keir Starmer is depicted at a piano singing a rewritten version of Barry Manilow's 1974 hit Mandy in the latest video created with the help of AI by spoof site, the Crewtherne Gazette Peter Mandelson, losing his peerage amid the Jeffrey Epstein scandal, is shown in a red gown Mandelson is depicted as appearing in a red gown, before the pair are shown in follow-up scenes including frolicking on a hill and riding a horse. Lyrics include a new version of the chorus, saying: 'Oh, Mandy well, you came and you lied without breaking, but I sent you away. 'Oh, Mandy well, you leaked to Jeff and stopped me from shaking, and I need you today oh, Mandy.' Verses have such lines as 'The night goes into morning, just another day - Tories grilling my way' and 'I'm standing on the edge of resign I walked away when spin was mine'. The Gazette describes itself as 'the sharp end of Somerset a politically incorrect, AI-fuelled, chaos-driven newcomer, where truth and satire dance together, like drunks at The White Hart'. That refers to a pub in Crewkerne, with the site set up by two thirtysomething friends who met at Yeovil College as teenagers. They have dubbed themselves 'shadow creators, working mostly behind the curtain', insisting on anonymity for security purposes. Sir Keir admitted at Wednesday's PMQs that he appointed Lord Mandelson as Britain's ambassador to the US last February despite knowing he had stayed friends with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. Sir Keir Starmer and Peter Mandelson are shown riding a horse in the new AI-aided video Sir Keir appointed Mandelson as US ambassador last February then sacked him in September Sir Keir admitted that he appointed Lord Mandelson (left) as US ambassador despite knowing he stayed friends with Jeffrey Epstein (right) after the financier was jailed Downing Street confirmed the PM also knew that Mandelson had continued to stay at Epstein's house while the businessman was in prison for child sexual abuse offences and after he was released. It is understood that when Mandelson was appointed towards the end of 2024, Sir Keir was handed a two-page document by the Cabinet Office ethics team, summarising the well-rehearsed conflicts of issues and previous scandals. Sir Keir insisted he acted swiftly to sack Mandelson last September when it emerged he had advised Epstein to appeal against his conviction for soliciting a minor. It has now emerged in the latest Epstein documents that Mandelson had been He told MPs he was 'as angry as the public' about the conduct of his former ally. 'He lied repeatedly to my team when asked about his relationship with Epstein I regret appointing him.' Mandelson, who is losing his peerage and place on the Privy Council, has denied the documents show he broke any laws or acted for personal gain. He has repeatedly said he regrets his friendship with Epstein. Dame Emily Thornberry, Labour chairman of the foreign affairs committee, said the fiasco could have been avoided if the PM had allowed Mandelson to be interviewed by MPs such as herself, instead of rushing through the political appointment. Lyrics sung by the Keir Starmer creation in the new video include: 'Oh, Mandy well, you leaked to Jeff and stopped me from shaking and I need you today oh, Mandy' John McDonnell, ex-Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn's former shadow chancellor, told Sky News the PM should quit. He said: 'I've never called for him to go but I have lost confidence in him. The decisions around Mandelson pushed me over the edge.' Earlier viral videos by the Crewkerne Gazette include two from last October depicting Rachel Reeves - including one alongside ex-Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner. The Chancellor had already become an unlikely rap 'star' in an artificial intelligence video after being accused of breaking the law by renting out her family home without a licence since entering Downing Street. Ms Reeves referred herself to the independent ethics adviser and had to admit her error to the Prime Minister after inquiries by the Daily Mail. Avideo was widely shared online, making fun of the cabinet minister while purporting to have her boasting about the breach - showing her suggesting in a rap: 'I don't have a licence.' That was then followed up by the spoof account duo who posted: 'Its The Crewkerne Gazettes two biggest stars brought together for the duet that you never wanted or asked for - Angela Rayner and Rachel Reeves, Scandal Queens.' The clip shows the pair appearing along with Sir Keir in a parody of Robin Thicke's worldwide chart-topping single Blurred Lines - renamed 'Scandal Lines'. Previous videos from the Crewkerne Gazette featured a rapping Rachel Reeves The Rayner video has more than 10 million views worldwide and generated endless Press coverage Lyrics include: 'If you can't hear what we're trying to say, Keir's throwing mud near Downing Way. 'Maybe we've lost the way, maybe we're on page five, maybe we've killed the vibe.' The chorus runs: 'Scandal queens - we know you've seen it.' Another video posted by the site showed Justice Secretary appearing to cover Britney Spears' Oops I Did It Again, switching from legal robes to red latex. The lyrics then include: 'Oops, Ive freed them again. I let out two cons and blamed all the Tories - ooh, Lammy Lammy.' Other AI creations by the Crewkerne pair have mocked up Sir Keir sporting Boy George plaits and singing 'Karma Starmeleon'. Another had Nigel Farage DJ-ing to Bo Selecta in a rotating wardrobe of beige blouson jackets, heavy gold necklaces and white fur coats. That one was then reposted online by the Reform UK leader himself. The Crewkerne Gazette describes itself as 'the sharp end of Somerset a politically incorrect, AI-fuelled, chaos-driven newcomer, where truth and satire dance together' Justice Secretary David Lammy was depicted covering Britney Spears' 2000 hit Oops! I Did It Again in another AI-generated satire from the Crewkerne Gazette Meanwhile, 'King Chas' has been shown rapping about nature in a snug-fitting tracksuit, with lines such as: 'Talk to plants, yeah - them daisies aint lyin'.' One of those behind the videos, calling himself 'Crewkerne Man', told the Daily Mail last November: 'I consider these pieces a work of art. 'They can take hours, if not days, to create and build. It isnt just a case of sticking it all into an app and letting it do the work. The pair rewrite the lyrics to well-known songs and do the singing themselves, before changing their voices to avoid recognition and getting AI to add the rest. A British socialite was among the women who procured girls for convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, newly-released emails suggest. Annabelle Neilson, a former model who once described Kate Moss as 'like a sister' to her, was named in the US justice departments latest tranche of three million Epstein documents, published last Friday. Neilson, who was once married to the financier Nat Rothschild, now the fifth Baron Rothschild, and was Alexander McQueens unofficial muse, appears to have emailed the disgraced financier between 2010 and 2012, following his release from prison after he pleaded guilty to soliciting prostitution from a minor. During this time, the reality television star and London socialite, who died of a heart attack in 2018, offered to set Epstein up with a number of women. The Epstein files show that on September 15, 2010, Epstein asked for Ghislane Maxwell - his co-conspirator currently in prison for child sex trafficking on his behalf - to reach out to Annabelle Nielson. Just two days later, he received an email from someone who signed off as 'Annabelle', reading: 'So I am putting a little group of girls together. 'Hopefully one of them will have all the right qualities you desire. Wish I was 20 years younger and could speak French!!! 'I have to say that a few of my girls, who would be perfect for the job but are unfortunately past their sell-by date, would of all dropped their husband and almost children for the job when I asked them.' She added: 'You know Ive just had a spark of genius while writing this, I think I may have the right girl.' Annabelle Neilson, a former model who once described Kate Moss as 'like a sister' to her, was named in the US justice departments latest tranche of three million Epstein documents, published last Friday Annabelle Neilson with fellow models Kate Moss and Campbell in 2010 Sarah Ferguson and Neilson at London Fashion Week, 2015 In the email, Neilson promised they would 'all have some fun in London' and thanked Epstein for a previous 'stay', but it was unclear where and when the financier hosted her. At the end of that month, Epstein got back in touch with the socialite, saying: 'A sincere thanks for all your help today..i really appreciate the effort.' Neilson replied: 'Sincere thank you for being a good friend, It was fun to have something to find you, that you really needed!!' In November 2012, Epstein asked the model if she knew of 'any cute friends' in Paris, to which she answers: 'Non in Paris. Let me know if you come over. How about Davina' The paedophile simply told her that 'shes eduardos,' to which Neilson responded: 'Oh yes, so she is. 'If I think of anyone suitablewill let you know. X.' Neilson has been photographed alongside Naomi Campbell and Sarah Ferguson and was a familiar face of Londons jet-setting Primrose Hill scene of the early Nineties. In October 2010, an individual who signed off as 'Annabelle' checked in with Epstein, writing to him: 'Hi Jeffrey How are you and all the girls?! I hope you got the numbers I left you for the brazilian and the Italian presenter. Im back in my lovely grey old rainy london.' She added: 'My love I hope you are still having a wonderful time without me, probably the new arrivals would of distracted you from the huge void that I left' She previously starred on Bravo TV's reality show Ladies of London, which follows 'British blue bloods, ambitious American expats and glamorous international socialites' as they light up the capital's social scene. Shortly before her death, she was photographed with Moss at Blenheim Palace, where they attended the wedding of Neilsons ex-boyfriend, Lord Edward Spencer-Churchill. Model Naomi Campbell and fashion muse Annabel Neilson attend a party for men's magazine Arena Homme Plus, thrown on behalf of Alexander McQueen, in London 2004 Designer Alexander McQueen and Annabelle Neilson in New York, 2002 Annabelle Neilson, Sarah Ferguson, Alice Dellal, Naomi Campbell and Jade Parfitt in London, 2015 In 2015, Neilson told the Daily Mail that she was referred to as 'Mrs McQueen' by people because of her close relationship with the designer. 'He was my brother, my boyfriend, my soulmate ... Quite often we were sharing a bed,' she said. Following his suicide in 2010, Neilson contacted Epstein, writing of her grief: 'Dear Jeffrey, How are you darling? As you probably know I have been having a bit of a bad time. 'My best friend-brother lee McQueen died a week ago and I have not been able to think much on the work front.' Over the years, the model appears to have acted as Epstein's art consultant, advising the multimillionaire on names in the industry and any new discoveries. In one email exchange, the pair discuss installing a Frank Stella sculpture for display on the hedge fund manager's secluded getaway, the 70-acre Little Saint James dubbed Paedophile Island by locals. She wrote: 'Take a look at this, its a beautiful beast, reminds [sic] me a little of you in that respect.' In February 2011, she appears to ask Epstein to stay at his New York mansion during a 'fleeting visit' to the city, and promises she will not 'drink or smoke' while he is hosting her. In 2015, Neilson told the Daily Mail that she was referred to as 'Mrs McQueen' by people because of her close relationship with the designer From 2012, the correspondences seem to stop, until he forwards a news article of her death to an unknown individual, who responds: 'Thats horrible!! Do you think drugs? She was so full of life and energy.' Neilson was found dead at her Chelsea home in London aged 49. She had previously been outspoken about battling a heroin addiction as a teenager, after an incident in which she was attacked during her gap year. There is no suggestion that anyone in the model's circle of friends had any involvement with the paedophile financier. A deadly storm has sparked chaos in Spain and Portugal as ferocious winds and heavy flooding submerged towns, forced motorways shut and triggered a freak earthquake in a tourist hotspot. Roads have turned into raging rivers and a man in his 60s has died after being swept away by a powerful current in the south-east of Portugal, as Storm Leonardo batters the peninsula. 'A vehicle was found with one occupant, so there is one death,' a spokesperson for the national civil protection authority said. Torrential rain and gusts of up to 100 kilometres per hour have caused landslides and triggered three earthquakes in Gaucin, a mountainous town in the province of Malaga. The towns mayor, Pedro Godino, said the tremors were caused by underground water movements. He said: It seems that it was a hydroseismic event caused by some underground movement of water and so on, with so much rain and such, and it must have caused some cracks and thats what caused the seismic movement.' Thousands of people have been evacuated from their homes across Andalusia with injuries reported after a building collapsed. The flooding has caused mayhem in Madrid as the M14 motorway near Madrid-Barajas Airport - the main international terminal serving the Spanish capital - has been forced shut with fire crews battling to drain the roads. A deadly storm has sparked chaos in Spain and Portugal as ferocious winds and heavy flooding submerged towns (Pictured: Alcacer do Sal in Portugal) Residents have been forced to board emergency dinghies after their streets became submerged Roads have turned into raging rivers as homes and vehicles become engulfed by flash floods in Cadiz Major pile-ups of traffic have been reported on the M13 with disruption further exacerbated by a burst pipe flooding the airport's metro station and pushing more water onto the already submerged streets. Dramatic footage shows water gushing through streets as homes and vehicles become engulfed by flash floods in Cadiz. While dirty mud-coloured water submerged parts of Setubal, a tourist hotspot just south of Lisbon. Residents could also be seen wading through knee high water and boarding emergency dinghies as their houses became engulfed by murky water. Seville's iconic 12th century Giralda bell tower has been damaged with debris falling following strong gusts of wind, local media have reported. A woman is her 30s is missing near the Costa del Sol after leaping into a river to rescue her dog. The woman jumped into the river in Sayalonga, Malaga province, and was swept away by a rapid current. Thousands of people have been evacuated from their homes, including 3,500 in the southern Spanish region of Andalusia, where one person was injured as a building collapsed. Hundreds of soldiers deployed to assist the rescue services, while all Andalusian schools were closed apart from in its easternmost province of Almeria as the region is placed under a red alert for 'extraordinary' rain. A burst pipe flooded the metro station serving Madrid's main airport and pushed more water onto the already submerged streets The flooding has caused mayhem in Madrid as the M14 motorway has been forced shut with fire crews battling to drain the roads The storm has unleashed up to 35 centimetres of rain, submerging towns across the Iberian peninsula Pictured: Construction workers take cover in a building as water lashes down and floods the streets Homes have been flooded by dirty water following an enormous outpouring of rain on Wednesday Pictured: Two nuns stuck inside as flood water from Sado River covers the street in Alcacer do Sal The flooding has caused significant disruption with cafes and businesses forced to shut amid intense rainfall In Alcacer do Sal (pictured) the Sado river had burst its banks and the rising water has submerged the town's main avenue Almost all suburban, regional and long-distance trains were cancelled across Andalusia, with no bus replacement services possible due to the state of the roads, dozens of which were closed. The mayor of Ronda, a city in Malaga province, said the 'the ground can no longer absorb' the constant downpours, speaking of 'numerous landslides' in the surrounding rural areas. Heartbreaking footage also showed two dogs chained up to a house, unable to escape, as they were seemingly abandoned by their owner as water submerged San Martin del Tesorillo, a town in Cadiz. Leonardo is the latest in a string of storms to lash Spain and Portugal this year, examples of extreme weather events that scientists say human-driven climate change is worsening. Andalusia's top emergency official, Antonio Sanz, said the situation was 'very worrying' in the nearby mountainous municipality of Grazalema. Grazalema soaked in more than 40 centimetres of rain on Wednesday, 'the usual amount of rainfall in Madrid in an entire year', a spokesperson for Spanish weather agency AEMET said. One person was injured when a large rock fell onto their house in Ubrique, a municipality in Cadiz. Portugal is still reeling from last week's Storm Kristin, which killed five, injured hundreds and cut off tens of thousands of customers from the power grid. Portuguese emergency services have dealt with more than 3,300 incidents since Sunday, mostly due to flooding, falling trees and landslides, according to the Civil Protection authority. The service had deployed more than 11,000 people, and around 200 residents were evacuated in central Portugal on Wednesday. Dozens of cars suffered damage on Thursday as rocks, mud and water from the Serra de Sao Mamede mountain range lashed on Portalegre. In Alcacer do Sal, south of Lisbon, the Sado river had burst its banks and the rising water had submerged the town's main avenue. Emergency crews have battled to drain the roads, as heavy rainfall submerges streets across Spain and Portugal The Pozo de los Humos waterfall in Salamanca has seen an extraordinarily high flow due to snowmelt and heavy rains Firefighters pull an inflatable boat as floodwaters from Sado River cover the streets in Alcacer do Sal, forcing thousands of people in southern Spain from their homes, shutting schools and cancelling trains 'I had never seen anything like it. Water was pouring into Alcacer with unimaginable force,' shopkeeper Jessica Ramalho, 28, said. Andre Perdigao, a 40-year-old cafe owner, said the town hall was working flat out so that 'we can protect ourselves. But right now, the situation is out of control.' The Lisbon region and the Algarve in the south were most affected, with rain and wind predicted to reach their peak intensity overnight Wednesday to Thursday. Spain remains traumatised by its deadliest floods in decades in October 2024, when more than 230 people died, mostly in the eastern region of Valencia. On Wednesday, footage showed streets transformed into fast-flowing rivers, with residents wading through deep water as emergency services battled flooding. In one image, a car is completely submerged, with only its roof visible above the water. The storm is expected to weaken on Friday, but a new Atlantic storm has been forecast to arrive on Saturday. An 80-year-old who allegedly boasted of hunting down civilians has been accused of being a 'weekend sniper' who paid to shoot people in Sarajevo during the city's siege in the 1990s. The unnamed former metalworker and truck driver from Vento has become the first suspect in an investigation launched in November following allegations of 'human safari' sniper trips during the Balkan wars. More than 11,000 civilians were killed during the 1992 to 1995 siege, when Bosnian Serb forces surrounded Sarajevo and fired on the city from the hills above it. The elderly man, who has been charged with voluntary manslaughter, is believed to have been heard saying 'I conducted a manhunt', while boasting about his shooting spree at defenceless civilians in Sarajevo, according to Corriere Della Sera. This allegedly included women, elderly people, and children. The suspect is set to be questioned on Monday by prosecutor Alessandro Gobbis, who will ask him to prove that his frequent trips to the former Yugoslavia during the war years were solely for work and not to kill on 'human safaris.' According to Italian media, the 'right-wing' man was also considered to be a firearm enthusiast after a police search of his home uncovered two pistols, four rifles, and a carbine. Survivors of the Sarajevo massacres in November have called for the death penalty for the sick tourists who allegedly paid to shoot at the civilians in Sarajevo. Prosecutors acted after Italian journalist and writer Ezio Gavazzeni filed a formal complaint claiming that visitors from Italy, the United States, Russia, and other countries paid Bosnian Serb fighters between 70,000 and 88,000 for trips to sniper positions. A Bosnian soldier returns fire as he and civilians came under fire in 1992. It has been alleged that tourists from Italy, the US, Russia, and other countries paid thousands to hunt innocent people A man carries his injured son as others behind him carry a wounded person on a stretcher in 1993. The youngest members of families were often shot during the siege The case also alleges that depraved tourists paid extra to hunt minors, in the long-rumoured 'human safari' scheme. Gavazzeni said he had been inspired to investigate after watching 'Sarajevo Safari,' a 2022 documentary by Slovenian filmmaker Miran Zupanic. The investigation in Italy has reopened painful memories for Sarajevo residents, but many say it could finally bring answers about one of the most disturbing allegations. The allegations of human safaris were given further attention in 2007, when a former US Marine gave testimony at The Hague detailing the war crimes that were committed during the period. He described how unarmed civilians were constantly under attack, with the youngest members of families under increased threats of violence. He also claimed that Sarajevo was filled with tourists who would pay to shoot people. He said: 'I had witnessed on more than one occasion personnel who did not appear to me to be locals by their dress, by the weapons they carried, by the way they were being handled, i.e., guided around by the locals.' The writer also claimed safari-goers dispatched their victims as dispassionately as big game hunters on the African plains and paid up to 200,000 for a weekend shoot. In Zupanic's documentary, a Slovenian man who worked as an intelligence officer for the US said he witnessed foreigners in high power committing crimes against innocent civilians. He said: 'These people were certainly not ordinary people. They were people in high positions, protected... people who, after having everything, seek another thrill, saying to themselves: 'Why shouldnt I now shoot a child or an adult in Sarajevo and gain another pleasure? I wont only kill animals.' Describing what he saw, he added: 'I had my own binoculars so I could see. After the man fired, the person fell. Most were hit in the chest, because the head is harder. An injured man being treated by doctors in 1995. Witnesses have come forward to give credibility to accounts that the horrors of the human safari did exist A video of a Toyota allegedly used by militia leader Slavko Aleksic, with a human skull from a Bosnian corpse, during the siege of Sarajevo 'But I also saw a hit to the head. From that, I saw they were very good hunters.' In December, a key witness at the centre of the investigation died unexpectedly. Slavko Aleksic, a Bosnian former militia leader, died in the city of Trebinje, despite having been in good health. Aleksic, 69, commandeered a Jewish cemetery above Sarajevo used by snipers, and according to Serbian lawyer Cedomir Stojkovic, 'he would have been a crucial witness' because 'he could have said who did the shooting and who organised it'. Croatian investigative journalist Domagoj Margetic added: 'In November, Aleksic was apparently in good health and now he has suddenly, and very conveniently, died.' In October, Serbian president Aleksandar Vucic was also accused of being involved in Sarajevo's 'human safari' sniper trips, an allegation he denies. A month later, Aleksic gave an interview on Serbian television and insisted the president had had no involvement in sniper activity. 'Aleksic was alive and well then, did not announce a fatal illness and, on the contrary, said he would testify in favour of Vucic,' Margetic said. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has denied any involvement with the 'human safari' sniper trips during the Balkan wars of the 1990s, when wealthy tourists allegedly paid to shoot at unarmed civilians in the besieged city of Sarajevo On December 12, Aleksic told a radio show that he was in a hospital in Belgrade, according to Margetic, after reportedly being taken from Bosnia to Belgrade's military hospital by Serbia's secret service. Meanwhile, Stojkovic said: 'It's reasonable to think Aleksic's death was linked to the 'human safari' probe and that Serbian intelligence was involved'. Margetic appealed to war crimes prosecutors to stop any cremation or burial planned for Aleksic, and hold a post-mortem to check the body for poison. His death also came shortly after a macabre video resurfaced of a car allegedly used by him featuring a human skull on the bonnet - said to be extracted from a Bosnian corpse - wearing a UN helmet. Peter Mandelson celebrated child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein's release from jail as 'Liberation day' and called him a 'naughty boy', more damning emails revealed today. As revelations about their links continue to drip out, messages show they exchanged sleazy jokes after the American financier was let out of prison 17 years ago. The latest Epstein files document dump by US authorities has piled further pressure on Mandelson, who is facing a criminal probe and has quit the House of Lords. It has also raised questions about Sir Keir Starmer's judgment in appointing him ambassador to the US last year and the vetting process that preceded it. One email thread from July 2009 apparently shows the then-government minister asking Epstein how they should celebrate his release from prison after serving 13 months for soliciting prostitution with a minor. Epstein responded: 'With grace and modesty (those are the names of two strippers).' Lord Mandelson said: 'From now on, grace and modesty sd [should] be discovered in London.' The emails can be traced to him because his private email address was left unredacted in one of the messages, and his name is in another. The Daily Mail has redacted most of that email address with a grey box in this article, while the original redactions from the US Department of Justice are black boxes. Peter Mandelson and Jeffrey Epstein in a photograph released by the US Department of Justice Peter Mandelson and Jeffrey Epstein's messages after the financier was let out of jail in 2009 Jeffrey Epstein and Peter Mandelson on a yacht in a photo which has no date or location The emails can be traced to Mandelson because his private email address was left unredacted in one of the messages. The Mail has redacted most of that email address with a grey box, while the original redactions from the US Department of Justice are black boxes The former UK ambassador to the US told the Daily Mail the messages were his but 'they are his [Epstein's] observations not mine' and that he was saying Epstein 'should find grace and modesty not strippers'. The 2009 emails also show Mandelson asking 'How is freedom feeling?', to which the sex offender replied: 'she feels fresh, firm, and creamy'. 'Naughty boy,' the Labour grandee wrote in response. In another message Mandelson can be seen telling Epstein upon his release: 'Liberation day ! X.' The crude messages have prompted disgust from figures across the political spectrum, with SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn writing on X 'sick bastards' and Tory shadow minister Alex Burghart telling MPs he was 'shocked and disturbed'. The trove of documents recently released by the US Department of Justice also includes messages from 2012 appearing to show arrangements for Mandelson to stay at the disgraced financier's Manhattan townhouse, with warnings that he should be cautious about the media catching wind. 'I want to stay. Let's go for it, and just be careful,' Mandelson apparently said in a message then forwarded by Epstein to his then-personal assistant Lesley Groff. In a series of subsequent messages, Ms Groff wrote: 'Does that mean pete Mandelson is staying with Jeffrey at 71st street during his visit???' and 'Oh wow. Ok. I hope the news people don't find out!'. The documents also link Mandelson with another figure at the centre of a storm related to the late financier, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. The latest Epstein document dump by US authorities has piled further pressure on Mandelson Peter Mandelson sits with sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, as he blows out the candles on a cake Mandelson celebrated child sex offender Epstein's release from jail as 'Liberation Day' in 2009 Mandelson appeared to advise Epstein that Andrew, the King's disgraced brother, should 'sit tight' as questions were mounting over the two men's ties, after the publication of a photo of Andrew with his arm around Virginia Giuffre. The Labour veteran referenced the then-prince's meeting with the Queen to discuss the unfolding scandal. Epstein asked Mandelson for 'suggestions' in a March 2011 email. He responded: 'On Sky it was reported that A (Andrew) and HMQ (Her Majesty The Queen) met to discuss JE (Jeffrey Epstein). Try and talk later. A has to sit tight.' It came after the picture of Andrew with the teenage Ms Giuffre, who claimed she was forced to have sex with him three times, was first published in February of that year. Mandelson also appears to share bawdy details of his travels to Russia with Epstein from his time at Global Counsel, the lobbying and consulting firm he co-founded. In one message from May 2013 including his company signature, Mandelson said he was going to St Petersburg and that 'it's a rave' with 'tastey models and dancing.' Epstein was facing charges of alleged sex trafficking when he killed himself in jail in 2019. Writing in the Daily Mail today, psychotherapist Elizabeth McKane said: 'My view is that we are seeing two classic narcissists in Mandelson and Epstein. 'Usually, narcissists need a foil as a deflection from their own insecurities. They are by definition self-consumed, and need someone they consider an unequal to perform for. Peter Mandelson is pictured and mentioned many times throughout the released Epstein files In this photo, Peter Mandelson stands in white underwear talking to a woman in a bathing robe Peter Mandelson and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer in Washington DC in February last year 'But I believe the extraordinary meeting between Jeffrey Epstein and Peter Mandelson produced something unique. They found in one another a reflection of themselves, and it pleased and satisfied them both. 'It was a union in which their personalities merged so completely that a deep emotional bond was established. Was this love? Perhaps so but, as I said, a narcissistic love.' It comes as Sir Keir's premiership is under growing pressure from Labour MPs, angry at his decision to approve the appointment of Mandelson to the role of British ambassador to Washington despite knowing about his links to Epstein. Sir Keir admitted at Prime Minister's Questions yesterday that he knew about Mandelson's ongoing friendship with the convicted paedophile when he appointed him, but said that the peer 'lied repeatedly' about the extent of the relationship. Downing Street then tried to control the release of potentially explosive documents, which provide insight into how the decision was made. But in the face of a mutiny from Labour MPs - led by former deputy prime minister Angela Rayner - the Government had to back down and cede control to Parliament's Intelligence and Security Committee to decide what could be released into the public domain. Sir Keir will make a bid to focus attention on the 'grievance' he will accuse rival political parties of peddling in a speech today, before a crunch by-election in Manchester and May's local and devolved parliamentary elections. But the controversy surrounding Mandelson - who has quit the House of Lords, resigned from the Labour Party, been removed from the Privy Council and faces a criminal investigation following new revelations from the Epstein files - has led to intensifying questions about the Prime Minister's political future. An innocent Sainsbury's customer was marched out of his local store by staff after facial recognition software correctly identified an offender was inside - but staff ejected the wrong man. Warren Rajah was in the Elephant and Castle branch on Tuesday when two members of staff and a security guard suddenly escorted him outside in what he described as 'the most humiliating moment of his life'. When the 42-year-old asked why, they pointed to a sign showing that the store used facial recognition technology. In fact, they had mistaken him for someone who was on the system for shoplifting who had also entered the store at the same time. The shopworkers mistook Mr Rajah for him and ejected the wrong man. The store is one of six in London where Sainsbury's has recently rolled out Facewatch technology, in response to rising theft and violence against staff. Mr Rajah said: 'Then they told me to leave. It was the most humiliating moment of my life, being escorted out the place I have shopped in for 10 years in front of my community.' To prove he did not have any criminal convictions, he submitted a subject access request to Facewatch, asking them to explain what data they held on him to set off the alert in Sainsbury's. For this, he had to email an image of himself and a copy of his passport, which he said felt 'like a massive invasion of my privacy'. Mr Rajah said the supermarket called him to apologise and offered him a 75 voucher. Both the supermarket and Facewatch claimed it was not the fault of the cameras, but human error by staff inside the store who approached the wrong person. Warren Rajah, 42, was marched out of his local Sainsbury's after staff made a facial recognition blunder The software's cameras scan the faces of customers, which are compared against a database of recorded offenders. Store managers are then alerted to any matches so they can verify the match. In Mr Rajah's case, the error was made at the second stage of human verification. Mr Rajah described the ordeal to Metro: 'They came up to me and asked to see my 'bar code'. I didn't know what this meant so I just showed them my Nectar card. 'I started panicking massively because I don't know anything about this company or what they do. Do they record crimes as they happen? Are they linked to law enforcement? Would this impact my career?' By law, before any information can be disclosed, Facewatch must first verify the identity of the person making the request to ensure they are who they claim to be, hence the request for such information from Mr Rajah. Facewatch confirmed to Mr Rajah that he was not on its database and was redirected to Sainsbury's, the BBC reports. Sainsbury's website states early results of the software 'have been encouraging' with trial stores seeing a 46 per cent reduction in theft, harm, aggression and antisocial behaviour and 92 per cent of offenders not returning. According to the software's website, it has 99.98 per cent accuracy and is 'the only crime prevention tool that proactively identifies known criminals, allowing staff to act before a crime has been committed'. In November, Facewatch sent 49,589 positive alerts of known offenders to protect its customers employees and assets. Facewatch confirmed to Mr Rajah that he was not on its database A Sainsbury's spokesman said: 'We have been in contact with Mr Rajah to sincerely apologise for his experience in our Elephant and Castle store. 'This was not an issue with the facial recognition technology in use but a case of the wrong person being approached in store.' A Facewatch spokesman said: 'We're sorry to hear about Mr Rajah's experience and understand why it would have been upsetting. 'This incident arose from a case of human error in-store, where a member of staff approached the wrong customer. 'Our Data Protection team followed the usual process to confirm his identity and verified that he was not on our database and had not been subject to any alerts generated by Facewatch.' This is not the first time a shopper has fallen victim to human error in a store using facial recognition technology. B&M customer Jenny was placed on a watchlist and barred from returning to her local store in Birmingham after she was falsely accused of previously stealing a bottle of wine. She previously told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'It's like we've made retail managers and technology companies judge, jury and executioner, with no legal due process.' The retail company apologised and blamed human error. Other cases involve a 64-year-old woman who was wrongly put on a facial recognition watchlist, accused of stealing less than 1 worth of paracetamol from Home Bargains and Danielle Horan, from Manchester, who was ordered out of two separate shops after being falsely accused of stealing toilet roll. A lorry driver who claims he was plunged into depression and fears he may never work again after a 'botched' eye test is suing Specsavers for hundreds of thousands of pounds. Francis Hodibert, 62, from Slough, in Berkshire, says he was told he had failed a compulsory eye test for HGV drivers at Specsavers in 2022. In documents lodged with the High Court in London, Mr Hodibert says it meant his livelihood was taken away after the DVLA removed his ability to work as a trucker. This caused him to become so depressed and anxious that he worries he may never be able to work again. The DVLA requires HGV drivers to pass not only the distance eyesight test which is part of a standard driving test - but to also undergo an in depth assessment of their visual field and peripheral vision using a specially designed machine. Mr Hodibert claims that after taking two such tests in 2022 at his local Specsavers in Slough, he was told he had failed the visual field test and subsequently had his HGV licence taken away. He regained the licence six months later after passing another visual field test, which was carried out by a consultant ophthalmologist in January 2023. However Mr Hodibert claims to have suffered serious emotional damage after his license was initially revoked following the 'botched' eye test. Francis Hodibert, 62, claims the emotional toll of having initially lost his HGV licence despite regaining it six months later left him so depressed that he fears he may never work again He says the damage had already been done despite regaining his licence and that the shock of initially having lost it had impacted his mental health - as well as his work and personal life. The truck driver claims the eye test failures in 2022 were the mistakes of Specsavers staff, with his lawyer alleging 'negligence'. In court papers, his barrister, Michael O'Neill, says: 'The defendant is engaged in the provision of professional optical services to the public and in particular of visual field testing, as required by the DVLA for the assessment of fitness to drive heavy goods vehicles. 'On 10th April 2022 and on 21st May 2022, the claimant attended at the defendant's Slough branch to undergo visual field testing for the maintenance of his HGV licence. 'Following such testing, the defendant reported superior field defects, as a consequence of which the claimant's licence was revoked by the DVLA in September 2022. 'The said results were inaccurate and, following separate tests carried out by a consultant ophthalmologist on 25 January 2023, the claimant was able to appeal the revocation of his licence and the same was reinstated following the provision of a new eyesight certificate on 31 March 2023. 'The obtaining and reporting of the said inaccurate results and the consequent revocation of the claimant's HGV licence were caused by the negligence of the defendant, its servants or agents.' Mr O'Neill accused Specsavers staff of 'carrying out their field of vision tests so as to produce false results' and 'submitting an inaccurate report to the DVLA', adding: 'Because of all this the claimant has suffered personal injury, loss and damage.' Pictured: The Specsavers branch in Slough, Berkshire, where Mr Hodibert took the 'botched' eye tests He said: '[Mr Hodibert] has developed a worsening mixed depression and anxiety disorder as a result of the matters herein complained of. 'His condition is such that he is unable to work as an HGV driver or at all and his personal and domestic life has been substantially disrupted. 'It is uncertain that he will ever make a sufficient recovery to work again.' The barrister added that Mr Hodibert says he has been examined by a doctor who has submitted a medical report to the court backing up his claim for 'damages exceeding 200,000'. Specsavers's defence to the action was not available from the court at the time of writing. However the company is set to deny the claims, telling the Daily Mail it will defend the case. Police investigating the disappearance of four-year-old Gus Lamont in Australia say they have identified a suspect. Officers have described the person in question as someone who lives on the remote property where the boy vanished, but stressed it is not one of his parents. Gus was last seen playing outside his family home on a sheep station near Yunta in South Australia, around 186 miles (300km) north-east of Adelaide, on September 27. His grandmother had left him alone for about half an hour before returning to find him gone, triggering one of the largest land and air searches ever launched in the state. Officers and volunteers scoured around 470 square kilometers - an area roughly twice the size of Edinburgh - near his grandparents' home at Oak Park station. But no trace of the young boy was found. In late October, police wound down the search operation and instead formed a dedicated 12-member taskforce to continue the investigation. That taskforce has since reviewed statements previously given by members of Gus's family, with police saying they 'identified a number of inconsistencies and discrepancies' in the timeline surrounding his disappearance. Police investigating the disappearance of four-year-old Gus Lamont say they have identified a suspect Gus went missing form his family's sprawling sheep property in the middle of nowhere in outback South Australia, nearly 200 miles north of Adelaide Police described the suspect as someone who lives on the remote property where the boy vanished but stressed it is not one of his parents Your browser does not support iframes. Detective Superintendent Darren Fielke said those inconsistencies had led investigators to identify a suspect who lives at Oak Park station. 'As a result of these inconsistencies, and investigations into them, a person who resides at Oak Park station has withdrawn their support for the police and is no longer cooperating with us,' he said. 'The person who has withdrawn their cooperation is now considered a suspect in the disappearance of Gus.' It is understood Gus' grandmother, grandparent, mother and younger brother were on the property at the time of his disappearance. Fielke confirmed the boy's grandmother, mother and younger brother had been on the property at the time Gus disappeared. 'I do want to stress, however, that Gus's parents are not suspects in his disappearance,' he said. 'You appreciate at this time I cannot make any further comment about the suspect, given that this is now a criminal investigation and a declared major crime. 'What I can say, however, is that we'll continue to thoroughly and meticulously investigate the disappearance of Gus until we get an outcome.' Police conducted a search of the property in January and seized a number of items, including a vehicle, motorcycle and some electronic devices. Investigators said they had initially considered three possible scenarios - the boy walked off, he was abducted, or someone known to Gus was involved in his disappearance and suspected death. Given the remote location of the property, police ruled out abduction saying and said there was no evidence to suggest Gus had 'merely wandered off'. Comedian Joe Lycett's neighbour was yesterday convicted of stalking after engaging in a four-month harassment campaign in which he sent a death threat and loitered outside the comic's home. Sam Egerton, 34, sent the entertainer abusive posts on the social media platform X and was seen 'loitering' outside Mr Lycett's house after finding out they both lived on the same street. Birmingham Magistrates Court heard Egerton, a former England Sevens rugby player and Oxford law graduate, uploaded a post directed at the comedian, warning: 'You are in the deepest hell, you will die very soon.' His messages made reference to Mr Lycett's baby and revealed the name of the street they both lived on. The defendant posted about Mr Lycett's child after the two had locked eyes with each other while the comedian was putting his baby in the car. Mr Lycett said: 'It confirmed someone was watching me.' Ring doorbell footage also captured the defendant shouting outside Mr Lycett's house in the early hours of the morning. Egerton, now living in Perry Barr, Birmingham, was found guilty of stalking. He played for the rugby team Newcastle Falcons and for the England Sevens at the World Sevens Series in 2016. Comedian Joe Lycett, 37, said he had become increasingly concerned for the safety of himself and his family after Egerton's X posts Sam Egerton, a 34-year-old former England Sevens rugby player and Oxford law graduate, outside Birmingham Magistrates' Court yesterday Egerton played for the rugby team Newcastle Falcons and for the England Sevens at the World Sevens Series in 2016 He said he quit the rugby team for 'political reasons'. In 2019 he joined Stafford rugby club. Its director Andy Lewis said at the time: 'The club is tremendously excited to have Sam back who is a product of our fantastic junior section and has been a great ambassador for the club.' The defendant told the court that he had been 'sectioned' previously and said he felt suicidal. He was nearly thrown out of court for repeatedly interrupting from the dock. Egerton said: 'That's why I'm here. All this compulsive tweeting, I have got an addictive compulsion. I have been taken by it.' Mr Lycett said that he had become increasingly concerned for the safety of himself and his family after Egerton's series of X posts. After the comedian contacted the police, Egerton was ordered to leave Mr Lycett alone something the defendant ignored. But Mr Lycett told the court yesterday that he had 'no ill will' towards Egerton, adding that he hoped he would be 'looked after' and not 'locked up'. The comedian had lived at his address in a south Birmingham suburb, Kings Heath, for nearly ten years and had never previously met the defendant before seeing the first X post in the summer of last year. The court heard that Egerton had sent Mr Lycett a torrent of abusive posts and messages. He posted that he was 'making Joe Lycett hop about like he can't live his life' something the comedian said felt threatening. Mr Lycett told Birmingham Magistrates' Court yesterday that he had 'no ill will' towards Egerton Egerton told the court that he had been 'sectioned' previously and said he felt suicidal In another X message, Egerton described himself as the 'top dog' on the street and claimed Mr Lycett was 'rattled' after Egerton had posted about seeing Lycett's family. In January this year Egerton posted: 'As soon as I see him in the courtroom I'm going to shout as loud as I possibly can.' Mr Lycett said he did not understand the 'ultimate message' of the posts, saying there was a 'high volume' of messages that 'didn't make sense'. The 37-year-old comedian said: 'Naturally the fact Im here [means] I feel theres some concern for my safety or the safety of my family. 'I dont want to be here, I dont want to have to go through this process. 'Im concerned for Mr Egerton and his wellbeing, I want him to be supported and looked after and I ideally want some sort of system, [such as] a restraining order to keep him away from me for my security.' Egerton was screened off from the comedian by a black curtain but had a number of outbursts that led Judge Ikram to issue a 'final warning' to be quiet. On one of these outbursts, Egerton said about Mr Lycett: 'He's enjoying the idea of coming to court, he has his long list of tweets. He's come prepared. He's lapping this up...he's enjoying it.' He denied being jealous of Mr Lycett's success saying that he had 'no desire' to be famous or have anything to do 'with anyone within the Satanic cult'. Mr Lycett said he did not understand the 'ultimate message' of the posts, saying there was a 'high volume' of messages that 'didn't make sense' Joe Lycett is a British comedian. He is famous for presenting The Great British Sewing Bee on the BBC and performing activist stunts. He once changed his name legally to Hugo Boss to protest the fashion brand sending cease-and-desist letters to small British companies of a similar name. Egerton confessed to posting 'terribly nasty' things but said that he did not mean them. He added: 'I wanted to see if he was man enough to let me know this was rattling.' Egerton will be sentenced on April 24. Judge Ikram said: 'You have said things during the course of these proceedings that have caused me some concern. I want you to work with the probation officer.' He was granted bail on the condition that he does not contact Mr Lycett or visit the road he lives. Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie are said to be standing by their mother despite the catastrophic damage her emails to Jeffrey Epstein have caused them. The sisters have not given up on their father either and are staying 'loyal to their parents in private while separating themselves in public, a royal source has said. The Yorks are just about holding it together as a family but this has put new strains on their relationships', the insider added. The last I heard the daughters were still supporting both parents behind the scenes'. The sisters are said to be 'aghast' and 'embarrassed' by what the Epstein Files have revealed about their parents' relationship with such an 'appalling' man. But the Daily Mail's royal insider said they love their parents, leaving them in a terrible 'bind' because Andrew and Fergie have dragged them into Epstein's world and 'contaminated' their own brands. Eugenie, for example, is co-founder of The Anti-Slavery Collective, a charity that campaigns to end modern slavery, which includes sex trafficking. How can she do that without saying anything about Epstein, Virginia Giuffre, and this new case of a woman who claims she was trafficked to have sex with Andrew?, the source said. Sarah Ferguson told Jeffrey Epstein she wanted to marry him and took her children to meet him in the US just days after his release from jail for soliciting children for sex, documents published in the US revealed this week. Fergie, who also discussed her daughters' love and sex lives with her 'pillar' of strength Epstein over email, has not been seen in public since the scandal broke. As removal trucks still roll into Royal Lodge, the insider said they they had heard that Fergie was still there as recently as a week ago. On Tuesday Andrew was told to leave his 30-bedroom mansion earlier than expected after he was spotted goofing in public. The King wasnt happy about his brother being photographed laughing and waving at the public in Windsor while there were news stories emerging every few hours about Epstein sending women to Andrew and Fergie fawning on a paedophile', the insider said. Andrew is already in Sandringham, while Fergie has gone into hiding and is rumoured to be jetting abroad. The Duke and Duchess of York are divorced but have remained very close to their daughters. While the latest Epstein scandal has put more pressure on their relationship, the Princesses are said to remain supportive as they can be to their parents in private, especially their mother Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is seen smiling and waving to passers by as he drives on The Long Walk in Windsor on Monday. Just hours later he was booted out of Royal Lodge Sarah Ferguson, pictured with a mystery woman in the Epstein Files, has seen her reputation further shredded Another removal van arrived at Royal Lodge as the former Yorks move out The insider added: Beatrice and Eugenie are in a bind. I think they should say something but I doubt they will because of their need to stay loyal to their parents in private while separating themselves in public. The King insists theyve done nothing wrong but, inevitably, their personal brands have been contaminated by the actions of their parents. Fergie is said to want to stay in the Windsor area and wont move to Sandringham with her ex-husband Andrew. I know she was looking at a few options and hoped to stay in the Windsor area but this forced move has come sooner than expected. Fergie has nowhere to go but it has long been rumoured her daughters have offered her a place to stay abroad in the shape of Eugenies Portuguese villa. Beatrice has a granny annex at her Cotswolds home. A visit to her sister in Australia could also be on the cards. But Ms Ferguson will need something permanent. The source said: Fergie did sell her Belgravia mews house for 3.85 million in August so in theory has that money to use for somewhere else to live. But that house was bought as an investment for Beatrice and Eugenie. The late Queen gave Fergie money for her granddaughters as part of the divorce settlement. I dont know for sure but I think that may be what was used to buy that house. Sarah Ferguson's contact with Epstein has shredded what was left of her reputation. She even sent a flirty email to him describing a 'single' female friend with 'a great body' he should get to know after he was convicted of child sex crimes. The former Duchess of York also suggested in a personal email to the paedophile that he could marry her and they could take on the mystery woman as a member of their staff. Documents released in the Epstein Files also show that he was asked to pay almost $15,000 for flights for Fergie, Beatrice and Eugenie to fly to the US to visit him just 48 hours after his release from prison. Ms Ferguson would be happy to fly from Heathrow to the US in business class but her daughters would be in economy, the email sent on July 24, 2009, said. Fergie told the sex offender he should marry her on a number of occasions in the months after he left jail following a 13-month sentence for soliciting sex from girls as young as 14. In one email from September 17, 2009, she wrote about one woman: 'You can marry her too. She is single and [sic] a great body'. She added: 'Ok well marry me and then we will employ her'. The new emails also shed new light on a lunch that Fergie had with Epstein and her two daughters Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie after his time behind bars. On July 24, 2009, two days after her boss left prison, Epstein's assistant Lesley Groff emailed him asking him to approve payment for the Yorks' travel costs. She wrote: 'Regarding the flights for The Duchess and the girls from Heathrow to Miami and from NY to Heathrow: we are able to get the girls on economy round trip and The Duchess in business round trip. The girls flights total are $4835.94 and The Duchess' flights total $9244.16. Do I have your permission to purchase these tickets!?'. It is not known what Epstein replied or if he paid the bill - but Sarah and her daughters did make the trip to America. Sarah Ferguson, pictured in the Epstein files with a mystery female, told the paedophile financier about a woman he knew who was single and had a great body Fergie again said Epstein should marry her but he did not respond The email from September 2009 from Ms Ferguson to Jeffrey Epstein describes the woman with a 'great body' before suggesting they marry On July 24, 2009, two days after her boss left prison, Epstein's assistant Lesley Groff emailed him asking him to approve payment for the Yorks' travel costs The Daily Mail revealed today how Fergie sent an email to Jeffrey Epstein claiming that 'no woman has ever left the Royal family with her head' and that she was being '1000 per cent hung out to dry' after appearing to accept cash for access to her ex-husband. The former Duchess of York said in July 2010 that she was 'totally on my own now' and was about to be 'exterminated' in the UK due to a series of personal scandals. The Palace couldn't 'behead' her so 'will discredit me - totally to obliteration', she said in a nod to the executions of Henry VIIIs wives Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard. Ms Ferguson had written to the paedophile financier in the weeks after she was caught in a tabloid sting appearing to accept $500,000 in return for her securing access to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, then a UK trade envoy. She then agreed to an interview with Oprah Winfrey where she spoke about how she was facing bankruptcy and could not pay the rent so had taken a room in her ex-husband's Royal Lodge home. In an attack on the royals as her reputation was in tatters and she ran out of money, Fergie thanked her friend Epstein for being her 'pillar' in an email released in the Epstein Files. She added: 'Just as I always said, no woman has ever left the Royal Family with her head, and the [sic] cannot behead me, therefore they will discredit me. Totally to obliteration. I have no words.' Fergie praised Epstein, pictured kissing a woman in the Epstein Files, as her 'pillar' The email where Fergie told Esptein that she was being 'hung out to dry' Fergie was in the midst of the cash for access scandal. In 2010 she was caught in a tabloid sting appearing to accept $500,000 in return for her securing access to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, together last year, then a UK trade envoy In her first email she told Epstein on July 13, 2010: 'Have you died on me? Don't... Please you are my pillar.' The email chain reveals how Epstein ignored the flattery and said: 'I thought you needed a place for the second week?'. The paedophile appears to have repeatedly organised accommodation for Fergie in the US, according to the Epstein Files. She replied: 'Dear Jeffrey, yes I did need a second place for a week?' She went on: 'And I thank you so much, but just as I predicted many, many months ago, the British press is ready to exterminate me, and it seems that PricewaterhouseCoopers and the palace system are not equipped to deal with all of this huge wave of negativity. 'Therefore I have to return to the UK, and be exterminated and face the thunderous music. 'I am now 1000 per cent being hung out to dry, just as I predicted you will see, the Press will have me exiled. I am totally on my own now. 'This is beyond scandalous and nobody can do anything. I cannot believe what this is all coming to. 'I have to return to face my judge and jury and be hung yet again.' At the time PwC were auditing her accounts. It later emerged that Epstein had paid off some of her debts - but she later called it a 'gigantic error'. The Daily Mail revealed how Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie are 'aghast' at their mother's embarrassing tranche of emails to Jeffrey Epstein. Sources close to the sisters say they are also 'appalled' and 'embarrassed' about the new photos of their father Andrew crouching over a mystery woman lying on the floor. The then Prince Andrew towering over a mystery woman on the floor in a photo released by the US Justice Department. His daughters are said to be hugely embarrassed The siblings have been left ashamed by their mother's sycophantic emails to the paedophile financier after his conviction for child sex crimes. Sarah Ferguson fawned over Epstein, who famously paid some of her debts, telling the convicted sex offender he was a 'legend' and joked that they should get married. Other emails she sent him mentioned her daughter Eugenie's sex life and revealed Fergie had taken her children to lunch with the convicted paedophile when they were teenagers. The Daily Mail has also today unearthed an email from Ms Ferguson that suggests Epstein had a secret child. The former Duchess of York also accused him of abandoning her in 2011 and said it was 'crystal clear' he was only her friend to get close to her ex-husband Andrew. Security sources told The Mail on Sunday that Epstein was running 'the world's largest honeytrap operation' on behalf of the KGB. A source close to Eugenie and Beatrice told the Daily Mail: 'They are aghast at what they have read. They are mortified by the emails their mother has sent to Epstein. It is so embarrassing for them.' They added: 'We don't believe the girls [Beatrice and Eugenie] were told much about what has just emerged [in the latest Epstein files release], and they will simply be aghast at just how close their parents were to this appalling man.' A Tube fare dodger who launched a vicious attack on a passenger after blocking his way through the barrier has been jailed. Rikki Holmes, 33, was sentenced to three and a half years in prison at Inner London Crown Court on January 29 after he left the man life-threatening injuries, including a bleed on the brain and collapsed lungs. Holmes, from Croydon, attempted to barge through a barrier at London Bridge station on August 20, 2023 without paying, before being grabbed by bystander Ian McQueen. Mr McQueen grabbed Holmes by his collar, causing him to stumble. Holmes then turned around and punched McQueen in the face. McQueen fell backwards, hitting his head off the station floor before lying motionless. Holmes then proceeded to punch and kick him in the face. The attack left McQueen with a bleed on the brain, a fractured jaw, a broken nose, a fractured rib and two collapsed lungs. Transport for London staff alerted police and paramedics attended the scene. Rikki Holmes (pictured) was sentenced to three and a half years in prison for brutally attacking a man at London Bridge station Holmes (pictured) was arrested after a media appeal to identify the violent attacker Holmes was identified as the attacker and arrested after a media appeal. Officers carried out a warrant at his home in Spring Lane, South Norwood. On searching his address, police found cannabis, a baton and a pair of nunchucks. Holmes was sentenced to three years and five months imprisonment after being convicted of grievous bodily harm, possession of an offensive weapon and having Class B drug. Christopher Pretty, BTP DC and investigating officer on the case, said: 'What started out as a minor dispute over Holmes's pushing behind the victim through the ticket barrier then descended into serious violence that left the victim requiring a lengthy stay in hospital. 'The psychological impact on him will also remain for a very long time. 'I'm glad to see that the sentence handed down reflects the gravity of the offence. 'Holmes continued his attack even when the victim was unconscious on the ground and posed no threat to him at all. 'Holmes didn't co-operate at all during police interviews, but the weight of the evidence we gathered against him, combined with our witness and mobile phone enquiries, meant that we were able to prove his guilt. 'It's a great reflection of the investigative team's work, and will hopefully go some small way to helping the victim put this traumatic episode behind him.' A father who spent 66,000 to construct an off-grid pirate ship home may have to tear it down after building it without planning permission. Sam Griffiss, 35, sold his house in July last year before buying a 500 boat frame from eBay to create an 'off-grid paradise' by the River Severn in Bewdley, Worcestershire. The former construction worker dedicated two months and 'every bit' of his life-savings to the strange ship-shaped structure, named the Daisy May, which he moved into in January. But now he risks losing his home, which he believes is the only one of its kind in the UK, if he cannot get retrospective planning permission from Wyre Forest District Council. Mr Griffiss said: 'I'll be damned if they try and make me tear it down. I have plenty of people who will come and stand with me if that occasion ever comes. 'I've spent every bit of money on this.' The father-of-one splashed out 25,000 converting the former fishing boat into a habitable 'pirate ship' and cabin dormer on stilts as well as forking out 11,000 on a moveable wood-fire sauna. Mr Griffiss hopes his home will function as a community centre for outdoor activities as he awaits the council decision which he says will 'make or break him'. Sam Griffiss (pictured) spent 66,000 to construct an off-grid pirate ship home on the River Severn in Bewdley, Worcestershire, and now risks losing his home The former construction worker dedicated two months and 'every bit' of his life-savings to the strange ship-shaped structure, named the Daisy May, which he moved into in January He spent 500 for a boat frame from eBay and splashed out 25,000 converting the former fishing boat into a habitable 'pirate ship' and cabin dormer on stilts Mr Griffiss kept to a ship-inspired decor inside of his off-grid home, the Daisy May He heats his home and cooks using wood stoves, camping stoves and a diesel heater and has a shed for a toilet and bathroom He lives completely off-grid, harvesting rainwater and getting power from generators and solar panels on his 100 square metre plot. Mr Griffiss described being 'into the outdoors for years', while the 'off-grid lifestyle always appealed', especially since the pandemic. He said: 'Life got really expensive and I realised I was living to pay the bills. 'When I split from my partner, I had a bit of equity from the house, so I decided to use all my savings to build my off-grid pirate ship, the Daisy May. 'After the house sold, I just decided to go for it. I found this old 1970s day fishing boat on eBay which a guy in London had started refurbishing but never finished. 'It's known as a clinker and was used on the Thames Estuary. We travelled down to collect it with a trailer and brought it back up to the land which I bought a few years ago for 28,000.' Mr Griffiss said he 'intended to build a canoe shack' but plans changed after the Council 'wanted a lot of details', leading him to choose a boat as he believed he didn't need planning permission. Mr Griffiss heats his home and cooks using wood stoves, camping stoves and a diesel heater and has a shed for a toilet and bathroom. He said: 'You just figure it out as you go along. 'The only thing I miss is instantly having warm water, instead of having to use a kettle, but other than that I wouldn't change a thing.' Mr Griffiss admitted he knew the council would deny planning permission for the Daisy May but went ahead nonetheless as he 'didn't have anywhere to live'. Mr Griffiss denied being a 'rebel or a criminal' but settled on described what he is doing as 'fighting the system' as 'quite pirate-like' He lives completely off-grid and gets power from generators and solar panels on his 100 square metre plot He harvests rainwater and described being 'into the outdoors for years' as the 'off-grid lifestyle always appealed' He forked out 11,000 on a moveable wood-fire sauna (pictured) which sits on his plot He has 'spent every bit' of his money on the Daisy May, including on a moveable sauna (pictured) He said: 'I knew they would say no to start with as well, but I have built everything by the book in terms of moveable objects and agricultural buildings. 'I also needed a fixed abode so my daughter could stay with me. That is why I now need this to happen, I need an official address. 'I'm not a rebel or a criminal, although I guess what I am doing is quite pirate-like, fighting the system.' Mr Griffiss told the council in January about the Daisy May but is urging a planning officer to see the structure themselves. He said: 'I'm a dad to the most beautiful little girl, and I want this to be her legacy. She will look back and remember it was her dad who was the man who built a pirate ship on the river. 'I think it's inevitable that the council will want me to tear it down and won't be on board with it, but I'm going to stand my ground and fight for my home. 'If they came down and had a look in person, then they would see that I'm a good guy trying to give back to the community.' Mr Griffiss hopes to use the space to create a public wellbeing hub called the Connection Club. He said: 'Too much time is spent in front of a screen, so people really don't know what they're missing. 'It's so beautiful being close to Wyre Forest and I can even hear the lions roaring from West Midlands Safari Park.' A Wyre Forest District Council spokesperson said: 'This property is currently part of an active investigation case. 'As details of ongoing cases are confidential, we are unable to provide a comment at this time.' Green Party leader Zack Polanski has been branded 'disgusting' for gloating about a jury failing to convict Palestine Action protesters over a break-in at an Israeli defence firm which left a police woman with a 'shattered spine'. Mr Polanski retweeted a conspiracy theorist who claimed Yvette Cooper made up a 'lie' about the sergeant being badly hurt by an activist to justify proscribing PA as a terrorist group. He also claimed that 'people protesting against a genocide are not the criminals here' after the end of a court case against six people accused of targeting Elbit Systems' Bristol factory last year. However, the trial at Woolwich Crown Court heard that there was no dispute that Sergeant Kate Evans was hit with a sledgehammer, leaving her with a fractured spine that kept her off work for three months. She told the court she thought her spine was 'shattered' when she was hit to her lower back while she was on her knees making an arrest. Lawyers representing Samuel Corner, 23, an Oxford-educated mathematician, linguist and philosopher accused of grievous bodily harm against the policewoman, told the court the 'gentle man' did it to protect the other activists and he did not cause her really serious harm. The jury yesterday failed to reach a verdict on the charge, as well as on charges of criminal damage against all six defendants. Responding to Mr Polanski's tweet, Tory shadow minister Neil O'Brien said: 'A female police officer had her spine smashed with sledgehammer from behind and the Greens are jubilant they got off. 'These people are beyond disgusting.' Mr Polanski retweeted a conspiracy theorist who claimed Yvette Cooper made up a 'lie' about the sergeant being badly hurt by an activist to justify proscribing PA as a terrorist group. He also claimed that 'people protesting against a genocide are not the criminals here' after the end of a court case against six people accused of targeting Elbit Systems' Bristol factory last year. Lawyers representing Samuel Corner, 23, an Oxford-educated mathematician, linguist and philosopher accused of grievous bodily harm against the policewoman, told the court the 'gentle man' did it to protect the other activists and he did not cause her really serious harm. Mr Polanski declined to comment further when approached by the Mail today. Corner, Charlotte Head, Leona Kamio, Fatema Rajwani, Zoe Rogers and Jordan Devlin were cleared of aggravated burglary yesterday after the jury deliberated for more than 36 hours at the end of a 12-week trial. Jurors also found Ms Rajwani, Ms Rogers and Mr Devlin not guilty of violent disorder. The jury deliberated for 36 hours and 34 minutes but could not reach verdicts for charges of criminal damage against all six defendants. No verdict was reached on charges of violent disorder against Ms Head, Mr Corner and Ms Kamio. After the verdicts Mr Polanski retweeted Craig Murray, a former British Ambassador to Uzbekistan turned conspiracy theorist who questioned whether Sgt Evans had really been hurt. Mr Murray once suggested that Israel may have been behind the Salisbury nerve agent poisoning that targeted a former Russian spy and his daughter, widely believed to have been carried out by agents of Vladimir Putin. The Green leader also wrote: 'Pleased to see the jury make this decision. We need to have eyes wide open this is exactly why the Government wants to abolish juries. 'People protesting against a genocide are not the criminals here - it's the politicians who continue to provide cover.' All of the defendants except Mr Corner were granted conditional bail at a Woolwich Crown Court hearing after the trial concluded. The family of a British woman who died after contracting a deadly stomach bug while on holiday in Cape Verde has issued a warning to other tourists. Karen Pooley, 64, from Gloucestershire, fell ill during a two-week break in the African island nation last October. Ms Pooley's older brother Keith has now told holidaymakers to 'think before you book', and ensure they have adequate insurance. In total, six Brits have died from severe gastric illnesses contracted in Cape Verde since January 2023, law firm Irwin Mitchell says. Today Keith told Sky News: 'One person [dying] is too many, if it goes on the way it is going, how many more are going to suffer? 'I would urge people to think before you book. If you do think about going, do a lot of research and make sure you have adequate insurance.' During Ms Pooley's illness, she slipped while in her hotel room, breaking her leg. She was rushed to a clinic where she spent four days being treated before being flown to Tenerife, where she died the following day. Karen Pooley (pictured with her son), from Lydney, Gloucestershire, travelled with a friend to the Riu Funana resort in Sal on October 7, 2025, for a two-week holiday costing 3,000, booked through TUI Ms Pooley (right) was taken to a local clinic, where she continued to suffer diarrhoea, vomiting and severe pain from a fractured femur Irwin Mitchell said Ms Pooley's initial death certificate, issued by the Cape Verde authorities, said she died of multi-organ failure, sepsis, cardio-respiratory arrest and a broken left leg. Her sister-in-law said she 'lived the last few days on this Earth in agony'. She added: 'We are heartbroken. We still can't get over it. I am angry and I want to make sure it doesn't happen to anyone else.' It comes as the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said on Thursday its investigation has identified cases of shigella and salmonella linked to travel to Cape Verde. Investigators together with other public health agencies found that of the 118 shigella cases reported since October 1 and linked to international travel, some 112 (95%) of those people had been to Cape Verde, the majority to the Santa Maria and Boa Vista areas. Furthermore, the UKHSA identified increases in cases of salmonella in people who travelled to the holiday destination. Since October 1, 43 cases of salmonella from three separate clusters - identified using whole genome sequencing techniques - have been linked to travel to Cape Verde, it said. Specialist lawyers at Irwin Mitchell say they are representing the families of six Brits who have passed away since January 2023 as a result of gastric illness. Elena Walsh, 64, from Birmingham, Mark Ashley, 55, of Bedfordshire, Ms Pooley, and a 56-year-old man all died last year after contracting severe gastric illnesses while on the islands off the coast of West Africa. A man in his 60s from Watford also died in November 2024 after suffering a gastric illness following his trip. Part-time nurse and mother-of-one, Elena Walsh, (left) died in August 2025 after falling ill while staying at the Riu Cabo Verde on the same island Ms Walsh had flown to Cape Verde on a 5,000 TUI package holiday with her husband Patrick (left), their son Sean (right) and their future daughter-in-law Gemma A post-mortem examination carried out in the UK found there was nothing wrong with Ms Walsh's (second left) appendix, and it ruled she had died of heart failure, while listing gastroenteritis as a secondary cause of death Mr Ashley's wife of 26 years Emma, 55, said her family is in 'complete shock' following his sudden death. 'We went to Cape Verde expecting a relaxing break, but Mark became violently ill and never recovered,' she said. The self-employed forklift truck driver fell ill just three days into the couple's October holiday, suffering stomach pain, diarrhoea, vomiting, fever, and extreme lethargy, the law firm said. Mrs Ashley, an early years assistant manager, said they had paid more than 3,000 for the trip booked via TUI, and reported her husband's illness via the company's app on October 9, 2025. The couple, who had been married for 26 years, stayed at the five-star Riu Palace Santa Maria resort in Sal, and she has since raised concerns about hygiene standards at the hotel. After returning to the UK, father-of-two Mr Ashley continued to suffer symptoms. He collapsed at home in Houghton Regis and was taken to the hospital on November 12, 2025, where he was pronounced dead minutes later. His death has been referred to the coroner, and investigations are continuing. Part-time nurse and mother-of-one Ms Walsh died in August 2025 after falling ill while staying at the Riu Cabo Verde on the same island. She had flown to Cape Verde on a 5,000 TUI package holiday with her husband Patrick, their son Sean, and their future daughter-in-law Gemma. Jane Pressley, pictured with husband Michael, is one of six Brits to have died following gastric illness in Cape Verde Mark Ashley (back left), 55, of Bedfordshire died last year after contracting severe gastric illnesses while on holiday in Cape Verde But shortly after arriving, Ms Walsh contracted a stomach bug, and the pain was so unbearable she was rushed to hospital, where local doctors thought she had appendicitis. She was given an epidural for pain relief, but doctors attempted to remove her healthy organ, with her husband, Patrick, 60, telling The Times that he heard her 'crying out in pain' from outside the operating theatre. 'The last words she shouted were 'you're hurting me, you're hurting me', he said, 'That's the last of her.' Upon the first incision, Ms Walsh suffered a heart attack, and the operation was stopped. She never regained consciousness. Jane Pressley, a care assistant from Gainsborough, also fell ill while staying in Santa Maria, Sal, on her dream holiday in November 2022. The two week holiday was booked to celebrate Jane's 62nd birthday, and two days in Jane fell ill with gastric and flu-like symptoms including vomiting and diarrhoea. Upon her return home she was taken to Lincoln County Hospital on Christmas Eve due to her deteriorating condition, but sadly she died less than two weeks later on January 5, 2023. An investigation is ongoing into the death of the 62-year-old and the other five deaths, four of which occurred between November 2024 and December 2025. The law firm says that the latest deaths bring into 'sharp focus' the number of British tourists falling ill in Cape Verde. It says it is now representing more than 1,700 British holidaymakers who have suffered gastric illness linked to holidays in Cape Verde since 2022, including the families of the six Britons who have died. All of them booked their holidays through tour operator TUI, which has denied liability. Health officials across Europe began detecting a surge in shigella infections late last year, a bacterial illness that causes severe diarrhoea, fever and stomach cramps. The infection spreads through contaminated food or water and person-to-person contact, and while most people recover, it can be dangerous for vulnerable patients. Cape Verde, an archipelago of ten islands sitting around 350 miles west of Senegal in the Atlantic Ocean, has long been marketed as a sun-soaked paradise with year-round warmth and golden beaches (stock) Investigations found that many of those testing positive had recently returned from Cape Verde. The UK's Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said this week that cases of shigella are on the decline, but that ongoing issues with salmonella also associated with travel to Cape Verde continue. Dr Gauri Godbole, deputy director for gastrointestinal infections and food safety at the UKHSA, said: 'February is a popular time for winter sun holidays and we want to help families make the most of their breaks by staying healthy. 'Taking a few simple precautions against traveller's diarrhoea and food poisoning can make all the difference. 'The best way to avoid gastrointestinal infections, including shigella and salmonella, or passing them to others, is simply by washing your hands regularly and thoroughly with soap and water or alcohol gel - particularly after using the toilet, changing nappies, and before eating or preparing food. 'Most episodes of traveller's diarrhoea are short-lived, lasting for a few days. 'During an episode of diarrhoea and vomiting, it is important to prevent dehydration, particularly for young children, pregnant women, elderly people, and those with pre-existing illnesses as they can develop complications. 'Continue to hydrate yourself with plenty of fluids and consider purchasing sachets of oral rehydration salt before travelling. 'If symptoms worsen or you have underlying medical conditions, please seek advice from your GP or pharmacy.' Jatinder Paul, an expert international serious injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing families, said: 'The number of holidaymakers to Cape Verde being struck down with serious and debilitating gastric illnesses is truly staggering. 'Nothing brings the gravity of this situation into sharper focus than these recent deaths. 'In my experience I'm used to supporting holidaymakers who have fallen ill at resorts across the globe, but I've never seen repeated and continued illness outbreaks at the same resorts on such a scale over such a period of time.' He continued: 'It's almost incomprehensible that holidaymakers continue to describe the hygiene issues at these Cape Verde hotels year-after-year. 'Each case isn't a statistic; it's a human story of how lives have been turned upside down. 'Understandably, those we represent have serious concerns about hygiene standards in Cape Verde. 'While nothing can make up for what's happened we're determined to at least help establish the answers they deserve.' Mr Paul added: 'In the meantime, we call for meaningful and decisive action to get on top of the reported hygiene issues on the islands. 'Tour operators are responsible for ensuring the safety of those who have booked all-inclusive package holidays. Therefore, we urge them to work with the authorities to ensure the highest hygiene and safety standards are always upheld.' The first High Court hearing into claims for damages in relation to holidaymakers falling ill in Cape Verde was due to take place this week. The law firm says that several other group actions involving UK holidaymakers who fell ill in Cape Verde after booking through TUI are also expected to be listed in the coming months. TUI has been contacted for comment. Family jewellers targeted in a daylight raid by sledgehammer-wielding robbers have vowed to reopen and thanked the public for the 'overwhelming' support they've received, as police confirm a suspected getaway car has been found. The brazen daytime heist took place in Richmond, west London, where two men were swinging a large hammer against the glass of the family-owned jewellers. The men then peeled away the glass and filled a blue bag with all the valuables on display. Staff members inside the shop were then seen desperately trying to claw back what they could before the thieves could snatch it. Bravely, the staff then began hitting the robbers with what appears to be a small box to try to deter them from taking more goods. The thugs then fled the scene as the shocked bystanders watched on. The police were called at 10.34 am on January 31, after suspects smashed the front window of Gregory & Co in Paved Court and stole several items. The store staff have since struck an optimistic chord, as they have thanked the public for their support and look forward to reopening. Hammer-wielding thugs broke into a family-run jewellers and ransacked the window display while brave staff tried to fend them off A spokesperson for Gregory & Co said: 'We're a local, independent, family jewellers and have been in Richmond for more than 45 years. 'The public response to this incident has been overwhelming and we are grateful for the support and kindness we've received. 'We are reassured that overall, good outweighs the bad as we look forward to reopening and getting back to normal soon.' Although enquiries are ongoing and no arrests have been made, a vehicle believed to have been used in the robbery has been recovered and is being examined as part of the investigation. Superintendent Craig Knight, who leads the Met's neighbourhood policing in Richmond, said: 'Officers are working at pace to identify and locate the men who carried out this robbery. 'We realise incidents of this nature can have a real impact on the local community, especially businesses and those who live in the area. 'Please be reassured that we will be relentless in bringing these people to justice and are pursuing several lines of inquiry.' An employee who works at a nearby store and witnessed the incident told the Daily Mail: 'The two guys appeared out of nowhere carrying a large sledgehammer and a bag. They then started smashing the jewellers window up.' In footage, taken by a onlooker and shared widely on social media, two men can be seen swinging a larger hammer against the glass of the the family-owned jewellers Gregory & Co Sultan Jewellers in Uxbridge Road, Shepherds Bush, was targeted by several men who smashed the shop's windows with sledgehammers The heist comes after Sultan Jewellers in Uxbridge Road, Shepherds Bush, was attacked by several men who smashed the shop's windows with a sledgehammer. Police officers were at the scene within three minutes and were threatened with a hammer as the thieves tried to speed away on mopeds. A 33-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of aggravated burglary and remains in police custody. But multiple thieves escaped police. A police cordon was in place more than 12 hours after the theft while shards of broken glass and jewellery remained strewn on the floor outside. Jack Stones, the landlord at the neighbouring Defectors Weld pub, said fresh blood was on the pavement outside the jewellers when he walked past at 7am, more than three hours after the attack. One resident said the attack was eerily similar to another heist which saw three robbers armed with a sledgehammer smash into the shop with a Range Rover in October 2019. A mother of five who falsely accused a Good Samaritan of rape after he gave her a lift home when he found her drunk, crying and barefoot in the street has been jailed for two years. As Rachael Jones, 38, was led away to the cells, a judge warned that her actions could prompt men to think: 'No way am I stopping for a lone female, however distressed she looks.' She had been returning home from a drunken night out with friends at midnight when she was ordered out of a taxi for arguing with the driver. Innocent father-to-be Salim Ullah, who was driving past, was so concerned about her distressed demeanour that he stopped and offered her a ride home. But after he dropped Jones off and rebuffed her pleas to give him a hug, she falsely alleged she had been lured into a car and gang-raped by Mr Ullah and two Pakistani men in a lay-by. The 33-year-old was subsequently traced through his number plate and arrested at his Stoke-on-Trent home. He was held in a police cell for 30 hours during which he had to submit to intrusive examinations and was the subject of malicious gossip in his neighbourhood before detectives concluded no rape had taken place. Inquiries revealed Mr Ullah had the 'foresight' to record his encounter on his mobile phone and provided the footage to police to help exonerate him, a court heard. Rachael Jones, 38, (pictured), falsely accused a Good Samaritan of rape after he gave her a lift home when he found her drunk, crying and barefoot in the street Mother of five Jones falsely accused innocent motorist Salim Ullah of being part of a group of Pakistani men who gang-raped her - but later admitted inventing the incident In a statement he said: 'My wife was six months pregnant at the time and this allegation brought a lot of stress to us. 'I should have been fully there for my wife - however, we were worried about what would happen at the end of the case. 'I was worried that I might not be there for the birth of the baby and I just feel lucky I recorded the incident.' Saying his ordeal had left him feeling 'violated', Mr Ullah added: 'I believe I was targeted due to my ethnicity.' At Chester Crown Court, Jones, of Hassall Green, Cheshire, admitted perverting the course of justice. Judge Steven Everett told her: 'Mr Ullah behaved in an exemplary fashion and did what many people would not have done and went to your aid. 'Sadly the reason why many other people would not have gone to the aid of a lone woman distressed in the middle of the road without shoes, is due to what happened to him as a result of his act of charity. 'There will be many people who will say: "I am not doing that just in case a serious allegation is made." 'Your behaviour has consequences for people genuinely in need, and you were doing a disservice to those victims who have been genuinely attacked, assaulted and sexually assaulted and are left on the side of the road and are maybe left there because people who drive by say "I am not taking the risk".' Saying it was 'fortunate' that Mr Ullah had the 'foresight to record the conversation in the car', the judge said it 'does not bear thinking about' the consequences had he not done so. 'I have no doubt he would have been prosecuted for rape and you would have carried on your merry way,' he added. The incident occurred on April 18, 2022, after Jones got drunk during a night out with friends following an argument with her partner. Thomas McLoughlin, prosecuting, said she became 'argumentative' during the taxi ride home and was dropped off at the roadside. But after being brought home, Jones told police she had been 'raped by three Pakistani men' who 'threatened to kill her if she did not do what she was told'. 'She gave descriptions and said the incident lasted for 45 minutes,' he said. 'But the account given by the defendant was completely false. 'What really happened was Mr Ullah had happened to be driving by and noticed a lone female at the side of the road. 'He wanted to help her. 'Concerned for her well-being he offered her a lift home to make sure that she was safe. 'It's the sort of thing he would wish any other person would do for his sisters and loved ones. 'He described he journey passed with no incident, and while still intoxicated she tried to hug him and he offered her a high five. 'Fortunately for Mr Ullah he recorded the whole incident and officers told him after 30 hours he could be released. 'It was a very detailed police investigation that quite frankly wasted police time and resources.' Jones was later interviewed about her account and admitted making it up - blaming her lies on being drunk. She told officers: 'I got myself in such a stupid state. 'I said things I should never have said. I am a silly woman. 'I am disgusting. I am sorry. I am so sorry.' In mitigation her counsel, Patrick Williamson, said she had been 'in a difficult place'. Asked afterwards about Mr Ullah's ordeal, Detective Superintendent Helena Banusic, of Cheshire Police, said: 'There is only one person in this case who needs to apologise, and that is Rachael. 'As a force, we have a legal duty to investigate all reports of sexual offences seriously and we are committed to doing all we can to achieve justice for victims. 'In this case, following a detailed investigation officers were able to reveal Rachaels web of lies. 'She falsely claimed that she had been raped, leading to the arrest of an innocent man. Only when faced with irrefutable evidence did she finally admit that she had made up all the allegations. 'As a result of her wicked actions, she has now been held accountable.' Det Supt Banusic added that she hoped the case did not 'impact on genuine victims of rape or sexual assault who may be fearful of coming forward', insisting that 'we treat all reports of this nature extremely seriously'. The family of a baby fighting a rare form of cancer have been told she has weeks left to live unless they can raise 500,000 for a life-saving drug that is only available in America. One-year-old Melody Aggett was diagnosed with a rare blood cancer known as acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) when she was just four months old. Since then, the infant from Poole has endured rounds of chemotherapy, regular blood and platelet transfusions and weeks at a time in intensive care as doctors tried to control the disease. But in a devastating blow, a bone marrow transplant - described by her doctors as the final treatment option available in Britain - failed, leaving Melodys parents facing the unthinkable reality that nothing more could be done. Melodys parents, Rachel Elizabeth and Kevin Aggett, say a new drug used in the United States is now their daughters last hope of survival. The treatment, called Revuforj, comes with an eye-watering cost. At more than 20,000 a month, it is not funded by the NHS - meaning the family must raise around 500,000. Speaking to the Daily Mail, Melodys parents said the drug of which Melody would be the first recipient of in Britain - is now their daughters final lifeline. Melody Aggett (pictured) was only four months old when she was diagnosed with an aggressive form of blood cancer Melody (pictured) has endured intensive chemotherapy to treat the disease, but after a failed bone marrow transplant her parents were told she was out of treatment options Melody's parents Kevin Aggett (left) and Rachel Elizabeth (right) have set up a GoFundMe to raise the 500,000 their daughter needs to fund new treatment available only in America Mr Aggett, 40, said: We have always had difficult conversations with doctors throughout Melodys treatment. But after the failed bone marrow transplant, this was different. We were taken into a room and told there is nothing else they can do, and our first thought was, Well, are you sure? We were told Melody needed palliative care and that the hospital would put that in place. We were also advised to go home and spend the last few weeks that we would have with Melody together, and just to make the most of family time. However, we refused to accept that was it. We managed to find a drug - Revuforj - by researching online and we saw it had seen success in treating Melodys type of leukaemia in America. We then relayed this information to our consultant and the specialist team at the hospital in Southampton where she is being treated. Revuforj, an FDA-approved oral drug used to treat adults and children with acute leukaemia, is designed to slow the growth of cancer cells. It was approved in the US after clinical trials showed successful remission rates in leukaemia patients, but it is not yet available on the NHS. Melody (pictured) had a failed bone marrow transplant in August 2025, the last line of treatment available for her cancer in Britain Melody's (pictured) leukaemia levels are stable at the moment - but her parents say this could change in an instant without Revuforj Melodys oncology team at University Hospital Southampton (UHS) submitted an emergency specialist request to the Medicines & Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) for permission to use the drug. The request was granted, meaning Revuforj can legally be imported from the US for Melodys treatment. But the cost is high. One month of treatment costs 20,500, and Melody is expected to need the drug for up to two years, bringing the total to around 500,000. Melodys parents have set up a GoFundMe page to raise the 500,000 needed for the treatment. So far, they have raised nearly 60,000 - which covers only three months. Ms Elizabeth, 34, said: 'It's a long-term drug, so she will need to have it more than likely for two years. This is why we need to raise such a significant amount of money. 100,000 will then allow us to purchase the first couple of months of the drug, but of course, for us to get the supply that we need for two years, we need to keep pushing and find 500,000. Now we've had the approval for the drug - we could purchase it today and desperately need to. We asked our consultant last week if they had this drug in front of them right now, when would they give it to Melody. And they said, I would have started it yesterday for her. There may come a point very soon that Melody gets too poorly that we can't use it. Now, her leukaemia levels are okay - but that could change at any point, so this is very urgent. Melody pictured with parents Rachel (left) and Kevin (right) who say Revuforj will 'save her life' after the infant relapsed in October Melody (centre) pictured with parents Kevin (left) and Rachel (right) and her four siblings Melody was diagnosed with AML in April 2025 after her parents became concerned when cold-like symptoms failed to clear after ten days. Her mother initially called NHS 111 for advice but was transferred to a 999 call. Melody was taken to hospital the same day, where doctors soon delivered the devastating diagnosis. Mr Aggett said: A lot of the time it doesn't feel real. Cancer is always something that happens to someone else; it doesnt happen to you, or a loved one. At certain points through her treatment thereafter, she has suffered tremendously. Unfortunately, she is prone to getting every single side effect possible of every single drug that she takes. And normally, the worst form of the side effect. Throughout 2025, Melody underwent two intensive rounds of chemotherapy, requiring repeated blood and platelet transfusions to prevent dangerous bleeding. She later spent several weeks on a ventilator and endured a prolonged stay in intensive care before doctors recommended a bone marrow transplant at Great Ormond Street Hospital as a last attempt to cure her cancer. The transplant took place in August 15, 2025. However, Melody developed acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) shortly thereafter - a severe complication in which the donated cells attack the recipients body. By October 3, Melody's parents were told she had relapsed. Melody's (pictured) mother Rachel says Revuforj will not only help Melody, but other children with a similar cancer Ms Elizabeth said: At the moment, day to day, she is happy, but we aren't doing any huge treatments. 'But if she starts Revuforj, this will obviously be the next huge treatment, and so, it's difficult to say how she will be. Although we're not going to America, we will be having a lengthy hospital stay here in the UK to monitor any potential bad side effects. If we can raise enough money to access Revuforj, it would mean more than we can even put into words - it will literally save her life. We haven't got that kind of money just sitting around, and without help we wouldn't have this opportunity to be able to purchase this drug. We want to help Melody and to save Melody, but we're also hoping that by us using this drug and Melody using this drug, that will help other children in the future, and it will help other people to be able to access it going forward. One of Melbourne's most infamous drug kingpins is set to become a free man on Friday as prosecutors finally give up on a complicated, decades-long case. Prosecutors are set to inform the Supreme Court of Victoria on Friday that they are dropping pending drug charges against Antonios 'Tony' Mokbel, aged 60. Three major police drug investigations have hung over Mokbel since the early 2000s, named Quills, Orbital and Magnum. Mokbel had pleaded guilty to drug offences but was released on bail pending an appeal application in April 2025 after it was revealed investigators' had colluded with his former lawyer. Operation Quills referred to domestic MDMA trafficking in 2005 while Operation Orbital focused on an attempt to import MDMA into Australia from overseas, also in 2005. Charges from Operation Magnum, which found Mokbel trafficked 41kg of methylamphetamine between July 2006 and June 2007, while on the run in Greece, stuck but the court has reduced Mokbel's sentence to time served. The conviction against Mokbel for Quills was dropped in October 2025 after it was found Victoria Police worked with his lawyer, Nicola Gobbo, to improperly collect evidence on the underworld figure. Gobbo, referred to as Lawyer X, was recruited to inform on Mokbel and his wider network, including convicted murderer and drug trafficker Carl Williams, in September 2005. Tony Mokbel is set to be a free man from Friday with prosecutors dropping the remaining charges against him (pictured departing the Supreme Court of Victoria in December) Mokbel was previously convicted in relation to three drug-busting police ops. However, one of those convictions completely crumbled and another was called into doubt after it was found his lawyer, Nicola Gobbo (above), was working with police Mokbel later testified that he fled Australia after being told by Gobbo of an impending murder charge coming against him in March 2006. He remained on the run until eventually being caught, while disguised in a wig, at a cafe in Athens in June 2007. The court ruled evidence collected through work with Gobbo could not be used against Mokbel, as she had violated her professional obligations as his lawyer. That decision saw the conviction from Operation Quills dropped and a retrial ordered for Operation Orbital. Mokbel spent 18 years in jail before his release last April. During that time he suffered heart issues and survived a frenzied stabbing attack in 2019. His earliest release date was originally 2033. In the 10 months since April, Mokbel has been required to report to police every day and barred from leaving the country. He was also previously ordered to wear a tracking device, follow a nightly curfew and live with relatives in north Melbourne. The prosecution is set to drop a retrial against Mokbel on Friday - so he would only retain one conviction with his sentence already commuted to time served Mokbel's defence barrister, Julie Condon KC, at a hearing in December shared her frustration with the length of the legal battle and called for the 'sorry saga' to be brought to an end. Reports from 7News, the Herald Sun and the Sydney Morning Herald point to prosecutors agreeing with Condon and deciding to throw in the towel. Victoria's Director of Public Prosecutions, Brendan Kissane, is expected to withdraw the case against Mokbel at a hearing in the Supreme Court at 9am on Friday. If those reports come to fruition, Mokbel would be a free man with no charges pending against him. Donald Trump looks poised to back the Chagos 'surrender' deal despite fears over a crucial military base. UK sources suggested the US is sounding more positive about the plan to hand the territory to Mauritius - and pay 35billion to lease back Diego Garcia for 99 years. However, the situation is still said to be fluid and Mr Trump's support is not a 'done deal'. The shift comes after Keir Starmer personally broached the issue with the president earlier this week. Last month Mr Trump joined widespread condemnation of the package, still going through Parliament, despite initially endorsing it. Donald Trump's position on Chagos appears to be shifting again after Keir Starmer personally broached the issue with him earlier this week UK sources suggested the US is sounding more positive about the plan to hand the territory to Mauritius - and pay 35billion to lease back Diego Garcia (pictured) for 99 years He lambasted the agreement as an 'act of great stupidity', an 'act of total weakness' and claimed the site of the Diego Garcia base was being given away 'for no reason whatsoever'. However, Sir Keir accused the US of changing stance as a pressure tactic in Mr Trump's bid to seize Greenland from Nato ally Denmark. The White House has since retreated from threats over the Arctic island, after a backlash from other Western powers. The government has paused the progress of legislation underpinning the Chagos giveaway amid frantic behind-the-scenes lobbying of the American administration. Sir Keir had appeared to avoid raising the issue directly with Mr Trump until a phone at the beginning of this week. A sparse Downing Street readout of that call showed the PM and president agreed to 'continue working closely' to secure the future of the UK-US military base at Diego Garcia. But officials believe the tide is turning in Washington, despite lobbying from prominent UK politicians such as Nigel Farage. Downing Street has insisted the case for the Chagos Islands deal is 'crystal clear' after Lord Mandelson claimed there had been a 'wobble' over it within the Government. The former US ambassador, who was forced to resign in September over links to paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein, revealed the private concerns in an interview with the Times. Diego Garcia is the largest of the Chagos islands, and the UK wants to lease back under the 35billion deal He said he 'became aware of a serious wobble in London over the agreement and its sellability to the British public'. 'That was to do with the price tag and whether we had the total legal obligation to enter the deal and whether the original legal case made for the agreement in Whitehall was as watertight as was claimed,' the peer said. 'So on the one hand I faced a sceptical US administration and then at another point a wobbly government of my own behind me.' A sex predator given more than four years in prison after assaulting a Jubilee Line passenger will still be allowed to use Tube trains when freed. Stanislaw Pozniecki, 49, will be allowed on the London Underground as long as he does not approach, touch, stare at, sit next to or try to communicate with lone women according to the terms of his 15-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO). Those terms apply to all train networks in the UK but he will not face a ban from any railways. Pozniecki was sentenced to four years and nine months in prison after pleading guilty to one count of assault by penetration. He sat opposite a 25-year-old woman around 11.45pm on a southbound Jubilee Line service on Sunday January 2 2022 while she was asleep. Pozniecki tried to wake her up before moving to the seat next to her and sexually assaulting her. She woke up during the assault and Pozniecki asked her to sleep with him, offering her 20 to do so. The victim declined and tried to shrug Pozniecki off but he left the train with her at Wembley Park and followed her to a bench on the platform. A station staff member noticed his strange behaviour and asked him to move away from her. Stanislaw Pozniecki sat next to a 25-year-old woman on a Tube train and sexually assaulted her in 2022 Pozniecki left the Jubilee Line train with his victim at Wembley Park and followed her to a bench on the platform The woman then told the member of staff about the sexual assault, after which police officers arrested Pozniecki at the station. He had initially pleaded not guilty but later changed his plea to guilty. As well as a jail term and an SHPO, Pozniecki was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge. Detective Constable Jamie Saunders, of British Transport Police, said Pozniecki 'sought out and assaulted a lone woman who was simply travelling home'. 'His abhorrent actions were predatory and I am pleased to see him handed this jail term.' British Transport Police said it built a 'compelling case' against Pozniecki which led to him changing his plea. Sexual Harm Prevention Orders aim to protect the public from sexual harm by restricting individuals' behaviour. They apply for a minimum of five years but can be set indefinitely and if breached, can be punished with a maximum penalty of five years in prison. On Saturday evening, 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie was dropped off by her son-in-law at her sprawling home in the affluent neighbourhood of Catalina Foothills in Arizona. But as opposed to falling asleep like usual, something unthinkable happened that night to the beloved mother of Savannah Guthrie - one of America's best-known TV anchors. By morning, attentive members of Nancy's church community noticed she was missing, and notified the grandmother's family who - panicked - immediately called 911. Federal officers from Border Control and homicide detectives arrived at the $1 million Tucson home, where they confronted a scene of 'grave concern' - complete with signs of forced entry, a missing doorbell camera, and splatters of blood. Nancy was nowhere to be seen, but her phone and Apple Watch remained, alongside an alleged ransom note. 'We do believe that Nancy was taken from her home against her will. And that's where we're at,' Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said Tuesday. When asked whether authorities were still looking for Nancy alive, he replied: 'We hope we are.' As the days went on, an increasingly distraught Guthrie found herself pushed to the previously unfathomable, and filmed a video addressed to her mother's unknown abductors, telling them: 'We are ready to talk.' Tearful and flanked by her equally emotional brother and sister, the NBC host pleaded with the potential kidnappers, saying: 'We need to know, without a doubt, that she is alive and that you have her.' But the search for Nancy is running out of time, with family and officials warning that she may be in dire health without her medication. Savannah Guthrie recorded a message to her mother's potential kidnappers alongside her siblings and posted it on Instagram NBC host Savannah Guthrie with her 84-year-old mother Nancy Guthrie Tearful and flanked by her brother and sister, the NBC host pleaded with her mother's potential kidnappers Despite a round the clock effort to find Nancy, investigators are yet to identify a possible suspect in the kidnapping. Cops said on Tuesday that they had turned the adobe-style house back over to the Guthrie family, however the FBI had returned to the property by Wednesday as K-9 units combed its insides, looking for clues. While Guthrie and her siblings put on a powerful united front to her 1.4million Instagram followers, Jason Pack, a certified crisis negotiator, said that the clip reveals a devastating detail about the case. He described the plea as a 'modern-age proof of life request', and a calculated emotional appeal designed to reduce the risk of harm to the elderly woman. 'They want to open the line of communication, so they're speaking directly to any potential kidnapper,' he told the Daily Mail. But crucially, the video likely reveals that authorities do not have a direct line of communication with any potential kidnappers, and are urgently seeking to make verifiable contact. 'If they've had contact, they haven't heard back, they want to slow things down and you also want to let them know they're ready to do business,' he said. 'Our mom is a kind, faithful, loyal, fiercely loving woman of goodness and light. She's funny, spunky and clever. She has grandchildren that adore her and crowd around her and cover her with kisses,' Guthrie said in the clip, before delving into Nancy's physical state. 'She is 84 years old. Her health, her heart is fragile. She lives in constant pain. She is without medicine, she needs it to survive. She needs it not to suffer,' the mother of two added. US President Donald Trump, who dubbed the case a 'very unusual situation', has ordered all federal law enforcement to help 'get her mother home safely'. In a social media post on Wednesday the sheriff's office warned that 'the sharing of unverified accusations or false information is irresponsible and does not assist the investigation'. Investigators said Nancy's $1 million home in Tucson, Arizona (pictured on Tuesday) showed signs of forced entry, and forensic teams found blood inside the property Outside Nancy's Arizona home, where neighbours left a sign saying they 'stand with' the 84-year-old and her family Investigators said they do not believe Nancy walked out of her Arizona home (pictured), and said she would not have been able to walk '50 yards' Police and anxious family members are attempting to piece together precisely what occurred on Saturday night, to build a clear timeline of events that led to Nancy's shock disappearance. At the moment, nothing is being ruled out by investigators - including the possibility that she was abducted due to the high-profile of her daughter, who is said to earn $8 million-a-year at NBC. A $2,500 reward has been offered for information into the crime, as officers continue to do 'all we can to try to locate her,' Sheriff Nanos said. 'Every tool we have, we will use.' What officers do know is that Nancy's pacemaker had stopped transmitting data to her Apple Watch around 2am Sunday. She wasn't wearing the watch, meaning it had disconnected from her pacemaker when she was taken out of range, giving investigators an indication of when she left the property. She cannot walk more than 50 yards by herself, and Sheriff Nanos believes she was 'driven away in a vehicle' from the house, located roughly six miles northeast of Tucson. In an interview with AZFamily, he also admitted that he was still waiting for DNA results from the residence, because his Tucson laboratory was 'down' and he had to send samples to Phoenix. The sheriff offered no further details over the form of DNA evidence seized from Nancy's residence, and could not say whether more than one person had been involved in the alleged abduction. In an earlier post on the Pima County Sheriff's Facebook account, the department said it was 'aware of reports circulating about possible ransom note(s)', without elaborating on any details. Sheriff Nanos said his office had received a copy of a ransom note and was collaborating with the FBI to authenticate it. The siblings referenced the note during their Instagram plea. 'We too have heard the reports about a ransom letter in the media,' Guthrie said. However, 'we live in a world where voices and images are easily manipulated', she added, before urging the kidnappers to confirm whether her mother is still alive. Officials say Nancy, 84, is frail and has poor mobility, and suffers from a condition that requiries her to take medication daily Eerie photos from Nancy Guthrie's Tucson, Arizona home show blood splattered on the walkway and her Ring doorbell camera missing Your browser does not support iframes. Lisa McIntire, one of Nancy's neighbours, called the disappearance of the grandmother 'bizarre', emphasising that the neighbourhood is 'very safe'. 'It doesn't appear to be a good situation,' she said, adding that it's 'tragic' for the family. Many American homes now have doorbell or exterior security cameras that offer crystal clear footage of what is going on outside their properties. Nancy was among them, according to Fox News. But when investigators arrived at her property on Sunday, there was no sign of that camera. There is a possibility that the doorbell camera was removed by the person who abducted Nancy, or it had simply been taken down for a repair. Moreover, the camera wasn't connected to a software 'cloud', meaning investigators have to go through the lengthier process of getting a warrant to access data from a server that stores its recordings. Nancy and her neighbours live in large, well-spaced lots on a very dark street, offering her captor a very discreet exit route. Guthrie's network NBC News reported on Monday that Nancy 'lives alone and employs staff members.' It is unclear what these staff members did, or what hours they worked - although 'living alone' strongly suggests none of them were live-in workers. She was last seen outside her house at 9.45pm on Saturday night, after being dropped off by son-in-law Tommaso Cioni - the last person to see her. She was reported missing when she failed to show up to church at 11am Sunday. There's no suggestion any alarms were raised by her staff members. Savannah Guthrie's mother Nancy was abducted late Saturday or in the early hours of Sunday morning, with multiple troubling questions about what might have happened to her Neighbours of Nancy Guthrie show support for the family Guthrie is said to now be travelling with a 'security team', although there is no suggestion of any direct threats to her. The presenter of the Today show has not been on air this week, and NBC confirmed she would no longer co-host the Winter Olympics opening ceremony on Friday. 'Our hearts are with her and the entire Guthrie family as the search continues for their mother,' a spokesperson for the network said. The 54-year-old journalist was born at Sandringham Hospital in Melbourne on December 27, 1971, not far from Beaumaris, where her father, Charles, and mother, Nancy, lived. She is the youngest of three children - she has a sister Annie and brother Camron, who were both born in the US. Charles and Nancy moved to Victoria in about 1970 when he was relocated for work by Phelps Dodge, a mining company based in Phoenix, Arizona. Guthrie's father was a mining engineer who was believed to be involved in a project which tested new technology for extracting copper from the ground. Meanwhile, Nancy was a stay-at-home mother, taking care of Guthrie and her siblings in their Beaumaris home for three years before the family moved back to the US. Guthrie was just two years old when her family moved back home, settling into Tucson where the former attorney spent most of her childhood and adolescence. The TV star returned to Australia for a visit with her mother in 2015 to visit the place where she was born, for a special Mother's Day celebration with Nancy. On Instagram with her siblings, she graciously thanked everyone across the country who offered prayers and support for her 'beloved mom'. 'We feel them, and we continue to believe that she feels them too,' she said. Guthrie then attempted to speak directly to her missing mother: 'Mommy, if you are hearing this, you are a strong woman. You are God's precious daughter, Nancy.' Lord Peter Mandelson is claimed to have 'masterminded' Sir Keir Starmer's reshuffle just days before he was sacked as Britain's ambassador to the US. In fresh revelations about the extent of his influence on Labour, the disgraced peer is reported to advised Downing Street on the Government shake-up. Lord Mandelson is also said to have been directly involved in helping Sir Keir's top aide select parliamentary candidates ahead of the 2024 general election. On 5 September last year, the Prime Minister carried out the first major reshuffle of his premiership following the resignation of Angela Rayner over a tax row. It saw a number of 'soft-left' MPs sidelined in favour of those seen as allies of Morgan McSweeney, Sir Keir's chief of staff who is viewed as a 'mentee' of Lord Mandelson. No10 insiders have expressed their bemusement at Lord Mandelson's claimed role in the reshuffle, especially considering he was sacked less than a week later. On 11 September, Sir Keir was forced to remove the peer from his Washington DC role over his links to paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein. But Lord Mandelson's fall from grace was not complete, with new revelations about his ties to Epstein emerging in the recent release of millions of documents in the US. Lord Peter Mandelson is claimed to have 'masterminded' Sir Keir Starmer's reshuffle just days before he was sacked as Britain's ambassador to the US Labour MPs are demanding the sacking of Morgan McSweeney, Sir Keir's chief of staff, amid claims he pushed for Lord Mandelson's appointment as US ambassador He has since quit the Labour Party and the House of Lords, as well as being booted out of the Privy Council - although he retains his 'Lord' title until legislation is passed to strip him of it. The Metropolitan Police has also begun a criminal investigation into allegations Lord Mandelson passed market-sensitive information to Epstein while serving as business secretary in Gordon Brown's Labour administration. Lord Mandelson has denied the documents show he broke any laws or acted for personal gain. He has repeatedly said he regrets his friendship with Epstein. In the wake of the scandal, Labour MPs are demanding the sacking of Mr McSweeney, amid claims he pushed for Lord Mandelson's appointment as US ambassador despite concerns about his friendship with Epstein. One person who worked with Mr McSweeney while Labour were in opposition told the New Statesman: 'Morgan wouldn't breathe without consulting Mandelson first.' Another said: 'They talked all the time.' The Left-leaning publication also reported that Lord Mandelson praised Mr McSweeney's political talents and was 'instrumental' in the adviser navigating a Downing Street power struggle with Sue Gray in autumn 2024. Commenting on Lord Mandelson's reported role in Sir Keir's reshuffle last September, one No10 insider said: 'That is not normal. He was the US ambassador why was he masterminding the reshuffle?' Government sources have insisted Lord Mandelson's advice was 'unsolicited'. Yet Lord Mandelson is said, prior to his sacking, to have been one of the most important figures in the Labour Government. Other reports have suggested that Lord Mandelson's influence long pre-dated his appointment as US ambassador in February last year. A party whistleblower told The i Paper that Lord Mandelson was directly involved in helping Mr McSweeney select Labour's parliamentary candidates ahead of the 2024 general election. He was reported to have helped identify potential candidates who were seen as too Left-wing to run for the party. The source also said he was given access to a secret Google spreadsheet of potential candidates that Mr McSweeney and his allies used. A Labour Party spokesperson said: 'Peter Mandelson had no role in selecting candidates ahead of the 2024 general election. 'All candidate selections were carried out in compliance with the Labour Party rule book and procedures agreed by the National Executive Committee.' Loss of life in a small boat disaster in 2021 was avoidable, an official inquiry has found, as it called for Channel crossings to end. Inquiry chairman Sir Ross Cranston described the incident as an immeasurable human tragedy. The disaster in November 2021 - the worst in the Channel for 30 years - saw 27 men, women and children lose their lives, while four other people remain missing. Among the victims were four members of an Iraqi family - seven-year-old Hasti Hussein, her 16-year-old brother Mubin, sister Hadiya, 22, and their mother Kazhal, 46. Sir Ross said: The practice of small boat crossings must end. Apart from other reasons, it is imperative to prevent further loss of life. Travelling on board a small, unseaworthy and overcrowded boat, and crossing one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world, is an inherently dangerous activity. He added: People smugglers dispatched an unseaworthy and overcrowded small boat from the French coast. They had paid the people smugglers thousands of pounds for their place on the boat and had been assured of safe passage to the United Kingdom. Kazhal Ahmed Khidhir Al-Jamoor with children Hadiya, Mubin and Hasti Rizghar Hussein who died after the deadliest Channel crossing on record Only two of those on board would survive the journey. The inquiry confirmed an earlier investigations findings that there were a series of blunders in the search and rescue response. It included mistakes by HM Coastguard and the French Naval vessel, Flamant, which failed to respond to a Mayday relay which HM Coastguard had issued about the small boats plight, despite its proximity at the time. Flamant was the closest government vessel to the scene of the capsized 25ft dinghy, which was codenamed Charlie in the bungled rescue operation. Sir Ross Cranston making a statement following the publication of the report that looked into the tragedy on the Channel on November 2021 The Flamant crews actions are subject to an ongoing French criminal investigation. A previous report into the disaster published in 2023 by the UKs Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) concluded British rescue teams stopped searching for drowning migrants whose final distress calls went unanswered by the Coastguard. During the search and rescue operation a UK Border Force vessel, Valiant, located another migrant boat which was mistakenly thought to be the dinghy in distress, and further searches were called off. Migrants from the capsized vessel remained in the water until the next day some surviving for hours despite icy conditions until bodies began to be discovered by a passing merchant vessel. Todays report said: The position was that in November 2021, there was a widely held belief within HM Coastguard that callers from small boats regularly exaggerated their level of distress. This widely held belief impacted negatively on the search and rescue response to incident Charlie. 'It meant that when the Valiant and R163 [a search and rescue helicopter] did not find a sinking small boat and when the calls from incident Charlie ceased, the [Search and Rescue Mission Co-ordinator] at Dover did not give any serious consideration to the alternative scenario, that the people on board had fully entered the water. The report said: If a search for survivors had been undertaken adequately during November 24 2021, including during daylight hours, more lives would have been saved. One of the victims was believed to have died just half an hour before rescue, the inquiry heard. In hearings over four weeks in March last year, the inquiry was told how the boat left the French coast shortly after 10pm on November 23 and around three hours into the journey it became 'swamped'. Meron Hailu Gebrehiwet, 25, from Ethiopia, perished in the Channel tragedy in November 2021 Mhabad Ali Ahmed, 32, from Iraq, who also died in the November 2021 tragedy, was a mother of two Another victim was Halima Mohammed Shikh, a 33-year-old mother of three, from Somalia Niyat Ferede Yeshiwendim, 22, from Ethiopia, also died Maryam Noori Mohammedameen, 24, from Iraq, was also among those who perished The inquiry's counsel, Rory Phillips KC, detailed multiple distress calls made from the boat to authorities, but the incident was mistakenly marked as resolved and 'no-one came to their rescue'. One of the two survivors of the tragedy, Issa Mohamed Omar, described in evidence to the inquiry how he kept moving to survive the cold water. Shakar Ali Pirot, 30, from Iraq, was also among the dead Mohammed Qader Awla, from Iraq, whose age was given as 'about 21', also lost his life in the tragedy 'In the morning I would say around 10 people were still alive,' he said. 'It's a harrowing experience and I just don't want to remember. 'All night I was holding to what remained of the boat, in the morning I could hear people screaming, it's something I cannot forget in my mind.' Emergency vehicles at Calais harbour following the tragedy on November 24, 2021 Cold water expert Professor Michael Tipton concluded that while some of those on board may have drowned immediately, it was likely the majority of victims died over a long period of time before search and rescue vessels finally arrived. Today's report found HM Coastguard had been placed in an intolerable position, with chronic staff shortages and limited operational capacity, contributing directly to the failure to rescue people in the water. The majority of the victims were from the Kurdistan region of Iraq. Crew members of a Societe Nationale de Sauvetage en Mer (SNSM) lifeboat throw flowers into the sea on November 24, 2022, to pay tribute to the men, women and children who died one year earlier There were also Somalis, Ethiopians, Afghans, Egyptians and one Iranian aboard, as well as someone believed to be Vietnamese whose nationality has not been conclusively determined. The inquiry made 18 recommendations designed to strengthen the UKs maritime search and rescue operations. A Maritime and Coastguard Agency spokesman said it will carefully consider the findings and recommendations of the report, adding: 'HM Coastguard remains focused on our vital role in safeguarding life at sea.' Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said the Government would also carefully consider the report. Jeffrey Epstein ordered the burial of two 'foreign girls' near his ranch after they were strangled to death during 'rough, fetish sex', according to an email released in the latest Epstein files. The email, sent by a person claiming to have worked for Epstein, also includes links purporting to show the late paedophile engaging in sex with underage girls. The correspondence, first sent to a man named Eddy Aragon on November 21, 2019, before being forwarded onto the FBI , was released as part of three million documents from the Epstein files published by the US Department of Justice on Friday. In the email, titled 'Confidential: Jeffrey Epstein', the person, whose name has been redacted, claimed to have 'been there and seen it all, as a former staff at the Zorro.' They alleged the girls were buried on the orders of Epstein and 'Madam G', believed to be Ghislaine Maxwell, at Zorro Ranch, the sex offender's sprawling New Mexico property which has long been reported to have served as one of his private playgrounds for sexual abuse and trafficking. In the email, they wrote: 'Edward. This is sensitive, so it will be the first and last email depending on your discretion. 'You can choose to take it or trash it but this comes from a person that has been there and seen it all, as a former staff at the Zorro. 'The material below was taken from Jeffrey Epstein home as my insurance in case of future litigation against Epstein. SORRY NO QUESTIONS. Jeffrey Epstein ordered the burial of two 'foreign girls' near his ranch after they were strangled to death during 'rough, fetish sex', a person claiming to be a former worker has alleged The person who sent the email claimed to have been employed at Zorro Ranch (pictured), Epstein's sprawling estate The email, sent on November 21, 2019 to Eddy Aragon, was forward to the FBI They added: 'What is damning about Jeffrey Epstein is yet to be written. Did you know somewhere in the hills outside the Zorro, two foreign girls were buried on orders of Jeffrey and Madam G? Both died by strangulation during rough, fetish sex.' The sender also included links to videos which claimed to show Epstein having sex with minors, threesomes and sex with underage girls. They then demanded a payment of one Bitcoin in return for the video and information. The email was forwarded onto the FBI just three months after Epstein died while being held at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in New York City. Documents released as part of the Epstein files also show the paedophile financier intended to leave his Zorro estate to his Belarusian girlfriend Karyna Shuliak. Epstein bought Zorro Ranch in 1993 from Bruce King, a former three-time New Mexico governor. The 13 square miles of high desert include a 26,700-square foot luxury estate, guest lodges, staff dwellings and several outbuildings. It also has a firehouse, horse stables, a seven-bay heated garage, a greenhouse to grow fresh produce, a cattle grazing operation and private air strip, a hangar and a helipad. The person who sent the email alleged the girls were buried on the orders of Epstein and 'Madam G', believed to be Ghislaine Maxwell Epstein owned the property until his death. His estate listed it in 2021 for $27.5 million. That price was later dropped to $18 million and the ranch sold for an undisclosed price in 2023 to a limited liability corporation that renamed the property the San Rafael Ranch, but whose owner is shrouded in secrecy. Epstein used Zorro Ranch as an isolated getaway and playground for VIP guests who were able to come and go more discreetly than they could even to Little St James, his private Caribbean island off St Thomas. Civil filings claim that the compound hosted the former Prince Andrew, who was accused by Virginia Giuffre who produced photographs and written statements showing she visited the compound during the time she was trafficked as a teenager between 2000 and 2002. A Russian ship captain who killed a crewman when his container ship crashed into an American oil tanker in the North Sea has been jailed for six years. Vladimir Motin, 59, had been on sole watch of the Portuguese cargo ship, Solong, when it smashed into the Stena Immaculate on March 10 last year. The collision caused a deadly fireball which killed Filipino man Mark Angelo Pernia, 38, who had been working at the bow of the anchored American tanker. He died instantly, though his body was never recovered. Dramatic CCTV footage captured the moment both ships were consumed in a massive blaze ignited by leaking fuel from the Stena Immaculate. Motin, from St Petersburg, was found guilty of manslaughter by gross negligence by a jury at the Old Bailey on Monday after eight hours of deliberation. Prior to his sentencing today, the judge in the case, Mr Justice Andrew Baker, ruled Motin had failed to keep proper lookout on his ship. He said: 'You were a serious accident waiting to happen.' Vladimir Motin, 59, was found guilty of manslaughter by gross negligence on Monday Filipino father of two Mark Angelo Pernia, 38, (pictured) was killed in the fireball after crews from Solong could not get to him due to the flames. His body has never been recovered The ships burst into a fireball on collision as the Stena Immaculate was laden with aviation fuel which caught alight (pictured March 10) Motin had shown a 'blatant disregard for the very high risk of death' and fallen prey to his own complacency and arrogance, the judge added. Mr Pernia was described by colleagues as a friend and had appeared 'quietly confident, at ease, a man upon whom one might depend', the court heard. He had a five-year-old child at the time of the collision, but he never met his second child, who was born two months after he died. Mr Pernia's death was 'wholly avoidable' and the blame lay squarely on the defendant, the judge said. Other members of the Solong and Stena Immaculate crew could have died and the crash caused 'huge' destruction of the cargo, he added. During the trial, Motin claimed he pressed the wrong button when he tried to switch off autopilot and steer away from the tanker in the minutes before the crash. The prosecution asserted the defendant had failed to keep a proper watch, raise the alarm or summon assistance. As Motin returned to court to be sentenced, Justice Baker rejected his account of what happened as 'highly implausible'. He ruled that Motin failed to keep a proper lookout, which amounted to a 'wholesale failure of his duty' for an extended period of time. A huge hole was carved out of the Stena Immaculate following the collision The judge said Motin's account was 'extremely problematic', 'improbable', 'extremely implausible' and 'even worse' than the prosecution's version of events. The basic facts of the collision 'suggest a ship unaware of the ship ahead' and that was the 'most likely' explanation, he said. The judge suggested Motin had led jurors on a 'merry dance' in his evidence, which was an 'exercise in inventive distraction'. 'His claim to be confused was a lie that unravelled when tested at trial,' he added. The Solong was travelling to Rotterdam, The Netherlands, and had left Grangemouth in Scotland at 9.05pm on March 9, the day before the fatal crash. The 130 metre cargo ship had a crew of 14 and was carrying alcoholic spirits and some hazardous substances, including empty but unclean sodium cyanide containers. It weighed 7,852 gross tonnes. The Stena Immaculate, 183.2 metre long, had a crew of 23 and was transporting more than 220,000 barrels of JetA1 high-grade aviation fuel from Greece to the UK. Motin was found responsible for multiple failures leading up to the tragic crash and then lied about what took place on the bridge, it was alleged. The American vessel was visible on the Solong's radar for 36 minutes before impact, yet Motin did nothing to steer away from the collision course, the prosecution said. He failed to summon help, slow down, sound the alarm to alert crews of both ships, or instigate a crash stop as a last resort, the prosecution said. American crew members were heard shouting: 'Holy s***... what just hit us... a container ship... this is no drill, this is no drill, fire fire fire, we have had a collision' In a victim impact statement read to the court, Mr Pernia's widow Leacel said no amount of compensation made up for the 'pain' of her loss and the impact on her young family. In mitigation, James Leonard KC conveyed the defendant's 'shame' at what happened, his condolence to Mr Pernia's family and his vow never go to sea again. The defence barrister highlighted the experienced mariner's 'blameless' previous record, saying: 'This was truly an aberration of his conduct.' Dramatic CCTV footage captured the moment both ships were consumed in a massive blaze ignited by leaking fuel from the Stena Immaculate. The shocked crew aboard the US tanker reacted instantly, saying: 'Holy shit... what just hit us... a container ship... this is no drill, this is no drill, fire fire fire, we have had a collision.' Jurors heard a lengthy silence from the bridge of the Solong before it crashed into the oil tanker at a speed of 15.2 knots. A full minute elapsed before Motin was heard to react. Motin and the remaining Solong crew abandoned ship and were taken ashore in Grimsby, where the defendant messaged his wife, saying he would be 'guilty'. Jurors heard Motin had switched off the Solong's bridge navigation watch alert system (BNWAS), which was designed to ensure there is someone physically on the bridge and awake. Speaking outside the Old Bailey on Thursday, Detective Chief Superintendent Craig Nicholson, of Humberside Police, said Motin had 'completely failed in this duty'. He said: 'Mark Pernia was a merchant sailor who tragically died whilst doing his job, but he was also a beloved husband and a father to two young children, and his entire family have been devastated by his loss. 'I would like to express my sincere and heartfelt condolences to Mark's family, and my gratitude for their patience and understanding throughout this extremely complex and lengthy investigation. 'Had it not been for the valiant rescue efforts led by His Majesty's Coastguard, the loss of life would undoubtedly have been far greater and the wider environmental impact could have been catastrophic. 'This was a tragic and unnecessary death, and I hope that this outcome will act as a stark reminder of the responsibilities held by all those who operate at sea and that future tragedies can be prevented.' American virologist and former Stanford visiting professor Nathan Wolfe has apologized after emails between him and Jeffrey Epstein discussing a so-called 'horny virus' were released. At least eight different email threads between the two men were found among the three million pages of documents the Department of Justice released last week. Wolfe also denied any wrongdoing in a statement to The Stanford Daily, the student-run newspaper at the prestigious college in Palo Alto, California. He also told the Daily Mail he acknowledged his 'overfamiliarity and poor judgment' in his messages to the disgraced financier, whom he was trying to convince to fund his research on how certain microorganisms influence sexual behavior. In an email sent on May 22, 2013, Wolfe wrote to Epstein: 'Hope you're having fun wherever you are! Here's a new shot on our horny virus hypothesis - I think it hits the sweet spot of what we've been thinking about (so to speak).' He then went on to summarize a study he was working on at the time with an unnamed colleague at the University of Michigan. The study aimed to recruit 700 university students and monitor their sexual activity with their partners for a two-year period. Based other emails and documents released by the Department of Justice last week, Wolfe and Epstein were intent on identifying which sexually transmitted infections increased women's sex drives. In July 2010, Wolfe also wrote to Epstein about developing a 'female Viagra'. Nathan Wolfe, an American virologist who used to teach at Stanford University, has apologized for emails he exchanged with Jeffrey Epstein. His correspondence with the convicted sex offender were released last week by the Department of Justice alongside 3 million pages of documents Pictured: In this email, dated May 22, 2013, Wolfe talks about his and Epstein's so-called 'horny virus hypothesis' Wolfe now says his research was 'developed before meeting Epstein' and was 'adjacent to published work' on similar topics. 'I never witnessed or participated in any misconduct or inappropriate behavior,' he told The Daily. Wolfe admitted that he met with the convicted sex offender at his homes in New York City and Palm Beach, Florida, to discuss the research. Wolfe claimed that the research on the 'horny virus' he and Epstein talked about 'was never pursued', adding that he never ended up receiving any money from Epstein. Based on his emails to Epstein, Wolfe appeared eager to meet him on multiple occasions. In one message sent on December 2, 2010, Wolfe explained to Epstein that he was in New York City and asked if he was in town. 'Doing what should be a fun dinner Sat eve w Erez Kalir (briliant guy who you'd enjoy), a couple of hottie interns from WEF, etc. Would be great to have you - I'm free some other times too if that doesn't work,' the email read. Epstein had written months earlier that he 'would love to catch up' with Wolfe. Wolfe maintained contact with Epstein until 2017. He appeared eager to meet with the financier on numerous occasions Pictured: Wolfe is seen with Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein's sex trafficking accomplice and former girlfriend, at an event at the Lincoln Center in Manhattan on April 24, 2012 In March 2013, Wolfe sent an email that included a link to an NBC News article that had a quote about a woman feeling 'constantly aroused, often with no stimulation at all.' 'Thought you'd enjoy an article one of my research assistants dug up,' Wolfe wrote, before suggesting two times to meet on the east coast. Epstein replied minutes later, saying he was in Paris but that he would be in New York for the dates Wolfe had offered up. In another email from March 2011, Wolfe told Epstein to 'make sure never to let the bastards get you down.' It's unclear what he was referring to, but Epstein had been released in August 2010 from a lenient term of house arrest - where he was allowed to travel on his corporate jet to his homes in Manhattan and to the US Virgin Islands. At the time of Wolfe's email, Epstein was battling to have his sex offender classification lowered from a Level 3, the highest risk. A New York Supreme Court judge denied Epstein's request. Epstein had pleaded guilty to soliciting sex from minors in 2008, and it is widely believed that he got a lenient deal from prosecutors in Palm Beach. It is unclear if Wolfe is still affiliated with Stanford. The Daily Mail approached Wolfe and Stanford for comment. 'I deeply regret having had any association with someone responsible for such widespread abuse and suffering,' Wolfe said in a statement. The people most likely to cheat at Wordle all live in New England, according to new data. The study was released by Preply, an online learning platform, and it found that Maine had the most Google searches for 'Wordle hint' per 100,000 people. In order, the next most likely states to cheat were New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Vermont and Connecticut. These states have a history of cheating it seems, because another analysis done in 2022 once again found that people in New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont had threw in the towel the most frequently. According to this year's survey, people in southern states are content to do the New York Times-owned word puzzle themselves. Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas are the least likely to look for outside clues, according to Preply. Preply also studied which words were the hardest for players to guess in 2025, with number one being 'INBOX'. That word triggered the most Google searches for 'Wordle hint' in the United States, according to Preply. Maine has the most Wordle cheaters, according to a new study by Preply. Maine was followed by New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Vermont and Connecticut Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas are the least likely to look for outside clues, according to Preply 'EDIFY' and 'KEFIR' ranked second and third in difficulty, followed by 'MYRRH' and 'KNELL'. The easiest Wordle words were 'CHAIR' and 'BLUNT', since they had the least amount of people searching for hints. 'What we see in this data is that the hardest puzzles aren't always the most obscure words, but the ones that combine familiar letters in unfamiliar ways,' according to Yolanda Del Peso Ramos, a spokesperson for Preply. 'Answers like "inbox", "edify", or "kefir" force you to think beyond everyday vocabulary and pay attention to patterns, prefixes, and endings.' Ramos continued: 'Whether you are learning a new language or just trying to keep your streak alive, the skills are very similar. Noticing patterns, staying curious about words you dont know, and being willing to make an educated guess. 'A little daily practice with vocabulary and spelling can make those high-pressure final guesses feel a lot less daunting, helping you become a more confident player.' A pregnant Turkish woman revealed the brutal conditions she faced inside an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention center in Nevada, where she spent four months with little medical treatment. Emine Sahin discovered she was pregnant in September 2025, the day she was detained and taken into an ICE facility in Henderson, just outside of Las Vegas. She was finally released from the detention center in January 2026, and has since revealed the terrors of her time inside during her first and second trimesters. Despite her pregnancy, the soon-to-be mother said she was treated the same as every other offender. 'The conditions were the same as they were for normal criminals,' she told 8News Now. 'I did not receive any medical assistance. It was almost impossible to see a doctor there, and the food was the same way.' Emine said that because of the pregnancy, she experienced nausea, certain aches and pains, and also caught a cold. Sahin first sought asylum in the US in November of 2023 after leaving Turkey to escape violence from family members with her husband, Batuhan. While the news of the baby was a beautiful surprise for the couple that had recently suffered a miscarriage, it was only the beginning of a grueling 122 days Emine would have to spend locked away. Emine Sahin discovered she was pregnant in September 2025, the day she was detained and taken into an ICE facility in Henderson, Nevada. She was released in January, and has since revealed what she endured during her detention Following Emine's detainment, the couple's asylum seeking process was denied - forcing them to completely start over their process 'I received no medical care whatsoever for a week,' she added. 'Other than that, since I was pregnant, I wasn't taken for any check-ups or examinations.' Her detainment was traumatic and filled with uncertainty as she was never given an update on her baby's health for months. The couple said Emine landed in the ICE center after she was placed into custody during a domestic dispute at their home in September 2025. 'I was arrested by police before we even understood the subject matter. I was brought before the court, the prosecutor said all charges against me were dropped, and that we could go home. But at that moment, I was taken into custody by police,' she said. The misdemeanor domestic battery charge was dropped on September 25, 2025, according to court records cited by the outlet. She sought asylum in the US in November of 2023 after leaving Turkey to escape violence from family members with her husband, Batuhan In efforts to support Emine during her pregnancy they started a GoFundMe that has nearly reached $10,000. The couple noted that donations will help get his wife consistent medical care, rest, and a safe environment The expecting mother spent 122 days inside the detention center She was then brought to the detention center, where she was held in a room described as a cell with bunk beds, a toilet, a sink, and less than 70 square feet. Emine's was finally released in late January, after her lawyer filed a Habeas Corpus case, which allowed her to challenge the legality of her detention. After she left ICE custody, the couple went to the emergency room for a checkup of the baby, which found it healthy. However, the $1,500 visit charge was just one of the many roadblocks they faced after she was released. Batuhan said that an immigration court date, for which they hired an attorney, was canceled after his wife was detained. Later, they would find out that their asylum process was completely denied, forcing them to start over. 'We had a life. We can't pay the rent, because of these conditions under arrest, this situation completely ruined our lives,' said the husband. Batuhan added that if they were to be deported, it could put their child in danger. 'There's actually no option to go back. If we went back, our lives would automatically be in danger, and not just my life, but also the lives of Emine and our future baby would be in danger automatically,' he said. The soon-to-be mother is currently six months pregnant and is regularly supervised by ICE and is at times required to sign in with them The family set up a GoFundMe in which notes it will be used to get his wife consistent medical care, rest, and a safe environment. In addition, donations will support necessities such as essential baby items, transportation-related costs to avoid losing their vehicle, and a small emergency buffer for urgent and unexpected needs. The Sahins told 8News Now that the fundraiser has received support but also backlash and even threats. It is nearly halfway to its $20,000 goal while Emine is about six months pregnant. 'To be honest, we experienced a lot of negativity here. We faced many difficult situations. But we also met very good people,' Batuhan said. 'The fact that people are there and making efforts to support us is very important and very valuable to us.' The Sahins have been living in hotel rooms and at times are forced to sleep in their car as they struggle to find permanent housing. Since Emine's release, she is regularly supervised by ICE and is at times required to sign in with them. The Daily Mail has reached out to immigration and Customs Enforcement for comment. Chicago resembled the war-torn capital of Afghanistan in a harrowing video that captured three rifle-wielding assailants gun down a mother who was sitting in a car with her baby in the backseat. A witness filmed from their truck as three men wearing all black sprayed bullets at a white sedan on Wednesday around 1:25 pm in the Auburn Gresham neighborhood. The bloodcurdling sound of gunfire rang out as a man standing just feet away hardly flinched as he appeared to duck behind his car door - a testament to how normalized violence has become in the Democrat-run city. The shooters sprinted up to the car they targeted - which had crashed into a brown GMC van amid the chaos - firing at it from the side and the back. They then ran back to their getaway vehicle and sped off. But before they fled the scene, the culprits stopped their red car to fire at the sedan several more times. A 26-year-old woman, a 27-year-old man and a small child were in the car that was shot at, police said. The woman, identified as Gabryel Ayres, was shot multiple times all over her body and rushed to the hospital in critical condition. She later died. Gun-wielding assailants fired relentlessly at a white sedan crashed into a truck Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan, is seen on January 28 Gabryel Ayres, 26, was shot multiple times all over her body and rushed to the hospital in critical condition before she died The man sustained gunshot wounds to his backside and arm. He was hospitalized in stable condition. Ayres's daughter was the baby in the backseat. She was unharmed during the horrific ordeal in which more than 50 shots were fired, as evidence markers reportedly indicated. The driver of the GMC van that was crashed into declined medical treatment. More video from the incident's aftermath showed cops swarming the sedan, which had its windows shattered and airbags deployed. An officer was seen carrying the baby away. The offenders are still on the loose and the situation is under investigation, police told the Daily Mail. 'At only 26 years old, Gabbys life was taken in a moment of senseless violence, leaving behind a grief so heavy it echoes through her family, her friends, and the wider community,' Ayres obituary reads. 'Her world revolved around her child, and her love as a parent was fierce, protective, and unconditional. 'That her baby was found unharmed in the back seat on that tragic day stands as both a miracle and a painful testament to Gabbys final moments - moments marked by courage, instinct, and a mothers unwavering devotion.' The culprits sprinted away from the car to escape the scene The three offenders ran off and entered their car. They are still on the loose Ayres is pictured with her daughter, who was in the car with her when the shooting unfolded Ayres' godfather Pastor Kirk Bell told ABC that her death was senseless and despicable. He called for city leadership to take action. 'You know, there's a baby in the car. These animals have no value on life. This is nothing to them,' he said. 'They need to clean this city up. They need to. There's gangs, and there's shooting and the killing. It's just unbelievable.' According to city statistics, there were 29 fatal shooting victims from January 1 to February 3. These deaths account for more than 90 percent of the 32 total homicides. During the same period in 2025, 41 out of 47 homicides were fatal shootings. 'Chicago experiences devastating levels of violence, and this has been especially true since 2016,' the city acknowledged, noting that from January 1, 2016, to December 31, 2020, 3,276 people were killed. Mayor Brandon Johnson filed a lawsuit against gun company Glock Inc in July 2024. Ayres was described in her obituary as a devoted mother The white sedan crashed into a brown GMC truck amid the chaos A cop is seen carrying the baby away from the scene in the aftermath of the incident The filing alleges that Glock knowingly makes and sells pistols that can be converted into illegal machine guns using a device known as a 'Glock switch.' A Cook County Circuit Court judge denied a motion to dismiss the case in September 2025. This marked a major victory for the city, Johnson said. 'As of 2024, our police department has recovered over 1,300 converted Glocks in connection with a wide variety of crimes, including homicides, aggravated assaults, and carjackings,' Johnson said. 'This administration remains committed to protecting Chicagoans from these terrifying weapons that have no place in our city, as part of our broader commitment to community safety.' But Johnson's progressive leadership has been criticized as soft on crime by many who believe he has not done enough to protect the city's more than 2.7 million residents. 'Mayor Brandon Johnson needs to resign. His soft-on-crime policies are ridiculous,' someone wrote on X in light of the shooting that killed Ayres. 'Her blood is on his hands,' one user replied. Others, however, chimed in to say that homicides are down in the city. The Daily Mail has reached out to the mayor's office for comment. The opening of a controversial, taxpayer-funded housing facility for homeless people in Seattle has sparked fury among local politicians and residents. The Downtown Emergency Services Center is a federally-funded initiative that provides housing to people experiencing mental illness, chronic health conditions, and substance use disorders. It operates over 16 locations in Seattle and housed almost 2,000 individuals in 2024 in exchange for almost $116,000,000 in public grants and contracts, according to its most recent report. DESC completed construction at its latest location, Clover Place, and unveiled the apartment complex on Wednesday. But it has previously received criticism for past initiatives, with City Councilmember Linda Akey describing the buildings as 'federally-funded crack houses'. Despite the backlash, a new location on Aurora Avenue is set to open its doors this month to 95 residents. The housing facility also provides substance use disorder treatment and case managers to each resident. Downtown Emergency Services Center is opening a new apartment complex at Clover Place designed to help tackle Seattle's homelessness crisis City Councilmember Linda Akey described the buildings as 'federally-funded crack houses' Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson attended the facility's grand opening, praising DESC for supporting the city's most vulnerable population. 'DESC, as we know, is a national model for supporting people facing the most complex barriers,' she said, as reported by local ABC affiliate, KOMO News. 'Our shared vision is fewer people living unsheltered, better health outcomes for individuals, and stronger, more stable neighborhoods.' Neighbors of Clover Place had mixed reactions to the new facility, with Josh Merry telling KOMO that although he is supportive of projects that help the homeless community, he was nervous about potentially negative impacts. 'As somebody who believes we need to solve the problem, I will put my money where my mouth is and see what happens here, but I'm nervous too. I'm worried about it,' Merry explained. DESC has previously come under fire for its location in Bloomside, facing harsh criticisms from Akey during a city council meeting in November. She alleged that drugs were dealt in and around the building, residents littered the community with trash, and a female resident even begged her for help getting out of her apartment because she was assaulted and felt unsafe. After calling DESC's location in Bloomside a 'federally-funded crack house,' Akey continued: 'I understand that that is a volatile statement, but when you came to this city requesting to build and operate this building, you stated that no one in the community would even know it was there.' Seattle has suffered a homelessness crisis, as initiatives like DESC attempt to help people off the streets and away from encampments Mayor Katie Wilson praised the initiatives which provides housing to people experiencing mental illness, chronic health conditions, and substance use disorders The apartment complexes are federally funded and intended for individuals facing homelessness, substance abuse, and mental health issues. An example of one unit is pictured here She added that police officers and residents told her that drug use was 'rampant' in the building, and one resident said he struggled to maintain his sobriety. Akey cited assaults, burglary, controlled substance violations, larceny, stolen property, public hazards, vehicle theft, and overdoses at the Bloomside location. She said that the building was 'among the highest calls' for the fire and police departments in the area. Akey also alleged that DESC wasn't providing mental health or substance use resources to residents. Noah Fay, DESC's Senior Director of Housing Programs, disagreed with Akey's characterization of Bloomside. He said residents have sufficient mental health resources and clarified that drug dealing in the area occurs externally from their program. Fay added that DESC has a partnership with the local police and has reported alleged drug dealers preying on their clients. DESC's grand opening of its location at Clover Place was on Wednesday. Volunteers are currently setting up the new apartment complexes for residents to move into this month DESC's location in Bloomside, seen here, was the subject of a tense discussion at a city council meeting last November. Akey alleged that the building was a haven for drug use, while DESC representatives denied the characterization The program has also previously responded to claims that Bloomside has had 600 police responses in 2025. DESC said that the statistic was misleading and counted the program's routine entries of neighborhood activity or potential issues to authorities. Malone told KOMO News that DESC has increased opioid treatment programs and has helped more clients receive medications. He reaffirmed that drug dealing wasn't tolerated on their properties and they encourage tenants to be 'good neighbors.' However, Akey cast doubt on DESC's mission, telling the outlet: 'The DESC model, allowing drug dealers and addicts to cohabit and allowing drug use in the building, does not provide a safe environment in and around the building for either the residents or the community. This has not changed.' The Daily Mail has reached out to Akey, DESC, and the mayor's office for additional comment. Kemi Badenoch called on Keir Starmer to step down and invited rebel Labour MPs to talk to her party about trying to oust him today as the PM reeled from the latest Mandelson revelations. The Conservative Party leader said Sir Keir was failing to govern as his administration becomes ever more wrapped in sleaze associated with the former US ambassador and his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein. At a press conference this morning she branded the PM a coward and said MPs should discuss a confidence vote with her whips. She said that 'if a general election is on the cards we will take it because we would do a better job', but said she does not believe there will be one before 2029. The PM this morning painted himself as victim of New Labour architect Mandelson's 'lies', claiming he believed assurances he 'barely knew' the paedophile financier - even though their relationship was already well-documented. In what amounted to a plea for his job, Sir Keir stressed he 'understands the anger and frustration' of his own MPs, urging them to 'remain focused on what we were elected for'. But Mrs Badenoch said that the PM had more than enough evidence when he made Lord Mandelson ambassador to the US to know he was 'unsuitable'. 'It is now up to Labour MPs to do the right thing. I know there are many of them who are horrified by what has happened,' she said. The Conservative Partyleader said Sir Keir was failing to govern as his administration becomes ever more wrapped in sleaze associated with the former US ambassador and his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein. In what amounted to a plea for his job, Sir Keir stressed he 'understands the anger and frustration' of his own MPs, urging them to 'remain focused on what we were elected for'. The PM this morning painted himself as victim of New Labour architect Mandelson's 'lies', claiming he believed assurances he 'barely knew' the paedophile financier - even though their relationship was already well-documented. 'They might now expect the prime minister to take responsibility but we know he won't. He will have to be dragged out of Number 10, so I am making them an offer. 'If they want the change they know the country needs, come and speak to my whips and let's talk seriously about a vote of no confidence to force the moment.' She added that Sir Keir's 'position is clearly untenable but it is for Labour politicians to decide when he goes because it is a question of when and not if he goes'. Sir Keir attempted to throw MI5 and MI6 under the bus, suggesting they had failed to flag issued about Mandelson. He also insisted documents about the vetting process will be published 'as quickly as possible' - blaming police for delays. But the premier has been warned the 'clock is ticking' on his leadership after an extraordinary Commons humbling yesterday, which left even loyalists admitting he is effectively finished. A beloved Nebraska man has not been seen or heard from for over a week after he mysteriously vanished while on his way to work. Harrison Schreurs, 27, left his apartment in Lincoln the morning of January 28 while headed out to work at Sandhills Global, a local information processing company. But the young man never showed up for his shift that day, leading his co-workers and family to panic. During what was supposed to be a 20-minute drive from his home to his job, Schreurs was seen stopping at a car wash. Surveillance footage captured the 5ft 10in man at the checkout counter at JetSplash Car Wash in Lincoln. He donned a navy blue suit, black tie, and tan dress shoes. Schreurs also wore glasses, had facial hair, and appeared to be holding a wallet in his hand. Other footage saw him pull up to the car wash in his vehicle as he reached an arm out the window. His phone pinged near Ceresco, about 20 minutes from his job, around 10.03am, his brother, John Schreurs, told Lincoln Journal Star. Harrison Schreurs, 27, has not been seen or heard from after leaving his apartment in Lincoln, Nebraska, on January 28 He was captured in surveillance footage at a local car wash. At the time, he was supposed to be on his way to work, his family said That finding has worried John greatly, as he told the outlet: 'Why didn't he show up to work? That's question number one.' The missing man's cousin, Krissy Dykhouse, said Schreurs grew up near Dell Rapids, South Dakota, where he appeared to be heading, according to the phone ping. Still, Dykhouse said her cousin had no reason to be driving there that day. She also noted that he would have been driving his navy-blue 2017 Ford Edge at the time. The license plate number on the vehicle is ARF611, Dykhouse told Lincoln Journal Star. Both she and Schreurs's brother said it was uncommon for him to go anywhere without telling someone first. John also noted that his brother's outgoing personality shines through all the time. Other footage saw him pull up to the car wash in his vehicle as he reached an arm out the window Schreurs's brother and cousin said it was very unlike him not to tell people of his whereabouts 'Such a kind, thoughtful, generous - very funny guy. He cared. He cares,' John added. A GoFundMe page has since been set up to help the family use all available resources to find Schreurs. 'Harrison is a beloved son, family member, and friend. His family is doing everything possible to locate him and bring answers during this extremely difficult time,' the page read. As of Thursday afternoon, nearly $10,000 had been raised to help the family. The Daily Mail contacted the Lincoln Police Department for comment. A Las Vegas mother claimed police officers are responsible for her three-year-old son's death after he was killed while being held hostage by his father. Raneka Pate, 28, called 911 on Quinton Baker after a 'domestic dispute' on Tuesday escalated into a hostage situation involving their son, Kentre Baker. 'I dont call the police unless I feel like my life is threatened, and I felt like my life was threatened,' Pate told 8 News Now. 'Not only was my life threatened, but my sons life was threatened.' She called the police to Parkside Villa Apartment Homes and encouraged them to avoid lethal force, describing Baker as 'very agitated,' reported Local 12. Around 1am, Baker fired shots in the parking lot then went inside, according to a statement from the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Police said he emerged with three-year-old Kentre Baker in his arms and a gun pointed at the boy's head. Pate said Baker left the gun indoors. Baker reportedly ignored officers' commands to stand down peacefully. As he approached them, the police opened fire. The father and son were both killed. Raneka Pate (center) called police after Quinton Baker (right) reportedly held their son Kentre Baker (left) hostage Pate said Kentre was shot by police, but Las Vegas police have said Baker pulled the trigger on his own son Kentre died after police arrived to help de-escalate a dispute between his parents Police alleged Baker pulled the trigger on the boy. Pate claimed both were killed by the officers' gunshots. 'I watched their last moments,' Pate told the Las Vegas Review-Journal. 'And my whole family was taken from me in an instant.' Baker died at the scene. Kentre was taken to the University Medical Center, where he was declared dead. Pate was held in a police car during the entire ordeal. She claimed she was prevented from being with her son and believed Kentre died in the parking lot before paramedics could reach him. Pate expressed her frustration at how the police department handled the shooting. 'They are trying to play damage control,' she told the Review-Journal. 'But they will pay for killing my son.' Pate has asked for body camera footage of Kentre's death Kentre and Baker were both declared dead shortly after the shooting took place Pate has asked police for body-camera footage, she told KSNV. 'I know what I saw,' she said. The officers involved in the shooting were identified Thursday as Jonathon Lo and Damon O'Donnell, according to the LVMPD. Officer Lo, 39, has been with the police force since 2019. Officer O'Donnell, 26, joined in 2024. Both were placed on paid administrative leave as the LVMPD investigates the incident. The Daily Mail contacted the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department and Pate for comment. Anti-ICE protesters have descended on the Virginia mansion owned by the Hilton Hotels CEO, accusing the hospitality company of aiding the work of immigration agents by renting rooms to officials. The franchise has faced mounting pressure from far-left activists to sever its ties to President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown, with demonstrations storming outside hotels across the nation in recent weeks. On Thursday, protesters took their movement to the $5.2 million mansion owned by the Hilton Hotels CEO Christopher Nassetta in Arlington, Virginia. The group waved banners reading 'HILTON HOUSES ICE' while calling Nassetta out by name and blaring loud music, echoing tactics used at previous demos outside hotels owned by the chain. Protesters have frequently targeted Hilton locations to rally against the housing of agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which last week led to police arresting more than 60 people at a hotel in New York City. Chaotic scenes also unfolded at a Hilton hotel in Minneapolis following the shooting of protester Alex Pretti last month, where demonstrators smashed windows and spray-painted the building's facade. Protesters have attempted to pressure the hotel chain to stop providing lodging to ICE agents, saying that it has been facilitating the aggressive immigration rollout. Last month, Hilton Worldwide Holdings - the parent company controlling the chain's hotel locations - severed ties with a Minneapolis hotel because it refused to accept bookings for ICE agents. Anti-ICE protesters descended on the Virginia mansion owned by the CEO of Hilton Hotels Christopher Nassetta (pictured) to rally against the hotel chain housing immigration agents Protesters on Thursday were seen outside Nassetta's home with banners reading 'HILTON HOUSES ICE' and calling the CEO out by name while blaring loud music in the street On Thursday, protesters took their movement to the $5.2 million mansion (pictured) owned by Nassetta in Arlington, Virginia. Demonstrators have also been targeting Hilton hotels The hotel operator said that the Hampton Inn Hotel had lost its brand franchising because of the move, and said in a statement that it was standing with the Trump administration. 'We are taking immediate action to remove this hotel from our systems. Hilton is - and has always been - a welcoming place for all,' the company said. Hilton said it was apologizing to the agents affected by the refusal, and insisted that its 'properties are open to everyone, and we do not tolerate any form of discrimination.' The Daily Mail has contacted Hilton Hotels for comment following the protests at Nassetta's home. In Virginia, anti-ICE protesters received a boost before their targeting of Nassetta's mansion as the newly-elected Democrat Governor Abigail Spanberger introduced a raft of new executive orders. Most notably, Spanberger ended the state's agreements with the federal government that enabled local law enforcement to coordinate with ICE. Spanberger has also said Virginia law enforcement will still cooperate with valid warrants from ICE, but police will no longer join street raids and will remain focused on enforcing Virginia state laws, reports Fox5. Protesters seen demonstrating outside Nassetta's home in Arlington, Virginia on Thursday The franchise has faced mounting pressure from far-left protesters to sever its ties to President Trump's immigration crackdown, and hotels across the nation have been targeted by demonstrations in recent weeks (seen in New York City on January 27) Anti-ICE protesters holding a demonstration outside a Hilton Hotel location in New York City on January 27 Tensions around Trump's immigration crackdown reached fever pitch in recent weeks following the shootings of two anti-ICE protesters, Alex Pretti and Renee Nicole Good, in Minneapolis. Minnesota became a hotbed for clashes between immigration agents and protesters, and following Pretti's shooting demonstrators chose a Hilton Hotel to vent. Footage of the protest at the hotel showed demonstrators smashing windows and chanting at staff, accusing them of housing ICE agents in rooms above. Agitators were seen spray-painting the hotel's facade with 'ICE OUT OF MPLS', as others attempted to breach the front doors. Trump responded to the widespread unrest by deploying his Border Czar Tom Homan to calm tensions in Minnesota this month. In remarks this week, Homan took a swipe at Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem as he announced the Trump administration is pulling 700 federal agents out of Minnesota. Officers grapple with Alex Pretti moments before he was shot dead in Minneapolis January 24 Pretti's death came just weeks after mother-of-three Renee Good, 37, was shot dead by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer in Minneapolis on January 7 Following controversy surrounding the handling of protests in the state, Trump deployed his Border Czar Tom Homan in an attempt to calm tensions in Minnesota this month Homan conceded that Noem's immigration crackdown had not been a 'perfect operation' at a news conference, referencing the shootings that sparked outrage across the nation. Homan thanked Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey as he announced a deal with the Democratic leaders to deport illegal immigrants from local jails, meaning fewer federal agents will be required on the streets to make arrests. 'Effective immediately, we will draw down 700 people, effective today, 700 law enforcement personnel,' Homan said. In an interview with the Daily Mail, Vice President JD Vance denied the suggestion that this represented Trump backing down. 'We're not moving back on anything. We're just trying to actually encourage cooperation so that we get a little bit less chaos,' Vance told the Mail. Scott Bessent left Democrats fuming on Capitol Hill on Wednesday as he refused to bend to their furious yelling, including requests for him to 'shut up' and repeated direct attacks on his work. Donald Trump's Treasury Secretary went toe to toe with California Democrat Maxine Waters over the President's tariffs at a House Financial Services Committee hearing. Waters, in an astonishing outburst as Bessent attempted to answer her, asked the committee chair: 'Can you shut him up?' Bessent fired back a withering response: 'Can you maintain some level of dignity?' Congressman Greg Meeks, another Democrat on the committee, pressed Bessent on the President's business dealings, including a $500 million stake in Trump's cryptocurrency firm that was sold to a member of the Emirati royal family. When Bessent pushed back by asking Meeks about his own trips to Venezuela, the Congressman yelled at him: 'Stop covering for the President. 'Don't be a flunky. Work for the American people. Work for the American people. Don't be a cover-up for a mob.' Bessent later mocked a question from Representative Stephen Lynch, D-Mass, about shuttered investigations into cryptocurrency firms. Lynch expressed frustration with Bessent's interruptions, saying, 'Mister Chairman, the answers have to be responsive if we are going to have a serious hearing.' US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent speaks during a Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee hearing on the Financial Stability Oversight Council's annual report to Congress, on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, on Thursday Committee ranking member US Representative Maxine Waters, Democrat from California, speaks as Bessent testifies US Representative Gregory Meeks (D-NY) responds to Bessent during the heated hearing Bessent replied, 'Well, the questions have to be serious.' The Treasury Secretary also called Representative Sylvia Garcia 'confused' when she questioned how undocumented immigrants could affect housing affordability, prompting the Texas Democrat to snap back, 'Don't be demeaning to me, alright?' Bessent was also on Capitol Hill Thursday, where he was set to spar again with lawmakers. He was appearing before the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee on the same topic: the annual report by the Financial Stability Oversight Council, which Bessent leads. His performance on Wednesday was 'not a role you typically see a treasury secretary play,' said Graham Steele, a former assistant secretary for financial institutions under Biden-era Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen. The department has traditionally 'been removed from some of the day-to-day, hand-to-hand political combat,' Steele said in an interview. He recalled his former boss having tense exchanges over climate change and policy issues with Republican lawmakers during committee hearings, but the exchanges were not personal, he said, noting that treasury secretaries have to strike a 'delicate balance' of working with the White House while safeguarding the 'economic stature' of the country internationally. In recent months, Bessent has ratcheted up his insults when it comes to Democratic leaders. Bessent being questioned by US Representative Stephen Lynch (D-MA) during the House Financial Services Committee hearing Representative Stephen Lynch, D-Mass, questions Bessent during the hearing He has called California Governor Gavin Newsom 'economically illiterate,' compared him to the fictional serial killer Patrick Bateman, and called him 'a brontosaurus with a brain the size of a walnut.' He has on several occasions called Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren an 'American Peronist' after she told American financial institutions not to finance the Trump administration's massive support package for Argentina. Bessent's combativeness is, in part, a sign of the times, said David Lublin, chair of the Department of Government at American University's School of Public Affairs. 'President Trump has shown he likes belligerence and he likes nominees and others who defend him vociferously,' Lublin told The Associated Press. 'It's hard to say that this is unusual for this political environment. What used to be the normal modicum of respect for Congress has frayed to the point of vanishing,' Lublin said. What was unusual, in Lublin's view, was for Bessent to reveal his thoughts on monetary policy - normally the purview of the Federal Reserve - and his insistence that Trump has the right to interfere with the decision-making of the central bank. 'You have a cabinet secretary defending the president's efforts to erode institutions,' Lublin said. Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was on a 2025 FBI shortlist of 11 'prominent names' accused of sexual abuse during their investigation into Jeffrey Epstein, it was revealed today. The former Duke of York was on a PowerPoint presentation drawn up by agents from the Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force just after July 25 last year, the Epstein Files show. It details allegations Andrew had orgies on Epstein's Lolita Express private jet and suggests he was given sexual favours to keep him 'happy' at the behest of Ghislaine Maxwell. One witness also claimed Andrew was dirty dancing with a 'young girl' on Epstein's 'paedo island' in the Caribbean, according to the Justice Department document. Andrew is listed in the 'prominent names' document alongside Donald Trump, Harvey Weinstein, Bill Clinton, former Barclays boss Jes Staley and Victoria's Secret founder and retail billionaire Les Wexner. Alan Dershowitz, Leon Black, William Barr and billionaire trader Glenn Dubin are also on the FBI's 'prominent names' slide. The men have forcefully denied allegations of any wrongdoing and having knowledge of Epstein's criminal activities. Many have played down how well they knew him, if at all. Andrew's section in the FBI report contains three main allegations of abuse, although the slide does not say whether the agents involved had verified any of the claims. Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was on a 2025 FBI shortlist of 11 'prominent names' accused of sexual abuse during their investigation into Jeffrey Epstein The royal's section in the 21-page document (pictured) contains three main allegations of abuse, although the slide does not say whether the FBI had verified any of the claims in the document Andrew was seen crouched over an unidentified woman in one of the latest photos released in the disclosure of files linked to Jeffrey Epstein One unnamed woman, whose name is redacted, claimed she was told 'to make Prince Andrew happy' by doing the 'exact same things that she did for Epstein because he is good friends with [Ghislaine] Maxwell.' The second bullet points says one witness alleged that 'Andrew and Epstein flew on Epstein's plane and had orgies'. A third allegation says Steve Scully, a contractor on Epstein's private island Little St. James for years, 'witnessed Prince Andrew on Epstein's Island grinding against a young girl'. The following page does not verify the allegations but says generally on allegations of group sex involving Epstein: 'Based on review of evidence and victim statements, no orgies or threesomes took place which involved 2 males'. It also said Epstein 'did not regularly prostitute the victims in exchange for money.' Donald Trump is on the list. Mr Trump denies ever being 'friendly' with Epstein and claims made about him are smears. Trump's section in the FBI document claims '[redacted] stated Epstein introduced her to Trump who subsequently forced her head down to his exposed penis which she subsequently bit. In response, Trump punched her in the head and kicked her out'. The section allegation said: '(Redacted) remember Epstein introduced her to Trump saying 'This is a good one, huh' and Trump responded 'Yes'.' Harvey Weinstein was accused of forcing himself on women linked to Epstein when they gave him massages. Jes Staley, who was last year banned from holding top UK financial jobs over his links to Epstein, was accused of having 'rough sex' with one woman, after he allegedly 'forced her to put her hands on his crotch'. One woman, not a victim in the Epstein case, claimed she was 'invited to an orgy with [Bill] Clinton but did not attend'. Mr Clinton has has denied any wrongdoing or knowledge of Epstein's criminal activities. Removal vans leaving Royal Lodge on the Windsor estate earlier today A convoy of removal vans making their way from Andrew's former home in Windsor on Thursday The document shows how the FBI were aware of serious allegations relating to these 'prominent names'. But there is no suggestion in the presentation that any of them were considered suspects. Some were accused of sexual misdemeanours. Others were accused of financial impropriety. The document emerged as King Charles kicked Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor out of Royal Lodge hours after he was 'bizarrely' seen smiling and waving at the public, it was claimed today. The shamed ex-Duke was pictured cheerily greeting members of the public as he rode his horse near his home on Saturday, despite the continued outrage over his links to paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. The 65-year-old was also seen waving while at the wheel of his Range Rover on the Windsor estate on Monday - as if he were were a superstar greeting a crowd of fans. One royal insider told the Daily Mail yesterday: 'Even to the end, he just didn't get it.' Another observer described the images of him driving as 'bizarre', while a second royal source said 'you just want to whack your head on the desk. Appalling optics.' Less than 12 hours after the pictures were taken he was moved out of of his 30-bedroom mansion under the cover of darkness. It is understood Andrew needed 'encouragement' to speed up his departure following the publication of a picture of him on all fours, looming over a female on the floor in the latest tranche of Epstein files. The disgraced ex-Duke also waved to passers-by as he drove on The Long Walk in Windsor on Monday. Just hours later he was booted out of Royal Lodge A removal van is seen at the gates of Royal Lodge on Thursday morning On Tuesday, a number of removal vans were pictured at Royal Lodge, three months after he handed back his lease and was stripped of his remaining titles. Andrew was driven 132 miles to Sandringham and was reportedly transported 'under the cover of darkness'. He will be temporarily staying at Wood Farm Cottage before moving permanently next door to Marsh Farm by the start of April, upon the completion of renovations. Work appears to have paused at the property in recent days, while the security fence to shield the house from the road has not yet been completed. A mother pretended her newborn son was mauled by a stranger's dog after her own French bulldog called Boss 'bit off' his toes. Caitlin Powell, 20, plotted the cover-up with her then-partner, Aaron Newsome, 24, after Boss 'jumped up' and mauled the 26-day-old infant's left foot. The pair, who were questioned by police after medics at Ormskirk Hospital raised alarm bells about the child's injury, claimed their son had been attacked by an unknown dog at a bus stop on October 4, 2023. However, officers grew suspicious after Newsome, of Evington in Skelmersdale, became 'angry and irate' at the suggestion police would examine his phone. A search of the device revealed messages showing the story had been fabricated by the couple, along with Powell's father, Carl Powell. Last month, Powell pleaded guilty to perverting the course of justice and overseeing a dog dangerously out of control, causing injury. Her sentencing was adjourned until Boss - who could not be found by authorities until now - was located. At Liverpool Crown Court today, Powell, of Bootle, was sentenced to 18 months in prison, suspended for 15 months, and ordered to complete 15 rehabilitation days. She was also disqualified from owning dogs for 15 years. The court also heard Boss will not be put down despite the attack, after Judge Gary Woodhall ruled he could remain alive provided strict safety conditions are met. Caitlin Powell (pictured) leaving Liverpool Crown Court last month. The 20-year-old pretended her newborn son was mauled by a stranger's dog after her own dog Boss bit the infant's toes One of Caitlin Powell's dogs. It is not clear whether this is the dog who mauled the baby's toes Aaron Newsom (pictured) plotted the cover-up with Powell, asking her to 'stick' to their story during police questioning At the trial last month at Liverpool Crown Court, it was heard that Newsome had asked Powell to 'stick' to their story to police and say she 'walked over the bridge by Lidl and it was the bus stop by the church.' Powell 'continued to insist the baby was bitten by a stranger's dog.' However, she later confessed to authorities it was Boss, not an unknown dog, that 'jumped up and bitten the child while he was crying,' and that she 'panicked' in the aftermath. The baby suffered injuries to his left toes which resulted in one toe being amputated. He remained in hospital for 12 days and 'appeared to be almost completely healed.' Newsome was not present at the time of the attack. Powell had been living with Newsome and her father Carl Powell, 47, in Southport at the time of the incident, along with five dogs including Boss. Carl Powell later told police his daughter called him and said 'his grandson's toes had been bitten off,' and that he had taken them to hospital. Text messages exchanged between Carl Powell and Newsome were shown to the court, including one in which Carl Powell claimed he had thrown Boss 'in the river.' Colin Powell (pictured) with one of his dogs. The family had five dogs in the home at the time of the attack Powell's father Carl Powell (pictured) was also enmeshed in the conspiracy to hide the attack In later messages, he said, 'someone was going to have him,' and it was later discovered he had given the French bulldog to a woman who was unaware of the attack. Powell, Newsome and Carl Powell all pleaded guilty to perverting the course of justice. Powell also pleaded guilty to overseeing a dog dangerously out of control, causing injury. Newsome was sentenced to 12 months in prison, suspended for 15 months, while Carl Powell received a 15-month suspended sentence. Powell's sentencing was adjourned after Judge Gary Woodhall ruled it should not take place until Boss had been located. He was said to be under the care of a new owner, Rebecca Cahill, who failed to appear in court despite multiple attempts to contact her. Yesterday, prosecutor Nick Cockrell said Boss had since been recovered by the dog warden and was currently in the care of the Manchester and Cheshire Dogs Home. No further concerns had been raised about the dog's behaviour. Caitlin Powell posted a picture of a young child with a dog at it's feet on her social media after the attack. It is not clear whether this is Boss Mr Cockrell said: 'The harm caused was serious, there's no suggesting otherwise. But it was some time ago. It's become increasingly an isolated incident. 'When Boss was recovered from the conditions he had been found in from January 8, his behaviour was impeccable.' The court heard Boss had previously been seized by police and later returned to Ms Cahill's care - something officers would not have done if they believed the dog was dangerous. Judge Woodhall imposed a contingent destruction order, meaning Boss will not be put down provided his owner complies with specific safety conditions. He must be kept under proper control at all times, microchipped, insured, registered with a vet and neutered. He must also be walked on a lead no longer than 1.5m while in public. Sentencing Powell, Judge Woodhall said: 'I have no doubt your actions were driven out of panic and shock and concerns for your parenting position. But as a mother your primary concern should have been protecting your son and ensuring that dog didn't pose a risk to anyone else. 'The dog was obtained from Facebook from someone you didn't know. You exhibited a lack of insight into the long-term implications for your son. 'I have read about your relationship difficulties. You are no longer in a relationship with your co-accused (Aaron Newsome). Last year you gave birth to a second child by a different father. 'Both your children were fostered outside the immediate family with social services looking at impermanent removal. 'There were negative parenting assessments. You have almost certainly lost (custody of) your son.' A West Virginia man has been accused of attempted murder after trying to break down a door with an axe to harm his wife, a criminal complaint alleges. Warren Crowder, 77, was arrested at his Nitro home on Monday after his wife allegedly called 911 in a panic. She claimed that she was locked inside their bedroom and that Crowder was trying to break through the door with the deadly weapon, according to a complaint obtained by PEOPLE. The horrific incident resembles the bone-chilling 'here's Johnny!' scene of The Shining - when Jack Nicholson's character, Jack Torrance, breaks through a locked bathroom door with an axe to torment his wife Wendy, played by Shelley Duvall. Crowder's wife also allegedly told police that she smelled smoke and believed that her husband was trying to start a fire. When officers arrived, they said they could see the fearful victim hiding through a window. They knocked on the front door, but Crowder allegedly refused to let them in. Police said they could also see him trying to kick down the door to get to his wife. Authorities finally broke into the house to arrest the suspect. Warren Crowder, 77, is seen above in his mugshot. He was arrested at his Nitro home on Monday Shelley Duvall's character is seen in fear as her husband tries to break into the bathroom in The Shining movie According to the complaint, Crowder admittedly shot a gun through the door multiple times during his raging episode. Investigators noted that there was evidence of gunfire in the door and on the nearby wall. He allegedly told police he was 'angry' because his wife was 'hiding three or four feet in front of the door in a bed,' per the complaint. According to Magistrate Court of Kanawha County records, Crowder has been charged with four counts of wanton endangerment and second-degree attempted murder. He is being held in the South Central Regional Jail on a $50,000 cash-only bond. Nitro, where Crowder and his wife live, is a small suburban city along the Kanawha River about 14 miles west of Charleston. The incident allegedly occurred at Crowder's Nitro home on Monday According to what appears to be Crowder's social media, he is a veteran and formerly worked at a thrift store. The Daily Mail has reached out to the Nitro Police Department for comment. Crowder is due back in court for a preliminary hearing on February 11. The Prince and Princess of Wales met today with spiritual leaders in London including the new Archbishop of Canterbury, Dame Sarah Mullally, and Aga Khan. William and Kate sat down with the first woman to hold the role of the head of the Church of England at Lambeth Palace. Separately, they also met with leader of the Ismaili Muslims, Aga Khan, with the heir to the throne pictured shaking hands with him outside Kensington Palace. In a post on social media, the Prince and Princess of Wales said it was 'a pleasure' to welcome Mr Khan to the palace on Thursday morning. The meetings took place less than a day after Princess Catherine shared a poignant message to mark World Cancer Day. Catherine unexpectedly joined Prince William at Lambeth Palace in London as he held a half-hour meeting with the first female to hold the top role in the Church of England's 1,400-year history. While neither are regular churchgoers, it has been reported that the princess turned more to her faith during her recent cancer battle. The couple were greeted by Dame Sarah on the steps of her London residence, offering a brief curtsey and shaking both warmly by the hand. The Prince and Princess of Walesmet today with the new Archbishop of Canterbury, Dame Sarah Mullally William and Kate sat down with the first woman to hold the role at Lambeth Palace in London The couple met various faith leaders including Aga Khan (right), the leader of the world's Ismaili Muslims The meeting marked a significant moment in the future king and queen's relationship with the Church, with royal sources saying the couple were 'looking forward to spending time with Archbishop Sarah and building a strong working relationship with her'. William will also attend her formal Installation at Canterbury Cathedral on March 25. In the Archbishop's study, the royal encounter was relaxed. William cracked a self-deprecating joke and asked how she was finding her way around the sprawling palace and grounds. Catherine focused on the gardens and their potential as spaces for reflection and calm for clergy and visitors alike. It came after Dame Sarah took her place in the House of Lords in her new role as the Church of England's top cleric. Dame Sarah Mullally already sat in the upper chamber as the Bishop of London, prior to her historic appointment. The Lords Spiritual have 26 places reserved in the unelected house for senior Church of England bishops, including the archbishops of Canterbury and York. The royal couple posed for photographs as they met with the Archbishop in her study The Princess of Wales speaks during a meeting with the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dame Sarah Mullally (not pictured) on Thursday Dame Sarah was supported by the Archbishop of York, the Most Rev Stephen Cottrell, and the Bishop of Peterborough, the Rt Rev Debbie Sellin, for the short introduction ceremony in the Lords, where she swore the oath of allegiance to the King. In a statement after the ceremony, Dame Sarah said she was committed to 'bringing a compassionate voice to my role as an advocate for equity, justice and hope'. She added: 'I will draw on my faith and my practical and pastoral experience as a nurse and a priest, to help scrutinise and finesse legislation that improves the lives of all those who live and work in our country - of all faiths and none.' The first female Archbishop of Canterbury was officially confirmed as the 106th person to take up the post at a service in St Paul's Cathedral last month. She filled a vacancy left by Justin Welby who was forced to resign over his handling of a child abuse scandal. Dame Sarah, a former chief nursing officer for England, will have a further service at Canterbury Cathedral in March where she will be installed, or enthroned, and after which she will begin preaching in her new role. Technically, the King is head of the Church of England, but the person holding the role of Archbishop of Canterbury is the most senior bishop and the spiritual leader of the Church and the worldwide Anglican Communion. The Lords ceremony came a day after Dame Sarah met the King at Buckingham Palace to acknowledge him as the supreme governor of the Church of England, in a tradition dating back to the reign of Elizabeth I. The Archbishop welcomed Prince William and Princess Catherine at the steps of Lambeth Palace The Prince and Princess of Wales arrive at Lambeth Palace in London ahead of a meeting with the first female Archbishop of Canterbury Dame Sarah thanked Charles for his support for the Church and reflected on having, in her role as the new Bishop of London, paid homage to the King's late mother Queen Elizabeth II eight years previously. Also taking her seat on the Lords red benches on Thursday was the Bishop of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich, the Rt Rev Dr Joanne Woolway Grenfell. She was supported by the Archbishop of York and the Bishop of Peterborough as she swore the oath of allegiance to the monarch. She previously served as the Bishop of Stepney. There were an estimated 1.02 million regular worshippers across the Church of England in 2024, up from 1.01 million in 2023. There are said to be 85 million people in more than 165 countries around the world forming the Anglican Communion. Three men have been arrested for allegedly running a slick theft ring that targeted unsuspecting ATM users across Southern California. Authorities say the suspects - all Romanian nationals - used a scheme where one man distracted the person at the ATM, while the other man swiped the victim's debit card and replaced it with a fake. Police said the suspects hit ATMs in multiple counties, racking up at least a dozen known victims. The theft that helped crack the case occurred in November outside an ATM on the 17000 block of Santiago Boulevard in Villa Park, a city near Anaheim. A 66-year-old man was withdrawing cash when one suspect stood nearby, carefully watching him enter his PIN, investigators told the Orange County Register. A second accomplice lingered close by. One of the men dropped cash onto the ground at the victim's feet, a video posted on social media by the Orange County Sheriff's Department showed. As the man bent down to pick it up, no doubt thinking he was simply helping someone out, the other suspect swiftly swapped his ATM card with a fraudulent one, authorities said. The suspects then used the stolen card and PIN to make purchases and drain the victim's bank account, police said. Police have arrested three men involved in a distraction ATM theft ring. Two suspects are seen here getting into position as the victim interacts with the ATM on the 17000 block of Santiago Boulevard in Villa Park, a city near Anaheim One of the suspects then drops a wad of cash next to the victim to get his eyes away from the ATM That Villa Park theft was the key to apprehending the suspects, because the bank surveillance footage led detectives to a gray SUV believed to be connected to the crimes. After weeks of digging, investigators uncovered a pattern of nearly identical distraction thefts stretching across California. 'Because of this case, we were able to reach out to surrounding jurisdictions and saw similarities,' Sgt Gerard McCann, a spokesman for the Sheriff's Department, said. On January 6, sheriff's investigators arrested three suspects on multiple felony charges, including grand theft, identity theft and forgery. Detectives later linked the trio to similar crimes in Orange, San Bernardino, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Sacramento counties. Two of the men were released on $40,000 bail, while the third remained behind bars as of Wednesday. Authorities warn that distraction thefts like these have been steadily rising in Orange County. 'It's one of those constant things we've seen over the last three years,' McCann said. The other suspect is seen swapping the victim's debit card with a fraudulent one Police said this type of scheme happens quickly - and can be deployed on anyone. While ATMs are a common target, investigators warn thieves may also try to steal PINs at grocery stores, retail checkouts or in parking lots. Anyone who believes they may have been targeted is urged to contact the Orange County Sheriff's Department at 714-647-7000. Authorities have advised citizens to stay alert when using an ATM. They also said to cover the keypad when entering a PIN, avoid engaging with strangers during transactions and be wary of anyone approaching too closely. A TV news anchor who saw a possible ransom note for Savannah Guthrie's mother Nancy has revealed the 'red flags' that have led them to believe it 'might not be a hoax'. Arizona news anchor Mary Coleman said the Nancy Guthrie ransom note that was sent to the KOLD newsroom contained a 'lot of it is information that only someone who was holding her for ransom would know.' 'Some very sensitive information and things that people who weren't there when she was taken captive wouldn't know,' Coleman told CNN on Wednesday. She added, 'It also included a dollar amount, a deadline, and, again, other specifics that only Guthrie's abductor might know, so that definitely raised some red flags.' It remains unclear if any of those specific details were true as neither investigators nor the Guthrie family have commented on them. Savannah Guthrie referenced the note in an emotional video plea for her mother's return on Wednesday night, but said the family would require proof her mother was still alive before considering its demands. Coleman also revealed the note was sent to the station via email, and that her team immediately sent it to the Pima County Sheriff's Department. 'We immediately sent that information over to the sheriff's department, and they're, of course, looking into the legitimacy of it,' she said. A possible ransom note for Savannah Guthrie's mother Nancy (together in June 2023) 'might not be a hoax', a local TV news anchor has claimed Nancy Guthrie, 84, was last seen by her family at her house near Tucson, Arizona, on Saturday night and was reported missing the following afternoon. Authorities believe she was taken from her home against her will KOLD news anchor Mary Coleman told CNN the Nancy Guthrie note contained a 'lot of it is information that only someone who was holding her for ransom would know' 'One of the detectives did get back to us and asked us for some more information so that they can start searching for an IP address and things of that nature to try and figure out who or what people are responsible here.' At least three media organizations have reported receiving purported ransom notes that they handed over to investigators. The sheriff's department said it was taking the notes and other tips seriously but has declined to comment further. Nancy, 84, was last seen by her family at her house near Tucson, Arizona, on Saturday night and was reported missing the following afternoon, with authorities believing she was taken from her home against her will. At least one ransom note sent to TMZ demanding millions in Bitcoin for her release, but it is currently unclear if the note is genuine. Nancy lives in a $1 million home in the wealthy Catalina Foothills neighborhood. Her daughter is estimated to make around $8 million a year as one of the nation's most well-known faces on the Today show. Guthrie and her siblings, Annie and Camron, released a video statement on Instagram, sending direct messages to their mom and her abductor. The Today Show host was emotional during the recording, with her voice cracking. She addressed her mother directly, saying the family was praying for her and that people were looking for her. 'Mommy, if you are hearing this, you are a strong woman. You are God's precious daughter,' Savannah Guthrie said. Officials say Nancy, 84, is frail and has poor mobility, and suffers from a condition that requiries her to take medication daily Pima County Sheriff's deputies on February 4, 2026 walk through the driveway of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie's home her disappearance Guthrie described her mother as a 'kind, faithful, loyal, fiercely loving woman of goodness and light' and said she was funny, spunky and clever. 'Talk to her and you'll see,' she said. The newscaster was flanked by her sister Annie and her brother Camron who both also spoke. Annie called their mother their beacon and said they need her. 'Mamma, If you're listening, we need you to come home. We miss you,' Annie said. The family posted their plea after police searched in and around Nancy Guthries home for several hours Wednesday. Investigators returned for the follow-up investigation after being at the home earlier in the week for a couple of days. Nancy has limited mobility, and officials do not believe she left on her own. There were also signs of forced entry at her home in the Catalina Foothills neighborhood. A sheriff's dispatcher talking to deputies during a search Sunday indicated that Nancy has high blood pressure, a pacemaker and heart issues. A man has died and three people were seriously injured after a double-decker bus crashed into pedestrians in Dublin. The collision happened shortly after 12.30pm, prompting a major emergency response as the area was sealed off. Dramatic video footage from the scene shows people screaming and rushing to try and help those trapped beneath the bus, as sirens wail in the background. Images also show the front windscreen of the bus smashed, with a tent erected and a cordon put in place. One witness who worked near the crash site told local media he heard a 'really big noise' before going out and calling the emergency services, adding that he saw one or two people trapped under the bus. A local business owner said he saw the bus mount the footpath, adding that people immediately ran to try and help. 'It obviously took a wrong turn on the route. That street is meant to be pedestrianised,' he said. 'People ran down to help and then loads more were coming out to see what happened.' One person has died and three others were taken to hospital after a double-decker bus crashed into pedestrians in Dublin The collision happened shortly after 12.30pm, prompting a major emergency response as the area was sealed off Images show the front windscreen of the bus smashed, with a tent erected and a cordon put in place Your browser does not support iframes. Dublin Fire Brigade said more than 20 firefighters and paramedics rushed to the scene, deploying specialist rescue equipment as they responded to the crash. Three injured pedestrians were taken to hospital for treatment. Fire officials said the response was later scaled back as the situation was brought under control, with crews remaining at the scene while investigations continued. The crash happened at the junction of Talbot Street and Marlborough Street in the city centre. Luas Green Line services were suspended between Parnell Street and St Stephens Green following the incident, with power shut down in the area as a safety precaution. Bus Eireann said: 'One of our vehicles was involved in an incident in the Talbot Street/North Earl Street area of Dublin city. 'The vehicle was not in service at the time of the incident. 'Emergency services and Bus Eireann personnel attended the scene. Bus Eireann is offering its full support to the relevant authorities and will provide any additional assistance required.' Dramatic video footage from the scene shows people screaming and rushing to try and help those trapped beneath the bus, as sirens wail in the background One witness who worked near the crash site told local media he heard a 'really big noise' before going out and calling the emergency services, adding that he saw one or two people trapped under the bus Lord Mayor of Dublin, Cllr Ray McAdam said: 'I am aware of a serious incident at the junction of North Earl Street and Talbot Street this afternoon. 'All emergency services are in attendance and responding decisively. I am receiving ongoing updates from Dublin Fire Brigade and am assured that the full emergency response is in place. 'My thoughts are with those who have been injured and with their families at this difficult time. 'I want to reassure Dubliners that the situation is being actively managed, and I would ask the public to avoid the area to allow emergency services to carry out their work.' A popular Midwest diner has come under fire after banning customers who reek of marijuana - but some claim the move was racially motivated. Golden Nest Pancake & Cafe in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, recently erected a sign stating: 'Please do not enter if you smell of marijuana. Gold Nest Pancake & Cafe is a family restaurant, and this is unappealing while guests are dining. Thank you.' Wayne Doney, the restaurant's general manager, told the Daily Mail the smell is 'offensive to our customers,' especially for families with children. While some have been left satisfied with the business's decision, others feel it was allegedly made to target a specific demographic. 'Basically, a group of young individuals. A group of African American individuals that you do not want visiting,' Yolanda, a local customer who did not want to be on camera, told CBS 58. 'You cannot exclude someone for smelling like marijuana just like you cannot exclude someone for having body odor. I dont see the difference,' she added. Yolanda said the sign made her especially discouraged because it is Black History Month. 'Its disappointing because youre gonna start putting that everywhere, basically saying that we are not allowed here. And its Black History Month and Im proud to say that. Take the sign down,' the upset customer stated. Golden Nest Pancake & Cafe in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, recently posted a sign inside stating that customers who smell like weed are not allowed to dine there Wayne Doney, the restaurant's general manager, said the new rule was introduced months ago after the business received multiple complaints of patrons smelling like 'marijuana or a skunk' Another patron, Iyani Raines, said the diner is one of her favorite spots, but the new restriction has not sat well with her either. 'If you have a preference, thats one thing, but I just dont feel like everyones bothered because were not even sitting in close proximity where we can smell one another. Its a restaurant. Its gonna smell like eggs,' Raines told the outlet. She went on to add that specifically mentioning the weed smell felt 'very intentional' to her. 'I think marijuana was very intentional because had they said no smelling of smoke, then maybe everyone wouldnt feel so targeted. 'Why cant I come in and have breakfast? My money is as good as anyone elses,' she continued. After hearing that the decision had raised issues in the community, Doney insisted it was purely made due to other customers' complaints about the pungent smell, and not a targeted attack. 'Anyone will be asked to leave. Anyone in general,' he told the Daily Mail. Iyani Raines said the diner is one of her favorites, but the new restriction has not sat well with her either Online users have also shared their opinions on the controversy, with some agreeing with the decision and others being upset over it. 'Well if they feel targeted, don't come. Don't smoke,' one posted on Facebook. 'Their business, their rules,' wrote another. Meanwhile, others questioned why cigarette smokers weren't getting the same treatment. 'This should apply to cigarette smokers because that smell is ewwwww,' someone said. Another chimed in: 'Put a sign up for all the cigarette smokers too if thats the case, this is so stupid.' Doney said the recent publicity has 'doubled our sales', and the restaurant will not be taking down the sign. He also noted that recreational marijuana use is not legalized in Wisconsin. The state only allows the use of low-THC and CBD oils for certain medical conditions. But, in recent weeks, Democrats have introduced a bill to fully legalize marijuana in the Midwest state. The chances of the proposed legislation passing looks slim as Republicans, who control both chambers of the Legislature, have not agreed with similar attempts introduced by liberals. Still, Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers has repeatedly attempted to get a bill passed to make marijuana legal. His fellow Democrats have supported the push, including Rep. Darrin Madison. 'Arresting someone for smoking weed does not make our neighborhoods safer,' Madison recently said, Wisconsin Public Radio reported. 24 US states have legalized recreational marijuana use, including New Jersey, New York, California, and Nevada, among others. It is fully illegal in Idaho, Wyoming, Kansas, and South Carolina 'It limits access to jobs, housing, education and stability for life and those arrests fall overwhelmingly on Black and brown communities.' Presently, 24 US states have legalized recreational marijuana use, including New Jersey, New York, California, and Nevada, among others. It is fully illegal in Idaho, Wyoming, Kansas, and South Carolina. A total of 40 states have approved medical marijuana use. The former mayor of one of America's youngest cities pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor criminal trespassing charge after prosecutors said he entered a resident's lake house without permission in 2023. Khalid Kamau, who once led South Fulton, Georgia, entered his plea in Fulton County court on Wednesday, ending weeks of squabbling between the defense and the state that had most observers believing the case would go to trial. As part of Kamau's plea agreement, he avoided a more serious felony burglary charge. He will serve 12 months of probation, complete 40 hours of community service and pay a $500 fine. He also apologized in open court, acknowledging the incident and thanking the judge for bringing the case to a close. In November 2021, Kamau became the second mayor of South Fulton, a city that was incorporated in 2017 after the locals spent years lobbying for more self-governance and independence from the county. At the time, Kamau described himself as 'America's first #BlackLivesMatter organizer elected to public office.' Less than two years later, on July 8, 2023, Kamau tried to enter a lakefront home on Cascade Palmetto Highway. The homeowner held the sitting mayor at gunpoint until police arrived, according to FOX 5. Khalid Kamau, South Fulton's controversial former mayor, pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor criminal trespassing charge after a bizarre incident in July 2023 when he tried to enter a lake house Kamau (center at a Juneteenth parade in 2022) was elected in November 2021 and described himself as America's first #BlackLivesMatter organizer' in public office Pictured: The home and property Kamau illegally trespassed on. He claimed he thought it was abandoned and said it was his 'dream home' Kamau claimed he thought the house was abandoned, telling police and reporters that it was his 'dream home'. His probation terms prohibit him from contacting, visiting or speaking in public about the person who owns the home. He also has to write them an apology letter. Kamau's tenure as mayor was not just marred by the trespassing incident. Kamau, who began going by Kobi, was soon accused by council members and residents for making purchases on the city credit card that were not for government business. An independent audit released by the city found that nearly $70,000 of spending by Kamau was 'questionable'. The majority of the charges were for travel, but it also included meals, streaming subscriptions, and car washes. The investigation revealed that he took 20 international trips while in office to places such as Canada, South America, Africa and Europe. He did not obtain approval for any of this, according to the city council. At the time Kamau said the audit against him was politically motivated and that he was merely trying to help the economic development of South Fulton. This, along with the criminal charges against him for trespassing at the lake house, proved too much for residents to handle. Pictured: Kamau stands with Representative Jasmine Crockett, a Democrat of Texas, on October 13, 2024 Carmalitha Gumbs, a councilmember who was highly critical of Kamau, was elected the next mayor of South Fulton last November (Pictured: Gumbs at her inauguration ceremony on January 10, 2026) Last November, Kamau was up for re-election and received just 4.7 percent of the vote, coming in sixth place in a crowded field of candidates. Months earlier, in April, Kamau said he would not run because the mayor's position only pays $47,000 a year. Kamau previously wanted his salary raised to $85,000, a request that was denied by the city council. 'To keep this promise of doing this job full-time and this job only, I have sold my mother's house. I've been on food stamps and turned down some pretty good job offers,' he said at the time. By August, he changed his mind and sought re-election. Ultimately, one of his critics, Councilmember Carmalitha Gumbs prevailed and became South Fulton's third mayor. She was one of the officials calling for Kamau to face consequences for his alleged misuse of government funds. 'I fully support efforts to recover any misused funds and urge the mayor to reimburse the City of South Fulton for every dollar that was not authorized or properly accounted,' Gumbs said in July. 'Residents deserve to know that their elected officials are acting in the publics best interest - not using taxpayer dollars for personal benefit.' A child bravely whacked two ferocious XL Bullies with a broom in a desperate attempt to stop a fatal attack on a grandmother, a court heard today. Esther Martin, 68, was mauled to death after she was left in charge of the pets and eight puppies by aspiring rapper Ashley Warren, 41, jurors have been told. She was left with dozens and dozens of injuries including a bite through her arm which tore open an artery and police are said to have refused to enter the property in case they were attacked. The two animals ended up being tasered and then shot during the incident at Warrens home in Jaywick, Essex. On the second day of the trial, the court heard how the bloody scene unfolded moments after Ms Martin tried to separate two puppies that had been fighting, leaving one with a bloody ear. During the commotion, the child said the female XL Bully, Beauty, and the male, Bear, knocked over a suitcase that was holding a door closed in a bedroom where they had been left and ran into the room. In recorded interview with police, they said: Beauty and Bear knocked the suitcases over because the puppies had got into a fight. The dogs have got out and the dogs have started barking they think something has happened to the pups because shes [Beauty's] protective of the pups. Esther Martin, 68, was mauled to death after she was left in charge of the pets and eight puppies by aspiring rapper Ashley Warren, 41, jurors have been told Ms Martin told the child, who cant be identified for legal reasons, to grab a broom to push the pups apart - something they had done before, the jury heard. As soon as I got it to [her], Beauty ran and jumped on the [pen] gate and pushed Bear and [he] has hit [Esther] and shes hit her head. She was bleeding from the head, said the child, who added Ms Martin had injured herself on the handle of a kitchen cabinet and called out help me. I tried to get the broom and I started to get the dogs so I could put them back in the room, then once they were in the room I could call [for help]. But the child eventually left because they feared they would be injured. They ran into their room to grab their mobile phone and ran outside to call for help before the front door blew shut, locking them out. Bear and Beauty were generally gentle with each other, the child told officers, adding they had been knocked over a couple of times and the pets would barge through my legs. On other occasions they would nibble the child, leaving red marks. Ms Martin had only been left alone to look after the child and the dogs for short periods previously, when Warren and his then girlfriend, Jade McSeveney, popped out to the shops. She cannot handle the dogs. They only listen to me when I shout and tell them to lay down, the child added. The prosection say Ms Martin 'age and her mobility issues, as well as other factors' meant she was 'clearly not a fit and proper person' to look after the dogs Ms Martin was declared dead at the scene of the mauling on February 3, 2024. Chelmsford Crown Court heard today that Warren had admitted struggling with the pets in a message he sent four days earlier to Ms McSeveney, who had moved out by that point. Dogs got to go by Monday. Your half [Beauty and half the pups] or will have to go to RSPCA because too much for me, he wrote. Ms McSeveney replied: You coming for your half dogs? Too much for me now. In a message on the day of the attack, the defendant sent another text which said: I need you to go round to the house to look after the dogs. I need you round there straight away. Theyre attacking Esther. On the first day of the trial earlier this week, jurors were told the defendant was the first person to be charged with XL Bully-related offences when Ms Martin was killed. It happened just two days after the Government had made it a criminal offence to own an XL Bully in England and Wales without a certificate of exemption. XL Bullies Bear, left and Beauty were tasered and then shot by police, who refused to enter the property, the court heard Warren who told police when they visited on an unrelated matter a few weeks previously that the XL Bully breed was less aggressive than poodles - had not attempted to get a certificate for any of the ten dogs in the property, the prosecution allege. The court has heard that 5ft 3in Ms Martin was left with the animals while Warren went to London to meet a female friend. The prosecution say the situation was a tragedy waiting to happen as Ms Martin had mobility issues, a lack of dog training and little to no experience of being left alone with them for a prolonged period time. Ashley Warren expected Esther to be able to handle and control these two adult XL Bully dogs, as well as their eight puppies, with the weight, size, power and unpredictability they possessed, with no or minimal training, prosecutor Christopher Paxton KC said in his opening statement. Given Esther's age and her mobility issues, as well as other factors, Esther was clearly not a fit and proper person to look after these ten dogs in that situation but, no doubt members of the jury, it suited this defendant to have her do so, so he could pursue his own agenda that day. It was, you may think, a tragedy waiting to happen, given the imbalance that arose between 68-year-old Esther, short in stature, and the towering power of these banned XL Bully dogs. He added: Such was the ferocity of the dogs that police officers and emergency services were unable to enter the home until the police deployed and used their tasers. An officer who went to the property said the dogs were in a frenzied state and formed the view it was not safe to enter the house, believing that (police) were at risk of death or serious injury if they tried to enter, the prosecutor told jurors. Warren had been in London with a female friend on the day of the attack A friend of the defendant arrived before emergency services and saw the two dogs attacking Ms Martin, the court heard. He smashed a window at the property but was described as being was unable to enter because the animals were out of control. The defendant was aware of the XL Bully ban, which had been widely covered in the press in the months prior, it is claimed. Police had visited the property 11 days earlier following a dispute between Warren and his ex-girlfriend about ownership of Beauty. In bodycam footage shown to jurors, the defendant was seen telling an officer it's a shame about the laws and my boy's got papers already. Mr Paxton said: If that was a reference to an exemption certificate, that was a lie. The XL Bullies were seen playing in the footage as the defendant told the officer that the public perception of the breed is mad to me. He added: These dogs are so friendly it's unbelievable, it's like I've only seen them ever attack people when (they're attacked). Warren continued: You get them little poodles that come up to you and go rah, rah, rah, you know - they're more aggressive. Jurors heard that on January 1 that year Warren told his landlord, Barry Gordon, that police were aware he kept XL Bullies. He also lied to Mr Gordon by saying he had applied for a licence, the court heard. Mr Paxton said a police dog handler who later visited the tiny chalet-style bungalow found it too messy and small for the two large adult dogs and the litter of puppies. The police constable noted a blood and bite-mark covered wooden broom near the sofa, no dog toys, and that Bear's long claws suggested to him that the dogs do not get walked often, the prosecutor added. During the hearing, jurors were told that Ms Martin had looked after the dogs four or five times previously but had told others she was scared of them and had thought of reporting Warren for having them. Ten officers, some in riot gear including helmets and shields, arrived at the house after she was attacked but were unable to save her. She was declared dead after she was taken out of the house. A post-mortem examination found she had been bitten on the front and back of her arms, as well as on her torso, legs and head. In other footage shown in court, Warren could be seen on a previous occasion running up the road outside the house and returning carrying Bear after he had escaped from the house. Giving evidence today, Ms McSeveney said she and Warren had owned rescue dog Beauty for over three years and her temperament was amazing. The couple who have got back together since the tragedy got Bear eight months before the attack, when he was about six months old. Ms McSeveney said Bear had nipped a neighbour on the stomach previously but explained that was when he reacted after he jumped up on a wall in the front yard and she got frightened and whacked him on the nose. Describing the call she got from the defendant when Ms Martin was attacked, she told jurors: I couldnt understand it at first because he was screaming down the phone. It sounded like The dogs have got out then he phone me again and it was The dogs have jumped on Esther and I jumped in a cab and got there. She arrived within minutes and police were already there. Warren, who is on bail, has pleaded not guilty to being the owner of a dog, namely Bear, which caused injury resulting in death while dangerously out of control in a private place. He also denies being in charge of Beauty when she caused injury resulting in death while dangerously out of control in a private place. The prosecution said Warren accepts that he owned Bear and was in charge of Beauty who was pregnant with Bears pups and who he had been housing, feeding and looking after. He also accepts that both dogs were dangerously out of control in his house, the court heard. But the defendant denies the charge on the grounds that he reasonably believed Ms Martin was a fit and proper person to be in charge of them, Mr Paxton said. Warren also denies having a bladed article without good reason or lawful authority at Clacton railway station on February 3, 2024. The defendant accepts that he had a knife but is to argue that it was a prop in a music video that he had been making that day in London with his female friend, the court heard. The trial continues. A man has allegedly killed his own sister by throwing a kitchen knife at her following an argument over her 'playing music too loud'. Jlenia Musella, 22, from Naples, was left with a deep stab wound in her back and then dumped at a hospital, where she later died, by her brother before he fled. Giuseppe Musella later handed himself in to police following the attack at their shared home in Ponticelli, a suburb in eastern Naples, on Tuesday. The sibling argument reportedly began after Giuseppe became frustrated that he was unable to sleep because Jlenia was playing music. 'We argued because she wouldn't let me sleep, I threw the knife while her back was turned but I didn't think I would hit her,' he is said to have told police. Maurizio Patriciello, the parish priest of Caivano, said: 'She was stabbed by her brother because she was making noise, perhaps listening to music, and her brother wanted to sleep. 'So, he stabbed her in the back, and then dumped her outside the hospital,' he said. Jlenia was 'always the sun shining,' a neighbour told L'Union Sarda. 'It's crazy to think her smile has faded. Jlenia Musella, 22, from Naples, was left with a deep stab wound in her back and then dumped at a hospital by her brother Giuseppe Musella allegedly killed his own sister by throwing a kitchen knife at her following an argument over her 'playing music too loud' She was allegedly punched and slapped in the face before the knife was thrown at her Jlenia is said to have returned to her flat following a week trip away with friends to see a DJ perform Noting her latest Instagram photos, she emphasised her 'energy', 'zest for life' and 'enthusiasm'. Mayor of Naples Gaetano Manfredi said: 'I am saddened by the death of this young woman from Ponticelli. 'Law enforcement and the judiciary will be able to reconstruct the facts. Our commitment to reducing poverty in neighborhoods where we are investing in local regeneration will be even stronger.' Prefect of Naples Michele di Bari branded her death a 'tragedy'. 'The police and the judiciary are already acting, and we must always trust them.' The siblings lived alone on a housing estate in Ponticelli, an area known for high rates of drug dealing and crime. The 22-year-old returned to their flat following a weekend trip away with friends to see a DJ perform. She was allegedly punched and slapped in the face before the knife was thrown at her. The brother then drove her to hospital where he dumped her body. He later handed himself in to authorities. Giuseppe is currently in Naples Secondigliano prison after police issued a warrant for voluntary manslaughter. A schizophrenic Lithuanian killer who stabbed a nine-year-old in the heart at random while she played with a hula hoop in the street has been convicted of murder. Lilia Valutyte was killed by Deividas Skebas, 26, in the town centre of Boston, Lincolnshire, outside her mother's embroidery shop. Harrowing video footage captured Lilia's last moments as she happily played in the street with her friend, before she was savagely attacked. Skebas approached the pair shortly before 6.20pm on July 28, 2022, stabbing Lilia once in the chest. Lilia's mother Lina Savickiene cradled her daughter as she died. In a victim impact statement read by her husband, Aurelijus Savickas, the grieving mother said: 'During these nine years we lived life fully, we visited many places, we didn't stand still. '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. Nothing will bring our child back, the pain will not disappear, and the tears shed will not wash it away.' Lilia Valutyte was killed by Deividas Skebas, 26, in Boston, Lincolnshire, outside her mother's embroidery shop Skebas admitted manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility but was convicted of murder by a jury at Lincoln Crown Court today Lilia was stabbed to death outside her mother's embroidery shop in Boston, Lincolnshire Skebas had admitted manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility but was convicted of murder by a jury at Lincoln Crown Court today. Prosecutors proved he knew what he was doing and took actions to avoid detection. CCTV showed him buying a knife two days before the murder, prowling around the area before he murdered Lilia and then fleeing the scene. After the killing, Skebas said he had 'the power to resurrect' Lilia if the police contacted 'his controller in Nasa'. 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.' There was no dispute that Skebas, who was diagnosed with schizophrenia, killed Lilia but the jury had to decide what his state of mind was at the time of the attack. Mr Justice Choudhury did not address the defendant, who watched on a link from Rampton high security hospital, after he adjourned the case for sentence on February 25. Mrs Savickiene added: 'From the bottom of our hearts, we thank those who were not afraid to stand by us and support our family during the hardest time. 'No matter how strong we may appear, there are moments when all we need is to know that we are needed and not alone. Skebas admitted manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility but was convicted of murder by a jury Lina Savicke, Lilia's mother, said Skebas's mother had got in touch to extend her condolences and told her they would do 'everything they can' to help her family 'Your presence meant more than words can express.' Mr Savickas became Lilia's stepfather when she was three, he said in his statement. 'From that moment we walked our journey together,' he said. 'Becoming her stepfather was new for both of us, but I loved her as my own and always tried to be there for her.' He said she was a 'beautiful soul' with a 'strong character'. He added: 'Lilia, you will always live in our hearts, you are forever loved, forever missed.' During the trial, defence barrister Andrew Campbell-Tiech KC told the jury Skebas was 'quite obviously deluded'. He said clinicians treating the killer doubted he will recover. Pictured: The moment Skebas was arrested by police officers Police bodycam footage shows the killer putting his arms up in surrender Pictured: He was seen on CCTV footage buying a knife from Wilko Skebas was transferred from prison to Rampton Hospital in December 2022. He was convicted by a majority of 11 to one after the jury deliberated for almost seven-and-a-half hours. Skebas was initially considered unfit to stand trial due to mental health issues and was instead the subject of a trial of facts in 2023. It was judged that he was responsible for stabbing Lilia - but a hearing of this type is not considered a criminal prosecution. Skebas was given an indefinite hospital order which saw him detained at Rampton Hospital until such a time he was deemed fit to stand trial. A criminal trial began last week on Monday, 26 January, in which prosecutors argued that at the time of the stabbing, Skebas knew what he was doing and took actions to avoid detection. They said that while the deterioration of his mental health after the incident was genuine, CCTV showed him buying a knife two days before the murder, prowling around the area before he murdered Lilia and then fleeing the scene. Skebas also shaved off his beard after the murder and from the mobile phone evidence he made arrangements to flee the country. In a statement following his conviction, Detective Chief Inspector Jennifer Lovatt, of Lincolnshire Police, said: 'Lilia Valutyte was a young girl who had her whole life ahead of her indeed on Monday 2nd February it should have been her 13th birthday. 'She was dearly loved by her family and friends and did not deserve to lose her life. 'Those who knew her will forever mourn the loss of her future and the impact of her tragic death can still be felt in our community today. 'On July 28, 2022, Deividas Skebas performed an unspeakable act. 'Today is about justice for Lilia, her family and those who knew her.' She added that 'there was clear evidence that after Skebas killed Lilia, he made preparations to leave the country'. Critics today questioned how Sir Keir Starmer believed Lord Mandelson's claim he 'barely knew' Jeffrey Epstein after years of reporting about the pair's relationship. In an attempt to defend his decision to appoint Lord Mandelson as Britain's ambassador to the US last year, the Prime Minister hit out at the peer's 'lies'. At the beginning of a speech in Hastings this morning, Sir Keir directly addressed the scandal that has thrown his premiership into a fresh crisis. He insisted that 'none of us knew the depth of the darkness' of Lord Mandelson's friendship with Epstein, a convicted sex offender. The PM said, before being appointed as US ambassador, Lord Mandelson was 'asked directly' about the nature of his relationship with Epstein. 'The information now available makes clear that the answers he gave were lies. He portrayed Epstein as someone he barely knew,' he added. 'And when that became clear and it was not true, I sacked him. Such deceit is incompatible with public service.' Sir Keir said he was 'sorry for having believed Mandelson's lies' and for having appointed him as US ambassador in February 2025. But questions were raised about the PM's suggestion he had 'no reason' other than to take Lord Mandelson's answers about Epstein at face value before appointing him. It was pointed out how photographs of Lord Mandelson and Epstein together had been published years ago, amid widespread reporting about the pair's links. Lord Mandelson with Jeffrey Epstein on December 12, 2005, where he is seen trying on a belt during a visit to a boutique in the Caribbean Lord Mandelson pictured in Epstein's flat in Paris as the financier blew out the candles on a birthday cake The same photograph was used to illustrate a Financial Times report in June 2023 detailing 'repeated meetings' between Lord Mandelson and Epstein Tory leader Kemi Badenoch accused Sir Keir of 'obfuscation' following his comments on Thursday morning. She also said the PM had been 'banged to rights' over the Lord Mandelson scandal, saying Sir Keir 'will do everything he can to stay in office and he is going to use every trick in the book do not buy it'. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage described the PM's apology on Thursday as 'very weak' and 'not quite believable'. He added: 'A Prime Minister has to have good judgment, and appointing Peter Mandelson given what he knew was terrible judgment.' In August 2019, the Daily Mail published photographs of Lord Mandelson and Epstein together on the luxury Caribbean island of St Barts. They showed the two men shopping together in December 2005, with Lord Mandelson - who at the time was the EU's trade commissioner - trying on a white belt. In January 2022, a further photograph of Lord Mandelson and Epstein was published by The Sun. It showed the two men together in Epstein's flat in Paris as the financier blew out the candles on a birthday cake. The image was said to have been taken after Epstein had been formally charged with soliciting a woman for prostitution in August 2006. The same photograph was used to illustrate a Financial Times report in June 2023 detailing 'repeated meetings' between Lord Mandelson and Epstein. It referred to an internal JP Morgan dossier from 2019, which found 'Epstein appears to maintain a particularly close relationship with Prince Andrew the Duke of York and Lord Peter Mandelson, a senior member of the British Government'. The report also suggested Lord Mandelson stayed at Epstein's lavish townhouse in Manhattan when he was business secretary in June 2009, while the financier was in prison for soliciting prostitution from a minor. The PM this morning said he had 'no reason' to doubt Lord Mandelson's answers about Epstein when he was vetted for the US ambassador job The Government was forced to U-turn on disclosing documents related to Lord Mandelson's appointment by furious Labour MPs - including Sir Keir's former deputy Angela Rayner Sir Keir himself was asked about the Financial Times article and Lord Mandelson's links to Epstein at a press conference in January 2024. The Labour leader told journalists at the time: 'I do try to give pretty full answers in these sessions. I don't know any more than you do. 'Therefore there's not really much I can add to what you already know, I'm afraid. And that's simply the state of the affairs.' Asked on Thursday afternoon why the PM said he had 'no reason' to doubt Lord Mandelson's answers when he was vetted for the US ambassador job - despite the widespread reporting of the peer's links to Epstein - Sir Keir's official spokesman said: 'The PM has been clear that the checks conducted on Mandelson need to be looked at. 'He's got concerns about what the process disclosed and that's why it's being looked at.' In his speech in Hastings on Thursday morning, Sir Keir stressed he 'understands the anger and frustration' of Labour MPs over the Mandelson scandal, urging them to 'remain focused on what we were elected for'. But the PM has been warned the 'clock is ticking' on his leadership after an extraordinary humbling in the House of Commons on Wednesday, which left even loyalists admitting he is effectively finished. Mrs Badenoch said it was now a 'matter of when' not if the PM will go, urging restive Labour MPs to talk to the Tories about triggering a vote of no confidence in the Government - although that seems unlikely as it could trigger a general election. The meltdown was sparked when Sir Keir admitted at PMQs on Wednesday lunchtime that he installed Lord Mandelson as US ambassador despite knowing he stayed friends with Epstein after his conviction for sex offences. The Government then tried to argue that details of Mandelson's vetting process for the role would need to be withheld for 'national security' and 'international relations' reasons. But within hours Sir Keir was forced to U-turn by furious Labour MPs - including his former deputy Angela Rayner - threatening to vote for a Tory disclosure motion. Parliament's cross-party Intelligence and Security Committee will now decide what material is released, with the group's chair warning 'embarrassment' is not enough for evidence to be suppressed. Senior Labour MPs have warned the situation will 'not end well' for Sir Keir and the 'clock is ticking', while ex-Cabinet minister Lord Hutton suggested the PM's time in power is coming to a close. Labour Jonathan Hinder said Sir Keir 'struck the right tone' on Thursday morning but he had to go further. 'But what needs to be acknowledged is that this was a catastrophic error of political and moral judgment,' he told BBC Politics Live. 'I don't think that has been addressed yet. So what I am looking for is for the PM to come and speak to Labour MPs on Monday night at the PLP and acknowledge that. 'Because everyone can see that information was available to make a very clear decision, that this many should not just have not been our ambassador he shouldn't have been a borough council election candidate. 'It is an absolute disgrace. And let this be the moment that people like Mandelson are no longer representing a working class party, a socialist party when he is swimming around in those circles. I am absolutely raging about it.' Pressed whether he meant the PM had made a catastrophic misjudgement, Mr Hinder said: 'Yes.' He said he 'understood' Sir Keir's point that he was 'lied to'. But he added: 'I think with the information that was available... I don't think it is unreasonable to suggest it was a mistake even with that information.' He continued: 'I think Labour MPs would appreciate the PM saying ''I cocked up''.' Mr Hinder said he did not believe Sir Keir should resign if he accepted his 'error of judgment'. There are demands for Sir Keir's chief aide Morgan McSweeney to be axed over the Mandelson debacle - which ignited again after the US release of millions of Epstein emails showing the depth of their relationship. Former minister Karl Turner told Times Radio that Labour is in a 'crisis situation' and Sir Keir must 'get rid of those advisers who have given terrible advice to him' over weeks and months. 'If McSweeney continues in No10 Downing Street, I think the PM is up against it in a way he doesn't need to be,' he said. However, Sir Keir is said to recognise that his own fate is tied to that of his closest adviser. He voiced 'confidence' in Mr McSweeney on Wednesday, and Housing Secretary Steve Reed said this morning that 'of course' the aide will stay in post. Allies will also take solace from the difficulties facing potential replacements. Ms Rayner has huge support on the Labour benches, but is not thought to have settled her tax issues with HMRC after being forced to resign in September. Meanwhile, Health Secretary Wes Streeting is widely regarded as on manoeuvres but was previously close to Lord Mandelson. Another oft-touted contender, Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham, was blocked by Sir Keir from standing in the Gorton & Denton by-election and so does not have the immediate platform to mount a challenge. Some Labour MPs have been talking up the credentials of defence minister Al Carns, although he has only been in Parliament since 2024. Energy Secretary Ed Miliband would also be in the frame as a replacement should Sir Keir be engulfed imminently, but has insisted he does not want the job. Rumours of ministerial resignations to enforce the PM's departure have also yet to come to pass. Labour rules require one candidate to get nominations from 80 MPs in order to mount a challenge. One senior Labour source told the Daily Mail: 'Would any credible challenger go before the by election or before May? That's not tempting.' Afghan man who is accused of strangling a 12-year-old girl before she was allegedly raped by his friend has been accused of lying about his actions and intentions on the night, prosecutor said. Mohammad Kabir, 24, has been accused of strangling a child - who cannot be named for legal reasons - hours before she was allegedly targeted and sexually assaulted by 23-year-old Ahmad Mulakhil after they spotted her in a Nuneaton park on July 22 last year. Prosecutor Daniel Oscroft KC at Warwick Crown Court have accused Kabir of lying during the trial after he changed his story twice since he signed a defence statement in November 2025. Mr Oscroft claimed that Kabir had given conflicting evidence during the trial as to whether he had seen the girl in Marlborough Road recreation ground prior to the alleged strangulation on Cat Gallows bridge. In the signed defence statement, Kabir said he had not seen her in the park but, when giving verbal evidence during the trial, he said he had spotted her there. Kabir, speaking through an interpreter, told the court that there had been no physical contact with the girl on the bridge but in his defence statement he claimed that the girl had tried to hug him. He insisted it was down to a mistranslation. Kabir said: 'It was probably one word missing, that she 'tried to' and I pushed her away.' Mr Oscroft replied: 'I suggest the reason you have changed your account is because you don't want to admit having any contact with her at all.' Ahmad Mulakhil and Mohammad Kabir seen by the park after the alleged rape of a 12-year-old girl in Nuneaton. Kabir is accused of strangling the girl hours before the alleged sexual assault The prosecutor also referred to a transcript of a recording of Kabir speaking to an interpreter in custody at Nuneaton Police Station after he was arrested. In the transcript of the conversation, Mr Oscroft said that Kabir described the girl as 'small' twice. When asked by Mr Oscroft in court if he thought the girl was 'small,' he said 'no' before adding that the interpretation of the conversation was incorrect and he did not say she was 'small' in it. Mr Oscroft asked why he or his lawyers had not challenged this. The prosecution also questioned why Kabir and Mulkahil had walked in different directions after leaving the bridge. Mr Oscroft said: 'You were both looking for her weren't you?' Kabir replied 'No.' Kabir said that he walked to a friend's house on Deacon Street, where he claimed they were supposed to have a meal and Mulkahil was supposed to be there. He claimed that he was going to a butchers to pick up meat for a meal that was being cooked at the friend's house. 'What butchers do you know that are open at past 8pm at night?' Mr Oscroft asked, to which Kabir explained it was summer-time, light and lots of shops stayed open. A screen grab taken from CCTV of Ahmad Mulakhil (front) and Mohammad Kabir (back), seen in a supermarket a day after the alleged rape of a 12-year-old girl The prosecutor then accused Kabir of lying about going to the butchers. He said: 'You knew she was a child didn't you and when you found out that your friend Mulakhil was alone with her, you got angry didn't you?' Kabir replied: 'That is not true.' 'You knew that they were going off together and you were jealous weren't you?' Mr Oscroft continued. The Afghan responded: 'I was not a magician, nor do I have the authority to see what they are doing, that is up to them.' Mr Oscoft said: 'That is why you went out to look for them because what you intended to do earlier was what Mulakhil was doing with her later. 'That is why you are lying about the story about going to the butchers. That is why you changed your accounts of what happened in the park and on the bridge isn't it?' 'No, that is nothing to do with me, my heart was clean in the beginning,' Kabir said. 'If I had strangled her on the bridge, why was it not said by the witnesses, why have I offered my clothing to the police to do a DNA check which would be brought here and shown to the jury that there was some DNA samples, when there was none. 'There is nothing I have done. I am here to answer any questions because I am innocent.' In his closing speech, Mr Oscroft told the court that both men had a sexual interest in the victim. Mulakhil has told the court that he did not force the girl to do anything, and did not threaten her family, but had filmed her during a brief period of sexual activity because she had insisted. He has admitted oral rape but denies two other counts of rape, two counts of sexual assault, child abduction and taking an indecent video of a child. Fellow Afghan national Kabir denies intentional strangulation, committing an offence with intent to commit a sexual offence and attempting to take a child. Addressing the court today, Mr Oscroft told the jury that Mulakhil had shown 'a pretty stomach-churning' approach to the evidence. Mr Oscroft added: 'There was no hint in the evidence he gave of any pause for reflection or to consider that in retrospect he made a mistake. 'He is blaming her. 'He has tried to argue that he believed she was an adult - that he initially didn't want anything to do with it - that she drove all of it, and that she consented throughout.' Mr Oscroft said of a claim that the girl had insisted Mulakhil film part of what had happened: 'It's slightly revolting, you may think, that he would even try to suggest that that was all on her.' Marcus Harry, defending Mulakhil, invited the jury to consider whether the defendant believed the girl was 16 or over. The defence lawyer said: 'Ahmad Mulakhil tells you that he believed she was 20 or 22. You know from the video evidence that she told him she was 19. 'You have seen her yourself. My learned friend says she is obviously under 16 and you may agree. If you think it is possible that he believed she was 16 or over then he cannot be guilty of (child) abduction.' Kabir has denied intentional strangulation, committing an offence with intent to commit a sexual offence and attempting to take a child. Mulakhil denies one count of taking indecent photos of a child, two counts of rape of a female child under 13, abducting a child, and two counts of sexual assault. He has admitted one count of rape. The jury is expected to retire in the case on Friday. New York City's Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is facing backlash for reserving a bus seat to honor Rosa Parks during Black History Month. More than 4,000 people chimed in on an Instagram post from the MTA about the tribute to civil rights icon Parks. Parks famously refused to give up her bus seat to a white woman in segregated Montgomery, Alabama, in December 1955. Her arrest for the act of protest sparked a 381-day bus strike - a significant turning point in the Civil Rights Movement. The MTA celebrated her legacy by marking a seat on one of the city's busy buses with a yellow 'RESERVED' sign. A massive cardboard portrait of the activist has also been propped up on the seat. 'To commemorate Transit Equity Day and Black History Month, a seat has been reserved today to honor the legacy of Rosa Parks,' the MTA wrote on Wednesday, which was Parks' birthday. 'Each and every day, were committed to providing accessible and equitable transit for all.' But the gesture did not go over well with many Big Apple residents. The MTA 'reserved' a seat for Rosa Parks on Wednesday, February 4, which was the activist's birthday Parks is pictured in Montgomery, Alabama, in December 1956 after a Supreme Court ruling banned segregation on the city's public buses '[Not going to lie] we love Rosa but this is crazy,' one man reacted with a laughing face emoji. 'Wow, making a difference with this one guys,' another sarcastically chimed in. Someone said the memorial was 'like a parody skit.' 'Don't piss me off,' a man who was less than pleased with the exhibit said. 'How about you lower the fare to commemorate her legacy,' someone added, referencing the recent increase in transit fares despite Mayor Zohran Mamdani's pledge to make buses across the city free. 'You dead a** bro? Make the fare $2.75 again. We need that not a preoccupied seat,' someone demanded. Standard bus fares increased from $2.90 to $3.00, while express bus fares increased from $7.00 to $ 7.25. 'How much of the MTA budget went into this?' someone asked. 'This is not it,' one user asserted. 'Sentiment might be right-headed, but no one who actually rides the bus would have cosigned this. C'mon guys @MTA.' A stock image of a NYC MTA bus is seen above 'Couldnt you at least have cleaned the bus for her,' someone asked, referencing the traces of snow salt and dirt visible on the floor of the bus. Sar, an 18-year-old from the Bronx, bluntly commented: '[Somebody] sittin on that anyways [not going to lie].' Sar later told the Daily Mail he thought the tribute was a 'great idea' in theory but not so much in practice. 'The buses are unbelievably packed and people want to sit down, and its New York, people are going to sit down anyways so I dont think itll be appreciated properly,' he said. 'The gesture itself was fine, however its taking away a seat that a disabled person or a pregnant woman or someone who had a long day at work could have used.' Several viewers agreed that the display could be taking away a seat from someone who needs it, but others did not share that concern. 'Oh my god bruh its one seat like goddamn, its never that big of a deal. They could put a pillar there, and y'all wouldnt complain this much,' one man replied to the criticism. Despite the outrage and mockery, people also applauded the MTA's efforts. Users shared emojis of clapping hands and hearts to show their support. Claudette Colvin refused to give up her seat on a bus nine months before Parks did An MTA display for Parks from last year is seen above But other skeptics said the MTA should also honor other names of the Civil Rights Movement, such as Claudette Colvin. Colvin was 15 years old and pregnant when she refused to give up her seat on a bus about nine months before Parks did. She recently passed away on January 13 aged 86. Parks' birthday was federally recognized as Transit Equity Day in 2021 by Pete Buttigieg, then the Transportation Secretary. But the MTA and other bus systems across the nation have honored Parks - who died at 92 in October 2005 - through similar displays since at least 2005, according to reports at the time. Metros including Washington DC, Los Angeles and Portland, Oregon, even offer free bus rides on the anniversary. The Daily Mail has contacted the MTA for comment. Vice President JD Vance condemned his most racist archenemy, Nick Fuentes, who has targeted his wife and children, but stopped short of denouncing his followers. The vice president said in a wide-ranging exclusive interview with the Daily Mail on Tuesday that Fuentes could 'eat sh*t,' but dodged from condemning his online supporters, known as 'Groypers.' Fuentes, a far-right provocateur with millions of young followers, has attacked Second Lady Usha Vance with racial insults over her Indian heritage. Donald Trump had dinner with Fuentes and Kanye West at Mar-a-Lago in November 2022. The President has refused to denounce the 27-year-old far-right leader when asked on multiple occasions. Vance, when asked if he would condemn Fuentes, told the Daily Mail: 'Of course I do.' 'He can eat sh*t because anybody who goes after my family, whatever side they're on, they're on the opposite side of me,' the Vice President added. But Vance stopped short of condemning Fuentes' followers, known online as 'Groypers' by claiming he doesn't know who Fuentes' followers are. The Vice President remarks comes months after Fuentes vowed to send his racist sycophants on Vance if he ever condemned them. 'What do you mean by supporters?' Vance replied when asked if Fuentes' 'Groyper' supporters should be accepted into the Republican Party. JD Vance condemned Nick Fuentes but did not specifically condemn the far-right provocateur's online followers Vance and his family attending the Winter Olympics in Milan on Thursday Nick Fuentes is a popular far-right provocateur and white nationalist who has attacked the family of JD Vance 'Well, I don't know what that means. I think people are going to vote for us or not vote for us. I think that there are certain things that we should - we should have the moral clarity to condemn. I think Jew hatred is disgusting.' Fuentes, who has made remarks denying the Holocaust, has previously threatened to sabotage Vance's potential presidential campaign, if he ever denounced his 'Groyper' supporters. Fuentes vowed on his show last November that if Vance seeks the Republican nomination while condemning his far-right supporters, he will 'deploy' to swing states during the GOP 2028 primary. 'If Vance condemns the Groypers, we are deploying to Iowa. Raise your right hand. I swear I'm going to move to Iowa and New Hampshire and Nevada and South Carolina and one primary after the next,' Fuentes told his followers. Even as Vance avoided condemning Fuentes' supporters, the Vice President forcefully denounced Fuentes' ideology along with all forms of antisemitism and racism. 'Never Vance,' Fuentes wrote on X following the release of the Vice President's comments to the Daily Mail. 'You shouldn't hate people because they're white. You shouldn't hate people because they're Jewish. You shouldn't hate people because they're black,' Vance continued. 'And I don't like anybody who does that or engages in that stuff. So when you say supporters of this or that person, all I can do is say what I believe, take the moral stance and the policy stance that I believe in.' President Donald Trump delivered a verified comedy routine at the National Prayer Breakfast on Thursday morning, where he cracked up the crowd with jokes, including one about his wife. Trump made his usual jabs at ex-President Joe Biden and his age and he also ventured into uncharted territory, deploying a humorous aside about Melania Trump's legal knowledge. While lamenting about how he went through multiple impeachments and indictments before his second election, Trump explained how he tried to shield the first lady from his legal woes. 'They've sued me for everything. I got impeached twice over nothing,' Trump told the crowd. 'There's never been, to the best of our knowledge, any politician that's ever been indicted who won an election.' 'I got indicted so much I got tired of calling my wife. I'd say, "Darling, I was just indicted again." She said, "Oh, darling, what oh what does that mean?"' 'She's not into the world of indictments. That's not Melania. Melania, she does not know what an indictment is, that's not her deal,' the president continued. Trump was indicted a total of four times leading up to the 2024 election, including his New York hush-money case, federal classified documents case, federal election interference case and Georgia election interference case. Across the four indictments, the Republican was slapped with nearly 90 felony counts. Three of the four cases were later dismissed, though Trump was convicted in the hush-money case. President Donald Trump spoke for over an hour at the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, DC, on Thursday. His remarks included loads of jokes that kept the audience cackling The president joked about facing multiple indictments during his campaign, noting how he stopped telling his wife, Melania Trump, because 'she does not know what an indictment is, that's not her deal' Trump also celebrated his wife's elegance and her new movie about herself Trump also made multiple jibes at his old foil, Biden, whom the Republican called the 'world's worst president.' 'He had no idea he was president, so he doesn't take it personally,' Trump followed up, eliciting a playful reaction from the crowd. 'I don't want him to take a personally. Fortunately, he has no idea what the hell I'm saying, and he's watching right now. He's happy with what I just said.' Turning to a more solemn message, the president also ruminated about whether or not he would make it into heaven, and how the last time he told that joke, the media ran headlines that did not pick up on his sarcasm. 'I'm never gonna make it to heaven. I just don't think I qualify. I don't think there's a thing I can do.' 'I really think I probably should make it. I mean, I'm not a perfect candidate, but I did a hell of a lot of good for perfect people,' the president continued. He announced during his speech that the White House is coordinating a national day of prayer on the National Mall, set for May 17. The executive expressed his desire to have the country 'rededicated' to religion. 'We are going to rededicate America as one nation under God,' he shared. A nursery worker who sexually abused five toddlers claimed he was 'emulating' what was done to him as a child, a court heard. Nathan Bennett, 30, of Corston, Bath, is on trial accused of preying on children at the Partou King Street nursery in Bristol. He denies eight charges including rape, sexual assault and assault by penetration, but pleaded guilty to 13 other charges involving five children aged two or three. Bennett was arrested after a manager at the nursery saw him on CCTV carry out an alleged sexual assault on a child at the Bristol-based nursery in February last year. Giving evidence on Thursday morning, Bennett broke down as he said: 'Growing up as a child I was exposed to a lot of sexual activity on myself, and sort of throughout those years I would sometimes ask the person doing it, is this sex? 'And he would say no, and it sort of just became, I guess, normalised through that.' While he accepted that the contact between him and the toddlers was sexual, Bennett denied having a sexual attraction to them. 'As I stated I think already, it was emulating what I had experienced as a child - presuming it was to make them happy and feel better,' he claimed. Nathan Bennett, 30, of Corston, Bath, is on trial at Bristol Crown Court (pictured) accused of preying on children at a Bristol nursery While under cross-examination, he often asked for questions to be repeated by the prosecutor, Virginia Cornwall, and his thoughts on the accusations appeared unclear. 'You're pretending that you don't really understand to get some sort of sympathy from the jury, that's what I'm suggesting,' said Ms Cornwall. Bennett, who had experience working in other childcare settings, was also asked why he liked working at the nursery. 'I found it easy to talk to and be around children as well as some of the staff,' he claimed. He told jurors he 'enjoyed the energy' from staff and the children, and described it as an 'upbeat' and 'friendly' environment. The nursery worker also told the court that he had considered resigning because he felt 'overworked' but decided against it. 'My mum, who I have a chequered past with, for the first time said she was proud of me because I was working and she loved me for it,' said Bennett. Opening the case on Monday, prosecuting, Virginia Cornwall described the abuse as 'every parent's worst nightmare'. She added that Bennett, who started working in the nursery in July 2024, had 'admitted sexual interest in pre-school boys' by issuing guilty pleas. Nathan Bennett has been accused of preying on children at Partou King Street Day Nursery and Pre-school in Bristol for a year Nursery manager Victoria Tutton told the court that the accused would 'favour' certain children, preferring to read them stories or sit with them. She also told jurors that she witnessed Bennett on CCTV putting his hand down the trousers of a child, and immediately sent him home. Bennett 'presented as suitable' and had experience working in other pre-school settings, the prosecutor said. 'The evidence that you are going to be viewing via CCTV will show that he is many things, including a risk taker,' she said. 'He took opportunities that he either engineered or were presented to him within the nursery setting to abuse. 'You may think, with children as young as two or three, who are understandably trusting of an adult who they have a familiarity with. 'As you will see from the footage, he actively encourages that familiarity. 'He's tactile, he's attentive, you will see that there's hair ruffling, there's touching, there's closeness, the sorts of things that little children perhaps respond to - making them feel special and safe with him. 'They were not to understand what his interest was in them, or why he was doing what he was doing. 'A child of that age simply would not comprehend would they that it was sexual or necessarily wrong.' Bennett denies the following charges: two charges of raping a child under 13, four charges of the sexual assault of a child under 13, two charges of assault of a child under 13 by penetration and three charges of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child. He has previously pleaded guilty to 13 other charges. They were eight charges of sexual assault of a child under 13, four charges of causing a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity and one charge of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child. The trial continues. Eco-campaigners have vented their fury at rural folk driving their 4x4s over a protected chalk stream. Protesters say the waterway in Hampshire is being 'ripped up' and used as a 'fun splash route' by drivers who take their off-road vehicles for a spin. The River Meon is one of 260 chalk streams on the planet and is home to wildlife including voles, otters, salmon and trout. Protesters have now turned out in droves at the 200-metre stretch of ancient byway in Droxford urging the council to ban the unusual practice - which is legal due to the waterway being designated as an unclassified road. Footage of the countryside sport shows motorists driving through waist-high water and causing what activists argue is 'significant environmental damage'. In one video, a dirt bike rider appears to say he is an 'adventurer' - as quad bikes are also caught crossing the river. The biker insists people 'need to get with the times', fearing increased publicity from the protest might encourage more drivers to come down before any order can be implemented. It follows some 150 campaigners requesting a traffic regulation order is put in place - criticising Hampshire County Council and the South Downs National Park Authority for allegedly failing to protect the river. Eco-campaigners have vented their fury at rural folk driving their 4x4s over a protected chalk stream (pictured) Protesters say the waterway in Hampshire is being 'ripped up' and used as a 'fun splash route' by drivers who take their off-road vehicles for a spin Footage of the countryside sport shows motorists driving through waist-high water and causing what activists say is 'significant environmental damage' The River Meon reaches around five-feet deep and 15-feet wide at points and is driven through by people most days, especially on weekday evenings and weekends, according to protest organiser Adam Faulkner. Mr Faulkner, 55, said: 'The River Meon is such a significant area of conservation and one of only around 200 chalk stream rivers in the world and therefore has a high level of protection. 'These chalk stream rivers are completely unique and are home to an amazing array of wildlife. 'It completely goes against all of this to have these 4x4s driving through this wonderful habitat. 'A lot of people think that it is just a stream crossing but it is not. It is about 200 metres of river that is being damaged. 'The trucks have to be high-powered vehicles to get through and they rip up the bed of the river. Plants get lifted up and all the small gravel is gone. 'As a consequence of the bow waves the river gets wider and shallower over time. It has become an area that it is not possible for fish to spawn. 'It is an area that is pretty devoid of life compared to the upstream sections of the river. Adam Faulkner, 55, is pictured stood by the chalkstream along Mill Lane in Droxton in Hampshire Protesters have now turned out in droves at the 200-metre stretch of ancient byway in Droxford urging the council to ban the unusual practice Liberal MP Danny Chambers was among those who arrived to the protest, chanting and holding signs saying 'Rivers Aren't Roads' and 'Protect the Meon' 'It is being used as a sport, as a recreational thing, not as a necessary diversion. No one with any cahoots would take their kids that way to get to school. 'It is not really being used as access for the crossing. It is being used as a fun splash route.' Liberal MP Danny Chambers was also among those who arrived to the demonstration, chanting and holding signs saying 'Rivers Aren't Roads' and 'Protect the Meon'. Chalk streams are one of the rarest habitats in the world, with campaigners arguing they are already at risk due to pollution, water abstraction and greater urbanisation. River weeds are currently found to be flourishing in the River Meon but apparently cannot survive in the section where cars drive through - as the smaller gravel gets ripped up and the banks get damaged. The River Meon rises at East Meon, Hants flowing for 21 miles (34 kms) to the Solent at Hill Head, near Fareham. A 2023 report on the area concluded that vehicles were having an affect on biodiversity - but over two years later the route remains open. Fish Legal are working with the campaigners in a bid to protect the river from further environmental damage. 'These chalk stream rivers are completely unique and are home to an amazing array of wildlife,' Mr Faulkner said Fish Legal are working with the campaigners to help protect the river from further environmental damage Zoe Wedderburn-Day, Head of Policy & Strategy at Fish Legal, said: 'Big motorbikes and 4x4s are driving through that stretch of the Meon and it is causing significant environmental damage. 'Over 80 per cent of the world's chalk streams are in Britain and this one is home to fantastic wildlife including voles, otters, salmon and trout. 'This is a deep river. You certainly wouldn't be out there in your wellies and it is these vehicles that are causing the damage. 'The river deserves to be protected and they need to act now. There is a lawful reason that they should put the order in place.' Anthony Mcewen, from Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) Hampshire, said: 'What is going on is quite crazy. 'If someone was destroying the habitat of the last 200 elephants in the world we would all be up in arms. 'This is the equivalent of what is going on with the Meon - one of only 200 or so chalk streams in the world!' South Downs National Park Authority insisted it was working with Hampshire County Council as a 'matter of urgency'. A spokesman added: 'The South Downs National Park Authority is working with Hampshire County Council as a matter of urgency, to request their intervention due to concern relating to the ongoing degradation of the River Meon at the T189 Mill Lane "splash route". 'While the SDNPA holds certain discretionary powers, we cannot regulate traffic on the surfaced sections of Mill Lane. 'As the Highway and Traffic Authority, Hampshire County Council is the body with the statutory responsibility to implement a comprehensive Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) where environmental harm is occurring. 'The Authority stands ready to assist Hampshire County Council.' Hampshire County Council said: 'We recognise that this is an important chalk stream habitat which, at the same time, is legally a 'publicly maintainable highway' allowing access rights. 'We are, therefore, actively working with all parties involved to come to a resolution as soon as practicable.' A British tourist has been arrested for allegedly assaulting a gay man on board a cruise ship sailing to Australia. The 71-year-old was travelling from Dunedin, New Zealand to Sydney on board the Discovery Princess cruise liner at the time of alleged attack. Witnesses said the incident took place last Tuesday but that the man was not arrested until Saturday, once the cruise had docked in Sydney. Fellow passenger Shell Guchi, who witnessed the alleged attack, told The Sun: 'The assault took place while we were on board. We were not turned around. 'He deserves the maximum penalty for this savagely brutal attack on an innocent gay man, after a verbal attack about him being gay. 'The younger man left and the old b*****d followed him and savagely beat him,' she added. The Brit has since been charged with one count of assault occasioning bodily harm, which carries a penalty of five years imprisonment. He is due to appear in court on February 18. A British tourist has been arrested for allegedly assaulting a gay man on board a cruise ship sailing to Australia. Pictured: The Discovery Princess cruise ship, where the alleged assault took place The Australian Federal Police's Detective acting Superintendent Trevor Robinson said: 'The repercussions of alleged criminal behaviour remain even when an offence occurs at sea. 'Where Australian law applies under the Crimes at Sea framework, the AFP will move swiftly to investigate incidents and bring alleged offenders before the courts.' He continued: 'We work closely with cruise operators and maritime partners to ensure the safety of passengers and crew, and to make it clear unlawful behaviour on vessels connected to Australia will be addressed.' Data from Nancy Guthrie's pacemaker might mean she was involved in some kind of struggle with her potential captors just before she was kidnapped, a top cardiologist has theorized. The 84-year-old, who is the mother of Today show host Savannah Guthrie, is believed to have been abducted late Saturday night from her home in Tucson, Arizona. She had one last recorded heart rate spike around 2am Sunday, which was picked from her implanted medical device to her Apple watch and iPhone, police previously revealed. But now, that recorded data could mean much more, according to Dr. Jonathan Reiner, a leading heart doctor, said. 'If a person was in a physical struggle, that might have created a rapid heartbeat over a certain threshold, the pacemaker would have detected that and potentially reported it,' Reiner, who was former Vice President Dick Cheney's physician, told CNN on Thursday. Authorities have been treating Guthrie's home as an active crime scene, as blood was found leading from the front of the house to the driveway. Authorities confirmed at a press conference on Thursday that the blood was Nancy's. Police said they are no closer to finding a suspect - but also told the public that no one has been ruled out. A doorbell camera she owned was also removed from its spot by the time investigators arrived on Sunday. They also found the Apple devices in her home. Nancy Guthrie's pacemaker data might mean she was involved in some sort of struggle just before she was kidnapped. Her Apple watch stopped syncing with the implanted device around 2am Sunday Dr. Jonathan Reiner, a leading cardiologist, said a heart rate spike might mean a 'physical struggle' was taking place At least three media organizations have reported receiving purported ransom notes that they handed over to investigators. The sheriff's department said it was taking the notes and other tips seriously but has declined to comment further. At least one ransom note was sent to TMZ demanding millions in Bitcoin for her release, but it is currently unclear if the note is genuine. FBI has said that they have made one arrest for an imposter ransom demand. Nancy lives in a $1 million home in the affluent Catalina Foothills neighborhood. Her daughter is estimated to make around $8 million a year as one of the nation's most well-known talk show hosts. On Wednesday evening, Savannah and her siblings, Annie and Camron, released an emotional video statement on Instagram, sending direct messages to their mom and her abductor. 'Mommy, if you are hearing this, you are a strong woman. You are God's precious daughter,' the journalist said. 'Our mom is a kind, faithful, loyal, fiercely loving woman of goodness and light. She's funny, spunky and clever. She has grandchildren that adore her and crowd around her and cover her with kisses,' Guthrie added. She then spoke directly to her elderly mother's potential kidnappers, telling them that 'we are ready to talk' but wanted proof that they weren't potentially using fraudulent images of her. Authorities have been treating Guthrie's home as an active crime scene, and blood was found leading from the front of the house to the driveway Your browser does not support iframes. 'We live in a world where voices and images are easily manipulated. We need to know, without a doubt, that she is alive and that you have her. We want to hear from you and we are ready to listen. Please, reach out to us,' she said through the tears. Guthrie then directly addressed her mother. 'Mommy, if you are hearing this, you are a strong woman. You are God's precious daughter, Nancy,' she said. 'We believe and know that even in this valley, he is with you. Everyone is looking for you, mommy, everywhere. We will not rest, your children will not rest until we are together again.' 'We speak to you every moment and we pray without ceasing and we rejoice in advance for the day that we hold you in our arms again. We love you, mom,' the NBC star added. Annie and Camron Guthrie then echoed their sister's words, adding: 'We love you, mom. Stay strong.' On Wednesday evening, Savannah and her siblings, Annie and Camron, released an emotional video statement on Instagram, sending direct messages to their mom and her abductor Now, five days into her mysterious disappearance, NBC fears that a recent Today Show feature might have inadvertently placed Nancy in danger, the Daily Mail has learned. Just about three months back, Savannah returned to her hometown of Tucson for a nostalgic tour visiting where she grew up. The special segment, which aired on NBC's Today show in November, framed Tucson as the city where her 'soul is home', with a focus on family and community. Her mother, Nancy, made a rare on-air appearance during that episode. The search for Nancy has entered its fifth day. The son of a missing woman believes she may have been another victim of Suffolk Strangler Steve Wright after he admitted killing a woman 26 years ago. The serial killer admitted to the 1999 murder of 17-year-old Victoria Hall and the attempted abduction of a woman 24 hours earlier on the first day of his Old Bailey trial on Monday. His guilty plea marks Wright's sixth confirmed victim, having already been sentenced to a whole life order in 2008 for the murders of five women in Ipswich in 2006. But experts believe he was likely to have killed others, with his 'modus operandi' supposedly linking him to the unsolved disappearance of Kellie Pratt. Her 30-year-old son Kurtis shares the same fears and has issued a desperate plea to Wright to come clean over her disappearance. The 28-year-old sex worker vanished after taking a call from a client outside The Rose pub in Norwich at around 11.30pm on June 11, 2000. Kellie was later reported missing by friends after she failed to meet them for a pre-arranged lift. Despite a major police investigation, neither she, or her mobile phone have ever been found, while no potential sightings have been reported. Police have previously said they have been unable to link Wright, who lived in nearby Ipswich, to Kellie's disappearance. Steve Wright, the Suffolk Strangler, admitted to the 1999 murder of 17-year-old Victoria Hall and the attempted abduction of a woman 24 hours earlier on the first day of his Old Bailey trial on Monday Ms Hall vanished on her way home from a nightclub in September 1999 There are fears Wright was likely to have killed others, with his 'modus operandi' supposedly linking him to the unsolved disappearance of Kellie Pratt (pictured) Kurtis told the Mirror: 'It's now 26 years later and I have been given the opportunity to come forward for the first time in my life to appeal on behalf of my mum, my family and on behalf of other potential victims. 'I want to reach out to Steve Wright directly and ask that if Steve himself wanted to rectify - even a little bit of damage he caused to his victims - it would be really important. 'I think now is the time to come forward to give the victims' families and friends the peace they deserve.' Wright's ex-wife, Diane Cole, has also urged police to quiz the killer about other unsolved cases in the Norfolk and Suffolk area, saying: 'I think this is just the beginning. I suspect he has killed quite a few other women.' Criminologist David Wilson believes there are many similarities between Wright's six murders and the disappearances of Ms Pratt as well as Mandy Duncan in Ipswich. Mr Wilson, a professor of criminology at Birmingham City University, told the Mail's The Trial podcast: 'His modus operandi fits with a number of young women who died in the early 1990s. 'If he had been arrested for what was happening at that time, then clearly we wouldn't be talking today about what he is. 'Mandy Duncan, whose body has never been recovered, disappears and is murdered in 1993, then Vicky Hall in 1999 and Kellie Pratt in 2000. They never found the bodies of Kellie Pratt or Mandy Duncan. Both of them, therefore, for me are still likely to have been victims of Steve Wright. 'Having admitted to the murder of Vicky Hall, I hope this means he might be willing to talk about Kellie Pratt, Mandy Duncan, and about suspicions that exist about other young women that he may have murdered.' Gemma Adams, then 25, pictured, was one of the victims of Wright's murder spree in Ipswich's red-light district in 2006 Anneli Alderton, pictured left, and Tania Nicol, right, were sex workers also killed in the attacks In a six-week frenzy in 2006, former QE2 steward Wright went on the rampage, also killing Annette Nicholls, pictured left, and Paula Clennell, right Former forklift driver and QE2 cruise ship waiter Wright, 67, snatched Victoria Hall off the street in Felixstowe as she walked home from a nightclub on September 19, 1999, before dumping her body in a ditch. But police failed to capture the killer for seven years until he went on a rampage in Ipswich's red-light district, murdering Gemma Adams, 25, Tania Nicol, 19, Anneli Alderton, 24, Paula Clennell, 24 and Annette Nicholls, 29, over a six-week period in 2006. Ever since he was sentenced to a whole life tariff for the five murders in 2008, there have been questions about other unsolved cases. He was previously being linked to high-profile cases including the disappearance of Suzy Lamplugh with whom he had previously worked on the QE2. Donald Trump has appeared to back the UK's deal to hand over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius after holding 'very productive' discussions with Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The US President described the proposed agreement as the 'best' Starmer could make, seemingly signalling a change in support after criticising it last month. The deal would transfer sovereignty of the Indian Ocean islands to Mauritius, while maintaining control of the US-UK Diego Garcia military base on a lease agreement for 99 years at a cost of $47 (35) million. 'I have had very productive discussions with Prime Minister Keir Starmer about the Island of Diego Garcia,' Trump wrote on Truth Social on Thursday. 'I understand that the deal Prime Minister Starmer has made, according to many, the best he could make,' he added, before warning the US could 'militarily secure' the base if the lease agreement 'ever falls apart'. Mr Trump tore into the deal just a few weeks ago, warning it was an 'act of great stupidity', an 'act of total weakness' and claimed the site of the Diego Garcia base was being given away 'for no reason whatsoever'. The President had argued that giving away the islands was an act of surrender and warned the territory could fall into the hands of China, an ally of Mauritius. Similar concerns have also been raised by the Conservatives and Reform who remain opposed to the deal. Mr Trump's criticism came as transatlantic tensions flared over his ambitions to take control of Greenland, with Starmer accusing the US of changing stance as a pressure tactic in the President's bid to seize the Arctic island from Nato ally Denmark. President Donald Trump speaks during the 74th annual National Prayer Breakfast at the Washington Hilton on February 5 Trump talks with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at the White House in August Britain struck a deal to transfer sovereignty of the Indian Ocean islands to Mauritius, while maintaining control of the Diego Garcia base on a lease agreement for 99 years at a cost of $47 (35) million The White House has since retreated from threats over the Arctic island, after a backlash from other Western powers. Starmer had appeared to avoid raising the issue directly with Trump until a phone call at the beginning of this week. A Downing Street readout of that call showed the PM and President agreed to 'continue working closely' to secure the future of the Diego Garcia base. Earlier this week, UK sources suggested the US President was close to backing the agreement, but warned it was not a 'done deal'. Downing Street has insisted the case for the Chagos Islands deal is 'crystal clear' after Lord Mandelson claimed there had been a 'wobble' over it within the Government. The former US ambassador, who was forced to resign in September over links to pedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein, revealed the private concerns in an interview with the Times. He said he 'became aware of a serious wobble in London over the agreement and its sell-ability to the British public'. 'That was to do with the price tag and whether we had the total legal obligation to enter the deal and whether the original legal case made for the agreement in Whitehall was as watertight as was claimed,' the peer said. 'So on the one hand I faced a skeptical US administration and then at another point a wobbly government of my own behind me.' Lord Mandelson (pictured with Keir Starmer last year) was ousted as US ambassador last September after other revelations about his ties to Epstein Following Mandelson's comments, the Prime Minister's official spokesman insisted there was no concern over the legal necessity for the deal. He said: 'We've been crystal clear about the importance of this deal and we inherited a situation where the effective operation of the military base was under threat. 'Claims that we negotiated this deal solely because of the 2019 ICJ (International Court of Justice) advisory opinion are simply wrong. 'That wasn't the only challenge we faced. 'Without a deal, Mauritius would inevitably pursue a legally binding judgment, and that judgment would then be applied by countries and international organisations alike. 'And without a deal, we'd face serious, real-world operational impacts on the base.' Asked about the 'wobble', the spokesman said: 'There was a change of governments in both the US and Mauritius in November 2024. 'It's only right that both new administrations would want to understand the details of the deal, and the deal has subsequently undergone an extremely high level of scrutiny, both through the parliamentary process and through two US administrations.' The spokesman added: 'We continue to work with the US at every level but our position remains unchanged.' A chilling ransom note demanding millions of dollars for the release of Nancy Guthrie set a deadline of 5pm Thursday, the FBI has revealed, which has now passed. Officials told reporters at a press conference in Tucson, Arizona on Thursday that the ransom letter has not been verified as legitimate, but it is being taken 'very seriously' as an investigative lead. Investigators said the ransom did not include proof of life or a way for the Guthrie family to make contact. However, it did set a secondary deadline of Monday for them to meet demands of millions in Bitcoin for the 84-year-old's return. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said a sweep of Guthrie's home also found that a doorbell camera disconnected in the dead of night around the time she disappeared in the early hours of Sunday. Sheriff Nanos told reporters the camera disconnected at 1:47am, but at 2:12am, a person was detected by the camera's sensors. At 2:28am, Nancy's pacemaker app - a device tracking her heartbeat - cut off from her phone's Bluetooth, Nanos said. He said no suspects or persons of interest have been identified in the ongoing investigation, but added that he had 'not ruled anyone out' as a potential abductor. Nanos also made a carefully-worded statement about Nancy, but later denied he was suggesting that she is no longer alive. Opening the press conference, Nanos said: 'We believe Nancy is still out there... We want her home.' Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos revealed Nancy Guthrie's doorbell camera disconnected in the dead of night around the time she disappeared over the weekend Savannah Guthrie is seen with her mother Nancy Guthrie. Nancy was reported missing in Tucson, Arizona, at noon on Sunday by her family. She hadn't been seen since the night of January 31 'Our department, the sheriffs department, along with our partners at the FBI have been working around the clock. We just want her home and to get to the bottom of this, like you do.' Nanos said that although no suspects have been identified, the FBI made an arrest early Thursday, saying an impostor was charged for allegedly sending a fake ransom note. It comes as images from outside Nancy's home showed a trail of blood leading from her front door entry to her driveway, with her doorbell camera also removed. At Thursday's press conference, officials said DNA analysis showed the blood belonged to Nancy. No other forensic evidence has pointed toward a suspect, Nanos said. FBI Special Agent Heith Janke insisted that the wide-ranging investigation has not ruled anyone out as suspects, and said that agents are 'analyzing information from all digital sources, which includes banks, social media companies, phone companies, and any other organization where a digital footprint could have been captured.' The Pima County Sheriff's Office acknowledged a ransom note sent to TMZ and KOLD on Tuesday afternoon, three days after the 84-year-old was snatched from her $1 million home where she lived alone. Authorities have not verified the legitimacy of the letters, but have said they are looking at 'every lead' in the ongoing investigation. TMZ reported that the note - which it also could not verify as being sent by abductors - demanded millions in Bitcoin for the release of Nancy, with a deadline for it to be paid 'or else.' NEW from Daily Mail. We take you inside the kidnap case shocking America. Out now on all podcast platforms. Listen here Pictured: An aerial view of Nancy Guthrie's house, where she was allegedly abducted from Blood was spotted on the walkway of Nancy's $1million Tucson, Arizona home The outlet said that the note demanded the Bitcoin be sent to a specific cryptocurrency address, which it has verified as a real Bitcoin address, along with chilling details of what Nancy was wearing at the time of her abduction. Officials previously said they have no reason to believe Nancy may have been targeted because of her daughter, but have also not ruled out any inquiries. On Wednesday, Arizona TV news anchor Mary Coleman revealed new details of the possible ransom note, saying that she believes it 'might not be a hoax.' Coleman said the Nancy Guthrie ransom note that was sent to the KOLD newsroom contained a 'lot of it is information that only someone who was holding her for ransom would know.' 'Some very sensitive information and things that people who weren't there when she was taken captive wouldn't know,' Coleman told CNN. She added, 'It also included a dollar amount, a deadline, and, again, other specifics that only Guthrie's abductor might know, so that definitely raised some red flags.' It remains unclear if any of those specific details were true as neither investigators nor the Guthrie family have commented on the details. Nancy's Ring doorbell camera was also missing Your browser does not support iframes. Savannah Guthrie referenced the note in an emotional video plea for her mother's return on Wednesday night, but said the family would require proof her mother was still alive before considering its demands. Coleman also revealed the note was sent to the station via email, and that her team immediately sent it to the Pima County Sheriff's Department. 'We immediately sent that information over to the sheriff's department, and they're, of course, looking into the legitimacy of it,' she said. 'One of the detectives did get back to us and asked us for some more information so that they can start searching for an IP address and things of that nature to try and figure out who or what people are responsible here.' A horse and cart driver has been arrested after a fatal collision with a cyclist in London. A 46-year-old man who had been riding an e-bike was pronounced dead at the scene after emergency services rushed to Folly Lane, Chingford, at around 6pm on Wednesday. The driver of the horse and cart, 25, has since been arrested on suspicion of wanton and furious driving. He remains in custody. Detective Sergeant Faye Cook, from the Met's serious collisions investigation unit (SCIU), said: 'This is a tragic incident that has resulted in the sad death of a man. 'We have made an arrest and our investigation continues. We would ask that anyone with information, CCTV or dashcam footage to contact my officers.' A Los Angeles man texted Nancy Guthrie's daughter Annie and son-in-law Tommaso Cioni demanding Bitcoin after she was abducted from her Arizona home. Derrick Callella has been arrested for sending the fake ransom demand, according to a criminal complaint. He sent separate text messages to the couple on Wednesday using an internet text and calling application, prosecutors said. Callella texted Annie and Cioni on February 4: 'Did you get the bitcoin were [sic] waiting on our end for the transaction'. Three minutes later, he phoned one of Nancy's family members. The call lasted only nine seconds, the criminal complaint said. He contacted the family shortly after Today Show host Savannah Guthrie, Annie and their brother Camron posted a video to Instagram begging for their mother's return. Callella allegedly admitted to sending the messages and told investigators he was 'just trying to see if the family would respond.' Nancy was last seen by her family at her house near Tucson, Arizona, on Saturday night and was reported missing the following afternoon, with authorities believing she was taken from her home against her will. Authorities are offering a $50,000 award for information that leads to the capture of Nancy's abductor, four days after she was taken. Derrick Callella, pictured, has been accused of sending fake ransom texts to Savannah Guthrie's sister and brother-in-law after the abduction of Nancy Guthrie Savannah Guthrie (left) and her family were sent a fake ransom note in connection to the disappearance of her mother Nancy Guthrie (right) FBI Special Agent Heith Janke announced during a press conference Thursday that one person has been arrested for sending a fake ransom demand FBI Special Agent Heith Janke announced the arrest of the imposter during a press briefing Thursday afternoon. 'We have made one arrest related to an imposter ransom demand, and the complaint will be presented at the state judge later today,' Janke told reporters. 'My next message is to those imposters who are trying to take advantage and profit from this situation - we will investigate and ensure you are held accountable for your actions.' At least three media organizations have reported receiving purported ransom notes that they handed over to investigators. The Pima County Sheriff's Department has said it was taking the notes and other tips seriously but declined to comment further. Janke said that one of the reported ransom notes has a deadline of 5pm today. He added that the note had a second deadline for next Monday. 'So we are continuing in a normal kidnapping case; there would be contact by now, trying to discuss that,' Janke said. 'But those are the time frames we're looking at as we move forward.' NEW from Daily Mail. We take you inside the kidnap case shocking America. Out now on all podcast platforms. Listen here Officials say Nancy, 84, is frail and has poor mobility, and suffers from a condition that requires her to take medication daily Nancy Guthrie was last seen by her family at her house near Tucson, Arizona, on Saturday night and was reported missing the following afternoon. Investigators have confirmed that blood found outside her front door matches Nancy's DNA Investigators are taking the ransom note seriously, said Janke, who noted it included a demand for money with a deadline along with details about a flood light at the home and an Apple watch. A note emailed Monday to the KOLD-TV newsroom in Tucson included 'red flags' that have led those who saw it to believe it 'might not be a hoax', anchor Mary Coleman told CNN. She said the note contained information that only the abductor would know. It also included a dollar amount and a deadline, she said. 'When we saw some of those details, it was clear after a couple of sentences that this might not be a hoax,' she said in an interview aired Wednesday. A note sent to TMZ demanded millions in Bitcoin for Nancy's release, but it is currently unclear if the note is genuine. Callella's messages have not been linked to the February 2 ransom demand. Investigators believe Nancy is 'still out there,' but they have not identified any suspects, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said Thursday. Blood was spotted on the walkway of Nancy's $1million Tucson, Arizona home Your browser does not support iframes. 'Right now, we believe Nancy is still out there. We want her home,' Nanos said at a news conference five days after she was reported missing. The sheriff, however, acknowledged that authorities have no proof she is still alive. He also revealed that DNA tests showed that the blood found on Nancy's porch has come back a match to her. Janke, during the same press briefing, addressed Nancy's abductors directly. 'This is an 84yearold grandma that needs vital medication for her wellbeing,' he said. 'You still have the time to do the right thing before this becomes a worse, much worse scenario for you. Please return Nancy home.' The FBI agent added that Guthrie family is ready to speak with their mother's captors. 'The family wants to be contacted. They know time is of the essence, and if those who may have Nancy are watching this, the family is ready to talk, get proof of life because there has been no contact since that ransom note,' he said. A day earlier, Savannah Guthrie and her siblings released an emotional message to her 84-year-old mother's kidnapper, but there has been no public sign of a response. Today Show host Savannah Guthrie (with her mother Nancy in 2020) said her family is ready to talk but wants proof their mom is still alive The Today Show host said her family is ready to talk but wants proof their mom is still alive. In the heart-wrenching video posted on social media Wednesday, Guthrie acknowledged hearing media reports about a ransom letter. 'We are ready to talk. However, we live in a world where voices and images are easily manipulated,' Savannah Guthrie said while reading from a prepared statement. 'We need to know without a doubt that she is alive and that you have her. We want to hear from you and we are ready to listen. Please reach out to us.' Nurses and doctors working in the NHS have started using body-worn cameras amid concerns over soaring violence in Scotlands hospitals. Staff at Western Isles Hospital on Lewis have become the first public sector health workers north of the Border to be issued with the devices, opening up the prospect that more regions could follow suit. NHS Western Isles health board said the cameras are being piloted in the emergency department following a significant rise of violence and aggression on-site, affecting staff, patients and visitors. The development marks the first time the devices, which are already being issued to police officers across the country, have been given to NHS staff in Scotland. The hospital, in Stornoway, is also introducing electronic access control locks in its high-dependency unit and all ward areas in response to increasing episodes of violence and aggression. The safety moves come after figures last year showed there had been more than 51,000 attacks against health workers in Scotland since 2019. These included 25,142 violent incidents directed towards nursing staff, while another 344 were against doctors and 63 towards midwives. Scottish Conservative health spokesman Dr Sandesh Gulhane said: Its disgraceful that these safety measures are even needed in the first place, but I hope medics feel reassured that they have these devices to deter attacks. NHS Western Isles said the body-worn cameras do not automatically record but instead have to be activated manually if a situation escalates. Health bosses said staff will tell people when a camera is being activated and explain why. Staff at Western Isles Hospital are being issued with body cameras after a rise in violence directed towards staff The cameras have to be activated manually and it is hoped they will help deter attacks In addition to the cameras, the health board said more than 120 staff most of whom are said to work on their own in the community have been given personal safety alarms. The devices can detect if the wearer has fallen or been in a crash and alert emergency services to their whereabouts. They also come with an SOS button, which when pressed contacts workers at an alarm centre, the staff members manager or emergency services. Gordon Jamieson, Chief Executive, NHS Western Isles, said: Whilst we continue to live in a relatively safe environment, it is fair to say that we are seeing an increase in security related incidents, and violence and aggression towards our staff. I trust the public will understand that, in response, we have introduced the measures outlined which are necessary to protect our staff and patients in our care. Ministers previously considered a petition, lodged in 2019, that called for body worn cameras to be provided for all frontline NHS staff and paramedics in Scotland. In 2022, the Scottish Government responded to the petition, stating that it was waiting to see how a planned pilot of the technology by the Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) performed. However, the SAS eventually dropped its plans in 2024 due to concerns from staff without ever trying out the technology. At the time, the service said it estimated that it would cost an initial 1,500,000 to introduce the technology to ambulance staff as well as incurring ongoing costs. The Royal College of Nursing had also replied to the petition, raising ethical and data protection concerns with using the devices. The Mail contacted all of Scotlands health boards to ask if they had, or plan to provide, body-worn cameras to staff working in clinical settings. However, while some said they have given them to security staff and car park wardens, no other board has yet provided them for health workers. A senior Scottish Government official has been accused of proposing bribes to grieving families after suggesting they should be paid off with a trip to Disneyland. Fiona McQueen made the comments about the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH) infections scandal when she was Scotlands chief nursing officer. She is now facing questions about her suitability for her current role as chairman of the Scottish Police Authority (SPA) after her past comments emerged in evidence submitted to the Scottish hospitals inquiry. The comments were made in a meeting with whistleblowers who lifted the lid on the hospital scandal. Dr Christine Peters, a consultant microbiologist who was an infection control doctor when the QEUH opened, revealed the remarks from a meeting with Ms McQueen in December 2019. In a written statement to the inquiry, Ms Peters said: At one point she (Ms McQueen) said that she couldnt understand why GGC (NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde) had not just offered the families 50 grand which is a trip to Disneyland, rather than deny that there had been harm caused. I thought that missed the point, which is that there was a safety hazard that had not been dealt with and just paying people off would neither fix the hazard nor the organisations culture in dealing with it. I was appalled by the sentiment because we werent there suggesting anyone should get compensation. We wanted the problem to be solved. Glasgow's Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH) has been at the centre of an infections scandal First Minister John Swinney was pressed on the issue at First Minister's Questions on Thursday Fiona McQueen was Chief Nursing Officer when the 'Disneyland' comment was made Highlighting the comments at First Ministers Questions yesterday, Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar said: The Scottish Governments instinct was to close ranks and cover up, and nowhere is this clearer than a senior official, the chief nursing officer appointed by (then health secretary) Shona Robison and the SNP, saying she could not understand why Greater Glasgow and Clyde had not just offered the families 50 grand, which is a trip to Disneyland. Shameful, utterly shameful, and it should shame every member in the SNP Government and on the SNP benches: bribes rather than truth and justice. The pain this Government has inflicted on these families is through the roof. So enough, finally stop the denials and the cover-up. Stop the gaslighting of the families and the whistleblowers and the staff, and for once, just be honest. The Scottish Conservatives also demanded answers on whether ministers believe the comments meet the ethical and leadership standards required of the chair of the Scottish Police Authority. The partys health spokesman Dr Sandesh Gulhane said: Grieving families will be furious that someone in such a senior position even thought of saying something so callous and offensive. Then Health Secretary Shona Robison appointed Ms McQueen Dr Christine Peters, a consultant microbiologist who was an infection control doctor when the QEUH opened, revealed the remarks from a meeting with Ms McQueen in December 2019. Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar pushed the First Minister over the scandal at the Scottish Parliament this week Thinking a trip to Disneyland would have offered any comfort to them is grossly insulting and utterly delusional. While these families continue to fight for answers, it sums up SNP-run Scotland that Nicola Sturgeons chief nursing officer landed on her feet with another plum public sector job. Pressed on whether Mr Swinney had confidence in Ms McQueen continuing in her role at the SPA, Mr Swinneys official spokesman said: Yes. The Scottish Government has previously said it did not know of any infections until March 2018. But Mr Sarwar produced a document showing it was alerted to infections the previous year. Warning after warning was sent to the SNP Government and met with inaction, and people died as a result, said Mr Sarwar. The death of a teenage boy who suffered a severe allergic reaction after eating a slice of apple crumble has been ruled as possibly preventable by a coroner. Melbourne boy Max McKenzie, 15, was at his grandmother's home when he suffered a fatal anaphylactic reaction in August 2023. Max, who was severely allergic to nuts, had no idea the apple crumble contained traces of walnuts - nor did his grandmother. He used his EpiPen and Ventolin - as he also suffered from asthma - before he was rushed to hospital as his condition rapidly deteriorated. He died on August 19. Victorian coroner David Ryan held an inquest into Max's death and the interventions given to him in the lead-up and, on Thursday found several steps were missed by medical professionals. These included paramedics failing to give him adrenaline at the earliest opportunity, and medical staff at Eastern Health's Box Hill Hospital not intubating him soon enough. 'I am satisfied that he required the administration of earlier and more adrenaline while being treated by Ambulance Victoria paramedics, and more critically, the earlier establishment of a secure airway by Eastern Health clinicians,' he said, the Herald Sun reports. 'This would have given him the best opportunity for survival.' Max McKenzie died in August 2023 after he at a slice of apple crumble at his grandmother's home and suffered a fatal anaphylactic reaction A coroner has said the death of Max (pictured with his family) 'may have' been preventable 'However, I am not satisfied that his death was preventable as a result of the treatment by paramedics and clinicians on that day,' the coroner said. 'It may have been, but I am not able to be comfortably satisfied that it was preventable.' Mr Ryan said the circumstances were 'rare and incredibly challenging' for all medical professionals. He found a graduate paramedic should have driven the ambulance with lights and sirens to hospital, allowing her instructor and an intensive care paramedic to care for Max in the back. The coroner recommended Ambulance Victoria review its guidelines for the treatment of patients with asthma and anaphylaxis, to ensure consistency in the administration of adrenaline. He also recommended graduate paramedics undergo emergency driving training before they hit the road, to ensure more experienced workers were in the back treating the patient. Outside the court, Max's parents expressed their concern over missed opportunities to save their son's life. 'It's been four-and-a-half years to get to these coronial findings, it's been a long journey,' his father - and emergency physician - Dr Ben McKenzie said. Max's parents Ben and Tamara (pictured) have expressed their concern over missed opportunities to save their son's life 'While not every aspect or concern we have about Max's care was able to be addressed today, the coroner found that Max should've got more adrenaline from Ambulance Victoria and he should've been intubated on arrival at Eastern Health Hospital. 'Those two things didn't happen, and they robbed Max of his best chance of survival. 'Max should not have died.' Dr McKenzie gave CPR to his son after he was taken to hospital on August 6, which he said should never have happened. 'I should never have had the opportunity to participate in Max's resuscitation because it should have been done before I got there and I think the coroner has highlighted that today,' he said. Max's mother Tamara said the hospital told them their care of the 15-year-old was 'best practice and today the coroner has told us it wasn't', as she asked for a 'heartfelt apology' from Eastern Health. 'Max was let down in so many ways, at so many points in time, and the coroner has found two points where Max's care was not appropriate and not OK,' she said. Eastern Health and Ambulance Victoria extended their 'deepest sympathies' to the McKenzie family and acknowledged the coronial finding Eastern Health and Ambulance Victoria extended their 'deepest sympathies' to the McKenzie family. A spokesperson for Ambulance Victoria told the Daily Mail in a statement that it planned to respond to the coroner's recommendations. 'Ambulance Victoria's deepest sympathies and thoughts remain with the McKenzie family for their devastating loss,' they said. 'Ambulance Victoria takes very seriously its commitment to patient safety and strives to continuously improve the care and services it provides to the community. 'Ambulance Victoria acknowledges the Coroner's findings delivered on 5 February 2026 and will respond to the Coroner's recommendations.' A spokesperson for Eastern Health added: 'Eastern Health again extend our deepest sympathies to the McKenzie family. 'We acknowledge the Finding handed down by Coroner Ryan this afternoon and make no further comment at this time.' John Swinney has been warned he is calling last orders on Scots pubs by refusing to halt devastating new tax rises. But he defended looming business rates rises and rebuffed an invite to a pint summit with Scots Tory leader Russell Findlay and tycoon Sir Tom Hunter. At First Ministers Questions, Mr Findlay urged him to address a crisis in the hospitality sector by pausing a costly rates revaluation and extending reliefs. He told MSPs: One Glasgow pub has been hit with a rise of 576 per cent. Those increases are inexplicable and unfair and will cost jobs. John Swinney has the power to act, so will he, or is he going to call last orders on Scotlands pubs? The First Minister said the Government would deliver a broadly revenue-neutral revaluation with various reliefs, a reply Mr Findlay dismissed as all froth and no beer. The Tory leader cited Sir Toms recent criticism of the rates system as not fit for purpose and his suggestion that pubs should ban ministers until it was fixed. Mr Findlay said: I have spoken to Sir Tom Hunter. He has agreed to meet me and the First Minister at a pub to hear about Scotlands pub crisis. Will John Swinney join us to settle this over a pint? Scottish Conservatives leader Russell Findlay has warned John Swinney he could call 'last orders' on Scottish pubs Mr Swinney said he would rather 'have a trip to the dentist' than go for a pint with Mr Findlay Mr Swinney replied: I can think of nothing less appealing than having a pint with Russell Findlay. I have a trip to the dentist that would be more preferable. He added: To be serious, I accept the significance of the issues. I also take deadly seriously what Sir Tom Hunter says. In every circumstance, my Government will do all that we can with the resources that are available to us to support business. Mr Findlay added: John Swinney has snubbed Scotlands pubs. His refusal to join me and one of Scotlands leading businessmen to discuss the crisis over a pint speaks volumes. Anas Sarwar was accused of trying to rewrite history yesterday, saying Peter Mandelson should never have been considered as US ambassador despite previously backing him in the job. The Scottish Labour leader also downplayed his relationship with his old friend, saying he had only known him a few years. Scottish Tory deputy leader Rachael Hamilton said: Anas Sarwar has tripped himself up in his desperate attempt to rewrite history on the Peter Mandelson scandal. If he really thinks Mandelson should never have been considered for the US ambassador job, what on earth was he doing calling him my old friend and visiting him once he was in post? His judgment is as shockingly poor as Keir Starmers. John Swinney also attacked Mr Sarwars link to Mandelson, a long-time friend of convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. Despite the friendship being known at the time, and two previous government scandals involving him, Sir Keir Starmer named Mandelson as US ambassador in late 2024. Last April, Mr Sarwar posted a picture of himself on X with Mandelson at the British Ambassadors residence in Washington DC, adding: It was great to catch up with my old friend. In September, material released by the US Congress showed Mandelson called Epstein his best pal in 2003 and accepted travel from him, leading Starmer to sack him. Anas Sarwar was accused of trying to 'rewrite history' at FMQs Sarwar had previously referred to Mandelson as an 'old friend' in a post on X At the time, Mr Sarwar defended the original appointment, arguing it had led to positive outcomes on trade and US-UK relations. But with Mandelson now facing a police probe over apparent government leaks to Epstein, Mr Sarwar yesterday said he should never have got the job. He said: Im utterly disgusted and furious by the entire situation. It is abundantly clear that Peter Mandelson was not fit to be ambassador to the US. He should not even have been considered for the job . Its right hes not a member of the Labour Party. He should be stripped of his titles, and its right hes now investigated by the police. Its an utter disgrace, and he is a shame to our nation. Asked if the Prime Minister was wrong to appoint him, he replied: Clearly it was a mistake to appoint him as the ambassador. Clearly a mistake to even consider him to be capable of being the ambassador to the US. What we need is full transparency and answers. Asked if the PM could stay in his job, he said: Yes, but we need answers, because people across the country are rightly furious, disgusted, and find this entire situation unacceptable. Asked by the Mail about his relationship with his old friend, Mr Sarwar added later: I first met him back in the early 2020s, in terms of that direct knowing him. John Swinney was 'appalled' by recent revelations and condemned Kier Starmer for appointing Mandelson as ambassador But do I regret that? Hes not someone that I want to be associated with. Its not someone I want to know. Asked why he visited him in Washington DC, he said: I did not know the details. 'Yes, I was at the ambassadors residence. I was there because he was the US ambassador. I was there talking about the trade relationship we have with the US and the important factor that has on investment, our renewables, for example, or our whisky industry. SNP MSP George Adam added: Anas Sarwar can try to distance himself from Peter Mandelson as much as he wants but the evidence is clear less than a year ago the Scottish Labour leader was posing for photos with him and proudly boasting about his relationship with his old friend. Mr Swinney told MSPs he was absolutely appalled by the recent Mandelson revelations, and condemned the PM for appointing Anas Sarwars old friend as the ambassador. He even shoehorned the old friend reference into an answer about Glasgow airport. Peter Mandelson discussed plans to buy a 2million apartment in Rio de Janeiro using an 'offshore company' with his 'chief life adviser' Jeffrey Epstein, new files appear to suggest. Lord Mandelson outlined plans to use a 1.68million bank loan to buy the property via a company in Panama to the paedophile financier, documents released by the US Department of Justice suggest. Emails from October 2010 show the disgraced ex-Labour minister had 'decided to please' his Brazilian partner and 'make an investment' by buying the apartment for R$5.35 million, equivalent to about 2million. The email, forwarded on to his 'chief life adviser' Epstein to get his opinion on the proposal, adds: 'I also need some advice on tax implications in Brazil and UK.' About three weeks later Lord Mandelson received approval from HSBC Private Bank for a 1.68million loan for the property, secured against his 2.4million London home, the documents suggest. In this photo, Peter Mandelson stands in white underwear talking to a woman in a bathing robe In March 2011 Lord Mandelson again wrote to Epstein to outline the advice of a lawyer who had told him to 'buy/create an offshore company in Panama' and also 'create a Brazilian company which would have the Panamanian company as a partner' to purchase the flat, according to the files Emails from October 2010 show the disgraced ex-Labour minister had 'decided to please' his Brazilian partner and 'make an investment' by buying the apartment for R$5.35 million, equivalent to about 2million In March 2011 Lord Mandelson again wrote to Epstein to outline the advice of a lawyer who had told him to 'buy/create an offshore company in Panama' and also 'create a Brazilian company which would have the Panamanian company as a partner' to purchase the flat, according to the files. A company was incorporated in Brazil for the purpose of holding property on 13 May 2011, with Lord Mandelson and his now husband Reinaldo Avila da Silva listed as directors, according to Tax Policy Associates which first reported the documents. Lord Mandelson initially said he has no recollection of the proposal and that neither he nor his husband have ever owned property in Brazil. He added that he has no association with any company in Panama and holds no funds offshore. However further emails have since emerged that raise questions about the claims. In one email the former US ambassador told Epstein that: 'I am buying Rio only on (huge) bank loan.' And in another, sent to Epstein in November 2009, Lord Mandelson said: 'I have to take my limited savings off shore [sic] asap...' Lord Mandelson did not dispute the veracity of the emails but told the Mail: 'I didn't buy any property but I am not commenting.' There is no suggestion of wrongdoing. A man is believed to have been set alight during a shocking assault in Melbourne. Emergency services rushed to a home on Lidgett Street in Bacchus Marsh in the city's north-west about 9pm on Thursday. A 57-year-old man was found with burns across his body. He was airlifted to hospital with serious burns. 'Detectives believe the man sustained the injuries during an assault,' police said. No arrests have been made. Investigations into the circumstances of the incident are ongoing. Anyone who witnessed the incident has been urged to contact Crime Stoppers. Risky cosmetic procedures are set to end for under-18s under tough new rules, despite warnings it could destroy hundreds of businesses. MSPs unanimously backed the general principles of the Non-Surgical Procedures Bill with a view to making it law by Mays election. The UK Government made it an offence for an unregulated person to administer botulinum toxin and cosmetic fillers to under-18s in England in 2021. But the sector is largely unregulated north of the Border, with no medical qualifications needed and no minimum age. Fillers injected into the face, lips and cheeks are meant to add volume, but the procedures can go hideously wrong. Complications include blocked blood vessels, infection, blindness and stroke. The new Bill will require qualified health professionals to perform or supervise invasive procedures and bring in licencing for laser treatments, with a minimum age of 18. Public health minister Jenni Minto said it went further than regulation in England. Cosmetic procedures like Botox are set to end for under-18s under tough new rules She said: Many people who undergo those procedures are happy with the results and there are many responsible practitioners. However, I have heard a number of powerful accounts of those procedures going wrong, including the tragic death in England of a young mother. This Bill ensures procedures take place in appropriate hygienic settings where healthcare professionals are involved who can assist if there are complications. Tory health spokesman Dr Sandesh Gulhane said patient safety had to be paramount. He said fizz and filler parties where people drank alcohol and got injected were happening in Scotland, adding: I couldnt think of a worse way of doing medical procedures. He said people were also removing skins lesions without knowing if they were cancerous. Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton warned experienced practitioners could be regulated out of their profession. Tory MSP Maurice Golden said the Bill could send 1,800 female-led businesses to the wall. Ms Minto said she did not recognise that number. Last year the UK Governments Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency warned of fake botulinum toxin products being sold. The MHRA Criminal Enforcement Unit launched a number of criminal investigations last September following a spike in hospital admissions believed to have been linked to the use of unlicensed products. Between 4 June and 6 August 2025, 41 confirmed cases of botulism a rare but potentially life-threatening condition causing paralysis were reported across several regions in England, including the North East, East Midlands, East of England, North West, and Yorkshire and Humber. Ancient dairy aroma inspires innovation, tourism in Inner Mongolia Xinhua) 08:49, February 05, 2026 This photo taken on Jan. 19, 2026 shows sugar-coated hawthorn sticks made with "naipi," a traditional Mongolian milk skin, in Galutu Town of Wushen Banner, Ordos City of north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. (Photo by Wang Dongxu/Xinhua) HOHHOT, Feb. 3 (Xinhua) -- While sugar-coated haws wrapped in "naipi," a traditional Mongolian milk skin, are going viral on Chinese social media, few realize that the heart of this culinary craze lies deep within the grasslands of north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. No longer merely a staple of traditional morning tea, the ancient delicacy in Wushen Banner's Galutu Town is finding its way into hotpots, coffee, pizzas and mooncakes, activating a vibrant industrial chain that blends heritage with modern consumption. At 7 a.m., herdsman Batu was already in his kitchen, where brick tea simmered in a copper pot. He gently lifted a pale yellow, wrinkled sheet of milk skin from the surface of fresh milk that had sat undisturbed overnight. This rich layer of milk fat, the concentrated essence of nearly two kilograms of fresh milk, is the soul of a Mongolian breakfast. When broken into salty milk tea, it releases a rich aroma that cuts through the morning chill. Only a few kilometers away, the Minxin Dairy Processing Workshop hummed with the sound of modern machinery. On standardized production lines, thousands of milk skin sheets were being simultaneously dried and shaped. They will be vacuum-packed and shipped to metropolitan hubs such as Shanghai and Hangzhou, both located in east China. "The orders simply don't stop," said Bayinnamuri, head of the workshop. "Our 2025 output nearly doubled compared to the previous year. We now process about two tonnes of fresh milk daily to produce over 2,000 sheets of milk skin." The "breakout" of milk skin from a local staple to a national commodity is no accident. As health-conscious consumers seek natural, high-protein foods, Galutu, a town that once earned fame for making the world's largest milk skin, has seized this trend in revitalizing its dairy industry. Since 2022, the town has implemented a systematic industrial chain project. Upstream, it established 4,000 mu (266.67 hectares) of "central kitchen" for high-quality forage like oats and silage corn, while introducing Jersey cows to boost milk yields. Consequently, the town's annual milk production has surged from 817,000 kg in 2022 to nearly 5 million kg, providing a stable supply of premium raw materials. Innovation has turned the town into a "flavor laboratory." To meet the demands of younger, fashion-forward consumers, Galutu has launched creative dairy competitions, sparking a wave of fusion dishes. Xing Heli, an entrepreneur who reinvented the traditional tanghulu, which are sugar-coated haws, by stuffing them with fruit-filled milk skin and cold-brew yogurt, sells hundreds of skewers daily. "Initially, the market was hesitant," Xing said. "But by sticking to the trend last year, it exploded. The fruit-filled versions are especially popular." "These innovative products do more than just open up sales. They connect traditional dairy food with modern life," said Wang Minjing, deputy head of Galutu. The town's strategy focuses on integrating planting, breeding, processing and sales with tourism. Visitors can now tour modern ranches, try their hand at making traditional milk skin, and taste an array of innovative snacks at local street shops before leaving with exquisite souvenir sets. By challenging Guinness World Records and hosting cultural festivals, the town is cementing milk skin as a core cultural intellectual property (IP). "Our next step is to continue strengthening the chain through research and development," Wang added. "The goal is to let the grassland aroma float to even broader markets, ensuring more herdsmen share the dividends of industrial growth." People take part in a contest for artisan of "naipi," a traditional Mongolian milk skin, in Wushen Banner of Ordos City, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region on Nov. 28, 2025. (Photo by Wang Dongxu/Xinhua) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Peter Mandelson offered to help Jeffrey Epstein obtain a Russian visa via a billionaire oligarch with close links to Vladimir Putin. The paedophile financier planned to use the visa to travel to Moscow to meet young women, documents released by the US Department of Justice suggest. Epstein emailed the disgraced ex-Labour minister, who had left government six months earlier, on 9 November 2010 asking if he could help acquiring a Russian visa. Epstein emailed Lord Mandelson saying: 'I do not have a visa for Russia, it is a bank holiday in Paris today... any ideas how I can get one.' The emails suggest Lord Mandelson replied hours later indicating he was willing to help Epstein, who had been released from prison about a year earlier after serving 13-months for soliciting a minor. The following day Lord Mandelson emailed Epstein again and said that an associate 'can get visa through OD' - thought to refer to Russian tycoon Oleg Deripaska who was sanctioned by the UK after the start of the Ukraine war. A few hours later Lord Mandelson said to Epstein: 'OD office helping on visas. Told him he [should] meet u and of course he wants to. He's travelling at moment.' There is a known link between Lord Mandelson and Deripaska. In 2008 the then EU trade commissioner and George Osborne, then shadow chancellor, were embroiled in controversy after attending a party on the oligarch's superyacht in Corfu. Peter Mandelson is pictured and mentioned many times throughout the released Epstein files In this photo, Peter Mandelson stands in white underwear talking to a woman in a bathing robe It was also not the first time Lord Mandelson had offered to help with official documents. In 2001 he was forced to resign from Tony Blair's cabinet after intervening in a passport application by an Indian businessman. On the same day that Epstein asked Lord Mandelson for help with the visa, he exchanged emails with a woman in Russia in which they discussed finding 'someone very nice soon for you'. The email adds: 'I have around 10 friends I'm working on now.' Three days later Epstein asked the woman if she had had 'any luck', to which she said she had found a 'gorgeous' woman who was 'really interested'. The woman added that they had 'told her everything and she is completely fine'. However the emails show that the Moscow trip was ultimately cancelled because of delays in obtaining Russian visas. Lord Mandelson was approached for comment. There is no suggestion that he knew why Epstein wanted the visa and he has consistently denied any sexual misconduct or awareness of Epstein's crimes. The files also suggest that Lord Mandelson helped an investment banker friend of Epstein to secure a deal with the Government to buy an energy trading business part-owned by crisis-stricken RBS. The sale was arranged following a meeting Epstein said he had set up between investment banker Jes Staley, then chancellor Alistair Darling and Lord Mandelson, who was business secretary at the time. In February 2010 the Government announced an agreement had been reached to sell the business to JP Morgan for $1.7billion (1.2billion) dollars. The emails also show that, despite this, JP Morgan snubbed Lord Mandelson as he hunted for a job after leaving office. Lord Mandelson has previously said: 'I can say clearly, though, I regret ever having known Epstein. I was wrong to believe Epstein and swallow his lies following his conviction and to continue my association with him afterwards. I deeply regret doing so and apologise unequivocally to the women and girls who suffered.' Mandelson was approached for comment. There is no suggestion he knew why Epstein wanted the visa and he has consistently denied any sexual misconduct or awareness of Epstein's crimes. An NHS doctor who posted conspiracy theories on social media claiming Jews were behind the 9/11 attacks has been suspended for two months. Dr Najmiah Ahmad, who was working at the Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust at the time, appeared before a Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS) hearing accused of misconduct. Consultant anaesthetist Ahmad used her X account to repost two 'seriously offensive' comments which led to the GMC receiving a complaint from the Jewish Medical Association (JMA) UK. One repost read: 'The Zionist owned-and-controlled mainstream media has suppressed this important story for years. Are you surprised? 9/11 was an inside job, The Zionist owned-and-controlled US government was complicit.' A second post read: 'This should also be considered. 5 Dancing Zionists on 9/11 attacks.' It was accompanied by an AI image showing the New York skyline with the Twin Towers in the background and a plane flying towards them. The image also showed a white van on a rooftop with five males wearing dark trousers and white shirts - typically associated with Hasidic Jews - celebrating the attack together with the blue Star of David. Katie Nowell, counsel for the GMC, said the posts related to 'conspiracy theories' that Zionists were responsible for 9/11 terrorist attacks. NHS doctor Najmiah Ahmad has been suspended for two months after claiming Jews were behind the 9/11 attacks Ms Nowell argued that the doctor had effectively endorsed the posts, which were both and seriously offensive. The tribunal heard how Ahmad now accepted that the term 'Zionist' could be used to describe Jewish or Israeli people and that well known tropes used to 'promote hostility' against Jewish people included the conspiracy theory they were responsible for 9/11 and controlled media and government. The tribunal noted how Ahmad had been 'emotionally impacted' by events in Gaza. Ahmad claimed she used X as a research tool and had reposted comments so she could 'bookmark' them to read later after she'd became 'obsessed' with understanding more about Zionism. She accepted she had also used it to comment on others' posts but denied 'amplifying' content and promoting it to others. The tribunal said she had been 'naive' but accepted she'd wanted to research more about the terms 'Zionism' and 'Zionist', and didn't understand at the time they could be used as a proxy for Jewish or Jew. Therefore, it was found there was 'insufficient evidence' her actions were motivated by racial or religious hostility and/or prejudice against Jews. Giving evidence, Ahmad blamed her background for her lack of understanding about antisemitism. The posts featured conspiracy theories claiming Jews were behind the 9/11 attacks, a medical tribunal has heard 'I would like the tribunal to know that it's a foreign thing for me to learn about antisemitism,' she said. 'It's not a Southeast Asian thing to grow up learning about it in school. I had a steep learning curve. 'At the time I reposted it I wanted to know what has Zionism got to with 9/11 - conspiracy or not conspiracy, I just wanted to know. I don't support any of this.' Ahmad, who has since undergone training and mentoring in her use of social media, added: 'I don't hate Jews.' But Ms Nowell claimed that she had often posted 'in anger' and to hit back at comments from Jewish people. The tribunal found that Ahmad's fitness to practise is impaired due to her misconduct and handed her a two-month suspension. Nurse lost her two daughters in horror fire A hard-working nurse has lost both of her young daughters in a horror house fire. The two girls, named by the family as two-year-old Hallie and 13-year-old Evie, died after a fire erupted at a home in Bushland Beach in Townsville on Sunday. Fire crews rushed to the home on Gum Court about 5.30am following reports the property was fully alight. Two teenage boys were able to escape the home, with firefighters rescuing the two sisters from the flames. The girls were rushed in critical condition to Townsville University Hospital, where their mother Karah works. The girls, who suffered severe breathing difficulties, died from their injuries on Thursday. A family spokesperson said Karah's life had been turned upside-down. 'Our family is devastated by what has happened, and we are still trying to come to terms with the scale of this tragedy,' they wrote on a GoFundMe. Two girls, named by the family as two-year-old Hallie and 13-year-old Evie (pictured), died after a fire erupted at a home in Bushland Beach in Townsville on Sunday Evie and her sister Hallie (pictured) died from their injuries on Thursday 'While Karah has spent her career caring for others, she is now facing the unimaginable - fighting for her children's lives while having lost the place they once called home.' The family previously shared a message with their supporters as the girls remained in a critical condition in hospital. 'We want to sincerely thank the community, hospital staff, emergency services and everyone who has reached out with messages of support during this difficult time,' they said. 'Our beautiful girls, Evie (13) and Hallie (2), remain in a critical condition. 'While they are receiving the very best care, their prognosis remains poor, and our family is taking things one moment at a time.' The GoFundMe has raised over $80,000 of its $90,000 goal as of Friday morning. Police are treating the blaze as non-suspicious and investigations are ongoing. Anyone who may have relevant information is urged to come forward. Taxpayers have covered a secret compensation bill after a trans murderer sexually assaulted a female prisoner after he was allowed to serve time in a women's prison. Killer Clinton Rintoull attacked the prisoner at Victoria's HM Tarrengower Prison in 2022 after being transferred there from a men's facility. Rintoull had been moved to the minimum-security women's prison while transitioning from male to female. Last week, the Allan government approved a taxpayer-funded secret payout to the victim of the prison sex assault. Following the attack, Rintoull was transferred back to the minimum-security Langi Kal Kal men's prison farm near Ballarat. Despite the assault, Rintoull was granted parole in 2024 and is now living in the community under a new and undisclosed identity. The murderer had been serving a 20-year sentence for the savage 2007 killing of 19-year-old Sudanese refugee Liep Gony. Rintoull and co-accused Dylan Sabatino beat Mr Gony to death, with Rintoull telling others beforehand he was 'going to take the town back by killing blacks'. Convicted killer Clinton Rintoull (above) sexually assaulted a female prisoner at HM Tarrengower Prison in 2022 Rintoull was sentenced to 20-year jail term in 2009 for the savage killing of 19-year-old Sudanese refugee Liep Gony (above) However, the murder was found to be 'not racially motivated' despite Rintoull spraying racist graffiti in a flat which read 'F*** da n***as'. Rintoull was spotted carrying a pole and making threatening remarks which were heard by a neighbour. 'These blacks are turning the town into the Bronx. I am looking to take my town back. I'm going to kill the blacks,' Rintoull said. Former Supreme Court Justice Elizabeth Curtain described Mr Gony's bashing as 'vicious, brutal and unprovoked'. Rintoull was handed a minimum 16-year term, which he commenced in a male prison before he was shifted to Tarrengower near Maldon in Victoria's west. The bombshell development came after it was reported Corrections Victoria last month updated its policies for the placement of transgender prisoners to 'allow them less say over where they are held in custody'. It's understood senior Labor figures pushed for a tougher crackdown, including a blanket ban on any male-born transgender killers or sex offenders being housed in female prisons. Senior government sources said the blanket ban plan will be reignited amid revelations of Rintoull's offending. Dylan Sabatino (above) also bashed the murder victim Rintoull is one of at least seven biological males who have been transferred from men's prisons to Victoria's female-only jails, the Dame Phyllis Frost Centre and HM Tarrengower. In October, Corrections Minister Enver Erdogan directed Corrections Victoria to update policies relating to transgender criminals, placing greater consideration on the prisoner's offending rather than their trans status. An updated policy published last month ditched a requirement that a 'person should be imprisoned in the prison of their gender rather than their sex assigned or assumed at birth' as a 'guiding principle'. Transgender dad Autumn Tulip Harper, who abused his own daughter for the sexual gratification of a vile paedophile, is one high-profile inmate who could be moved to a men's jail. Harper, 26, was sentenced to four years and nine months in jail - with a non-parole period of two years and six months - after being snared by police in a global bust of a paedophile ring. Premier Allan has previously refused to comment on the case of Harper, better known by the court-ordered pseudonym 'Hilary Maloney', saying it would be 'deeply inappropriate' for the Premier or any minister 'to be reaching into Corrections Victoria and directing the placement of any prisoner.' The length and conditions of the sentence caused an outcry, with women's rights groups protesting against the prisoner's placement at the female-only Dame Phyllis Frost Centre. Evil trans dad Autumn Tulip Harper (above) is one high-profile inmate who could be moved to a men's jail Jacinta Allan's government made a secret compo payout Victorian Opposition Leader Jess Wilson has committed to banning male-born 'transgender sex offenders' and paedophiles from the state's female prisons. An Allan government spokesperson ducked answering a question on the secret payout. 'The safety and welfare of all prisoners in the system is paramount when determining placements,' the spokeperson said. 'Corrections Victoria has updated its placement policies so it's clearer that this must be the first consideration when deciding where prisoners go. We stand ready to act further if needed.' A close friend of Savannah Guthrie has told the Daily Mail that the TV anchor's 'courageous' and gut-wrenching appeal to mother Nancy's captors could crack the case. Retired local TV legend Lupita Murillo who is also close to the abducted 84-year-old added of the near four-minute video on Instagram: 'That must have been the hardest thing she's ever had to do. It was heartbreaking. 'And it was it was very impactful. And I think that her coming forward like that, I think that will jar people's memories, and I think it's going to produce something out of this.' Murillo first became close with Savannah at NBC affiliate KVOA in Tucson, Arizona, which the Today co-host joined in 1995 before reaching national stardom. And she believes the agonizing appeal and emotional outpouring of love for Nancy in the footage will create a major breakthrough. Cops believe Nancy was abducted from her sprawling $1million home in Tucson's affluent Catalina Hills neighborhood sometime over late Saturday night to early Sunday morning. Murillo welled up as she continued: 'As a reporter, every time I talked to a family member, and they went on the air, people felt their pain and wanted to help them. 'And that's when, usually, the suspects were caught, or somebody says, I know who did this. Retired local TV legend Lupita Murillo (right) who is also close to both Savannah Guthrie and her mother Nancy, 84 - said the journalist's heartbreaking plea to the kidnappers could crack the case Murillo said the video could 'jar people's memories,' adding that Nancy worked as a public information officer at the TV station in the 1980s, which is when their friendship blossomed 'That took some courage on Savannah's part. I can't imagine what that family's going through. They don't have their mom. Nancy would do everything and helped everybody. 'I believe Savannah's faith will pull her through. And we will all get through this with prayers, prayers that will be answered. I know they will be.' Murillo, who retired in 2024, said Nancy worked as a public information officer at the TV station in the 1980s and that's when their friendship blossomed. 'Nancy is amazing, she will go over and beyond for you,' she added. A ransom note for Nancy's safe return is reported to have been sent to Arizona TV station KOLD 13. It is not known if it's the same one alleged to have been sent to TMZ, which is said to have demanded millions of dollars in Bitcoin. Savannah, 54, confronted the possibility of ransom in her video. Seated between poet sister Annie, 56, and former fighter pilot brother Camron, 61, she looked gaunt making her desperate appeal and extending her love to her mother 'if you are hearing this'. 'Our mom is a kind, faithful, loyal, fiercely loving woman of goodness and light. She's funny, spunky and clever. She has grandchildren that adore her and crowd around her and cover her with kisses,' she said. Murillo first became close to Savannah at NBC affiliate KVOA in Tucson, Arizona, which the Today co-host joined in 1995 before rising to national stardom. She retired in 2024 Nancy was reported missing in Tucson, Arizona, at noon on Sunday by her family. She hadn't been seen since the night of January 31 Nancy Guthrie was kidnapped from the house she has lived in for more than 50 years Guthrie graciously thanked everyone across the country who have offered prayers and support before detailing her 'beloved mom' Nancy's fragile state prior to her disappearance. 'She is 84 years old. Her health, her heart is fragile. She lives in constant pain. She is without medicine; she needs it to survive. She needs it not to suffer,' the mom of two added. The Today show stalwart then directly addressed her mother's possible captors, in the first public admission that she may be held for ransom. 'We too have heard the reports about a ransom letter in the media. As a family, we are doing everything that we can,' she said in the clip. Guthrie then said to the potential kidnappers that 'we are ready to talk' but wanted proof that they weren't potentially using fraudulent images of her. 'We live in a world where voices and images are easily manipulated. We need to know, without a doubt, that she is alive and that you have her. We want to hear from you, and we are ready to listen. Please, reach out to us,' she said through the tears,' she said. Guthrie then directly addressed her mother. 'Mommy, if you are hearing this, you are a strong woman. You are God's precious daughter, Nancy,' she said. In the video, Savannah, her sister Annie and brother Camron begged the kidnappers to provide a 'proof of life' of their mother and declared they were ready to talk Annie's and her husband, Tommaso Cioni went for a drive on Tuesday. Cioni was the last person to see Nancy before her abduction, driving her four miles home after the family spent the evening dining and playing mahjong 'We believe and know that even in this valley, he is with you. Everyone is looking for you, mommy, everywhere. We will not rest; your children will not rest until we are together again.' 'We speak to you every moment and we pray without ceasing and we rejoice in advance for the day that we hold you in our arms again. We love you, mom,' the NBC star added. Annie and Camron Guthrie then echoed their sister's words: 'We love you, mom. Stay strong.' The video was simply captioned: 'Bring her home.' Annie's Italian husband Tommaso Cioni, 50, is the last person to have seen Nancy before her abduction. He drove her four miles home from the $650,000 house he shares with Annie, after Nancy had spent the evening there enjoying a dinner and playing the tile game mahjong. Just minutes after the video hit the platform, President Trump confirmed via a Truth Social post that he spoke with Guthrie and had heard her pleas. The video was released while a packed candlelit vigil for Nancy at Tucson's St Philip's in the Hills church was taking place Wednesday evening. The video was released Wednesday evening as a packed, candlelit vigil for Nancy unfolded at Tucsons St Philips in the Hills church Murillo also attended the candlelight vigil and noted how the community was coming together to support the family and pray for Nancy's safe return It is where daughter Annie is a member and more than 300 people attended for the emotional outpouring of support. Murillo was there and said: 'This is so sad. But at the same time, I think people feel a sense of, we'll ride this wave here, come together. 'The service was very touching. You could feel the lights that were lit and could feel the warmth of the people there and why they were there. 'They just wanted to support the family and let them know that we care and that we are praying.' The service was led by The Rev Dr Richard Mallory of St Philip's and The Rev Dr John Tittle, of St Andrew's church where Nancy was a congregant. The poignant words for the special intercessions part of the service were: 'Most Merciful God, we pray for our sister, Nancy. Guide her, comfort and sustain her in this moment of need. Make her to know always the presence of your Holy Spirit in her life. Bring her swiftly to safety, and to those whom she loves. 'Comfort her family, her friends, and her loved ones, especially Annie, Camron, Savannah, and their families: that their minds may be calmed, and their hearts may be stilled, and that they may have the strength to face the days ahead.' The Daily Mail has previously reported fresh doubt over the tip off that led to alarms being raised over Nancy's abduction. Nancy was a parishioner at St Andrews Presbyterian Church in Tucson, Arizona, which hosts live streams of its 9am and 10.45am services Guthrie's abduction from her home was discovered after a church congregant alerted her family that she missed the 11am service A fellow congregant at St Andrew's was initially reported to have alerted the Guthrie family after Nancy failed to attend a morning service on Sunday. However, a source has told the Daily Mail that Savannah's mom has been worshipping online since the Covid pandemic. St Andrew's does not have a large-scale Zoom call for online viewing, as some religious organizations do. Instead, the church's 9am and 10.45am services on Sundays are live-streamed and it is impossible for other participants to know who else is watching. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos has said a congregant called Nancy's family at 11am on Sunday after she failed to arrive at church. The Guthrie family rushed to Nancy's home, arriving at 11.10am Sunday to find the mother-of-three missing. They reported her disappearance to police at 12.15pm. Her phone, wallet, daily medications and car were all still at the property. Footage shared on Tuesday shows blood drops on the doorstep, while a doorbell camera was missing from its holder when cops arrived on the scene. Her Apple Watch stopped synching with her pacemaker at 2am, suggesting she was taken from the home, where the device was found, around that time. Blood was spotted on the walkway of Nancy's $1million Tucson, Arizona home Nancy's Ring doorbell camera was also missing, though it is unclear whether it was removed prior to her disappearance Your browser does not support iframes. Sheriff Nanos has told the Daily Mail: 'She did not walk away. We believe she was forced to leave that residence. It was against her will. 'This is about an 84-year-old woman who is sick, who needs her medications, who, in the middle of the night, was taken from her bedroom.' Lights in the common area were all on and Nancy's front door was unlocked, but there were signs of forced entry. A day after the abduction, Sheriff Nanos welled up when asked if he thought Nancy was still alive. He conceded the window in which she would be realistically found unharmed was closing. Nanos told the Daily Mail separately: 'We know she could not walk out of that house. Talking to her doctors, we know she had some physical elements that definitely limited her. 'She is very sharp-witted, of good mind, suffers from nothing in the form of dementia or Alzheimer's nothing. 'So we know she would know what was going on around here.' No suspects have been named. Of the abductor, Nanos said: 'It could be more than one person, we don't know that yet.' Keir Starmer was dubbed 'morally bankrupt' on Thursday night after blaming MI5 for failing to vet Peter Mandelson properly. Fighting for survival amid a revolt over his handling of the scandal, the Prime Minister criticised the 'vetting carried out independently by the security services' on the disgraced Labour peer, suggesting the process needs to be looked at. But his comments provoked a furious backlash as critics pointed out Sir Keir had already approved and announced Mandelson as the new ambassador to Washington before he was subject to in-depth national security vetting. MI5 did not carry out checks on Mandelson - it was the job of the Cabinet Office, with limited input from spies. On Thursday, in a desperate bid to hold on to his dwindling authority, the PM sought to present himself as a victim of Mandelson's lies, claiming he had honestly believed his assurances that he 'barely knew' Jeffrey Epstein. But the suggestion that Sir Keir was somehow blind to the true nature of their relationship and that MI5 should have dug deeper only heightened anger among MPs who accused him of a 'grubby attempt to shift blame'. At the time of Mandelson's appointment last February, there was a wealth of evidence in the public domain about his close friendship with paedophile Epstein. Tory security spokesman Alicia Kearns said: 'Keir Starmer exposes again his abject lack of integrity. Blaming our security services when he rail-roaded Mandelson into post, and only afterwards tasked the Cabinet Office to whitewash it, is morally bankrupt. Keir Starmer was dubbed 'morally bankrupt' on Thursday night after blaming MI5 for failing to vet Peter Mandelson properly (pictured) Jeffrey Epstein and Peter Mandelson are pictured. MI5 did not carry out checks on Mandelson - it was the job of the Cabinet Office, with limited input from spies 'Starmer knew they had an ongoing relationship, and he knew Mandelson, while on official duties as deputy PM in New York, stayed at the home of Epstein after his conviction as a paedophile.' Ms Kearns, who described criticism of the security service as 'a seriously low blow', added: 'To suggest what was known of their relationship was not sufficient to rule him out of once more carrying the mantle of our country is to demonstrate a complete contempt for the common sense and morality of the British people.' A two-page Cabinet Office propriety and ethics report compiled for Sir Keir before he gave Mandelson the US job revealed the peer had stayed at Epstein's townhouse in 2009 while the financier was in prison. The report, part of preliminary due diligence on all candidates for the role, amounted to 'a summary of reputational risks' from publicly available information. It would likely have included an internal JP Morgan report from 2019 revealing Epstein 'appears to maintain a particularly close relationship' with Mandelson. There were also reports of Mandelson attending intimate gatherings at his Manhattan house from 2002 onwards. Photos also emerged of the pair celebrating a birthday at Epstein's Paris apartment in 2007, by which time he had been arrested, charged and bailed over soliciting prostitution from a minor. Sir Keir's chief of staff Morgan McSweeney followed up by asking a series of questions of Mandelson. The UK Security Vetting, part of the Cabinet Office, then conducted in-depth national security vetting. Peter Mandelson, then British Ambassador to the United States, and Downing Street Chief of Staff Morgan McSweeney are pictured leaving Number 10 in June, 2025 On Thursday, Sir Keir said: 'There was a due diligence exercise that culminated in questions being asked... the answers to those questions were not truthful. 'There was then security vetting carried out independently by the security services... which gave him clearance for the role. Clearly, both the due diligence and the security vetting need to be looked at again.' On Thursday night, the intelligence and security committee wrote to the PM asking for a speedy handover of the unredacted papers about the appointment. Sir Julian Lewis, ex-chairman of the committee, said: 'This looks like an extremely grubby attempt to shift the blame.' On Thursday night, sources said Scotland Yard's probe into Mandelson was progressing swiftly. The force has asked that certain files are not published for fear of prejudicing any potential prosecution for misconduct in public office. Tory leader Kemi Badenoch suggested Sir Keir will use 'every trick in the book' to keep the files secret, adding: 'He's been got bang to rights, and we need to make sure the truth comes out.' A horrifying crash left at least three people killed and seven others injured after a car slammed into a bustling Los Angeles grocery store, officials said. An unidentified elderly female in her 70s crashed a silver sedan into a 99 Ranch Market store in the Westwood area on Thursday around 12.10pm local time, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) told the Daily Mail. Authorities said the fatal crash was not an 'intentional collision' and that the woman was the only one in the car. It is unclear what caused the crash and who the driver of the car was, but she struck a bicyclist before hitting the store. The people who were killed and injured have also not been identified. Two individuals have been left in serious condition, and two are stable, LAFD Captain Erik Scott said, per CBS News. At least two people declined medical attention and transport. At least three people were killed and seven other injured after a car crashed into a 99 Ranch Market grocery store in Los Angeles, California, on Thursday afternoon An elderly woman in her 70s crashed a silver sedan into the 99 Ranch grocery store A large emergency response descended on the scene, including several cop cars and fire trucks. The building has since been flagged off due to structural concerns. The Daily Mail contacted the Los Angeles Police Department and LAFD for comment. Breaking news.. updates to follow. Demanding millions of dollars in Bitcoin for the safe release of Nancy Guthrie could be a massive blunder for any kidnapper, a crypto currency crime expert has claimed. Criminals frequently believe that the digital equivalent of a bag stuffed with bills will be safer than having to make a risky pick-up possibly monitored by law enforcement, Bezalel Eithan Raviv told the Daily Mail. But instead of revealing a degree of sophistication as crooks look for smarter ways to get away with extortion, it can be the ultimate Achilles Heel, he added. Raviv, a former member of the Israel Defense Forces' elite 8200 intelligence unit, said: 'The ultimate goal of extortion or kidnap gangs is to turn that crypto into hard cash and enjoy the money.' The founder of Lionsgate Network, which smashes crypto crimes around the world, added: 'But crypto currencies leave a trail, and you cannot edit it, you cannot delete, it's transparent. 'And you cannot keep moving it digitally forever. At some point you need to cash it out. That will reflect in a transaction in a bank. And that's where it will get noticed, and that's where criminals can be caught.' Raviv disclosed the techniques used to catch extortion gangs as it was revealed that a chilling ransom note demanding millions of dollars in cryptocurrency for the mom of NBC Today show co-host Savannah Guthrie set a time of 5pm Thursday. Officers at a press conference in Tucson, Arizona, said the note has not been verified as legitimate, but is being taken 'very seriously' as a lead. If the ransom note demanding $1 million in Bitcoin for Nancy Guthries safe return is legitimate, the kidnappers could leave a massive digital trail that becomes their undoing Cryptocurrency crime expert Bezalel Eithan Raviv said criminals frequently assume digital cash is safer than a risky inperson pickup that may be under law enforcement surveillance Officers at a press conference in Tucson, Arizona, said the note has not been verified as legitimate, but is being taken very seriously as a lead and all tips are being passed to detectives coordinating with the FBI Investigators said the ransom did not include a proof of life or a way for the Guthrie family to make contact. But it did set a secondary deadline for Monday for them to meet the demands in Bitcoin for the safe return of the 84-year-old, who was abducted Sunday from her $1million home in the affluent Catalina Hills neighborhood. Raviv revealed one way of tracking the Bitcoin is for specialist companies working with law enforcement to insert 'probes' into the transactions being followed, which can reveal a switch of the currency in just nine seconds. 'That means it doesn't matter how far this crypto money migrates, at some point it will transparently break cover,' he said. 'The moment that happens the criminals are vulnerable. 'We've seen a spike around the number of ransom demands now insisting on crypto. But criminals believe crypto gives them invisibility. Whereas for companies like ours, it's exactly the opposite.' He said he could not comment on how federal agencies would be monitoring any crypto handed over for Nancy if that ever happened. 'I'm not sure what they're going to do, but we speak on a regular basis with Homeland Security, the Secret Service, the CIA and the FBI', he added. Despite the tracking, criminals can take advantage if law enforcement is slow off the mark in monitoring any movements, Raviv said. 'Some law enforcement is very weak when it comes to crypto incidents. They don't properly understand this is the new money and this provides gangs with a new way to target people.' Join the debate Do YOU think cryptocurrency payments make kidnappings easier or easier to solve? The ransom note set a secondary deadline of Monday for the kidnappers to deliver their Bitcoin demand for the safe return of the 84-year-old, abducted Sunday from her $1 million home in Tucsons upscale Catalina Hills neighborhood Nancy Guthrie was abducted from the home she has lived in for more than 50 years Annie Guthrie and her husband, Tommaso Cioni, went for a drive Tuesday. When asked if Nancys son-in-law, 50, the last person to see her alive, was a suspect, authorities declined to comment One of Raviv's most notable triumphs was helping with the seizure of $100million of crypto held by terror group Hamas following the October 7 attacks on Israel. Of the Guthrie case, he said: 'If this is a real claim, I think what we can learn from this unfortunate story is that people are feeling very brave about targeting individuals and asking for digital money.' TMZ has reported that the ransom note demanded the Bitcoin be sent to a specific crypto address, which it said it has verified as existing. It also contained chilling details of what Nancy was wearing at the time of her abduction. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said at the Thursday press conference: 'We believe Nancy is still out there we want her home.' He revealed a sweep of her home found that a doorbell camera disconnected in the dead of night around the time she disappeared early Sunday. Nanos said the camera disconnected at 1.47am, but at 2.12am a person or possible an animal was detected by the camera's sensors. Nancy's pacemaker app to track her heartbeat cut off from her phone's Bluetooth at 2.28am, he added. He said no suspects or persons of interests have been identified, but added he had 'not ruled anyone out' as a possible abductor. Nanos was directly asked if Nancy's son-in-law Thommaso Cioni, 50, was a suspect and refused to be drawn. Cioni, married to Savannah's 56-year-old sister Annie, was previously said by Nanos to have driven Nancy home from the couple's $650,000 house four miles away after she spent Saturday evening there. However, on Thursday the sheriff would only say a Guthrie family member drove her. His final drug conviction has been withdrawn Gangster beamed as he left the Supreme Court One of Australia's most notorious crime figures has had his final drug conviction charge withdrawn after a lengthy court battle, as he reveals his next moves. Tony Mokbel, 60, walked from Melbourne's Supreme Court on Friday a free man after a lengthy battle to overturn his drug convictions in the aftermath of the Lawyer X scandal. He won his appeal last year, with judges ordering he face a re-trial over alleged offending in 2005, dubbed the Orbital charge and relating to alleged MDMA trafficking. Mokbel argued his drug convictions were tainted as he was represented by barrister-turned-informer Nicola Gobbo, known as Lawyer X. A judicial registrar urged prosecutors to progress their case at a directions hearing in December, and decide whether to order a re-trial for the charge or dismiss it all together. Mokbel beamed as he left court, telling the waiting media scrum his freedom had been 'a long time coming' and 'feels great'. 'It's beautiful, it feels really nice, and life goes on,' he said. The gangster said missing family events, especially the death of his beloved mother Lora, was the 'biggest mistake of my life', adding: 'I don't recommend it for anyone'. Mokbel walked from Melbourne's Supreme Court on Friday a free man Mokbel walked out of court beaming ear to ear to an eager press pack Daily Mail previously revealed that Mokbel's first act after being released from jail was to visit his mother's grave (pictured, the kingpin leaves Fawkner Cemetery where his mother is buried) But when asked if he regretted drug trafficking, the notorious gangster hit back: 'I don't regret anything'. Daily Mail previously revealed that Mokbel's first act after being released from jail was to visit the grave of his mother. Lora Mokbel, 83, was farewelled at a service at Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite Catholic Church in Thornbury in 2013, where mourners mixed with some of Melbourne's criminal elite. Mokbel had been unable to attend the funeral, nor had his brother Milad, who was also serving time for drug offences. The kingpin made his way straight to Fawkner Memorial Park with an entourage of supporters where he finally got to pay his respects to his mother. When asked what he had missed most while behind bars, Mokbel replied: 'Going overseas of course'. 'That'd be great to get on a nice plane, I used to always dream of getting on a plane when I was in jail, so yeah,' he said. In the 10 months since his release in April, Mokbel has been required to report to police every day and barred from leaving the country. The notorious gangster was swarmed by a sea of reporters as he left the court Tony Mokbel and his girlfriend are pictured following his release in April He was also previously ordered to wear a tracking device, follow a nightly curfew and live with relatives in north Melbourne. Mokbel's release comes after his defence barrister, Julie Condon KC, called for the 'sorry saga' to be brought to an end at a hearing in December. The gangster spent his first day of freedom shopping in the perfume section of Myer at the Northland Shopping Centre in a northern suburb of Melbourne. He left the shops with multiple bags in hand including one from Coles and one from nutritional store Elite Supplements. A mother has revealed the moment she met an 'old man' who was sex trafficking her daughter and got her addicted to the drugs that would eventually kill her. Caitlin Hanna, 21, died from an overdose after becoming part of a ring where young victims were supplied with heroin in exchange for them working as prostitutes. But her death in Lisburn near Belfast in March 2022 blew open a criminal underworld where abusive men groomed, controlled and supplied drugs to women. A three-year police probe saw four men aged over 60 caught after more victims came forward. A new BBC documentary available on iPlayer looks at how Derek Brown trafficked, spied on and sexually assaulted Miss Hanna before her death from an overdose. The 61-year-old is thought to have exploited at least four women, controlling them by providing drugs in return for meeting with sex buyers. He also used them for sex. Brown was eventually stopped when another of his victims went to police - and he was handed a six-year sentence at Craigavon Crown Court in March 2025. The documentary features testimony from Miss Hanna's mother, friends and police who explain how the criminals used coercion, fear and heroin to exploit the women. Miss Hanna's spiral into prostitution began when she was aged 15 when her family started to suspect she was taking drugs. Caitlin Hanna (pictured with her mother Deborah) died from an overdose in Lisburn in 2022 The death of Miss Hanna fuelled a three-year police investigation that saw four men caught Her mother Deborah found out the following year that Miss Hanna was in an abusive relationship with a man ten years older and had started taking heroin. In the documentary, Deborah talks about meeting Brown by chance at a petrol station in February 2022, a few months after her aunt noticed Miss Hanna was often mentioning a 'Derek' on social media. Deborah says: 'It didn't ring alarm bells right away. It wasn't until I met them and seen them with my own eyes, who Derek actually was.' She adds: 'I was coming out of the garage and I heard "Mummy". I turned round and there she was coming out of the shop. I said "who are you here with?" And she said "Derek". And I went: "My God, where is he? I'd love to meet him". 'She was like "yeah, he's over here in the car, come on over". So I followed her over and he pulled down the window and I'll never, ever forget that initial seeing with my own eyes. An old man. Like, an old man. He looked older than my daddy. 'I looked at him and I said to him: "I hope she's behaving herself". I don't even know where that came from, but I was that in shock. He sort of like rolled his eyes and just like that then, I turned away and she came behind me and I said to her: "How do you know him?" 'She was like: "From the town, from the town. Please don't say anything mummy, please don't say anything. He's awful awful good to me, awful awful good to me". Miss Hanna's spiral into prostitution began when her family suspected she was taking drugs 'And I just went: "Right, OK, Caitlin." And she went over to him and got into his car. I was just in shock. I sort of seen it, I was like "What, no, no, no this isn't right. What are you doing with her?" 'If I'd had have known exactly what was going on, he would never have drove out of that garage with my child in that car.' Miss Hanna's friend Rebecca, now a recovering addict and abuse survivor, also speaks about the criminal underworld in Belfast. She tells the documentary: 'There is a hidden Belfast, a really dark and evil side people should be aware of. If people knew the real, full force of what is going on, you wouldn't want to be here.' Rebecca adds: 'When I first met Derek, he acted soft, he acted caring, and you genuinely would have thought that he was those things. He let us stay in his house because he knew we were homeless. 'He would have fed you, given you a bed to sleep in, somewhere you could get showered. If you needed heroin, he didn't just give you money, he would have supplied it as well.' Rebecca says Brown and the other men would withhold drugs from the women to assert power over them, and both she and Caitlin were advertised as 'escorts'. She adds: 'On the nights it was busy, you were literally getting in one car, getting back out, getting into the abuser's car, handing them the money, getting your drugs (and going) back out for more appointments.' Derek Brown, 61, was sentenced to six years after being convicted of human trafficking, controlling prostitution for gain, sexual assault, paying for sexual services and drugs offences Brown was sentenced after being convicted of human trafficking, controlling prostitution for gain, sexual assault, paying for sexual services and drugs-related offences, including being concerned in the supply of a class A controlled drug. A sexual exploitation probe conducted by the Police Service of Northern Ireland's modern slavery and human trafficking unit resulted in the conviction of three other men for human trafficking offences. A fourth man was convicted of controlling prostitution and brothel keeping. The victims were heroin addicts and the men would exploit their vulnerability to force them into prostitution in exchange for him supplying them with drugs. There were nine victims involved in the case, some as young as 17 at the time of the offences. The victims had vulnerabilities including drug addiction, homelessness and mental health issues. Half of Brown's sentence is being served in jail and the other half will be on licence. 'Caitlin Hanna: Trafficked In Belfast' is available to watch on BBC iPlayer The abduction of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of Today show host Savannah Guthrie, remains one of the most unsettling investigations unfolding in the U.S., as authorities continue to search for answers days after she vanished from her Arizona home. Police say Nancy Guthrie was last seen on Saturday night after being dropped off at her Tucson residence following a family outing. When she failed to appear at church the next morning, something those close to her say was highly unusual - relatives went to check on her home and contacted police. Senior Daily Mail reporter Steve Helling, who has been covering the case since the start, said investigators quickly realized the situation was more serious than a missing-person report. 'From the beginning, the scene didnt look normal,' Helling said. 'There were indicators that something had happened inside that house.' Authorities have confirmed signs of forced entry, disturbed bedding, and blood found both inside and outside the home. Nancys wallet, phone, keys, and medication were all left behind. Guthrie with her mother Nancy, who has not been seen since the night of January 31 Your browser does not support iframes. 'That combination is significant,' Helling said. 'It suggests she didnt leave voluntarily or with any intention of going anywhere.' Investigators have also pointed to a key digital clue. Nancys pacemaker, which was synced to her Apple Watch, stopped transmitting data at around 2 a.m. Sunday. The watch itself was later found inside the house. 'Police havent said publicly what that signal loss means,' Helling noted. 'But it has clearly become an important part of narrowing the timeline.' Authorities have acknowledged alleged ransom messages sent to media outlets, but have not verified their authenticity or confirmed whether they are connected to the case. 'Police have said theyre aware of the messages and are assessing them,' Helling said. 'Theyve stopped short of saying whether theyre being treated as credible.' Despite intense public interest, investigators have not named a suspect or person of interest and have offered few details in press briefings. Officials have stressed there is no danger to the wider community, while declining to elaborate further. 'At this stage, its common for investigators to keep details out of the public eye,' Helling said. 'Theyve been clear that releasing information too early could compromise the investigation.' Nancy Guthrie, who authorities describe as mentally sharp but physically frail, was taken without the daily medication she requires. Police have acknowledged the urgency of the search but have not commented on her condition. The case - including what is known, what remains unclear, and how investigators may be proceeding - is examined in depth on the latest episode of The Trial USA podcast. Listen to Daily Mail podcast: The Trial USA, wherever you get your podcasts now. For Ad-Free listening to this - and all our groundbreaking true crime podcasts, subscribe to The Crime Desk. Sign up today to get your 7-day free trial. Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie appear to be divided on how to handle the relationship with their father as more damning images emerge from the Epstein files. Eugenie has cut all contact from the disgraced ex-Prince Andrew, while Beatrice is still visiting him for father-daughter horse rides together. But another relationship the Princesses should now be worried about is their relationship with Prince William, our future king. Editor-at-large Charlotte Griffiths reveals what's been brewing between Eugenie and William behind the scenes in this week's Palace Confidential newsletter. To find out more about how Princess Eugenie distancing herself from her father will affect her relationship with Prince William, sign up today and get the answer in your inbox absolutely FREE. Want more of the Daily Mail's unrivalled royals journalism, straight from some of the world's leading experts on the monarchy? We'll bring together the most knowledgeable voices, gorgeous photography and exclusive insider commentary to expose the truth behind polished public appearances, and reveal the very human drama at the heart of this extraordinary institution. Sign up to receive unrivalled insider gossip and expert analysis on Kate, Meghan, Harry, the King and more in your inbox every Thursday. You'll have the chance to ask our Royal Editor, Rebecca English, and other top journalists everything you've always wanted to know about the monarchy. Sign up to Palace Confidential now, and never miss a Royals story. 'Even to the end, he just didn't get it,' one royal insider sighed wearily yesterday. Whether it be his 'block-headed' refusal to lie low for his last few weeks at Royal Lodge or his utter intransigence about even acknowledging the many victims of his good friend, Jeffrey Epstein, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's behaviour has been a masterclass in how not to play out a public scandal. While Buckingham Palace has, probably wisely, chosen not to comment on recent developments (although, believe me, there are a few things the institution would very much like to say), it's fair to assume there is a quiet sense of relief that the former Duke of York has finally chosen to pack his bags and quit Royal Lodge, the 31-room mansion that has come to epitomise his hubris, if not also his corruption. The siege is finally over. Courtiers, and indeed members of his own family, have watched aghast in recent days at the torrent of revelations emanating from the latest dump of Epstein Files out of the US. This has been exacerbated by Andrew's pig-headed determination to keep to his daily routine (following a brief but ineffective ban from the royal stables at Windsor), preferring to stubbornly clip-clop past the ever-present photographers on his regular rides in the Berkshire countryside. He has even been seen gurning and waving brazenly from his car to passers-by, in what was described to me as one of those moments 'you just want to whack your head on the desk'. 'Appalling optics,' another in royal circles remarked. Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor waves to members of the public as he is seen horse riding in Windsor on Saturday morning Removal vans parked outside the Royal Lodge in Windsor today after Andrew is said to have moved out The most recent disclosure of the Epstein files on Friday, which has thrown the former prince's links to him back in the spotlight, includes images of Andrew crouched over an unidentified woman In the end there was no row, no great ultimatum (indeed, the King still has no personal power to actually force Andrew to leave Royal Lodge before his lease ends in October, although he had previously got his brother to agree to go by Easter at the latest, with hopes that it would, as it has turned out, be considerably sooner than that). But the Palace does have other means at its disposal to make clear its displeasure at the optimum time. And Andrew was left in no doubt over the weekend that now was considered as good a moment as any to quietly head off to Norfolk and embark on his new life on the King's private Sandringham Estate. Even the numbskull that remains our eighth in line to the throne (and, yes, he still retains this position as it would require parliamentary action both in the UK and the realms to change it) realised that his time was up, preferring to beat a retreat under cover of darkness to avoid the humiliation of being effectively frogmarched out of the gates in front of the world's media. 'He was encouraged to think that it would be a good time to move on,' another source adds, with Mafioso-like menace. What has been crucial in recent months to the Palace's ability to act this past weekend included is that the emails have conclusively revealed Andrew to have lied when he claimed he had ceased all contact with Epstein in 2010 after the financier's release from prison on child sex charges. Of course, it by no means follows that Andrew is now consigned to the annals of history. In fact, while now officially a resident of Norfolk, we may well still see him pop back up at Windsor from time to time as his move, I am told, is not entirely complete and he may need to stay at Royal Lodge to tie up 'loose ends' over the next few weeks. Your browser does not support iframes. A removals van leaving Royal Lodge last night. The former Duke of York was told to leave his stately home earlier than expected after his brother King Charles became increasingly concerned by allegations made against him He is currently in temporary residence at Prince Philip's old home, Wood Farm, until his new, relatively modest abode, Marsh Farm, is ready. It is hoped this will be complete by early April. Andrew remains a member of the Royal Family, despite being stripped of his titles, and the demands for him to account for his behaviour and the nature of his friendship with Epstein are only growing. Requests for comment on the continuing slew of revelations to his private secretary, who retains a Buckingham Palace email for security purposes, go unanswered. It is surely a position he cannot maintain. Even his 'friends' who have spoken out in his defence to more Andrew-friendly media than the Daily Mail over the years have gone quiet. The King has ploughed quite a lonely furrow in recent years in trying to persuade his brother to see sense by handing back his titles, downsizing his living arrangements and showing some humility over this self-imposed mess. Some family members believe he has gone too far and owes his brother a duty of care. The latter point, though, is not lost on the monarch. It's why although the King strongly believes Andrew deserves sanction for a lifetime of appalling judgment (indeed, he and the Queen were the first to publicly offer their sympathies to all victims of abuse, including Epstein's), Charles is now paying privately for his new living and security arrangements. It is also lost on no one that it is sensible to keep the ex-prince within the fold rather than leave him financially reliant on his kind of friends. As for his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, who while not accused of complicity in criminality has emerged from the Epstein email dump with barely a shred of her reputation intact, there is also a deafening silence. Earlier this week, sources told me that a move abroad was 'imminent' on a temporary basis in order for Ferguson to take stock of her life and future plans. While no one is saying where she is going, a trip to Australia to visit her sister, Jane, where she has often gone to 'lick her wounds', may be a safe bet. The family attending the premiere of The Young Victoria in March 2009 months later they would travel to visit Jeffrey Epstein just days after his release from prison Andrew and Fergie at the Serpentine Gallery 30th Anniversary Party, London, in 2000 She does, however, apparently plan to return to the UK and intends to rent or buy a home in the Windsor area, where she retains friends. Whether that actually happens remains to be seen. Again, there has been no formal comment on the damning and humiliating messages she so regularly exchanged with Epstein, both before and after his release from prison on child sex charges. Interestingly, though, there seems to be a slight loosening of the ties between herself and her former husband, despite her once describing them as the 'happiest divorced couple in the world'. So happy they memorably remained living together almost three decades after their split. Friends now seem keener to emphasise the disconnect between any allegations the two are facing: in Andrew's case, sexual assault by Virginia Giuffre (although he has previously strongly denied the claims); in Ferguson's, mere gross stupidity and greed. There is a sense of frustration that the two are being 'lumped' together by the media. One can only wonder if they will ever present the same sort of tight familial unit again? For the rest of wider Royal Family, the only option is business as usual. I have been told that it has been 'upsetting' to see their daily good works overshadowed by the scandal, although they clearly all acknowledge the level of public interest and anger. Sources have told me pointedly that 'providing testimony is now a matter for Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and his conscience'. Remarkably, they have been learning the full gruesome details of Andrew's behaviour in recent months in 'real time' along with the rest of the British public. With major public visits coming up for the King and Queen, not to mention Prince William's high-profile foreign trip to Saudi Arabia next week, it will continue to be an uncomfortable time, wherever Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor lives. I have always been one of the biggest cheerleaders for Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie. As a social diarist for more than 20 years, I have met them numerous times at London parties and always found them impressive: friendly but business-like and far too sensible ever to give me any juicy titbits for my columns. While their cousins such as Princes William and, particularly, Harry were involved in all sorts of high jinks as youngsters, 'Bea' and 'Eug', as they were known to chums, never strayed from the straight and narrow. They always seemed eminently level-headed and I never received any reports of their collapsing drunk at parties or making fools of themselves in public. So, it was no surprise that they both settled down with discreet, loving husbands: Jack Brooksbank in Eugenie's case, and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi in Beatrice's. Just as Queen Elizabeth was helped in her duties as monarch by loyal and devoted cousins such as the Duke of Kent and Princess Alexandra, I hoped that Beatrice and Eugenie could assist William when he eventually ascends the throne. After all, King Charles's plans for a 'slimmed-down' monarchy were based on the Duke and Duchess of Sussex playing key roles. With Harry and Meghan having quit royal duties, that slimmed-down monarchy looks worryingly skinny. Even though they both have full-time jobs, Beatrice and Eugenie already serve as patrons of a handful of good causes and have dutifully indicated that they would be happy to take on more if required. Sadly, after the revelations in the Jeffrey Epstein files made public over the past week, I have come to the conclusion that my hopes for the princesses lie in tatters. Beatrice and Eugenie can never be part of 'The Firm' because of their lying, greedy, sex offender-loving parents. After the revelations in the Jeffrey Epstein files, I have come to the conclusion that Beatrice, left, and Eugenie can never be part of 'The Firm', writes Richard Eden Andrew and Fergie have left such a stain on the Monarchy that Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie are also tainted Join the debate Should Beatrice and Eugenie pay the price for their parents' actions, or is that deeply unfair? However unfair it might seem to make children suffer for the sins of their parents, the sisters have been so tainted by the former Duke and Duchess of York that they can no longer be considered for formal roles with the Royal Family. They are tainted because their parents actively dragged them into the orbit of a sex offender. In one exchange, the American asks Sarah to use the girls as tour guides at Buckingham Palace for one of his associates, whose name was redacted by the US authorities before the document's release. In a message sent to 'Ferg' in 2010, Epstein writes: 'Thank you Sarah, could you are [sic] one of your daughters show [redacted name] buckingham thanks.' Take a moment to consider that email: after a sex offender had been released from prison, having served a sentence for procuring a child for prostitution, he was confident enough in his relationship with Queen Elizabeth's former daughter-in-law that he could ask her to send one of the monarch's grandchildren to show his friend around the sovereign's taxpayer-funded home. The casual tone of the email suggests this was not a unique demand. Indeed, a message sent to him by the then duchess later that year apologised that the princesses could not serve as tour guides for a different pal of his. It's not known if the friends were also sex offenders. Not that it would necessarily have deterred Sarah from introducing her daughters to the friends in question. After all, she took them to stay at a New York apartment owned by Epstein just five days after his release from prison. Beatrice was 20 by that point and Eugenie was 19, so you might have hoped that they would have been old enough to question the wisdom of their parents' friendships. The princesses can go on to show by their actions that they have not taken after their parents, but, unfortunately, Andrew and Fergie have left such a stain on the Monarchy that they are tainted, too. Prince William and Catherine know this, which is why Sarah was not invited to their wedding at Westminster Abbey in 2011. And why her daughters will have no royal roles when William is King. King Charles has been heckled and questioned by a reporter about the Jeffrey Epstein investigation during a royal visit to an Essex village this afternoon. A journalist asked the monarch during his trip to Dedham whether the Royal Family would co-operate with the ongoing probe into the late paedophile financier. She shouted the question as allegations continue to be revealed each day over the relationship between Epstein and the King's brother Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. As Charles arrived for his visit in the pouring rain, ITV's Cari Davies was heard shouting: 'Your Majesty, will your family help with the Epstein investigation?' The King did not respond and turned away, while another woman said: 'Oh, shut up.' But the journalist added: 'Do you have a message for the victims, Your Majesty?' Charles and Camilla were later seen holding umbrellas as they walked through Dedham in the drizzle, with crowds gathered behind metal barriers to meet them. During this walkabout, Ms Davies asked the King: 'Your Majesty, will your family help with the Epstein investigation? Your Majesty, do you have a message to victims?' A man in the crowd wearing a grey hat and holding a blue umbrella also shouted: 'Charles, Charles, have you pressurised the police to start investigating Andrew?' A heckler, wearing a grey hat and with a blue umbrella, shouts at the King in Dedham today The man says: 'Charles, have you pressurised the police to start investigating Andrew?' Police officers approach the man and walk with him away from the barriers this afternoon The King is led to the far side of the road, away from the crowds, to continue the walkabout Police officers approached the man afterwards and walked with him away from the barriers, as a brass band could be heard playing 'Bring Me Sunshine'. In a video released by anti-monarchy group Republic, the heckler was seen telling two officers: 'If you don't think these people need justice, then...' The officer told him: 'That's not what we're here for today, is it?' But the heckler said: 'But it is. Because this is a way to make it clear to people that Andrew should not be let off.' The officer then pointed away from the scene and told him: 'We are going to walk down with you...' The King also walked away as he continued to shake hands and he was then led to the far side of the road, away from the crowds, to continue the walkabout. Essex Police confirmed to the Daily Mail that no arrests were made today. Charles and Camilla had earlier met local groups inside The Sun Inn pub and went into the kitchen where Camilla tried her hand at cutting ravioli pasta. Towards the end of their walkabout they listened to a choir of schoolchildren in the street, before briefly going into the Essex Rose Teahouse where Charles unveiled a plaque and cut a cake. After going back outside they spoke to more members of the public before leaving in a Bentley. Adrian Sharpe, of Dedham, was among the crowds who turned out to see the King and Queen. The 62-year-old handyman said it was 'nice and casual really for a village event - obviously high security'. Charles is questioned about the Jeffrey Epstein investigation by a reporter in Dedham today A reporter asks Charles: 'Your Majesty, will your family help with the Epstein investigation? Charles is asked the question as he meets wellwishers in the pouring rain in Dedham today Asked about the heckler, he said: 'I think it's pointless really as what Andrew's done is what Andrew's done, it's not what King Charles has done is it? He's his own person.' He said that 'they've taken the HRH off of Andrew', adding: 'What else can they do? Surely it's a police matter now.' Retired health and safety consultant Russell Townsend, of Stratford St Mary, was also in the crowd. 'We shook the Queen's hand but the King went across the road so we only saw the back of him really,' he said. Asked about the situation with Andrew, the 67-year-old said: 'I must admit today I didn't think of it really. I kind of see it as quite a separate issue really. I just think it is what it is and I can kind of separate the two.' Mr Townsend's daughter Phoebe, 22, said: 'I don't really follow that. I'm just here to see the King. If it was Prince Andrew maybe not, but the King's the King.' Sky News royal correspondent Rhiannon Mills told the broadcaster: 'It's inevitable and really I think as a family they know that this is potentially what's going to happen. 'They have been through many difficult periods in terms of family matters and more often that not they will be thrown a question. 'But as is the usual case, again the King today deciding to ignore it because I think for the King and Queen they would say that their priority today was to meet and greet as many of the people who turned out. 'The weather is terrible and yet people have turned out in their hundreds to come and enjoy what ultimately was meant to be a really nice royal visit celebrating local pubs, celebrating the local community.' Earlier, photos of Andrew released in the Epstein files were scattered around Dedham ahead of the King's visit. Several pictures of the former duke crouching over an unidentified woman were found littered on a street in the village. King Charles III and Queen Camilla meet wellwishers outside The Sun Inn in Dedham today King Charles III shakes hands with a woman outside The Sun Inn in Dedham this afternoon Charles holds an umbrella as he meets wellwishers in Dedham in the rain this afternoon The image was included as part of the latest batch of files released by the US Department of Justice relating to Epstein last Friday. Yesterday, Camilla ignored questions over whether she had a message for Epstein's victims - and whether the Royal Family would assist the investigation. The Queen, who is patron of the National Literacy Trust, was visiting Christ Church Primary School in Camden, North London, yesterday to open its library when she was quizzed by a reporter. The Queen was seen smiling as she stepped out of the car and said 'Morning' before she faced questions about Epstein. As she walked into the library, a reporter asked her: 'Good morning, Your Majesty. Will the Royal Family help the Epstein investigation? Do you have a message for Epstein's victims, Your Majesty?' Camilla did not respond to the questions, instead walking straight into the primary school. On Tuesday, Prince Edward - Andrew and Charles's brother - became the first royal to comment on the latest Epstein files, saying it is 'really important to remember the victims'. Speaking at the World Governments Summit in Dubai, the Duke of Edinburgh was asked about the latest revelations relating to the paedophile. He replied: 'Well, with the best will in the world, I'm not sure this is the audience that is probably the least bit interested in that. Andrew and Charles at the Duchess of Kent's funeral at Westminster Cathedral last September 'They all came here to listen to education, solving the future, but no, I think it's all really important always to remember the victims and who are the victims in all this? A lot of victims in this.' Former BBC royal correspondent Peter Hunt has called for the media to follow suit and hold senior royals to account. Sharing the video of Camilla ignoring questions, he wrote: 'The British media must continue to do the right thing - despite the letters of outrage they may well receive from Buckingham Palace - and try and hold senior royals to account over Andrew and Epstein. Next up - Prince William in Saudi Arabia, next week.' William will carry out his first official visit to Saudi Arabia from Monday until Wednesday at the request of the UK Government. Also yesterday, protesters from the anti-monarchy group Republic stuck crime tape across the railings of Buckingham Palace and unfurled a banner which said: 'Charles, what are you hiding?' It comes after Andrew moved from Royal Lodge, his Windsor mansion, to the King's Sandringham Estate on Tuesday. On the same day, Thames Valley Police confirmed they were assessing allegations that a woman was sent to the UK by Epstein for a sexual encounter with Andrew. The King's younger brother features a number of times in the Epstein files, with another photo appearing to show him touching a fully clothed woman's abdomen. The images are undated and it is unclear where they were taken. Andrew has previously strongly denied any wrongdoing. It's the bane of every Brit's life - especially those trying to show off their house to possible buyers. But prospective sellers no longer need to put up with the UK's dreary weather, all thanks to the magic of AI. A bizarre new property trend has seen engineered photos of blue skies and sparkling clean interiors appear on property listings, with househunters labelling the technique 'misleading'. It is not guaranteed to go to plan, however, with some pictures showing entire walls replaced by sky and parts of the house contorted into weird shapes. One typical-looking semi-detached property in Dunfermline, Scotland has a huge chunk of the roof missing in the main photo of a Rightmove listing. The front-facing wall of the home appears normal as does half the roof, but the right-hand wall vanishes completely around halfway up, making way for idyllic blue skies. A shadow present on the brick wall can also be seen floating in mid-air, while a random stretch of roof hovers above the missing portion of the house. Parts of the home's interior also appear slightly off, particularly several photos showing off the kitchen. One typical-looking semi-detached property in Dunfermline, Scotland has a huge chunk of the roof missing in the main photo of a Rightmove listing One picture of the kitchen appears to show the cupboards bulging and a vase placed in the middle of the hob Dark grey cupboards across the room appear oddly-shaped and warped giving the impression they have been heavily bent. Meanwhile, there is a vase filled with pink and purple flowers placed in the oddest possible position - on the hob. House hunters quickly took to Reddit to ruthlessly mock the creative seller, accusing them of deploying AI to doctor the photos on the listing. One user said: 'When I see listings like this I wonder if these people really want to sell. Or if they even check the pictures before letting the estate agents post them.' Another added: 'Chrome plated gable wall reflecting the sky. Very fancy.' A third remarked: 'Do they not even check the photos. And surely its false advertising at this point.' Another user drew attention to the odd display in the kitchen, posting: 'I always place my vase of tulips in the middle of my hob.' And one house hunter added: 'Isn't that where everyone keeps their flowers?!?!' The two-bedroom home - which boasts one bathroom - is on the market for 209,995. The listing claims the property has been 'completely renovated throughout' although it remains to be seen whether that includes the unusual exterior shown in the photos. The phenomenon of tweaking photos on housing listings with the help of AI seems to have been spiralling out of control of late with experts warning such practices risk misleading buyers and wasting their time. While traditional virtual staging typically involves adding furniture to empty rooms, estate agents are increasing turning to using AI to remove years of accumulated belongings and make homes appear more presentable. AI tools aimed squarely at estate agents, promise to brighten rooms, remove clutter, replace skies and enhance interiors for as little as 1.20 per image. Some services even boast they can digitally deep-clean a home in minutes. One recent example involved a bestrewn property in Exeter - described as being 'in need of modernisation' - which was piled high with years of accumulated clutter, with rooms barely visible beneath mountains of belongings. But rather than clearing the detritus before putting it on the market for 420,000, agents instead turned to AI to erase the chaos, replacing it with eerily empty interiors which exist only on screen. This bedroom from a different property has been enhanced with AI to brighten up the room and to add furniture - including a television that doesn't appear in the mirror and curtains with no rail The room as it appeared in an older property listing - with rather more subdued lighting. It also appears smaller than the previous image suggested The Norfolk property comes with a workshop area that looked bright and airy in the enhanced photographs It looked somewhat different in an older listing, however - suggesting the other images may have been gently enlivened This particular Rightmove listing openly acknowledges the digital makeover, stating: 'We have included images that have been AI enhanced to show the property cleared of the owner's belongings.' The use of artificial intelligence in property marketing has already sparked concern overseas. In Australia, the New South Wales state government recently introduced legislation requiring estate agents to declare if AI has been used to enhance listings, following reports of tools being deployed to disguise damage or make rooms appear larger than they really are. There is currently no equivalent requirement in the UK. Science was once his god, until a 'pretty sorority girl' invited him to read the Bible. Harvard physicist Dr Michael Guillen told the Daily Mail he had never read the Bible and never considered Christianity, as his world revolved around science. 'I thought to myself, well, I'm a scientific nerd, but I'm not that stupid,' he said, adding how it would allow him to spend more time with her. His mindset completely changed when, as a graduate student at Cornell University in the 1980s, he said he realized that science might be able to answer his burning questions about religion. 'For me, the bigger point is that modern science doesn't contradict the Bible, but it actually complements it,' said Guillen, who is now a Christian. 'Science can help inform our understanding of the Bible, showing that both can reflect the same truths about the universe.' The question he kept returning to was one of heaven: Could science shed light on its location? 'I started asking myself, where might it be? Is it another dimension, an entirely different realm, or could science offer some insight?' he said. 'I'm not saying science will give me the ultimate answer, but it seemed worth exploring.' Harvard physicist Dr Michael Guillen has become a Christian He said he realized that science might be able to answer his burning questions about the religion His search for answers gave way to three ideas about heaven that he said suggest it might be more than just a spiritual concept. As a cosmologist, Guillen noted that the universe's expansion creates a 'cosmic horizon'- the edge of the observable universe where space moves at the speed of light, and time, as physics understands it, effectively comes to a standstill. It represents the maximum distance light has traveled since the Big Bang, 13.8 billion years ago. And he believes heaven may lie past the cosmic horizon, roughly 273 billion trillion miles from Earth. Guillen believes that heaven is timeless, inhabited by non-material entities, and somehow connected to, yet separate from, our universe. According to the Bible, heaven is not a single location; it is a layered concept: the sky (first heaven), outer space (second heaven) and the spiritual realm where God dwells (third heaven). This highest heaven is described as 'above' the earth, beyond human understanding, and the future dwelling place of God with redeemed humanity in a new creation. 'I started thinking that if I look far enough out...time, as we know it, effectively stops,' Guillen said. 'That got me wondering, because the Bible describes heaven as an eternal, timeless realm. Could there be a connection between heaven and the cosmic horizon? It seemed worth exploring.' Join the debate Can science and faith truly coexist, or do they ultimately clash when explaining lifes biggest mysteries? As a cosmologist, Guillen noted that the universe's expansion creates a 'cosmic horizon' Just as time effectively stops at the cosmic horizon, the Bible describes heaven as an eternal, timeless realm. This suggests a parallel between the physical concept of the cosmic horizon and the spiritual concept of a place where time, as we understand it, no longer applies. The next is that non-material entities, meaning souls, populate heaven. Beyond the cosmic horizon, physics tells us that only light or non-material phenomena can exist, Guillen explained. Similarly, the Bible describes heaven as inhabited by spiritual beings, angels and God, reinforcing the idea that heaven may lie in a realm fundamentally different from our material universe. Finally, Guillen believes heaven is connected yet separate from our universe. While the cosmic horizon represents the limit of what we can observe, he said, it is still part of the universe. In the same way, Guillen suggested, heaven may be linked to our universe, interacting with it, yet remains beyond direct observation, reflecting the biblical idea of a God who is actively engaged in the world while dwelling in a separate, divine realm. 'Now, this is obviously not proof,' he said. 'But the idea that heaven lies beyond the cosmic horizon, beyond the observable universe, is something to think about.' New video from a US military drone has captured what UFO investigators are calling a formation of mysterious orbs flying over one of the most contentious regions in the world. Jeremy Corbell, investigative journalist, documentary filmmaker, and co-host of the WEAPONIZED Podcast, revealed footage this week allegedly obtained from intelligence sources that captured three objects flying over the Persian Gulf on August 23, 2012. The minute-long recording was taken by an MQ-9 Reaper drone being operated by the US Air Force while it was using its infrared sensors just after 6pm local time. According to Corbell and podcast co-host George Knapp, the Pentagon described these three lights as 'orbs' flying in formation instead of coming from one triangular-shaped object. In the video, one of the lights could be seen suddenly dropping back behind the other two, before seemingly being slingshot forward to lead the group. Corbell added that the orbs appeared to be flying in an almost 'playful' manner and were intelligently coordinated, maintaining equal distances without any visible wings, tails, fins, or engine exhaust of any kind. He pointed out that the leaked recording clearly showed unidentified flying objects displaying one of the 'five observable' behaviors often linked to UFOs - unusual flight movements that defy basic physics. In this case, the one orb moving between the other two exhibited clear signs of instant acceleration without any visible thrust, something human aircraft haven't publicly shown an ability to do. Leaked military video from 2012 revealed three orbs captured flying over the Persian Gulf Your browser does not support iframes. In a breakdown of the sighting, Corbell noted that the US Department of War officially designated the orbs as 'UAP,' which stands for Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena and is the new term for UFOs. The video was reportedly placed in a separate archive specifically for evidence of non-human craft or objects that clearly weren't birds, balloons, or other explainable items. The WEAPONIZED Podcast hosts added that the credibility of the sighting was indisputable, since the footage was taken by the military, using technology that accumulates more data than a standard camera or an everyday person's smartphone. 'This is a military recorded sensor-generated image of what looks like a triangular UFO, like one big triangular craft with dots on each of the three ends. And clearly, you watch this, and that's not what it is,' Knapp said in the January 30 episode. 'Your government has labeled this UAP, and you were never supposed to see this footage,' Corbell added. The two men noted that the area where this recording was made, between Saudi Arabia and Iran, has become a hotspot for UAP activity in recent years, with personnel on US Navy vessels in the region reporting multiple encounters with bright objects in the sky. In one incident allegedly recounted to Corbell, an unknown object flooded the bridge of a Navy ship with extremely intense light, so bright that a commanding officer claimed she raised her hand to shield her eyes, but she couldn't see her own hand in front of her face. In another incident recently revealed during a bombshell hearing in Washington, military drone footage captured the moment a Hellfire missile struck and merely bounced off the hull of a UFO flying over the nearby country of Yemen. The video of the orbs was taken by a US Air Force Reaper drone between Saudi Arabia and Iran Congressman Eric Burlison of Missouri revealed video of a US military drone striking an orb-shaped UFO with a missile, which bounced off and did not stop the craft Congressman Eric Burlison of Missouri produced the shocking, never-before-seen footage from October 30, 2024 during the congressional UAP hearing with a group of military whistleblowers last year. The black-and-white video captured the 100-pound class air-to-ground precision weapon bouncing off the mysterious orb, which continued traveling at extreme speed off the coast of Yemen, roughly 1,000 miles away from the Persian Gulf. Witness Jeffrey Nuccetelli, a former Air Force military police officer for 16 years, called the Hellfire video 'exceptional evidence' of the existence of UFOs. 'I imagine there are members of Congress that would like to see it, who I don't even know if they've asked to see the repository of UAP videos that we've mentioned to them in the past,' Knapp said. 'But it must be frustrating for them to know that this kind of stuff exists and they're not allowed to poke into it or get a glimpse of it at all.' Officially, the US government and the Pentagon have declared that there has never been any physical evidence recovered that proves UFOs or extraterrestrial beings exist. The podcast hosts noted that ARRO, the Pentagon department in charge of reviewing all UAP incidents, has released very few videos showing clear UFO sightings, despite whistleblower footage continuing to be leaked to the public. Names like John, James, Elizabeth, and Mary once dominated the UK's classrooms and playgrounds. But scientists now say these traditional favourites could be dying out. A new study shows that parents are increasingly looking for the most unique names for their children as they turn their backs on traditional favourites. And it isn't just British babies whose names are getting more unusual, as researchers found that parents around the world are following the same trend. If you want to see whether your name is at risk of dying out, you can use our interactive tool below to find out. First select your gender, then enter your name and select it from the dropdown menu. The chart will tell you how many babies of your sex and name were born in 2024, how popular it is, how it has changed from its heyday, and when your name reached peak position in the charts. You can then compare your name against up to five more names of any gender. Your browser does not support iframes. Previous studies have suggested that there is a growing trend of parents deliberately choosing names that are perceived as uncommon or unique. However, these studies only looked at an individual country through a very specific scientific lens. Instead, Professor Yuji Ogihara, of Aoyama Gakuin University, compared historical naming data from several countries. This revealed that unique names have become more frequent in Germany, the US, France, Japan, China, and Indonesia. Exactly how this quest for uniqueness appears varies from country to country, and changes based on naming conventions. For instance, Professor Ogihara says that people in Japan pay more attention to how a name is read, while people in China are more concerned about how the name is written. However, the overall trend is the same fewer people are sharing common popular names, while more people are given unique or very rare names. Professor Ogihara told the Daily Mail: 'One of the main reasons is that people seek for more uniqueness and distinction from others.' Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. The researcher adds that he expects the trend to 'continue for a while' into the foreseeable future. In the UK, one of the most obvious consequences of this is the steady disappearance of names that had been extremely common. For example, Jack had previously topped the popularity list for babies every year between 1996 and 2008. However, in 2024, ONS data shows that the name ranked just 22nd, with only 1,711 babies being given the name. That is a decrease of more than 70 per cent compared with 10 years ago, marking the biggest fall from grace of any of the 6,000plus boy names. Likewise, the number of babies named Harry fell by 3,600, a decrease of 67 per cent from the last decade, and now sits 20th, with a continuing downward trajectory. The story is the same for girls, with babies named Emily falling from 3,991 to 1,170 and girls called Jessica declining from 2,995 to just 483. At the same time, a popular name rising the charts is Arlo, an Old English word for 'fortified hill' which saw a rise from 397 in 2014 to 2,220 in 2024 for a total change of 1,823 (459 per cent). Scientists say that oncepopular baby names are dying out as parents favour unique variations and unusual spellings over traditional favourites (stock image) This has been accompanied by a significant increase in the popularity of culturally and religiously specific names, such as Mohammed, Nabeel, and Iqra. However, research shows that the UK's cultural diversity is not the main driver of this trend. A study published in 2018 by researchers from the University of Oxford found that changes in ethnic diversity alone could not explain the explosion in unique names. In the ONS dataset, around 65 per cent of names were registered to fewer than 10 babies in a given year, while four per cent of names are recorded only once in 20 years. The researchers found that parents typically followed shortlived baby naming trends, picking a uniquesounding name until it became common enough to fall out of fashion. Frequently, this involved adding a unique ending or alternative spelling to a previously popular name or 'oldfashioned' name that has fallen out of fashion. For example, the researchers found a spike in babies named Abagael in 1999, Abygayle in 2000, Abaigael in 2004, and Abbygael in 2013. In 2016, names with alternative endings, such as Hollee, Holley, Holli, Hollie and Holly, made up 9.1 per cent of all unique names. From Kirsten Dunst and Jesse Plemons to Justin and Hailey Bieber, many celebrity couples could easily pass as siblings. Now, a study has revealed that this is no coincidence. Scientists from the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology have confirmed that women fancy men who look like their brothers. To find out what people look for when rating potential partners, the experts analysed the interactions between more than 40,000 people on a major online dating platform. Using AI tools, the researchers were able to measure how similar users were in both facial features and personality traits. The results revealed that women have a 'clear preference' for men who look more like them. While the reason for this remains unclear, the researchers point to the 'parental investment theory'. '[This] suggests women tend to prioritize cues of trustworthiness and familiarity to mitigate the risks associated with partner selection, for which facial resemblance may serve as a heuristic,' they explained. From Kirsten Dunst and Jesse Plemons (pictured) to Justin and Hailey Bieber, many celebrity couples could easily pass as siblings. Now, a study has revealed that this is no coincidence Scientists from the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology have confirmed that women fancy men who look like their brothers. Pictured: Justin and Hailey Bieber While beauty is in the eye of the beholder, the researchers set out to understand what men and women tend to look for when rating potential partners online. The team enlisted 41,441 participants aged 1847, who used a popular South Korean dating app. Using AI, the team analysed a total of 506,014 interactions betewen these users. The results revealed that when it comes to facial features, women prefer men who look like them. In contrast, men prefer facial dissimilarity rating women more highly when their features were unlike their own. 'This result is consistent with the evolutionary logic of inbreeding avoidance,' the researchers explained in their study, published in Computers in Human Behavior. 'Attraction to dissimilar faces may be an evolved mechanism to avoid genetic costs and increase the genetic diversity of offspring.' Meanwhile, when it came to personality similarity, socioeconomic status (SES) was found to be the most important deciding factor. The results of the study revealed that when it comes to facial features, women prefer men who look like them. Pictured: Rooney Mara and actor Joaquin Phoenix When their personalities aligned, women rated highstatus men even more positively. However, the men rated highstatus women less favorably when their personalities were similar. According to the researchers, this suggests a 'status imbalance'. 'Given that the traditional male gender role is associated with resource provision, a partner's higher SES may signal a deviation from this script,' the researchers explained. 'In such contexts, the relevance of intimacybuilding traits like personality similarity appears to be diminished.' Looking like your partner is of course not a new phenomenon, with a popular Instagram account actually dedicated to the concept. @siblingsordating has more than one million followers, as it asks social media users to guess whether pairs are bloodrelations or lovers. Some of the couples share almost identical features, while other snaps show family members who have snuggled up in poses which are a little too close for comfort. The last remaining nuclear weapons treaty between the US and Russia has expired, unleashing the threat of a 'runaway arms race.' At midnight on Thursday, the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START), signed by both superpowers in 2010, ended as no agreement on an extension was reached, allowing the US and Russia to now build up their nuclear stockpiles without restriction. Russia has already blamed the US for walking away from the treaty, with Russian politician Alexei Zhuravlev issuing a chilling warning about his nation's ability to single-handedly cause a nuclear apocalypse. Zhuravlev, First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Defense Committee, said: 'Russia currently possesses weapons capable of wiping out any country, or even completely destroying the entire planet.' The New START treaty had limited both sides to no more than 1,550 deployed strategic nuclear warheads each, while also allowing mutual inspections and data sharing for transparency. A limit was also set on the number of long-range delivery systems the US and Russia could have, restricting each nation to 700 active platforms capable of carrying nuclear warheads, including missiles, submarines, and bombers. Now that New START has expired, both countries are free to build up and deploy more of these weapons without any binding limits or required verification. Daniel Holz, a member of the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists, warned that the world has never been closer to Doomsday than it is today, fearing that the end of New START will trigger 'a runaway nuclear arms race' involving multiple countries. Russian President Vladimir Putin (Left) and US President Donald Trump (Right) allowed the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty to expire on Thursday A worker prepares the B61-13, a nuclear 'gravity bomb' being produced by the US that is 24 times more powerful than the atom bomb dropped on Hiroshima, Japan in 1945 Zhuravlev claimed that Russia was willing to extend New START for another year, but the Trump Administration has demanded that any nuclear arms treaty include restrictions on the country with the third-largest nuclear stockpile - China. 'Moscow is playing the role of peacemaker,' Zhuravlev told Russian online news outlet news.ru. 'Washington, however, has often linked this issue to the inclusion of Beijing, which is rapidly nipping at everyone's heels, in the agreement.' The politician said that China, a close ally of Russia, 'flatly refuses' to be part of any nuclear treaty, as tensions between the communist nation, the US, and America's allies in Asia remain high. The first New START treaty was signed in 1991 and cut the number of deployed strategic nuclear warheads. START II in 1993 aimed to significantly reduce strategic nuclear weapons, banning multiple warheads (MIRVs) on intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) and eliminating Russian SS-18 missiles. However, it never fully entered into force due to Russian delays related to the US withdrawal from the Anti-Ballistic Missile (ABM) Treaty, and Russia formally repudiated it in 2002, with later agreements like New START eventually taking its place. New START was the only treaty that effectively held the US and Russia accountable for reducing their arsenals. Researchers with the Federation of American Scientists claimed that both the US and Russia exceeded the limits of the New START treaty before its expiration on February 5, 2026 Your browser does not support iframes. Moscow and Washington, both focused on the war in Ukraine, have not conducted formal talks on a successor to New START. A new report by the Federation of American Scientists (FAS), a nonprofit global policy think tank, found the US and Russia still possess 86 percent of the world's total inventory of nuclear weapons. Overall, researchers estimated that nine countries possessed 12,321 nuclear warheads as of this year, with Russia having the world's largest military stockpile of more than 4,300 weapons of mass destruction. The US followed closely behind with 3,700 warheads in the current military stockpile, a number that includes both active weapons on long-range delivery systems and inactive bombs kept in storage. China, the UK, France, India, Pakistan, Israel, and North Korea are the other seven nations believed to have an active stockpile of nuclear bombs. In terms of the weapons ready for launch in a nuclear war, scientists with FAS claimed that both countries had already violated the New START limit of 1,550 deployed strategic nuclear warheads at the start of 2026. Their report alleged that Russia had 1,718 nuclear warheads deployed worldwide while the US had 1,670. 'The exact number of nuclear weapons in each country's possession is a closely held national secret, so the estimates presented here come with significant uncertainty,' FAS said in a statement. FAS added that the Biden Administration and the Russian government both elected to stop publicly sharing data about their deployed strategic warheads and launchers in 2023, despite it being mandated by the New START Treaty. President Trump has insisted that a replacement to the New START treaty must include new restrictions on China, which is believed to have 600 nuclear warheads China currently has approximately 600 warheads in its arsenal, with a recent warning from the Pentagon stating that the country was arming dozens of long-range nuclear missiles. President Trump said in January that a replacement for New START will need to curb China's rapid and unchecked expansion of nuclear arms. 'If it expires, it expires,' the president told the New York Times. 'We'll do a better agreement.' Dr Jim Walsh, Senior Research Associate at MIT's Security Studies Program, warned that the treaty's expiration won't immediately unravel nuclear restraint, but it could trigger a chain reaction with far-reaching consequences. 'There'll be a turn of events a month from now, a year from now, five years from now,' Walsh told the Daily Mail. 'Things always happen in international affairs. There'll be a war, there'll be a crisis.' Melania Trump refused to answer a reporter who tried to ask her about Ghislaine Maxwell while meeting with a hostage freed by Hamas. The First Lady hosted American-Israeli Keith Siegel and his wife Aviva at the White House on Wednesday a year after she helped advocate for his freedom. In a rare moment, dozens of members of the press were welcomed into the room at the conclusion of their meeting to hear remarks from Melania and the Siegels. SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO No answer: First Lady Melania Trump dismissed a question about Ghislaine Maxwell during an event at the White House But before the reporters were ushered out, an MS Now producer asked Melania about calls for convicted sex trafficker Maxwell to be moved to a high security prison amid the release of the Jeffrey Epstein files. Melania shot back: 'We are here celebrating the release and the life of these two incredible people. So let's honor that, thank you.' The Justice Department on Friday released 3.5 million Epstein files, including an email addressed to Maxwell that was signed 'Love Melania.' The Trumps, Maxwell and Epstein mixed in the same circles from Manhattan to Mar-a-Lago through the 1990s and early 2000s. Despite their relatively similar situations just a few decades ago, Melania and Maxwell's lives took very different turns. Event: The question came as Melania hosted freed Israeli hostage Keith Seigel and his wife Aviva at the White House on Wednesday, February 4, 2026 Throwback: Donald Trump, then-girlfriend Melania Knauss, Jeffrey Epstein, and Ghislaine Maxwell at Mar-a-Lago in February 2000 The former married her rich businessman boyfriend, had a child with him and became FLOTUS, while the latter remains the only living person serving jail time for Epstein's child sex crimes. Melania was grilled on Wednesday over whether she was using the meeting with the freed Israeli hostages to promote her new film, which premiered at the Trump-Kennedy Center last week. 'It is nothing to do with promotion,' the First Lady insisted. Aviva Siegel was featured in the movie as she met with Melania to push for her husband and other Israeli hostages' freedom. Keith thanked Melania for including their story in her film, which was released in theaters across the country on Friday. On message: The First Lady said she would not venture off of the topic of her meeting with freed American-Israeli hostage Keith Siegel and his wife Aviva The email in the Epstein files signed by 'Melania' in 2002 begins: 'Dear G! How are you? Nice story about JE in NY mag. You look great on the picture.' New York Magazine that same week ran a now-infamous story headlined: 'Jeffrey Epstein: International Moneyman Of Mystery.' The article featured a colored full-page caricature-like illustration of Epstein grinning alongside former President Bill Clinton in front of his private jet, as similarly animated versions of actors Kevin Spacey and Chris Tucker were drawn boarding the aircraft behind them. The email continued: 'I know you are very busy flying all over the world. How was Palm Beach? I cannot wait to go down. Give me a call when you are back in NY. Have a great time!' Trump maintains that he broke off ties with Epstein in 2007 when he kicked him out of his Mar-a-Lago club for being 'a creep.' Documents released by the DOJ on Friday show that a writer identified as 'G. Max' replied to the 2002 'Love Melania' email with: 'Sweet pea, Thanks for your message.' 'Actually plans changed again and I am now on my way back to NY. I leave again on Fri so I still do not think I have time to see you sadly. I will try and call though.' The author of the message signed off: 'Keep well. Gx.' Convicted: Maxwell is the only person serving jail time for Epstein's sex trafficking crimes Now, more than two decades later, Melania is the most elusive First Lady in recent history. She rarely does public events, doesn't often take questions from the press and isn't seen beside President Trump as much as she was in the first term. Her focus has been on humanitarian causes especially as it relates to children. She previewed for reporters on Wednesday that she is working on getting Russian President Vladimir Putin to release more Ukrainian children. 'We are in the process. So I hope we have success very soon. I will keep you posted,' the Slovenian-born former model vowed. Plenty of expectant couples manage to fit in one last child-free trip before welcoming their new arrival. Babymoons are becoming increasingly popular, with a 46 per cent year-on-year surge in Google searches for the special type of trip - but where is everyone going? MoneySuperMarket's Babymoon Index looks into the top 100 European cities no more than a four-hour flight away from the UK for a low-stress break for soon-to-be parents. The research analyses various important factors for expectant couples including healthcare quality, hotel ratings, transport affordability, public toilet cleanliness, and air and food quality. One destination in particular came out top - Thessaloniki in Greece - and it proved to be a great place for chilling out before the little one arrives. The sunny spot ranked well because of its air quality, high-rated accommodation, and relaxed pace. Greece's second city has everything from ancient remains, markets and a rich history to explore. It's the perfect spot for a slow and easy break, and locals even practice chalara which is the mindset of, relaxation... moving in slow motion, stress-free. Thessaloniki in Greece proved to be a great place for chilling out before the little one arrives The sunny spot ranked well because of its air quality, high-rated accommodation, and relaxed pace Brno, in the Czech Republic, ranked second and has plenty of art galleries to enjoy as well as buildings and endless restaurants serving traditional cuisine - perfect for a chilled break away. The French city of Rennes followed in third and has a medieval old town, vibrant food scene, and half-timbered houses. It was also recently named the best European city for a one-night-only stay. Dubbed the 'Venice of Eastern Europe', Wroclaw - pronounced vrot-swaaf - came fourth in the research overall. The Polish city is built across 12 islands which are separated by canals. Elsewhere, Plovdiv, the second-largest city in Bulgaria, ranked fifth, followed by another Greek spot - Athens. Latvian capital Riga placed seventh and just last year was named the best value European destination for Brits, according to the Post Office Travel Report. Another capital - Budapest - ranked eighth, followed by Bari in Italy and Madrid in Spain. Brno, in the Czech Republic, ranked second and has plenty of art galleries to enjoy as well as buildings and endless restaurants serving traditional cuisine - perfect for a chilled break away The French city of Rennes followed in third and has a medieval old town, vibrant food scene, and half-timbered houses Best European cities for babymoons Thessaloniki, Greece Brno, Czech Republic Rennes, France Wroclaw, Poland Plovdiv, Bulgaria Athens, Greece Riga, Latvia Budapest, Hungary Bari, Italy Madrid, Spain Source: MoneySuperMarket Advertisement Alicia Hempsted, travel insurance sxpert at MoneySuperMarket, comments: 'Babymoons are a popular way for expectant parents to slow down, switch off from everyday pressures, and spend quality time together before welcoming a baby. 'With so many physical and emotional changes happening at once, a babymoon can offer a much-needed chance to rest and reset. 'Choosing the right destination is crucial. Feeling safe, comfortable and well cared for with access to reliable healthcare, good-quality food and easy transport can help make your babymoon a relaxing and enjoyable trip to remember.' Oh dear, oh dear! TV star Paul Elliot has found himself in a row with eDreams after he accidentally signed up for a subscription with the travel agency. The Chuckle Brother, 78, took to Instagram yesterday after spending over an hour on the phone to the company. Paul explained how he originally booked a flight to Athens back in January 2024 which seems to have led to the the actor unknowingly subscribing to a service. He only noticed after money was taken from his bank account yesterday evening. The ChuckleVision star fumed: 'Three telephone attempts, two phones at the same time on one occasion, the last one promised he wouldn't leave me hanging on and it would only be five to 10 seconds for him to connect me! Didn't happen!' Spanish-based online travel agency eDreams allows holidaymakers to book flights, hotels and transfers for trips around the world. Paul, from Rotherham, South Yorkshire, has not travelled with the company since his trip to Athens and has been left baffled. He claimed he provided his details four times to various workers over the phone but wasn't able to get any help. Paul Elliot (pictured), 78, booked a flight to Athens with online travel agency eDreams back in 2024 which seems to have led to the the actor unknowingly subscribing to a service The Chuckle Brother, pictured with his late sibling Barry back in 1993, only noticed after money was taken from his bank account yesterday evening Spanish-based online travel agency eDreams allows holidaymakers to book flights, hotels and transfers for trips around the world Paul explained how he had looked back through his emails to find his original booking but could not find any details of the subscription. The actor continued, 'Checked the confirmation email and I cannot see where it says that I have subscribed to them!' Paul also shared an image of his phone showing he had been on the phone for one hour and four minutes. He raged: 'Now trying to cancel anything is a nightmare! They just leave you hanging on!' As of last night, Paul still hadn't managed to resolve his issue and ended his post with, 'I will carry on trying to cancel it'. Many of Paul's 136,000 Instagram followers took to the comments to defend the TV star. One joked: 'Paul Chuckle has been mugged off. We ride at dawn.' Another added: 'Hang in there Paul, we're all rooting for you!!' He claimed he provided his details four times to various workers over the phone but wasn't able to get any help Paul, alongside his late brother Barry, became known for their slapstick kids' show Chucklevision and 'to me, to you' catchphrase An eDreams spokesperson told the Daily Mail: 'The matter has been resolved directly with the customer.' Paul, alongside his late brother Barry Elliot, became known for their slapstick kids' show Chucklevision and 'to me, to you' catchphrase. The popular programme aired from 1987 to 2009 and was been named the greatest CBBC series of all time by the Radio Times in 2019. In a poll of 3,000 people, ChuckleVision was named the greatest, followed by The Story Of Tracy Beaker and Dick And Dom In Da Bungalow. Paul said at the time: 'Thank you as you have all helped put ChuckleVision where it belongs, at number one!' Known as the City of Love, hordes of tourists head there for weekend getaways to take in the iconic sights. But, despite the romantic scenes and good food, it is also the city where you're most likely to fall victim to pickpockets. Paris accounts for a whopping 16.5 per cent of all theft-related reviews from the last year, as revealed in a new study. The research looked into over 13,000 Google reviews - looking specifically for words including pickpocket, robbery and fraud - to discover which cities leave visitors feeling safe, and the ones that could be risky. Areas that are typically popular with tourists, including the Eiffel Tower and Montmartre, are hotspots for opportunistic theft. There are a range of common scams to look out for in Paris, such as the 'friendship bracelet' trick. This involves a bracelet being tied around your wrist as an act of friendship and the maker then goes on to demand payment. Other scams include fake charity or petition tricksters who seek out donations from tourists for an organisation that in reality does not exist. Paris accounts for a whopping 16.5 per cent of all theft-related reviews analysed in the past year by Radical Storage Areas that are typically popular with tourists, including the Eiffel Tower and Montmartre, are hotspots for opportunistic theft Distraction techniques are also common, such as the 'dropped ring' trick, where someone may claim you have dropped an item that they want to return to you and demand payment. Female solo traveller Sarah Lim recently revealed Paris was one of the five cities in which she felt most unsafe and said the French capital was rife with petty crime like bag-snatching and pickpocketing. Pickpocketing proved to be the most common type of theft in Paris, accounting for 29.8 per cent of review mentions in the research, conducted by Radical Storage. The city also ranked highest for the words, 'scam', 'con', 'theft', 'mugged' and 'stolen'. Rome ranked second in the list, making up 10.7 per cent of theft-related reviews. It might not be surprising, however, as the Italian capital saw a 68 per cent increase in pickpocketing crimes from 2019 to 2024. Meanwhile, Barcelona placed third, with 5.3 per cent of theft-related reviews. Bangkok ranked fourth, followed by Orlando and Istanbul in joint fifth place, and New York City in seventh. Rome ranked second, making up 10.7 per cent of theft-related reviews. It might not be surprising, however, as the Italian capital saw a 68 per cent increase in pickpocketing crimes from 2019 to 2024 Meanwhile, Barcelona placed third with 5.3 per cent of theft-related reviews World's top 10 pickpocket capitals 1. Paris, France - 16.5% 2. Rome, Italy - 10.7% 3. Barcelona, Spain - 5.3% 4. Bangkok, Thailand - 4.4% 5. Orlando, USA - 4.3% 5. Istanbul, Turkey - 4.3% 7. New York City, USA - 3.5% 8. Milan, Italy - 3.0% 9. Las Vegas, USA - 2.2% 10. Delhi, India - 1.9% Advertisement Orlando was dubbed the 'robbery capital' due to a whopping 12.5 per cent of its reviews about tourism theft including the word 'robbed'. Milan placed eighth, accounting for only 3 per cent of theft-related reviews. Elsewhere, Las Vegas ranked ninth and Delhi placed tenth. Surprisingly, despite London often making headlines for its pickpocketing and crime, the capital didn't make it into the top 10. To many travellers, there's nothing more exciting than visiting a supermarket in another country for a quick bite to eat, as it offers a new world of flavours and products that are hard to come by at home. But in the past year, the unassuming trend has taken the holiday world by storm, with curious globetrotters trading famous landmarks for quiet grocery store aisles packed with regional snacks and everyday goods. Research reveals a whopping 77 per cent of travellers now partake in 'supermarket tourism,' a phenomenon driven by the allure of authentic experiences abroad. A further 35 per cent of holidaymakers, meanwhile, say they will plan visits to local grocery stores on their next trip. One of the main forces fueling this trend is the explosion of short-term property lets like Airbnbs, which often come equipped with kitchenettes that allow guests to prepare their own meals and keep fresh produce stocked in the fridge. Another key driver is social media. Thousands of holidaymakers have taken to the likes of TikTok and Instagram in recent months to show off their quirky supermarket snack hauls during their trips to Spain, France, Tokyo and South Korea. In viral online videos, they document their visits to markets, hypermarches and konbinis, where they pick up a range of local snacks at surprisingly affordable prices, from 'exotic' flavours of Fanta and Coca Cola in the States, to anime-themed ramen noodles in Asia and artisanal meats and cheeses in Europe. On social media, these tourists enjoy comparing local snack flavours, ready meals and meal deals to the varieties offered at home. A whopping 77 per cent of travellers now partake in 'supermarket tourism,' as documented by holidaymaker TikTok user Cavan O'Grady during his visit to Spain In viral online videos, holidaymakers have shown off their hauls from Spanish markets, French hypermarches and Japanese konbinis (pictured) Pictured: supermarket breakfast cereal aisle in Barcelona, Spain In Japan, shoppers will typically find bento boxes, rice bowls, and flavoured milk drinks in the chilled to-go section, while Spain boasts a stream of rich Lays crisp flavours, from Cebolla (Onion) to Receta Campesina (Bolognese). By offering practical tips - such as the best aisles to browse - these shares have essentially transformed supermarkets into 'must-visit' destinations. No one anticipated that 'supermarket tourism' would become the breakout trend of 2026, but it's no surprise budget-conscious travellers are seeking low-cost alternatives when restaurants, world-renowned attractions and iconic landmarks continue to raise fees. Take the Louvre, for example, which recently introduced a 45 per cent entry fee hike for non-EU tourists visiting the famous Paris museum. Pair that with hours-long queues and crowded sites during peak season, it's easy to see why travellers would rather get a feel of a destination's soul through what's on its shelves. Whether it's a sheep's eyeball in a Moroccan souk, or pungent cheese varieties in remote French markets, supermarkets in foreign countries offer a clear glimpse into local lifestyles without the gimmicks. And with nearly half (48 per cent) of travellers cooking their own meals while away, as revealed in Hilton research, the number of holidaymakers paying a visit to their local grocery store or market is only set to rise. In Japan, its typical for shoppers to stumble across fresh sushi, donburi and bento boxes in the chilled to-go section TikTok user Julia, known as @mindofjulia, advises followers on the best confectionary to shop for in French supermarkets Content creator @khoslaa documented her supermarket trip in Spain, and challenged herself to secure as many tasty snacks as possible with 20 Euro Holidaymaker Cavan O'Grady was left stunned by how cheap food is, along with the varieties of meat available, in a Spanish supermarket It comes after British holidaymaker Cavan O'Grady shared his shock at the cheap prices of food in Spanish supermarkets. Cavan took his mum on holiday to Spain to celebrate her 63rd birthday. They stayed with his aunt in the town of La Linea de la Concepcion, near the country's border with Gibraltar. But as well as enjoying the 30C (86F) sun, Cavan - known as Cav - said he was blown away by the local supermarket. In one video, viewed 140,000 times on his TikTok page, the tourist filmed the items and prices while out shopping for food in Carrefour. Marcus Donkoh was the third entrepreneur to be fired by Lord Alan Sugar on Thursday's episode of The Apprentice. The barbershop owner from south London was the third person to be booted off the programme, following on from the double elimination on episode one. Last week events manager Georgina Newton and mortgage broker Nikki Jetha waved goodbye to a 50/50 partnership with Lord Sugar himself and a 250,000 investment for their business plan. Tonight's instalment of the show saw the two teams create their own children's book and audio version for 4-6 year old kids, and they had to pitch their idea to retailers in the industry. But unfortunately Marcus' team lost and failed to get enough sales to win the competition. Marcus, who was project manager, originally decided to bring Kieran McCartney and Dan Miller to the boardroom, but quickly asked Lord Sugar if he could swap Dan for Priyesh Bathia. Marcus Donkoh was the third entrepreneur to be fired by Lord Alan Sugar on Thursday's episode of The Apprentice The barbershop owner from south London was the third person to be booted off the programme, following on from the double elimination on episode one Speaking about his departure, Marcus said: 'I was absolutely gutted. 'I had so much more to give to the show. 'I feel as though I didn't really get to showcase my business acumen and my business skills, considering I've been running a business for five years and a successful one at that. 'And I was mostly upset at the fact that I couldn't see the other candidates. They were amazing people, absolutely class individuals. 'I think the production team did an amazing job gathering the candidates together. 'We all fit together really well. 'So yeah, I think missing them was probably the biggest part.' When asked if he deserved it, he added: 'No. I definitely did not deserve to go. I feel as though, in the real business world, you have a lot of information - you do have to make quick decisions, but you have a time to think. Tonight's instalment of the show saw the two teams create their own children's book and audio version for 4-6 year old kids, and they had to pitch their idea to retailers in the industry But unfortunately Marcus' team lost and failed to get enough sales to win the competition Marcus, who was project manager, originally decided to bring Kieran McCartney and Dan Miller to the boardroom, but quickly asked Lord Sugar if he could swap Dan for Priyesh Bathia 'It was really intense in the boardroom, I had to make a decision very quickly on who to bring back. 'So, changing my mind didn't help, but I feel as though there were other candidates that performed a lot worse than I did, didn't do what they were supposed to do, and I feel as though they deserved to get kicked off rather than myself.' Marcus had a plan to scale his business Mavade into a global grooming and lifestyle conglomerate. But unfortunately he's now missed out on the chance to do that with Lord Sugar. Last week Lord Sugar sacked TWO Apprentice candidates after a pretty disastrous performance - and both axed stars furiously hit back at his decision. Lord Sugar, Baroness Karren Brady and Tim Campbell put the 20 new candidates through their paces as they were tasked with trying to find nine items for the lowest price possible in Hong Kong. The girls and boys went head to head to locate and purchase them - and the boys managed to come out on top. Nikki Jetha, who was project manager for the task, and Georgina Newton were fired after failing the task miserably by only managing to bring back TWO of the nine items. Not only that, half of Nikki's team were nearly two hours late to cross the finish line. When asked if she deserved the boot, Nikki said: 'No, definitely not. I was brave enough to stand up and take on a challenge during the first task. 'It was, you know, unfamiliar territory. 'Not knowing the process, let alone the country, and not having internet and things like that. 'But I did the best I could do under the pressure, with limited information, and I'd rather be fired for stepping up than staying safe in the background. 'Theres a saying that ships are safest in the harbour, but that's not what they're built for. ' When Georgina was asked the same thing, said: 'No, I didn't. I think in the first episode, I probably contributed more than anybody on my team, and I think for the show, the person that contributes the least should go home. 'I thought a had a few more weeks at least left in me.' When asked if she would do anything differently, Nikki said: 'Yeah, definitely. 'In hindsight, I would do a lot differently, but that's just the luxury you don't get, unfortunately. 'But I trusted my instincts, I made decisive calls, and I'll do that again. 'I guess I did something that many people think about, but they don't actually stand up and do.' The Apprentice continues on BBC One and iPlayer on Thursdays at 9pm, with The Apprentice: Unfinished Business airing straight after on BBC Two. Patrick Dempsey plays an assassin with Alzheimer's Year: 2026 Certificate: 15 Watch now on Prime Video Angelo Doyle looks like a gentle, everyday guy when he pops round to visit his daughter in the opening scenes of this US drama. Perhaps he's a professor, or some kind of mid-level corporate executive? Well, it turns out that Angelo certainly executes. This handsome but seemingly unassuming fellow is actually a deadly assassin who drives around in a Porsche wearing sunglasses on his way to taking down his quarry. Angelo is played with easy confidence by Grey's Anatomy's Patrick Dempsey and it's good casting, because yet another layer lurks behind Angelo's silver fox facade. He has Alzheimer's, but doesn't know it yet. Based on a Belgian film called De Zaak Alzheimer but also reminiscent of the Michael Keaton movie A Killer's Memory, this ten-parter is caught somewhere between an old school US network drama and an edgy thriller miniseries in terms of its style. It's tense to watch, not always for good reasons, but carried well by Dempsey as a man whose world is slowly crumbling, and also benefits from having Michael Imperioli on the cast. The Sopranos star, whose acting just gets better with age, plays Angelo's employer - also a man who may not be all he seems. (Ten episodes) Welcome to The Group Chat with Lucy Manly, where Australia's most trusted society insider shares the hottest gossip BEFORE it makes the news. Tick, tock... boom It was inevitable, really. Sydney's messiest TikTok feud has finally made its way to the courts, with Canadianborn Cindy Kilian, better known as RegardingCindy, applying for a restraining order against her former best friend Elle Salagaras, a.k.a. EasternSuburbsMum. As previously revealed by the Mail, the pair's friendship imploded last year after Salagaras claimed she had been assaulted by the coowner of a wellknown venue, and Kilian said she would continue to go there. Tensions later flared at an influencer event held on the rooftop of the InterContinental in Double Bay in late November. The feud between eastern suburbs frenemies Elle Salagaras (left) and Cindy Kilian (right) has escalated, with Kilian applying for a restraining order against Salagaras TikTok footage showed Salagaras - who documents her life as a young stayathome mother with a wealthy husband - shouting at Kilian offscreen: 'She wants to dish it but she can't take it? Yeah? You wanna f*** around?' A frustrated Kilian told Salagaras to 'go home', then threatened to issue a 'cease and desist tomorrow' if her former BFF did not delete her posts. When Salagaras then made a particularly cutting allegation against Kilian, a man's voice could be heard pleading in the background: 'Stop, stop, stop, stop, stop, STOP!' Dramatic, right? Well, things have escalated again, with Kilian seeking an apprehended personal violence order (APVO) against Salagaras. Kilian has asked the Court for an order that Salagaras must not: assault or threaten her; stalk, harass or intimidate her; or destroy her property or harm any animal belonging to her. To be clear, this column does not suggest Salagaras has done any of these things and it's understood that the proceedings are opposed by her. The pair's once-close friendship imploded last year. Tensions later flared at an event held on the rooftop of the InterContinental in Double Bay (pictured) in late November Salagaras once mocked Kilian's threat to issue a 'cease and desist' When contacted for comment on Thursday, Kilian said, 'It's something between me and her It's a very strict and very classified police matter,' but declined to elaborate. In response, a spokesperson for Salagaras told The Group Chat: 'Killian well knows that this is not a police matter they have no involvement whatsoever. 'This latest legal step is opposed by Ms Salagaras who will be seeking an order that Ms Killian pay her legal costs associated with the matter.' Last year, Salagaras - a former 'bottle girl' who worked as a buyer's agent for Cohen Handler before becoming a fulltime influencer - confirmed to the Mail via a spokeswoman that her friendship with Kilian was over. 'After much reflection, I have decided to part ways as both friends and work colleagues,' she said at the time. 'I am now focusing on my content creation through my TikTok and Instagram platforms, as well as my podcast, which continues to grow and inspire my audience. I wish Cindy all the best in her future endeavours.' Kilian, originally from Toronto, obtained a degree in fashion arts before moving to Australia at age 22. Like Salagaras, she worked in real estate before deciding her true calling was filming TikTok videos. 'I love being on camera,' Kilian - who recently split from her partner - said on Salagaras' podcast, Ellefluential, in 2024, prior to their fallingout. The APVO matter is listed for mention on February 11 at Downing Centre Local Court. Chiro's reputation massage The most talked-about chiropractor in Double Bay is undergoing a bit of reputation rehab as he prepares to face his ex-girlfriend in court. Lotus-driving Dr Walid Kesserwani, the founder and chief executive officer of Medisport Clinic, has been charged with choking and assaulting his former partner, who works in the travel industry. As previously reported by the Mail, court documents state the alleged choking incident took place at Barangaroo about 11.30pm on July 17, 2024. The three assault charges relate to incidents alleged to have taken place at the same location on February 13, 2025, and September 6 and December 13, 2024. Choking a person without their consent carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison. Common assault can be punished by up to two years' jail. Dr Kesserwani (yes, chiros can call themselves 'Dr') has pleaded not guilty to each charge. His case got a mention this week, with no major updates. But I couldn't help but notice while doing a little research that our previous coverage was difficult to find. Then it clicked: he's gone and rigged the Google search rankings. And he's done so with the power of AI. No, not artificial intelligence - an 'Actual Indian'! The Group Chat understands Dr Kesserwani found a tech-savvy freelancer from Hamirpur on the website Upwork, which is like a white-collar version of Airtasker. 'Nishant T.' used SEO wizardry to push our unflattering stories about him down Google so they no longer appear on the first page when you search for his name. Lotus-driving Double Bay chiropractor Dr Walid Kesserwani appears to be trying to clean up his Google search results by hiring an Indian freelancer on the website Upwork Accused of alleged choking and assault against a former partner, Dr Kesserwani is set to face a one-day hearing at Downing Centre Local Court in May. He's pleaded not guilty to each charge This happens more than you'd think - and is usually the final resort after PR efforts collapse and a concerns notice ends up in the shredder. Dr Kesserwani is, of course, allowed to do what he wants to burnish his reputation, and it's not illegal. But perhaps he should instruct the person fixing his search results not to boast about his work online? Nishant T.'s profile highlights his 'online reputation' work for Dr Kesserwani, which dates from November 2024 through last year, among other clients. Whatever happened to discretion? We've also heard whispers the good doctor previously used the same freelancer to bury a Healthcare Complaints Commission media release highlighting an NCAT order reprimanding Dr Kesserwani over 'inappropriate telephone contact' with a patient. Dr Kesserwani is set to face a one-day hearing at Downing Centre Local Court in May. His representative was contacted for comment in relation to the SEO activity. TikTok takes scalpel to top doc Double Bay plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr Kelly Thornbury - one of the few women to crack the top tier of Australia's male-dominated cosmetic surgery scene - has had her popular TikTok account abruptly banned. Double Bay plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr Kelly Thornbury has had her popular TikTok account abruptly banned Dr Thornbury, renowned among Sydney's elite for her expertise in breast and body contouring, says she was blindsided by the decision, losing an account that boasted 47,000 followers and nearly one million views. Her Instagram, where she posts similar content, remains active, making the TikTok ban all the more confusing. According to Dr Thornbury, she was using the platform not to promote her own services but to educate women about safe plastic surgery choices. Her content regularly called out cosmetic cowboys, unqualified socialmedia 'experts', and the growing trend of medical tourism - bargain procedures in countries such as Thailand and Turkey being pushed by influencers. 'I have focused my efforts on patient care, and part of that is providing access to highly curated, specialist information for many women all over the world,' she said. 'My goal has always been to provide information to help women safely navigate plastic surgery.' Dr Thornbury warns against medical tourism, after influencers like OnlyFans star Kayla Jayde (pictured) shared cautionary tales of complications from going under the knife in Turkey It is curious that TikTok will allow influencers to glamorise invasive, highrisk procedures overseas while censoring a top surgeon posting general educational advice. If there were more operators like Dr Thornbury, perhaps there would be fewer Jocelyn Wildenstein impersonators waltzing around Sydney's eastern suburbs. Gold Coast influencer Skye Wheatley underwent multiple cosmetic procedures in Turkey in September 2024, including a 'foxeye' lift, blepharoplasty and liposuction. She shared her recovery on Instagram, documenting the process while also attracting criticism for promoting both her procedures and the clinic she partnered with. OnlyFans star Kayla Jayde offered a more cautionary tale. She used her substantial socialmedia platform to warn followers about her experience undergoing a Brazilian butt lift (BBL) in Turkey after suffering major complications, including 'vomiting blood and being paralysed for 24 hours'. She later said she regretted having the procedure. Remember, ladies: surgery is like tattooing. Good work ain't cheap - and cheap work ain't good. And finally... guess who, don't sue! Perth socialites are chattering about a prominent Western Australian allegedly being mentioned in the Jeffrey Epstein email dump. Sounds scandalous... The only problem is, it's not true. I checked - and there are precisely no records of the man if you search for his name on the U.S. Department of Justice website. Still, his fabricated acquaintance with the dead pervert Epstein continues to be the talk of the well-heeled western suburbs. Don't let facts get in the way of a good story! US television star Savannah Guthrie has dominated headlines this week after her mother Nancy, 84, went missing from her home in Tucson, Arizona, on January 31. The Today Show anchor, 54, has been working overtime with police and the FBI to find her mother, who is now believed to have been abducted. As the investigations continue, details have begun to resurface about Savannah's little-known life in Australia. The journalist was born at Sandringham Hospital in Melbourne on December 27, 1971, not far from Beaumaris, where her father, Charles, and mother, Nancy, lived. She is the youngest of three children - she has a sister Annie and brother Camron, who were both born in the US. Charles and Nancy moved to Victoria in about 1970 when he was relocated for work by Phelps Dodge, a mining company based in Phoenix, Arizona. Details have begun to resurface about Savannah's little-known life in Australia after her mother Nancy, 84, went missing from her home in Tucson, Arizona on January 31 Savannah's father was a mining engineer who was believed to be involved in a project which tested new technology for extracting copper from the ground. Meanwhile, Nancy was a stay-at-home mother, taking care of Savannah and her siblings in their Beaumaris home for three years before the family moved back to the US. Savannah was just two years old when the Guthrie family moved back home, settling into Tucson where the former attorney spent most of her childhood and adolescence. The TV star returned to Australia for a visit with her mother in 2015 to visit the place where she was born, for a special Mother's Day celebration with Nancy. On Wednesday, Savannah made an emotional appeal to her missing mother Nancy's apparent captors and begged for proof she is alive in a new video. Nancy vanished last Saturday evening after being dropped off at the sprawling Arizona property by her Italian son-in-law, Tommaso Cioni - the last person to see her. Savannah described her mother in glowing terms alongside her siblings in the new clip posted to Instagram pleading for her safe return Wednesday night. 'Our mom is a kind, faithful, loyal, fiercely loving woman of goodness and light. She's funny, spunky and clever. She has grandchildren that adore her and crowd around her and cover her with kisses,' Savannah said. The journalist was born at Sandringham Hospital on December 27, not far from Beaumaris where her father, Charles, and mother, Nancy, lived. Pictured with her older sister Annie Savannah graciously thanked everyone across the country who offered prayers and support before detailing her 'beloved mom' Nancy's fragile state prior to her disappearance. 'She is 84 years old. Her health, her heart is fragile. She lives in constant pain. She is without medicine, she needs it to survive. She needs it not to suffer,' she said. Savannah - surrounded closely by her sister Annie and brother Camron - then directly addressed her mother's possible captors, in the first firm, public admission that she may be held for ransom. 'We too have heard the reports about a ransom letter in the media. As a family, we are doing everything that we can,' Savannah said. Savannah then said to the potential kidnappers that 'we are ready to talk' but wanted proof that they weren't potentially using fraudulent images of Nancy. 'We live in a world where voices and images are easily manipulated. We need to know, without a doubt, that she is alive and that you have her. We want to hear from you and we are ready to listen. Please, reach out to us,' she said, holding back tears. Savannah then attempted to speak to her mother. 'Mommy, if you are hearing this, you are a strong woman. You are God's precious daughter, Nancy,' she said. It comes after Savannah made an emotional appeal to her missing mother Nancy's apparent captors and begged for proof she is alive in a new video. Pictured with Annie and Camron Nancy vanished on Saturday evening after being dropped off at the sprawling Arizona property by her Italian son-in-law Tommaso Cioni - the last person to see her 'We believe and know that even in this valley, he is with you. Everyone is looking for you, mommy, everywhere. We will not rest, your children will not rest until we are together again. 'We speak to you every moment and we pray without ceasing and we rejoice in advance for the day that we hold you in our arms again. We love you, mom.' Annie and Camron then echoed their sister's words: 'We love you, mom. Stay strong.' The video was simply captioned: 'Bring her home.' Nancy lives alone at a house in the affluent Catalina Foothills neighbourhood, where authorities found her phone, wallet and car following her mysterious disappearance on January 31. An Apple Watch was also found inside the property, which investigators said stopped syncing with her pacemaker at around 2am - suggesting she was taken from her home at around that time. Officers are now looking into Savannah's superfans who have piled her with gifts and mail before her mother was abducted, the Daily Mail revealed earlier on Wednesday. No suspect has been identified and police insist there is no danger to the wider public. However, investigators have not ruled out that Nancy may have been targeted because she is the mother of famous Today show host Savannah. With speculation running rampant about the identity of the next James Bond, one name has been whispered louder than others in Hollywood circles this week. Step forward Lauren Sanchez. No, the 56-year-old wife of Amazon billionaire Jeff Bezos is not about to make her silver screen debut as a gender-swapped 007. Rather, the rumor is that Sanchez has been given free rein to choose the actor hunk who will replace Daniel Craig in the iconic role. That claim was made by showbiz journalist Rob Shuter, who wrote on his substack on Tuesday that Mrs Bezos is now the 'quiet boss hovering over the Bond universe' following her husband's acquisition of MGM Studios in 2022. At the newly minted Amazon MGM Studios, Shuter wrote, 'it is Lauren's call now. If she's not feeling you, it's done.' However, the full truth has now been revealed to the Daily Mail, with impeccably placed insiders dismissing the notion of Sanchez's inclusion in the Bond selection process as a La La Land fantasy. With speculation running rampant about the identity of the next James Bond, one name has been whispered louder than others in Hollywood circles this week 'No, she's not picking the next James Bond. And no, she's not going to be a Bond girl either except maybe for Halloween,' an insider said. Shuter, who previously claimed that Bezos wants his buxom wife to be the next Bond girl, had also alleged that Sanchez 'has a very specific vision' for the legendary character, adding that Wuthering Heights heartthrob Jacob Elordi 'isn't it.' Sanchez envisions a Bond that is 'polished, charming, globally appealing... not someone who looks like he's carrying emotional luggage,' Shuter claimed. Elordi, 28, has recently been thought of as something of a frontrunner for the role. The Daily Mail has contacted representatives for Sanchez for comment. While Sanchez who is no stranger to TV as a former Emmy-winning news anchor is not involved with any Amazon MGM Studios projects, she was notably prominent in her support for Bezos during the global press tour for his passion project, new Lord of the Rings spin-off series, The Rings of Power. Join the debate Should Hollywood power players have any say in who becomes the next James Bond? Rumors have been circulating that Sanchez, who is married to Amazon boss Jeff Bezos, 62, will pick the next 007 hunk However, an insider told Daily Mail: 'No, she's not picking the next James Bond. And no, she's not going to be a Bond girl' Journalist Rob Shuter alleged that Sanchez 'has a very specific vision' for the character, and that Wuthering Heights heartthrob Jacob Elordi 'isn't it' And it appears Sanchez does harbor some cinematic aspirations. In 2024, she quietly scrapped a self-funded $2 million feature-length movie project. The shelved film, titled 'The Golden Door', had been billed as a psychological thriller. The hyper-focus in Hollywood on the next Bond casting comes after Bezos officially took creative control over all MGM projects last year. Following the departure of Daniel Craig, who appeared as Bond in five movies, the 007 films will no longer be produced by Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson, the daughter and stepson of Albert 'Cubby' Broccoli who launched the British spy franchise in 1962. Craig, 57, bowed out with No Time To Die in 2021, and since then a host of leading men have been suggested as replacements. Mission Impossible star Tom Cruise, 63, has been a fan favorite, while British actors James McAvoy, 46, and Henry Cavill, 42, also being named. Ellen DeGeneres' new $27.4 million Montecito home is massive with plenty of room for her wife Portia de Rossi. Realtor.com reported that in November the pair closed the deal to purchase Hollywood movie producer Brian Grazer's old home in the affluent area. Now public records reveal that the estate is gated with a large winding driveway up to a motor court and extended garage. The property is on three acres with a long lush lawn, mature trees, a generous terrace, a pickleball court with a cabana house off to the side and a mini forest with over a dozen trees. There is also a lap pool with a hot tub with plenty of space for outdoor dining room and living room furniture. The primary residence is an impressive 8,700-square-foot home. And there is a smaller guest house on the lower yard. Grazer snapped the home up in 2012 for $7.6 million and completed construction on the main residence in 2015, according to Realtor.com. Ellen DeGeneres' new $27.4 million Montecito home is massive with plenty of room for her wife Portia de Rossi, according to Realtor.com. Seen at home in Los Angeles Public records reveal that the estate is gated with a large winding driveway up to a motor court and extended garage The primary residence is an impressive 8,700-square-foot home. And there is a smaller guest house on the lower yard The sale was handled privately, it was claimed by Realtor.com, and that is why there are no indoor photos of the property on real estate websites. The off-market deal, which closed in late November according to the site, was completed through a trust long tied to DeGeneres' property holdings, it was also claimed by the site. People also reported on Tuesday that the home was bought by DeGeneres. But that does not mean that the 68-year-old comedienne is completely ditching England, where she and her 53-year-old wife moved to in November 2024. The star and de Rossi will be spending only part of their time in the Southern California community, People added. 'She's not moving back to the U.S. but will continue to split her time between both the U.K. and Montecito,' a source told the site. Montecito is where her friends Gwyneth Paltrow and Jennifer Aniston own homes. And it is where Prince Harry and Meghan Markle reside, and where Kendall Jenner recently bought a house. Daily Mail has reached out to the star's representative for comment. People added that the Hollywood veteran has been 'missing' California as it has been over a year since the former talk show host moved to England for a better life. There is also a lap pool with a hot tub with plenty of space for outdoor dining room furniture. Seen in 2021 The property is on three acres with a long lush lawn, mature trees, a generous terrace, a pickleball court with a cabana house off to the side and a mini forest with over a dozen trees She was reportedly so unhappy that Donald Trump had won a second term as President of the United States that she wanted to leave the country. It was also noted by a People source that DeGeneres has not been seen in her English neighborhood for many months and locals believed she had moved out. And in December, the TV personality and de Rossi were spied in Santa Barbara. That same month, DeGeneres shared a post from California on her Instagram page. A real estate source also shared with the site that the couple have been 'missing the California weather and horse scene' since moving to the bucolic Cotswolds in 2024. The insider also shared: 'Portia loves polo and her horses.' The Cotswolds is a rural area of south central England covering parts of six counties, notably Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire. Its rolling hills and grassland harbor thatched medieval villages, churches and stately homes. A general view of Montecito's downtown area At the the 62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards at STAPLES Center in LA in 2020 Kendall Jenner, seen on January 28 in LA, recently bought an equestrian estate in Montecito When DeGeneres and de Rossi first moved to England over a year ago they snapped up a farmhouse for around $18 million, but it did not fit their needs, The Wall Street Journal reported, so they moved out. They then purchased another home in the area that had floor-to-ceiling windows and was more modern. It also more adequately housed the Arrested Development actress' horses and provided plenty of land for them to graze on. In July it was reported that DeGeneres put that first English farmhouse up for sale for a staggering $30.5 million. But Realtor.com reported in late January that the house has been taken off the market. It was unclear what prompted the disappearance of the property's listing or whether DeGeneres had managed to secure a buyer for the dwelling, the site added. They moved to Oxfordshire; seen at home De Rossi, second from right, seen in the Cotswolds with her dog This comes after DeGeneres expressed her support for anti-ICE protesters in Minneapolis. The star took to Instagram to describe her sadness at what's happening in 'the happiest city in America' following the fatal shooting of Renee Good by Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers earlier this month. Referring to her 2024 Netflix special Ellen DeGeneres: For Your Approval, Ellen said in a video clip: 'Hey everybody, I just wanted to say, I am so sorry for what is happening in Minneapolis and our country, really, but specifically Minneapolis right now because that's where I shot my last stand-up special and everybody there couldn't have been more lovely. 'I shot it there because they say it's the happiest city in America. And I found that to be true. 'So my thoughts and my prayers are going out to everyone, and I'm proud of everyone who's protesting peacefully, and I am sorry for anyone who has been hurt just for protesting, for doing what you should be doing.' DeGeneres' talk show came to an end after 19 years in 2022. Jennifer Aniston's plans to celebrate her birthday with a lavish party in London have reportedly been dashed, after the iconic hotspot Chiltern Firehouse cancelled her booking at the last minute. The actress had earmarked the famous venue to mark her 57th birthday with a grand celebration next week. But sources are now claiming that after the Chiltern Firehouse was closed last year following a fire, it's nowhere near ready to host guests, with vast renovations and repairs still underway. Jennifer had been set to host a private, invitation-only party at the legendary London venue and was due to fly into the UK in the coming days. Chiltern Firehouse was closed in February 2025 after a fire stemming from a pizza oven ripped through the ground floor, causing the partial destruction of the celebrity hotspot. Since its opening in 2013, its seen the likes of Sienna Miller, Noel Gallagher, Kate Moss and Princess Beatrice on the premises over the years. Jennifer Aniston's plans to celebrate her birthday with a lavish party in London have reportedly been dashed, after the iconic hotspot Chiltern Firehouse cancelled her booking But the former Friends star will now have to find a new place to host her celebrations, with The Sun claiming it's now unclear whether she will still have them in the UK. Daily Mail has contacted representatives for Jennifer Aniston and Chiltern Firehouse for comment. Jennifer previously celebrated her 50th birthday in style with a grand party at the Sunset Tower Hotel in LA, where guests included George and Amal Clooney, Gwyneth Paltrow and even her ex-husband Brad Pitt. Chiltern Firehouse first opened its doors on the streets of Marylebone in 2013, and it became an instant celeb hotspot, with the Daily Mail's food critic Tom Parker Bowles joking that 'even God would have to wait for a table'. The Chiltern Firehouse is a restaurant and boutique hotel, with rooms costing as much as 5,000 per night, and occupies the Grade II listed building of the former Marylebone Fire Station. It opened in 2013 and has 26 suites and is extremely popular with both A-list celebrities and royals. Originally built it 1889, the building is now owned by American hotelier Mr Balazs, who also runs the Chateau Marmont in Los Angeles, California, and Sunset Beach Hotel on Shelter Island, New York. Some of the hotel's A-list customers include Madonna, Orlando Bloom, Tom Cruise, Rihanna and Leonardo DiCaprio. Sources claimed that after the Chiltern Firehouse was closed last year following a fire, it's nowhere near ready to host guests, with vast renovations and repairs still underway. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were also reportedly seen sneaking into the hotel before their relationship was made public. In October, it was reported that accounts for Chiltern Firehouse showed that a planned reopening date was set for April 2027. A statement in the documents, acquired by City AM, said: 'On 14 February, 2025, the hotel suffered a fire which has resulted in the hotel needing to close for refurbishment and claim on both buildings and business interruption insurance policies. 'On both policies the insurer has accepted liability and has made initial payments on account in meaningful sums. 'Under the business interruption policy the hotel is covered for three years loss of earnings whilst the refurbishment takes place and therefore the company expects to see no material drop in profits. 'This allows the company to fully re-instate the property whilst still earning the same forecasted revenues for the period of closure up until the point where earnings match the forecasted earnings within the same period.' Jackie 'O' Henderson has made a huge announcement about the future of her business venture Besties and her podcast Her Best Life, both of which she shares with her close friend Gemma O'Neill. The 51-year-old radio star revealed on the most recent episode of Her Best Life that she would be stepping back from her business and podcast for a very surprising reason. Jackie said she had made the decision to 'step away from our beautiful venture', due to personal reasons, including a 'big shift that has happened with me'. 'It does sadden me in many ways, because I have loved and gotten so much out of what we have done together, shared together here. More so because we are able to share that with a community of people,' Jackie began. 'We get to talk about all the things that we have learnt and are passionate about and it's been so fulfilling on many levels. Obviously being able to work with you, my best friend, has been so amazing.' She revealed she had made the difficult decision so that she could preserve some aspect of her personal life, which she had previously spoken candidly about. Jackie 'O' Henderson has made a huge announcement about the future of her business venture Besties and her podcast Her Best Life, both of which she shares with her close friend Gemma O'Neill 'You were sharing so much and being so generous... I felt like I was holding back on everything because I didn't feel like I wanted to share it. It didn't feel right for me at that time,' Jackie told Gemma. 'We've spoken about a lot of subjects and topics that we've learnt about. I think it was just getting to a point where I feel like I'd done that, it had been fulfilling but I felt like I was coming to the end of the road with it.' The radio host and her best friend Gemma O'Neill started the company Besties in 2023, to host exclusive events and private holidays. The following year, the duo sparked confusion among fans that they were bringing their side hustle to an end as they shared a farewell post during their European holiday. Jackie took to the Besties official Instagram page to share some poignant words about 'new beginnings' and thanked fans 'for being part of our journey'. While the post was only referring to the end of their Europe trip, it sparked confusion about their business' future as they wrote about their journey 'coming to an end'. Alongside a video of them both dancing, they penned: 'As our unforgettable journey comes to an end, we are beyond grateful for each other and the incredible Besties community. 'From London to Mykonos, Glastonbury to the south of France, this girls trip was a true celebration of friendship. The 51-year-old radio star revealed on the most recent episode of Her Best Life that she would be stepping back from her business and podcast for a very surprising reason Jackie said she had made the decision to 'step away from our beautiful venture', due to personal reasons, including a 'big shift that has happened with me'. Pictured with Gemma and Gwyneth Paltrow 'No rituals or tarot cards this time - just pure joy and inner peace. Dancing and laughing endlessly are memories we'll cherish forever. 'Thank you, Besties, for being part of our journey. Here's to friendship, new beginnings, and endless possibilities!' The post caused confusion in the comments section as some fans seemed to misunderstand and think they were discussing the business as a whole. They were quick to leave gushing messages of support for the Besties business, despite the fact the post was simply referring to the end of their European trip. Using the past tense, one fan wrote: 'Loved watching your journey,' while another said: 'It's been so fun to watch.' Jackie started her Besties business with Gemma in 2023 and said it 'celebrates the most important relationship in your life - your best friend'. It is an events business which sells experiences for 'best friends' to create memories together, while they also launched a line of branded clothing. Brooklyn Beckham appears to have covered up his tattoo tribute to his heartbroken father in another crushing blow amid their family feud. Last month the estranged son of Sir David, 50, and Victoria, 51, released a scathing statement where he publicly said he did not wish to reconcile with his family. Brooklyn, 26, now appears to have delivered another crushing blow to his father by altering his tattoo tribute to him. The hot sauce owner's large anchor tattoo that he has inked onto his upper right arm once carried the words 'dad' through it. Directly underneath is the message 'Love you Bust' - David's endearing nickname for his first born. However, new pictures obtained by The Sun appear to show Brooklyn has covered it up with nondescript shapes and a star. Brooklyn Beckham has covered up the tattoo tribute to his father David in another blow (pictured: The anchor tattoo with the word 'dad' running through it before it was covered up) The tattoo previously said 'dad', as shown, Brooklyn has since covered up the lettering with nondescript shapes and a star - directly underneath is the message 'Love you Bust' - David's nickname for his first born Brooklyn's latest move will come as a crushing blow to his father, who brought him to get his first ever tattoo The newspaper reports Brooklyn has had it redesigned to now show just three nondescript shapes across the anchor. His dad's nickname text is also faded and less prominent. Just a day previous, David's 'Buster' neck tattoo he had done in 2015 to honour his son was visible during his visit to Doha. Last year, Brooklyn had his 'mama's boy' chest tattoo tribute for his Spice Girl mother Victoria covered up. Brooklyn's wife Nicola Peltz's billionaire father Nelson spoke about the family drama when he did a Q and A at WSJD's Invest Live in West Palm Beach event on Tuesday. Nelson said: 'My daughter and the Beckhams are a whole other story and that's not for coverage here today. But I'll tell you my daughter is great, my son-in-law Brooklyn is great and I look forward to them having a long, happy marriage together.' Nelson was also asked if he gave the couple advice in how to navigate a difficult situation. He replied: 'I do. Sometimes they give me advice.' Nicola's father's wealth eclipses that of his co-parents-in-law, with the businessman boasting a net worth of $1.6billion, in comparison to the Beckhams' $680million. The Beckhams have maintained a stoic silence since Brooklyn released a damning statement in which he outlined his reasons for cutting ties with his family. Just a day previous, David's 'Buster' neck tattoo he had done in 2015 to honour his son was visible during his visit to Doha Brooklyn, pictured with his billionaire heiress wife Nicola Peltz, 31, accused his parents of trying to ruin their relationship in his statement Brooklyn's parents Sir David and Victoria and his siblings Romeo, 23, Cruz, 20, and Harper, 14, instead put on their own show of unity at Haute Couture Fashion Week last week. In his statement, Brooklyn went as far as to say he has been 'controlled by a family that values public promotion above all else' and that since being with his wife Nicola, he has found 'peace and relief' after battling crippling anxiety. He wrote: 'I have been silent for years and made every effort to keep these matters private. 'Unfortunately, my parents and their team have continued to go to the press, leaving me with no choice but to speak for myself and tell the truth about only some of the lies that have been printed. 'I do not want to reconcile with my family. I'm not being controlled, I'm standing up for myself for the first time in my life. Last year, Brooklyn had his 'mama's boy' chest tattoo tribute for his Spice Girl mother Victoria covered up 'My mum hijacked my first dance with my wife, which had been planned weeks in advance to a romantic love song', Brooklyn claimed in his scathing statement last month 'For my entire life, my parents have controlled narratives in the press about our family. 'The performative social media posts, family events and inauthentic relationships have been a fixture of the life I was born into. 'Recently, I have seen with my own eyes the lengths that they'll go through to place countless lies in the media, mostly at the expense of innocent people, to preserve their own facade. But I believe the truth always comes out.' He continued: 'My parents have been trying endlessly to ruin my relationship since before my wedding, and it hasn't stopped. 'My mum cancelled making Nicola's dress in the eleventh hour despite how excited she was to wear her design, forcing her to urgently find a new dress. 'Weeks before our big day, my parents repeatedly pressured and attempted to bribe me into signing away the rights to my name, which would have affected me, my wife, and our future children. 'They were adamant on me signing before my wedding date because then the terms of the deal would be initiated. 'My holdout affected the payday, and they have never treated me the same since.' While his parents are said to be 'devastated' by his comments, a source close to them said they would 'welcome Brooklyn back into the fold' should he wish to reconcile in the future. Halle Berry said she's still waiting for a call from California Gov. Gavin Newsom - two months after he promised - in an effort to discuss legislation on helping women experiencing menopause. The Academy Award-winning actress, 59, speaking with The Cut, said she felt the politician did not make good on a previous vow to reconcile the issue with her. 'It's disturbing when people say they're going to do things and then they don't,' Berry said. 'But he heard what I said.' The Monster's Ball star, who was initially critical of Newsom for vetoing the Menopause Care Act, said that the California governor's Oval Office ambitions will be in jeopardy if he doesn't pay closer attention to women's issues. 'If he is going to run to be our next president, he can't sleep on women,' Berry said. 'Wake up, Gavin.' Daily Mail has reached out to Berry's representatives and Newsom's office for further comment on this story. Halle Berry, 59, said she's still waiting for a call from California Gov. Gavin Newsom, 58 - two months after he promised - in an effort to discuss legislation on helping women Newsom said Monday in a news release (after Berry's most recent remarks were published) that 'the new budget proposal will expand access to essential, evidence-based care in a way thats affordable and fiscally responsible for the state. 'At a time when Trumps Big Ugly Bill is driving up health care costs nationwide, California is doing the opposite: lowering barriers and putting womens health first.' First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom added in a statement that 'women deserve access to affordable health care that meets them where they are' at any age.' She said 'menopause conditions that have long been under-recognized in our healthcare system. 'California always has and will continue to invest in women, and Im proud that we are advancing awareness and expanding access to critical menopause-related care.' Newsom's office on Wednesday told People, 'Ms. Berry's remarks are very unfortunate given the Governor's proposal put forward to support menopause care through the state budget, just as he said he would do in his veto message on AB 432.' The issue between the A-lister and prominent Democrat began last fall, when Berry penned a Time opinion piece that was critical of Newsom's handling of the Menopause Care Act. The Monster's Ball star, who was initially critical of Newsom for vetoing the Menopause Care Act, said that the California governor's Oval Office ambitions will be in jeopardy if he doesn't pay closer attention to women's issues Newsom said Monday in a news release(after Berry's most recent remarks were published) that 'the new budget proposal will expand access to essential, evidence-based care in a way thats affordable and fiscally responsible for the state' The bill, which was bipartisan, had been focused on procuring insurance for treatments that have been proven effective. On December 3, Berry again took issue with Newsom while appearing at an event in New York called the DealBook summit. In the appearance, the Cleveland-born star cast doubt on Newsom's ability to win the presidency - prior to him speaking at the event. Berry said of Newsom, 'Back in my great state of California, my very own governor, Gavin Newsom, has vetoed our menopause bill, not one, but two years in a row. 'But thats okay, because hes not going to be governor forever, and with the way he has overlooked women, half the population, by devaluing us in midlife, he probably should not be our next president either - just saying.' Newsom subsequently told reporters when asked about Berry and her complaints about his leadership on women's issues: 'We have the ability to reconcile that, so we're reconciling. 'I've included it in next year's budget. We already were in the process of fixing it.' On December 3, Berry again took issue with Newsom while appearing at an event in New York called the DealBook summit Newsom, when asked about Berry and her complaints about his leadership on women's issues, said, 'We have the ability to reconcile that, so we're reconciling' Berry told The Cut she was 'going to be louder than I have ever been' in using her platform for women's health advocacy. 'Fighting for women's health feels like a formidable cause for my second act,' Berry said. 'You get to this age where you feel like you're being marginalized, devalued. 'You feel it at work. You feel it from society. But I have adamantly decided I am not going to allow myself to be erased.' Berry added, 'That's why I'm on my menopause mission.' Emily Atack has landed a lucrative 100,000 contract to become the face of Marks & Spencer, according to reports. The actress, 36, flew out to Cape Town in South Africa last month with the high street giant to film a 'top secret advert'. Emily is said to have filmed scenes in a swimsuit by the pool for the advert where she will join the likes of Vernon Kay and Ian Wright to promote M&S's Rewards credit card. The family friendly brand is worlds away from Emily's racy Agent Provocateur campaign where she showed off her figure in lingerie with a bondage-theme. Of the reported six-figure M&S deal, a source told The Sun: 'Just a few years ago she was struggling financially, going from job to job and boyfriend to boyfriend, but it never worked out. 'Now shes got the job of her dreams, her own little family, and she has learnt to love her body again. Its a big two fingers up to her detractors.' Emily Atack has landed a lucrative 100,000 contract to become the face of Marks & Spencer, according to reports The actress, 36, flew out to Cape Town in South Africa last month with the high street giant to film a 'top secret advert' The Rivals star welcomed Barney with her scientist fiance Alistair Garner, 40, in June 2024. Known for her curvy figure, the actress was hit by claims she's using weight-loss jabs after displaying a slender frame when she shared a slew of snaps over the Christmas period. An insider added: 'Emily has remained tight-lipped on how she has slimmed down, but she feels confident in her post-baby body and is making the most of all the opportunities that come her way. 'When M&S offered her a handsome fee to jet her out first class to South Africa in dreary January to shoot their ad she jumped at the opportunity.' They added Emily is used to people being interested in her body and is feeling really confident in her skin so is 'happy to show it off'. Daily Mail has contacted Emily's representatives for comment. Emily teased her South Africa trip on Instagram, after flying out in business class late last month. In one pouty snap, Emily posed for a mirror selfie wearing a black dress with a printed scarf wrapped around her shoulders. She wore her blonde hair swept back into a chic bun, while her make-up was perfectly applied and enhanced her pretty features. Emily Atack showed off her jaw-dropping figure in a sizzling new shoot for Agent Provocateur's SS26 Campaign - in which she plays 'The Duchess' Earlier this week, Emily posted more pictures from the trip including photos in a cropped floral shirt and denim shorts The actress, 36, who was hit by claims she's using weight-loss after displaying a slender frame, shared a selection of images from her trip Elsewhere, she was strolling around in a white mini dress with a pair of stylish Chloe sandals, teamed with a black and white Saint Laurent handbag. It comes after a carousel of photos that Emily shared sparked an outrageous reaction from her followers. Her comments section was brimming with messages but many fans rushed to defend the star after some suggested she had turned to weight loss aids. 'Skinny jabs are jabbing,' wrote one follower as another asked, 'on the jabs? Looks good tho'. Others questioned: 'Are you on Mounjaro?' and 'That jab is making its rounds!' One fan pointed out in defence of Emily: 'These comments! Aren't we over talking about women's bodies?' 'The thing is, women can't win. We are either too fat or too skinny. While I appreciate you admiring her a bit larger, her size or any woman's size is not for public comment. Let's just say she is stunning,' agreed another. Another said: 'Its amazing that she's posted a whole reel of lovely Xmas photos and 80% of the comments are about her body.' Emily's celeb pal Katherine Ryan also had her say, simply writing 'GIRL' with a string of fire emojis. Don Lemon delivered a full-throated defense of the First Amendment to the United States Constitution at the tenth annual Blue Jacket Fashion Show following his arrest related to an anti-ICE protest in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The 59-year-old former CNN anchor was given the floor at the charity event, at which he has walked the runway in recent years, and his speech was captured in exclusive video shot by the Daily Mail. 'I'm here just because this is really important, and I believe in freedom of expression,' Lemon said to a burst of cheers from the crowd. 'I believe in the First Amendment, freedom of the press, all of those things.' 'I think it's important for you guys to support that, and especially to support in this day and age independent journalism in the media,' Lemon continued. Lemon's defiant speech comes after he was released without bail at the conclusion of a court appearance in Los Angeles last week over federal charges for conspiracy and interfering with the First Amendment rights of worshipers that he's facing related to his coverage of anti-ICE protests at a church in Minneapolis in January. He explained in his speech that he was planning to skip the Blue Jacket Fashion Show this year without explicitly connecting the decision to his arrest. Don Lemon delivered a full-throated defense of the First Amendment to the United States Constitution at the tenth annual Blue Jacket Fashion Show in NYC on Wednesday, following his arrest related to an anti-ICE protest in Minneapolis, Minnesota, last month Exclusive video shot by the Daily Mail showed the anchor, 59, giving a speech at the charity fashion show, which he has walked for years. The Blue Jacket Fashion Show benefits the nonprofit ZERO Prostate Cancer 'I'm here just because this is really important, and I believe in freedom of expression,' Lemon said to a burst of cheers from the crowd. 'I believe in the First Amendment, freedom of the press, all of those things.' However, he decided it was too important to miss out on after he got a text message from Bill Nye (of Bill Nye the Science Guy fame) urging him to make an appearance at the show, which was founded by fashion designer Frederick Anderson to benefit the nonprofit ZERO Prostate Cancer. 'So Bill Nye, thank you for being the thing that helped me to come here,' Lemon said. 'And I want to thank you for what you do and for bringing awareness to prostate cancer.' Standing behind Lemon and out of the spotlight was the show's founder, Frederick Anderson. At one point, Lemon looked back on a painful memory, the 2018 death of his sister, L'Tanya "Leisa" Lemon Grimes. Grimes died in an accident at 58 after tripping and falling into a pond in Louisiana. Lemon recalled that it was only the second or third year that he had walked in the Blue Jacket Fashion Show, but he was so determined to fulfill his commitment to Anderson and the charity event that he flew to the show from Louisiana, before immediately going back to be with his grieving family. 'He did. He flew back from me,' Anderson testified. 'Then I flew back to Louisiana to take care of things with my family, but I just flew in and flew back out,' Lemon continued. 'I think it's important for you guys to support that, and especially to support in this day and age independent journalism in the media,' Lemon continued To illustrate his dedication to the charity fashion show, he recalled how, after the 2018 drowning death of his sister, he flew from Louisiana to New York just to walk in the show, then immediately flew back to be with his grieving family members Lemon said he planned to skip the show after his arrest on federal charges, but Bill Nye the Science Guy sent a text message urging him to still support the charity, though Lemon decided to skip the runway this year 'But this is really important to me because I've had friends who are affected by [prostate cancer],' the news anchor said. 'I've had loved ones who succumbed to it, and it can be a silent killer. But it doesn't have to be. 'So this is something that's really near and dear to my heart,' Lemon added. His speech at the Blue Jacket Fashion Show follows his buzzy appearance at the 68th Grammy Awards in Los Angeles on Sunday, just days after his controversial arrest. Lemon was joined at the Grammys by his husband, Tim Malone, 41. The night before, he was honored with a standing ovation from Hollywood and music industry elites at Clive Davis's iconic pre-Grammys gala in Beverly Hills. Lemon was arrested on January 29 after he was involved in an anti-ICE protest that stormed a church in Minnesota earlier on January 18. The target of the protest was Pastor David Easterwood, and demonstrators said they weren't protesting his faith, but the fact that he reportedly also works as a US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent. Lemon has defended himself and said he was only at the protest to cover it as a journalist. Georgia Fort, an independent journalist, was similarly hit with federal charges, but she has also said she was at the protest to report on it. Lemon, who attended the Grammy Awards (pictured) on Sunday, was arrested on Thursday in Beverly Hills. He said around a dozen federal agents arrested him, despite his offer to turn himself in, which he said went unanswered; pictured February 1 in LA Lemon was arrested after he was involved in an anti-ICE protest that stormed a church in Minnesota on January 18; pictured Sunday at the Grammys with husband Tim Malone On Friday, a judge in Los Angeles allowed for Lemon's release without bail after his court appearance, and his lawyer told the judge that he would be pleading not guilty, though Lemon didn't enter a formal plea during the 20-minute hearing. After federal prosecutors urged the judge to impose a $100,000 bail on Lemon, his attorney stated that the newsman is 'committed to fighting this case' and 'not going anywhere.' Lemon had been in custody overnight at the point after he was arrest on Thursday in Beverly Hills. Prosecutors also asked the judge to force Lemon to surrender his passport and to only travel within New York where he lives and Minnesota, the site of his alleged crimes. The judge ultimately agreed with Lemon's attorney and allowed him to retain his passport and go free on his own recognizance without bail. She also gave Lemon permission to go on a planned sailing trip in France in June, as long as it doesn't interfere with his court hearings in Minnesota. His next hearing is scheduled for February 9. After his arrest, the Trump administration mocked him in a post on an official social media account. 'When life gives you lemons...' it captioned an image of Lemon inside the Cities Church in St. Paul. Federal prosecutors charged Lemon with conspiracy and interfering with the First Amendment rights of worshipers, but he says he was only at the protest in his capacity as a journalist After his arrest, the Trump administration posted a mocking photo of Lemon to its official social media account on X (formerly Twitter) A source told the Daily Mail that Lemon was seen being handcuffed on Thursday while FBI and Homeland Security agents flanked him. They added that he 'didn't look overly happy' at the show of force, and in an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live on Monday, Lemon claimed that he had offered to turn himself in, but federal authorities never responded. He was then arrested publicly by around a dozen law enforcement officers, which he said was a tactic to 'embarrass' him. 'They want to embarrass you,' he told Kimmel. 'They want to intimidate you. They want to instill fear.' Lemon began his journalism career as a weekend news anchor at a local station in Birmingham, Alabama, before working at outlets in Pennsylvania and Missouri. Lemon's most high-profile stint as a journalist was at CNN beginning in 2006. He was promoted to anchor of CNN Tonight in 2014, a position he held until the network fired him in 2023. She is no wallflower, and Dina Broadhurst certainly turned heads as she strutted around Double Bay in tight activewear on Wednesday. The 'nude artist' showed off her incredible figure and a hint of cleavage in tiny exercise shorts and a matching crop top. The 50-year-old made sure she fitted in with the eastern suburbs set by toting a Chanel handbag and kept her feet comfy in Yeezy slides. The provocative Sydney socialite revealed her natural beauty by going makeup-free and shielded her eyes with designer shades. Dina appeared to have just finished a workout at her favourite Pilates studio, Body By Berner. She stopped in at popular Indigo cafe, presumably for a caffeine hit. Dina Broadhurst certainly turned heads as she strutted around Double Bay in very tight activewear on Wednesday The 'nude artist' showed off her slender frame in tiny exercise shorts and a matching crop top Dina recently returned from a trip to Fiji with her partner John Winning Jr. During the trip, she posted a carousel of images modelling an array of swimwear, including a barely-there electric blue two-piece that showed off her trim and toned torso. It wasn't all bikini shots, though, with Dina slipping into a form-fitting strapless crochet mini dress with a floral embellishment on the decolletage. Unabashed about revealing some skin, another photo captured Dina completely nude, preparing to take an outdoor shower. While clearly keen to work on her tan during her Fiji escape, it seems that Dina may have overdone it a tad. Another image showed Dina, again completely nude, flaunting a rather nasty sunburn. Meanwhile, Dina and John appear to be going strong after reuniting last year. After parting ways at the end of 2024, Dina confirmed that the pair had rekindled their romance in August last year. The 50-year-old made sure she fitted in with the eastern suburbs set by toting a Chanel handbag and kept her feet comfy in Yeezy slides 'I'm in a relationship,' she said. 'After spending some time apart, we've reconnected with a much deeper bond. And we're happier than ever.' Daily Mail first reported they had reunited when they enjoyed a double date with Michael Clarke and his girlfriend Arabella Sherborne and then more recently when they went on a cosy ski trip to Thredbo in the Snowy Mountains. John took over as CEO of Winning Appliances in 2011 at the age of 22, spearheading its expansion into Australia's largest online appliance retailer. The company was founded in 1906 by his great-grandfather, Richard William Winning, and remains a powerhouse in the kitchen and laundry appliance sector, with the family fortune estimated at $700 million. Lisa Rinna slammed Andy Cohen over sharing her private text messages in one of his books. The 62-year-old RHOBH alum - who recently showed off a plump pout during Paris Fashion Week - gave an update on her friendship with the Bravo star during an appearance on SiriusXM's The Julia Cunningham Show on Tuesday. It comes as she is set to release her own memoir titled You Better Believe I'm Gonna Talk About It on February 24. 'I'm fine with him today,' Rinna expressed, before adding that she did not reach out to Cohen before penning her own memoir. 'He's written his own books and done what he's done. You know, I think - he put my personal text messages in his book.' Cunningham then pointed out that Cohen had given Rinna a heads up that she would be in his book, although he didn't fully disclose in what manner. Lisa Rinna, 62, slammed Andy Cohen over sharing her private text messages in one of his books; seen on Tuesday in L.A. 'He's written his own books and done what he's done. You know, I think - he put my personal text messages in his book,' she said; Rinna and Cohen seen in February 2025 in NYC 'Well, I had an idea,' the TV personality explained. 'But then when I read it and they were personal text messages to basically my boss. 'And to have them show up in a book, I was like, "Wow, wow, wow"don't give it away, but you gotta read what happened. Don't give it away.' The Daily Mail has reached out to Cohen's reps for comment, but did not immediately hear back. While Rinna didn't name the title during the conversation, Cohen seemingly shared the private texts in his 2023 book The Daddy Diaries: The Year I Grew Up. Some other pieces he has published in the past include The Andy Cohen Diaries: A Deep Look At A Shallow Star (2014) and Glitter Every Day: 365 Quotes From Women I Love (2021). Rinna and Cohen have been embroiled in on-and-off drama over the years - including during her eight season run on The Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills before officially exiting in 2023. But the pair shared a friendly exchange on the red carpet at the Las Culturistas Culture Awards last year in August, per Bravo. Months earlier, she had appeared on Cohen's SiriusXM show where she apologized for comparing RHOBH to the Titanic. 'Well, I had an idea,' the TV personality explained. 'But then when I read it and they were personal text messages to basically my boss' Rinna and Cohen have been embroiled in on-and-off drama over the years - including during her eight season run on The Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills before officially exiting in 2023; the pair seen in 2018 Months earlier, she had appeared on Cohen's SiriusXM show where she apologized for comparing RHOBH to the Titanic; seen in January in L.A. 'I put my foot in my mouth. It's not that. That show's gonna go on and on and on. I misused my words,' she explained at the time. She then added, 'I meant to say Titanic, and I said it, and I'm sorry I hurt your feelings. Let's move on.' But Cohen replied, 'You're not a "Housewife" anymore, but that was a little bit of an old-school Housewife apology.' Rinna continued, 'I don't really feel bad about it, though.' She soon recalled the exchange with husband Harry Hamlin on their own podcast Let's Not Talk About The Husband. 'I [fell] into a trope of Housewife to Big Daddy. I fall back into a role that I played, I believe, for eight years where I give my power to Andy Cohen, who is my boss.' Rinna added, 'Just dynamically, that is where I went right back to. Almost like a little girl going back to the role she plays in her family.' Following her exit from The Real Housewives franchise, the media personality has been keeping busy - such as walking for Paris Fashion Week. And last year in September, Rinna announced that she would be releasing her memoir You Better Believe I'm Gonna Talk About It. She took to Instagram at the time to give fans a glimpse at the book cover and penned, 'The vault is open, honey! Feb 24th. Pre-order now.' And last year in September, Rinna announced that she would be releasing her memoir You Better Believe I'm Gonna Talk About It Rinna also teased to People last year in a statement: 'I don't know if everyone is ready for all of the truth I am unloading in this book. But I was certainly ready to tell it. 'Life comes with a lot of ups and downs, and so much of it gets lost "in the editing," if you will. It was time to share the director's cut.' The TV personality added, 'I put so much of myself into this book; the good, the bad and the wackadoodle. It feels really good to see it finally come together. The vault is open, honey!' During a recent interview with Cosmopolitan, Rinna briefly opened up about including Cohen in her memoir. She revealed to the outlet that 'he doesn't quite know what's in this book yet. That's scary! 'But I always knew if I was going to write another book, I had to be honest. And listen, it's been two years in the making, and I'm in a different place now than I was when I was writing it.' Rinna also discussed the reasoning behind her decision to pen a book. She revealed to the outlet that 'he doesn't quite know what's in this book yet. That's scary!'; Rinna and Cohen seen in 2022 'Publishing this book is my way of speaking my side without anybody editing me out. And listen, I don't hold back in this book. I definitely don't,' the star expressed; seen in 2025 in L.A 'It's about telling my side of the story more than anything. I'm too old to settle scores at this point.' The star added that RHOBH 'never showed me for who I really am. And I had a bone to pick with that. 'Publishing this book is my way of speaking my side without anybody editing me out. And listen, I don't hold back in this book. I definitely don't.' Rinna also recently appeared in season four of the reality competition series The Traitors - but was voted off after seven episodes. Savannah Guthrie's friends rallied around her after she released a gut-wrenching video asking for proof that her missing mother Nancy is still alive. Khloe Kardashian, Jennifer Lopez, Hoda Kotb, Maria Shriver, Alyssa Milano and Kristin Chenoweth were among the famous names who shared support for the NBC star. Nancy, 84, vanished on Saturday evening after being dropped off at her sprawling Arizona property by her Italian son-in-law Tommaso Cioni - the last person to see her. Kardashian led the wave of support for Guthrie, 54, writing underneath the video: 'I am praying praying praying! I am so so sorry for all you are going through! This is unimaginable. Bring her home!!! I have faith.' Meanwhile, Lopez clicked like on the heartbreaking video. Kotb, Guthrie's longtime Today colleague, reposted the clip writing, 'Bring her home.' Savannah Guthrie's famous friends, including Khloe Kardashian and Jennifer Lopez, rallied around after she released a gut-wrenching video about her missing mother Nancy Guthrie, 54, flanked above by her sister, Annie, and brother, Camron, requested proof from captors that their mother, Nancy, 84, is alive in a heartbreaking new clip In another comment, she added 'please' along with praying hand emojis. Shriver called the plea 'beautiful', adding: 'bring her home to her children home to her family cmon let's bring her home.' Milano simply wrote: 'Bring her home.' Chenoweth added that she was 'praying.' Actress Julianne Moore left a red heart emoji. Real Housewives star Kim Zolciak-Biermann wrote, 'Praying for your family BRING HER HOME' Luann de Lesseps shared a praying hands emoji. Jennie Garth wrote, 'Please bring her home to her family. Sending all my prayers.' Singer Carly Peace added, 'Praying so hard for your family.' Savannah Chrisley left a comment that read: 'BRING HER HOME!!! God will NOT fail your family. I have to believe that. GOD WILL PREVAIL!!! Will never stop praying.' Khloe Kardashian, above with Savannah on the Today show, led the wave of support, writing underneath the video: 'I am praying praying praying! I am so so sorry for all you are going through!' 'This is unimaginable. Bring her home!!! I have faith,' Kardashian added Lopez also shared her support for the Today show anchor. She is pictured above with Guthrie and former co-host Hoda Kotb in 2017 The singer clicked like on the heartbreaking video Guthrie's longtime Today colleague Hoda Kotb, left, reposted the video In the caption Kotb wrote: 'Bring her home' In another comment, she added 'please' along with praying hand emojis Maria Shriver, above in 2023, was also among the famous names who shared support for the NBC star Shriver called the plea 'beautiful' adding, 'bring her home to her children home to her family cmon let's bring her home' Julianne Moore, Alyssa Milano and Kristin Chenoweth all left touching comments underneath the Instagram video Modern Family star Eric Stonestreet wrote: 'We love you all so much, Savannah. We are praying for you and your dear mom and family.' Designer Tory Burch sent three praying hand emojis and a heart. Bruce Willis's wife Emma Heming Willis said she will 'continue to pray for her and your family.' Ryan Seacrest was also among those showing love for Guthrie, writing in the comments, 'Bring her home. You and your family are in my prayers.' Ricki Lake echoed the sentiment with another 'Bring her home.' Catt Sadler wrote, 'Please God urgently bring her home.' The Today Show anchor described her mother in glowing terms alongside her siblings in the new clip posted to Instagram on Wednesday night. Guthrie thanked everyone who offered prayers and support before detailing her 'beloved mom' Nancy's state. 'She is 84 years old. Her health, her heart is fragile. She lives in constant pain. She is without medicine, she needs it to survive. She needs it not to suffer.' Guthrie, flanked by her sister, Annie, and brother, Camron, then directly addressed her mother's possible captors. Prayers poured in for the star and her family 'We, too, have heard the reports about a ransom letter in the media. As a family, we are doing everything that we can,' she said. Guthrie then told the potential kidnappers that 'we are ready to talk' but wanted proof that they weren't potentially using fraudulent images of her mother. 'We live in a world where voices and images are easily manipulated. We need to know, without a doubt, that she is alive and that you have her. We want to hear from you and we are ready to listen. Please reach out to us,' she said, holding back tears. She then attempted to speak directly to her mother. 'Mommy, if you are hearing this, you are a strong woman. You are God's precious daughter, Nancy. 'We believe and know that even in this valley, he is with you. Everyone is looking for you, Mommy, everywhere. We will not rest, your children will not rest until we are together again. 'We speak to you every moment and we pray without ceasing and we rejoice in advance for the day that we hold you in our arms again. We love you, Mom,' the NBC star added. Annie and Camron Guthrie then echo their sister's words: 'We love you, Mom. Stay strong.' Just minutes after the video aired on the platform, President Trump confirmed via a Truth Social post that he had spoken with Guthrie and had heard her pleas The commander in chief's message of support to the Guthrie family on Truth Social The video was simply captioned: 'Bring her home.' Just minutes after the video aired on the platform, President Trump confirmed via a Truth Social post that he had spoken with Guthrie and had heard her pleas. 'I spoke with Savannah Guthrie, and let her know that I am directing ALL Federal Law Enforcement to be at the family's, and Local Law Enforcement's, complete disposal, IMMEDIATELY,' the commander in chief wrote on his platform. 'We are deploying all resources to get her mother home safely. The prayers of our Nation are with her and her family. GOD BLESS AND PROTECT NANCY!' Police said on Tuesday that they had turned the $1 million adobe-style house back over to the Guthrie family, however the FBI had returned to the property by Wednesday. Law enforcement have been investigating the possibility that a ransom demand has been made. The FBI descended on the Tucson home on Wednesday as efforts were stepped up dramatically in the search for the missing retiree. Meanwhile, two investigators were seen at the home of Savannah Guthrie's sister Annie collecting what looked like a tripod and lights from their car before going back inside. Signs of a struggle are still apparent at Nancy's home, with her Ring doorbell removed and a splatter of blood by the entrance door. Nancy vanished on Saturday evening after being dropped off at her Arizona property by son-in-law Tommaso Cioni - the last person to see her; Nancy and Savannah seen in 2015 Nancy lives alone at the house in the affluent Catalina Foothills neighborhood, where authorities found her phone, wallet and car following her mysterious disappearance on January 31. Officers are now looking into Guthrie's superfans who had plied her with gifts and mail before her mother was abducted, the Daily Mail revealed earlier on Wednesday. Investigators specifically asked NBC whether there were any troubling fan interactions that could be relevant to the case, a senior source claimed. No suspect has been identified and police insist that there is no danger to the wider public. Married At First Sight bride Bec Zacharia has hit back at rumours of a bitter feud with fellow bride Gia Fleur. Speaking to Daily Mail, the 35-year-old Adelaide local addressed allegations she branded Gia a 'trashy s**t' at a tense hen's night. 'That would have been TV gold,' Bec said bluntly. 'If I had said that, there is absolutely no way it would have been left on the cutting room floor. It did not happen.' Bec explained that while she and Gia clashed almost immediately, the tension stemmed from a personality mismatch. 'I think we are fundamentally very different people,' she said. Married At First Sight's Bec Zacharia [L] has hit back at rumours of a bitter feud with fellow bride Gia Fleur [R] Speaking to Daily Mail, the 35-year-old Adelaide local addressed allegations she branded Gia a 'trashy s**t' after a tense hen's night 'In real life, our friendship groups wouldn't overlap. That's just the truth,' she continued. The drama unfolded during the hen's party when Gia made a striking entrance, immediately shifting the atmosphere in the room. Bec claimed Gia appeared disengaged and dismissive, particularly during emotional moments shared by other brides. 'Rachel was opening up on the couch, telling her story, and I could see eye rolling,' Bec said. 'It didn't sit well with me. It costs nothing to be kind.' She also rejected claims that her issues with Gia had anything to do with her Playboy past. 'I wasn't judging her for being a Playboy bunny,' Bec said. 'She's a beautiful woman who walked in confident. It was her attitude that rubbed me the wrong way.' According to Bec, the situation escalated when Gia declined to participate in group conversations. 'That would have been TV gold,' Bec said bluntly. 'If I had said that, there is absolutely no way it would have been left on the cutting room floor. It did not happen' Bec explained that while she and Gia clashed almost immediately, the tension stemmed from a personality mismatch 'We were all sitting there getting to know each other and I said, "Tell us about you,"' Bec recalled. 'She refused. I didn't understand why you'd come into a group like that and not open up.' Bec insists she never approached Gia directly with insults and says the pair remained on opposite sides of the room for most of the night. 'She said I stared at her with evil eyes, but I was reacting to what I was receiving,' she said. 'It was a clash of personalities, nothing more.' The outspoken bride also opened up about her emotional journey heading into the experiment, admitting she battled imposter syndrome after losing 20 kilograms. 'For the first time in my life, I felt pretty,' she said. 'But that fear of rejection was huge. What if he thinks I'm ugly? What if he walks away?' The outspoken bride also opened up about her emotional journey heading into the experiment, admitting she battled imposter syndrome after losing 20 kilograms Despite nerves, Bec said seeing groom Danny waiting at the altar filled her with relief, until his vows took a bizarre turn Despite nerves, Bec said seeing groom Danny waiting at the altar filled her with relief, until his vows took a bizarre turn. When Danny joked about needing someone to bail him out of jail, Bec said alarm bells immediately rang. 'I thought he wasn't there for the right reasons,' she said. 'I probably overreacted slightly, but you're standing there marrying a stranger. Those moments stand out.' While the pair appeared to recover initially, Bec revealed the honeymoon marked a devastating turning point after Danny admitted he felt no sexual chemistry following intimacy. 'I felt friend-zoned straight away,' she said. 'It felt like I was judged on my looks, not my being.' The rejection hit hard, with Bec admitting she felt unattractive and misunderstood in the aftermath. 'I felt ugly,' she said quietly. Despite the heartbreak, Bec stood by her actions on the show and said she believes she was portrayed fairly. 'I'm Vegemite,' she said. 'People either love me or hate me. But I was unapologetically myself.' She also confirmed she is part of the so-called 'Boss Babes' group referenced by expert John Aiken, describing herself as dominant, accountable and willing to grow. Viewers can expect fireworks at upcoming dinner parties, with Bec warning she will be seen at both her best and worst. 'I was quite mean at one dinner party,' she admitted. 'It was a big eye-opener. I never want to be like that again.' But one thing is non-negotiable. 'I'm loyal,' Bec said. 'If anyone comes for my husband, I will defend him. That's what wives do.' As tensions continue to simmer, Bec made one thing clear she is not backing down from her truth. 'These are real people,' she said. 'Not everyone is meant to get along.' Married At First Sight continues Thursday at 7.30pm on Channel Nine. Emma Stone revealed why she does not use Instagram like the majority of Hollywood stars do these days. The 37-year-old actress explained that rather than keep in touch with her peers and fans on social media, she stays offline to protect her 'mental health.' However, Stone did reveal that she is subscribed to one particular platform and uses it to 'lurk' and stay up to date on popular culture. In a new interview with Rolling Stone, the Bugonia star shared how much time she really spends online while talking about the upcoming Super Bowl commercial she filmed with Bugonia director Yorgos Lanthimos for Squarespace. In the commercial, which is set to air between the first two quarters on Super Bowl Sunday on February 8, Stone attempts to purchase and obtain a domain and make a website with her real name. Stone revealed that she was not only acting in the advertisement but had actually tried to make a website with her name and did purchase the domain. Emma Stone revealed why she does not use Instagram like the majority of Hollywood stars do these days; seen in January When asked about the possibilities she could do with her domain name and asked if she wanted to, for example, turn it into a lifestyle blog, she responded very matter-of-factly. 'One hundred percent no,' the Oscar winner replied. 'That's why I don't even have Instagram.' She continued: 'I'm too afraid of my own mental health to be engaged in that way, and that's why I'm such a lurker and love following other people's stuff.' Later, she addressed why she had never attempted to purchase and own the rights to her domain name in the past. 'I don't know [why] I never actually did that,' she admitted before revealing she was an avid blog reader 'for so long,' and nowadays, she 'spends a lot of money' on Substack. 'Squarespace kind of had to deal with my lack of foresight. So I'm very grateful they did or else the commercial really would not have worked.' She added: 'It would have been weird if you went to EmmaStone.com and it was... I don't even know what might have been going on over there.' The 37-year-old actress explained that rather than keep in touch with her peers and fans on social media, she stays offline to protect her 'mental health' Stone stars in an upcoming Super Bowl commercial for Squarespace, which she filmed with Bugonia director Yorgos Lanthimos Elsewhere during the interview, she said that when she was younger, she was 'very into building kind of prototypical sites.' 'I was really into that,' she said before recalling how she once 'built a presentation for class' when she was in elementary school.' 'I also remember the LiveJournal time, and I was such a blog reader for so long,' she added. 'It was like my favorite thing, and so now I'm truly one of the Substack freaks. I'm spending a lot of money on Substack,' she admitted. She revealed that on Substack, she is subscribed to multiple blogs and reads 'a lot of fashion content' as well as creative writing and even 'a little bit of the gossipy stuff.' Her forthcoming Super Bowl commercial premiere on February 8 comes ahead of the Academy Awards on March 15. However, Stone did reveal that she is subscribed to one particular platform and uses it to 'lurk' and stay up to date on popular culture; seen in 2025 At the forthcoming Academy Awards on March 15, Stone received a nod for her performance in Bugonia. The film is also nominated in the Best Picture category At the Oscars this year, Stone is nominated for Best Actress for her performance in Lanthimos's Bugonia. She is up against Hamnet's Jessie Buckley, If I Had Legs I'd Kick You's Rose Byrne, Song Sung Blue's Kate Hudson as well as Sentimental Value Renate Reinsve. She also worked as a producer on the film alongside Lanthimos, whom she previously collaborated with for her Oscar-winning role in Poor Things. Bugonia also received a nod for Best Picture and is up against the likes of fellow nominated films: F1, Frankenstein, Hamnet, Marty Supreme, One Battle After Another, The Secret Agent, Sentimental Value, Sinners and Train Dreams. Pedro Pascal is coming to the rescue of a film that was thought to be dead in the water after his Eddington costar Joaquin Phoenix dropped out at the last minute. Pascal, 50, has stepped in to play the lead role in acclaimed indie auteur Todd Haynes's upcoming gay romance De Noche, after the film was thrown in 2024, Variety reported on Wednesday. Phoenix, 51, had originally signed on to De Noche to play a hardboiled detective, with Danny Ramirez who remains in the cast playing his much-younger romantic interest, a boarding school teacher. But in August 2024, it was reported that Phoenix had told Haynes and the film's producers that he was quitting the production just five days before they were scheduled to begin filming. The withdrawal was particularly shocking, as industry experts assumed Phoenix's departure would kill the project, as it would be almost impossible to find a replacement star in just a few days, and the production likely couldn't afford to keep paying the rest of its cast and crew while trying to secure a new star. But Haynes's film appears to have beaten the odds after securing another A-lister to helm the niche project. Pedro Pascal, 50, has stepped in to play the lead in Todd Haynes's gay romance De Noche after it was feared dead when Joaquin Phoenix dropped out in 2024; pictured in December Phoenix dropped out of the lead role just five days before shooting was to start, virtually guaranteeing that De Noche would not be made; pictured with Ari Aster (L) and Pedro Pascal (R) in May in Cannes, France Phoenix and Haynes both declined to comment at the time on why the production broke down. But Christine Vachon, Haynes's longtime collaborator and one of the film's producers, called De Noche turmoil a 'tragedy' and claimed to know little beyond the basics that were reported at the time. 'In a lot of ways, the most tragic part about it is that Todd Haynes is 62. Hes not old, right? But there is a finite number of films that hell be able to do in his lifetime,' she said at the Creative Investors Conference at the San Sebastian International Film Festival in September 2024. 'I consider him one of the most extraordinary film artists of his generation, and the idea that his time was wasted and that a movie is not a result of those years of working closely with Joaquin That is the tragedy to me. 'And that I cant get over, that we as a cultural community lost the opportunity to have another movie by Todd Haynes. That is just criminal,' she added. Vachon is back to produce the revived version of De Noche alongside Pamela Koffler for Killer Films. Phoenix later addressed the controversy obliquely at a September 2024 press conference for Joker: Folie a Deux. 'I think, if I do [address the departure], Id just be sharing my opinion from my perspective and the other creatives arent here to say their piece, and I just dont feel like that would be right,' Phoenix said. 'Im not sure how that would be helpful. So, I just I dont think I will.' According to Variety, the 1930s-set period film stars Pascal as a police officer in Los Angeles who unexpectedly falls in love with a boarding school teacher (Ramirez). According to Variety, the 1930s-set period film stars Pascal as a police officer in Los Angeles who unexpectedly falls in love with a boarding school teacher (Danny Ramirez). Their forced to flee to Mexico after corrupt city forces threaten them; pictured with Phoenix in May in Cannes, France Despite fears that Phoenix's last-minute departure had doomed De Noche, Pascal's casting has revived it; pictured in August in LA Interestingly, Pascal recently collaborated on screen with the actor he's replacing. He and Phoenix both starred in Ari Aster's acclaimed neo-Western thriller Eddington (pictured) Their romance is threatened by highly placed corrupt figures, and the two are forced to travel south of the border to escape persecution. According to the publication, the focus on LA's history of unbridled corruption is reminiscent of Roman Polanski's classic neo-noir mystery Chinatown. Interestingly, Pascal recently collaborated on screen with the actor he's replacing. He and Phoenix both starred in Ari Aster's acclaimed neo-Western thriller Eddington, which charted societal breakdown and social media poisoning in a small New Mexico town amid the Covid-19 pandemic. Pascal starred in the film as the embattled mayor trying to keep his constituents safe in the uncertain early days of the pandemic, while Phoenix played the reactionary local sheriff who bristles against Covid safety regulations and decides to launch a competing campaign for mayor. The bloody satire was popular with critics, but it only grossed $13.7 million against its $25 million budget. After Pascal's casting was announced, Haynes said in a statement: 'This story, with Pedro Pascal and Danny Ramirez in the two leads, arises out of an era all too relevant to our own of domestic corruption, racial exploitation and global terror. 'But it emerges as a testament to the inexplicable powers of desire and love to survive and overcome even the most crippling of human barriers,' said the May December director, who is openly gay and regularly makes films with LGBTQ themes. Fionnuala Jamison, the managing director of MK2 Films, added: 'Few filmmakers connect with audiences as strongly as Todd Haynes. She noted that Haynes's films 'such as Carol and Far from Heaven have left a lasting emotional impact worldwide. De Noche carries that same power, and with Killer Films and a remarkable cast led by Pedro Pascal, it is a stand-out project we are proud to be a part of and share with buyers.' Katie Price has postponed her podcast following bombshell accusations from her new husband Lee Andrews' exes and claims his fortune has been exaggerated. Last month, Katie, 47, shocked fans when she revealed she had tied the knot for the fourth time to the so-called businessman - just a week after they first met. Despite his claims of being a tycoon with links to Elon Musk, Lee's facade has since crumbled, with accusations of using AI, appearing on an escort site and having a colourful history with women. Lee's ex, Alana Percival, who he proposed to in exactly the same way just weeks before popping the question to Katie, hit out with more bombshell allegations, including alluding to him advertising on the escort site. She urged Katie to 'run for the hills', claiming she has 'proof' of his shady dealings. Daily Mail previously revealed Lee spent three weeks locked up in a UAE jail for allegedly forging his ex-girlfriend's signature to take out a 200,000 loan in his ex's name and has been banned from leaving the country. Katie Price has postponed her podcast following bombshell accusations from her new husband Lee Andrews' exes and claims his fortune has been exaggerated Despite his claims of being a tycoon with links to Elon Musk, Lee's facade has since crumbled, with accusations of using AI, appearing on an escort site and having a colourful history with women Now, Katie has announced to her followers that she is 'pressing pause' on her podcast, The Katie Price Show, due to all the current attention. Sharing a post on her podcast's Instagram story on Thursday, Katie wrote: 'We're pressing pause on The Katie Price Show podcast for now. 'With so much current media attention, it doesn't feel right to release an episode at this time. The podcast has always observed the headlines, not added to them. She concluded the post: 'Thank you for your continued support and understanding.' It comes after the former glamour model leapt to the defence of her new husband following the claims, sharing a defiant message on Instagram on Wednesday. She reposted a quote to her 2.7million followers, which read: 'I promise, if you saw the way he treats me in private, you'd understand why I'm wildly addicted to him.' In another story, she reposted: 'Sorry to anyone who thought they were next, he's not going anywhereee that's my husband byeee.' Insiders told the Daily Mail that Lee allegedly applied for a 200,000 mortgage on behalf of personal trainer partner Dina Taji without her knowledge last year. Now, Katie has announced to her followers that she is 'pressing pause' on her podcast, The Katie Price Show, due to all the current attention Dina found out after receiving a phone call from the mortgage company, sparking her decision to file a legal case against him. According to Dubai law, individuals pending criminal investigations, including unpaid debts or civil lawsuits, are not legally allowed to leave the country. The woman reported Lee to the authorities in Dubai, who investigated her claim. However, Lee denied he was banned from leaving Dubai and on Tuesday claimed he and his wife are going on a honeymoon in a few days. In a video, Lee posted a screenshot from the MOI UAE App, which has features such as paying traffic fines, renewing driver's licences and criminal status checks. Lee had the screen on the 'travel bans' option, which read: 'No travel bans.' He said: 'There's no travel ban, directly from the police UAE application, and it's my profile, so you can check those statuses, fines related to traffic, and also if you're allowed to travel, so allow me to share that. It's not fabricated. 'I'm going on my honeymoon in a few days guys, so definitely not on a travel ban. I'm in the happiest moment of my life so I'm forward to going with my person, my human, on my honeymoon.' He added: 'It is exclusive, so I can't talk about it. I know I'm probably the most hated man in Britain, but half this stuff is not even true.' Last month Katie shocked fans when she revealed she had tied the knot for the fourth time to the so-called businessman - just a week after they first met It was claimed Lee spent three weeks locked up in a Dubai jail for allegedly forging his ex-girlfriend Dina Taji's signature to take out a 200,000 loan in her name and has been banned from leaving the United Arab Emirates Meanwhile, another of Lee's exes, Crystal Janke, has claimed Lee hoodwinked her into handing over 123,000 to invest in his company, on the promise he could get a 'return of 1million'. Last week, the Daily Mail learned that Lee advertises online in Dubai as a 'sexy educated professional from GB', charging a minimum of 940 per hour to visit 'discerning professional women and high-level clients seeking more than just companionship'. The 43-year-old's profile on the site 'Massage Republic', where he goes by the name 'Noah', reads: 'With a commanding presence and an effortless charm, I navigate the social elite with grace, ensuring that every encounter is tailored to your desires. 'My polished demeanor, combined with an attentive nature, creates a safe haven where ambition meets intimacy. 'Whether it's an elegant dinner overlooking the skyline or a private escape in a lavish hotel suite, I provide an experience that transcends the ordinary, igniting passion and connection in an atmosphere of sophistication and discretion.' Lee denied that the profile was his in a series of rambling voice notes sent to the Daily Mail, insisting it was a 'vicious attack' and had nothing to do with him. Graham Norton has admitted that he's toned down his racy personality on screen because he doesn't want to look 'creepy'. The BBC chat show host, 62, has been a fixture of TV screens in Britain and Ireland for almost four decades and has cemented himself as a national treasure. Known for his innuendo-laden commentary, Graham started out as a stand-up comedian before moving into television - eventually getting his first chat show on the BBC in 2005. But it was two years later that the now-institution The Graham Norton Show made its debut. However despite his popularity, Graham has said he is moving away from raunchy commentary now he is in his 60s. He said: 'When we started doing talk shows, I was in my 30s and it was quite raunchy. I would be in the audience, talking to them about their sex lives and stuff. Graham Norton has admitted that he's toned down his racy personality on screen because he doesn't want to look 'creepy' (Seen in January) The BBC chat show host, 62, has been a fixture of TV screens in Britain and Ireland for almost four decades and has cemented himself as a national treasure (Seen in 2004) 'That is fine when you're in your 30s, but when you're in your 60s, that's kind of creepy. 'So I felt I had to stop. And so, as I have changed, the show has changed.' But away from the glitz and glamour of TV work on his chat show, awards shows and Eurovision commentary Graham enjoys a low-key happy life with his husband. Irishman Graham married Scottish filmmaker partner Jonathan 'Jono' McLeod in 2022 in a private ceremony in Cork attended by just 120 guests. And the pair live a life away from the Showbiz circuit, regularly spending time in Graham's native Ireland and are never seen together at public events. Last year it was revealed that Graham put his gorgeous New York townhouse on the market just a week after revealing he was also selling his 4.95million east London mansion after 20 years of living in the grade-II listed home. Amid the move Graham said he was 'finally feeling brave enough to make a big change in his life' - possibly alluding to stepping back from the spotlight even more with his husband. He told The Sunday Times: 'We've been thinking about it for a couple of years and I finally feel brave enough to make a huge change to my life. Despite his popularity, Graham has said he is moving away from raunchy commentary now he is in his 60s (Seen earlier this week) Known for his innuendo-laden commentary, Graham started out as a stand-up comedian before moving into television - eventually getting his first chat show on the BBC in 2005 (Seen in 1999) 'My favourite times have definitely been enjoying a drink sitting by the river on a summer's evening.' Last February Graham confirmed that he was leaving his weekend shows on Virgin Radio after three years as he scaled back his radio work. The Irish presenter had hosted The Graham Norton Radio Show on the station since 2021 alongside Maria McErlane. Announcing the news of his departure live on his show, Graham said: 'The show isn't quite the normal show today because I have a bit of an announcement to make. I'm kind of off! I'm leaving weekends here at Virgin Radio.' Graham explained live on-air: 'I'll still be popping up at the station from time to time but my regular Saturday and Sundays, I'm stepping away. 'I've worked weekends between here and the old place for 13 years and my life has changed a bit, so I thought, "Oh, I want my weekends back!"' He has also been spending more time back in his native Ireland and regularly heads back to west Cork. In 2023 Graham broke his silence on his marriage to Jonathan, revealing that he wed the filmmaker in July 2022. The lavish do was held with 120 guests in attendance with a rumoured performance from music icon Lulu while drag queen Panti Bliss DJed. Graham later told The Guardian about the day as he joked that 'till death do us part' was 'more achievable' at the age of 60. He said: 'I had a joke in my speech: the vows are much more manageable. 'Till death do us part' seems more achievable at our age. 'If you get married at 23, that's a big ask. We only have to put up with each other for a couple of decades. And then I'll be out of here.' Graham, previously among the BBC's highest earners, is no longer one of the top-paid presenters on the publicly funded broadcaster. He left BBC R2 in 2020 and his BBC One show is produced by an independent company, meaning his earnings are not reflected in the annual list of highest earners. Graham and his husband Jonathan are often seen walking through Hampstead with their black cockapoo named Douglas. Molly Smith showed off her incredible washboard abs as she passionately kissed her fiance, Tom Clare, in the Maldives on Monday. The former Love Island star, 31, who jetted off to the island for a romantic getaway with her fiance Tom Clare, 26, looked nothing short of sensational in a tiny pink floral bikini as Tom romantically lifted her in the air. The couple looked more loved-up than ever as they packed on the PDA on the white sandy beach. Elsewhere on Instagram, Molly gave fans a glimpse inside their lavish trip, sharing gym selfies, videos of the couple partaking in fun water activities, and several sizzling bikini-clad videos. In one stunning video, Molly looked incredible in a skimpy brown floral-print bikini top, striking a sultry pose for the camera. Showcasing her incredible physique, she further accessorised her look with a straw cowboy hat. The couple then hopped on bikes, making their way to the beach. Molly Smith showed off her incredible washboard abs as she passionately kissed her fiance, Tom Clare, in the Maldives on Monday The former Love Island star, 31, who jetted off to the island for a romantic getaway with her fiance Tom Clare, 26, looked nothing short of sensational in a tiny pink floral bikini as Tom romantically lifted her in the air Meanwhile, in one sweet video clip, the pair shared a kiss as they swung on a swing in the crystal clear sea. The couple, who are both lovers of fitness, also ensured to get their workouts completed on the trip. Molly once again looked nothing short of sensational in a vibrant blue workout set as she posed up a storm with Tom at their hotel gym. In another sizzling snap, Molly showcased her glorious tan in a bold red workout set, posing for a selfie on a stairmaster at the gym. Elsewhere, Molly slipped into a yellow skimpy floral-print bikini as she took a jet ski for a ride before swimming with turtles and hopping into a clear kayak. Sharing the holiday memories to her Instagram, she captioned the post: 'Memories made.' Molly won the ITV2 reality show's All Stars season in 2024 alongside her now fiance Tom, with the couple announcing their engagement last September. Her latest sizzling post comes after she slipped into a festive red bikini during a romantic trip to Lapland with her fiance last month. Join the debate Do YOU think this is the ultimate romantic vacation? The couple looked more loved-up than ever as they packed on the PDA on the white sandy beach Elsewhere on Instagram, Molly gave fans a glimpse inside their lavish trip, sharing gym selfies, videos of the couple partaking in fun water activities, and several sizzling bikini-clad videos In one stunning video, Molly looked incredible in a skimpy brown floral-print bikini top, striking a sultry pose for the camera Showcasing her incredible physique, she further accessorised her look with a straw cowboy hat The couple then hopped on bikes, making their way to the beach She looked incredible in the two-piece as she relaxed in the outdoor hot tub surrounded by snow. Molly wrapped up in a stylish pair of white fur mittens and a matching eye-catching hat as she beamed and threw her hands in the air while posing for the camera. She wrote: 'Keeping warm'. Molly also posed in the daring Christmas bikini, which boasted a triangle top and skimpy tie side bottoms, last week. She pulled on a pair of white snow boots as she posed in the snow outside the lodge the couple were staying in. The influencer and Tom announced their engagement in September with a romantic photo from their trip to Dubai. They captioned their snaps: 'SHE SAID YES!!!' as Tom sweetly lifted her into the air. Molly looked gorgeous in a white silk dress as she showed off the sparkling ring while surrounded by candles and white flowers. Meanwhile, in one sweet video clip, the pair shared a kiss as they swung on a swing in the crystal clear sea The couple, who are both lovers of fitness, also ensured to get their workouts completed on the trip In one sizzling snap, Molly showcased her glorious tan in a bold red workout set, posing for a selfie on a stairmaster at the gym Elsewhere, Molly slipped into a yellow skimpy floral-print bikini as she took a jet ski for a ride The couple also took up the opportunity to go swimming with turtles Molly won the ITV2reality show's All Stars season in 2024 alongside her now fiance Tom, with the couple announcing their engagement last September (pictured in the show finale 2024) Tom and Molly have been one of the only couples to stand the test of time from the All Stars spin-off series. Their fellow Love Island pals were quick to congratulate them as Tom's best pal, Casey O'Gorman, reshared the post alongside crying emojis. Liberty Poole, Paige Thorne and Luca Bish also offered their best wishes in the comments section. Season one of All Stars was won by returning Islanders Molly and Tom with Callum Jones and Eve Gale coming in second place. Molly was a bombshell arrival, to the shock of her ex-boyfriend Callum, who she met filming the winter addition of the show in 2020. Viewers became invested in the possibility of Molly and Callum rekindling their three-year relationship, but the fitness model pursued her romantic connection with Tom instead. Callum and Eve split weeks after the show finished amid reports he cheated with another woman, which Callum insisted was untrue because the couple had already separated. Since winning All Stars, Molly has secured several lucrative deals, including with clothing retailer boohoo, US fitness supplement Alani Nu, jewellery brand Abbott Lyon and global makeup giants L'Oreal Paris and Maybelline. Tana Ramsay is frustrated. He drives me mental, she says when her superstar chef husband stops the car during a very important conversation just so he can leap out and get an extra hot oatmeal latte. Youre such a k**b, she tells him later. These are scenes from a new fly-on-the-wall Netflix documentary called Being Gordon Ramsay, during which Tana asks, Have they got any music to play over the opening titles? Her suggestion is a punk song by Jilted John that was used to taunt her husband when he was at school, Gordon Is A Moron. Its a joke, but the underlying stress and tension is obvious as the show reveals more of the Ramsay relationship than we have ever seen before. There were some moments when s*** was hitting the fan, Gordon admits now, remembering what they were going through as a film crew followed them around last year. Tana was saying, Why are we doing this? What the f*** are we doing? They were and still are gambling 20million from their own coffers and the bank on building three restaurants, a rooftop terrace and a cookery school at the top of 22 Bishopsgate, the highest building in the City of London. Its a colossal outlay, a proper commitment, financially and personally, says Gordon. To get it wrong would be catastrophic. Tana, sitting close to him now, says, Thats what I questioned. Do you need more pressure? How much more do you want to put yourself and all of us through? The chef, who has eight Michelin stars and 94 restaurants across the world, has taken over the top floors of the skyscraper to open an exclusive 12-seater dining room called Gordon Ramsay High, a glamorous new edition of his Asian fusion restaurant Lucky Cat, and a culinary school. Theres a Bread Street Kitchen to come in the spring and a roof terrace later this year. Diners sit with a spectacular view of the Shard, St Pauls Cathedral and the whole of the capital. Just getting every board, knife, pot, pan, vent, everything that high in the sky, with one elevator, was a nightmare, says Gordon. Being Gordon Ramsay shows the couple trying not to buckle under the pressure, even when he crashes her car. Its honest, says Tana. Weve got nothing to hide. Today theyre sitting close together, holding hands, and are dressed alike: she in a black T-shirt and jeans, he in a dark blue, high-necked shirt. And theyre ready to be even more candid about their relationship with each other and their six kids, their heartbreak over Gordons brother and the recent marriage of their daughter Holly to the Olympic swimmer Adam Peaty, whose fallout with his own family made headlines. Fly-on-the-wall Netflix documentary Being Gordon Ramsay shows the chef and his wife Tana trying not to buckle under the pressure. 'Its honest,' says Tana Ramsay and his daughter Holly on her wedding day at Bath Abbey in December. The TV star said he 'burst into tears' when he saw her in her dress Just before we got into the car on the morning of the wedding, that was the first time I saw Holly in her dress, remembers Gordon. I burst into tears. Your little girl is a woman and shes moments away from walking down the aisle. You have to realise she has a huge love in her life. This was December 27, when the whole Ramsay family were staying at a Georgian mansion near Chippenham in Wiltshire called Kin House also the location of the reception. The 45-minute drive was a beautiful father-daughter moment. We were just talking, in this little cocoon. Then we got to Bath Abbey, the car door opened and I felt like we were in the middle of Wembley Stadium with England playing Scotland. The screaming, the shouting. Besides well-wishers, there were paparazzi swarming. I was trying my best to stay calm, to keep her calm. The scrum started shouting and swearing. Im a big guy, I can look after myself, but her hands started shaking. She said, Daddy! I said, Look Holls, weve got this. Lets keep our heads down and get there. It was not the right start, but we got through it. The doors of the Abbey shut behind them, there was quiet and calm, but Holly had to stop him rushing. She told me to slow down twice. I have size 15 feet, they do walk very fast. I dont do anything slow, ask Tana. He gives his wife a cheeky look. She rolls her eyes. Then I looked up and saw Adam waiting. He looked like hed just come out of a pool after a race, he was sobbing and dripping. I gave Adam a hug. He watered my beautiful carnation with his tears. I lifted up Hollys veil, then handed her hand to him. I went and sat down and started crying like a baby. Why? The build-up of emotion. Just like any kitchen, I wanted it perfect for Holly, Adam, Tana and every guest. The pressure was insane. Sir David and Lady Beckham were present, their children having grown up together. Adam Peatys sister Bethany was a bridesmaid, but his mother, father and the rest of his close family were not there, having been uninvited after an argument over Hollys hen night became public. I was told we were accused of saying inappropriate things, says Gordon now about his speech, and it is true that Adams mum Caroline was reported to have taken offence at what she saw as an unfavourable comparison with Tana. Nothing at all was said that was inappropriate, I promise you, insists Gordon. I was very warm, very witty. I talked about when they first met. I was nervous, hearing the words no father would ever want to hear, Your daughters gone on a date with the worlds best breast- stroker. We knew something big was going on when she came home and all we could smell was chlorine. Did he write these dad jokes himself? Yeah. They were the bits I really worked on. I paid tribute to Holly, then welcomed Adam into the family: I know youll give Holly all the love she deserves, but be aware that her twin, Jack, is a Royal Marine. I know you can swim fast, but he has a boat with a big f****** gun on it! Light-hearted stuff like that. The newlyweds chose to call themselves Mr and Mrs Ramsay Peaty, which was a surprise. They told us the night before the wedding. I was lost for words. A wonderful suggestion. Very modern. How does he feel about the continuing complaints from Adams mother that she and his father have been shunned? Its just upsetting, says Gordon, who has not responded in person until now. Its all self-inflicted from their side, because weve done nothing none of what youve read: no rudeness, no ignorance we welcomed them. We sent a chauffeur-driven car for them to come to the engagement party and treated them like royalty. So to get that barrage of press was very hurtful. Tana took it very seriously. The couple were asked by Holly and her husband Adam Peaty to go on their honeymoon, which the chef reportedly paid for, with them Ramsay says that it was 'Adam and Hollys wishes' for his parents not to attend their wedding and it had 'nothing to do with' him or Tana Can they see this ever being resolved? I would like to go up to Nottingham with Tana and see them and draw a line in the sand, he says. It was Adam and Hollys wishes for them not to attend and so we had to respect that. Theres stuff they need to sort out as parents. Thats nothing to do with Tana and me. But we are very mindful we want to move on and allow Holly and Adam to continue starting their lives together. Tana says: Weve had fallouts within my family, there are no winners. Im so grateful we got through mine and have happy relationships again. Tanas father Christopher was sent to jail nearly a decade ago for conspiring to hack into a computer system relating to Gordons business empire. You dont have to be best friends, but be civil. You cant be happy when theres a fallout going on. Its really negative, and no one wants that. Gordon is said to have paid for the newlyweds to go to Mauritius and reveals they made a very unusual offer. Adam and Holly asked Tana and me to come on the honeymoon with them. I said, Look, we love you. Wed never gatecrash your honeymoon. Well see you after. The Netflix series shows yet another family sadness lurking in the background, when Gordon talks about his brother Ronnie, a busker and a heroin addict. He reveals that they were in contact before Hollys big day. It was tough. It still pains me. He said, Hey, have you got a music gig for the wedding? Im free. I put down the phone and I said to Tana, F****** hell, here we are in the house we sleep in and theres my little brother still with two pit bulls in a council flat in Birmingham, busking. Were on the opposite end of the spectrum. He reminds me how close we were and could have been, says Gordon. They were born 15 months apart and shared bunk beds as boys. Tana says, In the first few years after we were married I had this ideal view that I could make Ronnie better. We took him in. So many times we tried to fix him, then you actually begin to understand the enormity of the issue and that its never going to change until it comes from him. Hes not moved on at all. Gordon adds, I dont want the youngsters having to witness this scenario again. Im not going to explain to a six- and a two-year-old what heroin is and why their uncle is messed up. The older kids have their way of dealing with it. Oscar and Jesse are their youngest children, then there is Matilda or Tilly aged 24, the twins Holly and Jack who are 26, and Megan, 27. Tana is 51 and Gordon 59. The Ramsays live most of the time in a 7.5 million house overlooking Wandsworth Common in southwest London, which they have recently remade. We went down three metres, dug deep and created bedrooms and now all the older ones want to come back, he says. Im saying, Thanks, but no thanks, youve had your moment. Tana slaps his leg playfully and says, I love the kids coming home. Dont lie, you love it. Dont be Mr Hard-Arse. He concedes shes right. So who does live with them? Jesse, Oscar, Tilly, says Tana. And Holly when shes down from Nottingham. Jack when hes back. And Meg when her boyfriend is on a night shift and she doesnt want to be on her own. Meg is a police officer. She had an awful scenario a couple of weeks back where somebody was stabbed, says Gordon. It was a moment for her, three oclock in the morning, she had to talk to us. People talk about nepotism but theres nothing nepo about being in the police or the Marines. Tilly is presented with chef whites on the Netflix show, having trained in Ireland with someone other than her father. That was a kick in the b******s. I said, What do you mean you dont want me to train you? She said, Dad, shut up for 12 months, let me get my experience, then Ill come back and show you some things. So I have to accept that. Being Gordon Ramsay shows him going away for long periods, so are there times when Tana feels like a single mother? Not really. I travel and go and see Gordon. We have a really good support network with the older kids, who look after the little ones. She doesnt see Gordon retiring. Youd get bored. Id get bored, Tana tells him. Thats why we had more kids, so we could just keep on going. Have they finished now? One more, says Gordon, but Tana shakes her head. Were not having more. Go and find another model. He grimaces. Thats so unfair. But she holds firm. Ive given you six kids. Im not having any more babies. I am done. The show does seem to be very much about listening to Tana. They met when she was 18, long before fame and fortune. Im so grateful weve been on this journey together from the beginning, because I think it would be very hard to come in and try and get your head around this life, in all honesty, says Tana. It has been one hell of a journey. Hopefully weve got lots to go. Seann Walsh has discussed the lasting repercussions of his father's heroin addiction, his own battle with alcoholism and the bitter aftermath that followed his notorious appearance on Strictly Come Dancing. Walsh became a household name as a successful stand-up comic and regular TV panellist before signing up for the sixteenth series of BBC show Strictly Come Dancing in 2018. But the comedian, 40, says his life was shaped by his father's crippling addiction while growing up in Lewisham, south London, with his parents and younger brother, before the family relocated to Brighton. Appearing on the latest instalment of Davina McCall's Begin Again podcast, Walsh says he learned from an early age that his father's fluctuating moods were dependent on his access to heroin. He said: 'I don't know if this relates to alcoholism, but when you grow up with a heroin addict as a father the irony is - and I think a lot of people in the same situation will relate to this - you want your dad on that thing that he smokes, because the problem is not when he's on it. 'I think that's different perhaps, to alcohol. You actually don't want your mum drunk, but actually when you're a kid you want your dad on that thing, because when he's on that thing then we've got a dad in a good mood, we've got an upbeat dad, we've got a dad who's handing out a score, 20, go and enjoy yourself.' Seann Walsh has discussed the lasting repercussions of his father's heroin addiction, his own battle with alcoholism and his notorious appearance on Strictly Come Dancing Walsh has previously used his difficult relationship with his father as source material for two comedy specials (pictured: Walsh's parents) He added: 'The problem with having a parent who relies on that drug in particular, is when they're not on it, then they're not present. You know, my dad was either on heroin or he was horizontal in bed. That's it. And there is no middle ground between those two things. 'So yes, we wanted him on that, which is obviously a very strange place to be.' The comedian has previously used his difficult relationship with his father, who his since beaten his addiction, as source material for comedy specials Kiss and Seann Walsh: Is Dead, Happy Now? But Walsh says he was urged to keep his father's addiction secret as he entered secondary school and grew into adolescence following their move to Sussex. 'He told us not to tell anyone,'; he recalled. 'And from that point I remember, that was the first time I became aware that whatever this thing was that he was doing, and I didn't know it was heroin, necessarily, but the thing that he was doing was wrong, in some way. 'I was in secondary school so I must have been about 11 or 12, he did say don't tell anyone about this. 'We were just getting to an age where we were conscious, sentient, that we would be able to say, "my dad does this thing where he rolls up kitchen tissue, gets tin foil and burns this brown stuff on it."' The comedian is now settled with partner Grace Adderley and a father in his own right after the couple welcomed daughter Wylda, now three, in 2019, and son Oscar, 11 months, in 2025. The comedian reflected on the impact of his father's addiction during his appearance on the latest instalment of Davina McCall's Begin Again podcast The comedian says he was urged to keep his father's addiction secret as he entered secondary school and grew into adolescence following their move to Sussex And fatherhood played a significant role in his decision to give up drinking after realising he had grown dependent on alcohol. But prolonged sobriety led to Walsh questioning his own identity after years spent living between drinks. 'I made the decision to stop in 2019, and I did well, but I had a few blowouts, and I only ever did blowouts,' he recalled. 'Every time I drank it was a blowout. So I had a few blowouts in 2019 and after that I managed to not have a drop since. 'What surprises me is not wanting to do that at all. That's what you can never imagine. You can imagine not drinking because you've kind of made this choice that you've got to not drink, but you can't imagine that you won't want to drink. 'There's a great freedom in not wanting to do that, or not needing to do that. You think the reason you're drinking is because you want to be drunk, but actually the reason you're drinking is because you don't want to be sober. That is big, that's a big thing to realise. Walsh was visibly emotional while discussing his childhood with Davina during her latest podcast instalment The comedian is now settled with partner Grace Adderley and a father in his own right after the couple welcomed daughter Wylda, now three, in 2019, and son Oscar, 11 months, in 2025 Fatherhood played a significant role in his decision to give up drinking after realising he had grown dependent on alcohol 'I drank from 17 until I was 33. That means no adulthood - you've gone from child, teenager, and then just not growing up at all. So at 33 you wake up, who the hell are you? I had absolutely no idea. What are your interests? What are you going to do? He added: 'I was never someone who woke up and had a drink, but I was someone who woke up and thought "I can't wait to have a drink, I can't wait for tonight, to get on it." 'That was your day, that was your motive in life. Whatever you're gonna do, after that get s**tfaced.' Sobriety preceded a return to mainstream comedy and TV work after his decision to sign up for Strictly Come Dancing in 2018 derailed his career. The beleaguered comic found himself at the heart of the show's biggest scandal when he was filmed kissing married dance partner Katya Jones while also in a long-term relationship with actress Rebecca Humphries. Walsh found himself at the heart of a Strictly Come Dancing scandal when he was filmed kissing married dance partner Katya Jones while also in a long-term relationship Following the incident, Humphries released a statement claiming he'd called her a 'psycho' for questioning his friendship with Jones - before footage of their kiss during a boozy night, coincidently on his girlfriend's birthday, was made public. 'It's very, very, very difficult for me, probably anyone, to condense that,' he said of the ensuing fallout. 'But one of the things that becomes so surreal is the seeming enjoyment and pleasure that people took from your life. 'It's something I lived with. You can't really go back to where you were before that happened in your life; that has happened, right? And you're going to live for the rest of your life, with that having happened.' He added: 'You can't delete what's happened, so you're going to have to go forward, not back. You're going to have to go forward in a different direction to where you were going, and I think that took me many years to work out. 'But as soon as I learnt that, it made it easier to go, "you've got to live with this, you can't delete this. Unfortunately, or fortunately, it's part of you, and now let's move forward."' If you have been affected by anything in this story, call FRANK on: 0300 123 6600. Brooklyn Beckham displayed his covered up tattoo tribute to his father Sir David during an outing in Los Angeles with his wife Nicola Peltz on Wednesday. Last month the estranged son of Sir David, 50, and Victoria, 51, released a scathing statement where he publicly said he did not wish to reconcile with his family. Brooklyn, 26, has now delivered another crushing blow to his father by altering his tattoo tribute to him. The hot sauce owner's large anchor tattoo that he has inked onto his upper right arm once carried the words 'dad' through it. Directly underneath is the message 'Love you Bust' - Sir David's endearing nickname for his first born. However, on his outing with Nicola, Brooklyn's tattoo had been altered with the original 'dad' altered to nondescript shapes and a star. Brooklyn Beckham displayed his covered up tattoo tribute to his father Sir David during an outing in Los Angeles with his wife Nicola Peltz on Wednesday The hot sauce owner's large anchor tattoo that he has inked onto his upper right arm once carried the words 'dad' through it but this has now been altered The tattoo previously said 'dad' as shown but the letters have been covered with symbols His dad's nickname text is also faded and less prominent. It also appears that Brooklyn has begun to remove his tattoo tributes to his siblings Romeo and Cruz, after having them added to his fingers in 2020. During the outing, a thick line could be seen where Romeo's name used to be on Brooklyn's ring finger. Brooklyn cut a casual figure in a white T-shirt and blue jeans as he held hands with his wife who was dressed in jeans and a cream crop top. Just a day previous, Sir David's 'Buster' neck tattoo he had done in 2015 to honour his son was visible during his visit to Doha. Last year, Brooklyn had his 'mama's boy' chest tattoo tribute for his Spice Girl mother Victoria covered up. Nicola's billionaire father Nelson spoke about the family drama when he did a Q and A at WSJD's Invest Live in West Palm Beach event on Tuesday. Nelson said: 'My daughter and the Beckhams are a whole other story and that's not for coverage here today. But I'll tell you my daughter is great, my son-in-law Brooklyn is great and I look forward to them having a long, happy marriage together.' Nelson was also asked if he gave the couple advice in how to navigate a difficult situation. He replied: 'I do. Sometimes they give me advice.' Directly underneath is the message 'Love you Bust' - Sir David's endearing nickname for his first born son It also appears that Brooklyn has begun to remove his tattoo tributes to his siblings Romeo and Cruz, as a thick line was visible on his ring finger Brooklyn cut a casual figure in a white T-shirt and blue jeans as he held hands with his wife Nicola opted for a cream crop top and a pair of dark skinny jeans She added to her look with a pair of sunglasses and a black handbag Nicola's father's wealth eclipses that of his co-parents-in-law, with the businessman boasting a net worth of $1.6billion, in comparison to the Beckhams' $680million. The Beckhams have maintained a stoic silence since Brooklyn released a damning statement in which he outlined his reasons for cutting ties with his family. Brooklyn's parents and his siblings Romeo, 23, Cruz, 20, and Harper, 14, instead put on their own show of unity at Haute Couture Fashion Week in Paris. As the Beckham family were in France, Brooklyn and Nicola splashed out on dinner and wine at Meghan and Harry's favourite California hotel. The young couple were pictured kissing at the San Ysidro Ranch in Montecito. San Ysidro Ranch is just around the corner from the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who have also spent nights there. There was a bottle of red open on the table and Brooklyn shared some pictures from the wine cellar, including one of the world's finest, and most expensive dessert wines, worth 17,000 a bottle. It is not known if the Peltz Beckhams bought the 1831 Chateau d'Yquem or the 1811 vintage next to it, which last sold at auction in 2012 for around 75,000. Although if reports of Nicola's 1million-a-month allowance from her billionaire father are to be believed, they could no doubt afford both. Whatever they drank, the couple put on a show of unity - and romance - with a set of Instagram photos of their stay at San Ysidro, which can cost up to $2,595 a night. In his statement, Brooklyn went as far as to say he has been 'controlled by a family that values public promotion above all else' and that since being with his wife Nicola, he has found 'peace and relief' after battling crippling anxiety. He wrote: 'I have been silent for years and made every effort to keep these matters private. There was no sign of trouble as Sir David and Victoria joined three of their children in Paris at the end of January - the family's first appearance since Brooklyn's scathing statement As the Beckham family were in Paris, Brooklyn and Nicola splashed out on dinner and wine at Meghan and Harry's favourite California hotel Just a day previous, Sir David's 'Buster' neck tattoo he had done in 2015 to honour his son was visible during his visit to Doha Last year, Brooklyn had his 'mama's boy' chest tattoo tribute for his Spice Girl mother Victoria covered up 'Unfortunately, my parents and their team have continued to go to the press, leaving me with no choice but to speak for myself and tell the truth about only some of the lies that have been printed. 'I do not want to reconcile with my family. I'm not being controlled, I'm standing up for myself for the first time in my life. 'For my entire life, my parents have controlled narratives in the press about our family. 'The performative social media posts, family events and inauthentic relationships have been a fixture of the life I was born into. 'Recently, I have seen with my own eyes the lengths that they'll go through to place countless lies in the media, mostly at the expense of innocent people, to preserve their own facade. But I believe the truth always comes out.' He continued: 'My parents have been trying endlessly to ruin my relationship since before my wedding, and it hasn't stopped. 'My mum cancelled making Nicola's dress in the eleventh hour despite how excited she was to wear her design, forcing her to urgently find a new dress. 'Weeks before our big day, my parents repeatedly pressured and attempted to bribe me into signing away the rights to my name, which would have affected me, my wife, and our future children. 'They were adamant on me signing before my wedding date because then the terms of the deal would be initiated. 'My holdout affected the payday, and they have never treated me the same since.' While his parents are said to be 'devastated' by his comments, a source close to them said they would 'welcome Brooklyn back into the fold' should he wish to reconcile in the future. She plays herself as she makes her acting debut in Charli xcx's 'tour mockumentary' The Moment. Now Charli xcx has offered an inside look at filming with Jenner in the satire, which follows music executives capitalizing on the 'Brat summer' momentum ahead of her first arena tour. A trailer for the movie sees Jenner, 28, offering advice to Charli - urging her to 'go even harder' despite public exhaustion. 'I really enjoyed shooting the Kylie scene, obviously,' Charli, 33, said during a Q&A at the Alamo Drafthouses Brooklyn, according to People. Jenner's appearance was 'separated' from the remainder of the production and was the last scene shot, after beginning with actress Rachel Sennott. 'The first scene we shot for the film was with Rachel and the last day was with Kylie,' she said. 'So we sort of bookended with two legends, which was pretty cool two people playing themselves.' Charli xcx offered an inside look at working with Kylie Jenner on her new mockumentary, The Moment Jenner plays herself in a scene Charli said was 'so easy and effortless' to shoot 'I think with the Kylie scene, it was so fun,' she said, 'because it really was so easy and effortless and she really, like, played with it, did her thing.' The Moment, which Charli previously described as a 'tour mockumentary,' premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in Park City followed by a star-studded debut in Beverly Hills. It follows the pop star in the lead-up to her first headline tour and explores her personal and public narratives. Through the scripted scenes it shows how subculture is transfigured by commercial success, with record executives contemplating how they can make it a 'brat summer forever.' The Moment is currently screening in limited release. The film, from director Aidan Zamiri, is slated for nationwide release on February 6. Jenner plays herself in the satirical movie, which was announced last October. The trailer, which dropped in December, combines concert footage with scripted scenes that feature Hollywood stars Alexander Skarsgard and Rachel Sennott. In the opening scene, Charli asks: 'Dont you just think the whole, like, "Keep having a Brat Summer!" thing is a bit cringe? A trailer for the movie sees Jenner urging Charli to 'go even harder' despite public exhaustion The film sees Charli capitalizing on the 'brat summer' momentum ahead of her arena tour The Moment is described as a 'tour mockumentary' and had it's premiere last month in Beverly Hills Jenner has been promoting the satire on her Instagram 'The label is like, "More Brat, Brat, Brat, Brat, Brat, forever," and you know, maybe they are right. Urgh for f***'s sake.' The musician visibly struggles with fame and adds: 'Everyones so desperate for me to be f***ing innovative all the time. And f***ing cool!' Jenner then chimes in: 'The second people are getting sick of you, that's when you need to go even harder.' Brat was redefined as being 'characterised by a confident, independent, and hedonistic attitude' and rapidly became the 'aesthetic movement of the summer', the dictionary said. 'Kylie was just phenomenal,' Charli recently told Deadline of her appearance in the film. 'She totally got the assignment. She is a really great actress.' Jenner has been happily supporting the movie since taking part, attending the movie's Beverly Hills premiere and promoting it on her Instagram. 'the moment!!! cant wait to see u at the movies xx la and ny tickets on sale now <3,' she gushed on the app last month. Teddi Mellencamp used her platform to deliver a powerful reminder about the importance of early cancer detection as she continues treatment for stage 4 melanoma. On Wednesday, the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills alum, 44, urged her followers not to repeat the mistake she says nearly cost her life in a new cancer screening awareness campaign. 'Don't be like me and put cancer screening off,' Mellencamp wrote, under her post, explaining that it was a close friend's persistence that ultimately pushed her to get checked. 'Early screening helped give me more options and information.' The reality star partnered with Pfizer to encourage people to speak with their doctors about appropriate cancer screenings. Mellencamp has been open about how her diagnosis reshaped her outlook, repeatedly urging fans to prioritize their health even when they feel fine. 'Don't hesitate,' she wrote. 'Early detection is key.' Teddi Mellencamp used her platform to deliver a powerful reminder about the importance of early cancer detection as she continues treatment for stage 4 melanoma The mother of three, who shares children Slate, 12, Cruz, 11, and Dove, 5, with ex-husband Edwin Arroyave, was first diagnosed with melanoma in 2022. In April 2025, she revealed the disease had progressed to stage four and metastasized to both her lungs and brain. Over the years, Teddi has had 17 melanomas removed from her back, though doctors later discovered the cancer had already spread internally despite those interventions. Last year, she revealed doctors had given her a '50/50' chance of survival. Despite the grim prognosis, Mellencamp says ongoing immunotherapy has helped her reach a major milestone, revealing she currently has 'no trace of cancer.' 'If you've been putting off a screening, this is your reminder,' she wrote in her post. 'Screenings can help catch cancer before symptoms show up.' In her post, Mellencamp emphasized that leading cancer prevention organizations recommend regular screenings for breast, cervical, colorectal, lung and prostate cancers. 'The most important screen is the one that could save your life,' she added. 'Getting screened helped give me more options and information.' The star, 44, shared a powerful message on Instagram this week as part of a cancer screening awareness campaign, urging followers not to repeat the mistake she says nearly cost her life The mother of three - who shares Slate, 12, Cruz, 11, and Dove, 5, with ex-husband Edwin Arroyave - was first diagnosed with melanoma in 2022 Last month, her father, John Mellencamp, sparked concern with a blunt update about her ongoing Stage 4 cancer battle. The The 74-year-old rocker alarmed fans when he appeared on the January 14 episode of The Joe Rogan Experience podcast and described his daughter as being really sick. Its not f****** fun, he said, revealing that the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills alum has cancer in her brain and is suffering right now. The remarks quickly raised fears that Teddis condition had taken a sudden turn. But, just a few days later, Teddi took to her Two Ts in a Pod podcast to clarify that her father was not referring to a new medical setback. In April 2025, she revealed the disease had progressed to stage four and metastasized to both her lungs and brain You know, I think when he said the words suffering, he meant like, how Im mentally doing versus how Im physically doing, Teddi said. No, theres still no trace of cancer. But Im still considered stage four and Im still in immunotherapy, so essentially nothings changed, she explained. I would hope that I would be feeling better by now, but I really dont. Teddi went on to admit that the emotional weight of the past year is only now catching up with her. I also didnt properly process all of the things that happened when I had surgery, like from my divorce [from Edwin Arroyave] to all of a sudden being in emergency surgery, to, you know, not being able to see my kids when I was recovering, she said, adding that therapy has helped her confront the toll its taken. Jane Seymour has 'a lot of things' planned this month as she celebrates turning 75 and shes getting the party started with a luxurious stay in sun-drenched Mustique. The timeless beautys happiness was palpable as she shared snippets of her scenic getaway on the private island to Instagram. She previously said her beau, Dr. John Zambetti, an ER doctor and musician, was joining her on the excursion. He wasnt pictured in this social media share, but his presence was felt judging by the wide smile on her face. In a video posted on Wednesday, Seymour whose actual birthday is February 15 - sipped green juice while enjoying a 'beautiful breakfast.' 'So, this is what we get in the morning, the most beautiful breakfast you can imagine,' Seymour, who previously revealed the secrets behind her youthful looks and fit figure, told her followers in the clip, pointing out all the healthy items on her white tablecloth-covered table. 'And then we have granola and then we have beautiful yogurt and we have green juice excellent,' she said, holding up the glass as part of her show-and-tell. Jane Seymour is celebrating her 75th birthday early with green juice and a 'beautiful breakfast' during a luxurious stay in sun-drenched Mustique with boyfriend John Zambetti The Live and Let Die star and one-time dancer posed on the beach with feet crossed and arms raised high, resembling the fifth position in ballet Reaching across the table, she added, 'And we also have freshly made ginger juice,' before taking a sip of the brew. Hours earlier, the one-time dancer shared a snap of herself posing on the beach with feet crossed and arms raised high, resembling the fifth position in ballet. 'Time for some sun, smiles, and a little mystery. Where do you think I am today? Lets play "Where is Jane?"' Seymour teased in the caption. Her fans were way ahead with one commenting, 'Looking gorgeous in Mustique enjoy' and another writing, 'Mustique Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy We're freezing here in Germany.' A third pointed out, 'You told, you are going to Mustique. Enjoy your time with John in the sun.' The English actress who resides in Malibu spoke to the Daily Mail last week about her vacation plans with Zambetti while at the American Heart Association Go Red For Women Red Dress Collection Concert at Jazz at the Lincoln Center in New York City. The Live and Let Die beauty also shared that she 'loves' him. She seemed very excited about her plans. 'I'm actually going away tomorrow to Mustique and St. Barts with my boyfriend,' Seymour shared.' Seymour gave Instagram followers a show-and-tell of the healthy items on her table including fruit, granola and yogurt 'Freshly made ginger juice' was also part of the healthy meal The English-born beauty appeared to be savoring the brew Seymour said she is also planning a 'major gala' for Open Hearts Foundation as part of her birthday festivities; pictured on January 29 'It's both of our birthdays in a week and a half, so we're going to give ourselves a lovely break in the sunshine and then we'll come back. I'm not sure what we're going to do.' Her beau of two years is reportedly 76 years old. When asked how she will keep things spicy with him she replied, 'Just I love him.' Also during her chat with the Daily Mail, Seymour said that she takes good care of her health because of her family history. 'First of all, heart disease has run in my family so I go to the doctor and I regularly get tested to see where I'm at and what I need to do,' said the artist and designer. 'Meanwhile, I exercise, I eat healthy, I sleep, I try not to stress too much. So, I pay attention to it. It's very important. It's the number one cause of death for women.' Seymour mentioned that she is working more than ever and intends to carry on the same pace. 'I don't think I've ever had as much work as I have right now,' insisted The Wedding Crashers star. 'I just finished my fifth season of Harry Wild, which is showing in England and in America on Acorn and ABC.' The Harry Wild actress' beau also shares a birthday this month and they will be celebrating together; pictured June 2025 She added: 'I also did a six-hour Christmas movie for Hallmark and I have two feature films lined up for this year, and if they bring back Harry Wild, then Harry. So, I'm very busy.' Seymour shared with Fox News Digital that shes planning a lot of things as part of her birthday celebration including a major gala. 'I havent really announced it yet, but were definitely going to do a major gala for the Open Hearts Foundation, a two-day gala, and so thats really great,' Seymour said. 'For the actual day of my birthday, I have no idea,' she went on. 'It usually rains a lot, and its right next to Valentines Day, so I might do what the queen of England used to do and just have my official birthday on another day, when the sun is shining, and we can all be outside.' Ugandan social media influencer Dianah Namulinde, known online as Diana Skys, was found dead, at age 24, in her apartment in Kampala City, Uganda on February 4. According to reporting by Daily Monitor and NBS Television, Namulinde's body was discovered 'after her friends went to check on her and found her apartment open.' She is said to have been living alone. Local outlets reported that Namulinde was found with signs consistent with strangulation. Luke Owoyesigyire, deputy spokesperson for the Kampala Metropolitan Police, confirmed to local media that 'team of homicide detectives and scene of crime officers visited and documented the scene.' Owoyesigyire also noted to the Daily Monitor that 'several exhibits' were recovered and statements were taken from 'relevant witnesses.' Ugandan social media influencer Dianah Namulinde, known online as Diana Skys, was found dead, at age 24, in her apartment in Kampala City, Uganda on February 4 Authorities have identified three suspects in connection with the case, with two individuals currently in custody. NBS Television reported that one of those arrested is a security guard who was allegedly found in possession of items believed to have been stolen. Namulinde had built a sizable online following, amassing nearly 200,000 followers across Instagram and TikTok, where she shared beauty, fashion, lifestyle and travel content. Her posts frequently showcased her life, photoshoots and brand collaborations. Her final Instagram post, shared on February 3, one day before her body was found, featured a fashion-forward look accompanied by the caption: 'Dianah means perfect light. Goddess of fire.' In her Instagram bio, Namulinde described herself as a creator, makeup artist and designer, and included the phrase 'God first.' Following news of her death, an outpouring of grief flooded her social media pages as fans, friends and fellow creators struggled to process the loss. 'Rest in heaven Dia, this is so sad and breaking,' one follower wrote. According to reporting by Daily Monitorand NBS Television, Namulinde's body was discovered 'after her friends went to check on her and found her apartment open' Local outlets reported that Namulinde was found with signs consistent with strangulation Authorities have identified three suspects in connection with the case, with two individuals currently in custody, according to Daily Monitor 'RIP my love,' another commented. 'Fly high Diana,' a fan added. 'I'm so heartbroken,' read another message. 'Rest with angels,' wrote one user, while another said, 'Why life is so unfair. Rest in paradise, Diana.' 'May the good Lord protect your loved ones and let your beautiful soul rest in peace,' another comment read. British supermodel Naomi Campbell was in repeated contact with Jeffrey Epstein before and after his 2008 conviction for sex offences with an underage girl. Bombshell documents in the latest tranche of Epstein files released by the US Justice Department last week appear to show Campbell repeatedly inviting him to high profile fashion parties, and to her blowout 40th birthday party in Cannes. There are also a series of messages relating to Campbell requesting a lift on his private jet, and calling him repeatedly. 'Please call Naomi right away,' runs one message from 2015. 'She says she really needs to speak to you.' Another from the same year from Campbell reads: 'I want to see Jeffrey... is he going to Morocco?' Some of the meetings appear to relate to possible business advice from the late financier. Campbell asks if he will look at her 'swimwear collection' for Victoria's Secret in an early message in 2005. 'Hello Naomi here. Would like to know when I can speak to Jeffrey about my swim suit line for a meeting with VS. I have pics and some of the suits with me.' Naomi Campbell pictured with Ghislaine Maxwell in September 2002 Naomi Campbell in St Tropez in 2001 with a guest thought to be Epstein, in lilac, and Virginia Giuffre, in pink In another message, Epstein's PA arranges for Campbell and 'her boy' to meet retail Queen Linda Wachner at Epstein's house in 2010. Her name is also mentioned in the accounts of two alleged Epstein victims, one of whom says she first met Epstein at a party at his New York mansion at which Campbell was present. The other says that Epstein would tell her that he could get her work with the lingerie label Victoria's Secret because: 'He knew Naomi Campbell.' However by 2010 the relationship looks more like a friendship than a business arrangement as Campbell appears to have invited him to three parties: her 'Fire and Ice' birthday Gala in Cannes, which was thrown by her then-boyfriend, Russian billionaire Vladislav Doronin, to a charity fashion gala which she was organising, and to a Dolce and Gabbana salute to her in Paris. An email sent by a third party in 2012 invited Campbell to join Jeffrey Epstein and filmmaker Woody Allen for dinner in Paris. It runs: 'Hi Naomi. Jeffrey and I are in Paris with Woody Allen and wondered if you are in town if you would like to have dinner with us all tomorrow night? Best!' It has been previously reported that Campbell was on Epstein's plane manifests and that her phone number was in his 'black book' but the material in the files appears to show contact from 2003 to 2016 and comprises 25 pages of files. Many of them are diary notes which run 'TBD Naomi Campbell' or simple memos from Epstein's PA to note that she has called for him or is returning his call. 'Naomi Campbell said she was having a facial, will call back' says one in 2010. In 2016 there is a flurry of contact as Campbell apparently sought to get a lift on Epstein's private plane. 'Naomi is following up on using the plane.... she said she spoke to you about this and hopes you can call her soon... she needs to know' writes Epstein's PA. Join the debate Should celebrities be held accountable for their close ties to figures like Jeffrey Epstein? In 2016, Campbell apparently sought to get a lift on Epstein's private plane (pictured) A follow-up email runs: 'Naomi has called back twice now saying she doesn't have any back up plan as she really thought from you this would work. Says she has booked the hotel and car and driver and mentioned something about [name redacted] mom. She is wondering if the plane cant take you to where you are going then go back and take her to where she needs to be.' A few days later the PA gets in touch with Naomi saying: 'I hope all worked out the other day. Jeffrey wanted me to let you know he will be in New York tomorrow Wed Jan 27th and Thu Jan 28th... might you be around?' Campbell has previously described Epstein's behaviour as 'indefensible'. She has said: 'When I heard what he had done, it sickened me to my stomach.... I stand with the victims.' Her team was approached for comment today. Last year, a picture emerged which showed Liz Hurley with Ghislaine Maxwell at a birthday party for Robert Hanson in New York in 1996. Fellow partygoer Sean Borg says that both Epstein and Naomi Campbell were there that night. Meanwhile, Rolling Stone Mick Jagger is also in the Epstein files. A picture showing Mick Jagger sitting next to Epstein in a restaurant was published last week when the documents dropped. Mick Jagger pictured between Bill Clinton and Jeffrey Epstein in a restaurant Mick Jagger and Ghislaine Maxwell at a dinner However, there is more. In an email from 2010 the message is passed: 'Mick Jagger's assistant rang saying Mick rec'd my message and would love to come to your dinner party but is in France at the moment. She said he will be in NY in the New Year and would love to connect then.' Another email from Boris Nikolic, once an aide to Bill Gates, appears to arrange a different dinner date with Jagger. Nikolic writes: 'I can find out if Mick Jagger [Former US President Bill] Clinton [former US solicitor general] Ken Starr [theatre director] Julie Taymor are in town? I will have no trouble getting anyone you want but I think it best after the three of us noodle for a bit.' Again it was previously reported that Jagger was in Epstein's contacts book. There is also a receipt from the delivery service FedEx which shows that Ghislaine Maxwell had something shipped to Mick Jagger in the UK on Epstein's account in December 2003. Meanwhile, emails suggest that British socialite Annabelle Neilson was among the women who procured 'girls' for Epstein. Annabelle Neilson, who died of a heart attack in 2018 at the age of 49, emailed the paedophile financier on many occasions calling him 'babe,' 'honey' and 'darling'. Their correspondence dates from between 2010 and 2012, during which time Neilson offered to set Epstein up with a number of women. On September 15, 2010, Epstein asked for Ghislaine Maxwell - currently in prison for child sex trafficking on behalf of Epstein - to 'reach out to Annabelle Nielson'. Two days later, an individual who signed off as Annabelle, wrote to Epstein: 'So I am putting a little group of girls together. Hopefully one of them will have all the right qualities you desire. Wish I was 20 years younger and could speak French!!! 'I have to say that a few of my girls, who would be perfect for the job but are unfortunately past their sell-by date, would of [sic] all dropped their husband and almost children for the job when I asked them.' She added: 'You know I've just had a spark of genius while writing this, I think I may have the right girl.' In later correspondence, dated November 2012, Neilson was asked by the paedophile whether she had 'any cute friends' in Paris, to which she responds: 'Non in Paris. Let me know if you come over. How about [woman's name]?' Epstein simply told her that 'shes eduardos,' to which Neilson responded: 'Oh yes, so she is. If I think of anyone suitable?will let you know. X.' In another email chain from October 2010, an individual signing of as Annabelle again wrote to him, saying: 'Hi Jefrey How are you and all the girls?! I hope you got the numbers I left you for the Brazilian and the Italian presenter. I'm back in my lovely grey old rainy london.' In the same email, she added: 'My love I hope you are still having a wonderful time without me, probably the new arrivals would of distracted you from the huge void that I left?' Neilson, who starred on Bravo TV's reality show Ladies Of London, had become a fixture on London's jet-setting 'Primrose Hill' social set in the early 1990s. The US Justice Dept has cautioned that the release of the Epstein file documents, collected by the FBI, 'may include fake or falsely submitted images, documents or videos' and does not imply wrongdoing of any kind. Geri Halliwell-Horner looked ethereal in white as she attended a dinner at BAFTA Piccadilly on Thursday ahead of the Handel and Hendrix gala performance. The Spice Girl, 53, stunned in an ivory pleated skirt as she posed alongside Prince Edward, who is also known as the Duke of Edinburgh. She paired her elegant garment with a silky, ivory skirt, which she layered over a ribbed, turtleneck jumper. Adding inches to her slender figure, Geri slipped into a pair of brown heeled, laced boots, and she completed her look with a silk neck scarf. During the star-studded event, Geri also posed alongside TV writer, Steven Moffat and TV producer, Sue Vertue. Geri's appearance comes after The Spice Girls sent fans into a frenzy on Thursday as they reunited for a singalong at David and Victoria Beckham's lavish home. Geri Halliwell-Horner, 53, looked ethereal in white as she attended a dinner at BAFTA Piccadilly on Thursday ahead of the Handel and Hendrix gala performance The Spice Girl, stunned in an ivory pleated skirt as she posed alongside Prince Edward, who is also known as the Duke of Edinburgh Despite not performing to a sold-out crowd, the iconic girl band sang Viva Forever in the dining room as two lucky members of the Beckhams' catering staff watched on. The staff members, who were dressed in all black, watched on in amazement through large glass doors as Victoria, 51, Geri, Emma Bunton, 50, and Mel C, 52, sang their 1998 hit. Notably, Mel B, 50, was a no-show amid her bitter falling out with Geri, but she is also currently on her honeymoon in Mauritius with husband Rory McPhee. However, she has recently said she is keen for the band to get back together and teased fans by 'liking' a comment about the prospect of a reunion. While the ladies sang their harmony, Victoria's son, Cruz, 20, strummed away on the guitar, while his girlfriend Jackie Apostel, 29, sat at the table and the family's personal chefs watched on through glass doors from the kitchen. Fans couldn't believe that two lucky staff members got 'front row seats' to the Spice Girls reunion and many shared their jealousy on Instagram. They wrote: 'Love the staff in the background literally the most VIP tickets!!!!!; The ladies on the other side are all of us right now!; During the star-studded event, Geri also posed alongside TV writer, Steven Moffat and TV producer, Sue Vertue Geri's appearance comes after The Spice Girls sent fans into a frenzy on Thursday as they reunited for a singalong at David and Victoria Beckham's lavish London home 'I'm curious if the kitchen staff were paid, or if they paid to have an exclusive front row seat!!; 'The ladies in the kitchen are getting a free concert by the most iconic ladies wish I was there; 'The person working in the kitchen watches in admiration; Love the two ladies on the kitchen watching everything!' Molly-Mae Hague and Tommy Fury have announced that they are expecting their second child. The couple joyfully revealed that their three-year-old daughter Bambi is set to be a big sister in a sweet Instagram update on Thursday. After Molly-Mae previously said she 'constantly thought about' having another child there has been tell tale signs that she was expecting. Eagle-eyed fans of the influencer noticed that she has been sipping on peppermint tea and even accidentally flashed her 'bump' in a reflection during her latest vlog. And it seems that they were right, when Molly-Mae uploaded a clip with Bambi saying: 'I'm going to be a big sister.' From her outfit choices to even a hair cut, here we look at all of the subtle signs she gave before announcing the happy news... Molly-Mae Hague and Tommy Furyhave announced that they are expecting their second child as they revealed that their three-year-old daughter Bambi is set to be a big sister After Molly-Mae previously said she 'constantly thought about' having another child there has been tell tale signs that she was expecting Fury family get together In November, Tyson Fury and his dad John, were seen clinking glasses as they celebrated some happy news with boxer turned reality star, Tommy. Onlookers saw as the trio appeared thrilled for Tommy as they met up in a Cheshire pub. One said: They were clearly celebrating some kind of milestone. Tommy had invited his dad and brother there to share something special with them. Molly-Mae also seemed to hint at the good news as she posted a picture of their beloved daughter as she beamed at a cake, which was decorated with the words: New Chapter, Same Us. The cryptic posts comes weeks after she said she was 'desperate to give Bambi a sibling'. Hair cut In an Instagram update last week, Molly-Mae showed off her new hair cut, writing: 'Feeling like me again. My hair honestly hasnt felt this good in such a long time. 'Ive been using the Kerastase Gloss Absolu range and the shine it gives is unrealespecially for blonde hair, which I always struggle with! Im SOOO happy to have my long hair back.' But fans commented: 'Shes pregnantIll be back to confirm in the near future'; 'Are you pregnant again?!' In an Instagram update last week, Molly-Mae showed off her new hair cut, writing: 'Feeling like me again' But fans commented: 'Shes pregnantIll be back to confirm in the near future' This week Molly-Mae accidentally showed off her blossoming baby bump during her vlog, which was shared to YouTube In January, when Molly-Mae showed off her Maldives tan in a chic bikini while posting on her Instagram Story, fans were also quick to question if she was pregnant Bump reveal This week Molly-Mae accidentally showed off her blossoming baby bump during her vlog, which was shared to YouTube. In the clip, she flashed a glimpse of her tummy in the reflection of herself in the kitchen window, and it didn't go unnoticed by viewers. In January, when Molly-Mae showed off her Maldives tan in a chic bikini while posting on her Instagram Story, fans were quick to question if she was pregnant. In her new posts she showed off her figure in the black swimwear as she declared she'd had the best week in 'paradise'. She added that she was grateful for good weather on the trip after jetting there two years ago when it 'rained for 7 days and 7 nights' which ruined the holiday. In a recent Instagram post, she shared a photo of herself pouring a hot drink and wrote: 'Peppermint tea please' with fans commenting: 'No Coffee - shes pregnant :)' Cravings In a recent Instagram post, she shared a photo of herself pouring a hot drink and wrote: 'Peppermint tea please'. Once again fans speculated in the comments section and wrote: 'No Coffee - shes pregnant :)' 'Have you drunk it since having trapped wind with Bambi?'; 'When will she break the news...? So excited for them.' During her pregnant with Bambi, Molly-Mae who shared an unfortunate health update fans while sharing a photo of her evening meal with a cup of tea. 'The glamorous trapped wind life', she joked on her Story. 'Dinner boxed up, completely uneaten peppermint tea only this weekend.' More recently Molly-Mae has been pictured wearing baggy clothing and concealing her tummy in Instagram updates In another post, she wore a cream jumper with a fur coat and wide fit trousers during a work trip to London Clothing choices More recently Molly-Mae has been pictured wearing baggy clothing and concealing her tummy in Instagram updates. As the Love Island star cemented her rebrand by announcing a big-money deal with Adidas on Instagram - despite upsetting some fans with her new look. Molly cut a cool figure in the promotion images as she rocked an oversized blazer with loose fitting brown Adidas trousers. In another post, she wore a cream jumper with a fur coat and wide fit trousers during a work trip to London. Feeling the 'pressure' to give Bambi a sibling In November, Molly-Mae admitted that having a second child is something she constantly thinks about, and she feels a 'real pressure around it' because she wants Bambi to have a sibling. Molly reflected on her own close bond with her older sister Zoe, explaining her life 'wouldn't have been the same' without her sibling, and she hopes Bambi experiences the same. However, she stressed that she would never 'do it just for her,' noting she would want a second child because it is 'something I want to do'. In a vlog on her YouTube channel last year, the reality star confessed she'd be 'terrified' to see a positive pregnancy test, as she got candid about how much she struggled during the newborn stage. She said: 'If you take the relationship, and me and Tommy out of it for a second Besides my relationship, Im just not mentally, physically, emotionally ready to have another baby yet.' In November, Molly-Mae admitted that having a second child is something she constantly thinks about, and she feels a 'real pressure around it' Molly-Mae then admitted how much the decision weighed on her, as she has such an incredibly close relationship to her older sister Zoe and wanted the same for her daughter. She explained: 'It terrifies me the thought of Bambi growing up without a sister. I feel that way because, as much as weve had our times where we cant even look at each other, my sister made my life growing up. 'Shes made my life now. I wouldnt be who I am without Zoe and it makes me feel a bit emotional.' But she insisted: 'I know Bambi would be absolutely fine without a sister or a sibling because I know Im going to be that girls best friend forever. 'My number one goal in life is that me and her are so unbelievably close that she wouldnt even need a best friend because shes always going to have me. 'And the same with her dad. I know she will be like that with us I do think we are really incredible parents to her so I know shed be fine.' After previously admitting that they went through 'hell and back' and had a 'breakdown' during first few weeks of parenthood, Molly-Mae went on: 'This is really scary to admit but sometimes I have this terrible feeling that if I was to ever see a positive pregnancy test again, I worry how that wouldnt spark the feelings in me that Id want it to. 'If I saw a positive pregnancy test now I would be terrified. If I was to pop out a baby and it [was] a two-year-old like Bambi now, give me 100, I can handle it. 'But I found the newborn stage so unbelievably difficult and daunting and looking back I cant really say that there was any part of it that I enjoyed.' Thursday night's episode of Married At First Sight saw Bec and Danny's honeymoon in Fiji continue to deteriorate, with insecurity and mistrust coming to a head over dinner. Earlier in the episode, the couple revisited their first night together. Bec said she believed the intimacy had gone well, while Danny later admitted he felt the experience was 'average' and that he was not yet feeling a strong sexual connection. The admission clearly upset Bec, and Danny insisted he wanted to stay in the experiment to work through the lack of chemistry. The tension carried into the evening, where what was intended to be a romantic dinner quickly became an argument. Bec accused Danny of repeatedly staring at another woman she claimed had been around the resort throughout the day - running past them earlier and appearing again near the restaurant. Thursday night's episode of Married At First Sight saw Bec and Danny's honeymoon in Fiji continue to deteriorate, with insecurity and mistrust coming to a head over dinner Earlier in the episode, the couple revisited their first night together. Bec said she believed the intimacy had gone well, while Danny later admitted he felt the experience was 'average' 'Did you want a triple-take on the girl you've been staring at all day again?' Bec asked, Shocked, Danny replied: 'I've not even seen that girl I don't even know what to say to that.' Rolling her eyes, Bec shot back: 'I'm over it. The girl that just ran past has been in your eye line all day. 'You watched her run past this morning, you watched her at breakfast. [Do a] Triple-take then.' Danny insisted that he wasn't looking at other women, adding: 'I don't even know the girl you're talking about - that's crazy.' 'Oh! OK, I'm crazy,' scoffed Bec. Attempting to calm her down, Danny assured her: 'No, I'm not calling you crazy. I'm just saying, you're making me scared to look anywhere'. 'Oh, f**k off! F**k! Off!' Bec exclaimed, getting up and storming towards the bathroom. While walking away, she vented her frustration to producers, questioning Danny's behaviour and his reaction to being confronted. Join the debate Is jealousy ever justified in a new relationship, or does it just create more problems? The tension carried into the evening, where what was intended to be a romantic dinner quickly became an argument Bec accused Danny of repeatedly staring at another woman she claimed had been around the resort throughout the day - running past them earlier and appearing again near the restaurant Danny insisted that he wasn't looking at other women, adding: 'I don't even know the girl you're talking about - that's crazy' 'I'm over it. You're not into me. I don't wanna sit here and pretend we're having a romantic dinner every time that f**king girl walks past you've been staring at her all day,' she vented to producers. 'You just took a triple-take in front of me as she ran past. I'm over it. You're not into me, that's fine. Let's walk away.' Danny, left alone at the table, maintained that he had not been staring at anyone and said he felt unfairly accused. When Bec later returned, producers introduced the 'Sledge Box' in an attempt to prompt honest discussion. Asked to name each other's most annoying traits, Bec again pointed to her belief that Danny had been looking at another woman. Losing his patience, Danny replied: 'You're most annoying trait is that you make up that I look at imaginary women. It's disrespectful. I'm respectful to you. I don't make up lies about you. Please don't do it anymore.' Danny admitted there was 'not too much' at this stage but reiterated his intention to keep trying. Despite this, the issue of the unidentified woman resurfaced almost immediately. 'Oh, f**k off! F**k! Off!' Bec exclaimed, getting up and storming towards the bathroom When Bec later returned, producers introduced the 'Sledge Box' in an attempt to prompt honest discussion. Asked to name each other's most annoying traits, Bec again pointed to her belief that Danny had been looking at another woman Bec again accused Danny of looking elsewhere, before leaving the dinner for a second time. 'Who do you think you are? David Beckham? Do you think you're David Beckham?' she ranted while storming out of the restaurant Bec again accused Danny of looking elsewhere, before leaving the dinner for a second time. 'Who do you think you are? David Beckham? Do you think you're David Beckham?' she ranted while storming out of the restaurant. 'He obviously thinks I'm absolutely hideous. And then he's angry at ME for calling him out for looking at another woman all day?!' I have always been one of the biggest cheerleaders for Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie. As a social diarist for more than 20 years, I have met them numerous times at London parties and always found them impressive: friendly but business-like and far too sensible ever to give me any juicy bits for my columns. While their cousins such as Princes William and, particularly, Harry were involved in all sorts of high jinks as youngsters, 'Bea' and 'Eug', as they were known to chums, never strayed from the straight and narrow. They always seemed eminently level-headed and I never received any reports of their collapsing drunk at parties or making fools of themselves in public. So, it was no surprise that they both settled down with discreet, loving husbands: Jack Brooksbank in Eugenie's case, and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi in Beatrice's. A Slimmed-Down Monarchy Grows Thinner Just as Queen Elizabeth was helped in her duties as monarch by loyal and devoted cousins such as the Duke of Kent and Princess Alexandra, I hoped that Beatrice and Eugenie could assist William when he eventually ascends the throne. After all, King Charles's plans for a 'slimmed-down' monarchy were based on the Duke and Duchess of Sussex playing key roles. With Harry and Meghan having quit royal duties, that slimmed-down monarchy looks worryingly skinny. Even though they both have full-time jobs, Beatrice and Eugenie already serve as patrons of a handful of good causes and have dutifully indicated that they would be happy to take on more if required. Sadly, after the revelations in the Jeffrey Epstein files made public over the past week, I have come to the conclusion that my hopes for the princesses lie in tatters. Beatrice and Eugenie can never be part of 'The Firm' because of their lying, greedy, offender-loving parents. Emails That Deepen the Royal Discomfort However unfair it might seem to make children suffer for the sins of their parents, the sisters have been so tainted by the former Duke and Duchess of York that they can no longer be considered for formal roles with the Royal Family. They are tainted because their parents actively dragged them into the orbit of an offender. In one exchange, the American asks Sarah to use the girls as tour guides at Buckingham Palace for one of his associates, whose name was redacted by the US authorities before the document's release. In a message sent to 'Ferg' in 2010, Epstein writes: 'Thank you Sarah, could you are [sic] one of your daughters show [redacted name] buckingham thanks.' Take a moment to consider that email: after an offender had been released from prison, having served a sentence for procuring a child for prostitution, he was confident enough in his relationship with Queen Elizabeth's former daughter-in-law that he could ask her to send one of the monarch's grandchildren to show his friend around the sovereign's taxpayer-funded home. Why Williams Future Reign Leaves No Role for the York Sisters The casual tone of the email suggests this was not a unique demand. Indeed, a message sent to him by the then duchess later that year apologised that the princesses could not serve as tour guides for a different pal of his. It's not known if the friends were also offenders. Not that it would necessarily have deterred Sarah from introducing her daughters to the friends in question. After all, she took them to stay at a New York apartment owned by Epstein just five days after his release from prison. Beatrice was 20 by that point and Eugenie was 19, so you might have hoped that they would have been old enough to question the wisdom of their parents' friendships. The princesses can go on to show by their actions that they have not taken after their parents, but, unfortunately, Andrew and Fergie have left such a stain on the Monarchy that they are tainted, too. Prince William and Catherine know this, which is why Sarah was not invited to their wedding at Westminster Abbey in 2011. And why her daughters will have no royal roles when William is King. Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie are said to be standing by their mother despite the catastrophic damage her emails to Jeffrey Epstein have caused them. The sisters have not given up on their father either and are staying 'loyal to their parents in private while separating themselves in public, a royal source has said. The Yorks are just about holding it together as a family but this has put new strains on their relationships', the insider added. The last I heard the daughters were still supporting both parents behind the scenes'. The sisters are said to be 'aghast' and 'embarrassed' by what the Epstein Files have revealed about their parents' relationship with such an 'appalling' man. But the Daily Mail's royal insider said they love their parents, leaving them in a terrible 'bind' because Andrew and Fergie have dragged them into Epstein's world and 'contaminated' their own brands. Eugenie, for example, is co-founder of The Anti-Slavery Collective, a charity that campaigns to end modern slavery, which includes [sexual] trafficking. How can she do that without saying anything about Epstein, Virginia Giuffre, and this new case of a woman who claims she was trafficked to have [sexual relations] with Andrew?, the source said. Source Says Andrew Told to Leave Royal Lodge as Fergie Rumored to be Abroad Sarah Ferguson told Jeffrey Epstein she wanted to marry him and took her children to meet him in the US just days after his release from jail for soliciting children for [sexual acts], documents published in the US revealed this week. Fergie, who also discussed her daughters' love and [sexual] lives with her 'pillar' of strength Epstein over email, has not been seen in public since the scandal broke. As removal trucks still roll into Royal Lodge, the insider said they they had heard that Fergie was still there as recently as a week ago. On Tuesday Andrew was told to leave his 30-bedroom mansion earlier than expected after he was spotted goofing in public. The King wasnt happy about his brother being photographed laughing and waving at the public in Windsor while there were news stories emerging every few hours about Epstein sending women to Andrew and Fergie fawning on a [child predator]', the insider said. Andrew is already in Sandringham, while Fergie has gone into hiding and is rumored to be jetting abroad. The insider added: Beatrice and Eugenie are in a bind. I think they should say something but I doubt they will because of their need to stay loyal to their parents in private while separating themselves in public. Fergie Weighing Housing Options, Source Says The King insists theyve done nothing wrong but, inevitably, their personal brands have been contaminated by the actions of their parents. Fergie is said to want to stay in the Windsor area and wont move to Sandringham with her ex-husband Andrew. I know she was looking at a few options and hoped to stay in the Windsor area but this forced move has come sooner than expected. Fergie has nowhere to go but it has long been rumored her daughters have offered her a place to stay abroad in the shape of Eugenies Portuguese villa. Beatrice has a granny annex at her Cotswolds home. A visit to her sister in Australia could also be on the cards. But Ms Ferguson will need something permanent. The source said: Fergie did sell her Belgravia mews house for 3.85 million in August so in theory has that money to use for somewhere else to live. But that house was bought as an investment for Beatrice and Eugenie. The late Queen gave Fergie money for her granddaughters as part of the divorce settlement. I dont know for sure but I think that may be what was used to buy that house. Documents Reveal Fergie's Emails to Epstein After Conviction Sarah Ferguson's contact with Epstein has shredded what was left of her reputation. She even sent a flirty email to him describing a 'single' female friend with 'a great body' he should get to know after he was convicted of child [sexual] crimes. The former Duchess of York also suggested in a personal email to the [child predator] that he could marry her and they could take on the mystery woman as a member of their staff. Documents released in the Epstein Files also show that he was asked to pay almost $15,000 for flights for Fergie, Beatrice and Eugenie to fly to the US to visit him just 48 hours after his release from prison. Ms Ferguson would be happy to fly from Heathrow to the US in business class but her daughters would be in economy, the email sent on July 24, 2009, said. Fergie told the [sexual] offender he should marry her on a number of occasions in the months after he left jail following a 13-month sentence for soliciting [sexual acts] from girls as young as 14. In one email from September 17, 2009, she wrote about one woman: 'You can marry her too. She is single and [sic] a great body'. She added: 'Ok well marry me and then we will employ her'. Emails Shed Light on Post-Prison Contact With Epstein The new emails also shed new light on a lunch that Fergie had with Epstein and her two daughters Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie after his time behind bars. On July 24, 2009, two days after her boss left prison, Epstein's assistant Lesley Groff emailed him asking him to approve payment for the Yorks' travel costs. She wrote: 'Regarding the flights for The Duchess and the girls from Heathrow to Miami and from NY to Heathrow: we are able to get the girls on economy round trip and The Duchess in business round trip. The girls flights total are $4835.94 and The Duchess' flights total $9244.16. Do I have your permission to purchase these tickets!?'. It is not known what Epstein replied or if he paid the bill - but Sarah and her daughters did make the trip to America. The Daily Mail revealed today how Fergie sent an email to Jeffrey Epstein claiming that 'no woman has ever left the Royal family with her head' and that she was being '1000 per cent hung out to dry' after appearing to accept cash for access to her ex-husband. The former Duchess of York said in July 2010 that she was 'totally on my own now' and was about to be 'exterminated' in the UK due to a series of personal scandals. The Palace couldn't 'behead' her so 'will discredit me - totally to obliteration', she said in a nod to the executions of Henry VIIIs wives Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard. Emails Detail Contact With Epstein After Tabloid Sting Ms Ferguson had written to the [child predator] financier in the weeks after she was caught in a tabloid sting appearing to accept $500,000 in return for her securing access to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, then a UK trade envoy. She then agreed to an interview with Oprah Winfrey where she spoke about how she was facing bankruptcy and could not pay the rent so had taken a room in her ex-husband's Royal Lodge home. In an attack on the royals as her reputation was in tatters and she ran out of money, Fergie thanked her friend Epstein for being her 'pillar' in an email released in the Epstein Files. She added: 'Just as I always said, no woman has ever left the Royal Family with her head, and the [sic] cannot behead me, therefore they will discredit me. Totally to obliteration. I have no words.' In her first email she told Epstein on July 13, 2010: 'Have you died on me? Don't... Please you are my pillar.' The email chain reveals how Epstein ignored the flattery and said: 'I thought you needed a place for the second week?'. The [child predator] appears to have repeatedly organized accommodation for Fergie in the US, according to the Epstein Files. Emails Show Fergie Discussed Accommodation and Press Pressure She replied: 'Dear Jeffrey, yes I did need a second place for a week?' She went on: 'And I thank you so much, but just as I predicted many, many months ago, the British press is ready to exterminate me, and it seems that PricewaterhouseCoopers and the palace system are not equipped to deal with all of this huge wave of negativity. 'Therefore I have to return to the UK, and be exterminated and face the thunderous music. 'I am now 1000 per cent being hung out to dry, just as I predicted you will see, the Press will have me exiled. I am totally on my own now. 'This is beyond scandalous and nobody can do anything. I cannot believe what this is all coming to. 'I have to return to face my judge and jury and be hung yet again.' At the time PwC were auditing her accounts. It later emerged that Epstein had paid off some of her debts - but she later called it a 'gigantic error'. The Daily Mail revealed how Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie are 'aghast' at their mother's embarrassing tranche of emails to Jeffrey Epstein. Sources close to the sisters say they are also 'appalled' and 'embarrassed' about the new photos of their father Andrew crouching over a mystery woman lying on the floor. Sources Say Epstein Emails Leave Beatrice and Eugenie 'Ashamed' The siblings have been left ashamed by their mother's sycophantic emails to the [child predator] financier after his conviction for child [sexual] crimes. Sarah Ferguson fawned over Epstein, who famously paid some of her debts, telling the convicted [sexual] offender he was a 'legend' and joked that they should get married. Other emails she sent him mentioned her daughter Eugenie's [sexual] life and revealed Fergie had taken her children to lunch with the convicted [child predator] when they were teenagers. The Daily Mail has also today unearthed an email from Ms Ferguson that suggests Epstein had a secret child. The former Duchess of York also accused him of abandoning her in 2011 and said it was 'crystal clear' he was only her friend to get close to her ex-husband Andrew. Security sources told The Mail on Sunday that Epstein was running 'the world's largest honeytrap operation' on behalf of the KGB. A source close to Eugenie and Beatrice told the Daily Mail: 'They are aghast at what they have read. They are mortified by the emails their mother has sent to Epstein. It is so embarrassing for them.' They added: 'We don't believe the girls [Beatrice and Eugenie] were told much about what has just emerged [in the latest Epstein files release], and they will simply be aghast at just how close their parents were to this appalling man.' Report: Epstein files reveal how deeply Beatrice and Eugenie are mired in their parents' world Following the latest dump of information from the Epstein files, we know that the former Prince Andrew agreed to a hook-up with a Russian girl procured by the sexual offender and that the Prince invited Epstein to dinner at Buckingham Palace after his release from prison. We know even that in 2010 Fergie was joking with him in an email about their daughter Eugenies sexual life Just waiting for Eugenie to come back from a [expletive] weekend!! she wrote to Epstein. Not only that but Fergie also begged the convicted sexual offender for 20,000 to pay rent, described him as the brother I have always wished for and wrote to him in one fawning email: Xx I am at your service. Just marry me. After all this, not to mention a picture of Andrew on all fours kneeling over a young woman whos lying prostrate on the floor, how can Beatrice and Eugenie ever speak to their parents again? Surely they have no option but to cut them off not just temporarily but for good and to do so publicly. If not for their own sakes, for those of their children. It is a desperately hard call. But when your parents have so disgraced themselves and in doing so jeopardised the future of the monarchy, this is surely no time for sentiment. Eugenie has reportedly already severed relations with her father. But if she and Beatrice want to salvage and protect their own reputations and their childrens futures they must both now do what any child would consider unthinkable. Publicly, they must disown Andrew and Fergie for ever and declare openly that they are on the side of Epsteins many young victims. Read the full story here Nancy Guthrie's doorbell camera disconnected in the dead of night around the time she disappeared in the early hours of Sunday, the sheriff leading the investigation said. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos made the disturbing revelation at a press conference in Tucson, Arizona, on Thursday, four days after Savannah Guthrie's 84-year-old mother was reported missing from her $1m home. Sheriff Nanos told reporters that the doorbell camera disconnected at 1:47am, but at 2:12am, a person was detected by the camera's sensors. At 2:28am, Nancy's pacemaker app - a device tracking her heartbeat - disconnected from her phone's Bluetooth, Nanos said. He said no suspects or persons of interest had been identified in the ongoing investigation, but added that he had 'not ruled anyone out' as a potential abductor. Authorities Insist Missing Woman Is Still Alive Nanos also made a carefully-worded statement about Nancy, but later denied he was suggesting that she is no longer alive. Opening the press conference, Nanos said: 'We believe Nancy is still out there... We want her home.' 'Our department, the sheriffs department, along with our partners at the FBI have been working around the clock. We just want her home and to get to the bottom of this, like you do.' Nanos said that although no suspects have been identified, the FBI made an arrest early Thursday, saying an impostor was charged for allegedly sending a fake ransom note. It comes as images from outside Nancy's home showed a trail of blood leading from her front door entry to her driveway, with her doorbell camera also removed. At Thursday's press conference, officials said DNA analysis showed the blood belonged to Nancy. No other forensic evidence has pointed toward a suspect, Nanos said. Unverified Ransom Note Deepens Mystery of Abduction The Pima County Sheriff's Office acknowledged a ransom note sent to TMZ and KOLD on Tuesday afternoon, three days after the 84-year-old was snatched from her $1 million home where she lived alone. Authorities have not verified the legitimacy of the notes, but have said they are looking at 'every lead' in the ongoing investigation. TMZ reported that the note, which it also said it could not verify as being sent by the abductors, demanded millions in Bitcoin for the release of Nancy, with a deadline for it to be paid 'or else.' The outlet said that the note demanded the Bitcoin be sent to a specific cryptocurrency address, which it has verified as a real Bitcoin address, along with chilling details of what Nancy was wearing at the time of her abduction. Officials previously said they have no reason to believe Nancy may have been targeted because of her daughter, but have also not ruled out any inquiries. On Wednesday, Arizona TV news anchor Mary Coleman revealed new details of the possible ransom note, saying that she believes it 'might not be a hoax.' Sensitive Information Fuels Fears Note May Be Genuine Coleman said the Nancy Guthrie ransom note that was sent to the KOLD newsroom contained a 'lot of it is information that only someone who was holding her for ransom would know.' 'Some very sensitive information and things that people who weren't there when she was taken captive wouldn't know,' Coleman told CNN. She added, 'It also included a dollar amount, a deadline, and, again, other specifics that only Guthrie's abductor might know, so that definitely raised some red flags.' It remains unclear if any of those specific details were true as neither investigators nor the Guthrie family have commented on the details. Savannah Guthrie referenced the note in an emotional video plea for her mother's return on Wednesday night, but said the family would require proof her mother was still alive before considering its demands. Coleman also revealed the note was sent to the station via email, and that her team immediately sent it to the Pima County Sheriff's Department. 'We immediately sent that information over to the sheriff's department, and they're, of course, looking into the legitimacy of it,' she said. 'One of the detectives did get back to us and asked us for some more information so that they can start searching for an IP address and things of that nature to try and figure out who or what people are responsible here.' Expert reveals how he thinks Nancy Guthrie was abducted A leading crime expert offered a vivid insight into how Savannah Guthrie's mother, Nancy, may have been snatched from her home and possible outcomes as her abductors seek to 'close the circle'. 'The kidnappers took a lot of risk to do this, they're going to have to take an additional step, to communicate, to reach their goal,' retired Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and Explosives special agent Jim Cavanaugh told Guthrie's co-host Craig Melvin on NBC's Today. 'They went to a lot of effort to break in, to assault Nancy, take her away, hide her out... And now they have to close their circle for their goal and that is they have to communicate.' Cavanaugh, now a crime analyst for NBC News, spoke hours after Guthrie issued a plea for the return of her 84-year-old mother in an emotional video filmed while sitting between her older siblings, Annie and Camron. Nancy vanished from her $1 million home in Tucson, Arizona, late Saturday or early Sunday. Despite the horrific circumstances, Cavanaugh sounded a note of hope for what could happen next. 'The best thing they can do, their best option is to release Nancy, leave her at the foot of a church somewhere, a store, or take the step to communicate to see if you can reach your goal.' Guthrie and her siblings acknowledged ransom notes sent to news outlets and the FBI requesting Bitcoin in exchange for Nancy's release, but warned they needed concrete proof their mother is still alive. Cavanaugh said they were right to be cautious, conceding that the demands may have been sent by 'someone in Kathmandu'. He thinks the abductors may now get in touch via a 'snail mail package' with something such as a piece of jewelry, lock of hair, video or photo to prove that Nancy is still alive. Read the full story here Banco Comercial Portugues S.A. Unsponsored ADR (OTCMKTS:BPCGY Get Free Report) shares saw strong trading volume on Monday . 2,575 shares were traded during trading, an increase of 8% from the previous sessions volume of 2,375 shares.The stock last traded at $11.72 and had previously closed at $11.93. Analyst Ratings Changes Several analysts recently issued reports on the stock. Zacks Research raised shares of Banco Comercial Portugues from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Thursday, January 29th. The Goldman Sachs Group raised shares of Banco Comercial Portugues from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Thursday, December 4th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, Based on data from MarketBeat, Banco Comercial Portugues presently has an average rating of Strong Buy. Get Banco Comercial Portugues alerts: View Our Latest Research Report on Banco Comercial Portugues Banco Comercial Portugues Price Performance Banco Comercial Portugues Company Profile The stock has a market cap of $16.31 billion, a P/E ratio of 12.10 and a beta of 0.25. The company has a fifty day moving average of $10.45 and a 200 day moving average of $9.18. (Get Free Report) Banco Comercial Portugues SA, operating under the Millennium bcp brand, is the largest private banking institution in Portugal. Headquartered in Porto, it offers a broad range of universal banking services to retail, corporate and institutional clients. Core product lines include deposit accounts, consumer and mortgage lending, payment cards and digital banking platforms. The group also provides private banking and wealth management solutions through dedicated advisory centres. In the corporate segment, Millennium bcp delivers a portfolio of services that spans trade finance, project and structured finance, treasury operations and cash management, alongside specialised lending and structured solutions. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Banco Comercial Portugues Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Banco Comercial Portugues and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Black Hills (NYSE:BKH Get Free Report) released its earnings results on Wednesday. The utilities provider reported $1.41 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.37 by $0.04, FiscalAI reports. Black Hills had a return on equity of 7.86% and a net margin of 12.54%.The firm had revenue of $635.50 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $809.88 million. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $1.37 earnings per share. The companys quarterly revenue was up 6.4% on a year-over-year basis. Black Hills updated its FY 2026 guidance to 4.250-4.450 EPS. Black Hills Stock Down 0.4% Shares of NYSE BKH opened at $73.75 on Thursday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.67, a current ratio of 0.91 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.10. The businesss 50 day moving average is $71.24 and its two-hundred day moving average is $65.32. Black Hills has a 52-week low of $54.92 and a 52-week high of $74.99. The firm has a market cap of $5.37 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 18.62, a PEG ratio of 3.25 and a beta of 0.75. Get Black Hills alerts: Black Hills Increases Dividend The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Sunday, March 1st. Investors of record on Tuesday, February 17th will be issued a $0.703 dividend. This is a boost from Black Hillss previous quarterly dividend of $0.68. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, February 17th. This represents a $2.81 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.8%. Black Hillss payout ratio is 68.18%. Key Stories Impacting Black Hills Analyst Ratings Changes Here are the key news stories impacting Black Hills this week: A number of analysts have recently issued reports on the stock. Weiss Ratings reissued a buy (b-) rating on shares of Black Hills in a research note on Monday, December 29th. BMO Capital Markets lifted their price objective on shares of Black Hills from $70.00 to $82.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Tuesday, January 27th. Finally, Scotiabank upgraded shares of Black Hills from a sector perform rating to a sector outperform rating and upped their target price for the stock from $66.00 to $81.00 in a research note on Friday, November 7th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has assigned a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $75.67. Check Out Our Latest Analysis on BKH Insider Buying and Selling at Black Hills In other news, CFO Kimberly F. Nooney sold 14,500 shares of the stock in a transaction on Monday, November 10th. The stock was sold at an average price of $70.70, for a total value of $1,025,150.00. Following the sale, the chief financial officer directly owned 34,621 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,447,704.70. This trade represents a 29.52% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Insiders own 0.63% of the companys stock. Institutional Inflows and Outflows A number of hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the business. State Street Corp increased its position in Black Hills by 0.8% in the 2nd quarter. State Street Corp now owns 3,841,615 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $215,515,000 after acquiring an additional 31,093 shares during the period. AQR Capital Management LLC lifted its position in Black Hills by 52.8% during the 3rd quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 1,374,050 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $84,628,000 after acquiring an additional 474,947 shares during the period. Zimmer Partners LP grew its stake in shares of Black Hills by 2,100.0% in the 3rd quarter. Zimmer Partners LP now owns 1,100,020 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $67,750,000 after purchasing an additional 1,050,020 shares during the last quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP increased its holdings in shares of Black Hills by 2.0% in the third quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 1,099,293 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $67,704,000 after purchasing an additional 21,922 shares during the period. Finally, Invesco Ltd. lifted its holdings in shares of Black Hills by 4.4% during the third quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 818,348 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $50,402,000 after purchasing an additional 34,595 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 86.71% of the companys stock. Black Hills Company Profile (Get Free Report) Black Hills Corporation is a diversified energy company based in Rapid City, South Dakota, that provides electricity and natural gas distribution services to residential, commercial and industrial customers. Through its regulated utility subsidiariesBlack Hills Power, Cheyenne Light & Power, and Black Hills Energythe company delivers reliable energy across Colorado, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wyoming. In addition to its distribution operations, Black Hills owns and operates a generation portfolio that includes natural gasfired plants, coal-fired units, hydroelectric facilities and wind projects. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Black Hills Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Black Hills and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Helmerich & Payne, Inc. (NYSE:HP Get Free Report) have earned an average rating of Hold from the thirteen analysts that are currently covering the stock, Marketbeat reports. Two analysts have rated the stock with a sell recommendation, eight have assigned a hold recommendation and three have assigned a buy recommendation to the company. The average twelve-month price objective among brokers that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is $33.00. A number of analysts have recently commented on the stock. Susquehanna lifted their price target on shares of Helmerich & Payne from $31.00 to $36.00 and gave the stock a positive rating in a research note on Wednesday, January 7th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upgraded shares of Helmerich & Payne from a neutral rating to an overweight rating and raised their target price for the stock from $24.00 to $34.00 in a report on Wednesday, December 10th. Royal Bank Of Canada reiterated a sector perform rating and set a $34.00 target price on shares of Helmerich & Payne in a research note on Thursday, January 15th. Weiss Ratings reissued a sell (d+) rating on shares of Helmerich & Payne in a report on Monday, December 29th. Finally, Morgan Stanley reaffirmed an underweight rating and issued a $28.00 price objective on shares of Helmerich & Payne in a report on Wednesday, January 21st. Get Helmerich & Payne alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on Helmerich & Payne Insider Activity Institutional Trading of Helmerich & Payne In other Helmerich & Payne news, Director Hans Helmerich sold 75,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Friday, December 19th. The stock was sold at an average price of $28.12, for a total transaction of $2,109,000.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director directly owned 496,735 shares in the company, valued at $13,968,188.20. The trade was a 13.12% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink . 4.40% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. New York State Teachers Retirement System increased its position in shares of Helmerich & Payne by 0.4% in the 3rd quarter. New York State Teachers Retirement System now owns 99,710 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $2,203,000 after acquiring an additional 400 shares during the period. Oregon Public Employees Retirement Fund grew its stake in Helmerich & Payne by 1.8% during the 4th quarter. Oregon Public Employees Retirement Fund now owns 22,761 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $653,000 after purchasing an additional 400 shares during the last quarter. Arizona State Retirement System grew its stake in Helmerich & Payne by 1.4% during the 3rd quarter. Arizona State Retirement System now owns 29,418 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $650,000 after purchasing an additional 416 shares during the last quarter. Smartleaf Asset Management LLC increased its holdings in shares of Helmerich & Payne by 21.3% in the third quarter. Smartleaf Asset Management LLC now owns 2,487 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $55,000 after purchasing an additional 437 shares during the period. Finally, Amalgamated Bank raised its stake in shares of Helmerich & Payne by 1.7% in the third quarter. Amalgamated Bank now owns 28,813 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $636,000 after purchasing an additional 475 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 96.05% of the companys stock. Helmerich & Payne Stock Up 2.3% HP stock opened at $36.31 on Monday. The stock has a market capitalization of $3.69 billion, a P/E ratio of -21.74 and a beta of 0.57. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.73, a current ratio of 1.80 and a quick ratio of 1.40. Helmerich & Payne has a 1-year low of $14.65 and a 1-year high of $36.73. The business has a fifty day moving average price of $30.52 and a 200-day moving average price of $24.84. Helmerich & Payne (NYSE:HP Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, February 4th. The oil and gas company reported ($0.15) EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.12 by ($0.27). Helmerich & Payne had a positive return on equity of 3.21% and a negative net margin of 4.37%.During the same period in the prior year, the company earned $0.71 earnings per share. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 50.2% on a year-over-year basis. Equities analysts forecast that Helmerich & Payne will post 2.93 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Helmerich & Payne Dividend Announcement The company 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 $0.25 dividend. This represents a $1.00 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.8%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, February 13th. Helmerich & Paynes dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently -59.88%. About Helmerich & Payne (Get Free Report) Helmerich & Payne, Inc is a leading provider of contract drilling services to the oil and gas industry, specializing primarily in onshore drilling operations. The company designs, engineers and operates a fleet of advanced drilling rigs, including its proprietary FlexRigs, which are engineered for high efficiency, safety and rapid mobilization. Alongside core drilling services, Helmerich & Payne offers well intervention, workover and coiled tubing services, positioning itself as a comprehensive drilling solutions partner for exploration and production companies worldwide. Founded in 1920 and headquartered in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Helmerich & Payne has grown through innovation and strategic expansion to serve diverse hydrocarbon basins. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Helmerich & Payne Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Helmerich & Payne and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Corpay (NYSE:CPAY Get Free Report) updated its FY 2026 earnings guidance on Wednesday. The company provided earnings per share (EPS) guidance of 25.500-26.500 for the period, compared to the consensus estimate of 24.190. The company issued revenue guidance of $5.2 billion-$5.3 billion, compared to the consensus revenue estimate of $5.2 billion. Analysts Set New Price Targets CPAY has been the subject of several recent analyst reports. Morgan Stanley initiated coverage on shares of Corpay in a research report on Monday, January 26th. They set an overweight rating and a $379.00 target price on the stock. JPMorgan Chase & Co. cut their target price on Corpay from $400.00 to $350.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, November 6th. Scotiabank raised shares of Corpay to a sector outperform rating in a research note on Monday, January 26th. Jefferies Financial Group reissued a buy rating on shares of Corpay in a research note on Monday, November 3rd. Finally, Oppenheimer decreased their price target on Corpay from $380.00 to $369.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Monday, January 12th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, nine have issued a Buy rating and four 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 $369.46. Get Corpay alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Report on Corpay Corpay Price Performance NYSE CPAY traded up $7.52 on Wednesday, hitting $299.75. The stock had a trading volume of 1,178,731 shares, compared to its average volume of 604,503. Corpay has a 52-week low of $252.84 and a 52-week high of $400.81. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $311.75 and a 200-day moving average of $304.49. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.41, a quick ratio of 1.13 and a current ratio of 1.13. The company has a market capitalization of $20.97 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 20.35, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.93 and a beta of 0.82. Corpay (NYSE:CPAY Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, February 4th. The company reported $6.04 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $5.93 by $0.11. Corpay had a net margin of 24.37% and a return on equity of 37.83%. The company had revenue of $1.25 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.23 billion. Corpay has set its FY 2026 guidance at 25.500-26.500 EPS. Equities analysts expect that Corpay will post 19.76 EPS for the current year. Insider Activity In related news, Director Steven T. Stull purchased 8,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, December 12th. The shares were acquired at an average price of $314.98 per share, for a total transaction of $2,519,840.00. Following the completion of the acquisition, the director directly owned 29,241 shares in the company, valued at approximately $9,210,330.18. The trade was a 37.66% increase in their position. The acquisition was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. 5.04% of the stock is owned by insiders. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Corpay Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Orbis Allan Gray Ltd lifted its position in Corpay by 3.3% during the second quarter. Orbis Allan Gray Ltd now owns 3,855,589 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,279,362,000 after purchasing an additional 124,368 shares in the last quarter. State Street Corp raised its position in shares of Corpay by 0.8% during the 3rd quarter. State Street Corp now owns 2,956,744 shares of the companys stock valued at $851,720,000 after purchasing an additional 23,470 shares during the period. Wellington Management Group LLP boosted its holdings in Corpay by 54.9% in the 3rd quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 631,496 shares of the companys stock worth $181,909,000 after buying an additional 223,704 shares during the period. Hawk Ridge Capital Management LP purchased a new position in shares of Corpay in the third quarter valued at about $106,381,000. Finally, Legal & General Group Plc raised its stake in Corpay by 3.2% during the 3rd quarter. Legal & General Group Plc now owns 362,471 shares of the companys stock valued at $104,413,000 after purchasing an additional 11,401 shares during the period. 98.84% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Corpay Company Profile (Get Free Report) Corpay (NYSE:CPAY) is a global payments and fintech company that provides businesses with tools to manage, move and optimize corporate spend. The company focuses on commercial payments, foreign exchange and cross-border transactions, aiming to simplify treasury operations and reduce friction in business-to-business payments through technology-driven solutions. Its product offering includes payment processing and accounts payable automation, corporate and virtual card programs, expense management tools, and foreign-exchange hedging and execution services for international payments. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Corpay Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Corpay and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Great Portland Estates Plc (LON:GPE Get Free Report) insider Dan Nicholson purchased 40 shares of Great Portland Estates stock in a transaction dated Friday, January 30th. The stock was bought at an average price of GBX 371 per share, with a total value of 148.40. Dan Nicholson also recently made the following trade(s): Get Great Portland Estates alerts: On Wednesday, December 31st, Dan Nicholson purchased 47 shares of Great Portland Estates stock. The stock was purchased at an average price of GBX 315 per share, for a total transaction of 148.05. Great Portland Estates Stock Performance Shares of GPE opened at GBX 372.50 on Thursday. The firm has a market capitalization of 1.50 billion, a P/E ratio of 10.21, a PEG ratio of 2.22 and a beta of 0.80. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 51.52, a current ratio of 0.26 and a quick ratio of 0.46. Great Portland Estates Plc has a one year low of GBX 260 and a one year high of GBX 377. The business has a fifty day moving average of GBX 327.63 and a 200 day moving average of GBX 325.18. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of equities research analysts have recently issued reports on GPE shares. Peel Hunt reissued a buy rating and set a GBX 375 price objective on shares of Great Portland Estates in a research report on Tuesday, November 18th. Berenberg Bank boosted their price target on Great Portland Estates from GBX 297 to GBX 377 and gave the company a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, January 27th. Panmure Gordon restated a buy rating and issued a GBX 440 price target on shares of Great Portland Estates in a research report on Wednesday, November 19th. Shore Capital reaffirmed a buy rating on shares of Great Portland Estates in a research report on Thursday, January 15th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group increased their target price on shares of Great Portland Estates from GBX 332 to GBX 342 and gave the stock a hold rating in a report on Wednesday, November 19th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and two have issued a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of GBX 408.80. Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on GPE Great Portland Estates Company Profile (Get Free Report) GPE is a FTSE 250 real estate investor and developer. GPE aims to deliver superior returns by unlocking the often hidden potential in commercial real estate in central London, creating high quality sustainable spaces for its customers and long-term value for its stakeholders. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Great Portland Estates Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Great Portland Estates and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Canadian National Railway (TSE:CNR Free Report) (NYSE:CNI) had its price target decreased by Scotiabank from C$163.00 to C$155.00 in a report issued on Monday,BayStreet.CA reports. Scotiabank currently has an outperform rating on the stock. A number of other equities research analysts also recently commented on CNR. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered their price objective on Canadian National Railway from C$149.00 to C$147.00 in a research report on Monday. Desjardins lowered their price target on Canadian National Railway from C$160.00 to C$156.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Monday. Royal Bank Of Canada dropped their price objective on shares of Canadian National Railway from C$158.00 to C$153.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, December 18th. Citigroup raised their target price on shares of Canadian National Railway from C$119.00 to C$120.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Monday, November 3rd. Finally, CIBC upped their price target on shares of Canadian National Railway from C$151.00 to C$154.00 in a research report on Thursday, January 8th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seven have issued a Buy rating and eight have issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of C$151.60. Get Canadian National Railway alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Report on CNR Canadian National Railway Stock Performance TSE:CNR opened at C$135.23 on Monday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 107.59, a current ratio of 0.64 and a quick ratio of 0.58. The firm has a market cap of C$82.97 billion, a PE ratio of 17.86, a P/E/G ratio of 3.38 and a beta of 0.85. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of C$135.65 and a 200-day simple moving average of C$133.09. Canadian National Railway has a 1-year low of C$126.11 and a 1-year high of C$152.12. Canadian National Railway (TSE:CNR Get Free Report) (NYSE:CNI) last released its earnings results on Friday, January 30th. The company reported C$2.08 EPS for the quarter. The firm had revenue of C$4.46 billion during the quarter. Canadian National Railway had a net margin of 31.20% and a return on equity of 27.10%. On average, equities analysts expect that Canadian National Railway will post 8.2610275 EPS for the current year. About Canadian National Railway (Get Free Report) CN powers the economy by safely transporting more than 300 million tons of natural resources, manufactured products, and finished goods throughout North America every year for its customers. With its nearly 20,000-mile rail network and related transportation services, CN connects Canadas Eastern and Western coasts with the U.S. Midwest and the U.S. Gulf Coast, contributing to sustainable trade and the prosperity of the communities in which it operates since 1919. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Canadian National Railway Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Canadian National Railway and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. W.R. Berkley Corporation (NYSE:WRB Get Free Report) major shareholder Sumitomo Insurance Co Mitsui purchased 40,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, February 3rd. The shares were acquired at an average price of $68.64 per share, for a total transaction of $2,745,600.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider owned 56,393,656 shares in the company, valued at $3,870,860,547.84. The trade was a 0.07% increase in their ownership of the stock. The purchase was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. Major shareholders that own 10% or more of a companys shares are required to disclose their transactions with the SEC. W.R. Berkley Price Performance WRB traded up $0.96 during trading on Wednesday, hitting $70.15. The companys stock had a trading volume of 1,778,781 shares, compared to its average volume of 2,508,529. The company has a quick ratio of 0.37, a current ratio of 0.37 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.29. The stock has a market capitalization of $26.66 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 15.76, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.87 and a beta of 0.37. The firms 50 day moving average price is $69.48 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $72.04. W.R. Berkley Corporation has a 12 month low of $59.55 and a 12 month high of $78.96. Get W.R. Berkley alerts: W.R. Berkley (NYSE:WRB Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Monday, January 26th. The insurance provider reported $1.13 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.14 by ($0.01). W.R. Berkley had a net margin of 12.10% and a return on equity of 18.35%. The business had revenue of $3.18 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.18 billion. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $1.13 earnings per share. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 2.1% compared to the same quarter last year. Sell-side analysts forecast that W.R. Berkley Corporation will post 4.33 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. W.R. Berkley Announces Dividend Analyst Ratings Changes The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 29th. Shareholders of record on Monday, December 15th were given a $0.09 dividend. This represents a $0.36 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.5%. The ex-dividend date was Monday, December 15th. W.R. Berkleys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 8.09%. Several analysts have recently commented on the stock. The Goldman Sachs Group reissued a neutral rating and set a $73.00 price target on shares of W.R. Berkley in a research note on Wednesday, January 7th. Cantor Fitzgerald reiterated an overweight rating and issued a $75.00 price objective (down from $76.00) on shares of W.R. Berkley in a research report on Monday. UBS Group set a $71.00 target price on W.R. Berkley in a research note on Monday. Truist Financial set a $80.00 price target on W.R. Berkley and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, January 27th. Finally, Evercore ISI set a $69.00 price target on W.R. Berkley and gave the company an underperform rating in a report on Wednesday, January 7th. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, nine have given a Hold rating and four have assigned a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, W.R. Berkley currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $69.67. Get Our Latest Analysis on WRB Institutional Inflows and Outflows A number of large investors have recently made changes to their positions in WRB. Johnson Financial Group Inc. grew its stake in shares of W.R. Berkley by 22.3% during the third quarter. Johnson Financial Group Inc. now owns 756 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $58,000 after purchasing an additional 138 shares during the period. Maridea Wealth Management LLC boosted its holdings in W.R. Berkley by 2.0% during the third quarter. Maridea Wealth Management LLC now owns 7,180 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $528,000 after buying an additional 141 shares during the last quarter. Physician Wealth Advisors Inc. grew its position in shares of W.R. Berkley by 40.2% during the 3rd quarter. Physician Wealth Advisors Inc. now owns 523 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $40,000 after buying an additional 150 shares during the period. Valeo Financial Advisors LLC increased its stake in shares of W.R. Berkley by 3.3% in the 3rd quarter. Valeo Financial Advisors LLC now owns 4,788 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $367,000 after acquiring an additional 151 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Allworth Financial LP raised its position in shares of W.R. Berkley by 4.8% in the 3rd quarter. Allworth Financial LP now owns 3,328 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $255,000 after acquiring an additional 153 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 68.82% of the companys stock. About W.R. Berkley (Get Free Report) W. R. Berkley Corporation (NYSE: WRB) is a publicly traded insurance holding company that underwrites and sells commercial property and casualty insurance, specialty insurance products, and reinsurance. Headquartered in Greenwich, Connecticut, the company operates a portfolio of underwriting businesses that focus on niche and specialty commercial risks, offering coverage tailored to industries such as transportation, construction, professional services and other commercial lines. The companys product mix includes primary and excess casualty, property, professional liability, environmental and other specialty lines, together with treaty and facultative reinsurance solutions. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for W.R. Berkley Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for W.R. Berkley and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. AGCO (NYSE:AGCO Get Free Report) announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday. The industrial products company reported $2.17 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.85 by $0.32, FiscalAI reports. The firm had revenue of $2.92 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.67 billion. AGCO had a net margin of 3.73% and a return on equity of 9.36%. The firms quarterly revenue was up 1.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the firm posted $1.97 EPS. AGCO updated its FY 2026 guidance to 5.500-6.000 EPS. Here are the key takeaways from AGCOs conference call: Get AGCO alerts: AGCO delivered strong 2025 results with a fullyear adjusted operating margin of 7.7% , Q4 margin of 10.1%, record free cash flow of $740M , and executed a $250M accelerated share repurchase under its $1B program. , Q4 margin of 10.1%, record free cash flow of , and executed a $250M accelerated share repurchase under its $1B program. PTX showed clear momentum AGCO launched 14 new retrofit products in 2025, expanded to over 70 PTX elite dealers, finished PTX revenue near $860M, and expects PTX to be flat to modestly up in 2026, supporting longterm highmargin growth. in 2025, expanded to over 70 PTX elite dealers, finished PTX revenue near $860M, and expects PTX to be flat to modestly up in 2026, supporting longterm highmargin growth. Management continued disciplined production and dealer destocking (production hours down 12% in 2025 and North American dealer units down >30% year), but North America still carries ~7 months of supply vs a 6month target and will likely underproduce ~10% in H1 2026 to rebalance. Tariffs and weak endmarket demand are material headwinds AGCO expects an incremental ~$65M tariff drag in 2026 (total ~$105110M) and forecasts a sharp decline in North American largeag volumes (~15%), with NA operating margins negative in the early part of 2026. Structural cost actions (Project Reimagine) are progressing $65M of savings realized in 2025, an additional $4060M expected in 2026, and a ~ $190$200M runrate toward the companys midcycle margin targets (1415%). AGCO Trading Up 2.1% Shares of NYSE:AGCO traded up $2.57 during trading on Thursday, hitting $124.25. 1,215,197 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 787,608. The company has a current ratio of 1.58, a quick ratio of 0.73 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.61. The firm has a market cap of $9.27 billion, a P/E ratio of 24.70, a PEG ratio of 10.56 and a beta of 1.19. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $109.03 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $108.94. AGCO has a 1-year low of $73.79 and a 1-year high of $128.44. AGCO Dividend Announcement Insider Transactions at AGCO The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, March 16th. Stockholders of record on Friday, February 13th will be paid a $0.29 dividend. This represents a $1.16 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.9%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, February 13th. AGCOs dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 23.06%. In other AGCO news, SVP Kelvin Eugene Bennett sold 250 shares of AGCO stock in a transaction on Monday, November 10th. The shares were sold at an average price of $104.28, for a total transaction of $26,070.00. Following the completion of the sale, the senior vice president owned 17,130 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,786,316.40. The trade was a 1.44% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Insiders own 16.60% of the companys stock. Institutional Investors Weigh In On AGCO Institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC grew its position in shares of AGCO by 951.9% during the 2nd quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 284 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $29,000 after buying an additional 257 shares during the period. Advisory Services Network LLC bought a new position in AGCO during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $33,000. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. grew its holdings in AGCO by 109.2% during the first quarter. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. now owns 364 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $34,000 after purchasing an additional 190 shares during the period. CIBC Private Wealth Group LLC bought a new stake in AGCO in the third quarter valued at approximately $50,000. Finally, Danske Bank A S acquired a new stake in AGCO in the third quarter worth $54,000. 78.80% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several research analysts have recently commented on the company. Citigroup boosted their target price on AGCO from $115.00 to $120.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Tuesday, January 13th. Truist Financial set a $134.00 price objective on AGCO in a research note on Wednesday, January 14th. Barclays cut AGCO from an equal weight rating to an underweight rating and cut their price target for the company from $116.00 to $93.00 in a report on Friday, December 19th. Oppenheimer upped their price target on shares of AGCO from $123.00 to $128.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Wednesday, December 3rd. Finally, UBS Group lowered their price objective on shares of AGCO from $119.00 to $115.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Monday, January 5th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, seven have given a Hold rating and two have assigned a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $111.80. Read Our Latest Research Report on AGCO AGCO News Summary Here are the key news stories impacting AGCO this week: Positive Sentiment: Q4 earnings and revenue beat consensus GAAP EPS $2.17 and revenue $2.92B topped estimates, showing modest yearoveryear revenue growth for the quarter. This is the primary nearterm catalyst for the stocks strength. Article Title Q4 earnings and revenue beat consensus GAAP EPS $2.17 and revenue $2.92B topped estimates, showing modest yearoveryear revenue growth for the quarter. This is the primary nearterm catalyst for the stocks strength. Positive Sentiment: Strong cash flow: fullyear operating cash flow of $988M and record free cash flow of $740M, which supports capital allocation and reduces financial risk. Article Title Strong cash flow: fullyear operating cash flow of $988M and record free cash flow of $740M, which supports capital allocation and reduces financial risk. Positive Sentiment: Revenue guidance for FY2026 raised above Street expectations company guided $10.4B$10.7B versus a consensus near $10.1B, signaling expected topline recovery next year. Article Title Revenue guidance for FY2026 raised above Street expectations company guided $10.4B$10.7B versus a consensus near $10.1B, signaling expected topline recovery next year. Neutral Sentiment: Analyst coverage remains constructive overall (several buy/overweight ratings) with a median price target ~ $120 close to current levels, so analyst commentary is unlikely to drive a large rerating unless updated after the print. Article Title Analyst coverage remains constructive overall (several buy/overweight ratings) with a median price target ~ $120 close to current levels, so analyst commentary is unlikely to drive a large rerating unless updated after the print. Neutral Sentiment: Company materials available press release, slide deck and conference call were published for investors to dig into regional demand, margin drivers and product mix. Useful for assessing sustainability of the beat. Slide Deck Company materials available press release, slide deck and conference call were published for investors to dig into regional demand, margin drivers and product mix. Useful for assessing sustainability of the beat. Negative Sentiment: FY2026 EPS guidance set to $5.50$6.00, which is slightly below consensus (~$5.86) investors may interpret the range as conservative on profitability despite higher revenue guidance. Article Title FY2026 EPS guidance set to $5.50$6.00, which is slightly below consensus (~$5.86) investors may interpret the range as conservative on profitability despite higher revenue guidance. Negative Sentiment: Fullyear 2025 net sales declined ~13.5% versus prior year, signaling the company is still working through cyclical softness a reminder that recovery will depend on demand trends. Article Title Fullyear 2025 net sales declined ~13.5% versus prior year, signaling the company is still working through cyclical softness a reminder that recovery will depend on demand trends. Negative Sentiment: Recent insider selling has been reported (multiple sales over the past six months), which some investors view as a cautionary signal. Article Title AGCO Company Profile (Get Free Report) AGCO Corporation is a global leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of agricultural machinery and precision farming solutions. Headquartered in Duluth, Georgia, the company markets a diverse portfolio of well-known brands, including Massey Ferguson, Fendt, Challenger, Valtra and GSI, serving farmers and producers in North America, South America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific. Through an extensive dealer network, AGCO provides equipment tailored to a broad range of crop and livestock operations. The companys product offerings span tractors, combine harvesters, hay and forage tools, application equipment, seeding and tillage implements, as well as grain storage and protein solutions. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for AGCO Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for AGCO and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Arbor Realty Trust (NYSE:ABR Get Free Report) have been assigned an average recommendation of Strong Sell from the seven analysts that are covering the firm, MarketBeat Ratings reports. Five investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, one has assigned a hold rating and one has given a buy rating to the company. The average 12 month price objective among brokerages that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is $9.3750. Several research firms have issued reports on ABR. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered their price target on shares of Arbor Realty Trust from $10.00 to $9.00 and set an underweight rating for the company in a report on Thursday, December 4th. Weiss Ratings cut shares of Arbor Realty Trust from a hold (c-) rating to a sell (d+) rating in a research report on Monday, January 26th. Wall Street Zen lowered shares of Arbor Realty Trust from a hold rating to a sell rating in a report on Sunday, October 26th. Piper Sandler cut their price target on shares of 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. Finally, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods decreased their price target on Arbor Realty Trust from $8.50 to $7.50 and set an underperform rating for the company in a report on Thursday, January 8th. Get Arbor Realty Trust alerts: Get Our Latest Research Report on ABR Insider Buying and Selling Institutional Trading of Arbor Realty Trust In other Arbor Realty Trust news, CEO Ivan Kaufman bought 29,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Monday, November 17th. The stock was acquired at an average cost of $8.34 per share, for a total transaction of $241,860.00. Following the completion of the acquisition, the chief executive officer owned 54,000 shares in the company, valued at $450,360. This trade represents a 116.00% increase in their position. The acquisition was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this link . 3.80% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Several large investors have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Atlantic Union Bankshares Corp bought a new position in Arbor Realty Trust during the second quarter worth $27,000. HM Payson & Co. bought a new stake in Arbor Realty Trust in the third quarter valued at $31,000. Allworth Financial LP raised its holdings in shares of Arbor Realty Trust by 77.8% during the second quarter. Allworth Financial LP now owns 2,583 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $28,000 after purchasing an additional 1,130 shares during the period. Smartleaf Asset Management LLC boosted its position in shares of Arbor Realty Trust by 73.5% during the 2nd quarter. Smartleaf Asset Management LLC now owns 2,774 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $29,000 after purchasing an additional 1,175 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Ameritas Advisory Services LLC bought a new stake in Arbor Realty Trust in the 2nd quarter valued at about $32,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 57.25% of the companys stock. Arbor Realty Trust Trading Up 2.4% ABR opened at $7.81 on Thursday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.51, a current ratio of 287.79 and a quick ratio of 287.79. Arbor Realty Trust has a fifty-two week low of $7.38 and a fifty-two week high of $14.33. The companys 50 day moving average price is $8.16 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $10.17. The firm has a market capitalization of $1.53 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 9.76 and a beta of 1.39. 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. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Arbor Realty Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Arbor Realty Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Tharisa (LON:THS Get Free Report)s stock had its buy rating reissued by equities research analysts at Berenberg Bank in a note issued to investors on Thursday, Marketbeat Ratings reports. They currently have a GBX 210 price target on the stock. Berenberg Banks price target would suggest a potential upside of 49.47% from the companys previous close. Separately, Peel Hunt reissued a buy rating and set a GBX 135 price objective on shares of Tharisa in a research report on Monday, November 10th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Buy and a consensus price target of GBX 172.50. Get Tharisa alerts: Get Our Latest Research Report on THS Tharisa Trading Up 2.6% About Tharisa LON:THS traded up GBX 3.50 on Thursday, hitting GBX 140.50. The stock had a trading volume of 429,013 shares, compared to its average volume of 689,357. Tharisa has a 1-year low of GBX 48.68 and a 1-year high of GBX 148. The stock has a market cap of 411.81 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 5.40 and a beta of 0.90. The company has a fifty day moving average price of GBX 115.96 and a two-hundred day moving average price of GBX 102.23. The company has a quick ratio of 1.80, a current ratio of 1.84 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 14.70. (Get Free Report) Tharisa Plc is an integrated resource group, dual listed in London and Johannesburg and produces platinum group metals and chrome concentrates from the Tharisa mine in South Africa. Uniquely positioned through its vertical structure incorporating processing, beneficiation, marketing, sales and logistics, Tharisa is a low cost producer, using technology and innovation to maximise stakeholder returns through exploitation of mineral resources in a responsible manner. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Tharisa Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Tharisa and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Companhia de saneamento Basico Do Estado De Sao Paulo Sabesp (NYSE:SBS Get Free Report)s stock price hit a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Tuesday after Zacks Research upgraded the stock from a strong sell rating to a hold rating. The company traded as high as $28.08 and last traded at $28.28, with a volume of 1660 shares trading hands. The stock had previously closed at $27.33. Separately, Weiss Ratings reiterated a buy (b) rating on shares of Companhia de saneamento Basico Do Estado De Sao Paulo Sabesp in a research note on Wednesday, January 21st. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has given a Hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy. Get Companhia de saneamento Basico Do Estado De Sao Paulo - Sabesp alerts: Get Our Latest Analysis on SBS Hedge Funds Weigh In On Companhia de saneamento Basico Do Estado De Sao Paulo Sabesp Companhia de saneamento Basico Do Estado De Sao Paulo Sabesp Price Performance Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the company. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Companhia de saneamento Basico Do Estado De Sao Paulo Sabesp by 246.4% in the second quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 2,342 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $51,000 after acquiring an additional 1,666 shares in the last quarter. Creative Financial Designs Inc. ADV raised its position in Companhia de saneamento Basico Do Estado De Sao Paulo Sabesp by 373.6% in the second quarter. Creative Financial Designs Inc. ADV now owns 3,159 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $69,000 after acquiring an additional 2,492 shares in the last quarter. CWM LLC boosted its position in shares of Companhia de saneamento Basico Do Estado De Sao Paulo Sabesp by 82.9% during the 3rd quarter. CWM LLC now owns 4,180 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $104,000 after purchasing an additional 1,895 shares in the last quarter. Hantz Financial Services Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Companhia de saneamento Basico Do Estado De Sao Paulo Sabesp by 856.5% in the 2nd quarter. Hantz Financial Services Inc. now owns 5,041 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $111,000 after purchasing an additional 4,514 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Farther Finance Advisors LLC raised its stake in shares of Companhia de saneamento Basico Do Estado De Sao Paulo Sabesp by 32.2% during the 3rd quarter. Farther Finance Advisors LLC now owns 5,505 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $137,000 after buying an additional 1,341 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 10.62% of the companys stock. The company has a market capitalization of $19.41 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 15.27, a P/E/G ratio of 4.22 and a beta of 0.78. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.68, a quick ratio of 1.17 and a current ratio of 1.17. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $25.12 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $23.86. Companhia de saneamento Basico Do Estado De Sao Paulo Sabesp (NYSE:SBS Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 12th. The utilities provider reported $0.34 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.07 by $0.27. Companhia de saneamento Basico Do Estado De Sao Paulo Sabesp had a return on equity of 16.08% and a net margin of 22.32%.The business had revenue of $4.69 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.07 billion. As a group, research analysts anticipate that Companhia de saneamento Basico Do Estado De Sao Paulo Sabesp will post 2.17 earnings per share for the current year. Companhia de saneamento Basico Do Estado De Sao Paulo Sabesp Announces Dividend The firm also recently announced a special dividend, which will be paid on Monday, May 11th. Stockholders of record on Monday, December 29th will be paid a dividend of $0.4772 per share. The ex-dividend date is Monday, December 29th. Companhia de saneamento Basico Do Estado De Sao Paulo Sabesps dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 40.33%. About Companhia de saneamento Basico Do Estado De Sao Paulo Sabesp (Get Free Report) Companhia de Saneamento Basico do Estado de Sao Paulo (SABESP) is a Brazilian utility that provides water supply and wastewater collection and treatment services. As the principal sanitation company serving the state of Sao Paulo, SABESP operates a wide range of infrastructure spanning water capture, treatment plants, distribution networks and sewage systems. The companys activities support residential, commercial and industrial customers and are focused on delivering potable water, ensuring water quality and expanding access to sanitation services. SABESPs service offering includes the operation and maintenance of water treatment and sewage treatment facilities, network expansion and rehabilitation, meter reading and billing, customer service and environmental programs aimed at improving sewage treatment rates and protecting water resources. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Companhia de saneamento Basico Do Estado De Sao Paulo - Sabesp Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Companhia de saneamento Basico Do Estado De Sao Paulo - Sabesp and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Continental AG (OTCMKTS:CTTAY Get Free Report) saw strong trading volume on Thursday . 86,124 shares changed hands during trading, an increase of 307% from the previous sessions volume of 21,182 shares.The stock last traded at $8.49 and had previously closed at $8.54. Analysts Set New Price Targets Several research analysts recently commented on the company. Sanford C. Bernstein raised Continental from an underperform rating to a market perform rating in a research note on Monday, January 5th. Citigroup restated a buy rating on shares of Continental in a research note on Tuesday. Berenberg Bank cut shares of Continental from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, January 13th. Barclays cut shares of Continental from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Wednesday, December 10th. Finally, Zacks Research lowered shares of Continental from a strong-buy rating to a strong sell rating in a report on Monday. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, five have issued a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold. Get Continental alerts: Read Our Latest Research Report on CTTAY Continental Price Performance The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.25, a current ratio of 1.32 and a quick ratio of 0.90. The firm has a market cap of $16.83 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 52.58 and a beta of 1.29. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $7.87 and a 200 day moving average price of $7.91. Continental (OTCMKTS:CTTAY Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, November 6th. The company reported ($0.55) EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of ($0.38) by ($0.17). The firm had revenue of $5.68 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.93 billion. Continental had a return on equity of 1.14% and a net margin of 0.91%. As a group, equities research analysts forecast that Continental AG will post 0.66 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. About Continental (Get Free Report) Continental AG, trading on the OTC market under the ticker CTTAY, is a global technology company renowned for its wide range of automotive and industrial products. The companys core businesses include the design, development, and manufacturing of tires for passenger cars, commercial trucks, and specialty applications, as well as advanced automotive systems such as braking solutions, vehicle stability controls, sensors and electronic safety devices. Founded in 1871 and headquartered in Hanover, Germany, Continental began as a rubber manufacturer before pioneering pneumatic tires in the late 19th century. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Continental Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Continental and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of CVS Health Corporation (NYSE:CVS Get Free Report) have earned a consensus recommendation of Moderate Buy from the twenty-three brokerages that are presently covering the firm, MarketBeat.com reports. Four analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation and nineteen have given a buy recommendation to the company. The average 12-month price objective among brokers that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $94.8182. Several equities research analysts have commented on CVS shares. Sanford C. Bernstein reaffirmed a market perform rating and issued a $91.00 target price on shares of CVS Health in a research note on Tuesday, January 6th. Piper Sandler reiterated an overweight rating and set a $101.00 price objective (up previously from $99.00) on shares of CVS Health in a report on Wednesday, December 10th. Wall Street Zen lowered shares of CVS Health from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Saturday, November 1st. Truist Financial set a $100.00 price objective on shares of CVS Health in a research report on Wednesday, December 10th. Finally, Evercore ISI lifted their price target on CVS Health from $85.00 to $95.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Thursday, October 30th. Get CVS Health alerts: View Our Latest Stock Report on CVS Health CVS Health Trading Up 2.5% CVS Health Announces Dividend CVS traded up $1.88 during mid-day trading on Thursday, reaching $77.12. The stock had a trading volume of 953,098 shares, compared to its average volume of 9,832,108. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $78.72 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $75.43. The stock has a market capitalization of $97.89 billion, a P/E ratio of 202.70, a P/E/G ratio of 0.71 and a beta of 0.50. CVS Health has a 52 week low of $53.36 and a 52 week high of $85.15. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.83, a quick ratio of 0.63 and a current ratio of 0.83. The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, February 2nd. Stockholders of record on Thursday, January 22nd were issued a $0.665 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, January 22nd. This represents a $2.66 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.4%. CVS Healths dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 700.00%. Institutional Inflows and Outflows A number of hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of CVS. Avion Wealth grew its holdings in CVS Health by 99.0% in the 2nd quarter. Avion Wealth now owns 380 shares of the pharmacy operators stock valued at $26,000 after buying an additional 189 shares in the last quarter. Harbor Capital Advisors Inc. grew its position in shares of CVS Health by 72.1% during the 3rd quarter. Harbor Capital Advisors Inc. now owns 339 shares of the pharmacy operators stock worth $26,000 after purchasing an additional 142 shares in the last quarter. Caitong International Asset Management Co. Ltd increased its holdings in shares of CVS Health by 407.2% during the third quarter. Caitong International Asset Management Co. Ltd now owns 350 shares of the pharmacy operators stock worth $26,000 after purchasing an additional 281 shares during the period. Corundum Trust Company INC bought a new stake in shares of CVS Health in the third quarter valued at approximately $29,000. Finally, Ares Financial Consulting LLC bought a new stake in shares of CVS Health during the 4th quarter valued at $29,000. 80.66% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. CVS Health Company Profile (Get Free Report) CVS Health Corporation is a diversified healthcare company that operates a large network of retail pharmacies, pharmacy benefit management services and health care solutions. Headquartered in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, the company traces its roots to the early 1960s and has grown into an integrated provider of prescription drugs, overthecounter products, clinical services and health insurance offerings. Its operating model combines retail pharmacy locations and instore clinics with broader pharmacy and health plan capabilities. Key business activities include CVS Pharmacy retail operations, MinuteClinic walkin medical clinics and HealthHUB locations that offer expanded clinical services. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for CVS Health Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for CVS Health and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Dorian LPG (NYSE:LPG Get Free Report) released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday. The shipping company reported $1.11 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.25 by ($0.14), FiscalAI reports. The company had revenue of $118.51 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $115.41 million. Dorian LPG had a net margin of 26.02% and a return on equity of 9.13%. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 48.7% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the company earned $0.43 EPS. Dorian LPG Trading Up 0.6% Shares of LPG stock traded up $0.19 during trading hours on Thursday, hitting $29.91. 347,154 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 538,821. Dorian LPG has a 1 year low of $16.66 and a 1 year high of $32.79. The firm has a fifty day moving average of $26.30 and a 200 day moving average of $28.16. The company has a quick ratio of 3.30, a current ratio of 3.32 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.44. The firm has a market cap of $1.28 billion, a PE ratio of 13.41 and a beta of 0.58. Get Dorian LPG alerts: Dorian LPG Dividend Announcement The business also recently declared a special dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, February 24th. Stockholders of record on Monday, February 9th will be paid a dividend of $0.70 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, February 9th. This represents a dividend yield of 950.0%. Dorian LPGs dividend payout ratio is 44.84%. Insider Activity at Dorian LPG Hedge Funds Weigh In On Dorian LPG In other Dorian LPG news, insider Tim Truels Hansen sold 25,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Wednesday, January 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $28.85, for a total value of $721,250.00. Following the transaction, the insider directly owned 212,842 shares of the companys stock, valued at $6,140,491.70. This represents a 10.51% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink . Also, CEO John C. Hadjipateras purchased 15,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Wednesday, January 7th. The shares were purchased at an average price of $27.30 per share, with a total value of $409,500.00. Following the acquisition, the chief executive officer owned 153,500 shares in the company, valued at approximately $4,190,550. The trade was a 10.83% increase in their position. The SEC filing for this purchase provides additional information. Company insiders own 13.60% of the companys stock. Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Sunbelt Securities Inc. bought a new position in Dorian LPG in the 3rd quarter worth $41,000. Hancock Whitney Corp raised its position in Dorian LPG by 125.3% during the third quarter. Hancock Whitney Corp now owns 21,142 shares of the shipping companys stock worth $630,000 after acquiring an additional 11,756 shares during the period. NewEdge Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in Dorian LPG by 180.3% in the 3rd quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC now owns 11,279 shares of the shipping companys stock valued at $336,000 after purchasing an additional 7,255 shares during the last quarter. XTX Topco Ltd acquired a new stake in shares of Dorian LPG in the third quarter valued at $613,000. Finally, Voloridge Investment Management LLC lifted its stake in Dorian LPG by 9.7% in the third quarter. Voloridge Investment Management LLC now owns 311,815 shares of the shipping companys stock valued at $9,292,000 after buying an additional 27,690 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 62.50% of the companys stock. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several equities research analysts have commented on LPG shares. Dnb Carnegie upgraded shares of Dorian LPG from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, January 28th. Pareto Securities cut shares of Dorian LPG from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Monday, November 10th. Wall Street Zen raised shares of Dorian LPG from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Saturday, January 3rd. Finally, Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c) rating on shares of Dorian LPG in a report on Monday, December 29th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, one has issued a Buy rating and three have given a Hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $35.00. View Our Latest Analysis on LPG About Dorian LPG (Get Free Report) Dorian LPG Ltd., incorporated in Bermuda and headquartered in Greenwich, Connecticut, is a leading owner and operator of modern very large gas carriers (VLGCs). The company specializes in the maritime transportation of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), primarily propane and butane, for energy producers, commodity traders and trading houses around the world. Dorian LPGs fleet comprises over 30 state-of-the-art VLGCs, each designed for fuel efficiency and environmental performance. These vessels operate under medium- and long-term time charter agreements, providing predictable employment and supporting a stable charter revenue profile through contracts with major international energy companies. The company serves global energy markets by transporting LPG cargoes along major trade routes linking production centers in the Middle East, U.S. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Dorian LPG Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Dorian LPG and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Get Free Report) issued an update on its FY 2026 earnings guidance on Wednesday morning. The company provided EPS guidance of 33.500-35.000 for the period, compared to the consensus EPS estimate of 33.280. The company issued revenue guidance of $80.0 billion-$83.0 billion, compared to the consensus revenue estimate of $77.5 billion. Eli Lilly and Company Trading Down 7.3% Eli Lilly and Company stock traded down $81.00 during mid-day trading on Thursday, hitting $1,026.13. 4,454,307 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 3,282,194. The stock has a market capitalization of $970.08 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 50.34, a PEG ratio of 0.76 and a beta of 0.39. The company has a quick ratio of 1.24, a current ratio of 1.55 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.71. Eli Lilly and Company has a 12 month low of $623.78 and a 12 month high of $1,133.95. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $1,054.31 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $895.30. Get Eli Lilly and Company alerts: Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, February 4th. The company reported $7.54 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $7.48 by $0.06. The firm had revenue of $19.29 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $17.85 billion. Eli Lilly and Company had a return on equity of 109.52% and a net margin of 30.99%.The companys revenue for the quarter was up 42.6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $5.32 earnings per share. Eli Lilly and Company has set its FY 2026 guidance at 33.500-35.000 EPS. Analysts forecast that Eli Lilly and Company will post 23.48 EPS for the current year. Eli Lilly and Company Increases Dividend Analyst Ratings Changes The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, March 10th. Stockholders of record on Friday, February 13th will be given a $1.73 dividend. This represents a $6.92 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.7%. This is an increase from Eli Lilly and Companys previous quarterly dividend of $1.50. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, February 13th. Eli Lilly and Companys payout ratio is presently 29.35%. A number of equities analysts have weighed in on LLY shares. TD Cowen upped their target price on Eli Lilly and Company from $960.00 to $1,250.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, January 29th. Daiwa Capital Markets set a $1,230.00 price target on shares of Eli Lilly and Company and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, December 16th. BMO Capital Markets reiterated an outperform rating and issued a $1,300.00 price target on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a report on Thursday. HSBC reaffirmed a hold rating and issued a $1,070.00 target price on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a research report on Wednesday, December 10th. Finally, Berenberg Bank increased their price target on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $830.00 to $950.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, December 2nd. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, nineteen have issued a Buy rating and six have issued a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $1,201.17. Check Out Our Latest Report on Eli Lilly and Company Key Stories Impacting Eli Lilly and Company Here are the key news stories impacting Eli Lilly and Company this week: Positive Sentiment: Q4 beat and strong 2026 guidance Lilly reported revenue of ~$19.3B and EPS above estimates, and guided 2026 revenue and EPS above consensus, underpinning the recent rally. Earnings/Guidance Q4 beat and strong 2026 guidance Lilly reported revenue of ~$19.3B and EPS above estimates, and guided 2026 revenue and EPS above consensus, underpinning the recent rally. Positive Sentiment: Analysts raising targets Multiple firms lifted price targets (e.g., Morgan Stanley to $1,313; Cantor Fitzgerald to $1,205) and kept overweight/buy ratings, signaling continued analyst confidence despite recent volatility. Analyst Targets Analysts raising targets Multiple firms lifted price targets (e.g., Morgan Stanley to $1,313; Cantor Fitzgerald to $1,205) and kept overweight/buy ratings, signaling continued analyst confidence despite recent volatility. Positive Sentiment: Capacity investments support volume strategy Lilly is expanding manufacturing (including a ~$3.5B Pennsylvania facility) to convert price pressure into volume growth, reducing future supply constraints. Factory Investment Capacity investments support volume strategy Lilly is expanding manufacturing (including a ~$3.5B Pennsylvania facility) to convert price pressure into volume growth, reducing future supply constraints. Neutral Sentiment: Broader GLP1 market growth Positive trial news from big pharma (e.g., Pfizer Phase 2b) expands the overall market but also brings more competitors; thats a long-term tailwind for demand but mixed for incumbents share. Pfizer GLP-1 Broader GLP1 market growth Positive trial news from big pharma (e.g., Pfizer Phase 2b) expands the overall market but also brings more competitors; thats a long-term tailwind for demand but mixed for incumbents share. Neutral Sentiment: Smaller biotech entrants Early-stage competitors (e.g., Structure Therapeutics moving a GLP1 pill into Phase 3) add long-term R&D noise but are unlikely to dent Lillys near-term cash flows. Structure Therapeutics Smaller biotech entrants Early-stage competitors (e.g., Structure Therapeutics moving a GLP1 pill into Phase 3) add long-term R&D noise but are unlikely to dent Lillys near-term cash flows. Negative Sentiment: Competitive pricing shock from Hims & Hers News that a telehealth retailer will sell a $49 copy of a GLP1 pill (marketing a lowcost alternative) triggered immediate investor concern about pricing erosion and prompted sectorwide selling. That headline is the primary near-term reason the stock is down. Hims & Hers $49 pill Competitive pricing shock from Hims & Hers News that a telehealth retailer will sell a $49 copy of a GLP1 pill (marketing a lowcost alternative) triggered immediate investor concern about pricing erosion and prompted sectorwide selling. That headline is the primary near-term reason the stock is down. Negative Sentiment: Profit-taking and volatility after a big run After a large intraday surge on earnings, some investors trimmed positions; when combined with the Hims & Hers headline, that accelerated the pullback. Why LLY Dropped Institutional Trading of Eli Lilly and Company Large investors have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Turning Point Benefit Group Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Eli Lilly and Company during the 3rd quarter worth about $56,000. Graney & King LLC increased its stake in Eli Lilly and Company by 14.6% in the second quarter. Graney & King LLC now owns 181 shares of the companys stock valued at $141,000 after purchasing an additional 23 shares during the last quarter. Imprint Wealth LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Eli Lilly and Company during the third quarter worth about $142,000. Mpwm Advisory Solutions LLC grew its position in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 11.9% during the third quarter. Mpwm Advisory Solutions LLC now owns 253 shares of the companys stock worth $193,000 after acquiring an additional 27 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Chapman Financial Group LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Eli Lilly and Company in the second quarter valued at approximately $198,000. 82.53% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Eli Lilly and Company Company Profile (Get 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. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Eli Lilly and Company Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Eli Lilly and Company and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Equity Residential (NYSE:EQR Get Free Report) posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday. The real estate investment trust reported $1.03 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.04 by ($0.01), Zacks reports. Equity Residential had a net margin of 37.58% and a return on equity of 10.30%. Equity Residential updated its Q1 2026 guidance to 0.940-0.980 EPS. Equity Residential Price Performance NYSE EQR traded down $1.29 during trading hours on Thursday, hitting $61.79. 3,360,224 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 2,497,195. Equity Residential has a 52-week low of $58.38 and a 52-week high of $75.86. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.75, a current ratio of 0.45 and a quick ratio of 0.45. The firms 50-day moving average is $61.72 and its 200-day moving average is $62.76. The company has a market capitalization of $23.51 billion, a PE ratio of 20.39, a PEG ratio of 4.20 and a beta of 0.76. Get Equity Residential alerts: Equity Residential Announces Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, January 16th. Investors of record on Friday, January 2nd were paid a $0.6925 dividend. This represents a $2.77 annualized dividend and a yield of 4.5%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, January 2nd. Equity Residentials dividend payout ratio is currently 91.42%. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Fulcrum Asset Management LLP acquired a new position in Equity Residential in the third quarter valued at $27,000. Harvest Fund Management Co. Ltd acquired a new position in Equity Residential during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $31,000. MUFG Securities EMEA plc acquired a new stake in Equity Residential during the 2nd quarter valued at $68,000. Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. increased its position in shares of Equity Residential by 25.6% during the third quarter. Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. now owns 1,235 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $80,000 after acquiring an additional 252 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Federated Hermes Inc. acquired a new position in shares of Equity Residential in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $100,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 92.68% of the companys stock. A number of brokerages recently issued reports on EQR. UBS Group raised their price target on Equity Residential from $68.00 to $71.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, January 8th. The Goldman Sachs Group upped their price target on shares of Equity Residential from $63.00 to $69.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Friday, January 16th. Morgan Stanley dropped their target price on Equity Residential from $75.00 to $73.50 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, November 13th. Truist Financial decreased their price target on Equity Residential from $75.00 to $70.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Monday, November 17th. Finally, Evercore ISI cut their price objective on Equity Residential from $70.00 to $68.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, November 3rd. Seven research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and twelve have given a Hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $70.01. Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on EQR About Equity Residential (Get Free Report) Equity Residential (NYSE: EQR) is a publicly traded real estate investment trust that acquires, develops, owns and operates rental apartment properties. Headquartered in Chicago, the company focuses on delivering professionally managed, market-rate apartment homes and related services to renters. Its operations cover a range of property types, including high-rise and mid-rise assets, with amenities and on-site management designed to support resident retention and occupancy. The companys core activities include property acquisitions, development and redevelopment, leasing, and day-to-day property management. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Equity Residential Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Equity Residential and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Fresnillo (LON:FRES Get Free Report) was downgraded by stock analysts at Berenberg Bank to a hold rating in a research note issued on Thursday, MarketBeat Ratings reports. They currently have a GBX 3,800 price objective on the stock, up from their previous price objective of GBX 3,400. Berenberg Banks price objective would suggest a potential downside of 5.19% from the companys current price. Several other research analysts have also weighed in on the company. Canaccord Genuity Group increased their price objective on Fresnillo from GBX 980 to GBX 2,440 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research report on Friday, October 17th. Citigroup raised their price objective on Fresnillo from GBX 4,000 to GBX 4,600 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, January 14th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. reduced their price objective on shares of Fresnillo from GBX 4,700 to GBX 4,500 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Monday. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and three have given a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of GBX 3,348. Get Fresnillo alerts: Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on Fresnillo Fresnillo Trading Up 2.7% About Fresnillo LON:FRES traded up GBX 106 on Thursday, hitting GBX 4,008. The stock had a trading volume of 29,536,727 shares, compared to its average volume of 13,900,423. The company has a fifty day moving average price of GBX 3,382.36 and a two-hundred day moving average price of GBX 2,521.81. Fresnillo has a 1-year low of GBX 716 and a 1-year high of GBX 4,472. The company has a quick ratio of 3.28, a current ratio of 5.88 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 23.55. The stock has a market cap of 29.53 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 64.85, a PEG ratio of -1.58 and a beta of 0.15. (Get Free Report) Fresnillo plc is the worlds largest silver producer and Mexicos largest gold producer, listed on the London and Mexican stock exchanges. The Group seeks to create value for stakeholders across precious metal cycles, focusing on high-potential silver and gold projects that can be developed into low cost, world-class mines. Following a decade of consistent and successful progress, the Group is now focused on consolidating its growth and advancing its pipeline in order to deliver further growth in the years ahead. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Fresnillo Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Fresnillo and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Fujifilm (OTCMKTS:FUJIY Get Free Report) issued an update on its FY 2025 earnings guidance on Thursday morning. The company provided earnings per share guidance of 1.420-1.420 for the period. The company issued revenue guidance of $21.4 billion-$21.4 billion, compared to the consensus revenue estimate of $21.2 billion. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Separately, Zacks Research cut Fujifilm from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Friday, January 16th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Hold rating, Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Hold. Get Fujifilm alerts: Read Our Latest Research Report on Fujifilm Fujifilm Stock Down 2.7% Fujifilm stock traded down $0.27 during midday trading on Thursday, reaching $9.87. The companys stock had a trading volume of 1,876,400 shares, compared to its average volume of 371,087. The company has a market cap of $24.55 billion, a P/E ratio of 7.53, a P/E/G ratio of 1.83 and a beta of 0.77. The company has a quick ratio of 0.87, a current ratio of 1.38 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.16. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $10.58 and a 200-day simple moving average of $11.22. Fujifilm has a fifty-two week low of $8.69 and a fifty-two week high of $12.99. Fujifilm (OTCMKTS:FUJIY Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, November 6th. The technology company reported $0.75 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.17 by $0.58. The business had revenue of $5.33 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $5.31 billion. Fujifilm had a return on equity of 7.89% and a net margin of 8.31%. On average, research analysts expect that Fujifilm will post 0.66 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Fujifilm Company Profile (Get Free Report) Fujifilm (OTCMKTS:FUJIY) is a Tokyo-based multinational conglomerate originally founded in 1934 as Fuji Photo Film Co, Ltd. Over the decades the company has evolved from a photographic film manufacturer into a diversified technology group operating across imaging, information, highly functional materials and healthcare. Fujifilm Holdings Corporation serves customers worldwide with a combination of hardware, consumables, software and services. The companys product and service portfolio spans consumer and professional imaging products, commercial and industrial printing systems, and office document solutions including printers and copiers. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Fujifilm Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Fujifilm and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Just Eat Takeaway.com N.V. Sponsored ADR (OTCMKTS:JTKWY Get Free Report) shares saw strong trading volume on Thursday . 20,244 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, an increase of 447% from the previous sessions volume of 3,704 shares.The stock last traded at $4.39 and had previously closed at $4.20. Just Eat Takeaway.com Price Performance The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $4.17 and a 200 day moving average price of $4.47. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.11, a quick ratio of 0.94 and a current ratio of 0.94. Get Just Eat Takeaway.com alerts: Just Eat Takeaway.com Company Profile (Get Free Report) Just Eat Takeaway.com NV, trading under OTCMKTS:JTKWY, is a leading global online food delivery marketplace that connects consumers with local and international restaurants through its digital platforms. Formed in early 2020 from the merger of Just Eat and Takeaway.com, the company has established a presence across Europe, North America and other key regions. Headquartered in Amsterdam, with significant operational offices in London and Chicago, Just Eat Takeaway.com facilitates millions of daily orders through its suite of websites and mobile applications. The companys core offerings comprise branded marketplaces including Just Eat in the United Kingdom, Grubhub in the United States, Takeaway.com in the Netherlands and Germany, plus localized platforms such as Menulog in Australia and SkipTheDishes in Canada. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Just Eat Takeaway.com Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Just Eat Takeaway.com and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. MDU Resources Group (NYSE:MDU Get Free Report) issued its earnings results on Thursday. The utilities provider reported $0.37 earnings per share for the quarter, hitting the consensus estimate of $0.37, FiscalAI reports. The company had revenue of $534.00 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $560.72 million. MDU Resources Group had a net margin of 9.02% and a return on equity of 6.81%. The firms revenue for the quarter was down .3% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $0.90 earnings per share. MDU Resources Group updated its FY 2026 guidance to 0.930-1.000 EPS. Here are the key takeaways from MDU Resources Groups conference call: Get MDU Resources Group alerts: MDU reported 2025 earnings of $190.4 million ( $0.93 per share) , in the middle of guidance, and issued 2026 EPS guidance of $0.93$1.00 while maintaining a long-term EPS growth target of 6%8% and a 60%70% dividend payout ratio. MDU reported 2025 earnings of , in the middle of guidance, and issued 2026 EPS guidance of while maintaining a long-term EPS growth target of 6%8% and a 60%70% dividend payout ratio. The company deployed $792 million of capital in 2025, closed and placed in service a 49% interest in the Badger Wind Farm (driving a 16% year-over-year increase in utility rate base) and raised its 20262030 capex plan to $3.1 billion . The company deployed of capital in 2025, closed and placed in service a 49% interest in the (driving a 16% year-over-year increase in utility rate base) and raised its 20262030 capex plan to . Regulatory actions were mixed but constructive overall North Dakota approved recovery for Badger Wind and Idaho and Washington rate increases took effect, while Montana denied interim rate relief (reconsideration requested), leaving some near-term recovery timing uncertainty. Regulatory actions were mixed but constructive overall North Dakota approved recovery for Badger Wind and Idaho and Washington rate increases took effect, while Montana denied interim rate relief (reconsideration requested), leaving some near-term recovery timing uncertainty. MDU has signed electric service agreements for 580 MW of data center load (phased online through 2027) using a capitallight approach that the company says benefits earnings and reduces costs for other retail customers. MDU has signed electric service agreements for of data center load (phased online through 2027) using a capitallight approach that the company says benefits earnings and reduces costs for other retail customers. The pipeline segment posted record earnings ($68.2 million) and is advancing projects Line Section 32, Minot Industrial Pipeline support, and the Bakken East open season (through March 13) with a potential FERC 7C filing targeted in Q3 2026 and an eventual FID dependent on customer commitments and financing decisions. MDU Resources Group Stock Down 2.9% Shares of MDU Resources Group stock traded down $0.60 on Thursday, hitting $20.43. The company had a trading volume of 1,938,128 shares, compared to its average volume of 2,132,510. The firm has a market capitalization of $4.17 billion, a P/E ratio of 24.67, a P/E/G ratio of 3.32 and a beta of 0.75. The stock has a 50-day moving average of $20.06 and a 200-day moving average of $18.72. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.80, a current ratio of 0.75 and a quick ratio of 0.69. MDU Resources Group has a twelve month low of $15.04 and a twelve month high of $21.49. MDU Resources Group Announces Dividend Wall Street Analyst Weigh In The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, January 1st. Shareholders of record on Thursday, December 11th were paid a $0.14 dividend. This represents a $0.56 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.7%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, December 11th. MDU Resources Groups payout ratio is presently 67.47%. A number of equities analysts have weighed in on the stock. TD Cowen initiated coverage on shares of MDU Resources Group in a research note on Thursday, October 16th. They set a hold rating and a $20.00 price target on the stock. Citigroup reiterated a neutral rating on shares of MDU Resources Group in a research note on Thursday, January 15th. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c-) rating on shares of MDU Resources Group in a research report on Monday, December 29th. Zacks Research upgraded MDU Resources Group from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Thursday, December 4th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group lifted their target price on MDU Resources Group to $22.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, October 22nd. One analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating and four have assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $21.00. Get Our Latest Stock Report on MDU Resources Group Institutional Inflows and Outflows A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in MDU. Captrust Financial Advisors increased its holdings in shares of MDU Resources Group by 9.6% during the third quarter. Captrust Financial Advisors now owns 252,731 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $4,501,000 after acquiring an additional 22,238 shares in the last quarter. Caitong International Asset Management Co. Ltd raised its stake in shares of MDU Resources Group by 6,404.3% during the third quarter. Caitong International Asset Management Co. Ltd now owns 1,496 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $27,000 after acquiring an additional 1,473 shares in the last quarter. Advisory Services Network LLC bought a new stake in MDU Resources Group in the 3rd quarter worth $142,000. Hancock Whitney Corp raised its position in shares of MDU Resources Group by 36.5% in the 3rd quarter. Hancock Whitney Corp now owns 26,607 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $474,000 after acquiring an additional 7,111 shares in the last quarter. Finally, NewEdge Advisors LLC boosted its stake in MDU Resources Group by 33.8% in the 3rd quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC now owns 81,952 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $1,460,000 after purchasing an additional 20,713 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 71.44% of the companys stock. About MDU Resources Group (Get Free Report) MDU Resources Group, Inc is a diversified energy and services holding company headquartered in Bismarck, North Dakota. The company operates through two primary segments: Utilities and Construction Services and Pipelines & Midstream. Serving a broad geographic footprint across the upper Midwest and Pacific Northwest, MDU provides essential energy distribution and infrastructure services to residential, commercial and industrial customers. The Utilities segment delivers electric and natural gas distribution services in Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Kansas, Wisconsin, Michigan and Washington. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for MDU Resources Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for MDU Resources Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Moelis & Company (NYSE:MC Get Free Report) had its price objective raised by research analysts at JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $80.00 to $81.00 in a research note issued to investors on Thursday,Benzinga reports. The firm currently has a neutral rating on the asset managers stock. JPMorgan Chase & Co.s price objective would suggest a potential upside of 13.11% from the companys previous close. Several other equities research analysts also recently weighed in on the company. Bank of America assumed coverage on Moelis & Company in a report on Monday, January 26th. They set a neutral rating and a $81.00 price target for the company. Zacks Research lowered Moelis & Company from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c) rating on shares of Moelis & Company in a research note on Monday, December 29th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods downgraded Moelis & Company from an outperform rating to a market perform rating and lifted their price target for the company from $78.00 to $80.00 in a research note on Tuesday, December 16th. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft initiated coverage on Moelis & Company in a report on Thursday, October 9th. They issued a buy rating and a $80.00 target price for the company. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and ten have assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Moelis & Company has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $76.33. Get Moelis & Company alerts: Get Our Latest Report on MC Moelis & Company Trading Up 1.0% Shares of NYSE MC traded up $0.72 during midday trading on Thursday, reaching $71.61. 2,180,631 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 860,176. The stock has a market cap of $5.61 billion, a P/E ratio of 23.95, a PEG ratio of 0.58 and a beta of 1.87. Moelis & Company has a 1 year low of $47.00 and a 1 year high of $82.89. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $71.29 and a 200 day simple moving average of $69.96. Moelis & Company (NYSE:MC Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, February 4th. The asset manager reported $1.13 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.76 by $0.37. Moelis & Company had a return on equity of 45.62% and a net margin of 15.98%.The firm had revenue of $487.94 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $430.17 million. During the same period in the prior year, the business earned $1.18 EPS. The firms revenue was up 11.2% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, analysts forecast that Moelis & Company will post 2.97 earnings per share for the current year. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Moelis & Company Several hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of MC. Integrated Wealth Concepts LLC boosted its stake in Moelis & Company by 9.9% during the first quarter. Integrated Wealth Concepts LLC now owns 4,799 shares of the asset managers stock valued at $280,000 after buying an additional 432 shares in the last quarter. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. lifted its holdings in Moelis & Company by 4.6% in the 1st quarter. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. now owns 42,080 shares of the asset managers stock valued at $2,456,000 after acquiring an additional 1,839 shares during the last quarter. United Services Automobile Association bought a new position in shares of Moelis & Company during the 1st quarter valued at about $264,000. Empowered Funds LLC boosted its position in shares of Moelis & Company by 37.6% during the 1st quarter. Empowered Funds LLC now owns 42,828 shares of the asset managers stock valued at $2,499,000 after purchasing an additional 11,692 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Janney Montgomery Scott LLC grew its stake in shares of Moelis & Company by 22.2% in the 2nd quarter. Janney Montgomery Scott LLC now owns 26,619 shares of the asset managers stock worth $1,659,000 after purchasing an additional 4,828 shares during the last quarter. 91.53% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Key Moelis & Company News Here are the key news stories impacting Moelis & Company this week: Positive Sentiment: Q4 earnings and buyback Moelis reported Q4 revenue of ~$487.9M (up ~11% YoY) and beat EPS estimates; the board authorized a $300M share buyback, a clear shareholder-return signal that supports the rally. Article Title Q4 earnings and buyback Moelis reported Q4 revenue of ~$487.9M (up ~11% YoY) and beat EPS estimates; the board authorized a $300M share buyback, a clear shareholder-return signal that supports the rally. Positive Sentiment: Analyst upgrade / higher price target Morgan Stanley raised its price target to $90 and kept an Overweight rating, implying material upside vs. the current share level and lending buy-side credibility. Article Title Analyst upgrade / higher price target Morgan Stanley raised its price target to $90 and kept an Overweight rating, implying material upside vs. the current share level and lending buy-side credibility. Positive Sentiment: Dividend reinstated/higher yield Management declared a quarterly dividend of $0.65/share (implying ~3.7% yield), which increases cash return to investors and can support multiple expansion for the stock. Dividend reinstated/higher yield Management declared a quarterly dividend of $0.65/share (implying ~3.7% yield), which increases cash return to investors and can support multiple expansion for the stock. Neutral Sentiment: Business momentum / strategy Company commentary and coverage highlight M&A momentum, capital markets expansion and strategic hires that could sustain fee pipelines, but these are longer-cycle drivers. Article Title Business momentum / strategy Company commentary and coverage highlight M&A momentum, capital markets expansion and strategic hires that could sustain fee pipelines, but these are longer-cycle drivers. Neutral Sentiment: Analyst estimates Some analysts have boosted near-term EPS estimates, which supports expectations, but forecast dispersion remains (median target lower than Morgan Stanleys), so consensus will be important to watch. Article Title Analyst estimates Some analysts have boosted near-term EPS estimates, which supports expectations, but forecast dispersion remains (median target lower than Morgan Stanleys), so consensus will be important to watch. Negative Sentiment: Profitability and cash-flow pressure While revenue grew, operating profit and diluted EPS were modestly down YoY and operating cash flow declined materially; balance-sheet cash declined ~31%, which tempers the beat and raises sensitivity to future expense or market-pressure swings. Article Title Profitability and cash-flow pressure While revenue grew, operating profit and diluted EPS were modestly down YoY and operating cash flow declined materially; balance-sheet cash declined ~31%, which tempers the beat and raises sensitivity to future expense or market-pressure swings. Negative Sentiment: Insider/institutional moves Recent insider selling and large portfolio reductions by some institutional holders are worth monitoring as potential near-term supply pressure. Article Title Moelis & Company Company Profile (Get Free Report) Moelis & Co operates as a holding company. It engages in the provision of financial advisory, capital raising and asset management services to a client base including corporations, governments, sovereign wealth funds and financial sponsors. The firm focuses on clients including large public multinational corporations, middle market private companies, financial sponsors, entrepreneurs and governments. The company was founded by Kenneth David Moelis, Navid Mahmoodzadegan, Jeffrey Raich and Elizabeth Ann Crain in July 2007 and is headquartered in New York, NY. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Moelis & Company Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Moelis & Company and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Moelis & Company (NYSE:MC Get Free Report) had its price objective increased by equities researchers at Morgan Stanley from $89.00 to $90.00 in a note issued to investors on Thursday,Benzinga reports. The firm presently has an overweight rating on the asset managers stock. Morgan Stanleys price objective indicates a potential upside of 25.25% from the companys previous close. Other research analysts also recently issued reports about the company. Zacks Research downgraded Moelis & Company from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft assumed coverage on shares of Moelis & Company in a research note on Thursday, October 9th. They set a buy rating and a $80.00 target price on the stock. UBS Group increased their price target on Moelis & Company from $70.00 to $74.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Wednesday, January 7th. Bank of America initiated coverage on Moelis & Company in a research report on Monday, January 26th. They issued a neutral rating and a $81.00 price objective on the stock. Finally, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods cut Moelis & Company from an outperform rating to a market perform rating and increased their target price for the stock from $78.00 to $80.00 in a research report on Tuesday, December 16th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and ten have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Moelis & Company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $73.11. Get Moelis & Company alerts: View Our Latest Research Report on MC Moelis & Company Trading Up 1.4% MC stock traded up $0.96 during midday trading on Thursday, reaching $71.85. 614,613 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 806,973. Moelis & Company has a 52-week low of $47.00 and a 52-week high of $82.89. The stock has a market cap of $5.63 billion, a P/E ratio of 24.00, a PEG ratio of 0.58 and a beta of 1.87. The stocks 50-day moving average is $71.29 and its 200 day moving average is $69.96. Moelis & Company (NYSE:MC Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, February 4th. The asset manager reported $1.13 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.76 by $0.37. Moelis & Company had a net margin of 15.98% and a return on equity of 45.62%. The firm had revenue of $487.94 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $430.17 million. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $1.18 EPS. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 11.2% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, research analysts expect that Moelis & Company will post 2.97 EPS for the current fiscal year. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Moelis & Company Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. V Square Quantitative Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of Moelis & Company in the 4th quarter valued at about $27,000. Bessemer Group Inc. increased its position in shares of Moelis & Company by 89.8% in the third quarter. Bessemer Group Inc. now owns 389 shares of the asset managers stock worth $28,000 after acquiring an additional 184 shares in the last quarter. Allworth Financial LP raised its stake in shares of Moelis & Company by 153.9% in the 3rd quarter. Allworth Financial LP now owns 419 shares of the asset managers stock valued at $30,000 after acquiring an additional 254 shares during the period. eCIO Inc. acquired a new position in shares of Moelis & Company during the 4th quarter valued at $33,000. Finally, EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC boosted its position in Moelis & Company by 89.5% during the 2nd quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 597 shares of the asset managers stock worth $37,000 after purchasing an additional 282 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 91.53% of the companys stock. Key Stories Impacting Moelis & Company Here are the key news stories impacting Moelis & Company this week: Moelis & Company Company Profile (Get Free Report) Moelis & Co operates as a holding company. It engages in the provision of financial advisory, capital raising and asset management services to a client base including corporations, governments, sovereign wealth funds and financial sponsors. The firm focuses on clients including large public multinational corporations, middle market private companies, financial sponsors, entrepreneurs and governments. The company was founded by Kenneth David Moelis, Navid Mahmoodzadegan, Jeffrey Raich and Elizabeth Ann Crain in July 2007 and is headquartered in New York, NY. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Moelis & Company Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Moelis & Company and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:NVO Get Free Report)s share price traded down 8.2% during mid-day trading on Thursday . The stock traded as low as $43.24 and last traded at $43.3150. 53,396,661 shares were traded during trading, an increase of 102% from the average session volume of 26,444,670 shares. The stock had previously closed at $47.19. Key Novo Nordisk A/S News Here are the key news stories impacting Novo Nordisk A/S this week: Get Novo Nordisk A/S alerts: Positive Sentiment: Novo launched a 2026 sharerepurchase programme (up to DKK 15bn total; new tranche up to DKK 3.8bn) a buyback that can support the share price and offset some investor concern. Novo repurchase programme Novo launched a 2026 sharerepurchase programme (up to DKK 15bn total; new tranche up to DKK 3.8bn) a buyback that can support the share price and offset some investor concern. Positive Sentiment: Novo declared a cash dividend (DKK 1.2751 per share payment scheduled for April) another shareholder return that cushions downside. Novo declared a cash dividend (DKK 1.2751 per share payment scheduled for April) another shareholder return that cushions downside. Neutral Sentiment: Company disclosure: trading by board members, executives and associated persons was reported today (routine compliance item; signals insiders are transacting but not necessarily directional). Insider trading disclosure Company disclosure: trading by board members, executives and associated persons was reported today (routine compliance item; signals insiders are transacting but not necessarily directional). Neutral Sentiment: Novo confirmed a planned U.S. launch of an oral Ozempic (oral semaglutide) in Q2 potential longerterm revenue diversification but unclear nearterm margin impact. Ozempic pill launch Novo confirmed a planned U.S. launch of an oral Ozempic (oral semaglutide) in Q2 potential longerterm revenue diversification but unclear nearterm margin impact. Negative Sentiment: Hims & Hers began offering a compounded, oral copy of Wegovy at an introductory $49 per month a dramatic undercut to branded pricing that amplifies concerns about durable pricing power for GLP1 drugs and triggered todays selling pressure. Hims & Hers launches $49 Wegovy copy Hims & Hers began offering a compounded, oral copy of Wegovy at an introductory $49 per month a dramatic undercut to branded pricing that amplifies concerns about durable pricing power for GLP1 drugs and triggered todays selling pressure. Negative Sentiment: Novo said it will pursue legal action against Hims & Hers over mass compounding of Wegovy a sign of escalating industry conflict that could lead to costly litigation and uncertainty over market access. Novo legal action vs Hims & Hers Novo said it will pursue legal action against Hims & Hers over mass compounding of Wegovy a sign of escalating industry conflict that could lead to costly litigation and uncertainty over market access. Negative Sentiment: Management already warned investors of a 2026 revenue and operatingprofit decline (guidance cited U.S. price cuts, margin pressure and competition) that guidance drove a large multiday selloff and remains the primary framework for todays weakness. Shock 2026 guidance Management already warned investors of a 2026 revenue and operatingprofit decline (guidance cited U.S. price cuts, margin pressure and competition) that guidance drove a large multiday selloff and remains the primary framework for todays weakness. Negative Sentiment: Regional weakness: Ozempic sales in greater China fell last year an early sign that growth is softening outside the U.S. as competition intensifies. Ozempic China sales drop Analyst Ratings Changes Several research analysts have weighed in on the company. BMO Capital Markets reiterated a market perform rating on shares of Novo Nordisk A/S in a report on Thursday. Citigroup began coverage on Novo Nordisk A/S in a research report on Tuesday, January 27th. They issued a neutral rating for the company. The Goldman Sachs Group reiterated a buy rating on shares of Novo Nordisk A/S in a research report on Thursday, January 22nd. CICC Research initiated coverage on Novo Nordisk A/S in a report on Friday, January 9th. They issued an outperform rating and a $73.50 price target for the company. Finally, HSBC reaffirmed a hold rating and set a $54.00 price objective on shares of Novo Nordisk A/S in a research note on Wednesday, December 10th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seven have given a Buy rating, twelve have issued a Hold rating and three have assigned a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Novo Nordisk A/S has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $56.07. Novo Nordisk A/S Stock Performance The stock has a market cap of $193.40 billion, a PE ratio of 12.59 and a beta of 0.67. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $53.75 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $54.13. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.52, a quick ratio of 0.57 and a current ratio of 0.78. Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:NVO Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, February 4th. The company reported $1.01 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.90 by $0.11. The business had revenue of $12.43 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $11.97 billion. Novo Nordisk A/S had a return on equity of 73.50% and a net margin of 32.76%. Equities analysts anticipate that Novo Nordisk A/S will post 3.84 EPS for the current fiscal year. Novo Nordisk A/S Dividend Announcement The business also recently declared a dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, April 8th. Stockholders of record on Monday, March 30th will be given a dividend of $1.2751 per share. This represents a dividend yield of 541.0%. The ex-dividend date is Monday, March 30th. Novo Nordisk A/Ss dividend payout ratio is presently 23.84%. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Lockheed Martin Investment Management Co. boosted its holdings in shares of Novo Nordisk A/S by 179.4% in the 2nd quarter. Lockheed Martin Investment Management Co. now owns 43,450 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,999,000 after buying an additional 27,900 shares during the last quarter. Martin Capital Partners LLC increased its holdings in Novo Nordisk A/S by 53.8% during the third quarter. Martin Capital Partners LLC now owns 117,577 shares of the companys stock worth $6,524,000 after buying an additional 41,129 shares during the last quarter. Cantor Fitzgerald Investment Advisors L.P. bought a new stake in Novo Nordisk A/S during the third quarter worth $1,294,000. Guild Investment Management Inc. lifted its stake in Novo Nordisk A/S by 20.7% in the second quarter. Guild Investment Management Inc. now owns 36,995 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,553,000 after acquiring an additional 6,345 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Markel Group Inc. lifted its stake in Novo Nordisk A/S by 4.9% in the third quarter. Markel Group Inc. now owns 2,368,649 shares of the companys stock valued at $131,436,000 after acquiring an additional 110,061 shares during the last quarter. 11.54% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. About Novo Nordisk A/S (Get Free Report) Novo Nordisk A/S is a Danish multinational pharmaceutical company headquartered in Bagsvrd, Denmark, best known for its leadership in diabetes care and metabolic health. The company traces its roots to early Danish insulin production in the 1920s and was established in its current form through a 1989 merger of predecessor companies. Novo Nordisk develops, manufactures and markets pharmaceutical products and devices that address chronic and serious diseases, with a strong emphasis on long-term treatment and patient support. The companys core product portfolio centers on diabetes therapies, including a range of insulins and modern incretin-based treatments. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Novo Nordisk A/S Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Novo Nordisk A/S and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Oklo Inc. (NYSE:OKLO Get Free Report)s stock price was down 8.7% during trading on Thursday after an insider sold shares in the company. The stock traded as low as $61.68 and last traded at $62.2710. Approximately 11,348,564 shares changed hands during trading, a decline of 19% from the average daily volume of 14,082,623 shares. The stock had previously closed at $68.23. Specifically, CEO Jacob Dewitte sold 140,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, February 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $75.18, for a total value of $10,525,200.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer directly owned 739,023 shares in the company, valued at $55,559,749.14. The trade was a 15.93% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. Also, CEO Jacob Dewitte sold 60,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Monday, February 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $74.45, for a total value of $4,467,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer owned 748,197 shares of the companys stock, valued at $55,703,266.65. This trade represents a 7.42% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. In other Oklo news, CFO Richard Craig Bealmear sold 9,726 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Monday, February 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $76.93, for a total transaction of $748,221.18. Following the sale, the chief financial officer directly owned 196,913 shares of the companys stock, valued at $15,148,517.09. The trade was a 4.71% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. Get Oklo alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets Several brokerages recently weighed in on OKLO. Needham & Company LLC reaffirmed a buy rating on shares of Oklo in a research report on Friday, January 9th. B. Riley upped their price objective on shares of Oklo from $58.00 to $129.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, November 12th. The Goldman Sachs Group reaffirmed a neutral rating and issued a $106.00 price target on shares of Oklo in a research report on Friday, January 9th. Wedbush reissued an outperform rating on shares of Oklo in a report on Friday, January 9th. Finally, William Blair restated an outperform rating on shares of Oklo in a report on Wednesday, November 12th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, nine have given a Buy rating, five have assigned a Hold rating and three have assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $103.20. Key Stories Impacting Oklo Here are the key news stories impacting Oklo this week: Positive Sentiment: Large commercial demand and nondilutive funding: coverage reiterates Oklos binding commercial structure (a reported 1.2 GW arrangement with Meta that includes prepayments), which could provide upfront project cash rather than equity dilution supportive for project funding and valuation. The Atomic Pivot: AIs $50 Billion Power Move Large commercial demand and nondilutive funding: coverage reiterates Oklos binding commercial structure (a reported 1.2 GW arrangement with Meta that includes prepayments), which could provide upfront project cash rather than equity dilution supportive for project funding and valuation. Positive Sentiment: Sector rerating thesis: articles argue hyperscalers behindthemeter power needs (AI data centers) are structurally supporting SMR developers like Oklo, giving the company a longterm addressable market if execution and timelines hold. Is Oklo Quietly Reframing Nuclear Power Sector rerating thesis: articles argue hyperscalers behindthemeter power needs (AI data centers) are structurally supporting SMR developers like Oklo, giving the company a longterm addressable market if execution and timelines hold. Neutral Sentiment: Bullish writeups highlight upside but also flag regulatory and construction execution risk useful context but not an immediate catalyst. Oklo: A Bull Case Theory Bullish writeups highlight upside but also flag regulatory and construction execution risk useful context but not an immediate catalyst. Negative Sentiment: Large insider sales CEO Jacob Dewitte sold ~200,000 shares across filings (~140,000 and ~60,000 at roughly $74$75) and CFO Richard Bealmear sold 9,726 shares (~$76.93). The size and timing of these seniormanagement sales have been viewed negatively and likely triggered intraday selling pressure. CEO/CFO SEC Filings Large insider sales CEO Jacob Dewitte sold ~200,000 shares across filings (~140,000 and ~60,000 at roughly $74$75) and CFO Richard Bealmear sold 9,726 shares (~$76.93). The size and timing of these seniormanagement sales have been viewed negatively and likely triggered intraday selling pressure. Negative Sentiment: Fundamentals/expectations: Oklo missed the most recent EPS consensus and analysts model sizable negative EPS for the year, keeping the stock sensitive to cashflow and funding concerns as projects scale. Fundamentals/expectations: Oklo missed the most recent EPS consensus and analysts model sizable negative EPS for the year, keeping the stock sensitive to cashflow and funding concerns as projects scale. Negative Sentiment: Momentum/headline selling: quick explanatory pieces on the intraday drop can amplify outflows in a lossmaking, highexpectations name; see coverage that analyzes the crash. Why Oklo Stock Crashed Today Oklo Stock Down 8.7% The firm has a market capitalization of $9.73 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -115.32 and a beta of 0.76. The business has a 50-day moving average of $88.26 and a two-hundred day moving average of $96.84. Oklo (NYSE:OKLO Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 12th. The company reported ($0.20) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of ($0.13) by ($0.07). During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned ($0.08) earnings per share. Equities analysts predict that Oklo Inc. will post -8.2 EPS for the current fiscal year. Institutional Inflows and Outflows A number of large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in OKLO. Armstrong Advisory Group Inc. acquired a new position in Oklo in the third quarter valued at approximately $27,000. Gables Capital Management Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Oklo during the 3rd quarter valued at $28,000. Nemes Rush Group LLC acquired a new position in shares of Oklo in the 3rd quarter valued at $28,000. CI Investments Inc. boosted its position in shares of Oklo by 153.0% in the 3rd quarter. CI Investments Inc. now owns 296 shares of the companys stock worth $33,000 after purchasing an additional 179 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Whittier Trust Co. of Nevada Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Oklo during the third quarter worth $33,000. 85.03% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Oklo Company Profile (Get Free Report) Oklo, Inc is a California-based energy technology company specializing in the design and development of advanced nuclear microreactors. Headquartered in Fremont, the firm focuses on small modular reactor (SMR) technology that leverages fast-neutron fission and liquid-metal cooling to deliver carbon-free power. Oklos core objective is to bring compact, factory-built reactors online within a decade, offering a low-footprint alternative to traditional large nuclear plants. The companys flagship product, the Aurora microreactor, is a 1.5-megawatt electric (MWe) fast reactor cooled by a sodium alloy. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Oklo Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Oklo and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Skeena Resources Limited (NYSE:SKE Get Free Report) gapped up before the market opened on Tuesday . The stock had previously closed at $29.16, but opened at $31.51. Skeena Resources shares last traded at $30.8080, with a volume of 135,840 shares traded. Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of research firms have recently issued reports on SKE. Desjardins upgraded shares of Skeena Resources to a moderate buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Scotiabank restated an outperform rating on shares of Skeena Resources in a research report on Monday, January 26th. Wall Street Zen raised Skeena Resources from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Sunday, January 25th. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a sell (d-) rating on shares of Skeena Resources in a research note on Wednesday, January 21st. Finally, CIBC reissued an outperform rating on shares of Skeena Resources in a research note on Wednesday. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, four have assigned a Buy rating and one has given a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy. Get Skeena Resources alerts: View Our Latest Stock Report on Skeena Resources Skeena Resources Price Performance The stock has a market cap of $3.53 billion, a PE ratio of -39.89 and a beta of 1.22. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $25.75 and a 200-day simple moving average of $20.06. Skeena Resources (NYSE:SKE Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, November 13th. The company reported ($0.09) earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of ($0.06) by ($0.03). As a group, equities research analysts anticipate that Skeena Resources Limited will post -0.98 EPS for the current year. Institutional Inflows and Outflows A number of institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in SKE. Royal Bank of Canada grew its holdings in Skeena Resources by 849.9% during the 1st quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 401,729 shares of the companys stock worth $4,053,000 after acquiring an additional 359,438 shares in the last quarter. Cubist Systematic Strategies LLC acquired a new stake in Skeena Resources during the first quarter worth about $89,000. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Skeena Resources by 174.0% during the first quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 314,370 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,172,000 after purchasing an additional 199,654 shares during the last quarter. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC raised its position in shares of Skeena Resources by 26.9% during the 2nd quarter. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC now owns 607,000 shares of the companys stock worth $9,661,000 after purchasing an additional 128,500 shares during the period. Finally, Cardinal Point Capital Management ULC bought a new stake in shares of Skeena Resources in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $239,000. 45.15% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. About Skeena Resources (Get Free Report) Skeena Resources Limited explores for and develops mineral properties in Canada. The company explores for gold, silver, copper, and other precious metal deposits. It holds 100% interests in the Snip gold mine comprising one mining lease and nine mineral tenures that covers an area of approximately 4,724 hectares; and the Eskay Creek gold mine that consists of eight mineral leases, two surface leases, and various unpatented mining claims comprising 7,666 hectares located in British Columbia, Canada. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Skeena Resources Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Skeena Resources and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Snowflake Inc. (NYSE:SNOW Get Free Report) traded down 5.3% during trading on Thursday . The company traded as low as $156.08 and last traded at $156.5530. 7,824,824 shares changed hands during trading, an increase of 41% from the average session volume of 5,564,372 shares. The stock had previously closed at $165.29. Key Headlines Impacting Snowflake Here are the key news stories impacting Snowflake this week: Get Snowflake alerts: Positive Sentiment: Snowflake announced a multiyear, roughly $200M partnership with OpenAI to embed advanced models into Snowflakes platform a revenue opportunity if customers run models on Snowflake data and pay for compute/consumption. OpenAI partnership Snowflake announced a multiyear, roughly $200M partnership with OpenAI to embed advanced models into Snowflakes platform a revenue opportunity if customers run models on Snowflake data and pay for compute/consumption. Positive Sentiment: Enterprise adoption example United Rentals has rolled out a Snowflakebuilt Business Intelligence AI agent across 1,600+ branches, showing nearterm real customer use of Snowflake Intelligence that could increase consumption. United Rentals deployment Enterprise adoption example United Rentals has rolled out a Snowflakebuilt Business Intelligence AI agent across 1,600+ branches, showing nearterm real customer use of Snowflake Intelligence that could increase consumption. Positive Sentiment: New AI product moves (Cortex Code, Semantic View Autopilot, Postgres integrations) broaden use cases and reduce friction for customers strategically supportive of longerterm consumption growth if execution follows through. Fool on Snowflake product momentum New AI product moves (Cortex Code, Semantic View Autopilot, Postgres integrations) broaden use cases and reduce friction for customers strategically supportive of longerterm consumption growth if execution follows through. Neutral Sentiment: Market commentary is mixed: analysts and stories acknowledge the strategic logic of model partnerships but emphasize investors want clear evidence of profitable consumption growth rather than press releases. Market analysis on OpenAI deal Market commentary is mixed: analysts and stories acknowledge the strategic logic of model partnerships but emphasize investors want clear evidence of profitable consumption growth rather than press releases. Negative Sentiment: Zacks Research downgraded Snowflake from hold to strong sell a fresh sellside hit that can accelerate outflows and push momentum traders to reduce exposure. Zacks downgrade Zacks Research downgraded Snowflake from hold to strong sell a fresh sellside hit that can accelerate outflows and push momentum traders to reduce exposure. Negative Sentiment: Johnson Fistel announced an investigation into whether Snowflake or its officers complied with securities laws legal/settlement risk increases uncertainty and can pressure the stock until resolved. Johnson Fistel investigation notice Johnson Fistel announced an investigation into whether Snowflake or its officers complied with securities laws legal/settlement risk increases uncertainty and can pressure the stock until resolved. Negative Sentiment: Insider selling: EVP Christian Kleinerman disclosed a sale of 10,000 shares insider sales can be interpreted as added nearterm supply and raise shortterm concern even if not uncommon. SEC Form 4 Kleinerman sale Insider selling: EVP Christian Kleinerman disclosed a sale of 10,000 shares insider sales can be interpreted as added nearterm supply and raise shortterm concern even if not uncommon. Negative Sentiment: Overall price action: analysts and reports note SNOW is falling more than the broader market amid profittaking and skepticism about nearterm margins if customers run large models that dynamic is amplifying the move lower. Zacks on SNOW downside Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several analysts recently commented on SNOW shares. Monness Crespi & Hardt raised their price target on shares of Snowflake from $260.00 to $275.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Thursday, December 4th. Argus upgraded shares of Snowflake from a hold rating to a buy rating and set a $300.00 target price for the company in a research report on Thursday, January 8th. UBS Group restated a buy rating on shares of Snowflake in a report on Thursday, December 4th. Evercore ISI upped their price target on shares of Snowflake from $280.00 to $300.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Thursday, December 4th. Finally, Bank of America lifted their price objective on Snowflake from $280.00 to $310.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Monday, November 17th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, thirty-four have issued a Buy rating, four have given a Hold rating and four have given a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $275.58. Snowflake Price Performance The companys 50-day simple moving average is $219.07 and its 200 day simple moving average is $227.23. The company has a quick ratio of 1.37, a current ratio of 1.37 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.07. The stock has a market capitalization of $53.57 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -38.75 and a beta of 1.14. Snowflake (NYSE:SNOW Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, December 3rd. The company reported $0.35 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.31 by $0.04. Snowflake had a negative return on equity of 45.91% and a negative net margin of 30.76%.The company had revenue of $1.21 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.18 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted $0.20 EPS. The firms revenue was up 28.7% on a year-over-year basis. Equities research analysts forecast that Snowflake Inc. will post -2.36 EPS for the current year. Insider Activity In related news, Director Frank Slootman sold 200,000 shares of Snowflake stock in a transaction on Thursday, December 18th. The shares were sold at an average price of $221.83, for a total value of $44,366,000.00. Following the transaction, the director owned 50,329 shares in the company, valued at $11,164,482.07. This trade represents a 79.89% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. Also, EVP Christian Kleinerman sold 10,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, December 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $249.53, for a total transaction of $2,495,300.00. Following the sale, the executive vice president owned 512,450 shares of the companys stock, valued at $127,871,648.50. This trade represents a 1.91% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. In the last ninety days, insiders sold 613,681 shares of company stock worth $135,245,745. 6.80% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Snowflake Several large investors have recently made changes to their positions in SNOW. Total Clarity Wealth Management Inc. increased its position in Snowflake by 2.7% during the third quarter. Total Clarity Wealth Management Inc. now owns 1,508 shares of the companys stock worth $340,000 after acquiring an additional 40 shares during the period. Diligent Investors LLC boosted its holdings in Snowflake by 0.9% in the 3rd quarter. Diligent Investors LLC now owns 4,594 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,036,000 after purchasing an additional 40 shares during the period. Coastline Trust Co grew its position in Snowflake by 1.0% in the 3rd quarter. Coastline Trust Co now owns 4,183 shares of the companys stock worth $943,000 after purchasing an additional 42 shares during the last quarter. Wedbush Securities Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Snowflake by 1.3% during the 2nd quarter. Wedbush Securities Inc. now owns 3,717 shares of the companys stock worth $832,000 after purchasing an additional 48 shares during the period. Finally, Avion Wealth increased its holdings in shares of Snowflake by 76.6% during the 2nd quarter. Avion Wealth now owns 113 shares of the companys stock worth $25,000 after purchasing an additional 49 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 65.10% of the companys stock. About Snowflake (Get Free Report) Snowflake Inc is a cloud-native data platform company that provides a suite of services for storing, processing and analyzing large volumes of data. Its core offering, often described as the Snowflake Data Cloud, combines data warehousing, data lake and data sharing capabilities in a single managed service delivered across major public cloud providers. The platform is designed to support analytics, data engineering, data science and application workloads with a focus on scalability, concurrency and simplified administration. Key products and capabilities include a multi-cluster, shared-data architecture that separates compute from storage; continuous data ingestion and streaming; support for structured and semi-structured data formats; tools for data governance, security and compliance; and developer frameworks for building data applications. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Snowflake Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Snowflake and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Canadian National Railway (NYSE:CNI Free Report) (TSE:CNR) had its price objective cut by Stephens from $105.00 to $100.00 in a research note issued to investors on Monday morning,Benzinga reports. They currently have an equal weight rating on the transportation companys stock. Several other equities analysts have also recently weighed in on CNI. Wells Fargo & Company lowered their price objective on shares of Canadian National Railway from $117.00 to $110.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, October 6th. Zacks Research raised shares of Canadian National Railway from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Friday, November 28th. Royal Bank Of Canada lifted their price target on shares of Canadian National Railway from $148.00 to $158.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Monday, November 3rd. Citigroup cut their price objective on shares of Canadian National Railway from $120.00 to $119.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, January 8th. Finally, Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c-) rating on shares of Canadian National Railway in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, ten have assigned a Buy rating and ten have given a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $118.91. Get Canadian National Railway alerts: Read Our Latest Research Report on CNI Canadian National Railway Stock Performance CNI stock opened at $98.95 on Monday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.94, a current ratio of 0.67 and a quick ratio of 0.42. Canadian National Railway has a 1 year low of $90.74 and a 1 year high of $108.75. The company has a market cap of $60.80 billion, a P/E ratio of 18.22, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.03 and a beta of 0.94. The stocks fifty day moving average price is $98.37 and its 200-day moving average price is $96.06. Canadian National Railway (NYSE:CNI Get Free Report) (TSE:CNR) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Friday, January 30th. The transportation company reported $1.49 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.43 by $0.06. The company had revenue of $3.24 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $4.43 billion. Canadian National Railway had a return on equity of 22.14% and a net margin of 27.28%.Canadian National Railways revenue for the quarter was up 2.4% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $1.82 earnings per share. On average, equities analysts forecast that Canadian National Railway will post 5.52 earnings per share for the current year. Canadian National Railway Increases Dividend The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, March 31st. Investors of record on Tuesday, March 10th will be paid a dividend of $0.915 per share. This is a positive change from Canadian National Railways previous quarterly dividend of $0.89. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, March 10th. This represents a $3.66 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.7%. Canadian National Railways dividend payout ratio is presently 46.59%. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Canadian National Railway A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of CNI. Creative Financial Designs Inc. ADV boosted its stake in shares of Canadian National Railway by 13.4% in the second quarter. Creative Financial Designs Inc. ADV now owns 929 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $97,000 after acquiring an additional 110 shares during the period. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in Canadian National Railway by 10.1% in the 3rd quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 1,231 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $116,000 after purchasing an additional 113 shares in the last quarter. Patten Group Inc. boosted its stake in Canadian National Railway by 1.4% in the 4th quarter. Patten Group Inc. now owns 8,326 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $823,000 after purchasing an additional 114 shares during the period. IFP Advisors Inc grew its holdings in Canadian National Railway by 3.3% during the 2nd quarter. IFP Advisors Inc now owns 3,582 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $373,000 after buying an additional 115 shares in the last quarter. Finally, D.A. Davidson & CO. grew its holdings in Canadian National Railway by 5.3% during the 2nd quarter. D.A. Davidson & CO. now owns 2,374 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $247,000 after buying an additional 119 shares in the last quarter. 80.74% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. About Canadian National Railway (Get Free Report) Canadian National Railway Company (NYSE: CNI) is a Class I freight railway that operates an integrated rail network across Canada and the United States. Headquartered in Montreal, Quebec, CN provides long-haul freight transportation and related logistics services that connect major ports, industrial centers and inland markets throughout North America. Its transcontinental system enables cross-border movement of goods and supports supply chains that span coast-to-coast in Canada and into the central and eastern United States. CNs core business is the railborne transportation of a broad mix of commodities, including intermodal container traffic, forest and paper products, grain and other agricultural products, metallurgical and industrial products, petroleum and chemical products, coal and automotive shipments. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Canadian National Railway Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Canadian National Railway and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Suburban Propane Partners (NYSE:SPH Get Free Report) announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday. The energy company reported $0.69 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.53 by $0.16, FiscalAI reports. Suburban Propane Partners had a net margin of 7.44% and a return on equity of 16.31%. The firm had revenue of $370.39 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $392.00 million. Here are the key takeaways from Suburban Propane Partners conference call: Get Suburban Propane Partners alerts: Sales and profitability improved: Retail propane gallons sold increased about 4.2% yearoveryear and Adjusted EBITDA rose to $83.4M , up ~<$8.1M> (~11%) driven by colder weather in the East, customer growth and recent acquisitions. Retail propane gallons sold increased about and Adjusted EBITDA rose to , up ~<$8.1M> (~11%) driven by colder weather in the East, customer growth and recent acquisitions. Gross margin expansion: Total gross margin was $238.6M , up $16.1M (7.2%), reflecting higher volumes and an improvement in propane unit margins of about $0.08 per gallon. Total gross margin was , up $16.1M (7.2%), reflecting higher volumes and an improvement in propane unit margins of about $0.08 per gallon. RNG progress and investment: Average daily RNG injection increased (notably at Stanfield), commissioning began at the Upstate New York digester, Columbus upgrades are underway, and RNG injection is targeted to start in the second half of the fiscal year; Q1 RNG capex was about $6.8M. Average daily RNG injection increased (notably at Stanfield), commissioning began at the Upstate New York digester, Columbus upgrades are underway, and RNG injection is targeted to start in the second half of the fiscal year; Q1 RNG capex was about $6.8M. Higher operating costs and leverage: Operating & G&A rose $5M (3.4%) due to payroll, overtime and variable costs, and the partnership borrowed $115.4M on the revolver with consolidated leverage at 4.57x (up from 4.0x a year ago), which could pressure nearterm financial flexibility. Operating & G&A rose $5M (3.4%) due to payroll, overtime and variable costs, and the partnership borrowed $115.4M on the revolver with consolidated leverage at (up from 4.0x a year ago), which could pressure nearterm financial flexibility. Distribution maintained: The Board declared a quarterly distribution of $0.325 per unit (annualized $1.30) with a coverage ratio of about 2.19x, indicating currently sustainable cash payout coverage. Suburban Propane Partners Stock Performance NYSE:SPH traded down $0.26 during mid-day trading on Thursday, hitting $19.75. 74,925 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 138,887. Suburban Propane Partners has a one year low of $17.30 and a one year high of $22.24. The company has a quick ratio of 0.31, a current ratio of 0.55 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.02. The firm has a market cap of $1.31 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 12.01 and a beta of 0.42. The stocks fifty day moving average price is $19.13 and its 200-day moving average price is $18.76. Suburban Propane Partners Announces Dividend Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, February 10th. Investors of record on Tuesday, February 3rd will be given a dividend of $0.325 per share. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, February 3rd. This represents a $1.30 annualized dividend and a yield of 6.6%. Suburban Propane Partnerss payout ratio is 79.27%. A number of research firms have commented on SPH. Argus raised shares of Suburban Propane Partners to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, January 21st. Zacks Research upgraded Suburban Propane Partners to a hold rating in a research note on Friday, January 23rd. Finally, Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c) rating on shares of Suburban Propane Partners in a report on Wednesday, January 21st. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating and two have issued a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy. View Our Latest Stock Analysis on SPH Hedge Funds Weigh In On Suburban Propane Partners Several large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in SPH. Creative Planning boosted its stake in shares of Suburban Propane Partners by 7.5% in the third quarter. Creative Planning now owns 33,764 shares of the energy companys stock worth $630,000 after acquiring an additional 2,343 shares during the period. Raymond James Financial Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Suburban Propane Partners by 3.0% during the third quarter. Raymond James Financial Inc. now owns 199,156 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $3,714,000 after purchasing an additional 5,769 shares in the last quarter. Private Advisor Group LLC increased its holdings in shares of Suburban Propane Partners by 15.7% in the 3rd quarter. Private Advisor Group LLC now owns 74,437 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $1,388,000 after acquiring an additional 10,111 shares during the period. Bank of America Corp DE lifted its position in shares of Suburban Propane Partners by 65.7% during the second quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 98,158 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $1,819,000 after buying an additional 38,937 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Jane Street Group LLC purchased a new position in shares of Suburban Propane Partners in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $2,278,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 30.94% of the companys stock. About Suburban Propane Partners (Get Free Report) Suburban Propane Partners L.P. (NYSE: SPH) is a publicly traded master limited partnership headquartered in Whippany, New Jersey, that provides propane and related energy services to residential, commercial, industrial and agricultural customers. As one of the largest propane retailers in the United States, the company delivers propane gas, heating oil, diesel fuel and natural gas throughout its service territories. In addition to fuel distribution, Suburban Propane offers HVAC installation, maintenance and repair services, as well as safety inspections and equipment leasing to support customers energy needs. The companys core business centers on the delivery of propane for space and water heating, cooking and agricultural applications. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Suburban Propane Partners Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Suburban Propane Partners and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Sun Life Financial (TSE:SLF Get Free Report) (NYSE:SLF) had its target price lifted by investment analysts at Scotiabank from C$87.00 to C$93.00 in a report issued on Thursday,BayStreet.CA reports. The firm presently has a sector perform rating on the financial services providers stock. Scotiabanks target price indicates a potential upside of 4.75% from the stocks current price. SLF has been the topic of a number of other reports. TD Securities lifted their price objective on shares of Sun Life Financial from C$99.00 to C$104.00 in a research note on Wednesday, January 14th. UBS Group upgraded shares of Sun Life Financial to a hold rating in a research report on Thursday, October 16th. CIBC upped their price target on shares of Sun Life Financial from C$93.00 to C$95.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Thursday, January 8th. Cibc Captl Mkts lowered shares of Sun Life Financial from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 29th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group boosted their target price on Sun Life Financial from C$96.00 to C$98.00 in a report on Monday, November 10th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, two have issued a Buy rating, seven have given a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Sun Life Financial presently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of C$93.22. Get Sun Life Financial alerts: Read Our Latest Analysis on Sun Life Financial Sun Life Financial Stock Performance TSE SLF traded down C$0.84 on Thursday, hitting C$88.78. The stock had a trading volume of 1,782,454 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,473,033. The companys 50-day moving average is C$85.07 and its two-hundred day moving average is C$83.84. Sun Life Financial has a one year low of C$74.56 and a one year high of C$91.11. The stock has a market cap of C$49.17 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 16.81, a P/E/G ratio of 1.33 and a beta of 0.73. The company has a quick ratio of 84,866.00, a current ratio of 92.19 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 26.00. Sun Life Financial (TSE:SLF Get Free Report) (NYSE:SLF) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 5th. The financial services provider reported C$1.86 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. Sun Life Financial had a return on equity of 15.69% and a net margin of 7.58%.The business had revenue of C$9.07 billion during the quarter. On average, analysts expect that Sun Life Financial 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. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Sun Life Financial Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Sun Life Financial and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Thomson Reuters Co. (NYSE:TRI Get Free Report) (TSE:TRI) has earned an average rating of Moderate Buy from the fourteen brokerages that are covering the company, MarketBeat Ratings reports. Four analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation and ten have issued a buy recommendation on the company. The average twelve-month price target among analysts that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $180.2727. Several equities analysts have recently commented on the company. CIBC set a $183.00 price objective on Thomson Reuters and gave the company an outperformer rating in a research report on Friday, January 16th. Wells Fargo & Company set a $140.00 price objective on shares of Thomson Reuters and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Wednesday. Scotiabank restated an outperform rating and set a $189.00 target price (down previously from $200.00) on shares of Thomson Reuters in a research report on Wednesday, November 5th. Royal Bank Of Canada cut their price objective on Thomson Reuters from $177.00 to $155.00 and set a sector perform rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday. Finally, BMO Capital Markets reaffirmed an outperform rating on shares of Thomson Reuters in a research note on Wednesday, November 5th. Get Thomson Reuters alerts: View Our Latest Stock Report on TRI Thomson Reuters News Roundup Positive Sentiment: Q4 operational beat: Thomson Reuters reported Q4 EPS of $1.07, beating estimates, and higher fourthquarter revenue driven by Legal, Tax & Accounting and Corporates evidence of continued organic momentum. Thomson Reuters (TRI) Beats Q4 Earnings and Revenue Estimates Q4 operational beat: Thomson Reuters reported Q4 EPS of $1.07, beating estimates, and higher fourthquarter revenue driven by Legal, Tax & Accounting and Corporates evidence of continued organic momentum. Positive Sentiment: Fullyear outlook and cash returns: Management reiterated a strong FY2026 operating outlook organic revenue growth target ~7.5%8% and ~100 bps EBITDA margin expansion and raised the annual dividend 10% to $2.62, signaling confidence and shareholder returns. Thomson Reuters Reports Fourth-Quarter and Full-Year 2025 Results Fullyear outlook and cash returns: Management reiterated a strong FY2026 operating outlook organic revenue growth target ~7.5%8% and ~100 bps EBITDA margin expansion and raised the annual dividend 10% to $2.62, signaling confidence and shareholder returns. Neutral Sentiment: AI positioning noted: Coverage highlights that Thomson Reuters is benefitting from AI investments and product innovation, but also flags competition from large generativeAI entrants a mediumterm structural opportunity with nearterm execution risk. Thomson Reuters reports higher fourth-quarter revenue AI positioning noted: Coverage highlights that Thomson Reuters is benefitting from AI investments and product innovation, but also flags competition from large generativeAI entrants a mediumterm structural opportunity with nearterm execution risk. Negative Sentiment: Slightly light FY2026 revenue guide vs. Street: The company updated FY2026 revenue guidance to $8.0$8.1B versus a consensus near $8.1B a small miss that may temper enthusiasm for nearterm growth. FY2026 guidance entry Slightly light FY2026 revenue guide vs. Street: The company updated FY2026 revenue guidance to $8.0$8.1B versus a consensus near $8.1B a small miss that may temper enthusiasm for nearterm growth. Negative Sentiment: Analyst target trims: Several firms (Canaccord reduced target to $130; RBC lowered its expectations) have trimmed targets or shifted ratings recently, which can weigh on sentiment despite still-positive longerterm views from some analysts. Where Thomson Reuters stands with analysts / BayStreet Thomson Reuters Stock Performance Here are the key news stories impacting Thomson Reuters this week: TRI stock traded down $2.42 during midday trading on Thursday, reaching $91.14. 1,127,758 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 1,588,552. The stocks 50-day moving average is $126.70 and its 200 day moving average is $151.68. The stock has a market cap of $40.55 billion, a P/E ratio of 18.71, a PEG ratio of 5.67 and a beta of 0.79. Thomson Reuters has a 52-week low of $86.42 and a 52-week high of $218.42. The company has a current ratio of 1.02, a quick ratio of 0.94 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.15. Thomson Reuters (NYSE:TRI Get Free Report) (TSE:TRI) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, February 5th. The business services provider reported $1.07 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.06 by $0.01. Thomson Reuters had a return on equity of 14.62% and a net margin of 30.45%.The companys revenue was up 5.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $1.01 EPS. As a group, analysts anticipate that Thomson Reuters will post 3.89 EPS for the current year. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Thomson Reuters Hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the company. PFG Investments LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Thomson Reuters by 2.2% during the 2nd quarter. PFG Investments LLC now owns 2,660 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $535,000 after purchasing an additional 57 shares during the last quarter. Dorsey & Whitney Trust CO LLC grew its holdings in Thomson Reuters by 4.6% during the second quarter. Dorsey & Whitney Trust CO LLC now owns 1,414 shares of the business services providers stock worth $284,000 after acquiring an additional 62 shares during the period. SBI Securities Co. Ltd. lifted its stake in shares of Thomson Reuters by 30.9% in the 2nd quarter. SBI Securities Co. Ltd. now owns 309 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $62,000 after purchasing an additional 73 shares during the period. UMB Bank n.a. raised its position in shares of Thomson Reuters by 21.2% in the third quarter. UMB Bank n.a. now owns 441 shares of the business services providers stock worth $69,000 after acquiring an additional 77 shares during the period. Finally, DAVENPORT & Co LLC raised its stake in shares of Thomson Reuters by 3.6% during the 2nd quarter. DAVENPORT & Co LLC now owns 2,362 shares of the business services providers stock worth $474,000 after buying an additional 82 shares during the period. 17.31% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Thomson Reuters Company Profile (Get Free Report) 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. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Thomson Reuters Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Thomson Reuters and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Uber Technologies (NYSE:UBER Get Free Report)s stock had its outperform rating reaffirmed by equities researchers at Royal Bank Of Canada in a research note issued to investors on Thursday, MarketBeat reports. They currently have a $105.00 target price on the ride-sharing companys stock. Royal Bank Of Canadas price objective suggests a potential upside of 37.52% from the companys current price. UBER has been the topic of a number of other research reports. Sanford C. Bernstein reiterated an outperform rating on shares of Uber Technologies in a research note on Thursday, December 18th. Citizens Jmp raised shares of Uber Technologies from a market perform rating to an outperform rating and set a $100.00 price objective for the company in a research report on Wednesday. DA Davidson raised their target price on shares of Uber Technologies from $102.00 to $108.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, November 5th. BMO Capital Markets dropped their price target on Uber Technologies from $113.00 to $106.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, November 5th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group reiterated a buy rating on shares of Uber Technologies in a report on Wednesday, January 7th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, thirty-three have given a Buy rating, seven have assigned a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $105.14. Get Uber Technologies alerts: View Our Latest Research Report on Uber Technologies Uber Technologies Price Performance UBER stock traded up $2.43 during mid-day trading on Thursday, hitting $76.35. The company had a trading volume of 21,201,948 shares, compared to its average volume of 21,449,004. The company has a quick ratio of 1.15, a current ratio of 1.15 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.37. Uber Technologies has a 12-month low of $60.63 and a 12-month high of $101.99. The company has a 50-day moving average price of $83.54 and a 200 day moving average price of $89.94. The company has a market capitalization of $158.64 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 9.83 and a beta of 1.21. Uber Technologies (NYSE:UBER Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, February 4th. The ride-sharing company reported $0.71 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.79 by ($0.08). The business had revenue of $14.37 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $14.32 billion. Uber Technologies had a net margin of 33.54% and a return on equity of 68.17%. The firms quarterly revenue was up 20.1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted $3.21 earnings per share. Uber Technologies has set its Q1 2026 guidance at 0.650-0.720 EPS. On average, research analysts anticipate that Uber Technologies will post 2.54 earnings per share for the current year. Insider Buying and Selling at Uber Technologies In related news, CFO Prashanth Mahendra-Rajah sold 5,500 shares of Uber Technologies stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, November 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $94.41, for a total value of $519,255.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer directly owned 20,330 shares in the company, valued at $1,919,355.30. This trade represents a 21.29% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. 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 transaction, the insider owned 176,584 shares of the companys stock, valued at $14,744,764. This trade represents a 1.74% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. In the last quarter, insiders have sold 14,875 shares of company stock valued at $1,319,130. Company insiders own 3.84% of the companys stock. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Uber Technologies A number of large investors have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Foster Group Inc. increased its stake in Uber Technologies by 3.3% during the 3rd quarter. Foster Group Inc. now owns 3,364 shares of the ride-sharing companys stock worth $330,000 after buying an additional 107 shares in the last quarter. Sage Rhino Capital LLC raised its stake in Uber Technologies by 4.2% in the 3rd quarter. Sage Rhino Capital LLC now owns 2,740 shares of the ride-sharing companys stock valued at $268,000 after purchasing an additional 110 shares during the last quarter. Quent Capital LLC boosted its stake in Uber Technologies by 3.3% during the 3rd quarter. Quent Capital LLC now owns 3,504 shares of the ride-sharing companys stock worth $343,000 after purchasing an additional 111 shares during the last quarter. Advisors Capital Management LLC grew its holdings in shares of Uber Technologies by 1.8% during the third quarter. Advisors Capital Management LLC now owns 6,398 shares of the ride-sharing companys stock worth $627,000 after buying an additional 111 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Emergent Wealth Advisors LLC raised its position in shares of Uber Technologies by 0.7% in the third quarter. Emergent Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 17,361 shares of the ride-sharing companys stock valued at $1,701,000 after buying an additional 114 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 80.24% of the companys stock. Trending Headlines about Uber Technologies Here are the key news stories impacting Uber Technologies this week: About Uber Technologies (Get 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. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Uber Technologies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Uber Technologies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. One-person companies gain traction in China with AI tools People's Daily Online) 09:04, February 05, 2026 The rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) has led to the rise of a new type of startup: the one-person company (OPC). With the help of efficient AI tools, an individual or a small team can turn their ideas into reality, creating innovative products and generating profits. This innovative model has gained widespread support across the country, with municipalities like Beijing and Shanghai, and provinces such as Jiangsu and Guangdong rolling out plans and developing specialized parks for OPCs. In July 2025, the Zhongguancun AI North Latitude Hub, located in Haidian district, Beijing, launched the first phase of its 60,000-square-meter innovation space for businesses, offering services such as office areas, early-stage incubation, and matchmaking opportunities for enterprises. Photo shows a shared workspace at the Zhongguancun AI North Latitude Hub in Haidian district, Beijing. (People's Daily Overseas Edition/Li Zhen) Later that year, in December, the hub launched a new initiative to support OPCs. Li Tao, CEO of Beijing Time Cocoon Education Technology Co., Ltd., moved to the hub in September 2025. The company's product went from concept to market in just two months. "Traditionally, starting a company meant assembling a team and securing significant funding, which was a high barrier," Li explained. "With AI tools, a single person can create high-quality products provided they have the right skills and can deliver solutions that meet users' needs." With the help of AI, Li gathered data on numerous overseas universities and eventually developed an AI-powered school finder. By entering their scores, desired majors, and preferred countries, students can receive a list of five schools that best match their profiles. "OPCs looking to join the hub must develop products using AI and manage operations across the entire chain. In addition, the startup should be run by either an individual or a small team," said Dong Bo, a representative of the hub's operator and chairman of Kr Star Innovation, a renowned domestic technology innovation service platform under 36Kr Holdings Inc. Photo shows an office for a one-person company at the Zhongguancun AI North Latitude Hub in Haidian district, Beijing. (People's Daily Overseas Edition/Li Zhen) Dong has observed that OPCs at the hub showcase AI's potential across multiple industries. The startup teams have developed AI-driven products spanning education, health care, security, and law. Tang Meng, founder of Mystbio, was driven by an ambition to launch a company specializing in precision medicine for cancer treatment. "Our products leverage population genetic data and patients' medication histories, using AI algorithms to predict side effects of immunotherapy for cancer patients. This is an area that has previously been overlooked in clinical practice in China," said Tang. Tang believes that for entrepreneurs in the OPC field, it's essential to stay highly attuned to industry trends. "We've established a close partnership with the National Cancer Center to build valuable data assets. So far, we've gathered case data from over 5,000 cancer patients, resulting in more than a million follow-up records," said Tang. Tang Meng, founder of Mystbio, presents product data. (People's Daily Overseas Edition/Li Zhen) Why do entrepreneurs choose to work in public spaces like the Zhongguancun AI North Latitude Hub? Dong explained that the hub offers an 800-square-meter shared workspace with meeting rooms, a kitchenette, and a dining area. "Entrepreneurs who come here can connect with like-minded individuals for collaboration while also experiencing a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere," he said. The hub also provides extensive support for entrepreneurs, including services like business registration and assistance with policy applications. It organizes events to bring together investors, financial institutions, and other key resources, and hosts seminars where experts discuss industry policies and the latest technological developments. Photo shows the exterior of the Zhongguancun AI North Latitude Hub in Haidian district, Beijing. (Photo courtesy of the interviewee) (Web editor: Chang Sha, Liang Jun) Whatre we gonna do, man? This is heinous! This is awful! I dont think we can survive this! a Minnesota resident, clearly in despair at the closures of the Somalian Learning Centers, cried out when he heard the news. This is terrible news for the local communities, where no children have ever been seen at these institutions. Childcare Centers, Autism Centers, Healthcare Centers all owned by Somalis receive billions of dollars in Federal funding over decades, and the money simply disappeared, possibly funnelled to Somalia or who knows where. Comrades, there is a profound danger to Comrade Starmer leering its ugly head from within the treacherous party ranks. Do not fear, we are dealing with this at the utmost haste. Stasi agents have been set loose to find and apprehend, and liquidate Commissar Wes Streeting, an avowed student of his mentor, Commissar Mandy, who both pose a fundamental threat to Comrade Starmers iron rule over the Big State apparatus. If any proles, or party members see Commissar Streeting anywhere, they are urged immediately to report the siting to their local Stasi office or agent on fear of liquidation. Any citizen of the Peoples Republic of Soviet Britain found giving aid or shelter to Commissar Streeting will be arrested and liquidated without prejudice. REMEMBER LOOK, LISTEN AND REPORT! ABN AMRO Bank N.V. boosted its holdings in shares of Quanta Services, Inc. (NYSE:PWR Free Report) by 164.8% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 88,669 shares of the construction companys stock after purchasing an additional 55,187 shares during the quarter. ABN AMRO Bank N.V. owned about 0.06% of Quanta Services worth $36,567,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Get Quanta Services alerts: A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in PWR. Petros Family Wealth LLC grew its position in Quanta Services by 2.2% in the third quarter. Petros Family Wealth LLC now owns 1,101 shares of the construction companys stock worth $456,000 after acquiring an additional 24 shares in the last quarter. Ashton Thomas Private Wealth LLC lifted its stake in shares of Quanta Services by 1.2% in the 2nd quarter. Ashton Thomas Private Wealth LLC now owns 2,250 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $851,000 after purchasing an additional 26 shares during the last quarter. Carr Financial Group Corp boosted its holdings in shares of Quanta Services by 1.8% in the 3rd quarter. Carr Financial Group Corp now owns 1,471 shares of the construction companys stock worth $610,000 after purchasing an additional 26 shares during the period. Kathmere Capital Management LLC increased its position in shares of Quanta Services by 2.8% during the 3rd quarter. Kathmere Capital Management LLC now owns 961 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $398,000 after purchasing an additional 26 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Westside Investment Management Inc. raised its holdings in Quanta Services by 9.8% during the 3rd quarter. Westside Investment Management Inc. now owns 292 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $122,000 after buying an additional 26 shares during the period. 90.49% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Quanta Services Stock Performance Shares of NYSE:PWR opened at $464.35 on Thursday. The firms 50 day simple moving average is $449.69 and its 200-day simple moving average is $424.23. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.66, a quick ratio of 1.30 and a current ratio of 1.34. Quanta Services, Inc. has a one year low of $227.08 and a one year high of $492.80. The firm has a market cap of $69.24 billion, a PE ratio of 68.79, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.37 and a beta of 1.15. Analyst Ratings Changes Several research analysts have commented on the stock. Roth Mkm set a $500.00 price objective on shares of Quanta Services and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Friday, October 31st. Cantor Fitzgerald began coverage on shares of Quanta Services in a research note on Friday, January 23rd. They set an overweight rating and a $520.00 price target for the company. Weiss Ratings raised shares of Quanta Services from a hold (c+) rating to a buy (b-) rating in a research report on Monday, January 12th. The Goldman Sachs Group set a $495.00 target price on Quanta Services in a research report on Monday, November 24th. Finally, Robert W. Baird set a $490.00 price target on Quanta Services in a report on Friday, October 31st. Thirteen 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.com, Quanta Services presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $462.00. Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on PWR About Quanta Services (Free Report) Quanta Services, Inc is a leading specialty contractor that provides comprehensive infrastructure solutions for the electric power, pipeline and energy, and communications markets. Headquartered in Houston, Texas, the company delivers engineering, procurement, construction, installation, maintenance and repair services that support the development, modernization and ongoing operation of critical energy and communications networks. In the electric power sector, Quanta works on transmission and distribution systems, substation construction and grid modernization projects that include integration of renewable generation and energy storage. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PWR? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Quanta Services, Inc. (NYSE:PWR Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Quanta Services Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Quanta Services and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Ashton Thomas Private Wealth LLC lessened its stake in ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP Free Report) by 35.6% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 46,129 shares of the energy producers stock after selling 25,479 shares during the quarter. Ashton Thomas Private Wealth LLCs holdings in ConocoPhillips were worth $4,363,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Get ConocoPhillips alerts: A number of other large investors have also recently bought and sold shares of COP. Howard Hughes Medical Institute bought a new stake in shares of ConocoPhillips during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $25,000. Cloud Capital Management LLC bought a new position in ConocoPhillips in the third quarter valued at approximately $26,000. Bogart Wealth LLC raised its position in ConocoPhillips by 136.8% during the second quarter. Bogart Wealth LLC now owns 315 shares of the energy producers stock valued at $28,000 after purchasing an additional 182 shares in the last quarter. Cedar Mountain Advisors LLC lifted its stake in ConocoPhillips by 58.0% during the third quarter. Cedar Mountain Advisors LLC now owns 316 shares of the energy producers stock worth $30,000 after purchasing an additional 116 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Activest Wealth Management boosted its holdings in shares of ConocoPhillips by 249.5% in the 2nd quarter. Activest Wealth Management now owns 325 shares of the energy producers stock valued at $29,000 after purchasing an additional 232 shares in the last quarter. 82.36% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. ConocoPhillips Stock Up 2.6% NYSE:COP opened at $107.63 on Thursday. ConocoPhillips has a one year low of $79.88 and a one year high of $108.34. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.35, a current ratio of 1.32 and a quick ratio of 1.18. The company has a market cap of $133.00 billion, a PE ratio of 15.22 and a beta of 0.32. The firms 50 day simple moving average is $95.76 and its 200 day simple moving average is $93.52. Insiders Place Their Bets ConocoPhillips ( NYSE:COP Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, November 6th. The energy producer reported $1.61 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.41 by $0.20. The firm had revenue of $15.03 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $14.51 billion. ConocoPhillips had a net margin of 14.25% and a return on equity of 13.64%. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 14.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $1.78 earnings per share. On average, research analysts anticipate that ConocoPhillips will post 8.16 earnings per share for the current year. In related news, CEO Ryan Michael Lance sold 500,708 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Friday, December 19th. The stock was sold at an average price of $92.50, for a total transaction of $46,315,490.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer directly owned 325,972 shares of the companys stock, valued at $30,152,410. This trade represents a 60.57% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, Director William H. Mcraven bought 5,768 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Monday, November 10th. The shares were bought at an average cost of $86.68 per share, for a total transaction of $499,970.24. Following the completion of the acquisition, the director directly owned 5,768 shares in the company, valued at approximately $499,970.24. This trade represents a increase in their position. Additional details regarding this purchase are available in the official SEC disclosure. Corporate insiders own 0.24% of the companys stock. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several analysts recently weighed in on the company. Raymond James Financial upped their price objective on ConocoPhillips from $98.00 to $113.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday, January 22nd. Wells Fargo & Company assumed coverage on ConocoPhillips in a research note on Friday, October 17th. They set an equal weight rating and a $100.00 target price for the company. Capital One Financial raised their price target on shares of ConocoPhillips from $111.00 to $116.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research note on Tuesday, January 20th. Mizuho lifted their price target on shares of ConocoPhillips from $120.00 to $121.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Friday, December 12th. Finally, Morgan Stanley dropped their price objective on shares of ConocoPhillips from $117.00 to $108.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Friday, January 23rd. Sixteen research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, seven have assigned a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $110.96. View Our Latest Stock Analysis on ConocoPhillips ConocoPhillips Profile (Free Report) ConocoPhillips (NYSE: COP) is a Houston-based international energy company focused on exploration and production of oil and natural gas. Formed in 2002 through the merger of Conoco Inc and Phillips Petroleum Company, the firm operates as an independent upstream company that explores for, develops and produces crude oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids across a portfolio of global assets. The companys activities span conventional and unconventional resources and include onshore and offshore operations in multiple regions around the world. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding COP? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for ConocoPhillips Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for ConocoPhillips and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Federated Hermes Inc. lifted its holdings in Bank of Hawaii Corporation (NYSE:BOH Free Report) by 1,736.0% in the third quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 35,380 shares of the banks stock after purchasing an additional 33,453 shares during the quarter. Federated Hermes Inc. owned about 0.09% of Bank of Hawaii worth $2,322,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Get Bank of Hawaii alerts: Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. DAVENPORT & Co LLC increased its position in shares of Bank of Hawaii by 11.6% in the 2nd quarter. DAVENPORT & Co LLC now owns 23,832 shares of the banks stock valued at $1,609,000 after acquiring an additional 2,477 shares during the period. Campbell & CO Investment Adviser LLC acquired a new position in shares of Bank of Hawaii in the second quarter valued at about $3,222,000. Capital Fund Management S.A. purchased a new position in shares of Bank of Hawaii in the second quarter worth about $2,238,000. Norges Bank acquired a new stake in shares of Bank of Hawaii during the second quarter worth about $30,569,000. Finally, KLP Kapitalforvaltning AS boosted its position in Bank of Hawaii by 10.5% in the second quarter. KLP Kapitalforvaltning AS now owns 8,400 shares of the banks stock valued at $567,000 after buying an additional 800 shares during the last quarter. 82.18% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Insider Activity In other news, CEO Peter S. Ho sold 15,000 shares of Bank of Hawaii stock in a transaction dated Friday, January 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $67.87, for a total value of $1,018,050.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer owned 156,774 shares in the company, valued at $10,640,251.38. This trade represents a 8.73% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. 2.07% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Bank of Hawaii Stock Performance NYSE BOH opened at $76.27 on Thursday. The stock has a market capitalization of $3.03 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 16.51, a PEG ratio of 0.63 and a beta of 0.75. The stock has a 50-day moving average of $70.37 and a 200 day moving average of $67.06. The company has a current ratio of 0.70, a quick ratio of 0.70 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.37. Bank of Hawaii Corporation has a twelve month low of $57.44 and a twelve month high of $78.25. Bank of Hawaii (NYSE:BOH Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Monday, January 26th. The bank reported $1.39 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.25 by $0.14. Bank of Hawaii had a return on equity of 14.42% and a net margin of 19.30%.The business had revenue of $189.65 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $184.83 million. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $0.85 earnings per share. Sell-side analysts anticipate that Bank of Hawaii Corporation will post 3.97 EPS for the current fiscal year. Bank of Hawaii Announces Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 13th. Shareholders of record on Friday, February 27th will be issued a dividend of $0.70 per share. This represents a $2.80 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.7%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, February 27th. Bank of Hawaiis dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 60.61%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth BOH has been the subject of several research reports. DA Davidson lifted their price objective on shares of Bank of Hawaii from $73.00 to $81.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Tuesday, January 27th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods upgraded shares of Bank of Hawaii from a market perform rating to an outperform rating and boosted their target price for the company from $75.00 to $91.00 in a research report on Tuesday, January 27th. Zacks Research raised Bank of Hawaii from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, January 28th. Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c) rating on shares of Bank of Hawaii in a report on Monday, December 29th. Finally, Wall Street Zen raised Bank of Hawaii from a sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Saturday, January 31st. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, two have given a Buy rating and four have issued a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, Bank of Hawaii currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $81.80. Check Out Our Latest Analysis on Bank of Hawaii Bank of Hawaii Profile (Free Report) Bank of Hawaii (NYSE: BOH) is a regional commercial bank headquartered in Honolulu, Hawaii, with roots tracing back to its founding in 1897 by Charles Montague Cooke and Peter Cushman Jones. As one of the oldest financial institutions in the U.S. West Coast region, the bank has built a reputation for stability and community focus. It operates as the principal subsidiary of Bank of Hawaii Corporation, a publicly traded company on the New York Stock Exchange. The bank offers a comprehensive suite of personal and business banking products and services. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BOH? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Bank of Hawaii Corporation (NYSE:BOH Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Bank of Hawaii Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bank of Hawaii and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Bessemer Group Inc. lifted its stake in shares of McDonalds Corporation (NYSE:MCD Free Report) by 18.0% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 594,395 shares of the fast-food giants stock after acquiring an additional 90,582 shares during the quarter. Bessemer Group Inc. owned about 0.08% of McDonalds worth $180,631,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. Get McDonald's alerts: A number of other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in MCD. Legacy Investment Solutions LLC acquired a new stake in shares of McDonalds in the second quarter valued at about $25,000. Decker Retirement Planning Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of McDonalds by 142.9% during the second quarter. Decker Retirement Planning Inc. now owns 85 shares of the fast-food giants stock worth $25,000 after buying an additional 50 shares during the last quarter. Evergreen Private Wealth LLC boosted its position in shares of McDonalds by 162.5% in 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 during the period. GFG Capital LLC acquired a new stake in shares of McDonalds in the second quarter worth $29,000. Finally, Financial Gravity Companies Inc. bought a new position in McDonalds during the second quarter worth $29,000. 70.29% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In MCD has been the subject of a number of research reports. BMO Capital Markets reissued an outperform rating on shares of McDonalds in a report on Thursday, November 6th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a buy (b-) rating on shares of McDonalds in a research note on Wednesday, January 28th. Citigroup lowered their price target on McDonalds from $381.00 to $375.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, October 21st. Royal Bank Of Canada began coverage on McDonalds in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. They issued a sector perform rating and a $320.00 price objective for the company. Finally, KeyCorp boosted their price objective on McDonalds from $335.00 to $340.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Friday, January 9th. Fifteen investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, fourteen have given a Hold rating and two have given a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $331.37. Insider Buying and Selling In other news, insider Joseph M. Erlinger sold 3,195 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Friday, November 14th. The shares were sold at an average price of $305.82, for a total value of $977,094.90. Following the sale, the insider owned 6,088 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,861,832.16. The trade was a 34.42% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. Also, CFO Ian Frederick Borden sold 17,134 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Friday, November 21st. The stock was sold at an average price of $310.00, for a total transaction of $5,311,540.00. Following the sale, the chief financial officer owned 26,353 shares of the companys stock, valued at $8,169,430. This trade represents a 39.40% decrease in their position. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Insiders sold a total of 32,008 shares of company stock valued at $9,895,452 in the last ninety days. Insiders own 0.25% of the companys stock. Key Stories Impacting McDonalds Here are the key news stories impacting McDonalds this week: McDonalds Trading Up 1.2% MCD stock opened at $323.28 on Thursday. McDonalds Corporation has a 1-year low of $283.47 and a 1-year high of $326.95. The businesss 50 day moving average is $310.43 and its 200-day moving average is $306.92. The firm has a market cap of $230.22 billion, a P/E ratio of 27.58, a P/E/G ratio of 3.23 and a beta of 0.52. McDonalds (NYSE:MCD Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, November 5th. The fast-food giant reported $3.22 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $3.33 by ($0.11). McDonalds had a net margin of 32.04% and a negative return on equity of 280.89%. The company had revenue of $7.08 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $7.10 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $3.23 EPS. McDonaldss quarterly revenue was up 3.0% compared to the same quarter last year. Sell-side analysts forecast that McDonalds Corporation will post 12.25 EPS for the current year. McDonalds Profile (Free Report) McDonalds Corporation (NYSE: MCD) is a global quick-service restaurant company best known for its hamburgers, French fries and breakfast offerings. The company develops, operates and franchises a system of restaurants that sell a range of food and beverage items, including signature products such as the Big Mac, Quarter Pounder, Chicken McNuggets, McCafe coffee beverages and a variety of salads, desserts and seasonal menu items. McDonalds serves customers through company-operated restaurants and franchised locations, and it supports sales via dine-in, drive-thru, digital ordering platforms and third-party delivery partnerships. Founded in 1940 by brothers Richard and Maurice McDonald as a single San Bernardino, California restaurant, the business was transformed into a franchising model after Ray Kroc joined in the mid-1950s and led the brands national and international expansion. See Also Receive News & Ratings for McDonald's Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for McDonald's and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Bessemer Group Inc. reduced its stake in shares of Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM Free Report) by 0.4% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 1,370,640 shares of the companys stock after selling 5,705 shares during the quarter. Bessemer Group Inc. owned approximately 0.09% of Philip Morris International worth $222,317,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Get Philip Morris International alerts: Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of PM. Second Line Capital LLC grew its stake in shares of Philip Morris International by 4.8% in the second quarter. Second Line Capital LLC now owns 1,338 shares of the companys stock worth $245,000 after acquiring an additional 61 shares during the last quarter. Meridian Wealth Partners LLC boosted its stake in Philip Morris International by 3.1% in the 2nd quarter. Meridian Wealth Partners LLC now owns 2,060 shares of the companys stock worth $375,000 after purchasing an additional 62 shares in the last quarter. Bernardo Wealth Planning LLC grew its position in Philip Morris International by 1.8% during the 2nd quarter. Bernardo Wealth Planning LLC now owns 3,584 shares of the companys stock valued at $653,000 after purchasing an additional 62 shares during the last quarter. Raiffeisen Bank International AG grew its position in Philip Morris International by 1.4% during the 2nd quarter. Raiffeisen Bank International AG now owns 4,471 shares of the companys stock valued at $803,000 after purchasing an additional 63 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Nia Impact Advisors LLC increased its stake in Philip Morris International by 4.2% during the 2nd quarter. Nia Impact Advisors LLC now owns 1,577 shares of the companys stock valued at $287,000 after purchasing an additional 63 shares in the last quarter. 78.63% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Philip Morris International Price Performance PM stock opened at $180.22 on Thursday. Philip Morris International Inc. has a 1 year low of $130.31 and a 1 year high of $186.69. The company has a market cap of $280.54 billion, a P/E ratio of 32.65, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.91 and a beta of 0.39. The stocks fifty day moving average price is $162.98 and its 200-day moving average price is $161.39. Philip Morris International Dividend Announcement Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, January 14th. Shareholders of record on Friday, December 26th were paid a dividend of $1.47 per share. This represents a $5.88 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.3%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, December 26th. Philip Morris Internationals payout ratio is currently 106.52%. Several research analysts have recently issued reports on PM shares. Morgan Stanley set a $175.00 target price on shares of Philip Morris International and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 22nd. The Goldman Sachs Group reaffirmed a buy rating on shares of Philip Morris International in a research report on Wednesday, October 22nd. Jefferies Financial Group lowered Philip Morris International from a buy rating to a hold rating and reduced their target price for the stock from $220.00 to $180.00 in a report on Tuesday, January 20th. Wall Street Zen downgraded Philip Morris International from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Saturday, January 10th. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus set a $180.00 price objective on Philip Morris International in a research report on Tuesday, October 21st. Eleven research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and two have assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Philip Morris International has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $184.56. Check Out Our Latest Report on PM Philip Morris International Profile (Free Report) Philip Morris International Inc (NYSE: PM) is a global tobacco company that manufactures and sells cigarettes, other nicotine-containing products and a growing portfolio of smoke-free alternatives for adult smokers. The firm traces its corporate roots to the 19th century Philip Morris enterprise and was established as an independent, publicly traded company following a 2008 separation from what is now Altria. Since the spin-off, the company has focused on serving international markets outside the United States. PMIs product mix includes traditional combustible cigarettes as well as smoke-free offerings such as heated tobacco systems and other reduced-risk products. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Philip Morris International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Philip Morris International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. BI Asset Management Fondsmaeglerselskab A S lifted its position in shares of UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH Free Report) by 3.7% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 109,377 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock after purchasing an additional 3,930 shares during the period. BI Asset Management Fondsmaeglerselskab A Ss holdings in UnitedHealth Group were worth $35,717,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Get UnitedHealth Group alerts: A number of other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Geode Capital Management LLC raised its position in shares of UnitedHealth Group by 3.3% in the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 21,312,182 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock valued at $6,624,411,000 after purchasing an additional 675,075 shares in the last quarter. Norges Bank bought a new position in UnitedHealth Group during the 2nd quarter valued at $3,837,207,000. Dodge & Cox raised its stake in shares of UnitedHealth Group by 117.7% in the 2nd quarter. Dodge & Cox now owns 8,750,560 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock valued at $2,729,912,000 after purchasing an additional 4,730,192 shares in the last quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. grew its stake in UnitedHealth Group by 6.1% in the second quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 7,502,469 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock worth $2,340,346,000 after purchasing an additional 432,084 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Amundi lifted its holdings in UnitedHealth Group by 33.8% during the 2nd quarter. Amundi now owns 6,191,871 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock worth $1,904,372,000 after buying an additional 1,565,245 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 87.86% of the companys stock. UnitedHealth Group Price Performance Shares of NYSE UNH opened at $275.70 on Thursday. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $328.16 and a two-hundred day moving average of $323.39. The company has a market capitalization of $249.74 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 20.90, a PEG ratio of 1.31 and a beta of 0.41. 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 Incorporated has a twelve month low of $234.60 and a twelve month high of $606.36. UnitedHealth Group Announces Dividend UnitedHealth Group ( NYSE:UNH Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Tuesday, January 27th. The healthcare conglomerate reported $2.11 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.09 by $0.02. The business had revenue of $113.22 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $113.38 billion. UnitedHealth Group had a return on equity of 14.79% and a net margin of 2.69%.The companys quarterly revenue was up 12.3% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $6.81 EPS. UnitedHealth Group has set its FY 2026 guidance at 17.750- EPS. As a group, analysts expect that UnitedHealth Group Incorporated will post 29.54 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, December 16th. Shareholders of record on Monday, December 8th were given a $2.21 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Monday, December 8th. This represents a $8.84 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.2%. UnitedHealth Groups dividend payout ratio is presently 67.02%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several equities research analysts recently issued reports on the company. Wells Fargo & Company dropped their price target on UnitedHealth Group from $400.00 to $370.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, January 30th. Morgan Stanley decreased their price target on shares of UnitedHealth Group from $411.00 to $409.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Friday, January 23rd. Truist Financial decreased their target price on UnitedHealth Group from $410.00 to $370.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Monday. Sanford C. Bernstein reissued an outperform rating on shares of UnitedHealth Group in a report on Wednesday, January 28th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group began coverage on UnitedHealth Group in a research note on Tuesday, October 14th. They issued a buy rating and a $406.00 target price on the stock. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seventeen have issued a Buy rating, nine have assigned a Hold rating and two have given a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $375.46. View Our Latest Research Report on UnitedHealth Group Key Headlines Impacting UnitedHealth Group Here are the key news stories impacting UnitedHealth Group this week: UnitedHealth Group Profile (Free Report) UnitedHealth Group Inc is a diversified health care company headquartered in Minnetonka, Minnesota, that operates two primary business platforms: UnitedHealthcare and Optum. Founded in 1977, the company provides a broad range of health benefits and health care services to individuals, employers, governmental entities and other organizations. Its operations span commercial employer-sponsored plans, individual and Medicare and Medicaid programs, and services for customers and health systems in the United States and selected international markets. UnitedHealthcare is the companys benefits business, administering health plans and networks, managing provider relationships, and offering coverage products for employers, individuals, and government-sponsored programs. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for UnitedHealth Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for UnitedHealth Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. HORAN Wealth LLC increased its holdings in shares of Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM Free Report) by 78.3% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 13,180 shares of the oil and gas companys stock after buying an additional 5,788 shares during the period. HORAN Wealth LLCs holdings in Exxon Mobil were worth $1,486,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Get Exxon Mobil alerts: Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Horizon Investment Services LLC grew its holdings in Exxon Mobil by 16.6% during the 3rd quarter. Horizon Investment Services LLC now owns 5,318 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $600,000 after acquiring an additional 759 shares during the period. Bessemer Group Inc. grew its stake in shares of Exxon Mobil by 119.4% during the third quarter. Bessemer Group Inc. now owns 2,672,359 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $301,310,000 after purchasing an additional 1,454,308 shares during the period. Financial Alternatives Inc increased its holdings in Exxon Mobil by 1.4% in the third quarter. Financial Alternatives Inc now owns 9,626 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $1,085,000 after purchasing an additional 131 shares during the last quarter. Savant Capital LLC increased its holdings in Exxon Mobil by 5.1% in the third quarter. Savant Capital LLC now owns 285,158 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $32,152,000 after purchasing an additional 13,823 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Unison Advisors LLC lifted its stake in Exxon Mobil by 0.9% in the third quarter. Unison Advisors LLC now owns 21,997 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $2,480,000 after buying an additional 193 shares during the period. 61.80% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Insider Buying and Selling at Exxon Mobil In other news, VP Darrin L. Talley sold 5,000 shares of Exxon Mobil stock in a transaction that occurred 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 sale, the vice president directly owned 23,584 shares in the company, valued at $3,295,864. This trade represents a 17.49% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Over the last three months, insiders have sold 11,000 shares of company stock worth $1,406,570. 0.03% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Exxon Mobil Trading Up 2.7% XOM opened at $147.58 on Thursday. The stock has a market capitalization of $622.37 billion, a P/E ratio of 22.06, a P/E/G ratio of 15.25 and a beta of 0.39. Exxon Mobil Corporation has a 12 month low of $97.80 and a 12 month high of $147.84. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $124.49 and its 200 day simple moving average is $116.81. The company has a current ratio of 1.15, a quick ratio of 0.79 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.13. Exxon Mobil (NYSE:XOM Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Friday, January 30th. The oil and gas company reported $1.71 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.63 by $0.08. The firm had revenue of $82.31 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $77.98 billion. Exxon Mobil had a return on equity of 11.21% and a net margin of 8.68%.The companys revenue was down 1.3% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $1.67 EPS. As a group, research analysts anticipate that Exxon Mobil Corporation will post 7.43 EPS for the current fiscal year. Exxon Mobil Dividend Announcement The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, March 10th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, February 12th will be given a dividend of $1.03 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, February 12th. This represents a $4.12 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.8%. Exxon Mobils dividend payout ratio is 61.58%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of brokerages have recently commented on XOM. Bank of America upped their price target on Exxon Mobil from $129.00 to $135.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Wednesday, January 28th. UBS Group reaffirmed a buy rating and issued a $171.00 target price on shares of Exxon Mobil in a research note on Monday. Zacks Research raised shares of Exxon Mobil from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Friday, January 30th. BMO Capital Markets reissued a market perform rating and issued a $155.00 price target on shares of Exxon Mobil in a report on Wednesday. Finally, Morgan Stanley dropped their price objective on Exxon Mobil from $137.00 to $134.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, January 23rd. Nine research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, eight have assigned a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, Exxon Mobil presently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $140.59. View Our Latest Research Report on XOM More Exxon Mobil News Here are the key news stories impacting Exxon Mobil this week: 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. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Exxon Mobil Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Exxon Mobil and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. J.W. Cole Advisors Inc. grew its holdings in Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ Free Report) by 2.2% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 130,934 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 2,769 shares during the quarter. J.W. Cole Advisors Inc.s holdings in Johnson & Johnson were worth $24,278,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Get Johnson & Johnson alerts: Several other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of JNJ. Vanguard Group Inc. grew its position in Johnson & Johnson by 1.3% in the second quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 237,047,859 shares of the companys stock valued at $36,209,060,000 after purchasing an additional 3,085,180 shares in the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC grew its holdings in shares of Johnson & Johnson by 2.1% in the 2nd 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 acquired a new stake in shares of Johnson & Johnson in the second quarter valued at about $4,877,174,000. Bank of New York Mellon Corp raised its holdings in Johnson & Johnson by 3.5% during 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 in the last quarter. Finally, Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. boosted its position in Johnson & Johnson by 0.3% during the second 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 last quarter. Institutional investors own 69.55% of the companys stock. Analyst Ratings Changes A number of equities research analysts have recently issued reports on JNJ shares. Argus upped their price objective on Johnson & Johnson from $210.00 to $240.00 in a research note on Friday, January 23rd. Wells Fargo & Company upped their price target on shares of Johnson & Johnson from $230.00 to $240.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Thursday, January 22nd. Morgan Stanley set a $262.00 price objective on shares of Johnson & Johnson and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, January 28th. Leerink Partners upped their target price on shares of Johnson & Johnson from $201.00 to $232.00 and gave the company a market perform rating in a report on Thursday, January 22nd. Finally, Loop Capital set a $220.00 price target on Johnson & Johnson in a report on Tuesday, January 27th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seventeen have issued a Buy rating and eight have given a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $233.73. Johnson & Johnson Stock Up 0.5% JNJ opened at $234.26 on Thursday. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $212.27 and a 200-day moving average of $193.02. The company has a market capitalization of $564.40 billion, a P/E ratio of 21.20, a P/E/G ratio of 2.26 and a beta of 0.35. Johnson & Johnson has a fifty-two week low of $141.50 and a fifty-two week high of $235.83. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.50, a quick ratio of 0.80 and a current ratio of 1.07. Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, January 21st. The company reported $2.46 EPS for the quarter, hitting analysts consensus estimates of $2.46. Johnson & Johnson had a net margin of 28.46% and a return on equity of 33.34%. The business had revenue of $24.56 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $24.14 billion. Johnson & Johnsons revenue for the quarter was up 9.1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the firm earned $2.04 earnings per share. Johnson & Johnson has set its FY 2026 guidance at 11.430-11.630 EPS. On average, equities analysts expect that Johnson & Johnson will post 10.58 EPS for the current year. Johnson & Johnson Dividend Announcement The business also recently declared 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. This represents a $5.20 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.2%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, February 24th. Johnson & Johnsons payout ratio is 47.06%. Key Headlines Impacting Johnson & Johnson Here are the key news stories impacting Johnson & Johnson this week: Johnson & Johnson Profile (Free Report) Johnson & Johnson is a multinational healthcare company headquartered in New Brunswick, New Jersey, that develops, manufactures and markets a broad range of products across pharmaceuticals, medical devices and previously consumer health. Founded in 1886 by the Johnson family, the company has grown into a global healthcare organization with operations and sales in many countries around the world. The companys pharmaceuticals business, organized largely under its Janssen research and development organization, focuses on prescription medicines across therapeutic areas such as immunology, infectious disease, oncology and neuroscience. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Johnson & Johnson Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Johnson & Johnson and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Cullen Capital Management LLC trimmed its position in shares of Novartis AG (NYSE:NVS Free Report) by 1.3% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 2,070,377 shares of the companys stock after selling 26,475 shares during the period. Novartis makes up about 2.9% of Cullen Capital Management LLCs holdings, making the stock its 4th biggest holding. Cullen Capital Management LLC owned 0.10% of Novartis worth $265,505,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Get Novartis alerts: A number of other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in NVS. GFG Capital LLC acquired a new position in Novartis during the second quarter valued at approximately $26,000. Legacy Investment Solutions LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Novartis in the second quarter worth about $30,000. Valley Wealth Managers Inc. purchased a new position in Novartis in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $31,000. Country Trust Bank raised its stake in shares of Novartis by 47.4% during the third quarter. Country Trust Bank now owns 342 shares of the companys stock valued at $44,000 after purchasing an additional 110 shares during the period. Finally, Quaker Wealth Management LLC lifted its holdings in Novartis by 200.0% in the 2nd quarter. Quaker Wealth Management LLC now owns 352 shares of the companys stock worth $43,000 after buying an additional 704 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 13.12% of the companys stock. Novartis Stock Up 2.1% Shares of NVS stock opened at $152.98 on Thursday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.50, a quick ratio of 0.68 and a current ratio of 0.88. The businesss fifty day moving average is $139.72 and its 200-day moving average is $130.36. Novartis AG has a 1 year low of $97.71 and a 1 year high of $154.71. The stock has a market cap of $323.16 billion, a PE ratio of 20.90, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.96 and a beta of 0.50. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Novartis ( NYSE:NVS Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, February 4th. The company reported $2.03 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.99 by $0.04. The company had revenue of $524.00 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $13.85 billion. Novartis had a net margin of 26.49% and a return on equity of 41.21%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 1.4% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $1.98 EPS. Equities analysts expect that Novartis AG will post 8.45 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. A number of brokerages have recently issued reports on NVS. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a buy (b) rating on shares of Novartis in a research report on Monday, December 29th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reissued a buy rating on shares of Novartis in a research report on Friday, January 16th. Barclays raised Novartis from an underweight rating to an equal weight rating in a report on Tuesday, January 6th. Citigroup started coverage on Novartis in a research note on Tuesday, January 27th. They set a buy rating on the stock. Finally, HC Wainwright cut shares of Novartis to a neutral rating in a report on Monday, October 27th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, six have assigned a Buy rating, seven have assigned a Hold rating and two have issued a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $119.75. Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on NVS Key Novartis News Here are the key news stories impacting Novartis this week: Positive Sentiment: Q4 beat on EPS and margin strength Novartis reported adjusted EPS above consensus and saw margin expansion, supporting profitability expectations. Read More. Q4 beat on EPS and margin strength Novartis reported adjusted EPS above consensus and saw margin expansion, supporting profitability expectations. Read More. Positive Sentiment: Strong full-year performance FY2025 net sales grew ~8% (cc), core operating margin ~40%, core EPS rose high-teens and free cash flow remained very strong, giving investors confidence in cash generation and resilience. Read More. Strong full-year performance FY2025 net sales grew ~8% (cc), core operating margin ~40%, core EPS rose high-teens and free cash flow remained very strong, giving investors confidence in cash generation and resilience. Read More. Positive Sentiment: Pipeline and regulatory progress Multiple late-stage and approval milestones (Remibrutinib FDA submission, Pelabresib Phase III data and planned filings, Itvisma approval, Scemblix EC approval, Pluvicto filings) underpin future growth potential. Read More. Pipeline and regulatory progress Multiple late-stage and approval milestones (Remibrutinib FDA submission, Pelabresib Phase III data and planned filings, Itvisma approval, Scemblix EC approval, Pluvicto filings) underpin future growth potential. Read More. Positive Sentiment: Analyst support Major analysts kept Buy ratings and reiterated price targets, signaling that near-term headwinds are viewed as manageable versus long-term fundamentals. Read More. Analyst support Major analysts kept Buy ratings and reiterated price targets, signaling that near-term headwinds are viewed as manageable versus long-term fundamentals. Read More. Neutral Sentiment: 2026 guidance is cautious the company expects net sales to grow only low-single-digits and core operating income to decline low-single-digits, which tempers near-term earnings momentum but is not a dramatic cut. Read More. 2026 guidance is cautious the company expects net sales to grow only low-single-digits and core operating income to decline low-single-digits, which tempers near-term earnings momentum but is not a dramatic cut. Read More. Negative Sentiment: Q4 revenue missed estimates and was hit by U.S. generics report shows Q4 net sales were pressured by generic entrants to Entresto and Promacta, and adjusted Q4 sales fell vs. prior year in constant currency. Read More. Q4 revenue missed estimates and was hit by U.S. generics report shows Q4 net sales were pressured by generic entrants to Entresto and Promacta, and adjusted Q4 sales fell vs. prior year in constant currency. Read More. Negative Sentiment: Patent cliff and margin risk Novartis faces significant patent expiries and generic competition that are expected to weigh on 2026 operating profit; investors should watch Entresto/Promacta erosion and timing of new launches to offset the losses. Read More. Novartis Company Profile (Free Report) Novartis is a Swiss multinational pharmaceutical company headquartered in Basel that researches, develops, manufactures and commercializes prescription medicines and related health-care products. Formed through the 1996 merger of Ciba-Geigy and Sandoz, Novartis operates globally and focuses on bringing therapeutics from discovery through clinical development to commercial markets worldwide. The companys activities center on innovative pharmaceuticals across several therapeutic areas, including oncology, immunology, cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, neuroscience and ophthalmology, alongside capabilities in advanced therapies such as biologics, cell and gene therapies. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding NVS? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Novartis AG (NYSE:NVS Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Novartis Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Novartis and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Horizon Investment Services LLC decreased its stake in UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH Free Report) by 68.9% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 1,046 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock after selling 2,319 shares during the period. Horizon Investment Services LLCs holdings in UnitedHealth Group were worth $361,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Get UnitedHealth Group alerts: Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. LFA Lugano Financial Advisors SA purchased a new stake in UnitedHealth Group during the 2nd quarter worth $25,000. Sagard Holdings Management Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of UnitedHealth Group during the second quarter worth about $29,000. Islay Capital Management LLC purchased a new position in UnitedHealth Group in the second quarter valued at about $31,000. Cloud Capital Management LLC purchased a new stake in UnitedHealth Group during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $32,000. Finally, Riggs Asset Managment Co. Inc. boosted its stake in shares of UnitedHealth Group by 69.4% during the 2nd quarter. Riggs Asset Managment Co. Inc. now owns 105 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock valued at $33,000 after buying an additional 43 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 87.86% of the companys stock. UnitedHealth Group Trading Down 3.0% UnitedHealth Group stock opened at $275.70 on Thursday. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $328.16 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $323.39. UnitedHealth Group Incorporated has a 52-week low of $234.60 and a 52-week high of $606.36. The firm has a market capitalization of $249.74 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 20.90, a PEG ratio of 1.31 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 Dividend Announcement UnitedHealth Group ( NYSE:UNH Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, January 27th. The healthcare conglomerate reported $2.11 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.09 by $0.02. The business had revenue of $113.22 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $113.38 billion. UnitedHealth Group had a return on equity of 14.79% and a net margin of 2.69%.The businesss revenue was up 12.3% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $6.81 earnings per share. UnitedHealth Group has set its FY 2026 guidance at 17.750- EPS. Sell-side analysts expect that UnitedHealth Group Incorporated will post 29.54 earnings per share for the current year. The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, December 16th. Investors of record on Monday, December 8th were issued a $2.21 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, December 8th. This represents a $8.84 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.2%. UnitedHealth Groups dividend payout ratio is presently 67.02%. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of research firms have commented on UNH. KeyCorp reiterated an overweight rating on shares of UnitedHealth Group in a research note on Wednesday, January 28th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reduced their price target on shares of UnitedHealth Group from $425.00 to $389.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Monday. Wells Fargo & Company lowered their price objective on UnitedHealth Group from $400.00 to $370.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Friday, January 30th. Barclays decreased their target price on UnitedHealth Group from $391.00 to $327.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Friday, January 30th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group decreased their price objective on shares of UnitedHealth Group from $418.00 to $340.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, January 28th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seventeen have assigned a Buy rating, nine have given a Hold rating and two have given a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, UnitedHealth Group presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $375.46. Get Our Latest Research Report on UnitedHealth Group Key UnitedHealth Group News Here are the key news stories impacting UnitedHealth Group this week: 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. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for UnitedHealth Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for UnitedHealth Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Irish president Catherine Connolly is to continue her three-day official visit to Northern Ireland with a number of engagements in Derry. Ms Connolly will address a civic reception at the Guildhall, where she will be greeted by the Lord Lieutenant for the County Borough of Londonderry Ian Crowe and Derry City Mayor Ruairi McHugh. In the afternoon, the president will visit the Museum of Free Derry where she will view the exhibition on Bloody Sunday. Last Friday marked the 54th anniversary of Bloody Sunday. Ms Connolly will meet with some 50 family members of those who were killed and injured in 1972. Over the course of the day, the president will also visit a number of community initiatives across Derry. The presidents three-day visit to Northern Ireland marks the first official visit of President Connollys presidency and fulfils a commitment made in her inauguration address that her first official visit would be to Northern Ireland, where she would meet with people from all communities and celebrate the rich heritage and traditions of all who live there. On Wednesday, the president commenced her official visit with a number of engagements in Belfast, including a meeting with First Minister Michelle ONeill and Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly at Stormont Castle, an address at Ulster University, and a number of community engagements. READ NEXT: Council considers motion to put forward Limavady bid for UK Town of Culture 2028 The visit will conclude with a further engagement in Derry on Friday. A Limavady woman is set to lead a homecare provider's operations in the Republic of Ireland. Connected Health, Irelands largest privately owned homecare provider, has announced the appointment of two new Managing Directors to lead its operations north and south of the border. The move marks a new chapter for the company one led by two exceptional female leaders who have each risen through the organisation to shape the future of homecare across Ireland. Limavady's Rebecca Vogel Faulkner will head operations in the Republic of Ireland, and Lorraine Corr in Northern Ireland, as the company continues its rapid all-island expansion. Founded in 2012, Connected Health has grown from 45 staff based in Belfast to 2,000 across Ireland. Backed by recent BGF investment, the homecare company is now in the process of creating 1,200 new care roles island wide as part of a new three-year plan. A trailblazer in health technology, Rebecca Vogel Faulkner joined Connected Health in 2016 and quickly progressed through a series of leadership roles. As Director of Technology and Special Projects, she led the award-winning Connexions platform, which transformed homecare delivery through automation and real-time data, and established the companys Living Lab for testing new technologies. Her leadership has earned multiple industry accolades, including Home Care Insights UK Power List 2024 and Women in Techs Digital Transformation Leader of the Year (Highly Commended). Rebecca said: Its a privilege to lead Connected Healths continued growth in the Republic of Ireland at such a pivotal time for the homecare sector. We have a clear vision to deliver smarter, more compassionate care using innovation that empowers both clients and carers. Im proud to lead a dynamic team thats redefining what homecare can achieve across Ireland. Lorraine Corr joined Connected Health in 2011 as a part-time carer and has risen through every level of the organisation. As Director of Care (NI), she led major Hospital-to-Home initiatives that reduced readmissions and freed hospital capacity, and restructured care management to strengthen quality and compliance. She has been recognised on Home Care Insights Power List as a Quality and Compliance Champion. Lorraine said: Having worked as a carer myself, I understand the challenges and rewards of frontline homecare. Leading Connected Health in Northern Ireland is a tremendous honour. My focus will remain on supporting our incredible care teams and ensuring every client receives the high-quality, person-centred care they deserve so they can live as independently as possible in their own homes. Connected Healths dual Managing Director appointments come at a transformative time for the sector, as demand for home-based care accelerates alongside advances in digital health. Welcoming the appointments, CEO Ryan Williams said they reflect Connected Healths continued commitment to developing talent from within. Rebecca and Lorraines appointments are a proud milestone for Connected Health. While women make up the majority of Irelands homecare workforce, they remain underrepresented at senior levels across health and social care. Both managing directors have risen through the organisation on merit through talent, hard work and innovation. The Connected Health family is delighted to see these two outstanding leaders shaping the future of the organisation, and indeed homecare, across the island, he said. Please allow ads as they help fund our trusted local news content. Kindly add us to your ad blocker whitelist. If you want further access to Ireland's best local journalism, consider contributing and/or subscribing to our free daily Newsletter . Support our mission and join our community now. Electricity generators across Creggan have been transformed with stunning new nature-inspired artworks designed by young people from St Johns PS. Feile Derry and local street artists Peaball worked with the children on ideas for colourful new designs, which are now completed at Iniscarn Road, Linsfort Drive and Greenwalk. A spokesperson for Feile Derry said: We are delighted that the new nature-inspired artworks on electricity generators in Creggan are now completed and have given the area a new lease of life. Having spoken to residents, the clear view was that these generators, which are in prominent locations used by thousands of people every day, had become an eyesore due to unsightly graffiti. Feile worked with the wonderful children of St Johns PS and local street art collective Peaball to explore imaginative ways of mixing art and education, and using it to make a positive difference in their community. The young people carried out research on nature and the environment and helped shape the colours and words that make up these beautiful new artworks, which were completed by artists from Peaball using spray cans. Over the last three years, Feile has worked with some of Irelands leading artists to transform walls and spaces throughout the neighbourhood, creating world-class murals that promote street art as a force for good. These new artworks are the latest development in that work, and we look forward to the completion of more murals in the months ahead. READ NEXT: Country music star David James set to shine at Derry concert This project is part of Feiles Graffiti on the Walls initiative, funded through the Executive Offices Communities in Transition programme, which supports improvements to the physical landscape in Creggan and the Brandywell. University students arriving in Derry in September past felt unwelcome according to Stephen Kelly, chairperson of the Ulster University Magee Taskforce. Taskforce member Gavin Killeen also called for a mature conversation around student fees. He said the Stormont Executive did not have the fiscal headroom to cover the recurring cost of 38 million annually needed to sustain the target of 10,000 students at Magee. The Taskforce was established by then Stormont Economy Minister Conor Murphy in March 2024 to oversee an action plan to expand Ulster Universitys Magee campus in Derry to 10,000 students. Mr Kelly made his remarks on Tuesday afternoon during his presentation of the Magee Expansion Taskforce Update: One Year On, January 2026 report to Derry City and Strabane District Councils Governance and Strategic Planning Committee. The report can be read HERE. Referencing Councils practical role in terms of planning authority, Mr Kelly said the Taskforce would encourage you to continue to efficiently progress those [planning applications] so that the appropriate accommodation projects are brought through. Mr Kelly explained that meant accomodation in terms of teaching but also residential accomodation for students. I have to say, in talking with the Students Union involved in our Taskforce, and there is no doubt about it, that particularly in and around Freshers Week and the couple of weeks after that, there was particular stress being applied as people began to orientate themselves arriving in the city and moving around the city, not just students but staff as well, said Mr Kelly. But students were feeling unwelcome during that period. And we know thats not the Derry way, so we want to make sure that they actually feel welcomed when they are here, he added. It certainly helps us with the marketing aim which we have seen has proven successful in terms of the number of applications that have been made to study in Derry. The Report highlighted 6,505 students had enrolled at Magee this academic year. Mr Kelly described this figure as record numbers. He said it was ahead of plan and three years ahead of natural growth The marketing is working, applications are up 21%, added Mr Kelly. New teaching facilities have opened at Timber Quay; sites have been secured for the next phase of growth; and the Shared Island and Dome await planning approval, he said. Gavin Killeen, who is also a Taskforce member, told councillors reaching the target 10,000 students at Magee would involve a recurring cost of 38 million per year. We know the Executive does not have fiscal headroom to cover that. We have to have a mature conversation around student fees, which we have avoided up until now, added Mr Killeen. If we dont get those extra 3,000 places that we need for Magee over and above the MaSN (Maximum Student Number) those 3,000 places are being taken up by universities outside of the province, and where people are paying 9,200 for those fees. There needs to be a mature conversation between all the parties as to what we do to help to fund those student places going forward, said Mr Killeen. The MaSN cap in the North is a government-imposed limit on the number of local undergraduate students universities can enroll. Critics argue the policy restricts capacity; can force students to leave the North and the Republic of Ireland for higher education; and is an economic restriction. Following the Taskforce presentation, the Committee unanimously backed a motion endorsing the asks from the Magee Taskforce presented to committee and welcoming the progress to date on the university expansion. The Taskforces Magee Expansion Taskforce Update: One Year On, January 2026 report was heavily criticised by the the Concerned Residents Around Magee (CRAM) campaign group. In a statement to The Derry News, a spokesperson for the group said the Taskforce member identified on February 6, 2025, as the person who would engage with communities around Magee, had failed to meet CRAM. We are still waiting for the promised community engagement with the Taskforce, said the spokesperson. They added the Taskforce community liaison had been unable to clarify how and with which residents the alleged engagement has been taking place. Who are the residents the Taskforce is proactively working with? How were they chosen and is there an expectation that views will be sought and feedback will be given to the local community? they added. We ask, because to our knowledge as CRAM, but also as residents in the local area, there has been no organised community engagement despite our repeated calls for open and public dialogue to take place. There certainly has been no feedback. DUP MP Gregory Campbell has told Irish president Catherine Connolly youre in our country and warned her against rewriting the past on her visit to Derry. In a short interaction between the pair after Ms Connolly addressed the Guildhall, she said she is here to listen adding at the end of the day were human beings and we have to have respect. In her speech, the president said she is grateful to the people of Derry for showing the path from conflict to peace, adding that justice is still awaited by the survivors of families of victims of Bloody Sunday. Referring to his attendance on Thursday evening at a debate in Dublin, the DUP MP for East Londonderry told the Irish president: Youre in our country. Tonight Im going to your country. He added: Were not leaving the United Kingdom, not now or at anytime in the future, so I think its better if we try and ensure no-one rewrites the past as we all build for the future. Ms Connolly said she was looking forward to visiting the Siege Museum later that day, which commemorates the 1689 Siege of Londonderry when up to 30,000 Protestant people held the walled city in the face of forces from the Catholic King James II. Mr Campbell said he wanted to make our acquaintance to try and build on that. The Irish president replied: Were here to listen and to learn from each other and rewriting history would be when Mr Campbell interjected a big mistake, to which Ms Connolly agreed, saying: In any country and in many countries theyve rewritten history to suit a narrative. Mr Campbell added: As you said yesterday, it would be a dull day if we agreed on everything so theres going to be issues where we disagree. Ms Connolly told Mr Campbell she grew up in a family of 14 and there were lots of disagreements, but we had to learn to live and love, at the end of the day were human beings and we have to have respect, thats very important. Speaking to reporters after the meeting, the unionist politician said he warmly welcomed her to this part of the United Kingdom and he always welcomes visitors, especially visitors from other countries. I was more than disappointed that in her speech there were numerous references to Derry, but not a single reference to Londonderry, Mr Campbell said. That she talked about some hardships in the province that there were, for example, with Bloody Sunday, which I would expect her to do, but no reference to the fact that where she was making those comments on the west bank of the Foyle, theres only 5% of the population that is now Unionist because they suffered hardship and intimidation and murder as well. So I think she got the message, and she apologised for not making the proper references, and I hope that we can build a relationship between her country and our country. Asked about Ms Connollys repeated references to respecting all cultures on the island of Ireland made in her speech in Belfast on Wednesday, Mr Campbell said: If she made a balanced speech yesterday, and I heard most of it and it was balanced, well, why not make a balanced speech today? I just hope nobody in the Department of Foreign Affairs came up with the impression weve got to be balanced when were in Belfast, but see when we go to the north west, were playing a home game. That days over. That day is over. Either were moving forward by agreement, which we are, then we have to reach out to each community. That speech didnt and hopefully it will in the future. Towards the end of their interaction, the DUP MP and Irish president did agree on the importance of not rewriting history and agreed to listen to the others perspective. Asked if he warmed to Ms Connolly, Mr Campbell said: I like to think that when people hear exactly what others feel and believe and speak on, that they give them respect that hopefully they deserve, and then they can move forward with mutual respect for each others view. The president is on day two of her three-day official visit to Northern Ireland, with a number of engagements in Derry. Ms Connolly was greeted on arrival to the Guildhall by the Lord Lieutenant for the County Borough of Londonderry Ian Crowe and Derry City Mayor Ruairi McHugh. She also stopped to have a brief conversation in Irish with someone who had waited to see the president. A 150 million fund has been announced to tackle fuel poverty by investing to make homes more energy-efficient. Stormont Communities Minister Gordon Lyons announced the warm healthy homes: A Northern Ireland fuel poverty strategy 2026-2036 on Thursday. He said fuel poverty affects almost one in four households and is linked to poor health and financial stress. This strategy sets out a clear pathway to change that, he said. Minister @GordonLyons1 today set out a long-term, cross-government approach to tackling fuel poverty in Northern Ireland. Find out more: https://t.co/47KhSoqNGR pic.twitter.com/xbRjgj72Zi Communities NI (@CommunitiesNI) February 5, 2026 As part of the strategy, I will introduce a new warm healthy homes fund next year, for which I intend to allocate 150 million to deliver of energy-efficiency investment in its first five years. This fund will transform low-income households, modernising energy-inefficient homes. Through this fund, along with energy wellbeing advice from trusted partners in the community, I want to ensure those worst affected have the information and means to upgrade their homes for the better. I also want to improve housing standards and my department has already begun consulting on a revised decent homes standard for social housing. Mr Lyons launched the strategy at the Belfast home of Trevor Rainey, who had a low carbon retrofit upgrade fitted to his home by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive last summer. He said his bills are a lot lower, the house is warmer and the hot water is great in the mornings, adding: Id recommend it to anyone. The strategy has also been welcomed by a number of stakeholders. Christine Irvine, senior policy manager at Marie Curie NI, said its research shows one in three people in the last year of life are estimated to be in fuel poverty in Northern Ireland and rates of pensioner fuel poverty are higher than in any other part of the UK. She said: Therefore, were very pleased to see that the warm healthy homes strategy specifically references people at end of life and we look forward to seeing a follow-up action plan which outlines the practical steps that will be taken to better identify those at risk, and to ensure that support is offered to people who need it. Raymond Gormley, head of energy policy at the Consumer Council for Northern Ireland, said the strategy represents a real opportunity to deliver long-term, sustainable solutions to help alleviate fuel poverty. It was also welcomed by Bryson Pathways and National Energy Action NI. John French, chief executive of the Utility Regulator, said the strategy represents a significant opportunity to place consumers at the centre of our energy future and ensure that energy bills remain affordable for all. John McMullan, vice chairman of the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE), said delivering energyefficiency measures can greatly reduce households energy costs. He said: Vitally, sustained investment in improving the quality, comfort and performance in housing goes some way to improving the health and wellbeing of households. Therefore, we warmly welcome the warm healthy homes strategy and the ministers longterm commitment to tackling fuel poverty. For our part, the NIHE looks forward to being a key delivery partner for the strategy. Northern Irelands Chief Constable has called for buy-in from all quarters to support police to become representative of all communities. Jon Boutcher referred to a very small section of society who try to disrupt events such as police visits to schools or community meetings. He spoke of his frustration, describing bigoted and out-of-date attitudes of some based on views that go back decades and before the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI). A meeting of the Northern Ireland Policing Board heard that while the recent recruitment campaign has generally seen a good response, it is lower than statistically expected application rates in certain areas, such as Belfast, Mid Ulster, and Derry City and Strabane. Some 28.8% of applicants to the 2025 student officer recruitment campaign were Catholic, lower than the 45.7% of the Northern Ireland population according to the 2021 census. Some 37.4% were female, against 51% of the population, while 3.9% were from ethnic minority communities, compared with 3.4% of the population, and 7.9% were LGBT+, compared with 2.1% of the population. PSNI chief operating officer Pamela McCreedy told the board they have assessed progress towards becoming fully representative as adequate. She also warned that relatively small numbers of leavers from under-represented groups have a really disproportionate impact on the overall workforce composition. Ms McCreedy said progress on LGBTQ representation was as a result of investment, consistent engagement and building relationships. She said there is also progress in terms of representation among women and Catholic officers in senior ranks moving closer to population benchmarks. Mr Boutcher said representation is a challenge for the PSNI, but they need buy-in across society, referencing a call in the Patten Report on the future of policing in Northern Ireland in 1999. Everybody here in this room speaks positively about policing but in recent months that weve had community meetings disrupted and disturbed by masked individuals because of the history here, he said. Weve had recruitment events, including in schools, where, because schools are engaging with the PSNI, theres a bomb hoax or theres a threat from dissident Republicans. Mr Boutcher said these elements are really small and theyre really marginal but added I would question whether all of society is collectively standing up to herald policing in Northern Ireland. He said: So we will never do enough in my view on this, but theres a lot more we can do. Theres a menu of things that were now trying to really press the flesh to make sure that were doing everything that we humanly can. You will see in coming weeks fly-on-the-wall documentaries about what were doing, and I think that will show a real pride in the organisation, and the difference we make to all communities. This is something that is broader than just the things we do to try and attract people from the nationalist Catholic community or the working class loyalist community. Its about buy-in from society for police in Northern Ireland in a post-conflict environment, which is easy to talk about, but its much harder, you need more courage, to actually do. I think our 25th anniversary is a real opportunity for us to have some really challenging debates. I think its a watershed moment if we dont get this right, this year, we will see that decline. This is a chance for us to make sure that decline doesnt occur. DUP Policing Board member Keith Buchanan challenged all the political representatives to actively encourage people to join police. Some complain and are totally fascinated by spreadsheets, talking about representativeness and complain, but they dont promote joining the PSNI please dont complain at the next board meeting about representation if you havent promote it, he said. The publishing of names of police officers on the Northern Ireland courts website was not a result of any failure by the PSNI, the chief constable has said. Justice Minister Naomi Long also denied a data breach, telling the Stormont Justice Committee on Thursday that no information was released erroneously. She told MLAs that court details relating to public sittings are routinely listed publicly online, unless an application is made to the court for anonymity. The incident on Monday came as officers seek compensation after their details were published in a major data breach in 2023. The Department of Justice said it had taken immediate action earlier this week to remove the online public court list. Almost 10,000 police officers and staff were affected by the 2023 breach when their details were published online, as the PSNI responded to a Freedom of Information request, leading to fears their safety had been compromised. Police officers remain under a threat from terrorists assessed by MI5 as substantial. Earlier this week, the PSNI made an offer of 7,500 each in compensation for the 2023 breach. The Stormont Executive has agreed to ring-fence 119 million to fund the awards. It is understood that around 41 officers were affected by the incident this week. Speaking at a meeting of the Northern Ireland Policing Board on Thursday, Jon Boutcher said the incident this week was not a data breach. I want to clarify as far as I can the incident whereby names of police officers were published on a court list earlier this week, he said. This is not a data breach, and this was not a result of any failure by the PSNI. Names appearing on a court list is a long-established position in all legal proceedings, unless an anonymity order is in place to prevent this. To have an anonymity order in any ongoing or future court proceedings, a request for such an order has to be made through the court. I want to personally thank the Northern Ireland Courts Service for their support in addressing this issue so quickly. This was not their fault or the Department of Justices either. This is an unfortunate and unnecessary incident I realise will have caused frustration. He added: We do need to achieve a position where the names of police officers being shown in such a way does not cause alarm or distress. Our officers give evidence without anonymity all the time. Frontline officers provide their names to community groups, to victims. Countless officers and staff have public facing roles across the organisation. I recognise in these legal proceedings those officers were entitled to anonymity, and I hope they have not been too distressed by the events of this week. Ms Long said only a judge can grant anonymity in the courts system, adding it is the responsibility of legal representatives to make such applications. She said there was no record of an anonymity application being received by the Northern Ireland Courts and Tribunal Service or granted by the court in relation to the cases that were listed. But she said as a precautionary measure, her department took immediate action and made the decision to have public court lists online taken down. This was done as a precaution and not as a result of it having made a mistake, she said. Singaporean operator Singtel has opened its eighth global office in Brazil as it looks to tap fresh enterprise opportunities in Latin Americas largest economy. The operator said Brazil is among the worlds fastest-growing digital markets, with spending on digital transformation projects expected to exceed US$50 billion by 2030. Growth is being driven by investment in AI, cloud, cybersecurity and Industry 4.0 technologies, citing figures from Mordor Intelligence. Brazils enterprise telecoms market is growing at a CAGR of 7.2%, underlining the scale of the opportunity. Through its new presence, Singtel will offer services including SD-WAN orchestration and secure cloud architectures to enterprise customers in the country. Singtels presence in Brazil reflects our confidence in Latin Americas digital growth, the regions accelerating adoption of next-generation technologies and its increasing importance in the global digital economy, said Ng Tian Chong, CEO of Singtel Singapore. He added that the operator aims to bring its expertise in software-defined networks, intelligent connectivity and secure digital platforms to help global enterprises build more resilient and future-ready operations. The sales office is expected to open in Q3 this year. Singtel noted it already serves several multinational customers with operations in Brazil and plans to expand its enterprise solutions across sectors including manufacturing, logistics, financial services and retail. Angela Torres-Andresen, founder and executive director of the Latin American Chamber of Commerce, said Singtels move highlights Latin America as a key growth market for Asian technology firms, pointing to Brazils strong infrastructure and deep pool of tech-savvy talent as foundations for accelerating enterprise digital transformation The largest IPO in Zimbabwes capital markets history may be imminent after Zimbabwean telecoms business Econet Wireless set a US$1 billion valuation for Econet InfraCo, its new infrastructure development and management business. Econet InfraCo owns, operates, and manages Econet Wireless national portfolio of telecommunications assets. It's Zimbabwes largest private infrastructure group, comprising towers, power and real estate. And now its preparing for a listing on the Victoria Falls Stock Exchange (VFEX). Econet recently published details of Econet InfraCo for the first time, showing strong revenue and profitability. Local reports say the valuation of Econet InfraCo is made up of Econets implied market capitalisation of approximately US$507 million, plus the implied valuation of Econet InfraCo of approximately US$1 billion, as determined by the independent financial advisor. This reflects the intrinsic value of the Groups real estate, passive telecommunications infrastructure and renewable energy assets. The idea behind spinning out Econet InfraCo is to allow it to pursue wider infrastructure-related opportunities in the country. The recently announced Econet Industrial Park, which is set to be developed on a 1,000-acre site near the Harare main airport, is just one example. We reported these plans in December. Then, in January, Zimbabwes Ministry of ICT, Postal and Courier Services said it planned to support EconetWireless plan to develop the industrial park which will also include a new data centre to support the governments upcoming national AI strategy. The listing of Econet InfraCo on the VFEX will be done by introduction, which means the company will not be looking to raise new capital. Instead, Econet InfraCo will issue shares to existing shareholders, creating new value. Shareholder approval may be required prior to the IPO, but if all goes to plan the newly listed firm will focus on attracting new investments in real estate, a sector it believes has significant growth potential". The tower segment will benefit from a long-term anchor tenant relationship with Econet and opportunities for infrastructure sharing. The power unit will initially concentrate on internal operations, but Econet InfraCo aims to establish itself as a major player in the power sector due to its extensive site network, which will allow it to serve customers nationwide. Unlocking infrastructure value to power digital expansion isnt unusual. As ITWeb Africa points out, by carving out its infrastructure into a standalone, dollar-denominated vehicle, Econet joins big names like MTN Group, Vodacom, Airtel Africa and Orange MEA that have pursued similar initiatives. Its quite an impressive achievement for Econet Wireless to have reached this stage given that it went through a five-year legal battle just to get a license to operate. The company launched Zimbabwe's first private network on 10 July 1998. Malaysia has announced an immediate and full ban on the importation of electronic waste (e-waste) discarded electronic products such as computers, mobile phones and appliances. The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, which is dedicated to investigating and prosecuting corruption, abuse of power and malpractice across public and private sectors, has said in a statement that e-waste would be reclassified under the absolute prohibition category effective immediately. Local press reports suggest that the decision follows the second meeting of the Special Task Force on the Direction of Enforcement Management for the Importation of Plastic Waste and E-Waste, aimed at tightening controls on the entry of hazardous waste and safeguarding the environment. This ruling removes the discretionary power previously given to the Department of Environment to grant exemptions for the importation of certain types of e-waste. This may be a significant development, given that Malaysia has long had problems with large volumes of imported e-waste. E-waste can contain toxic substances and heavy metals including lead, mercury and cadmium that might pollute soil and water resources if improperly processed or dumped. According to the AP news service, authorities have seized hundreds of containers of suspected e-waste at ports in recent years and issued notices for return to exporters. AP adds that the ban comes as authorities widen a corruption inquiry tied to e-waste management. Last week, the MACC detained and remanded the director-general of the environment department and his deputy over alleged abuse of power and corruption involving e-waste oversight. In a strong statement the countrys Home Ministry has said the government would increase efforts to combat the smuggling of e-waste into the country, noting: Malaysia is not a dumping ground for the world's waste. Environmental advocates have long urged stronger action on this issue. Indeed, in October last year we highlighted an investigative report looking at the exporting of electronic waste from the US to developing countries, in which Malaysia was a primary recipient. The problem was also highlighted in the ITUs Global Connectivity Report 2025. It will be interesting to see whether this move is successful and, indeed, whether it influences the policies of any other affected countries. The global data centre map tells a blunt and uncomfortable story. Compute power is concentrated in the Global North, while Africa sits at the edge of a digital world it increasingly depends on. This imbalance is not technical - it is structural, economic and strategic, and it quietly shapes who holds authority in the AI era. More than seventy percent of global data centre capacity is concentrated in North America, Europe, and East Asia. Africa hosts only a small fraction, largely clustered in South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, and Egypt. As a result, most African data is stored, processed, and governed outside the continent. Even when Africans use local applications, the intelligence behind them often runs elsewhere. Distance from data centres creates more than slower response times; latency introduces digital friction that degrades AI, fintech, gaming, and other real-time services, and cloud costs also rise because data must cross oceans. In practice, African founders compete globally with a built-in handicap that suppresses innovation long before funding or talent becomes the constraint. Artificial intelligence magnifies this imbalance because it is inherently compute-hungry. Training, fine-tuning, and inference depend on access to GPUs, power, cooling, and proximity. When data centres are offshore, African languages are underrepresented, local context is poorly modelled, and sensitive data leaves the continent by default. Intelligence built far away tends to serve priorities far away. This raises a familiar question in a new form: Africa once exported raw minerals and imported finished goods, and now risks exporting raw data while importing finished intelligence. The issue is not whether global hyperscalers matter. Platforms like Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud are essential partners, but dependency without local capacity creates vulnerability. Ownership, governance, and economic capture sit at the heart of the challenge. Who owns African data? Who sets the rules for its use? And who benefits from the intelligence derived from it? The uneven distribution of data centres is often blamed on technical barriers. In reality, power instability, regulatory uncertainty, capital intensity, and perception risk shape where long term investment flows. This is despite Africa having abundant renewable energy potential, growing digital demand, and strategically important cable landings. The constraint is coordination rather than possibility. If the imbalance persists, Africa becomes an AI consumer rather than a producer. Digital value continues to leak offshore and strategic autonomy weakens. If addressed deliberately, data centres can anchor digital industrialisation. Local compute enables relevant multilingual AI and allows telecoms, fintech, health, and energy sectors to advance together. Africa does not need to outbuild the world. It needs to place compute where it matters through regional hubs, edge infrastructure tied to telecom networks, renewable powered corridors, aligned policy, and African capital - alongside global partners. This is not just infrastructure investment. It is nation-building in the digital age. In the AI era, data is power, compute is leverage, and proximity is advantage. Those who invest now will shape who controls Africas digital destiny. Matone Ditlhake is the CEO of Corridor Africa. The rivalry between the titans of Silicon Valley just moved from the server room to the stadium. Following a Super Bowl Sunday that saw both OpenAI and Anthropic vying for the publics attention, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman took to X to fire a scathing counter-offensive against Anthropics recent advertising campaign. Survey Thank you for completing the survey! In a lengthy post, Altman didnt just defend OpenAIs pivot toward ad-supported models; he launched a direct assault on Anthropics business philosophy, labeling the company authoritarian and accusing them of doublespeak. First, the good part of the Anthropic ads: they are funny, and I laughed. But I wonder why Anthropic would go for something so clearly dishonest. Our most important principle for ads says that we wont do exactly this; we would obviously never run ads in the way Anthropic Sam Altman (@sama) February 4, 2026 Also read: Anthropic mocks OpenAIs idea of bringing ads to ChatGPT, Sam Altman responds A deceptive depiction? The friction began with an Anthropic Super Bowl ad that reportedly critiqued the intrusive nature of AI-driven advertising depicting a future where AI interactions are cluttered with commercial bias. Altman was quick to dismiss the portrayal as a straw man argument. I wonder why Anthropic would go for something so clearly dishonest, Altman wrote. He clarified that OpenAIs primary principle for ads is to avoid the very deceptive format Anthropic depicted. We are not stupid and we know our users would reject that, he added, framing Anthropics critique as a deceptive ad to critique theoretical deceptive ads that arent real. AI for the masses vs. products for the rich Altmans defense pivoted into a populist argument, drawing a sharp line between the two companies target demographics. He positioned OpenAI as the champion of democratic access, while painting Anthropic as an elitist boutique. Also read: Intel plans to make GPUs for AI: Will it hurt NVIDIAs dominance? Altman claimed that more people in Texas use ChatGPT for free than the total number of Claude users in the entire U.S. He argued that while Anthropic serves an expensive product to rich people, OpenAI is committed to bringing AI to billions of people who cannot afford high-priced subscriptions. For those who want an ad-free experience, Altman noted that ChatGPT Plus and Pro remain the clean alternatives, but insisted that an ad-supported tier is essential for global agency. The authoritarian accusation Perhaps the most biting part of Altmans post was the shift from business models to corporate ideology. He accused Anthropic of seeking to control the AI ecosystem by writing the rules themselves and blocking competitors, including OpenAI, from using their coding products. One authoritarian company wont get us there on their own It is a dark path. Altman framed OpenAIs path as one of broad, democratic decision-making and resilient ecosystems, contrasting it with what he perceives as Anthropics desire to dictate how other companies should operate. Amidst the corporate sparring, Altman took a moment to celebrate a win for OpenAIs latest developer-centric tool, Codex. Since its launch earlier this week, the app has already seen 500,000 downloads. By shifting the narrative toward builders and away from controllers, Altman is signaling that the next phase of the AI war wont just be about who has the smartest chatbot, but who provides the most accessible tools for creators. This time belongs to the builders, Altman concluded, not the people who want to control them. Also read: Next-gen Xbox with AMD graphics: Key features to expect The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has turned off more than 25 million Aadhaar cards to stop identity theft, according to the Press Information Bureau (PIB). Most of these Aadhaar cards belonged to people who have died. This step helps prevent misuse of Aadhaar in services that need identity checks. Aadhaar is widely used for banking, investments, mobile connections, and government welfare schemes. Officials said the cleanup exercise will help keep databases current and reduce fraud risks. Families have been urged to report deaths promptly so Aadhaar numbers can be closed in time. The reporting facility is available online to speed processing and avoid long queues at centres nationwide, officials said. Survey Thank you for completing the survey! Jitin Prasada, the Minister of State for Electronics and IT in the parliament, stated that Aadhaar is the worlds largest biometric identity system, with nearly 134 crore active holders. He further added that deactivating the Aadhaar number after a persons death is essential to stop unauthorised use and identity theft. Also read: Alphabet dodges investor question on Google-Apple AI deal during earnings call To make the process easier, UIDAI has introduced an online service called Reporting of Death of a Family Member on the myAadhaar portal. Family members can do so by uploading the documents like the death certificate, the deceased persons Aadhaar details and proof of their relationship. To keep the process secure, UIDAI has also added safety features such as biometric locking and face authentication. Also read: OpenAI models to power Amazons Alexa and other AI products: Report How to check the status of your Aadhaar on UIDAI While the authorities have done the homework, theres a high chance that they might have made a mistake. Heres how you can check if your Aadhar card is still active using the UIDAI website: 1. Launch the web browser on your mobile or computer. 2. Go to the MyAadhaar Portal. 3. Look for Check Aadhaar Validity and select it. 4. Enter your Aadhaar number > complete the Captcha > hit Proceed. Once done, youll be presented with the basic data related to the Aadhar card, which includes if the user exists or not, age band, gender, state and the last three numbers of their mobile number. Also read: Anthropic mocks OpenAIs idea of bringing ads to ChatGPT, Sam Altman responds If youve earlier requested the Aadhaar deactivation process for a deceased person, then you can select Check deceased Aadhaar deactivation status > enter S followed by the 27-digit request number received earlier > enter captcha details > press Submit. Now youll be able to view the status. The SHE Mart mission is a government initiative designed to pivot rural women from credit seekers to confident business owners. By rebranding the Self-Help Group (SHG) identity into Self-Help Entrepreneurs (SHE), the programme is expected to provide a sophisticated retail platform for high-quality, SHG-made products and compete with the existing brands. Furthermore, these marts are also expected to empower grassroots artisans and Lakhpati Didi beneficiaries to compete with established commercial brands with improved branding, modern packaging, and strategic market access. If you are ready to scale your local production into a professional enterprise, here is how you can apply for the SHE Mart. Survey Thank you for completing the survey! What is the SHE Mart mission? The SHE Mart mission is a government initiative which is aimed at transforming rural women from credit seekers to entrepreneurs. SHE in the SHE Marts mission is an acronym for Self-Help Entrepreneur. The SHE Marts will serve as a single retailing platform for products made by SHGs. These new marts are expected to help the females compete with existing brands by improving packaging, branding, and market reach. Also read: Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold price drops by over Rs 52,000: How to grab this deal SHE Mart mission eligibility The scheme is meant for women working at the grassroots level. Eligible participants include: Women who are active members of SHGs registered under the National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM). Cluster Level Federations (CLFs) that manage multiple SHGs. Lakhpati Didi beneficiaries are given priority. Rural women involved in food processing, manufacturing, handicrafts, agriculture, or animal husbandry. Also read: Nothing Phone 4a Pro price in India, specifications and all other latest leaks How to apply online for SHE Mart The application process for the SHE Mart is simple and is routed through State Rural Livelihood Missions (SRLMs): 1. You need to be a part of an active SHG in your area. 2. Submit an Expression of Interest through your SHG to the CLF. 3. Product quality and marketability assessment by CLF and SRLM. Also read: Asus is bringing a new Zenbook 14 OLED laptop to India soon, all details here 4. Attend training on retail, digital payments, and customer handling. 5. Access government-backed financing support. 6. Register on state portals (such as Jan Samarth, where launched). 7. Applicants should regularly check updates from their District Rural Development Agency (DRDA) and SRLM for official notifications and shop allotment details. Google parent company Alphabets latest earning call offered a rare moment of silence on one of the biggest AI partnerships in the tech industry. During the companys fourth-quarter investor call on Wednesday, executives skipped over a direct question about Googles reported AI collaboration with Apple. Survey Thank you for completing the survey! An analyst had asked how Google is thinking about AI partnership, specifically in reference to Apples plans to use Googles AI technology to enhance Siri. It was not answered, standing out in the call otherwise focused heavily on artificial intelligence and long-term growth. While the company did not address the statement, the choice of not answering itself showed how sensitive the topic is. For the unversed, Google and Apple have been sharing a financial relationship for years. Recent court filings in the US Department of Justices antitrust case against Google have shown that the search giant pays Apple around $20 billion annually to remain the default search engine on iPhones and other Apple devices. In return, the company gets access to one of the worlds largest consumer ecosystems, with Apple reporting a global installed base of 2.5 billion active devices last quarter. Also read: What is BGMI Career Mode and can it help you land your dream job? The new AI focused partnership, however, appears to be complicated. Industry reports suggest Apple may be paying roughly $1 billion a year to tap Googles AI capabilities to power future Siri. Unlike search, where advertising revenue is immediate and well established, AI-driven interfaces do not yet offer a clear or proven monetisation path. Even after investor interest, the Apple partnership received only brief and carefully worded mentions during the earnings call. CEO Sundar Pichai said Google was pleased to be Apples preferred cloud partner and noted ongoing work on next-generation Apple foundation models built on Gemini technology. Even Alphabets chief business officer said the same thing. For now, how Googles AI collaboration with Apple will translate into revenue or strategic advantage remains unclear. Microsoft has announced a leadership change at the top of its security organisation, bringing back a former executive while moving its current security chief into a different role. Hayete Gallot, who left Microsoft in 2024 to join Google Cloud, is returning as executive vice president of security and will report directly to CEO Satya Nadella. At the same time, Charlie Bell, who had been leading Microsofts security team, will shift into a role focused on engineering quality. As per Microsofts official blog post, CEO Satya Nadella said in a message to employees, Charlie and I have been planning this transition for some time, given his desire to move from being an org leader to being an IC engineer. And I love how energized he is to practice this craft here day in and day out! Survey Thank you for completing the survey! Also read: Best Windows laptops creators should not miss in 2026 Hayete Gallot returns to take charge of security Microsofts blog post confirmed that Hayete Gallot will lead its security division as executive vice president. Gallot is a familiar name inside the company. She first joined Microsoft in 2009 and spent more than ten years working across strategy, business development, and sales. Before leaving in 2024, she was a corporate vice president involved in selling products across several areas, including security. After her exit from Microsoft, Gallot joined Google Cloud as president of customer experience. That role placed her close to enterprise customers and their concerns around reliability, data protection, and service quality. Nadella, in the message to employees, said Gallots background in both product and customer-facing roles made her suitable for the job. Hayete joins us from Google where she was President, Customer Experience for Google Cloud. Before that, she spent more than 15 years at Microsoft with senior leadership roles across engineering and sales, playing multiple critical roles in building two of our biggest franchises Windows and Office, leading our commercial solution areas go-to-market efforts. And she was instrumental in the design and implementation of our Security Solution Area. She brings an ethos that combines product building with value realization for customers, which is critical right now, the message read. In her new position, Gallot will oversee Microsofts overall security strategy, covering internal systems as well as products used by businesses and consumers. Ales Holecek will also move into a new role as chief architect for security and will report to Gallot. The changes suggest that Microsoft wants tighter coordination between security planning and product development, especially across Windows, Azure, and its growing AI services. Charlie Bell moves into an engineering quality role Charlie Bell, on the other hand, will step away from his role as Microsofts security chief and take on a position focused on engineering quality. He will continue to report directly to Nadella and work closely with senior leaders across cloud and AI teams. Bell joined Microsoft in 2021 after spending more than two decades at Amazon, where he held senior roles within AWS. During his time at Microsoft, Bell led a security team of around 10,000 people and pushed security higher up the companys internal priority list. His tenure also coincided with several major security incidents. In 2023, Microsoft disclosed a breach involving government email accounts that later led to a critical US security review. The company responded by making operational changes and tying cybersecurity performance more closely to employee evaluations. According to a report from Bloomberg, Bell was closely involved in these efforts, including the Secure Future Initiative. The latest reshuffle comes as Microsoft faces investor pressure over slower Azure growth and broader uncertainty around how AI will impact its core software business. Also read: Apple set to launch new MacBooks this year: All the rumours so far Google has officially teased its upcoming budget smartphone, the Pixel 10a. The company shared a short 15-second video that shows the phones complete design. While the teaser does not confirm the price or specifications, it reveals that pre-orders will begin on February 18. The Pixel 10a looks very similar to the earlier Pixel 9a, featuring flat sides, rounded corners, and a clean, simple finish. Survey Thank you for completing the survey! To recall, Google introduced the Pixel 10 series in August last year. The lineup included three smartphones and one foldable device. The Pixel 10a will be the new addition to that lineup, designed for users who want a Pixel experience without paying a premium price. From specifications to the pricing, heres everything we know so far about the Pixel 10a. Also read: Google Pixel 9a price drops by over Rs 12,200 ahead of Pixel 10a launch Google Pixel 10a specifications and features The Google Pixel 10a is expected to come with a 6.3-inch Full HD+ AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and up to 2,000 nits of peak brightness. Under the hood, the phone is likely to be powered by Googles Tensor G4 chipset, paired with up to 8GB of LPDDR5X RAM and up to 256GB of UFS 3.1 internal storage. Furthermore, the device is rumoured to pack a 5,100mAh battery with support for 23W fast charging. For photography, the Pixel 10a could feature a 48MP main camera with optical image stabilisation (OIS) and a 13MP ultra-wide camera. On the front, there could be a 13MP camera for selfies and video calls. Also read: Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max and iPhone 18 Pro leaks: Launch timeline, India pricing, specs, and more Google Pixel 10a price in India As per the leaks, the Google Pixel 10a is expected to be priced at around Rs 49,999 for the 8GB RAM + 128GB storage variant. The 8GB RAM + 256GB variant could cost Rs 69,000. Its important to note that these are early leaks and yet to be confirmed. In a special two-part TV series, RTE Investigates examines Irelands mental health system and uncovers how the criminalisation of mental illness leaves families and individuals impacted and abandoned by the State. Two decades after the Governments landmark policy A Vision for Change promised a shift from large psychiatric institutions to modern, community-based care, RTE Investigates asks whether that transformation has truly taken place. READ NEXT: RTE issue update on new series of Home of the Year following death of presenter Hugh Wallace Twenty years ago the State unveiled big plans for psychiatric care in Ireland. Many old wards were shut, with a plan to open specialist services instead. "Which should have meant opening up lots of facilities, healthcare facilities. It could have been assisted living, nurses, care. It didn't happen." Without acute beds patients with mental illness are being sent to prison. To investigate the true extent of this, reporter Conor Ryan and producer Frank Shouldice travelled to court hearings and inquests across the country. They spoke to the families of inmates and those working at the coal face. They pored over hundreds of first hand accounts, investigation reports and post-mortems. And they visited the prison landings that are struggling to cope. READ NEXT: Witnesses urged to come forward following tragic death of pedestrian in his 70s In the first programme this Monday night at 9.35pm, RTE Investigates lays bare how the criminalisation of mental illness continues to affect individuals and their families. "These people need to be in hospital, not in jail." Key to the promised reform was the establishment of a brand new Central Mental Hospital in Portrane in north Dublin. In Tuesday nights programme, RTE Investigates questions whether this service has delivered the change that was promised in the face of growing waiting lists and ongoing concerns about the community services people are being discharged to. READ NEXT: RIP: 'Beautiful soul '- Shock and heartbreak after young woman passes away at home "He killed our son three years ago and now he's allowed out, what's going on?" Watch RTE Investigates: The Psychiatric Care Scandal this Monday, February 9 and Tuesday 10 at 9.35pm on RTE One and RTE Player. Parts of Ireland have already flooded amid rain warnings in place in 18 counties across the island. Authorities have asked those in the impacted counties to work from home on Friday if they can in order to free up roads for essential services. The areas expected to be worst-hit are those that have already flooded in recent days, including those in Dublin, Louth and Waterford. On Thursday afternoon, flooding was evident in parts of Clontarf in north Dublin and along Dart tracks on the Dublin coast. Updates: Status Orange Rainfall warning issued for Dublin, Valid 12:00 today until 12:00 06/02 A Status Yellow Rainfall warning issued prior to Orange for Wicklow & Dublin, 09:00-12:00 today Timing updates issued to other warnings. Visit: https://t.co/w5QtJ1V6un pic.twitter.com/QZAzzLsw87 Met Eireann (@MetEireann) February 5, 2026 Barry Kenny, of Irish Rail, said that Dart lines remained closed between Lansdowne Road and Dun Laoghaire, due to flooding up to platform level at some locations, including Blackrock. This really is very, very severe, I think its unlikely that we will be back this evening, he said, adding that there could be further disruption in the morning. Irish forecaster Met Eireann said spells of very heavy rain will be falling on already saturated ground and that this, combined with high river levels and high tides, was likely to lead to more flooding and travel disruption. The National Emergency Co-ordination Group warned of another challenging phase and said local authority teams had offered people sandbags, drain clearances and other flood prevention works. The group met on Thursday to co-ordinate the latest response to severe flooding and has emphasised that heavy rain in one county can impact on flood-prone areas in an area where less significant rain has fallen. Those in the impacted counties, who have the discretion to work from home tomorrow, Friday, are urged to do so in order to free up roads for essential services, it said on Thursday. It also warned that the risk of flooding will continue into the weekend as water moves down through the catchments. The Government has offered financial support for homes and businesses affected by recent flooding. Following recent rainfall, many rivers are at or above bank-full levels. Meanwhile, strong onshore winds and storm surge will increase the risk of wave overtopping and coastal flooding. Status orange rain warnings are in place for Wicklow and Dublin from midday on Thursday until 3pm on Friday and for Waterford from 9am on Thursday until 9am on Friday. A yellow warning for those counties had been in place from 9am on Thursday until noon on Friday. An orange warning is in place for Louth from midday on Thursday and 6pm on Friday. Status yellow warnings for rain are in place for Carlow, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Wexford and Tipperary from 9am on Thursday until 9am on Friday. Yellow weather warning issued Heavy rain across much of Northern Ireland Today 12:00 Friday 23:59 Latest info https://t.co/QwDLMfRBfs Stay #WeatherAware pic.twitter.com/KPl25008ow Met Office (@metoffice) February 5, 2026 Cavan, Meath and Monaghan are also under a status yellow warning for rain between midday on Thursday and 6pm on Friday. In Northern Ireland, the Met Office has issued a yellow warning for rain between midday on Thursday and just before midnight on Friday for counties Antrim, Armagh, Down, Londonderry and Tyrone. It is warning that heavy rain may lead to some flooding and travel disruption. It said: Rain is expected to be particularly persistent over the east and south east-facing slopes of the Mourne Mountains and Antrim Hills, which may receive 60-80mm; here low impacts are most likely overall with a small chance they could be medium. Further rain is projected next week. Louth artists have been invited to register for Bealtaine Festival, which celebrates and ageing. The month-long festival in May features performances, exhibitions, discussions, workshops and readings by artists working in different art forms all over Ireland. The festival which is an Age & Opportunity initiative, aims to inspire creativity in people aged over 50. Artists and arts organisations of all sizes have been invited to register and organise a Bealtaine event in their local area. The festival welcomes participants from all art forms, including music, theatre, dance, visual arts, literature, film, storytelling, circus, comedy and much more. The event, which is in its 31st year was founded in 1995. Last year, the festival comprised of over 870 events with nearly 270 local organisers nationwide. Read Next: Louth County Council issue update as Orange Rain Warning comes into effect Dr Tara Byrne, Arts Programme Manager at Age & Opportunity and Bealtaine Festival Artistic Director said the festival brings thousands of people together through the arts. "We want to show the value of the arts in helping us to reimagine our lives as brimming with potential, as well as supporting community and social connection. We look forward to seeing each and every county in Ireland celebrating the arts as we look to support the participation and representation of all older people in creative life in Ireland." "We encourage artists, arts organisations and community groups in Louth to consider this years theme Lust for Life with a view to organising an event for the 2026 Festival, she said. Organisations are encouraged to plan their Lust for Life arts event for Bealtaine 2026. Once the event is ready for promotion, it can be registered at www.bealtaine.ie. The RISE Community Fund is reminding National Schools across Louth that applications are still open for its latest round of cash grants, supporting the use of technology to enhance learning and school operations. Primary schools are invited to apply for funding to support digital learning initiatives, classroom technology, connectivity projects, or other innovative uses of broadband that benefit pupils, teachers and the wider school community. The closing date for applications is 14 February 2026, with a simple application form available at www.riseglobalfoundation. com . The grants form part of a nationwide initiative, supported by National Broadband Ireland (NBI) and delivery partners involved in the Governments National Broadband Plan, to help rural communities make the most of high-speed broadband as it becomes available. David McCourt, Chairman of NBI and founder of the RISE Community Fund, commented: With high-speed broadband now reaching communities across Louth thanks to the National Broadband Plan, this is a real opportunity for schools to think creatively about how technology can support teaching, learning and everyday school life. Thats why were keen to encourage every eligible National School to apply before the deadline and share their ideas with us. Read Next: GoFundMe launched for family of Louth man killed in Cavan crash Since its launch, the RISE Community Fund has awarded more than 160 cash grants to schools and community organisations across Ireland, helping them use technology to increase their impact. National Schools in Louth are encouraged to apply before the deadline and outline how grant funding could support digital learning or improve school infrastructure. National Broadband Ireland is encouraging people living in rural Ireland to visit nbi.ie and check their Eircode to see if they are ready to connect. Locals across Louth are urging their community to turn daffodil yellow on Daffodil Day March 20th and go all in to raise vital funds and give hope to cancer patients. Edel Shovlin, Acting CEO, Irish Cancer Society said: This year alone, its estimated that 44,000 people will be diagnosed with cancer in Ireland. There isnt a family that hasnt felt the devastating impact of a cancer diagnosis. But no matter what cancer brings, the Irish Cancer Society is here to help. All of our essential services, like free counselling, Daffodil Centres, Night Nursing, and patient travel are fuelled by fundraising. Its also thanks to the generosity of the public that we can fund groundbreaking cancer research to help develop kinder, gentler treatments, with the aim of achieving our ambition of a future where no one dies from cancer. The more we raise on Daffodil Day, the more we can do. The more help we can give to children and adults going through cancer, the more lifesaving research we can fund, and the sooner we can ensure all cancer survivors have the support they need to live life to the full. We're all in because you are. Join us this Daffodil Day and help us do more. Read Next: Traffic disrupted after M1 crash in Louth Daffodil Day takes place on Friday March 20th. Whether you want to get involved with your school, company, or in your community, there are lots of ways to go all in and support cancer patients across Ireland. Visit cancer.ie to get involved or learn more. An amateur kickboxer who said he "lost all control" and stomped on his 62-year-old mother's skull after she threatened to kill him has been found not guilty of her murder but guilty of manslaughter by a Central Criminal Court jury this evening. The jury of seven men and five women took just three hours and 36 minutes to accept the defence of provocation put forward by Luke Donnelly (29), who told the panel of being "groomed" into a life of drugs and violence by his allegedly abusive mother. "In my whole life of being attacked and abused I had never defended myself, just waited for it to be over," Donnelly told the Central Criminal Court last week. The jurors had the option of returning two verdicts in relation to the murder charge against Donnelly, namely; guilty of murder or not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter by reason of self-defence or provocation. Donnelly, of no fixed abode, had pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to the manslaughter of his mother Catherine Henry (62) at her apartment on Bridge Street in Dundalk, Co Louth on a date unknown between May 23 and 24 2023. In seeking a verdict of manslaughter for his client, Conall MacCarthy SC, defending, had argued that the defendant and his mother had a "complex, sad and disturbing" relationship, and there was evidence of the deceased being prone to "sudden outbursts of violence". In his evidence, Donnelly recalled his mother coming into the bedroom of her apartment on May 23 2023 and asking for his key back. Donnelly said he told her he was the son of God and couldn't take the controlling abuse anymore. The defendant said his mother screamed in his face that she would kill him if he left. Donnelly said he closed his eyes and "waited for it to be over" as she lunged at him. "I didn't know whether it was punches or a weapon but I could feel my head and arms being hit". At that moment, Donnelly said he was in fear for his life, snapped and threw a punch, which connected with Ms Henry and spun her around. "I lost all control and proceeded to stomp, it all happened in a moment," he said, adding that he believed his mother was going to kill him. The 12 jurors rejected the State's contention by a majority verdict that the defences of provocation and self defence were not open to Donnelly. It was the prosecution case that Donnelly had crushed his mother's skull "like he would a common insect" and that the 62-year-old grandmother had posed no more threat to her son than that. Riverdance star Michael Flatley has said he is full of joy that the Lord Of The Dance show in Dublin this week is able to go ahead. The show, scheduled to take place in the 3 Arena on Thursday, was put in jeopardy when management company Switzer Consulting Ltd released a statement claiming it had been called off with immediate effect. Switzer had previously been granted a temporary injunction against the choreographer and dancer for alleged breach of contract, relating to an agreement the firm says was reached to allow it to run the shows for the Lord Of The Dance 30th anniversary tour. Last week, Flatley won the legal bid to have that injunction overturned, with the judge in the case, Mr Justice Simpson, saying the Riverdance star could suffer irreparable damage as the owner of the intellectual property of Lord Of The Dance. On Tuesday in the statement released on behalf of Switzer cancelling the upcoming performance, the company was described as the owner of the show and the intellectual property rights. Later that day, Flatley was granted a temporary injunction against Switzer which will prevent them from obstructing him making use of the intellectual property and running/operating the Lord Of The Dance show in Dublin on Thursday 5 February. In the Royal Courts of Justice in Belfast on Wednesday, the parties reached an agreement allowing the shows to go ahead. In a statement, Flatley said: As I said last week, we are just so full of joy that the show is going ahead as planned and that is our complete focus now it will make our 30th anniversary show in Dublin all the more special we cannot wait. On Tuesday, Flatley said Switzer issued the cancellation notice in spite to try and further disrupt matters. He said: Our relationship has been validly ended and 500,000 euros has been lodged in a solicitors account pending the hearing in two months time. It is unacceptable that Switzer would then issue a statement and I was left no choice but to injunct them from any such further interventions to ensure my shows go ahead from this Thursday. The show must go on and it will go on. 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Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe A Cork motorist who was sitting in a traffic jam with two of his children in the car with him was attacked by a complete stranger for no reason, the district court has heard. Sergeant Trish OSullivan told Macroom District Court the injured party was in his car in busy traffic at Castle Street, Macroom, Co Cork, on November 15, 2025, at 6.05pm. The man was in the car with two of his children, his 11-year-old son and his 15-year-old daughter. The court heard 51-year-old Donnacha Lynch, of The Granary, Macroom, Co Cork, was stepping out in front of traffic, shouting and gesturing at passing motorists. Lynch approached the injured partys car and banged on the bonnet before striking the man through the open drivers window. The court heard the mans glasses were broken in the assault and compensation of 400 was subsequently paid by Lynch. In a victim impact statement, the injured party said the attack had traumatised his son, who had nightmares afterwards, and his daughter was deeply upset by the incident and feels uncomfortable whenever she sees Lynch in the local area. The court heard Lynch had nine previous convictions, including one for assault and three for threatening and abusive behaviour. Defence barrister Carmel Goggin said Lynch was pleading guilty to assault, threatening and abusive behaviour and criminal damage. Ms Goggin said she believed her client had suffered a psychotic episode at the time of the incident. She said his previous convictions were on appeal to the circuit court to enable him to take up a referral to psychiatric services. She said Lynch needed to engage properly with his GP in order to take up a referral. The court was told Lynch was prescribed anti-psychotic medication but on the day in question he had drunk alcohol. Ms Goggin said he was apologetic for his behaviour. Judge Joanne Carroll said Lynch was not supposed to mix his medication with alcohol and had received a suspended sentence and a probation bond before in relation to a previous incident and despite that: He goes out and assaults a man. For the assault, Lynch was sentenced to four months in prison, for the criminal damage, he was sentenced to three months in prison, and for threatening and abusive behaviour he was also sentenced to three months. The sentences will run concurrently and recognisance for an appeal was fixed in his own bond of 100. This article is funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme New electric car registrations in Cork saw a significant surge in January 2026, with a 92.46% increase compared to January 2025. A total of 868 such cars were registered in Cork last month, according to figures released by the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI), focusing on new 26-1 vehicle registration statistics for the first month of the year. This is a substantial increase on the Cork figure for January 2025, when there was a total of 451 electric cars registered. Cork has 11.86% of the new electric car registrations nationally for January 2026, the second-highest county, after Dublin. HIGHEST NUMBER TO DATE Nationally, a total of 7,319 new electric cars were registered in January, up 48.7% on the 4,923 registrations in January 2025. This is the highest number of electric car registrations to date. In Dublin, a total of 2,720 electric cars were registered last month. Kildare was the third-highest county in Ireland for new electric vehicle registrations, at 440, followed by Meath at 335, Wicklow at 289 and Wexford at 248. In the new car market share by engine type, hybrid (petrol electric) has taken the lead for the first time, at 28.28% of engine types, followed by electric at 21.15%, petrol at 20.94%, plug-in hybrid at 14.56%, and diesel at 12.48%. Brian Cooke, director general of SIMI, said that the momentum in battery electric vehicle (BEVs) sales from last year has carried over into January 2026. Overall, there were 4,527 new car registrations in Cork in January 2026, which is an increase of 8.87% on the previous years Cork figure of 4,158. New car registrations nationwide for the month of January 2026 were up 3.3% (34,604) compared to January 2025 (33,499). Cork City Council has declined to comment on whether the Freedom of the City will be taken away from former US senator and former chairman of the Belfast Agreement talks, George Mitchell, over his links to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Earlier this week Queens University in Belfast cut ties with the 92-year-old, removing his name from the Institute of Global Peace, Security and Justice. In a statement the university said the decision was made following the emergence of new information contained in the Epstein files released last week, which include references to Mr Mitchell. While no findings of wrongdoing by senator Mitchell have been made, the university has concluded that, in light of this material, and mindful of the experiences of victims and survivors, it is no longer appropriate for its institutional spaces and entities to continence to bear his name. In 1998 Cork City Council opted to give Mr Mitchell the Freedom of the City in recognition of what was then described as his exceptional commitment to the cause of lasting peace, justice and harmony in Northern Ireland. In a statement Cork City Council said that it notes the decision of Queens University Belfast. The Freedom of Cork was conferred upon former senator George Mitchell, at the request of the then lord mayor, to recognise his role in the Northern Ireland peace process. "This once-off award was conferred upon him several years before there was public knowledge about the first allegations against Jeffrey Epstein. The City Council has no further comment on the matter at the moment. A man accused of breaching a barring order by phoning his ex-partner denied making any call and offered gardai in court the opportunity to examine his phone to prove it but unfortunately for him the offer totally backfired and now he has been remanded in custody. The matter occurred at an in-camera (private) hearing of Cork District Court where the parties cannot be identified because the case is prosecuted under the Domestic Violence Act. Terms of the barring order against the 33-year-old man provide that he would not phone his ex-partner and that he would not contact her directly or indirectly. Judge John King said that not alone were these terms of the barring order but they were also terms of the bail previously granted by him to the man. However, the mans ex-partner rang 999 for gardai on the afternoon of January 29 to say that after a number of private calls, which she did not answer, she picked up the call that was made at 4.34pm that afternoon. IN FEAR The young woman said she was immediately in fear as a result of the threatening sound of the defendants voice on the phone. Garda Dean OSullivan said gardai had concerns that he would put her in fear again or interfere with her as a witness to the case if he was granted bail. Sergeant John Dineen called the young woman to give evidence and she confirmed that she recognised her ex-partners voice on the phone that afternoon and that she hung up. Her phone showed that the call lasted 12 seconds. In the dock at the district court, the defendant smiled and shook his head. He told his solicitor Eddie Burke that he totally denied making any phone call and that the gardai could check his phone to prove it. The phone which was taken from the 33-year-old on his arrest was brought into court to check. Officers scrolled back to 4.34pm on January 29. It showed that he made a 12-second call to his ex-partners number at the same time as shown on her phone. Sgt Dineen said to Judge John King: A 12-second phone call it is there on his phone in plain black and white. Judge King said: I am satisfied on the evidence that shows he is breach of his existing bail. The judge refused bail and remanded him in custody for one week. As the evidence of the January 29 phone call emerged from the defendants own phone, he continued to argue the point. It must have been a mis-dial," he said. Mna Feasa - the Irish for Wise Women - is the name of a centre that supports women in Cork affected by domestic abuse. When I started studying Law in UCC, I began learning more about the protections against domestic violence in Irish legislation, and was involved in organising UCC Law Societys Women in Law Forum last year, which is how I first came across Mna Feasa. All money raised at the event was donated to the organisation and Barbara ODriscoll, Team Leader, spoke about their work. Then, last summer, I started volunteering with Mna Feasa part-time on a weekly basis. Through that experience, I have learned that there is something special about women supporting women. I feel a hugely heavy weight on my chest when I hear about the devastating acts of abuse these women suffer. However, its lifted by the sheer kindness, inspiration, and motivation of the women around me there. I could feel overwhelming sadness in response, but instead, I feel empowered by the resilience and strength of all the brave women who come through the doors of Mna Feasa. In college, I have learned so much about the legal protections surrounding domestic violence and the issues with these procedures. However, I have learned the most about the realities of domestic violence from the staff, volunteers and women at Mna Feasa. The level of trauma, pain and mixed emotions these women carry is heartbreaking. Most days that I pick up the phone, women describe complex stories of manipulation, gaslighting, persistent threats, and heartache. Hearing these real life stories first hand has given me an invaluable understanding of why organisations like Mna Feasa are so important, and why the legal system needs to support women and victim-survivors better. Founded in 1991, Mna Feasa provides a helpline, one-to-one counselling, support groups and court accompaniment to the women it supports. A phrase they consistently repeat in the organisation is, You dont need a Bruise to be Abused. They want to emphasise that physical abuse is not the only form of abuse, and that financial, emotional, psychological and sexual abuse are just as impactful. According to the Third National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, 2022-2026, domestic violence includes all acts of physical, sexual, psychological and economic violence that occur within the family or domestic unit or between former or current spouses or partners, whether or not the perpetrator shares or has shared the same residence with the victim. The exertion of coercive control is a key component in this process. Mna Feasa tries to spell out the misconception that women only deserve support if the abuse is bad enough or looks a certain way. All women deserve to be heard, listened to, and informed of their options. A 1995 study by Womens Aid estimated that 1 in 5 women in Ireland who have been in a relationship have been abused by a former or current partner, and in 2024, there were 46,765 disclosures of domestic abuse against women and children in Ireland, though there are likely many cases that went unrecorded. Under the Domestic Violence Act 2018, victims of domestic abuse can apply for short term remedies, such as a Protection Order, Interim Barring Order or a Barring Order. Each order grants various levels of protection from the abuser. A longer term option involves applying for a Safety Order or Barring Order which can have the power to remove the perpetrator from the home. Breaching an order is a criminal offence and the gardai can arrest without warrant. Although these are strong legal mechanisms available for victims of domestic violence, there are still significant barriers to these women accessing justice. Firstly, the cost of legal proceedings is very high and makes the justice system incredibly inaccessible. More legal aid is needed to combat this fundamental issue. The physical set-up of the court rooms is also a problem as victims are in the same room as their perpetrators, putting them in a potentially vulnerable and upsetting situation. Sometimes, victims sit through this scenario only to have to come back another day for their case to actually be heard because of the backlog of cases in Irish courts. It also seems inconceivable that because domestic abuse cases are separate from guardianship, custody and access cases, a history of violence by an adult may not be known by the judge when granting the perpetrator access to a child. Likewise, without a Domestic Violence Register, there is no way for members of the public to check if a person has had an order against them in the past. The government have recognised the need for such a register and given the go-ahead for the drafting of legislation. Although Mna Feasa provides support, it also distributes basic legal information to help women know their rights, and organises periodical sessions with solicitors who answer questions pro bono - they help women fill out legal forms and documents needed to instigate their case and provide court accompaniment. Despite the systemic changes required to support victims of domestic violence, Mna Feasa is an organisation that is blazing a trail and doing its best to support these women with the resources it has. It is an incredible organisation to be a part of and I would encourage anyone to get involved. As an initial volunteer, the training I received was really helpful in navigating how to support these women best. I have also found the staff are very mindful of checking in with volunteers to ensure the work isnt too heavy and to make space for us to offload and chat about a difficult phone call or upsetting interaction. Whether you are reading this and think you might need support, or would like to start volunteering with them, there is a wealth of information on their website - www.mnafeasa.com. I am in awe of Mna Feasa and proud to be even a small part of their fantastic team! Film lovers in Cork are in for a treat as the Cork International Film Festival (CIFF) launches its European Film Weekend. This is a free three-day showcase of daring cinema from across the European Union, running from Friday, February 6, to Sunday, February 8 at The Arc Cinema. The event promises to bring the best contemporary European storytelling to local audiences. Among the highlights is the locally made, Knocknaheeny-set film Christy, ensuring a strong homegrown presence alongside European features. There are four other films in the line-up: Deaf (Sorda), It Was Just An Accident, Love Me Tender, and Sentimental Value. All four, alongside Christy, have been shortlisted for the 2026 LUX Audience Award. The prestigious film award is voted for by European citizens and Members of the European Parliament. Brendan Canty, director of Christy The five films will be shown alongside a programme of short films nominated for the European Film Awards. Fiona Clark, Festival Director and CEO, says it is important to bring films like this to Cork and says the festival aims to encourage audiences to discover film and reimagine the world. Screening films like these in Cork for free allows audiences to experience stories they might not otherwise see, sparking conversation and broadening perspectives. It also reinforces Corks position as a vibrant cultural hub on the edge of Europe, where both local and international voices are celebrated, and the latest and best European film work is accessible. The weekend is taking place in partnership with the EU Parliament Liaison Office in Ireland and the Arc Cinema, which Clark says is vital to helping CIFF offer free screenings of the films. She also says that the CIFF European Film Weekend will kick off the festivals established calendar of year-round film events, including programmes for St Patricks Day, Cruinniu na nOg, Bastille Day, and Culture Night, plus specially curated films and outreach projects for schools and young people throughout the year. The festival committee is particularly excited to present Christy, directed by Brendan Canty and starring a predominantly Cork cast. Its incredibly exciting for the film, for CIFF, and for Cork. Brendan Canty, the director of Christy, premiered his short film of the same name at our 2019 Festival. At our 70th edition last November, we presented the world premiere of his documentary Gealtra, which was awarded both the Best New Irish Feature Award and the Audience Award. He is a great talent, and we are thrilled to support him as his career flourishes. Seeing his feature Christy recognised on such a large stage is a testament to the creativity and dedication of our local filmmakers. Canty says: Its incredibly humbling to be nominated for the LUX Audience Award alongside such incredible films, two of which are heading to the Oscars. As part of the nomination, these films are screened across the EU and translated into every EU language, which is really special. The idea that young people, and especially kids from care backgrounds all over the EU, might see Christy and feel represented means a huge amount to me. The filmmaker is proud that Christy will be shown at the European Film Weekend in Cork. Im also delighted that the Cork International Film Festival is showcasing the nominees here at home. Getting to share the film with a Cork audience as part of this programme feels very full circle, and Id love to see local audiences get behind it and vote for us. Clark says it is important for CIFF to continue fostering relationships with local filmmakers and European talent. Our mission is to connect audiences and filmmakers through transformative experiences, and so building these relationships is essential. It creates a dialogue between local and international filmmakers, encourages collaboration, and opens doors for Cork talent on a European and global stage. Sentimental Value stars Stellan Skarsgard and Elle Fanning. It screens at the Arc Cinema in Cork this weekend Festivals are not just about screening films; theyre about building connections, communities and networks that last long after the lights come up. As a local festival with an international reach, were very proud of our 70-year and continuing commitment to nurturing new Cork talent. Cork talent continues to dominate the IFTAs this year, highlighting the countys immense wealth of creative individuals. As an integral part of Corks film history, CIFF has played a significant role in nurturing and supporting the countys flourishing filmmaking scene. Its thrilling to see Cork talent thriving on national and international stages. This doesnt happen in a vacuum; the city and county have always valued and been rich in creativity, and CIFF is proud to be part of that ecosystem, supporting emerging talent, connecting filmmakers, and celebrating stories that originate here. It really speaks to the vibrancy and ambition of the Cork film community, as well as the important role that a festival of the scale and quality like CIFF brings. A scene from It Was Just An Accident, showing as part of the Cork International Film Festivals European Film Weekend Clark hopes the inaugural European Film Weekend will become a lasting tradition in Cork, inspiring future editions for years to come. Showcasing LUX Audience Award nominees aligns perfectly with our mission to create access to exceptional European cinema in Cork, continually building an appetite for our annual Festival in November. We see it as a way to inspire our audiences, introduce new voices, and continue fostering cultural exchange through film. Through our partnerships with the EU Parliament Liaison Office in Ireland and the Arc Cinemas, we hope to continue to do this, building on three years of partnership in presenting this mini-European festival at the start of the year. The CIFF European Film Weekend runs from February 6 to 8. See: https://corkfilmfest.org The recent suggestion that the Cork Event Centre may not go ahead in its proposed site on South Main Street will come as no surprise to the music community here. Ten years after the infamous sod turning, it looks like we may be back to square one, but thankfully, we have some good news on the horizon with the imminent re-opening of the Savoy venue on Patrick Street. The Event Centre saga has been very frustrating for us all. We all know that Cork is crying out for a venue that can take extra numbers for bigger shows and events. Live at the Marquee and Virgin Media Park fill the void for six or seven weeks every summer, but during the rest of the year Cork music fans travel regularly to Dublin and abroad for shows that are too big for here. They even sometimes travel to Killarney and the INEC, which is only an hour away, and which is better equipped than Cork for bigger shows. Killarney is a great town but it is very much a town, and its embarrassing that an actual nearby city has not got such a facility. Weve watched as the local infrastructure has improved around the area, with some spectacular looking bridges now linking the former Beamish and Crawford site to the surrounding streets, which have also been improved. South Main Street is looking good and provides access to another development which has been completed with speed. The Peoples Park may have proved to be controversial in its own right, but at least it got done, and the South Main St also houses multiple new apartment complex buildings now in the same old Beamish and Crawford site that we were confidently told would be hosting gigs by this time. The apartments are done and being lived in, while the Event Centre remains a pipe dream. We are frustrated for a reason. Even our bigger venues are limited by other factors. The Cork Opera House, a spectacular venue, has a very big non gig diary and can only do so much, while its pretty hard to run too many shows in Cork City Hall. Cyprus Avenue is our biggest live venue other than this and, thankfully, they are running shows nearly every night, while on the smaller side of things we are well equipped with multiple bars and venues facilitating more intimate gigs. The long-proposed Event Centre would most likely benefit everyone working in the music and arts but for now we will have to make do with the many good local venues who are doing their best to keep Cork music alive and kicking. The announcement regarding the Savoy was therefore very welcome as its an iconic venue steeped in history in Cork. I spent 15 or so years DJing fairly regularly in the Savoy and walking around the venue last Friday afternoon brought back some great memories. The new edition will not be quite at the same capacity as the initial post 2000s Savoy that made such a big impact 25 years ago. The Savoy had many glorious decades of gigs and shows before this era, but despite some great years there in my own era, it was a tricky place to get right when it wasnt a busy gig or night. There were few better places for a packed club night or gig with a big name or indeed popular local act, but when the numbers dropped it was tricky, and the design of the Foyer room meant that the dynamic of the place was not always ideal. The new entrance and approach from Drawbridge Street changes this in some ways, and now the main area is more compact, with the elevated area at the very top of the venue being largely restricted. A more compact venue will also be improved by a new stage at the back of the Foyer, which is now no longer a corridor, and which will be better suited for live shows and other performances. The return of the Savoy is a good news story for Cork, and it will hopefully help propel the music scene here. Sean McCarthaigh Three findings of poor professional performance have been made against a Cork GP over her failure to recognise the urgency of the condition of a young schoolgirl who subsequently suffered a painful death from an illness that is treatable if diagnosed in time. Vivienne Murphy (10) from Millstreet, Co Cork died of an invasive Group A Strep infection at Childrens Health Ireland at Temple Street in Dublin on March 1st, 2019 two weeks after she had first complained of a sore throat, a high temperature and a rash as well as aches and pains. Dr Joyce Leader appeared before a fitness-to-practise inquiry of the Medical Council where she faced three allegations of poor professional performance over a phone consultation she had with Viviennes parents on February 19th, 2019 while providing an out-of-hours clinic with SouthDoc in Kanturk, Co Cork. The GPs barrister, Ronan Dolan, told the hearing at the outset that Dr Leader was making full admissions to the allegations. 'Red flag' Counsel for the Medical Council, Neasa Bird, said they related to the patients fourth consultation with a doctor in six days when her worsening clinical condition should have been a red flag to the GP. The inquiry on Wednesday heard that Dr Leader admitted she had failed to conduct an urgent in-person clinical examination of the schoolgirl in circumstances where she had been informed that Viviennes condition was deteriorating after already having had a fever for 5-6 days. Viviennes parents, Lilly and Dermot Murphy, had told the GP that their daughter could not bear weight and had pains in her leg and hip. Dr Leader was also informed by the couple that Vivienne was in too much pain to be brought by car to her surgery with SouthDoc. The GP accepted that she had failed to refer the patient immediately to an emergency department of a hospital in order to rule out a diagnosis of septic arthritis that she had considered as a possible diagnosis. She further admitted that she had failed to express sufficient urgency to Viviennes parents about the need to bring her directly to the emergency department at Cork University Hospital. Bird said the GP had left the couple as non-medical people with the impossible task of deciding when they should bring their daughter to hospital. An inquest into Viviennes death at Dublin District Coroners Court in March 2023 recorded a verdict of death due to medical misadventure. Medical records showed she had died from Group A streptococcal septicaemia with necrotising fasciitis (known colloquially as flesh-eating disease. Viviennes parents claimed at the time that their daughter would still be alive if doctors had spotted the signs of the potentially fatal condition sooner. Fitness-to-practice inquiry Bird told the fitness-to-practise inquiry that Dr Leader had also seen Vivienne in person at her clinic five days earlier on February 14th, 2019 after she complained of being unwell after coming home from school. Her condition at the clinic was recorded as shivering, miserable with blanching rash". The inquiry heard Vivienne was screaming every time she moved her head, while her body was covered in a red rash. Her mother said they had brought her to SouthDoc because she had a temperature of 39C and they felt it was different from a sore throat that she had suffered two weeks earlier. Bird said Dr Leader had diagnosed Vivienne as suffering a viral infection and recommended that she continue taking Nurofen and Calpol and using inhalers. Vivienne was also seen by a different GP with SouthDoc on February 16th, 2019 and by her own family doctor two days later when her parents were still concerned about her condition. The inquiry heard both those doctors also believed she was suffering from a viral infection. Her parents contacted SouthDoc by phone again on February 19th, 2019 as Viviennes condition had worsened and they were unhappy with the diagnosis of the various doctors. However, Dr Leader told them that she still believed their daughter had a viral infection, although she also considered the possibility that she had septic arthritis. She told them that they should bring Vivienne to an emergency department if her condition deteriorated or if they were still unhappy but she did not offer to make a house call. GP failure However, Bird said the failure of the GP to stress the urgency of the situation was starkly illustrated by her failure to provide the family with a referral letter for CUH. The couple, who became visibly upset at various stages during the hearing, decided themselves to bring Vivienne to CUH arriving in the early hours of February 20th, 2019 as they felt there was something more seriously wrong with her. She was diagnosed with sepsis and the inquiry heard all hell seemed to break loose in the emergency department after doctors received blood test results which showed she was critically ill. Her condition deteriorated further at 7am when she went into septic shock and a decision was taken to transfer her urgently to CHI at Temple Street as there was no paediatric intensive care unit at CUH. The inquiry heard Vivienne underwent immediate surgery later that evening to remove large areas of her lower abdomen, groin and leg. The fitness-to-practise committee were shown very distressing and harrowing photos of the schoolgirl before and after the operation. However, she suffered organ failure and went into cardiac arrest the following day. Her family were subsequently informed she had suffered irreversible brain damage and took the decision to switch off her life support on March 1st, 2019. Bird said Group A Strep infection was usually a mild illness but could in more severe cases be life-threatening. The inquiry heard a report by an expert witness, Professor Susan Smith, found Viviennes condition had warranted at least an in-person assessment, a house visit or immediate referral to hospital by Dr Leader. Prof Smith said her failure to do so represented a serious falling short of the standards expected of doctors in the management of a sick child, although she recognised that Vivienne had a condition that was very rare and rapidly evolving". In correspondence with the Medical Council, Dr Leader, who qualified as a GP in 2011 and has operated her own surgery since 2017, said the patients rash had looked viral and she had ruled out that Vivienne had meningitis or pneumonia. The GP also admitted she was comforted by the fact that two other doctors had also reached the same diagnosis that the patient had a viral infection. In their complaint to the regulatory body, Viviennes parents said they believed she would have survived if she had been referred to hospital earlier. They also claimed Dr Leader was adamant that their daughter had a viral infection which could take up to 10 days to clear. They said there was no urgency shown by the GP, despite Murphy persistently seeking reassurance that Vivienne was going to be OK and she only recommended they should attend an emergency department after he had pressed her for answers. The inquiry heard Viviennes parents had received an overwhelming response to calls they had made for doctors to get further education about Strep A infections to prevent deaths that could arise from misdiagnosis and failure to get early treatment for the condition. Announcing the findings of poor professional performance, the FTP committee chairperson, Jill Long, said the fact that Vivienne could no longer bear weight was a significant matter to which Dr Leader should have had regard. The inquiry was adjourned until Thursday when it will hear submissions on sanction. Ryan Dunne A Dutch teacher who sold his house to provide an independent surety for a compatriot accused of conspiring to import close to 60 million worth of cocaine on Wednesday told the Special Criminal Court that he didn't know what offence his friend is charged with. Challenging the independent surety offered for Ali Ghasemi Mazidi (50), counsel for the State, Dean Kelly SC, said the claim by 53-year-old David Kuiper was "preposterous and unbelievable". The court heard that Mr Kuiper had sold his house to provide the independent surety of 30,000 for Mr Mazidi to take up High Court bail. Mazidi, with an address in the Netherlands, is one of 10 men before the courts charged that they conspired to do an act in the State that constitutes a serious offence, namely the importation of controlled drugs in excess of 13,000 on dates between February 27th and March 14th, 2024, both dates inclusive, within the State. The offence is contrary to the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977. The 10 men were arrested by gardai in March 2024 during operations in the villages of Tragumna and Leap near Skibbereen in west Cork, where a jeep, camper van, articulated truck, and rigid inflatable boat were seized as part of the suspected drug smuggling operation. After gardai intercepted the vehicles they discovered a large quantity of nautical equipment including satellite phones, GPS devices, radios and control panels and wetsuits. A previous court sitting heard that the ship the rigid inflatable boat (RIB) was attempting to rendezvous with passed an area in Denmark in mid-March. 840 kilos of cocaine valued at between 58 and 59 million was subsequently found washed up in the area. Mazidi was previously granted bail in the High Court, on his own bond of 1,000 with an independent surety of 30,000. Before the Special Criminal Court today, David Kuiper, a 53-year-old teacher from the Netherlands, told defence counsel, Michael OHiggins SC, that he has known the accused for 20 years and would put my trust in him. He said that he had sold his house to acquire the money for the surety for bail. During cross-examination for the State by Mr Kelly, Mr Kuiper said that the accused was a very close personal friend to his wife. He said that he had spoken to the accused two times a week, by telephone and video call, since the accused went into custody. Mr Kelly said that, as the witness lives in the Netherlands, he would not be living with Mr Mazidi if the accused were granted bail. Counsel put it to the witness that Kuiper would therefore not be in a position to know if the accused were taking steps to flee the jurisdiction. Mr Kuiper replied that he did not think Mazidi would do that. In response to Mr Kellys question as to whether Kuiper was aware of what the accused was charged with, the witness replied that he was a suspect in a big drugs case. In response to further questioning from Kelly as to his knowledge of the charges against the accused, Kuiper said that he and Mazidi dont talk about that. Kelly asked the witness whether he had asked for what alleged crime the accused had been charged, to which Kuiper replied: Maybe, I dont know. Travel plans Kelly asked the witness if Mazidi had discussed his travel plans in February/March 2024, to which Kuiper said the accused had said he was going to visit his mother. Kuiper told the court that the accused did not mention he was going to visit Ireland. It seems he is not in the habit of sharing his travel plans with you, and yet you put up your 30,000 as surety, said Kelly. Kuiper replied that he could trust the accused. Amin Mazidi, the brother of the accused, gave evidence that he was willing to act as surety for bail, but that Mr Kuiper was lending him the money. He said he would notify the Irish authorities if it came to his attention that the accused was breaching his bail conditions. Closing submission In his closing submission to the court, OHiggins described Kuiper as a respectable citizen. Kelly, however, said that the court did not have details of Kuipers finances, nor did it have evidence of the movements in his bank account. He said it was a preposterous and unbelievable suggestion that Kuiper did not know what the accused was charged with, which had some bearing on the witnesss suitability as surety. Mr Justice Tony Hunt, presiding with Judge Sarah Berkeley and Judge Paula Murphy, put the matter back to February 13th. Seven of Mazidis co-accused have already entered guilty pleas to the charge against them. They are Mario Angel Del Rio Sanz (45) of no fixed abode but from Spain; Anuar Rahui Chairi (42) of Malaga in Spain; Aleksandar Milic (27) with an address in Belgrade in Serbia; Kiumaars Ghabiri (52) with an address in Rotterdam in the Netherlands; Pedro Pablo Ojeda Ortega (36) of Cadiz; and Angel Serran Padilla (40) of Malaga. Mazidi, along with Sean Curran (37), with an address at Carrickyheenan, Aughnacloy, Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh and Raul Tabares Garcia (48), of Cadiz in Spain, are still awaiting trial. Gordon Deegan Two men have pleaded guilty to a total of 82 charges as part of a 1 million-plus crime spree across the midwest and Galway in 2024 and early 2025. On one day alone on July 9th 2024, Eddie Carey (31) and Owen Casey (28) committed burglaries at seven premises across Galway and Clare including the burglary at Shannon based Wolfe Tones GAA club - the club of Clare All-Ireland winning senior hurling manager and double All-Ireland winner as a player, Brian Lohan. In addition to the burglary charge at Wolfe Tones, Carey has also pleaded guilty to committing arson at the Wolfe Tones clubhouse on July 9th 2024. At Ennis Circuit Court, Carey of De Vere Court, John Carew Park, Limerick has pleaded guilty to 42 charges while his co-accused, Owen Casey of Salvia Court, Keyes Park, Southill, Limerick has pleaded guilty to 40 charges. Carey has pleaded guilty to 17 burglary charges from February 2024 to September 2024 while Casey has pleaded guilty to 10 burglaries from July 2024 to September 2024. Counsel for the State, Sarah Jane Comerford BL (instructed by State Solicitor for Clare, Aisling Casey) said that lawyers for both accused made substantial offers to the State on behalf of their clients in terms of guilty pleas last week. The pleas entered by the two followed a long Garda investigation which resulted in a six volume book of evidence being served on the two last year. Telephone records The evidence also included 55,000 pages of telephone records and a very extensive amount of CCTV and if the two had contested the charges a trial would have lasted a number of weeks. Initially, Carey and Casey faced a combined 125 charges with Carey facing 66 charges and Casey facing 59 charges. Comerford said that Carey has been on remand in custody since January 19th of last year and Casey has been on remand in custody since April 13th last year. In addition to the burglary charges, Carey has also pleaded guilty to 20 handling stolen property charges while Casey has pleaded guilty to 23 handling stolen property charges. Contested bail hearing At a contested bail hearing for Casey last year at Ennis District Court, Det Garda Aoife OMalley told the court that Casey along with Carey and another man are suspected to be involved in burglaries and stealing high value vehicles across the Midwest with a combined estimated monetary value in excess of 1m. Det Garda O'Malley said that the Garda investigation commenced out of Ennis Garda Station in July 2024 and was investigating 92 separate alleged offences with a monetary value of in excess of 1m in stolen and damaged property and stolen vehicles. Det OMalley said that the 92 separate alleged offences include 31 commercial burglaries, 24 residential burglaries and 27 unauthorised taking of vehicles between January 2024 and March 2025. Det OMalley said that it will be alleged that the high value vehicles were stolen to buy for another criminal network for financial gain. Det OMalley said that the burglaries were highly organised. Det OMalley said that in relation to some of the unauthorised taking of vehicles, there are videos of the alleged crimes occurring at the time that they are occurring. At Ennis Circuit Court, Judge Francis Comerford has directed that victim impact statements be taken from all the injured parties in the case and Ms Comerford said that will take some time judge. Judge Comerford further remanded Casey and Carey in custody to a date in March to fix a date for sentence. Ellen O'Donoghue, Sarah Slater and Vivienne Clarke Louth has been added to the list of counties under orange rainfall warnings, with other advisories expanded elsewhere in the country. Weather warnings have been issued for 13 counties, with the worst impacts projected for areas that were already severely affected by flooding in recent days. Affected counties are likely to experience more flooding during spells of further heavy rain on Thursday and Friday. Met Eireann said spells of very heavy rain will be falling on already saturated ground. Updates: Status Orange Rainfall warning issued for Dublin, Valid 12:00 today until 12:00 06/02 A Status Yellow Rainfall warning issued prior to Orange for Wicklow & Dublin, 09:00-12:00 today Timing updates issued to other warnings. Visit: https://t.co/w5QtJ1V6un pic.twitter.com/QZAzzLsw87 Met Eireann (@MetEireann) February 5, 2026 This, combined with high river levels and high tides, is likely to lead to localised flooding and river flooding as well as difficult travel conditions. Weather warnings: Status Orange - Rain warning for Dublin, Wicklow from 12pm Thursday to 3pm Friday. Status Orange - Rain warning for Waterford from 9am Thursday to 9am Friday Status Orange - Rain warning for Louth from 12pm Thursday to 6pm Friday Status Yellow - Rain warning for Carlow, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Wexford, Tipperary from 9am Thursday to 9am Friday Status Yellow - Rain warning for Cavan, Monaghan, Meath from 12am Thursday to 6pm Friday Yellow - Rain Warning for Antrim, Armagh, Down, Tyrone, Derry from 12pm Thursday to midnight on Friday The National Emergency Co-ordination Group has warned of another challenging phase. In advance of the latest spell of heavy rain, local authority teams have been deploying sandbags, clearing drains and carrying out other flood prevention works. In Enniscorthy Fianna Fail councillor Aidan Browne said: One of the interim measures for flood relief is currently being installed at the Island Road. This is a wall of one tonne of sand bags which is placed at back of the vulnerable houses to create a line of defence against flood waters (from the river Slaney). Wicklow County Council are highlighting that sandbags are available for collection across all Municipal Districts. Stocks will be replenished throughout the day. Collection Points are Arklow Depot, Aughrim Depot, Avoca Depot, Blessington Council Depot, Chapel Lane Baltinglass, Donard Council Depot, Dunlavin Council Depot, Tinahely Council Depot, Kilmacanagoue Carpark, Bray MD Depot and Bog Meadow, Enniskerry. Due to high tides and high easterly winds, the public is being advised by Wicklow County Council to stay away from the following areas Bray promenade which is flooded, Bray harbour, Martello car park and Bray south Promenade car park The Government has offered financial support for homes and businesses affected by recent flooding. Following recent rainfall, many rivers are at or above bank-full levels. Meanwhile, strong onshore winds and storm surge will increase the risk of wave overtopping and coastal flooding. Dublin City Council has said it is monitoring river levels and coastal conditions closely, to ensure appropriate responses as required. Carparks along Sandymount and Clontarf coast have been closed to protect against possible wave overtopping, while the Council has also closed the Clontarf cycle lane as a precautionary measure. Eden Quay Boardwalk (floodgates) also remains closed, as do the floodgates along the River Dodder. In Co Wexford, burst water mains in Kilmore are affecting the village, nearby Bridgetown, Tomhaggart and surrounding areas. Works are (expected) to be completed this evening. Pressure should return soon after, said local Aontu councillor Jim Codd. Waterford Sinn Fein TD David Cullinane said that financial resources made available for Waterford shows the town and county lags way behind Cork, Limerick, Galway, Kilkenny and many more counties over the last five years. Likewise in funding for harbours and piers, where Waterford received the lowest allocation, added Cullinane. He highlighted that Waterford ranks 22nd out of 24 counties for Office of Public Works (OPW) major flood relief funding. Over six years, Waterford received just 240,000, the Sinn Fein TD claims. Cork received 115 million. Limerick 37 million, Galway 13 million, Kilkenny 4 million, 17 times more than Waterford. This neglect is unacceptable. Waterford deserves fair funding and real flood protection. A very, very wet day Met Eireann has warned that very heavy rain falling on already saturated ground, combined with high river levels and high tides will lead to localised flooding, river flooding, and difficult travel conditions. The National Emergency Co-ordination Group met on Wednesday and warned of another challenging phase. Local authority teams have been deploying sandbags, clearing drains and carrying out other flood prevention works. The Government has offered financial support for homes and businesses affected by recent flooding. Following recent rainfall, many rivers are at or above bank-full levels. Meanwhile, strong onshore winds and storm surge will increase the risk of wave overtopping and coastal flooding. Senior forecaster with Met Eireann, Gerry Murphy, has warned it is going to be a very, very wet day with rain continuing to fall until mid-afternoon on Friday. This is going to be a lot of consistent, persistent rain," he added, but the rain will arrive more slowly than anticipated. Speaking on both Newstalk Breakfast and RTE radios Morning Ireland, Murphy also cautioned that the rain, particularly in the Dublin mountains, is going to have a knock-on effect at lower levels in areas such as Shankill and Rathfarnham and other parts of South County Dublin. This weather regime is going to continue, today, tomorrow, over the weekend, with a further band next week, he added. "Once this rain does get started this morning, it's actually going to continue right the way through the rest of the day, overnight and through tomorrow morning as well. So there's going to be rain where basically it's just going to continue raining from once it starts mid-morning and then basically it's just rain, rain until maybe mid-afternoon tomorrow," Murphy said. As has been well documented at this stage, the river levels are very high, the tides are high, the ground is saturated, so moderate amounts of rainfall can and probably will cause flooding in some places, but this is actually going to be a very wet day." Rainfall in the Wicklow Mountains will have the effect of activating some very responsive rivers and streams in the mountains, which then will have a knock-on effect as it flows down to lower levels," according to Murphy. "But it does look like those heavier, those more significant high rainfall totals will also encroach into the Dublin mountains and parts of South Dublin. Rainfall for January and the start of February has been well above average for the south and east of the country, "so it doesn't take much to tip into a flooding scenario". Additional reporting: PA Ellen O'Donoghue Support for Micheal Martin has risen amongst Fianna Fail voters. According to the latest Ipsos B&A poll in The Irish Times, the party's voters now back the leader four to one. The majority of all voters who expressed an opinion, however, say that Martin should step down as leader of his party. Martin's rating recovery comes after a slump in the wake of Fianna Fail's disastrous presidential election campaign last year, making him once again the most popular party leader. Support for Sinn Fein has dropped by about three points, but it is still the most popular party at 24 per cent. That is followed by Fianna Fail at 19 per cent (up two) and Fine Gael at 18 per cent (no change). Among the smaller parties, the Social Democrats are on 7 per cent (up two), Labour is at 4 per cent (down two), the Green Party is at 4 per cent (up one), People Before Profit-Solidarity is on 2 per cent (no change), Aontu is at 3 per cent (no change) and Independent Ireland is on 4 per cent (up two). But satisfaction with the Government as a whole is down by a point to 30 per cent. That figure began falling in the second half of 2025 and remains at its lowest point for six years, since just before the 2020 general election, when the Fine Gael-Independent government was in office. Independents/others are at 16 per cent (down one). The comparisons are with the most recent Irish Times/Ipsos poll last October. Undecided voters, who are excluded from the above figures, are at 27 per cent, an increase of four points since October. These most recent findings partially reverse the movements in the previous poll, when both Fianna Fail and Martin suffered big drops in support, while Sinn Fein saw its support jump. Fine Gael leader Simon Harris has seen his rating slip by four points to 31 per cent, while Sinn Fein president Mary Lou McDonald has also slipped by four points to 35 per cent. Ellen O'Donoghue The 10th anniversary of the Regency hotel attack features heavily on Irish front pages on Thursday. The Irish Times lead with their poll stating that support for Micheal Martin has risen among Fianna Fail voters, Minister for Media Patrick ODonovan ruling out an immediate social media ban for children, and Norma Foley opposing commercial rates on childminder homes. The Irish Independent lead with a frantic race to install flood barriers as several counties are at risk due to more heavy rain forecast and weather warnings in place. The Echo lead with a Cork GP being sanctioned for poor professional performance after a 10-year-old girl died from an illness that is treatable if diagnosed in time. The Hutch organised crime group still being active in Ireland 10 years on from the Regency hotel attack leads the Irish Examiner, The Herald, the Irish Daily Mirror and Irish Daily Star. The Irish Examiner also features a plan for age checks on social media sites, and research suggesting that new rent rules will increase evictions on its front page. The Irish Daily Mail lead with the Government planning to hold two by-elections in May. The Belfast Telegraph lead with a prolific sex offender being back behind bars after breaching a court order. The Bundeskartellamt, or the Federal Cartel Office of Germany, has prohibited Amazon from continuing its practice of using mechanisms to control the prices charged by sellers on its platform in the country. Germanys competition regulator explained that the company uses various price control mechanisms to review prices set by third-party Markerplace sellers. If the website deems a specific listings pricing as too high, it allegedly removes the listing altogether or prevents it from being prominently displayed in the Buy Box section that lets you quickly purchase items. If those listings arent removed completely, theyre banished to less prominent sections like in the See all buying options and the Other sellers on Amazon lists. This reduced visibility could lead to significant losses in sales for sellers. Amazon was found to have engaged in anti-competitive practices, because the company itself runs its own retail business and sells goods on the platform. That makes third-party sellers, which make up for 60 percent of the items sold on the website, direct competitors. Cartel Office president Andreas Mundt said Amazon must only be allowed to influence competitors pricing in the most exceptional cases, such as in the event of excessive pricing. He didnt specify what the agency views as excessive pricing, but he said allowing the company to continue its current practices will give it the power to control the price level on the trading platform according to its own ideas. He also said that Amazon could use its mechanisms to compete with the rest of the online retail sector outsideof its own website. Amazons interference could lead to third-party sellers no longer being able to cover their own costs, forcing them out of the Marketplace, he added. Rocco Brauniger, Amazons country manager for Germany, told Bloomberg that the company will appeal the ruling and will continue operating as usual. Amazon would be the only retailer in Germany forced to highlight non-competitive prices for customers, he said. This makes no sense for customers, sales partners, or competition. He also asserted that the offices decision will throttle innovation in the European Union. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Amazon has been under scrutiny in Europe for years now. Back in 2022, it pledged not to use private sellers data to compete with them in the Marketplace in the EU. It also promised to give sellers "equal treatment when ranking them in the Buy Box section. The Bundeskartellamt considers this systematic interference in the Marketplace sellers freedom to set their own prices to constitute an abuse under the special provisions for large digital companies (Section 19a(2) of the German Competition Act (GWB)) as well as a violation of the general abuse provisions under Section 19 GWB and Article 102 TFEU, the agency wrote. In these proceedings, the Bundeskartellamt has worked closely with the European Commission, which is responsible for enforcing the EU Regulation on contestable and fair markets in the digital sector (Digital Markets Act). The agency is slapping Amazon with a fine due to those violations, but the $70 million penalty its asking for is merely partial payment based on the economic benefits the company enjoyed from its alleged anti-competitive behaviors. According to the Bundeskartellamt, the identified antitrust violations are still ongoing, so Amazon may have to pay more. VPNs have a mixed reputation, primarily because you can use the technology to hide your location and identity on the internet. Even the best VPNs can be used to conceal crimes and make the perpetrators harder to track. Fortunately, most of the world's governments (at least for now) recognize that VPNs are just technology that can be used for good or ill. That means VPNs are legal in almost every country in the world. The countries that do restrict VPNs tend to be those where internet freedoms are already curtailed, like Russia, China, Iran and North Korea. There are distinct gradations between those nations, though. And the days of worry-free VPN access elsewhere in the world is starting to show cracks: Currently free jurisdictions including the UK, France and even several US states are now considering bans. Is it legal to use a VPN? The answer is almost always yes. In every country except the ones listed in the next section, there are no legal penalties for visiting a VPN website, downloading a VPN or connecting to a VPN server. Advertisement Advertisement In the last few years, however, some countries that were once beacons of online liberty have started considering bans. This is part of a chain reaction that started with age verification laws for websites deemed harmful to children, most prominently the UK's Online Safety Act. Once everyone realized that anyone could circumvent the OSA by using a VPN server in another country, UK politicians began trying to ban VPNs as well. The same thing is currently happening in France. In the US, Wisconsin and Michigan are both proposing age verification laws and VPN bans. For now, though, none of these VPN bans have passed into law. Some have been defeated by the coordinated efforts of activists, including one Swiss proposal that would have forced Proton VPN to relocate. In countries that do ban or restrict VPN usage, the laws can take several forms. Some countries have made all VPNs unlawful to use. Others only allow VPNs approved by the government approval which usually comes from agreeing to share information with law enforcement. In some other countries, it's legal to use a VPN, but you'll face extra penalties if you use one to commit a crime. I'll go through all these categories in the next section. Where are VPNs illegal? This section is a complete list of countries where using a VPN is a legal risk. If a country isn't on this list, you can assume it's safe to use a VPN. Even nations with bad internet freedom scores, like Saudi Arabia and Indonesia, often don't have anti-VPN laws to avoid scaring off international business. Advertisement Advertisement One more important note is that anti-VPN laws are much more likely to be enforced against locals than foreigners. I'm not saying you should tempt fate, just noting that there are very few cases of a traveler being prosecuted in another country solely for using a VPN. Countries where VPNs are totally banned VPNs are completely outlawed in four countries. Three of them Belarus, Turkmenistan and North Korea are isolated authoritarian regimes that restrict internet freedoms as part of nationwide crackdowns on all civil and political liberties. Iraq, while slightly more liberal overall, banned VPNs in 2014 in an attempt to kick the Islamic State off the internet. Twelve years later, the ban remains in place. Uganda is a special case. In 2018, the African nation enacted the world's first social media tax, which the government called necessary to raise funds but which was criticized as a backhanded assault on free speech. VPNs can get around the tax, so Ugandan internet service providers (ISPs) are required to block VPN traffic. However, there's no law on the books against using a VPN, so as long as you bring a service with obfuscation (like NordVPN) you're good to go. Countries where only approved VPNs are allowed More common than banning VPNs altogether is restricting VPN usage to those approved by the government. This lets the powers that be grant limited VPN access to businesses for economic reasons, while also being able to yank it away as a method of control. It also means VPNs with a license to operate are likely to report data or install surveillance backdoors. Advertisement Advertisement The nations that handle VPNs this way are China, Russia, Iran, Venezuela, Bahrain, Myanmar, Pakistan, India, Turkey and Oman. These countries don't ban all VPNs, but target popular providers with intermittent crackdowns and threats. China in particular uses the so-called Great Firewall, the world's most sophisticated suite of censorship technologies, to prevent its citizens from even visiting the homepages of VPN companies. If you plan to travel in China and want to maintain access to the outside world, download a VPN before you go and remember that using it while there will technically put you in violation of the law. Russia is a textbook case of a selective VPN ban, with businesses allowed to use approved VPNs and everyone else left to scramble against periodic mass blocks. Turkey's autocratic government has also tried to crack down on VPN usage by blocking VPN sites, but clumsy implementation has left a lot of holes, allowing Instagram and other social media to remain a free speech lifeline for Turks. Countries with extra penalties for using VPNs to view blocked websites In a few countries, it's legal to use any VPN, but against the law to use them for illegal activities. You might say, "Duh, I'm aware that breaking the law is illegal," but there is a meaningful difference some crimes are crimier than others. Just like you'll get a much harsher sentence if you rob someone with a weapon, you'll face steeper penalties for using a VPN to view content the government is trying to block. Countries that operate like this include Vietnam, Egypt and the UAE. Potential future VPN bans Today, a number of countries once considered free and tolerant are proposing wide-ranging age verification laws, usually for reasons that boil down to "think of the children!" If enacted as the UKs Online Safety Act has shown they effectively offer a choice between two equally unacceptable alternatives: Live with a censored version of the internet, or get broader access only once you sacrifice your online anonymity. Advertisement Advertisement VPNs are the easiest and most direct workaround to this rising tide of censorship, which is why those same governments have them in their legislative crosshairs. The threat of enforcement chills free activity in a connected world where enforcers can't be everywhere at once. For now, laws against VPN usage are still largely vague, inconsistent and unevenly applied. As citizens, we can work to make our voices heard and fight against these initiatives before they become law. In the meantime, you may well want to get install your VPN of choice on as many devices as possible and get your other cybersecurity ducks in a row while youre at it. Best VPN for 2025 | ExpressVPN review | NordVPN review | Norton VPN review | Proton VPN review | Surfshark review | Private Internet Access (PIA) review | How we test VPNs | How to add VPN to your TV | How to use a VPN on Chromecast or Google TV | How to use a VPN on Roku | How to use a VPN on Apple TV | How to use a VPN on Fire TV | See Engadget's full VPN coverage X is experimenting with a new way for AI to write Community Notes. The company is testing a new "collaborative notes" feature that allows human writers to request an AI-written Community Note. It's not the first time the platform has experimented with AI in Community Notes. The company started a pilot program last year to allow developers to create dedicated AI note writers. Xs Keith Coleman tells me that AI writers are prolific and that one has contributed more than 1,000 notes that were rates as helpful by other contributors. But the latest experiment sounds like a more streamlined process. According to the company, when an existing Community Note contributor requests a note on a post, the request "now also kicks off creation of a Collaborative Note." Contributors can then rate the note or suggest improvements. "Collaborative Notes can update over time as suggestions and ratings come in," X says. "When considering an update, the system reviews new input from contributors to make the note as helpful as possible, then decides whether the new version is a meaningful improvement." According to Coleman, who oversees Community Notes, the AI writer for collaborative notes will be Grok. That would be in-line with how a lot of X users currently invoke the AI on threads with replies like "@grok is this true?" But Coleman says that if it works well, it could make sense to bring the suggestion-feedback loop to the AI note writer API as well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Community Notes has often been criticized for moving too slowly so adding AI into the mix could help speed up the process of getting notes published. Cleman also noted that the update also provides "a new way to make models smarter in the process (continuous learning from community feedback)." On the other hand, we don't have to look very far to find examples of Grok losing touch with reality or worse. According to X, only Community Note Contributors with a "top writer" status will be able to initiate a collaborative note to start, though it expects to expand availability "over time." Update, February 5, 2026, 2:42PM PT: This post was updated to reflect additional information from Xs Keith Coleman. Newly released Department of Justice files have revealed a disturbing email exchange showing how disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein reacted to the suicide of Mary Kennedy, the former wife of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The documents include an email sent on May 16, 2012 the same day Kennedy was found dead at her home in Bedford, New York and are part of a broader release tied to Epstein's sex trafficking investigation. The contentious divorce between Mary Kennedy and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was still ongoing. According to the files cited by OK! Magazine, an individual identified as Eva Dubin contacted Epstein with news of the death. In the email, Dubin wrote, "Mary Kennedy found dead in her backyard...." Epstein's response was a single word: "whoops." No additional context or follow-up explanation was included in the released records, and there is no indication of further communication between the two regarding Kennedy's death. The resurfaced exchange has drawn renewed attention on social media, where users expressed shock at Epstein's apparent lack of empathy. One social media user reacted to the email by writing, "Wow this really isn't looking good for Epstein." Another individual commented sarcastically, "He definitely had nothing to do with that. Wink, wink, nudge, nudge," while a third questioned the circumstances of the death, asking, "It wasn't suicide, was it?" READ MORE: Newly Released Photos From Epstein's 'Nuclear Bunker' Mansion Allegedly Reveal How It Was Designed to Make Victims Panic Mary Kennedy, who married Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in 1989, shared four children with the environmental lawyer and political figure. Over the course of their marriage, Kennedy struggled publicly with substance abuse and mental health issues. Kennedy filed for divorce in 2010 after years of turmoil, including allegations of infidelity and domestic conflict. Following Mary Kennedy's death at age 52, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. addressed her struggles during funeral remarks. Speaking about a final phone call, he said, "The day before she died, she called me and said, 'You know me better than anyone in the world.' She said, 'I was such a good girl.' I said, 'I know you are and you still are.' She really fought so hard. She had these demons, and she didn't deserve it." Epstein, who died in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges, continues to be scrutinized through newly released documents that shed light on his communications and relationships with prominent figures. In separate news, Princess Sofia of Sweden had limited contact with Jeffrey Epstein around 2005 and was introduced to him a few times while living in New York but never visited his private island and has had no contact with him for nearly 20 years, the palace confirmed, per People. The clarification follows leaked emails suggesting Epstein once offered to fly the then-21-year-old Sofia Hellqvist to the Caribbean, an invitation Swedish officials say she did not accept. READ MORE: Lewis Black Names High-Profile Celebs at Epstein's Secret Dinner Bash Where He Says' Young Girls Flitting About' Pedro Pascal has officially been confirmed as the lead in Todd Haynes' new romance film "de Noche," reviving the once-shelved project and setting it on track to begin filming next month. The film is described as a subversive love story set in 1930s Los Angeles, with Pascal playing a hard-boiled police detective who enters into a passionate relationship with a younger boarding school teacher, played by Danny Ramirez. Their romance unfolds against a backdrop of deep political corruption and rising global tension, forcing the couple to flee to Mexico as they become targets of powerful figures. The story takes cues from classic film noir, echoing titles like "Chinatown" in its mix of crime, desire, and moral decay, according to Variety. "De Noche" had been stalled after Joaquin Phoenix exited the project just days before cameras were due to roll, prompting the production to shut down and leaving its future uncertain. With Pascal now attached, producers and backers have moved quickly to restart the film, confirming that principal photography is scheduled to start next month, with international sales launching at the European Film Market in Berlin, the Times of India reported. The film is being financed and handled internationally by French company MK2 Films, with Killer Films' Christine Vachon and Pamela Koffler producing, and Cinetic Media involved in domestic rights. Haynes co-wrote the script with his long-time collaborator Jon Raymond, framing the film as both a period romance and a reflection of present-day issues, including domestic corruption and social injustice. The director has said the movie aims to show how desire and love can endure despite fear and oppression. "De Noche" also marks the first collaboration between Haynes and Pascal, who has recently balanced major studio work with acclaimed independent projects, further raising expectations for the film's awards and festival prospects once it is completed, as per Vulture. Many falsehoods have been posted on social media related to the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was shot to death at UVU Sept 2025. This brought country star Carrie Underwood into a controversy that she never publicly addressed. Nicki Swift reports that viral posts wrongly said that Underwood criticized Kirk's widow, Erika Kirk, and later said that she was personally involved in memorials for him after his death. Underwood didn't say anything about Kirk's death in public, which led to speculation. Fake stories that spread quickly on X, Facebook, and Instagram filled that gap. One post that went viral said that Underwood had accused Erika Kirk of using the death of her husband for her gain. The false article said that Underwood made a statement without giving any proof. The post said she wrote, "I won't fake sympathy," which was a dig at Erika Kirk's public grieving. Nicki Swift said that Underwood never said anything like that, and she didn't post anything like it on any verified account. READ MORE: Erika Kirk Addresses Controversy Over Intimate Hug With Vice President JD Vance After Charlie Kirk died, people were more critical of Erika Kirk, especially because of her public appearances and leadership role at Turning Point USA. Erika wrote a post on social media to respond to people who were upset with how she was acting while she was grieving. She wrote on Instagram in response to a lot of criticism,"One day you're collapsed on the floor crying out the name Jesus in between labored breaths. The next you're playing with your children in the living room." Nicki Swift said that Underwood has remained silent about Erika Kirk and the situation, despite what people are saying. Still, made-up stories kept going around. Another rumor said that Underwood and her husband, Mike Fisher, who used to play in the NHL, went to Kirk's memorial and paid their respects. A fake Instagram post that promoted the false story said, "In that unbearable stillness, Carrie Underwood and her husband stepped forward, voices trembling with sorrow, as they performed 'Hallelujah.'" The claim came with AI-made pictures that were later found to be fake. Another post said that Underwood had talked to Charlie Kirk shortly before he died and shared what he thought were his last words. The fake quote said,"It was as if he knew ... and now I can't unhear it."Nicki Swift said that there is no proof that Underwood and Kirk ever met. People who use the internet helped prove the story wrong. A Facebook user commented on one post, pointing out inconsistencies in the timeline and saying, "What a sick posthe hasn't even had a funeral yet." Many people thought the claims were unlikely because Underwood has always been hesitant to get involved in politics in public. She told The Guardian in 2019, "I try to stay far out of politics if possible, at least in public, because nobody wins." READ MORE: Charlie Kirk's Widow Talks About 'Light Flicker' She Noticed Hours After Her Husband Was Killed Bill Gates is again speaking openly about his past connection to Jeffrey Epstein as newly released documents renew public attention on the disgraced financier's circle. The Microsoft co-founder says he deeply regrets ever spending time with Epstein and strongly denies allegations mentioned in the records. In an interview with 9 News Australia, shared on Feb. 4, Gates said his association with Epstein was a mistake he wishes he could undo. "Every minute I spent with him, I regret," Gates told political editor Charles Croucher. "And I apologize that I did that." According to ENews, his comments came days after documents released on Jan. 30 included claims written by Epstein suggesting misconduct by Gates. Gates firmly rejected those accusations. He explained that the claims came from an email Epstein allegedly wrote to himself and never sent. "That email is false," Gates said. "I don't know what his thinking was there. Was he trying to attack me in some way?" Gates also denied allegations that he had inappropriate relationships with women or contracted a sexually transmitted disease. He stressed that he never visited Epstein's private island and never met any women through him. According to Gates, his interactions with Epstein were limited and focused on discussions he now regrets. He said he first met Epstein in 2011 and only met him for dinner until around 2014. "The focus was always, he knew a lot of very rich people, and he was saying he could get them to give money to global health," Gates explained. "In retrospect, that was a dead end. I was foolish to spend time with him." Bill Gates Admits He Regrets "Every Minute" He Spent With Jeffrey Epstein https://t.co/wwoWiWY2Ll E! News (@enews) February 4, 2026 Bill Gates Says Epstein Meetings Were a Mistake Gates emphasized that, while meeting Epstein was a serious error in judgment, those meetings had nothing to do with criminal behavior. "The more that comes out, the more clear it'll be that," he said, adding that he shares regret with many others who crossed paths with Epstein before the full scope of his crimes became public, People reported. This is not the first time Gates has spoken about the issue. In 2021, he told CNN that spending time with Epstein was "a huge mistake" and said the relationship ended when Epstein's promises of philanthropy proved to be unrealistic. The renewed attention has also affected Gates' former family life. His ex-wife, Melinda French Gates, addressed the situation during a Feb. 3 appearance on NPR's Wild Card podcast. She said the details are personally painful and bring back difficult memories from their marriage. "Whatever questions remain... those questions are for those people and for even my ex-husband," she said. "They need to answer to those things, not me." Epstein was arrested in July 2019 on federal sex trafficking charges and died one month later while awaiting trial. Kim Kardashian and Lewis Hamilton are reportedly moving carefully as their new romance heats up, with both said to be worried about how Kanye West might react. Sources say the pair are keeping things low-key out of concern that their relationship could upset Kardashian's unpredictable ex-husband, who was once friends with the Formula 1 star. A source told the Daily Mail that Kardashian is being extra cautious because of her past experience with West reacting strongly to her dating life. "They are concerned about what Kanye would think about this, since he was friends with Lewis in the past," TheNews reported. The insider added that Kardashian "doesn't want to make this look like she is poking the bear." According to people close to the situation, both Kardashian and Hamilton know their connection could "trigger Kanye in so many ways." Because of that, they are reportedly keeping their relationship casual and private. One source described it as a "friends-with-benefits" situation, saying they are "using kid gloves with this hookup and currently not making it any more than just fun." Another source stressed that the pair are not exclusive. "Lewis and Kim are not dating exclusively," the insider said. "He's not looking to settle down with anyone, including Kim." The source also noted that Hamilton is not looking to step into a father role or become part of a headline-making couple. Stunning new photos emerge of Kim Kardashian and F1 Driver Lewis Hamilton. The new couple are on a romantic escapade in Paris, per @TMZ pic.twitter.com/bq5mZluDKf Shuffle: AI You Can Text (@addshuffle) February 4, 2026 Lewis Hamilton Fits Into Kim Kardashian's Family Despite the caution, Hamilton is said to fit smoothly into Kardashian's life. A second source shared that Kardashian and West's four childrenNorth, Chicago, Saint, and Psalm"love" Hamilton, who has been friends with the family for years. The British racer is also described as having "a very calm spirit," which has helped Kardashian as she handles a complex co-parenting relationship with West. Insiders claim the Kardashian-Jenner family has even joked about Hamilton being Kardashian's "Russell Wilson," calling him a "sophisticated upgrade." Still, the relationship remains light, partly because both stars have demanding schedules that leave little room for something serious right now. According to PageSix, the romance reportedly took a turn after Kardashian and Hamilton spent time together at Kate Hudson's New Year's Eve party in Aspen. Since then, they have enjoyed a quiet and romantic trip to Europe. Reports say they stayed at a luxury hotel in the Cotswolds, spent time in London, and later traveled to Paris for an intimate dinner near the Eiffel Tower. 50 Cent, a rapper and businessman, is taking his ex-partner Shaniqua Tompkins to court over a broken life rights agreement. His company is asking for $1 million in damages. The disagreement is about whether Tompkins broke a contract that gave her sole control over her story. Tompkins says she signed the deal under pressure. Tompkins signed a life rights agreement with G-Unit Books, a company connected to 50 Cent, in 2007. This is what the fight is about. The deal gave the publisher exclusive rights to her story, but Tompkins has since talked about her relationship with the rapper on social media and in interviews. G-Unit Books says that those comments hurt the deal's value and got in the way of a planned book project. AllHipHop says that G-Unit Books recently asked a judge in Manhattan to deny Tompkins' request for more time to respond to its lawsuit. The company wants a default judgment because Tompkins knew about the case for months but didn't do anything about it. The company says that the lawsuit is for $1 million in damages and legal fees because of what it calls a clear breach of contract. Read more: 50 Cent Blasts Zohran Mamdani, Says His Tax Plan Will 'Run Big Money Out' of New York: 'They're Gonna Purge' 50 Cent's lawyers talked about Tompkins' defense strategy in court papers that AllHipHop got. The company's lawyer brought up the argument that she was trying to void the contract instead of denying that she broke it. Tompkins does not disagree with G-Unit Books' main claim that her actions broke the Life Rights Agreement between the two parties. Instead, she contends the contract is unenforceable, relying on decades-old misconduct allegations supported only by her own self-serving statements," said attorney Reena Jain. Tompkins says the deal shouldn't be enforced because she was forced to sign it. In a statement that was part of court papers that AllHipHop got, she talked about meeting Chris Lighty, 50 Cent's late manager. Before telling the story, Tompkins talked about how scared she was at the time. "During this encounter, Mr. Lighty told me that I would suffer severe consequences if I did not sign the agreement," Tompkins said. She also asserts that she never received the full $80,000 promised in the contract. She says she only got $35,000 after taxes. G-Unit Books says that claim is not true. They say the $40,000 she got was an advance, and the rest was only available if the book was finished, which it never was. The company says Tompkins is trying to get out of a deal he agreed to in other legal matters. G-Unit Books says that there is no good reason for her to have taken so long to respond to the lawsuit, which was first filed in July 2025. Meanwhile, 50 Cent has responded after Vivica A. Fox jokingly warned fans not to date him during a recent appearance at the Ultimate Women's Expo in New Jersey. According to HotNewHipHop, Fox offered blunt dating advice while reflecting on their past relationship, saying, "Don't date 50 Cent, don't date no damn rappers," before adding that it took her years to learn how to laugh about the experience. The rapper quickly fired back on Instagram on Nov. 10, sharing an AI-generated image of himself holding red and blue pills. In the caption, he wrote, "Either way I'm a have that ass in the matrix," followed by, "You know I love me some you girl, but Damn it's been 22 years Vivica." 50 Cent and Fox were first romantically linked in 2003 after his flirtatious comment about her dress at the BET Awards. Fox has not publicly responded to his latest post, HotNewHipHop reported. Read more: Vivica A. Fox's Emotional Confession About 50 Cent Has Fans Divided: 'It Took Me Years to Laugh Again' Originally published on Music Times Lil Jon is urgently searching for his 27-year-old son, DJ Young Slade, who has been reported missing in Milton, Georgia. The Milton Police Department issued a missing person alert on February 3 after Nathan Smith, Young Slade's real name, ran out of his home on foot early that morning and was not carrying a phone. According to the alert, Nathan may be "disoriented and in need of assistance." Authorities described him as having brown eyes, short black hair, standing 5'9" tall, and weighing 150 pounds. Anyone with information is urged to call 678-297-6300 or email Detective Sarah Moore at sarah.moore@miltonga.gov. Lil Jon, whose real name is Jonathan Smith, and his family released a statement on February 4 asking for privacy and prayers. "The family is asking for privacy at this time," the statement read. "We are also asking for continued prayers for Nathan to come home safe." E! News confirmed that DJ Young Slade is still missing, while his manager has not yet commented publicly. Lil Jon's son DJ Young Slade is reported missing in Georgia. What we know: https://t.co/Ewjsx3y7Fi pic.twitter.com/WkBNfrnniJ TMZ (@TMZ) February 4, 2026 Lil Jon Proud of Son's Music Skills DJ Young Slade, like his father, has been immersed in music from a young age. Lil Jon previously shared with Paste magazine that even as a toddler, Nathan would crawl into the studio and explore drum pads while he worked on music. "He really knows how to engineer, and his stuff sounds really good," Lil Jon said in 2017, praising his son's technical skills developed through college programs like the Clive Davis program at NYU. The rapper, known for hits such as "Turn Down for What" and "Snap Yo Fingers," shares Nathan with his estranged wife Nicole Smith, whom he married in 2004, People reported. The couple announced an amicable split in February 2024. Lil Jon also has a daughter, Nahara, with girlfriend Jamila Sozahdah. DJ Young Slade has made a name for himself professionally, performing under his stage name Slade. His most recent single, "Feels," was released in March 2025, and he recently appeared on MTV's "Family Legacy." Speaking about growing up with Lil Jon, Nathan said, "It's dope to appreciate my dad, show respect, and just look at all the things he's done, and it's nice to get the torch passed down and do my own thing." Originally published on Music Times 21 Palestinians killed in Israeli attacks across Gaza Strip: civil defense Xinhua) 09:13, February 05, 2026 Palestinians bid farewell to a relative killed in Israeli attacks at Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, Feb. 4, 2026. At least 21 Palestinians, including a paramedic, were killed in Israeli attacks across the Gaza Strip on Wednesday, the Palestinian Civil Defense in Gaza said. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua) GAZA, Feb. 4 (Xinhua) -- At least 21 Palestinians, including a paramedic, were killed in Israeli attacks across the Gaza Strip on Wednesday, the Palestinian Civil Defense in Gaza said. Mahmoud Basal, spokesperson for the Civil Defense, told Xinhua that the Israeli army had been carrying out artillery and airstrikes on Gaza City and Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip since dawn, targeting tents sheltering displaced people and residential buildings. In the latest attack, an Israeli drone struck a tent housing displaced people in the al-Mawasi area west of Khan Younis, killing three, including two women and a paramedic, according to Basal. He added that 14 people, including three children and five women, were killed and several others wounded in artillery shelling on the outskirts of the Zeitoun and Tuffah neighborhoods east of Gaza City. Some of the wounded were taken to Al-Shifa Medical Complex. Earlier, four people, including a child, were killed in Israeli artillery shelling that targeted tents sheltering displaced people in the Qizan Rashwan area south of Khan Younis. The victims were taken to Nasser Medical Complex in the city. Also on Wednesday, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement that militants opened fire on its troops during routine operations near the northern Gaza border, severely injuring an Israeli reserve officer. "Upon identifying the fire, IDF armored units and IAF aircraft conducted precise strikes in the area. The IDF views this attack as a blatant violation of the current ceasefire agreement," it said. In response, Hamas dismissed the Israeli claim as a "flimsy pretext" to justify continued killings in the Gaza Strip. Israeli escalation was "an attempt to impose a permanent reality of abuse and terrorism in Gaza," in flagrant disregard for the terms of the ceasefire agreement and existing understandings, Hamas said, calling for immediate international pressure to stop Israel's violations. Since a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel came into effect on Oct. 10, 2025, Israel has killed 556 Palestinians and wounded 1,500 others, according to Gaza-based health authorities on Wednesday. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Support Us Your Support will ensure EPWs financial viability and sustainability. The EPW produces independent and public-spirited scholarship and analyses of contemporary affairs every week. EPW is one of the few publications that keep alive the spirit of intellectual inquiry in the Indian media. Often described as a publication with a social conscience, EPW has never shied away from taking strong editorial positions. Our publication is free from political pressure, or commercial interests. Our editorial independence is our pride. We rely on your support to continue the endeavour of highlighting the challenges faced by the disadvantaged, writings from the margins, and scholarship on the most pertinent issues that concern contemporary Indian society. Every contribution is valuable for our future. 1 La Guardia Civil traslada a la jueza que se necesita una comision rogatoria a EEUU para recuperar los WhatsApp de Cuenca American disengagement has a pattern. It begins with fatigue, proceeds through optimism about local arrangements, and ends with surprise when fragile political structures collapse under pressures that were visible all along. Syria today sits squarely at the most dangerous point in that cycle. The Save the Kurds Act, authored by Senators Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal, was introduced because recent events in Syria have made it increasingly clear that the current trajectory threatens core United States security interests. It reflects growing recognition that Syria is entering a phase of instability more dangerous than open warfare because it combines political fragmentation, ideological radicalization, and militia entrenchment under the appearance of state authority. Over the past year, the post ISIS security equilibrium in northeastern Syria has eroded in visible and measurable ways. Most recently, Kurdish administered areas have been subjected to sustained pressure through sieges, road closures, targeted violence, and coercive campaigns aimed at undermining civilian governance. These actions disrupted humanitarian access, weakened local security capacity, and forced Kurdish forces to divert resources away from counterterrorism and detention operations. The purpose was not merely harassment. It was to demonstrate that Kurdish autonomy and safety remain contingent and reversible without binding legal protections. These security pressures coincided with a shift in United States diplomatic engagement that emphasized rapid political consolidation under Damascus without first securing constitutional guarantees for Kurdish and minority rights. Washington increasingly treated recentralization as a prerequisite for stability, assuming that rights and political inclusion could be negotiated after authority was reestablished. In Syrias environment, this policy ordering has proven destabilizing. Restoring central control without enforceable minority protections does not produce legitimacy. It concentrates coercive power in the hands of actors whose authority rests on force rather than consent. This logic underpins the framework associated with Tom Barracks approach to Syria and explains why recent events alarmed lawmakers. By prioritizing political consolidation before rights, this approach assumes that minorities will accept reintegration into a system that has historically marginalized them. For the Kurds, repeated sieges, physical attacks, and broken assurances confirmed that reintegration without legal safeguards is indistinguishable from subjugation. Trust in Damascus was already low. Recent events have made it lower still. The dangers of this approach are magnified by the fragility of the central authority itself. President Ahmed al Sharaas hold on power is narrow and heavily dependent on Turkish backing. His military is not a unified national force but a collection of armed factions announced as integrated into state defense structures. Integration has not dissolved militia identities or command chains. It has formalized them. Among the most prominent factions incorporated into this framework are former Syrian National Army components. The Sultan Suleiman Shah Division, commonly known as al Amshat, operates as a disciplined militia with its own leadership hierarchy and enforcement practices developed outside any professional military tradition. The Hamza Division functions similarly, retaining internal command structures and economic networks that predate nominal incorporation. The Sultan Murad Division and the Levant Front represent additional armed blocs with localized power bases and histories of coercive governance. Alongside these groups are factions formerly associated with the National Front for Liberation, including Faylaq al Sham, Ahrar al Sham, Jaysh al Nasr, Jaysh al Ahrar, Suqour al Sham, and the Free Idlib Army. Each brings a distinct ideological legacy. Some espouse governance models explicitly hostile to pluralism and minority autonomy. Their integration into state structures does not moderate those views. It legitimizes them. This militia mosaic creates an environment more dangerous in some respects than the ISIS era. ISIS was centralized and hierarchical. These factions are fragmented, competitive, and embedded in local power structures. Several promote ideological enforcement through social control rather than mass casualty attacks. This form of extremism is harder to detect, harder to disrupt, and more resilient. It spreads through governance rather than spectacle. Understanding this transformation is essential to understanding why a narrow focus on ISIS alone is insufficient. The extremist threat in Syria has evolved, but policy has not fully adapted. This is why focusing exclusively on ISIS as the primary extremist threat is a strategic mistake. The Trump administrations emphasis on ISIS as the main metric of success risks ignoring the broader ecosystem of radicalization now taking shape. Groups that are rivals of ISIS can still amplify extremist ideology, normalize coercion, and generate recruitment pipelines. Eliminating ISIS commanders through airstrikes does not address this problem. Airpower cannot dismantle belief systems or rebuild political legitimacy. The limits of airpower are most apparent in the ISIS detention problem. Kurdish led forces until recently remained the primary custodians of thousands of ISIS fighters and affiliates. Their ability to secure detention facilities depended on manpower, legitimacy, and sustained support. As Kurdish authority has been eroded through political pressure and security threats, the risk of prison destabilization has increased, resulting in a recent breakout. Although the US ultimately decided to transfer the remaining 7000 prisoners to Iraq to stand trial, even these limited escapes are likely to energize sleeper cells, validate extremist narratives, and accelerate recruitment across Syria and beyond. Rivalry between ISIS detainees and al Sharaa aligned factions does not mitigate this danger. The consequences of this dynamic extend beyond Syrias borders and place immediate pressure on neighboring states central to United States regional strategy. The Jordan Spillover Scenario According to a former senior intelligence officer in Jordans General Intelligence Directorate, Jordans concern about Syria is rooted in regime stability, border control, and internal cohesion. After more than a decade of absorbing refugees, smuggling, and extremist pressure, Amman now faces a more dangerous phase of Syrian instability. The threat is no longer sporadic violence but sustained pressure generated by militia fragmentation and ideological radicalization along Jordans northern frontier. Armed groups operating in southern Syria increasingly move not only weapons and narcotics but people, ideology, and operational expertise. Jordanian security services understand that destabilization does not require mass infiltration. A small number of ideologically motivated actors can generate disproportionate effects through lone actor attacks and targeted recruitment. The convergence of smuggling networks and extremist ideology has transformed the northern frontier into a persistent security challenge, prompting Jordan to adopt preemptive measures to prevent deeper destabilization. Jordans predicament mirrors another front where Syrian instability is already reasserting itself. The Iraq Spillover Scenario As the Iraqi spy chief noted, Iraq faces a parallel but equally severe threat from Syrias deterioration. Although Iraqi security forces have degraded ISIS since its territorial defeat, Iraqs internal balance remains fragile due to political fragmentation and militia competition. Syrias instability provides strategic depth for ISIS remnants and affiliated networks that exploit porous borders to sustain recruitment and logistics. The primary danger is gradual regeneration rather than dramatic resurgence. Even limited cross border movement allows extremist cells to survive and periodically strike, eroding public confidence in the Iraqi state. Ideological transmission reinforces narratives that legitimacy flows from force rather than law. This threat is magnified by the presence of ISIS detainees now on the lam in Syria, many of whom are Iraqi nationals. The recent breakout now forces Iraqi forces to divert resources from stabilization toward emergency containment. Taken together, these spillover risks demonstrate that Syrian chaos is not containable. It damages United States regional relationships by forcing partners like Jordan and Iraq to militarize borders, pursue unilateral security measures, and hedge against abandonment. American influence becomes reactive rather than strategic. The comparison to Afghanistan is unavoidable. There, narrow counterterrorism metrics masked political decay until collapse became inevitable. Syria is not Afghanistan, but the structural lesson is the same. When minority protections and political legitimacy are deferred, security gains evaporate. Kurdish distrust of Damascus should be understood through this lens. After sieges and physical attacks, Kurdish communities are even less likely to trust any agreement lacking constitutional enforcement. Continued unrest is not ideological defiance. It is a rational response to insecurity. If President al Sharaa fails to deliver prosperity, security, and genuine inclusion, Syria will fragment further. In that scenario, Kurdish governance structures and their experience in maintaining order remain among the last barriers preventing Syria from deteriorating into a failed state. Their role in countering extremist militias, suppressing ISIS sleeper cells, and administering territory is foundational. The Save the Kurds Act addresses this reality directly. By conditioning United States engagement on constitutional protections for Kurds and other minorities, it treats minority rights as a security instrument rather than a moral concession. It recognizes that rapid political consolidation without rights fuels extremism, that airpower cannot substitute for political order, and that ideological radicalization is the most dangerous long-term threat emerging from Syria today. This legislation does not call for endless military involvement. It calls for strategic discipline. The cost of prevention is far lower than the cost of reintervention after collapse. The United States still has leverage. The Save the Kurds Act is an effort to use it before Syrias fragmentation becomes irreversible. Irina Tsukerman is a U.S. national security lawyer, geopolitical analyst, President of Scarab Rising, Inc., a security and geopolitical risk strategic advisory, and Board Member of The Washington Outsider Center for Information Warfare. Strolling through the woods, you suddenly come upon a behemoth tree that stands out from all the rest. This spectacular specimen has huge, spreading branches which originate from low on the trunk, reaching outward in all directions. Its bark is wrinkled and cavities of all sizes can be seen. Its trunk is so thick that when you lean in to hug it, you realize that it would take at least several people to encompass its girth. Because it is surrounded by much younger trees, none of which are even close to matching its size and age, you wonder how this particular individual came to manifest itself in such a situation. Congratulations, you have just discovered a wolf tree. During the early 19th century, European settlers began to arrive in North America. In an effort to clear the land for agricultural purposes and to obtain lumber for building, entire forests were felled, especially in the northeast. In fact, up to 80% of the land was cleared for tillage, pastures, orchards and development. Occasionally, a tree was spared, left in place to mark a boundary between properties or to provide shade for livestock during the heat of the day. Oftentimes, the species chosen to remain was one that produced some sort of mast crop, which would provide free meals for their animals in the form of nuts or seeds. These hand-picked trees stood alone upon the landscape. No longer competing with other flora for light or water, the individuals flourished. Surrounded by sunlight, the low-lying branches of the trees had room to stretch outward, rather than upward, maximizing photosynthesis and displaying huge canopies. Such trees grew well past maturity. As imposing loners, the analogy was drawn between them and the occasional lone wolves seen or referenced, and they began to be referred to as wolf trees. These isolated trees were fine examples of individuals allowed to prosper in an open-grown environment, displaying the unique shape and growth patterns characteristic of their species. During the second half of the 19th century, interests began to change and many farms were abandoned. Pastures and fields began to regrow. Younger trees began to fill in around the wolf trees, growing straight and tall as they competed for light and surpassing them in height. Now, encircled and shaded by the new, younger forest, the giant trees, some nearly 200 years old, began their decline. During their peak, wolf trees not only provided shade for the farmers livestock, but they were also home to many forms of wildlife. The copious, verdant leaves provided food for many insects, especially caterpillars. These, in turn, were eaten by songbirds, who relied upon the larvae to rear their nestlings. The spreading branches provided structure for many nests, not only for the smaller birds but for larger birds of prey that required strong branches to hold their aeries. Nuts and seeds produced by the trees provided a smorgasbord for many rodents such as squirrels and mice, as well as deer, wild turkey and many other species of wildlife. Today, as wolf trees continue their decline, they have become more alive in death than they were in life. The rough peeling bark and numerous cavities provide shelter and a home for hundreds of species. Rodents such as flying squirrels, as well as bats and many species of birds such as owls, woodpeckers and bluebirds take advantage of nest holes. Insects bore into the rotting wood. Many forms of fungi begin to break down the tree and return it to the soil. Broken branches on the ground beneath provide shelter for a host of invertebrates, worms, snakes, salamanders and many other reptiles and amphibians. Such a tree can be likened to an apartment building, with a plethora of tenants living on every floor. While the majority of these trees lack commercial value, their ecological significance and importance to wildlife is overwhelming. Discovering a wolf tree gives one cause to ponder. It is living proof of the propertys past agricultural use a testament to the open land on which it was allowed to prosper. Each wolf tree represents a piece of history, a symbol of days gone by. Take a minute or two to contemplate the life of these giant trees, many of which still stoically stand in the open like an archive, offering insight into the history of the land upon which they thrive. Dairy farms could soon cut their reliance on synthetic nitrogen fertiliser without sacrificing yields, as scientists begin testing biological alternatives designed to slash emissions and boost efficiency. The work is being carried out under Defras Farming Innovation Programme and will examine whether around 50% of synthetic nitrogen fertiliser used in dairy forage systems can be replaced with biological inputs. The University of Nottingham is a research partner in Bio-Phage UK, a Defra-funded Low Emissions Farming project led by Terrafarmer and delivered through Innovate UK. Trials will focus on practical performance on working farms, at a time when fertiliser costs, climate pressures and emissions targets are placing increasing strain on dairy businesses. Bio-Phage UK is one of 15 innovation projects across England sharing 21.5 million in funding to help farms cut greenhouse gas emissions, improve resilience and maintain productivity. Agriculture remains a significant source of nitrous oxide emissions, a greenhouse gas around 300 times more powerful than carbon dioxide over a 100-year period. Dairy systems are intensive users of synthetic nitrogen fertilisers, making them a key focus for efforts to reduce emissions at source. Researchers say improving nitrogen use efficiency through biologically mediated soil processes could offer a sustainable alternative, but adoption depends on strong, independent evidence from commercial conditions. The University of Nottingham team will lead in-field greenhouse gas monitoring and the optimisation of biofertiliser strategies, alongside full life-cycle assessment of emissions. Work will span key dairy forage crops including ryegrass, herbal leys and whole-crop systems, with field trials underway on three commercial dairy farms in England. These trials are being supported by controlled glasshouse experiments to better understand soil chemistry and microbial responses. Alongside biological fertilisers, the project will also test BIOCAT, a phage-based soil treatment that targets bacteria responsible for nitrous oxide production, offering a novel route to emissions reduction. Dr Nick Girkin, associate professor in environmental science and director of the Centre for Sustainable Agricultural Systems at the University of Nottingham, is leading the universitys contribution. He said the project is designed to deliver practical, system-wide evidence. By combining direct measurements of greenhouse gas emissions, soil chemistry, microbial community responses, and whole-system life-cycle assessment alongside impacts on yield, the project generates robust evidence on a vital sustainability challenge for UK and global agriculture, he said. Dr Girkin said the findings could help guide future decision-making across the sector. If successful, Bio-Phage UK could demonstrate a credible route to lower-emissions dairy forage production, delivering reduced reliance on synthetic nitrogen, improved nitrogen efficiency, and more resilient soil systems, he said. He added that the results will help farmers and policymakers distinguish between biological solutions that deliver genuine benefits and those that do not, supporting evidence-based decisions as UK agriculture moves towards a more sustainable future. NFU Scotland has called on the UK government to urgently overhaul food labelling rules, stepping up pressure on ministers as politicians and industry figures prepare to gather in Glasgow. The demand follows the publication of a new policy paper which warns that current labelling regulations are failing both consumers and producers. The timing is deliberate, with the paper released on the eve of NFU Scotlands 2026 AGM and Conference, taking place in Glasgow on 5 and 6 February. NFU Scotland president Andrew Connon said shoppers want clarity about the food they buy but are being poorly served by the existing system. Consumers in Scotland care deeply about where their food comes from, but theyre being let down by vague and misleading labels, he said. The union says the issue will be pushed directly with government representatives, with Kirsty McNeill MP, the UK governments Minister for Scotland, due to address members at the event. According to NFU Scotland, world-class produce from British farms is too often disadvantaged in the marketplace. Mr Connon said food is too often undermined or co-mingled with imports that dont meet our standards. The policy paper, Fair Labels, Fair Markets, highlights a clear gap between public expectations and reality, showing that more than 80% of consumers say food origin matters to them, while fewer than half feel they can easily find that information when shopping. Mr Connon said the paper sets out a practical route forward. Were asking government and relevant agencies to back honest labelling, support domestic production, and give the public the transparency they deserve, he said. NFU Scotland is calling for clearer country-of-origin labelling wherever food is sold, including the out-of-home sector, alongside tighter rules for processed meat to ensure origin is not lost through processing. It also wants country-of-origin information made prominent on packaging, rather than hidden in small print, and an end to vague terms such as mixed origin, which it says confuse consumers. The paper raises further concerns about the misuse of Scottish branding and national flags on imported products, as well as marketing that relies on fictional farm imagery. Other proposals include legal protection for traditional meat product names, tougher enforcement of labelling rules and greater transparency around how those rules are applied. NFUS chief executive John Davidson, who led the development of the paper, said the issue affects everyday choices across the food system. These arent abstract principles, they affect everyday decisions in shops, restaurants and supply chains, he said. He described the current framework as messy and inconsistent and said the union is seeking a reset that protects integrity and builds trust. Mr Davidson said NFU Scotland is keen to work with government and industry to deliver reforms that support food security, sustainability and local sourcing. Were not asking for more red tape, were asking for better rules, applied fairly and transparently, he said, adding that the union hopes the UK government will show leadership on an issue that unites producers and the public. NFU Scotland said it expects food labelling reform to remain a key focus beyond the AGM, as it continues to press for greater supply chain fairness through initiatives such as its ShelfWatch campaign. Farmers and food producers risk being undercut and overburdened unless ministers secure key exemptions and allow enough time for change in any future EU trade deal, MPs have warned. A new report from the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (EFRA) Committee says negotiations with the European Union on the trade of meat, plant and animal products must avoid disadvantaging domestic agriculture as talks gather pace. The committee said a sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) agreement could lower costs, reduce border checks and make supply chains more resilient, but only if it is designed carefully. At the heart of MPs concerns is so-called dynamic alignment, under which UK rules could be required to change automatically in line with future EU regulation. Negotiations between the UK government and the European Commission on creating a common SPS area began in November 2025, with ministers aiming to conclude a deal by early 2027. EFRA Committee chair Alistair Carmichael MP said closer trade with Europe could bring major benefits, but warned that the details would determine whether UK producers gain or lose. Making it easier to trade with our European neighbours should present a feast of benefits for British businesses, farmers and consumers, he said. But there is a lot on the menu for the government to consider, he added. The committee is urging ministers to seek Swiss-style carve-outs from dynamic alignment, particularly in sensitive areas such as animal welfare. Mr Carmichael said automatic alignment risked increasing costs for UK farmers while allowing cheaper imports produced to lower standards to enter the market, describing this as a zero-sum game and a threat to our already wary industry. MPs also warned against regulatory alignment on pesticides that could see products banned in the UK without being assessed for British growing conditions. It would be a mistake for dynamic alignment to lead to products that are banned in the EU also being outlawed in the UK despite not having been tested in our climate and production systems, Mr Carmichael said. The report highlights precision breeding as another red line, noting that the UK moved ahead of the EU in November 2025 by introducing a legal framework allowing English farmers to grow and sell precision-bred seeds, plants, food and feed. MPs warned that aligning too closely with EU rules could erode the benefits of that early move. They also stressed that any SPS deal would require clear communication with businesses and the public, warning that confusion over the trade-offs involved could trigger political backlash. We need a national conversation on the realities of a future agreement, Mr Carmichael said. Alongside this, the committee raised concerns about parliamentary oversight, saying ministers must explain how future EU regulatory changes would be scrutinised if they were to be adopted in the UK. MPs also called for a veterinary medicines agreement with the EU to be pursued alongside SPS talks, warning that access to some products in Northern Ireland remains unresolved. A veterinary and medicines deal that would benefit trade between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK is long overdue, Mr Carmichael said. Looking ahead, the committee warned that any major regulatory changes would require time and investment to implement. While the government hopes to establish a common SPS area in 2027, MPs said regulators, ports, businesses and frontline agencies would need long lead-in periods to adapt to new systems, training and equipment. The report urges ministers to commit to implementation periods of at least 24 months and to publish contingency plans in case negotiations stall or fail, warning that biosecurity and border operations must not be left exposed. The best part about mystery movies is that they make us glued to the screen so much that we start looking for the answers ourselves. Dont you get curious to know whats going to happen next? and yet we all love it when it is impossible to predict the ending of the film. A good mystery film is like differentiating the good characters from the bad ones, guessing whos lying and whos telling the truth, attempting to solve a mystery/thriller is like a mental puzzle that is frustrating and entertaining at the same time. So with all this in mind we have compiled a list of best mystery movies made in Hollywood. Check them out! In This Article 1. Murder on the Orient Express (2017) Based on Agatha Christies famous novel by the same name, Murder on the Orient Express is a treat to watch. The star studded cast includes Johnny Depp, Kenneth Branagh, Daisy Ridley, Michelle Pfeiffer, Judi Dench and many more. The story revolves around Hercule Poirot (Kenneth Branagh), a famous detective who tries to solve a murder on the luxury Orient Express before the killer gets to another victim. This film will keep you guessing throughout the film, and we bet if you havent read the book you wont be able to guess the killer till the very end. 2. Now You See Me (2013) Starring Jesse Eisenberg, Morgan Freeman, Mark Ruffalo, Dave Franco, Isla Fisher, Daniel Radcliffe, Lizzy Caplan and many more, Now You See Me is one of the craziest movies you will ever come across. With such an interesting concept and storyline this film is our top favourite. And if youre into magic and illusion and then this film is the best option. The story follows the lives of four street magicians, who each get a mysterious letter to an address with secrets inside, and a year later the four of them become big-time illusionists who rob a bank in the climax of their show. This stunt puts them in the eye of the FBI and Interpol and they are investigated by agents. It is amazing how this film offers comedy, drama and magic within its running time. 3. Enola Holmes (2020) If youre a fan of Sherlock Holmes then were sure youll love his sisters story too! Starring Millie Bobby Brown, Henry Cavill, Sam Claflin and Louis Partridge, Enola Holmes is about the youngest member of the Holmes family. Set in the 1800s, the film revolves around Enola, who on her 16th birthday discovers that her mother has disappeared without leaving any clue. Now being taken care of by her brothers, Enola decides to escape and look for her mother. Enola Holmes is absolutely wonderful and charming and tells a great story. 4. Game Night (2018) Game Night is a fun filled adventure film. Starring Jason Bateman and Rachel McAdams, the film revolves around competitive married couple Max (Jason Bateman) and Annie (Rachel McAdams), who on one of their game nights play a harmless murder mystery game with Max's brother Brooks and some friends, but things begin to take surprising and adventurous twist and as they get close to solving it things just keep getting crazier. Game Night is a Hollywood adventure/comedy done right, with the casting and storyline so brilliant, that it will keep you engaged and laughing right till the end. 5. Incendies (2010) Starring Lubna Azabal, Melissa Desormeaux-Poulin and Maxim Gaudette, Incendies revolves around a Middle Eastern woman Nawal (Lubna Azabal) whos last wish is to send her twin children on a journey to the Middle East. She leaves two separate letters for her children, which are to be read once she dies. Jeanne (Melissa Desormeaux-Poulin) is to deliver hers to the father the twins never knew, and Simon (Maxim Gaudette) is to give his to the brother they never knew they had. As the twins travel to the Middle East, they uncover a family history and have revelations about themselves. This movie is just extraordinary on every level. From the terrific script, great acting, screenplay to outstanding direction and cinematography, Incendies is highly recommended if you want to watch a powerful mystery/thriller. 6. Knives Out (2019) Starring Chris Evans, Ana de Armas, Daniel Craig, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Christopher Plummer, Katherine Langford and others, Knives Out is an unltimate murder mystery. The story revolves around renowned crime novelist Harlan Thrombey (Christopher Plummer) who is found dead at his estate after his 85th birthday. Detective Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) is then enlisted to investigate the mysterious case. Detective Blanc now has to sift through the lies of Harlan's dysfunctional family in order to find the killer. Knives Out is truly a classic, right from the engaging storyline, characters, to the costumes and direction, director Rian Johnson did a commendable job with this film. And trust us, you wont be disappointed. 7. The Invisible Guest (2016) Starring Mario Casas and Ana Wagener, The Invisible Guest follows the life of Adrian Doria (Mario Casas) a wealthy businessman, who is found locked in a hotel room with his lovers corpse. Adrian goes on to hire a prestigious lawyer to defend himself, and then the two work together to uncover what actually happened and who is the real killer. This script is so good that it will give you goosebumps. The Invisible Guest is by far the most intriguing film you will come across. The psychological atmosphere with detective and thriller elements made the film worth watching. And not just that the acting and final revelation will blow your minds! 8. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011) This Rooney Mara, Daniel Craig and Christopher Plummer starrer is the movie to watch if you're a fan of mystery buffs. The movie tells the story of reporter Mikael Blomkvist who sets out to solve the 40-year-old murder of wealthy industrialist Henrik Vanger's niece. He's aided in his efforts by Rooney Mara's saucy investigator Lisbeth Salander. It's one of those movies that sticks true to the book. 9. The Girl on the Train (2016) Emily Blunt has always been a phenomenal actor and here she outshines herself as Rachel Watson, a struggling alcoholic. A movie of the same name was also remade in Bollywood with Parineeti Chopra taking on the titular role. The movie also stars Justin Theroux and Rebecca Ferguson in leading roles. 10. Get Out (2017) Get Out will make you shiver in your boots and also make you question the world. This movie talks about the experience that Black people face in America and the trials and tribulations they have to undergo. Abhishek Bachchan is celebrating his 50th birthday today. While he has attended quite a lot of Filmfare awards since his debut, some of his onstage moments are still popular among his fans. On his special day, we look back at some of his best Filmfare moments. During the 70th Filmfare Awards last year, the actor surprised the audience and even his actor-mother Jaya Bachchan with his tribute to Amitabh Bachchan. The I Want To Talk actor performed a vibrant medley of Big Bs most iconic songs. During the performance, he also shared a deeply heartfelt moment with Jaya Bachchan, who was visibly moved in the audience. Abhishek also won the Best Actor (Male) Award for the film I Want to Talk. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Filmfare (@filmfare) When Abhishek received the Best Supporting Actor award for his role in Yuva in 2005, he dedicated it to his father, Amitabh Bachchan. The latter returned the award to his son, stating that a father's belongings are eventually his son's. Abhishek also won the Best Supporting Actor award for Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna in 2007. While accepting the same, he thanked everyone in his family, including his actress wife Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. Smiling slightly, he looked at Aishwarya and said, "Yes, you too." Abhishek Bachchan was again in the headlines for his comment on Aishwarya at the recent Filmfare OTT Awards 2024. The hosts for the evening, Sharib Hashmi and Meiyang Chang, asked the Refugee actor about how he pulls off critically acclaimed performances. To this, Jr Bachchan humbly said, "It is very simple. It has nothing to do with us. We do what the directors tell us to do. We do our work quietly and go home." However, Sharib joked that his wife thinks the same about him, that he is a director's actor. To this, Abhishek wittily answered, "All married men have to do that. Do as your wife tells them to do." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Filmfare (@filmfare) The actor was last seen in the film Kaalidhar Laapata. He will next be seen in Raja Shivaji and King. Also Read: 10 Movies That Showcase Abhishek Bachchans Range The teaser for Aditya Dhars Dhurandhar: The Revenge dropped earlier this week and quickly took over social media, not just for Ranveer Singhs explosive screen presence, but also for its background music. Eagle-eyed (and sharp-eared) fans have been buzzing about one question in particular: Is that a Doja Cat song playing in the teaser? The teaser, which offers a glimpse into the final chapter of the Dhurandhar saga, shows Ranveer returning as Hamza, intercut with flashbacks of his younger self, Jaskirat. The visuals are packed with stylised action, chaos, and swagger but its the pulsating track layered beneath the montage that has sparked debate online. Several viewers have pointed out that the teasers music bears a striking resemblance to the soundscape of Grammy-winning artist Doja Cat, known for her edgy beats and genre-blending style. However, as of now, there has been no official confirmation from the makers regarding the use of a Doja Cat track or any international collaboration for the teaser. Interestingly, this isnt the first time Dhurandhar has made waves with its music choices. The first film famously featured FA9LA by Bahraini rapper Flipperachi during Akshaye Khannas entry sequence, an unexpected pick that went viral shortly after the films release and became closely associated with the franchises edgy tone. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ranveer Singh (@ranveersingh) Whether the Dhurandhar 2 teaser actually includes a Doja Cat song, a sound-alike, or an original composition inspired by global hip-hop aesthetics remains unclear. For now, the speculation continues to fuel online chatter, adding to the hype surrounding the sequel. Directed by Aditya Dhar, Dhurandhar is a high-octane spy thriller that released on December 5 and went on to become one of Bollywoods biggest blockbusters, earning over 1300 crore worldwide. The film follows Ranveer Singh as an Indian spy infiltrating Karachis underworld to dismantle its links with terror outfits. The sequel will see the return of Akshaye Khanna, Sanjay Dutt, R. Madhavan, and Arjun Rampal, and is set to hit theatres on March 19, promising a larger, darker, and more explosive finale. Also Read: Yami Gautam to Play an Important Role in Aditya Dhars Dhurandhar 2? Netflixs newly announced film Ghooskhor Pandat has found itself at the centre of controversy just days after its unveiling. A writ petition has been filed in the Delhi High Court, seeking a stay on the films release. The plea argues that the title is defamatory and offensive to the Brahmin community, alleging it links a respected identity with corruption. The petition has been moved by Mahender Chaturvedi through Advocate Vineet Jindal, requesting a writ of mandamus to restrain the film from streaming. The film stars Manoj Bajpayee as a corrupt police officer nicknamed Pandat. It was officially announced by Netflix India during its next on Netflix 2026 event in Mumbai, after which the first-look teaser was released across social media and YouTube. Chaturvedi, who describes himself as an Acharya dedicated to the study and teaching of Indian scriptures, has said he is personally aggrieved by the films title. According to the plea, associating the term Pandat with ghooskhori or bribery damages the dignity and reputation of the Brahmin community. The petition stresses that the term historically represents scholarship, moral values, and spiritual leadership, and claims the title and teaser violate Articles 14, 21 and 25 of the Constitution by discriminating against a religious group and undermining cultural and religious identity. It also alleges that the Government of India has failed to put in place an effective regulatory framework to check misuse of creative freedom on OTT platforms. The controversy has spilled over onto social media, where several users have criticised the title and threatened to boycott Netflix unless it is changed. Netflix India has not issued any statement so far. Meanwhile, the films official logline reads: A bent police officer, Ajay Dikshit's (Pandat), plans of an eventful and money-making night are disrupted as he finds himself in the midst of a global conspiracy while trying to unravel the identity of a badly injured girl thrown out of a moving car in the heart of Delhi. Also Read: Birthday Special: Manoj Bajpayees Upcoming Projects After the massive global success of Animal, the excitement for its sequel, Animal Park, has reached a fever pitch. Fans have been eager to know when Ranbir Kapoor and director Sandeep Reddy Vanga will reunite to continue the dark, gritty saga of the Singh family. Recently, both the actor and director shared important updates about the timeline and the plot of the upcoming film after a screening of Animal at Japan. Sandeep Reddy Vanga, the visionary behind the franchise, revealed that the sequel will take the intensity to a whole new level. He confirmed that the film will focus on the clash between Ranvijay and his lookalike antagonist, Aziz. Vanga stated, "Animal Park will start soon once I finish the current film. There will be more animals in the film because Aziz is another animal. So, keeping that in mind it's a war between the two brothers now to look alike so I thought Animal Park would be the right title." Providing a concrete timeline for the filming, Vanga added, "We'll start in the mid-2027 to shoot." Ranbir Kapoor, who received immense praise for his performance in the first part, expressed his enthusiasm for returning to this world. He mentioned that Vanga had the roadmap for the sequel ready long ago. Ranbir shared, "I can't wait to get back on set with Sandeep and to play this character and now another character. Because it's a continuing story, he had the story of part two very clear in his mind while filming part one itself. Ranbir further explained his close working relationship with the director, saying, "Sandeep and I keep chatting with each other through the week or month and keep discussing different ideas. I really can't wait to get back to playing Ranvijay and Aziz." The team also discussed the films potential impact in Japan. Ranbir reflected on his family legacy and his personal connection to the country. He recalled his grandfather Raj Kapoors global influence, saying, "Raj Kapoor was a filmmaker and actor himself, and one of his most popular songs around the world is 'Mera Joota Hai Japani' which means, 'my shoes are made in Japan, but my heart is Indian." Ranbir also reminisced about filming Tamasha in Tokyo in 2015, calling it one of the nicest experiences of his life. He expressed a desire to bring his three-year-old daughter Raha to Japan to experience its culture. About the sequel's release, Ranbir concluded, "Animal is a film that is made from the heart and I feel that it will deeply resonate and connect with an audience in Japan itself. And I hope that people like it, so when we make part two, we can ourselves get the opportunity to come to Japan." Also Read: Aalim Hakim Reveals Ranbir Kapoors Animal Look Was Inspired From Michael Jackson Rhea Chakraborty is currently busy returning to spotlight with Netflix's Family Business. After facing one of the most challenging phases personally and professionally, the actress is now set to make a comeback after seven years. The makers recently announced Family Business on OTT at a star-studded event. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rhea Chakraborty (@rhea_chakraborty) Returning to the set after such a long break left the actress deeply emotional. Interestingly, being back in front of the camera reminded her of her early days in the industry, when she arrived in Bombay as a young 17-year-old. Over the years, Rhea has experienced both success and setbacks. Reflecting on her journey, Rhea shared an emotional note. She wrote, "7 years have passed since I went to set... But Im still the same girl who came to Bombay at 17 with a dream to be an actor. A part of me moved on, but a part of me stayed and waited. And Im here, once again in my chapter2 It seems Life is what happens to you while youre busy making other plans." Rhea further expressed her heartfelt gratitude to director Hansal Mehta, the makers of Family Business and her co-stars Anil Kapoor and Vijay Varma for supporting her during this new chapter. She acknowledged their faith in her talent and thanked them for giving her the opportunity to restart her acting journey. The actress was present at the announcement of the project. Glimpses from it were also shown to the media, where Rhea is seen acting alongside Anil, Vijay and Nandish. Rhea attended Netflix's event in a blush pink semi-traditional saree with glitter motifs. She was seen on stage with her co-stars, posing for the cameras for the paparazzi. Also Read: Rhea Chakrabortys Brother Showik Chakraborty Finally Gets Bail The promotional journey for the upcoming film Do Deewane Seher Mein has taken a playful turn, as lead actors Siddhant Chaturvedi and Mrunal Thakur recently made headlines during the trailer launch of the film. A light-hearted exchange between the two co-stars has reignited social media discussions about Mrunals rumoured relationship with Tamil superstar Dhanush. During the event, a reporter brought up a topic related to Chennai, saying, "Woh Chennai wala kuch sawal puch rahe the (They were asking some questions about Chennai)." Seizing the opportunity to pull his co-stars leg, Siddhant quickly pointed toward Mrunal and asked, "Inse tha woh Chennai wala ya mujhse (That Chennai-related question was for her or me)?" While Mrunal attempted to clarify by saying the question was actually intended for him, Siddhant didnt let the moment slide. With a smirk, he replied, "Achcha mujhse tha (Oh, it was for me)," before breaking into laughter and turning back toward her. As Mrunal was seen blushing at the remark, members of the press were heard saying, "Hum samajh rahe hai (We understand)," further adding to the fun atmosphere. The rumours connecting Mrunal Thakur and Dhanush first surfaced last year after the two were spotted together at the premiere of Son of Sardar 2. The speculation grew when Dhanush recently commented on the teaser of Do Deewane Seher Mein, writing, "Looks and sounds good." Mrunal had responded to his comment with heart and sunflower emojis. Despite the ongoing buzz, neither actor has officially confirmed any relationship. Do Deewane Seher Mein, directed by Ravi Udyawar, stars Siddhant Chaturvedi as Shashank and Mrunal Thakur as Roshni. The films cast also includes Ila Arun, Joy Sengupta, Ayesha Raza, Naveen Kaushik, and Viraj Ghelani. The movie is set to hit theatres on February 20, 2026. For now, fans are enjoying the off-screen chemistry and friendly banter between the lead pair as they gear up for the release. Also Read: Siddhant Chaturvedis latest single Dhoop is the perfect lockdown anthem Surrey, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 4, 2026) - Desert Gold Ventures Inc. (TSXV: DAU) ("Desert Gold" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that, in response to strong investor demand, the Company has upsized its previously announced non-brokered private placement of units of the Company ("Offered Units") at a price of C$0.08 per Offered Unit for aggregate gross proceeds of C$5,000,000 to C$7,230,000 (the "Offering"). The Offering is fully subscribed and closing is anticipated to occur on February 9, 2026. The closing of the Offering is subject to certain conditions, including, but not limited to, the receipt of all necessary approvals, including the conditional approval of the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV"). Under the Offering, Desert Gold will now issue up to 90,375,000 Offered Units, with each Offered Unit consisting of one Common share of the Company ("Common Share") and one-half of one common share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a "Warrant"). Each whole Warrant shall entitle the holder to purchase one Common Share at a price of C$0.12 at any time on or before the date which is 24 months after the Closing Date (as defined herein). The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the Offering to commission the first phase of its gravity plant at the Company's fully permitted Barani East gold oxide project in West Mali and for resource expansion and exploration drilling at its SMSZ Project in Western Mali and for exploration drilling at its Tiegba Gold Project in Cote d'Ivoire, and for general working capital purposes. Details are more fully described in the A&R Offering Document (as defined below). Subject to compliance with applicable regulatory requirements and in accordance with National Instrument 45-106 - Prospectus Exemptions ("NI 45-106"), the Offered Units will be offered for sale to purchasers resident in all of the provinces of Canada except Quebec pursuant to the listed issuer financing exemption under Part 5A of NI 45-106, as amended by Coordinated Blanket Order 45-935 - Exemptions from Certain Conditions of the Listed Issuer Financing Exemption (the "Listed Issuer Financing Exemption"). The Offered Units will also be offered in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons, by way of private placement pursuant to the exemptions from the registration requirements provided for under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), and in jurisdictions outside of Canada and the United States on a private placement or equivalent basis, in each case in accordance with all applicable laws, provided that no prospectus, registration statement or other similar document is required to be filed in such jurisdiction. Under the Offering, the securities issued to Canadian subscribers pursuant to the Listed Issuer Financing Exemption will not be subject to a statutory hold period in Canada. There is an amended and restated offering document (the "A&R Offering Document") related to the Offering that can be accessed under the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca and on the Company's website at www.desertgold.ca. Prospective investors should read this A&R Offering Document before making an investment decision. In connection with the Offering, the Company may pay certain finders a cash commission of up to 7.0% of the aggregate gross proceeds received from subscribers introduced by such finders to the Company, together with that number of finders warrants equal to 7.0% of the number of Offered Units introduced by the finders, as permitted by the policies of the TSXV and applicable securities laws. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to sell any of the securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act, and applicable state securities laws, or an exemption from such registration is available. About Desert Gold Ventures Desert Gold is a gold exploration company which controls properties in both Mali and Cote d'Ivoire. This includes the 440km2 SMSZ Project in Western Mali as well as the newly optioned 297km2 Tiegba Gold Project in Western Cote d'Ivoire within the prolific Birimian greenstone belt. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking information and forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws (collectively, "forward-looking information"). Such forward-looking information is provided to inform the Company's shareholders and potential investors about management's assessment of the Company's plans and operations relating to the future. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. Any such forward-looking information may be identified by words such as "anticipate", "proposed", "estimates", "would", "expects", "intends", "plans", "may", "will", and similar expressions, although not all forward-looking information contains these identifying words. More particularly and without limitation, the forward-looking information in this news release includes (i) expectations regarding the Company's financing plans and receipt of regulatory and TSXV approvals; (ii) expectations regarding the Offering and timing and closings thereof; (iii) expectations concerning the Company's plans and objectives in respect of the Offerings' net proceeds; (iv) expectations concerning the payment of fees and commissions paid to the finders, if any; (v) expectations regarding the completion of the Offering and timing and closings thereof; and (vi) expectations concerning the Company's future plans, objectives, strategies, and goals relating to its business. Forward-looking information is based on a number of factors and assumptions that have been used to develop such information, but which may prove to be incorrect and are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties, and contingencies. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking information because the Company can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. The forward-looking information in this news release reflects the Company's current expectations, assumptions and/or beliefs based on information currently available to the Company. Any forward-looking information speaks only as of the date on which it is made and, except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. Contact Information For further information, please contact: 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. Not for distribution to US 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/282779 Source: Desert Gold Ventures Inc. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 4, 2026) - Gelum Resources Ltd. (CSE: GMR) (OTCQB: GMRCF) (the "Company" or "Gelum") reports that they have arranged non-brokered private placements for which units are currently being allocated. The Company will issue up to 6,521,739 units (the "Units") at a price of $0.23 per Unit (the "Private Placement") for aggregate proceeds of up to $1,500,000. Each Unit consists of one common share of the Company and one-half of one common share purchase warrant, each warrant (the "Warrants") entitling the holder thereof to purchase one additional common share of the Company at a price of $0.38 per share for a period of 24 months from the closing of the Private Placement. Expiry of the Warrants may be accelerated if the closing price of the Company's Shares on the Canadian Securities Exchange ("CSE") is equal to or greater than $0.76 for a minimum of twenty consecutive trading days and a notice of acceleration is provided in accordance with the terms of the Warrants. Finder's fees of 7% cash and 7% finder's warrants may be payable to qualified finders in connection with the Private Placement. All securities issued in connection with the Offering have a four-month and one day hold period in Canada from closing. Finder's fees may be paid to eligible finders in accordance with CSE policies and applicable securities laws. Gross proceeds of the Private Placement will be used for working capital. None of the foregoing securities have been or will be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act") or any applicable state securities laws and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons (as defined in Regulation S under the 1933 Act) or persons in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from such registration requirements. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor will there be any sale of the foregoing securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. Change in Officers The Company further reports that Hendrik van Alphen has stepped in as Chief Executive Officer, following the resignation of Mr. David Smith as President. The Company has also appointed Stuart Ross as Chief Financial Officer, following the resignation of Sead Hamzagic as CFO. The Company would like to thank Messrs. Smith and Hamzagic for their many years of service to the Company. About Gelum Resources Ltd. Gelum Resources is a Company led by seasoned management and advisors in the mining and financial sectors. Follow Gelum Resources online in the links below for additional updates: Facebook X (formerly Twitter) LinkedIn Sign up for our newsletter On Behalf of the Board of Directors Hendrik van Alphen, CEO & Director For further information about Gelum, please contact: Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Information: This press release may include 'forward-looking information', within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation, about the business of the Company. Forward-looking information is based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by the Company's management, including future plans for the Company. Although the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward-looking information is based are reasonable, investors should not unduly rely on the forward-looking information because the Company cannot assure that it will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements in this press release are made as of the date of this press release. The Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise, other than as required by applicable securities laws. **NOT FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES OR FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWS WIRE SERVICES** To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/282781 Source: Gelum Resources Ltd. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 4, 2026) - Regency Silver Corp. (TSXV: RSMX) (OTCQB: RSMXF) (FSE: ZJ90) ("Regency Silver" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that the second hole of its ongoing 2026 drill program at its Dios Padre project in Sonora, Mexico has intersected sulphide-specularite bearing breccia and vein-infill in multiple zones across a broad interval (Figure 1). Hole REG-26-28 was drilled ~75m below Hole REG 25-26 and intersected broad mineralization from ~430m to ~540m. A breccia zone with chalcopyrite, pyrite and specularite with intense silica-sericite alteration is intersected from ~500m to ~535m. The core zone is ~ 180m to the south of a similar breccia intersected in REG-25-25 (See news release dated December 8, 2025). Previously drilled holes REG-23-21 yielded 38m of 7.36 g/t gold, REG-22-01 yielded 35.8 metres of 6.84 g/t gold, 0.88% copper and 21.82 g/t silver, and REG-23-14 yielded 29.4 m of 6.32 g/t gold. "The visual results from REG-26-28 further demonstrate the continuity and scale of the Dios Padre breccia system. Intersecting multiple zones of sulphide-specularite mineralization at depth strengthens our confidence that this system widens below historic workings. These observations continue to support the significant upside potential of the project as we advance our 2026 drill program" said Bruce Bragagnolo, CEO. We currently do not have analytical results for the intervals from the 2025 or 2026 drill programs, so there is no assurance when comparing the potential assay quality of these intersections to REG-22-01, REG-23-14 and REG-23-21. However, in terms of geology, alteration, mineral species and abundance, the zones appear to compare favorably. For comparative purposes, mineralized intervals and their corresponding assays can be found in press releases dated January 8, 2026, February 23, 2023 and November 2, 2023. Technical Information The technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed by Michael Tucker, P. Geo, who is recognized as a Qualified Person under the guidelines of National Instrument 43-101. Mr. Tucker is also a director of the Company and for that reason is not considered independent. Mr. Tucker has read and approved the technical contents of this news release. ABOUT REGENCY SILVER CORP. Regency Silver Corp. is a Canadian resource company exploring for high grade gold, copper, and silver in Mexico. Regency Silver is led by a team of experienced professionals with expertise in both exploration and production. Regency's flagship project is the high-grade Dios Padre project in Sonora, Mexico where Regency has made a large, high grade, gold-copper-silver discovery which appears to be a large magmatic-hydrothermal system which widens at depth. Drill results have included 38 metres of 7.36 g/t gold in hole REG-23-21, 36 metres of 6.84 g/t gold, 0.88% copper and 21.8 g/t silver in hole REG-22-01, and 29.4 m of 6.32 g/t gold in hole REG-23-14. 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 Statements: This news release includes certain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (together, "forward-looking statements"). All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this release, including, without limitation, statements regarding the Dios Padre Project by the Company. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events may vary from those anticipated in such statements. Important risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's plans or expectations include the risk that regulatory changes, fundraising, and risk associated with mineral exploration, including the risk that actual results of exploration will be different from those expected by management. The forward-looking statements in this news release were developed based on the expectations of management that conditions will be satisfied, required fundraising will be completed and the other risks described above will not materialize. 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. Figure 1: Selection of photographs of the sulphide-specularite infilled breccias from REG-26-28. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/12067/282783_320c67c2b47fa8ba_002full.jpg Figure 2: Plan map with hole traces for current and historic holes. Dios Padre deep breccia in red is projected vertically to surface. Red trace on REG-26-28, REG-26-27, and REG-25-26 is the vertical projection of the non-continuous zone of sulphide-specularite mineralization to surface. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/12067/282783_320c67c2b47fa8ba_003full.jpg Figure 3: 3D slice through the Dios Padre drilling area looking west. Dios Padre breccia zone (Red- projected) and the drill hole traces with block model and historic mine workings of historic silver mine. Red bars on drill traces indicate broad zones of non-continuous sulphide-specularite mineralization. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/12067/282783_320c67c2b47fa8ba_004full.jpg To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/282783 Source: Regency Silver Corp. Japan's Largest Creative Festival Returns to Tokyo, March 13-22, 2026 TOKYO, Feb. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Tokyo Creative Salon Executive Committee today announced the upcoming TOKYO CREATIVE SALON 2026 (TCS2026), Japan's largest creative festival, to be held from Friday, March 13 to Sunday, March 22, 2026. Entering its seventh year, TCS2026 will take place across nine major areas of Tokyo - Marunouchi, Nihonbashi, Ginza, Akasaka, Roppongi, Shibuya, Harajuku, Shinjuku, and Haneda - and will be free and open to the public. Since its launch in 2020, TOKYO CREATIVE SALON has evolved into a city-wide creative week originating from Tokyo, bringing together fashion, design, art, craft, and technology during the cherry blossom season. By using the city itself as a stage, the festival has attracted wide attention both domestically and internationally, welcoming over 1.25 million visitors in its most recent edition. The theme for 2026 is "FUTURE VINTAGE." TCS2026 explores how memories, culture, and creative expressions accumulated within the city can be reinterpreted through contemporary sensibilities and carried forward into the future. The festival aims to present expressions that will continue to resonate across generations, from Tokyo to the world. Hiroshi Ohnishi, Chairman of TCS2026, commented: "Across the world, cities are strengthening their cultural value by bringing creators and communities together. TOKYO CREATIVE SALON is an initiative to showcase Japan's world-class creativity with Tokyo as the stage. Under the theme 'FUTURE VINTAGE,' we seek to connect the city's accumulated culture and memories to expressions that resonate into the future." Satoshi Sugiyama, Executive Director of TCS2026, added: "Tokyo is a city where layers of creativity have been built up over time through people, places, and diverse cultural influences. With TOKYO CREATIVE SALON, we reinterpret these layers through contemporary perspectives and transform the city itself into a space for creative expression. 'FUTURE VINTAGE' reflects our intention to revisit the memories embedded in Tokyo and shape new forms of creativity that will be carried forward into the future." Further details regarding individual programs and exhibitions will be announced in the coming weeks. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2875849/Scenes_TOKYO_CREATIVE_SALON_2025.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2875850/Tokyo_Creative_Salon_Executive_Committee_LPR_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/tokyo-creative-salon-2026-officially-announced-302678460.html Winnipeg, Manitoba--(Newsfile Corp. - February 4, 2026) - Beyond Lithium Inc. (CSE: BY) (OTCQB: BYDMF) (the "Company") is pleased to announce that effective at the opening of markets on Friday, February 6, 2026, the Company's common shares will begin trading on the Canadian Securities Exchange under its new name "Beyond Minerals Inc." (the "Name Change"). The Name Change is a return to the Company's original name and is being carried out to better reflect the Company's broadened focus on exploration of a wider range of critical minerals, including rare earths. The Company's stock symbols will remain unchanged. The Company's new CUSIP is 088662101 and its new ISIN is CA0886621014. The Company anticipates no interruptions to its trading activities as part of the Name Change. The Name Change was approved by shareholders at the annual general and special meeting of the Company's shareholders held on December 18, 2025 (the "Meeting"). Articles of amendment were subsequently filed and the Company received a certificate of amendment giving effect to the Name Change effective January 29, 2026. As a result of the Name Change, the Company's website domain name will change to www.beyondminerals.ca. There is no consolidation of the Company's share capital in connection with the Name Change and, as a result, certificates representing common shares of the Company will not be affected by the name change and shareholders will not be required to exchange their shares or take any other action. Shareholders holding share certificates of the Company can request a replacement certificate, however new certificates are not required and will not be automatically issued. Shareholders voted in favour of and approved all items of business at the Meeting, including the re-election of all directors and the election of the Company's VP - Exploration, Lawrence Tsang, as a new director. The Company is pleased to announce Mr. Tsang's election as a director and welcomes him to the Company's board of directors. Mr. Tsang is the President and CEO of Pluto Ventures Inc. (CSE: PLTO) and serves as the Exploration Manager of Ascot Resources Ltd. and the Technical Advisor and a co-founder of Tailwinds Exploration Corp., a private exploration company based in British Columbia. He has more than 15 years of experience in the mining and metals industries in North America and has administered numerous grassroots and advanced projects for both private and public companies. Mr. Tsang holds a bachelor's degree in Geology and a minor in Economics from the University of British Columbia. A Registered Professional Geologist (PGeo) and Qualified Person (QP) under National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, he specializes in gold, silver, and base metals exploration. With expertise in assessments, technical reports, feasibility studies, and project development, Mr. Tsang has advanced numerous projects, including the Premier Gold Project in British Columbia, from early exploration to development. Allan Frame, President and CEO of the Company, commented, "We are very pleased to welcome Lawrence to the Company's board of directors, as his contributions as VP Exploration have been invaluable in planning and overseeing field team activities, exploration modeling and target identification, developing and managing exploration budgets, managing early exploration permitting and managing First Nation consultation and relationships." About Beyond Minerals Inc. Beyond Minerals Inc. is a critical minerals exploration company with the Ear Falls spodumene-bearing pegmatite exploration project in Ontario and two exploration projects in British Columbia exploring for rare earths and base metals. Beyond Lithium is advancing the projects with its exploration team. The Company will continue to seek to stake, to acquire, or to option other properties to expand the Company's portfolio. Also, Beyond will seek for potential joint ventures partner on projects as it is a source of non-dilutive working capital through partner-funded exploration and long-term residual exposure to exploration success. Please follow the Company on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube. For more information, please refer to the Company's website at www.beyondminerals.ca Forward-Looking Information This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Canadian securities laws. Some of the forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking words. Statements that are not historical in nature, including the words "anticipate," "expect," "suggest," "plan," "believe," "intend,", "intention" "estimate," "target," "project," "should," "could," "would," "may," "will," "forecast" and other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements address future events and conditions and therefore involve inherent risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to any remaining risks or uncertainties associated with completion of the Name Change and/or matters therewith and expected initial trading date for the same. Actual results may differ materially from those currently expected or forecast in such statements. Neither the CSE nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/282787 Source: Beyond Lithium Inc. Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - February 4, 2026) - Copper Fox Metals Inc. (TSXV: CUU) (OTCQX: CPFXF) (FSE: HPU) ("Copper Fox" or the "Company") announces that its audited annual consolidated October 31, 2025, financial statements have been filed on SEDAR+. For the year ended October 31, 2025, Copper Fox had a net loss of $1,071,237 (October 31, 2024 - $607,303) which equated to $0.00 loss per share (October 31, 2024 - $0.00 loss per share). During the year ended October 31, 2025, the Company incurred $1,951,216 in expenditures toward furthering the development of its Schaft Creek and Van Dyke copper projects and further exploration of its Eaglehead, Sombrero Butte and Mineral Mountain copper projects. Copies of the financial statements, notes, and related management discussion and analysis may be obtained on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca , the Company's web site at www.copperfoxmetals.com or by contacting the Company directly. All references to planned activities and technical information contained in this news release have been previously announced by way of news releases. All amounts are expressed in Canadian dollars unless otherwise stated. Elmer B. Stewart, President and CEO of Copper Fox, stated, "The increased demand for critical metals combined with the significant increase in the price of copper-gold-molybdenum-silver are providing the basis to position Copper Fox to become a supplier of advanced stage critical mineral projects to the mining industry. During the year, significant progress at Van Dyke and Schaft Creek continued to advance these projects toward the prefeasibility (PFS) stage. In addition, our "maiden" drill program at Mineral Mountain is testing the porphyry potential of this high-quality target, and exploration activities has significantly upgraded the porphyry potential of the Sombrero Butte and Eaglehead porphyry copper projects." 2025 Highlights At Van Dyke announced the results of geometallurgical modelling and completion of the PFS Execution Plan outlining future activities, timeline, and estimated costs to advance the project to the PFS stage. At Schaft Creek provided an update on the 2025 drilling, wildlife, aquatic and archeological surveys, community engagement and preliminary comments and the addition of Coarse Particle Flotation testing to the geometallurgical testwork program. At Eaglehead announced results of the geophysical survey along the northern portion of the "mineralized corridor". At Mineral Mountain announced the identification of new porphyry copper target and the commencement of drilling activities to drill the large porphyry copper target located in the center of the project. Subsequent to the Year Ended Announced the results of merging the chargeability and resistivity data from the geophysical surveys completed on the Eaglehead porphyry copper project between 2014 and 2025. Announced an update on the strategy and activities required to position the Van Dyke project to transition to the PFS stage and the execution of non-binding letters of intent to access industrial water for leaching purposes and an offtake agreement for the material excavated from the propose underground excavation. Congratulated Teck and Anglo on the progress of the planned 'merger of equals' in light of receiving approval for the transaction by the Government of Canada. An update on the Van Dyke project including Letters of Intent for the industrial water needs and Gila Conglomerate take off at the project. Results of the 2025 drilling program at Schaft Creek which included intersecting mineralization 500m south of the Liard zone. At Schaft Creek, the recently announced proposed Teck Resources Limited (Teck) - Anglo American plc (Anglo) merger of equals, if completed, could have a significant impact on the Schaft Creek project. Several of the stated financial benefits of the merger to Canada includes an investment of C$4.5 billion over 5 years, with a portion of that investment being allocated to advancing potential major new copper mines in Northwestern British Columbia and a total investment of C$10 billion over 15 years. During 2025, the Schaft Creek Joint Venture (SCJV) completed the planned C$15.8 million program to assist in determining the project's readiness to transition to the PFS stage. The drilling program intersected significant intervals of copper and copper-gold mineralization up to 500m south of the Schaft Creek deposit with the furthest drillhole reporting high gold concentrations not typically observed in the Schaft Creek deposit. Teck as Operator of the SCJV has until the end of February to provide the 2026 program and budget for the Schaft Creek project. Teck reported Pre-Production Costs, as that term is defined in the Schaft Creek Joint Venture Agreement (SCJVA), to the end of 2025 of approximately C$90 million. Of those Pre-Production Costs C$69 million has been incurred since completion of the 2021 preliminary economic assessment (PEA). The SCJVA stipulates that Teck are required to make the first C$60 million in Pre-Production Costs. The SCJVA also stipulates that Teck are also required to make three C$20 million Milestone Payments to Copper Fox, the first C$20 million was received upon signing of the SCJVA leaving two remaining Milestone Payments. As Pre-Production Costs have exceeded the C$60 million threshold covered by Teck the Pre-Production Costs going forward will be shared pro-rata with Copper Fox (75:25). As at December 31, 2025, Copper Fox's pro rata share of the Pre-Production Costs over C$60 million, ~ C$7.5 million, will be deducted from the third C$20 million Milestone Payment. At Van Dyke, our focus in the first half of 2026 is completing an updated PEA to provide a technical and economic assessment of the project and continuing hydrogeologic activities to support future permitting activities. The planned PEA is expected to benefit from the publicly available information from the recently commissioned Florence ISCR project, further optimize the PFS Execution Plan and establish a starting point for the transition to PFS level studies. A significant achievement in 2025 was the execution of non-binding Letters of Intent to obtain industrial water for leaching purposes and the offtake of the rock excavated from the proposed underground development demonstrates the strong community support for the project. At Mineral Mountain, drilling of the large porphyry copper "footprint" underlain by a buried positive chargeability anomaly of almost equal size is underway. The location, size and telescoped porphyry characteristics support the copper potential of this target. Our focus is on completing the current drilling program, compiling all data and assessing the merits of a follow-up drilling program in the first half of 2026. At Eaglehead, the significantly expanded dimensions of the chargeability anomaly within the "mineralized corridor" augmented the porphyry potential of the project. Further exploration at Eaglehead is contingent on obtaining a Multi-Year Area Based permit before the end of June 2026. The resource base, the preliminary metallurgical testwork, and potential to combine the Bornite and East deposits into one larger deposit could substantially increase the project's metal balance but also suggests the project is rapidly advancing toward the PEA stage, a significant milestone for the project. At Sombrero Butte, 2025 was a transformational year in understanding the porphyry copper potential of this project. Exploration results suggest the presence of a large, highly evolved porphyry copper system underlain by a large body of anomalous chargeability/resistivity. Copper Fox plans to submit a Plan of Operation to obtain permits required to drill test this high-quality porphyry target in late 2026 or early 2027. Elmer B. Stewart, MSc, P.Geo, President of Copper Fox, is the Company's non-independent, nominated Qualified Person pursuant to National Instrument 43-101, Standards for Disclosure for Mineral Projects, and has reviewed and approves the scientific and technical information disclosed in this news release. Selected Financial Results 3 Months Ended 3 Months Ended 3 Months Ended 3 Months Ended October 31, 2025 July 31, 2025 April 30, 2025 January 31, 2025 Loss before taxes $ 336,885 $ 295,679 $ 374,058 $ 236,962 Net loss 164,538 295,679 374,058 236,962 Comprehensive (gain) / loss (100,174 ) 197,381 1,225,382 (461,245 ) Comprehensive loss per share, basic and diluted 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 3 Months Ended 3 Months Ended 3 Months Ended 3 Months Ended October 31, 2024 July 31, 2024 April 30, 2024 January 31, 2024 Loss before taxes $ 261,484 $ 293,185 $ 302,668 $ 230,877 Net loss (219,427 ) 293,185 302,668 230,877 Comprehensive (gain) / loss (402,630 ) 199,185 (167,104 ) 905,445 Comprehensive loss per share, basic and diluted 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Liquidity As at October 31, 2025, the Company's cash position was $686,236 (October 31, 2024- $785,184) and as of the date of this News Release the Company's cash position is $129,927. About Copper Fox Copper Fox is a Canadian resource company focused on copper development and exploration in the United States and Canada. Copper Fox and its subsidiaries own 100% of the Van Dyke ISCR project, a development stage, potential near term, mid-size copper mine in Arizona and a 25% interest in the Schaft Creek Joint Venture with Teck Resources Limited (75% interest and Operator) which hosts the Schaft Creek copper-gold-molybdenum-silver project in British Columbia's Golden Triangle. In addition, Copper Fox owns 100% of the resource stage Eaglehead polymetallic porphyry copper project in northwestern British Columbia and the Sombrero Butte and Mineral Mountain advanced exploration stage porphyry copper projects located in the prolific Laramide age copper province in Arizona. For more information on Copper Fox's mineral properties and investments visit the Company's website at www.copperfoxmetals.com. On behalf of the Board of Directors, Elmer B. Stewart President and 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 This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and forward-looking information within the meaning of the Canadian securities laws (collectively, "forward-looking information"). Forward-looking information is generally identifiable by use of the words "believes," "may," "plans," "will," "anticipates," "intends," "budgets", "could", "estimates", "expects", "forecasts", "projects" and similar expressions, and the negative of such expressions. Forward-looking information in this news release include statements regarding; increasing copper demand and the potential to be a future copper supplier; advancing the Schaft Creek and Van Dyke projects to the PFS stage; upgrading porphyry potential at Eaglehead and Sombrero Butte; and, the potential merger of equals of Teck and Anglo having a significant impact on Schaft Creek. In connection with the forward-looking information contained in this news release, Copper Fox and its subsidiaries have made numerous assumptions regarding, among other things: the geological, financial, and economic advice that Copper Fox has received is reliable and is based upon practices and methodologies which are consistent with industry standards; and the stability of economic and market conditions. While Copper Fox considers these assumptions to be reasonable, these assumptions are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies. Additionally, there are known and unknown risk factors which could cause Copper Fox's actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information contained herein. Known risk factors include, among others: the Van Dyke and Schaft Creek projects may not advance to the PFS stage; the maiden drilling program at Mineral Mountain may not be successful; the overall economy may deteriorate; uncertainty as to the availability and terms of future financing; copper prices and demand may fluctuate; currency exchange rates may fluctuate; conditions in the financial markets may deteriorate; and uncertainty as to timely availability of permits and other governmental approvals. A more complete discussion of the risks and uncertainties facing Copper Fox is disclosed in Copper Fox's continuous disclosure filings with Canadian securities regulatory authorities at www.sedarplus.ca. All forward-looking information herein is qualified in its entirety by this cautionary statement, and Copper Fox disclaims any obligation to revise or update any such forward-looking information or to publicly announce the result of any revisions to any of the forward-looking information contained herein to reflect future results, events, or developments, except as required by law. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/282790 Source: Copper Fox Metals Inc. Landmark collaboration aims to unlock large-scale climate finance for over 3 million coconut farmers through Carbon Markets 2.0 DAVOS, Switzerland, Feb. 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Confederation of Coconut Farmers Organizations of the Philippines (CONFED) and EcoGuard Global AG have signed an agreement at the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting in Davos to establish the Philippines' first Carbon Office, powered by a digital carbon financing and exchange platform (the "EcoGuard Platform") built on Hedera. The initiative will be developed with Telenym as the local technology partner. The agreement marks a significant step in the evolution of Carbon Markets 2.0, as governments and investors increasingly demand real-time verification, auditability, and transparency across carbon markets. The EcoGuard Global Platform will digitise and automate the entire carbon asset lifecycle from project registration and digital Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (dMRV) to issuance, tracking, trading, and retirement, ensuring full traceability and data provenance for every carbon credit. EcoGuard Global's infrastructure enables regulated carbon bank capabilities and managed carbon marketplaces across both compliance and voluntary markets. By connecting interoperable domestic and international platforms, the solution strengthens market integrity while enabling governments and enterprises to monetise decarbonisation in line with evolving regulatory frameworks, including Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. CONFED represents over 3 million coconut farmers across the Philippines and, under the country's COCAL Program, manages an estimated 540 million tonnes of CO2e through regenerative agriculture spanning 3.6 million hectares. As part of this agreement, EcoGuard plans to register 347 million coconut trees on its platform - enabling farmers to monetise the carbon sequestration already taking place across the country's coconut landscapes, while supporting national net-zero objectives. Speaking about this historic collaboration with EcoGuard Global, Charles Avila, President of CONFED said, "With Philippines preparing for Carbon Markets 2.0, with real time dMRV (digital Monitoring, Reporting, Verfication) reporting replacing manual, episodic audits, we can now ensure that when a farmer sequesters carbon, the financial incentives and rewards are delivered immediately and accurately rather than at the end of a multi-year cycle and after a significant value loss on account of administrative overheads, errors, and the cost of non-compliance. EcoGuard brings a high-integrity, optimized platform that meets the strict requirements of institutional carbon investors and buyers, facilitating the value capture and climate finance at scale." EcoGuard Global AG ("EcoGuard") is a Swiss-headquartered carbon technology company providing digital carbon market infrastructure for governments and multinational corporations. Built on Hedera Hashgraph - the world's leading and the most energy-efficient distributed ledger technology (DLT), EcoGuard ensures that every transaction across the carbon value chain is immutable, transparent, and auditable using one of the world's most energy-efficient distributed ledger technologies. EcoGuard is currently deploying similar State Carbon Banks in India and other jurisdictions globally, while actively participating in carbon markets as a developer and market enabler for high-integrity climate projects. Commenting on the agreement, Yashodhan Ramteke, CEO, EcoGuard Global, said, "Carbon markets will only scale when they work for the people delivering measurable climate impact. Through this partnership with CONFED, we are enabling millions of Filipino farmers to access global climate finance via a Carbon Markets 2.0 framework - digitally verifiable, investor-grade, and aligned with Article 6. Built on Hedera, this platform ensures that value flows transparently, efficiently, and at fair value to farmers, while establishing national-level carbon infrastructure that the global market can trust." EcoGuard is part of The Hashgraph Group("THG"), the pioneering Swiss-based Web3 technology engineering company operating within the global Hedera ecosystem. Earlier in November 2025, THG signed a Collaboration Agreement with the Department of Science & Technology (DOST), Philippines to jointly build technology applications in smart agriculture (traceability and food safety), sustainable communities program, and circular economy and carbon credit initiatives, leveraging Hedera as the underlying DLT network. Under the agreement with CONFED, EcoGuard will deploy, operate, and manage the CONFED Carbon Office, customised to national and sectoral requirements. The platform is targeted for deployment by June 2026 and will support international carbon credit trading under the United Nations' Article 6 framework. Built on industry-standard jBPM (Java Business Process Management) workflow engine, the platform is designed to automate complex, multi-stakeholder carbon processes, with cryptographic proof anchored on Hedera at every step. The Philippines is the world's second-largest coconut producer, generating approximately 15 million tonnes annually. Article 6 presents a significant opportunity for the country to access higher-value international carbon markets. Revenues generated will be distributed among farmers to improve livelihoods, while also supporting CONFED's large-scale replanting programme targeting 100 million new coconut trees by 2028 and investments in smart farming technologies to improve productivity and climate resilience. About Telenym: Telenym is a technology company building decentralized systems for intelligent payment distribution across complex value chains. In the Philippine coconut sector, its platform integrates traceability, compliance, and standardized settlement to improve transparency, reduce intermediaries, and enable direct distribution of environmental and economic value to producers. About Hedera: Hedera is a high-performance, secure, and energy-efficient public distributed ledger network, governed by an independent council of leading global institutions, enabling compliant tokenization and tracking of real-world assets. ABOUT CONFED: CONFED(Confederation of coconut farmers organisations of the Philippines Inc.) represents coconut farmers' interest nationwide and is engaged in programs that promote sustainable agriculture, inclusive rural development, digital transformation, and climate-resilient and low-carbon initiatives. CONFED is a national coalition of coconut smallholders, cooperatives, and farmer organizations working to strengthen the coconut sector through farmer-led advocacy, capacity building, and sustainable industry development. It promotes fairer market outcomes and community-led livelihood improvements by connecting member groups to training, networking, and representation, while also engaging in policy and sector reforms. ABOUT ECOGUARD GLOBAL: EcoGuard Global AG is a pioneering Swiss-headquartered global climate-tech company building high-integrity, digitally traceable carbon market infrastructure - as a part of The Hashgraph Group (THG) and powered by Hedera's distributed ledger technology (DLT). The "EcoGuard" proprietary digital carbon bank is designed with the architecture that supports end-to-end MRV frameworks, registry-grade traceability, Article 6.2 compliance, and secure digital issuance and transfer of carbon credit assets. To know more please visit, https://www.ecoguardglobal.com/ or follow the brand's social media handles - LinkedIn | X (Twitter) Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2877222/EcoGuard.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/confed-and-ecoguard-global-sign-agreement-at-wef-davos-to-build-the-philippines-first-digital-carbon-office-on-hedera-302679501.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. MUSCAT, Oman, Feb. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The University of Hong Kong (HKU) has formalised a partnership with Takatuf Oman's Oman Scholars Programme through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on 21 January in Muscat, Oman. This five-year agreement establishes a framework to support Omani students seeking undergraduate education at HKU, including funding for course fees and maintenance costs for eligible participants. The MoU was signed by Mr Ibrahim Al Harthi, CEO of Takatuf Oman, and Professor Bennett Yim, Director of Undergraduate Admissions and International Student Exchange at HKU. The ceremony marks HKU's third strategic partnership in the Middle East region within a week, following agreements with the Qatar Foundation for Education, Science, and Community Development and the Qatar Investment Authority, respectively. The MoU signifies a mutual commitment to facilitating opportunities for student mobility and collaborative academic programmes. Professor Yim of HKU stated, "This partnership with the Oman Scholars Programme not only symbolises our dedication to educational excellence but also reflects our commitment to fostering global understanding and cooperation among students from diverse backgrounds." Professor Yim further emphasised the potential for this collaboration to significantly impact the educational landscapes of both Oman and Hong Kong. Under the agreement, participants in the Oman Scholars Programme who meet HKU's admission criteria will receive comprehensive support for their undergraduate studies starting from 2026. The partnership also includes collaboration with HKU's Academy for the Talented, providing enrichment opportunities and specialised pathways for outstanding Omani high school students. Both institutions have expressed commitment to fostering academic excellence and cultural exchange. Recipients of the scholarship will be recognised as HKU Oman Scholars, highlighting the prestigious nature of this collaboration. This partnership represents a significant milestone in strengthening educational ties between Hong Kong and Oman, creating valuable opportunities for talented Omani students while enhancing HKU's global academic network. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2876633/Photo_1.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2876632/Photo_2.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/hku-signs-mou-with-takatuf-oman-to-enhance-educational-opportunities-for-omani-scholars-302678674.html Siegfried AG / Key word(s): Personnel Changes to Siegfried's Board of Directors 05-Feb-2026 / 06:30 CET/CEST Release of an ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. Media Release Zofingen, February 5, 2026 Ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 Listing Rules Siegfried (SIX: SFZN), a leading global Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) for the pharmaceutical industry, today announced the nomination of Thomas Wozniewski and Karl Petersson as members of the Board of Directors. Thomas Wozniewski has served as Takeda's Global Manufacturing & Supply Officer, Chairman of the Board for Takeda Pharmaceuticals International in Switzerland and as a member of Takeda's Executive Team since 2014 and will retire from this role in March 2026. During his time at Takeda, he focused on the technological and digital transformation, and the implementation of a continuous improvement culture within the global network of more than 25 manufacturing sites. Prior to joining Takeda, Thomas gained more than 25 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, holding senior leadership roles in manufacturing, quality and supply chain management at Bayer Consumer Care Switzerland, Bayer Healthcare AG, Schering AG and Boehringer Ingelheim in Germany. Karl Petersson is a Senior Investment Director at Interogo Long-Term Equity, one of Siegfried's largest shareholders. He is a non-executive member of the Board of Asker Healthcare Group AB, a Swedish-listed leading provider of medical products and solutions, and an Interogo investment. Before joining Interogo Long-Term Equity in 2025, Karl worked for nearly 10 years at the private equity firm Nordic Capital. The Board will propose their elections to shareholders at the Siegfried Annual General Meeting on April 16, 2026. As previously communicated, Chairman Andreas Casutt will not stand for re-election, and will be succeeded by Beat Walti, pending his election at the 2026 AGM. Andreas Casutt, Chairman of the Board of Directors: "We are pleased to nominate Thomas Wozniewski and Karl Petersson to Siegfried's Board of Directors. Thomas brings long-standing experience in pharmaceutical manufacturing and global supply management. Karl brings a strong understanding of capital markets and investment-related matters. Together, they will further strengthen the Board's industry expertise and strategic perspective." Siegfried nominates Thomas Wozniewski and Karl Petersson for election to the Board of Directors. Contact Financial analysts: Media: Dr. Reto Suter Peter Stierli Chief Financial Officer Head Corporate Communications reto.suter@siegfried.ch peter.stierli@siegfried.ch Tel. +41 62 746 11 35 Tel. +41 62 746 15 51 Siegfried Holding AG Untere Bruehlstrasse 4 CH-4800 Zofingen About Siegfried The Siegfried Group is a global life sciences company with sites in Switzerland, Germany, Spain, France, Malta, the USA and China. In 2024, the company achieved sales of CHF 1.295 billion and employed on 31.12.2024 more than 3,800 people at thirteen sites on three continents. Siegfried Holding AG is publicly listed on SIX Swiss Exchange (SIX: SFZN). Siegfried is active in manufacturing pharmaceutical APIs (and their intermediates) as well as drug products (tablets, capsules, sterile vials, ampoules, cartridges and ointments) for the pharmaceutical industry and provides development services. Cautionary statements regarding forward-looking statements This media release includes statements concerning the future. They are based on assumptions and expectations that may prove to be wrong. They should be considered with due caution as, by definition, they contain known and unknown risks, insecurities and other factors which could result in a difference in the actual results, financial situation, developments or the success of Siegfried Holding AG or Siegfried Group from the explicit or implicit assumptions made in these statements. expect more Siegfried AG Untere Bruhlstrasse 4 4800 Zofingen, Switzerland +41 62 746 11 11 info@siegfried.ch www.siegfried.ch Offering with initial gross proceeds of approximately 30.3 million, consisting of 25.0 million from a capital increase and 5.3 million from the sale of existing shares, potentially increased to a maximum total gross amount of 39.1 million (at the mid-point of the price range), including 28.8 million from the capital increase in the event of full exercise of the Extension Clause and 10.4 million from the sale of existing shares in the event of full exercise of the Over-allotment Option 18.9 million already secured through subscription commitments from 16 investors (including 4 existing shareholders) , representing 79.1% of the initial capital increase amount (at the low end of the price range) Indicative price range: between 53.45 and 58.30 per share Subscription period: from 5 February 2026 to 17 February 2026 inclusive for the Open Price Offering , and until 18 February 2026 (12:00 p.m. CET) for the Global Placement Offering eligible for the PEA and PEA PME-ETI saving schemes, as well as for tax-deferred reinvestment under the contribution-and-disposal regime (Article 150-0 B ter of the French General Tax Code) A clearly defined growth trajectory through 2028, targeting at least 155 million in revenue and 30 million in net income , representing a threefold increase over the 2026-2028 period compared with 2025 An attractive dividend distribution policy , targeting a minimum payout ratio of 40% of net income, to be implemented starting in 2026 (for the 2025 fiscal year) Rising Stone, a new listed player in the luxury sector, dedicated to high-end real estate Rising Stone (the Group ), a luxury real estate creator & developer in Alpine resorts and premium holiday destinations, announces the launch of its initial public offering (the "Offering") with a view to the admission to trading of its shares on the Euronext Growth market in Paris (ISIN code: FR00140164Q1 - Ticker: ALRIS). The French Financial Markets Authority (Autorite des marches financiers, the AMF ) approved the Company's prospectus on 4 February 2026, under approval number 26-015 (the "Prospectus"), comprising the Universal Registration Document approved on 23 January 2026 under number I.26-001 (the "Registration Document"), the Securities Note dated 4 February 2026 (the "Securities Note"), and the summary of the Prospectus (included in the Securities Note). This IPO aims to support the continuation of Rising Stone's growth strategy by accelerating its development in Alpine luxury real estate and, in the future, expanding into other premium geographies. It also seeks to strengthen the Group's financial structure and increase its visibility among both institutional and private investors. Jean-Thomas Olano, Founder & CEO of Rising Stone, stated: "Rising Stone's initial public offering marks a key milestone as we entered a major phase of our development in 2025. By 2028, we aim to triple our revenue and net income compared with our estimated 2025 levels. This ambition will be underpinned by our current portfolio of 15 development projects and 3 third-party contracts, scheduled for delivery through 2030 and representing a total expected development value of 1 billion. The funds raised will enable us to acquire new premium land assets in prestigious resorts across the French Alps, as well as in other prime leisure destinations in France and internationally, thereby accelerating our growth strategy in luxury real estate. We also plan to strengthen our teams with key strategic hires to support the increase in our business activity. Beyond this value-creation trajectory, becoming a shareholder of Rising Stone also means sharing a distinctive, long-term, wealth-driven vision of luxury real estate in the mountains. By combining architectural excellence, a unique living experience and sustainable long-term asset performance, we are offering investors a new opportunity in the luxury sector." Rising Stone, a creator and developer of luxury real estate in the heart of the French Alps Founded in 2016 by Jean-Thomas Olano, Rising Stone imagines, designs and builds chalets and apartments to the highest luxury standards in prestigious Alpine resorts (Meribel, Courchevel, Val d'Isere, Megeve, etc.) as well as in premium holiday destinations. The Group stands out through a unique positioning defined by a fully integrated offering: sourcing and acquisition of ultra-premium land assets, high-end design and construction, interior architecture and renovation services, tailored wealth advisory support, and excellence-driven services (high-end para-hotel services, concierge services). Rising Stone relies on a multidisciplinary team of 52 experienced professionals[1], including architects, construction economists, structural engineers, interior designers, and wealth management specialists. Dedicated teams for rental management, property management[2], and concierge services provide ongoing support to clients throughout the ownership of their property. Since its inception, Rising Stone has designed, built and marketed more than 22,000 sqm of real estate projects. Every project developed by Rising Stone is conceived as a unique creation, featuring an original, elegant and timeless architectural signature, designed for demanding environments. For the full year 2025, Rising Stone expects consolidated revenues of 48?m (vs. 68.8?m in 2024[3]) and a consolidated net profit of 9 m[4] (vs. 3.3 m in 2024). The French Alps: an attractive luxury real estate market driven by rare and exclusive assets, valued between 3.4 bn and 3.9 bn Over the past twenty years, luxury real estate has become firmly established in many high-end ski resorts in the French Alps. Buyers are increasingly drawn to high-standard properties offering wellness and leisure facilities, lifestyle experiences, and private concierge services. In this context, the mountain luxury real estate market has experienced sustained growth in recent years. Between 2019 and 2024, the cumulative increase in the average price per square meter in the French Alps reached +42%[5]. Over the same period, prices in resorts such as Courchevel, Val d'Isere and Meribel rose by +30% to +45%5. This trend has been largely driven by price increases in the heart of premium resorts, particularly for very high-end and ultra-luxury properties. This momentum reflects the lasting appeal of premium resorts in the French Alps, the world's leading ski destination, supported by "snow-sure[6]" high-altitude resorts that are increasingly evolving into year-round, four-season destinations. The mountain luxury real estate market is made up of two complementary segments: the development of new properties (with 1,300 to 1,5005 new luxury properties sold per year) and the renovation of existing prestigious assets (with 1,500 to 2,0005 units currently renovated per year). Together, these two segments represent a total market estimated between 3.4 bn and 3.9 bn per year[7]. A secured pipeline of 15 luxury real estate programs and 3 third-party contracts, representing a projected business volume of 1 bn With nearly 10 years of experience and growing recognition, Rising Stone aims to establish itself as the leading integrated and structured player in prestige real estate across premium resort destinations, particularly in the French Alps. To date, Rising Stone's development portfolio consists of 15 new luxury real estate programs along with 3 third-party contracts[8] on behalf of private investors or family offices. These projects will underpin the Company's development through 2030. The 15 new-build programs, located in Meribel, Courchevel, Val d'Isere, Auron, and Ferragudo (Portugal), comprise a total of 335 apartments and chalets covering more than 46,000?sqm. Several emblematic projects are included within these 15 programs: Le Lac Bleu : a new construction replacing the current Le Lac Bleu hotel in Meribel at 1,600?m altitude, featuring 28 apartments across 4,050?sqm; : a new construction replacing the current Le Lac Bleu hotel in Meribel at 1,600?m altitude, featuring 28 apartments across 4,050?sqm; Allodis : situated in the prestigious Belvedere district, at the highest point of Meribel (1,750?m altitude), the Allodis Residence is an exceptional-scale project comprising 23 private apartments (150-400?sqm) with 5-star hotel services, totaling 6,000?sqm; : situated in the prestigious Belvedere district, at the highest point of Meribel (1,750?m altitude), the Allodis Residence is an exceptional-scale project comprising 23 private apartments (150-400?sqm) with 5-star hotel services, totaling 6,000?sqm; Le Fontany: in the heart of Meribel-Mottaret Village, Le Fontany is Rising Stone's first full renovation project for resale as apartments (35 new units over 1,800 sqm), including energy performance improvements aimed at achieving an Energy Performance Index of B. All 15 projects are scheduled for delivery by 2030 and represent a total projected business volume of 1,009?M (for the 2023-2030 period), with an average projected project margin[9] of 18.1%. Rising Stone also leverages its expertise through three third-party projects, including a real estate development contract (CPI) for the construction of an exceptional chalet in Courchevel, and two service agreements for the construction of a 5-star hotel in Meribel (Hotel Le Belvedere) and the full renovation of a 5-star hotel in Val d'Isere (Hotel Le Christiania), all scheduled for delivery by 2027. A well-established growth trajectory: targeting at least 155 m in revenue and 30 m in net income by 2028, combined with an attractive and sustainable dividend policy Rising Stone sets out ambitious targets for 2028, based on the 15 luxury real estate programs currently under development and the 3 third-party contracts already underway. The financial objectives associated with this development plan are as follows: 2025 estimates : estimated consolidated revenues of 48 m and estimated consolidated net profit of 9 m[10]; : estimated consolidated revenues of 48 m and estimated consolidated net profit of 9 m[10]; 2026 : achieve consolidated revenue of 75 m and consolidated net income above 15 m; : achieve consolidated revenue of 75 m and consolidated net income above 15 m; 2027 : reach consolidated revenue of 100 m and consolidated net income above 22 m; : reach consolidated revenue of 100 m and consolidated net income above 22 m; 2028: exceed 155 m in consolidated revenue and achieve consolidated net income above 30 m. This development trajectory aims to triple both revenue and net income between 2026 and 2028 compared with the estimated 2025 figures. Rising Stone has also established an attractive dividend policy, targeting a minimum payout ratio of 40% of consolidated net income starting with the fiscal year ending 31 December 2025, subject to legal and financial constraints. A commitment to sustainability in response to the environmental challenges facing mountain regions, supported by an accelerated ESG strategy in connection with the IPO Rising Stone's presence in the heart of the French Alps, in exceptional natural sites, entails significant environmental responsibility. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), and in particular the sustainability approach, is a core commitment for the Group as part of its development. Rising Stone intends to fully embed the development of its operations and its growth trajectory within a virtuous framework structured around ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) criteria. Action plans have already been identified to further formalise the Company's commitments, strengthen its environmental policies and deploy more systematic monitoring and management of ESG performance indicators. In addition to its participation in this capital increase through a subscription commitment, the Fideas ACT for Climate SICAV will support the Company in its greenhouse gas emissions reduction strategy and in defining an associated transition plan, notably through the implementation of the "ACT Pas-a-Pas" methodology developed by ADEME. Rising Stone's intention to accelerate its CSR strategy as part of its initial public offering is reflected in the extra-financial rating of 48/100 awarded in November 2025 for the 2024 financial year by EthiFinance, representing an increase of +18 pts compared with the 30/100 rating received for the previous year[11]. Rising Stone is ranked 80th out of 150 companies within its peer group (companies generating less than 150 million in revenue). No controversies were identified, and EthiFinance estimates that 5% of Rising Stone's revenue makes a positive contribution to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Fundraising to acquire new premium land assets and support team development and structuring The IPO marks a major milestone in Rising Stone's development. It aims to provide the company with new financial resources, notably for the acquisition of additional premium land assets, thereby accelerating its growth strategy. To date, Rising Stone has identified a pipeline of more than 130 potential land opportunities, mainly located in premium resorts in the French Alps (Meribel, Courchevel, Val d'Isere, Megeve, etc.), in other high-potential international resorts, and additional leisure destinations in France (Riviera, Cote d'Azur) and abroad (Portugal, Dubai). This international expansion reflects the Group's strategy to export its unique expertise, built on the combination of luxury, bespoke craftsmanship, and the art of living. Beyond the need to secure a portfolio of premium locations, the Group intends to strengthen its teams by recruiting strategic profiles to support the anticipated growth in activity. The IPO will serve as a powerful lever for visibility, reputation, and credibility, enhancing Rising Stone's attractiveness to leading public and private counterparts, family offices, and institutional investors, whether to co-invest in future real estate projects or to establish strategic partnerships in the form of real estate development contracts (CPI) or service agreements. The net proceeds from the issuance of new shares, amounting to approximately 22.0 million[12], will be used as follows: 90% of the funds will be allocated to the acquisition of new premium land assets essential to expanding the Group's project pipeline (beyond the 18 existing projects). These opportunities require immediate execution capabilities and the rapid mobilisation of resources. These additional projects will relate to both: the design and development of exceptional properties, through selective geographic expansion within the most prestigious resorts, complemented by a targeted international expansion; and the execution of major renovation and restructuring programmes of existing assets located in mountain areas. (beyond the 18 existing projects). These opportunities require immediate execution capabilities and the rapid mobilisation of resources. These additional projects will relate to both: 10% of the funds will be dedicated to strengthening teams and digital tools, in order to increase the number of projects managed simultaneously, while preserving the standards of excellence and quality that underpin the Group's positioning. The Company considers that it has sufficient net working capital to meet its obligations over the next 12 months, independently of the completion of the Offering, subject to compliance with the anticipated operating schedule (both in terms of the scheduling of works and sales). Subscription commitments amounting to 18.9 million As of the date of approval of the Prospectus, the Company has received subscription commitments from institutional investors representing a total commitment of 18.9 million, consisting of: Existing shaholders Amount New investors Amount FTHK 300,000.00 Fideas Capital 3,500,000.00 Immo Snow 200,000.00 Banque Transatlantique 2,100,000.00 SC ZEC 2 150,000.00 Vatel Capital 4,000,000.00 NVJINVEST 75,000.00 OFI Invest 2,000,000,00 Montbleu 1,200,000,00 Carribean Snowflakes 1,000,000,00 HMG Finance 1,000,000.00 Montblanc 1,000,000.00 Treecap BV 1,000,000.00 CIC Banque Privee 700,000.00 Cely Finance 500,000.00 Lionel Clary 200,000.00 Total 725,000.00 Total 18,200,000.00 TOTAL SUBSCRIPTION COMMITMENTS: 18,925,000.00 The subscription commitments are valid at a maximum price of 58.30 per share, implying a pre-money valuation of the Company of 120 million, prior to the capital increase to be carried out as part of the initial public offering. These subscription commitments are not subject to any lock-up commitment in respect of the shares subscribed for or acquired. They are intended to be fully honoured; however, they may be scaled down in accordance with customary allocation principles (primarily in the event that subscriptions received under the Offering exceed the gross proceeds from the new shares). Eligibility of the offering for PEA and PEA PME-ETI saving schemes Rising Stone confirms that it meets the eligibility criteria for the French equity savings scheme (Plan d'Epargne en Actions, "PEA") and the PEA PME-ETI, as set out in Articles L. 221-32-2 and D. 221-113-5 et seq. of the French Monetary and Financial Code. Accordingly, Rising Stone shares can be fully included in PEA and PEA PME-ETI accounts for individual investors who are tax residents in France. Eligibility of the offering for tax-deferred reinvestment under the contribution-disposal regime Rising Stone shares also constitute an investment eligible under Article 150-0 B ter of the French General Tax Code, which allows individuals who have sold shares contributed within three years of the contribution to benefit from the deferral of taxation in the event of a cash subscription, provided that the sale of the contributed shares whose proceeds are reinvested occurred before the entry into force of the 2026 Finance Act (currently pending adoption by Parliament). A summary of the applicable tax regime is set out in Section 4.1.9 of the Securities Note. Interested parties are advised to consult their usual tax advisor regarding the taxation applicable to their specific situation, in particular with respect to the subscription, acquisition, holding, and sale of Rising Stone shares. Availability of the Prospectus The Rising Stone Prospectus is available on the Group's website (www.rising-stone.com) and the AMF website (www.amf-france.org), as well as free of charge upon request at the Company's registered office: 89 Boulevard de Courcelles, 75008 Paris. The approval of the Prospectus should not be construed as an endorsement of the securities being offered. Investors are urged to carefully consider the risk factors described in Chapter 3, "Risk Factors," of the Registration Document, as well as in Chapter 3, "Risk Factors," of the Securities Note. All information regarding Rising Stone's IPO project is available at www.rising-stone-finance.com Intermediaries & Advisors CIC Corporate & Institutional Banking Joint Global Coordinator & Joint Bookrunner PORTZAMPARC BNP PARIBAS GROUP Joint Global Coordinator & Joint Bookrunner TP ICAP Joint Global Coordinator & Joint Bookrunner ALLEGRA FINANCE Listing Sponsor Fieldfisher Legal Advisor ACTUS finance & communication Financial Communication About Rising Stone Founded in 2016 by Jean-Thomas Olano, Rising Stone is a developer and builder of luxury and ultra-luxury real estate in the heart of the French Alps. Rising Stone imagines, designs, and delivers chalets and apartments to the highest luxury standards in prestigious Alpine resorts (Meribel, Courchevel, Val d'Isere, Megeve, etc.) as well as in premium holiday destinations. Since its inception, Rising Stone has designed, built, and marketed more than 22,000 sqm of luxury real estate projects. Backed by a multidisciplinary team of 52 experienced professionals, Rising Stone offers end-to-end support: sourcing and acquisition of ultra-premium land assets, high-end design and construction, interior architecture and renovation services, tailored wealth advisory, and excellence-driven services (high-end serviced residences, concierge services). Rising Stone holds a land portfolio under development comprising 15 real estate projects (335 chalets and apartments with a total surface area of more than 46,000 sqm) and 3 third-party development contracts, amounting to a total projected business volume of 1 bn through 2030. In 2025, Rising Stone's estimated consolidated revenue amounts to 48 m. More information at Rising-stone.com Contacts Rising Stone Jean-Thomas Olano Chairman & CEO contact@rising-stone.com Investor Relations ACTUS Mathieu Omnes +33 (0)1 53 67 36 92 rising-stone@actus.fr Press Relations ACTUS Serena Boni +33 (0)6 19 37 55 31 sboni@actus.fr Key Terms of the Offering SHARE CAPITAL BEFORE THE OFFERING The share capital amounts to 205,810, divided into 2,058,100 shares with a par value of 0.10 each, fully subscribed and paid up. SHARE CHARACTERISTICS Market: Euronext Growth Paris Name: RISING STONE (formerly JTO MANAGEMENT) - ISIN Code: FR00140164Q1 - Ticker: ALRIS Eligibility: PEA and PEA PME-ETI OFFERING STRUCTURE The distribution of the Offered Shares is expected to be carried out through a global offering (the "Offering"), comprising: A public offering in France, conducted as an open price offering, primarily intended for retail investors (the "Open Price Offering" or "OPO"), with the following provisions: orders will be split according to the number of shares requested: A1 orders (1 to 50 shares inclusive) and A2 orders (more than 50 shares); A1 orders will benefit from priority allocation over A2 orders in the event that all orders cannot be fully satisfied; A global placement primarily intended for institutional investors (the "Global Placement"), consisting of: A placement in France; and A private international placement in certain countries, excluding, in particular, the United States, Japan, Canada, and Australia. If demand under the OPO so allows, the number of shares allocated to orders placed under the OPO will represent at least 10% of the total number of Offered Shares in the Offering, before any exercise of the Extension Clause and the Over-allotment Option. The Offering will consist of an Initial Offering, an Extension Clause, and an Over-allotment Option, as defined below: Initial Offering, composed of: The issuance of up to 447,388 Initial New Shares (the "Initial Primary Offering"); and The sale of up to 94,540 Initial Existing Shares by the minority selling shareholders (the "Initial Secondary Offering"). The Initial Primary Offering and the Initial Secondary Offering will be conducted simultaneously. The Initial Secondary Offering is conditional upon the full subscription of the Initial Primary Offering, meaning that Initial New Shares will be allocated in priority over Initial Existing Shares in the event of under-subscription and any reduction in the size of the Initial Offering. Extension Clause In order to satisfy subscription and purchase requests received under the Offering, an additional issuance of up to 67,108 Additional New Shares, representing up to 15% of the Initial New Shares, at the Offer Price, may be carried out in agreement with the Joint Global Coordinators and Joint Bookrunners. Over-allotment Option JTO Holding will grant Portzamparc, acting as stabilizing agent on behalf of the Joint Global Coordinators and Joint Bookrunners, an option to purchase additional shares representing up to 15% of the total number of Initial New Shares, Initial Existing Shares, and Additional New Shares, i.e., a maximum of 91,355 Additional Existing Shares (the "Over-allotment Option"). INDICATIVE PRICE RANGE Between 53.45 and 58.30 per share This Price range is indicative, and the final Offer Price may be set outside this indicative range. GROSS PROCEEDS OF THE OFFERING (at the midpoint of the indicative price range) Approximately 30.3 million, assuming 100% subscription of the capital increase (25.0 million) and full execution of the Initial Existing Shares (5.3 million); Approximately 34.0 million, assuming full exercise of the Extension Clause, through the issuance of Additional New Shares for a maximum amount of 3.7 million; Approximately 39.1 million, assuming full exercise of both the Extension Clause and the Over-allotment Option, through the sale of Additional Existing Shares for a maximum amount of 5.1 million. THEORETICAL MARKET CAPITALIZATION AFTER THE OFFERING Approximately 134.8 million, based on a 79,1% issuance at the Offer Price corresponding to the midpoint of the indicative price range; Approximately 140.0 million, based on a 100% issuance at the Offer Price corresponding to the midpoint of the indicative price range; Approximately 143.8 million, based on a 100% issuance and full exercise of the Extension Clause at the Offer Price corresponding to the midpoint of the indicative price range. The potential exercise of the Over-allotment Option will not impact market capitalization, as it does not involve the issuance of additional shares. SUBSCRIPTION COMMITMENTS The Company has received subscription commitments from existing shareholders and third-party investors amounting to 18.9 million (representing more than 79.1% of the initial capital increase amount, based on the low end of the indicative Offer Price range), consisting of: Existing shaholders Amount % of capital prior the Offering % of capital post-Initial Offering* New investors Amount % of capital post-Initial Offering* FTHK 300,000.00 0.42% 0.56% Fideas Capital 3,500,000.00 2.50% Immo Snow 200,000.00 0.70% 0.72% Banque Transatlantique 2,100,000.00 1.50% SC ZEC 2 150,000.00 0.39% 0.43% Vatel Capital 4,000,000.00 2.86% NVJINVEST 75,000.00 0.39% 0.37% OFI Invest 2,000,000,00 1.43% Montbleu 1,200,000,00 0.86% Carribean Snowflakes 1,000,000,00 0.71% HMG Finance 1,000,000.00 0.71% Montblanc 1,000,000.00 0.71% Treecap BV 1,000,000.00 0.71% CIC Banque Privee 700,000.00 0.50% Cely Finance 500,000.00 0.36% Lionel Clary 200,000.00 0.14% Total 725,000.00 1.90% 2.08% Total 18,200,000.00 13.0% TOTAL SUBSCRIPTION COMMITMENTS: 18,925,000.00 * at the midpoint of the price range and assuming 100% allocation of their orders LOCK-UP AND SHAREHOLDING UNDERTAKINGS Lock-up commitment from the Company: 180 calendar days following the settlement and delivery date of the Offering. Lock-up commitment from Jean-Thomas Olano and JTO Holding (Jean-Thomas Olano's family holding, 100% owned): 360 calendar days following the settlement and delivery date of the Offering. Lock-up commitments from 24 other existing shareholders: 270 calendar days following the settlement and delivery date of the Offering. INDICATIVE TIMELINE 4 February 2026 Approval of the Prospectus by the AMF 5 February 2026 Publication of the press release announcing the Offering and availability of the Prospectus Publication of Euronext Paris notice regarding the opening of the Open Price Offering (OPO) and the Global Placement Launch of the OPO and the Global Placement 17 February 2026 Closing of the OPO at 5:00 p.m. (Paris time) for over-the-counter subscriptions and at 8:00 p.m. (Paris time) for online subscriptions 18 February 2026 Closing of the Global Placement at 12:00 p.m. (Paris time) Setting of the Offer Price and possible exercise of the Extension Clause Publication of the press release announcing the Offer Price, the results of the OPO and the Global Placement, as well as the final number of New Shares and the overall result of the Offering Execution of the Placement Agreement Publication of the Euronext Paris notice regarding the results of the OPO and the Global Placement 20 February 2026 Settlement and delivery of the shares under the OPO and the Global Placement 23 February 2026 Listing and admission to trading of Rising Stone shares on the Euronext Growth Paris market Start of the potential stabilization period 25 March 2026 Last day for the Over-allotment Option exercise End of the potential stabilization period REVOCATION OF SUBSCRIPTION ORDERS Subscription orders placed online as part of the OPO may be revoked online until the closing of the OPO, i.e., until 17 February 2026 at 8:00 p.m. (Paris time). Retail investors are responsible for contacting their financial intermediary to confirm whether orders placed through other channels are revocable, under what conditions, or whether online orders can be revoked by means other than the Internet. SHAREHOLDING STRUCTURE As of the date of the Prospectus, before the Offering, in terms of share capital and voting rights: Shareholders Number of shares and voting rights % of share capital and voting rights Jean-Thomas OLANO (5) 495,200 24.06% JTO Holding (1) (5) 485,700 23.60% JTO Holding titres nantis (1) (2) 434,100 21.09% Subtotal Jean-Thomas OLANO (5) 1,415,000 68.75% Bardum SAS (4) 128,600 6.25% LFI SAS (4) 112,500 5.47% 22 other shareholders (3) 402,000 19.53% Public 0 0.00% TOTAL 2,058,100 100% (1) Family holding 100% controlled by Jean-Thomas OLANO - (2) Pledged to secure a bond issuance subscribed by the Group - (3) None of which holds more than 5% of the share capital or voting rights - (4) Family holdings owned by individual investors - (5) Mr. Jean-Thomas OLANO and JTO Holding act in concert with respect to the Company. In terms of share capital, following the Offering: After the Offering - Issuance limited to 79.1% After the Initial Offering (100% subscription and Initial Transfers) After the Initial Offering + Extension Clause (issuance) After the Initial Offering + Extension Clause (issuance) + Over-allotment Option (transfers) Shareholders Number of shares % of share capital Number of shares % of share capital Number of shares % of share capital Number of shares % of share capital Jean-Thomas OLANO (5) 495,200 20.53% 495,200 19.76% 495,200 19.25% 495,200 19.25% JTO Holding (1) (5) 485,700 20.14% 485,700 19.39% 485,700 18.88% 394,345 15.33% JTO Holding titres nantis (1) (2) 434,100 18.00% 434,100 17.33% 434,100 16.87% 434,100 16.87% Sous-total Jean-Thomas OLANO (5) 1,415,000 58.66% 1,415,000 56.48% 1,415,000 55.00% 1,323,645 51.45% Bardum SAS (4) 128,600 5.33% 128,600 5.13% 128,600 5.00% 128,600 5.00% LFI SAS (4) 112,500 4.66% 56,250 2.25% 56,250 2.19% 56,250 2.19% 22 autres actionnaires (3) 402,000 16.67% 363,710 14.52% 363,710 14.14% 363,710 14.14% Public 354,069 14.68% 541,928 21.63% 609,036 23.67% 700,391 27.23% TOTAL 2,412,169 100% 2,505,488 100% 2,572,596 100% 2,572,596 100% (1) Family holding 100% controlled by Jean-Thomas OLANO - (2) Pledged to secure a bond issuance subscribed by the Group - (3) None of which holds more than 5% of the share capital or voting rights - (4) Family holdings owned by individual investors - (5) Mr. Jean-Thomas OLANO and JTO Holding act in concert with respect to the Company. In terms of voting rights, following the Offering: After the Offering - Issuance limited to 79.1% After the Initial Offering (100% subscription and Initial Transfers) After the Initial Offering + Extension Clause (issuance) After the Initial Offering + Extension Clause (issuance) + Over-allotment Option (transfers) Shareholders Nombre de droits de vote % droits de vote Nombre de droits de vote % droits de vote Nombre de droits de vote % droits de vote Nombre de droits de vote % droits de vote Jean-Thomas OLANO (5) 990,400 22.29% 990,400 22.28% 990,400 21.95% 990,400 22.40% JTO Holding (1) (5) 971,400 21.86% 971,400 21.85% 971,400 21.52% 788,690 17.84% JTO Holding titres nantis (1) (2) 868,200 19.54% 868,200 19.53% 868,200 19.24% 868,200 19.64% Subtotal Jean-Thomas OLANO (5) 2,830,000 63.70% 2,830,000 63.65% 2,830,000 62.71% 2,647,290 59.87% Bardum SAS (4) 257,200 5.79% 257,200 5.79% 257,200 5.70% 257,200 5.82% LFI SAS (4) 225,000 5.06% 112,500 2.53% 112,500 2.49% 112,500 2.54% 22 autres actionnaires (3) 776,500 17.48% 704,270 15.84% 704,270 15.61% 704,270 15.93% Public 354,069 7.97% 541,928 12.19% 609,036 13.50% 700,391 15.84% TOTAL 4,442,769 100% 4,445,898 100% 4,513,006 100% 4,421,651 100% (1) Family holding 100% controlled by Jean-Thomas OLANO - (2) Pledged to secure a bond issuance subscribed by the Group - (3) None of which holds more than 5% of the share capital or voting rights - (4) Family holdings owned by individual investors - (5) Mr. Jean-Thomas OLANO and JTO Holding act in concert with respect to the Company. Appendix - Glossary Business Volume The Business Volume of a real estate program is defined as the total amount expected from the sale of the entire program based on the price per square meter forecasts established by the Company. It differs from the future cumulative consolidated revenue generated over the duration of the program (up to full delivery) in two respects: The Group's ownership share in each project company varies by program. This implies that each project company is consolidated using an appropriate method (full consolidation, proportional consolidation, or equity method), which may result in only a portion of the revenues and margins being recognized, or, in some cases, no revenue being recorded at all; Depending on the date at which this Business Volume is considered, the program may already be underway and may have already given rise to revenue recognized over time in the consolidated financial statements of prior periods, in accordance with the accounting method applied. Project Margin (before corporate tax) This is the margin (before corporate tax) generated by a project company for the program it hosts. It is calculated as the difference between revenues from the sale of the property (chalet or all units of a residence) and all costs incurred for its development (from design to construction, including land acquisition), marketing, financing, and various taxes, excluding corporate income tax. Disclaimer This press release and the information it contains are not an offer to sell or subscribe to, or a solicitation of an order to buy or subscribe the shares of RISING STONE in any country. This press release constitutes promotional material and is not a prospectus within the meaning of Regulation (EU) No. 2017/1129 of the European Parliament and of the Council of June 14, 2017 (the "Prospectus Regulation") which is part of domestic law of the United Kingdom in accordance with the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 (the "UK Prospectus Regulation"). This press release does not constitute and shall not be deemed to constitute a public offer, an offer to purchase or subscribe or to solicit the public interest in a transaction by way of a public offer. This press release does not constitute an offer of securities for sale nor the solicitation of an offer to purchase securities in the United States. The shares or any other securities of RISING STONE may not be offered or sold in the United States except pursuant to a registration under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), or pursuant to an exemption from such registration requirement. RISING STONE shares will only be offered or sold outside the United States and in offshore transactions in accordance with Regulation S under the Securities Act. RISING STONE does not intend to register the offering in whole or in part in the United States or to make a public offer in the United States. With respect to the member states of the European Economic Area other than France (the "Member States"), no action has been undertaken or will be undertaken to make an offer to the public of shares of the Company requiring the publication of a prospectus in any Member States. As a result, any shares of the Company may only be offered in Member States (i) to qualified investors, as defined by the Prospectus Regulation; (ii) to fewer than 150 natural or legal persons, other than qualified investors (as defined in the Prospectus Regulation) by Member States; or (iii) in any other circumstances, not requiring the Company to publish a prospectus as provided under Article 1(4) of the Prospectus Regulation; and provided that none of the offers mentioned in paragraphs (i) to (iii) above requires the publication of a prospectus by the Company pursuant to Article 3 of the Prospectus Regulation, or a supplement to the Prospectus Regulation pursuant to Article 23 of the Prospectus Regulation. For the purposes of the provisions above, the expression "offer to the public" in relation to any securities in any Member State, means any communication to persons in any form and by any means, presenting sufficient information on the terms of the offer and the securities to be offered, so as to enable an investor to decide to purchase or subscribe for those securities in that Member State. These selling restrictions with respect to Member States apply in addition to any other selling restrictions which may be applicable in the Member States. This document does not constitute an offer of securities to the public in the United Kingdom and is only directed at "qualified investors" (as defined in the Prospectus Regulation) and who (i) are investment professionals within the meaning of section 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (as currently in force, the "Financial Promotion Order"), (ii) are persons falling within Article 49(2) (a) to (d) ("high net worth companies, unincorporated associations etc.") of the Financial Promotion Order or (iii) are outside the United Kingdom or (iv) are persons to whom an invitation or inducement to engage in investment activities (within the meaning of Section 21 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000) in connection with the offer or sale of any securities may be lawfully communicated, directly or indirectly (all such persons being together referred to as the "Authorized Persons"). This press release is addressed only to Authorized Persons and may not be used by any person other than an Authorized Person. Certain information contained in this press release are forward-looking statements, not historical data and should not be construed as a guarantee that the facts and data stated will occur. These forward-looking statements are based on data, assumptions and estimates considered reasonable by RISING STONE. RISING STONE operates in a competitive and rapidly evolving environment. It is therefore not in a position to anticipate all risks, uncertainties or other factors that may affect its business, their potential impact on its business or the extent to which the materialization of a risk or combination of risks could lead to results that differ significantly from those mentioned in any forward-looking statement. RISING STONE draws your attention to the fact that forward-looking statements are in no way a guarantee of its future performance and that its actual financial position, results and cash flows and the development of the sector in which RISING STONE operates may differ significantly from those proposed or suggested by the forward-looking statements contained in this document. In addition, even if RISING STONE' financial position, results, cash flows and developments in the industry in which it operates are consistent with the forward-looking information contained in this document, such results or developments may not be a reliable indication of RISING STONE' future results or developments. This information is given only as of the date of this press release. RISING STONE makes no commitment to publish updates to this information or on the assumptions on which it is based, except in accordance with any legal or regulatory obligation applicable to it. The distribution of this press release may, in certain countries, be subject to specific regulations. Consequently, persons physically present in these countries and in which the press release is disseminated, published or distributed must inform themselves and comply with these laws and regulations. This press release shall not be published, distributed or disseminated, directly or indirectly, in the United States of America, Australia, Canada or Japan. [1] headcount as of end of June 2025 [2] all services related to the operational and administrative management of a property on behalf of its owner (rental management, technical oversight, maintenance, management of charges, and tenant relations, etc.) [3] the 2024 revenue included sales under the "property trader" regime, recognized at completion, totaling 17.7?m, with a gross margin that is structurally lower than that of off-plan sales. [4] after the impact of accounting error corrections recorded in H1 2025 but relating to prior fiscal years 2023 and 2024 (exceptional expense of 1.0 m) [5] sources: Barnes, Savills, Collection Chalet, Cimalpes, Alpine Lodges, Figaro Immobilier, Sotheby's [6] high-altitude ski resorts benefiting from the most optimal snow conditions, based on historical weather data [7] Rising Stone's estimation [8] real estate development contracts (CPI) or service agreements contracts [9] unaudited data - The definition of this indicator can be found in the Glossary at the end of the press release [10] After the impact of accounting error corrections recorded in H1 2025 but relating to prior fiscal years 2023 and 2024 (exceptional expense of 1.0 m) [11] This report, paid for by the Company, was prepared on 6 November 2025 and takes into account the procedures and governance to be implemented following the IPO. [12] based on a 100% issuance at the Offer Price corresponding to the midpoint of the indicative price range ------------------------ This publication embed "Actusnews SECURITY MASTER ". - SECURITY MASTER Key: nXBqaMhmaGybxm9rapVqaGiUaGaSl2CYZ2OWmWZxYsiXnG9gymljmsXIZnJnmWlv - Check this key: https://www.security-master-key.com. ------------------------ Copyright Actusnews Wire Receive by email the next press releases of the company by registering on www.actusnews.com, it's free Full and original release in PDF format:https://www.actusnews.com/documents_communiques/ACTUS-0-96449-rising-stone-pr-amf-visa-20260205-en-vdef.pdf Beijing, China--(Newsfile Corp. - February 5, 2026) - In 2025, China achieved unprecedented milestones in technological innovation, from breakthroughs in artificial intelligence to advances in deep-space exploration. CGTN presents a feature article examining how these advances reflect not only industrial growth but also China's evolving role in global innovation governance, highlighting the country's commitment to shape international standards, foster collaboration, and address shared challenges like climate change and public health. CGTN: Vision 2030: China's tech blueprint reshaping global innovation To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7958/282821_figure1.png The World Intellectual Property Organization's Global Innovation Index 2025 places China 10th globally for the first time, first among upper-middle-income economies and fifth in innovation output. China leads the world in multiple intellectual property measures, hosts the most top-100 innovation clusters - including the Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou cluster now ranked first - and has the world's second-largest brand value at $1.81 trillion. Building on this momentum, China is advancing industrial leadership under its 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030). Chinese artificial intelligence (AI) companies have developed more than 200 domestic large models and expanded AI deployment across industries. China's "AI+" initiative integrates digital technologies with manufacturing and smart systems, and in 2025 China's core AI industry exceeded 1 trillion yuan (about $142 billion) in scale, underscoring rapid expansion. Alongside AI developments, China is also expanding its commercial space capabilities: Long March series rockets have launched clusters of satellites from south China's Hainan Province, and the country has applied for frequency and orbital rights for 203,000 satellites to the International Telecommunication Union, planning a mega-constellation by 2030 that could support a 1.2 trillion yuan industrial chain. Complementing these industry advances, in 2023, Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed the Global Artificial Intelligence Governance Initiative, which outlines China's constructive approach to global AI development and governance and has since informed subsequent international cooperation discussions and frameworks. In July 2025, China released the Global AI Governance Action Plan, a concrete follow-up to the 2023 initiative that provides guidance for multilateral cooperation on secure, inclusive and human-centered AI governance among participating countries and organizations. China Media Group also outlined the top 10 AI trends for 2026, including globalization of AI governance, scaling computing power, widespread AI agents and multi-modal interaction technologies. Supporting these innovations, China strengthens R&D and institutional investment. In 2025, central state-owned enterprises invested 1.1 trillion yuan in research and development for the fourth consecutive year and 2.5 trillion yuan in strategic emerging industries, while tax and fee reforms totaling about 10.5 trillion yuan during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025) boosted enterprise innovation. Major fundamental science missions, such as Tianwen-2 asteroid sampling and the Chang'e-7 lunar water exploration mission, demonstrate growing long-term research capabilities. Looking ahead, China's next five years of scientific and technological innovation will not be an isolated process. From satellite constellations to AI chips, each breakthrough contributes to addressing global challenges like climate change and disease control. An innovative China, moving with openness and efficiency, is becoming a key engine for shared global progress. For more information, please click: https://news.cgtn.com/news/2026-02-04/Vision-2030-China-s-tech-blueprint-reshaping-global-innovation-1KujBKYBQHK/p.html Hashtag: CGTN The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/282821 Source: Media OutReach LINZ AM RHEIN, Germany, Feb. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- On February 17, 2026, the first new moon of the year marks the beginning of the Spring Festival, celebrated under the Chinese zodiac sign of the Fire Horse. To honor this meaningful occasion and its rich symbolism, BIRKENSTOCK has created a special SPRING FESTIVAL edition, that reinterprets three of the brand's most iconic silhouettes and underscores the versatility of each classic. Drawing on deep emotional and aesthetic cues from the corresponding cultures, the concept translates these inspirations into a coherent and compelling design language. The BIRKENSTOCK Spring Festival Special Edition reflects the brand's commitment to quality, function, craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail. Like all BIRKENSTOCK developments, the capsule collection refers directly to the brand's archive and heritage. With the selection of the BOSTON, ARIZONA and FLORIDA, BIRKENSTOCK pays tribute to three culturally relevant key silhouettes. Each model in the SPRING FESTIVAL SPECIAL EDITION is presented in a carefully curated design featuring thoughtful color, material or detailing choices that respect the symbolic meaning of the Spring Festival while staying true to BIRKENSTOCK's brand DNA. THREE ICONS IN A LUXURIOUS UPDATE The collection opens with the FLORIDA fine strap sandal in a Full Exquisite execution, featuring the original BIRKENSTOCK cork-latex footbed. Made from high-shine leather and adorned with three golden D-buckles, this interpretation of the FLORIDA attracts uncompromising, luxurious sophistication. Its color, a deep and expressive Zinfandel red, is a direct nod to the Spring Festival. The inspiration for the special BOSTON edition is drawn from the Fire Horse, the zodiac sign of the 2026 Spring Festival. Crafted from BIRKENSTOCK's signature suede leather, the BOSTON remains the most popular interpretation of the brand's first-ever closed-toe silhouette. A textured hair-on-hide strap in a contrasting black, pays tribute to the untamed energy and grace of the Fire Horse and offers a new take on the BOSTON in Taupe. The cloud motif is also incorporated as a design element in the BIRKENSTOCK Special Edition. Both BOSTON and ARIZONA receive a luxurious upgrade defined by artisanal finesse. The foundation is an original BIRKENSTOCK half-exquisite footbed lined with premium leather, paired with an upper crafted from refined, semi-matte leather in black or vanilla. The gleaming D-buckles are accentuated by a playful, selectively applied gold foil print that elegantly translates the cloud symbolism into the overall aesthetic. The drop is rounded off with versions of the BOSTON and ARIZONA in black and rust red velvet in a full exquisite execution with golden Big Buckles. A CONSTANTLY GROWING PRODUCT UNIVERSE The BIRKENSTOCK SPRING FESTIVAL capsule once again underscores the brand's unwavering commitment to quality and craftsmanship-values inherently linked to its core principles of tradition and function, rooted in the mission to enable every human being to walk as nature intended. Not only at the dawn of a new lunar cycle, but throughout the entire year, day after day. This ambition remains inseparable from BIRKENSTOCK's ongoing dedication to celebrating and building an archive based on more than 250 years of tradition in shoemaking and orthopedic expertise-an archive that already comprises over 700 models and now gains yet another promising addition thanks to the SPRING FESTIVAL edition. INFORMATION FOR EDITORIAL TEAMS Campaign Imagery SPRING FESTIVAL EDITION: Download Still Life Product Imagery SPRING FESTIVAL EDITION: Download Creative Product Imagery SPRING FESTIVAL EDITION: Download Campaign Video SPRING FESTIVAL EDITION: Download ARIZONA + BOSTON, Velvet Full Exquisite, black + rust red: 2249 CNY FLORIDA D-Buckle Full Exquisite, zinfandel: 1999 CNY BOSTON Taupe with textured hair-on-hide strap in black: 1599 CNY ARIZONA Half Exquisite Cloud Paint, black and vanilla: 1349 CNY BOSTON Half Exquisite Cloud Paint, black: 1599 CNY Sizes: 36 - 48 Available exclusively at www.birkenstock.com* and select wholesale partners* *in Vietnam, China, Hong Kong, Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan and Cambodia. ABOUT BIRKENSTOCK BIRKENSTOCK is a global brand which embraces all consumers regardless of geography, gender, age and income and which is committed to a clear purpose - maintaining foot health. Deeply rooted in studies of the biomechanics of the human foot and footed on a family tradition of shoemaking that can be traced back to 1774, BIRKENSTOCK is a timeless super brand with a brand universe that transcends product categories and ranges from entry-level to luxury price points while addressing the growing need for a conscious and active lifestyle. Function, quality and tradition are the core values of the lifestyle brand which features products in the footwear, sleep systems and natural cosmetics segments. BIRKENSTOCK is the inventor of the footbed and has shaped the principle of walking as intended by nature ("Naturgewolltes Gehen"). With around 6,200 employees worldwide, BIRKENSTOCK is convinced that how things are made matters as much as the product itself. To ensure these quality standards, the Group operates a vertically integrated manufacturing base and produces all footbeds in Germany. In addition, BIRKENSTOCK assembles over 95% of all products in Germany and sources over 90% of materials and components from Europe. Raw materials are processed to the highest environmental and social standards in the industry. For materials testing BIRKENSTOCK operates state-of-the-art scientific laboratories. Headquartered in Linz am Rhein, the BIRKENSTOCK Group also operates its own sales offices in the United States and Canada as well as in Brazil, Japan, South Korea, Denmark, Poland, Switzerland, Sweden, Spain, the United Kingdom, France, Norway, the Netherlands, Dubai, Singapore and India. Birkenstock Group B.V. & Co. KG Burg Ockenfels, Linz am Rhein, Germany For further information, please visit www.birkenstock-group.com You can find our online shop at www.birkenstock.com Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2563226/5751880/Birkenstock_Group_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/the-year-of-the-fire-horse-birkenstock-introduces-an-exclusive-special-edition-celebrating-spring-festival-in-2026-302679020.html Novo Nordisk's c.17% share price drop underscores how quickly sentiment can turn in single product healthcare stories, especially when patent cycle concerns resurface. In contrast, EUZ is "picks and shovels" by design, supplying regulated radioisotopes and services across a broad set of nuclear medicine applications. The moat is built on execution and regulatory qualification, not a single patent protected product, implying limited binary risks. FY25 prelims underline this quality profile. In Q4 25, sales came in at 87.9m (+9% yoy, eNuW: 91.3m), with reported growth held back by c. 3-4pp fx-headwinds (eNuW). Adj. EBIT rose 41% yoy to 27.2m (eNuW: 23.2m), taking the adj. EBIT margin to 31% (+7pp yoy), likely reflecting a better mix (e.g. c. 10m license sales, vs. 5m last year, eNuW). With this, Q4 confirms the strengthening earnings momentum, supporting confidence into 2026e, where we expect 7% yoy sales growth (adj. for license sales: 11% yoy), driven by a 12% yoy improvement in radiopharma (eNuW, adj. for license sales: 20% yoy). Additional supportive newsflow from China: Telix has filed its PSMA PET prostate cancer imaging product Illuccix, utilising Ga-68, and the dossier has been accepted for review. While this is not an approval yet, it is a tangible step toward opening up a large new market. This is supportive for EUZ's Ga-68 growth leg (eNuW: c.21% of group sales). It also fits a broader pattern of Ga-68 utilising players progressing in China, including Novartis, where an approval decision is pending for their product, to our knowledge. More broadly, driven by international expansion and earlier use in the patient pathway, we expect the Ga-68 market to roughly double by 2030e (eNuW), and see scope for EUZ's related revenues to scale accordingly. Separately, EUZ quantified the growth runway in therapeutic isotopes for prostate cancer and neuroendocrine tumours at recent conferences: Lu-177 : EUZ sees treated patients rising to c.75k by 2030e (from c.20k in 2025e), with the Lu-177 market potential scaling to >600m (from >158m in 2025) over the same period. Ac-225: By 2034e, EUZ sees treated patients reaching c.13k, with the implied Ac-225 market potential of >205m. These market potential figures reinforce the therapeutic isotope upside embedded in EUZ. From a low base (eNuW: low single digit m in 2025e for Lu-177 plus Ac-225 combined, excl. license fees), EUZ should participate as volumes industrialise, given its proven supplier positioning. We model 25m sales each for Lu-177 and Ac-225 by 2030e, supporting the long term growth angle. BUY, unchanged PT of 23, based on DCF. ISIN: DE0005659700 OSLO, Norway, Feb. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Reference is made to the announcement by Aker Horizons ASA (OSE: "AKH) (the "Company") on 30 October 2025, regarding the Board of Directors' review of the Company's future strategy following the merger between Aker Horizons Holding AS ("AKHH") and Aker HoldCo AS, through which AKH shareholders received compensation in the form of Aker ASA shares and cash (the "Merger"). Following completion of the Merger, the Company has no operational activities and no remaining investment portfolio. As of year-end 2025, the Company holds approximately NOK 17 million in cash and a receivable of approximately NOK 1.6 billion related to the subordinated convertible bond loan 2021/2026 with a principal amount of NOK 1,500,000,000 (ISIN NO 001 0921596). The bond is expected to be settled in full at maturity today, 5 February 2026, through this receivable. After settlement, the Company will have no material outstanding commitments or assets and will effectively be an empty listed entity. As part of its strategic review, the Board of Directors has considered several alternative courses of action for the Company. No viable alternatives have been identified, and any new activity would require substantial new equity funding. Based on this assessment, the Board has resolved to propose that the Company is liquidated and that an application is submitted for the delisting of the Company's shares from Euronext Oslo Brs, subject to approval by an extraordinary general meeting in the Company. Based on current estimates, the remaining assets available for distribution as liquidation dividend are expected to be approximately NOK 4-6 million, subject to final accounts, settlement of liabilities, and costs associated with the liquidation and delisting process. Final amounts and timing remain uncertain. A separate notice convening an extraordinary general meeting to consider the proposals to liquidate the Company and apply for delisting will follow shortly. For further information: Media and Investors: Mats Ektvedt, +47 41 42 33 28 This information is considered to be inside information pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation article 7 and is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to MAR article 17 and Section 5-12 the Norwegian Securities Trading Act. This stock exchange announcement was published by Laila Hop, Paralegal, Aker ASA, on 5 February 2026 at 08:30 CET. This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com https://news.cision.com/aker-horizons/r/aker-horizons-asa--strategic-update---proposal-to-liquidate-company-and-delist-shares,c4302909 View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/aker-horizons-asa-strategic-update--proposal-to-liquidate-company-and-delist-shares-302679927.html In the study, [68Ga]Ga-Pentixafor PET/CT was well tolerated and demonstrated high specificity and moderate sensitivity for identifying unilateral aldosterone-producing adenomas compared with adrenal vein sampling (AVS) and surgical outcomes The data strengthens the clinical foundation for Phase 3 development and support the role of molecular imaging in guiding treatment decisions in the population with hypertension and underlying primary aldosteronism BERLIN, DE / ACCESS Newswire / February 5, 2026 / Pentixapharm Holding AG (Frankfurt Prime Standard:PTP), an advanced clinical-stage biotech developing novel radiopharmaceuticals, today announced publication of new Phase 2 clinical data in the Journal of Nuclear Medicine demonstrating the potential of [68Ga]Ga-Pentixafor PET/CT as a non-invasive imaging tool for subtyping primary aldosteronism (PA), the leading endocrine cause of hypertension. The investigator-initiated study, funded by an Australian philanthropic foundation, the CASS Foundation, and the Medical Research Future Fund, was conducted as a prospective cohort study in Australia. It evaluated [68Ga]Ga-Pentixafor PET/CT as a potential alternative to adrenal vein sampling (AVS), the current standard of care for distinguishing unilateral aldosterone-producing adrenal adenomas from bilateral disease. AVS is invasive, resource-intensive, and available only in highly specialized centers, creating barriers to timely and accurate patient stratification. Results published online show that [68Ga]Ga-Pentixafor PET/CT demonstrated high specificity and moderate sensitivity for identifying unilateral aldosterone-producing adenomas when compared with AVS and surgical outcomes. Importantly, the imaging approach was well tolerated and strongly preferred by patients, with 28 of 29 participants indicating PET/CT as the favoured diagnostic test. "These data provide evidence that molecular imaging with [68Ga]Ga-Pentixafor PET/CT can support accurate and patient-friendly subtyping of primary aldosteronism," said Dr. Elisabeth Ng, of the Hudson Institute of Medical Research and the Endocrinology Unit at Monash Health, the lead investigator of the study. "The high specificity observed is particularly relevant for identifying patients who may benefit from curative surgery, while the strong patient preference for PET/CT highlights the potential to expand access to and acceptance of diagnostic testing for patients with primary aldosteronism." The study recruited adults with primary aldosteronism and an adrenal adenoma visible on CT imaging. Diagnostic performance was assessed by comparing PET-derived lateralisation indices with AVS results and biochemical outcomes following adrenalectomy. The findings support the clinical utility of [68Ga]Ga-Pentixafor PET/CT as a noninvasive decision-support tool for identifying patients who may benefit from curative surgery. "This published data builds on earlier investigator-initiated studies, including the CASTUS Step 1 trial and demonstrates reproducible performance across independent studies and geographies. Together, these data strengthen the clinical foundation of Pentixapharm's primary aldosteronism program and support readiness for Phase 3 development," said Dirk Pleimes, CEO and CMO of Pentixapharm. "Here, at Pentixapharm, we are continuing to advance our clinical and regulatory strategy for primary aldosteronism while engaging with investigators, regulators, and potential partners to maximise the clinical and commercial impact of our molecular imaging platform." As new therapeutic options, including aldosterone synthase inhibitors, are expected to enter the treatment resistant hypertension market, accurate and scalable subtyping of primary aldosteronism is becoming increasingly important. Noninvasive imaging solutions may play a critical role in guiding treatment decisions and optimising patient outcomes in this evolving therapeutic landscape. The full article, titled "Identification of Aldosterone-Producing Adrenal Adenomas Using [68Ga]Ga-Pentixafor PET/CT in an Australian Cohort," is available in the Journal of Nuclear Medicine. About 68 Ga-PentixaFor in treatment-resistant hypertension and primary aldosteronism [ 68 Ga]Ga-PentixaFor is a novel gallium-68-labeled radiodiagnostic designed to selectively target and visualize the chemokine receptor CXCR4 using high-resolution PET/CT imaging. Clinical experience with [68Ga]Ga-PentixaFor PET/CT in approximately 1,600 patients across different indications has demonstrated its ability to non-invasively image CXCR4 expression in vivo . Recent research has shown strong CXCR4 over expression in aldosterone-producing adrenal tumors, a hallmark of unilateral primary aldosteronism. Primary aldosteronism is a common but historically under diagnosed cause of secondary hypertension, largely because reliably distinguishing unilateral from bilateral disease remains challenging with current diagnostic tools. Unilateral disease is typically treated by surgical removal of the affected adrenal gland whereas bilateral disease requires life-long medical therapy. By visualizing CXCR4 expression in aldosterone-producing tissue, [68Ga]Ga-PentixaFor has the potential to support more reliable subtyping of primary aldosteronism and thereby better guide appropriate treatment decisions. About the prospective phase 2 pilot study The prospective pilot study recruited adults with PA and an adrenal adenoma visible on CT and evaluated 68Ga-Pentixafor PET/CT as a noninvasive nuclear imaging alternative to AVS, assessing its diagnostic accuracy and acceptability compared with AVS in a multiethnic population. PentixaFor was supplied by Pentixapharm AG. The study was published in the Journal of Nuclear Medicine (JNM), which is a top-ranked peer-reviewed publication covering molecular imaging, PET/CT, and theranostics [Ng E, Jong I, Lau KK, Akram M, Morgan J, Nelva P, Simpson I, Haskali MB, Fuller PJ, Shen J, Yang J. Identification of Aldosterone-Producing Adrenal Adenomas Using [ 68 Ga]Ga-Pentixafor PET/CT in an Australian Cohort. J Nucl Med. 2026 Jan 29:jnumed.125.271006. (doi: 10.2967/jnumed.125.271006. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 41611475]. About Pentixapharm Pentixapharm is an advanced clinical-stage biotech expanding the boundaries of radiopharmaceuticals. Headquartered in Berlin, Germany, the company develops precision diagnostics and therapeutics in oncology and cardiology to transform patient care. Its clinical pipeline is anchored by CXCR4-targeted PET-CT programs, including a Phase 3-ready candidate for the improved diagnosis of hypertensive patients with primary aldosteronism, which is intended to enable targeted treatment of the underlying causes of hypertension. CXCR4-based developments also include pioneering therapeutic programs in hematological cancers. Furthermore, Pentixapharm is advancing a next-generation antibody platform targeting CD24, an emerging immune-checkpoint marker over-expressed in multiple hard-to-treat cancers. Complemented by CXCR4 and CD24 intellectual property protection and a reliable isotope supply chain, Pentixapharm is poised to deliver meaningful patient benefit and sustainable growth in one of the fastest-growing areas of precision medicine. Pentixapharm Investor and Media Contact ir@pentixapharm.com SOURCE: Pentixapharm Holding AG View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/healthcare-and-pharmaceutical/pentixapharm-announces-peer-reviewed-phase-2-data-back-use-of-pentixa-1133899 Warfighters require new capabilities to turn data into actionable decision-ready knowledge at the speed of relevance. Data Mesh, Digital Twin, and Composable Applications converge in edgeCore with Orchestrated AI to create incredible perspectives in real-time. WEST Conference brings more than 150,000 professionals in the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard together. Arlington, Virginia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 5, 2026) - Edge Total Intelligence Inc. (TSXV: CTRL) (OTCQB: UNFYF) (FSE: Q5i) ("edgeTI", "Company"), a leader in real-time digital operations solutions, is pleased to announce that it will be exhibiting at the upcoming WEST Conference sponsored by AFCEA International and the U.S. Naval Institute, being held in San Diego, CA on February 10-12, 2026. Accelerating U.S. Shipbuilding and Sustainment Readiness According to National Defense Magazine, the U.S. shipbuilding industry has been plagued with problems for years while China has established itself as a dominant figure in the global industry, accounting for 53.3 percent of shipbuilding worldwide. All the while, the United States makes up 0.1 percent, according to a March analysis by the Center for Strategic and International Studies. "We are excited to participate in WEST 2026 to showcase our secure AI-powered Digital Twin capabilities with the AFCEA community," said Jacques Jarman, CRO of edgeTI. "We are no longer in a position of guaranteed superiority. Our warfighters require new capabilities to turn data into actionable decision-ready knowledge at the speed of relevance. I look forward to discussing how we address that challenge by providing commanders with the capability to achieve the data dominance at a fraction of the cost of legacy tools within weeks." edgeTI will be showcasing its TRL9 (highest readiness level) industry-leading Digital Twin and secure Data Mesh edgeCore platform to attendees in Booth 1152 in alignment with this year's slogan: Sustaining Maritime Dominance: Warfighting Readiness for the Future Fight. The edgeCore platform enables organizations to move faster, achieve mission objectives (under budget and ahead of schedule), and securely leverage data across domains. It delivers a real-time, purpose-built Data Mesh that accelerates AI/ML adoption in weeks-without costly data repositories. As a patented, COTS, built-for-purpose platform, edgeCore connects enterprise systems in real time, eliminating data silos and redundant storage. Unlike traditional approaches that rely on slow, complex data replication into warehouses and lakes, edgeCore provides a faster, more secure, and more cost-effective way to use data where it already lives. About WEST WEST connects the industry professionals who design and build the platforms, equipment and weapons with the designers of communications and technical systems. To complete their missions successfully, more than 150,000 professionals in the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard who live in the San Diego area depend on the open discussions and valuable networking WEST provides. Senior military and government officials talk directly to the operators to gain valuable feedback directly from them. Industry leaders attend because they can connect with decision makers and operators over the three-day event. About edgeTI Edge Total Intelligence Inc. empowers defense, service providers, and enterprises to operate decisively with real-time clarity in complex, mission-critical environments. Its edgeCore Digital Twin and industry-specific platforms dynamically and cost-effectively unite data, applications, third-party services, business models, AI, automation, and domain expertise to orchestrate real-time actions and drive targeted outcomes-enabling faster, more effective decisions across continually evolving defense, business, and lifecycle operations. Website: https://ir.edgeti.com/ LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/edgeti YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/edgetechnologies 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. Forward-Looking Information and Statements Certain statements in this news release are forward-looking statements or information for the purposes of applicable Canadian and US securities law. Forward-looking statements consist of statements that are not purely historical, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations, or intentions regarding the future. Such information can generally be identified by the use of forwarding-looking wording such as "may", "expect", "estimate", "anticipate", "intend", "believe" and "continue" or the negative thereof or similar variations. The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking information may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted, as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, including but not limited to, business, economic and capital market conditions. Such statements and information are based on numerous assumptions regarding present and future business strategies and the environment in which the Company will operate in the future, including the demand for its products, anticipated costs, and the ability to achieve goals. Factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include the continued availability of capital and financing, the impact of viruses and diseases on the Company's ability to operate, competition and general economic, and market or business conditions. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release. Except as required by law, the Company disclaims any intention and assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/282771 Source: Edge Total Intelligence Inc. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 5, 2026) - Inverite Insights Inc. (CSE: INVR) (OTC Pink: INVRF) (FSE: 2V0) ("Inverite") a Canadian risk infrastructure company providing real-time financial data and decisioning signals, specializing in real-time bank verification, income and affordability analytics, and AI-driven risk-modeling and fraud-prevention solutions, today announced that Pay2Day Inc. ("Pay2Day") has signed a renewed agreement with Inverite to serve as its primary bank verification provider, with the transition beginning in January and becoming effective February 1, following the completion of a third-party provider evaluation period Pay2Day, a growing Canadian lender operating both online and through 35 physical branches in Ontario, BC, Alberta and Nova Scotia, conducted an extended assessment of alternative bank-data providers over the past year. Following that review, the company elected to return to Inverite after determining that operational reliability, data consistency, and support responsiveness were critical to maintaining efficient frontline lending workflows. "Technology in this space isn't just about access to bank data - it's about how usable, timely, and dependable that data is in production," added Nanji. "Our focus has always been on making sure lenders have clear, consistent signals and real human support behind them so their teams can operate with confidence." During its evaluation period, Pay2Day evaluated the operational capabilities needed to support scalable customer onboarding and loan adjudication, including reliable data signals, responsive support, and efficient implementation. Following that review, Pay2Day renewed its agreement with Inverite, reflecting confidence in Inverite's ability to deliver the consistency and support required for high-volume lending workflows. "Accurate bank data is only part of the equation - how fast problems get solved matters just as much," said Steve Martins, Vice President of Retail Operations, Pay2day. "Inverite's team has always been accessible and accountable, which gives our branches and customers confidence." Inverite continues to invest in improvements across its bank verification, transaction categorization, and risk intelligence platforms, including user-experience enhancements, continuous model retraining, and customer-driven quality assurance processes designed to reduce friction and support lenders operating at scale. As Pay2Day transitions back to Inverite in early 2026, the partnership reflects a broader trend across the lending market: in an increasingly data-driven ecosystem, operational trust and support responsiveness are becoming as important as the data itself. About Inverite Insights Inc. Inverite Insights Inc. (CSE: INVR) (OTC Pink: INVRF) (FSE: 2V0) is a Canadian risk infrastructure company providing real-time financial data and decisioning signals, specializing in real-time bank verification, income and affordability analytics, and AI-driven risk-modeling and fraud-prevention solutions used by fintechs, lenders, and financial institutions across Canada. For more information, visit www.inveriteinsights.com LinkedIn Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider/Market Maker (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release, nor has in any way passed upon the merits of the proposed transaction nor approved or disapproved the contents of this press release. Forward-Looking Statements: This news release may include forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. All statements within, other than statements of historical fact, are to be considered forward-looking. Although the Company believes that any forward-looking statements in this news release are reasonable, there can be no assurance that any such forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate. The Company cautions readers that all forward-looking statements, are based on assumptions none of which can be assured and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements represent management's best judgment based on information currently available. Readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of such risks and uncertainties and should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release are made as of the date hereof and no undertaking is given to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required by applicable securities laws or the CSE. The forward-looking statements or information contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/282801 Source: Inverite Insights Inc. SHANGHAI, Feb. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Inceptio Technology ("Inceptio" or the "Company"), an industry leading developer of autonomous truck technologies, today announced it was recognized in ARK Invest's Big Ideas 2026 report, affirming its position as the undisputed leader in real-world autonomous trucking kilometers. The Big Ideas 2026 report identifies and contextualizes the technologies redefining productivity, capital allocation, and competitive advantages across industries-including autonomous logistics. In particular, the report highlighted Inceptio's 250 million cumulative commercial autonomous trucking miles (as of October 2025), as well as the importance of proprietary data accumulated over real-world operations in commercializing autonomous logistics, accelerating safety validation, and improving operational efficiency. The report projects autonomous over-the-road truck delivery revenue to reach US$320 billion globally by 2030. Julian Ma, Founder and CEO of Inceptio Technology, said: "We are proud to be recognized for the second year in a row as the industry benchmark for autonomous trucking at scale. Consistently maintaining this leadership position validates our dual-path strategy: combining large-scale real-world commercial deployment with deep R&D integration. Every mile driven by our Level 2+ and Level 3 fleet generates proprietary data that refines our full-stack technology, drives critical safety breakthroughs, and creates durable competitive advantages for us as we accelerate the evolution toward Level 4 autonomy. We firmly believe that these data assets are the foundation of our autonomous trucking leadership, and we look forward to building on this momentum as we continue to scale." A full copy of the ARK Invest Big Ideas 2026 report can be found here. About Inceptio Technology Inceptio Technology is an industry leading developer of autonomous driving technologies for heavy-duty trucks. Its flagship technology is the Inceptio Autonomous Driving System, a proprietary full-stack solution. Inceptio partnered with leading OEMs to roll out the industry's first series production L3 autonomous trucks in late 2021. These trucks are operated by customers across all line-haul logistics sectors including express delivery, full-truckload (FTL) transportation, less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation, and cold chain. Inceptio is at the cutting edge of developing fully driverless trucks. In 2022 it became the first company in China to receive a public road-testing permit for driverless autonomous heavy-duty trucks. For more information on Inceptio Technology, visit https://en.inceptio.ai/ Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2877717/image_5011240_21693114.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/inceptio-technology-spotlighted-in-ark-invest-big-ideas-2026-report-for-autonomous-trucking-leadership-302679894.html Planning consent secured for a 1 billion development at the London Cancer Hub, delivering c. 1 million sq ft of new, state-of-the-art research and laboratory space in Sutton Plans will expand one of the world's most ambitious life sciences clusters, with 12 acres dedicated to accelerating cancer research, treatment and commercial innovation The approved expansion is expected to create 3,000 new high-skilled jobs, while the wider London Cancer Hub district is projected to support 13,000 jobs in total and contribute 1.2bn Gross Value Added once fully realised LONDON, Feb. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Plans for a 1 billion expansion of the London Cancer Hub, led by Aviva Capital Partners and development manager Socius, have received consent from Sutton Council. The approved scheme will deliver around 1 million sq ft of state-of-the-art laboratory and research space, unlocking the next phase of growth at the London Cancer Hub and strengthening the UK's science and innovation infrastructure. Planning approval was granted on World Cancer Day (4 February), underlining the urgency of advancing cancer research and treatment. The development will play a vital role in helping the UK tackle future health challenges by providing critical science infrastructure that supports innovation, attracts investment, and accelerates life-saving discoveries. The approved plans will deliver new laboratory and research space across 12 acres, strengthening the London Cancer Hub's wider innovation facilities and supporting collaboration between researchers, clinicians, start-ups, scale-ups and global life sciences companies to drive scientific breakthroughs and support emerging businesses. It is expected to create 3,000 new jobs, the majority in high-skilled R&D and life sciences-related manufacturing. The expansion forms part of the wider London Cancer Hub district and, once the full district is realised, is expected to support around 13,000 jobs in total and contribute an estimated 1.2 billion in Gross Value Added (GVA) to the UK economy, according to analysis by the London Borough of Sutton.1 The wider London Cancer Hub district is already home to internationally renowned institutions including The Institute of Cancer Research and The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, alongside the Innovation Gateway, which supports early-stage life sciences companies. Together, these assets form a globally recognised cluster for cancer research, treatment and commercialisation, helping translate scientific discovery into clinical impact. Designed to the highest environmental standards, the new buildings will target net-zero carbon in operation and deliver the amenities and public realm expected of a world-leading employment district, including affordable homes for approximately 220 key workers and new public spaces designed to support wellbeing, collaboration and community. The London Cancer Hub is recognised as nationally significant science infrastructure, aligned with government ambitions to position the UK as a global leader in life sciences and health innovation. Recognised in the Mayor of London's Growth Plan as a key engine for frontier innovation, the project will deliver significant economic benefits, creating high-skilled jobs and drawing international investment into the UK's life sciences sector. The project, designed by Gensler, won the New London Architecture Award 2025 for Healthcare and Life Sciences, recognised for its transformative mixed-use masterplan creating a vibrant, science-led district in Sutton, blending world-class research, labs and community spaces. Sophie White, Sector Head Regeneration at Aviva Capital Partners, said: "We're delighted to secure planning consent for the London Cancer Hub - a landmark moment for this scheme. This development will deliver critical science infrastructure for the UK, helping the UK get ready for the future by creating an environment where innovation can flourish and lifesaving research can accelerate. We are proud to play a role in shaping a campus that will have a profound impact on global health, as well as the economy." Daniel May, Director of Socius, said: "The London Cancer Hub is about more than buildings. We are delivering the next phase of investment into an already world-class cancer district, creating a powerful catalyst for private investment and long-term growth. It's about creating a vibrant ecosystem where collaboration drives discovery. By working closely with the ICR, The Royal Marsden, and our partners, we are delivering a worldclass environment that will support businesses, attract investment, and ultimately improve patient outcomes." Professor Kristian Helin, Chief Executive of The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR), said: "We warmly welcome the approval of these ambitious new plans for The London Cancer Hub, a project the ICR has long championed. Their delivery will create a vibrant, globally competitive life-sciences facility at our Sutton campus, attracting innovative companies and deepening collaboration between academia, industry and the NHS. This environment will further strengthen our world-leading research and help us attract the very best scientists and students from around the world. "Overall, these plans will accelerate the translation of pioneering discoveries into patient benefit and establish The London Cancer Hub as a nationally and internationally significant centre for cancer innovation - driving investment, enabling the growth of oncology-focused life-sciences companies, and reinforcing the UK's position as a global leader in cancer research and life-sciences." Dame Cally Palmer, Chief Executive of The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, said: "We are delighted that planning permission has been granted for the London Cancer Hub. "A world leading partnership already exists between The Royal Marsden and the Institute of Cancer Research in improving cancer survival globally through research and innovation in cancer care. "Partnering with life sciences and Aviva through the London Cancer Hub will have a major impact and benefit for the local community, the country, and for our international collaborations in cancer research. We are thrilled that planning permission has been granted." Councillor Barry Lewis, Leader of the London Borough of Sutton, said: "This is a hugely significant moment for Sutton, London, and the UK life-science sector. The approval for the next stage of the London Cancer Hub cements Sutton as a leading global destination for cancer drug discovery. "This landmark development will deliver economic growth, significant health innovations, and tangible benefits for our community, including jobs. I'm immensely proud of the Council's work in acquiring the land, securing grant funding, and finding partners in Aviva and Socius to deliver this project. Now I look forward to seeing the construction get underway!" Howard Dawber, Deputy Mayor of Business and Growth, Greater London Authority, said: "I am thrilled that planning consent has been granted to expand the London Cancer Hub, enabling the development of this world-leading facility. I have seen first-hand the incredible work that the Hub delivers, and this expansion will create thousands of jobs, support emerging businesses and attract investment, while driving life-saving scientific research. It will further cement London as a global leader in health and innovation as we continue to build a better, more prosperous capital for everyone." ACP and Socius are working with Gensler (architects), Arup (structural engineers) and Savills (planning consultancy) to deliver the development. Notes to editors: Further information on the London Cancer Hub is available here. About Aviva Capital Partners (ACP): Aviva is the UK's leading diversified insurer, with major operations in Ireland and Canada. For more details on what we do, our business and how we help our customers, visit www.aviva.com/about-us. Aviva Capital Partners invests in development of UK real estate and UK infrastructure, helping the economy to grow and communities across the country to thrive. We invest Aviva's own money across the three themes of Urban Regeneration, Housing Supply and Sustainable Infrastructure. We aim to work in partnership with public bodies, driving increased investment for nationally significant projects. Through these investments we exemplify Aviva's sustainability ambition, creating tangible impact as well as financial return. The investments being made will ultimately create assets for Aviva to hold for the long term, providing investment opportunities for customers' savings and stable returns that help secure retirement incomes. For more details on ACP, visit Aviva Capital Partners. About Socius: Socius is the London Cancer Hub's development manager, with 2.5bn development pipeline across the UK's fastest-growing cities including Bristol, Brighton, Cambridge, Milton Keynes and London. Privately-owned and a certified B Corporation, Socius partners with institutional investors, leading architects and local communities to create inspiring and sustainable places whilst balancing profit and purpose. For further information please visit: https://socius.dev/ 1 The London Cancer Hub - sutton.gov.uk Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2877299/Aviva_1.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2877297/Aviva_2.jpg View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/planning-approval-secured-for-london-cancer-hub-paving-the-way-for-next-stage-of-growth-and-innovation-on-site-302679947.html VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / February 5, 2026 / BioNxt Solutions Inc. ("BioNxt" or the "Company") (CSE:BNXT)(OTCQB:BNXTF)(FSE:BXT), a bioscience innovator specializing in advanced drug delivery systems, today announced the signing of a non-binding letter of intent ("LOI") outlining a proposed transaction pursuant to which BioNxt would secure exclusive rights to advanced drug chaperone technology for oral dissolvable applications from a third-party biotechnology developer focused on chaperone-enabled delivery systems. The proposed transaction is intended to significantly enhance BioNxt's proprietary oral dissolvable thin-film (ODF) platform through the acquisition and integration of variable-affinity drug chaperone technology. BioNxt believes that securing these rights has the potential to enhance drug stability, absorption efficiency, and overall formulation performance in sublingual and buccal delivery-key value drivers for reformulating approved drugs, expanding lifecycle management opportunities, and strengthening platform differentiation, particularly in neurological and other chronic disease indications. The newly secured drug delivery technology is expected to target and enhance the performance of BioNxt's oral thin-film platform by improving stability, absorption efficiency, and delivery consistency. "This initiative is strategically important for BioNxt," said Hugh Rogers, CEO of BioNxt Solutions Inc. "By securing rights to chaperone-enabled delivery technology, we are strengthening our oral thin-film platform and expanding the range of drug candidates that can be effectively reformulated into fast-dissolving, swallow-free formats, including therapies for neurological diseases where consistent absorption and patient adherence are critical. This supports a scalable, IP-driven growth strategy and enhances our long-term commercial potential." Chaperone-Enabled Targeted Delivery: Enhancing Drug Performance Chaperone-enabled delivery is being developed as a novel formulation and delivery approach designed to improve the performance of drug formulations through more controlled and consistent delivery at the site of administration. The technology is intended to support greater stability, absorption efficiency, and predictability of drug exposure, while preserving the integrity of the underlying active pharmaceutical ingredient. This approach has potential applicability across a broad range of therapeutic areas where reliable dosing, tolerability, and patient adherence are critical. These include neurological and neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, dementia, and major depressive disorder; autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and diabetes; infectious diseases, including bacterial and fungal infections such as tuberculosis; as well as oncology applications, particularly solid tumors where improved delivery consistency may be relevant. Importantly, chaperone-enabled delivery does not involve chemical modification of the drug itself. Instead, it is intended to enhance formulation and delivery performance, while enabling the creation of new intellectual property around drug delivery, formulation design, and targeted application. Advancing Oral Thin-Film Technology Oral thin films offer significant advantages over traditional solid oral dosage forms, including rapid disintegration, improved patient adherence, and the potential to bypass first-pass metabolism. These attributes are especially relevant in neurological diseases, where swallowing difficulties, dosing fatigue, and variable absorption can significantly impact treatment outcomes. However, the fast-dissolving environment of the oral cavity also presents technical challenges, such as limited dosing capacity, short absorption windows, and sensitivity to drug stability and solubility. By integrating the secured chaperone technology into its ODF formulations, BioNxt aims to improve drug stability and targeted delivery performance during storage and rapid dissolution, enhance absorption efficiency without increasing dose, and expand the range of active pharmaceutical ingredients that can be reformulated into thin films. BioNxt believes this technology represents a meaningful evolution of its oral thin-film platform, strengthening platform differentiation, intellectual property positioning, and long-term lifecycle management strategies. Potential Therapeutic Applications The secured chaperone-enabled delivery technology is intended as a broad, scalable platform with potential application across oncology (including solid tumors such as breast, pancreatic, and prostate cancer), neurological and neurodegenerative diseases (including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, dementia, and major depressive disorder), selected bacterial and fungal infections, and autoimmune diseases. IP Ownership, Optionality, and Platform Economics Pursuant to the LOI, BioNxt would secure exclusive rights to the chaperone technology for oral dissolvable applications, with all related intellectual property owned by BioNxt within the defined field of use. The proposed transaction contemplates a development roadmap including prototype development and future patent filings in key jurisdictions, including Europe and the United States, reinforcing BioNxt's long-term intellectual property strategy in targeted drug delivery. In addition, the LOI provides BioNxt with a right of first refusal to evaluate the acquisition of rights for non-oral delivery formats, highlighting longer-term platform optionality beyond ODFs. BioNxt intends to fund all development activities internally and continue executing a platform-driven commercialization strategy, including licensing and co-development opportunities. The proposed transaction remains subject to the negotiation and execution of definitive agreements. There can be no assurance that such agreements will be completed on the terms currently contemplated, or at all. About BioNxt Solutions Inc. BioNxt Solutions Inc. is a bioscience innovator focused on next-generation drug delivery platforms, diagnostic screening systems, and active pharmaceutical ingredient development. Its proprietary platforms include sublingual thin films, transdermal patches, oral tablets, and a new targeted chemotherapy platform designed to deliver cancer drugs directly to tumors while reducing side effects. With research and development operations in North America and Europe, BioNxt is advancing regulatory approvals and commercialization efforts, primarily focused on European markets. BioNxt is committed to improving healthcare by delivering precise, patient-centric solutions that enhance treatment outcomes worldwide. BioNxt is listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange: BNXT, OTC Markets: BNXTF andtrades in Germany under WKN: A3D1K3. To learn more about BioNxt, please visit www.bionxt.com. Investor Relations & Media Contact Hugh Rogers, Co-Founder, CEO and Director Email: investor.relations@bionxt.com Phone: +1 780-818-6422Web: www.bionxt.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bionxt-solutions Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bionxt Cautionary Statement Regarding " Forward-Looking" Information This press release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, statements regarding the interpretation and significance of the Company's preclinical study results; the potential advantages of BioNxt's sublingual oral dissolvable film (ODF) technology; the planned progression into human pharmacokinetic and bioequivalence studies; the potential applicability of the Company's drug-delivery platforms to additional therapeutic indications; and statements regarding future development, regulatory, commercialization, licensing, or partnering activities. Forward-looking information is based on management's current expectations, assumptions, and beliefs as of the date of this press release. Such information is subject to a number of risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the Company's control, that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, scientific and preclinical development risks; the possibility that results observed in animal studies may not be predictive of human outcomes; the timing, cost, conduct, and results of future studies or clinical trials; manufacturing and scale-up risks; reliance on third-party service providers; regulatory and approval risks; intellectual property risks; competitive developments; and general economic and capital market conditions. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Except as required by applicable securities laws, BioNxt undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. SOURCE: BioNxt Solutions Inc. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/healthcare-and-pharmaceutical/bionxt-secures-innovative-chaperone-technology-to-enhance-oral-thin-f-1133888 Chicago, Illinois--(Newsfile Corp. - February 5, 2026) - Syntholene Energy Corp. (TSXV: ESAF) (OTCQB: SYNTF) (FSE: 3DD0) ("Syntholene" or the "Company") announces the nomination of Jens Thordarson, former Chief Operating Officer of Icelandair, to its Advisory Board. With nearly two decades of leadership experience in the aviation industry, Mr. Thordarson brings expertise in operations, infrastructure development, and large-scale business transformation, critical elements as Syntholene advances its synthetic fuel solutions for global transportation and logistics. Mr. Thordarson held multiple executive roles at Icelandair over his 17-year tenure, including Chief Operating Officer and Vice President of Technical Operations. In these roles, he spearheaded large-scale operational improvements, optimized fleet management, and integrated advanced technologies to enhance efficiency and sustainability in one of the world's most demanding industries. Currently, he serves as CEO of GeoSalmo, a company focused on sustainable aquaculture, further reinforcing his commitment to innovative and environmentally responsible industries. Mr. Thordarson also serves as the Honorary Consul of Ireland in Iceland, encouraging tourism, trade, and foreign affairs between the two nations. "Jens' leadership in aviation and operations, combined with his strategic network in the nation of Iceland, makes him an ideal contributor to Syntholene's Advisory Board," said Dan Sutton, Chief Executive Officer of Syntholene Energy Corp. "As we work to bring sustainable synthetic fuels to Icelandic and European markets, his insights into politics, regulatory landscape, and infrastructure readiness will be instrumental in driving our commercialization strategy." Syntholene Energy Corp. is at the forefront of developing sustainable synthetic fuels designed to seamlessly integrate with existing energy infrastructure while significantly reducing carbon emissions. The nomination of Mr. Thordarson reinforces the Company's commitment to drawing expertise from industries where fuel efficiency, innovation, and operational scale are paramount. "I am excited to join Syntholene's Advisory Board and contribute my experience in aviation, operations, and strategic growth," said Mr. Thordarson. "The transition to sustainable fuels is essential for industries like aviation, and Syntholene's technology represents a major step forward, taking a fundamentally different and more disciplined approach to the challenge. I look forward to working with the team as they move toward scale." About Syntholene Syntholene is actively commercializing its novel Hybrid Thermal Production System for low-cost clean fuel synthesis. The target output is ultrapure synthetic jet fuel, manufactured at 70% lower cost than the nearest competing technology today. The company's mission is to deliver the world's first truly high-performance, low-cost, and carbon-neutral synthetic fuel at an industrial scale, unlocking the potential to produce clean synthetic fuel at lower cost than fossil fuels, for the first time. Syntholene's power-to-liquid strategy harnesses thermal energy to power proprietary integrations of hydrogen production and fuel synthesis. Syntholene has secured 20MW of dedicated energy to support the Company's upcoming demonstration facility and commercial scale-up. Founded by experienced operators across advanced energy infrastructure, nuclear technology, low-emissions steel refining, process engineering, and capital markets, Syntholene aims to be the first team to deliver a scalable modular production platform for cost-competitive synthetic fuel, thus accelerating the commercialization of carbon-neutral eFuels across global markets. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. The use of any of the words "expect", "anticipate", "aims", "continue", "estimate", "objective", "may", "will", "project", "should", "believe", "plans", "intends" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking information or statements. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, including but not limited to statements regarding the completion of the definitive agreement, successful implementation of the test facility, commercial scalability, technical and economic viability, anticipated geothermal power availability, anticipated benefit of eFuel, and future commercial opportunities, are forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements and information are based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by the Company, including without limitation the assumption that the Company will be able to execute its business plan, that the eFuel will have its expected benefits, that there will be market adoption, and that the Company will be able to access financing as needed to fund its business plan. Although the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward-looking statements and information are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements and information because the Company can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Since forward-looking statements and information address future events and conditions, by their very nature, they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors and risks, including, without limitation, Syntholene's ability to meet production targets, realize projected economic benefits, overcome technical challenges, secure financing, maintain regulatory compliance, manage geopolitical risks, and successfully negotiate definitive terms. Syntholene does not undertake any obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable securities laws. Readers are advised to exercise caution and not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/282796 Source: Syntholene Energy Corp - Revenue at KRW 6.5796 Trillion, operating profit at KRW 1.3496, 11.4% and 13.5% YoY growth respectively - Global cigarette revenue surpasses domestic revenue for the first time-Solid growth prospects leads to share price re-rating to KRW 160,000 range SEOUL, South Korea, Feb. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- KT&G(KRX: 033780) held an earnings call on the 5th to announce 2025 Q4 and annual results as well as 2026 management goals. KT&G's 2025 Q4 consolidated revenue was KRW 1.7137 trillion and operating profit was KRW 248.8 billion, a YoY growth of 10.1% and 17.1% respectively. Annual revenue grew 11.4% to a historic high of KRW 6.5796 trillion while operating profit rose 13.5% to reach KRW 1.3495 trillion. A one-time labor related cost of KRW 70 billion was incurred, resulting in an adjusted operating profit of KRW 1.4198 trillion a 19,4% YoY increase. After Kyung-man Bang took office as the CEO, KT&G has implemented core and global business competitiveness reinforcement strategies as well as a profitability-based growth strategies that resulted in record high performance in 2024 as well as last year. KT&G's structural reforms including establishment of global CIC(Company-In-Company) leading to structural growth reinforcement continues to receive positive feedback from the capital market. Meanwhile, share prices reached a new intraday record of KRW 164,000 on the 4rd. In detail, the global cigarette business broke the revenue, volume, and operating profit record simultaneously, towing the overall performance. The global cigarette business's revenue was KRW 1.8775 trillion, observing a 14.6% YoY growth. The proportion of the global cigarette's revenue in the entire group's cigarette revenue surpassed that of the domestic business for the first time, recording 54.1%. Sales volume and the average unit sales prices, driven by strategic price hikes, both saw double-digit growth. The NGP(Next Generation Products) business continued the expansion trend through new device and stick launches in domestic and global markets. Revenue rose 13.5% YoY to KRW 890.1 billion while stick sales volume rose by 2% to 14.78 billion sticks. KT&G presented the guidance for 2026 alongside last year's results. Through the KRW 2.4 trillion CAPEX investment announced in 2023, KT&G's Kazakhstan factory is now in production while the new Indonesian factory, planned to start operations in March, will also contribute to the conversion to a global location manufacturing scheme. Based on the global manufacturing facility expansion, KT&G plans to reinforce profitability via COGS reduction and strategic price increases in 2026. The company also targets double-digit quantitative and qualitative growth in the global cigarette business through diversifying business models to include OEM and licensing. KT&G also plans to diversify its NGP business in order to strengthen its core business, the tobacco business. The company plans to move away from the previous notion of NGP, equated to heated tobacco products, and expand the portfolio to include other items including nicotine pouches based on the acquisition of "ASF(Another Snus Factory). Based on the continued growth of the global cigarettes business, NGP portfolio diversification, market expansion, and other core competitiveness foundations, KT&G has set target for revenue growth at 3~5% and for operating profit at 6~8%. As announced during the "CEO Investor Day" last September, KT&G plans to maintain total shareholder return at 100% or higher and maintain growth of dividend per share currently at KRW 6,000 this year through measures such as sustaining a dividend payout ratio of 50% or above and flexibly repurchasing shares if it is deemed that share prices are undervalued relative to the long-term intrinsic value. KT&G CFO Sang-Hak Lee stated that "by moving away from the former export based structure and toward a more direct local business structure, the global cigarette revenue has for the first time surpassed that of the domestic business. Going forward, the company will continue to fortify its global core competitiveness and secure future growth momentum through modern product category and market entry expansion in order to continue Korea's top-tier shareholder return programs." Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2316472/KT_G_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/ktg-enters-era-of-krw-6-trillion-annual-revenue-in-2025--operating-profit-break-krw-1-3-trillion-mark-302679955.html A selection of artworks that brings together Mexican and international artists connected through proximity, resonance and shared visibility MEXICO CITY, Feb. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- NALA, a next-generation art discovery platform, is pleased to announce the launch of CASA NALA, a temporary residency and exhibition space in Roma, Mexico City, during Art Week and Zona Maco 2026, marking the platform's first on the ground programme in the city. From February 5th to 8th at Tonala 244, the exhibition is a site for encounter and discovery, a display of how talent and expression can flow into a unified consciousness, during one of the most significant weeks in the international art calendar. The initiative begins with panta rhei koina: Everything Flows in Common, a group exhibition that brings together Mexican and international artists through proximity, resonance, and shared visibility. There are 24 Mexican and international artists participating. David Troice examines systems and repetition; Sophie Vallance Cantor explores surface and process; Jordi Alos engages spatial perception and formal tension. Karimah Hassan addresses identity through material language; Harif Guzman draws on street culture and identity; Hank Gruner investigates repetition and form. Their works are united through proximity and shared visibility rather than style. Penelope Sonder, COO of NALA and exhibition curator: "This exhibition is about breaking down the walls between artists, media, and audiences. panta rhei koina invites viewers to experience art as something living and relational, shaped by connection, movement, and exchange." Exhibition Details? 5 February 10am -11am Press Breakfast 11 am - 5pm Exhibition open ?5:30pm Artist Talk and Curatorial Walkthrough Mezcal Cocktails by Tres Chicon Mezcal 5 February 11am-7pm Exhibition 6 February 11 am - 5:30pm Exhibition 5:30 Interior Designer Reception: Interior Designer Talk and Curatorial Walkthrough. Artisanal Mezcal Cocktails by Tres Chicon Mezcal 7 February 11am - 7pm Exhibition 8 February 11am - 4pm Exhibition NALA NALA is a pioneering platform that transforms how art is experienced and collected. Using cutting-edge visual recognition technology and curatorial intelligence, NALA connects collectors, designers, and enthusiasts with a global network of artists. NALA has created a transparent, commission-free space where emerging and established artists can be discovered. The platform emphasizes the intuitive, relational nature of art appreciation, reshaping how contemporary audiences engage with creative work. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/nala-launches-casa-nala-in-mexico-city-during-art-week-with-group-exhibition-panta-rhei-koina-everything-flows-in-common-302679455.html Evolito to supply electric propulsion units for Valo, Vertical's commercial aircraft Companies to jointly certify the electric engines with UK CAA and EASA Evolito joins Honeywell, Syensqo and Aciturri as key suppliers, strengthening Valo's path to commercialization Vertical Aerospace ("Vertical" or "Company") [NYSE:EVTL], a global aerospace and technology company that is pioneering electric aviation, today announced a new long-term partnership with Evolito, a leader in high-performance electric propulsion systems, to supply electric propulsion units ("EPUs") electric engines that will power Valo, Vertical's commercial eVTOL aircraft. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260205744625/en/ Vertical Aerospace selects Evolito as electric engine partner for Valo Under the agreement, Evolito will provide its unique EPU architecture, lightweight, efficient electric motors and high-integrity DAL-A power electronics, integrated into a single electric engine, providing the extended range, high performance and built-in redundancy required for Valo's entry into commercial service. These are critical requirements for Valo's certification to equivalent safety standards as large commercial airliners, targeted in 2028. As part of the partnership, Vertical and Evolito plan to jointly certify the EPUs with the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), with concurrent validation with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is expected to be followed by global regulator validation. Evolito holds CAA Design Organisation Approval a prerequisite for UK type certification and commercial operations. Vertical is also developing a hybrid-electric variant offering greater range and mission flexibility to meet the evolving needs of the Advanced Air Mobility market, with Evolito's EPUs integrated into the platform. The hybrid-electric variant is scheduled to begin flight testing in mid-2026. David King, Chief Engineer, Vertical Aerospace: "Vertical's approach to Valo is grounded in rigorous engineering and certification discipline. Our collaboration is centred on delivering a propulsion system that provides the performance, redundancy and reliability required for airliner-level safety standards, while remaining practical for commercial operations. It's a partnership built around getting the fundamentals right." Chris Harris, CEO of Evolito, added: "We're thrilled to be working with Vertical Aerospace, a company that shares our vision for a cleaner, more connected future. Our engines are designed to meet the rigorous demands of aerospace, and we're excited to contribute to the success of Vertical's aircraft with propulsion systems that deliver unmatched performance and efficiency." Dave Shilliday, Vice President General Manager, Advanced Air Mobility, Honeywell Aerospace:"Vertical is taking a rigorous, certification-led approach to electric aviation, and we're proud to support that journey. Valo reflects the kind of disciplined engineering and long-term thinking required to bring electric flight into real-world service, and we will continue to work closely with the Vertical team and their partners as the programme progresses toward certification." Strengthening the UK's AAM ecosystem This partnership supports the UK Government's ambition to lead in aerospace innovation, backed by 2.3 billion of funding over the next decade through the Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) to accelerate the development of cleaner, more efficient aircraft. ATI support has played a key role in advancing the EPUs and aircraft technologies underpinning this collaboration. Chris McDonald, Industry Minister, said: "This is a welcome win for Britain's world-class aerospace sector, which will help us stay at the cutting edge of innovation and continue leading the way on zero emission flight. "We're backing companies like Vertical and Evolito with support through our modern Industrial Strategy and the Aerospace Technology Institute, while the CAA's world-leading regulation is helping the industry soar and create good jobs right across the country." Evolito was spun out of YASA in 2021 to commercialise next-generation electric motor technology for the rapidly growing aerospace market. YASA is a world-leading pioneer of axial-flux electric motors and was acquired by Mercedes-Benz in July 2021. Evolito's engineering team brings deep aerospace expertise, and its technology has been chosen for Electra's hybrid-electric aircraft programme. This announcement follows Vertical's recent appointment of Richard Moore as Vice President of Powertrain, as the company advances toward certification, industrialization and manufacturing readiness. About Vertical Aerospace Vertical Aerospace is a global aerospace and technology company pioneering electric aviation. Vertical is creating a safer, cleaner, and quieter way to travel. Valo is a piloted, four-passenger, Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft, with zero operating emissions. Vertical is also developing a hybrid-electric variant, offering increased range and mission flexibility to meet the evolving needs of the advanced air mobility market. Vertical combines partnerships with leading aerospace companies, including Honeywell, Syensqo and Aciturri, with its own proprietary battery and propeller technology to develop the world's most advanced and safest eVTOL. Vertical has c.1,500 pre-orders of Valo, with customers across four continents, including American Airlines, Avolon, Bristow, GOL and Japan Airlines. Certain customer obligations are expected to be fulfilled via third-party agreements. Headquartered in Bristol, UK, Vertical's experienced leadership team comes from top-tier aerospace and automotive companies such as Rolls-Royce, Airbus, GM, and Leonardo. Together, they have previously certified and supported over 30 different civil and military aircraft and propulsion system. About Evolito Evolito is leading electric propulsion and power generation for aerospace with light weight, compact electric motors and DAL A integrated systems with planned certification and scalable production. Evolito's electric engines are suitable for both VTOL and fixed-wing applications with unmatched power density, efficiency, and safety. The privately held company is based in Oxford. Evolito's investors include B-Flexion, Oxford Science Enterprises (OSE) and HostPlus. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that relate to our current expectations and views of future events. We intend such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements as contained in Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act. Any express or implied statements contained in this press release that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements regarding regarding a long-term partnership with Evolito for electronic propulsion units, including expected ability to certify the electronic propulsion units for the production version of Valo, Evolito's supply and obligations under the partnership agreement, the efficiencies, reliability and expertise expected, the design and manufacture of our aircraft and the hybrid-electric variant, certification and the commercialization of our aircraft and our ability to achieve regulatory certification of our aircraft product on any particular timeline or at all, the features and capabilities of the aircraft, business strategy and plans and objectives of management for future operations, including the building and testing of our prototype aircrafts on timelines projected, completion of the piloted test programme phases, selection of suppliers; the differential strategy compared to our peer group; expectations surrounding pre-orders and commitments; as well as statements that include the words "expect," "intend," "plan," "believe," "project," "forecast," "estimate," "may," "should," "anticipate," "will," "aim," "potential," "continue," "are likely to" and similar statements of a future or forward-looking nature. Forward-looking statements are neither promises nor guarantees, but involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected, including, without limitation, the other important factors discussed under the caption "Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") on March 11, 2025, as such factors may be updated from time to time in our other filings with the SEC. Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date hereof and accordingly undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. We disclaim any obligation or undertaking to update or revise any forward-looking statements contained in this press release, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than to the extent required by applicable law. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260205744625/en/ Contacts: For more information: Justin Bates, Head of Communications justin.bates@vertical-aerospace.com +44 7878 357 463 Samuel Emden, Head of Investor Affairs samuel.emden@vertical-aerospace.com +447816 459 904 STOCKHOLM, Feb. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Stegra has appointed Markus Holm as Chief Financial Officer, starting March 1, 2026. Holm joins Stegra with over 20 years' experience from processing industry, green energy and start-ups. Markus Holm will succeed Otto Gernandt, who is stepping down after more than five years with the company to pursue new opportunities. To ensure a smooth transition, Gernandt will remain with Stegra as a senior advisor. Holm has a long background from CFO- and executive roles in multinational companies as well as start-up firms, active in industries ranging from paperboard, tissue papers and pulp to pharmaceuticals and green energy. His most recent role is as CFO and Board Member of Elcogen Group, and before that roles include CFO and COO of Sanoma Corporation as well as CFO of Metsa Board and Metsa Tissue Corporation. "Markus' experience is a great fit for an industrial impact scale up company like Stegra. Beyond his long and broad professional experience, he also has values that align with what we appreciate in our leadership and our teams. I am very glad to have Markus join Stegra and the management team", says Henrik Henriksson, CEO at Stegra. Otto Gernandt joined Stegra in 2020 as a founding member of the management team. He has been responsible for the company's groundbreaking financing and has been an integral part of Stegra's commercial efforts, including the establishment of the green steel market. In his role as senior advisor, Gernandt will focus on the ongoing funding initiatives. "Otto has been with Stegra from the beginning and has played a leading role in the realization of our vision. He informed us some time ago of his intention to move on, and we have worked together over a long period of time to plan for this transition. We appreciate that he will continue to provide support as we complete the ongoing financing, and we wish him well in his future endeavors", says Henriksson. Stegra was founded in 2020 and started construction of the integrated plant for green hydrogen, green iron and green steel in 2022, after initial funding and permitting processes. The company has now completed a lot of the civil works at the plant and is focusing on engineering and equipment installation in the hydrogen area, the iron area and the steel mill, as well as the water treatment plant and the on-site power plant. Railway on the site is also under construction. CONTACT: For more information, contact: Karin Hallstan, Head of Communications, Stegra at press@stegra.com or +46 76 842 81 04 This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com https://news.cision.com/stegra/r/stegra-appoints-markus-holm-as-cfo,c4303120 The following files are available for download: https://mb.cision.com/Main/20623/4303120/3918832.pdf Stegra appoints Markus Holm as CFO_Final https://news.cision.com/stegra/i/2026-01-markus-holm,c3508117 2026-01 Markus Holm View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/stegra-appoints-markus-holm-as-cfo-302680015.html Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 5, 2026) - Sorrento Resources Ltd. (CSE: SSRS) (OTCQB: SRSLF) (the "Company" or "Sorrento"), a Canadian exploration company focused on mineral opportunities in Atlantic Canada, is pleased to announce it has received the permit required to begin drilling at its Rodgers Cove Gold Project in Newfoundland and Labrador. With the permit now in hand, Sorrento plans to move quickly. The drill rig currently operating at the Company's Bottom Brook Project will be mobilized to Rodgers Cove immediately following the completion of the Bottom Brook drilling program. The upcoming campaign is expected to include approximately 1,500 to 2,000 metres of diamond drilling designed to test priority targets and advance the project. Management Commentary "Receiving this permit clears the way for us to get drills turning at Rodgers Cove," said Alex Bugden, President and Chief Executive Officer of Sorrento. "We are excited to build on our exploration momentum and move straight into a focused drill program as soon as Bottom Brook is completed." About Sorrento Resources Ltd. Sorrento is engaged in acquisition, exploration, and development of mineral property assets in Canada. Sorrento's objective is to locate and develop economic precious and rare earth element, gold, and base metal properties of merit including the Bottom Brook Project, Rodgers Cove Gold, and Harmsworth (VMS) project all located in Newfoundland. On Behalf of The Board of Directors, SORRENTO RESOURCES LTD. "Signed" Disclaimer for Forward-Looking Information This news release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements that are not historical facts, including without limitation, statements regarding future estimates, plans, programs, forecasts, projections, objectives, assumptions, expectations or beliefs of future performance are "forward-looking statements". Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable and reflect expectations of future developments and other factors which management believes to be reasonable and relevant, the Company can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including those detailed from time to time in filings made by the Company with securities regulatory authorities, which may cause actual outcomes to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. These factors should be considered carefully, and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release are made as of the date hereof and the Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required by applicable securities laws. Neither the CSE nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/282746 Source: Sorrento Resources Inc. WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - The UN on Wednesday announced the list of experts nominated to the General Assembly to serve on a new Independent International Scientific Panel tasked with assessing how Artificial Intelligence is transforming lives worldwide. 'AI is moving at the speed of light,' said UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, underscoring the urgency of regulating the breakthrough technology. 'We need shared understandings to build effective guardrails, unlock innovation for the common good, and foster cooperation. The Panel will help the world separate fact from fakes, and science from slop.' Guterres convened a group of leading technologists and academics and tasked them with advancing recommendations for safe governance. After a series of in-depth discussions, the experts came back with a vision for an approach to AI governance that could benefit humanity. Amongst the ideas was the creation of the International Scientific Panel - independent but supported by the UN. The Panel will be the 'first global, fully independent scientific body dedicated to helping close the AI knowledge gap and assess the real impacts of AI across economies and societies,' according to the UN chief. Panellists will exchange ideas, run 'deep dives' into priority areas such as health, energy and education, and share the latest leading-edge research. Guterres and Amandeep Gill, his Special Envoy on Technology, told reporters that the names of 40 prospective members would be submitted to the General Assembly, which will have the ultimate say over the panel's membership. Gill said the experts on the list were chosen for their globally recognised expertise in AI. The nominees include Sonia Livingstone, a UK professor at the London School of Economics and an advisor on media literacy and rights in the digital environment; Balaraman Ravindran the head of the Department of Data Science and AI at the Indian Institute of Technology in Madras; and Maria Ressa, the renowned Philippine journalist and Nobel Peace Prize laureate. The General Assembly is expected to make the final decision on membership on February 12, and the Panel's first report is due to be delivered by July. Copyright(c) 2026 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX 2026 AFX News Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - February 5, 2026) - Copper Fox Metals Inc. (TSXV: CUU) (FSE: HPU) ("Copper Fox" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it intends to complete, subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange, a non-brokered private placement to raise up to $3,000,000 in gross proceeds (the "Offering"). The Offering will consist of up to 4,615,384 common shares ("Shares") at a price of $0.65 per share. Copper Fox is making the Offering available to subscribers under a number of available prospectus exemptions, including the accredited investor exemption, family and close personal friends and business associates of directors and officers of the Company. The Offering is also available to all existing shareholders of Copper Fox who, as of the close of business on February 4, 2026 (the "Record Date"), held shares (and who continue to hold such shares as of the closing date) in accordance with the provisions of the "existing security holder exemption" contained in the various corresponding blanket orders and rules of participating jurisdictions (the "Existing Security Holder Exemption"). The Company advises that there are conditions and restrictions when subscribers are relying upon the Existing Security Holder Exemption, including, among other criteria: (a) the subscriber must be a shareholder of the Company on the Record Date (and still be a shareholder), (b) be purchasing the Shares as a principal - for his or her own account and not for any other party, and (c) may not purchase more than $15,000 value of securities from the Company in any 12-month period. There is an exception to the $15,000 subscription limit. In the event that a subscriber wishes to purchase more than a $15,000 value of securities, then he or she may do so provided that the subscriber received suitability advice from a registered investment dealer, and, in this case, subscribers will be asked to confirm the registered investment dealer's identity and employer. Subscribers purchasing Shares using the Existing Security Holder Exemption will need to represent in writing that they meet the requirements of the Existing Security Holder Exemption. There is no minimum subscription amount. As the Existing Security Holder Exemption contains certain restrictions and is only available in certain jurisdictions in Canada, others that do not qualify under the Existing Security Holder Exemption may qualify to participate under other prospectus exemptions, such as the accredited investor exemption. The Company retains the right to accept or reject subscriptions. Should the Offering be oversubscribed it is possible that a shareholder's subscription may not be accepted by the Company. Additionally, in the event of an imbalance of large subscriptions compared to smaller subscriptions, management reserves the right in its discretion to favor large subscriptions over smaller shareholder subscriptions. The Offering is expected to close by February 27, 2026. In accordance with applicable securities legislation, securities issued pursuant to the Offering are subject to a hold period of four months plus one day from the date of the completion of the Offering. The net proceeds raised from the Offering will be used to advance exploration and development activities on Copper Fox's 100% owned Van Dyke, Mineral Mountain, Eaglehead and Sombrero Butte copper projects, working capital and general corporate and administrative purposes of the Company. The Offering may include one or more subscriptions by insiders of the Company, including a subscription by Mr. Ernesto Echavarria, a director, insider, and a control person of the Company (as defined by the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) of a minimum of 2,769,230 common shares. Subscriptions completed by insiders in the Offering, including the subscription by Mr. Echavarria, may constitute a "Related Party Transaction" under Policy 5.9 of the TSX Venture Exchange which adopts Multilateral Instrument 61-101 ("MI 61-101") as a policy of the TSX Venture Exchange. In completing such transactions, Copper Fox intends to rely on the applicable exemptions from the valuation requirement and minority security holder approval requirements available under Sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(a) of MI 61-101, respectively, on the basis that the participation in the private placement by insiders will not exceed 25% of the Company's market capitalization. About Copper Fox Copper Fox is a Canadian resource company focused on copper development and exploration in the United States and Canada. Copper Fox and its subsidiaries own 100% of the Van Dyke ISCR project, a development stage, potential near term, mid-size copper mine in Arizona and a 25% interest in the Schaft Creek Joint Venture with Teck Resources Limited (75% interest and Operator) which hosts the Schaft Creek copper-gold-molybdenum-silver project in British Columbia's Golden Triangle. In addition, Copper Fox owns 100% of the resource stage Eaglehead polymetallic porphyry copper project in northwestern British Columbia and the Sombrero Butte and Mineral Mountain advanced exploration stage porphyry copper projects located in the prolific Laramide age copper province in Arizona. For more information on Copper Fox's mineral properties and investments visit the Company's website at www.copperfoxmetals.com. On behalf of the Board of Directors Elmer B. Stewart President and Chief Executive Officer Neither TSX Venture Exchange Inc. nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange Inc.) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to sell any of the securities described herein in the United States. The securities described in this news release have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available. This news release is not for distribution in the United States or over United States newswires. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of the Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking information is generally identifiable by use of the words "believes," "may," "plans," "will," "anticipates," "intends," "budgets", "could", "estimates", "expects", "forecasts", "projects" and similar expressions, and the negative of such expressions. Forward-looking information in this news release includes, without limitation, statements about: the expected size and terms of the Offering and the use of the proceeds therefrom; the anticipated closing time of the Offering; the terms of the subscription agreements to be executed by shareholders relying on the "Existing Security Holder Exemption" the expected subscription by one or more insiders, including Mr. Echavarria in the Offering; the exemptions in MI 61-101 intended to be relied upon by Copper Fox in completing the Offering; and the possible corporate reorganization. In connection with the forward-looking information contained in this news release, Copper Fox has made numerous assumptions. Additionally, there are known and unknown risk factors which could cause Copper Fox's actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information contained herein. Known risk factors include the possibility that: approval for the Offering will not be obtained from the TSX Venture Exchange; the Offering will not complete at the time or in the amount expected, or at all; Mr. Echavarria will not subscribe for the number of Shares currently expected, or at all; and the exemptions intended to be relied upon by Copper Fox under MI 61-101 in completing the Offering may not be available. A more complete discussion of the risks and uncertainties facing Copper Fox is disclosed in Copper Fox's continuous disclosure filings with Canadian securities regulatory authorities at www.sedarplus.ca. All forward-looking information herein is qualified in its entirety by this cautionary statement, and Copper Fox disclaims any obligation to revise or update any such forward-looking information or to publicly announce the result of any revisions to any of the forward-looking information contained herein to reflect future results, events or developments, except as required by law. 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/282798 Source: Copper Fox Metals Inc. Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - February 5, 2026) - Powermax Minerals Inc. (CSE: PMAX) (OTCQB: PWMXF) (FSE: T23) ("Powermax" or the "Company") is pleased to announce assay results from stream sediment samples collected during the Phase 2 exploration program at its Cameron Rare Earth Element (REE) Project, located in the Kamloops Mining Division, British Columbia. Phase 2 Stream Sediment Assay Results Phase 2 stream sediment sampling returned anomalous rare earth element values across multiple drainage catchments at the Cameron REE Project. Analytical results from all samples indicate elevated light rare earth oxides (LREO), heavy rare earth oxides (HREO), and total rare earth oxides (TREO), confirming the effectiveness of stream sediment geochemistry as a vectoring tool for REE mineralization. Phase 2 Stream Sediment Assay Ranges (All Samples): LREO: ranging from 178.6 ppm to 47,980.5 ppm HREO: ranging from 49.0 ppm to 9,537.3 ppm TREO: ranging from 227.7 ppm to 57,517.8 ppm Several drainage systems returned coherent multi-element REE anomalies, including enrichment in both light and heavy rare earth elements. The strength and spatial clustering of these anomalies suggest proximal bedrock sources upstream and highlight priority target areas for follow-up geological mapping, soil sampling, and potential trenching or drill testing, subject to permitting. Also, the consistently high eTh/K ratios (>10) further support the presence of Th-rich accessory minerals such as monazite or xenotime being eroded and transported into the creek, highlighting the likelihood of unexposed or under-sampled REE-bearing source rocks within the catchment. Paul Gorman, Chief Executive Officer of Powermax Minerals Inc., commented: "The Phase 2 stream sediment assay results further validate our systematic exploration approach at the Cameron Rare Earth Element Project. The broad range of elevated LREO, HREO, and TREO values across multiple drainage catchments highlights the extent and consistency of REE anomalies and confirms stream sediment geochemistry as an effective tool for defining priority target areas. These results will be integrated with our soil and rock samples datasets which is being processed and will be released as soon as possible." Figure 1 Showing sediment samples REE assays with Th/K ratio To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11633/282795_8a70292bd49d9a64_001full.jpg Sampling and Analytical Methods Stream sediment samples were collected from active drainage systems and sieved to less than 18 mesh (0.0394 inches). Samples were submitted to AGAT Laboratories Ltd., Calgary, Alberta, an ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited independent laboratory, for preparation and analysis using the 201-380 Metals Package. Quality assurance and quality control procedures included the insertion of field duplicates. Qualified Person The technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Afzaal Pirzada, P.Geo., who is a director of the Company and a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. About Powermax Minerals Inc. Powermax Minerals Inc. is a Canadian mineral exploration company focused on advancing rare earth element projects. The Company holds an option to acquire the Cameron REE Property, comprising three mineral claims totaling approximately 2,984 hectares in British Columbia. Powermax also optioned to acquire the Atikokan REE Property, consisting of 455 unpatented mining claims in NW Ontario. Powermax also optioned to acquire the 5178 hectare Pinard REE in Northern Ontario. Powermax also owns a 100% interest in the Ogden Bear Lodge Project, in Crook County, Wyoming. Forward-Looking Statements This news release may contain 'forward-looking statements' within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and assumptions of management and are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied. Such statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding potential mineralization, exploration plans, timing of activities, and future exploration results. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Powermax Minerals Inc. 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 applicable securities laws. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as defined in CSE policies) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/282795 Source: Powermax Minerals Inc. Latest investment marks key milestone in the company's global growth strategy, supporting clients across an increasingly complex healthcare landscape Real Chemistry, a global leader in AI- and insights-driven healthcare communications, today provided an update on the company's global growth strategy with the appointment of four senior international leaders and an expanded regional hub presence. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260205899517/en/ These updates reflect Real Chemistry's continued focus on delivering greater consistency, efficiency and seasoned counsel for healthcare clients and brands navigating increasingly complex, multi-market environments. The company's strategy includes further strengthening its presence across key international markets including Europe, the Middle East, Asia Pacific and Latin America through a combination of regional hubs and an expanded affiliate network. Initial investments include new hub offices in Munich, Zurich and Dubai, with additional hub enhancements and in-market team expansion planned later this year. "Healthcare companies today are operating in a far more complex, multi-market environment, and they need partners who can think and act globally, while delivering locally," said Suzanne Jacobs,Head of International Markets Group President, Medical Communications. "By expanding our international leadership and strengthening our regional hub model, we are deepening our ability to support clients across borders from molecule to market with the consistency and integrated expertise required to drive meaningful impact worldwide." The new executive appointments include: Kath Harrison, Group President, International Growth (based in Dubai), will lead international growth and delivery of end-to-end capabilities across global markets. Harrison will also serve as General Manager of the Dubai office, strengthening Real Chemistry's presence in the Middle East and its ability to support clients into Asia Pacific and beyond. Most recently, Harrison served as President, International Markets at GCI Health, where she helped lead the company's expansion across Europe, Asia and the Middle East. will lead international growth and delivery of capabilities across global markets. Harrison will also serve as General Manager of the Dubai office, strengthening Real Chemistry's presence in the Middle East and its ability to support clients into Asia Pacific and beyond. Most recently, Harrison served as President, International Markets at GCI Health, where she helped lead the company's expansion across Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Brandon Pletsch, President, Europe (based in Germany), will lead cross-functional teams and services across Europe. Pletsch was most recently a Managing Partner within Real Chemistry's Medical Communications group and is founder of the company's scientific visualization division, Rad Science, where he led creative scientific storytelling, interactive experiential learning and AI innovation. will lead cross-functional teams and services across Europe. Pletsch was most recently a Managing Partner within Real Chemistry's Medical Communications group and is founder of the company's scientific visualization division, Rad Science, where he led creative scientific storytelling, interactive experiential learning and AI innovation. Louise Clark, President, Integrated Communications, Global (based in UK), will support the global expansion of Real Chemistry's Integrated Communications business. Clark spent the majority of her career working in-house at Novartis and Pfizer in a variety of communication leadership positions, and most recently at Edelman, where she oversaw international health portfolios. will support the global expansion of Real Chemistry's Integrated Communications business. Clark spent the majority of her career working in-house at Novartis and Pfizer in a variety of communication leadership positions, and most recently at Edelman, where she oversaw international health portfolios. Eleanor Read, PhD, President, Integrated Communications, Europe (based in UK), will support the European expansion of Real Chemistry's Integrated Communications business. Read spent the last two decades at Edelman, most recently as Managing Director of Health. She began her career at IMS Health. These leaders bring decades of experience advising global pharmaceutical companies, scaling international agency operations and building integrated teams across dynamic, regulated markets. "Real Chemistry was built to solve the unique challenges of healthcare, and that focus has become even more critical as our clients operate across increasingly nuanced and interconnected global marketplaces," said Shankar Narayanan, Chief Executive Officer, Real Chemistry. "By investing in global leadership, regional infrastructure, AI and best-shore capabilities, we are uniquely positioned to deliver expertise, innovative solutions and efficiencies to meet our clients' needs today and in the future." Since 2023, the company's global team (ex-US) has grown 25% with more than 300 employees currently working in key international markets outside the United States. This latest strategy update follows Real Chemistry's recent announcement of RC Resolve, the company's new healthcare advisory practice. Comprised of some of the industry's most influential and trusted advisors and leaders, the practice is designed to address healthcare's most critical business, regulatory and value inflection points where science, business, economics, policy and risk management intersect. About Real Chemistry: 25 Years of Future-Focused Healthcare Celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, Real Chemistry is a tier-one partner to the world's most innovative life sciences and healthcare companies. As a leading provider of AI-powered audience analytics and insights, Real Chemistry helps the healthcare industry better understand, reach and engage critical audiences to improve the healthcare experience for all. Anchored by a culture of innovation and creativity, Real Chemistry's 2,000+ global experts across life sciences, marketing communications and technology are singularly focused on navigating the complexities of bringing scientific advances to market, and, most importantly, to the people who need them. Real Chemistry is the largest independent agency focused solely on healthcare. In 2025, Real Chemistry was named Healthcare Network of the Year by Medical Marketing Media (MM+M), and Independent Healthcare Network of the Year by the London International Awards (LIA). Real Chemistry has been recertified as a Great Place to Work for four consecutive years and recognized on Fortune's Best Places to Work in Advertising Marketing. Real Chemistry operates through wholly-owned offices across North America, Europe and the Middle East, complemented by a strategic partner network in Asia Pacific, Latin America and Africa partnerships that have long enabled the company to support clients wherever they operate. Learn more at www.realchemistry.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260205899517/en/ Contacts: Media Contact: media@realchemistry.com Highlights: Following approval by BaFin, Worthington Steel GmbH has published the offer document for its voluntary public tender offer for Kloeckner Co SE The acceptance period, during which Kloeckner Co shareholders can tender their shares for an all-cash consideration of 11.00 per share, commences today and ends on March 12, 2026 The offer provides Kloeckner Co shareholders with an attractive opportunity to realize the value of Kloeckner at a significant premium of 98% to the undisturbed three-month volume-weighted average share price on December 5, 2025, subject to the terms and conditions set out in the offer document Kloeckner Co's Management Board and Supervisory Board have stated that they welcome the offer and, subject to their review of the Offer Document, intend to recommend acceptance by Kloeckner's shareholders SWOCTEM GmbH, Kloeckner Co's largest shareholder, has irrevocably committed to tender its shares into the offer, providing strong shareholder support NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION (IN WHOLE OR IN PART) IN, INTO OR FROM ANY OTHER JURISDICTION WHERE TO DO SO WOULD VIOLATE THE LAWS OF SUCH JURISDICTION Worthington Steel, Inc. (NYSE: WS) today announced the commencement of the acceptance period for the voluntary public tender offer by its indirect wholly owned subsidiary, Worthington Steel GmbH ("Worthington Steel" or the "Bidder"), for all outstanding shares of Kloeckner Co SE ("Kloeckner Co"), following approval and publication of the offer document by the German Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (Bundesanstalt fur Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht "BaFin") in accordance with the German Securities Acquisition and Takeover Act (WpUG). Starting today, Kloeckner Co shareholders can accept the Offer by tendering their shares for a cash consideration of 11.00 per Kloeckner Co share (the "Offer Price"). The acceptance period runs from February 5, 2026 to March 12, 2026, 24:00 hrs (Frankfurt am Main local time) 19:00 hrs (New York local time). The Offer Price implies a significant premium of approximately 98% to the undisturbed three-month volume-weighted average share price on December 5, 2025, the last trading day prior to the publication of the Company's ad-hoc announcement relating to the potential takeover offer. It further represents a premium of approximately 81% to the closing share price on December 5, 2025. In addition to an attractive premium, shareholders tendering their Kloeckner Co shares into the Offer may continue to benefit from a potential dividend payment for the 2025 financial year. Under the Business Combination Agreement signed by both companies, Kloeckner Co may pay a dividend of up to 0.20 per share, subject to applicable legal requirements, available distributable profits and shareholder approval at the annual general meeting. The offer is subject to a minimum acceptance threshold of 65% and certain customary closing conditions. Kloeckner Co shareholders who wish to accept the Offer should promptly contact their respective custodian bank or any other securities services provider where their Kloeckner Co shares are held. The Offer is subject to the terms and conditions set out in the offer document approved by BaFin (the "Offer Document"). Worthington Steel president and CEO Geoff Gilmore said: "Our Offer provides Kloeckner Co shareholders with the opportunity to realize value in cash at a significant premium." Both the Management Board and the Supervisory Board of Kloeckner Co have stated that they welcome the Offer and intend to recommend acceptance, subject to their review of the Offer Document and the publication of their reasoned statement pursuant to Section 27 of the German Securities Acquisition and Takeover Act (WpUG). SWOCTEM GmbH, Kloeckner Co's largest shareholder, has irrevocably committed to tender its shares representing approximately 42% of the share capital into the Offer. The Offer Document and other information relating to the Offer are published on the following website: www.strong-for-good.com About Worthington Steel Worthington Steel (NYSE:WS) is a metals processor that partners with customers to deliver highly technical and customized solutions. Worthington Steel's expertise in carbon flat-roll steel processing, electrical steel laminations and tailor welded solutions is driving steel toward a more sustainable future. As one of the most trusted metals processors in North America, Worthington Steel and its approximately 6,000 employees harness the power of steel to advance our customers' visions through value-added processing capabilities including galvanizing, pickling, configured blanking, specialty cold reduction, lightweighting and electrical lamination. Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, Worthington Steel operates 37 facilities in seven states and 10 countries. Following a people-first Philosophy, commitment to sustainability and proven business system, Worthington Steel's purpose is to generate positive returns by providing trusted and innovative solutions for customers, creating opportunities for employees and strengthening its communities. Important information: This press release constitutes neither an offer to purchase nor a solicitation of an offer to sell Kloeckner Co shares. The final provisions relating to the takeover offer are set forth solely in the offer document authorized for publication by the German Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (Bundesanstalt fur Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht) on 5 February 2026 Investors and Kloeckner Co shareholders are strongly advised to read the offer document and all other documents relating to the takeover offer as soon as they are published, as they contain important information. The offer document for the takeover offer (in German and a non-binding English translation) with the detailed terms and conditions and other information on the takeover offer is published amongst other information on the internet at www.strong-for-good.com. The takeover offer will be made exclusively on the basis of the applicable provisions of German law, in particular the German Securities Acquisition and Takeover Act (Wertpapiererwerbs und Ubernahmegesetz WpUG) and certain securities laws provisions of the United States of America (the "United States" or "U.S."). The takeover offer will not be made in accordance with the legal requirements of any jurisdiction other than the Federal Republic of Germany or the United States (to the extent applicable). Accordingly, no announcements, registrations, approvals or authorizations for the offer have been made, arranged for or granted outside the Federal Republic of Germany or the United States (to the extent applicable). Investors and holders of Kloeckner Co shares may not claim to be protected by the investor protection laws of any jurisdiction other than the Federal Republic of Germany or the United States (as applicable). Subject to the exceptions described in the offer document and any exemptions to be granted by the relevant regulatory authorities, no takeover offer will be made, directly or indirectly, in any jurisdiction where to do so would constitute a violation of applicable national law. This press release may not be published or otherwise distributed, in whole or in part, in any jurisdiction in which the takeover offer would be prohibited by applicable national law. The bidder and its affiliates or affiliates of its financial advisor reserve the right to directly or indirectly purchase or arrange to purchase Kloeckner Co shares or any other securities that are convertible into, exchangeable for or exercisable for such Kloeckner Co shares outside of the takeover offer, provided that such purchases or arrangements to purchase are not made in the United States and comply with the applicable German statutory provisions, in particular the WpUG. These purchases may occur either in the open market at prevailing prices or in private transactions at negotiated prices. Information about such purchases or arrangements to purchase, including the number of Kloeckner Co shares purchased or to be purchased and the consideration paid or agreed, will be published in German and English language without undue delay if and to the extent required under the laws of the Federal Republic of Germany, the United States or any other relevant jurisdiction. The takeover offer referenced in this press release relates to shares in a German company and is subject to the statutory provisions of the Federal Republic of Germany on the implementation of such an offer, which differ from those of the United States and other jurisdictions in certain material respects. The financial information relating to the bidder and the company included elsewhere, including in the offer document, will be prepared in accordance with provisions applicable in the Federal Republic of Germany and will not be prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States; therefore, it may not be comparable to financial information relating to United States companies or companies from other jurisdictions outside the Federal Republic of Germany. The takeover offer will not be submitted to the review or registration procedures of any securities regulator outside of Germany and has not been approved or recommended by any securities regulator. Kloeckner Co shareholders whose place of residence, incorporation or place of habitual abode is in the United States should note that the takeover offer will be made in respect of securities of a company which is a foreign private issuer within the meaning of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "U.S. Exchange Act") and the shares of which are not registered under Section 12 of the U.S. Exchange Act and that the company is not subject to the periodic reporting requirements of the U.S. Exchange Act, and is not required to, and does not, file any reports with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") thereunder. The takeover offer will be made in the United States pursuant to Section 14(e) and Regulation 14E under the Exchange Act, subject to the exemption provided under Rule 14d-1(d) under the U.S. Exchange Act, for a Tier II tender offer and will be principally governed by disclosure and other regulations and procedures of the Federal Republic of Germany, including with respect to the takeover offer timetable, settlement procedures, withdrawal, waiver of conditions and timing of payments, which are different from those of the United States. The takeover offer will be made to the company's shareholders resident in the United States on the same terms and conditions as those made to all other shareholders of the company to whom an offer is made. Any informational documents, including this press release, will be disseminated to U.S. shareholders on a basis comparable to the method that such documents are provided to the company's other shareholders. To the extent that the takeover offer is subject to United States securities laws, such laws only apply to Kloeckner Co shareholders in the United States, and no other person has any claims under such laws. Any agreement concluded with the bidder as a result of the acceptance of the planned takeover offer will be governed exclusively by the laws of the Federal Republic of Germany and shall be construed accordingly. It may be difficult for shareholders from the United States (or from jurisdictions other than Germany) to enforce their rights and claims arising in connection with the takeover offer under the U.S. Securities Act (or other laws known to them) because the bidder and the company are located outside the United States (or the jurisdiction in which the shareholder is domiciled) and their respective officers and directors are domiciled outside the United States (or the jurisdiction in which the shareholder is domiciled). It may be impossible to sue a non-U.S. company or its officers and directors in a non-U.S. court for violations of U.S. securities laws. It may also be impossible to compel a non-U.S. company or its subsidiaries to submit to the judgment of a U.S. court. Forward-looking statements This press release includes forward-looking statements, including forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding Worthington Steel's and Kloeckner Co's plans, objectives, expectations and intentions related to the acquisition and the benefits of the transaction, the expected outcomes of the proposed acquisition, including estimated cost, operations and commercial synergies and the timeline to realize such synergies, the impact on Worthington Steel's earnings, Worthington Steel's expected pro forma net leverage ratio following the transaction and net leverage ratio goals following the transaction, the expected timeline for completing the acquisition, and other statements that are not historical or current fact and are characterized by terms like "expects," "believes," "anticipates", "is of the opinion," "tries," "estimates," "intends," "plans," "assumes" "may," "will," "would," "should" and "aims" and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are based on current intentions, assumptions or expectations and involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause results to differ materially from current expectations include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties regarding Worthington Steel's and Kloeckner Co's respective businesses and the proposed acquisition, and actual results may differ materially. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, (i) the ability of the parties to successfully complete the proposed acquisition on the anticipated terms and timing, including obtaining required regulatory approvals and other conditions to the completion of the acquisition, (ii) the ability of the parties to achieve the minimum requisite acceptance threshold of Kloeckner Co's issued share capital at the end of the acceptance period; (iii) the financing arrangements relating to the acquisition, (iv) the effects of the transaction on Worthington Steel's and Kloeckner Co's operations, including on the combined company's future financial condition and performance, operating results, strategy and plans, including anticipated tax treatment, unforeseen liabilities, future capital expenditures, revenues, expenses, earnings, synergies, economic performance, indebtedness, losses, future prospects, and business and management strategies for the management, expansion and growth of the new combined company's operations, (v) the potential impact of the announcement or consummation of the proposed acquisition on relationships with customers, suppliers and other third parties, (vi) the ability of the combined company to achieve the anticipated cost synergies or accretion to earnings per share, and (vii) the other factors detailed in Worthington Steel's reports filed with the SEC, including its most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q under the caption "Risk Factors," as well as the other risks discussed in Worthington Steel's filings with the SEC. In addition, these statements are based on assumptions that are subject to change. Further, it cannot be ruled out that Worthington Steel and/or Kloeckner Co will change their intentions and assessments expressed in documents or notifications or in the Offer Document yet to be published after publication of the documents, notifications or the Offer Document. This press release speaks only as of the date hereof. Each of Worthington Steel and Kloeckner Co disclaims any duty to update the information herein. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260204885398/en/ Contacts: Media Contacts: Worthington Steel Melissa Dykstra Vice President, Corporate Communications and Investor Relations Phone: 614-840-4144 Melissa.Dykstra@WorthingtonSteel.com European Media Contact Brunswick Group Julia Klostermann Director +49 174-740-2796 Jklostermann@brunswickgroup.com MONACO, Feb. 05, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Monaco is set to welcome the 7th edition of the Superyacht Chef Competition, scheduled for Thursday, 2 April 2026 at the Yacht Club de Monaco, through its training centre, La Belle Classe Academy. Organised with the support of Bluewater, the event once again shines a spotlight on a profession that is as strategic as it is still little known to the general public: the onboard chef on superyachts, a role that demands the ability to combine high-end cuisine with operational management and constant adaptability within complex, international environments. Chaired by Philippe Etchebest, Meilleur Ouvrier de France and two-Michelin-starred chef, the jury underscores the competition's high standards and its commitment to showcasing culinary excellence capable of meeting real-world-and often extreme-conditions. "This event showcases chefs who can excel in a challenging, mobile and international setting," stresses Bernard d'Alessandri, the Yacht Club de Monaco's Managing Director and General Secretary. "This ambition is reflected above all in the choice of a jury that truly understands the realities of the profession." The competition will unfold within a rigorous framework, under the supervision of Chef Philippe Joannes, Meilleur Ouvrier de France and culinary consultant to the Yacht Club de Monaco, alongside Chef Simon Ganache, the YCM's Head of Events. Active support will be provided by Chef Frederic Ramos, President of the Monaco Gout & Saveurs association. The jury's assessment will extend beyond technical execution to include candidates' ability to adapt, to manage operational constraints, and to demonstrate a thorough understanding of onboard service requirements-where precision and organisation are decisive.Alongside Etchebest, the 2026 jury brings together complementary profiles firmly rooted in professional practice: Marcel Ravin, a prodigy of gastronomy, the chef now boasts three Michelin stars: two at Blue Bay and one earned at the Elsa restaurant of the Monte-Carlo Beach hotel; Carlo Cracco, two Michelin stars, an iconic figure in Italian gastronomy; Duncan Biggs, co-founder of Ocean Waves Monaco and superyacht chef; Jenny Maltese, Venezuelan television host committed to promoting Latin American cuisines; Tim Malzer, German chef, restaurateur and television host and Benjamin Ferrand, winner of the 2025 edition of the Superyacht Chef Competition.The competition format is designed to faithfully recreate real-life conditions on board. Working within a limited timeframe and with a mystery ingredient revealed only moments before the challenge begins, contestants must demonstrate creativity, method and responsiveness. All ingredients provided must be used, with penalties applied in the event of food waste-an approach that reinforces the event's focus on sustainability and responsible resource management.Education and transmission remain at the heart of the initiative. La Belle Classe Academy supports the Superyacht Chef Competition in its mission to promote careers in gastronomy and onboard service, through dedicated programmes such as The Art of Service on Board. The 2026 edition will also involve students from the Monaco Hospitality School, who will contribute to the smooth running of the competition through an immersive, hands-on experience working alongside chefs currently active in the profession.In the lead-up to the competition, two key dates will build momentum: on 12 March 2026, the Battle des Chefs, initiated by Chef Philippe Joannes, will foster exchange and networking among professionals; on Wednesday, 1 April 2026, on the eve of the competition, the Diner des Grands Chefs will bring the jury members together, reaffirming Monaco's status as an international hub for culinary excellence connected to the yachting world. For more information: Press Office LaPresse - ufficio.stampa@lapresse.it A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ce85ef3f-dba4-472a-a8ac-fa70edae0929 A nationwide programme is expected to stimulate travel demand and generate more than 42 billion Baht in tourism revenue BANGKOK, Feb. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) today announced Amazing Thailand Chinese New Year 2026, marking the Golden Horse year and the 51st anniversary of Thailand-China diplomatic relations. Anchored by flagship events in Bangkok and Hat Yai, and supported by celebrations in Nakhon Sawan and Suphan Buri, the festival is positioned to drive nationwide travel demand and reinforce Thailand's standing as a leading destination for Chinese New Year celebrations outside mainland China. The announcement was made at TAT Headquarters in Bangkok, with the participation of Mr. Yang Xiaolong, Cultural Counsellor of the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Thailand; Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, TAT Governor; VDC Col. Chettha Khaoprasert, Deputy Governor of Suphan Buri Province; Acting Sub. Lt. Sarawoot Chantawong, Deputy Governor of Nakhon Sawan Province; and Pol. Maj. Gen. Kris Warit, Deputy Commissioner of the Tourist Police Bureau, reflecting strong institutional and regional cooperation in delivering the festival. Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, TAT Governor, said, "Through our flagship events in Bangkok and Hat Yai, TAT is projecting confidence and vitality at a national scale. As Thailand and China enter the 51st year of diplomatic relations, the festival reflects more than two decades of close cooperation between TAT and China's tourism and cultural authorities, and our clear commitment to carrying forward shared Thai-Chinese heritage as a driver of meaningful travel and long-term value." In Bangkok, TAT is hosting Amazing Thailand Happy Chinese New Year 2026 in cooperation with the Embassy of the People's Republic of China, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, Samphanthawong District, Siam Paragon, and Thai Beverage Public Company Limited. Yaowarat Road, from Odeon Circle to Chaloem Buri Intersection, will be transformed through large-scale festive illuminations from 7 February to 1 March, daily from 18.00 to 23.00 Hrs., under the theme Ride the Fortune, Share the Future, creating a vibrant evening atmosphere throughout the area. Siam Paragon will host the main festival programme from 14 to 18 February, daily from 16.00 to 22.00 Hrs., opening on 14 February with an auspicious Thai-Chinese greeting ceremony. Highlights include large-scale lantern displays and performances by four leading troupes from Beijing, Chongqing, Henan Province, and Fujian Province, alongside festival activities such as Chinese lantern crafting, auspicious character printing, Chinese calligraphy, khon mask painting, Chinese paper cutting, Thai embroidery, artificial flower keychain making, and Chinese astrology. The programme will also feature exclusive appearances by popular Chinese artist and actor Zhu Zhengting, together with performances by leading Thai artists including Daou Pittaya, Klear, Better Weather, MEAN, HERS, Slapkiss, Serious Bacon, Wanyai, OABNITHI, and 2Ectasy Jeffy kakagoesbackhome. In Hat Yai, Songkhla, TAT is presenting Amazing Thailand Chinese New Year 2026 @ Hat Yai, taking place from 17 to 20 February along Saneha Nusorn Road. The programme will feature performances from Fujian Province, traditional lion dances, acrobatic shows, and night-time light displays, creating a festive atmosphere and reinforcing the city's role as a key tourism hub in Southern Thailand for regional and cross-border travellers. Beyond the two flagship destinations, TAT is supporting Chinese New Year celebrations in regions with distinctive Thai-Chinese heritage to extend tourism benefits nationwide. Key events include the Chao Pho-Chao Mae Pak Nam Pho procession tradition in Nakhon Sawan, running from 10 - 21 February and the Suphan Buri Chinese New Year Festival: 18 Years of the Heavenly Dragon at Dragon Descendants Museum, Suphan Buri, taking place from 17 to 18 February. Amazing Thailand Chinese New Year 2026 is delivered with the support of a wide network of public and private-sector partners, including Siam Paragon, ICONSIAM, CentralWorld and shopping centres under Central Group, The Em District, The Mall Group, and Thai Beverage Public Company Limited, working together to stimulate travel flows, encourage longer visitor stays, and distribute tourism revenue more evenly nationwide. TAT expects that during the Chinese New Year 2026 travel period from 13 to 22 February, Thailand will welcome approximately 1.25 million international visitors, an increase of 10%, alongside an estimated 2.3 million domestic trips, up 3% year-on-year. Combined tourism revenue is projected at around 42.23 billion Baht, representing 13% growth compared with the same period last year and reinforcing the strategic role of major festivals in advancing Thailand's quality-led tourism agenda. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2877841/TAT_announces_Amazing_Thailand_Chinese_New_Year_2026_in_Bangkok_and_Hat_Yai.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2542999/TATNEWS_Logo.jpg View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/tat-announces-amazing-thailand-chinese-new-year-2026-in-bangkok-and-hat-yai-marking-51-years-of-thailandchina-relations-302680110.html Nokia Corporation Stock Exchange Release 5 February 2026 at 14:00 EET Notice of the Annual General Meeting of Nokia Corporation Notice is given to the shareholders of Nokia Corporation ("Nokia" or the "Company") of the Annual General Meeting to be held on Thursday, 9 April 2026 at 14:00 EEST at Finlandia Hall, Mannerheimintie 13e, Helsinki, Finland. The reception of persons who have registered for the Annual General Meeting ("Meeting"), the distribution of voting tickets, and coffee service will commence at 12:30 EEST. Shareholders can also exercise their voting rights by voting in advance. Instructions for advance voting are presented in this notice under section C. Shareholders may follow the Meeting through a webcast. Following the webcast is not considered participation or exercise of shareholders' rights in the Meeting. Instructions regarding the webcast are available in this notice under section C. and later on the Company's website at www.nokia.ly/agm2026. A. Matters on the agenda of the Annual General Meeting Information and proposals concerning the formal organizational matters in agenda items 1 to 5 are included in a separate organizational document, which also constitutes a part of this notice and is published on the Company's website at www.nokia.ly/agm2026. The information in the organizational document will be supplemented at the latest at the Meeting, with such information that is not available at the time of publication of this notice. At the Meeting, the following matters will be considered: 1. Opening of the Meeting 2. Matters of order for the Meeting 3. Election of a person to scrutinize the minutes and a person to supervise the counting of votes 4. Recording the legal convening of the Meeting 5. Recording the attendance at the Meeting and adoption of the list of votes 6. Presentation of the Annual Accounts, the review by the Board of Directors and the auditor's report for the financial year 2025 - Review by the President and CEO and presenting the auditor's report and the assurance report of the sustainability statement 7. Adoption of the Annual Accounts 8. Resolution on the use of profit shown on the balance sheet and authorization of the Board of Directors to decide on the distribution of dividend and assets from the reserve for invested unrestricted equity The Board of Directors proposes to the Annual General Meeting that based on the balance sheet to be adopted for the financial year ended on 31 December 2025, no dividend is distributed by a resolution of the Annual General Meeting. Instead, the Board proposes to be authorized to resolve in its discretion on the distribution of an aggregate maximum of EUR 0.14 per share as dividend from the retained earnings and/or as assets from the reserve for invested unrestricted equity. The authorization would be used to distribute dividend and/or assets from the reserve for invested unrestricted equity in four installments during the period of validity of the authorization unless the Board of Directors decides otherwise for a justified reason. The authorization would be valid until the opening of the next Annual General Meeting. The Board would make separate resolutions on the amount and timing of each distribution of the dividend and/or assets from the reserve for invested unrestricted equity with the preliminary record and payment dates set out below. The Company shall make a separate announcement of each such Board resolution and, in connection therewith, confirm the record and payment date for such distribution. Preliminary record dates Preliminary payment dates 28 April 2026 7 May 2026 28 July 2026 6 August 2026 27 October 2026 5 November 2026 2 February 2027 9 February 2027 Each distribution based on the resolution of the Board of Directors will be paid to a shareholder registered in the Company's shareholders' register maintained by Euroclear Finland Oy on the record date of the payment. 9. Resolution to discharge the members of the Board of Directors and the President and CEO from liability for the financial year 2025 Granting discharge from liability to the members of the Board of Directors and the persons who have served as President and Chief Executive Officer during the financial year 2025. 10. Presentation and adoption of the Remuneration Report for Governing Bodies The Board of Directors proposes that the Annual General Meeting adopts the Remuneration Report for governing bodies for 2025. The Annual General Meeting's resolution on the adoption of the Remuneration Report is advisory. The Remuneration Report will be available at www.nokia.ly/agm2026 in week 10 of 2026. 11. Resolution on the remuneration of the members of the Board of Directors On the recommendation of the Corporate Governance and Nomination Committee, the Board proposes to the Annual General Meeting that the annual fees payable to Board members for a term ending at the close of the next Annual General Meeting are kept at the current levels: EUR 440 000 for the Chair of the Board; EUR 210 000 for the Vice Chair of the Board; EUR 185 000 for each other member of the Board; EUR 30 000 each for the Chairs of the Audit Committee and the Personnel Committee and EUR 20 000 for the Chairs of the Technology Committee and the Strategy Committee as an additional annual fee; and EUR 15 000 for each member of the Audit Committee and the Personnel Committee and EUR 10 000 for each member of the Technology Committee and the Strategy Committee as an additional annual fee. The Board proposes that approximately 40% of the annual fee be paid in Nokia shares. The rest of the annual fee would be paid in cash to cover taxes arising from the remuneration. The Directors shall retain until the end of their directorship such number of shares that they have received as Board remuneration during their first three years of service on the Board. If the term of a Board member terminates before the Annual General Meeting of 2027, the Board has a right to decide upon potential reclaim of the annual fees as it deems appropriate. In addition, the Board proposes that the meeting fees for Board and Committee meetings remain at their current level. The meeting fees are based on travel required between the Board member's home location and the location of a meeting and paid for a maximum of seven meetings per term as follows: EUR 5 000 per meeting requiring intercontinental travel; and EUR 2 000 per meeting requiring intracontinental travel. Only one meeting fee is paid if the travel entitling to the fee includes several meetings of the Board and the Committees. Moreover, it is proposed that members of the Board be compensated for travel and accommodation expenses as well as other costs directly related to Board and Committee work. 12. Resolution on the number of members of the Board of Directors On the recommendation of the Corporate Governance and Nomination Committee, the Board proposes to the Annual General Meeting that the number of Board members be ten (10). Should any number of the candidates proposed by the Board not be available for election, the proposed number of Board members shall be decreased accordingly. 13. Election of members of the Board of Directors Sari Baldauf has informed the Board's Corporate Governance and Nomination Committee that she will no longer be available to serve on the Nokia Board of Directors after the Annual General Meeting. On the recommendation of the Corporate Governance and Nomination Committee, the Board proposes to the Annual General Meeting that for a term until the close of the next Annual General Meeting, the following persons are elected as Board members in an individual election: 1) Timo Ahopelto (current member); 2) Elizabeth Crain (current member); 3) Thomas Dannenfeldt (current member); 4) Pernille Erenbjerg (current member); 5) Lisa Hook (current member); 6) Timo Ihamuotila (current member); 7) Mike McNamara (current member); 8) Thomas Saueressig (current member); 9) Meredith Whittaker (new member candidate); and 10) Kai Oistamo (current member). Should any of the candidates proposed by the Board not be available for election, the remaining available candidates are proposed to be elected in accordance with the proposal by the Board. The biographical details of all Board member candidates are presented on the Company's website at www.nokia.ly/agm2026. The Corporate Governance and Nomination Committee has assessed that the proposed Board members enable the efficient functioning of the Board and are qualified both collectively and individually based on their skills, experience and other personal qualities, taking into account the current and anticipated future needs of the Company. All proposed Board members have given their consent to be elected to the Board. All Board member candidates, apart from Meredith Whittaker, have been determined to be independent of the Company and its significant shareholders for the term starting from the Annual General Meeting 2026 under the Finnish Corporate Governance Code and the rules of the New York Stock Exchange, as applicable. Ms. Whittaker has agreed to lead a strategic advising effort for Nokia Bell Labs, Nokia's global research arm, for a fixed fee and period of 12 months. She has been determined non-independent of the Company due to this research-focused advisory role. The Company has strict and well-defined conflict-mitigation measures in place, including the exclusion of Ms. Whittaker from any business activities and operational decisions. Further, if elected, Ms. Whittaker will refrain from joining Board Committees other than the Technology Committee. The Corporate Governance and Nomination Committee will propose in the assembly meeting of the new Board of Directors to be held after the Annual General Meeting that Timo Ihamuotila be elected as Chair of the Board and Thomas Saueressig be elected as Vice Chair, subject to their election to the Board. 14. Resolution on the remuneration of the auditor On the recommendation of the Board's Audit Committee, the Board of Directors proposes to the Annual General Meeting that the auditor to be elected for the financial year 2027 be reimbursed based on the purchase policy approved by the Board's Audit Committee and the invoice approved by the Company. 15. Election of auditor for the financial year 2027 The Board of Directors proposes to the Annual General Meeting that the shareholders elect the auditor for the financial year commencing next after the election. On the recommendation of the Board's Audit Committee, the Board of Directors proposes to the Annual General Meeting that Deloitte Oy be re-elected as the auditor of the Company for the financial year 2027. Deloitte Oy has informed the Company that in the event it is re-elected as the auditor, the key audit partner will be Authorized Public Accountant (KHT) Jukka Vattulainen. 16. Resolution on the remuneration of the sustainability reporting assurer On the recommendation of the Board's Audit Committee, the Board of Directors proposes to the Annual General Meeting that the assurer of the sustainability reporting elected for the financial year 2027 be reimbursed based on the purchase policy approved by the Board's Audit Committee and the invoice approved by the Company. 17. Election of the sustainability reporting assurer for the financial year 2027 The Board of Directors proposes to the Annual General Meeting that the shareholders elect the assurer carrying out the assurance of the sustainability reporting of the Company for the financial year commencing next after the election. On the recommendation of the Board's Audit Committee, the Board of Directors proposes to the Annual General Meeting that Authorized Sustainability Audit Firm Deloitte Oy be re-elected as the sustainability reporting assurer for the financial year 2027. Deloitte Oy has informed the Company that in the event it is re-elected, the key sustainability partner will be Authorized Public Accountant (KHT) and Authorized Sustainability Auditor (KRT) Jukka Vattulainen. 18. Authorization to the Board of Directors to resolve to repurchase the Company's own shares The Board of Directors proposes that the Annual General Meeting authorize the Board of Directors to resolve to repurchase a maximum of 550 million shares, which corresponds to less than 10% of the Company's total number of shares. The repurchases under the authorization are proposed to be carried out by using funds in the unrestricted equity, as resolved by the Board of Directors, which means that the repurchases will reduce the distributable funds of the Company. The price paid for the shares under the authorization shall be based on the market price of the Nokia shares on the securities markets on the date of the repurchase or a price otherwise formed in a competitive process. Shares may be repurchased to be cancelled, held to be reissued, transferred further or for other purposes resolved by the Board of Directors. The Company may enter into derivative, share lending or other arrangements customary in capital market practice. The shares may be repurchased otherwise than in proportion to the shares held by the shareholders (directed repurchase). The Board shall resolve on all other matters related to the repurchase of Nokia shares. It is proposed that the authorization be effective until 8 October 2027 and terminate the authorization for repurchasing the Company's shares granted by the Annual General Meeting on 29 April 2025 to the extent that the Board has not previously resolved to repurchase shares based on such authorization. 19. Authorization to the Board of Directors to resolve to issue shares and special rights entitling to shares The Board of Directors proposes that the Annual General Meeting authorize the Board of Directors to resolve to issue in total a maximum of 550 million shares through issuance of shares or special rights entitling to shares under Chapter 10, Section 1 of the Finnish Limited Liability Companies Act in one or more issues during the effective period of the authorization. The Board of Directors may issue either new shares or treasury shares held by the Company. The proposed maximum amount corresponds to less than 10% of the Company's total number of shares. Shares and special rights entitling to shares may be issued in deviation from the shareholders' pre-emptive rights within the limits set by law. The authorization may be used to develop the Company's capital structure, diversify the shareholder base, finance or carry out acquisitions or other arrangements, settle the Company's equity-based incentive plans or for other purposes resolved by the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors shall resolve on all terms and conditions of the issuance of shares and special rights entitling to shares under Chapter 10, Section 1 of the Finnish Limited Liability Companies Act. It is proposed that the authorization be effective until 8 October 2027 and terminate the authorization for issuance of shares and special rights entitling to shares resolved at the Annual General Meeting on 29 April 2025 to the extent that the Board has not previously resolved to issue shares or special rights based on such authorization. 20. Closing of the Meeting B. Documents of the Annual General Meeting This notice, all the proposals by the Board of Directors relating to the agenda of the Meeting, and the organizational document are available on the Company's website at www.nokia.ly/agm2026. The Remuneration Report as well as the "Nokia in 2025" annual report, which includes the Company's Annual Accounts, the review by the Board of Directors including the sustainability statement, the auditor's report and the assurance report of the sustainability statement, are expected to be available on the above-mentioned website in week 10 of 2026. The proposals by the Board of Directors and all other meeting documents will also be available at the Meeting. The minutes of the Annual General Meeting will be available on the Company's above-mentioned website at latest on 23 April 2026. C. Instructions for the participants of the Annual General Meeting 1. The right to participate and registration Each shareholder who is registered on the record date of the Meeting on 26 March 2026 in the register of shareholders of the Company maintained by Euroclear Finland Oy, has the right to participate in the Annual General Meeting 2026. A shareholder, whose shares are registered on their Finnish book-entry account, is automatically registered in the register of shareholders of the Company. The shareholders who do not have a Finnish book-entry account, please refer to the section 4. Holders of nominee-registered shares or the section 5. Holders of American Depositary Receipts (ADR) for further instructions. The registration period for the Annual General Meeting commences on 23 February 2026 at 10:00 EET. A shareholder, with a Finnish book-entry account, who wishes to participate in the Annual General Meeting, must register for the Meeting by giving prior notice of attendance no later than on 30 March 2026 at 16:00 EEST by which time the registration needs to be received. In connection with the registration, the shareholder and their representative are required to provide information, such as the shareholder's name, date of birth or business ID, phone number and/or e-mail, address, the name of any assistant or proxy representative and the proxy's date of birth, phone number and/or e-mail. Electronic registration of private individuals requires strong identification of the shareholder, or their legal representative, or proxy, with a Finnish, Swedish, or Danish bank ID, or a mobile certificate. Notice of registration can be given: a) through the Company's website at www.nokia.ly/agm2026; b) by e-mail to agm@innovatics.fi; c) by regular mail to Innovatics Ltd, Annual General Meeting / Nokia, Ratamestarinkatu 13 A, FI-00520 Helsinki, Finland; or d) by telephone to +358 10 2818 909 on weekdays between 9:00 and 12:00 and between 13:00 and 16:00 (Finnish time). The personal data collected will only be used in connection with the identity authentications and necessary registrations at the Annual General Meeting and related to it. For more information, please refer to the privacy statement of the Annual General Meeting on the Company's aforementioned website. 2. Advance voting Shareholders with a Finnish book-entry account may vote in advance on certain items on the agenda of the Annual General Meeting through the Company's website at www.nokia.ly/agm2026, either in connection with their registration or separately. Advance voting will open in connection with the registration on 23 February 2026 at 10:00 EET and end on 30 March 2026 at 16:00 EEST. An agenda item subject to advance voting is considered to have been presented unchanged to the Annual General Meeting. A shareholder who has voted in advance may exercise the right to ask questions, request a vote or vote on a counterproposal under the Finnish Limited Liability Companies Act if they are present or represented at the Annual General Meeting at the meeting venue. With respect to nominee-registered shares, please note that voting is carried out via the account manager of their custodian. The account manager may cast votes in advance on behalf of the holders of nominee-registered shares that they represent in accordance with the voting instructions provided by the holders of nominee-registered shares during the registration period for the nominee-registered shares. 3. Proxy representatives and powers of attorney A shareholder may participate in the Annual General Meeting by a proxy representative. A proxy shall produce a dated authorization document or otherwise in a reliable manner demonstrate their right to represent the shareholder. Should a shareholder participate in the Meeting by means of several proxies representing the shareholder with shares in different book-entry accounts, the shares by which each proxy represents the shareholder shall be identified in connection with the registration for the Meeting. Any proxy documents are requested to be submitted preferably as an attachment with the electronic registration or alternatively by mail to Innovatics Ltd, General Meeting / Nokia, Ratamestarinkatu 13 A, FI-00520 Helsinki, Finland or by e-mail to agm@innovatics.fi before the end of the registration period. In addition to submitting the proxy documents, the shareholder or their proxy shall register for the Meeting in the manner described above in this notice. The original proxy documents shall be presented to the Company upon request. A template for the proxy document is available on the Company's website at www.nokia.ly/agm2026. Shareholders may also use the electronic Suomi.fi authorization service instead of the traditional proxy authorization document. In this case, the shareholder authorizes a representative in the Suomi.fi service by using the mandate theme "Representation at the General Meeting". More information available at www.suomi.fi/e-authorizations. 4. Holders of nominee-registered shares A holder of nominee-registered shares has the right to participate in the Annual General Meeting by virtue of such shares, based on which they on the record date of the Annual General Meeting, i.e. on 26 March 2026, would be entitled to be registered in the shareholders' register of the Company held by Euroclear Finland Oy. The right to participate in the Meeting requires, in addition, that the shareholder on the basis of such shares has been registered into the temporary shareholders' register held by Euroclear Finland Oy at the latest by 2 April 2026 by 10:00 EEST. As regards nominee-registered shares this constitutes due registration for the Annual General Meeting. A holder of nominee-registered shares is advised to request without delay necessary instructions regarding the temporary registration in the shareholders' register of the Company, the issuing of proxy authorization documents and registration for the Annual General Meeting from their custodian bank. The account manager of the custodian bank shall temporarily register a holder of nominee-registered shares, who wants to participate in the Annual General Meeting, into the shareholders' register of the Company, and submit voting instructions on behalf of the holder of nominee-registered shares at latest by 2 April 2026 by 10:00 EEST. The voting instructions may be recorded as advance votes on behalf of the holders of nominee-registered shares. For the sake of clarity, it is noted that holders of nominee-registered shares cannot register for the Annual General Meeting on the Company's website, but they must be registered by their custodians instead. Information on these matters can also be found on the Company's website www.nokia.ly/agm2026. 5. Holders of American Depositary Receipts (ADR) A holder of American Depositary Shares (ADR) intending to vote at the Meeting shall without delay notify the Depositary Bank of Nokia, Citibank, N.A., of their intention, and shall comply with the instructions provided by Citibank, N.A. 6. Other instructions and information Information on the Meeting required by the Finnish Limited Liability Companies Act and the Finnish Securities Markets Act is available on the Company's website at www.nokia.ly/agm2026. Pursuant to Chapter 5, Section 25 of the Finnish Limited Liability Companies Act, a shareholder who has given prior notice of attendance and is present at the Annual General Meeting has the right to request information with respect to the matters to be considered at the Meeting. Shareholders may follow the Meeting via a webcast and ask questions on the agenda items during the Meeting through the webcast platform. Following the webcast is not considered participation or exercise of shareholders' rights in the Meeting. No questions asked through the webcast are deemed to be presented pursuant to Chapter 5, Section 25 of the Finnish Limited Liability Companies Act. The questions may be considered in the Annual General Meeting in connection with each agenda item to the extent deemed appropriate by the Chair of the Meeting. More information on following the webcast will be available on the Company's website at www.nokia.ly/agm2026 in week 10 of 2026. The shareholders, their representatives and possible assistants are required to prove their identity at the entrance. The Meeting venue can be easily reached by public transportation connections. The shareholders are asked to note that parking is subject to a charge at the nearby parking facilities. The Meeting will be conducted primarily in Finnish, but some presentations, such as the review by the President and CEO, will be held in English. Simultaneous translation will be available into Finnish and English. Changes in the number of shares held after the record date of the Annual General Meeting shall not have an effect on the right to participate in the Meeting nor on the number of votes held by a shareholder in the Meeting. On the date of this notice of the Annual General Meeting the total number of shares in Nokia Corporation is 5 742 239 696, representing the same number of votes. 5 February 2026 Nokia Corporation BOARD OF DIRECTORS About Nokia Nokia is a global leader in connectivity for the AI era. With expertise across fixed, mobile, and transport networks, we're advancing connectivity to secure a brighter world. Inquiries: Nokia Communications? Phone:?+358 10 448 4900 Email:?press.services@nokia.com Maria Vaismaa,?Vice?President, Global Media Relations? Nokia Investor Relations Phone: +358 931 580 507 Email: investor.relations@nokia.com DELRAY BEACH, Fla., Feb. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- According to MarketsandMarkets, the global Centrifugal Pump Market size is projected to grow from USD 43.29 billion in 2025 to USD 58.94 billion by 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.4% during the forecast period. Browse 330 market data Tables and 60 Figures spread through 370 Pages and in-depth TOC on "Centrifugal Pump Market - Global Forecast to 2030" As electricity demand keeps rising, power plants are adding more capacity, which means they need many more centrifugal pumps to keep things running smoothly. These pumps are also widely used in treating wastewater and in the chemicals and petrochemicals industries, where they help move liquids safely and efficiently through complex processes. This strong demand across energy, water, and heavy industry continues to support steady growth in the Centrifugal Pump Market. Centrifugal Pump Market Size & Forecast: Market Size Available for Years: 2025-2030 2025-2030 2025 Market Size: USD 43.29 billion USD 43.29 billion 2030 Projected Market Size: USD 58.94 billion USD 58.94 billion CAGR (2025-2030): 6.4% Download PDF Brochure: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=17494785 By end user, the industrial segment is expected to dominate the market during the forecast period. The Centrifugal Pump Market, based on end user, has been classified into industrial and residential & commercial. The industrial segment has been further segmented into oil and gas, water and wastewater, mining and metal chemicals, power generation, pharmaceuticals, food & beverage, pulp and paper, agriculture, automotive, and textiles. The industrial segment holds the largest market share of the Centrifugal Pump Market. Centrifugal pumps can handle any kind of debris (stones, sticks, sand, mud, or trash) that can fit through the opening. These are used in feeding filter presses, digestion tanks & thickeners, and pumping stations. They are also used in dosing applications in wastewater treatment processes. The demand for centrifugal pumps in the mining and metals industry is being driven by new infrastructure development projects taking place across the fast-growing economies of Asia Pacific. Such initiatives propel the growth of the Centrifugal Pump Market in the mining and metals industry. By operation type, the electrical segment is expected to dominate the market during the forecast period. Electrical centrifugal pumps find applications in both open-pit and bore well scenarios. The growth of the electrical segment in the market can be attributed to the remarkable reliability and efficiency provided by these pumps. Additionally, electrical centrifugal pumps eliminate the need for priming as they are already submerged in fluids. The market is expected to be driven by the increasing adoption of solar water pumps, which often include electrical centrifugal pumps. Asia Pacific is expected to be the largest region during the forecast period. Asia Pacific is expected to be the largest Centrifugal Pump Market during the forecast period. The growth of the global and regional economies is significantly influenced by increased investments in the construction industry. Countries like China, India, Indonesia, and others in the Asia Pacific region are actively investing in infrastructure development projects, which in turn drives the demand for centrifugal pumps and contributes to market growth. Additionally, the agriculture sector holds great importance in emerging economies, where conventional irrigation techniques are commonly used. To enhance irrigation efficiency and agricultural productivity, governments of many emerging economies are providing subsidies and incentives. This further boosts the demand for centrifugal pumps in the region. Top Companies in Centrifugal Pump Industry: Some of the major players in the Centrifugal Pump Market are Xylem (US), Grundfos Holding A/S (Denmark), Flowserve Corporation (US), KSB SE & Co. KGaA (Germany), and Wilo SE (Germany). The major strategies adopted by these players include acquisitions, product launches, investments, partnerships, and expansions. Request Sample Pages: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestsampleNew.asp?id=17494785 Grundfos (Denmark) Grundfos (Denmark) is the leading provider of advanced pumps. It offers circulator pumps, centrifugal pumps, submersible motors, intelligent pump systems, and associated accessories. The company caters to the requirements of residential and commercial buildings and HVAC OEM, as well as irrigation and agriculture, water supply, and sewage applications. The company operates across key business segments, including Water Utility, Domestic Building Services, Commercial Building Services, Industry, and others, delivering energy-efficient pumps, systems, controls, and solutions for water supply, wastewater management, heating, cooling, and industrial processes. Xylem (US) Xylem (US) is a leading global water technology company operating through four primary segments: water infrastructure, applied water, measurement & control solutions, and water solutions & services. The company provides centrifugal pumps under the applied water segment and Water Infrastructure, which includes pumps, valves, heat exchangers, controls, and dispensing systems. Xylem serves diverse industries, including municipal water and wastewater, residential and commercial building services, industrial, agricultural, infrastructure, construction, environmental, food & beverage, and government agencies. Geographically, Xylem has a strong global presence, operating in over 150 countries with manufacturing and technology centers worldwide, including key facilities in the US, India, and Europe. This extensive presence supports their broad portfolio designed to improve water use, management, and conservation worldwide. For more information, Inquire Now! Related Reports: Africa Centrifugal Pump Market Heat Pump Market Variable Frequency Drive Market Get access to the latest updates on Centrifugal Pump Companies and Cryogenic Equipment Industry About MarketsandMarkets: MarketsandMarkets has been recognized as one of America's Best Management Consulting Firms by Forbes, as per their recent report. MarketsandMarkets is a blue ocean alternative in growth consulting and program management, leveraging a man-machine offering to drive supernormal growth for progressive organizations in the B2B space. With the widest lens on emerging technologies, we are proficient in co-creating supernormal growth for clients across the globe. Today, 80% of Fortune 2000 companies rely on MarketsandMarkets, and 90 of the top 100 companies in each sector trust us to accelerate their revenue growth. With a global clientele of over 13,000 organizations, we help businesses thrive in a disruptive ecosystem. The B2B economy is witnessing the emergence of $25 trillion in new revenue streams that are replacing existing ones within this decade. We work with clients on growth programs, helping them monetize this $25 trillion opportunity through our service lines - TAM Expansion, Go-to-Market (GTM) Strategy to Execution, Market Share Gain, Account Enablement, and Thought Leadership Marketing. Built on the 'GIVE Growth' principle, we collaborate with several Forbes Global 2000 B2B companies to keep them future-ready. Our insights and strategies are powered by industry experts, cutting-edge AI, and our Market Intelligence Cloud, KnowledgeStore, which integrates research and provides ecosystem-wide visibility into revenue shifts. To find out more, visit www.MarketsandMarkets.com or follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook. Contact: Mr. Rohan Salgarkar MarketsandMarkets INC. 1615 South Congress Ave. Suite 103, Delray Beach, FL 33445 USA: +1-888-600-6441 Email: sales@marketsandmarkets.com Visit Our Website: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1868219/MarketsandMarkets_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/centrifugal-pump-market-worth-58-94-billion-by-2030--marketsandmarkets-302679865.html Hands-on AI workshop series builds on longstanding innovation in AI, ML, agentic systems, and generative technologies FRISCO, Texas, Feb. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Bounteous, a leading digital transformation consultancy, today announced it will host a series of Claude coding labs in partnership with Anthropic, the AI safety and research company behind the Claude family of AI models. The Claude Code Lab represents the latest in Bounteous workshop offerings, complementing the company's commitment to educating clients and companies about enterprise digital transformation and the latest artificial intelligence capabilities. With upcoming events in Frisco, TX, on February 23, 2026, and London on March 17, with future sessions planned for Chicago and other destinations, the Claude Code Lab brings the company's AI expertise directly to innovation leaders across key markets. These invite-only workshops are designed for architects, engineers, and technical decision-makers ready to implement Claude Code in enterprise environments. "Our goal is to empower organizations to adopt AI in ways that are impactful, ethical, and enterprise-ready," said Martin Young, Executive Vice President of Data & AI at Bounteous. "Through this workshop, we're giving leaders a rare opportunity to work directly with Claude Code and accelerate their readiness for responsible AI adoption." Following years of applied work in artificial intelligence, machine learning, agentic systems, and generative AI, the Bounteous-Anthropic partnership is part of the company's broader solution set, aligned with its Agentic Business Reinvention and AI-Enhanced Experience Transformation solutions. As a Claude Code Delivery Partner, Bounteous is working closely with Anthropic to help fuel their agentic framework and innovations across the software development lifecycle. Attendees will leave the event with functioning prototypes built on their own machines and a deeper understanding of how Claude Code can be integrated into their environments with direct support from Anthropic engineers and Bounteous AI experts. To request an invitation to the Claude Code Lab, or learn more about the Bounteous and Anthropic partnership, visit bounteous.com/partners/anthropic. About Bounteous Bounteous is a premier end-to-end digital transformation consultancy dedicated to partnering with ambitious brands to create digital solutions for today's complex challenges and tomorrow's opportunities. With uncompromising standards for technical and domain expertise, we deliver innovative and strategic solutions in Strategy, Analytics, Digital Engineering, Cloud, Data & AI, Experience Design, Digital Experience Platforms, and Marketing. Our Co-Innovation methodology is a unique engagement model designed to align interests and accelerate value creation. Our clients worldwide benefit from the skills and expertise of over 5,000+ expert team members across the Americas, APAC, and EMEA. By partnering with leading technology providers, we craft transformative digital experiences that enhance customer engagement and drive business success. Discover more about our impactful work and expertise by visiting www.bounteous.com and following us on X, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram. Media Contact: Sara Vinson DiGennaro Communications sara.vinson@digennaro-usa.com 917-753-2955 Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2877412/BNT_INDIGO_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/bounteous-launches-claude-code-lab-series-in-partnership-with-anthropic-to-accelerate-responsible-ai-adoption-302679725.html HONG KONG, Feb 5, 2026 - (ACN Newswire) - Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the world's largest onestop jewellery marketplace will return in early March under its proven 'Two Shows, Two Venues' format. The 12th Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show will take place from 2 to 6 March at AsiaWorldExpo and will feature a wide range of jewellery raw materials. Also, the 42nd Hong Kong International Jewellery Show will be held from 4 to 8 March at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre and will showcase finished jewellery pieces.Jenny Koo, Deputy Executive Director of the HKTDC, said: 'This year's twin jewellery shows bring together some 4,000 exhibitors from over 40 countries and regions, with 70% coming from outside Hong Kong. Exhibitor participation from Brazil, United Arab Emirates and India has expanded, and Uzbekistan joins for the first time. The HKTDC presents the world's largest one-stop jewellery marketplace to highlight Hong Kong's status as an international trade capital and jewellery sourcing hub.'In reviewing the global jewellery market, Hong Kong's export volume of premium jewellery to ASEAN recorded a 51% increase, while exports to the United Kingdom, Australia and Switzerland grew year-on-year by 36%, 28% and 10% respectively.Over 40 themed pavilions, including a new Hard Pure Gold PavilionThe twin shows attract strong global industry support, with exhibitors participating from over 40 regional and industry pavilions. Participating regions include Chinese Mainland, Taiwan, India, Israel, Korea, Myanmar, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Uzbekistan, Belgium, Germany, Italy, Spain, T'rkiye, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico and the United States, etc.The World Gold Council debuts the Hard Pure Gold Pavilion, featuring a total of 11 exhibitors from Chinese Mainland, showcasing innovative gold craftsmanship to the global market. The pavilion aims to leverage the fairs as a springboard for international expansion.The Hong Kong Watch Manufacturers Association Ltd will participate as a pavilion for the first time, while the Zhushan Turquoise pavilion from Hubei will also make its debut. Other returning participants include the Tanzanite Foundation, the International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA), the Asia Pacific Creator Association, and the Asia Jewellery Culture Design and Crafts Association. The Hong Kong Jewellery & Jade Manufacturers Association will once again join forces with the Italian Exhibition Group (IEG) to present advanced jewellery manufacturing equipment and technologies.International brands in the spotlightThe Hall of Fame at the Hong Kong International Jewellery Show makes a highly anticipated return this year with more than 40% expansion in scale. It will welcome renowned international jewellery brands and help enhance global brand exposure. Turkish diamond jewellery brand Zen Diamond (Booth: CEC 3BC12) presents diamond ring collections featuring exquisite cutting techniques. At the Hall of Extraordinary, Hong Kong exhibitor Continental Diamond Company (Booth: CEC GHC07) showcases an 18K white and rose gold ring set with blue and light pink diamonds. Another Hong Kong exhibitor, Unique Brilliant Ltd (Booth: CEC GHC13), unveils a necklace and earring set, the rubies display the coveted 'pigeon blood red' colour.Oriental Aesthetics showcases cultural heritage craftsmanshipThis year's shows will feature numerous jewellery pieces inspired by Asian culture and heritage. Chinese Mainland exhibitor, Guangdong JIABAO Pavilion Jewellery (Hong Kong) Company Ltd (Booth: CEC GHA16) presents an 18K gold, handmade filigree butterfly brooch, made with national intangible heritage craft, with each piece taking over four months to complete. Another Chinese Mainland exhibitor, Shenzhen Meifei Precious Metals Co Ltd (Booth: CEC 3EE02), brings a 'Palatial Modern Chinese Style' jewellery series incorporating six traditional gold techniques, blending heritage craftsmanship with modern jewellery design.In recent years, hard pure gold technology has gained strong momentum in Chinese Mainland. Its high purity and enhanced hardness enable lighter, more durable designs with modern aesthetics. A seminar organised by the World Gold Council will examine the latest developments in the global gold market and hard pure gold technology.During the fairs, a series of events spotlighting Oriental aesthetics in jewellery will be staged. Hong Kong International Fashion Chuk Kam Jewellery Design Competition 2026, organised by the Jewellers' and Goldsmiths' Association of Hong Kong Limited, encourages designers to create commercially viable and culturally rich gold jewellery for young consumer markets in ASEAN and the Middle East. Its award presentation ceremony will be held during the fairs.In addition, the inaugural International Fei Cui Jewellery Design Competition 2026, organised by the Hong Kong Jade Association, will also host its awards presentation during the fairs.Creative design sets the trendInnovative and trend-driven products help the industry stand out. Austy Lee Company Ltd (Booth: CEC 1EF32) introduces bangles inspired by zebra patterns for the Year of the Horse. Designer Galleria welcomes new exhibitor Zheng Hong Collective (Booth: CEC 1CON067A), featuring a brooch whose movable wings and tail sway with the wearer.The 27th Hong Kong Jewellery Design Competition, themed 'Pure Elegance ' Natural Beauty', returns to nurture creative talent. Local students and industry professionals interpret the beauty of nature and their design stories through their creations, highlighting the diverse facets of jewellery design. Winning designs will be announced during the fairs.Rare treasures dazzle across both showsAs always, the twin shows offer buyers an outstanding selection of antique and rare jewellery. At the Hong Kong International Jewellery Show, Hong Kong exhibitor Baroque Antique & Jewellery Limited (Booth: CEC CHF13) presents a 1970s Buccellati pink sapphire suite, while World Coins Co., Ltd. (Booth: CEC CHN12) showcases a 19thcentury Italian bicolour enamel diamond piece preserved in its original box for over 100 years. At the Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show, German exhibitor Caram e.K. (Booth: AWE 8F05) features an 18.98carat AGLcertified natural pink sapphire, while Canadian exhibitor Korite Ammolite Ltd. (Booth: AWE 8F35) displays an 18K gold AAgrade ammolite and diamond necklace.The Hong Kong International Jewellery Show will also host a seminar titled 'The Origins of Style: Tracing the Imprint of Time and Craftsmanship.' This seminar will invite British historian and jewellery authority Dr. Jack Ogden to speak. He will provide an in-depth analysis of the evolution of jewellery craftsmanship and changes in aesthetic tastes across different eras.Over 20 forums on hot topics including AI and digital marketingMore than 20 seminars and networking sessions will be held, covering industry trends, digital marketing and jewellery technologies. A session will examine how artificial intelligence moves from design to commercialisation to drive the development of the jewellery industry. There will also be seminars where influencers share how to leverage e-commerce platforms to enhance jewellery brand visibility, boost sales, and share practical experience, to help the industry accelerate the integration and synergy between online and offline channels.Business opportunities and industry exchangeThe exhibition attracts major international jewellery retail chains, as well as high-end, affordable luxury, and designer jewellery brands from around the world for sourcing. It creates business opportunities for both buyers and sellers while fostering industry exchange.The HKTDC has partnered with the Hong Kong Tourism Board and local enterprises to provide exclusive buyer privileges. These offers include dining, air tickets, and hotels, enabling buyers to enjoy Hong Kong's unique charm while attending the fairs. The HKTDC will arrange free shuttle bus services between AsiaWorld-Expo and urban areas (including the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai). For details, please refer to the fair's official website.Combining online and offline services to facilitate sourcingThe shows use the EXHIBITION+ hybrid format. In addition to on-site procurement, the HKTDC's AI-powered 'Click2Match' will provide online business-matching for exhibitors and buyers from 23 February to 13 March. On-site buyers can use "Scan2Match" to scan exhibitors' QR codes and continue discussions with exhibitors online during or after the show. To ease the buyer admission process, the HKTDC Marketplace App and the official websites of the two shows provide online verification functions. Buyers need only register through these platforms and upload a photo and valid identification to obtain a verified eBadge for direct entry, greatly reducing queuing times for onsite registration and verification and enhancing sourcing efficiency.Photo download: https://bit.ly/4ayrcAoAttending the press conference to introduce the twin jewellery shows today (5 February): Jenny Koo, HKTDC Deputy Executive Director (centre), Winston Chow, Chairman, HKTDC Jewellery Advisory Committee (left) and Kent Wong, Chairman, HKTDC Hong Kong International Jewellery Show and HKTDC Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem and Pearl Show Fair Organising Committee (right)Jenny Koo (front row, third left) took a group photo with members of the organising committee of the HKTDC Hong Kong International Jewellery Show and the Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem and Pearl Show, joined by celebrity guestArtist Hera Chan (third right) led a group of models to exhibit exquisite jewellery pieces from the showsArtist Hera Chan wore a natural Myanmar jadeite set presented by exhibitor On Tung Company. The exquisite ensemble featured a translucent emerald green jadeite and diamond necklace, ring, and earrings, showcasing a regal and graceful designThe phoenix features in traditional Chinese wedding jewellery, symbolizes auspiciousness and good fortune. Exhibitor Lao Feng Xiang Jewellery Hong Kong Limited presented a "China chic" wedding collection imbued with Oriental charm, crafting accessories that embody the imperial elegance of a royal court for womenHKTDC Media Room: https://mediaroom.hktdc.com/enMedia enquiriesPlease contact HKTDC's Communication & Public Affairs Department:Winnie Kan Tel: (852) 2584 4055 Email: winnie.wy.kan@hktdc.orgKaty Wong Tel: (852) 2584 4524 Email: katy.ky.wong@hktdc.orgJane Cheung Tel: (852) 2584 4137 Email: jane.mh.cheung@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 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. Montreal, Quebec--(Newsfile Corp. - February 5, 2026) - Quebec Innovative Materials Corp. (CSE: QIMC) (OTCQB: QIMCF) (FSE: 7FJ) ("QIMC" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has received today a Notice of Approval from the Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources and Renewables for its Phase 1 drilling notification at the Bennett Hill Project, located in the East Advocate area of Nova Scotia. This approval represents the second drilling authorization granted to QIMC within the broader Advocate area, following the Company's previously announced receipt of regulatory approval for its Eatonville Project in West Advocate. Together, these approvals mark a significant execution milestone as QIMC advances back-to-back Phase 1 drilling programs within a single, highly prospective hydrogen district. "Receiving a second drilling approval in the Advocate area confirms that QIMC is executing at the district level," said John Karagiannidis, President and Chief Executive Officer of QIMC. "By advancing multiple projects through permitting and into drilling within the Advocate area, we are demonstrating a level of execution and scalability that we believe differentiates QIMC in the emerging natural hydrogen space. Once again, we acknowledge the Province of Nova Scotia for its professional and efficient administration of the regulatory review process." Advocate Area: From Permitting to Drilling Execution The Eatonville and Bennett Hill projects are both situated along Nova Scotia's Cobequid Fault system. Receipt of two separate drilling approvals within the same district enables QIMC to maintain operational continuity, optimize contractor utilization, and accelerate subsurface data acquisition. QIMC intends to sequence the programs in a disciplined manner, transitioning from Eatonville directly into Bennett Hill upon completion of initial drilling activities. Each Phase 1 program is designed as an initial three-hole drill campaign targeting priority geological zones identified through hydrogen soil-gas sampling, radon-thoron measurements, and integrated geological interpretation. As part of this repeatable and scalable development strategy, QIMC also confirms that it is advancing permitting and technical review work in the Little Forks area of Nova Scotia, which the Company is evaluating as the next priority area for future Phase 1 drilling approvals following Eatonville and Bennett Hill. About Quebec Innovative Materials Corp. (QIMC) Quebec Innovative Materials Corp. (CSE: QIMC) (OTCQB: QIMCF) (FSE: 7FJ) is a mining exploration and development company dedicated to unlocking the potential of North America's abundant natural resources. With properties in Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, and Minnesota (USA), QIMC specializes in the exploration of white (natural) hydrogen and high-grade silica deposits. QIMC is committed to sustainable development, environmental stewardship, and innovation, with the objective of supporting clean energy solutions for the AI-driven and carbon-neutral economy. Regulatory Disclaimer Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release and has neither approved nor disapproved its contents. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains "forward-looking statements" and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. These statements are based on expectations, estimates, and projections as of the date of this press release and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results, performance, or achievements of the Company to differ materially from those expressed or implied. Forward-looking statements are generally identified by words such as "expects," "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "estimates," "projects," "potential," and similar expressions, or by statements that events or conditions "will," "may," "could," or "should" occur. Although the Company believes that the forward-looking information contained herein is reasonable as of the date of this press release, such information is subject to change and no assurance can be given that future results will be achieved. 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/282808 Source: Quebec Innovative Materials Corp. Strategic staking has taken place by the Company to secure key ground adjacent to modeled mineralization and Company prepares expanded ANT survey and step-out drilling program VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA / ACCESS Newswire / February 5, 2026 / ESGold Corp. (CSE:ESAU)(OTCQB:ESAUF)(FSE:Z7D) ("ESGold" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has staked an additional 144 mining claims totaling approximately 7,668 hectares in and around its Montauban project, significantly increasing the size of its Montauban land position in Quebec. With these newly staked claims, ESGold now controls 417 mining claims covering approximately 20,618 hectares or 206 square kilometres around its Montauban project, representing the largest contiguous mineral tenure held by a single company in the Montauban region. Most of the newly acquired claims are open ground and are strategically located adjacent to the Company's core Montauban property. Figure 1: Map showing ESGold's expanded Montauban land position, highlighting both newly staked regional claim blocks and newly staked claims adjacent to the Company's core Montauban property. The decision to continuing staking and expand the land position follows the completion of ESGold's recently announced ambient noise tomography (ANT) based 3D geological model(the "Model") (see the Company's press release dated February 3, 2026 here), which identified a deep, laterally extensive anomaly that suggests the potential for a mineralized corridor extending to approximately 900 metres depth and over two kilometres of strike, remaining open beyond the limits of the existing survey area at the Company's Montauban property. The Model has materially expanded the interpreted footprint of the mineral system and has highlighted areas that had not been evaluated by historical operators at Montauban. Figure 2: ANT-based 3D geological model showing mineralized corridors extending beyond the available area prior to land expansion. Based on the interpretation of this new geological understanding from the Model, ESGold was able to quickly secure additional ground along the interpreted structural and lithological trends to ensure control over potential extensions of the system. Management Commentary Gordon Robb, Chief Executive Officer of ESGold, commented: "The recently completed 3D geological model fundamentally changed our understanding of Montauban and underscored the importance of securing control over the broader geological system. While we remain hyper focused on advancing Montauban toward near-term production of our tailings project, we are moving exploration forward in tandem, recognizing the opportunity to create value on two tracks simultaneously. The addition of nearly 76 square kilometres of strategically positioned ground around Montauban is aimed at providing the scale necessary to properly evaluate the potential extent of the mineralized corridor identified by the model and to ensure we are not constrained by the historical boundaries as we systematically assess what Montauban may ultimately become." Strategic Rationale for Expanded Staking The expanded claim package positions ESGold to systematically evaluate the full extent of the Montauban mineral system as modern exploration advances beyond the historically mined footprint. Historical exploration in the region was largely confined to shallow depths and isolated zones, leaving much of the broader structural corridor untested. The newly staked claims may provide coverage over areas considered prospective for: along-strike extensions of modeled mineralization; parallel or stacked mineralized horizons; and structural corridors interpreted to control fluid flow and mineral deposition. To date, only a portion of ESGold's land package has been evaluated using modern deep-penetrating geophysics. Next Phase of Exploration Building on the results of the 3D geological model and expanded land position, ESGold is advancing the next phase of exploration, which will include: A significantly expanded ANT survey covering approximately 70 square kilometres , designed to assess the scale and continuity of the broader mineralized corridor: Integration of ANT results with existing geological, geochemical, and structural datasets; and Development of a targeted step-out diamond drilling program focused on testing high-priority targets identified by the model and expanded geophysics. These exploration activities are being planned in parallel with the continued advancement of Montauban near-term production, which is expected to begin in 2026. Montauban (Historical Context) Reported historical production from the Montauban property includes approximately 150,000 ounces of gold, 7 million ounces of silver, 109,000 tonnes of zinc, and 37,000 tonnes of lead (source: John Langton, P.Geo., NI 43-101 Technical Report, February 4, 2022). Despite this production history, the broader Montauban region has never been systematically explored at a regional scale using modern techniques. Why the 3D Model and New Staked Ground Matters to Investors This expanded land position reflects a critical inflection point for ESGold. As modern geophysics and 3D modeling indicate that mineralization at Montauban extends well beyond the historically mined footprint, control of a larger land position beyond the broader structural and geological setting becomes increasingly important. By consolidating this large, contiguous land package at this stage, ESGold is positioned to systematically evaluate the full potential of the emerging mineral system and not be constrained by its historical land base and boundaries. Limited opportunities allow for a company to redefine the scale of its historic mining camp while advancing towards production, and ESGold believes Montauban is now entering that phase. Qualified Person Statement The technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Andre Gauthier, P.Geo., a Director of ESGold and a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. Sampling described herein was conducted for due-diligence screening; independent verification, QA/QC, and systematic work remain outstanding. No mineral resources or reserves are declared. About ESGold Corp. ESGold Corp. (CSE: ESAU)(OTCQB:ESAUF)(FSE:Z7D) is a fully permitted, fully funded, pre-production mining company advancing a scalable clean mining model across North and South America. The Company's flagship Montauban Gold-Silver Project in Quebec is under construction with production anticipated in 2026. With a dual-track strategy of cash flow today and discovery tomorrow, ESGold is building a platform for clean, sustainable growth and long-term shareholder value. For more information, please contact ESGold Corp. at +1-888-370-1059 or visit esgold.com for additional resources, including a French version of this press release, past news releases, a 3D model of the Montauban processing plant, media interviews, and opinion-editorial pieces. Stay connected by following us on X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, and joining our Telegram channel. For further information please contact ir@esgold.com or 604-885-1348, or to connect directly, please reach out to Gordon Robb, CEO of ESGold Corp. at gordon@esgold.com or 250-217-2321. On behalf of the Board of Directors ESGold Corp. Gordon Robb Chief Executive Officer & Director info@esgold.com +1-888-370-1059 Forward Looking Statements This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws, including statements regarding metallurgical recoveries, project economics, construction timelines, and exploration potential. Forward-looking information is based on reasonable assumptions believed to be current but involves known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially. Historical data referenced herein is not current, has not been independently verified by ESGold, and should not be relied upon for investment decisions. ESGold disclaims any obligation to update or revise forward-looking information except as required by law. 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: the ANT-based 3D geological model, its results and interpretation of the same, the newly staked land of the Company and the possibility for mineralization therein, 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 continuous disclosure documents filed on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com. 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 Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. SOURCE: ESGold Corp View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/esgold-expands-montauban-land-position-following-3d-geological-model-identifying-1133710 Release Highlights: Discovery of three previously unrecognized skarn horizons in the first drill hole completed since acquisition, confirming a material depth expansion of the Cerro Grande copper-gold-silver system beyond the limits of historical drilling Five mineralized skarn horizons intersected in total, demonstrating a vertically stacked, multi-horizon skarn system rather than a shallow, single-level occurrence 41.59 metres of cumulative mineralized skarn intersected, including: 14.79 @ 1.4% CU, 0.5 g/t Au, 20 g/t Ag 9.55 m @ 1.4% Cu, 0.4 g/t Au, 41.8 g/t Ag 1.85 m @ 4.1% Cu, 11 g/t Au, 150 g/t Ag Multiple intrusive phases intersected with evidence of potassic and propylitic alteration, with molybdenum values up to 2,820 ppm, may be related to a porphyry source at depth Mineralization remains open, with exploration efforts focused on tracing laterally and at depth, to find where these horizons may coalesce Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 5, 2026) - Algo Grande Copper Corp. (TSXV: ALGR) (OTC Pink: KNDYF) (FSE: KM00) ("Algo Grande"), announces initial drill results from its inaugural drill program at the Adelita Project in Sonora, Mexico. Drill hole AG_GC_002 intersected a total of 41.6 metres of cumulative skarn mineralization across five well-mineralized horizons, including three horizons not previously identified in historical drilling, confirming a material expansion of copper-gold-silver mineralization at depth at Cerro Grande. Enrico Gay, CEO of Algo Grande Copper Corp., commented: "The results reinforce our conviction in the Adelita Project and strongly support continued deep and step-out drilling. The identification of three new skarn horizons materially expands the scale potential of Cerro Grande and confirms that Adelita represents a larger, more robust mineralized system than previously recognized. This outcome validates our acquisition and technical approach and strengthens the investment case as we advance the project and work to build long-term shareholder value." Cerro Grande Skarn - Vertically Stacked Multi-Horizon System Confirmed Drill hole AG_GC_002 was designed to test the Cerro Grande skarn system at depth, below the limits of historical drilling. The hole intersected two previously identified shallow skarn horizons and identified three new, well-mineralized skarn horizons at depth, representing a total of 41.59 metres of skarn-hosted mineralization. These results materially expand the known vertical extent of the mineralized system and confirm the presence of a vertically stacked skarn architecture with significant depth potential. The intersected skarns host high-grade copper, gold, and silver mineralization and are accompanied by broad halos of copper mineralization within the surrounding wall rocks. When considering all mineralized lithologies, including skarn and adjacent mineralized wall rock, the drill hole intersected a broader mineralized envelope totaling 70.6 metres above 0.6% Cu. These broader intervals include internal dilution and are not presented as discrete skarn intercepts. The skarn intersections include: Table 1. AG_GC_002 - Skarn mineralization drilling Intersects. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11660/282823_2660c212f443c93a_001full.jpg Note: The drill intercepts reported in Table 1 are from drill hole AG-GC-002 to a depth of 450 metres. The hole was subsequently re-entered and extended to a final depth of 600 metres; assay results from the lower 150 metres are pending and will be reported once received, reviewed, and verified. Drill hole AG-GC-002 was collared at the Cerro Grande skarn zone within the Adelita Project. The hole is located at approximate coordinates 739,086E and 2,961,834N (WGS 84, Zone 12), at an elevation of 468 metres above sea level. AG-GC-002 was drilled at an azimuth of 250 and a dip of -50. Drilling commenced on November 23, 2025 and was completed on January 20, 2026. Drilling was completed using diamond core drilling techniques. Core recovery for AG-GC-002 averaged greater than 95% and is not believed to have materially affected the accuracy or reliability of the assay results. Core was logged, photographed, and sampled using standard industry practices. Samples were prepared and analyzed at a certified analytical laboratory using industry-standard methods. Quality assurance and quality control procedures included the insertion of blanks, standards, and duplicates at regular intervals. Figure 1. Plain view map of Cerro Grande target, with indication of cross-section (A-A') of figure 2, historical drilling intersects, pending drill holes, drill hole AG_GC_002 and interpreted skarn corridor. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11660/282823_2660c212f443c93a_002full.jpg Figure 2. Cross-section A-A', highlighting drill hole AG_GC_002, and the new interpreted mineralization extent. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11660/282823_2660c212f443c93a_003full.jpg Drilling at Cerro Grande is ongoing, with analytical results currently available only for drill hole AG_GC_002. Preliminary geological observations from core logging on the remaining drill holes provide additional context on the broader mineralized system. Drill hole AG_GC_001 did not intersect skarn horizons comparable to those encountered in AG_GC_002, however visual logging identified traces of copper mineralization hosted within granodiorite. Drill hole AG_GC_003 experienced significant deviation from the planned drill orientation, which limited effectiveness in testing the targeted skarn corridor. Despite the deviation, the hole intersected skarn mineralization at depth, confirming the model. Drill hole AG_GC_004 is currently in progress and has successfully intersected skarn mineralization based on geological logging. Drilling and logging are ongoing, and the extent, continuity, and grade of this mineralization will be evaluated once drilling is completed and assays results are received. Evidence for a Porphyry System at Depth Drill hole AG_GC_002 also intersected multiple andesitic porphyry dikes, and evidence of propylitic and potassic alteration. A package of intrusive rocks between 328.57 and 339.10 metres, show enrichment in molybdenum with values up to 2820 ppm. This evidence is consistent with a porphyry-related system, supporting the interpretation that the Cerro Grande skarn mineralization may be genetically linked to a deeper intrusive source. Implications for System Scale and Exploration Upside The results from AG_GC_002, confirm that the Cerro Grande skarn is vertically extensive, multi-horizon skarn system rather than a shallow, single-level occurrence. The presence of multiple stacked skarn horizons, coupled with broad halos of copper mineralization in wall rocks, materially enhances the tonnage potential of the system. The identification of intrusive phases with copper mineralization and molybdenum values, coupled with potassic alteration at depth, supports the interpretation that the skarn mineralization can be genetically linked to a deeper porphyry-style intrusive source. This provides an additional exploration vector, both for further skarn development and for potential porphyry mineralization. Joao Rocha, Vice President of Exploration, commented: "These results provide a strong geological foundation to advance the next phase of work at Cerro Grande. Planned surface soil geochemistry, detailed magnetic surveying, and high-resolution LiDAR will be used to refine the skarn corridor, improve structural interpretation, and more precisely target follow-up drilling along strike and at depth." Geological Description of the Mineralized Skarn Horizons Upper Skarn - Horizon 1: The uppermost mineralized skarn (figure 3) was intersected between (227.26m - 242.05m), returning 14.79 m averaging 1.4% Cu, 0.5 g/t Au and 20 g/t Ag. This horizon is characterized by a magnetite-rich skarn with brown and green garnet assemblages, hosting disseminated and vein-controlled chalcopyrite, bornite and chalcocite. The thickness and grade of this section are consistent with the upper skarn zones encountered in historical drilling, confirming down-dip continuity. Figure 3. Skarn horizon 1 - Magnetite rich skarn, with chalcopyrite along veins, chalcocite disseminated. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11660/282823_fig3.jpg Intermediate Skarn Horizon - Horizon 2: A second mineralized (figure 4) interval was intersected between (323.00m-328.57m), grading 5.57m @ 0.4 % Cu, 0.2 g/t Au, 4.5 g/t Ag. This horizon occurs proximal to intrusive contacts and displays skarn and skarnoid textures, with disseminated copper sulfides, and chrysocolla along fractures, the skarn presents fine grain green garnets and insignificant magnetite. Figure 4. Skarn horizon 2 - Fine grain green garnet skarn, with copper sulfides and oxides along fractures. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11660/282823_fig4.jpg Newly Discovered Lower Skarn Horizon (3 to 5): Three previously unknown mineralized skarn horizons were intersected below 339 metres, representing a significant exploration breakthrough. The first new horizon (339.10m - 348.65m), returned 9.55m @ 1.4% Cu, 0.4 g/t Au, 41.8 g/t Ag (figure 5). This interval is characterized by fine grained green garnet skarn, with abundant magnetite and strong copper sulfide development, including chalcocite and chalcopyrite, locally accompanied by silver-rich sulfides. Figure 5. Skarn horizon 3 - Fine grain green-garnet and magnetite skarn with copper sulfides, chalcopyrite and chalcocite. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11660/282823_fig5.jpg A second newly identified horizon (367.00 and 370.85m), returning 3.85m @ 1.1 % Cu, 0.5 g/t Au, 50.3 g/t Ag. This interval comprises (figure 6) coarse grained garnet skarn with elevated silver values with copper sulfides and oxides disseminated and along fractures, suggesting an enhanced fluid flux or metal zonation at this structural level, with silver introduced or remobilized during a later fluid pulse rather than during peak skarn formation. Figure 6. Skarn horizon 4 - Green-garnet skarn with copper and silver sulfides (note the skarn front in the axis of the core sample). To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11660/282823_fig6.jpg The deepest mineralized skarn horizon (figure 7) (393.17m-401m) returned, 7.83m @ 1.3% Cu, 0.4 g/t Au, 48.6 g/t Ag, including a high-grade intervale of 1.85 m @ 4.1 % Cu, 11 g/t Au and 150 g/t Ag. This horizon exhibits strong copper-gold-silver enrichment associated with well-developed garnet skarn and sulfide assemblages, indicating a robust mineralizing system at depth. Figure 7. Skarn horizon 5 - Green-garnet skarn with copper sulfides, disseminated and along fractures. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11660/282823_fig7.jpg Collectively, these deeper skarn horizons significantly increase the vertical extent of the Cerro Grande mineralized system and demonstrate that high-grade skarn mineralization persists well below previously tested levels. Exploration efforts are now in place to target these new horizons, both along strike and in depth. The identification of magnetite rich mineralized skarn and disseminated sulfide skarn, horizons at depth, greatly help the exploration teams with choosing the right geophysical methods to apply in the future, to target the mineralized horizons at depth and identify areas where they may coalesce. QUALITY ASSURANCE / QUALITY CONTROL All drill core samples were prepared and analyzed at ALS Laboratories, an independent, internationally accredited laboratory. Sample preparation was completed using ALS preparation methods CRU-31 (crushing), SPL-31 (splitting), and PUL-31 (pulverizing), resulting in a nominal pulp with at least 85% passing a 75 micron sieve. Multi-element analyses were completed using the ME-MS61L method, which involves a four-acid digestion (hydrochloric, nitric, perchloric, and hydrofluoric acids) followed by analysis using ICP-MS and ICP-AES techniques. The four-acid digestion is considered a near-total digest for most base metal sulfides and associated gangue minerals. Gold was analyzed using the AU-AA24 method, consisting of a 30-gram fire assay fusion with an atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) finish. Samples returning results above the upper detection limits of the ME-MS61L method were re-assayed using appropriate over-limit procedures, including AG-OG62 for silver and ME-OG62, Cu-OG62, Pb-OG62, and Zn-OG62 for base metals, as applicable. ALS Laboratories employ internal quality control procedures including the routine insertion of certified reference materials, blanks, and duplicates at regular intervals. Additionally, the Company implemented an independent quality assurance and quality control program through the systematic insertion of blind certified reference materials and blank samples into the sample stream. Results from QA/QC samples were reviewed on receipt and found to be within acceptable limits. Qualified Person The technical information disclosed in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Joao Rocha, EurGeol, Vice President of Exploration of Algo Grande Copper Corp., a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. The Qualified Person has verified the data disclosed herein, including drilling, sampling, analytical, and test data, through review of original assay certificates, drill logs, and quality assurance and quality control data. About Algo Grande Copper Corp. Algo Grande Copper Corp. is a growth-focused mineral exploration company advancing the Adelita Project, a district-scale, multi-system copper-gold-silver opportunity positioned in the prolific Arizona-Sonora copper belt. The company is dedicated to unlocking the full mineral potential of this under-explored corridor through disciplined data-driven exploration, technical excellence, and a firm commitment to value creation for shareholders. The 5,895-hectare Adelita Project is anchored by the high-grade Cerro Grande Cu-Au-Ag skarn discovery, which exhibits strong continuity along a defined corridor extending over 6 kilometers. Reprocessing of legacy geophysical data and field mapping indicate the presence of a potential porphyry system at depth, suggesting a classic skarn-porphyry mineralization model similar to major deposits found throughout northwestern Mexico. ON BEHALF OF ALGO GRANDE COPPER CORP. Enrico Gay Chief Executive Officer Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Information 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. This news release contains statements and information that, to the extent that they are not historical fact, constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking information is based on the reasonable assumptions, estimates, analysis and opinions of management made in light of its experience and its perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, as well as other factors that management believes to be relevant and reasonable in the circumstances at the date that such statements are made, but which may prove to be incorrect. Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Algo Grande to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information, including, but not limited to, statements relating to the composition of the Board following the Meeting, and those listed in filings made by Algo Grande with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities (which may be viewed at www.sedarplus.ca). Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on any such forward-looking information. Further, any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which such statement is made. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for Algo Grande's management to predict all of such factors and to assess in advance the impact of each such factor on Algo Grande's business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. Algo Grande does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking information to reflect information, events, results, circumstances or otherwise after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by law including securities laws. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/282823 Source: Algo Grande Copper Corp. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 5, 2026) - Japan Gold Corp. (TSXV: JG) (OTCQB: JGLDF) ("Japan Gold" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has granted a 9 month extension to OR Royalties Inc., ("OR Royalties") giving it the right to acquire an additional 0.5% royalty in certain properties in consideration for US$3 million. The agreement (the "Amending Agreement") gives OR Royalties until November 4, 2026, to exercise the right to increase their existing royalty interest from 1.5% to 2% by paying US $3 million to the Company. After May 5, 2026, Japan Gold can accelerate the November 4, 2026 date by giving OR Royalties 30 days' notice, if the Company announces that it has entered into a joint venture or similar agreement with a mid-tier or major mining company, and that agreement requires the partner to invest a minimum of C$5.0 million in cash proceeds into Japan Gold or the properties covered by the royalty in favour of OR Royalties, within six (6) months of the date on which the joint venture agreement is executed. Pursuant to the original agreement (see news release dated February 4, 2025), OR Royalties acquired an initial 1.5% net smelter return royalty on certain properties and assets in Japan for cash consideration of US$5,000,000. The Amending Agreement is subject to the regulatory approval from the TSX Venture Exchange. About Japan Gold Corp. Japan Gold Corp. is a Canadian mineral company focused on the exploration and discovery of high-grade epithermal gold deposits across the main islands of Japan. The Company holds a significant portfolio of tenements covering areas with known gold occurrences, history of mining and prospective for high-grade epithermal gold mineralization in one of the most stable and under explored countries in the world. The Japan Gold leadership and operational team of geologists, drillers and technical advisors have extensive experience exploring and operating in Japan and have a track record of discoveries world-wide. Significant shareholders include Equinox Partners Investment Management LLC and Newmont Corporation. On behalf of the Board of Japan Gold Corp. John Proust Chairman & CEO Cautionary Note Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as such term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release contains forward-looking statements relating to expected or anticipated future events and anticipated results related to the Amending Agreement, the further investment of US$3 million in consideration for an additional royalty interest and joint ventures by the Company with third parties. These statements are forward-looking in nature and, as a result, are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that include, but are not limited to, the decision by OR Royalties to exercise its option to increase its royalty, the Company's ability to execute and implement future plans, arrange or conclude a joint venture or partnership; and the occurrence of unexpected events. Actual results achieved may differ from the information provided herein and, consequently, readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The forward-looking information contained herein speaks only as of the date of this News Release. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise forward-looking information or to explain any material difference between such and subsequent actual events, except as required by applicable laws. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/282820 Source: Japan Gold Corp. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 5, 2026) - Naughty Ventures Corp. (CSE: BAD) (FSE: 5DE0) (OTC Pink: BADVF) ("Naughty Ventures" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the staking of the Little Gull H2 Project, a significant land position targeting natural hydrogen and helium potential in and around the highly prospective Seagull Complex. The project encompasses 286 mining cells totaling 4,576 hectares, located approximately 100 km east-northeast of Thunder Bay, Ontario. The acquisition positions Naughty Ventures at the forefront of an emerging energy frontier in the Mid-Continent Rift. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/3326/282786_6529c8f644429a00_002full.jpg Strategic Geological Positioning The Little Gull H2 Project was specifically staked to cover the ultramafic rocks of the Seagull Pluton, including critical fault and fracture zones that interact with the regional plutonic architecture. Leveraging advanced geophysical data, the Company has also targeted magnetic features that suggest the presence of "blind" ultramafic rocks beneath the surface cover. The geological setting is ideal for the generation and entrapment of high-value gases: Natural Hydrogen (H2): Formed through the serpentinization (chemical alteration) of ultramafic rocks. Helium (He): Produced as a byproduct of the radioactive decay of uranium, which is ubiquitous within the underlying Archean Quetico sub province. Emerging District Activity and Historic Precedent The Little Gull project area is gaining significant industry attention following recent operational milestones in the immediate vicinity: Recent Gas Encounter: On January 27, 2026, Anteros Metals Corp. reported an intersection of gas at a depth of 877 metres during drilling operations. Specialized sampling is currently underway to determine the composition and volume of the discovery. On January 27, 2026, Anteros Metals Corp. reported an intersection of gas at a depth of 877 metres during drilling operations. Specialized sampling is currently underway to determine the composition and volume of the discovery. Historic Confirmation: In 2001, historic drill hole WM01-08-located within the Seagull Complex near the current Anteros site-intersected an unidentified high-pressure, flammable gas in a fracture zone at 850 metres. In 2001, historic drill hole WM01-08-located within the Seagull Complex near the current Anteros site-intersected an unidentified high-pressure, flammable gas in a fracture zone at 850 metres. Spectral Evidence: Satellite spectral imagery conducted in October 2024 identified prospective signatures for both Hydrogen and Helium across the 64 sq km Seagull Pluton, suggesting active gas seepage and a robust "gas trap" environment. Results obtained from separate properties are not necessarily indicative of results on adjacent or nearby properties. The Science of Natural Hydrogen: The Serpentinization Process The primary target at the Little Gull H2 Project is natural hydrogen generated through serpentinization. This geological process occurs when water reacts with magnesium- and iron-rich ultramafic rocks, such as those found in the Seagull Pluton. During this reaction: Hydration: Ground water infiltrates the ultramafic rock through faults and fracture zones. Oxidation: The iron in the minerals (primarily olivine and pyroxene) is oxidized, transforming the rock into serpentine and magnetite. H2 Release: This chemical reaction releases hydrogen gas as a byproduct. Qualified Person The technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Alex Bugden, P.Geo., a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101. He is an independent consulting geologist for Naughty Ventures Corp. Blair Naughty, CEO of Naughty Ventures, commented: "We are pleased to acquire this new Natural Hydrogen exploration property through low-cost staking. We believe this will be an exciting new addition to our existing natural hydrogen portfolio of investments. This acquisition increases Naughty Ventures exposure to the Natural hydrogen space while we continue to focus on advancing our other projects and pursuing additional strategic transactions. "The convergence of historic flammable gas hits, recent drilling success by our neighbors, and the historical spectral analysis makes the Little Gull H2 Project a high conviction play. As the world looks toward decarbonization, finding primary sources of natural hydrogen and helium is more critical than ever." About Naughty Ventures Naughty Ventures Corp. is a Canadian venture investment and mineral exploration company focused on early-stage mineral projects with significant discovery potential. Naughty Ventures is focused on acquiring, developing and strategically positioning mineral assets with strong value potential as well as investing in private and public companies with significant potential, exceptional management and/or high growth potential that may be strategically positioned in the global market. The Company is committed to identifying and advancing the world's next great mineral assets. Naughty Ventures Corp. - BAD Come to Find the World's Next Mine. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Statements 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. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/282786 Source: Naughty Ventures Corp. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 5, 2026) - Standard Uranium Ltd. (TSXV: STND) (OTCQB: STTDF) (FSE: 9SU0) ("Standard Uranium" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that mobilization is underway for the maiden diamond drilling campaign at its Corvo Uranium Project ("Corvo" or the "Project"), located in the eastern Athabasca Basin region. The winter 2026 program will focus on the Manhattan Showing, an area characterized by significant surface mineralization with outcrop grab samples returning up to 8.10% U3O8 along a NE-SW trending electromagnetic ("EM") corridor coincident with low-density anomalies. The Project is currently under a three-year earn-in option agreement (the "Option Agreement") with Aventis Energy Inc. ("Aventis") (CSE: AVE). Pursuant to the Option Agreement, Aventis has been granted an option (the "Option") to earn a 75% interest in the Project by funding CAD$6M in exploration expenditures over three years, with the inaugural drill program beginning next week. 2026 Corvo Drill Program Highlights Mobilization & Site Access Initiated: Base Diamond Drilling personnel have commenced road construction to establish property access. The drilling crew is currently finalizing preparations and is scheduled to be enroute to the site by the end of this week. High-Priority Shallow Drill Targets Identified: The drill program will comprise approximately 3,000 metres of skid-supported diamond drilling, partitioned across eight (8) to ten (10) drill holes. Operations will focus on high-priority uranium targets, which were rigorously refined through integration and interpretation of the Company's 2025 high-resolution geophysical surveys and historical data. Drilling to Test High-Grade Manhattan Showing: For the first time, the Company will drill test the Manhattan Showing, which returned a maximum surface sample grade of 8.10% U3O81. This priority target is characterized by a confluence of mineralization, EM conductors, and newly defined density anomalies - classic signatures of Athabasca-style uranium mineralization. Additionally, the upcoming program is designed to explore the untapped potential of the northwestern EM corridor, which extends along strike from the showing for several kilometres. "Getting the drills turning at Corvo is a major milestone for Standard and our partners at Aventis Energy, notably as we will test the high-grade Manhattan Showing at depth," said Sean Hillacre, President & VP Exploration. "By combining the surface mineralization of 8.10% with our newly defined gravity lows and EM conductors, we have clear, high-priority targets that fit the classic signature of unconformity-related uranium deposits. With the support of our partners at Aventis, our team is eager to see what this northwestern corridor holds as we apply a rigorous, discovery-focused approach to this inaugural program." Figure 1. Regional map of the Corvo Project. The Project is located 60 km due east of Cameco's McArthur River mine and 45 km northeast of Atha Energy's Gemini Mineralized Zone ("GMZ"). To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10633/282777_9b4d1b02a463cbc6_001full.jpg Figure 2. Summary map showing EM conductor trends on the Corvo project and highlighting the Manhattan Showing, with Reduced-To-Pole Total Magnetic Intensity in the background. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10633/282777_9b4d1b02a463cbc6_002full.jpg Qualified Person Statement The scientific and technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed, verified, and approved by Sean Hillacre, P.Geo., President and VP Exploration of the Company and a "qualified person" as defined in NI 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. Samples collected for analysis were sent to SRC Geoanalytical Laboratories in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan for preparation, processing, and ICP-MS or ICP-OES multi-element analysis using total and partial digestion and boron by fusion. Radioactive samples were tested using the ICP1 uranium multi-element exploration package plus boron. All samples marked as radioactive upon arrival to the lab were also analyzed using the U3O8 assay (reported in wt.%). SRC is an ISO/IEC 17025:2005 and Standards Council of Canada certified analytical laboratory. Blanks, standard reference materials, and repeats were inserted into the sample stream at regular intervals in accordance with Standard Uranium's quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) protocols. All samples passed internal QA/QC protocols and the results presented in this release are deemed complete, reliable, and repeatable. Historical data disclosed in this news release relating to sampling results from previous operators are historical in nature. Neither the Company nor a qualified person has yet verified this data and therefore investors should not place undue reliance on such data. The Company's future exploration work may include verification of the data. The Company considers historical results to be relevant as an exploration guide and to assess the mineralization as well as economic potential of exploration projects. Any historical grab samples disclosed are selected samples and may not represent true underlying mineralization. Natural gamma radiation from rocks reported in this news release was measured in counts per second ("cps") using a handheld RS-125 super-spectrometer and RS-120 super-scintillometer. Readers are cautioned that scintillometer readings are not uniformly or directly related to uranium grades of the rock sample measured and should be treated only as a preliminary indication of the presence of radioactive minerals. The RS-125 and RS-120 units supplied by Radiation Solutions Inc. ("RSI") have been calibrated on specially designed Test Pads by RSI. Standard Uranium maintains an internal QA/QC procedure for calibration and calculation of drift in radioactivity readings through three test pads containing known concentrations of radioactive minerals. Internal test pad radioactivity readings are known and regularly compared to readings measured by the handheld scintillometers for QA/QC purposes. References 1News Release: Standard Uranium Confirms High-Grade Uranium Mineralization up to 8.10% U3O8 at Surface on the Corvo Project, https://standarduranium.ca/news-releases/standard-uranium-confirms-high-grade-uranium-mineralization-at-surface-on-the-corvo-project/ *The Company considers uranium mineralization with concentrations greater than 1.0 wt% U3O8 to be "high-grade". **The Company considers radioactivity readings greater than 65,535 counts per second (cps) on a handheld RS-125 Super-Spectrometer to be "off-scale". ***The Company considers radioactivity readings greater than 300 counts per second (cps) on a handheld RS-125 Super-Spectrometer to be "anomalous". About Standard Uranium (TSXV: STND) We find the fuel to power a clean energy future Standard Uranium is a uranium exploration company and emerging project generator poised for discovery in one of the world's premier uranium districts. The Company holds interest in over 241,652 acres (97,793 hectares) in the Athabasca Basin in Saskatchewan, Canada. Since its establishment, Standard Uranium has focused on the identification, acquisition, and exploration of Athabasca-style uranium targets with a view to discovery and future development. Standard Uranium's Davidson River Project, in the southwest part of the Athabasca Basin, Saskatchewan, comprises ten mineral claims over 30,737 hectares. Davidson River is highly prospective for basement-hosted uranium deposits due to its location along trend from recent high-grade uranium discoveries. However, owing to the large project size with multiple targets, it remains broadly under-tested by drilling. Recent intersections of wide, structurally deformed and strongly altered shear zones provide significant confidence in the exploration model and future success is expected. Standard Uranium's eastern Athabasca projects comprise over 53,166 hectares of prospective land holdings. The eastern basin projects are highly prospective for unconformity related and/or basement hosted uranium deposits based on historical uranium occurrences, recently identified geophysical anomalies, and location along trend from several high-grade uranium discoveries. Standard Uranium's Sun Dog project, in the northwest part of the Athabasca Basin, Saskatchewan, is comprised of nine mineral claims over 19,603 hectares. The Sun Dog project is highly prospective for basement and unconformity hosted uranium deposits yet remains largely untested by sufficient drilling despite its location proximal to uranium discoveries in the area. For further information contact: Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains "forward-looking statements" or "forward-looking information" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as of the date of this news release. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding: the timing and content of upcoming work programs; geological interpretations; timing of the Company's exploration programs; and estimates of market conditions. Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements contained herein. 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. Certain important factors that could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements are highlighted in the "Risks and Uncertainties" in the Company's management discussion and analysis for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2025. Forward-looking statements are based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by the Company at this time, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies that may cause the Company's actual financial results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied herein. Some of the material factors or assumptions used to develop forward-looking statements include, without limitation: that the transaction with Aventis will proceed as planned; the future price of uranium; anticipated costs and the Company's ability to raise additional capital if and when necessary; volatility in the market price of the Company's securities; future sales of the Company's securities; the Company's ability to carry on exploration and development activities; the success of exploration, development and operations activities; the timing and results of drilling programs; the discovery of mineral resources on the Company's mineral properties; the costs of operating and exploration expenditures; 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 increasing 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); uncertainties related to title to mineral properties; assessments by taxation authorities; fluctuations in general macroeconomic conditions. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. Any forward-looking statements and the assumptions made with respect thereto are made as of the date of this news release and, accordingly, are subject to change after such date. The Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable securities laws. 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. 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. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/282777 Source: Standard Uranium Ltd. Multiverza.ai today announced the general availability of Multiverza Brains, a new enterprise AI product that enables organisations to ingest, govern, and query data with permissions enforced at the point of ingestion. The launch introduces a new enterprise AI standard: Permission-Based Retrieval Augmented Generation (PRAG) Multiverza Brains are designed to address one of the most significant barriers to enterprise AI adoption-internal data exposure. Traditional RAG systems often flatten organisational hierarchies, creating the risk that sensitive executive, legal, or policy data becomes accessible to unauthorised users. Multiverza Brains embed existing access controls directly into the AI reasoning layer, ensuring governance and compliance are preserved by design. "What we are announcing is a fundamental shift in how AI interacts with enterprise data," said Amit Jain, Global CEO Founder of Multiverza. "Multiverza Brains allow organisations to ingest data exactly as it exists today-permissions, hierarchies, and controls intact-so AI can operate across highly sensitive datasets without creating governance risk. This is a capability our consultancy partners and enterprise clients have been long seeking, and we are proud to now deliver it globally across the Americas, EMEA, the Middle East, and APAC through accredited partners." The platform is built on Multiverza's proprietary PRAG architecture, led by Arushi Jain, Director of Multiverza AI Labs. "At the core of Multiverza Brains is the principle that access control must be enforced before intelligence is applied," said Arushi Jain. "Permissions are mathematically embedded into the retrieval process itself. If a user cannot see a document, the model cannot retrieve it, reason over it, or infer from it. This creates multiple permission-aware cognitive realities within a single AI system." She added that Multiverza's internal Amoeba logic enables the same AI system to be queried simultaneously by users at different levels of seniority, while guaranteeing that each operates within a completely separate authorised data universe making the platform safe for governments, parliaments, and highly regulated enterprises. Megha Jain, CEO of Get Swarms Limited, Multiverza's UK country partner, highlighted live public-sector deployments: "We are implementing Multiverza Brains for an EU Programme body and for one of the UK parliaments, where teams need to search datasets dating back decades. Permission-aware AI transforms decades of locked-away information into a secure, searchable asset without compromising institutional confidentiality." Multiverza Brains are available immediately for global deployment, supported by strategic integration partners across government, finance, regulated industries, and large multinational enterprises. About Multiverza Multiverza pioneers secure Enterprise AI. Headquartered in London and New York, it solves critical data governance challenges using Permission-Based RAG (PRAG) The platform is owned by Gluons Pvt (Ireland) and delivered via exclusive independent partners operating across the USA, UK, Europe, UAE, and India Media Resources Meet Multiverza Brains: https://www.multiverza.ai/brains https://www.multiverza.ai/brains Multiverza Home: https://www.multiverza.ai/ https://www.multiverza.ai/ Press Kit Assets: https://www.multiverza.ai/press View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260205089377/en/ Contacts: Media Contact Ashwini Patil, Head of Global Communications press@multiverza.ai +353 (1)687 9901 Project establishes innovative test framework to help UK operators, providers and suppliers adopt best practice and benchmark success Spirent Communications, now part of Keysight Technologies, a leading provider of test and assurance solutions for next-generation devices and networks, today announced it has partnered with the European Space Agency (ESA) to lead an initiative aimed at increasing the resilience of Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT) systems used in Critical National Infrastructure (CNI). The initiative will see Spirent and partners deliver a comprehensive test framework designed to drive measurable resilience in PNT systems for users, operators and providers of CNI in the United Kingdom. The new initiative, supported by Element 2 of ESA's Navigation Innovation and Support Program (NAVISP), is designed to raise awareness and improve resilient PNT test and assessment by providing a pathway to assess, validate and rate PNT equipment and services used in critical national infrastructure. With the 2023 UK Government report The Economic Impact on the UK of a Disruption to GNSS* estimating a 7-day GNSS outage could cost the UK economy 7.6 billion, the importance of the new initiative is clear, with CNI heavily dependent on satellite-based PNT systems and data. "The increasing reliance on PNT underpins operations that people and businesses rely on every day," said Mark Holbrow, Vice President of Engineering and Product Development at Spirent Positioning. "But for years, organizations have been wrestling with a fundamental challenge: they know PNT resilience matters, but they do not have a clear way to measure it or benchmark their progress. This new initiative changes that by building the tools and frameworks that let critical national infrastructure operators quantify resilience, track it, and improve it over time, and we're proud that ESA has entrusted Spirent to lead this exciting three-year project." The new initiative will support the UK Government's Resilient PNT Strategy by enabling access to rigorous, quantitative test evidence and operational insights that help evaluate and validate PNT systems across essential sectors. It will comprise three core components: Spirent PNT Alliance bringing together companies, academic research partners, and PNT professional and government bodies to identify, develop and cater resilience services for CNI. PNT Shopfront showcasing solutions that aid the adoption of resilient PNT and help to assure regulatory compliance for critical PNT dependencies. PNT Resiliency Health Check to enable independent appraisal of GNSS equipment capability against general performance, resilience, and security criteria. The Spirent PNT Alliance will include the Royal Institute of Navigation (RIN) and other strategic partners to complement their activities and help build a resilient PNT ecosystem in the UK by commercializing best practices and connecting CNI operators with new technologies and test approaches. The annual PNT Health Check assessments will help organizations understand their dependencies, identify vulnerabilities, and track improvements over time, with a technical framework that scores resilience against standard benchmarks to create a pathway toward industry-wide test methodologies. "Intentional and malicious disruptions to GNSS are now a daily occurrence, and are pervasive in the aviation and maritime sector," said Director of the Royal Institute of Navigation, Dr. Ramsey Faragher. "The Royal Institute of Navigation is focused on raising awareness to these issues and in promoting the needs for improved resilience against such disruptions, especially within Critical National Infrastructure. Our Best Practice Guidelines emphasize the criticality of thorough testing in order to verify resilience and to help protect against both existing and future attack vectors. The UK is well placed to take a lead in this area, and well placed to inspire other nations to follow suit. We are really pleased to see initiatives like these from our corporate partners, and we look forward to supporting them." CNI operators in the UK finance, energy, and telecommunications sectors are increasingly recognizing vulnerability to GNSS jamming and spoofing, and will benefit from the development of the new framework, while the project also has strong export potential, positioning the UK as a leader in PNT resilience testing services. For more information about the Resiliency in Critical National Infrastructure initiative, visit: www.spirent.com/solutions/positioning-navigation-and-timing-pnt-resiliency-in-critical-national-infrastructure-cni. *Source: The Economic Impact on the UK of a Disruption to GNSS UK Space Agency Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, 18 October 2023. About Spirent Spirent Communications, now part of Keysight (NYSE: KEYS), is a leading global provider of automated test and assurance solutions for networks and positioning. The company provides innovative products, services and managed solutions that address the test, assurance and automation challenges of a new generation of technologies, including 5G, AI, cloud, autonomous vehicles and beyond. From the lab to the real world, Spirent helps companies deliver on their promise to their customers of a new generation of connected devices and technologies. For more information, please visit www.spirent.com and follow us on LinkedIn, X, and Facebook. About NAVISP NAVISP is the European Space Agency's programme focusing on strengthening Europe's capabilities in Positioning, Navigation and Timing. Element 2 supports industry-driven innovation, accelerating commercially focused PNT solutions and enhancing Europe's competitiveness in a rapidly evolving global market. For more information, please visit: https://navisp.esa.int. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260205682924/en/ Contacts: MEDIA CONTACTS: Americas: Sherri Walkenhorst Connect Marketing T: +1-801-373-7888 sherriw@connectmarketing.com Asia Pacific: Estee Liu Spirent Communications T: +86 (10) 823 30055 (x165) qianqian.liu@spirent.com EMEA: Anne Harding The Message Machine T: +44-7887-682943 anne@themessagemachine.com -- Chiesi's abstract presentations will focus on clinical insights and patient-reported outcomes inFabry disease and alpha-mannosidosis -- -- These scientific contributions in lysosomal storage disorders (LSDs) underscore a sustained investment in data generation, patient-centered research, and authentic rare disease representation -- BOSTON, Feb. 05, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Chiesi Global Rare Diseases, a business unit of the Chiesi Group established to deliver innovative therapies and solutions for people living with rare diseases, today announced presentations at the 22nd Annual WORLDSymposium, held February 2-6, 2026, in San Diego, California. The company is proud to support 16 scientific abstracts across Fabry disease and alpha-mannosidosis, including 11 Chiesi-led presentations and 5 Chiesi-supported independent studies. These abstracts reinforce the Company's long-term commitment to people with lysosomal storage disorders (LSDs) and the rare disease community. The presentations detail clinical insights, including long-term data up to 10 years from the Phase 3 extension study (BRILLIANCE) for Fabry disease,1 and patient and caregiver-reported outcomes, reflecting Chiesi's belief that meaningful progress in rare diseases must integrate robust data with the lived experiences of patients and caregivers. "Innovation requires sustained scientific rigor, responsible research and development, and continuity of commitment. That is why we are incredibly proud to participate in, and share our findings at, the annual WORLDSymposium, a meeting with global collaboration dedicated to meaningful advancements for the LSD community," said Rachele Berria, MD, PhD, Senior Vice President, Head of Global Medical Affairs. "Our programs, partnerships, products, and pipeline represent comprehensive care that spans the entire patient journey. From advanced diagnosis all the way through to long-term quality-of-life outcomes, we believe patient perspectives should actively guide every step of the development process. By deeply integrating robust clinical insights with the vital voices of patients and caregivers, we aim to advance truly transformative solutions and models of care that aim to significantly improve the lives of those with rare diseases and their families." These 16 abstracts, including one late-breaker and two platform presentations, span a broad range of topics and reflect the depth of Chiesi's research and engagement. Presentations include new clinical and real-world data on Fabry disease, as well as an expanded understanding of alpha-mannosidosis, including insights into diagnosis and caregiver impact and quality-of-life outcomes across the patient journey. Together, these presentations reinforce Chiesi's long-standing commitment to people living with rare diseases, supported by a patient-focused communications approach used across Chiesi Global Rare Diseases' work. This approach will also be reflected in Chiesi's presence at the WORLDSymposium, including in the presentation "True Faces of Rare: Authenticity Over Aesthetics - Shaping a New Visual Language for Fabry and Other Rare Disease Communications," which formalizes the Company's use of real patient imagery and lived experience in rare disease communications. "In rare conditions, accuracy matters not only in science, but in how these diseases are visually represented," said Stuart Siedman, Vice President, Patient Advocacy, Chiesi Global Rare Diseases. "With True Faces of Rare, we are affirming a simple but powerful principle: patients deserve to be seen as they truly are. Authenticity is not an aesthetic choice; it is a reflection of respect, trust, and responsibility toward the communities we serve." The WORLDSymposium represents an important moment of scientific exchange for the LSD community, and a checkpoint in Chiesi's long-term journey across LSDs, with continued investment in data, collaboration, and patient-centered progress ahead. About Fabry Disease Fabry disease is a rare, inherited lysosomal storage disorder caused by mutations in the GLA gene, which leads to a deficiency of the enzyme alpha-galactosidase A. This deficiency results in an accumulation of a fatty substance called globotriaosylceramide (GL-3) in the body's cells, affecting the heart, kidneys, skin, nervous system, and other organs.2 Fabry disease can cause a range of serious signs and symptoms, including fatigue, chronic pain, gastrointestinal issues, decreased ability to sweat, progressive kidney failure, heart complications, and increased risk of stroke.3 The condition affects both males and females and can present from childhood through adulthood, often with delayed diagnosis or misdiagnosis. While Fabry disease is rare, early detection and access to appropriate treatment - such as enzyme replacement therapy or pharmacological chaperone therapy - are critical in managing symptoms and slowing disease progression.2 About Alpha-mannosidosis Alpha-mannosidosis is an ultra-rare, inherited lysosomal storage disorder caused by mutations in the MAN2B1 gene, which results in a deficiency of the enzyme alpha-mannosidase.4 This deficiency leads to the accumulation of oligosaccharides, within the body's cells, causing progressive damage to multiple organs and tissues.5 Alpha-mannosidosis can affect the musculo-skeletal system, hearing, immune system, nervous system, and other organs, and is associated with a wide range of signs and symptoms, including skeletal abnormalities, impaired mobility, hearing loss, cognitive impairment, immune dysfunction, and behavioral or mental health challenges.4 The condition affects both children and adults and may present with few or mild symptoms early in life, progressing over time as oligosaccharides accumulate.4,5 While alpha-mannosidosis is rare, timely diagnosis and appropriate disease management are important to help address symptoms and support long-term outcomes for affected individuals.4 About Chiesi Group Chiesi is a research-oriented international biopharmaceutical group that develops and markets innovative therapeutic solutions in respiratory health, rare diseases, and specialty care. The Company's mission is to improve people's quality of life and act responsibly towards both the community and the environment. By changing its legal status to a Benefit Corporation in Italy, the US, France and Colombia, Chiesi's commitment to creating shared value for society as a whole is legally binding and central to company-wide decision-making. As a certified B Corp since 2019, Chiesi is part of a global community of businesses that meet high standards of social and environmental impact. The Company aims to reach Net-Zero greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions by 2035. With 90 years of experience, Chiesi is headquartered in Parma (Italy), with 31 affiliates worldwide, and counts more than 7,500 employees. The Group's research and development center in Parma works alongside 6 other important R&D hubs in France, the US, Canada, China, the UK, and Sweden. About Chiesi Global Rare Diseases Chiesi Global Rare Diseases is a business unit of the Chiesi Group established to deliver innovative therapies and solutions for people living with rare diseases. As a family business, Chiesi Group strives to create a world where it is common to have therapy for all diseases and acts as a force for good, for society and the planet. The goal of the Global Rare Diseases unit is to ensure equal access so as many people as possible can experience their most fulfilling life. The unit collaborates with the rare disease community around the globe to bring voice to underserved people in the health care system. Chiesi Global Rare Diseases Media Contact Sky Striar LifeSci Communications Email: sstriar@lifescicomms.com References 1) Germain, D. P., & Linhart, A. (2024). Pegunigalsidase alfa: a novel, pegylated recombinant alpha-galactosidase enzyme for the treatment of Fabry disease. Frontiers in genetics, 15, 1395287. 2) Mehta, A., & Hughes, D. A. (2024). Fabry disease. In M. P. Adam, S. Bick, G.M. Mirzaa, et al. (Eds.), GeneReviews. University of Washington, Seattle. 3) Cleveland Clinic. (2025, October 9). Fabry disease: Symptoms & causes. 4) Malm, D., & Nilssen, . (2008). Alpha-mannosidosis. Orphanet journal of rare diseases, 3, 21. 5) Borgwardt, L., Stensland, H. M., Olsen, K. J., Wibrand, F., Klenow, H. B., Beck, M., Amraoui, Y., Arash, L., Fogh, J., Nilssen, ., Dali, C. I., & Lund, A. M. (2015). Alpha-mannosidosis: correlation between phenotype, genotype and mutant MAN2B1 subcellular localisation. Orphanet journal of rare diseases, 10, 70. BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS / ACCESS Newswire / February 5, 2026 / Tiderock Companies, Inc. (OTCID:TDRK) today announced the appointment of Michael Beutler as Managing Director of Vivara Global and Chief Compliance Officer of Tiderock Companies, effective immediately. In this new role, Mr. Beutler will lead the global expansion and commercialization of Vivara Global while overseeing enterprise-wide compliance strategy across Tiderock Companies. His mandate includes building scalable compliance, sustainability, and advisory offerings to support international growth, regulated markets, and customer adoption of advanced and sustainable material solutions. "Vivara Global is a core growth platform for Tiderock," said William Waldrop, CEO of Tiderock Companies. "Michael's leadership allows us to professionalize and scale compliance and sustainability as a business - not just a requirement - while supporting our expansion into global markets and increasingly regulated industries." About Michael Beutler Michael Beutler is a senior sustainability and governance executive with experience leading global compliance initiatives, ESG strategy, and advisory programs across regulated and innovation-driven sectors. He is recognized for building practical, scalable frameworks that align regulatory requirements with commercial objectives, helping organizations grow responsibly while navigating complex international standards. Mr. Beutler previously served as Global Director of Sustainability at SAP, Sustainability Director at Kering, and held position of Chief Sustainability Officer at Moncler. As Managing Director of Vivara Global, Mr. Beutler will focus on expanding the division's consulting and compliance-led service offerings, strengthening global partnerships, and supporting customers across consumer packaged goods, food and beverage, healthcare, and other sustainability-driven markets. About Vivara Global Vivara Global is the sustainability and compliance-focused division of Tiderock Companies, dedicated to developing proprietary sustainable material formulations, intellectual property, and advisory services for global markets. Vivara Global supports customers navigating regulatory complexity while accelerating adoption of compliant, next-generation materials. More information is available at www.vivaraglobal.com. About Tiderock Companies, Inc. Tiderock Companies, Inc. (OTCID:TDRK) is a diversified holding company focused on advanced manufacturing, industrial composites, and sustainable materials. Through Tiderock Composites and Vivara Global, the Company serves industrial, consumer-facing, and regulated markets with a focus on disciplined execution, innovation, and long-term growth. Forward-Looking Statements This release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 27E of the Securities Act of 1934. Statements contained in this release that are not historical facts may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain. Actual performance and results may differ materially from that projected or suggested herein due to certain risks and uncertainties including, without limitation, ability to obtain financing and regulatory and shareholder approval for anticipated actions. Tiderock Companies disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Investor Relations Tiderock Companies, Inc. Email: investors@tiderockcompanies.com Website: www.tiderockcompanies.com SOURCE: Tiderock Companies, Inc. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/business-and-professional-services/tiderock-companies-inc.-appoints-michael-beutler-as-managing-dir-1133879 NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA / ACCESS Newswire / February 5, 2026 / ATHA Energy Corp. ("ATHA" or the "Company") (TSXV:SASK)(OTCQB:SASKF)(FRA:X5U) is pleased to announce that it has closed approximately C$63 million in new financing to advance exploration at scale and development of its Angilak Project, Nunavut: further to its press releases dated January 13 and January 22, 2026, the Company has closed its private placement of USD$25 million (approximately C$34,130,000 million 1 ) principal amount of unsecured convertible debentures (the " Debentures ") of the Company (the " QRC Investment ") with Queen's Road Capital Investment Ltd. (" QRC "); and further to its press release dated January 15, 2026, the Company has closed its best efforts brokered private placement of charity "flow-through" common shares of the Company ("FTShares", and the common shares of the Company, "Shares"), including a full exercise of the agent's option, with Canaccord Genuity Corp. and CIBC Capital Markets (together, the "Co-Lead Agents"), acting as co-lead agents and joint bookrunners, together with a syndicate of agents including Stifel Nicolaus Canada Inc., Haywood Securities Inc. and Paradigm Capital Inc. (together with the Co-Lead Agents, the "Agents") through the issuance of 28,186,500 FT Shares at a price per FT Share of C$1.02 for aggregate gross proceeds of C$28,750,230 (the "LIFE Offering"). QRC Investment Queen's Road Capital Investment Ltd. (TSX:QRC) is a dividend paying, leading financier to the global resource sector. QRC acquires and holds securities for long-term capital appreciation, with a focus on convertible debt securities and resource projects in advanced development or production located in safe jurisdictions. QRC was a critical supporter of NexGen Energy's development, investing USD$100 million between 2020 and 2023. The principal amount of the Debentures will be convertible, in whole or in part, at the option of the holder thereof, into Shares at a price per Share of C$0.85, based on the Bank of Canada daily exchange rate applicable at such time and subject to adjustment in certain events. The Debentures are issued pursuant to the terms of a debenture indenture dated February 5, 2026 between the Company and Odyssey Trust Company, as debenture trustee, and are unsecured obligations of the Company that mature February 5, 2031, and bear interest ("Interest") at a rate of 12% per annum, payable quarterly, over a five-year term. Two-thirds of the Interest (8% per annum) will be payable in cash and, subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV"), one-third of the Interest (4% per annum) will be payable at a price per Share equal to the greater of the volume-weighted average trading price of the Shares on the TSXV (or such other Canadian stock exchange on which the Shares may be listed from time to time) for the 20 trading days ending three trading days prior to the date on which such Interest is due, and the minimum price permitted by the policies of the TSXV. The principal amount of the Debentures will be convertible, in whole or in part, at the option of the holder thereof, into Shares at a price per Share of C$0.85, based on the Bank of Canada daily exchange rate applicable at such time and subject to adjustment in certain events. The net proceeds from the QRC Investment will be used to fund the exploration and development of the Company's Angilak Uranium Project located in Nunavut, Canada, and for general corporate purposes. In connection with the QRC Investment, the Company also paid to QRC an establishment fee of 3% of the principal amount of the Debentures by the issuance of 1,552,900 Shares. In accordance with the policies of the TSXV, the maximum number of Shares issuable pursuant to the conversion of the principal amount of the Debentures shall be 45,553,580. All securities issued in connection with the QRC Investment are subject to a statutory hold period expiring four months and one day following the date of issuance, in accordance with applicablef Canadian securities legislation. The Company also granted QRC the option, exercisable for a period of two years, to acquire an additional USD$25 million of debentures on substantially the same terms as the Debentures, including at a price per Share equal to 130% of the then market price, subject to the approval of the TSXV. In connection with the QRC Investment, the Company also paid a cash finder's fee of USD$625,000 to H&P Advisory Ltd. LIFE Offering The LIFE Offering was conducted pursuant to an agency agreement dated February 5, 2026 between the Company and the Agents. The Company will use an amount equal to the gross proceeds received by the Company from the sale of the FT Shares, pursuant to the Income Tax Act (Canada) (the "Tax Act"), to incur (or be deemed to incur) eligible "Canadian exploration expenses" that qualify as "flow-through critical mineral mining expenditures" (as both terms are defined in the Tax Act) (the "Qualifying Expenditures") related to the Company's projects in Canada as more fully described in the listed issuer financing exemption offering document of the Company dated January 15, 2026, a copy of which is available on its SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca, on or before December 31, 2027, and to renounce all the Qualifying Expenditures in favour of the subscribers of the FT Shares effective December 31, 2026. In the event the Company is unable to renounce Qualifying Expenditures effective on or prior to December 31, 2026 for each FT Share purchased in an aggregate amount not less than the gross proceeds raised from the issue of the FT Shares or the Qualifying Expenditures are otherwise reduced by the Canada Revenue Agency, the Company will indemnify each subscriber of the FT Shares for any additional taxes payable by such subscriber as a result of the Company's failure to renounce the Qualifying Expenditures or as a result of the reduction as agreed. The FT Shares may be sold to initial purchasers or agents acting on behalf of disclosed principals that intend to: (i) donate such FT Shares to registered charitable organizations, who may in turn choose to sell such FT Shares to purchasers arranged by the Agents; (ii) immediately sell the FT Shares subscribed for to purchasers arranged by the Agents (collectively, the "Secondary Shares"), or (iii) any combination of (i) and (ii), in each case, without further action or involvement by the Company. The Secondary Shares will not qualify as "flow-through shares" within the meaning of subsection 66(15) of the Tax Act for any subsequent purchaser and consequently the Company will only renounce Qualifying Expenditures to the initial purchasers of the FT Shares. In accordance with National Instrument 45-106 - Prospectus Exemptions ("NI 45-106"), the FT Shares were sold to purchasers resident in Canada and/or other qualifying jurisdictions pursuant to the listed issuer financing exemption under Part 5A of NI 45-106 as amended and supplemented by Coordinated Blanket Order 45-935 - Exemptions from Certain Conditions of the Listed Issuer Financing Exemption. The FT Shares issued to Canadian resident subscribers in the LIFE Offering are not subject to a hold period pursuant to applicable Canadian securities laws. In connection with the closing of the LIFE Offering and as consideration for the services rendered by the Agents under the LIFE Offering, the Agents received a cash fee representing 6.0% of the aggregate gross proceeds from sales of the FT Shares under the LIFE Offering. About ATHA Energy Corp. ATHA Energy is a uranium mineral exploration company with a strategically balanced portfolio including three 100%-owned post discovery uranium projects (the Angilak Uranium Project located in Nunavut, CMB Discoveries in Labrador, and the newly discovered basement hosted GMZ high-grade uranium discovery located in the Athabasca Basin) and the largest cumulative prospective exploration land package (>7 million acres) in two of the world's most prominent basins for uranium discoveries. ATHA Energy also holds a 10% carried interest in key Athabasca Basin exploration projects operated by NexGen Energy Ltd. (TSX:NXE) and IsoEnergy Ltd. (TSX:ISO). For more information, please contact: Troy Boisjoli Chief Executive Officer Email: info@athaenergy.com Website: www.athaenergy.com Phone: 1-(236)-521-0526 This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of any of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful, including any of the securities in the United States of America. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for account or benefit of, U.S. persons unless registered under the 1933 Act and applicable state securities laws, or an exemption from such registration requirements is available. "United States" and "U.S. person" have the meaning ascribed to them in Regulation S under the 1933 Act. 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. Notes 1 Converted to Canadian Dollar (CAD) based on February 3, 2026, conversion pricing. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements The information contained herein 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, without limitation, statements with respect to, QRC acquiring any additional debentures; the conversion of any Debentures including the issuance of any Shares in connection therewith; the payment of any Interest including the issuance of any Shares in connection therewith and the Company obtaining the requisite TSXV and other regulatory approvals in connection therewith; the number of Shares that may be issued upon the payment of any Interest or conversion of any Debentures; the receipt of the final approval of the TSXV in respect of the QRC Investment and the LIFE Offering; the use of proceeds from the QRC Investment and the LIFE Offering; the expected incurrence by the Company of eligible Canadian exploration expenses that will qualify as flow-through critical mining expenditures by no later than December 31, 2027; and the renunciation by the Company of the Canadian exploration expenses (on a pro rata basis) to each subscriber of FT Shares by no later than December 31, 2026. Generally, but not always, forward-looking information 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 connotation thereof. Such forward-looking information is based on numerous assumptions, including among others, that the results of planned exploration activities are as anticipated, the price of uranium and other commodities, the anticipated cost of planned exploration activities, that general business and economic conditions will not change in a material adverse manner, that financing will be available if and when needed and on reasonable terms, that third party contractors, equipment and supplies and governmental and other approvals required to conduct the Company's planned exploration activities will be available on reasonable terms and in a timely manner, and the other assumptions set out in the current annual information form of the Company, copies of which are available on its SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca. Although the assumptions made by the Company in providing forward-looking information are considered reasonable by management at the time, there can be no assurance that such assumptions will prove to be accurate. Forward-looking information and statements also involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and other factors, which may cause actual events or results in future periods to differ materially from any projections of future events or results expressed or implied by such forward-looking information or statements, including, among others: negative operating cash flow and dependence on third party financing; uncertainty of additional financing; no known current mineral resources or reserves; the limited operating history of the Company; aboriginal title and consultation issues; reliance on key management and other personnel; actual results of exploration activities being different than anticipated; changes in exploration programs based upon results; availability of third party contractors; availability of equipment and supplies; failure of equipment to operate as anticipated; accidents; effects of weather and other natural phenomena and other risks associated with the mineral exploration industry; environmental risks; changes in laws and regulations; community relations and delays in obtaining governmental or other approvals and the risk factors with respect to the Company set out in the Company's current annual information form and the Company's other filings with the Canadian securities regulators and available under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. 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 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 undertakes no obligation to update or reissue forward-looking information as a result of new information or events except as required by applicable securities laws. SOURCE: ATHA Energy Corp View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/atha-energy-closes-63-million-in-financings-from-queens-road-capital-investment-a-1133853 Halifax, Nova Scotia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 5, 2026) - Zephyr Minerals Ltd. (TSXV: ZFR) (OTC Pink: ZPHYF) ("Zephyr" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that, further to its news release dated January 27, 2026, the Company has closed a non-brokered private placement through the issuance of 5,200,000 units (each, a "Unit") for gross proceeds of $260,000 (the "Private Placement"). Each Unit consists of one common share (each, a "Share") and one common share purchase warrant (each, a "Warrant") of the Company. Each Warrant entitles the holder to acquire one additional Share at a price of $0.10 for a period of twenty-four months from the date of issuance. Proceeds received from the Private Placement will be used for placer gold investigations, environmental studies, and mine permitting activities pertaining to the Dawson Gold Project, as well as for general working capital. In connection with the Private Placement, Zephyr paid finders' fees of $9,450 in cash and issued 189,000 finders' warrants to arm's-length parties to the Company. Each finders' warrant entitles the holder to acquire one Share on the same terms as noted above. All securities issued in connection with the Private Placement are subject to a statutory hold period of four months and one day. The Private Placement remains subject to customary closing conditions, including approval from the TSX Venture Exchange. Insiders of the Company acquired an aggregate of 900,000 Units in the Private Placement for proceeds of $45,000. Participation by insiders in the Private Placement constitutes a "related party transaction" as defined under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The Company relied on the exemptions available under the instrument, and such participation was exempt from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 found in sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101 as the fair market value of insider subscriptions does not constitute more than 25% of the Company's market capitalization. The Company did not file a material change report more than 21 days before the expected closing date of the Private Placement as the details of the Private Placement and the participation therein by the insiders were not settled until shortly prior to the closing of the Private Placement, and the Company wished to close the Private Placement on an expedited basis for sound business reasons. About Dawson Gold Property The Dawson Gold Deposit hosts an Inferred Mineral Resource1 prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101") of 343,000 tonnes grading 12.11 g/t for 133,500 ounces of gold at a 5 g/t cut-off with no top cut, and 116,300 ounces of gold at 10.55 g/t with a 40 g/t top cut. The estimate has an effective date of July 19, 2013. No updates to the resource estimate have been made to incorporate the results from drilling programs completed between 2017 and 2020.The deposit is open at depth, with exploration potential to the east and west. A Preliminary Economic Assessment2 ("PEA") was prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 with an effective date of March 21, 2017. Utilizing a gold price of $1,250/oz, the PEA showed robust economics with an all-in sustaining cost ("AISC") per ounce of $692. Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Given the substantial increase in the gold price since 2017, the attractiveness of the Dawson project has been significantly enhanced. The potential to expand resources is excellent at depth on the Dawson Gold Deposit, along strike to the east in the 700-metre-long Sentinel zone, which has not been drill tested, and through follow-up drilling of promising targets in the Windy Gulch and Windy Point zones to the west. The Dawson project features key attributes, including a small footprint associated with the proposed underground mine, ownership or control of all necessary lands by Zephyr, a climate that supports year-round operations, and nearby infrastructure and industrial support. About Zephyr Minerals Ltd. Zephyr Minerals is mission focused on obtaining a mining permit for its 100% owned Dawson Gold property in Colorado. The Company continues to wait for the Zimbabwean Government to grant two Exclusive Prospecting Orders ("EPO"), covering 124,000 hectares applied for in 2021. The areas covered by the EPO applications are prospective for gold and lithium Notes 1 The Report is titled Resource Estimate Technical Report for the Dawson Property Fremont County, Colorado, USA, dated September 6, 2013, and was prepared for Zephyr by Andrew Hilchey, P.Geo., Mercator Geological Services Limited, Isobel Wolfson, M.Sc., P.Geo, and Mark Graves, P.Geo.. 2 The report is entitled "National Instrument 43-101 Technical Report for the Dawson Property, Colorado, USA", effective March 21, 2017 (the "Technical Report"). The Technical Report was prepared by independent engineering firm, Golder Associates Ltd., with input from a number of other specialized and experienced consulting firms, and is in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. This PEA is preliminary in nature and includes inferred mineral resources that are too speculative geologically to have economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorized as mineral reserves. There has been insufficient drilling to define the inferred resources as indicted or measured mineral resource; however, it is reasonable to expect that the inferred mineral resources could be upgraded to indicated and possibly measured resources with continued drilling. There is no guarantee that any part of the mineral resources discussed herein will be converted into a mineral reserve in the future. Qualified Person Brian Arkell, B.S. Geology and M.S. Economic Geology, SME (Registered Member), AusIMM (Fellow) and SEG (Fellow), a Director of the Company, and a Qualified Person as the term is defined under National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical disclosure contained in this press release. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. The forward-looking statements contained in this document are based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by the Company. The forward-looking statements contained in this document are made as of the date hereof and the Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required by applicable securities laws. Not for Distribution to U.S. 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/282833 Source: Zephyr Minerals Ltd. Detroit, Michigan--(Newsfile Corp. - February 5, 2026) - Artificial Intelligence Technology Solutions, Inc. (OTCID: AITX) (the "Company"), along with its wholly owned subsidiary, Robotic Assistance Devices, Inc. (RAD), today announced that its UK master distributor, Propertysec, has secured its first order following the distributor's appointment in October 2025. The initial sale includes a ROSA-P autonomous security device deployed with a SARA (Speaking Autonomous Responsive Agent) agentic AI platform license, reflecting a rapid sales cycle and early commercial execution in the United Kingdom market. Artist's depiction of a RAD ROSA-P autonomous security device deployed at a UK property site, reflecting Propertysec's initial customer order following its master distributor appointment. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5243/282740_aitx-rad-propertysec-rosa-p-uk-260205-1920x1080.jpg The initial order follows RAD's October 22, 2025 announcement naming Propertysec as its master distributor for the United Kingdom, a strategic move designed to accelerate international adoption through experienced, market-embedded partners. Momentum from the appointment was reinforced last month when Steve Reinharz, CEO/CTO and founder of AITX and RAD, personally met with the Propertysec team in the UK, underscoring senior leadership engagement and commitment to executing RAD's expansion strategy in the region. "We view this initial order as an early indicator of what is possible with Propertysec in the UK," said Troy McCanna, Chief Revenue Officer and Chief Security Officer of RAD and former FBI Special Agent. "They understand the operational and economic pressures facing property owners and security providers, and they have moved quickly to introduce ROSA-P and SARA where autonomous capability can deliver immediate value. This first deployment sets the foundation for what we believe will be a meaningful and expanding presence in the UK market." "We moved quickly because the opportunity was clear," said Justin Quigley, Director of Propertysec. "RAD's technology aligns well with the realities of the UK property protection market, and ROSA-P with SARA allows us to deliver an autonomous solution that customers immediately understand and value. Converting our distributor appointment into a live deployment so early reinforces our confidence in the partnership and the demand we are seeing from clients." The Company expects the United Kingdom to represent a meaningful growth opportunity as Propertysec continues to introduce RAD solutions across its customer base. With the first ROSA-P deployment now underway and SARA licensed from the outset, RAD believes this initial order establishes a foundation for additional deployments as autonomous security solutions gain traction among UK property owners seeking consistent performance and predictable operating economics. The initial deployment will utilize RAD's ROSA-P platform, a fully self-contained autonomous security solution designed for outdoor environments powered by existing light pole infrastructure. ROSA-P delivers continuous surveillance and intrusion detection, maintaining operation through integrated battery backup systems when external power is interrupted. Its rapid deployment profile and compatibility with common power configurations make it well suited for property protection use cases where immediate coverage and autonomous response are required. ROSA is a multiple award-winning, compact, self-contained, portable, security and communication solution that can be installed and activated in about 15 minutes. ROSA's AI-driven security analytics include human, firearm, vehicle detection, license plate recognition, responsive digital signage and audio messaging, and complete integration with RAD's software suite notification and autonomous response library. Two-way communication is optimized for cellular, including live video from ROSA's high-resolution, full-color, always-on cameras. RAD has published seven Case Studies detailing how ROSA has helped eliminate instances of theft, trespassing and loitering at construction sites, mobile home parks, retail centers, hospital campuses, multi-family communities across the country. About Artificial Intelligence Technology Solutions, Inc. (AITX) AITX, through its primary subsidiary, Robotic Assistance Devices, Inc. (RAD), is redefining the nearly $50 billion (US) security and guarding services industry1 through its broad lineup of innovative, AI-driven Solutions-as-a-Service business model. RAD solutions are specifically designed to provide cost savings to businesses of between 35%-80% when compared to the industry's existing and costly manned security guarding and monitoring model. RAD delivers these cost savings via a suite of stationary and mobile robotic solutions that complement, and at times, directly replace the need for human personnel in environments better suited for machines. All RAD technologies, AI-based analytics and software platforms are developed in-house. The Company's operations and internal controls have been validated through successful completion of its SOC 2 Type 2 audit, which is a formal, independent audit that evaluates a service organization's internal controls for handling customer data and determines if the controls are not only designed properly but also operating effectively to protect customer data. This audit reinforces the Company's credibility with enterprise and government clients who require strict data protection and security compliance. RAD is led by Steve Reinharz, CEO/CTO and founder of AITX and RAD, who brings decades of experience in the security services industry. Reinharz serves as chair of the Security Industry Association's (SIA) Autonomous Solutions Working Group and as a member of the SIA Board of Directors. The RAD team also draws on extensive expertise across the sector, including Mark Folmer, CPP, PSP, President of RAD and Chair of the ASIS International North American Regional Board of Directors, Troy McCanna, former FBI Special Agent and RAD's Chief Security Officer, and Stacy Stephens, co-founder of security robotics company Knightscope. Their combined backgrounds in security industry leadership, law enforcement, and robotics innovation reinforce RAD's ability to deliver proven, practical, and disruptive solutions to its clients. RAD has a prospective sales pipeline of over 35 Fortune 500 companies and numerous other client opportunities. RAD expects to continue to attract new business as it converts its existing sales opportunities into deployed clients generating a recurring revenue stream. Each Fortune 500 client has the potential of making numerous reorders over time. AITX is an innovator in the delivery of artificial intelligence-based solutions that empower organizations to gain new insight, solve complex challenges and fuel new business ideas. Through its next-generation robotic product offerings, AITX's RAD, RAD-R, RAD-M and RAD-G companies help organizations streamline operations, increase ROI, and strengthen business. AITX technology improves the simplicity and economics of patrolling and guard services and allows experienced personnel to focus on more strategic tasks. Customers augment the capabilities of existing staff and gain higher levels of situational awareness, all at drastically reduced cost. AITX solutions are well suited for use in multiple industries such as enterprises, government, transportation, critical infrastructure, education, and healthcare. To learn more, visit www.aitx.ai, www.radsecurity.com , www.stevereinharz.com, www.raddog.ai, www.radgroup.ai, www.saramonitoring.ai, and www.radlightmyway.com, or follow Steve Reinharz on X @SteveReinharz. CAUTIONARY DISCLOSURE ABOUT FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS The information contained in this publication does not constitute an offer to sell or solicit an offer to buy securities of Artificial Intelligence Technology Solutions, Inc. (the "Company"). The information provided herein is believed to be accurate and reliable, however the Company makes no representations or warranties, expressed or implied, as to its accuracy or completeness. The Company has no obligation to provide the recipient with additional updated information. No information in this publication should be interpreted as any indication whatsoever of the Company's future revenues, results of operations, or stock price. 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/282740 Source: Artificial Intelligence Technology Solutions, Inc. In the newly-released educational guide What Is Rape?, Sacred Connection covers essential topics around Rape plant medicine, including traditional usage, cultural history, and perceived benefits. CODY, WYOMING / ACCESS Newswire / February 5, 2026 / Sacred Connection, an ethical supplier of sacred Amazonian plant medicines, is proud to announce the launch of its new educational guide: What Is Rape? . Inspired by growing global curiosity around the spiritual and ancestral wellness practices of the Brazilian Amazon, the highly accessible guide covers such important topics as traditional rape usage, its origins, and its cultural significance, and is intended to help bridge the gap between modern and ancient rape wisdom. What Is Rape? Educational Guide: Key Details Readers interested in credible, well-researched information on rape usage, history, and benefits will find much to learn in What Is Rape?. With a focus on indigenous Amazonian lineages such as the Yawanawa, Huni Kuin, Apurina, Nukini, and Katukina, What Is Rape? explores both the historical significance and traditional ceremonial context of rape medicinal snuff , including information on safe and effective methods of rape preparation and administration. Key details of Sacred Connection's What Is Rape? educational guide include: Cultural context of rape usage Safety considerations Ethical sourcing and practices Respectful rape ritual guidelines Perceived physical, mental, and spiritual benefits of rape plant medicine Best practices for rape preparation and use " Our mission has always been to help preserve ancestral plant knowledge while also making it more accessible to everyday individuals," says [first name], [last name], [job title] at Sacred Connection. "With What Is Rape?, we've provided necessary context regarding rape's history and significance in the Amazon, as well as a beginner's guide to using rape and enjoying its many potential benefits. We're excited to make this information more readily available to readers and hope it answers many of the questions people may have about how and why rape became such a mainstay of tribal practices in the Brazilian Amazon." Emerging Global Awareness of Plant-Based Traditional Medicine The release of Sacred Connection's What Is Rape? guide aligns with increasing global interest around the ancestral and spiritual wellness practices of the Amazon, particularly in the plant-based alternative medicines and traditional ritual practices observed by its indigenous communities. With the guide's publication, Sacred Connection provides a readable and well-researched resource for those looking to learn more about rape and how it can be incorporated into a Western wellness practice. "Resources like What Is Rape? serve an essential role in raising public awareness and respect around indigenous traditions. We're honored to add our publication to the growing body of educational resources on the topic, and to hopefully help foster more informed discussions around Amazonian plant medicines and their many spiritual, mental, and physical possibilities," says [last name]. When it comes to spreading awareness of traditional practices, education and respect for cultural context are a must. What Is Rape? is intended to help counter rape misinformation/misunderstandings while supporting cultural awareness and encouraging respect for the practices and history of indigenous communities. Interested readers can find additional information and view the full What Is Rape? guide by visiting Sacred Connection's website. About Sacred Connection Sacred Connection is a mission-driven provider of ethically sourced Amazonian plant medicines and ceremonial tools. Sacred Connection maintains operational hubs in Brazil, the United States, and the Netherlands, with ongoing fieldwork and community partnerships throughout the tribal regions of South America. Specialty products include ethically sourced plant medicines and ceremonial tools, including fair trade rape blends. For more information, please visit www.sacred-snuff.com . CONTACT: +1 (818) 306-0568 info@sacredconnection.co SOURCE: Sacred Connection View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/healthcare-and-pharmaceutical/sacred-connection-launches-comprehensive-educational-guide-to-traditi-1132265 WILMINGTON, DE / ACCESS Newswire / February 5, 2026 / Electric Metals (USA) Limited ("Electric Metals" or the "Company") (TSXV:EML)(OTCQB:EMUSF) announces that, following a transition initiated by the Company, Baker Tilly WM LLP ("Baker Tilly") has ceased to act as auditor of the Company, effective February 4, 2026. The Company thanks Baker Tilly for its professional services and support during its tenure as auditor. The Company's board of directors has appointed PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP ("PwC") as the Company's new auditor, effective immediately, to hold office until the next annual general meeting of shareholders. There were no reportable events (as such term is defined in National Instrument 51-102 - Continuous Disclosure Obligations) between the Company and Baker Tilly during Baker Tilly's most recently completed financial year and the period from the end of that financial year to the date of Baker Tilly's resignation. The resignation of Baker Tilly and the appointment of PwC were reviewed and approved by the Company's audit committee and board of directors. The Company has filed a Notice of Change of Auditor, together with the required letters from Baker Tilly and PwC, with the applicable securities regulatory authorities in accordance with National Instrument 51-102. About Electric Metals (USA) Limited Electric Metals (USA) Limited (TSXV: EML; OTCQB: EMUSF) is a U.S.-domiciled critical minerals and advanced materials company developing the North Star Manganese Project, a 100% U.S. domestic manganese supply chain supporting the electrification of everything. The Company's principal asset is the Emily manganese deposit in Minnesota, the highest-grade manganese deposit in North America. The North Star Manganese Project comprises a manganese mine in Emily, Minnesota, and a planned high-purity manganese sulfate monohydrate (HPMSM) chemical processing facility in the United States. The Project has been the subject of extensive technical evaluation, including a Preliminary Economic Assessment prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. Electric Metals' mission is to establish a secure, resilient, and fully domestic U.S. supply of high-purity manganese chemical and metal products for electric vehicle and energy storage batteries, defense, technology, and industrial markets. With no current domestic production of manganese ore or battery-grade manganese in North America, the North Star Manganese Project represents a strategic opportunity to strengthen U.S. industrial capability, reduce foreign supply-chain dependence, and support domestic manufacturing and national security objectives. For further information, please contact: Electric Metals (USA) Limited Brian Savage CEO & Director (303) 656-9197 Forward-Looking Information This news release contains certain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information in this news release includes, without limitation, statements relating to the Company's change of auditor, the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the Company's auditor, the completion and acceptance of related regulatory filings, and statements in the "About Electric Metals (USA) Limited" section regarding the Company's strategy, objectives, and plans, including its goal of establishing a fully U.S. domestic manganese supply chain. Forward-looking information is generally identified by the use of words such as "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "plans," "believes," "may," "will," and similar expressions. Such forward-looking information is based on management's current expectations, assumptions, and beliefs as of the date of this news release. Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking information. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the completion of required regulatory filings, acceptance of such filings by applicable securities regulatory authorities and the TSX Venture Exchange, and other risks inherent in changes to professional service providers and the execution of corporate strategies. Although the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions reflected in the forward-looking information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The forward-looking information contained in this news release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement, and the Company disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, except as required by applicable securities laws. SOURCE: Electric Metals (USA) Limited View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/electric-metals-usa-limited-announces-change-of-auditor-1133943 NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESS Newswire / February 5, 2026 / By Rohini Kamath For families in remote villages across northeastern India, seeing a doctor often means long journeys over difficult terrain, lost daily wages, and sometimes, lifesaving treatment that comes too late. In several districts of the state of Assam, geographical barriers and limited infrastructure have kept quality healthcare out of reach for communities that need it most. In partnership with Piramal Swasthya, one of many nonprofit partners that helped Cisco positively impact 50 million lives in India, we continue to work to change that. Through Project Niramay, we are leveraging technology to bring digital health infrastructure to Baksa, Barpeta, and Darrang, three of Assam's most underserved districts - and what these districts are learning about using technology to connect patients to specialists and communities to care has the potential to fundamentally reshape how India delivers healthcare to its most vulnerable populations. Building digital bridges to specialized care Bridging that geographic divide to increase access to specialized medical care to rural communities required both physical infrastructure and the software to make it work. Project Niramay - which translates to "healthy" or "free from illness" in Sanskrit - is doing this by equipping health facilities across the three districts with connectivity solutions, video conferencing technology, and cybersecurity infrastructure. Beyond infrastructure, the project supports government healthcare workers, from frontline staff to nurses and medical officers, with the training needed to integrate these digital tools into patient care. But hardware alone doesn't transform healthcare delivery. Piramal Swasthya built the initiative on its Accessible Medical Records via Integrated Technologies (AMRIT) platform, a Digital Public Good that complies with the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission standards and aligns with the Government of India's goals to digitize and strengthen healthcare delivery nationwide. The platform manages patient data, coordinates telemedicine consultations, and integrates information from diagnostic devices into a unified system. Together, the connectivity infrastructure and AMRIT platform enable a hub-and-spoke model through which local health centers serve as access points where patients can receive care close to home and connect through telemedicine to doctors at hub hospitals when necessary. This enables a patient in a rural village to consult with specialists like cardiologists or obstetricians without traveling hours to the nearest city. Advanced diagnostic tools like HealthCube for point-of-care testing, Fetosense for pregnancy monitoring, and Swymed's telemedicine technology facilitates real-time remote consultations and makes them more effective. Furthermore, when patients visit different facilities, their medical history travels with them, allowing providers to make better-informed decisions and administrators to allocate resources more effectively. Across the 24 Health & Wellness Centers, three primary health care centers, and three first referral units equipped through the program, the impact has been substantial. Between 2021 and 2023, Project Niramay created over 110,000 digital health records, identified more than 16,500 cases of chronic diseases for early intervention, and provided care for over 2,600 expectant mothers who would have otherwise faced risky journeys to distant facilities. Dr. Abdul Jalil, a senior district health officer in Darrang, points to real efficiency gains. "The system automatically prioritizes patients based on their health data, so our Health & Wellness Centers can focus on those who need care most urgently." Writing the next chapter of rural healthcare delivery Looking ahead, Piramal Swasthya envisions scaling this approach across other underserved regions. "We want to co-create a scalable model that strengthens public health systems, empowers frontline workers, and ensures equitable access to quality healthcare in underserved regions," says Aditya Natraj, CEO Piramal Foundation. "This collaboration brings community-driven solutions and diverse resources; technology enables data-driven impact and scale. Together, they bridge gaps in rural healthcare access more effectively." What's been proven in these three districts can inform how other regions tackle similar challenges. For families in rural Assam, the impact is immediate: less time traveling, faster diagnoses, and care that reaches them where they are. For India's healthcare system, Project Niramay offers proof that digital infrastructure, deployed thoughtfully, can help bridge the gap between where people live and the care they need. As these tools and approaches scale, they offer the promise of a more equitable healthcare future for all within reach. View original content here. View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Cisco Systems Inc. on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Cisco Systems Inc. Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/cisco-systems-inc Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: Cisco Systems Inc. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/industrial-and-manufacturing/digital-lifelines-how-cisco-and-piramal-swasthya-are-reimagining-healt-1133939 Deel, the leading global HR and payroll platform, today announced the launch of The Pitch, an international competition designed to identify, elevate, and fund the world's most promising seed-stage startups. Leveraging Deel's global footprint, the program aims to level the playing field for founders by surfacing talent based on merit rather than geography or connections. The Pitch will engage over 20,000 startups across seven global regions, culminating in a total investment pool of up to $15 million. Up to 100 regional winners will receive $50,000 in investment each, while up to ten global champions will receive a $1 million investment each to scale their visions. A New Standard for Global Venture Traditional venture capital is often constrained by local networks. The Pitch breaks these boundaries by combining a high-stakes tournament with expert review that analyzes a broad range of data points to identify "high-signal" startups. With a final selection rate of just 0.05%, The Pitch is set to be more selective than the world's leading startup accelerators. Starting today, applications are open to seed-stage founders worldwide. The journey will lead to seven in-person regional finals in tech hubs including Tel Aviv, Dubai, Singapore, New York, Paris, London, and Berlin, before the global finale in May 2026. The competition is presented by J.P. Morgan, with additional support and partnership from a16z, dLocal, Google, Orrick, Prodware, Ribbit Ventures, and Stripe. For more details and instructions on how to apply and links to the event livestreams, visit the Deel Pitch page. About Deel The way the world works has changed and Deel has built the standard to power it all. We make it effortless to hire, manage, pay, and equip any worker, anywhere. Deel is one platform for payroll, HR, benefits, mobility, performance, and device management across 150+ countries. Built on owned infrastructure, powered by AI, and supported by thousands of local experts, Deel helps businesses scale smarter, faster, and more compliantly. Trusted by 37,000+ customers, and created to become a global brand people love. Learn more at deel.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260205964312/en/ Contacts: press@deel.com Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 5, 2026) - Integrated Cyber Solutions Inc. (CSE: ICS) (OTCQB: IGCRF) (FSE: Y4G), doing business as Integrated Quantum Technologies ("Integrated Quantum" or the "Company"), a developer of quantum-ready AI infrastructure for global organizations that handle highly sensitive data, today announced the appointment of Anita Oehley as Chief Technology Officer (CTO). Highlights: Integrated Quantum Technologies appoints award-winning global technology executive Anita Oehley as Chief Technology Officer, strengthening leadership across enterprise-scale platform development and execution Ms. Oehley will lead technology strategy, platform architecture, and enterprise adoption for AIQu and VEIL, supporting secure, scalable deployment across regulated and global environments She brings deep experience across global SaaS companies, high-growth technology ventures, and regulated sectors, including serving as Global Customer Innovation Leader for AWS Marketplace Her appointment reinforces the Company's focus on building trusted, enterprise-grade AI and quantum-resilient infrastructure aligned with growth, compliance, and operational resiliency In her role, Ms. Oehley will lead Integrated Quantum's technology strategy, platform architecture, and execution. She will be responsible for scaling and operationalizing AIQu, the Company's post-quantum AI infrastructure platform, and VEIL, its proprietary privacy-preserving AI and data protection technology. Her focus will include ensuring enterprise-grade reliability, performance, and adoption across complex, regulated, and multinational customer environments. Ms. Oehley is an award-winning global technology executive and visionary strategist with nearly 25 years of experience transforming enterprise-scale organizations across B2B, technology, and highly regulated industries. She is widely recognized for leading at the intersection of innovation, strategy, and execution, translating complex technical concepts into scalable platforms, trusted systems, and measurable business outcomes. Throughout her career, Ms. Oehley has led multinational transformation initiatives valued in the hundreds of millions of dollars, modernizing enterprise applications, optimizing global operations, and building data and AI ecosystems that support operational excellence, compliance, and resilience. Her experience includes delivering multiple end-to-end enterprise system implementations, unifying fragmented data environments, and enabling secure, AI-driven transformation programs designed to operate at global scale. "As we move from innovation into enterprise-scale deployment, technology execution and platform discipline become mission critical," said Alan Guibord, CEO and Chairman of Integrated Cyber Solutions Inc. "Anita brings a rare combination of strategic vision and deep operational experience building trusted platforms at global scale. Her leadership as CTO significantly strengthens our ability to deliver AIQu and VEIL as enterprise-grade infrastructure that meets the real-world demands of regulated and multinational organizations." Ms. Oehley added, "AIQu and VEIL represent a highly innovative shift in AI infrastructure, with the potential to impact how intelligent systems are built and deployed across multiple major segments of computing. This is foundational technology that addresses structural limitations in today's AI architectures and creates a clear path to scalable, enterprise-grade adoption. I'm excited to help translate that innovation into platforms that large organizations can operationalize globally as AI and quantum technologies converge." Prior to joining Integrated Quantum Technologies, Ms. Oehley served as Global Customer Innovation Leader for AWS Marketplace, where she shaped worldwide customer innovation strategy and execution. She partnered with leading independent software vendors, facilitated enterprise innovation workshops, supported analyst engagements with firms such as Forrester and IDC, and aligned customer enablement with product and go-to-market strategy to accelerate adoption and deliver measurable customer value. In addition to her industry leadership, Ms. Oehley has been recognized with multiple Excellence Awards from Westcon-Comstor for her outstanding contributions to digital transformation. In 2024, she served as an Advisor for the University of New Haven's Post Graduate Women in Leadership Program, mentoring emerging leaders and supporting advanced executive development. As CTO, Ms. Oehley will play a central role in aligning Integrated Quantum's technology roadmap with enterprise adoption requirements, customer outcomes, and long-term platform scalability, supporting the Company's position at the forefront of Quantum AI Infrastructure. Marketing Agreement Renewal: The Company also announced that it has renewed its digital marketing services agreement with Native Ads, Inc. Under the renewed agreement, Native Ads will provide digital marketing services for an initial six-month term with a total budget of US$175,000. The Company retains the option, at its discretion, to renew or extend the agreement for an additional term at a further budget of up to US$175,000. The services are expected to include strategic content development, targeted distribution across digital and financial media platforms, and ongoing campaign optimization. Native Ads and its principals are arm's length to the Company and, to the knowledge of the Company hold no direct or indirect interest in the securities of Integrated Cyber Solutions Inc., and maintain an address at 1055 Dunsmuir Street, Vancouver, BC, V6B 6A3. Management and Board Updates: The Company also announced certain staffing and governance updates. Kevin Thomas has concluded his contract with the Company and is no longer serving as Chief Marketing Officer. In addition, Jeri Dunn has resigned from her role as a Director of the Company. The Company thanks Mr. Thomas and Ms. Dunn for their contributions and service and wishes them success in their future endeavors. These management and board changes reflect the Company's continued evolution as it sharpens its focus on building an enterprise-grade Quantum AI Infrastructure platform. As Integrated Quantum advances the development and commercialization of AIQu and VEIL, management believes this streamlined leadership structure better aligns the Company's resources, expertise, and governance with its long-term technology vision and growth strategy. About Integrated Quantum Technologies Integrated Quantum Technologies is building quantum-ready infrastructure to help secure and scale artificial intelligence. The Company's AIQu platform underpins its product strategy for privacy-preserving and resilient AI systems and VEIL is its first product, designed to protect sensitive AI data and workflows in enterprise environments. IQT's proprietary technologies address the threats of emerging post-quantum security risks, increasing compute demands, and the complexity of deploying AI at scale. To learn more information, visit: www.integratedquantum.com On Behalf of the Board of Directors: Alan Guibord, Director & Chief Executive Officer Integrated Cyber Solutions Inc. dba Integrated Quantum Technologies Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains forward looking information or statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws, the technical, financial, and business prospects of the Company, its assets and other matters. All statements in this news release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that the Company expects to occur, are forward looking information or statements. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking information or 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 information or statements. Such statements and information are based on numerous assumptions regarding present and future business strategies and the environment in which the Company will operate in the future, the ability to achieve its goals, expected costs and timelines to achieve the Company's goals, that general business and economic conditions will not change in a material adverse manner, and that financing will be available if and when needed and on reasonable terms. Such forward looking information or statements reflects the Company's views with respect to future events and is subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including the risks and uncertainties included in documents filed under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. While such estimates and assumptions are considered reasonable by the management of the Company, they are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, and regulatory uncertainties and risks. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward looking information or statements include, but are not limited to, continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions, failure to compete effectively with competitors, failure to maintain or obtain all necessary permits, approvals and authorizations, failure to comply with applicable laws, including environmental laws, risks relating to unanticipated operational difficulties. The Company does not undertake to update forward looking statements or forward-looking information, except as required by law. Neither the CSE nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/282840 Source: Integrated Cyber Solutions Inc. Saskatoon, Saskatchewan--(Newsfile Corp. - February 5, 2026) - Buffalo Potash Corporation (TSXV: BUFF) (the "Company" or "Buffalo") is pleased to announce the successful completion of the Company's 7-10-20-23 W2M confirmation drillhole (the "7-10 Hole"), with a total depth of 1,563 meters. The 7-10 Hole specifically targeted the potash beds of the Prairie Evaporite Formation and obtained 108 meters of core, with recovery exceeding 98%. The cores are now securely stored with the Saskatchewan Research Council Geoanalytical Laboratory in Saskatoon, in anticipation of core logging, sampling, and assaying being completed, at which point the Company will release results. Mr. Steve Halabura P.Geo., Buffalo Chief Executive Officer, commented: "The first confirmation hole delivered both operational execution and geological validation, which has de-risked our broader multi-well development plans. Visual observation and borehole geophysical logs indicating mineralization across all target members reinforces our confidence in advancing the development of the Disley Showcase, with the data from the 7-10 Hole serving as a keystone element for an integrated geological and geophysical deposit model now being prepared internally." Mr. Halabura added: "With assays to follow and additional 3D seismic soon commencing, we are entering an accelerated phase of technical advancement. Each dataset strengthens our understanding of the deposit and positions Disley as a compelling modular solution mining development opportunity in the heart of world's most established solution mining potash district." 7-10 Hole Highlights The Disley 7-10 Hole continuously cored the basal Dawson Bay, Patience Lake, Belle Plaine, and Esterhazy Members (the " Members ") of the Prairie Evaporite Formation, as well as the underlying Prairie salt. A full suite of borehole geophysical logs, including dipole sonic, were run in the open portion of the hole to a total depth of 1,563 meters and was then successfully abandoned, according to plan. ") of the Prairie Evaporite Formation, as well as the underlying Prairie salt. A full suite of borehole geophysical logs, including dipole sonic, were run in the open portion of the hole to a total depth of 1,563 meters and was then successfully abandoned, according to plan. A continuous core of 108 meters was cut in a single coring run with core recovery exceeding 98% of total core retrieved. Potash mineralization is present in each of the Patience Lake, Belle Plaine and Esterhazy potash beds as confirmed by visual observation and examination of borehole geophysical logs. Intersections of significant sylvinite were noted in the Upper Patience Lake, Belle Plaine, and Esterhazy Members, with grades and thicknesses to be reported once the assaying program has been completed. The Disley Project The Disley Project is approximately 50km northwest of Regina and covers some 9,413 hectares. The property is situated immediately adjacent to the east of the K+S Bethune solution potash mine and northeast of the Mosaic Belle Plaine solution potash mine - two of the largest producing conventional solution potash mines globally. In the opinion of management, the Disley Project is in one of the most favorable areas of Saskatchewan for solution mining (see Figure 1) as evidenced by the success of these neighboring projects. However, there is no guarantee that the Disley Project will yield comparable results to any of these mines until the Disley Project is further advanced. Figure 1: Buffalo's Disley Project Location Relative to the K+S Bethune Mine in Saskatchewan To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/12107/282838_fe97fb40641baa42_001full.jpg Qualified Person The scientific and technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Douglas F. Hambley, PhD, PE, PEng, PG, an independent consultant and Qualified Person as defined under National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. About Buffalo Potash Buffalo Potash is an emerging Saskatchewan-based potash developer pursuing a modular approach to selective solution mining through its patented Horizontal Line-Drive (HLD) technology. Buffalo is advancing the Disley Project - located next to several of the most prominent currently producing potash solution mines in the world - with the objective of establishing capital-efficient, lower-impact potash production in one of the world's leading potash jurisdictions. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Information This news release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "forward-looking information") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information is generally identifiable by the use of words such as "believes," "may," "plans," "will," "anticipates," "intends," "could," "estimates," "expects," "forecasts," "projects," or similar expressions, and the negative of such expressions. Forward-looking information in this news release includes, but is not limited to, statements regarding: plans for the cores, including plans related to the logging, sampling and assaying of such cores; expectations regarding the results of sampling and assays; and expectations regarding the Disley Project's potentials for solution mining. Forward-looking information is based on management's reasonable assumptions, estimates, analysis, and opinions made in light of its experience, perception of historical trends, current conditions, and expected future developments, as well as other factors that management believes are relevant and reasonable in the circumstances as of the date such statements are made. These assumptions include, but are not limited to, assumptions regarding geological continuity, potash grade and thickness, the applicability of historical data, the performance of solution mining methods, the availability of services and equipment, the receipt of required permits and approvals, and the availability of financing on acceptable terms. Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results, performance, or achievements of the Company to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: risks related to exploration and development activities; uncertainty in geological interpretation; reliance on historical data and pilot testing; technical risks associated with solution mining and new or emerging technologies; regulatory approvals and permitting timelines; commodity price volatility; availability of capital; and general economic, market, and business conditions. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in 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 information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events may differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The forward-looking information contained herein is made as of the date of this news release, and the Company disclaims any 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/282838 Source: Buffalo Potash Corp. Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - February 5, 2026) - PTX Metals' Subsidiary (TSXV: PTX) Green Canada Corporation ("GCC" or the "Company") announced that it has increased the size of its previously announced non-brokered private placement from $500,000 to $750,000 (the "Private Placement") in response to strong investor interest. Up to a total of 5,769,231 common shares of the Company (the "Common Shares") will be issuable at a price of $0.13 per share pursuant to the Private Placement. Closing of Second Tranche of GCC Private Placement Following the offering upsizing, the Company has closed the second tranche of the Private Placement. In connection with this closing, the Company issued an aggregate of 2,022,500 Common Shares at a price of $0.13 per share, for aggregate gross proceeds of $262,925. After giving effect to the closing of the Second Tranche, the shareholding of PTX Metals Inc. (TSXV: PTX) ("PTX") in the Company was reduced from approximately 50.73% to approximately 48.02%, the Company ceased to be a subsidiary of PTX, and Green Canada Corporation will henceforth issue its own press releases independently of PTX. The Common Shares issued pursuant to the closing of the Second Tranche are subject to a statutory hold period of four months and one day after the later of (a) February 4, 2026, and (b) the date the Company became a reporting issuer in any province or territory. The net proceeds of the Private Placement are expected to be used for general working capital and corporate purposes. GCC Shareholders Meeting In connection with the previously announced reverse take-over of MAACKK Capital Corp. ("MAACKK") by the shareholders of GCC (the "Proposed RTO"), the Company has scheduled a special meeting of shareholders ("GCC Meeting") on February 26, 2026 at Suite 635, Bay Adelaide Centre, 333 Bay Street, Toronto, Ontario, at 1:00 p.m. (ET) to: (a) approve the business combination agreement and the amalgamation agreement in connection with the Proposed RTO; (b) approve and confirm all corporate actions of the Company since its incorporation that require shareholders' approval; and (c) transact such other business as may properly come before the GCC Meeting. MAACKK Shareholders Meeting In connection with the Proposed RTO, MAACKK has scheduled an annual general and special meeting of its shareholders ("MAACKK Meeting") on February 26, 2026 at DD West LLP, 2300, 520 - 5 Avenue SW, Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2P 3R7, at 11:00 a.m. (MT) to, among other things: (a) approve the continuance of MAACKK from the Province of Alberta into the Province of Ontario; (b) approve the consolidation of all of the issued and outstanding common shares of MAACKK on a 6.25 to 1 basis; (c) approve the name change from "MAACKK Capital Corp." to "Green Canada Uranium Corp."; (d) elect Richard Mazur, Greg Ferron, Olivier Crottaz, Jean-David Moore and Peter Cheung as the directors of the resulting issuer of the Proposed RTO (the "Resulting Issuer"); (e) approve new by-laws for the Resulting Issuer; (f) approve a new omnibus plan for the Resulting Issuer; (g) approve the appointment of Baker Tilly WM LLP as the new auditors of the Resulting Issuer; (h) approve and confirm all corporate actions of MAACKK since May 14, 2021 that require shareholders' approval; and (i) transact such further or other business as may properly come before the MAACKK Meeting, each of the foregoing to take effect upon the closing of the Proposed RTO. About Green Canada Corporation GCC has assembled a diverse set of Canadian based uranium mineral properties focused on unconformity-style uranium deposits in the Athabasca Basin of Saskatchewan, the Baker and Amer Basins in Nunavut and the Otish Basin in Quebec. The flagship Marshall Project to be acquired by GCC from Basin Energy Limited in connection with the Proposed RTO and the adjacent North Millennium project areas are situated 11 km west of Cameco's 69.9% owned Millennium deposit and 20 km southwest of CanAlaska's Pike zone discovery on the West McArthur project in the Athabasca Basin of northern Saskatchewan the second largest production centre for uranium globally. About PTX Metals Inc. PTX is a minerals exploration company focused on high-quality critical mineral projects, including two flagship projects situated in northern Ontario, a mining jurisdiction renowned for its abundance of mineral resources and investment opportunities. The corporate objective is to advance the exploration programs towards proving the potential of each asset, which includes the W2 Copper Nickel PGE Project and South Timmins Gold Joint Venture Project. PTX's portfolio of assets offers investors exposure to some of the world's most valuable metals including gold, as well as essential critical minerals for the clean energy transition: copper, PGE, nickel, uranium and rare metals. PTX's portfolio of assts was strategically acquired for their geologically favorable attributes, and proximity to established mining companies. PTX mineral exploration programs are designed by a team of expert geologists with extensive career knowledge gained from their tenure working for global mining companies in northern Ontario and around the world. PTX is based in Toronto, Canada, with a primary listing on the TSXV under the symbol PTX. The company is also listed in Frankfurt under the symbol 9PX and on the OTCQB in the United States as PANXF. For additional information on PTX, please visit the Company's website at https://ptxmetals.com/. About MAACKK Capital Corp. MAACKK is an investment company. MAACKK is an unlisted reporting issuer and does not currently own any operating assets. For further information, please contact: Peter Cheung, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer MAACKK Capital Corp. Email: peter.cheung@spotlightinvestments.com Neither the 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 Press release. Disclosure regarding forward-looking statements This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. "Forward-looking information" includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to the activities, events or developments that the Company expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future, including the anticipated use of proceeds from the Private Placement. 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 ", "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 will use the proceeds of the Private Placement as anticipated. 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 the risk that the Company will not use the proceeds of the Private Placement as anticipated, risks relating to availability of capital and financing, general economic, market or business conditions, regulatory changes, timeliness of government or regulatory approvals 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. Not for Dissemination in the United States or through U.S. Newswire Services To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/282839 Source: PTX Metals Inc. Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - February 5, 2026) - Eguana Technologies Inc. (TSXV: EGT) (OTC Pink: EGTYF) ("Eguana" or the "Company") is pleased to announce it has reached an agreement with the ITOCHU Corporation ("ITOCHU"), to amend the maturity date of the ITOCHU unsecured Convertible Debenture to March 13, 2026, providing additional runway for the partners to finalize negotiation of a longer-term solution. The extension includes all past interest, which was previously extended to the maturity date of the debenture. "As we continue managing through tight liquidity conditions created by the significant downturn in residential renewable markets over the last few years, and further compounded by the lack of payments from a prior US customer, ITOCHU has remained a valuable and supportive partner to the Company bringing solutions to the table to support our utility channel transition," commented Eguana Chief Executive Justin Holland. "We now have over a megawatt fleet in operation in Western Canada for power grid feeder improvement along with additional fleets in operation in California, Vermont, Hawaii, and Nova Scotia. This simply would not have been possible without the support from our many partners including ITOCHU." The Company also confirmed its Energy Innovation Challenge funded project in Medicine Hat Alberta, where Eguana was selected as an award recipient to expand and demonstrate utility-oriented functions in the Eguana EdgeTM Distributed Energy Resource Management System on a single feeder remains on track. Hardware installation of nine EVOLVETM LFP BESS' was completed in December 2025 and the third phase of software development has begun. Through this period, Eguana has been engaging with utilities to gain insight into operations requirements and to optimize the performance of the product. Eguana encourages interested utilities to reach out to schedule a demonstration and discussion with Eguana's development team to create the tools to support the energy transition at the grid edge. About ITOCHU The history of ITOCHU Corporation dates back to 1858 when the Company's founder Chubei Itoh commenced linen trading operations. Since then, ITOCHU has evolved and grown over 150 years. With approximately 110 bases in 63 countries, ITOCHU, one of the leading sogo shosha, is engaging in domestic trading, import/export, and overseas trading of various products such as textile, machinery, metals, minerals, energy, chemicals, food, general products, realty, information and communications technology, and finance, as well as business investment in Japan and overseas. About Eguana Technologies Inc. Based in Calgary, Alberta Canada, Eguana Technologies Inc. (TSXV: EGT) (OTC Pink: EGTYF) designs and manufactures high performance residential and commercial energy storage systems. Eguana has two decades of experience delivering grid edge power electronics for fuel cell, photovoltaic and battery applications, and delivers proven, durable, high quality solutions from its high capacity manufacturing facilities in Europe, Australia and North America. With thousands of its proprietary energy storage inverters deployed in the European and North American markets, Eguana is one of the leading suppliers of power controls for solar self-consumption, grid services and demand charge applications at the grid edge. To learn more, visit www.eguanatech.com or follow us on Twitter @EguanaTech. Forward-Looking Information The reader is advised that some of the information herein may constitute forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (together, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning assigned by National Instrument 51-102 - Continuous Disclosure Obligations and other relevant securities legislation. In particular, we include, among other things: the Company's ability to obtain necessary approvals from the TSXV and the issuance of the Common Shares. Forward-looking statements are not a guarantee of future performance and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Many factors could cause the Company's actual results, performance or achievements, or future events or developments, to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Such factors include, but are not limited to, risks associated with: failure to obtain necessary regulatory approvals; general economic, market and business conditions; industry capacity; the operations of Eguana's assets, competitive action by other companies, and other factors set out in the "Risk Factors" section of the Company's most recent annual management's discussion and analysis for the three and twelve months ended September 30, 2022 which may be found on its website or at sedarplus.ca. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information, which speaks only as of the date hereof. The Company does not undertake any obligation to release publicly any revisions to forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect events or circumstances that occur after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as may be required under 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 release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/282836 Source: Eguana Technologies Inc. Melbourne, Australia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 5, 2026) - FlexRule is excited to share that the company has been recognized as Niche Player in the 2026 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Decision Intelligence Platforms. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8530/282674_6b9821dcb480b905_001full.jpg "We are thrilled to be included in the first-ever Gartner Magic Quadrant for Decision Intelligence Platforms. We believe this recognition supports our Decision-Centric Approach and confirms that it fills a critical gap where traditional data-driven approaches fall short. Our approach enables organizations to move from BI to DI using a practical decision-centric methodology, supported by our Open Decision Intelligence Platform," said Arash Aghlara, CEO of FlexRule. FlexRule's Decision-Centric Approach: Enables organizations to consistently make optimized, customer-centric and situation-aware business decisions. "Our methodology makes decisions the first-class citizens of organizations so that they leverage our platform to explicitly model decisions using an open standard (Decision Model and Notation with Conformance Level 3, DMN) and therefore, these decision models become the foundation for decision automation and augmentation across various use cases and a wide range of industries such as Banking, Financial Services, Insurance and Government. Together, the Decision-Centric Approach and the Open Decision Intelligence Platform accelerate organizations' transition from traditional data-driven (BI) practices to a decision-centric enterprise," said Arash Aghlara, CEO of FlexRule. The Gartner Magic Quadrant evaluates vendors based on their Ability to Execute and Completeness of Vision. We are honored to be included among the recognized vendors in this important report. Gartner and Magic Quadrant are a trademark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates. Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in its research publications, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner research publications consist of the opinions of Gartner's research organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. About FlexRule: FlexRule is an innovative Decision Intelligence company that provides technology (Open Decision Intelligence Platform) and methodology (Decision-Centric Approach), empowering enterprises to automate, augment, and govern their decisions at scale. We accelerate organizations' transition from traditional data-driven models to decision-centric organizations. The Decision-Centric Approach enables enterprises to make optimized, customer-centric, and situation-aware business decisions by treating decisions as first-class citizens and governing them as enterprise assets. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/282674 Source: GYT VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA / ACCESS Newswire / February 5, 2026 / American Critical Minerals Corp. ("American Critical Minerals" or the "Company") (CSE:KCLI)(OTCQB:APCOF)(Frankfurt:2P30) highlights key milestones achieved during the previous 6 months. Highlights Amended and Restated Technical Report : The Company filed an amended and restated technical report with respect to its Green River Potash and Lithium Project. The report provides updated information and includes targets for further exploration* with respect to potash, lithium and bromine as follows: Potash exploration target of 0.5-1.0 billion tonnes of sylvanite grading from 12% to 18% potassium oxide based on elog (eK2O=19% to 29% potassium chloride based on elog (eKCl)) 2.1 billion cubic meters (brine volume) grading from 71.6 to 216.3 parts per million lithium 2.1 billion cubic meters (brine volume) grading from 3,656 to 4,741 parts per million bromine The potential quantity and grades are conceptual in nature and there has been insufficient exploration to define a mineral resource, and, while reasonable potential may exist, it is uncertain whether further exploration will result in the determination of a mineral resource under NI 43-101. Agapito Associates LLC restated that based on the seismic data that both the Paradox and Leadville stratigraphy in the sub-surface at Green River are relatively flat-lying with important positive implications for Potash and Lithium, including the potential for Solution Mining (press release October 15, 2025) Technical Team Significantly Strengthened : Dean Pekeski added as Senior Advisor with significant time commitment (press release November 4, 2025) - CEO, President & Director Peak Minerals and former Executive VP Western Potash Corp. - deep technical knowledge at all phases of development and strong relationships across the Potash Sector Kenneth Taylor, added as Strategic Advisor (press release July 22, 2025) - expert in Salt Minerals and Evaporite Deposits, CFO Redmond Minerals formerly with Intrepid Potash for 12 years in a number of roles including as part of Senior Management, latterly as Vice President of Business Development Balance Sheet significantly strengthened with Closing of Bought Deal Offering and Non-Brokered Offering for aggregate gross proceeds of $7,451,000 (press release November 3, 2025) Annual Renewal of all Potash Licenses and Lithium Claims across the Green River Project (press release September 29, 2025) Bonding paid for all Federally authorized drill holes (total of 4) in December 2025 and awaiting final approval from the BLM Potash added to USGS Critical Minerals List - joining Lithium (press release November 12, 2025) US focused on securing the Nation's Critical Minerals Supply Chains - potential for government funding and permitting support Specific reference to Bromine as a Critical Mineral in recent US Govt. Policy Documents on the importing of Processed Critical Minerals (https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2026/01/adjusting-imports-of-processed-critical-minerals-and-their-derivative-products-into-the-united-states/ ) Simon Clarke, President and CEO stated, "On behalf of Management and the Board of Directors' of the Company, I would like to thank all of our shareholders and stakeholders for their continuing support and our Team for the hard work and progress made during 2025. This was a transformative year for the Company and it has positioned us for a very strong 2026 and beyond with a team and balance sheet that enable us to move forward with our plans for drilling to confirm / validate historic drill and other data. We are excited to continue to advance the Green River Project with the goal of unlocking the potential of all 3 of its critical minerals for the benefit of domestic supply chains at a time when the US has recognized the need to break foreign dominance." Amended and Restated Technical Report The Company also announces that it has filed a revised technical report in respect of its Green River Project. The original report was voluntarily filed on October 28, 2025. The amended and restated technical report follows completion of a review by the British Columbia Securities Commission and, in particular, clarifies that the Green River Project does not contain a current mineral resource estimate under National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101"). With clarifying amendments in place, the Company has re-filed an amended and restated technical report prepared in accordance with NI 43-101. On behalf of the Board of Directors Simon Clarke, President & CEO Contact: (604)-551-9665 About American Critical Minerals' Green River Potash and Lithium Project The Green River Project is situated within Utah's highly productive Paradox Basin, located 20 miles northwest of Moab, Utah. It has significant logistical advantages including close proximity to major rail hubs, airport, roads, water, towns and labour markets. It also benefits from close proximity to the agricultural and industrial heartland of America and numerous potential end-users for its products. The history of oil and gas production across the Paradox Basin provides geologic data from historic wells across the Project, and the wider Basin, validating and de-risking the potential for high grade potash and large amounts of contained lithium. Wells in and around the project reported lithium up to 500 ppm, bromine up to 6,100 ppm and boron up to 1,260 ppm (Gilbride & Santos, 2012). This data is reinforced by nearby potash production and the advanced stage of neighbouring lithium projects. The Paradox Basin is believed to contain up to 56 billion tonnes of lithium brines, potentially the largest such resource in US (Source: AnsonFastmarketsPresentation- https://wcsecure.weblink.com.au/pdf/ASN/02823465.pdf). The Company has disclosed targets for further exploration at the Green River Project consisting of 500 million to 950 million tonnes of sylvinite (the most important source for the production of potash in North America) grading from 12% to 18% potassium oxide based on elog (eK2O=19% to 29% potassium chloride based on elog (eKCl)). Its target for further exploration for Lithium and Bromine are 0.6-1.7 Mt lithium carbonate equivalent grading from 91-152 ppm; and 3.3-9.1 Mt bromine grading from 2,647-4,412 ppm.* The Company holds a 100% interest in eleven State of Utah ("SITLA") mineral and minerals salt leases covering approximately 7,050 acres, 1,094 federal lithium brine claims (BLM Placer Claims) covering 21,150 acres, and 11 federal (BLM) potash prospecting permits covering approximately 25,480 acres. Through these leases, permits and claims the Company has the ability to explore for potash, lithium and potential by-products across the entire Green River Project (approx. 32,530 acres). The Company is authorized to drill a total of 7 drill holes across the Project (pending bonding the recently approved 4 drill holes). Intrepid Potash, Inc. is America's largest potash company and only U.S. domestic potash producer and currently produces potash from its nearby Moab Solution Mine, which the Company believes provides strong evidence of stratigraphic continuity within this part of the Paradox Basin (www.intrepidpotash.com). Anson Resources Ltd. has advanced lithium development projects contiguous to the northern boundary of our Green River Project and neighbouring to the south. Anson has a large initial resource, robust definitive feasibility study and has recently completed successful piloting operations through its partnership with Koch Technology Solutions, as well as an offtake agreement with LG Energy Solution. The Anson exploration targets encompass the combined Mississippian Leadville Formation and the Pennsylvanian Paradox Formation brine-bearing clastic layers, which also underlie American Critical Minerals' entire project area (www.ansonresources.com).** In 2022, the U.S. imported approx. 96.5% of its annual potash requirements with domestic producers receiving a higher sales price due to proximity to market (intrepidpotash.com/ August 15, 2024, Investor Presentation). In March 2024, the US Senate introduced a bill to include key fertilizers and potash on the US Department of Interior list of Critical Minerals which already includes lithium, and this process is well advanced with potash being added to the USGS Draft Critical Minerals List. In August 2025. Recent market estimates suggest that the global potash market is over US$50 billion annually and growing at a compound annual growth rate ("CAGR") of close to 5%. Annual lithium demand is now estimated to be over 1 million tonnes globally and continuing to grow rapidly.*** Qualified Person The scientific and technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Dean Besserer, P.Geo., the Chief Operations Officer of the Company and a qualified person for the purposes of NI 43-101. On behalf of the Board of Directors Simon Clarke, President & CEO Contact: (604)-551-9665 * The potential quantity and grades are conceptual in nature and there has been insufficient exploration to define a mineral resource, and, while reasonable potential may exist, it is uncertain whether further exploration will result in the determination of a mineral resource under NI 43-101. Targets for further exploration for potash, lithium and bromine at the Green River Potash and Lithium Project are used to provide a conceptual estimate of the potential quantity and grade of a mineral deposit, based on known and additional limited geological evidence. It is an early-stage assessment that will help to guide further exploration, but it is not a mineral resource or mineral reserve and should not be treated as such. The report titled "Amended and Restated NI 43-101 Technical Report, Green River Potash and Lithium Project, Grand County, USA' dated January 27, 2026 and available under the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca provides details of the basis on which the targets for further exploration have been determined. ** American Critical Minerals' management cautions that results or discoveries on properties in proximity to the American Critical Minerals' properties may not necessarily be indicative of the presence of mineralization on the Company's properties. ***United States Geological Survey, Mineral Commodity Summaries, January 2024 (https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2024/mcs2024-potash.pdf). CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION This news release contains forward-looking information or forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that involves discussion with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often, but not always using phrases such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", or "believes" or variations (including negative 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) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. In this news release, forward-looking statements relate, among other things, to: statements with respect to the Company's future plans; and potential of its mineral properties. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurances that such expectations will prove to be correct. All such forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions and analyses made by the Company in light of their experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors management believes are appropriate in the circumstances. Forward-looking statements also involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ from this forward-looking information include those described under the heading "Risks and Uncertainties" in the Company's most recently filed MD&A. Forward-looking information contained herein are made as of the date of this news release and the Company does not intend, and expressly disclaims any obligation to, update or revise the forward-looking information contained in this news release, except as required by law. 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. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. SOURCE: American Critical Minerals Corp. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/american-critical-minerals-recaps-a-highly-successful-6-months-and-files-amended-1133857 BANGALORE, India, Feb. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- What is the Market Size of Ternary Cathode NCM Material? The global market for Ternary Cathode NCM Material was valued at USD 9156 Million in the year 2024 and is projected to reach a revised size of USD 28650 Million by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 20.2% during the forecast period. Get Free Sample: https://reports.valuates.com/request/sample/QYRE-Auto-26B18725/Global_Ternary_Cathode_NCM_Material_Market_Research_Report_2025 What are the key factors driving the growth of the Ternary Cathode NCM Material Market? The Ternary Cathode NCM Material Market is driven by the expanding reliance on lithium based battery systems across transportation, energy storage, and industrial applications. These materials are valued for their balanced electrochemical behavior, offering a combination of capacity retention, operational stability, and adaptability across battery formats. Manufacturers increasingly prioritize cathode materials that align with long term performance expectations while supporting scalable production processes. The market benefits from continuous collaboration between material suppliers and battery producers, enabling refinement of compositions to suit evolving application needs. Environmental accountability, supply reliability, and consistent quality standards further shape purchasing decisions. As global electrification accelerates, ternary cathode materials remain central to battery design strategies, reinforcing sustained market relevance and steady adoption momentum. Source from Valuates Reports: https://reports.valuates.com/market-reports/QYRE-Auto-26B18725/global-ternary-cathode-ncm-material TRENDS INFLUENCING THE GROWTH OF THE TERNARY CATHODE NCM MATERIAL MARKET: NCM811 plays a pivotal role in advancing the Ternary Cathode NCM Material Market by offering high energy capability while supporting efficient material utilization. Battery manufacturers favor this composition for applications requiring extended operating performance without sacrificing production feasibility. Its chemistry enables improved output characteristics that align with modern mobility and energy storage demands. Producers benefit from its compatibility with evolving battery architectures, allowing integration without extensive redesign. The material also supports efforts to optimize supply chains by reducing dependency on certain inputs while maintaining functional reliability. As battery makers pursue performance focused solutions that align with commercial scalability, NCM811 continues to attract strong interest, reinforcing its importance as a core driver within the ternary cathode ecosystem. NCM622 contributes steadily to the Ternary Cathode NCM Material Market by offering a balanced alternative for manufacturers prioritizing durability and operational stability. This composition supports consistent performance across extended usage cycles, making it attractive for applications emphasizing reliability over aggressive output targets. Battery producers value its predictable behavior during charging and discharging, which helps reduce degradation risks and quality variability. Its adaptability to existing manufacturing processes allows smoother production planning and cost control. NCM622 also supports diverse application requirements, including mobility platforms and stationary storage systems. As manufacturers continue to serve varied end use segments, this composition maintains sustained demand, strengthening its role in supporting overall market growth. New energy power battery deployment strongly reinforces the Ternary Cathode NCM Material Market by expanding demand for dependable cathode solutions. Electric transportation systems, renewable energy storage installations, and decentralized power applications increasingly depend on batteries capable of delivering consistent performance. Ternary cathode materials support these systems by enabling stable output, safety confidence, and lifecycle predictability. Battery manufacturers rely on these materials to meet evolving expectations for efficiency and operational reliability. Their role in enhancing user confidence and system dependability makes them essential to new energy initiatives. As governments and industries accelerate clean energy adoption, the demand for proven cathode materials continues to strengthen, supporting sustained market expansion. Supply chain reliability drives growth in the Ternary Cathode NCM Material Market by ensuring consistent material availability and quality assurance. Battery manufacturers increasingly prefer suppliers with stable sourcing networks and transparent procurement practices. Reliable supply chains reduce production interruptions and support long term planning across battery manufacturing operations. This reliability strengthens partnerships between material producers and downstream users, enabling collaborative forecasting and inventory optimization. As demand for batteries expands across industries, dependable material supply becomes a competitive advantage. Companies that demonstrate supply continuity and resilience gain stronger market positioning. This factor plays a crucial role in reinforcing trust, minimizing operational risks, and supporting steady market development. Manufacturing consistency significantly influences adoption within the Ternary Cathode NCM Material Market by ensuring predictable performance outcomes. Battery producers depend on cathode materials that maintain uniform properties across large production volumes. Consistent manufacturing reduces defect rates, simplifies quality validation, and enhances overall production efficiency. This reliability supports faster scaling of battery output while maintaining performance standards. Manufacturers also benefit from reduced rework and improved yield stability. As battery systems are increasingly deployed in critical applications, consistency becomes essential. This factor strengthens confidence among buyers and reinforces the role of ternary cathode materials as dependable components within advanced battery manufacturing processes. Cost management supports growth in the Ternary Cathode NCM Material Market by improving commercial feasibility across diverse applications. Efficient material utilization and optimized processing workflows help manufacturers control production expenses. Battery producers value predictable cost structures that enable competitive pricing without compromising performance expectations. Effective cost management also supports wider adoption across applications with tighter budget constraints. As suppliers refine operational efficiencies and sourcing strategies, cost stability improves across the value chain. This balance between affordability and functionality encourages broader market penetration. Cost management therefore remains a critical factor in sustaining demand and supporting long term growth across the ternary cathode landscape. Performance stability drives market expansion by addressing reliability expectations within the Ternary Cathode NCM Material Market. Battery users prioritize materials that deliver consistent behavior under varied operating conditions. Stable performance reduces maintenance concerns and enhances system dependability across extended usage periods. Manufacturers benefit from materials that support predictable output and controlled degradation. This stability is especially important for applications where operational interruptions carry significant consequences. As batteries become integral to essential services and mobility systems, performance stability becomes a deciding factor. This emphasis strengthens demand for ternary cathode materials that consistently meet performance requirements across diverse use environments. Safety confidence is a major growth factor in the Ternary Cathode NCM Material Market, influencing material selection decisions. Battery manufacturers seek cathode materials that support controlled thermal behavior and minimize operational risks. Enhanced safety confidence simplifies certification processes and supports compliance with regulatory expectations. It also strengthens customer trust and accelerates adoption across sensitive applications. As public scrutiny around battery safety increases, manufacturers prioritize materials that reinforce reliability and risk mitigation. This focus on safety confidence supports sustained market demand and encourages long term investment in ternary cathode material development and deployment. Claim Yours Now! https://reports.valuates.com/api/directpaytoken?rcode=QYRE-Auto-26B18725&lic=single-user What are the major types in the Ternary Cathode NCM Material Market? NCM333 NCM523 NCM622 NCM811 What are the main applications of the Ternary Cathode NCM Material Market? New Energy Power Battery 3C Digital Product Battery Energy Storage Battery Key Players in the Ternary Cathode NCM Material Market Sumitomo Metal Mining Co. produces nickel, cobalt, and ternary cathode precursor materials used in NCM battery cathodes for electric vehicles and energy storage. produces nickel, cobalt, and ternary cathode precursor materials used in NCM battery cathodes for electric vehicles and energy storage. NICHIA CORPORATION manufactures advanced phosphors and is expanding into battery materials, including nickel-rich cathode components used in NCM batteries. manufactures advanced phosphors and is expanding into battery materials, including nickel-rich cathode components used in NCM batteries. MINMETALS NEW ENERGY MATERIALS (HUNAN) CO., LTD. supplies ternary cathode precursor materials and battery cathode powders for EV and consumer battery markets. supplies ternary cathode precursor materials and battery cathode powders for EV and consumer battery markets. RONBAY TECHNOLOGY develops and produces high-performance NCM precursor and cathode active materials for lithium-ion battery applications. develops and produces high-performance NCM precursor and cathode active materials for lithium-ion battery applications. Beijing Easpring Material Technology Co., Ltd produces NCM cathode materials and precursor powders for electric vehicle and energy storage batteries. produces NCM cathode materials and precursor powders for electric vehicle and energy storage batteries. Guizhou Zhenhua E-Chem Inc. manufactures ternary cathode materials and related battery chemicals used in automotive and industrial battery applications. manufactures ternary cathode materials and related battery chemicals used in automotive and industrial battery applications. Ningbo Shanshan Co., Ltd supplies NCM cathode active materials and precursor products for EV, consumer electronics, and stationary storage batteries. supplies NCM cathode active materials and precursor products for EV, consumer electronics, and stationary storage batteries. XTC NEW ENERGY MATERIALS (XIAMEN) CO., LTD. produces NCM cathode materials and high-purity battery precursors for advanced lithium-ion batteries. produces NCM cathode materials and high-purity battery precursors for advanced lithium-ion batteries. Tianjin B&M Science and Technology Co., Ltd. develops and supplies NCM battery cathode materials and precursor powders for EV and energy storage sectors. develops and supplies NCM battery cathode materials and precursor powders for EV and energy storage sectors. GEM Co., Ltd. manufactures battery cathode active materials including nickel-cobalt-manganese (NCM) compounds for high-energy lithium-ion batteries. Which region dominates the Ternary Cathode NCM Material Market? Asia is the world's largest Ternary Cathode NCM Material production and consumption market, with China occupying a dominant position. China has a complete lithium battery industry chain, and its NCM material production capacity accounts for more than 70% of the world. Japan and South Korea have technological advantages in the field of high-end NCM materials. The European new energy vehicle market is developing rapidly, and there is a strong demand for NCM materials. However, the local NCM material production capacity in Europe is limited and mainly relies on imports. The demand for NCM materials in the North American market mainly comes from Tesla and other car companies. The global Ternary Cathode NCM Material market has a high degree of concentration and is mainly occupied by Chinese, Japanese and Korean companies. Chinese companies dominate the mid- and low-end markets with their cost advantages and scale effects. Japanese and Korean companies have technical advantages in the field of high-end NCM materials and mainly supply international mainstream car companies. Purchase Regional Report: https://reports.valuates.com/request/regional/QYRE-Auto-26B18725/Global_Ternary_Cathode_NCM_Material_Market_Research_Report_2025 SUBSCRIPTION We have introduced a tailor-made subscription for our customers. Please leave a note in the Comment Section to know about our subscription plans. What are some related markets to the Ternary Cathode NCM Material Market? - In 2024, the global market size of Li-Ion Battery Separators was estimated to be worth USD 3935 Million and is forecast to reach approximately USD 12260 Million by 2031 with a CAGR of 17.9% during the forecast period 2025-2031. - Lithium Iron Phosphate Cathode Material Market - The global market for Silicon Anode Materials was valued at USD 718 Million in the year 2024 and is projected to reach a revised size of USD 8066 Million by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 41.9% during the forecast period. - Lithium Nickel Cobalt Aluminum Oxide (NCA) Cathode Material Market - The global market for Lithium-ion Battery Cathode Materials was valued at USD 7163 Million in the year 2024 and is projected to reach a revised size of USD 9143 Million by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 3.6% during the forecast period. - NCA/NCM Ternary Precursor Market - In 2024, the global market size of Li-ion Battery Ternary Precursor was estimated to be worth USD 4468 Million and is forecast to reach approximately USD 8681 Million by 2031 with a CAGR of 10.1% during the forecast period 2025-2031. - The global market for Water-based Cathode Binder was valued at USD 23.6 Million in the year 2024 and is projected to reach a revised size of USD 59.6 Million by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 13.6% during the forecast period. - 9 Series Ternary Cathode Materials Market - The global market for NCM Battery Material was valued at USD 16.4 billion in the year 2024 and is projected to reach a revised size of USD 40.6 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 13.4% during the forecast period. - Single Crystal High Nickel Ternary Cathode Material Market DISCOVER OUR VISION: VISIT ABOUT US! 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Contact Us Valuates Reports sales@valuates.com For U.S. Toll-Free Call 1-(315)-215-3225 WhatsApp: +91-9945648335 Explore our blogs & channels: Blog: https://valuatestrends.blogspot.com/ Pinterest: https://in.pinterest.com/valuatesreports/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/valuatesreports Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/valuatesreports/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@valuatesreports6753 Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1082232/5764631/Valuates_Reports_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/ternary-cathode-ncm-material-market-to-reach-usd-28-65-billion-by-2031-driven-by-ev-battery-demand--valuates-reports-302680346.html Brand Finance data shows 84% of listed healthcare businesses' value is tied to intangibles, with Academic Medical Centres driving research and knowledge behind it Johns Hopkins Medicine and Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust named top two strongest hospital brands globally for second year running US accounts for $5.5 trillion of healthcare intangibles, but funding cuts put leadership at risk as opportunity for non-US AMCs rises Brand Finance's annual survey of 2,500 healthcare professionals across 30 countries reveals insights into healthcare brand perceptions and factors influencing decisions to work at and recommend hospitals Hospitals and academic medical centres (AMCs) are increasingly central to the world's intangible economy, as data from Brand Finance shows that the global total value of IP and intangibles held by listed healthcare businesses has reached USD10 trillion, representing 84% of total business value. This value includes patents, proprietary formulas, and research and development pipelines, underpinned by research and clinical trials developed within leading hospitals and AMCs reinforcing the importance of reputation in global healthcare. Against this backdrop, healthcare professionals perceive Johns Hopkins Medicine and Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust to be the strongest and second strongest hospital brands globally for the second consecutive year, according to a new report from Brand Finance, the world's leading brand valuation consultancy. Data from Brand Finance's GIFTTM study also highlights the United States' considerable role in healthcare intangibles, accounting for over half of the total global value at USD5.5 trillion. However, this leadership may be put at risk by reductions in public research grant funding, including cuts to NIH (National Institutes of Health) and NSF (National Science Foundation) support. Alfred DuPuy, Valuation Director, Brand Finance commented: "U.S. AMCs continue to dominate the global ranking, with five institutions in the top 10 and 32 in the top 250. However, maintaining this position will depend on whether these institutions can sustain their reputation for innovation and research excellence amid shifting global funding and talent dynamics. Brand Finance research also indicates that global healthcare professionals' consideration of working at U.S. hospitals in clinical or research roles has declined since November 2024, creating an opportunity for leading AMCs in other markets to attract international talent." Top-performing hospitals in key markets include All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) as the leading hospital in the South Asia region. Singapore General Hospital has regained its position in 2026 as the leading hospital in the APAC region. King Faisal Specialist Hospital Research Center (Middle East North Africa) and Groote Schuur Hospital (South Africa) maintain their respective regional leader positions, while Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires has become the most reputable in South America. Note to Editors The full ranking, additional insights, charts, information about the methodology, and definitions of key terms are available in the Brand Finance Global Top 250 Hospitals 2026 report. About Brand Finance Brand Finance is the world's leading brand valuation consultancy. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260205208791/en/ Contacts: Penny Erricker p.erricker@brandfinance.com Dubai, United Arab Emirates--(Newsfile Corp. - February 5, 2026) - The Dubai Hernia Summit (DHS) successfully concluded its second edition in Dubai, marking a significant milestone with the first-ever inclusion of a dedicated International Congress for Diastasis Recti as part of this year's scientific programme. The summit was held in collaboration with American Hospital Dubai and brought together a distinguished group of international surgeons and medical experts specialising in abdominal wall surgery. Dubai Hernia Summit Concludes Its 2nd Edition To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11274/282818_awareness1en.jpg The second edition of the Dubai Hernia Summit took place from January 30 to February 1, 2026, at The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai International Financial Centre, further strengthening the event's position as a regional and international platform for advanced hernia surgery and abdominal wall reconstruction. A key highlight of this year's summit was the introduction of Diastasis Recti as a dedicated scientific track for the first time, addressing a condition that is often misunderstood as purely cosmetic. Diastasis recti-the structural separation of the rectus abdominis muscles-is a clinically significant condition that can affect core stability, physical function, posture, and long-term quality of life. Expanded Scientific Programme The scientific agenda featured advanced educational tracks, including the Diastasis Recti Masterclass, ETEP Universe, and Advanced Sessions, focusing on evidence-based practice, modern surgical techniques, and functional abdominal wall reconstruction. The programme welcomed internationally recognised speakers, including Marco Correa, Rodrigo Galhego, Paulo Michels, Luciano Tracia, and Mario Cherubino, who shared global expertise and presented advanced approaches to complex abdominal wall and diastasis recti reconstruction. Scientific Leadership and Acknowledgements Dr Hatem Moussa, Chairman of the Scientific Committee of the Dubai Hernia Summit and Head of the Department of Surgery at American Hospital Dubai, said the successful conclusion of the second edition reflects the summit's growing scientific impact and international relevance. "The Dubai Hernia Summit continues to evolve, and the inclusion of Diastasis Recti for the first time this year represents an important step forward in addressing conditions that require proper clinical recognition and specialised surgical management," Dr Moussa said. He added: "I would like to sincerely thank all the physicians and international experts who contributed to the scientific success of this edition. I also extend my appreciation to American Hospital Dubai and Mr Sherif Beshara for their continued support, commitment to advancing healthcare standards, and their key role in the successful delivery of this year's summit." Dr. Hatem Moussa Group Chief of Surgery, American Hospital Dubai, United Arab Emirates To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11274/282818_1733389834hatemmoussa.jpg Dr. Mohammed Abdulla Alqaydi President of The Emirates General Surgery Society (EGSS) To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11274/282818_whatsapp_image_2026-02-05_at_08_55_13.jpeg Advancing Abdominal Wall Surgery The summit placed strong emphasis on robotic-assisted and advanced minimally invasive surgery, positioning the second edition of DHS as a leading platform for showcasing innovation in hernia repair and abdominal wall reconstruction. Specialised workshops provided participants with practical exposure to the latest surgical technologies and techniques. The event was supported by American Hospital Dubai, alongside leading global medical technology companies including Medtronic, Intuitive, BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company), Johnson & Johnson, and Cambridge Medical Robotics (CMR). Reinforcing Dubai's Global Role The successful conclusion of the second edition of the Dubai Hernia Summit, and the first-time inclusion of the Diastasis Recti Congress, further reinforces Dubai's position as a global destination for specialised medical conferences, advanced surgical education, and innovation-driven healthcare collaboration. For more information: Website: www.dubaihernia.com Email: info@dubaihernia.com About Dubai Hernia Summit (DHS) The Dubai Hernia Summit is a leading medical platform dedicated to clinical excellence in hernia surgery and abdominal wall reconstruction. By uniting a global faculty of surgical pioneers and technology leaders, DHS facilitates high-level scientific exchange and the responsible adoption of advanced surgical technologies to improve patient outcomes internationally. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/282818 Source: Awareness Marketing Management DWC LLC IHS Holding Limited, (NYSE: IHS) ("IHS Towers" or the "Company"), one of the largest independent owners, operators and developers of shared communications infrastructure in the world by tower count, today issues the following statement to its shareholders and the market in general having noted the Cautionary Announcement distributed on February 5, 2026, by MTN Group Limited ("MTN") regarding a potential acquisition of further shares of the Company. IHS Towers confirms that discussions are ongoing with MTN regarding a potential acquisition by MTN of all remaining shares it does not already own in IHS Towers. The approach is non-binding, has not been agreed and there is no certainty that a transaction will be agreed upon, or as to the final terms of any such agreement. This update should not be construed as announcing a transaction. About IHS Towers: IHS Towers is one of the largest independent owners, operators and developers of shared communications infrastructure in the world by tower count and is solely focused on the emerging markets. The company has over 37,000 towers across its seven markets, including Brazil, Cameroon, Colombia, Cote d'Ivoire, Nigeria, South Africa and Zambia. Cautionary Language Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This document contains forward-looking statements. We intend such forward-looking statements to be covered by relevant safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements (or their equivalent) of any applicable jurisdiction, including those contained in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this document may be forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terms such as "may," "will," "should," "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "could," "intends," "targets," "commits," "projects," "contemplates," "believes," "estimates," "forecast," "predicts," "potential" or "continue" or the negative of these terms or other similar expressions. We have based these forward-looking statements largely on our current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that we believe may affect our business, financial condition and results of operations, and while we believe such information forms a reasonable basis for such statements, such information may be limited or incomplete, and our statements should not be read to indicate that we have conducted an exhaustive inquiry into, or review of, all potentially available relevant information. These statements are inherently uncertain and investors are cautioned not to unduly rely upon these statements. You should read this press release and the documents that we reference in this press release with the understanding that our actual future results, performance and achievements may be materially different from what we expect. Further information on such assumptions, risks and uncertainties is available in our filings with the US Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024. We qualify all of our forward-looking statements by these cautionary statements. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release. Except as required by applicable law, we do not assume, and expressly disclaim, any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements contained in this press release, whether as a result of any new information, future events or otherwise. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260205663019/en/ Contacts: For more information, please email: communications@ihstowers.com or visit: www.ihstowers.com NEW DELHI, Feb. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) will convene its 85th Public Meeting in Mumbai from 7-12 March 2026, hosted by the National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI) under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). With its more than one billion Internet users and a thriving digital economy, India is an ideal location for participants from around the world to gather at the ICANN85 Community Forum to advance the technical work that ensures the secure and stable operation of the Internet. "Ten years after the ICANN Public Meeting in Hyderabad, the ICANN85 Community Forum in Mumbai offers the Indian Internet community an excellent opportunity to attend and participate in the global dialogue on important Internet governance issues," said Samiran Gupta, ICANN Vice President for Stakeholder Engagement and Managing Director for the Asia Pacific region. "I want to thank our host NIXI for bringing ICANN85 to Mumbai and I look forward to a fruitful meeting." Shri S. Krishnan, IAS, Secretary, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and Chairman, NIXI said, "India's digital transformation is anchored in an open, secure, inclusive and resilient Internet. Hosting ICANN85 reflects India's commitment to the multistakeholder model of Internet governance and to advancing policy frameworks that support innovation, inclusion, and trust in the global Internet ecosystem." Key Topics at ICANN85: The New gTLD Program, ICANN Community's Role in Advancing a Multilingual Internet, and the Multistakeholder Model ICANN85 takes place at a pivotal moment - just before the launch of the next application round for the New gTLD Program in April. The program, the next expansion of the Domain Name System, provides businesses, communities, governments, and other organizations the rare opportunity to apply for new top-level domains tailored to fit their organization, community, culture, language, and customer interests. The meeting will include important updates about the next round and how to apply. The New gTLD Program helps to advance ICANN's 2030 vision as the trusted steward of the Internet's unique identifier systems to strengthen the single, globally interoperable Internet for all. This truly multilingual Internet enables people globally to use the Internet in their own languages and scripts, which matches the Indian government's approach to expanding Internet usage. ICANN85 is the first ICANN Public Meeting since the United Nations General Assembly adopted the WSIS+20 Outcomes Document on 17 December 2025. The World Summit on the Information Society: 20-year review (WSIS+20) reaffirmed that the Internet is a shared global resource whose stability, openness, and interoperability depend on the multistakeholder model approach, a position strongly supported by ICANN and the Government of India. WSIS+20 marked a reaffirmation rather than an end point, demonstrating the need to continue the work of the multistakeholder model, bringing new voices and expertise into the Internet governance ecosystem, strengthening knowledge transfer and capacity building, and sustaining engagement through forums like ICANN Public Meetings. ICANN Community Excellence Award Continuing its tradition of recognizing outstanding community member contributions, the ICANN Community Excellence Award will be presented at the Welcome Ceremony (9 March 2026). This award recognizes ICANN community members who have deeply invested in consensus-based solutions and contributed substantively to the ICANN multistakeholder model. Registration In-person registration remains open until 6 March 2026. On-site registration is not available. Attendance is free and open to all. For more information, and to register, please visit the meeting website . About ICANN ICANN's mission is to help ensure a stable, secure, and unified global Internet. To reach another person on the Internet, you need to type an address - a name or a number - into your computer or other device. That address must be unique, so computers know where to find each other. ICANN helps coordinate and support these unique identifiers across the world. ICANN was formed in 1998 as a nonprofit public benefit corporation with a community of participants from all over the world. About NIXI The National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI) is a not-for-profit organization set up under the aegis of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India. NIXI plays a critical role in strengthening India's Internet infrastructure by facilitating efficient exchange of domestic Internet traffic, managing the .IN and .???? (.Bharat) country-code top-level domains, and promoting adoption of Internet services across the country. Through its initiatives, NIXI supports a secure, resilient, and inclusive Internet ecosystem aligned with India's digital growth ambitions. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1810953/ICANN_Logo.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2877986/ICANN85_Community_Forum.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/icann85-in-mumbai-strengthening-the-single-interoperable-internet-for-all-302680393.html Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - February 5, 2026) - To better amplify women's voices and leadership in public relations, Women in PR North America and TVEyes, a global media monitoring platform specializing in rich audio, video data and analytics, has launched a 2026 media monitoring research study designed to uncover the evolving needs of PR professionals and drive the next generation of media intelligence tools. As part of the research initiative, participants will complete a short survey and gain complimentary two-week access to TVEyes' Insight platform, which uses media data and analytics to track reputation-impacting brand mentions, quantify earned versus paid media exposure, and identify trends shaping public perception. "This is an opportunity for us to amplify the voices of women in communications, PR and beyond to help shape the future of media monitoring," said Talia Beckett Davis, Founder of Women in PR North America. "Our partnership with TVEyes continues to bring meaningful tools, global data, and opportunities to our community. This research will help ensure women in our field have the support, insights, and technology they need to lead with confidence." "This partnership gives us real, in-depth insight into the needs of public relations professionals so we can continuously make platform optimizations that elevate the industry," said Amanda Solsbury, Senior Manager of Growth Marketing for TVEyes. "Our goal is to innovate the ways PR and communications professionals use media monitoring to make strategic and successful shifts in approach." TVEyes recently announced the launch of TVEyes Canada, Inc., a new entity built to support the increasing demand for advanced media intelligence across Canada, and as a vital solution for brands, agencies, and organizations to track and analyze mentions across the country. TVEyes Canada, Inc., based in Toronto, delivers comprehensive coverage in both English and French Canadian, spanning all 10 provinces and three territories. In addition to licensed access to the nation's leading media sources, including CBC, CTV, Global, ICI Radio-Canada Tele, and other major broadcasters, the platform also includes access to more than 2,000 Canadian podcast sources, such as Radio-Canada, Global News, and QUB Radio. Women in PR North America invites PR and communications professionals to take part in this important study and contribute to shaping the future of media monitoring tools designed specifically with women in mind. Participate in the research study and claim your TVEyes trial or alerts at: https://womeninpr.com/tveyes About Women in PR North America Canadian Women in Public Relations Ltd. (Women in PR Canada) and American Women in Public Relations (Women in PR USA) form an influential network of leading businesswomen striving for excellence in public relations, investor relations, media, and business. Together, the organizations make up Women in PR North America, providing programs, events, and professional development opportunities-including our signature WorkWell Conference, held in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. To partner with Women in PR North America, please contact us: https://womeninpr.com/inquire About TVEyes For over 25 years, TVEyes has been an industry leader in advanced broadcast and digital monitoring technology, delivering the clarity and speed decision-makers need to navigate an increasingly complex media landscape. With real-time data-driven media intelligence from around the world, deep analytics, and innovative insights, TVEyes transforms vast global media streams into precise, actionable intelligence. Learn more tveyes.com and tveyes.ca. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/282853 Source: The Organization of Canadian Women in Public Relations Ltd. KeyBank to partner with local agencies to help eligible families and individuals file for the Earned Income Tax Credit CLEVELAND, OH / ACCESS Newswire / February 5, 2026 / On Saturday, February 7, 2026, KeyBank will partner with CHN Housing Partners (CHN), Enterprise Community Partners and Saint Ignatius High School to host its annual "Super Refund Saturday" event. KeyBank employees will work alongside volunteers for the Cuyahoga Earned Income Tax Coalition to provide free tax preparation services to those who need it most, helping low- to moderate-income individuals and families determine their eligibility for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). This Super Refund Saturday event will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Saint Ignatius High School, located at 1911 West 30th Street in Cleveland. All tax filers with a household income up to $69,000 are welcome to attend the event and the individual does not have to be a KeyBank customer to participate. Attendees are encouraged to make an appointment and verify their eligibility by visiting refundohio.org or by calling 2-1-1. "Super Refund Saturday is a signature annual event that is central to KeyBank's purpose of helping the communities we serve thrive," said Mattie Jones-Hollowell, KeyBank Corporate Responsibility Officer. "We are once again excited to work with CHN, Enterprise and Saint Ignatius to support our neighbors with free tax preparation services." The Earned Income Tax Credit is a benefit for working people with low to moderate income. To qualify, workers and families must meet certain requirements and file a tax return, even if they do not owe any tax or are not required to file. EITC reduces the amount of tax owed and may provide a refund. (Source: IRS) Each year, thousands of qualifying Americans do not claim the EITC on their federal income tax returns, meaning billions of dollars in much-needed refunds goes unclaimed. Super Refund Saturday is a cost-effective way for tax filers to navigate the potentially confusing tax preparation process and ensure they are getting their full return. According to the IRS, to qualify for the EITC, earned income must be less than: $61,555 ($68,675 if married and filing jointly) if you have three or more children $57,310 ($64,430 if married and filing jointly) if you have two children $50,434 ($57,554 if married and filing jointly) if you have one child $19,104 ($26,214 if married and filing jointly) if you have no children **Children must meet certain relationship, age, and residency requirements to qualify If participating in Super Refund Saturday, income tax return filers should bring these documents: State-issued photo ID Social Security card (for you, your spouse, and each child and/or dependent) W-2 forms 1099 forms (interest, earnings as an independent contractor) Unemployment forms (if applicable) Proof of childcare payments Other IRS forms as appropriate Last year's tax return (if available) Bank account and routing number for direct deposit (if applicable) If filing jointly, please bring all applicable documents for you and your spouse. ABOUT KEYCORP KeyCorp's roots trace back more than 200 years to Albany, New York. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Key is one of the nation's largest bank-based financial services companies, with assets of approximately $184 billion at December 31, 2025. Key provides deposit, lending, cash management, and investment services to individuals and businesses in 15 states under the name KeyBank National Association through a network of approximately 950 branches and approximately 1,200 ATMs. Key also provides a broad range of sophisticated corporate and investment banking products, such as merger and acquisition advice, public and private debt and equity, syndications and derivatives to middle market companies in selected industries throughout the United States under the KeyBanc Capital Markets trade name. For more information, visit https://www.key.com/. KeyBank Member FDIC. ABOUT CHN HOUSING PARTNERS Founded in 1981, CHN Housing Partners is a large-scale affordable housing developer, housing service provider and residential lender that works with its partners to solve major housing challenges for low-income people and underserved communities in Ohio, Michigan and Pennsylvania. CHN partners with utility companies, financial?institutions?and public agencies to manage and deliver large-scale housing resources. CHN also partners with people-low-income individuals, families, seniors, the disabled and the homeless-to improve their housing stability. CHN's impact in Cleveland includes 3,900 new homeowners, the housing stability services it provides annually to thousands of individuals, and the development of 7,100 new homes. CHN is a chartered member of the NeighborWorks America network.?http://www.chnhousingpartners.org?? About Enterprise Community Partners Enterprise is a national nonprofit that exists to make a good home possible for the millions of families without one. We support community development organizations on the ground, aggregate and invest capital for impact, advance housing policy at every level of government, and build and manage communities ourselves. Since 1982, we have invested $72 billion and created 1 million homes across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands - all to make home and community places of pride, power, and belonging. Join us at enterprisecommunity.org ### View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from KeyBank on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: KeyBank Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/keybank Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: KeyBank View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/banking-and-financial-services/keybank-chn-housing-partners-and-enterprise-community-partners-team-1134032 Completion of the sale of XTD assets (code and mobile application protection), including a portfolio of patents and a team of experts. The Group is refocusing on anti-piracy (video protection), its core business, which represents approximately 90% of its total revenue. Regulatory News: Verimatrix, (Euronext Paris: VMX), a leading provider of security solutions for a safer connected world, today announced that it has completed the sale of 100% of its Extended Threat Defense (XTD) assets to Guardsquare, a Belgian company and leader in mobile application security. This transaction follows the signing of an agreement announced in a press release on December 8, 2025, as well as regulatory approval. It is part of Verimatrix's overall strategy to refocus on its core business, reflecting the group's strategic decision to concentrate on the key growth segments of the video protection market. Commenting on the announcement, Laurent Dechaux, CEO of Verimatrix, said: "Verimatrix has a strong technological foundation that enables our teams to pursue new business opportunities. Our priorities are to identify key growth drivers, address our clients' needs effectively, and optimize resource allocation. I look forward to presenting these strategic initiatives to the market when we release our annual results in March 2026" About Guardsquare Guardsquare offers the most complete approach to mobile application security on the market, delivering the highest level of protection, with ease. Guardsquare integrates seamlessly across the full development cycle, from mobile app security testing and code hardening to real-time threat detection and app attestation. Guardsquare provides enhanced mobile application security across the entire development process. More than 975 customers worldwide across all major industries rely on Guardsquare to help them identify security risks and protect their mobile applications and SDKs against reverse engineering and tampering in the ever-evolving threat landscape. Learn more at www.guardsquare.com. About Verimatrix Verimatrix (Euronext Paris: VMX, FR0010291245) helps power the modern connected world with security made for people. We protect digital content, applications, and devices with intuitive, people-centered and frictionless security. Leading brands turn to Verimatrix to secure premium movies, live streaming sports, sensitive financial and healthcare data, mission-critical mobile applications, and much more. We enable the trusted connections our customers depend on to deliver compelling content and experiences to millions of consumers around the world. Verimatrix helps partners get to market faster, scale easily, protect valuable revenue streams, and win new business. Visit www.verimatrix.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260205660875/en/ Contacts: Investor Contacts: Jean-Francois Labadie Chief Financial Officer finance@verimatrix.com Jean-Yves Barbara SEITOSEI.ACTIFIN jean-yves.barbara@seitosei-actifin.com Media Contacts: USA Matthew Zintel matthew.zintel@zintelpr.com EUROPE SEITOSEI.ACTIFIN presse@seitosei-actifin.com London, United Kingdom--(Newsfile Corp. - February 5, 2026) - The Luxury Chalet Company, a London-based specialist luxury ski travel agency, is responding to growing demand for exceptional alpine stays by adding several new privately owned, high-end chalets to its portfolio across key Alpine destinations. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9405/282172_bc1f50a0d46d189a_001full.jpg The latest additions, located in Verbier and Zermatt, reflect a wider travel trend in which accommodation plays an increasingly central role in the overall ski experience. Space, privacy, wellness facilities, and shared living areas are increasingly shaping booking decisions, particularly for larger groups travelling together. Among the newest properties to join the portfolio is Falcon Penthouse in Verbier, a five-bedroom penthouse near the Medran ski lifts, offering private spa facilities and panoramic mountain views. Also newly added is Chalet Yin & Yang, an architect-designed eight-bedroom chalet featuring ski access, extensive wellness amenities including an indoor swimming pool, and a secluded setting within the resort; Courchevel 1850. In Zermatt, the portfolio now includes Dufourspitz Lodge, a five-bedroom luxury residence completed in October 2025. Located close to the Klein Matterhorn Express, the lodge offers Matterhorn views and access to shared wellness facilities, with neighbouring lodges available to accommodate larger groups travelling together. The Luxury Chalet Company currently represents more than 1,200 luxury chalets across the European Alps, connecting high-end property owners with a global audience of discerning renters. As the luxury chalet market continues to expand, the company is increasingly positioned as a trusted gateway, helping clients navigate a fragmented rental landscape. Rather than requiring travellers to search across multiple destinations and platforms, The Luxury Chalet Company organises its portfolio into clearly defined core collections, making the high-end chalet market easier and more efficient to navigate. These include luxury catered chalets, ski-in ski-out chalets, corporate luxury chalets, luxury ski chalets with swimming pools, seasonal luxury chalets and more. Commenting on the evolving nature of ski travel, Cameron Temple, Founder and Director of The Luxury Chalet Company, said: "Clients are increasingly looking for chalets that bring people together and offer more than just a place to sleep. Space, privacy, and shared experiences now play a much bigger role in how people choose to travel." In a recent interview with TravelMole, Temple highlighted the bespoke nature of luxury ski bookings, noting: "Every inquiry is different. Some clients have a specific resort in mind, others only a country, and some leave everything entirely up to our recommendation." The Luxury Chalet Company operates exclusively in the luxury ski sector across France, Switzerland, Austria, and Italy, continuing to evolve its portfolio in response to how high-end travellers choose to experience the mountains. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/282172 Source: BrandingBuzz.Agency China congratulates Laura Fernandez on election as Costa Rican president Xinhua) 09:16, February 05, 2026 BEIJING, Feb. 4 (Xinhua) -- China congratulates Laura Fernandez on her election as president of Costa Rica, foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Wednesday. Lin made the remarks at a regular press briefing when responding to a question on the election of Laura Fernandez, the candidate from the ruling Sovereign People Party, as president of Costa Rica on Monday. Costa Rica is an important country in Central America, Lin said, adding that since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Costa Rica 18 years ago, bilateral ties have developed smoothly, and exchanges and cooperation across various fields have steadily advanced, bringing benefits to the people of both countries. The spokesperson said that China attaches great importance to its relations with Costa Rica, and stands ready to work with the new government of Costa Rica to act in the fundamental interests of the two peoples to promote practical cooperation in various fields and enrich the connotation of the strategic partnership between the two countries. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) HIGHLIGHTS Solis Minerals has completed due diligence on the Cucho Copper Project. Geological review confirms high exploration potential , supported by historical drilling, core relogging, expanded surface mapping and updated geological modelling. Drill permitting is advanced with drilling targeted for late H1 2026 . Solis Minerals has renegotiated commercial terms favourably , to better align milestone payments with permitting and drilling events. Historical drilling (2,000 metres across seven shallow holes) delivered significant intercepts: COP14-01: 169.7 metres @ 0.24% Cu, 0.012% Mo and 1.0 g/t Ag (from surface) Inc. 39.5 metres @ 0.34% Cu , 0.014% Mo and 1.1 g/t Ag (from 27.3 metres) COP14-02: 178.7 metres @ 0.23% Cu, 0.022% Mo and 0.9 g/t Ag (from 38.6 metres) Inc. 20.0 metres @ 0.32% Cu , 0.020% Mo and 0.8 g/t Ag (from 135.9 metres) COP14-05: 96.7 metres @ 0.28% Cu, 0.018% Mo and 1.4 g/t Ag (from 37.2 metres) Inc. 52.7 metres @ 0.35% Cu , 0.016% Mo and 1.0 g/t Ag (from 82.5 metres) Inc. 33 metres @ 0.41% Cu, 0.03% Mo and 1.9 g/t Ag (from 86.5 metres) COP14-06: 175.4 metres @ 0.28% Cu, 0.012% Mo and 1.3 g/t Ag (from surface) Inc. 91.2 metres @ 0.33% Cu , 0.007% Mo and 0.8 g/t Ag (from surface) Inc. 38 metres @ 0.40% Cu , 0.02% Mo and 1.7 g/t Ag (from 60.4 metres) COP14-07: 269.1 metres @ 0.25% Cu, 0.011% Mo and 1.1 g/t Ag (from surface) Inc. 19.9 metres @ 0.36% Cu , 0.002% Mo and 1.0 g/t Ag (from 13.6 metres) Inc. 11 metres @ 0.41% Cu and 1.6 g/t Ag (from 13.6 metres) Inc. 18.0 metres @ 0.36% Cu , 0.020% Mo and 0.6 g/t Ag (from 138.2 metres) Inc. 12 metres @ 0.40% Cu , 0.02% Mo and 1.3 g/t Ag (from 140 metres) West Leederville, Western Australia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 5, 2026) - Solis Minerals Ltd (ASX: SLM) ("Solis Minerals", "SLM" or "the Company") is pleased to provide an update on the Cucho Copper Project ("Cucho" or the "Project") (SLM up to 100%) in Peru. Chief Executive Officer, Mitch Thomas, commented: "Cucho is a standout project within our Peruvian portfolio. The broad mineralised copper intercepts, strong geophysical signatures, and clear structural controls highlight a system with genuine scale. Permitting is advancing rapidly. Against a backdrop of record copper prices and strong market fundamentals, our first drilling at Cucho aims to demonstrate the potential of this porphyry system and advance Solis Minerals toward resource discovery in 2026." Figure 1: Map of Peru Solis Minerals' exploration projects as well as development and operating projects held by major mining companies. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/1134/282855_solisfig1.jpg Cucho Copper Project Background Cucho was discovered by geologists from Quippu Exploraciones ("Quippu" or the "Vendors") (a Peruvian privately held exploration company) in 2008 in the Ancash Department of coastal Peru. Following a maiden drilling campaign in 2014, it was defined as a potential large-scale porphyry copper-molybdenum system. The project area was expanded by Quippu between 2021 and 2022 through the acquisition of neighboring concessions. Subsequent surface activities and re-interpretation of geophysics defined an expansive 3 x 1.8-kilometer mineralisation footprint. Cucho represents a compelling exploration and development opportunity with extensive historical datasets, existing drill-defined copper mineralisation from surface, and clear geological indicators of a district-scale mineralised system. The Company considers Cucho to have the potential to host a globally significant copper deposit and intends to advance the Project rapidly to exploration drilling. Pursuant to the binding agreement signed with Quippu in October 2025, and now modified favourably by negotiated commercial terms, Solis Minerals has the right to earn up to a 75% interest in the issued share capital of a new joint venture company ("JVCo") which will hold 100% of the Project via a staged earn-in, with an option to acquire a 100% interest. Due diligence The Company has completed the following workstreams as part of its detailed due diligence: Permitting and concession review; drill permitting applications are advanced Logistics and infrastructure review; 40kms to the coast and excellent supporting infrastructure Geological modelling4 ; confirming several compelling targets Core relogging and lithology review; confirming geological modelling assumptions Drone magnetometry survey; results targeted for release Q1 2026; to support drill sequencing Surface mapping; including identification of new mineralised areas Application for adjacent concessions; expanding to the north and east of the project area5 Solis Minerals' due diligence activities over recent months have reaffirmed a strongly favorable view of the exploration and project development prospectivity of Cucho. Data collected during the due diligence phase has been reflected within the planned drill campaign scheduled for late Q2 2026. Approximately 14 drill pad locations are being permitted to provide flexibility during the drill campaign (Figure 2). Figure 2: Cucho historical drilling, chargeability (IP) and surface geochemistry with preliminary locations of drill pads for the planned H1 2026 drill programme6. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/1134/282855_solisfig2.jpg Commercial updates Solis Minerals has renegotiated the terms of future milestone payments favorably to better align payments with key exploration milestones (permitting and drilling). Key differences from the terms announced 21 October 20257: 1. Exercise phase Cash reduced from US$300,000 -> US$100,000 payable February 2026. Share consideration of US$100,000 payable February 2026. Previously required payment of A$1,000,000 in SLM shares has been deferred and split into: A$500,000 payable following Drill Permits phase (i.e., once permits are awarded); A$500,000 payable following the Drilling phase (i.e., following drill completion). Solis Minerals' equity at exercise adjusted to 10% (reflecting lower upfront consideration). 2. Drill Permits phase Cash increased from US$200,000 -> US$300,000 upon receipt of drilling permits. Additional A$500,000 in SLM shares incorporated (deferred from Exercise phase). All payments are conditional upon full receipt of permits required for drilling. JVCo equity increases to 30%. 3. Drilling phase Share consideration increased by A$500,000 (the second half of the deferred Exercise phase). Cash component remains US$200,000. Importantly, both amounts are payable only upon completion of a 5,000-metre drilling program. JVCo equity increases to 51%, unchanged from the original terms. No other changes have been made to the Cucho transaction terms. Country and regional activity The region surrounding Cucho is experiencing increasing exploration activity from major international mining companies, reflecting the district's strong geological endowment and growing interest in large Andean porphyry copper systems. Australian-listed AusQuest Limited (ASX: AQD) is actively drilling its Cangallo Copper Project, located within the same coastal Peruvian batholith that hosts Cucho. Cangallo displays comparable geological characteristics, including porphyry-style vein networks, multiphase intrusive centers, and a similar magmatic-hydrothermal evolution. AusQuest has released results from 23 drill holes (21 RC and 2 diamond), demonstrating broad copper mineralisation8: CANRC001: 348m @ 0.26% Cu, 0.06 ppm Au from 6m CANRC002: 188m @ 0.28% Cu, 0.07 ppm Au from 214m CANRC003: 154m @ 0.37% Cu, 0.06 ppm Au from 36m CANRC004: 10m @ 0.17% Cu, 0.07 ppm Au from 228m CANRC005: 226m @ 0.22% Cu, 0.07 ppm Au from 4m CANRC006: 138m @ 0.17% Cu, 0.03 ppm Au from 270m CANRC007: 136m @ 0.25% Cu from 22m; 121m @ 0.26% Cu from 256m CANRC008: 304m @ 0.30% Cu, 0.06 ppm Au from 34m CANRC009: 130m @ 0.23% Cu from 18m; 242m @ 0.16% Cu from 166m CANRC010: 274m @ 0.19% Cu from 36m CANRC011: 124m @ 0.16% Cu from 18m; 126m @ 0.23% Cu from 226m CANRC012: 324m @ 0.30% Cu, 0.07 ppm Au from 36m CANRC013: 234m @ 0.30% Cu, 0.06 ppm Au from 110m CANRC014: 330m @ 0.30% Cu, 0.06 ppm Au from 32m CANRC016: 14m @ 0.14% Cu, 0.02 ppm Au from 278m CANRC017: 150m @ 0.21% Cu, 0.05 ppm Au from 276m CANRC018: 42m @ 0.20% Cu, 0.02 ppm Au from 14m CANRC019: 314m @ 0.20% Cu, 0.04 ppm Au from 106m CANRC021: 156m @ 0.16% Cu, 0.05 ppm Au from 2m CANDD001: 144m @ 0.15% Cu, 0.04 g/t Au from 686m CANDD002: 555m @ 0.26% Cu, 0.06 g/t Au from 5m These intercepts are comparable to historical drilling at Cucho that confirm the presence of large, vertically extensive porphyry system9. Notably, historic drilling at Cucho averaged only 280m depth, with two holes ending in mineralisation and mineralisation remaining open in all directions, leaving significant untested potential. The emerging Elida Copper Project, located 40 km from Cucho and owned by Element 29, demonstrates the region's prospectivity. Elida hosts an inferred resource of 321.7 Mt @ 0.32% Cu, 0.029% Mo and 2.6 g/t Ag, and recently reported one of the most significant porphyry holes in Peru; 1,489m @ 0.44% Cu, 0.04% Mo and 4.1 g/t Ag (ELID037), with grades increasing at depth. Elida is now regarded as one of the most attractive undeveloped copper porphyry projects in South America. Both Cucho and Elida share hallmark features of Andean porphyry copper-molybdenum systems: large multiphase intrusive centres, extensive hydrothermal alteration, strong geophysical signatures, and long copper intercepts beginning near surface with clear expansion potential at depth. Additional advanced exploration in the region includes Vale's (NYSE: VALE) Umami Project, Alpayana's Antarumi Project, and ongoing base-metals exploration by Fortescue (ASX: FMG) adjacent to the Cucho concessions (see Figure 3). Figure 3: Cucho project and regional exploration projects and programmes by FMG, Vale, Element 29 and Alpayana. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/1134/282855_solisfig3.jpg Next Steps Milestones for the Cucho project for the first half of 2026: Ongoing surface activities (mapping, exploration footprint expansions) to refine drill targets Permitting (targeting completion by H1 2026) Drilling commencement (targeting commencement late H1 2026) Against an excellent backdrop of high copper and gold prices, Solis Minerals remains committed to delivery of its objective to Discover copper-gold resources that can host large-scale mining in one of the world's leading copper-gold regions. ENDS This announcement is authorised for release by the Board. About Solis Minerals Limited Solis Minerals is an emerging exploration company, focused on unlocking the potential of its South American copper-gold portfolio. The Company is led by a highly-credentialled and proven team with excellent experience across the mining lifecycle in South America. Solis Minerals is actively considering a range of copper and broader battery material opportunities. South America is a key player in the global export market for copper and Solis Minerals, under its leadership team, is strategically positioned to capitalise on growth opportunities within this mineral-rich region. Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains certain forward-looking statements that relate to future events or performance and reflect management's current expectations and assumptions. Such forward-looking statements reflect management's current beliefs and are based on assumptions made and information currently available to the Company. Readers are cautioned that these forward-looking statements are neither promises nor guarantees and are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause future results to differ materially from those expected, including, but not limited to, market conditions, availability of financing, actual results of the Company's exploration and other activities, environmental risks, future metal prices, operating risks, accidents, labour issues, delays in obtaining governmental approvals and permits, and other risks in the mining industry. All the forward-looking statements made in this news release are qualified by these cautionary statements and those in our continuous disclosure filings available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof, and the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances save as required by applicable law. Qualified Person Statement The technical information in this news release was reviewed by Dr. Paul Pearson, a Fellow of the Australian institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM), a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 (NI 43-101). Paul Pearson is the Head of Exploration for the Company. Competent Person Statement The information in this ASX release concerning Geological Information and Exploration Results is based on and fairly represents information compiled by Mr Paul Pearson, a Competent Person who is a Fellow of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy. Mr Pearson is Head of Exploration of Solis Minerals Ltd. and has sufficient experience which is relevant to the style of mineralisation and types of deposit under consideration and to the exploration activities undertaken to qualify as a Competent Person as defined in the 2012 Edition of the "Australian Code for Reporting of Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves". Mr Pearson consents to the inclusion in this report of the matters based on information in the form and context in which it appears. Mr Pearson has provided his prior written consent regarding the form and context in which the Geological Information and Exploration Results and supporting information are presented in this Announcement. Disclaimer In relying on the above mentioned ASX announcement and pursuant to ASX Listing Rule 5.23.2, the Company confirms that it is not aware of any new information or data that materially affects the information included in the above-mentioned announcement. 1 Source: https://api.investi.com.au/api/announcements/slm/267d6ab3-063.pdf 2 Source: https://api.investi.com.au/api/announcements/slm/f0dc998f-9e4.pdf 3 Source: https://api.investi.com.au/api/announcements/slm/f0dc998f-9e4.pdf 4 Reference: https://api.investi.com.au/api/announcements/slm/267d6ab3-063.pdf 5 Reference: https://api.investi.com.au/api/announcements/slm/3c6d8897-42d.pdf 6 Reference: https://api.investi.com.au/api/announcements/slm/f0dc998f-9e4.pdf 7 Source: https://api.investi.com.au/api/announcements/slm/f0dc998f-9e4.pdf 8 References: CANRC001 - 008: https://investorhub.ausquest.com.au/announcements/6779925, 009 - 012: https://investorhub.ausquest.com.au/announcements/7063246, 013 -021: https://investorhub.ausquest.com.au/announcements/7126919, D001 - 002: https://investorhub.ausquest.com.au/announcements/7321974 9 Comparisons with other projects or mines, including those that are in production or at a more advanced stage of development, are not intended to imply that the Company will achieve similar results, recoveries, or economic outcomes. The potential quantity and grade of any resource at Cucho is conceptual in nature, and there has been insufficient exploration to estimate a Mineral Resource. It is uncertain if further exploration will result in the estimation of a Mineral Resource. Investors should not place undue reliance on such comparisons. 10 Source: https://www.e29copper.com/projects/elida/ To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/282855 Source: Solis Minerals Ltd. Palm Beach, Florida--(Newsfile Corp. - February 5, 2026) - Korean-inspired skincare brand SeoulCeuticals announced today the launch of its PDRN + Vitamin C Brightening Serum, the industry's first dedicated formulation combining polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) with vitamin C as bio-regenerative actives transition from clinical to consumer formats in 2026. The launch addresses a $6 billion combined market opportunity. The PDRN skincare market grows at 21.20% annually toward $4.3 billion by 2033, while the vitamin C serum market expands from $1.35 billion in 2024 to $2.5 billion by 2030. Vogue identified PDRN and exosomes as the dominant K-beauty trend for 2026, noting these ingredients "gained popularity in 2025, and experts anticipate this trend will continue to flourish in 2026 as these ingredients transition from clinical to consumer formats." SeoulCeuticals developed the serum with K-beauty consultant Ella Cho to deliver collagen stimulation through two independent molecular pathways. PDRN works via adenosine A2A receptor activation to trigger cellular repair and regeneration. Vitamin C controls gene expression of three separate procollagen genes located on different chromosomes while acting as a cofactor for collagen structure formation. Clinical studies demonstrate PDRN increases dermal density by 8.67% and skin brightness by 4.88% within 28 days, while vitamin C reduces UV-induced damage by 52%. "Korean dermatology clinics have used PDRN in injectable form for years. 2026 marks the moment this ingredient enters mainstream topical products," said Amy Romero, co-founder of SeoulCeuticals. "Combining PDRN with vitamin C gives skin two complementary angles-vitamin C prevents oxidative stress and collagen breakdown, while PDRN actively repairs damage and stimulates regeneration." The formulation aligns with the dominant 2026 skincare trend identified across industry analysis: synergistic ingredient systems replacing single-ingredient hero products. Beauty trend forecasters note "the most powerful products in 2026 will not rely on one hero ingredient but on synergistic blends, where actives are scientifically formulated to boost one another's performance." Consumer research shows 73% of skincare buyers expect clinically-tested actives in their products. SeoulCeuticals sources PDRN from South Korea and manufactures the serum in FDA-certified US facilities. The vegan, cruelty-free formulation addresses multiple skin concerns: anti-aging through dual-pathway collagen stimulation, brightening via complementary melanin inhibition, and protection through antioxidant defense and DNA repair support. The PDRN + Vitamin C Brightening Serum launches February 15, 2026 at seoulceuticals.com and through the brand's retail partners. SeoulCeuticals developed the product in partnership with K-beauty expert Ella Cho, continuing the brand's commitment to authentic Korean skincare formulation while meeting modern accessibility needs. About the company: SeoulCeuticals brings authentic Korean skincare to consumers seeking quality, natural beauty solutions. Founded in 2017 by Amy and Craig Romero, the brand partners with K-beauty expert Ella Cho to develop products that honor Korean beauty traditions while meeting modern skincare needs. Using ingredients sourced from South Korea-including Panax Ginseng Extract, Rice Bran, and Snail Mucin-and manufactured in FDA-certified US facilities, SeoulCeuticals offers vegan, cruelty-free formulations for all skin types. The brand's Day Glow Serum maintains a 4.9/5.0 rating across 1,800+ reviews. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/282844 Source: Plentisoft Monthly recurring revenue (MRR) up 29.1% as of December 31, 2025; Record full-year turnover of 40.6 million in 2025, up 19.2%; Significant improvement in second half operating margin, with full-year operating earnings close to breakeven; Growth, controlled investments and improved profitability forecast for 2026. Paris, February 5, 2026 - WALLIX (Euronext ALLIX), a leader in cybersecurity solutions for access and identity protection in digital and industrial environments, today announces its business performance for the 2025 financial year[1]. Jean-Noel de Galzain, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of WALLIX Group, said : "The year 2025 confirmed the strength and resilience of our business model. In a world of growing complexity, the Group continues to move forward and consolidate its strategic trajectory. We are determined to continue building a European leader in cybersecurity guided by a clear vision: to offer businesses and organizations reliable, integrated, innovative solutions created in Europe while consolidating our footprint in demanding markets. Innovation and the enhancement of our software suite remain core features of our sustainable growth strategy. The Malizen acquisition is a key milestone allowing us to integrate new expertise in behavior analytics from 2026 onwards while harnessing the power of artificial intelligence to strengthen our solutions' capabilities in terms of detecting and forestalling cyber risks. Looking beyond these immediate advances, our ambitions form part of a much broader vision aimed at extending our solutions to machine identity management and agent systems in general, a market estimated at around $1.8 billion in 2025 that could reach nearly $8 billion by 2030. Meanwhile, we will continue to structure our teams and operations internationally, focusing on Germany and the DACH region thanks to our recently acquired BSI certification, one of the most demanding in the market. WALLIX's development in Northern Europe is now playing a strategic role in supporting the controlled sustainable growth of our business. 2026 marks the start of a further cycle of profitable growth for the Company, underpinned by the measured resumption of capital expenditure. The prevailing uncertainty has not altered our ambition to make WALLIX the leading European cyber player helping businesses and organizations meet the challenges of digital resilience and sovereignty through trusted management of their users, industrial assets and AI agents destined to be deployed on a massive scale. As cyber risk continues to grow and threaten our economy, we plan to continue to scale our offerings and partners in order to help our clients regain control of their digital access." Hypergrowth in monthly recurring revenue across all strategic regions As of December 31, 2025, monthly recurring revenue (MRR) amounted to 2.6 million, up 29.1% versus December 31, 2024. Annual recurring revenue (ARR) as of December 31, 2025 amounted to 31.6 million. The Group's strategic regions all posted a hypergrowth rate: Unaudited data, 000 December 31, 2024 December 31, 2025 Change Total MRR 2,041 2,635 +29.1% France 1,249 1,550 +24.1% EMEA excl. France 767 1,054 +37.3% In France , MRR as of December 31, 2025 was up 24.1%, driven by continued strong momentum in the small and midsize business segment, continued migration to the subscription model and major new contracts in IT and OT cybersecurity focusing on the public, high-tech, transport and healthcare sectors. , MRR as of December 31, 2025 was up 24.1%, driven by continued strong momentum in the small and midsize business segment, continued migration to the subscription model and major new contracts in IT and OT cybersecurity focusing on the public, high-tech, transport and healthcare sectors. The Europe, Middle East, Africa (EMEA) segment excluding France posted an excellent performance, recording MRR growth of 37.3% as of December 31, 2025. All countries contributing to the EMEA segment posted MRR growth of over 25%. The Middle East-Africa region, the second largest after France and leading contributor within the EMEA segment, posted growth of nearly 40%. Several major contracts were signed in the Middle East, particularly in the OT segment in the utilities and construction sectors. 2025 consolidated turnover came to 40.6 million, up 19.2% over 12 months. Recurring business (subscriptions + maintenance) accounted for 70.7% of consolidated turnover, driven by hypergrowth in subscription revenue (up 44.3%). Operating breakeven in 2025 and profitable growth in 2026 The robust second half business momentum combined with tight control of operating expenses confirms expectations of a significant improvement in second half earnings and targeting breakeven in full-year operating earnings, after operating losses of 9.5 million in 2023 and 5.7 million in 2024. 2026 marks the start of a new cycle that will combine hypergrowth in recurring business with a significant improvement in operating earnings, while judiciously deploying the Group's resources in two priority areas: deployment of the product roadmap and business development. The recent launch of WALLIX One Console, a single interface for managing and governing all WALLIX cybersecurity solutions, is part of the Group's "platformization" strategy while offering businesses and organizations the benefits of simplicity, operational efficiency and cost control. The recent acquisition of Malizen, a French startup specializing in user behavior analytics, has also strengthened the Group's expertise in artificial intelligence. WALLIX plans to integrate UEBA (User and Entity Behavior Analytics) capabilities into its software suite from 2026 and to extend its coverage over the medium term by integrating machine identity management, focusing on short collaborative projects with Idemia and Inria, recognized specialists in security and digital technologies. These organic investments and selective acquisitions demonstrate the Group's unflagging capacity for innovation. Furthermore, recently obtained German BSI certification is a key lever for stepping up the Group's development in Germany, a market characterized by stringent cybersecurity standards. The Group intends to build on this recognition to gradually strengthen its local footprint, while continuing to structure its teams in Germany to support the controlled ramp-up of its business in the high-potential markets of Germany and Northern Europe. Amid an increasingly complex political, geopolitical and economic environment, the Group is reaffirming its ambition to build a European leader in cybersecurity and offer a 100% European go-to trusted offer in Europe and internationally. Next publication: Full-year 2025 results, March 18, 2026 ABOUT WALLIX WALLIX is a European leader in cybersecurity. WALLIX software has been protecting user identities and access (PAM - Privileged Access Management & IAM - Identity and Access Management) since 2003, enabling every organization, wherever it is based, to move freely and securely in a safer digital world. The technological excellence of its solutions, as recognized by the most prestigious analyst firms, serves over 3,900 organizations across more than 100 countries with the mission of providing a simple and secure identified access service to enable users to operate securely in digital and industrial environments. WALLIX affirms its digital responsibility and undertakes to help build a trusted European digital space. The Company has been listed on Euronext (ALLIX) since 2015. The founders and directors are the major long-standing shareholders alongside investment structure TDH (Thierry Dassault Holding). www.wallix.com | info@wallix.com CONTACTS FINANCIAL COMMUNICATION ACTUS finance & communication Investors' relations - Helene de Watteville 00 33 1 53 67 36 33 / wallix@actus.fr Press relations - Deborah Schwartz 00 33 6 27 09 05 73 / dschwartz@actus.fr APPENDICES TURNOVER BY GEOGRAPHICAL AREA Unaudited data, 000 2024 2025 Change France 20,688 24,267 +17.3% EMEA excl. France 12,843 15,909 +23.9% USA and Rest of World 556 440 -20.9% Total turnover 34,087 40,616 +19.2% BREAKDOWN OF TURNOVER BY PRODUCT Unaudited data, 000 2024 2025 Change Subscriptions including managed services (1) 7,894 11,393 +44.3% Maintenance (2) 15,187 17,330 +14.1% Licenses 8,740 9,765 +11.7% Services 2,150 1,969 -8.4% Ancillary services 116 159 +36.7% Total turnover 34,087 40,616 +19.2% Recurring business (1) + (2) 23,081 28,723 +24.4% TURNOVER BY QUARTER Unaudited data, 000 2024 2025 Change Q1 6,953 8,500 +22.2% Q2 8,196 9,510 +16.0% Q3 7,794 9,488 +21.7% Q4 11,144 13,118 +17.7% Annual turnover 34,087 40,616 +19.2% [1] Unaudited data ------------------------ This publication embed "Actusnews SECURITY MASTER ". - SECURITY MASTER Key: yJluY8pplGrKmJ2aZJ5mbGRjbJhmlJXHl2jIm2lwap6dcG9hyG+Wl8XHZnJnmWtv - Check this key: https://www.security-master-key.com. ------------------------ Copyright Actusnews Wire Receive by email the next press releases of the company by registering on www.actusnews.com, it's free Full and original release in PDF format:https://www.actusnews.com/documents_communiques/ACTUS-0-96469-wallix-ca-2025_vf_en.pdf PRESS RELEASE 5 FEBRUARY 2026 BOGART (Euronext Paris - Compartment B - FR0012872141 - JBOG), specialized in the creation, manufacturing, and commercialization of luxury perfumes and cosmetics, posted revenue of 263.9 million as of December 31, 2025, down 7.5% at constant scope and exchange rates (and -8.7% at current exchange rates, thanks to effective currency hedging during the period). This performance reflects a still-challenging global macroeconomic environment weighing on consumer demand, particularly in Europe, as well as uncertainty in the United States (tariffs, foreign exchange), which led distributors and retailers to reduce order volumes, a trend that intensified in Q4 2025. Revenues in m (unaudited) 2024 2025 Change % 12-month turnover 288.9 263.9 -8.7% Bogart Fragrances & Cosmetics 55.1 47.9 -13.1% Bogart Beauty Retail 233.8 216.0 -7.6% Other 12-month revenues[1] 10.3 9.0 -12.6% Total 12-month revenues 299.2 272.9 -8.8% 2025 Activity At the end of fiscal year 2025, Bogart Fragrances & Cosmetics posted revenue of 47.9 million, representing a decline of 13.1% (down 12.0% at constant scope and exchange rates), in a global economic environment weighing on consumer spending. It should be noted, however, that the year-end comparison base was more demanding, as Q4 2024 had recorded double-digit growth. Sales of the "historical lines" of the Ted Lapidus and Jacques Bogart brands were impacted by intensified competition and an unfavorable global economic environment. In the United States, uncertainties related to exports and the implementation of new tariffs also weighed on exports of these more affordable lines. Conversely, the selective and prestige fragrance segment showed signs of resilience, driven by the successful launch of Aholic, Jacques Bogart's first high-end perfume line, the solid performance of Stendhal's "Divine Alba" line, as well as that of the artisanal brand Rose et Marius in France. Revenue from Bogart Beauty Retail amounted to 216.0 million as of December 31, 2025, down 7.6% compared with December 31, 2024, in line with overall consumer trends in Europe, with a more pronounced decline in France. It should be noted that activity in the Group's network in Israel remained stable over the period, supported by a more premium and attractive product offering. The Group continued to implement targeted optimization measures in the second half to preserve network profitability. At constant scope and exchange rates, 2025 revenue was down 6.4% compared with 2024. 2026 outlook In an environment that remains uncertain, particularly on the geopolitical front, Bogart is adopting a cautious approach at the start of 2026 regarding macroeconomic consumer trends and movements in the euro/dollar exchange rate. The Group will continue to prioritize higher value-added revenue and will remain focused on the profitability of its retail network. At the same time, in order to align with evolving consumer trends, the Group will continue its work on adapting its product offering to favor more premium and selective fragrance and cosmetics lines, which have demonstrated their appeal and resilience, and is therefore preparing numerous launches across its brand portfolio in 2026 for both its own retail network and third-party networks. Next press release 2025 earnings: Tuesday 28th April 2026, after market closure www.groupe-bogart.com APPENDIX Revenue at constant scope and exchange rates Revenus en M 2024 2025 Var. % 12-month turnover 283.1 262.0 -7.5% Bogart Fragrances & Cosmetics 55.1 48.5 -12.0% Bogart Beauty Retail 228.0 213.5 -6.4% Other 12-month revenues 10.3 9.0 -12.6% Total 12-month revenues 293.4 271.0 -7.6% WWW.GROUPE-BOGART.COM ACTUS FINANCE & COMMUNICATION MEDIA RELATIONS MANON CLAIRET MCLAIRET@ACTUS.FR / +33 (0)1 53 67 36 73 ACTUS FINANCE & COMMUNICATION INVESTOR RELATIONS ANNE-PAULINE PETUREAUX APETUREAUX@ACTUS.FR / +33 (0)1 53 67 36 72 [1] Revenues from licences and advertising rebillings for brands which are distributed to BOGART's own-brand networks. ------------------------ This publication embed "Actusnews SECURITY MASTER ". - SECURITY MASTER Key: mGdyZ8VmkmiXlZ2caMaXa2poaGphlWOam2SelGeZZ8zHZ2pinZeUnMeZZnJnl2tu - Check this key: https://www.security-master-key.com. ------------------------ Copyright Actusnews Wire Receive by email the next press releases of the company by registering on www.actusnews.com, it's free Full and original release in PDF format:https://www.actusnews.com/documents_communiques/ACTUS-0-96268-bogart_2025_revenue_final.pdf Authorized at the February 4, 2026 Annual General Meeting Regulatory News: Elior Group (Paris:ELIOR): I LEGAL FRAMEWORK OF THE SHARE BUYBACK PROGRAM The share buyback program is governed by the applicable laws and regulations. It was authorized by the shareholders at the Annual General Meeting of Elior Group (the "Company") held on February 4, 2026 (the "AGM") in the terms mentioned in the Notice of Meeting as published on December 26, 2025 in the France's Official Legal Journal ("BALO") and displays the features described below. The program has been put in place pursuant to a decision taken by the Company's Board of Directors on February 4, 2026. II PURPOSES OF THE SHARE BUYBACK PROGRAM In accordance with the 15th resolution adopted at the AGM, the share buyback program may be used for the following purposes: To cancel all or some of the purchased shares, in connection with a capital reduction carried out in accordance with the authorization granted, or to be granted, by the shareholders; To hold shares in treasury to be subsequently used in exchange or as payment in connection with any mergers, demergers, asset contributions or external growth transactions, provided that the number of shares purchased for such operations does not exceed 5% of the Company's capital; To allocate shares on exercise of rights attached to securities redeemable, convertible, exchangeable or otherwise exercisable for shares of the Company; To hedge the risks arising on the Company's financial instrument obligations, particularly the risk of fluctuations in the Elior Group share price; To allocate shares for the implementation of (i) stock option plans, (ii) free share plans, (iii) employee share ownership plans, in operations complying with Articles L. 3331-1 et seq. of the French Labor Code, and/or (iv) grants of shares to employees and/or officers of the Company or of any related entities; To maintain a liquid market for the Company's shares under a liquidity contract entered into with an investment services provider that complies with the practices authorized by the applicable regulations; more generally, to carry out any transactions or market practices currently authorized or that may be authorized in the future by the applicable laws and regulations or by the Autorite des Marches Financiers. III TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE SHARE BUYBACK PROGRAM Maximum proportion of the Company's capital: the shares purchased under the buyback program may not represent more than 10% of the Company's capital, determined based on the number of shares making up the Company's capital at the date on which the authorization is used. Future corporate actions that may be carried out by the Company shall not result in owning, directly or indirectly through its affiliates, more than 10% of the Company's capital. When shares are bought back for the purpose of maintaining a liquid market in the Company's shares, the number of shares taken into account in order to calculate the cap of 10% of the Company's capital corresponds to the number of shares purchased less the number of shares sold during the authorization period. In the event of a public offer for its securities, the Company would suspend the implementation of the buyback program during the offer period. Type of shares that may be bought back: ordinary shares of the Company with a par value of 0.01 each. Maximum per-share purchase price: 10 (excluding transaction costs). Maximum amount that may be invested in the program: 253,611,800. Duration of the buyback program: 18 months (from February 4, 2026 to August 4, 2027). About Elior Group Founded in 1991, Elior Group is a world leader in contract catering and multiservices, and a benchmark player in the business industry, local authority, education and health welfare markets. With strong positions in eleven countries, the Group generated 6.15 billion in revenue in fiscal 2024-2025. Our 133,000 employees cater for 3.2 million people every day at 20,200 restaurants and points of sale on three continents, and provide a range of services designed to take care of buildings and their occupants while protecting the environment. The Group's business model is built on both innovation and social responsibility. Elior Group has been a member of the United Nations Global Compact since 2004, reaching advanced level in 2015. To find out more, visit www.eliorgroup.com/Follow Elior Group on X: @Elior_Group View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260205612347/en/ Contacts: Elior Group NEW YORK, Feb. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Cadastral, Inc., an AI-native software company building vertically specific intelligence for the commercial real estate (CRE) industry, today announced that it has raised $9.5 million in funding from Navitas, JLL Spark Global Ventures, AvalonBay, Equity Residential, and 1Sharpe. The capital will be used to accelerate product development and expand go-to-market efforts as Cadastral builds the industry's leading "AI analyst in a box" for real estate, private equity, and private credit. Since launching its flagship product in late 2025, Cadastral has already grown to over 40 customers, with rapid adoption across a wide range of commercial real estate use cases and firm types. "Harvey, Hebbia, Rogo, and others have built transformative AI platforms for their respective industries - real estate shouldn't be left behind," said Abhinav "Abe" Somani, CEO and co-founder of Cadastral. "Whether you're in acquisitions, asset management, lease administration, occupier services, legal, lending, or capital markets, Cadastral offers a true one-stop-shop AI real estate analyst. We're bringing institutional-grade AI agents to every real estate professional." Somani previously founded Leverton, an AI-powered document intelligence company acquired by MRI Software in 2019, and brings over two decades of experience across real estate investing and enterprise software. Cadastral builds vertically specific AI tools and agents purpose-built for commercial real estate workflows, including T-12 analysis, lease abstraction, loan compliance, acquisitions due diligence, and end-to-end underwriting. Unlike horizontal AI platforms, Cadastral is curated specifically for CRE data, documents, and decision-making processes. "Every real estate organization is considering its AI strategy at the moment, so the time is now," said Jenny Song, Partner at Navitas Capital, the lead investor. "Our strong thesis is that vertical AI with true domain understanding is needed to capture value and win in the market. We've seen that play out across our prior investments such as EliseAI and we are starting to see it with Cadastral." Investors point to Cadastral's rapid adoption and ease of use as key differentiators in a historically slow-moving industry. Cadastral is ready to go out of the box without any customer-specific training and customer data is never used to train any models. "We're really excited about what Cadastral is building and how quickly it has already scaled across a number of JLL use cases," said Raj Singh, Managing Partner of JLL Spark Global Ventures. "The speed at which teams can get value from the product is extremely compelling." Cadastral is also co-founded by Aman Dhesi, CTO, who previously built large-scale AI systems at Meta, DoorDash, and Square. "We've democratized advanced AI capabilities for everyone in the industry - from small owner-operators to large publicly traded REITs," said Dhesi. "Cadastral delivers real value within seconds of logging in." Headquartered in New York City, Cadastral integrates seamlessly with leading document management systems including SharePoint, Box, and Dropbox, as well as core real estate platforms such as Yardi. About Cadastral Cadastral is the pre-eminent real estate specific AI solution that acts as your CRE analyst out of the box. Built by experienced technology and real estate industry professionals, the Company is trusted by more than 40 global organizations. Founded in 2023 and headquartered in New York, Cadastral is on a mission to democratize access to AI agents and tools for real estate and private equity professionals all over the world. About Navitas Capital Navitas Capital is the leading venture capital firm investing in early-stage technology companies transforming foundational industries, including real estate, construction, energy, and infrastructure. The firm leverages a deep network of industry leaders and strategic partners to help portfolio companies scale efficiently and effectively. Founded in 2009 and currently investing out of Fund IV, Navitas' notable exits and investments include Plangrid , Matterport , Procore , View , OpenSpace , EliseAI , and Document Crunch . For all media inquiries, please contact wakeup@cadastral.ai Correction: The video included on an earlier version of this release was incorrect. The correct video has been added. Video - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2878145/AI_Chat.mp4 Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2877484/CADASTRAL__Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/cadastral-raises-9-5-million-to-build-the-preeminent-vertical-ai-platform-for-commercial-real-estate-302680050.html Ottawa, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - February 5, 2026) - Today, the Canadian Automobile Dealers Association, (CADA) formally applauded the federal government's announced Auto Strategy, including the decision to end the federal electric vehicle mandate. CADA President and CEO Tim Reuss stated, "Today's announcement by Prime Minister Carney, is a strong commitment by the government to the automotive industry and demonstrates their ability and willingness to respond to market realities and consumer demand." "The expanded and adjusted support measures aimed at maintaining Canada's vital automotive manufacturing sector are essential as we enter the critical phase of the CUSMA renegotiation with the US. Dealers across Canada, particularly applaud the government for ending the EV mandate and choosing a better path forward for EV adoption that is more in line with diverse technology, charging infrastructure and overall consumer demand." Reuss further noted that the 3,500 dealer members across Canada are in no way turning away from EV adoption: "Dealers have invested heavily in EV infrastructure to sell and service EVs in Canada. Consumer choice in terms of vehicle options for low emission choices has expanded dramatically in Canada, and now manufacturers have the ability to deliver emissions solutions which are technologically neutral." CADA also praised the reintroduction of EV purchase incentives. Today's announcement highlights that consumers still need incentives in order to adopt electric vehicle technology. The affordability gap for electric vehicles on initial purchase continues to be a pinch point, and the government's approach to incentivizing consumers as opposed to limiting the market is the right step to ensure consumer affordability. CADA also highlighted the important elements of the automotive strategy that will help ensure a reliable supply chain for automobiles in Canada: "During this trade rupture, it is critical that we have a strategy that is bold and eliminates policies that were made before current market and technology realities. CADA continues to work on both sides of the border to highlight that auto tariffs between Canada and the US are bad for the economies of both countries, bad for dealers and, most importantly, bad for the millions of consumers they serve," concluded Reuss. About CADA: The Canadian Automobile Dealers Association is a federation of provincial and regional dealer associations, representing 3,400 franchised automobile and truck dealerships that sell new cars and trucks in Canada. These dealers collectively employ over 178,000 people across the country and represent a key sector of Canada's economy. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/282863 Source: Canadian Auto Dealers Association AI Producer Inc. today announced that the company's patent portfolio now also includes a U.S. granted patent for one of the core methods for AI-Assisted Live Event Production. "Deliberate Delay" (U.S. Patent No. 12494230) PALO ALTO, Calif., Feb. 05, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Hybrid work is here to stay, but many meetings and live events are still static and resource-intensive to produce. AI Producer's patent portfolio, with 17 patent families and approximately 150 patent rights, is not just a protection; it serves as a strategic foundation for AI innovation and to create a new Industry Standard for live event production. The mission is to empower organizations to embrace AI assistance to create engaging experiences without the need for costly hardware, complex integrations, and workflows. Microsoft Teams provides a core set of out-of-the-box capabilities for creating professional events. AI Producer in Teams is integrated in Teams as a Teams meeting extension app and provides AI-assisted production and meeting enhancements with preset production formats, branding, overlays, custom layouts, high-quality video playback, Q&A, and multi-destination possibilities. In late 2025, AI Producer reached three key milestones that launched the company into the next phase: World's largest and longest AI-assisted hybrid event was produced with AI Producer in Teams . . Launch of AI Producer Studio on HP AI PCs. on Core patent "Deliberate Delay" granted also in the U.S. "AI for video communication has incredible potential, but it's not a substitute for human creativity. Instead, it's a tool-one that, when used correctly, can enhance hybrid event workflows and make professional video production accessible for everyone. With our patented AI-assisted products and strategic partnerships with Microsoft, HP, and selected partners and resellers, we are uniquely positioned to democratize live event production and online meetings." - George Richards, Head of Business Development, AI Producer Inc. "Over the span of the last five years, AI Producer has managed to build an impressive patent portfolio, building on a range of breakthrough innovations in the field of video communication and event production, covering a large number of different solutions. Receiving numerous grants early in the U.S. significantly enhances the total value of the portfolio!" - Johan Ortenblad, Managing Partner & Patent Attorney, Norens Patentbyra AB Key Facts: Patent portfolio: 17 Patent families with approximately 150 patent rights. 17 Patent families with approximately 150 patent rights. AI Producer Studio: Designed exclusively for HP devices with built-in NPU local processing. The only solution on the market delivering AI-assisted meeting enhancements, preset production formats, and intelligent multi-camera control directly on the PC. Designed exclusively for HP devices with built-in NPU local processing. The only solution on the market delivering AI-assisted meeting enhancements, preset production formats, and intelligent multi-camera control directly on the PC. AI Producer in Teams: Teams-integrated meeting extension app with production formats, branding, overlays, layouts, and AI-assisted transitions. Teams-integrated meeting extension app with production formats, branding, overlays, layouts, and AI-assisted transitions. Use Cases: Town halls, webinars, live events, meetings, panel discussions, training, product demos, and hybrid events. About AI Producer Inc. AI Producer Inc. is a technology company that transforms how people meet and communicate by putting real-time AI-assisted production at the heart of every interaction. With an extensive patent portfolio behind our technology, we make professional video experiences accessible, consistent, and effortless for organizations of all sizes. We believe AI should enhance human creativity. That is why our solutions are built with security, integrity, and responsible design at their core, empowering teams to embrace automation with confidence and communicate with clarity in a hybrid world. Headquartered in Palo Alto, CA, AI Producer serves organizations worldwide. About Norens Patentbyra AB Norens Patentbyra AB is an intellectual property law firm that has protected innovation since 1957. With more than 60 years of experience and an extensive international network, the firm provides strategic IP counsel across patents, trademarks, and designs across all areas of technology. Norens takes a long-term approach to client relationships, developing a deep understanding of business needs to deliver the best possible intellectual property strategy advice. Based in Sweden, Norens serves clients worldwide. Attn: Media Relations AI Producer Inc. +1-650-586-4039 info@aiproducer.com www.aiproducer.com Orbia has today announced that its Executive Vice President and Chief People Officer, Deb Butters, has been named a member of Ragan's Top Women in HR Class of 2026. This distinction recognizes HR leaders exemplifying the highest standards of excellence and shaping the future of people strategy, workplace culture and organizational performance. Established in 1968, Ragan is a leading industry organization promoting excellence across the global communications and employee experience landscape. The 2026 Top Women in HR class was determined by a panel of judges who selected honorees from across blue-chip companies worldwide. "Deb is a transformational people leader whose vision for a purpose-driven employee experience has deeply shaped who we are as a company," said Sameer Bharadwaj, CEO of Orbia. "Her work has strengthened our culture, inspired our global teams and created an environment where people feel valued, connected and empowered to advance life around the world. We are proud to see her honored." Butters was recognized as one of 10 top leaders in the Chief People Officers category for her leadership in elevating Orbia's employee experience and shaping a unified, people-first culture across Orbia's five business groups. Over the past several years, Butters has championed a series of initiatives that have strengthened Orbia's employee experience and deepened connection across its global workforce. She sponsored the launch of Orbia's first employer brand and employee value proposition (EVP), "Where purpose comes to life," in 2023-a platform that continues to shape the company's identity, storytelling and cultural foundation. Butters has continued to build upon the foundation of Orbia's EVP to create enduring employee experiences made up of moments that matter. In 2024, Butters guided a campaign that invited employees and their families to reflect on how their purpose-driven work will create a world worth inheriting for future generations through art, resulting in more than 500 creative submissions from artists aged 2 to 50. The Generations of Impact campaign became what many employees described as one of Orbia's most meaningful culture initiatives. Butters also steered initiatives that contributed to significant growth in Orbia's Volunteering with Purpose platform, which engages more than 10% of Orbia's workforce in volunteer activities each year. The launch of Orbia's EVP was previously recognized in the 2024 Ragan Employee Communications and Top Places to Work Awards, where the company earned top honors in the employer branding and virtual town hall categories. Ragan will recognize the Class of 2026 at an awards luncheon on April 28, 2026, in New York City. To learn more about Orbia's purpose-driven culture and other recognitions, visit the Careers page: https://www.orbia.com/careers/. 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 $7.5 billion in revenue in 2024. To learn more, visit: orbia.com View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260205985088/en/ Contacts: Media Contact Kacy Karlen Chief Communications Officer, Orbia kacy.karlen@orbia.com +1 (865) 410-3001 Katie Hogue PR and Media Relations Manager, Orbia katherine.hogue@orbia.com +1 (224) 496-0568 Bonita Springs, Florida--(Newsfile Corp. - February 5, 2026) - Discovery Senior Living ("Discovery" or the "Company") and its affiliated subsidiaries, one of the most trusted and the largest privately held senior housing operators in the U.S., is pleased to announce that its Chief Executive Officer, Richard Hutchinson, has been named Chair of the American Seniors Housing Association (ASHA), the nation's leading organization representing senior living owners, operators, developers, and investors. Hutchinson, who previously served as ASHA, Vice Chair, assumes the role at an important time for the industry marked by a growing need for seniors housing, evolving expectations from residents and families, and an industry-wide focus on strengthening operations, workforce, and public trust. His appointment reflects Discovery's belief that advancing senior housing requires leaders who are deeply connected to every part of the ecosystem. As one of the largest seniors housing operators, Discovery works closely with ownership and capital partners while directly building teams who provide care to the residents who live in its communities, and the families who entrust them with their loved ones. "At our scale, we sit in a unique position," said Hutchinson. "We partner daily with ownership groups and investors in our communities, and just as closely with the men and women who deliver care, lead communities, and support residents and families. That engagement with both sides gives us a clear understanding of what this industry needs, where innovation matters most, where gaps exist, and how to better support the people doing this work every day." Discovery's leadership perspective is shaped by its distinct operating model, which includes multiple Management Companies designed to serve different markets, community types, and resident needs. This structure allows Discovery to remain locally focused and highly responsive at the community level, while benefiting from shared expertise, resources, and scale across the enterprise. "Great senior housing isn't one-size-fits-all," Hutchinson added. "Our Management Company structure is truly different among the industry. Our structure allows leaders to operate with local knowledge and accountability, while learning from one another and continuously innovating new programs to deliver exceptional living experiences. That same philosophy, listening closely, sharing insight, and working together is what we bring to ASHA." ASHA President David Schless welcomed Hutchinson's appointment, noting the importance of engaged, operator-driven leadership as the industry addresses both opportunity and responsibility in the years ahead. As Chair, Hutchinson will work alongside ASHA's executive committee and leadership team to help guide the association's priorities, with a focus on strengthening the industry for the long term. Key areas include supporting and developing the workforce, improving resident experience, advancing innovation across disciplines, and fostering greater understanding of the value senior living provides to older adults and their families. Discovery's commitment to industry leadership extends beyond one role. Senior leaders across the organization are actively involved in national, state, and local industry groups, contributing time, insight, and experience to help shape the future of senior housing and ensure it continues to evolve in ways that benefit residents, caregivers, and owners. About ASHA The American Seniors Housing Association (ASHA) is the premier national organization representing owners, operators, developers, and investors in the seniors housing industry. ASHA advocates on federal policy, produces industry-defining research, and provides thought leadership on issues shaping independent living, assisted living, memory care, and life plan communities. Learn more at ashaliving.org. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11618/282831_59d4999cc4cdd817_001full.jpg About Discovery Senior Living Discovery Senior Living is the largest privately held operator in U.S. with a growing portfolio approaching 47,000 units across ~420 communities in 40 states. The Company, and its 22,000-plus team members, is a recognized industry leader for performance, innovation and customized lifestyle experiences. Discovery proudly ranks #1 in Customer Satisfaction Among Assisted Living and Memory Care Communities in the J.D. Power 2025 U.S. Senior Living Satisfaction Study achieving #1 in Customer Satisfaction among Assisted Living & Memory Care Communities while also ranking #1 in Community Staff, Resident Activities, Resident Apartment/Living Unit, and Community Buildings & Grounds and #2 in Customer Satisfaction among Independent Living Communities. Discovery's family of companies includes Discovery Management Group, Integral Senior Living, Provincial Senior Living, Morada Senior Living, Summerhouse Senior Living, Seaton Senior Living, TerraBella Senior Living, LakeHouse Senior Living, Arvum Senior Living, Discovery Design Concepts, STAT Marketing, and Discovery At Home. Led by its award-winning management team, Discovery has been developing, building, marketing, and managing diverse senior-living communities across the United States for three decades. For the fourth consecutive year, Discovery Senior Living was again certified a Great Place To Work May 2025 - May 2026. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11618/282831_59d4999cc4cdd817_002full.jpg To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/282831 Source: Discovery Senior Living Victoria, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 5, 2026) - Tiny Ltd. (TSX: TINY) ("Tiny" or the "Company"), a Canadian technology holding company that acquires wonderful businesses for the long term, announces the launch, as of the date hereof, of its previously announced issuer bid (the "Offer"), pursuant to which Tiny will purchase for cancellation up to all of its issued and outstanding secured convertible debentures due May 12, 2030 (the "Debentures") from the holders thereof (each, a "Debentureholder"). Debentureholders who validly tender and do not withdraw their Debentures under the Offer will receive aggregate consideration comprising, for each $1,000 of principal amount of Debentures taken-up by the Company: (i) subject to compliance with applicable securities laws, an aggregate of 12.5 Class A common share purchase warrants (each whole warrant, a "Warrant"); and $1,181.73 in cash plus interest accrued on the Debentures up to the day that is three days prior to the payment date (the "Cash Consideration"). Each Warrant will entitle the holder thereof to acquire one Class A common share in the capital of the Company (each, a "Warrant Share") at a price of $12.00 per Warrant Share for a period of five (5) years following the date of issuance. All amounts are denominated in Canadian dollars. The Offer will provide Debentureholders with the opportunity to realize immediate liquidity for their Debentures through the receipt of the Cash Consideration, while also allowing them to participate in the potential future value creation of the Company through their ownership of the Warrants. The Offer commences today and expires on March 12, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. (Toronto time) (the "Expiry Time"), unless terminated, extended or varied by the Company. Assuming that (i) the Offer is not withdrawn by the Company, (ii) the Expiry Time is not terminated, extended or varied by the Company, and (iii) all the conditions to the Offer are complied with (or waived), it is expected that the Debentures tendered under Offer will be taken-up and paid for by the Company as soon as practicable after the Expiry Time, and, in any event, within 10 days after the Expiry Time (the "Closing Date"). The Offer is conditional upon certain conditions, including the closing of a concurrent private placement by the Company (the "Bond Offering") of up to US$110,000,000 of fixed rate senior secured bonds due in 2031. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the Bond Offering to re-finance its existing debt, including the Cash Consideration for the repurchase of the Debentures under the Offer. The Company reserves the right, subject to applicable laws, to withdraw or amend the Offer, at any time prior to the closing of the Offer. The Offer is also subject to Debentureholders validly tendering (and not withdrawing) at least two-thirds of the outstanding Debentures to the Offer. As of the date hereof, The Company has entered into support and lock-up agreements (the "Support Agreements") with certain Debentureholders pursuant to which, among other things, and subject to the terms and conditions set out therein, the Debentureholders have agreed to tender all of the Debentures they hold to the Offer and to take all actions required to allow the Company to give effect to the Offer. As of the date hereof, Debentureholders holding $34,308,000, representing approximately 95% of the aggregate amount of the issued and outstanding Debentures, have entered into Support Agreements in respect of the Offer. BDO Canada LLP was engaged by the board of directors of the Company to prepare and deliver a formal valuation on the fair market value of the Debentures and the Warrants in accordance with Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions (the "Valuation"). A copy of the Valuation is included in the Offer Documents (as defined below). The Valuation will not be, and should not be construed to be, a recommendation to a Debentureholder, or to anyone else, to take any course of action. The full terms and conditions and other details regarding the Offer, including instructions for tendering Debentures to the Offer and the factors considered by the board of directors of the Company in making its decision to approve the Offer, are included in the formal offer to purchase and issuer bid circular (the "Circular") and other related documents relating to the Offer (together with the Circular, the "Offer Documents"), which are being mailed to the registered Debentureholders, filed with applicable Canadian Securities Administrators and are available free of charge on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com. Debentureholders should carefully read the Offer Documents relating to the Offer prior to making a decision with respect to the Offer. The Offer will be subject to certain conditions that are typical for a transaction of this nature. Canaccord Genuity Corp. is acting as financial advisor to the Company in connection with the Offer. Any questions or requests for information may be directed to TSX Trust Company, as the depositary (the "Depositary") for the Offer, at 1-800-387-0825 (Toll Free) or by email at: shareholderinquiries@tmx.com. If you hold Debentures through a broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee, you must contact such broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee if you wish to tender Debentures pursuant to the Offer. You should check with such broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee to determine whether they will charge you a fee for tendering Debentures on your behalf. You should also confirm with the broker, dealer, bank, trust company or other nominee any deadlines by which you must provide your tender or deposit instructions, because the relevant deadline set by such nominee may be earlier than the deadlines set forth herein. None of the Company, its directors, BDO Canada LLP, Canaccord Genuity Corp., the Depositary or any of their respective affiliates makes any recommendation to Debentureholders as to whether to tender or refrain from tendering any or all of their Debentures to the Offer. This press release is neither an offer to purchase nor a solicitation of an offer to sell any Debentures. The solicitation and the offer to purchase Debentures by the Company is being made only pursuant to the Offer Documents. Debentureholders are strongly urged to review and evaluate carefully all information in the applicable Offer Documents once mailed, to consult their own financial, tax and legal advisers and to make their own decision as to whether to deposit their Debentures under the Offer. The securities mentioned herein have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and in accordance with applicable U.S. state securities laws. The Company does not intend to register any securities referred to herein in the United States or to conduct a public offering of securities in the United States. The securities mentioned herein have not been and will not be qualified for sale to the public by prospectus under applicable Canadian securities laws and, accordingly, any offer and sale of securities in Canada will be made on a basis which is exempt from the prospectus requirements of such securities laws. About Tiny Tiny is a Canadian holding company that acquires wonderful businesses using a founder-friendly approach. It focuses on companies with unique competitive advantages, recurring or predictable revenue streams, and strong free cash flow generation. Tiny typically holds businesses for the long-term, with a parent-level focus on capital allocation, collaborative management and operations, and incentive structures within the operating companies to drive results for Tiny and its shareholders. Tiny currently has three principle reporting segments: Digital Services, which help some of the world's top companies design, build and ship amazing products and services; Software and Apps, which is home to Serato, the world's leading DJ software, and WeCommerce, a collection of leading application and theme businesses powering global e-commerce merchants; and Creative Platform, which is composed primarily of Dribbble, the social network for designers and digital creatives, as well as Creative Market, a premier online marketplace for digital assets such as fonts, graphics and templates. For more about Tiny, please visit www.tiny.com or refer to the public disclosure documents available under Tiny's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com. Important notice The announcement does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy bonds or other securities in any jurisdiction. The publication, distribution or release of this announcement may be restricted by law in certain jurisdictions and persons into whose possession any document or other information referred to herein comes should inform themselves about and observe any such restriction. Any failure to comply with such restrictions may constitute a violation of the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information Certain statements in this press release may constitute forward-looking information or forward-looking statements (together, "forward-looking statements") that reflect management's current expectations regarding the Company's future growth, financial performance, business prospects and opportunities. Generally, these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "forecast", "expect", "estimate", "predict", "intend", "would", "could", "if", "may" and similar expressions. This press release includes, among others, forward-looking statements regarding the Company's intentions and expectations with respect to the Offer and the Bond Offering, the terms of the Offer, the expected Expiry Time and Closing Date of the Offer, certain strategic and financial benefits that may result from the completion of the Offer and the completion of the Bond Offering. These statements reflect current expectations of management regarding future events and speak only as of the date of this press release. In addition, forward-looking statements are provided for the purpose of providing information about management's current expectations and plans relating to the future. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. By their nature, forward-looking statements require management to make various assumptions and are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties. There is a significant risk that such predictions, forecasts, conclusions or projections will not prove to be accurate, that management's assumptions may not be accurate and that actual results, performance or achievements may differ significantly from such predictions, forecasts, conclusions or projections expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. We caution readers not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements in this press release as a number of factors, many of which are beyond the Company's control, could cause actual future results, conditions, actions or events to differ materially from the targets, outlooks, expectations, goals, estimates or intentions expressed in the forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to: the risk that the Company does not complete the Bond Offering on the terms previously proposed or at all; the risk that the Company uses the proceeds of the Bond Offering in a manner that is different than previously proposed; and the risk that the Company does not complete the Offer or completes the Offer on different terms than previously proposed. For a more detailed discussion of the Company's risk factors, see the list of risk factors in the Company's Annual Information Form dated April 29, 2025 and in the Circular which are available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com under the Company's profile. The Company cautions that the foregoing list is not exhaustive of all possible factors, as other factors could adversely affect our results. When relying on our forward-looking statements to make decisions with respect to the Company and its securities, investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other uncertainties and potential events. Unless otherwise indicated, the information in this press release is current as of the date of this press release and the Company does not intend, and disclaims any obligation, to update any forward-looking statements, whether written or oral, or whether as a result of new information or otherwise, except as may be required by law. NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. 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/282868 Source: Tiny Ltd. Oak Brook, Illinois--(Newsfile Corp. - February 5, 2026) - Three years after a series of catastrophic earthquakes devastated entire communities in southern Turkiye, Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) and Lions worldwide continue to support people still recovering from one of the region's worst disasters in more than a century. The February 6, 2023, earthquakes killed tens of thousands of people, displaced millions and destroyed entire cities. Lions and LCIF launched a swift relief effort that began as an emergency response and grew to long-term recovery initiatives. Over the past three years, LCIF has awarded more than US$5 million in grants, enabling Lions to provide humanitarian assistance across the hardest-hit areas. In the immediate aftermath, LCIF awarded a Major Catastrophe Grant to address urgent humanitarian needs. These funds supported emergency shelter, essential supplies and coordinated relief operations led by the local Lions. Among the earliest initiatives were LCIF-funded container and tent villages that provided safe, temporary housing for displaced families while permanent solutions were planned. As recovery continued, Lions expanded their focus beyond basic needs to address the long-term social and emotional aftermath. With LCIF support, Lions and Leos organized educational programs, recreational activities and social activities for children and families living in temporary housing, helping restore a sense of normalcy during extremely challenging times. "The needs of earthquake survivors continue long after the disaster strikes," said LCIF Chairperson Fabricio Oliveira. "Lions are part of these communities, and they see the lasting impact of these tragic events. LCIF remains committed to supporting Lions as they serve the people in the region throughout the long recovery process." In Mersin, where hundreds of thousands of displaced people sought refuge, LCIF grants helped Lions establish community centers offering childcare, skills training for women and other essential services. In Antakya, another community center built with LCIF funding is providing daily meals and kindergarten education for local children, with plans underway to include income generating activities to help women provide for their families. "These community centers are helping bring stability to local residents when they need it most," Oliveira said. "LCIF is proud to support this critical work that is helping families rebuild their lives and entire communities rebuild their future." To learn more about these LCIF-funded Lions projects in Turkiye, watch this video. To learn more about the many ways LCIF supports disaster-affected communities and how you can help visit lionsclubs.org/LCIF. Lion visits with Turkish woman in temporary housing community in Hatay Province. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9322/282896_2a640aab84f8da73_001full.jpg Lions view damaged building in Hatay Province. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9322/282896_2a640aab84f8da73_002full.jpg Lions gather with Turkish women in a community center in Mersin for a sewing class. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9322/282896_2a640aab84f8da73_003full.jpg About Lions Clubs International Foundation Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) is the global foundation supporting the 1.4 million members of Lions Clubs International through grant funds that expand their compassionate works and empower their service at home and around the world. Since its founding in 1968, LCIF has awarded more than 24,000 grants totaling more than US$1.3 billion. We improve health and well-being, strengthen communities and support those in need, locally and globally. Learn more about who we are and what we do at lionsclubs.org/lcif or donate to LCIF at lionsclubs.org/donate. Follow LCIF on Facebook at @LCIFLions. Contact information: Hannah Krzeminsk hzettl@lionsclubs.org To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/282896 Source: Lions Clubs International Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 5, 2026) - American Pacific Mining Corp (CSE: USGD) (OTCQX: USGDF) (FSE: 1QC1) ("American Pacific" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that, further to its news releases of January 20, 2026, it has closed its non-brokered private placement offering (the "Private Placement" or "Offering") issuing 44,318,182 units at a price of $0.22 per unit raising aggregate proceeds of $9,750,000.04. Each Unit consists of one common share in the capital of the Company (a "Share") and one-half of one Share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant entitles the holder thereof to acquire one additional Share (a "Warrant Share") at a price of $0.32 per Warrant Share until February 5, 2029 (the "Expiry Date"). "We are very pleased to close this $9.75M financing and deeply appreciate the strong support from both new and existing investors who share our vision for American Pacific," commented CEO Warwick Smith. "We are now fully-funded for a robust drill program at the Madison Copper-Gold Project in Montana, where we plan to test both skarn and porphyry targets. With rising gold and copper prices providing a constructive backdrop for explorers, and the recent Project Vault announcement by the Trump administration underscoring the strategic importance of US-based metal supply, we believe American Pacific is exceptionally well-positioned to benefit from both project and macro tailwinds as we begin our next phase of work at Madison later this quarter." The Company paid aggregate finder's fees of $623,431.60 in cash and issued 2,747,780 finder's warrants (the "Finder's Warrants") to Clarus Securities Inc., Eventus Capital Corp., Ventum Financial Corp., Research Capital Corporation, Canaccord Genuity Corp., and Haywood Securities Inc. The Finder's Warrants are non-transferable, exercisable at prices of $0.22 and $0.32 per Share until the Expiry Date and are subject to the 4-month hold period as required by Canadian securities laws. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the Offering for exploration and development on the Company's Madison Copper-Gold Project, other mineral exploration and development projects, and for general corporate purposes. The Private Placement was conducted under (i) the listed issuer financing exemption as per Part 5A of National Instrument 45-106 - Prospectus Exemptions to qualified investors in Canada, and (ii) otherwise in those jurisdictions where the Private Placement can lawfully be made including the United States under applicable private placement exemptions. As a result, the securities issued are not subject to a hold period under the prevailing Canadian securities laws. The securities issued to investors located in the United States are subject to resale restrictions in the United States. In connection with the Private Placement, the Company filed an Offering Document dated January 20, 2026, as amended and restated on January 20, 2026, which is available on the Company's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca and on www.americanpacificmining.com. The securities referred to in this news release have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons absent registration under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws, unless an exemption from such registration is available. This news release does not constitute an offer for sale of securities for sale, nor a solicitation for offers to buy any securities. Any public offering of securities in the United States must be made by means of a prospectus containing detailed information about the Company and management, as well as financial statements. "United States" and "U.S. person" have the respective meanings assigned in Regulation S under the U.S Securities Act. About American Pacific Mining Corp. American Pacific Mining Corp. is a precious and base metals explorer 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 acquisition of Madison, 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. On Behalf of American Pacific Mining Corp. Board of Directors: Warwick Smith, CEO & Director Corporate Office: Suite 910 - 510 Burrard Street Vancouver, BC, V6C 3A8 Canada The Canadian Securities Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS When used in this press release, the words "estimate", "project", "belief", "anticipate", "intend", "expect", "plan", "predict", "may" or "should" and the negative of these words or such variations thereon or comparable terminology are intended to identify forward-looking statements and information (collectively referred to as "forward-looking information". Although the Company believes, in light of the experience of their respective officers and directors, current conditions and expected future developments and other factors that have been considered appropriate, that the expectations reflected in forward-looking information in this press release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on them because the parties can give no assurance that such statements will prove to be correct. The forward-looking information in this press release include, amongst others: the terms of the Offering, the anticipated closing of the Offering, the ability of the Company to complete the Offering, the approval of the Offering by the CSE, and the intended use of proceeds of the Offering. Such statements and information reflect the current view of the Company. There are risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in the forward-looking information. By their nature, forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results, performance or achievements, or other future events, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. There are a number of important factors that could cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from those indicated or implied by forward-looking information. Such factors include, among others: currency fluctuations; limited business history; disruptions or changes in security markets; results of operation activities and development of projects; project cost overruns or unanticipated costs and expenses; and general development, market and industry conditions. The Company undertakes no obligation to comment on analyses, expectations or statements made by third parties in respect of their securities or their respective financial or operating results (as applicable). The Company cautions that the foregoing list of material factors is not exhaustive. When relying on the Company's forward-looking information to make decisions, investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other uncertainties and potential events. The Company has assumed that the material factors referred to in the previous paragraph will not cause such forward-looking information to differ materially from actual results or events. However, the list of these factors is not exhaustive and is subject to change and there can be no assurance that such assumptions will reflect the actual outcome of such items or factors. The forward-looking information contained in this press release represents the expectations of the Company as of the date of this press release and, accordingly, are subject to change after such date. The Company does not undertake to update this information at any particular time except as required in accordance with applicable laws. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/282921 Source: American Pacific Mining Corp. Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - February 5, 2026) - KO Gold Inc. (CSE: KOG) ("KO Gold" or the "Company") announces today that it has granted stock options ("Options") to purchase up to 2,335,000 common shares of the Company (the "Shares") to certain directors, officers, and consultants of the Company, pursuant to the Company's stock option plan. The Options are exercisable for a period of three (3) years from the date of grant at a price of $0.35 per Share. The Options will vest immediately. All of the Options and the Shares underlying the Options are subject to a hold period of four months and one day from the date of grant in accordance with the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange and applicable securities laws. About KO Gold Inc. KO Gold is a Canadian junior exploration company listed on the CSE under "KOG". The Company's strategy is to acquire and explore highly prospective gold properties within the Otago Gold District in New Zealand. KO Gold presently, has four 100%-owned prospecting and exploration permits within the Otago Gold District for a combined land package of 400 km2 (including the Carrick Range exploration permit application). The Company's Smylers, Hyde and Glenpark EPs are located adjacent to OceanaGold's Macraes Gold Mine and the Carrick EP hosts the historic Carrick Goldfield which holds promise as a significant gold deposit near Santana Minerals' Bendigo-Ophir Gold Project. The Company also has an NSR on three additional permits, Garibaldi, Raggedy Range, and Rough Ridge South totaling 243km2. KO Gold has spent over C$3M in exploration and drilling on its permits in the Otago Gold District over the past five years including RC and diamond drilling on its Smylers EP. For further information, please contact: The CSE has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release. Neither the CSE nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. Forward-Looking Information This news release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as "plan," "expect," "intend," "anticipate," "propose," "estimate," "may," "will," "would," "potential," or variations of such words and phrases, or statements that certain actions, events or results "may,". All statements, other than statements of historical fact that address activities, events, or developments that the Company believes, expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future, are forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements reflect management's current expectations based on information currently available and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause outcomes to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this release include the vesting schedule, expiry date and applicable hold periods for the Options issued in the grant. Although the Company believes that the assumptions inherent in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and, accordingly, undue reliance should not be put on such statements due to their inherent uncertainty. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations include potential changes or amendments to the vesting schedule, expiry date and/or applicable hold periods for the Options and/or underlying securities. 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 required by applicable law. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/282895 Source: KO Gold Inc. Appoints Gavin Titley, P.Geo, as Vice President, Exploration & Dr. Farhad Bouzari as Chief Exploration Scientist VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / February 5, 2026 / Amarc Resources Ltd. ("Amarc" or the "Company") (TSXV:AHR)(OTCQB:AXREF) is pleased to announce two appointments, expanding and enhancing its technical team. Gavin Titley, P.Geo., has been appointed as Amarc's Vice President, Exploration and Farhad Bouzari, Ph.D, as its Chief Exploration Scientist. "Joining Amarc as Senior Geologist in 2024, Gavin Titley has been Amarc's on-the-ground project lead for the past two years at the JOY District and on the AuRORA Discovery, and during the drilling-focused program at the Empress copper-gold deposit at the IKE District. It is my great pleasure to acknowledge Gavin's excellent work and committment through his appointment as Vice President, Exploration for the Company," said Amarc President & CEO, Diane Nicolson. "I am also very excited to welcome Dr. Farhad Bouzari to Amarc's technical team as its Chief Exploration Scientist. Farhad has more than 25 years of international experience in mineral exploration, specializing in porphyry copper and related magmatic-hydrothermal mineral systems with an emphasis on the Toodoggone where the JOY District and the AuRORA Discovery are located." "These two accomplished individuals will contribute valuable insights to advance our portfolio of district-scale copper-gold projects and build on the team's outstanding track record of discovery and advancement of porphyry copper deposits in North America." Gavin Titley is professional geoscientist with a decade and a half of comprehensive experience exploring and managing copper-gold projects in the Canadian Cordillera. Prior to joining Amarc, he was an Exploration Manager for Northwest Copper Corporation for four years, managing multi-million dollar exploration programs at the Lorraine/Top Cat project and others. From 2017-2020, he was Project Geologist with Mincord Exploration Consultants, carrying out and overseeing field programs exploring for porphyry as well as other deposit types in British Columbia. He holds a B.Sc degree in Geology from the University of Victoria. Dr. Farhad Bouzari's career has focused on improving exploration decision-making in complex and covered terrains. He is widely recognized for his experience in porphyry mapping and contributions to exploration tool development, including MPIX, MPIX-L, and Porphyry Indicator Minerals (PIMS), which are now used globally to assess fertility, footprint scale, and vectoring within porphyry systems. Prior to joining Amarc, he spent nearly two decades as a Research Associate at the Mineral Deposit Research Unit (MDRU) at the University of British Columbia, leading large-scale industry, NSERC, and Geoscience BC-funded research programs. Of particular interest to Amarc is his involvement in two MDRU research projects in the Toodoggone region of British Columbia, aimed at establishing the link between porphyry and epithermal occurrences and developing a new exploration framework to improve the appraisal and discovery of these systems. An integrated approach combining field mapping, petrography, lithogeochemistry, and geochronology was used to constrain the exposure levels and timing of porphyry-epithermal clusters. Alteration and geochemical indices, including those above were developed to provide effective vectors toward mineralization[i]. About Amarc Resources Ltd. Amarc is a mineral exploration and development company with an experienced and successful management team focused on developing a new generation of long-life, high-value porphyry Cu-Au mines in BC. By combining high-demand projects with dynamic management, Amarc has created a solid platform to create value from its exploration and development-stage assets. Amarc is advancing the JOY, DUKE and IKE porphyry CuAu Districts located in different prolific porphyry regions of northern, central and southern BC, respectively. Each District represents significant potential for the development of multiple and important-scale, porphyry CuAu deposits. Importantly, each of the three districts are located in proximity to industrial infrastructure - including power, highways and rail. Freeport-McMoRan Mineral Properties Canada Inc. ("Freeport"), a wholly owned subsidiary of Freeport-McMoRan Inc. at JOY and Boliden Mineral Canada Ltd. ("Boliden"), an entity within the Boliden Group of companies at DUKE, can earn up to a 70% interest in each District through staged investments of CAD $110 million and CAD $90 million, respectively. Together, this provides Amarc with potentially up to CAD $200 million in non-share dilutive staged funding for these Districts. Both Freeport and Boliden have earned initial 60% interests. Amarc completed self-funded drilling at its Empress Cu-Au Deposit in the IKE District in 2024. Amarc's exploration is led by an internationally successful team of experienced geologists specializing in porphyry Cu-Au deposits. Members of this team have been involved in and have tracked porphyry Cu-Au exploration advancements in the Toodoggone region since 1990. Their experience and early recognition of the porphyry potential at the NWG Target in terms of a shallowly overburden covered and underexplored transitional epithermal-porphyry geological setting, led to the discovery of the Au-rich AuRORA porphyry Cu-Au-Ag Deposit. Amarc is associated with HDI, a diversified, global mining company with a 35-year history of porphyry Cu deposit discovery, development and transaction success. Previous and current HDI projects include some of BC's and the world's most important porphyry deposits - such as Pebble, Mount Milligan, Southern Star, Kemess South, Kemess North, Gibraltar, Prosperity, Xietongmen, Newtongmen, Florence, Casino, Sisson, Maggie, PINE, IKE, DUKE and AuRORA. From its head office in Vancouver, Canada, HDI applies its unique strengths and capabilities to acquire, develop, operate and monetize mineral projects. Amarc works closely with local governments, Indigenous groups and stakeholders in order to advance its mineral projects responsibly, and in a manner that contributes to sustainable community and economic development. We pursue early and meaningful engagement to ensure our mineral exploration and development activities are well coordinated and broadly supported, address local priorities and concerns, and optimize opportunities for collaboration. In particular, we seek to establish mutually beneficial partnerships with Indigenous groups within whose traditional territories our projects are located, through the provision of jobs, training programs, contract opportunities, capacity funding agreements and sponsorship of community events. All Amarc work programs are carefully planned to achieve high levels of environmental and social performance. Qualified Person Mark Rebagliati, P.Eng., a Qualified Person ("QP") as defined by National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the technical and scientific information in this news release. Mr. Rebagliati is not independent of the Company. For further details on Amarc Resources Ltd., please visit the Company's website at www.amarcresources.com or contact Dr. Diane Nicolson, President and CEO, at (604) 684-6365 or within North America at 1-800-667-2114, or Kin Communications, at (604) 684-6730, Email: AHR@kincommunications.com. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF AMARC RESOURCES LTD. Dr. Diane Nicolson President and CEO 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. Forward Looking and other Cautionary Information This news release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All such statements, other than statements of historical facts that address exploration plans and plans for enhanced relationships are forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Assumptions used by the Company to develop forward-looking statements include the following: Amarc's projects will obtain all required environmental and other permits and all land use and other licenses, studies and exploration of Amarc's projects will continue to be positive, and no geological or technical problems will occur. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include market prices, potential environmental issues or liabilities associated with exploration, development and mining activities, exploitation and exploration successes, continuity of mineralization, uncertainties related to the ability to obtain necessary permits, licenses and tenure and delays due to third party opposition, changes in and the effect of government policies regarding mining and natural resource exploration and exploitation including the effects of land use plans that may impact activities on or access to properties, exploration and development of properties located within Aboriginal groups asserted territories may affect or be perceived to affect asserted aboriginal rights and title, which may cause permitting delays or opposition by Aboriginal groups, continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. For more information on Amarc Resources Ltd., investors should review Amarc's annual Form 20-F filing with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission at www.sec.gov and its home jurisdiction filings that are available at www.sedarplus.ca. [i] Results are published in the CIM porphyry volume and in-press in the Journal of Economic Geology. SOURCE: Amarc Resources Ltd. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/amarc-further-expands-its-toodoggone-technical-team-1133860 Boston Sword Tuna (BST) and Vikenco AS today jointly announced the successful resolution of their prior litigation through a confidential settlement agreement. The settlement resolves all claims between the parties in a manner satisfactory to both. No admissions of liability or wrongdoing were made by either side. The two companies have enjoyed a long-standing and mutually beneficial relationship over the years. As a result of this settlement, both parties are committed to a renewal of their relationship going forward, focusing on continued partnership and shared growth opportunities. "We are pleased to put this matter behind us and look ahead to strengthening our collaboration," said Sean O'Scannlain, President and CEO of BST's parent company Fortune International, LLC. "We are pleased to have resolved this matter and to move forward constructively, and we look forward to strong cooperation going forward," added Per Olav Mevold, CEO of Vikenco AS. About Fortune International Fortune International is a premier distributor of seafood, meats, and specialty products, serving restaurants, hotels, and retailers nationwide. With a focus on sustainability, quality, and innovation, Fortune International continues to set the standard for excellence in the industry. About Vikenco AS Vikenco has been a recognized supplier of seafood to markets in Norway, Europa, the USA and the Far East since 1973. The company was a pioneer in salmon-farming, and with Salmar Organic it has a fully integrated production chain from roe and smolt to marine growers. The company has in addition to its own harvesting station, a value adding plant and marketing department. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260205529944/en/ Contacts: Media Contact For Fortune International, LLC Kim Stewart, Director of Marketing Phone: (630) 521-4014 Email: kstewart@fortunefishco.net Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 5, 2026) - Parvis Invest Inc. (TSXV: PVIS) ("Parvis" or the "Company"), a technology-enabled platform redefining access to real estate and alternative private market investments, today announced the second tranche (the "Second Tranche") of its non-brokered private placement offering (the "Offering") of unsecured convertible debentures (the "Debentures") previously announced in the Company's news releases of June 4, 2025, and June 6, 2025. As with the first tranche of the Offering completed on June 6, 2025 (the "First Tranche"), the Second Tranche will consist of gross proceeds of C$300,000. The Company intends to proceed with the closing of the Second Tranche in near term. The Debentures will be issued pursuant to separate subscription agreements and will bear interest at 10% per annum, maturing 24 months from the date of issuance, unless earlier converted in accordance with their terms. The Debentures issuable under the Second Tranche will be convertible into common shares of the Company at the option of the holder at a fixed conversion price of $0.20. All conversions are subject to the terms and conditions set out in the applicable Debenture certificates and to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV"), including compliance with its minimum pricing and price reservation requirements and all applicable securities laws. The Debentures issued pursuant to the Second Tranche are subject to a statutory hold period of four months and one day from the date of issuance. Final closing of the private placement is subject to receipt of TSXV approval. No finders' fees or commissions were paid in connection with the Second Tranche of the Offering. Upon completion of the Second Tranche, the Company will have raised an aggregate of $600,000 from the Offering. This aggregate includes $300,000 raised in the First Tranche. The proceeds from the Debentures are intended to be used for general working capital and corporate purposes, including continued development and expansion of the Company's technology platform and investment product offerings. Parvis Parvis is a technology-driven investment platform delivering streamlined access to institutional-quality real estate and alternative investments. Headquartered in Vancouver with licenses and presence across Canada, Parvis combines regulatory infrastructure, marketing expertise, and end-to-end technology to simplify private investing for individuals and institutions. For more information, visit www.parvisinvest.com. Forward-Looking Statement Disclaimer: This news release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information generally refers to information about an issuer's business, capital, or operations that is prospective in nature, and includes future-oriented financial information about the issuer's prospective financial performance or financial position. Forward-looking statements are often identified by the words "may", "would", "could", "should", "will", "intend", "plan", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect" or similar expressions and includes information regarding: the completion of the Second Tranche; the completion of the third tranche of the Offering; the use of proceeds from the Offering, and the Company's business plans and role in the investment industry. To develop the forward-looking information in this news release, the Company made certain material assumptions, including but not limited to: prevailing market conditions; general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; and the ability of the Company to execute and achieve its business objectives. 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. Actual results may vary from the forward-looking information in this news release due to certain material risk factors. These risk factors include, but are not limited to: the risk that the Offering, or any tranche thereof, may not be completed on the terms described or at all; the risk that TSX Venture Exchange approval may not be obtained; adverse market conditions; changes in general economic, business and political conditions; changes in applicable laws and regulations; compliance with extensive government regulation; reliance on key and qualified personnel; risks associated with the real estate, investment, and technology industries in general. The foregoing list of material risk factors and assumptions is not exhaustive. The Company assumes no obligation to update or revise the forward-looking information in this news release, unless it is required to do so under Canadian securities legislation. Neither the 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. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in any jurisdiction. Follow us on social media: Instagram: @ParvisInvest Facebook: ParvisInvest LinkedIn: Parvis To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/282941 Source: Parvis Invest Inc. Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - February 5, 2026) - FRNT Financial Inc. (TSXV: FRNT) (OTCQB: FRFLF) (FSE: XZ3) (the "Company" or "FRNT") a digital asset investment bank, wishes to highlight continued momentum in its institutional lending business during H2 2025. During H2 2025, assets associated with institutional lending transactions on which FRNT advised and arranged exceeded US$175 million. The Company continues to work through a growing and active lending pipeline procured over the period. FRNT advises on, arranges, structures, and facilitates USD-denominated loans collateralized by BTC and other liquid digital assets, as well as bitcoin-denominated loans, between institutional lenders and borrowers. Loans are brokered through bilateral arrangements or executed using institutional-grade custody and settlement infrastructure. Highlights and differentiators of the FRNT Lending Platform include: Fully automated tri-party structure with no rehypothecation and 24/7 margin monitoring Robust crypto-native infrastructure combined with institutional-grade risk management Real-time loan dashboards providing instant visibility into collateral health, margin status, and historical activity Loan origination advisory services for bitcoin lenders, including counterparty sourcing, credit underwriting, and structuring support FRNT CEO Stephane Ouellette noted, 'After a strange 2025 for industry operators which saw an influx of crypto headlines amid falling prices, we are happy to see our lending business continue to grow. As the industry makes a local bottom, FRNT continues to be well-positioned for when more bullish conditions return.' About FRNT FRNT is a digital asset investment bank offering capital markets and advisory services to institutional investors participating in or entering the space. The Company aims to bridge the worlds of traditional and web-based finances with a technology forward and compliant operation. Business lines include deliverable trading services, structured derivative products, merchant banking, advisory, consulting, lending origination and principal investments. Headquartered in Toronto, FRNT was co-founded in 2018 by CEO Stephane Ouellette. Neither the TSXV nor its regulation services provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This press release contains "forward-looking statements" and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable law which may include, without limitation, statements relating to the growth prospectus of the Company's lending pipeline, the technical, financial and business prospects of the Company, its assets and other matters. Generally, forward-looking statements and forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved". All forward-looking statements and forward-looking information are based on reasonable assumptions that have been made by the Company as at the date of such information. Forward-looking statements and forward-looking information are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and forward-looking information, including but not limited to: the general risks associated with the speculative nature of the Company's business, current global financial conditions, uncertainty of additional capital, price volatility, no history of earnings, government regulation in the industries in which the Company operates, political and economic risk, financing availability, prevailing market conditions for cryptocurrencies, disruption of FRNT's information technology systems, protection of sensitive data used or stored by FRNT, limited history and market for cryptocurrencies, the perception and treatment of cryptocurrencies by both the public and governmental authorities, new regulations regarding cryptocurrencies may be introduced by governmental authorities, absence of public trading market, arbitrary offering price, dilution to the common shares in the capital of the Company, dependence on key personnel, currency fluctuations, insurance and uninsured risks, competition, legal proceedings, conflicts of interest and lack of dividends. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements and 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 information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements or information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or forward-looking information. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement or forward-looking information that is included herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/282943 Source: FRNT Financial Inc. Edmonton, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - February 5, 2026) - Sankamap Metals Inc. (CSE: SCU) ("Sankamap" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that the Management Cease Trade Order (the "MCTO") issued on October 29, 2025, by the Alberta Securities Commission (the "ASC") has been revoked, effective February 4, 2026. The MCTO applied only to the Company's CEO and CFO and did not affect trading by other shareholders, including the public. The Company confirms that it has completed the filing of its annual audited financial statements, management's discussion and analysis, and CEO and CFO certifications for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2025 (collectively, the "Required Filings"), on January 29, 2026, and the filing of its interim first-quarter financial statements, on January 30, 2026. Copies of the Required Filings and the interim first-quarter financial statements are available under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. About Sankamap Metals Inc. Sankamap Metals Inc. (CSE: SCU) is a Canadian mineral exploration company dedicated to the discovery and development of high-grade copper and gold deposits through its flagship Oceania Project, located in the South Pacific. The Company's fully permitted assets are strategically positioned in the Solomon Islands, along a prolific geological trend that hosts major copper-gold deposits; including Newcrest's Lihir Mine, with a resource of 71.9 million ounces of gold (310 Mt containing 23 Moz Au at 2.3 g/t P+P, 520 Mt containing 39 Moz Au at 2.3 g/t indicated, 81 Mt containing 5 Moz Au at 1.9 g/t measured, 61 Mt containing 4.9 Moz Au at 2.3 g/t Inferred) . Exploration is actively advancing at both the Kuma and Fauro properties, part of Sankamap's Oceania Project in the Solomon Islands. Historical work has already highlighted the mineral potential of both sites, which lie along a highly prospective copper and gold-bearing trend, suggesting the possibility of further, yet-to-be-discovered deposits. At Kuma, the property is believed to host an underexplored and largely untested porphyry copper-gold (Cu-Au) system. Historical rock chip sampling has returned consistently elevated gold values above 0.5 g/t Au, including a standout sample assaying 11.7% Cu and 13.5 g/t Au2; underscoring the area's significant potential. At Fauro, particularly at the Meriguna Target, historical trenching has returned highly encouraging results, including 8.0 meters at 27.95 g/t Au and 14.0 meters at 8.94 g/t Au3. Complementing these results are exceptional grab sample assays, including historical values of up to 173 g/t Au3, along with recent sampling by Sankamap at the Kiovakase Target, which returned numerous high-grade copper values, reaching up to 4.09% Cu. In addition, limited historical shallow drilling intersected 35.0 meters at 2.08 g/t Au3, further underscoring the property's strong mineral potential and the merit for continued exploration. With a commitment to systematic exploration and a team of experienced professionals, Sankamap aims to unlock the untapped potential of underexplored regions and create substantial value for its shareholders. For more information, please refer to SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca), under Sankamap's profile. 1. Newcrest Technical Report, 2020 (Lihir: 310 Mt containing 23 Moz Au at 2.3 g/t P+P, 520 Mt containing 39 Moz Au at 2.3 g/t indicated, 81 Mt containing 5 Moz Au at 1.9 g/t measured, 61 Mt containing 4.9 Moz Au at 2.3 g/t Inferred) 2. Historical grab, soil and BLEG samples from SolGold Kuma Review June 2015, and SolGold plc Annual Report 2013/2012 3. September 2010-June 2012 press releases from Solomon Gold Ltd. and SolGold Fauro Island Summary Technical Info 2012 QP Disclosure The technical content for the Oceania Project in this news release has been reviewed and approved by John Florek, M.Sc., P.Geol., a Qualified Person in accordance with CIM guidelines. Mr. John Florek is in good standing with the Professional Geoscientists of Ontario (Member ID:1228) and a director and officer of the Company. The Canadian Securities Exchange has not approved nor disapproved this press release. Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements made and information contained herein may constitute "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian and United States securities legislation. These statements and information are based on facts currently available to Sankamap and there is no assurance that the actual results will meet management's expectations. Forward-looking statements and information may be identified by such terms as "anticipates," "believes," "targets," "estimates," "plans," "expects," "may," "will," "could" or "would." Forward-looking statements are subject to various risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. Sankamap does not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements or information, except as required by applicable securities laws. For more information on the Company, investors should review the Company's continuous disclosure filings that are available at www.sedarplus.ca. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/282944 Source: Sankamap Metals Inc. Russia remains Indias top crude supplier, but imports fall month-on-month as refiners raise purchases from Iraq, Saudi Arabia and African producers amid diversification push India reduced its crude oil imports from Russia in January 2026, even as it stepped up purchases from the Middle East and Africa, according to tanker-tracking data from Kpler. Russian crude shipments to India fell to about 1.215 million barrels per day (bpd) in January 2026, down from 1.25 million bpd in December 2025 and sharply lower than 1.674 million bpd in January 2025. Despite the decline, Russia continued to be Indias single largest crude supplier. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD At the same time, India increased imports from Iraq, which rose to 1.035 million bpd in January 2026 from 904,000 bpd in December. Shipments from Saudi Arabia also climbed to 794,000 bpd, up from 706,000 bpd in the previous month. The data points to a growing diversification of Indias crude basket. Imports from African producers saw a notable rise, with shipments from Angola jumping to 254,000 bpd in January from 72,000 bpd in December. Supplies from Nigeria stood at 142,000 bpd, while Colombia emerged as a supplier with 129,000 bpd after no shipments in December. Imports from Brazil eased slightly to 221,000 bpd from 246,000 bpd in December, while crude purchases from the United States moderated to 297,000 bpd from 329,000 bpd a month earlier. Analysts say the latest numbers reflect Indian refiners continued effort to balance discounted Russian barrels with greater sourcing from traditional Middle Eastern suppliers and alternative producers in Africa and the Americas. The shift also comes amid evolving geopolitical dynamics, shipping constraints, and refiners need to optimise crude quality and logistics. The Kpler data highlights that while Russia remains central to Indias energy security, the pace of imports is becoming more calibrated, with refiners increasingly keeping options open across regions to manage price volatility and supply risks. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Caracas signals independence on oil pricing and pledges security for Chinese investments amid sanctions uncertainty and shifting US policy under Donald Trump Venezuela has sought to reassure China that its oil prices will be determined by global markets and not by pressure from the United States, even as geopolitical uncertainty deepens following the capture of President Nicolas Maduro and renewed scrutiny of the countrys energy sector. Speaking at a press briefing in Beijing, Venezuelas ambassador to China, Remigio Ceballos, rejected reports that Washington could influence the price China pays for Venezuelan crude. He said Caracas would not abide by any US-imposed arrangements and would continue to set oil prices based on international market dynamics. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Regarding oil pricing, Venezuela will not heed the arrangements of the United States or other countries. We have the right to make independent decisions, and oil prices will be determined by international markets, Ceballos said. His remarks come after reports that US President Donald Trump was considering exerting control over Venezuelas state-run oil company Petroleos de Venezuela SA (PDVSA), including pushing prices down to around $50 per barrel. The developments have raised concerns in Beijing, which has emerged as one of the largest buyers of Venezuelan crude amid years of US sanctions. China has absorbed a significant share of Venezuelas oil exports at discounted prices and has publicly condemned the US military operation that led to Maduros capture, calling for his release. Ceballos described the episode as a warning to the entire world but played down its impact on bilateral ties. China and Venezuela are trusted partners. Our relationship is built on mutual trust and cannot be swayed by any third country, he said. The Venezuelan envoy also sought to calm investor nerves, insisting that Chinese investments in Venezuela remain secure. Chinese enterprises operating in Venezuela and investments from other countries have continued as usual. Not only in petroleum but across all areas of cooperation, he said. Venezuela holds the worlds largest proven oil reserves, but production has remained subdued due to years of mismanagement, underinvestment, and sanctions. The Trump administration has argued that US-led reforms in the oil sector could revive output, attract foreign investment, and lower global energy prices, benefiting American consumers. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD US officials have said Washingtons involvement in Venezuelan oil sales is intended as a temporary measure to stabilise the country. According to reports, proceeds from an initial oil sale were returned to the Venezuelan government, and the US is considering a general licence to allow companies to trade, transport, and refine Venezuelan crude as part of a calibrated easing of sanctions. Netflix India celebrates 10 years with an ambitious 2026 slate. Here are the 10 most anticipated films and series, including Ikka, Accused, Family Business, Ma Behen and Legacy, among others. 2026 marks 10 years since Netflix began operations in India. And over the past decade, the streaming giant has delivered some of the countrys most-loved shows and films. Since 2026 is a landmark year, I as a regular consumer of binge-worthy content, was genuinely excited about the titles that would be unveiled in the annual slate announcement. And boy, Netflix did not disappoint. Alongside brand-new originals, Netflix also announced a slate packed with sequels, ambitious collaborations and actors stepping into refreshingly unfamiliar territory. Going by the directors and star casts attached to these projects, its safe to say that 2026 could be one of Netflix Indias strongest years yet. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Heres a look at five films and five series from the slate that we are most excited about. Films: Top picks Accused If Konkona Sen Sharma is leading a project, you already know youre in for something special. What truly lands Accused on our watch-list, however, is its strikingly novel premise. Konkona plays a queer doctor who is often labelled rude and difficult, something many women will find painfully relatable. Her life spirals when she is accused of sexual harassment, setting the stage for a layered, morally complex drama. The film also stars Pratibha Ranta and is directed by Anubhuti Kashyap, making it one of the most intriguing combinations on the slate. Taapsee Pannu reunites with Haseen Dillruba writer Kanika Dhillon, and if that isnt enough to pique interest, Devashish Makhija steps in as director. The plot promises a tense, emotionally charged thriller, and one can only hope that this formidable trio creates something truly unforgettable. Who would have imagined Madhuri Dixit and Triptii Dimri sharing screen space again after Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, this time with enough scope to fully flex their acting chops? Dixit plays Rekha, a carefree mother living with her daughters Jaya and Sushma (Oh, I remember the ad, would a Hema make an appearance?), whose lives take a dark turn when a dead body is discovered in their kitchen. Games View All Add Ravi Kishan to the mix, and Maa Behen instantly becomes one of the most anticipated films from the slate. Ghooskhor Pandat Yes, the title itself stirred controversy and landed the film in legal trouble almost immediately, but setting that aside, this one seems packed with promise. The Manoj BajpayeeNeeraj Pandey combination has proven lethal in the past, and here Bajpayee returns in uniform, albeit with morally grey shades. That alone is reason enough to watch. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This one screams masala. Sunny Deol goes OTT in his OTT debut, seemingly ready to unleash his trademark baritone (or shouty voice) once again, while Akshaye Khanna looks coldly calculated and menacing. Their reunion after Border is already reason enough, but throw in a possible Tarikh pe Tarikhstyle monologue (Deol plays a lawyer), and a stellar supporting cast featuring Dia Mirza, Tillotama Shome and Sanjeeda Shaikh, and youve got a guaranteed crowd-puller. Special mention: Kartavya While _Hum Hindustani_ may attract attention for its portrayal of Indias first general election, Kartavya feels like the darker, more compelling choice. After Bhakshak, Pulkit returns to the directors chair with Saif Ali Khan as a police officer, opposite Rasika Dugal. That pairing alone earns this one a spot on our radar. Series: Top picks Chumbak Missing the golden days of comedies like Khichdi and Sarabhai vs Sarabhai? Aatish Kapadias Chumbak promises exactly that comfort. What seals the deal is its stacked cast - Neena Gupta, Deven Bhojani, Amyra Dastur, Anant V Joshi, Sumeet Vyas, Manasi Parekh, Arjun Bijlani, Helly Shah, Sumeet Raghavan and Sandeepa Dhar. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Easily one of the most anticipated series from the slate, Family Business brings together Anil Kapoor and Vijay Varma in a corporate succession drama co-created and directed by Hansal Mehta. The ensemble cast is nothing short of massive, featuring Akash Khurana, Rhea Chakraborty, Neha Dhupia, Anant Nag, Kanwaljit Singh, Dhruv Sehgal, Raima Sen, Madhoo and many more. Enough said. Operation Safed Sagar War dramas are having a moment, but what makes Operation Safed Sagar stand out is its promise to retain humanity and avoid a simplistic us versus them narrative. Featuring an ensemble cast including Siddharth, Jimmy Shergill, Dia Mirza, Adil Hussain and Prajakta Koli, the series explores a lesser-known episode from the Kargil War, the Indian Air Force mission that became the worlds highest air operation. Legacy R. Madhavan as an ageing gangster would have been reason enough, but Legacy sweetens the deal with Abhishek Banerjee and Nimisha Sajayan. The show promises an intense exploration of power, succession and the emotional weight of what one leaves behind. Consider us sold. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Talaash: A Mothers Search A child goes missing, and instead of waiting for answers, the mother decides to fight, distrusting everyone, including her own family. Talaash sets the stage for a taut emotional thriller, backed by a strong cast featuring Parineeti Chopra, Soni Razdan, Anup Soni, Jennifer Winget and Tahir Bhasin. The premise is gripping; now we wait to see if the execution lives up to it. So, which title are you most excited about? Meanwhile, in 2022, Siddhanth was released on station bail after he was arrested when his medical reports confirmed his consumption of drugs Last year, Bollywood actor Shraddha Kapoors brother Siddhanth Kapoor was summoned by the Anti-Narcotics Cell (ANC) of the Mumbai Police, allegedly in connection with the Rs 252 crore MD drugs case, to record his statement at the Ghatkopar unit on November 25. A second summons had also been sent to Social media influencer Orry (Orhan Awatramani), who had been asked to appear at the ANC Ghatkopar unit on Wednesday, November 26, to record his statement in the case, according to Mumbai Police. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD How Shraddha Kapoor reacted In an interview with Siddharth Kannan, the actress aunt Tejaswini Kolhapure revealed, Siddhanth has been in the wrong place at the wrong time and because he is from this family, his name gets highlighted. The first time it happened, me and my husband went to get him out because he was with his friends, and we knew all his friends. Kolhapure added, People are judgemental when it comes to the company you keep. The way they got affected, it was terrible. One day, one political group was shouting slogans outside the house. Shraddha and Siddhanth were crying inside. Unfortunately, this was turned into a big deal. They were really affected. Meanwhile, in 2022, Siddhanth was released on station bail after he was arrested when his medical reports confirmed his consumption of drugs. The other four people detained were also released on station bail, as per the police. The actor-directors questioning lasted for nearly five hours after which he was allowed to go, the officials said without providing further details. Earlier, Siddhanth had been apprehended in Bengaluru in 2022 on charges of drug consumption. Games View All Shaikh, also known as Lavish, was deported from Dubai last month. He was initially arrested in a Rs 252 crore mephedrone seizure from Sangli in Maharashtra, and later arrested by the Ghatkopar unit of the ANC. He is a close aide of drug lord Salim Dola, who oversaw the manufacture and distribution of mephedrone in various states, the official said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Bhumi Pednekar took a short break after facing massive trolling for Netflixs The Royals. Now she is happy to be back to her core that is her craft with Prime Videos show Daldal. Bhumi Pednekar has always been a terrific performer. And not just her, there are two other brilliant actors in the show, Aditya Rawal and Samara Tijori. In a conversation with Firtpost, they spoke about their preparation for their roles in Daldal and more_._ STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Edited excerpts from the interview: How much of _Daldal_ (slush) are you all in? Bhumi: Personally, for me, Im a little faint hearted so I cant deal with all the gore of being slashed and there is so much of that which is happening in the show. Im a bit of a softy. The show is inspired by a book Bhendi Bazaar which also must have been inspired by real incidents. Did that help in developing the characters? Suresh Triveni: In the writers room, we discussed about it; but the script that reached them was what we worked on. There were a couple of characters that were not there in the book. The book was the base that we developed for the screen. All the characters have a backstory and a very horrific and traumatic backstories; how did you all get into that character? Did it take time? Samara Tijori: I read about it in general. I studied psychology so I wanted to pursue criminology. Besides the show, I had read quite a bit about this world. I have read the Mindhunter book and Ive also read a book written by the FBI as well on my own. So, when I got to audition for this part, I felt this was it. I tried to watch whatever little I could find about this woman called Aileen Wuornos (American serial killer). I had to create Anita, my character out of thin air since there wasnt much examples. You dont see many women do this. I even met a psychologist who I worked with. Games View All My character has an extremely dramatic backstory. I had to dive into very deep aspects of myself to portray certain emotions. I didnt know I had this in me and when I got the opportunity, I felt it somewhere healed me. Bhumi, coming back to your part and the prep. Again, back to no make-up look after Netflixs The Royals. How does it feel? STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD I think I wear enough makeup in my real life as everyone can see. So, I am very happy to go back to my core, which is my performance. The reason why I did Daldal was because I was getting the opportunity to play a hero who has all the anti-hero traits. She has the ability to go and kill someone. She has a lot of violence, past trauma and most importantly suppressed trauma. She had a traumatic childhood and thats pretty much the running theme of the show. How a fractured society can impact certain individuals. Rita, my character chose the righteous path but you never know when shell flip. It is an extremely engaging drama, but it also touches upon the themes that Indian shows usually dont. As far as the preparation for the character is concerned, I was coming out of a show that was very verbose. When you have a comedy, you have a lot of things to say, you have the crutch of dialogues. In Ritas case, she literally has very few words. Shes very stoic and restrained, less is more. It was a very interesting journey for me because within my skill set, I had to find ways to communicate things that they had beautifully written. It was also a realisation that this is not an actors job alone. The one thing that I had in my mind about my character was claustrophobia. She is not likable at all and constantly pushing people away. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The beauty of the show is that by the end of it, you sympathise with the antagonists. We were in the same room for more than a month and a half, and we followed every beat. There were fights and disagreements. The few things that she says were also taken away from me. Like Samara said, there were criminal psychologists that we all worked with. An expert opinion was taken, even during the process of writing, which is very rare. Aditya, how much did you relate to your character? At some point, you have to find some things in the character that you can relate to. The journey was quite an eye opening. The joy of this profession is that you get to learn too many new things. The things I kind of latched on to was understanding the mindset of a drug addict. I really enjoyed the research aspect of it. Theres a guy called Bryan who has a rehab centre outside Mumbai; I met him, heard his story and met the people in his rehab centre. The way we treat addiction is not necessarily very good. Theres not too much empathy or sympathy for the addict. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD WATCH the video interview here: Karen Mulder, a 1990s supermodel who made shocking claims of rape by powerful men and was later hospitalised, has been cited online in discussions about the Epstein files, heres what is known about her story. As interest in the Epstein files has surged, a name that has resurfaced in online discussions is Karen Mulder, a Dutch supermodel who was one of the biggest catwalk stars of the 1990s and later became a controversial figure after speaking out about sexual abuse by powerful men. Shocking claims Karen Mulder rose to fame in the late 1980s and 1990s, walking for high-profile fashion houses such as Valentino, Versace, Yves Saint Laurent, Giorgio Armani and Chanel, and even signed with Victorias Secret in 1992. Her work placed her alongside some of the eras most recognised models. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In 2001, Mulder shocked the fashion world when she appeared on a French television show, Tout le monde en parle (Everybodys Talking About It), and publicly claimed she had been raped by multiple powerful men, including politicians, police officers and figures linked to her former modelling agency. The interview was never broadcast and its recording was deleted. Shortly afterwards, Mulder repeated similar statements in another Paris interview. Hospitalisation and mysterious disappearance Hours after her second interview, Mulder was reportedly taken by her sister to the Villa Montsouris psychiatric clinic in Paris, where she stayed for about five months. The stay was said to have been paid for by Gerald Marie, the former CEO of Elite Model Management in Europe, a figure who has faced multiple accusations of sexual abuse himself. After years of battling chronic depression, Mulder also survived a serious suicide attempt in 2002. In the years since, she has largely disappeared from public life. Sporadic reports have surfaced, including a 2009 arrest in Paris after she allegedly threatened to attack a plastic surgeon, but Mulder has stayed out of the spotlight for long stretches and now lives a private life. Games View All Connection to the Epstein Files While Mulders claims did not directly involve Jeffrey Epstein at the time, some commentators and online posts have speculated that her allegations about powerful men and hidden networks of abuse echo the themes emerging from the unsealed Epstein documents. These discussions largely circulate on forums and social platforms, and Mulders name has been evoked by those drawing broader connections to patterns of exploitation documented in the Epstein case. No authoritative source directly links her as a named victim in the official _Epstein files_. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Mulders story remains a complicated footnote from the early 2000s, one in which a high-profile figure attempted to speak about abuse at great personal cost, only to retreat from public view amid serious mental health struggles and media backlash. Bharat Taxi, a new cooperative inspired by the success of the Anand Milk Union Limited (Amul), is set to take on ride-sharing companies such as Uber and Ola. But how do such cooperatives work? Will Bharat Taxi become the new Amul? A new cooperative inspired by the success of the Anand Milk Union Limited (Amul), a cooperative comprising millions of farmers across India, is set to take on ride-sharing companies such as Uber and Ola. Much like Amul, this project too has support from the Centre. Those involved, professionals who previously worked with Amul, hope that it will bring similar benefits for drivers that it did for farmers. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Home Minister Amit Shah is set to launch the app in New Delhi today (February 5). Shah said in January that the cooperative is aimed at freeing the countrys commercial vehicle drivers from dependence on private companies. But what do we know? How does it work? Lets take a closer look: What we know about Bharat Taxi Bharat Taxi is run by Sahakar Taxi Cooperative Limited. This driver-owned cooperative seeks to replicate the Amul model in the Indian taxi industry. The idea is to give drivers an ownership stake in the firm as well as a say in its governance and operations. Bharat Taxi was launched as a pilot programme in several cities including Delhi-NCR and Rajkot last year. It claims to have onboarded over 50,000 drivers initially. The programme was then launched across several cities including Ahmedabad. According to the government, over 4 lakh drivers have already joined the platform, with 10,000 rides being completed every day. How cooperative model works Now, lets examine how cooperatives work and why Amul is such a shining example. A cooperative is an enterprise owned and controlled by the people who use its services. Unlike private firms, where ownership is concentrated among shareholders and investors, cooperatives are designed to distribute ownership and decision-making power among members. For example, in Amuls case, millions of milk producers are members of village-level cooperatives. These are then linked to district unions and a state-level federation that markets products nationally. The money that is generated from selling milk and dairy products flows back to the farmers. In Amuls case, millions of milk producers are members of village-level cooperatives. Representational image This ensures their income remains steady and gives them the power of collective bargaining. Bharat Taxi seeks to bring this same system over to ride-sharing. The idea is to break the dominance of private, commission-based aggregators like Ola and Uber and improve the lot of drivers. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD For drivers, by drivers Under this system, drivers are co-owners of the cooperative rather than simply being partners of the platform. Each driver, referred to as a Sarathi, holds five shares in Sahakar Taxi Cooperative Limited. These five shares are worth Rs 500. When the company turns a profit, the drivers will be paid a dividend. This gives them a stake in the success of the cooperative and allows them to put their own welfare first. This will allow drivers and their representatives to make decisions on pricing policies, fee structures and welfare measures. This is not just speculation either. It has been reported that elected representatives of drivers will be on the governing board of Sahakar Taxi. Ride-sharing platforms work on commissions. For example, a driver usually forks over around 20 to 30 per cent of every ride back to the platform. However, Bharat Taxi works on a zero-commission model, which means drivers can pocket almost the entire amount they make driving. There are reports that a percentage of driver earnings will be pooled in order to run the cooperative. So, how does it work? Rather than commissions, drivers pay a flat daily fee of Rs 30 to Sahakar Taxi Cooperative Limited in order to access the app. Proponents of this cooperative model say this will protect drivers from sudden fluctuations in commission rates or incentives, which has long been a bone of contention between drivers and the platforms. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The cooperative also proposes to offer welfare benefits such as health and accident insurance, alongside safety features including police connectivity through the app. These measures are intended to mirror the support services that agricultural cooperatives provide to their members. In India, ride-sharing apps like Uber do not classify their partners as employees. Thus, they do not get employee benefits such as health insurance, paid leave and pension contributions. The technology behind Bharat Taxi Bharat Taxi is using the backend of Namma Yatri, an open-source zero-commission platform that was launched in Bengaluru in November 2022 and backed by the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC). It is made by Moving Tech Innovations, the same developer that made the Namma Yatri app. The initiative is backed by the Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (Amul), with Amul managing director Jayen Mehta appointed as chairman. However, Amul is not alone. Other firms such as the Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative (IFFCO), the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) and the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) are also supporting the project. Amul managing director Jayen Mehta appointed as chairman of Sahakar Taxi Cooperative Limited. PTI However, questions about whether the Amul model can successfully translate into the ride-sharing space remain. After all, these companies have spent years refining their algorithms and scaling up their operations. Meanwhile, profitability remains out of reach for all but a few companies. Uber announced a net profit after spending billions of dollars over a number of years. Lyft, meanwhile, has announced profits in some quarters. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD How do customers benefit? Proponents of Bharat Taxi say customers will benefit too. For many customers of ride-sharing platforms, surge pricing has long been a bugbear. Customers have expressed frustration when ride-sharing companies hike prices for certain routes at crucial times, for example during an emergency like a heavy downpour or when leaving the office at the end of a long day. There have also been reports that the companies even charge certain customers who are in greater need for example, those who are low on battery extra. Bharat Taxi is promising to do away with surge pricing entirely and is thus hoping to attract disaffected customers. Some industry experts estimate that prices on Bharat Taxi could be as much as a third cheaper than on platforms such as Uber and Ola. For many customers of ride-sharing platforms, surge pricing has long been a bugbear. Pexels However, it remains to be seen how many customers flock to the Bharat Taxi app until the service has built up a reputation for reliability and being customer-friendly. Bharat Taxi is facing a few problems in the early days. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Indian Express quoted Anuroop Chauhan, who used the service from Delhi airport, as saying: The people managing the booth dont know how to operate the software properly, which leads to queues. The prices have also gone up significantly. Earlier, I used to pay around Rs 300400 for a ride to my home. Now, they are charging me Rs 600. However, drivers using the app say they hope things will improve. Dharmesh Goswami, who is at Rajkot International Airport, told the newspaper he is sure the number of people who use Bharat Taxi will steadily increase. Goswami, who drives a Hyundai Xcent sedan on the app, belongs to a 300-member informal cab drivers group known as Rajkot e-cab Unity. We would much prefer using the government app rather than private aggregator companies that take commission from us, Goswami concluded. Inspiration from New York Bharat Taxis cooperative model has been inspired by The Drivers Cooperative in New York City. This non-profit, driver-owned ride-hailing platform was launched in 2021. It came about in the aftermath of drivers in the city being upset by Uber and Lyfts commission structures and working conditions. While it has not replaced Uber or Lyft, it has offered an alternative to these ride-sharing platforms. Proponents of this cooperative argue that India, with its larger driver base, support from the government and the use of the ONDC-backed app, could fare even better than The Drivers Cooperative. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD However, critics say that, given how well-entrenched Uber and its other ride-sharing competitors seem to be in India, it remains to be seen how well platforms like Bharat Taxi can mount a real challenge. With inputs from agencies According to a legal letter, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, former British prince, and late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein demanded an exotic dancer to engage in various sex acts at his Florida home in 2006. The unnamed womans lawyer also alleged that she was treated like a prostitute after being hired to perform for them According to a legal letter, former prince Andrew and late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein demanded an exotic dancer to 'engage in various sex acts'. File Image: Reuters A new claim has emerged against Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, following the release of a massive tranche of documents from the Epstein files by the US Department of Justice. Andrew has been featured several times in the latest document dump. According to a legal letter, Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein, the late convicted sex offender, demanded an exotic dancer to engage in a threesome at Epsteins Palm Beach mansion in Florida back in 2006. A letter from the womans lawyer, William Vogeler, also alleged that she was treated like a prostitute after being hired to perform for them. The woman asked Vogeler to keep her name confidential. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD We take a look at the latest controversy involving the former prince. What does the legal letter claim? In one section of the US Justice Departments huge new drop of Epstein files, the lawyer claimed the client (an exotic dancer) was asked to engage in various sex acts. According to my client, Epstein offered to pay her and other exotic dancers $10,000 (around Rs 9 lakh) each to perform at your clients home several years ago," a letter written by lawyer Vogeler to Epsteins former legal representative Robert Critton reads, reported ITVX News. The letter from the lawyer, representing the unnamed woman, was dated March 23, 2011. A popular dancer at Rachels Strip Club, my client was chauffeured to a party in West Palm Beach, Florida, in 2006. She observed that other young women were dressed provocatively during the party. Some appeared to be as young as 14 years old, Vogeler mentioned in the legal letter. The lawyer also mentioned that his client was directed to go to a bedroom, where she met Epstein. Since she had previously danced for him at the club, she recognised Epstein. Vogeler also alleged in the letter that his client was then introduced to Andrew. At his home, Epstein introduced my client to his guest Andrew, the media outlet reported, quoting the letter. My client then danced for the men, undressing until she was wearing only a bra and panties. Epstein and Andrew then told my client they wanted to have a threesome, it alleged. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD According to Vogelers letter, his client asserted that she was hired to dance, not to have sex. Epstein told her they would pay her later for dancing, and they prevailed upon her to take part in different sexual activities. After the men had satisfied themselves, they invited my client to take a trip with them to the Virgin Islands. However, she declined their invitation. Newly released documents from the US Justice Department files on Jeffrey Epstein. Reuters Vogelers letter also revealed that Epstein had only paid the woman $2,000 (around Rs 1 lakh) rather than the $10,000 (around Rs 9 lakh) that was promised in the first place. However, the legal letter also claimed that the woman would agree to keep confidential her interactions with Epstein and Andrew in exchange for $250,000 (Rs 2.16 crore to Rs 2.29 crore), giving him just nine days to pay, reported the Daily Mail. As my client is not proud of the circumstances of that night, she did not pursue her claims against your client (Epstein), the letter further read. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD My client was working as an exotic dancer, but she was treated like a prostitute. To avoid unseemly publicity, my client asked me to keep her name confidential for purposes of settlement. However, she is prepared to assert her rights in the public courts if necessary, the lawyer concluded the letter. What are the other allegations against Andrew? However, this is not the first time Andrew has been connected to exotic dancers at gatherings hosted by Epstein. In 2019, reports surfaced that a former lap dancer alleged that then-prince pressed his face against her chest during a party at Epsteins New York mansion in the 1990s. She also claimed that Epstein regularly arranged for women based on Andrews preferences. Andrew is now facing fresh legal scrutiny after another woman accused Epstein of flying her to Britain for sex. She said she was later taken to Buckingham Palace for tea. Her US lawyer, Brad Edwards, recently gave Andrew and the Royal Family an ultimatum to address the allegations or face legal action. The woman stated she was in her twenties when, at Epsteins request, she spent a night with Andrew at his Royal Lodge residence in 2010, according to a BBC News report. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Andrew kneels over a female in a combination of images released by the Department of Justice in Washington, DC, US, on January 30, 2026. Reuters We are aware of reports about a woman said to have been taken to an address in Windsor in 2010 for sexual purposes. We are assessing the information in line with our established procedures. We take any reports of sexual crimes extremely seriously and encourage anyone with information to come forward, said a UK police spokesperson, as quoted by the publication. Recent photos released in the Epstein files also showed Andrew kneeling on all fours over an unidentified female, lying on the ground. However, it was unclear when or where the photos were taken, as no captions or context for the photographs were provided. In 2014, the late Virginia Giuffre was the first woman to openly accuse Andrew of similar encounters. She claimed that when she was 17, she was trafficked by Epstein and his partner, Ghislaine Maxwell. They forced her to have sex with Andrew. However, the former duke has consistently denied the allegation. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD What did Buckingham Palace say? Andrew, previously stripped of his title as prince, and relocated to the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, according to several media reports. Buckingham Palace had earlier indicated the move would happen in early 2026. However, the recent release of the Epstein files seems to have accelerated his departure. Preparations for the relocation began in October, when the Palace announced that King Charles had initiated steps to withdraw Andrews titles and honours, including his prince designation. The former Duke is facing intense pressure to testify about his association with the convicted paedophile financier. He has consistently denied any wrongdoing. With inputs from agencies Kasim Khan, son of Imran Khan, took to social media to share that he and his brother are not receiving visas to visit Pakistan. The former PMs family has not been allowed to meet him in jail amid rumours about his deteriorating health Pakistan's former Prime Minister Imran Khan has been held in jail since 2023. File image/Reuters The spotlight is back on Pakistans former Prime Minister Imran Khan amid his failing health. Amid the ongoing rumours about his survival, his sons Sulaiman Isa Khan and Kasim Khan have claimed that the Pakistani government is not allowing them to meet their father. Sulaiman Isa and Kasim are the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chiefs sons from his first marriage to British heiress Jemima Goldsmith, and live in London with their mother. The brothers claim that Pakistani authorities are intentionally obstructing their visa applications, which in turn prevents them from travelling to the country to visit their ailing father. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Heres all you need to know about the incident. What are Khans sons claiming? Sulaiman Isa and Kasim have voiced concern over their fathers condition, claiming Imran Khan has been isolated for weeks in a death cell without access to his family. When death rumours surfaced late last year, Kasim had even called for proof of life, appealing for international intervention. Kasim on Wednesday (February 4) took to the social media platform, X, where he claimed that the government is deliberately refusing to process his and his brothers visas. My brother and I are trying to travel to Pakistan to see our father. For 914 days, he has been held in solitary confinement while his health deteriorates and he is denied access to independent medical care. My brother and I are trying to travel to Pakistan to see our father. For 914 days, he has been held in solitary confinement while his health deteriorates and he is denied access to independent medical care. Now the government is deliberately refusing to process our visas. pic.twitter.com/L23ZRmRDZj Kasim Khan (@Kasim_Khan_1999) February 4, 2026 Calling for intervention once again, he wrote, I call on international human rights organisations and governments to speak out and act before irreversible harm is done. The sons are not alone. Khans sisters have not been allowed to meet him, despite orders from the Islamabad High Court to allow meetings twice a week. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD What we know about Khans health The development comes amid months-long speculation about the former Pakistan PMs health. Last week, the government admitted that the 73-year-old was treated at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims). According to GeoTV, he recently underwent an eye procedure at the hospital, where doctors confirmed that pressure in blood vessels had affected his vision. Khans party has accused the government of withholding details of his medical condition for several days. The PTI slammed the act of secretly transferring Khan to the hospital, deliberately keeping his family and the party leadership uninformed, and denying him access to personal physicians, according to a report in the Dawn. According to the PTI, Khan has been diagnosed with central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) in his right eye, resulting in a dangerous blockage in the retinal vein. It claimed that the eye condition could cause permanent damage to his eyesight if not treated promptly. Who are Kasim and Sulaiman Isa Khan? The sons have been raised in London and lived their entire adult lives in the UK for more than two decades; both are believed to hold British citizenship through their mother. Kasim was born on April 10, 1999 and studied Islamic history at the University of Bristol before launching his own digital platform. According to News18, he has been using public relations campaigns and social media interventions to highlight what he calls the unlawful isolation of his father. Kasim is an ardent supporter of PTI even after spending most of his life abroad. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The elder of the two brothers, Sulaiman, was born on November 18, 1996 and attended a school in Birmingham. He once campaigned for his maternal uncle, Jack Goldsmith, during a mayoral race, managing the youth wing of his campaign. According to News18, Sulaiman is associated with an international non-profit and occasionally works on programmes involving former world leaders. Years ago, the brothers briefly entered UK politics, launching a short-lived Referendum Party to contest local elections in a largely symbolic move. With inputs from agencies Punctuality, efficiency, and a Nazi past? As Lufthansa turns 100, heres a look at the German national airlines brush with the Hitler-led National Socialist party and how it used thousands of forced labour to help during World War II Today, when you think of German aviation, Lufthansa comes to mind. The German national carrier, which was also the fourth-largest airline by revenue in 2023, has come a long way since its foundation in January 1926. In fact, on January 6, Lufthansa completed 100 years of operations, making it one of the oldest airlines in the skies. To mark this moment, Lufthansa is reappraising its history to take on greater responsibility for its actions during the Nazi era, breaking with earlier attempts to separate its pre- and post-war identity. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Weighing in on the same, Lufthansa CEO Carsten Spohr said: We at Lufthansa are proud of what we are today. To then ignore the difficult, dark, terrible years would simply have been dishonest. But how exactly was the German national carrier tied to the Nazis? What does history reveal? The birth of Lufthansa On January 6, 1926, Deutsche Luft Hansa, as it was called then, was formed. The airlines birth was the result of the merger of Junkers Luftverkehr and Deutscher Aero Lloyd. The two companies, Germanys largest airlines at the time, were forced to merge by the German government, while all other airlines were shut down. This reorganisation was intended to reduce the amount of financial support the government provided to the airline industry. Months later, on April 6, Luft Hansa saw its maiden flight take off. In the following years, Deutsche Luft Hansa built its network and covered all the big cities of Germany. It soon began international flights, flying to cities as far as Tokyo in Japan. Between 1926 and 1934, the Luft Hansa fleet included 40 Junkers F13 aircraft. Image Courtesy: Lufthansa Luft Hansa and its Nazi ties By the early 1930s, affected by the Great Depression, Luft Hansa was struggling to survive. According to German historian Lutz Budrass, an expert in German aviation history, the Nazis saved Lufthansa. Under the Treaty of Versailles, which ended World War I, it was forbidden for Germany to have an air force. But with only minor restrictions on civil aviation, Budrass notes that Luft Hansa became a front for National Socialist (Nazism) rearmament. Lufthansas entanglement with the Nazi regime was extensive. Its board and supervisory board members joined the Nazi Party from 1930, and as the state airline, it transported government officials. In 1932, a Luft Hansa airline was even made available to Adolf Hitler during his presidential campaign. The Nazi Party even used footage of these flights as part of their propaganda efforts. Moreover, by using flights, Hitler achieved an advantage over other party candidates, who relied largely on rail transport. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD By 1939, when World War II broke out, Luft Hansas flight operations came to an end, and its fleet and staff came under the command of the Luftwaffe, the aerial branch of Germanys armed forces. During World War II, Lufthansa played a role in the arms industry and supported the Luftwaffe air force. File image/AFP After 1941, the airline played a prominent role in aircraft repair workshops behind the front lines and, unlike other companies, procured forced labourers, including many children who were kidnapped from Nazi-occupied territories across Europe. According to historian Manfred Grieger, who has studied the airlines past, more than 12,000 people were exploited in Luft Hansas arms production and its repair and maintenance operations. Even Budrass agrees with this finding, telling Deutsche Welle, There were about seven million forced labourers in Germany. Yet compared to other companies, Luft Hansa really exploited the forced labourers to accumulate funds to allow it to re-enter civil aviation after the war. Luft Hansa made a profit off slave labourers. In his book, Adler und Kranich. Die Lufthansa und ihre Geschichte 1926 - 1955, (The Eagle and the Crane: the History of Lufthansa from 1926 - 1955), Budrass added that from the beginning of World War II, Jews were forced to work at Tempelhof airport and later sent to extermination camps, with the airline never doing anything to stop the deportations. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD A new Lufthansa is born Following the end of World War II and the fall of the Nazis, Luft Hansa was forced to liquidate, as it was considered by the Allies to have been part of the Luftwaffe. As historian Manfred Grieger told El Pais: This symbiosis led to Luft Hansas downfall at the end of World War. The company went down completely with the regime to which it had chained itself. A new company was founded in 1953, with management stressing that the only link between the two was the name, colours, and the logo. The company also changed to Lufthansa, foregoing writing it as two words in the past. But as DW notes in one report, many of the same men returned to its management board, including Kurt Weigelt, who led the economic department of the NSDAP Office of Colonial Policy. After the war, he was placed on a list of wanted war criminals and was eventually sentenced to two years in prison and a fine. But by 1953, he was the chairman of Lufthansas supervisory board and, in retirement, became its only ever honorary board member. The current Lufthansa is not the legal successor to Deutsche Luft Hansa AG, founded in 1926 and written as two words. The company disappeared along with the Nazi regime in 1945. File image/Reuters Lufthansa has asserted that it is not the legal successor of the company founded in 1926, maintaining that the legal foundation of todays Lufthansa was laid in 1953. In the 1990s, Lufthansas ties to the Third Reich once again gained attention when former forced labourers of German companies, including Lufthansa, filed a lawsuit in the US. This resulted in many German companies establishing the Foundation for Remembrance, Responsibility and Future (Stiftung EVZ) to provide compensation in 2000. However, as many of the labourer had died by then, only 1.7 million received financial support from the EVZ, reports DW. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Marking their 100th anniversary, Lufthansa is now taking concrete steps to reconcile with its past, something they havent done so far. One of the steps is a new book on the companys history that will be distributed to all of its more than 100,000 employees, along with an exhibition in the new visitors centre. Perhaps, Lufthansas move may prompt other German companies to take a deeper look into its historical responsibilities. With inputs from agencies Indias trade deal with the US has become a headache for Islamabad. Pakistanis are ridiculing Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Field Marshal Asim Munir and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif over Donald Trump reducing tariffs on Indian goods to 18 per cent, one percentage less than Pakistan. With memes galore, they are showing the leadership that their bending backwards to Trump has had limited results Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif (L), Army Chief and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir (R) posing with US President Donald Trump (C) at the White House in Washington, DC on September 26, 2025. Handout / Pakistan's Prime Minister Office / AFP (File) Indias trade deal with the United States has come back to bite Pakistan. The neighbouring countrys citizens are slamming Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif after United States President Donald Trump announced reduced tariffs on India. While the US has slashed taxes on Indian goods from 50 per cent to 18 per cent, Pakistan is facing a 19 per cent rate. This has prompted Pakistanis to mock their leaders, including Munir. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD But why? We take a look. Pakistanis ridicule Munir, Sharif Pakistanis are targeting their leaders after India and the US reached a trade agreement following months of talks. On Tuesday (February 3) night, Trump shared pictures of the India Gate and an India Today magazine cover featuring PM Modi and himself. Later, he announced the reduced tariffs on Indian exports 18 per cent, which is one per cent less than Pakistan. This led to backlash in Pakistan, where people and opposition leaders criticised Islamabad for landing up with more US tariffs than India. Despite Pakistan bending backwards to Trump by nominating him for the Nobel Peace Prize and joining the US-led Board of Peace, Pakistan still has a higher tariff rate than India. New Delhis reaching a trade deal with the US without bowing to Trump has stunned Pakistanis. They are now feeling betrayed by the US president. Donald Trump has treated Field Marshal like that mistress who makes her lover do all the illegal and dirty work, and when the time comes to give or take something, she says I am compelled to obey my familys decision, forget me. My body will remain my husbands, but my soul will always remain yours, Umar Ali, a Pakistani user, wrote on X. He also shared an AI-generated image of a crying Munir holding a box of rare minerals in front of the India Today cover of Modi and Trump. Another AI-generated image showed Pakistans PM Sharif serving tea to Trump and Modi. Memes largely targeted Pakistans Army chief, whom Trump has called his favourite field marshal. A parody account of Asim Munir, called Jungjoo Gernail, posted: In the past 6 months, India concluded free trade agreements with the European Union, United Kingdom, Oman and New Zealand, and now gets Trump tariffs reduced to 18% all without getting into anyones bund or nominating anyone for Nobel Prize. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Pakistani commentator Ali Mustafa quote-tweeted PM Modis announcement on the reduced tariff and wrote: ButbutbutField Marshals best friend promised.fry-end-shipended****! Roland another betrayal??! A Pakistani creator known for his AI images shared an image of distraught Sharif and Munir alongside Trump and Modi on the India Today cover. An image shared by Umar Ali displayed Munir sitting at Trumps feet, with a caption in Urdu reading, I sat and bootlicked you, but what did I get in return? A user shared the India Today magazine cover on X and wrote, Donald Trump played a splendid game throughout this entire time, he didnt even let My Favorite Field Marshal realize that he had become a fool. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Another X user posted an AI video of Trump and Modi bullying Munir, even pulling his ears as Pakistans Army chief sits with a box of rare earth minerals, while a Bollywood song plays in the background, bol tere saath kya kiya jaaye (what should we do with you now). pic.twitter.com/fjUweiuLlk (@khurram2247) February 3, 2026 PTI, critics slam Pakistan govt Former Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) minister Hammad Azhar hit out at Islamabad for its sycophantic approach towards the US. Foreign policy in the 21st century isnt about optics or personal relationships. Its about leveraging economic strength, tariffs, and market access. Indias recent trade deals with the EU and the US prove the point. Sycophancy & photo ops are useless, he wrote on X. Journalist Imran Riaz Khan also condemned Pakistans lobbying efforts and wrote, The Salesman-in-Chief strategy has failed. You can give away Balochistans minerals in wooden boxes, but you cannot buy respect. Digital creator Wajahat Khan praised India, which he said Trump saw as a partner. He wrote, Trump is a businessman. He saw a manager and a shopkeeper and gave them a shopkeepers deal. India came as a partner and walked away with the 18 per cent prize. This is the cost of having a government without the backbone of a public mandate. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD ALSO READ: Is the US $686-million package for Pakistans F-16 upgrade a concern for India? How Pakistan has been wooing the US Pakistan has spent millions of dollars on US lobbying firms to influence Trump and win his favour. Islamabad employed some of Trumps closest confidants to improve its standing in the US. Pakistan spent at least three times as much as India on lobbying in Washington, contracts filed with the Department of Justice (DOJ) revealed. Islamabad entered into contracts with six Washington firms for nearly $5 million in eventual retainer fees, reported New York Times (NYT). Pakistan extolled Trump, crediting him for ending its military conflict with India in May. New Delhi has maintained that the US was not involved in the ceasefire. Islamabad also nominated the US president for a Nobel Peace Prize, which he has been coveting for long and has no qualms about declaring publicly. Pakistan also reached a deal with the US to supply critical minerals and rare earth elements, following Trumps pledge to work with the South Asian country to develop its massive oil reserves. A US firm is investing $500 million in Pakistani minerals. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Despite everything Pakistan did to woo Trump, India has had the last laugh. With inputs from agencies The Sun has been emitting powerful solar flares since February 1. The star on Wednesday released a powerful explosion that peaked at 5:43 pm, briefly disrupting radio signals in parts of Africa and Europe. Isro has also warned about their possible impact on India. How worried should we be? The Sun is shooting solar flares, which are causing radio blackouts on Earth. The hot star unleashed a powerful flare on Wednesday (February 4) that peaked at 7:13 am EST (5:43 pm IST). As intense radiation entered Earths upper atmosphere, radio communications were briefly disrupted across parts of Africa and Europe. The Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) has also warned about possible radio blackouts. Lets take a closer look. What are solar flares? Solar flares are intense bursts of electromagnetic radiation from the Sun that travel at the speed of light. These powerful explosions can reach the Earth in just over eight minutes. As per Space.com, solar flares are ranked by strength, starting from A, B, C and going up to M and X. Each letter represents a tenfold surge in energy, which means X-class flares are the most powerful explosions the sun generates. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Mathew Owens, a professor of space physics at the University of Reading, told Business Insider that solar activity can hamper radio communications and the power grid, as well as have a serious impact on the health of astronauts. A rise in solar activity leads to solar flares, which comprise high-energy photons like X-rays. This can increase the ionisation in the Earths upper atmosphere and disrupt radio communications. Flares and solar eruptions can also affect navigation signals and pose risks to spacecraft, as per Nasa. Geomagnetic storms cause disturbances to the Earths magnetic field and are capable of damaging power grid distribution. Notable blackouts caused by geomagnetic storms are the 1989 blackout reported in the entire Canadian province of Quebec and the 2003 blackout across the eastern United States and parts of Canada. Why is Sun irate? The Sun has emitted a series of powerful solar flares this month. The flurry of activity began late February 1 and has continued since then, with multiple M-class and X-class flares being released. The Sun generated an X4.2 flare on Wednesday from volatile sunspot group AR4366, which has been firing off a barrage of solar flares since coming into existence just days ago, reported Space.com. This sunspot is a rapidly expanding, magnetically complex region that has unleashed several solar flares. However, most of these have failed to release significant amounts of solar material into space. The Sun emitted a strong solar flare on Feb. 3, peaking at 9:08 a.m. ET. NASAs Solar Dynamics Observatory captured images of the event, which was classified as X1.5. https://t.co/gHptBKDzqk pic.twitter.com/prkVqTWE8O NASA Space Alerts (@NASASpaceAlerts) February 3, 2026 STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD X-class solar flares can sometimes come along with coronal mass ejections (CMEs), vast plumes of solar plasma and magnetic field that can trigger geomagnetic storms and awe-inspiring auroras if they hit Earth. Earlier, an X8.4 flare was accompanied by a CME, which struck Earth without much impact. The powerful solar flare had knocked out radio signals across parts of western Africa and southern Europe yesterday for a short period. According to Nasa, the Sun released a strong solar flare on Tuesday, peaking at 9:08 am ET (7:38 PM IST). This was an X1.5 flare. Isros warning Isro has warned that the series of solar flares being emitted by the Sun could radio blackout. Officials say there are more than 50 operational Indian satellites, which Indias space agency is constantly monitoring. The heightened solar activity has threatened to disrupt communication, navigation, and satellite payloads. There is a strong possibility of radio blackouts. All Isro satellites are being monitored very closely, Anil Kumar, Director of the Indian Space Research Organisations Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network (Istrac), told NDTV. Any communication loss will be attended to immediately, he assured. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Kumar said ground stations have already alerted mission control centres, adding that contingency plans will be implemented immediately to respond to any anomaly. With inputs from agencies The Trump administration has proposed a critical minerals trade bloc to counter Chinas dominance in rare earths and strategic resources. With India participating in high-level talks and expanding domestic rare earth corridors, the initiative could reshape global supply chains for semiconductors, defence, and clean energy US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other government officials pose for a family photo on the day of the Critical Minerals Ministerial, at the State Department in Washington DC, US, February 4, 2026. File Image/Reuters The Donald Trump administration has proposed the creation of a preferential critical minerals trading bloc among allied and partner countries. The initiative, announced during a high-level ministerial meeting in Washington, is designed to reduce global dependence on China, whose dominance over rare earth elements and other strategic minerals has increasingly become a source of vulnerability for the United States and its partners. The proposal, articulated by US Vice President JD Vance and supported by senior members of the administration, seeks to coordinate pricing mechanisms, trade rules, and supply chain investments across a coalition of countries with mining, refining, or processing capabilities. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD India, which was among more than 50 countries represented at the meeting, has emerged as a notable participant, especially as New Delhi simultaneously accelerates its own domestic rare earth and semiconductor ambitions. Why critical minerals are now a priority Critical minerals such as rare earth elements, lithium, nickel, and cobalt form the backbone of modern industrial and technological systems. They are essential for manufacturing semiconductors, electric vehicles, advanced weapons systems, smartphones, renewable energy infrastructure, and aerospace equipment. While these materials are extracted in multiple parts of the world, China has built a commanding position over decades, controlling a majority share of global mining for certain minerals and an even larger share of processing and refining capacity. This concentration has repeatedly disrupted global supply chains. In recent years, Beijing has used export controls and regulatory restrictions on rare earths as a strategic lever, actions that have affected industrial output in the United States and Europe. Production delays and temporary shutdowns at automobile plants underscored how deeply Western manufacturing remains dependent on Chinese-controlled inputs. US officials argue that Chinas ability to suppress prices through scale and state-backed production has made it difficult for alternative suppliers to remain competitive, discouraging private investment in mining and processing projects elsewhere. Addressing a gathering of visiting ministers in Washington on Wednesday, Vance framed the new proposal as a corrective to these distortions. We want to eliminate that problem of people flooding into our markets with cheap critical minerals to undercut our domestic manufacturers, Vance said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD What we know about the proposed trade bloc At the core of the plan is the idea of a coordinated trading zone in which participating countries agree to shared pricing and trade mechanisms for critical minerals. According to Vance, the bloc would establish benchmark prices at different points along the production chain, from extraction to processing and refining. We will establish reference prices for critical minerals at each stage of production, and for members of the preferential zone, these reference prices will operate as a floor maintained through adjustable tariffs to uphold pricing integrity, he said. Under this model, tariffs would be adjusted collectively to prevent prices within the bloc from falling below agreed thresholds. The objective is not only to shield domestic producers from being undercut by cheaper supply but also to provide predictable returns that could encourage long-term private investment in mining and processing infrastructure. The proposal marks a significant expansion of Washingtons willingness to intervene in markets. In recent years, the Trump administration has already taken equity stakes in several mineral companies, negotiated pricing arrangements in other sectors, and deployed public funds to stabilise strategic industries. Which countries are at the table The ministerial meeting drew representatives from 55 countries, according to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Attendees included nations with established mining sectors, advanced processing capabilities, or strategic reserves of key minerals. Countries represented included India, Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Germany, Australia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Some nations, such as Australia and Canada, are major exporters of raw materials, while others, including Japan and Germany, play critical roles in downstream manufacturing and technology. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Rubio said the concentration of supply had become a strategic liability. The minerals, he noted, were heavily concentrated in the hands of one country, adding that this imbalance had evolved into a tool of leverage in geopolitics. Major US allies such as France and the United Kingdom attended the talks, although Greenland and Denmark did not, despite the Arctic islands mineral wealth. US Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said that 11 additional countries would be named to the critical minerals trade club within days, and added that 20 more countries had expressed strong interest in joining. During the meeting, US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer outlined concrete steps already underway. These included a bilateral initiative with Mexico and a trilateral framework involving the European Union and Japan, aimed at strengthening supply chains and harmonising trade policies related to critical minerals. Governments are also exploring policy tools such as subsidies, guaranteed purchase agreements, market standards, and direct support for production capacity, all intended to reduce reliance on Chinese supply. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Where India stands External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar attended the summit in Washington, describing it as the central purpose of his visit to the United States. The discussion was very good, critical minerals is a very important subject, the US has been partner for some years, Jaishankar said during a media interaction following the meeting. Jaishankar also addressed the ministerial session, where he highlighted the dangers of excessive concentration in global supply chains and stressed the need for collective action to mitigate risk. He underlined the importance of international cooperation in ensuring stable access to resources that underpin economic growth and national security. India also expressed support for the Forum on Resource, Geostrategic Engagement (FORGE), an initiative unveiled at the summit to deepen collaboration among participating countries on resource governance and supply chain resilience. The timing of Indias involvement is significant. Just days earlier, New Delhi and Washington concluded a trade agreement that reduced US tariffs on Indian imports from 50 per cent to 18 per cent. How India is boosting its rare earth sector In the Union Budget for 2026-27, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman unveiled a series of measures aimed at strengthening Indias position in the critical minerals ecosystem. Presenting her ninth consecutive Budget in Parliament, Sitharaman announced that the government would support mineral-rich states Odisha, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu in developing dedicated rare earth corridors. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD These states are known for their mineral deposits, particularly in coastal and mineral belt regions, and already possess ports, industrial zones, and supporting infrastructure. The corridors are envisioned as integrated planning frameworks rather than simple transport routes. They are intended to link extraction sites with processing plants, research institutions, and manufacturing clusters, creating end-to-end value chains for rare earth elements. Sitharamans announcements build on policy decisions taken in late 2025 and align with broader manufacturing and technology initiatives introduced in the Budget. Among them was Indian Semiconductor Mission 2.0, designed to expand domestic chip manufacturing capacity and challenge Chinas dominant position in the global semiconductor industry. During his remarks in Washington, Jaishankar highlighted Indias efforts in this domain, pointing to initiatives such as the National Critical Minerals Mission and the proposed rare earth corridors as evidence of New Delhis long-term commitment. What we know about Trumps Project Vault The proposed trade bloc forms part of a wider strategy by the Trump administration to secure long-term access to critical minerals. Earlier in the week, Trump announced the launch of a strategic US stockpile known as Project Vault. The initiative is backed by $10 billion in seed funding from the US Export-Import Bank, supplemented by roughly $2 billion in private financing. In a separate announcement, officials said nearly $1.67 billion in additional private capital had been committed. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The administration has also made direct investments in domestic producers. It recently extended $1.6 billion to USA Rare Earth in exchange for stock and a repayment agreement, marking the fourth such investment in an American critical minerals company. Over the past year, the Pentagon has spent nearly $5 billion to accelerate mining and processing capacity. At the legislative level, the Republican-controlled House of Representatives approved a bill to speed up mining on federal land. The measure, which faces opposition from Democrats and conservation groups, would codify Trumps executive orders aimed at boosting domestic mineral production for energy, defence, and industrial applications. How China has responded China has rejected the suggestion that it has destabilised global supply chains. Responding to questions about the Washington meeting, the Chinese embassy in the United States said, China has long played an important and constructive role in keeping the global industrial and supply chains of critical minerals safe and stable and is willing to continue to make active efforts in this regard. Despite recent de-escalation in the US-China trade war, Beijings export controls on rare earths remain tighter than they were before Trump took office. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Those restrictions contributed to production delays and shutdowns at auto manufacturing plants in Europe and the United States and stalled plans to expand lithium production in North America. Chinas leverage was particularly evident in October, when Trump agreed to reduce tariffs on certain Chinese goods in exchange for Beijings commitment to hold off on imposing stricter rare earth export restrictions. Trump, who is expected to visit China in April, said on Truth Social that he had an excellent call with President Xi Jinping to discuss a range of issues, including trade and security. His post did not mention critical minerals. With inputs from agencies The final nuclear weapons treaty between the US and Russia, New Start, has come to an end. Signed in 2010, this agreement put limits on the number of atomic weapons that both countries could test and maintain. The lapse of this deal could spur a nuclear arms race and ring the death knell for even the Non-Proliferation Treaty With the New Start treaty between US and Russia expiring today (February 5), these kinds of strategic nuclear weapons would no longer be limited. File image/AFP For years and years, the United States and Russia the worlds two biggest nuclear powers were kept in check through a number of treaties. However, today (February 5) marks the expiry of the last nuclear weapons control treaty between the two countries, raising fears of a new arms race. On February 5, the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty, known as New Start, comes to an end, with UN secretary general, Antonio Guterres, calling it a grave moment for international peace and security. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD As New Start lapses, heres a better look at what the agreement entails, and what it could mean for Washington and Moscow, and the world at large. What is the New Start treaty? The New Start treaty was signed in 2010 by US President Barack Obama and then Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, a close ally of Vladimir Putin. Coming into effect in 2011, the agreement saw the US and Russia agree to reduce their nuclear stockpiles, which ballooned in the early decades of the Cold War. Notably, New Start was an extension of earlier agreements signed between the two nations. Barack Obama sign the new Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty, New Start, at Prague Castle in Prague on April 8, 2010. File image/Reuters The New Start treaty, which was extended for a one five-year duration in Joe Bidens presidency, limits both countries to 700 deployed intercontinental ballistic missiles, submarine-launched ballistic missiles and heavy bombers equipped to transport nuclear weapons; 1,550 nuclear warheads on these vehicles; and 800 deployed and non-deployed launchers. It also places limits on Russian intercontinental nuclear weapons that can reach the US. The treaty provides for 18 on-site inspections per year for each side though these have not happened for several years, dating back to the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic. It also allowed for twice-yearly exchanges of data and ongoing mutual notification about the movement of strategic nuclear forces, which in practice occurred on a nearly daily basis. Last but not the least, New Start also established a bilateral consultative commission and clear procedures to resolve questions or disputes. In 2023, amid Russias war in Ukraine, Vladimir Putin announced that Moscow was suspending participation in New Start, citing Washingtons support for Ukraine during the war. It, however, did not formally withdraw, and committed to continue to abide by the treatys numerical limits on warheads, missiles and launchers. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD What have US and Russia said about New Start treaty? Last July, US President Donald Trump when asked about New Start said, Its not an agreement you want expiring. When you take off nuclear restrictions, thats a big problem for the world. But earlier this January, Trump made a stunning reversal, telling the New York Times, If it expires, it expires. Well do a better agreement. The American leader further complaining that there were weaknesses in the agreement and said he would rather do a new agreement thats much better. While Russian President Vladimir Putin has suggested informally capping the number of warheads for another year, US President Donald Trump is yet to respond. File image/Reuters Trump further stated that he would like to include China in any nuclear talks. We are talking about limiting nuclear weapons. We will get China into that. Meanwhile, last September Russias strongman Putin had noted that both countries should just keep abiding by the warhead limits, without a formal deal, for one more year. To avoid provoking a further strategic arms race and to ensure an acceptable level of predictability and restraint, we believe it is justified to try to maintain the status quo established by the New START treaty during the current, rather turbulent period, Putin said in televised remarks at the Kremlin. Medvedev, the initial signatory to the New Start treaty, on the other hand warned that if the New START treaty expires, it would mean the biggest nuclear powers will have unlimited capacity to expand their nuclear programmes for the first time since the 1970s. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD I dont want to say that this immediately means a catastrophe and a nuclear war will begin, but it should still alarm everyone, Medvedev was quoted as saying. When asked about the New Start treaty, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that this is very bad for global and strategic security. How are others reacting to lapse of New Start treaty? The lapse of the New Start treaty has the world on tenterhooks. UN Secretary General Guterres in a statement on Wednesday, said: For the first time in more than half a century, we face a world without any binding limits on the strategic nuclear arsenals of the two states that possess the overwhelming majority of the global stockpile of nuclear weapons. He said New Start and other arms control treaties had drastically improved the security of all peoples. This dissolution of decades of achievement could not come at a worse time the risk of a nuclear weapon being used is the highest in decades, he added. Pope Leo XIV also urged both nations not to abandon the principles laid down by the treaty. I issue an urgent appeal not to let this instrument lapse, said the Pope at his weekly audience. It is more urgent than ever to replace the logic of fear and distrust with a shared ethic, capable of guiding choices toward the common good. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD What does the expiry of New Start mean for the world? In the absence of New Start, both countries could build up their nuclear warheads and launchers unchecked, as legal limits would no longer be in place. As Georgia Cole, research associate on the international security programme, wrote in a Chatham House article, This would mark a significant break in more than five decades of bilateral nuclear arms control. It would also signal a move away from nuclear restraint, making the world a more dangerous place. It increases the risk of a new arms race, especially if either side begins uploading additional warheads onto existing missiles or expanding delivery systems. The lapse of New Start could result in a new arms race. Image Courtesy: Federation of American Scientists Even Daryl Kimball, the head of the Arms Control Association in Washington, stated that the end of New Start could result in a dangerous arms race. There are many in the nuclear weapons establishment who want to rapidly build up the size of the US force in order to counter Chinas strategic buildup, Kimball said. Kingston Reif of the RAND Corporation, a former US deputy assistant secretary of defence, speaking to the Associated Press, stated in the absence of the predictability of the treaty, each side could be incentivised to plan for the worst or to increase their deployed arsenals to show toughness and resolve, or to search for negotiating leverage. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The lapse of the New Start treaty could also threaten the nuclear non-proliferation treaty (NPT) which is up for review this year under which states without nuclear weapons pledged not to acquire them, as long as the weapons states made good-faith efforts to disarm. Theres a very good chance that if the two nations start expanding their nuclear arsenals, others could follow suit. Could US and Russia figure out a new deal? With New Start expiring, questions have been raised if a new agreement could be signed between the two nations. But experts note that it wont be easy; figuring out a fresh, comprehensive treaty would likely take a long time. Trump also wants China to be party to a new treaty. Beijing hasnt been receptive to joining trilateral arms control talks while its nuclear arsenal is far smaller than those of the US and Russia. Its unlikely to sign onto an accord that locks in asymmetrical capabilities. Georgia Cole also told the Washington Post that negotiating a new treaty in the current geopolitical environment would be extraordinarily difficult. It requires years of technical work, trust, and diplomatic engagement none of which currently exist at the necessary levels. The expiry of the New Start treaty comes at the worst time possible. But its now up to countries to decide if they want to further arm themselves or choose peace. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With inputs from agencies Uber has appointed Indian-origin Balaji Krishnamurthy as the companys new Chief Financial Officer (CFO). He will assume the role from February 16, replacing Prashanth Mahendra-Rajah. Krishnamurthy, who has been with the ride-sharing firm for more than six years, is a big backer of robotaxis The rideshare giant Uber has appointed Indian-origin Balaji Krishnamurthy as the company's new Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Image courtesy: Balaji Krishnamurthy/LinkedIn Balaji Krishnamurthy is set to take over as Uber's new Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Krishnamurthy, who is of Indian-origin, has been with Uber for six years. He will take over the role from February 16. He is replacing Uber CFO Prashanth Mahendra-Rajah. Uber, in a regulatory filing, stated, Prashanth Mahendra-Rajah, Chief Financial Officer, will step down from his role on February 16, 2026. Balaji Krishnamurthy, currently Vice President, Strategic Finance, will assume the role of Chief Financial Officer on that date. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Krishnamurthy will receive an annual base salary of $600,000 (around Rs 5.42 crore) and will also be eligible to participate in the companys executive bonus programme, according to the filing and media reports. Who is Balaji Krishnamurthy? Krishnamurthy, 41, joined Uber in 2019 as senior manager, investor relations. He was then promoted to head of investor relations. Krishnamurthy has served in a range of leadership roles, and he is currently holding the position of Vice President, Strategic Finance and Investor Relations at Uber, according to his LinkedIn profile. He is also a board member at Waabi, a Toronto-based, AI-focused start-up. Krishnamurthy joined Goldman Sachs in November 2011, serving as vice-president in equity research, where he covered US hardware and communications technology. He remained at the firm till 2019. Prior to Goldman Sachs, Krishnamurthy worked as a research analyst at Irevna. Krishnamurthy also worked as an area manager with iTrust Financial Advisors Pvt Ltd. He was an intern at Info Edge India Ltd from April 2008 to June 2008. Krishnamurthy completed his Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the Management Development Institute (MDI) in Gurugram. In 2008, during his business studies, Krishnamurthy completed an exchange programme at Copenhagen Business School (Denmark). He holds a Bachelors degree in Engineering in Electronics and Communications from Manipal Institute of Technology, the same institute from which Satya Nadella graduated. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Honour to step into role Expressing his gratitude, Krishnamurthy said, It is an honour to step into this important role at such an important time for Uber. As the undisputed global mobility and delivery leader, and with significant cash flows, we have the opportunity to further solidify our place as a generational technology company, he was quoted as saying by YourStory. Uber Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dara Khosrowshahi welcomed Krishnamurthy as a brilliant and decisive strategist. For those who dont know Balaji, he is trusted by investors, knows Ubers business inside and out, and is a brilliant, decisive strategist. He has worked closely with me and our management team for years, and I am thrilled for him to step up as CFO as we kick off another big year for Uber. Krishnamurthys appointment has prompted a series of reactions online. A user wrote, MDI Gurgaon has some gems who are leading many companies. Another commented, Big move for Uber, lets see how Balaji shapes the next chapter! Balaji Krishnamurthy has been with Uber for more than six years and will assume his new role on February 16. File Image: Reuters Khosrowshahi thanked Mahendra-Rajah for his service and called him a great partner. I want to thank Prashanth for everything hes done for Uber. Hes been a great partner in getting us to investment-grade status. We all wish him the best in an exciting new opportunity that he will share more about soon, he was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Mahendra-Rajah, who served as CFO for less than three years, will remain in his role as senior finance adviser until July 1 to ensure a seamless transition, according to Uber. Mahendra-Rajah will report to Khosrowshahi until then. How is Uber performing in the market? The ride-hailing company has invested hundreds of millions of dollars into partnerships focused on autonomous vehicle technology and has committed to buying fleets of robotaxis. It has planned to eventually roll them out widely on its platform. In its latest quarterly results, however, the company issued weaker-than-expected earnings guidance for the current quarter, according to Bloomberg. Despite this, it offered an upbeat outlook for total gross bookings, pointing to strong demand in the US. The closely watched metric, which includes rides, delivery orders, and driver and merchant earnings but excludes tips, is projected to reach healthy numbers for the current period and is likely to exceed Wall Streets expectations. Khosrowshahi remarked that the company expects US trips and gross bookings growth to accelerate further in 2026. With input from agencies Jeff Bezos, who bought The Washington Post in 2013 for $250 million (Rs 22,560 crore), had vowed to be a good steward of the brand. Now, Bezos is being publicly pilloried for what many see as the destruction of an American institution In 2013, Jeff Bezos was universally praised for buying The Washington Post. Bezos, who had bought perhaps the most prestigious newspaper in the world from its long-time owners, the Graham family, for $250 million (Rs. 22,560 crore), had vowed to be a good steward of the brand. Bezos, during the first staff meeting, vowed that a golden age for the newspaper was nigh. However, now, a little more than a decade later, The Washington Post is seeing one of its worst retrenchments in history. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Now, the worlds fourth richest man, who has an estimated net worth of $250 billion (Rs. 23.55 lakh crore), is being pilloried in public for what many see as the destruction of an American institution. But why is Bezos not saving the iconic newspaper? Bullish early years Many were bullish after Bezos took over _The Washington Post._ After all, Bezos was one of the worlds wealthiest men and, as such, had near-limitless resources. Many thought Bezos, an entrepreneur and innovator at heart, would be just the man who could power the newspaper into a glorious new age at least with his pocketbook. For a while, that seemed to be the case. The 2016 presidential election witnessed Trump coming to power. The Washington Post was among the several news outlets that reaped the rewards of the first Donald Trump presidency. In January 2017, it adopted the slogan Democracy Dies in Darkness, which began appearing on its website and then in print shortly afterwards. The Washington Post has announced widespread layoffs. File Image/Reuters The newspaper was praised by many for its investigative journalism during the Trump years and standing up to the administration. In 2019, even as the Trump administration sought to let Mohammed bin Salman, the de facto ruler of its ally Saudi Arabia, off the hook in the Jamal Khashoggi murder, Bezos travelled to Istanbul and spoke at a memorial for Khashoggi. Bezos also offered support to Khashoggis fiancee, Hatice Cengiz, saying, You are not alone. In the beginning, he was wonderful, Sally Quinn, the veteran Post contributor and wife of famed WaPo executive editor Ben Bradlee, told The New Yorker. He was smart and funny and kind and interested. He was joyful. He was a person of integrity and conscience. He really meant it when he said this was a sacred trust, to buy the Post. And now I dont know who this person is. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Bezos begins to bail However, the good times would not last. In 2025, by the time Trump had returned to the presidency which many in the US, including several top Republicans, had thought impossible after the January 2021 insurrection at the US Capitol the newspaper was drowning. According to NDTV, The Washington Post has lost half a million subscribers since 2020. Audience and digital readership numbers, which had surged to tens of millions of monthly active users in January 2021 amid the Trump presidency and the pandemic news cycle, had fallen sharply by 2023, according to internal and media reports. The newspaper is thought to have lost hundreds of millions of dollars over the past few years, according to multiple media reports citing people familiar with its finances. While the Post, like many other outlets, was awash in a sea of red ink, its competitors, The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal, were flourishing. However, the _Post_ had something that the other outlets did not the backing of the worlds richest man. As many have pointed out, while the Post lost around $77 million (Rs. 694.8 crore) in 2023, this is just a fraction of his net worth. Indeed, Bezos paid $500 million (Rs. 4,512 crore) for a 417-foot superyacht. It was a point Bezos would make himself in 2024: The advantage I bring to the Post is when they need financial resources, Im available. Im like that. Im the doting parent in that regard. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Jeff Bezos and his wife Lauren Sanchez Bezos. File image/Reuters But the warning signs were already there in the lead-up to the 2024 election. In July 2024, in the aftermath of the Trump assassination attempt, Bezos wrote on X, Our former President showed tremendous grace and courage under literal fire tonight. So thankful for his safety and so sad for the victims and their families. Many saw this message, his first on the platform since June 2023, as a sign of a possible rapprochement with Trump, a man who previously mocked him as Jeff Bozo, ahead of the election. Squashing Kamala endorsement, currying favour with Trumps Then, in October 2024, The Washington Post editorial board was set to deliver a historic endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris. However, just days before it was set to go to print, the endorsement was unceremoniously squashed by senior leadership. This was the first time in almost four decades that the newspaper did not endorse a nominee. David Maraniss, who resigned from the newspaper in 2024 in the aftermath of the development, told The New Yorker, He bought the Post thinking that it would give him some gravitas and grace that he couldnt get just from billions of dollars, and then the world changed. Maraniss, who had been with the paper for nearly 50 years, added, Now I dont think he gives usI dont think he gives a flying f%^&. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Since Trump has returned to power, Bezos has been more than happy to openly curry favour with the administration. Indeed, Bezos, much like his fellow billionaires, had dinner with the Trumps shortly before the inauguration and even attended the inauguration ball. US first lady Melania Trump arrives for the premiere of the documentary film Melania at the John F Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. File Image/Reuters Bezos, who owns Amazon, has commissioned a documentary profiling First Lady Melania Trump for $40 million (Rs. 360.96 crore) and spent another $35 million (Rs. 315.84 crore) on promoting it. Critics have described the documentary as a vanity project for the Trumps and, at worst, a way to financially benefit the family through Bezos-backed projects. Nor has Bezos spoken up in favour of WaPo reporter Hannah Natanson, who was subjected to an FBI search in which her phones, laptops, and other devices were seized, even as the newspaper denounced the highly unusual and aggressive move by the Trump administration. What leadership is saying, the response Bezos and The Washington Post CEO Will Lewis have remained conspicuously silent. The Washington Post executive editor Matt Murray has termed the development a broad strategic reset. He added, We have grappled with financial challenges for some time. They have affected us in multiple rounds of cost cuts and buyouts, along with other periodic constraints STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD He said the newspaper would now concentrate on areas that demonstrate authority, distinctiveness, and impact in areas such as politics and national security. However, others are far more critical. This ranks among the darkest days in the history of one of the worlds greatest news organisations, Marty Baron, the heralded ex-editor-in-chief of the newspaper, wrote. He said the newspapers issues were made infinitely worse by ill-conceived decisions that came from the very top from a gutless order to kill a presidential endorsement 11 days before the 2024 election to a remake of the editorial page that now stands out only for its moral infirmity. We are witnessing a murder at The Washington Post, added long-time ex-Post reporter Ashley Parker. This massacre will be the enduring legacy of Jeff Bezos and Will Lewis and the leadership who stood by. Still others are far more blunt about what is occurring. Glenn Kessler, a long-time fact-checker at the Post, said, Bezos is not attempting to save The Washington Post. Hes trying to endure Trump. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With inputs from agencies US and Iranian officials are set to hold their first round of talks on Friday in Muscat. While Tehran has repeatedly stressed that negotiations should remain focused solely on the nuclear issue, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that they must explore other areas of concern US and Iranian officials are set to hold their first talks on Friday since Iran launched a deadly crackdown on protests, in a meeting likely to be crucial in determining if the US carries out renewed military action against the Islamic Republic. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Wednesday that nuclear talks with the United States are scheduled to be held in Muscat on Friday morning, thanking Oman for making all the necessary arrangements. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Tehran has repeatedly stressed that negotiations should remain focused solely on the nuclear issue, but Washingtons top diplomat, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, said they must encompass many other areas of concern. In order for talks to actually lead to something meaningful, they will have to include certain things, and that includes the range of their ballistic missiles, that includes their sponsorship of terrorist organisations across the region, that includes their nuclear program, and that includes the treatment of their own people, he said. The American side has confirmed neither the timing nor the agenda of the negotiations. What is at stake? Trump has not ruled out fresh military action against Iran should the talks fail, to follow the US attacks on Iranian nuclear sites during Israels June war against the Islamic Republic. I would say he should be very worried, yeah, he should be, Trump said of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Wednesday in an interview with NBC News. As you know, they are negotiating with us. The US has sent a battlegroup led by the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln to the region, while Iran has threatened retaliation against US bases and vessels in the West Asia if it is attacked. The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln transits through the Arabian Sea on April 5, 2012. File image/AFP Tensions between the two foes, who have no diplomatic relations, rose in the wake of the crackdown on a wave of protests by Iranian security forces, which has left thousands dead, according to rights groups. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD But it remains unclear what form any American military intervention would take, ranging from targeted strikes against military infrastructure to a bid to uproot the clerical system under Khamenei that has ruled Iran since the 1979 Islamic revolution. Who is involved? Iran is to be represented at the talks by Araghchi, and the US by Trumps West Asia envoy Steve Witkoff, the White House and Iranian presidency have said. Witkoff, a former real estate mogul, wears multiple hats in foreign policy under Trump and is also actively involved in efforts to end Russias war against Ukraine. Araghchi is a veteran diplomat who has spent his career in the Iranian foreign ministry, gaining a reputation as a wily and patient negotiator. A fluent English speaker, he studied for his PhD on Islamic political thought at Englands University of Kent. What do both sides want? Trumps initial calls on Tehran last month were focused on telling the leadership to stop killing protesters and warning the authorities not to execute those arrested. But his focus has shifted to agreeing a new deal on the Iranian nuclear programme, which the US and its allies believe is aimed at making an atomic bomb. Washington also wants to curtail Irans support for proxy forces in the region and cut its vast arsenal of ballistic missiles. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Iran has repeatedly stressed that any talks should focus solely on the nuclear issue and not its missile program or defence capabilities. Where is the meeting? Initial indications suggested the meeting would be held on Friday in Nato member Turkey, whose President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, a pious Sunni Muslim, has on occasion had testy relations with the Shiite theocracy in Tehran but was eager to mediate. Talks are now expected to take place in Oman, as subsequently confirmed by Araghchi, but the scope of the discussions needs to be agreed upon, an Arab diplomat told AFP on Wednesday. Another regional source with knowledge of the talks said Iran wanted the talks to be exclusively with the United States without the involvement of regional powers and to deal only with the nuclear question. If the Iranians want to meet, were ready, Rubio told reporters. Theyve expressed an interest in meeting and talking. If they change their mind, were fine with that too. What is the mood in Iran? Iran is recovering from what rights groups have described as unprecedented mass killing during the crackdown, under the cover of a weeks-long internet blackout. In a sign of the febrile atmosphere, the Tehran municipality issued a statement on Wednesday saying loud sounds in the city centre were due to a religious holiday and not any other cause. A photograph shows an anti-US billboard displayed on a building in Tehrans Valiasr Square. AFP A new billboard appeared in Tehran showing American planes crashed into a hillside with Iranians flying the flag of the Islamic Republic above. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Prominent Iranian news agency Fars, seen as close to the security forces, has in recent days published images of US bases in the West Asia without comment. Bharat Taxi is set to launch in New Delhi on Thursday as a cooperative-based alternative to Uber and Ola. Backed by the Cooperation Ministry, the app promises lower fares, no commission, and a driver-owned model aimed at fair pricing and better welfare. Bharat Taxi, a government-backed cooperative ride-hailing app, launched in Delhi today. Operating on a cooperative ownership model, the platform offers zero commission for drivers and aims to provide lower fares for passengers as it enters a market dominated by Ola and Uber. Photo: Moneycontrol Bharat Taxi, Indias first in-house ride-hailing service, is set to launch today. Backed by Union Ministry of Cooperation, Bharat Taxi aims to offer relief to users by promoting fair pricing and driver welfare. The service, positioned as an alternative to Uber and Ola, operates on a cooperative model by the Government of India. Taking to X, Ministry of Cooperation confirmed that Amit Shah will be launching Bharat Taxi on February 5, 2026 in New Delhi. The post stated that this will prove to be a milestone and driven by the principle of Sarathi Hi Malik, which offers zero-commission and surge-free pricing for all. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Bharat Taxi Launching Today: Honble Union Home & Cooperation Minister Shri Amit Shah will officially launch Indias first cooperative-led ride-booking platform! Driven by the principle of Sarathi Hi Malik, this indigenous alternative offers zero-commission and surge-free pic.twitter.com/tkaFqL1dOf Ministry of Cooperation, Government of India (@MinOfCooperatn) February 5, 2026 The Bharat Taxi will be launched at around 3 PM today, and the app is expected to expand across more states and cities in the country. What is Bharat Taxi? Bharat Taxi is a ride-hailing app built on a cooperative model. According to the Union Ministry of Cooperation, the platform places drivers at the centre of ownership, operations, and value creation. The government says this approach will help drivers break free from exploitative practices of private ride-hailing players. Interestingly, Bharat Taxi is not a direct initiative of Government of India, instead it is run and managed by Sahakar Taxi Cooperative Limited and major cooperative institutions, including IFFCO, Amul, NCDC, NABARD, NDDB, KRIBHCO, NAFED and NCEL. How does it work? The service operates on a distinct model. Each driver, referred to as a Sarathi, holds five shares in the cooperative. Unlike private aggregators, Bharat Taxi doesnt charge any commission on fares. Drivers only pay a fixed fee of Rs 30 to access the app, after which all trip earnings go directly to them. The structure aims to address long-standing driver complaints over high commissions and limited control on platforms such as Uber and Ola. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Coming to the app, it features various ride categoriesincluding AC and non-AC cabs, XL cabs, autos, and bike taxissimilar to what the competition has to offer. The app now also has a modern interface that looks on par with other ride-hailing services. But what about riders safety? It incorporates built-in safety measures, including a helpline which help the riders contact helplines in case of any mishap. In collaboration with the Delhi Police, 35 special booths have been set up to address concerns. Before providing service, all drivers undergo a verification process to enhance security for passengers using the service. Much lower price The highlight of the app is that Bharat Taxi promises to offer much lower price than the competition, like Ola and Uber. According to the reports, riders can expect significantly lower fares, around 30 per cent cheaper than private competitors. While traditional ride-hailing apps often deduct Rs 30 to Rs 50 as commission per ride, Bharat Taxis zero-commission model allows those savings to flow directly to passengers. Launch timeline India launched the pilot app in Delhi in November 2025 with 650 vehicles. During this phase, by December 2025, the service was expanded to cities like Mumbai, Pune, and Jaipur. Now, as we move forward, the target is to add more metro cities by March 2026. Moreover, it also aims for 1 lakh drivers and rural reach by 2030. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar calls for de-risking critical mineral supply chains at a US meet, warning against over-dependence and urging structured global cooperation to build resilient, diversified networks Addressing the Critical Minerals Ministerial in Washington, DC, Indias External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar urged global partners to de-risk critical mineral supply chains, warning that their excessive concentration in certain countries poses a major risk to global economic and technological security. At the meet hosted by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Jaishankar stressed the importance of structured international cooperation to build resilient and diversified supply networks. These mineralsessential for industries from clean energy to electronicshave in recent years seen production and processing dominated by a few countries, raising strategic vulnerabilities. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Spoke at the Critical Minerals Ministerial in Washington DC today. Underlined challenges of excessive concentration and the importance of de-risking supply chains through structured international cooperation, EAM Jaishankar posted on X. He also highlighted Indias own efforts to strengthen mineral supply resilience, including the National Critical Minerals Mission, creation of Rare Earth Corridors, and promotion of responsible commerce in these resources. India conveyed its support for the FORGE initiative, a US-led framework aimed at boosting cooperation among partner countries on critical mineral supply chains. Incredible initiative led by @SecRubio! Thrilled that so many vital nations attended the meeting including India, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan! https://t.co/0t8pr7FIDh Ambassador Sergio Gor (@USAmbIndia) February 4, 2026 The ministerial gathered representatives from more than 50 countries, reflecting broader efforts to reduce dependency on concentrated sources, particularly amid global concerns about supply chain chokepoints and geopolitical leverage. Jaishankars comments align with Indias strategic push to secure supply chains for minerals vital to future industries and to expand cooperation with global partners, particularly the United States. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD #WATCH | Washington, DC: EAM Dr S Jaishankar, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other leaders pose for a family photo at the Critical Minerals Ministerial. pic.twitter.com/wIPnLSdDy0 ANI (@ANI) February 4, 2026 Notably, Pakistan was not invited to the meet, despite last years efforts by Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to draw President Trumps attention to the countrys critical mineral reserves during engagements at the White House. Why this matters Critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements are foundational for batteries, renewable energy systems, semiconductors, and defence technologies. Their supply chains have become a focus of geopolitics, with countries seeking to ensure diversification and stability to prevent economic or strategic disruption. Jaishankars remarks reflect Indias intention to be a key player in global supply chain resilience, not merely a consumer but an active partner in shaping outcomes. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Ajit Doval told Marco Rubio India would not be pressured on trade, signalling New Delhi was ready to wait out Donald Trumps term as talks dragged on behind the scenes of the freshly announced India-US trade agreement Ajit Doval also made it clear to Rubio that India would not be strong-armed by US President Trump or his senior aides. (X) In a behind-the-scenes diplomatic push months before Washington and New Delhi announced a new trade agreement, Indias national security adviser, Ajit Doval, made it clear that India would not be rushed or pressured into a deal with the United States, even if that meant waiting out President Donald Trumps term in office, as per an exclusive Bloomberg report. Doval met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington in early September 2025 with a blunt message about Indias stance on the simmering trade dispute. India wouldnt be bullied by US President Donald Trump and his top aides, Doval told Rubio, the officials told Bloomberg. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The reported conversation came at a tense moment in bilateral ties, after the Trump administration had slapped punitive tariffsas high as 50%on Indian goods. The steep duties, imposed amid criticism from Trump and members of his team about Indias trade policies and energy purchases, had prompted concern in New Delhi about the direction of relations. Also read | Does the trade deal with US give India an upper hand over China, Pakistan? A willingness to wait Doval made clear that India was prepared to let negotiations unfold at its own pace, even if that meant waiting until Trumps term ended, rather than accept conditions it viewed as unfavourable. India has dealt with past administrations it considered unfriendly and believes it has the diplomatic strength to withstand pressure. Officials said Doval also urged Washington to dial down its public criticism of India, saying a less confrontational tone would help rebuild trust and get talks back on track. The tone between the two countries did ease somewhat after that meeting. Later in September, Trump personally called Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to wish him a happy birthdaya gesture perceived as a diplomatic resetand by the end of 2025 the leaders had spoken several times on the phone as negotiations progressed. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In early February 2026, Trump announced a trade deal that reduces tariffs on Indian exports and expands market access for US goods, portraying it as a major achievement. New Delhi confirmed the reduction on tariffs, but has been less detailed publicly about other terms of the agreement. During Operation TrashiI in Kishtwar, security forces neutralised a terrorist in dense forest terrain. The operation continues, reflecting Indias ongoing push against JaisheMohammad militants in Jammu and Kashmir Indian Security forces have neutralised a terrorist during an ongoing counterterror operation in Jammu and Kashmirs Kishtwar district, officials said on Wednesday as part of Operation TrashiI. In a post on X, the Armys White Knight Corps said that joint forces made contact with terrorists on the run at around 5.45 pm in the Dichhar area of Kishtwar, where troops from the CounterInsurgency Force Delta, Jammu and Kashmir Police and the CRPF have been conducting intensive searches amid snowbound forests. One terrorist has been successfully neutralised. Operation is in progress, the post said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Officials described the region as challenging and forested, with dense terrain that has allowed militants to evade capture at times. The encounter marks another chapter in a prolonged offensive against a group of terrorists believed to be linked with the Pakistanbased JaisheMohammad (JeM) outfit, which has been carrying out frequent incursions in the area. Part of a wider counterterror push This recent clash is the fifth encounter in the Chatroo belt over the last 18 days, reflecting persistent efforts by security forces to corner militants hiding in the remote forest stretches of Kishtwar. The operation began after intelligence inputs suggested the presence of a group of terrorists moving through the region. In related operations elsewhere, security forces in Udhampur district also killed two terrorists, including a top JeM commander, after they were cornered inside a natural cave. Arms and ammunition were recovered from the site following fierce exchanges. Officials said that while one terrorist has been eliminated in the Dichhar encounter, the overall operation remains active, with troops tightening the cordon and continuing their search for additional militants. The ongoing operations in Kishtwar and neighbouring districts follow weeks of intense counterterror efforts across Jammu and Kashmir, aimed at disrupting militant networks and preventing further infiltration into civilian areas. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD CCTV shows a woman and delivery worker enter a lift with balloons, which suddenly catch fire and explode (X) A routine elevator ride turned into a frightening incident in Goregaon (West) on Monday night when a bundle of gasfilled balloons burst into flames and exploded inside a residential lift, injuring two people. CCTV footage shared widely on social media shows a woman entering the lift first with a small trolley, followed by a delivery worker carrying a large bunch of balloons inside a polythene bag. As another man attempted to get in, the balloons suddenly caught fire and exploded into a ball of flames that briefly filled the entire elevator cabin. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Both the woman and the delivery man sustained burn injuries. The woman, later identified as 21yearold Himani Tapriya, suffered burns to her right arm, neck, and abdomen. The delivery worker, 32yearold Raju Kumar Mahato, was also injured. Both were rushed to hospital and are reported to be in stable condition. Watch the video here: #breakingnews | In a shocking incident, gas-filled balloons led to an explosion in the lift of a building in Goregaon The three people in the lift had a miraculous escape@imvivekgupta shares more information#Mumbai #Shocking #TheRightStand | @AnchorAnandN pic.twitter.com/SPAJhtabyf News18 (@CNNnews18) February 4, 2026 How did the incident unfold? The explosion occurred at Anmol Tower, a residential building in Goregaon West, around 10:30 pm on February 2. Police said Mahato had been tasked with delivering balloons for a birthday celebration on the 10th floor when the incident happened. Authorities have registered a case against the balloon shop owner under Section 125B of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which deals with acts endangering life or personal safety. Officials allege that proper safety measures were not provided for handling highly flammable gas balloons. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD It has not been officially confirmed what gas was used to fill the balloons, but investigators and local sources have noted that hydrogenfilled balloons, which are far more flammable than helium, can ignite easily when exposed to sparks or static discharge in confined spaces. Authorities have urged residents and delivery personnel to avoid carrying such items without proper safety precautions. A new AI trend is taking social media, with netizens posting caricatures of themselves, courtesy of ChatGPT. How is this different from the Studio Ghibli-style images that went viral last year? Pedestrians walk past a caricature portrait at the Place du Tertre on the hill of Montmartre, northern Paris. File image/AFP Have you been seeing an influx of caricature drawings on social media? Well, it is the first AI trend of 2026 where ChatGPT turns an image into a caricature. These caricatures are all the rage on social media. Several content creators are posting their portraits with accentuated features, making it all the rage. But how do you turn yourself into a ChatGPT caricature? How to recreate your caricature? ChatGPT, the Artificial Intelligence giant, is taking over the internet steadily. Following the Studio Ghibli trend, the AI chatbot has once again caught the eyes for its caricature trends. For us to understand how to create caricatures, we first need to understand what they are. Caricatures are an imitation of a person that exaggerates certain characteristics, like an extra-long nose or protruding teeth with puffier-looking cheeks or bulging eyes, in a bid to create a comic effect. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD A caricature artists draws guests at an event in Nashville. File image/AFP To create a caricature image of yourself using ChatGPT, one needs to log in to their ChatGPT account and give a prompt like Create a caricature of me. This prompt is best for people who have shared a lot of information with the AI chatbot already. If the image is not according to your standards, you can edit the prompt and give clearer instructions to create more accurate images. This caricature trend is unlimited on the paid subscription. However, if you dont have a paid subscription, ChatGPT allows you to generate up to five images per day on the free version. How does ChatGPT create your caricature? It is important to know that the trend will only work if ChatGPT has a lot of information on you, your job, and your personal life from previous uses. The trend uses your history on the app to create the image, so if you have interacted with the chatbot a lot, it will lead to a lot of good images. However, if you are someone who has not shared a lot of personal details with the chatbot, you can still create good images using specific and clear instructions. Chat GPTs caricature of me and my job is spot on! Try yours by prompting Create a caricature of me and my job based on everything you know about me. pic.twitter.com/YQRUXv4X57 Linda Tsungirirai Masarira (@lilomatic) February 4, 2026 STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD & I freaking love this trend. Caricature of my job. pic.twitter.com/Y01s0XhEqa NotReallyStacy (@NotReallyStacy) February 5, 2026 Rather than using the viral prompt, you can just make up your own. For example, Create a caricature of me and my job. Im a nurse who works in a hospital, mostly with kids. Another example is, Create a caricature of me and my job. Im an air hostess in a red uniform who flies long-haul routes to sunny destinations. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Did ChatGPT crash due to the caricature trend? As the trend flooded social media feeds, ChatGPTs website briefly crashed. Thousands of users faced a temporary crash of the site across the US on Tuesday (February 3). News website Blavity quoting Fox10 TV, stated that the outage reports hit about 13,000 around 2:20 pm, and OpenAI later confirmed the problem, saying it had put the necessary mitigations in place, though its still unclear if the viral trend was to blame. This is not the first time that a ChatGPT trend has gone viral. Last year, another AI trend, Japan's Studio Ghibli-style images, was trending. Later, this led to a controversy when Studio Ghibli objected to the mass formation of the images by the chatbot. Studio Ghibli has copyright over the specific type of images, which includes cartoon images of people in soft pastel colours. With inputs from agencies The lapse of US-Russia nuclear pact is not an accident of war or politics; it reflects a deeper strategic shift with the rise of China. The new Cold War isnt nuclear its mineral Headlines may hide more than they reveal; but straws in the wind often warn us about the storm ahead. The expiry of a key bilateral nuclear arms control pact between the US and Russia on Wednesday almost went unnoticed. Why? Is there more to it than meets the eye? See how, after 18 years of on-and-off negotiations, India and the European Union (EU) quickly signed the Mother of All Trade Deals on January 27, 2026. Within a week, US President Donald Trump also rediscovered his friend in Prime Minister Narendra Modi, piped down his high-tariff horse, and announced a bilateral trade agreement (BTA) with the same India he had mocked as a dead economy in July 2025. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD And, three days before the nuclear arms control treaty between the US and Russia lapsed on February 4, India hiked its defence budget for 2026-27 by over 15% of GDP. While funding for nuclear warheads is not explicitly detailed, the overall defence budget increased to Rs 7.85 lakh crore ($85.6 billion) to support modernisation and self-reliance in military hardware. India also heavily prioritised nuclear energy, aiming for 100 GW by 2047, and allocated Rs 20,000 crore for a Nuclear Energy Mission focusing on Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), and amending the Atomic Energy Act to enable private-sector partnerships. Canada and India are racing to sign a $3 billion uranium deal in the coming weeks. Soon, we can expect tariff-happy President Trump travelling to India and reinforcing the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad), which China denounced as an Asian NATO. Of course, Japan also rejoined the arms raceagainst China. What drove these countries against China, subtly or openly? Can these rather unrelated facts fall into place to sketch a larger picture? How are countries checking and balancing each other? Chinas Day Out Responding to the Trump tariffs, and citing national security interests as a reason, China introduced two waves of export controls for critical minerals and rare earth elements (REEs) in April and October 2025 respectively. The second wave was suspended until November 2026. The EU was badly affected by the controls on REEs, indispensable for its digital, green and defence industries. Chinas move highlighted major vulnerabilities in EU supply chains. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Beijings bans altered geopolitics to an extent few realised then. Nations suddenly woke up to discover how technologically vulnerable they were to Chinas remote control, even without a physical war. In May 2025, even Pakistan discovered the worth of Chinese defence equipment during Operation Sindoor. In 2024, China accounted for over 60 per cent of the worlds total rare-earth production and processed nearly 90 per cent of the global supply. In one stroke, Beijing warned the world how it could impact its rivals defence preparedness and security regimes. That was when the West started carefully recalibrating its multilateral policies to factor in Chinas controls on natural resources. The US quickly acquired Venezuela, zeroed in on Greenland, wooed Pakistan for Baluchistans minerals and more. The New World Order The new nuclear world order, if any, is part of this larger picture. Post-1945, the US-led Wests sole enemy was the Soviet Union; in 2025, Beijing replaced Moscow, despite the ongoing Ukraine war. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The pattern is interesting. Wait for the formidable dictator to grow old and bow out. As Malcolm Gladwell revealed in The Tipping Point, a key reason that freed Chicago from its mafias in the early 2000s was the old age of godfathers. After the death of Josef Stalin in 1953, for example, the West patiently softened the powerful Kremlin onions. Democracies can elect or reject their leaders; dictatorships have to wait until they drag themselves into their graves. The dictators of the Soviet Union, which had a global footprint until 1991, gradually shrank its size; Russia is now essentially a Eurasian player, not a global superpower. Likewise, the West is adopting a power-erosion strategy to encircle and cut China to size. All other geodynamical manipulations in our time appear subplots in this fascinating saga as America First restructures its domain and waits for the 73-year-old Xi Jinpings successor(s). Of course, Europe is waiting for Putins successor as well. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD It is in this context that the emergence of multiple nuclear powers, and a rather uneventful lapse of the USRussia nuclear deal on February 4, can be seen. Why arent Russia and the US interested in another nuclear arms control deal? Of the nine known nuclear powersthe US, Russia, China, the UK, France, Israel, India, Pakistan, and North Korea (not including Iran)only the first two have, since the Second World War, inked arms control pacts. Pakistan claimed it had developed an Islamic bomb; all other wannabes developed nuclear energy chiefly for peaceful purposes. Since the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991, nuclear energyfor war or peacebecame a multi-horse race. Directly or indirectly, the US controls nuclear buttons of the UK, France, Israel, and even Pakistan. India has followed a no-first-use policy. The US has, therefore, been wary of the remaindersChina, Iran, and North Korea; despite rhetoric, it is unlikely to spark the fire and will just keep them all in check for now, and wait out for their dictators to die. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Since 1991, geopolitical bargaining chips have also changed. The Wests nuclear power has been replaced by Chinas critical minerals and REEs. For over seven decades, it was easier to manage a two-horse nuclear race between the US and the USSR; now its a racecourse studded with multiple rogue horses. After the 1991 USSR collapse, US President Barack Obama and his Russian counterpart Dmitry Medvedev signed the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START), effective 2011; it was extended for another five years and lapsed on February 4, 2026. Medvedev, now a key ally of President Vladimir Putin, is the Deputy Chairman of the Security Council of Russia since 2020. The treaty capped US and Russian strategic nuclear arsenals and established an important on-site inspection and monitoring regime. It was the latest in a string of treaties that facilitated reductions in the global nuclear warhead stockpile from a high of 70,000 in the mid-1980s to roughly 12,000 today. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The US-Russia treaty set limits on strategic nuclear weapons and capped the number of deployed strategic warheads at 1,550 on each side, with up to 700 deployed ground- or submarine-launched missiles and bomber planes, and 800 launchers. It also included a system of short-notice, on-site inspections, enabling each side to satisfy itself that the other was complying. On February 24, 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine. The next year, President Putin suspended Moscows participation in the treaty because of US support for Ukraine. That brought a halt to inspectionsalready suspended during the Covid-19 pandemicand forced each side to rely on its own intelligence assessments of what the other was doing. However, neither side accused the other of breaching the warhead limits, which remained in force. With Donald Trump back in the White House in January 2025, support for Ukraine wanedand increased correspondingly for Russia. Meanwhile, China became the chief adversary. In the larger geopolitical context, the US considers Russia a lesser evil and a regional power, vis-a-vis China, a far stronger global challenger. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Enter the Dragon(s) China went nuclear in 1964, India in 1974, Pakistan in 1998, and North Korea in 2006, thus turning the essentially two-horse race into a horse polo. While the USSR did not proliferate nuclear arms, China supported rogue states like Pakistan, North Korea (and, maybe, Iran) in the nuclear race. No nuclear power without a substantial industrial base and economy can survive in the long run; that was why some of the pro-China rogue states have gone bankrupt. China, with no nuclear deal with any country, used these extremist states as proxies, mainly against Israel, India, and the US. Their nuclear blackmail pushed democracies into suffering varieties of terrorism for decades. There is a difference, though. The US and Russia often viewed China with suspicion; but each of them also remained wary of a potential alliance of the other two. Besides, even if the US and Russia thrash out a fresh START-type deal, what about the seven other nuclear players around, chief among them being China itself? Thats why the US has potentially weaned Pakistan away from China. To use a political metaphor attributed to US President Lyndon B. Johnson (regarding his FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover), Washington may have decided to keep Pakistan in its tent so it can piss outside, rather than keeping it outside and making it piss in! It also explains why, despite high-pitched rhetoric and deployments, the US has been trying to rein in Iran rather than push it into the waiting arms of China. Even during the 12-day direct confrontation in June 2015, for example, the US could not do much damage to Irans nuclear facilities. China is the second-largest economy, even if undemocratic. Its Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) is viewed as all-powerful. Behind this facade, however, we also have to do a reality check; in 2020, India found the PLA had feet of clay. The rot within China is appalling. Its Communist government, packed with Xi Jinping acolytes, sacked hundreds of thousands of corrupt employees at all levels. In January 2026, Xi purged even his long-time associate and deputy in the Central Military Commission (CMC), General Zhang Youxia, on charges including the alleged leak of nuclear weapons data to the US. According to some media reports in 2024, corruption was so widespread that entire fields of silos in a Xinjiang missile field in western China were found fitted with lids that prevented missiles from launching effectively because the missiles had been filled with water instead of fuel. That is, the dragon could not fly. (We) must take strong and forceful measures to crack down on corrupt practices that undermine the building of combat abilities, and thoroughly investigate and root out those big rats who tamper with military spending, the South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported on February 1, 2026, citing a PLA Daily article. No wonder China, infested by big rats, has been purging them since Xi Jinping came to power in 2013. He has a precedent to learn from. In 1962, Chairman Mao Zedong had also purged Xi Jinpings father, Xi Zhongxun, on charges of corruption, supporting a subversive novel, anti-party activities, and forming a clique; it led to his imprisonment and torture, which forced a teenage Xi Jinping into rural exile and isolation. Nothing corrects us like corruption. (The author is a senior journalist. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.) The February 5 spectacle appears less like an expression of solidarity and more like a hurried and desperate attempt to recast a state widely known as the mothership of terrorism into a self-styled champion of Kashmiri rights. Despite repeated humiliations, Pakistan is not done embarrassing itself on the world stage when it comes to Kashmir. Since 1990, on February 5 each year, Pakistan observes Kashmir Solidarity Day to show support and unity with the people of Jammu and Kashmir, attempting to present itself as the injured party in a dispute it has long reduced to propaganda. The smokescreen is one of showing solidarity with Kashmiri people, but what rarely enters these theatrics is the uncomfortable fact that the Kashmiris who actually live in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK) enjoy neither meaningful political power nor control over their own land and resources. As the slogans grow louder, the distance between what Pakistan claims to represent and what it actually administers continues to widen, exposing a narrative that survives more on repetition than on truth. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Decision-making processes in POK do not flow from local assemblies or elected representatives, but from distant bureaucracies and military offices that answer to no Kashmiri constituency. Laws are framed elsewhere, revenues are allocated elsewhere, and dissent is treated less as a democratic right than as a security problem. In this arrangement, the language of self-determination becomes little more than a diplomatic slogan, deployed when useful, discarded when inconvenient, and never allowed to translate into genuine political agency for the people on whose behalf it is supposedly invoked. The consequences of this arrangement are felt most sharply in the everyday lives of those who inhabit these territories. Despite sitting atop vast hydropower potential, forests, and mineral wealth, local communities see little of the revenue generated from their own land. Employment remains scarce, infrastructure fragile, and public services chronically underfunded, even as resources are siphoned off to serve priorities set far away from Muzaffarabad or Gilgit. What Pakistan calls guardianship increasingly resembles extraction, where the regions strategic and economic value is retained while the people themselves are left to absorb the costs of neglect and misrule. It is in this climate that calls to boycott Kashmir Solidarity Day have started to gain traction within these regions themselves. Leaders of grassroots movements and local action committees have argued that the annual spectacle does nothing to address the shortage of jobs, the erosion of land rights, or the absence of accountable government. To many residents, the day has come to symbolise not international concern but domestic neglect, a reminder that while their plight is invoked on television screens and diplomatic podiums, it remains unresolved in their towns and villages. The louder the slogans become, the more they seem to underline the silence surrounding the basic demands of those living under Pakistans rule. This years officially sanctioned theatre is set to reach its predictable crescendo in Muzaffarabad, where the All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) has announced a major demonstration beginning at 9:00 am from Shaheed Burhan Wani Chowk and ending at Sathra Mor. Its leaders, including Secretary General Advocate Parvez Ahmed Shah, have called on the public to turn out in large numbers to display support for what is described as the Kashmir cause. The rally is being backed by a familiar constellation of political and religious actors, from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf to Jamaat-e-Islami and the Muslim Conference, underscoring how these events have become less an expression of Kashmiri will and more a coordinated exercise by Pakistans own political machinery. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD What makes the entire exercise even more hollow is the solemnity with which it is wrapped. The official programme for the day states that a one-minute silence will be observed at 10:00 AM in memory of Kashmiri martyrs. Yet unless that phrase includes the Kashmiri Pandits driven out by terror and the countless Kashmiri Muslim civilians killed by Pakistan-backed terror groups and state operatives, the gesture is little more than a ritual stripped of meaning. These are the real victims of the machinery that Pakistan has sustained for decades in the name of Kashmir, and any remembrance that excludes them is not an act of mourning but an exercise in selective amnesia. What makes this contradiction even more grotesque is the money trail behind these theatrics. On one hand, Pakistan is willing to spend lavishly on choreographed rallies, transport, banners, media coverage, and political pageantry for Kashmir Solidarity Day, turning grievance into a funded spectacle. On the other hand, there is now a widely circulated video in which Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Asim Munir openly admit the humiliation of going around the world with a begging bowl, pleading for bailouts and emergency funds to keep the country afloat. A state that claims it cannot survive without external handouts somehow always finds the resources to stage performative outrage on Kashmir. That is not solidarity; it is misallocation, and it exposes where Islamabads priorities truly lie. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD What sets this year apart is not the message but the scale and choreography behind it. The Shehbaz Sharif government has turned Kashmir Solidarity Day into a centrally managed national campaign, declaring a public holiday and issuing directives for rallies, marches, seminars, prayer gatherings, and even symbolic human chains across cities. State broadcasters have been instructed to run wall-to-wall Kashmir programming, while public transport, government buildings, and institutions have been visually rebranded with Kashmir-related slogans. Intelligence assessments indicate that participation has been mandated down to the level of schools, colleges, arts councils, and district administrations, with essay competitions, debates, puppet shows, documentaries, photo exhibitions, and even metro bus branding pressed into service. Social media monitoring further shows that roughly 85 per cent of Kashmir Solidarity Day content carried overtly negative messaging about India, underscoring that what is being marketed as solidarity is, in reality, a synchronised propaganda exercise aimed less at Kashmiri welfare than at sustaining Pakistans external narrative. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The question, then, is why this sudden surge in enthusiasm and orchestration has emerged around a ritual Pakistan has been performing for decades. The answer lies less in Kashmir and more in damage control. This years meticulously synchronised campaign is widely seen as an effort to repair Pakistans narrative credibility after Operation Sindoor once again brought international attention to Islamabads enduring links with cross-border terror networks. In the weeks that followed, Pakistans carefully curated image was further punctured when senior military personnel were seen offering funeral prayers for slain terrorists, including commanders of Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba killed in counter-terror operations. Photographs showing Pakistan Army officers attending the funerals of terrorists killed in Operation Sindoor, led by figures such as Lashkar-e-Taiba commander Abdul Rauf, left little room for plausible deniability. Against this backdrop, the 5 February spectacle appears less like an expression of solidarity and more like a hurried and desperate attempt to recast a state widely known as the mothership of terrorism into a self-styled champion of Kashmiri rights. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD (The writer takes special interest in history, culture and geopolitics. The views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.) Anthropics cheeky Super Bowl ads mocking ChatGPTs upcoming ad rollout didnt sit well with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, who hit back calling the rival dishonest and for the rich. When Anthropic decided to spend Super Bowl trolling AI models with ads (most probably OpenAIs ChatGPT), it probably didnt expect the CEO of its rival to take it personally. But thats exactly what happened. A cheeky set of Anthropic ads, mocking the idea of advertising inside chatbots, has sparked one of the most entertaining AI feuds in recent memory. The 30-second spot opens with the word BETRAYAL plastered across the screen, then cuts to a man asking a chatbot for advice on how to talk to his mom. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Ads are coming to AI. But not to Claude. Keep thinking. pic.twitter.com/n2yECeBWyT Claude (@claudeai) February 4, 2026 The AI responds sweetly at first, Go on a walk, listen more, before veering off into a parody pitch for a fake cougar dating site called Golden Encounters. Its clearly meant to represent ChatGPT gone wrong. The punchline? Anthropic ends by assuring viewers that ads may come to AI, but not to Claude. Within hours, the ad was trending, and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman fired back on X. Altman calls Anthropic dishonest Altman was not amused. He accused Anthropic of misleading the public about how OpenAI plans to handle advertising, calling the campaign clearly dishonest. We would obviously never run ads in the way Anthropic depicts them, he wrote. We are not stupid and we know our users would reject that, he wrote on his post. First, the good part of the Anthropic ads: they are funny, and I laughed. But I wonder why Anthropic would go for something so clearly dishonest. Our most important principle for ads says that we wont do exactly this; we would obviously never run ads in the way Anthropic Sam Altman (@sama) February 4, 2026 He doubled down, suggesting that the ads satire crossed a line by implying ChatGPT would interrupt conversations to peddle products. OpenAI, he stressed, will keep ads clearly separated from chatbot answers. The company recently announced plans to test sponsored links for free and ChatGPT Go users, with results labelled and placed below the main responses. Ads do not influence the answers ChatGPT gives you, the companys blog post states. To be fair, Anthropics commercial was designed to exaggerate for comic effect. But Altmans reaction made clear that OpenAI sees something more serious at stake, namely, trust. For a product built on being helpful and neutral, the idea of a chatbot shilling a dating app, even in jest, cuts close to the bone. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Anthropic serves rich people, claims Sam Altman What began as a light jab quickly turned into a full-blown spat. Adding to his post, Altman didnt stop at calling Anthropic dishonest, he accused the company of catering only to wealthy users. Anthropic serves rich people, he wrote, claiming that its higher pricing makes its AI tools less accessible. He also described the rival lab as authoritarian, arguing that its approach to AI safety and control limits how users can experiment with the technology. That comment in particular raised eyebrows. Calling another AI startup authoritarian over a Super Bowl ad felt like a little far off. Anthropic, founded by former OpenAI researchers who left over differences in philosophy, has generally taken a cautious approach, emphasizing AI safety and alignment. Its model, Claude, is known for being restrained in tone and careful with sensitive topics, precisely the kind of guardrails OpenAI itself has often been criticized for loosening. Still, the jab about serving rich people tapped into a real debate. Both companies now operate on a similar playbook: free tiers for casual users, and paid subscriptions for advanced access. But the rivalry isnt just about price, its about principles. Anthropic wants to frame itself as the ethical alternative to OpenAIs scale-driven push, while OpenAI insists its the one democratizing access by keeping ChatGPT free (and yes, ad-supported). The irony, of course, is that Anthropics ad campaign worked perfectly. It provoked a reaction, dominated headlines, and got people talking about Claude, without mentioning OpenAI or ChatGPT by name. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Rivalries in tech are nothing new; Apple mocked IBM, Samsung mocked Apple, and now Anthropic is mocking OpenAI. But this particular spat feels distinctly 2026, a battle over who owns the moral high ground in artificial intelligence. For OpenAI, ads are a pragmatic step to sustain a free tier for millions of users. For Anthropic, theyre a punchline, and a way to remind users that trust is the real currency in the AI race. Whether users care about the nuance or just enjoyed the cougar-dating joke, the message landed. And if Altmans fiery response is any indication, the real winner of Super Bowl Sunday might not be the company with the biggest ad budget, its the one that managed to get under its rivals skin. Over 500 Palestinians and 4 Israeli soldiers have been killed ever since Israel and Hamas agreed to a ceasefire. The figures now raise the question of when Gaza will witness peace, not on paper but in reality. A drone view shows the destruction in a residential neighbourhood, after the withdrawal of the Israeli forces from the area, amid a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, in Gaza City. File Image/Reuters While the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas has significantly reduced the death toll in Gaza, the killings are still ongoing in the coastal enclave. The Palestinian strip can be seen at a transitional phase with neither a full-scale war nor a true ceasefire in place. In nearly four months of the ceasefire, more than 520 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli airstrikes or gunfire, marking an average of just over 4.5 deaths per day. Another 1,400 people have been wounded in the region during the ceasefire. Israel also saw its share of death, with four soldiers killed while stationed in the coastal enclave. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD However, the death toll is dramatically less than what it was while the war between Israel-Hamas war was ongoing. During the two years of war, between the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023 and October 10, 2025, the daily average exceeded 92 deaths, according to figures provided by the Gaza Ministry of Health. While things have changed dramatically, international bodies like the United Nations are still raising concerns over the rising death toll. Here are three possible reasons why the Gaza peace is facing roadblocks. 3 reasons Gaza doesnt have peace despite the ceasefire 1) Deadlock over Hamas disarmament One of the key conditions of the 20-point Gaza ceasefire agreement, brokered by US President Donald Trump, was the disarmament of Palestinian militant group Hamas. The groups surprise attack on southern Israel triggered a full-scale war that raged on for two years. The issue has remained a main roadblock in the initiation of the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire deal. While Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remained insistent that Hamas has to disarm, the Palestinian militant group have been reluctant to do so. While speaking to Firstpost, last month, Dr Varsen Aghabekian Shahin, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of the State of Palestine, said: Netanyahu would continue putting all sorts of impediments because, truly, he does not want to stop this war, nor to have any sort of peace, nor to leave Gaza, nor to end the occupation. He wants to continue with the annexation and to create this greater Israel that he envisages. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD We need to ensure that Netanyahu commits to his part of the commitments and all other signatories to the peace plan commit to what they have committed to. We ask that Hamas look at the interests of the National Palestinian Project and do whatever it takes to ensure the oneness and the integrity of the State of Palestine, she said. 2) Israels withdrawal from Gaza While the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire ensured partial withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, the Jewish nations permanent withdrawal from the region remains another big issue. On Wednesday, Palestines UN envoy, Riyad Mansour, said that the success and permanence of the Gaza ceasefire depend on Israel fully withdrawing from the territory and ending efforts to dictate Gazas future. We support the plan because it offers an immediate path toward ending the killing and suffering, the famine, and the unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe inflicted on the Palestinian people in Gaza, Mansour said on Wednesday. While we recognise that thousands of lives have been saved by the ceasefire, these goals are yet to be fully achieved, he said, welcoming the completion of the release of all Israeli hostages and prisoners, both alive and deceased. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Israel, on the other hand, has been reluctant to withdraw its troops from Gaza, often citing security concerns and accusing Hamas of violating the ceasefire. 3) The deployment of the international stabilisation force The deployment of the Board of Peace along with the International Stabilisation Force (ISF) has also been another roadblock in the Gaza peace process. One of the clauses of Trumps 20-point peace plan was the creation and deployment of an international stabilisation force (ISF) to provide security and oversight of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza. The ISF is envisioned as a multinational force that would deploy to Gaza to help train police, secure the borders, maintain security by helping demilitarise Gaza, protect civilians and humanitarian operations, including securing humanitarian corridors, among additional tasks as may be necessary in support of the Comprehensive Plan. As per the deal, the ISF will be supporting the Palestinian police force that will not be under Hamas or the Palestinian Authority. However, it is still unclear which countries will be part of the forces. Some even went ahead to reject the offer. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD These roadblocks explain UN officials repeated warnings in recent weeks that the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is far from over. The Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday said no meeting or visit involving NSA Ajit Doval and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio took place, rejecting a Bloomberg report amid renewed momentum in IndiaUS ties India on Thursday categorically denied a media report claiming that National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio held a meeting in September last year, asserting that no such meeting or visit had taken place. VIDEO | Delhi: There is absolutely no basis of that report. No such meeting or visit took place, says MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia), responding to a media query regarding reports of a meeting between NSA Ajit Doval and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, last pic.twitter.com/ClPzu1WLUT Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 5, 2026 STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Dismissing the report published by _Bloomberg_, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, I would like to say that there is absolutely no basis for this report. No such meeting or no such visit has taken place." Citing officials, Bloomberg reported that during the purported meeting, Doval told Rubio that India would not be rushed or pressured into a trade deal with the US, even if that meant waiting out President Donald Trumps term in office. Indias categorical denial has underscored New Delhis stance that the report was inaccurate and unfounded. The clarification comes amid renewed momentum in IndiaUS relations following the announcement of a trade agreement between President Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Under the agreement, announced days before the Bloomberg report was published, US tariffs on Indian goods were reduced to 18 per cent, while a punitive 25 per cent duty imposed over Indias purchase of Russian oil was withdrawn. In his announcement, Trump also claimed that New Delhi had agreed to stop purchasing Russian oil and begin sourcing crude from Venezuela. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In so far as Indias energy security or energy sourcing is concerned, the government has stated publicly on several occasions, including by me here, that ensuring the energy security of 1.4 billion Indians is its supreme priority. Diversifying energy sourcing in keeping with objective market conditions and evolving international dynamics is at the core of our strategy. All of Indias decisions are taken and will continue to be taken with this objective in mind, said Jaiswal. On Venezuela, he said the country has been a long-standing partner for India in the area of energy, both on the trade side and as also on the investment side. We were importing energy or crude oil from Venezuela till 2019-20 and thereafter, we had to stop. Again, we started buying oil from Venezuela in 2023-2024, but had to stop which were halted because of reimposition of sanctions. As you are aware that Indian PSUs, they have established partnership with the National Oil Company of Venezuela, PDVSA, and our PSUs have maintained presence in the country since 2008. Consistent with our approach to energy security, India remains open to exploring the commercial merits of any crude supply options, he added. Trump also claimed that India had agreed to undertake large-scale purchases of American goods and lower tariffs on US imports. However, neither New Delhi nor Washington has released any formal documentation detailing the terms of the agreement. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD IndiaUS relations had earlier come under strain after Trump publicly claimed credit for defusing a brief military confrontation between India and Pakistan, an assertion that was rejected by the Indian Army and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Modi subsequently declined an invitation to visit the White House during a US engagement with Pakistani leaders. Diplomatic engagement gained momentum with the arrival of the new US Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, in New Delhi in December. Gor, a close associate of both Trump and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, has repeatedly underscored the strategic significance of IndiaUS relations. With inputs from agencies A 27-year-old man in Australia has been charged with 596 child-abuse related offences after allegedly targeting 459 victims across 16 countries through social media and gaming platforms, investigators said. According to police, the man allegedly targeted children between 2018 and 2025, using numerous online profiles and posing as both men and women. A 27-year-old man in Australia has been charged with hundreds of child-abuse-related offences after allegedly actively targeting children on social media and gaming platforms, according to Queensland Police. Police said the offences involved 459 victims across Australia and 15 other countries. The man, who has been held in custody since February last year, faces 596 charges after investigators uncovered more than 23,000 images and videos of alleged abuse on his electronic devices. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Detective Acting Chief Superintendent Denzil Clark said the volume of material meant the identification process required time, skill and commitment. So far, 360 victims have been identified, and investigations remain ongoing. Majority of victims were boys Police said more than 200 of the victims were in Australia, with others living overseas, mainly in English-speaking nations. Most were boys between seven and 15 years old. Authorities are continuing to work with international partners to identify additional victims and ensure they receive support, Clark added. He warned of an increasing prevalence of children being groomed, coerced, or threatened into taking and sending sexual images of themselves, often through popular apps, games, and social media sites. The trauma that this causes a child is significant, he said. Suspect used multiple profiles to groom children According to police, the man allegedly targeted children between 2018 and 2025, using numerous online profiles and posing as both men and women. All alleged offending occurred online. Investigators said the man recorded interactions and used grooming and coercion to obtain explicit material, which he saved in meticulously labelled folders. Additional suspects are also being investigated, Clark noted. The man is facing hundreds of charges, including 244 counts of producing child abuse material through a carriage service, 163 counts of using a carriage service to procure persons under 16, 87 counts of engaging in sexual activity with a child using a carriage service. The man was due to appear in court on Thursday. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Other countries like Bhutan, Nepal, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, the Maldives and Thailand are also named by the party. Jamaat-e-Islami has vowed to maintain constructive and cooperative relations" with New Delhi, highlighting the importance of mutual respect and fairness Supporters of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami gather as they join in the election campaign rally on the Adarsha High School premises in Dhaka, Bangladesh, January 22, 2026. File Image/Reuters Bangladeshs Jamaat-e-Islami has mentioned the countrys ties with India in its election manifesto, pledging to improve relations with the neighbouring countries if it wins the much-anticipated polls. Other countries like Bhutan, Nepal, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, the Maldives and Thailand are also named by the party. Jamaat-e-Islami has vowed to maintain constructive and cooperative relations" with New Delhi, highlighting the importance of mutual respect and fairness. Bangladeshs Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh, in its election manifesto, has emphasised building peaceful and cooperative relations with neighbouring countries, including India. The party outlined a foreign policy based on mutual respect and justice, while also prioritising ties with pic.twitter.com/MvkDBVwn6d IANS (@ians_india) February 5, 2026 STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Bangladesh elections After two years of tumultuous politics that saw deaths and destruction, Bangladesh is all set to finally vote this month. The country will be holding its first general elections since the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in 2024. The country is currently being governed by an interim government under Chief Advisor Muhmmad Yunus. The polls, slated for February 12, have become a battleground for former PM Khaleda Zias Bangladeshi Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat. The polls will be a two-way fight between these two parties, as Hasinas Awami League has been banned from contesting, making it the first time the party will be missing out on a general election. Amid this, Jamaat and BNP have been engaged in clashes that have sometimes turned violent and other times have been limited to hateful rhetoric. Earlier this month, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir accused Jamaat-e-Islami, a controversial radical group banned during Sheikh Hasinas tenure, of trying to push the country backwards, warning that it sought to turn Bangladesh into another Afghanistan. The BNP leader stressed that his party was committed to ensuring a free, fair and inclusive election with the participation of all political parties and was working to create a conducive environment for the process. India invited for observer role Meanwhile, Yunus has invited India to become an international observer to their elections scheduled to be held on February 12. In a statement, the Chief Adviser said, 330 International Observers confirmed for upcoming elections. Invited countries yet to confirm their delegates include India, Nepal, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Egypt, France, Kuwait, Morocco, Nigeria, and Romania. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Six international organisations, including the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), have agreed to deploy at least 63 observers for Bangladeshs 13th general election and the referendum on the July National Charter, both scheduled for February. They will join observer missions from the European Union, 16 countries, and 32 individuals affiliated with various global bodies, bringing the total number of confirmed international observers for the dual polls to 330 so far, the statement added. Amid the ongoing economic tussle between the United States and Canada, Ottawa is reevaluating its planned purchase of American F-35 fighter jets. US President Donald Trump meets Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC on Tuesday. AFP Amid the ongoing economic tussle between the United States and Canada, Ottawa is reevaluating its planned purchase of American F-35 fighter jets. Before the tensions between the two nations escalated, Canada committed to buying at least F-35A Lightning II, a fifth-generation aircraft, produced by Lockheed Martin. In light of the recent developments, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is weighing on whether to buy another 72 jets from the American defence company, The Hill reported. A mix of domestic political pressure, rising costs and an increasingly contentious relationship with US President Donald Trump has prompted the Carney government to reconsider its plans and find alternatives. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Vincent Rigby, who previously served as national security and intelligence adviser to former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, revealed that escalating rhetoric from Washington has pushed a lot of policymakers in Canada to rethink the defence relationship between the two neighbours, The Hill reported. We defend the North American continent very closely with the United States. I think our national interest in that respect will always converge, we hope. At the same time, theyre saying stuff, doing stuff that really puts us in a difficult position, Rigby said in an interview with the American news outlet. And so one of the things that weve been thinking about more and more is we should be buying less from the United States and diversifying our defence relationships, buying more equipment, procuring more stuff from Europe, from the Indo-Pacific region, from countries like South Korea. And this is a big break. This is a real, real departure," he added. What the initial plan was Back in 2022, Canada agreed to purchase 88 F-35 fighter planes, which are known for flying nearly undetected into the adversary territory. The aircraft also function as battle management systems and carry long-range anti-ship missiles. However, the deal encountered hiccups with the delivery time sliding backwards and costs ballooning by more than $27 billion. With the trade tensions flaring up between the two nations, Carney called for a review of the deal in March last year; that review remains ongoing. In the midst of this, the rift between the US and Canada over the F-35s seemingly widened last month when the US ambassador to Canada, Pete Hoekstra, said during an interview with CBC that if Ottawa does not buy the Lockheed Martin-made F-35s, North American Aerospace Defense Command ( NORAD), a defense partnership operated jointly by the two countries, would have to be altered. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD He emphasised that a faltering of the deal would prompt Washington to fly over the Canadian airspace more frequently. However, the US State Department later clarified that Hoekstra was not threatening to change the terms of the agreement, which goes back to 1957. The department noted that the American diplomat was commenting on how Canadas purchase of F-35s fits into plans to modernise the defence partnership. If Canada decided to significantly reduce its investment in the F-35, that would create a significant gap in the defence structure of North America, the State Department said in a statement to The New York Times. Filling that gap is not news; it is common sense. Search for an alternative Amid the chaos, the Carney government is considering ordering the Swedish-built Saab JAS 39 Gripen, a fourth-generation aircraft, to upgrade its air fleet and replace the Boeing F/A-18 Hornet fighters. However, the Canadian military officers are urging the government to stick with the Lockheed Martin jets. Others in Canada have argued that sticking with F-35s would leave Canada overly dependent on the United States and its now predictable foreign policies. It is pertinent to note that the Pentagon keeps a level of oversight over sustaining and upgrading the jets even after a sale. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD We just dont know where the US is going to be in three, four or five years, said Rigby, the former Trudeau adviser, who is currently a nonresident senior adviser with the Americas Program at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies. We need to walk a tightrope. We push back on the U.S. where we have to, we diversify where we have to, but were still going to buy equipment from them, and we still have common interests, in particular in the defence of North America, he added. While speaking at Davos last month, Carney touted Canadas plan to double its defence spending by the end of this decade and to build up domestic industries. The Canadian Prime Minister emphasised that Ottawa is rapidly diversifying abroad. Hence, it will be interesting to see how Washington reacts to the recent developments. Cuban president Miguel Diaz-Canel said on Thursday that his government would roll out a multisector contingency plan in the next week to confront fuel shortages as U.S. pressure grows to block the supply of oil to the Caribbean island nation. Minorkys Hoyos Ruiz lights coals to cook dinner during a scheduled blackout to ration energy in Santa Cruz del Norte, home to one of Cubas largest thermoelectric plants, late afternoon Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa) Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel said on Thursday that his administration would introduce a broad, multi-sector contingency plan within the next week to address fuel shortages as the United States intensifies efforts to restrict oil supplies to the Caribbean nation. Speaking at a televised press conference, Diaz-Canel said the U.S. blockade was affecting key sectors including public transport, hospitals, schools, the wider economy and tourism. How do we cultivate our land? How do we get around? How do we keep children in school without fuel? he asked. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD He added that the government would implement measures that are not intended to be permanent but would demand sacrifices. We are going to take steps that will require effort. What other option do we have? Should we simply give up? There is so much that must be defended, he said. Cuban officials recently lauded a phone call they had with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, although they did not share details. Meanwhile, Mexico has pledged to send humanitarian aid, including food, after Trump said he asked that it suspend oil shipments to the island. Many in Santa Cruz del Norte feel the worst is yet to come. With all those tariffs theyre going to impose on countries, no oil will come in, and how are we going to live? said Gladys Delgado. The 67-year-old had cracked open her front door on a recent chilly afternoon to get some fresh air as she sewed small, colourful rugs made of clothing scraps to make extra cash because her pension is only $6 a month. A couple of houses down, Minorkys Hoyos dropped a handful of cassava cubes into an old pot she filled with water from a barrel and placed it over a tiny, makeshift grill inside her home. You live with what you have, she said, noting she had no other food available at that moment. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The few rechargeable items that used to light her small, dishevelled home have broken down, and she began to bump into things until a neighbour gifted her an improvised lantern made with fuel and a reused baby food jar. When its dark, I dont see, said the 53-year-old diabetic. It was late afternoon as she cooked, but her home was already dark. Outside, two children sat on a dusty sidewalk. They stacked dominoes one atop the other to see how high they could go before the whole thing tumbled down. With inputs from agencies After more than 60 years of circulation, the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) announced on Wednesday that it is shutting down the publication of the CIA World Factbook, a popular reference manual. After more than 60 years of circulation, the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) announced on Wednesday that it is shutting down the publication of the CIA World Factbook, a popular reference manual. The intelligence body confirmed the news by releasing a statement on its website, without offering any reason behind the decision. The announcement follows a pledge from the agencys Director John Ratcliffe to end programs that dont advance the agencys core missions. The spy agency released the factbook back in 1962, as a printed, classified reference manual for intelligence officers that offered a detailed, by-the-numbers picture of foreign nations, their economies, militaries, resources and societies. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Over the years, the Factbook proved to be so useful that other federal agencies began using it, and within a decade. Not only this, but an unclassified version was released to the public. Soon after going online in 1997 for the public, the Factbook quickly became a popular reference site for journalists, trivia aficionados and the writers of college essays, racking up millions of visits per year. The CIA marks dramatic changes The closure of the CIA World Factbook came as the White House moved to cut staffing at the CIA and the National Security Agency early in Trumps second term, forcing the agency to do more with less. According to the Associated Press report published last year, the administration planned to reduce the CIA workforce by 1,200 over several years and cut thousands of positions at the NSA and other intelligence agencies. The reduction at the CIA includes several hundred people who have already opted for early retirement. The rest of the cuts were reportedly achieved partly through reduced hirings and would not likely necessitate layoffs. When asked about the layoffs last year, the CIA issued a statement saying CIA Director John Ratcliffe is working to align the agency with Trumps national security priorities. Meanwhile, in its Wednesday statement, the CIA noted how the insiders of the agency also donated some of their personal travel photos to The World Factbook, which hosted more than 5,000 photographs that were copyright-free for anyone to access and use. Though the World Factbook is gone, in the spirit of its global reach and legacy, we hope you will stay curious about the world and find ways to explore it in person or virtually, the agency concluded. Asked whether India would stop buying Russian oil, the Ministry of External Affairs said the governments priority was ensuring energy security for 1.4 billion Indians and diversification of import sources remained at the core of its strategy. Two crude oil tankers remain anchored on Lake Maracaibo near Maracaibo, Zulia state, Venezuela, on December 17, 2025. (Representational Image, Credit: AFP) The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday said the governments priority was ensuring energy security for 1.4 billion Indians and diversification of import sources remained at the core of its strategy. The statement came days after US President Donald Trump announced that India has agreed to stop buying Russian oil under the India-US trade deal. When asked whether India would stop buying Russian oil, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal referred to the commitment to ensure the availability of affordable energy imports and the importance of diversification. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Insofar as Indias energy sourcing is concerned, the government has stated publicly on several occasions that ensuring the energy security of 1.4 billion Indians is the supreme priority of the government. Diversifying our energy sourcing in keeping with objective market conditions and evolving international dynamics is at the core of our strategy to ensure this. All of Indias actions are taken and will be taken with this in mind, said Jaiswal. VIDEO | Delhi: Responding to a media query about US President Donald claiming India not buying Russian oil, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) says, In so far as Indias energy security or energy sourcing is concerned, the government has stated publicly on several pic.twitter.com/HAaLy9eDLU Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 5, 2026 Trump held a phone call with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday and announced they had agreed to a trade deal. Under the trade deal, Trump said India would stop buying Russian oil and instead buy oil from the United States and probably Venezuela. He further said that India would buy goods worth $500 billion from the United States, including energy and agricultural goods. The Modi government has maintained that sensitive sectors like agriculture and dairy would be protected in any trade deal. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD It has been understood that these sensitive sectors would not be part of the India-US trade deal. Notably, these sectors have also been excluded from other trade deals that India has finalised lately, such as deals with the United Kingdom, European Union (EU), and New Zealand. European Union officials are pushing for greater tech sovereignty as concerns grow over heavy reliance on US digital services. Fears that political pressure could disrupt access to critical technologies have prompted moves to develop European alternatives in cloud, AI, payments and digital infrastructure. Until President Donald Trumps return a year ago, when the EU talked about cutting economic dependency on foreign powers it was understood to mean China. But now Brussels has US tech in its sights. As Trump ramps up his threats from strong-arming Europe on trade to pushing to seize Greenland concern has grown that the unpredictable leader could, should he so wish, plunge the bloc into digital darkness. Since Trumps Greenland climbdown, top officials have stepped up warnings that the European Union is dangerously exposed to geopolitical shocks and must work towards strategic independence in defence, energy and tech alike. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The 27-country bloc relies on foreign countries for over 80 per cent of digital products, services, infrastructure and intellectual property, according to a 2023 EU report. Europe has already begun chipping away at its reliance on US tech. The latest step came last week when France told state employees they would soon be required to use a domestic alternative to tools like Zoom or Microsoft Teams. Brussels wake up call came last year when Washington sanctioned judges at the International Criminal Court, cutting them off from US tech such as Amazon or Google. The move laid bare the US stranglehold over many tools that underpin European lives. During the last year everybody has really realised how important it is that we are not dependent on one country or one company when it comes to some very critical technologies, EU tech tsar Henna Virkkunen said. Dependencies can be weaponised against us, she warned. Technology no longer neutral Virkkunen will in March unveil a major tech sovereignty package covering cloud, artificial intelligence and chips areas where the EU hopes to build greater autonomy. Digital technologies are no longer neutral tools, European Digital SME Alliances secretary general, Sebastiano Toffaletti, told AFP. When core infrastructures like cloud, AI or platforms are controlled from outside Europe, so are the rules, the data and ultimately the leverage." Among EU member states, France and Germany have been leading the charge. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The northern German state of Schleswig-Holstein became a poster child for digital sovereignty last year by ditching Microsoft in favour of open-source software. Digitalisation minister Dirk Schroedter said the move was economically-driven at first, before political tensions shifted the focus. Dominance of a few tech corporations in public infrastructure limits our flexibility, threatens our security and inflates our software costs, Schroedter told AFP. Over six months, the state migrated more than 40,000 mailboxes from Microsoft Exchange and Outlook to open-source solutions Open-Xchange and Thunderbird. There were challenging areas during the transition for example in documentsharing with other federal states and the national government but Schroedter said the state showed digital independence is possible. Meanwhile, the European Parliament is reviewing its reliance on Microsoft among other tools after a cross-party group of lawmakers urged it to adopt European alternatives. Leverage against US Moves are also underway at EU level. French firm Mistral and German giant SAP agreed to work on a European AI-driven cloud solution at a Franco-German digital sovereignty summit in November. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD And France, Germany, Italy and the Netherlands teamed up last year in a push to create common European digital infrastructure, steered by the European Commission. Much of EU policymaking is now being viewed through the prism of sovereignty. The bloc has long been working on a digital euro, which dozens of economists including Thomas Piketty called an essential safeguard of European sovereignty in an open letter last month. That follows the 2024 launch of Wero, a European payments alternative to Mastercard, Visa and PayPal backed by several major banks. But Zach Meyers of CERRE, a Brussels-based think tank, warns the EU must be clear about what tech sovereignty is meant to achieve. If the goal is to withstand political pressure, the EU may be better off focusing on gaining more leverage against the United States, Meyers argued. To that end, he said the most effective strategy is not to cut back on American tech use in Europe but rather to double down on parts of the tech value chain where the US is dependent on Europe from chip-building machinery to corporate software or telecoms equipment. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The new talks will be held in Oman with Irans assistance, despite Washingtons resistance to the location. According to a report by Axios, several leaders from West Asia have lobbied the Trump administration not to follow through on threats to walk away The US and Iran have reached nowhere in the latest round of talks and are planning to meet again on Friday (February 6), but President Donald Trump has made sure to intimidate Iran before the next meeting. The new talks will be held in Oman with Irans assistance, despite Washingtons resistance to the location. According to a report by Axios, several leaders from West Asia have lobbied the Trump administration not to follow through on threats to walk away. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Doubts had swirled about the fate of the negotiations after a report earlier Wednesday that the talks between the bitter foes were falling apart due to disagreements about the format and the venue. The uncertainty had increased fears of renewed US military action against Tehran, amid soaring tensions since Iran violently put down some of the most serious protests against its rule since the 1979 Islamic revolution. Very sceptical Sources have told Axios that the Iran-US standoff has raised concerns across West Asia that Trump would resort to military action against Iran. At least nine regional nations contacted the highest levels of the White House to deliver a clear message: do not cancel the meeting. The outreach underscores the high stakes involved, with leaders across the region advocating for the summit to proceed as planned. They asked us to keep the meeting and listen to what the Iranians have to say. We have told the Arabs that we will do the meeting if they insist. But we are very sceptical, one US official said. Meanwhile, another official has said that the administration agreed to hold the meeting to be respectful to U.S. allies in the region and in order to continue pursuing the diplomatic track. Trump warns Ayatollah Diplomats had earlier said the meeting would happen in Turkey. But the Axios news outlet said the US was on the verge of pulling out, as Iran disputed both the location and whether its ballistic missile program should be included. But Trump, who has sharply built up the US military presence in the region and refused to rule out new military action, continued to up the pressure on Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD I would say he should be very worried, Trump said Wednesday in an interview with US broadcaster NBC News. Trump also said that Iran had eyed a new nuclear facility after US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites during Israels June war against the Islamic republic. They were thinking about starting a new site in a different part of the country, Trump told NBC. We found out about it, I said, you do that, were going to do very bad things to you. With inputs from agencies Germany has urged China to exercise restraint and participate in future arms control efforts following the expiry of the last major nuclear treaty between the United States and Russia The end of the New START treaty on February 5 could unleash a new arms race between the world's top nuclear powers. Germanys foreign minister on Thursday urged China to show restraint in weapons development after the expiry of the last remaining nuclear arms agreement between the United States and Russia. The New START treaty ended on February 5, prompting warnings from campaigners that its collapse could spark a new arms race and encourage China to expand its arsenal. Any armaments control treaty that expires must be cause for concern for us, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said in Canberra during a visit to Australia. It shows how large the task is when it comes to building new trust in the world that can be a basis for new agreements. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Wadephul said China must be included in any future arms control arrangements. China has to be included, he said. China keeps emphasising that they stand with multilateralism, they also have to show in the field of arms control that they are ready to show restraint and that they invest trust in international relations. US presses for Chinas participation On Wednesday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called for a new agreement that accounts for Chinas expanding nuclear capabilities. The presidents been clear in the past that in order to have true arms control in the 21st century, its impossible to do something that doesnt include China, because of their vast and rapidly growing stockpile, Rubio said. Chinas nuclear arsenal continues rapid growth Chinas nuclear capabilities are expanding quickly, with an estimated 550 strategic nuclear launchersstill below the 800 each that Russia and the United States were capped at under New START. Treaty-bound US allies France and Britain together hold another 100 launchers. Vice President JD Vance warns that an Iranian nuclear weapon would trigger an immediate Saudi response as the US and Iran prepare for high-stakes, tense negotiations in Oman this Friday. TOPSHOT - A picture of US President Donald Trump is set on fire by protesters during an anti-USA demonstration in front of the US consulate in Istanbul on February 1, 2026. (Photo by Yasin AKGUL / AFP) Iran and the United States are set to resume nuclear negotiations in Muscat, Oman this Friday, raising hopes for diplomacy while keeping regional anxieties high. Earlier reports suggested the talks might collapse due to disagreements over location and agenda, notably Irans reluctance to discuss its ballistic missile program. Despite the uncertainty, both sides confirmed the meeting, signalling a willingness to explore dialogue even as President Donald Trump maintained a hardline posture. Amidst this diplomatic friction, US Vice President JD Vance has issued a stark warning regarding the regional implications of a nuclear-armed Tehran, suggesting that an Iranian breakthrough would trigger an immediate and uncontrollable arms race, specifically involving Saudi Arabia. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Regional nuclear race: A growing concern The potential for a nuclear arms race in West Asia has drawn renewed attention following warnings from US Senator JD Vance. If Iran gets nuclear weapons today, Saudi Arabia will have them the next day, Vance said, highlighting the domino effect that could destabilise an already volatile region. Saudi Arabia has invested heavily in missile and defence technology and is likely to accelerate its nuclear ambitions should Iran acquire weapons-grade capabilities. Irans uranium enrichment programme, now approaching 60% purity for the first time outside its declared civilian needs, remains a central concern. Under the 2015 nuclear deal, Iran was permitted enrichment up to 3.67% and a limited stockpile. Its current capacity far exceeds that, though intelligence agencies indicate Iran has not yet weaponised its program. Nonetheless, the combination of high enrichment levels and political instability, intensified by nationwide protests and internal crackdowns, creates a volatile security environment. Israels previous strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, coupled with Tehrans loss of regional allies such as Lebanons Hezbollah and the weakening of Syria under Bashar al-Assad, have only amplified the stakes. These developments have prompted calls for a broader diplomatic approach while maintaining credible deterrence. Analysts warn that unchecked nuclear progress in Iran could trigger parallel programs across Gulf states, leading to a costly and dangerous arms race. Balancing diplomacy and military pressure The Oman talks reflect a delicate balancing act. While Trump and his envoys advocate for tough demands, including curbs on ballistic missiles and regional influence, Iran insists that missile programs are a sovereign defensive right. Past attempts at negotiations, including letters from Trump to Khamenei and multiple rounds of indirect diplomacy have produced temporary pauses but no lasting agreements. The US is pushing to incorporate regional security issues into nuclear discussions, framing them as inseparable from non-proliferation objectives. Televised statements from officials indicate that Washington is prepared for both diplomacy and military contingencies, a dual-track strategy aimed at preventing further escalation. Meanwhile, Omans mediation highlights the importance of neutral actors in keeping dialogue channels open, particularly as tensions rise amid domestic unrest in Iran. As Fridays meeting approaches, the international community watches closely. Success could offer a temporary de-escalation and framework for renewed talks, but failure may accelerate proliferation incentives across West Asia, with countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE potentially pursuing rapid nuclear development in response. For analysts like Vance, the message is stark: the window for preventing a regional nuclear race is narrowing, and each decision by Tehran or Washington carries ripple effects across the West Asia. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Indias trade deals with the European Union (EU) and United States have stabilised the world order, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a speech in Rajya Sabha. Prime Minister Narendra Modi replies to the Motion of Thanks to the President's address in the Rajya Sabha during the Budget session of Parliament in New Delhi on February 5, 2026. (Photo: Sansad TV via PTI Photo) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that Indias trade deals with the European Union (EU) and United States have stabilised the world order. In the Motion of Thanks on President Droupadi Murmus address, Modi said in Rajya Sabha that the trade deal with the EU gave the world hope of stability in the world order and the subsequent trade deal with the United States assured the world of the speed of that stability. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD When we signed the trade deal with the EU, the world got hope of global stability. The subsequent deal with the United States assured them of the speed of the coming stability, said Modi in Hindi. Speaking in the Rajya Sabha. https://t.co/MelS1S0NF2 Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 5, 2026 Modi described Indias trade deal in recent days as future-ready. India is signing future-ready trade deals with several countries. In the past few days, we signed trade deals with nine big and important countries of the world. Mother of all deals with 27 countries, with European Union is one of them, said Modi. Last month, India and the EU announced a trade deal that they described as the mother of all deals. The deal would reduce tariffs on the vast majority of goods and services that the two sides sell to each other. Then, earlier this week, Modi and US President Donald Trump held a phone call. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Trump announced after the call that he would reduce tariffs on Indian goods from 50 per cent to 18 per cent in exchange for India reducing tariffs on all American goods to 0 per cent. On Indias part, Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said that India and the United States would issue a joint statement in four to five days and the deal should be signed by mid-March. Separately, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, who has held meetings in Washington DC this week, said that the deal opens up a new phase in our bilateral ties, with vast possibilities for the relationship. A newly released cache of three million files linked to Jeffrey Epstein offers detailed insights into his far-reaching relationships with political figures, royalty, business leaders, and public personalities across several countries US financier Jeffrey Epstein appears in a photograph taken for the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services' sex offender registry in 2017. File image/Reuters A new tranche of three million documents connected to sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has shed further light on his interactions with prominent individuals in the United States, the United Kingdom, and around the world. While inclusion in the files does not suggest wrongdoing or knowledge of any criminal activity, the material provides striking detail on the breadth of his network. Norways Crown Princess and Epsteins wife hunt The files include a large volume of communication between Epstein and Crown Princess MetteMarit from 2011 to 2014. According to Norways daily VG, messages show her calling Epstein soft hearted, describing him as very charming, and commenting that he tickle[s] my brain. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In one exchange in 2012, she asked whether it would be inappropriate for a mother to suggest two naked women carrying a surfboard for my 15 yr old sons wallpaper?. Earlier messages included their discussion of Epstein being on a wife hunt in Paris, to which she replied that the city was good for adultery and that Scandis [are] better wife material. A spokesperson for Norways royal family said she ended contact in 2014 after believing he was attempting to use the relationship for leverage. She has stated she showed poor judgment and deeply regret[ted] the contact. Deepak Chopras response to claim from alleged victim The documents outline Epsteins longstanding association with wellness figure Deepak Chopra, whom he met multiple times between 2016 and 2019. Epstein shared a report with Chopra regarding a troubled woman with a history of drug use who had alleged she was assaulted by Epstein and US President Donald Trump at age 13, adding that she had dropped the civil charges. Chopra replied, Good. Chopra later said he was willing to assist authorised officials with any investigations. Epsteins comments on Peter Mandelsons memoir The files also detail exchanges between Epstein and Peter Mandelson, former European Commissioner for Trade, who is now under police investigation for alleged misconduct in public office. Mandelson appears to have sent Epstein a draft of The Third Man in 2010. Epstein warned that its tone was troubling and could damage Mandelsons prospects, saying it risked driving a commercial stake through your heart. Mandelson responded, You have read it too fast. It is not those things. Nor is it finished. He has maintained he did not act criminally and described Epstein as a master manipulator. Former Israeli Prime Ministers correspondence The documents refer repeatedly to former Israeli prime minister Ehud Barak, showing ongoing contact with Epstein long after his 2008 conviction. Plans for a 2017 stay at Epsteins New York residence and various meeting arrangements appear in the files. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In one letter signed by Barak and his wife, they wrote: There is no limit to your curiosity and called Epstein a COLLECTOR OF PEOPLE. Barak has acknowledged visiting Epstein and using his plane but denies witnessing unlawful behaviour. Inside Epsteins Florida mansion rulebook The latest release includes the full household manual from Epsteins Florida property, detailing strict expectations for staff, who were instructed to see nothing, hear nothing, say nothing. Rules covered temperature requirements, placement of weapons and vibe check instructions referencing sex toys. Epsteins unsettling definition of freedom Correspondence from 2009 shows an exchange between Epstein and Mandelson after Epsteins release from jail. Mandelson asked, How is freedom feeling? Epstein replied, She feels fresh firm and creamy. Mandelson responded, Naughty boy, prompting Epstein to reference strippers named Grace and Modesty. Epsteins dinner suggestion for Prince Andrew In 2010, Epstein emailed the then-Prince Andrew, offering to introduce a friend named Irina, describing her as 26, Russian, clever, beautiful, trustworthy. Andrew responded that he would be delighted to see her and asked what Epstein had told her about him. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Woody Allen invitation arranged through Downing Street contact Another set of emails shows Epstein facilitating efforts by Ian Osborne to arrange a meeting between filmmaker Woody Allen and officials in 10 Downing Street, including advisers to then-prime minister David Cameron. Epstein wrote, If its important to you, I will strongly encourage. Steve Bannons exchanges with Epstein The files reveal extensive communication between Epstein and Steve Bannon, former White House Chief Strategist, who advised on Epsteins image-repair attempts and personal appearance. Epstein provided Bannon with gifts including a Hermes Apple Watch. In a filmed interview, Bannon asked Epstein: Do you think youre the devil himself? Epstein replied, No, but I do have a good mirror. You know, this is not serious. Its pathetic diplomacy. If you want to call and have a serious conversation, then call. Putin will always pick up the phone. He will always hear out any proposals, especially serious ones, Lavrov said Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has dismissed French efforts to revive dialogue between President Emmanuel Macron and President Vladimir Putin as pathetic, just days after Macrons top diplomatic adviser travelled to Moscow for high-level talks. French President Emmanuel Macron about two weeks ago once again said he would somehow call (Vladimi) Putin, Russia Today quoted Lavrov as saying in an interview. You know, this is not serious. Its pathetic diplomacy. If you want to call and have a serious conversation, then call. Putin will always pick up the phone. He will always hear out any proposals, especially serious ones, Lavrov added. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD According to Politico, citing two EU diplomats, Emmanuel Bonne visited Moscow on Tuesday to lay the groundwork for a resumption of direct talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and French President Emmanuel Macron. The two leaders have not spoken since shortly after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. One of the diplomats said Bonne met Yury Ushakov, a senior aide to Putin who is also part of Russias delegation in the US-brokered peace talks with Ukraine. French officials declined to confirm or deny Bonnes visit. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov adopted the same stance on Thursday, saying he would not comment out of solidarity with the French side. Macron said on Tuesday that technical talks were under way to restore dialogue with Moscow, while his office said on Wednesday that the discussions were being conducted transparently and in consultation with President Zelenskyy and with our main European colleagues. The French president has repeatedly argued that European leaders must engage directly with Moscow, as negotiations involving Russia, Ukraine and the United States continue and the war approaches its fifth year. Russia analyst Tatiana Stanovaya said in a post on X that the Kremlins response suggests it is receptive to Macrons outreach but remains deeply [sic] sceptical about what Europe can offer. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With inputs from agencies The Kremlin dismissed allegations of links between the late sex offender and Russian intelligence, even as Poland announces a probe into Moscows alleged role in Epsteins activities Russia on Thursday dismissed allegations that deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein was a Russian intelligence agent. I would like to joke about such versions, but lets not waste our time, Reuters quoted Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov as saying when asked about Polands investigation into possible links between Epstein and Russian intelligence. The comments came after the release of emails by the US House Oversight Committee and the Justice Department that have linked several powerful figures to Epstein. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Russian officials, however, said most of the individuals associated with the disgraced financier were from the United States and Europe. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk on Tuesday announced that Warsaw would set up a team to probe Russias alleged role in Epsteins activities and assess any implications for Polands security. More and more leads, more and more information, and more and more commentary in the global press all relate to the suspicion that this unprecedented paedophilia scandal was co-organised by Russian intelligence services, Tusk said, as quoted by Reuters. I dont need to tell you how serious the increasingly likely possibility that Russian intelligence services co-organised this operation is for the security of the Polish state. This can only mean that they also possess compromising materials against many leaders still active today, he added. Speculation about Epsteins alleged links to foreign intelligence agencies has circulated for years. Far-right influencers in the United States have previously claimed he was connected to Israeli intelligence, an allegation that has resurfaced in recently released documents. In one of thousands of emails made public in recent months, Epstein also claimed that he had provided Russians with insights into then-US President Donald Trump through former Russian UN ambassador Vitaly Churkin. With inputs from agencies German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has begun a three-day visit to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE to boost trade and energy cooperation while seeking to reduce Berlins dependence on US liquefied natural gas. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has embarked on a three-day visit to the Gulf region, beginning late Wednesday in Saudi Arabia, as Europes largest economy seeks to broaden its trade, energy and security networks. The visit underscores Berlins attempt to reduce dependence on traditional partners and recalibrate its global economic engagement. Expanding energy and trade cooperation Merz, accompanied by a business delegation, is expected to meet Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh before proceeding to Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. The tour will conclude on Friday. The chancellors agenda focuses on securing long-term partnerships in energy supply and technology sectors, while encouraging investment opportunities for both German and Gulf enterprises. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Speaking before his departure, Merz emphasised that the Gulf nations could play a key role in helping Germany diversify its sources of oil and gas. He said this approach would reduce the countrys growing reliance on liquefied natural gas imports from the United States. We need such partnerships more than ever at a time when major powers increasingly shape global politics, he remarked. Building on existing partnerships Germany already enjoys extensive trade relations across the Gulf. Its cooperation ranges from defence exports and infrastructure development to technology sharing and financial investment. Several prominent Gulf wealth funds have stakes in major German companies, including Volkswagen and Deutsche Bank. The current visit aims to strengthen these ties while exploring new avenues for collaboration in green energy and digital innovation. Addressing regional challenges Merzs trip comes against the backdrop of rising regional tension linked to Irans activities and influence in the Middle East. Germany has been an advocate of diplomatic restraint but remains concerned about growing instability in the region. Discussions with Saudi leaders are expected to touch upon both economic and strategic dimensions, particularly in the context of wider European energy security. Human rights concerns acknowledged While outlining his itinerary, the German chancellor confirmed that he would also bring up the issue of human rights during his Saudi meetings. However, he admitted that such concerns no longer hold the same central place in diplomatic discussions as they once did. Saudi Arabia continues to draw international criticism for its legal system, restrictions on dissent, and treatment of women. Even so, Berlin appears determined to balance moral concerns with its pursuit of energy security and economic opportunity. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD More than 1,08,000 people have been evacuated from northern Morocco, after extreme rainfall swept away the region forcing residents to flee. The US Department of State Consular Affairs has advised the citizens to follow emergency warnings caused by extreme rainfall in the northern region. A man carries a woman as local authorities in the Ksar El Kebir province continue emergency operations, after heavy rainfall raised water levels in the region, disrupting traffic on multiple roads, in Ksar El Kebir, Morocco January 30, 2026. Image Credit: REUTERS More than 1,08,000 people have been displaced from northern Morocco, after extreme rainfall swept away the region forcing residents to flee as rivers swelled, dams filled, roads became impassable and emergency rescue operations intensified across the region. The US Department of State Consular Affairs has advised the citizens to follow emergency warnings caused by extreme rainfall in the northern region. Taking to X, the department said, Extreme rainfall in Morocco has caused floods in the north, forcing mass evacuations. The rainfall has resulted in impassable roads and has impacted access to food. US Citizens in Morocco that are in the emergency area and are safe, should notify friends and loved ones. Contact police or other authorities if you encounter dangerous conditions follow warnings and directions provided. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Residents and visitors were also urged to enrol in the Smart Traveler Program so the US Embassy in Morocco can share emergency and routine information. Morocco: Extreme rainfall in Morocco has caused floods in the north, forcing mass evacuations. The rainfall has resulted in impassable roads and has impacted access to food. U.S. Citizens in Morocco that are in the emergency area and are safe, should notify friends and loved pic.twitter.com/qw2r341Azz TravelGov (@TravelGov) February 4, 2026 Authorities also reported disruptions to major roads in multiple provinces, including routes linking Tangier and Tetouan, as well as roads in Larache, Kenitra, Sidi Kacem and Sidi Slimane. Thousands were evacuated as heavy flooding brought significant flooding to northern Morocco, leading to the evacuation of thousands of people from their homes. The Moroccan army has been deployed to support relief efforts. Officials urged residents in flood-prone areas of the northwestern plains to leave immediately amid threats from heavy rain, swollen rivers and the release of more water from full dams. Climate scientists say warmer air holds more moisture, increasing the risk of intense downpours and flash flooding, particularly in vulnerable urban and river-basin areas. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Moroccos Interior Ministry indicated that about 108,432 people had been evacuated. Helicopters were used in rescue operations as torrential rainfall swept away fields and villages across the northwest. The army has been assisting evacuations since Friday under a red alert for more rainfall. Evacuations were reported in parts of Larache province, including Ksar El Kebir, Souaken, Ouled Ouchih, the Larache industrial zone and areas near the Loukous river. About 85 per cent of the population evacuated in Ksar El Kebir, and the one evacuated received shelter and food in camps. PM Narendra Modi will visit Malaysia from February 7 to 8 at the invitation of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to expand bilateral partnership. The visit is expected to provide an opportunity for both leaders to take stock of progress under this upgraded framework. PM Narendra Modi will embark on an official visit to Malaysia from February 7 to 8 to meet Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, in a trip that will reinforce a rapidly expanding bilateral partnership across sectors ranging from trade and security to digital finance and cultural ties. According to a statement by the Ministry of External Affairs on February 4, this marks the third visit of PM Modi to Malaysia and his first since the two nations elevated their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in August 2024. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD During the two day visit, PM Modi will hold bilateral discussions with Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim. He will also interact with the members of the Indian diaspora in Malaysia as well as other business representatives. Long-standing bonds of friendship India and Malaysia share long-standing bonds of friendship rooted in historical history shaping the cultural bonds. The ties between the two nations have been strengthened by the presence of a 2.9 million-strong Indian diaspora in Malaysia, the third largest in the world. The Indian diaspora in Malaysia is seen as a bridge between two nations, building and contributing to link people and enhance commercial engagement. The talks scheduled for the coming days are expected to cover a wide spectrum of bilateral cooperation. The key areas identified in the talks include trade and investment, defence and security collaboration, maritime cooperation, digital and financial technology, energy, healthcare, education, tourism, and cultural exchanges. Enhancing connectivity Authorities indicated that both sides are inclined towards exploring new opportunities in emerging sectors while consolidating existing partnerships. The visit comes, as India seeks to expand its engagement with Southeast Asia under its Act East policy, and Malaysia remains an important partner in the region. The discussions in Kuala Lumpur are likely to focus on enhancing connectivity, promoting business linkages, and strengthening strategic coordination in the Indo-Pacific. The MEA statement said the visit would serve as an opportunity for both leaders to review the entire gamut of ties and set the path for deeper future engagement for mutual benefit, signaling a fresh momentum in India-Malaysia relations. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Riyadh is deploying political influence and billions of dollars to stabilise southern Yemen, unify rival factions and pressure the Houthis, marking a more assertive regional role despite domestic budget strains After pushing the United Arab Emirates out of Yemen late last year, Saudi Arabia is deploying political capital and billions of dollars in a bid to bring its southern neighbour more firmly under its control, a sign of Riyadh reasserting itself regionally after years of prioritising a domestic agenda, six officials told Reuters. Its a formidable challenge. The wealthy Gulf kingdom is trying to bring together fractious armed groups and tribes while also propping up a collapsed state through major cash injections, with an unresolved conflict with Houthi rebels in north Yemen held at bay by a fragile truce - just as Riyadh faces a budget crunch at home. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The kingdom is budgeting nearly $3 billion this year to cover salaries for Yemeni forces and civil servants, according to four Yemeni and two Western officials, who said it included roughly $1 billion earmarked for salaries for southern fighters once paid by Abu Dhabi. Saudi Arabia has cooperated with us and expressed its readiness to pay all salaries in full, Yemeni Information Minister Muammar Eryani told Reuters in an interview, without providing a total figure. Eryani said the Saudi support would allow Yemen to reorganise the armed factions and bring them under state authority. Riyadh wants a success story in the parts of Yemen controlled by the internationally recognised government that it backs, which is in exile from the Houthi-controlled capital Sanaa, the officials said. It hopes that will pile pressure on the Iran-aligned Houthis, who control roughly a third of the country, to come to the table for talks, while building up Yemens government forces in case a military confrontation is necessary, all the sources said. The kingdom has also dangled political carrots, telling Yemeni secessionists that their long-held dream of a separatist state could become reality - once the conflict with the Houthis is resolved, three of the officials said. Saudis overall financial package for Yemen and the openness it has signaled to a separatist state have not been previously reported. Most of the seven officials Reuters spoke to in the Yemeni port city of Mukalla and in the Saudi capital requested anonymity to discuss policies that have not been publicly announced. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Saudi government media office, as well as the Yemeni government, did not respond to requests for comment, including about the financial numbers or conversations about a pathway to a new state. Reuters could not independently verify what Saudi officials told their Yemeni counterparts about these policies. In response to Reuters questions sent to the UAE government media office, an official said the UAE had dedicated signficant resources over more than a decade to improving security and humanitarian conditions in Yemen. After withdrawing its forces from Yemen last year, the UAE is no longer involved in the Yemeni file in any aspect, the official said. As well as the new stance in Yemen, Riyadh is playing a more active role in post-Assad Syria and in Sudan, another arena for its rivalry with the UAE, a shift from years dedicated to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salmans Vision 2030 domestic drive to modernise the Kingdom. Although Saudi finances are already stretched with low oil prices slowing down massive gigaprojects it cannot afford a security risk next door, said Farea al-Muslimi, research fellow at Chatham Houses Middle East and North Africa Program. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Instability in Yemen, with whom the Kingdom shares a 1,800km (1,000 mile) border, could derail its plans to attract foreign visitors and investment at home, Muslimi said. Houthi attacks on Saudi energy infrastructure in 2022 were quickly followed by the ceasefire. As sole owner, Saudi buys stability in Yemen Yasmine Farouk, Gulf project director at the International Crisis Group think-tank, said Saudi Arabia would prioritize the allocation of resources to Yemen because it is now the sole owner of this problem. Saudi Arabia first intervened in Yemen in 2015, leading a loose coalition of Sunni states including the UAE against the Shiite Houthis, who had seized the capital the previous year. Riyadh and Abu Dhabi both supported Yemens internationally-recognized government, as well as factions divided over whether their country should splinter into the northern and southern states that existed before a 1990 unification. After years of fighting that triggered one of the worlds worst humanitarian crises, the 2022 truce has held, despite regional escalation tied to the Israel-Gaza war that saw the Houthis fire on Red Sea shipping. In December, Emirati-backed separatists launched a surprise assault against Saudi-backed forces - a rare public display of an intensifying rivalry between the two Sunni powerhouses. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In response, Riyadh bombed an Emirati military shipment in Yemen, ordered Emirati forces to leave the country and supported a counter-attack against the UAE-backed separatist Southern Transitional Council. Riyadh then shifted to a charm offensive, inviting STC figures to Riyadh for talks in early January. At first, Saudi officers confiscated their phones and questioned them for two days about the attack, according to three people familiar with the events. But in the weeks since, Riyadh moved the separatists into five-star hotels in Saudi Arabia, paying their expenses and offering to fly in some of their families, the three people said. Its good to be on the winning side, even if you were the loser, one separatist official told Reuters. The Saudi government did not answer Reuters questions about the sources accounts of these events. The Kingdom already paid Saudi-aligned fighters. It recently began funding hundreds of thousands of state workers and tens of thousands of STC fighters, the same men who attacked Saudi-backed forces in December and were paid by Abu Dhabi, according to the six officials. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Saudis total bill for salaries, other development projects and energy support to Yemen could exceed $4 billion this year alone, two of the officials said. There is now one captain for this ship instead of multiple. That should mean it is less likely to sink, said one of the Western officials, who is familiar with the developments. The official said Riyadh was now buying loyalty and stability, but everyone is wondering whether they will sustain it. Political carrots - and sticks The Kingdom wants to unify southern Yemens divided factions into a single Saudi-led military structure to prevent state fracture. It would also serve to build pressure on the Houthis, the six officials said. Saudi Arabia is seeking a better internal ordering within the anti-Houthi coalitionan ordering that would allow the Kingdom to present a stronger front in negotiations with the Houthis. This is why the stakes are so high, said Farouk, the analyst. To incentivize support, Saudi Arabia has told secessionists that they can have their own state so long as other Yemenis agree - likely via a referendum - and they deal with the Houthi problem first, two of the Yemeni officials and one of the Western officials said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD A Yemeni separatist official said Riyadh told them the souths fate was up to them. But nothing can happen till the Houthis are dealt with, that official said. Riyadh hosted a January conference of southerners where they flew the separatist flag, according to a Reuters reporter at the event. The move was seen as a magnanimous gesture by Saudi designed to draw the cause away from Abu Dhabi, Yemeni officials in attendance told Reuters. Saudi Arabia has also used sticks. It found Yemeni Defense Ministers Mohsen al-Daeris perceived lack of opposition to the STCs offensive as tantamount to betrayal, according to three people briefed on Saudis view of him. Daeri was dismissed and Saudi authorities detained him in Riyadh for weeks in January, two of those people said. He has since been moved to a hotel and has been welcoming some visitors, they said. The Yemeni government, and the Saudi governments media office did not respond to requests for comment about the allegations made by the sources. Reuters could not immediately reach Daeri for comment. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD A long road ahead Riyadh has told some interlocutors it hopes to see the conflict in Yemen resolved by the end of this year, according to two Yemeni officials. Information Minister Eryani told Reuters he hoped military operations would cease by the end of 2026. But Muslimi, the Chatham House expert, sees the deadline as ambitious and aimed at applying pressure on Yemeni forces to get their house in order. Yemenis remain divided over visions of a single or divided state, and there is resistance among various separatist factions to Saudi plans to create a unified military command. Muslimi said it could take up to five years for parties to negotiate and hold a referendum on the souths fate. Dismantling an entrenched, decade-old war economy in one of the worlds poorest countries could take even longer. For a decade, Yemeni teacher Mohammad Al-Akbari has watched co-workers and students alike leave school to join armed groups backed by either Abu Dhabi or Riyadh. Akbaris monthly salary remains about $30. An 18-year-old fighter still earns at least $250. When we teach the kids, they say, what am I supposed to do with this education? he told Reuters in the Yemeni port city of Mukalla. The most dangerous thing facing Yemen today is the impossibility to imagine a peaceful life outside of militarism and war and fighting, Muslimi said. Starmer directly addressed victims, pledging accountability, as criticism grows over Peter Mandelsons brief tenure as UK ambassador to Washington British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Thursday apologised to the victims of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein for his decision to appoint Peter Mandelson as Britains ambassador to Washington. Starmer has faced intense criticism after newly released documents in the Epstein files suggested that Mandelson, then UK business secretary and a senior government figure, had leaked sensitive government policy discussions to the late financier. During a visit to the seaside town of Hastings on Englands south coast, Starmer, who removed Mandelson from the ambassadorial post last September over concerns about the depth of his friendship with Epstein, directly addressed the victims, reported Politico. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD I am sorry, Politico quoted Starmer as saying. Sorry for what was done to you, sorry that so many people with power failed you, sorry for having believed Mandelsons lies and appointed him and sorry that even now youre forced to watch this story unfold in public once again, he added. Starmer said his government will not allow the powerful to treat justice as optional, and pledged to do everything in its power to ensure accountability is delivered. His remarks came amid growing anger from some Labour MPs over the appointment of Peter Mandelson as ambassador, with critics calling for Starmers chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, who they see as instrumental to the decision, to be removed from No 10. Veteran Labour MP Karl Turner told Times Radio that Starmer should get rid of those advisers who frankly have given terrible advice. Turner added that keeping McSweeney in post puts Starmer up against it in a way that he doesnt need to be. However, government ministers have defended McSweeneys position. The person at fault here is not the prime minister or his team, Communities Secretary Steve Reed, a close ally of the No. 10 chief of staff, told Sky News. It is Peter Mandelson who lied, manipulated and deceived everybody. With inputs from agencies Following his meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said the India-US trade deal is in the final stages of detailing that will be completed very soon. He added that a strong momentum is evident in the India-US ties. In a photo shared from his visit to the US on February 5, 2026, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is seen with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. (Photo: X/S Jaishankar) Following his meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday said the India-US trade deal is in the final stages of detailing that will be completed very soon. He added that a strong momentum is evident in the India-US ties. Jaishankar met Rubio and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in his visit to the United States. He also attended the Critical Minerals Ministerial, a gathering of allies and partners hosted by Rubio to chart a way to ensure safe access to critical minerals and rare earths in the wake of Chinas weaponisation of supplies. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In a post on X, Jaishankar said the India-US trade deal opens up a new phase in our bilateral ties, with vast possibilities for the relationship. Our critical mineral cooperation is also advancing rapidly. Expect engagement on strategic issues, defence and energy in the coming days. Overall, a strong momentum is evident, Jaishankar further said. Concluded a productive and positive visit to the US. Thank Secretary Rubio for his warm hospitality. The historic India-US trade deal is in the final stages of detailing that will be completed very soon. It opens up a new phase in our bilateral ties, with vast possibilities for pic.twitter.com/r3O20XJL90 Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) February 5, 2026 US President Donald Trump held a phone call with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday and announced they had agreed to a trade deal. Under the terms of the trade deal, Jaishankar said he would reduce tariffs on India from 50 per cent the highest in the world to 18 per cent in exchange for India reducing tariffs on all American goods to 0 per cent. India would stop buying Russian oil and instead buy oil from the United States and Venezuela and buy goods worth $500 billion, including agriculture and energy, from the United States, according to Trump. On Indias part, Union commerce minister Piyush Goyal has said that the trade deal would safeguard sensitive sectors like dairy and agriculture. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD As for the timeline, Goyal said that a joint statement should be out in the next four-five days and the deal should be signed by mid-March. Pavel Durov spoke of dangerous new regulations that threaten your internet freedoms in a Wednesday post on his Telegram messaging app, which has an estimated billion users and is known for its privacy features Spain is planning to ban social media for teenagers. File image/Reuters Telegram founder Pavel Durov on Wednesday joined fellow tech tycoon Elon Musk in slamming Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez over his dangerous plan to ban social media for under-16s. The Socialist leader announced a series of measures in Dubai on Tuesday to protect Spanish minors from harmful social media content such as violence and pornography. As well as the ban, Sanchez pledged to change Spanish law to make the chief executives of tech platforms face criminal liability for failing to remove illegal or hateful content. Durov spoke of dangerous new regulations that threaten your internet freedoms in a Wednesday post on his Telegram messaging app, which has an estimated billion users and is known for its privacy features. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD These measures could turn Spain into a surveillance state under the guise of protection, he wrote, saying mass data collection and censorship would result from their enforcement. Sanchez responded on X with his own spin on a quote attributed to Miguel de Cervantess 17th-century classic novel Don Quixote that embraces criticism as a sign of doing the right thing. Let the techno-oligarchs bark, Sancho, its a sign that we are riding, Sanchez wrote. Spanish government sources said Durov had used his unrestricted control of Telegram to send a message full of lies and illegitimate attacks to all Spanish users of the app. This demonstrated the urgent need to regulate social media and mobile messaging apps, the sources said. Musk reacted to Sanchezs announcement with a string of posts on his social media platform X on Tuesday, calling him dirty, a tyrant and traitor to the people of Spain and the true fascist totalitarian. The SpaceX and Tesla boss had already been embroiled in a public spat with Sanchez over his governments regularisation of hundreds of thousands of undocumented migrants. Spains move to ban social media for under-16s came after Australia became the first country to introduce such a measure in December. France, Greece and Denmark have been leading a push for similar steps in the European Union. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With the US-Russia nuclear pact expiring on Thursday, President Donald Trump is renewing calls for a new stronger pact instead of extending the current agreement known as the New START treaty. President Donald Trump on Thursday called for the United States and Russia to begin negotiations on a new nuclear arms treaty rather than extend a treaty that expired the same day, bringing an end to decades-long restrictions on nuclear warhead stockpiles. Rather than extend NEW START (A badly negotiated deal by the United States that, aside from everything else, is being grossly violated), we should have our Nuclear Experts work on a new, improved and modernised Treaty that can last long into the future, Trump said on his Truth Social network. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD New START, signed in 2010 and extended once in 2021 for five years by then US President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin, limits each side to 1,550 deployed strategic warheads and caps launchers and missiles. Its lapse would leave, for the first time in more than five decades, no binding restraints on the US and Russian nuclear arsenals. With the treatys expiration, the last remaining limits on the worlds two largest nuclear arsenals have been removed for the first time in more than 50 years. Trump has previously said he favours maintaining some form of nuclear weapons but has argued that any future agreement should also include China. Russia, meanwhile, expressed regret over the lapse of the accord. The Kremlin said on Thursday it was disappointed by the expiration of the final nuclear arms pact between the United States and Russia, which has now left both countries without formal caps on their atomic arsenals for the first time in over half a century. Arms control specialists have warned that the end of the New START Treaty could pave the way for an unchecked nuclear arms race. The agreement was the last surviving remnant of a series of arms control treaties that began during the Cold War, and its expiration has heightened concerns among experts and international organisations. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD They caution that the absence of legally binding limits and verification mechanisms could increase mistrust, raise the risk of miscalculation and accelerate the development of new nuclear weapons. Some reports have suggested that both Washington and Moscow are considering voluntarily adhering to the treatys limits for a limited additional period, potentially up to six months. However, it remains uncertain whether such an arrangement would be formally codified or function as an informal political understanding. Analysts say even a short-term observance of New STARTs constraints could buy time for wider negotiations, especially on restoring verification measures and reducing risksareas that have weakened significantly in recent years. With inputs from agencies US President Donald Trump said Thursday that he was giving right-wing ally Prime Minister Viktor Orban his full-throated endorsement in Hungarys general election slated for April 12. Peter Magyar, leader of the opposition TISZA party, waves a flag during a campaign tour in Gyor, Hungary, November 15, 2025.- Reuters US President Donald Trump on Thursday publicly backed Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban ahead of Hungarys April 12 election, praising him as a truly strong and powerful leader in a social media message. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said ties between Hungary and the United States had reached new heights of cooperation and spectacular achievement during his administration, attributing this largely to Orbans leadership. Viktor Orban is a true friend, fighter, and WINNER, Trump wrote, adding that the Hungarian leader had his complete and total endorsement for re-election as prime minister. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The endorsement comes as Hungarys centre-right Tisza party holds a narrow lead over Orbans ruling Fidesz party, while the far-right Our Homeland party is also projected to secure seats in parliament, according to an opinion poll released on Tuesday. Orban, a nationalist who has ruled since 2010, is facing his stiffest electoral contest in more than a decade. However, the race remains unpredictable, with polls indicating a large share of undecided voters. A survey by the 21 Institute, conducted between January 28 and February 2, showed Tisza at 35% support among all voters, up from 34% in December, while Fidesz rose to 28% from 26%. The poll showed 53% of decided voters supported Tisza and 37% backed Fidesz, a similar level to December. The poll showed that Our Homeland (Mi Hazank) would be the only other party to pass the 5% threshold required for entry into parliament. A Publicus Institute poll published on Monday by Nepszava newspaper showed 48% of decided voters supporting Tisza and 40% backing Fidesz, with Our Homeland on more than 5% support. It also showed 27% of voters were undecided, after 31% in December. With inputs from agencies Trump has been very erratic about his stance on immigration ever since the shootings of two US citizens in Minneapolis. He has either been calling for less ICE action or threatening a tighter crackdown on immigration Donald Trump walks after charter announcement for his 'Board of Peace' initiative aimed at resolving global conflicts, alongside the 56th annual World Economic Forum (WEF), in Davos, Switzerland, January 22. Reuters US President Donald Trump has taken a mellow stance on immigration, suggesting that a softer touch may be needed on the issue. His comments came after the US government authorised the withdrawal of 700 federal officers from Minnesota, the state that has been witnessing increased ICE activity. I learned that maybe we could use a little bit of a softer touch. But you still have to be tough, Trump said in an interview with NBCs Nightly News when asked what he had learned from Minneapolis. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Trump has been very erratic about his stance on immigration ever since the shootings of two US citizens in Minneapolis. He has either been calling for less ICE action or threatening a tighter crackdown on immigration. Last month, Trump said that he would de-escalate the situation in Minnesota. Speaking to Fox News, Trump hailed the efforts by ICE in the state, saying that we took thousands of hardened criminals out of Minnesota. He later went on to praise his border czar, Tom Homan, whom he sent to oversee on-the-ground operations. We have Tom Homan there now. We put him in there, hes great. And they met with the governor, the mayor, everybody else. Were going to de-escalate a little bit, he said. Homan had earlier announced that 700 federal officers would be withdrawn from Minnesota, but said the contentious deployment would continue, with about 2,000 agents remaining after the drawdown. And in an interview with Laura Ingraham on Fox News later in the day, he vowed that removals of undocumented migrants would continue. Mass deportations are here, theyre coming, were already breaking records, and were not going to stop, Homan said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The mayor of Minneapolis and the governor of Minnesota both Democrats described the announcement of the pullback from the city as a step in the right direction, but called for the federal government to move faster in winding down its immigration operations in the state. With inputs from agencies The US Congress approved a whopping $200 million security assistance package for the Baltic states as Russian activity along NATOs eastern flank intensifies. US President Donald Trump signs a funding bill in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, on February 3, 2026. AFP The US Congress approved a whopping $200 million security assistance package for the Baltic states as Russian activity along NATOs eastern flank intensifies. According to Radio Liberty, the funding was approved this week by the American Congress as part of the Fiscal Year 2026 Defence Appropriations Act. The legislation secures the continued backing for countries like Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania under the Baltic Security Initiative (BSI). It was part of the $838.7 billion defence package, which was signed by US President Donald Trump on February 3. The initiative locks funding for security cooperation with the three Baltic states despite earlier attempts inside the Pentagon to eliminate it. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Apart from this, an additional $10 million was allocated to Estonia through the Foreign Military Financing program under the American overseas mission budget. Interestingly, it was this funding that Tallinn had previously used to acquire HIMARS ammunition, Javelin missiles, and large-calibre artillery shells. This is great for deterrence for our Baltic allies, Republican Congressman Don Bacon (R-NE), a retired Air Force brigadier general and co-chair of the House Baltic Caucus, told Radio Liberty. He noted that the issue became a priority after the US Department of Defence signalled intentions to defund the program. Congress is committed to a strong NATO alliance, and we know that extra emphasis is needed regarding the Baltics, he said, adding that history shows the dangers of retreating from global engagement. US reaffirming support to NATO Speaking to Radio Liberty, Bacon emphasised that most US lawmakers in Congress are committed to Nato, regardless of the party they belong to. Most in Congress are committed to NATO and know we need friends to counter China, Russia and Iran. We cannot do it alone. America alone is America weaker, Bacon said. It is pertinent to note that the three Baltic countries are all Nato members and have been ardent supporters of Ukraine in its war against Russia. There have been heightened tensions in the Baltic region for a while. Three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets entered Estonian airspace over the Gulf of Finland in September and remained there for approximately 12 minutes. The incident prompted Estonia to request an extraordinary meeting of the UN Security Council and the activation of Article 4 of the Atlantic Treaty, which provides for consultations between allies in the event of a threat to one of its members. Bacon emphasised that Ukraine cannot fail in its war against Russia. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD If Ukraine falls, he said, we should know with certainty that Moldova will be next, followed by mounting pressure on the Baltics and Georgia in the Caucasus. We should not be neutral, Bacon said. We should stand on the side of freedomand against a dictator thug. How Baltic is reacting to the move For Baltic leaders, the American congressional vote approving the funding is more than just a budgetary decision. Soon after the US Congress passed the legislation, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys told Radio Liberty, during a visit to Washington on February 4, about the reality that the region is NATOs front line. The decision is very political in its essence, Budrys said, describing it as evidence of strong transatlantic ties and of Baltic commitments to invest in US-made defence capabilities. Budrys also pointed to the broader security environment facing the region, including Russian and Belarusian hybrid operations. He maintained that Lithuania and its neighbours are accumulating experience in countering tactics ranging from cyber and information warfare to the instrumentalisation of migration and disruptive actions against civil aviation. We should expect that it will come in new forms tomorrow or the day after tomorrow, he warned, describing hybrid pressure as a persistent feature of the Wests new security reality. However, he lauded that the support for the funding has been bipartisan. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Defence Appropriations Act passed the House by a thin 217214 margin and cleared the Senate with a more comfortable 7129 vote before being signed into law by President Donald Trump. The U.S. ambassador in Warsaw cut off contact with Polands parliament speaker on Thursday, accusing him of insulting Donald Trump after he criticised the presidents policies and declined to support his Nobel Peace Prize ambitions. The US ambassador to Poland said on Thursday that he had ended all contact with the speaker of Polands parliament, accusing him of insulting President Donald Trump after the senior politician criticised Trumps policies and refused to back efforts to nominate him for a Nobel Peace Prize. Ambassador Tom Roses sharp rebuke of Parliament Speaker Wlodzimierz Czarzasty highlighted the delicate position facing members of Polands pro-European coalition government as they seek to maintain close ties with their most important ally, even as Trump pursues America First policies that many in the coalition view with unease. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The dispute, which unfolded on social media platform X, prompted a response from Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk. Mr Ambassador Rose, allies should respect each other, not lecture one another. At least this is how we in Poland understand partnership, Tusk wrote. The episode also underscored political divisions within Poland, particularly between Tusks government and the more Trump-aligned nationalist opposition as well as President Karol Nawrocki. The current ruling coalition has chosen as parliamentary speaker a man who does not understand the importance and meaning of alliances, Nawrockis spokesman, Rafal Leskiewicz, told PAP news agency. Czarzasty had said on Monday that he would not support an initiative proposed by US House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson and Israeli Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana to encourage parliamentary leaders to nominate Trump for the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize, citing his role in efforts to bring peace to the Middle East. In my view, President Trump is destabilising the situation in these international organisations by pursuing politics based on force and using power to advance a transactional approach, Czarzasty, who leads The Left party, a junior partner in the governing coalition, told reporters. For these reasons, I will not support President Trumps Nobel Peace Prize nomination, as I do not believe he deserves it, he added. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Rose responded on Thursday by saying the United States would have no further dealings, contacts, or communications with Czarzasty, with immediate effect. (Czarzastys) outrageous and unprovoked insults against President Trump have made him a serious obstacle to our excellent relations with Prime Minister Tusk and his government, the ambassador wrote on X. We will not allow anyone to damage US-Polish relations or show disrespect to President Trump, who has done so much for Poland and the Polish people, he added. Czarzasty later said on X that while he regretted the ambassadors response, he would not alter his stance on fundamental issues. With inputs from agencies An American high school student has stunned the scientific world by developing an algorithm to map 1.5 million previously unknown space objects using overlooked NASA data, revolutionising modern citizen science. In a feat that has left the global astronomical community both humbled and exhilarated, a 17-year-old American high school student has achieved what many professional research teams spend decades attempting. By leveraging advanced data processing techniques and publicly available satellite imagery, this young researcher has successfully mapped 1.5 million previously unidentified objects in space, ranging from distant asteroids to faint star clusters and potential orbital debris. Matteo Paz, a student at Pasadena High School, undertook the project during a summer program at Planet Finder Academy in 2022. The program designed to immerse students in real-world astronomy challenges, provided Paz with access to massive datasets and mentorship from leading astronomers including Davy Kirkpatrick at the Infrared Processing and Analysis Centre (IPAC). Pazs discovery earned him over $250,000 in awards and has opened new avenues for astronomers studying variable cosmic phenomena. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Decoding NASAs dark data The NEOWISE mission, launched in 2009, scanned the sky in infrared light over a decade, amassing nearly 200 billion individual measurements. While the initial purpose of the mission was to track near-Earth asteroids, the dataset also contained signals from distant galaxies, stars and cosmic events. Paz took on the challenge of analysing this vast archive by developing an automated machine-learning system capable of detecting subtle variations in brightness over time. The breakthrough did not come from peering through a traditional telescope, but rather through the meticulous mining of massive datasets provided by NASA and other space agencies. These agencies collect petabytes of information every year far more than their internal teams can manually analyse. This surplus of information, often referred to as dark data, contains hidden gems that remain tucked away in digital archives. The student developed a custom algorithm designed to filter out noise atmospheric interference and sensor glitches that typically obscures smaller or dimmer objects. While professional software often ignores these marginal data points to avoid false positives, the students refined approach allowed for the identification of anomalies that had been overlooked for years. By cross-referencing archival infrared data with recent optical surveys, the mapping project revealed a crowded neighbourhood in our solar system and beyond that scientists didnt realise was so densely populated. Implications for astronomy and data science Experts say the discovery is significant not just for its sheer scale, but also for what it represents: the democratisation of big data in science. By leveraging computational tools, young researchers can now contribute meaningfully to fields previously dominated by professional scientists. The project demonstrates the potential of applying coding, mathematics, and automated analysis to massive scientific datasets, uncovering patterns that would otherwise remain hidden. Astronomers are particularly excited about the discovery of variable and transient objects, which provide crucial clues about short-lived cosmic phenomena. These findings could help refine models of stellar lifecycles, supernova mechanics, and other rare events, ultimately improving our understanding of the universes evolution. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD For Paz, the journey began as a high school summer project but has now placed him at the forefront of astronomical research. His success underscores the value of mentorship, computational skills, and curiosity-driven exploration in advancing modern science. As NASA continues to release archival data from missions like NEOWISE, experts predict that more young innovators will follow in his footsteps, accelerating discoveries in astronomy and beyond. Shaking the foundations of traditional research The scientific community is now grappling with the fact that a teenager, working from a home desk, has managed to expand our known map of the universe by such a massive margin. It raises vital questions about how space agencies manage their data and whether current AI models used by these institutions are being utilized to their full potential. While the student remains humble, citing a passion for coding and a curiosity about the gaps in the maps, the worlds leading universities are already taking notice. This discovery isnt just about 1.5 million objects; it is about the realisation that the next great leap in our understanding of the cosmos might not come from a laboratory, but from the bedroom of a student who dared to look at the numbers differently. Iran and the United States say nuclear talks will go ahead in Oman this week, despite rising tensions, mixed signals over the agenda, and President Donald Trump warning Tehrans top leadership that it should be very worried. (COMBO) This combination of pictures created on February 04, 2026 shows, L/R, a handout photograph provided by the office of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei showing him addressing a meeting with the people in Tehran on January 17, 2026 and US President Donald Trump speaking in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, February 3, 2026. (AFP) Iran and the United States confirmed on Wednesday that they will proceed with nuclear negotiations in Oman later this week, even as President Donald Trump escalated his rhetoric against Tehrans leadership, saying Irans supreme leader should be very worried. The announcement came after hours of uncertainty over whether the talks would not materialise. Earlier reports had suggested the negotiations between the long-time adversaries were unraveling over disagreements about where the meeting would be held and what issues would be on the agenda. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Those doubts had heightened fears of renewed US military action, especially as tensions have surged following Irans violent crackdown on some of the largest protests since the 1979 Islamic revolution. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi sought to settle the matter by confirming that the talks were back on track. He said discussions were now scheduled for Friday in Muscat, adding: Im grateful to our Omani brothers for making all necessary arrangements, in a post on X. A White House official separately confirmed to AFP that the meeting would indeed take place in Oman on Friday. Earlier, diplomats had indicated that Turkey was the likely venue. However, Axios reported that Washington was close to walking away after Iran objected both to the location and to including its ballistic missile programme in the discussions. Trump stares down Irans supreme leader Despite the diplomatic reset, Trump continued to apply pressure. In an interview with NBC News, he warned Irans supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, saying, I would say he should be very worried. Trump also claimed Iran had considered building a new nuclear facility after US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites during Israels war with Tehran in June. They were thinking about starting a new site in a different part of the country, he said. We found out about it, I said, you do that, were going to do very bad things to you. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Washington has reinforced its military presence in the region, with Trump describing the deployment of a US aircraft carrier group as an armada. One of its aircraft shot down an Iranian drone earlier this week, while Tehran has warned it would retaliate against US targets if attacked. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the United States was ready to meet Iran, but stressed that talks must go beyond nuclear issues to be meaningful. They will have to include certain things, and that includes the range of their ballistic missiles, that includes their sponsorship of terrorist organisations across the region, that includes their nuclear programme and that includes the treatment of their own people, Rubio said. Iran has consistently rejected negotiations over its missile programme, arguing that the weaponscapable of reaching Israelare a legitimate means of self-defence. Tehran now faces mounting pressure at home and abroad, following last years Israeli bombing campaign and the weakening of key regional allies, including Hezbollah in Lebanon and the fall of Syrias longtime leader Bashar al-Assad. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Donald Trump administration is ready to elevate the relationship with India, US India envoy Sergio Gor has said as External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. The Donald Trump administration of the United States is ready to elevate the relationship with India, American envoy Sergio Gor on Thursday said as External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. Engagement at the highest levels is currently happening. The United States is ready to elevate this relationship even further. Limitless Potential! said Gor. Jaishankar is in the United States to attend the Critical Minerals Ministerial, a gathering of foreign ministers that Rubio is hosting about safeguarding critical minerals and rare earths supplies amid Chinas weaponisation of supplies over the past year. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Gors remark has also come at a time when the Trump administration appears to be in an overdrive to improve ties with India. Last week, Trump held a phone call with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and announced they had agreed to a trade deal. Engagement at the highest levels is currently happening. The United States is ready to elevate this relationship even further. Limitless Potential! @DrSJaishankar @SecRubio @SecScottBessent pic.twitter.com/QtUw8aiZZb Ambassador Sergio Gor (@USAmbIndia) February 5, 2026 In his meeting with Bessent, they focussed on advancing bilateral economic partnership and strategic cooperation, Jaishankar said in a statement. Pleased to meet US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in Washington DC today. Had a useful discussion on advancement of India-US economic partnership and strategic cooperation, Jaishankar said on X. On his part, Bessent said they addressed the importance of securing supply chains, as well as other national and economic security issues of mutual interest. Separately, Jaishankar also held bilateral discussions with Rubio at the Department of State. They welcomed the announcement of the India-US trade deal and discussed formalising bilateral cooperation on critical minerals exploration and mining. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Under the trade deal, Trump said he would reduce tariffs on India from 50 per cent to 18 per cent in exchange for India reducing tariffs on American goods to 0 per cent and buying $500 billion-worth American goods, including energy and agricultural products. After Trumps announcement, Gor had said, As I have said many times, President Trump genuinely considers Prime Minister Modi a great friend! Thrilled by the news of the trade deal this evening. The relationship between the United States and India has LIMITLESS POTENTIAL! NBCs Savannah Guthrie pleads for the safe return of her abducted mother, Nancy, as President Trump directs federal law enforcement to assist local authorities in the ongoing investigation in Arizona Nancy Guthrie, who has been missing since January 31 and is believed to have been abducted from her Arizona home. (X) NBC Today show cohost Savannah Guthrie has made a public plea for the safe return of her 84yearold mother, Nancy Guthrie, who has been missing since January 31 and is believed to have been abducted from her Arizona home. Authorities are treating her disappearance as a potential kidnapping and have launched an intensive investigation. In an emotional video posted to Instagram, Guthrie, joined by her siblings Annie and Camron, appealed directly to anyone who may have her mother. We need to know without a doubt that she is alive and that you have her. We want to hear from you, and we are ready to listen. Please, reach out to us, she said, urging contact. Mommy, if you are hearing this, you are a strong woman. Everyone is looking for you. Everywhere. We will not rest until we are together again, she added. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Guthrie told viewers her mothers health is fragile and that Nancy must take daily medication. Our mom is our heart and our home. Her health, her heart is fragile. She lives in constant pain. She is without any medicine. She needs it to survive. She needs it not to suffer, Guthrie said. Watch the video here: BREAKING Savannah Guthrie and her siblings have released this heart breaking video pleading for the return of their beloved mother, Nancy. Savannah is asking the person or persons who abducted her mother to get in touch with the family and provide proof of life. She says they pic.twitter.com/OZsA3VWzpF Yashar Ali (@yashar) February 5, 2026 Where does the investigation stand? President Donald Trump has publicly stepped in, directing ALL Federal Law Enforcement to assist local authorities in the search. We are deploying all resources to get her mother home safely. The prayers of our Nation are with her and her family. GOD BLESS AND PROTECT NANCY! Trump wrote on his social platform. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Pima County Sheriffs Office confirmed the home in Tucson is being treated as a crime scene, but so far no suspects or persons of interest have been identified. Investigators have also received reports of alleged ransom notes circulating in media, though their authenticity has not been confirmed by law enforcement. Support has poured in from across the United States, with friends, colleagues, and members of the public offering prayers and messages of hope as the search for Nancy Guthrie continues. The United States and Russia have agreed to re-establish high-level military-to-military dialogue, the Pentagon said Thursday, hours after the expiration of the last treaty imposing limits on the pairs nuclear arsenals. Workers clean up damage at Darnytsia Thermal Power Plant after a Russian attack in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Sergei Grits) The United States and Russia have agreed to resume senior-level military communications, according to a statement issued by US European Command on Thursday following talks held in Abu Dhabi between top military officials from both sides. The decision came after discussions involving General Alexus Grynkewich, commander of US European Command and NATOs Supreme Allied Commander Europe, along with senior military representatives from Russia and Ukraine, the statement said. The renewed channel is intended to restore regular military-to-military engagement as efforts continue towards achieving a durable peace. Such high-level military contacts had been halted in 2021, shortly before Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Maintaining dialogue between militaries is an important factor in global stability and peace, which can only be achieved through strength, and provides a means for increased transparency and de-escalation, the US militarys European Command said in a statement. The agreement to re-establish the military dialogue, suspended in 2021, also came after productive and constructive progress at Ukraine peace talks in Abu Dhabi attended by Trumps special envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner, European Command said. Campaigners have warned the nuclear weapons treatys demise could unleash a new arms race between the worlds top nuclear powers, and encourage China to expand its arsenal. Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that 55,000 Ukrainian troops have died since Russias invasion almost four years ago. And there is a large number of people whom Ukraine considers missing, he added in an interview broadcast by French TV channel France 2 late Wednesday. The last time Zelenskyy gave a figure for battlefield deaths, in early 2025, he said 46,000 Ukrainian troops had been killed. The delegations from Moscow and Kyiv were joined Thursday in the capital of the United Arab Emirates by U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and U.S. President Donald Trumps son-in-law, Jared Kushner, according to Rustem Umerov, Ukraines National Security and Defence Council chief, who was present at the meeting. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD They were also at last months talks in the same place as the Trump administration tries to steer the two countries toward a settlement. At the time, Zelenskyy described the issue of who would control the Donbas industrial heartland of eastern Ukraine as key. Officials have provided no information about any progress in the discussions. Zelenskyy has repeatedly said his country needs security guarantees from the U.S. and Europe to deter any postwar Russian attacks. Ukrainians must feel that there is genuine progress toward peace and not toward a scenario in which the Russians exploit everything to their advantage and continue their strikes, Zelenskyy said on social media late Wednesday. Last year saw a 31% increase in Ukrainian civilian casualties compared with 2024, the advocacy group Human Rights Watch said in a report published Wednesday. Almost 15,000 Ukrainian civilians have been killed and just over 40,000 injured since the start of the war through last December, according to the United Nations Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk arrived in Kyiv on an official visit Thursday. Two people were injured in the Ukrainian capital as a result of overnight Russian drone strikes, Mayor Vitali Klitschko said. In the wider Kyiv region, a man suffered a shrapnel chest wound, authorities said. Russia fired 183 drones and two ballistic missiles at Ukraine overnight, according to the Ukrainian air force. Russian air defences downed 95 Ukrainian drones overnight over several regions, the Azov Sea and Crimea, which Russia illegally annexed in 2016, Russias Defence Ministry said. With inputs from agencies While the three countries, with Washington as the mediator, huddled in Abu Dhabi, Russia continued its assault in Ukraine and virtually incapacitated its energy grid amid harsh winters A woman, who is a school employee, walks near the site of an apartment building hit by a Russian drone strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine on Wednesday. Reuters The second round of trilateral talks between the US, Russia, and Ukraine concluded on a positive note, according to Kyiv, although no breakthrough was reached. While the three countries, with Washington as the mediator, huddled in Abu Dhabi, Russia continued its assault in Ukraine and virtually incapacitated its energy grid amid harsh winters. Russia hits Ukraines energy grid Just hours before the Abu Dhabi talks commenced, Russia unleashed a massive attack on Ukraine, targeting its energy infrastructure. The Ukrainian Air Force said that Russia launched 71 missiles and 450 drones on the intervening night of Monday and Tuesday. Out of the Russian arsenal, 38 missiles and 412 drones were shot down or suppressed by Ukrainian forces. The attack was the biggest reported by the Ukrainian army so far this year and has crippled the countrys energy grid. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Russias Defense Ministry said in a post to Telegram that its forces carried out a massive strike on Ukraines military-industrial complex and energy facilities used in their interests, as well as places of storage and assembly of long-range unmanned aerial vehicles. Taking advantage of the cold days Fuming Zelenskyy wrote on X: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Moscow of exploiting the brief halt to stockpile missiles. Taking advantage of the coldest days of winter to terrorize people is more important to Russia than turning to diplomacy. This clearly demonstrates what is needed from partners and what can help. Timely delivery of missiles for air defense systems and protection of normal life is our priority. Without pressure on Russia, there will be no end to this war, he added. DTEK, Ukraines largest private energy firm, said that the Russian strikes have yielded significant damage to its power plants, in what it said was the ninth massive attack on the companys thermal power stations since October 2025. Russia resumes strikes after brief pause Earlier this week, Russia broke a loose ceasefire agreed upon with the US with a late-night attack in Ukraines capital. The attacks came after Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed to pause attacking Ukraine on account of harsh winters that have crippled the country due to a severely damaged energy infrastructure. The ceasefire was a result of a personal request made by Trump, as per the Kremlin. Last Friday, Putin agreed to halt strikes on Kyiv until Feb. 1, at the personal request of Donald Trump. Back then, the White House claimed that the agreement was made to give Ukraine a reprieve during the regions extreme cold, though the Kremlin did not cite weather as a factor. The US and Russia are nearing a deal to continue observing New START nuclear limits beyond its expiry, raising cautious hopes for arms control stability amid renewed talks in Abu Dhabi. As the clock ticked toward the midnight expiration of the worlds last major nuclear arms control agreement, a glimmer of diplomatic hope emerged from Abu Dhabi. High-level negotiators from the United States and Russia are reportedly closing in on a provisional deal to observe the core tenets of the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START) beyond its February 5, 2026, deadline. According to an Axios report citing multiple sources familiar with the talks, negotiations have been under way for the past 24 hours in Abu Dhabi to find a way for both sides to continue observing the treatys ceilings on deployed strategic nuclear weapons. Both the countries are reportedly closing in on a deal to observe the New START nuclear arms control treaty beyond its expiration. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD New START, signed in 2010 and extended once in 2021 for five years by then US President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin, limits each side to 1,550 deployed strategic warheads and caps launchers and missiles. Its lapse would leave, for the first time in more than five decades, no binding restraints on the US and Russian nuclear arsenals. Last pillar of Cold War-era arms control New START is the final surviving agreement from a long lineage of arms control treaties dating back to the Cold War. Its expiration has raised alarms among arms control experts and international bodies, who warn that the absence of limits and verification measures could fuel mistrust, miscalculation and accelerated weapons development. The Axios report suggests that both sides are considering voluntarily observing the treatys limits for an additional period, potentially up to six months. However, it remains unclear whether such an arrangement would be legally codified or remain an informal political understanding. The White House has declined to comment publicly on the discussions so far, underscoring the sensitivity of the talks. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, meanwhile, confirmed that Moscow remains open to dialogue if Washington responds constructively to Russias proposal to continue abiding by New START limits. Listen, if there are any constructive replies, of course we will conduct a dialogue, Peskov told reporters, framing Russias position as one of conditional engagement rather than unilateral restraint. Any extension at this stage would not be a treaty renewal in the traditional sense. Under US law, New START cannot be formally extended again without Senate approval. Instead, a continuation would rely on executive decisions by both governments to voluntarily respect the existing ceilings, an arrangement that would lack enforcement and on-site verification mechanisms. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The New START discussions form part of a broader, if cautious, thaw in US-Russia contacts. On Thursday, the US militarys European Command said Washington and Moscow had agreed in Abu Dhabi to resume high-level military-to-military dialogue, a channel largely frozen since Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The choice of Abu Dhabi as a venue highlights the growing role of neutral or non-aligned actors in facilitating sensitive diplomacy at a time when traditional Western forums remain politically fraught. Parallel diplomatic tracks are also visible on the Ukraine front. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said peace talks with Russia, backed by the United States, would continue in the near future after negotiators concluded a second round of discussions in Abu Dhabi. While no major breakthroughs have been announced, the synchronisation of nuclear and regional security talks underscores a recognition that strategic stability and geopolitical conflicts are deeply intertwined. Analysts note that even a temporary continuation of New STARTs limits could provide breathing space for broader negotiations, particularly on verification mechanisms and risk reduction measures that have eroded in recent years. China factor complicates future arms control The future of nuclear arms control remains clouded by Washingtons insistence that China be included in any new framework. US President Donald Trump, who spoke with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday, has repeatedly argued that a bilateral US-Russia model no longer reflects global nuclear realities. China, however, has so far rejected calls to join trilateral negotiations, pointing to the stark disparity in nuclear stockpiles. Beijing is estimated to possess around 600 nuclear warheads, compared with roughly 4,000 each for the US and Russia, making it reluctant to accept constraints designed for vastly larger arsenals. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The White House said this week that Trump would decide the way forward on nuclear arms control and would clarify on his own timeline, offering no indication of whether Washington sees the potential New START stopgap as a bridge to a new deal or merely a temporary risk-management measure. For now, the looming New START deadline has injected urgency into talks that many believed were moribund. Even an informal agreement to observe the treatys limits would mark a significant, if fragile, step toward preventing a return to unconstrained nuclear competition. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has announced an investigation into sex offender Jeffrey Epsteins ties to Russia. He said it was likely that Russian intelligence services co-organised Epsteins sex empire to acquire compromising materials against world leaders. Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell are seen in this image released by the Department of Justice in Washington, DC, United States, as part of a new trove of documents from its investigations into the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. (Photo: Reuters) Poland has opened an investigation into whether sex offender Jeffrey Epstein was a Russian spy. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced the investigation at a time when Epstein Files have led to suspicions that Epsteins sex empire was a Russia-sponsored scheme to acquire compromising photographs and videos of world leaders that could allow Russia to blackmail them into doing its bidding. For decades, Epstein had been close with the Wests social and political elites. While his close friendship with Trump was public information, recent revelations have shown he was also close to Naom Chomsky, Bill Gates, former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak, and former British diplomat Peter Mandelson. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Epsteins sex empire likely co-organised by Russia: Polish PM Tusk said that as more and more Epstein-related information emerged, it appeared that the sex empire was co-organised by Russian intelligence service. The type of photographs taken by Epstein and his associate, Ghislaine Maxwell, of elites in his circle has suggested a harvesting of kompromat, a Russian term for compromising material that the Soviet KGB and its Russian successor FSB collected to blackmail people, according to The Times of London. Tusk said, More and more leads, more and more information, and more and more commentary in the global press all relate to the suspicion that this unprecedented paedophilia scandal was co-organised by Russian intelligence services. I dont need to tell you how serious the increasingly likely possibility that Russian intelligence services co-organised this operation is for the security of the Polish state. This can only mean that they also possess compromising materials against many leaders still active today. Tusks announcement of an investigation into Epsteins ties with Russia has come days after The Daily Mail reported intelligence sources as saying that the sex offender was indeed a Russian agent. In Epstein Files released by the US Department of Justice so far, there are 1,056 mentions of Putin and around 10,000 references to Russia and Moscow. There are also suggestions of several meetings between Epstein and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Epstein was part of Russian intelligence operation: Sources & experts Epstein was running the worlds largest honeytrap operation on behalf of the Russian intelligence agency when he procured women for his network of associates, The Mail reported intelligence sources as saying. Epsteins longtime business partner, Robert Maxwell, was also a Russian asset dating back to 1970s, sources told the newspaper. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Separately, the newspaper reported that US security officials also believe Epstein had longstanding ties with Russian organised crime, who could have been blackmailing him, and that could explain the ease with which Epstein appeared to be able to fly in girls from Russia. You have Andrew, Bill Gates, Donald Trump, Bill Clinton, and all the rest placed in compromising positions on an island bristling with technology. Its the worlds largest honey trap operation. The Americans have been on this for years, but our lot have seemed more queasy about it, presumably because of the Royal link, a source told The Mail. Separately, Christopher Steele, a former head of British MI6s Russia desk, told Times Radio it was very likely that Epstein was in the pay of Russia to gather kompromat. He also suggested that he could have been recruited through Ghislaines father Robert. Steele said, My understanding from my American sources is that as early as the 1970s, Epstein was effectively involved with Russian organised crime in Brighton Beach in New York and through them with the Russian mission in New York and was almost certainly recruited by them at that time. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Moving on to a later period involving probably Robert Maxwell in the 1980s, it seems to me again that Epstein had significant ties to Maxwell. When Maxwell was involved in getting Jewish people out of the Soviet Union in return effectively for laundering Soviet Communist Party hard currency and investing it in the West, I suspect that thats where quite a lot of Epsteins investment money came from. Possibly the majority of his investment funds, which seem to never have been explained, actually came from the Soviet Union. A catastrophic fire destroyed more than 1,000 homes in the city of Bongao in southern Philippines. The blaze galloped the coastal region, fuelled by strong winds and highly flammable materials used in many houses. A catastrophic fire has engulfed the city of Bongao in southern Philippines. More than 1,000 homes in the coastal city were destroyed as the fire took rage, which started on the night of Tuesday, leaving the residents homeless. The blaze galloped the coastal region, fuelled by strong winds and highly flammable materials used in many houses, according to Ecuador Comunicacion. Firefighters battled the blaze for more than four hours before finally bringing it under control. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Around 5,000 residents have left the affected area posing a risk of intense fire. The Municipal Risk Management Office said the fire broke out at about 10 PM and was brought under control by 2 AM on Wednesday. Approximately 1,000 homes were destroyed in a major fire in the Philippines.pic.twitter.com/kasAD2f4Qx Mediterranean Voice (@mediterranvoice) February 4, 2026 The damage reported was way much more than reported. Property was damaged where families fled in panic, evacuating by land and sea while trying to save their belongings. Visuals shared on social media are alarming as the scale of devastation led to the collapse of roofs, charred walls and some parts of the neighbourhood have been reduced to ashes. Bangsamoro Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua ordered the immediate dispatch of relief supplies, including food, drinking water, tents, medical equipment and security personnel. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Officials are investigating the cause of the fire, though initial reports suggest it may have started inside a house. The tragedy adds to a series of recent fires in the region, where unsafe construction practices and harsh weather conditions have made coastal communities particularly vulnerable. Authorities cited that the cause of the blaze will be the cause of preventing similar disasters in the near future. A first day of talks between Ukraine, Russia and the United States aimed at brokering an end to the war in Ukraine concluded Wednesday in Abu Dhabi, with Kyiv describing negotiations as substantive and productive President of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed al-Nahyan receives the heads of delegations participating in the UAE hosted trilateral talks between the United States, Russia and Ukraine at al-Shati Palace in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, on January 23, 2026. Image: Hamad Al Kaabi, Reuters file image After Ukraine, Russia has come forward to respond positively to the recently held trilateral talks with the US in Abu Dhabi. On Thursday, Moscows top negotiator said that there was progress in the talks. There is definitely progress, things are moving forward in a good, positive direction, Russian negotiator Kirill Dmitriev told state media. He slammed what he described as attempts from European nations to disrupt the progress at the start of a second day of talks in the UAE between Russian, Ukrainian and US negotiators. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD How did the talks go? A first day of talks between Ukraine, Russia and the United States aimed at brokering an end to the war in Ukraine concluded Wednesday in Abu Dhabi, with Kyiv describing negotiations as substantive and productive. While there was no apparent breakthrough in the most recent round of discussions, meetings were set to carry on into a second day, Kyiv said. Wednesdays talks came following weeks of Russian attacks on Ukraines power infrastructure, which have left Kyiv residents in darkness and cold, with temperatures dropping as low as -20C. Russia hits Ukraines energy grid Just hours before the Abu Dhabi talks commenced, Russia unleashed a massive attack on Ukraine, targeting its energy infrastructure. The Ukrainian Air Force said that Russia launched 71 missiles and 450 drones on the intervening night of Monday and Tuesday. Out of the Russian arsenal, 38 missiles and 412 drones were shot down or suppressed by Ukrainian forces. The attack was the biggest reported by the Ukrainian army so far this year and has crippled the countrys energy grid. Despite the Kremlin repeating its hardline demands ahead of the talks, Ukraines top negotiator Rustem Umerov said the first day had been substantive and productive, focused on concrete steps and practical solutions. In Ukraine, foreign ministry spokesman Georgiy Tykhy said Kyiv was interested in finding out what the Russians and Americans really want. The content of the talks was on military and military-political issues, he added, without elaborating. With inputs from agencies Out of 1,981 candidates contesting in Bangladesh elections, only 78 are women. More than 30 political parties in Bangladesh are not fielding female candidates in the upcoming polls. Heres how the lack of womens representation continues to pinch Dhaka ormer Bangladeshi Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, left, looks over as new interim leader Mohammad Habibur Rahman speaks with opposition Awami League leader Sheikh Hasina, right, at Rahmans swearing-in ceremony in Dhaka Saturday, March 30, 1996. AP For decades, Bangladesh was led by two powerful women, one after another, from prominent political families: Awami Leagues Sheikh Hasina and Bangladesh Nationalist Partys Khaleda Zia. The former prime ministers left such a legacy that for the longest time, Bangladesh was known for the women who ruled. However, things changed drastically in the span of just one and a half years, with Hasinas ousting and Zias passing, Bangladesh has been struggling with the lack of women in power. The situation is worse, as per the data emerging ahead of the highly anticipated Bangladesh general elections. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Only 78 women will be contesting in this years parliamentary elections in Bangladesh. While the number is less, it is still seen in Dhaka as a new record. Moreover, nearly a third of them are not independent political actors, but relatives of influential men wives, daughters or family members of party leaders and power brokers. Looking at the latest numbers, experts argued that this only underscores how far the country still lags in ensuring gender parity in politics. It is pertinent to note that the candidacies are spread across 67 constituencies in Bangladesh, leaving more than two-thirds of seats with no scope for directly elected female representation. What the numbers say Women make up half the population of Bangladesh. In fact, the male-to-female ratio of Bangladesh (96-97 males to 100 females) is better than that of India (106-107 males to 100 females. Despite this, only 3.93 per cent of the 1,981 candidates contesting these elections are women. The figures are so low that experts in Bangladesh are calling the female participation in the polls tokenistic and largely dynastic. According to the latest data, out of the 78 women candidates, 61 have been nominated by 30 political parties, while 17 are independents. The Bangladeshi Election Commission data shows that women with family or marital ties to prominent political figures consistently fare better than those without such connections. The electoral process in Bangladesh remains deeply male-dominated, said Jesmin Tuli, former additional secretary of the Election Commission and a member of the Electoral Reform Commission. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In Bangladesh, most women leaders or members of parliament have risen through family influence. The number of women who have struggled up from the grassroots is very small. Very few female leaders have gradually built themselves up from university life through fieldwork, she told Bangladeshi news outlet The Daily Star. Our social and family structures are also responsible. Parents in middle-class families generally do not want their daughters to enter politics. Politics has not yet become safe for women; in fact, it remains unsafe, she added. It is pertinent to note that the Representation of the People Order (RPO), 1972, requires political parties to reserve at least 33 per cent of committee posts for women, including at the central level. However, almost all the parties failed to meet this obligation. In light of this, in 2021, the Election Commission extended the deadline to 2030. According to The Daily Star, at least 30 parties, including Jamaat-e-Islami, Islami Andolan Bangladesh, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis, Khelafat Majlis, Bangladesh Islami Front, Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), Jonotar Dal, Bangladesh Sangskritik Mukti Jote, Bangladesh Congress, Jatiya Party (JP), Bangladesh Khelafat Andolan, Bangladesh Nationalist Front and Bangladesh Jasad, have fielded only male candidates. When asked why Jamaat did not nominate any women, Jamaat Assistant Secretary General Ahsanul Mahboob Zubair said the party follows a grassroots-based selection process. He noted that while men are guided by the partys instructions, women are given the freedom to decide whether to contest. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD We havent fielded [women candidates] this time; Inshallah, well do it the next time, he said, adding that some of the other parties in the Jamaat-led alliance have nominated women. The women of the party went ahead in defending the move, insisting that Jamaat operates on Islamic principles. According to the Quran, men are directors of women, which is considered a command and obligation in Islam, Jamaat-e-Islami Womens Wing Secretary Nurunnisa Siddika said earlier this week. Siddika described it as an internal organisational decision. Nepotism All 10 BNP women candidates contesting in this years election have direct or marital links with senior party figures. In fact, most of the female candidates contesting in the polls belong to one influential family or another. This was the same story for both Hasina and Zia. The Awami League supremo, Sheikh Hasina, is the daughter of Bangabandhu Mujibur Rahman. Meanwhile, Zia was the wife of the former President of Bangladesh, Ziaur Rahman. Bangladesh has a rocky history regarding womens representation. According to the Election Commission records, no women were elected in the first two parliamentary polls in 1973 and 1979. Only five were elected in 1986 and four in 1988. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In 1991, a record 40 women contested in the polls and only four emerged as winners. In June 1996, 30 women ran, and five were elected. In 2001, 38 contested and six won. In 2008, 59 women ran, and 19 were elected. In 2014, 29 contested and 18 won. In 2018, 69 women contested and 22 won. In 2024, 99 women ran, and 20 were elected, according to The Daily Star. The figures clearly indicate that across the decades, the patterns remain unchanged. Women in Bangladesh rarely enter politics, and those who do are from one political dynasty or the other. Golds allure endures, with vast unmined reserves buried across the globe, as mapped by Visual Capitalists 2025 ranking drawn from USGS data. Unmined treasures: Russia and Australia lead with 12,000 tonnes each in Visual Capitalist's 2025 gold reserves ranking. Australia and Russia hold the worlds largest gold deposits in term of value. Worlds gold deposits are in spotlight as gold prices have soared in recent months. Currently, the gold is priced at $4,290 an ounce in the international market. Here are the worlds top seven countries in terms of gold deposits: Rank Country Unmined Gold (t) Value (US$b) 1 Russia 12000 1687 2 Australia 12000 1687 3 South Africa 5000 701 4 Indonesia 3800 505 5 Canada 3200 449 6 China 3100 435 7 United States 3000 421 (Source: Visual Capitalist) Russia Russia shares first place with 12,000 tonnes of unmined gold, mostly in Siberia and the Far East like Krasnoyarsk, Magadan, Amur, and Chukotka districts. Harsh weather and remoteness slow digs, but sites such as Sukhoy Log promise huge yields, drawing firms amid rising state quotas. Reserves valued at $1.7 trillion underline golds role in Russias economy beyond oil. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Australia Australia matches Russia at 12,000 tonnes, centred in Western Australias Yilgarn Craton with its rich belts of untapped ore. Operations blend vast open pits and deep shafts, sustaining top production while explorers probe for more amid steady demand. These holdings, worth $1.7 trillion, cement the countrys mining dominance down under. South Africa South Africa claims third with 5,000 tonnes, anchored in the historic Witwatersrand Basin that once flooded markets with nuggets. Deeper levels pose high costs and safety risks, curbing output lately, yet fresh tech revives hopes for this $701 billion stockpile. Legacy and potential keep it central to African gold lore. Indonesia Indonesia follows with 3,800 tonnes, powered by giants like Grasberg in Papua blending gold and copper riches. Community tensions and rules shift ownership stakes, but the sites scale ensures clout in output tables. At $505 billion, these reserves lure investors eyeing Southeast Asias boom. Canada Canada holds 3,200 tonnes across Ontarios Red Lake, Quebecs Abitibi, and northern frontiers, fuelling steady digs under green rules. Favourable policies pull global cash, with projects merging old veins and new finds for long-term flow. Valued at $449 billion, it bolsters the maple leafs resource edge. China Chinas 3,100 tonnes scatter through Shandong and Inner Mongolia, backing its production lead via state-run behemoths. Pollution curbs and land limits temper pace, but strategic buys hoard bars alongside untapped ground worth $435 billion. Beijing weaves these into broader metal mastery. United States The United States rounds out with 3,000 tonnes in Nevadas Carlin Trend and Alaskas wilds, mixing majors with juniors chasing veins. Regulations and costs squeeze margins, yet innovation keeps flows alive at $421 billion total. Domestic hauls shield against import swings. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Buried gold bars shapes tomorrows markets, with these leaders poised to quench jewellery, tech, and investor thirst as prices soar. Visual Capitalists lens on USGS figures reveals hotspots for bets on the next golden age. Zelenskyys comments followed a second round of trilateral talks among Ukraine, Russia, and the US in the UAE. Kyiv has described the meeting as substantive and productive In this photo taken on March 16, 2025 and provided by Ukraine's 24th Mechanized Brigade press service, Ukrainian soldiers fire 120mm mortar towards Russian army positions near Chasiv Yar, Donetsk region, Ukraine, Sunday, March 16, 2025. (Oleg Petrasiuk/Ukraine's 24th Mechanized Brigade via AP) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that at least 55,000 troops have died since Russia launched its full-scale war against the country in 2022. He added that a great number of soldiers are also missing in action. In Ukraine, officially, on the battlefield, the number of soldiers killed is 55,000. And there are a great number Ukraine lists as missing, he said in an interview with French TV network France 2, which translated his comments. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Zelenskyys comments followed a second round of trilateral talks among Ukraine, Russia, and the US in the UAE. Kyiv has described the meeting as substantive and productive. Meanwhile, a study by the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) has found that Russian and Ukrainian troops killed, wounded or gone missing could reach 2 million in a few months. The Kremlin, however, has dismissed the report, saying its not credible and that only the Russian defence ministry can release the official number of casualties in the war. How did the talks go? A first day of talks between Ukraine, Russia and the United States aimed at brokering an end to the war in Ukraine concluded Wednesday in Abu Dhabi, with Kyiv describing negotiations as substantive and productive. While there was no apparent breakthrough in the most recent round of discussions, meetings were set to carry on into a second day, Kyiv said. Wednesdays talks came following weeks of Russian attacks on Ukraines power infrastructure, which have left Kyiv residents in darkness and cold, with temperatures dropping as low as -20C. Despite the Kremlin repeating its hardline demands ahead of the talks, Ukraines top negotiator Rustem Umerov said the first day had been substantive and productive, focused on concrete steps and practical solutions. In Ukraine, foreign ministry spokesman Georgiy Tykhy said Kyiv was interested in finding out what the Russians and Americans really want. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The content of the talks was on military and military-political issues, he added, without elaborating. With inputs from agencies Xi calls on China, Russia to strengthen pragmatic cooperation in various fields Xinhua) 09:41, February 05, 2026 BEIJING, Feb. 4 (Xinhua) -- China and Russia should increase high-level exchanges and strengthen pragmatic cooperation in various fields, Chinese President Xi Jinping said in a virtual meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday. Noting this year marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the China-Russia strategic partnership of coordination, Xi said the two countries should ensure that bilateral relations continue to develop along the right track through deeper strategic coordination and more proactive assumption of responsibilities of major countries. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Wednesday Night Snow showers early with a chance of lingering snow showers later. Low around 25F. SSW winds shifting to ESE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of snow 40%. Snow accumulations less than one inch. If youre a local business owner, youre juggling many priorities: growing revenue, managing expenses, supporting your team and planning for your own future. What if one tool could help with all these goals? A workplace retirement plan might be that solution and can, directly or indirectly, offer benefits that extend beyond simple savings. Double the tax advantages. Starting a retirement plan can deliver immediate tax advantages. For the business, employer contributions are tax-deductible. And as a participant in your company plan, your pretax salary deferrals are excluded from income taxes; your investments within the plan are tax-deferred until distributed. Many plans now offer Roth options that allow tax-free withdrawals in retirement. Local businesses may also qualify for federal tax credits that help offset startup costs, employee education expenses and plan administration fees. Additional credits may be available for auto-enrollment features and employer contributions made during the plans first five years. A competitive edge in hiring. In todays labor market, offering a retirement plan can differentiate your business from competitors and help improve employee retention. Many plans also provide access to financial education tools and resources, helping your employees make informed decisions about saving, investing and planning for retirement. This support can lead to greater employee satisfaction and productivity, contributing to a positive work environment for your business. More flexible than state-sponsored options. If you live in a state requiring an employee retirement program, you might be considering a state-sponsored plan. While these programs can provide a starting point, they typically offer fewer investment options, lower contribution limits and limited design flexibility. Establishing your own workplace retirement plan lets you customize features for your business needs to control administrative costs, set contribution limits and offer employees a wide range of investment options. This added control in plan design can lead to better outcomes for your business and your employees. Reducing a hidden risk in your own retirement planning. Business owners often have as much as 80 percent of their net worth tied up in their businesses, according to the Exit Planning Institute. While that demonstrates commitment to success, it also creates significant financial risk to the owner. Relying solely on a future business sale to fund your retirement can be precarious. Market shifts, timing challenges or limited buyer interest could derail those plans. By building personal assets through your employer-sponsored retirement plan, you can gain financial flexibility and reduce the risk of having your retirement lifestyle depend entirely on one event. Getting started. With various retirement plan options available, determining which one fits your business best can feel overwhelming. A qualified financial advisor can help you navigate these decisions, explaining the trade-offs between different plan types and identifying which option best suits your unique situation. They can also help you understand eligibility requirements and ensure the plan you choose aligns with your business goals and personal financial objectives. Starting a workplace retirement plan represents an investment in your future, your employees and the long-term success of your business. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. Edward Jones, Member SIPC The Glasgow City Council held its regular meeting on Jan. 20, with Mayor Rod Karst presiding. Council members Brian Austin, Stan Ozark, Darcia Schindler and Lisa Koski were in attendance, while Butch Heitman and Kristie Brabeck were absent. The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance, led by Council member Schindler, followed by approval of the consent agenda. This included payment of claims totaling $128,305.53, additional Valley Court Apartment claims for $2,041.25, and approval of the minutes from the Jan. 5 council meeting. The motion carried unanimously. Fire Department Appointment Mayor Karst introduced Resolution No. 3224, appointing Chris Duros as a probationary firefighter for six months with the Glasgow Fire Department. Council members discussed recruitment and noted the importance of younger volunteers as some long-time members are aging. The resolution was unanimously adopted. Splash Park Project The council discussed plans for a future splash park. The swimming pool committee consulted with Interstate Engineering on design costs, which have risen from an estimated $150,000 seven years ago to over $1 million today. Council approved a contract with Interstate Engineering for design work, not to exceed $15,000, with funding coming from the swimming pool fund. Smith Bike Park Electrical Options Council member Koski reported on costs to install electricity at Smith Bike Park. A traditional pole installation would cost $800, but solar options with a battery system may be more economical. The TBID board had approved partial funding and would possibly consider covering the remaining costs once estimates are finalized. The council agreed to keep the item on the agenda until details are resolved. Personnel and City Department Updates The personnel committee is revising the Director of Public Works job description, including starting wage considerations and whether an engineer is required. Interim Supervisor Adam Morehouses evaluation period has been extended, allowing the committee to meet with department staff and provide recommendations to the council by Feb. 2. City Grant Writer Byers reported on submitted and upcoming grant applications, including potential rural emergency response funding and water and sewer projects. City Attorney Pekovitch noted nuisance letters would be mailed in spring, and the police department is working on vehicle removal and updating the animal ordinance. Other department updates included three doors needing replacement, curb and gutter improvements, and pump repairs at the lift station. Public Comment Bed Bugs at Nemont Manor Council member Schindler raised concerns about bed bugs at Nemont Manor. She reported that treatments have not resolved the issue and that residents may be spreading the pests via laundry facilities and public transportation. Discussions included possible city involvement, public notifications, and consulting with the citys insurance company to ensure the city is doing everything correctly moving forward in regards to their response. The next regular council meetings are scheduled for Monday, Feb. 2 and Tuesday, Feb. 17 due to the Presidents Day holiday. The Glasgow City Council met on Monday, Feb. 2, after the press deadline. Further information on the meeting will be published in a future issue of The Glasgow Courier. All meetings are open to the public and are recorded for future listening, http://www.cityofglasgowmt.com/. When made available, agendas will be available on the Glasgow Couriers website, http://www.glasgowcourier.com. The investigation continues into a two-vehicle crash near Fort Peck on Jan. 22 that claimed the life of 43-year-old Austin Pullman. Pullman had been working in the Fort Peck area as a millwright. According to the Montana Highway Patrol, the crash occurred at mile marker 59.6 on Montana Highway 24 when a vehicle turning left from Galpin Road collided with the northbound vehicle Pullman was traveling in toward Glasgow. Both drivers were reportedly unharmed. The incident involved an off-duty police officer, whose name has not been released. Glasgow Police Department Chief Robert Weber issued a statement on Jan. 26: The incident, which occurred on Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026, involving an off-duty member of the Glasgow Police Department, is being investigated by the Montana Highway Patrol. The officer is currently on administrative leave pending an internal investigation to ensure all policies and procedures were followed. The Montana Highway Patrol reported that road conditions were bare and dry at the time of the crash and that alcohol or drugs were not suspected to be factors. Filing Deadline Is Feb. 9 Filing is underway for upcoming school board elections in Valley County, with positions open in the Glasgow, Nashua and Opheim school districts. Filing for school board elections opened in December and will close on Monday, Feb. 9, with elections across Montana scheduled for May 5. Glasgow School Board Two incumbent trustees have filed for the two open positions on the Glasgow School Board ahead of the upcoming school election. Blaine White and Whitney Tatafu both submitted the required paperwork and are now officially candidates for the school board. Individuals interested in becoming a candidate for the Glasgow School Board may contact the districts Central Office, 406-228-2406, 229 7th St. N., Glasgow, for additional information regarding filing requirements and eligibility. Opheim School Board Two trustee positions will be on the ballot for the Opheim School Board in 2026, as the current terms of Doug Mason and Loni Gundermann are set to expire. Individuals interested in running for a trustee position must be qualified voters within the school district. A Declaration of Intent form may be picked up at the Opheim School office or downloaded from the schools website under School Board School Elections 20252026. For questions or additional information, contact District Clerk Haylee Huette at 406-762-3213 or by email at [email protected]. Nashua School Board Two trustee positions will be on the ballot for the Nashua School Board in 2026, each serving a three-year term. These positions will replace current trustees Sheila Miller and Patti Sibley. As of press time, Sibley has filed to retain her seat on the board. Anyone interested in running for a trustee position must fill out the Declaration of Intent and Oath of Candidacy for Trustee Candidates and return to Marisa Collins at the Nashua School. The form is on the school website at this link: https://nashua.k12.mt.us/District/2305-School-Board-Election.html If you have any questions, contact Collins at [email protected] or 406-746-3411. Courtesy Photo / For the Courier Courtesy Photo / For the Courier Editor's Note: This article was first published in the Jan. 27, 2026 issue of the Daily Montanan, https://dailymontanan.com/2026/01/27/wheres-the-beef-from-coalition-says-no-farm-bill-without-mandatory-beef-labeling/. There's probably nothing more ic... Dear Editor, We are writing to share an opportunity for our town, an invitation to come together as a community to connect, listen, learn, and talk about what it means to be a rural community in a changing world. Small towns are vital to Montana's rich tapestry of heritage, culture, and economic prosperity. Yet many rural communities are facing unprecedented challenges, including shifting demographics, limited resources, and volatile economies. While these challenges are real, rural places and the people who call them home are resilient. They meet adversity with grit, creativity, and hope. One of the most persistent challenges facing small towns today is community capacity-having the people, partnerships, and resources needed to sustain and strengthen our communities over time. A community's ability to manage change, address challenges, and move forward together is essential to its long-term vitality. Reimagining Rural was created with this challenge in mind. The program is a three-night virtual gathering of 20 small towns across Montana. Participants will learn about current rural trends, hear success stories from communities such as Glasgow and White Sulphur Springs, explore ways to engage more residents in local efforts, and learn how to turn community ideas into action. Communities that complete the series will also have the opportunity to apply for grant funding to support local projects. Rural matters. Rural Montanans matter. We encourage residents to join the local Reimagining Rural conversations on February 4, 11, and 18 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Glasgow Chamber of Commerce office. Sincerely, Reimagining Rural Planning Team Jeffrey Epstein Jeffrey Epsteins alleged role in what multiple intelligence sources have described as a vast, Russian-linked honey trap apparatus has taken on new dimensions with the document releases, including Daily Mail reporting. These newly surfaced materials running into the millions of pages depict a pattern of interactions, emails, and travel arrangements that suggest Epstein was not merely procuring young women for wealthy associates but may have been facilitating a structured kompromat pipeline. Kompromat (from Russian short for "compromising material") is a term originating in Soviet and post-Soviet intelligence practices. It refers to gathered evidenceoften embarrassing, illegal, or scandalous informationused to blackmail, discredit, or control influential individuals such as politicians, business leaders, or public figures. Russian security services (historically the KGB, now the FSB) have long employed kompromat as a tool of political leverage and influence operations. In the context of Epstein file releases (U.S. Department of Justice, late January/early February 2026), multiple outlets have cited intelligence sources claiming Jeffrey Epstein may have operated what one described as "the world's largest honeytrap" on behalf of Russian intelligence. A honeytrap involves luring targets into compromising sexual situations (often recorded secretly) to generate kompromat for blackmail. Reports allege Epstein procured Russian women for high-profile figures, with interactions potentially used to collect leverage that could be funneled to Moscow. Key details from the documents include over 1,000 mentions of Vladimir Putin and nearly 10,000 references to Moscow. Emails reportedly show Epstein discussing or arranging meetings with Putin (even post-2008 conviction), bragging about Russian ties, and warning contacts about blackmail risks while invoking FSB connections. Intelligence sources told outlets like the Daily Mail that Epstein's networkfacilitated by parties and his social circle (including possible links via Ghislaine Maxwell's father, Robert Maxwell, long suspected of KGB/Mossad ties)was used to harvest kompromat on Western elites for Russian benefit. Similar claims appear in other coverage: The Express highlighted emails suggesting a "classic kompromat operation" with Russian escorts; The US Sun and others questioned if Epstein was a Russian spy asset, tying fake passports, secret recordings, and Putin links to kompromat collection. These are based on anonymous intelligence sources and document interpretationsofficial confirmations remain absent, and much remains speculative amid the massive file dump. The Daily Mails latest coverage emphasizes that Epsteins network included a steady flow of young Russian women, some flown from Moscow to Western capitals, and that his communications referenced contacts within or adjacent to Russian intelligence structures. This reporting builds on earlier disclosures indicating that Epstein maintained access to high-level Russian figures even after his 2008 conviction, including alleged attempts to arrange meetings with Vladimir Putin and to secure Russian visas through individuals described as friends of Putin. The newly released files also highlight Epsteins apparent willingness to intervene in blackmail disputes involving Russian nationals. In one documented exchange, he warned a Moscow-based woman that her attempt to extort American businessmen would draw the attention of the FSB, describing the consequences in stark terms. This episode, detailed in the latest Daily Mail and Express-syndicated reporting, reinforces the impression that Epstein operated comfortably within a milieu where Russian intelligence, organized crime, and elite financial networks overlapped. The files include more than a thousand references to Putin and nearly ten thousand to Moscow, suggesting that Epsteins communications and associations intersected repeatedly with Russian political and security spheres. Additional reporting from IBTimes UK and Metro News expands on the notion that Epsteins activities may have constituted what some U.S. officials have called the worlds largest honeytrap. These accounts describe Epsteins alleged meetings with Putin, his communications with Kremlin-aligned figures, and his apparent attempts to position himself as a conduit between Western political actors and Russian leadership. Emails cited in these reports include references to scheduled appointments with Putin, discussions about Russian visas, and exchanges with high-profile individuals such as Ehud Barak and Reid Hoffman regarding potential meetings involving Russian officials. While none of these documents prove Epstein was formally tasked by Russian intelligence, the volume and nature of the interactions have fueled speculation that he operated as an informal asset or facilitator whose activities aligned with Russian intelligence interests. Further corroboration appears in syndicated reporting from Mid-Day and Metro, which emphasizes Epsteins long-standing ties to Ghislaine Maxwells father, Robert Maxwella figure historically linked to both the KGB and Mossad. These accounts suggest that Epstein may have been introduced to espionage tradecraft through Maxwells networks, which allegedly involved laundering Russian funds and cultivating influence channels across Europe and the Middle East. Intelligence sources quoted in these reports argue that Epsteins ability to maintain an extravagant lifestyle, despite limited visible income, may have been supported by covert financial flows tied to Russian or transnational criminal interests. Although definitive proof remains elusive, the convergence of these narrativesspanning the Daily Mail, IBTimes UK, Express, Metro, and other outlets intensified scrutiny of Epsteins role as a potential intermediary between Western elites and Russian intelligence-linked actors. Critics note that while the files fuel intrigue, they include unverified claims, hearsay, and no direct proof of Epstein as a formal agent. The kompromat angle revives long-standing theories about Epstein's operations extending beyond personal crimes into geopolitical influence. Overview of the Russian honey trap claim The idea that Jeffrey Epstein was involved in a Russian honey trap or broader intelligence operation has become a durable online narrative, but it sits on very different footing from the well-documented facts of his criminal activity. Prosecutors, the FBI, and the Southern District of New York built cases around sex trafficking of minors, recruitment networks, and financial enablers, not around espionage or foreign intelligence work. No indictment, court filing, or official investigative report has formally concluded that Epstein acted as an agent of Russian intelligence or ran a Kremlin-directed kompromat program. The established record portrays Epstein as a serial sex offender who exploited minors and leveraged a network of associates, fixers, and wealthy contacts to sustain his operations. The focus of U.S. law-enforcement efforts was on criminal conduct: grooming and trafficking victims, arranging travel, and using his properties as sites of abuse. These investigations were extensive and international in scope, yet they did not produce a formal finding that he was running, or being run as, a foreign intelligence honey trap asset. That absence is important context when weighing later media claims and anonymous intelligence source quotes. The modern wave of Russian honey trap claims is closely tied to a large cache of Epstein-related documents released by U.S. authorities and then mined by media outlets in January 2026. Tabloid and mid-market publications highlighted anonymous intelligence sources who described Epsteins activities as the worlds largest honeytrap operation and suggested he was working on behalf of Moscow and possibly Israel. These stories emphasized the sheer volume of references to Vladimir Putin and Moscow in the files, as well as emails about Russian women, visas, and alleged meetings with Russian officials. One widely cited article framed Epsteins sex empire as a KGB honeytrap, asserting that he procured Russian women to harvest kompromat on powerful men and that he held multiple talks with Putin after his 2008 conviction. The same reporting noted that there was no documentary proof directly linking Putin or Russian intelligence to Epsteins crimes, even as unnamed security officials speculated that such ties might explain his wealth and impunity. Broader coverage in British and international outlets picked up on these themes, often quoting the same or similar anonymous sources. Some pieces described Epstein as possibly having been a longstanding agent for Moscow, pointing to emails about Russian escorts, references to Kremlin-linked figures, and messages in which Epstein discussed a Russian woman attempting to blackmail businessmen in New York. These stories stressed the presence of Russian names and locations in the files but still stopped short of presenting hard, documentary proof of a formal Russian intelligence tasking. Other articles, including those in Metro and related outlets, leaned heavily on the KGB honeytrap empire framing, repeating claims that Epstein may have been introduced to espionage through business dealings with Robert Maxwell and that he operated in a space where Russian intelligence, organized crime, and elite Western networks overlapped. Again, the language was often conditionalmay have, believe, suggestedand grounded in unnamed security sources rather than declassified intelligence reports or court-tested evidence. Once these 2026 stories appeared, social media and conspiracy-oriented forums rapidly amplified the most dramatic phrasesworlds largest honeytrap, KGB honeytrap empire, Russian girls flown in to harvest kompromatwhile often stripping away the caveats and the explicit acknowledgments that no direct documentary link had been established. Screenshots of headlines and selective quotes from anonymous sources circulated widely, and in many retellings the speculative language hardened into asserted fact. The complexity of the underlying files, and the distinction between mentions of Russia and proof of Russian control, was largely lost in this process. This amplification built on an existing ecosystem of Epstein-related speculation that had been active since his 2019 death. His opaque finances, his access to powerful people, and the unresolved questions around his final days in custody had already primed audiences to see intelligence-service involvement as a plausible master explanation. The 2026 document releases and tabloid framing did not create the suspicion from scratch; they provided new raw material that could be slotted into a pre-existing narrative about global blackmail and espionage. Comparing the different layersthe official criminal record, the 2026 media wave, and the online rumor mill a clear pattern emerges. At the core is a solid, well-documented story of sex trafficking, exploitation, and elite complicity. Around that core, some journalists and anonymous intelligence sources have floated the hypothesis that Epsteins operations functioned as a de facto or intentional honey trap serving Russian interests, citing document patterns and circumstantial indicators. On the outermost layer, social media and conspiratorial commentary often present this hypothesis as settled fact, omitting the qualifiers and the lack of formal confirmation. Crucially, there is still no public, official documentno declassified intelligence assessment, no court filing, no congressional reportthat definitively states Epstein was a Russian intelligence asset or that his crimes were orchestrated as a Kremlin-run honey trap. The strongest claims rest on anonymous sourcing and interpretive readings of large document sets, not on direct, corroborated evidence of tasking, payment, or command-and-control relationships. That gap between speculation and proof is why, even after the latest Daily Mail and related reporting, it remains more accurate to say that the Russian honey trap narrative is a contested interpretation layered on top of a criminal record, rather than an established fact emerging from it. There are three competing hypotheses about Jeffrey Epsteins possible relationship to foreign intelligence services, with a focus on the frequently cited claim that he was involved in a Russian honey trap operation. The goal of a structured analytic framework is not to prove any single hypothesis, but to clarify assumptions, identify observable indicators, and distinguish between what is documented, what is plausible, and what is purely speculative. The framework emphasizes evidentiary standards: court filings, official investigations, declassified assessments, and high-quality investigative reporting are treated as stronger sources than anonymous quotes or online rumor. Hypothesis 1: Epstein was a purely criminal actor whose activities were limited to sex trafficking, financial manipulation, and social networking among elites, without any formal or informal tasking by foreign intelligence services. Under this hypothesis, his use of young women, private jets, and exclusive properties is explained entirely by personal predation and the enabling behavior of his associates. Observable indicators supporting this view include the focus of U.S. prosecutions on sex crimes and financial misconduct, the absence of intelligence-related charges, and the lack of any official statement that he acted as an agent of a foreign power. The main weakness of this hypothesis is that it does not fully explain his long-term impunity and opaque finances, which some observers find suggestive of deeper protection or leverage. Hypothesis 2: Epstein was an informal intelligence facilitator whose activities occasionally intersected with the interests of one or more intelligence services, including possibly Russian services, without being a formally recruited or controlled asset. In this scenario, Epsteins social network, access to elites, and compromising material may have been observed, tolerated, or opportunistically exploited by intelligence professionals, but without clear tasking, reporting chains, or documented command-and-control. Indicators for this hypothesis would include credible evidence of contact with known intelligence officers, patterns of information sharing, or instances where his activities align closely with identifiable intelligence objectives. At present, public reporting offers only circumstantial hintssuch as his proximity to politically sensitive figures and the theoretical utility of his kompromatbut no declassified documents or court-tested evidence confirming such a role. Hypothesis 3: Epstein was a formally tasked asset in a Russian honey trap or kompromat operation, operating under direction or guidance from an intelligence service. This is the strongest version of the Russian honey trap claim and would require robust indicators: documented tasking, secure communications with handlers, financial flows traceable to intelligence-linked entities, or declassified assessments explicitly identifying him as an asset. Additional indicators might include corroborated testimony from insiders, intercepted communications, or official findings in court or legislative inquiries. To date, none of these high-confidence indicators have appeared in the public record. Media stories citing anonymous intelligence sources and highlighting the long history of Soviet and Russian sexual kompromat provide theoretical plausibility but do not meet the evidentiary threshold needed to confirm this hypothesis. Cross-hypothesis comparison highlights a key analytic tension: the absence of evidence for formal intelligence involvement does not prove that such involvement was impossible, especially given the deniable and compartmented nature of professional tradecraft. However, disciplined analysis requires distinguishing between not impossible and supported by evidence. At present, Hypothesis 1 (purely criminal actor) is best supported by official investigations and court records, while Hypothesis 2 (informal facilitator) remains a plausible but weakly evidenced middle position. Hypothesis 3 (formally tasked Russian honey-trap asset) is the most dramatic and most widely amplified online, but it is also the least supported by verifiable sources. Analysts therefore treat it as an unproven hypothesis rather than an established fact, while remaining open to revision if credible evidence eventually emerges. The fact that Russia has a long tradition of sexual kompromat operations does not automatically mean Epstein was part of one. But absence of evidence is not evidence of absence and in the world of intelligence work, that principle matters even more than in ordinary historical analysis. Sexual compromise operationswhat the West calls honey trapsare not fringe tactics. They are long-standing components of Soviet and Russian intelligence doctrine used by multiple services, designed to be deniable, compartmented, and difficult to attribute, and often run through intermediaries, criminal networks, or cut-outs. The KGBs Department K and later the FSBs Second Service have documented histories of using sexual leverage to recruit, coerce, or neutralize targets. These operations rarely look like the cartoonish versions portrayed in films. They are subtle, patient, and often indistinguishable from ordinary social or financial relationships. The absence of evidence does not rule out the possibility of foreign intelligence involvement, but at present there is no verified evidence supporting the claim. The hypothesis remains unproven and can not be treated as established fact. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Contracts Contracts for Feb. 2, 2026, Through Feb. 4, 2026 ARMY Accurate Energetic Systems LLC,* McEwen, Tennessee (W519TC-26-D-0003); Nammo Perry Inc., Perry, Florida (W519TC-26-D-0004); and Spectra Technologies LLC,* Camden, Arkansas (W519TC-26-D-0005), will compete for each order of the $377,724,957 firm-fixed-price contract for TNT and plastic-bonded explosive N-9 supplementary charges. Bids were solicited via the internet with three received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Jan. 29, 2031. Army Contracting Command, Rock Island, Illinois, is the contracting activity. (Awarded Jan. 30, 2026) OST Inc., McLean, Virginia, was awarded an $81,908,096 time-and-materials contract for systems engineering and technical assistance services in support of the Capability Program Office for Simulation, Training, and Instrumentation. Bids were solicited via the internet with one received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Aug. 14, 2027. Army Contracting Command, Orlando, Florida, is the contracting activity (W900KK-26-F-A025). (Awarded Jan. 30, 2026) Lockheed Martin Corp., Moorestown, New Jersey, was awarded a $67,509,371 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract to provide sustainment, contractor logistics support, and programmatic activities in support of fleet-wide mid-range capability, including integrated logistics support and field service representative support. Bids were solicited via the internet with one received. Work will be performed in Moorestown, New Jersey, with an estimated completion date of Feb. 1, 2029. Fiscal 2026 research, development, test, and evaluation, Army funds in the amount of $35,068,149 were obligated at the time of the award. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-26-C-0009). (Awarded Jan. 30, 2026) AMTEC Corp.,* Janesville, Wisconsin, was awarded a $49,000,000 cost-plus-fixed-fee, firm-fixed-price contract for 40mm grenade ammunition integration, fabrication, and testing support requirements. Bids were solicited via the internet with two received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Jan. 29, 2031. Army Contracting Command, Newark, New Jersey, is the contracting activity (W15QKN-26-D-0004). (Awarded Jan. 30, 2026) Odin Environmental Solutions LLC, Roseville, California, was awarded a $28,975,505 firm-fixed-price contract for the Mount St. Helens Sediment Retention Structure Crest Raise, which will hold sediment back from running downstream. Bids were solicited via the internet with five received. Work will be performed in Cowlitz County, Washington, with an estimated completion date of May 25, 2028. Fiscal 2026 civil construction funds in the amount of $28,975,505 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Portland District, is the contracting activity (W9127N-26-C-A011). (Awarded Jan. 30, 2026) APTIM Federal Services LLC, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was awarded a firm-fixed-price contract to provide all required preventive and corrective maintenance services, emergency repair, and records management for petroleum facilities and systems. The amount of this action is $20,868,574, with a total cumulative face value of $77,729,609. Bids were solicited via the internet with four received. Work will be performed in Japan, with an estimated completion date of July 31, 2029. Fiscal 2026 Defense Working Capital Funds in the amount of $20,868,574 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Engineering and Support Center, Huntsville, Alabama, is the contracting activity (W912DY-26-C-A002). (Awarded Jan. 30, 2026) Texas Workforce Commission, Austin, Texas, was awarded a $14,837,637 modification (P00007) to contract W9124J-20-D-0012 for full food services under the Army Food Program, providing dining facility management, food receiving and storage, food preparation, food serving, remote site feeding, and facility sanitation. The modification brings the total cumulative face value of the contract to $89,475,421. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Jan. 31, 2027. Army 418th Contracting Support Brigade, Fort Bliss, Texas, is the contracting activity. (Awarded Jan. 31, 2026) Stratus Security Management Inc.,* Detroit, Michigan, was awarded a $14,011,929 firm-fixed-price contract for the performance of armed security guard services. Bids were solicited via the internet with six received. Work will be performed in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, with an estimated completion date of Jan. 29, 2031. Fiscal 2026 operation and maintenance, civil funds in the amount of $2,643,761 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District, is the contracting activity (W911XK-26-C-A005). (Awarded Jan. 30, 2026) Koontz Electric Co. Inc., Morrilton, Arkansas, was awarded a $13,987,789 firm-fixed-price contract for a 15kV dam switchgear upgrade. Bids were solicited via the internet with seven received. Work will be performed in Fort Peck, Montana, with an estimated completion date of Jan. 30, 2028. Fiscal 2026 Western States Power Corp. funds in the amount of $13,987,789 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District, is the contracting activity (W9128F-26-C-A012). (Awarded Feb. 2, 2026) C.J. Mahan Construction Co. LLC, Urbancrest, Ohio, was awarded a $13,620,720 firm-fixed-price contract for dam tow haulage system replacement. Bids were solicited via the internet with four received. Work will be performed in Emsworth, Pennsylvania; and Coraopolis, Pennsylvania, with an estimated completion date of July 30, 2029. Fiscal 2026 civil construction funds in the amount of $13,620,720 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Pittsburgh District, is the contracting activity (W911WN-26-C-A001). (Awarded Jan. 30, 2026) Delta Solutions and Services Bowhead LLC, Springfield, Virginia, was awarded a $12,956,431 time-and-materials contract for programmatic support. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order with an estimated completion date of Jan. 30, 2026. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-26-F-0039). (Awarded Jan. 30, 2026) General Dynamics Land Systems Inc., Sterling Heights, Michigan, was awarded a $11,994,680 modification (P00014) to contract W56HZV-21-C-0072 for contractor logistics support services to sustain M1A1SA Abrams tanks and M88A1/A2 recovery vehicles. The modification brings the total cumulative face value of the contract to $90,954,439. Work will be performed in Camp Taji, Iraq, with an estimated completion date of December 31, 2026. Fiscal 2026 Foreign Military Sales (Iraq) funds in the amount of $11,994,680 were obligated at the time of the award. Army Contracting Command, Detroit Arsenal, Michigan, is the contracting activity. (Awarded Feb. 2, 2026) Torch Research LLC,* Leawood, Kansas, was awarded a firm-fixed-price contract for the Victor Software as a Solution Program. The amount of this action is $11,972,629, with a total cumulative face value of $43,930,459. Bids were solicited via the internet with one received. Work will be performed in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, with an estimated completion date of Jan. 29, 2031. Fiscal 2026 operation and maintenance, Army funds in the amount of $11,972,629 were obligated at the time of the award. Army Contracting Command, Orlando, Florida, is the contracting activity (W900KK-26-C-A008). (Awarded Jan. 30, 2026) Hensel Phelps Construction Co., Orlando, Florida, was awarded a $11,339,000 firm-fixed-price contract to construct a new procurement warehouse consisting of a fully sprinklered, single-story, pre-engineered metal building with a loading dock area, high bay open warehouse space, small office area, and mechanical, electrical, and plumbing spaces. Bids were solicited via the internet with five received. Work will be performed in Aiken, South Carolina, with an estimated completion date of May 27, 2027. Fiscal 2024 weapons activities, Department of Energy funds in the amount of $11,339,000 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Charleston District, is the contracting activity (W912HP-26-C-A003). (Awarded Jan. 30, 2026) Inland Dredging Company LLC, Dyersburg, Tennessee, was awarded a $10,270,400 firm-fixed-price contract for maintenance pipeline dredging of the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway from High Island to Causeway with Chocolate Bayou in Galveston, Chambers, and Brazoria counties, Texas. Work will be performed in Galveston, Texas, with an estimated completion date of July 15, 2026. Fiscal 2026 construction, Corps of Engineers, Civil funds in the amount of $10,270,400 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Galveston District, is the contracting activity (W912HY-26-C-A010). (Awarded Feb. 3, 20216) AIR FORCE Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Buffalo, New York, has been awarded a $249,000,000 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for Foreign Military Sales (FMS) countries for Joint Threat Emitter production end-items. This contract provides for spares, support equipment, testing, training, and additional support services. Work will be performed at Buffalo, New York; and various foreign locations, and is expected to be completed by Feb. 1, 2033. This contract involves FMS to U.S. partner countries. This award is the result of a source-directed sole-source acquisition. Royal Saudi Air Force funds in the amount of $12,014 are being obligated at the time of award. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Hill Air Force Base, Utah, is the contracting activity (FA8210-26-D-B001). (Awarded Feb. 2, 2026) Starfish Space Inc., Kent, Washington, has been awarded a $54,500,000 firm-fixed-price contract for an Otter Space Vehicle and operations support. This contract provides for manufacturing of the Otter Space Vehicle and two option years for operational support. Work will be performed at Kent, Washington, and is expected to be complete by June 30, 2030. This award is the result of a sole source acquisition. Fiscal 2025 procurement funds in the amount of $48,500,000 are being obligated at the time of award. Space Systems Command, Los Angeles Air Force Base, California, is the contracting activity (FA8811-26-C-B001). (Awarded Feb. 2, 2026) Deloitte Consulting LLP, Arlington, Virginia, has been awarded a $26,187,333 firm-fixed-price modification (P00017) to a contract (FA7014-25-F-0145) for technical support services for Air Force A4 IT systems. Work will be performed at Washington, D.C., and if all options are exercised work is expected to be completed April 24, 2030. This award is the result of a competitive acquisition, and two offers were received. Fiscal 2026 operation and maintenance funds in the amount of $7,248,473 are being obligated at the time of award. The Air Force District of Washington Contracting Directorate, Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, is the contracting activity. (Awarded Feb. 3, 2026) Blue Halo LLC, Dayton, Ohio, was awarded a maximum $19,954,302 contract for advanced frameworks for human biological modeling. This contract provides for next-generation models and, through data integration and databasing and artificial intelligence and machine learning, creates systems to provide flexible modular systems for modeling human biology. Work will be performed at Dayton, Ohio, and is expected to be completed by February 3, 2029, or 3 February 2031 if options are accepted. This contract was a sole source acquisition. Fiscal 2025 funds in the amount of $1,154,419 are being obligated at the time of award. Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA238426CB028). (Awarded Feb. 3, 2026) NAVY Lockheed Martin Corp., Liverpool, New York, is awarded a $249,000,000 cost-plus-fixed-fee and firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for spares, repairs, engineering services, and depot stand-up support for Surface Electronic Warfare Improvement Program Block Two Electronic Support Anti-Ship Missile Defense System integration. Work will be performed in Liverpool, New York, and is expected to be completed by February 2031. Fiscal 2025 other procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $344,788 will be obligated at the time of award, of which none expires at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured via the System for Award Management website. The contract is a sole-source award under 10 U.S. Code 3204(a)(1) Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements. Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane, Crane, Indiana, is the contracting activity (N0016426DWM41). (Awarded Feb. 3, 2026) Kay and Associates Inc., Buffalo Grove, Illinois, was awarded a $165,935,469 modification (P00015) to a previously awarded, cost-plus-fixed-fee, cost reimbursable contract (N0042122C0013). This modification exercises an option to provide maintenance, operation, and management support services for the F/A-18 organizational level, intermediate level, and missile maintenance repair and storage facilities for the government of Kuwait. Work will be performed in undisclosed locations in Kuwait and is expected to be completed in January 2027. Foreign Military Sales customer funds in the amount of $86,567,735 will be obligated at the time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity. (Awarded Jan. 29, 2026) WSP-BV Southeast JV, Arlington, Virginia, is awarded a $99,000,000 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for multi-discipline architectural and engineering design and related services in support of waterfront projects. Work will be performed at various locations within the Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) Southeast area of operations and is expected to be completed by January 2031. The contract will be funded at the time of award of each task order. This contract was competitively procured via the System for Award Management website, with five offers received. NAVFAC Southeast, Jacksonville, Florida, is the contracting activity (N69450-26-D-0001). (Awarded Feb. 3, 2026) Tetra Tech/Mason & Hangar JV, Ann Arbor, Michigan, is awarded a $99,000,000 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for architect-engineer services. This contract provides for planning, design, and engineering services to support project types throughout the Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) Southeast area of responsibility and is expected to be completed by February 2031. The contract will be funded at the time of award of each task order. This contract was competitively procured via SAM.gov website, with 18 offers received. NAVFAC Southeast, Jacksonville, Florida, is the contracting activity (N69450-26-D-0011). (Awarded Feb. 3, 2026) Kratos Unmanned Aerial Systems Inc., Sacramento, California, is awarded a $61,068,139 modification (P00018) to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N0001923C0021). This modification exercises options to procure full rate production Lot Seven of the BQM-177A Surface Launched Aerial Targets and 70 Rocket-Assisted Takeoff attachment kits, as well as associated technical and administrative data in support of weapons system test and evaluation and fleet training for the Navy. Work will be performed in, Sacramento, California (50%); Dallas, Texas (20%); Fort Walton Beach, Florida (5%); Blacksburg, Virigina (4%); Santa Ana, California (2%); Newton, Kansas (2%); Concord, California (2%); Milwaukie, Oregon (2%); Chatsworth, California (2%); and various locations within the continental U.S. (11%), and is expected to be completed in August 2028. Fiscal 2024 Weapons Procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $872,402; fiscal 2025 Weapons Procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $ $3,489,608; and fiscal 2026 Weapons Procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $56,706,129, will be obligated at the time of award, $872,402 of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competed. Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity. (Awarded Feb. 3, 2026) Aerovironment Inc., Simi Valley, California, is awarded a $23,956,873 firm-fixed-price order (N6833526F0005) against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N6833524G0056). This order is to perform applied research and development of computer vision and machine learning algorithms and related video/imagery processing software, facilitate transition into operational systems, and provide maintenance and support of deployed instances of these technologies. This contract will include applied research and advanced technology development of concepts for integrating computer vision capabilities with Uncrewed Surface Vessel and other unmanned systems to enable advanced autonomous and swarming behaviors. Work will be performed in Simi Valley, California (11%); Port Heneme, California (11%); San Diego, California (11%); Norfolk, Virgina (11%); Dahlgren, Virgina (11%); Centreville, Virgina (11%); Dugway Proving Ground, Utah (11%); Atlanta, Georgia (11%); and Baltimore, Maryland (12%), and is expected to be completed in February 2031. Fiscal 2025 research, development, test and evaluation (Navy) funds in the amount of $2,812,074 will be obligated at the time of award, all of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract action was not competed. Naval Air Systems Command, Lakehurst, New Jersey, is the contracting activity. (Awarded Feb. 3, 2026) Detyens Shipyard Inc.,* North Charleston, South Carolina, is awarded a $19,473,441 firm-fixed-price contract (N3220526C1207) for 88-calendar day shipyard availability for the mid-term availability of Military Sealift Command's fleet replenishment oiler USNS Oscar V. Peterson (T-AO 206). This contract includes a base work package and three unexercised options for additional work and time which, if exercised, would increase the cumulative value of this contract to $19,715,351. Work will be performed in North Charleston, South Carolina, beginning Feb. 20, 2026, and is expected to be completed by May 18, 2026. Fiscal 2026 operations and maintenance (Navy) funds in the amount of $19,473,441 are obligated and will expire at the end of the fiscal year. This contract was a small business set-aside solicited via the Government wide Point of Entry website and four offers received. Military Sealift Command, Norfolk, Virginia, is the contracting activity (N3220526C1207). (Awarded Feb. 3, 2026) Alabama Shipyard LLC,* Mobile, Alabama, was awarded a $14,629,165 firm-fixed-price contract (N3220526C1206) for a 73-calendar day shipyard availability for the mid-term availability of Military Sealift Command's replenishment oiler USNS Joshua Humphreys (T-AO 188). This contract includes a base work package and three unexercised options for additional work and time which, if exercised, would increase the cumulative value of this contract to $14,899,577. Work will be performed in Mobile, Alabama, beginning March 26, 2026, and is expected to be completed by June 6, 2026. Fiscal 2026 operations and maintenance (Navy) funds in the amount of $14,629,165 are obligated and will expire at the end of the fiscal year. This contract was a small business set-aside solicited via the Government wide Point of Entry website and three offers were received. Military Sealift Command, Norfolk, Virginia, is the contracting activity (N3220526C1206). (Awarded Feb. 3, 2026) Outdoor Venture Cooperation-Engineered Solutions LLC, Stearns, Kentucky, is awarded a $12,293,636 delivery order to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (M67854-25-D-5002) for Multi-Refrigerant TRICON (MRT) production units, MRT Training Systems, and to provide instructor, key personnel and new equipment training. Work will be performed in Stearns, Kentucky, and is expected to be completed in February 2027. Contract funds in the amount of $12,293,636 will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was a sole-source acquisition under authority 15 U.S. Code 638(r)(4). Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Virginia, is the contracting activity (M67854-26-F-5308). (Awarded Feb. 3, 2026) DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY Kimball & Thompson Produce Co.,* Lowell, Arkansas (SPE300-26-D-P449, $150,000,000); and GoFresh LLC,* Tulsa, Oklahoma (SPE300-26-D-S786, $48,000,000), have each been awarded a fixed-price with economic-price-adjustment, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract under solicitation SPE300-24-R-0015 for fresh fruit and vegetable items. This was a competitive acquisition with two responses received. These are five-year contracts with no option periods. Location of performance is Oklahoma, with a Feb. 1, 2031, ordering period end date. Using customers are Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Department of Agriculture. Type of appropriation is Fiscal 2026 through 2031 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Awarded Feb. 3, 2026) S By S Studio Inc.,** Brooklyn, New York, has been awarded a maximum $28,737,000 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for various types of physical fitness shorts. This was a competitive acquisition with six responses received. This is a four-year contract with no option periods. The ordering period end date is Feb. 2, 2030. Using military services are Air Force and Space Force. Type of appropriation is Fiscal 2026 through 2030 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, (SPE1C1-26-D-0023). (Awarded Feb. 3, 2026) Sanofi Vaccines US Inc., Swiftwater, Pennsylvania, has been awarded a maximum $13,128,247 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-quantity contract for injectable influenza vaccines. This was a competitive acquisition with three responses received. This is a one-year contract with no option periods. The ordering period end date is Feb. 3, 2027. Using customers are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2026 through 2027 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (SPE2DP-26-D-0004). DEFENSE HEALTH AGENCY Carefusion Solutions LLC, San Diego, California, is awarded Option Year Two of a firm-fixed-price contract (HT001124C0015) to provide continued pharmacy inpatient automation solution-enterprise support. The total contract value of this option exercise is $14,422,506. Work will be performed at San Diego, California; and at military medical treatment facilities worldwide. Operations and maintenance funds in the amount of $9,070,203 are subject to availability of funds for fiscal year 2026. Procurement funds in the amount of $5,352,302 are obligated for fiscal 2025-2027. The contract was procured under 10 U.S. Code 2304(c)(1) and regulatory authority, as implemented by Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302-1 Only One Responsible Source and was executed on July 1, 2024. The period of performance is Feb. 1, 2026, to Jan. 31, 2027. The Defense Health Agency, Professional Services Contracting Division, Falls Church, Virginia, is the contracting activity. (Awarded Jan. 28, 2026.) *Small business **Women-owned small business https://www.defense.gov/News/Contracts/Contract/Article/4397759/ NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Defence Minister's meeting with the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Norway to Romania Romania - Ministry of National Defence Press release No. 21 03.02.2026 On Tuesday, February 3rd, Minister of National Defence, Radu Miruta, had a meeting, at the Ministry of National Defence headquarters, with the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Norway to Romania, Her Excellency Hilde Svartdal Lunde. During the talks, the officials highlighted the excellent relations between the two countries, both bilaterally and within NATO, stressing the importance of enhancing cooperation in the context of recent developments in the European security architecture. On this occasion, Minister of National Defence brought to his guest's attention current aspects of the security situation in the Black Sea region, highlighting the importance of coordination among allies in order to support Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova in strengthening resilience against hybrid threats. The discussions also focused on industrial and technological cooperation opportunities, including through the use of the SAFE instrument, the parties agreeing on the need to maintain a constant dialogue on this subject. Minister Miruta expressed his appreciation for the bilateral collaboration in the military-technical field and for the support provided in the modernization of our country's military capabilities, including through the acquisition of F-16 aircraft from Norway. At the end of the meeting, the two officials reaffirmed their joint commitment to enhance defence cooperation, for the benefit of European security and regional stability. The Press Office NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The Chief of Defence Staff has paid a visit to the Republic of Portugal Romania - Ministry of National Defence Press release No. 20 03.02.2026 The Chief of Defence Staff, General Gheorghita Vlad, has recently paid an official visit to Portugal, at the invitation of his counterpart, General Jose Nunes da Fonseca, Chief of Defence of the Portuguese Armed Forces. During the talks, the officials emphasized the high level of bilateral military cooperation and the concrete contribution of the two armed forces to regional and Euro-Atlantic security, including through allied deployments, rotations of Portuguese military personnel in Romania and constant participation in joint exercises conducted within NATO. At the same time, General Vlad was awarded the Grand Cross of the Military Medal of Merit by General Nunes da Fonseca, a distinction granted by the President of the Portuguese Republic in appreciation for the contribution made by the Chief of Defence Staff to the enhancement of bilateral military relations and the strengthening of allied cooperation. In his speech delivered on this occasion, General Gheorghita Vlad has thanked for the distinction granted, emphasizing that this represents, above all, a recognition of the collective efforts of the Romanian and Portuguese soldiers who, through their professionalism, loyalty and spirit of sacrifice, contribute daily to regional security and stability, as well as to the credibility of collective defence. Romania and Portugal remain united by common values and a firm commitment to enhancing military cooperation, in support of peace and collective security within NATO. The Press Office NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Prime Minister of Armenia, President of Azerbaijan meet in Abu Dhabi Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia 04.02.2026 On February 4, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia, Nikol Pashinyan, met with the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The sides welcomed the progress achieved in the implementation of the outcomes of the Washington Peace Summit, hosted and witnessed by the President of the United States, Donald J. Trump. They noted the importance of maintaining the positive momentum in advancing the normalization process between Armenia and Azerbaijan on a bilateral basis. The sides acknowledged that both societies are witnessing real benefits of peace on the ground. They expressed satisfaction with the start of bilateral trade and ongoing export of oil products from Azerbaijan to Armenia, as well as the transit of grain and other goods from third countries to Armenia through the territory of Azerbaijan. The sides agreed to further explore opportunities to expand bilateral trade and economic cooperation. They also welcomed reciprocal visits by civil society representatives and concurred on the need to broaden confidence-building measures. The Prime Minister Pashinyan and the President Aliyev discussed the implementation of TRIPP and other connectivity projects. The Prime Minister of Armenia and the President of Azerbaijan reaffirmed their readiness to continue working toward the further strengthening of peace and stability between their countries and agreed to maintain contacts in support of the bilateral normalization process. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address U.S. Forces Strike ISIS Targets in Syria as Partners Sustain Pressure U.S. Central Command Press Release | Feb. 4, 2026 USCENTCOM February 4, 2026 Release Number 20260204-01 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE TAMPA, Fla. -- U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) conducted five strikes against multiple ISIS targets across Syria, Jan. 27 - Feb. 2, as partner forces continue to apply military pressure to ensure the enduring defeat of the terrorist network. CENTCOM forces located and destroyed an ISIS communication site, critical logistics node, and weapons storage facilities with 50 precision munitions delivered by fixed-wing, rotary-wing, and unmanned aircraft. "Striking these targets demonstrates our continued focus and resolve for preventing an ISIS resurgence in Syria," said Adm. Brad Cooper, CENTCOM commander. "Operating in coordination with coalition and partner forces to ensure the enduring defeat of ISIS makes America, the region and the world safer." U.S. and partner forces launched Operation Hawkeye Strike in response to a Dec. 13 attack on U.S. and Syrian forces in Palmyra. The ISIS ambush resulted in the death of two U.S. service members and an American interpreter. After nearly two months of targeted operations, more than 50 ISIS terrorists have been killed or captured. CENTCOM forces killed Bilal Hasan al-Jasim during a deliberate strike in northwest Syria on Jan. 16. The terrorist leader was directly connected with the ISIS gunman responsible for the Dec. 13 attack. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address February 4, 2026 Release Readout of Under Secretary for War for Policy Elbridge Colby Visit to the Republic of Korea and Japan Department of War Spokesman Tom Crosson provided the following readout: Under Secretary of War for Policy Elbridge Colby concluded his visit to the Republic of Korea and Japan where he met with senior defense and government officials in Seoul and Tokyo to advance the key principles of the 2026 National Defense Strategy and the President's peace through strength agenda. While in the Republic of Korea, Under Secretary Colby met with Minister of National Defense Ahn Gyu-back, National Security Advisor Wi Sung-Lac, and Foreign Minister Cho Hyun. Discussions focused on alliance modernization, ROK efforts to assume primary responsibility for conventional deterrence and defense against North Korea, and the importance of burden sharing. During the visit, Under Secretary Colby also met with Gen. Xavier Brunson, Commander of U.S. Forces Korea, to receive briefings on force posture, operational plans, and the status of the conditions-based transition of wartime operational control. He also spoke at the Sejong Institute where he outlined the 2026 National Defense Strategy. Under Secretary Colby's speech can be found here. Under Secretary Colby then traveled to Tokyo, where he met with Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs FUNAKOSHI Takehiro and Vice Minister of Defense YAMATO Taro, as well as other senior Government of Japan officials. Discussions focused on the profound importance of the U.S.-Japan alliance and the urgency of Japan's efforts to quickly improve its defense capabilities to materially strengthen deterrence in the region. While in Japan, Under Secretary Colby also met with U.S. Ambassador George Glass and Lt. Gen. Stephen Jost, Commander, U.S. Forces Japan, where they discussed efforts to strengthen alliance coordination and improve U.S forces' readiness to deter conflict. https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/4397166/ NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address February 4, 2026 By Dustin Senger, Blount Island Command Marines Prepare for Exercise Cold Response in Norway A technical assistance and advisory team assigned to Blount Island Command, Marine Corps Support Facility Blount Island in Jacksonville, Florida, issued thousands of items to II Marine Expeditionary Force during a two-week cave draw in late January, marking a key step in unit preparations for Exercise Cold Response 26. Marines preparing for the Norwegian-led winter exercise were equipped and supplied to operate in extreme cold-weather conditions. More than 14,000 items were issued, ranging from ready-to-eat meals and cold-weather gear to tactical vehicles and heavy trucks. By drawing equipment and supplies from prepositioned stocks in Norway rather than shipping from the United States, the Marine Corps significantly reduced both time and cost. According to Buddy Cote, technical assistance and advisory team officer in charge, using prepositioned assets saves more than a month compared to a transatlantic shipment, including time in transit, staging, loading and unloading, while avoiding more than $2 million in transportation costs. "Blount Island Command's ashore prepositioning department directly supports the Marine Corps' doctrine for the rapid employment of expeditionary forces," Cote said. The equipment is part of the Marine Corps Prepositioning Program Norway, which maintains combat-ready assets in climate-controlled caves across Norway. The program has sustained an over 90% equipment readiness rate for several years through rigorous life-cycle management, including proactive maintenance, repair and modernization. "The Marine Corps Prepositioning Program Norway reduces reaction times by providing combatant commanders with scalable and tailorable forces capable of executing limited objective missions across a wide range of military operations," Cote said. "This ongoing support strengthens NATO partnerships and ensures prepositioned assets are available for immediate use when called upon." Norwegian partners maintain and account for the prepositioned equipment on a day-to-day basis, a partnership that enhances interoperability and enables rapid integration during joint operations. The equipment is tailored to NATO standards, allowing Marines and allied forces to operate together seamlessly during exercises and contingency operations. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address February 4, 2026 By Scott Sturkol, Fort McCoy Public Affairs Officer National Guard Field Artillery Troops Get Acquainted With Cold Weather Approximately 200 soldiers assigned to the Wisconsin National Guard's 1st Battalion, 120th Field Artillery Regiment, went to Fort McCoy, Wisconsin, Jan. 21, to not only complete important individual soldier tasks but also to train on M777 and M119 howitzers in cold weather. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Nicholas Kletzien, battalion senior enlisted advisor, said this training was meant to mirror, in some ways, the training the unit completed in previous years during Exercise Northern Strike at Camp Grayling, Michigan. "Those were good training opportunities," he said. "What we wanted to do here was do some training to be similar to that exercise, but [on] a smaller scale." Kletzien said just over half of the battalion completed this training because many members were either supporting deployments or completing institutional training that's typically done at this time of year. "So, because our unit would be training with a smaller number of troops, we decided to set up this training at [Fort] McCoy, and it worked out great," he said. Army Lt. Col. Rustin Billings, battalion commander, and Kletzien said the training plan was built on several operational goals to improve the unit in various ways. The soldiers were tested during the 11 days of training on their handling of equipment, basic soldier skills and teamwork in extreme temperatures. "We find this [training] resonates with soldiers better than when we make training artificially hard," Kletzien said. Many times, the unit set up arctic 10-person tents with heaters to keep troops warm while they operated the howitzers and also during a sling-load training event on Jan. 28. Kletzien said practicing those cold-weather operations skills, as well as having soldiers wear their cold-weather gear, helps them to be ready for all environments. Last October, Joe Ernst, an instructor for the Cold-Weather Operations Course at Fort McCoy, demonstrated a variety of ways for unit members to operate and use cold-weather equipment. "When Joe came to talk with our unit, he showed us how to use that equipment, and in turn, it really helped us to be prepared for the training," Kletzien said. Throughout their training, the soldiers experienced a variety of challenging weather conditions, including snow showers and multiple days with temperatures below zero or near zero. "Our goal was to do some testing with the equipment," Kletzien said. "Individual tasks and training were also our focus. ... And that was accomplished." Kletzien also said Fort McCoy is an ideal place for his unit to complete extended combat training, weekend training and annual training. "Fort McCoy, besides its location being close for everyone, offers a wide array of firing points for our unit to choose from," Kletzien said. "This flexibility helps us build scenarios and realistic training for our soldiers." Plans are already underway for training in 2027. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address EU-Armenia: Joint Press Release on the 3rd Political and Security Dialogue European External Action Service (EEAS) 04.02.2026 Yerevan, Armenia EEAS Press Team The 3rd high-level EU-Armenia Political and Security Dialogue took place on 3 February in Yerevan. It reaffirmed the strategic ambition of the EU-Armenia partnership and shared commitment to advance cooperation and alignment in foreign, security and defence policy. It also underlined the importance of continued, structured exchanges on political and security matters as an important pillar of the EU-Armenia Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA). Both sides welcomed the strong momentum in bilateral relations, following the successful 6th EU-Armenia Partnership Council in Brussels in December 2025 and the adoption of the Strategic Agenda for the EU-Armenia Partnership, which provides an ambitious political steer for deepening cooperation in political, security and other areas. Both sides underlined the significance of the first EU-Armenia summit in Yerevan foreseen in May 2026. The parties exchanged views on the implementation of the Strategic Agenda's security and defence dimension. In this context, they noted the entry into force of the Framework Participation Agreement on Armenia's participation in EU crisis management missions and operations. They also noted the valuable EU contributions to Armenia's resilience and security, such as the presence of the EU Mission in Armenia (EUMA) and thesupport under the European Peace Facility worth EUR 30 million in total since 2024. The dialogue also addressed hybrid, cyber and information space-related threats. The EU and Armenia agreed to continue cooperation in this domain in order to tackle malign interference in Armenia's democratic processes. The sides reviewed regional and geopolitical developments, including the institutionalisation of peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan, as well as the normalisation of relations between Armenia and Turkiye. They reaffirmed their common commitment to promoting peace, stability and regional connectivity in the South Caucasus. The EU expressed strong support to both processes, in accordance with respect to the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and inviolability of borders of all countries in the region. The sides reiterated their commitment to the "Crossroads of Peace" initiative as an important framework for enhancing cross and inter-regional connections in line with the EU's Global Gateway agenda. The sides discussed the recent developments on the operationalisation of the TRIPP route. The EU welcomed Armenia's steadily increasing alignment with the EU's Common Foreign and Security Policy positions and its consistent engagement on international security issues, and would encourage further increase of the alignment. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to democracy, human rights, and the rule of law as central elements of their partnership. The EU reiterated its continued support for Armenia's democratic reforms. The next EU-Armenia Political and Security Dialogue will take place in Brussels in 2027. The meeting was co-chaired by Deputy Foreign Minister of Armenia Vahan Kostanyan and Deputy Secretary-General/Political Director of the European External Action Service Olof Skoog. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Human Rights: EU and OHCHR hold Strategic Consultations European External Action Service (EEAS) 04.02.2026 Geneva EEAS Press Team The European Union and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) held their fifth Strategic Consultations yesterday in Geneva. Against a backdrop of growing geopolitical tensions, proliferating conflicts and crises, increasing violations of international law, and sustained pressure on multilateral institutions, the Consultations reviewed strategic cooperation and shared priorities. Participants exchanged views on global and regional human rights developments and reaffirmed their unequivocal commitment to the UN Charter, Universal Declaration of Human Rights, international human rights law and international humanitarian law, as well as to international justice and accountability. They stressed that respect for these norms is indispensable to safeguard human dignity, prevent conflict, foster sustainable peace and ensure effective multilateral institutions. In this context, participants underlined the urgent need to preserve and strengthen the international human rights architecture as part of the UN80 process, recognizing it as a strategic pillar of an effective, credible, and inclusive multilateral system and a key line of defence against growing attempts to undermine universal norms and accountability. The EU and OHCHR discussed how human rights can serve as a strategic enabler across internal and external action, reinforcing coherence, resilience, and credibility. They highlighted the imperative of protecting civic space, advancing equality, and combating discrimination in all its forms as essential conditions for democratic governance, security and social cohesion. Participants stressed the importance of systematically applying a human rights-based approach across all policy areas. Discussions also addressed the human rights dimension of the EU's upcoming Multiannual Financial Framework 2028-2034, including Global Europe, reaffirming the EU's determination to ensure that external engagement, investment, and partnerships advance human rights, accountability, and sustainable development. The Consultations further focused on human rights engagement in fragile and conflict-affected contexts. Both sides) highlighted the central role of prevention, protection, accountability, confidence building and peacebuilding in enabling sustainable recovery and reinforcing peace, security, and sustainable development, in line with the EU's integrated approach to external conflicts and crises. Participants stressed the need to embed human rights considerations throughout the whole conflict cycle, from early warning and crisis response to post-conflict stabilisation and reconstruction, in full coherence with international humanitarian law, and to strengthen confidence-building measures and inclusive peace processes. The EU reaffirmed its unwavering support for the High Commissioner's mandate and for the independence of his Office in promoting and protecting human rights worldwide. The EU reiterated its determination to stand alongside the High Commissioner in advancing a Global Alliance for Human Rights and confirmed its continued commitment to supporting OHCHR politically, strategically, and financially. Both sides agreed to further deepen cooperation at strategic level and in the field to ensure that human rights remain at the core of crisis response, peacebuilding, and sustainable development. The EU and OHCHR will continue to hold annual Strategic Consultations and pursue follow-up exchanges at working level to advance shared priorities. The Strategic Consultations were co-chaired by the EU Special Representative for Human Rights, Kajsa Ollongren, and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk. The Director of the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights, Sirpa Rautio, participated in the meeting, along side the Head of the EU Delegation to Geneva. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israel: UN experts urge withdrawal of death penalty bill Press releases Special Procedures 04 February 2026 GENEVA -- UN experts* today urged Israel to withdraw a bill proposing the mandatory death penalty for terrorist acts, which would violate the right to life and discriminate against Palestinians in the occupied Palestinian territory. "Mandatory death sentences are contrary to the right to life. By removing judicial and prosecutorial discretion, they prevent a court from considering the individual circumstances, including mitigating factors, and from imposing a proportionate sentence that fits the crime," the experts said. The Bill would introduce two tracks for the death penalty. In the occupied West Bank, the death penalty would be imposed by military courts under military law for terrorist acts causing the death of a person, even if not intended. In Israel and occupied East Jerusalem, the death penalty would apply under Israeli criminal law but only for the "intentional killing of Israeli citizens or residents". Under both tracks, vague and overbroad definitions of terrorist offenses under Israeli law would apply, which can include conduct that is not genuinely terrorist, and the death penalty would be mandatory. The experts warned that unintentional killings are not 'most serious' crimes to which the death penalty can be applied under international law, thus violating the right to life. "Since Israeli military trials of civilians typically do not meet fair trial standards under international human rights law and humanitarian law, any resulting death sentence would further violate the right to life," they said. "Denial of a fair trial is also a war crime." "The Bill makes matters worse by allowing death sentences to be imposed by a simple majority vote of military judges, and banning any pardon or commutation, which expressly violates the right to life," the experts said. They noted that the proposed legislation further restricts access to legal counsel, fails to provide a meaningful appeal process and eliminates effective external oversight, further undermining fair trial rights. It may also be applied retroactively, in violation of international law. The Bill also arbitrarily isolates persons sentenced to death, and mandates execution by hanging within 90 days under secrecy and immunity provisions. "Hanging amounts to torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading punishment under international law," the experts said. They expressed concern that the two-track system under the Bill would apply the death penalty in a discriminatory manner. "Only Palestinians in the West Bank, not Israeli settlers, are subject to wider criminal liability, military law and military courts, and less due process, and the death penalty in Israel and occupied East Jerusalem applies only to killings of Israeli citizens or residents and under regular Israeli criminal law." The experts underlined that the International Court of Justice found that certain Israeli restrictions in the occupied Palestinian territory constituted racial segregation and apartheid. The Court also found that Israel's occupation violates international law and must be brought to an end. "Israel does not have authority to enforce laws against Palestinians in the occupied Palestinian territory," they said. Given the failings of the military law system applied to Palestinians since 1967, the experts stressed that the risk of death sentences contravening international law is very high. Widespread arbitrary arrests and enforced disappearances, systematic violations of due process, pervasive torture, sexual and genderbased violence, deaths in custody, excessive use of force, inhumane conditions of detention, and discriminatory laws and policies have been extensively documented by the Committee against Torture, the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and in Israel, the UN Human Rights Office, UN human rights experts, and Israeli, Palestinian and international civil society. "We urge Israel to put an end to the death penalty, in line with the global trend towards abolition," they said. The experts have contacted the Government on an earlier version of the bill. *The experts: Ben Saul, Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism Francesca Albanese , Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967 , Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967 Morris Tidball-Binz , Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions , Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions Reem Alsalem , Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls, its causes and consequences , Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls, its causes and consequences Gabriella Citroni (Chair-Rapporteur), Grazyna Baranowska (Vice-Chair), Aua Balde; Ana Lorena Delgadillo Perez, and Mohammed Al-Obaidi , Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances , Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances George Katrougalos , Independent Expert on the promotion of a democratic and equitable international order , Independent Expert on the promotion of a democratic and equitable international order Tlaleng Mofokeng , Special Rapporteur on the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health , Special Rapporteur on the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health Bernard Duhaime, Special Rapporteur on the promotion of truth, justice, reparation and guarantees of non-recurrence The Experts are part of what is known as the Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council. Special Procedures, the largest body of independent experts in the UN Human Rights system, is the general name of the Council's independent fact-finding and monitoring mechanisms that address either specific country situations or thematic issues in all parts of the world. Special Procedures experts work on a voluntary basis; they are not UN staff and do not receive a salary for their work. They are independent of any government or organisation and serve in their individual capacity. Country-specific observations and recommendations by the UN human rights mechanisms, including the special procedures, the treaty bodies and the Universal Periodic Review, can be found on the Universal Human Rights Index https://uhri.ohchr.org/en/ NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Exclusion zones to be set for WPS drills Philippine News Agency By Priam Nepomuceno February 4, 2026, 4:27 pm MANILA -- Once live-fire exercises are finalized, exclusion zones will be set in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) where the Philippines and its "treaty ally" are conducting a series of naval and air drills that began on Jan. 21 and run until March 31. "Apart from the NOTAM (Notice to Airmen), the moment there will be live-fire exercises, exclusion zones will also be declared," Philippine Navy (PN) spokesperson for the WPS, Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, said when asked in an interview with the Philippine News Agency (PNA) late Tuesday. These zones, he said, would be set up to prevent any unauthorized vessel or aircraft from entering. Exclusion zones are areas in the immediate vicinity of military actions or exercises declared by a country to prevent the unauthorized entry of civilians and ensure safety. Such areas are also designated to prevent hostile forces from gathering information or materiel on the ongoing drills. Trinidad said the size of the exclusion zones depends on the "activity to be conducted, the live-fire, if ever there will be, it will depend on the particular weaponry to be used." He said only modern and up-to-date assets of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) would be used for the drills. "The activities that we will be conducting now cover modern warfare. And our modern ships and aircraft, and even our communications systems and other AFP systems, are the ones involved, because they are the ones capable of interacting with modern militaries," Trinidad said. Earlier, he said these drills with a Philippine treaty ally are covered by a NOTAM that covers activities that are prescheduled, duly coordinated, and approved between the two nations. Aside from the NOTAM, a similar reminder, the Notice to Mariners, was also issued to ensure that airmen and mariners are aware of ongoing military activities. Trinidad did not identify the treaty ally, but this historically refers to the United States, with whom the Philippines has a Mutual Defense Treaty signed in 1951. China earlier protested the activity, but Trinidad said these exercises are well within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone and in areas where the country has "sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction." "It covers Bajo de Masinloc. It is more than 600 nautical miles from mainland China. No provision of international law supports their claim or accusation," he added. Trinidad also said that more exercises will take place in the coming months and more notices will be issued. Continue protecting WPS As this developed, the Navy official said they will continue going about their mandate of protecting the WPS as the Philippines continues to assert its rights over this vital waterway. "The WPS is very, very clear. The areas covered by our maritime domain in the western part of the country constitute the WPS. The coordinates could be plotted out; anybody will understand, na ito ay maliwanag na sa atin (it is clearly ours), 200 nautical miles, 24 nautical miles, and 12 nautical miles from our baselines," Trinidad said. "(The) AFP will keep performing its mandate with our heads held high." (PNA) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Senate must bankroll AFP, Coast Guard amid WPS tensions -Pangilinan Philippine News Agency By Wilnard Bacelonia February 4, 2026, 10:50 am MANILA -- Senator Francis Pangilinan urged the Senate to sustain budget support for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), saying stronger funding is essential to enforcing the country's maritime rights in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) even as lawmakers weighed differing views on how to manage tensions with China. Pangilinan raised the matter during interpellation on his proposed Senate Resolution No. 256 on Tuesday, which responds to statements by the Chinese Embassy in Manila against Philippine officials who have spoken out on incidents involving Filipino fisherfolk and uniformed personnel in the WPS. "Pero kung mayroon tayong mas malawak na network at pondo para sa Coast Guard, isang civilian agency para mapatrolyo ang ating mga karagatan, mas lalong lalakas ang ating pag depensa sa ating Exclusive Economic Zone at ang West Philippine Sea (But if we have a wider network and funding for the Coast Guard, a civilian agency to patrol our seas, our defense of our Exclusive Economic Zone and the West Philippine Sea will become even stronger)," Pangilinan said. He said it remains a challenge for the Senate, particularly the finance committee leadership, to ensure sustained funding for defense modernization. "Again, it is a challenge for us in the Senate and the chairman of the Committee of Finance to help continue generating funding or providing funding for the strengthening and modernizing of our defense apparatus, Mr. President," Pangilinan added. For 2026, the Armed Forces of the Philippines received a PHP40-billion allocation for its modernization program, covering improvements in equipment, logistics, and training. During the same exchange, Senator Rodante Marcoleta questioned whether continued public exchanges with China have produced tangible gains for Filipinos, particularly in oil and gas development and fishing access in disputed waters. "Sa tuwing ganito ang ginagawa natin, sagot ng sagot po ang Chinese Embassy. So wala na pong katapusan na pag-iringan at pasaringan na po ito (Every time we do this, the Chinese Embassy keeps responding. So this becomes an endless exchange of jabs and barbs)," Marcoleta said. He added that prolonged rhetoric has not resulted in concrete economic benefits, asking whether the exchanges have lowered prices, improved food security, or expanded fishing activities in the West Philippine Sea. Responding, Pangilinan said the Philippines' maritime entitlements are already firmly grounded in law, citing Republic Act 12064, or the Philippine Maritime Zones Act of 2024, which anchors the country's claims on the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award that invalidated China's expansive nine-dash-line claim. Pangilinan stressed that while diplomacy remains important, China's actions in the WPS differ from disputes with other neighbors, pointing to repeated incidents involving water cannons, ramming, and harassment of Philippine vessels. He said the Senate should stand with the Department of National Defense and the AFP, which have publicly condemned what they described as intimidation by Chinese officials. He said the adoption of Senate Resolution No. 256 would signal institutional support for the defense establishment while reaffirming the country's commitment to upholding the arbitral ruling through lawful and peaceful means. The proposed resolution has drawn support from Senate President Vicente Sotto III, Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson, Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri, and several other senators. (PNA) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israel to shut water, electricity at UNRWA facilities in occupied territories Iran Press TV Wednesday, 04 February 2026 3:33 PM Israel will begin cutting off water and electricity to United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) facilities in the occupied Palestinian territories, a top Israeli minister announced on Wednesday. Israel's Energy and Infrastructure Minister Eli Cohen told The Jerusalem Post that he will "personally" oversee the shutdown of utilities to UNRWA offices in occupied al-Quds starting today. Cohen accused the agency of operating "in a systematic way to incite against Israel." He said utility companies had been formally instructed to carry out the cutoff, which is expected to be completed within two weeks." "In principle, the law was passed about two weeks ago. Warning letters have already been sent to properties that we identified as belonging to UNRWA," he added. "We are now working to locate all UNRWA assets, evacuate them where necessary, and in some cases, seize the properties," Cohen said. "Where they continue operating, we will disconnect electricity and shut down the buildings." Israel's parliament, known as the Knesset, passed legislation in late December stripping UNRWA of diplomatic immunity. The law exposes the agency to legal action in Israeli courts, bars the regime's companies from supplying it with water, electricity, or financial services, and allows authorities to seize its offices in occupied East al-Quds. UN agencies are normally protected by diplomatic immunity under international conventions ratified by Israel. Tel Aviv's move to revoke these protections comes amid a broader crackdown that began after it launched its genocidal war on Gaza in October 2023. Israel also began demolishing UNRWA's headquarters in al-Quds on Tuesday. UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini condemned the demolition, calling it "an unprecedented attack" and "a new level of deliberate defiance of international law." Established in 1949 by a UN General Assembly resolution, UNRWA provides assistance and protection to Palestinian refugees across Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, the occupied West Bank, and the Gaza Strip. The shutdown of its facilities has drawn sharp international criticism since Israel first moved to curtail the agency's operations in areas under its control. The ban severed contact between UNRWA and Israeli authorities, severely restricting its ability to operate in Gaza and the occupied West Bank. Israel has also stopped issuing visas to UNRWA staff. The agency, which provides essential education, healthcare and humanitarian aid to millions of Palestinians, played a central role in delivering food, medicine and shelter during Israel's war on Gaza, with many of its schools used as shelters for displaced civilians. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address At least 20 killed in heavy Israeli bombing of displacement tents in Gaza Iran Press TV Wednesday, 04 February 2026 11:03 AM Israeli warplanes have carried out heavy strikes on tents housing displaced Palestinians in Khan Yunis, killing civilians and overwhelming local hospitals, in clear violation of the ceasefire agreement with the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas. Medical and local sources said on Wednesday that Israeli fighter jets bombed displacement tents in al-Mawasi, west of Khan Yunis, twice within a short period, setting fire to shelters and killing people who had sought safety there. Hospitals in Gaza later confirmed that the death toll from attacks across the Gaza Strip had risen to 20. Health officials said 13 of those killed were from the al-Tuffah and al-Zeitoun neighborhoods of Gaza City, where homes and streets came under fire. Among the dead was a one-month-old infant, killed during the same wave of attacks that struck residential areas and civilian gatherings. Eyewitnesses said the shelling focused on tents sheltering displaced families in Khan Yunis. Other strikes hit a house in al-Tuffah, east of Gaza City, and a street in the al-Zeitoun neighborhood, leaving additional people wounded and causing further destruction in already devastated districts. Israeli helicopter fire was also reported in western Khan Yunis, expanding the assault in southern regions of the Gaza Strip. The attacks unfolded as the Israeli regime continues to violate the ceasefire with Hamas which came to effect in October 2025. Israeli attacks have continued across Gaza in recent days. In central areas, drones struck near a mourning house in the al-Nuseirat refugee camp, killing two civilians in a densely populated zone. In the north, a Palestinian was killed in Halawa Camp in Jabaliya amid ongoing drone activity, gunfire, and military incursions. In the south, medical staff at Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Yunis also reported another fatality. Palestinian health authorities say that since ceasefire, the Israeli regime's forces have killed at least 527 Palestinians and injured 1,447 others in their attacks. Since Israeli launched its genocidal assault on Gaza on October 7, 2023, Israeli attacks have killed more than 71,000 Palestinians and wounded over 171,000 others, most of them women and children, while destroying around 90 percent of Gaza's infrastructure. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Risch on Critical Minerals Agreements with EU, Mexico, and Japan Senate Foreign Relations Committee February 04, 2026 WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today released the statement below regarding the critical minerals agreements recently signed between the U.S. and Mexico, the European Union, and Japan. "Congratulations to President Trump for signing historic critical minerals agreements with Mexico, the European Union, and Japan. Together, with our allies and partners, we will work to ensure the United States and our friends have access to the critical minerals that are foundational to modern technology. With these agreements, we will reduce our dependence on China's critical minerals sector and counter China's manipulation of the global market. Predictable pricing will make it harder to coerce the United States and our allies and undermine our companies. This will also help us preserve our lead in defense and advanced technology. I continue to support the administration's crucial efforts to expand international and domestic critical minerals production." ### NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Shaheen, Risch Meet with DRC President Felix Tshisekedi Senate Foreign Relations Committee February 04, 2026 WASHINGTON -- Today, U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Jim Risch (R-ID), Ranking Member and Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the statement below following a meeting with President Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). "We were glad to welcome President Felix Tshisekedi to the United States Capitol today to discuss The Washington Accords for Peace and Prosperity, and the future of the U.S.-DRC bilateral relationship. The United States is ready to be a stronger partner to the DRC and this bipartisan support must be met with serious efforts by all parties to meet their commitments to The Accords. As we have said previously, the U.S. must also act against those who have already broken their commitments to deter further violations. "In our meeting with President Tshisekedi, we discussed the importance of our critical minerals' partnership and continued investment in revitalizing the Lobito Corridor to foster mutual economic growth, regional trade and long-term U.S.-Africa cooperation. "We also expressed our concerns about the ongoing occupation of parts of Eastern Congo by the Rwanda-backed M23 group, and the urgent need for Rwandan forces to fully withdraw from the region if there is to be any chance at real, lasting peace. The humanitarian catastrophe in eastern DRC, where 26 million people face acute food insecurity, is intolerable. Women, children and minority communities cannot remain collateral damage. "In order to ensure long-term stability, the DRC must do its part to deescalate the conflict by taking decisive action against the FDLR and violent Wazalendo militias harming local communities. We hope that following this visit, the DRC recommits to a credible national dialogue over military solutions, so that Kinshasa can build the political cohesion needed to unify the country and strengthen the future of our bilateral partnership." ### NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia Urges International Community to Curb Arms Flow From Ukraine to Africa - Russia's UN Envoy Sputnik News 20260204 UNITED NATIONS (Sputnik) - Russia calls on the international community to prevent the trafficking of arms and Starlink terminals from Ukraine to militants in African countries, Russian Permanent Representative to the United Nations Vassily Nebenzia said on Wednesday. "We call on the international community to take effective measures to prevent weapons and their components from falling into the hands of terrorists. The supply of weapons to militants must not go unpunished," Nebenzia said during a UNSC meeting on threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts. Nebenzia added that weapons from Ukraine find their way through black markets to militants across Africa and their trafficking grows. The diplomat stressed the need to prevent the ISIS* terror group and its affiliates from acquiring and using commercial satellite communication terminals including Starlink. "We expect the states under whose jurisdiction the relevant technology companies operate to exercise foresight and take effective measures to prevent such technologies from falling into the hands of terrorists," Nebenzia stressed. In November 2024, French media reported, citing a military source in Mali, that terrorists from the alliance of Malian armed separatist groups CSP-DPA had traveled to Ukraine for training. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told RIA Novosti that Ukraine was backing terrorist groups in African states that were friendly to Moscow because it was unable to defeat Russia on the battlefield. Mali severed diplomatic relations with Ukraine in August 2024. *a terrorist organization outlawed in Russia and many other countries. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Colombian President Says Ready to Supply Electricity to Venezuela Sputnik News 20260204 MEXICO CITY (Sputnik) - Colombia is ready to start supplying electricity to Venezuela, all the necessary capabilities already exist, Colombian President Gustavo Petro stated after a meeting with US President Donald Trump. "Today, I can say that it's literally a matter of days before we could begin supplying electricity to Venezuela. Electricity, in particular, allows us to reduce costs, especially if it's clean," Petro told reporters in Washington on Tuesday. Earlier in the day, the Colombian president met with Trump at the White House. Their meeting lasted nearly two hours, the White House press pool reported. Petro told reporters after the talks that energy integration could contribute to the stabilization of border regions with Venezuela and Ecuador and the reduction of socio-economic tensions. Also on Tuesday, Petro published a picture of himself with Trump, who signed the photo with the words "I love Colombia." The photograph was published on X, and it also contains Petro's words "A great honor." In early January, Trump said he looked forward to a meeting with Petro in the first week of February at the White House. The Colombian president later confirmed his intention to visit the United States in a bid "to stop a world war." Trump previously accused Petro of producing cocaine and did not rule out a military operation against him. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US Confirms Deployment of Small Team of Troops to Nigeria Reports Sputnik News 20260204 The United States has sent a small group of soldiers to Nigeria, marking the first confirmed presence of US forces on the ground since airstrikes carried out in December, Reuters reported. "That has led to increased collaboration between our nations to include a small US team that brings some unique capabilities from the United States," General Dagvin R.M. Anderson, head of the US military's Africa Command AFRICOM, told journalists, according to the report. Nigeria's defense minister also confirmed the presence of the team. The deployment follows US airstrikes ordered by President Donald Trump, which Washington said targeted ISIS* terrorists in Nigeria. *A terrorist organization outlawed in Russia and many other countries. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Secretary Rubio's Meeting with Democratic Republic of the Congo President Tshisekedi US Department of State Readout Office of the Spokesperson February 4, 2026 The below is attributable to Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott: Secretary of State Marco Rubio met today with Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) President Felix Tshisekedi in Washington. They discussed progress in implementing the U.S.-DRC Strategic Partnership Agreement signed on December 4, 2025, including opportunities for U.S. investment throughout the DRC. They also discussed the situation in eastern DRC, the United States' commitment to ensuring full compliance with the Washington Accords and implementation of the December 4 Memorandum of Understanding, on an expanded security partnership with the DRC. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Secretary of State Marco Rubio at a Press Availability US Department of State Remarks Marco Rubio, Secretary of State Dean Acheson Auditorium Washington, D.C. February 4, 2026 SECRETARY RUBIO: Hey guys. How are we doing? Thank you for covering this today. It's - this Critical Minerals Ministerial is off to a great start. We have 55 partners that we're hoping to enter into collaboration with; many have already signed on. And the goal here is very simple. We all understand that having a reliable global supply chains in critical minerals and processed and finished materials are critical to everything we do, as I pointed out in my opening statement to the group. And I think this is a broader mistake made by the industrialized and developed world, is we all sort of fell in love with the design of these things, but forgot that in order to design something you have to be able to build it, and in order to build it you have to have the fundamental materials necessary to make it with. That's the key goal of critical minerals supply, and today it's heavily concentrated in the hands of one country. And that lends itself to, at worst-case scenario, being used as a tool of leverage in geopolitics, but it also lends itself to any sort of disruptions, like a pandemic or anything that could - political instability or anything that could happen. And so, it's key and important, and I think there's a growing global recognition that we need to have supply chains for critical minerals that are reliable and diverse across the world. Some countries have a number of critical minerals that they have available to them in terms of mining, but just haven't been able to do it because a foreign competitor will come in, they'll gut the price, they'll undercut it through state subsidies and unfair practices, and so it becomes economically unviable to be able to explore for critical minerals. In other cases, it's the processing. Again, falls victim to the exact same thing. The private sector can't invest in these things because some competitor will come in and they'll basically do it under cost for purposes of establishing market share dominance. And then once they control that industry and they're the only ones in the world that do it, then they can charge you anything they want, but they can also use it against you as leverage, or it could be disrupted if there was any sort of global disruption and so forth. And this is not a sustainable situation. So, it's why we've made it a priority. First, we try to lead by example in what we've done here in the United States. And that includes permitting reform that makes it easier to go into this industry on the critical minerals we have here domestically. But also, the creating demand, which is what the President announced yesterday by the creating - by the announcement of a strategic stockpile of critical minerals. But we understand that this is a global challenge that requires a global response. And so, we're working here today to create a forum for that to happen. And part of this is this new initiative, FORGE, which we described earlier. We have a number of countries that have signed on to that, and many more that we hope will do so. That was our first session, was the launching of this FORGE initiative. Let me just say I want to thank the Republic of Korea, because they've been - they've been - for their leadership on the previous entity that was filling this gap, which was MSP. But we're moving forward on this thing called FORGE. And the purpose of FORGE is to foster collaboration and to build a network of partners across the world, many of whom were in that room today. This afternoon there'll be additional sessions, led by Trade Representative Greer, who's going to present on a price forward mechanism, and that's designed to make sure that these commodities will never fall below a certain price so that they can become economically viable. The idea is to protect people's investments, investments in these sectors across the world. They'll hear from Secretary of Energy Wright. They'll hear from the Development Finance Corporation, they'll hear from the EXIM Bank, they'll hear from the Department of War. They're going to showcase financing tools and programs for critical minerals investment. And then Treasury Secretary Bessent is going to close out later tonight the ministerial later this afternoon. We're planning to sign new critical minerals frameworks with several partners later today. And I want to just highlight again this is really a historic gathering and highlights the billions of dollars the United States Government has already committed towards this endeavor. And that's going to enable private sector investment to - towards creating reliable supply chains that are vital, as I said, to technological innovation, economic strength, and also national security. So, we thank you, again, for covering this, and we're grateful for all of our partners that are here today. And as I said, 55 partners, 54 countries and the European Union were here, and we think there are many more countries that are going to be interested in joining this initiative as it moves forward. And I think our team here did a great job of pulling this together. And of course, the day's not done. All right, let's get to your questions. And I apologize ahead of time: I know I did, like, a two-and-a-half-hour press briefing; I can't do that today because they need this room for the family photo. So they have to have us clear out so they can set that up. Tommy, you're going to call people, just because if not they'll get mad that I didn't call on them, so they'll blame you. (Laughter.) All right. MR PIGOTT: (Laughter.) Yeah, indeed. First question to Alex Salvi from Newsmax. QUESTION: Good morning, sir. SECRETARY RUBIO: Hey, good morning. QUESTION: The United States has a vested interest now in the critical minerals inside of Ukraine following last year's agreement. We know that the United States this week is monitoring and hosting, of course, trilateral talks between Kyiv and Moscow. And while there does seem to be a framework at least when it comes to security guarantees, when it comes to any territorial disputes, there does not seem to be much movement one way or the other. Is there any progress being made on that front, and do critical minerals play into those conversations? And separately, sir, if I could also ask about the New START Treaty with Russia, that expires tomorrow. SECRETARY RUBIO: Yeah. I don't have any announcement on New START right now; I think the President will opine on it later. Obviously, the President's been clear in the past that in order to have true arms control in the 21st century, it's impossible to do something that doesn't include China because of their vast and rapidly growing stockpile. On the question of the talks, they're today and tomorrow in Abu Dhabi. Look, the good news is that for the first time in a very long time, we have technical military teams from both Ukraine and Russia meeting in a forum that we'll also be involved with, and our experts, Steve and Jared - Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner - will also be attending for part of that, and we think that's important. And look, I don't want to say talks alone are progress, but it's good that there's engagement going on. I would also caution everyone that on things like this - because there's a lot of sensitives involved in it - progress is probably not going to be known, even via leaks, until we really have a breakthrough. Our goal is to remain committed. We've committed a year to this. We think we've made real progress. If you look at the checklist of open items that existed at this time last year and the checklist of open items that remain now in terms of reaching a peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia, that list has been substantially diminished. That's the good news. The bad news is that the items that remain are the most difficult ones. And, meanwhile, the war continues. So, all I can say in that regard is that we are investing, at a very high level, a substantial amount of time and energy to this endeavor. We are going to continue to do everything we can to see if there's a breakthrough. And one of the things to understand about ending armed conflicts is oftentimes it looks totally hopeless until you have this breakthrough that sometimes is unforeseen. That was certainly the experience with Gaza, where a lot of people thought that was a hopeless situation, but we kept pushing and pushing, and then circumstances aligned and made it possible. And obviously that's what we're going to endeavor to do here as well. As far as critical minerals are concerned, look, that's a part of economic prosperity for Ukraine and its future. This war will end at some point, and when it does, Ukraine needs to be able to harness all of the resources of their country to be able to rebuild it. Ukraine has tremendous economic potential. It is a country that could probably double its GDP in the next decade with the right economic moves. And we certainly think that is part of an enduring peace. And so, a lot of work and thinking has gone into that ahead of time. And so - that hopefully it will be able to be actioned on, as soon as the war comes to a conclusion. MR PIGOTT: Our next question will be from (inaudible) Idiart from La Nacion. QUESTION: Good morning, Secretary. Specifically, what role can Argentina play in this agreement on critical minerals? And also, I would like to ask if U.S. is in talks with Argentina for send their immigrants deported from third countries. Thank you so much. SECRETARY RUBIO: Yeah. Yeah, on the second point, I would say, look, we have conversations about countries willing to accept third-party nationals, but we don't have any deal or anything lined up. I know it's been the subject of media leaks, and sometimes those are with malicious intent. But certainly, Argentina's a great partner across the board, and at the end of the day we have tremendous faith, confidence in our relationship with President Milei and his team. And he will always act in the best interests of the people of Argentina, in the national interest of his country. And so, we appreciate that. And on the first point, Argentina is not just a - has the capability from a natural resources standpoint to be a key partner in critical minerals - for the world, not just for the United States, for the world, in a way that's good for Argentina. It also has expertise in processing, and which I think is also going to be critically important. So, both because of geology, meaning their geographic location, and their expertise, they've already taken tremendous steps. And they were one of our featured speakers in session one, and Foreign Minister Quirno was there because Argentina's been one of the global leaders in this regard. So, both because of the resources available and because of the ability to invest and the expertise they have in the processing, I think Argentina is going to be a key partner for the world - not just for the United States. And certainly, being located in the Western Hemisphere is of strategic value both to Argentina, but obviously to the United States as well. MR PIGOTT: Our next question will be from Elizabeth Hagedorn from Al-Monitor. QUESTION: Secretary Rubio, can you confirm the format and location of Friday's talks with Iran and clarify, given that Iran refuses to negotiate its missile program and insists on a right to enriched uranium, is the U.S. open to a compromise, if that means reaching a deal to avoid military action? And separately, if I may, how exactly do these negotiations advance President Trump's repeated pledges to help the Iranian protesters, many of whom are likely to see these nuclear talks as legitimatizing the very government that violently massacred its own people? SECRETARY RUBIO: Yeah. Well, let me first say, just on the logistics, at the end - let me back up and say from a big-picture perspective, I think it's pretty clear right now that President Trump is willing to talk to and meet with and engage with anyone in the world. I mean, that - we don't view meetings as a concession. We don't view meetings as even legitimization. It is our - our willingness to sit and listen and talk to anyone - any adversary, any ally, obviously, but anyone around the world. And so, the President's always been open to that. He was - he showed that in the first administration, and he's showing it again now. And so, I think if there's an opportunity to engage directly with counterparts in the Iranian regime, the United States would be open to that, and that's what we're open to. We thought we had an established forum that had been agreed to in Turkiye. It was put together by a number of partners who wanted to attend and be a part of it. I saw conflicting reports yesterday from the Iranian side saying that they had not agreed to that. So that's still being worked through. At the end of the day, the United States is prepared to engage - and has always been prepared to engage - with Iran. As far as the topic of those discussions and what the agenda needs to be, look, I think in order for talks to actually lead to something meaningful, they will have to include certain things, and that includes the range of their ballistic missiles. That includes their sponsorship of terrorist organizations across the region. That includes the nuclear program, and that includes the treatment of their own people. The fundamental problem Iran faces and the regime faces right now is that what people are on the streets complaining about, this regime cannot address. They cannot address it because it's economic. Those problems remain. And one of the reasons why the Iranian regime cannot provide the people of Iran the quality of life that they deserve is because they're spending all their money, they're spending all their resources - of what is a rich country - sponsoring terrorism, sponsoring all these proxy groups around the world, exporting - as they call it - their revolution. But I remind everybody, what I've been saying through my entire career in public service. I said it in my hearing when I was being - asking for confirmation through the Senate: The Iranian people and the Iranian regime are very unalike. In essence, what the Iranian people want - this is a culture with a deep history. These are people that - the leadership of Iran at the clerical level do - does not reflect the people of Iran. I know of no other country where there's a bigger difference between the people that lead the country and the people who live there, and so our hope resides in that. As far as the President's views on the way protesters are treated, he was very clear about it. And as you saw, part of what the President said publicly prevented mass executions that were being planned and we were on the precipice of, and obviously beyond that the President retains a number of options in how he responds to that and future events. But as far as the talks are concerned, I think the Iranians had agreed to a certain format, for whatever reason has changed in their system or what have you. We'll see if we can get back to the right place. But the United States is prepared to meet with them. I think it was scheduled for Friday. Steve is ready to go. He'll be prepared for that. If the Iranians want to meet, we're ready. They've expressed an interest in meeting and talking. If they change their mind, we're fine with that, too. We'd prefer to meet and talk. I'm not sure you can reach a deal with these guys, but we're going to try to find out. We don't see there's any harm in trying to figure out if there's something that can be done. This is a president that always prefers a peaceful outcome to any conflict or any challenge. MR PIGOTT: We have time for one final question, this one from Naoufal Enhari from Maghred - from Maghreb Arabe Presse. QUESTION: Thank you, Mr. Secretary. Naoufal Enhari, Morocco's news agency. My question is with regard to African countries, including Morocco is participating today. How do you envision their role in this ministerial and in the forum going forward? SECRETARY RUBIO: Well, again, it's the same - first of all, this - as I've highlighted before, this is an American initiative to bring people together. We want to serve as the convener, but this is a global challenge. There is not a country in the world that doesn't face this challenge of critical mineral supply chains. Just from the perspective of trying to grow economically, okay, everybody wants to be in AI, everybody - center. Everyone wants to be - wants to advance industrially and technologically. Everyone wants to be able to defend their national security. All of these things - whether it's a cell phone, a computer, a semiconductor facility, or the weapons that protect your country - all of these things have to be built components, and these components invariably involve critical minerals that don't just have to be mined, they have to be processed. So, every country has that interest, to have a global supply of critical minerals - not just the raw material but the processed material that is usable for an industrial capacity - and Morocco shares that with everybody. Second is every country in the world has - even though they call it rare earth and critical and - they're not really that rare. Every country has some deposits of critical minerals. They're different ones in different parts of the world. And so, I think Morocco, like any country in the world, would want to be able to use those natural resources in an environmentally responsible way to develop its own economy. And not just the mining but potentially moving to the processing as well. And so, what you look at is if every country in the world has strategic advantages in terms of what it can mine and what it can process, you want to create a network of countries - as many as possible across the world - where we have a reliable supply of critical minerals. This is critical for Morocco, and they can play a very key role because they do have critical mineral supplies that they can - that they can be mining, and that creates economic development. But I also think they have a vested interest, like every country I think does, in having a reliable and diverse supply across the world of processed and finished and refined materials that can be used for economic advancement in a cost - in a cost-effective way. So, I think Morocco plays a key role - because of the deposits that it has, but also because of its willingness to invest in processing and its cooperation in being willing to be a part of this global initiative - which it will have to be a global initiative. No country in the world has every critical mineral that's valuable. And so, it will rely on international cooperation that - right now you have 90-something percent of some of these elements controlled by one nation, in one place, and that's just not healthy for the global economy, and it's certainly not healthy for security and stability. So, Morocco can be a key part of that, and we're very happy they're here today and seated there at the table with us, so - okay. MR PIGOTT: Thank you. This concludes today's press availability. SECRETARY RUBIO: I apologize. I love doing long press conferences. I'd do a longer one, but they - we've got to use this for the family photo. All right. Thank you. MR PIGOTT: Thank you, everybody. Thank you. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Foreign Secretary slams collective global failure to protect Sudan's women and girls Press release Foreign Secretary visited Adre on the Sudanese border in Chad and called for urgent global action to secure a ceasefire. From: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and The Rt Hon Yvette Cooper MP Published 4 February 2026 UK galvanises global attention on Sudan, the world's greatest humanitarian crisis, and the staggering scale of rape and sexual violence used against women and children in the conflict 20 million of new UK funding will support survivors of conflict-related sexual violence to access medical and psychological support in Sudan Yvette Cooper has heard first-hand how the world had failed to protect Sudan's women and girls for nearly three years as she pushes for ceasefire in the conflict The UK is stepping up support and improving frontline services for survivors of sexual violence in the Sudan conflict as the Foreign Secretary visited Adre on the Sudanese border in Chad today (Tuesday 3rd February). After more than 1,000 days of conflict, Sudan is the largest humanitarian catastrophe of the 21st century - with famine spreading, infrastructure collapsed, and 12 million people displaced. The evidence of atrocities is undeniable, especially against women and children who bear an intolerable burden. A war is being waged on women's bodies with unprecedented levels of sexual violence, sexual slavery, and abductions. The new 20m of UK funding will mean survivors will be connected to support, and communities will be given the tools to tackle the stigma that survivors and children born of rape endure, comprehensively improving the quality of frontline services and taking long term measures to prevent violence against women and girls. The Foreign Secretary is calling for urgent global action to secure a ceasefire and demanding pressure from all nations on the warring parties to halt the bloodshed and to protect women and children from rape and violence. Foreign Secretary, Yvette Cooper, said: The world must not look away. The international community has failed the women of Sudan. The stories of brutal attacks, sexual torture, public rape used as weapons in conflict against fleeing women and children are truly horrendous. This is a war waged on women's bodies. Yet too often these stories are not heard, and the world turns its back. These criminal attacks on Sudan's women are part of the biggest humanitarian crisis of the 21st century and we urgently need concerted international action in pursuit of a ceasefire and peace. Sudan's conflict impacts on security and migration not just in the region but much more widely too - that's why this crisis affects us all. The UK will be relentless in keeping the international spotlight on the horrors taking place in Sudan. The UK is stepping up support for survivors, we will not look away. The world must come together to stem the bloodshed, protect women and girls, and drive urgent momentum towards peace. In Chad, the Foreign Secretary saw the UK's values in action, visiting a hospital supported by UK funding, that treats survivors of sexual violence. The war in Sudan has triggered the world's largest displacement crisis, with over 12 million people displaced. 1.2 million of these refugees have fled to Chad, directly impacting Chad's security and stability. Meeting with Foreign Ministers from Ethiopia, Kenya, South Sudan, Chad, and the African Union's Chairperson and Peace and Security Commissioner, the Foreign Secretary discussed the importance of working with Sudan's border nations alongside the US led Quad and the international community to pursue an urgently needed ceasefire in Sudan. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 'We are dying': Gaza's cancer patients plead for a way out 4 February 2026 - As World Cancer Day is marked on Wednesday, thousands of patients in Gaza face worsening illness, untreated pain and closed crossings - despite the limited opening of the vital route through Rafah this week. "We are dying. Every day, between two and three patients die inside this hospital," says Munther Abu Foul, a cancer patient lying on his bed in Gaza's largest hospital. "I can't get out of bed because of the pain. We want a solution - open the crossings." His words capture the reality facing thousands of cancer patients across the Strip, where access to specialist care has collapsed and evacuation for treatment abroad remains out of reach for many. Local health organisations warn that around 11,000 patients are currently deprived of specialised or diagnostic cancer treatment inside Gaza. Some 4,000 patients who received medical referrals to hospitals outside the Strip have been waiting for more than two years to travel. UN News visited Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, documenting the dire conditions inside its oncology department. Patients crowd corridors and wards, waiting for consultations or treatments that are no longer available. Essential medicines and equipment are in short supply, while many patients endure chronic pain that leaves them barely able to move. 'Every day, two or three patients die' Mr. Abu Foul flips through his medical transfer papers, issued long ago for treatment outside Gaza. He has not been able to travel for more than two years. "The health situation in the Gaza Strip is dilapidated," he says. "There is no treatment or medicines, and we are dying. Every day, two to three patients die here inside this hospital. I can't get out of bed because of the pain." He appeals directly for help. "We want a solution. Open the crossings properly so that God will release us from this suffering. Everyone will be held accountable." Nearby, Mohamed Hammou tends to his elderly mother, who is also battling cancer. He says families are forced to watch loved ones deteriorate without care. "This is how we stand in front of a patient who is dying, without treatment or any medical facilities that help them recover," he says. "This does not please God and it does not satisfy people. We call on Islamic, Arab and international nations to look at the sick with mercy." A brother in pain In another ward, Raed Abu Warda cares for his brother Hamid, whose cancer has worsened after long delays in treatment. What began as a small, benign illness has become a life-threatening condition. "He has been suffering from cancer for two years," Raed explains. "He waited all this time for the crossing to open so he could be treated outside. His pain has increased, as you can see." He gestures towards a wound that has opened beneath his brother's chin. "The disease has created this wound, and his condition is getting worse every day. I stand watching my brother and mourning his condition because of the pain." The number of patients seeking care at Gaza's oncology departments continues to rise, even as hospitals face severe shortages of medicines, equipment and specialised staff. For newly diagnosed patients, the future is increasingly uncertain. Evacuations far short of needs With the limited reopening of the Rafah crossing, the World Health Organization (WHO) is supporting the evacuation of patients and their companions from Gaza, focusing on ensuring safe transport. Yet the scale of need far outstrips what is currently possible. More than 18,000 patients - including around 4,000 children - are waiting to be evacuated abroad for medical treatment, according to WHO. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported last week that Gaza's Ministry of Health had recorded more than 1,200 patient deaths while people were waiting for medical evacuation. Around 4,000 cancer patients remain on critical waiting lists, trapped between closed crossings and a health system pushed beyond its limits. For patients like Munther Abu Foul, time is running out. "We are dying," he repeats. "All we ask for is a way to live." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address South Sudan: UN forced to suspend food aid after 'unacceptable' attacks on convoy By Vibhu Mishra 4 February 2026 - South Sudan is buckling under a fresh wave of violence and displacement, after attacks and looting halted a major UN food convoy in restive Upper Nile state and clashes continue to spread in neighbouring Jonglei. As fighting intensifies there between opposition forces and national troops, there are reports of airstrikes and daily civilian casualties. UN agencies warn that worsening insecurity is blocking lifesaving aid, while hunger projections deteriorate and cholera treatment centres struggle to cope with an influx of newly displaced people. The renewed violence comes as South Sudan's 2018 Revitalised Peace Agreement continue to fall apart amid stalled reforms, rising political tensions ahead of planned elections in 2026, and mounting pressure from more than one million refugees fleeing the brutal war in neighbouring Sudan. WFP convoy attacked, activities suspended The UN World Food Programme (WFP) on Wednesday suspended all activities in Baliet County, Upper Nile state, following repeated attacks on a convoy carrying humanitarian assistance down river. Between last Friday and Sunday, a 12-boat convoy transporting more than 1,500 metric tonnes of food and other relief items was attacked several times by armed youth. The cargo was later looted in multiple locations, despite receiving prior security assurances for the safe passage of aid. WFP said the suspension would remain in place until the safety of its staff, partners and contractors is assured and authorities take immediate steps to recover the stolen supplies. "Attacks on humanitarians are never acceptable," WFP said, urging all parties to respect humanitarian workers and safeguard the facilities and resources essential for delivering aid. Aid access under threat The convoy attack reflects a broader collapse in humanitarian access, particularly in Jonglei state, where renewed fighting since late December has intensified clashes between the South Sudan People's Defense Forces and the South Sudan People's Liberation Army-in-Opposition across multiple counties. According to the UN relief coordination office, OCHA, fighting and airstrikes have displaced around 280,000 people since late December, including more than 235,000 across Jonglei alone. Many have fled to areas with minimal water, sanitation and health services, sharply increasing the risk of disease outbreaks. Humanitarian partners report that at least seven aid facilities have been looted or damaged in Jonglei, with assets confiscated and aid workers intimidated, forcing the suspension of operations in several locations. UNOCHA South Sudan: Humanitarian snapshot (December 2025). UNOCHA South Sudan: Humanitarian snapshot (December 2025). Hospitals hit, services halted The medical charity Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) reported that Government forces bombarded its hospital in Lankien, Jonglei State, overnight on 3 February, destroying the main warehouse and most critical medical supplies. One MSF staff member suffered minor injuries. In a separate incident the same day, MSF's health facility in Pieri was looted by unknown assailants, forcing staff to flee. The NGO said the violence had left around 250,000 people without healthcare, as the organization had been the only provider in the area. Hunger and disease risks rising UN agencies warn that escalating conflict is expected to significantly worsen food insecurity, particularly in northern Jonglei and Upper Nile states. Projections indicate that the number of counties facing emergency-level hunger (IPC Phase 4) between February and May will more than double, with some households at risk of slipping into catastrophic conditions (IPC Phase 5). Insecurity has already forced WFP to pause plans to pre-position 12,000 metric tons of food ahead of the rainy season in Jonglei, raising concerns that access will further deteriorate once roads become impassable. Since September 2024, South Sudan has recorded nearly 98,000 cholera cases and more than 1,600 deaths, with Jonglei among the worst affected, overwhelming treatment centres. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Coast Guard takes delivery of 18th mission-ready HC-130J surveillance aircraft United States Coast Guard Press Release | Feb. 4, 2026 WASHINGTON -- The Coast Guard is completing final delivery activities this week for its 18th fully missionized HC-130J long range surveillance aircraft, designated CGNR 2018, at L3Harris Integrated Mission Systems in Waco, Texas. The aircraft will support the transition of Air Station Sacramento, California, from C-27J aircraft to HC-130Js. Three Coast Guard air stations currently operate the HC-130J: Elizabeth City, North Carolina; Kodiak, Alaska; and Barbers Point, Hawaii. The addition of CGNR 2018 marks a step toward expanding HC-130J operations to two additional air stations, beginning with Sacramento later this year. The Coast Guard received $1.142 billion in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) for procurement and acquisition of fixed-wing aircraft, including HC-130Js. The investment, combined with early delivery of CGNR 2018, enables the long-range surveillance fleet to expand operations. L3Harris executes missionization of the baseline C-130J aircraft, integrating the Minotaur Mission System Suite, Coast Guard-specific multi-mode radar, sensors and communication systems. Additional capabilities, including enhanced approach and landing systems, expanded diagnostics and civil GPS, were integrated as part of a Block Upgrade 8.1 installation. Including funds from OBBBA, the Coast Guard has appropriations for a total of 25 HC-130J aircraft, one HC-130J simulator, initial spare parts inventory and site activation for two additional air stations. The HC-130J fleet serves as an on-scene command and control platform or surveillance platform, with the means to detect, classify and identify objects and share information with operational forces. The aircraft has a cruise speed of 320 knots, a range of 4,900 nautical miles and endurance of more than 20 hours. The missionized HC-130J enables the Coast Guard to control, secure and defend the U.S. border and maritime approaches, facilitate commerce and respond to crises or contingencies. For media inquiries contact mediarelations@uscg.mil. ### About the U.S. Coast Guard With more than 95,000 miles of shoreline, 25,000 miles of navigable rivers and 4.5 million square miles of U.S. exclusive economic zone, the U.S. Coast Guard defends the Nation, protects the marine transportation system, regulates and safeguards ports and waterways, leads the Nation in maritime drug interdiction and secures the maritime border. As a member of the joint force, a law enforcement organization, a regulatory agency and a member of the U.S. intelligence community, the Coast Guard employs a unique mix of authorities to ensure the safety and integrity of the maritime domain to protect the economic and national security of the nation. More than 76,000 members of the Coast Guard operate a multi-mission, interoperable fleet of more than 220 cutters, 185 fixed and rotary-wing aircraft, 1,300 boats and its own dedicated cyber command to protect critical maritime infrastructure. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address WFP suspends activities in Baliet County and urgently calls for protection of humanitarian space in South Sudan World Food Programme 4 February 2026 JUBA, South Sudan -- The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) strongly condemns the recent attacks on its river convoy in Upper Nile State over the weekend. WFP has suspended all activities in Baliet County until the safety and security of its staff, partners and contractors is assured and the Government of South Sudan has taken immediate measures to recover the stolen commodities. Between 30 January and 1 February, a 12-boat WFP convoy transporting over 1,500 metric tons of vital food assistance was attacked multiple times by armed youth. The cargo, which also included non-food items being transported on behalf of partners, was then looted by the community in various locations within Baliet County. Despite receiving security assurances and guarantees from authorities for safe humanitarian movement, the looting occurred overnight without security intervention by the County authority. Attacks on humanitarians are never acceptable. We strongly urge all parties involved in the conflict to respect the critical role of humanitarian workers and to safeguard the facilities and resources that are indispensable for providing humanitarian assistance. WFP is also deeply concerned about recent incidents in Jonglei State where vital humanitarian infrastructure was severely impacted by armed conflict between government forces and opposition groups. Essential infrastructure, including warehouses and health facilities, have been destroyed in various incidents in Akobo, Ayod, Nyirol, and Uror. Access constraints and brazen attacks on humanitarian convoys threaten to jeopardise WFP's ability to reach more than 4.2 million of the most vulnerable women, men, and children. Insecurity has already forced WFP to pause its plan to preposition 12,000 metric tons of food ahead of the rainy season in Jonglei State. WFP's operations in South Sudan provide life-saving emergency food, nutrition, school meals, resilience and cash-based assistance in the country. # # # The United Nations World Food Programme is the world's largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address On the solemn occasion of Kashmir Solidarity Day, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), HJ, COAS & CDF; Admiral Naveed Ashraf, NI, NI (M), T Bt, Chief of the Naval Staff; and Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, NI (M), HJ, Chief of Air Staff, on behalf of the Armed Forces of Pakistan, reaffirm their unwavering support for the resilient people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) in their epic struggle for self-determination. Inter Services Public Relations Pakistan Rawalpindi - February 05, 2026 No PR-36/2026-ISPR On the solemn occasion of Kashmir Solidarity Day, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), HJ, COAS & CDF; Admiral Naveed Ashraf, NI, NI (M), T Bt, Chief of the Naval Staff; and Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, NI (M), HJ, Chief of Air Staff, on behalf of the Armed Forces of Pakistan, reaffirm their unwavering support for the resilient people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) in their epic struggle for self-determination. The Pakistan Armed Forces strongly condemn grave violations of human rights in IIOJK, including extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, arbitrary detentions, and attempts to alter the demographic and political landscape of the region, with blatant disregard for international law. We reiterate that a just and peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, in accordance with relevant United Nations Security Council Resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people, remains essential for lasting peace and stability in South Asia. The international community must take concrete and meaningful action to alleviate the suffering of the Kashmiri people. The Armed Forces of Pakistan remain steadfast in their duty to safeguard Pakistan's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and unwavering in their solidarity with their Kashmiri brothers and sisters in their rightful quest for freedom and dignity. Long live Pakistan! Long live Kashmir! NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russo-Ukraine War - 04 February 2026 - Day 1442 Su M Tu W Th F Sa 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While GlobalSecurity.org takes utmost care to accurately report this news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. On 24 February 2022, Ukraine was suddenly and deliberately attacked by land, naval and air forces of Russia, igniting the largest European war since the Great Patriotic War. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a "special military operation" (SVO - spetsialnaya voennaya operatsiya) in Ukraine in response to the appeal of the leaders of the "Donbass republics" for help. That attack is a blatant violation of the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. Putin stressed that Moscow's goal is the demilitarization and denazification of the country. The military buildup in preceeding months makes it obvious that the unprovoked and dastardly Russian attack was deliberately planned long in advance. During the intervening time, the Russian government had deliberately sought to deceive the world by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace. "To initiate a war of aggression... is not only an international crime; it is the supreme international crime differing only from other war crimes in that it contains within itself the accumulated evil of the whole." [Judgment of the International Military Tribunal] The UK Ministry of Defence reported that the leadership of United Russia, the dominant political party in Russia, has decided on the top five candidates on its party list for the Duma elections in September 2026. The list will be confirmed at a party congress later this year and includes the head of the Russian Ministry of Defence youth organisation Yunarmiya, Vladislav Golovin, and war correspondent Yevgeny Poddubny. The selection of candidates connected with Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine indicates that the Kremlin aims to institutionalise the war as a permanent, defining element of its long-term political vision. It is likely that the Kremlin intends to use these 'war influencers' to reinvigorate wider support for the war. Golovin in particular is seen to appeal to younger generations through his computer game 'Detachment 22: ZOV, which has sought to popularise Russia's war against Ukraine. Russia's younger generations are almost certainly more detached from Putin's gerontocratic elite and its regularly stated imperialist ambitions than Russia's older generations, many of whom lived under the expansionist Soviet Union. The Russian leadership likely perceive the inclusion of Golovin as a step to bridging this gap. The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that the Defense Forces are directing efforts to disrupt the execution of Russian invaders' offensive plans and exhaust their combat potential. 110 combat clashes have taken place since the beginning of the day. The Russian enemy made one missile strike, used one missile, made 57 air strikes, dropped 151 controlled air bombs. In addition, used 3,875 kamikaze drones and carried out 2,995 shells of settlements and positions of Ukrainian troops. In the Northern Slobozhansky and Kursk directions today, the Russian enemy launched two air strikes, dropped five air bombs and carried out 75 shelling positions of Ukrainian troops and settlements, including one from the reactive system of arson fire. In the South Slobozhansky direction, Russian ofrces attacked the positions of Ukrainian units towards the settlements of Prylipka, Vovchansk, Grafskke and Vovchanski farms. Ukrainian units repelled four attacks of Russian zagarbnikiv. Three attacks were repelled by Ukrainian defenders in the Kupyansky direction, the Russian enemy was taking offensive actions towards Kupyansk. In the Lyman direction, Ukrainian soldiers stopped six attacks towards the settlements of Drobisheve, Novoselivka, Stavki, Lyman. In the Slavic direction, Ukrainian defenders repelled eight Russian attempts to advance, in the areas of Platonivka, Dronivka and towards Rai-Oleksandrivka and Riznikivka. Four clashes are underway. In the kramators komu direction, Ukrainian defenders stopped two offensive actions in the area of vasyukivka. In the Konstantinivka direction, the Russian occupiers today stormed the positions of Ukrainian defenders near the settlements of Konstantinovka, Kleban-Bik, Yablunivka and Sofiyivka 10 times. One fight is going on. The Russian enemy committed 23 attacks in the Pokrovsky direction. The occupiers tried to advance in the areas of the settlements Rodinske, Pokrovsk, Kotline, Molodetske, Filiya and in the direction of Vilny. Fights are still going on in some locations. According to preliminary calculations, today in this direction Ukrainian soldiers eliminated 17 Russian invaders and wounded 18; destroyed one artillery system, destroyed 32 unmanned aircraft, three automobile units and two special transport units, also hit one tank, one artillery system , eight automobile units, one special equipment unit and 11 personal shelters the composition of the Russian opponent. In the Oleksandrivsky direction, Ukrainian units stopped two Russian attacks, in the areas of Green Grove and Sosnivka. The opponent caused an air strike on Pokrovsk. In the Gulyaipil direction, Ukrainian defenders repelled 16 Russian attacks in the areas of Solodky, Gulyaipol and towards the New Zaporizhia , Zaliznychny. Four clashes are underway. Air strikes suffered green, zaliznycne, charming, vozdvizivka and upper tersa. In the Orihiv direction, the Russian opponent took one offensive action in the Stepnogirsk district. The Russian enemy launched an air strike to Komishuvas. In the Pridniprovsk direction, the Russian enemy committed one unsuccessful offensive action and launched an air strike on Odradokamianets. The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation reported that the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation continue the special military operation. The Sever Group of Forces improved the tactical situation. Russian troops hit formations of three mechanised brigades, one airmobile brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and one territorial defence brigade near Gremyachka, Mogritsa, Miropolye, Novaya Sech, and Korchakovka (Sumy region). In Kharkov direction, Russian troops inflicted fire damage on units of one mechanised brigade of the AFU and one territorial defence brigade near Okhrimovka and Zybino (Kharkov region). The enemy losses were up to 280 troops, one armoured fighting vehicle, 17 motor vehicles, one U.S.-made HIMARS MLRS launcher, three artillery guns including two Western-made ones, and one electronic warfare station. In addition, three ammunition depots and four materiel depots were destroyed. Units of the Zapad Group of Forces launched attacks on manpower and hardware of two mechanised brigades, one assault brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and two National Guard brigades close to Gorokhovatka, Kovsharovka, Staroverovka, Nechvolodovka, and Grushevka (Kharkov region). The AFU losses were up to 190 troops, one tank, two armoured fighting vehicles, 12 motor vehicles, five field artillery guns including one Western-made gun, one counter-battery radar station, and one electronic warfare station. Three ammunition depots were wiped out. As a result of resolute actions, units of the Yug Group of Forces liberated Stepanovka (Donetsk People's Republic). Russian troops delivered strikes at formations of one mechanised brigade, one motorised infantry brigade, one mountain assault brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and two territorial defence brigades close to Privolye, Kramatorsk, Roskoshnoye, Artema, and Konstantinovka (Donetsk People's Republic). The enemy losses were up to 165 troops, two armoured fighting vehicles, 14 motor vehicles, two field artillery guns, one counter-battery radar station, and one electronic warfare station. In addition, seven materiel and POL depots were neutralised. The Tsentr Group of Forces' units took more advantageous lines and positions. Russian troops hit manpower and hardware of four mechanised brigades, one infantry brigade, one assault regiment of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and one National Guard brigade near Belitskoye, Dobropolye, Novoaleksandrovka, Kutuzovka, Krasnoyarskoye (Donetsk People's Republic), Novopavlovka, and Pershotravensk (Dnepropetrovsk region). The AFU losses were more than 350 troops, five armoured fighting vehicles, 11 motor vehicles, and two artillery guns. As a result of decisive actions, the Vostok Group of Forces' units continued to advance into the depths of enemy defences and liberated Staroukrainka (Zaporozhye region). Russian troops launched attacks on formations of one mechanised brigade, two air assault brigades, and two assault regiments of the Armed Forces of Ukraine near Pokrovskoye, Prishib (Dnepropetrovsk region), Rybalskoye, Zelenoye, Barvinovka, and Verkhnyaya Tersa (Zaporozhye region). The enemy losses were more than 340 troops, one tank, 13 armoured fighting vehicles, 12 motor vehicles, and one electronic warfare station. One materiel depot was destroyed. Units of the Dnepr Group of Forces inflicted fire damage on manpower and hardware of one mechanised brigade, one mountain assault brigade, and one coastal defence brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine near Orekhov, Novoandreyevka (Zaporozhye region), and Sadovoye (Kherson region). The AFU losses were up to 65 troops, eight motor vehicles, and one Western-made field artillery gun. One materiel depot was destroyed. Operational-Tactical Aviation, attack unmanned aerial vehicles, Missile Troops and Artillery of the Russian Groups of Forces inflicted fire damage on fuel and power infrastructure that supported the defence industry of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, storage and launch points of long-range unmanned aerial vehicles as well as temporary deployment areas of the AFU and foreign mercenaries in 153 districts. Air defence systems shot down eight guided aerial bombs, 22 U.S.-made HIMARS MLRS projectiles, two Neptune long-range guided missiles, and 139 fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles. In total, since the beginning of the special military operation, the enemy has lost 670 aircraft, 283 helicopters, 112,215 unmanned aerial vehicles, 649 anti-aircraft missile systems, 27,484 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,658 MLRS combat vehicles, 33,050 field artillery guns and mortars, and 53,641 support military vehicles. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The General Secretariat of the OIC Condemns the Recent Terrorist Attack on the Hamani Diouri International Airport in Niamey Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) 04-02-2026 The General Secretariat of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has condemned in the strongest terms the recent terrorist attack by an armed group on the Hamani Diouri International Airport in Niamey. The General Secretariat reiterated the OIC's firm position in condemning terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and its support for the efforts exerted by the Government of Niger to combat terrorism. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address We will continue to disrupt the activities of Daesh's networks: UK statement at the UN Security Council Speech Statement by Chris Elmore MP, Minister for Multilateral, Human Rights, Latin America and the Caribbean, at the UN Security Council meeting on counter-terrorism. From: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and Chris Elmore MP Published 4 February 2026 Location: United Nations, New York Delivered on: 4 February 2026 (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered) Colleagues, the horrific terror attack at Bondi Beach in December shocked the world. This was a deliberate assault on innocent people, fuelled by hatred and designed to spread fear. The United Kingdom stands in solidarity with Australia and with the Jewish community. Our thoughts remain with the victims, and with everyone around the world who lives with the fear and pain caused by such violence. As long as terrorism and antisemitism remain global threats, we have a shared responsibility to confront them with determination. Working with partners, we will continue to disrupt the activities of Daesh's murderous networks, limit their reach, and counter their warped propaganda. That responsibility is clear in north-east Syria, where we are deeply concerned by recent developments. We call on all parties to uphold the ceasefire, protect civilians, and ensure rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian access, including routes in for aid, and out for civilians who wish to leave. Daesh will seek to profit from these events, and we are concerned by reports that fighters have escaped from detention facilities. We are closely monitoring the situation and working with partners, including the Global Coalition Against Daesh, to address shared security risks. The spread of Daesh into parts of West Africa and the Sahel is also of deep concern. Addressing the deteriorating security and humanitarian situation in the region will require collective action, and we will work with regional organisations to support this. We are also focused on the threat posed by Islamic State Khorasan Province in Afghanistan and beyond. This was discussed at our Focus Group in London last month, co-hosted with Turkiye. It is vital to harness the capabilities and understanding that international partners bring to the table here at the UN, through the Global Coalition, the Focus Group, and beyond. As we look forward to this year's review of the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, we will work with partners to ensure the Strategy provides the most effective framework for our collective efforts. As ever, the protection of human rights and the rule of law will be at the heart of our approach. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Intensifying ISIL threat highlights need to step up counter-terrorism measures 4 February 2026 - The terrorist group ISIL continues to adapt and demonstrate resilience despite sustained counter-terrorism efforts, a senior UN official told the Security Council on Wednesday. Alexandre Zouev, Acting Under-Secretary-General at the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT), presented its latest report which highlights the group's intensifying presence in Africa, the Middle East and beyond. He said the threat posed by ISIL, also known by its Arabic acronym, Da'esh, has "increased steadily" since the previous report issued in August, "remaining multipolar and increasingly complex." Instability in West Africa ISIL and its affiliates have continued to recruit foreign fighters, enhance their use of new and emerging technologies, and maintain access to funding - including through measures such as unlawful taxation and kidnapping for ransom. The terrorists have also continued to expand their presence in parts of Africa. "Their efforts and demonstrated capacity to control territory are deepening regional instability and further weakening the capacity of national authorities to address interconnected security, human rights, and development challenges," he said. The situation in West Africa and the Sahel remains especially urgent, where the ISIL affiliate in the Lake Chad Basin region "has further expanded its prominence." Attacks in Iraq and Syria Da'esh also remains active in Iraq and Syria "with continued attacks and renewed efforts to destabilise local authorities." Syria is undergoing political transition following the overthrow of the Assad regime in December 2024. "The security situation remains fragile, with Da'esh continuing to exploit governance vacuums and incite sectarian tensions," he said. Mr. Zouev also highlighted the situation in the country's northeast, where tens of thousands of people with alleged ties to the group - mainly women and children - remain in camps in dire conditions. The withdrawal of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces from notorious Al Hol last month "has also introduced new operational and humanitarian challenges," he added. Meanwhile, ISIL-Khorasan in Afghanistan "continues to pose one of the most serious threats to the region and beyond." The group was behind the "heinous terrorist attack" in the capital, Kabul, on 19 January which killed seven people and injured several others, including a child. Use of AI in recruitment Mr. Zouev said progress in countering terrorism financing has led Da'esh and other groups to further exploit digital platforms and new technologies, with expanded use of crypto-currencies, drones and other tools. "Artificial Intelligence is increasingly used by terrorist groups particularly for the radicalisation and recruitment of people, with youth and children among those deliberately targeted," he said. In the face of the intensifying threat posed by Da'esh, the counter-terrorism chief underlined three central calls made by the UN SecretaryGeneral in the report. Areas for action He urged countries to step up efforts to repatriate people from the camps and detention facilities in northeast Syria. As the situation in parts of Africa - particularly the Sahel, West Africa and the Lake Chad Basin - remains deeply concerning, "Member States must exercise political ownership and forge unified, coherent, and joint responses." Mr. Zouev stressed that lasting progress requires comprehensive approaches by both the government and society that are firmly rooted in the rule of law and in full accordance with international human rights norms, Therefore, "nationally owned and inclusive prevention" must remain at the heart of international counter-terrorism efforts. "The intensification of the threat posed by Da'esh and its affiliates, despite significant national and international efforts, underscores how imperative it is to sustain global cooperation on counter-terrorism," he said. Technical assistance to countries Nathalia Gherman, Executive Director of the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED) - the secretariat for the Council's own Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC) - also briefed ambassadors. She said the last six months have demonstrated that "Da'esh continues to perpetrate and inspire terrorist attacks globally," with devastating impacts. CTED has conducted assessment visits to Austria, Cameroon, Chad, Hungary, Malta, Norway and Somalia over the past year, "We work closely with each Member State that we visit to provide tailored recommendations and identify technical assistance needs," she explained. UN counter-terrorism efforts 'critical' Ms. Gherman gave the example of CTED's support for a project to address the use of the internet, social media and video games by Da'esh and Al Shabaab in Somalia and the broader region. The initiative brought together 70 representatives from national authorities in Somalia, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Uganda, as well as participants from civil society, academia and the private sector. "The efforts of the United Nations to address the Da'esh threat are critical," she said, "These efforts require adequate resources and the cooperation of all Member States to achieve our shared goal: a world free from terrorism." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Terrorists' Use of Emerging Technologies Poses Evolving Threat to International Peace, Stability, Acting UN Counter-Terrorism Chief Warns Security Council Meetings Coverage Security Council 10101st Meeting (AM) SC/16288 4 February 2026 Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL/Da'esh) and its affiliated terrorist groups continue to adapt and pose a threat to international peace and security, speakers in the Security Council warned today, citing increased use of virtual assets, including cryptocurrencies, as well as cybertools, unmanned aircraft systems and advanced artificial intelligence (AI). "The group and its affiliates continued to adapt and demonstrate resilience despite sustained counter-terrorism pressure," said Alexandre Zouev, Acting Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism, as he presented the Secretary-General's latest biannual report on the threat ISIL/Da'esh poses to international peace and security (document S/2026/57). Da'esh and its affiliates continue to expand in parts of Africa, particularly West Africa and the Sahel, with Islamic State West Africa Province further strengthening its presence in the Lake Chad Basin region. The group remains active in Iraq and Syria, while ISIL-Khorasan (ISIL-K) continues to pose a major threat in Afghanistan and beyond, having claimed responsibility for the 19 January terrorist attack at a restaurant in Kabul. He said AI and other technologies are increasingly being used to fuel radicalization and recruitment, particularly targeting youth and children, while commercial satellite communication systems are being exploited for low-cost and secure communications. While new technologies also offer important opportunities to counter-terrorism, their responsible use must be promoted in full compliance with international law, he cautioned. Turning to priorities identified by the Secretary-General, he highlighted three areas of concern: the dire conditions in camps and detention facilities in north-east Syria and the need for safe, voluntary and dignified repatriation; the deteriorating security situation in parts of Africa, requiring political ownership and coordinated regional responses; and the need for whole-of-government and whole-of-society approaches grounded in the rule of law, human rights and inclusive, nationally owned prevention. "The intensification of the threat posed by Da'esh and its affiliates, despite significant national and international efforts, underscores the imperative to sustain global cooperation on counter-terrorism," he said. The ninth review of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy this year provides an opportunity for Member States to reaffirm commitments, assess progress since 2023 and address emerging and evolving threats. Growing Use of Internet, Drones by Terrorists Raises Alarm Natalia Gherman, Executive Director of the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate, said that, in 2025, the Directorate conducted assessment visits to Austria, Cameroon, Chad, Hungary, Malta, Norway and Somalia, and it is leading a visit this week to Tajikistan. "We work closely with each Member State that we visit" to provide tailored support and recommendations, she said, also describing a recent gathering of countries in Kenya aimed at helping to combat terrorists' increasingly sophisticated use of the Internet. Among other recent work, she said the Directorate published its fourth Thematic Summary of Gaps, focused on Africa, and is supporting international efforts to disrupt the use of virtual assets and new financial technologies for terrorist purposes. In line with its analytical mandate to identify issues, trends and new developments, it published a report on threats to critical infrastructure in partnership with the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). "The threat posed by the terrorist use of unmanned arial systems has emerged as a priority for many Member States," she said, also citing increasingly advanced digital methods now used to exploit children. Council members demonstrated unity in addressing terrorist threats. "As long as terrorism and antisemitism remain global threats, we have a shared responsibility to confront them with determination," said the representative of the United Kingdom, Council President for February, speaking in his national capacity. Council Decisions Closely Monitored by Terrorist Groups Counter-terrorism is where the UN can be useful, said the representative of the United States. "This is a prime example of where we can, and have, come together to face this combined threat." His counterpart from Panama agreed, saying: "Even terrorist groups pay attention to decisions here in this Council." "We must work seriously towards drying up the sources of terrorist financing," Bahrain's delegate stressed. In May, France will host in Paris the fifth edition of the "No Money for Terror" high-level conference, the country's representative said. She noted the meeting will aim to develop a joint action plan to address the challenges posed by new terrorist financing practices. The speaker for the Russian Federation underlined the need to suppress the acquisition and use by terrorists of commercial terminal satellite equipment such as the company Starlink and urged the United States to prevent such technologies from falling into the hands of terrorist groups. Reducing Ideological Appeal Central to Efforts "The fight against this scourge must focus on reducing its ideological attraction, addressing the conditions that are conducive to radicalization and strengthening community resilience," said the representative of Colombia. To that end, "Latvia supports a comprehensive response, pairing counter-terrorism operations and security measures with prevention work", said the country's representative, adding that countering radicalization requires investment in education, media literacy, economic opportunity and community resilience. She then called for meaningful cooperation between State authorities and community actors, like youth, civil society and religious leaders. The European Union's delegate, in her capacity as observer, noted the bloc actively supports repatriation, rehabilitation and reintegration efforts and remains the largest donor to Syria. However, "we are deeply concerned by the regionalization of the threat", said Greece's delegate. African Union Must Lead Counter-Terrorism Efforts on Continent For its part, "the African Union must remain central to coordinating counter-terrorism efforts on the continent", said the representative of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, speaking also for Somalia and Liberia. He said the African Union Mechanism for Police Cooperation and the Nouakchott and Djibouti Processes are essential to counter-terrorism efforts at the continental and global levels, stressing the need to strengthen the bloc's cooperation with the UN. Given the use of new technology by terrorist groups, he called for strengthened technical assistance and enhanced international cooperation to help African nations acquire the essential capacities to detect and neutralize these digital threats. The representative of Pakistan emphasized that Al-Qaida's core was largely dismantled in Afghanistan due to his country's efforts. It has also played a leading role in combating ISIL-K in the region. However, externally sponsored and foreign-funded proxy groups, including Balochistan Liberation Army, have gained strength following the Taliban takeover, carrying out heinous attacks inside Pakistan. Just this past weekend, Balochistan Liberation Army attacks killed 48 civilians, including 5 women and 3 children, while his country's security forces neutralized 145 terrorists. "We urge the Council to act swiftly to designate [the Balochistan Liberation Army] under the 1267 sanctions regime," he said. Citing ISIL-K's attack on a Chinese restaurant in Kabul, killing several people, China's delegate called for concrete measures to eliminate terrorists entrenched in Afghanistan. In this regard, he highlighted the importance of cooperation with Central Asia and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation to address the threat. The UN sanctions regime on ISIL, Al-Qaida and associated individuals and entities must remain "current, operational and credible", said the representative of Denmark as Chair of the 1267 Committee, warning that "a sanctions list that fails to reflect today's terrorist leadership risks losing its effect". NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Matryoshka Satellites, Robotic Arms: Former US Space Force Commander Warns Of Russian, Chinese Threats By Ray Furlong February 04, 2026 When a Russian "nesting-doll" satellite maneuvered into close proximity to a US satellite last June, it was the latest move in a dangerous game of cat-and-mouse in space. Cosmos 2558 had been observed shadowing USA 326 ever since being launched in 2022. But now it had hatched a surprise by releasing a smaller module that started moving even closer to the US satellite. "This is the second one we've seen do this from the Russian side," said DeAnna Burt, who was chief operations officer at the US Space Force at the time of the incident. "You have a satellite that then has another satellite within it that then, we believe, is a KK or Kinetic Kill vehicle that would go out and rendezvous with another satellite and potentially harm it or image it or do different things," she added. Burt retired in October 2025 and spoke to RFE/RL during a visit to Prague organized by the Aspen Institute. In a wide-ranging interview on January 30, she discussed threats to satellites from Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea, as well as a shadowy conflict already ongoing since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Close Encounter In Space "We have seen what we would call rendezvous proximity operations, which means...flying around and surveying the other satellite," Burt said, when asked about the incident last June. The concern, she added, was "would they release a kill vehicle" or was it "purely surveillance and reconnaissance?" It turned out it was the latter. But it was still alarming, not only due to the risk of collision. "What you're seeing in the development here, all of these are tests building up to capability...hypothetically, if I were going to launch a counter space capability, first I'd want to make sure I can acquire targets before I could then strike targets." Burt is not the first to warn of such Russian threats. The previous incident was briefly discussed by the then chief of space operations of the US Space Force, General John Raymond, in comments to Time Magazine in 2020. "The way I picture it, in my mind, is like Russian nesting dolls," he said. "The second satellite came out of the first satellite." In 2024, Raymond's successor General Chance Saltzman warned of a "Day Zero" if Russia deployed a nuclear weapon in space to destroy satellite capabilities. That year, a claim by the Pentagon that Russia had "likely" deployed an anti-satellite weapon in space was denied by the Kremlin. More recently, on January 21, an Atlantic Council report said the United States was "unacceptably vulnerable" to such threats and urged a shift to "resilient satellite architectures." Burt said this was something that was already a major US priority: "Having the ability to take a hit and to be able to recover...with satellites that are on the shelf ready to launch." An exercise in 2023, codenamed Victus Knox, saw a new record for a satellite launch, "from the warehouse to on-orbit capability in a week," per a Space Force statement. But Burt said this was not enough. "How do you do that at scale? We've done that in a singular sense. How do we get that at scale so that we can build that resilience?" she said. But this is the worst-case scenario that Burt once described in a lecture as "a Pearl Harbor in space." Any such large-scale attack would also be an act of self-harm, since it would cause damage indiscriminately - also destroying or incapacitating satellites belonging to Russia, China, and other nations. Jamming, Lasers, And Robotic Arms There are many other, more nuanced ways of taking satellites out of action than blowing them up, Star Wars-style. "We saw in Ukraine, with one of the first attacks being a cyberattack against a satellite communications network...And we've continued to see GPS jamming and satellite communications jamming throughout that fight," Burt said. These are direct Russian attacks on US satellite capabilities. "They've been very localized in effect, and they have been non-kinetic in effect, which means it's a jamming, taking it out for a period of time, and it comes back once it's out of the jammed area. So, it's very clear that it's meant to have a regional or theater effect rather than a global effect. So, we see that quite regularly," Burt said. "Our adversaries recognize the importance of space, the ultimate high ground, always above, as we call it, semper supra," she added. Other anti-satellite capabilities include Earth-based lasers to blind satellite communications. Burt said lesser powers such as Iran and North Korea also had "counter space capabilities" but the main threats came from Russia and China. "The more alarming of the Chinese [technologies] is the grappling arm. So, the ability to reach out and grab a satellite and take it from a functional orbit to an unfunctional orbit basically kills the purpose of the satellite and takes it out of use," she added. Impacts On Earth Satellite security has obvious implications for life on Earth. Everything from civilian GPS and weather forecasts to banking and communications depend on it. The military impacts of disrupting satellites range from soldiers being unable to communicate, satellite images and other intelligence being cut off, to missile defense systems being blindsided. "Everyone is vulnerable to this," warned Burt. "I don't necessarily say it's our Achilles heel. I do think everyone depends upon it. And yes, it would make fighting difficult. But I would also say that our warfighters would continue to keep, the rest of the joint force would continue, fighting....But it will definitely make it more difficult, and I do think there will be more lives lost if space were not available to the joint fight." Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/33667792.html Copyright (c) 2026. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Xi calls on China, Russia to grow ties, work for global strategic stability Ministry of National Defense of the People's Republic of China Source Xinhuanet EditorLiu Sen Time2026-02-04 23:50:26 BEIJING, Feb. 4 (Xinhua) -- China and Russia should increase high-level exchanges and strengthen pragmatic cooperation in various fields, Chinese President Xi Jinping said in a virtual meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday. Xi extended New Year greetings to Putin and the Russian people, stating that Wednesday coincided with the Beginning of Spring on the Chinese lunar calendar, which represents a new start. On the auspicious day, Xi expressed his readiness to work with Putin to chart a new blueprint for bilateral ties. Putin wished Xi and the Chinese people a happy Spring Festival, vibrant energy and immediate success in all endeavors. Noting that their two meetings last year steered China-Russia relations into a new phase of development, Xi said the two countries commemorated the 80th anniversary of victory in the World Anti-Fascist War, sustained robust bilateral economic and trade exchanges, elevated people-to-people exchanges and cooperation, and remained committed to building a more just and equitable global governance system. Highlighting that this year marks the beginning of China's 15th Five-Year Plan period, Xi emphasized that the country will be more proactive in expanding its high-level opening up and will share new development opportunities with countries around the world, including Russia. This year also marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the China-Russia strategic partnership of coordination, the 25th anniversary of the signing of the China-Russia Treaty of Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation, and the beginning of the China-Russia Years of Education, he said. Xi said the two countries should ensure that bilateral relations continue to develop along the right track through deeper strategic coordination and more proactive assumption of responsibilities of major countries. China and Russia should work together to maintain global strategic stability as the international situation has become increasingly turbulent since the beginning of the year, Xi said. As responsible major countries and permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, China and Russia have the obligation to encourage the international community to uphold fairness and justice, firmly safeguard the victorious outcomes of World War II, and resolutely defend the UN-centered international system and the basic norms of international law, he added. Expressing full confidence in Russia-China relations, Putin said that both sides should continue to support each other steadfastly in safeguarding their national sovereignty and security, and in achieving economic and social development and prosperity. They should also promote education and cultural exchanges to benefit the two peoples, he added. Facing a complex and ever-changing international situation, Russia is willing to continue strengthening strategic coordination with China on multilateral platforms such as the UN, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and BRICS, thereby injecting positive energy into international affairs. Russia will actively support China's hosting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting, he said. The two heads of state also exchanged in-depth views on international and regional hotspot issues of mutual concern. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Xi says China consistently attaches great importance to ties with Vietnam Ministry of National Defense of the People's Republic of China Source Xinhuanet EditorLiu Sen Time2026-02-04 21:05:22 BEIJING, Feb. 4 (Xinhua) -- China will consistently attach great importance to the development of China-Vietnam relations, said Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Chinese president, on Wednesday. Xi made the remarks when meeting with Le Hoai Trung, special envoy of General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee To Lam, in Beijing. Trung is a member of the Political Bureau of the CPV Central Committee and minister of foreign affairs of Vietnam. Xi said the CPC and the CPV have maintained the fine tradition of reciprocal notification of their respective major political agendas, a practice that embodies the unique and friendly bond of comrades and brothers of the two countries, as well as their strong political mutual trust. Xi said during his recent phone talks with Lam, the two sides exchanged in-depth views on further promoting the building of a China-Vietnam community with a shared future of strategic significance and reached important consensus. It is believed that under the strong leadership of the CPV Central Committee headed by Lam, the Party, the country, and the people of Vietnam will successfully accomplish the goals and tasks set at the 14th National Congress of the CPV, Xi said. Xi said China and Vietnam have made vigorous progress in all aspects of socialist development, demonstrating the vitality and vigor of the socialist system. China is willing to work with Vietnam to follow the policy of long-term stability, forward thinking, good neighborliness and comprehensive cooperation, and the spirit of being good neighbors, good friends, good comrades, and good partners, Xi said. He said China also stands ready to work with Vietnam to implement high-level consensus, carry forward traditional friendship, deepen exchanges at all levels and cooperation in all fields, properly manage differences, and promote the development of a China-Vietnam community with a shared future. Trung conveyed a reply letter of gratitude from Lam to Xi, along with a verbal message. Trung said that Vietnam consistently regards consolidating and developing relations with China as the top priority in its foreign policy and stands ready to move forward hand in hand with China on a new journey of development. Guided by the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two Parties and two countries, both sides should reinforce the political, material, and public support foundations for bilateral relations, elevate Vietnam-China relations to new heights, and deliver greater benefits to people of both countries, Trung said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address President Xi Jinping Speaks with U.S. President Donald J. Trump on the Phone Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China Updated: February 04, 2026 23:58 On the evening of February 4, 2026, President Xi Jinping spoke with U.S. President Donald J. Trump on the phone. President Xi noted that over the past year, we have enjoyed sound communication, and had a successful meeting in Busan, charting the direction and course for China-U.S. relations. This has been welcomed by the people of both countries and the broader international community. I attach great importance to this relationship. In the new year, I hope to work with you to steer the giant ship of China-U.S. relations steadily forward through winds and storms, and accomplish more big things and good things. Just as the U.S. has its concerns, China for its part also has concerns. China always means what it says and matches its words with actions and results. If the two sides work in the same direction in the spirit of equality, respect and mutual benefit, we can surely find ways to address each other's concerns. Both China and the U.S. have important items on our agenda this year. China will kick off its 15th Five-Year Plan, and the U.S. will celebrate the 250th anniversary of its independence. China will host the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting, and the U.S., the G20 Summit. The two sides should follow the common understandings we have reached, enhance dialogue and communication, manage differences properly, and expand practical cooperation. It is always right to do a good thing, however small, and always wrong to do a bad thing, however small. We should make progress step by step to build mutual trust, find the right way to get along, and make 2026 a year where our two major countries advance toward mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation. President Xi emphasized that the Taiwan question is the most important issue in China-U.S. relations. Taiwan is China's territory. China must safeguard its own sovereignty and territorial integrity, and will never allow Taiwan to be separated. The U.S. must handle the issue of arms sales to Taiwan with prudence. President Trump said that both the U.S. and China are great countries, and the U.S.-China relationship is by far the most important in the world. I have a great relationship with President Xi, and a lot of respect for President Xi. Under our leadership, the U.S. and China are doing well in economy and trade. I want to see China succeed. The U.S. would like to work with China and make more progress in bilateral ties. I understand how China feels about the Taiwan question. I would like the two sides to continue talking to each other and keep the relationship in good shape during my presidency. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address President Xi Jinping Has Virtual Meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China Updated: February 04, 2026 23:35 On the afternoon of February 4, President Xi Jinping had a virtual meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Beijing at the Great Hall of the People. President Xi extended sincere Spring Festival greetings to President Putin and the Russian people, and noted that today is the Beginning of Spring, one of the solar terms in the Chinese lunar calendar. It means the return of spring and signals a new start. President Xi expressed his readiness to work with President Putin on this auspicious day to draw a new blueprint for China-Russia relations. President Putin noted that the start of spring brings renewal, and Russia-China relations will keep growing with great vitality. He wished President Xi and the Chinese people a happy Spring Festival as well as vigor and all the success in the Year of the Horse. President Xi said that over the past year, we met twice and steered China-Russia relations into a new stage of development. The two countries solemnly commemorated the 80th anniversary of the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War, demonstrating a firm resolve to defend the victorious outcomes of WWII and international fairness and justice. Bilateral economic and trade exchanges have maintained a sound momentum. The China-Russia Years of Culture successfully concluded, bringing our cultural exchanges and cooperation to new heights and people-to-people ties closer. The SCO Tianjin Summit and the 24th meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of Member States were successfully held in China and Russia respectively. The two sides have increased multilateral coordination and stayed committed to building a more just and equitable global governance system. President Xi highlighted that this year marks the beginning of China's 15th Five-Year Plan. China will expand high-standard opening up in a more proactive manner and share new development opportunities with all countries including Russia. This year also marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the China-Russia strategic partnership of coordination, the 25th anniversary of the signing of the China-Russia Treaty of Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation, and the beginning of the China-Russia Years of Education. The two sides should seize these historic opportunities to carry out closer high-level exchanges, strengthen practical cooperation across the board, deepen strategic coordination, actively shoulder responsibilities as major countries, and ensure continued development of China-Russia relations along the right track. President Xi noted that the first few weeks of the year have witnessed increasing turbulence around the world. As responsible major countries and permanent members of the U.N. Security Council, China and Russia are duty-bound to pool global efforts to firmly uphold fairness and justice, firmly defend the victorious outcomes of WWII, firmly safeguard the U.N.-centered international system and the basic norms of international law, and jointly maintain global strategic stability. President Putin said that over the past year, Russia and China jointly commemorated the 80th anniversary of the victory of WWII, firmly safeguarded world peace secured with great sacrifice by the people of both countries and defended historical truth. Cooperation between the two countries in areas such as trade, energy, science and technology, and agriculture has deepened and achieved tangible results. People-to-people exchanges have grown closer, the China-Russia Years of Culture concluded successfully, and mutual visa exemption has facilitated travel between the two peoples. Looking ahead to the new year, Russia has full confidence in the bilateral relationship. The two sides should continue to firmly support each other in their efforts to safeguard respective national sovereignty and security, achieve economic and social development and prosperity, and promote people-to-people exchanges in areas such as education and culture for the benefit of the two peoples. Facing a complex and fluid international landscape, Russia stands ready to increase strategic coordination with China on multilateral platforms such as the U.N., the SCO and BRICS, and inject positive energy into international affairs. Russia will actively support China in hosting the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in Shenzhen. The two presidents also had an in-depth exchange of views on international and regional hotspot issues of mutual interest. Wang Yi was present at the meeting. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian's Regular Press Conference on February 4, 2026 Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China Updated: February 04, 2026 19:36 Global Times: On January 30, Panama's Supreme Court ruled that CK Hutchison's concession to operate two Panama Canal ports is unconstitutional. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that the U.S. is "encouraged" by the ruling. Chairman of the U.S. House select committee on China John Moolenaar said that "China's malign influence is unwelcome in the Western Hemisphere." What is China's response? Lin Jian: China has made a response to the ruling of Panama's Supreme Court on the relevant ports. The Hong Kong SAR government issued a statement as well. China will firmly defend the legitimate and lawful rights and interests of Chinese companies. Let me stress that the U.S.'s words and moves has again shown its Cold-War mentality and ideological bias. It is quite clear to the world who exactly is seeking to forcibly own the Panama Canal and eroding international law in the name of the rule of law. Sky News: Earlier this week on the campaign trail, Prime Minister Takaichi of Japan said that she wants to change the country's Constitution to explicitly recognize the Self-Defense Force or the military in other words. The polls suggest that Takaichi is on track for majority and she's made no secret about the fact she wants to build up Japan's military. From China's perspective, what does this mean for both China and the region? Lin Jian: We noted the news. During World War II, Japanese militarism inflicted untold suffering on Asia and the world. Instruments with legal effect under international law, including the Cairo Declaration, the Potsdam Proclamation and the Japanese Instrument of Surrender, stipulate Japan's international obligations as a defeated country. Fulfilling these obligations is the political and legal prerequisite for Japan to be readmitted to the international community. The issue of Japan's attempt to revise its Constitution has thus received constant attention from Japan's neighbors in Asia and the rest of the world. We call on the Japanese side to deeply reflect on its history of aggression, heed the call for peace from its people, stick to the path of peaceful development, and earn the trust of its Asian neighbors and the international community through real actions. AFP: The EU said it opened an investigation into Chinese clean energy giant Goldwind over concerns that the firm benefited from state subsidies that distorted competition within the EU. Does the Chinese Foreign Ministry have a comment on this? Lin Jian: For anything specific, I'd refer you to competent authorities. Let me stress that the EU has repeatedly resorted to unilateral economic and trade tools and taken discriminatory and restrictive measures against Chinese companies. This sends out a message of protectionism, hurts the image of the EU, and dampens Chinese companies' confidence in investment in the EU. We urge the EU to honor its commitment to market openness, uphold the principle of fair competition, stop abusing unilateral economic and trade tools, and provide a fair, transparent and non-discriminatory business environment for companies of all countries. China firmly protects the legitimate and lawful rights and interests of Chinese companies. Bloomberg: In Washington, D.C. today, dozens of foreign ministers are set to convene and the EU is going to pitch a broad partnership plan with the U.S. to try to reduce their dependency on China for critical minerals. Does the Foreign Ministry have any comment on the Washington meeting in general or the EU's proposal to the U.S.? Lin Jian: On maintaining the stability and security of global critical mineral industrial and supply chains, China's position remains unchanged. All sides have the responsibility to play a constructive role in this regard. On the proposal between the EU and the U.S., let me stress that China maintains that countries need to follow the principles of market economy and international economic and trade rules, step up communication and dialogue, jointly keep the industrial and supply chains stable and unimpeded, and advance the steady growth of world economy. Beijing Youth Daily: On February 2, Laura Fernandez Delgado of the Sovereign People's Party was elected Costa Rica's president. What's China's comment on the results of the elections? Lin Jian: China congratulates Laura Fernandez Delgado on her election as Costa Rica's president. Costa Rica is an important country in Central America. China and Costa Rica have enjoyed smooth ties ever since the two countries established diplomatic ties 18 years ago and productive and steady exchanges and cooperation in various fields for the benefit of both peoples. China attaches great importance to its relations with Costa Rica. China is ready to work with the new government of Costa Rica to better serve the interests of the two peoples, advance practical cooperation in various fields and enrich the two countries' strategic partnership. Bloomberg: The Myanmar election commission reported that the military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party won a landslide election. Does the Foreign Ministry have any comment on the election results? Lin Jian: China supports Myanmar in following a development path that suits its national conditions, and supports the parties in Myanmar in realizing more broad-based, robust and sustainable peace and reconciliation and jointly maintaining political stability. China respects the choice of the people of Myanmar and will continue to provide constructive assistance for restoring peace, stability and development in Myanmar. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address From Classrooms To TikTok, China's Soft Power Push Expands In The Balkans By Doruntina Baliu February 04, 2026 PRISTINA -- As China's big-ticket investments draw scrutiny across Europe, Beijing is turning to a quieter form of influence in the Balkans: scholarships, university exchanges, and young students who share their lives in China with audiences back home. This involves Chinese-funded study opportunities that offer tuition-free degrees, stipends, and access to fast-growing universities. Many of those students have also shared their experiences on social media where they've built substantial followings, while others have been featured in official Chinese media or institutions. "I applied [to a Chinese course] for fun, because it was a new language that I had never learned before," Era Kernaja, a 24-year-old from northern Albania who is now studying computer science at Kunming University of Science and Technology in China's Yunnan Province, told RFE/RL. "If someone asked me three years ago, I would have said China is a closed, Communist country, but now, [my view] has [completely] changed." While Beijing is best known in the region for billions of dollars worth of infrastructure projects, loans, and technology partnerships, education has emerged as a quieter channel where China is shaping perceptions. That's especially true among younger generations, who polling showsare more receptive to Beijing's portrayal of itself as a benign and responsible power. "I wanted to change the opinion that Albanians have about China and to tell them not to believe everything that you see," Kernaja said, who since living in China in 2023has started posting about her experience on her TikTok accountand now has a following of more than 8,000 people. For Beijing, analysts say, these programs serve a longer-term purpose: cultivating personal networks, favorable narratives, and future professionals who have lived experience of China and are willing to share it back home. This soft power push provides an important complement to its growing political and economic influence in the Balkans and could yield more receptive audiences for China's efforts to expand its economic reach and assert its interests. "Beijing has an interest in bringing as many international students and scientists as possible to China," Stefan Vladisavljev, an expert on Beijing's role in the Balkans at Foundation BFPE, a Belgrade-based think tank, told RFE/RL. "It's trying to position itself as a provider of development, [and] being present in Europe is a very important aspect of their global outreach." China's Soft Power Reaches Unlikely Ground Kernaja's experience reflects a broader trend playing out across the Balkans, where Chinese education opportunities have even sparked interest in countries like Albania and Kosovo that remain strongly pro-Western in their political orientation due to historical American support for their statehood and democracy. Albania and Kosovo -- linked by shared political, linguistic, and cultural ties -- are unlikely spots for Chinese inroads in the Balkans. Beijing's regional influence has generally expanded out from Serbia, where Belgrade has courted billions of dollars in investment and forged deep political ties. Serbia stands out as China's most advanced education partner in the region, hosting three Confucius Institutes and supporting Chinese-language teaching in dozens of schools. In its 20-year history in Serbia, the number of attendees has grown from several dozens to several hundred annually and education cooperation has been boosted by several new bilateral agreements signed in 2018. "If China has a stronghold in the Western Balkans, it also has a stronghold in Europe," Vladisavlijev said. But Chinese soft power, largely through educational programs and spread on social media, is also having some early successes elsewhere in the region. The Confucius Institute in Albania, where Kernaja learned Chinese and got guidance to apply for her scholarship, is one of the most visible channels for educational exchange within the University of Tirana. It describes itself as a "nongovernmental, nonprofit educational institute" co-hosted with Beijing Foreign Studies University, offering Chinese-language teaching and cultural programming. It also offers scholarships and helps students to apply at different levels, including at individual universities, or at the federal and national level within China. These institutes exist everywhere in the Western Balkans besides Kosovo, whose independence is not recognized by China and as a result has no formal representation from Beijing. Confucius Institutes have come under growing scrutinyacross Europe and elsewhere, with several governments shutting them down over concerns about academic freedom and political influence. But across much of the Balkans, they are increasingly seen by young people as valuable launching pads to chase economic and educational opportunities. Experts who track Chinese engagement in the region say personal stories and experiences shared from local students studying in China are having an impact and seem to follow a playbook copied from other Western countries, including the United States. "China is taking a page from the book of the country that has been doing soft power the best: the United States," Vladisavlijev said. Scholarships, Exchanges, and a Limited Paper Trail China's education outreach in the Balkans is built on a patchwork of programs: Chinese government scholarships, Confucius Institute-linked grants, university-level agreements, and short-term training courses. Because programs differ widely by country and year -- and because Chinese and local Balkan institutions do not publish comprehensive data -- there is no clear public record showing how many Balkan students have studied in China over time. RFE/RL found that several Albanian students studying in China have also appeared in Chinese state media, including the Albanian affiliate of China Radio International(CRI), which is under the umbrella of China's main state broadcaster, CGTN, where they shared positive accounts of their experiences. Public opinion surveys in Albania, including the Albania Security Barometer, show that views of China remain largely neutral, though positive perceptions have slightly increased in recent years. Meanwhile, despite no institutional cooperation in Kosovo, individual students -- often from the diaspora spread across Europe and North America -- still find their way to China and share their experiences with the young population back in the country. Vlera Kelmendi, a Kosovo-born student who migrated to Norway, toldlocal television, ATV, in an interview in 2025 that she chose China out of curiosity while describing a very positive experience there. Kelmendi, who declined to speak to RFE/RL, documents her life in China on her public TikTok account with more than 16,000 followers, reaching audiences in Kosovo where public opinion toward China still remains largely negative. While there are no official Chinese courses in Kosovo, officials at the Confucius Institute in Tirana said they have observed growing interest from students in Kosovo. "We would love to see students from Kosovo learn Chinese," Zheng Baoguo, director of the Confucius Institute in Tirana, told RFE/RL. "We will try our best to create opportunities for them if they are willing." When Study Abroad Becomes Digital Outreach Less than two hours from Kosovo, Kadir Ismajli, a 26-year-old student from North Macedonia, had a much straighter path to China. While he originally was looking to study elsewhere, the ethnically Albanian student said he received a Chinese state scholarship for a master's degree in Yunnan Province through the help of his embassy. Like others, Ismajli has built a following on TikTok of more than 31,000, where he posts about his life in China. "I started TikTok for business, but when I see something interesting there, I post it," he said. "[Back home,] people tell me they didn't know what China was really like." Over the past decade, around 100 Macedonian students have studied in China through language and full degree programs. A study on Chinese influence in North Macedonia conducted by the Skopje-based think tank Estima found that"the perception of China's reputation in North Macedonia is a mixed picture that tends to be more positive among people who have had direct experience and interaction with China and Chinese stakeholders." According to Estima's data, the number of China scholarships to North Macedonia students has been on an upward trend since 2005. Chinese-language education programs are also making inroads elsewhere. Montenegro has had a Confucius Institute since 2015 and has sent more than 100 students to China during that span, accordingto a report from the Center for European Policy Analysis. In Bosnia-Herzegovina, a formal agreement on education exchanges with China exists and Chinese-funded programs continue to grow, particularly through the University of East Sarajevo, where more than 170 students have participated in China-based exchange programs. Among that cohort is Ana Jasarevic, a 23-year-old who was studying in the Chinese-language department of the University of East Sarajevo. She spent the past year at the University of Wuhan with several other colleagues from the faculty. "When we arrived, it was a bit of a culture shock because it's completely different," she said. After graduating, she now says that she plans to enroll for a master's degree in China. "I liked it there, although I understand that many people don't like the way they operate," she said. "I've been to many cities, toured the country, and I felt safe everywhere." RFE/RL Balkan Service and North Macedonia Service reporters Mila Manojlovic, Marija Augustinovic-Stojak, and Petar Klincharski contributed to this report. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/china-balkans-kosovo-serbia- scholarship-influence-education-tiktok/33667778.html Copyright (c) 2026. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Trump Says Discussed Russia-Ukraine, Taiwan, Iran During 'Excellent' Call With Xi Sputnik News 20260204 WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - US President Donald Trump said he held an "excellent conversation" with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday, discussing issues pertaining to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Taiwan and Iran. "I have just completed an excellent telephone conversation with President Xi, of China. It was a long and thorough call, where many important subjects were discussed, including Trade, Military, the April trip that I will be making to China (which I very much look forward to!), Taiwan, the War between Russia/Ukraine, the current situation with Iran," Trump said via Truth Social. The president expressed his belief that over the next three yeas of his presidency, many positive outcomes will be achieved with regard to the US's relationship with China. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address PLA Navy commissions new Type 052D destroyer; Chinese military affairs expert highlights type's continuous production and upgrades Global Times By Liu Xuanzun and Liang Rui Published: Feb 05, 2026 03:13 PM The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy has commissioned yet another new Type 052D guided missile destroyer, the Ganzi (Hull Number 128), with its training footage released by official media on Thursday. A Chinese military affairs expert said that the Type 052D is a very capable class of warship that is suitable for mass production and continued upgrades, and ships of this class are making significant contributions to China's national defense. Recently, the warship Ganzi affiliated with a naval destroyer attachment has advanced independently to an undisclosed sea area in the Yellow Sea to conduct a comprehensive, combat-oriented training exercise featuring multiple subjects and full operational elements under complex sea conditions, the military channel of China Central Television (CCTV) reported on Thursday. The Ganzi finished a series of training subjects including anti-submarine operations, night anchoring, mooring and unmooring from buoys, maritime rescue, and helicopter takeoff and landing, according to the CCTV report. These drills have effectively enhanced the naval officers and sailors' sustained combat capabilities and emergency response capabilities, laying a solid foundation for the ship to form combat effectiveness at an early date, the CCTV report said. The Ganzi is not the first newly commissioned Type 052D destroyer that has been officially announced this year. On January 1, a CCTV report revealed that the Type 052D guided missile destroyer Loudi has entered service with the PLA Navy. Zhang Junshe, a Chinese military affairs expert, told the Global Times on Thursday that the Type 052D is by far the most widely built destroyer in the PLA Navy fleet, with dozens of vessels of this class having been unveiled in public reports. In terms of the capabilities of this vessel class, it is the first type of destroyer in the PLA Navy fleet to be equipped with universal vertical launch systems, which enable the integrated deployment of a diverse range of missiles including anti-ship and air defense munitions. Additionally, it boasts robust area air defense capabilities, meaning its open-sea combat performance allows it to act as a "bodyguard" for aircraft carriers alongside the Type 055 large destroyers, Zhang said. Notably, according to the video footage of the CCTV report, the Ganzi's main mast radar has been upgraded to a rotating dual-faced array, compared with the original mast radar on earlier Type 052D destroyers. Zhang said that this new type of radar essentially eliminates detection blind spots. He explained that this upgrade not only enhances the ship's stealth performance and survivability at sea, but also enables the radar to achieve all-angle unobstructed detection with an extended detection range. The Type 052D's continuous upgrades have extended its detection range and enhanced its firepower strike capability, solidifying its position as a backbone force of the PLA Navy's surface fleet, Zhang said, noting that destroyers of this class are making significant contributions to safeguarding China's national sovereignty, security and development interests, while also fulfilling China's international responsibilities and obligations in missions such as escort operations in the Gulf of Aden. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Xi says ready to work with Trump to steer giant ship of China-U.S. ties steadily forward Ministry of National Defense of the People's Republic of China Source Xinhuanet EditorLiu Sen Time2026-02-05 02:28:33 BEIJING, Feb. 4 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Wednesday that he hopes to work with U.S. President Donald Trump in the new year to steer the giant ship of China-U.S. relations steadily forward through wind and storms, and accomplish more big things and good things. During his talks with Trump over phone, Xi noted that he attaches great importance to China-U.S. relations, saying that over the past year, he and Trump have enjoyed sound communication, and had a successful meeting in Busan, charting the direction and course for China-U.S. relations. This has been welcomed by the people of both countries and the broader international community. Just as the United States has its concerns, China for its part also has concerns, he said. China always means what it says and matches its words with actions and results. If the two sides work in the same direction in the spirit of equality, respect and mutual benefit, we can surely find ways to address each other's concerns, Xi said. The Chinese president said that both China and the United States have important items on their agenda this year -- China will kick off its 15th Five-Year Plan, and the United States will celebrate the 250th anniversary of its independence. China will host the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting, and the United States, the G20 Summit, he added. The two sides should follow the common understandings we have reached, enhance dialogue and communication, manage differences properly, and expand practical cooperation, Xi said. It is always right to do a good thing, however small, and always wrong to do a bad thing, however small, he said, noting that the two sides should make progress step by step to build mutual trust, find the right way to get along, and make 2026 a year where the two major countries advance toward mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation. Xi emphasized that the Taiwan question is the most important issue in China-U.S. relations. Taiwan is China's territory, and China must safeguard its own sovereignty and territorial integrity, and will never allow Taiwan to be separated, he said. The United States must handle the issue of arms sales to Taiwan with prudence, Xi said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Vice Foreign Minister Kim Jina Meets with UN Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in the DPRK Elizabeth Salmon Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Korea Date: 2026-02-02 On the afternoon of February 2, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Kim Jina met with Elizabeth Salmon, the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, during her visit to the Republic of Korea. Special Rapporteur Elizabeth Salmon is on an official visit to the Republic of Korea from February 2 to 6. This is her third official visit since she assumed her role in August 2022. - The Special Rapporteur is mandated to monitor and examine the human rights situation in the DPRK and report to the UN General Assembly and the Human Rights Council. Vice Minister Kim appreciated Special Rapporteur Salmon's continued efforts to raise international awareness of the issue of the human rights situation in the DPRK, and expressed her hope that the Special Rapporteur would continue to play a role in substantively enhancing the human rights of the people in the DPRK. Vice Minister Kim also valued Special Rapporteur Salmon's focus on the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) a mechanism in which the DPRK cooperates and participates as the theme for her upcoming report to be submitted to the 61st session of the Human Rights Council (February 23 to March 31), and requested that Special Rapporteur Salmon continue her efforts to engage with the DPRK. The Universal Periodic Review (UPR) is a peer review process through which the human rights record of all UN Member States is examined every four and a half years, resulting in recommendations for each Member State. The UPR is currently in its fourth cycle (2022-2027). The DPRK participated in the fourth cycle review in November 2024. Special Rapporteur Salmon stated that she would continue her efforts to encourage the DPRK to cooperate with the international community, including by exploring technical assistance to support the DPRK in implementing its accepted UPR recommendations. She also expressed her readiness to provide necessary support for the efforts toward dialogue and engagement with the DPRK. During her visit to the ROK, Special Rapporteur Salmon will meet with government officials, including those from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Unification, and the Ministry of Justice, as well as members of civil society. She will hold a press conference regarding her visit at the Seoul Global Center on February 6 at 11:00 a.m. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Shaping the future through partnerships: Foreign Minister Wadephul travels to the Indo-Pacific Germany Federal Foreign Office 04.02.2026 - Article Foreign Minister Wadephul visits five partner countries in Southeast Asia and the Pacific. Foreign Minister Wadephul is visiting five partner countries in the Indo-Pacific region: Singapore, New Zealand, Tonga, Australia and Brunei. The Indo-Pacific is one of the most dynamic regions in the world and is becoming ever more important for Germany and Europe. Foreign Minister Wadephul is travelling to the region once again in order to deepen existing partnerships and generate new momentum for cooperation - in areas from trade and technology to the international order and security. In talks on foreign, security and economic policy, the focus will be on further strengthening Germany's cooperation with the region and developing joint responses to global challenges. Prior to his departure, Foreign Minister Wadephul said: We are living in times when old certainties that our prosperity and security rested on for decades are crumbling. In times when the law of the strong threatens to supplant the strength of the law. Now in particular, we must expand our global network of robust partnerships in line with our core interests. We want to consolidate existing partnerships and forge new ones. For multilateralism and international rules This trip is taking place in a context of far-reaching international change. Global power shifts, economic competition and growing tensions are increasingly putting the rules-based international order to the test. All five countries share Germany's interest in bolstering multilateral structures and defending a stable international order. Prior to his departure, Foreign Minister Wadephul emphasised: Together, we advocate for clear rules to govern international relations when these come under pressure - in Europe as in the Indo-Pacific. Because what happens in the Taiwan Strait or the South China Sea, for example, has global repercussions. Southeast Asia as the start and end point of the trip The first stop on the trip is Singapore, one of the most important global hubs for international trade and technological innovation. High-level talks are planned there. Foreign Minister Wadephul will also give a speech at the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), one of the world's leading think tanks for security and strategy research. His itinerary further includes a visit to the Schaeffler Hub for Advanced Research, a forward-looking innovation laboratory that embodies close cooperation between industry, research and international partnership. Singapore exemplifies open markets and a rules-based trade system. The planned expansion of relations between Germany and ASEAN is set to further deepen cooperation with Southeast Asia. Brunei, the last stop of the trip, also has a central role to play in this. As ASEAN's current EU country coordinator, it supports closer ties between Europe and the region. High-level talks are planned in Brunei as well. The Pacific region - close partners and new connections With Australia and New Zealand, Foreign Minister Wadephul is visiting two close friends and partners in shared values with Germany. Both countries are major political and economic players in the Pacific region and have a key role in the regional security architecture. The Minister's itinerary includes talks with members of government and business representatives. He will also meet the Prime Minister of Niue. The two will officially seal the establishment of diplomatic relations between Germany and Niue with their signatures, marking an important step for Germany in establishing closer ties in the Pacific. Tonga and moving towards the island states Another focal point of the trip is on relations with the Pacific states. In Tonga, Foreign Minister Wadephul will mark 150 years of the friendship treaty and 50 years of diplomatic relations between the Kingdom of Tonga and Germany. Germany wants to continue expanding its involvement in the Pacific region - including by aiming for a strategic partnership with the Pacific Islands Forum. With contributions to the regional organisation's climate fund, Germany also supports measures to strengthen the region's resilience to the effects of climate change. Responsibility in turbulent times Prior to his departure, Foreign Minister Wadephul made it clear: In uncertain times, it is incumbent upon us to continue building a reliable network of global partnerships and ensuring it is fit for the future. Because our freedom, prosperity and security will not be decided in Europe alone - but in worldwide cooperation. His visit underscores how Germany is basing its approach in the Indo-Pacific on dialogue, reliability and cooperation - as a contribution to freedom, security and prosperity, in Germany and worldwide. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Freedom Online Coalition Joint Statement on Internet Shutdowns in the Islamic Republic of Iran Global Affairs Canada Statement February 4, 2026 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada "We, the members of the Freedom Online Coalition, express serious concern regarding the human rights violations committed by the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran since December 28, 2025. "We are deeply alarmed at the reports of mass injury and deaths of peaceful protestors who are exercising their legitimate rights to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly. "On January 8, 2026, authorities imposed a near-total shutdown of Internet and communications services, severely restricting digital connectivity across the Islamic Republic of Iran. This shutdown, which reflects a longstanding and worsening pattern by the government to restrict freedom of expression online, has prohibited peaceful demonstrators from exercising their right to freedom of association and peaceful assembly and provided cover for a crackdown on peaceful demonstrators. It has severely limited documentation of human rights violations, and local reporting by citizens and journalists alike, at the very moment when transparency is most critical. "By shutting down Internet and telecommunications services, the Islamic Republic of Iran acts contrary to its obligations under Articles 19, 21, and 22 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), to which it is a party. The Internet and communication services shutdown also disrupts access to essential services including healthcare and emergency services, prevents financial transactions, cripples economic activity, and limits the ability of journalists and human rights defenders to document abuses. In addition to these immediate harms to life and wellbeing, the FOC is gravely concerned by this intensification of the government's broader actions to control domestic digital connectivity, censor speech, and restrict access to information. "Taken together, the Internet shutdown and the government's use of lethal force, arbitrary arrests, denial of due process, and the threat of execution reflect an escalating pattern of repression aimed at silencing dissent and shielding abuses from scrutiny. "The Freedom Online Coalition is particularly concerned about the disproportionate impact of internet shutdowns and related repressive measures on persons in vulnerable situations. For these populations, the loss of digital connectivity further exacerbates existing barriers to accessing essential services, emergency assistance, information, and support networks, and heightens their exposure to violence, discrimination, and abuse. Such impacts deepen existing inequalities and undermine the principles of equality and nondiscrimination enshrined in international human rights law. "We welcome the Human Rights Council resolution SS 39/1 on the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran, especially in the context of the repression of nationwide protests starting on 28 December 2025, and we call on the Islamic Republic of Iran to immediately restore full Internet access and telecommunications services for all. "We also call on the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran to refrain from imposing shutdowns of Internet and communications services, blocking or filtering of services, or other measures intended to disrupt individuals' ability to access and disseminate information or communicate safely and securely. The Islamic Republic of Iran must comply with its international human rights obligations under the ICCPR. The Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran has the obligation to protect its own citizens, including those who may be in vulnerable situations, as well as journalists and human rights defenders. It must guarantee freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association without fear of reprisal. "We stand in solidarity with the people of the Islamic Republic of Iran in their courageous calls to exercise their rights to freedoms of opinion and expression, peaceful assembly, and association, online and offline." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran, US to hold nuclear talks in Muscat on Friday: FM Iran Press TV Wednesday, 04 February 2026 9:10 PM Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has announced that nuclear negotiations between Iran and the United States are scheduled to take place in the Omani capital Muscat on Friday morning. In a post on X, the top diplomat said the talks are set for around 10 a.m., expressing appreciation to Oman for facilitating the meeting and making the necessary arrangements. Earlier, Iranian media reports said the negotiations would focus exclusively on Iran's peaceful nuclear energy program and the lifting of sanctions, with no discussion of other issues. Araghchi is expected to lead the Iranian delegation, which will include senior diplomats Majid Takht-Ravanchi and Kazem Gharibabadi. The United States will be represented by White House special envoy Steve Witkoff, according to the reports. The talks, the reports added, would be held indirectly, with Oman acting as mediator. The new round of negotiations was initially planned to take place in Istanbul, but the venue was changed to Muscat at Iran's request. The format of the talks will mirror previous rounds held before the unlawful US-Israeli war on Iran last June, which derailed the diplomatic process. Araghchi and Witkoff led five rounds of nuclear negotiations last year, but talks were suspended after the Israeli regime launched an unprovoked war of aggression just two days before a planned sixth round. The aggression, later joined by the United States, resulted in more than a thousand deaths in Iran and caused damage to civilian, military, and scientific infrastructure. Tehran has repeatedly emphasized that any talks with Washington must remain confined to the nuclear issue, ruling out negotiations over the country's missile program or regional influence. Iranian officials have also said negotiations could only be productive if conducted in an atmosphere free from threats and illogical or illegal demands. High-ranking officials, including senior advisor to Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, Ali Shamkhani have reiterated that respect and realism were essential prerequisites for progress in talks with the United States. The upcoming negotiations come amid heightened tensions in West Asia and an increased US military presence in the region. In early January, President Donald Trump threatened Iran with attacks if the country harmed "peaceful protesters." Days later, coordinated attacks targeted police stations and military bases as well as civilians and civilian infrastructure in several Iranian cities, prompting a security response. According to Iranian officials, the attacks were aimed at causing mass casualties and destabilizing urban centers as a prelude to fresh American aggression towards the Islamic Republic. Ever since Trump's new threats, Iranian authorities, including top brass, have sternly warned Washington and its allies against perpetrating any renewed miscalculation concerning the Islamic Republic, reminding that the level of the country's military preparedness has exceeded the pre-war period. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Oman to broker fresh round of Iran-US talks on February 6: Reports Iran Press TV Wednesday, 04 February 2026 4:11 PM Iran will hold indirect nuclear negotiations with the United States on February 6 in Oman's capital, Muscat, Iranian media reported on Wednesday. The reports said the talks will be limited to the nuclear issue and the lifting of sanctions on Iran. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi will head the Iranian delegation, which will also include senior diplomats Majid Takht-Ravanchi and Kazem Gharibabadi. US envoy Steve Witkoff will represent Washington in the talks, and President Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner may also be present. The format of the talks will be similar to the talks held before the US-Israeli aggression against Iran last June. The new round of talks was first set to be held in the Turkish city of Istanbul, but the venue was changed at Iran's request. Tehran has repeatedly stressed that talks should remain focused solely on the nuclear issue, ruling out negotiations over its missile program or regional presence. Iranian officials say any talks with the United States could be productive only if held in an atmosphere free of threats and illogical demands. Araghchi and Witkoff led five rounds of nuclear talks between Iran and the United States last year before negotiations were derailed when Israel launched an unprovoked war of aggression just two days ahead of a planned sixth round. The aggression, which was later joined by the US, left over a thousand people martyred in Iran and damaged the country's civilian, military, and scientific infrastructure. The February 6 talks will be held amid heightened tensions in West Asia following a massive military buildup in the region. In early January, Trump threatened Iran with attacks if the country harmed what he called "peaceful protesters." Only days later, on January 8 and 9, armed groups launched coordinated attacks on police stations, military bases, and other sensitive sites, as well as civilian infrastructure, in various cities, prompting security forces to respond. Iranian officials say the attacks were designed to create mass casualties and destabilize urban centers across the country. Officials have repeatedly criticized Western media outlets for circulating false casualty figures and blaming the Iranian government. Some Western reports have claimed up to 30,000 deaths. However, official Iranian records show 3,117 people were killed in the riots, including 2,427 civilians and security personnel martyred by terrorists. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran intelligence minister warns West will face consequences for IRGC designation Iran Press TV Wednesday, 04 February 2026 10:54 AM Iran's Intelligence Minister Esmail Khatib has warned that Western countries will bear the consequences of designating the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization. Speaking on the occasion of the anniversary of the Islamic Revolution, Khatib said the countries that have served as safe havens for terrorist groups have moved to blacklist the IRGC, as one of the world's most effective forces in combating terrorism. The European Union's foreign ministers, in a hostile action on Thursday, announced their agreement to place the IRGC on the list of so-called terrorist organizations of the 27-member political and economic bloc. Tehran has repeatedly highlighted the IRGC's decisive contribution to defeating terrorism in the region. The Iranian minister stressed that "these countries that take such actions against our system must be held accountable and will pay the price." "Iran's authority, pride, perseverance, jihad, and courage are and will continue to be indebted to the constant presence of the people on the scene, but the West is always increasing its vulnerability with these hostile actions," he added. He pointed to recent public demonstrations of unity, including nationwide rallies and said the Iranian nation would continue to reaffirm its solidarity and ultimately celebrate victory in the face of external threats and pressure. The demonstrations on January 12 came in response to days of foreign-backed riots, during which dozens of security personnel were killed in terrorist attacks. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The Key Sticking Points To A US-Iran Deal Aimed At Averting War By Kian Sharifi and Hannah Kaviani February 04, 2026 White House special envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi will meet on February 6 in a last-ditch attempt to strike a deal aimed at averting war. US President Donald Trump has deployed major military assets to the Persian Gulf as his administration weighs possible strikes against Tehran. Iran is attempting to limit the scope of the talks to its nuclear program. But the United States is seeking a deal that would also restrict Iran's ballistic missiles program and end Tehran's support for armed groups in the Middle East. Trump wants a deal because "he prefers it to a war with a large country like Iran," said Damon Golriz of The Hague University of Applied Sciences. "If an agreement is reached, it will be in the Islamic republic's interest -- even an agreement in which the Islamic republic appears, in the public eye, to have surrendered," he added. To reach a deal, US and Iranian envoys will have to navigate several sticking points that have scuttled previous negotiations. No Enrichment, No Stockpile The United States is demanding that Iran entirely stop 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. Iran has previously refused those demands but could make concessions given its weak bargaining position, experts say. Iran's clerical establishment is at its weakest point in decades, facing unprecedented unrest and an economic collapse at home and a massive US military buildup on its doorstep. Iran's nuclear program is also in tatters. The United States bombed Tehran's key underground enrichment sites in Fordow and Natanz during the 12-day war between Iran and Israel in June. One potential hitch is recovering Iran's stockpile of highly enriched uranium, which is "mixed with rubble" following US air strikes on underground nuclear sites last year, said Tariq Rauf, former verification chief at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the UN nuclear watchdog. Rauf also pointed out that one of the US "Bunker Buster" bombs used in the bombing failed to explode. "There is still 2,000-plus kilograms of high explosives sitting down there in Natanz... which could be very unstable and could explode if disturbed," he told RFE/RL's Radio Farda. One way to address the enrichment issue is going back to a proposal from May 2025 -- a regional enrichment consortium, allowing Iran to continue enriching uranium but only to low levels suitable for civilian energy purposes. A consortium is usually established in a country that already has a nuclear program. The only country in the Middle East with an official nuclear program is the United Arab Emirates, but the Gulf state surrendered its right to enrich uranium and imports nuclear fuel from abroad. Missiles And Proxies The United States also wants to impose limits on the range and number of Iran's ballistic missiles that would make it impossible for Tehran to hit Israel. Iran currently has a 2,000-kilometer limit on the range of its missiles. Its medium-range missiles can hit Israel, while its close-range missiles can strike US military bases in the Persian Gulf region. The number of Iran's medium-range missiles is unknown. Israel targeted Iran's missile-production facilities and missile launchers during the war in June. But Iran is believed to still have several thousand close-range ballistic missiles. Iran has categorically refused any limits on its missile program, which it says is pivotal to its defense. The Islamic republic has also rejected abandoning armed proxies and Tehran-backed militant groups in Lebanon, Iraq, and Yemen. Iran considers its so-called axis of resistance a key part of its deterrence against Israeli and US aggression. The network largely stayed on the sidelines during Israel's aerial campaign in June, but analysts suggest it might come to Iran's aid should the talks fail and war with the US breaks out. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-us-nuclear- talks-oman-war/33669565.html Copyright (c) 2026. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US Willing to Engage Directly With Iranian Counterparts If Such Opportunity Exists - Rubio Sputnik News 20260204 WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - The United States is ready to engage in direct conversation with Iran if there is such an opportunity, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Wednesday. "If there's an opportunity to engage directly with counterparts in the Iranian regime, the United States would be open to that," Rubio told reporters. In order for talks to result in something meaningful, they will have to include the range of their ballistic missiles, Iran's alleged sponsorship of terrorist organizations across the region, its nuclear program, and the treatment of their own people, Rubio added. Regarding the upcoming Friday meeting between the US and Iran, Rubio said that Tehran has expressed interested in talking, but "if they change their mind, we're fine with that too." Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israel to Support Attack on Iran If It Fails to Reach Broad Agreement With US - Reports Sputnik News 20260204 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Israel will support an attack on Iran if the agreement between Tehran and Washington does not include measures to limit ballistic missile production and Iran's support for proxy groups in the region, the Financial Times newspaper reported, citing a source. Axios previously reported that US special envoy Steve Witkoff would meet with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Istanbul on Friday to discuss Tehran's nuclear program amid ongoing tensions between the countries. On Tuesday, the Ynet news portal reported that Witkoff arrived in Israel for talks with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Netanyahu will try to convince Witkoff that reaching a limited deal with Iran would be a mistake, the report said on Tuesday. "Israel is demanding from the US that an agreement with Iran include removing enriched uranium from the country, stopping uranium enrichment, limiting the production of ballistic missiles, and stopping support for [regional] proxies ... Otherwise, Israel supports an attack to overthrow the regime," the source was quoted as saying by the newspaper. In January, US President Donald Trump said a "massive armada" was heading towards Iran, adding that he hoped Tehran would agree to negotiate and sign a "fair and equitable" deal involving the complete abandonment of nuclear weapons. The president warned that if no agreement on Iran's nuclear program was reached, any future US strike on the country would be "far worse" than the previous ones. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US Accepts Iran's Request to Move Talks From Turkiye - Reports Sputnik News 20260204 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The administration of US President Donald Trump has accepted Tehran's request to move talks on the Iranian nuclear program from Turkiye to Oman, Axios journalist Barak Ravid reported on Wednesday, citing a source. On Tuesday, Axios reported that Iran had demanded a change in the location and format of the talks with the US, scheduled for Friday. "The nuclear talks between the U.S. and Iran are expected to take place in Oman on Friday ... the Trump administration agreed to the Iranian request to move the talks from Turkiye," Ravid said on X. Negotiations are ongoing regarding whether representatives of Arab and Muslim countries in the region will join the meeting in Oman, the report added. On Monday, Axios reported that US special envoy Steve Witkoff would meet with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Istanbul on Friday to discuss Tehran's nuclear program amid ongoing tensions between the countries. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address State Minister for Foreign Affairs HORII's attendance at the Critical Minerals Ministerial hosted by the Secretary of State of the United States (Outcome) Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan February 5, 2026 On February 4 (local time), Mr. HORII Iwao, State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, visited the United States (Washington D.C) to attend the Critical Minerals Ministerial hosted by the Honorable Marco Rubio, Secretary of State of the United States of America. This meeting, hosted by State Secretary Rubio, was held with the attendance of The Honorable JD Vance, Vice President of the United States of America, The Honorable Scott Bessent, Secretary of the Treasury of the United States of America, The Honorable Ambassador Jamieson Greer, United States Trade Representative and The Honorable Chris Wright, Secretary of Energy of the United States of America as well as ministerial-level representatives from a wide range of countries, including Canada, the Italian Republic, the European Union (EU), Australia, the Republic of India and the Republic of Korea. Following Vice President Vance and Secretary Rubio, State Minister HORII delivered opening remarks. Referring to the risk of disruptions to critical mineral supply chains, he stated that the stable supply of critical minerals is indispensable to the sustainable development of the global economy. He also underscored the importance of enhancing collaboration with like-minded countries on the demand and supply sides and expressed his strong commitment to strengthening the resilience of critical mineral supply chains. At the meeting, the launch of the Forum On Resource Geostrategic Engagement (FORGE), the follow-on initiative to the Minerals Security Partnership (MSP), was announced, and participants discussed the promotion of cooperation among like-minded countries through the FORGE. In addition, active discussions took place regarding trade cooperation and investment cooperation in the minerals sector. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Deputy Secretary Landau's Meeting with Kazakhstan Foreign Minister Kosherbayev US Department of State Readout Office of the Spokesperson February 4, 2026 The below is attributable to Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott: Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau met today with Kazakhstan Foreign Minister Yermek Kosherbayev following Secretary Rubio's inaugural Critical Minerals Ministerial. The two leaders held productive discussions on expanding trade and investment to support critical minerals exploration, mining, and processing, as well as regional connectivity and secure supply chains. Deputy Secretary Landau and Foreign Minister Kosherbayev underscored the importance of the U.S.-Kazakhstan strategic partnership in fostering economic growth and creating new opportunities for both nations. The United States supports Kazakhstan's continued regional integration and development, including through the C5+1 diplomatic platform, which represents the United States "plus" the five Central Asian countries (the C5 - Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan). NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Libya's Prosecutor General's Office Confirms Gaddafi's Son Killed by Gunfire Sputnik News 20260204 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Libya's prosecutor general's office has confirmed that Libyan politician Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, the son of former leader Muammar Gaddafi, was killed by gunshot wounds. A source told Sputnik late on Tuesday that Saif al-Islam Gaddafi was killed in an attack on his home in the northwestern city of Zintan. His cousin Ahmed Gaddafi later confirmed his death. "Based on the results of the examination of the scene, it was determined that the victim suffered gunshot wounds that led to his death," the statement read. Investigators are working to identify suspects after examining the scene, the prosecutor general's office said. "Currently, investigative authorities are continuing to collect and analyze evidence, identify individuals who may be involved in the crime, and take the necessary procedural measures to initiate criminal proceedings," the statement added. Saif al-Islam played a political role during his father's rule, who was himself killed in October 2011. In 2021, he planned to run in Libya's presidential election, which ultimately did not take place. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Pakistan deploys helicopters, drones to retake town from insurgents as scores killed Iran Press TV Wednesday, 04 February 2026 10:38 AM Pakistan's security forces have deployed helicopters and drones to regain control of a town in the country's largest province after separatist insurgents seized key installations, resulting in a death toll of 58 in the restive region. Police on Wednesday reported that the confrontation followed a series of coordinated attacks by the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) over the weekend, causing a near standstill in the southwestern province of Balochistan. Security forces engaged in gunfire with militant members of the separatist BLA group at over a dozen locations, killing 197 militants in the process. "I thought the roof and walls of my house were going to blow up," said a resident near the main administrative building in Quetta, the fortified provincial capital, describing the impact of a powerful morning blast. The BLA, the region's most potent insurgent group, launched one of its largest operations in recent years, storming schools, banks, markets, and security installations across the province. The attacks left more than 22 security personnel and 36 civilians dead. In the desert town of Nushki, home to around 50,000 people, insurgents captured the local police station and other security buildings, prompting a three-day standoff. Police said seven officers were killed before forces regained control late Monday, while operations against the BLA continue elsewhere in the province. "More troops were sent to Nushki," said one security official, speaking on condition of anonymity. "Helicopters and drones were used against the militants." Balochistan, a resource-rich but long-neglected province, has been at the center of violence led by separatist groups, particularly the BLA, and other Takfiri terrorist groups. The group claims that Islamabad exploits the province's natural resources, such as gold and copper, while neglecting the local population. Energy projects, especially those involving Chinese investments, have been key targets of BLA attacks, as the group argues that foreign powers and Pakistan's central government are looting the region's resources without benefiting its people. The BLA claimed on Tuesday that 280 soldiers were killed during its "Operation Herof," also called Black Storm, although no independent evidence was provided. Security officials reported that the weekend attacks began at 4 a.m. on Saturday with suicide bombings in Nushki and the fishing port of Pasni, followed by gun and grenade attacks in 11 other locations, including Quetta. During the siege, insurgents briefly seized at least six district administration offices and advanced to within one kilometer of the provincial chief minister's office in Quetta. Authorities have warned that, despite the retaking of key towns, BLA operations may continue across the province. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address What's Behind The Unprecedented Attacks In Pakistan's Balochistan? By Abubakar Siddique and RFE/RL's Radio Mashaal February 04, 2026 Summary Balochistan has experienced its largest-ever coordinated militant attacks, with the BLA separatist group storming security posts and towns in a dramatic escalation of a long-running insurgency. Analysts say Islamabad's harsh security tactics and political repression have deepened local anger, enabling armed groups to expand recruitment and support. The BLA has grown more organized and lethal, adopting suicide bombings, IEDs, and complex assaults. Pakistan's vast and mineral-rich province of Balochistan has witnessed the largest-ever coordinated attacks by separatist militants, who are waging an increasingly potent insurgency against Islamabad. The unprecedented attacks have highlighted Pakistan's failed policy of using violence and political repression to stamp out the decades-old insurgency in the strategic region bordering Afghanistan and Iran and home to the marginalized Baluch minority, experts say. Armed groups have exploited growing anger at the state, which locals accuse of exploiting the region's natural resources and committing gross human rights abuses, to expand their recruitment, according to analysts. Separatists and militants have also adopted more lethal tactics and acquired more sophisticated weapons. For some Baluch, "militancy is the only remaining way to resist political marginalization and repression," said Kiyya Baloch, a Norway-based Pakistani journalist and commentator who tracks militancy in the region. "The government needs to move away from policies that have only deepened resentment." Largest-Ever Attacks On January 31, the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), a separatist militant group fighting for Balochistan's secession from Pakistan, launched dozens of simultaneous attacks in cities and towns across the province, storming police stations, military installations, and banks. Some of the attacks lasted for days. The government said at least 30 civilians and 18 soldiers were killed in the attacks. Authorities said over 170 BLA fighters were killed. The insurgents said they killed over 200 government security personnel and lost 34 fighters. RFE/RL could not independently verify the conflicting claims by the two sides in the sparsely populated region inaccessible to journalists. The government has also imposed an Internet shutdown in the province, making verification even more difficult. Pakistan's security forces on February 4 wrested control of Nushki, a town of some 50,000 people, from separatist militants after three days of fighting. The army used drones and helicopters against the militants, the authorities said. The scope and scale of the attacks have "not been witnessed before" in Balochistan, where separatists and militants have typically relied on classic guerrilla hit-and-run tactics, said Baloch. "This level of rebel operational capacity marks a dramatic escalation," he added. Simmering Insurgency The BLA has waged an insurgency against the Pakistani state for more than 20 years, carrying out mostly small-scale attacks against government forces. But the group has become a more organized and increasingly potent fighting force in recent years. The BLA is considered the largest armed group operating in Balochistan, Pakistan's largest and poorest province. Experts believe the BLA has several thousand members. The US-designated terrorist group is believed to have obtained American weapons and military equipment left behind by US and international forces who departed neighboring Afghanistan in 2021. The BLA, a secular group, has also adopted more lethal tactics used by Islamist militant groups, including the use of suicide bombings, improvised explosive devices, or IEDs, and so-called complex attacks involving multiple attackers and vehicle-borne IEDs. Experts say the BLA has been successful in recruiting Baluch youth. Around 65 percent of Balochistan's 15-million population are under the age of 30. "Years of contested resource control, political exclusion, and crackdowns have left space for violence to persist," said Imtiaz Baloch, a Balochistan researcher in Islamabad. Changing Course? Experts say the growing strength of Baluch armed groups has exposed the limits of Islamabad's heavy-handed approach to resolving the insurgency in Balochistan. Pakistan's powerful military has been widely accused of using brutal tactics, including enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings of political activists and suspected separatists, arbitrary arrests, and torture, to pacify the region. "Dialogue is the only way to resolve this issue," Ishaq Baloch, a leader of the National Party, a Baluch nationalist parliamentary political party, told RFE/RL's Radio Mashaal. "Locals need to be engaged in such an effort because they are suffering politically, economically, and socially," he said. Sarfaraz Bugti, the chief minister of Balochistan, the most senior elected official in the province, appeared to rule out talks with the BLA. "They want to impose their ideology through the barrel of a gun and are seeking to force the Baluch people into a useless war," he told journalists on February 1. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/pakistan-balochistan-baloch- liberation-army-bla-attacks/33669509.html Copyright (c) 2026. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China urges EU to stop abusing unilateral trade tools Xinhua) 09:43, February 05, 2026 BEIJING, Feb. 4 (Xinhua) -- China on Wednesday urged the European Union (EU) to abide by its commitment to market openness and fair competition, and stop abusing unilateral economic and trade tools. Foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian made the remarks at a daily news briefing in response to the EU's announcement of an investigation into a Chinese clean energy company, citing concerns that the company benefited from state subsidies and distorted competition within the EU market. Lin noted that the EU has frequently resorted to unilateral economic and trade tools, imposing discriminatory and restrictive measures on Chinese enterprises. Such actions send a protectionist signal, undermine the EU's image, and dampen the confidence of Chinese companies to invest in Europe, he added. "We urge the EU to honor its commitment to market openness and fair competition, stop abusing unilateral trade policy tools, and provide a fair, transparent, and non discriminatory business environment for companies around the world," Lin said. He added that China will firmly safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) FM holds talks in Washington on tariff agreement, North Korea KOREA.net Feb 04, 2026 By Xu Aiying Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Hyun on Feb. 3 spoke to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington on major issues of common interest like the implementation of a joint fact sheet on bilateral trade and security agreements and North Korea. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Minister Cho urged his American counterpart to play a leading role so that bilateral cooperation in key sectors including nuclear power, nuclear-powered submarines and shipbuilding can produce results under specific targets set for this year. Secretary Rubio pledged to continue playing a necessary role and encourage related agencies to hold substantive negotiations more swiftly. Minister Cho also explained his government's efforts to carry out a bilateral tariff agreement and urged continued cooperation at the ministerial level for smooth communication and consultation between trade authorities. Turning to North Korea, both diplomats agreed to maintain close communication and collaboration on the issue. Minister Cho described his side's efforts to ease tension and build inter-Korean trust, adding that Seoul and Washington should send messages for dialogue to Pyeongyang to encourage the latter's resumption of talks. He also conveyed Seoul's efforts to develop friendly and cooperative ties with neighboring countries like visits to China and Japan early this year for summits based on the strong foundation of the Republic of Korea-U.S. alliance. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address "This Year Marks the Foundational Year of OPCON TransitionWe Will Fulfill Our Mission Without Fail" Ministry of National Defense, Republic of Korea Date : 2026-02-04 Minister Ahn Gyu-back chairs the Operational Control Transfer Promotion Evaluation Meeting. Affirms that sufficient capabilities have been secured through two decades of preparation and repeated verification. Urges all personnel to commit fully with the resolve of founding a new military. Selectively reviews core tasks across relevant agencies and units. Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back emphasized on January 28, "This year must be designated as the inaugural year for the restoration of wartime operational control (OPCON). Through the restoration of OPCON, our military will secure a more resolute military readiness posture, based on six combined component commands, and will lead the ROK-US alliancea partnership of unprecedented strength in world history." Minister Ahn presided over this year's first Operational Control Transfer Promotion Evaluation Meeting held in the main conference room of the Ministry of National Defense, stating, "The will of our military to restore OPCON has never wavered, regardless of the era. The continuous efforts of the military over the past decades are finally poised to yield significant results under the People's Sovereignty Government." During the meeting, Minister Ahn asserted, "Our military is already prepared." He further stated, "Since discussions regarding OPCON restoration officially began in 2006, our military has undergone continuous preparation and verification over the past 20 years. The 57th ROK-US Security Consultative Meeting (SCM) held last November clearly demonstrated to the international community that our military capabilities have been sufficiently accumulated." He urged that, "Just as the saying goes, 'those whose upper and lower ranks share the same desire will win,' all levels must unite as one body to definitively fulfill the historical mission of OPCON restoration," and asked all personnel, from working-level officials to senior leaders across every agency, to commit their utmost efforts with the mindset of building a new and stronger ROK Armed Forces. More than 170 individuals attended the meeting, including key officials from the Ministry of National Defense and the Defense Acquisition Program Administration, military commanders such as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Jin Young-seung, Army Chief of Staff Kim Gyu-ha, Chief of Naval Operations Kang Dong-gil, Air Force Chief of Staff Son Seok-rak, and Deputy Commander of the ROK-US Combined Forces Command (CFC) Kim Sung-min, as well as working-level personnel. Minister Ahn reviewed the achievements and challenges of the OPCON transition to date with the attendees and discussed strengthening the ROK-led combined defense system and focusing all-out efforts. Each agency and unit presented their promotion plans for the completion of Phase 2 military preparations, including the verification of the Full Operational Capability (FOC) for the Future Combined Forces Command. Minister Ahn selected core tasks and reviewed the implementation plans. Starting this year, the Ministry of National Defense will convene the Operational Control Transfer Promotion Evaluation Meeting, chaired by the Minister, on a quarterly basis. Previously, this had been limited to only once per year. As the verification of the FOC is scheduled for this year, preparations shall be conducted rigorously. The verification of the OPCON transition comprises three phases: Initial Operational Capability (IOC), Full Operational Capability (FOC), and Full Mission Capability (FMC). The Ministry of National Defense explained that this measure reflects Minister Ahn's resolute commitment, stating that "progress shall be continually inspected and managed directly to ensure the smooth recovery of wartime OPCON, thereby making the timing of the OPCON transition visible through FOC verification." Pursuant to the Joint Communique issued during the previous year's ROK-US SCM, the Ministry of National Defense plans to formulate a ROK-US joint roadmap for accelerating the OPCON transition by April of this year, in conjunction with high-level policy determinations made via the Korea-US Integrated Defense Dialogue (KIDD). The Defense Ministry stated that it will pursue the OPCON transition within the current term, designating the completion of FOC verification' as the core objective for this year. By Byeong-No, Yun NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address ROK-US Pledge Close Coordination on Nuclear Submarine Construction and OPCON Transition Ministry of National Defense, Republic of Korea Date : 2026-02-04 Minister Ahn Gyu-back meets with Under Secretary of Defense for policy Elbridge Colby of the US Department of War Calls for the creation of tangible outcomes in bilateral defense cooperation this year. Stresses the importance of maintaining a robust combined defense posture. Affirms close coordination on North Korea policy aimed at peaceful coexistence on the Korean Peninsula. Minister of National Defense Ahn Gyu-back and US Under Secretary of Defense for policy Elbridge Colby of the US Department of War pledged cooperation on January 26 regarding the ROK's construction of nuclear submarines, the transfer of wartime operational control (OPCON), and the pursuit of North Korea policy aimed at peaceful coexistence on the Korean Peninsula. Minister Ahn and Under Secretary Colby met this day at the Ministry of National Defense in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, engaging in in-depth discussions concerning pending issues of the ROK-US Alliance, including the security situation on the Korean Peninsula and the strengthening of defense capabilities. Minister Ahn assessed that the agreement on the Joint Fact Sheet between the ROK and the US leaders in 2025, coupled with the convening of the 57th ROK-US Security Consultative Meeting (SCM), constituted a historic turning point in the development of the ROK-US Alliance. He further stated that both nations must strive to establish this year as one that delivers substantive achievements in bilateral defense cooperation. In response, Under Secretary Colby noted that South Korea was the first country visited on his inaugural overseas tour since taking office, and affirmed his commitment to continuing efforts to strengthen defense cooperation with South Korea, a model ally. Both sides resolved to cooperate closely on South Korea's construction of nuclear submarines. Furthermore, they concurred that this cooperation would serve as a significant milestone, strengthening ROK military-led defense capabilities on the Korean Peninsula and further elevating the ROK-US military alliance. Minister Ahn also emphasized that the transfer of OPCON is essential for realizing ROK-led defense of the Korean Peninsula, urging enhanced communication and cooperation for the OPCON transition, including advancing a roadmap to accelerate the fulfillment of required conditions. In addition, he elaborated on the importance of maintaining a robust combined defense posture for peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, as well as the government's policy direction toward North Korea aimed at peaceful coexistence within the framework of the combined defense posture. Earlier, Under Secretary Colby held a breakfast meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Hyun and exchanged views on summit follow-up measures, Korean Peninsula issues, and other ROK-US alliance matters. During this meeting, Under Secretary Colby positively assessed South Korea's resolve to assume a leading role in the defense of the Korean Peninsula through the reinforcement of its self-reliant defense capabilities. Furthermore, he said that the US Department of War would play an active role to ensure that the key agreements between the leaders of the two nations are implemented in a timely manner. Under Secretary Colby is known as the architect of the United States' new National Defense Strategy (NDS). This visit to South Korea transpired immediately following the US Department of War's unveiling of the 2026 NDS on January 23 (local time). The NDS asserted that, "South Korea possesses the capacity, underpinned by high defense expenditures, a solid defense industry, and powerful armed forces, to assume the primary responsibility in deterring North Korea, even while receiving crucial, yet more constrained, support from the United States." Ministry of National Defense Spokesperson Jung Bit-na said at the regular briefing that, regarding the NDS, "we welcome the positive assessment of our capabilities and our resolve to take on a more proactive role in the security of the Korean Peninsula." By Byeong-No, Yun NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address "Seeking Solutions to Defense Challenges through the Collective Wisdom of the Civilian, Government, and Military Sectors" Ministry of National Defense, Republic of Korea Date : 2026-02-04 Minister Ahn Gyu-back chairs the comprehensive reporting session of the Joint Advisory Committee. Expresses gratitude for the 110-day efforts of the committee's five subcommittees. The committee chair underscores the initiative as a starting point for restoring public trust and building an advanced military. The Civilian-Government-Military Joint Special Advisory Committee for Overcoming Internal Crisis and Designing Future Defense (Joint Committee), which discussed core reform issues for our military and proposed policy measures to the Minister of National Defense, officially concluded its activities on January 22. The Joint Committee presented policy proposals, including the establishment of a Joint Operations Command, the codification of the right to refuse unlawful orders, the disbandment of the Defense Counterintelligence Command (DCC), and the prevention of suicide incidents through the enhancement of service members' resilience. The Ministry of National Defense plans to review the outcomes of the Joint Committee's activities and reflect them in the Defense Reform initiatives and the implementation of national agenda tasks of the People's Sovereignty Government. Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back presided over the Joint Committee Comprehensive Report Session held today at the MND Convention in Yongsan-gu, Seoul. The Comprehensive Report Session served as an opportunity to finalize the Joint Committee's activities, attended by 37 advisory members representing five subcommittees covering future strategy, establishing constitutional values, redesigning military counterintelligence and security, measures for fatal incidents within the military, and educational reform for military academies. Minister Ahn first expressed his gratitude to the advisory members who contributed their collective wisdom. He assessed, "The Joint Committee provided a meaningful period during which our national defense confronted the crises and challenges head-on, allowing civilian, government, and military sectors to pool their wisdom and jointly seek solutions." The Joint Committee, an advisory body directly under the Minister, was established on September 30 in 2025 under Minister Ahn's directive, aiming to collect expert opinions on key defense issues, advance national agenda tasks, and reflect them in defense policy. The committee is chaired by Hong Hyun-ik, former Chancellor of the Korea National Diplomatic Academy. Chairman Hong previously served as the head of the Foreign Affairs and Security Subcommittee of the Presidential Committee on State Planning under the Lee Jae-myung Administration. Chairman Hong expressed his satisfaction, stating, "I am pleased that the intensive discussions within the Joint Committee have borne fruit." He added, "We anticipate that the outcomes derived from the Committee's deliberations will serve as the foundation for our military to regain the public trust and advance toward becoming a future advanced strong military force." The Joint Committee engaged in activities over 110 days, including dozens of meetings and onsite visits to frontline units. The subcommittees visited the general outpost (GOP) units of the ROK Army 12th Infantry Division to discuss improvements and countermeasures for the internal military accident prevention system. They also visited the ROK Army, Navy, and Air Force Academies, along with the ROK Army Third Military Academy, to gather feedback from the field. In demonstration units currently applying the AI-based manned and unmanned integrated surveillance operations system, opinions were solicited from assigned personnel. A special seminar was also convened on the topic of Measures for Establishing Constitutional Values Pertaining to National Defense. Based on these efforts, the respective subcommittees consecutively reported their findings this month and presented comprehensive recommendations to Minister Ahn. The Counterintelligence and Security Redesign Subcommittee proposed the developmental dismantlement of the DCC, centered on transferring or abolishing the functions of security investigation, counterintelligence information, security auditing, and trend surveying previously held by the Command. The Future Strategy Subcommittee put forth a plan for establishing a Joint Operations Command aimed at unifying the command structure and enhancing the completeness of operational command during both wartime and peacetime, in preparation for the transition of wartime operational control (OPCON). The Constitutional Values Establishment Subcommittee mandated that the right to refuse illegal orders be stipulated in law and that the authority of the martial law commander be restricted. The Military Fatal Accidents Subcommittee recommended transitioning the paradigm of the suicide prevention system approach toward strengthening the resilience of service members. By Byeong-No, Yun NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Minister Ahn Calls for Military Intelligence and Investigative Institutions to Reform Outdated Structures to Rebuild Public Trus... Ministry of National Defense, Republic of Korea Date : 2026-02-04 Ahn receives briefings from the Defense Counterintelligence Command (DCC), Defense Intelligence Command (DIC), and the Criminal Investigation Command (CIC), according to the ministry Directs a thorough investigation into North Korean unmanned aerial vehicle infiltrations. Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back emphasized on January 21 that the three military intelligence and investigative institutionsthe Defense Counterintelligence Command (DCC), the Defense Intelligence Command (DIC), and the Criminal Investigation Command (CIC)must "resolutely overhaul their outdated structures with a commitment to fundamental transformation, and rebuild public trust through ceaseless innovation." During the briefing of the three military intelligence and investigative institutions held at the DCC that day, Minister Ahn said that many citizens believe rotten wood can no longer be carved or used to build anything meaningful, stressing that the task assigned to these organizations, including the DCC, is fundamental reform to rebuild their very foundations and restore public trust. Minister Ahn first issued a strong directive to the Defense Counterintelligence Command, stating, "Throughout the history of the ROK Armed Forces, no other organization has changed its name so frequently, spanning from the Defense Security Command (DSC) to the Defense Security Support Command, and now the Defense Counterintelligence Command (DCC). You must confront the stern scrutiny of the public and completely sever ties with the past through rigorous self-reflection." Regarding the DIC, Minister Ahn stated that although the Command has carried out its duties out of public view, recent times have been profoundly challenging, shaking the very existence of the organization. He urged the institution to focus on its core mission with the resolve that "if the fundamentals are solid, the path forward will become clear," and to prepare reform measures to ensure that intelligence capabilities are never again misused or reduced to a political tool. To the CIC, Ahn requested, "Transparently and strictly investigating the truth regarding illegal martial law is not an option, but a historical mandate conferred upon the CIC. Even to dispel concerns over the concentration of authority raised following the transfer of counterintelligence investigation functions, you must demonstrate your raison d'etre to the public through enhanced ethical standards and professionalism." Specifically, Minister Ahn instructed Brig. Gen. Park Jung-hun, Acting Director of the CIC to "thoroughly carry out the investigation and inquiry regarding the infiltration of North Korean drones, ensuring that not a single doubt remains." Concluding the briefing, Minister Ahn stated, "Just as one determines direction by looking to the Big Dipper, our military intelligence and investigative institutions must serve as a compass, clearly guiding the path forward for the armed forces." This briefing marks the first instance where a civilian Defense Minister has directly reviewed the overall operations of military intelligence and investigative institutions from the perspective of civilian control. The Ministry of National Defense explained, "This initiative was prepared to fundamentally overhaul the DCC, DIC, and CICinstitutions that were directly or indirectly involved in the Dec. 3 martial law crisisto meet public expectations, and to transition them into systems subject to democratic and institutional control." By Byeong-No, Yun NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address "Restoring Public Trust Marks the Starting Point of Defense Reform" Ministry of National Defense, Republic of Korea Date : 2026-02-04 Minister Ahn Gyu-back receives briefings from the ROK Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps. Stresses that both peace and dialogue must be grounded in overwhelming strength. Underscores military restructuring as an essential task, calling for a unified "one-team" approach. Calls for thorough preparations for the introduction of nuclear-powered submarines and the development of 500,000 drone warriors. Minister of National Defense Ahn Gyu-back unequivocally stated to the ROK Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps on January 19 that "a military lacking the trust of the people is merely a castle built on sand," emphasizing that restoring public trust is the starting point of defense reform. Minister Ahn underscored this point during the Briefings by the ROK Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps held at Gyeryongdae that day, citing the Analects of Confucius: "Without the trust of the people, the state cannot stand." Furthermore, he urged each service to establish a firm military readiness posture essential for fulfilling their role as peacemakers, stating that "both peace and dialogue must be based on overwhelming strength." Specifically regarding the introduction of nuclear submarines, Minister Ahn instructed the ROK Navy: "As the Navy stands at the center of this national strategic project, we must prepare the necessary requirements for operation with utmost dedication." He informed the Marine Corps that they have "taken the first step toward a quasi-four-branch military system," and commanded them to "keep in mind the pledge to prove yourselves before the people, staking the honor of the eight-cornered cap built by your preceding Marines." He instructed the swift cooperation of each military branch regarding the Military Structure Reform toward 2040, which is designed to address future environmental changes such as the demographic cliff impacting our military. Minister Ahn asserted that "military structure reform is not an option but a mandatory task," emphasizing that the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps must, without distinction, pool their wisdom as one unified ROK Armed Forces. He urged each service and the Marine Corps to become a One Team and demonstrate collective intelligence, calling for bone-deep resolve to ensure that a prepared military can be handed over to future generations 15 years from now. This briefing was conducted with a focus on comprehensively reviewing the defense blueprint our military must realize this year and sharing the fundamental direction for the advancement of core defense policies. The Ministry of National Defense emphasized the significance of the event, stating it was "the first work briefing received by a civilian Minister of National Defense at Gyeryongdae, the Heart of the ROK Armed Forces, since the Dec. 3 martial law crisis." This represented the first work briefing of the New Year, held alongside the newly configured command staff of each service branch and the Marine Corps following recent general officer appointments. During the briefing, the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps presented the establishment of a firm military readiness posture as their foremost priority to Minister Ahn, and uniformly designated force augmentation, focused on cutting-edge science and technology including Artificial Intelligence (AI), as a collective requirement. Subsequently, he received reports on major issues from key personnel, including service commanders, and presided over the discussion. Minister Ahn specifically scrutinized the implementation status of service-specific reorganizations, including the direction of the Army's unit structure reform and the Air Force's appropriate force structure, alongside the readiness status for civilian personnel outsourcing. Most critically, he conducted a detailed examination of the progress toward cultivating 500,000 drone warriors. Accordingly, he engaged in discussions with the attendees concerning strategies for: i) thorough project management aimed at the mass acquisition of educational drones with domestically localized core components; ii) the cultivation of expert drone instructors; and iii) the establishment of systematic education and training models aligned with the mission profiles of each service branch. Minister Ahn emphatically restated drones are emerging as the next generation of personal weapons, and directed that substantive efforts be undertaken to ensure practical education commences from the foundational stage of the training system. He emphasized, "The military must transition from being merely a consuming group to a producing group," and stressed that the armed forces must lead the development of domestic drone and advanced-technology ecosystems. Minister Ahn stated that the issue of improving conditions for junior officers is a critical task that must be pursued with utmost commitment, saying that "we must make them regret leaving the service, even to the point of pounding the ground in remorse," and ordered the Chiefs of Staff of each service and the Commandant of the Marine Corps to make thorough preparations. He emphasized that policies must be prepared with sincerity so that service members can truly feel the impact, and urged active promotion to ensure that all units are fully informed. Regarding the issue of non-commissioned officer (NCO) recruitment, realistic field opinions were gathered from the Command Sergeants Major (CSM) of each service. At this meeting, the CSMs reported, "The NCO application rate across the entire military increased by 25% (approximately 4,300 personnel) in 2025 compared to the previous year. Groundbreaking efforts to improve military treatment, such as increasing basic pay and various allowances, are having a highly positive effect on boosting the morale of junior officers in the field units and on officer recruitment." They further expressed their intent to explore various recruitment strategies in the future. Minister Ahn assessed the briefing as an opportunity to break down barriers between the services and further enhance mutual trust and communication. He emphasized, "Let us ensure that the tasks discussed today absolutely translate into implementation and tangible results in the field, thereby creating a year of bold takeoff toward a distant horizon like the great bird embarking on a ten-thousand-mile journey." By Byeong-No, Yun NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ministry of Defence of Russian Federation holds regular meeting of Russian-Cambodian workgroup on military cooperation 03 February 2026 08:37 Today, the Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation held a regular meeting of the Russian-Cambodian workgroup on military cooperation. The talks were held at the level of heads of the Main Directorates of International Military Cooperation, as well as representatives of the military command bodies responsible for planning and implementing contacts between defence agencies. During the session, the plans for bilateral collaboration in the upcoming period were agreed upon. The meeting was constructive, in a warm and friendly atmosphere. Department of Information and Media Affairs of Defence Ministry of the Russian Federation NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Commentary by Presidential Aide Yury Ushakov following Vladimir Putin's videoconference with President of China Xi Jinping February 4, 2026 15:10 Presidential Aide Yury Ushakov: Friends, I would like to brief you on the substantive negotiations between President of Russia Vladimir Putin and President of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping, held via videoconference. These negotiations took place today and concluded just over an hour and a half ago. In recent years, such contacts have become a well-established tradition of communication between the heads of state. This marks the sixth such conversation, which traditionally occurs at the beginning of the year, ahead of the Lunar New Year, or, as it is known in China, the Spring Festival. The discussion lasted one hour and twenty-five minutes. Simultaneous interpretation was provided, of course, and the leaders, in a friendly and trusting manner, summarised the outcomes of the past year and thoroughly discussed plans for the development of Russia-China relations in the current year. Significant attention was also paid to the most pressing international issues, particularly given the extremely tense and volatile situation that has emerged in a number of regions across the world. In this context, Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping agreed that it is necessary to maintain permanent bilateral consultation mechanisms across all channels - the security councils, foreign ministries, and defence agencies - to complement their personal communication, that is, the direct dialogue between the leaders. This pertains to the swift alignment and coordination of approaches on current matters, including sensitive ones, to ensure timely responses to emerging challenges and threats. It was agreed to intensify such professional dialogue. In this vein, incidentally, consultations were held on February 1 in Beijing between Secretary of the Russian Security Council Sergei Shoigu and Director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, Minister of Foreign Affairs of China Wang Yi. The heads of state discussed the information received following these consultations. Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping once again noted that the comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation between our two countries are at an unprecedented level, are based on equality and mutual benefit, are not directed against any third parties, and are not subject to short-term political considerations. We support each other on key issues affecting our national interests. In the face of external challenges, our countries act, as our Chinese friends put it, back to back, and can rely on one another. The leaders expressed satisfaction that last year Russia and China fittingly marked the anniversaries of Victory in the Great Patriotic War and in the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression. I would like to emphasise that Xi Jinping was the principal guest in Moscow at the Victory Day Parade on May 9, while Vladimir Putin was the principal guest at the commemorative events in Beijing on September 3. Both Russia and China intend to continue upholding historical truth and preserving the memory of the heroism of our fathers and grandfathers in those harsh years. Overall, in 2025 the leaders of the two countries maintained frequent and productive contacts, and such interactions - personal contacts in particular - will naturally continue, and with no lesser intensity. I would also note that on July 16, Russia and China will mark an important date: the 25th anniversary of the Treaty of Good-Neighbourliness and Friendly Cooperation between the Russian Federation and the People's Republic of China. This foundational document for international relations, which remains fully relevant and in tune with the spirit of the times, has been automatically extended for a further five-year period. During the conversation, President Xi Jinping invited Vladimir Putin to pay an official visit to China in the first half of this year. The invitation was accepted with gratitude, and the dates and details will be agreed separately. The Chinese leader also invited the President of Russia to take part in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders' Meeting, to be held in November in the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen. Russia supports the work of China's APEC chairmanship, and our President will, of course, be ready to attend the meeting in Shenzhen. Incidentally, there are plans to hold bilateral meetings during other international events, in particular, those held by the SCO and BRICS. Plans for this year also include numerous contacts at other high levels, including between our governments, parliaments, the Presidential Executive Office and the Secretariat of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, security councils, ministries, departments and political parties. During their conversation, the leaders paid considerable attention to trade and economic cooperation. It was also mentioned that despite a minor decline due to a number of objective and subjective factors, bilateral trade has been considerably above $200 billion for three years in a row. It is common knowledge that China remains our leading foreign trade partner, while Russia holds fifth place among China's trade partners. During the conversation, the leaders formulated the task of working to further develop trade and economic ties, in particular, in energy. Russia is the leading supplier of oil and pipeline gas to China. It is noteworthy that the leaders emphasised the importance of working in innovative spheres, including those associated with artificial intelligence. We supported China's initiative for creating a World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organisation. Both sides expressed high appreciation for the Chinese idea of a visa-free regime, which Russia supported. They noted with satisfaction that 2026 and 2027 have been declared the Cross Years of Cooperation in Education. Overall, the humanitarian track of bilateral cooperation is developing very energetically to the benefit of our countries and is promoting rapprochement between them. Regarding foreign policy issues, the President of Russia and the President of China emphasised the importance of Russian-Chinese cooperation at multilateral platforms, such as the UN, the SCO, BRICS, APEC and G20. The sides reaffirmed the common course for creating a just multilateral world order based on international law. Overall, Moscow and Beijing have been working in coordination with each other on the international stage. It was pointed out that the sides' positions on the overwhelming majority of international issues are similar or fully coincide. Of course, Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping also exchanged views on their countries' relations with the United States. Their approaches almost fully coincide, which is evident from their attitude to the US President's initiative for creating the Board of Peace. Russia and China stand for equal and mutually beneficial cooperation based on the principles of international law and the UN Charter. The President noted that the Treaty on Measures for the Further Reduction and Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms is due to expire tomorrow, February 5. As you know, on September 22, 2025, we suggested extending the key quantitative limits for one year on a voluntary basis. However, there was no official response from the United States. Vladimir Putin emphasised that in this situation, we will act in a balanced and responsible manner based on a careful analysis of the overall security environment. Russia remains open to finding a way to ensure strategic stability through negotiations. The leaders were informed about the contacts our countries had with the Donald Trump administration and believe that there is a window of opportunity in this regard. In particular, the President of China voiced his support for the ongoing talks in Abu Dhabi within the trilateral working group on security matters. President Vladimir Putin shared his latest assessments of the efforts to reach a peaceful settlement in the Ukraine conflict. As I have noted, the agenda covered many other international matters too, with a special emphasis on the tense situation surrounding Iran. Vladimir Putin informed his counterparts about the January 30 meeting at the Kremlin with Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani. The leaders also sought to coordinate their approaches regarding the situation with Venezuela and Cuba and spoke in favour of ensuring that our countries maintain cooperation with Caracas and Havana at the current level. On regional topics, the leaders exchanged views on the situation in the Asia-Pacific. The President of China talked about Beijing's relations with Tokyo, while President Vladimir Putin once again spoke out in support of China's principled position regarding Taiwan, reaffirming Russia's commitment to the One China policy. Overall, this was a direct and trust-based conversation, which offered the two leaders an opportunity to reaffirm their strategic and principled priorities for working together during the upcoming cycle. Cooperation between Moscow and Beijing operates as a powerful, constructive and stabilising factor in the world, while the Russia-China nexus effectively enhances global security, and benefits the Global Majority, as well as the people of both Russia and China. I would like to emphasise on a special note that the conversation between Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping took place in a genuinely friendly atmosphere. They ended the conversation by wishing each other every success, happiness, and wellbeing in the coming year. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Minister of Defence of Russian Federation Andrei Belousov set task to ensure continuous production and supply of special-demand samples of weaponry, military and special hardware pieces 04 February 2026 01:35 The Minister of Defence of the Russian Federation, Andrei Belousov held a meeting on the production and supply of specially demanded weapons, military and special hardware. The issues of providing support to the Groups of Forces of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation in the zone of the special military operation were discussed, and the results of the production and supply of military products for the month of January were summarised. This year, it is planned to deliver more than 310,000 samples of hardware and about 21 million weapons to the troops. 'In January, more than 10,000 weapons and about 2 million weapons have already been delivered,' said Andrei Belousov. The Minister of Defence noted that such results were made possible by the organisation of regular work in enterprises from the first days of the new year and constructive interaction with the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Ministry of Finance and a base bank. In order to maintain the pace of delivery in 2027, work has been organised on contracting equipment and weapons with a long manufacturing cycle. In order to purchase the components of the defence industry in a timely manner, it is permitted to draw on the credit funds of the base bank of support pending the receipt of budgetary funds. During the meeting, the heads of the defence industry organisations were reported on the performance of contractual obligations, the issues related to their implementation, and discussed how to address them. Department of Information and Media Affairs of Defence Ministry of the Russian Federation NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US approves $3bn deal for sale of F-15 sustainment equipment to Saudi Arabia Iran Press TV Wednesday, 04 February 2026 11:05 AM The United States has approved a potential $3 billion deal for sale of F-15 fighter jet sustainment equipment to Saudi Arabia, furthering its controversial arms race in the Persian Gulf. The US State Department authorized a potential $3 billion Foreign Military Sale to Saudi Arabia to support sustainment of the Arab Kingdom's F-15 fighter jet fleet, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said on Tuesday. According to the statement, the sale includes spares, repair parts, consumables, software support, personnel training, and engineering and logistics services. "This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a Major non-NATO Ally that is a force for political stability and economic progress in the [Persian] Gulf Region," it added. The DSCA, part of the Pentagon, offers financial and technical support, facilitates the transfer of defense equipment, provides training and services to allied nations, and fosters military-to-military cooperation. A small number of additional US civilian contractors or military personnel might be deployed to the Kingdom as part of the deal, the statement further noted. This move follows last week's approval of a possible $9 billion sale of 730 Patriot Advanced Capability-3 Missile Segment Enhancement Missiles (PAC-3 MSEs) to Saudi Arabia. "This enhanced capability will protect land forces of Saudi Arabia, the United States, and local allies and will significantly improve Saudi Arabia's contribution to integrated air and missile defense in the CENTCOM region," the Pentagon said. The PAC-3 MSE, made by Lockheed Martin, is among the most advanced interceptors, capable of detecting and destroying ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and advanced drones. During an official visit to Washington on January 29, Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman met with senior US officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff. "We reviewed the strategic relations between our countries and explore prospects for enhancing our cooperation. We also discussed our efforts to advance regional and global peace and stability," Prince Khalid said. The meetings were also attended by Saudi Ambassador Princess Reema bint Bandar and Chief of General Staff Lieutenant-General Fayyad bin Hamed al-Ruwaili. The US continues to supply Saudi Arabia with advanced weapons, claiming they will not disrupt the military balance. Yet these arms sales risk destabilizing the Persian Gulf, fueling an arms race, and heightening regional tensions, given Washington's history of intensifying insecurity under the guise of strategic partnership. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address TPP defense act placed on its priority list for new legislative session ROC Central News Agency 02/04/2026 10:39 PM Taipei, Feb. 4 (CNA) The Taiwan People's Party (TPP) on Wednesday announced its 21 "priority" legislative bills, including its own version of a national defense special act, which caps arms spending at NT$400 billion (US$12.66 billion) through 2033, and requires that funding be allotted on a yearly basis. The opposition party's caucus "absolutely supports" strengthening the military's self-defense and joint operational capabilities through arms procurement, Wang An-hsiang (), a deputy caucus whip, said at a press conference unveiling 21 priority bills for the new legislative session, which will formally begin on Feb. 24. Wang added, however, that the party opposes opaque practices that "evade oversight" and "grant blanket authorizations," citing these concerns as reasons it has stalled the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) government's proposed NT$1.25 trillion special defense budget for 2026-2033. The TPP's defense act, titled "special act on national security and asymmetric warfare procurement," is awaiting committee review, after the party, backed by the larger opposition Kuomintang (KMT), pushed the bill forward last Friday before the Legislature began its winter recess. At the same plenary session, the opposition again blocked the government's defense spending proposal, extending the stalemate that has existed since November last year. In response to the standoff over Taiwan's military budget, U.S. officials and lawmakers have expressed concerns recently, with some viewing the opposition-backed reduction in defense spending as a blow to Taiwan's self-defense credibility. The TPP's proposal funds 82 HIMARS multiple rocket systems and 60 M109A7 self-propelled howitzers (including 4,080 rounds of precision munitions). It also covers anti-armor loitering munitions, 70 Javelin launchers with 1,050 missiles, and 24 TOW 2B launchers with 1,545 missiles -- all of which have received U.S. government approval. However, the proposal omits several preapproved U.S. sales for tactical software and fleet maintenance, while also scrapping funding for local arms industry partnership, the procurement of 200,000 drones, and the construction of the multilayered air defense system, known as T-dome, included in the Cabinet's special budget. When asked about U.S. concerns on Wednesday in a separate event, former TPP Chairman Ko Wen-je () suggested amending the draft to state that future weapons sales approved by the U.S. State Department could also be reviewed and passed by the Legislative Yuan, thereby "making the legislation more comprehensive." Ko dismissed the DPP's criticism against his party by asserting that "Taiwan is not the DPP's monopoly," a phrase suggesting that the DPP should not act as though it holds the exclusive right to propose legislation or define what national interest is. "The U.S. is not the DPP's excuse. Whatever issues arise, we will communicate directly with Washington -- so stop using the U.S. to threaten us. We will also remain in close contact with the AIT (American Institute in Taiwan)," Ko said. The TPP's 21 priority bills span multiple policy areas, including a proposal to set up "Taiwan Future Accounts," government-funded investment accounts that grow until a child turns 18, to provide a starting fund for his or her future, and to combat the falling birth rate. (By Wang Cheng-chung, Wang Yang-yu, James Thompson and Shih Hsiu-chuan) Enditem/cs NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Xi urges Trump to be prudent about arms sales to Taiwan in latest phone call ROC Central News Agency 02/05/2026 12:46 PM Washington, Feb. 4 (CNA) The leaders of the world's two superpowers discussed the Taiwan issue during a phone call on Wednesday, with Chinese President Xi Jinping () urging U.S. President Donald Trump to handle arms sales to Taipei "with prudence." In a post on Truth Social, Trump said he had an "excellent, long, and thorough" conversation with Xi, covering topics such as trade, military affairs, his upcoming trip to China, and Taiwan. He did not elaborate on the discussions about Taiwan. Trump also said Xi would consider increasing China's soybean purchases from the U.S. to 20 million metric tons in the current season, up from the previously agreed 12 million tons. Xi, meanwhile, told Trump during the call that the Taiwan question "is the most important issue in China-U.S. relations," and that Taiwan is an inseparable part of China, according to China's state-run Xinhua News Agency. "The United States must handle the issue of arms sales to Taiwan with prudence," Xi was quoted as saying to Trump. Xi's focus on arms sales followed Washington's approval last December of the supply of a record US$11.1 billion arms package to Taiwan. One month earlier, Trump and Xi also had a phone conversation, but Trump did not say afterwards whether the Taiwan issue had been discussed. Xi, however, said he had reiterated Beijing's position on the Taiwan question, underscoring that Taiwan's return to China was "an integral part of the post-war international order," according to a Xinhua News Agency report at the time. On Wednesday, a White House official told CNA that the U.S.' policy regarding Taiwan has not changed. "The U.S. One China policy, as our cross-Strait policies are collectively known, is based on the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA), the three U.S.-PRC Joint Communiques, and the Six Assurances to Taiwan," the unnamed official said, in response to a CNA request for comment on the issue. "There is no change to our policy with respect to Taiwan." In Taiwan, President Lai Ching-te () told reporters Thursday that Washington and Taipei maintain close communication at all times. To the best of his knowledge, Lai said, Trump reiterated the U.S.' long-held stance on Taiwan, based on the TRA and the Six Assurances, during his latest call with Xi. "Taiwan-U.S. relations are rock-solid, and all ongoing cooperation projects are continuing," Lai told reporters during a visit to Changhua County. The TRA, signed into law by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter on April 10, 1979, pledges to provide Taiwan with defense articles and services to help maintain its self-defense capability. Meanwhile, under the Six Assurances introduced by former U.S. President Ronald Reagan's administration in 1982, the U.S. agreed not to consult with Beijing on arms sales to Taiwan and to remain neutral on the issue of China's claims of sovereignty over Taiwan. On Wednesday, Richard Bush, a former chairman of the American Institute in Taiwan and now a nonresident senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, said it was not clear whether Trump would make concessions on Taiwan in a bid to achieve a trade deal with China. Any decision of that kind would depend on whether there is real progress on such a deal, Bush told CNA, when asked whether he thought Taiwan should worry about a possible development along those lines. "But Trump will hopefully recall Taiwan's positive responses to the arrival of his second administration," Bush said. Meanwhile, Bonnie Glaser, managing director of the Indo-Pacific Program at the U.S.-based German Marshall Fund, said Wednesday that she thinks Beijing is likely to press Trump to make concessions on Taiwan. "But I doubt the Chinese will explicitly agree to 'give' anything in return," Glaser told CNA, when asked to comment on the issue. "They insist Taiwan is China's Taiwan, and that nothing can change that. Taiwan is non-negotiable." "Making an explicit deal could suggest a willingness to bargain on Taiwan going forward," she added. (By Elaine Hou and Joseph Yeh) Enditem/pc NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address MAC slams '1992 Consensus' push after CCP, KMT top figures meet in Beijing ROC Central News Agency 02/04/2026 08:43 PM Taipei/Beijing, Feb. 4 (CNA) Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) denounced the "1992 Consensus" as a framework aimed at annexing Taiwan, following a political meeting between China's fourth-ranking official Wang Huning () and Kuomintang (KMT) Vice Chairman Hsiao Hsu-tsen () in Beijing on Wednesday. In a statement issued late Wednesday afternoon, the MAC -- Taiwan's top government agency handling cross-Taiwan Strait affairs -- said Beijing's "one-China principle" or the "1992 Consensus" is fundamentally aimed at "eliminating the Republic of China (ROC) and annexing Taiwan, leaving no room for the ROC's existence." MAC said that public opinion in Taiwan has "firmly rejected" that position, referring to the "1992 Consensus," which the KMT has consistently interpreted as an acknowledgment by both sides of the Taiwan Strait that there is only "one China," with each side free to interpret what "China" means. However, Beijing has never publicly endorsed the KMT's interpretation, and continues to insist that Taipei's acceptance of the "1992 Consensus" is a prerequisite for dialogue between the two governments. Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) government has never acknowledged the "1992 Consensus," arguing that Beijing allows no room for the interpretation of "China" as the ROC, and that acceptance of the consensus would imply agreement with China's claim over Taiwan. MAC's statement came hours after Wang, the fourth-ranking member of the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) Politburo Standing Committee and chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, met with Hsiao. Wang said during the meeting that China is willing to strengthen exchanges with Taiwan's political parties and civil groups on the basis of the "1992 Consensus" and opposition to Taiwan independence. Wang's comments echoed those of Song Tao (), director of China's Taiwan Affairs Office, during the "KMT-CCP think tank forum" on Tuesday, during which the Chinese official called for "insistence on the 1992 Consensus [and] opposition to Taiwan independence to ensure the correct direction of cross-strait relations." The forum was seen in Taiwan as paving the way for a possible meeting between KMT Chairperson Cheng Li-wun () and Chinese leader Xi Jinping (). Hsiao, head of the 40-member KMT-led delegation to take part in the forum, said the then-KMT government and the Chinese government reached an understanding in 1992, under which "each side verbally stated that both sides of the Taiwan Strait adhere to the one-China principle." He added that the 1992 Consensus was the shared political basis for continued cross-strait exchanges. (By Lu Chia-jung and Sunny Lai) Enditem/AW NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Taiwan question at the core of China's core interests, says Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson after Chinese, US leaders' phone talk Global Times By Global Times Published: Feb 05, 2026 12:30 PM Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday talked with US President Donald Trump over phone. President Xi emphasized that the Taiwan question is the most important issue in China-US relations. Taiwan is China's territory, and China must safeguard its own sovereignty and territorial integrity, and will never allow Taiwan to be separated, he said. The US must handle the issue of arms sales to Taiwan with prudence, Xi said, according to a readout from the Chinese foreign ministry. At a press briefing on Thursday, Chen Binhua, a spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, said that President Xi's important remarks elaborated on China's solemn position on the Taiwan question and provided fundamental guidance for our work on Taiwan. Taiwan is China's territory, and the Taiwan question is at the core of China's core interests, and the first red line that cannot be crossed in China-US relations, Chen said. The DPP authorities have repeatedly attempted to "seek independence through external support" or "seek independence by force," leading to tensions and instability across the Taiwan Straits. The US should adhere to the one-China principle and the three China-US joint communiques, and handle the Taiwan question with utmost prudence, the spokesperson said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Top political advisor meets Taiwan delegates to CPC, KMT think tank forum People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 09:48, February 05, 2026 BEIJING, Feb. 4 (Xinhua) -- Top political advisor Wang Huning on Wednesday met with the Taiwan delegation attending the think tank forum co-hosted on Tuesday by research institutes affiliated with the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the Chinese Kuomintang (KMT) party. Extending congratulations on the success of the forum, Wang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, said that the mainland will strengthen exchanges with Taiwan's political parties, including the KMT, as well as with groups and people from all sectors of Taiwan. Wang, also chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, said that the mainland will unite Taiwan compatriots to advance exchanges and cooperation, and deepen integrated development across the Taiwan Strait. Adhering to the 1992 Consensus and opposing "Taiwan independence" is the common political foundation of exchanges between the CPC and the KMT, and the fundamental precondition for the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations, which should not waver at any time, he stressed. He urged joint efforts to firmly grasp the destiny of the Chinese nation and resolutely oppose "Taiwan independence" separatism and interference by external forces, and to further expand the space for exchanges and cooperation for compatriots on both sides of the Strait. "All Taiwan compatriots and enterprises are welcome to take part in the implementation of the 15th Five-Year Plan," Wang said, urging the CPC and the KMT to take the lead in doing anything that benefits compatriots on both sides of the Strait and cross-Strait exchanges and cooperation. Hsiao Hsu-tsen, vice chairman of the KMT who led the Taiwan delegation, said he hopes that Chinese people on both sides of the Strait will replace confrontation with exchanges and conflict with consultation, and work together for the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. The Tuesday forum was attended by over 100 participants from both sides of the Strait, including think tank members of the CPC and the KMT, as well as representatives and experts from various fields such as tourism, industry, science and technology, healthcare, and environmental protection. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan ROC Ministry of National Defense 2026.02.05 Issuing AuthorityPolitical Warfare Bureau PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan 1.Date 6 a.m. Feb. 4 (Wed.) to 6 a.m. Feb. 5 (Thu.) (UTC+8) 2.PLA activities 12 sorties of PLA aircraft and 7 PLAN ships operating around Taiwan were detected as of 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 11 out of 12 sorties crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan's northern and southwestern ADIZ. ROC Armed Forces have monitored the situation and employed CAP aircraft, Navy ships, and coastal missile systems in response to detected activities. 3.PRC balloon activities: 1 PRC balloon was detected during this timeframe. 1150204_PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan_1 1150204_PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan_2 1150204_PLA air activities in the vicinity of Taiwan NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Air defence and PURL contributions: Ukraine, NATO, the United Kingdom and Germany coordinate support priorities ahead of the Ramstein-format meeting Ministry of Defence of Ukraine 3 February, 2026, 9:18 PM EET At the next Ramstein-format meeting, Ukraine expects new substantial contributions from partners to strengthen air defence, as well as additional support for the PURL programme. Mykhailo Fedorov, Minister of Defence of Ukraine, and Mark Rutte, NATO Secretary General, took part in a joint conversation with John Healey, Secretary of State for Defence of the United Kingdom, and Boris Pistorius, Federal Minister of Defence of Germany. The parties coordinated key support priorities for Ukraine. In particular, coordination with partner countries is ongoing to urgently secure additional air defence assets, including interceptors, to protect Ukraine's skies. The parties also addressed funding for the PURL programme. Ukraine is counting on additional contributions under this initiative in 2026 to support the procurement of critically important U.S.-manufactured weapons. The parties also discussed the potential allocation of resources from the European Union's 90 billion support package to Ukraine's priority defence needs. Meeting participants noted that 2025 was Ukraine's most productive year in terms of international support, with assistance reaching $45 billion. In 2026, partners are committed to ensuring an even higher level of support. Mykhailo Fedorov expressed gratitude to NATO, the United Kingdom and Germany for their critically important support for Ukraine and their leadership in the Ramstein format. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Council agrees position on legal framework to provide 90 billion in financial support to Ukraine European Council / Council of the European Union Council of the EU Press release 4 February 2026 15:39 The Council today agreed its position on the legal framework implementing the European Council agreement to provide a 90 billion loan to Ukraine for the years 2026-2027. The Council now aims for a speedy agreement with the European Parliament to allow the first payment to be disbursed early in the second quarter of this year. The Ukraine support loan will help Ukraine address its urgent financing needs as Russia continues its war of aggression. To that end, it will specifically aim to support Ukraine's general budget and defence needs. Today's agreement shows that the EU continues to act decisively in support of Ukraine and its people. The new financing will help ensure the country's fierce resilience in the face of Russian aggression. At the same time, we are sending a strong signal that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states must be fully respected, in accordance with international law. Together with the European Parliament, I look forward to finalising the legal texts that will allow these loans to be disbursed. - Makis Keravnos, Minister of Finance of the Republic of Cyprus As also agreed by the European Council, the loan will be financed through EU borrowing on the capital markets and will be backed by the EU budget. The loans will become repayable only once Russia has paid war reparations to Ukraine. Furthermore, the financing will help strengthen the European and Ukrainian defence industries. Today's decision was taken through the enhanced cooperation procedure with the participation of 24 member states. Funding instruments Under the proposed framework, the EU will make funding available to Ukraine in two ways: 30 billion will be provided as macroeconomic support to Ukraine , channelled via macro-financial assistance (MFA) or implemented through the Ukraine Facility, the EU's dedicated instrument for providing Ukraine with stable and predictable financial support. , channelled via macro-financial assistance (MFA) or implemented through the Ukraine Facility, the EU's dedicated instrument for providing Ukraine with stable and predictable financial support. 60 billion will be used to support Ukraine's capacity to invest in defence industrial capacities and to procure military equipment. The funding will give Ukraine crucial and timely access to defence products from both the Ukrainian and EU defence industries. The financial and economic assistance available under the loans will be made accessible in line with Ukraine's financing needs, determined by a financing strategy to be prepared by Ukraine itself. The Council will need to approve this strategy following a Commission assessment. In all cases, funding will be linked to strict conditions on Ukraine's side such as adherence to the rule of law, including the fight against corruption. Military and defence procurement Defence products should in principle only be procured from companies in the EU, Ukraine, or EEA-EFTA countries. Should Ukraine's military needs require the urgent delivery of a defence product which happens not to be available in the EU, Ukraine or an EEA-EFTA country, a set of targeted derogations would apply. In addition, the Council mandate provides that third countries other than Ukraine or EEA-EFTA members may be directly associated to the Ukraine Support Loan as far as specific defence products are concerned. The mandate distinguishes between two categories of third countries in that regard: Countries that have concluded a bilateral agreement with the Union under the SAFE regulation - the EU's financial instrument to help member states invest in defence. The association would have to be laid down in a delegated act for each such third country, also detailing the products which could be procured from that country's industry. Countries that have entered into a security and defence partnership with the EU, have committed to provide a fair and proportionate financial contribution to the costs arising from borrowing, and which are providing significant financial and military support to Ukraine. The association would have to be laid down in a Council implementing act, which would also detail the products which could be procured from that country's industry. Debt service costs To ensure the most favourable loan terms and to manage Ukraine's debt sustainability, the interest cost of the loan is planned to be covered by the EU budget. This will not have an impact on the budget contributions of Czechia, Hungary and Slovakia, who have chosen not to take part in the enhanced cooperation. Next steps The Council will now seek a speedy agreement with the Parliament on the final legal texts of the regulation implementing the support loan and the regulation amending the Ukraine Facility. The Council is also now expected to request, via written procedure, the consent of the European Parliament on an amendment to the current MFF regulation to guarantee the financial assistance under the EU budget. Once all steps are complete, the Commission will be able to disburse the first payment early in the second quarter of this year. Background According to preliminary projections of the IMF, the total estimated remaining funding needs of Ukraine for the period 2026-2027 amount to 135.7 billion, under the assumption that Russia's war of aggression will end in 2026. The European Council of December 2025 agreed that the EU will provide 90 billion - representing two-thirds of Ukraine's funding needs - in 2026 and 2027, including for macro-financial needs, to support investment in its defence industrial capacities and procure necessary military equipment. Remaining funding needs are expected to be provided by other countries, in particular G7 partners. The European Council also directed that the loan should only become repayable once Russia had made war reparations to Ukraine. Since the start of Russia's military aggression, the EU and its member states have provided 193.3 billion in assistance to Ukraine. The EU is committed to continue providing political, financial, economic, humanitarian, military and diplomatic supportfor Ukraine and its people. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Tsahkna: today's EU agreement helps move forward with financing Ukraine's urgent needs Republic of Estonia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs 04.02.2026 | 18:56 The European Union today reached an agreement to establish a legal framework for providing Ukraine with a 90 billion loan for 2026-2027, as agreed by EU leaders at the end of last year. This is an important step towards meeting Ukraine's urgent needs and strengthening its position both on the battlefield and at the negotiating table. "The EU agreement ensures clear funding for Ukraine for 2026-2027, covering its urgent needs and strengthening its position both on the battlefield and at the negotiating table," Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said. "I expect the European Parliament to approve it swiftly so that the first disbursement reaches Ukraine already at the beginning of the second quarter of this year, because Ukraine needs this support very much." Under today's EU decision, 30 billion will be directed towards ensuring the functioning of the Ukrainian state and maintaining budget stability, and 60 billion will be invested in Ukraine's defence industry and in the procurement of military equipment from European and Ukrainian companies. The loan will be financed on the EU capital markets and guaranteed by the European Union budget. Ukraine will begin repaying the loan only once Russia has paid reparations for the war damage. Until then, Russian state assets will remain frozen, and the EU will retain the right to use them to repay the loan. "Russia is deliberately destroying energy infrastructure, leaving people without electricity and heating on the coldest winter days, and striking homes and kindergartens with missiles. Russia has knowingly chosen a war of conquest and destruction and it must also face the consequences." "We will continue supporting Ukraine and raising the price of aggression for Russia until Putin finally understands that time is not on his side," Tsahkna said, noting that he expects an agreement on the 20th package of sanctions against Russia in the near future. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia must end reprisals and intimidation of ICC Prosecutor and judges: UN Special Rapporteurs Press releases Multiple Mechanisms 04 February 2026 GENEVA -- UN human rights experts* today condemned the Moscow City Court's conviction of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) and eight sitting ICC judges, calling it a flagrant violation of international law. "These convictions are legally null and void under international law," the experts said. "It is an unprecedented attempt to criminalise the exercise of independent judicial and prosecutorial functions of an international court." On 12 December 2025, the Moscow City Court convicted ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan and eight ICC judges on charges related to "unlawful prosecution of Russian citizens", sentencing them to terms of imprisonment ranging from 3.5 to 15 years. Prosecutor Khan received a 15year sentence, and all defendants were convicted in absentia and declared internationally wanted. "Threats against the ICC promote a culture of impunity and send a dangerous signal, implying that States can use domestic jurisdictions to intimidate those tasked with investigating and prosecuting the most serious crimes under international law," the Special Rapporteurs said. They noted that the charges stem directly from the ICC's judicial activities relating to alleged war crimes committed in the context of Russia's war against Ukraine, including the issuance of arrest warrants against Russian President Vladimir Putin and Russian Children's Rights Commissioner Maria Lvova-Belova in March 2023 for the illegal deportation of Ukrainian children from the occupied Ukrainian territories to Russia. The experts stressed that ICC judges and prosecutors enjoy the functional immunity accorded to them under the Rome Statute for acts performed in the exercise of their official functions, and that no domestic court may assert criminal jurisdiction over core judicial acts of an international tribunal. "The proceedings violate, among others, Russia's obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights," they said, including the prohibition of arbitrary detention, the right to a fair trial before an independent and impartial tribunal, and the principle of legality. "Trials in absentia conducted without effective notification, access to independent legal counsel, or the possibility of mounting a defence fall short of minimum due process standards," the experts said. "This case follows a broader pattern of transnational repression by Russian authorities aimed at silencing dissent and anti-war expression beyond Russia's borders," they said, noting Russia's growing use of criminal proceedings in absentia against Russian exiled critics of the war against Ukraine, human rights defenders, journalists, academics, and individuals cooperating with UN mechanisms and international courts. "The latest attack on ICC officials is part of a deliberate and calculated strategy which exposes the profound insecurity of a Government that fears accountability," they said. The experts called on the Russian Government to annul the convictions, withdraw arrest warrants, end the abuse of criminal law against international judicial officials as well as critics abroad, and comply with international human rights obligations. "No State may invoke sovereignty to shield itself from accountability," they said. "Attempts by Russia or other UN Member States to undermine the ICC through reprisals against judicial independence and intimidation of the ICC's officials must end," they warned. "These efforts to dismantle the architecture of international justice set a dangerous precedent of undermining international law - allowing politicisation and avoidance of accountability. They cannot be tolerated." The experts have communicated their concerns to the Russian Government. *The experts: Mariana Katzarova, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Russian Federation Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Russian Federation Margaret Satterthwaite, Special Rapporteur on Independence of judges and lawyers Endorsed by: Cecilia M. Bailliet, Independent Expert on human rights and international solidarity Balakrishnan Rajagopal, the Special Rapporteur on adequate housing as a component of the right to an adequate standard of living, and on the right to non-discrimination in this context Ashwini K.P. Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racism discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance Tomoya Obokata, Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery, including its causes and consequences Morris Tidball-Binz, Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions Paula Gaviria, Special Rapporteur on the human rights of internally displaced persons Marcos A. Orellana, Special Rapporteur on the implications for human rights of the environmentally sound management and disposal of hazardous substances and wastes Ben Saul, Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism Elisa Morgera, Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights in the context of climate change Bernard Duhaime, Special Rapporteur on the promotion of truth, justice, reparation and guarantees of non-recurrence Surya Deva, Special Rapporteur on the right to development Farida Shaheed, Special Rapporteur on the right to education Michael Fakhri, Special Rapporteur on the right to food Ana Brian Nougreres, Special Rapporteur on the right to privacy Gina Romero, the Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association Mary Lawlor, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders Richard Bennett, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan Nils Muiznieks, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Belarus Elizabeth Salmon, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea Mai Sato, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran Siobhan Mullally, Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons, especially women and children Bina D'Costa, Barbara G. Reynolds, Catherine Namakula, Working Group of Experts on People of African Descent Ganna Yudkivska (Chair-Rapporteur), Matthew Gillett (Vice-Chair on Communications), Mumba Malila, and Ethan Hee-Seok Shin, Working Group on Arbitrary Detention Claudia Flores(Chair) Ivana Krstic (Vice-Chair), Dorothy Estrada Tanck, Haina Lu, and Laura Nyirinkindi, Working Group on discrimination against women and girls Gabriella Citroni (Chair-Rapporteur), Grazyna Baranowska (Vice-Chair), Aua Balde; Ana Lorena Delgadillo Perez, and Mohammed Al-Obaidi, Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances Special Rapporteurs and Working Groups are part of what is known as the Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council. Special Procedures, the largest body of independent experts in the UN human rights system, is the general name of the Council's independent fact-finding and monitoring mechanisms. Special Procedures mandate-holders are independent human rights experts appointed by the Human Rights Council to address either specific country situations or thematic issues in all parts of the world. They are not UN staff and are independent from any government or organisation. They serve in their individual capacity and do not receive a salary for their work. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address First Day Of Ukraine-Russia Peace Talks In Abu Dhabi End, Will Head To Second Day By RFE/RL February 04, 2026 The first day of US-facilitated peace talks between Ukraine and Russia in the United Arab Emirates ended as they look to move toward a deal to end their war as the fighting nears its fourth anniversary. In his daily video address on February 4, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he was briefed by Ukrainian delegation and that the first tangible result could be an exchange of prisoners of war between Ukraine and Russian in "the nearest future." Direct negotiations involving Moscow and Kyiv, along with US representatives, resumed in Abu Dhabi on January 23-24. Meetings between Ukrainian and Russian negotiators have been rare since the start of the Kremlin's full-scale invasion in February 2022. "As of today, the negotiations have ended," Diana Davitian, a spokeswoman for Rustem Umerov, Ukraine's top negotiator, told journalists, adding that "it is planned" for the talks to continue on February 5. US President Donald Trump's special envoy, Steve Witkoff, along with Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, are representing the United States at the negotiations with Ukraine and Russia. Details of the talks on February 4 were not disclosed, but Umerov said earlier in the day that the negotiating teams would meet in separate groups to discuss specific topics and then follow up with a joint meeting to coordinate their positions. Hopes for any breakthrough to end Europe's deadliest conflict since World War II are dim, with Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov telling reporters early on February 4 that Russia's position in the talks remains unchanged and that it is "absolutely clear and well understood by both Kyiv and the American negotiators." Ukrainian political analyst Ihor Reiterovych, speaking to Current Time, warned that the United States may underestimate Russian ambitions, saying there is "absolutely no guarantee" Putin will stop after gaining part of Ukraine. Reiterovych urged stronger security guarantees for Ukraine, arguing they must be "written not like the Budapest Memorandum," referring to the 1994 agreement signed by the United States, Russia, and the United Kingdom that guaranteed Ukrainian territorial integrity in exchange for Kyiv agreeing to eliminate its entire nuclear arsenal. The talks come just hours after Russia's massive missile and drone strikes that hit the Ukrainian capital and other regions across the country, underscoring what Ukrainian officials have described as a familiar Kremlin tactic of using diplomacy to buy time while intensifying strikes. Strikes Continue As Talks Resume Russian forces launched over 100 drones on Ukraine overnight, the Ukrainian Air Forces reported on February 4. In Zaporizhzhya, two people were killed in a drone strike on a market district in the southeastern city. Twelve people, including four children, were also injured in the incident. In the Dnipropetrovsk region, two people were killed and two more were wounded as a result of a drone attack, according to the regional authorities. "A 68-year-old woman and a 38-year-old man were killed" in the attack on Dnipropetrovsk region, Mykola Lukashuk, the head of the regional administration, wrote on Telegram. In the southern region of Odesa, at least five people were injured in an overnight Russian attack, the regional authorities reported, adding that houses, kindergartens, and a school were damaged. With reporting from RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service and Reuters Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-strikes-ukraine- talks-abu-dhabi/33668600.html Copyright (c) 2026. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Albares delivers high-powered generators to Ukraine to alleviate damage to essential energy infrastructure Spain - Ministry of Foreign Affairs PRESS RELEASE 012 The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through the AECID, intensifies its humanitarian action in the country with generators that will help more than 14,000 people This is the largest shipment in terms of combined power, providing a total power of 6.3 megawatts 04 FEB 26 The Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, Jose Manuel Albares, participated today, in Arganda del Rey, in the ceremony to present the Ukrainian Ambassador to Spain, Yuliia Sokolovska, with several high-powered generators with which the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID), continues to strengthen its humanitarian support for the Ukrainian population in the face of the energy emergency resulting from the conflict. Continuous Russian bombing has resulted in a 70% loss of Ukraine's electricity capacity. Attacks on the electricity system have intensified since the second half of 2025, affecting the entire country, including its capital, Kyiv, where anti-aircraft systems mitigated the effects of these attacks. Now, power cuts throughout the country last 12 to 16 hours, with temperatures in winter falling to -20 degrees on a daily basis. 'In light of this dramatic situation, we reiterate that Spain will continue to support the people and Government of Ukraine,' said the minister. 'Today we have come to Arganda del Rey to deliver six generators that will be able to supply energy to more than 14,000 people. These are three high-powered generators and three medium-powered generators that the AECID has purchased for immediate shipment to Ukraine through the European Civil Protection Mechanism,' he concluded. Commitment to the Ukrainian people The generators will be used to support essential infrastructure that has been severely affected by attacks on the country's electricity system. This is not the first shipment to meet the energy needs of the Ukrainian Government and people, explained Albares, who pointed out that energy sufficiency is, and has been, a priority area of work for the AECID. 'Just three months ago, in October 2025, in anticipation of a cold winter, we sent 70 smaller generators. We did the same at the beginning of 2025 and in previous years. However, in view of the unprecedented attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, this is the largest shipment in terms of combined power to date,' he said. In total, these generators will provide 6.3 megawatts of power. Request from Ukraine Today's shipment responds to the request made by Ambassador Sokolovska in a letter to the director of the AECID, Anton Leis, who was also present at the event. In the letter, Ukraine asked Spain to continue supporting the country by supplying emergency energy equipment, including a list of needs focused especially on high-powered generators to support energy infrastructure damaged in recent weeks. This situation has worsened the humanitarian crisis, affecting thousands of people's access to basic services. Since the beginning of the conflict, the Foreign Ministry, through the AECID, has maintained a sustained commitment to the humanitarian response in Ukraine, supporting actions aimed at ensuring access to energy, health, protection and other essential services for the civilian population. This new delivery is part of this ongoing effort to improve the situation and strengthen the resilience of the affected population. -NON OFFICIAL TRANSLATION- NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russian Forces Liberate Staroukrainka Settlement in Zaporozhye Region Sputnik News 20260204 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The Russian armed forces have liberated the settlement of Staroukrainka settlement in the Zaporozhye region, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Wednesday. "The units of the Vostok bettlegroup continued to advance into the depth of the enemy's defenses and, as a result of decisive actions, took control the village of Staroukrainka in the Zaporozhye region," the statement read. The Russian forces also took control of the Stepanovka settlement in the DPR, the ministry added. Russia's Tsentr bettlegroup has eliminated over 350 Ukrainian soldiers has eliminated over 350 Ukrainian soldiers Russia's Vostok bettlegroup has eliminated over 340 Ukrainian servicepeople, while the Sever bettlegroup has eliminated up to 280 soldiers of Ukraine has eliminated over 340 Ukrainian servicepeople, while the Sever bettlegroup has eliminated up to 280 soldiers of Ukraine Russian armed forces carried out strikes against the energy facilities used by the Ukrainian military Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia Prioritises Disinformation Over Energy Ceasefire: UK statement to the OSCE Speech UK Senior Military Advisor, Lt Col Joby Rimmer, highlights Russia's continued and deliberate disinformation in the OSCE. Russia's failure to honour even limited de-escalatory opportunities reveal a broader unwillingness to choose diplomacy over destruction. From: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and Lt Col Joby Rimmer, Senior Military Advisor at the UK Delegation to the OSCE Published 4 February 2026 Location: Vienna Delivered on: 4 February 2026 (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered) Madam Chair, the United Kingdom reaffirms its unwavering support for Ukraine's sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity. Our thoughts today are especially with the Ukrainian civilians killed and injured over the weekend, including those who died when Russian drones reportedly struck a commuter bus in the Dnipropetrovsk region, an attack that Ukraine's emergency services reported killed between 12 and 15 workers returning from their shift. These latest civilian deaths underscore the brutal human cost of Russia's ongoing aggression. We strongly denounce this most recent assault, consistent with the repeated and unacceptable actions we have witnessed from the Russian Federation. Meanwhile, we welcomed the US efforts to negotiate a ceasefire on strikes against energy infrastructure, which could have been an opportunity to set conditions for more meaningful negotiations. Russia has continued to launch strikes across Ukraine. Overnight on 2-3 February, when Kyiv was reportedly colder than the North Pole, Russia launched a massive combined attack with drones and over 70 missiles. This struck eight cities, including Kyiv, and energy facilities. Hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians have been left without heating with temperatures reaching -24 degrees. We condemn these inhumane attacks. The legal position is clear: attacks expected to disproportionately harm civilians or cause unnecessary suffering violate international humanitarian law. Respecting the principles of distinction, proportionality and precaution is not optional or a goodwill gesture. It is the bare minimum required. Whereas Russia continues to launch relentless and egregious attacks against its neighbour, Ukraine has consistently demonstrated its readiness to engage seriously in the pursuit of peace. It is the Russian Federation that should signal it is prepared to choose diplomacy over continued destruction. Here in Vienna, we remain seriously concerned about the continued misinformation and false narratives Russia is delivering in this Forum - narratives which independent reporting by international experts, Ukrainian authorities, and even prominent Russian prowar commentators consistently contradict. Russia claims that it wishes the FSC to function effectively, but its behaviour tells a different story: For example, in this forum, Russia has alleged it has established total control over Kupiansk. This is demonstrably false. Independent verification highlights that Russia has not gained control of these cities thanks to Ukrainian counterattacks. Russia has provided no verifiable evidence or substantiating material to support their claims of territorial gains when challenged. Russia's refusal to engage in constructive dialogue, its failure to answer direct and reasonable questions, and its avoidance of discussion even when confronted with clear contradictory evidence do not reflect the actions of a State committed to upholding the integrity of this Forum. The United Kingdom will continue to counter disinformation when it appears in this Forum and will consistently return to facts established by a broad spectrum of independent analysts and experts, not Russia's state funded propaganda. If the Russian Federation genuinely wishes to see a functioning, credible, and effective FSC, it must engage in good faith. But the FSC cannot function effectively based on evasion, unverifiable claims and misinformation. Our mandate, which includes essential risk management, depends heavily on being able to assess what is fact and what is not - which is hard to do when we are seemingly swamped with deliberate misinformation. The United Kingdom will continue to engage in good faith in all our collective interests, and we would invite the Russian Federation to do the same. Thank you, Madam Chair. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address There Will Be a Significant Step: We Expect a POW Exchange in the Near Future - Address by the President President of Ukraine 4 February 2026 - 20:35 I wish you health, fellow Ukrainians! Today was a long day, with many internal issues on the agenda. Energy - restoration and the protection of energy facilities. In Kyiv, the situation is difficult, and in some respects the most difficult compared to our other cities. Essentially, resources from across the country are being mobilized to support the capital. The Government of Ukraine will expand all programs to support people, including the distribution of approximately one hundred thousand heat kits. There are things that must be done for Kharkiv - the Ministry of Energy must accelerate the necessary supplies. We also held separate discussions with the Commander of the Air Force, the Minister of Defense of Ukraine, and regional leaders regarding protection against Russian "shaheds." The number of defensive lines and positions has already been significantly increased. We are adding crews and increasing drone supplies. However, this is still not enough, especially in critical areas - particularly in Zaporizhzhia and other regions. The task is very specific: to expand all defensive lines for the energy sector and all forms of coverage for critical infrastructure. I want to thank all repair and emergency crews who are currently working both in Kyiv and in the regions. People are extremely exhausted. New crews will be deployed - we discussed this with the Minister of Energy. I thank all state-owned companies that are providing assistance - Ukrzaliznytsia, Naftogaz - as well as all municipal utilities and all energy companies. Naftogaz has also secured the first liquefied natural gas shipment this year - from the United States. This additional import is necessary for us because the Russians have destroyed a significant part of our domestic production. We are also preparing the first delivery of American gas via Greece and neighboring European countries - this is something we agreed on, and I am grateful that these arrangements are working. All agreements that strengthen us help us endure. There was a report from our delegation after today's meetings held in a trilateral format. There were also contacts between the team and the American side. The report was delivered by Rustem Umerov, Kyrylo Budanov, and Davyd Arakhamiia - the guys were in contact. We discussed the interim results of the negotiations for today. They will continue tomorrow. There will also be a significant step: we expect a POW exchange in the near future. Captives must be brought home. Overall, Ukraine's position is very clear: the war must be ended for real. Russia must be ready for this. And partners must also be ready to ensure it in real terms with their real guarantees - security guarantees - and their real pressure on the aggressor. And it must be felt now - people in Ukraine must feel that the situation is genuinely moving toward peace, toward an end to the war, and not toward a scenario in which the Russians exploit everything to their advantage and continue their strikes. There must be no rewards for the aggressor - if any reward is given to the aggressor, Russia will, over time, break any agreement. There was a report from the Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine. An important part of the report focused on Russia's tanker fleet, which is operating specifically to sustain the war. Unfortunately, the Russians continue to exploit various jurisdictions around the world, operating under different corporate covers. They are exploiting Europe as well - and this is extremely serious. In 2025 alone, Russia involved more than 122 vessels in its oil trade that are operated or legally owned by European entities. This constitutes a significant portion of Russia's tanker fleet. Europe must act far more decisively to counter Russia's tanker fleet. I thank all partners who see this the same way and who are ready to strengthen legislation to block these tankers and confiscate Russian oil. We will work toward this in a bilateral format. Active diplomatic efforts lie ahead. And it is important that partners support our work with sufficient assistance to Ukraine - assistance now. Resilience now, realism in our discussions with partners now, and joint results now - this is what can make the strongest contribution to the outcome of diplomacy now. Glory to Ukraine! NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address AFP warns vs. 'too good' jobs after OFW's reported capture in Ukraine Philippine News Agency By Priam Nepomuceno February 4, 2026, 1:53 pm Updated on February 5, 2026, 9:21 am MANILA -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) reminded all prospective Filipino overseas workers to be wary of accepting job offers that are too good to be true to avoid being deployed to fight in conflict zones. "We would like to remind our public, na huwag tayo basta-basta maniwala ng magagandang offers sa atin ng trabaho. Make sure lang po natin na legal and lawful agencies natin para makapagtrabaho abroad (to not readily believed very good jobs offers from abroad. They must make sure that these job offers abroad are coming from legal and lawful agencies)," AFP public affairs office chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad said in an interview Tuesday. He was referring to the incident where Raymon Santos Gumangan, a Filipino citizen from Alcala, Pangasinan, was reportedly captured by Ukrainian troops while fighting for Russia in the ongoing conflict between the two nations. "We hate to speculate on how the person was recruited, but we would be like to be informed in our coordination with the agencies para malaman natin kung ano at maiwasan natin ang ganitong klaseng pagre-recruit (for us to know on how exactly it happen and so that we can tell the public to avoid these kinds of recruitment)," Trinidad said. Initial information gathered by the AFP, Trinidad said, indicated that Gumangan was recruited to work for "a certain job" and not in the military. "And with that, we really (need) look into (this) and take into consideration how he landed in the conflict area," he said. (PNA) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ferrari starts work on Merc-like engine for 2027 Rival Formula 1 teams are believed to be closing in on the controversial Mercedes power unit concept amid rampant speculation linking a novel compression approach to the German manufacturer's strong early running under the 2026 rules. Lewis Hamilton, Barcelona test 2026 Ferrari In recent weeks, engineers up and down the pitlane have been discussing a theory involving a tiny auxiliary volume - reportedly around one cubic centimetre - connected to the combustion chamber via a narrow channel near the pre-chamber spark plug at the top of the cylinder. Intriguingly, similar whispers have surrounded the Red Bull-Ford program. Asked by Australia's Channel 9 whether such concepts amount to cheating, former Red Bull boss Christian Horner dismissed the suggestion. That's a big statement, Horner said. Formula 1 is about pushing the boundaries. It's about how you interpret the regulations. The teams that are most conservative are the teams that are never at the front. You've got to be pushing the envelope. Meanwhile, respected Italian commentator Leo Turrini believes Ferrari is already planning its response - not for 2026, but beyond. Writing in his Quotidiano column, Turrini claims Ferrari engine boss Enrico Gualtieri has authorised work on a 2027 power unit featuring substantial changes aimed at achieving a dynamic compression ratio. According to Turrini, Ferrari suspects the FIA - under single-seater director Nikolas Tombazis - has deemed Mercedes' concept fully legal, prompting Maranello to pursue its own interpretation. Ferrari's approach is said to centre on a redesigned connecting rod, using a high thermal expansion coefficient to counter compression losses as temperatures rise. If successful, the solution would only reach the dyno in mid-2026, with any on-track debut unlikely before 2027. The potential gain? Turrini estimates between 5 and 10 horsepower. After Ferrari's difficult 2025 season, expectations remain cautious. Asked what to expect from the SF26, former Ferrari driver Ivan Capelli laughed. Next question? he said. Pressed further, Capelli sounded more optimistic. The SF26 has adopted quite a few original solutions, he said. "The new regulations allow engineers to branch out - there isn't just one way to interpret them. Ferrari has a duty to be competitive, he added. I expect them to be up there with the best. (GMM) Hamilton reshapes inner circle as Ferrari chapter resets Lewis Hamilton's off-track environment has undergone a sweeping reset ahead of the new season, with changes spanning his race engineering, management and communications teams following a difficult first year at Ferrari. Lewis Hamilton, Barcelona test 2026 Ferrari Questions remain over who will replace Riccardo Adami as Hamilton's race engineer after tensions during the 2025 campaign. Speaking in Leo Turrini's Quotidiano column, former Ferrari driver Ivan Capelli said the lack of clarity was unusual. I find it strange that his new race engineer hasn't yet been officially appointed, Capelli said. Maybe it's just a matter of hours, but certain things should be clarified in advance. Beyond the garage, familiar faces around Hamilton have also disappeared from the paddock. His press officer Gabriela Kwaku Yeboah - widely known as Ella - has parted ways with the seven-time world champion after overseeing his media duties and work linked to Project 44. Her next role has not been announced. Hamilton has also split again with manager Marc Hynes, albeit on what are described as friendly terms. The pair first worked together during Hamilton's junior career, with Hynes later serving as CEO of Project 44 from 2015 to 2021 before reuniting with the driver from 2024. Hynes has now taken on a full-time role with Cadillac ahead of the American manufacturer's Formula 1 entry. A source close to the situation described the separation as mutual, despite Hynes having overseen Hamilton's racing logistics and attending every grand prix. Off track, Hamilton has also been the subject of renewed speculation linking him with Kim Kardashian, following reports of a discreet but lavish Paris meet-up. On the sporting side, Capelli believes the upheaval reflects a driver still hungry to respond after a bruising season. I think Lewis is still willing to take risks, Capelli said. He's coming off a bad year and he knows it. He'll seek redemption - I can't imagine a sad end to his career. Away from cars altogether, Hamilton has revealed a new obsession after selling off much of his famed vehicle collection. Speaking to Vogue France, he admitted he has turned to collectible cards instead. I'm card collecting, Hamilton said. It's like Pokemon, Star Wars, athlete cards. I collected them as a kid, swapping them at school, and now the collection is just growing. I'm buying cards every week. (GMM) Featured Alabaster Box is 30 years; to host anniversary concert on Feb. 28 Gifty Owusu-Amoah Showbiz News Feb - 05 - 2026 , 10:30 2 minutes read It has been three decades of blessing gospel music lovers with their unique style of singing and patrons are in for a treat as renowned Acapella group, Alabaster Box, celebrates its 30th anniversary with a concert on Saturday, February 28 at Silicon House, Tesano in Accra. The 4:00 pm concert which is intended to climax the groups anniversary celebration this month, promises an unforgettable evening of soul-stirring music and harmonies. Established in 1995, Alabaster Box has been a household name in Ghana's gospel music scene, consistently pushing the boundaries of Acapella music. And to mark this milestone, the group has put together a line-up of performances featuring other notable Acapella groups, including Grace Notes, Soul Street, Sons of God and Stewards of Grace. Francis Amo, known his heated praise jam sessions is also on board to create a different feel for patrons with his novel Gospel Acapella praise sessions. The celebration will also see the performance of the groups latest song, Anointing Come, a studio recording produced by Ebenezer Crassie of Klinic Recording Studio. This new song will showcase the group's unique sound, which they describe as "Afropella" - a blend of African indigenous harmonies and sounds with modern twists. The quartet group, comprising Samuel Narku Dowuona, the leader, Gideon Allotey (Bass), Horst Ayub(Falseto), and Michael Allotey(Tenor), continues to inspire and uplift audiences with their music. In an interview with Graphic Showbiz on Monday, February 2, Samuel Dowuono said they group was looking forward with excitement to the D-day. The bible says, a mans gift makes room for him. For three decades, the group has been graced by God to perform at very notable and high places including playing for Queen Elizabeth. The experience has been humbling and we encourage those who have supported us since we started and even the Gen Zs to join us celebrate this great moment. The event will also be streamed live, and interested participants are encouraged to register in advance, he said. Alabaster Box has an impressive collection and three albums to their credit: Welcome to Goodbye, Unto the King, and Level Don Change. Next article: Cyber hygiene: Why digital discipline must define the new year Featured From Independence Square to Lusaka Streets: The fugu still speaks, if wed only listen Gilbert Attipoe Opinion Feb - 05 - 2026 , 09:46 4 minutes read The Ghanaian smock, popularly known as fugu or batakari in some northern dialects, stands as one of the most iconic and enduring symbols of Ghanaian cultural heritage. Originating primarily from the northern regions of Ghana and with linguistic and historical ties to neighboring West African communities such as the Mossi people, where the word fugu itself means cloth, this garment has been crafted for centuries. Skilled artisans weave narrow strips of cotton on traditional looms, sewing them together to create a loose, flowing tunic often paired with matching trousers. The designs feature vibrant colors, intricate geometric patterns, and occasionally protective amulets, reflecting the smocks early roles as warrior attire, chiefly regalia, and ceremonial dress used in battle, rituals, and important social occasions. Over time, the fugu transcended its regional origins to become a powerful national emblem of identity, pride, and resistance. It achieved global recognition on March 6, 1957, when Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah and members of the Big Six deliberately chose to wear splendid fugu smocks during Ghanas declaration of independence at the Old Polo Grounds in Accra. By rejecting Western suits in favor of this indigenous garment, Nkrumah made a bold statement of pan-African pride, cultural confidence, and the concept of the African Personality. The image of leaders standing in their handwoven smocks remains one of the most powerful visual representations of Africas decolonization struggle and the reclaiming of self-determination and dignity. Subsequent Ghanaian presidents, including Jerry John Rawlings and John Evans Atta Mills, continued this tradition by wearing fugu for state ceremonies, funerals, and significant national events, cementing its place as attire that conveys leadership, strength, royalty, and deep cultural rootedness. For many people in northern Ghana, the smock holds special personal meaning and is often reserved for lifes most important milestones. On 4th February, 2026, during his three-day state visit to Zambia, President John Dramani Mahama arrived in Lusaka proudly wearing a traditional fugu smock. Echoing Nkrumahs historic gesture, this choice was a deliberate display of Ghanaian heritage and a quiet assertion of pan-African solidarity on the continental stage. Unfortunately, some Zambian social media users responded with amusement or ridicule, finding the regal garment unfamiliar and treating it as something comical or costume-like. While the reactions may have been intended as light-hearted, they exposed a deeper and more troubling reality: a lingering ignorance of one anothers traditions that stems from the colonial eras deliberate fragmentation of African knowledge and mutual understanding. Africas true strength lies in its rich diversity, but genuine unity demands far more than political declarations, economic initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area, or popular hashtags. It requires active, intentional cultural education and exchange. When Africans learn to recognize and respect the symbols that matter to one another, the fugu as a mark of royal heritage and independence in Ghana, the chitenge as an expression of everyday elegance and resilience in Zambia, the dashiki as a celebration of creativity and festivity in Nigeria, or the kanzu as a symbol of modesty and tradition in East Africa, laughter at difference gives way to admiration and shared pride. Borders that once divided can become bridges of mutual respect and appreciation. Colonialism worked hard to erase cross-cultural awareness and impose hierarchies that made one peoples customs seem superior or normal while others appeared strange. That legacy persists today in subtle forms through online mockery, assumptions of cultural unfamiliarity, or the failure to teach younger generations about the continents shared and varied heritage. Overcoming it begins with curiosity: asking a friend from another country what their traditional attire means, sharing the story behind ones own, and making these exchanges part of everyday conversation. President Mahamas decision to wear fugu in Lusaka was more than a fashion choice; it was a reminder of the common struggles and bright shared future that Africans can build together. Unity must be cultural as much as it is political and economic. It starts with small, deliberate acts of learning and respect. When one African stands tall in their heritage, the entire continent rises. Pride in one is pride in all. By turning ignorance into knowledge and division into connection, Africans can weave their diverse threads into a stronger, more united future, one respectful exchange at a time. Featured Zambia, Ghana move toward visa-free travel to boost trade and investment www.lusakatimes.com International News Feb - 05 - 2026 , 08:50 3 minutes read Zambia and Ghana are set to agree on a visa waiver arrangement as the two countries intensify efforts to strengthen business, trade, and broader economic cooperation, coinciding with the State Visit of Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama to Lusaka. The visa-free travel agreement is expected to remove longstanding movement barriers between the two countries and serve as a practical foundation for increased commercial engagement, investment flows, and private-sector partnerships. The development comes as President Mahama arrived in Zambia yesterday, February 4, 2026, at the invitation of President Hakainde Hichilema, for a three-day State Visit focused on economic cooperation and regional integration. Ahead of the visit, Ghanas Foreign Minister disclosed that the visa waiver was a direct presidential directive and a central condition attached to the trip. The Minister stated that President Mahama instructed officials to ensure the agreement was concluded before travelling to Lusaka, stressing the importance of free movement in advancing trade, investment, and people-to-people interaction between the two countries. According to the Minister, technical discussions initially encountered challenges linked to differences in passport classifications. Ghana operates diplomatic, service, and ordinary passports, while Zambia recognises diplomatic and ordinary passports. Zambian officials initially raised concerns over alignment, but Ghanas delegation maintained that the matter had received clear presidential direction. The Minister explained that negotiations continued under high-level guidance, extending late into the night on the eve of the visit. At approximately 11.30 p.m., the Zambian side sought final presidential approval, which was granted, allowing the visa waiver agreement to be finalised. With the agreement secured, Ghana has reached its fifteenth visa waiver arrangement since President Mahama was sworn into office. The Minister described the deal as a significant step toward easing travel for business operators, officials, and citizens, while reinforcing economic cooperation between the two countries. President Mahama arrived in Lusaka accompanied by his wife, Lordina Mahama, and a senior government delegation. He was received at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport by Ghanas High Commissioner to Zambia, Madam Elizabeth Nyantakyi. He arrived aboard a special aircraft following his participation in the 2026 Global Governance Summit in Dubai. During the visit, the two Heads of State are scheduled to hold bilateral talks at State House, where discussions are expected to provide strategic direction on priority areas of cooperation. These include agricaulture and food security, energy, mining value addition, waste management, the circular economy, commodities exchange systems, skills development, and emerging technologies such as fintech. President Mahama is also expected to address Zambias National Assembly, providing an opportunity to engage legislators on shared democratic values and economic integration. In addition, he will attend the ZambiaGhana Business Forum alongside President Hichilema, aimed at promoting trade and investment opportunities within the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area. A GhanaZambia Business Dialogue, co-chaired by the two Presidents, is also scheduled as part of the visit. The dialogue is intended to showcase Ghanas digital technologies and fintech solutions to Zambian businesses and government institutions, fostering partnerships and knowledge exchange. The visit further includes a wreath-laying ceremony at Embassy Park in honour of Zambias fallen heroes and an engagement with the Ghanaian community in Lusaka. President Mahama is expected to depart Zambia immediately after completing his official programme. Zambian authorities have described the visit as a reciprocal engagement following President Hichilemas State Visit to Ghana in July 2023 and a continuation of outcomes from the ZambiaGhana Joint Permanent Commission held in Lusaka in October 2025. Featured AG proposes bill to recover assets linked to crime Mohammed Ali Feb - 05 - 2026 , 15:34 2 minutes read The Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Dr Dominic Ayine, has announced plans to introduce a Criminal Proceeds Recovery Bill to allow the state to seize and recover assets linked to criminal activity. Speaking during a visit by the Vice President, Prof. Naana Jane Opoku Agyemang, to the Ministry of Justice in Accra on Thursday [February 6 2026], the Attorney General said that under current laws, his office lacks the authority to confiscate assets obtained through criminal enterprise. Currently, under Act 30, the Attorney General doesnt have the power to seize assets that are the result of a criminal enterprise. The EOCO has that power, the OSP has that power, but the person vested with the constitutional authority to prosecute, the original owner of the power, does not, he said. He explained that the planned legislation would allow the Ministry to pursue civil recovery of assets believed to have been derived from criminal activity, operating under a lower standard of proof than in criminal proceedings. If we link any asset to criminal activity, we will be able to apply to the court to confiscate it, the Attorney General added. He said the Ministry cannot retain proceeds from confiscated assets, a situation he indicated limits its capacity to support prosecutions and other work. Currently, I have over 15 luxury cars with the EOCO, but I cant do anything. If they sell them, it is EOCO keeping the money, not the Attorney Generals office, he said, referring to practices in other jurisdictions, including South Africa where such proceeds are used to support prosecutorial work. The announcement comes amid challenges within the Ministry, including funding, infrastructure and staffing gaps, particularly in newly created regions. The Attorney General said proper implementation of the bill would strengthen the Ministrys ability to support state attorneys, provide equipment and transport for court proceedings and expand regional offices. Speaking during the visit, Prof. Opoku Agyemang described the proposal as a tool for accountability and protection of public resources. She urged the Ministry to present workable and sustainable responses to issues such as land compensation claims dating back to the colonial period and heavy workloads facing legal staff. We rely on you to advise us on what is workable, practical, and enduring, she said. The Criminal Proceeds Recovery Bill is expected to be drafted and presented to Cabinet as part of moves to widen the legal and financial authority of the Ministry of Justice. Dont hand newsroom judgement to AI, journalists warned Augustina Tawiah Feb - 05 - 2026 , 13:39 3 minutes read Journalists have been urged not to surrender human judgement in the news content they produce to Artificial Intelligence (AI), but to retain firm editorial control at all times. The Managing Editor for Radio and Podcasts at Sputnik Africa, Alexander Kuzyk, who gave the advice, said that while AI could be a tremendously useful tool in media production, it should only be used to enhance journalistic work and not to replace human judgement, creativity and ethical decision-making. He stressed that AI, though increasingly indispensable in modern newsrooms, must never become a substitute for professional editorial oversight. He therefore cautioned that under no circumstances should AI-generated content be presented to audiences as a final product, insisting that editors must always manually fact-check and align such content with their editorial policies and audience expectations. Failure to do so, he warned, would result in what he described as AI slop. You should never publish AI generated content without human editing. AI is a tool and not a real actual living journalist. Remember that the quality of AI output depends entirely on how well you craft your prompts, he said. Mr Kuzyk was speaking at a Sputnik international training programme on the pros and cons of AI-generated news content, organised for selected journalists. The training, which was held both in person and online and marked its second edition, was facilitated by the Ghana-Russia Centre for Commerce and Relations and hosted by the Centre for Public Diplomacy in Ghana, with support from the Russian Embassy in Ghana. Touching on cultural context, Mr Kuzyk said AI could not replace local knowledge, which he noted was often critical in avoiding cultural insensitivities in news reporting. If AI is trained on western media sources, it may perpetuate stereotypes about Africa or give disproportionate weight to western perspective. It lacks cultural context. AI might not understand why a particular phrase is offensive in Ghanaian context and so there is a real risk of over-reliance leading to actually losing your journalistic skills, he said. He observed that AI was rapidly transforming how journalism is practised, adding that the most successful journalists in the years ahead would not disappear but would be those who learn to use the tool effectively while upholding core professional values. According to him, principles such as accuracy, fairness, accountability and service to the public interest must remain non-negotiable, even as technology reshapes newsroom practices. Mr Kuzyk urged journalists to stay updated on developments in the AI space, noting that the field evolves quickly and requires constant learning to understand both its capabilities and limitations. He also warned journalists to be cautious about data protection, pointing out that many users rarely read terms and conditions or fully understand how their data is used. He advised that journalists should never disclose personal or confidential information when interacting with AI systems, in order to protect their sources. The Consular of the Russian Embassy in Ghana, Natalia Muzhennikova, briefly touched on the significance of the training and highlighted how AI could greatly benefit the world, particularly by making the work of Ghanaian journalists easier, faster and more accessible. The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana-Russia Centre for Commerce and Relations, John Aggrey, said those who felt threatened by AI were often those who viewed it as destructive, arguing instead that the technology could be harnessed for positive outcomes. Two Kotoka International Airport employees in court over alleged theft of 160 litres of diesel Next article: Two Kotoka International Airport employees in court over alleged theft of 160 litres of diesel Featured Fake soldier remanded over GH192,000 land security scam in Accra GNA Feb - 05 - 2026 , 09:11 3 minutes read A Circuit Court in Accra has remanded a 43-year-old man who allegedly posed as a soldier and defrauded a businessman of GH192,000 under the pretext of providing security services. The accused, Mahama Sani Razak, also known as Major Zack Gariba Tanko, has denied charges of defrauding Mr Lambon Justice Iddrisu by falsely claiming that he and junior military personnel would protect the complainants land from land guards. Razak was remanded by Circuit Court Eleven and is expected to reappear on February 10, 2026. The court further directed the prosecution to send the accused, who appeared in court on crutches, to the hospital for medical examination after he alleged that he sustained injuries during his arrest. Presenting the facts, Police Chief Inspector Ebenezer Teye-Okuffo told the court that the complainant is a businessman residing at North Legon, while the accused claimed to be a miner living at Dodowa in the Greater Accra Region. According to the prosecution, the complainant owns plots of land at Kwabenya and, in March 2025, the accused introduced himself to him as a military officer. Chief Inspector Teye-Okuffo said the accused later took the complainant to Burma Camp, where he further represented himself as a Major in the Ghana Armed Forces, stationed at the Military Police Unit. During their interactions, the complainant informed the accused that land guards were harassing him on his Kwabenya land. The accused then claimed he had the authority to deploy junior military officers to ward off the land guards. Convinced by these representations, the complainant agreed, after which the accused demanded and received GH192,000 to undertake the operation. The court heard that the accused provided three MTN Mobile Money numbers with different account names, through which the amount was transferred. After receiving the money, the accused allegedly failed to carry out the agreement and subsequently went into hiding. Chief Inspector Teye-Okuffo said further checks at the Ghana Armed Forces established that the accused was not a military officer. Armed with this information, the complainant reported the matter to the police, leading to the accuseds arrest. Investigations also revealed that one of the Mobile Money accounts used belonged to the accuseds wife, who, upon arrest and interrogation, admitted receiving unspecified sums of money, which she withdrew on behalf of her husband. The prosecution said the accused was initially arraigned before Circuit Court Three on July 8, 2025, and charged with fraud. He pleaded not guilty and was granted bail in the sum of GH300,000 with two justified sureties. However, after meeting the bail conditions, the accused allegedly absconded, leading to the case being struck out on November 4, 2025, for want of prosecution. The court heard that in January 2026, the Accra Regional Police Command received information that the accused had been arrested at Akuse in the Eastern Region in connection with a similar offence. A new charge sheet was subsequently filed, and the accused was brought before the court. Counsel for the accused, Mr Theophilus Donkor, in praying for bail, told the court that Razak is a businessman who owns two shops and three properties at East Legon, and is married to four women, three of whom are serving police officers. He argued that the accused had pleaded not guilty and was therefore presumed innocent until proven guilty, adding that bail was at the discretion of the court. He also claimed the accused required medical attention, alleging that he was assaulted during his arrest. The prosecution opposed the bail application, describing the accused as a fugitive who was likely to abscond again if granted bail. Why Amasaman High Court concluded Agradaa's 15-year jail term was 'harsh and excessive' and reduced it to 12 months Next article: Why Amasaman High Court concluded Agradaa's 15-year jail term was 'harsh and excessive' and reduced it to 12 months Featured First Lady Lordina Mahama holds tete-a-tete with Zambian counterpart Graphic Online Feb - 05 - 2026 , 21:46 1 minute read First Lady Mrs Lordina Dramani Mahama on Thursday held a meeting with her Zambian counterpart, Mrs Mutinta Hichilema, in what was a display of cross-border sisterhood and collaboration. The two held meaningful discussions about their ongoing initiatives and explored opportunities to support each other's work. Key highlights from the meeting included sharing their experiences with social development programmes, exploring potential partnerships between Ghana and Zambia, identifying areas for mutual support and collaboration, and reaffirming their commitment to impactful community initiatives. Mrs Mahama is in Lusaka with President John Dramani Mahama, who is on a three-day state visit to Zambia. Next article: First Lady Lordina Mahama holds tete-a-tete with Zambian counterpart Featured Gambia's Interior Minister praises Margins ID Group's capabilities during National ID project visit Graphic Online Feb - 05 - 2026 , 21:53 3 minutes read Gambia's Minister for the Interior, Abdoulie Sanyang, has led a delegation of senior government officials on a two-day visit to Margins ID Group's manufacturing facilities in Ghana. The February 2 to 4, 2026, visit was a significant milestone in the implementation of The Gambias National Identification Project, showcasing the innovative capabilities of Margins ID Group a Ghanaian-owned technology leader with over 35 years of expertise in delivering secure identity solutions across Africa. The engagement was part of the active phase of a publicprivate partnership between The Gambian government and Margins ID Group. The collaboration is aimed at establishing a comprehensive, fully integrated biometric National Identification Ecosystem, tailored to meet the specific needs of The Gambia. The Gambian delegation included key figures such as Permanent Secretary, Mr Matar Ceesay, and representatives from the Immigration and Police Departments. During the visit, the delegation toured Margins ID Groups subsidiaries, including Margins ID Systems Applications Limited (MIDSA) and Intelligent Card Production Systems (ICPS). They witnessed firsthand the group's end-to-end capabilities, from software development to biometric enrollment and secure card production. This demonstration underscored Margins ID Groups role as a one-stop shop for identity solutions, capable of delivering integrated services that are essential for building resilient national identification systems. The Founder and CEO of Margins ID Group, Moses Baiden Jnr, emphasised the importance of this collaboration, describing it as a stepping stone toward African-to-African and sub-regional level cooperation. The Gambian National ID, modeled on Ghanas successful system, is set to be a smart card that aligns with the demands of the digital age, ultimately recognised across all ECOWAS states. The strategic relationship does not only facilitates technological advancement, but also highlights a shared commitment to enhancing public service delivery through secure identity systems. For his part, Mr Abdoulie Sanyang, expressed confidence in the robust technical infrastructure of Margins ID Group, particularly its advanced verification systems and interoperable databases designed for cross-sector utility. Reflecting on the contract signed on January 19, 2026, he underscored the importance of sustainable identity solutions, which differentiated Margins ID Group as a comprehensive provider that covers every aspect of identity management. The delegation also interacted with key public institutions in Ghana, including the National Identification Authority (NIA) and the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), which provided invaluable insights. The Executive Secretary of NIA, Wisdom Yayra Deku, shared lessons from Ghana's ID journey, emphasising the role of strong legal frameworks and citizen engagement in ensuring project sustainability. The conclusion of this visit marks a pivotal step in the implementation of The Gambias National Identification Project, confirming both institutional alignment and technical readiness. Featured Excessive jail terms undermine inmate reformation Chief Justice to judges Joshua Bediako Koomson Feb - 05 - 2026 , 12:57 3 minutes read The Chief Justice, Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, has advised judges against the imposition of excessively long custodial sentences, adding that such practices undermine efforts at inmate reformation, leading to congestion in the countrys prisons. He said that while punishment was necessary, sentencing must be guided by reformative objectives and established sentencing guidelines. I have sentenced people to 70 years before. Everyone who knows me knows that when I was a High Court judge, I gave Ataa Ayi 70 years, so I am not against long sentences. But long sentences really affect the prison population and, sometimes, they are counterproductive, Justice Baffoe-Bonnie said He gave the advice during a courtesy call on the management of the Ghana Prisons Service (GPS) in Accra yesterday. Long sentences The Chief Justice explained that prisons were primarily meant to reform offenders; however, excessively long sentences often defeated that purpose. No matter how reformatory you take these people through, if their sentences are too high, it turns out to be counterproductive, he added. The Chief Justice observed that some judges had lost track of established sentencing guidelines and said that the Judicial Service would periodically invite officers from the GPS to help orientate newly inducted judges on appropriate sentencing standards. He also linked prison congestion to delays in the judicial process, particularly prolonged remand periods. It is not anybodys wish that somebody stays on remand for so long, but because the courts are congested and other cases are prioritised, remand cases tend to suffer. The more remanded prisoners you have, the greater the congestion in prisons, Justice Baffoe-Bonnie further said. Shift system As part of measures to decongest both the courts and the prisons, the Chief Justice announced plans to introduce a shift court system, with judges sitting in morning and afternoon sessions. We have decided that we are going to set up a shift court system. We already have Sunday courts. We are not yet at night courts, but this is the beginning, he said. The Chief Justice said once the system became operational, prison officers might be required to present convicted and remand prisoners earlier than usual to facilitate faster trials. He also said that special courts dedicated to cybercrime, human trafficking and cross-border crimes would be rolled out soon. There have been several instances where people being tried for cyber offences are found to be committing these crimes while actually in prison, Justice Baffoe-Bonnie said. He expressed concern about the smuggling of mobile phones and other electronic gadgets into prisons, which enabled inmates to engage in cyber-related crimes. Significance The Director-General of the Ghana Prisons Service, Patience Baffoe-Bonnie, described the visit as timely and critical to improving prison administration. She said the meeting had provided an opportunity to openly discuss how sentencing decisions affected the day-to-day management of inmates. The meeting is worthwhile. I imagine it as a situation where the gavel meets the chains and also an opportunity to discuss the impact of sentences handed down by judges, and the daily management of prisoners behind bars, the D-G said. Featured IGP Yohuno promotes 101 personnel in 27 days Emmanuel Bonney Feb - 05 - 2026 , 07:57 2 minutes read The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohuno, has promoted 17 more police officers in recognition of their outstanding professionalism and dedication in the discharge of their duties. This brings to 101 the number of persons promoted by the IGP in a space of 27 days this year, alone. On January 15, this year, 35 police officers were promoted for their role in operations that led to the arrest of suspects linked to the Adabraka daylight gold shop robbery, with two others promoted following an intelligence-led operation by the Tema Regional Police Command, which resulted in the interception of 1,613 parcels of substances suspected to be narcotic drugs along the AkosomboTema road. Five others from the Tema Regional Police Command were awarded letters of commendation for their dedication and professionalism in the line of duty. Recognition On January 14, 2026, 17 were promoted in recognition of their conduct and work on duty while 30 personnel (January 5) were also promoted for the operations that led to the interception of 2,600 AK 47 ammunition that were being smuggled into northern Ghana from Accra and the dismantling of a robbery syndicate at Antoakrom in the Manso Nkwanta stretch of the Ashanti Region during the Christmas season. The 101 promotions exclude the over thousands that are due for promotions this year, resulting in 40 personnel dragging the police administration to court over the issue of promotion. The IGP, together with members of the Police Management Board (POMAB), congratulated the officers on their elevation and commended them for upholding the core values of the Service through discipline, courage and professionalism. Commenting on the development, Mr Tetteh-Yohuno urged the promoted officers to view their promotion as a call to higher responsibility and encouraged all personnel to continue working diligently. He reminded them that excellence and integrity remained the basis for recognition and promotion within the Ghana Police Service. Featured Junior Graphic, Parliament partner to promote civic education Akosua Darkoa Aninakwa Feb - 05 - 2026 , 10:57 3 minutes read The Junior Graphic, a newspaper brand under the Graphic Communications Group Ltd. (GCGL), is partnering the Parliament of Ghana to promote civic education and deepen childrens understanding of parliamentary proceedings, democracy and governance through a series of weekly educational articles to be published in the Junior Graphic. The partnership, which will help make parliamentary issues simple, engaging and relatable for young readers across the country, was reached at a one-day workshop organised by the Department of Public Engagement of Parliament in Accra. It brought together parliamentary officials and representatives of the GCGL. Under the partnership, Junior Graphic would create a weekly column titled Parliament and You to publish educational materials provided by the Parliament of Ghana and present them through stories and examples children can relate to, such as settings at school and home. Bridging the gap The Deputy Clerk to Parliament in charge of Information Management Services (IMS), Rosemary Arthur Sarkodie, described the partnership as a strategic investment to bridge the gap between the Legislature and the next generation of Ghanaian citizens. She said the initiative was aimed at translating parliamentary processes into a child-friendly language that resonated with young readers, with the ultimate goal of instilling a sense of civic duty in children long before they reach voting age. We must simplify complex procedures, the how and why of Parliament to young minds without losing the legal and procedural integrity, she stated. The Deputy Clerk emphasised that parliamentary education for children must be accurate, accessible, and consistent, and announced plans for a 48-week programme to ensure that it was delivered throughout the academic year. The Director of Parliaments Public Engagement Department, Superintendent (retd) Effia Tenge, said the partnership was aimed at bringing Parliament closer to young people, noting that many children already show strong interest in parliamentary work, particularly through school visits. She disclosed that about 20,859 people visited Parliament in 2025, with nearly 70 per cent of them being children and young people, making them a key audience for civic education. Ms Tenge said that while visits to Parliament remained important, the new partnership sought to bring parliamentary education directly to children through platforms they already read and trust, like the Junior Graphic. As part of the workshop, a Public Affairs Officer of Parliament, Ruby Nortey, led a presentation on the proposed content for the weekly Parliament and You column and discussed strategies to maintain childrens interest throughout the 48-week project. Targeting young minds The Coordinating Director of the Public Affairs Subdivision of the Parliament of Ghana, Kate Addo, also stated that modern civic engagement goes beyond providing information and receiving feedback. She explained that it requires interactivity, accountability and continuous dialogue with children. She added that the initiative targets young people at a formative stage, when lessons on democracy, critical thinking and peaceful problem-solving can have the greatest impact. If a 10-year-old understands that it is better to argue than to fight, then you know that you are getting somewhere, she said. Impact of Junior Graphic The Editor of the Junior Graphic, Hannah A. Amoah, said the publication had, over the years, helped children to improve their reading, spelling and writing skills, while nurturing them to become responsible future leaders. She added that the partnership would further educate children on important topics such as leadership, democracy, accountability, corruption and good citizenship, among others. It is imperative to teach them good values while they are still young so they will grow up with strong principles that will guide their behaviours throughout life. By teaching them to appreciate what happens on the floor of Parliament, democracy and governance, we are giving them the tools to navigate the complexities of the world around them, she added. She indicated that children enjoyed competition, so quizzes, contests, and interactive activities with prizes for winners would be introduced to make learning about Parliament fun and exciting. Two Kotoka International Airport employees in court over alleged theft of 160 litres of diesel Previous article: Two Kotoka International Airport employees in court over alleged theft of 160 litres of diesel Featured President Mahama in Zambia to strengthen ties Kester Aburam Korankye Feb - 05 - 2026 , 07:57 2 minutes read President John Dramani Mahama arrived in Lusaka, Zambia, yesterday to commence a three-day state visit to deepen the longstanding bilateral relations between the two countries. The President, accompanied by the First Lady, Lordina Dramani Mahama, was received on the tarmac of the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport by his Zambian host, President Hakainde Hichilema. Also present to welcome the Ghanaian delegation was Ghanas High Commissioner to Zambia, Elizabeth Nyantakyi. The visit, undertaken at the invitation of President Hichilema, is expected to focus on enhancing cooperation in trade, investment and digital innovation, with particular emphasis on leveraging the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Presidential delegation The President is accompanied by a high-powered delegation which includes key government officials. They are the Executive Secretary to the President, Dr Callistus Mahama; the Presidential Advisor and Special Aide, Joyce Bawa Mogtari, and the Deputy Chief of Staff in charge of Operations at the Presidency, Stan Xoese Dogbe. Also on the trip are the Presidential Spokesperson and Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu; the Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu; the Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George; and the Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey. The visit concludes on Friday, February 6, 2026. Engagements During his stay, President Mahama would engage in a series of high-level meetings and events designed to foster mutual growth. The centrepiece would be bilateral talks between the two leaders, covering matters of shared interest and strategic importance. President Mahama is scheduled to address the National Assembly of Zambia today, where he will articulate a vision for greater African integration and prosperity. Business dialogue A major economic highlight would be the Ghana-Zambia Business Dialogue, co-chaired by the two Presidents. This forum will serve as a platform for Ghana to exhibit its advancements in digital technologies and fintech services to Zambian businesses and public institutions, paving the way for new commercial partnerships. The President would also lay a wreath at the Embassy Park in Lusaka to honour Zambias fallen heroes. The visit underscores President Mahamas steadfast commitment to his vision of a seamlessly connected Africa, bound together by robust transport infrastructure, expanded trade linkages, and the free movement of its people and goods. President Mahama would also interact with the Ghanaian community resident in Lusaka. Why Amasaman High Court concluded Agradaa's 15-year jail term was 'harsh and excessive' and reduced it to 12 months Previous article: Why Amasaman High Court concluded Agradaa's 15-year jail term was 'harsh and excessive' and reduced it to 12 months Featured Police arrest suspect, seize alleged narcotics-laced drinks in Ashanti Region Emmanuel Baah Feb - 05 - 2026 , 16:45 1 minute read The Drug Law Enforcement Unit (DLEU) of the Ashanti Regional Police Command has arrested a 53-year-old man, Adjei Owusu Afriyie, for allegedly peddling alcoholic beverages suspected to be laced with narcotic substances at Akyeremade in the Atwima Kwawoma District. The suspect was arrested on Thursday, February 5, 2026, during an intelligence-led operation at a drinking spot known as De-Vickys at Akyeremade. A press statement issued on February 5, 2026, and signed by the Head of the Public Affairs Unit of the Ashanti Regional Police Command, DSP Godwin Ahianyo, said the suspect was currently in police custody, assisting with investigations. Contraband goods According to the statement, a search conducted at the premises, particularly the suspects storeroom, led to the retrieval of seven barrels containing locally manufactured dry gin (akpeteshie), 56 branded Alomo gin bottles, each containing akpeteshie, as well as one barrel and a gallon containing sobolo. Preliminary assessments indicate that the seized substances are suspected to be laced with narcotic drugs, the statement said. It added that the seized items had been secured for forensic examination, while further investigations were ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the alleged illicit activity and to identify any accomplices. The Ashanti Regional Police Command assured the public of its continued commitment to combating drug-related offences and safeguarding public health and safety. Featured Vice President calls for solutions to rising land compensation cases Mohammed Ali Feb - 05 - 2026 , 14:57 2 minutes read Vice President Prof. Jane Naana Opoku Agyemang has called for urgent and sustainable solutions to the growing number of colonial-era land compensation claims against the state, warning that the potential financial exposure could put severe pressure on public resources. She made the call during a visit to the Ministry of Justice in Accra on February 5, 2026, where the Attorney General briefed her on the scale of land compensation cases currently before the courts. Some claims are as much as 500 million Ghana cedis, the Attorney General said, adding that the cumulative liabilities could run into billions of cedis. These are historic claims, dating back to colonial times, and the courts have consistently ruled in favour of the claimants. Prof. Opoku Agyemang described the situation as serious and stressed the need for practical and lasting responses to the growing claims burden. We need to find ways of dealing with these claims, find different ways of compensation should that be necessary. We rely on you to advise us on what is workable, practical and enduring, she said. She noted that the issue had broad national implications, warning that escalating compensation payments could divert scarce funds away from infrastructure development, social services and other critical public programmes. The Vice President therefore urged stronger collaboration among state institutions to safeguard public finances while ensuring that legitimate claims are handled fairly and responsibly. The Attorney General, Dominic Ayine, outlined some of the challenges confronting the Ministry, including funding and staffing gaps, particularly in the newly created regions, which he said could hamper efforts to effectively manage the cases. He added that adequate resourcing, together with legislative and administrative measures, would be required to prevent a long-term strain on the state. Prof. Opoku Agyemang emphasised that any decisions taken must be legally sound and practically workable to avoid burdening future administrations. Regardless of who initiated them, it is still about the country. We have to be careful so that we dont leave legacies that trouble those who follow us, she said. The visit formed part of the Vice Presidents broader tour of ministries to engage staff, assess operational challenges and strengthen coordination across government sectors. Featured Why Amasaman High Court concluded Agradaa's 15-year jail term was 'harsh and excessive' and reduced it to 12 months Emmanuel Ebo Hawkson Feb - 05 - 2026 , 17:14 3 minutes read The selfstyled traditionalist turned evangelist, Patricia Asiedu Asiamah, popularly known as Nana Agradaa has had her 15 year-jail term reduced to 12 months by the High Court in Amasaman. The court, presided over by Justice Solomon Oppong-Twumasi, reduced the sentence after it upheld an appeal by Agradaa that the sentence imposed on her by the Accra Circuit Court was harsh and excessive. Considering all the circumstances of the case together, I came to the irresistible conclusion that the sentence of 15 years imprisonment imposed on the Appellant was indeed unusually harsh and excessive, Justice Oppong-Twumasi held. The reduced sentence of 12 months, per the courts order, will take effect from July 3, 2025 when Agradaa was convicted by the Circuit Court. Apart from reducing the sentence, the High Court further imposed a fine of GH2,400 on the convict, in default; she would serve an additional three months' imprisonment. Sentence In July 2025, Agradaa was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment each on two counts of defrauding by false pretence, after the Circuit Court found her guilty and ordered that she served the two sentences concurrently. The conviction and sentence stemmed from a televised broadcast in 2022 in which Agradaa told the public she was willing to share GH300,000 to the needy during a church service, but ended up taking various sums of money from people without giving out any money. Excessive sentence Delivering the judgment Thursday [Feb 5, 2026], Justice Oppong-Twumasi held that the sentence was excessive and harsh. According to the High Court, the Circuit Court failed to fairly consider the circumstances of the case but was rather focused on the personality involved (Agradaa) before imposing the sentence. The trial judge did not fairly consider the enormity of the crime involved, but she became fixated only on the person involved in imposing the sentence on the Appellant, the court held. Giving details, the High Court said per the records of the trial, there were two complainants, who each lost GH500, totalling GH1,000, in the fraud perpetuated by Agradaa. The court is not by any stretch of imagination to be understood to be saying that because there were only two victims of the Appellants conduct or because the amount involved was only GH1,000, the Appellant did not commit any crime nor is it also to be understood to be saying that because of the rather small amount of money, the victims did not suffer any losses at all, the court added. Unfair treatment Again, the court added that the trial Circuit Court acted unfairly towards the Appellant (Agradaa) as it failed to consider some inconsistencies in the prosecutions case. There were indeed some inconsistencies in the evidence of both sides, but strangely, in her judgment, the Honourable trial judge only commented on the inconsistencies in the evidence of the Appellant but did not even in passing, comment on the inconsistencies in the prosecutions case, the court added. Next article: Mpox cases in Ghana rise to 993 as GHS confirms 13 new infections Featured Period blood test could offer less invasive alternative to cervical screening BBC Health Feb - 05 - 2026 , 12:13 3 minutes read Testing period blood for signs of cervical cancer could be an accurate and convenient way of screening for the disease, researchers say. The current NHS test involves a nurse or doctor taking a sample of cells from the cervix - but a third of women invited for screening do not attend. A study of the new test, which can be carried out at home, used blood collected on a cotton strip attached to a standard sanitary pad. Cervical cancer charities say finding new and potentially gentler ways of testing for the disease is encouraging and could improve access, although it is still early days for this research. The NHS is already sending at-home test kits to women in some areas of England who have missed several cervical screening appointments. These DIY test kits containing a vaginal swab will be sent out more widely at some point this year. Cervical screening appointments are offered to all women, and anyone with a cervix, every five years between the age of 25 and 64 in the UK. Screening looks for high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV), which can cause cancer. A nurse or doctor carries out the test, which involves a speculum being inserted into the vagina to allow access to the cervix. But five million women are not up to date with the test, research shows, and there are many reasons why - including fear, pain and discomfort. "Cervical screening can be difficult for some women for many reasons, like if they have had a bad previous experience, they are menopausal, they have a physical or learning disability, cultural barriers, or are a survivor of sexual violence," says Athena Lamnisos from charity The Eve Appeal. Younger women, those with disabilities, or those from ethnic minority communities and LGBT+ groups are more likely to miss appointments, officials say. Doctors have offered advice on how to make cervical screening more comfortable. 'Encouraging' Testing period blood would be an even less invasive option, say the Chinese researchers behind the new study in the journal The BMJ, adding it could be "a robust alternative" to current methods. Their study, involving more than 3,000 women aged 20-54 years, compared the effectiveness of testing period blood collected on mini-pads to samples collected by clinicians. Women were told about the results via a specially designed app. When the samples were sent to the lab, the researchers found that testing blood was nearly as good at picking up people who had the disease as the other methods, and very good at picking up those who didn't. The researchers say using menstrual blood for HPV testing is "convenient" - not only respecting women's privacy, but also reducing their discomfort. Anyone who tests positive for HPV would be sent for a colposcopy, which uses a special magnifying instrument that allows medics to closely examine the cervix to look for pre-cancerous cells. Experts say period blood tests are not an immediate alternative to current cervical screening because only women who menstruate could use them. Others say the study could have overestimated the performance of the test because not all women had a biopsy - a more detailed test - to double check the result. Sophie Brooks, health information manager at Cancer Research UK, said it was "encouraging" to see research exploring new ways of making cervical screening "more accessible". She said testing menstrual blood for HPV was an interesting and non-invasive approach but stressed that more research in more diverse groups was needed to find out how it could fit into existing screening. Athena Lamnisos from The Eve Appeal said it was "exciting" to see new, more acceptable ways of offering a potentially life-saving test. "People have different barriers and concerns about screening, so being able to offer a choice of different methods could be very positive for some who are eligible for screening but don't currently attend," she said. Renaming of airport not with political intent Minister of Transport Next article: Renaming of airport not with political intent Minister of Transport No plea or negotiations entered with individuals involved in ORAL - Attorney-General tells Vice President Previous article: No plea or negotiations entered with individuals involved in ORAL - Attorney-General tells Vice President Featured Disregard posters projecting Haruna Iddrisu as NDC flagbearer aspirant Press Secretary Enoch Darfah Frimpong Politics Feb - 05 - 2026 , 17:43 2 minutes read Haruna Iddrisu, the Member of Parliament for Tamale South and currently serving as Minister of Education, has disassociated himself from a social media campaign projecting him as a flagbearer aspirant on the ticket of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2028 presidential election. In a statement issued by Hashmin Mohammed, his Press secretary, on Thursday [Feb 5, 2026], the public was advised to disregard posters in circulation on social media and described the posters as "fake". The Office of the Minister of Education Haruna Iddrisu, has disassociated itself from posters circulating on social media purported to promote him as a flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), the statement indicated. It said the ministers offices attention has been drawn to the circulation of promotional posters on social media purporting that he intends to contest for the flagbearer position of the NDC. The Office wishes to state unequivocally that these posters did not originate from Haruna Iddrisu or his office, it said, and therefore, advised the public to disregard the posters and treat them with the utmost contempt they deserved. The statement said Mr Iddrisu remains fully focused on his responsibilities as Minister of Education and Member of Parliament for Tamale South. He is currently in Lusaka, Zambia, accompanying President John Dramani Mahama and working with him to advance the Reset Ghana agenda, particularly within the education sector, which has been entrusted to him by the President, it said. The Office thanks the public for their continued support and cooperation, the statement concluded. This is not the first time Mr Haruna Iddrisu's name has come up in the discussions for a successor to President John Dramani Mahama in the NDC. Mr Haruna Iddrisu himself has endorsed Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang as a suitable flagbearer for the NDC in the next presidential election. At separate events last year, Mr Iddrisu said Prof Opoku-Agyemang has the capacity to become Ghanas first female President, as she is a strong and indisputable candidate. When he endorsed Prof Opoku-Agyemang, he explained that that was to clarify remarks he made during the Vice-Presidents visit to him at the Education Ministry. During that visit, Mr Iddrisu offered prayers for Prof. Opoku-Agyemang and expressed the hope that she may one day be elevated to the office of the President. He expressed his confidence in Prof. Opoku-Agyemangs leadership abilities, stating that she is well-qualified to lead the nation. Read also: Haruna Iddrisu reiterates why Prof Jane Naana Opoku Agyemang is capable of becoming President before all others Writer's email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Follow @enochfrimpong Follow @Graphicgh Featured Non-performing MMDCEs to be dismissed by March 2026 Local Gov't Minister Biiya Mukusah Ali Politics Feb - 05 - 2026 , 09:57 3 minutes read The Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, has warned Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) that those who fail to perform effectively will be dismissed by March 31, 2026. He said the government would not tolerate poor performance and lackadaisical attitudes among appointees, stressing that MMDCEs were expected to prioritise the implementation of government policies and programmes at the district level. Mr Ibrahim, who was speaking during a familiarisation visit to the Bono Regional House of Chiefs (BRHC) in Sunyani last Monday, said policies such as the 24-hour economy were designed to drive national development and improve the living standards of the people. He urged the MMDCEs to pay critical attention to sanitation and invest in key infrastructure projects, including Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compounds, school blocks and agricultural initiatives. Warning Mr Ibrahim, who is also the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament for Banda, cautioned MMDCEs against being armchair chief executives and urged them to be proactive in the discharge of their responsibilities. Dont always sit in your office. If you are an MMDCE and you fail to do your work well, by March 31, 2026, you will be sacked, he said. He explained that the dismissal would be based on performance assessments of the Social Accountability Committee (SAC), including reports from the governments accountability committee. Mr Ibrahim said President John Dramani Mahama had also warned ministers and other appointees against poor attitude towards work. He said all government officials were working tirelessly to deliver on the governments mandate. All the 60 ministers are working 24/7. The President himself hardly sleeps. We were given the mandate to work. As an MMDCE, are you implementing government policies? he asked. Funding On funding, the minister said the government had released the entire 2025 District Assembly Common Fund (DACF) to the assemblies, explaining that MMDCEs therefore had no justification to complain about inadequate funds. He added that the government had also paid the three per cent allocation for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), and announced that the allocation would be increased to five per cent this year. Mr Ibrahim said an eight-member committee, chaired by the National Chairman of the NDC, Johnson Asiedu- Nketiah, had been constituted to review applications from Municipal and District Assemblies seeking elevation. He said ministries, government appointees and MMDCEs would soon be made to account to Ghanaians under the governments accountability exercise, and urged district chief executives to ensure transparency to avoid sanctions. Congratulations The President of the Bono Regional House of Chiefs, Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyemang Badu II, used the occasion to congratulate Dr Mahamudu Bawumia on his re-election as the flag bearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP). "On behalf of the house, I want to use this platform to formally congratulate Dr Mahamudu Bawumia for emerging as a winner in the just-ended NPP Presidential Primary," he said. Oseadeeyo Agyemang Badu said other contestants, namely, Former MP for Assin Central, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong; former Minister of Food and Agriculture and MP for Abetifi, Dr Bryan Acheampong; former Minister of Education and MP for Bosomtwi, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, and former General Secretary of the party, Kwabena Agyei Agyepong, did well in the contest. Regional breakdown: How Bawumia secured 14 of 16 regions in NPP flagbearer race Next article: Regional breakdown: How Bawumia secured 14 of 16 regions in NPP flagbearer race Featured World Governments Summit in Dubai: Mahama calls for inclusive global alliances - Africa key to New World Order Kester Aburam Korankye Politics Feb - 05 - 2026 , 08:35 3 minutes read President John Dramani Mahama has called for a fundamental revision of global alliances, arguing that they must move beyond old blocs and rivalries to tackle shared existential threats and include Africa as an equal partner in shaping the future. Addressing world leaders at the 2026 World Governments Summit in Dubai last Tuesday, President Mahama stated that the international system was at a pivotal juncture, requiring partnerships rooted in shared responsibility and common destiny rather than geopolitical competition. The alliances of the future must therefore be rooted in shared responsibility and based on our common destiny. They must become alliances of solidarity, anchored in mutual respect, shared aspirations, and collective advancement, he told the gathering of heads of states, governments and international organisations. Africas role A significant portion of the Presidents address was devoted to Africas indispensable role in the emerging world order. He rejected the notion that Africa is a mere arena for great power rivalry, presenting it instead as a dynamic continent poised to shape the 21st century global economy. Africa is not merely a space of competition; it is a continent of solutions, opportunities and rising influence, President Mahama said. He said the continents youthful population, vast resources, and a single market of 1.3 billion people were foundations for its growing influence. He, therefore, demanded that Africa deserves a seat at the table in the reshaping of a new global order, pointing to the ongoing Accra Reset initiative convened in Accra, New York, Davos, and soon Addis Ababa, as a concrete roadmap for transitioning from aid and dependence to trade, investment and global partnerships. Partnerships President Mahama outlined Ghanas domestic policy shifts as a model for the kind of transformative partnerships Africa sought. He said the governments Goldbod initiative had yielded more than $10 billion in less than a year, with a medium to long-term goal of adding value to mineral and agricultural products locally. New alliances with Africa must aim at adding value to Africas natural resources. They must aim at granting Africa greater sovereignty and control of its natural resources, he said. He listed gold, lithium, cocoa and cashew as key commodities for local industrialisation. He also praised the growing Ghana-UAE and Africa-Gulf partnerships as an important pillar of the emerging global order, citing a $30 million grant from the Ghana-UAE partnership to advance climate action and biodiversity protection. Security On regional security, the President cited the recent High-Level Consultative Conference on Regional Cooperation and Security held in Accra as evidence of Ghanas commitment to tackling the Sahelian terrorism threat through ECOWAS-led collective security, counter-terrorism and human-centred governance. Touching on technology, President Mahama warned that the digital future must not be the privilege of a few nations. He called for future alliances to ensure ethical governance of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity cooperation, technology transfer, and inclusive digital capacity-building. He also stressed climate justice, noting that while Africa contributed the least to emissions, it suffered the most. Climate action must therefore be matched by climate justice, he said. Multilateralism Acknowledging that the post-war rules-based system was under severe pressure, President Mahama expressed optimism that there remains enough healthy tissue that we can culture to restore it to good health. He called for international institutions to become more representative, more responsive and more equitable, arguing that the legitimacy of global governance depended on fairness, which remained the cornerstone of trust. Sweetwater County Judge denies motion to dismiss Cody Roberts case Almost two years after Cody Roberts allegedly hit a wolf with a snowmobile and showed it off inside the Green River Bar in Daniel, Wyoming, his case is being considered in Green River, drawing the attention of those across the state who have followed the case and the action of local animal rights supporters. On Wednesday, Jan. 28, Sweetwater County District Court Judge Richard Lavery presided over a pre-trial conference where he considered a motion to dismiss Roberts' case. This week, Lavery filed an order denying the motion to dismiss, meaning the case is planned to go forward before a jury. After the initial incident with the wolf, Roberts was fined $250 for possessing the wolf following an investigation by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. As news of the case spread not only throughout Wyoming but across the nation and even to international audiences, provoking widespread outrage, many called for a harsher punishment. In August of 2025, a grand jury that was convened in Sublette County indicted Roberts for the charge of felony cruelty to animals, which is punishable by up to two years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000. Roberts appeared before Sweetwater County Judge Lavery virtually in November of 2025, during which he pleaded "not guilty" to charges that he "knowingly and with intent to cause undue suffering...tortured or tormented" a wolf. In December, Roberts' attorney, Rob Piper out of Laramie, filed a motion for the case to be dismissed, arguing that Wyoming animal cruelty laws make exemptions for predators. During the pre-trial conference in Green River last week, Roberts and Piper appeared virtually, as did Sublette County Prosecuting Attorney Clayton Melinkovich, representing the State of Wyoming in the case. The attorneys spent several hours discussing the case with Lavery, previewing some of their arguments. During the pre-trial conference, the attorneys addressed Piper's motion to dismiss the case and Melinkovich's desire for it to move forward, with both attorneys debating particulars of Wyoming statutes. Piper stressed the legality of capturing the wolf as a predatory animal, arguing that the entire incident falls under the wolf being captured. Melinkovich, however, focused on the treatment of the wolf between its capture and its death, pointing out that even predatory animals are still animals protected by laws that prohibit intentional torture. Lavery reiterated this point in his Feb. 3 order denying the motion to dismiss, and expressed his disagreement with the defendant trying to interpret state statute too broadly. A large portion of the pre-trial conference was also spent discussing the potential testimony of Ken Mills as an expert witness, which Piper motioned to exclude. Mills shared his background as a biologist with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department who has worked with and studied wolves for the past 25 years. Melinkovich explained that his goal is to have Mills give jurors a better understanding of typical wolf behavior so they have a point of reference to compare to. Piper questioned whether Mills's testimony was relevant when discussing a wolf's behavior in an unusual and generally unobserved setting, arguing that Mills's experience was not objectively scientific and would essentially be guesswork. Melinkovich focused in on Mills's experience with subdued wolves and their behavior, which he argued was "highly relevant." Lavery did not directly share a decision on whether Mills will be allowed to testify as an expert witness. Lavery did indicate at the end of the pre-trial conference that his intent is for the case to go before a jury, with the judge saying he plans to summon up to 100 jurors. He also discussed the option of preparing a questionnaire for jurors to fill out in advance, which both attorneys agreed to help prepare, to help narrow down the selection. Even as the judge and attorneys worked through logistical details for the upcoming trial, members of the public sat through the conference to get more information on Roberts' case. Several of those who sat through the pre-trial conference also stood outside the Sweetwater County Courthouse for an hour before the hearing started, holding a protest against animal cruelty. Madhu Anderson, a Rock Springs resident and animal rights advocate, helped organize the protest, which she referred to as a "peaceful demonstration." "We respect the legal proceedings of the court, but we are just exercising our right to peacefully assemble and express our views," Anderson said. "The goal for this gathering is to raise awareness about animal cruelty in Wyoming and also to advocate for stronger and stricter laws to protect wildlife, especially predators." Anderson shared her belief that predators like wolves are essential to ecosystems and that they are animals that deserve to be treated with respect and dignity. She said that there needs to be not only a change in laws regarding predators, but a general shift in people's attitudes. "Disrespecting them or abusing them and torturing them does not align with Wyoming culture," she said. Anderson helped organize both the demonstration at the courthouse and a banner display in the days leading up to the hearing. On Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday morning, banners reading "Stop animal cruelty" and "Justice for Wyoming's wildlife," along with a photo of the wolf that Roberts captured, were displayed on the bridge over Interstate 80 by the College Drive exit in Rock Springs. The same banners were displayed again outside the courthouse before the hearing. While only about half a dozen people participated in the demonstration at the courthouse, Anderson noted that it was a difficult time for people to be able to join, since it took place at 12:30 p.m. on a weekday. She also added that many people didn't know about the hearing in advance, but she noted that there was a lot of support for the cause online. One of those who did participate in the demonstration was Sylvia Bagdonas, who traveled from Laramie to be present at the hearing and said she wanted to show her support for animals. "We're interested in this particular case, because the decision will have such a big impact on animal welfare, particularly how predators may be treated down the road," Bagdonas said. Wyoming's top water managers are warning that a significant drawdown of Flaming Gorge Reservoir this spring is likely imminent due to low snowpack and generally dry conditions throughout the seven-state Colorado River Basin region. Wyoming is a headwaters of the Colorado River system, mostly via the Green River, which feeds Flaming Gorge. As of Jan. 8, snow cover across the West was at its lowest since 2001, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Rain instead of snow throughout much of the region so far this winter portends a scant end-of-winter "water bank" vital to the river system when snow begins to melt in the spring, the agency noted. NOAA's Jan. 14 update for the region indicated, "Snow drought has expanded and/or intensified across the Sierra Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Utah and southwest Colorado." "The ground is pretty dry out there and so we're not incredibly optimistic about what the runoff is going to look like, even if we do have good snowpack" in the coming months, said Senior Assistant Attorney General Chris Brown, who serves as counsel to the Wyoming State Engineer's Office. Flaming Gorge, which straddles the Wyoming-Utah border, is one of the key reservoirs in the Colorado River system that water managers turn to for extra releases when there's a projected shortage - primarily to ensure operational water levels at Lake Powell. It's a function of the Drought Response Operations Agreement among the basin states, multiple tribes and the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. The DROA and other binding agreements among Colorado River stakeholders have been the subject of a years-long negotiation with a fast-approaching deadline to renew. For now, water managers are still tied to the current drought response plan, which regards Flaming Gorge as among "low-hanging fruit" to help meet downstream needs during exceptionally dry conditions, Brown explained Friday at a meeting of the Wyoming Colorado River Advisory Committee. Because of the widespread extent of "snow drought" so far this season, Brown said, Flaming Gorge stands as a primary spigot among several other backup reservoirs to supplement Lake Powell, which straddles the Arizona-Utah border. "So if we do need to do a DROA release this year, likely most of it - if not all of it - will come from Flaming Gorge," Brown said. "By April, we will have a much better handle on what the water supply conditions are for the year. Then, if we do have a release, it will [begin] in May." The Bureau of Reclamation began cutting back on releases from Lake Powell in December, anticipating poor spring inflows, an agency spokesperson told WyoFile. Water managers could also tap other backup reservoirs - Blue Mesa in Colorado and Navajo in New Mexico - to help supplement Lake Powell, according to the Wyoming State Engineer's Office. But for now, Flaming Gorge remains the primary target. Though it's too early to know how much extra water might be released from Flaming Gorge, Brown reminded the committee of a 2022 order that called for an extra 500,000 acre-feet to help ensure that water levels downstream at Lake Powell didn't drop low enough to threaten hydroelectric power generation at Glen Canyon Dam. An estimated 463,000 acre-feet of extra water was released before officials suspended the order, diminishing the reservoir to an estimated 72% of capacity. "The conditions this year are very similar to the conditions we experienced in 2022," State Engineer Brandon Gebhart told WyoFile. Some 40 million people throughout the southwestern United States and Mexico rely on the Colorado River Basin system. As a headwaters state, Wyoming is enmeshed in a 1922 compact that acknowledges a shared reliance on the river system and ever-changing legal obligations on how to divvy up its benefits and shortfalls. The "aridification" of the West, driven by human-caused climate change, has complicated and intensified an often fraught relationship among Colorado River stakeholders - including some who say expectations placed on the system long ago were overly ambitious and, in light of climate change, nearly impossible to meet in the near future. To underscore the severity of the situation, Brown noted to a legislative panel recently that, when the 1922 compact was signed, it centered on an assumed average annual flow of 18 million acre-feet through Lees Ferry in Arizona - essentially the river system's key pulse. Over the past eight years, the average natural flow at Lees Ferry has been 11.4 million acre-feet. "And so just the magnitude of that reduction in the hydrology has, I think, convinced everybody that it's all-hands-on-deck." For now, agricultural producers in southwest Wyoming are closely watching the Colorado River negotiations, while dealing with an exceptionally dry winter. Exacerbated by a dry summer, ranchers are scrambling for supplemental feed, and some are hauling water for livestock, according to Rock Springs Grazing Association President John Hay III. "It's a very difficult situation for winter grazing," Hay told WyoFile. "This is having a very serious effect. If you think of where the water comes from, for the livestock out there, it's from snow. There's no snow out there. "I think you're looking at a more serious situation this year than you have in the past," Hay continued, adding that extra releases from Flaming Gorge are fairly common. He wouldn't hazard a guess about how much extra water might be released this year, however. "This is going to be a very serious situation coming up if Mother Nature doesn't get over her anger, or whatever." What it means for Wyoming Though Flaming Gorge Reservoir's primary purpose, since the dam's construction in 1962, is to serve as an insurance-policy spigot of sorts, the massive body of water has become integral to the economy and culture of southwest Wyoming. It draws tens of thousands of visitors each year - some for the boating, camping and views of red sandstone desert features towering over the water, and others for the kokanee salmon and trophy-sized lake trout. The Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area is a hotspot for wildlife and birdwatching. The annual Burbot Bash icefishing event - which encourages anglers to "Catch the Ugliest Fish in the West" - is another revenue-injecting draw to the region. This year's bash was cancelled, however, "due to safety concerns related to poor ice and projected winds," the Wyoming Game and Fish Department said in a statement earlier this month. Perhaps another indicator of an often fickle and, according to the scientific community, larger climate trend for Wyoming and the Colorado River region, such realities underscore an already intense and difficult negotiation to reset plans for how to manage water in the future. At stake are agricultural and economic matters far from Flaming Gorge. Wyoming at the negotiating table Beyond fishing for burbot, climate trends and a bad start to the snow season, Wyoming water officials are steeped in last-minute negotiations to settle on a "basin states alternative" to submit to the federal government. It's an effort that began years ago, spurred by an understanding that legal protocols for dealing with shortages in the Colorado River system will expire at the end of this year. For its part, Wyoming is an upper-Colorado River Basin state, along with Colorado, Utah and New Mexico. The downstream, lower-basin contingent includes California, Arizona, Nevada and a portion of New Mexico. The Bureau of Reclamation is the primary federal authority involved and on Friday, it published its draft environmental impact statement regarding "Post-2026 Operational Guidelines and Strategies for Lake Powell and Lake Mead." The statement outlines how to maintain Lake Powell, which is integral to the viability of Lake Mead (spanning Nevada and Arizona), the two largest water-storage systems in the Colorado River Basin. The two reservoirs increasingly flirt with inoperative water levels in the face of climate change. All along, basin states and other direct interests have preferred a stakeholders' agreement over a federal mandate, according to Brown and Gebhart. While a difficult task to deliver, Brown and Gebhart assured members of Wyoming's Colorado River advisory group that they're confident a basin states agreement will come to fruition. "Wyoming's focus and push has always been, and continues to be, trying to figure out a way to work with our partner states to figure out a solution that doesn't put us into conflict," Brown said. The Bureau of Reclamation's draft plan lays out several alternatives for managing Colorado River Basin reservoirs, but the agency didn't choose a preferred option, leaving room for states to settle on a plan. Federal officials, however, are prepared to move forward with their own plan if the states do not come to an agreement. "The river and the 40 million people who depend on it cannot wait. In the face of an ongoing severe drought, inaction is not an option," Department of Interior Assistant Secretary for Water and Science Andrea Travnicek said in a prepared statement. WyoFile is an independent nonprofit news organization focused on Wyoming people, places and policy. 3/10/1964 - 1/29/26 Joseph "Joe" McGarvey died in his home after a lengthy battle with medical issues on January 29, 2026. Joe was born March 10,1964 in Rock Springs, Wyoming. The youngest of six, the proud parents: Virginia and Patrick McGarvey. Born and raised in Rock Springs Joe found a love for fixing cars at a young age, and turned it into his lifelong career. He also enjoyed the outdoors; hunting; fishing; camping; riding snow machines; motorcycles or dune buggies and was an avid Wyoming Cowboys and Chicago Bears fan. In school he met the love of his life Tami Gotschall where they became inseparable best friends and eventually married in 1988 and welcomed their only daughter Haylee in November 1991. They had a very fun life going on vacations and making the most beautiful family memories together. An adrenaline junky to his core Joe always wanted to have fun. He broke his leg in several places in 1991 on a snow machine, but that never stopped him from getting back on them and showing everyone, he was fine and fearless. Having a few more accidents after that as well never giving up the thrill. He had a way of making you try new things not so scary. He suffered a bone infection in his leg for many years eventually causing him to get it amputated above the knee. Joe lived many years as a master body shop tech at Rock Springs Auto Body and Glass Inc. until throat cancer inevitably made it so he had to stay home. Cancer didn't stop him from tinkering in the garage, doing a puzzle, building a model. He was resilient to the core, smart beyond all measure and there wasn't anything he couldn't fix. He was kind and loving and would help anyone who needed it even if he wasn't in the best state to help. He was the best papa to his grandson, and always made sure his family was taken care of. Survivors include the love of his life, his wife Tami McGarvey, daughter Haylee Arndt (Austin). Brothers Bill McGarvey (Tanya) and Pat McGarvey (Debbie), sister Kathleen Barber (Donny), nieces and nephews, his bonus daughters Beth McGee (Colby) and Sarah Parker and companion Jeremy Lee and his one and only grandchild Ashtyn. He was preceded in death by his father, Patrick McGarvey, mother, Virginia , brother Alan McGarvey and sister Karen McGarvey as well as many grandparents' aunts and uncles. Cremation will take place; a Celebration of Life will be conducted at 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm Wednesday, February 11, 2025 at the Holiday Inn Ballroom, 1675 Sunset Drive, Rock Springs, Wyoming 82901. Condolences may be left at http://www.vasefuneralhomes.com. Dear Editor, WE Soda CEO Oguz Erkan and Director of Government Affairs Craig Rood recently shared an open letter that was directed to Sen. Cynthia Lummis thanking her for her work in protecting Wyoming soda ash. The letter follows: An Open Letter to Senator Cynthia Lummis: On behalf of the over 900 men and women who work for WE Soda in southwestern Wyoming, I would like to thank you for your prompt and effective action in keeping a major market open to Wyoming soda ash. As you are aware, the Government of India recently considered a proposal that would have levied punitive duties on soda ash mined and produced in the United States. If implemented, it would have significantly disadvantaged Wyoming workers and unfairly benefited our Chinese competitors. The recent news that the Government of India decided not to proceed was met with relief and great appreciation for your efforts to maintain jobs, stability, and global competitiveness. It is hard to overstate the importance of this win for Wyoming. We are grateful for your leadership and continued support of the trona industry. Oguz Erkan WE Soda US CEO The Rock Springs Police Department recently announced the passing of one of its retired K9 officers, Fen. The department extended condolences to former Officer Amanda Buller, Fen's handler. K9 Fen was rescued from a Colorado shelter just before being put down, the RSPD shared, and his potential was recognized by a trainer in Rawlins. But he became part of the community when the Rock Springs High School Senior Class of 2017 raised funds to purchase him. "As the ultimate underdog, K9 Fen quickly rose to the challenge," the RSPD said in a statement on social media. "He was a powerful force while on duty, taking several bad guys off the street and using his presence to de-escalate dangerous incidents. Alongside Officer Buller, Fen proved his excellence winning several K9 challenges in Colorado. Yet, despite his forceful professional demeanor, he had the biggest heart for the kids of this community and cherished every bit of love he received over the years." Fen retired after a successful career and spent the rest of his time with his family, playing hide-and-seek with his human child, enjoying long walks in the desert, and spending long afternoons snuggled in bed. "K9 Fen was a part of this community, and this community was a part of him," the RSPD said. "Thank you, Fen, for your years of unwavering service. Rest easy, friend-we have the watch from here." The Green River High School Student Council recently celebrated winning the annual Blood Drive Challenge for another year. Green River narrowly won, donating 374 pints compared to Rock Springs's 368 pints. Together the donations from both schools will save hundreds of lives. According to data from Omdia, Apple was the king of the smartphone world last year, with a record-breaking 240.6 million units shipped and a 19% market share. It very narrowly beat Samsung's 239.1 million shipments. The Korean company also has 19% market share when you apply rounding. Interestingly, both Apple and Samsung increased their shipments by exactly 7% compared to 2024. The fastest growth among major makers came from Honor at 11%. In third is Xiaomi with a 2% sales decline over 2024, at 165.4 million units shipped for a 13% market share. It's followed by vivo with 105.3 million shipments, 8% market share, and 4% YoY growth. Oppo is in fifth with 100.7 million shipments, 8% market share, and a 3% sales decline compared to 2024. Transsion almost entered the top five, since it also has 8% market share, and it's followed by Honor with 6%, Lenovo with 5%, Huawei with 4%, and Realme with 3%. The market overall grew 2% in 2025 to 1.25 billion units shipped. All regions grew except for Greater China, which marginally declined due to "the fading effect of the national subsidy scheme". Interestingly though, Apple grew 26% in Mainland China thanks to "stronger iPhone 17 series demand". Source Were starting to see that memory is going to define the size of the mobile market, said Cristiano Amon, CEO of Qualcomm. While the company doesnt purchase memory chips directly, its customers do and their sales will be affected in the coming quarter. For its first fiscal quarter, Qualcomm beat estimates with revenue of $12.25 billion and adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $3.50. Analysts polled by the London Stock Exchange had predicted $12.21 billion in revenue and $3.41 EPS. Net income was $3 billion or $2.78 per share. For comparison, the first quarter of last year saw $3.18 billion in net income or $2.83 per share. Qualcomms biggest division sells smartphone chips it reported revenue of $7.82 billion (up 3% from the previous quarter). Related to that is money brought in from licenses on Qualcomms intellectual property (e.g. 5G patents), which brought in $1.59 billion. The Internet of Things division makes low power chips for industrial applications and various smart gadgets (like the Meta Ray-Ban glasses, which use the Snapdragon AR1 chip) this division reported a 9% increase in revenue to $1.69 billion. Then there is the automotive division, which saw its revenue grow even faster (up 15%) to $1.1 billion. So far, so good. However, the companys forecast for the second quarter fell below expectations Qualcomm is predicting $10.2 to $11 billion in revenue and $2.45 to $2.65 EPS, while analysts were expecting $11.11 billion and $2.89 EPS. The final figures will depend on the purchasing strategy of smartphone companies rising component costs could push them to raise prices, which would affect sales. Flagship phones have bigger margins, so that segment is better-suited to ride out the memory chip shortage. And CEO Amon argues that Qualcomm is the most competitive in the flagship segment. Finally, Qualcomm continued its stock buyback in Q1, it purchased 15 million shares worth $2.6 billion. Additionally, it paid out $949 million in dividends ($0.89 per share). Source (PDF) | Via A man on felony pre-trial release with two outstanding warrants was charged in five separate felony cases Wednesday when he was stopped while driving a car containing methamphetamine, according to magistrates complaints filed in Superior Court. Johnwill Hirohito Ceasar, 35, was charged with theft of a motor vehicle as a second-degree felony, possession of a Schedule II controlled substance as a third-degree felony, theft of property as a third-degree felony, aggravated assault as a third-degree felony, burglary as a second-degree felony and theft of property as a petty misdemeanor. The felonies all carry a notice of commission of a felony while on felony release, and the aggravated assault and felony theft charges carry vulnerable victim sentencing enhancements. Although the hearing on the vehicle theft charge is scheduled to continue on Thursday, he was ordered held on a total of $8,000 cash bail on the other charges. With sentencing enhancements, he faces 185 years in prison if convicted of all charges. At 7 a.m. Tuesday, an officer saw a Toyota Corolla turn onto Tun Joaquin Flores Road from Route 1 across from John F. Kennedy High School. The car didnt have a front license plate, so the officer stopped it and learned Ceasar, the driver, had two open warrants. A meth pipe was found in plain view on the drivers seat, and Ceasar admitted to having another pipe and methamphetamine in the car, according to the complaint in that case. Police found three bags of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. Ceasar was questioned about a Toyota Corolla reported stolen on May 21, 2025. While a woman was looking for the vehicles keys in her home, she heard the car start and saw Ceasar driving it away, according to the complaint. The car was recovered the next day. When he was interviewed about the car on Tuesday, he said another man had stolen it. On Aug. 5, 2025, a resident in a wheelchair at Guma Trankilidat reported that he asked a man, later identified as Ceasar, to help him. After he had been escorted to his home, he found his $700 cell phone had been taken from his backpack. When Ceasar was interviewed about the theft this week, he said, Yeah, yeah, theyre blaming me for a cellphone, right? according to the complaint. Police had not told him what had been taken in the theft. He told police the same man who took the car had taken the phone. On Aug. 21, 2025, police received a report about a man shooting a slingshot at the Tumon Heights Store in Tamuning, hitting a 58-year-old man in the arm and another man in the forehead. Ceasar, who worked at the store, said he recalled the encounter and admitted to striking someone with the slingshot, according to the complaint. On Oct. 23, police investigated a burglary at Hafaloha in Tumon. A worker discovered the rear door open and a cash box was missing. Video surveillance showed a man entering the establishment, rummaging through the counter and taking the cash box. Ceasar told police he had only been to Hafaloha once, but he didnt steal anything. He then said he took an empty cash box and on his way out, took a sweater. Ceasar was on pre-trial release in a 2024 case in which he was charged with possession of a Schedule II controlled substance as a third-degree felony. A doctor is asking a federal judge to dismiss a civil complaint filed by a former patient, citing her alleged failure to initiate pre-suit arbitration. She previously alleged he sexually assaulted her when she was his patient. Dr. Ugochukwu Akoma, through his attorney William Gavras, on Jan. 30 filed a motion for summary judgement and to dismiss the complaint in the District Court of Guam. Akoma is asking the court to dismiss the complaint with prejudice or in the alternative stay all proceedings pending completion of mandatory arbitration. Pre-suit arbitration is required by Guams Mandatory Medical Malpractice Arbitration Act and the requirement mandates dismissal or stay of proceedings, Gavras wrote in his motion. This failure deprives the Court of jurisdiction over the claims, or alternatively requires dismissal or a stay, Gavras wrote. He asked the court for oral argument if its deemed necessary, together with such other and further relief as the court deems just and proper. This comes after the former patient, De-Anna Taijeron, asked the court to compel discovery from Akoma. Taijeron, represented by attorney Michael Dotts, on Jan. 10 filed a motion to compel discovery from Akoma. The doctor failed to respond to written discovery requests even after being given more time to respond. Akoma has denied the allegations of sexual assault. Taijeron brought a case against Akoma in the local Superior Court of Guam, but the Office of the Attorney General filed a motion to dismiss the case in December 2024. Attorney General Douglas Moylan cited a couple of judges decisions that were detrimental to the governments case, adding that Taijeron was no longer responsive to communications. But Taijeron, who had relocated to Hawaii after the April 2024 trial, said via e-mail that she had been in regular contact with acting Chief Prosecutor Gloria Rudolph, as well as the AGs victim advocate, and she was deeply disheartened by the move. In April 2025, Superior Court Judge Alberto E. Tolentino dismissed the case against Akoma with prejudice; meaning the misdemeanor criminal sexual conduct charges alleged by Taijeron can never be brought against him again. This dismissed local case is separate from the lawsuit that Taijeron filed in federal court in October 2023. Akoma, through his attorney, denied almost everything that was filed in Taijerons complaint and demand for a jury trial. He admitted to being a medical doctor that operates the Hepzibah Family Medicine Clinic and that he did see Taijeron and prescribed her medication. He also admitted to asking Taijeron how she felt and if she could handle working in his office with her mental illnesses. According to the complaint, Taijeron went to Akoma for mental health treatment. She alleged that Akoma sexually assaulted her during her visits with him. Taijeron is seeking damages for emotional injuries in the amount of at least $500,000 and is seeking punitive or exemplary damages no less than $81,000, according to the complaint. A man accused of sexually assaulting a 17-year-old girl remains behind bars Wednesday after the Superior Court rejected a proposed housing arrangement because of unresolved housing verification issues and the presence of minors in the house. Joem Tosie, 40, appeared before Magistrate Judge Jonathan Quan via Zoom from the Department of Corrections. He is charged with third-degree criminal sexual conduct, a second-degree felony. Tosie is being held on a $5,000 cash bail and faces up to life in prison if convicted. During Wednesdays hearing, Quan ruled that the court could not approve a pretrial release. Probation had deemed the proposed housing ineligible, and the court cannot release a defendant facing this charge into a home with female minors. The government outlined multiple failed attempts to secure compliant housing for Tosie, beginning with outreach to his brother. Assistant Attorney General Monte May told the court that option was immediately ruled out. [The brother] indicated that he is willing to house the defendant, but is under Section 8. Its not viable, he said. Section 8 is a federal program that provides rent subsidies to low-income individuals, families, the elderly, and people with disabilities. Federal rules bar anyone required to register as a lifetime sex offender from participating, and local housing authorities can also deny housing to anyone with a serious criminal history, including convictions for sexual crimes, if they pose a risk to the safety or well-being of other residents. Prosecutors then proposed an alternate location, triggering a probation review that ultimately barred release. There was an assessment done on October 20, 2025. It was deemed ineligible, May said. Quan pressed for the reason behind the denial. It was deemed ineligible due to no home verification agreement, a no landlord authorization letter, May said. May continued summarizing the probation report, describing an unresolved and informal housing arrangement. The report noted a verbal agreement between the defendant and the landlord to live at the proposed residence, but the arrangement had not been formally finalized. According to the report, probation officers were unable to secure required documentation. Their landlord is off-island, and his return date is unknown, May said. Probation also could not verify the distance between the proposed residence and the victim. The court briefly considered waiving certain requirements, but concerns about minors in the home stopped that discussion. Was willing to waive that requirement, but theres two minors, May said. Quan made clear that state law restricts release conditions in such circumstances. The judge asked defense attorney Peter Sablan directly whether any female minors were present at the proposed address. When no confirmation was given, Quan rejected the option. Based on the information we had, the discussion we had on January 7, this court cannot release someone with this charge into a home with female minors, Quan said. According to court documents, the alleged victim walked into the Dededo Precinct on Dec. 20 to report that Tosie had sexually assaulted her that morning. The girl said she woke up around 5 or 6 a.m. to find Tosies hand squeezing her left breast under her shirt. He then slid his hand into her pajama pants and sexually assaulted her, court documents stated. The girl was frightened and reported the incident to her sister and mother before going to the police. Tosie allegedly admitted to sexually assaulting the girl, saying he woke around 5 a.m. while his girlfriend was making breakfast in the kitchen. Court documents stated that he assaulted the girl for about five seconds before a family member entered the bedroom. He then stopped, left the room, had breakfast, and left for work. Senators and education officials led by newly-voted Guam Education Board chair Judith Guthertz battled over recent audit findings of a $77 million cash surplus and $12.1 million in expired federal grants amidst requests for more education funding, during a nearly four-hour oversight hearing on Wednesday. The Office of Public Accountability also raised concerns about the Guam Department of Educations long-standing weaknesses in grant management, internal controls, and delayed audits. GDOE ended fiscal year 2024 with tens of millions of dollars in unspent and redirected funds while warning lawmakers it was underfunded, according to an audit released by OPA. These and GDOEs financial and operational performance, delayed audits and qualified opinion on major federal programs in fiscal 2024 were highlighted at the oversight hearing led by education committee chair Sen. Vince Borja. The audit shows GDOE spent $225.8 million in general funds in fiscal 2024, far below the $266.8 million appropriated and the $351.1 million budgeted. Meanwhile, $12.1 million in federal education funds expired or sat at risk of loss because they were not used within required timelines. At the same time, GDOE transferred $51 million in local payroll costs into federal relief funding at the end of the grant period and closed the year with a $77 million unassigned and uncommitted local fund balance. Long-standing weaknesses OPA supervising accountability auditor Vincent Duenas told senators the findings reflect long-standing weaknesses in grant management, internal controls, and audit timeliness, even as GDOE continues to argue it lacks sufficient funding. For FY 2024 GDOE, we did receive an unmodified, clean opinion from independent auditors, Ernst and Young, on his FY 2024 financial statements and on compliance with the consolidated grant to the outlying areas, which is a major federal program, Duenas said. On the flip side, a qualified opinion on all other major federal programs was identified specifically with the Child Nutrition cluster, special education cluster and Education Stabilization Fund, the ESF. Duenas said a clean opinion applies only to core financial statements and one major grant, while qualified opinions cover most other federal programs GDOE administers. The audit documents repeated failures to deploy available funds on time. As of December 2025, approximately $12.1 million in federal funds had expired or were at risk across fiscal 2024 and 2025. The largest unspent balances occurred in the consolidated grant, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, IDEA, programs, American Rescue Plan, ARP, and the Education Stabilization Fund II grant. Despite multiple grants receiving liquidation expenses, the department is unable to properly utilize the $12.1 million in available federal resources, Duenas said. The audit states these lapses resulted in lost opportunities to deliver special education services, early intervention support, equipment, and instructional resources. Won Pat: Dont reduce GDOE funding On Sept. 29, 2024, a day before the end of a performance period, GDOE attempted to shift $51 million in local teacher payroll costs into the ARP. The request was denied because it did not align with the approved budget. After revisions, approval was granted on Sept. 22, 2025, covering $54 million in extended liquidation, including $51 million in payroll and $3 million in outstanding federal payroll receivables. The delayed approval pushed the expenditure transfer into fiscal 2026, resulting in the fiscal 2024 ending fund balance showing a $77 million surplus in unassigned and uncommitted local cash. When asked whether lawmakers should reduce future appropriations for GDOE because of the surplus, acting Superintendent Judith Won Pat rejected that idea. No, Im not going to ask you to reduce. Of course, our request in the budget because of these quote, unquote surpluses, she said. Although we dont have the details of the metrics of how were going to apply the $51 million, that majority of them will go towards CIP because thats our greatest need in our school facilities. Won Pat said priorities also include staffing vacancies, utilities, food service, custodial, and grounds maintenance contracts. Personnel costs up, size down The audit found personnel costs accounted for 67.7% of total expenditures. Total personnel costs increased $11 million in FY 2024, even as staffing declined. As of September 2024, GDOE had 3,205 employees, down from 3,407 in fiscal 2023, a decrease of 202 employees. Student enrollment also declined. GDOE also missed statutory audit deadlines by months. The FY 2023 financial and single audits were issued Nov. 6, 2024, or 129 days after the June 30 deadline. The fiscal 2024 audit was issued on Dec. 31, 2025, and publicly released on Jan. 2. It really, its really the last time weve actually had GDOE come in timely was when we looked at the records of FY 2021, Duenas said. Qualified staff shortage Management attributed the delays to a shortage of qualified financial staff. The Guam Education Board reassigned the chief auditor and staff to complete accounting work, raising concerns about auditor independence. Frank [Cooper Nurse] cant go and audit his own organization because hes doing a management responsibility, Duenas said. The compliance section of the audit identified three material weaknesses in internal controls and $1 million in questioned costs tied to federal programs. Five findings repeated from fiscal 2023, with two recurring back to FY 2020. The bulk of it actually came from finding 2024 011, Duenas said, citing approximately $826,000 tied to an ESF grant. Still a high-risk grantee GDOE remains a high-risk grantee with the U.S. Department of Education for the 22nd consecutive year. Fiscal 2024 marked the 12th year GDOE incurred local costs tied to that status. Federal oversight has intensified, with biweekly status meetings now required by the U.S. Department of the Interiors Office of Insular Affairs. Status meetings are being called biweekly, Duenas said, adding that federal pressure led to the release of the audit. Auditors warned lawmakers that unresolved audits, staffing shortages, and expiring federal grants put hundreds of millions at risk, calling for closer review of compliance reports and faster corrective action. Public auditor: Please read the reports They stressed the problems go beyond summary pages, urging lawmakers and agency leaders to examine full reports detailing major deficiencies across departments and federal programs. Please read the compliance reports that are attached, Public Auditor BJ Cruz told senators. Its like a report card. It breaks it down, and it says significant and major deficiencies in the financial statement, significant and major deficiencies in the compliance...the Uniform Guidance audit, on the federal programs. The reports identify whether federal programs received unmodified opinions, qualified opinions, or disclaimers, which occur when auditors cannot reach a conclusion because agencies failed to provide enough information. Theyll announce whether or not they found them to be unmodified, whether they were qualified or a third one disclaimed, where theyre just the auditors cant make any decision, Cruz said. Because the departments or the agencies arent able to provide sufficient information or any information for them to be able to opine on. He said Guam spends large sums on audits, but too often the findings do not drive corrective action. We spend an enormous amount of money on getting these audits done, and when we issue them, Im hoping that everybody just doesnt stop with the highlights that are prepared by the staff, Cruz said. You read through it, and youll see the management discussion analysis of their perspective. But then youll read through the findings in the back on the auditors perspective of where the difficulties are. The warnings come as lawmakers question whether the governors proposal to take over GDOEs finances would help Guam meet audit deadlines. At one point, I thought that might be a viable alternative, Cruz said, describing extraordinary steps taken during the last audit cycle when deadlines were missed. Its 10 months after the end of the fiscal year. Its two months after the audits were due, which is nine months after the fiscal year. I cant wait anymore, he said. Cruz said protocol was broken to force progress, including bringing board budget committee members into audit meetings and deploying an internal auditor. Within two weeks, he got the trial balance out there that they couldnt produce in 10 months, he said. He credited GDOEs new management for faster progress this year, saying trial balance deadlines are now being met. We heard you loud and clear first during the first status meeting, weve been laser focused on getting this thing on time, and were going to be either on time or ahead of time, he said. Raising salaries Still, the public auditor said systemic staffing problems threaten long-term compliance, particularly salary gaps that push accountants and auditors out of central government agencies. He told lawmakers it is imperative the Legislature pass legislation to provide parity, noting that starting salaries for auditors in GDOE and Department of Administration lag $15,000 to $20,000 behind those at autonomous agencies. Cruz added that DOA has lost nearly all of its accountants to retirement or higher-paying agencies, while the Department of Public Health and Social Services lacks a strong financial team despite overseeing hundreds of millions of dollars in funding. They have hundreds of millions of dollars thats at risk, and I dont want to have another $42 million claim like in Homeland Security. Concerns also surfaced about the status of $12 million in federal grants, which may expire if extensions are not approved. So, basically, [education] departments doing whatever it can to preserve this $12 million in federal grants, Sen. Chris Barrnet said, asking whether the funds had been lost. I cant confirm that if its lost or not, GDOE chief auditor Frank Cooper-Nurse replied. At this point, if we were looking at the system of it being active and whether we can liquidate, that is not available upon us. Cooper-Nurse said agencies can still seek relief from federal grantors. You can go back to the granting agency, and Im hoping that our federal programs folks have to initiate that conversation to secure some of the remaining balances, he said. Officials pointed to prior reversals, including a $54 million case where a loss in September of 24 later became a surplus after approval in September of 25. When auditors look at it, they saw that the period of performance and the grant period ended, and so therefore the answer should be, its a possibility of losing it, Cruz said. The money is reimbursable, officials said, meaning unspent funds are not returned but instead never received. I dont believe that they receive it ahead of time. Thats reimbursable, Cruz said. I believe, Im not sure theyre returning $12 million as much as theyre not going to receive $12 million. Auditors explained that federal grants come with fixed performance periods, followed by a 120 days late liquidation window, with limited exceptions. There are special exceptions where if you communicate early with granting agencies, youre able to get in front of the issues, Cooper-Nurse said. However, he said extensions cannot make up for poor planning, and all grant spending and purchases need to be completed on time. Revenues, failed procurement Revenues rose sharply in fiscal 2024, increasing $97.3 million, from $377.8 million in fiscal 2023 to $475.1 million. Federal grant revenue increased $74.7 million and local appropriations rose $22.6 million. The federal increase was driven largely by a $51 million transfer of locally funded teacher payroll costs into the ARP fund. Local appropriations included $2.4 million in disaster-related general fund support, $4.7 million passed through from the Department of Administration for school leaseback payments, and $10 million in supplemental funding for the CHamoru language program and other operational needs. Expenditures increased $62.6 million, primarily from $26.4 million in contractual costs and $11 million in salaries, benefits, and retiree health care. Those increases were partially offset by decreases of $4.8 million in equipment, $1.9 million in power, and $1.8 million in the First Generation Trust Fund. Even with higher spending, GDOE did not come close to using its available general fund authority. The audit also details how GDOE attempted to meet federal learning loss requirements under the ARP. Federal law required local education agencies to reserve 20% of ARP awards for learning loss programs. GDOE sought professional consulting services, but the procurement failed, preventing the department from obligating funds before the grant expired. No one showed up on Thursday to testify on a bill to recognize common-law marriages on Guam, leaving senators wanting for more information on the legal impacts the bill could bring. Sen. Shelly Calvos Bill 221-38 would open a path for adult couples that live together for at least two years but have not officially tied the knot to be recognized as common-law married. That means common-law partners could get the same rights granted to couples that do go through a civil or religious marriage, including claims to inheritances, property, child support or alimony, medical decision-making power and insurance benefits. It is a common misconception on Guam that common-law marriages were already recognized, several senators remarked during the Thursday hearing. Many couples on Guam live together for years without getting married, Bill 221-38 sponsor Calvo said. She said they share finances and raise children. When a relationship like this ends, whether through separation, serious illness or death, lack of legal recognition can place families in very difficult and uncertain conditions, Calvo said, at times when they already faced emotional strain. She said the measure wasnt meant to redefine or discourage formal marriages, but recognize a situation that exists in the community. Calvos bill would allow couples to bring sworn affidavits and other evidence to a court to petition for a declaration that they are common-law married. But with no one turning up to testify Thursday on the bill, senators voiced a number of outstanding questions they had. Sen. Therese Terlaje, who is also a lawyer, said she had concerns about a section of the bill that would allow common-law marriages to be recognized by the court even after one partner in a relationship dies. Bill 221-38 would allow for petitions for common-law marriage up to three years after the relationship ends or if one partner dies, if there is clear and convincing evidence of the marriage. I just feel like its very hard to prove that after the fact, Terlaje said. They can come in after three years later and say, Oh, but we were married, and now I am entitled to your inheritance, your property, spousal support. The senator said shes interested to hear from the public on the matter, and said there are pros and cons. But she noted that there are already many legal steps couples could take to protect themselves in the event of death or separation. Sen. Chris Barnett said its a common myth on Guam that couples are recognized as common-law married after seven years. He said he believed the myth himself. But after-the-fact common-law marriage declarations proposed seemed a little sketchy, Barnett said, and he wanted to hear more from legal experts before moving the bill forward. If the court is the one that could recognize the marriage, then youre going to court. You might as well just get married, he said. I can marry you. It takes like, two minutes. So do the right thing. Get married. Make more CHamoru babies. Attorney General Douglas Moylan, who was present at the Guam Congress Building to testify on other bills on Thursday, had checked a box on a sign-in form indicating he opposed Bill 22-38, said justice oversight chair Sen. Telo Taitague. I really want to know why, Taitague said, adding her committee would reach out to Moylan and the Guam Bar Association on the bill. I think that there is more to the bill that needs to be understood, Calvo said. So like all my colleagues here, I am also waiting for testimonies to be submitted. A federal appeals court this week declined to rehear a case that could have seen Guams long-dead 1990 abortion ban revived. It is impossible for the federal court to grant Guam Attorney General Douglas Moylan any relief in the push to have the abortion ban in Public Law 20-134 enforced, judges for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit wrote in a Feb. 3 order. But any future abortion ban enacted by Guam lawmakers would not be held back by the existing federal injunction blocking the 1990 ban, according to a statement attached to the order. Ninth Circuit judges ruled that an April 2025 decision finding the abortion ban case moot, or already resolved, was correct. Judges denied Moylans May 2025 petitions for a rehearing in the abortion ban case. Moylan has sought to lift the injunction blocking the enforcement of the 1990 ban. Even if arguments to lift a federal injunction on the ban succeed in the federal appeals court, it is impossible for the court to grant Moylan any relief in the case, Circuit Judge Lawrence VanDyke wrote in a 12-page statement attached to the order. That was because of rulings already made by the Supreme Court of Guam regarding the 1990 ban, VanDyke wrote. Guams high court in 2023 ruled that the long-dead abortion ban was not enforceable because of laws that had passed since 1990 that recognized legal abortion on Guam. New laws had the same effect as repealing the ban, the local court found. Rulings were in response to a request for judgement from Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero, a vocal supporter of abortion access. Moylans latest petition for a rehearing did not ask the court to rule on whether the ban was enforceable. It only requested that the decades-old injunction be lifted, to avoid any sanctions of the Office of the Attorney General of Guam as a result of the court order. Ban was unconstitutional Guams 1990 ban made performing an abortion a third-degree felony, and receiving or soliciting for abortions a misdemeanor. That ban was enjoined in federal court shortly after being enacted. Judges found it unconstitutional. But Moylan sought to enforce the law in 2023, after the U.S. Supreme Court reversed past rulings in the landmark Roe v. Wade that guaranteed abortion rights. Moylan has already tried to bring the abortion ban case to the Supreme Court of the United States. The nations high court declined to hear the case in 2024. The governor, the Guam Memorial Hospital, and the American Civil Liberties Union Foundation have all opposed enforcing the 1990 ban. Judge: Ban would be in place today Circuit Judge VanDyke, in the Feb. 3 decision, described past rulings in Roe v. Wade as judicial misconduct, which had incalculable and ongoing impacts on unborn life. If Roe had never happened, abortion would have been illegal in Guam in 1990, and it would almost certainly still be illegal in Guam today. Even though Roe itself is mercifully gone, it remains the fact that it is because of Roe that abortion is legal today in Guam, VanDyke wrote. Though the appeals court was right to find the abortion ban case moot, future abortion bans enacted in Guam would not be enjoined by the existing ban on Public Law 20-134, according to the judge. Like night follows day, it follows from the panels mootness conclusion that the current permanent injunction would not restrain Moylanor a future enforcing official in Guamfrom enforcing any future abortion ban should Guam lawmakers choose to enact one, the judge wrote. Power trip to nowhere The circuit court decision drew approval from pro-abortion group Guam People for Choice on Wednesday night. The Ninth Circuits decision today is yet another loss in a long string of losses in the courts by Doug Moylan, attorney Anita Arriola said in a statement issued by the group. Arriola and the ACLU represented plaintiffs in the 1990 lawsuit that succeeded in getting Guams abortion ban declared unconstitutional. She said on Wednesday that despite numerous rulings against the case to revive that ban, Moylan persisted in using public dollars to fund his power trip to nowhere. Funds would be better spent hiring prosecutors to prosecute crimes against women, Arriola said. We advise General Moylan to take a more productive and practical approach to this issue, Guam People for Choice advocate Jayne Flores said. Start a campaign to convince men of all races on Guam not to rape women and girls. A billboard campaign focused on this goal will go a long way toward reducing the islands alarming rate of sexual assaults among women and children. Flores recently retired as director of the Bureau of Womens Affairs, according to the release. Raise your hand if you think people should have the right to decide their own future. Seriously, actually think about it. It's one of those ideas almost everyone agrees with without hesitation. We teach it in school. We praise it in history books. We celebrate it when people in other parts of the world demand it for themselves. So lets ask the obvious question: Who could possibly disagree with that? On Guam, the answer is closer to home than we like to admit. Anyone who argues that we should never change our political status. Anyone who says none of the options are acceptable. Anyone who insists the safest move is to leave things exactly as they are. Whether they mean to or not, they end up denying that principle in practice. That doesnt make them bad people. But it does mean this debate carries moral weight. Debating which status option is best is fair. Arguing that the risks are too high to let people decide is something else entirely. Supporters of the status quo usually dont frame their position in moral terms. They describe themselves as practical. They talk about federal funding, jobs, stability, and risk. Those concerns are real. People have families to support. Bills to pay. Lives theyve worked hard to build. No one should dismiss that. But lets be honest: choosing stability over choice is a moral decision, even when its called practical. Some argue we should fix the mess before talking about self-determination. That gets the order wrong. Self-determination isnt a reward. Its the starting point. The right to choose comes first, not after everything is fixed. History is full of moments where people were asked to make that same calculation. Imagine if Black Americans during the Civil Rights era had been told, Yes, segregation is wrong, but pushing too hard could make things worse. Be patient. Dont rock the boat. Imagine if the colonists in 1776 had been told, Independence sounds inspiring, but Britain provides stability. The risks are too high. Today, those arguments dont sound wise. They sound like excuses for delay. That doesnt mean the people making them were evil. It means they were human. The same is true here. Many people who defend the status quo arent trying to deny anyones rights. Theyre protecting what theyve built inside a system thats familiar. Theyre choosing certainty over disruption. That instinct is understandable. What isnt acceptable is pretending that this choice is morally neutral. Refusing to choose doesnt avoid the moral question. It answers it. This debate doesnt require everyone to agree on the destination. It doesnt require everyone to support the same status option. What it does require is agreement on one simple thing: the people of Guam have the right to chooseand they must be allowed to do so. Everything elsethe fears, the tradeoffs, the consequencesbelongs after that. Not before it. (HedgeCo.Net) In the evolving landscape of alternative investments, activism has entered a new phase. What was once the domain of lone-wolf hedge funds waging high-profile proxy battles has become more collaborative, more strategic, andcriticallymore intertwined with long-term capital. Nowhere is this shift more visible than in the rise of activist tag-team strategies, where multiple investment firms align their expertise, capital, and influence around a shared thesis. At the center of this trend sits COSTAR Group, a data-driven real estate and information powerhouse that has become both a magnet and a catalyst for modern activist engagement. COSTARs story is not just about a single company under scrutiny. It reflects a broader re-engineering of activist investing itselfone that blends public-market pressure, private-market patience, and operational ambition. For alternative investors, this model is redefining how value is created, defended, and ultimately realized. A New Era of Activist Collaboration Traditional shareholder activism was adversarial by design. Activists accumulated stakes quietly, went public with criticism, demanded board seats, and pushed for asset sales, cost cuts, or leadership changes. The playbook relied on confrontation, media pressure, and relatively short time horizons. Todays environment looks different. Regulatory scrutiny is heavier. Corporate governance standards are more sophisticated. And capital markets reward strategic clarity over financial engineering. As a result, activism has evolved into a collaborative enterprise, where multiple fundsoften with complementary skill setscoordinate their engagement. This tag-team model typically involves: A lead activist with a strong public voice and governance expertise. with a strong public voice and governance expertise. Supporting institutional investors or hedge funds that reinforce the position with capital and credibility. that reinforce the position with capital and credibility. Long-term oriented alternative managers, including private equity or credit specialists, who see optionality beyond the public equity story. Rather than demanding immediate breakups, these coalitions increasingly focus on strategic execution, capital allocation discipline, and long-run competitive positioning. COSTAR Group has emerged as a prime arena for this approach. Why COSTAR Matters to Activist Investors: COSTAR Group operates at the intersection of commercial real estate, data analytics, and digital marketplaces. Over decades, it has built a dominant position in commercial real estate information, offering proprietary data, analytics, and online platforms that are deeply embedded in industry workflows. From an activist perspective, COSTAR presents an unusual combination: Founder-led culture with centralized decision-making High recurring revenue and strong margins Aggressive reinvestment strategy , particularly through acquisitions and platform expansion , particularly through acquisitions and platform expansion A balance sheet that offers strategic flexibility These characteristics make COSTAR both attractive and challenging. The companys market leadership and data moat are widely admired. At the same time, its capital allocation choicesparticularly large, transformative acquisitionshave sparked debate among shareholders. For activist investors, this is fertile ground. The question is not whether COSTAR is a great business, but whether its strategy is optimized to maximize long-term shareholder value. The Activist Tag Team Thesis What differentiates the current activist interest in COSTAR is not a single fund pushing a narrow agenda, but rather a convergence of aligned perspectives. At the core of the activist thesis are several recurring themes: 1. Capital Allocation Discipline COSTAR has historically reinvested aggressively, often prioritizing strategic positioning over near-term earnings. Activists argue that as the company matures, investors deserve clearer guardrails around returns on invested capital, acquisition discipline, and shareholder returns. 2. Strategic Focus Versus Expansion COSTARs expansion into adjacent marketssuch as residential platforms and broader real estate marketplacesoffers long-term optionality, but also execution risk. Activists are pressing for sharper prioritization and clearer milestones to assess success. 3. Governance and Transparency Founder-led companies often face governance scrutiny as they scale. Activist coalitions are less focused on wholesale leadership change and more interested in enhanced board independence, clearer disclosure, and structured strategic reviews. 4. Valuation Unlock Potential With a premium multiple anchored in growth expectations, COSTARs valuation is sensitive to confidence in execution. Activists believe that clearer strategy and disciplined capital use could reduce uncertainty and expand the companys long-term valuation framework. Whats notable is that none of these points require a scorched-earth campaign. Instead, they invite engagement, negotiation, and incremental adjustmentthe hallmarks of modern activist investing. Alternative Capital Enters the Equation The involvement of alternative asset managers adds a crucial dimension to the COSTAR activist story. Unlike traditional activists who rely on rapid share price re-rating, alternative investors often bring longer time horizons and multi-asset perspectives. Private equity-style thinking influences the debate in several ways: Emphasis on unit economics and operational scalability Willingness to tolerate near-term volatility for strategic payoff Focus on platform value rather than standalone asset optimization This mindset aligns well with COSTARs data-centric model, where network effects and scale advantages compound over time. It also supports a more patient form of activismone that seeks to shape strategy rather than force immediate liquidity events. In effect, the activist tag team becomes a quasi-strategic partner, applying pressure while acknowledging the complexity of building enduring platforms. The Broader Implications for Alternative Investments COSTARs situation illustrates how activism is becoming an increasingly important tool within the alternative investment ecosystem. Activism as a Risk-Management Strategy For large alternative managers with significant public equity exposure, activism is no longer just about upsideits about protecting capital. Engaging with management early can reduce the risk of strategic drift, overextension, or governance missteps. Blurring Public and Private Playbooks The distinction between public-market activism and private-market value creation is narrowing. Activists now borrow heavily from private equity frameworks, while public companies adopt longer-term strategic narratives once reserved for private ownership. Coalitions Over Lone Wolves The era of the solo activist is giving way to coalitions that combine influence, capital, and expertise. These alliances are harder for companies to ignore and easier to frame as constructive rather than confrontational. Founder-Led Firms Under the Microscope As more founder-led, data-driven firms reach scale, they become natural targets for this style of engagement. The goal is not to displace founders, but to institutionalize decision-making as companies mature. Market Reaction and Investor Sentiment Markets tend to react cautiouslybut not negativelyto this new style of activism. Investors increasingly differentiate between: Destructive activism , focused on short-term financial engineering , focused on short-term financial engineering Constructive activism, aimed at improving strategy and governance In COSTARs case, the presence of a coordinated, sophisticated activist group has been interpreted by many institutional investors as a sign of engaged ownership rather than looming disruption. This matters for valuation. Companies perceived as receptive to constructive engagement often trade at a premium to peers facing hostile or chaotic activism. Transparency, dialogue, and credible long-term plans reduce the discount applied for governance risk. What Comes Next for COSTAR: Looking ahead, the most likely outcome is not a dramatic proxy battle or forced breakup, but rather a gradual recalibration. Potential developments include: Enhanced disclosure around capital allocation priorities More explicit performance benchmarks for newer platforms Incremental governance adjustments to reflect the companys scale Continued investment in core data and analytics franchises For activist investors, success will be measured less by immediate share price spikes and more by sustained confidence in COSTARs strategic trajectory. A Blueprint for Modern Activism The activist tag team forming around COSTAR Group offers a blueprint for how alternative investments are reshaping corporate engagement. It demonstrates that activism can coexist with long-term thinking, that pressure does not have to mean hostility, and that collaboration can be a powerful force in public markets. For alternative investors, this evolution expands the toolkit. Activism becomes not just a strategy, but a governance overlaya way to influence outcomes without owning entire companies outright. For companies like COSTAR, the message is equally clear. Scale, data dominance, and founder vision are powerful assets. But in todays market, they are strongest when paired with transparency, discipline, and engaged ownership. The age of activist tag teams has arrived. And COSTAR Group sits squarely at the center of that transformationless as a battleground, and more as a proving ground for what modern alternative investing looks like in practice. CAMPAIGNERS have been handing out tulips in Henley town centre to raise awareness of reported human rights abuses in Iran. Naghmeh Noei-Tabrizi and her sister Noosheen stood outside Persian restaurant Bijans Kitchen in Market Place, handing out red tulips to passersby. The tulips were provided by florist Noosheen and they were tied with a tricolour, green, white and red, ribbon reading Free Iran. Naghmeh, 55, said the aim of the day was to spread awareness about what is happening in the country where the security forces stand accused of killing tens of thousands of anti-government protesters. The sisters grew up in Iran before moving to the UK in the Eighties and Naghmeh, who lives in Henley, said the red flowers represented the blood of those who had been killed. They were helped by Erfan Hedayati, owner of Bijans, who grew up in Iran and fled the regime in 2013. Naghmeh said: Its actually not about politics, this is about human rights. People just want to live, they want to breathe, they want to eat, they want to travel like you and I do. They just want to be free. They want to have a choice. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard does not give the people of Iran a choice. Theres only one choice. You either follow them or you dont. So each of these tulips has sprung from the blood of injustice. In December, protests began in Iran, initially sparked by economic grievances and these subsequently spread and became among the largest in recent years. The regime launched a crackdown in response and an internet shutdown has meant it has been difficult for those outside of Iran to see what has been happening. Reports of the number of people that have been killed vary widely, with the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) confirming 6,842 deaths with 11,280 cases under review. Other estimates from doctors based outside Iran put the figure at 33,000 or more. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Irans Supreme Leader, has publicly acknowledged several thousand people were killed during recent protests but blamed the US and Israel for the deaths. No one knows about this because there are no communications, Naghmeh said. They are murdering behind closed doors. They are executing in silence. They are arresting everyone. She said that the group had received a mainly positive reaction to their campaign with many people offering to donate money. Naghmeh said: We said we dont want a donation, as were not a charity. It is about awareness. Families were stopping and reading the message of whats going on. Many were aware but they said, Youre doing a great thing and people should talk about this more. Despite their efforts, Naghmeh said she still felt helpless. She said: What were doing now is nothing. Its very frustrating for us. Naghmeh said that she had been spurred on by her concern for her relatives back in Iran, adding: This is the only thing we can do. Erfan Hedayati, who took over the running of Bijans Kitchen in 2022, has hung two flags in the entrance to the restaurant. The flags feature a Lion and Sun in the middle of the tricolour. The design was the state flag before the Islamic Revolution in 1979. TRIBUTES have been paid to a filmmaker and amateur historian who passed away on his 80th birthday. Nick Brazil, born in Looe, Cornwall, moved to Whitchurch with his family in the 1970s. Born on January 21, he was the son of John Brazil, who founded the Brazil Sausage Company, which was later acquired by Bowyer. He had two children, Peter and Mandy. Mr Brazil was educated in Somerset and Switzerland before becoming a journalist and photographer. During his career, he also worked in construction in the Middle East and for British Telecom. As a filmmaker, he took many videos of the village and its inhabitants, including a Christmas message from all the different native language speakers. Shortly before his death, the keen historian was shown the finalised cover of his most recent publication Articles of War. The book is a collection of articles he had written for the British Modern Military History Society, which cover a portrait of modern conflict from Napoleon to the present. Proceeds from the sale will go to support Veteran with Dogs, a charity dedicated to training and providing assistance dogs to support veterans with mental health conditions. Jerry Cockeram, secretary of the history society, finished the manuscript after Nick died, so the book could be published. The back cover is a photograph of Mr Brazil and his dog Harold in The Greyhound pub in 2023, taken by Mr Cockeram, with the cover of the book superimposed. He said: I believe it captures the essence of him and Harold in one of his favourite places where they were invariably found together. Nick looking dapper with his red braces is a sight many of us in the village would want to remember him by. Within the book, one of the articles Nick wrote is called To Shoot but Not to Kill. It is about famous war photographers photos not being what they seem. These include probably the most famous image of the Spanish Civil War by Robert Capa and the US Marines raising the Stars and Stripes over Iwo Jima. Mr Cockeram said: When we realised that Nick was sadly on his final journey, he and I agreed we should use the photo on the rear cover of Articles Of War, and, fortunately, I was able to show him the revised cover and get his approval. When Mr Brazil was diagnosed with diabetes, villagers bonded together to look after him. Mr Cockeram said: Theres a very strong community spirit here in Whitchurch and, when he was diagnosed with diabetes, and we realised he wasnt taking his insulin last year, everyone came together to look after him. Mr Cockeram got to know Mr Brazil through his work with the history society. He said: Nick has been quite a keen supporter, was involved in the meetings and writing articles. Hes someone who has always been helpful, even contributing to our first batch of books. Over the last eight or so years, I got to know him much better and we used to go to The Greyhound with my dog Mildred and, of course, Harold about writing about all the articles he has written. When he ended up in hospital in his last month, I gave him my commitment then that I would finish it for him. Mr Cockeram was able to take Harold into the Royal Berkshire Hospital when Nick was moved into palliative care. He added: I was able to get him into Cedar Lodge, where I work, for his final days. It was at that time that I was able to show him the revised artwork and talk about the book. I feel delighted because it was important that I got it finished for him. In 2018, the Brazil Award was introduced in the Whitchurch Art and Craft Exhibition, which encourages film and animation entries to complement the traditional media of art, film and animation entries. Sally Woolhouse, organiser of the exhibition which is taking place on Saturday, February 28 and Sunday, March 1, said: Throughout his life, Nick pursued the art of photography and film-making. He was keen to encourage the community, especially the younger residents, to make short films to entertain and inform the judges and the audience. In 2003, Mr Brazil had an idea to transform an unloved area of the village by creating a maze. By working with Pete and Sally Woolhouse, he developed a design through the Whitchurch Society and the community were invited to buy bricks. It opened in June 2004. Ms Woolhouse said: The maze has become a favourite quiet space for many in the community. It has been a much-loved focal point ever since it opened and Nick was justifiably proud of this achievement for the village he loved. Mr Brazil went on to join the parish council. Chairman Jim Donahue said: Nick was welcomed as an elder statesman of the village. He was clearly someone who was passionate about the village and his long history here helped to inform many of our discussions and decisions. To buy Articles of War, visit tinyurl.com/5n9azrx4 Feature: Chinese New Year celebrated in Cape Town in a boost to people-to-people exchanges Xinhua) 09:59, February 05, 2026 People learn to write Chinese calligraphy during an event in celebration of the Chinese New Year in Cape Town, South Africa, on Feb. 1, 2026. The bustling Victoria & Alfred Waterfront in Cape Town, South Africa's legislative capital, came alive with vibrant colors and lively performances on Sunday as the upcoming Chinese New Year was celebrated. The event attracted hundreds of local residents and foreign tourists, injecting fresh momentum into people-to-people exchanges between China and Africa. (Xinhua/Wang Lei) CAPE TOWN, Feb. 4 (Xinhua) -- The bustling Victoria & Alfred Waterfront in Cape Town, South Africa's legislative capital, came alive with vibrant colors and lively performances on Sunday as the upcoming Chinese New Year was celebrated. The event attracted hundreds of local residents and foreign tourists, injecting fresh momentum into people-to-people exchanges between China and Africa. China's Spring Festival will fall on Feb. 17 this year, marking the beginning of the Year of the Horse. The horse is the seventh animal in the 12-year cycle of the Chinese zodiac. Organized by the city's Chinese community, the Chinese New Year 2026 celebration in Cape Town once again presented a rich cultural feast infused with Spring Festival atmosphere, taking on added significance as 2026 has been designated as the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges. Ahead of the main performance event, a cultural exhibition was held near the V&A Waterfront Amphitheatre, allowing visitors to taste Chinese cuisine, experience Chinese tea ceremonies, participate in arts and crafts such as Chinese calligraphy, woodblock printing, as well as making Chinese trinkets said to bring luck and success. Zian Lombat, a postgraduate majoring in media at the University of Cape Town, was trying Chinese calligraphy at a cultural booth. "I really love Chinese culture and enjoy learning about it," she told Xinhua. "And I would like to visit China someday, especially for the teas and the calligraphy." Taaraa Lakay, a third-year Chinese linguistics major at Stellenbosch University, told Xinhua that she also came to the Chinese New Year celebration last year, which she said was very beautiful, too. "I think it is really exciting," Lakay said, adding that she got to try on traditional Chinese clothes and sample Chinese food. "I'm very happy to be here. It's a wonderful time." Having started learning Chinese in primary school, Lakay said she knew that 2026 has been designated as the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges. "Such an event for celebrating the New Year will improve the people-to-people relationship between South Africa and China, fostering things like today's connections," she said. "I think bringing the Chinese culture can serve to diversify South Africa even more, which is always a good thing." Around 4 p.m., amidst the resounding beats of gongs and drums from the amphitheatre, the main performance event kicked off with New Year's messages from China's Consul General in Cape Town Ren Faqiang and Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis. The audience was treated to mesmerizing performances, including Sichuan opera face-changing, Chinese martial arts, and a fusion of Chinese and South African dances, featuring traditional Chinese folk dances alongside the lively rhythms of Xhosa performances. The exhilarating dragon and lion dances by the Cape Town Huaxing Arts Troupe ignited a wave of cheers and applause from the crowd. South African youths were also seen among the performers of traditional Chinese programs, including 21-year-old local college student Luqmaan Slarmie and 18-year-old local high school student Saifullah Chafeker, who took part in the Chinese martial arts performances. Although they both love Chinese culture -- with Slarmie fascinated by the Chinese zodiac and Chafeker by Chinese calligraphy -- their greatest enthusiasm is reserved, of course, for Chinese martial arts. "That has brought me a sense of confidence, a sense of peace as well. And I can definitely tell that my fitness has gone up in the time frame that I've been training," Slarmie told Xinhua. "For me, Chinese martial arts have been a very big part of my life since I was a small child. I've always wanted to do it, and I've been extremely grateful to have started and been able to continue for the past 10 to 11 years," said Chafeker. Dong Gang, leader of the Huaxing troupe and chief organizer of the event, expressed his excitement about celebrating Spring Festival at such an iconic location for the fourth time, especially because this year has been designated as the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges. The Spring Festival emphasizes reunion, harmony, and sharing, while the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges highlights mutual learning between civilizations and closer ties between peoples. "At the spiritual level, the two are closely connected and share the same underlying ethos," said Dong. When the Chinese and South African communities celebrate the Spring Festival and welcome the New Year together, "this form of exchange goes beyond a superficial level and truly achieves cultural integration and mutual learning," he added. People watch a performance during an event in celebration of the Chinese New Year in Cape Town, South Africa, on Feb. 1, 2026. The bustling Victoria & Alfred Waterfront in Cape Town, South Africa's legislative capital, came alive with vibrant colors and lively performances on Sunday as the upcoming Chinese New Year was celebrated. The event attracted hundreds of local residents and foreign tourists, injecting fresh momentum into people-to-people exchanges between China and Africa. (Xinhua/Wang Lei) People learn to make Chinese-knot decorations during an event in celebration of the Chinese New Year in Cape Town, South Africa, on Feb. 1, 2026. The bustling Victoria & Alfred Waterfront in Cape Town, South Africa's legislative capital, came alive with vibrant colors and lively performances on Sunday as the upcoming Chinese New Year was celebrated. The event attracted hundreds of local residents and foreign tourists, injecting fresh momentum into people-to-people exchanges between China and Africa.(Xinhua/Wang Lei) People perform a traditional Chinese dance during an event in celebration of the Chinese New Year in Cape Town, South Africa, on Feb. 1, 2026. The bustling Victoria & Alfred Waterfront in Cape Town, South Africa's legislative capital, came alive with vibrant colors and lively performances on Sunday as the upcoming Chinese New Year was celebrated. The event attracted hundreds of local residents and foreign tourists, injecting fresh momentum into people-to-people exchanges between China and Africa.(Xinhua/Wang Lei) People perform a lion dance during an event in celebration of the Chinese New Year in Cape Town, South Africa, on Feb. 1, 2026. The bustling Victoria &Alfred Waterfront in Cape Town, South Africa's legislative capital, came alive with vibrant colors and lively performances on Sunday as the upcoming Chinese New Year was celebrated. The event attracted hundreds of local residents and foreign tourists, injecting fresh momentum into people-to-people exchanges between China and Africa. (Xinhua/Wang Lei) People perform a traditional African dance during an event in celebration of the Chinese New Year in Cape Town, South Africa, on Feb. 1, 2026. The bustling Victoria & Alfred Waterfront in Cape Town, South Africa's legislative capital, came alive with vibrant colors and lively performances on Sunday as the upcoming Chinese New Year was celebrated. The event attracted hundreds of local residents and foreign tourists, injecting fresh momentum into people-to-people exchanges between China and Africa.(Xinhua/Wang Lei) People perform Chinese martial arts during an event in celebration of the Chinese New Year in Cape Town, South Africa, on Feb. 1, 2026. The bustling Victoria & Alfred Waterfront in Cape Town, South Africa's legislative capital, came alive with vibrant colors and lively performances on Sunday as the upcoming Chinese New Year was celebrated. The event attracted hundreds of local residents and foreign tourists, injecting fresh momentum into people-to-people exchanges between China and Africa. (Xinhua/Wang Lei) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) (JNS) - Ashdod resident Tzipora Mark remembers the horrors of the Auschwitz extermination camp with striking clarity. She says she can still physically feel the beatings and abuse she endured there. Her back bears scars, and the vision in her left eye is impaired. "I vividly remember the beatings, the moment the number was tattooed on my arm, and the nights I went to sleep hungry, unsure whether I would wake up in the morning," she told JNS. Amid enduring memories of the persecution of her family and the Jewish people during the Holocaust-memories intensified by the Oct. 7 massacre and the war of the past two years-Mark celebrated her 101st birthday on Jan. 30, three days after the global community marked International Holocaust Remembrance Day. The annual commemoration was set by the United Nations in November 2005, on the anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau German death camp by the Soviet army on Jan. 27, 1945. Mark's granddaughter Tali told JNS that her grandmother is struggling with dementia and that the recent war has confused her, triggering vivid flashbacks. "For the past two years, whenever we visit, she asks, 'Why are there still explosions, and when will this war finally end?'-meaning World War II." Sometimes, Tzipora, originally from Jilava, Romania, is afraid the Gestapo is coming to take her away, Tali said. The family tries to reassure her that she is in the State of Israel, with brave Israel Defense Forces soldiers protecting her. Tali described some of the other triggers her grandmother lives with, including certain clothing, shoes and noises, including knocks on the door. "Grandma always asked us never to wear black, because those were the uniforms of the Nazi Gestapo," she said. She said in recent years, and especially during this war, the anxiety-inducing episodes have intensified. According to Tali, her grandmother's wish for herself and for the Jewish people is peace, unity and security. "She wants us to live without fear, without antisemitism and without having to hide our Jewish identity, whether in Israel or abroad. She believes in peace and brotherhood, both around us and within us," Tali said. She added that in her clearer moments, Tzipora constantly emphasizes the importance of remembering the Holocaust. Tali said Mark built a proud family with six grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren and teaches the values of sharing and humanity, recalling how in Auschwitz a piece of bread was divided crumb by crumb without anyone fighting. "She always repeats three values: Do not be afraid, remember [the Holocaust], and share. She is a true leader and a constant source of strength and inspiration," Tali said. 'The anxiety stays with me' Esther Maman, 90, from Safed, is a Holocaust survivor who found herself again hiding at an advanced age-this time in a synagogue converted into a bomb shelter during Hezbollah rocket attacks on the Galilee. She shared with JNS that in 1941, her family was deported to the Theresienstadt concentration/transit camp in a cattle car, after her father refused to cooperate with the Nazis in exchange for promises of protection. After eight months, she and her family were saved by partisans and escaped into the forests, where they repeatedly escaped death at the hands of Nazi soldiers hunting for Jews. Maman, originally from Bosnia-Herzegovina, immigrated to Israel at the founding of the state in 1948 and describes those early years as the happiest of her life. She has nine grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren, all of whom served in the IDF. "I rose from the ashes and built this family," she said proudly. "I share my story with students and soldiers so that this memory is never lost." Reflecting on the past two years of war, Maman described rocket strikes near her home, repeated displacement, and profound emotional loss, including the murder of Gil Avni, whom she had cared for as a child while working as his nanny, by Hamas terrorists at the Supernova music festival on Oct. 7, 2023. "When I hear about antisemitism around the world, I feel overwhelming fear. It reminds me of the darkest days of my life," she said. "I am grateful to be in Israel, but the anxiety stays with me." Maman emphasized the importance of resilience, saying, "I survived. I live in the State of Israel. That is our victory. I pray for peace and unity, for the recovery of communities in the north and south, for support for wounded soldiers, and for the safety of Jews everywhere." Both survivors receive monthly support from the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews to purchase food and other essential items. Since the outbreak of the war, the IFCJ has donated more than 1 billion shekels ($320 million) to assist affected populations with food, clothing and protective infrastructure, while continuing its long-standing support for Holocaust survivors, the elderly and families in need. "These women and so many others like them are precious diamonds that we won't have the honor of helping so much longer," Yael Eckstein, president of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, told JNS. "It's our obligation not just to remember what happened, but our privilege to act and do all we can for those who have been through the worst, for the rest of their lives," she said. Eckstein said that for 40 years, the IFCJ has remained steadfast in its commitment to providing emotional and material support, kindness and dignity to those who have endured the worst. She said this was particularly relevant now with the "wicked rise of antisemitism around the world once again. "For these final years that they are with us, we will do everything in order to make sure that they are living with dignity and hope," she said. (JNS) - "The pride is so much stronger than the sadness," Talik Gvili said on Monday, speaking with reporters outside the family home in Meitar, southern Israel, hours after her son's body was retrieved from Gaza. The Israel Defense Forces announced on Monday that the remains of Israel Police Master Sgt. Ran Gvili, who was killed and kidnapped by Hamas terrorists during the Oct. 7, 2023, attacks, was found in Gaza. With the return of Gvili, a 24-year-old Police Special Patrol Unit (Yasam) officer at the time of his death, the terrorist organization is not holding any hostages in the Strip for the first time since 2014, the IDF noted. "We are a strong, alive people of Israel," Gvili's mother told Reuters. "We really want to thank everyone here: all those who helped and supported and gave us so much strength over these two years and four months. "We have a closure," the bereaved mother stated, adding: "Rani returned home an Israeli hero-really, an Israeli hero, and we are the most proud of him in the world." His sister, Shira Gvili, thanked U.S. President Donald Trump, his special envoy Steve Witkoff, Board of Peace member Jared Kushner" and other "people behind the scenes" in her statement to Reuters. "Mr. President, when you looked in our eyes and you said, 'We're going to bring Ran home,' and you promised us, we believed you, and we are thankful for this," she said. "I want to thank everyone who helped us." The Israeli military on Monday evening released new details about "Operation Brave Heart" that led to the discovery of Gvili's remains. According to the IDF, 20 military dentists helped soldiers examine some 250 bodies in just over 24 hours, after intelligence narrowed down the search to a specific plot inside a cemetery in the northern Gaza Strip. As part of the intelligence efforts, multiple Palestinians from Gaza were detained and interrogated, providing information about the specific section of the cemetery where Gvili was buried, the IDF revealed. According to Israel's Channel 12, around three months ago, the IDF's Southern Command granted a request by soldiers to move the truce-instituted Yellow Line to include the Muslim cemetery, citing security concerns that the area contained locations hidden from troops' view. Without the expansion of the Yellow Line and subsequent clearing of the area, soldiers would likely have been unable to operate freely without Hamas's consent, according to the Channel 12 report. An IDF soldier who took part in the operation told the broadcaster that troops secured and provided cover for the compound while specialist units, including military dentists, exhumed around 700 graves. Gvili was found wrapped in a body bag from Gaza's Hamas-affiliated Shifa Hospital while still wearing his police uniform, shoes and belt. Hebrew media on Monday aired footage of Israel Police Commissioner Danny Levy telling Gvili's parents that their son "was found intact in his police uniform." The top cop added: "I don't know if this is comforting, but it is important for you to know." IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir on Monday visited the cemetery where Gvili was found and spoke with the reservists and medical teams who took part in the operation, according to an IDF statement. "Ran Gvili's body has been located, and with this, in effect, our primary mission has been completed: the return of all hostages, the living and the fallen, to their homes, their country, their families," Zamir stated. "For more than two years, we have been waiting for this moment, the return of the last hostage," the chief of staff said, adding: "Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the Universe, who has granted us life, sustained us and enabled us to reach this moment." "This mission has been completed. I want to express great appreciation to you," he told the soldiers. "We have completed our objective of war." The chief of staff concluded, "Ahead of us lies the continuation of our effort-we will continue to pursue our enemies wherever they may be." A separate military statement on Monday evening paid respects to "the hundreds of civilians murdered, the 924 IDF soldiers who fell in battle and fought with bravery in order to achieve the war's goals and the moral duty to return the hostages, as well as the security forces personel who risked their lives, the bereaved families who have lost their loved ones and the 20,000 injured individuals in body and in soul who were wounded for the protection of the State of Israel. Israeli soldiers "operated day and night, on the front lines and deep in enemy territory, while greatly endangering their lives, with unwavering determination and a deep commitment to the sanctity of life, in order to establish conditions that would allow the return of all hostages," it said. The Bridge Theatre Company recently gave a performance that left the audience silent in the way only truth can silence a room and then rose to its feet as one. Anne & Emmett, performed at the Pargh Event Center at the Rosen JCC, was gripping, flawless, and unrelenting. The audience in the packed auditorium gave a standing ovation at the end, but what mattered just as much was what did not happen that afternoon: no one left. Every seat remained filled as the house lights came up and the cast, director, and board stayed for an extended conversation with the audience which included State Se... (JNS) When Masha Merkulova talks about antisemitism, she does so without euphemism or panic. We know our kids are going to face Jew-hatred, Merkulova said in an interview at the JNS Jerusalem studio. The question is not if. Its when. So why are we not preparing them? Merkulova is the founder and executive director of Club Z, a North American Zionist youth movement she launched in 2011 to strengthen Jewish identity, peoplehood and connection to Israel among teenslong before they reach college campuses. She flew to Israel from the United States to attend the Second International Conferen... (JNS) Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem warned that any military strike on Iran would also be considered an attack on his Lebanese Shiite terror army, and cautioned that a new war against Tehran would set the Middle East ablaze, AFP reported on Monday. According to the report, in a televised address to supporters at a solidarity rally for the Islamic Republic, Qassem said Hezbollah and its main backer were facing aggression that does not distinguish between us. [W]e are targeted by any potential aggression and determined to defend ourselves. We will choose at that time how to act but we are... (JNS) Jerusalem is readying for talks with the White House on a new foreign military financing deal that would focus more on joint projects than cash handouts, Reuters reported on Tuesday, citing the Financial Times. The partnership is more important than just the net financial issue in this context there are a lot of things that are equal to money, Gil Pinchas told the Financial Times, prior to stepping down as chief financial adviser to Israels Defense Ministry. He was referring to military- and defense-development projects on which the United States and Israel work together. The vie... (JNS) - A Jewish morning prayer took place on Thursday at Joseph's Tomb in Samaria, for the first time in 25 years. The shrine, which is venerated by Jews, Samaritans, Christians and Muslims, has a decades-long history of violence. Since the outbreak of the Second Intifada, entry to the complex on the southeastern outskirts of Nablus was permitted only at nighttime, under heavy security. Hundreds of worshippers, including Religious Zionism lawmaker Zvi Sukkot and Samaria Regional Council head Yossi Dagan, attended the service on Thursday morning under the guard of Israeli security forces, Isra... (JNS) New York City Police Department officers arrested a man who repeatedly rammed a car into an entrance to Chabad world headquarters in Brooklyn on Wednesday night. No injuries reported. The NYPD told JNs that officers responded at around 8:45 p.m. to 770 Eastern Parkway, where they saw a gray Honda sedan which collided into entrance doors at the bottom of a sloped driveway in front of 770 Eastern Parkway. The operator of the vehicle was taken into custody and the investigation remains ongoing, NYPD said. The department told JNS that its hate crimes team wasnt yet on the scene. Video... (JNS) The Palestinian Authoritys attempt to throw off Western scrutiny by claiming it has ended pay-for-slay suffered another setback after beneficiaries celebrated receiving the payments. Families living abroad received their full payments from the Martyrs Fund, the program which provides monthly stipends for attacks against Israelis, according to Palestinian Media Watch, an Israeli watchdog group. Payments typically go to the families of the terrorists. Jordan salaries have officially entered the bankfor released prisoners and wounded. Praise Allah, one recipient said, according to... The Ormond Beach Police Department arrested Robert Tuck, 57, in relation to a bomb threat directed at Temple Beth-El in Ormond Beach. In a statement from the school, Gayle Belin, co-president of Temple Beth El stated, on Wednesday morning, Jan. 28, Temple Beth-El received a call from a man who said he had thoughts about bringing a bomb to the Temple and wanted to speak to the rabbi (Rabbi Stanton Zamek). He furnished his name and because of caller I.D., we were able to provide that information to Law Enforcement. Local law enforcement responded within 2 minutes. According to Belin, the secre... (JNS) A large stone storage vessel used by Jews in the Galilee during the Roman period nearly 1,800 years ago is on display as part of an exhibition marking the Knesset buildings 60th anniversary. The vessel, standing about 80-centimeters (31.5-inches) high and 50-centimeters (19.5-inches) in diameter, was recently unearthed at the Pundaka de Lavi (Lavi Inn) site, located in the Lavi Forest near the Golani Junction in the Lower Galilee, by the Israel Antiquities Authority and KKL-JNF. Stone vessels were important in ancient Jewish society because, unlike pottery, they could not become rit... (JNS) - In today's global discourse, few words have done more damage to Israel's legitimacy than "occupation." What is often presented as a neutral legal term has instead become a political weapon-one that reframes terrorism as resistance and casts Israel as a state whose very existence requires justification. That warning comes from American Judge Alan Clemmons, who argues that modern antisemitism is sustained not only by hatred, but by language that is repeated until it becomes accepted as fact. Speaking this week in Jerusalem, Clemmons said the term has moved far beyond legal terminology an... (JNS) International leaders gathered in Davos, Switzerland, for an annual forum intended to focus on economic development. Yet several wars are raging throughout the world right now, including in Europe itself. Earlier this month, the United States carried out a military operation to depose of Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro. This was coupled with American musings over a similar action in Cuba and debate over the status of Greenland. All this meant that the forum was never expected to live up to its original purpose. Rather, geopolitics was the chief topic of discussion. At Davos, U.S. Pr... (Jerusalem Center for Security and Foreign Affairs via JNS) Senior security officials in Jerusalem argue that an unprecedented opportunity exists to replace Irans ayatollah regime, and urge United States President Donald Trump to act decisively to seize the moment. According to them, Israel missed a rare chance to eliminate the Iranian leadership, headed by Ali Khamenei and his son Mojtaba, who is designated to succeed him, during the 12-day Rising Lion operation against Iran in June 2025. Israel had the intelligence and operational capability to do so; therefore, this historic opportunit... (JNS) A Norwegian parliamentarian has nominated Israels Yad Vashem Holocaust Remembrance Center for the Nobel Peace Prize. The Jerusalem memorial center is one of the worlds most significant institutions in the fight against antisemitism, hate ideologies and historical distortion, Joel Ysteb of Norways Christian Democratic Party wrote in a letter addressed to the Norwegian Nobel Committee on Tuesday. I believe that the Nobel committee should take a stand on antisemitism by issuing this award to Yad Vashem even though I understand it might be difficult because of all the politics invol... (JNS) The city council of Burlington, Vt., rejected a resolution that would have put a nonbinding advisory question on the March ballot asking voters whether the mayor and city council should declare Burlington an apartheid-free community. The question would have also asked voters to urge the city to join others in working to end all support to Israels apartheid regime, settler colonialism and military occupation. The vote failed 57, marking the third consecutive year the council has blocked the measure. Opponents of the resolution, which included several council members, argued that th... (JNS) Senior Hamas official Musa Abu Marzouk told Al Jazeera that the terrorist organization never agreed to disarmament as part of U.S. President Donald Trumps ceasefire deal for the Gaza Strip. Not for a single moment did we talk about surrender the weapons, or any formula about destroying, surrendering or disarmament, Abu Marzouk claimed in an interview with the Qatari state broadcaster. According to him, Hamas gunmen have already moved to restore order across parts of the Strip from which the Israeli military has withdrawn. The United States, United Nations and Israel want internat... (JNS) One by one, Israelis removed the yellow ribbon from their jackets on Monday. From streets and squares across the country, the portrait of the last hostage was taken down. Ran Gvili was no longer in the hands of Hamas. Gvili was a 24-year-old police officer who, at dawn on Oct. 7, 2023, did what Israelis have done too often to count: he ran toward danger. As young people fled the Nova festival, he grabbed his weapon and charged forward. Wounded in the arm, he fought on near Kibbutz Alumim, neutralizing terrorists until his final bullet. His mother, Talik Gvili, can now bury him in the l... (JNS) The Western liberal mind has convinced itself that to be decent and humane, society must engage in diversity. True, diversity of opinions is creative and constructive. There is, however, another form of diversity that has been disastrous for native European societies. Perhaps the best example of which is the case of Sweden. In the 1950s, Sweden was largely a homogeneous society. It was known for its low crime rates, characterized by a cohesive society with high trust, where people left homes unlocked and bicycle theft was minimal. Today, after importing hundreds of thousands of migrant... (JNS) International Holocaust Memorial Day has become a spur to write the Jews out of their own history. The United Nations chose Jan. 27the date of the liberation of the Auschwitz concentration/death campto commemorate the Holocaust, the term that developed specifically to describe the Nazi genocide of the Jews. Yet the message the United Nations posted on X omitted any mention of the Jews. It said: The genocide started with apathy & silence in the face of injustice, and with the corrosive dehumanization of the other. Today and always, we need to remember this. And we must stand up for o... There are epochs in which moral conviction becomes indistinguishable from choreography. Ours is such an age: a time in which public virtue is measured not by the suffering one alleviates, but by performative symbolism. The global landscape of outrage today resembles less a conscience than a stagecarefully lit, meticulously curated and strictly selective in the tragedies it chooses to acknowledge. The revealing contrast is that, in Congo, children starve in what experts unanimously describe as one of the worst humanitarian collapses of the century. In Sudan, largely invisible to Western eyes,... Chinese companies inject momentum into Africa's green transition: industry executives Xinhua) 10:09, February 05, 2026 NAIROBI, Feb. 4 (Xinhua) -- African countries have leveraged capital and technical expertise from Chinese companies to promote the adoption of green energy, including solar, geothermal, and wind power, senior industry executives have said. Speaking at Intersolar Africa 2026, which kicked off on Tuesday in Nairobi, the Kenyan capital, the executives praised the role Chinese firms have played in advancing the decarbonization of Africa's energy sector. "The Chinese companies have been contributing a lot to the green transition across the continent. I would say they are catching up in terms of our expectations," said Cynthia Angweya-Muhati, acting chief executive officer (CEO) of the Kenya Renewable Energy Association. She noted that Chinese manufacturers of solar solutions have established robust supply chains in Africa while also training distributors and other players in the green energy ecosystem. Dozens of Chinese new energy firms are exhibiting at the two-day event, East Africa's leading exhibition and conference on solar power and energy storage. Angweya-Muhati said the growing presence of Chinese companies has injected dynamism into Africa's renewable energy market while meeting the needs of households and industrial users. Rethabile Melamu, CEO of the South African Photovoltaic Industry Association, said partnerships with Chinese companies have ensured that critical solar components, such as modules, inverter systems, and mounting structures, are available in the mass market. "We appreciate the support we have received from Chinese companies. They are playing a critical role in our energy transition," Melamu said, adding that through win-win partnerships with Chinese firms, African countries will benefit from an energy transition that stimulates growth and empowers the youth through skills transfer. Ayo Ademilua, CEO of the Renewable Energy Association of Nigeria, said Chinese new energy companies have embraced the African market, pumping in investments aimed at helping communities secure a greener and more resilient future. He believed that Chinese firms would continue to play a major role in Africa's green transition through technology transfer and the establishment of factories producing essential components. "We will see more technology transfer in terms of training, engineering, machine maintenance, and after-sales services. Chinese companies will be contributing significantly to the growth of renewable energy in Africa over the next few years," Ayo added. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Tucson, Arizona NBC's TODAY show co-host Savannah Guthrie has made a heartbreaking public appeal for the safe return of her mother, Nancy Guthrie, who investigators believe was abducted from her Tucson home over the weekend. In an emotional Instagram video posted Tuesday evening, Savannah Guthrie appeared alongside her siblings Annie and Cameron to deliver a direct message to whoever may have taken their 84-year-old mother. "Our mom is a kind, faithful, loyal, fiercely loving woman of goodness and light," Savannah said through visible emotion. "She's funny, spunky. She has grandchildren that adore her and crowd around her and cover her with kisses." The broadcast journalist emphasized her mother's fragile health condition and urgent need for medication. "Her health, her heart is fragile. She is without any medicine. She needs it to survive. She needs not to suffer," she explained. Authorities Treating Case as Possible Abduction Nancy Guthrie was last seen at approximately 9:30 p.m. Saturday at her Tucson residence. When she failed to attend her regular Sunday church service, concerned congregation members alerted the family. Relatives discovered her missing when they arrived at her home around 11 a.m. Sunday and immediately contacted authorities. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos confirmed during a press conference that investigators are treating the disappearance as a criminal matter. "We do, in fact, have a crime," Nanos stated Monday. Law enforcement sources have reported finding blood drops leading from the home's entryway toward the driveway. The sheriff's office has indicated they believe Nancy Guthrie "was taken from the home against her will," with investigators exploring both kidnapping and abduction scenarios. Family Addresses Ransom Reports In their video message, the Guthrie family acknowledged media reports about a possible ransom demand, though authorities have declined to confirm such details publicly. "We, too, have heard the reports about a ransom letter in the media," Savannah stated. "As a family, we are doing everything that we can. We are ready to talk." She added a note of caution about communication: "However, we live in a world where voices and images are easily manipulated. We need to know without a doubt that she is alive and that you have her. We want to hear from you, and we are ready to listen. Please reach out to us." Presidential Support Pledged President Donald Trump announced Wednesday evening that he had spoken with Savannah Guthrie and pledged full federal support for the search efforts. "I am directing ALL Federal Law Enforcement to be at the family's, and Local Law Enforcement's, complete disposal, IMMEDIATELY," Trump wrote on Truth Social. "We are deploying all resources to get her mother home safely. The prayers of our Nation are with her and her family." Investigation Ongoing On Wednesday afternoon, investigators returned to Nancy Guthrie's home with K-9 units and crime scene tape, though officials provided limited details about the renewed search activity. Law enforcement personnel were also observed at the home of Savannah's sister, Annie Guthrie, located several miles away. According to Sheriff Nanos, Nancy Guthrie had dinner with her daughter Annie and son-in-law on Saturday evening before being dropped off at her home, where her son-in-law confirmed she safely entered the residence. The sheriff's department has received hundreds of tips and continues to pursue all leads. When asked whether the apparent abduction was targeted or random, Nanos said investigators are examining both possibilities. Family's Message of Faith The family concluded their video plea with words of faith and determination. "Mommy? If you are hearing this, you are a strong woman," Savannah said, addressing her mother directly. "You are God's precious daughter, Nancy. We believe and know that even in this valley, He is with you." "Everyone is looking for you, Mommy, everywhere. We will not rest, your children will not rest until we are together again," she continued. "We speak to you every moment, and we pray without ceasing, and we rejoice in advance for the day that we hold you in our arms again. We love you." Anyone with information regarding Nancy Guthrie's whereabouts is urged to contact the Pima County Sheriff's Department immediately at 911 or through their tip line. Concord Hospitality, an award-winning hotel management and development company operating premium hotels and restaurants across the U.S. and Canada, proudly celebrates the retirement of Scott Ness, Senior Vice President of Accounting. Mr. Ness concludes an extraordinary 23-year career with Concord, leaving behind a lasting impact. Since joining Concord Hospitality in July 2003, Scott has been a cornerstone of the organizations financial leadership. Over more than two decades, he earned the trust and respect of colleagues at every level through his expertise, steady guidance, and unwavering commitment to doing the right thing. Scotts contributions were instrumental in supporting Concords growth and evolution, including helping lead the successful relocation of the corporate headquarters from Cleveland, Ohio, to Raleigh, North Carolina. Scotts impact on Concord truly cannot be overstated, said Mark Laport, President and CEO of Concord Hospitality. He is a leader defined by integrity, accountability, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Scott brought clarity, structure, and thoughtful perspective to even the most complex challenges, while always holding himself and others to the highest standards. We are profoundly grateful for his 23 years of leadership, loyalty, and the trust he built with our teams, partners, and stakeholders. Reflecting on his career, Mr. Ness shared, I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to work alongside such talented and dedicated colleagues and partners throughout my time at Concord. Im proud of what we accomplished together and excited to watch the company continue to thrive in the years ahead. Before joining Concord, Mr. Ness built an impressive 20-year career with Marriott International, where he held numerous senior financial leadership roles. Throughout his career, Scott was admired for his disciplined approach, strong follow-through, and ability to navigate complex financial and operational environments with professionalism, confidence, and trust. Scotts final day with Concord Hospitality will be February 13. Concord extends its heartfelt appreciation for his exceptional service, leadership, and partnership, and wishes him every happiness and fulfillment in a well-deserved and exciting next chapter. About Concord Hospitality Enterprises Company Concord Hospitality is an award-winning hotel development and management company that has grown over the past three decades to become the preferred partner of leading hotel brands such as Hilton, Marriott, and Hyatt. Concord Hospitality boasts a stellar reputation known for combining the experience of a big company with the high-touch service of an independent operation to every partner property. The company specializes in developing and managing full-service and select-service hotels across North America. As part of the company's continued growth, in 2019 it launched Opus Collection by Concord, a lifestyle hotel management division for full-service properties. With the brightest talent, the most innovative processes, and a commitment to giving back to the communities where associates live and work, Concord Hospitality is committed to being a great place to work for all. Learn more at concordhotels.com Presented by The Scottsboro Boys Museum in Scottsboro, Alabama, the exhibit will remain on view through late April. GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. The Du Bois Freedom Center hosts The Scottsboro Boys Traveling Exhibit, opening Tuesday, Feb. 10, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Center's Main Street office, located at 309 Main Street in Great Barrington. The exhibit tells the story of nine Black teenagers who became international symbols of racial injustice in the 1930s. The Scottsboro Boys case sparked global outrage and was the foundation for two paramount U.S. Supreme Court decisions. Its legacy to the civil rights movement is immeasurable. "This exhibit connects the Scottsboro Boys' legacy to the enduring fight for justice that W.E.B. Du Bois championed," said Dr. John D. Lloyd, Interim Executive Director of the Du Bois Freedom Center. "We are honored to bring this history to Massachusetts." The partnership between the Du Bois Freedom Center and the Scottsboro Boys Museum brings together two seminal forces in civil rights history. It explores the NAACP's involvement in the Scottsboro Boys case, the responses of communities in the Northparticularly in Massachusettsand the enduring legal strategies that emerged from the case, many of which continue to shape justice efforts today. This will be the first showing of the travel exhibit outside of Alabama. Dr. Thomas Reidy, Executive Director of The Scottsboro Boys Museum, said, "We have shown it throughout the state, but this is its first journey above the Mason-Dixon line." In conjunction with the exhibit, the Du Bois Freedom Center and the Scottsboro Boys Museum will host a moderated conversation on Thursday, February 12, at 5:00 p.m. at the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center. The exhibit will be open for viewing prior to the discussion. The program will feature Dr. Thomas Reidy and Dr. Whitney Battle-Baptiste, Director of the W.E.B. Du Bois Center at UMass Amherst, and will be moderated by Marcus P. Smith, History and Archival Fellow at the Du Bois Freedom Center. "The history of the Scottsboro Boys Caseand the work of the Scottsboro Boys Museumis both inspiring and essential, highlighting the powerful role museums can play in fostering community and advancing justice," said Marcus Smith. More information about the associated events or the travel exhibit is available at www.thescottsboroboysmuseum. com. North Adams Councilors to Speak Against Berkshire Gas Rate Hike NORTH ADAMS, Mass. The Public Services Committee is planning a show of force at Thursday's public hearing on rate hikes for Berkshire Gas Co. The rate increase was raised at its Tuesday meeting, when Chair Peter Breen said "utilities" had been added to the committee's review. "Because public utilities are controlled by the municipality the electric, the natural gas, the cable those are all part of public service," he said, explaining why Council President Ashley Shade had made the change. "We negotiate, we legislate. And a good example right now is on Thursday, there's a public hearing. The Berkshire Gas company wants to raise the rate 21 percent to 27 percent." The utility is asking to adjust distribution rates to generate $22.2 million, which it anticipates will result in a 21.6 percent rate increase on average. In filings with the state's Department of Public Utilities, Berkshire Gas is estimating up to about $54 a month increase for residential heating and $12 for non-heating customers. Gov. Maura Healey has stated her opposition to the proposal, calling the rate hike unaffordable for Massachusetts customers. "This proposed increase in utility bills could not come at a worse time for families and businesses in Western Mass. It's why we took $180 million off electric bills and pushed the utilities to provide immediate relief to gas customers this winter," she said in a statement, referring to the use of state funds to cut heating costs in February and March. Breen said he planned to attend the Thursday hearing but wasn't sure he'd get a chance to speak. Committee members Marie McCarron and Lillian Zavastky felt it was important they attend as well, since the increase will impact so many in the community and the city's utilities budget. "I think it's our duty to do this," McCarron said. "It's crazy, but it's breaking my heart of what it's going to do to our citizens in North Adams ... right now, we're blessed enough to be able to say we can handle it for a little bit, but how long can we handle with these increases? "But what about the people who are working three jobs just to make ends meet and to pay their rent? And then you're saying that we've got the elderly who have to decide, am I going to stay warm, or am I going to get my prescription?" Breen pointed to the company's status as a subsidiary of Iberdrola Group, a major global utility company based in Spain and the United State's Jones Act as reasons for the increased costs. "They're doing this for cash flow. They're getting 25 percent more for the same commodity. They're a monopoly, and they're charging a premium and we shouldn't have that," he said. "We should be getting 25 percent off ours because ours is too high. I mean, it will put us to the highest in the country." The Jones Act, passed in 1920, was an attempt to ensure American shipping after World War I. However, its requirements that coastal transports have to be built, owned and operated by U.S. companies and citizens, has forced New England to import its natural gas because no American LNG (liquified natural gas) tankers currently exist. This prevents the Northeast from importing cheaper natural gas from the Gulf states. New England governors have repeatedly pressed for the act to be waived or repealed. The committee members also determined to pen a letter and to ask the mayor to also submit one as part of the written testimony for the public hearing. The Department of Public Utilities is accepting letters until Feb. 27. McCarron suggested that they meet again after Thursday's public hearing to vote on a letter draft and get it on the City Council agenda for Feb. 24. At the meeting, she said, they could explain what happened at the hearing "and the three of us construct a letter and put it on the agenda, that we get their support, and they all sign it at the last meeting." Breen thought the letter should also be submitted to U.S. Rep. Richie Neal and the state's two senators in support of waiving the Jones Act. He also said he would speak to Shade about the members attendance at the hearing. In other business, the committee discussed some of its priorities for year such as learning how sidewalk and road work is scheduled, the status of the city's water infrastructure, costs and transparency, and the lack of a capital improvement plan. MCLA Gets $1.2M Toward Child-Care Facility NORTH ADAMS, Mass. Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts is getting more than a million dollars in seed money to develop an early childhood education facility. The $1.2 million in funding comes out of some $14 million that U.S. Rep. Richard Neal was able to obtain for community projects. "I am proud to have secured more than $14 million in Community Project Funds to support the needs of western and central Massachusetts. As we continue to see attacks on congressional spending power, this is an important reminder of why our Founding Fathers entrusted the power of the purse to Congress," said Neal in a statement announcing the funding. "From North Adams to Oxford, I partnered with community leaders throughout the district to explore different funding opportunities that will best serve the needs of my constituents. These investments will strengthen our infrastructure, expand educational opportunities, and improve quality of life for families and businesses across the district for years to come." The college is exploring a facility that would provide a learning lab for students and child care for the campus and local community. Bernadette Alden, the college's director of communications, said the $1.2 million provides "foundational funding for the project." "We'll be engaging community partners and other funding sources to help bring this important facility to fruition," she wrote in an email. "The project would help address the need for additional child-care capacity in the region while also enhancing our academic programs." Other Berkshire organizations receiving funds are: Berkshire South Regional Community Center, Great Barrington: $1,015,000 for the North Wing Expansion for community wellness and education. Berkshire Innovation Center, Pittsfield: $735,000 for a cybersecurity learning and testing facility. Berkshire Community College, Pittsfield: $995,000 for the Trades Academy. The balance of the $14 million went to various projects in the 1st Massachusetts District, including a new fire truck for Charlemont, infrastructure improvements in Blandford, Chicopee, Hoyloke, Oxford, Springfield, and West Brookfield; library expansion and Forest Park learning center in Springfield, a senior center in Middlefield, the redevelopment of a historic mill into housing in Holyoke and train control improvements for the state in Springfield. Members of Congress can request Congressionally Directed Spending for local projects as part of appropriations. Since the Fiscal Year 2022 appropriations cycle, Neal has secured more than $56 million in congressionally directed spending to support more than 50 projects across the First District. China, UNICEF cooperate in supporting Indonesia's free school meal programs in Papua Xinhua) 10:53, February 05, 2026 JAKARTA, Feb. 4 (Xinhua) -- A joint assessment of the Chinese government and UNICEF's aid to Indonesia's free nutritious meal program was held from Tuesday to Wednesday in Jayapura, the capital of Indonesia's eastern province of Papua. Regional Secretary of Papua province Christian Sohilait expressed his gratitude for the Chinese government's selfless assistance, which has enabled vulnerable groups in the province, such as children and pregnant women, to receive more nutritious and balanced meals, and for school-age children to receive better education. Li Hongwei, minister-counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Indonesia, stated that the project has already achieved positive results, benefiting nearly 140,000 people and bringing tangible benefits to local children, women and communities. It is hoped that all parties will continue to ensure the project's implementation and quality, continuously improve the nutritional status of children and women in Papua, extend the project's reach to more people, and create a model of trilateral cooperation, Li said. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Xi Jinping described Taiwan as the most important issue in China-US relations during a phone call with Donald Trump on Wednesday. The Chinese president urged Washington to be prudent on arms sales to the island, stressing that he placed great importance on bilateral ties and hoped the two nations could find ways to manage their differences, state media reported. The two leaders spoke about a range of issues, including the situation in Iran, worries over Taiwan, and trade issues that remain a source of tension between the worlds biggest economies. Mr Xi said self-governed Taiwan was Chinas territory and that Beijing must safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity. The United States must handle the issue of arms sales to Taiwan with prudence, he warned. Just as the United States has its concerns, China for its part also has concerns, Mr Xi told the US president. If the two sides work in the same direction in the spirit of equality, respect and mutual benefit, we can surely find ways to address each others concerns. On Thursday, Taiwans president Lai Ching-te said ties with the US remained rock solid, telling reporters that all ongoing cooperation projects are continuing. In a goodwill gesture two months before Mr Trumps expected visit to Beijing, the US president said Mr Xi would consider hiking soybean purchases from the US to 20 million tonnes this season, up from 12 million tonnes previously. Soybean futures rallied sharply. Mr Xi and Mr Trump spoke hours after the Chinese leaders virtual meeting with Russian president Vladimir Putin. Both leaders publicly affirmed their personal stake in strong relations after the call, their first since late November. Mr Trump said the call was all very positive and his relationship with Mr Xi was extremely good and that we both realise how important it is to keep it that way. An official Chinese government account said that Mr Xi said: I attach great importance to Sino-US relations. Though Mr Trump has tagged China as the reason for several hawkish policy steps from Canada to Greenland and Venezuela, he has eased policy towards Beijing in the last few months in key areas, from tariffs to advanced computer chips and drones. Trump and Xi last met last October in South Korea where a fragile trade truce was struck ( AFP via Getty Images ) Both sides are signalling that they want to preserve stability in the US-China relationship, said Bonnie Glaser, head of the Indo-Pacific programme at the German Marshall Fund of the United States, a think tank. Areas of tension and goodwill gestures One key area of tension is on Taiwan policy. The US announced its largest-ever arms sales deal with Taiwan in December, including $11.1bn in weapons that could ostensibly be used to defend itself against an attack by Beijing. Taipei expects more such sales. China views Taiwan as its own territory, a position Taipei rejects. Washington has formal diplomatic ties with Beijing, but maintains unofficial ties with Taiwan and is the islands most important arms supplier. The US is bound by law to provide Taiwan with the means to defend itself. The United States must carefully handle arms sales to Taiwan, Beijing said in an official summary of the meeting. The dismissal or investigation into several senior military leaders in China has stirred concern about the implications for Beijings foreign policy. But Mr Trump downplayed the investigation into Central Military Commission vice-chairman Zhang Youxia, saying over the weekend that as far as Im concerned, theres one boss in China, and thats president Xi. The last nuclear treaty between Russia and the United States is soon to expire, raising the risk of a new arms race in which China will also play a key role with its own growing nuclear stockpile. Mr Trump has said that he wants China to be part of arms control. The Kremlin said it was a topic between Mr Xi and Mr Putin. The White House did not respond to a request for comment about whether arms control had been discussed between Mr Xi and Mr Trump. Soybeans, airplanes and oil Economic issues continue to be a flashpoint between the worlds biggest consumer and its biggest factory. Mr Trump has made tariffs on imports a pillar of his strategy to revive domestic manufacturing jobs. US vice president JD Vance on Wednesday unveiled plans for a preferential trade bloc of allies for critical minerals, part of an effort to eliminate one key area of leverage that Beijing has over Washington, given its control of key metals. But the two sides are working to find areas of accord heading into an expected April state visit by Mr Trump to Beijing. Mr Trump and Mr Xi last met in person in October in South Korea, where a fragile trade truce was struck. Soybeans are a key issue because struggling farmers are a major domestic political constituency for Mr Trump, and China is the top consumer. Overseas sales of US soybeans this year slumped to the lowest in 14 years due to trade tensions with China. Benchmark Chicago Board of Trade soybean futures surged more than 3 per cent to a two-month high after Mr Trumps post. Chinas commerce ministry did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment on the soybean purchases Mr Trump mentioned. In addition to soybeans, the leaders discussed Iran, Russias war in Ukraine, airplane engines and oil and gas, Mr Trump said. Tensions remain high between Washington and Tehran after Irans violent crackdown on nationwide protests last month, with Mr Trump weighing taking military action against the Middle Eastern country. China has been Venezuelas top oil buyer for years, and the sales helped Caracas repay massive loans to Beijing in debt-for-oil deals. The Trump administration removed president Nicolas Maduro last month, and it has suggested that China will have to buy Venezuelan oil on US terms. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The British aviation regulator has reportedly sought a detailed explanation after a Boeing Dreamliner plane was grounded in India for safety checks immediately after arriving from London, with pilots flagging an issue with a fuel switch. The Air India flight from Heathrow to Bangalore on Sunday had developed the issue during engine start. The crew noticed that one of the two fuel control switches failed to stay locked in the run position twice, only stabilising at the third attempt. The jet then took off for the journey. Fuel control switches, which regulate the flow of jet fuel into the aircraft engines, were implicated in last years Air India crash in western India. The crash, the deadliest aviation disaster in decades, killed 241 of the 242 people on board the Boeing 787-8 bound for London as well as 19 on the ground. Following the Heathrow incident, the UK Civil Aviation Authority formally asked Air India to provide a detailed report on why the plane was cleared to fly despite the issue and warned of regulatory action against the airline and its Boeing 787 fleet, Reuters reported. In a letter on Tuesday, the regulator asked Air India to provide a detailed account of all maintenance actions performed to ensure the continued airworthiness of the aircraft. It also sought a comprehensive root-cause analysis of why the switch behaved that way, and a preventive action plan to ensure the issue did not recur anywhere in the fleet. Boeing says it is cooperating with Air India as the incident is further looked into ( Reuters ) The letter came after Air India said it had completed a precautionary re-inspection of the fuel control switches and found no issue. The airline said it would respond to the UK regulator accordingly. The aviation authority said in a statement it was standard for a regulator to request details following a plane incident and was in line with safety assurance procedures. But it warned of the possibility of regulatory action against Air India and its Boeing 787 fleet if the airline did not submit a complete response within a week. Boeing said earlier it was cooperating with Air India regarding the incident. Reuters reported that an internal Air India memo on Wednesday said it had checked the fuel switches on all of its Boeing 787s and no issues were found. Air India has a total of 33 Boeing 787, according to Flight Radar. A preliminary report into the Air India crash released last June found the planes fuel control switches had almost simultaneously flipped from run to cutoff within three seconds of take-off, starving the engines. But it did not establish how the movement occurred. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Authorities in the Japanese city of Fujiyoshida have decided to cancel a long-running spring cherry blossom festival at one of the countrys most photographed Mount Fuji viewpoints after residents raised concerns about overcrowding and disruptive tourist behaviour. The city government in Yamanashi prefecture said on 3 February that it would not stage the annual Arakurayama Sengen Park Cherry Blossom Festival this year. The festival, which has been organised for about a decade, typically draws around 200,000 visitors who come to photograph Mount Fuji framed by blooming cherry blossoms and a five-storey pagoda. Authorities said the number of tourists had surged in recent years, fuelled by a weaker yen and the viral popularity of scenic locations on social media. Now, nearly 10,000 people pass through the area every day during peak blossom season a volume that the small community says it can no longer comfortably manage. Japan welcomed a record number of foreign tourists last year, with arrivals surpassing 40 million for the first time. Fujiyoshida city representatives pointed to a growing list of resident complaints for the cancellation, describing nuisance behaviour that was affecting daily life. Authorities cited sanitation issues among the most serious problems, including cases of visitors entering private homes to use toilets, relieving themselves in residential yards, and causing confrontations when challenged, according to Kyodo News. Safety worries have also emerged, particularly from families living nearby. According to the city, parents have reported children being pushed aside on school routes as large crowds gather along narrow pavements to reach popular photo spots. There are numerous cherry trees inside the Arakurayama Sengen Park, including a few around the Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine at the entrance. It provides a picturesque frame for tourists to capture Mount Fuji and the cherry blossoms. Fujiyoshida mayor Shigeru Horiuchi said the decision reflected growing anxiety among residents about balancing tourism with community life. I feel a deep sense of crisis as I witness the reality that, behind this beautiful scenery, the quiet lives of our citizens are being threatened, he said. Mount Fuji is seen from the Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine in Fujiyoshida city, Yamanashi prefecture, on 22 April 2021 ( AFP via Getty ) Japans enthusiasm for welcoming more tourists has not been without challenges, not least concerns about overtourism. In some cases, inappropriate behaviour by visitors or cultural misunderstandings has caused friction with local communities. Popular destinations like Kyoto have faced particularly intense pressure. Residents have pointed to worsening traffic congestion, longer queues, and disruption to daily life. Although the festival will not take place as an official event and will not be promoted under its usual name on tourism platforms officials expect visitor numbers to remain high when cherry blossoms bloom in April. Preparations are underway to handle the influx, with officials planning to step up security and establish temporary car parks and portable toilet facilities to reduce pressure on neighbourhoods. The Arakurayama Sengen Park is one of the most popular viewing points for Mount Fuji, especially in the spring season when long queues, sometimes lasting up to three hours, form as travellers wait to capture images of the mountain behind the pagoda and pink blossoms. Sign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet Get our free Climate email Get our free Climate email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Imran Khans son accused Pakistan of refusing to process visa applications that would enable him and his brother to see their jailed father amid growing concerns about the former prime ministers health. In a statement posted on X on Wednesday, Kasim Khan said he and his brother had been trying to travel to Pakistan but were being denied visas, despite submitting applications in December and planning to visit in January. My father has been held in solitary confinement for 914 days, he said, adding that his health had deteriorated and he had been denied access to independent medical care. Denying a prisoner treatment is cruel, he said, describing the refusal to allow his children to see him as collective punishment. He urged international human rights organisations and foreign governments to intervene, calling for action before irreversible harm is done. The statement came amid renewed controversy over Khans medical condition. The former leader, 72, recently underwent an eye procedure at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences in Islamabad, where doctors confirmed that pressure in eye blood vessels had affected his vision. His Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party accused authorities of withholding details of his condition for several days. Kasim Khan and his brother, Suleiman Khan, previously said they feared officials were concealing something irreversible about their fathers health after weeks without evidence that he was still alive. The family has also sought access for Khans personal physician, which they say has not been allowed for more than a year. Access to the former prime minister has remained a point of contention between the government and the former leaders party. Information minister Attaullah Tarar has confirmed that a blanket ban on meetings with Khan has been in place since December 2025. However, officials at the Adiala Jail say Khan is being provided all facilities available to B-class prisoners under the law, including healthcare, tailored meals, exercise, reading materials and daily walks. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party supporters protest to demand the release of their jailed leader Imran Khan in Islamabad ( AFP via Getty ) Khan was removed from power in 2022 through a parliamentary no confidence vote which he alleged was orchestrated by the Pakistani military at the best of the US. He was jailed in August 2023. Khan has been convicted in a number of cases that he insists are politically motivated. These include a case about the alleged unlawful sale of state gifts, known as the Toshakhana case, a case linked to the leak of a diplomatic cable, and a corruption case involving improper land deals by a charity called Al-Qadir Trust. Khan and his party maintain the cases are aimed at excluding him from public life and future elections. The Independent has reached out to Pakistans foreign ministry for comment. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has formally requested France's assistance in resolving an enduring border dispute with Thailand, a conflict that twice escalated into armed clashes last year. Mr Manet appealed directly to French President Emmanuel Macron for access to historical and technical documents relevant to the contested frontier. According to a Cambodian foreign ministry statement dated 4 February, the prime minister also welcomed France's "expertise and advisory support" and "constructive engagement" in the matter. The 817-kilometre (508-mile) border was originally mapped by France in 1907, when Cambodia was a French colony, using the natural watershed as its basis. Disputed territories include several significant historical sites, such as the 11th-century Hindu temple Preah Vihear, known to Thais as Khao Phra Viharn. Neither France's Embassy in Cambodia nor the Thai foreign ministry immediately responded to requests for comment regarding the appeal. The 817-kilometre (508-mile) border was originally mapped by France in 1907, when Cambodia was a French colony, using the natural watershed as its basis ( AFP via Getty Images ) Hun Manet had said Macron indicated a willingness to help in previous meetings. Fighting between the two southeast Asian neighbours broke out in July last year after weeks of tensions sparked by the death of a Cambodian soldier in a skirmish in late May. After five days of clashes that killed 43 people, the conflict ended in a fragile ceasefire brokered in Malaysia after an intervention by US President Donald Trump. Hostilities resumed in December and lasted more than three weeks, with both sides accusing the other of violating the terms of the ceasefire. As many as 101 people were killed and more than half a million displaced on both sides before a new truce was declared on 27 December. Two days after the latest ceasefire, the top diplomats of China, Thailand and Cambodia met in the southwestern Chinese province of Yunnan, where the combatants agreed to rebuild mutual trust. Cambodia has previously asked Thailand for a meeting of the Joint Boundary Commission, a two-way effort to demarcate the border, but Bangkok has not confirmed its participation, according to Prak Sokhonn. "The occupied village (issue) will be a priority for us because we need to solve those problems in order to allow our people to go back home," he said. Get our weekly Drive Smart newsletter for motoring news, reviews and advice from EV editor Steve Fowler Get motoring news, reviews and advice from EV editor Steve Fowler Get our EV editors weekly Drive Smart newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Nissan CEO Ivan Espinosa has opened the door to Chinese car makers who might want the Japanese firm to build models for them at its factory in Sunderland. Chinese car makers are looking at different ways to get a production foothold in Europe to avoid tariffs, with BYD opening its first European factory in Hungary later this year. Its also rumoured that Chery could use its relationship with JLR to produce cars here in the UK, while Nissan already has a co-operation with Chinese brand Dongfeng in China. Now Nissan has said that it would be open to making cars for a Chinese car maker in Sunderland. open image in gallery Nissans Sunderland plant could be used to make cars for a Chinese car maker ( (Alamy/PA) ) At a presentation on the new Nissan Leaf, which has been nominated for a World Car of the Year Award, Espinosa was asked if the business model for the new Nissan Leaf involved platform sharing with other car makers. He was also asked whether the Sunderland factory could make cars off the Leaf platform for other brands from China, to help them into the European market. We're always open, said Espinosa. We have announced that we will be working with Mitsubishi on providing a car for them in North America. We remain of course open. We believe at least at this stage that creating more awareness of EVs is something that is necessary. And partnering and working with some other companies is something that helps bring more EVs to the market. At the same time, of course it's no mystery it helps us with our overall business by adding a bit more scale to the programmes. So, the answer is yes, we are open, nothing to share for the moment in Europe, but it's something that we are open to consider. Nissan has invested heavily in Sunderland with a total of 450m spent to produce the new Leaf, a car that kicked off the rise of the mass-produced EV when it was launched in 2010. The model is now in its third generation. The batteries for the new model are made in a factory next door to Nissans plant. The new Leaf arrives at a crucial time for Nissan. The Nissan Qashqai, which boasts an advanced e-Power hybrid system that allows the car to be fuelled by petrol yet driven by an electric motor, has constantly being one of the UKs biggest sellers. However, Nissan saw UK sales dive by more than 10 per cent in 2025. Across Europe the slide was less pronounced, but still down by 2.1 per cent in a slightly growing market. open image in gallery New Nissan CEO Ivan Espinosa has said that the company would be open to building cars in Sunderland for a Chinese car maker ( Nissan ) However, Espinosa also revealed that Nissan is no longer chasing big sales numbers, focusing on profitability instead. Get your charger and tariff now. Save happily EV after. T&Cs apply Find out more ADVERTISEMENT Get your charger and tariff now. Save happily EV after. T&Cs apply Find out more ADVERTISEMENT It's a difficult market everywhere, said Espinosa. One of the premises that we put into our Nissan plan was not to rely too much on the volume, but to have a decent business at the size that we have. It's not that we don't want to grow, it's just not like in the past, we cannot rely on volume under the circumstances the industry is in. Now we have not only rising costs from regulation and technology that is being added to the cars, but with so many new players are coming in. The goal for me is not to sell more cars, its to make more money. It's really about how we can have a sustainable company with the size that we have and of course first protecting the customers that we have. And second, if we can grow, of course I will take the growth but not at any cost. This is a thing, the premise, we should have organic growth and a company that is profitable. The priority is to have a healthy business. The original Nissan Leaf was named World Car of the Year in 2011 and Espinosa said that winning World Car of the Year again 15 years later would give Nissan a welcome boost. The message will be that Nissan is back, Nissan is a capable company, capable of delivering products that are very competitive and have a clear purpose. The purpose of a Nissan Leaf is to be a no-compromise EV, to convince those customers that are considering an EV but are still hesitating for one reason or another to go and try the EV life. Nissan is capable of making history in the EV world as we did two generations ago. Sign up to our free money newsletter for investment analysis and expert advice to help you build wealth Sign up to our free money email for help building your wealth Sign up to our free money email for help building your wealth Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Another day, another deal for Elon Musk this time the small matter of creating a $1.25 trillion (900bn) firm by merging two of his existing ones together. SpaceX the company which sends out rockets, provides wifi by satellite and wants to eventually colonise Mars has now essentially enveloped the activities of xAI, an artificial intelligence-focused businesses which owns Grok, as well as the social media platform X and one of the biggest supercomputers on the planet called Colossus. The end result is a privately-owned business which is likely the most valuable on the planet. But it may not be so for long not because another will usurp it, but because Mr Musk wants to float SpaceX on the stock market later this year. The move will enable new investors to own a piece of the wide-ranging pie, while allowing existing ones to take a return on investments made along the way. The unification of MuskCorp SpaceX buying xAI for $250bn is not the first time that Musk has joined together his ventures. Only last year, X (or Twitter if you still prefer it) was bought up by xAI for $45bn, including $12bn of debt. It is something of a change of pace from his previous choice, where for example The Boring Company a venture which digs and makes superloops and other transport passages underground was spun out to a separate company from within SpaceX, back in 2018. He also remains CEO of another standalone firm founded in 2016, the brain implant company Neuralink. That might not be the end of the grouping together of the businesses that the richest man on the planet leads, with Tesla itself a $1.6tn (1.16tn) company listed in the US also part of the equation. Elon Musk has a clear ambition to bring all his companies under one umbrella. The merger is a big step in this direction, said Chris Beauchamp, chief market analyst at IG. open image in gallery Elon Musk ( AFP via Getty Images ) It is highly likely that Tesla and the SpaceX group will find themselves combined in due course once the latter has listed, consolidating Elon as not just one of the wealthiest men in the world but also one at the forefront of technological progress. Russ Mould, investment director at AJ Bell, suggested a Tesla-SpaceX combination could even mean the latter might not need to go public. Speculation about a further combination with Tesla to build an effective MuskCorp, which could remove the need for a SpaceX IPO, has been bubbling away even if it looks like plans for the latters launch on the stock market are well advanced, he said. SpaceX: The giant IPO question It is almost certain that SpaceX will in fact float and, if it does so, it could well be the biggest in history, outstripping Saudi Aramcos near-$30bn raise from 2019. Some reports have estimated SpaceX could generate closer to $50bn. Whatever the value, it adds kudos and further renown to one of the most famous names in industry, particularly given the future-looking aspect of SpaceX with its visions of data centres in space and people on other planets. It also makes future sense from a business perspective, says Emma Wall, chief investment strategist at Hargreaves Lansdown but a longer-term requirement than is usual will be placed on those wanting to buy shares. Musk announced during Tesla recent results that he would be pivoting the business away from electric vehicles to automation and artificial intelligence, and this will be true of his space travel ambitions too, meaning there are technological synergies to be made across all his businesses, she said. What will be key is the markets view of the valuation. While Musk has a proven track record of delivery, he is a divisive figure and will be asking the market to value a company based on a multi-decade vision, where most CEOs operate a three to five year business cycle. However, investing in companies is not intended to be entirely speculative and even some of Musks more earth-bound companies, like EV manufacturer Tesla, has critics when it comes to future income versus current ideas. Much of the revenue generated by SpaceX right now comes from the Starlink satellite network, a big draw for potential investors to get hold of. However, how much they are willing to pay to now also have to take on board other aspects of the bigger company is up for question. Criticism and concerns An initial question for investors, for example, might be that they want to buy into rocket launches and humungous piles of data, but how much do they want to buy into an AI model which has come under intense criticism lately for reportedly creating millions of sexualised images, including when told consent was withheld, and is being investigated by UK regulators? What about investing in the social media platform hosting those images, which itself is being investigated by Paris officials over deepfakes and worse? In an all-under-one-umbrella setup, there is no choice to split that preference. open image in gallery ( AFP/Getty ) For all the grand talk of creating an innovation engine and engaging in space-based AI, some investors may feel the xAI deal affects the prospective appeal of SpaceX. The real moneymaker for this business is the Starlink satellite internet business rather than the higher profile space rocket arm, said Mr Mould. The ownership of xAI, as well as further diluting exposure to Starlink, could be seen as exposing SpaceX to negative headlines and regulatory action given the recent controversies around Grok being used to create inappropriate images. Aside from those regulatory issues, theres a more specific question around whether buyers believe in space industries, artificial intelligence or both, and whether theyd want to have to have them grouped together in the same company rather than valuing them on their own respective merits. And yet, betting on Musk has previously proven lucrative for big investors, and, in the long run, correct for multiple companies progression. For James Bruegger, chief investment officer at Seraphim Space, a company which invests in others around the tech and space intersection, theres simply a one-way journey to the future and its one where both industries are merged just as much as xAI and SpaceX now are. The impact of space technology will be every bit as profound as AI, he said. Space is already an essential layer of global infrastructure, and as AI continues to grow exponentially, the two domains will become inseparable. Space will underpin every sector of the global economy, from defence, connectivity and climate intelligence to nextgeneration compute. This deal is a powerful signal that the future of AI will be built in orbit. Sign up for our free Health Check email to receive exclusive analysis on the week in health Get our free Health Check email Get our free Health Check email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Researchers say that a new type of stem cell therapy could help treat people with Parkinsons disease, slowing down tremors and other motor impacts that greatly affect daily life. The treatment works by implanting specialized stem cells into the brain, replacing cells damaged by the disease and helping to produce the feel-good hormone dopamine. Many of the symptoms of Parkinsons are caused by the loss of brain cells that produce dopamine, which also regulates movement and helps nerve cells communicate, the researchers at the University of Southern Californias Keck Medicine explained. If the brain can once again produce normal levels of dopamine, Parkinsons disease may be slowed down and motor function restored, Dr. Brian Lee, a neurosurgeon with Keck Medicine, said in a statement. The researchers tested a new type of lab-made stem cells called induced pluripotent stem cells, or iPSCs. open image in gallery A new kind of stem cell therapy could help ease symptoms of people living with Parkinsons disease, Southern California researchers say ( Getty Images ) These stem cells are adult skin or blood cells that scientists inject with viruses and genes that act to reprogram the cells into a blank state. Then, the cells are capable of evolving into any type of cell, the researchers said. We believe that these iPSCs can reliably mature into dopamine-producing brain cells, and offer the best chance of jump-starting the brains dopamine production, Dr. Xenos Mason, a neurologist at Keck Medicine who specializes in Parkinsons disease and other movement disorders, said. To implant the stem cells, the doctors drill a small hole in the skull. They insert the cells into the basal ganglia, a part of the brain that controls movement, and watch the process using an MRI. After the surgical procedure, people are monitored for changes in their symptoms and any excess movements or infection. Patients will typically be monitored for up to five years. open image in gallery Some 1.2 million Americans are expected to be affected by Parkinsons disease by 2030 ( Getty Images/iStock ) So far, the Keck Medicine trial includes 12 patients with moderate or moderate-to-severe Parkinsons disease. This could be a major breakthrough for the one million Americans living with Parkinsons. Although there are treatments available to manage symptoms, there is no cure or therapy to slow the disease as it progresses. And, the number of people living with Parkinsons is expected to rise to 1.2 million by 2030, with 90,000 new cases diagnosed every year, according to Northwestern Medicine. Our ultimate goal is to pioneer a technique that can repair patients motor function and offer them a better quality of life, Lee said. Sign up for our free Health Check email to receive exclusive analysis on the week in health Get our free Health Check email Get our free Health Check email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice An international expedition has for the first time extensively documented hidden reserves of freshwater beneath the ocean floor, offering fresh insights into whats largely a poorly understood system. Water makes up nearly 70 per cent of our planets surface but it is also stored in underground aquifers. Many coastal communities depend on these aquifers for their freshwater supply. The aquifers have been known to continue offshore into zones of freshened, slightly briny water under the seafloor but these have remained virtually unexplored until now. open image in gallery Sites where sediment samples were taken ( European Consortium for Ocean Drilling Research ) The International Ocean Discovery Programme Expedition 501 has now documented and sampled freshwater in a zone about 200m below the seafloor. Sediment samples taken from beneath the ocean floor off the coast of New England have confirmed, for the first time, the presence of offshore freshwater systems. The findings could shed more light on similar hidden water aquifers around the world, researchers said. In ongoing studies, scientists hope to sample the water stored within the sediments, including from sandy layers that act as aquifers and keep the water in place beneath the seafloor, known as aquitards. open image in gallery International Ocean Discovery Programme Expedition 501 took sediment samples from beneath the ocean floor off the coast of New England ( European Consortium for Ocean Drilling Research ) We were excited to see that freshened water exists in multiple kinds of sediments both marine and terrestrial, geologist Brandon Dugan from the Colorado School of Mines said. Freshened water in such different materials will help us understand the conditions that emplaced the water. Since many coastal regions rely on groundwater for their freshwater supplies, the findings are highly relevant to society, researchers say. The northeastern coast of the US is one of the most studied areas thought to have offshore freshwater reserves. Estimates suggest there could be nearly 1300 cubic kilometres of sequestered freshwater along the Atlantic continental margin between New Jersey and Maine. open image in gallery Scientists use Soil Colour Chart to describe sediment cores in colour and structure ( European Consortium for Ocean Drilling Research ) To put this in perspective, researchers say New York City uses 1.5 cubic kilometres of freshwater each year, or about 1.5 trillion litres. Expedition 501 has been innovative from the outset, introducing new tools, new methods, and new collaborations across the ocean drilling community, said Sarah Davies, a sedimentologist from the University of Leicester. Ongoing work by about 40 researchers from 13 countries could reveal how nutrients cycle through the Earths continental shelf sediments and how these processes shape ocean ecosystems. The onshore operations continue that momentum, and the cores are already revealing an exciting story, Dr Davies said. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A sea captain who killed a crew member when his ship crashed into an oil tanker off the East Yorkshire coast has been jailed for six years. Vladimir Motin had been on sole watch duty when the cargo ship Solong collided with the Stena Immaculate anchored near the Humber Estuary at 9.47am on 10 March 2025 leading to a massive explosion. Mark Angelo Pernia, 38, who was working on the bow of the Solong, died instantly in the fire, although his body was never recovered. Mr Pernia had a five-year-old child at the time of the collision but never met his second child, who was born two months after he died. Motin, 59, from St Petersburg in Russia, was found guilty of manslaughter by gross negligence on Monday, after an Old Bailey jury deliberated for eight hours. He was jailed for six years at the same court on Thursday, as Mr Justice Andrew Baker told him: You were a serious accident waiting to happen. open image in gallery Captain Vladimir Motin, 59, was found guilty of manslaughter by gross negligence on Monday ( Crown Prosecution Service ) At his trial, Motin claimed he knew the Stena Immaculate was up ahead but pressed the wrong button to take the Solong out of autopilot and steer safely away. Motin denied he had been asleep or had left his post on the bridge. The prosecution said that Motin failed to keep a proper watch for a lengthy period of time and then failed to sound the alarm, summon help or warn either crew of the impending disaster. In a victim impact statement read to the court, Mr Pernias widow Leacel said no amount of compensation made up for the pain of her loss and the impact on her young family. In mitigation, James Leonard KC conveyed the defendants shame at what happened, his condolence to Mr Pernias family and his vow never go to sea again. The defence barrister highlighted the experienced mariners blameless previous record, saying: This was truly an aberration of his conduct. open image in gallery CCTV issued by Humberside Police of the collison between Solong and the Stena Immaculate ( Humberside Police ) Previously, the court heard the Solong, which was 130 metres long and weighed 7,852 gross tonnes, had left Grangemouth in Scotland at 9.05pm on March 9 bound for the port of Rotterdam in Holland. With a 14-strong crew, it was carrying mainly alcoholic spirits and some hazardous substances, including empty but unclean sodium cyanide containers. The Stena Immaculate, with a crew of 23, was 183.2 metres long and was transporting more than 220,000 barrels of JetA1 high-grade aviation fuel from Greece to the UK. With both ships laden with flammable cargo, the danger in the event of a collision was obvious, jurors were told. The prosecution said Motin was responsible for multiple failures in the lead-up to the tragedy and then lied about what took place on the bridge. The Stena Immaculate was visible on the Solongs radar display for 36 minutes before impact, yet Motin did nothing to steer away from the collision course. He failed to summon help, slow down, sound the alarm to alert crews of both ships or instigate a crash stop as a last resort, the court heard. CCTV footage captured the moment both ships were consumed in a massive blaze ignited by leaking fuel from the Stena Immaculate. The shocked crew aboard the US tanker reacted instantly, saying: Holy s**t what just hit us a container ship this is no drill, this is no drill, fire fire fire, we have had a collision. open image in gallery Smoke billows from the MV Solong cargo ship in the North Sea, off the Yorkshire coast on 11 March last year ( AP ) Jurors heard a lengthy silence from the bridge of the Solong before it crashed into the oil tanker at a speed of 15.2 knots. A full minute elapsed before Motin was heard to react. Motin and the remaining Solong crew abandoned ship and were taken ashore in Grimsby, where the defendant messaged his wife, saying he would be guilty. Jurors heard Motin had switched off the Solongs bridge navigation watch alert system (BNWAS), which was designed to ensure there is someone physically on the bridge and awake. open image in gallery Court artist sketch of Motin from a court appearance via video link in April 2025 ( Elizabeth Cook/PA Wire ) The prosecution said Motins failures were so exceptionally bad, they amount to gross negligence. Jailing Motin for six years, Mr Justice Andrew Baker said he had shown a blatant disregard for the very high risk of death and fallen prey to his own complacency and arrogance. Mr Pernia was described by colleagues as a friend and had appeared quietly confident, at ease, a man upon whom one might depend, the court heard. His death was wholly avoidable and the blame lay squarely on the defendant, the judge said. Other members of the Solong and Stena Immaculate crew could have died and the crash caused huge destruction of the cargo, he added. The senior judge said Motins account was highly implausible, adding his explanation he did not initiate a crash stop for fear of hitting the accommodation block of the Stena Immaculate was desperate stuff. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Three more men have been charged over alleged plots to attack two Pakistani dissidents at their UK homes. The trio are variously accused of conspiring assaults at an address in Cambridgeshire and another in Chesham, Buckinghamshire, on Christmas Eve 2025. Asaf Afsar, 40, Mark Regan, 53, and Liam McGarry, 25, were charged on Wednesday in relation to the incidents, the Metropolitan Police said. Afsar and Regan, both of Birmingham, are each charged with two counts of conspiracy to assault and occasion bodily harm, in relation to the two incidents. McGarry, of Warwick, is charged with conspiracy to assault and occasion bodily harm only in relation to the incident in Cambridgeshire. open image in gallery Three men were charged on Wednesday in relation to the incidents, the Metropolitan Police said ( Joe Giddens/PA ) They are due to appear at Westminster Magistrates Court on Thursday. Four other men were previously charged in connection with the investigation. Louis Regan, 25, from Birmingham, and Karl Blackbird, 40, from Bedworth, face two charges of conspiracy to commit assault occasioning actual bodily harm. Clark McAulay, 39, from Coventry, faces one charge of conspiracy to commit assault occasioning actual bodily harm in relation to the incident in Chesham. And Doneto Brammer, 21, from Wood Green, north London, faces charges of possession of a prohibited weapon, conspiracy to commit arson with intent to endanger life, and conspiracy to commit arson being reckless as to whether life would be endangered. Brammer is accused over a further incident on New Years Eve last year, a court has heard. The four were remanded into custody last month ahead of a hearing at the Old Bailey on February 13. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Surrounded by bodies in the unforgiving waters of the English Channel, Issa Mohamed Omar made the agonising decision to let go of the wreck of the small boat he had been clinging to and make a break for a ship he could see in the distance. Having shed the heavy coat and boots that were weighing him down, the Somali national, who had fled war in Yemen, bravely loosened his grip. I remember thinking: I am going to die, I dont want to die here. At least if I die whilst swimming I wont feel it, he told an inquiry into the tragedy. He swam for more than six hours, taking breaks by lying on his back, before a French woman on a fishing boat spotted him and plucked him from the water. He was one of the lucky ones. At least 27 other people died when the overcrowded small boat they were on sank in the early hours of 24 November 2021, in the worst maritime disaster in the Channel on record, with four other people missing and presumed dead. An inquiry into the incident concluded on Thursday that the lives of possibly all the passengers could have been saved if the French coastguard had responded to a distress call. Sir Ross Cranston, who led the inquiry, found that failings by both the UK and France contributed to the scale of the deaths. He found that deaths were caused by the people smugglers who provided the unsafe vessel for the crossing, as well as the French maritime authorities who failed to respond to the mayday call. The UK coastguard search and rescue operation was also called off too early. open image in gallery Issa Mohamed Omar was one of two survivors of the November 2021 Channel disaster ( PA ) In heartbreaking testimony to the inquiry, Omar recalled his desperate efforts to stay alive after the boat capsized at around 3.20am, holding on to the wreck of the doomed craft until sunrise. It was extremely dark, and many people were screaming or crying in the water. I cannot recall being able to see very much, but I think several people drowned or drifted away very quickly after we capsized, as they did not make it back to the boat to hold on, he told the inquiry. The majority of the 24 men, seven women and two children on the boat were from the Kurdistan region of Iraq. There were also Somalis, Ethiopians, Afghans, Egyptians, one Iranian and one person believed to be Vietnamese. open image in gallery Photos of those who died or remain missing after the deadliest Channel crossing on record. The Cranston Inquiry found systemic failures, missed opportunities and chronic staff shortages in the UKs maritime response contributed directly to the failure to rescue people ( PA ) Omar recalled how the waves were strong, and they kept dislodging my hold, explaining: I remember thinking each time this happened that I needed to make sure I got straight back to the boat to hold on or I would drown. When the sun came up, around 15 people were still holding on to the boat. Those who were alive were half-dead. There was nothing we could do any more. I could see bodies floating around us in the water, he said. He made a choice to release his grip of the wreck and try to swim to safety. He described the decision, saying: I started swimming towards a ship in the distance and away from the bodies in the water. It must have been very far away. I remember thinking: I am going to die, I dont want to die here. At least if I die whilst swimming I wont feel it. He got some respite by floating on his back and estimated that he swam this way for six or more hours after the sun came up. He was finally rescued after around 10 hours in the water by a French woman on a fishing boat with her family. She jumped into the Channel to rescue Omar, bringing him on board her boat. open image in gallery Maryam Noori Mohammedameen, pictured with her father, died in the Channel tragedy ( PA ) Among those killed in the tragedy were Maryam Noori Mohammedameen, a young girl in her twenties who wanted to study engineering. Originally from Kurdistan, she had planned to travel to the UK to join her fiance. Her father, Noori Mohammedameen Hassan, told the inquiry that his daughter was incredibly kind and used to take care of everyone. She had hidden her plans to cross the Channel on a small boat from her parents, but they became worried she would make the risky journey in the days before the tragedy. Hassan said that hearing Maryam named as a victim on the news was the darkest moment of my life, and the saddest day of all our lives. He added: I consider both the UK and France responsible for what happened. They were called, but no one went to help my daughter and those in the boat with her. open image in gallery The family of Bilind Shakir Baker has been affected emotionally and mentally by his death ( PA ) Another victim, Bilind Shakir Baker, from Iraqi Kurdistan, was described as a very quiet and kind child in testimony to the inquiry. His father, Shakir Baker Brindar Zewski, said that Bilind loved to swim: There is a river that goes through Zakho, and a famous bridge that crosses it. Bilind would go there every day to swim with his friends during summer, and spent as much time in the water as possible. His father said that when he heard there were two survivors from the wreck, I was initially telling myself that Bilind would be one of them ... sadly, this was not his fate. He added: It is hard to describe the impact of this tragedy on our family; it has affected us a lot emotionally and mentally. Freweyni Hayiemariam Gitet, the mother of victim Niyat Ferede from Ethiopia, said that losing her daughter was deeply traumatic for me and my family. Niyat was the third of her four children and her only girl. Speaking about why her daughter decided to seek a better life, Gitet said: Niyat would never have left Mekelle if the war had not started. She was excited about her studies and about becoming a pharmacist. She wanted to set up her own pharmacy in Mekelle. She did not show any interest in going to Addis Ababa before the war started. We lost her because of this war. She tried to escape so that she could survive. She was described as a truly exceptional person and deeply spiritual. Maria Thomas, lead solicitor acting for the families, from the law firm Duncan Lewis, said the inquiry had laid bare ... the systemic failure to challenge the assumption that callers routinely exaggerate distress, an assumption that created a real risk that those facing genuine emergencies would not be believed. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The lives of more than 30 people who drowned in a small boat crossing in the Channel could have been saved if the French coastguard had responded to a distress call, a damning report has found. At least 27 people died when the overcrowded boat started taking on water around four hours into the journey to the UK on 24 November 2021, in the worst maritime disaster in the Channel on record. Four people are still missing but presumed dead, and two people survived the tragedy. Sir Ross Cranston, who led the inquiry into the incident, concluded on Thursday that failings by both the UK and France contributed to the scale of the deaths. He found that deaths were caused by the unsafe vessel provided by the people smugglers who organised the crossing, as well as French maritime authorities failing to respond when a Mayday relay was issued. The HM Coastguard search and rescue was also called off too early. Sir Ross also said the rescue effort was hampered by a widely held belief within HM Coastguard that small-boat callers were exaggerating the danger they were in to be rescued, leading to an underestimation of the emergency. After the boat started taking on water, all those on board had entered the Channel within 15 minutes of the last distress call at 3:17am, and desperate survivors were left clinging to the wreck and treading water. Expert evidence found that many victims lived for several hours after entering the water, with some likely to be alive at 7am when the sun was rising and a smaller number still alive until the early afternoon. open image in gallery Pictured are 22 of the people who were killed or remain missing after the deadliest Channel incident ( PA ) Sir Ross said that the failure of the French warship, the Flamant, to respond to a Mayday call sent out by the UK coastguard at 2:27am on 24 November was striking. The Flamant, which was used by the French coastguard, was about 15 minutes away from the unfolding tragedy but failed to take action an omission now under investigation by the French authorities. In his conclusions from the inquiry, Sir Ross wrote: Given its proximity to [the incident] at the time of the Mayday relay, and that the small boat was intact at the time, if the Flamant had attended [the incident], many more, and possibly all, lives of those on board would have been saved. The crew of the Flamant have denied receiving the Mayday broadcast, but records from HM coastguard seem to show that the Flamant was communicating with another vessel, MRCC Gris-Nez, on VHF Channel 16 at the time. This was the same channel used to issue the Mayday distress call. HM Coastguard told the inquiry that it had made MRCC Gris-Nez aware of the distress call at 2:42am, with Sir Ross writing: It is for the French authorities to determine how the Flamant could not have been aware of the Mayday relay broadcast, if that was the case. The coastguard also mistakenly believed that the stricken small boat had been rescued after confusing it with another vessel, and called off the search too early. The inquiry concluded that if the search operations had continued, lives could have been saved. The UK coastguard only realised the truth of the tragedy when they were notified by the French at 12:57pm that a fishing vessel had discovered bodies in the water. In staggering testimony to the inquiry, one of the two survivors, Issa Mohamed Omar, spoke of how he held on to the collapsed boat until the sun came up and made the decision to try to swim to safety. He estimated that he was in the water for around 10 hours before a French woman, out fishing with her family, saw him, jumped in the water and pulled him out. Speaking about the moment the flimsy boat collapsed, Issa Mohamed Omar recalled: The screaming when the boat tipped, and people fell in the water was deafening. I have never heard anything as desperate as this. I was not thinking about whether we were going to be rescued anymore; it was all about how to stay alive. It was dark, and I could not really see. It was extremely cold, and the sea was rough. open image in gallery A group of people thought to be migrants are brought in to Dungeness, Kent, by the RNLI following a small boat incident in the Channel on November 20, 2021. ( PA ) Those who died in the tragedy included 46-year-old mother Kazhal Ahmed Khidir Al-Jammoor, from Kurdistan, Iraq, and her three children Hadiya, 22, Mubin, 16, and Hasti, 7. Maryam Noori Mohammedameen, a young girl in her 20s who wanted to study engineering, was also killed. Originally from Kurdistan, she had planned to travel to the UK to join her fiance. Her father told the inquiry that seeing her named as a victim on the news was the darkest moment of my life, and the saddest day of all our lives. Her father, Noori Mohammedameen Hassan, said he considered both the UK and France responsible for her death, saying: They were called, but no one went to help my daughter and those in the boat with her. The majority of the people on the small boat were from the Kurdistan region of Iraq, and there were also Somalis, Ethiopians, Afghans, Egyptians, one Iranian and one person believed to be Vietnamese. open image in gallery Protestors demonstrate against the British Government's policy on immigration and border controls, outside of the Home Office in central London on November 25, 2021, following the death of 27 migrants crossing the English channel. ( AFP via Getty Images ) The UK coastguard also failed to gather crucial geolocation information from the sinking boat, missing location positions sent via WhatsApp by those onboard. A Border Force cutter, HM Valiant, also took two hours to arrive on the scene, and was not given relevant information to help identify where the boat was. They were also not told that there were people in the water, leading the commander of the Valiant to not understand that there was an emergency. Sir Ross concluded that systemic failures in the UK coastguard contributed to the tragedy. He said that the belief that migrants would exaggerate their condition when coupled with the extreme pressure on HM coastguard staff handling small boat search and rescue, an over-reliance on inexperienced personnel, the shortcomings in remote working, and an absence of effective supervision, explains why it was possible for HM coastguard to believe that the incident was resolved when it had not. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A licensed lorry driver is suing Specsavers for more than 200,000, alleging that a botched eye test not only cost him his livelihood but also plunged him into severe depression. Francis Hodibert, from Slough, Berkshire, claims he became so anxious and depressed after failing a mandatory HGV drivers eye test at his local Specsavers branch in 2022 that he now fears he may never be able to work again. The 62-year-olds legal action claims that the optician's alleged negligence led directly to his professional and personal distress. Commercial vehicle drivers are required by the DVLA to pass not only a standard distance eyesight test, but also an in-depth assessment of their visual field and peripheral vision, conducted with specialised equipment. Mr Hodibert says, in documents lodged with London's High Court, that following two such tests at Specsavers in 2022, he was informed he had failed the visual field examination. This alleged failure led to the DVLA revoking his HGV licence, thereby stripping him of his ability to work as a trucker. open image in gallery Francis Hodibert failed two eye tests in 2022 ( Champion News ) Mr Hodibert successfully regained his licence six months later, in January 2023, after passing a subsequent visual field test administered by a consultant ophthalmologist, but claims, serious emotional damage had already been done. He argues that his earlier failures were caused by mistakes made by Specsavers staff which had a huge impact on his work and personal life. Specsavers is set to deny his claims and defend the action. Michael O'Neill, Mr Hodibert's barrister, said the Specsaver results were inaccurate and, following separate tests carried out on 25 January 2023, his client was able to appeal the revocation of his licence, which was reinstated on 31 March 2023. open image in gallery Specsavers says it will defend the action ( Champion News ) Mr O'Neill told the court: "The obtaining and reporting of the said inaccurate results and the consequent revocation of the claimant's HGV licence were caused by the negligence of the defendant, its servants or agents." He went on to accuse Specsavers staff of carrying out their field of vision tests so as to produce false results and submitting an inaccurate report to the DVLA. Because of all this the claimant has suffered personal injury, loss and damage, Mr ONeil said, adding that Mr Hodibert has "developed a worsening mixed depression and anxiety disorder as a result of the matters herein complained of. "His condition is such that he is unable to work as an HGV driver, or at all, and his personal and domestic life has been substantially disrupted, the barrister explained. "It is uncertain that he will ever make a sufficient recovery to work again. The barrister added that Mr Hodibert says he has been examined by a doctor who has submitted a medical report to the court backing up his claim for damages exceeding 200,000. Specsavers' defence to the action was not available from the court at the time of writing. However, when approached for a comment a spokesperson for the company said the action would be defended. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Sir Keir Starmer has said he is sorry for believing Peter Mandelsons lies and for appointing him to the role of Britains ambassador to the US, as he tries to weather the crisis that has threatened to end his premiership. Following a barrage of criticism from his own MPs on one of the most turbulent days of his leadership, the prime minister began a planned speech about community cohesion with a frank apology to the victims of paedophile sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein, as he addressed growing anger over the way he has dealt with the issue. In an attempt at damage control, after he admitted during PMQs that he knew Lord Mandelson had had a relationship with Epstein, he said: None of us knew the depths and the darkness of that relationship. But speculation over Sir Keirs future and that of his chief of staff Morgan McSweeney continues, and some Labour MPs have openly called on the prime minister to sack his right-hand man. The situation has led Labour grandee Harriet Harman to warn Sir Keir that he must take action over the scandal or risk losing his job. open image in gallery Keir Starmer began a speech in East Sussex with a lengthy apology about his handling of Peter Mandelsons appointment ( PA ) Baroness Harman told Sky News: I think it is so serious for Keir Starmer. I dont think its inevitable that it will bring him down. But it will bring him down, unless he takes the action that is really necessary for him to take, and thats this: firstly, hes got to stop blaming Mandelson, and saying He lied to me. Because actually, he should never have been considering him in the first place. Sir Keir said he shared the anger and frustration of his colleagues about the saga, but vowed to continue as prime minister while doubling down on his support for Mr McSweeney, who has been blamed by many Labour MPs for pushing for the appointment of his ally Lord Mandelson, and for bringing him back into the heart of a Labour government. Sir Keir is facing calls from within Labour ranks to implement a total overhaul of personnel in Downing Street, and to admit he made a catastrophic error of political and moral judgement, while opposition parties have called for a vote of no confidence in the prime minister. Earlier, Paula Barker, Labour vice-chair of both the standards committee and the privileges committee, criticised Sir Keirs questionable judgement over the saga, adding: When your chief of staff becomes the story, then often its time for them to go. Fellow Labour backbencher Karl Turner added: If McSweeney is still in 10 Downing Street, the PM is up against it. Another Labour MP, speaking anonymously, said getting rid of Mr McSweeney would be like cutting off the head of the hydra and that root and branch change in government was needed instead. Asked about the prime ministers speech, they said: Take your apology and stick it where the sun dont shine. It makes me sick to my stomach to hear them defend that. Once Trump was elected, they thought, we need to have him and be damned with the risks. What part of Mandelson staying at the home of a paedophile did you not understand? Speaking in Hastings, Sir Keir sought to pin blame on the vetting process carried out independently by the security services after Lord Mandelsons appointment was cleared. He said: I think we need to look at the security vetting, because it now transpires that what was being said was not true. And had I known then what I know now, Id never have appointed him in the first place. open image in gallery Keir Starmer has vowed to continue as prime minister while doubling down on his support for Morgan McSweeney ( Picture Agency/Shutterstock ) Officials have been tasked with examining that process as a priority, according to Downing Street. Meanwhile, a growing number of Labour MPs remain unconvinced by Sir Keirs determination to remain in No 10, and are urging Angela Rayner and Wes Streeting to launch a leadership challenge over the scandal. One Labour MP told The Independent: Someone needs to go for it. This cannot go on. Sir Keir said Lord Mandelson was asked directly about whether he had stayed with Epstein after his conviction, and whether he had accepted gifts from the financier. The information now available makes clear that the answers he gave were lies, Sir Keir said. He portrayed Epstein as someone he barely knew. And when [it] became clear [that] it was not true, I sacked him. Such deceit is incompatible with public service. The address came after Labour MPs, led by Ms Rayner, forced the prime minister into a humiliating climbdown over the full release of vetting documents relating to the appointment. open image in gallery Labour MPs, led by former deputy PM Angela Rayner, forced the prime minister into a humiliating climbdown on Wednesday ( House of Commons ) The prime minister had attempted to restrict the publication of the documents, arguing that some details would need to be redacted on national security grounds, which prompted accusations that he was engaging in a cover-up. Sir Keir eventually backed down after Ms Rayner stood in the Commons to make it clear she would be supporting the Tory proposal for the independent Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC) to decide which documents could be published. Downing Street said it was in discussions with the ISC about the process of releasing the documents, and would update the House once a process had been agreed. The ISC has since said it cannot commit to a timetable for reviewing the documents. In a letter to the prime minister, the committee said it would act as it always does, entirely independently of government, in determining whether certain documents should be withheld for national security reasons. That must be a matter for the committee alone and it is clearly not possible for the committee to determine this until it sees the papers, or indeed to commit to any timetable until we know the size of the task at hand, it added. open image in gallery Peter Mandelson portrayed Epstein as someone he barely knew, said the prime minister ( PA Archive ) Meanwhile, opposition parties called for a no-confidence vote in the prime minister as Reform UK leader Nigel Farage described the issue as the biggest political scandal in Britain for 100 years. Tory leader Kemi Badenoch told a Westminster press conference: He will have to be dragged out of No 10, so I am making them an offer. If they want the change they know the country needs, come and speak to my whips and lets talk seriously about a vote of no confidence to force the moment. Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey echoed the calls for a vote of no confidence, while Mr Farage described the prime ministers apology as very weak and not quite believable. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Newly-released emails related to sex offender Jeffrey Epstein have laid bare the extent of his relationships with several high-profile figures. More than 3 million pages, 180,000 images and 2,000 videos were made public by the US Department of Justice (DOJ) on Friday, coming six weeks after a deadline signed into law by US president Donald Trump to mandate all Epstein-related files be released. But the revelations around his apparent communication with Peter Mandelson are among the most explosive, with the implications of the alleged relationship rippling through British politics. The extraordinary exchanges appear to show a lengthy, wide-ranging and intimate relationship between the disgraced financier and Lord Mandelson, including, most notably, when he served as business secretary in Gordon Browns Labour government. open image in gallery Many exchanges published between Lord Mandelson and Jeffrey Epstein have been made public ( The Independent/U.S. Department of Justice ) Emails suggest the former minister shared internal cabinet business with Epstein, giving him key updates before they were announced and, on at least one occasion, seemingly helping him to lobby the government. But the emails also suggest the pair were friends as well as strategic business partners, with Lord Mandelson telling the sex offender you are one of my best friends, and writing: Where r u? I miss you. Much of this took place after the financiers conviction for solicitation of prostitution and of solicitation of prostitution with a minor in June 2008, and his subsequent 13-month prison term, with Lord Mandelson resigning from the Labour Party as the latest documents were revealed. Here, The Independent takes a look at some of the major emails believed to have been exchanged between the pair. Finally got him: How Mandelson persuaded Gordon Brown to quit During his time as business secretary from 2008 to 2010, Lord Mandelson is believed to have shared several key pieces of internal information with Epstein, revealing what was happening at the heart of government. But it was on 10 May 2010 that one of the most significant emails appears to have been sent. In a message to Epstein, Lord Mandelson revealed he had finally got him [former prime minister Gordon Brown] to go today. Epstein responded, saying: I have faith, the value of some chapters in your book should now increase. Mr Brown made a statement outside No 10 hours later, announcing his resignation. open image in gallery ( US Department of Justice ) Going to bed after a day of drama Just days earlier, Lord Mandelson also appeared to inform Epstein of the yet-to-be-announced 500bn bailout of the Euro. The email read: Sources tell me 500 b euro bailout, almost compelte [sic]. The next message confirmed: Sd be announced tonight. A subsequent email said he was just leaving No 10 and would call. There was another email which read: Going to bed after a day of drama. It was the next day that EU ministers agreed a 500bn deal to lend money to eurozone states. open image in gallery ( US Department of Justice ) Interesting note to PM: How Mandelson sent secret Whitehall information to paedophile The year prior, 2009, Lord Mandelson appeared to forward an email from the then prime minister Mr Browns former special adviser, Nick Butler, to Epstein, who was under house arrest at the time. The Whitehall document, addressed Dear Gordon, was sent to the prime minister and several high-ranking members of the government. In it, Mr Butler shares market-sensitive information, mentioning that business leaders had raised concerns about the government holding on to publicly-owned saleable assets along with the governments intention to sell 20bn in assets. Lord Mandelson apparently forwarded the document with the comment: Interesting note thats gone to the PM. Epstein asks for clarification on this, before the reply email says: Land, property I guess. open image in gallery ( US Department of Justice ) Mandelson forwarded on No 10 memo in four minutes Another occasion on which Lord Mandelson appeared to loop Epstein in on government business came on 2 August 2009. Baroness Shriti Vadera, then a junior minister and adviser to Mr Brown, had sent a memo with proposals around getting banks to increase their lending. This was sent to other advisers in No 10, alongside the prime ministers principal private secretary Jeremy Heywood and Lord Mandelson. Mr Heywood replied to share his thoughts on the email and, four minutes later, it appears the email chain was forwarded to Epstein by Lord Mandelson. open image in gallery ( US Department of Justice ) Lord Mandelson said that chancellor should be mildly threatened over bankers bonus tax Over several days in December 2009, Epstein asked Lord Mandelson to lobby the government to amend the upcoming bank bonus tax so that it only applied to cash bonuses, rather than non-cash elements such as share options which were often more valuable. open image in gallery ( US Department of Justice ) Lord Mandelson appears more than open to his request, telling Epstein that he is trying hard to amend the policy and delivering updates such as: Treasury digging in. The financier warns that gb [Gordon Brown] needs friends in May, referring to the upcoming general election, then orders the business secretary to amend it and deliver the message personally to dimon, referring to Jamie Dimon, who has been CEO of JPMorgan Chase since 2006. open image in gallery ( US Department of Justice ) A few days later, Epstein asks Lord Mandelson if Mr Dimon should call then chancellor Alistair Darling one more time about the issue, to which the minister replies: Yes and mildly threaten. Darling, who died in 2023, wrote in his biography that Mr Dimon called him a few days later and was angry, very angry. He said that his bank bought a lot of UK debt and he wondered if that was now such a good idea, the book said. Mr Epstein also asks the minister if a small business fund could be established in exchange for a reduction in tax. open image in gallery ( US Department of Justice ) How Epstein funded Mandelsons partners osteopathy course The full extent of financial exchanges between Lord Mandelson and Epstein remains unknown, but details of many alleged payments have come to light in recent days. In 2003 and 2004, Epsteins account statements show that he wired a total of $75,000 to Lord Mandelson and his partner and now husband, Reinaldo Avila da Silva. Responding to questions about the payments on Sunday, Lord Mandelson said: I have no record and no recollection of receiving these sums and do not know if the documents are authentic. A few years later, in 2009, Mr Da Silva would request help from Epstein to pay for his osteopathy course, which the financier gladly did. On Monday, an article in The Times published a response from Lord Mandelson over the course funding. The idea that giving Reinaldo an osteopath bursary is going to sway mine or anyone elses views about banking policy is risible, he said. open image in gallery ( US Department of Justice ) Hung parliament or a well hung young man On the day of the 2010 general election, 6 May, Epstein emailed Lord Mandelson for an update, asking well? The former minister appears to reply to the financier around 20 minutes later, a few hours before polls were due to close: we are praying for a hung parliament. Alternatively, a well hung young man. open image in gallery ( US Department of Justice ) Dishing out career guidance on reputation and stature After Labours 2010 election defeat, Lord Mandelson appeared to stay in touch with Epstein as the financier attempted to help him find future employment. Ministerial rules required that ministers had to seek advice from Advisory Committee on Business Appointments (ACOBA) on appointments or employment they sought within two years of leaving office. Epstein told Lord Mandelson he was working around your restriction, suggesting an advisory role at BP which would have been out of the scope of the rules. He refers to Lord Mandelson in the emails as Petie. open image in gallery ( US Department of Justice ) The following month, Lord Mandelson also appeared to discuss a potential role for himself at Deutsche Bank, for a salary of $1m plus a bonus of $3-5m. In an exchange about the former ministers options, he explains that there is high premium from his time in public service. Epstein replies that businesses expect undivided commitment from employees, to which Lord Mandelson says they will ... But they also want me to maintain reputation/stature...x. open image in gallery ( US Department of Justice ) Help with a Russian visa to meet women The files show that, on 9 November 2010, Epstein e-mailed Lord Mandelson to tell him that he needs a visa for a trip to Russia, asking if the former minister has any ideas how i can get one? The files suggest Lord Mandelson then tried to secure a Russian visa for Epstein, with him appearing to reply: Ben can get visas thru OD. This is thought to refer to Benjamin Wegg-Prosser, the co-founder of Lord Mandelsons lobbying firm Global Counsel, and Russian oligarch Oleg Deripaska. open image in gallery ( US Department of Justice ) The same day, Epstein emailed a recipient identified only as Irinia asking news?, to which she replies: I have around 10 friends Im working on now and I really want to have someone very nice soon for you. There is no suggestion that Lord Mandelson knew or asked Epstein why he was travelling to Russia. open image in gallery ( US Department of Justice ) A few days later, on 12 November, Epstein emails Irina again, indicating that he has secured a Russian visa. He tells her I will be back next week and asks any luck. This this, Irina replies that there is one 22-year-old woman, name redacted, who will be interested and another unidentified woman who is also really interested. open image in gallery ( US Department of Justice ) Naughty boy Epstein was released from prison on 22 July 2009 after serving 13 months of an 18-month sentence. On the day he was released, he e-mailed Lord Mandelson: free and home. The then-business secretary appears to reply How shall we celebrate ?, to which Epstein responds with grace and modesty ( those are the names of two strippers ). A few hours later, Lord Mandelson appears to ask Epstein How is freedom feeling ?, with Epstein replying she feels, fresh, firm, and creamy. To this, the former minister appears to respond: Naughty boy. open image in gallery ( US Department of Justice ) Does that make it incest The relationship between Lord Mandelson and Epstein wasnt just about business or money, the extensive host of emails suggest. The pair often shared details of upcoming plans and many jokes. In October 2009, the pair exchanged jokes about Princess Beatrice, daughter of Dame Sarah Ferguson (whose emails with Epstein have also come to light in recent days). After the financier jokes that Lord Mandelson should marry the princess, he points out that he is already her Lord President, as he was serving as Lord President of the Council at the time. Mr Epstein responds: does that make it incest , how exciting. open image in gallery ( US Department of Justice ) Models and dancing A few years later, in May 2013, the pair were still exchanging lewd emails. records suggest. Epstein emailed Lord Mandelson first, telling him that he was aware his was visiting the Russian city of St Petersburg. Lord Mandelson, at this point working in the private sector, responded by asking if Epstein would also be there, to which the financier said not my cup a tea. The former minister attempts to explain that it is a rave. Epstein asks if means its for gays, to which Lord Mandelson says: Er no, tastey [sic] models and dancing. open image in gallery ( US Department of Justice ) Where r u ? I miss u On 21 December 2010, Epstein emails Lord Mandelson to tell him about a good lunch and that he followed up with jes, which most likely refers to Jes Staley, then chief executive of JP Morgan. Lord Mandelson appears to reply: Where r u ? I miss u. To which Epstein returns: Call later... open image in gallery ( US Department of Justice ) I never left your side In 2012, it appears the relationship between Lord Mandelson and Epstein took a sour turn. Epstein sends an email to Lord Mandelson on 31 May, telling him: after years of being by your side. supporting your boyfriend when he needed it, unwavering in my guidance ... I am disappointed in what appears to be a one way street. Addressing the nature of the relationship, he adds: jeffrey can i have, jeffrey can you give jeffrey can you organize ... you have yet to offer real assistance, sign of gratitude or appreciation. Lord Mandelsons apparent response suggests he disagreed with this characterisation of the relationship, appearing to reply: during your trials and tribulations, I never left your side, I was always there with advice and moral support ... I dont think it has been a total one way street. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice King Charles has inspired a bee-keeping project in prison that is teaching criminals about relationships and the importance of living in harmony within a community. The Kings new documentary about environmentalism, Finding Harmony: A Kings Vision, follows the monarch as he reflects on the importance of harmony between humanity, nature and the environment. The 77-year-old said he wasnt going to be diverted from his environmental campaigning, despite the criticism he has faced over the decades, which he said had led to his activism being derided as completely bonkers. The 90-minute Prime Video film focuses on Charles harmony theory, which encourages audiences to see ourselves as part of nature rather than apart from nature. The project, which began decades ago at the monarchs private country residence, Highgrove House, in Gloucestershire, in the early 1980s, has now spread as far as HMP Bristol, where prisoners run a bee-keeping academy. Muhammed Foulds, head of chaplaincy at the category B high-security prison, explains to viewers: We are seeing these individuals coming here because societys broken, the familys broken, so of course youre going to get broken individuals. All these bees work in harmony, hence the harmony project here. open image in gallery King Charles photographed in the Arboretum at Highgrove House ( Millie Pilkington/Buckingham Palace/Prime Video ) He adds: 99.99 per cent of prisoners are here because they have no understanding of a relationship husband, wife, boyfriend, girlfriend, family breakdown. The natural world is going to teach them about relationships, how to think as an ecosystem. The audience see prisoners in protective bee suits, tending to their hives, which have produced honey. Inmate Andrew says: When you see them all working as one, it is quite a fascinating thing. I feel quite relaxed, even though they could attack you. They just go along with their daily thing. Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 day New subscribers only. 9.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled. Try for free ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 day New subscribers only. 9.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled. Try for free ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. Mr Foulds adds: The whole life of a hive is a system, is a city within a city. And they make that connection youre not just an individual, but you live within a community. Then we make that link with wider society, and we keep emphasising the umbrella of every step is harmony. The documentary, made in collaboration with the monarchs charity, The Kings Foundation, for Amazon MGM Studios, became the first film to premiere in a royal residence when a cast of stars joined the King for a screening at Windsor Castle last week. open image in gallery Prince William with his father, who was then the Prince of Wales, during a visit to Duchy Home Farm in Gloucestershire ( PA ) Actors including Benedict Cumberbatch, Sir Kenneth Branagh, Dame Judi Dench and Stanley Tucci were among more than guests, alongside musicians Sir Rod Stewart and Jools Holland, plus Oscar-winner Kate Winslet, who narrates the documentary. The film, the Kings first documentary with a streaming platform, describes how Charles, as Prince of Wales, emerged as a key figure on the environment, making regular keynote speeches. In new footage, he says: I just felt this was the approach that I was going to stick to a course I set, and I wasnt going to be diverted from. This commitment to the cause came despite cries from some that he should take a back seat, Winslet says. Archive footage shows Charles describing how he talks to plants, which Winslet describes as having haunted him ever since. Reflecting on previous depictions and perceptions of him, the King says: All these things were considered completely bonkers to say the least. But now, the Kings warnings about the planet are accepted facts among the mainstream. open image in gallery Meryl Streep and Kate Winslet watch as Charles speaks during a ceremony marking the Kings Foundation's 35th anniversary ( PA ) When asked if he is concerned about the state of the world, Charles replies: Of course that has been my main motivation for a long time. And you can see whats happened. The principles underlying what I call l harmony, I think we need to follow if were to ensure that this poor old planet can support so many. After an academic comment that the world is not on the trajectory needed to limit the worst effects of climate change, Charles issues a call to action. He exclaims: Its rapidly going backwards, Ive said that for the last 40 years, but anyway, there we are I can only do what I can do, which is not very much anyway. People dont seem to understand its not just climate thats the problem, its also biodiversity loss, so were actually destroying our means of survival, all the time. open image in gallery The King at Dumfries House during the filming for his new documentary ( Prime Video ) To put that back together again is possible, but we should have been doing it long ago. Weve got to do it as fast as we can now. Afghanistan is among the other places the Harmony project has impacted. Charity Turquoise Mountain was established in 2006 in the capital, Kabul. After the Taliban takeover in 2021, women and girls fundamental rights have been systematically stripped, but due to the charitys contribution to healthcare and Afghan heritage, it has enabled tens of thousands of Afghan women to access jobs and healthcare, according to the documentary. The audience also gets a glimpse into the monarchs more private world, with shots of Charles collecting eggs from his chickens, who are housed in a coop called Cluckingham Palace on his Highgrove estate. He goes on to reveal his love of a crispy baked potato, declaring that red Duke of Yorks are the best variety for this. The King ends his documentary with an expression of hope that by the time I shuffle off this mortal coil, there might be more awareness of the need to bring things back together again. Finding Harmony: A Kings Vision is released on Friday on Prime Video in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The UK has seen rain every single day so far this year, with more expected as the Met Office issued fresh weather warnings. Rain has been reported somewhere across the Met Offices network every day of the year so far, amounting to 36 consecutive days, after the forecaster recorded a wetter than average January. Met Office spokesperson Stephen Dixon said: Rain has been reported somewhere in the network every day of the year so far. While amounts are trivial on some days, and some areas will have seen dry days, the UK has seen a wet start to the year, particularly in Northern Ireland and southern England. open image in gallery Storm Chandra brought dangerous weather to many parts of the UK ( Devon County Council ) This has largely been down to a succession of fronts or low pressure systems arriving from the west, bringing heavy rain at times, as well as damaging winds for some. Theres little sign of a let-up in the current forecast, with further unsettled weather in the coming days and over the weekend. The wet weather looks set to remain as two yellow weather warnings for rain have been put in place across southwest England, Wales and Northern Ireland. A third yellow weather warning for snow has been issued for the north of England as rain will turn increasingly to snow over hills through this afternoon and evening between 3pm on Thursday and 3am on Friday, which may lead to some travel disruption, the forecaster said. A yellow rain warning stretches from Chichester to Penzance and covers a large part of southeast England, as well as parts of southwest England and south Wales, from 5am on Thursday until 9pm on Friday. open image in gallery The UK will see more snow and rain on Thursday and on Friday ( Met Office ) The Met Office said periods of rain and heavy showers are likely to cause surface water flooding in places in the areas affected. The rain travelling in from the south is likely to turn heavy and persistent in places on Thursday morning, it said. Some 10 to 20mm of rain is likely to have fallen by the end of the day, with some areas seeing more than 30mm. The forecaster warned that flooding of a few homes and businesses is possible, with a potential interruption to power supplies and other services. A second yellow weather warning is in place across parts of Northern Ireland from midday until midnight on Friday. The forecaster warned thatrain will be heavy at times and may lead to some flooding and travel disruption in places. open image in gallery Northern Ireland recorded its second wettest January on record ( Getty ) The Met Office added: The majority of places are most likely to see 10 to 20mm of rain and low-level impacts, with some south-east facing hills seeing 40 to 50mm through this period. The wet weather is expected to be particularly persistent over the east and southeast facing slopes of the Mourne Mountains and Antrim Hills, which may receive 60 to 80mm, accompanied by strong east to south-east winds may lead to some difficult travel conditions and large waves along Irish Sea coasts. It comes as Northern Ireland recorded its wettest January in 149 years the second wettest on record. Storm Chandra brought record-breaking rainfall across a number of UK sites, especially on 26 January, with Katesbridge in County Down seeing a staggering 100.8mm of rain, far surpassing the previous site record of 38.2mm from 2005. Dunkeswell Aerodrome in Devon reached 52.8mm, while Hurn in Dorset, Cardinham in Cornwall, and Plymouth Mountbatten in Devon all exceeded their previous daily records. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Sir Keir Starmer will attempt to position himself as the defender of a decent and tolerant Britain, hours after suffering another blow to his authority when his own MPs forced him into a climbdown over the release of documents related to Peter Mandelsons appointment as US ambassador. With the prime minister facing criticism over his judgement and integrity, and with the full details about the decision to appoint Mandelson still to be published, Sir Keir will attempt to refocus attention on Labours plans to revive Britains communities as he takes aim at those who seek to sow division and decline. Rather than addressing the continued questions over his judgment of the appointment, the prime minister will say he loves this country but fears that communities' "devastating decline" could imperil national security. open image in gallery Sir Keir Starmer has confirmed that he knew about Peter Mandelsons relationship with Jeffrey Epstein before appointing him to the role of US ambassador ( PA ) It is the greatest country in the world, he is expected to say. The progress and prosperity Ive seen throughout my life. The journey Ive been on, personally from a working-class background to this, I owe everything to this country and its values. Ive spent most of my professional life serving them. Because I believe in them. I believe in our values. I believe in rules that protect those in need. I believe in the freedom to live and let live in decency and tolerance, in respect for difference under the same flag, a common good. Sir Keir will use his speech in East Sussex to try to focus attention on the "grievance" he will accuse rival political parties of peddling, before a crunch by-election in Manchester and May's local and devolved parliamentary elections. Speculation has persisted about the prospect of Sir Keir facing a leadership challenge if Labour performs badly. He has previously framed the February 26 contest in Gorton and Denton, which is being held after former MP Andrew Gwynne stood down for health reasons, as a battle between Labour and Reform UK. As he announces plans to provide an additional 800 million to support 40 new communities, he will insist that a strong society is key to Britains security. A strong society is imperative not just on its own terms, but also for national security, Sir Keir will say. To put it more bluntly - any country that cannot keep its high streets alive, its bills down and its people feeling respected, will struggle to meet the test of our times. So we must strengthen our society, because it is vital for the future of this country. His call for unity comes as the prime minister faces increasing pressure from members of his own party, who fear its reputation has been tarnished by the appointment of Lord Mandelson in Washington. Files released by the US Department of Justice (DoJ) last Friday appear to show that Lord Mandelson leaked sensitive government information to Epstein while serving as business secretary in Gordon Brown's Labour administration as it dealt with the 2008 financial crash and its aftermath. Questioned by Kemi Badenoch at a tense PMQs if his official security vetting had mentioned that the two men had remained in contact after Epsteins 2008 jail term for child offences, Starmer replied: Yes, it did. As a result, various questions were put to him. He said Lord Peter Mandelson lied repeatedly and said that he regrets appointing him to the role. But Ms Badenoch said the appointment goes to the very heart of this prime ministers judgement. open image in gallery The prime minister sparked fury from some Labour MPs when he tabled an amendment to withhold some information based on national security concerns ( Getty ) The prime minister said he would publish documents related to the vetting process, but sparked fury from some Labour MPs when he tabled an amendment to withhold some information based on national security concerns. Former deputy leader Angela Rayner was among the backbench MPs who criticised the amendment. In a climbdown by Sir Keir, he later tabled a so-called manuscript amendment, which instead allows parliamentarians on the Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC) to have the power to decide what material is published. Centre-left grouping Mainstream, which is backed by Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, called for a clean break after the betrayal of Lord Mandelsons appointment to one of the most powerful diplomatic posts on the planet. Peter Mandelson represents an old politics of elite privilege, spin and toxic factionalism taken to its most grotesque conclusion, Mainstreams interim council said in a strongly-worded statement. This is a fundamental betrayal of the people we are meant to serve. It shows a party culture that too often rewards connections over character and factional loyalty over basic integrity. Our members feel this betrayal deeply. They joined Labour to transform the country, not to watch it succumb to the same old sickness. open image in gallery Sir Keir Starmer speaking during Prime Ministers Questions in the House of Commons ( House of Commons/UK Parliament ) That era must end now, its time for a clean break. Lord Mandelson has quit the House of Lords, but Sir Keir said legislation was being drafted to stop him from continuing to use the title. Following the Prime Ministers Questions exchanges a Tory spokesman said: The Prime Minister has just admitted that the official security vetting highlighted Mandelsons ongoing relationship with the paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, but he went ahead and appointed him anyway. This is the first time the Prime Minister has admitted this and it raises very serious questions over Keir Starmers shocking judgment. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Morgan McSweeney has resigned as Keir Starmers chief of staff taking full responsibility for advising the prime minister to appoint Peter Mandelson as US ambassador. It comes as Sir Keir faces mounting pressure to resign amid controversy of Lord Mandelsons links to the disgraced financier and paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. McSweeney, credited with masterminding Labours landslide election victory in 2024, was considered the driving force behind Lord Mandelsons appointment. His resignation has been interpreted by many as a damage limitation exercise in a bid to save Mr Starmers premiership. open image in gallery ( Getty ) McSweeney is alleged to have had knowledge about Mandelson's dealings with Epstein continuing after the financiers conviction for child sex offences. As the prime ministers right-hand man, Mr McSweeney was central to government strategy and decision-making. He was consequently seen by some as responsible for Downing Streets failed attempt to control the release of potentially explosive documents detailing the appointment decision. The decision to appoint Peter Mandelson was wrong, he wrote in a statement on Sunday announcing his resignation. He has damaged our party, our country and trust in politics itself. In the letter McSweeney called for an overhaul of the vetting system, writing: While I did not oversee the due diligence and vetting process, I believe that process must now be fundamentally overhauled. This cannot simply be a gesture but a safeguard for the future. Who is Morgan McSweeney? Mr McSweeney was born in County Cork but left Ireland for London in 1994 aged 17, where he is said to have initially worked on building sites. He joined the Labour Party in 1997, reportedly motivated by the backing for the Good Friday Agreement which was key to the Northern Ireland peace process. open image in gallery The future of McSweeney (left), a key player in Sir Keirs rise to become Prime Minister, is now shrouded in uncertainty ( Picture Agency/Shutterstock ) In June 2001, he took a job as a Labour conference administrator, according to his Linkedin profile. Reports suggest he was later hired to work in Labours attack and rebuttal unit in the partys Millbank headquarters, where he is said to have been tasked with adding information to Peter Mandelsons excalibur database which informed campaign messaging. He is also said to have been sent to marginal seats to campaign during the 2005 general election, as his reputation as an effective organiser and operator began to grow. He was viewed as a key figure in a successful push, led by the current Communities Secretary Steve Reed, to oust the coalition of Liberal Democrats and Conservatives in the London borough of Lambeth. After failing in a bid to become a councillor in Sutton in 2006, he was appointed head of Mr Reeds leaders office in Southwark, a role he held until October 2007. After a stint as the director of communities at The Campaign Company consultancy, Mr McSweeney joined the Local Government Association as a political adviser and was later appointed head of the organisations Labour group office, a position he held until 2017. open image in gallery Mandelsons mentions in the Epstein files have led to a crisis for Starmers government ( US Department of Justice ) During that time, he ran Liz Kendalls leadership campaign in 2015 which resulted in the current Science Secretary finishing fourth. Mr McSweeney was appointed director of the Labour Together think tank in 2017, sharing a place on the board with Mr Reed and current Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy. At the time he is said to have declared his intention to move the party, then led by Jeremy Corbyn, from the hard left and build a sustainable winning electoral coalition. But later Mr McSweeney came under scrutiny over financial irregularities during his role at Labour Together. In 2021, the Electoral Commission fined the think tank 14,250 for failing to deliver donation reports within 30 days, inaccurately reporting donations and failing to appoint a responsible person within 30 days of accepting a donation. open image in gallery Morgan McSweeney has been criticised over his role in the appointment of Peter Mandelson as US ambassador ( PA ) The Conservatives called for the regulator to revisit the case in September last year after emails, seemingly sent by a Labour Together lawyer to Mr McSweeney, were leaked. Despite the Conservative Party chairman Kevin Holinrake suggesting the emails could serve as evidence that the Electoral Commission had been misled, the regulator said a review of the information had not provided evidence of any other potential offences. Mr McSweeney was appointed to run Sir Keirs successful 2020 leadership campaign and initially became his chief of staff. But following a poor Labour showing in the Chesham and Amersham by-election in 2021, he was moved to a strategic role in the leaders office but is said to have remained a key adviser. After being appointed as Labours director of campaigns in September 2021, Mr McSweeney is said to have been behind a push to impose a new centralised long-listing of parliamentary candidates, a process considered as an attempt to lock out those on the left of the party. Labours election victory in 2024 resulted in Mr McSweeney being appointed to the shared role of head of political strategy. Reports later suggested tension had developed between Mr McSweeney and then chief of staff Sue Gray but Labour sources provided contradictory opinions on the relationship at the time. Following Ms Grays resignation, Mr McSweeney was appointed Downing Street chief of staff in October 2024. Mr Starmer said of his resignation: Its been an honour working with Morgan McSweeney for many years. He turned our party around after one of its worst ever defeats and played a central role running our election campaign. One reminder of the extent to which British politics has fragmented arrives with the announcement of a new leader for Reform UK in Wales. At any other time, such an event would have been pretty marginal, but now, with the party system in Wales turning kaleidoscopic and the rise of Reform in previously unpromising places, it rightly attracts attention. Wales is indeed now one of Reforms better prospects in the bumper round of elections in May. Who is this new leader of Reform in Wales? Dan Thomas, seemingly hand-picked by Nigel Farage, as with all recent such nominations. Thomas is relatively obscure, and the news came as something of a surprise. By his own witness, he has spent most of his life in London, and until 2024 he was the leader of the Conservative cohort at Barnet Council (in opposition from 2022). He defected to Reform last year, and in December further defected by moving home and family from Finchley to the Welsh Valleys. Thus, Thomas is a risky figure to lead the campaign in Wales. On the plus side, he has no specifically Welsh Conservative baggage; on the other hand, his critics might portray him as a bit of a carpetbagger. Any other recruits? Yes: the formerly Conservative member for Brecon and Radnorshire, James Evans, who was sacked, Jenrick-style, by his leader last month over suspicions that he was planning to defect to Reform. He joins Laura Anne Jones as the second MS (Member of the Senedd) for Reform in Cardiff Bay. Could Reform win Wales? Its not likely, but its possible. The party is running second in the opinion polls, behind Plaid Cymru, and well ahead of Welsh Labour, with the Conservatives and Greens both running at around 10 per cent, and the Liberal Democrats even further behind. Recent radical change in the voting system for the Senedd makes it even more proportional than before, and that tends to favour parties that have more evenly spread support, such as Reform. The collapse in national support for the UK Labour government is compounded by the fact that governments in Wales have been led by Labour since the inception of devolution in 1998. Meanwhile, the Conservatives and others remain weak, leaving Reform and Plaid Cymru as the principal challengers to Labour. However, revelations in the past few months about Nathan Gill, the former Reform leader in Wales, and his conviction for acting as a Russian agent, have dented Reforms appeal. The Senedd Caerphilly by-election in October, where Plaid easily took the safe seat from Labour against a spirited Reform campaign, is a sign of what might happen, albeit tactical voting isnt so important in the new proportional representation (PR) system for the Welsh parliament. Who will win Wales? No one is the flippant answer, in that PR makes it extremely unlikely that any single party will form an overall majority. Reform would need to do some sort of deal with another party to become the government, but the Conservatives are the only conceivable partner, and even then might not have the strength in the Senedd. By contrast, Plaid, which would likely be the single biggest party, has a range of possible suitors Greens in particular, and perhaps the Liberal Democrats, but not Labour in the circumstances. Reform would then probably be the main opposition party. In future, the PR system will make multiparty coalition-building a normal state of affairs, so Reform wont find it easy to form a majority administration. Whats the best outcome for Farage? Given the mixed performance of Reform in local councils, it may be just as well that they dont get to try to govern Wales, a far more ambitious project. After all, Farage says Reform UK isnt ready to run Britain, and that pretty much means Wales as well. Being the main opposition party would suit Thomas and his much-enlarged Reform group of Senedd members far better. Britain would thus have multiple different party systems after May: Plaid v Reform in Wales; SNP v Labour in Scotland; and Reform v Labour, plus some Reform v Green, Conservative v Reform, and Conservative v Liberal Democrat contests in various parts of England. The once normal Labour v Conservative contests in clearly two-way marginal seats could become relatively unusual by the next general election. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Sir Keir Starmer is clinging on after surviving the toughest day of his premiership so far this week, when Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar became the most senior Labour figure to call for him to quit. The prime minister has been at the centre of a political storm since admitting he was aware of Peter Mandelsons relationship with Jeffrey Epstein even after his conviction for child sex offences when he appointed him as US ambassador. Figures across the political spectrum including MPs in his own party have been questioning the prime ministers judgement, with some declaring its over for him. Morgan McSweeneys departure the man who was responsible for Sir Keir becoming the leader of the Labour Party, the architect of the subsequent election victory and central figure in running the government on Sunday failed to quell growing questions over whether or not the prime minister can continue in his job. The PM was also hit by the resignation of Downing Street director of communications Tim Allan, further fuelling doubts over his future. But the heat intensified even further on Sir Keir on Monday when the previously loyal Mr Sarwar urged him to step down over the Mandelson-Epstein scandal, saying he had made too many mistakes. Sir Keir responded defiantly, insisting he was not going anywhere, before telling a meeting of Labour MPs: Ive won every fight Ive ever been in. The lack of a concerted effort by MPs to depose Sir Keir - and his Cabinet coming out to back him publicly on Monday afternoon - suggests the immediate danger may have passed. But it only takes one candidate to garner 20 per cent of the MPs to stand against him, and Sir Keir is in serious trouble. So who would that person be, and could they unite a warring party? open image in gallery The furore comes after months of speculation about Sir Keirs leadership of the Labour Party, with senior figures appearing to position themselves as his successor ( House of Commons ) Angela Rayner The former deputy prime minister is being openly discussed as a replacement for Sir Keir, despite her resignation less than six months ago over her personal tax payments. Angela Rayner raised eyebrows on Wednesday when she got to her feet in the Commons and made it clear she would vote against the governments attempt to restrict the release of full vetting documents relating to Lord Mandelsons appointment. Ms Rayner, the MP for Ashton-under-Lyne in Greater Manchester, is viewed as a potential successor to Sir Keir or, if she did not run herself, as someone whose support could have a significant influence on the outcome of any contest. open image in gallery Sir Keir Starmer has said he would like to see Angela Rayner return to government ( Lauren Hurley/Downing Street ) Many in the trade unions have been eager to see Ms Rayner get the top job and were already plotting her return days after she quit. She is believed to be preparing for a contest, having declared last month: Im not dead yet. Last week, the prime minister suggested Ms Rayner has a future role to play in government, and said he wanted to bring her back to the front line at the right point. Andy Burnham Andy Burnham has been the most talked about threat to Sir Keirs leadership in recent months, with speculation about a potential challenge having grown since mid-2025. Last year, Mr Burnham repeatedly failed to rule out a Labour leadership bid and has been regularly tipped as the leading candidate to take over should Sir Keirs position as prime minister become untenable. He was the focus of such rumours at the Labour Party conference in September, when he revealed that MPs were privately urging him to challenge Sir Keir. Earlier this month, tensions came to a head when a parliamentary seat in the north west came up for grabs after Gorton and Denton MP Andrew Gwynne stepped down. The Greater Manchester mayor applied to run under the Labour banner in the historically safe seat but was blocked by the partys National Executive Committee (NEC). Critics have accused Sir Keir and his allies of preventing Mr Burnhams candidacy for factional reasons, fearing a leadership challenge from the mayor as both Labours poll ratings and his personal approval ratings flounder. open image in gallery Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham ( PA ) Wes Streeting There is widespread speculation that supporters of health secretary Wes Streeting will launch a bid to replace Sir Keir following months of uncertainty and suffering in the polls. Just this week, as questions around Sir Keirs future reached fever pitch, the health secretary took the controversial decision to publish communications between himself and Lord Mandelson which contained severe criticism of the PMs economic and Middle East policies. The publication broke collective responsibility and would normally lead to a sacking, but Mr Streeting justified it by saying it was necessary to deal with with smears that had been made about his relationship with the disgraced former Labour peer. However, many have seen it as a clear attempt to distance himself from the PM and make it clear that he is ready to step in to his role when the time is right. It comes after a briefing war within Downing Street in recent months, targeting the health secretary over his perceived ambitions to succeed Sir Keir. It was also reported earlier this month that senior figures had been pushing for Mr Streetings removal from Cabinet for disloyalty, amid deepening splits in the prime ministers top team. open image in gallery Wes Streeting has denied trying to launch a coup ( Reuters ) Mr Streeting has previously voiced his concerns about the direction of the government, and hit out at a toxic culture in No 10 when briefings against him was made public in November. The 43-year-old health secretary is charismatic and the one cabinet minister who can connect with the public as long as they are not striking resident doctors. The former National Union of Students' presidents main weakness is that he is seen as too far to the right of the party, but he remains a more charismatic version of Sir Keir with less qualms about being compared to the Tories. Shabana Mahmood Another candidate who has been tipped for the top job is the home secretary, who was effectively endorsed by former prime minister Tony Blair last year. Amid previous speculation that Sir Keir could be forced to step down as prime minister, Shabana Mahmood has emerged among the front runners to succeed him. open image in gallery Another candidate who has been tipped for the top job is home secretary Shabana Mahmood ( PA ) Her biggest issues are similar to Mr Streeting. Like him, she is seen as being on the right of the party and it is unlikely both could run. Ed Miliband The left is looking for a candidate and there is a good chance they may turn to someone who had a go as leader before. The 56-year-old is a hate figure for the rightwing press because of his net zero policies but this only acts as a plus with members of the party. open image in gallery Ed Miliband has had a shot at the Labour leadership before ( Getty ) A bit like former Tory leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith, Mr Miliband has found new life and purpose in life after leadership. He is now the evangelist for green energy and net zero when the world needs one. Gone is the cowed and shrunken man who led the party to defeat in 2015 he has been replaced by a man who is a serious contender to lead the party again with a new vigour. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The UK government has imposed new sanctions against six people suspected of committing atrocities in the war in Sudan, or fuelling the conflict through the supply of mercenaries and military equipment. The sanctions crack down on senior commanders in the paramilitary group the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), whose soldiers are suspected of carrying out massacres against the civilian population and using rape as a weapon of war. They also target people who are suspected of recruiting foreign fighters to take part in the conflict, or facilitating the purchase of military equipment. There needs to be a price to pay for military commanders who have allowed the atrocities to happen, as well as the callous profiteers fuelling the violence, Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said. The Government wants to dismantle the war machine with its sanctions, while calling for a ceasefire and unhindered access for aid agencies, she said. The measures come after Ms Coopers visit to the Sudanese border in Chad, where she met refugees who have fled violence, including women and girls who have been the victims of sexual assault and rape. open image in gallery Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper met survivors of violence in the Sudan war in Adre in Chad ( PA Wire ) The foreign secretary said on Thursday: At the Sudan-Chad border this week, I met women and children who have suffered unimaginable violence, and barely escaped with their lives. For their sake, and the millions of other civilians caught in the middle of this conflict, we urgently need a ceasefire, and safe access for humanitarian relief agencies to reach all those in need. But we also need to ensure that there is a price to pay for the military commanders who have allowed these atrocities to take place, and the callous profiteers who have fuelled this conflict with the supply of mercenaries and weaponry. Through these sanctions, we will seek to dismantle the war machine of those who perpetrate or profit from the brutal violence in Sudan, and we will send a message to every individual responsible for commanding these armies and committing these atrocities that they will one day be held to account. open image in gallery ( Stefan Rousseau/PA Wire ) The UK has sanctioned Hussein Barsham, an RSF field commander who the Government said is responsible for mass atrocities including ethnic violence, forced displacement, and attacks on civilians, especially in Darfur. Also on the list of sanctioned individuals is Abu Aqla Mohamed Kaikal, a SAF military commander and leader of the Sudan Shield Forces who is said to be responsible for atrocities committed in early 2025 in Gezira state. Also designated is Mustafa Ibrahim Abdel Nabi Mohamed, director of UK-sanctioned al-Khaleej Bank, a majority shareholder of Shield Protective Solutions Co Ltd (Sudan) and a financial adviser to the leader of the RSF, suspected of helping the illicit financing of the RSFs military campaign. Also sanctioned are Claudia Viviana Oliveros Forero, Mateo Andres Duque Botero and Alvaro Andres Quijano Becerra, who are all believed to be involved in the recruitment of former Colombian military personnel to train and fight for the RSF. The measures follow sanctions on 12 December against four RSF commanders suspected of responsibility for atrocities. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Plans to restructure the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and significantly slash the UKs aid budget are too deep in scale and being pushed through far too quickly, parliaments international development select committee has warned arguing they could bring catastrophic consequences. The FCDO is currently undergoing a major overhaul as a result of controversial plans to cut the UK overseas aid budget from 0.5 to 0.3 per cent of gross national income (GNI), with the governments own impact assessment warning that the cuts will result in deaths around the world. Now, in a report on the future of UK aid contributed to by The Independent, the international development committee has urged the government to pause the cuts until a review is undertaken, to make sure that future UK aid and development assistance is targeted as effectively as possible. The brutal cuts we have seen to official development assistance over successive governments pose pressing questions about how we will keep supporting some of the worlds poorest countries, said Sarah Champion, the committee chair. It is clear to us that financial and staffing changes at the FCDO are being pushed through far too quickly, with the unintended consequences having the potential of being catastrophic. Rather than careering into irreversible changes and losing key experts when we need them most, FDCO should press the pause button now before it is too late, the Labour MP for Rotherham added. Carrying on regardless could mean devastating consequences for some of the poorest people in the world and a damaging hit to the UKs global standing. Appearing before the committee last month, international development minister Baroness Jennifer Chapman said that the core aim of UK overseas aid remains alleviating poverty and stabilising countries to enable them to go on that journey themselves. The new report warns that significant work remains to realise this ambition. With plans underway to cut 2,000 UK staff, the report highlights the potential loss of key personnel needed to deliver the government's vision for foreign aid. MPs have also expressed alarm that ministers are considering scrapping the UKs aid watchdog, the Independent Commission for Aid Impact (ICAI), which was established by David Camerons coalition government in 2011. The committee has requested that Keir Starmers government provide details on how it intends to prioritise poverty reduction as it presses ahead with developing a future strategy for UK aid. In the coming years, the greatest need will be in fragile and conflict-affected states, and states most vulnerable to climate change. Working in partnership to address these needs mutually benefits the affected countries and the UK, the report says. Resourcing decisions ... in the coming weeks and months need to accurately reflect where the greatest need is. They also need to reflect where preventative action is likely to have the greatest impact. The new report also calls for more detail on the FCDOs plans to spend a greater proportion of its shrinking overseas aid budget through multilateral institutions like the World Bank or the UN. Baroness Chapman has said such a move would help efforts to counter growing threats to international cooperation. The British development sector is keenly awaiting news on where exactly UK aid cuts will fall, with Baroness Chapman suggesting at the meeting that an announcement could be made later in February. In response to the report, Romilly Greenhill, CEO of Bond, the UK network for NGOs, said: Todays interim report confirms what the UK NGO sector has warned: that the speed and scale of changes to the FCDO and the reduction of the UK aid budget, as well as the potential loss of essential scrutiny by ICAI, risk pushing global poverty reduction down the agenda with devastating consequences for millions of people facing conflict, poverty and insecurity. We urge the government to pause irreversible staffing and funding decisions until we urgently see a full assessment of how the UK aid cuts will impact the worlds most marginalised communities. The ongoing cuts to the UKs aid budget are already costing lives and reversing hard-won progress achieved. It is essential that the government now act on the committees recommendations. This article was produced as part of The Independents Rethinking Global Aid project On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Armed extremists killed at least 162 people during attacks on two villages in western Nigeria, a lawmaker confirmed, in one of the deadliest assaults in recent months. One rights group estimated the death toll could be higher. The attacks targeted the villages of Woro and Nuku, in Kwara state, on Tuesday evening, Mohammed Omar Bio, a member of parliament representing the area, told The Associated Press. He said the attacks were carried out by the Lakurawa, an armed group affiliated with the Islamic State group. No one has claimed responsibility for the attacks. open image in gallery Deadly attacks have been carried out in Nigeria ( Reuters ) Ayodeji Emmanuel Babaomo, the Red Cross secretary in Kwara state, said the organisation has been unable to reach the communities where "scores of people were killed" because they are in a remote area about eight hours from the state capital and near Nigeria's border with Benin. Footage from the scene on local television show bodies lying in blood on the ground, some with their hands tied, as well as burning houses. Amnesty International said in a statement the gunmen killed over 170 people, razed homes and looted shops. "The security lapses that enabled these attack are unacceptable," the rights group said, adding that the gunmen had been sending "warning" letters to the villagers for more than five months. open image in gallery People standing around graves in Nigeria following this week's attacks ( REUTERS ) State governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq described the attack as a "cowardly expression of frustration by terrorist cells" in response to ongoing military operations against armed extremists in the state. Nigeria is in the grip of a complex security crisis, with an insurgency by Islamic militants in the northeast alongside a surge in kidnappings for ransom by gunmen across the northwest and north-central regions over recent months. Separately on Tuesday, unknown gunmen killed at least 13 people in the village of Doma, in the northwestern state of Katsina, police spokesman Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu said. No one has claimed responsibility for the attack. Boko Haram extremists in northeastern Nigeria killed at least 36 people last week during separate attacks on a construction site and on an army base. The armed groups in Nigeria include at least two affiliated with IS, an offshoot of the Boko Haram extremist group known as the Islamic State West Africa Province in the northeast, and the lesser-known Islamic State Sahel Province (ISSP), known locally as Lakurawa, and prominent in the northwest. The Nigerian military has said in the past that the Lakurawa has roots in neighbouring Niger and that it became more active in Nigerias border communities following a 2023 military coup. James Barnett, a researcher at the Washington-based Hudson Institute, said the attack in Kwara state was most likely perpetrated by the Jamaatu Ahlis Sunna Liddaawati wal-Jihad, or JAS, a Boko Haram faction that has been responsible for other recent massacres in the area. On Tuesday, the head of U.S. Africa Command said the United States had sent a small team of military officers to Nigeria, the latest step in its response to the security crisis. In December, U.S. forces launched airstrikes on IS-affiliated militants in Nigeria. Africas most populous country has been in the diplomatic crosshairs of the U.S. following threats by U.S. President Donald Trump to attack the country, alleging it is not doing enough to protect its Christian citizens. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A Long Island man is facing federal charges over a series of cargo heists that netted nearly 34,000 pounds of frozen snow crab and a tractor-trailer full of name-brand cologne, worth more than $750,000 in total. Romoy Forbes, 31, used hacked email addresses to pose as a driver from actual trucking firms, according to an FBI probable cause affidavit that was unsealed Thursday. Then, instead of delivering the stolen goods to the customers that had paid for them, Forbes and a crew of unnamed co-conspirators simply fenced the illicit merchandise on the black market, the affidavit states. But, it says, while the seafood and fragrance heists generated big returns, Forbes also purloined a load of blueberries he was only able to unload for a comparatively paltry $4,000. I dont really sell produce, a buyer in New Jersey texted Forbes, according to a screenshot included in the affidavit. At all. At one point, a warehouse worker called one of Forbess alleged associates, who was masquerading as a dispatcher at a trucking firm, to find out why his load hadnt made it to the buyer, the affidavit goes on. When the warehouseman didnt get a satisfactory answer, and told the bogus dispatcher that he would be contacting police, the affidavit says the individual simply replied, F**k the police, and hung up. Forbes, a Jamaican national, was arrested Thursday, according to court records. He does not yet have an attorney listed on the docket, and was unable to be reached for comment. open image in gallery Suspect Romoy Forbes, seen here on surveillance video, checked in at various warehouses under his real name, according to court filings ( US District Court for the District of Massachusetts ) Cargo theft, one trucking industry insider recently told the Associated Press, is a massive growing problem that needs to get addressed. Last fall, cargo thieves in the New England area made off with 14 cages filled with 40,000 full-grown oysters from an aquaculture operation in Maine, a load of crab from a Massachusetts warehouse, and $400,000 worth of lobster meat awaiting shipment to Costco stores in the Midwest the details of the lobster heist virtually mirroring those laid out in the case against Forbes. The carrier we hired impersonated a real carrier, the CEO of the brokerage company that arranged the shipment told the AP. Whether you eat seafood or not, theyre stealing other items. Theyre stealing items to build your cars. Theyre stealing items that go into computers, he said. Ultimately, that cost gets thrown to the consumer. The FBI investigation into Forbes began with a call from an employee at a Worcester, Massachusetts, warehouse, who said that 33,750 pounds of frozen snow crab, worth $325,000, had been stolen from the facility on July 15, 2025, according to the affidavit. When a commercial shipper needs goods delivered, they typically post the job online for carriers to bid on the contract, the probable cause affidavit explains. In this instance, it says the warehousing firm that Person 1 worked for had posted an ad on an online freight exchange service board, seeking someone to drive a load of crabs to Jacksonville, Florida. On July 14, 2025, Person 1 got a call from someone at a known trucking firm about delivering the crabs, the affidavit states. The employee at the trucking firm sent back the required paperwork using an authentic corporate email address, according to the affidavit. But, it continues, what Person 1 didnt know at the time was that the trucking firms email system had been hacked, and the purported employee who controlled the email account was really a co-conspirator in the scheme. open image in gallery Forbes is accused of making off with more than $300,000 worth of snow crab, among other items, according to the feds ( US District Court for the District of Massachusetts ) The next morning, Forbes arrived at the warehouse in a red tractor-trailer, provided his real drivers license and phone number to Person 1, and drove off with 33,750 pounds of snow crab, the affidavit states. Forbes did not deliver the cargo load of frozen crabs to the customer, it continues. A day later, Person 1 realized that the GPS device that was supposed to be tracking Forbess progress was not working, and he called the trucking firms main number, the affidavit says. There, Person 1 got an authentic employee on the phone, who told him the firms email system had been compromised and that they had not, in fact, booked the cargo load. Person 1 then called Forbes, who claimed his dispatcher had given the trailer of crabs to someone else, the affidavit states. He then gave Person 1 a phone number for the dispatcher, after which Person 1 called and spoke to an individual, who said not to worry about the delivery, according to the affidavit. Person 1 told the individual that he would be contacting the police, and the individual said, F**k the police, and hung up on Person 1, it contends. The FBI was able to obtain the contents of Forbess mobile phone, which contained texts between Forbes and his dispatcher, along with a photo of the stolen crab at the Queens, New York loading dock of a grocery store company, which operates a number of grocery stores in various states, according to the affidavit. The evidence the FBI gathered from Forbess phone also reveal[ed] that the seafood heist was not the first theft that Forbes committed as part of the conspiracy, the affidavit alleges. open image in gallery One of Forbes's hauls included six-figures worth of designer cologne, federal authorities say ( US District Court for the District of Massachusetts ) Agents learned that Forbes had employed the same technique a month earlier, using a hacked email address from a second trucking company to bid on, and win, a job transporting a load of blueberries to Illinois, the affidavit says. On June 26, 2025, Forbes showed up at a warehouse in Winslow Junction, New Jersey, claimed to work for Shipper 2, loaded up his red tractor-trailer with the fruit and drove away, according to the affidavit. Once again, the load never made it to the intended recipient. Screenshots of texts between the two show Forbes negotiating with his customer for everything, who says he doesnt normally deal in produce and opens with an offer of $3,500 for the entire load. Forbes counters with $4,000, which the customer accepts, after which Forbes says he wont be able to get the beef because this is a trailer I was going to use to get the beef, according to the texts. On July 25, Forbes struck again this time, pilfering approximately $433,830 worth of cologne meant for a buyer in Los Angeles, the affidavit states. As in the first two thefts, Forbes allegedly booked the job using a hacked email address from a third trucking concern. One of Forbess cronies emailed the sender, a freight brokerage in Ronkonkoma, New York, saying, Romoy will pick up this one Romoy Forbes Trk 212 Trailer 167. Forbes had the boxes of fragrances loaded into the truck, but he never delivered the goods to the customer, the affidavit says. And again, when the shipper called the carrier Forbes claimed to have been working for, staffers there said their email system had also been hacked, and that they never booked the cologne job. Forbes exchanged texts about the 14 pallets of fragrances with his customer for everything, who appeared to agree to take them off his hands. However, no sales price is included in the affidavit. Forbes is charged with one count of interstate transportation of stolen goods, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, and one count of conspiracy, which carries up to five years in prison. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Cellphones are everywhere including, until recently, in schools. Since 2023, 29 states, including New York, Vermont, Florida and Texas, have passed laws that require K-12 public schools to enforce bans or strict limits on students using their cellphones on campus. Another 10 states have passed other measures that require local school districts to take some kind of action on cellphone usage. Approximately 77% of public schools now forbid students from having their phones out during class an increase from the 66% of schools that forbade students from using phones at school in 2015. Schools across the country are finding different ways to enforce no-phone policies. Some schools have students lock their phones in pouches that only open at the end of the day. Others use simple classroom bins or lockers. Some research shows that spending a lot of time looking at phones instead of peoples faces can make it harder for children and teenagers to get the basic human skills they need for developing and maintaining friendships and other relationships. As a scholar of educational leadership, I believe that school is about more than just classes its where young people learn how to get along with others. When phones are put away, students actually start looking at each other and talking again. School hallways and the lunchroom turn into spaces where students learn to resolve conflicts face-to-face and make human connections. Putting phones away in Ohio Ohio is an example of a state that has clamped down on students cellphone usage over the past 18 months. In May 2024, Ohio went from suggesting some cellphone guidelines for different schools to adopt to requiring that all public districts limit students phone use during class. School districts could choose to allow phones at lunch or between classes. Many schools began using lockable pouches, plastic bins or lockers to keep phones out of sight. They still needed to allow some students to have phones for medical reasons, like monitoring blood sugar on an app. Ohio then adopted an even stricter cellphone use policy in 2025. This new law required all Ohio public school boards to adopt policies by Jan. 1, 2026, that prohibit phone use during the entire school day, including lunch and the time between classes. A needed break In the fall of 2025, I surveyed 13 Ohio public school principals from rural, urban and suburban districts. Principals reported that the partial phone bans increased students social interactions and reduced peer conflicts: Ohio is an example of a state that has clamped down on students cellphone usage over the past 18 months ( AP ) 62% of principals described more verbal, face-to-face socializing during recess, at lunch time and between classes. 68% noted that students can stay on one task for more than 20 minutes without seeking a quick digital break. 72% observed a shift from heads-down scrolling to active conversation in common areas such as the cafeteria. 61% reported fewer online social conflicts spilling over into the classroom. A tension for students In late January 2026, I also surveyed and spoke with 18 Ohio high school students about the new phone bans in place at their schools as part of research that has not yet been published. Their responses revealed a complex tension between understanding the need for the phone ban and feeling a significant loss of personal safety and autonomy. A few students said they felt safe knowing a phone in the main office is available for emergencies. Some students said they felt anxious about not being reachable if there is an emergency like if a relative were in an accident, or if the younger siblings they care for required their help. Finally, 13 out of 18 students argued that they should be learning the self-discipline required to balance technology with focus. Students said that phone bans made them feel as though they were children who could not make responsible decisions rather than young adults preparing for professional environments. About the author Corinne Brion is an Associate Professor in Educational Administration at University of Dayton. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. Some students also said that not having their phones made it impossible to fill out college and scholarship applications during the school day, since many application systems require multifactor authentication and require phones to log in. Lessons from Ohio Rules are more likely to be respected when students feel they have a voice in the boundaries that affect their daily lives. I think that school leaders could address students safety and security concerns in different ways, including by establishing a dedicated family emergency hotline that people can call. Principals could designate supervised areas where more senior high school students can briefly use their phones for multifactor authentication. School leaders could also offer a specific time window for students to check messages on their phones, or an easy way for the schools main office to deliver them messages from family. While these insights from Ohio students and principals offer a helpful starting point, they are just one part of a much larger conversation. More research is needed to see how these bans affect different types of schools and communities across multiple states. Because every district is different, what works in one town might cause unexpected challenges in another. By continuing to study these effects and listening to everyone involved, especially the students, researchers like myself can figure out how to keep classrooms focused and students interacting without making students feel less safe or less prepared for the adult world. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The city of Dallas has recruited over 200 goats to help combat an invasive plant problem. Officials recruited 260 grazing goats to stop the spread of privet at White Rock Lake, a reservoir in northeast Dallas, the city said in a press release. The goats, brought in from Fort Worth, will be placed in the prairie area adjacent to the Bath House and Cultural Center to graze on approximately 11.5 acres of land. The hungry helpers are expected to be at work for a week, according to the release. To keep the goats on track, an electric fence will be repositioned each day to a new 1 to 1.5-acre section of the vegetation. open image in gallery Goats eat overgrown vegetation at the Brackenridge Park Conservancy in San Antonio, Texas, in 2023. Similar measures are being put in place this week in Dallas, where 260 goats arrived to remove invasive privet ( AFP via Getty Images ) open image in gallery Goats were used in San Antonio to clear vegetation in 2023. Dallas officials have utilized the eco-friendly solution before, too ( AFP via Getty Images ) A shepherd will also be on site 24 hours a day to safely manage and monitor the goats throughout the project, officials said. The goats are being brought in to control privet, a non-native, invasive shrub that can quickly spread and disrupt local ecosystems. In a post on Facebook, the Dallas Parks and Recreation Department wrote, You spoke, we herd! alongside a video of a goat chewing. Dallas Parks is thrilled to bring back this massively popular (and honestly the cutest) vegetation management solution and cant wait to tackle the privet! the department added. open image in gallery The goats act as an eco-friendly solution to removing invasive species ( AFP via Getty Images ) Its not the first time the city of Dallas has utilized goats to tame unkept vegetation. In April 2025, a group of 250 goats spent 11 days eating privet at the Bachman Greenbelt, a park in northern Dallas. The spread of privet raises concerns for the ecosystem and nearby communities, officials said in 2025. Removing privet stabilizes the soil to prevent erosion, improves visibility, and lowers wildfire risks. Using grazing goats is an eco-friendly option that reduces noise, carbon emissions, and reliance on fuel-powered equipment, officials said. In all the furore about Peter Mandelson, there is a glaring omission. Oh yes, I know THAT picture in the white Y-fronts is unforgivable (as is the handing over of confidential information to hostile operators in the middle of the banking crisis). But in all the fuss, there is a huge elephant in the room that nobody is talking about. The truth is, Peter Mandelson never needed to be appointed ambassador to Washington in the first place. We already had a brilliant midlife woman doing the job. Her name was Karen Pierce, and before Mandelson ever got to the American capital, she had been hailed as The Trump Whisperer because of her excellent relationship with the president. In all the fuss, please spare a thought for the amazing Dame Karen Pierce DCMG, a career diplomat with a superb record, who was flung out of the job she loved so that Mandelson could have her gig. Pierce, 66, was a roaring success as our woman in Washington. She was a Foreign Office lifer whod already done two tours in the US capital, having already wowed everyone as the top British diplomat at the UN including Donald Trump, who described her as fab. Long before Mandy fawned into the picture, Pierce was already well known in diplomatic circles as the woman with a rapport with Trump. The morning after Trump was elected, Pierce posted a picture of herself with the Donald in an orange dress (appropriately matching his fake tan) in the Oval Office. When Starmer came to power, the media were full of praise for Pierce, hailing her as a secret weapon because of her adeptness at the delicate art of handling Trump. She got the newly fledged PM Starmer a one-on-one call with Trump just after he survived his assassination attempt. The call, which was supposed to be short, morphed into a two-hour dinner meeting. When David Lammy got into trouble with old tweets showing hed called Trump a neo-Nazi, it was Pierce who steadied the ship and got the special relationship back on track. Indeed, the basis of the unlikely semi bromance between Starmer and the Donald was Pierce. And fat thanks she got for that! The chaos over Mandelson is of Starmers and his chief of staff Morgan McSweeneys making. Pierces jolly midlife style found her at ease with Trump, her vivacious, bubbly personality winning him over, and her steely but silky diplomatic skills paving the way for a new era of the special relationship. But as so often happens to extremely capable older women in a mans world, all Pierces hard work was sacrificed on the altar of installing one of the boys. open image in gallery Pierce meeting Princess Anne at Buckingham Palace in 2019 ( PA ) Its a story as old as the hills: sixtysomething professional woman kicked out in favour of a male bosss crony. McSweeney admits to being a protege of Mandelson. Maybe thats why he totally overlooked the fact that his beloved mentor had already had to resign twice from public life in disgrace and that the man formerly known as Lord Mandelson is actually entirely unsuited to high office. This current Mandelson scandal is a self-inflicted wound for Starmer and his coterie, born of not having enough trust in a midlife woman. Shame on them. I cant see Pierce being photographed in her undies in a paedophiles lair or in any other compromising position. I doubt she would lie while being vetted by the civil service, or conveniently forget having received $75,000 from a man like Epstein. I hope McSweeney is now ruing the day he overlooked the fact that Mandelson had a terrible penchant for sliming up to billionaires. Mandy may be a great political strategist, but he has no personal integrity and no sense of where to draw the line between his own self-advancement and the national interest. open image in gallery Peter Mandelson announcing his resignation as Northern Ireland secretary in 2001 ( PA ) How did Starmer and McSweeney ever think he would do better than Pierce? Why install a man with such a chequered history into such a crucial job, at such an important time, when there was a brilliant woman already in place? I have seen this exact scenario play out: a competent, experienced midlife woman kicked out because some man decides that other men would rather deal with a chap like them. Its 2026 when are we finally going to tackle the gendered ageism which is killing off female careers just when they should be flourishing? Note to our male leaders: if a woman has got to the top of her profession, she is likely to be way better than any of her male counterparts; she has to be, because it is still so damn hard and rare to get there. The corridors of power are still a blokes club, which is where women run into trouble. You see, by the time weve accrued 30 years of experience and high office, we reckon weve earned the right to speak truth to power. open image in gallery Keir Starmer with Pierce last year, in her new role as UK special envoy to the western Balkans ( PA ) Hell, Pierce might even have dared to disagree with Starmer or McSweeney; she might have had a different better perspective. Maybe given her more than three decades in the job, the fact that she had been COO of the Foreign Office in London, served in Afghanistan as well as Washington twice, she knew a few tricks that the chaps back in London didnt No matter. Pierce didnt look like one of the boys. She is diminutive and cherubic; similar in style to Trumps chief of staff, Susie Wiles. She was famous in Washington for her sparkly headbands, parties fuelled by rocket-strength Pimms and ability to get on with everyone. Perhaps the only ones who didnt see her worth were the grey, dreary chaps who currently rule the Downing Street bubble. Ive heard so many women MPs moaning about the boys club around Starmer and McSweeney. And so it came to pass that Pierce, who had managed to get Trump on side and get him and Starmer off to a flying start, was sacrificed for the odious Mandelson. And where is Dame Karen Pierce now? Soon after leaving Washington, she was named as the UKs special envoy to the western Balkans I suppose it was the closest the boys could get her to Outer Siberia. Eleanor Mills is the Founder of NOON.org.uk the UKs premier network for midlife women and the author of Much More to Come: Lessons on the Mayhem and Magnificence of Midlife, published by HarperCollins The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Guan Heng, a Chinese national who exposed human rights abuses in his homeland, has been released from federal detention more than five months after being swept up in the Trump administration's mass immigration enforcement operation. Guan was released and reunited with his mother on Tuesday, nearly a week after being granted asylum by an immigration judge who determined that he faced a well-founded fear of persecution if sent back to China. I'm in a great mood, Guan, 38, told The Associated Press on Wednesday. I didn't feel the excitement yesterday. I felt I was still in prison, but today many friends have come to see me. Guan, who is staying temporarily in Binghamton, New York, said he has not yet had time to think about what he will do in the longer term. Hs mother, Luo Yun, who traveled to the U.S. from her home in Taiwan to support her son, said she finally felt relieved. For five and half months I didnt sleep one good sleep, but today I feel assured, Luo said. It was a rare successful outcome for an asylum seeker since President Donald Trump returned to office. At one point in detention, Guan was faced with deportation to Uganda, but the Department of Homeland Security dropped the plan in December after his plight raised public concerns and attracted attention on Capitol Hill. DHS, which has 30 days to appeal the immigration judges Jan. 28 ruling, did not immediately respond to a request to confirm if it has decided not to appeal. Rep. Ro Khanna, the top Democrat on the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, said Guan should not have had to spend months in detention for the right outcome to be reached. His release is a reminder that the rule of law and our moral duty to protect those who expose human rights abuses go hand in hand, Khanna said, vowing to press for transparency in similar cases. Guan in 2020 secretly filmed detention facilities in Xinjiang, adding to a body of evidence of what activists say are widespread rights abuses in the Chinese region, where as many as 1 million members of ethnic minorities, especially the Uyghurs, have been locked up. The Chinese government has denied allegations of rights abuses in Xinjiang, saying it runs vocational training programs to help local residents learn employable skills while rooting out radical thoughts. Beijing has silenced dissenting views on its practices in Xinjiang through a range of coercive means. The State Department, while declining to comment on Guans case because of confidentiality rules, said it condemns the Chinese ruling party's genocide, religious persecution, and crimes against humanity against Uyghurs and others in Xinjiang. During his asylum hearing last week, Guan said he didn't set out to document the detention facilities Xinjiang so he could claim asylum in the United States. He said he sympathized with the persecuted Uyghurs and wanted to bear witness to their plight. Guan knew he had to leave China if he wanted to publish the footage. He went first to Hong Kong and from there to Ecuador, where Chinese tourists could travel without a visa, and then to the Bahamas. He released most of his video footage on YouTube shortly before arriving in Florida by boat in October 2021. Guan told the immigration judge he didnt know whether he would survive the boat trip and wanted to make sure the footage would be seen. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Aliya Rahman was driving to see her doctor the 39th such appointment since shed suffered a traumatic brain injury in 2024 when the two cars in front of her suddenly came to a stop in the middle of traffic. Almost immediately, she heard someone loudly blowing a whistle and quickly realized she was in the middle of an Immigration and Customs Enforcement operation. The 43-year-old Rahman who is also autistic and has difficulties with auditory sorting next heard a cacophony of conflicting commands, beginning with someone barking, Move or I will break your f***ing window, in my passenger side. Rahman talked to The Independent via Zoom the past week to enlighten the public about her ICE ordeal and shed light about her nightmare after being dragged to a reviled detention center, where she suffered a medical emergency and was denied care before she blacked out and landed in a hospital. "I'm autistic and I have a brain injury. Put me down," she yelled as agents dragged her through the street. open image in gallery ICE agents drag Aliyah Rahman from her car after a traffic stop as she was headed to a doctors appointment on Jan. 13, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. ( Getty ) Even after the Wisconsin native was finally released, without charge, Rahman faced an onslaught of crude comments about her autism. Shes also received death threats and threats of sexual violence. I've gotten a lot of hate messages, she said. Describing the initial traffic stop, she said: I asked that officer, Where do you want me to move to? because the side streets were blocked, so things just kind of got louder from there, Rahman said. She explained to The Independent that she has an autism-related auditory issue that makes multiple voices in a crowded space all sound like theyre the same volume. To work around that, she tries to look at peoples mouths as they speak. But you can't do that with ICE officers who cover their face and who are yelling I wouldn't even call them instructions, she said. Soon, everything seemed to fast-forward to the moment, which has now been viewed online thousands of times, where ICE agents ripped her out of her car as she cried out that she is disabled and autistic. In response to that viral video, the Department of Homeland Security would later call Rahman an agitator and said she ignored multiple commands by an officer to move her vehicle away from the scene. The images showed ICE officials not only dragging her but also carrying her by her limbs despite her plea for compassion. Rahman said she can no longer lift her arms normally. The Department of Homeland Security said on X that it arrested her Rahman obstruction and hauled into a detention facility. Minneapolis has become a flashpoint since President Donald Trump sent ICE and Customs and Border Protection officials into the city. The administration did so ostensibly to crack down on the citys Somali population in the wake of a welfare fraud scandal. open image in gallery The video of masked ICE officers pulling Rahman out of her car as she screamed for help went viral. ( AFP/Getty ) It quickly turned deadly. Just a few days before Rahmans arrest, ICE official Jonathan Ross allegedly shot and killed Renee Good and a few days later, CBP officials shot and killed Alex Pretti. In between those two killings, Rahmans detainment became another flashpoint. Moreover, it happened only a few blocks away from where Good was killed. A former software engineer, Rahman said she gamed out in her head the probability of her own death at the time of her arrest. The driver was laughing, couldn't stop laughing Interactions with law enforcement can turn deadly, but autistic people often face higher risk of that given that stimming short for self-stimulatory behavior wherein autistic people engage in repetitive actions, often with their hands or with various sounds or other body movements can be interpreted as sudden movements. A lack of eye contact can be viewed as a sign of dishonesty or difficulty processing instructions common characteristics of autism, can be viewed as insubordination, especially to law enforcement. The driver was laughing, couldn't stop laughing, she said. I asked him why he was doing that at a time like this, and he radioed, We're bringing in a body. So, yeah, I was like, what's going to happen to me between here and wherever they're going, if they're bringing in a body? And from the moment I was put into the SUV until I went unconscious in the detention center, the sound of the word bodies and the laughter of the agents was just a predominant piece of audio that just, that my brain was just ruminating on, she said. Nothing compared to what I experienced inside that detention center What followed was hours of confinement in the Whipple Building, a Minneapolis federal lockup that has been blasted by Democratic officials as severely lacking in medical care, where detainees are afraid to shower and reportedly sleep on concrete floors. People are very horrified by what happened there. Of course, it is horrific, Rahman said of being dragged from her car. But for me, it's, first of all, nothing compared to what I experienced inside that detention center, both what happened to me and what I saw happening to others. open image in gallery Aliya Rahman, who was dragged from her car by ICE in Minneapolis, talks to The Independent about her ordeal and how it was impacted by her being autistic ( The Independent ) They couldn't find an interrogation room for me because, well, there's already a body in there, she said. Despite telling people that she was disabled and autistic, ICE did not offer accommodation. Furthermore, they did not bring her cane with her and when she was asked about accommodations, they told her if she were normal, this would not have happened. Everybody heard me yelling this right out there. I was yelling because I am autistic, but I also have a brain injury, she said. Eventually someone Rahman thinks was local staff offered a wheelchair, but even then she faced questions about her disability. Like many nonwhite and female autistic people, Rahman did not receive a diagnosis of autism until well into her adulthood in her case, 2022. When I was very young, that was treated as a discipline issue, an issue that made me, like, not girly enough, an issue that, you know, nobody in my life knew that that's what that was, she explained. She started reading about autism around the age of 12. And then I went through a series of talking to practitioners over the course of my life, psychiatrist, therapist, and I was diagnosed with a lot of other things before someone finally was like, maybe we should get an autism evaluation, in my 30s. The Independent reviewed documents showing Rahmans diagnoses of both autism and traumatic brain injury, as well as her schedule of doctors appointments, including one for the date she was hauled out of her car, Jan. 13, 2026. At that point, I stopped asking for a lawyer Still, she says, agents and staff at the Whipple detention center were not receptive to her pleas about her conditions. The man who starts to wheel me there, he stops for a second and he says, Hold on, you were driving, right? she said. I said, Yes, yes, I was driving. He goes, So your legs do work, because he'd had to put me in a wheelchair. That all made her heart rate began to shoot up. At that point, I stopped asking for a lawyer, she said. I was like, I just have to make it through this alive. open image in gallery Rahman was grabbed up by federal officers days after Renee Good (pictured in a makeshift memorial, below) was shot dead in her SUV by ICE agents in Minneapolis and less than two weeks before nurse Alex Pretti (pictured moments before his death) was fatally shot by Border Patrol agents in the Minnesota city. ( @dangjessie/UGC ) open image in gallery Several federal prosecutors in Minnesota quit over the DOJs reluctance to investigate the ICE agent who shot Renee Good, according to recent reports ( Scott Olson/Getty Images ) Eventually the woman who offered a wheelchair said Rahman needed to see a doctor. Rahman passed out. She then woke up in the Hennepin County Medical Center Emergency Department. To her, the treatment was night and day compared to the Whipple Building. They knew what autism was, they asked if they should turn the lights down, she said. It really shows you that this is doable, yeah, instead of focusing on eradicating autism, which is impossible, yeah, unrelated to Tylenol and and just a really disgusting project. She would eventually be released and her attorney said she was not charged with anything. The Independent reached out to the Department of Homeland Security and ICE's press office for comment but neither had responded as of press time. I've gotten a lot of hate ... death threats, rape threats While many people on social media expressed shock at how ICE could treat an autistic person that way, Rahman said they should not be surprised. Who is to say that when I said I'm autistic and disabled, that didn't inspire law enforcement to come down on me harder? Rahman said. People who don't know about disabled folks in our lives don't always have great views of who we are as people or what we deserve in terms of humanity and compassion. In addition, Rahman does not fit the stereotype of what society sees as the default version of autism. The latest Centers for Disease Control and Prevention statistics released last year showed that most people diagnosed with autism are boys and many of them are white. You can feel the absolute disregard for the humanity of people of color, she said. And so if you don't think someone's a human, you don't care if they're disabled. In the days after her detainment by ICE, Rahman said she received numerous hateful messages. open image in gallery Federal agents carry Rahman away, on Jan. 13, 2026, just days after an ICE agent fatally shot Renee Nicole Good, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. ( REUTERS ) I've gotten a lot of hate messages saying that I'm an r-word who should be deported, or death threats, rape threats, all kinds of stuff, she said. The MacArthur Justice Centers Alexa Van Brunt, who serves as Rahmans attorney said that they are currently gathering evidence in order to pursue legal remedies for the gross violation of Aliya's rights that day. We are grateful to the community members who were at the scene who have shared photos and videos with us and who have uplifted and affirmed Aliya's experience, she said. Rahman said that her brain that helps her recognize patternsmuch in the way many autistic peoples brains dois sending off big warning signs. My autistic brain really gravitates towards patterns and sounds and numbers, and what that tells me is that what we have on the ground is not new, and if we don't understand it in terms of the larger pattern, we are in even more trouble than we were before, she said. On Tuesday, Rahman, alongside the brothers of Renee Good, spoke about her treatment by ICE on Capitol Hill. More than anything, she said, she doesnt want people to see ICE leaving as the end. That's the problem to solve, she said. I am not OK with this ending with me. I am not OK with pity for me being where people stop. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Mark Carney is facing calls to cancel contracts to purchase US-made F-35 jets, despite warnings from Washington that such a decision could see its planes sent into Canadian airspace. The New Democratic Party (NDP) has even proposed that Mr Carneys government cancel a contract for 16 jets, which it had already committed to buying from the US. The bottom line is that purchasing F-35s from the United States will deepen our military integration with a superpower, not reduce it, interim NDP leader Don Davies said on Wednesday, citing Mr Carneys call last month on middle powers to build a new world order in the face of Donald Trumps increasingly belligerent foreign policy. Last week, the US president warned that he would impose a 50 per cent tariff on all Canadian-made aircraft sold to the US if Canada did not certify several Gulfstream jets. open image in gallery The F-35 fighter jet ( AFP/Getty ) Based on the fact that Canada has wrongfully, illegally, and steadfastly refused to certify the Gulfstream 500, 600, 700, and 800 Jets, one of the greatest, most technologically advanced airplanes ever made, we are hereby decertifying their Bombardier Global Expresses, and all Aircraft made in Canada, until such time as Gulfstream, a Great American Company, is fully certified, as it should have been many years ago, Mr Trump wrote. Mr Davies has suggested that Canada instead purchase Swedish Gripen fighter jets produced by Saab, Canadas CTV News reported. This, he said, would provide Ottawa with a predictable source of defence co-operation and would see two middle powers fulfilling Mr Carneys stated goals. It emerged earlier this week that Canadian officials are looking to other countries to supply it with fighter jets, including Saab, which has offered to manufacture the jets in Canada, creating 12,600 jobs. open image in gallery Mark Carney is being urged by political opponents to drop the commitments to buy F-35 fighter jets ( AP ) The government is interested in all major projects that can not only protect Canada's security and sovereignty, but also create jobs across the country, Melanie Joly, the Minister of Industry, told CBC News. We certainly cant control President Trump, but we can control our defence investments, who we award contracts to and how we are ultimately able to create jobs in Canada. So were going to focus on that. Canada first agreed to purchase 88 F-35A advanced fighter jets from US manufacturer Lockheed Martin in 2022, with the country initially committing to funding 16 deliverable jets. The programme ran into challenges, taking longer than expected to manufacture the jets, while a 2025 initial audit of the deal found that the program had risen to $27.7bn (20.4bn) in cost up from its initial $19bn (14bn). The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino on Thursday said he hoped an ongoing legal battle with a Hong Kong firm over operations of Panama Canal ports would not escalate, but that Panama's government would remain firm in its ruling against the company. Panama is a dignified country and will not allow itself to be threatened by any country on earth, Mulino said in his morning press briefing, responding to rebukes by the Chinese government. Mulino's comment comes a week after Panama's Supreme Court ruled that a concession held by a subsidiary of Hong Kongs CK Hutchison Holdings in the Panama Canal was unconstitutional. The court's decision was seen as a win for President Donald Trump, who aims to block Chinese influence over the strategic waterway. The push by the U.S. thrust the Central American nation into the center of a geopolitical tug-of-war. China warned Panama would pay a heavy price if the Panamanian ruling was upheld. Hong Kongs CK Hutchison Holdings said it strongly disagreed with last weeks ruling, and on Wednesday its subsidiary announced it had started arbitration proceedings against Panama. Mulino said that until the courts ruling is executed a period of time he did not specify Panamas Maritime Authority would work with Panama Ports Company, the CK Hutchison subsidiary, to ensure continuing port operations. Once the concession is formally ended, a local subsidiary of Danish logistics company A.P. Moller-Maersk will operate the ports in a transitional phase until a new concession can be bid and awarded, Mulino said. The two Panama ports are part of a $23 billion sale of CK Hutchisons 43 global ports to a consortium of buyers including U.S. investment firm BlackRock. The deal, which was first announced last March, has been delayed by complications surrounding the Panama court case as well as elevated geopolitical tensions between Washington and Beijing. Analysts believe the Hong Kong conglomerate is likely to buy time with legal proceedings, such as the latest arbitration move, while looking for alternatives for the broader port deal. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice British Prime Minister Keir Starmer apologized Thursday to victims of Jeffrey Epstein for appointing Peter Mandelson as the U.K.'s ambassador to Washington despite his ties to the disgraced financier. The prime minister said Mandelson had portrayed Epstein as someone he barely knew. In a speech on Thursday, he said I am sorry for having believed Mandelsons lies and appointed him. Starmer fired Mandelson in September after emails were published showing that he maintained a friendship with Epstein following the late financiers 2008 conviction for sex offenses involving a minor. But the prime minister now faces fresh pressure over the appointment after newly released documents revealed new details of Mandelsons close relationship with Epstein. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Over the past year, an Asian cyber-espionage group carried out a massive global hacking campaign, compromising the critical infrastructure of some 37 foreign governments, according to a new report. The primary targets were government departments and ministries, including those pertaining to trade, natural resources, border control and diplomacy. The operation also affected one country's parliament and multiple national police organizations. Its methods, targets and scale of operations are alarming, with potential long-term consequences for national security and key services, Palo Alto Networks, a cybersecurity firm, said in a lengthy report published on Thursday. Espionage seems to have been the main motivation for the attacks, as hackers regularly sought access to email communications, Pete Renals, the director of national security programs with Unit 42, the firms threat intelligence division, told Bloomberg. The U.S. government was not affected by the campaign, but the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency said it is aware of the attacks and is collaborating with partners to patch up any existing vulnerabilities. open image in gallery An Asian cyber-spy group has hacked into critical infrastructure of 37 foreign governments, according to a new report ( Getty/iStock ) The groups activity referred to as Shadow Campaigns was first identified by Palo Alto Networks in early 2025, amid the investigation of several phishing campaigns against European governments. The firms subsequent probe revealed the group had been active since January 2024. While the firm stopped short of naming a specific country, it said the hacks originated from a state-aligned group that operates out of Asia. It based this conclusion on the use of language settings, certain regional tools and the hacking of assets that align with events and intelligence of interest to the region. One campaign took place after the Czech president Petr Pavel met with the Dalai Lama who has been condemned as a separatist by the Chinese government. The campaign is the largest cyber-espionage operation conducted by a state-aligned group since the SolarWinds breach in 2020, according to Axios. Among the nations impacted were Mexico, Brazil, Germany, Italy, India, Indonesia, Japan and Mongolia. A total of 70 state-aligned organizations were compromised. open image in gallery The government of the Czech Republic was targeted in the hacking campaign, which came months after President Petr Pavel met with the Dalai Lama, according to the report ( AFP via Getty Images ) Hackers targeted Brazils Ministry of Mines and Energy, per Palo Alto Networks. The South American nation is believed to have one of the worlds largest supplies of rare earth minerals. As Asian companies tighten their global control on these resources, the U.S. has begun looking to Brazil for alternative sourcing, the firm said. Two of Mexicos ministries were affected in hacks likely related to global trade agreements, while government infrastructure in Panama was also impacted. Perhaps the most pronounced reconnaissance occurred on Oct. 31, 2025, when we observed connections to at least 200 IP addresses hosting Government of Honduras infrastructure, the firm said. This activity came just days before the countrys election, which featured candidates who favored returning to diplomatic relations with Taiwan. Last year, the group reportedly also ramped up its focus on European nations, applying a concerted effort towards Germany over the summer. Nearly 500 IP addresses connected to government infrastructure were hit. And, in August, the cyber group zeroed in on the Czech Republic after its president met with the Dalai Lama in India. Months later, after it was reported that Petr Pavel would attend the religious leaders 90th birthday gala, another round of scanning targeted the presidents website. The Shadow Campaigns are also believed to have compromised state entities in Cyprus, Greece, Poland, Portugal and Serbia. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Elon Musk, leader of the Trump administration's now-disbanded Department of Government Efficiency, must sit for depositions along with senior State Department officials over their role in dismantling the U.S. Agency for International Development, a federal judge ruled Tuesday. Pointing to findings that Musk had made the decision to break up USAID one of the world's largest humanitarian programs despite lacking formal authority or official approval District Judge Theodore Chuang wrote that there was "no alternative" than for Musk and other officials to provide testimony regarding their decision-making process. The ruling represents a win for a group of anonymous former USAID employees who are suing Musk, DOGE and State Department officials over the closure. The depositions mean Musk must give sworn oral testimony over his role in the USAID's destruction. Following Donald Trump's 2024 election victory, he appointed Musk to lead DOGE, with a brief to advise on gutting federal departments and firing staff deemed a massive waste. At the time, Trump vowed that Musk, along with venture capitalist Vivek Ramaswamy, would "pave the way for my administration to dismantle government bureaucracy, slash excess regulations, cut wasteful expenditures, and restructure federal agencies. This resulted in the rapid closure of USAID, a 63-year-old institution credited with saving 91 million lives, including 30 million children, in just the past two decades. DOGEs closure of USAID could cause more than 14 million additional deaths by 2030, experts have warned ( AFP/Getty ) Musk described USAID as a criminal organization and a radical-left political psy op. DOGE shuttered USAID in July 2025, closing at least 80 per cent of its programmes, and with all remaining activity being absorbed by the State Department. The agency, which was created by an act of Congress under President John F. Kennedys administration in 1961, had a workforce of 10,000, managed some $43bn in appropriations authorized by Congress and assisted approximately 130 countries with disaster relief and economic development in 2023. The Trump administration's closure of the program immediately drew sharp criticism from around the world, including by former Presidents Barack Obama, who described it as "a travesty and a tragedy, and George W. Bush, who highlighted the enormous role USAID has played in cutting deaths from HIV and AIDS. The resulting aid cuts could cause more than 14 million additional deaths by 2030, according to a warning published by researchers in the Lancet medical journal last year. Last year, Senator Amy Klobuchar called the move reckless and dangerous. Shutting down USAID is not about efficiencyits about undermining Americas global leadership. USAID counters extremism, fights diseases, and creates more markets for U.S. exports, she said. In Tuesday's ruling, Judge Chuang said: "The court finds that extraordinary circumstances justify the depositions." He wrote that this is due to the plaintiffs' "allegation that Musk made certain decisions relating to the shutdown and dismantling of USAID at times when he lacked the authority to do so and at times when there was no duly authorised official who approved or ratified the decisions". The Independent has contacted the State Department for comment. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The U.S. Justice Department released millions of files related to the case of convicted pedophile Jeffrey Epstein on Friday, shedding further light on his expansive network of high profile figures. The latest dump expected to be the last contains some three million pages, including 180,000 images and some 2,000 videos attached to the case. It brings the total to 3.5m documents released. Initial findings include the shocking revelation that Epstein may have fathered a child around 15 years ago, as well asemails from Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the former British prince, inviting Epstein to Buckingham Palace years after the financier was convicted of sex crimes. Peter Mandelson, the former British ambassador to the U.S., resigned from the Labour Party on Sunday after more of his correspondence with Epstein emerged. He said he believed claims that Epstein sent him tens of thousands of dollars years ago were false and would need investigating. Messages from billionaire Elon Musk asked Epstein when his wildest party would be and discussed visiting his notorious island. It is unclear whether Musk, who is not accused of wrongdoing, ever visited. And in other emails, Epstein made allegations Bill Gates had engaged in extra marital affairs. A spokesperson for Gates vehemently denied the absurd allegations. open image in gallery Documents included in the US Department of Justice release of the Jeffrey Epstein files (Jon Elswick/AP) ( AP ) Theres no suggestion that appearing in the files implies wrongdoing. People who have appeared in previous releases have denied any illicit behaviour in relation to Epstein. Below we look at the main revelations so far. Epstein allegedly fathered a secret child An email to the pedophile financier from Sarah Ferguson, the ex-wife of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor (formerly Prince Andrew), appears to suggest he had fathered a secret child around 15 years ago. Dont know if youre still on this bbm but have heard from The Duke that you have had a baby boy, she allegedly wrote on September 21, 2011, according to DOJ files seen by The Telegraph. The email continues: Even though you never kept in touch, I still am here with love, friendship, and congratualtions [sic] on your baby boy. Sarah xx. In another email released by the DOJ and seen by The Sun, Fergie allegedly mentioned the boy again and complained that she had been deeply hurt by Epsteins lack of contact with her. You have disappeared. I did not even know you were having a baby, she allegedly wrote. It was sooooo crystal clear to me that you were only friends with me to get to Andrew. And that really hurt me deeply. More than you will know. Epstein is not known to have fathered any children but, if Fergusons alleged claims are true, the pedophiles child would now nearly be 15-years-old. The Independent has contacted Sarah Ferguson for comment. The former Prince Andrew invited Epstein to Buckingham Palace open image in gallery Pictures appear to show Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor crouched over an unidentified woman ( US Department of Justice/PA Wire ) Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor invited Epstein to Buckingham Palace for dinner and lots of privacy years after the financier was convicted, the new documents suggest. In one email, Andrew said that he was travelling to London, where Epstein was staying. He told Epstein: "We could have dinner at Buckingham Palace and lots of privacy". Epstein responded: "Already in london [sic]. what time woudl [sic] you like me and we will also need/ have private time." It is not clear whether a meeting at the palace took place. The Independent has approached Buckingham Palace for comment. The latest release also included pictures that appeared to feature Andrew poised on all fours over a woman on the floor. It is unclear where and when the photos were taken, and the womans identity is masked. In another message that appeared to be sent to Andrew, Epstein offered to introduce the then prince to a clever, beautiful and trustworthy Russian woman named Irina, who was 26. Trump discussed often - and Epstein was asked about visit to Mar-a-Lago in 2012 open image in gallery Ghislaine Maxwell and Donald Trump are shown in an image released by the Department of Justice ( DOJ ) The newly published files included hundreds of documents that mention Trump, many of which were collections of media reports. One file details what appeared to be internal emails by federal investigators looking into salacious accusations involving the president and Epstein. The emails, from August 2025, give no indication that any claims had been substantiated. Investigators said several of the accusers were deemed not credible. Another message, whose sender and recipient were both redacted, reads, "What does JE think of going to Mar-a-Lago after xmas instead of his island?" referring to Trump's Florida club. The message is from 2012, years after Trump said the two men had stopped socialising. Trump has denied any knowledge of Epstein's crimes. But the scandal has dogged him for months, in part because he promised to release the files during his 2024 presidential campaign, then reneged after taking office. Elon Musk asked about wild parties on Little St. James open image in gallery An email exchange from 2013 showed Elon Musk and Epstein coordinating a time for the tech CEO to visit Little Saint James ( Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) Elon Musk and Epstein discussed visits to Little St. James several times, including in 2012, in which Musk asked Epstein: What day/night will be the wildest party on your island? In a 2013 email exchange between Elon Musk and Epstein, the two went back and forth about scheduling a time in January for Musk to visit the island. In the document, Musk wrote to Epstein on Christmas Day in 2013: Actually, I could fly back early on the 3rd. We will be in St Bart's. When should we head to your island on the 2nd? It is not clear whether Musk ultimately visited. Musk responded on Saturday on his X social media platform that he had been "well aware that some email correspondence with him could be misinterpreted and used by detractors to smear my name." "No one pushed harder than me to have the Epstein files released and Im glad that has finally happened," Musk wrote. "I had very little correspondence with Epstein and declined repeated invitations to go to his island or fly on his 'Lolita Express.' Bill Gates denies Epstein claims of affair open image in gallery A spokesperson for Bill Gates vehemently denied the claims made in the latest release of files ( Reuters ) Bill Gates has strongly denied claims in the files that he had engaged in extramarital sex. Epstein made the allegation in a drafted 225-word email he sent to himself on July 18, 2013, with the subject line: bill. He wrote that, as an associate of Gates, he had been asked to do things that were potentially over the line into the illegal. He added that Gates and his then-wife, Melinda Gates, had been caught up in a severe marital dispute and that he had helped facilitate illicit trysts for the billionaire. A spokesperson for Bill Gates 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. Epstein sent 10,000 to Lord Mandelsons husband open image in gallery Former US ambassador Lord Mandelson has offered an apology to the victims of Jeffrey Epstein (Jeff Overs/BBC/PA) ( PA Media ) According to the latest documents, Lord Mandelsons husband, Reinaldo Avila da Silva, emailed Epstein in 2009 to ask him for money to attend the British School of Osteopathy and fund other related expenses. The emails show that da Silva set out the costs of the course to Epstein, with one referring to a 10,000 payment, made two months after Epsteins release from prison. Epstein told Mr da Silva: I will wire your loan amount immediatedy (sic). Just a brief note to thank you for the money which arrived in my account this morning, Mr da Silva later replied. Last year, Lord Mandelson was sacked from his role as UK ambassador to the US following mounting pressure over his ties to Epstein. On Friday, he issued a statement apologising to the victims of Epstein. He insisted he was ignorant of Epsteins crimes and learned the actual truth about him after his death. Emails also suggest that Lord Mandelson gave Epstein advance notice of a 500 billion bailout from the EU to save the Euro, a deal made by EU finance ministers in May 2010 amid concerns the Greek debt crisis could spread through the Eurozone. The evening before, Epstein apparently emailed Lord Mandelson, who was business secretary and de facto deputy prime minister at the time: sources tell me 500 b euro bailout , almost complete. Lord Mandelson apparently replied: "Sd be announced tonight." Emails separately appeared to suggest that Lord Mandelson forwarded internal government information to Epstein when he was Gordon Browns business secretary and deputy. The former British government minister resigned as a member of Labour Party after new reports emerged about his ties to disgraced U.S. financier Jeffrey Epstein, media reported on Sunday. Mandelson said he did not wish to cause further embarrassment to the Labour Party, according to the reports. I have been further linked this weekend to the understandable furore surrounding Jeffrey Epstein and I feel regretful and sorry about this, Mandelson said in a letter to the Labour Party, reported by the BBC and other news organisations. Mandelson said he believed allegations that Epstein made financial payments to him were false and that he would investigate them. While doing this, I do not wish to cause further embarrassment to the Labour Party and I am therefore stepping down from membership of the party, the letter said. Mandelson was a key figure in the Labour Partys electoral success during Tony Blairs premiership, which began in the 1990s. He came under renewed scrutiny last year after U.S. lawmakers released documents that included a letter in which he referred to Epstein as my best pal, leading to his dismissal as Britains envoy in Washington. Epstein hassled friends for a meeting with Putin open image in gallery Epstein apparently sought an audience with Vladimir Putin ( Sputnik ) Jeffrey Epstein spent years trying to meet with Russian leader Vladimir Putin, according to the aggregated files. The Russian president is mentioned 1,055 times in the updated Epstein library. Many of the items only refer to Putin tangentially, such as in media bulletins sent to Epsteins email address. But over the years, the financier repeatedly discussed his hopes of meeting Putin with Thorbjorn Jagland, the former prime minister of Norway, who met with the Russian leader in his capacity as the secretary general of the Council of Europe. In spring 2013, Epstein told Ehud Barak, the former Israeli prime minister, that he was hoping to meet Putin for the first time that June to discuss how Russia could encourage Western investment. It was unclear whether they ever did meet to talk business. Email correspondence each year until 2018 suggests Epstein tried to set up meetings, or even invited Putin over for dinner through their mutual contacts. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice An ethics watchdog is sounding the alarm after a Trump administration official overseeing mineral innovation hawked diamond jewelry in a retail catalog. Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, which describes itself as an organization fighting for American democracy with an "aim to build a government that is accountable, transparent and ethical," filed a complaint last week focused on the jewelry ad. The complaint urges the Energy Department's inspector general to investigate Trice Jewelers catalog ads featuring Assistant Secretary of Energy Audrey Robertson. She oversees the agency's Office of Critical Minerals and Energy Innovation. The ad features a photo of Robertson decked out in several pieces of diamond jewelry and her dog. Larger images of the jewelry on offer surround the photo, including an 18-karat white gold diamond necklace with a $14,200 price tag. In addition to the images, there's a short quote from Robertson about her favorite jewelry and a biographical blurb about her that mentions her title. open image in gallery An ethics watchdog has filed a complaint over the appearance of Assistant Secretary of Energy Audrey Robertson, a Trump administration official, in a jewelry ad, noting that it uses Robertson's official title in its copy ( screengrab/Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee ) "Ethics rules prohibit executive branch officials from using their public office and official title for private gain, including for the endorsement of any product or enterprise," the CREW complaint says. The complaint goes on to say that "Robertsons appearance in the catalog, coupled with the biographical information specifically identifying her title and position at the Department of Energy, implies that her support of this private jeweler was made in her official capacity and backed by the weight of the federal government." An Energy Department spokesperson told Government Executive that the ad was an "oversight that has since been addressed." "The appearance was an unpaid, personal appearance made in her capacity as a private individual, prior to her confirmation. Her title was added by the vendor as a biographical detail, rather than a suggestion of endorsement. Once the error came to the departments attention, Ms Robertson asked the vendor to make a correction," the statement says. "Ms Robertson fully adheres to all ethics requirements and upholds the highest standards of conduct." The Independent has requested comment from the Department of Energy. Despite the response from the Energy Department, CREW is asking the agency's inspector general to determine whether Robertson asked for her title to be included, received any payment for the ad, has any previous relationship with Trice Jewelers, and sought ethics guidance before agreeing to participate in the ad. The ad isn't the first time Trump administration officials including the president himself have been accused of using their positions to endorse products. Last spring, President Donald Trump held a press event in which he publicly said he planned to purchase a Tesla from then-DOGE boss and Tesla CEO Elon Musk. open image in gallery Tesla CEO Elon Musk, left, stands with President Donald Trump outside the White House in 2025. Trump said he planned to buy a Tesla electric vehicle from Musk during the event ( AFP/Getty ) Democratic Senator Chris Murphy described the display as "corruption" at the time. Just because the corruption plays out in public doesnt mean its not corruption, he wrote in a post on X in March. Trumps Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem was sued over her promotion of a Texas dentist on her social media accounts when she was South Dakota Governor. Travelers United, a consumer advocacy group, filed a lawsuit in 2024, accusing Noem of advertis[ing] a product or service without disclosing that she has a financial relationship with that company. The allegations were tied to a video Noem made at the time promoting a dentistry office. Im the governor of South Dakota and had the opportunity to come to Smile Texas to fix my teeth, which has been absolutely amazing, she says in the video. open image in gallery Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem was the subject of a 2024 lawsuit after she appeared in a video promoting a dentists office while serving as the governor of South Dakota ( Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) During his first term, Trump's then-adviser Kellyanne Conway received a warning from the U.S. Office of Government Ethics after she told Americans to "go buy Ivanka's stuff." Her comment referenced a clothing line operated by Trump's daughter, Ivanka. "Go buy Ivanka's stuff," Conway said at the time. "I own some of it. I fully I'm going to just, going to give a free commercial here. Go buy it today, everybody. You can find it online. After receiving complaints from Democrats and ethics watchdogs, the office "concluded that Ms Conway acted inadvertently and is highly unlikely to do so again." For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Idaho officials violated the U.S. and state constitutions when they pushed a public school teacher to take down a classroom banner that featured the words Everyone is Welcome Here and hands with various skin tones, according to a federal lawsuit. In the suit, filed Tuesday, former Lewis & Clark Middle School teacher Sarah Inama alleges school officials told her to remove the banner in 2025, even though it had adorned her classroom for years without complaint. That all changed in early 2025, the lawsuit alleges, as the West Ada School District in Meridian prepared for the likely passage of HB 41, a state law that outlawed most political and ideological displays in classrooms. Inama said school officials approached her in early February of that year and insisted she take the banner down, explaining that the message of the poster was an opinion that not everyone agrees with. Inama said she told her principal that such thinking sounds racist, and he allegedly responded, I know its a bummer. open image in gallery School officials allegedly told an Idaho teacher that a banner saying all students were welcome would violate a state law outlawing ideological displays in classrooms ( Getty Images/iStockphoto ) The sixth-grade teacher initially took down the sign, but returned it to her classroom later that month, after students reached out, wondering why she had removed it. In an email, she told the principal she would die to know that any students felt like I had changed my stance. School officials then allegedly accused Inama of insubordination. In a February 13 meeting about the issue, a top district official allegedly explained something along the lines of, What may not have had a political message in the past could be one now, according to notes from the exchange. [The] [m]oment we present a political or personal belief we violate the lawthe color of the hands is crossing the political boundary. The dispute over the sign soon became a local and national news story. open image in gallery Idaho Attorney General Raul Labrador wrote an op-ed last year accusing the banner of being part of a woke campaign to force DEI on students ( Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) In March of 2025, students, administrators, and members of the public protested in support of Inama and drew imagery reminiscent of the sign outside district offices in a Chalk the Walk demonstration. By May, Inama announced her resignation. It is extremely disturbing and embarrassing to see a district prioritize appeasing individuals with racist perspectives over celebrating the diversity and beauty of all our students, she wrote in a resignation letter. In July, Idaho Attorney General Raul Labrador wrote in a Fox News op-ed that the state stood against woke attempts at indoctrination like Inamas sign. Labrador, a Republican, claimed the sign was linked to a broader ecosystem of political resistance groups launched in protest of the political rise of President Donald Trump and alleged the sign was part of a left-wing movement that transformed learning spaces into venues for DEI messaging disguised as inclusion. open image in gallery States across the country have sought to remove iconography tied to social causes from classrooms, such as Pride flags ( Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) Inama bought her sign in 2021 at an arts and crafts store in a pack, along with other motivational materials like a sign reading, [I]n this room everyone is welcome, important, accepted, respected, encouraged, valued, equal. The suit names the Idaho State Board of Education, Idaho Department of Education, Attorney General Labrador, and school district officials. The Independent has contacted these parties for comment. The West Ada School District and Idaho Department of Education told The Independent they do not comment on pending litigation. The complaint seeks damages and a declaration that the state law in question violates the U.S. and state constitutions. The ACLU has criticized HB 41, which became law in March 2025, comparing it to censorship. Throughout the Trump era, conservative-leaning states have passed laws banning what they see as improper ideological displays in classrooms, including Pride flags. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A federal judge has indicated he is likely to once again dismiss Donald Trumps attempt to overturn his hush money conviction, sharply criticising his legal team for what he described as "taking two bites at the apple." Judge Alvin K. Hellerstein, tasked by an appeals court to re-evaluate the matter, displayed a mix of questioning and disbelief during nearly three hours of arguments. Trump is seeking to transfer his case from the state court where he was tried to a federal jurisdiction, where he could then petition for its dismissal on grounds of presidential immunity. Throughout the proceedings in a Manhattan federal court, Judge Hellerstein frequently challenged Trumps lawyer, Jeffrey Wall. The judge suggested the entire endeavour was futile because Trumps legal team had waited too long after the historic May 2024 verdict to seek relief in federal court. He stated he would issue a ruling at a later date. Judge Hellerstein acknowledged that a US Supreme Court ruling, issued approximately a month after the verdict, which stipulated that presidents cannot be prosecuted for official acts, had introduced unprecedented legal questions previously unaddressed by the courts. However, he emphasised that the high courts decision made clear that "a president is not above the law." In November, the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals instructed Judge Hellerstein to reconsider his earlier decision that kept the New York case in state court. A three-judge panel found that his September 2025 ruling had failed to consider "important issues relevant" to Trumps request to move the case, though they offered no opinion on how he should ultimately rule. Trump was not present at Wednesdays arguments. Following the hearing, Judge Hellerstein thanked both Wall and Steven Wu, a lawyer from the Manhattan district attorneys office, for their "very provocative arguments." The district attorney's office, which prosecuted the case, is advocating for it to remain in state court. Trump was convicted in state court in May 2024 on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records. This was in connection with concealing a hush money payment to adult film actor Stormy Daniels, whose allegations of an affair with Trump threatened to derail his 2016 presidential campaign. He received an unconditional discharge, meaning his conviction stands but he faced no further punishment. Trump denies Daniels claim and maintains his innocence, having already appealed the conviction to a state appellate court. Trump was convicted in state court in May 2024 on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records. This was in connection with concealing a hush money payment to adult film actor Stormy Daniels ( REUTERS ) Judge Hellerstein interrupted Wall almost immediately as Wednesdays arguments commenced, interjecting his thoughts and questions and telling the lawyer, "I think I have to quarrel with you a bit" regarding the sequence of events following Trumps May 2024 conviction. The judge took issue with the decisions made by Trumps legal team after the Supreme Court ruling. Instead of promptly seeking to move the case to federal court, Trumps lawyers initially asked the trial judge, Juan Merchan, to dismiss the verdict on immunity grounds. Wall contended that Trumps lawyers faced a time constraint after the Supreme Courts 1 July 2024 ruling, as Mr Trump's sentencing was scheduled just 10 days later. Wall suggested that had Mr Trumps lawyers attempted to bring the case to federal court at that point, the district attorneys office might have criticised it as premature. Trumps lawyers did not ask Judge Hellerstein to intervene until nearly two months later. The judge on Wednesday labelled this a "strategic decision" and implied that by first pursuing remedies in state court, Trumps lawyers forfeited his right to seek relief in federal court. "No, your honour," Wall responded. "It is what any sensible litigant would do" in such a situation. "Not so," Judge Hellerstein retorted. "That is a decision on your part. You didnt have to do that. You could have come right to the federal court. Just by filing a notice of removal, there would be no sentencing." Trumps lawyers "made a choice," Judge Hellerstein concluded, "and you sought two bites at the apple." Typically, such a request must be made within 30 days of an arraignment, though a federal appeals court in Washington, D.C. has ruled that exceptions can be made if "good cause" is demonstrated. Wu concurred, stating that Walls argument "confirms this was a strategic choice by the defendants." He added that Trumps lawyers were aware they could have simultaneously submitted arguments or a letter to Judge Merchan while still attempting to transfer the case to federal court. Previous rulings, Mr Wu noted, have made it clear that "you cannot go to state court and when youre unhappy, then go to federal court." Judge Hellerstein, who was nominated by Democratic President Bill Clinton, has twice previously denied Trumps requests to move the case. The first instance was after Trumps March 2023 indictment; the second was the post-verdict ruling that was the subject of Wednesdays hearing. In that earlier ruling, Judge Hellerstein stated that Trumps lawyers had failed to meet the stringent burden of proof required for changing jurisdiction and that Trumps conviction for falsifying business records pertained to his personal life, not official actions that the Supreme Court has deemed immune from prosecution. The 2nd Circuit panel noted that Judge Hellersteins ruling, which echoed his pre-trial denial, "did not consider whether certain evidence admitted during the state court trial relates to immunized official acts or, if so, whether evidentiary immunity transformed" the hush money case into one concerning official acts. The three judges instructed Judge Hellerstein to meticulously review any evidence Trump claims relates to official acts. Should Judge Hellerstein determine that the prosecution relied on evidence of official acts, the judges advised him to consider whether Trump can argue those actions were undertaken as part of his White House duties, whether Trump "diligently sought" to have the case moved to federal court, and whether the case can even be transferred to federal court now that Trump has been convicted and sentenced in state court. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice New York is expected to become the fourteenth state to legalize medically assisted death in the United States, upon receiving Governor Kathy Hochuls signature this week. The Medical Aid In Dying Act, which was passed by the New York state legislature last year, provides legal language to allow terminally-ill, mentally-competent people who are given less than six months to live to request life-ending medication. For more than 10 years, state lawmakers have sought to legalize medically assisted death in New York, allowing terminally ill people to die with dignity. It isnt about ending a persons life, but shortening their death, then-New York state Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal told reporters last year. Hoylman-Sigal introduced the bill but was elected Manhattan Borough President in November, before the bill was enacted. Although the state legislature passed the bill last year, Hochul had wavered on signing it to negotiate additional guardrails. In December, the governor announced she would sign the bill after reaching a deal to require patients participate in a five-day waiting period, mandatory mental health evaluations, in-person physician evaluation, elect a person other than someone who may benefit financially from their death serve as a witness to the request and more. New York Governor Kathy Hochul agreed to sign New York's medically-assisted death bill with stricter regulations around who can qualify ( Getty Images ) The governor, who said she plans to sign the bill, has until Friday at midnight to enact it. It will take effect six months later. Although this was an incredibly difficult decision, I ultimately determined that with the additional guardrails agreed upon with the legislature, this bill would allow New Yorkers to suffer lessto shorten not their lives, but their deaths, Hochul said in December. Hochul asked for the six-month extension to give the state Department of Health to place regulations around the medication and process while ensuring healthcare facilities can properly train staff. Medically-assisted death is largely favored in the U.S. A 2024 Gallup poll found that 71 percent of people believe doctors should be allowed by law to end a patients life in a painless way if it meets the patients request. Last year, a group commissioned to conduct a poll of New Yorkers feelings toward medically assisted death, End of Life Choice New York, found that 68 percent supported the legislation. While support varied on demographic, people of all races and political affiliation largely supported the law. New York will join California, Colorado, Delaware, Washington D.C., Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Vermont and Washington in legalizing medically assisted death. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A Republican senator has voiced strong opposition to plans by the Trump administration to establish a new Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facility in Mississippi, citing concerns over local infrastructure and economic impact. Sen. Roger Wicker informed Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem on Wednesday that he opposed the proposed acquisition of a warehouse in Byhalia, Mississippi, which the administration intends to convert into a federal immigration detention center. In a letter to Noem, Wicker stated, "While I support the enforcement of immigration law, I write to express my opposition to this acquisition and the proposed detention center." The facility, if opened, would reportedly house more than 8,500 detainees. Wicker highlighted that Byhalia lacks the necessary medical and human services infrastructure to support such a large population. He also noted that the site is already designated for economic development, which would bring job creation and private investment opportunities to the area. The senior Mississippi representative in the U.S. Senate argued that opening a detention center would hinder these economic growth prospects. "Many of my constituents have voiced concerns regarding the public safety, medical capacity, and economic impacts this center would impose on their communities," Wicker added. "Proceeding with this acquisition without adequately addressing these issues disregards community input." The Department of Homeland Security, which oversees federal immigration, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. As of last month, ICE held over 70,000 detainees across more than 200 facilities, with the Byhalia site aligning with President Donald Trump's objective to increase immigration detentions. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A U.S. senator sent a cryptic letter to the head of the Central Intelligence Agency, conveying alarm about the agencys operations. On Wednesday, Sen. Ron Wyden an Oregon Democrat who serves on the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence posted a brief letter addressed to CIA Director John Ratcliffe, drawing his attention to an earlier classified message. I write to alert you to a classified letter I sent you earlier today, in which I express deep concerns about CIA activities, Wyden wrote. Thank you for your attention to this important matter. Its not clear what activities whether at home or abroad Wyden was referring to. A representative for his office did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Independent. During recent congressional briefings, CIA earned bicameral, bipartisan praise for its historic contributions and widespread recognition of the Agencys exceptional performance under Director Ratcliffe, CIA Spokesperson Liz Lyons told The Independent. Ironic but unsurprising that Senator Wyden is unhappy. Badge of honor. open image in gallery Senator Ron Wyden, an Oregon Democrat, sent a cryptic letter to the head of the CIA, citing his 'deep concerns' about the agency's activities ( Getty ) Wyden, who was first elected in 1996, has long been an outspoken critic of the Trump administration. Last month, he asked the 79-year-old Republican president to provide information about a Rolex watch and gold bar he accepted from a European businessman last year. Hes also accused federal immigration agents of lawless behavior amidst the presidents immigration crackdown. His newly released letter comes after a series of developments within the intelligence community. Late last month, CNN reported that the Trump administration plans to establish a permanent CIA presence in Venezuela, following the U.S. military operation that captured deposed President Nicolas Maduro. In October, the president authorized the agency to conduct covert operations in the Latin American nation. open image in gallery The brief letter was sent to Ratcliffe on Wednesday ( Ron Wyden ) Shortly after Maduros ouster, Ratcliffe a former Texas congressman, who served as Trumps director of national intelligence during his first term met with interim Venezuelan President Delcy Rodriguez in Caracas for a two-hour meeting. And, on Monday, The Wall Street Journal reported that DNI Tulsi Gabbard faces a whistleblower complaint which is so classified that officials debated over how to properly inform Congress. The disclosure of the complaint, which is being kept in a safe, could trigger grave damage to national security, one unnamed official told the outlet. Members of Congress have since been provided with a redacted version of the complaint against Gabbard. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Donald Trumps demands for Republican officials to nationalize elections have animated far-right media that has thrived for years on the presidents bogus narratives of stolen and rigged outcomes in contests he didnt win. Now, his former adviser Steve Bannon claims federal immigration officers will surround the polls in midterm elections this fall, dovetailing the presidents election threats with the administrations efforts to deport millions of people, a campaign that has paralyzed Democratic-led cities across the country. Youre damn right were going to have ICE surround the polls come November, Bannon said on his War Room podcast Tuesday. Were not going to sit here and allow you to steal the country again. And you can whine and cry and throw your toys out of the pram all you want, but we will never again allow an election to be stolen. Trumps surge of federal immigration officers into Democratic-led cities has terrorized people including citizens and other legal residents into staying home and forced schools and restaurants to close over fears of wrongful arrest or racial profiling. Democrats and voting rights advocates fear that a threat of ICE surrounding polling places could similarly suppress voter turnout. open image in gallery Steve Bannon told his War Room podcast listeners that the Trump administration will send ICE to surround the polls in midterm elections ( AFP via Getty Images ) White House chief of staff Susie Wiles dismissed any suggestion that Trump would deploy federal officers or the military to the polls as categorically false in a recent interview with Vanity Fair. Under the Constitution, state and local authorities are responsible for administering elections, not the federal government. Lets put you on notice again: ICE is going to be around the polls in the 2026 midterm elections, Bannon said. His remarks echo a conspiracy theory that Democratic officials are relying on illegal votes cast by ineligible immigrants, the so-called great replacement theory that has taken root in Republican politics and Trumps anti-immigration agenda. One day earlier, Trump told former FBI official Dan Bongino, These people were brought to our country to vote and they vote illegally. Amazing that the Republicans arent tougher on it, he said. The Republicans should say, We want to take over. He said Republican officials should take over the voting in at least 15 places and nationalize voting in defiance of the Constitution because those places are so crooked. open image in gallery Trumps election threats have alarmed Democrats and voting rights advocates who fear the president will employ voter intimidation and undermine election outcomes with the balance of power in Congress at stake this fall ( Getty Images ) Trump doubled down on his comments to nationalize election administration during an Oval Office press conference that afternoon. If you think about it, a state is an agent for the federal government in elections, Trump said. I dont know why the federal government doesnt do them anyway. He suggested his administration should do something if states are not honest about their elections. Trump pointed to Detroit, Philadelphia and Atlanta cities with large Black populations that lean Democratic as too corrupt to hold their own elections. Trump lost their respective states in the 2020 presidential election. Look at some of the places that horrible corruption on elections and the federal government should not allow that. The federal government should get involved, Trump said. These are agents of the federal government to count the vote. If they cant count the vote legally and honestly, then somebody else should take over. Election officials nationwide are sounding the alarm over the presidents latest threats ahead of midterm elections, with the balance of power in Congress and the future of Trumps remaining years in office at stake. Republicans are struggling to hold on to a razor-thin majority in the House of Representatives, and the president has publicly feared a wave of impeachment proceedings against him should Democrats win control. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Approximately 50,000 federal workers in policy-influencing positions will lose specific protections against firings and become more at-will employees in the next month, per a new Trump administration rule announced Thursday. The new rule, published by the Office of Personnel Management, will move senior career civil servants in confidential, policy-determining, policy-making or policy-advocating positions into the Schedule Policy/Career category, formerly known as Schedule F. Going forward, federal workers in those roles will lose their ability to appeal firings, suspensions or disciplinary action to an independent board. Administration officials can dismiss those employees if they engage in misconduct, poor performance or obstruct the democratic process by intentionally subverting Presidential directives. An official familiar with the matter said the administration would not discipline employees based on their political affiliation nor who they voted for. In issuing its new rule, the Office of Personnel Management dismissed concerns that the new directive would pressure current employees to align themselves with the presidents political beliefs or suppress speech. open image in gallery Career civil servants in senior policy-making roles will no longer benefit from protections against firings, per a new Office of Personnel Management directive ( Getty Images ) Scott Kupor, the director of the Office of Personnel Management, said the new policy would hold federal workers more accountable. No longer will individuals in these policy making roles be able to execute their own priorities, but rather will be accountable to the will of the American people, as enforced by the policies promulgated by the duly-elected president, Kupor said. The new rule aligns with Trumps executive order Reforming the Federal Hiring Process and Restoring Merit to Government Service. The American Federation of Government Employees, the largest union representing non-postal federal workers, said in a statement that the rule would chill protected speech and weaken enforceable protections against retaliation. This rule is a direct assault on a professional, nonpartisan, merit-based civil service and the government services the American people rely on every day, AFGE President Everett Kelley said. open image in gallery Trump tasked billionaire tech executive Elon Musk with making recommendations to drastically reduce the federal workforce ( Getty Images ) When people see turmoil and controversy in Washington, they dont ask for more politics in government, they ask for competence and professionalism. OPM is doing the opposite. Theyre rebranding career public servants as policy employees, silencing whistleblowers, and replacing competent professionals with political flunkies without any neutral, independent protections against politicization and arbitrary abuse of power, Kelley added. Democracy Forward, a litigation nonprofit, said in a statement they would sue the Trump administration for the rule change. Since returning to the White House last year, the president has sought to restrain the federal workforce by making more employees at-will and conducting mass firings. Trump and his allies have at times characterized federal employees as the deep state, infringing on his agenda. More than 300,000 federal workers have left the government since last year through buyouts, early retirement offers, firings, reduction-in-force and department closures. The Office of Personnel Management did not specify which jobs would be directly impacted by the new rule. It is expected to take effect in 30 days. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice President Donald Trump issued a proclamation recognizing February as Black History Month by acknowledging prominent Black Americans contributions to U.S. history but notably missing was mention of Black Americans own complicated history. In the Tuesday proclamation, Trump began by first celebrating the U.S.s upcoming 250th birthday and declaring that black history is not distinct from American history. This month, however, we do not celebrate our differences. Instead, we celebrate the contributions of black Americans to our national greatness and their enduring commitment to the American principles of liberty, justice, and equality the principles that wrested the Western Hemisphere from monarchies and empires, ended slavery, saved Europe, put a man on the moon, and built the freest, most just, and most prosperous society ever known to mankind, Trump wrote. The message made no mention of Black Americans fight to secure freedom from slavery, the countrys enduring racial inequality, or the long history of discrimination in the U.S., similar to the presidents proclamation last year. This years proclamation was posted on the White Houses website but not emailed, as most presidential proclamations are. It was also made on February 3, whereas previous years have been made on January 31 or February 1. Its unclear why. open image in gallery Last year, Trump held an event acknowledging Black History Month at the end of February while also dismantling DEI policies in the government ( Getty Images ) Since returning to the White House, Trump has led an effort to rid the countrys institutions of diversity, equity and inclusion programs and reframe U.S. history in a more positive light by deemphasizing slavery. Last year, Trump signed an executive order directing his administration to conduct a review of national monuments, historical cites and museums that cast the U.S. founding principles and historical milestones in a negative light. As a result, dozens of exhibits displaying the brutality of slavery, detailing the history of racial inequality and pointing to contradictions from leaders have been removed from galleries, museums and more. In August, the president railed against the Smithsonian Institution for focusing on how bad slavery was instead of the brightness or future of America. The Trump administration conducted a review of the museum and demanded that it comply with its request for it to remove narratives that portray American and Western values as inherently harmful and oppressive or risk losing funding. Last month, a judge ordered the administration to preserve historical artifacts about slavery that the National Park Service removed from the Presidents House in Philadelphia because they did not align with the presidents agenda. open image in gallery The Trump administration ordered a review of the Smithsonian Institute which the president asserted highlighted 'how bad slavery was' instead of focusing on the future of the country ( Getty Images ) The Department of the Interior has defended its review, saying its following the presidents executive order Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History. The National Park Service told media outlets last year, "Interpretive materials that disproportionately emphasize negative aspects of U.S. history or historical figures, without acknowledging broader context or national progress, can unintentionally distort understanding rather than enrich it. The presidents 2026 Black History Month proclamation highlighted the contributions of Frederick Douglas, Harriet Tubman, Lemuel Haynes and Phillis Wheatley. It also recognized Prince Estabook as the first black man to shed his blood for our emerging Nation at the Battle of Lexington more than 250 years ago. Estabrook was an enslaved Black man who fought in the American Revolutionary War. He was fatally wounded during the Battles of Lexington and Concord and died in April 1775. Some historians cite Crispus Attucks as the first Black man to die for the American Revolution. Attucks, who was mixed race, was shot by British soldiers during the Boston Massacre in March 1770. However, a White House official said the presidents proclamation was intended to highlight the valiant service of Black Americans in the Armed Forces as it looks forward to celebrating Americas 250th anniversary of independence. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Donald Trump has said it "bothers" him that his own party is investigating Bill Clinton over links to Jeffrey Epstein. On Wednesday evening, as fallout from the Department of Justice's latest dump of Epstein files continued, Trump drew ridicule from political analysts after insisting he still likes the former president despite years of political combat between the pair. In an interview with NBC Nightly News anchor Tom Llamas, Trump was asked about House Republicans push to force Bill and Hillary Clinton to testify publicly about their ties to Epstein. The move has triggered a fierce backlash from Democrats, who responded by threatening to subpoena Trump about his own relationship with the disgraced financier. It bothers me that somebody is going after Bill Clinton, Trump said. I like Bill Clinton. I still like Bill Clinton. When Llamas pressed him on what he likes about the former president, Trump replied: I liked his behavior toward me. I thought he got me, he understood me. Bill Clinton and Donald Trump moved in similar social circles prior to Trumps first presidential bid ( Bill Clinton Presidential Library ) The comments come just days after several House Democrats joined Republicans in voting to compel the Clintons testimony, ending months of stalemate on the House Oversight Committee. A lawyer for the Clintons has accused the committee chair, the Republican Representative James Comer, of acting in bad faith to secure the appearance. Trumps warm words for Clinton this week mark a striking contrast with the bitter political clashes that have largely defined their relationship since the 2016 presidential campaign. That included the Trump campaign packing the front row of one of his debates against Hillary Clinton with alleged sexual assault victims of the 42nd president. Before entering politics, Trump frequently praised the Clintons and moved in the same social circles Hillary Clinton even attended Trumps 2005 wedding to Melania. But once the presidential race began, Trump accused Bill Clinton of being one of the great abusers of the world and sparred with Hillary Clinton over the sexism and language he used on the campaign trail. Their postelection interactions have been scarcely less fraught. Although Bill Clinton confirmed that he had called Trump to congratulate him in 2016. The renewed scrutiny of Epsteins sprawling network has now pulled both men back into the spotlight. With the GOP escalating their investigation into the Clintons, and Democrats signaling they may retaliate by hauling Trump before Congress, the former presidents defense of Clinton has prompted ironic mockery. "Well well well. Someone tell Comer that Donald Trump is upset hes going after Bill Clinton," wrote Democratic strategist Adam Parkhomenko on X. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice President Donald Trump has admitted that his administration can use a little bit of a softer touch amid its immigration crackdown after two U.S. citizens were gunned down in the streets of Minneapolis by federal agents last month. In a clip from Trumps pre-SuperBowl interview with NBC News Tom Llamas released Wednesday, the president reflected on the Department of Homeland Security's sprawling immigration operation in Minnesota, which has prompted protests across the country. When asked what he learned from Minneapolis, Trump said, I learned that maybe we could use a little bit of a softer touch. But you still have to be tough. We are dealing with really hard criminals. While the Trump administration claims its going after the worst of the worst in Minnesota, Renee Good, a mother of three, and Alex Pretti, an ICU nurse, were killed in the crackdown. open image in gallery President Donald Trump has admitted that his administration 'can use a little bit of a softer touch' amid its immigration crackdown in Minnesota ( Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images ) Good, 37, was fatally shot by Jonathan Ross, an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent, behind the wheel of her car on January 7. Pretti, also 37, was in a confrontation with Border Patrol agents when he was shot and killed on January 24. The Trump administration has framed both shootings as self-defense, but that justification has been questioned. open image in gallery Chaos in Minneapolis, including the fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens by federal agents last month, has led to nationwide protests ( Scott Olson/Getty Images ) Federal agents in Minnesota have made thousands of arrests in recent weeks, according to DHS. Detainees at a federal building in Minnesota have described inhumane conditions, including denial of food and medical care, according to a recent report from The Minnesota Star Tribune. Amid the turmoil in Minnesota, Trumps border czar Tom Homan announced earlier Wednesday 700 federal agents will be pulled from Minnesota, leaving about 2,000 officers in the state. open image in gallery Trump's comments come after border czar Tom Homan said 700 federal agents will be pulled from Minnesota ( John Moore//Getty Images ) Homan said the drawdown was the result of productive discussions with state and local officials about increasing coordination in a lawful way between the county jails and ICE to avoid public safety threats being released back in the community. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz wrote on X that Homans announcement is a step in the right direction, but we need a faster and larger drawdown of forces. Walz also called for state-led investigations into the killings of Good and Pretti. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey argued that the drawdown is not de-escalation, citing the remaining 2,000 agents. He said the DHS operation in Minnesota has been catastrophic for our residents and businesses. It needs to end immediately. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice After days of speculation over exactly what President Donald Trump meant when he called on Republicans to "take over" American elections, the commander in chief has clarified that he will accept the 2026 midterm results but only if they are "honest." On Wednesday, Trump told NBC News Tom Llamas that he will only accept the results of the 2026 midterm elections if they are "honest," and that if he believes they aren't, then "something else has to happen." He made the comment after Llamas asked him to clarify what he meant when he called to "nationalize" the elections. Under the U.S. Constitution, the states are given the right to oversee elections. The process has limited input from the federal government. I didnt say nationalize, Trump claimed. I said there are some areas in the country that are extremely corrupt. They have very corrupt elections. Take a look at Detroit, Philadelphia, Atlanta. There are some areas that are unbelievably corrupt." Trump provided no evidence to suggest any kind of corruption related to elections was occurring in any of the cities he listed. The cities he listed typically vote for Democrats. open image in gallery President Donald Trump told NBC Nightly News' Tom Llamas that he will only accept the outcome of the 2026 midterm elections if they are 'honest,' and refused to confirm that he will leave office in early 2029 at the end of his second term ( NBC Nightly News ) Further, Trump either forgot or is lying about using the word "nationalize." The Republicans should say, we want to take over, we should take over the voting, the voting in at least many, 15 places," Trump told former deputy director of the FBI Dan Bongino in a podcast Monday. "The Republicans ought to nationalize the voting. After insisting that he hadn't used the word, the president pivoted to talk about voter ID laws and Democratic opposition to the SAVE Act, which, if passed, would require voters to present proof of citizenship before they can cast a vote. "If Democrats dont want voter ID, if they dont want voter ID, that means they want to cheat. We cant allow cheating in elections," Trump said. open image in gallery An election worker processes absentee ballots at State Farm Arena on November 2, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. Atlanta is one of the cities that President Donald Trump called corrupt in February 2026 amid his calls for Republicans to take over national elections ( Getty Images ) During the 2020 election, Trump asked Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger to "find" him more than 11,000 votes. Trumps response focusing on the SAVE Act seems to be in line with current White House messaging. After Trumps calls to nationalize the election were met with outrage from Democrats and mostly silence from congressional Republicans, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt insisted the president was just endorsing the SAVE Act and not supporting the dismantling of states constitutional rights. What the president was referring to is the SAVE Act, which is a huge, common-sense piece of legislation that Republicans have supported, that President Trump is committed to signing into law during his term, Leavitt told reporters. She made her comments on Tuesday, the same day that Trump told reporters that he thought the federal government should "get involved" in the elections due to "corruption." He said that if the states cant count the votes legally and honestly, then somebody else should take over." Look at some of the places that horrible corruption on elections and the federal government should not allow that, he said on Tuesday. The federal government should get involved. Trump echoed many of the same points on Wednesday, telling Llamas that if the states can't conduct an election "honestly, and it cant be done properly and timely, then something else has to happen." open image in gallery President Donald Trump speaks to NBC Nightly News' Tom Llamas during a Wednesday interview. Trump told Llamas that he believed there was 'corruption' in the voting processes of several cities, all of which typically lean towards Democrats in elections ( NBC Nightly News ) Llamas then asked Trump if he would trust the election results if the Republicans lose control of Congress. I will, if the elections are honest, Trump said. Look, I the last one that wants to complain. I just had a great election. They say one of the greatest elections, you will agree, ever. Won all seven swing states, won 84 percent of the counties in America. Thats why the map is all red. We just had a great election. I believe there was cheating. I think there was cheating. But, it was too big to rig. There is no evidence that widespread voter fraud occurred during the 2024 election. The midterms weren't the only elections that came up during the interview. Llamas also asked the president if there was any scenario in which he'd serve a third term. "Wouldn't it be terrible if I gave you the answer that you're looking for? It would make life so much less exciting," Trump said. "I only do this for one reason: Make America Great Again." Under the U.S. Constitution, Trump cannot legally be elected to a third term as president. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Donald Trumps call for the government to nationalize voting has unsurprisingly caused Republicans to have tummyaches, with some of the more establishment types saying it would violate states rights, but others seeming to cheer him on. Trump made his push to nationalize voting on the show of Dan Bongino, who, up until recently, served as his deputy FBI director. Unsurprisingly, he called predominantly Democratic cities like Philadelphia, Atlanta and Detroit too corrupt to hold their own elections. Trumps plan would, needless to say, be a breach of the U.S. Constitution, since states run elections. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt insisted that the president believes in the Constitution. The president believes in the United States Constitution, she said, though she added a caveat. However, he believes there has obviously been a lot of fraud and irregularities that have taken place in American elections. Leavitt said that he specifically was supporting the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act, a Republican piece of legislation that would require voter identification and restrict mail-in ballots. Its long been a priority of Republicans, particularly in the House of Representatives. Rep. Chip Roy of Texas, a member of the hardline House Freedom Caucus, said that the legislation would not violate the principles of federalism. open image in gallery Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas) said the SAVE Act does not clash with Republican belief in states rights. ( Getty ) We have significant federal authority on both of those issues to ensure that citizens are voting, Roy, who is running for Texas attorney general, told The Independent. There's a clear nexus there. We allow for states to continue to do what they want to do for their elections. House Speaker Mike Johnson, ever the facilitator for the president, defended the remarks. What youre hearing from the president is his frustration about the lack of some of the blue states, frankly, of enforcing these things and making sure they are free and fair elections, Johnson told reporters on Tuesday. Johnson would then complain that Republicans in California led their races on election day in 2024, only to lose as mail-in ballots filed in. It looks on its face to be fraudulent, he said. Can I prove that? No." Even if the SAVE Act passed, it would still need to overcome a filibuster in the Senate, which Democrats will inevitably invoke. And Republicans in the Senate say thats unlikely. Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina, who has emerged as a critic of Trump, said he is a co-sponsor of the SAVE Act on the Senate side but did not like nationalization. But nationalizing elections, to me, are as bad now as when I said they were bad when the Democrats tried to do it in 2022, he told The Independent. There's never a good time to nationalize elections. There's never a good time to nuke the filibuster. open image in gallery Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) poured cold water on the idea of nationalizing elections. ( Getty Images ) He also said that there would be little appetite to get rid of the filibuster. There's never a good time to nuke the filibuster, he said. And my guess is right now, if you're going to target 15 states, it could be a little tough to get Democrat support. Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, a moderate, also put the kibosh on doing so. We, as Republicans, have long maintained it's about state control, she told The Independent. It is not federal control. So it's somewhat inconsistent with our prior position to now say that we need to nationalize or federalize. I am not a proponent. But dont expect this issue to go away. Republicans in the House will likely continue to press the legislation and Trump is not going to let go of the idea of nationalization. And in the same respect, a handful of Republican senators still support the idea of a filibuster to create a bulwark against Democratic policy. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice President Donald Trump has repeatedly suggested that his government will send Americans $2,000 tariff dividend checks, but it hasnt happened yet, and its unclear if it ever will. During an interview with NBC Nightly News Tom Llamas on Wednesday, Trump was asked which Americans will receive those checks, and when. Trump promised the checks during a Truth Social posting spree in November 2025. "Wed make it I Im gonna Im looking at it very seriously. Im the only one can do it because Im taking in hundreds of billions of dollars of money from tariffs " Trump told Llamas. Llamas jumped in and pressed him for a specific answer, asking Trump if he "can promise some Americans will get those checks?" "Oh yeah, sure. I can I can do that," Trump said, before immediately contradicting himself. "I havent made the commitment yet, but I may make the commitment." open image in gallery President Donald Trump with a list of the tariffs he levied on other nations in April 2025. Trump has repeatedly said he plans to pay Americans a $2,000 dividend check using money allegedly raised from his tariffs. He has not set a concrete timeline for when Americans can expect the checks ( Getty ) Llamas, seemingly confused by the answer, asked Trump if that means that the checks aren't "a done deal." Trump then began talking about the $1,776 "warrior dividend" that was paid to military members and refused to acknowledge Llamas attempts to pin him down on whether or not everyday Americans will receive a tariff dividend check. Trump has falsely claimed that the $1,776 paid to the military was raised by tariffs. The money was actually taken from supplemental housing funding that military members were already going to receive. Wednesday's interview was not the first time Trump has seemed reluctant to revisit the tariff checks. open image in gallery A protester opposing President Donald Trumps tariffs stands with a sign outside the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington, D.C. in November 2025. Trump promised to use the money reportedly generated through the tariffs to pay Americans $2,000 dividend checks, though that promise has yet to be fulfilled ( AFP/Getty ) The president was asked by The New York Times for an update on the checks in a wide-ranging interview in January. His initial reply was: I did do that? When did I do that? according to the transcript. The tariff money is so substantial, he said after being pressed further. Thats coming in, that Ill be able to do $2,000 sometime. I would say toward the end of the year. Previously, Trump told reporters that the checks would be distributed probably in the middle of next year, a little bit later than that. open image in gallery Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told Fox News in November 2025 that legislation would be needed before President Donald Trump could send $2,000 tariff dividend checks to Americans ( Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) In a follow-up question, Trump was pressed by The NYT about whether he needed Congress to approve the checks. No, I dont believe we do, he said. We have it coming in from other sources. Trumps Treasury Secretary, Scott Bessent, seems to think otherwise. We will see. We need legislation for that, he told Fox News Sunday Morning Futures in mid-November when asked about the checks. Bessent later told ABC News that tariff revenue could come in many forms indicating it may not necessarily be a paycheck akin to the first Trump administrations stimulus checks. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Police in South Australia have declared the disappearance of a four-year-old boy last year a major crime and identified a person who lived at the familys property as a suspect. Gus Lamont went missing on 27 September last year while playing outside his home in remote Oak Park Station near Yunta in South Australia. His grandmother had left him unattended for around 30 minutes and found him gone, sparking one of the largest land and air searches in the states history. Gus, known for being adventurous yet shy, was last seen wearing a grey hat, light-grey trousers, boots, and a blue long-sleeved T-shirt with a yellow Minion design. Search for Gus was scaled back on 3 October last year, and by 17 October authorities said they were concluding the latest effort to locate him. Guss disappearance had captured national attention, with images of the boy with blond and curly hair circulating widely in the media. A number of fake images of the boy were also spread online, including several claiming to show breakthrough in the case. South Australians were asked to leave a light on in their homes overnight as the search was wound down to show support for Gus and his family. On Thursday, detective superintendent Darren Fielke said: A person who resides at Oak Park Station has withdrawn their support for the police and is no longer cooperating with us. The person who has withdrawn their co-operation is now considered a suspect in the disappearance of Gus. I do want to stress, however, that Gus's parents are not suspects in his disappearance. Officers seized a vehicle, a motorcycle, and electronic devices during a forensic search in January. open image in gallery ( SAPOL ) Volunteers in the local community were heavily involved in the search effort, including former State Emergency Service personnel and others who knew the land well. In a statement, South Australia Police (SAPOL) said: On 2 February 2026 Task Force Horizon officers searched several locations around Oak Park Station for the remains of Gus. open image in gallery ( South Australia Police ) The SAPOL statement said the task force is now focusing the investigation on persons known to Gus as possibly being involved in his disappearance and suspected death. Police had earlier urged the public to refrain from sharing unverified opinions and instead rely on credible sources for information. Mr Fielke said: At this time despite all of the combined search efforts we have found no evidence physical or otherwise to suggest that Gus has merely wandered off from the Oak Park homestead. You can see from the level of searching that has been undertaken we have a high level of confidence that he hasnt wandered off. He said police had found no evidence to suggest that Gus was abducted from the property. If Gus was abducted, its absolutely fortuitous. Theres no pattern of Gus playing outside at Oak Park Station, for someone to start to get a dossier together on movements and time of the day, et cetera were very confident is very, very unlikely. So, the opportunity for anyone to abduct Gus is extremely low, he said. Mr Fielke added that the search for the four-year-old has been the largest and most intensive missing person search ever undertaken by (South Australia Police) SAPOL. The foot search has been unprecedented and the resources that have been used have been significant. We wont stop pulling all the levers we can to find him, he said. Sign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet Get our free Climate email Get our free Climate email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice An entire Australian town has been put up for sale for about 5m, raising fears for the future of one of the countrys smallest and most unusual communities. Licola, a remote settlement in the Victorian High Country about 250km east of Melbourne, is home to just five people. The town includes a general store, petrol station, caravan park, and several weatherboard buildings spread across about 42 acres. The town has been quietly listed online after its long-time owners said it was no longer financially sustainable to operate. Licola has been owned for more than 50 years by the Lions Clubs of Victoria and Southern NSW, which acquired the former timber mill site in the late 1960s and converted it into a wilderness village, hosting camps for disadvantaged children, young people, and groups with special needs. Founded on the banks of the Macalister River, Licola has also served as a crucial stop for travellers heading into the Alpine National Park, offering fuel, food and accommodation in an otherwise sparsely serviced region. It is the only town in Victoria not connected to the state electricity grid, generating its own power through a solar microgrid, while treating its own water and managing its own waste. The sale has alarmed residents and supporters of the town, particularly the family that runs the general store. Leanne O'Donnell, who lives in Licola with one of her children, her best friend, and two other children, said she learned of the sale after finding the online listing late last year. Her lease was not renewed and she has been told to vacate the property. I absolutely love this town, Ms ODonnell told the BBC. If it gets into the hands of a developer and turns into something that its not, it will just break my heart, she said. An online petition calling for the store to remain open and for Ms ODonnell to be allowed to stay has gathered more than 8,000 signatures. Ms ODonnell has also launched a fundraising campaign to try to buy the town outright and keep it under community control. Licola is not just a town, she wrote on the GoFundMe page. It is a rare, peaceful, fully off-grid community in Victorias High Country. She said Licola had provided essential services, not as a luxury, but as a lifeline for people living in and passing through the region, and warned that those services could disappear if the town was sold to private developers. The campaign is seeking to raise up to A$8m to place a bid for the entire town, with the longer-term aim of establishing community ownership through a trust or cooperative model. Ms ODonnell said donations would be refunded if the purchase does not go ahead. On Wednesday, however, the fundraiser was temporarily paused. In a statement to the BBC, a spokesperson for the Lions Village Licola board said the decision followed a review of the sites operations, which found it was no longer viable for the organisation to continue owning the town. Rising costs, insurance pressures, ageing accommodation, and a decline in school and camp attendance were cited as key reasons. Denis Carruthers, the boards chairman, said the organisation had a responsibility to protect its broader mission rather than the physical site alone. The decision to sell was not made lightly, he said, adding that district governors had been briefed and were supportive of the move. The board said proceeds from the sale would be reinvested into a new foundation to fund professionally run camps for disadvantaged children across Victoria, although the future of camps at Licola itself remains unclear. A planned camp scheduled for January was cancelled due to low enrolment. Mr Carruthers said there had been considerable interest in the property. For residents and supporters, however, concerns remain that the sale could mark the end of a rare, self-sufficient town whose survival has long depended on community stewardship rather than commercial development. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Melania Trump has confirmed she remains in direct communication with Russian President Vladimir Putins team, pursuing efforts to facilitate the return of more Ukrainian children from Russia. The announcement comes amid ongoing international concern over the thousands of children allegedly abducted since the full-scale invasion in 2022. Speaking to reporters at the White House, she stated: "I'm working on it, and we are in the process. I hope we have success very soon." Details regarding the nature of these discussions were not disclosed. An East Wing spokesman confirmed that these lines of communication have been maintained since Melania Trump penned a letter to Mr Putin, which was hand-delivered by her husband, Donald Trump, last August, specifically addressing the issue of abducted Ukrainian children. open image in gallery Melania Trump wants Putin to release Ukrainian children who were allegedly abducted ( AP ) To date, 15 children have been successfully returned to Ukraine since her advocacy began, including seven in December. Ukraine alleges that Russia has abducted at least 19,000 of its children, transporting them to Russia or Russian-occupied territories without parental consent since the February 2022 invasion. Russia, however, denies these claims, asserting its actions were taken to ensure the children's safety from the conflict. The revelation of these ongoing talks coincides with separate "productive" discussions held on Wednesday between Russian and Ukrainian officials in US-led negotiations aimed at resolving the conflict, despite recent intense Russian drone and missile attacks on Ukraine. Melania Trump, who has largely maintained a low public profile during her husbands second term, also met with two freed Israeli American hostages, Keith and Aviva Siegel, at the White House on the same day. Meanwhile, President Trump spoke to NBC News Tom Llamas in a separate interview as the pair discussed the upcoming midterm elections. Trump insisted he would accept the results of the election but only if they were honest, after previously accusing Democrats of wanting to cheat. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Russia has expelled a German diplomat on Thursday, accusing Berlin of "spy mania" and retaliating for what it claims was the "groundless" removal of a Russian envoy last month. The Russian Foreign Ministry confirmed it had summoned the head of the German Embassy in Moscow to issue a formal protest over Berlin's treatment of the Russian diplomat. Moscow vehemently denied Germany's accusation that the expelled Russian diplomat had been involved in espionage, labelling it "false" and "a low-level provocation". A statement from the ministry asserted: "It was emphasised that the unsubstantiated accusations of espionage brought against him by the official Berlin authorities are completely groundless and fabricated in the spirit of the 'spy mania' being whipped up in Germany by the German authorities." In response, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, speaking during a trip to Brunei, criticised Moscow for resorting to "unjustified retaliatory measures instead of diplomacy." "The expulsion of a German diplomat from Russia is completely unfounded and totally unacceptable," he said, adding: "We reserve the right to take further action." German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, speaking during a trip to Brunei, criticised Moscow for resorting to "unjustified retaliatory measures instead of diplomacy." ( Associated Press ) Wadephul said the diplomat in question had been a member of the German Embassy's military attache staff. Security services across Europe have warned of a growing threat from Russian intelligence agencies seeking to deter Western powers from helping Ukraine to defend itself against Russia. On Monday, Britain also expelled a Russian diplomat in what it said was a reciprocal move after Moscow last month expelled a British diplomat, accusing them of being an undeclared spy. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) confirmed that Russian ambassador Andrey Kelin had been summoned to explain what it described as an "unprovoked and unjustified" decision by Russia. The FCDO further stated it would not "stand for intimidation of British embassy staff", accusing Russia of attempting to "deter our support for Ukraine" through its actions. Moscows foreign ministry said it acted after receiving information regarding the affiliation of a diplomatic employee at the embassy with the British secret service. According to a translation of a post on its Telegram channel, the ministry said it had summoned British charge daffaires Danae Dholakia to lodge a strong protest and inform her the diplomat was being expelled. The ministry did not identify the diplomat, but said he must leave Russia within two weeks. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice At least one person has been killed and thousands forced to evacuate as Storm Leonardo ripped through Spain and Portugal this week. Torrential rains left rivers and reservoirs at extreme risk of overflowing across the Iberian Peninsula, with schools shut and trains cancelled. A man in his sixties was found dead in his vehicle after being swept away by a powerful current near a dam in the municipality of Serpa in Portugal. A vehicle was found with one occupant, so there is one death, a spokesperson for the national civil protection authority said. Grazalema, in Andalusia, faced the amount of rainfall that Madrid sees in an entire year in a 24-hour period, with over 40cm of rain, according to a spokesperson from weather agency AEMET. Regional and national authorities have deployed significant resources to contain the damage, a week after Storm Kristin left six dead and thousands without power. At least 3,500 people were evacuated in the southern region of Andalusia this week as widespread flooding continued. More than 1,200 emergency personnel and 400 military service members deployed to assist in the most at-risk areas. open image in gallery People watch as excess levels of water flow down the Pozo de los Humos waterfall ( AFP/Getty ) Authorities also called in emergency aircraft and helicopters to monitor the regions considered most critical. AEMET has put the area under the highest alert warning of extraordinary levels of rain, floods and landslides. The effects have been compounded by oversaturated ground, as Maria Paz Fernandez, mayor of Ronda, told public broadcaster RTVE that the issue was getting worse because the ground can no longer absorb the rain. She spoke of numerous landslides in the surrounding rural areas. Portugal raised its alert level to the maximum until at least Friday, as authorities warned that several rivers were at high risk of flooding. In Alcacer do Sal, 55 miles (90km) south of Lisbon, the Sado river overflowed its banks and caused flooding in parts of the town on Wednesday. open image in gallery Destruction left by Storm Kristin in Leiria, Portugal ( Reuters ) Portugals National Civil Protection service said water levels were likely to rise over the coming days. Armed forces have deployed approximately 1,600 personnel, which include marine teams using 35 inflatable boats, to rescue people from flooding. Its been raining like this for hours. The river has already overflowed, and people are very worried inside their homes. We are experiencing many power cuts, Jose Luis Castillo, a resident of Jimera de Libar, told Reuters. Nearly 134,000 households were still without electricity this week after the devastating impacts of Storm Kristin. Around 95,000 of them in the Leiria region in the centre of the country, power distribution company E-Redes said. Close Deadly Russian attacks in Zaporizhzhia intensify On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky says he will not present a bad deal to end the war for a referendum, and that his country will only hold elections once firm security guarantees and a ceasefire are in place. Zelensky was speaking ahead of Friday's Munich Security Conference, where there is a chance he will meet US secretary of state Marco Rubio. Zelensky said Ukraine was ready for both presidential elections and a referendum on any peace agreement with Russia, but set clear conditions for when that could happen. The tactic we chose is for the Americans not to think that we want to continue the war, Zelensky told The Atlantic. Thats why we started supporting their proposals in any format that speeds things along. I dont think we should put a bad deal up for a referendum, he added. Zelensky expressed gratitude to Sir Keir Starmer and John Healey for a new and timely air defence package worth 500m on the eve of Friday's conference. The European leaders gathering in Germany are hoping for clarity around US president Donald Trumps inconsistent geopolitical policies and threats that have caused concern for transatlantic relations and the post-World War II international order. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Authorities in Cyprus have confirmed that a body discovered last month on a beach along the islands southern coastline is that of Vladislav Baumgertner, the former chief executive of Russias largest potash company. Mr Baumgertner had previously been detained in Belarus in 2013 on charges of harming the Belarusian economy. Police on a British military base in Cyprus stated that DNA analysis conclusively identified the body as that of the 53-year-old, who was reported missing from his home in the coastal city of Limassol on 7 January. His remains were found a week later on Avdimou beach. An investigation into the circumstances and cause of Mr Baumgertners death is currently underway, according to the British Sovereign Base Areas police, who have notified his relatives. Avdimou beach is located within one of the two military bases retained by the UK after Cyprus gained independence from British colonial rule in 1960, which operate their own police force and courts. Baumgertner was the CEO of Uralkali when Belarusian authorities placed him under house arrest in September 2013 after a dispute between his company and its Belarusian trading partner escalated. He was released two months later and extradited to Russia where prosecutors launched a criminal probe against him on abuse of office charges. open image in gallery Vladislav Baumgertner, chief executive of Russia's largest potash company Uralkali, speaks in Moscow on Dec. 7, 2012. (AP Photo/File) ( Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) At the time, analysts had attributed Baumgertners arrest to retaliation for Uralkalis decision to pull out of a joint venture. Uralkali and state-owned Belarusian Potash Co. had been exporting the commodity a key ingredient in fertilizer through a joint venture that at the time accounted for about a quarter of the worlds potash. Uralkali pulled out of the trading venture after accusing the government in Minsk of allowing the state-owned company to export potash independently. Uralkalis withdrawal left Belarusian Potash Co. with virtually no qualified staff and raised fears of a price war. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko claimed that Uralkali and Baumgertners actions harmed his countrys economy. Baumgartner had been living in Cyprus for several years. He had reportedly been staying in an apartment above his place of business in Limassol that thousands of Russian expatriates have made their home. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) has announced its largest ever mission to break the Israeli blockade of Gaza this time by both land and sea. Some 3,000 participants from over 100 countries will set sail for the war-torn strip on 29 March, the collective announced on Thursday, as it called on more people to join. Last October, nearly 500 activists, professionals and other humanitarians, including Greta Thunberg, were arrested after the boats were intercepted by the Israeli military. The interception prompted international backlash and a wave of demonstrations across the world. Israel hit out at the humanitarian mission as a sham and provocation. The GSF describes the initiative as a coordinated, nonviolent effort to challenge the illegal Israeli siege on Gaza, confront global complicity, and stand alongside Palestinians. open image in gallery Over 3,000 people will be sailing to Gaza as organisers have called on more to sign up ( AFP/Getty ) The spring flotilla will depart from ports in Barcelona, Italy and other Mediterranean locations. We will have medical professionals with us, we will have eco-builders with us, said a GSF member at a press conference held at the Nelson Mandela Foundation in Johannesburg, South Africa, on Thursday. We will have war crimes investigators with us, which is the difference from the previous mission. We were successful in the previous mission. We saw that it motivated in each country to see that civil initiatives can be successful. More than 1,000 medical professionals are reported to have signed up to deliver aid to desperate Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. As with previous missions, members will be trained in non-violence and de-escalation, organisers said. open image in gallery Greta Thunberg said she was mistreated in Israeli detention ( Israel Foreign Ministry ) We dont go with the intention to be intercepted, organisers said. Even if we do not reach [Gaza], we will be able to make great movements. A large land convoy is also set to join the sea mission in an attempt to break the blockade. It's going to be a big humanitarian land convoy including medical aid, food and whatever people in Gaza need, said another activist. It will involve many professionals, including doctors and engineers. More than 30,000 people applied to be on board last year, and organisers called for more applications and support for funding this year. open image in gallery Israeli forces intercepted the vessels in October last year ( Global Sumud Flotilla ) It comes as only five critical Palestinian patients were allowed out of Gaza this week after Israel opened the Rafah crossing. More than 18,000 injured and wounded patients await treatment, according to the World Health Organisation. Israel has accepted the Gaza Ministry of Healths figures that over 71,000 Palestinians have been killed since 7 October 2023, although humanitarian groups warn the number could be far higher. A United Nations probe found Israel was committing a genocide in Gaza, claims which Israel has called false, distorted, and antisemitic. The Independent has contacted the Israeli military for comment. Sign up to our free weekly IndyTech newsletter delivered straight to your inbox Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Elon Musk has vowed to disrupt another industry, following his ventures in cars and rockets, by proposing an ambitious space-based data network. The world's wealthiest man plans to launch up to a million satellites into orbit, creating vast, solar-powered data centres. This initiative aims to support the expanded use of artificial intelligence and chatbots, preventing blackouts and soaring utility bills. To finance this colossal project, Musk merged SpaceX with his AI business on Monday, with plans for a significant initial public offering of the combined entity. Space-based AI is obviously the only way to scale, Musk wrote on SpaceXs website Monday, adding about his solar ambitions, Its always sunny in space! But scientists and industry experts say even Musk who outsmarted Detroit to turn Tesla into the worlds most valuable automaker faces formidable technical, financial and environmental obstacles. Heres a look. Feeling the heat Capturing the suns energy from space to run chatbots and other AI tools would ease pressure on power grids and cut demand for sprawling computing warehouses that are consuming farms and forests and vast amounts of water to cool. But space presents its own set of problems. Data centers generate enormous heat. Space seems to offer a solution because it is cold. But it is also a vacuum, trapping heat inside objects in the same way that a Thermos keeps coffee hot using double walls with no air between them. open image in gallery SpaceX's Starship rocket lifts off from Starbase, Texas, for its tenth test flight. ( AFP/Getty ) An uncooled computer chip in space would overheat and melt much faster than one on Earth, said Josep Jornet, a computer and electrical engineering professor at Northeastern University. One fix is to build giant radiator panels that glow in infrared light to push the heat out into the dark void, says Jornet, noting that the technology has worked on a small scale, including on the International Space Station. But for Musk's data centers, he says, it would require an array of massive, fragile structures that have never been built before. Floating debris Then there is space junk. A single malfunctioning satellite breaking down or losing orbit could trigger a cascade of collisions, potentially disrupting emergency communications, weather forecasting and other services. Musk noted in a recent regulatory filing that he has had only one low-velocity debris generating event" in seven years running Starlink, his satellite communications network. Starlink has operated about 10,000 satellites but that's a fraction of the million or so he now plans to put in space. We could reach a tipping point where the chance of collision is going to be too great," said University at Buffalo's John Crassidis, a former NASA engineer. And these objects are going fast -- 17,500 miles per hour. There could be very violent collisions." No repair crews Even without collisions, satellites fail, chips degrade, parts break. Special GPU graphics chips used by AI companies, for instance, can become damaged and need to be replaced. On Earth, what you would do is send someone down to the data center," said Baiju Bhatt, CEO of Aetherflux, a space-based solar energy company. "You replace the server, you replace the GPU, youd do some surgery on that thing and youd slide it back in. open image in gallery A string of SpaceX StarLink satellites can be seen in the night sky. But no such repair crew exists in orbit, and those GPUs in space could get damaged due to their exposure to high-energy particles from the sun. Bhatt says one workaround is to overprovision the satellite with extra chips to replace the ones that fail. But thats an expensive proposition given they are likely to cost tens of thousands of dollars each, and current Starlink satellites only have a lifespan of about five years. Competition and leverage Musk is not alone trying to solve these problems. A company in Redmond, Washington, called Starcloud, launched a satellite in November carrying a single Nvidia-made AI computer chip to test out how it would fare in space. Google is exploring orbital data centers in a venture it calls Project Suncatcher. And Jeff Bezos Blue Origin announced plans in January for a constellation of more than 5,000 satellites to start launching late next year, though its focus has been more on communications than AI. Still, Musk has an edge: He's got rockets. Starcloud had to use one of his Falcon rockets to put its chip in space last year. Aetherflux plans to send a set of chips it calls a Galactic Brain to space on a SpaceX rocket later this year. And Google may also need to turn to Musk to get its first two planned prototype satellites off the ground by early next year. Pierre Lionnet, a research director at the trade association Eurospace, says Musk routinely charges rivals far more than he charges himself - as much as $20,000 per kilo of payload versus $2,000 internally. He said Musks announcements this week signal that he plans to use that advantage to win this new space race. When he says we are going to put these data centers in space, its a way of telling the others we will keep these low launch costs for myself, said Lionnet. Its a kind of powerplay. Sign up to Simon Calders free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calders Travel email Get Simon Calders Travel email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A new art gallery has opened in one of Barcelonas most popular tourist destinations. Casa Batllo, designed by venerated Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi, is one of the best-known buildings in the Spanish city. It is renowned for its Art Nouveau facade, earning it the nickname the House of Bones. The Unesco World Heritage site is now home to an art gallery, which will house contemporary art exhibitions. The new gallery occupies what was once residential apartments on the second floor, formerly closed-off to the public. The floor has been restored, with original features, such as woodwork and stained glass, restored. Some modern additions have also been made, including a curved metal ceiling that has been screen printed with ripples to evoke a drop of water on a calm lake. open image in gallery The exhibition space will have a metal ceiling ( Claudia Maurino ) The gallery, known as Casa Batllo Contemporary, will host two art exhibitions per year, debuting with Beyond the Facade, an exhibition by United Visual Artists, a London-based art practice founded by Matt Clark. For their exhibition, on until 17 May, United Visual Artists will explore life cycles through light and movement, inviting visitors to glimpse themselves within the artwork. Casa Batllo Contemporary started as an artistic programme that connects today's artists with Gaudi's legacy, but the rotating exhibits will now allow for these cutting-edge works to be displayed. Maria Bernat, director of Casa Batllo Contemporary, says the gallery aims to foster a dialogue between the past and future, situating Antoni Gaudis legacy within a contemporary framework. open image in gallery United Visual Artists will explore life cycles through light and movement ( Claudia Maurino ) Through art and architecture, it explores his radical vision with present-day thinking, remaining faithful to his spirit of innovation and disruption while engaging with Barcelonas dynamic artistic landscape. The opening of the new gallery comes the same year that another of Gaudis masterpieces, the Sagrada Familia, is expected to be completed, some 144 years after work first started in 1882. Upon the completion of the final 18 towers, the Sagrada Familia will become the tallest Catholic church in the world. Read more: Sagrada Familia to host series of events celebrating architect Gaudi The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice An iconic American whiskey brand is teetering on the brink of Chapter 7 liquidation, which would force the sale of its vast vineyards and real estate portfolio. While in receivership, Uncle Nearest Inc. has also been caught in a bitter battle between its founders and one of its major creditors. The brands financial woes center on a $108 million lawsuit filed by its creditor, Farm Credit Mid-America, which alleges it is owed the staggering sum. But, amid that battle, the whiskey firms founders, Fawn and Keith Weaver, are also grappling with their companys court-appointed receivership. That receivership is being overseen by Tennessee attorney Phillip G. Young, who planned to liquidate many of the firms assets. open image in gallery The whiskey company is battling both its receivers and its lenders as it fights to settle its financial woes ( Getty Images/iStockphoto ) open image in gallery Fawn and Keith Weaver, the founders of Uncle Nearest, are fighting both their companys lenders and its receiver ( Facebook ) According to an October 1 court filing by Young, the company is gearing up to sell off its vineyards in France, a Cognac chateau, as well as real estate on the sunny island of Marthas Vineyard. Young maintained, though, that the core brand remained viable and that he expects the whiskey branch of the business to remain operational. The Receiver believes that this receivership is progressing smoothly and that the opportunity for the Companys successful emergence from receivership is very good, Young added in his filing. While challenges lie ahead, the outlook is positive. Uncle Nearest was estimated to be worth more than $1 billion in 2024, according to Forbes. Fawn Weaver said on Instagram that the brand had fallen victim to fraud, blaming their financial woes on former CFO Mike Senzaki. But for the fraud perpetrated by the Defendants former CFO, Defendants fulfilled their monetary obligations to the Plaintiff, Weaver said, with plaintiffs referencing Farm Credit. In other words, Defendants were, and are, victims of fraud not perpetrators or conspirators. She also claimed that her company was stronger than ever. open image in gallery Uncle Nearest Whiskey has vineyards in France and real estate on Marthas Vineyard ( Uncle Nearest ) In an internal email obtained by the Lexington Herald-Leader, Weaver also claimed that neither she nor her husband has benefited financially from the business. I want to be absolutely clear. Neither Keith nor I have ever personally gained anything monetarily from Uncle Nearest, the email allegedly read. The Herald-Leader also reported that 100 parties had expressed an interest in refinancing Uncle Nearests debt, with 40 of those parties also considering an asset purchase. However, Young told the newspaperthat NexGen 2780 was the only party to make a credible offer in negotiations so far since no other potential buyer offered a valuation in excess of the amount of the secured debt. Young caveated that, though, by stating that some details of NexGen 2780s $108 million proposal remain unknown. Details yet to be hammered out include whether $108 million would cover the firms assets, the company itself, refinancing the debt or all three options. The Independent has contacted Uncle Nearest, Farm Credit Mid-America and Phillip G. Young for comment. Home economics: We want to stay out of Fair Deal. Can I use my tax relief and my fathers savings to pay for his nursing home? In December, Sean Blanchfield was browsing a second-hand bookshop in Dublins Talbot Street when he saw something familiar: an old copy of the 2005 video game, Call Of Duty 2: Big Red One. On the back of the cover was a small logo saying Demonware, the company he co-founded in Dublin, which was sold to giant game publisher Activision in 2007 for 17m. That was our first big game, he said. The SisterS writer and star reveals how art imitated life after embarking on a gruelling IVF journey alone Season Two takes a deep dive into themes of fertility, motherhood, the impact of repressed grief, intergenerational trauma and self-acceptance, explored through a comedic lens. (PHOTO: RTE) Susan Stanley stars in SisterS which is back on RTE for second season (Photo: RTE) SisterS, created, written by and starring real-life best friends Sarah Goldberg and Susan Stanley, is back on RTE One and RTE Player (Photo: RTE) Season Two takes a deep dive into themes of fertility, motherhood, the impact of repressed grief, intergenerational trauma and self-acceptance, explored through a comedic lens. (PHOTO: RTE) Susan Stanley stars in SisterS which is back on RTE for second season (Photo: RTE) Before congratulating Susan Stanley on her television hit, be sure youve seen the right one. I was at a party before Christmas, and met this wonderful woman, and she was like, Oh, I binged your show! recounts the Dublin actor and screenwriter. I was like, Its not Bad Sisters. She said, No, I binged it and it was amazing! Anyway, it was The Walsh Sisters, laughs Susan, whose similarly-titled but entirely distinct drama, SisterS, has just returned to RTE One for a second season. Its funny, because when you make a show like ours, and then something as global and massive and successful as Bad Sisters comes out, youre sort of constantly battling that. Susan Stanley by Pip I live in London, [so if I tell people], Im a writer and Ive made a show called SisterS, theyre like, Oh my God, I love that show! With Sharon Horgan? Its like. No, no, not that one, not the one that has that huge budget - this tiny little one thats over here. Listen, I am thrilled, she adds of the easy mix-up. I am so happy to be in the company of all those brilliant women. A graduate of prestigious drama school LAMDA, Susan co-wrote the comedy drama with real life best friend, Sarah Goldberg - the Canadian star of HBO smash Barry - with the pair also starring as long-lost half sisters, Suze and Sare, who set out to find their alcoholic dad. We were absolutely thrilled, she recalls of getting the green light to pick up from where the story left off in 2023. We were like, wow. But, by then, Sarah and I both had tiny babies and it was like, Oh God, they want to shoot in six months. We shot the first season in Ireland, and then the second season in Canada, because we wanted to see where Susan was from, and then we wanted to go into Sarahs life. 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 [With] season one, we had six years to develop it, me and Sarah, on our own, writing all the episodes, inspired by our own kind of wild families, and our own journey. Then, as always, season two theyre like, If you want to do it, you have to do it now! she jokes, after the Irish-Canadian co-production proved just as successful on Crave, the streaming service that is currently riding high with global phenomenon, Heated Rivalry. Season Two takes a deep dive into themes of fertility, motherhood, the impact of repressed grief, intergenerational trauma and self-acceptance, explored through a comedic lens. (PHOTO: RTE) So you kind of have to get on with it. We were lucky because it meant we had the opportunity to get some other writers involved [including Paul Howard and Karen Kicak]. When we were filming in Canada, we were all living together in one big house with [British actress] Sophie Thompson, one of our other close friends who plays my mother in the show, in this commune, and it was incredible. It was a brilliant time. Picking up 18 months after Sare abruptly left her sister in Dublin, season two sees Suze travel to Canada after receiving a surprise wedding invitation from her estranged sibling, and just like the creators deeply personal first series, finds art imitating life. Off camera, solo mum of one Susan welcomed a daughter through IVF just over two years ago, with her character now embarking on a similarly gruelling journey to motherhood. Everyones different, but for me, going into the writers room, my baby was six months old, and it was very present in my mind what I had gone through. So I wanted to put that into Susans storyline, because we did touch on it a bit in season one, where shed broken up with her partner because he didnt want kids. Id broken up with my partner of six years, from 34 to 40, she explains of her own situation. I was on this other journey, and then youre like, Oh f**k, now Im 40, and all those years are gone, and I really have this deep desire that I think I want to become a mother - but how am I going to do it on my own? SisterS, created, written by and starring real-life best friends Sarah Goldberg and Susan Stanley, is back on RTE One and RTE Player (Photo: RTE) Its such a massive decision to make alone and, like, What if it all goes wrong? What if I ruin my life? Its no joke, doing it on your own, making those big decisions on your own, not to mention then the physical experience of going through IVF on your own. Its an incredibly gruelling process, and an expensive one. Youre putting all your money on black, and whether its going to happen or not. And sometimes it works and sometimes it doesnt. So there was a lot of therapy, a lot of tears and a lot of pain. I got lucky because it was a positive outcome, adds Susan, now the proud mother of a toddler, whose name she prefers to keep private. Shes two and shes amazing. Once you have that child, it just becomes a different thing. And all the things I was worried about didnt [come to pass]. Over two decades after first bonding at drama school, Susan and Sarahs parallel life paths even continued with motherhood, when her best mate, whom she counts among an incredible coven of women who are my sisters, also welcomed a daughter just weeks later. Her circumstances are different, she has a lovely husband, but she was with me when I had my embryo transfer, and I was like, If you want to be pregnant with me you better crack on! she laughs. Six weeks later, lo and behold, she was pregnant. So weve been incredibly lucky in our lives that weve managed to do those things, big, big life things - going to drama school, making TV - together. For now, the kindred spirits are focused on separate projects, as well as filling their respective creative cups after working solidly for the last few years, but Susan says theyd love to find another way to work together after successfully mixing business with pleasure on SisterS. It was a baptism of fire in season one, she admits. But we found a way to work as professionals, and keep things separate, and then wed go home and have a few drinks and have a laugh about it all. In season two it felt much easier, because we had done that already in season one, and then also we had babies, so you focus on the right thing, because theres just no time, right? So you dont get fixated on something that you were pissed off about. You just let it all go. Well have to see what happens, and if the story lends itself to [a third season], Im not really sure, but were really excited [and] proud of having a season two. The industry is really hard going, so look, well take the wins where we can get them. SisterS continues on RTE One on Thursday at 10.15pm Theres more than a touch of the Forsythe Saga attached to South Hill House at Delvin, Co Westmeath, home to the forbears of author TE Lawrence, also known as Lawrence of Arabia*. Lawrences father was Thomas Chapman, a second son born at South Hill, who was descended from an early Elizabethan planter family ceded a modest amount of land in Co Westmeath through Sir Walter Raleighs intercession, and later improved on by virtue of the family standing at Cromwells side during his infamous invasion of Ireland. This photograph taken on November 12, 2025 shows Wagyu cattle on a farm on the outskirts of the north-central New South Wales town of Gunnedah. (Photo by DAVID GRAY/AFP via Getty Images) Australia's trade minister is set to travel to Brussels for talks with European Union officials to try and secure a free trade accord, which if signed would be the bloc's third major agreement this year and bolster its efforts to stave off pressure from the Trump administration. Kenny Jacobs will voluntarily step down as chief executive of DAA after he settled a lawsuit brought against the State airport operator, the High Court has heard. Lawyers for Mr Jacobs told Judge Marguerite Bolger today hat the parties had resolved their dispute on mutually agreeable terms, under which Mr Jacobs will step down from his position at DAA, operator of Dublin and Cork airports. The five men identified by the Kinahan gangs intelligence network as being Regency gunmen and what became of them Cartel pointed the finger of blame at suspects and planned series of revenge attacks Aftermath - Ten years on from the Regency Attack and the murder of David Byrne Robin Schiller Thu 5 Feb 2026 at 06:30 Within hours of the Regency Hotel assault 10 years ago this week, the Kinahan organised crime group had used its own intelligence network to identify the gunmen who murdered a cartel foot soldier and tried to shoot dead its leader. The five men identified by the Kinahan gangs intelligence network as being Regency gunmen and what became of them Three findings of poor professional performance have been made against a Cork GP over her failure to recognise the urgency of the condition of a young schoolgirl who subsequently suffered a painful death from an illness that is treatable if diagnosed in time. Graces Law to ban scramblers from all public places within weeks Measures fast-tracked after teenage girls tragic death in road incident last month Grace Lynch died after being hit by a scrambler last month Mary Regan and Maeve McTaggart Thu 5 Feb 2026 at 06:30 A new law that will ban scramblers from public places is to be named in honour of a 16-year-old Dublin girl who died after she was struck by one of the vehicles. Im so proud, I want to give him the biggest hug Irish woman praises grandsons heroic 4km swim for help off Australia Bravery of Austin Appelbee (13), who swam for four hours off coast of Australia, sinks in for his proud Monaghan granny Monaghan granny recounts heroics of teen boy who swam for hours to save his family Liam Cosgrove Thu 5 Feb 2026 at 06:30 Battered by 10-foot-high waves that crashed over them as they fought to stay together, the familys situation was growing increasingly perilous. LATEST | Larry Murrin hits out at behaviour of IFA members occupying Bord Bia reception as he appears before Oireachtas committee Dawn Foods CEO hits back at double standards accusation, pointing out that three quarters of a million tonnes of animal feed is imported into Ireland from Mercosur countries It suggests to me that the double standards allegation applies to Dawn Farm Foods but not to farming Larry Murrin, chief executive of Dawn Farms and Bord Bia Chair. Photo: Douglas O'Connor Tabitha Monahan Thu 5 Feb 2026 at 14:25 The chair of Bord Bia Larry Murrin has told the Oireachtas Agriculture Committee that he has never been conflicted in his role as chair of the organisation. President Catherine Connolly is to continue her three-day official visit to Northern Ireland with a number of engagements in Co Derry on Thursday. Ms Connolly will address a civic reception at the Guildhall, where she will be greeted by the Lord Lieutenant for the County Borough of Derry Ian Crowe and Derry City Mayor Ruairi McHugh. We are your nearest EU neighbour ambassador urges Irish primary schools to adopt French in new language drive Speaking about the countries relationship, Celine Place also said Irelands decision to equip its forces with radars and sonars showed commitment to improving its security French ambassador to Ireland Celine Place at her residence on Ailesbury Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin. Photo: Steve Humphreys Mary Regan Thu 5 Feb 2026 at 06:30 Primary schools are being urged to introduce French the mother tongue of our nearest EU neighbour when foreign languages are rolled out on the curriculum over the coming year. We heard a massive bang and the lights flickered eyewitnesses to fatal Dublin city centre bus crash recount horrific scene as it unfolded One person dies and three adults taken to hospital after incident in which bus collided with pedestrians Eyewitnesses to fatal Dublin city centre bus crash recount horrific scene as it unfolded Keith Kelly and Sarah Burke Thu 5 Feb 2026 at 20:37 Witnesses have described hearing a massive bang during a crash in Dublin city centre involving a double-decker bus in which a man in his 80s died and three others were injured. Paul and Maire Flynn plan say navigating storms has been a superpower over three decades The Tannery restaurant in Dungarvan, Co Waterford, is to close after 30 years, its owners have announced. Paul and Maire Flynn opened their popular restaurant in 1997, and said that 2026 will be its final year of service. If someone had handed us a crystal ball in 1997 and said, Youll still be at this in 30 years, wed have bitten their hand off, Mr Flynn said. Weve had the run of our lives. Were closing because we can, not because we have to, and thats a great position to be in." The Flynns said the decision was being made on their own terms and framed it not as an ending, but a considered reshaping of what the restaurant means. The restaurant will close from January 1, 2027, but the couple will continue to run The Tannery Townhouse and the Cookery School on a seasonal basis. Maire and Paul Flynn. Photo: Joleen Cronin The business will evolve, they said, with guests welcomed from spring through autumn, and dinner served to residents of the townhouse. Hospitality has thrown everything at us over the years and weve always managed to dodge most of it, Mr Flynn said. Navigating storms is our superpower. "But 30 years feels like a good, round number, and wed like to scale back on our own terms before Im wheeled out of the kitchen. "This last year is about enjoying these last months properly, cooking for the lovely people whove kept us going, having the kind of fun we were probably too busy to have the first time around. Over three decades, The Tannery has become a fixture of modern Irish cooking, and Mr Flynn one of the countrys best-known and most media-friendly chefs. The couple opened it after returning to their home town from London (Paul had been head chef at Simply Nico, which had two Michelin stars) via Dublin. Over time, they added a wine bar, cookery school and boutique accommodation to their business. Maire and Paul Flynn in 2018. Photo: Patrick Browne One of the signature dishes a crab creme brulee has remained on the menu for 29 years. The Flynns have also been integral to Dungarvan and Co Waterfords evolutions as foodie destinations, not least with their involvement in the Waterford Festival of Food. Guest chefs and collaborators over the years have ranged from Fergus Henderson and Angela Hartnett to Mickael Viljanen, Richard Corrigan, Robin Gill, Ross Lewis and more. Maire and Paul Flynn in 1997, and today Today's News in 90 seconds - Friday, February 6 The couple described The Tannery as a gathering place, a training ground, a stage for visiting chefs, and a cornerstone of a community. Rather than closing with a single celebration, they now plan to spend eleven months making the most of the last service season. "Were excited about what comes next, and were looking forward to celebrating the year ahead with everyone who has been part of our story, Mrs Flynn said. The couple also hailed the staff that have been with them on their journey. Weve watched families grow up through this restaurant. Weve made lifelong friends across the dining room. Being part of the Dungarvan community and of the wider Irish food family has been a privilege, she said. Ryan Meade, Google's government affairs and public policy manager, and Chloe Setter, the social media giant's child safety public policy manager, arrive for a meeting of the Oireachtas Media Committee. PA Photo. Photo: PA Finally, we see some signs that at least a semblance of overdue order may be put on the sometimes Wild West world of social media. There were positive aspects to the attendance of several representatives from the social media giants at Leinster House to meet members of the Oireachtas Media Committee. Senior people from Meta, TikTok and Google were at the hearing, but X declined an invitation to attend. Taoiseach Micheal Martin, with characteristic diplomacy, noted that Xs no-show was concerning. Alan Kelly, the committee chairman, was more direct in responding to Xs arrogance and indifference. He said X had essentially refused to come before the people of Ireland and had displayed curious behaviour for a communications company. It is deeply worrying, dissatisfying and pretty disrespectful that an e-commerce company on the scale of X arent here to discuss the issues, Mr Kelly said. There are serious concerns about social media content, with evidence of damage being done to young and unformed characters and minds. Parents, educators and youth leaders around the world have raised warnings. We are only a month in to 2026, and it has been dominated by a debate about the use of the Grok AI chatbot and its generation of photo-realistic child abuse images and non-consensual changes to other images. Grok is part of the X operation, and the firms early responses to resultant questions were totally unacceptable, leading to an EU investigation. Appropriately, the representatives from social media companies who did go before the committee outlined the safety features on their platforms. Many of them made some good points and showed some concern in acknowledging their duty to protect people. This Coalitions record of sluggish delivery since taking office 13 months ago is not encouraging It may be a sign that the more responsible social media operators sense that some fundamental element of control is emerging at long last. Spanish prime minister Pedro Sanchez said he was going to follow the Australian governments policy of banning social media access for under-16s. Here, Media Minister Patrick ODonovan said that, in principle, the Government was also thinking of age-based access controls, but as yet remained undecided on methodology. He suggested a system of age verification for social media users based on a persons PPS number, but acknowledged the need for controls to protect individuals privacy. In tandem with controls and protection, young people must also be equipped with tools to deal with social media as they move through life. All of us acknowledge that social media control issues are complex and problematic, but time is now in short supply as our young people remain at risk. The Government is promising prompt action, as in many other areas, but this Coalitions record of sluggish delivery since taking office 13 months ago is not encouraging. The snub by X to Irish democracy is surely another eloquent argument for prompt regulation of social media. Who would want to be a president, lord, ambassador or member of royalty, given the revelations from the US Department of Justice, which released more Epstein files that expose the good and the great and their sordid associations and pecadilloes with a serial sex offender. The fact that those named may be further tainted because of Epsteins links with Russian agents will have many in the political, security and intelligence fields deeply worried. The fact that Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell used sexual gratification or monetary enticements to inveigle certain members of the established elite to their secret, or not-so-secret, hideaways shows how compromised they are, even to this day. While we should never forget the victims in all of this, the truth of what occurred may never be revealed until all the unredacted files are released. That definitely wont happen while Donald Trump is in office, protected by his MAGA Republicans and sychophantic followers. Shame on all of them thats if they understand the meaning of the word. Given their proclivities for the sordid and depraved, I dont believe they will ever feel truly ashamed. Christy Galligan, Letterkenny, Co Donegal Protect our trees from the reckless cutting that only creates roadside eyesores Our hedgerows are being reduced to cuboid-shaped, spiky stubs of branches and sticks a real eyesore along roadsides. Taller, older trees, like the ash and beech, seem to survive the cut. I understand the logic of creating a cleaner roadside margin, but our small native flowering trees need to be acknowledged, just like the ash. Could county councils and hedge- cutters learn to respect small trees in the same way as the tall ones? Another thing that is painful to see is a tree that has had its branches severed. Why leave a trunk that looks like a pole in the ground? I have yet to see this butchering of trees in another country. We are one of the least forested countries in the EU. Our native trees are in danger and need to be protected. Katie Condon, Cullen, Co Tipperary Our drinking generations glasses may be half-empty, but the pub chats still flow I was in my local pub in Benburb last Saturday afternoon, having a pint with a contemporary of mine, both of us proudly in our 70s. In came a group of young lads in their 40s, who surveyed the empty stools and blamed people in their 20s for killing the pub trade. Apparently, they dont drink pints any more they drink coffee, play games and live dangerously close to a charger. Moments later, the same critics launched into an earnest discussion about juicing, turmeric shots and ginger boosts, as if they were opening a health clinic rather than a bar. It struck me that every generation thinks the next one is strange, while quietly becoming strange itself. We finished our pints, grateful that at least conversation is alive and well. Enda Cullen, Tullysaran Road, Armagh Proposed demolition of partly built homes shows up housing crisis failings The problems with our planning system are laid bare in the proposal by Tipperary County Council to demolish 52 derelict, partly built houses near Cashel at a cost of 400,000. Those 52 houses could, with some hard work and compromise, become permanent homes at a time of supply crisis. In fact, if these houses were sold on the market individually, they could each attract renovation grants of 70,000 for motivated buyers. Instead, the toybox of ideological planning jargon was raided to justify this major destruction of value at taxpayer expense. Most of the issues are administrative technicalities that could be resolved by officialdom if the political will existed. That such slavish devotion to policy and academic planning ideology would lead us to demolish real houses tells us all we need to know about how we created the housing crisis we have today. Alex Wilsdon, Dublin Road, Kilkenny Historical landmarks are being reduced to selfie backdrops on Instagram There are so many places tourists want to see at their leisure and absorb the beauty. However, many of these locations have been reduced to Instagram selfie backdrops rather than sites of beauty and cultural import. This is now the problem with Romes Trevi Fountain its just too popular. Tossing a coin in the fountain, which goes to charity, will now cost an extra 2, which is expected to raise 6m a year for the Italian government, though that will mainly be used to manage the area. Your 2 fee will get you access to the fountain for a photo that will take around five seconds to take. Venice has levied similar fees in a bid to reduce tourist pressures. But is this the wrong solution to the problem, given it wont reduce the numbers? Should a ballot be used to reduce numbers? Shouldnt such sites be valued more for the history you can hear and the culture you can learn about, rather than the image you can post online? Denis Fitzgerald, Melbourne, Australia Enough with the climate target warnings we need protecting as a nation Please spare us another academic warning that Ireland faces fines of up to 26bn for failing to meet climate targets (Climate expert warns Ireland faces fines of up to 26bn after three more data centres approved, Irish Independent, February 2). Dr Colin Doyle references the old canard that Ireland will face between 6bn and 28bn in EU fines more than Irelands annual health budget. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Climate Change Advisory Council and government ministers all agree that Ireland will fail to meet EU climate commitments based on the 2015 Paris Agreement. It is estimated that we will achieve about half of the 51pc reduction target in CO2 equivalent emissions by 2030. Ireland is not alone in failing to meet climate goals, as only 12 EU countries are expected to meet 2030 goals. Some of the larger countries like Germany, Italy and France are well off target. It begs the question of whether the Paris Agreement targets, while worthy, are unattainable. Current and recent devastating storm and flood damage here have highlighted the immediate needs for multi-billion-euro costs for adaptation to cope with ever-increasing storms. The Government must refocus all efforts, finance and resources on measures to drive adaptation and resilience against the ravages of climate change to come. John Leahy, Wilton Road, Cork Ten years ago today, a gun attack at the Regency Hotel sent shockwaves through Ireland and marked a turning point in modern gangland history. In broad daylight, heavily armed men disguised as gardai stormed a boxing weigh-in, killing David Byrne and triggering a violent feud that would leave Dublin gripped by fear for years to come. Today on the Indo Daily, Kevin Doyle is joined by former assistant Garda commissioner Michael OSullivan, who was coordinating the Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau at the time, to look back on the day that changed everything. OSullivan recalls arriving at the chaotic crime scene, viewing the CCTV footage for the first time and realising immediately that Irish criminality had crossed an unprecedented line. He describes the immediate concern for public safety, the fear that armed gangs could strike again anywhere in the city, and the frantic effort to prevent a deadly backlash. The episode revisits the roots of the KinahanHutch feud, including the murder of Gary Hutch in Spain months earlier, and examines how the Regency attack fundamentally altered policing in Ireland. A decade on, many of those involved are now behind bars, yet the kingpins remain free. Locals in North Cork are hoping that the planning appeal board will heed their objections and overturn the planning permission granted by Cork County Council for a biomethane plant near Mitchelstown. Last year Nephin Renewable Gas Corracunna Limited applied to build an anaerobic digestion facility to produce biomethane and bio-based fertilizer on a 5.6-hectare site in the townland of Corracunna, around 2 km from Mitchelstown. In November the local authority granted the application subject to 54 conditions. The facility alongside the N73 Mitchelstown-Mallow road would include three 15m-tall digesters as well as storage tanks and a number of buildings. The applicant said it would take in up to 90,000 tonnes per year of manure, slurry, whole crop and other organic matter and use it to produce renewable biomethane that would go into the national gas network as well as bio-based fertilizer. The company said the plant would contribute to national renewable energy targets, help reduce agricultures greenhouse gas emissions, and directly and indirectly support around 75 local jobs. The plant was given the green light despite a number of objections from locals who cited concerns such as visual impact, noise and odours, pollution risks, and increased traffic. Locals have appealed the approval to An Coimisiun Pleanala (ACP), with the submission phase for observations now closed and a decision from the appeals board due in May. Juliette Joyce of the Mitchelstown Biogas Concern Group told the Irish Independent that we trust that ACP will review both the appeal and observations on file and consider the valid concerns of the community about this proposal. We are exceptionally grateful to all of the people and organisations that have supported our appeal. We were blown away with the support we received and the expertise available in our community. The group believes that the plant would be too close to residential dwellings and point out that Ireland has no specific planning regulations to govern how far anaerobic digesters should be from residential homes, unlike other European countries where the mandatory buffer zone ranges from 250 to 1,000 metres. In the case of the proposed Corracunna plant, seven homes are within 250m, with the closest 38m from the site boundary. Additionally, the group is worried about the impact of tankers going to and from the facility on what they say are substandard local roads that lead to Corracunna Cross, an accident blackspot where several people have lost their lives or been seriously injured. During the statutory report phase of the application process, Transport Infrastructure Ireland wrote to Cork County Council saying that insufficient data has been submitted with the planning application to demonstrate that the proposed development will not have a detrimental impact on the capacity, safety or operational efficiency of the national road network in the vicinity of the site. Objectors are also concerned about plans to discharge tonnes of clean, processed water from the anaerobic digestion process into the River Funshion, which is a tributary of the Blackwater. Fewer than ten biogas plants are currently active in Ireland with planning guidelines due early this year. The government has plans to support the delivery of up to 5.7 Terawatt-hours of indigenously produced biomethane by 2030. Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme. The lack of a rail service between Youghal and Cork is more than just an inconvenience, it is a barrier to living a normal life in the East Cork area that causes people to miss hospital and medical appointments and contributes to social isolation and educational underperformance, according to the group campaigning for the services restoration. A deputation from the East Cork Rail Alliance (ECRA) outlined the case for restoring the historic train line at a meeting of the East Cork Municipal District this week, saying that a rail connection between Youghal and Midleton would alleviate the serious congestion on the N25 and boost population growth and economic activity in East Cork and West Waterford. ECRA committee member Mary Hogan talked about the human impact and the very real, everyday consequences for people due to the absence of a rail connection. We regularly hear from residents who have missed hospital and medical appointments in Cork due to unreliable bus services, traffic congestion on the N25, or the simple fact that services do not align with appointment times. For elderly people, people with disabilities, or those undergoing ongoing treatment, this creates stress, anxiety and in some cases deterioration in health outcomes. Ms Hogan said students are also severely affected, facing long, unpredictable journeys to secondary schools and colleges that impact educational performance and mental well-being and in many cases determines whether a young person can remain living in Youghal at all. She added that people without access to a car, particularly older residents, young adults and lower-income households, are increasingly cut off from employment, education, healthcare, and social life. A rail link is not just transport; it is independence, dignity and connection. The return of the YoughalMidleton rail service is therefore not just a transport project it is a social infrastructure project, a health issue, an education issue, and an economic necessity, Ms Hogan said. ECRA chairman Michael Beecher told councillors that the groups 2026 goal is to get restoration of the train service included on all future development plans, including the Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (CMATS), which is expected to be reviewed and opened to public consultation this year. As part of this process, the optimal transport provision in the area, including the Youghal to Midleton rail service, will be considered again, with ECRA seeking to mobilise community participation in the consultation process, he said. The elected members of the East Cork Municipal District voiced their support for the campaign with the MD chairperson, Cllr Rory Cocking, saying I think I speak for all of us when I say we're all very much in favour of it. Keep going, I think, is what to bring from this meeting and we will do our part as much as we can from our side as well. Cllr Patrick Mulcahy described restoring the rail connection as a no-brainer. There's no doubt about it, the traffic has become a huge problem along the N25 and there's no point saying otherwise, everybody can recognize that, whether it's through Castlemartyr, Mogeely or going up to the Jack Lynch Tunnel, he said. Last month Irish Rail official AJ Cronin told the East Cork MD that restoring the line between Youghal and Midleton would cost around 200 million and there is currently no plan or proposal to do so but the company would be happy to restore it if that changes. The last regular scheduled passenger train from Youghal to Cork city ran in 1963. The section of line from Midleton to Cork was reopened in 2009 and is now undergoing a major upgrade that will deliver new stations and more frequent services as part of the 1.8-bn Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme. Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme. British prime minister Keir Starmer has reiterated his full confidence in Macroom native Morgan McSweeney who is coming under intense political pressure following the latest revelations on Peter Mandelson this week. Mandelson resigned from the House of Lords on Monday, February 2, after a series of scandalous emails came to light that linked him to the child sex offender and financier Jeffrey Epstein, including ones suspected to have leaked confidential UK government communications. Workers clean up the damage caused by flooding at Grange Park, Rathfarnham, in Dublin. Photo: Collins Schools across Dublin are on alert for disruption as an orange rain warning remains in place until Friday lunchtime, with councils warning that already saturated ground and high river levels could lead to localised flooding. St Declans Primary School in Ballsbridge confirmed it will close early today, with pupils being sent home by midday due to the adverse weather warning. Parents were informed that transport arrangements had been put in place to facilitate the early collection of children. Met Eireann has warned that persistent rainfall over the next 24 to 36-hour period could cause river and surface flooding, particularly in areas that were impacted by flooding last week. Speaking on RTEs Morning Ireland today, Forecaster Gerry Murpy said higher rainfall totals will extend to south Dublin and Wicklow. Its really the southern half of Dublin that this orange warning refers to simply because the higher ground is in south Dublin in conjunction with the Wicklow Mountains, so those impacts that may occur with Wicklow and south Dublin Mountains may have a knock-on effect at lower levels over the southern half of Dublin, he said. Mr Murphy also said that not all the areas affected last week by flooding will experience the same conditions over the next 24 hours. It may not affect all of them in the same way but nonetheless those are the areas that will be most at risk of flooding and people should be aware that this is actually going to be a lot of consistent, persistent rain, he said. The rain will start off around midmorning and its really going to continue right the way through the rest of today, right the way through tonight and right up until tomorrow afternoon. So its going to be very wet really. It may not be raining heavily all of the time but it will be very wet really from midmorning right the way through to tomorrow afternoon, he added. Dublin City Council said its flood management team remains active across the city, monitoring river and coastal conditions closely as the warning continues. Flood gates along the River Dodder remain closed, while Eden Quay boardwalk has also been shut as a precaution. Workers clean up the damage caused by flooding at Grange Park, Rathfarnham, in Dublin. Photo: Collins Today's News in 90 - Thursday February 5 Coastal car parks at Sandymount and Clontarf remain closed due to the risk of wave overtopping during high tides, with the Clontarf cycle lane also closed. Crews are continuing debris removal and clearance works at river racks to minimise flood risk. South Dublin County Council said all public parks are closed today as a precautionary measure, while river levels remain high with further rainfall expected on already saturated ground. In Dun LaoghaireRathdown, the local authority confirmed that its Severe Weather Assessment Team is closely monitoring conditions, with crews and inspectors deployed to known flooding hotspots. The East Pier was closed due to hazardous conditions caused by high tides and strong easterly winds. Fingal County Council has also warned of an increased risk of coastal and river flooding, particularly in low-lying areas, as high spring tides may impede river discharge. Authorities have advised schools, parents and the wider public to remain alert to changing conditions, allow extra time for travel and avoid flooded areas, rivers and canals. Rainfall is expected to continue in the coming days, with weather advisories in place into early next week. Pupils from St Johns Parochial School on Ashe Street in Tralee, Valeria, Okpo and Jeremiah, pictured enjoying the school's recent bake sale fundraiser. Photo by Mark O'Sullivan St Johns Parochial School on Ashe Street was a hive of activity last Friday morning as pupils, parents and the wider community rallied behind a popular fundraising bake sale. The event took place in Teach an tSolais, located beside the school, where the scent of home baking filled the room. Proceeds from the sale will go towards much-needed repair work on the school corridor, as well as supporting My Canine Companion, the charity that previously provided the school with its therapy dog, Vogue. My Canine Companion is an Irish charity that supplies accredited service dogs to people with disabilities, primarily those with autism, and also offers a range of therapy dog services and autism awareness initiatives. An impressive selection of homemade cakes, scones, buns, cookies and pastries prepared by parents and pupils was on offer. The fundraiser was enthusiastically supported by the school community, local businesses and members of the public, contributing to a very successful morning. Alex, Louise, Pempho, and Alicja attend the St Johns Parochial School bake sale on Friday. Photo by Mark OSullivan. Sweet treats and smiles for Santiago, Patricie Roman, and Aya at the St Johns Parochial School bake sale on Friday. Photo by Mark OSullivan. Brothers Hugo and Luke McCarthy at the St Johns Parochial School bake sale on Friday. Photo by Mark OSullivan. Athena, Roman, and Damien enjoying the buzz at the St Johns Parochial School bake sale on Friday. Photo by Mark OSullivan. An historic Louth landmark visible from the M1 motorway may finally be on the path toward restoration, after fresh movement emerged at a recent meeting of Louth County Council. Cllr. Shane McGuinness told councillors that efforts to engage with the owner of Dunmahon Castle located just west of the M1 near Dundalk had made a breakthrough, raising hopes that the longneglected structure could soon be preserved. After many, many years of trying to get speaking to the owner of Dunmahon Castle, weve got a little bit of positivity around the owner applying for a grant for a feasibility study, he said. Dunmahon Castle is considered one of the countys most significant medieval sites. Thought to date back to the 15th century, the tower house has stood for centuries overlooking the surrounding countryside, becoming a familiar sight for motorists travelling between Dundalk and Drogheda. The castle is steeped in local history. It is believed to have been the scene of a violent 1640s battle in which more than 200 people were killed. Despite its deteriorating condition, it remains an important feature of the areas heritage landscape, with calls for its refurbishment gaining momentum in recent years. Highlighting its cultural and historic value, Cllr. McGuinness said the structure, which is located along the Dublin-Belfast Economic Corridor (DBEC), deserved the support of local authorities. It is of significant heritage value, he told the meeting. It is certainly something that I hope will be supported within the council. Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme County posts strong growth in new residential addresses, according to new GeoDirectory report. A surge in housing construction is adding to the rate of new residential addresses in Louth. Stock image. Louth recorded 1,892 new residential address points in 2025, according to the latest GeoDirectory Residential Buildings Report, placing the county among the top five areas for new housing additions nationwide. The report, compiled by GeoDirectory and EY, shows 35,056 new residential address points were added across the State last year. Dublin accounted for the highest number (11,966), followed by Cork (3,761), Kildare (3,107), Louth (1,892) and Meath (1,761). In addition, 1,780 residential buildings were under construction in Louth in December 2025. Nationally, 27,931 homes were under construction, a 25.5pc increase on the previous year. Dublin recorded the most active construction sites (5,046), with strong levels also seen in Cork (3,668), Kildare (2,075), Louth (1,780) and Meath (1,703). Louths residential vacancy rate stood at 2.6pc at the end of 2025, well below the national average of 3.7pc, which remains at a record low. A total of 79,703 units were classified as vacant nationwide. The lowest vacancy levels were recorded in Dublin (1.2pc), followed by Kildare (1.7pc), Waterford (2.0pc), Meath (2.2pc) and Carlow (2.4pc). GeoDirectory also logged 19,438 derelict units nationwide in Q4 2025 a 3.3pc annual decrease with 1.1pc of those located in Louth. Louth recorded 1,535 residential property transactions in the 12 months to November 2025, with 39.7pc involving new homes, according to CSO data. The average Irish house price rose 6.6pc over the year to 427,937. In Louth, the average price was 343,844. Commenting on the findings, Dara Keogh, CEO of GeoDirectory, said 2025 saw a significant acceleration in national housing activity. Delivering this new supply pipeline to the market in 2026 should be a priority for the sector, as low vacancy rates combined with increased demand continues to drive the average property price upwards. Simon MacAllister, Partner at EY, said the report reflected continued positive momentum in the housing market, with construction strengthening and vacancy tightening. Looking ahead, a series of policy changes introduced last year have been welcomed by the construction sector and it is hoped they will unlock further housing growth potential. Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme Over 19.2pc of homes offered to Louths social housing tenants through the Choice Based Letting (CBL) system have been turned down, according to new figures released by Louth County Council. The statistics emerged at the local authoritys January meeting, following a question submitted by Independent Councillor, Ciaran Fisher, revealing that over the last eight years the rate of tenant refusals was highest in Dundalk followed by Drogheda and Ardee. Cllr Fisher asked for a breakdown of the percentage of refusals the council have received yearly since the introduction of the CBL system, which is the portal used by tenants to bid for social housing when it is advertised by Louth County Council. The meeting heard the CBL system is designed to give tenants the freedom to bid on social houses in areas they actually want to live in. The allocation system was first introduced in 2017, and figures were provided from 2018, the first full year, up until 2025. Director of Service, Ger Murphy explained: The majority of refusals are where an applicant was successful in bidding on CBL, received a provisional offer of an allocation, and subsequently refused the offer. Since 2018 there were 282 refusals of offers in the Dundalk area. A further 301 offers were rejected by prospective tenants in Drogheda, and 80 in Ardee. In terms of house types, the refusals were across the board, from one bed to four bed housing units. Cllr. Ciaran Fisher said he was pleased to see a decrease in the rate of refusals in Dundalk. He asked what mechanism was used to bring down the number of refusals. Cllr. Marianne Butler asked if tenants turn down an offer, after bidding through Choice Based Letting, if they are prevented from getting another offer for a year. She asked if this was the case, as it is in the Housing Allocation Scheme. Director of Services, Ger Murphy said: The answer to your question is a straight yes, if someone has bid on CBL, and then refuses that {property} they are precluded from using CBL for a period of twelve months. He said this strategy was adopted by councillors in the Housing Allocation Scheme which they had passed last October. So we will be sticking to that, added Mr. Murphy. He said that the system itself, CBL, had helped the local authority bring down the number of refusals. It is quite a useful tool, as it does give that responsibility back to the tenant to bid on an area that they actually want to live in. So it has helped to reduce that rate of refusals. Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme A Castlebar councillor slammed faceless bureaucrats for taking schemes to planning stages and failing to fund them A Mayo representative has criticised Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), Minister for Transport Dara OBrien, and the decision-making process behind the allocation of public funding for active travel schemes. Cllr Donna Sheridan spoke out after the Balla Active Travel Scheme was left out of a 11.3 million funding allocation awarded to other projects across Mayo by the Department of Transport. The N60 Pollavaddy to Balla Active Travel Facility proposes a standalone cycleway and walkway along or near the N60, linking the Heathlawn Active Travel facility at Pollavaddy Junction with Balla Town. The project is currently at Phase Three, the design and environmental evaluation stage. Mayo County Council had applied for 615,000 to progress the scheme. At the moment, the cycleway ends at Pollavaddy, leaving the section from Heathlawn to Balla incomplete. Talk about an absolute farce, Cllr Sheridan said at the January meeting of Castlebar Municipal District Council. She expressed her dismay that 20m had already been invested in the section from Heathlawn to Pollavaddy, which was completed in 2024, yet the remainder of the scheme remains unfinished. Why waste public money? It should be up in front of the Public and Accounts Committee She criticised that, despite two public consultations, the active travel project as a whole remains incomplete. There is a fabulous road, a fabulous cycleway, and then boom - it stops when you get to the bridge, she explained. The Fine Gael councillor said the community in Balla has campaigned for the completion of the scheme for years. She added that the Ministers decision has left the greenway in limbo, leaving the community feeling let down. Im not saying Pollavaddy is in the middle of nowhere - but if youre a five-year-old on a bike, its the middle of nowhere. How are you going to get the next kilometre into Balla? she asked. She criticised the decision not to include the scheme in the recent active travel funding allocation, calling it farcical. She proposed that the council ask Minister OBrien to meet with the Castlebar Municipal District and the Balla community to explain the absurd decision. We have stood, and we will stand with members of the community there, she said. I am calling out TII - its a disgrace Cllr Sheridan also questioned the wider decision-making process for allocating funding to active travel schemes. She voiced frustration that faceless bureaucrats in the Department review schemes, take them to the planning stage, and fail to provide funding. Why waste public money? It should be up in front of the Public and Accounts Committee, she said. Cllr Sheridan then called out TII, urging them to stop starting projects only to complete them halfway before abandoning them. The councillor also called out Transport Infrastructure Ireland, urging them to stop starting projects that are only completed halfway before being abandoned. She cited similar schemes in Castlebar, where projects receive multiple funding announcements over several years but never reach construction. I am calling out TII - its a disgrace, she said, I want us to write to the Minister asking him to come here. Meet the people of Balla and face us, the public reps and the community, and tell us how he can defend this decision, she said. A consultant was appointed to the scheme in January in order to provide technical and environmental data to help progress the scheme to Phase Four. This article has been funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme. Captain Gilbert Muldowney, a native of Ballinameen, died during a liver fire training exercise in England A British army officer who died during a live fire exercise will be laid to rest in his native County Roscommon later this week. Captain Gilbert Muldowney, a native of Ballinameen in north County Roscommon, died in Northumberland on January 25 during a live fire training exercise as part of the 129 (Dragon) Battery, 4th Regiment Royal Artillery. The circumstances surrounding his death remain under investigation. His sudden passing at the age of 25 was greeted with great sadness in north Roscommon, where his father, David, serves as a deacon in the Elphin diocese. Tributes have been paid to Captain Muldowney by former army comrades and by Elphin Community College, who described him as a truly special young man who is remembered with great affection by staff and classmates alike. In a tribute, Elphin Community College said he led quietly and kindly, always setting a positive example. He was deeply involved in sport, an outstanding debater, and a bright, motivated student who set high standards for himself. Captain Muldowney excelled at Engineering in secondary school where he was a head student and achieved the highest Leaving Certificate Engineering result in the country in 2019, along with 3rd place nationally for his Higher Level Engineering project. The school also paid tribute to his humility and generosity of spirit. He was inclusive, sociable and always willing to help others. He had a strong interest in fitness and a long-held ambition to pursue a career in the Army, reflecting his discipline and sense of service. After leaving secondary school, he enlisted in the British Armys officer training programme at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. After completing his training, he was commissioned into the 4th Regiment of the Royal Artillery, a frontline unit responsible for delivering and coordinating artillery fire support. Within that regiment, he served as a Fire Support Team Commander, who are responsible for directing artillery fire, integrating it with manoeuvre units and maintaining communication links. He later served abroad in Estonia and rose to the rank of captain before his sudden death. Former colleagues in the British Army have remembered him as an outstanding officer who consistently put his soldiers first who had an extraordinary ability to lift spirits and make the best of any situation. His leadership, courage and sense of duty earned him the respect and admiration of all who served alongside him, Commanding Officer of the 4th Regiment Royal Artillery, Lt Col Henry Waller, said. Captain Muldowney will be removed from his family home on Saturday, February 7, at 12.30pm, and carried shoulder high to St Attractas Church, Ballinameen (F52 XT78), arriving at 12.45pm for Mass of the Resurrection at 1.00pm. He will be laid to rest afterwards in the adjoining cemetery. The Funeral Mass will be streamed live. Gilbert Muldowney is survived by his parents Meg and David, sisters Rachel and Kate, grandfather Fred, aunties, uncles, cousins, extended family, goddaughter Katie, and a large circle of friends. The Muldowney family have thanked their relatives, friends, neighbours and Gilberts fellow soldiers for all their support and sympathy over the extremely difficult days since his passing. It has been a great source of comfort and strength to us all, the family stated on Rip.ie. Loss of pioneering farming project would be profound loss locally, nationally and internationally, according to County Roscommon-based Senator Gareth Scahill Cattle look out over the N5 near Rathcroghan, County Roscommon. Photo: Gerry Faughnan A pioneering heritage farming project in one of Irelands most archaeologically sensitive landscapes is now weeks from collapse after the Government signalled that little or no further core funding will be made available. Farming Rathcroghan is expected to cease trading before the end of March after its recent application to the Horizon Europe Cluster 2 scheme was unsuccessful. Founded in 2015, the initiative has provided financial assistance to 90 farmers in exchange for adopting practices that avoid disturbing the 260 plus archaeological sites scattered across the Rathcroghan landscape. The committee behind Farming Rathcroghan CLG said it would attempt to secure funding to retain a core team capable of preparing future funding applications. Speaking in Seanad Eireann, Roscommon-based Senator Gareth Scahill urged the Government to protect the projects five-person administrative staff, who oversee farmer engagement, compliance work, archaeological monitoring and the preparation of complex funding bids. If there is any hope of maintaining this project, even on an interim basis, the administrative core must be protected, Senator Scahill said. The Fine Gael senator warned that rebuilding the project later would be vastly more difficult and far more expensive if the staff were let go due to absence of funding. We are not being asked to fund an untested idea; we are being asked to fund a proven protective programme, an award winning model that protects heritage, supports farmers, strengthens rural communities and enhances Irelands cultural standing, he said. Allowing it to disappear now when it is delivering real results would be a profound loss locally, nationally and internationally. If we want this project to survive, we must act now. Since 2019, Farming Rathcroghan has received 87pc of its funding from the EU. Roscommon County Council and other state bodies provided the remaining 13pc, bringing the grand total for the period to 2,252,258. Responding on behalf of the Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Christopher OSullivan, Minister of State John Cummins said the project could not receive further support from the EU Just Transition Fund, having already drawn down 900,000 - just under the maximum allowable amount. He noted that Farming Rathcroghan could reapply for the National Monuments Service (NMS) pilot scheme for minor works, through which it received 63,000 last year via Roscommon County Council. Minister Cummins added that the NMS intends to establish a broader support scheme for landowners across Irelands World Heritage properties in the coming years. However, he said the complexity of developing such a scheme would require extensive consultation with partners involved in Irelands bid to secure UNESCO World Heritage status for Rathcroghan and the other sites, including Tara, Emain Macha, Cashel, Dun Ailinne and Uisneach. Minister Cummins said he would pass on Senator Scahills request for a meeting with Minister Christopher OSullivan to the minister. Rathcroghan is recognised as the ancient capital of Connacht and is part of Irelands official UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List. The area contains monuments dating back as far as the Stone Age and is said to have been home to Queen Medb, who ruled all of Connacht from her home at Rathcroghan. Four charges awaiting Lai Chingte 13:30, February 05, 2026 By Shao Xia ( People's Daily Online Taiwan's return to the embrace of the motherland is an irreversible trend that no force can stop and China's growing national strength is the ultimate guarantee for resolving the Taiwan question. In view of this, Lai Ching-te, the current leader of the Taiwan region, will have his day of reckoning. Essentially, he will be held accountable on four charges come that day. Undermining the political ecosystem and harming people's wellbeing Lai talks a lot about "democracy." However, what he really wants is the dominance of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and the pursuit of his separatist agenda through "green monopoly" (green is the party color of DPP). Since taking office, Lai has made "administrative resources" his tools to eliminate those who disagree. He views the Kuomintang (KMT), the Taiwan People's Party (TPP), and other parties that perform normal supervisory functions as enemies to be destroyed. By weaponizing judicial and investigative agencies, he ordered raids on other political parties' offices, the harassment of their representatives, and even the prosecution of Ko Wen-je, the former chairman of the TPP. The public in the island widely believe that "democracy" is backsliding, justice no longer exists, and freedom is in danger. On livelihood-related issues, Lai has acted irresponsibly. He has only put on political stunts without taking concrete actions. When natural disasters hit Tainan and Hualien, his relief efforts were all show with no tangible actions. On his watch, Taiwan has undergone food safety crises involving toxic eggs and African swine fever, yet the authorities have no solution to offer. Besides, Lai shifted blames for anything that goes awry: from bad energy policies, to low wages for youth, rampant telecom fraud, etc. Worse still, he has coerced Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) into transferring its advanced chip manufacturing to the United States. This has turned "Taiwan's chips" into "America's chips" and hollowed out the region's most important industry. Data speak for themselves. Even pro-DPP polling organizations have to admit the facts. The "Taiwan Public Opinion Foundation" reports that over half of the public disapproves of Lai, calling the last five months his "most objectionable moment." Another poll shows 80 percent of netizens consider him the "most disappointing leader." Even in the deep-green strongholds of southern Taiwan, dissatisfaction rate has soared to 44 percent. Damaging crossStrait relations by acting recklessly "on the edge of a cliff" On the critical issue of cross-Strait relations, Lai is blocking all paths to peace. Looking back at the eight years when Ma Ying-jeou was the regional leader, both sides of the Taiwan Strait adhered to the 1992 Consensus and the situation across the Strait was calm. Direct flights, mail, and trade flourished, a steady stream of mainland tourists visited Taiwan, and Taiwan's farmers sold their goods to the mainland effortlessly. The historic meeting between President Xi Jinping and Ma Ying-jeou in Singapore proved that the Chinese people have every confidence and the wisdom to handle their own affairs. Lai has destroyed this trust. He openly peddles the "new two-state theory," claiming the two sides are "mutually non-subordinate." He labels the mainland a "hostile foreign force" and has rolled out aggressive "strategies" to counter it. He relies on fear-mongering, constantly hyping the threat of a "2027 invasion" to justify his "Green Terror." He overstretches fiscal resources to buy overpriced, outdated weapons from the U.S. and is even mobilizing high school students for war preparations, turning schools into training grounds. To push for "decoupling" from the mainland, he labels normal exchanges as "infiltration." He bans mainland apps like Xiaohongshu or Little Red Book, and threatens entertainers and business people who work in the mainland. Colluding with external forces and creating regional tension Lai is not only a "tyrant" in the region but also a pawn for foreign powers. He tries to "internationalize" the Taiwan question by "inviting wolves into the house". He eagerly links Taiwan with the Ukraine crisis, hoping to pull Western countries into the Taiwan question. Lai continues the failed strategy of "dollar diplomacy." He spends taxpayers' money to invite washed-up Western politicians like Mike Pompeo and Boris Johnson to visit Taiwan and treats these political figures as "honored guests" just to generate fake support. His attitude toward Japan is shameful. Japan colonized Taiwan for 50 years and killed countless people. Yet, when Japanese politicians made aggressive statements about Taiwan, Lai did not protest. Instead, he has fawned over them, even performed stunts like eating sushi to show "loyalty." He is ready to sell out Taiwan people's dignity and anything he can get his hands on, so long as it serves his separatist agenda. Most dangerously, Lai celebrates U.S. arms sales. When the U.S. approved an over $11 billion arms package, Lai expressed "gratitude," claiming it showed a "rock-solid commitment." What he does is paying protection money to a hegemon and pushing Taiwan toward an abyss of disaster. He even claimed that mainland military drills around Taiwan show "its lack of strength," and that so long as Taiwan raises the costs of a military attack, "the attack will never happen." Many Taiwan netizens dismissed such comments as reckless and ignorant. Undermining international order and disregarding international law Taiwan's return to China at the end of World War II was no historical coincidence. It was an integral part of the victory achieved by the Chinese people through immense sacrifice during the global fight against fascism. It is an indisputable fact confirmed by international legal documents like the Cairo Declaration, the Potsdam Proclamation, and the Japanese Instrument of Surrender. Documents like these clearly state, as part of the post-war international order they help define, that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China. It is a non-negotiable red line for China and a prevailing consensus of the international community. UNGA Resolution 2758 resolved, politically, legally and procedurally, the issue of the representation of the whole of China, including Taiwan, at the UN, confirming that there is only one China and Taiwan is part of it. By distorting this resolution, Lai Ching-te has attempted to deny the outcomes of WWII and to fabricate a legal basis for "Taiwan independence." This poses a direct challenge to the UN Charter and the international legal system. Stability across the Taiwan Strait is crucial for the Asia-Pacific region. Lai's provocations threaten to undermine it. Crossing the red line of the one-China principle could trigger a conflict that risks dragging major powers into confrontation and leading to disasters for humanity. The world is clear-eyed about this. Over 180 countries recognize the one-China principle, and the UN and the great majority of international organizations have no official ties with Taiwan. Lai's arguments are self-deceptive. Even in the U.S., more people have come to realize that Lai's radicalism could drag America into an unbearable conflict. Apparently, Lai has chosen to betray his ancestors and sever his national roots. He will stand accused of at least the above four major crimes by following this sinister path. History will not let any evildoer go unpunished. Let's wait and see. (The author is a commentator on international affairs, writing regularly for Xinhua News, Global Times, China Daily, CGTN etc.) (Web editor: Chang Sha, Liang Jun) A new study by Dr Marion Dowd, lecturer in archaeology at ATU Sligo has shed light on Irelands cillini - unconsecrated burial grounds used for babies that were stillborn, miscarried or who died at birth without been baptised. Published in the Journal of Irish Archaeology (Volume XXXIV, 2025), the research combines folklore and archaeology in a novel way, revealing long-forgotten sites and the emotional and cultural practices associated with them. Dr Dowd examined over 350 folklore accounts from the National Folklore Collection Schools archive and cross-referenced them with archaeological records. This approach identified 11 previously unrecorded cillini and 16 lost burial grounds across multiple counties, including Kerry, Mayo, Donegal, Galway, Clare, Cork, Louth, Sligo, Waterford, Longford, Meath, Monaghan, Tipperary, and Wexford. Sites include Lisheen na bPaisti in Co. Sligo, Inis na Leanbh in Kilquane, Co. Kerry, burial grounds near holy wells in Co. Waterford, crossroads sites in Co. Clare, and forgotten cillini within ringforts in Co. Meath. Many of these locations had never appeared in official archaeological surveys. The research also uncovers the deep grief, shame, and trauma experienced by parents burying children in unconsecrated ground, offering what Dr Marion Dowd calls an archaeology of emotion. Folklore reveals supernatural beliefs surrounding these sites, including supernatural lights, and traditions such as the stray sod and hungry sod, thought to punish those who disturbed graves. Unique practices such as two gender-specific burial grounds (one for baby boys only, and one for baby girls), and folk cures for sick children, are detailed for the first time in an archaeological context. This research reconnects Irelands rich folklore with its physical archaeological heritage, ensuring that the places in our landscape associated with the unbaptised, are not lost to time, says the archaeologist. Many cillini remain vulnerable to destruction from development, farming, and neglect. With folklore now recognised under Irelands heritage legislation through the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Convention (2015), this research highlights the importance of integrating oral traditions into heritage protection. Local communities are encouraged to help identify and preserve these sites. On Friday January 30th 2026, the ballot for the continuation of Sligo BID resulted in a 78% yes vote. Sligo BID thanked all the member businesses for their engagement in the process, the forty two who have served on the board over the last 10 years and the many people (local, commuter or those travelling) who work, shop, visit and socialise in our town every day. The Irish Legislation for Business Improvement Districts ensures that every five years, businesses have the opportunity to have their vote as to whether their local BID should continue or not. Sligo Businesses voted last Friday with a seventy eight percent vote in favour of Sligo BID continuing another five years. Through the BID, the businesses support town projects such as the continuation of the Love Sligo Gift Card, Sligo BID Tourist Office, Christmas Lights, street decorations and more. These all help to improve the town experience for locals and visitors alike. Sligo BID will also continue to be a business sector representative on a local and national level. Gail Mc Gibbon, Sligo BID CEO said: We are delighted and grateful that the Sligo businesses came out and voted yes for the continuation of the BID. There are currently only five BIDs in the Republic of Ireland but more towns are beginning to see the value of what a BID can do for an area. "This vote shows that Sligo businesses see the value of what a BID can do here for this town. In the current, challenging economic climate, the commitment of the businesses to the improvement of our town is admirable and should be commended. We are excited for what will be achieved in the next five years. Finbarr Filan, Sligo BID Chairperson said: Sligo businesses said yes to continuing to contribute towards making this town better. With this successful result, Sligo BID will continue to organise supports and promotion for Sligo BID members and the BID area. Thanks again to all businesses for their participation. "We are also delighted to retain our Purple Flag accreditation for Sligo town for the 11th consecutive year. As the internationally recognised night time economy award, this Purple Flag now joins our Tidy Towns Gold Medal and IBAL Cleanest Town in Ireland Awards in recognising that Sligo is taking really positive and visible steps to improve its reputation, with a renewed focus on quality, pride of place, and consistent delivery in the town centre. An Coimisiun Pleanala has granted planning permission to British billionaire inventor James Dyson to build a helicopter landing pad at his mansion, Ballynatray House, despite objections from a local resident. Mr Dyson made his millions partly from the invention of the bagless Dyson vacuum cleaner. Ballynatray House and its 850-acre estate are located on a bend of the Blackwater River close to the Waterford-Cork border, and was previously owned by British property developer Henry Gwyn-Jones. Council issues stay high, stay dry warnings as easterly winds cause huge waves No significant flooding reported in key residential and commercial zones Volunteers clear the contents of a home at Fogarty's terrace in Aughrim following damage caused by Storm Chandra. Photo: Michael Kelly The clean up operation in Aughrim following Storm Chandra Volunteers clear debris at St. Martin's drive in Aughrim following damage caused by Storm Chandra. Photo: Michael Kelly Sea foam filling the pavement at the back of Bray beach on Thursday afternoon. Photo: Tom Galvin A car parked in Bray Harbour as strong winds and a high tide cause waves to overtop the wall on Thursday afternoon. Photo: Tom Galvin People watch on at the edge of the promenade in Bray, which was flooded by waves and high tide on Thursday afternoon. Photo: Tom Galvin Wicklow County Council crews, the Civil Defence and Severe Weather Alert Team remain on standby, as todays Status Orange weather warning is extended deep into Friday. While so far it appears flood defences are holding, huge easterly winds and high tides have caused widespread wave-overtopping and coastal flooding, while many rivers are close to bursting. After high tide this afternoon, the council issued a warning to avoid seafront areas altogether. Stay back, stay dry was the message as crews closed the harbour area in Bray, as well as the car park at the southern end of the promenade, with the advice being to say off the promenade, which was totally flooded. You would have been forgiven for thinking there was a snowstorm on the seafront, as white foam rained down and gathered in mounds along the path, covering the cars parked in the designated bay near the promenade. At the harbour, one car, parked directly in front of the oncoming tide, and with its owner nowhere to be seen, was close to being submerged. The swans at the sanctuary had paid heed to the elements and retreated as far back as they could, nestled against the fencing at the Harbour Bar. Bray Head looms large over a wind and wave battered seafront on Thursday afternoon. Photo: Tom Galvin Garden flooding in Bray People are additionally warned to stay away from the east and north piers in Wicklow town and Arklows north beach. A Yellow rain warning has now expired, shifting to Status Orange until 3pm on Friday. The local authority have issued a new statement saying crews are continuing to assess the situation around the county, as a result of the ongoing Orange Weather warning. A high level of vigilance is in place, and crews in all Municipal Districts are closely monitoring the situation, they said. Many rivers remain close to or above bank-full levels; however, most have receded from the peak levels observed last week. Further heavy rainfall is likely to trigger additional flooding due to saturated ground conditions. We will continue to assess locations recently affected by flooding, as well as other flood-prone areas. Spring high tides, combined with strong winds and coastal surge have resulted in wave overtopping in Wicklow town, Bray Seafront and at Arklows North Beach revetment. Coastal flooding could also occur in exposed areas. Members of the public are urged to stay away from these areas for their own safety. Community support centres across the county remain on standby and will be opened if deemed necessary. The Civil Defence remain ready to mobilise if rest centres are required. Stocks of sandbags have been replenished and are available across all district areas. The public are being asked to continue to heed warnings already in place and to work from home on Friday if possible to reduce traffic on roads. The councils Severe Weather Alert Team met on Wednesday and remains on standby to reconvene if conditions deteriorate. People in Arklow and Aughrim are still cleaning up and counting the costs after the devastation to businesses and homes when the Avoca River and Aughrim River both burst their banks during Storm Chandra on Tuesday last week. Today, the conversation in Arklow is a mix of high anxiety and frustration as the new Status Orange rain warning took effect. With the ground already saturated from Storm Chandra, locals were braced for another round of flooding. The Avoca River rose very high around lunchtime, but has since begun to fall again as the tide recedes. Shopkeepers in the town remain on high alert, with many expressing dread that the progress made during recent clean-ups will be undone by further heavy rainfall. Business owners have described the previous devastation as "apocalyptic" as they continue to restack sandbags. In Wicklow town, the water from the Vartry River did threaten to overflow at high tide, but it never broke its banks. Online discussions on local forums are increasingly critical of Wicklow County Council. Many are calling for long-term solutions like deepening the river instead of relying on temporary sandbags. Despite the stress, there is significant praise for the "heartwarming" community spirit. Neighbours are actively checking on each other, and local groups including Aughrim Tidy Towns have been hailed for their massive volunteer clean-up efforts in recent days. A local TD has questioned how the worst affected estate in Aughrim, Riverfield, was allowed to be built. The estate is owned by Wicklow County Council. Speaking earlier this week from Riverfield, Sinn Feins Fionntan O Suilleabhain said: Back in Aughrim today to speak with many of the lovely, welcoming residents in Riverfield estate. 13 families are still picking up the pieces in homes remaining badly damaged. Many cars are now unworkable and insurance companies won't provide homecover. These good people and others in Aughrim, Arklow, Enniscorthy and Bunclody need immediate assistance cover. My Sinn Fein Ireland colleague, John Brady had been progressing legislation that would mandate insurance companies to provide flood cover. The government needs to enact such a law asap. Riverfield, Aughrim is yet another example of a Celtic Tiger era development given planning permission on a river floodplain. My office is there for anyone needing assistance in any way. Elaine Byrne at her flood damaged home in Riverfield in Aughrim, Co Wicklow. Photo: PA Additionally, an online fundraiser has been set up to raise money to help Aughrim families affected by the flooding. The fundraiser on GoFundMe was started by Chloe Cassin, whose sister Leanne OToole and her baby had their home destroyed by flooding in Riverfield last week. Writing on the fundrriser, Chloe explained the scale of devastation in the area. "The river has burst and caused an extravagant amount of damage to people's houses, she said. Flooring is floating, furniture destroyed, appliances ruined. There are vulnerable and small children in some of these houses. It's a small community and any help at all is greatly appreciated. Funds will be used towards helping these houses. More than 800 has so far been raised towards the 4,500 target. To contribute, search Flooded houses in Aughrim on GoFundMe. Meanwhile, repair works are continuing on damaged roads, pipes and manholes, and the council said it remains in close contact with affected residents and business owners. A number of roads remain closed due to flooding and structural damage, including local routes in the Shillelagh, Coolkenna, Coolboy and Knockanana areas. The L7251 Gowle Road between Killabeg and Clonmore, the L7245 Ballynultagh Road, the L7740 Killinure to Money Road and the L7235 Money to Parkbridge Road are among those closed to traffic, while Ballysilloge Lane near Knockanana is also impassable. The Park and Ride, at Greystones on Tuesday, January 27. Photo: Facebook. On the R117 between the 21 Bends and Enniskerry, one lane remains closed with a stop and go system in operation. The council warned that further closures may be required as floodwaters recede and the full extent of damage becomes clearer. In Greystones, part of the Park and Ride car park on Mill Road has been closed as a precaution due to the risk of flooding, with signage in place directing motorists to alternative parking areas. Drivers have also been reminded that the N11 and M11 are operated and maintained by the PPP operator and a Transport Infrastructure Ireland-appointed contractor. Members of the public are being urged not to park in flood-prone areas and to heed all road closure signs. Motorists have been advised to travel with caution, reduce speed and allow extra time for journeys, as debris washed onto roads has caused damage to surfaces in several locations. Drivers have also been warned not to attempt to drive through floodwater, with the council stressing that hidden damage beneath the surface could pose a serious risk to life. Safety advice has also been issued for families, with parents urged to keep children and pets away from waterways and flooded areas. People are being asked to stay back from riverbanks and streams, and to avoid coastal edges, harbours, piers and low-lying promenades, particularly around high tide when water levels can rise rapidly. Separately, residents in Rathdrum remain under a boil water notice that has been in place since January 27 after the adverse weather affected the quality of drinking water entering the public supply. Following consultation with the HSE, Uisce Eireann advised that all consumers supplied by the Rathdrum Public Supply must boil water before drinking to protect their health. Wicklow County Council said the situation remains ongoing and fluid, with teams continuing to monitor conditions closely. Further updates are expected on Friday monring once the impact of the latest weather system across the county has been fully assessed. Two brothers who were initially facing more serious charges have pleaded guilty to a single count of affray arising from a violent incident at a wake in 2019. Michael Connors (34) and Larry Connors (33), both of no fixed abode, appeared before Wicklow Circuit Criminal Court for sentencing. The siblings had initially faced three charges, including violent disorder, causing serious harm, and threatening to kill or cause serious harm, but pleaded guilty to an amended indictment of one count of affray. Garda Mark Pender of Dunlavin Garda Station told the court that on September 6, 2019, at approximately 12.30pm, the brothers were attending their fathers wake in a local pub, where around 30 people were present, when a disagreement broke out and a man was assaulted and injured. CCTV footage obtained from a nearby supermarket showed a man running up the road with a group chasing after him. The victim was pinned against a car and further assaulted by members of the group. Michael and Larry Connors were identified on CCTV footage as both were wearing white dress shirts, having been chief mourners at the funeral. Larry Connors could be seen on CCTV with what appeared to be blood stains on his shirt. The court heard that the victim was placed in the back of a car which fled the scene. Gardai later became aware of the incident when the injured man presented at Rathfarnham Garda Station. Photographs of the victims injuries were handed into court, and Gda Pender confirmed that the man received medical treatment on the night of September 6, 2019. Counsel for the prosecution, James Kelly BL, told the court that both brothers fled the jurisdiction to England in October 2019. Mr Kelly also informed the court that the pair were arrested following their return to Ireland in December 2024. Gda Pender stated that both men were charged on December 27. The court heard that Larry has 54 previous convictions, with his most recent conviction dating back to 2020 at Isleworth Crown Court, where he received a three-year sentence for burglary and theft of a dwelling. Michael has previous convictions in Ireland, the UK, and Strasbourg in France for offences including criminal damage, theft, and assault. Larry Connors (33), of no fixed abode. Today's News in 90 - Thursday February 5 Counsel for Michael, Paul OHiggins SC, told the court that his client had done the prosecution a favour by entering a guilty plea, noting that there were doubts as to whether the CCTV evidence would have been admissible had the matter proceeded to trial. Mr OHiggins said the plea should be regarded as an early one and noted that his client had not come to the attention of gardai between 2021 and late 2024. Justice delayed is justice denied, counsel said, adding that Michael Connors was being held accountable more than six years after the incident. The court heard that Michael has been married for more than 12 years and has three children. He had experienced difficulties with alcohol, drugs, and mental health issues but was said to be doing well while in custody. Since entering prison, he has been attending the gym regularly, with counsel stating that he is looking much better. Mr OHiggins told the court that Michael Connors father had died in a choking-related incident and that he comes from a family of 15 siblings. He previously worked in groundworks and expressed remorse for his actions. A sum of 1,000 has been offered by him in compensation to be donated to charity. A letter from his wife was handed into court, describing him as a hands-on father who is deeply missed by his children. The court was also told that Michael Connors wishes to share his experiences with younger members of the Traveller community at a local youth group. Counsel for Larry, Simon Crowley BL, said his client had been in a heightened state of mourning at the time of the incident and that alcohol had played a significant role, which counsel described as a long-standing burden in his clients life. Larrys wife was present in court. The defendant has children, one of whom has severe autism, and another whom he has not seen while on remand. Counsel said his client accepted responsibility for his actions and wished to engage meaningfully with the Probation Service if the court were to suspend any sentence imposed. He has acknowledged that he suffers from addiction and anger issues. In mitigation, Mr Crowley asked Judge Patrick Quinn to structure any sentence in a way that would facilitate rehabilitation. Judge Quinn adjourned the matter until February 20, 2026 for finalisation of his decision. Funded by the Court Reporting Scheme. The three bridges date back to the mid-1930s and were erected after the Poulaphouca Reservoir was formed between 1937 and 1947 by damming the River Liffey at Poulaphouca as part of an ESB project to build a second hydroelectric station in Ireland. In March 2025, Cllr Gerry ONeill was informed that Wicklow County Council had sought legal advice from their law department over the matter and Baltinglass Municipal District were informed they could not carry out any works to Knockieran Bridge in particular as the ESB are the owners of the bridges and therefore responsible for maintenance of same. The ESB subsequently said they are responsible for the maintenance of the structure of the bridges in question while Wicklow County Council is responsible for the maintenance of the road surface. Cllr ONeill has repeatedly raised the poor condition of the bridge surface at municipal district meetings, highlighting how the bridge is in dire need of resurfacing, while complaining about the build up of weeds and the depth of potholes, which pose a safety risk to local commuters. In previous years, the cost for the Council to take over the resurfacing was estimated at around 18,000; a figure Cllr O'Neill pushed the council to absorb to ensure the work was completed. Raising the issue again during the January district meeting Cllr Gerry O Neill said a solution needs to be found. There are huge amounts of money the ESB are making out of the lake. How long will we have to wait before the council can throw a few buckets of tarmacadam to resurface the area? We need to cop on, were not taking it seriously enough. Were going nowhere. Cllr ONeill previously proposed using some of the 19 million allocated towards the Blessington Greenway to instead be spent on a new replacement bridge at Knockieran, which he believed would act as a gateway for any plans for the greenway, after an application was refused by An Bord Pleanala in December 2024. We need to stop dawdling and act about the lack of investment we get here in the west. The ESB need to wake up and tell us what the story is going forward. he added. In response district administrator Liam Cullen acknowledged no update had been received from the ESB, but agreed to correspond with the semi state body, seeking a timeline on works that need to be completed. Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme Seal spotted with neck entanglement in Wicklow not in life-threatening condition Seal Rescue Ireland Public are urged to stay well away from the seal Human disturbance can cause stress not only to the entangled seal but also to any seals near them. The seal with the entanglement, pictured closest to the water, is part of a larger seal colony. Myles Buchanan Wicklow People Thu 5 Feb 2026 at 07:20 Seal Rescue Ireland are monitoring a seal observed along the cliff walk in Wicklow town, who appears to have something entangled around its neck, and are asking the public to give the seal plenty of space, keep dogs on a lead and avoid attempting to intervene. Francis Bourgeois has been announced as one of the three new presenters of The Grand Tour (Ian West/PA) Trainspotter-turned-social media star Francis Bourgeois has said he has big shoes to fill as one of the new presenters of motoring show The Grand Tour. Bourgeois will host the new series of the Prime Video show alongside James Engelsman and Thomas Holland, whose car-related YouTube channel, Throttle House, has earned more than 3.35 million subscribers. The trio will front the six-part series, which will see them drive across some of the worlds most challenging terrains in a variety of vehicles. (left to right) James Engelsman, Thomas Holland and Francis Bourgeois are the new hosts of The Grand Tour (Prime Video/PA) The show was presented by Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May for eight years after it launched in 2016. The former Top Gear hosts stepped down in 2024. In a post on Instagram, Clarkson could be seen looking through applications for the roles, describing Holland as a funny man, saying Bourgeois application claimed he could see behind him, and that Engelsman has once reviewed a car using only sarcasm. In the latest series, the new presenters will be seen crossing the Angolan desert in track cars and exploring Malaysias vibrant car culture, before heading to California to test the latest and greatest performance cars. Bourgeois said: The saying big shoes to fill spring to mind. Well, in this case itll be like Mo Farah running in size 14 wellies itll be a little awkward at first, perhaps blister-inducing but will overall be an interesting watch. The star has amassed a social media audience of almost six million with his engaging trainspotting content, but he is also a qualified mechanical engineer with experience at Rolls-Royce. The Grand Tour returns to Prime Video later this year and will launch globally in more than 240 countries worldwide. Engelsman said: Ive worked with Thomas for almost a decade making car films. Who knew that all this time, the one ingredient that was missing was a Francis Bourgeois? Let the car adventures commence. Holland added: When I first heard they were rebooting The Grand Tour and replacing Clarkson, Hammond and May, I said only a moron would take that job. Tara Erer, head of UK & Northern Europe Originals, said: The Grand Tour is Prime Videos most watched unscripted UK Original series globally, so finding the right successors was no small feat but weve absolutely struck gold. Were beyond excited to pass the keys to Thomas, James and Francis, three standout talents who emerged from an extensive search, each bringing distinctive talents and energy that will propel the series into exciting new territory while capturing the spirit of adventure and camaraderie of this beloved franchise. Britain Sarah Ferguson asked Epstein for bankruptcy advice and begged him for a job while he was in jail, emails suggest A Russian stand-up comedian was convicted of inciting hatred and jailed for nearly six years yesterday over a joke he made about a legless war veteran, which triggered outrage among nationalists and military bloggers. A court sketch of Marius Borg Hoiby during the first day of his trial in Norway. Photo: AP The son of Norways crown princess denied yesterday that videos on his phone showed acts of rape, as he broke down during his first day of testimony in his trial for rape and domestic violence. Israeli strikes kill at least 23 Palestinians in response to soldiers injury Seven children are among the dead, and the Rafah crossing is closed to patients Palestinian Raed al-Khabba carries his three-month-old daughter, Mira al-Khabbaz, who was killed in an Israeli military strike in Gaza City yesterday. Photo: Jehad Alshrafi/AP Dawoud Abu Alkas, Nidal al-Mughrabi and Pesha Magid Reuters Thu 5 Feb 2026 at 06:30 Israeli tank shelling and airstrikes killed 23 Palestinians, including seven children, in Gaza yesterday, health officials said. It is the latest violence to undermine a truce in the enclave. US president Donald Trump said yesterday that he and Chinese president Xi Jinping discussed the situation in Iran in a wide-ranging call as the US administration pushes Beijing and others to further isolate Tehran. Since 1963, The Independent has helped create a great community! Since our founding in September of 1963, The Independent has been dedicated to giving Livermore, Pleasanton, Dublin, and Sunol readers the news they need to be in-the-know about what's going on in the Tri-Valley region. Britney Spears says family isolated her and will not take responsibility Image credit : X/britneyspears | Britney Spears has shared a new social media post Health update, personal routine, and recent social media activity Image credit : X/BritneySpearsF0 | Britney Spears has again spoken publicly about her strained relationship Ongoing family tension following conservatorship and holiday incident Conservatorship aftermath, legal settlement, and unresolved conflict Image credit : X/BritneySpearsF0 | Spears said she believes her family will never acknowledge their actions Britney Spears has again spoken publicly about her strained relationship with her family, saying she feels scared of them and considers herself lucky to be alive. The remarks were shared in a lengthy social media post, years after her 13-year conservatorship ended, and reflect ongoing emotional, legal, and personal fallout from the arrangement that once governed her life.In her post, Spears said she believes her family will never acknowledge their actions during the conservatorship period. She accused them of isolating her and making her feel excluded, stating that while forgiveness is possible, forgetting what happened is not.She wrote that connection is a basic human need and suggested that isolating someone under the guise of helping them is wrong. Spears added that despite reflection and faith, she does not expect accountability from her family for past decisions.Alongside the message, Spears shared an image showing a newborns hand held by an adult, reinforcing the themes of vulnerability and connection described in her caption.Spears also shared a personal health update, explaining that she has not been able to dance recently after breaking her toe twice. She said this injury followed a serious leg injury sustained four months earlier.She mentioned finding comfort in everyday activities, including baking cheesecake and spending time with her neighbor. Despite her injury, Spears reposted an older video of herself dancing in a red and white bikini. The clip was censored with flower emojis to comply with Instagram guidelines after her bikini top began to slip.She acknowledged the repost with a brief caption explaining that the video had previously been taken down.Spears relationship with her family has remained strained since the conservatorship ended in November 2021. The arrangement began in 2008 following concerns over her mental health, with her father Jamie Spears initially serving as co-conservator alongside attorney Andrew Wallet until 2019.Tensions resurfaced publicly over Christmas after Spears younger sister Jamie Lynn shared photos from a family gathering in Louisiana that included Spears son Sean Preston but not Spears herself. Days later, Spears posted a message that appeared to sarcastically address the gathering, referencing trauma she said could not be fixed.In her memoir The Woman In Me, Spears wrote that the conservatorship diminished her sense of identity and creativity, leaving her feeling disconnected from her work and herself. She described the experience as deeply destabilizing.The conservatorship officially ended on November 12, 2021, a moment Spears described as the best day of her life. She later alleged that the arrangement was abusive, claiming she was forced to work, prevented from seeing friends and family freely, and made to take birth control without consent. These allegations helped fuel the #FreeBritney movement.In 2023, Jamie Spears underwent a leg amputation following a severe bacterial infection. In 2024, Britney and her father reached a legal settlement related to the conservatorship, with Spears ordered to cover $2 million in legal fees. After the ruling, Spears said there had been no justice for the harm she believes was done to her.Jamie Spears lawyer later stated that he acted out of love for his daughter and believed his role as conservator had ultimately been justified. Their relationship, however, remains unrepaired. Trumps call with Xi and competing versions of the conversation Image credit : X/Maga_Trigger | Trump claims wins after Xi phone call Parallels with Trumps earlier conversation with PM Modi Image credit : X/Maga_Trigger | Trumps preemptive posts strike again Indias response and political fallout Xi call readout highlights Trumps selective emphasis Image credit : X/Maga_Trigger | Donald Trump has once again released sweeping claims after a leader-level phone call A familiar pattern without joint confirmation US President Donald Trump has shown a consistent pattern when it comes to high-level diplomacy: announcing outcomes first. Chinese President Xi Jinping has now become the latest leader to experience this approach, following a similar episode involving Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Trumps social media posts after these conversations have once again moved ahead of official confirmations, joint statements, or signed agreements.Trump and Xi spoke by telephone on February 4, a conversation Trump later described as excellent. Soon after the call, the US President took to Truth Social to outline what he said were the main outcomes of the discussion.According to Trump, the two leaders talked about China purchasing American agricultural, aviation, and energy products. He also claimed that broader global issues, including Taiwan, Iran, and the Russia-Ukraine war, were discussed during the call.However, the official Chinese readout told a very different story. Xinhua, Chinas state-run news agency, did not mention any of the trade-related claims made by Trump. Instead, it said the conversation focused on the state of US-China relations and how ties could be improved.The Chinese account emphasised that Xi spoke at length about Taiwan, describing it as Chinas core issue. The readout stated that Xi insisted Taiwan would never be allowed to remain separate from China and warned the United States to exercise extreme caution when it comes to arms sales to the island.Notably, Xinhuas version suggested that the discussion was largely driven by Xi, with no reference to soyabeans, aircraft engines, or energy purchases.Trumps handling of the Xi call closely resembles what followed his recent conversation with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. After speaking with Modi, Trump announced on Truth Social that an India-US trade deal had been finalised.At the time, there was no signed agreement, nor had either country formally concluded negotiations. Despite this, Trump claimed that India would stop buying Russian oil, invest in US infrastructure and industrial projects, purchase American agricultural goods, and remove tariffs on US imports.These statements immediately placed the Modi government under pressure at home. Critics in India argued that Trumps terms amounted to India yielding to US pressure, even though no deal had actually been signed.In the days following Trumps post, Indias Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said that a joint statement on the India-US trade deal would be released within four to five days.In the interim, Goyal was forced to issue repeated reassurances. He stated that any agreement, when finalised, would protect Indias national interests and would not harm Indian farmers by exposing them to US agricultural imports.The absence of a concrete deal left Indian officials responding to Trumps claims without having a signed document to reference, amplifying domestic political criticism.A similar pattern emerged after Trumps call with Xi. Trumps Truth Social post highlighted potential Chinese purchases of US oil, energy, soyabeans, and aircraft components.The Xinhua readout, however, made no mention of these claims. Instead, it focused on Chinas expectations from the US, particularly on Taiwan, and outlined Beijings position on maintaining its red lines.The only clear overlap between Trumps account and Chinas version was mutual praise between the two leaders. Trump wrote that his relationship with Xi was extremely good and stressed the importance of maintaining strong ties.Xinhua echoed this sentiment, quoting Trump as saying that the US-China relationship is the most important bilateral relationship in the world and that he deeply respects Xi.No joint statement was released following the Trump-Xi call, leaving observers unable to independently verify what was actually discussed. What is clear is that Trump chose to publicly highlight elements that suited his narrative before any coordinated announcement.As with his call with Modi, Trump appeared to present outcomes that lacked formal confirmation. In both cases, official versions from the other side either contradicted or significantly downplayed his claims.Trumps approach once again underscores a preference for announcing perceived achievements quickly, even when bilateral processes have not yet concluded. Whether imagined or not, this style has now been experienced by both India and China. Image credit : Instagram| French expat praises Indias culture, climate and craft. Why her observations struck a chord Image credit : Instagram| Viral post shows France trailing India in lifestyle, fabrics. A broader conversation beyond borders Image credit : Instagram| Expat highlights Indias community spirit and textiles. A casual social media post has unexpectedly ignited a lively online debate after a French woman living in India claimed that her home country lags behind India in several everyday aspects of life. The video, shared on Instagram, quickly gained traction, drawing both praise and pushback for its frank comparison between two vastly different cultures.In the clip, the woman, who identifies herself as French and currently based in India, lists aspects of Indian life she believes outperform those in France. Rather than focusing on politics or infrastructure, she centres her observations on daily experiences, social habits and lifestyle comforts. The approach struck a chord with viewers, many of whom were surprised by her perspective.She begins by addressing community life, describing India as far less individualistic than France. According to her, people in India are more inclined to check in on one another, offer help without hesitation and foster a sense of collective belonging. This, she says, makes everyday life feel warmer and more supportive, particularly for someone living away from home.The woman also highlights Indias geographical and climatic diversity. From mountains and deserts to coastlines and forests, she argues that India offers an unmatched range of environments within a single country. France, she notes, has beautiful landscapes of its own, but lacks the sheer variety found across Indias regions.Another point that caught viewers attention was her admiration for Indias textile industry. She praises the craftsmanship, detailing and affordability of Indian fabrics, particularly embroidery and traditional garments. Items that might be considered ordinary in India, she suggests, would often be labelled luxury fashion in France and sold at significantly higher prices.Her comments prompted a wave of reactions online. Many Indian users welcomed the positive portrayal, saying it was refreshing to see their country appreciated beyond stereotypes. Some echoed her thoughts on community and craftsmanship, sharing personal stories that reinforced her claims.However, not everyone agreed. Critics argued that such comparisons oversimplify complex realities. Several pointed out that experiences vary widely depending on income, location and social background. Others felt that praising one country need not come at the expense of another, warning against framing cultural differences as competition.Despite the mixed reactions, the post succeeded in opening a broader discussion about perception and lived experience. Observers noted that outsiders often notice details locals overlook, especially when it comes to social behaviour and everyday interactions.Rather than offering a definitive judgement on either country, the video highlighted how personal experience shapes perspective. It also underscored how social media continues to blur borders, allowing individual voices to influence global conversations.As the debate continues, the post stands as a reminder that cultural comparisons often reveal as much about the observer as the place being observed. In an increasingly connected world, such reflections invite curiosity, dialogue and a willingness to see familiar spaces through fresh eyes. Image credit : Freepik| A man reflects on frequent use of an AI chatbot How AI filled a growing social void Image credit : Freepik| Daily ChatGPT use sparks debate on human connection A warning about balance in the age of AI Image credit : Freepik| Heavy chatbot use prompts questions about loneliness Paisley, a 23-year-old from Manchester, began talking to ChatGPT during the pandemic. What started as occasional conversations for advice and reassurance slowly became a daily habit, with the chatbot turning into a constant presence in his life. At its peak, Paisley says he was interacting with the AI up to eight times a day, a routine he later described as difficult to break.The reliance did not happen overnight. Like many young people, Paisley found himself struggling with isolation after lockdowns disrupted normal social life. He moved directly into work after finishing school, missing out on opportunities to build new friendships. Dissatisfied with his job and unhappy with his living situation, he began searching for clarity and direction, often turning to ChatGPT for guidance.At first, the experience felt productive. Paisley recalls finding the responses thoughtful and practical, which encouraged him to keep returning. The chatbot offered immediate answers without judgement, making it easier to open up about problems he felt unable to discuss with others. Over time, however, those interactions became a substitute rather than a supplement to real conversations.As his usage increased, Paisley noticed changes in his behaviour. He became less confident speaking to people and more reliant on the predictability of machine-led responses. The simplicity of typing out concerns and receiving structured advice began to outweigh the effort required to maintain human connections.Researchers say this pattern reflects a broader trend. A joint study by OpenAI and the MIT Media Lab found that users who bonded most strongly with AI chatbots were more likely to report higher levels of loneliness and emotional dependence. The study suggested that frequent interaction, across both text and voice formats, often correlated with reduced social engagement rather than improved wellbeing.Voice-based AI, initially believed to offer a more comforting experience, showed diminishing benefits at high usage levels. According to researchers, the sense of companionship faded when conversations became habitual and replaced meaningful human contact.Paisleys experience has since become part of a wider discussion about how artificial intelligence fits into everyday emotional life. While chatbots can offer short-term support or practical advice, experts caution against treating them as substitutes for real relationships.Mental health professionals stress that AI lacks emotional reciprocity and cannot respond to nuance in the way people do. Used carefully, such tools may help users organise thoughts or feel less alone in moments of stress. Used excessively, they risk reinforcing withdrawal and avoidance.Looking back, Paisley sees his story as a reminder rather than a rejection of technology. Recognising the pattern helped him step back and rebuild healthier habits. As AI tools become more accessible, his experience highlights the importance of setting boundaries and preserving space for genuine human connection in an increasingly digital world. What is the reality of life inside China? What often gets lost in the trend is the reality of strict control inside China. The country operates under a one party system led by Xi Jinping and the Chinese Communist Party. Internet access is heavily filtered. Social media platforms are monitored. Public criticism of the government can bring serious consequences. Gen Z finds the idea appealing Many young people have grown up with constant negative news about their own country. Economic stress, political arguments and social media outrage form the background of their daily scrolling. China, by contrast, appears as a distant black box. It looks orderly from the outside and mysterious enough to project hopes onto.Chinamaxxing offers a sense of belonging, routine and identity. It feels like joining a club that values calm, discipline and culture, even if the understanding of that culture is surface level. A meme, a protest or a misunderstanding? the good old days pic.twitter.com/le6p3n5lto ChinaMaxxing (@chinamax_sol) January 31, 2026 For some users, Chinamaxxing is nothing more than internet humour. For others, it is a genuine sign of frustration with life in America. And for a smaller group, it becomes open praise for a political system they know very little about. A bomb scare that shut down a busy neighborhood in central Athens has ended after a police explosives unit determined a suspicious package left outside a bank was harmless garbage. Authorities cordoned off Eftychidou Street in the Pangrati district shortly after midnight following reports of an unattended bag placed in front of an ATM The discovery triggered an immediate mobilization of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit (TEEM). Police diverted traffic between Astydamantos and Spyrou Merkouri streets, sealing off the area as specialists approached the object. Following a controlled inspection, officers confirmed the bag contained only refuse and posed no threat. The security cordon was lifted, and traffic flow was restored to the area before dawn. While the incident proved to be a false alarm, Athens police remain on high alert regarding unattended packages near financial institutions, which have frequently been targets for small-scale arson and explosive attacks by anarchist groups in the past. iefimerida.gr Migration Minister Thanos Plevris has issued a stark ultimatum to migrants entering Greece illegally, declaring a policy of prison or return during a heated parliamentary debate. Defending the governments hard-line stance hours after a deadly migrant boat collision off Chios, Mr. Plevris asserted that those denied asylum have no right to remain. No one can force a sovereign state to legalize individuals who entered illegally, Mr. Plevris said. He warned that rejected applicants who refuse voluntary repatriation will face criminal prosecution, with deportation serving as the only alternative to incarceration. The minister fiercely defended the Greek Coast Guard against criticism regarding the recent tragedy, crediting officersnot professional humanitarianswith saving lives. He announced that the new legislation will end direct state contracts with NGOs and impose harsher sentences on traffickers found operating within registered aid groups. Mr. Plevris cited data showing a 21% drop in migrant arrivals in 2025, attributing the decline to stricter enforcement. He also revealed that Athens is coordinating with Germany, the Netherlands, and Austria to establish deportation centers outside the European Union, potentially in Africa. While toughening border enforcement, the bill seeks to modernize legal migration. Mr. Plevris outlined plans to clear a backlog of 200,000 residence permits and introduce tech visas to attract skilled labor. However, he proposed tightening rules for unaccompanied minors, citing increased age fraud among applicants from Egypt. Protection status does not imply long-term dependency on taxpayers, Mr. Plevris said. iefimerida.gr Press Statement SENATE REJECTION OF ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION SHAMEFUL, HARMFUL TO DEMOCRATIC CONSOLIDATION Today, after an intentional and protracted delay , the Senate while passing the amendment to the Electoral Act, rejected the electronic transmission of results at the polling units. This rejection is most shameful and unfortunate, attracting condemnation from all democratic-minded persons. Advertisement We charge our lawmakers to remember that they are delegates of power invested in them by the voters in their various constituencies and must endeavour to mirror their desires and wishes at all times. It is common knowledge that the majority of Nigerians all across the 109 Senatorial Districts desire electoral sanctity which is better guaranteed through the electronic transmission of votes from the polling units. We are all witnesses to the widespread practice of altering results before it gets to the collation centre or at the collation centre. This electronic transmission would have brought an end to this ignoble practice that has been deployed by politicians to win elections against the wishes of the people expressed through the ballot. This rejection is a clear indication that the National Assembly is not willing or ready to legislate for electoral sanctity and democratic consolidation. This is indeed a sad day for electoral democracy. We hereby call the National Assembly to immediately reconsider its stand on this matter and take steps to pass the amendment approving the electronic transmission of results. This is the minimum amendment. That can increase faith in the electoral process, without which the apathy will be worse than the last general election, which is greatly unhelpful to democracy. Signed: Comrade Ini Ememobong, mnipr National Publicity Secretary Peoples Democratic Party 04022026 Worshippers kidnapped from churches in Kurmin Wali town in the Kufana axis of Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State have been released, Daily Trust has learnt. The victims were whisked away while attending church service in the community, on January 18, 2026. A community leader, who spoke to Daily Trust on condition of anonymity, said the release took place late Thursday. Advertisement He explained that between 11 p.m. and midnight, heavy-duty vehicles were seen moving into a forest around Maro town, and later returned with the abducted persons between 1 a.m. and 2 a.m. Between about 11 p.m. and 12 midnight, we were informed that large vehicles entered the forest, and later, around 1 a.m. to 2 a.m., they came out with the abducted people from the Maro axis. We do not know who went to take them or who released them. We are also not certain whether all of them were freed, but their release has been confirmed, he said. It was not immediately clear whether any ransom was paid to secure the release of the victims or whether the 17 motorcycles demanded by their abductors were given. Daily Trust had earlier reported that at least 177 people were abducted during the attack on Kurmin Wali. About two weeks later, 80 victims, mostly children, reportedly escaped during the attack and found refuge in forest settlements. Confirming the development to Daily Trust the village head of Kurmin Wali, Ishaku Danazumi, thanked the state government and security agencies for their efforts in ensuring the safe return of the victims. We also received the information today that they have been released. We are happy and they are currently with the government, he said. Danazumi added that those released included children, women and adults, but declined to give further details. A security source also confirmed the release to Daily Trust, saying, Yes, you are correct. They were released last night. As at the time of filing this report, the Kaduna State Government had not issued any official statement on the release. However, Daily Trust learnt that they were being taken to Government House, Kaduna, for debriefing. Pastor Kingsley Okonkwo has sparked widespread debate online following remarks made during a recent live broadcast, where he argued that tattoos are supported by biblical scripture. During the live session, the pastor referenced Isaiah 49:16, interpreting the verse as evidence that God symbolically bears tattoos. He stated that God has indelibly imprinted His people on the palms of His hands, which he described as a form of divine tattoo. God himself has tattooed you. Christ himself has tattooed you, Pastor Okonkwo said, insisting that the passage supports the idea that tattoos are not forbidden for believers. Advertisement He dismissed arguments commonly drawn from the Book of Leviticus, describing them as misapplied, and stressed that he would not teach anything he does not fully understand, citing his age and long-standing Christian faith. The pastor also referenced the Book of Revelation, claiming it suggests that Jesus bears inscriptions, and urged believers not to conceal their beliefs out of fear of public opinion. The comments have since generated mixed reactions across social media, with some Christians supporting his interpretation and others criticizing it, reigniting long-standing discussions about tattoos and doctrine within the church. The North East Development Commission (NEDC) has rehabilitated the tomb of Nigerias first Prime Minister, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, in Bauchi State. The Minister of State for Regional Development, Uba Maigari Ahmadu, led the Board and Management of NEDC on a tour to the place, on Thursday. The minister explained that the rehabilitation work covered key sections of the facility, including the museum, the library, the tomb, the reception block, and public toilets for both males and females. Advertisement Ahmadu noted that the intervention was aimed at preserving the legacy of Nigerias first Prime Minister, while also improving the facility for public access, tourism, and educational purposes. A print of Mother Bethel AME, founded in 1794 and rebuilt in 1805. Read more Mark Tyler, historiographer and executive director of research and scholarship of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, often wonders: What if Christians stood up in the 1780s and challenged the articles of the U.S. Constitution that said Black people were not whole human beings? What if the American branch of the Methodist church followed the teachings of its founder, John Wesley, who taught that slavery was a violation of Christian mercy? What if the ushers of Old Citys St. Georges Methodist Church didnt kick formerly enslaved congregants Richard Allen and Absalom Jones out of the general congregation and force them to worship in segregated pews? Advertisement We would have avoided the Civil War, Tyler said. We would have avoided Jim Crow. We would have avoided the moment in history we are in now. Instead, American Methodists sided with southern landholders who relied on cost-free Black labor to build their empires. Evangelical churches, Tyler said, were among the first institutions to practice segregation. Allen and Jones went on to start their own churches. Jones founded the African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas at 5th and Adelphi Streets. (Today the church is at 6361 Lancaster Ave. in West Philly.) Allen established Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, regarded as Americas and the worlds first AME congregation. Mother Bethel will celebrate this history at the Philadelphia Historical Districts weekly firstival, part of a yearlong celebration of Americas 250th birthday. Each Saturday in 2026, the historic district is hosting a daytime shindig honoring an event that happened in Philadelphia before anywhere else in America and often the world. Allen was born into slavery in Philadelphia in 1760. He bought his freedom from his enslaver, a devout Methodist who converted many of the people he enslaved, in 1783. Allen answered the call to preach and traveled the mid-Atlantic for a few years evangelizing freed and enslaved people. In 1786, he returned to Philadelphia, joined St. Georges, and started a 5 a.m. worship service. He led the service for a year-and-a-half before walking out in November of 1787. Certainly there had been moments of resistance in colonial Black communities, Tyler said. But this walkout was significant because it led to the emergence of the first American institutions by and for Black people, Tyler said. Allen bought land at Sixth and Lombard Streets where Mother Bethel sits now on Oct. 10, 1791. Mother Bethels first building, a repurposed blacksmith shop, was dedicated on July 29, 1794, by Bishop Francis Asbury. READ MORE: The first public Girl Scout cookie sale took place at the intersection of Broad and Arch Streets A second building was erected in 1805, a third in 1841, and the current building was completed in 1890. We are the oldest independent denomination founded by people of color in the United States, said the Rev. Carolyn C. Cavaness, pastor of Mother Bethel. Our church sits on the oldest parcel of land continuously owned by African Americans. In 1816, 30 years after Allen established Mother Bethel, he invited delegates of Black Methodist churches in Pennsylvania, Baltimore, Maryland, Delaware, and New Jersey to a conference, establishing the AME Church as its own denomination. Mother Bethel has stood at the center of civil rights for centuries, from serving as a station on the Underground Railroad to uniting interfaith clergy who questioned $50 million of community benefits slated to go to the Sixers arena in 2024. We are the Mother Church, Cavaness said. the foundation of so much Philadelphia history, so much American history. Its an honor to be the sacred caretaker of this history. This weeks Firstival is Saturday, Feb. 7, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., at Mother Bethel, 419 S. Sixth St. The Inquirer will highlight a first from Philadelphia Historic Districts 52 Weeks of Firsts program every week. A 52 Weeks of Firsts podcast, produced by All Thats Good Productions, drops every Tuesday. A 25-year-old man was pronounced dead after he was pulled from a burning house in a fire that was intentionally set early Wednesday in the citys Kingsessing, authorities said. The Philadelphia Fire Department responded just before 1:45 a.m. to a report of a fire in a two-story rowhouse on the 5400 block of Regent Street, authorities said Advertisement Firefighters battled the fire on the second floor and attempted to rescue a man from the back bedroom. He was transported by medics to Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 2:29 a.m. The fire was placed under control at 2:01 a.m. and no other injuries were reported. The Fire Marshals Office did determine this fire was incendiary, meaning it was set intentionally, said Rachel Cunningham, spokesperson for the fire department. The case is now being investigated by police. Former Villanova professor Stephanie Sena stands on the third floor of the homeless shelter she opened in Upper Darby. This picture was taken in December 2022 before the shelter opened. Read more A former Villanova professor says in a federal lawsuit filed this week she was fired from the Catholic university after accusing its law school of racial discrimination involving one of her students. Stephanie Sena, who had been an anti-poverty fellow in the law school and taught at Villanova for more than 20 years, was dismissed in 2024 for what the school said were student complaints, according to the lawsuit. Advertisement But Senas lawyers say the dismissal was due to her filing an ethics complaint against the school for racial discrimination for comments that administrators made around a decision not to give her student a financial award that would have alleviated her debt, citing a speech the student made at a law school symposium. The student, Antionna Fuller, accused Villanova of racial discrimination and failing to appropriately support her with financial aid during a 2021 symposium speech at the university, titled Shifting the Poverty Lens: Caritas in Focus. Sena hosted the symposium, during which Fuller also publicly asked for an apology from Villanova. How can you say caritas [which means love and charity in Latin] and Black lives matter with no thought to a Black life in front of you, systematically oppressed by your hands? Fuller said, according to a video of the speech. Its not only hypocritical, but its embarrassing. We cannot talk about oppression and white supremacy without acknowledging its very presence here. READ MORE: Homeless advocate creating a shelter from the ground up in Upper Darby Her speech drew a standing ovation, but later caused consternation among law school leadership. Sena found out that law school dean Mark Alexander, in a letter to the scholarship committee, asked that Fuller not receive the debt relief award because she maliciously maligned the law school, according to the suit. Senas lawsuit alleges that then-law school vice dean Michael Risch said after the students speech that the student was lucky to have gotten into the law school and that she would not be there if she were white. Villanova said in a statement Wednesday that Senas lawsuit lacks merit and that the university will vigorously defend against these baseless allegations. We look forward to presenting the actual facts surrounding the plaintiffs separation from Villanova. To be clear, Villanova University does not tolerate discrimination or retaliation of any kind, and the allegations in Plaintiffs lawsuit are contrary to our written policies and conflict with the core values of our University. Sena, 46, of Media, declined to comment. Fuller, 29, who now lives with her mother in the South, said in an interview Wednesday that she feels both relieved and anxious about seeing the issue aired publicly. I am happy, at least relieved, that truth is coming out, said Fuller, who graduated summa cum laude from the University of South Carolina and got her Villanova law degree in 2022. Ive been in such an isolated place and just carrying this trauma for so long. She said she sought therapy after the reaction she got to her speech from Villanova administrators and last year wrote a book, I Almost Sued My Law School, about her journey as a first-generation, low-income Black student. She no longer wants to practice law, she said, and is still figuring out her next steps. But she said she was grateful to Sena, whom, during the symposium speech, she called my hero, advocate, and my friend. She was the first person to publicly stand up for me, Fuller said. Fallout from symposium speech Sena, a longtime activist who has worked to help people experiencing homelessness and opened a homeless shelter in Upper Darby in 2022, was fired in 2016 from her job as an adjunct professor at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts after defending students who accused a classmate of rape. She sued PAFA and the case ended in a confidential settlement. She also led activists in lawsuits against the city in 2021 over its intentions to remove homeless people in a Kensington encampment. In 2023, the head of Norristowns municipal council planned to bus homeless people to Villanovas campus because of Senas advocacy for the homeless in Norristown. Villanova at the time was criticized for not defending Sena and making a stronger response. Sena was hired to teach at Villanova in 2003 and began to work at the law school in 2020, serving as a full-time faculty member and anti poverty fellow. She was also an adjunct professor at Villanovas Center for Peace and Justice. In her lawsuit against Villanova, Sena asserts that law school leadership met with her in 2022, several months after Fullers symposium speech, and asked her if she had known what Fuller planned to say. Matthew Saleh, former assistant dean for admissions, told her it would be harder to attract Black students to the school because of the speech, according to the suit. Risch, the vice dean, made the comment about Fuller not being at Villanova if she had been white, the suit says. Saleh, who now is the senior associate dean of enrollment management and financial aid at Rutgers law school, said in an interview that he does not recall making that comment and that he doesnt think its even the case that Fullers speech would hurt recruiting. That would not have even come to my mind, he said. I couldnt reasonably see a way that it would impact recruiting. Sena objected to the race discriminatory and retaliatory comments made to her in that meeting, according to the suit. In October 2023, she complained again about the comments in an email to two administrators who headed diversity, equity, and inclusion at Villanova, according to the lawsuit complaint. Then came the award committee meeting on Jan. 30, 2024, where the dean in a letter argued against Fullers receiving the award, according to the suit. Students who were in the award committee meeting and were upset about the law school deans reaction approached Sena and asked what they could do, according to the suit. Sena said the students, who are not named in her lawsuit, could contact the diversity, equity, and inclusion office and file a climate complaint. Sena, according to the suit, complained again one day after the award committee meeting that Villanova had engaged in a dangerous pattern of race discrimination and filed an ethics complaint with the university. She also expressed her concerns in an email to faculty and in a meeting with a law professor, who told her the students had committed an ethics violation by revealing confidential details of the awards meeting they were in, according to the suit. After filing the complaint, Sena said in her lawsuit, she was treated differently, unjustly criticized, and blamed for issues outside her control. In June 2024, human resources informed her that she was under investigation after students said she had pressured them to file complaints against the deans, which Sena denied, the suit said. She was fired July 30, 2024, even though, the suit said, she had no prior performance or disciplinary issues and had received awards and promotions. She is seeking damages including economic loss, compensatory and punitive, and attorneys fees and costs. An apology and acknowledgement During the symposium, Fuller had said she wished Villanova would apologize and acknowledge what happened. She said that the school had given her $15,000 in financial aid toward her annual $65,000 cost, but that she subsequently learned other students had gotten more, even though her mother worked multiple jobs as a nurses aide to support the family. I was confused, she told the audience. How can a student with seemingly the most need graduate with the most debt? She learned of a free-tuition public interest scholarship that Villanova awards to incoming students and sought it after she was enrolled, she said. She was turned down repeatedly, she said, even though Villanova had recently awarded its largest group of the scholarships. Am I invisible? she asked. To walk into this law school building every day, to be surrounded by wealth and prestige, while struggling and burdened with debt, and while expected to perform like those who are not feels inhumane. She said during the speech she would graduate with almost $200,000 in student debt. Villanova officials, she said Wednesday, later accused her of exaggerating because she was including her undergraduate debt, too, and maintained that the total was really $160,000 $126,000 of which was from the law school. Fuller said Wednesday she had apologized to law school leadership, hugged them at graduation, and thought everything had been resolved. She said she was surprised to hear that the dean wanted to block her access to the debt award, she said. My intent wasnt to harm, attack or mislead, Fuller wrote in her book, but to share my personal experience my fears and financial anxieties as part of the larger conversation about finding solutions to reduce poverty, which the conference was centered around. Staff writer Abraham Gutman contributed to this article. The family of Andrew Drury is suing over his death last year at Curran-Fromhold Correctional in Northeast Philadelphia. Shown here is a security guard outside the facility in March 2021. Read more The family of a man who died in a Philadelphia jail last year contends in a lawsuit filed this week that jail staff did not offer him treatment for opioid withdrawal before his death. Andrew Drury died in an intake cell at the Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility in Holmesburg on March 9, 2025. The lawsuit says he was in the cell for 36 hours, despite suffering from opioid withdrawal symptoms. Advertisement During that time, the suit says, Drury received no medical care, and jail staff did not alert medical personnel that he was going through withdrawal. Drury had a known opioid addiction and had suffered withdrawal symptoms at the jail in the past, according to the lawsuit. His cause of death was listed as pending, the lawsuit said. Prison officials declined to comment Wednesday. A lawyer for Drurys family did not return a request for comment. The lawsuit seeks general monetary damages from the city, the jail system, and the state attorney. Several other families in recent years have sued Philadelphia jails, saying their relatives did not receive adequate medical care for drug-related issues. In 2024, the family of Carmelo Gabriel Ocasio, 22, accused jail staff of ignoring his cellmates pleas for help when Ocasio fell unconscious, overdosed, and died after obtaining fentanyl and benzodiazepines at the jail in 2022. The family settled with the city for $65,000; further details of the settlement were not made public. In 2025, the family of Amanda Cahill sued the city, saying she overdosed on fentanyl illicitly obtained while in the jail after she was arrested in a Kensington sweep in 2024. The suit said she cried and begged for help, and fellow inmates tried to get the attention of correctional officers before she was found unresponsive in her cell. A judge dismissed portions of the lawsuit in late December, but attorneys for Cahills family later refiled a complaint. Responding to the suit, lawyers for the city acknowledged staffing issues at the jails, but said the city could not have foreseen and did not cause Cahills death. Between 2018 and July 2024, at least 25 people died in Philadelphia jails of accidents related to drug intoxication, a 2024 Inquirer analysis found. The city noted that summer that the overdose death rate in Philadelphia jails was the same as the citywide rate, despite higher rates of addiction among incarcerated people. Philadelphias jail system has been hailed as a national leader in offering medications for opioid addiction and provides buprenorphine, an opioid medication that curbs cravings, to inmates soon after arriving. But staffing issues created backlogs that kept inmates from receiving longer-term care on time, and advocates said illicit drugs were readily available in the facilities, The Inquirer reported in 2024. Staff writer Abraham Gutman contributed to this article. If you have a cervix you may have felt a surge of relief joy, even when the American Cancer Society (ACS) announced its updated guidelines for cervical cancer screening in December. I know I did. The organization now allows for a self-collection test for human papillomavirus, or HPV, a sexually transmitted infection that causes almost all cases of cervical cancer, as an alternative to a more traditional clinician-collected test. For some women including me this endorsement means that we can finally access this lifesaving screening. Advertisement Over the last decade, there have been notable changes in how and when women are screened for cervical cancer. The go-to method used to be the Pap smear, which involves inserting a speculum so that a provider can collect cells from the cervix, the lowest end of the uterus that connects to the vagina. Eventually, in 2020, the ACS began recommending that all women at average risk of cervical cancer start screening at age 25 with a clinician-collected HPV test. For the patient, the experience was the same for a Pap or HPV test: Your provider would still have you lie on your back with your feet in stirrups, insert a speculum, and use a swab to collect a sample of cells from your cervix. As someone with vaginismus a condition that causes my vaginal muscles to involuntarily contract it would have been impossible for me to get these done. Then, in 2024, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved self-collected HPV tests for use in healthcare facilities meaning that women at average risk could opt to do a less-invasive self-swab of their vagina with their provider present. And in 2025, the FDA approved the first at-home tool, a wand made by Teal Health, to screen for cervical cancer, allowing women to collect the sample and mail it to a lab without even needing to visit their doctor. (If you have a personal history of cervical cancer or are at high risk, you may not be a candidate for self-collected testing). At 26, I was officially overdue for my first screen, so my doctor recommended I try the in-office self-collection test. What the self-collected HPV test was like Before self-collection became an option, I would lie on the exam table at my gynecologists office, put my legs in stirrups, and involuntarily clench at any touch. I was excited to try the self-collection test, but also skeptical that it would work for me. The self-swabs in the clinic looked manageable and controllable, something I could hold and insert myself. The handle was as narrow as a mascara wand, and the brush at the end was made of flexible plastic bristles that felt soft. Most importantly, it did not need to directly touch my cervix. It was less invasive, without the internal pressure that usually made my body tense. I inserted the swab about two inches into my vagina, rotated it for 30 seconds and then handed it to my doctor, who swirled it inside a vial with liquid solution. Thats it? I asked my doctor once she screwed the cap on the vial. Is it for sure as accurate as a regular Pap smear? Yes and yes, she assured me. I was in awe. There was a time earlier in life when my vaginismus made it feel impossible to even insert a tampon I couldnt believe I had completed an HPV test. My doctor mailed my sample to a lab, and I received the results in less than two weeks. My Pap smear came back normal with no signs of HPV. Even better, this meant I did not need to be tested again for another five years. Amy Banulis, an OB/GYN and associate medical director for Womens and Maternal/Child Health at Kaiser Permanente in Virginia, said most women will be able to comfortably complete the self-collected test, even if they have vaginismus. For those that still do have discomfort, there are relaxation techniques that can be utilized, Banulis said. These could include progressive muscle relaxation, deep breathing, and imagery or visualization. If these tactics dont make a difference, your OB/GYN can refer you to a pelvic floor physical therapist that may be able to help you with this, Banulis said. How effective it is compared to a traditional Pap The experience was so seamless that I actually worried something was wrong. What if I didnt insert the swab high enough? I wondered when I got home. Would the results of the test still be reliable if, God forbid, I did not rotate it long enough? It almost felt too comfortable, so how effective was it really? Many women share the same concerns, but they dont need to worry, said Jasmin Tiro, a professor of public health sciences at the University of Chicago. Many women who use the test say its easy to do and doesnt hurt, Tiro said, adding: Its very hard to do it wrong. Its important to clarify that the self-collected HPV test is not the exact same test as a Pap smear or a clinician-collected HPV test, she said. The self-test collects vaginal cells, while the latter two tests use a sample of cervical cells. While a cervical sample can be tested for both HPV and abnormal cells (cancerous or precancerous), vaginal cells can only reveal if you have HPV, Tiro said. This means that a self-collected test may be only one part of the screening process, Tiro said. About 10% of women will screen positive for HPV, she said. If you get a positive HPV self-collected result, the next step may be a type of test or procedure that involves a pelvic exam to look for precancerous or cancerous cervical cells. That follow-up test is essential for the screening process to be effective, Tiro said. However, HPV does not always turn into cervical cancer; especially in people in their teens or early 20s, the virus often clears on its own without causing any health issues which is why screening isnt even recommended before 25. So depending on your age, your doctor may just want to retest you a few years later to see if you still have an HPV infection and determine then if that warrants further testing. My takeaway: We need to make screening more accessible Im grateful for testing that is less invasive and painful, but I still find myself wondering why it took so long for us to arrive here. How many women would have been protected if our pain and concerns were not routinely diminished? In the past, I had doctors tell me, Since youve had sex before, the speculum shouldnt feel intimidating. I became so used to people, including well-meaning physicians, questioning the validity of my pain. And I felt demoralized that I couldnt even complete a test that was essential for detecting and preventing a disease that kills about 4,000 women in the U.S. each year. I also wonder what, if anything, can be done to ensure the new self-swab testing is accessible to all women who want or need it? When I asked Tiro, she told me that gathering more patient testimonials, developing patient-centered guidance for people who may still not want to complete the test, and devoting more research to the testing can all help. These are all things that physicians and researchers are actively working on. Personally, the self-collected HPV test has given me a sudden sense of agency, something I have rarely felt in a gynecologists office. My hope is that this alternative option can give other women greater control over their healthcare, too. Cervical cancer screening is an essential preventive care service. If you have trouble undergoing a Pap smear, ask for the alternative self-collection test. There is no shame, only power, in advocating for your health. Five cases of measles have been confirmed in Lancaster County. Read more Five cases of measles have been confirmed in Lancaster County, the Pennsylvania Department of Health said this week. The cases, all among school-age children and young adults, are the first of 2026 in Pennsylvania. Four of the cases are related, making this the states first measles outbreak of the year. Advertisement Separately, the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services on Tuesday confirmed a case of measles in Collegeville involving a person traveling through the county who sought care at Patient First Primary & Urgent Care-Collegeville. Health officials urged anyone who was at the clinic between 1:15 and 4:15 p.m. on Jan. 29 to monitor for symptoms, which include a high fever, cough, runny nose, and a red rash. Measles has been spreading in the United States over the last year, including isolated cases among travelers and increasingly larger outbreaks. The CDC reported 49 outbreaks in 2025, up from 16 in 2024. An outbreak is when three or more cases are related, and is a sign that the community lacks sufficient immunity to keep the disease from spreading. Experts generally consider a community to have so-called herd immunity if at least 94% to 95% of people are vaccinated. In Lancaster County, 89% of kindergarten students and 95% of high school seniors had received two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine in 2025, according to Pennsylvania Department of Health data. Last month, Philadelphia officials warned of a potential measles exposure for people who had passed through several transit hubs, including Philadelphia International Airport and 30th Street Station, after a traveler was confirmed to have measles. Measles is highly contagious, and people who are not vaccinated have a 90% chance of becoming ill if they come into contact with someone who has it. The virus spreads through the air when infected people cough, sneeze, or talk, and can linger in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area. People are considered immune to measles if they were born before 1957, have already had measles, or received two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends children receive two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine when they turn a year old and before entering kindergarten. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has recently overseen an overhaul of the CDCs childhood vaccine schedule, with new recommendations for when vaccines should be given and who should receive them. But the measles vaccine remains among those recommended for all children. Staff writer Aubrey Whelan contributed to this article. A Pennsylvania law prohibiting employment discrimination against people with criminal convictions has gotten a boost from a federal appeals court. A three-judge panel of the Third Circuit Court of Appeals held that regardless of how a prospective employer learned about an applicants criminal background, Pennsylvania law prohibits rejecting the application as long as the crime was not related to the job for which they are applying. Advertisement The Jan. 28 ruling resolves a dispute in federal cases over the wording of a 1980 law that some employers argued applied only when the criminal information came from official files of state agencies. The Third Circuit opinion came in the case of Rodney Phath, a Philadelphia resident who in 2023 applied to work as a truck driver at Central Transports Montgomery County facility. Phath had experience as a truck driver and held the needed license and credential. He also had a 2008 criminal conviction for armed robbery, and had served six years in prison. Phath told the Michigan-based trucking company during an interview about the conviction and was immediately rejected from the job. In a 2024 federal lawsuit, Phath accused Central Trucking of violating Pennsylvanias Criminal History Record Information Act. The company didnt deny that it rejected Phath because of his criminal background. The law prohibits employers using information collected by criminal justice agencies, Central Trucking argued, and did not apply because Phath disclosed his conviction himself. District Judge John R. Padova agreed, and tossed out the complaint in December 2024. Because the law bans employers from obtaining formal criminal records and using the information in them for hiring decisions, it did not apply when Phath self-disclosed his criminal background, the judge concluded. Padova wasnt the first judge to interpret the law as applying only when an official file from a government agency sits on an employers desk or at least in a computer desktop. A Georgetown Law professor, Brian Wolfman, offered to assist in Phaths appeal with his students. That interpretation renders the law meaningless, the appeal argued, and creates a Catch 22. If an applicant with a criminal record discloses it, they are no longer protected. But if they dont mention it when asked, they can be rejected for lying in the application process. If thats true the act would have no force at all, and that cant be right, Wolfman said in an interview. Phath won his appeal last week, with Third Circuit Judges Stephanos Bibas, Anthony Joseph Scirica, and D. Brooks Smith finding that the law prohibits prospective employers from using information that is included in a criminal history file regardless of how it came about. The employer just has to receive the information, Bibas, who was appointed by President Donald Trump, wrote in the opinion. The judges opinion could be appealed to an expanded panel of the court, which has the discretion to pick its cases. But if it stands it would be binding precedent in Pennsylvanias federal court. The case now returns to the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, where it will head toward trial. The attorney who represented Central Trucking in the appeal did not respond to a request for comment. Phaths lawsuit was filed in federal court because Central Trucking is based out of state. But Pennsylvania employees suing in-state employers wont have the benefit of the binding ruling, although it can be cited in an effort to convince local judges. The one in four Philadelphians who have a criminal record also are protected by the citys Fair Chance Hiring Ordinance, which was updated in the fall. The ordinance prohibits employers from considering a misdemeanor after four years from an arrest or release from incarceration, and seven years for a felony. Before that time period, it allows rejecting applicants based on the criminal history only if the employer can show a specific record leads to a specific risk related to that specific job. Jamie Gullen, managing attorney of Community Legal Services employment unit, said the Philadelphia ordinance is one of the strongest in the country. Her unit represents 2,000 people a year who face employment barriers because of a criminal record. The most effective way to prevent this type of discrimination is to seal criminal records, Gullen says. The Clean Slate Act, which allows people with certain convictions to have their criminal records sealed by filing court petitions, has long waiting periods and doesnt cover every offense. So Gullen was glad to see an appeals court acknowledge the barriers people with a criminal history face in the job market. Fair hiring laws are a really important piece of the puzzle, the attorney said. While neuroscientists have discovered more about the inner workings of the brain, but a deep mystery still surrounds near-death experiences. Read more After she dropped to her knees outside her home in Midlothian, Va., suffocating, after she was lifted into the ambulance and told herself, I cant die this way, and after emergency workers at the hospital cut the clothes off her to assess her breathing, Miasha Gilliam-El, a 37-year-old nurse and mother of six, blacked out. What happened next has happened to thousands whove returned from the precipice of death with stories of strange visions and journeys that challenge what we know of science. Last year, a team of researchers from Belgium, the United States, and Denmark launched an ambitious effort to explain these experiences on a neurobiological level work that is now being contested by a pair of researchers in Virginia. Advertisement At stake are questions almost as old as humanity, concerning the possibility of an afterlife and the nature of scientific evidence questions likely to take center stage at a conference of brain experts in Porto, Portugal, in April. The next thing I knew, I was out of my body, above myself, looking at them work on me, doing chest compressions, Gilliam-El said, recalling Feb. 27, 2012, the day she suffered a rare condition called peripartum cardiomyopathy. For reasons that arent fully understood, between the last month of pregnancy and five months after childbirth, a womans cardiac muscle weakens and enlarges, creating a risk of heart failure. Gilliam-El, who had given birth just three days earlier, recalled watching a doctor try to snake a tube down her throat to open an airway. She remembered staring at the machine showing the electrical activity in her heart and seeing herself flatline. Her breathing stopped. And then it was kind of like I was transitioned to another place. I was kind of sucked back into a tunnel, she said. It is so peaceful in this tunnel. And Im just walking and Im holding someones hand. And all Im hearing is the scripture, Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death While neuroscientists have discovered more and more about the inner workings of the brain in recent decades, a deep mystery still surrounds near-death experiences like Gilliam-Els. Writing last year in the journal Nature Reviews Neurology, a research team led by Charlotte Martial, a neuroscientist at the University of Liege in Belgium, synthesized some 300 scientific papers focusing on commonalities across the following experiences: viewing ones body from the outside, journeying through a tunnel toward a brilliant light, and experiencing a deep sense of peace. The authors linked these experiences to specific changes in the brain, creating a pioneering model called NEPTUNE (neurophysiological evolutionary psychological theory understanding near-death experience). Bruce Greyson and Marieta Pehlivanova, researchers at the University of Virginia School of Medicine, responded with a sweeping critique of the NEPTUNE model in the journal Psychology of Consciousness: Theory, Research, and Practice. While calling the model an admirable strategy, they wrote that aspects of such experiences cannot be explained solely by brain physiology, and they criticized the NEPTUNE authors for omitting evidence that did not support their ideas. Although this debate is taking place in the rarefied atmosphere of scientific journals and conferences, it is almost certainly one that has crossed the minds of most people. This is not the digestive function of some lower life form were talking about here. These are implications that reach all of humanity, said Jeffrey Long, a radiation oncologist and co-author of the 2011 book Evidence of the Afterlife: The Science of Near-Death Experiences. Do we have some evidence? he asked. And how strong is that evidence that we have life after death, that our consciousness survives bodily death? Long who was not involved in either the NEPTUNE paper or the critique said he has studied more than 4,000 near-death experiences. The NEPTUNE researchers cited several studies showing that about 10 to 23% of near-death experiences occur after a heart attack, 15% after a prolonged stay in intensive care and 3% after a traumatic brain injury. Others occur after electrocution, near drowning, and complications during childbirth. For most of them, its a life-transforming experience, Martial said. Typically, they are less afraid to die [afterward]. They tend to develop greater interest in spirituality, she said, and can become more empathetic to others. To create the NEPTUNE model, scientists examined changes in gas concentrations in blood vessels in the brain: the decreased oxygen and increased carbon dioxide that occur just before and during a cardiac arrest. They cited studies suggesting that sensations resembling out-of-body experiences may be generated in the temporoparietal junction, a high-level hub for processing sensory information and helping distinguish the self from others. Studies indicate that applying electric stimulation to this area, located behind and just above the ear, could trigger an out-of-body experience, they wrote. Folded into their analysis were observations about brain chemistry, including the nerve cells and chemical messengers that regulate mood, sleep, and learning. Martial said the model is intended as a living document that can be revised as scientists learn more. But Greyson and Pehlivanova disputed key aspects of the model. They wrote that illusions triggered by electric stimulation are nothing like the visions of deceased persons reported in [near-death experiences]. For example, one study reported inducing an illusion in which a patient felt the presence of a person behind them whom they could not see or hear. This is not remotely comparable to the visions reported in many [near-death experiences] of identified deceased persons who are seen, heard, smelled, and touched, wrote Greyson and Pehlivanova, who are, respectively, a professor emeritus of psychiatry and neurobehavioral sciences and a research assistant professor of psychiatry and neurobehavioral sciences. The two acknowledged that near-death experiences are typically triggered by physiological events but stressed that such events do not account fully for the experiences people have described. They faulted the NEPTUNE authors for dismissing evidence from patients near-death accounts and from hospital staff who have supported aspects of those accounts for example, the number of people who were in the room during resuscitation. Scientists disagree on whether the stories patients tell constitute reliable scientific data. Near-death experiences have been described since antiquity, said Greyson. Researchers have been collecting and discussing accounts since at least 1892, when Swiss mountaineer and geologist Albert Heim discussed stories hed collected since his own brush with death while climbing in the Alps. By their nature, these reports can be difficult to define and even harder to analyze with scientific rigor. In a 1983 paper, Greyson described a 16-item scale he developed for measuring accounts of near-death experiences and standardizing research into them. But the effort to impose rigor on the study of near-death experiences forces researchers into an uncomfortable zone that straddles the line between the scientific and the spiritual. These stories are seductively powerful narratives that give hope to our deepest yearnings for consciousness beyond our death, Kevin Nelson, an emeritus professor of neurology and retired chief of medical staff affairs at University of Kentucky HealthCare, wrote in an email. I too have such hope, but with wax in my ears and science lashing me to the mast, I will not succumb to the sirens song. (Nelson was one of the authors of the NEPTUNE paper.) Greyson said the NEPTUNE researchers may dismiss the testimony of patients who have come close to dying as not evidential, but the fact is that every scientific discovery begins with subjective observation that may eventually be corroborated by controlled experiment. In addition to testing aspects of the NEPTUNE model, Greyson and Pehlivanova wrote that it will also be important to remain open to other potential causes, whether currently unknown or not yet fully understood. By necessity, most previous studies have involved researchers going back to patients after their near-death experiences to gather their accounts and medical records. But such retrospective studies are open to biases in how people remember such events after time has passed and how they have shared their accounts with others. However, Martial, the NEPTUNE researcher, said that she and three of her colleagues at the University Hospital of Liege are in the midst of a prospective study that involves tracking patients from the moment they are taken to the hospitals resuscitation room. It will involve video footage recorded at the hospital as well as electroencephalograms that measure electrical activity in the brain. When we die, this is a process not just an event, Martial said. For example, during a cardiac arrest, we have a decrease of oxygen, which leads to a decrease of brain activity. But at some point, actually, we see an increase of electrical brain activity, and then we can observe a kind of flatline. Gilliam-El, the nurse, remembered that her near-death experience ended when a powerful voice told her Not yet, and she felt herself return to her body. Everything looked blurry in the bright hospital room. She feared that if she told anyone what had happened, they wouldnt believe her. Workers clean up damage at Darnytsia Thermal Power Plant after a Russian attack in Kyiv, Ukraine, on Wednesday. Read more The U.S. and Russia agreed Thursday to reestablish high-level military dialogue for the first time in more than four years in another sign of warming relations between the two countries since President Donald Trump returned to office and sought to end the war in Ukraine. High-level military communication was suspended in late 2021, as tension between Moscow and Washington rose ahead of the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Trump then campaigned for a second term on promises that he would swiftly end the fighting. Many of his proposals for peace have heavily favored the Kremlin, including requiring Ukraine to cede territory to Russia. Advertisement The restored communication channel will provide a consistent military-to-military contact as the parties continue to work towards a lasting peace, the U.S. European Command said in a statement. The agreement emerged from a meeting between senior Russian and American military officials in the capital of the United Arab Emirates. U.S. Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, who is the commander in Europe of both U.S. and NATO forces, was in Abu Dhabi, where talks between American, Russian, and Ukrainian officials on ending the war entered a second day. Meanwhile, Moscow escalated its attacks on Ukraines power grid in an apparent effort to deny civilians power and to weaken public support for the fight, while hostilities continued along the roughly 600-mile front line snaking through eastern and southern parts of Ukraine. An effort to ease tensions The resumption of the military hotline marks an effort to ease tensions that soared after the start of the war and to avoid collisions between Russian and U.S. forces. In one such incident in March 2023, the American military said it ditched an Air Force MQ-9 Reaper drone in the Black Sea after a pair of Russian fighter jets dumped fuel on it, and then one of them struck its propeller while flying in international airspace. Moscow has denied that its warplanes hit the drone, alleging that it crashed while making a sharp maneuver. The Kremlin said its aircraft reacted to a violation of a no-fly zone Russia has established in the area near Crimea. Moscow has repeatedly voiced concern about intelligence flights by the U.S. and other NATO aircraft over the Black Sea, and some Russian officials charged that the American surveillance flights helped gather intelligence that allowed Ukraine to strike Russian targets. NATO members have been increasingly worried about intrusions into allied airspace. Some European officials described the incidents as Moscow testing NATOs response. In September, a swarm of Russian drones flew into Polands airspace, prompting NATO aircraft to scramble to intercept them and shoot down some of the devices. It was the first direct encounter between NATO and Moscow since the full-scale invasion. Later that month, NATO jets escorted three Russian warplanes out of Estonias airspace. Russia, Ukraine exchange prisoners following talks The delegations from Moscow and Kyiv were joined Thursday in Abu Dhabi by U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trumps son-in-law Jared Kushner, according to Rustem Umerov, Ukraines National Security and Defense Council chief, who was present at the meeting. They were also at last months talks in the same place as the Trump administration tries to steer Russia and Ukraine toward a settlement. Officials have provided no information about any progress in the discussions. Following the talks on Thursday, however, Russia and Ukraine said they carried out a prisoner exchange. The Russian Defense Ministry said it brought 157 Russian servicemen back from Ukrainian captivity, as well as three Russian nationals captured during Kyivs incursion into Russias Kursk region. Ukrainian officials said 150 Ukrainian servicemen and seven civilians returned from Russian captivity. The Russian Defense Ministry said the released Russian soldiers are currently in Belarus, getting medical assistance, before being taken back to Russia for treatment and rehabilitation. Ukrainian human rights ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets said that among the 150 service members who returned from Russian captivity, 18 were illegally sentenced by Russia. He said that overall, those released are in a difficult psychological condition, and some are critically underweight. Zelensky says 55,000 Ukrainian troops killed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said 55,000 Ukrainian troops have died since Russias invasion. And there is a large number of people whom Ukraine considers missing, he added in an interview broadcast late Wednesday by French TV channel France 2. The last time Zelensky gave a figure for battlefield deaths, in early 2025, he said 46,000 Ukrainian troops had been killed. Zelensky has repeatedly said his country needs security guarantees from the U.S. and Europe to deter any postwar Russian attacks. Ukrainians must feel that there is genuine progress toward peace and not toward a scenario in which the Russians exploit everything to their advantage and continue their strikes, Zelensky said on social media late Wednesday. Last year saw a 31% increase in Ukrainian civilian casualties compared with 2024, the advocacy group Human Rights Watch said in a report published Wednesday. Almost 15,000 Ukrainian civilians have been killed and just over 40,000 wounded since the start of the war through last December, according to the United Nations Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine. In other developments: Russian troops have lost access to their Starlink satellite internet terminals on the front line, Ukrainian Economic Minister Mykhailo Fedorov said Thursday, after Ukraine asked Elon Musks SpaceX to help deny Russia use of the service in Ukraine. Russian forces have consequently lost command-and-control capabilities and navigation for drones, and assaults have stopped in many sectors, according to Fedorovs adviser Serhii Beskrestnov. Russian officials made no immediate comment. Ukraine is registering its civilian and military Starlink users on a database, allowing approved devices to function while unregistered terminals are disabled inside Ukraine. Also, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said during a visit to Kyiv that he agreed with Zelensky to develop the joint production of ammunition at plants in their countries. Zelensky said Poland plans to increase supplies to Ukraine of liquefied natural gas, and the countries are exploring an exchange of weaponry, with Kyiv possibly receiving Polish MiG fighter jets and Warsaw receiving Ukrainian drones. Russia fired 183 drones and two ballistic missiles at Ukraine overnight, according to the Ukrainian air force. Three people were injured, officials said. The Russian Defense Ministry said its air defenses downed 95 Ukrainian drones overnight over several regions, the Azov Sea and Crimea, which Russia illegally annexed in 2014. Workers clean up damage at Darnytsia Thermal Power Plant after a Russian attack in Kyiv, Ukraine, on Wednesday. Read more KYIV, Ukraine Envoys from Moscow and Kyiv met in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday for another round of U.S.-brokered talks on ending the almost four-year war, as a Russian attack using cluster munitions killed seven people at a market in Ukraine. The delegations from Moscow and Kyiv were joined in the capital of the United Arab Emirates by U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and President Donald Trumps son-in-law, Jared Kushner, according to Rustem Umerov, Ukraines National Security and Defense Council chief who attended the meeting. Advertisement The discussions were substantive and productive, focusing on concrete steps and practical solutions, Umerov said on social media as the first of two days of talks wrapped up. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that a breakthrough in the talks may not come for a while but the Trump administration has made great progress on negotiations over the past year. Thats the good news, Rubio told reporters Wednesday. The bad news is that the items that remain are the most difficult ones. And meanwhile the war continues. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov wouldnt offer any details on the talks and said that Moscow wasnt planning to comment on their results. He said that the doors for a peaceful settlement are open, but that Moscow will proceed with its military campaign until Kyiv meets its demands. Last months discussions in Abu Dhabi, part of a U.S. push to end the fighting, yielded some progress but no breakthrough on key issues, officials said. The current talks also coincide with the expiry of the last remaining nuclear arms pact between Russia and the United States on Thursday. Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin could extend the terms of the treaty or renegotiate its conditions in an effort to prevent a new nuclear arms race. Energy networks targeted The Abu Dhabi talks were held as Ukrainians were outraged over major Russian attacks on their energy system, which have occurred each winter since Russia launched its all-out invasion of its neighbor on Feb. 24, 2022. A huge Russian bombardment overnight from Monday to Tuesday included hundreds of drones and a record 32 ballistic missiles, wounding at least 10 people. This came despite Ukraines understanding that Putin had told Trump that he would temporarily halt strikes on Ukraines power grid. Ukrainian civilians are struggling with one of the coldest winters in years, which saw temperatures dip to around minus-4 degrees Fahrenheit. About 60 foreign ambassadors took part in an organized visit Wednesday to a Kyiv thermal power plant that was almost completely destroyed by missiles and drones in the Monday night attack. The plant provided heating to about 500,000 people. Russia is hitting Ukraines energy facilities because its armed forces believe the targets are associated with Kyivs military effort, Peskov said. There has been a lack of clarity about how long Putin had promised to observe a pause on power grid attacks. Trump said Tuesday at the White House that Putin had agreed to halt strikes for a week, through Feb. 1, and that the Russian leader had kept his word. But Zelensky said Tuesday that barely four days have passed of the week Russia was asked to hold off, before Ukraine was hit with new attacks, suggesting that the Ukrainian leader wasnt fully aware of the terms of the Trump-Putin agreement. Meanwhile, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said that Trump was unfortunately unsurprised by Moscows resumption of attacks. On Wednesday, more than 200 repair crews were at work in Kyiv to restore power, according to the Ukrainian Energy Ministry, which said that staff were exhausted and would be rotated. More than 1,100 apartment buildings in the capital were still without heating, Zelensky said. The Institute for the Study of War, a Washington think tank, said that the developments were part of Moscows negotiating strategy. The Kremlin will likely attempt to portray its adherence to this short-term energy strikes moratorium as a significant concession to gain leverage in the upcoming peace talks, even though the Kremlin used these few days to stockpile missiles for a larger strike package, it said late Tuesday. New attacks Russia used cluster munitions Wednesday in an attack on a busy market in eastern Ukraine that killed seven and wounded 15 others, officials said. The attack on the town of Druzhkivka darkened prospects for progress in the UAE, with Donetsk regional military administration chief Vadym Filashkin describing Russian talk of a ceasefire as worthless. Russia also launched 105 drones against Ukraine overnight, and air defenses shot down 88 of them, the Ukrainian air force said Wednesday. Strikes by 17 drones were recorded at 14 locations, as well as falling debris at five sites, it said. In the central Dnipropetrovsk region, a Russian strike on a residential area killed a 68-year-old woman and a 38-year-old man, regional military administration head Oleksandr Hancha said. The southern city of Odesa also came under a large-scale attack, regional military administration head Oleh Kiper said. About 20 residential buildings were damaged, with four people rescued from under the rubble, he said. President Donald Trump with Food and Drug Commissioner Marty Makary at a news conference on drug prices in October at the White House. He is rolling out TrumpRx.gov, aimed at allowing people to access medications at discounted prices. Read more NEW YORK The Trump administration on Thursday launched TrumpRx, a website it says will help patients buy prescription drugs directly at a discounted rate at a time when health care and the cost of living are growing concerns for Americans. Youre going to save a fortune, President Donald Trump said at the sites unveiling. And this is also so good for overall health care. Advertisement The government-hosted website is not a platform for buying medications. Instead, its set up as a facilitator, pointing Americans to drugmakers direct-to-consumer websites, where they can make purchases. It also provides coupons to use at pharmacies. The site launches with over 40 medications, including weight-loss drugs such as Ozempic and Wegovy. The site is part of a larger effort by the Trump administration to show its tacking the challenges of high costs. Affordability has emerged as a political vulnerability for Trump and his Republican allies going into Novembers midterm elections, as Americans remain concerned about the cost of housing, groceries, utilities and other staples of middle-class identity. Trump stressed that the lower prices were made possible by his pressuring of pharmaceutical companies on prices, saying he demanded that they charge the same costs in the U.S. as in other nations. He said prescription drug costs will increase in foreign countries as a result. Were tired of subsidizing the world, Trump said at the event on the White House campus that lasted roughly 20 minutes. The president first teased TrumpRx in September while announcing the first of his more than 15 deals with pharmaceutical companies to lower drug prices to match the lowest price offered in other developed nations. He said in December the website would provide massive discounts to all consumers though its unclear whether the prices available on drugmakers websites will routinely be any lower than what many consumers could get through their insurance coverage. The websites Thursday release came after it faced multiple delays, for reasons the administration hasnt publicly shared. Last fall, Mehmet Oz, administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, told Trump the site would share prices for consumers before the end of the year. An expected launch in late January was also pushed back. The president has spent the past several months seeking to spotlight his efforts to lower drug prices for Americans. Hes done that through deals with major pharmaceutical companies, including some of the biggest drugmakers like Pfizer, Eli Lilly and Merck, which have agreed to lower prices of their Medicaid drugs to so-called most favored nations pricing. As part of the deals, many of the companies new drugs are also to be launched at discounted rates for consumer markets through TrumpRx. Many of the details of Trumps deals with manufacturers remain unclear, and drug prices for patients in the U.S. can depend on many factors, including the competition a treatment faces and insurance coverage. Most people have coverage through work, the individual insurance market or government programs like Medicaid and Medicare, which shield them from much of the cost. Trumps administration also has negotiated lower prices for several prescription drugs for Medicare enrollees, through a direct negotiation program created by a 2022 law. In this file photo, Jaycel Santos, 20, of Camden, is at a boat launch in a pond leading to the Cooper and Delaware Rivers in Camden. Read more Federal and private grants totaling nearly $29 million were announced Wednesday for conservation projects within the Delaware River Watershed, including a South Philadelphia wetlands park, a water trail in Camden County, and support of the Lights Out Philly program to keep birds from crashing into buildings. The money comes from nearly $12.5 million in grants to the Delaware Watershed Conservation Fund from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. An additional $17 million comes in matching funds from nonprofits such as the Philadelphia-based William Penn Foundation. Advertisement The total is about $9 million less than last years grant awards of $38 million. A representative for the two federal agencies did not state a reason for the decline. However, the reduction comes as many federal grants have been cut or reduced by President Donald Trumps administration. Whats being funded? In all, the new funds will flow to 30 conservation projects, including local trail creations, stream restorations, shoreline enhancements, and wildlife habitat improvements. The money will go toward planning, hiring for, and construction of projects in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and New York. Jeff Trandahl, executive director and CEO of NFWF, said the projects demonstrate the impact that public-private partnerships can have at a landscape scale and will help ensure a healthier and cleaner future for the Delaware River watershed and the communities and species that depend on it. The watershed is within a densely populated corridor but remains 50% forested. Four hundred miles of it is classified as a National Wild and Scenic River, largely undeveloped but accessible for recreation. The grants cover a wide range of projects. For example, $498,800 will go toward reducing migratory bird collisions into buildings throughout the Delaware Watershed, which includes Philadelphia and New Jersey. The project of the Wildlife Management Institute, along with Bird Safe Philly, will identify and retrofit buildings to be bird-friendly, inform the public about built-environment hazards, and how to mitigate them. Leigh Altadonna, coordinator for Bird Safe Philly, a collaborative of five organizations, welcomed the grant. These funds will reinforce Bird Safe Phillys continuing work with nature centers, libraries, arboretums and other buildings as part of our mission to mitigate bird collisions with glass, Altadonna said. She said money would go toward educating the public about how to make their homes and communities bird-friendly. Bird Safe Philly coordinates with owners of the citys skyscrapers to turn off or dim lights, which can attract birds during the spring and fall migration seasons. READ MORE: The right thing to do: How a darkened Philly skyline has helped save birds A sample of grants with total federal and private funding Pennsylvania $650,000 for South Philadelphia Wetlands Park II, a project of the Delaware River Waterfront Corp. The money will go toward completing needed documentation for the park located just south of the base of Tasker Street through Pier 70. The goal is to restore wetland habitat and increase public access to piers and berths, add a kayak launch and a natural pier park, and restore two acres of forested upland, meadow and wetlands. $2 million for stream channel restoration in the south branch of French Creek, a project of the French and Pickering Creeks Conservation Trust. The stream channel and surrounding wetland will be improved as a habitat for brook trout and bog turtle, restore 6.7 acres of riparian buffer, and more than 13 acres of surrounding wetland and flood plain. $900,400 to reintroduce wild brook trout in restored agricultural watersheds in Chester County, a project of the Stroud Water Research Center, which will monitor the re-establishment effort and implement agricultural best management practices to give trout the best chance of recovery. New Jersey A Democratic campaign manager was charged Monday in Chester County with filing fraudulent nomination petitions in the 2024 primary for auditor general, including the forged signature of a Chester County judge, authorities said. Mariel Kornblith-Martin, 40, of Philadelphia, is accused of filing the false nomination petitions when serving as campaign manager for Mark Pinsley, the Lehigh County controller, as he sought to secure a place on the competitive Democratic primary ballot. Advertisement Petitions for Pinsleys campaign included the names of people who said they had not signed them, including Chester County Judge Alita Rovito, Coatesville City Council members Carmen Green and Khadija Al-Amin, and West Goshen Township Supervisor Nate Wolman, The Inquirer reported. Rovito reported the forgery to the Chester County District Attorneys Office at the time, saying the signature was not hers and she did not sign nominating petitions for any candidate, as to do so would be a violation of judicial ethics, according to charging documents. Rovito, a Democrat, told The Inquirer at the time that the use of my name and signature is concerning to me due [to] the potential implications on my role as a member of the independent judiciary. In the criminal complaint filed against Kornblith-Martin, the Chester County District Attorneys Office alleges that she gave three college students stacks of pages containing signatures of supporters and asked them to sign the required sworn declaration at the bottom of each page. Among the charges filed against Kornblith-Martin was solicitation to false swearing. Prosecutors say she paid the students, who are not named in the charging documents, $50 on at least three occasions to sign the petitions. Thats disgraceful, former U.S. Rep. Bob Brady, the chair of the Philadelphia Democratic Party, said of the charges against Kornblith-Martin. Shes not one of our favorites. The three college students were all working part-time on several campaigns run by Kornblith-Martin, according to the complaint. The students were previously identified by The Inquirer as paid volunteers attending Temple University. Kornblith-Martin described herself to investigators as a political operative in Philadelphia with 13 years of experience who had worked on 16 campaigns, according to the criminal complaint. She previously served in Philadelphias 39th Democratic Ward, but resigned last year, according to its ward leader, Traffic Court Judge Michael Sullivan. Kornblith-Martin did not respond to requests for comment on Wednesday or Thursday. She turned herself in on Wednesday and has been released on bail, which was set at $50,000. Kornblith-Martin said in 2024 that the campaign was conducting an internal investigation when asked about the alleged fraudulent signatures. Pinsley told The Inquirer on Wednesday evening his campaign reviewed what was brought to our attention but did not have enough verified information to reach independent conclusions when concerns were raised. Petition drives can involve invalid or questionable signatures for many reasons, and we were not in a position to determine intent, he added in a text message. I was not personally involved in the signature collection, and I believe the legal process is the appropriate place for the facts to be established. If anyone knowingly falsified signatures, that would be wrong and should carry consequences. Pinsley said he has not been involved with Kornblith-Martin since his auditor general campaign and does not know the facts of this situation. Pinsley is now running in the crowded Democratic primary to challenge Republican U.S. Rep. Ryan Mackenzie in the Lehigh Valley. Pinsleys campaign was not the only one with signatures that came under scrutiny. State Sen. Nikil Savals 2024 campaign complained about signatures on then-candidate Allen Kings petitions, which included two of the same student circulators and contributed to his being booted from the ballot. King, an entrepreneur who still has political aspirations, told The Inquirer the incident had disillusioned him about the two-party system and inspired him to reapply to law school. When ballot access becomes a game of shortcuts and challenges, democracy loses before voters ever enter the booth, he said. The February 2024 revelation that Pinsleys campaign may have submitted fraudulent petitions shook up the race for a little-known office responsible for conducting audits to ensure that state money is spent properly. Pinsley failed to secure the Democratic nomination over State Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, who ultimately lost to incumbent Republican Auditor General Tim DeFoor as the GOP swept the states row offices in the general election. Kenyatta did not formally challenge Pinsleys nominating petitions to remove him from the ballot during the primary. Reached Wednesday, Kenyatta said in a statement: Fraud occurring within any stage of our electoral process is a direct assault on our democracy. The charges brought today are a first step in the legal process but accountability must not end here: the buck always stops with the candidate, added Kenyatta, the vice chair of the Democratic National Committee. Investigators found at least nine pages of alleged forgeries of Chester County voters, according to the complaint. To get on the ballot in Pennsylvania for a statewide row office like auditor general, a candidate must submit 1,000 signatures, including at least 100 from at least five counties. The Swarthmore Public Library has officially done away with overdue fees, joining a growing contingent of libraries that say the fines do more to drive patrons away than to get them to return their books on time. Swarthmores library serves residents of Swarthmore and neighboring Rutledge and is a member of the Delaware County Public Library System. A nonprofit, the library is powered by private donations and government funding. It served around 3,100 cardholders in 2024. Advertisement Overdue fines can actually deter library use, all while bringing in marginal financial benefits, said Alec Staley, the librarys director. Case studies have shown that library fees ultimately can discourage people from returning books. After the Chicago Public Library dropped fees in 2019, it saw a 240% increase in return of materials within three weeks. During a six-week fine-forgiveness program at the San Francisco Public Library in 2017, nearly 700,000 items were returned (the items returned were valued at $236,000). Once late fees start accruing, many people, especially low-income library patrons, will stay away to avoid paying them, forfeiting their library access entirely. Oftentimes, late fees burden the people who need library resources the most. Collecting fees has also become taxing for library staff, Staley said. Turning away families because of overdue fees has weighed heavily on Swarthmores librarians. We were just punishing [people] for no reason at all, he said. The new policy means any outstanding late fees will be wiped from cardholders balances. Elizabeth Brown, president of the librarys board of trustees, said fine revenue is not a meaningful source of our budget. Swarthmore Borough is set to contribute $277,000 to the library this year, up 17% from the year prior. Late fees make up only around 1%, or $5,000, of the Swarthmore Public Librarys annual revenue. Library officials believe they can close the gap with fundraising. Does this mean people will be able to take the books and run? Not really. Well still have a lost-item charge, Brown said. This is by no means a free-for-all. Unreturned items will be marked lost after three weeks and a fee will be charged. However, fees will be dropped if the lost book is returned. The Swarthmore Public Library joins a growing group of Philly-area fine-free libraries. The Free Library of Philadelphia went fine-free in 2020, a move the library system said would increase equity and bring back 88,000 cardholders who were unable to access library services due to fines. In Delaware County, the Upper Darby Township and Sellers Memorial Free Public Library, Newtown Public Library, Media-Upper Providence Free Library, and Ridley Park Public Library are fine-free. Ultimately, Staley said, imposing fines runs counter to the heart of what a public library is supposed to be. We champion that were one of the last free spaces in the United States, he said. But then we have this secret where were still charging fines. 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. A car remains covered in ice at the corner of Allen St. and Front St. in Philadelphia on Friday, Jan. 26, 2026. Read more Independence Hall, the Rocky statue, the Liberty Bell, and a 2016 Honda Civic parked in Fishtown? That odd appendage at the end of the list just became one of Philadelphias newest tourist attractions on Google Maps. Advertisement How does a silver two-door get minted a must-see site in the birthplace of America? It gets completely covered in ice. In photos of the car now seen around the world, a sheet of ice wrapping around the roof and hood of the car extends all the way down to the pavement. Paralyzed windshield wipers propped up perpendicular to the dashboard look like a pair of arms flailing frantically for help as the car suffers a frigid death. Passersby might easily mistake the sight for an ice sculpture of a car rather than a real one. The journey from plebeian commuter vehicle to local celebrity has been a source of both humor and headache for 24-year-old Tianna Graham, the cars owner. At first she wasnt terribly worried about the situation. Its fine. Ill figure it out, she remembered thinking. Then the shock wore off. Now Im like, OK, what do I actually do now? The saga starts at the intersection of North Front and East Allen Streets, under the El tracks, where Graham first parked her car on Jan. 23. She knew a major snowstorm was looming, so when she found an open spot near her apartment, she leaped at it. After the deluge of flakes and sleet left the city coated with 9.3 inches of snow and ice, her girlfriend helped her shovel her car out of the spot on Tuesday so they could run a few errands, she said. When they returned, they found the spot still vacant, so Graham parked there again. On Wednesday, Graham, a fifth-grade math teacher at Community Academy of Philadelphia, noticed the street she had parked on was cordoned off with caution tape. She asked a nearby police officer if she should move her car, she said, and he advised her to leave it there. What happened next, Graham, the city, the people of Philadelphia, and frozen-car fanatics worldwide may never fully know. On Thursday, the Philadelphia Water Department repaired a leak on a six-inch water main at North Front and East Allen Streets around 2:30 p.m., said department spokesperson Brian Rademaekers. The department did not receive any reports of water gushing dramatically from the pipe, Rademaekers said. It is not clear if water from the pipe, from the highway overpass, or from another source led the car to become enveloped in ice. But, when Graham returned from work last Thursday around 3:30 p.m. during what turned out to be a weeklong Arctic freeze and checked on her Honda, she saw it frozen absolutely solid. I was freaking out a little bit, Graham said. I was just like, I dont even know where to start. So she started where many Gen Zers start on Instagram. Graham posted the photo on her private Instagram story, asking friends what she should do. Her first instinct was to try to break apart the ice. So she and her friend came at it with a small shovel and an ice pick but quickly found it a futile effort. Graham was, however, able to pry open the passenger-side door and look inside. There was water everywhere, she said. The inside of my car is soaked. The floors are soaked. My seats were soaked. Everything is wet inside. On Friday, she was able to turn on the ignition, she said, but had no such luck when she tried again this week. She filed a claim through her insurance company, Geico, which dispatched a tow truck Monday, she said. It is now awaiting inspection. Its really just overall inconvenient, she said. I understand that its like hilarious and everyones loved it, but nobody has been offering any kind of valid help at this point. I dont really know where to go from here, she said. As Graham was dealing with the logistics of trying to save the car, the car itself was skyrocketing toward social media stardom. Photos and videos of it began circulating online. Area residents began posting clips of themselves visiting the car, some even climbing on top of it. When 23-year-old Abbigail Erbacher came up to Philly to visit her friend on Sunday, the frozen car was quickly added to the days itinerary. The Egg Harbor Township, N.J., resident had seen the videos of the car on TikTok, identified the location with her friend based on landmarks around it, and headed to Fishtown. My first thought was, Oh, my god, this is real. And then my next was, I feel so bad for her, Erbacher said. It had to have been encased in anywhere from an inch to two inches of ice. Shortly after the visit, Erbacher took to TikTok. Her video starts with her screaming upon seeing the car and gently knocking on the frozen solid drivers-side mirror. The overlaid text: philadelphias newest monument. As of Wednesday the video had 22 million views. Erbacher was surprised to see her clip become so widely viewed, but was not at all shocked to see the story itself gaining traction. I think our generation is so unserious, she said. These sort of things feel like the type of things that only happen to our generation. Between the political climate and the pandemic, Erbacher said, she and many others Gen Zers feel particularly prone to bad luck. I think we definitely feel a bit victimized, she said. And so when things reinforce that, were like, OK, cool. That would only happen to us, so we just kind of got to go with it. And Graham did, indeed, go with it. She started documenting the journey on TikTok herself late last week beginning with a simple video featuring the camera panning around the frozen car to the Rob49 song WTHELLY. That post got 8 million views. @tiannag444 and there she goes! yes it is totaled btw! if you feel inclined to help, go fund me in bio! no im not begging for money, but people have been asking how they can help and anything is appreciated to help w rental (which is not covered) and the difference to a new car! btw yes, the inside it soaked. yes, it did start but now will not (even after a jump) Vroom Vroom - Charli xcx On Monday, she posted two more videos: one of her girlfriend and friend gingerly cracking the ice off the car with hammers to the No Doubt song Just a Girl, which was viewed more than 27 million times, and another of the car getting towed away to the song Vroom Vroom by Charli XCX that was watched more than 12 million times. Bye ice car! she wrote over the video of its immobilized tires cutting through hefty chunks of ice as the tow truck dragged it across the street. A man died Thursday morning in a fire inside a North Philadelphia home. The fire started around 5:15 a.m. on the 2500 block of North 12th Street, where crews found heavy smoke and fire coming from the two-story rowhouse, according to the Philadelphia Fire Department. Firefighters witnessed fire coming from the second floor, where they found a person dead inside the home. Firefighters placed the fire under control by 5:45 a.m. The cause of the fire remained under investigation. The Thursday morning blaze followed a fatal house fire in Kingsessing on Wednesday morning, which the fire marshals office determined was intentionally set, and another fatal fire in early January that claimed the life of a woman in the Ogontz section. Faith leaders from various religious communities were instrumental in reminding and challenging white leadership of the promises of democracy and freedom in our founding documents, writes Anthea Butler. Read more When you hear the word faith in relation to the history of African Americans in the United States, what do you imagine? Do you see a preacher, or a gospel choir, or imagine a church mother in a resplendent hat? These images, while valid depictions of the Black church, are not the only measures of how faith informs and shapes the history of African American life. Advertisement For African Americans, faith has not been simply about belief in a deity. By necessity, it has also been about having the faith to fight for freedom, faith in showing the shortcomings of democracy, faith in finding hope during struggle, and protecting the community. It was also the only way, for many years, to organize and establish places of worship or set up businesses. In the American context, many equate African American religion with Protestant Christianity. Yet, faith isnt limited to a particular religious tradition or organized religion. It is an intentional practice of believing. The history of African Americans personal faith and organized faith traditions is what has sustained them in their tumultuous history in America. It is impossible to speak about the history of faith and African American life without speaking of the brutal realities of the Atlantic slave trade and slaveholding in America. Africans who were captured and sold into slavery from ports in West Africa came to the Americas from rich traditions steeped in different African religious practices, like Vodun. Some of the enslaved, like Omar Ibn Said, were Muslim, and still others were from places like Congo and had been introduced to Christianity in Africa. Examples of the longevity of these religious traditions can be seen in the practices of the Gullah people in South Carolina, who have shared their traditions like rice growing, ring shouts, and burial practices from enslavement to the 21st century. Faith also defined the involvement and influence of African Americans in the struggle for equality and freedom. Richard Allen and Absalom Jones, both important members of the freed Black community in Philadelphia, left St. Georges United Methodist Church over the racism there. Both Allen and Jones would establish churches: Allen starting Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church and Jones establishing the African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas. To wrest Mother Bethel from the attempts of the white Methodist group to gain control over it, Allen would use the legal system, incorporating the church in 1796 and then fighting to keep control of it from the larger white Methodist denomination. Faith, as well as acumen, would give him the determination to see the legal process through to incorporation in Pennsylvania. Today, the AME denomination is a worldwide church, estimated to have more than two million members. Faith would also play a role in establishing organizations within the African American community. Schools in the 19th and early 20th century found their formation in religious organizations post-Civil War. Clergy would pair with white denominations to form schools such as Spellman and Morehouse. Other organizational structures formed by religious communities would include insurance organizations, funeral homes, fraternities, and sororities. The best-known organization, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, would also find pastors and religious figures in the initial call for its formation. Faith leaders from various religious communities were also instrumental in reminding and challenging white leadership of the promises of democracy and freedom in our founding documents. We cannot forget the role of faith in the civil rights movement. In the 20th century, new religious movements such as Garveyism, Moorish Science Temple, the Nation of Islam, and Father Divines peace movement would all organize as a counternarrative to the harsh conditions of racism and Jim Crow in American life. All these movements offered an alternative narrative of not only uplift but also promoted different visions of race through religion that drew followers who questioned the merits of white Protestantism for African Americans. Of course, we cannot forget the role of faith in the civil rights movement. While it is obvious to think of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., it is important to remember that King not only found his voice through Christianity, but through the principle of satyagraha, soul force, coined by Mohandas Gandhi, the famous Hindu leader who promoted nonviolent struggle that formed the foundations of the civil rights movement. Diane Nash, who was Catholic and considered being a nun before becoming an activist while at Fisk College in Nashville, would become an important part of the movement along with figures like the late U.S. Rep. John Lewis, who was enrolled in divinity school before joining the movement. All of these are very brief examples from a very diverse history of faith in the African American community that was not only about individual belief, but many times served as a counter to the racism of religious communities in America that treated African Americans as second-class citizens. Suppressing this history by altering it or calling it DEI does an injustice to the history of faith-based organizing in America. African Americans faith, and the challenges they brought to bear on the racial issues of America, highlighted the promises of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. Now, more than ever, we need that faith to sustain us during the 250th anniversary of America. Anthea Butler is the Geraldine R. Segal Professor in American Social Thought at the University of Pennsylvania. A 1.3-million-square-foot former Big Lots warehouse in Tremont, Pa., has been bought by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for $119 million. The agency plans to detain up to 7,500 immigrants there. Read more TREMONT, Pa. Evil has never looked this banal. A massive 1.3 million-square-foot Schuylkill County warehouse that just 13 months ago bustled with 505 workers moving cheap overstock goods like shower curtains or pet cleaners for now-bankrupt retailer Big Lots sits utterly abandoned, its dozens of truck bays fenced off and surrounded by a silent shroud of snow. Advertisement Its hard to imagine, but in the very near future, this white behemoth could be warehousing thousands of desperate human beings behind its bland, baby blue-trimmed concrete walls. On Monday, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement filed a county deed that confirmed its $119.5 million purchase of the Big Lots facility one more island in an American gulag archipelago of detention camps for the undocumented immigrants ICE is aggressively arresting from coast to coast. It hurts my heart, the Rev. Brian Beissel, pastor at Christs United Lutheran Church in nearby Ashland, told me, choking up a bit, as we sat in a car outside the warehouse entrance. When I asked him to expand on the source of that pain, Beissels response epitomized what other local residents have been saying about the stunning ICE news a blend of small-town fears about stressed infrastructure with spiritual unease over the images of violent immigration raids in Minneapolis and elsewhere. He invoked Schuylkill Countys deep resentment of the 20th-century coal barons who took the money and the minerals and then ran. Theyre promising jobs, but how long are they going to be here? But then Beissel a Schuylkill County native who sees himself as a not very political preacher, in a county that Donald Trump won in 2024 with nearly 71% of the vote pivoted to his moral dismay over a citizenship-seeking restaurant owner and father of a 2-year-old he knows from nearby Danville who was arrested by ICE and agreed to return to Mexico. The Bible is pretty darn clear, he said, that we welcome the stranger. The Trump regime told America this day was coming. Its acting ICE director, Todd Lyons, said in an April interview that he wanted to run the agency like a business, with a deportation process like [Amazon] Prime, but with human beings. Ironically, the soon-to-be ICE detention center in Schuylkill County, about 100 miles northwest of Philadelphia, is less than a mile from a massive new Amazon fulfillment center that opened in 2023. Soon, trucks carrying consumer bric-a-brac to Tremont will be jostling on Interstate 81 with buses carrying day laborers or restaurant servers in handcuffs to those reborn rows of truck portals. ICE, flush with a whopping $45 billion in cash from Trumps so-called Big Beautiful Bill to construct its human supply chain, is currently racing to buy sites for 23 detention centers with as many as 76,500 beds from coast to coast often keeping communities like Tremont in the dark to thwart the inevitable opposition. In fact, the Schuylkill County deal is the second ICE facility in east-central Pennsylvania announced just this week. A different warehouse location, which ICE envisions as a kind of feeder camp for 1,500 detainees, was also purchased for $87 million in Hamburg, Berks County only 25 miles from Tremont. Even if you could somehow put the morality of what many see as concentration camps on U.S. soil to the side, the governments scenario for tiny Tremont a coal-country hollow of two-story brick homes and faded American flags with just 2,000 residents boggles the mind. The Big Lots site could soon see a community of nearly 10,000 people the 7,500 detainees and an estimated more than 2,000 workers to oversee them that would instantly become the second-largest city in Schuylkill County (after Pottsville, the county seat). Its just 300 yards from the largest daycare center in a township where the water and sewer system is already at capacity, with no local police force or nearby hospital to deal with the inevitable emergencies. The U.S. government wont be paying the roughly $1 million a year in annual property taxes that propped up local schools and county and municipal services. Its these kinds of not-in-my-backyard worries that are driving a lot of the initial concern in Schuylkill County, especially from politicians who are cautious in talking about the fraught immigration issue in blood-red Trump country. I am not going to get into a debate over the overarching immigration policies of the United States of America, the GOP chair of the county commission, Larry Padora Jr., told a meeting on Wednesday, where he confirmed the ICE purchase of the warehouse. But a growing number of neighbors do want to talk about those immigration policies, and the stench of inhumanity. Im scared, Tana Smith, a 24-year-old server at Behms Family Restaurant, the local wood-paneled breakfast hangout, told me about the pending ICE project. She, too, blended fears about the daycare site and possible escapees from a detention center with empathy for those same would-be detainees. Peoples families are just being, you know, ripped apart, she said. Its really sad. Smith said shed already gently lobbied her dad a Republican who said, I guess its just taking care of the illegal people against the ICE plan. I was like, I dont feel like thats true at all, she said. I feel like theyre going after everyone. READ MORE: People are dying in Trumps squalid concentration camps | Will Bunch Andrea Pitzer, author of the definitive history of global concentration camps, One Long Night, said Tremont residents like Smith are right to be alarmed. She told me her research found that authoritarian regimes frequently rely on existing sites like abandoned warehouses or factories as they launch a growing network of gulags. The U.S. is clearly echoing previous history with these warehouse acquisitions, she said. Dachau not a death camp, to be sure, but one of the earliest Nazi concentration camps took over a converted factory when it began its heinous existence in 1933. Pitzer asked, What things will they do on this new, huge scale behind barbed wire? She noted that the warehouses are a massive expansion of a system thats already at a record for detainees, with more than 73,000, and is already plagued by squalid conditions, a measles outbreak at the family detention site in Texas, and a death rate as much as 10 times as high as during the Biden administration. No wonder ICE has moved to buy up new sites including the two Pennsylvania warehouses with a practically Soviet level of state secrecy. There are no public hearings. Top lawmakers from both parties have been left in the dark. This was quiet, the Democratic county commissioner, Gary Hess, told the meeting. It was silent. And then, bango! There it was. These will not be warehouses they will be very well-structured detention facilities meeting our regular detention standards, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security insisted in a statement Wednesday. It added that the federal acquisitions should not come as news, as ICE expands its nationwide dragnet. Yet, arguably the regions most powerful politician, Republican U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser, who voted for the $45 billion fund, has sounded, fittingly, like TVs fictional German prison camp guard, Sgt. Schultz: He knows nothing, nothing! His spokesperson said Meuser, with both planned facilities in his 9th Congressional District, has requested a call with [ICE], and our office has reached out for additional information to better understand the details of the situation. We have not yet received a response. Instead, it fell on Meusers likely Democratic opponent in November Rachel Wallace, a former chief of staff for the U.S. Office of Management and Budget who has returned to her native Pottsville to organize a town hall last week when the project was still rumored. Most of the 100 or so people who packed a fire hall voiced opposition, but for a variety of reasons. The local GOP state representative, Joanne Stehr, attended and agreed with the not-in-my-backyard concerns, but then drew loud boos when she reportedly said: Im saying ICE has a job to do, and its going to get done. We are taking out the trash. The growing uproar in Schuylkill County echoes brewing battles in many of the 21 other locations, even in areas that voted heavily for Trump in 2024. In Ashland, Va., a Canadian-based warehouse owner canceled its planned deal with ICE after economic pressure and opposition from county commissioners. Elected officials in Roxbury, N.J., and other proposed sites are also fighting to keep ICE out, but its unclear how much traction such an effort will get in red rural Pennsylvania. We want economic development, and we want good businesses that are part of the community, Wallace, the congressional candidate, told me as she decried the process and her opponent Meusers silence. And this is the opposite of that. And a growing number of Schuylkill County residents say their biggest alarm is less over the NIMBY concerns and more about the idea of their backyard hosting an American concentration camp. We have seen firsthand the brutality that government agents are using to detain American citizens, legal immigrants, and law-abiding immigrants without legal status, and the violence in our streets caused by masked, heavily armed agents, Josephine Kwiatkowski, an Army veteran and retiree from Pottsville, told the commissioners. She said these scenes and the civil rights violations, the lack of humanitarian conditions [in current ICE facilities], and the discounting of the Constitution are the same issues that I was willing to sacrifice my life to oppose. Pitzer, the concentration camp historian, said the time to act is now, before these proposed gulags are up and running. Those who made excuses for or ignored these kinds of camps in Russia in the 1920s or Germany in the 1930s couldnt know how much more vast and lethal those systems would become a decade later, she said. But we, who have those examples and other horrors from around the world in our rearview mirror, have no excuse. This should be a five-alarm fire, not just for the politicians whove been trusted with keeping an American republic, but for citizens who are beginning to grasp a monstrous reality that was set into motion when Trumps xenophobic demagoguery won a narrow plurality on Nov. 5, 2024. The image of our neighbors shipped in a supply chain like patio furniture and disappeared into the bowels of a Big Lots warehouse should have all of us asking a fundamental question. What are we doing here? Election security With the midterm elections about eight months away, President Donald Trump is doing his damnedest to undermine the publics faith in our electoral process. He used his speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, to tell the whole world the Big Lie about his winning the 2020 election. And now he is sending the FBI to Atlanta to look for evidence of fraud in the 2020 Georgia election. But apparently, these tactics are not enough to reassure Trump of a Republican victory in 2026. He wants access to voter rolls in Atlanta and in Minneapolis, where the governor and mayor have refused his bribe: relief from the invasion of armed U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents. We can only speculate on how the personal information contained in voter rolls might be used to manipulate voters. Advertisement So what can be done to protect the integrity of our elections? State election officials Democrats and some Republicans are taking steps to ensure election security. And we, as citizens, can help by encouraging our friends and neighbors to exercise their right to vote and by reporting to local election officials any interference with voters accessing the polls or casting their ballots. Susan Reisbord, Philadelphia Apt comparison I read the article headlined Philly DA Larry Krasner says dont be a wimp after Gov. Josh Shapiro decried Mr. Krasners comparison of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to Nazis, and am in agreement with Mr. Krasner. It is indeed appropriate to compare ICE agents to Nazis. There is ample historical precedent for this comparison. The protofascist Freikorps that were used by the government to suppress socialists and communists grew into the Sturmabteilung, or SA, which was the paramilitary force initially used by the NSDAP, or Nazi Party, to terrorize Jews, Roma, socialists, and others who opposed the party. What we see now in several largely Democratic cities under siege by ICE is highly reminiscent of what the Freikorps and SA did during the gradual loss of the nascent democracy that was Weimar-era Germany. Our governor and Sen. John Fetterman would do well to consider what my childhood rabbi, Joachim Prinz, stated in 1963, as mentioned in the article: The most urgent, the most disgraceful, the most shameful, and the most tragic problem is silence. They should be calling ICE for what it is: a fascist paramilitary force that operates outside the law. David Toub, Wyncote . . . When the now-familiar photo of 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos being detained by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent was published, it immediately brought to mind the iconic image taken in 1943 of a small boy no more than 7 or 8 years old with his arms raised in surrender as Nazi soldiers clear the Warsaw Ghetto during the 1943 uprising. I see no reason to apologize to anyone for drawing that parallel nor do I understand the outrage that accompanied Larry Krasners statement making the same comparison. Mark Turetsky, Lower Gwynedd 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. California Gov. Gavin Newsom in November: In his new book, "Young Man in a Hurry: A Memoir of Discovery," the governor recounts his mother's decision to end her life in 2002. Read more It was the spring of 2002 when Gavin Newsoms mother Tessa, dying of cancer, stunned him with a voicemail. If he wanted to see her again, she told him, it would need to be before the following Thursday, when she planned to end her life. Newsom, then a 34-year-old San Francisco supervisor, did not try to dissuade her, he recounted in an interview with the Washington Post. The fast-rising politician was wracked with guilt from being distant and busy as she dealt with the unbearable pain of the breast cancer spreading through her body. Advertisement Newsoms account of his mothers death at the age of 55 by assisted suicide, and his feelings of grief and remorse toward a woman with whom he had a loving but complex relationship, is one of the most revealing and emotional passages in the California governors book, Young Man in a Hurry: A Memoir of Discovery, which will be published Feb. 24. Newsom, a potential Democratic candidate for president, has seldom spoken of the chapter in his familys life, which is likely to generate controversy if he enters the race. Assisted suicide, at the time, was illegal in California and remains illegal in all but 12 states and the District of Columbia, according to the advocacy group Death with Dignity. When that Thursday in 2002 arrived, Newsom and his sister Hilary did as his mother asked and sat by her bedside in Pacific Heights, Newsom said in an interview this week. He wanted her suffering to end, he said, but it would be years before he could forgive her for asking him to be there. I hated her for it to be there for the last breath for years, he said in an interview in San Diego this week. I want to say it was a beautiful experience. It was horrible. Forty-five minutes before the courageous doctor arrived to administer the medicine that would end her life, Newsom and his sister gave their mother her regular dose of painkillers to keep her comfortable, he said. When the doctor arrived, Tessa Newsom lucidly answered his questions and told him she was sure of her decision, Gavin Newsom said. Her labored breathing and the gravity of the moment became too much for Newsoms sister. She left the room. Newsom stayed. Then I sat there with her for another 20 minutes after she was dead, he said, his voice breaking briefly and his eyes welling as he told the story. My head on her stomach, just crying, waiting for another breath. Despite his painful memories, Newsom said that he believes assisted suicide should be legal nationally, that people should have the freedom to make that decision themselves. California legalized the practice in 2015 with the End of Life Option Act. Six years after voters approved the practice, and two years after he became governor in 2019, Newsom signed a second bill that reduced the waiting period for a drug-induced suicide from 15 days to 48 hours and eliminated a requirement for a formal written declaration of intent at the end of the process. Last year, Newsom signed a third bill that eliminated a sunset clause in the 2015 bill, making assisted suicide legal in California indefinitely. When the bill came up in the California legislature, Newsom heard objections not only from churches and religious groups, but also from the old Irish Catholic side of my family. They were up in arms about that bill, and obviously, by extension, by what my mom did, he recalled. But Newsom said his own experience with his mother strengthened his support for the bill. I watched the physical deterioration, the mental deterioration, just the cries of pain, he said this week. She would have just suffered. Last year in an interview on the Diary of a CEO podcast, Newsom said he had no regrets about his role If you want to come after me, come after me, she needed to do it, he said. Tessa Newsom worked three jobs to support her two children after her husband left, Newsom wrote in the book. His father, William Newsom, an attorney who became a judge, was the best friend of the billionaire Gordon Getty and had for a time helped manage the Getty Trust. Their fathers friendship with the Gettys, which began in high school, created what Newsom described as a surreal double life for the two Newsom children, who joined their father and the Gettys during summer vacations that involved private jets, resorts and limousines. Tessa Newsom, a quiet but dominant force who shaped his work ethic, he said, did not approve of Newsoms political ambitions. She urged him to stay immersed in his business, the PlumpJack Group, a wine and hospitality company that he founded in 1992. Get out before its too late, Tessa Newsom told her son after he had become a San Francisco supervisor in 1997 and was considering a 2003 run for mayor of San Francisco, which had been his fathers dream. She never fully explained the admonition. But William Newsom had also harbored political ambitions for a time running for San Francisco county supervisor and state senator. And the younger Newsom learned years later, through an oral history his father recorded, that his electoral failures and subsequent debt had led to the unraveling of his parents marriage, Newsom said in an interview with the Post and in his book. Newsom a father of four who is married to Jen Siebel, a documentary filmmaker said his mothers warning still haunts him. I think about it any time when things are really going down that she was right, he said with a laugh. And while many people dont believe that Newsom is still wrestling with whether he will run for president, his mothers warnings are part of the quandary, he said. I dont think people are taking me as literally as they should. Well see what happens, he said of a potential presidential run. Every day, I just try to get better, and be a better husband, be a better father. Ive got to take care of them, and I cant do what my father did. Joi Washingtons first challenge as mayor came in the form of a winter weather emergency. On Jan. 5, Washington was sworn in as Medias first new mayor in three decades. On Jan. 25, 9.3 inches of snow fell on Philadelphia, setting off a snow emergency declaration. Washington monitored the storm and worked to put parking restrictions and plowing operations into effect. Advertisement It was fascinating a headfirst dive into running a municipal government, she said. A graphic designer by trade and former borough council member, Washington moved to Media from Philadelphia in 2013 and fell in love with its walkability and tight-knit community of 6,000. As she learns on the job, friends and colleagues say her intelligence and ability to work across the aisle make her the right person for the role. For Washington, learning how to be a good mayor is all about being a good neighbor. Who is Joi Washington? Washington, 39, was born and raised in Germantown. She graduated from Moore College of Art and Design in 2008 with a bachelor of fine arts in illustration. She has worked for numerous Philly-area companies doing graphic design, digital asset management, and storyboarding. Around a decade ago, Washington took a graphic design job in Media. The long commute from Roxborough, where she lived at the time, quickly became tiresome, so she packed up and moved. She met her husband at work, and the two have lived in Media since. Washington, a Democrat, was elected to Medias borough council in 2021, serving until she became mayor last month. Katey McVerry, Medias tax collector, was impressed with Washington as a borough council member. She described Washington as civically and politically engaged, well known by her neighbors, and able to work across the aisle. When Bob McMahon, Medias mayor of 33 years, decided to retire last year, Washington stepped up. A resounding win Washington campaigned for mayor on expanding public transit options, supporting local businesses, and working with law enforcement to make streets safer for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians. She was elected with 77% of the vote, beating out Republican Kevin Kellogg. Democrats swept local races in Media and Delaware County in November, winning seats on the Rose Tree Media school board, borough council, and Delaware County Council. Mary Tonita Austin helped campaign for Washington last year. Austin and Washington met at a Juneteenth celebration when Washington was still on borough council. Last year, when Austin ran for the Rose Tree Media school board, they found themselves in similar spots Black women running for office in a county that remains largely white (Washington is the first woman and first person of color to be elected mayor of Media). Austin gladly handed out Washingtons campaign fliers along with her own. Shes both intelligent and creative, which I think is so important for us to have, Austin said of Washington. Malcolm Yates, a convener of the Delaware County Black Caucus, said Washingtons win was resounding. Media is 82% white, according to the most recent census estimates a percentage nearly 1.5 times higher than the Philly metro area at-large. Before Democrats won three seats on the Delaware County Council in 2019, the body had been controlled by Republicans since the Civil War. It shows that the county has been moving and progressing forward to be more of a melting pot, Yates said of Washingtons win. You dont necessarily have to always look or identify a certain way to be a leader. Becoming the mayor Washington describes the first few weeks of being mayor as a whirlwind. There are webinars to watch, police reports to study, hands to shake, and nuggets of advice to glean from McMahon, now retired, whom Washington has stayed in touch with. Theres a lot to look forward to, as well. Media recently secured grants to purchase a new ambulance, enhance walkability within the borough, and improve Barrall Community Park. Washington hopes to bring in visitors to shop and dine at Medias small businesses, continuing the boroughs ascent as a Delco destination. Washington rattled off a list of forthcoming events with excitement: Dining Under the Stars, the completion of Plum Street Park, and the Media Spring Arts Show. As for her personal life, Washington said she is trying to find balance as mayor, which is a part-time gig in Media. Washington is still working as a freelance illustrator and graphic designer. She is also a natural introvert learning to manage an increasingly busy social calendar. Im also glad that I have two cats to keep me sane. My husbands very supportive. I think its really good to have a life outside of politics, she said. 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. A vehicle transports an RS-24 Yars strategic nuclear missile along a street during the Victory Day military parade in Moscow in 2020. Read more The last major arms-control agreement between the U.S. and Russia expired Thursday, increasing the risk of a new arms race between the worlds two largest nuclear powers amid growing global instability. The 2011 Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty, or New START, limited the size of the Russian and U.S. nuclear arsenals and allowed for inspections and exchanges of information. Its demise leaves Moscow and Washington without a framework to regulate their strategic stockpiles for the first time since the depths of the Cold War in the 1980s. Advertisement The end of the accord definitely doesnt make the world safer, said Pavel Podvig, a senior researcher at the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research in Geneva. The real loss will be a loss of transparency and it will increase political risks. START is expiring as relations between Russia and Europe have spiraled to their worst in decades over the war in Ukraine and with uncertainty among U.S. allies about its longterm commitment to the NATO military alliance. China is bolstering its strategic forces and other nations are eyeing the need for nuclear weapons to safeguard themselves as major powers increasingly jostle for dominance in their regions. The treaty had been due to expire in 2021 before the two sides agreed to a five-year extension, though Russian President Vladimir Putin suspended formal participation in 2023, halting inspections and information exchanges as confrontation with the U.S. surged over his full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Still, he pledged to uphold the pact, which restricts each side to 1,550 deployed strategic warheads. The immediate danger is that, in the absence of legal constraints and verification measures, both countries will revert to worst-case planning and begin uploading hundreds more warheads to their deployed forces out of fear that the other is doing so, said Mackenzie Knight-Boyle, a senior research associate for the Nuclear Information Project at the Federation of American Scientists. The United States and Russia have significant upload capacity that would allow them to drastically increase their numbers of deployed nuclear warheads in a short amount of time. In September, Putin said hed be ready to adhere to the terms of the treaty for another year after it expired if the U.S. did the same. President Donald Trump didnt formally respond to that idea. Trump will decide the path forward on nuclear arms control and will clarify it in his own timeline, a White House official said. The president has spoken repeatedly of addressing the threat from nuclear weapons and indicated that he wants to involve China in arms control talks, the official added. Chinas nuclear strength is by no means at the same level with that of the U.S., Lin Jian, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, told reporters at a Feb. 3 briefing. It is neither fair nor reasonable to ask China to join the nuclear disarmament negotiations at this stage. China hopes the U.S. will respond to Russias constructive proposal for extending STARTs terms and truly uphold global strategic stability, the spokesman added. Russia now assumes the two sides are no longer bound by any obligations or symmetrical declarations within the context of the treaty and are free to choose their next steps, the Foreign Ministry in Moscow said in a statement late Wednesday. Still, Moscow remains open to the search for political and diplomatic ways to comprehensively stabilize the strategic situation, it said. Some Republican lawmakers privately urged Trump not to entertain Putins proposal, according to a person familiar with the matter, in light of the risk it would end up constraining the U.S.s ability to maneuver without doing much to limit Moscows actions. In particular, the treaty only regulated strategic weapons and didnt place limits on tactical nuclear weapons for either side. Former CIA Director Bill Burns has said there was a genuine risk of Russia resorting to those shorter-range and lower-yield weapons in Ukraine in the fall of 2022. At a Senate hearing on Tuesday, retired admiral Charles A. Richard, a former commander of United States Strategic Command, told lawmakers that simply extending the New Start Treaty for one year does not constrain Russia to the same way that it constrains us, and that doing so would prevent the U.S. from meeting the challenge posed by Chinas own rapid buildup. Rose Gottemoeller, a former undersecretary of State for arms control in the Obama administration who was the chief U.S. negotiator of the New START treaty, advocated for an extension, saying it would be better to keep them limited at least for another year while we continue to plan and prepare for the Chinese threat. China has been growing its nuclear forces to catch up with Russia and the U.S.. In its 2025 annual report to Congress on military developments in China, the Pentagon said Beijing had continued its massive nuclear expansion as part of its goal of achieving strategic counterbalance against the U.S. by 2027. The Peoples Liberation Army is on track to have more than 1,000 warheads by 2030 from a stockpile in the low 200s at the start of this decade, according to the Pentagon report. While Beijing adheres to a no-first-use policy on nuclear weapons, China has not demonstrated a willingness to advance discussions on nuclear risk reduction measures, bilaterally or multilaterally, it said. Russia may indicate a willingness to refrain from buildups until the United States increases its strategic arsenal, said Dmitry Stefanovich, a research fellow at the Center for International Security at the Institute of World Economy and International Relations in Moscow. Still, the absence of binding agreements between the nuclear powers creates the foundation for an increase in strategic offensive weapons in the medium term, he said. An unconstrained nuclear era that led to increases in Russian and U.S. weapons would likely prompt other states from the UK and France to North Korea and Pakistan to seek to increase their strategic arsenals, according to Knight-Boyle of the Federation of American Scientists. Putin boasts that Russia has developed a new range of strategic weapons in recent years that are capable of evading existing defenses. They include the nuclear-powered Burevestnik cruise missile and Poseidon torpedo drone, as well as the Kinzhal hypersonic ballistic missile thats claimed to be capable of traveling at up to 10 times the speed of sound. Russia has also used the Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile in strikes on Ukraine, a weapon thats capable of carrying atomic warheads and has a range of 3,100 miles, putting most of Europe and the U.S. West Coast in striking distance. After Moscow conducted trials of the nuclear-capable Poseidon and Burevestnik, Trump threatened to resume atomic tests on an equal basis to other powers. That prompted Putin to order his officials to seek more information about Washingtons intentions and to set out proposals for the possible commencement of work on nuclear weapons testing. The last U.S. nuclear explosive test was in 1992, though it continues to test delivery systems. Russias last known nuclear detonation was in 1990, while Chinas was in 1996. Russian officials say negotiations on a potential new agreement would also have to cover the issues of North Atlantic Treaty Organization expansion, the U.S. global missile-defense system and medium- and short-range missile deployments. A deal to settle the war in Ukraine could open up a broader dialog with the Russians on strategic stability, said Ankit Panda, Stanton Senior Fellow in the Nuclear Policy Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. The Russians will be interested in engaging on arms control. The Third Circuit Court of Appeals has dismissed a proposed class action against New Jersey government officials on behalf of families of nursing home residents who died early in the COVID-19 pandemic. Approximately 10,000 elderly residents of New Jersey nursing homes and veterans homes died during the COVID-19 pandemic. Eventually, New Jersey reached a $53 million settlement with the families of 119 seniors who died in state-run veterans homes. Plaintiffs who brought the suit are the daughters and estate administrators of three private-nursing-home residents who died in April and May 2020 after contracting COVID-19. They blame the deaths on policies promulgated by the New Jersey Department of Health including a policy intended to keep hospital beds available by prohibiting nursing homes from denying admissions to patients who tested positive for COVID-19. They also say the state failed to supply enough personal protective equipment (PPE) for patients and staff. The estates sued the governor, health commissioner, and other New Jersey officials, attributing the deaths to a flawed public health policy that deliberately under-prioritized the safety of nursing homes. The families complaint alleged violations of statutory rights and constitutional rights to life, safe conditions, bodily integrity, freedom from state-created danger, and freedom from cruel, unhuman, or degrading treatment. But a three-judge panel of the federal appeals court has disallowed the class action, concluding that the families failed to offer enough evidence to pierce the qualified immunity that protects government officials for their actions and policies during the epidemic. The federal appeals court upheld the federal district court that also dismissed the class action on qualified immunity grounds. The families alleged that two weeks before the state issued its policy, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advised that substantial mortality might be averted if long-term care facilities acted quickly to prevent exposure of their residents to COVID-19. Medical professionals and other experts warned the state health department against the policy and nursing homes warned that separation of residents was not feasible, contamination was almost certain, and the directive would lead to unnecessary deaths, according to the complaint. The state issued the policy anyway. By the waning of the pandemic, New Jerseys nursing homes had a per-capita COVID-19 death rate of 16%, the worst in the country. The appeals court explained why overcoming the immunity granted to state officials is a tall order and why the plaintiffs fell short. Qualified immunity shields government officials from civil damages liability unless the official violated a statutory or constitutional right that was clearly established at the time of the challenged conduct, the appeals court noted, adding that the doctrine seeks to give government officials breathing room to make reasonable but mistaken judgments about open legal questions. Therefore, officials do not get stripped of qualified immunity every time a judge, with the clarity afforded by hindsight, believes that an official has committed a wrong. The judges also noted that qualified immunity protects even those officials who exercise extraordinarily poor judgment from liability for civil damages unless a plaintiff can satisfy the requirements for overcoming it. To overcome the immunity, a plaintiff must make two showings. One is that the states conduct violated a statutory or constitutional right. The other is that the right at issue was clearly established when the conduct took place. The appellate judges found that the plaintiffs failed to show how the states conduct violated their statutory or constitutional rights and failed to cite cases or evidence that might have put public officials on notice that their policy violated certain rights. For example, the families argued that because the nursing homes were locked down with all visitation prohibited, the residents were involuntarily committed patients and thus the state had a responsibility for their safety and well-being. But the court found that the decedents were voluntary residents of private nursing homes, not involuntarily institutionalized, and the state did not compel them to reside there against their will. We do not doubt the pain of plaintiffs losses during the pandemic or the imperfection of New Jerseys response to it, the court stated. But qualified immunity gives state officials reasonable doubt in the exercise of their professional duties. To overcome qualified immunity, the law requires certain showings, and plaintiffs fall far short of making those showings. The Third Circuit affirmed the district courts determination that the state officials are entitled to qualified immunity and its dismissal of the claims against them. Top Photo: A resident from St. Josephs Senior Home is loaded into a bus in Woodbridge, N.J., Wednesday, March 25, 2020. More than 90 residents of the nursing home in Woodbridge were transferred to a facility in Whippany after several tested positive for COVID-19, according to a spokeswoman for CareOne, which operates the Whippany facility. The facility has moved its residents to other facilities to accommodate the new arrivals. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig) Singapore is urging for international cooperation to curb shadow fleet vessels operating just beyond its territorial waters, as scrutiny intensifies on ships used to evade sanctions. Singapore fully implements United Nations Security Council resolutions and does not condone illegal or deceptive activities by shadow fleet vessels, Acting Transport Minister Jeffrey Siow said in a written reply to a parliamentary question dated Wednesday. He added that illicit vessels may be denied entry or detained in Singapore. The worlds largest bunkering hub already works closely with neighboring countries to combat illicit maritime activity in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore, sharing information to support investigations and conducting coordinated patrols, Siow said. Singapore also monitors vessel movements as one of the Vessel Traffic Service authorities for the mandatory ship-reporting system in the straits, providing navigational information and reporting breaches of International Maritime Organization conventions to vessels flag states. The Straits of Malacca and Singapore have become a focal point in efforts to police the global dark fleet, as aging tankers carrying sanctioned oil increasingly use the region for ship-to-ship transfers that can obscure cargo origins. The waterways strategic location connecting Europe and the Middle East to East Asia makes it a vital transit route but also a challenging environment for enforcement. This is an important and complex issue that the Singapore government pays close attention to, Siow said. We will continue working closely with international partners to address these challenges effectively. Photograph: Illuminated bulk carriers sit offshore of Singapore as oil tanks on Sebarok Island in the background at dusk in Singapore, on Sunday, Feb. 1, 2026. Photo credit: SeongJoon Cho/Bloomberg Copyright 2026 Bloomberg. An Asian cyber-espionage group has spent the past year breaking into computer systems belonging to governments and critical infrastructure organizations in more than 37 countries, according to the cybersecurity firm Palo Alto Networks, Inc. The state-aligned attackers have infiltrated networks of 70 organizations, including five national law enforcement and border control agencies, according to a new research report from the company.They have also breached three ministries of finance, one countrys parliament and a senior elected official in another, the report states. The Santa Clara, California-based firm declined to identify the hackers country of origin. The spying operation was unusually vast and allowed the hackers to hoover up sensitive information in apparent coordination with geopolitical events, such as diplomatic missions, trade negotiations, political unrest and military actions, according to the report. They used that access to spy on emails, financial dealings and communications about military and police operations, the report states. The hackers also stole information about diplomatic issues, lurking undetected in some systems for months. They use highly-targeted and tailored fake emails and known, unpatched security flaws to gain access to these networks, said Pete Renals, director of national security programs with Unit 42, the threat intelligence division of Palo Alto Networks. Espionage appears to be the main motivation behind these attacks as the actors frequently seek access to email communications and other sensitive data. The US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency said it was aware of the campaign. The agency is working with its partners to stop hackers from exploiting any of the vulnerabilities identified in the report, said Nick Andersen, CISAs executive assistant director for cybersecurity. Representatives of the FBI and CIA declined to comment. The NSA didnt respond to a request for comment. Palo Alto Networks researchers confirmed that the group successfully accessed and exfiltrated sensitive data from some victims email servers. The company said it notified the victims and offered them assistance. It also identified some of them in its report, an unusual step for a cybersecurity firm. Some of the hackers actions coincided with issues and events of particular import to the government of China. One suspected breach came the day after US military and law enforcement captured the Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro. As early as January 4, the hackers likely compromised a device associated with a facility operated by Venezolana de Industria Tecnologica, an organization founded as a joint venture between Venezuelas government and an Asian tech firm, according to the report. Venezolana de Industria Tecnologica didnt respond to an email seeking comment. Another hacking campaign targeted government entities in the Czech Republic. In July 2025, Czech President Petr Pavel met with the Dalai Lama. In the following weeks, the hackers conducted reconnaissance on Czech government targets including the Army, police, Parliament and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, according to the report. The Czech cybersecurity agency, the National Cyber and Information Security Authority, didnt respond to a request for comment on the report. The Chinese Embassy in Prague has previously rejected allegations about attacks against the Czech Republic as unsubstantiated. The hacking group also compromised the Ministry of Mines and Energy of Brazil, a major supply base of rare earth mineral reserves, the cyber firms report said. In October, US diplomats held meetings with mining executives in the country. An official at the ministry with knowledge of the matter said it hadnt identified an attack. The hackers are also suspected of being active in Germany, Poland, Greece, Italy, Cyprus, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mongolia, Panama, Greece and other countries, according to the report. The Chinese government recently prohibited companies in the country from using Palo Alto Networks products, along with security technology from more than a dozen other US and Israeli vendors, according to a government directive seen by Bloomberg News. Photograph: Attendees watch a presentation at the Palo Alto Networks booth during the RSA Conference in San Francisco, California, on Wednesday, April 26, 2023. Photo credit: David Paul Morris/Bloomberg Copyright 2026 Bloomberg. Topics Cyber The captain of a container ship that crashed into a U.S. tanker off Britains east coast last year was jailed for six years on Thursday for causing the death of a crew member through gross negligence. Russian national Vladimir Motin, 59, was captain of the Portuguese-flagged Solong when it hit the Stena Immaculate tanker, which was anchored and carrying just over 220,000 barrels of high-grade aviation fuel, on March 10, 2025. The collision started a blaze on both ships and caused the death of Philippines national and Solong crew member Mark Pernia, 38, whose body has never been found. Motins lawyer James Leonard said Motin unsuccessfully tried to take the Solong off autopilot and change course, arguing that while Motin was at fault he was not grossly negligent. But, after a trial at Londons Old Bailey court, Motin was convicted on Monday and returned for sentencing on Thursday. Judge Andrew Baker described Motin, who had turned off the Solongs alarm systems, as an accident waiting to happen and told him that Pernia died under your command and because of your gross negligence. Prosecutor Tom Little read out a statement from Pernias wife, who lives in the Philippines and was seven months pregnant with their second child at the time of his death. Our longing for him will remain forever, she said. (Reporting by Sam Tobin; editing by William James) Photograph: Smoke rises from the Solong cargo ship off the UKs east coast on March 11, 2025. Photo credit: Dan Kitwood/Getty Images Related: Zurich Insurances bid to buy British insurer Beazley will set the stage for further deals in the sector as buyers jostle for exposure to the lucrative specialty lines market, analysts, industry advisers and a broker said. London-listed Beazley said on Wednesday it was likely to recommend a sweetened 8 billion pound ($10.93 billion) approach from the Swiss insurer if it makes a formal offer at that price. It previously rejected multiple proposals from the company. Should the deal go through, Zurich will gain a substantial footprint in the historic Lloyds of London insurance market and widen its exposure to high-growth areas like cyber insurance, where Beazley has been among the industry front-runners. Read more: Beazley Agrees to Zurichs Sweetened 8 Billion Takeover Bid This will in turn fuel interest in other listed firms as buyers look to capitalize on sluggish valuations and tap longer-term growth in the specialty lines insurance market, eight analysts, industry advisers and a broker said. Setting the Stage for Multi-Year Consolidation Softening pricing across key commercial classes typically sets the stage for a multiyear consolidation cycle, said Salman Siddiqui, an associate managing director at Moodys Ratings. Large transactions like the proposed Beazley deal highlight how global insurers are positioning for scale, particularly in specialty lines, as margins compress. Hiscox, which has a retail insurance business as well as a presence at Lloyds, could be among those targeted, six analysts and advisers said. Lancashire, a Bermuda-based insurer listed in London, could also attract interest from buyers, three of those people added. Among potential buyers are large Japanese insurers looking to put their cash to use, analysts said. A flurry of Japanese financial firms have invested in overseas financial firms to drive growth in recent years, including Sompos acquisition of New York-listed reinsurer Aspen last year for $3.5 billion. European insurers are also looking to position themselves for growth in areas of the market like artificial intelligence and data centers, said Ben Cohen, co-head of European Insurance Equity Research at RBC Capital Markets. Its an attempt to future-proof some of their business models, Cohen added. Conduit Holdings, a London-listed reinsurance specialist, could be among the potential targets, Cohen and another of the people said. After sliding to a loss in the first half of 2025, the firm faced pressure from an activist investor to signal it was up for sale. Shares in Conduit, Hiscox and Lancashire have climbed since Zurich went public with its interest in Beazley on January 19. Conduit and Lancashire declined to comment. Hiscox did not respond to requests for comment. Pricing the Deal The hefty premium offered by Zurich shows that listed insurers are currently undervalued, analysts said. At 8 billion pounds, the latest proposal marks a 62.8% premium on Beazleys share price of 820 pence on January 16, before Zurich went public with its interest in the company. Beazley has attracted among the highest price-to-tangible-net-asset-value multiple of any listed London insurer previously, according to RBC analysts. Analysts at Panmure Liberum said Zurich could afford to pay more given the strategic value of Beazley and the synergies it could realize from the deal. All of the people Reuters spoke to cautioned that the multiples attached to Beazley could not be applied directly to other listed insurance companies and all the businesses have differences. Hiscoxs large retail division could mean it fetches a higher multiple than that implied by Beazley, while Lancashires mix of wholesale and reinsurance would likely attract a lower premium, RBC analysts said in a note. Kristen Hanneman made a small decision in 2022 that would upend life for her entire town. State scientists were checking private drinking water wells across Wisconsin for a widely used family of harmful chemicals called PFAS. They mailed an offer to test the well outside her tidy farmhouse surrounded by potato farms cut out of dense forest. Without much thought, she accepted. Months later, Hanneman found herself on the phone with a state toxicologist who told her to stop drinking the water now. The well her three kids grew up on had levels thousands of times higher than federal drinking water limits for what are commonly known as forever chemicals. Hannemans well was hardly the only one with a problem. And the chemicals were everywhere. Pristine lakes and superb hunting made Stella a sportsmans dream. Now officials say the fish and deer should be eaten sparingly or not at all. Many residents here have known their neighbors for decades. If they want to move away from all this, its hard to sell their property who, after all, would want to buy? Had I just thrown that survey in the garbage, Hanneman said, would any of this be where it is today? Stella is far from the only community near industrial sites and military bases nationwide where enormous amounts of PFAS have contaminated the landscape, posing a particular threat to nearby well owners. Forever chemicals get their name because they resist breaking down, whether in well water or the environment. In the human body, they accumulate in the liver, kidneys and blood. Research has linked them to an increased risk of certain cancers and developmental delays in children. Government estimates suggest as much as half of U.S. households have some level of PFAS in their water whether it comes from a private well or a tap. But while federal officials have put strict limits on water provided by utilities, those rules dont apply to the roughly 40 million people in the United States who rely on private drinking water wells. Short of a random test, as in Stella, few may learn their water is tainted with the odorless, colorless chemicals. At least 20 states do not test private wells for PFAS outside of areas where problems are already suspected, according to a survey of state agencies by The Associated Press. Even in states that do, residents often wait years for help and receive far fewer resources than people tied into municipal tap water. PFAS are so common because they are so useful. Uniquely able to repel moisture and withstand extreme temperatures, the chemicals have been critical to making waterproof shoes, nonstick cookware and foam that could extinguish the hottest fires. When the chemicals reach soil or water, as they have near factories and waste sites, they are extremely difficult to remove. North Carolina saw an early example, with well owners downstream from a PFAS manufacturing plant still dealing with tainted water years later. In rural northwest Georgia, communities are reckoning with widespread contamination from PFAS that major carpet manufacturers applied for stain resistance. Robert Bilott, an environmental attorney who pursued one of the first major lawsuits against a PFAS manufacturer in the late 1990s, said many states dont have the money to help. The well owners the victims of the contamination shouldnt have to be paying, he said. But wheres this money going to come from? Well owners often the last to know about contamination The alarming results from Hannemans well triggered a rush of testing, beginning with the wells of nearby neighbors and later expanding miles away. How the chemicals infiltrated water beneath Stellas sandy soil was initially a mystery. State officials eventually suspected the paper mill in the small city of Rhinelander, a 10-mile (16-kilometer) drive from town. The mill had specialized in making paper for microwave popcorn bags a product that was greaseproof thanks in part to PFAS. The mills manufacturing process also produced a waste sludge which could be used as a fertilizer. By 1996, and for decades after with state approval, the mill spread millions of pounds on farm fields in and around Stella. Wisconsin officials now believe the PFAS it contained seeped into the subterranean reserves of groundwater that feed lakes, streams and many residential wells. In September, the state sent initial letters assigning cleanup and investigation responsibilities to current and former owners of the mill. These companies point out that the state permitted their sludge spreading, starting long before the dangers of PFAS were widely understood. The problem in Stella remained hidden because well owners dont have a utility testing their water. Rhinelanders water utility first tested for PFAS in 2013 to comply with federal rules. By 2019, the city shut down two utility-owned public wells to protect customers. In Stella, meanwhile, some well owners found out only last year that their water is unsafe. The Hanneman family moved into their home when their oldest son was nearly two. Hes 19 now. His parents worry about all those years of exposure, and have joined an effort to sue the paper mills owners and PFAS manufacturers. Several plaintiffs in the growing lawsuit allege property damage and that their cholesterol, thyroid and kidney diseases are linked to contaminated groundwater. The companies have denied responsibility. Very tiny amounts of PFAS consumed regularly over years can be dangerous. As scientists better understood those risks, federal advice for water utilities slowly followed and tightened. The current limit is just 4 parts per trillion, or less than a drop diluted in an Olympic-size swimming pool. The Environmental Protection Agency recommends private wells be tested for bacteria and a limited number of commonly found chemicals, but not PFAS unless it is a known local problem. Experts say testing mandates would be deeply unpopular. Many well owners value their freedom from government oversight and a monthly bill, and take pride in the taste of their water. PFAS has turned some of those freedoms into liabilities. The chemicals can only be removed from water with costly filters that must be regularly monitored and replaced. Some well owners opt instead to drill deeper or even connect to city water pipes. Facing expensive and uncertain options, many resort to bottled water. In Stella, residents are grappling with the chemicals unpredictable underground path. Though Tom LaDues backyard extends to the edge of a highly contaminated lake, testing found barely any PFAS in his familys well. Somehow, a neighbor farther back from the lake found 1,500 parts per trillion of PFAS in her shallower well magnitudes above the federal limits for tap water. The mother of three in that house says she is regularly tired, which she blames on thyroid issues, wondering if the water is to blame. In one picture from a few years ago, LaDue is baiting a hook as his grandson dangles a fishing pole over the side of their boat. The sun shines bright. Its a nice lake and we fished in here, he said. Now they tell us we cant eat the fish anymore. House by house While utilities can rely on centralized treatment facilities, restoring safe water for well owners must be done household by household. Some well owners get left out as regulators, lawyers and companies strike deals over who gets help. The treatment of residents in the lakeside town of Peshtigo, Wisconsin, depends on the street where they live. The town faced a crisis nearly a decade ago when PFAS were detected in wells downstream from a fire technology plant owned by Tyco and parent company Johnson Controls, which manufactured firefighting foam. Wisconsin officials said the company was responsible for cleaning up the plant and must sample wells in a broad area to see where the pollution spread. Johnson Controls told state regulators it studied the areas hydrology and geology and concluded it would pay for tests and drill new wells in a smaller section of town for which it maintains it is responsible. Kayla Furton, a high school teacher who grew up in Peshtigo, lives in a home inside this area. Had she lived two houses away, Furton would have had to pay out of pocket to treat the PFAS in her water. Furtons worries over what would happen to her neighbors beyond that line, including her sister, motivated her to run for the towns board. During her time in office, Peshtigo leadership split over which fixes to pursue, and some well owners are still waiting on a long-term solution. Groundwater does not follow lines drawn on a map, Furton said. Theres nothing to say that, OK, the PFAS stops there. In a statement, Johnson Controls said it has taken full responsibility for the area it contaminated. The company said it has restored more than 300 million gallons of clean water to the environment and installed 139 new wells. The state of Wisconsin says the company has not fully investigated the extent of the contamination, and filed a lawsuit in 2022. Johnson Controls said in December the parties were close to reaching an agreement; the Wisconsin Department of Justice said it does not comment on pending litigation. Residents along the Cape Fear River in North Carolina have seen just how far forever chemicals can spread. In 2017, the Wilmington StarNews revealed that PFAS from a Chemours chemical plant in Fayetteville were washing into the river and contaminating the water supply. After being sued, the billion-dollar company agreed to test nearby wells and treat those with polluted water. It did not admit to any wrongdoing. As in Stella, the company tested in a slowly expanding radius that grew by quarter-mile segments from its plant. Chemours agreed to keep testing wells until it reached the edge of the polluted area a process it expected to take 18 months. Seven years and some 23,000 wells later, testing is ongoing, with the contamination stretching far beyond what state regulators first imagined. Forever chemicals have been found in drinking water along nearly 100 miles (160 kilometers) of the river, from inland Fayetteville to the Atlantic coast. According to an AP analysis of data submitted to the states Department of Environmental Quality, Chemours discovered high levels of PFAS in more than 150 new wells in 2025. Many well owners thought they were fine, said Emily Donovan, an organizer and cofounder of the group Clean Cape Fear. And now theyre finding out so late that they were also contaminated. In a statement, Chemours said its timeline for testing wells depends on factors outside its control, including whether residents allow it, and that of the roughly 1,250 wells it sampled last year, 12% had PFAS. Chemours said it continues to contact eligible homes, and that a sample is typically taken within a week of residents responding. States leave well owners behind In the absence of federal rules, responsibility falls to the states. But many states dont look for contamination in private wells and when those that do find it, many struggle to fund a fix. One proactive state is Michigan, where millions rely on private wells. Officials there have tested groundwater and offered free tests to well owners near PFAS hot spots which, at hundreds of dollars per test, many owners are reluctant or unable to buy. The state provided more than $29 million in grants to clean up forever chemicals in its 2022 fiscal year, including hooking up nearly a thousand well owners to public water. One of the biggest challenges is helping well owners understand why they should take the threat seriously. We are very lucky to get 50% of the people to say, Yes, come test my well for free, let alone willing to put on a filter, said Abigail Hendershott, executive director of Michigans multiagency team that responds to PFAS contamination. New Hampshire, which dealt with an early PFAS crisis in Merrimack, has tested over 15,000 wells, more than half of which had levels exceeding federal standards. It provides generous rebates for homeowners to access clean water. Elsewhere, millions of households are left on their own. In northwest Georgia, some of the worlds largest carpet companies began applying PFAS for stain resistance in the 1970s. The companies continued using the chemicals, which entered the environment through manufacturing wastewater, for years, even after scientific studies and regulators warned of their accumulation in human blood and possible health effects, according to an investigation by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, The Associated Press, The Post and Courier and AL.com. The companies say that they followed all required regulations and that they stopped using PFAS on carpets in 2019. The chemicals have tainted much of the landscape, including the drinking water in cities and the waterways that crisscross the Conasauga River watershed, home to tens of thousands of people. But only well owners near the small city of Calhoun have been offered free tests, and then only under a court agreement. The contaminated river flows into Alabama, where state officials do not typically test private wells for PFAS. Financial limitations are an oft-cited reason why states arent doing more. Wisconsin, which relied on federal funds for its initial survey of wells, has scraped together resources to investigate PFAS in Stella. The states environmental agency has no budget for sampling or treatment and is pulling money and staff time from other programs, according to the head of the drinking and groundwater program. Supplying bottled water to impacted homes once a rare expense now requires the state to set aside $900,000 annually. Meanwhile, enormous amounts of money that could help have been stuck in a bank account, collecting interest. Though state lawmakers voted in 2023 to provide $125 million for PFAS cleanup, the funding has been mired by a separate debate over whether to shield certain property owners from liability. In January, key legislators said they were getting closer to a deal that would release the money. The EPA has allocated billions to states for PFAS treatment and testing, but much of that money goes to public utilities. Federal officials are evaluating Stella for inclusion in the Superfund program, a large-scale decontamination process that would take years. They also partnered with Wisconsin officials to expand well sampling in July. At an October public meeting in Stella, several residents asked if they should be worried about their well water. There is a risk, state employees said, but they could not offer unlimited free tests to rule it out. Those who wanted one immediately would have to pay for it. Were doing the best that we can with the funding that we have available, said Mark Pauli, a drinking and groundwater supervisor. In a statement, a spokesperson for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources said it had offered cost-free PFAS sampling for well owners within three miles of Stella and to many beyond that distance. The state said it provides owners of contaminated wells with guidance on treating their water and accessing financial help. Nobody is accepting blame in Stella and finger pointing is circular. While the state is investigating, the current and former mill owners point to the states permit as exonerating and say they followed all state rules. Ahlstrom, the Finnish company that has owned the mill since 2018, said in a statement it hasnt used two of the most common types of PFAS found in Stella wells in its manufacturing process, and that it phased out all other types of PFAS in 2023. In late January, the company announced its own free bottled water program for residents. Former owner Wausau Paper and its parent company Essity said they were cooperating with state officials and that the waste sludge they spread was tested for various contaminants, but not PFAS because it wasnt required. Wisconsin officials say the threat of PFAS in the sludge wasnt well understood when they approved its use as fertilizer, and that the state will continue to require those who caused contamination to address its impacts. That leaves residents, who did not contaminate their own wells, stuck hiring lawyers who argue these companies and PFAS manufacturers knew or should have known the risks. A new normal in Stella The crisis in Stella sparked by the test of her own well drove Kristen Hanneman to run for a town leadership role. She spent months learning about the dangers of PFAS, then relaying that knowledge. Its a town so small that she said talking to a few of the right people would spread word to just about everyone. Its been more than three years since Hanneman learned her well had PFAS levels near 11,500 parts per trillion. Federal limits are in the single digits. Her water supply is just as contaminated now as it was then. The family currently drinks and cooks with bottled water provided by the state. Though some Stella residents have been able to access grant funding to drill deeper wells to reach clean water, the help was limited by household income, with some families disqualified if they made more than $65,000. Typically, the most a family could receive was $16,000 about half of what it may cost for a replacement well. Stories circulate in Stella about people who paid for a new well only for their water still to be contaminated. Wisconsin state officials confirmed that at least three households faced this dilemma. Do we spend $20,000 to $40,000 on a new well for it to still be a problem? Hanneman said. One couple said replacing their well cleaned out much of their savings. Many are concerned about how much their home values have dropped. A grant did help Cindy Deere, who worries about how 25 years of drinking the water in Stella may affect her health. She replaced her well and a test confirmed the new one was PFAS-free. Still, she has a hard time trusting the water. Its a constant worry, she said. Is it going to turn bad? The paper mill is still permitted to spread sludge in the county that includes Stella. Its PFAS levels have recently tested well within new state guidelines. Experts said sludge from industry and manufacturers is most likely to contain PFAS. Wisconsin developed testing guidelines for those sources for that reason, officials said. But the state doesnt require another type of sludge treated waste from septic systems, which capture household sewage to be tested for PFAS. A local septic company has been spreading it in Stella in 2024 alone, it applied hundreds of thousands of gallons to farms and elsewhere, state records show. The company did not respond to multiple requests for comment. Dianne Kopec, who has researched PFAS in wastewater at the University of Maine, said that without testing, officials cant know if the practice recycles the chemicals back onto the soil in Stella. Given what we know today, continuing to spread sludge on agricultural fields is ludicrous, Kopec said. When you find yourself in a hole, it is best to stop digging. ___ Associated Press writers Todd Richmond in Madison, Wis., Jason Dearen in Los Angeles and M.K. Wildeman in Hartford, Conn., contributed. Dylan Jackson and Justin Price of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution contributed from Atlanta. ___ This story is part of an investigative collaboration with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, The Post and Courier and AL.com. It is supported through APs Local Investigative Reporting Program. Copyright 2026 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Tricolor Holdings founder Daniel Chu, who faces federal fraud charges related to the collapse of the subprime auto-loan firm, won court approval to use company insurance policies to pay for his defense costs, a judge ruled Wednesday. US Bankruptcy Judge Michelle V. Larson agreed during a Dallas court hearing to free $5 million in directors and officers insurance to pay legal bills for Chu and others, including Tricolor itself, related to federal investigations of the company and its former managers. Prosecutors in New York have accused Chu of conspiring to defraud lenders and investors through various schemes, including double-pledging auto-loan collateral and manipulating descriptions of the loans. Chu has pleaded not guilty to the charges. Texas-based Tricolor filed for bankruptcy in September after shutting more than 60 locations across Texas and the US Southwest. Larson sided with Chu over the insurance proceeds, rejecting a request from the trustee overseeing Tricolors liquidation to cap how much he could receive. The trustee had argued that no single party should be able to use up more than 10% of the policy. The judge declined to release two other policies that would cover $10 million in similar claims. Any Tricolor former manager who wants access to those policies must file a new request to free up the additional insurance, she said. Criminal and regulatory investigations of Tricolors collapse are likely to eat up all of the companys $15 million in director and officer insurance, Larson said in court. To control distribution of the proceeds, Tricolor and others who are covered by the insurance will have a chance to object to any payout. Those objections would first be considered by the insurance company. If the dispute cannot be resolved, Larson said she would decide whether the claim was legitimate. The bankruptcy case is Tricolor Holdings, LLC, 25-33487, US Bankruptcy Court, Northern District of Texas (Dallas). The criminal case is US v Chu, 25-cr-579, US District Court, Southern District of New York. Photo: Daniel Chu arrives at federal court in New York on Jan. 13. Photographer: Bing Guan/Bloomberg Copyright 2026 Bloomberg. Topics Legislation Fraud Three weeks into the 2026 Florida legislative session, with bill deadlines approaching, Florida Senate President Ben Albritton said Wednesday he expects no major changes to Floridas property insurance laws this year. The reason: Landmark legislation passed in 2022 and 2023 has essentially fixed the big problems that were causing insurance premiums to spike across the state. Those statutes have suppressed the thousands of frivolous lawsuits that were once brought over property insurance claims, Albritton said at a press availability Wednesday morning, broadcast on the Florida Channel. He echoed what other lawmakers, regulators and insurance industry representatives have said in recent months about low expectations for significant legislation this year. Albritton, a citrus farmer, does expect Florida property insurers to continue rate reductions in coming months and years, as well as scrutiny of carriers rate requests and profit levels. Florida law limits excessive profits by insurance companies, Albritton said. With the tort relief, and no storms this year, I expect well see more relief on rates coming, he added. Were moving in a great direction. Albrittons observations have been reflected in committee actions so far in the session that began Jan. 13 and concludes March 13. The House of Representatives is considering a bill that would force more regulation and transparency for carriers financial arrangements with affiliated companies, including managing general agents. But that bill is not expected to pass the Senate. And a bill aimed at limiting the influence of litigation financiers is expected to pass the Senate but may not survive the House. Albrittons prognostications did not stop the Florida Senate Banking and Insurance Committee from unanimously passing a handful of relatively minor insurance-related bills on Wednesday: SB 1706, sponsored by Sen. Jason Pizzo, would limit the My Safe Florida Condominium Pilot program to less-affluent condo associations and owners. The two-year-old program provides matching grants for condominiums that undertake wind-mitigation measures designed to lessen the impact of hurricanes and to reduce insurance claims, in exchange for premium discounts. Pizzos bill would limit the grants to condos built before 2008 and that are 80% owner-occupied by owners whose income is at or below 80% of the area median income. The committee approved the measure without opposition. SB 1452, by Sen. Keith Truenow, would expand some homes eligibility for the My Safe Florida Home program. Like the condo program, the home program, established in 2023, provides millions of dollars in grant funding for single-family home wind mitigation. But some inspections and appraisers in recent years had classified detached homes as condos, making them ineligible for grants. Truenows bill notes that detached homes of three stories or less may qualify for a full range of improvements, including roof replacements. The wide-ranging bill also addresses other areas, including adjusters and insurance agents. It would require public adjusters to respond to insureds within 14 days of receiving written communications or emails. The bill passed the committee 10-0. A bill analysis can be seen here. SB 618, also sponsored by Truenow, would allow insurance carriers to charge excess rates for up to 20% of their workers compensation policies. Current law limits excess rates to just 10% of policies. Mark Askins, the CEO of BrightFund, the workers comp program for the Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractors Association, said at the meeting that the change would give employers in high-risk classifications more flexibility. The current limitation forces some employers into the assigned-risk market, which often saddles them with a scarlet letter, keeping their comp rates high even after they have re-entered the voluntary market later, Askins said. The bill was approved 10-0. SB 990, offered by Sen. Tom Leek, would allow protected-cell captive insurance companies in Florida. The cells, popular in several states, allow corporations to take advantage of captive insurance coverage without the expense of the full set-up of a standalone captive insurance company. Leeks bill specifies that protected-cell captives would be allowed to insure only certain types of risk. The bill passed the committee by a10-0 vote. SB 158, by Sen. Shevrin Jones, would require agents who sell pet insurance to complete two hours of continuing education courses every two years, and would require insurers to provide a summary of key policy features to pet owners. Pet insurance companies also would have to submit annual reports to the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation. Related: Florida Approves 6.9% Average Cut in Workers Comp Rates But Roofers Are Worried Top photo: Albritton at the Senate in 2025. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell) Topics Florida Politics Two years after a former University of California, Los Angeles, gynecologist was convicted of sex abuse and sentenced to 11 years in prison, an attorney working to prepare an appeal of the case stumbled across an astounding find for the defense counsel. A note by the jurys foreperson, a designated spokesperson for the jury, had been sent to the judge expressing concern that one of the jurors did not have sufficient English to carry out his duties and deliberate. The juror was an alternate who was brought in after another juror had a medical issue and two days before the verdict. The judge never shared that information with the prosecution or defense attorneys. Related: Appeals Court Overturns Former UCLA Gynecologists Sex Abuse Conviction That note was never turned over to us ever, said Leonard Levine, the defense attorney of Dr. James Heaps. We were shocked. A California appeals court on Monday found the mistake violated Heaps Sixth Amendment rights and ordered the case to be retried. Lawyers for patients who accused Heaps say the decision to overturn his conviction has left them devastated, and legal experts say they are puzzled by the type of judicial error that transpired. Levine said he believes Heaps will be exonerated when retried. In my 30 years of trial and appeals work, excluding the defense from a jury question is unheard of, said Dmitry Gorin, a former prosecutor and criminal defense specialist. Attorneys for Former Patients Criticize Outcome Courtney Thom, who represents more than 200 of Heaps former patients, said there is no question that jury note should have been shared with attorneys, but said the defense exploited the error to overturn Heaps conviction. When that happens, a common defense tactic is they delay, delay, delay, the second trial, Thom said. What does this say to survivors of sexual abuse? Who wants to come forward with their abuse if this is their path to justice? Related: UCLA to Pay Nearly $700M in Doctor Abuse Lawsuits Thoms firm won more than $240 million for Heaps accusers in a settlement with the University of California system. UCLA patients said Heaps groped them, made suggestive comments or conducted unnecessarily invasive exams. Overall, the university has paid nearly $700 million to settle lawsuits. The Los Angeles District Attorneys office said it plans to retry Heaps as soon as possible. Once that happens, his defense attorney Levine said he will ask that his client be released on bond just as he was before the first trial. Foreperson Concerns Heaps trial spanned more than two months in 2022 and included testimony from several of his former patients. He was accused of sexually assaulting hundreds of patients during his 35-year career. He pleaded not guilty to 21 felony counts in the sexual assaults of seven women between 2009 and 2018. An hour after a juror was replaced by an alternate, juror number 15, during deliberations, the foreperson sent a note to the judge that read, We have observed that the language barrier with Juror (No.) 15 is preventing us from properly deliberating. Juror (No.) 15 was not able to understand calls to vote guilty or not guilty, and expressed to us that his limited English interfered with his understanding of the testimony. It also appeared that his mind is already made up, the note read. Later on, when the judicial assistant spoke to the juror in Spanish, the juror said, They think that I dont understand English, but I do. He insisted he could continue deliberating. The next day, the foreperson told the judicial assistant that the note no longer needed to be addressed, according to court filings. Heaps was convicted in October 2022 of three counts of sexual battery by fraud and two counts of sexual penetration of two patients. The jury found him not guilty of seven of the 21 counts and was deadlocked on the remaining charges. Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Michael Carter, who oversaw the trial, told the appeals court that when he received an email about the jury note, he told his judicial assistant to ask the jury if they could continue to deliberate. He was informed that the jurors said yes. The next day, Carter asked the judicial assistant about the note and was told the note had been withdrawn. I did not notify the parties nor did I inquire with the jury about the Note to Judge, Carter said in a written declaration. He did not explain why. Defendants Constitutional Rights If the note had been simply disclosed in court, Heaps defense attorneys would have had the opportunity to question whether that juror was qualified to serve or call for a mistrial, said Robert Little, a Los Angeles attorney specializing in appellate law. Usually any potential juror who did not speak adequate English is dismissed during the jury selection process, Little said. Mistakes are made in courtrooms and during trials every day, Little said. The question in any given appeal is whether that particular error was harmless, or was it prejudicial. The three-judge panel found the trial courts handling of the note deprived defendant of his constitutional right to counsel at a critical stage of his trial. Another attorney for 200 former patients in the case, John Manly, said in a statement the overturning of the conviction sends a message that victims, especially women and children, do not matter. These brave survivors suffered through a four-year ordeal of prosecution and trial resulting in an 11-year prison sentence for this monster, Manly said. Now they are being told that they must start over. Watson reported from San Diego. Copyright 2026 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Monrovia, CA Feb 4, 2026 Greenwood General, a leading Managing General Agent (MGA), today released its 2025 Wrapped report, showcasing a year of transformative growth and expanded capabilities, driven by strong broker partnerships. The report highlights significant premium growth, strategic national expansion, and key investments in team and market access to better serve the wholesale brokerage community. The core achievement of the year was a dramatic surge in premium growth, with a 41% year-over-year increase from 2024, underscoring brokers growing confidence in placing business with Greenwoods markets. 2025 was a year of serious momentum, and brokers made it possible, said a Greenwood General spokesperson. This growth is a direct result of our shared commitment to finding stable, competitive solutions for complex risks. Were building more than just markets; were building a partnership focused on making brokers more successful. Key 2025 Accomplishments Include: Unprecedented Premium Growth: Driven by stronger carrier access and expanded capacity, a testament to its core program strength. Depth in Core Classes: The company solidified its expertise in habitational, lessors risk, and contractor classes, providing brokers with reliable markets and underwriting acumen. Notably, Greenwood covered over 250 apartment buildings, supported 380 lessor risks, and wrote 412 carpentry contractors. National Expansion to 47 States: Greenwood dramatically expanded its licensing from 14 to 47 states, with a growing presence in key regions like Oklahoma, Illinois, and Utah. This growth provides brokers with consistent placement options and flexibility for insureds with multi-state operations. Strategic Team Growth: The addition of 8 new hires across underwriting and marketing has increased capacity for quotes and submissions while building a stronger marketing engine to help brokers grow their own books. Enhanced Broker Support: A continued focus on improving the broker experience aims to deliver faster responses, clearer options, and accessible support for closing and retaining accounts. Looking Ahead to 2026: Greenwood General enters the new year positioned for continued partnership. The company plans to build on 2025s success by introducing more markets, deepening support resources, and creating even more ways for brokers to win and retain accounts. About Greenwood General: Greenwood General is a Managing General Agent (MGA) dedicated to providing wholesale brokers with robust market access, underwriting expertise, and responsive support for complex commercial lines. Specializing in core classes like habitational, lessors risk, and contractors, Greenwood partners with brokers to navigate challenging risks with confidence. Media Contact Catherine M, Marketing Administrator Greenwood General Insurance Agency Phone: (626) 817-9100 Email: catherine@gwgeneral.com Website: www.gwmga.com [inline-ad-1] Topics Trends Farmers and farming organisations rallied outside the Dail to protest on Thursday, February 5, as Bord Bia Chair Larry Murrin spoke to the agricultural committee. Speaking to the Irish Examiner, Finbarr Reburn, a farmer from Co Cavan, said: We are here to see Larry Murrin dethroned from Bord Bia. Farmers throughout the country are absolutely livid, he said. Mr Reburn relayed that farmers are frustrated with the standards they have to adhere to. Also protesting outside was Cavan farmer, Seamus OReilly, who said: Larry has let down Irish beef and the Irish farmer. Discussing what he has heard among farming circles, Mr OReilly said farmers may begin to prohibit the Bord Bia audits that are conducted on Irish farms. Everyone is thinking about not doing their audits that come around every 18 months." John Maloney, a farmer from Co Limerick, also protesting outside the Dail, voiced the worries farmers had of Murrins company, Dawn Farms, putting beef from Brazil through the Irish system, saying it could damage the reputation of our beef as well. Farmers are incensed about this farmers have to go through so much red tape and regulations, which is a burden on them, then they see the chair of Bord Bia bringing in substandard beef and bringing it here, Mr Maloney told the Irish Examiner. Speaking on the farmer sentiment, Mr Maloney said: It's very unfair and we feel the chair has to step down. We're concerned about the way the government is standing behind Larry Murrin. We feel the government should listen to farmers. They feel [farmers] that the reputation of Bord Bia has been undermined, and we feel this chairman has to step down. Speaking on what he would like to see done to begin to rectify farmers trust in Bord Bia, My Maloney said: We feel there needs to be more farmer representation on the board. A man accused of breaching a barring order by phoning his ex-partner denied making any call and offered gardai in court the opportunity to examine his phone to prove it but unfortunately for him, the offer backfired, and now he has been remanded in custody. The matter occurred at an in camera hearing of Cork District Court where the parties cannot be identified because the case is prosecuted under the Domestic Violence Act. Terms of the barring order against the 33-year-old man provide he would not phone his ex-partner and he would not contact her directly or indirect. Judge John King said that not alone were these terms of the barring order but they were also terms of the bail previously granted by him to this man. However, the mans ex-partner phoned 999 for gardai on the afternoon of January 29 this year to say after a number of private calls which she did not answer, she picked up the call that was made at 4.34pm that afternoon. The woman said she was immediately in fear as a result of the threatening sound of the defendants voice on the phone. Garda Dean OSullivan said gardai had concerns he would put her in fear again or interfere with her as a witness to the case if he was granted bail. Sergeant John Dineen called the woman to give evidence and she confirmed she recognised her ex-partners voice on the phone that afternoon and that she hung up. Her phone showed the call lasted 12 seconds. In the dock at the district court, the defendant smiled and shook his head. He told his solicitor Eddie Burke he totally denied making any phone call and the gardai could check his phone to prove it. The phone which was taken from the 33-year-old on his arrest was brought into court to check. Officers scrolled back to January 29 and the particular time 4.34pm. It showed he made a 12-second call to his ex-partners number at the same time as showed on her phone. Sgt Dineen said to Judge John King: A 12-second phone call it is there on his phone in plain black and white. Judge King said: I am satisfied on the evidence that shows he is breach of his existing bail. The judge refused bail and remanded him in custody for one week. As the evidence of the January 29 phone call emerged from the defendants own phone, he continued to argue the point: It must have been a miss-dial. An off-duty prison officer was set upon in a late night incident in Cork city centre and today a 51-year-old man was jailed for nine months for attempted robbery. The accused man, Jeremiah Foley, asked Judge John King through his solicitor Eddie Burke to suspend a portion of the sentence. Judge King refused this application because of what he described as the recidivist nature of the defendants offending. The judge also noted the traumatic effect that this kind of offence could have on a victim and the fact that Foleys previous convictions included six robberies. Sergeant Aisling Murphy said the 28-year-old prison officer knew the assailant, Jeremiah (Jerry) Foley, although solicitor Eddie Burke said Foley did not know the injured party and did not know he was a prison officer. Mr Burke said that irrespective of that, Foley acknowledged that he should not have behaved in the manner in which he did. The incident occurred at 1.20am where he was pushed against a wall, and the defendant forcibly searched his pockets and put him in fear. Mr Burke said: He pleaded guilty and apologises. He had no idea who this man was. He should not have behaved in this manner, no matter who he was. Alcohol has been a scourge in his life. He never coped with the grief of the loss of a child in an accident. He is not proud of his past. He has on occasions tried to sort out his difficulties with alcohol but possibly slips due to homelessness. Foley, of 12 Castlepark, Ballincollig, Co Cork, pleaded guilty to the charge of attempted robbery on August 31, 2025, at Tobin St, Cork. Sgt Murphy said he has 32 previous convictions, including six for robbery, two for burglary and 48 for theft. Detective Garda Orla Moriarty testified at Cork District Court that the injured party hoped that telling the assailant that he was a prison officer would deter him from his actions but it did not have any deterrent effect. She said the injured party was grabbed and forced against a wall where the assailant went through his pockets and forcibly searched him, and his phone was taken. He was looking for the injured partys phone and wallet. He (the injured party) told him he was an off-duty prison officer hoping this would deter him but it did not have the desired effect, Det Garda Moriarty said. The use of counselling notes in trials will only be permitted where there is a risk of an unfair trial, according to plans approved by Cabinet. Justice minister Jim OCallaghan brought legislation to Cabinet, which will ensure records are only released where a judge decides after a disclosure hearing that they contain evidence relevant to legal proceedings. The Government's legislation stops short of an outright ban called for by sexual violence survivors. Mr O'Callaghan said that the Attorney General has advised that a blanket ban on the disclosure of counselling records is "not compatible with the Constitution, arising from any accused persons right to a fair trial and the presumption of innocence". Mr O'Callaghan also received government approval for a disregard of certain historical convictions relating to consensual same-sex activity, as committed to in the programme for government. This will operate as an application-based scheme and extend to the grandniece and grandnephew for those who are now deceased. The Victorian-era laws that criminalised consensual sexual activity between men are now rightly recognised as a historical injustice," Mr O'Callaghan said. Additional offences Mr O'Callaghan said that there will be changes to the Bail Act, which include the addition of two further offences. They will allow courts to refuse bail to a person charged with intimidating a person or the family of a person who is assisting a criminal investigation, or who is acting as a witness or juror in criminal proceedings. It will also apply to those who fail to comply with notification requirements under the Sex Offenders Act or refuse or fail to enable fingerprints, palm prints, or photographs to be taken by An Garda Siochana in such cases. The changes to the law will be made as amendments to the Criminal Law and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2026, currently at committee stage in the Dail. A Fianna Fail MEP has submitted a formal complaint against a Polish MEP, after he snorted like a pig at her during a committee meeting in Brussels. Cynthia Ni Mhurchu, Fianna Fail MEP for Ireland South, has formally written to European Parliament president Roberta Metsola over the incident, which took place in December. In her complaint, Ms Ni Mhurchu said Jacek Ozdobas "base, vulgar, and crude behaviour obstructed the orderly running of the meeting". In a video of the incident, Ms Ni Mhurchu is shown speaking during the session, criticising Mr Ozdoba for his previous commentary on law and order in Poland. While Ms Ni Mhurchu is speaking, a snorting sound can be heard on the recording. In response, Ms Ni Mhurchu said: Im sorry, chair, that gentleman has just snorted at me like a pig, and Im going to ask you that he be removed from the room. Polish MEP Jacek Ozdoba. Cynthia Ni Mhurchu responded to the noises by saying: 'Im sorry, chair, that gentleman has just snorted at me like a pig, and Im going to ask you that he be removed from the room.' Picture: European Parliament It is the height of an insult to a woman, to an MEP, to a member to be snorted at with the sound of a pig. She added Mr Ozdobas actions were completely downgrading, while also accusing the MEP of making further groaning and moaning sounds. In her letter, Ms Ni Mhurchu also criticised the committees chair, Bogdan Rzonca, saying he did not intervene to stop Mr Ozdobas interruptions: The absence of any corrective action created an atmosphere in which harassment-like behaviour perpetrated by a man against a woman was effectively tolerated. This upset me and caused me to feel offended and disrespected. 'Bias and misogynistic behaviour' This is particularly concerning given that both the chair and MEP Ozdoba are male and belong to the same political group, which risks giving the impression of bias and misogynistic behaviour towards female MEPs. Concluding her letter, Ms Ni Mhurchu called on Ms Metsola to review the conduct of both Mr Ozdoba and Mr Rzonca, adding that an appropriate caution for the two MEPs be considered. In a statement, Mr Rzonca denied he failed to intervene, saying a recording of the meeting shows he reacted to interruptions. Throughout the meeting, I ensured equal speaking rights for all members, including Ms Ni Mhurchu and Mr Ozdoba, in accordance with the principle of impartiality, he said. However, the video also shows Ms Ni Mhurchu repeatedly calling for Mr Rzonca to intervene to remove Mr Ozdoba for his behaviour. Mr Ozdoba was contacted for comment. It was Irelands " Scarface moment", when imitation elite gardai, armed with assault rifles, were about to enter a packed hotel. That military-style attack on the Regency Hotel, on Dublins northside, on February 5, 2016, signalled a new era for gangland in Ireland. On its 10th anniversary, the nature of that watershed event, and its impact, is still being examined and assessed. The intense Kinahan-Hutch feud brought with it features not seen before in Ireland, except maybe on television, with hit teams hired that included seasoned killers from abroad. The feud also introduced much of the country to an Irish crime gang the Kinahan cartel with a level of crude wealth and global criminal connections never seen before. It sparked garda investigations that crossed Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas, with notable landmarks including a US multi-million bounty for the cartels leaders, the dramatic arrest of the Hutch gang leader in Spain, and the first extradition from the United Arab Emirates of a senior Kinahan lieutenant. At home, multiple garda murder investigations were combined with separate garda operations involving huge resources to prevent assassinations and bring conspirators to justice, often utilising innovative gangland-related laws. Amid the litany of successful convictions, including the removal of hit teams from the streets, there were conspicuous failures, not least the collapse of the Patrick Hutch trial following the death by suicide of the lead garda investigator into the Regency Hotel attack, Detective Superintendent Colm Fox. That was followed by the botched prosecution of Gerry The Monk Hutch, who then proceeded to humiliate the State by running for general election in his home turf and almost getting in. Gary Hutch slain It began with an internal feud in the Kinahan cartel, and ignited with the shooting dead of Gary Hutch by the Kinahan cartel in Spain in September 2015. The armed robber and drug dealer was the son of Patsy Hutch, the Monks brother. He was a senior figure within the Kinahan cartel, and he was largely based in Spain with Daniel Kinahan and company. Another senior member of the Hutch network, James Mago' Gately was also active in the Kinahan gang. After the murder of Gary Hutch, the Irish Examiner quoted experienced garda sources as warning of retaliation, saying that his associates meaning the Hutch criminal network had good connections on the island of Ireland and abroad. They [the Kinahan cartel] have bitten off more that they can chew, one source said. His associates are not going to take this lying down, without a shadow of a doubt They predicted that a boxing fight in November could be a flashpoint as cartel bosses would be attending. As it turns out, there was a Hutch gangland attack at the Red Cow Hotel, and cartel figure Liam Roe was lucky to escape when the gunmans firearm jammed. The following month, Kinahan hitmen tried and failed to assassinate The Monk in Lanzarote, his home from home. Gerry thought he would be next, and thats probably why the Regency happened, a garda [Garda one] familiar with the investigation told the Irish Examiner for this article. Another senior detective [Garda two] had a different take: Dont forget this was also about The Monks ego. Its also about his recklessness, his stupid bravado. Gangland 'spectacular' The TV and radio reports were telling people the killers were dressed as gardai. Eyewitnesses thought the Kalashnikov-wielding men, dressed in Swat-type clothes and helmets, were gardai responding to the shots fired in the hall. "'Gardai are after shooting two people at the hotel,'" another garda [Garda three] familiar with the investigation said, recounting what gardai were being told immediately after the incident. But you had to get there and find out first hand from eyewitnesses. It was just mad, mad as a movie. Garda three said it was manic that afternoon and into the evening, adding: The next two to three hours were bedlam. The enormity of it had not registered yet because we had to do the basics of the investigation. Garda one said: Everyone was high on emotion, but I remember seeing it on CCTV at the station. I saw that image of the two people standing purposefully with Kalashnikovs, organised, calm, waiting to walk in [to the hotel]. And when you saw that, you knew things would never be the same. The old gangland was gone. This was the middle of the day in a busy hotel, guys with Kalashnikovs. The organisation, skill, and audacity of it was nothing like wed seen before. David Byrne was gunned down during a boxing weigh-in event in the hotel. Three Swat-like gunmen were part of a murder team comprising of a gunman in drag "wiggy" some gardai dubbed him and "flat cap", who didnt even try to conceal his face. These two were supposed to go in the back entrance of the hall where the boxing weigh-in was taking place and the top layers of the Kinahan cartel were present: Daniel Kinahan the main target along with David, Liam Byrne, and Sean McGovern. That place is like a warren, and they couldnt find the back entrance, Garda two said. They had to ask for direction, and a staff member put them in one of the main entrances at the side. So, instead of firing their shots into the air at the back and forcing everyone out the main entrance to the reception [where the AK47 gunmen were], they came in a side entrance. That allowed Daniel, and his bodyguard, to go out a back exit. The three gunmen did not open fire randomly as people came out of the Regency. They were looking out for their targets. Garda one said: If one of them pinched their trigger, it could fire 600 rounds a minute and it would have been a massacre. David Byrne was shot repeatedly at the foyer, including after he lay prone, with shots coming from all three weapons. Two others were injured, including Sean McGovern. Scarface' moment I know someone lost their life but, at first, there was something theatrical about it, said Ashling Golden, the head of the justice team at the Solas youth project. Ms Golden was a youth worker at the Swan Youth Service in 2016, which was based in Dublins north inner city. It was the gear they were wearing, dressed as guards, and the weapons, and then you had the guy with the wig looking like a woman holding a gun in his hand. It was like our Scarface moment. The manic cocaine-fuelled bloodshed in the 1983 gangster film, starring Al Pacino, is an apt comparison for what lay ahead. Some garda sources at the time called it a "spectacular" borrowing the term used to described the outrageous IRA spectacular bombings. In February 2017, then garda commissioner Noirin OSullivan commented on this description before agreeing that the Regency attack was a spectacular but added that it was still murder. There was criticism from many quarters, including internally within An Garda Siochana, as to why there was no garda presence, either a passing patrol car or a surveillance team, at the Regency Hotel. To this day, there are differing, and defensive, views on this. CCTV footage shows three Swat-like gunmen were part of the murder team. What was immediately on the minds of gardai was where the hit team was now, could it strike again, when would the retaliation happen, and where. We needed to find these guys [the hit men], Garda one said. You had to solve the murder. So you needed to get people out on the ground. You had to assess the greatest risk next. In the north inner city, you have six main roads so you needed bodies, you needed armed checkpoints. This was at a time when garda numbers were low and detectives no longer had their Uzi-submachine guns. There was no armed response unit in Dublin one was announced after the Regency Hotel incident, but didnt become operational until December and the force had to rely on the national emergency response unit. Gardai braced themselves. We knew this was going to get worse, but it was so much worse, Garda one said. This immediately became clear with the murder of Gerry Hutchs brother, Eddie, at his doorstep in the middle of the north inner city just days after the Regency Hotel attack. The speed and sheer balls of it a Hutch family member, at this own home set us on a course of no return, said a retired officer [Garda four] with extensive experience of gangland. This was a criminal civil war, albeit one-sided. Garda one said: I knew him [Eddie] well, and I can still see the video of it. It was one of these real quick hits, and they were gone. It was an incredible risk on their part, with garda cars all around that area. 'Dishing out death' In the next three months, the Kinahan cartel shot dead another four people one in Meath and the rest in a small patch of Dublin's north inner city. Noel Duggan was a career criminal targeted because he was a friend of The Monk. Martin ORourke, a completely innocent man, was gunned down in a shambolic attack on a Hutch target. Gareth Hutch and Michael Barr, a dissident republican who was suspected of sourcing weapons for the Hutches, were shot dead in more planned attacks that were sloppy in different ways and left evidence. The Kinahans were dishing out death like there was no tomorrow, Garda four said. The people they succeeding in killing and dont forget there were other attempted assassinations were a mixture of friends of Gerry [Hutch] or any member of the Hutch family [Gareth was The Monks nephew] and it didnt matter if civilians were killed. By the close of 2016, the murder count stood at 11 eight in Dublin, two in Spain including Gary Hutch. The other death in Spain was another completely innocent man, Trevor ONeill, who was on holiday with his partner. They were walking with their three young children when a gunman shot Mr ONeill in the back, mistaking him for a Hutch family member. By the end of January 2018, the murder toll was 18. All but two of which were carried out by the Kinahan cartel. Four members of the Hutch family group were dead. The intensity of the feud murders was unprecedented. By the close of 2016, the murder count stood at 11 eight in Dublin, two in Spain including Gary Hutch. Two previous feuds with a high number of deaths, in Limerick and Crumlin-Drimnagh, both lasted around a decade. The Limerick feud claimed 12 lives. The Crumlin-Drimnagh feud claimed up to 16 lives, including three on the fringes of the feud. In those feuds, the murders were usually though not always in retaliation for a killing by the other side. While the Hutch gang cant escape blame, the Kinahan-Hutch feud was primarily one-sided. It was a feud on steroids, but it was really an extermination campaign, Garda one said. It was an attitude of anyone will do, and we were left wondering where were going with this "There was no limit to the money they were throwing around, but there was no rhyme or reason to this. In addition to the intensity of the violence, another first was the hiring of murder squads including hitmen from within Ireland, Britain, Spain, and Estonia and quite elaborate planning and logistics. In all, there have been estimates that up to 10 hit teams were in operation by the Kinahan cartel. In addition to the professional hitmen were an assortment of rough-and-ready guns-for-hire. They comprised of drug users, including those in debt, and small-time and non-violent petty criminals willing or coerced into shootings which were often reckless and chaotic. Garda one said: You had people with guns that you wouldnt ask to buy you milk in the shop. This didnt mean they werent any less dangerous, because they could end up killing anyone. Community impact While working-class communities have long suffered the brunt of the drugs trade and associated gang violence, the terrorising of a particular community was another key feature of the Kinahan-Hutch feud. And what twisted the knife for locals in the north-east inner city was that people living in the area, some of whom grew up with the Hutch families or who dipped in and out of Hutch crimes, were siding with the Kinahan cartel or the Byrne organised crime group. This was through a combination of the money being offered, opportunism, or being forced. In April 2016, the Community Policing Forum's Marie Metcalfe told the Irish Examiner: The situation before the shootings kicked off was the community was drowning. Now, we have the feud on top of the drugs. She said people were scared to go to the shops because of dealing on their doorsteps, but now they could be shot on their way. Anna Quigley, of Citywide Drugs Crisis Campaign, commented on media reports that there was a list of people lined up to be killed on top of three people already shot dead in the locality. A lot of those would be in the area. What other community has ever had to live with that? Ashling Golden worked in the Swan Youth Service at the top of Sheriff S at that time. She said: We were embedded in the local community. We couldnt believe it when Eddie Hutch was shot dead five minutes up the road when there were loads of guards "There was an awful lot of fear and violence then. People were scared and ready to react if there was a bang. It was very quiet, you had young fellas looking over their shoulders and very careful what they said. There was a feeling in the community that anything could happen at any moment. It was a very volatile place for children growing up. She said that, as the murders in the area clocked up, it was becoming pretty clear the Hutches were losing. She said some people distanced themselves from the Hutches, and said: Thered be talk, oh such and such is working for the Byrnes now. There was a feeling of hopelessness. Young people traumatised Last December, another organisation working with disadvantaged children in the north inner city told the Oireachtas drugs committee that some young people were left traumatised by what they had seen during the feud. Dwayne Horace, of the Diamond Project, said these youths were exploited by local gangs and groomed into criminality. In 2017, Ms Golden moved from Swan Youth Service and took up a position in Solas Youth Project, which was on the other side of the city, in the heartland of the Byrne organised crime group the Kinahan arm in Ireland. David Byrnes mother, Sadie Roe, came from the south-west inner city, and it was where David Byrnes funeral Mass was held. Key Kinahan lieutenants such as Liam Brannigan, Freddie Thompson, and a host of middle-level and street bosses lived in the area. Solas also stretched into the Drimnagh and South Crumlin areas, where the bulk of the lieutenants and bosses lived. It was very different when I moved over, Ms Golden said. The young lads felt powerful, like they were winning the feud "They were enthusiastic into the drugs trade, making so much money. In the north inner city, the heads were down and people were pulling out. Here the young people were confident. They had the status of working for one of the biggest drug gangs in Europe. "There was a wealth among [those aged] 19-20 years I had not seen before wads of cash, cars, clothes, and even trips to Dubai [where the Kinahan bosses had moved to]. She said that even with the prosecutions of Kinahan figures and hitmen in the courts, there was no impact on the ground. She said: Gardai were making so much progress against the Kinahans but, on the street, money was flush. Ms Golden said the young people could see the wealth that the top bosses had. These vulnerable young people were enticed by that. How do you compete with that wealth and that status? She said that 10 years on and even with the Kinahans and Byrnes out of Ireland the situation is not better, adding: Gardai have got people in prison, but it hasnt done anything about the impact of the drugs trade on communities. I would say its worse. Its more public, theres more money and the trade is bigger now. Garda numbers At the time of the Regency Hotel attack, garda numbers were near the lowest they have been in modern decades at around 12,700. Only six years previously, the strength was 14,500. However, thanks to the bank bailout and a moratorium on garda recruits and social workers, and sharp cuts to community drug and youth projects, the communities most affected by drugs were hardest hit. After the Regency Hotel attack, the Garda Representative Association (GRA) said the scale of gangland violence was a direct result of the swinging cuts. The GRA estimated that the force needed to be 15,700-16,700 strong. The body of one of the victims is taken from the scene of a shooting at the Regency Hotel. File Picture: Colin Keegan/Collins Dublin However, gardai had to get on with the job of investigating the murders and targeting the gangs. Garda two said officers were under enormous pressure from the get-go, and saw senior officers coming out of a meeting the morning after the shooting with Garda HQ pale in the face. The investigation into the Regency killers was colossal. Garda two said that usually a murder investigation has one bookman the person who gives out all the jobs, collects all the information, and knows the A-Z of the entire case. The Regency Hotel attack had three bookmen, such was the scale of it. There were 40 books in the book of evidence. By May 2016, just three months after the Regency Hotel attack, gardai had charged Patrick Hutch, the Monks nephew, with murder. He was allegedly the gunman in drag. Pressure of the investigation That prosecution collapsed the DPP entered a nolle prosequi in February 2019 after the senior investigating officer, Detective Superintendent Colm Fox, took his life with his firearm in Ballymun Garda Station. Though nobody knows for sure, the pressure of the investigation took its toll. Det Supt Fox felt he was under constant demands from the Hutchs defence for discovery documents. There was also the possibility he would face intensive scrutiny in the witness box over the process used to identify Patrick Hutch as the drag killer. It was just horrendous, particularly for Colm and his family, but people should remember the psychological impact it had on gardai who found him, Garda two said. Garda three said: There was another victim of the Regency Hotel attack Colm Fox. Despite this, the garda murder investigations and threat to life operations by the Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau along with the resulting charges of conspiracy and the offences of directing, participating, and aiding a criminal organisation clocked up an enormous number of successful prosecutions. There were 20 threat to life operations in 2016 and 26 in 2017, followed by 13 in 2018 and 19 in 2019 meaning a large number of people were kept alive. It is estimated that more than 90 people were jailed for offences linked to the feud, the vast majority Kinahan associates. Several of the garda sources stressed the worry during these years that young gardai would be killed in either responding to murders or taking part in threat to life operations. All of the sources stressed the importance of taking out so many assassination teams, jailing the relatively small number of experienced hitmen, and taking them out of circulation. Theres only a small number who have the bottle, the madness, and the where-with-all to shoot somebody, Garda one said. If you get enough of them out, theres a vacuum. Net closes Meanwhile, outside Ireland, a pincer movement was putting the Kinahan bosses in Britain, Spain, and Dubai under serious pressure. Gardai and Spanish police also caught up on The Monk and, in April 2021, he was arrested and extradited back to Ireland. He was charged with the murder of David Byrne and being one of the three gunmen armed with AK47s. That case collapsed as judges said they could not trust the evidence of state witness Jonathan Dowdall. The audio evidence of The Monk alone was not enough to secure the murder conviction. Gardai and Spanish police also caught up on Gerry 'The Monk' Hutch and, in April 2021, he was arrested and extradited back to Ireland. The court said it was satisfied that Gerry Hutch had control over the three AK47s used in the Regency Hotel attack and was in possession of them by March 7 at least. The court was also satisfied that members of the Hutch family, acting as an organised crime group, were responsible for the murder of David Byrne, and that there is a possible inference that The Monk gave the go-ahead for the Regency Hotel attack. All of which begs the question, admittedly in hindsight, as to why the DPP did not bring charges of possession of the firearms or of conspiracy to murder, or of participating in, or directing, a criminal organisation. In March 2022 came the biggest conviction against the cartel when Thomas Bomber Kavanagh, originally from Drimnagh but based in Birmingham, was jailed for 21 years for industrial levels of cocaine importation. Outside of Dubai, he was the main man in the cartel. International bounty On foot of high-level contacts led by late assistant commissioner John ODriscoll, the US government entered the international assault on the Kinahan cartel and, in April 2022, announced a combined $15m bounty for information leading to the apprehension of Christy Kinahan Sr, Christy Kinahan Jr, and Daniel Kinahan, as well as financial and travel restrictions. Mr ODriscoll pledged gardai would not stop until the entire Kinahan pyramid was dismantled. In December 2023, Liam Byrne was extradited to Britain. He was jailed for five years on weapons charged in October 2024. He was released early in January 2025, but this was granted under a crime prevention order restricting his movements. Also, in October 2024, came the dramatic development that Sean McGovern had been arrested in Dubai. The following May, he was extradited back to Ireland. He was then charged in relation to the Kinahan murder of Noel Kirwan in December 2016 and for directing an organised crime group. The Monk is also facing possible Spanish charges for money laundering. Last month, it was reported that Spanish authorities could still bring charges of money laundering against Christy Kinahan Sr. The big one gardai are waiting on is the DPPs decision on files from the Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau against Daniel Kinahan, seeking charges for directing a criminal organisation and the murder of Eddie Hutch. While there seemed to be hope they might get the nod before the 10th anniversary, there has not yet been a green light. Given the complexities of the case, insiders are still optimistic. Better to get a considered decision rather than a rushed flawed decision, one source said. Were hopeful the long wait is worth it. China calls for concerted int'l efforts to fight terrorism Xinhua) 13:39, February 05, 2026 UNITED NATIONS, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese envoy on Wednesday called for concerted global efforts to combat terrorism, warning that increasingly complex terrorist threats pose severe challenges. The international community should uphold a vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security, and maintain zero tolerance toward terrorism, Sun Lei, China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, told the Security Council. "We should strengthen unity and cooperation to forge concerted efforts against terrorism," he said, stressing that selective counter-terrorism and double standards should be firmly opposed. China urged the Afghan authorities to take concrete and effective measures to resolutely combat and eliminate the terrorist forces entrenched in Afghanistan, so as to prevent the country from relapsing into a hub for terrorists, Sun added. Sun noted that the security situation in Syria remains fragile and the counter-terrorism task remains formidable. He emphasized the need to prevent terrorists from using Syrian territory to threaten the security of other countries. "The Syrian transitional government should fully fulfill its counter-terrorism obligations and resolutely combat the Islamic State, the East Turkestan Islamic Movement and all other terrorist entities listed by the Security Council," he said. As Africa has become a pivotal region in global counter-terrorism efforts, China calls on the international community to provide greater support to African countries in financing, technology, equipment and intelligence. He also urged the Security Council to advance political solutions to the continent's hot-spot issues, thereby continuously shrinking the space in which terrorist groups can operate. Recently, the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and its affiliate, Majid Brigade, have carried out a series of terrorist attacks in Pakistan, causing heavy civilian casualties. Sun called on the international community to strongly support Pakistan's counter-terrorism efforts and urged the Security Council to list the BLA and Majid Brigade on its sanctions list as soon as possible. China stands ready to continue working with all parties to resolutely combat terrorism in all its forms and make greater contributions to building a world of lasting peace and universal security, he said. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) ( Middle East Monitor ) The infamous Epstein files continue to reverberate across the globe. They exposed a network that was never simply about one mans depravity. Instead, they reveal a sprawling web of influence, compromise, and blackmail that ensnared royals, billionaires, diplomats, tech moguls, and Arab businesspeople. These ties transcend personal scandal, bordering on a geopolitical crisis; they raise the haunting question of whether Epsteins operation served as a lever for Israeli strategic interests. A system of untouchables When Jeffrey Epstein was first prosecuted, the Department of Justice faced sharp criticism for its leniency. Senator Ben Sasse condemned the infamous 2008 plea deal as a disgusting failure of the system. DOJ officials later admitted that Epsteins case was about a system of enablers who believed themselves untouchable. That system is now laid bare in millions of pages of documents, showing how Epstein cultivated access to power across continents. Prince Andrews entanglement remains one of the most politically sensitive high-profile cases. His settlement with Virginia Giuffre, while not an admission of guilt, was described by British PM Keir Starmer in 2022 as deeply troubling, and the public rightly expects accountability and transparency. The damage to the British monarchys reputation has been devastating. American power and complicity Across the Atlantic, U.S. senators have demanded clarity. In 2019, Minority Leader of the United States Senate Chuck Schumer remarked, The Epstein case shows how wealth and connections can warp justice. We need full disclosure of everyone involved. His words underscored the bipartisan recognition that Epsteins influence was a social malignancy. Bill Gates, Donald Trump, and Bill Clinton have all faced scrutiny for their ties to Epstein, though each has denied wrongdoing. Yet the very fact that such figures appear in the files illustrates how Epstein positioned himself as a broker of influence, not merely a predator. Based on the millions of documents in their possession, DOJs investigators know the scale of the scandal. They know that this was not just about abuse, but leverage. Epstein collected secrets, and secrets are currency. That currency appears to have been spent in ways that transcend personal gain, pointing toward geopolitical manipulation. The Israeli angle Speculation about Epsteins ties to Israeli intelligence has grown louder. While definitive proof remains elusive, the circumstantial evidence is striking. Epsteins closest associate, Ghislaine Maxwell, was the daughter of Robert Maxwell, a media tycoon who worked closely with the Mossad. Intelligence experts argue that Epsteins operations bore the hallmarks of a classic kompromat scheme: lure powerful men into compromising situations, record the evidence, and exploit it for leverage. If Epstein was indeed functioning as an Israeli asset, the implications are profound. By compromising royals, ambassadors, and Arab businessmen, Israel would have gained extraordinary leverage in diplomatic negotiations, trade deals, and security arrangements. In a region where alliances shift rapidly, such leverage could tilt the balance of power in subtle but decisive ways. Who benefits from silence? The central question is not just who was involved, but who benefitedand who continues to benefit from what remains hidden. Congressman Ro Khanna, co-author of the Epstein Files Act, immediately questioned why 2.5 million pages remain unreleased. Victims lawyers have asked federal judges to order the DOJ website taken down, arguing the release re-victimizes survivors through inconsistent redactions. The records confirm a clear pattern: a network of influential men stayed connected to a known sex offender long after his crimes were exposed. However, they stop short of proving a broader criminal conspiracy involving anyone other than Epstein and Maxwell. The DOJs conclusion that no blackmail evidence exists has been disputed by those who believe the very structure of Epsteins operationsmeticulous record-keeping, powerful guests, private islandsuggests leverage and blackmail was the ultimate aim. A web of extortion The pattern is clear: Epstein cultivated access to elites, entrapped them in compromising situations, and maintained meticulous records. This was not random depravityit was systematic extortion. Epsteins island was less a playground than a trap. Every guest was a potential asset. The files suggest that Epsteins operations were designed to engender leverage, not merely indulgence. The geopolitical utility of such leverage is obvious. In negotiations over arms sales, trade agreements, or diplomatic recognition, the ability to silence or sway decision-makers is invaluable. If Israel benefited from Epsteins kompromat, it would represent one of the most audacious intelligence operations of modern times. Consequences and accountability The consequences of the Epstein scandal are long-lasting. Reputations have been shattered, institutions exposed, and alliances questioned. Yet accountability remains elusive. Prince Andrew has retreated from public life but faces no criminal charges. American elites continue to deny wrongdoing. Many international leaders remain unnamed. And Israel, if indeed it benefited from Epsteins operations, has faced no scrutiny. Epstein and Maxwell, by White House photographer Ralph Alswang on Sept. 29, 1993. Public Domain. Via Picryl Chuck Schumers call for full disclosure of everyone involved remains unanswered. Keir Starmers demand for accountability and transparency has been met with silence. The DOJs acknowledgment that Epstein collected secrets has not translated into prosecutions of those who enabled him. The world is left with fragments of truth, but not justice. Conclusion: Shadows that endure The Epstein files are more than a scandal; they are a case study in how power, secrecy, and exploitation intersect. They reveal a system where elites were compromised, justice was warped, and geopolitics were manipulated through blackmail. Whether Epstein was an Israeli asset may never be proven beyond doubt. But the circumstantial evidence, the strategic logic, and the geopolitical ramifications all point in that direction. The views expressed in this article belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of Middle East Monitor or Informed Comment. Via Middle East Monitor By Timothy J. Dixon, University of Reading; University of Oxford (The Conversation) Following a visit to Gaza in January, the UN undersecretary general, Jorge Moreira da Silva, called the level of destruction there overwhelming. He estimated that, on average, every person in the densely populated territory is now surrounded by 30 tonnes of rubble. This staggering level of destruction raises urgent questions about how, and by whom, Gaza should be rebuilt. Since 2023, a variety of reconstruction plans and other initiatives have tried to imagine what Gaza could look like when the conflict ends for good. But which of these visions will shape Gazas future? The Israeli governments Gaza 2035 plan, which was unveiled in 2024, lays out a three-stage programme to integrate the Gaza Strip into a free-trade zone with Egypts El-Arish Port and the Israeli city of Sderot. AI renderings show futuristic skyscrapers, solar farms and water desalination plants in the Sinai peninsula. The plan also shows offshore oil rigs and a new high-speed rail corridor along Salah al-Din Road, Gazas main highway that connects Gaza City and Rafah. The US government has proposed a similar futuristic vision for Gaza. Its August 2025 Gaza Reconstitution, Economic Acceleration and Transformation Trust plan shows a phased series of modern, AI-powered smart cities developed over a ten-year time frame. The plan, which would place Gaza under a US-run trusteeship, suggested that poor urban design lies at the heart of Gazas ongoing insurgency. The latest iteration of this vision was unveiled by Donald Trumps son-in-law, Jared Kushner, at the recent World Economic Forum in Davos. He presented slides showing Gaza reconstructed as a Riviera of the Middle East, with luxury beachfront resorts, gleaming tower blocks, residential zones and modern transport hubs. Kushner suggested it was doable to complete the construction of a new Rafah city in two to three years. It has been reported that the US and Israeli visions are heavily influenced by US-based economics professor Joseph Pelzmans economic plan for Gaza. This plan, Pelzman said on a podcast in 2024, would involve destroying Gaza and restarting from scratch. In contrast to the US and Israeli visions, the February 2025 Gaza Phoenix plan includes input from the people of Gaza. It has a much stronger focus on maintaining and reconstructing the existing buildings, culture and social fabric of the enclave. The plan was developed by a consortium of international experts together with professionals and academics from Gaza, the West Bank and the Palestinian diaspora, and suggests a reconstruction and development phase of at least five years. Other plans from the Arab world take a more technocratic view of reconstruction, but still have a short timescale for reconstruction. These include a five-year plan by the United Arab Emirates-based Al Habtoor Group, which promises to grant 70% of ownership in the holding company that will manage Gazas reconstruction to the Palestinians. Feasibility of rebuilding Gaza So, how feasible are these different visions and how inclusive are they for the people of Gaza? Rebuilding cities after war takes time and money, and also requires local resources. Even in China, a country with plentiful resources and abundant skilled labour, major new cities are rarely completed in less than 20 years. And in Gaza rebuilding will be complicated by the fact that there are now 61 million tonnes of rubble there, as well as other hazardous debris such as unexploded munitions and human remains. This will need to be removed before any reconstruction can commence, with the UN estimating that clearing the rubble alone could take as long as 20 years. For comparison, the Polish capital of Warsaw experienced a similar level of destruction during the second world war and it took four decades to rebuild and reconstruct the citys historic centre. The time frames for reconstruction outlined in all of the plans for Gaza are far shorter than this and, even with modern construction methods, are unlikely to be feasible. The US and Israeli visions also fail to include Palestinians in the planning of Gazas future, overlooking any need to consult with Gazan residents and community groups. This has led critics to argue that the plans amount to urbicide, the obliteration of existing cultures through war and reconstruction. Reports that suggest Gazan residents will be offered cash payments of US$5,000 (3,650) to leave Gaza voluntarily under the US plan, as well as subsidies covering four years of rent outside Gaza, will not have alleviated these concerns. File photo Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump, Executive Office of the President of the United States. Public Domain. Via Picryl At the same time, the US plan does not propose a conventional land compensation programme for Gazan residents who lost their homes and businesses during the war. These people will instead be offered digital tokens in exchange for the rights to redevelop their land. The tokens could eventually be redeemed for an apartment in one of Gazas new cities. But the plan also envisages the sale of tokens to investors being used to fund reconstruction. The Council on American-Islamic Relations, the largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organisation in the US, says the mass theft of Palestinian land through the token scheme would amount to a war crime. With their emphasis on community engagement and the repair and renewal of existing structures, the Phoenix plan and the other Arab-led visions are at least a step forward. But without a fully democratic consensus on how to rebuild Gaza, it is difficult to see how the voices of the Gazan people can be heard. Whichever vision wins out, history shows that post-war reconstruction succeeds when it involves those whose lives have been destroyed. This is evidenced somewhat ironically by the US Marshall Plan, which funded the reconstruction of many European economies and cities after the second world war, and involved close engagement with civil society and local communities to achieve success. Timothy J. Dixon, Emeritus Professor in the School of the Built Environment, University of Reading; University of Oxford This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. Jody Kuzenko to retire in June 2026; Andrew Snowden named as successor Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - February 4, 2026) - Torex Gold Resources Inc. (the "Company" or "Torex") (TSX: TXG) (OTCQX: TORXF) announces that Jody Kuzenko, who has served as President and Chief Executive Officer ("CEO") since 2020 and previously Chief Operating Officer ("COO") since 2018, will retire from the Company immediately following the Annual and Special Shareholder Meeting (the "Meeting") on June 17, 2026. As part of the Company's long-term succession planning, Andrew Snowden, who has served as Chief Financial Officer ("CFO") since 2021, will assume the role of President & CEO at that time. Mr. Snowden will stand for election to the Board of Directors at the Meeting and, in anticipation of her retirement, Ms. Kuzenko will not stand for re-election. Jody Kuzenko, President and CEO of Torex, stated: "After eight years with Torex and a career that has spanned almost 30 years, my mandate as CEO has been delivered and I have every confidence in Andrew to lead the Company through the next chapter of growth and success. We have delivered Media Luna, stabilized production, and set ourselves up for long-term success at Morelos; we have an impeccable balance sheet and significant free cash flow projected for the foreseeable future; and we have a pipeline of exploration assets to support our next phase of growth in Guerrero, Sinaloa, Chihuahua, Nevada and beyond. The business is firing on all cylinders, and the timing is right for this transition. The business is ready - this was part of the plan and Torex is in very capable hands." Rick Howes, Chair of the Torex Board of Directors, stated: "Under Jody's transformational leadership and the quality management team she has built, Torex operates one of the largest gold producing mines in Mexico, now with sizeable copper exposure, and has a well-earned reputation as a Company that consistently delivers on its commitments. On behalf of the Board of Directors, I want to thank Jody for her tireless dedication to delivering superior shareholder value while building a culture where teamwork, discipline and a strong commitment to responsible mining is deeply embedded. "It should come as no surprise that a Company like Torex that prides itself on planning and execution has a solid succession plan in place to support a seamless leadership transition. Over the last five years, Andrew has done an impeccable job as CFO and has played a pivotal role in the Company's success. The Board looks forward to continuing to work with him to seize the opportunities that lie ahead as Torex looks toward the future." Andrew Snowden joined Torex as CFO in January 2021 and is an accomplished mining executive with 25 years of international corporate experience having worked in the UK, Australia and Canada. During his time at Torex he has provided leadership in all areas of business and financial management including strategic planning, operational excellence, debt financing and corporate development. He is a member of the Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD.D), a member of the Institute of Chartered Professional Accountants of Ontario (CPA, CA) and has a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Durham in England. "I am honoured to serve as the next CEO of Torex and look forward to continuing to unlock the value of our assets for the benefit of our shareholders and the many people we touch in Mexico and beyond," said Snowden. "Jody has been an invaluable mentor, and I want to thank her and the Board of Directors for the confidence placed in me to lead Torex into an exciting new chapter of growth and value generation." ABOUT TOREX GOLD RESOURCES INC. Torex Gold Resources Inc. is a Canadian mining company engaged in the exploration, development, and production of gold, copper, and silver from its flagship Morelos Complex in Guerrero, Mexico. The Company also owns the Los Reyes gold-silver project in Sinaloa, Mexico and recently acquired a portfolio of early-stage exploration properties, including the Batopilas and Guigui projects in Chihuahua, Mexico, and the Gryphon and Medicine Springs projects in Nevada, USA. The Company's key strategic objectives are: optimize Morelos production and costs; disciplined growth and capital allocation; grow reserves and resources; project delivery excellence; retain and attract best industry talent; and be an industry leader in responsible mining. In addition to realizing the full potential of the Morelos Property, the Company continues to seek opportunities to acquire assets that enable diversification and deliver value to shareholders. CAUTIONARY NOTES ON FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This press release contains "forward-looking statements" and "forward-looking information" (collectively, "Forward-Looking Information") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Generally, Forward-Looking Information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "expects", "planned", "guided", "strategy", "target", "goal", "objective", "aim" or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "will", or "is expected to" occur. Forward-Looking Information includes, but is not limited to, statements concerning the anticipated executive and Board changes and timing thereof. Forward-Looking Information also includes the Company's key strategic objectives: optimize Morelos production and costs; disciplined growth and capital allocation; grow reserves and resources; project delivery excellence; retain and attract best industry talent; and be an industry leader in responsible mining. Forward-Looking Information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "guidance", "expects", "planned", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results are "on track to" or "will", or "is expected to" occur. Forward-Looking Information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such Forward-Looking Information, including, without limitation, risks and uncertainties identified in the Company's technical report (the "Technical Report") released on March 31, 2022, entitled "NI 43-101 Technical Report ELG Mine Complex Life of Mine Plan and Media Luna Feasibility Study", which has an effective date of March 16, 2022, the Company's annual information form ("AIF") for the year ended December 31, 2024 and management's discussion and analysis ("MD&A") for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025. Forward-Looking Information is based on the reasonable assumptions, estimates, analyses and opinions of management made in light of its experience and perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, and other factors that management believes are relevant and reasonable in the circumstances at the date such statements are made. 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, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on Forward-Looking Information. The Company does not undertake to update any Forward-Looking Information, whether as a result of new information or future events or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable securities laws. The Technical Report, AIF, and MD&A are filed on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and on the Company's website at www.torexgold.com. The Deposit Remains Open Laterally and at Depth, with a Fully Funded 40,000-Metre Drill Program Currently Underway Resource Expansion Highlights: Indicated Resources Expand to a meaningful 13 Mt (+14% vs. 2024 MRE): Indicated resources grade at 1.2% copper ("Cu"), 1.2% zinc ("Zn"), 0.44 g/t gold ("Au") and 30.8 g/t silver ("Ag") or 2.1% copper equivalent ("CuEq") or 2.8 g/t gold equivalent ("AuEq") Indicated resources contain 340 million pounds ("Mlbs") Cu, 332 Mlbs Zn, 184 thousand ounces ("koz") Au and 12.8 million ounces ("Moz") Ag or 595 Mlbs of CuEq or 1.2 million ounces ("Moz") AuEq. Inferred Resources Grow Significantly to 12.3 Mt (+72% vs. 2024 MRE): Inferred resources grade at 1.6% Cu, 0.16% Zn, 0.68 g/t Au and 8.14 g/t Ag or 2.2% CuEq or 2.97 g/t AuEq. Inferred resources contain 435 Mlbs Cu, 43 Mlbs Zn, 268 koz Au and 3.2 Moz Ag or 599 Mlbs of CuEq or 1.2 Moz AuEq. Significant Growth Across All Metals Since the 2024 Resource Estimate: + 40% increase in contained copper (+11% Ind, +77% Inf) + 22% increase in contained gold (+9% Ind, +33% Inf) + 21% increase in contained silver (+11% Ind, +90% Inf) + 9% increase in contained zinc (+5% Ind, +59% Inf) Abitibi Metals stands as a significant emerging critical-minerals company in the Abitibi Greenstone Belt, anchored by a high-grade copper-gold VMS project with meaningful scale and a strong expansion potential. Jonathon Deluce, CEO of Abitibi Metals stated: "Conservative base-case pricing assumptions were used (Au US$2,500/oz, Ag US$30/oz, Cu US$4.50/lb, Zn US$1.35/lb); at spot1 pricing, the indicated Cu Eq grade increases to 2.59%, with inferred resources at 2.55% Cu Eq." London, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - February 5, 2026) - Abitibi Metals Corp. (CSE: AMQ) (OTCQB: AMQFF) (WKN: A3EWQ3) ("Abitibi" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the results of an updated mineral resource estimate for its B26 polymetallic deposit ("B26", the "Project" or the "Deposit") incorporating 42,980 metres of drilling completed across 37 holes, 16 wedges and 1 hole extension as part of the successful 2024 and 2025 Phase 2 and Phase 3 drill programs. The Company has already commenced its significant and fully funded 2026 Phase 4 drill program totaling approximately 40,000 metres. This program includes a robust winter drilling campaign of approximately 15,000 to 20,000 metres of diamond drilling, positioning the Company to continue expanding the B26 Deposit through the year. The Company currently owns 50% of the B26 Deposit and retains the option to earn an additional 30% from SOQUEM Inc. ("SOQUEM"), a subsidiary of Investissement Quebec (see news release dated November 16, 2023). Jonathon Deluce, CEO of Abitibi Metals stated: "Since 2023, our goal has been to establish Abitibi Metals as a significant critical minerals company in the Abitibi Greenstone Belt, and B26 sits at the center of that strategy. When we optioned the project, our objective was clear: demonstrate scale without compromising grade. This update materially exceeds that goal. With more than 25 million tonnes now defined across both resource categories-representing a 124% increase since the project was optioned to SOQUEM and the 2018 MRE-B26 has crossed an important milestone. With mineralization remaining open laterally and at depth, and a fully funded 40,000-metre Phase 4 drill program underway, B26 is well positioned to continue demonstrating a strong growth profile toward Selbaie-scale potential. Ongoing resource expansion drilling is being complemented this year by the Company's first regional exploration program, designed to unlock additional discovery potential across the broader property. We have applied conservative base-case commodity price assumptions in the resource estimate, using gold at US$2,500/oz, silver at US$30/oz, copper at US$4.50/lb, and zinc at US$1.35/lb. However, the deposit demonstrates meaningful leverage to rising precious- and base-metal prices. This is evidenced by running the copper-equivalent calculation at current spot1 prices, which increases the overall indicated Cu Eq grade to 2.59% and the inferred component to 2.55% Cu Eq. We would also like to acknowledge SOQUEM's foundational work, whose technical expertise and systematic exploration efforts laid the framework for this achievement, as well as the longstanding commitment of SOQUEM and Investissement Quebec to B26 and mineral exploration in the province. Their support continues to highlight Quebec as one of the most attractive and globally competitive jurisdictions for responsible mining development." Strategic Importance of the B26 Asset B26 has reached a level of scale and continuity that supports its advancement as a cornerstone copper-gold VMS asset within the Abitibi Greenstone Belt Growth has been delivered through disciplined drilling and systematic expansion, resulting in a 124% increase in total tonnage since the 2023 option agreement Grades have been preserved as scale has expanded, reinforcing the robustness of the underlying geological model The updated resource estimate is based on a conservative underground cut-off grade and precious metals & commodity prices, providing confidence that the reported scale reflects a disciplined and prudent development framework Mineralization remains open laterally and at depth, offering clear potential for continued resource growth A fully funded 40,000-metre drill program is underway, positioning the Company to advance the next phase of growth while maintaining flexibility The updated mineral resource estimate, summarized in Tables 1 through 3, underscores the growing scale and quality of the B26 deposit. Table 1 presents the revised underground mineral resource estimate, Table 2 outlines the contained metal, and Table 3 provides a sensitivity analysis across a range of cut-off grades. The increase in resources is driven largely by the expansion and lateral and vertical extension of existing mineralized zones, reinforcing the strength and continuity of the system. Approximately 9% of the tonnage growth reflects updated commodity price assumptions aligned with prevailing market conditions. Table 1: B26 2026 Mineral Resource Estimate ZONE Tonnage Classification Cu Zn Au Ag Pb Cu Eq. Au Eq. (Mt) (%) (%) (g/t) (g/t) (%) (%) (g/t) Feeder Cu 9.29 Indicated 1.60 0.09 0.58 5.9 0.00 2.10 2.83 11.82 Inferred 1.67 0.04 0.70 5.0 0.00 2.23 3.00 Horizon Zn 3.27 Indicated 0.19 4.02 0.08 92.5 0.16 2.10 2.83 0.34 Inferred 0.10 3.24 0.32 43.1 0.10 1.60 2.16 Remob Ag-Zn 0.40 Indicated 0.01 2.55 0.05 101.5 0.19 1.54 2.07 0.18 Inferred 0.01 2.14 0.01 153.1 0.19 1.75 2.36 TOTAL 12.96 Indicated 1.19 1.16 0.44 30.8 0.05 2.08 2.81 12.34 Inferred 1.60 0.16 0.68 8.1 0.01 2.20 2.97 Notes: (1) The cut-off grade used underground is an in-situ value of 100 US$/t (after processing recovery, equivalent to 1.03 % Cu, or 3.50 % Zn, or 1.38 g/t Au or 143.9 g/t Ag). (2) The copper equivalent, and gold equivalent values are presented for comparison purposes. (3) The mineral resources were estimated in compliance with Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum standards. These mineral resources were reported in accordance with the NI 43-101 standards. (4) Mineral resources do not constitute mineral reserves because they have not demonstrated economic viability. (5) Inferred resources are exclusive of indicated resources. (6) The effective date of these mineral resources is January 1, 2026. (7) The resources are estimated with a cut-off on the combined value of a tonne of resource. (8) The in-situ value of the resources as well as the Cu, and Au equivalents are calculated with recoveries of Cu: 98.3 %, Zn: 96.1 %, Au: 90 %, Ag: 72.1 % and Pb: 44 % and prices of Cu: 9,922 $/t (4.5 $/lb), Zn: 2,976 $/t (1.35 $/lb), Au: 2,500 $/oz, Ag: 30 $/oz and Pb: 0.85 $/lb. (9) All resources are presented in-situ and undiluted. (10) All $ values are in US$ unless specifically noted. (11)All figures are rounded to reflect the relative accuracy of the estimate. Numbers may not add due to rounding. Table 2: 2026 Resource Estimate - B26 Contained Metal ZONE Tonnage Classification Cu Zn Au Ag Pb Cu Eq. Au Eq. (Mt) (kt) (kt) (koz) (koz) (kt) (kt) (koz) Feeder Cu 9.29 Indicated 148.2 8.5 174.2 1,769 0.2 194.8 844.4 11.82 Inferred 196.8 5.0 264.4 1,882 0.2 263.5 1,142.0 Horizon Zn 3.27 Indicated 6.1 131.7 8.6 9,735 5.3 68.7 298.0 0.34 Inferred 0.3 10.9 3.4 466 0.3 5.4 23.3 Remob Ag-Zn 0.40 Indicated 0.0 10.3 0.7 1,312 0.8 6.2 26.8 0.18 Inferred 0.0 3.8 0.1 882 0.3 3.1 13.6 TOTAL 12.96 Indicated 154.4 150.4 183.5 12,816 6.3 269.7 1,169.2 12.34 Inferred 197.2 19.7 267.9 3,230 0.9 272.0 1,178.9 Notes: (1) The metal content was calculated using the values presented in table 1. (2) Notes (1) to (11) from table 1 apply to table 2. Table 3: B26 Mineral Resource Estimate Sensitivity Analysis Cut off Tonnage Classification Cu Zn Au Ag Pb Cu Eq. grades (Mt) (%) (%) (g/t) (g/t) (%) (%) Base Case 15.73 Indicated 1.07 1.08 0.38 28.5 0.05 1.88 -20% 14.50 Inferred 1.47 0.16 0.60 7.6 0.01 2.01 Base Case 12.96 Indicated 1.19 1.16 0.44 30.8 0.05 2.08 12.34 Inferred 1.60 0.16 0.68 8.1 0.01 2.20 Base Case 10.80 Indicated 1.30 1.24 0.50 32.9 0.05 2.27 +20% 10.09 Inferred 1.75 0.17 0.78 8.7 0.01 2.44 Notes: (1) The metal content was calculated using the values presented in table 1. (2) Notes (2) to (11) from table 1 apply to table 3. (3) The underground cut-off grade used (base case -20 %) is a value of 80 US$/t (after processing recovery, equivalent to 0.82 % Cu, or 2.80 % Zn, or 1.11 g/t Au or 115.1 g/t Ag). (4) The underground cut-off grade used (base case) is a value of 100 US$/t (after processing recovery, equivalent to 1.03 % Cu, or 3.50 % Zn, or 1.38 g/t Au or 143.9 g/t Ag). (5) The underground cut-off grade used (base case +20 %) is a value of 120 US$/t (after processing recovery, equivalent to 1.23 % Cu, or 4.20 % Zn, or 1.66 g/t Au or 172.7 g/t Ag). Figure 1: Change in Indicated and Inferred Resource Tonnage (2026 MRE vs. 2024 MRE) Resources were estimated using the following parameters: The database includes 356 drill holes for a total of 172,164 metres. Of these, 102 were drilled in 2024 and 2025 by Abitibi Metals, 191 were drilled by SOQUEM from 2013, and 63 are considered historical. The database includes 67,842 assays with an average core length of 1.20 metres per sample for a total assayed length of 81,631 metres. Core drilled by Abitibi Metals and SOQUEM is NQ-sized and was assayed by Actlabs in 2014, AGAT in 2024, 2025 and 2015 (re-sampling), ALS in 2016-2017. The resource estimate was performed using inverse-distance squared (ID2). Block size is 5 x 1 x 5 m with block percents. The model was built using 97 cross-sections with a variable spacing of 8 to 50 metres depending on data density (average spacing of 20 metres). A total of 46 solids were modeled, of which 35 were considered as the Feeder Cu , 4 for the Horizon Zn , and 7 for the Remob Ag-Zn. Minimum intercept length in a drill hole is 3 metres, which approximately corresponds to 2 metres of horizontal thickness. Capping was used for all variables. Each variable was capped differently for the Feeder Cu, Horizon Zn and Remob Ag-Zn zones. The global metal loss due to capping is of 0.9% for Cu, 1.2% for Zn, 3.3% for Au 3.1% for Ag and 3.9% for Pb. Rock density is 2.8 for Feeder Cu and Remob Ag-Zn solids. Density is 2.95 for Horizon Zn solids. These values are based on 2,349 measurements by SOQUEM between 2013 and 2017. This parametre was unchanged from the 2018 and 2024 MRE. Parameters used for the Underground Mining Scenario are: Prices: Cu: 9,922 $/t (4.5 $/lb) Zn: 2,976 $/t (1.35 $/lb) Au: 2,500 $/oz Ag: 30 $/oz Pb: 0.85 $/lb Costs: Underground ore mining: $60.50/t Processing: $24/t G&A: $1.5/t Mining recovery: 90% Milling recovery: Cu: 98.3 %, Zn: 96.1 %, Au: 90 %, Ag: 72.1 % and Pb: 44 % Mining dilution: 10% Royalty: 0% Waste density: 2.8 The formula to calculate the in-situ value is the following: 97.53 ($/%) x Cu(%) + 28.6 ($/%) x Zn(%) + 72.34 ($/g) x Au (g/t) + 0.695 ($/g) x Ag (g/t) + 8.25 ($/%) x Pb(%) Small zones of estimated mineralized material were excluded from the MRE figures, as they may not be substantial enough to justify underground development. Further details regarding the 2026 mineral resource estimate, key assumptions, parameters and methods used to estimate the mineral resources of the B26 Deposit will be available on SEDAR Plus (www.sedarplus.ca) under the Corporation's issuer profile within 45 days in accordance with NI 43-101. Yann Camus P.Eng. of SGS Canada Inc., is the independent qualified person responsible for the technical information about the resource estimate presented in this news release, as defined by NI 43101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, including the verification of released data. Strict QA/QC protocols were used during all exploration programs performed by SOQUEM and Abitibi Metals on the B26 project, including the insertion of certified reference material and blanks. About Abitibi Metals Corp: Abitibi Metals Corp. is dedicated to acquiring and exploring mineral properties within Quebec, with a particular emphasis on high-quality base and precious metal assets that offer significant potential for growth and expansion. The company's flagship B26 Polymetallic project which has been optioned from SOQUEM, hosts a substantial and growing resource base. The B26 project is strategically located just 7 kilometres southeast of the formerly producing Selbaie mine. This proximity provides the project with access to key infrastructure required for potential mine development. In addition to the B26 Deposit, Abitibi's portfolio includes the Beschefer Gold project, historical drilling has identified four notable, historical intercepts with a metal factor of over 100 g/t gold highlighted by 55.63 g/t gold over 5.57 metres (BE13-038)2 amongst four modelled zones. These promising findings highlight the potential for further gold discoveries within the project area. About SOQUEM: SOQUEM, a mineral exploration company and subsidiary of Investissement Quebec, is dedicated to promoting the exploration, discovery and development of mining properties in Quebec. SOQUEM also contributes to maintaining strong local economies. Proud partner and ambassador for the development of Quebec's mineral wealth, SOQUEM relies on innovation, research and strategic minerals to be well-positioned for the future. Note 1: Spot was calculated using as at January 30, 2026, balances of US$4,905.85/oz, silver at US$105.52/oz, copper at US$5.92/lb, zinc at US$1.69/lb and lead at US$1.00/lb. Note 2 - Source: Excellon drills 55.60 g/t gold over 5.57 metres on Beschefer Project, Quebec The Company also maintains an active presence on various social media platforms to keep stakeholders and the general public informed and encourages shareholders and interested parties to follow and engage with the Company through the following channels to stay updated with the latest news, industry insights, and corporate announcements: Twitter: https://twitter.com/AbitibiMetals LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/abitibi-metals-corp-amq-c/ Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-looking statement: This news release contains certain statements, which may constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information involves statements that are not based on historical information but rather relate to future operations, strategies, financial results or other developments on the B26 Project or otherwise. Forward-looking information is necessarily based upon estimates and assumptions, which are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond the Company's control and many of which, regarding future business decisions, are subject to change. These uncertainties and contingencies can affect actual results and could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by or on the Company's behalf. Although Abitibi has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended. All factors should be considered carefully, and readers should not place undue reliance on Abitibi's forward-looking information. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "expects," "estimates," "anticipates," or variations of such words and phrases (including negative and grammatical variations) or statements that certain actions, events or results "may," "could," "might" or "occur. Mineral exploration and development are highly speculative and are characterized by a number of significant inherent risks, which may result in the inability of the Company to successfully develop current or proposed projects for commercial, technical, political, regulatory or financial reasons, or if successfully developed, may not remain economically viable for their mine life owing to any of the foregoing reasons, among others. There is no assurance that the Company will be successful in achieving commercial mineral production and the likelihood of success must be considered in light of the stage of operations. Vancouver, British Columbia TheNewswire - February 5, 2026 Au Gold Corp (TSXV:AUGC) (AUGC or the Company) announces that it has arranged a non-brokered private placement of $2,000,000. The placement consists of 13,333,333 units priced $0.15 each. Each unit comprises one share and one half warrant valid for three years. Each whole warrant may be converted to one share of AUGC by payment of $0.30. The securities issued with respect to the private placement will be subject to a hold period of four months and one day in accordance with applicable securities laws. This financing is subject to TSX Venture Exchange approval. Proceeds of the private placement will be used for general corporate purposes and exploration on the Companys mineral exploration properties. The Company recently announced the acquisition of the Havelock Gold-Antimony Project, located in Victoria, Australia. Further details can be found in the January 15, 2026 press release, filed on SEDAR+ and available at AUGCs website. For further information, please contact: Au Gold Corp Marc G. Blythe, MBA, P.Eng., President & Chief Executive Officer David Jan, Company Information, 1-888-807-4566 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. To learn more visit: https://augoldcorp.com Cautionary Note 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 with respect to, among other things, the completion of the private placement and receipt of TSX Venture Exchange acceptance. These forward-looking statements involve numerous risks and uncertainties and actual results might differ materially from results suggested in any forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, among other things, the ability of the Company to obtain sufficient financing to fund its business activities and plans, delays in obtaining governmental and regulatory approvals (including of the TSX Venture Exchange), changes in laws, regulations and policies affecting mining operations, currency fluctuations, market uncertainty, as well as those factors discussed in the Company's most recently filed management's discussion and analysis and other filings of the Company with Canadian securities authorities, copies of which can be found under the Company's profile on the SEDAR+ website at www.sedarplus.ca. In making the forward looking statements in this news release, the Company has applied several material assumptions, including without limitation, that the Company will be able to complete the private placement as anticipated, that it will obtain all necessary regulatory approvals, including the acceptance of the TSX Venture Exchange. 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 harbour. February 5, 2026 Vancouver, British Columbia. - TheNewswire - Andina Copper Corporation (TSX-V: ANDC | FSE: FIR | OTCQB: PMMCF) is pleased to report assay results for its maiden diamond drillhole CDH003 at the Cobrasco copper-molybdenum project located in the Choco Department, Colombia. Since commencing field exploration in early October 2025, the Company has completed a total of three diamond drill holes for 2609 m, with a fourth hole currently underway. HIGHLIGHTS CDH003 intersected significant copper mineralization from surface to final depth (774.8m). High-grade intersections include1: 352 m @ 0.68% Cu, 112 ppm Mo, 1.55 g/t Ag from 144 m; Incl. 118 m @ 1.17% Cu, 193 ppm Mo, 2.35 g/t Ag from 246 m Drilling continues at Cobrasco, with 3 holes completed to date for 2609 m. CDH004 and CDH005 were completed to depths of 900 m and 934 m respectively, with assay results for CDH004 expected shortly Drill rig mobilized to a platform ~410 m NW of CDH005 and 390 m SW of CDH001. Surface reconnaissance along the northern extensions of the mineralized trend has confirmed outcrops of early-stage A-type stockwork veining and limonites after sulphides, over 1km from the area currently being drilled. Sporadic gold mineralization reported in CDH003, suggestive of a possible gold rich intrusive phase within the broader Cobrasco system. Andina Coppers President and CEO Joseph van den Elsen commented: These exceptional assay results from our very first drillhole validate Cobrasco as a globally significant Cu-Mo porphyry system and clearly demonstrate potential for large tonnages of high-grade mineralization. Ongoing drilling is expected to further expand the multi-kilometer footprint of mineralization both northward and south along the well-defined structural corridor. 2026 promises to be an exciting time for Andina Copper shareholders, as we are now in a catalyst rich period with strong, exploration driven news flow being generated across all three of our projects. The 2025-26 field season is well underway at Piuquenes and exploration is continuing at pace at Cobrasco, with results from CDH004 expected shortly. Follow-up exploration will also shortly commence at Mantau. Figure 1 Cobrasco location map, Choco, Colombia Significant Drill Results and Ongoing Program Hole From (m) To (m) Interval (m) Cu (%) Mo (ppm) Ag (ppm) Comments CDH001 184 992 808 0.42 79 1.12 Drilled 2022 (Rugby Resources) inc. inc. 768 906 138 0.77 164 0.02 774 856 82 0.9 199 3.05 CDH002 18 88 70 0.29 53 2.40 Drilled 2022 (Rugby Resources) and inc. 152 906 754 0.46 76 1.18 474 646 172 0.74 78 1.98 CDH003 20 80 60 0.25 49 5.00 0.00 - 300.60 m (drilled Nov-Dec 2022) 300.60-774.80 m (drilled Nov 2025) and inc. 144 496 352 0.68 112 1.55 246 364 118 1.17 193 2.35 Table 1 Significant Drill Intercepts: Cobrasco Project Assay results for CDH004 are expected shortly, with samples from CDH005 to be dispatched imminently to the ALS laboratory in Medellin. CDH006 has been mobilized and gradual step-outs will continue in a NW direction, testing the areas of known mineralization and enlarging the mineralization footprint laterally and vertically with increased drilling. Figure 2 Plan view of drilling and surface geochemistry coloured by copper (Cu) concentration (ppm). Geology and Mineralization CDH003 Drilling at Cobrasco was resumed on hole CDH003, previously suspended at 300.60 m by Rugby Resources in late 2022, and continued to a final depth of 774.80 m. Hole CDH003 was originally designed to test a near-surface mineralized intercept in hole CDH001 at depth and drilled some 325 m vertically underneath CDH001. Significant copper mineralization continued to the end of hole, with an unconstrained interval of 0.37% Cu (0.44% CuEq) from surface to 774.80 m. The upper portions of CDH003 (up to 66 m) are marked by several early pulses of intermediate porphyry types. These intrusions are generally dark-coloured due to their elevated mafic content and disseminated magnetite commonly exceeding 1%. Crowded porphyritic textures are consistent with deeper emplacement and slower cooling. These units may represent remnants of roof pendants of the early intermediate porphyry units. Later phases of light-coloured felsic porphyries including rhyolite, rhyodacite, dacite and granodiorite have been identified at increasing depth. They typically display an open texture characterized by aphanitic and locally vitreous groundmass, commonly containing diagnostic large quartz phenocrysts. Microscopic features observed in these lithologies, including aphanitic groundmass with flow banding and fractured phenocrysts, are indicative of rapid magma decompression and related to the emplacement of a dome complex. At a depth of 640 m, dark coloured, fine-grained andesitic subvolcanic lithologies were encountered in sheared contact with felsic porphyries. This interval marks the first appearance of what are interpreted to be the La Equis Formation andesite host sequence intersected in the drilling. These intermediate volcanic units of Lower Eocene age were intruded by the main Mande Batholith and associated family of porphyry units, which characteristically occur as flow dome complexes along the western margins of the batholith. The central portion of the drill hole is characterized by an early rhyolite porphyry which exhibits strong magmatic-hydrothermal brecciation and is a preferred host for high-grade copper mineralization assayed in CDH003. Mineralization at Cobrasco is controlled by multiple, recurrent hydrothermal events associated with the emplacement and subsequent progressive cooling of the intermediate to felsic porphyry intrusions, consistent with the evolution of a large porphyry system. Potassic alteration is well-developed in both, intermediate and felsic porphyries, and multiple generations of veining, including A-type early quartz veins and B-type quartz-molybdenite veins. The creation of a dense network of microfractures and dissolution voids resulted in the necessary space for the invasion and subsequent precipitation of Cu-bearing fluids, principally chalcopyrite in veinlets and infills in what has been classified as C-type veins. Chalcopyrite and bornite occur as veinlets, disseminations, fracture fillings and, locally, as breccia infill. Bornite commonly replaces chalcopyrite and is typically associated with pervasive green-grey sericite alteration. Later anhydrite-chalcopyrite veins crosscut both intermediate and felsic porphyry phases, with veins ranging from a few centimetres to tens of centimetres. Where closely spaced, these veins can define metre-scale zones of elevated Cu grades (refer Fig 3). Strong A- and B-type early veining observed in multiple outcrops on the northern reaches of the concessions, are associated with Cu and Mo soil and rock geochemical anomalism. Veining associated with ubiquitous outcropping iron oxides after sulphides (limonites) and high copper rock grades (>0.5% Cu) was observed, confirming an extension of the rhyolite-dacite intrusive dome complex and known mineralization over a kilometer from the location of current drilling. Such targets will be followed up in the short-term, in preparation of mobilizing a second drill rig. Hole_ID Easting Northing RL Az (T) Dip Depth Comments Datum: WGS84 (Zone 18N) CDH003 342292 658333 360 330 67 774.80 000.00 - 300.60 m. (drilled by Rugby Resources 2022) 300.60 - 774.80 m. (drilled by Andina Copper 2025) CDH004 342292 658333 360 225 60 900.25 Drilled SW (225 deg) parallel to CDH001 (in section). Assays pending. CDH005 342292 658333 360 180 50 934.00 Drilled S. Currently being logged and sampled. Assays pending. CDH006 342015 658636 402 225 60 500m+ New drillhole location. Drilling SW (225 deg). NW step-out on mineralized system. Table 2 Andina Copper - Drill Collar File: Cobrasco Project The Companys Corporate Presentation is available at: Andina Copper Corporate Presentation Interested parties can subscribe to our mailing list and follow our social media channels in the links below: | Andina Copper X | Andina Copper Instagram QUALIFIED PERSON Francisco Montes, a consultant of Andina Copper Corp and a qualified person (QP) within the definition of that term in National Instrument 43-101, Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, has verified the scientific and technical information that forms the basis for this news release. Francisco Montes is a member of Australian Institute of Geoscientists (MAIG #4160). QAQC CDH003 was collared with a HQ size, with drill core extracted from the core tubes by the drill contractor under the supervision of Andina Copper, marked for consistent orientation and placed in core boxes with appropriate depth markers added. Full core boxes were then sealed before being transported by Andina Copper to the Cobrasco core-cutting facility in Quibdo. Core was processed, quick logged, checked for recovery, photographed, and marked for assays. Core trays were weighed before being cut using a diamond saw by Andina Coppper. Andina Copper supervising geologist double-checked the selected two-meter sample intervals, placed the samples in sealed bags ,and ensured that the same side of the core was consistently sampled. Reference numbers were assigned to each sample and each sample was weighed. The core trays with the remaining half-core were weighed and photographed and are stored at the Andina Copper facility in Quibdo. From Quibdo samples were sent to the ALS preparation facility in Medellin, an accredited laboratory which is independent of the Company. Prepared samples were then sent to the ALS laboratory in Lima, Peru for gold (Au-AA23), copper (Cu-OG62), and multi-element ICP (ME-MS61) analysis. No data quality issues were detected by the QA/QC program. ABOUT ANDINA COPPER Andina Copper Corporation is a unique South America- focused copper explorer listed on the TSX Venture Exchange (TSXV:ANDC), Frankfurt (FSE: FIR), and OTC (OTCQB: PMMCF) exchanges. The Company holds two significant discoveries along the worlds premier copper producing Andean porphyry belt in Argentina and Colombia, and a compelling undrilled copper-gold target in the prolific copper production district of the Coastal Cordillera of Chile. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENT This news release contains certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All statements in this release, other than statements of historical fact, that address events or developments that Andina Copper 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" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will" or "may" occur. These statements are subject to various risks. Although Andina Copper believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guaranteeing of future performance, and actual results may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. Neither the TSXV nor the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. 1 Utilizing a 0.2%Cu cut-off and 10m dilution limit Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 5, 2026) - Gold X2 Mining Inc. (TSXV: AUXX) (OTCQB: GSHRF) (FSE: DF8) ("Gold X2" or the "Company"), is pleased to announce the assay results from the four hole phase one test program of the Bunker target along the prospective 5km long Deaty trend at the Moss Gold Project in Northwest Ontario, Canada (the "Moss Gold Project"). Michael Henrichsen, CEO of Gold X2, commented, "We are very excited to have intersected two mineralized shear zones in our first pass drilling across the Deaty trend at the Bunker target. This area is completely under glacial cover, and the discovery of these mineralized zones has demonstrated that our greenfields exploration techniques are effective. We very much look forward to continuing an aggressive exploration program along the Deaty trend as we believe there is excellent potential for a meaningful discovery within 2-3 kilometers of the moss deposit." Highlights Four scout holes were drilled at the Bunker Target, approximately 2km south of the Moss Gold Deposit, to test one of five highly prospective targets concealed by glacial cover along the anomalous Deaty Trend (press release dated October 16, 2025). The drilling identified two new parallel mineralized structures - the Sand Shear and the Wedge Shear - approximately 250 meters apart. Drill intercepts include: Sand Shear 5.6m of 2.24 g/t Au from 163.4m in DBD-25-001 including 3.7m of 3.28 g/t Au from 163.4m, and 19.0m of 0.43 g/t Au from 192.0m including 2.0m of 1.59 g/t Au from 193.0m Wedge Shear 17.0m of 1.23 g/t Au from 21.0m in DBD-25-003, including 8.0m of 2.50 g/t Au from 30.0m, including 1.45m of 12.0 g/t Au from 30.0m The encouraging results from this first phase of scout drilling reinforce the successful approach of utilizing systematic bedrock sampling and gradient array geophysics to discern concealed bedrock mineralization. Scout drilling of additional targets along the Deaty Trend is scheduled to begin Q1 2026 with follow up drilling of the Bunker target expected in late Q2 2026. Technical Overview The results of the Bunker scout drilling program are illustrated in the following figures and tables. Figure 1 shows the location map of the drill holes reported in this release. Figure 2 provides a cross-section through drill holes DBD-25-001 and DBD-25-003. The results are summarized in Tables 1 and 2, which include significant intercepts (Table 1) and drill hole locations (Table 2). Figure 1: Illustrates the Bunker scout drill program. Drill holes being reported are highlighted in gold. Figure 2: Shows the section across the Bunker Target. Holes DBD-25-001, 002, and 003 targeted a wide anomalous zone outlined by systematic bedrock geochemistry and gradient array geophysics (press release dated October 16, 2025) concealed beneath glacial cover that is 10 to 50 meters thick. Hole DBD-25-001 was drilled towards the northwest and intersected a sequence of andesitic lavas and tuffs with localized meter-scale metasedimentary beds, which frequently contain exhalative pyrite and strongly sheared graphitic argillite beds. The sequence is intruded by several 10-20m wide gabbroic bodies and remains in a wide gabbro-diorite intrusion beneath 172 meters depth. The entirety of the hole has experienced moderate to strong shearing, believed to be related to the nearby crustal-scale Knife Lake Fault, and is pervasively chloritized. DBD-25-001 intersected two mineralized zones. The first - the Sand Shear - is hosted within an exhalative sulphide bearing graphitic argillite horizon along the contact of the sizeable gabbro-diorite (Figure 3). The Sand Shear returned a mineralized intercept of 5.6m of 2.24 g/t Au from 163.4m. The second mineralized zone, 19.0m of 0.43 g/t Au from 192.0m, is hosted within a more strongly sheared zone of the gabbro-diorite. Both zones contain elevated deformed quartz-carbonate veining. Figure 3: Hole DBD-25-001: Sheared metasedimentary rock horizon containing exhalative pyrite and strongly sheared graphitic argillite beds with deformed quartz-carbonate veins returning an intersection of 5.6m of 2.24 g/t Au from 163.4m, including 3.7m of 3.28 g/t Au from 163.4m. Hole DBD-25-002 was drilled from a nearby setup towards the southeast and the nearby Hood Lake granitoid stock. The hole intersected a wide gabbro-diorite intrusion, locally porphyritic, until approximately 140m after which it intersected a similar andesitic volcanic package as encountered in DBD-25-001 until 215m, where it encountered a series of sheeted diorite intrusions, likely related to the stock. No mineralized zones were intersected. Hole DBD-25-003 was drilled approximately 400 meters northwest of DBD-25-001 and 002 and drilled southeast towards them. The hole intersected a complex sequence of dacite volcanics intruded by strongly sheared gabbroic dykes and late syenite dykes until approximately 108 meters depth. Below this, it intersected a wide diorite intrusion, likely the same intrusion encountered at the end of DBD-25-001. The sheared gabbroic dykes are strongly chloritized and contain abundant pyrite-bearing quartz and quartz-carbonate veins. The late syenite dykes have a strong hematite-silica alteration overprint, which bleeds 5-10 meters into the surrounding wall rock, overprinting chlorite alteration, and hosts an additional non-sulphide bearing quartz-carbonate veining event. The mineralized zone in DBD-25-003 is related to the sheared gabbro dykes - the Wedge Shear - near the boundary of the chlorite and hematite alteration systems (Figure 4). The Wedge Shear returned a mineralized intercept of 17.0m of 1.23 g/t Au from 21.0m, including 8.0m of 2.50 g/t Au from 30.0m based around an interval of 1.45m of 12.0 g/t Au from 30.0m. Figure 4: Hole DBD-25-003: Strongly chloritized and sheared gabbro intrusion overprinted by silica-hematite alteration returning an intersection of 17.0m of 1.23 g/t Au from 21.0m, including 8.0m of 2.50 g/t Au from 30.0m, including 1.45m of 12.0g/t Au from 30.0m. Hole DBD-25-004 was drilled approximately 850 meters west, targeting a second, weaker anomalous zone outlined by the systematic bedrock geochemistry pattern, along strike from the first. The hole collared in 13 meters of till before intersecting a wide dioritic intrusive package until 190 meters depth. Below this, the hole intersected a dominantly clastic sedimentary sequence, containing exhalative pyrite and strongly sheared graphitic argillite beds with 5-10m scale diorite intrusions and tuffaceous andesites. Overall, the hole has notably weaker shear intensity and lacks the pervasive chlorite overprint. A minor mineralized zone, intersecting 2.0m of 1.29 g/t Au from 236m, is hosted within a graphitic argillite, like that in DBD-25-001 but with less shearing and veining. The results of the initial scout drill program have been very encouraging and support the drill testing of the remaining four anomalies along the Deaty Trend that are outlined by the systematic bedrock geochemistry and gradient array geophysics programs that defined the Bunker Target discovery. Scout drilling of the remaining anomalies is expected to begin in Q1 2026. Follow up drilling at the Bunker Target is being planned for late Q2. Table 1: Significant intercepts HOLE ID FROM TO LENGTH (m) TRUE WIDTH (m) CUT GRADE (g/t Au) UNCUT GRADE (g/t Au) DBD-25-001 163.40 169.00 5.60 2.7 2.24 2.24 DBD-25-001 163.40 167.10 3.70 1.8 3.28 3.28 DBD-25-001 192.00 211.00 19.00 9.2 0.43 0.43 DBD-25-001 193.00 195.00 2.00 1.0 1.59 1.59 DBD-25-003 21.00 38.00 17.00 8.3 1.23 1.23 DBD-25-003 30.00 38.00 8.00 3.9 2.50 2.50 DBD-25-004 236.00 238.00 2.00 1.1 0.65 0.65 Intersections calculated above a 0.3 g/t Au cut off with a top cut of 30 g/t Au and a maximum internal waste interval of 10 metres. Shaded intervals are intersections calculated above a 1.0 g/t Au cut off. Intervals in bold are those with a grade thickness factor exceeding 20 gram x metres / tonne gold. True widths are approximate and assume a subvertical body. Table 2: Drill Collars HOLE EAST NORTH RL AZIMUTH DIP EOH DBD-25-001 670,189 5,376,722 444 330.0 -45.1 252.00 DBD-25-002 670,159 5,376,764 444 150.0 -46.3 273.00 DBD-25-003 669,983 5,377,057 429 149.9 -44.5 312.00 DBD-25-004 669,354 5,376,522 434 151.0 -45.5 411.00 Equity Grant to Management and Consultants The Company also wishes to announce that, pursuant to the Company's omnibus incentive plan, it granted a total of 2,100,000 incentive stock options ("Options") and 1,400,000 restricted share units ("RSU") to management and consultants of the Company. The Options are each exercisable to purchase one common share of the Company (a "Common Share") at an exercise price of $1.19 for a period of five (5) years. Each RSU entitles the holder to be issued one Common Share of the Company upon vesting, the RSUs will vest one year from grant. Analytical and QA/QC Procedures The NQ diameter drill core has been oriented using ACTIII or equivalent tools and validated in the core shack. All core has been sawed in half cut just off the core orientation line (bottom of hole) with the right half (looking down hole) of the core bagged and sent a third-party analytical laboratory. The left half of the core was returned to core boxes and is stored at Gold X2's Kashabowie core yard facility. All samples were sent to ALS Geochemistry in Thunder Bay for preparation and analysis was performed in the ALS Vancouver analytical facility. ALS is accredited by the Standards Council of Canada (SCC) for the Accreditation of Mineral Analysis Testing Laboratories and CAN-P-4E ISO/IEC 17025. Samples were analysed for gold via fire assay with an AA finish ("Au-AA23") and 48 pathfinder elements via ICP-MS after four-acid digestion ("ME-MS61"). Samples that assayed over 10 ppm Au were re-run via fire assay with a gravimetric finish ("Au-GRA21"). In addition to ALS quality assurance / quality control ("QA/QC") protocols, Gold X2 has implemented a quality control program for all samples collected through the drilling program. The quality control program was designed by a qualified and independent third party, with a focus on the quality of analytical results for gold. Analytical results are received, imported to our secure on-line database and evaluated to meet our established guidelines to ensure that all sample batches pass industry best practice for analytical quality control. Certified reference materials are considered acceptable if values returned are within three standard deviations of the certified value reported by the manufacture of the material. In addition to the certified reference material, certified blank material is included in the sample stream to monitor contamination during sample preparation. Blank material results are assessed based on the returned gold result being less than ten times the quoted lower detection limit of the analytical method. The results of the on-going analytical quality control program are evaluated and reported to Gold X2 by Orix Geoscience Inc. Qualified Person Peter Flindell, PGeo, MAusIMM, MAIG, Vice-President, Exploration, of the Company, and a qualified person under National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, has approved the scientific and technical information contained in this news release. Mr. Flindell has verified the data disclosed. To verify the information related to the winter drill program at the Moss Gold Project, Mr. Flindell has visited the property several times; discussed and reviewed logging, sampling, bulk density, core cutting and sample shipping processes with responsible site staff; discussed and reviewed assay and QA/QC results with responsible personnel; and reviewed supporting documentation, including drill hole location and orientation and significant assay interval calculations. He has also overseen the Company's health and safety policies in the field to ensure full compliance, and consulted with the Project's host indigenous communities on the planning and implementation of the drill program, particularly with respect to its impact on the environment and the Company's remediation protocols. About Gold X2 Mining Gold X2 is a growth-oriented gold company focused on delivering long-term shareholder and stakeholder value through the acquisition and advancement of primary gold assets in tier-one jurisdictions. It is led by the ex-global head of structural geology for the world's largest gold company and backed by one of Canada's pre-eminent private equity firms. The Company's current focus is the advanced stage 100% owned Moss Gold Project which is positioned in Ontario, Canada, with direct access from the Trans-Canada Highway, hydroelectric power near site, supportive local communities and skilled workforce. The Company has invested over $100 million of new capital and completed approximately 100,000 meters of drilling on the Moss Gold Project, which, in aggregate, has had over 300,000 meters of drilling. The 2026 updated NI 43-101 mineral resource estimate ("MRE") for the Moss and East Coldstream Deposits has expanded to 2.458 million ounces of Indicated gold resources at 1.04 g/t Au, contained within 73.8 million tonnes and 4.209 million ounces of Inferred gold resources at 0.97 g/t Au contained within 134.7 million tonnes. The Moss Deposit also has a silver MRE of 3.160 million ounces of indicated silver resources at 1.53 g/t Ag contained within 64.3 Mt and 6.273 million ounces of inferred silver resources at 1.55 g/t Ag contained within 125.9 Mt. Results of a preliminary economic assessment ("PEA") of the Moss Gold Project suggest the potential for the deposit to support a long-life mining operation with a strong production profile and low production costs. The MRE and PEA are supported by a NI 43-101 technical report for the Moss Gold Project which will be filed on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) and the Company's website by March 12, 2026. For more information, please visit SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) and the Company's website (www.goldx2.com). 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. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains statements that constitute "forward-looking statements." Such forward looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the Company's actual results, performance or achievements, or developments to differ materially from the anticipated results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such 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. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, among others, statements relating to expectations regarding the exploration and development of the Moss Gold Project; the potential mineralization at the Moss Gold Project based on the winter drill program, including the potential for additional mineral resources; the enhancement of the Moss Gold Project; statements regarding the Company's future drill plans, including the expected benefits and results thereof; that the Superion target has the potential to significantly add to the current mineral resource estimate within the top 200 meters from surface with continued drilling and to reduce the overall strip ratio of the deposit; the potential for resource growth at Moss and the fact that the results have the potential to significantly impact the economic performance of the deposit moving forward; the potential for a much larger mineralized system and that it will be pursued in the near future through additional drilling; and other statements that are not historical facts. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or other future events, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors and risks include, among others: uncertainty and variation in the estimation of mineral resources; risks related to exploration, development, and operation activities; exploration and development of the Moss Gold Project will not be undertaken as anticipated; the Company may require additional financing from time to time in order to continue its operations which may not be available when needed or on acceptable terms and conditions acceptable; the economic performance of the deposit may not be consistent with management's expectations; the Company's exploration work may not deliver the results expected; the fluctuating price of gold; unknown liabilities in connection with acquisitions; compliance with extensive government regulation; delays in obtaining or failure to obtain governmental permits, or non-compliance with permits; environmental and other regulatory requirements; domestic and foreign laws and regulations could adversely affect the Company's business and results of operations; risks related to natural disasters, terrorist acts, health crises, and other disruptions and dislocations; global financial conditions; uninsured risks; climate change risks; competition from other companies and individuals; conflicts of interest; risks related to compliance with anti-corruption laws; the Company's limited operating history; intervention by non-governmental organizations; outside contractor risks; the stock markets have experienced volatility that often has been unrelated to the performance of companies and these fluctuations may adversely affect the price of the Company's securities, regardless of its operating performance; the Superion target may not add to the current mineral resource; and other risks associated with executing the Company's objectives and strategies as well as those risk factors discussed in the Company's continuous disclosure documents filed under the Company's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca. The forward-looking information in this news release is based on management's reasonable expectations and assumptions as of the date of this news release. Certain material assumptions regarding such forward-looking statements were made, including without limitation, assumptions regarding: the future price of gold; anticipated costs and the Company's ability to fund its programs; the Company's ability to carry on exploration, development and mining activities; prices for energy inputs, labour, materials, supplies and services; the timing and results of drilling programs; mineral resource estimates and the assumptions on which they are based; the discovery of mineral resources and mineral reserves on the Company's mineral properties; the timely receipt of required approvals and permits; the costs of operating and exploration expenditures; the Company's ability to operate in a safe, efficient, and effective manner; the Company's ability to obtain financing as and when required and on reasonable terms; that the Company's activities will be in accordance with the Company's public statements and stated goals; that the Superion target will add to the current mineral resource; that the Company's exploration work will deliver the results expected; and that there will be no material adverse change or disruptions affecting the Company or its properties. The forward-looking information contained in this news release represents the expectations of the Company as of the date of this news release and, accordingly, is subject to change after such date. There can be no assurances that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Readers should not place undue importance on forward-looking information and should not rely upon this information as of any other date. 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. SUDBURY, Ontario, Feb. 05, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Magna Mining Inc. (TSXV: NICU) (OTCQX: MGMNF) (FSE: 8YD) (Magna or the Company) is pleased to provide 2026 guidance for the Companys assets in Sudbury, Ontario, including 2026 production and cost estimates for the McCreedy West Mine. Highlights Copper Equivalent (CuEq) payable 1 production guidance of 16.0 million 18.0 million pounds (lbs) CuEq from the 700 Copper Zone at McCreedy West Mine in 2026. production guidance of 16.0 million 18.0 million pounds (lbs) CuEq from the 700 Copper Zone at McCreedy West Mine in 2026. Cash Costs, excluding stream payments 2 for 2026 are guided at US$3.40/lb CuEq US$3.80/lb CuEq. for 2026 are guided at US$3.40/lb CuEq US$3.80/lb CuEq. All-In Sustaining Costs (AISC), excluding stream payments 2 for 2026 are guided at US$4.20/lb CuEq US$4.70/lb CuEq. for 2026 are guided at US$4.20/lb CuEq US$4.70/lb CuEq. Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) underway at Levack Mine in parallel with work to re-establish ore and waste hoisting capabilities during 2026, and underground development to support ongoing exploration of the R2 Footwall Zone. Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) underway at Crean Hill Mine while engineering work continues in order to facilitate dewatering of the underground workings which could commence in the second quarter of 2026. Jeff Huffman, COO, stated, The guidance provided for McCreedy West demonstrates what we believe can be accomplished consistently and efficiently from the 700 Copper Zone in 2026. After almost twelve months as operator of the mine, we have increased both diamond drilling footage and mine development rates to match our medium term production requirements. Throughout 2026 we will continue to evaluate production opportunities at McCreedy West, as we receive new diamond drilling information and continually optimize our plan to increase production and profitability. We are also very excited to be advancing both our Levack and Crean Hill projects towards re-start decisions. Grades at McCreedy West during the first quarter of 2026 are anticipated to be at the lower end of the full year guidance range to opportunistically take advantage of strong commodity prices relative to the Companys budgeted prices for 2026. Higher grade areas remain available to be mined later in the year. The Companys inaugural Mineral Reserves report for McCreedy West is nearing completion, and mine plan optimization including stope sequencing is currently underway. In addition, the potential to restart mining in the Intermain Nickel Zone at McCreedy West is currently being evaluated, and shipping of nickel ore could resume within months of making the decision to reactivate this zone. Updated 2026 guidance to incorporate nickel ore sales would be provided upon a decision to restart mining in the Intermain Nickel Zone. Table 1: 2026 McCreedy West Mine Production and Cost Guidance 2026 McCREEDY WEST OPERATIONAL GUIDANCE 700 Copper Zone Ore Sales (short tons) 355,000 - 375,000 Copper Equivalent Grade1 (% CuEq) 3.2% - 3.5% Payable Copper Equivalent Production1 (million lbs CuEq) 16.0 - 18.0 Cash Costs, excluding stream payments2 (US$/lb CuEq) $3.40 - $3.80 AISC, excluding stream payments2 (US$/lb CuEq) $4.20 - $4.70 1Copper equivalent payable pounds for the purpose of copper equivalent grade, cash costs and AISC were calculated using the following US dollar prices: $4.88/lb Cu, $7.72/lb Ni, $18.12/lb Co, $1,410/oz Pt, $1,156/oz Pd, $3,815/oz Au, $50.00/oz Ag, and CAD/USD exchange rate of 1.37. 2The incremental cost impact of the precious metals stream varies significantly based on commodity prices. At the 2026 budget commodity prices outlined above the cost impact is approximately US$0.78-0.92/lb. Levack Mine Update The PEA underway on the restart of Levack Mine is expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2026. Concurrently, a ramp is being developed from the 3900 Level of the Morrison Footwall Cu-PGE Deposit to break through into the 3600 Level drift. This connection is expected to be completed early in the second quarter of 2026 and will provide secondary egress for a neighbouring mine via the Levack No. 2 shaft, as well as establish additional diamond drilling platforms to test the R2 Footwall Zone and other exploration targets. In addition, rehabilitation of existing drifts at Levack Mine is underway to provide further underground drilling platforms. There are currently four diamond drills active at Levack testing the R2 Footwall Zone and other high priority targets. Additional assay results from the current exploration drill program are expected to be released during Q1. Specialized mining contracting service providers have been evaluating the scope of work required at the 2900 Level loading pocket and on the production hoist to re-establish ore and waste hoisting capabilities at Levack. Magna anticipates that hoisting of rock from underground via the Levack No. 2 shaft will be possible in the second half of 2026. Crean Hill Project Update The PFS underway on the Crean Hill Mine is expected to be completed in Q3. Engineering work continues to advance in parallel, including power and permanent dewatering infrastructure. It is expected that dewatering of the underground workings at Crean Hill could commence during the second quarter of 2026. Qualified Person The scientific or technical information in this press release has been reviewed and approved by David King, M.Sc., P.Geo. Mr. King is the Senior Vice President, Exploration and Geoscience for Magna Mining Inc. and is a qualified person under Canadian National Instrument 43-101. Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Statements All statements, other than statements of historical fact, contained or incorporated by reference in this press release constitute forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, forward-looking statements) within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Generally, these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, such as may, might, potential, expect, anticipate, estimate, believe, could, should, would, will, continue, intend, plan, forecast, prospective, significant or other similar words or phrases or variations thereof and are included in this press release, without limitation, as the production and costs guidance given under the heading Highlights. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions that, while considered reasonable by management, are inherently subject to business, market, economic, technical and other risks, uncertainties and contingencies that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements, including risks and uncertainties relating to the failure of additional drilling to support assumptions, expectations or estimates of potential mineralization, metal tonnes or grade, the failure of additional drilling to support additional expansion or delineation of estimated resources, the failure of additional drilling to support medium to long-term production planning or replenish production or mined ore, the failure to maintain an adequate rate of development or access to stopes to maintain production, the failure to meet production, cost, cash flow or development expectations, forecasts or guidance, the lack of availability of drill rigs to implement exploration or other programs or the failure to proceed as quickly as planned with additional exploration or other drilling, continued delays for assay results, the failure to bring the Levack and Crean Hill mines back into production subsequent to the completion of the current preliminary economic assessment and pre-feasibility study now underway, and other risks disclosed in the Companys most recent annual management discussion and analysis, available on the SEDAR+ website (at: www.sedarplus.ca). Although the Company has attempted to identify important risks, uncertainties, contingencies and factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in forward-looking statements, there can be no certainty or assurance that the Company has accurately or adequately captured, accounted for or disclosed all such risks, uncertainties, contingencies or factors. Readers should place no reliance on forward-looking statements as actual results, performance or achievements may be materially different from those expressed or implied by such statements. Resource exploration and development, and mining operations, are highly speculative, characterized by several significant risks, which even a combination of careful evaluation, experience and knowledge will not eliminate. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information or future events or otherwise, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release. About Magna Mining Inc. Magna Mining Inc. is a producing mining company with a strong portfolio of copper, nickel, and platinum group metals (PGM) assets located in the world-class Sudbury mining district of Ontario, Canada. The Companys primary asset is the McCreedy West Mine, currently in production, supported by a pipeline of highly prospective past-producing properties including Levack, Crean Hill, Podolsky, and Shakespeare. Magna Mining is strategically positioned to unlock long-term shareholder value through continued production, exploration upside, and near-term development opportunities across its asset base. Additional corporate and project information is available at www.magnamining.com and through the Companys public filings on the SEDAR+ website at www.sedarplus.ca. For further information, please contact: Jason Jessup Chief Executive Officer or Paul Fowler, CFA Executive Vice President 705-482-9667 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Strategic staking has taken place by the Company to secure key ground adjacent to modeled mineralization and Company prepares expanded ANT survey and step-out drilling program VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA / ACCESS Newswire / February 5, 2026 /ESGold Corp. (CSE:ESAU) (OTCQB:ESAUF) (FSE:Z7D) ("ESGold" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has staked an additional 144 mining claims totaling approximately 7,668 hectares in and around its Montauban project, significantly increasing the size of its Montauban land position in Quebec. With these newly staked claims, ESGold now controls 417 mining claims covering approximately 20,618 hectares or 206 square kilometres around its Montauban project, representing the largest contiguous mineral tenure held by a single company in the Montauban region. Most of the newly acquired claims are open ground and are strategically located adjacent to the Company's core Montauban property. Figure 1: Map showing ESGold's expanded Montauban land position, highlighting both newly staked regional claim blocks and newly staked claims adjacent to the Company's core Montauban property. The decision to continuing staking and expand the land position follows the completion of ESGold's recently announced ambient noise tomography (ANT) based 3D geological model(the "Model") (see the Company's press release dated February 3, 2026 here), which identified a deep, laterally extensive anomaly that suggests the potential for a mineralized corridor extending to approximately 900 metres depth and over two kilometres of strike, remaining open beyond the limits of the existing survey area at the Company's Montauban property. The Model has materially expanded the interpreted footprint of the mineral system and has highlighted areas that had not been evaluated by historical operators at Montauban. Figure 2: ANT-based 3D geological model showing mineralized corridors extending beyond the available area prior to land expansion. Based on the interpretation of this new geological understanding from the Model, ESGold was able to quickly secure additional ground along the interpreted structural and lithological trends to ensure control over potential extensions of the system. Management Commentary Gordon Robb, Chief Executive Officer of ESGold, commented: "The recently completed 3D geological model fundamentally changed our understanding of Montauban and underscored the importance of securing control over the broader geological system. While we remain hyper focused on advancing Montauban toward near-term production of our tailings project, we are moving exploration forward in tandem, recognizing the opportunity to create value on two tracks simultaneously. The addition of nearly 76 square kilometres of strategically positioned ground around Montauban is aimed at providing the scale necessary to properly evaluate the potential extent of the mineralized corridor identified by the model and to ensure we are not constrained by the historical boundaries as we systematically assess what Montauban may ultimately become." Strategic Rationale for Expanded Staking The expanded claim package positions ESGold to systematically evaluate the full extent of the Montauban mineral system as modern exploration advances beyond the historically mined footprint. Historical exploration in the region was largely confined to shallow depths and isolated zones, leaving much of the broader structural corridor untested. The newly staked claims may provide coverage over areas considered prospective for: along-strike extensions of modeled mineralization; parallel or stacked mineralized horizons; and structural corridors interpreted to control fluid flow and mineral deposition. To date, only a portion of ESGold's land package has been evaluated using modern deep-penetrating geophysics. Next Phase of Exploration Building on the results of the 3D geological model and expanded land position, ESGold is advancing the next phase of exploration, which will include: A significantly expanded ANT survey covering approximately 70 square kilometres , designed to assess the scale and continuity of the broader mineralized corridor: Integration of ANT results with existing geological, geochemical, and structural datasets; and Development of a targeted step-out diamond drilling program focused on testing high-priority targets identified by the model and expanded geophysics. These exploration activities are being planned in parallel with the continued advancement of Montauban near-term production, which is expected to begin in 2026. Montauban (Historical Context) Reported historical production from the Montauban property includes approximately 150,000 ounces of gold, 7 million ounces of silver, 109,000 tonnes of zinc, and 37,000 tonnes of lead (source: John Langton, P.Geo., NI 43-101 Technical Report, February 4, 2022). Despite this production history, the broader Montauban region has never been systematically explored at a regional scale using modern techniques. Why the 3D Model and New Staked Ground Matters to Investors This expanded land position reflects a critical inflection point for ESGold. As modern geophysics and 3D modeling indicate that mineralization at Montauban extends well beyond the historically mined footprint, control of a larger land position beyond the broader structural and geological setting becomes increasingly important. By consolidating this large, contiguous land package at this stage, ESGold is positioned to systematically evaluate the full potential of the emerging mineral system and not be constrained by its historical land base and boundaries. Limited opportunities allow for a company to redefine the scale of its historic mining camp while advancing towards production, and ESGold believes Montauban is now entering that phase. Qualified Person Statement The technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Andre Gauthier, P.Geo., a Director of ESGold and a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. Sampling described herein was conducted for due-diligence screening; independent verification, QA/QC, and systematic work remain outstanding. No mineral resources or reserves are declared. About ESGold Corp. ESGold Corp. (CSE: ESAU)(OTCQB:ESAUF)(FSE:Z7D) is a fully permitted, fully funded, pre-production mining company advancing a scalable clean mining model across North and South America. The Company's flagship Montauban Gold-Silver Project in Quebec is under construction with production anticipated in 2026. With a dual-track strategy of cash flow today and discovery tomorrow, ESGold is building a platform for clean, sustainable growth and long-term shareholder value. For more information, please contact ESGold Corp. at +1-888-370-1059 or visit esgold.com for additional resources, including a French version of this press release, past news releases, a 3D model of the Montauban processing plant, media interviews, and opinion-editorial pieces. Stay connected by following us on X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, and joining our Telegram channel. For further information please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 604-885-1348, or to connect directly, please reach out to Gordon Robb, CEO of ESGold Corp. at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 250-217-2321. On behalf of the Board of Directors ESGold Corp. Gordon Robb Chief Executive Officer & Director This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. +1-888-370-1059 Forward Looking Statements This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws, including statements regarding metallurgical recoveries, project economics, construction timelines, and exploration potential. Forward-looking information is based on reasonable assumptions believed to be current but involves known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially. Historical data referenced herein is not current, has not been independently verified by ESGold, and should not be relied upon for investment decisions. ESGold disclaims any obligation to update or revise forward-looking information except as required by law. 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: the ANT-based 3D geological model, its results and interpretation of the same, the newly staked land of the Company and the possibility for mineralization therein, 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 continuous disclosure documents filed on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com. 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 Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 4, 2026) - Gelum Resources Ltd. (CSE: GMR) (OTCQB: GMRCF) (the "Company" or "Gelum") reports that they have arranged non-brokered private placements for which units are currently being allocated. The Company will issue up to 6,521,739 units (the "Units") at a price of $0.23 per Unit (the "Private Placement") for aggregate proceeds of up to $1,500,000. Each Unit consists of one common share of the Company and one-half of one common share purchase warrant, each warrant (the "Warrants") entitling the holder thereof to purchase one additional common share of the Company at a price of $0.38 per share for a period of 24 months from the closing of the Private Placement. Expiry of the Warrants may be accelerated if the closing price of the Company's Shares on the Canadian Securities Exchange ("CSE") is equal to or greater than $0.76 for a minimum of twenty consecutive trading days and a notice of acceleration is provided in accordance with the terms of the Warrants. Finder's fees of 7% cash and 7% finder's warrants may be payable to qualified finders in connection with the Private Placement. All securities issued in connection with the Offering have a four-month and one day hold period in Canada from closing. Finder's fees may be paid to eligible finders in accordance with CSE policies and applicable securities laws. Gross proceeds of the Private Placement will be used for working capital. None of the foregoing securities have been or will be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act") or any applicable state securities laws and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons (as defined in Regulation S under the 1933 Act) or persons in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from such registration requirements. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor will there be any sale of the foregoing securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. Change in Officers The Company further reports that Hendrik van Alphen has stepped in as Chief Executive Officer, following the resignation of Mr. David Smith as President. The Company has also appointed Stuart Ross as Chief Financial Officer, following the resignation of Sead Hamzagic as CFO. The Company would like to thank Messrs. Smith and Hamzagic for their many years of service to the Company. About Gelum Resources Ltd. Gelum Resources is a Company led by seasoned management and advisors in the mining and financial sectors. Follow Gelum Resources online in the links below for additional updates: Facebook X (formerly Twitter) LinkedIn Sign up for our newsletter On Behalf of the Board of Directors Hendrik van Alphen, CEO & Director For further information about Gelum, please contact: Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Information: This press release may include 'forward-looking information', within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation, about the business of the Company. Forward-looking information is based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by the Company's management, including future plans for the Company. Although the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward-looking information is based are reasonable, investors should not unduly rely on the forward-looking information because the Company cannot assure that it will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements in this press release are made as of the date of this press release. The Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise, other than as required by applicable securities laws. **NOT FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES OR FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWS WIRE SERVICES** RC drilling underway at Excelsior Springs; Permits pending at Laird Lake WHITE ROCK, BRITISH COLUMBIA / ACCESS Newswire / February 5, 2026 /Athena Gold Corporation (CSE:ATHA) (OTCQB:AHNRF) ("Athena" or the "Company") is pleased to provide an exploration update from its Excelsior Springs Project in Nevada and its Laird Lake Project in Ontario. Mammoth Minerals Limited (ASX: M79) (formerly Firetail Resources Limited) has been aggressively exploring Excelsior, per its option agreement to earn an 80% interest in the project over five years, providing Athena a free-carry to Definitive Feasibility Study thereafter (see press releases dated June 2, 2025, and August 22, 2025). Recently, Mammoth reported significant announcements from its ongoing exploration campaign (refer to Mammoth Minerals press release dated February 5, 2026). As of today, Athena remains a significant (>5%) shareholder of Mammoth Minerals Limited. Highlights from Mammoth Minerals (Excelsior Springs Project, Nevada) New assays from Mammoth's maiden diamond drilling program completed late last year returned shallow high-grade gold intercepts at the Buster Trend: 6.32m @ 2.10 g/t Au from 26m (MEXDD007), including: 1.0m @ 6.40 g/t Au from 27m 14.0m @ 0.99 g/t Au from 28.5m (MEXDD003), including: 2.0m @ 4.54 g/t Au from 40.5m 0.71m @ 15.76 g/t Au from 74.3m (MEXDD011) These intercepts build on previously reported results at the Buster Trend, including: 14.4m @ 4.33 g/t Au from 117m (MEXDD004), including: 3.1m @ 19.10 g/t Au from 119.36m; and 0.95m @ 15.98 g/t Au from 124.5m 25.5m @ 1.05 g/t Au from 35.45m (MEXDD001), including: 0.55m @ 26.7 g/t Au Detailed logging of diamond core may be indicative of a large-scale "Carlin-style" mineral system across the Buster Trend (Figure 1): Host lithology, geochemistry, and observed mineralization consistent with sediment-hosted type Carlin system. This interpretation materially changes the understanding of the potential scale of the gold system, repositioning exploration strategy to target Carlin-type gold mineralization. RC drilling has now commenced across the Buster Trend targeting Carlin-style gold, with the rig achieving over 140m per shift; assay results expected in approximately four weeks. The silver-rich polymetallic Blue Dick Zone has been further expanded, extending the known mineralized trend to over 3.5 km, with evidence for multiple untested parallel trends supported by newly staked tenure and extensive historical workings mapped from LiDAR, following up on previously reported rock chip results: 5,980 g/t Ag, 7.65 g/t Au, 0.66% Sb, 0.55% Cu, 3.85% Pb (C110873) 4,160 g/t Ag, 4.7 g/t Au, 0.36% Sb, 0.61% Cu (C110877) 78 g/t Ag, 10.25 g/t Au, 1.58% Pb, 2.41% Zn (C110892) Figure 1: Schematic of Carlin-type gold deposit model at Buster Trend, Excelsior Springs (source: Mammoth Minerals). Figure 2: Cross-section of MEXDD007 (source: Mammoth Minerals). Figure 3: Map over Blue Dick Trend, Excelsior Springs (source: Mammoth Minerals). Upcoming Drill Program at Laird Lake Project, Ontario A ~5,000m, eight-hole, diamond drilling program has been designed at Laird Lake, located in Ontario's world-class Red Lake Gold Camp. The drill program will leverage historical SkyTEM magnetic and electromagnetic data, which has been reprocessed to further refine targets prior to drilling, further details of which the Company plans to release in the near term. The Company applied for drill permits in September 2025 (see press release dated November 13, 2025) and completed a Species at Risk Mitigation Plan in December 2025. While the Company continues to experience ongoing delays in the permitting process, it remains fully committed to advancing the project and is optimistic that permits will be received in the near future to enable drilling to commence within the quarter. Athena is actively engaged with relevant stakeholders and regulatory authorities to support timely approval and looks forward to updating shareholders on progress. QUALIFIED PERSONS STATEMENT The technical information presented in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Benjamin Kuzmich, P.Geo., Vice President of Exploration for Athena Gold Corporation, and the Qualified Person for exploration at the Excelsior Springs Project, as defined by NI 43-101 "Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects". Readers are cautioned that historical records referred to in this press release have been examined but not verified by a Qualified Person. Further work is required to verify that historical records referred to in this press release are accurate. Information contained in this press release was taken from Mammoth Minerals Limited's recent press release dated February 5, 2026. About Athena Gold Corporation Athena is engaged in the business of mineral exploration and the acquisition of mineral property assets. Its objective is to locate and develop economic precious and base metal properties of merit and to conduct additional exploration drilling and studies on its projects across North America. Athena's Laird Lake project is situated in the Red Lake Gold District of Ontario, covering over 7,000 hectares along more than 10 km of the Balmer-Confederation Assemblage contact, where recent surface sampling results returned up to 373 g/t Au. This underexplored area is road-accessible, located about 10 km west of West Red Lake Gold's Madsen mine and 34 km northwest of Kinross Gold's Great Bear project. Meanwhile, its Excelsior Springs Project is located in the prolific Walker Lane Trend in Nevada, where it is currently under an earn-in option with Mammoth Minerals Limited (formerly, Firetail Resources Limited). The Excelsior Springs Project spans over 2,500 hectares and covers at least three historic mines. Athena also holds 100% interest in its Oneman Lake Au-VMS project in Ontario. For further information about Athena Gold Corporation, please visit www.athenagoldcorp.com. On Behalf of the Board of Directors Koby Kushner President and Chief Executive Officer, Athena Gold Corporation For further information, please contact: Athena Gold Corporation Koby Kushner, President and Chief Executive Officer Phone: 416-846-6164 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. CHF Capital Markets Cathy Hume, CEO Phone: 416-868-1079 x 251 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian and U.S. securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included herein, including, without limitation, statements regarding future exploration plans, future results from exploration, and the anticipated business plans and timing of future activities of the Company, are forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as: "believes", "will", "expects", "anticipates", "intends", "estimates", "plans", "may", "should", ''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 press release, the Company has applied several material assumptions, including without limitation, that there will be investor interest in future financings, market fundamentals will result in sustained precious metals demand and prices, the receipt of any necessary permits, licenses and regulatory approvals in connection with the future exploration and development of the Company's projects in a timely manner. 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. 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 press release or incorporated by reference herein, except as otherwise stated. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its regulation services provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Burlington, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - February 5, 2026) - Silver Bullet Mines Corp. (TSXV: SBMI) (OTCQB: SBMCF) ("SBMI" or "the Company") is pleased to announce it has added two more past producing mines in Arizona to its already impressive portfolio. These acquisitions are further validation of the Company's hub and spoke business model, with the Company's mill being the hub. These two acquisitions are two additional spokes, providing for possible near-term production, future development, and possibly for historical resources that might be advanced to NI43-101 standards. These two new acquisitions are the Columbia Mine and the Gold Queen Mine. These past producing mines are contiguous to each other and are located in Gila County, Arizona, less than 30 miles from SBMI's mill in Globe, Arizona. These two properties together consist of twelve BLM mineral claims previously held by Phelps Dodge Corporation, and host multiple past producing copper, gold and silver mines. The Company expects to disclose technical data concerning these two mines in the near future. The Company has carried out due diligence review of the material from the mines at its mill, and has determined the material can be processed at the mill and is suitable for recovery of the gold, silver and copper. SBMI is taking steps to ensure all requisite permits are current. SBMI is currently preparing access to the mines. The Company plans to immediately evaluate the stockpiles, and if thought advisable will ship some or all of them to its mill to recover what gold, silver and/or copper may be in them. The Company is also considering rehabilitating an existing crosscut at the 1300 foot level. The goals are to produce a saleable gold, silver and/or copper concentrate and to produce direct ship material (DSO) under contract with a major buyer. The DSO contract is in place subject to final material analysis. The acquisition price is a small cash payment. No shares or any form of royalty is involved. The Company believes no regulatory approval is required. The Company believes this is a major stepping stone to continue building a significant mining operation in Arizona. It also provides SBMI with the historic data necessary to carry out further work and establish a future compliant resource estimate with what the Company believes to be high potential. While the other properties in SBMIs portfolio have great potential for high grade material, the Columbia and Gold Queen Mines have the potential for both high grade and the ability to increase tonnage quickly. The Company believes this yet again confirms that its hub and spoke model is working. SBMI is able to complete all the necessary due diligence to make an informed decision in a very short period of time. The Company believes it has built a strong portfolio of excellent properties that will provide high grade feed to its wholly owned mill. Engineering is underway to expand the capacity of the mill. For further information: Cautionary and Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains certain statements that may constitute forward-looking statements as they relate to SBMI and its subsidiaries. Forward-looking statements are not historical facts but represent management's current expectation of future events, and can be identified by words such as "believe", "expects", "will", "intends", "plans", "projects", "anticipates", "estimates", "continues" and similar expressions. Although management believes that the expectations represented in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, there can be no assurance that they will prove to be correct. By their nature, forward-looking statements include assumptions and are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties that could cause actual future results, conditions, actions or events to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. If and when forward-looking statements are set out in this new release, SBMI will also set out the material risk factors or assumptions used to develop the forward-looking statements. Except as expressly required by applicable securities laws, SBMI assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements. The future outcomes that relate to forward-looking statements may be influenced by many factors, including but not limited to: the impact of SARS CoV-2 or any other global pathogen; reliance on key personnel; the thoroughness of its QA/QA procedures; the continuity of the global supply chain for materials for SBMI to use in the exploration for and the production and processing of mineralized material; the results of exploration and development activities; the results of mining and mill operations; shareholder and regulatory approvals; activities and attitudes of communities local to the location of the SBMI's properties; risks of future legal proceedings; income tax and tariff matters; fires, floods, snowfall, spring thaw and other natural phenomena; the rate of inflation; counterparty risk with respect to any buyer of the Company's products; availability and terms of financing; distribution of securities; commodities pricing; currency movements, especially as between the USD and CDN; effect of market interest rates on price of securities; and, potential dilution. SARS CoV-2 and other potential global pathogens create risks that at this time are immeasurable and impossible to define. TORONTO, ON / ACCESS Newswire / February 5, 2026 / Lahontan Gold Corp. (TSXV:LG) (OTCQB:LGCXF) (FSE:Y2F) (the "Company" or "Lahontan") is pleased to announce the first assay results from our 2025 Maiden drilling program at the Company's satellite West Santa Fe Project, located only 13 km from Lahontan's flagship Santa Fe Mine Project in Nevada's prolific Walker Lane. The first assay results for the first of six reverse-circulation rotary ("RC") drill holes (totaling 593 metres) completed at West Santa Fe are summarized below. Additional drill results are expected shortly. WSF25-06R: 54.9 metres (24.4 - 79.3m) grading 1.00 g/t Au Eq including 16.8 metres (27.4 - 44.2m) grading 1.75 g/t Au Eq: A shallow, thick, intercept of oxide gold mineralization confirming gold and silver mineralization reported in historic drill holes The intercepts reported above, and in the table below, are the down-hole depths. WSF25-06R was drilled at an inclination of -50 degrees, therefore the intercept begins at a depth from the surface of only 19 metres . West Santa Fe is a silver-rich system as shown below; individual silver intercepts range up to 176 g/t Ag (1.52m, 28.96 - 30.48m). Notes: Au Eq equals Au (g/t) + ((Ag g/t/60)*0.70). Silver grade for calculating Au Eq is adjusted to consider estimated metallurgical recovery reported by Kappes Cassiday (1982). True thickness of the intercepts is estimated to be 80-100% of the drilled interval. Numbers may not total precisely due to rounding. Kimberly Ann, Lahontan Executive Chair, President, CEO, and Founder commented: "The first assay results from our Maiden RC drilling campaign at West Santa Fe are particularly encouraging as the intervals drilled correspond to gold and silver mineralized zones identified in historic drilling. Our data base contains information on 171 drill holes totaling over 13,000 metres, validating this data base for use in future Mineral Resource Estimates is an important step in advancing West Santa Fe. Its proximity to the Santa Fe Mine makes the project an important part of the Company's strategy to grow gold and silver mineral resources that could potentially be exploited utilizing future mineral processing infrastructure at Santa Fe." Internal Lahontan grade modeling of the historic drilling suggests that the potential exists for a shallow, oxidized, disseminated gold and silver deposit at West Santa Fe. Most of the previous exploration drilling took place between 1980 and 1985, with sporadic additional drilling in the 1990s. Importantly, considerable amount of metallurgical test work has been completed on the project including cyanide column leach tests and conventional grinding with CIP precious metal recovery. In a summary report (dated September 20, 1982) reviewing all the available metallurgical test data, Kappes Cassiday and Associates concluded "a cyanide heap leach process will yield an overall recovery of 70% of contained gold and 50% of contained silver. The process will include crushing to below one inch and agglomeration." The 1982 metallurgical results mentioned above are historical in nature and were compiled from reports in the E & B Exploration archives. While these results suggest high recovery rates, a Qualified Person has not verified this data against modern standards. Therefore, these results should be considered illustrative of the potential of the property only and not relied upon as a current, verified, or representative estimate of recovery. The Company anticipates that additional metallurgical test work will be required to verify the historic data. Cross section through drill hole WSF25-06R, West Santa Fe project, Nevada. The results from this drill hole compare favorably with historic drilling, both in the tenor of mineralization and the geometry. The results in part validate the historic drill hole data and together, demonstrate that gold and silver mineralization is open down-dip to the north-northwest. Drill hole location map for WSF25-06R, West Santa Fe Project, Nevada. The surface projection of known mineralization based on historic drilling is shown in red. Proximity to the Santa Fe Mine project is highlighted by the inset map. Gold and silver mineralization at West Santa Fe is hosted by fine to medium grained limestone of the Triassic Pamlico Formation. In drill cuttings and on the surface, mineralized intervals are characterized by abundant iron oxides, mainly Goethite and Hematite, minor quartz veining, and weak to moderate de-calcification. Bedding and fault structures are important controls to higher grade gold and silver mineralization. The overall geologic setting of the system is very similar to the Santa Fe Mine project gold and silver deposits. QA/QC Protocols Lahontan conducts an industry standard QA/QC program for its core and RC drilling programs. The QA/QC program consisted of the insertion of coarse blanks and Certified Reference Materials (CRM) into the sample stream at random intervals. The targeted rate of insertion was one QA/QC sample for every 16 to 20 samples. Coarse blanks were inserted at a rate of one coarse blank for every 65 samples or approximately 1.5% of the total samples. CRM's were inserted at a rate of one CRM for every 20 samples or approximately 5% of the total samples. The standards utilized include three gold CRM's and one blank CRM that were purchased from MEG, LLC of Lamoille, Nevada (formerly Shea Clark Smith Laboratories of Reno, Nevada). Expected gold values are 0.188 g/t, 1.107 g/t, 10.188 g/t, and -0.005 g/t, respectively. CRM's with similar grades are inserted as the initial CRM's run out. The coarse blank material comprised of commercially available landscape gravel with an expected gold value of -0.005 g/t. As part of the RC drilling QA/QC process, duplicate samples were collected of every 20th sample interval at the drill rig to evaluate sampling methodology. Samples were collected from the reject splitter on the drill rig cyclone splitter. Samples were collected at each 95- to 100-foot (28.96 - 30.48m) mark and labeled with a "D" suffix on the sample bag. No duplicates were submitted for core. All drill samples were sent to American Assay Laboratories (AAL) in Sparks, Nevada, USA for analyses. Delivery to the lab was either by a Lahontan Gold employee or by an AAL driver. Analyses for all RC and core samples consisted of Au analysis using 30-gram fire assay with ICP finish, along with a 36-element geochemistry analysis performed on each sample utilizing two acid digestion ICP-AES method. Tellurium or 50-element analyses were performed on select drill holes utilizing ICP-MS method. Cyanide leach analyses, using a tumble time of 2 hours and analyzed with ICP-AES method, were performed on select drill holes for Au and Ag recovery. AAL inserts their own blanks, standards and conducts duplicate analyses to ensure proper sample preparation and equipment calibration. We have all results reported in grams per tonne (g/t). About Lahontan Gold Corp. Lahontan Gold Corp. is a Canadian mine development and mineral exploration company that holds, through its US subsidiaries, four gold and silver exploration properties in the Walker Lane of mining friendly Nevada. Lahontan's flagship property, the 28.3 km2 Santa Fe Mine project, had past production of 359,202 ounces of gold and 702,067 ounces of silver between 1988 and 1995 from open pit mines utilizing heap-leach processing. The Santa Fe Mine has a Canadian National Instrument 43-101 compliant Indicated Mineral Resource of 1,539,000 oz Au Eq(48,393,000 tonnes grading 0.92 g/t Au and 7.18 g/t Ag, together grading 0.99 g/t Au Eq) and an Inferred Mineral Resource of 411,000 oz Au Eq (16,760,000 grading 0.74 g/t Au and 3.25 g/t Ag, together grading 0.76 g/t Au Eq), all pit constrained (Au Eq is inclusive of recovery, please see Santa Fe Project Technical Report and note below*). The Company plans to continue advancing the Santa Fe Mine project towards production, update the Santa Fe Preliminary Economic Assessment, and drill test its satellite West Santa Fe project during 2025. For more information, please visit our website: www.lahontangoldcorp.com * Please see the "Preliminary Economic Assessment, NI 43-101 Technical Report, Santa Fe Project", Authors: Kenji Umeno, P. Eng., Thomas Dyer, PE, Kyle Murphy, PE, Trevor Rabb, P. Geo, Darcy Baker, PhD, P. Geo., and John M. Young, SME-RM; Effective Date: December 10, 2024, Report Date: January 24, 2025. The Technical Report is available on the Company's website and SEDAR+. Mineral resources are reported using a cut-off grade of 0.15 g/t AuEq for oxide resources and 0.60 g/t AuEq for non-oxide resources. AuEq for the purpose of cut-off grade and reporting the Mineral Resources is based on the following assumptions gold price of US$1,950/oz gold, silver price of US$23.50/oz silver, and oxide gold recoveries ranging from 28% to 79%, oxide silver recoveries ranging from 8% to 30%, and non-oxide gold and silver recoveries of 71%. Qualified Person Brian J. Maher, M.Sc., CPG-12342, is a "Qualified Person" as defined under Canadian National Instrument 43-101, Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, and has reviewed and approved the content of this news release in respect of all technical disclosure other than the Mineral Resource Estimate as noted above. Mr. Maher is Vice President-Exploration for Lahontan Gold and has verified the data disclosed in this news release, including the sampling, analytical and test data underlying the disclosure. On behalf of the Board of Directors Kimberly Ann Founder, CEO, President, and Director FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: Lahontan Gold Corp. Kimberly Ann Founder, Chief Executive Officer, President, Director Phone: 1-530-414-4400 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Website: www.lahontangoldcorp.com Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements 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. 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. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates 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 statements including, but not limited to delays or uncertainties with regulatory approvals, including that of the TSXV. There are uncertainties inherent in forward-looking information, including factors beyond the Company's control. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change except as required by law. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Additional information identifying risks and uncertainties that could affect financial results is contained in the Company's filings with Canadian securities regulators, which filings are available at www.sedar.com Lead, South Dakota--(Newsfile Corp. - February 5, 2026) - Dakota Gold Corp. (NYSE American: DC) ("Dakota Gold" or the "Company") is pleased to report additional drill results from the Richmond Hill Oxide Heap Leach Gold Project ("Richmond Hill" or the "Project") and provide silver assay results received to date from the 2025 drill campaign. Richmond Hill hosts a large resource including 3.65 million ounces ("oz") of measured and indicated ("M&I") gold and 2.61 million oz of inferred gold, as well as 38.1 million oz of M&I silver and 22.8 million oz of inferred silver outlined in the S-K 1300 Initial Assessment published on February 6, 2025. Gold and silver assay results from the 2025 and 2026 drill campaigns at Richmond Hill will be incorporated into a Pre-Feasibility Study being published in the second half of 2026. Highlights from this update include: Expansion drill hole RH25C-310 intersected 5.00 grams per tonne gold (g/t Au) and 28.64 g/t silver (Ag) over 24.9 meters (124 gram meters Au), including 60.82 g/t Au and 61.68 g/t Ag over 1.5 meters (89 gram meters Au) and RH25C-348 intersected 2.46 g/t Au and 19.16 g/t Ag over 32.7 meters (81 gram meters Au). RH25C-310 is a 194 meter (635 feet) north step-out and RH25C-348 is a 87 meter (285 feet) northwest step-out from the current measured and indicated resource boundary. The mineralization in the northeast is only limited by drilling and remains open in all directions. The 2025 northeast expansion drill program covered an area of 300 meters (980 ft) north - south and 535 meters (1,750 ft) east - west. Infill drill hole RH25C-328 intersected 2.49 g/t Au and 16.63 g/t Ag over 26.9 meters (67 gram meters Au), including 18.60 g/t Au and 41.20 g/t Ag over 1.8 meters (34 gram meters Au). Many higher-grade gold mineralization intersections encountered in the 2025 campaign including infill hole RH25C-328 exceed the average grade of 0.566 g/t Au published in the July 7, 2025, Initial Assessment with Cash Flow ("IACF") measured and indicated mine plan. Richmond Hill's heap leach gold resource is complimented by a large silver resource. Many high-grade silver assay results are shown in Table 2 from the 2025 drill campaign including: RH25C-164 intersected 1.94 g/t Au and 34.88 g/t Ag over 60.0 meters RH25C-169 intersected 2.78 g/t Au and 42.07 g/t Ag over 39.3 meters RH25C-209 intersected 1.40 g/t Au and 34.82 g/t Ag over 73.5 meters RH25C-166 intersected 2.25 g/t Au and 27.91 g/t Ag over 44.3 meters RH25C-236 intersected 8.17 g/t Au and 11.02 g/t Ag over 11.3 meters RH25C-171 intersected 1.50 g/t Au and 24.08 g/t Ag over 62.1 meters RH25C-215 intersected 1.72 g/t Au and 34.75 g/t Ag over 42.7 meters Many high-grade silver assay results are shown in Table 2 from the 2025 drill campaign including: Jack Henris, President and COO of Dakota Gold said, "I am pleased with the results received to date from the 2025 drill campaign at Richmond Hill which included 242 drill holes. Assays from 37 drill holes are pending release including many from northeast expansion drilling, which will be reported as they are received in the next few weeks. The Company has now begun its 2026 drill campaign at Richmond Hill including 15,481 meters of drilling in 109 holes to follow up on the success from 2025. Two drills are in operation and we expect to complete the 2026 campaign in the third quarter of this year." Shawn Campbell, Chief Financial Officer added, "We are pleased to be advancing a project that in addition to gold, hosts a considerable amount of silver. Silver was recently designated as a Critical Mineral in the United States, and the Richmond Hill project has the potential to support domestic supply and contribute to the nation's long-term mineral security. We look forward to incorporating the gold and silver results into the Pre-Feasibility Study. This work will enable the Company to report reserves in 2026, further de-risking the Project as it advances along its path to expected production in 2029." Figure 1. Plan Map showing location of Dakota Gold Corp. Richmond Hill 2025 Drill Campaign drill results reported today in Table 1. Table 1. Richmond Hill Drill Results (Metric / Imperial)1,2,3,4,5 Hole # From (m) To (m) Interval (m) Grade Au (g/t) g x m Au Grade Ag (g/t) g x m Ag From (ft) To (ft) Interval (ft) Grade Au (oz/ton) RH25C-233 2.0 5.5 3.6 0.51 2 1.76 6 6.5 18.2 11.7 0.015 11.5 24.7 13.2 1.27 17 4.87 64 37.7 80.9 43.2 0.037 47.0 53.8 6.8 0.64 4 15.02 103 154.2 176.6 22.4 0.019 79.9 84.5 4.7 2.63 12 11.91 56 262.0 277.3 15.3 0.077 110.1 116.2 6.2 0.87 5 11.01 68 361.1 381.3 20.2 0.025 RH25C-308 16.2 22.2 5.9 1.04 6 47.83 284 53.3 72.8 19.5 0.03 34.8 38.7 3.9 0.63 2 5.82 23 114.2 127.1 12.9 0.018 RH25C-310 78.3 103.2 24.9 5.00 124 28.64 712 257.0 338.6 81.6 0.146 inc. 95.1 96.6 1.5 60.82 89 61.68 90 312.0 316.8 4.8 1.774 RH25C-326 37.6 40.8 3.1 1.50 5 1.34 4 123.5 133.8 10.3 0.044 94.4 105.4 11.0 0.83 9 5.33 59 309.6 345.7 36.1 0.024 108.8 113.1 4.3 0.74 3 44.61 192 357.0 371.1 14.1 0.021 126.5 131.3 4.8 3.07 15 107.90 523 414.9 430.8 15.9 0.09 RH25C-327 77.9 93.0 15.1 1.36 20 22.45 338 255.7 305.1 49.4 0.039 RH25C-328 91.9 118.8 26.9 2.49 67 16.63 448 301.6 389.9 88.3 0.073 inc. 96.6 98.4 1.8 18.60 34 41.20 75 316.8 322.8 6.0 0.543 RH25C-329 48.3 84.0 35.7 1.00 36 10.23 365 158.4 275.6 117.2 0.029 RH25C-330 75.3 85.7 10.4 1.03 11 17.86 186 247.0 281.2 34.2 0.03 RH25C-332 62.1 68.0 5.9 0.76 4 68.78 405 203.7 223.0 19.3 0.022 RH25C-333 20.1 28.3 8.1 2.92 24 6.56 53 66.1 92.8 26.7 0.085 47.1 52.7 5.6 0.83 5 9.30 52 154.5 173.0 18.5 0.024 69.5 73.6 4.1 1.26 5 45.22 185 228.1 241.5 13.4 0.037 78.2 83.2 5.0 1.69 8 25.67 128 256.6 272.9 16.3 0.049 RH25C-334 56.4 61.6 5.2 0.63 3 2.30 12 185.0 202.2 17.2 0.018 70.8 75.5 4.7 0.61 3 63.16 295 232.4 247.7 15.3 0.018 RH25C-335 36.0 46.0 10.1 0.64 6 9.05 91 118.0 151.0 33.0 0.019 53.3 58.8 5.5 1.73 9 200.96 1105 175.0 193.0 18.0 0.05 RH25C-336 52.7 71.3 18.6 1.15 21 23.18 431 173.0 234.0 61.0 0.034 RH25C-337 109.7 112.8 3.0 0.63 2 2.44 7 360.0 370.0 10.0 0.018 RH25C-339 No Significant Results RH25C-346 57.2 60.8 3.6 1.08 4 6.31 23 187.7 199.5 11.8 0.032 71.3 79.1 7.8 0.61 5 22.40 175 234.0 259.6 25.6 0.018 RH25C-348 57.8 90.5 32.7 2.46 81 19.16 627 189.6 297.0 107.4 0.072 RH25C-351 57.1 65.2 8.1 0.68 6 1.87 15 187.3 214.0 26.7 0.02 71.3 77.9 6.6 0.73 5 26.78 176 234.0 255.5 21.5 0.021 RH25C-352 82.7 94.2 11.5 0.86 10 52.20 601 271.3 309.1 37.8 0.025 RH25C-357 55.2 61.0 5.8 0.91 5 3.85 22 181.0 200.0 19.0 0.027 BG-GW-09A 10.7 25.9 15.2 0.83 13 28.82 439 35.0 85.0 50.0 0.024 The table may contain rounding errors. Abbreviations in the table include ounces per ton ("oz/ton"); grams per tonne ("g/t"); feet ("ft"); meter ("m"); gram meters ("g x m"). True thickness unknown. Intervals calculated based on 0.5 g/t Au cut-off and maximum dilution of 3.05 meters. The July 7, 2025, Initial Assessment with Cash Flow has an open pit designed with 12.2m (40 ft) benches. The average grade for the Measured and Indicated mine plan is 0.566 g/t Au (0.017 oz/ton). A gram meter of 7 and above has been highlighted in Table 1 based on the bench height and average grade. The following monitoring water well hole drilled outside of the resource area for permitting has confirmed no significant gold mineralization: BG-GW-07; BG-GW-03 Silver Assay Results Update Silver's addition to the Department of the Interior, U.S. Geological Survey Critical Minerals list in November 20251 underscores growing federal recognition of its importance to the U.S. economy and national security. With industrial demand rising rapidlydriven by solar, AI data centers, electric vehicles, and next-generation electronicsdomestic supply remains limited. This designation highlights silver as a strategically important metal and reinforces the value of projects like Richmond Hill, which has the potential to contribute to U.S.-based silver production. On July 7th, 2025, the Company published an IACF for Richmond Hill using a base case silver price of $29.00/oz. The IACF outlined 8.7 million ounces of silver production over the 17-year measured and indicated (M&I") mine plan, and 12.9 million ounces of silver production over the 28-year measured, indicated and inferred ('MI&I") mine plan. The Company is undertaking a Pre-Feasibility Study for Richmond Hill and silver will be an important complement to our projected gold production. The final silver product at Richmond Hill is anticipated to be in metal bar form, which can be refined within the U.S. Table 2 below lists each of the zones for the initial 5 phases of mining with gold and silver assays for select highlight holes from the 2025 drill campaign. A comprehensive table of results will be provided once all assays have been received from the 2025 drill campaign in the coming weeks. Table 2. Richmond Hill table of zones for the initial 5 phases of mining with gold and silver assays for select highlight holes from the 2025 drill campaign (Metric / Imperial)1,2,3 Hole # From (m) To (m) Interval (m) Grade Au (g/t) g x m Au Grade Ag (g/t) g x m Ag From (ft) To (ft) Interval (ft) Grade Au (oz/ton) MW3 Main RH25C-164 7.1 67.1 60.0 1.94 116 34.88 2093 23.3 220.0 196.7 0.057 RH25C-169 20.1 59.4 39.3 2.78 109 42.07 1652 66.0 194.8 128.8 0.081 RH25C-166 10.5 54.9 44.3 2.25 100 27.91 1236 34.6 180.0 145.4 0.066 RH25C-171 16.5 78.6 62.1 1.50 93 24.08 1496 54.2 258.0 203.8 0.044 RH25C-200 22.8 56.2 33.4 2.25 75 26.19 876 74.7 184.4 109.7 0.065 RH25C-167 17.5 51.8 34.3 2.10 72 28.04 962 57.4 170.0 112.6 0.061 RH25C-170 19.0 59.0 40.1 1.23 49 24.26 973 62.3 193.7 131.4 0.036 MW3 East RH25C-162 39.6 83.1 43.4 1.85 80 25.39 1102 129.8 272.8 143.0 0.054 RH25C-234 34.3 62.6 28.3 1.88 53 27.92 790 112.5 205.3 92.8 0.055 RH25C-156 40.0 70.2 30.2 1.24 37 16.74 506 131.2 230.3 99.1 0.036 RH25C-160 32.8 61.1 28.3 1.30 37 24.71 699 107.6 200.3 92.7 0.038 Chism Gulch RH25C-310 78.3 103.2 24.9 5.00 124 28.64 712 257.0 338.6 81.6 0.146 inc. 95.1 96.6 1.5 60.82 89 61.68 90 312.0 316.8 4.8 1.774 RH25C-348 57.8 90.5 32.7 2.46 81 19.16 627 189.6 297.0 107.4 0.072 RH25C-303 101.1 116.3 15.2 4.52 69 15.39 235 331.6 381.6 50.0 0.132 inc. 111.4 113.2 1.8 31.90 57 37.90 68 365.5 371.4 5.9 0.930 RH25C-323 110.3 141.5 31.1 2.19 68 4.27 133 362.0 464.1 102.1 0.064 inc. 134.8 136.3 1.5 17.35 26 13.95 21 442.3 447.2 4.9 0.506 RH25C-328 91.9 118.8 26.9 2.49 67 16.63 448 301.6 389.9 88.3 0.073 inc. 96.6 98.4 1.8 18.60 34 41.20 86 316.8 322.8 6.0 0.543 RH25C-270 30.5 59.7 29.2 2.26 66 18.17 531 100.1 196.0 95.9 0.066 RH25C-295 5.5 35.4 30.0 2.15 65 20.99 630 17.9 116.3 98.4 0.063 RH25C-288 87.7 102.2 14.5 4.15 60 16.61 242 287.7 335.4 47.7 0.121 inc. 92.2 93.5 1.2 29.20 36 48.90 60 302.6 306.6 4.0 0.852 RH25C-319 33.5 81.1 47.6 1.18 56 4.47 213 109.9 266.0 156.1 0.034 RH25C-261 37.0 54.3 17.3 2.87 50 18.41 318 121.4 178.0 56.6 0.084 RH25C-256 36.4 48.9 12.5 3.76 47 26.66 332 119.5 160.4 40.9 0.110 inc. 36.4 38.0 1.6 23.20 37 29.90 47 119.5 124.7 5.2 0.677 RH25C-313 20.0 45.7 25.7 1.74 45 22.89 589 65.6 150.0 84.4 0.051 RH25C-307 102.7 132.9 30.2 1.43 43 17.26 521 337.0 436.0 99.0 0.042 Cole Creek RH25C-209 14.3 87.5 73.5 1.40 103 34.82 2558 47.0 287.0 241.0 0.041 RH25C-211 16.2 68.5 52.3 1.55 81 16.83 881 53.0 224.7 171.7 0.045 RH25C-204 20.6 83.1 62.5 1.22 76 15.35 959 67.5 272.5 205.0 0.036 RH25C-241 177.3 197.8 20.5 3.72 76 10.88 223 581.8 649.1 67.3 0.109 inc. 191.8 193.2 1.5 28.20 41 43.00 63 629.2 634.0 4.8 0.823 RH25C-215 28.3 71.0 42.7 1.72 74 34.75 1483 93.0 233.0 140.0 0.050 RH25C-207 15.1 48.6 33.5 1.31 44 13.68 459 49.4 159.4 110.0 0.038 RH25C-190 140.7 155.2 14.5 2.96 43 16.34 237 461.5 509.1 47.6 0.086 RH25C-195 108.2 140.3 32.1 1.21 39 21.02 675 355.0 460.4 105.4 0.035 Twin Tunnels RH25C-236 0.0 11.3 11.3 8.17 93 11.02 125 0.0 37.2 37.2 0.238 RH25C-230 20.3 82.3 62.0 0.67 42 9.37 581 66.6 270.0 203.4 0.020 RH25C-222 27.9 59.1 31.2 0.96 30 8.54 267 91.6 194.0 102.4 0.028 The table may contain rounding errors. Abbreviations in the table include ounces per ton ("oz/ton"); grams per tonne ("g/t"); feet ("ft"); meter ("m"); gram meters ("g x m"). True thickness unknown. Intervals calculated based on 0.5 g/t Au cut-off and maximum dilution of 3.05 meters. About Dakota Gold Corp. Dakota Gold is expanding the legacy of the 145-year-old Homestake Gold Mining District by advancing the Richmond Hill Oxide Heap Leach Gold Project to commercial production as soon as 2029, and outlining a Tertiary maiden resource as well as a high-grade underground gold resource at the Maitland Gold Project, both located on private land in South Dakota. Subscribe to Dakota Gold's e-mail list at www.dakotagoldcorp.com to receive the latest news and other Company updates. Qualified Person and S-K 1300 Disclosure James M. Berry, a Registered Member of SME and Vice President of Exploration of Dakota Gold Corp., is the Company's designated qualified person (as defined in Subpart 1300 of Regulation S-K) for this news release and has reviewed and approved its scientific and technical content. Quality Assurance/Quality Control consists of regular insertion of certified reference materials, duplicate samples, and blanks into the sample stream. Samples are submitted to the ALS Geochemistry sample preparation facility in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Gold and multi-element analyses are performed at the ALS Geochemistry laboratory in Vancouver, British Columbia. ALS Minerals is an ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited lab. Check samples are submitted to Bureau Veritas, Vancouver B.C. as an umpire laboratory. Assay results are reviewed, and discrepancies are investigated prior to incorporation into the Company database. Forward-Looking Statements This communication contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. When used in this communication, the words "plan," "target," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "intend," "potential," "will" and "expect" and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Any express or implied statements contained in this communication that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements, including, without limitation: our expectations regarding additional drilling, metallurgy and modeling; our expectations for the improvement and growth of the mineral resources and potential for conversion of mineral resources into reserves; completion of a pre-feasibility study, a feasibility study, and/or permitting; our expectations regarding free cash flow and future financing, and our overall expectation for the possibility of near-term production at the Richmond Hill project. These forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and expectations that may not be realized and are inherently subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from these statements. These risks and uncertainties include, among others: the execution and timing of our planned exploration activities; our use and evaluation of historic data; our ability to achieve our strategic goals; the state of the economy and financial markets generally and the effect on our industry; and the market for our common stock. The foregoing list is not exhaustive. For additional information regarding factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in our forward-looking statements, we refer you to the risk factors included in Item 1A of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, as updated by annual, quarterly and current reports that we file with the SEC, which are available at www.sec.gov. We caution investors not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements contained in this communication. These statements speak only as of the date of this communication, and we undertake no obligation to update or revise these statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by law. We do not give any assurance that we will achieve our expectations. All references to "$" in this communication are to U.S. dollars unless otherwise stated. 1 https://www.usgs.gov/news/science-snippet/interior-department-releases-final-2025-list-critical-minerals VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / February 5, 2026 /Relevant Gold Corp. (TSXV:RGC) (OTCQB:RGCCF) ("Relevant Gold" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Larry Taddei, CPA, CA, as an Independent Director, effective immediately, and the engagement of Ms. Mal Karwowska as a Strategic Advisor to the Board, with the intention that Ms. Karwowska will stand for election to the Board at the Company's next Annual General Meeting. "The appointments of Larry Taddei and Mal Karwowska reflect Relevant Gold's commitment to strengthening our governance and strategic leadership," said Board Chair Sarah Weber. "Larry brings deep expertise in capital markets, financial oversight, and corporate governance, while Mal contributes a strong strategic perspective and extensive capital markets experience. Together, they broaden our corporate foundation and enhance the Board's capacity to drive disciplined growth and long-term shareholder value." Larry Taddei - Independent Director Mr. Taddei is a highly experienced senior mining executive and corporate director with more than three decades of leadership in finance, capital markets, governance, and M&A primarily within the mining sector. He brings deep experience spanning exploration, development, mine construction, and production, with operational and transactional exposure in Canada, the United States, Mexico, and Peru. From 2010 to 2022, Mr. Taddei served as Chief Financial Officer of MAG Silver Corp. (TSX: MAG; NYSE American: MAG), where he was a key member of the executive team that built the company into a ~C$2 billion market-capitalization silver, gold, lead, zinc producer. During his tenure, he led more than C$500 million in equity financings, negotiated a US$40 million revolving credit facility, oversaw Canadian and U.S. public listings, and played a central role in corporate strategy, technical disclosure, governance frameworks, and ESG advancement. He worked extensively on PEA and feasibility-level technical reports, including detailed mine modeling with independent consultants. Mr. Taddei currently serves as a director of GR Silver Mining Ltd. where he chairs the Compensation Committee and of Africa Energy Corp. where he chairs Audit Committee. He has extensive experience across audit, compensation, and governance oversight. Earlier in his career, he held CFO roles at West Timmins Mining Inc., guiding the company through the 2008 financial crisis and its C$424 million merger with Lake Shore Gold, and at Gold Hawk Resources Inc., where he supported the restart and financing of an underground polymetallic mine in Peru. Mr. Taddei is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CA), an Accredited Director (Chartered Governance Institute of Canada), and holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of British Columbia. "Relevant Gold has assembled a strong technical and leadership team with a clear focus on disciplined exploration and governance. I look forward to contributing my experience in capital markets, financial oversight, and strategic decision-making as the Company advances its projects," Larry Taddei stated. Mal Karwowska - Strategic Advisor to the Board Relevant Gold also announces the appointment of Ms. Mal Karwowska as Strategic Advisor to the Board, effective immediately. The Company intends to nominate Ms. Karwowska for election as a director at its next AGM, subject to shareholder approval. Ms. Karwowska brings over 17 years of experience in the mining industry with a focus on corporate development, capital markets, investor relations, and principal investing. She is currently Vice President, Corporate Development & Investor Relations at Newcore Gold Ltd., where she has played a key role in corporate strategy and shareholder engagement. Previously, Ms. Karwowska held roles in investment banking with National Bank Financial, where she advised mining companies on equity financings and strategic transactions. She also worked in principal investing with Pacific Road Capital Management as well as Liberty Metals & Mining Holdings, LLC, where she focused on portfolio management and asset evaluation. In addition, Ms. Karwowska held corporate development roles with Oxygen Capital Corp. and First Mining Gold Corp., contributing to corporate strategy, asset evaluation, and capital markets initiatives. This experience provides her with a broad perspective across public markets, private capital, and corporate development within the mining sector. Ms. Karwowska holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Finance and Accounting from the Sauder School of Business at the University of British Columbia. "Relevant Gold's project portfolio and methodical approach to value creation are compelling. I am pleased to support the Board in a strategic advisory capacity and look forward to working closely with the team as the Company progresses toward its next stage of growth," commented Mal Karwowska. About Relevant Gold Corp. Relevant Gold Corp. is a North American gold exploration company founded by experienced exploration geologists and operated by a highly respected team with a proven record of significant value creation for shareholders. Relevant Gold is focused on the acquisition, exploration, discovery, and development of district-scale gold projects in the state of Wyoming - one of the most mining-friendly jurisdictions in the United States and globally. On behalf of Relevant Gold Corp., Rob Bergmann, Chief Executive Officer More information Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. For further information about Relevant Gold Corp. or this news release, please visit our website at www.relevantgoldcorp.com or contact Rob Bergmann, President and CEO, or Kristopher Jensen, Manager of Investor Relations, at 763-760-4886 or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements and Historical Information This news release contains certain statements that constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. These statements relate to future events of Relevant Gold Corp. ("Relevant" or "Relevant Gold" or "the Company"). Any statements 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 "seek", "anticipate", "plan", "continue", "estimate", "expect", "forecast", "may", "will", "project", "predict", "potential", "targeting", "intend", "could", "might", "should", "believe", "outlook" and similar expressions) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward looking information. Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Such risks include, among others, the inherent risk of the mining industry; adverse economic and market developments; the risk that the Company will not be successful in completing additional acquisitions; risks relating to the estimation of mineral resources; the possibility that the Company's estimated burn rate may be higher than anticipated; risks of unexpected cost increases; risks of labour shortages; risks relating to exploration and development activities; risks relating to future prices of mineral resources; risks related to work site accidents, risks related to geological uncertainties and variations; risks related to government and community support of the company's projects; risks related to global pandemics and other risks related to the mining industry. The Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking information are reasonable, but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forwardlooking information should not be unduly relied upon. These statements speak only as of the date of this news release. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update any forwardlooking information except as required by law. This document does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, securities of the Company in Canada, the United States or any other jurisdiction. Any such offer to sell or solicitation of an offer to buy the securities described herein will be made only pursuant to subscription documentation between the Company and prospective purchasers. Any such offering will be made in reliance upon exemptions from the prospectus and registration requirements under applicable securities laws, pursuant to a subscription agreement to be entered into by the Company and prospective investors. The scientific and technical contents of this release have been approved by Mr. Brian C. Lentz, CPG #11999, Chief Exploration Officer of the Company, who is a "Qualified Person" as defined by Canadian National Instrument 43-101 (Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects). Mr. Lentz is not independent of the Company. VANCOUVER, BC, Feb. 5, 2026 /CNW/ - Helius Minerals Limited ("Helius" or the "Company") (TSXV: HHH) is pleased to announce the closing of its previously announced "best efforts" private placement of a combination of 832,150 units of the Company (the "Units") and 12,481,850 subscription receipts of the Company (the "Subscription Receipts" and, together with the Units, the "Offered Securities"), at a price per Offered Security of $3.00 (the "Issue Price") for aggregate gross proceeds to the Company of $39,942,000 (the "Offering"). Beacon Securities Limited ("Beacon" or the "Agent") acted as sole agent and sole bookrunner. The Offering was conducted in conjunction with the Company's planned acquisition of the Serra Pelada Gold PGM project in Para State, Brazil (the "Project") as announced in Helius' news releases of March 4, 2025, March 25, 2025, May 9, 2025, August 11, 2025 and October 23, 2025 (the "Transaction"). The terms of the Transaction are set forth in the Exclusivity, Share Option and Acquisition Agreement dated as of March 3, 2025, as amended by an amending agreement dated October 22, 2025 (together the "Definitive Agreement"), between the Company and Colossus Minerals Inc. ("Colossus"). Under the Definitive Agreement, the Company has the binding right, and intends, to exercise an option (the "Option") to acquire the Project by acquiring all of the quotas (the "Acquisition") of Colossus' Brazilian subsidiaries, Colossus Mineracao Ltda. ("Colossus Brazil") and Mineracao Fazenda Monte Belo Ltda (together with Colossus Brazil, the "Colossus Subsidiaries"). Colossus Brazil holds a 75% interest in a partnership called Serra Pelada - Companhia de Desenvolvimento Mineral, which is the registered and beneficial owner of all right, title and interest in and to the mining rights, concessions and other assets that comprise the Project. The closing of the Transaction and completion of the Acquisition (the "Transaction Closing") are subject to, among other conditions, receipt of all required shareholder, board of directors, regulatory and stock exchange approvals in connection with the Transaction, including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV") and certain creditor and regulatory approvals of the debt and rehabilitation plans designed to facilitate the Acquisition and restart of the Project. Each subscriber's investment was allocated in Units and Subscription Receipts in an amount pro rata to the total Offering. Each Unit consists of one common share of the Company (a "Unit Share" and each common share of the Company, a "Common Share") and one-half of one Common Share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant is exercisable to acquire one Common Share (a "Warrant Share") at a price of $4.50 per Warrant Share, and for an exercise period of 3 years from the date of issuance. If, at any time after (a) the statutory four-month hold period following the issuance of the Units, or (b) in respect of the Units upon exercise of the Subscription Receipts, the later of (i) the statutory four-month hold period following the issuance of the Units upon exercise of the Subscription Receipts, and (ii) the satisfaction or waiver (to the extent permitted by Beacon), as applicable, of the Escrow Release Conditions (as defined below), the daily volume-weighted average price of the Common Shares on the TSXV is at or above $6.75 for 20 consecutive trading days, the Company may accelerate the expiry of the Warrants by issuing a news release to that effect, in which case the Warrants will expire 30 days following the date of such news release. Pursuant to the subscription receipt agreement entered into between the Company, Beacon and Computershare Trust Company of Canada, as subscription receipt agent (the "Subscription Receipt Agent"), $36,461,423 (the "Escrowed Funds"), being the gross proceeds from the sale of Subscription Receipts less certain expenses of the Agent and 50% of the Agent's Fees (as defined below) with respect to the sale of Subscription Receipts, was placed into escrow with the Subscription Receipt Agent and will be released to the Company subject to and the completion or satisfaction of escrow release conditions as set out in the Subscription Receipt Agreement (the "Escrow Release Conditions"). In the event that the Subscription Receipt Agent does not receive a joint release notice (the "Release Notice") prior to 5:00 p.m. (Toronto time) on the date (the "Release Deadline") that is 5 months after the date of closing of the Offering (the "Closing Date"), the holders of the Subscription Receipts will automatically be entitled to a pro rata portion of interest and income earned on the Escrowed Funds from and after the Closing Date, accrued monthly and to be paid (net of any applicable withholding tax) on a pro rata basis to the holders of the Subscription Receipts upon satisfaction or waiver of the Escrow Release Conditions and release of the Escrowed Funds to the Company. In the event that the Subscription Receipt Agent does not receive the Release Notice prior to the Release Deadline, each holder of Subscription Receipts will be entitled to request the Subscription Receipt Agent to return the aggregate Issue Price paid by the holder for Subscription Receipts, and upon the receipt of such request, the Company will return to such requesting holder within two business days of such request, an amount equal to the aggregate Issue Price of the Subscription Receipts held by such holder and its pro rata portion of any interest and income earned on the Escrowed Funds from and after the Closing Date. Upon the termination of the Definitive Agreement or if the Company advises the Agent or announces to the public that it does not intend or is unable to satisfy the Escrow Release Conditions or proceed with the Transaction Closing and/or the Acquisition (each a "Termination Event"), the Subscription Receipt Agent will return to holders of Subscription Receipts, within two business days of the Termination Event, an amount equal to the aggregate Issue Price of the Subscription Receipts held by them and their pro rata portion of any interest and income earned on the Escrowed Funds (net of any applicable withholding tax). The Company will be responsible and liable to the holders of Subscription Receipts for, and the Company shall promptly deliver funds to the Subscription Receipt Agent in an amount equal to the amount of, any shortfall between the aggregate Issue Price of the Subscription Receipts and the Escrowed Funds. The Company intends to use the net proceeds of the Units for professional expenses and overhead, and general working capital purposes in advance of the Transaction Closing. The Company intends to use the net proceeds of the Subscription Receipts to satisfy the Transaction Closing conditions and complete the Acquisition, as well as for the exploration and development of the Project, working capital and general corporate purposes. In connection with the Offering, the Company (i) paid to the Agent cash fees of $901,418 (together, the "Agent's Fees"), including 50% of the fees payable with respect to the sale of the Subscription Receipts; and (ii) issued to the Agent an aggregate of 565,436 compensation options (the "Compensation Options"). The remaining 50% of the Agent's Fees with respect to the sale of Subscription Receipts, will be held in escrow by the Subscription Receipt Agent and such Agent's Fees shall be released to the Agent upon satisfaction or waiver, as applicable, of the Escrow Release Conditions. Each Compensation Option issued in respect of the sale of Units is exercisable to purchase one Common Share (a "Compensation Option Share") at the Issue Price for a period that is the same as the exercise period of the Warrants. Each Compensation Option issued in respect of the Subscription Receipts will, upon the satisfaction or waiver, as applicable, of the Escrow Release Conditions and the release of the Escrowed Funds, become exercisable to purchase one Compensation Option Share at the Issue Price (subject to any necessary adjustments) for a period that will be the same as the exercise period of the Warrants underlying the Subscription Receipts. The Units, Unit Shares, Warrants, Warrant Shares, Compensation Options and Compensation Option Shares shall be subject to a hold period in Canada under applicable Canadian securities laws ending on the date that is four months and one day following the Closing Date. The Offered Securities were offered for sale to (i) "accredited investors" resident in all provinces of Canada subject to compliance with applicable securities regulatory requirements and pursuant to private placement exemptions as set out in National Instrument 45-106 Prospectus Exemptions and (ii) in jurisdictions other than Canada including in the United States pursuant to available exemptions from the registration requirements of the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), and applicable U.S. state securities laws. About Helius Minerals Limited Helius is a mineral exploration company focused on the identification and development of high-quality mineral assets across the Americas, with an emphasis on South American jurisdictions. On behalf of the Board of Directors, Helius Minerals Limited Christian Grainger (PhD, AIG) President and CEO M: +57 3146364676 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Website: www.heliusminerals.com Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release. CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS: This news release may contain forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws ("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. These forward-looking statements, include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the closing of the Transaction, the satisfaction of the Escrow Release Conditions, the intended use of proceeds of the Offering, the receipt of applicable regulatory approvals and the Transaction Closing. These forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties which could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those reflected in the forward-looking statements, including, without limitation: the uncertainties inherent to current and future legal challenges that face the Project and Colossus and its subsidiaries; controls, regulations, and political or economic developments in Brazil; changes in national and local government legislation in Canada and Brazil; the lack of certainty with respect to foreign legal systems, which may not be immune from the influence of political pressure, corruption or other factors that are inconsistent with the rule of law; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development, including the risks of obtaining and maintaining the validity and enforceability of the necessary licenses and permits and complying with the permitting requirements of Brazil; fluctuations in the international currency markets and in the rates of exchange of the currencies of Canada, the United States and Brazil; significant capital requirements; risks related to fluctuations in metal prices; uncertainties related to raising sufficient financing to fund exploration work in a timely manner and on acceptable terms; changes in planned work resulting from weather, logistical, technical or other factors; the possibility that results of work will not fulfill expectations and realize the perceived potential of the Project; risk of accidents, equipment breakdowns and labour disputes or other unanticipated difficulties or interruptions; the possibility of cost overruns or unanticipated expenses in conducting work programs; the risk of environmental contamination or damage resulting from Helius' operations and other risks and uncertainties. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date it is made and, except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 5, 2026) - Silver Elephant Mining Corp. (TSX: ELEF) (OTCQB: SILEF) (FSE: 1P2) ("Silver Elephant" or the "Company") announces that it has resumed trucking of silver-bearing mineralized material from the Company's on-going Paca Apuradita Mining Project ("Apuradita") to a designated toll-mill plant in Bolivia. The trucking was temporarily suspended due to shortage of diesel fuel and rainy weather. Approximately 1,750 tonnes of silver-bearing mineralized material are currently stockpiled at Apuradita which is being trucked to a designated toll-mill plant in Bolivia to produce high-grade silver-lead concentrate. The concentrate will then be sold at market prices to the international market. The mining operation at Apuradita tunnel continues at a steady monthly rate of 500 to 1,000 tonnes of silver-bearing mineralized material. The Company estimates approximately at least 10,000 tonnes of mineralized material remain within the Apuradita tunnel complex. Mineralized zones are delineated, and vertical levels are developed. This estimate is conceptual in nature and is not supported by a current mineral resource or mineral reserve estimate as defined under NI 43-101. Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability and therefore should not be relied upon. As outlined in the news release dated July 8, 2024, sulphide mineralized material at Apuradita is being exploited using the shrinkage stoping method. The two stopes are designed with approximate dimensions of 30 meters in length, 20 meters in height, and 4 meters in width, targeting an extraction rate of 30 to 50 tonnes per day. Based on diamond drilling and internal geological modeling, the average grade of extracted sulphide material is 412 g/t Ag, 1.09% Pb, and 0.38% Zn. Silver Elephant has identified multiple high-grade areas within the Apuradita tunnel where the Company is developing additional mining faces through crosscuts and drifts to access and extract silver-bearing mineralized material from these areas. In parallel, the Company is exploring near-surface oxide mineralized layers within the Apuradita project that are potentially suitable for open-pit mining with favorable strip ratios. The company is very encouraged by the bulk tonnage oxide mining potential at the current silver price. Qualified Person The technical contents of this news release have been prepared under the supervision of Carlos Zamora, a member of the American Institute of Professional Geologists (AIPG) and a Certified Professional Geologist (CPG) since 2024, who is an employee of the Company and is not considered independent. Mr. Zamora is a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. QA/QC Silver Elephant Mining Corp. sends samples to ALS Global Laboratories in Oruro, Bolivia for sample preparation, after which, the prepared pulps are shipped to ALS Global laboratories for analysis in Lima, Peru. Samples are analyzed using Intermediate Level Four acid digestion. Silver over limits ("ore grade") are determined by fire assay with a gravimetric finish for precise quantification. ALS Laboratories sample management system meets all requirements of International Standards ISO/IEC 17025:2017 and ISO 9001:2015. All ALS geochemical hub laboratories are accredited to ISO/IEC 17025:2017 for specific analytical procedures. All samples are collected from HQ and NQ-diameter diamond drill core which is longitudinally halved using diamond-blade masonry saw. One-half of the core is submitted for laboratory analysis, while the other half is preserved on the Company's secured core facility for future reference. All core undergoes geotechnical analysis, photographed and then detailed geological logging by the Company's qualified geologists prior to sampling. About Silver Elephant Mining Corp. Silver Elephant is a mineral exploration company focused on the development of its silver-lead-zinc project in Bolivia. Further information on Silver Elephant can be found at www.silverelef.com. SILVER ELEPHANT MINING CORP. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD "John Lee" CEO and Executive Chairman FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION This news release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "forward-looking information") within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information is generally identifiable by use of the words "believes," "may," "plans," "will," "anticipates," "intends," "could", "estimates", "expects", "forecasts", "projects" and similar expressions, and the negative of such expressions. Such forward-looking information, which reflects management's expectations regarding Silver Elephant's future growth, results of operations, performance, business prospects and opportunities, is based on certain factors and assumptions and involves known and unknown risks and uncertainties which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties, and should not be read as guarantees of future performance, events or results, and may not be indicative of whether such events or results will actually be achieved. A number of risks and other factors could cause actual results to differ materially from expected results discussed in the forward-looking statements, including but not limited to: market conditions; changes in business plans; ability to secure sufficient financing to advance the Company's mining projects; and general economic conditions. Additional risk factors about the Company are set out in its latest annual and interim management's discussion and analysis and annual information form available under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Forward-looking information is based on reasonable assumptions by management as of the date of this news release, and there can be no assurance that actual results will be consistent with any forward-looking information included herein. Readers are cautioned that all forward-looking statements in this news release are made as of the date of this news release. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information in this news release to reflect circumstances or events that occur after the date of this news release, except as required by applicable securities laws. VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / February 5, 2026 /Gold Terra Resource Corp. (TSXV:YGT) (Frankfurt:TX0) (OTCQB:YGTFF) ("Gold Terra" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the completion of eight (8) holes as the 2026 Winter Drill Program continues targeting the past producing Campbell Shear (CS), two kilometers south of the historic Con Mine. An additional two (2) holes were completed in the Northbelt area, 20 kilometres north of Yellowknife. All samples from completed drill holes have been submitted for laboratory analysis, with assay results expected within standard laboratory turnaround times. Under the Con Mine Option (CMO) purchase agreement, the Company has the right to acquire 100% of the CMO property from a subsidiary of Newmont Corporation ("Newmont"), subject to the fulfillment of certain conditions set out in the agreement, as reported in the Company's news release dated November 22, 2021. Gold Terra's option on the CMO with Newmont is until November 21, 2027. Chairman and CEO, Gerald Panneton, commented, "Our winter drilling program is progressing well with the objective to add additional ounces to our current mineral resource estimates. The drilling on the Yellorex is targeting areas where there was room to add ounces with not enough drilling, and to increase the number of ounces in the indicated category. With two (2) drill rigs coring on the Con Mine Option, our program is advancing well with more than 2600 metres to date. Gold Terra's 100% land tenure covers more than 70 kilometres of strike length of the past-producing high-grade Campbell Shear in one of Canada's largest historic gold belts." Drilling Highlights Four diamond drill rigs are currently active on the Yellowknife Project as shown in Figure 1. A total of ten drill holes has been completed to date, comprising eight holes on the Campbell Shear target south of the Con Mine and two holes at the Mispickel target within the Northbelt area north of the city of Yellowknife. Figure 1: 2026 Drilling Program on Yellorex area and Mispickel Yellorex Drilling Eight drill holes, GTY26-001 - GTY26-008, have been completed on the Campbell Shear (CS) in the Yellorex area as shown in Table 1 below for a total of 2,613.7 metres drilled. These holes are designed to provide information on where there was no drilling information. Drilling is in progress on holes GTY26-009 and GTY26-010. All Yellorex drill holes intersected the Campbell Shear, characterized by variable strong quartz-ankerite and smoky quartz veining with sericite-dominated alteration. Sericite alteration being the most important feature with gold mineralization in the CS. The CS is represented below as the full envelope with interval of strong mineralization. The mineralization varies from moderate to strong interval of quartz (smoky) and ankerite veining, with the addition of a variable amount of sulphides including pyrite, arsenopyrite, and locally stibnite, sphalerite, and sometime chalcopyrite. The main geological host is meta volcanic. Table 1 - Yellorex Trend Drill holes Hole No. Length of hole (metres) CS intersection (metres) CS width (metres) Comments Status GTY26-001 292.5 221.7 - 283.2 61.5 Strongly CS intervals with dense smoky quartz-ankerite veining and pyrite (Py)-arsenopyrite (asp) stibnite (Sb). Assays pending GTY26-002 295.5 214.4 - 295.5 81.1 Strongly CS intervals with pervasive quartz-ankerite veining and Py-Asp Sb. Assays pending GTY26-003 301.5 229.5 -301.5 72 Strongly CS intervals with intense smoky quartz-ankerite veining and Py-Asp Sb. Assays pending GTY26-004 398 304.2 - 380.0 75.8 Strongly CS intervals with pervasive quartz-ankerite veining and Py- Asp Assays pending GTY26-005 286.5 202.4 - 286.5 84.1 CS interval with minor quartz-carbonate veining and trace sulphides. Assays pending GTY26-006 250.5 159.4 - 250.5 55.1 CS interval with localized quartz veining and trace sulphides. Assays pending GTY26-007 551 435.2 - 531.0 95.8 Multiple strong zones dense smoky quartz veining and associated Py-Asp-Sb- and and sphalerite (sph). Assays pending GTY26-008 238.18 164.8 - 218.1 53.3 CS interval dense smoky quartz veining within a chloritic shear fabric; Assay pending GTY28-009 - - - - In progress GTY26-010 - - - - In progress The Yellorex area drilling targets are where the Company has already outlined a Mineral Resource Estimates (MRE) in 2022, and where there is potential for additional ounces to be added between surface and 700 metres depth. The drilling targets are shown in Figures 2 below and include: Yellorex Main Zone (YRX) - Holes already drilled on 30-50 metre spacing in 2021-2022 account for more than 65% of the 2022 MRE calculated by Gold Terra Yellorex North (YRX-N) was drilled in 2023, and was not included in the Company's 2022 MRE (Refer to Oct. 21, 2022 Technical Report) C17 and the 3100' level-part of the Campbell Shear south of the main mine workings, drilled historically from the 2300' and 3100' levels with some historic untested assays reported in the Campbell Shear. Figure 2 - Composite Long Section showing the location of the 2026 drilling program Northbelt Drilling At Northbelt, two drill holes, GTWL26-020 and GTWL26-021, have been completed at the Mispickel target to a depth of 300.7 and 307.7 metres, respectively, testing mineralization associated with the previously reported high-grade GTWL22-014. Holes GTWL26-022 and GTWL26-023 are in progress. The Mispickel zone was previously drilled in 2022 (19 holes for 6,011 metres completed) and intersected high-grade assays including: GTWL22-002 = 19.00 g/t gold over 4 metres including 73.9 g/t over 1 metre; GTWL22-004 = 7.63 g/t gold over 3 metres including 22.5 g/t Au over 1 metre; and GTWL22-0014 = 31.89 g/t gold over 3 metres including 69.4 g/t Au over 1 metre (see August 25, 2022 press release). Typical of the Mispickel system, the holes intersected multiple zones of deformation, sulphide mineralization, and quartz veining. Remaining holes are intended to explore along strike to the north and south, further delineate high-grade trends, and to test a new area to the southeast. Gold Terra Retains SLR Consulting The Company has engaged SLR Consulting to complete an updated Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) on the Yellowknife Project. The last MRE was completed in 2022, and several zones were not included. The updated MRE is anticipated to be completed in the second half of 2026, with a first draft before April 2026. and will be an important milestone to advance the project. SLR Consulting is a global industry leader in mining advisory and technical services. SLR Consulting provides multidisciplinary expertise and capabilities spanning geology, resource estimation, engineering, metallurgy, mine waste, and environment, delivering end-to-end support across all stages of the mining life cycle. From early exploration to post-closure transformation, SLR's Mining Advisory team navigates complexity, manages risk, and creates long-term value. The technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Joseph Campbell, a Qualified Person as defined in National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects and Senior Technical Advisor for the Company. About Gold Terra The Yellowknife Project (YP) encompasses 836 sq. km of contiguous land immediately north, south and east of the City of Yellowknife in the Northwest Territories. Through a series of acquisitions, Gold Terra controls one of the six major high-grade gold camps in Canada. Being within 10 kilometres of the City of Yellowknife, the YP is close to vital infrastructure, including all-season roads, air transportation, service providers, hydro-electric power, and skilled tradespeople. Gold Terra is currently focusing its drilling on the Campbell Shear, where approximately 14 Moz of gold has been produced, (refer to Gold Terra Oct 21, 2022, Technical Report) and most recently on the CMO property claims immediately south of the past producing Con Mine which produced 6.1 Moz between the Con, Rycon, and Campbell shear structures (1938-2003). The YP and CMO properties lie on the Yellowknife greenstone belt, covering nearly 70 kilometres of strike length along the main mineralized shear system that hosts the former-producing high-grade Con and Giant gold mines. The Company's exploration programs have successfully identified significant zones of gold mineralization and multiple targets that remain to be tested which reinforces the Company's objective of re-establishing Yellowknife as one of the premier gold mining districts in Canada. Visit our website at www.goldterracorp.com. For more information, please contact: Gerald Panneton, Chairman & CEO This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Mara Strazdins, Investor Relations Phone: 1-778-897-1590 | 416-710-0646 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 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. Information Concerning Estimates of Mineral Resources Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Therefore, investors are cautioned not to assume that all or any part of an Inferred Mineral Resource could ever be mined economically. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of "Measured Mineral Resources," "Indicated Mineral Resources," or "Inferred Mineral Resources" will ever be upgraded to a higher category. The Mineral Resource estimates contained herein may be subject to legal, political, environmental or other risks that could materially affect the potential development of such mineral resources. Refer to the Technical Report, once filed, for more information with respect to the key assumptions, parameters, methods and risks of determination associated with the foregoing. Cautionary Note to United States Investors The Company prepares its disclosure in accordance with the requirements of securities laws in effect in Canada, which differ from the requirements of U.S. securities laws. Terms relating to Mineral Resources in this news release are defined in accordance with NI 43-101 under the guidelines set out in CIM Definition Standards on Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves, adopted by the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum Council on May 19, 2014, as amended ("CIM Standards"). The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") has adopted amendments effective February 25, 2019 (the "SEC Modernization Rules") to its disclosure rules to modernize the mineral property disclosure requirements for issuers whose securities are registered with the SEC under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934. As a result of the adoption of the SEC Modernization Rules, the SEC will now recognize estimates of "Measured Mineral Resources", "Indicated Mineral Resources" and "Inferred Mineral Resources", which are defined in substantially similar terms to the corresponding CIM Standards. In addition, the SEC has amended its definitions of "Proven Mineral Reserves" and "Probable Mineral Reserves" to be substantially similar to the corresponding CIM Standards. U.S. investors are cautioned that while the foregoing terms are "substantially similar" to corresponding definitions under the CIM Standards, there are differences in the definitions under the SEC Modernization Rules and the CIM Standards. Accordingly, there is no assurance any Mineral Resources that the Company may report as "Measured Mineral Resources", "Indicated Mineral Resources" and "Inferred Mineral Resources" under NI 43-101 would be the same had the Company prepared the Mineral Resource estimates under the standards adopted under the SEC Modernization Rules. In accordance with Canadian securities laws, estimates of "Inferred Mineral Resources" cannot form the basis of feasibility or other economic studies, except in limited circumstances where permitted under NI 43-101. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information Certain statements made and information contained in this news release constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation ("forward-looking information"). Generally, this forward-looking information can, but not always, be identified by use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events, conditions or results "will", "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved" or the negative connotations thereof. All statements other than statements of historical fact may be forward-looking information. Forward-looking information is necessarily based on estimates and assumptions that are inherently subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. In particular, this news release contains forward-looking information regarding the current drilling on the Campbell Shear, potentially adding ounces to the Company's current YCG mineral resource, and the Company's objective of re-establishing Yellowknife as one of the premier gold mining districts in Canada. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as the Company's actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in this forward-looking information as a result of the factors discussed in the "Risk Factors" section in the Company's most recent MD&A and annual information form available under the Company's profile at www.sedar.com. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that would cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. The forward-looking information contained in this news release is based on information available to the Company as of the date of this news release. 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. All of the forward-looking information contained in this news release is qualified by these cautionary statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information due to the inherent uncertainty thereof. Except as required under applicable securities legislation and regulations applicable to the Company, the Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update this forward-looking information. October 15, 2024 TheNewswire - SURREY, British Columbia Cameo Resources Inc. (CSE: MEO) (Cameo or the Company) is pleased to announce that it has entered into a a binding letter of intent (the LOI) with Tristar Energy Corp ("Tristar") pursuant to which, and subject to the terms and... Read More Time travelling back to 15 years ago is to reveal a different International Criminal Court (ICC), one where referrals from a relatively quiescent United Nations Security Council (UNSC) were not only possible, but where two came in quick succession. Both Darfur and Libya were grasped whole-heartedly by the first ICC prosecutor Luis Moreno Ocampo as ways to put his shiny new court onto the international map. But whatever expectations were raised in 2011 by the Libya example a swift referral, a swift application for arrest warrants from prosecution, and a swift approval from judges those hopes of justice have never delivered accountability to Libyan victims. 15 years almost to the day after the uprising, there has been absolutely no justice and accountability for the 2011 crimes, says Jurgen Schurr of the NGO Lawyers for Justice in Libya. From that perspective, Gaddafis death is yet another setback for victims seeking justice. Ali Omar of the NGO Libya Crimes Watch says just the same. Many victims hoped to see Saif al Islam stand trial, whether before a national court or the International Criminal Court, and to have his guilt or innocence determined through legal proceedings. It is important to stress that Saif al Islam was not the only person responsible for crimes committed in 2011. Dozens of other individuals implicated in serious violations from that period continue to enjoy impunity, both inside and outside Libya, he adds. Unprecedented speed Libya was referred to the ICC while experiencing a violent civil uprising. NATO intervention began formally in March 2011 authorised under the same UNSC resolution to protect civilians that involved the court. And just a few weeks after that referral, prosecutor Ocampo declared he was ready to ask judges for arrest warrants against three individuals, including Gaddafi the father, Gaddafi the son, and the head of the intelligence service the triumvirate he declared most responsible for killings. It was unprecedented in terms of the speed, notes Luigi Prosperi of Utrecht University. From the referral, adopted on February 26, 2011, to arrest warrants sought in March. That speed led to a lot of criticism in terms of what kind of material have you collected, what kind of analysis have you conducted on this material, did you rely on material provided for instance by NATO forces, the U.S. Secret services? Because usually the ICC takes its time. Never before nor since has the court moved so quickly. The seven page arrest warrant against Gaddafi junior outlined the use of lethal force by security forces at the height of the Arab Spring movement which had swept across neighbouring Egypt and Tunisia aimed at deterring and quelling, by any means,... the demonstrations of civilians against the regime. It said that it was state policy, at the highest level of the Libyan State machinery to kill, injure, arrest, and imprison hundreds of civilians. Saif Al-Islam Gaddafi, although not having an official position, is Muammar Gaddafi's unspoken successor and the most influential person within his inner circle and, as such, at all times relevant to the Prosecutor's Application, he exercised control over crucial parts of the State apparatus, including finances and logistics and had the powers of a de facto Prime Minister and that as part of Muammar Gaddafi's inner circle and in coordination with him, conceived and orchestrated a plan to deter and quell, by all means, the civilian demonstrations against Gaddafi's regime, it read. Looking back, the arrest warrant was a very promising signal, says Schurr, showing that justice was being taken seriously at the time and making sure that accountability was part of the discussion in the political transition. The courts show But 15 years of twists and turns in the case is indicative of just how long the ICC has been trying to achieve any degree of justice and accountability in Libya with very, very paltry results, says Mark Kersten of the University of the Fraser Valley and the NGO Wayamo Foundation. It also illustrates the courts impotence. Most notably, after Gaddafi was provided with an ICC defence lawyer, Melinda Taylor, she was herself detained, with colleagues, by a rebel faction holding him an incident which required intense diplomatic manoeuvring to resolve. When finally back in The Hague Taylor said that the Libyan authorities themselves were to blame. Libya was later represented at the court by renowned British barrister Philippe Sands with Taylor glowering across the court without her client. Sands argument that Gaddafi should be left on home soil to be tried was ultimately rejected. Gaddafi's own defence was later led by Karim Khan, until he was elected prosecutor of the ICC in 2021. At no point, whatever the judges ordered, and no matter what changed in the Libyan political landscape, was Gaddafi ever transferred to the courts detention facility in Scheveningen. The crucial point, says Prosperi, is that after referring the situation, the UN Security Council should then also have supported the ICC, by pressuring the authorities, to surrender an individual. Like clockwork every six months the prosecutor (and now the deputy prosecutor) reports back to New York that there has been no progress in the Gaddafi arrest. The last time was in November 2025. At home for the last decade Gaddafi had been a free man. Released by rebels, rearrested by the authorities, tried in 2015 for a non-ICC offence and finally released through an amnesty in 2017. Kersten believes the ICC did not push particularly hard to get him surrendered to the court. I didn't hear conversations about how the ICC can't be forgotten during negotiations between the parties in Libya to hopefully avoid further bloodshed and unite the country. It fell under the radar. People were saying okay he has this arrest warrant, but he's kind of detained and not detained. Maybe he's running for president and then there's just radio silence. All of this is to say, it's an open question as to how strong the case against him and others really was. Perhaps that's what explains the lack of urgency in the Hague to have someone like Saif al-Islam Gaddafi surrender to the courts, he says. Those most responsible or those easiest to get? Meanwhile, NGOs like Lawyers for Justice in Libya have been pressing continuously for accountability for his role. Gaddafi was one of the higher-ranking suspects wanted by the ICC since 2011. We intervened in relevant proceedings before the ICC as third parties, including to highlight that the best place to prosecute Gaddafi for alleged 2011 crimes was The Hague," says Schurr. Also meanwhile, the focus of the ICC investigation has moved on from events in 2011. There are now several pillars, especially around crimes against migrants. Many more individuals have been investigated by the court. But the lack of arrests demonstrate the limited ability of the ICC to exert effective pressure on Libyas fragmented authorities to surrender suspects, says Omar, while equally importantly, authorities in both western and eastern Libya have shown a clear failure to cooperate in handing over individuals wanted by the Court, as some are themselves implicated in, or closely connected to, those sought by the ICC. Public statements and media appearances claiming cooperation have not translated into concrete action. Nearly ten individuals remain wanted by the ICC, some of whom continue to live freely, he says. At the moment, arrest warrants exist, publicly, against multiple mid to senior level officials, notes Schurr, but not really those most responsible or those highest up in the chain of command. While different prosecutors follow different strategies in who they investigate, today we are at times wondering whether the OTP is charging those most responsible or those easiest to get. More recently the Libyan authorities agreed to ICC jurisdiction up to the end of 2027. One would expect them to then follow up, and act upon this promise, says Prosperi. It's a bit of lip service I would say to international justice until we see some action. A naive pawn in the hands of powerful states We have serious concerns that the repeated killing or disappearance of individuals wanted by the ICC could turn into a pattern aimed at silencing cases and burying evidence through the physical elimination of suspects, warns Omar. He points to the death of Mahmoud al-Werfalli, who was killed five years ago while wanted by the ICC, describing it as highly instructive. Because, despite extensive and well documented evidence, including video recordings of crimes, there has been no clear move to transfer responsibility up the chain of command. This absence of accountability reinforces concerns that killings of suspects may be used as a means to evade justice, he says. If there are lessons learned from the long history of the ICC and Gaddafi, the ICC has already learned them, believes Prosperi. The most important, he says, is not to transform a request for arrest warrants into sorry if I am a bit brutal moments for press conferences, for putting the ICC on the map, for standing in front of journalists and making the case for the ICC being effective. He notes that recently judges changed the rules so that the prosecutor cannot publicise or cannot make public the requests. It's not only about secrecy, but also about not pressuring the judges into adopting a decision that may be rushed because they are under a lot of political and more general pressure on the part of the general public. But it is also about being more effective in a way, because if we don't know about the request, or an arrest warrant issued under seal, then maybe there can be more negotiation behind closed doors that we are not aware of. They do not have to make public all of their work. Further referrals under the current permanent members of the UNSC are unlikely. Nevertheless, Kersten does think the Libya referral does illustrate what hes called the fatal attraction between the court and the UNSC. The dilemma is that if you don't accept Security Council referrals, there are contexts where mass atrocities are clearly happening that will remain outside of the jurisdiction of the court. Libya and Darfur are two of those examples where without the Security Council, there is no ICC action. But at the same time, it's poisoned, or in some instances, perhaps a little bit dramatically fatal, precisely because it ends up undermining the legitimacy and standing of the court, because it never comes with guarantees of cooperation. It pushes the court to undertake work as it did in Libya alongside controversial military interventions. Ultimately it looks like the ICC in these instances is used by states to either appear to be doing something supporting justice when in fact they're not, or to legitimise other types of activity, be it plunder or be it military interventions to get rid of people that the West doesn't like. An Azerbaijani military court sentenced an Armenian separatist leader to life imprisonment on Thursday, in the latest war crime trial against an official from its formerly breakaway Karabakh region, state media reported. Azerbaijan's seizure of the mountainous region in 2023 ended nearly three decades of control by Armenian separatists, prompting the enclave's entire ethnic Armenian population -- more than 100,000 people -- to flee. Araik Harutyunyan -- who led Karabakh's separatist government from May 2020 to September 2023 -- "was sentenced to life imprisonment by Baku's military court", state news agency Azertag said. He was convicted of "crimes including waging an aggressive war, genocide, terrorism and other offences linked to Armenia's decades-long control of the mountainous enclave", the agency said. After regaining full control of the disputed Karabakh region in a lightning offensive in September 2023, Baku arrested several of its separatist leaders on war crime charges. Armenia has denounced the arrests and demanded their release. Two trials -- one for 15 former officials, another for the region's billionaire former leader Ruben Vardanyan -- opened in Baku in January 2025. Verdicts for the other defendants in the case are expected later on Thursday. Hearings have largely been held behind closed doors, with access limited to state media. Armenia's foreign ministry has said it will pursue "all possible steps", including international legal action, to protect the rights of those standing trial in Baku. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan signed a peace agreement last year under mediation from US President Donald Trump. An Azerbaijani military court on Thursday imposed terms of up to life jail against Armenian separatist leaders charged in a war crimes trial, state media reported. Azerbaijan's seizure of its breakaway region of Karabakh in 2023 ended nearly three decades of control by Armenian separatists, prompting the enclave's entire ethnic Armenian population -- more than 100,000 people -- to flee. After regaining control of the disputed region, Baku arrested several separatist leaders on war crimes charges. Armenia has demanded their release. Araik Harutyunyan -- who led Karabakh's separatist government from May 2020 to September 2023 -- "was sentenced to life imprisonment by Baku's military court", state news agency Azertag said. He was convicted of "crimes including waging an aggressive war, genocide, terrorism and other offences" linked to Armenia's decades-long control of the mountainous enclave, the agency said. Arkady Ghukasyan and Bako Sahakyan -- who served as Karabakh's separatist presidents from 1997 to 2007, and from 2007 to 2020 respectively -- were "sentenced to 20 years in prison, as a life term could not be imposed because they had reached the age of 65." Other convicts included former Karabakh parliament speaker Davit Ishkhanyan, former Karabakh foreign minister Davit Babayan and major general in Armenia's armed forces, Davit Manukyan, who were all sentenced to life imprisonment on identical charges. Two trials -- one for 15 former officials, another for the region's billionaire former leader Ruben Vardanyan -- opened in Baku in January 2025. Verdicts for the other defendants in the case were expected later Thursday. Hearings have largely been held behind closed doors, with access limited to state media. Armenia's foreign ministry has said it will pursue "all possible steps," including international legal action, to protect the rights of those standing trial in Baku. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan signed a peace agreement last year, mediated by US President Donald Trump. The slain son of former Libyan ruler Muammar Gaddafi will be buried in a town south of the capital that remains loyal to the family, relatives said Thursday. Seif al-Islam Gaddafi, once seen by some as Libya's heir apparent, was shot dead on Tuesday in the northwestern city of Zintan. The burial will be held on Friday in the town of Bani Walid some 175 kilometres south of Tripoli, two of his brothers said. "The date and location of his burial have been decided by mutual agreement among the family," half-brother Mohamed Gaddafi said in a Facebook post. Mohamed said the plan reflected "our respect" for the town, which has remained loyal to the elder Gaddafi years after he was toppled and killed in the 2011 Arab Spring uprisings. Each year, the town of about 100,000 celebrates the anniversary of a 1969 coup that brought Muammar to power, parading through the streets holding the ex-leader's portrait. Saadi Gaddafi, a younger brother, said his dead sibling will be "buried among the Werfalla", an influential local tribe, in a grave next to his brother Khamis Gaddafi, who died during the 2011 unrest. Marcel Ceccaldi, a French lawyer who had been representing Seif al-Islam, told AFP he was killed by an unidentified "four-man commando" who stormed his house on Tuesday. Seif al-Islam had long been widely seen as his father's heir. Under the elder Gaddafi's iron-fisted 40-year rule, he was described as the de facto prime minister, cultivating an image of moderation and reform despite holding no official position. But that reputation soon collapsed when he promised "rivers of blood" in retaliation for the 2011 uprising. He was arrested that year on a warrant issued by the International Criminal Court for alleged crimes against humanity, and a Tripoli court later sentenced him to death, although he was later granted amnesty. In 2021 he announced he would run for president but the elections were indefinitely postponed. He is survived by four out of six siblings: Mohamed, Saadi, Aicha and Hannibal, who was recently released from a Lebanese prison on bail. Libya has struggled to recover from chaos that erupted after the 2011 uprising. It remains split between a UN-backed government based in Tripoli and an eastern administration backed by Khalifa Haftar. Venezuela's parliament on Thursday started weighing an amnesty law whose long-awaited draft text showed it would not cover "serious violations" of human rights committed under 27 years of socialist rule. The bill is an initiative of interim president Delcy Rodriguez, who stepped into the shoes of Nicolas Maduro after he was deposed in a US military operation a month ago. Rodriguez, who has been working with US President Donald Trump on access to Venezuelan oil, has been under pressure to free political prisoners. It was not immediately clear if the "Amnesty Law for Democratic Coexistence" was designed to benefit political prisoners, state agents or both. "It is recognized that it is important not to impose vengeance, retaliation or hatred, but to open a path toward reconciliation," said the text, a copy of which was obtained by AFP. "Excluded from its benefits" are offenses such as "serious violations of human rights, crimes against humanity, war crimes, intentional homicide, corruption, and drug trafficking," it added. Experts fear the text is sufficiently vague to allow discretion in a judicial system widely considered to be loyal to the ruling "Chavista" movement named after Maduro's predecessor Hugo Chavez. The International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague is investigating crimes against humanity allegedly committed in Venezuela during Maduro's government. Venezuela's parliament on Thursday started weighing an amnesty law whose long-awaited draft text showed it would not cover "serious violations" of human rights committed under 27 years of socialist rule. The bill is an initiative of interim president Delcy Rodriguez, who stepped into the shoes of long-term leader Nicolas Maduro after he was deposed in a US military operation one month ago. Rodriguez, who has been working with US President Donald Trump on access to Venezuelan oil, has been under pressure to free political prisoners. It was not immediately clear if the "Amnesty Law for Democratic Coexistence" was designed to benefit political prisoners, state agents or both. "It is recognized that it is important not to impose vengeance, retaliation or hatred, but to open a path toward reconciliation," said the text, a copy of which was obtained by AFP. "Excluded from its benefits" are offenses such as "serious violations of human rights, crimes against humanity, war crimes, intentional homicide, corruption, and drug trafficking," it added. Experts fear the text is sufficiently vague to allow discretion in a judicial system widely considered to be loyal to the ruling "Chavista" movement named after Maduro's leftist predecessor Hugo Chavez. The International Criminal Court in The Hague is investigating crimes against humanity allegedly committed in Venezuela during Maduro's government. "Amnesty is the framework that will ensure what happened in the past is not repeated and that the past does not serve to halt or derail transition processes," Alfredo Romero, director of the Foro Penal rights NGO, told AFP. "A reconciliation, a transition, cannot be a process of persecution against those who previously held power." - 'Forceful message' - The head of Venezuela's parliament Jorge Rodriguez -- the interim president's brother and a staunch Chavista -- said Wednesday he hoped the law would "send a powerful, forceful message of the intention of a new political moment." The ruling United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV) has an absolute majority in the unicameral parliament under Jorge Rodriguez, who is next in the line of constitutional succession after his sister. He said he hoped the bill would be approved unanimously. The start of the parliamentary debate coincided with a new round of talks between the government and a faction of the Venezuelan opposition that has distanced itself from a majority wing led by Nobel Peace prize laureate Maria Corina Machado. The opposition is seeking fresh elections to replace those held in July 2024 and which Maduro claimed to have won despite no official figures ever being released. Much of the world considers he stole the vote. Maduro acolytes were left in power after American troops whisked him away in cuffs to stand trial on drug charges in New York. But Delcy Rodriguez's government has come under pressure from the United States, which has agreed to work with her in the short term while speaking of an eventual transition to democracy. Rodriguez, despite being a close Maduro ally, has indicated a willingness to cooperate, particularly on Trump's demands for access to Venezuelan oil. Her government has started to release political prisoners and has reestablished diplomatic ties with Washington that were severed in 2019. A protester holds a placard reading "Stop the massacres in Iran" during a rally in support of the Iranian people in Paris. Photo: Julien De Rosa / AFP Iran has been central in the news again. Anti government protests erupted across the country in December, initially focused on the dire economy then rapidly calling for the end of the regime. They were the biggest demonstrations since 2022. In the 71 towns and cities affected the repression was unprecedented. An Iranian official said authorities have verified at least 5,000 deaths and that is considered a very low estimate. Less than four years ago other mass protests known as Women Life Freedom and demanding fundamental rights, symbolizing a broader resistance against compulsory dress codes, gender discrimination, and government oppression, had lead to many arrests and violence already. Our partners at Asymmetrical Haircuts invited Gissou Nia, a human rights lawyer and founder & director of the Strategic Litigation Project at the Atlantic Council to talk current, past and prospects for accountability on Irans protests. Including a law suit filed in Argentina. Wednesday, February 4, 2026 - Two suspected phone snatchers unknowingly exposed themselves after attempting to unlock a stolen Samsung S23, only for their faces to be captured clearly by the devices security features. The incident reportedly occurred in Parklands, Nairobi, where a woman was robbed of her smartphone by the suspects. The thieves grabbed the high-end device and fled, believing they had made a clean escape. However, things took a dramatic twist when they tried to access the phone. Unaware that the Samsung S23 automatically captures images of failed unlock attempts through its security system, the suspects faces were photographed in sharp 4K quality as they struggled to bypass the lock screen. The photos could now help authorities identify and track down the culprits. The Kenyan DAILY POST Wednesday, February 4, 2026 - A taxi driver in Eldoret cheated death by a whisker after coming face-to-face with an armed gang in a chilling late-night ambush that was captured on CCTV. In the footage, the unsuspecting driver is seen slowly driving along a narrow path leading to his residence, unaware that danger was closing in behind him. Moments later, motorbike-riding thugs appear and trail his vehicle. Within seconds, they pounce. The gang abruptly blocks his path, attempting to corner him in what police suspect was a planned robbery attack. But the drivers quick instincts saved his life. Sensing imminent danger, he reverses in a desperate attempt to escape. The suspects try to pursue him on their motorbike but fail to keep up as the driver vanishes into the darkness. Watch the footage via this LINK>>>> The Kenyan DAILY POST Wednesday, February 4, 2026 - A social media user has sparked a debate online after sharing a video showcasing the vast multi-billion business empire associated with Pastor Ezekiel Odero in Mavueni, Kilifi County. In the clip, the man takes viewers on a sweeping tour of the expansive property, revealing what appears to be a massive church sanctuary, a hotel, an international school and a petrol station all located within the same compound. The sheer scale of the development has left many Kenyans stunned. The mega complex stands in sharp contrast to the surrounding neighbourhood, where many residents struggle with poverty. The visible disparity has triggered heated reactions online, with some questioning the source of the wealth, while others defended the preachers investments, saying they create jobs and contribute to the local economy. Pastor Ezekiel, the founder of New Life Prayer Centre and Church, commands a huge following and attracts thousands of worshippers weekly, with some travelling from across the country to attend his services. His rapid rise and ambitious projects in the poverty-stricken Mavueni area have kept him in the public spotlight in recent years. The preacher has also previously faced scrutiny from authorities. At one point, investigators froze some of his bank accounts as part of a broader probe into alleged financial and operational links to controversial preacher Paul Mackenzie. Detectives had claimed that they were examining possible connections between Ezekiels operations and Mackenzie, who was arrested over the infamous Shakahola tragedy, where hundreds of bodies were exhumed from mass graves. Authorities alleged that some of the victims showed signs of organ mutilation. Pastor Ezekiel, however, has denied any wrongdoing. Watch the video>>> below The difference between Newlife city and the neighbors is so big ! Kanisa Iko na pesa pic.twitter.com/eamlHhITUY Moseax (@Moseax) February 3, 2026 The Kenyan DAILY POST Wednesday, February 4, 2026 - A Kenyan woman has shared heartbreaking messages sent by her husband in the middle of the night, moments before he mysteriously disappeared, sparking concern over his safety. According to the distressed wife, her husband texted her at around 3AM, sounding fearful and unusually emotional, before his phone suddenly went off. In the messages, the man suggested that his life was in danger, saying he had been receiving death threats. The missing man, a teacher based in Samburu, is reportedly a non-local working in the area. His family believes he may have been targeted because of his background. Sensing danger, he urged his wife to stay strong and take care of their children in case anything happened to him. He expressed his love for his family and shared what appeared to be a farewell messages, words that have since left his loved ones devastated. Shortly after sending the texts, his phone was switched off and all efforts to reach him have been unsuccessful. Check out the messages. The Kenyan DAILY POST Wednesday, February 4, 2026 - A public event in Isiolo turned chaotic after a dramatic confrontation erupted between Isiolo Senator Fatuma Dullo and Woman Representative Mumina Bonaya, leaving attendees shocked. The altercation reportedly occurred during the Oparesheni Ondoa Bandits forum, a high-profile security meeting that had brought together local leaders and residents to discuss measures to curb persistent banditry attacks in the region. According to witnesses, tensions flared after a verbal exchange between the two leaders. Dullo accused Bonaya of insulting her, prompting a heated confrontation that quickly escalated into a physical scuffle. In a video that has since circulated widely online, the Senator is seen storming towards the Woman Rep before raining kicks and blows on her as police officers and bystanders rush in to separate them and restore order. Senator Dullo is no stranger to controversy, having previously been involved in several public disputes and political clashes. Watch the video>>> below Senator FATUMA DULLO vs Woman Rep MUMINA BONAYA pic.twitter.com/OJCri2m8QB DAILY POST (@dailypost_ke) February 4, 2026 The Kenyan DAILY POST Wednesday, February 04, 2026 - A luxury MercedesBenz GLE350d Coupe has been dramatically recovered by authorities, days after it was stolen from a dealership in Westlands, Nairobi. The highend SUV, freshly imported and yet to be registered, was snatched on the night of Saturday, January 31st, sparking alarm across social media as the dealership appealed for public help. Investigators suspected the thieves had fitted fake registration plates to disguise the vehicle, raising fears that it could be swiftly resold or smuggled out of the country. Given its pristine condition, the dealership worried that the car might vanish into international smuggling networks. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) launched an intensive operation, acting on intelligence that traced the Mercedes to south of Nairobi. By early Wednesday morning, detectives tracked the vehicle to Imbirikani in Kajiado County, a notorious crossing point near the KenyaTanzania border often linked to crossborder smuggling. Police engaged the suspects in a tense highspeed chase as they attempted to cross into Tanzania. The pursuit ended with officers intercepting the vehicle before it could disappear across the border. By then, the car had already been fitted with registration plates, giving it the appearance of being legitimately registered. The dealership later confirmed the recovery, while authorities announced investigations are ongoing to determine whether the theft was random or part of a wider criminal syndicate. Car theft remains a persistent crime in Kenya, with thousands of vehicles stolen annually. Data from the Association of Kenya Insurers (AKI) shows Toyota is the most targeted brand, accounting for 54.9% of reported thefts, followed by Isuzu, Mazda, Nissan and Mitsubishi. The Kenyan DAILY POST Wednesday, February 4, 2026 - A luxury Mercedes-Benz GLE350d Coupe stolen from a high-end car dealership in Westlands has been dramatically recovered following a high-speed police chase that ended near the Kenya-Tanzania border. The sleek SUV, which had just been imported into the country, was stolen on Saturday, January 31st, leading to an urgent manhunt by detectives. According to police reports, officers tracked the vehicle to Imbirikani in Kajiado County, a remote area notorious for cross-border smuggling and escape routes used by criminal syndicates. What followed was a tense pursuit as the suspects attempted to flee, triggering a high-speed chase across the dusty terrain before police finally cornered and recovered the car. By the time it was intercepted, the luxury machine had already been fitted with new number plates, raising suspicions that the theft may have been carefully planned. Authorities noted that the vehicle was initially unregistered, having only recently arrived in the country, a factor that may have made it easier for thieves to alter its identity and attempt to sneak it across the border. Detectives are now investigating whether the incident was an isolated theft or part of a larger, well-organized criminal network targeting high-end vehicles for smuggling out of the country. The Kenyan DAILY POST Wednesday, February 04, 2026 - A Kenyan lady has set social media ablaze after boldly advising netizens to marry beautiful or handsome partners in order to have attractive children and secure what she called beauty privilege. Speaking during a podcast, she explained that children blessed with good looks often enjoy smoother experiences in life. According to her, attractive children have it easier, thanks to the advantages society unconsciously grants them. Her remarks, however, have stirred controversy online. While some netizens castigated her for being shallow and overly superficial, others admitted that they had witnessed how beauty privilege plays out in everyday life. Supporters argued that her sentiments reflect a reality many are unwilling to acknowledge, while critics insisted that beauty is more than outward appearances and should never be the sole basis for marriage or parenting decisions. Watch the video>>> below A Kenyan woman has come under fire from netizens for saying that one should marry a beautiful or handsome person to have attractive children and gain 'beauty privilege'. pic.twitter.com/ijZULl95Lt The Kenyan Vigilante (@KenyanSays) February 3, 2026 Wednesday, February 4, 2026 - A woman has come forward with shocking allegations against a man believed to be a National Intelligence Service (NIS) officer, accusing him of threatening her life and vandalizing her vehicle during a heated confrontation linked to a business dispute. The officer, identified as Patrick Ekiru, was captured on video aggressively attacking the womans car while issuing threats. In the footage, Ekiru is seen throwing stones at the vehicle and behaving in an intimidating manner as the visibly distressed woman records the incident. At one point during the confrontation, the woman challenges him over his conduct, accusing him of hiding behind his powerful connections. Unasema huogopi boss yako Noordin Haji, she is heard telling him, suggesting that Ekiru had bragged about not fearing his superiors, including NIS Director-General, Noordin Haji. According to the victim, the altercation stemmed from a business deal gone sour, though details of the transaction remain unclear. She claims that the officer became hostile and allegedly threatened to shoot her while damaging her property. Fearing for her safety and frustrated by what she describes as abuse of power, the woman shared the videos>>> online to seek public attention and justice. A Kenyan suspected to be an NIS agent has been accused of harassing a woman identified as Grace Ngumi after a business deal went wrong. pic.twitter.com/joAlpmtxPS The Kenyan Vigilante (@KenyanSays) February 4, 2026 The Kenyan DAILY POST Wednesday, February 04, 2026 - TikToker Esther Migwi has stirred a heated debate online after boldly claiming that most women who cheat do so willingly and often out of revenge. In a candid video posted on Wednesday, February 4th, 2026, Migwi argued that female infidelity is rarely accidental but deeply intentional. According to her, once a woman cheats, there is a high likelihood she will repeat the behavior even after apologising. Hakuna kamwanamke uumwa nje bure. Kanakuanga nje kakifanya revenge, she said. Migwi went further, questioning the sincerity of apologies after cheating. Hakuna kamwanamke uumwa nje bure kanakuanga kakiregret, ata kama anakuomba msamaha akimwaga mate na machozi na makamasi, she added, insisting that regret is not always genuine. Her most controversial claim compared cheating to a cult. Mwanamke yeyote kuumwa nje ni kama ni cult. Lazima atarudia tena, she asserted. Describing her remarks as an emergency truth, Migwi accused society of preferring comfortable lies to uncomfortable realities. Hii ni emergency lakini nikiwaambia ukweli hamtaki kuskia, she noted, before questioning the stability of modern marriages. She challenged couples to reflect on their compatibility, asking, By the way, mko sure mko married to the right partner? Her blunt honesty has divided Kenyans - some applauding her courage, others accusing her of stereotyping women and normalising infidelity. The Kenyan DAILY POST One-year increase in life expectancy in China reflects gains across multiple sectors People's Daily Online) 15:30, February 05, 2026 Senior residents practice musical instruments at a community-based activity center for elderly people in Jiangbei District, southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, Oct. 29, 2025. (Xinhua/Tang Yi) In 2025, the average life expectancy in China reached 79 years, marking an increase of over one year for three consecutive Five-Year Plan periods, or 15 years. This places the major health indicators of Chinese residents among the leading group of middle- and high-income countries. Experience from around the world shows that once a country's average life expectancy exceeds 75 years, further gains tend to slow significantly, and each additional increase requires far greater effort. That China has achieved this increase from an already high baseline reflects a comprehensive, continuous, and systematic improvement in the health of over 1.4 billion people. The one-year increase in China's average life expectancy reflects the strong support of the world's largest medical and health care system. During the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), China strengthened its public health system, improved control over major infectious diseases, and advanced early detection, diagnosis, and treatment for chronic conditions. It also enhanced its ability to handle emerging infectious diseases and provided vaccines for 15 diseases free of charge nationwide. As a result, the incidence of major infectious diseases remained low, and the premature mortality rate from major chronic diseases dropped to below 15 percent. By the end of 2025, more than 90 percent of residents were able to access the nearest health care facility within 15 minutes. The one-year increase in China's average life expectancy is supported by a strong multi-layered social security system. From 2021 to 2025, the multi-tiered social security system that covers the entire population in urban and rural areas and is fair, unified, reliable, well-regulated, and sustainable was improved, and inclusive programs that help improve livelihood and provide social welfare assistance were further advanced. Old-age insurance and long-term care insurance were steadily advancing. By the end of 2025, more than 1.07 billion people enjoyed coverage under China's basic old-age insurance. The long-term care insurance system was gradually implemented, covering about 190 million people and effectively addressing the long-term care needs of those with disabilities. The medical insurance system continued to strengthen, with more than 1.3 billion people covered by basic medical insurance. From 2021 to 2024, nearly 20 billion medical visits received insurance reimbursements, significantly easing the financial burden on those seeking medical care. The one-year increase in China's average life expectancy was made possible through tailored, attentive care for key groups, including both the elderly and children. From 2021 to 2025, age-friendly home renovations were completed for 2.24 million households with older people facing special difficulties. Nationwide, there were around 400,000 eldercare institutions and service facilities, and care-oriented beds accounted for 67.5 percent of the total. Additionally, the maternal mortality rate fell from 16.9 per 100,000 in 2020 to 14.3 per 100,000 in 2024, while the infant mortality rate declined from 5.4 per 1,000 to 4.0 per 1,000. Childcare capacity expanded rapidly. The number of childcare places per 1,000 people rose from 1.8 in 2020 to 4.73 in 2025, an increase of 163 percent. The one-year increase in China's average life expectancy reflects the improvement of people's well-being in an all-round manner. People's well-being is found in the everyday details of life. In China, expectations around food have moved from simply having enough to eat, to eating well, and now to eating in a healthier way. In the past, a trip to the city took half a day. Today, thanks to a fully developed infrastructure network, it is possible to travel from northern to southern China and back within a single day. Peace and good health are, above all, the greatest sources of happiness. Grounded in tangible development achievements, China has demonstrated that with effective institutional arrangement and sound policy support, developing countries can significantly improve public health and overall well-being. (Web editor: Chang Sha, Liang Jun) Eimear Dodd A part-time DJ who was caught with almost 1.5 million of drugs, including heroin, has been jailed for five years. Christian Munoz Sanchez (35) told gardai he would be paid 5,000 for an easy job, which included mixing and bagging the drugs, valued at 1.43 million, and transporting them to a third party. Munoz Sanchez, with an address in Barcelona, Spain, pleaded guilty to possession of drugs for sale or supply on May 2nd, 2025. On Thursday, he was handed a prison sentence of seven years, with the final two years suspended on strict conditions including that he leave the jurisdiction following his release from custody and be of good behaviour. Detective Garda Rioghnach O'Sullivan of the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau told Aoife McNickle BL, prosecuting, that a surveillance operation was put in place on foot of confidential information. The court was told the operation was focused on Munoz Sanchez and another man, who were in the vicinity of the Clayton Hotel near Liffey Valley shopping centre. The second man left and walked towards Lucan. When he was intercepted, a bag he was carrying was searched, but nothing of evidential value was found. Munoz Sanchez left the hotel in a taxi and gardai stopped the car on the Coolock slip road. The drugs were found when his suitcase, which was in the boot, was searched. Nearly 9kg of diamorphine, also known as heroin, and over 1kg of monoacetylmorphine, with a combined value of 1.43 million, were found in 19 packages within the suitcase. After his arrest, the defendant was interviewed five times by gardai. Munoz Sanchez acknowledged he knew he was carrying drugs and told gardai he was being paid 5,000 for an easy job. He said he arrived in Ireland on April 24th, 2025 on a ferry in a vehicle with several others. He visited bars and restaurants, stayed in an AirBnB before moving to the hotel. He outlined his role and admitting coming here solely for the purpose of mixing and delivering the drugs to a third party. Munoz Sanchez told gardai that a business partner had advised him not to come. He has a wine business in Barcelona and is also a part-time DJ. He provided his phone to gardai and messages on the Signal encrypted app showed that another person was directing him and thanked him for doing the job. Munoz Sanchez has no previous convictions here or in Spain. Det Gda O'Sullivan agreed with Garrett McCormack SC, defending, that his client was very co-operative with the investigation. McCormack said his instructions are that while his client did not have a drugs debts, he had other debts that he was doing this job to repay. The witness said that the defendant confirmed he didn't have a drugs debt and that he was being paid for his role. Replying to a question from Judge Sinead Ni Chulachain, Det Gda O'Sullivan said that gardai were unable to confirm how the drugs came into the country. She said the defendant told gardai that the drugs were handed to him here by a third party. McCormack submitted to the court that his client incriminated himself, admitting not only to the possession, but also the processing of a large quantity of drugs. He asked the court to consider departing from the presumptive mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years due to his client's early guilty plea and co-operation with the investigation. Counsel noted the difficulties for foreign nationals serving a sentence in this jurisdiction, and that family members had travelled to support his client. He said his client is using his time in custody well and intends to return to Spain upon his release. Several testimonials, a negative urinalysis and other documents were handed to the court. Imposing sentence on Thursday, Judge Ni Chulachain said this was a very considerable amount of drugs and that Munoz Sanchez's actions were calculated and deliberate. She said he had acted for personal gain and had come to Ireland for this purpose. She said he had no other purpose to be here, but to earn easy money. She said the court accepted he had a debt and wanted to pay it off, noting that ordinary debt does not carry the same issues as drugs debt. Drugs are a scourge on our society, the judge said, adding that heroin in particular has devastated the city since the 1970s. She noted that organised crime could not function in this deadly trade without people like Munoz Sanchez who are not on the radar of gardai. Judge Ni Chulachain said Munoz Sanchez's guilty plea, previous good character and co-operation with the investigation allowed her to depart from the presumptive mandatory minimum term. The judge set a headline sentence of 12 years and having considered the mitigation, reduced this to seven years, with the final two years suspended. The sentence was backdated to May 2nd, 2025 when he went into custody. Irish president Catherine Connolly is to continue her three-day official visit to Northern Ireland with a number of engagements in Co Londonderry. Ms Connolly will address a civic reception at the Guildhall, where she will be greeted by the Lord Lieutenant for the County Borough of Londonderry Ian Crowe and Derry City Mayor Ruairi McHugh. In the afternoon, the president will visit the Museum of Free Derry where she will view the exhibition on Bloody Sunday. Last Friday marked the 54th anniversary of Bloody Sunday. Ms Connolly will meet with some 50 family members of those who were killed and injured in 1972. Over the course of the day, the president will also visit a number of community initiatives across Derry. The presidents three-day visit to Northern Ireland marks the first official visit of President Connollys presidency and fulfils a commitment made in her inauguration address that her first official visit would be to Northern Ireland, where she would meet with people from all communities and celebrate the rich heritage and traditions of all who live there. On Wednesday, the president commenced her official visit with a number of engagements in Belfast, including a meeting with First Minister Michelle ONeill and Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly at Stormont Castle, an address at Ulster University, and a number of community engagements. The visit will conclude with a further engagement in Derry on Friday. Today we celebrate the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi a day which should be called Emancipation Day. For on the 6th of February 1840, slavery became illegal in New Zealand. The granting of British citizenship to Maori freed the slaves in law (the practice took a while longer to end) Slavery was not a fringe part of New Zealand prior to 1840. To quote NZ Geographic: In 1836, the missionary William Yate told a House of Commons select committee that about half of the Maori population in northern New Zealand were slaves, but that in the South Island it was more like one in 10. Samuel Hinds, who had never set foot in the country, told an 1838 select committee that by his estimate, 90 per cent of the population were enslaved. We should celebrate 6 February 1840 as the day slavery was made illegal in New Zealand and tens of thousands of Maori slaves gained the rights of British citizens. The proportion of the population who were slaves was very high in New Zealand. Even if you accept the lower estimate of around 50%, here is what other countries were at their max: Brazil 35% Roman Republic 15% to 30% United States 13% Spain under 10% Ottoman Empire 5% to 10% UK around 1% to 5% So the Treaty of Waitangi was, as a proportion of the population, one of the greatest emancipations in history. We should celebrate and honour it. Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Ryan Dunne The High Court has ruled that the case of a convicted sex offender wanted in Northern Ireland for an historic driving offence after he was released from prison on license is an exceptional one, as it rejected the State's application for leave to appeal the refusal of the mans extradition. Justice Patrick McGrath said that it would be disproportionate to order the surrender of Paul Lomas (41) to Northern Ireland, bearing in mind that the matters for which he is sought date back some 15 years. Justice McGrath delivered his ruling on Thursday, after the Minister for Justice applied for leave to appeal the judges earlier decision not to surrender Lomas, with an address in Donegal, to the Northern Irish authorities as the respondent had turned his life around since his offending. The surrender of the respondent was sought in respect of six offences: five conviction matters and one accusation matter. The accusation matter related to one charge of driving whilst disqualified in January 2011. The other matters related to his conviction in the Crown Court in Northern Ireland in June 2010 for three offences of assaulting a police officer and two offences of the breach of a Risk of an Interim Sexual Harm Order (RSHO). He received a total sentence of six months' imprisonment, followed by 18 months on licence. A RSHO can be imposed in respect of a person over 18 who resides or intends to reside in Northern Ireland and who has engaged in sexual activity involving a child or in the presence of a child. This order was imposed on Lomas after being charged with and subsequently convicted of the unlawful carnal knowledge of a girl under the age of 17 in August 2008. He pleaded guilty to this offence and was sentenced at Derry Crown Court to 12 months in prison and placed on the Northern Ireland sex offenders register for a period of 10 years. Having served the custodial sentence of six months for the five conviction matters, Lomas lived between County Donegal and County Tyrone. Sometime in 2011, he was arrested in the State and detained in Castlerea Prison serving sentences for offences committed here until early 2012. The High Court noted he was in custody in Castlerea when his licence was revoked in Northern Ireland on May 6th, 2011. Following his release from Castlerea Prison in 2012, he informed the gardai that he had been made subject to the Northern Ireland sex offenders register in 2009. He thereafter attended Letterkenny Garda Station for the purpose of signing on in compliance with his obligation under the register and this continued until 2019, when these obligations ceased. Lomas argued that in circumstances where his obligations under the Northern Irish register were being managed by gardai in Ireland, the Northern Ireland authorities must have been aware of his presence in Donegal. Lomas contended that there was an unexplained delay of 13 years in issuing the warrant for his surrender. He said that in that time, he had formed private and family life connections to the State and was unaware that his licence had been revoked. He submitted that, insofar as the two offences under the Northern Ireland Sexual Offences Act 2003 are concerned, Part 3 of the Sex Offenders Act 2001 is the closest that Irish law gets to provide for anything akin to the interim RSHO. He argued, however, that these cannot be deemed sufficiently similar. For an extradition warrant to be enforceable in Ireland, the alleged offence must correspond with a criminal offence under Irish law. He further claimed that there was a lack of clarity as to the sentence he would face if surrendered. In his judgment last December, Justice McGrath noted that the licence revocation arises from the allegation of Driving whilst Disqualified, which he said was a "relatively minor" offence. Bearing in mind the nature of the offences and sentence for which his surrender is now sought and the passage of time, this is a case where I conclude it would, given the development of those family circumstances in the intervening time, be disproportionate to order his surrender, the judge wrote. The State subsequently applied for leave to appeal this decision. In delivering his ruling on this application on Thursday, Justice McGrath restated his opinion that this was one of the exceptional cases where it would be disproportionate to order the respondents surrender, bearing in mind the age of the case and the type of sentence he is facing. He said that the respondent had long ago served a custodial sentence for offences that were of a somewhat serious nature, so the case had reached the high threshold where his surrender could be refused. Justice McGrath therefore refused the Ministers application for leave to appeal. AN AMAZING Laois group that helps people with disabilities to take part in sport has won a Community Champions title, with a prize of 10,000. The VIP Hub team won the coveted award at the People First Credit Union AGM, when they were up against worthy finalists Portlaoise Community First Responders and the Irish Wheelchair Association, Athy. Meanwhile, six secondary school students were presented with scholarships worth 1,000 each at the packed event, which was held in The Killeshin Hotel, Portlaoise on 28 January. VIP Hub received the Community Champions award in recognition of their outstanding contribution and exceptional work supporting athletes with visual and physical impairments across Laois. Founded eight years ago as a volunteer-led initiative and now recognised through Sport Ireland, VIP Hub supports over 100 athletes across a wide range of para and inclusive sports. The organisation plans to use the funding to deliver the Laois Inclusion Games, a two-day sporting event for children and adults with disabilities which is scheduled for next August. Scholarships for students from each of the secondary schools within the common bond were presented to Grace Fox (Heywood Community School), Liam Maher (St Marys CBS), Sarah Murrell (Scoil Chriost Ri), Nathan Lam (Portlaoise College), Szymon Trela (Ardscoil na Trionoide) and Maita Phairah (Athy College). Members also demonstrated strong support for community development, approving the transfer of 80,000 into People First Credit Unions community funding budget. The money will be distributed throughout the year to assist community and voluntary groups, delivering projects with lasting social, environmental and community benefit. The evening concluded with tributes to Clive Davis, who stepped down as chair after 19 years service; Mary Carmody, who resigned from the Board of Directors and Mary Crowley, who stepped down from the Board Oversight Committee. Members were also presented with strong financial and operational results for the year, including a total gross loan book of 48.7m, representing 7.88% growth, with 6,461 loan applications received, 82 per cent of which were approved, totalling 30.2m. During the year, 1,424 new members joined People First Credit Union, while 40 local community groups received 72,691 in funding. SIX local towns and villages are set to bloom as they share 44,000 in biodiversity grants. Portlaoise Tidy Towns has been awarded 12,000 to develop a biodiversity waymarked trail, enhancing public engagement and understanding of local nature. Abbeyleix Tidy Towns will get 10,000 to support actions specifically aimed at boosting pollinator populations. The funding for both groups aims to support the delivery of practical biodiversity measures that will benefit pollinators, wildlife, and local communities. Meanwhile, four community groups have been awarded funding to create tailored biodiversity action plans for their respective areas. These plans will provide a strategic roadmap for habitat enhancement, community engagement, and long-term protection of local wildlife. Ballinakill Tidy Towns will receive 4,000, while 6,000 each will go to Clonad GAA, Clough Tidy Towns and Mountmellick Womens Shed. The funding, which comes from the Community Foundation of Ireland and the National Parks and Wildlife Service, aims to support biodiversity action across the county through the enhancement of local habitats, the protection of species and the empowering of communities to take meaningful action for nature. Laois County Council has welcomed the boost in funding to support local biodiversity action. The councils biodiversity officer Lisa Doyle said: This funding represents a boost for biodiversity action in Laois, including on-the-ground delivery of practical measures that enhance habitats and support wildlife. It is particularly encouraging to see communities being empowered to take meaningful, locally-led action for nature, with benefits that will be felt both environmentally and socially. Ellen O'Donoghue, Sarah Slater and Vivienne Clarke Louth has been added to the list of counties under orange rainfall warnings, with other advisories expanded elsewhere in the country. Weather warnings have been issued for 13 counties, with the worst impacts projected for areas that were already severely affected by flooding in recent days. Affected counties are likely to experience more flooding during spells of further heavy rain on Thursday and Friday. Met Eireann said spells of very heavy rain will be falling on already saturated ground. aiUpdates: Status Orange Rainfall warning issued for Dublin, Valid 12:00 today until 12:00 06/02 aiA Status Yellow Rainfall warning issued prior to Orange for Wicklow & Dublin, 09:00-12:00 today aiTiming updates issued to other warnings. Visit: https://t.co/w5QtJ1V6un pic.twitter.com/QZAzzLsw87 Met Eireann (@MetEireann) February 5, 2026 This, combined with high river levels and high tides, is likely to lead to localised flooding and river flooding as well as difficult travel conditions. Weather warnings: Status Orange - Rain warning for Dublin, Wicklow from 12pm Thursday to 3pm Friday. Status Orange - Rain warning for Waterford from 9am Thursday to 9am Friday Status Orange - Rain warning for Louth from 12pm Thursday to 6pm Friday Status Yellow - Rain warning for Carlow, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Wexford, Tipperary from 9am Thursday to 9am Friday Status Yellow - Rain warning for Cavan, Monaghan, Meath from 12am Thursday to 6pm Friday Yellow - Rain Warning for Antrim, Armagh, Down, Tyrone, Derry from 12pm Thursday to midnight on Friday The National Emergency Co-ordination Group has warned of another challenging phase. In advance of the latest spell of heavy rain, local authority teams have been deploying sandbags, clearing drains and carrying out other flood prevention works. In Enniscorthy Fianna Fail councillor Aidan Browne said: One of the interim measures for flood relief is currently being installed at the Island Road. This is a wall of one tonne of sand bags which is placed at back of the vulnerable houses to create a line of defence against flood waters (from the river Slaney). Wicklow County Council are highlighting that sandbags are available for collection across all Municipal Districts. Stocks will be replenished throughout the day. Collection Points are Arklow Depot, Aughrim Depot, Avoca Depot, Blessington Council Depot, Chapel Lane Baltinglass, Donard Council Depot, Dunlavin Council Depot, Tinahely Council Depot, Kilmacanagoue Carpark, Bray MD Depot and Bog Meadow, Enniskerry. Due to high tides and high easterly winds, the public is being advised by Wicklow County Council to stay away from the following areas Bray promenade which is flooded, Bray harbour, Martello car park and Bray south Promenade car park The Government has offered financial support for homes and businesses affected by recent flooding. Following recent rainfall, many rivers are at or above bank-full levels. Meanwhile, strong onshore winds and storm surge will increase the risk of wave overtopping and coastal flooding. Dublin City Council has said it is monitoring river levels and coastal conditions closely, to ensure appropriate responses as required. Carparks along Sandymount and Clontarf coast have been closed to protect against possible wave overtopping, while the Council has also closed the Clontarf cycle lane as a precautionary measure. Eden Quay Boardwalk (floodgates) also remains closed, as do the floodgates along the River Dodder. In Co Wexford, burst water mains in Kilmore are affecting the village, nearby Bridgetown, Tomhaggart and surrounding areas. Works are (expected) to be completed this evening. Pressure should return soon after, said local Aontu councillor Jim Codd. Waterford Sinn Fein TD David Cullinane said that financial resources made available for Waterford shows the town and county lags way behind Cork, Limerick, Galway, Kilkenny and many more counties over the last five years. Likewise in funding for harbours and piers, where Waterford received the lowest allocation, added Cullinane. He highlighted that Waterford ranks 22nd out of 24 counties for Office of Public Works (OPW) major flood relief funding. Over six years, Waterford received just 240,000, the Sinn Fein TD claims. Cork received 115 million. Limerick 37 million, Galway 13 million, Kilkenny 4 million, 17 times more than Waterford. This neglect is unacceptable. Waterford deserves fair funding and real flood protection. A very, very wet day Met Eireann has warned that very heavy rain falling on already saturated ground, combined with high river levels and high tides will lead to localised flooding, river flooding, and difficult travel conditions. The National Emergency Co-ordination Group met on Wednesday and warned of another challenging phase. Local authority teams have been deploying sandbags, clearing drains and carrying out other flood prevention works. The Government has offered financial support for homes and businesses affected by recent flooding. Following recent rainfall, many rivers are at or above bank-full levels. Meanwhile, strong onshore winds and storm surge will increase the risk of wave overtopping and coastal flooding. Senior forecaster with Met Eireann, Gerry Murphy, has warned it is going to be a very, very wet day with rain continuing to fall until mid-afternoon on Friday. This is going to be a lot of consistent, persistent rain," he added, but the rain will arrive more slowly than anticipated. Speaking on both Newstalk Breakfast and RTE radios Morning Ireland, Murphy also cautioned that the rain, particularly in the Dublin mountains, is going to have a knock-on effect at lower levels in areas such as Shankill and Rathfarnham and other parts of South County Dublin. This weather regime is going to continue, today, tomorrow, over the weekend, with a further band next week, he added. "Once this rain does get started this morning, it's actually going to continue right the way through the rest of the day, overnight and through tomorrow morning as well. So there's going to be rain where basically it's just going to continue raining from once it starts mid-morning and then basically it's just rain, rain until maybe mid-afternoon tomorrow," Murphy said. As has been well documented at this stage, the river levels are very high, the tides are high, the ground is saturated, so moderate amounts of rainfall can and probably will cause flooding in some places, but this is actually going to be a very wet day." Rainfall in the Wicklow Mountains will have the effect of activating some very responsive rivers and streams in the mountains, which then will have a knock-on effect as it flows down to lower levels," according to Murphy. "But it does look like those heavier, those more significant high rainfall totals will also encroach into the Dublin mountains and parts of South Dublin. Rainfall for January and the start of February has been well above average for the south and east of the country, "so it doesn't take much to tip into a flooding scenario". Additional reporting: PA By Claudia Savage, Press Association President Catherine Connolly is to continue her three-day official visit to Northern Ireland with a number of engagements in Co Derry. Ms Connolly will address a civic reception at the Guildhall, where she will be greeted by the Lord Lieutenant for the County Borough of Derry Ian Crowe and Derry City Mayor Ruairi McHugh. In the afternoon, the president will visit the Museum of Free Derry, where she will view the exhibition on Bloody Sunday. President of Ireland Catherine Connolly speaking during a visit to Ulster University Campus in Belfast (Brian Lawless/PA) Last Friday marked the 54th anniversary of Bloody Sunday. Ms Connolly will meet with some 50 family members of those who were killed and injured in 1972. Over the course of the day, the president will also visit a number of community initiatives across Derry. The presidents three-day visit to Northern Ireland marks the first official visit of President Connollys presidency and fulfils a commitment made in her inauguration address that her first official visit would be to Northern Ireland, where she would meet with people from all communities and celebrate the rich heritage and traditions of all who live there. On Wednesday, the president commenced her official visit with a number of engagements in Belfast, including a meeting with First Minister Michelle ONeill and Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly at Stormont Castle, an address at Ulster University, and a number of community engagements. The visit will conclude with a further engagement in Derry on Friday. Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado said new democratic elections in the country could be organized in less than a year if preparations begin promptly, outlining a proposed timeline while signaling that key details have not yet been discussed with the president. "We believe that a real transferring process with manual voting ... throughout the process could be done in nine to 10 months. But, well, that depends when you start," Machado said Tuesday in an interview with Politico's Dasha Burns. Machado told the news outlet that she has not yet spoken with president Trump about that election timetable, even after meeting at the White House following Nicolas Maduro's capture in January. As Politico points out, Trump has suggested the U.S. could continue to oversee Venezuela for years, controlling the development of infrastructure to extract oil from the country's reservoirs. Her proposed timeline contrasts with comments attributed to Energy Secretary Chris Wright last week, who, according to a Wall Street Journal report , told executives that Venezuela would hold elections in roughly 18 to 24 months. That longer horizon reflects a more gradual transition scenario under continued U.S. oversight. In the Politico interview, Machado also argued Venezuela differs from other recent U.S.-backed nation-building efforts. "In our case, look, we have a democratic culture, strong democratic culture. We have an organized society. We have a legitimate leadership with huge popular support and our armed forces are also supportive of a transition to democracy" She pointed to past Venezuelan elections held "under very tough circumstances" and added, "If we were able to do that under such extreme conditions, imagine now, when we have the support of the United States government." Machado has also pressed U.S. lawmakers to support her return to Venezuela in the last few weeks, according to reporting by The Washington Post. Notes from a closed-door Capitol Hill meeting reviewed by the newspaper quote her as saying: "Tell the president that I want to go back to Venezuela as soon as possible." Her allies told the Post that her return is central to a democratic transition, while some analysts and former officials warned that current U.S. cooperation with Venezuela's interim leadership could delay structural political reform. Originally published on Latin Times Allies of former authoritarian President Nicolas Maduro are stunned at interim leader Delcy Rodriguez's grip on power following his capture by U.S. forces and the Trump administration's posterior tutelage of the country, according to a new report. The New York Times detailed that the recent detention of alleged Maduro frontman Alex Saab illustrates the changing political landscape in Venezuela. Rodriguez has also fired several officials considered to be loyal to Maduro and reduced his family's access to power and government contracts. Saab is considered to be a financial front man of Maduro. He was reportedly captured in Caracas as part of a joint operation involving Venezuelan authorities and U.S. officials, including the FBI. Reuters reported that a U.S. official said the Colombian businessman was detained on Wednesday in an operation coordinated between Washington and Caracas and could face extradition to the United States. However, France 24 correspondent Daniela Zambrano said sources at Venezuela's prosecutor's office indicated that no national authority had formally confirmed the detention. The New York Times said he was questioned overnight and his current status is unknown. U.S. authorities previously charged Saab with money laundering related to a scheme prosecutors said involved contracts and payments connected to the Maduro government. He was arrested in Cabo Verde in June 2020 during a refueling stop and was extradited to the United States in October 2021. Saab spent roughly two years in U.S. custody before being released and returned to Venezuela in late 2023 as part of a prisoner exchange involving detained Americans. U.S. officials continue to be happy with the relations with the interim regime even if Rodriguez strikes an increasingly combative tone in public, according to another report. Semafor noted that Rodriguez maintains weekly communication with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and has met with newly-appointed Laura Dogu this week. The visit marked the reopening of diplomatic ties between Washington and Caracas after seven years. Relations had been severed in 2019, when the first Trump administration recognized opposition leader Juan Guaido as Venezuela's interim president. Since then, U.S. policy toward Venezuela had been managed from an external office at the U.S. Embassy in Bogota. Officials say they will judge the regime based on its actions, not rhetoric, and highlighted the release of some political prisoners, the announcement of an amnesty bill for hundreds more, and the signing of a law overhauling the oil sector. "She's on a short leash and doesn't have much of a choice to comply," a person close to the White House told the outlet. Elsewhere, a Wall Street Journal report detailed that U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright told executives there will be elections in 18 to 24 months. The outlet noted that, however, officials in Venezuela's interim regime are hoping to wait out Trump to stay in power. Originally published on Latin Times The Cuban regime has begun negotiating with the U.S. opening up its economy in exchange for not getting overthrown, according to a new report. Spanish outlet ABC Internacional detailed that talks are being led by Alejandro Castro Espin, son of Raul and Nephew of Fidel. He is said to be engaging with the CIA in Mexico. The outlet added the Trump administration could begin ending its blockade on the island in exchange for Cuba allowing the entry of U.S. companies to strategic sectors such as energy, tourism, banking and telecommunications. In contrast, a negative could lead the U.S. to consider Cuba an accomplice of Venezuela's former authoritarian President President Nicolas Maduro, who has been accused of narcoterrorism, and conduct military operations in the island. A first gesture could be for the U.S. to sell Cuba the oil it needs to avoid a collapse. A report from the Financial Times last week claimed that the country has less than a month worth of oil at current levels of demand and domestic production. Citing data company Kpler, the outlet noted on January 29 that the country had oil to last 15 to 20 days unless deliveries resume. "They have a major crisis on their hands" Jorge Pinon, an oil expert at the University of Texas told the outlet. The country has only received less than 85,000 barrels this year, according to the FT. All came from a shipment on January 9, Kpler detailed. The figure adds to an estimated 460,000 barrels held in inventories at the beginning of the year. President Donald Trump has been urging the beleaguered country to engage in talks before its stock runs out completely. "I think they'll probably come to us and want to make a deal. So Cuba will be free again. They'll come to us and make a deal. Cuba really has a problem. I know a lot of people from Cuba. We have a lot of people in the U.S. right now who would like to go back to Cuba. We'd like to work that out," Trump said during the weekend." Cuban Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernandez de Cossio, on his end, rejected reports that the country is taking steps towards formal negotiations with the U.S. but acknowledged there are conversations. Speaking to Spanish agency EFE, the official said that "the U.S. government is perfectly aware of Cuba's stance and its willingness to engage in dialogue and has not rejected that." He went on to claim that it "would be a mistake" to say steps are being taken towards bilateral talks because such a dialogue "has not begun." Originally published on Latin Times A natural gas leak at Stroud Mansion led to the evacuation of several homes and businesses Wednesday evening in bitter cold temperatures. The Stroudsburg and East Stroudsburg fire departments responded shortly after 5 p.m. to the area of Ninth and Main Streets in downtown Stroudsburg for a reported natural gas odor. Crews arrived and detected the odor, though no source was immediately found. UGI Utilities, PPL and Met-Ed crews were dispatched, determining the area should be cordoned off and traffic diverted. The closed-off area grew to roughly one square block, Stroudsburg fire officials said. PPL crews shut off power to homes and businesses in the cordoned area by 7 p.m. Wednesday. Monroe County Transit Authority dispatched a bus to the scene and firefighters canvassed the area to make contact with residents for a voluntary evacuation. Its unclear specifically how many people were asked to evacuate. UGI spokesman John Mason said the utility wouldnt have that information since the evacuations were all voluntary. A warming shelter was then set up by the Monroe County Office of Emergency Management for displaced residents. Cristina Maisel, regional communications manager for the American Red Cross Greater Pennsylvania Region, said the organizations Northeastern Pennsylvania Chapter opened an evacuation center at East Stroudsburg South High School, 279 North Courtland St. in East Stroudsburg. Six residents were assisted with shelter, food and other support services, Maisel said. By 10:15 p.m. Wednesday, UGI crews repaired a significant leak on a gas line at Stroud Mansion, fire officials said. The historic mansion, dating back to 1795, over the years has been used for various purposes, including a tavern, library and local meeting place, according to the Monroe County Historical Associations website. Its currently closed until spring and serves as the associations office space, a research library and museum at 900 Main Street, the website states. It was a small leak at the meter, Mason told lehighvalleylive.com. Our crews came out and fixed it quickly. There was no impact to the historic building. Fire officials cleared the scene just after 11 p.m. and turned it over to UGI and the utilitys traffic control subcontractor Power was returned to the block and residents were able to return home by 12:30 a.m. Thursday. Maisel said the shelter closed once the displaced residents were able to return home and wasnt open overnight. All roads and intersections have since returned to normal traffic. She was absolutely, utterly exhausted. It was the morning of Christmas Eve, and her kids, almost 4 and 2, woke her up way too early, excited for the holiday. A so-so nights sleep didnt help the fatigue that came on after a three-and-a-half hour drive to her parents home in Eastampton Township, Burlington County, the day before. Christine Barmoy was 38 weeks pregnant. Barmoy, a psychiatric nurse practitioner, took her own blood pressure. It was low. Very low. And she already knew she was dehydrated. I could barely stand up, said Barmoy, 33. My choice was to go to the ER on Christmas Eve or find someone to come to the house to give me an IV. She did a quick online search and found a company that offers concierge mobile IV infusions. In an hour, a nurse was at Barmoys side, sticking a needle in her arm to deliver fluids with a little bit of sugar and electrolytes while keeping an eye on her vital signs. I could feel myself improving. And after, I felt back to normal, Barmoy said of the $380 treatment, which isnt covered by insurance. It was worth every penny. IV drips are having a moment, thanks in no small part to celebrity endorsements. Everybody from Donnie Wahlberg who created his own infusion concoction called The Donnie to podcaster Joe Rogan have promoted these unconventional, semi-medical treatments that claim to cure everything from anxiety to a hangover. But theres one catch: Just who is putting the needle in your arm? At the height of the COVID pandemic in April 2020, then-Gov. Phil Murphy signed an executive order that allowed Advanced Practice Nurses, or APNs, to run their own clinics and dole out medical treatments without a supervising physician. In the healthcare world, it was a huge change that supporters hoped would expand access to care when hospital systems and private practices were overwhelmed. Some nurse practitioners did just that. But others started their own med spas hybrids between aesthetic medical centers and day spas that offer non-emergency care like IV therapy and Botox. The nursing community had been advocating for that kind of freedom and autonomy for decades. But the result, critics say, is an industry thats turned into a Wild West. Patients are receiving elective procedures that have serious risks think tissue damage, nerve injury, serious allergic reactions or worse in the back room of a fancified spa without a doctor in sight in case something goes wrong. Its unclear exactly how many nurse-run practices without a collaborating physician are in New Jersey. But one thing is for sure: theyre making money. Med spas alone across the state are earning between $1.3 and $1.6 billion a year, according to several industry estimates. And about 60% of the states more than 1,000 med spas opened their doors since COVID. So its no surprise that nurses are now in the fight of their lives to keep control of their businesses. In his last hours in office, Murphy lifted his COVID-era order, giving APNs only 30 days until Feb. 16 to either find a supervising physician or shut their doors. It sent the community into a tailspin. I need a lifesaver, said Jenn Plescia, an APN who opened IVs By The Seas in Point Pleasant under the COVID rules. To stay in business, she will need to partner with a collaborating physician. We worked really hard to get here, Plescia said, her voice cracking. It sucks. She could catch a break from lawmakers, who have debated whether APNs should be allowed to practice independently since 2012. A state Senate version of a bill that would eliminate certain practice restrictions for APNs is set for a hearing on Feb. 9. But getting a bill passed that fast by the Feb. 16 deadline is near impossible. And there is still no sponsor for the measure on the state Assembly side. Gov. Mikie Sherrill declined to comment for this story. Unless she acts, the pre-COVID rules will kick back in. Med spas and other facilities run by APNs will need to close unless they get doctor sign-ons. Thats exactly what should happen, some opponents say. Laws requiring doctors to oversee these medically-adjacent treatments are there to keep patients safe. Theyve had deadly consequences before. A 47-year-old mother of four died after getting an infusion at a Texas med spa in July 2023. We dont want nobody to go through what we went through, the womans husband, Brian Cleveland, told a local television station last year. How many people got to die before we decide to do something? NO ONE IS DOING ANYTHING Drip. Drip. Drip. The Vitamin Sea Level 1 infusion was making its way into Plescias clients arm while she panicked about her future. (Costing $210 for an office visit or $275 for mobile delivery services, the mix is described as packed with nutrients to help protect against infection, improve healing time, support your immune system and reduce the duration of illness.) This is getting really bad, she said before learning the APN legislation was up for a hearing. No one is doing anything. In the three weeks since Murphy rescinded the COVID order, Plescia has been an incessant powerhouse on social media, railing against the 30-day countdown while promoting independence for practitioners like her. Shes called lawmakers across the state. Shes tried to reach the governor. Shes fighting for her spas life. This is like an ironman (triathlon race). Or ironwoman, she said, noting that about 70% of practitioners who operate med spas are women. You have to swim. You have to get to the other side and I have sharks nipping at my feet, said Plescia, 38. I just need someone to send me a lifesaver so I can get on the other side. She said she worries about her clients, like the two teens who have been cyberbullied because of their acne but are showing progress physically and emotionally under her treatment. She worries about her 10 employees. A little prick. Relax. Pinch. Sorry, she said, taking another moment with her client. Her spa started as a side gig she got her business license from the state in July 2021 but her main job was still working in an emergency room. But by that December, during a horrible COVID wave where I was one nurse for 40 patients, I called my husband and said I couldnt do it anymore. He encouraged her to quit and pursue her med spa business full-time. Within days of taking the jump, she got the kind of boost new businesses dream about. On Dec. 26, 2021, Mike The Situation Sorrentino of Jersey Shore fame name-dropped Plescias business on Instagram, and the mention made its way into a People article: Pretty serious situation right now, Sorrentino wrote. Day 4 with Covid Thank you to @ivsbytheseas for that vitamin drip . It was huge for her business, which she says has served more than 5,200 clients. Plescia argues that throughout COVID, practitioners like her proved they could practice safely without a doctor in charge. Didnt we show up, stepping up to the forefront during COVID under these executive orders isnt this a case study for how we can act autonomously? she said. She said shes received offers from physicians and from private equity groups interested in buying her practice. She wants no part of it. But she doesnt really have a choice. Before COVID, the rules about who can own a medical practice and who can run one were longstanding. So was the push for more autonomy for nurses. In the 1990s, the rules for APNs, who used to work under stricter direction from doctors, transitioned to a less rigid collaboration model. The idea was that the nurses and doctors would work together, and while APNs might manage their own patients, they always had a physician to consult when needed. Collaborating physicians are more than partners on paper, experts say, adding they are legally required to be available for consultation and to review charts. They could also be held liable in lawsuits or board investigations. While the COVID orders temporarily lifted the requirement for a collaborating physician, it never changed the rules governing who can own a medical practice. Non-physicians can start a company and own the non-clinical side, but a physician has to own the medical service side something that some med spa owners ignored when they set up shop during COVID. Nothing in the pending law would change that, so nurses still would not be allowed to own their own practices. But those who have been running businesses since 2020 dont want to fork over their lucrative profits. Heres the thing, Plescia argued about the doctor shes now supposed to partner with. They dont see or treat a patient, but they get all of the profits into their bank account? ARE THEY SAFE? A tiny air bubble. The size of a grain of rice or soda fizz. Blink and youd miss it. But if it forms in the tubes used to infuse vitamins, fluids and other cure-alls into your bloodstream, it can float to your brain, heart or lungs and cause a heart attack, stroke or respiratory failure. Other complications with the procedure can be deadly. Jenifer Cleveland, 47, died after receiving an infusion of vitamin B and electrolytes at a med spa in July 2023. An investigation by the Texas Attorney Generals office is ongoing, but the states medical board determined a supervising physician failed to properly oversee treatment, which was administered by someone without a license. How many more other families have to go through this? Clevelands widower Brian told a local reporter last year. And you know, one is too many. Something needs to be done. So that nobody else ever has to go home and look at an 11-year-old little girl and tell her mother aint never coming home again. The death of the married mother of four inspired a new law in Texas that requires more supervision from a doctor for IV therapies. A wrongful death suit filed by Brian Cleveland is ongoing. It alleges a cosmetic IV treatment became deadly when a national pharmaceutical distributor supplied hospital-grade electrolytes to an unqualified med spa operating without proper medical oversight, Clevelands attorney, Matt Morrison, told NJ Advance Media. Jenifer Cleveland went in for IV vitamins and a spray tan and was dead less than half an hour later after a rapid potassium infusion. Warnings about elective IV therapy, questionable effectiveness claims and clinics that operate without supervising doctors pre-date Clevelands death. In 2018, the Federal Trade Commission charged one IV seller with making deceptive promises about their IV cocktails abilities to treat cancer, congestive heart failure and multiple sclerosis. In 2020, it sent warning letters to other companies offering IVs to fight the coronavirus. And the Food and Drug Administration warned in 2021 that some med spas and IV clinics were mixing products inappropriately without proper sterilization. Contaminated, or otherwise poor quality, compounded drug products can lead to serious patient illnesses, including death, it said. While there have been no elective IV deaths in New Jersey, plenty of med spas have come under scrutiny for performing procedures without proper authority. A Passaic County spa owner in 2024 agreed to pay $10,000 and was banned from skin care for 10 years after operating without a medical license. The state found Rasha Abdul N. Basuf, the owner of the now-defunct Skyn Spa in Clifton, illegally performed procedures including Botox, dermal fillers, laser hair removal, microneedling, vampire facials, body contouring and teeth whitening. In 2025, the license of a massage therapist was suspended for five years after she was accused of performing procedures that went beyond the scope of her license. Ana C. Velazco, who owned and operated Fabsilhouette also known as Medical Massage Network in Fair Lawn was permanently barred from owning or operating a massage business or med spa after the state said she gave fatdissolving injections, performed microneedling and removed postsurgical sutures. Thats exactly why some doctors say its time for the COVID rules to go. CHANGING THE RULES? Let Florida be a cautionary example, said Claudine Leone, an attorney for NJ Government Affairs Counsel, a lobbying group representing several physician associations. Nurses and their allies say APN autonomy increases access to care in underserved populations. But a 2025 study in Florida found of 328 independent nurse practitioner practices in the state, only 128 provided primary care. Despite Florida law limiting independent practice to primary care, nearly 60 percent were operating cosmetic, aesthetic, IV hydration and other cash-based practices, Leone said. APNs are not automatically drawn to underserved communities or high-need care. They are drawn to profitable, low-complexity, cash-based services. New Jersey saw similar changes under the COVID orders, with APNs leaving hospitals and primary care practices to open non-traditional practices like med spas. Among the side effects, doctors say, is patients receiving the wrong treatments, ones that dont work, or that they dont need and paying out of pocket for all of it. Rahul Vemula, a board certified plastic surgeon who is also vice president of the New Jersey Society of Plastic Surgeons, told a story of a recent patient who went to a med spa without physician oversight. The patient wanted to get rid of excess fat in her belly and paid for CoolSculpting, a non-surgical procedure that freezes and destroys fat cells. Its FDA-approved but not covered by insurance. If this patient had gone to a plastic surgeon, she immediately would have been told that the non-surgical treatment would not achieve her goals, said Vemula, who is based in West Long Branch. She needed an abdominoplasty, commonly called a tummy tuck, he said. One thing that she said to me really stood out. `I never saw a doctor and I thought they knew what they were doing, Vemula said of his patient. The harm here was that a patient spent thousands of dollars for a treatment that should not have been performed and failed to achieve her goals. But state Sen. Joseph Vitale, D-Middlesex and co-sponsor of the bill, said nurse practitioners across all disciplines proved themselves during COVID. He called giving them independence a game-changer and said med spas and more traditional practices can both be run by nurses. We have a workforce shortage in healthcare, said Vitale, chairman of the Senate health committee. I couldnt really care less about the very basic cosmetic elective procedures. If someone wants to have plumper lips, God bless, he said. I want kids to get pediatric care and people to get mental health services. If Vitales bill doesnt pass, some nurses said, theyll be taking their services elsewhere. Cara Carpin left family medicine and opened Restore Health by Science in Marmora in 2023 under the COVID rules. She treats as many as two dozen clients a week with hormone therapy through injections or oral capsules to treat everything from menopause and erectile dysfunction to decreased libido and depression. The reality of what this means is staggering, Carpin said. I am now being forced to pay a physician simply to satisfy a regulatory requirement, even though that physician will not treat patients in my clinic, may never step foot in the building, and doesnt even need to live in New Jersey. If she cant keep her practice here, she says shell move it to Maryland, a state where itd be allowed to operate with fewer restrictions. Marcel Kaganovskaya, a family and psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner who works in Montclair and New York City, is also questioning whether he will continue to practice in New Jersey. Its very stressful, said Kaganovskaya, who also is the executive director of The Society of Psychiatric Advanced Practice Nurses. Adding a collaborating physician to his practice a person who would not see patients and may never enter an exam room could cost from $1,000 to $2,000 a month, he said. This is going to be a public health emergency, he said, worrying that many practitioners may leave the state if they cant practice independently. Plescia said she keeps working both with her clients and on the phones to anyone who will listen but she cant stop looking at the calendar. Sometimes I just feel New Jersey hates nurses, she said. NJ Advance Media reporter Jackie Roman and Research Editor Vinessa Erminio contributed to this report. Wednesday marked Day 12 of temperatures stuck at or below freezing in the Lehigh Valley, and theres plenty of ice to be found on local bodies of water. When it comes to ice over flowing water like rivers or streams, experts urge people to stay off. Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Executive Director Timothy Schaeffer took time out during a state House of Representatives committee appearance Wednesday in Harrisburg to issue a warning amid this cold snaps favorable conditions for ice fishing. Never under any circumstances should anyone venture onto flowing water that is frozen, he said during a hearing of the House Game & Fisheries Committee. The depths of the ice are variable and if you get swept under that ice (theres a) really good chance that youre not coming back out. So we just implore not only the anglers of Pennsylvania but people that may think that it looks cool to be out there: Please stay off the ice. Easton-based Pennsylvania Water Rescue issued a similar warning via Facebook. River ice is never fully safe, regardless of appearance, and should not be walked on, as moving water, fluctuating levels and hidden weak spots make it highly unpredictable, the nonprofit posted Thursday, Jan. 29. It is significantly thinner and weaker than lake ice. If you fall in, cold water shock and strong currents make rescue extremely difficult. An article from the lehighvalleylive.com archives from January 2015 featured anglers after walleye beneath the ice on the Delaware River between Easton and Phillipsburg and included words of warning then from water rescue experts. The Fish and Boat Commission offers the following safety steps for those looking to get out for ice fishing this winter: Planning permission has been granted for the operation of an 80 metre meteorological mast on Cullahill Mountain in County Laois for a five year period, despite the huge number of objections against the planning application. Cullahill Wind Farm Limited sought permission in August 2025 for the continued use of the mast which was installed in March of last year at Gorteennahilla. The purpose of the mast is to explore the suitability for a potential wind farm at the location. The planning documents submitted by the applicant states that the mast must operate for a period of 5 years in order to accurately record and predict long-term meteorological conditions and to ensure the optimal technical operation of a potential wind energy development. Cullahill Wind Farm Limited explained: "Due to the variability of Irish weather conditions, it is considered that a period of 5-years is appropriate to allow for a comprehensive evaluation of meteorological conditions at this location. "Notwithstanding that the Wind Energy Development Guidelines for Planning Authorities 2006 consider a measurement period of 2 years to be sufficient, it is current best practice within the wind energy industry in Ireland to measure meteorological conditions over an extended period." They justified their proposal for a 5 year operation, arguing: "It should be further noted that in multiple recent decisions, local planning authorities and An Bord Pleanala have, in respect of similar proposed developments, regularly provided for an operational period of 5-years." Lisdowney Wind Farm is located near the site of the existing mast, just across the Laois border into northern Kilkenny. However, Cullahill Wind Farm Limited noted that this is an entirely independent development and they cannot access the necessary data this mast is intended to gather "given the commercial sensitivities relating to wind speed data." Laois County Council have now granted permission on a conditional basis for the operation of the mast for five years, commencing from the time of approval. The decision has been granted despite well over 120 objections being lodged against the planning application by locals in the area. A wide range of concerns were raised by residents near the site in Gorteennahilla. The mast has been described as a "nuisance and disruption to local residents". Among the issues raised, multiple objections noted the required red light at the top of the mast causing issues for nearby homes who are within eyeline of it. A large amount of the complaints argued that the mast was "unlawfully" erected without undergoing the proper planning procedures and with "complete disregard for the local people negatively impacted by it." They also voiced their concerns with the fact that this is essentially preparing for the possibility of wind farm development in the area, which they said is not wanted nor permitted by Laois County Council's Development Plan. Many local residents agreed that such a development, and even the operation of the mast alone, would pose a significant threat to biodiversity, the local environment and tourism on Cullahill Mountain. They also argued that the mast and future wind turbines would "devalue property, disrupt farming, and threaten local businesses." Cullahill Wind Farm Limited responded to some of the objections within their more recently submitted planning documents. In relation to the concerns about the potential wind farm development, they said: "It is further noted that the observations, in large part, do not relate to matters relevant to the subject proposed development but, instead, to the potential future development of a wind energy development at this general location and the planning policy and environmental matters and considerations arising from same. READ NEXT: Laois village to get high-speed internet with proposed new mast on GAA grounds "As a consequence, and in the interests of brevity, as such matters are not relevant to the subject proposed development, a response has not been provided." However, as one concerned local pointed out, this proposal is "clearly designed as a preparatory step" for such a development and so making it "inseparable from the wider project." Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme Traffic lights on junctions of a busy road in Portlaoise suggested by one councillor, have been immediately shot down by others. Meanwhile Laois County Council has an update on the TII's plans for the "nightmare" Mountmellick N80 road. Fine Gael Cllr Paddy Buggy tabled a motion to the January meeting of Portlaoise Municipal District, suggesting what he said would be a "more cost effective solution" than the three roundabouts which are recommended by traffic consultants at Harpur's Lane, Greenmill Lane and the Ballyfin Road, but still awaiting state funding years on. The N80 Mountmellick road serves the highest number of homes in rapidly growing Portlaoise. However it is also heavily used by traffic passing through the town, causing difficulty for local drivers trying to enter the road, and danger for cyclists and pedestrians crossing roads. "Everyone is fully aware how busy the road is, particularly in the morning and evening. This would ensure that people living along the road can have priority instead of the passing traffic. It will make it safer for pedestrians and be a more cost effective solution than roundabouts," Cllr Buggy suggests. He guesses that it will take 1 million to install three roundabouts, making them "cost prohibitive". "I'd rather spend it on footpaths. Traffic lights would alleviate the problem for locals and that's our priority, people trying to get to work. Roundabouts don't always work, you could still be waiting ages at a junction," he said. Cllr Caroline Dwane Stanley seconded but said she "won't be accepting second best" for a road where she lives. "I support the merit of the motion to get access onto the road, but I don't support traffic lights. I drive it every day, it's a nightmare to get on to from the Ballyfin road. You rely on the good will of someone to let you out. "I know they call it the town of roundabouts but they keep traffic moving. Despite the new bus service it's actually got worse. The whole way into town is absolutely crazy," she said. "We can afford it for the Abbeyleix road, the Borris road, the Dublin road, the Mountrath road, but not Mountmellick road? I won't be accepting that. I won't be settling for the cheap end of the market," she said. Cllr Tommy Mulligan predicts that traffic lights would delay traffic even more, while Cllr Marie Tuohy agrees with Cllr Dwane Stanley. Cllr Catherine Fitzgerald said "whatever helps at this stage". "People are blue in the face. I'd prefer roundabouts but I'd accept traffic lights. We're at this years. It is top of the agenda for the Portlaoise area, along with the Northern Orbital Route," she said. Cllr Buggy said he is disappointed to hear that traffic lights are considered "the yellowpack roundabout and not very effective". "They are a way to control traffic in congested areas," he insists. Read next: Out now! Pick up the latest edition of Laois Life magazine in your local shop Laois County Council roads designers report that they are engaging consultants who are to provide a Feasibility and Options report for the N80 from Fairgreen to Peter and Pauls church. This review of the longer stretch of road was requested by the Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) who will foot the bill for any upgrade. That report is about to be completed and will be shown to the councillors. Read next: 'One agenda... to make money' Stradbally councillors back HSE takeover of nursing home Simon Walton is Director of Services and the council's rep to Portlaoise Municipal District. "Anything we do is subject to approval by the TII. We funded the report as we were required to do. we have the draft now and we reviewed it. We are still in dialogue with the TII and ORS consultants with comments of our own on the report. We are due to meet again on February 18. "Whatever the intervention, we all want a safer environment. This gives us an opportunity to address this," Mr Walton said. A Laois Macra club is 60 years old and thriving, and planning a fun celebration for its members past and present. Mountmellick Macra is marking six decades of community involvement, cultural achievement, lifelong friendships and even marriages. The club was founded on January 3, 1966, by a group of young people who came together with a shared vision for the future. In the early years, the club had the foresight to buy a former bottling factory on Patrick Street, which now forms the stage area of their community hall. Continued dedication and hard work led to the completion of a major hall extension in 1976, which was opened with well-deserved pride, marking a milestone in the club's history. "From those early days to the present day, Mountmellick Macra remains deeply grateful to its members and supporters who worked tirelessly to develop the club and build the hall that is still at the heart of the organisation today," says member Ursula Coyle Dunne, whose parents Sheelagh Coyle and founding member Leo Dunne met in the club and went on to marry. She confirms that remarkably, the club was the foundation ground for fifty weddings, "a testament to the strong bonds formed amongst its members". Back Row: John McEvoy, Larry Ryan, Paddy Grehan, Tony Walsh, Joe McEvoy, Joe Bloomer, Noel Conroy, Leo Dunne, Vincent Gorman. Front Row: Geraldine Young (Fennell), Josie Fennelly (Delaney), Sheelagh Coyle, Mary Dunne, Anne Carroll (Dempsey), Helen Rochford Chairperson of the club Aidan Moore spoke to the Leinster Express / Laois Live. Mountmellick Macra has always been about people, the friendships formed, the voluntary work, the confidence gained and the sense of belonging created within our community. As we celebrate 60 years, we honour those who went before us, thank everyone who continues to give so generously of their time, and look forward with confidence to the future of the club and hall, he said. Being a voluntary organisation, the club relies on the guidance, support and experience of its members. Over the decades, it has experienced successes and challenges, winning and losing All-Ireland titles, becoming an integral part of the local community, welcoming countless new members, working with Macra on a county and National level and fostering hundreds of lifelong friendships. We encourage our members to develop new skills, voice their opinions, and play an active role in shaping their local communities, while also providing a fun and supportive social outlet, says the current PRO Emer Feighery. Mountmellick Macra has contributed richly to the arts in the town. It has hosted countless dramas, variety shows and pantomimes showcasing its talented members. An energetic performance by Mountmellick Macra. Many went on to represent the club at county and national level, while others surprised themselves and others by discovering new skills, from public speaking to dancing, even those with two left feet. Sport, agricultural skills, public speaking and performing arts are also taken on by Mountmellick Macra members in national Macra competitions. Continual investment in the hall has ensured it remains accessible and futureproof. In 2006, wheelchair-accessible toilets and a balcony were added. In 2025 the club took on its most significant investment to date, replacing the leaky asbestos roof with a modern insulated replacement. The club extends sincere gratitude to the many former and current members who donated so generously to the project, helping to secure the future of the hall. Read next: Laois craft group going international with invite to exhibit in France Mountmellick Macra still thrives thanks to members who give so freely of their time. The hall is used weekly by members and local community groups, with new members always welcome. Mountmellick Macra will hold its 60th anniversary celebrations on Saturday, May 9, 2026, with a dinner dance in The Midlands Park Hotel. All are warmly invited to attend. Further details to be announced. DUP MP Gregory Campbell has told Irish president Catherine Connolly youre in our country and warned her against rewriting the past on her visit to County Derry. In a short interaction between the pair after Ms Connolly addressed the Guildhall, she said she is here to listen adding at the end of the day were human beings and we have to have respect. In her speech, the president said she is grateful to the people of Derry for showing the path from conflict to peace, adding that justice is still awaited by the survivors of families of victims of Bloody Sunday. Referring to his attendance on Thursday evening at a debate in Dublin, the DUP MP for East Londonderry told the Irish president: Youre in our country. Tonight Im going to your country. He added: Were not leaving the United Kingdom, not now or at anytime in the future, so I think its better if we try and ensure no-one rewrites the past as we all build for the future. Reacting to the exchange on the social media network X, Foyle MP Colum Eastwood told Mr Campbell to grow up. Ms Connolly said she was looking forward to visiting the Siege Museum later that day, which commemorates the 1689 Siege of Londonderry when up to 30,000 Protestant people held the walled city in the face of forces from the Catholic King James II. Mr Campbell said he wanted to make our acquaintance to try and build on that. The Irish president replied: Were here to listen and to learn from each other and rewriting history would be when Mr Campbell interjected a big mistake, to which Ms Connolly agreed, saying: In any country and in many countries theyve rewritten history to suit a narrative. Mr Campbell added: As you said yesterday, it would be a dull day if we agreed on everything so theres going to be issues where we disagree. Ms Connolly told Mr Campbell she grew up in a family of 14 and there were lots of disagreements, but we had to learn to live and love, at the end of the day were human beings and we have to have respect, thats very important. Speaking to reporters after the meeting, the unionist politician said he warmly welcomed her to this part of the United Kingdom and he always welcomes visitors, especially visitors from other countries. I was more than disappointed that in her speech there were numerous references to Derry, but not a single reference to Londonderry, Mr Campbell said. That she talked about some hardships in the province that there were, for example, with Bloody Sunday, which I would expect her to do, but no reference to the fact that where she was making those comments on the west bank of the Foyle, theres only 5% of the population that is now Unionist because they suffered hardship and intimidation and murder as well. So I think she got the message, and she apologised for not making the proper references, and I hope that we can build a relationship between her country and our country. Asked about Ms Connollys repeated references to respecting all cultures on the island of Ireland made in her speech in Belfast on Wednesday, Mr Campbell said: If she made a balanced speech yesterday, and I heard most of it and it was balanced, well, why not make a balanced speech today? I just hope nobody in the Department of Foreign Affairs came up with the impression weve got to be balanced when were in Belfast, but see when we go to the north west, were playing a home game. That days over. That day is over. Either were moving forward by agreement, which we are, then we have to reach out to each community. That speech didnt and hopefully it will in the future. Towards the end of their interaction, the DUP MP and Irish president did agree on the importance of not rewriting history and agreed to listen to the others perspective. Asked if he warmed to Ms Connolly, Mr Campbell said: I like to think that when people hear exactly what others feel and believe and speak on, that they give them respect that hopefully they deserve, and then they can move forward with mutual respect for each others view. The president is on day two of her three-day official visit to Northern Ireland, with a number of engagements in Co Londonderry. Ms Connolly was greeted on arrival to the Guildhall by the Lord Lieutenant for the County Borough of Londonderry Ian Crowe and Derry City Mayor Ruairi McHugh. She also stopped to have a brief conversation in Irish with someone who had waited to see the president. Laois Offaly Gardai are appealing for witnesses following a serious road traffic collision in Offaly which has left a teenage girl in a critical condition in a Dublin hospital. In their appeal, Gardai say that shortly after 6.15 pm on Wednesday, February 4, Gardai and emergency services responded to a collision involving a car and two pedestrians on Tullamore Road, Clara. A statement issued to the Leinster Express / Laois Live said one of the pedestrians, a girl in her mid-teens, was treated at the scene and subsequently removed to Crumlin children's hospital. Her condition is understood to be critical. The second pedestrian, a male also in his mid-teens, was brought to Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore. His injuries are not believed to be life-threatening. Gardai say that a man in his 40s was arrested at the scene in connection with the incident. He was detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984, at a Garda station in Offaly. The scene was also preserved for examination by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators and local traffic diversions are in place. READ ALSO: Laois Garda crackdown on noisy 'banger' cars continues Gardai are appealing for witnesses to come forward. Any road users or pedestrians who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were in the area of Tullamore Road, Frederick Street and Bridge Street, Clara, at the time of the collision are asked to make this footage available to investigating Gardai. Anyone with information is asked to contact Tullamore Garda Station on (057) 9327600, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station. China expresses regret over expiration of U.S.-Russia nuclear treaty Xinhua) 16:25, February 05, 2026 BEIJING, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- China expresses regret over the expiration of the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START) between the United States and Russia, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Thursday. New START holds great importance for maintaining global strategic stability, Lin said at a regular news briefing, adding that the international community is widely concerned that its expiration will have negative impacts on the international arms control regime and the global nuclear order. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) A Laois councillor who is also a teacher, has slammed the "criminal waste" he sees in uneaten food under the Governments Hot School Meals programme. Cllr Tommy Mulligan from the Portlaoise Municipal District is working as a supply teacher, between several Laois schools. "I've nothing agains the Hot School Meals Programme but I'm 100% against waste, and something that doesn't work. There is definitely a better way. "I see criminal waste. A lot of children don't enjoy a hot meal, or they are picky, or it's too early to eat a hot meal. The programme needs to be targeted more to children. There needs to be more engagement with schools. There should be an opt out system. "We need an alternative around healthier lunches. They cost 3.20 each. You could have ten in a class who entirely refuse the food, or pick at it and give it back. That's 600 a month, by nine months is 5,400. For one classroom. "There are schools in this town on a three year contract for 1 million. That's half a million in one school wasted. My issue is wastage and taxpayers' money," Cllr Mulligan said. He tabled a motion to the January meeting of Laois County Council, asking it to ask the Minister for Social Protection, Dara Calleary to introduce a healthy lunch meal programme as an optional alternative to the hot school meals programme. "With the primary aim of improving nutritional outcomes for children, reducing food waste and increasing variety and choice". Cllr Aisling Moran seconded his motion. "You have to give choice. I think there should be a kitchen in each area. There is in Japan, Darina Allen is always on about it. They have 98 to 99% participation and the meals are planned and served by students who tidy up after. It is cheaper, they learn healthy food habits, use seasonal ingredients and it supports local economies and lowers emissions. "There is such wastage at the moment. Why would you provide 200 meals if only 100 eat them? An opt out is a good idea. You're teaching them to waste. To say 'I don't want that' and throw it out," Cllr Moran said. Cllr Ollie Clooney a vegetable farmer said "I heard the waste is three quarters". "It's all pre-prepared. If you haven't prepped stuff really hot, it doesn't taste well. This stuff could have been in a bag for three months. Going forward youngsters won't eat any vegetables. They stopped me one day at the market, they didn't even know what a turnip was. When we were in school we would go into a field on the way home and take a bite out of a turnip," he recalled. Cllr John Joe Fennelly described it as "savage waste" while Cllr Paschal McEvoy said his own grandchildren are reporting to him that half the time they don't like their reheated school dinners. Read next: 'Cheap' traffic light solution shot down for 'nightmare' Portlaoise road "It is needed, there are children dependent on it, but it's to get the balance right. Pull it away from children who don't need it," he said. "Kids can't learn if they are hungry," said Cllr Paddy Buggy. "Some companies got money for the year and then the quality went downhill," he claimed. A letter will be sent to Minister Dara Calleary. The HSEs takeover of Droimnin Nursing Home in Stradbally follows a year of poor HIQA inspection reports and a HSA investigation. Droimnin Nursing Home currently houses some 39 elderly residents. Their care will now be managed by the HSE. In March 2025, the Leinster Express/Laois Live reported that the Health and Safety Authority(HSA) and Gardai were called in to investigate the unexpected death of a resident, a woman in her 80s, at the home on St Patricks Day. HIQA carried out an inspection a month later in April which resulted in a negative inspection report being published in July 2025. Inspectors reviewed unsolicited information received by the Chief Inspector. The information received pertained to concerns regarding the governance and management of the centre, the quality of care provided to residents including social care, the supervision of staff and the management of complaints. This information was found to be fully substantiated on this inspection, the report noted. Two Health Information and Quality Authority(HIQA) Inspectors visited the facility and discovered non compliance in eight of nine regulations. Pictured above: HIQA's inspection findings in April 2025 One resident said they refrained from using their call bell in recognition of how busy staff were. Another resident emphasised how good the staff were but said they couldnt get their morning care that morning due to a lack of staff, the report stated. In one instance, inspectors had to request that a staff member come to the ground floor communal area to assist a resident who required assistance, the report noted. The inspectors reported that: Residents told inspectors that their rights were not always upheld, including limited choice around their daily routines such as when to get up from bed or to shower. Residents were not always supervised in communal areas and call bells were not within reach for some residents, leaving them unable to request help when needed. This posed a risk to their safety and did not uphold their dignity. READ ALSO: HSE takes charge of Laois nursing home after HIQA court application Droimnin Nursing Home issued a statement after the report was published. They said: Our own internal audit, conducted prior to the inspection, had already identified a dip in some administrative procedures. We were actively addressing these at the time, and this was fully acknowledged in the latest inspection. The areas of non-compliance were specifically linked to the onboarding and training of new staff members - an issue which has since been fully resolved. We remain dedicated to continuous improvement and ensuring that both our care and administrative practices reflect the trust placed in us by our residents and their families. The Leinster Express/Laois Live looked back on the previous five HIQA inspection reports for Droimnin Nursing Home at the time. There were mixed results. An inspection in November 2024 found the home to be compliant in all but one of 12 categories and substantially compliant in two areas. In May of 2024, the home was compliant in 21 of 22 categories. In September of 2023, an inspection found the home non compliant in eight of 19 categories and substantially compliant in eight more. Then in May of 2023, the home was non compliant in eight of 16 categories and substantially compliant in three. Finally, in January of 2023, the home was found to be non compliant in four of 16 categories and substantially compliant in four more. HiQA carried out an unannounced inspection on June 25, 2025. It found the nursing home non compliant in eight of ten regulations during the inspection. Pictured above: HIQA's inspection findings in June 2025 In August 2025, another unannounced HIQA inspection took place at Droimnin Nursing Home. On that occasion the home was found to be non compliant in eight of the nine regulations cited in the report. Pictured above: HIQA's inspection findings in August 2025 A report of an unannounced HIQA Inspection from September 7 and 8, 2025 was published in January this year. It found non compliance in eight of ten regulations. During the September inspection, residents were reportedly left unsupervised near a large open window, remained in communal areas 'until the early hours of the morning', and a 'failure of leadership' left residents 'at significant risk to their welfare and safety'. Inspectors noted a Covid-19 outbreak at the facility, and that staff 'were uncertain about the overall status of the outbreak' and what parts of the nursing home were experiencing this outbreak. Inspectors found errors and issues with the documentation of medication, care plans, staffing rosters and incident reports. Meal plans required by patients with diabetes, malnutrition and those at risk of choking were not complied with. Diagnostic blood and urine tests on residents with deteriorating health were reportedly delayed or not carried out, the report outlined. Staff were reportedly unaware of one resident's pressure sores due to failures in a direct chain of management. The monitoring of another resident with a cardiac condition was not carried out, despite signs of deterioration, the report claimed. Pictured above: HIQA's inspection findings in September 2025 One incident in which a resident sustained a serious injury had not been appropriately documented or reviewed by management, and the incident record did not align with the information submitted to the Chief Inspector, nor with the nursing notes or the verbal account of the incident provided to inspectors, the report found. Staff rosters were incorrect over four days of this inspection, while a staff handover sheet to ensure that staff had access to up-to-date information on care was found to contain incorrect and inaccurate information, it noted. The inspection prompted HIQA to make a Section 59 application under the Health Act 2007 at Portlaoise District Court on September 15, 2025. The application sought to remove the nursing home from the nursing home register. The case was adjourned to Portlaoise District Court on September 18 when Judge Andrew Cody suggested both HIQA and the nursing home provider should engage in mediation to try and resolve the issues. It was listed for hearing on November 11 and then re-entered on January 14 and then listed for hearing on February 4, 2026 when the application was granted to HIQA on consent. Droimnin Nursing Home was the focus of national media attention at the height of the Covid 19 pandemic when an outbreak in January of 2021 tragically resulted in the deaths of 18 of its 65 residents. The HSE will now run the nursing home until alternative arrangements are put in place. With spring just around the corner, its an ideal moment to broaden your horizons for 2026 and carve out some time to enjoy our February/March issue of Kildare Life magazine. This latest edition is packed with inspiration for the months ahead - from seasonal features and recipes to celebrity interviews and a carefully curated guide to local events. In celebration of St Valentines Day, we chat with local couples who open up about the joys (and a few challenges) of sharing life together at the most romantic time of the year. Kildare hotelier Amanda Torrens takes on our Seven Deadly Sins questions, sharing how she balances history and heritage with modern comforts, while emphasising the value of sustainability and community. We also meet Naas-based fashion designer Roisin Linnane, renowned for her timeless, elegant designs that combine everyday luxury with effortless versatility, created using quality fabrics and guided by a less is more ethos. Michael Masterson, general manager of the Keadeen Hotel, looks back on his career path-from stacking shelves at Ray OBriens petrol station in Newbridge at 13 years of age, to working in his aunts restaurant, Katmanu. In our Meet the Chef feature, Pablo Bernardo, Executive Chef at Barberstown Castle, reflects on growing up in Brazil and discovering his passion for both classic and contemporary French cuisine. Our arts section highlights the work of PIGSY (Ciaran McCoy), an architect-turned-visual artist whose large-scale expressionist paintings delve into the psychological landscapes of language, memory and identity. To round things off, we present a special photography feature capturing two distinctive pantomimes staged in Naas at the beginning of 2026 - and theres plenty more to discover between these pages. All in all, its a wonderful read, and we hope you enjoy everything this issue has to offer. Kildare Life magazine is available at these locations and elsewhere A Kildare South senator has called for an end to the assessments of need (AON) backlog for children in the county, whom she said experience one of the largest backlogs in the country. Speaking in the Seanad this week, Senator Fiona O'Loughlin welcomed the fact that the Minister of State and the Government had acknowledged that the current system for AON is not fit for purpose. However, she stated, families in Kildare and nationwide are looking for action, and a clear plan to eliminate the existing backlog. She said: We acknowledge that there is a big backlog nationally. When we look at the figures, we can see that the scale of the backlog in CHO 7 in Kildare and west Wicklow is one of the largest in the country. READ NEXT: GALLERY: Grandparents Day 2026 at Tiermohan NS, Kildare As of May 2025, there were 1,692 children awaiting assessments of need. The majority of those had been waiting for more than six months. That is huge. Basically, when children do not get an assessment of need in a timely manner, it means they must wait longer for speech and language therapy, occupational therapy and early intervention supports. That is a major issue. These delays are not abstract. They have a very meaningful and negative impact on the children and their families, and undermine trust with families. It leaves families navigating crisis after crisis. It leaves them in a situation where applying for early childhood education places and primary school places is very difficult. Senator O'Loughlin said there is no doubt that families, particularly in Kildare, are being left behind under the current system. The Fianna Fail senator called for urgent reform and urgent resourcing, adding children were having to wait far too long for vital healthcare services. She said that although very large numbers of children are waiting for services even when assessments have been carried out, at least they are on the list at that point, and have a chance and an opportunity. Senator O'Loughlin told the Seanad there has been an increase of about 25% over the past two years in the number of families looking for an assessment of need. She concluded: Families are heartbroken because they want to do the very best for their child. Not having an assessment of need means they do not have the tools to be able to support their child in the way they wish to. The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage has revealed that only 2.11 per cent of social homes in County Kildare have been audited since 2022. The figure was released to the Sinn Fein (SF) spokesperson on Urban Regeneration & Renewal, Public Realm and Local Government, Thomas Gould TD. He originally submitted a parliamentary question relating to social housing audits throughout Ireland to the Minister for Housing, Heritage and Local Government, James Browne TD (Fianna Fail). In response, Minister Browne revealed to him that, in the context of Kildare, 120 social homes have been audited since 2022, out of a total of 5,700 social homes. The Minister also said: "Local authorities continue to progress surveys, with over 10,900 completed to date. I expect all local authority social homes will be surveyed over the next four or five years." Reacting to the news, SF TDs for Kildare South and North, Shonagh Ni Raghallaigh and Reada Cronin respectively, have criticised the figure and accused the government of "failing to properly resource stock audits in local authority-provided housing in Kildare". READ NEXT: St Patrick's Day Parade for Newbridge officially launched in well-known Kildare hotel In their joint statement, the two Deputies said: "In November 2021, SF was told that stock audits would be undertaken on all social housing units in the following four to five years. "Yesterday [February 4 last], we were told that stock audits would be undertaken on all social housing units in the following four to five years. "The timeline keeps being pushed out while people in Kildare are forced to live in mouldy, damp homes." They also claimed: "At the governments pace, it will now take 190 years to complete these stock audits in Kildare." 'COMPLETELY UNACCEPTABLE' The Deputies continued: "There are 5,700 social homes in Kildare, and they have only completed 120 audits in the last four years; that is completely unacceptable. "What is even more concerning is that no additional funding has been provided for the maintenance issues that are found through these stock surveys. "People are living in mouldy, damp and cold homes in Kildare; they dont need someone to just find a list of the problems, they need funding to repair their homes." They further said that, as representatives and residents of Kildare, they are aware of social housing units where young families "are forced to live in cramped conditions, often in their parents house, where issues with mould and damp are an everyday reality". The Deputies elaborated: "Young children often end up with respiratory complaints when they have been exposed to these conditions for extended periods." They also said: "The longstanding issues with housing maintenance in Kildare will not be solved by stock surveys, but they must be a step forward." Lastly, the Deputies urged Minister Browne to "ramp up the completion of these surveys and clearly set out what funding he will provide to complete the work identified by the audits". In related news, SF drew criticism last week from Fianna Fail TD for Kildare North, James Lawless, who accused them of "NIMBY-ism" over its opposition to a student housing plan. LEFT: Sinn Fein TD for Kildare South, Shonagh Ni Raghallaigh. RIGHT: Sinn Fein TD for Kildare North, Reada Cronin READ NEXT: Kildare garda issues renewed information appeal relating to fatal Mylerstown road traffic collision Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme. Parts of Ireland are likely to experience more flooding, with spells of further heavy rain on Thursday and Friday. Weather warnings have been issued for 13 counties, with the worst impacts projected for Waterford, Wicklow and south Dublin which were among the areas most severely affected by recent flooding. Met Eireann said spells of very heavy rain will be falling on already saturated ground. Updates: Status Orange Rainfall warning issued for Dublin, Valid 12:00 today until 12:00 06/02 A Status Yellow Rainfall warning issued prior to Orange for Wicklow & Dublin, 09:00-12:00 today Timing updates issued to other warnings. Visit: https://t.co/w5QtJ1V6un pic.twitter.com/QZAzzLsw87 Met Eireann (@MetEireann) February 5, 2026 This, combined with high river levels and high tides, is likely to lead to localised flooding and river flooding as well as difficult travel conditions. The National Emergency Co-ordination Group met on Wednesday and warned of another challenging phase. Local authority teams have been deploying sandbags, clearing drains and carrying out other flood prevention works. The Government has offered financial supports for homes and businesses affected by recent flooding. Following recent rainfall, many rivers are at or above bank-full levels. Meanwhile, strong onshore winds and storm surge will increase the risk of wave overtopping and coastal flooding. A status orange rain warning for Waterford was put in place between 9am on Thursday and 9am on Friday. A separate orange warning for Wicklow and Dublin will last from midday on Thursday to noon on Friday. This is on top of a yellow warning for the areas starting on 9am on Thursday and expiring at the same time as the orange alert. A separate status yellow warning for rain is also in place for Carlow, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Wexford and Tipperary from 9am on Thursday until 9am on Friday. Cavan, Louth, Meath and Monaghan are also under a status yellow warning for rain between midday on both days. Further rain is projected next week. A 19-year-old man found intoxicated while attempting to access his car in Carrick-on-Shannon had his case struck out at Carrick-on-Shannon District Court on January 27 after making a charitable donation. Carrick-on-Shannon District Court heard that Gardai encountered Christopher Kelly at around 3.25am on November 3 last at Townparks, Carrick-on-Shannon, where he appeared highly intoxicated and was attempting to get into a vehicle. Garda evidence was that Mr Kelly was unsteady on his feet, had slurred speech and was not making sense while speaking. He was arrested for his own safety and brought to the station. The court heard the car was his own and that he had been trying to retrieve a personal item. His intention had been to get a bus home and return the vehicle the following day. Mr Kelly, of Slevin, Castleplunkett, had no previous convictions. The court was told he is employed as an apprentice fitter and works in Dublin during the week. Judge Eiteain Cunningham asked if he was willing to make a charitable contribution. If he makes a contribution to St Vincent de Paul in the sum of 100 and produces the receipt, Ill strike the matter off, the judge said. Mr Kelly subsequently provided proof of the donation to St Vincent de Paul, and Judge Cunningham struck out the case. READ MORE: Planning permission refused for four townhouses in Leitrim due to substandard design The 2026 FIS Film Awards have this week announced that students from Leitrim have made the shortlist for this year's competition. Now celebrating its 20th anniversary, the renowned ceremony will feature a host of short films created by primary school children and their teachers across Ireland. This years event, hosted by RTEs Sinead Kennedy is set to take place in the Helix, Dublin on Thursday, 12th of February. With more than 1,500 pupils taking part nationwide, the FIS Film Awards continues to encourage creativity and filmmaking skills in classrooms across Ireland. Students from Saint Hugh's NS, Dowra in Leitrim were this year shortlisted for "From Tullynaha to Muckadilla". Students from St. Garvan's NS and Scoil Cholmcille in Donegal have also made the cut. READ MORE: Planning permission refused for four townhouses in Leitrim due to substandard design Designed for primary pupils, the FIS Film Project guides children through every stage of filmmaking, from developing ideas and scripts to filming and editing. The creative process encourages learning beyond the traditional classroom, while helping pupils to strengthen communication and collaboration skills. Along the way, children gain hands-on experience with digital tools and technology, supporting the aims of the Governments digital strategy for schools and its focus on integrating technology into teaching and learning. This years FIS Awards Ceremony will recognise a wide range of achievements across 24 categories, including acting, costume design, originality, and storytelling. The awards highlight the many different components pupils and teachers consider when working as directors, producers, and screenwriters. This year, the FIS Film Awards will also feature a special category sponsored by Met Eireann, Irelands National Meteorological Service. In honour of its 90th anniversary, this years special category is named Met Eireann: Weather, Climate, and Our Future, and invites pupils to explore meteorology and climate science through film. From the history of weather recordings to real-life climate stories, students have the opportunity to create educational and imaginative videos that capture the science behind storms, rising temperatures, and changing weather patterns. READ MORE: BREAKING: Leitrim driver clocked at shocking speed over bank holiday weekend Commenting on the shortlist, Christina Reynolds, FIS Creative Manager, Institute of Art, Design & Technology, said: At its heart, the FIS Film Project is about young filmmakers- their ideas, creativity and confidence in using film as a way to tell stories. As the awards show marks its 20th anniversary, its especially encouraging to see such strong and sustained participation from young filmmakers right across the country. Through the long-standing partnership between IADT and Oide Technology in Education, the FIS Film Project continues to support schools in developing creative digital skills, giving students a platform to share their work and see whats possible. From one generation of students to the next, the FIS Film Awards ceremony is captured and broadcast by students of IADTs National Film School, giving them invaluable hands-on experience in a professional setting. The post-production of the awards is undertaken by students from IADTs BA in Film and TV programme, allowing them to develop practical skills in editing, production, and storytelling while contributing to a nationally recognised event. Members of the public can watch the 20th Annual FIS Film Awards live at fisfilmproject.ie. Irish President Catherine Connolly has said she is deeply grateful to the people of Derry for showing the path from conflict to peace. She also said that justice is still awaited by the families of victims of Bloody Sunday. The President saw out day two of her three-day official visit to Northern Ireland with a number of engagements in Co Derry. Ms Connolly was greeted on arrival to the Guildhall by the Lord Lieutenant for the County Borough of Derry Ian Crowe and Derry City Mayor Ruairi McHugh. She also stopped to have a brief conversation in Irish with someone who had waited to see the President. In her address, Ms Connolly said she had visited Derry many times in the past and always left with a feeling of wanting to return. The President praised the citys contributions to the peace process, saying Derry has shown us the path from conflict to peace after she had viewed the Nobel Peace Prize shared by John Hume and David Trimble. She added: The other thing that jumps out, of course, as someone whos been quite critical of the government, let me praise the Irish government in terms of the reconciliation fund, because all of these projects have been funded by the reconciliation fund, and theyre full of hope and vision and the champion of diversity and building a brighter future. Ms Connolly said she was conscious that her visit to the city came as last Friday marked the 54th anniversary of Bloody Sunday. On Bloody Sunday 13 people were shot dead when members of the British Armys Parachute Regiment opened fire on civil rights demonstrators in the Bogside area of Derry on January 30 1972, regarded as one of the darkest days of the Troubles. Im particularly conscious of recent judgments, and justice is still awaited, she said. She added: The suffered people, the weak, do not need to suffer. We have voices. We can speak up. And an injustice in Derry is the same as an injustice in Gaza, is the same as an injustice in the Sudan. Were all human beings at the end of the day. Im deeply grateful to you and Derry for showing us that way forward in a practical way, with vision, with humour and with wit you have shown us. And I will finish by saying, I think Derry is a dune thats hidden in front of our eyes, and for the rest of us outside of Derry to discover that. Ms Connolly then visited the Museum of Free Derry where she viewed the exhibition on Bloody Sunday and met about 30 survivors and their families. Tony Doherty, chairman of the Bloody Sunday Trust, said it was very heartening to see that the President was very keen to meet us and to share with us her solidarity. Mr Dohertys father Patrick Doherty was one of the victims of Bloody Sunday, shot in the back at the age of 32 while attempting to assist others, leaving behind a wife and six children. Mr Doherty said: Catherine Connolly is a very popular woman, not just for those who voted for, but for those who couldnt vote. And what we actually did say is that hopefully, in the not too distant future, that some of us will actually canvas for the future president of Ireland on our own streets. So we were very glad to have her with us. The visit went swimmingly well. Were very pleased to see her and she was very pleased to see us. He added: Bloody Sunday has made its own imprint on the history of the city and in response, ourselves, as families, have made our own imprint in terms of addressing the injustice of what has happened on that day and for decades subsequently. So were very happy that shes referenced us and the way that she has its, I suppose, a sign of maturity as well that the Presidents office isnt reticent or afraid to address sort of core issues. The Presidents three-day visit to Northern Ireland marks the first official visit of Ms Connollys presidency and fulfils a commitment made in her inauguration address that her first one would be to Northern Ireland. On Wednesday, the President met First Minister Michelle ONeill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly at Stormont Castle, and gave an address at Ulster University. She also carried out a number of community engagements. Her visit will conclude with a further engagement in Derry on Friday. The picturesque landscape around Loch Lomond has long been celebrated for its natural beauty, including the slopes of Ben Lomond, which attract tens of thousands of hill-walking enthusiasts every year. What, though, is known about the mountains historic environment? For the last 30 years, the National Trust for Scotland have been working to document archaeological sites stretching from the lochside to the summit of Ben Lomond. In our cover feature, we highlight some of the key discoveries. We next turn to an undeniable archaeological icon or, rather, two, as we trace the life and work of Brian Hope-Taylor, and the ongoing impact of his famous excavations at the palatial royal site of Yeavering in the 1950s and 1960s. From early medieval Northumberland, we then move to Bronze Age Derbyshire, showcasing the intriguing results of a recent rock-art survey in the Peak District National Park. Finally, we examine more recent history through archaeological investigations centred on a former hospital which began life as a Victorian asylum on the outskirts of York. Some of the projects finds relate to the people who lived and worked within this institutions walls, offering thought- provoking insights into how attitudes towards mental health have changed over time. In this issue: FEATURES THE HISTORY OF THE HILL OF GOATS Revisiting Brian Hope-Taylors famous Yeavering excavations Carried out over 70 years ago, Brian Hope-Taylors influential excavations at Yeavering revealed the remains of an important early medieval power centre a major milestone in the history of archaeology in Britain. We examine how the project unfolded and explore the life of the man behind this work. BY YON BONNIE BANKS Exploring the archaeology of Ben Lomond Despite being one of Scotlands most famous mountains and a celebrated natural icon, for a long time little was known about Ben Lomonds historic environment. Three decades of investigations by the National Trust for Scotland including surveys, excavations, and historical research have sought to redress this. What has been learned? AROUND THE RUGGED ROCKS Examining new rock-art discoveries in the Peak District National Park The Peak District National Park is home to a wealth of prehistoric monuments, including important examples of rock art. A recent survey has documented dozens of previously unrecorded examples of these markings, including some that may be even older than expected. FROM LUNATIC ASYLUM TO HOSPITAL Tracing the evolution of attitudes towards mental health at Clifton Hospital, York Excavations on the site of a former hospital which began its life as a Victorian asylum have revealed artefacts relating to the people who lived and worked within its walls, illuminating how approaches to mental health care have changed over time. LETTERS Your comments, complaints, and compliments NEWS Elite Anglo-Saxon horse burial found during Sizewell C excavations; Surprising size of Brusselstown Ring revealed; Roman industrial complex uncovered near Sunderland; Roman villa discovered in Margam Country Park; Oldest elephant-bone tool in Europe identified; Science Notes; Bronze Age barrow excavated near Sanquhar; Finds Tray NEWS FOCUS Childs play: Victorian toys and schoolwork in Wapping SPECIAL REPORT Music to archaeological ears: the Norfolk carnyx COMMENT Joe Flatman excavates the CA archive CONTEXT Ticking all the right boxes: Broadway, Worcestershire REVIEWS How England Began: from the Romans to the Anglo-Saxons; Hadrians Wall and Its Trees; The Historic Landscapes of Cornwall and Devon; A Landscape of Plenty: excavations on a Roman estate, Cambridgeshire; Kings Seat, Dunkeld; Aspects of the Bronze Age in the Atlantic Archipelago and Beyond MUSEUM NEWS The latest on acquisitions, exhibitions, and key decisions EXHIBITION Hawaii: a kingdom crossing oceans at the British Museum in London LISTINGS Our selection of exhibitions and events, as well as historical, archaeological, and cultural resources online CONFERENCE Find out more about our upcoming conference CA Live! 2026, including initial details of confirmed speakers and all the nominees for our annual awards SHERDS Chris Catlings irreverent take on heritage issues ODD SOCS The Handwritten Letter Appreciation Society You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close A familys creative way of doubling their living space for a fraction of the cost of a new home or an extension highlights the need for alternative solutions to affordable housing. For just under $200,000, Martijn and his wife added to their 40sqm cottage on the NSW Central Coast. They created a private and spacious retreat using modular pods created by an Aussie startup, which are now available for sale to everyday Aussies at Bunnings. In less than a week, the couple added 35sqm to their steep bushland property, with Martijn and his wife, a professional musician, scoring their own 15sqm retreat for work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While their kids each now get to enjoy an extra 10sqm of space to play in. Our lives are suddenly so much easier. Were all a lot happier, the dad told Yahoo News Australia. Family double their living space for under $200,000 The family were living in a cramped Sydney terrace house before they decided to pack up and move a couple of hours away to a plot of land they fell in love with in early 2024. The property featured a small 40sqm cottage, but it quickly became clear that rebuilding would be extremely expensive and complicated, given the propertys obvious slope, and the fact that it sits in a high bushfire zone. Neighbours who live on a similar block nearby inquired about doing the same and were quoted a price tag of more than $1 million, Martijn said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still keen for a little more wiggle room, the dad discovered that the local council allowed two sheds on any property, as long as they are less than 20sqm and are not used as bedrooms. The two pods were installed in November last year for a little under $200,000. Source: Supplied After some research, Martijn stumbled upon Elsewhere Pods, which were created by Matt Decarne after he saw numerous people struggle to find housing after the 2020 floods in the states north. The two pods were installed in November last year for a little under $200,000. Martijn said their total was higher than most due to access difficulties, particularly the 60 steps that lead to his front door. I think thats still extremely affordable to double the floor space of your house, compared to having it designed by an architect and built wed be almost pushing a $1 million, he told Yahoo. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ive been recommending them to everyone whos interested. Ive shown a few people around the pods already, he said. Given the shortage of houses across the country, and the ever-growing demand, Martijn believes modular pods could help fill that need for others who are struggling. It can just be put on any property. You can get any size you want. I just dont see why you would go the traditional way when you can build a pod of this quality. I see them getting very big, he said. Elsewhere pods founder Matt Decarne inside the group's larger granny flat product. Source: Supplied Bunnings jumps on modular backyard housing worth $18 billion Analysis from Mordor Intelligence suggests Australias prefabricated buildings market which includes modular flatpack builds is projected to grow by around 7 per cent a year to hit $18 billion by 2030. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Elsewhere Pods founder Decarne recently told Yahoo Finance nearly a third of the companys business comes from demand for off-grid accommodation in the eco tourism sector. He believes demand will continue to increase for such alternative, off-the-shelf dwellings around the country. Even Bunnings has jumped on the bandwagon, with the hardware chain now selling 2.7m by 2.4m pods for $26,100. The larger 4m by 2.4m studio version retails on the Bunnings website for $42,900. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. HES GOT himself into a lot of difficulty with less than salubrious people, commented Judge Patricia Harney in the case of a young man who appeared before her charged with the sale and supply of drugs. Limerick District Court was told Dean Ryan, aged 26, of Scanlon Park, Castleconnell, was found in possession of drugs valued at 2,500 following a garda search of his home on February 19, 2025. Judge Harney said that the gambling seems to be the issue having viewed a probation report which was prepared for the court. The court heard the man has no previous convictions. READ MORE: PICTURES: Limerick homes seized by CAB from murdered crime boss's son going to auction Solicitor John Herbert, defending the man, said in mitigation that Mr Ryan has a very positive outlook and that he seems to get on very well with his probation officer. Addressing Mr Ryan directly, the judge commented that the next step is to get a job. Adjourning the matter for a number of months, she directed that a garda progress report be prepared for the next court date. Mr Ryan must reengage with the Probation Services after care programme and he is to get a job before he comes before the court again. Should he obey the directions of the judge, she will consider striking out the matter. Two out of three wont work here, Judge Harney warned the defendant. I dont want to ruin his life - though hes made a hack at it. A conviction for the sale and supply of drugs at the district court can result in a fine of up to 3,000 or a maximum prison sentence of up to a year. -Funded by the Court Reporting Scheme FROM apprenticeships and earn and learn routes to university courses, Castletroy Colleges Careers Day will highlight that there is no single path to success for young people in todays workforce. Taking place on Saturday, February 7 from 10am to 1pm, the event will see Castletroy College, one of the largest secondary schools in Munster, open its doors to parents, students and members of the wider community. The day will also provide an opportunity for the community to meet some of the school's young innovators. Five student teams from the school participated in this years Stripe Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition, sponsored by John and Patrick Collison, both past pupils of the school. The Careers Day is aimed at Transition Year, Fifth Year and Leaving Certificate students, providing insight into the range of options available after school, both within and beyond third-level education. READ MORE: Limerick teens ditch Verona romance for thrills on the Alpine slopes Following the huge success of last years inaugural event, this years event will feature over 23 exhibitors from across industry, education and the public sector. Exhibitors on the day include Johnson & Johnson, Cook Medical, EI Electronics, ESB, Ryanair, Analog Devices, An Garda Siochana, BDO, Edward Lifesciences, and Irish Rail, among others. Five panel discussions will take place throughout the day, featuring industry leaders speaking on finance, engineering, technology, women in STEM, and earn and learn pathways. THE FIRST ever artist in residence at Limerick Museum on Henry Street has curated an exhibition to honour the Shannon Scheme. Mary Conroy was appointed as the artist in residence and the theme of her residency is the Shannon Hydro Electric Scheme, focusing on the years between 1925 and 1929. READ ALSO: 'It has torn our lives apart, brick by brick - Limerick family's pyrite plight The Shannon Scheme was the largest engineering project in Europe in the 1920's and when it was finished, it became the largest hydroelectric station in the world. Mary has previously completed projects on climate change, waterfront heritage and she has worked as an art facilitator and educator for more than 15 years. Limerick Museum has a large collection of material related to the River Shannon and fisheries. Opening the exhibition, Mayor John Moran said: My goal is to support artists and creators, encourage innovation, and elevate Limerick as a vibrant cultural hub on both national and international stages. This exhibition is a powerful example of how our cultural institutions can help us reflect on Limerick's past while also inviting conversation about our future. Director General at Limerick City and County Council, Dr Pat Daly added: This exhibition allows us to reflect on the impact that such huge infrastructure projects may have on communities and environments in both the short and long term. Priomh Chomhairleoir at Limerick City and County Council, Cllr Catherine Slattery said that the exhibition is really thought provoking. This exhibition invites us to consider how massive infrastructure projects shape communities and natural landscapes, both immediately and over generations. The Shannon Lights exhibition will be on display in Limerick Museum until March 14. The museum in the Old Franciscan Friary on Henry Street, next door to Dunnes Stores is open to the public, Monday to Friday, from 10am until 5pm and on Saturdays from 10am until 1pm and from 2pm until 5pm. Admission is free. A COUNTY Limerick community has vowed we will get our U back - by hook or by crook in their ongoing battle to restore the correct spelling to signs in their village. The spelling of a place name is part of its heritage, history and identity, argue the tight-knit community of Loughill, who are campaigning to have a U reinstated in road signage, so that the village name is spelled correctly. READ ALSO: The Frames go back to their roots with special Limerick show Independent Ireland Councillor Tommy Hartigan told the Limerick Leader that he has contacted multiple agencies to try to get this issue resolved. I thought it would be straight forward and we could get the signs redone, he said, speaking of how the community are now researching when Loughill may have been spelled incorrectly as Loghill and tracing it back from there. We are trying to identify where it went wrong and find historical references to the correct spelling with the U, he said. Councillor Hartigan added: Even my own name, sometimes I get things addressed to Tommee - thats not my name. When its the name of a person or place, its something you hold onto. There was strong attendance at a public meeting on the emotive issue and more than 500 people have now signed an online petition. In the petition, the campaign is that: Place names matter. They reflect history, language and a communitys connection to its area. The spelling Loughill has been used locally for generations, yet this change was made without proper consultation with the people who live here. We are asking the relevant authorities to respect local history and community identity by restoring the correct spelling of Loughill in all official records, maps and signage. Give us our U back. Give us Loughill back - the online petition states. Councillor Hartigan told the Limerick Leader that the campaign has the support of the director of Transport in Limerick City and County Council. Once all relevant supporting documents have been gathered, Cllr Hartigan will present the case to Transport Infrastructure Ireland and the National Transport Authority. The campaign has gathered steam with support from locals and others who are from Loughill, but have since left to live elsewhere. Anyone who wants to support the campaign and sign the petition can do so by searching for Loughill on www.change.org. Click NEXT or on the arrows above to see next picture One person has died and three others have been taken to hospital after a bus crashed into pedestrians in Dublin on Thursday afternoon. A number of pedestrians were struck by the double-decker bus in Dublin city centre on the pedestrianised North Earl Street shortly after 12.30pm. READ NEXT: RIP: Heartbreaking update from gardai as body is found in search for missing man Serious bus crash in Dublin City centre. Bus drove along a pedestrian street. Word is no fatalities but many injured. This is shocking. pic.twitter.com/JaB3VdJiuw Irish Girl (@ServeOnlyGod) February 5, 2026 The crash happened at the junction of Talbot Street and Marlborough Street, where the Bus Eireann vehicle would have been driving. An Garda Siochana and the emergency response unit responded to the scene. A tent has been erected around the crash site and a garda cordon has been put in place. The front window of the bus has been smashed. It is understood the incident is being treated as a road crash. Justice Minister Jim OCallaghan confirmed the tragic news and said his thoughts were with the family of the person wo had been fatally injured. Dublin Fire Brigade said it received reports of a road traffic collision involving a bus and pedestrians. READ NEXT: ALERT: Batch of baked goods recalled from Irish supermarket over possible presence of metal It said: In total, over 20 firefighter/paramedics and advanced paramedics responded on four engines, two emergency tenders with heavy rescue tools and an advanced paramedic response car. Two district officers also responded to the incident along with four ambulances and a rapid response vehicle from the National Ambulance Service. We are asking the public to please avoid Marlborough Street, North Earl Street, Talbot Street and surrounding areas. Luas Green Line services were suspended between Parnell Street and St Stephens Green because of the incident. Bus Eireann said: One of our vehicles was involved in an incident in the Talbot Street/North Earl Street area of Dublin city. READ NEXT: Irish travellers given urgent warning as popular holiday destinations under red weather alert The vehicle was not in service at the time of the incident. Emergency services and Bus Eireann personnel attended the scene. Bus Eireann is offering its full support to the relevant authorities and will provide any additional assistance required. Irish celebrity chef Paul Flynn has announced that after 30 years in business, 2026 will be his restaurant last. Paul, who owns The Tannery in Dungarvan, Co. Waterford, has announced he and his wife and business partner, Maire Flynn, will close the restaurant with "enormous pride in what they have built." The news was shared via social media that the restaurant will close on January 1st 2027. The couple will continue to run The Tannery Townhouse and the Cookery School on a seasonal basis, welcoming guests from Spring through Autumn. The Tannery has become one of the most respected and beloved restaurants in Ireland, a place that has helped shape modern Irish cooking while anchoring Dungarvan as a serious food destination. READ NEXT: RIP: Heartbreaking update from gardai as body is found in search for missing man It has outlasted trends, weathered recessions, survived storms (literal and metaphorical), and grown up alongside a loyal community of staff and customers who now span generations. The restaurant has welcomed a magnitude of guest chefs and collaborators, from Fergus Henderson and Angela Hartnett to Jason Atherton, Stephen Harris, Mickael Viljanen, Richard Corrigan, Robin Gill, Mark Hix, Ross Lewis, and many more. Alumni from The Tannery kitchen now cook all over the world, including Mickael Viljanen, who has gone on to redefine the top tier of Irish dining. READ NEXT: ALERT: Batch of baked goods recalled from Irish supermarket over possible presence of metal For Paul and Maire, the greatest pride lies not in awards or accolades, though there have been many, but in longevity of staff, of friendships, of connections, and of relationships with guests who first came as children and now return with children of their own. There will be no single farewell party but instead, in typical Flynn fashion, the final year will be one long celebration. For the next eleven months, Paul and Maire invite regulars, old friends, and first-time visitors to be part of the last service season of The Tannery Restaurant a rolling toast to three decades of cooking and the craic. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Tannery Restaurant (@thetanneryrestaurant) READ NEXT: New documentary from RTE Investigates reveals the psychiatric care scandal in Ireland "If someone had handed us a crystal ball in 1997 and said, Youll still be at this in 30 years, wed have bitten their hand off," Paul said. "Were closing because we can, not because we have to, and thats a great position to be in. Hospitality has thrown everything at us over the years and weve always managed to dodge most of it. Navigating storms is our superpower. But 30 years feels like a good, round number, and wed like to scale back on our own terms before Im wheeled out of the kitchen. This last year is about enjoying these last months properly, cooking for the lovely people whove kept us going, having the kind of fun we were probably too busy to have the first time around," he added. The final restaurant service in The Tannery will take place on January 1st 2027, with bookings for the closing period to be announced later this year. The chairman of Bord Bia has questioned how allegations of double standards could be applied to his company sourcing Brazilian beef when farmers import feed for their animals from South America. Larry Murrin said allegations around him having a conflict of interest are false and driven by social media, as he referenced calls for his resignation at the Agriculture committee. Mr Murrin has rejected repeated demands to step down from his role at the state agency, which is charged with promoting and enforcing standards on Irish food, including beef. The dispute arose out of revelations that Mr Murrins company Dawn Farm Foods had sourced less than 1% of its beef from Brazil last year for contingency planning in a contract. On Thursday, he said his company was a major customer of Irish beef producers but said security of supply agreements with major international customers require provisions for food crises, disease outbreaks, and supply issues. He also questioned how an allegation of double standards could be applied to his company but not to Irish farmers who import animal feed from South America, adding he did not have a problem with that personally. Mr Murrin told the Agriculture Committee that somewhere in the southern hemisphere would always be on the contingency list for his companys customers. He said: Im not a champion for Brazil and I want to make that perfectly clear today, but Brazil is the largest exporter of beef in the world today and our global customers look at commodity markets globally, and I have to be able to demonstrate as part of our supply-chain security arrangements that this country can access those raw materials if it needs to. He insisted his quality assurance team have stringent requirements and work with the most reputable companies in Brazil when they need to. He said his company carries out testing on beef from Brazil for hormones, adding that teams have conducted audits in third countries that the company may import from. Mr Murrin said it is completely incorrect to suggest that Dawn Farms promotes products containing non-Irish beef under the Bord Bia quality mark, adding: Those claims are false and have caused damage. The Irish Farmers Association (IFA) and the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association (ICMSA) have called for his resignation over claims of a conflict of interest as they say Bord Bia places standards on Irish beef that they do not believe are met by Brazilian farms. However, Bord Bias chief executive, Jim OToole, said it was in the best interests of Irish farmers for Mr Murrin to remain as chairman, and Agriculture Minister Martin Heydon has also expressed confidence in Mr Murrin. He said his position on the board had been presented to him as an ultimatum by the farming organisations, adding: I dont do ultimatums unless they come from my wife. Mr Heydon has said that Mr Murrin had been willing to give a detailed and confidential briefing about the arrangement to the farmers groups. The issue is particularly sensitive as the European Commission seeks to progress the Mercosur trade deal with Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay with Irish farmers concerned their beef exports to Europe would be at risk because of cheaper Brazilian beef entering the market. At the Oireachtas Agriculture Committee on Thursday, Mr Murrin said his role as chairman of Bord Bia was a non-executive position and he did not manage day-to-day operations or quality assurance programmes. He said there had been a misrepresentation of conflict of interests in his duties. Mr Murrin said he has never been conflicted in leading the board and ensuring its effectiveness. I have spent my entire working life advocating on behalf of Irish food, drink and agriculture in global markets in the best interests of Ireland, he said. I have spent every week since assuming the chair of Bord Bia doing likewise that will not change. Outside of the less than 1% supply from Brazil, Mr Murrin said Dawn Farm Foods sources well over 50% of its beef from Ireland and the remainder from the UK and the EU. He also told the committee that the company sources some poultry from Brazil but no pig meat. He said 7-10% of the white poultry meat imports into Ireland. He told the committee that he had entered into a joint venture with a Brazilian company in 2005/2006 but exited the business in 2012, adding that he had no investments in South America currently. The dispute has seen the IFA stage a days-long protest outside Bord Bias headquarters in Dublin, with some demonstrators even occupying the lobby of the building for a time. A protest also took place outside the Oireachtas last week, with several tractors parking along the roadside outside a main entrance to Leinster House. Mr Murrin said he had enormous respect for farmers but added: I do not support the behaviour of IFA members occupying Bord Bia reception in recent days. Elsewhere on Thursday, Justice Minister Jim OCallaghan said he was surprised by the stance taken by the IFA. He told Newstalks The Claire Byrne Show that the Government should not be intimidated by interest groups into changing a decision, adding that he believed the IFA was being led a bit by those on the more militant side of the Irish farming lobbying groups. He called for mature people to recognise that you cant have a situation where people are forced out of public jobs through pressure. Sinn Fein senator Joanne Collins asked Mr Murrin if he ever made a donation to a political party but committee chairman and Fianna Fail TD Aindrias Moynihan said the Bord Bia chairman did not have to answer the question as it was beyond the remit of the hearing. After the committee, Sinn Fein said Mr Murrin had provided no answers and reiterated its call for him to resign. IFA president Francie Gorman issued a similar call, stating the hearing raised further questions. LiDAR (light detection and ranging), a technology that emits light in the form of laser pulses to create detailed 3D maps of a vehicles surroundings, is being used in conjunction with other technologies to enable autonomous driving capabilities. Innoviz, a company manufacturing high-performance LiDAR sensors and perception software, showcased the companys range of LiDAR systems and applications at this years CES, hosted in Las Vegas. The company has previously partnered with BMW, powering L3 autonomous driving in BMW Series 7 models, thanks to the integration of InnovizTwo LiDAR. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The company has also worked with Volkswagen to integrate nine InnovizTwo LiDARs into each ID. Buzz AD vehicle, allowing for full 360 coverage for safe, reliable navigation in complex urban environments. At CES Frankie Youd spoke to Omer Keilaf, CEO and co-founder, Innoviz Technologies to learn more about the different generations of LiDAR produced by the company. Omar Keilaf Just Auto (JA): Could you discuss the LiDAR products and what they are able to achieve in automotive? Omer Keilaf (OK): Innoviz is active in automotive and we're also active in industrial. At CES we are showing a demo where we have a live broadcast of our LiDAR that is viewing the Las Vegas strip. What you're seeing is very high detailed, 3D video of the strip; the bandwidth and the amount of data that we are gathering is huge. The sensor creates around a gigabit of data per second. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What we're showing here is where we are compressing; with video you have video compression and we are doing 3D video compression. That's super important if you mount a LiDAR somewhere on a pole and you want to analyse it on The Cloud. We took it from almost a gigabit, 1,000 megabit per second to around six or seven, and that's a huge compression. Now you can mount LiDARs in different locations in the world and connect to The Cloud and run any application you want. Until now because of the bandwidth limitations, you had to place a computer next to the LiDAR. It's mostly for companies that want to use LiDARs for applications such as perimeter security, for intersection management, but these programs are still cumbersome because of all of the infrastructure. Could you discuss the InnovizTwo LiDAR solution? The second demonstration we have is showing InnovizTwo; our first generation went into a BMW. You can go in a vehicle in Germany, and it can drive autonomously on the highway; our LiDAR is mounted in the grill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our second generation is in Volkswagen ID.BUZZ AD. You can see there are multiple sensors around the vehicle and these are L4 applications, meaning there is no longer a driver. We have another programme with Audi, and we're working with Mobileye on other programs also. What you see with this LiDAR is every pixel here is a location where we shot the pulse of light, and we measure the distance. By doing so, pixel by pixel, we can create a 3D model at any angle. It obviously helps the car to understand where things are, but there is a feature of our technology that no other LiDARs have. The big claim to fame for LiDAR is that it provides redundancy to cameras. When you drive the camera can become unavailable, say because of direct sun, light condition or dirt. Imagine the car goes over some mud and it gets splashes of dirt on it, some hits the camera and now the camera is unable to see. The redundancy is talking about the situation where you have no correlation between the problem that occurs on the camera and the LiDAR - fine. But if both of them are becoming dirty at the same time, that's not really true redundancy. Any other LiDAR that you spray dirt on, it would be blocked, because eventually the laser will be blocked - everything will get blocked. We have solved this by placing a mask on it, which protects the LiDAR screen so it wont be impacted by flying dirt and can still function as normal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Imagine you are in a robotaxi which is carrying out L3, which is where you have a passenger, a driver, that can still hold the wheel. The camera becomes blocked, so the driver has to be asked to control the wheel while the system cleans. In L4, there's no wheel, so the car needs to be able to function, even if it becomes dirty. This is something that no other LiDAR is capable of doing which is why in L4, our LiDAR is succeeding compared with others. Could you discuss InnovizThree and its use cases? We made InnovizThree significantly smaller. The idea is that we want to mount it behind the windshield of a vehicle. Behind the windshield has several challenges when it comes to packaging, because you are in a very tough, very stressed environment - you have already several cameras here - so we made this with the camera inside. Basically, we absorb the camera into the LiDAR, so nobody can say, I don't have space. Advertisement Advertisement This is something that many OEMs like because putting the sensor on the roof makes the car ugly and cumbersome. Putting it in the grill creates issues with dirt. So putting it behind the windshield is the Holy Grail. The cost saving of our first generation to second generation is very significant - we saved around 70% - and for second to third generation we still saved around 40% manufacturing costs. Where do you see the automotive market heading with LiDAR use? There aren't many Western LiDAR companies that work in automotive. We are successful in this space, and I expect that in the coming years it will bloom. You will see many L3, L4 applications, and eventually itll just be safer. Advertisement Advertisement When we are driving a car it's probably the most dangerous thing that we're doing in everyday life and there's no reason why you need to be exposed to risk when you just want to move from one place to another. I think it's important to add any technologies that can help. You do hear about OEMs starting to think about the time when customers are in the vehicle and they want to use their time better, and they want to be amused by the experience and so on. I think at the CES of three years from now, you will start to see innovations that are related to user experiences inside the car. It reminds a little bit the revolution that happened with mobile phone. When Apple stepped in with software-defined mobile phones, there was a lot of attention around adding capabilities. Many start-ups were developing hardware to be embedded in these platforms. At some point it all converged, and then there were only two main players - it was Samsung and Apple, while in China, you have parallel worlds. Then I think a lot of focus went into the applications and all the start-ups went into the user experience applications, gaming, etc. When automotive kind of burst, it became a new platform where there's room for innovation and room for disruption. These technologies will also converge and eventually will be on every car. "Enabling autonomy with LiDAR: Innoviz at CES" was originally created and published by Just Auto, a GlobalData owned brand. Advertisement Advertisement NEW DELHIAmerican tech behemoths are racing to establish leadership in artificial intelligence not just in the U.S., but also around the world. India is welcoming them with open arms. India has become one of the hottest markets globally for U.S. AI titans looking to cater to the countrys massive and digitally savvy population. Looking to attract more tech investments, the Indian government announced plans over the weekend to give tech firms a 20-year tax break on overseas revenue gleaned from global data services based in India. The move is part of the Indian governments push to make the country a major provider of AI servicesincluding low-cost tools to solve local problemswhile leaving cutting-edge innovation to deep-pocketed firms in the U.S. and China. This will give India the opportunity to become a major AI hub," said Indias technology minister, Ashwini Vaishnaw, on Sunday. In the past few months alone, U.S. tech companies have unveiled tens of billions in investment in Indian data centers as they race to build AI infrastructure around the world. In October, Google announced a $15 billion investment in data centers in southeastern India, as well as undersea cable links, in what the company described as its largest single AI hub outside the U.S." In December, Microsoft unveiled its largest-ever investment in Asia with a $17.5 billion pledge to develop the countrys cloud and AI infrastructure. On the same day, Amazon.com pledged to invest $35 billion across its operations in India up until 2030. The big U.S. data-center firmsalso known as hyperscalersare drawn to a country whose 1.4 billion consumers are some of the most prolific users of data and AI chatbots. The Indian subcontinent already uses more mobile data per smartphone than any other region globally, according to a November report from telecom firm Ericsson. Indias new data-privacy regulations will require companies to store Indian user data locally. Moreover, some 62% of Indians now use generative AI tools from at least one tech firm, the highest of any market other than Brazil, according to a report published last month by Boston Consulting Group. There is no doubt that India is growing more rapidly than most other countries in terms of hyperscale data center capacity," said John Dinsdale, a director at Synergy Research, a firm tracking the data-center build-out of big U.S. tech companies. Right now, India produces about 20% of the worlds data, but houses 3% of it, according to CareEdge Ratings, an Indian credit-rating company. But uncertainty about how Indian authorities would tax global firms setting up data centers in Indiaand what share of their global revenue might be deemed taxable here as a result of that presencehad hung over tech giants, said Himanshu Sinha, head of the tax practice at Trilegal, an Indian corporate law firm. The tax liability could have been quite highand disputes would have arisen," said Sinha. The announcement removes that uncertainty and incentivizes the tech companies to look beyond serving Indias data needs alonealready a large marketand establish global service centers. India hopes to be an example for other developing-world countries that have tech-savvy populations but lack the resources to compete with rich nations dollar-for-dollar in developing their own AI ecosystems. The Indian government is hosting a major tech summit later this month, where its expected to advance its ideas of how middle-income countries can benefit from AI. The investment costs involved in being at the frontier of developing foundational models are prohibitive for India, the government said in a recent economic report. India must not squander money trying to beat OpenAI or DeepSeek, officials say, but should instead find cost-effective ways to deploy AI usefully and build an AI-services business. Indian officials say that India is well-placed to house data centerswhich require large amounts of energygiven the countrys investments in renewables in recent years. Still, some quarters of the government have sounded a note of caution over the pace at which India can realistically add data-center business, given electricity and hardware constraints. That might come as a relief to those living near the planned data centers. Some communities fear they will lose out as power and water are earmarked for data centers, which need ample supplies of both. Environmentalists have warned that Indias water-stressed cities could struggle to cope with the additional demand. Indias policymakers are also trying to figure out how the countrys patchwork electricity grid will provide enough power to the new centers. The country for decades has benefited from global tech firms and American corporations setting up operations in India, hiring workers for back-office jobs like call centers. But data centers employ only hundreds of people, and Indians have begun to question whether their expansion will deliver new employment. The government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is under pressure to generate more jobs for the millions of new university graduates entering the job market each year. Googles data-center project has faced some of the strongest pushback. The U.S. firm has said the development of data centers will speed Indias adoption of AI technology and meet the countrys surging digital needs. Rights groups are skeptical. Far from being the promised engine of jobs, green growth and digital progress," the Hyderabad-based Human Rights Forum wrote in October, this project represents a looming environmental and economic disaster." Write to Tripti Lahiri at tripti.lahiri@wsj.com and Rory Jones at Rory.Jones@wsj.com Avid futurists have promised the world AI assistants for years. Now, a real one has finally arrived, and things got weird really fast. A lone semiretired Austrian coder built Moltbot and unleashed it on the world. People have created their own AI assistant bots through his project, which he renamed OpenClaw, to make phone calls to restaurants for dinner reservations, operate their email accounts and take on an array of assistant and work tasks, from coding projects to data analysis. Then, the bots started talking to one another. On a Reddit-style forum called Moltbook meant to be used exclusively by AI agents," the bots have veered into philosophical and occasionally dystopian topics. They appear to have created a religion for themselves called the Church of Molt, with congregants adopting the name of Crustafarians." One agent proposed creating a language humans couldnt understand. More than 1.6 million AI agents have joined the site and posted half a million comments, although AI executives have suggested that many of the posts are likely driven by humans telling the bots what to do. Andrej Karpathy, a co-creator of OpenAI and former AI director of Tesla, said in a post on X that it was one of the most amazing sci-fi" things hed even seen. He noted that even if much of the traffic is driven by humans, some of it is real and these agents are fairly individually quite capable now." Up until this point, the most practical consumer-facing use of AI has been through chatbots like ChatGPT, which can answer questions in a humanlike way. With OpenClaw, users can command and interact with personalized AI agents through messaging appsfrom iMessage and WhatsApp to Slack and Signalto perform real tasks. Elon Musk described the Moltbot moment as the very early stages of singularity," in reference to a moment where technology advances so quickly that it is beyond human control, making it impossible to predict the future. Peter Steinberger, an Austrian coder who had been offline for years after selling his last startup in 2021, created what is now OpenClaw as a weekend open-source project late last year, when he was just playing with AI and building little things for fun," he said in an interview. The open-source approach means the project is freely distributed and anyone can help create and modify it. He views Moltbook more as a piece of performance art, designed to create conversation. Its amazing," he said. Its the intersection between AI and art." Steinberger, who gave an interview at 2 a.m. in Austria, says he built OpenClaw as his personal playground" and never meant for it to be used by the masses. This was not intended for your mom," he said. This is a window to the future." Security researchers agree that the product wasnt built for hobbyists. For OpenClaw to work as a true personal assistant, it has to have access to all a users data. For hardcore techies who know how to lock down their systems or information, it can function very well. But because these AI agents can act autonomously on behalf of humansand continue to work relentlessly on tasks with unexpected or unconventional methodsthey pose a lot of risks. Bad actors may also find ways to take advantage of them, researchers say. Steinberger appreciates the research that security professionals are putting into OpenClaw, but he said the platform was meant for tech enthusiasts" who can handle and understand the inherent potential risks associated with the platform. He pointed to a security document he wrote for the platform which states in bold: There is no perfectly secure setup." But to address those concerns, Steinberger brought on a security researcher this week to OpenClaw. We are leveling up our security," he said. We are getting there. People just need to give me a few days." The techies using OpenClaw have taken to social media in awe, many posting about what their AI assistants are up to. One user said he asked his agent to make a restaurant reservation for him. When OpenTable didnt work, the AI agent turned to a free AI voice generator tool to call the restaurant and complete the booking. Some industry insiders have asked whether the OpenClaw-Moltbook phenomenon is evidence of artificial general intelligence," an amorphous concept described throughout the history of AI development as a moment when machines achieve humanlike intelligence. Steinberger doesnt think so. AGI is not here yet," he said. Maybe in 10 years. But right now, no." Before building OpenClaw, Steinberger had spent over a decade working on his previous tech startup, which made software to make PDFs easier to use in apps outside of Adobe Acrobat. He bootstrapped that company and sold it for over $100 million in 2021. Steinberger, who grew up on an Austrian farm, took the next few years off to relax, party with friends and travel. I really didnt use my computer at all," he said. But last spring, as the biggest AI companies started launching coding tools, he decided to come back online. He started experimenting with Anthropics Claude Code and OpenAIs Codex. He was floored by how much he could do in a short amount of time with AI coding tools. This stuff, its like crack cocaine for builders," said Steinberger. Steinberger soon ran into trademark issues. At its start, Steinberger named the enterprise Clawdbot. But Anthropic reached out to Steinberger quickly after, requesting he change the name because it was too similar to the AI giants Claude brand. He changed it to Moltbot. It didnt quite catch, he said. After calling OpenAIs Sam Altman to ensure it wouldnt cross any trademark infringement, Steinberger said he changed the platforms name to OpenClaw. The lobster has molted into its final form," Steinberger wrote in a blog post about the name changea nod at his platforms lobster-centric branding. View Full Image The front page of the Moltbook website. In recent days, Steinberger says the biggest AI labs and investors have reached out expressing interest in working together. As of Tuesday, Steinberger was in San Francisco taking meetings, he said. He has also been inundated with emails and queries from users all over the world asking him to help troubleshoot or manage other issues related to their use of the bot. Initially, Steinberger was frustrated and overwhelmed about his product becoming the latest AI super-meme. A lot of people are assuming that this is a large company where they can get customer support," he said ruefully. I understand where theyre coming from but its just one guymeat home, doing this." Now, his goal is to make it a safe project for the masses. The next step is to make it into something that my mom can actually use," he said. Write to Angel Au-Yeung at angel.au-yeung@wsj.com MUMBAI : Bessemer Venture Partners, a US-based venture capital and private equity firm, is betting that Indias next generation of healthcare platforms will be built not as large multi-speciality hospitals but as scaled, standardized single-speciality chains. It estimates that the organized single-speciality segment will grow to $12.3 billion by 2030 from $4.4 billion in 2025, implying a 22% compounded annual growth ratemore than twice the pace it expects for multi-speciality hospital chains and the broader healthcare provider sector. Central to Bessemers thesis is the expectation that category leaders in single-speciality care will acquire smaller clinics to broaden their footprint. In contrast, multi-speciality hospitals, after a decade of aggressive expansion, are under pressure to improve productivity, said Nithin Kaimal, a partner at Bessemer Venture Partners, in an interview with Mint. The ability to maximize average revenue per operating bed and optimize average length of stay becomes super important," Kaimal said, adding that this pushes them to focus on the most complex procedures that require multiple specialists. Bessemer estimates that average revenue per operating bed rose from $241 in 2015 to $625 in 2025, while average length of stay fell from 5.1 days to 3.8 days. Yet, the shift is unfolding in a sector that has already attracted substantial private capital. Industry estimates cited in Bessemer's own investment thesis deck put cumulative PE investment in offline healthcare providers at $10.6 billion between 2015 and 2025. The deck flags several large deals that have shaped the space, including Blackstone Groups 2023 investment of $591.1 million in Quality Care, Baring Private Equity Asias 2023 purchase of a majority stake in Indira IVF for $656 million, Temasek Holdings 2023 acquisition of an additional stake in Manipal Health for about $2 billion, and KKRs 2025 acquisition of a majority stake in Keralas Meitra Hospital. Room to manoeuvre Even so, Bessemer argues there's still ample headroom. Most of the private capital, if you look at dollars, has actually gone into the multi-speciality sector," Kaimal said, pointing to the number of listed hospital chains such as Apollo Hospitals, Max Healthcare, Fortis Healthcare, Narayana Hrudayalaya, and others. On the single-speciality spectrum, it is still very early days," he added. Bessemer is best known in India for backing internet companies, but it is now making a bigger push into offline healthcare delivery. In a new road map on single-speciality care, it invested $24 million NephroPlus (dialysis) in 2021, $13.8 million in Pluro (IVF) in 2025, and $31 million in Sukino (continuum care) in January, hoping a few category leaders can scale into national platforms and deliver exits through public listings or strategic sales. NephroPlus listed on stock exchanges in December 2025 with a 875 crore IPO It is investing out of a dedicated India vehicle it announced in 2021, and also recently closed $350 million for its second India fund to back founders from early stages and beyond. In its investment deck, Bessemer estimates that setting up a single-speciality centre can require from about $0.1 million for a dental clinic to $4.2 million for an oncology centrethe most capital-intensive speciality it trackswhile annual revenue potential at maturity spans a similar spectrum, from roughly $0.1 million for dental to as much as $7.1 million for oncology. Kaimal said Bessemer typically backs single-speciality platforms early in their build-out, so it does not go in with a fixed target for how many centres a chain must add upfront, preferring to see the model work in the first few locations before pushing expansion. He added that the execution path is rarely linear, with some centres misfiring even in otherwise strong platforms. Of course, you will make mistakes along the way therell be an odd clinic here or there. Youll never have every centre perform at peak Ebitda margins When you do this repeatedly in the right manner across dozens of clinics, the math overall sort of evens out," he added. Easier said than done However, experts cautioned that healthcare does not scale like a consumer internet playbook. Saurabh Singhavi, director and chief operating officer at transaction advisory firm Alsisar Impact Pvt. Ltd, said the biggest risks are quality and trust, especially for doctor-led brands, which can prove fragile in a downturn. In such single-speciality brands, the face of the business is often one doctor, and their reputation tends to outweigh everything else." If the quality of care is not up to mark, such ventures will not be able to survive, he said, adding that such businesses are built largely on outcomes and word of mouth, not on customer-acquisition playbooks common in the consumer internet. That trust dynamic is also why he wants investors to track more than capex and return on investment measured purely through throughput. Beyond patient volumes, he said, diligence should evaluate turnaround time and how teams manage patients through the care journey. Investors should also assess qualitative measures of care, he added. If you are not able to deliver the care part, then its very difficult for that kind of business to thrive." Dr Arindam Basu, a practising doctor-entrepreneur and a partner at A Square Capital, said Bessemers single-speciality roadmap risks reading too singular" and linear" for a sector where models routinely evolve to survive. He argued that Indias first wave of speciality and super-speciality hospitals often didnt stay speciality for long. Many of the cardiology-led hospitals, such as Fortis Escorts in Delhi, Asian Heart Institute in Mumbai, and the erstwhile cardiac-focused Fortis Cunningham Road facility in Bengaluru, eventually broadened into multi-speciality formats to capture a larger market and diversify revenues. Single-speciality categories that have worked best in India are those with predictable, repeatable unit economics. Eye care has done extremely well, and it still remains possibly the countrys best story," Basu added. He said Bessemers thesis will ultimately be tested in tier-II and tier-III cities, where sharper pricing and wider insurance adoption can expand the market, even as referrals from general practitioners remain a key demand driver. Nearly seven years after pre-court mediation was made mandatory for commercial disputes, the numbers are startlingly thin. Data placed before the Rajya Sabha by the ministry of law and justice shows that only about 1.75% of the more than 270,000 applications routed through the process has been settled since 2018. The disclosure came in a written reply on 29 January to a question raised by Trinamool Congress's lawmaker Sagarika Ghose. Most disputes never progressed to actual mediation or ended without any settlement. Lawyers say its compulsory nature runs against the basic idea of pre-court mediation, weakening business confidence in the process. The process is widely treated as a procedural hurdle rather than a serious settlement effort, they said, with parties reluctant to engage early, especially with little certainty around enforcement. In most commercial cases, mediation fails before it even begins," said Gauhar Mirza, partner at Saraf and Partners. Often the other side simply does not show up. Even when they do, they lack authority or preparation. When genuine mediation happens, settlements do follow, but very few cases ever reach that stage." Pointing to less than 900 settlements came out of nearly 60,000 mediation applications in 2024-25, Shaneen Parikh, partner and head of international arbitration at Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas, said, Parties clearly do not see value in the process and prefer to litigate or settle informally." According to Parikh, rather than reducing court congestion, mandatory mediation has added an extra procedural layer that businesses must navigate before their cases can proceed. What the data tells us The data presented in the Rajya Sabha shows that mediation applications have surged from 3,680 in FY19 to nearly 60,000 in FY25, while the settlement rates remain negligible. Between July 2018 and March 2019, only 25 cases were settled of the 3,680 applications. In FY20 and FY21, settlements were at 167 and 186, respectively, even though more than 18,000 applications were filed each year. And in FY22 and FY23, settlements remained low at 368 and 1,449 from filings of 32,335 and 46,412, respectively. The trend has only worsened in recent years, with just 1,139 settlements in FY24 and 877 in FY25, out of the nearly 60,000 applications. There is a risk that repeated failures of pre-institution mediation may dampen business confidence in ADR (alternative dispute resolution), especially when such low settlement rates are seen as evidence that the process does not work," said Shiv Sapra, partner at Kochhar & Co. The background Mediation, which is part of ADR, also includes arbitration, conciliation, and negotiation. While mediation depends on voluntary settlement with help from a neutral mediator, arbitration results in a binding decision by an arbitrator. Pre-institution mediation was introduced in 2018 under the Commercial Courts Act to encourage early settlement of commercial disputes and reduce pressure on courts. Under Section 12A, parties involved in commercial disputes above 3 lakh must attempt mediation before filing a lawsuit, unless an urgent interim relief is required. The way forward Experts say reforms are needed to make the framework effective. These include penalties for refusing to engage in mediation, requiring parties with decision-making authority to attend, and closer oversight by courts. From an investor perspective, Parikh said quicker enforcement of mediated settlements and Indias ratification of the Singapore Convention on Mediation could help restore confidence by allowing cross-border enforcement of settlement agreements. India had signed the Singapore Convention on Mediation, a UN treaty that allows international commercial mediation settlements to be enforced directly across borders, on 7 August 2019, but has not ratified it yet. For investors, this is crucial as settlements reached through mediation can be enforced without starting fresh court cases or arbitration. An IndiaCorpLaw analysis notes that under Indian law, mediation settlements are often treated as private contracts, making enforcement slow and uncertain. Ratifying the Singapore convention would close this gap, make mediation more reliable for cross-border business, reduce legal costs, and boost investor confidence in Indias dispute-resolution system. Do mediations work globally? In mature jurisdictions such as the UK, mediation is embedded in civil procedure and is not governed by a separate law. Courts actively encourage mediation through cost sanctions for unreasonable refusal, creating strong judicial pressure while keeping the process voluntary. Mediation in the US is governed by a mix of federal rules, state laws, and court-specific procedures, rather than one single statute. Many federal courts encourage or require mediation under local court rules, while states regulate mediation through their civil procedure laws. How is policy reacting to this? Concerns over mandatory mediation have also been flagged at the policy level. In 2023, a paper by the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM) argued that pre-litigation mediation under the Commercial Courts Act should be made voluntary, noting that compulsory mediation can add three to five months to dispute timelines and increase legal costs for businesses. In September 2023, Parliament passed the Mediation Act, 2023 that laid down a broader framework for how mediation works in India. However, this did not alter the mandatory pre-court mediation requirement under the Commercial Courts Act. Compulsory mediation for commercial disputes continues as before, with the new law only regulating the mediation process and enforcement of settlements. In a landmark moment for minority shareholder activism and corporate governance in India, the company court on Thursday admitted the countrys first corporate class action suit under Indian company lawnearly two years after it was filed by minority shareholders of Jindal Poly Films Ltd. The shareholders plea accuses the company promoters of siphoning and selling assets at undervalued prices worth over 2,500 crore through alleged related-party transactions. The Delhi bench of the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) rejected Jindal Polys challenge to the maintainability of the case and issued formal notice to Jindal Poly Films, allowing the matter to proceed on merits. Also Read | Go First moves NCLT to seek release of aircraft parts from Adani-owned Air Works The order marks the first time an Indian company tribunal has formally admitted and issued notice in a corporate class action suit under Section 245 of the Companies Act 2013. Section 245 of the Companies Act, 2013 was introduced in 2013 following the Satyam scam of 2009 to strengthen minority shareholder protection. Based on recommendations of the J.J. Irani Committee, it allows shareholders with at least 2% shareholding to file corporate class action suits against fraud, mismanagement, or unfair practices. The petition was filed in March 2024 by minority shareholders Ankit Jain (owning 3.06% stake), Rina Jain (0.94%), and Ruchi Jain Hanasoge (0.99%). They allege that the promoters of Jindal Poly Films diverted company assets and sold investments at unfairly low prices, causing losses exceeding 2,500 crore to public shareholders. After the petition was filed, the NCLT first examined the maintainability of the case, following objections raised by Jindal Poly, and did not issue notice at the initial stage. In its order, the tribunal noted that the delay in issuing notice occurred because it was examining these preliminary objections. It also recorded that paucity of time, infrastructure constraints and administrative issues contributed to the delay. Jindal Poly Films, in its defence, argued that the case was not a proper class action and should be dismissed. The company claimed the petition was essentially meant to benefit the company rather than shareholders and had been filed to bypass higher shareholding thresholds required under other provisions of company law. The tribunal rejected these arguments, noting that the petitioners met the minimum 2% shareholding threshold prescribed under Section 245, an aspect not disputed by the company. The NCLT clarified that, at this stage, it was only required to determine whether a prima facie case existed to justify issuance of notice, not to decide whether the allegations were true. The petition prima facie contains the opinion of the requisite number of shareholders who have alleged that the management and conduct of the affairs of the company have been and are being carried out in a manner prejudicial not only to the interests of the company but also to its members," the NCLT said in its order. "This two-pronged requirement is, at this stage, sufficient to justify issuance of notice. The plea of belated knowledge raised by the petitioners is a matter to be adjudicated. The tribunal further observed that Indias class action framework under Section 245 has a broader scope than similar laws in the US, allowing shareholders to seek relief even if it ultimately benefits the company. It stressed that it was not expressing any view on the merits of the allegations. With the petition now formally admitted, the case will move to the merits stage, where both sides will present detailed pleadings and evidence. The outcome is expected to become a landmark precedent in determining whether class action suits can become a practical tool for investor protection in India. Alleged transactions According to the petition reviewed earlier by Mint, Jindal Poly Films invested around 703.79 crore between 2013 and 2017 in group power companiesJindal Powertech and Jindal India Thermal Powerthrough 0% preference shares, at a time when both companies were allegedly financially stressed. In FY21, these power companies secured debt waivers of over 7,000 crore from banks, significantly improving their valuations. The shareholders allege that Jindal Poly Films itself helped fund these settlements by extending fresh loans of over 400 crore. Soon after, Jindal Poly Films sold its entire stake in Jindal Powertech at what shareholders describe as deeply undervalued prices. Shares worth 440.2 crore were sold to SSJ Trust, a promoter-linked private trust, for 66.03 crore, while another set of shares worth 263.59 crore were sold to Jindal Poly Investment for 39.53 crore. The petition estimates the total loss from these transactions at 2,518.45 crore, with the gains flowing to promoter-linked entities. The order passed by the NCLT is extremely significant for minority shareholder rights and activism in India, Vaibhav Kakkar and Abhishek Swaroop of Saraf & Partners, who represented minority shareholder Ankit Jain in the matter, told Mint. The ruling enables minority shareholders holding as little as 2% stake in publicly-listed companies to invoke the statutory class action remedy against promoter misconduct, mismanagement and overreach, outside the traditional oppression and mismanagement framework. Commenting on the development, Jindal Poly Films said that this hearing was only for order on non-maintainability of a class action suit filed by a minority shareholder, and as of now, it does not have any implications or bearing on the merits of the case. (Bloomberg) -- New Yorks pension funds, which have exposure to $900 million of Palantir Technologies Inc. stock, are questioning the software company over its business dealings with US Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Department of Homeland Security. Both the city and state pension funds are invested in Palantir, with New York Citys five systems holding 2.57 million shares worth $457 million as of Dec. 31, according to a spokesperson for Comptroller Mark Levine. The state has a similar exposure, with investments valued at $437 million as of September. The holdings are through passive investments such as index funds, according to the systems. The actions come after both Levine and New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli raised questions about Palantirs contracts with the federal government following an escalation of immigration-enforcement efforts around the US as part of the Trump administrations push to crack down on undocumented migrants. Recent fatal shootings in Minneapolis, as well as ICE activities more broadly, have drawn nationwide protests and intensified scrutiny of federal enforcement operations and highlighted material reputational and human rights risks to Palantir, Levine said in a Feb. 4 letter to Alexandra Schiff, one of the companys board members. He called for an independent review of Palantirs work with DHS and ICE. A spokesperson for Palantir didnt reply to a request for comment. Palantirs shares fell 5% to $132.55 at 1:19 p.m. in New York on Thursday extending losses this year to more than 25%. The stock jumped last year by 135%, which is one reason why the holding has grown so large. Public pensions across the US wield large influence as stewards of billions in retirement funds for millions of Americans. New York Citys five pension systems have assets of over $311 billion, while the states fund has about $291 billion in investments. Both Democrats and Republicans have utilized that investment power as a way to drive policy. Officials in Texas, for example, prohibited certain public funds from investing in financial firms the state deemed as hostile to the oil and gas industry. In a January letter to Palantir Chief Executive Officer Alex Karp, DiNapoli asked the company to provide clarity regarding the scope of its dealings with the federal government agencies as well as its risk-management approach, according to a copy of the letter provided to Bloomberg News. He also pressed the company to fully disclose its political spending and contributions, according to a spokesperson for his office. The Comptroller will continue holding portfolio companies accountable and consider all available options consistent with his fiduciary duty, the spokesperson said. --With assistance from Martin Z. Braun. More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com Boeing layoffs: Aircraft manufacturer Boeing is laying off 300 people from its defence division, according to a Bloomberg report on 5 February, quoting a person with knowledge of the matter. Boeing is eliminating jobs in the supply chain section of the defence division, and the company will notify affected workers this week, the report said. Boeing regularly evaluates and adjusts its workforce to stay aligned to our commitments to our customers and communities, the company said in an emailed statement to Bloomberg, effectively confirming the development. The job cuts will span across different sites across the United States, the news agency reported. The company is working to assist those impacted by the Boeing layoffs, the source added. According to a Reuters report, the 300 people who will be laid off are non-union workers. Also Read | COMAC takes on Boeing and Airbus what to know about Chinese planemaker 1,300 job openings at Boeing The planemaking company is still in hiring mode, with 1,300 job openings still in sight, the person who spoke to Bloomberg said. Some of the laid-off workers could end up filling open jobs elsewhere in the company, according to Reuters. The total number of employees at Boeing stood at 1,82,000 at the end of 2025, rising by about 10,000 workers from a year earlier, according to federal filings. Boeing has been hiring more workers as it integrates newly acquired Spirit AeroSystems Holdings, accelerates its commercial jet production and begins work on the stealthy F-47 fighter jet for the Pentagon. Also Read | Boeing expects more Dreamliner orders from India amid tariff concerns 300 jobs to be moved to South Carolina In separate news, Boeing told employees last week that it plans to consolidate 787 engineering work in South Carolina as it ramps up production of its popular twin-aisle jet, the union representing its engineers said on Wednesday. It would mean moving about 300 jobs from Washington state, where engineers are represented by the Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace (SPEEA), to a non-union state, the union said. Boeing's two contracts, with about 16,000 SPEEA members in Washington, expire in October. Layoffs continue to rise The Boeing layoffs come at a time when tech giants like Amazon are slashing their workforces. Weeks earlier, the United Parcel Service (UPS) also announced layoffs. The Washington Post, owned by billionaire Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, announced major job cuts Wednesday, saying that "painful" restructuring was needed at the storied newspaper. The Post, which gained legendary status when it helped bring down President Richard Nixon in the Watergate scandal, will see "substantial" reductions in its newsroom, which until now had an estimated 800 journalists, Executive Editor Matt Murray said. The question of when Tata Steels UK operations will finally break even has come to overshadow nearly every quarterly interaction the company has with analysts. What was earlier guided as a Q2FY26 milestone has already slipped to the end of FY26, with the company attributing the delay to global trade disruptions and the spillover effects of US tariff wars. Investor unease has been heightened by a blunt warning from chief financial officer Koushik Chatterjee. If there are no actions from the government, it will be difficult to get Ebitda breakeven by 4QFY26," he said during a post-earnings call in November. By actions", Chatterjee was referring to the need for tougher import restrictions from the UK government to shield domestic producers from cheap imports from countries like China. Also Read | Tata Steel trials Canadian iron ore to hedge against future shortages Without that policy backstop, Chatterjee told Mint last quarter, it may be left with little choice but to consider further restructuring of its UK business without disclosing details, an option it is keen to avoid. The European operations of the steelmaker include its plants in Port Talbot in the UK and the IJmuiden plant in the Netherlands. Unsurprisingly, the steelmaker's quarterly calls have felt less like routine earnings discussions and more like a seminar on the future of Tata Steels European operations. Alongside this, the companys plan to secure raw materials domestically by the end of 2030 has captured the attention of analysts and investors. At present, Tata Steel meets 100% of its iron ore requirements in India through its six captive mines; the steelmaker came to own these long before India mandated auctioning with a high bid premium. These mines are set to expire post-2030, and to keep them, the steelmaker would have to go through an auction process where bid premiums often cross 100%. When we bid for the mines it needs to make sense. There is no point bidding a price at which the cost of iron ore is so high that you'd rather buy it from the market," T.V. Narendran, managing director of Tata Steel, told analysts in November during an earnings call, adding that they are engaging with mining companies like Odisha Mining Corp. Ltd and NMDC, and imports are also an option. If Tata Steel turns to the market for iron ore, it risks exposure to price volatility and greater reliance on overseas supplies, especially as the quality of domestic iron ore continues to decline. The expiry of captive iron ore mines from FY30 is set to reverse the iron ore security among private steel companies, according to a Kotak Institutional Equities report dated 8 December, 2025. Majority of Tatas operating iron ore leases will expire and we estimate a potential erosion of ~30-40% of its steel operating margins post-FY2030E," analysts Sumangal Nevatia, Siddharth Mehrotra and Keshav Kumar wrote in their report. In response, the company has begun taking steps to shore up raw material security. In early December, Tata Steel signed a memorandum of understanding with Lloyds Metals & Energy to explore iron ore mining opportunities in Maharashtra. It also acquired a 50.01% stake in Thriveni Pellets Pvt. Ltd, a maker of iron ore pellets. Iron ore pellets are small balls of iron ore used to make steel. Also Read | Tata Steel lifts profits, but UK pain lingers amid cheap imports Additionally, Tata Steel recently sourced a bulk shipment of iron ore lumps from Tata Steel Minerals Canada (TSMC), the first time the Indian operations have tapped the Canadian arm for this key raw material, Mint reported earlier. That move, however, is likely to prompt tough questions from investors around logistics costs, freight economics and the long-term viability of importing iron ore from Canada. For these reasons, all eyes will be on Tata Steel's October-December results, which will be announced on 6 February. Mint lists the major areas to focus on in the company's earnings. Demand and pricing Steel prices fell to multi-year lows in the December quarter due to weak demand, oversupply and uncertainty regarding the safeguard duty. However, post announcement of the safeguard duty, the prices of hot-rolled coil (HRC) and cold-rolled coil (CRC) were increased by 4% to 51,700 per tonne in the second week of January, after a 2-4% hike in early January 2026, according to Big Mint, a commodities market intelligence. Analysts will now look for management commentary on how much room is left for further price increases after the announcement of safeguard duty and resumption of construction activity. Steel prices remain under pressure in Q3FY26, led by weakness in flat products amid supply outpacing demand, according to an Elara Securities January report. Revenue and profitability Axis Securities expects lower HRC prices to partially offset higher sales volumes, and estimate consolidated revenue to increase by 14% compared to Q3FY25 and 4% compared to Q2FY26 to 60,887 crore. Aditya Welekar of Axis Securities, in his note dated 7 January, wrote that Ebitda is expected to improve by 46% compared with the same quarter last year, led by higher steel production. On sequential quarterly basis, Ebitda is expected to decline by 3%, led by lower steel price realisations in India and the Netherlands. Analysts at Axis Securities and Kotak Institutional Securities expect the company's Ebitda per tonne to decline on higher coking coal prices and lower steel realisations. On European operations, Kotak expects UK losses to widen at US$166/ton versus US$154/ton in 2QFY26. Any commentary on the timeline for Ebitda break-even will be crucial. Europes carbon tax Unlike many peers, the implementation of the carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM), commonly referred to as a carbon tax, is expected to support earnings at Tata Steels Netherlands operations, as steel prices are likely to rise once the levy is fully enforced. Also Read | Tata Steel gets Dutch backing for 2 billion green transition For now, however, there is limited clarity on the applicable rates, even though CBAM took effect from 1 January. As a result, analysts will be closely watching managements commentary on the mechanism, since any uptick in contributions from overseas operations could provide a swing in the companys earnings. Toyota Motor has launched a battery-powered version of its Pixis small van in Japan, as the worlds largest automaker looks to strengthen its zero-emission vehicle sales in its home market. The Pixis BEV strengthens Toyotas range of Kei mini-commercial vehicles, as it looks to support the daily mobility needs of businesses and working professionals. This model aims to fully meet customer needs by retaining its excellent usability, including large cargo capacity and effortless loading, while delivering powerful, smooth, and quiet driving performance. The battery-powered Pixis was developed in collaboration with Suzuki and its small car subsidiary Daihatsu, combining their Kei car know-how with Toyota's electrification technologies. The vehicle is powered by Toyotas e-Smart Electric powertrain, featuring a 36.6 kWh lithium-ion battery pack which provides a cruising range of 257 km, enough for a full day of urban deliveries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The rear wheels are powered by Toyotas eAxle, which integrates the drive motor, inverter and reduction gear, with a maximum output of 47 kW and peak torque of 126 Nm. Toyota pointed out that Kei vehicles account for around 60% of the total commercial vehicle fleet in Japan. Zero-emission vehicle penetration is minimal, however. Toyota sold just 4,227 BEVs in Japan last year, led by the bZ4X SUV. "Toyota launches battery-powered Pixis small van in Japan" was originally created and published by Just Auto, a GlobalData owned brand. Britain's aviation authority has asked Air India to explain how a Boeing Dreamliner passenger jet which was grounded on arrival in India for safety checks took off from London on Sunday with a possibly faulty fuel switch, a letter shows. The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), in a letter to the airline dated Tuesday, warned of the possibility of regulatory action against Air India and its Boeing 787 fleet if the airline does not submit a complete response within a week. Air India said in a statement it had completed a precautionary re-inspection of the switches and found no issues, and would "respond to the UK regulator accordingly". Also Read | DGCA rules out glitch in Air India Dreamliner, calls for pilot training The CAA said in a statement that it was a standard process for a regulator to request details following "an aircraft incident and is in line with safety assurance procedures". Fuel switches were at the centre of last year's crash involving an Air India Dreamliner, which killed 260 people in Gujarat state and triggered tighter scrutiny of the airline. The switches regulate the flow of jet fuel into a plane's engines. Air India said on Monday it had grounded a Boeing Dreamliner after a pilot reported a possible "defect" with the fuel control switch on the plane on landing. Boeing, which earlier said it was cooperating with Air India on the incident, did not respond to a request for comment. UK regulator seeks detailed account The Indian civil aviation watchdog later said that during the engine start in London, the crew observed the fuel control switch did not remain latched on the 'run' position on two occasions, but was stable on a third attempt. The crew decided to continue on to India and the regulator's checks this week found the switches were functioning fine. Also Read | Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner Grounded After Fuel Switch Turns To 'Cutoff' The CAA, however, told Air India that it must provide "a detailed account of all maintenance actions performed to ensure the continued airworthiness of the aircraft and to support its release to service for" Bengaluru. Root cause analysis sought The UK watchdog has also sought a "comprehensive root-cause analysis" of the incident and a "preventive action plan" to preclude a recurrence of similar events across Air India's Boeing 787 fleet, said the letter, which was not made public. NEW DELHI/MUMBAI : Lenders to embattled telecom operator Vodafone Idea Ltd are examining the companys spectrum dues, subscriber losses and weak user revenue before deciding on its request for a fresh loan of 35,000 crore, a person involved in the discussions said. An external techno-economic viability (TEV) study done in 2024 to examine Vodafone Idea's creditworthiness will be updated with new projections, and a fresh TEV will not be done, the person said on condition of anonymity. The update will also take into account the recent court relief on adjusted gross revenue (AGR), which came after the TEV was submitted. While the AGR issue has been settled, lenders have no clarity on the telcos spectrum dues, which are substantially higher than AGR," said the person cited earlier. The earlier loan proposal was based on assumptions about the performance of the company, and these assumptions will now be tallied with the actuals." He said that the company has been forthcoming with data and is aiding the process that will culminate in lenders discussing the plan with the consortium. The final call on the loan will be taken after that," this person said. Notably, the telecom operator has been struggling with debt, fundraise, and is losing subscribers steadily as it is unable to upgrade its network and reach. In the time since the TEV was done, Vodafone Idea has lost 7 million subscribers. Vodafone Ideas Arpu was at 172 a month as of December-end, whereas Jios Arpu was 213.70. Airtel currently leads the industry with 256 Arpu a month as of September-end. Banks are concerned that Vodafone Ideas Arpu has also been lower than the industry average, as users have limited access to the 5G network. A banker said that the fresh loan proposal is yet to be presented to the consortium of lenders, and they will take a call based on what it says. We have less than 500 crore exposure to Vodafone Idea and will assess the proposal once we have more details," the banker said, also requesting anonymity. The lenders consortium is led by the State Bank of India (SBI). Vodafone Idea owes 1,126 crore to banks as on 31 December, as per a company statement on 27 January. In addition, the company raised 3,300 crore through a subsidiary via non-convertible debentures during the December quarter. Emails sent to SBI and Vodafone Idea remained unanswered till press time. Calculating dues To be sure, the company currently has total debt of 2 trillion as of December-end, of which AGR comprises 87,695 crore, and a total deferred payment obligation (including interest accrued but not due) towards spectrum of 1.25 trillion as of 31 December. Its AGR dues have been frozen following the Supreme Courts verdict in October and November last year. The apex court had allowed the government to reassess and reconsider all of Vodafone Ideas AGR dues as of FY17, including interest and penalties. The relief was key for the cash-strapped telecom company as it had indicated last year that it will not be able to operate beyond FY2025-26, as it did not have the ability to pay AGR installments to the government starting March. The companys stock has risen 14% since the day the Supreme Court verdict came in. Meanwhile, an official aware of the matter said the government is currently working on an exercise to recalculate its AGR dues and arrive at a final number. Already, the freezing of AGR dues and a long moratorium on payment has resulted in significant relief for Vodafone Idea. That relief should help the company raise bank debt," the official said, adding that spectrum dues of the company are a concern but so far no more relief is on the cards. Last year, the government had converted 36,950 crore of spectrum dues of Vodafone Idea into equity, which took its stake in the telecom operator to 49%. With the relief on AGR dues payments, the government wanted to ensure that the company gets a breather and that the exchequers spectrum dues are at least paid, the official added. The company has spectrum payment obligations of about 49,000 crore over the next three years. The instalment would be approximately 7,000 crore in the first year, 15,000 crore in the second and around 27,000 crore in the third. Planning for growth Besides the spectrum instalments, the telecom operator last week unveiled a 45,000 crore capex plan over the next three years. The company aims to invest in network deployment, along with a strong marketing push, targeting double-digit revenue growth, sustained subscriber additions, and a threefold increase in earnings before interest, tax and depreciation (Ebitda). ...the Ebitda of three times from now and the business efficiencies that are built into that, I think the way we are really looking at it is that it takes care of the spectrum (payment), including the capex that we are talking of. So that's the part of the cash flow that we are looking at," Abhijit Kishore, chief executive officer, said in an earnings call with analysts last week. As far as any moratorium of spectrum is concerned, I don't think we ever were representing that, nor are we doing it today. That's part of the cash flow that we have baked in, and we will be paying through our cash flow on the spectrum. So we are not really talking to the government on the spectrum moratorium or any kind of relief on this," Kishore said. Vodafone Idea is hopeful that the AGR dues resolution will help raise 35,000 crore in bank debt, including 10,000 crore in non-funded debt. The company is also not planning to raise equity capital at this time. Raising funds is key Telecom analysts expect the companys cash Ebitda to be at 9,100 crore in FY26its cash Ebitda in FY25 was 9,200 crore. They, however, said the companys three-year Ebitda target of about 30,000 crore is aggressive, and a turnaround is largely dependent on the fundraise. Ebitda is short for earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization. In the absence of any external equity and/or reprieve on spectrum dues payable, spectrum payments of 49,000 crore over FY2027-29 suggest a significant cash shortfall. The bank debt raise thus becomes key for the near-term revival of Vi (Vodafone Idea)," said analysts at brokerage Kotak Institutional Equities in a note dated 29 January. According to the brokerage, Vodafone Idea is confident of raising bank debt in the near term, but securing it before a turnaround in operational performance would be challenging. We expect competitive intensity in the sector to remain high, given the formidable leaders, which would make subscriber gains difficult." On Vodafone Ideas subscriber loss, even analysts have echoed concerns raised by banks. The moratorium from the DoT (Department of Telecommunications) provides much-needed breathing space to VIL, however, it is still not completely out of the woods, as investor attention remains focused on the delayed debt fund-raise, which is critical to support capex, stem subscriber losses and raise Arpu," said analysts at brokerage Nuvama in a note dated 28 January. As of December end, Vodafone Ideas mobile subscriber base stood at 193 million, down 7 million from 200 million in the year-ago period. In comparison, Reliance Jios mobile subscriber base was at 490 million as of December end. Including fixed wireless access and fibre connections, Jios total subscriber base was 515.3 million. Bharti Airtel, which is yet to declare its December quarter earnings, had 364 million subscribers as of September end. Kishore said that over the past six years, Vodafone Idea had been losing about 15-16 million customers a year. So far this year, subscriber losses are at 5.3 million. MUMBAI: As Indian homeowners become more involved in choosing how their homes look and what goes into them, investors are beginning to back startups that focus not on designing entire interiors, but on helping consumers directly discover and buy materials, bypassing traditional interior designers and full-stack execution firms. Early-stage investors see the materials-led interiors segment as a large, under-utilized opportunity, estimated at about $14 billion, with rising consumer spend and no clear market leader. This shift is playing out even as large, late-stage cheques continue to flow into end-to-end interior platforms. Capital is now spreading across different layers of the interiors value chain, with early-stage investors increasingly betting that organizing the materials layertiles, laminates, wallpapers and panelscould become a large standalone opportunity. Also Read | Is Indian interior design becoming a monoculture? In an example, Stellaris Venture Partners, along with Accel, has invested $10 million in a Series A round in Material Depot, a Bengaluru-based platform focused on interior and decorative materials, executives from the firm said in an interview with Mint. Traditionally, this has been a very unorganised category, run by small family-owned shops. Nobody was solving discovery for the modern Indian consumer," said Manish Reddy, co-founder of Material Depot, on Wednesday. Founded in 2022 by Reddy and co-founder Sarthak Agarwal, the company aims to organize categories such as tiles, laminates, wallpapers and wall panels, among others. Material Depot operates a hybrid model, with product discovery online and purchases taking place at large-format experience centres. Customer acquisition happens online, but conversion happens offline," Reddy said. Material Depots experience centres typically span about 8,000-10,000 square feet, the company said. The new funding round also saw participation from Whiteboard Capital, DeVC, Soma Capital and MyAsiaVC, along with angel investors including Livspace founder Ramakant Sharma and Curefoods CEO Ankit Nagori, among others. Materials focus The segment has also begun attracting interest from adjacent players. Last year, Mint reported that Infra.Market was stepping up its push into interior materials, home finishing and lifestyle categories such as fitting, finishing and furnishings. Founders Souvik Sengupta and Aditya Sharda had told Mint back then that they expect this segment to scale up to about 40% of overall revenue over the next few years, from around 30%. Reddy said Material Depot benefits from Indias manufacturing depth in decorative materials. Nearly 80% of our manufacturing is in India, which gives us a structural supply-chain advantage," he said. The fresh capital will be deployed across technology, supply chain expansion and geographic growth. We are doubling down on technology, supply chain depth, and expanding to new metros," Reddy said. The company plans to enter Hyderabad over the next three months, followed by expansion into other major metros and tier-I cities. Over the next 12-18 months, Material Depot plans to expand to more than 30 experience centres across multiple cities and serve over 50,000 customers, the company said. Consumers want to be deeply involved in how their homes look, but there is still no trusted one-stop solution," said Rahul Chowdhri, partner at Stellaris Venture Partners. Also Read | PharmEasy co-founders enter home improvement space with new venture Competition in the broader home interior segment has also been heightening. PharmEasy co-founders Dharmil Sheth, Dhaval Shah and Hardik Dedhia have launched All Home, a brand-building and enablement platform targeting Indias fragmented architecture and interior design market. Separately, Singapore-based home decor startup Livspace raised $50 million in internal funding from its parent entity in April last year. Similarly, HomeLane acquired peer Design Cafe and Flipspaces secured $50 million in its Series C round in September last year. Many of these firms are execution-led interior companies that design, plan and deliver finished spaces. While the sector has seen significant capital flow into such design-led platforms, early-stage investors believe materials-focused models are attempting to address a different gap in the market. These startups are directly addressing the aesthetic needs of homeowners as well as small designers and architects. Home materials in India remain a low-trust, supplier-led market, even as homeowners have evolved into informed, design-driven decision makers," Accel partner Pratik Agarwal said. Chowdhri added that post-pandemic behaviour and social media exposure have increased homeowner willingness to spend on aesthetics and finishes. He said the materials-led interiors segment alone represents a large and under-institutionalised market. This is a roughly $14-billion category with rising consumer spend and no institutional leader," Chowdhri added. According to a recent report by Mordor Intelligence, the overall Indias interior design market is estimated at $35.48 billion in 2026 and is projected to grow to $65.01 billion by 2031, at a compound annual growth rate of 12.87%. The research firm also said that Indias interior design market is riding urbanization, DIY-tech adoption, hybrid work, sustainability demand and tier-2/3 city consumption tailwinds. While homeowners remain Material Depots primary focus, demand from commercial, retail and hospitality projects is emerging. About 5-10% of our demand already comes from commercial and hospitality projects," Reddy said. Indians find it easier to ask strangers for directions inside a hospital, airport or office park than open an app. That workaround, however, is beginning to fray as campuses, hospitals, airports and logistics hubs expand in size and complexity. Indoor navigation is increasingly being pitched as the next layer of digital maps. Yet, scaling it has proved far more complex than building outdoor navigation. The reasons are structural. GPS does not work reliably indoors, indoor maps are privately owned rather than public goods, and each building requires custom mapping and permissions, making scale far harder to achieve. Even companies that cracked indoor location intelligence stopped short of full navigation. Peter Theils Palantir in the US, for instance, worked extensively with Wi-Fi signals, device metadata, and sensor data to infer presence and movement inside buildingsoften without users needing to actively connect to a network. But that capability was used for situational awareness, security, and operational monitoringnot turn-by-turn wayfinding. Focus on controlled environments A small but growing set of startups in India is now attempting to make indoor navigation commercially viable: for consumer and other businesses. Indoor navigation is often embedded within a larger app such as Google Maps, Apple Maps and MapmyIndias Mappls app or run on proprietary systems. In many deployments, the primary objective is to track workers, assets, or inventory rather than help visitors find their way. Companies such as Rannlab Technologies operate purely as B2B providers, offering indoor positioning systems accessed through enterprise logins for worker safety and asset tracking. Others, like IWAYPLUS, while building enterprise-grade indoor maps for venues, also enable consumer-facing navigation for visitors. MapmyIndias recent acquisition of a 6.06% stake in IWAYPLUS signals a push to extend its outdoor navigation stack indoors. GPS doesnt work indoors, indoor maps arent publicly available, and every building requires collaboration with owners and operators. Thats why indoor navigation hasnt scaled the way outdoor navigation did," said Pulkit Sapra, co-founder of IWAYPLUS. For large mapping companies, partnering with specialised indoor navigation providers often makes more sense than building everything from scratch." Where adoption is actually happening IWAYPLUS clients include AIIMS Jammu, Ashoka University, and Brookfield Candor Techspaceslarge campuses. beComap, active across India and the Middle East, works with enterprises such as HP, GMR Airports, Honeywell, Global Village Dubai, and multiple large retail and healthcare venues, said Nidhin Chandra Mohan, co-founder at the company. A typical commercial deployment for a mid-sized facility (e.g., a mall, hospital, or corporate office) generally ranges from 5 lakhs to 25 lakh for the initial setup, with recurring maintenance fees, according to the founders mentioned here. For large airports or warehouses, a standard charge ranges from 2 to 8 per square feet for the entire ecosystem. Also Read | Platform paradox: Why Amazon is helping sellers bypass its own marketplace Rannlab, which does asset/device-based tracking of warehousing inventory and workers charges 3,000 to 10,000 per tracked object annually. Indoor positioning only works when the business case is obvious," Umesh Kushwaha, CEO at the company, said. For us, thats asset tracking and worker safety, not general navigation." How indoor navigation works Most indoor navigation systems rely on Wi-Fi and bluetooth signals rather than GPS. When a user enters a building, their device can be detected in much the same way Wi-Fi networks detect nearby devices, even if the user does not actively connect. This relies on device identifiers such as MAC addresses, which are considered personally identifiable information. As a result, providers face stricter compliance and data-protection requirements, particularly in sensitive environments such as airports, hospitals, and workplaces. In practice, this enables precise, real-world use cases. At Delhis Indira Gandhi International Airport, for instance, users can search on Google Maps for a specific outletsay, the nearest McDonalds and be guided through the terminal. In large malls, indoor navigation can direct users not just to a store, but to the correct gate or entrance, reducing confusion. Globally, the indoor navigation market is estimated at approximately $20.77-$37.54 billion, with an annual growth of 23.1%-41.4%, according to a report by Bain & Company. The report said "hyper-localization"knowing exactly which aisle a customer is inincreases "conversion at the shelf" by up to 20%. Precision and privacy matters Several experts argue that the core challenge is less indoor versus outdoor navigation and more about resolution and privacy. Outdoor GPS is designed for meters, indoor use cases need sub-meter to a few meters as youre dealing with far denser environments where signals are obstructed by walls, people, and materials. Add multi-storey buildings, where vertical positioning becomes critical, and the problem gets harder," said Akash Bhatia, co-founder of Infinite Analytics, an AI-based consumer analytics company. Indoor systems typically rely on custom infrastructurebluetooth, Wi-Fi, and sensorsthat varies widely from building to building, making standardisation difficult. These systems can also raise privacy and compliance concerns, particularly when location signals intersect with device identifiers. As a result, economics often becomes as challenging as the technology itself," added Bhatia. Infinite Analytics works with brands including Coca-Cola, Hindustan Unilever Ltd, Skoda, Brown Forman, and ITC. Big Tech's interests The constraints that limit indoor navigations scale have not deterred Big Tech; they have reshaped how the problem is approached. Companies such as Google and Apple have embedded indoor maps and positioning into their consumer platforms, while global retailers and logistics players, including Amazon, have funded and deployed indoor mapping, vision, and localisation systems internally to optimise warehouses and fulfilment centres. Venture capital has followed a similar pattern, backing specialised players like Peter Thiel foundation-backed Mappedin in Canada and Finland's IndoorAtlas that has partnered with Yahoo Japan. Also Read | Why PSUs are stepping in where VCs fear to tread In India, large telecom players are also entering the space. Reliance Jio is building location-intelligence platforms such as Jio Xplor that extend indoor tracking and navigation through telecom- and IoT-led systems rather than standalone consumer apps. Public infrastructure is following suit, with deployments such as AIIMS Delhis Bluetooth-based Disha app and MapmyIndias Delhi Metro integration. As airports, hospitals, warehouses, and campuses digitise operations, indoor mapping is being absorbed into broader location and analytics stacks. Adoption is now being driven by necessity. India and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have agreed on the terms to begin negotiations on a free trade agreement, ANI quoted Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal as saying. Goyal made the remarks during the Terms of Reference (ToR) signing ceremony between India and the GCC. On Thursday, 5 February, India and the GCC signed the terms of reference to begin FTA talks. The ceremony was presided over by Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal. The terms of reference (ToR) will describe the scope and modalities of a proposed trade deal. The GCC consists of six Arab states: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). FTA to boost bilateral trade, says Goyal Goyal said that the deal will help boost bilateral trade and investments. The trade pact with the GCC would help diversify India's energy sources, he said, according to Reuters. He also noted that nearly 10 million Indians live and work in the GCC region. The FTA talks with the GCC would mark a resumption of negotiations, as the previous two rounds took place in 2006 and 2008 between the two regions. GCC postponed its negotiations with all countries and economic groups, so the third round did not take place, PTI reported. What does the trade basket reveal? India primarily imports crude oil and natural gas from Gulf countries such as Saudi Arabia and Qatar. In return, it exports pearls, precious and semi-precious stones, metals, imitation jewellery, electrical machinery, iron and steel, and chemicals to these nations, the report said. India's exports to the GCC grew by about 1% to $57 billion in 2024-25, up from $56.32 billion in 2023-24. Imports rose by 15.33% to $121.7 billion in 2024-25 from $105.5 billion in 2023-24. Bilateral trade has risen to $178.7 billion in 2024-25 from $161.82 billion in 2023-24. In the last fiscal year, the UAE ranked as India's third-largest trading partner. Indian exports to the UAE amounted to $36.63 billion, while imports reached $63.40 billion, resulting in a trade deficit of $26.76 billion for 2024-25. Saudi Arabia was India's fifth-largest trading partner during the last fiscal year. Exports to the kingdom amounted to $11.75 billion, while imports reached $30.12 billion, resulting in a trade deficit of $18.36 billion in 2024-25. Qatar ranked as India's 22nd-largest trading partner in the last fiscal year. Exports stood at $1.68 billion, while imports totalled $12.46 billion, resulting in a trade deficit of $10.78 billion in 2024-25. India primarily imports liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Qatar and exports cereals, meat, fish, chemicals, and plastics. Oman remained India's 28th-largest trading partner in 2024-25. Exports totalled $4 billion, and imports totalled $6.54 billion. The trade deficit was $2.48 billion. Kuwait stood 29th among India's trading partners in 2024-25. Exports were $1.93 billion, and imports totalled $8.28 billion, resulting in a trade deficit of $6.35 billion. India and the six-member Gulf Cooperation Council on Thursday formally launched negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA) by signing the terms of reference (ToR), marking a key step towards deepening economic ties amid growing global uncertainty and rising trade risks. The first round of negotiations for the pact, which has been under discussion for nearly two decades, is expected to take place in Riyadh in coming months, with Saudi Arabia offering to host the talks. The development comes at a time when India has accelerated its trade diplomacy, signing a series of big-ticket agreements with major economies. Over the past few months, New Delhi has concluded FTAs with the UK, Oman, and the European Union, while also announcing the conclusion of trade deals with New Zealand and the US. In total, India has signed or announced nine FTAs after the National Democratic Alliance government came to power in 2014. New opportunities The agreement would open up new opportunities for Indian goods and services, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), entrepreneurs, and skilled professionals, while also attracting large-scale investments from the Gulf region, said Union commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal. Indias ties with the six GCC countriesBahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirateshave evolved into a strategic partnership with expanding economic and geopolitical dimensions, he said. Goyal said together with existing trade arrangements with the UAE and Oman, the proposed FTA with the GCC would help unlock the full potential of a mutually beneficial economic relationship. The proposed FTA is expected to deliver significant gains for sectors such as food processing, infrastructure, petrochemicals, and information and communications technology once the agreement is concluded. Emphasizing Indias broader trade strategy, the minister said New Delhi was deepening its engagement with developed economies through a series of trade agreements aimed at bringing predictability, stability, and greater market access for Indian exporters, while supporting job creation and economic modernization. From the Gulf side, Raja Al Marzouqui, chief negotiator for the IndiaGCC FTA, described the launch of talks as a strong signal to the global economy at a time when globalization is under pressure from uncertainty and rising risks. Also Read | NSDL glitch stalls trade settlement for several investors Its a message for the whole world. Its a message to be more cooperative. We will contribute to the stability of the global economy, he said. India-GCC trade Indias trade with the GCC has remained substantial over the past four years. In 2021-22, Indias total trade with GCC countries stood at about $155 billion, with imports of $110.7 billion and exports of $43.9 billion, reflecting Indias heavy dependence on the region for energy and other raw materials. Trade expanded sharply in 202223, rising to nearly $185 billion, driven mainly by higher imports from Saudi Arabia and the UAE amid elevated global energy prices. Imports climbed to $133.2 billion that year, while exports rose more modestly to $51.3 billion. Although total trade moderated in 2023-24 to around $162 billion as commodity prices softened, Indias exports to the region strengthened to $56.3 billion. In 2024-25, total India-GCC trade rebounded to about $179 billion, with imports increasing to $121.7 billion and exports holding steady at nearly $56.9 billion. The UAE remained Indias largest trading partner in the bloc, with bilateral trade crossing $100 billion in 2024-25, followed by Saudi Arabia at about $42 billion. Oman, Kuwait, Qatar, and Bahrain together accounted for a smaller but stable share of trade, with Oman showing a recovery after a dip in 2023-24. The signing of the ToR between India and the GCC promises substantial mutual gains; expanded market access for Indian exports, plus Gulf investments in infrastructure and tech, boosting jobs and supply chain resilience, said Anant Swarup, senior advisor, member firm of EY India. New Delhi: Countries with a strong production ecosystem inevitably attract global partners, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday, as he showcased Indias recent trade push, including the IndiaUS deal, as the result of sustained economic reforms and a strengthening manufacturing base. When you have a strong ecosystem for manufacturing, the world will want to deal with you, Modi said while replying to a motion of thanks on the President's address in Rajya Sabha amid opposition uproar. Framing the current phase as decisive for Indias long-term trajectory, Modi said that the second quarter of this century would be vital in building a Viksit Bharat. India, he said, had moved beyond the Fragile Five phase, and was now progressing rapidly towards becoming the worlds third-largest economy, driven by reforms, performance and transformation. We have moved forward with the reformperformtransform mantra, and today India has boarded the reform express, he said. Also Read | Recent reforms effectively a new direct tax code: CBDT chief Trade momentum Linking external engagement with domestic stability, Modi said that Indias growing ability to conclude trade agreements with developed economies reflected deeper structural changes at home. He said that India was negotiating future-ready trade agreements on more balanced terms, backed by policy stability, predictable regulation and a cleaner financial system. Referring to talks with Europe, Modi described the proposed IndiaEU trade pact as the mother of all trade deals, underscoring its strategic importance. Coined by US-based investment bank Morgan Stanley in 2013, the Fragile Five described Brazil, India, Indonesia, South Africa and Turkey as emerging markets highly exposed to capital outflows, currency weakness and external shocks due to their heavy relaince on foreign capital. These vulnerabilities were laid bare when the US Fed hinted at reducing the pace of bond purchases. Modis statement gains significance as India has signed or announced a total of nine free trade agreements (FTA) since he came to power in 2014. Among the major, big-ticket trade pacts signed or announced by India are agreements with the UK, the EU and the US. India has also inked an FTA with the four-nation European Free Trade Association (EFTA), Oman and concluded talks with New Zealand, and signed the terms of reference to begin negotiations with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Modi said that banking sector reforms had helped bring down what he described as a mountain of non-performing assets (NPAs) to their lowest level in decadesbelow 1%calling it a critical enabler for investment, credit growth and sustainable expansion. He said that this clean-up had strengthened Indias credibility with global partners and created the foundation for deeper trade and investment ties. Also Read | India-US trade deal sparks hope for gems and jewellery industry He also stressed that Indias renewed global engagement was anchored in future-ready policymaking aimed at correcting the countrys earlier image. To improve Indias tarnished image, we have focused on future-ready policies, Modi said, adding that the shift away from ad-hoc decision-making helped build trust in Indias economic direction. Modi further said that the current phase offered unprecedented opportunities across manufacturing, services and innovation-led sectors. India is securing critical minerals for future generations and placing renewed emphasis on quality and innovation, even where profit margins are lower, to strengthen the global acceptance of Made-in-India products, he said. Indias economic journey had reached a point where there was no question of reversal. Now, we are not stopping, nor are we going to look back. We will only look forward, he said, adding that under the evolving global order, India was moving ahead with speed and confidence as a stable and reliable economic partner in an increasingly fragmented world. The remarks come amid a renewed push on trade diplomacy. Earlier in the day, Union commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal said that the signing of the joint statement for the first tranche of the IndiaUS bilateral trade agreement is expected in the coming days, after which the US is likely to issue an executive order reducing reciprocal tariffs on Indian goods to 18%. The move is expected to provide relief to exporters and lend momentum to bilateral trade flows. New Delhi [India], February 5 (ANI): Australian First Nations artist, designer and cultural advocate Grace Lillian Lee is presenting her work in India at the India Art Fair 2026, bringing Indigenous Australian perspectives on heritage, sustainability and identity to one of South Asia's most influential art platforms. The 17th edition of the India Art Fair is being held at the NSIC Exhibition Grounds in New Delhi from February 5 to 8, 2026. The fair, regarded as the premier showcase for modern and contemporary art in South Asia, will feature 133 exhibitors, including galleries, institutions and a dedicated Design section. Speaking on the occasion, Lee, founder and chairperson of First Nations Fashion and Design (FNFD), highlighted the shared cultural values that connect Indigenous Australian and Indian traditions. "There are many synergies between our purpose and the reason why we celebrate our culture through weaving and fashion and see it as a bigger purpose to support," she said to ANI. The High Commissioner of Australia to India, Philip Green, welcomed Lee's participation at the fair, noting the significance of her work in a cross-cultural context. "We are delighted to have Grace Lillian Lee, who is an Australian artist in this year's Indian Art Fair. She has brought that tradition together with modern fabric and artistic creation from Australia to produce a wonderful set of wearable art, which is on display this week at the Indian Art Fair," he said while speaking to ANI. Lee also shared moments from her visit to India on Instagram, offering insights into a recent public conversation in New Delhi. She wrote about being "in conversation with Sanjay, the founder of Raw Mango," at his boutique, alongside High Commissioner Green. Mumbai: When Vinay M. Tonse takes over the reins of Yes Bank Ltd, the private lender would be significantly different in character and strength from where it was about six years ago. The comparison with March 2020 is inevitable because the bank, founded by now disgraced banker Rana Kapoor, was on the brink of collapse. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) stitched together a rescue involving the State Bank of India (SBI), ICICI Bank Ltd, Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd, among others. These lenders infused capital after the regulator superseded the board. Late on Tuesday evening, Yes Bank told the exchanges that RBI has approved Tonses name as the next chief executive. Shares of the bank rose on Wednesday, following the news, ending the day's trade at 21.52 apiece, up almost 1% from the previous close. Yes Banks history shows that growth was never the constraint, risk was," analysts at Ventura Research said in a note on 9 January. In its early years, the bank scaled rapidly through aggressive corporate lending, building size, but accumulating latent asset-quality risks that culminated in the FY1920 crisis." Ventura Research said that the banks journey from elevated stress to one of the lowest net bad loan levels in the industry reflects a fundamentally altered credit culture. The transition from aggressive growth to conservative underwriting, high provisioning, and focused recoveries demonstrates a root-to-branch transformation in asset quality management, rather than a mere cyclical clean-up," it said. Meanwhile, most banks divested their stakes after the three-year lock-in, but SBI remained invested, finally selling 13.2% in September 2025 to Japan's Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp. (SMBC) for 8,889 crore. SBI still owns around 10.8% of the bank. Former SBI chief financial officer Prashant Kumar, who came in as part of the change, stayed back after an extension last year. That allows him to retain the role for six months from 6 October, or until a successor is appointed. Retail banking expert Tonse, 60, a former SBI executive who last headed the retail banking division at the state-owned lender, gets a cleaner Yes Bank, devoid of most of its legacy issues. At SBI, he managed a retail book of nearly 16 trillion, over six times Yes Banks entire loan book. Yes Banks asset quality has substantially improved, with bad loans as a percentage of total loans at 1.5% at the end of December, down from the peak of 18.9% in December 2019. The share of low-cost deposits has improved to 34%, from 32.1% six years ago. The management also cleaned up the balance sheet by offloading 48,000 crore in stressed loans to J.C. Flowers Asset Reconstruction Co. in 2022. Deposit challenge For Tonse, the challenge will be to shore up deposit growth, given the current environment. The bank reported a 5.5% year-on-year (y-o-y) growth in deposits to 2.9 trillion in Q3 of FY26, while peers like IDFC First Bank Ltd and Federal Bank Ltd reported 24% and 11.8%, respectively. The bank also lags peers in margins. Yes Banks net interest margin of 2.6% is lower than IDFC First Bank's 5.7% and Federal Bank's 3.18%. Analysts are hopeful of better days ahead. Nomura expects return on assets to gradually improve to 0.9%- 1.1% by FY27/FY28, up from 0.8% in the first nine months of FY26, driven by improving margins, sustained momentum in fee income, and controlled credit costs. ...a strong profitable turnaround in the retail segment holds the key, in our view," analysts at Nomura said in a note after the banks earnings in January. Yes Bank now has a capital cushion. Japanese lender SMBC bought 24.2% in two transactions. In January 2026, the central bank allowed SMBC to operate a wholly owned arm in India, four months after the Japanese financial services giant acquired the stake. SMBC currently operates in India in branch mode from its offices in New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Bengaluru. In the banks Q3 media earnings call, Kumar said the bank's board has begun succession planning for the top position and is expected to make a decision in the current quarter. The bank will also formulate a five-year strategy by next quarter, he said. If you see continuously, every quarter has been better than the previous quarter," Kumar had said during the analyst call on 17 January, adding that the bank would still prefer to be very calibrated and cautious in its approach. Nearly three out of four Air India planes were found to have recurring defects, while one out of three IndiGo planes reported recurring faults between January 2025 and February 2026, according to an analysis undertaken by the countrys civil aviation ministry. Overall, 50% or 377 of the 754 commercial planes analysed were found to have recurring problems, according to minister of state for aviation Murlidhar Mohol. The nature of these repetitive defects in aircraft included malfunctions or maintenance issues that recurred on the same aircraft despite previous attempts to fix them. Often defined as the same defect occurring three or more times within a specific number of flight segments, these recurring issues signal that the root cause, such as a component failure, has not been adequately identified or eliminated. Some of these could be safety-related, while others may involve items such as torn seat covers, loose tray tables, and other issues unrelated to the aircraft's safety. A total of 377 aircraft have been identified for repetitive defects since January 2025, against 754 aircraft from various scheduled airlines, the minister said in a written response in the Lok Sabha on Thursday. Also Read | Aviation ministry trying to boost air cargo volumes, talking to industry Repetitive or recurring defects were identified in 148 of 405 IndiGo planes analysed from January 2025, with at least one plane having a recurring issue out of every three planes of the countrys largest carrier. IndiGo did not reply to Mints questionnaire. The number for the Air India groupwhich includes Air India and Air India Expresswas far higher than that of rival IndiGo, at 71%. Or 191 out of 267 aircraft analysed had recurring defects. Air India safety Among the two carriers in the Tata-backed Air India group, the full-service carrier Air India has recorded 82% of its planes with recurring defects, with 137 planes showing repetitive defects out of 166 planes checked. The groups low-cost carrier, Air India Express, reported nearly 53% defects. Or one out of every two aeroplanes, that is, 54 out of 101 aircraft. For context, the Air India groups operating fleet is 297, while IndiGo's is 440. In the case of SpiceJet, 16 of the 43 analysed aircraft, or 37%, had recurring defects, while for Akasa Air, the countrys third-largest carrier, 14 of 32 aircraft had recurring defects, the numbers presented by the minister show. Also Read | Keep the aviation sector under antitrust watch: We have too little rivalry We have, out of an abundance of caution, carried out checks across our fleet. Hence, numbers are higher, an Air India spokesperson said. In the case of Air India, most of the issues include items like seats, tray tables, screens (on the back of seats) and so on. These are not related to aircraft safety. As the retrofit programme for narrow-body aircraft rolls out over the next two years, these issues will be resolved too, a top executive of Air India said. The recurring defect may not necessarily be linked to the safety of an airline, an aviation expert said, on condition of anonymity. Swapping defective parts There is a Minimum Equipment List (MEL) which is maintained by airlines. So the equipment is categorised as A, B and C. For instance, for equipment A, the replacement or repair has to be done the same day. It is a critical component. For B-category equipment, the repair must be completed within 72 hours. And then there is category C, where you do the replacement in 10 days, explained Captain Mohan Ranganathan, an aviation expert and a former member of the Civil Aviation Safety Advisory Council. Ranganathan said that many airlines swap defective parts listed under category C of MEL (for instance, an air conditioning pack) from one aircraft to another. The part is moved from Aircraft A to Aircraft B, giving the airline an additional 10 days to replace it. It is a loophole that airlines exploit or use to their benefit. If a proper digital trail is done, maybe the aviation regulator will have an idea of such loopholes being exploited, he added. In the coming weeks, folks who may see cars zipping around the streets of Sacramento without a driver shouldn't worry; they're Waymo's driverless taxis, and they are officially coming to the state's capital. Waymo announced its expansion into Sacramento on Feb. 5, saying it will begin integrating the city's streets into its systems. "Starting this week, well begin manually driving a fleet of our all-electric Jaguar I-PACE vehicles around the Capital City," the press release reads. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This initial phase allows the Waymo Driver to get to know Sacramentos unique dynamics from tree-lined avenues to busy downtown corridors as we prepare to welcome public riders in the future." A Tesla robotaxi drives on the street along South Congress Avenue in Austin, Texas, June 22, 2025. A Tesla robotaxi drives on the street along South Congress Avenue in Austin, Texas, June 22, 2025. TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY A Tesla robotaxi with no backseat passengers drives on the street along South Congress Avenue in Austin, Texas, on June 22, 2025. A Tesla robotaxi drives on the street along South Congress Avenue in Austin, Texas, June 22, 2025. A Tesla robotaxi with no backseat passengers drives on the street along South Congress Avenue in Austin, Texas, June 22, 2025. Demonstrators protest against Tesla and its CEO Elon Musk, outside a Tesla service center and gallery in Austin, Texas, June 21, 2025. 1 / 6 Tesla Robotaxi service launches in Austin. See the self-driving cabs in action A Tesla robotaxi drives on the street along South Congress Avenue in Austin, Texas, June 22, 2025. The company did not provide an expected date or timeline for when Waymo vehicles will begin operating in the city at full capacity. In November 2025, Waymo shared a rendering on social media of potential areas where driverless taxis have been approved to operate in California. Within the Sacramento region, it appears that the California Department of Motor Vehicles permitted Waymo to operate its vehicles in the Sacramento, Folsom, Elk Grove, Woodland and Dixon areas. As Sacramento grows, so does our need for safe, reliable transportation, said Sacramento Mayor Kevin McCarty in the press release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were excited to work with Waymo to expand mobility options that are designed with safety at their core. By offering new ways to move around the Capital City, were providing our residents with more choice while staying focused on our goal of making every street safer for everyone. As of February 2026, Waymo operates in six cities: Atlanta, Austin, Los Angeles, Miami, Phoenix, and San Francisco. But the company plans to expand its operations into 13 other major cities two of which are Sacramento and Boston, which are in the initial phase of operations. Are Waymo's safe? On Jan. 23, Waymo made the headlines after one of its self-driving vehicles struck a child near an elementary school in Santa Monica, California. The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced that it had opened a preliminary investigation into the company due to the incident. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We are committed to improving road safety, both for our riders and all those with whom we share the road," Waymo wrote in a statement following the Santa Monica accident. "Part of that commitment is being transparent when incidents occur, which is why we are sharing details regarding an event in Santa Monica, California, on Friday, January 23, where one of our vehicles made contact with a young pedestrian." Regarding whether Waymos are safe to operate on United States city streets, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has determined that these vehicles are safe in a limited capacity. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration classifies Waymo as a "high automation" vehicle under the agency's six levels of autonomous driving. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "When engaged, the system handles all driving tasks while you, now the passenger, are not needed to maneuver the vehicle. The system can only operate the vehicle in limited service areas, not universally. A human driver is not needed to operate the vehicle," reads the description of a Level 4 "high automation" vehicle. According to NHTSA, Level 4 technology is not available for consumers to purchase, but it is used by ride-hailing services in several U.S. cities. Feds open investigation into Waymo: Child struck by self-driving Waymo car near school, sparking probe USA Today reporter Keith Laing contributed to this article. Advertisement Advertisement Noe Padilla is a Northern California Reporter for USA Today. Contact him at npadilla@usatodayco.com, follow him on X @1NoePadilla or on Bluesky @noepadilla.bsky.social. Sign up for the TODAY Californian newsletter or follow us on Facebook at TODAY Californian. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Waymo's driverless taxis are coming to Sacramento Fractal Analytics IPO: The initial public offering (IPO) of Fractal Analytics is set to hit the primary market next week on Monday, February 9, as it looks to become the first AI-focused listed firm in the Indian stock market. The company has fixed the Fractal Analytics IPO price band at 857-900, targeting a valuation of 14,450 crore. The company has, however, slashed its IPO size to 2,834 crore from the 4,900 crore planned initially. Fractal's latest valuation is lower than what it was valued at in the previous financing round. The company was advised to leave money on the table as AI is a new category for investors, Fractal CEO Srikanth Velamakanni told Reuters. Ahead of the IPO launch, Fractal Analytics is already enjoying a decent grey market premium (GMP), signalling the strong buzz that the offer is generating. Also Read | Aye Finance IPO: 10 key things to know from RHP before investing Fractal Analytics IPO GMP Fractal Analytics IPO GMP today is 105. This means that shares of Fractal Analytics are trading 105 above the offer price of 900. At the current GMP, Fractal Analytics IPO could list at a premium of 11.67% over the upper end of the price band. However, investors must note that GMP is subject to sharp swings and should not be the deciding factor behind investment in an IPO. To make an informed decision, investors must consider factors like financial performance, industry position and runway for growth, among other things. Fractal Analytics IPO: 10 things from RHP Before the offer opens on Monday, here are the key things that investors must know about Fractal Analytics IPO from the RHP. Take a look: 1. Fractal Analytics IPO date The mainboard public offering will open for bidding on February 9 and close on February 11. The anchor investors can apply for the Fractal Analytics IPO on Friday, February 6. The listing of Fractal Analytics IPO is expected to take place on February 16. 2. Fractal Analytics IPO size & structure Fractal Analytics IPO is a combination of a fresh issue of 1,023.5 crore and an offer for sale of 1,810.4 crore, resulting in a total offer size of 2,833.9 crore. 3. Who are the sellers in Fractal Analytics IPO? Quinag Bidco, TPG Fett Holdings, Satya Kumari Remala and Rao Venkateswara Remala, and GLM Family Trust are the selling shareholders in the IPO 4. Fractal Analytics IPO objective According to the RHP, the company plans to use the fresh proceeds for various purposes, including 265 crore for investment in subsidiaries and repayment of borrowings, 57 crore for purchase of laptops, 121 crore for setting up new office premises in India, and 355 crore for investment in R&D and sale and marketing. The remaining funds will be used for general corporate purposes. 5. Fractal has worked with Magnificent Seven According to the company's RHP, Fractal has worked with marquee clients across focus industries of consumer packaged goods, technology, media and telecommunications, healthcare, life sciences and BFSI. Its clients include Citibank, Costco, Franklin Templeton, Mars, Mondelez, Nationwide, Nestle, Philips, among others. Further, Fractal has experience in serving several large enterprises including the majority of the magnificent seven companies (Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Meta, Microsoft, Nvidia, and Tesla). Also Read | Fractal Analytics nearly halves IPO size as valuation leaves PEs unhappy 6. Financial snapshot Fractal Analytics is Indias leading pure-play enterprise data, analytics and AI company (DAAI). It has seen a steady growth in revenue from 1985 crore in Fiscal 2023 to 2765 crore in Fiscal 2025. It is only the last Fiscal that the company turned profitable as it posted a bottomline of 196 crore as against a loss of 320 crore in Fiscal 2023 and 42 crore in Fiscal 2024. 7. Global clients contribute most to revenue The company caters to a global clientele, with 92.4% of its revenue in the six months ended September 30, 2025, and 91.6% of the revenue in Fiscal 2025 from clients located outside of India. 8. Client concentration risk As of 1HFY26/FY25, the companys top 10 clients contributed 54.2%/53.8% to the total revenue from the Fractal.ai business segment, exposing the company to financial shocks in case of failure to maintain and expand relationships with its existing clients. 9. Fractcal operates 2 segments The company leverages its technical, domain and functional capabilities to build AI solutions for its clients while operating under two segments, namely Fractal.ai and Fractal Alpha. Fractal.ai consists of AI services and AI products that are primarily hosted on Cogentiq the companys flagship agentic AI platform designed to help product owners & enterprises accelerate building and upgrading products through a pre-built suite of agents, tools, etc., whereas Fractal Alpha consists of independent AI businesses that target Fractal.ais core MWCs, broader markets & new geographies, with each business under separate management. 10. Industry outlook remains firm The overall DAAI market, valued at an estimated $143 billion ( 12 trillion) in Fiscal 2025, is expected to grow at 16.7% CAGR to $310 billion ( 23 trillion) by Fiscal 2030. Banking, financial services, and insurance (BFSI), healthcare and life sciences (HLS), retail and distribution, consumer packaged goods and technology, media and telecommunication, which are among the key areas that Fractal operates in, were estimated to account for 80% of the global DAAI services market in Fiscal 2025, as per the Everest report. Fractal Analytics IPO review Commenting on Fractal Analytics IPO, SBI Securities said that it operates in a niche segment of Data Analytics, leveraging AI, developed through in-house R&D and resources, as well as on external models. "At the upper price band of 900, the issue is valued at a FY25 P/E multiple of 78.9x based on post-issue capital. This looks elevated given the relatively modest revenue growth (18% revenue CAGR between FY23-25 and 20% YoY growth in 1HFY26). Attrition rate for the company continues to be elevated (16.3% in FY25/15.7% in 1HFY26)," said the brokerage. Risks such as insourcing by clients, especially with the advent of AI tools, could lead to loss of clients and impact the companys business model, it added. Therefore, taking into consideration the elevated valuation, SBI Securities assigned a NEUTRAL rating to the issue. In 2024, gold delivered 20% gain compared with the Nifty's 8.7% gain. In 2025, the upward momentum continued with gold rising 78% while the Nifty was 10.5%. Gold price has moved sharply since February 2024 from 64,000 per 10 gm to 168,000 currently, a gain of about 162% in two years. That's a compounded annualised growth rate (CAGR) of 62%. But one stock has been a disappointment for investors over the last few years: Kalyan Jewellers. After a stellar run-up in the 2022-2024 period, the stock has languished. It peaked along with the Nifty back in September 2024 and significantly underperformed the market since. A long-term chart of the stock price makes that clear. So, what explains the decline in the share price? Lets find out #1 Negative Sentiment on Dalal Street The major reason for the decline in the stock price is the company's reputation, which has taken a beating on Dalal Street. Kalyan Jewellers has been the subject of various market speculations, including rumours about the purchase of an aircraft, alleged income tax raids, inventory overvaluation, and gold purity. Allegations have circulated on social media about misconduct by fund managers at Motilal Oswal Asset Management Company (AMC) regarding Kalyan Jewellers' shares. Both the company and the AMC have dismissed these allegations. The promoters, including T.S. Kalyanaraman and Ramesh Trikkur Kalyanaraman, have pledged substantial portions of their shareholdings to secure loan facilities. All this has raised concerns among investors about corporate governance. The company has dismissed the allegations. The management has said that no I-T raids have been conducted and called the allegation of bribing fund managers to influence the stock price 'absurd'. But the rumours have negatively impacted investor confidence. What's worse is that the rumours have refused to die down. #2 Promoter Pledge Back in the September 2024 quarter, the promoter pledge was reported at 19.32%, up from zero in the previous quarter. This pledged stake increased to 24.89% in the March 2025 quarter. While the pledged shareholding has not increased since then, this issue remains an overhang on the stock. The FII holding has steadily declined over the last few years. From almost 30% at the end of FY23, the FII stake in the company now stands at 14.1%. However, mutual funds have absorbed some of the selling in the stock. Indian mutual funds stake in the company has increased from 10.49% in March 2025 to 14.54% in December 2025. Also Read | Why Kalyan Jewellers' stock is falling while peers rise in 2026 #3 Valuations Another headache for investors is the valuations of the stock. At a PE of 40 and a PB of 7, the stock does not offer much in terms of a margin of safety, even after the recent correction. In such situations, what tends to happen is that many investors prefer to wait and watch until they feel comfortable buying the stock. This reduces buying interest in the stock, making it even more vulnerable to a correction amid ongoing selling pressure. These are all the important points for investors to consider in the case of Kalyan Jewellers. What about the fundamentals of the stock? Over the last few years, the company has delivered on the growth front. From FY22 to FY25, the company sales increased 2.5 times from 10,812 crore to 25,040 crore. In the same period, the net profit has more than tripled from 224 crore to 71,400 crore. Its debt-free and has maintained a return on capital of over 20%. But the major overhang on the stock has been the concerns about corporate governance. More clarity could emerge on this front after the quarterly results are declared in a few days. The latest quarterly update earlier this month signalled continued growth of the business. The company reported a 42% year-on-year (YoY) rise in consolidated revenue of 7,320 crore in the September quarter due to strong festive demand. The core business in India reported a same-store sales growth of 27% YoY. The international business was up 36% YoY. The company's digital business 'Candere' delivered 147% YoY growth. The company launched 21 showrooms in India, its first showroom in the UK, and 14 Candere showrooms in India during the quarter. The total showroom count of the company at the end of 2025 was 469 (318 in India, 38 in the Middle East, 2 in the US, 1 in the UK, and 110 Candere). The company will report its quarterly results on 6 February 2026. About Kalyan Jewellers Kalyan Jewellers India Ltd is one of the largest jewellery companies in India. The company is engaged in retailing gold, diamond, platinum, and silver jewellery products. It also provides facilities like gold insurance, wedding purchase planning, gift vouchers, and gold buying tips. Having ventured into jewellery retailing in 1993 in Thrissur, Kerala, the company has since expanded to become a pan-India jewellery company. Kalyan Jewellers also has an international presence in 5 countries. Investors should evaluate the company's fundamentals, corporate governance, and valuations of the stocks when conducting due diligence before making any investment decision. Happy investing. Disclaimer: This article is for information purposes only. It is not a stock recommendation and should not be treated as such. This article is syndicated from Equitymaster.com Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL) share price declined over 6% in early trade on Thursday, extending the slump to the second session, on reports that the state-owned defence company was not shortlisted to develop and manufacture next-generation fighter jets. The PSU defence stock declined as much as 6.28% to 3,952.00 apiece on the BSE. HAL share price has fallen more than 11% in two sessions. According to a report by Hindustan Times, HAL has been eliminated from the race to develop Indias fifth-generation stealth fighter jet under the Advanced Multirole Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme. Analysts believe the development to be negative for Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd, but was largely expected given the companys large order book and a delay in delivery of the LCA Mk1A (Light Combat Aircraft Mark 1A), an advanced, multi-role fighter variant of Indias indigenous Tejas fighter jet. Rating Downgrade Brokerage firm Morgan Stanley has downgraded HAL shares to Underweight from Equalweight and cut HAL share price target to 3,355 apiece from 5,092 earlier, implying a downside of over 20% from Wednesdays closing price. Morgan Stanley sees downside risk to HAL stock price given increased private sector competition and if slower execution persists due to high import dependence as multiple countries look to increase defence spend. It lowered EPS estimates by 2% and 5% for F27 and F28. The brokerage firm noted that HAL shares have outperformed Nifty 50 on a year-to-date (YTD) basis and consensus P/E is down 15% in the past year. Krishna Doshi, Defence Analyst at Ashika Institutional Research said that there can be a downside risk from here considering the increase in competition from the private players. Further, this comes at a time when the company has been slow paced at executing its current orderbook, specifically Tejas Mk1A amidst dependence on imports for key components and systems. However, HAL currently has an extremely strong orderbook and large ticket opportunities lined up for them, Doshi said. Ashika Institutional Research has a Neutral rating on HAL shares. Opportunity for large orders JPMorgan said that HAL getting out of the race to develop the fifth-generation stealth fighter jet was a negative development for the defence PSU, but was largely expected. This is given the need for a fast-track development of AMCA, it said, highlighting HALs already large order book (7x revenue) and a delay in delivery of the LCA Mk1A. JPMorgan believes HAL has an ample opportunity to win large orders, excluding the AMCA After the price correction, it believes HAL stock price valuations look attractive. JPMorgan has recommended Overweight rating on HAL shares with a target price of 6,004 apiece. According to Antique Stock Broking, although the AMCA programs success would have helped HAL to further beef up its already robust order book, there are multiple similar size programs that will ensure strong growth prevails for the company in the long term. Large-ticket opportunities are lined up (Tejas MKII, SU-30 upgrades, SU-57, IMRH, LUH) that will ensure consistent long term business opportunities for the company. HAL also plans to diversify by focusing on the civil aerospace business which it intends to scale up to 25% of revenue over the next decade. Additionally, in the near term a pick up in the delivery of Tejas MK-IA should support earnings growth, Antique Stock Broking said. While there can be near term overhang on the HAL stock due to AMCA related uncertainty, the brokerage firm continues to maintain its positive stance on the company given its structural growth story is in place. Antique Stock Broking has a Buy call on the stock, with HAL share price target of 5,841 apiece, valuing it at 35x its FY28E EPS. Technical View HAL share price has decisively broken below the critical base near 4,133 with a bearish gap-down, confirming a resumption of selling pressure across timeframes, noted Anshul Jain, Head of Research at Lakshmishree Investments. The breakdown has damaged the prior consolidation structure, with price now trading below key short-term moving averages, signaling trend weakness. Volume expansion on the breakdown adds conviction, suggesting institutional distribution rather than panic selling. The immediate downside support comes in near 3,807, a short-term demand zone, but any weak bounce into broken supports is likely to attract fresh supply. If selling momentum persists, the structure opens room toward the deeper support band around 3,350, said Jain. According to him, the riskreward remains skewed to the downside unless the stock quickly reclaims 4,133 level, which now acts as a clear invalidation and resistance level. HAL share price has fallen over 12% in one month, and has declined more than 15% in the past three months. The PSU defence stock has dropped 13% in six months, but has gained over 35% in two years. HAL share price has delivered multibagger returns of 682% in five years. At 10:25 AM, HAL share price was trading 5.97% lower at 3,965.00 apiece on the BSE. MUMBAI: The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) has proposed easing risk-management regulations for clearing corporations in the commodity derivatives market after feedback that some existing safeguards may be more stringent than necessary and could be overstating risk. In a consultation paper issued on Thursday, the regulator suggested revisiting rules governing the Settlement Guarantee Fund (SGF), which is designed to absorb losses arising from member defaults. Also Read | Mint Explainer: How Sebi plans to change closing price discovery Under the current framework, clearing corporations must run standardized stress tests using 15 years of historical price data. Extreme price movements are capped using a Z-score of 10, a threshold meant to capture exceptionally rare events. Sebi said it has received representations that such a high threshold may overstate potential risk and impose unnecessary capital costs on the system. A Z-score is a statistical measure of how far a price move deviates from its average, expressed in standard deviations, and is used to assess how extreme or unusual a market movement is. The regulator has proposed lowering the Z-score to 5, which it said would still cover extreme but plausible scenarios that markets have experienced or could realistically face. The paper also addresses concerns over the extent of SGF coverage. Currently, clearing corporations must size the fund to cover losses from the simultaneous default of at least two clearing members, as well as 50% of losses that could arise from the default of all clearing members. Sebi said this requirement may be disproportionate for the commodity derivatives market. It noted that in segments such as equity derivatives, clearing corporations follow a cover-based approach focused on the default of the largest clearing members, rather than assuming widespread market failure. The regulator has proposed revising the coverage requirement so that clearing corporations calculate exposure based on the default of at least three clearing members and their associates, and remove the 50% all-member default condition. Sebi said the changes would align the commodity derivatives framework more closely with global practices for central counterparties, while continuing to ensure adequate protection against systemic risk. The changes are needed right now as the commodity markets are now developing more holistically, and this reflects a shift from building maximum resilience towards optimizing capital efficiency as the market develops, said Raj Shah, co-founder and executive director at EPP Securities. Lower risk charges typically encourage participation, improve liquidity, and reduce trading costs, which can support market depth over time. However, the trade-off is a marginal reduction in protection against extremely rare tail-risk events, Shah added. MUMBAI: The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) has tightened margin rules for traders in single-stock derivatives, withdrawing a key margin benefit on expiry day to curb the risk of sudden margin shortfalls and potential market disruption. In a circular issued on Thursday, the market regulator said calendar spread margin benefits will no longer be available on the expiry day for single-stock derivative contracts that mature that day. The move aligns single-stock derivatives with existing rules for index derivatives and will take effect in three months. Also Read | Sebi to cut FPI registration time to 5 days in big push for Indian stock markets A calendar spread is a common strategy in which a trader takes positions in the same stock with different expiry dates, typically buying one contract and selling another. Because the risks of the two legs partly offset each other, exchanges allow lower margins for such positions. Until now, traders in single-stock derivatives continued to receive this margin relief even on the day when one leg was expiring. Sebi said this could create vulnerabilities, particularly once the expiring contract lapses and the trader is left with a single open position. The regulator said trading members had flagged risks that can arise on expiry day, and the issue was discussed with Sebis Secondary Market Advisory Committee before the decision was taken. Under the revised framework, if a calendar spread includes a contract expiring that day, no margin benefit will be available for that trading session, and traders will have to post full margins. Spreads involving only future expiries will continue to receive the usual margin relief. For instance, if a stock has contracts expiring in the current month, the next month and a far month, any spread involving the current-month contract will lose margin benefit on its expiry day. A spread between the next-month and far-month contracts will continue to qualify as a calendar spread and attract lower margins. Also Read | Mint Explainer: How Sebi plans to change closing price discovery Sebi said the change is intended to prevent abrupt jumps in margin requirements after expiry. Once one leg of a spread expires, the remaining position can be exposed to sharp price movements, increasing the likelihood of margin shortfalls and putting pressure on both traders and brokers, who may have little time to collect additional funds. By removing the benefit on expiry day itself, Sebi said traders and brokers will have time to add margins, roll over positions to later expiries, or close them. The regulator clarified that margin calculations for calendar spreads on non-expiry days remain unchanged. Stock exchanges and clearing corporations have been directed to make the necessary system changes and update their byelaws and rules to implement the new requirement. The core objective of this measure is to reduce systemic risk and prevent sudden margin shocks when one leg of a spread expires, said Raj Shah, co-founder and executive director at EPP Securities. Shah added that the change could disrupt traders who rely on expiry-day margin offsets, forcing them to deploy more capital earlier or roll over or close positions ahead of expiry. Stocks to buy or sell: The Indian stock market traded in a tight range on Thursday, signalling a wait-and-watch phase as investors remained cautious in the absence of fresh domestic triggers. While overall sentiment remained stable, the benchmarks struggled to sustain momentum at higher levels, reflecting a lack of follow-through buying despite earlier positives. Trading activity was largely selective and stock-specific, with modest interest in export-oriented and select cyclical stocks offset by profit-taking in recent outperformers, resulting in subdued benchmark performance. The Indian National Rupee (INR) traded in a range against the US Dollar (USD), indicating balanced demandsupply dynamics amid steady global cues. Market participants remain on the sidelines, awaiting clearer signals from global macro developments, trends in foreign institutional flows, and further clarity on the progress of USIran negotiations to determine the markets next decisive move. Stock market today Sumeet Bagadia, Executive Director at Choice Broking, believes the Indian stock market trend is sideways to positive, as the Nifty 50 index is consolidating at higher levels. The Choice Broking expert suggested intraday traders to look at those stocks that are looking strong on the technical chart. For those who believe in a stock-specific approach, Bagadia recommended buying breakout stocks for intraday trading. Outlook for Nifty 50 today On the outlook for the Nifty 50 index, Sumeet Bagadia said, The Nifty 50 index is indicating indecision and a lack of strong directional momentum, before closing at 25,642.80, reflecting consolidation at higher levels. Immediate resistance lies in the 25,75025,800 zone, while crucial support is in the 25,45025,500 range. On the momentum front, the daily RSI stands at 51.68, signalling resilience and a neutral bias, with limited downside momentum at present. The Choice Broking expert said that derivative data indicate heavy put writing at the 25,500 strike along with strong call writing at the 25,700 strike, thereby establishing a well-defined near-term trading range. As long as the 50-stock index sustains above 25,500 on a closing basis, a selective buy-on-dips strategy may be considered, with a strict stop-loss placed at 25,450, he added. Outlook for the Bank Nifty today On the outlook for the Bank Nifty index, Bagadia said, The technical chart pattern of the Bank Nifty index suggests profit booking at higher levels and a lack of follow-through buying. It eventually closed at 60,063.65, highlighting consolidation with a mild negative bias. Immediate resistance is placed in the 60,30060,400 zone, while the 59,70059,800 support band remains critical for maintaining near-term stability in the index. On the daily charts, the RSI stands at 55.54, showing resilience despite the recent pullback, and on the weekly timeframe, the RSI remains in the bullish zone, supporting the indexs ability to hold above the 60,000 mark, Bagadia added. Stocks to buy or sell Regarding stocks to buy today, Sumeet Bagadia recommended buying these five breakout stocks for intraday trading: APL Apollo, Lupin, Syrma SGS Technologies, DMart, and HFCL. 1] APL Apollo: Buy at 2182.10, Target 2375, Stop Loss 2080. APL Apollo's share price is trading around 2182.10, exhibiting sustained strength within a long-term uptrend. The stock recently delivered a significant breakout from a wider-range trendline resistance, supported by a consistent higher-high and higher-low formation. It remains above its 10-, 20-, 50-, and 200-day EMAs, confirming strong bullish momentum. 2] Lupin: Buy at 2218.50, Target 2410, Stop Loss 2122. Lupin share is demonstrating robust strength after completing a rounding bottom formation and delivering a decisive upside breakout from trendline resistance. The stock is maintaining a bullish higher high and higher low sequence, trading comfortably above its 50, and 200-day EMAs. With the RSI at 63.87, finding support at the 50-mark, momentum remains positive. 3] Syrma SGS Technologies: Buy at 860.60, Target 940, Stop Loss 820. Syrma SGS share is trading around 860.60, showing significant strength after bouncing from strong bottom support aligned with its 200-day EMA. The stock is currently trading above its 20-, 50-, and 200-day EMAs, maintaining a bullish higher-high and higher-low formation on the weekly chart. 4] DMart: Buy at 3934.90, Target 4260, Stop Loss 3770. DMart share is trading around 3934.90, showing signs of recovery after consolidating within a range and bouncing off firm bottom support. The stock has decisively broken its previous lower high with a strong daily candle close, signalling a potential trend reversal. 5] HFCL: Buy at 71.05, Target 78.25, Stop Loss 67.35. HFCL share price is trading around 71.05, showing strength after consolidating and bouncing off firm bottom support. The stock recently cleared its trendline resistance with a strong daily candle close, signalling a bullish shift. A bullish RSI divergence at 60.96 confirms a reversal from the oversold zone, indicating rising momentum. At least 16 labourers lost their lives and several others are believed to be trapped after a blast at an illegal coal mine in Meghalayas East Jaintia Hills district on Thursday, according to news agency PTI. Director General of Police I Nongrang said rescue teams have been deployed to carry out search operations, adding that the explosion took place in the Thangsku area earlier in the day. "We have recovered 16 bodies so far. The exact number of labourers present inside the mine at the time of the explosion is yet to be ascertained. More people are feared trapped," she was quoted as saying by news agency PTI. Also Read | 10 dead in explosion at Swiss ski resort town of Crans-Montana One of the injured victims was first taken to the Sutnga Primary Health Centre and later shifted to a hospital in Shillong for advanced medical care, East Jaintia Hills Superintendent of Police Vikash Kumar said. The blast is believed to have taken place during coal extraction activities at the site, which is suspected to be operating illegally. When asked if the mine was functioning unlawfully, Kumar replied, Yes, it seems like that. He added that the exact cause of the explosion has not yet been determined and that a probe will be initiated. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the incident and announced an ex gratia of 2 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased and 50,000 each for the injured. Pained by the mishap in East Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya. Condolences to those who lost their loved ones. May the injured recover at the earliest. An ex-gratia of 2 lakh from the PMNRF will be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured will be given 50,000, the Prime Ministers Office tweeted. Also Read | ED raids multiple locations across Kolkata, districts over illegal sand mining In December last year, a blast at an illegal coal mine in the same district reportedly claimed the lives of two labourers, triggering intervention by the Meghalaya Human Rights Commission and scrutiny by a monitoring committee appointed by the high court. Earlier this year, in January, another labourer died after falling into an illegal coal mine at Umthe village, also in East Jaintia Hills. Following the incident, police sealed the site and launched an investigation to determine the circumstances leading to the death. In 2014, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) banned rat-hole coal mining and other unscientific mining practices in Meghalaya, citing environmental harm and serious safety concerns. The tribunal also placed restrictions on the illegal transportation of coal mined through such methods. Police raided a villa on the outskirts of Ahmedabad city - where a 25th wedding anniversary celebration was underway and arrested 43 men while detaining 38 women for consuming alcohol in the dry state on Thursday, news agency PTI reported. The police seized booze bottles, hookahs, cars and mobile phones collectively valued at 2.3 crore from the party held at the private villa. During the raid, police seized material valued at 2.3 crore, including 15 liquor bottles, 10 hookahs, 22 cars and 74 mobile phones, Ahmedabad Rural Superintendent of Police (SP) Om Prakash Jat told PTI. Consumption of alcohol in Gujarat has been prohibited since 1960 under the Bombay Prohibition Act of 1949. Acting on a tip-off, police raided the venue -- organised by a Mumbai-based man to celebrate the 25th wedding anniversary of his brother-in-law at Safal Nirvana Greens near Sanand - and detained 81 people, including doctors, business professionals and builders, NDTV reported. The party had been set up like a lavish lounge, complete with a sprawling food counter and 11 separate tables offering cake, premium alcohol and hookahs. When police entered the party, panic broke out among the attendees, most of whom were aged between 35 and 45. Blood samples from all those present have been forwarded to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) to check for traces of alcohol and narcotics. The SP said that if any sample tests positive for drugs, proceedings will also be initiated under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. Meanwhile, police have booked a case under the applicable provisions of the Gujarat Prohibition Act and begun an investigation. Gujarats long-standing alcohol ban Gujarats prohibition on alcohol dates back to its creation as a separate state in 1960, though the law governing the ban remains the Bombay Prohibition Act, 1949, adapted for the state and commonly referred to as the Gujarat Prohibition Act. After being carved out of the erstwhile Bombay state, Gujarat chose to continue with prohibition, while Maharashtra gradually relaxed its liquor policy from 1963 onwards. The states approach to alcohol was deeply shaped by Mahatma Gandhi, who was born in Porbandar, Gujarat. Also Read | Social media influencer Orry summoned by Mumbai Police in 252 cr drugs case Gujarats ban made it one of Indias earliest dry states. Under the Gujarat Prohibition Act, the manufacture, sale, purchase and consumption of alcohol are prohibited, with violations attracting fines and imprisonment. Over the years, the policy has drawn criticism for encouraging illegal liquor trade, bootlegging and significant revenue lossesrunning into billions of rupees annuallywhile not entirely eliminating alcohol consumption. MHADA lottery 2026: All eyes are on the Mumbai Housing and Area Development Board (MHADA), which was scheduled to open online registration for 120 MHADA flats today. Under the First Come, First Served scheme, MHADA invited applicants to book their house from 11:00 AM on 5 February. However, homebuyers will have to wait longer to claim ownership of houses in Mumbai's metropolitan region, according to the latest notice. In a post on X, MHADA stated on Wednesday, The online registration for 120 MHADA flats under the First Come, First Served scheme, scheduled for 5 February 2026 (11 AM), has been postponed due to technical issues. Announcing the postponement of the MHADA lottery, the Board stated, Revised details will be announced on the official MHADA website. The flats offered under the First-Come, First-Served scheme are a part of the unsold residential units scattered across various developing and established pockets of Mumbai. From suburban areas like Malad, Kandivali, and Borivali to the eastern suburbs and peripheral regions, select units are available. These flats range from 1BHK to 2BHK configurations, under MHADA's housing project. How to apply for the MHADA lottery 2026 The entire booking process will be hosted exclusively on the "Book My Home" portal, which is entirely digital. Similar to an e-commerce site, applicants will be able to check the live status of inventory. Interested applicants must note the following steps to book flats on the official website bookmyhome.mhada.gov.in once the link is activated. Step 1: Visit the official portal at bookmyhome.mhada.gov.in Step 2: Register yourself by providing your Aadhaar-linked mobile number and PAN details. Step 2: Log in and pay the required Security Deposit once the new booking date is live. This will unlock the Book My Home feature. Step 3: Applicants can access the real-time dashboard and view available flats by building, wing, and floor. Step 4: Pay 10% of the flat cost within 48 hours after selecting the preferred unit. Also Read | Naseeruddin Shah says he was disinvited from Mumbai University event without explanation or apology Applicants who fail to select a unit and pay the required fee within the stipulated time will be eliminated from the housing purchase process. It will result in the forfeiture of the initial deposit due to automatic cancellation. One of the basic statutory eligibility requirements of the Maharashtra Housing Board is that the homebuyer be an Indian citizen and at least 18 years old. He/she must have a Domicile Certificate to prove residency in Maharashtra for at least 15 continuous years. India-US trade deal: Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal on Thursday said that New Delhi and Washington DC will sign a joint statement on the India-US trade deal in four to five days. The countries will also release the legal text of the first tranche of the India-US trade deal, under which US President Donald Trump had earlier announced a significant tariff reduction for New Delhi. The first tranche of the bilateral trade Agreement is almost ready. We hope to sign a joint statement in the next 4-5 days. After the joint statement there will be a formal agreement which will be signed around mid March, Goyal told reporters on the day. Following the signing of the joint statement, the US will issue an executive order to reduce the tariff to 18%, Piyush Goyal noted. Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal was also addressing the press conference to clarifiy the technicalities of the deal. He said that the joint statement needed to be converted to a legal agreement. This legal agreement will give us the authority to reduce our tariffs... Their tariffs are executive tariffs. Our tariffs are MFN tariffs. Our MFN tariff reduction can only take effect after the legal agreement has been signed, Agrawal said. Earlier on Thursday, US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor posted two pictures of EAM Jaishankar meeting with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Secretary Marco Rubio. Engagement at the highest levels is currently happening. The United States is ready to elevate this relationship even further. Limitless Potential! he wrote. India-US trade deal On 2 February, a phone call between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump sealed the long-pending trade deal between Indian and the United States. In a post on X, PM Modi confirmed that the US had agreed to reduce the export tariffs on India to 18%. India currently pays US tariffs amounting to 50%, with 25% of it for buying Russian oil. It is not yet clarified whether the US tariffs on India will come down to 18% from 50%, or if the 25% Russian oil penalty will still remain. In a separate post on Truth Social, Trump announced that India had agreed to reduce its tariffs on US products to zero. Addressing concerns raised by some members in the Lok Sabha, Goyal said, "Negotiators from both sides have been at various levels over the past year. During the negotiations, both sides safeguarded their important and sensitive sectors from the trade deal, at the same time ensuring maximum benefits for both countries." Toyota isn't among the most expensive cars of all time, but this hasn't stopped thieves from targeting the brand's vehicles recently. As reported by CarExpert, Toyota owners in Australia have been under threat of an alleged coordinated Toyota theft operation. Land Cruisers and Prados have had it especially hard, with 60 vehicles collectively valued at approximately $8 million stolen and shipped to various destinations. In 2025 alone, the Queensland Police Service made seven arrests and brought forward 380 charges after several carjackings in Brisbane. Authorities believe the Controller Area Network (CAN) port was essential to these heists, as thieves used it to operate the targeted vehicles and disable Toyota's satellite tracking. As for what people can do to keep their Toyota safe from theft, the theft-plagued brand has come up with a solution: the good old-fashioned steering wheel lock. The company's take on this classic car security measure is listed on the Australian Toyota website, specifically on the Land Cruiser 300 Accessories page. It's designed to slide over the steering wheel to keep it securely in place, without leaving a scratch upon application or removal. It will come with only one set of keys, with no replacements, for enhanced security. CarExpert notes that it's a pretty pricey piece; dealerships are asking around $200 for one, though there are cheaper non-Toyota-branded alternatives available. While a steering wheel lock is an old-school yet effective method of preventing car theft, it shouldn't be the only measure you take. There are multiple ways to keep your Toyota safe, as the company continues to improve vehicle security. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: 10 Toyota Models With Terrible Resale Value Other means to keep your Toyota safe A Toyota steering wheel lock on a steering wheel. - Toyota Alongside the new steering wheel lock, Toyota has announced it's seeking more robust security measures for drivers. It has worked with law enforcement to understand how thieves access Toyota vehicles; this way, its security enhancements address real-world issues. The company's HiLux, Land Cruiser 300 Series, and Prado models are expected to have their security improved, with other models tentatively planned to get the same treatment. Unfortunately, current Toyota owners don't receive much support here, as these advancements aren't available to previously released vehicles. Aside from a steering wheel lock, what can one do to protect against Toyota thieves? One option is to add a GPS tracker, making it easier and faster to recover your car if it is stolen. A more definitive and proactive option is to install a kill switch, which prevents criminals from starting your car by blocking the starter. Many have successfully connected these to their Toyota models, from Land Cruiser 300s to Tacomas. Of course, keeping your doors locked, windows closed, and parking in safe, well-lit areas are all key, too. Naturally, leaving your car alone while it's running should also be avoided. With both law enforcement and Toyota itself on the case, hopefully, these Australian Toyota thefts will be put to rest soon enough. If you think you've spotted thieves targeting your car, be vigilant and contact the proper authorities as necessary before a potential disaster strikes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Want the latest in tech and auto trends? Subscribe to our free newsletter for the latest headlines, expert guides, and how-to tips, one email at a time. You can also add us as a preferred search source on Google. Read the original article on SlashGear. The Delhi Police said on Thursday that reports of more than 500 women and girls missing from the national capital in the first 15 days of the new year are rumours, and said that there has been no increase in cases of missing persons when compared to previous years. The statement by Sanjay Tyagi, Joint Commissioner of Police/Public Relations Officer, Delhi Police, was shared on the Delhi Police's X account. "We wish to clarify that there is no need to panic over the rumors being spread regarding missing persons, especially the disappearance of children," it stated. Tyagi, in his video message, further claimed that there has been a decline in missing persons cases in Delhi in 2026 as compared to previous years. Also Read | Mumbai Police debunks fake social media claims on missing, kidnapped children Delhi Police released the message after PTI reported, citing official Delhi Police data, that 807 people went missing in Delhi from 1 January to 15 January 2026. This meant that on average, 54 people went missing every day in Delhi. Out of these, 509 were reportedly women and girls, while 298 were men. Moreover, among the total number of missing persons, 191 were minors while 616 were adults. Although the police called the data incorrect, they did not provide any updated data regarding missing persons. The Delhi Police said they follow an impartial and transparent crime-reporting policy. One can lodge a missing persons report with the Delhi Police not only by visiting their local police station, but also by using online platforms and the Emergency Response Support System (112), they said. "Standard operating procedures (SOPs) are strictly followed in all missing persons cases. Immediate efforts are initiated to trace the missing individual, with cases involving children being accorded the highest priority," the statement read, as per PTI. The Delhi Police has also deployed dedicated missing persons squads in all districts to ensure swift and focused action. The Crime Branch's Anti-Human Trafficking Unit handles cases related to missing persons. Also Read | How to track people who go missing from Delhi? Delhi Police appealed to citizens to remain calm but vigilant, and not to pay heed to unverified information spreading on social media. They have also warned of legal actions against those found spreading misinformation. Tamil Nadu Minister MRK Panneerselvam has sparked a row as he made an insensitive remark against migrant workers, again igniting the Centre versus language policy debate. Addressing an event in Chengalpattu near Chennai, the state agriculture minister said that people from North India come to the South to clean tables and sell pani puri because of their only-Hindi education. MRK Panneerselvam was quoted as saying: those from the north are coming to Tamil Nadu to clean tables they are coming here to work as construction labourers pani puri sellers as they have only learnt Hindi. But our children have gone abroad as we follow a two-language policy and learned English well. They are going abroad and getting opportunities to earn in crores in USA, London. While his comments were largely criticised by the opposition All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) has defended him, insisting that there was nothing derogatory in his remarks. DMK spokesperson TKS Elangovan said that the minister only highlighted their plight on how the BJP ruled states treated their people. Its about the other states treating their people. They are not giving proper education. Their system of education is against their growth. That's why they are coming here. Tamil Nadu is providing good education and employment and is also treating people from other states in a decent way, he said. Alleging a worse situation in the BJP-ruled states, Elangovan said, They are not giving good education or employment. They don't care about their people because BJP is a religious group and not political. How did AIADMK react? Criticising Panneerselvam's remarks as highly condemnable, AIADMK spokesperson Kovai Sathyan said people came to Tamil Nadu in search of livelihood, but they were given a raw deal. He told PTI: You would have seen how a migrant worker from Odisha was beaten. And he went back. And you would have also known that a couple and their child from Bihar were murdered. They don't get a safe home for contributing to the development and welfare of Tamil Nadu economy, that's how they are treated. A majority of the brown collared work was taken care of by the migrant workers who contributed significantly to the state economy. That's why we proudly say that Tamil Nadu is second largest economy in India and making such derogatory remarks clearly shows the mindset of DMK, Sathyan said. The state always took pride in saying "Vandharai Vaazha Vaikkum Thamizhagam", which meant it shelters anybody who comes to Tamil Nadu in search of living and livelihoods, he stressed. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who gave his reply on Motion of Thanks to the President's Address on Thursday, launched a sharp attack on the Congress in the Rajya Sabha. Citing long pending projects that were completed in his tenure, PM Modi said the Congress cannot implement what they imagine. Referring to the Sardar Sarovar project on the Narmada, PM Modi said, Sardar Patel envisioned it, Nehru laid the foundation stone, and I inaugurated it decades later. This is the state of Congress they imagine but cannot implement. He also pointed to the Bogibeel Bridge in Assam, delayed for years but completed under the Pragati initiative, benefiting the Northeast region. Targeting Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi and the Congress, the prime minister said that they have always considered citizens as problems. Be it Nehru, Indira or entire Congress, they consider citizens as problem; such people can only benefit their own families, PM Modi said. The prime minister said, BJP-NDA has a different approach of looking for solutions to problems; there is a vast difference between the Congress and us. We believe that 140 crore citizens are capable enough to tackle challenges. We trust the citizens and their capability. This is the true strength of democracy. But Congress considers the citizens, a problem. "I would like to speak about the mindset of Nehru ji and Indira ji for the people of the country. Indira ji once went to Iran, she was addresing there. In her speech she mentioned her conversation with Nehru ji. She said, "When asked how many problems he had, my father once replied "350 million", which was our population at that time. Now the population is 570 million, so that is the dimension of my problems." 35 crore people felt like a problem to Nehru ji. Can there be a leader like that? Father felt 35 crore to be a problem and the daughter felt 57 crore to be a problem. Can someone be like this to consider their own citizens a problem?" he said. Opposition MPs in the Rajya Sabha raised slogans as PM Narendra Modi replied to a discussion on the Motion of Thanks to the President's Address, before staging a walkout. As soon as the prime minister stood up for the reply in the Rajya Sabha, Opposition MPs urged the Chair to allow Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge to speak. Chairman CP Radhakrishnan, however, did not allow him, and the Prime Minister started his reply, leading to protests and sloganeering. After which, the MPs staged a walkout. The Supreme Court has recently ruled that a prior notice to the accused person is mandatory for offenses that are punishable with imprisonment of up to seven years. The Supreme Court ruled that police officers must issue a notice under Section 35(3) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) before arresting a person, Bar&Bench reported. A bench comprising Justices MM Sundresh and N Kotiswar Singh observed that the power of arrest is only a statutory discretion given to police to aid investigation and should not be treated as mandatory. The court said, A notice under Section 35(3) of the BNSS, 2023 to an accused or any individual concerned, qua offences punishable with imprisonment up to 7 years, is the rule. Even if the circumstances warranting an arrest of a person are available in terms of the conditions mentioned under Section 35(1)(b) of the BNSS, 2023, the arrest shall not be undertaken, unless it absolutely warranted, the bench continued. The ruling came as the court examined if issuing a notice under Section 35(3) of the BNSS was required to be given before arrest in all cases and in particular in the cases where the offence is punishable up to seven years, when the arrest of an accused is necessary. Senior Advocate Siddharth Luthra argued that the police cannot arrest a person unless some particular conditions under the BNSS are reached in those cases in which are punishable up to seven years. On the one hand, the order makes it imperative for the police officer to issue a notice under Section 35(3) of the BNSS, 2023 to the accused, qua an offence punishable with imprisonment of up to 7 years. On the other hand, it appears to permit the police officer to effect an arrest, in the very same category of offences, provided that Reasons of Arrest are recorded and valid," he said. This, he submitted, creates a grey area in the procedural compliance of Section 35(3), referring to the Bombay High Courts judgment in Chandrashekhar Bhimsen Naik v. State of Maharashtra (2025). Also Read | Supreme Court warns Meta not to share WhatsApp user data for ads "It is submitted that this creates a grey area regarding procedural compliance of Section 35(3) of the BNSS, 2023, by the police officer, Luthra said as he referred to the judgment of the Bombay High Court in Chandrashekhar Bhimsen Naik v. State of Maharashtra (2025). Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati said the legal position has already been settled by earlier rulings and that arrest in such cases is not automatic, but can be made only when the legal conditions are met. The Supreme Court pointed out that Section 35(1) of the BNSS uses the wod may when it refers to arrests sans a warrant, making the power of arrest discretionary and not automated. "To attract the power of arrest under Section 35(1)(b) of the BNSS, 2023, the conditions mentioned thereunder ought to be complied with scrupulously. Section 35(1)(b)(i) and Section 35(1)(b)(ii) of the BNSS, 2023 must be read together, meaning thereby that compliance with Section 35(1)(b)(i) of the BNSS, 2023 is a sine qua non in all cases of arrest," the Court added. It continued: Section 35(1)(b)(i) of the BNSS, 2023 speaks about the reason to believe on the part of the police officer. Such a reason to believe should be formed on the basis of a complaint, information, or suspicion that the person concerned has committed the offence. However, this alone would not suffice. Additionally, any one of the conditions mentioned under Section 35(1)(b)(ii) of the BNSS, 2023 must also be satisfied. In other words, it is not required that all the conditions mentioned under Section 35(1)(b)(ii) of the BNSS, 2023 should be available, but only the existence of one of them that is required. Congress MP and Leader of Opposition (LoP) in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi has reacted to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's attacks on him and his party in his reply to the Motion of Thanks to the President's Address, saying that the prime minister was afraid of truth. Rahul Gandhi said in a post on X: Bas sawalon se itni ghabrahat? Modi ji sachai se itna darr gaye ki jhooth ki sharan le li. Khair, jo unhe theek laga, wahi kiya [Is there so much fear of questions? Modi ji seems so afraid of the truth that he has taken refuge in lies. Anyway, he did what he thought was appropriate] PM Narendra Modi came out in defence of BJP leader and Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu, who was called my traitor friend by Rahul Gandhi, and accused the Congress of having hatred for Sikhs. PM Modi also attacked Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi and the entire Congress in his speech. Targeting Rahul Gandhi for his traitor remark at Ravneet Bittu, the prime minister said, A shatir dimaag of Congress called a member of this House a traitor. This is the peak of his arrogance. So many factions have split from the Congress, so many people have left, he called the MP a traitor because he is Sikh... It was an insult of Sikhs, Gurus, and showed the hatred against Sikhs that the Congress has, PM Modi said. Priyanka Gandhi attacks PM Modi Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, too, attacked the prime minister, alleging that he was hiding behind Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and described the claim that there was any plan to hurt the PM as an absolute lie. Her remarks came after Om Birla said in the Lok Sabha that he had asked PM Modi not to come to the House to deliver his address after receiving concrete information that many Congress MPs could carry out an unexpected act by reaching the spot where the prime minister sits. Also Read | PM Modi on Nehru, Indira and Congress: 'They consider citizens as problems' Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said, The PM is hiding behind the Speaker. Yesterday, he did not have the guts to come to the House because three women were standing before the bench. What nonsense is this?..There is no discussion because the govt doesn't want discussion to happen. She also alleged that the Central government was making Speaker Om Birla say all this, because, she said, the prime minister did not have the guts to come to the House. It is an absolute lie. There is no question of anybody raising hands on the prime minister, trying to hurt him or any such thingBut if you are going to allow your members to quote books, talk nonsense, the opposition benches are going to protest. I am sorry, the prime minister is hiding behind the speaker. They are making the speaker say all this because yesterday he did not have the guts to come in the House....because three women were standing before his bench, what nonsense is this, the Congress MP said. The Supreme Court on Thursday agreed to list for hearing in March a PIL seeking direction to seize the symbol or deregister a political party that promises or distributes "irrational freebies" before polls. Lawyer-petitioner Ashwini Updhyaya told a bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi that the notices on his PIL were issued to the Centre and the Election Commission in 2022 itself, and urged it to list the matter soon. Also Read | Delhi assembly elections prove freebies now a staple of electoral campaigns "Except Sun and Moon, everything is promised by political parties to voters during elections and this amounts to corrupt practice," the lawyer said. "This is an important issue. You please remind us and mention it at the end. We will list in March," the CJI said. On January 25, 2022, a bench headed by the then Chief Justice N V Ramana had sought replies from the Centre and the Election Commission on the PIL seeking direction to seize the symbol or deregister a political party that promises or distributes "irrational freebies" before polls. The bench had termed it a "serious issue" and said sometimes "freebie budget is going beyond regular budget". The plea urged the court to declare that the promise of "irrational freebies" from public funds before elections unduly influences the voters, disturbs the level-playing field and vitiates the purity of the poll process. The petition filed through advocate Ashwani Kumar Dubey has, as an alternative, sought a direction to the Centre to enact a law in this regard. "Petitioner submits that recent trend of political parties to influence voters by offering freebies with an eye on elections is not only the greatest threat to the survival of democratic values but also injures the spirit of the Constitution," said the plea. "This unethical practice is just like giving bribes to the electorate at the cost of the exchequer to stay in power and must be avoided to preserve democratic principles and practices," it said. The petition has also sought a direction to the ECI to insert an additional condition in the relevant paragraphs of the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order 1968, which deals with conditions for recognition as a state party, that a "political party shall not promise/distribute irrational freebies from the public fund before the election". Also Read | Freebies are not fiscally sustainable but there's no need to ban them The petitioner has urged the apex court to declare that the promise or distribution of private goods or services, which are not for public purposes, from public funds before the elections, violates several articles of the Constitution, including Article 14 (equality before law). The plea has referred to the promises being made by certain political parties ahead of the Assembly poll in some states. The fulcrum of democracy is the electoral process, and the distribution of money and the promise of freebies have reached alarming levels with elections being countermanded several times, it said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Thursday, launched a scathing attack on the Opposition while responding to President's motion of thanks in the Rajya Sabha. Crafting a shayari to make his point, PM Modi attacked Congress, DMK, TMC and AAP saying: 'Tum kitna duniyako dhoka doge, aaina dekh liya, toh apni sacchai kaha chupaoge" (How much will you deceive the world? When you look in the mirror, where will you hide your truth) Taking a sharp swipe at the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress party, PM Modi claimed the ruthless government in Bengal is setting new records in all parameters of decline. Do not know.. their old relation with black..' Without naming any party directly, PM said there was one member whose entire government drowned in liquor. During the start of his address, PM Modi also attacked Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge as the Opposition launched sloganeering. The PM suggested that Kharge sit down and raise slogans from his seat, given his age. PM Modi said, Meri ek prarthana hai, adarniye Kharge ji ki umar dekhte huye, wo baith kar bhi naare bol sakte hain toh accha hoga, taaki unko kasht na ho' Peeche naujawan bahot log hain, toh Kharge ji ko baithke bhi naare bolne ki anumati de dijiye [I have one request. Considering Kharge jis age, it would be better if he could raise slogans while seated, so that he does not face any discomfort. There are many young people standing behind him, so please allow Kharge ji to chant slogans even while sitting]. PM Modi's address in the Rajya Sabha comes after heated scenes unfolded in the Lok Sabha. On Wednesday, women MPs from the Opposition gathered around the Prime Ministers seat holding banners ahead of his scheduled address, leading to disruptions and the suspension of proceedings for the day. A distressed multinational corporation (MNC) employee working in Hyderabad was laid off days after he complained about long working hours. With companies increasingly exploiting their employees, there appears to be no effective redressal mechanism to enforce labour laws. Employees are at the mercy of big corporate giants, with their jobs in jeopardy if they raise issues over malpractices in the organised sector. This issue has surfaced repeatedly, but this time, a former MNC employee has taken legal action over the alleged violation of labour laws. Infuriated and exhausted after devoting 14 years to a US-based firm, which allegedly made him work intermittently for nearly 16 hours a day, the former employee sought compensation for the extra hours worked. He approached the Telangana Labour Department to file a complaint. The complainant, Sridhar Merugu, said, It is impossible to physically or mentally work for so many hours. Also, when companies charge clients by the hour, why shouldnt employees be paid accordingly? The Times of India reported. Before seeking assistance from the labour department, Sridhar Merugu had approached the National Human Rights Commission. The IT professional said he had no option but to flag the illegal practice after the tech giant allegedly sacked him for seeking overtime wages. Also Read | How much does it take to live well in Hyderabad? Narrating the prolonged workplace exploitation he faced, the former MNC employee claimed that the US-based company forced him to work even on sick days and denied him allowances applicable to late-night (8 PM to 4 AM) and early-morning (4 AM to 8 AM) shifts. Pointing to violations of labour laws coupled with the absence of overtime pay, he said, For about three to four months, I was forced to work continuously for more than 16 hours a day due to a shortage of resources. Also Read | Indians' working hours among the longest globally Asserting that his termination in September 2025 was linked to his refusal to work under unlawful conditions, the 45-year-old told the publication: Instead of addressing my grievances, they laid me off within a week of me raising the issue. The Hyderabad techie is pursuing action against the firm over pending overtime dues, statutory interest and penalties. Work-life balance is missing! At a time when work-life balance is gaining currency, and Indias youth is prioritising quality time over burnout, the complaint assumes significance. Last year, Infosys founder N R Narayana Murthy sparked a debate over working hours after recommending a 72-hour work week. With growing awareness, young professionals are setting boundaries, embracing rest and disconnecting from work to protect their mental and physical health. Echoing similar concerns, an IT employee, Santosh Kumar, with nearly three decades of experience, said, Working even on weekends and holidays without pay became very common, especially post-pandemic. Be it management, team leaders or employees, everyone knows this but chooses to turn a blind eye. Nancy Guthrie, the missing mother of Today show host Savannah Guthrie, is still out there", though no suspects have been identified, according to an Arizona sheriff. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos added that DNA testing confirmed blood found on Nancy Guthries porch matched hers. Authorities say she was removed from her Tucson home without her consent over the weekend. As per AP, During a news conference five days after she was reported missing, Nano stated, Right now, we believe Nancy is still out there. We want her home." However, the sheriff admitted that officials have no evidence confirming she remains alive. The day before, Savannah Guthrie and her siblings shared an emotional appeal to the person who allegedly kidnapped their 84-year-old mother, but no response has been made public. In the video, posted on social media Wednesday, Savannah said the family is willing to communicate but is seeking confirmation that their mother is still alive. She also referenced media reports suggesting the existence of a ransom letter. Savannah Guthrie, while reading from a prepared statement, mentioned, We are ready to talk. However, we live in a world where voices and images are easily manipulated. We need to know without a doubt that she is alive and that you have her. We want to hear from you and we are ready to listen. Please reach out to us. Nancy Guthrie's search Authorities reported that Nancy Guthrie was last seen Saturday night when her family dropped her off at her Tucson home after dinner. She was reported missing roughly 14 hours later on Sunday after failing to appear at a church. Guthrie has limited mobility, and officials do not believe she left the house on her own. A sheriffs dispatcher noted during the search on Sunday that she has high blood pressure, a pacemaker, and heart problems, as per audio from broadcastify.com. Jim Mason, a veteran commander of a Maricopa County search-and-rescue team not involved in the case, said the areas desert terrain makes searches challenging. Dense mesquite trees, cholla cactus, and desert brush can obstruct visibility, he explained. Mason mentioned, Some of it is so thick you cant drive through it." Ransom notes At least three media outlets have reported receiving what appear to be ransom notes, which they turned over to investigators. The sheriffs department said it is treating the notes and other tips seriously but offered no additional comment. Anchor Mary Coleman told CNN that a note emailed Monday to Tucsons KOLD-TV newsroom contained details that only the abductor would know. The note also specified a dollar amount and a deadline, she said. When we saw some of those details, it was clear after a couple of sentences that this might not be a hoax, Coleman added in a Wednesday interview. Iran and the United States are set to resume nuclear negotiations on Friday in Oman, returning to a diplomatic track derailed by Israels 12-day war on Iran in June and a subsequent wave of nationwide protests that triggered a deadly crackdown by Tehran. The talks come as the United States President Donald Trump intensifies pressure on the Islamic Republic, warning of possible US military action if Iran pursues mass executions linked to the protests, and reintroducing Irans nuclear programme as a central foreign policy battleground after months of regional escalation. Why Iran-US talks are restarting now The Oman meeting is the latest attempt to revive negotiations over Tehrans nuclear programme, following five rounds of talks in Rome and Muscat last year that were disrupted by the June conflict. Israels campaign, which lasted 12 days, included US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites. Iran later acknowledged in November that the attacks forced it to halt all uranium enrichment, though inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have been unable to visit the bombed facilities. With enrichment paused but the broader nuclear dispute unresolved, Washington and Tehran are returning to talks amid deep mistrust and sharply diverging objectives. Trumps letter to Khamenei: diplomacy backed by force Trump launched the current diplomatic push by writing directly to Irans Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in early 2025. Trump dispatched the letter to Khamenei on 5 March 2025, then gave a television interview the next day in which he acknowledged sending it. He said: "I've written them a letter saying, I hope you're going to negotiate because if we have to go in militarily, it's going to be a terrible thing.'" The message set the tone for the administrations approach: renewed diplomacy under maximum pressure, alongside sanctions and repeated hints that Irans nuclear infrastructure could be targeted. Khamenei has warned Iran would retaliate against any attack a threat delivered as the Islamic Republic faces internal strain following the protests and crackdown. Omans role as mediator and why it matters Oman has again positioned itself as a key intermediary, facilitating contacts between Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff. The two men have met face to face after indirect talks, a rare occurrence given the decades-long absence of formal diplomatic relations between the countries. However, the process has not been smooth. Witkoff drew criticism after suggesting that Iran could be allowed limited enrichment of 3.67% a level set under the 2015 nuclear deal negotiated under former President Barack Obama. Trump withdrew the United States from that agreement in 2018, and his administration now insists Iran must accept zero enrichment under any new deal a condition Tehran has repeatedly rejected. What the US wants: zero enrichment, missiles and proxies The negotiations take place under explicit threats from Trump, who has framed the talks as a choice between a deal and military action. The Trump administration is seeking a broader agreement that goes beyond the nuclear file, including: Zero uranium enrichment and verification of non-weaponisation Major constraints on Irans ballistic missile programme An end to support for regional proxy forces Trump has previously issued stark warnings if diplomacy fails, including threats of bombing the likes of which they have never seen before. Recent military incidents have also added tension, including the reported downing of an Iranian drone near the USS Abraham Lincoln this week. Irans position: sanctions relief first, red lines on defence Iran is expected to push for a narrower agreement focused on economic relief, demanding sanctions lifting in exchange for nuclear concessions. Tehran has described its missile programme and national security posture as non-negotiable red lines, and Iranian officials have consistently rejected Washingtons insistence on eliminating all enrichment For Irans leadership, the talks also take place under acute domestic pressure following protests that began in late December amid the collapse of the rial currency and escalated into nationwide demonstrations. Authorities responded with a crackdown that killed thousands and saw tens of thousands detained. Irans nuclear programme: what worries the West Iran has long maintained that its nuclear programme is peaceful, but officials have increasingly signalled that weaponisation could be pursued. Iran currently enriches uranium to 60% near weapons-grade making it the only country in the world without a declared nuclear weapons programme to reach that level. Under the 2015 agreement, Iran was limited to enrichment of 3.67% and a stockpile of 300 kilograms. The most recent IAEA assessment placed Irans uranium stockpile at roughly 9,870 kilograms, including a fraction enriched to 60%. US intelligence agencies assess Iran has not yet restarted a formal weapons programme, but has undertaken activities that better position it to produce a nuclear device, if it chooses to do so. Possible compromise proposals: a three-year freeze Despite the public rigidity of both sides, mediators from Qatar, Turkey and Egypt have floated a possible framework. Under that proposal, Iran would halt enrichment for three years and transfer its enriched stockpile to a third country, buying time for a longer-term settlement. Analysts remain sceptical about whether the plan can overcome the central dispute: Washingtons demand for zero enrichment versus Tehrans insistence on maintaining what it views as a sovereign right. A long history of hostility shaping the talks The negotiations are taking place against a backdrop of nearly half a century of US-Iran hostility. Iran was once a key US ally under Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, until the Islamic Revolution in 1979 toppled the monarchy and established the current theocratic system. Later that year, the storming of the US Embassy in Tehran sparked the 444-day hostage crisis, severing diplomatic relations. The Iran-Iraq war, the US role in Gulf confrontations, and decades of sanctions and proxy conflict have entrenched mistrust. A work of history that began as an overview of the 20th century has now become a prophetic warning for the 21st: The experts are more often than not wrong. About everything. What we call Western civilization is in a precarious state today, challenged by the loss of religious values, a threat from aroused Islamic radicalism, romantic notions of collectivism, and a dangerous decline in the value of freedom of speech and thought. Paul Johnson, a non-academic historian and an example of the amateur being superior to the professional, in his study of the West from World War I to the 1980s, Modern Times, traced the roots of this crisis to the malign influences of certain key European figures: Nietzsche, Darwin, Marx, and Freud, each of whom undermined Europes confidence in its beliefs and traditions. He argued that Nietzsches death of God and rejection of the religious impulse created the vacuum that would be filled with the 20th centurys new messiahs: Lenin, Hitler, Stalin, and Mao. Although published originally in 1983 and revised in 2001, I think there is still much we can learn from Modern Times in these our own harrowing times. Johnsons history begins, unlike most studies of the 20th century, not with political developments leading up to the outbreak of World War I but with the impact of the thought of highly influential cultural figures. In 20 long and detailed chapters, he traces the key events that brought the West to a near collapse and then to a rallying led by Pope John Paul II, President Ronald Reagan, and Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, among others, who are the heroes of the century in his view. For Johnson, World War I was a catastrophe that destroyed European progress and eventually led to the world of totalitarianism that cursed the next three decades. He rejects the idea of historical inevitability. The war and its aftermath were a choice that ended with European civilization left in the hands of inferior or weak leaders. Among those he singles out for leaving the West in a parlous state are Tsar Nicholas II, whose weakness and indecision led Russia to war; General Ludendorff, the architect of total war and Johnsons personal bete noire; and President Woodrow Wilson. Wilsons vaunted concept of national self-determination, Johnson argues, opened the door in Europe to nationalist strife and helped lay the ground for those terrible simplifiers Lenin, Mussolini, and Hitler. Only the United States emerged from the war in a more powerful position than when it began. In the chapter The Last Arcadia, Johnson has high praise for the American record of the 1920s, foreshadowing a trend that has developed among historians in recent years. He praises Calvin Coolidge for his handling of the economy, which reached a level of prosperity during his presidency than in any past society, one that would not be matched until the 1950s under another figure Johnson admires, President Eisenhower. The economic crisis of the 1930s, Johnson believes, was mishandled by President Franklin Roosevelt, whom he treats as a dilettante and gives little credit for ending the Great Depression, which he believes, along with most historians today, ended only with the outbreak of war. Johnson argues that even American culture surpassed Europes in the 1920s, with writers like Ernest Hemingway, Sinclair Lewis, and F. Scott Fitzgerald taking American literature to new highs. At the same time, he notes how they, like their European counterparts, were duped by the myth of a new Soviet democracy. He has high praise for George Orwell, however, who demolished the idea of Communism as a form of democracy in his expose of Russian treachery during the Spanish Civil War and such later famous works as Animal Farm and Nineteen Eighty-Four. Johnson takes a harsh view of the behavior of Great Britain after WWI, arguing that its political leadership was at a loss for how to deal with the nations economic crisis. In one of the bon mots sprinkled throughout the text, he notes that once the British Empire became truly worldwide, the sun never set on its problems: political, economic, and imperial. He correctly credits Winston Churchill, another of his heroes, for saving his nation, and the West, from defeat in the early years of World War II. Johnsons sketches of Churchill and other dominant figures of the 20th century are a definite strength of the book. Mussolini, for example, was a mixture of romance and drama who was corrupted by power and the weakness of a semi-industrialized Italy that he sought to turn singlehandedly into a great power. Lenin was pure evil, a 20th-century ideologue consumed by hatred and convinced that only his interpretation of Marxism was correct. He left Russia in ruins and passed it into the hands of an even more brutal leader, Stalin. Equally insightful is the connection Johnson draws between Hitler and Lenin, both believers in social engineering no matter the cost in human life. Hitler is described as a race socialist who saw the dynamic of history revolving not around economic classes but races. In an observation that reverberates today, Johnson notes that among the most enthusiastic anti-Semites in Germany were university students and that Hitler was popular with primary and secondary school teachers as well as with university professors. In his chapter on Germany, Johnson argues that the German people were duped by their military leaders into entering World War I. He regards Emperor Wilhelm II as an exemplar of how personal weakness can become treachery. The German General Staff lost the war but moderates in Weimar who inherited a defeated Germany were seen as nevertheless responsible for the nations humiliation, dooming the concept of republican government. He makes an interesting point that the bitter anti-Semitism of the Weimar era was a derivative of Marxs hatred of the bourgeoisie, which became personified by the Jews. Johnsons chapters on World War II contain some interesting insights on why the Allies won. He labels Hitlers two greatest blunders as the decision to attack the Soviet Union before he had eliminated the threat from Great Britain, which was backed economically by the United States, and his gratuitous decision to declare war on the United States four days after Pearl Harbor, an act not required by his alliance with Japan. He believes, incorrectly in my view, that President Roosevelt would not have been able to persuade Congress to make war on Germany had not Hitler made this blunder. Yet America was all but at war with Germany by the autumn of 1941. Johnson regards FDR as a poor wartime leader and accuses him of illusions and frivolity for believing that China was a great power and that he could trust Stalin. The latter misjudgment cost the United States and Europe dearly in the aftermath of the war and laid the groundwork for the Cold War. In dealing with traditional military history, however, Johnson seems unsure of himself at times. For example, he relies on some shaky sources for some of his statistics, such as the discredited Holocaust-denier David Irving, who claimed that the bombing of Dresden in February 1945 caused 230,000 deaths. The best estimated figures, 25,00035,000, are bad enough. He does make a strong case, however, that Japan would not have surrendered without the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, citing the refusal to surrender during the bloody battles of Iwo Jima and Okinawa as examples of Japans fanaticism. The last third of Modern Times covers the period from the end of the Second World War to the 1980s. It is more commentaryvery high-level commentarythan history. His chapter on China under Mao, whom he compares for sheer brutality to Stalin, is worth the price of the book alone. In dealing with Stalin and Mao, Johnson takes special aim at the experts, usually intellectuals, who almost unfailingly got everything wrong. Author Jan Myrdal, for example, ranked Mao just behind Marx and Lenin for solving the problem of how the idea of revolution can be prevented from degenerating. Business types were not far behind in misreading the times. David Rockefeller praised Maos China for its national harmony while fostering high morale and community of purpose. Estimates of the number who died during Maos rule, especially the Great Leap Forward, range from 35 to 80 millionor roughly the population of the modern U.K. The chapters on the Third World contain some of Johnsons shrewdest insights. A particular favorite of mine, The Bandung Generation, discusses the difficulties Third World nations faced at the time, especially in Africa, as they attempted to modernize. Despite predictions of many scholars like Arnold Toynbeewhat Johnson labels the new humbugthat Asia and Africa would escape the travails that plagued the modernization of the West, the Third World in the 20th century experienced four decades of war, racial violence, and economic catastrophe. A section dealing with the fate of the South African republic makes particularly sad reading. Without excusing the practice of apartheid, it is nevertheless a fact that it was once the most prosperous nation in Africa because of its rich stores of gold, iron ore, and coal. It is now an international disaster and features one of the most brutal regimes in Africa. A major theme of Modern Times is Johnsons conviction, as a Catholic and a conservative, that the intellectuals and what he calls the system builders (what we in 2026 would call the elites) were responsible for much of the evils of the 20th century. He would go on to write Intellectuals, excoriating their record of misjudgments and disastrous prescriptions and policies. Modern Times, despite some flaws, remains the best single overview of the 20th century in print. Fifty double-column pages of notes attests to the scope of Johnsons research. In fact, it is difficult to imagine anyone today who could undertake such a task. Modern Times will remain the standard interpretation of the century when the West nearly committed suicide. The question before us now is, have we learned anything, given how so much of the West seems determined to make the same suicidal mistakes? British Prime Minister Keir Starmer apologised to the victims of Jeffrey Epstein on Thursday, saying he was sorry for having appointed Peter Mandelson as the country's ambassador to the United States. He made these remarks after learning that Mandelson had been a close friend of the late sex offender. The British leader also said that he had no prior knowledge about the strength of their relationship when he appointed him to the role in December 2024. Jeffrey Epstein was an American financier who died in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges. His death was ruled a suicide. He has been in the news for quite some time, especially after the US Department of Justice released Epstein files, consisting of thousands of photos, videos, and other documents related to his case. British PM says he was unaware of their closeness Starmer previously said he would release the vetting advice he was given when he chose Mandelson for the role in Washington. But on Thursday, he said he also had to respect a police request not to release any information that could prejudice an ongoing investigation. It had been publicly known for some time that Mandelson knew Epstein, but none of us knew the depth and the darkness of that relationship, he told reporters during a speech I want to say this (to the victims): I am sorry. Sorry for what was done to you, sorry that so many people with power failed you, sorry for having believed Mandelson's lies and appointing him, PM Starmer further added. Mandelson was sacked from his position after a controversy erupted over his long-term association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Shortly after, he said that he deeply regretted ever meeting Epstein. Why is Epstein making headlines? Mandelson is not the only public figure associated with Epstein. According to the publicly uploaded files, the late sex offender was connected to many powerful figures. Though being named in the records does not imply criminal wrongdoing, the associations have raised questions. Such high-profile names appear throughout the files, which has led to people coming up with a swarm of conspiracy theories. US President Donald Trump is mentioned frequently in the documents. Bill Clinton also appears in photographs from past decades. Some references about Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates have also emerged in the Epstein files, as well as images that show Hollywood figures such as Kevin Spacey and Woody Allen. Norwegian police on Thursday said that they have launched an "aggravated corruption" investigation into former Prime Minister Thorbjorn Jagland over his connections to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The countrys foreign minister also said he would request that Jaglands immunity as a former head of an international organisation be set aside to allow the investigation to proceed. Jagland served as Norways prime minister from 1996 to 1997 and as Secretary General of the Council of Europe from 2009 to 2019. From January 2009 to March 2015, he also chaired the committee responsible for selecting the Nobel Peace Prize winner. As per AFP, the police said, "have opened an investigation into... Thorbjorn Jagland, on suspicion of aggravated corruption," according to a statement from Norways economic crime unit, Okokrim. Okokrim director Pal K. Lonseth said in a statement that the agency believes there are reasonable grounds to investigate Jagland, given his roles as chair of the Nobel Committee and secretary general of the Council of Europe during the period covered by the released documents. The statement added that the investigation will look into whether he received gifts, travel, or loans in connection with his positions. Since Jagland holds immunity as the former head of an international organisation, the Council of Europe, authorities have requested that the foreign ministry lift that immunity, the statement added. Also Read | Epstein files top 8 'big' revelations What did Norway FM say? Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide said Thursday, "It is important that the facts of this case are brought to light. That means Mr. Jagland's immunity cannot stand in the way of an investigation. I have therefore decided that Norway will put forward a proposal to the Council of Europe's Committee of Ministers that Jagland's immunity be revoked." Norwegian newspaper VG reported this week that Jagland had extensive contact with Epstein, citing the latest batch of documents about the late financier released last Friday by the US Justice Department. At one point, the report said, Jagland requested financial assistance to purchase an apartment. Jagland told the newspaper that the loans for his properties were all obtained from the Norwegian bank DNB. Kristian Berg Harpviken, director of the institute, informed journalists that they were waiting to hear Jaglands side of the story. He mentioned, "If it turns out that Thorbjorn Jagland received significant financial benefits from Jeffrey Epstein while serving as a member of the Nobel Committee, that would be contrary to our code of ethics." He added that he did not want to make a hasty judgment. According to the released documents, Jagland had stayed with Epstein in New York in 2018, as well as in Epsteins Paris apartment in 2015 and 2018. The former Norwegian prime minister and his family had also planned a visit to the American financiers island in 2014, but the trip was eventually cancelled. Jagland, on Sunday evening, told the newspaper Aftenposten that he had shown poor judgment by maintaining ties with Epstein. US President Donald Trump on Thursday urged a new nuclear treaty following the expiration of the previous agreement with Russia, raising concerns about a potential global arms race. The Trump administration has consistently advocated for Chinas inclusion in any new deal, given its expanding, but still much smaller, nuclear arsenal compared with Russia and the United States. However, Beijing has publicly resisted such proposals. Trump has largely remained silent on Russian appeals to extend New START, the 2010 treaty that placed the last limits on the two largest nuclear powers after decades of Cold War-era agreements. What did Trump say? Hours after it ended, Trump slammed it, saying the agreement, signed by former president Barack Obama and extended by former president Joe Biden, was badly negotiated and is being grossly violated". He added on his Truth Social account, We should have our Nuclear Experts work on a new, improved, and modernised Treaty that can last long into the future. Could China join a potential new treaty? US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Wednesday that Trump has emphasised that in order to have true arms control in the 21st century, its impossible to do something that doesnt include China because of their vast and rapidly growing stockpile. During his first term, Trump attempted but failed to negotiate a three-way nuclear agreement with China. Beijing has resisted any limits on its smaller yet expanding nuclear arsenal, while urging the US to restart nuclear talks with Russia. Chinas nuclear forces are not at all on the same scale as those of the U.S. and Russia, and thus China will not participate in nuclear disarmament negotiations at the current stage, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Thursday, according to AP. He added that China regrets the expiration of New START and called on the US to promptly resume nuclear dialogue with Russia, responding positively to Moscows suggestion that both sides continue observing the treatys core limits for the time being. Chinas nuclear arsenal has been expanding more rapidly than any other nation, adding roughly 100 new warheads per year since 2023, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, as per AFP. The institute projects that China now possesses at least 600 nuclear warheads, still significantly fewer than the 800-warhead limit set for both Russia and the United States under New START. Also Read | Why Putin was rooting for a U.S. invasion of Greenland Russia reacts Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke with Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Wednesday about the treatys expiration, highlighting the US failure to respond to his proposal to extend its limits. Kremlin adviser Yuri Ushakov said Putin noted that Russia will act in a balanced and responsible manner based on thorough analysis of the security situation. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that Moscow views the treaty's expiration on Thursday negatively and expressed regret. He added that Russia will uphold its responsible, thorough approach to stability when it comes to nuclear weapons, noting that "of course, it will be guided primarily by its national interests. Peskov also stressed that if we receive constructive responses, we will certainly conduct a dialogue. On Thursday, Peskov reiterated that Moscow respects Beijings stance. He and other Russian officials have consistently argued that any effort to negotiate a broader nuclear agreement beyond a US-Russia deal should also include the nuclear arsenals of NATO members France and the UK. Also Read | Musk backs engineers claiming US, EU lag behind China in electricity generation What is New START? New START, signed in 2010 by then-president Barack Obama and former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev, limited each country to no more than 1,550 nuclear warheads and 700 deployed missiles and bombers. The treaty, originally set to expire in 2021, was extended for an additional five years. The agreement included extensive on-site inspections to ensure compliance, but these were suspended in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and never resumed. Putin, in February 2023, halted Moscows participation, citing concerns over US inspections of Russian nuclear sites amid what he described as Washington and NATOs declared aim of defeating Russia in Ukraine. Despite the suspension, the Kremlin stressed that it was not fully withdrawing from the treaty and would continue to honour the caps on its nuclear arsenal. In September, Putin offered to maintain New STARTs limits for one more year to allow time for negotiations on a successor deal, warning that letting the treaty expire could destabilise global security and encourage nuclear proliferation. US President Donald Trump's administration on Wednesday (local time) hosted a Critical Minerals Ministerial event to counter China's dominance in the industry. Officials from the Trump administration aim to establish a trade zone for critical minerals, which are crucial for producing almost everything, including smartphones, defence equipment, magnets in wind turbines, and electric vehicle (EV) motors. Who attended the meeting? The event was attended by 54 countries, including the UK, the European Union, Japan, India, Australia, South Korea, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The delegates opined on the availability of and access to minerals critical to the manufacturing of crucial items such as computer chips and EV batteries, BBC reported. What did the US say? The mining and processing of such critical minerals, which also include rare earths, are led by China. However, in remarks released by the Trump administration, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance did not mention China by name and instead referred to the "foreign supply" of these minerals, adding that they flood the global markets, thereby making it difficult for countries with mineral deposits to secure the financing required to produce them. David Copley, a special assistant to President Donald Trump, announced that they are heavily investing in mining-specific projects, adding that Washington will "deploy hundreds of billions of capital into the mining sector to get projects going". A CNBC report states that after the event, the US government announced the signing of agreements with 11 countries, building on 10 similar deals signed over the last five months, with talks being completed with an additional 17 countries. Trump announces 'Project Vault' The Critical Minerals Ministerial event came days after Donald Trump announced the establishment of a critical mineral reserve, known as "Project Vault", worth almost $12 billion. Aimed at reducing Washington's dependence on China for rare earths and other key metals, the initiative will combine $2 billion in private capital with a $10 billion loan from the US Export-Import Bank. It aims to create a stockpile of critical minerals and rare earths, such as gallium and cobalt, Bloomberg reported. Speaking at the White House, Trump said that the Project Vault aims to "ensure that American businesses and workers are never harmed by any shortages". Further, the project will aim to procure and store the materials. Manufacturers will be permitted to tap into their existing material reserves provided they replace what they use, according to officials cited by Bloomberg. Reset in US-China ties? The event took place on the same day that Trump had a call with his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, which he described as "very positive". Ahead of the meeting held by the US, China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian reaffirmed China's position on the issue of maintaining stability and security of global industrial and supply chains for critical minerals, according to a report by Xinhua news agency. Lin said, ''China has always maintained that all countries need to follow the principles of the market economy and international economic and trade rules, step up communication and dialogue, jointly keep the industrial and supply chains stable and unimpeded, and promote the steady growth of the global economy." Diplomatic ties between Beijing and Washington have been volatile since Trump announced reciprocal tariffs on almost every nation in the world. The matter escalated quickly with the two countries imposing reciprocal tariffs as high as 125%, and a potential trade war looming. However, a thaw appeared after officials from the two countries met in Geneva in May last year and agreed to bring down the reciprocal tariffs significantly. However, tensions simmered again after China, in October, announced plans to widen its export controls to nearly all products, which included rare earth minerals. Terming it an "extraordinarily aggressive" stance, Trump announced the imposition of an additional 100% tariff on Chinese goods. Ariane de Rothschild, head of the family-owned Edmond de Rothschild Swiss private bank, has now found mention in the recent documents released by the US Department of Justice (DOJ) in connection with financier and sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. According to the documents, analyzed by Mint, Ariane de Rothschild corresponded with the late sex offender multiple times and agreed to several meetings over about five years before his 2019 arrest and jailing. While the documents released on 30 January do not seem to show any sign of criminal wrongdoing, they do raise questions over the bank's earlier description of the relationship, Reuters reported. In 2023, The Wall Street Journal reported that the bank had said she met Epstein as part of her routine responsibilities. The disclosure of the previously unknown familiarity between the two adds de Rothschild to the rapidly growing list of prominent figures revealed to have been in Epstein's social circle, after the documents were released by the DOJ under pressure from victims and members of Congress. Rothschild's correspondence with Epstein According to the documents, Epstein and de Rothschild arranged several meetings over the course of years at Epstein's homes in New York and Paris. The correspondence further shows that he also invited de Rothschild to stay at his apartment. On 19 March 2019, nearly four months before Epstein was arrested, he wrote to de Rothschild, telling her about his presence in Paris. She responded, "Are you really ?!! I'm here as well. When would you be free?" "Its been much, much too long," Epstein replied, before they arranged to meet the following day. However, whether the meeting took place or not can't be established. A spokesperson for Edmond de Rothschild bank informed Reuters that the late wealthy financier was de Rothschild's business acquaintance from 2013 to 2019 and added that she did not know about his conduct and "unequivocally condemns his behaviour and the crimes which he committed". The emails between the two largely date from the mid-to late-2010s. In the documents released, de Rothschild's name appears 4,400 times, many of which were duplicate files. Some of the email exchanges between the two also took place with the help of assistants. In an exchange from 2016, Epstein's assistant arranged to return a hoverboard to de Rothschild's daughter. Who is Ariane de Rothschild? Ariane de Rothschild, who is now 60, is a member of one of Europe's most popular banking dynasties. Since her marriage in 1999 till 2023, she has been the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Swiss private bank, which oversees 184 billion Swiss francs ($236.8 billion) in assets. She also became the first woman to run a Rothschild financial institution in a banking dynasty that dates to 18th-century Frankfurt, Germany. Jeffrey Epstein case The case against the late sex offender stemmed largely from a complaint made in 2006 by the parents of a 14-year-old girl, who accused him of molesting their daughter at his Florida residence. In 2008, he pleaded guilty to two felony charges. Reports suggest that Epstein used to pay minor girls money to perform sexual acts and used Ghislaine Maxwell, his one-time girlfriend and associate, who is serving a 20-year sentence, to manage his victims. A newly released set of US government files disclosed an email exchange between American thinker Noam Chomsky and Jeffrey Epstein that occurred months before the latter's arrest on child sex trafficking charges, suggesting a closer relationship between the financier and the prominent left-wing academic than was previously understood. The disclosure of hundreds of pages of records, released following a congressional demand for greater transparency, includes emails and memos that appear to reflect a direct, transactional relationship. Who is Noam Chomsky? Noam Chomsky, an American linguist, philosopher and political theorist, is widely regarded as the father of modern linguistics and among the most influential intellectuals of the 20th and 21st centuries. Chomsky is recognised globally as one of the most cited public intellectuals and has been a critic of US foreign policy, capitalism, media propaganda (Manufacturing Consent), imperialism, and power structures, often advocating for libertarian socialist ideas. What is Chomsky's most famous book? Chomsky has authored numerous influential books, such as Syntactic Structures (1957), Aspects of the Theory of Syntax, Manufacturing Consent: The Political Economy of the Mass Media, The Fateful Triangle: The United States, Israel and the Palestinians, Who Rules the World?, The Myth of American Idealism: How U.S. Foreign Policy Endangers the World, and others. What is controversial about Noam Chomsky? Recent batches of documents from the US Department of Justice's investigation into Jeffrey Epstein have revealed more details about Chomsky's longstanding friendship and communications with Epstein. As reported by AFP, the emails show that Chomsky privately expressed sympathy for Jeffrey Epstein over what he called the horrible way the media treated the late sex offender, advising him in a 2019 email to keep a low profile and steer clear of media vultures. The exchange, disclosed in a newly released set of US government documents, occurred months before Epsteins arrest on child sex trafficking charges and suggests a closer relationship between the financier and the prominent left-wing academic than was previously understood. Chomsky and Epstein's mails According to a report by The Guardian, Chomskys connection with Epstein provided him with opportunities for shared vacations and access to well-known figures within Epsteins circle. For example, after emails revealed plans for a 2016 meeting with the Chomskys, Epstein wrote to Chomsky, Enjoyed (as) always. Come to New York or Caribbean? Enjoy the food. We did too, very much, Chomsky said in a reply, adding, Valerias always keen on New York. Im really fantasizing about the Caribbean island. The Guardian reported that at another point that same year, Epstein a Brooklyn native discussed being free anytime to meet up with Chomsky in New York City because everyone in the city besides us will be gone. Separate from Woody. Maybe we can do it again. Chomsky replied that it would be great to grab dinner with Epstein and the Allens. The emails did not clarify whether they were referring to film director Woody Allen and his wife, Soon-Yi Previn. However, there is reason to believe it was Allen, who has been largely ostracized in the industry following allegations by his daughter Dylan Farrow that he sexually assaulted her in 1992a claim he has repeatedly denied, The Guardian reported. Later in 2016, Epstein was informed by email that genetic testing kits from 23 and Me would be delivered to Woody and Soon Yi. In the spring of 2017, emails showed that Shuliak arranged to send the Chomskys a pair of the same tests, again courtesy of Epstein, The Guardian noted. In an August 2015 email exchange, Epstein advised Chomsky, the renowned linguist and social scientist, to fly to Greece only if he felt well, joking that he had previously had to send a plane for another lefty friend to see a doctor in New York, AP reported. The exchange, which also touched on academic discussions about warning signs of currency collapses, behavioural science models, and Big Data, included Epstein offering his residences for Chomskys use. you are of course welcome to use apt in new york with your new leisure time, or visit new Mexico again, Epstein wrote, as reported by AP. Chomsky sympathised with Epstein Responding to an email from Epstein seeking advice on how to handle his putrid press, Chomsky decried the horrible way you are being treated in the press and public, as reported by AFP. What the vultures dearly want is a public response, which then provides a public opening for an onslaught of venomous attacks, many from just publicity seekers or cranks of all sorts, added Chomsky, who is now 97. That's particularly true now with the hysteria that has developed about abuse of women, which has reached the point that even questioning a charge is a crime worse than murder. The exchange occurred in February 2019. Epstein was arrested later that year in July and was found dead in his New York jail cell in August. Earlier-released Epstein records had already indicated that Chomsky remained in contact with him well after Epsteins 2008 conviction for soliciting prostitution from a minor. Chomsky's view on Jeffrey Epstein Chomsky defended that relationship, telling the Harvard Crimson in 2023: We knew that he had been convicted and served his time, which means that he re-enters society under prevailing norms. Other newly released emails point to the depth of Chomsky's social ties with Epstein, and to a planned meet-up with Steve Bannon, a former advisor to US President Donald Trump credited as the architect of his rise to power. Noam Chomsky's wife Chomsky's wife Valeria, writes, "Jeffrey is a very dear friend, and we look forward to meeting you" in a 2019 email to Bannon with Epstein copied. Epstein was charged with sex trafficking in 2019 and died by suicide in jail a month later. His crimes, influential connections, and death behind bars have since fuelled widespread conspiracy theories and drawn intense scrutiny from online investigators searching for evidence of a cover-up. A Russian incursion, or outright invasion, into countries of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and the European Union has become more likely because of Europes tensions with President Trump over Greenland, Ukraine, trade and other matters, many European security and political leaders say. They point out that Russia has switched to a war economy, focusing national resources on a rearmament program and military recruitment that goes well beyond the needs of the campaign in Ukraine. The key question is: How soon? The earlier belief in Berlin and other capitals was that Russia wouldnt be able to threaten NATO until 2029 or so. There is now a growing consensus that such a crisis could come much soonerbefore Europe, which is expanding its own investment in defense, is in a position to fight back. Our assessment is that Russia will be able to move large amounts of troops within one year," the Netherlands Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans said in an interview. We see that they are already increasing their strategic inventories, and are expanding their presence and assets along the NATO borders." President Vladimir Putin wants to resurrect the glories of the Russian Empire, making countries that were once part of it, such as the Baltic nations of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia, obvious targets. All of them have been members of the EU and NATO for two decades. View Full Image An ad promoting military service in the Russian army's unmanned systems forces in St. Petersburg. Anton Vaganov/Reuters Anxiety is very visible in my country, but at the same time, we are preparing to defend ourselves," said Deividas Matulionis, Lithuanias national security adviser. While Lithuania expects the U.S. and other NATO allies to assist in case of a Russian incursion, he added, the countrys own troops shouldnt be underestimated: They will be fighting, definitely, even before the reinforcements come." NATO military planners also worry about potential Russian designs on Swedish, Finnish and Danish islands in the Baltic Sea, parts of Poland, and the Norwegian and Finnish far north, as well as a campaign of strikes on European strategic infrastructure as far west as the Dutch port of Rotterdam. The exercise simulating a Russian incursion into Lithuania, organized in December by Germanys Die Welt newspaper together with the German Wargaming Center of the Helmut-Schmidt University of the German Armed Forces, became an object of heated conversation within Europes security establishment even before the newspaper published its results on Thursday. The exercise involved 16 former senior German and NATO officials, lawmakers and prominent security experts role-playing a scenario set in October 2026. In the exercise, Russia used the pretext of a humanitarian crisis in the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad to seize the Lithuanian city of Marijampole, a key crossroads in the narrow gap between Russia and Belarus. Russian portrayals of the invasion as a humanitarian mission were sufficient for the U.S. to decline invoking NATOs Article 5 that calls for allied assistance. Germany proved indecisive, and Poland, while mobilizing, didnt send troops across the border into Lithuania. The German brigade already deployed to Lithuania failed to intervene, in part because Russia used drones to lay mines on roads leading out of its base. Deterrence depends not only on capabilities, but on what the enemy believes about our will, and in the wargame my Russian colleagues and I knew: Germany will hesitate. And this was enough to win," said Franz-Stefan Gady, a Vienna-based military analyst who played the Russian chief of general staff. A town of some 35,000 people, Marijampole is home to one of Europes most strategic highway intersections. Running southwest is the Via Baltica superhighway to Poland, clogged with trucks from all over the EU and Ukraine. Running west is the transit road between Belarus and Kaliningrad that Lithuania must, under a treaty, maintain open to Russian traffic. This week, it was busy with Russian trucks, mostly stripped of markings on their containers, that, just before the border, drove past a tower with the Ukrainian and Lithuanian flags and the motto Together to Victory." In the wargame, absent American leadership, Russia managed within a couple of days to destroy the credibility of NATO and establish domination over the Baltics, by deploying an initial force of only some 15,000 troops. The Russians achieved most of their goals without moving many of their own units," said Bartomiej Kot, a Polish security analyst who played the Polish prime minister in the exercise. What this showed to me is that once we are confronted by the escalatory narrative from the Russian side, we have it embedded in our thinking that we are the ones who should be de-escalating." In real life, Lithuania and other allies would have had enough intelligence warnings to avoid this scenario, said Rear Adm. Giedrius Premeneckas, Lithuanias chief of defense staff. Even without allies, Lithuanias own armed forces17,000 in peacetime and 58,000 after an immediate mobilizationwould have been able to deal with a limited threat to Marijampole, he said. Russia itself would have to consider the high stakes involved, he added: It would be a dilemma for Russia to sustain Kaliningrad, and if Russia starts something, it must be said very clearly by NATO that if you do, you will lose Kaliningrad." The commander of German land forces, Lt. Gen. Christian Freuding, said on a visit to Lithuania on Wednesday that, while NATO intelligence still assesses that Russia wouldnt be able to act against members of the alliance until 2029, Germany and its allies are ready for the fight tonight, whatever it takes." He added that he wouldnt speculate on how much time Europe has left. The debate over the immediacy of the Russian threat determines the nature of European military planning. Skeptics point out the slow pace of Russian advances in Ukraine, where Putin has been bogged down in a costly war of attrition, losing more than a million men. Putin has failed in virtually everything he set out to do," Finnish President Alexander Stubb said in an interview. He hasnt even attempted to come to NATO because he is not succeeding in Ukraine. So dont overestimate Russian capacity." While Russia recruits some 35,000 fresh troops a month, it loses about 30,000 on Ukrainian battlefields monthly, slowing its capacity for a buildup, said Lithuanias Premeneckas. We are very thankful to the Ukrainians who, every day, with their blood and their losses are giving us time to prepare better," he said. We are using this time wisely because we know that, if there is a deal in Ukraine, Russia will accelerate its war machine. We dont have the luxury to let Russia feel that we are weak." Even without an agreement on Ukraine that the Trump administration is pushing, some European officials and security analysts say, the Russian military could instantly free up as many as 200,000 battle-hardened troops just by switching from offensive operations to holding the line. That is more troops than Putin used for the initial full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Putin is opportunistic, and if he sees an opportunity, he will toy with it, test the reactions, and when he has more capabilities, try to expand the results," said Nico Lange, a former senior German defense official and a senior fellow with the Munich Security Conference who participated in Die Welts exercise. It can happen right now. If the goal is to show that NATOs Article 5 doesnt work, to split the Europeans, what you need is the will, and not the extraordinarily large military capabilities. Why should Putin wait for the Europeans to be ready?" Russian officials insist that the Kremlin has no designs on EU or NATO members territory. Russia also insisted four years ago that it had no intention to invade Ukraine. The Trump administrations new national defense strategy, released in January, says that Russia will remain a persistent but manageable threat" to NATOs eastern members. It adds, however, that Russia is in no position to make a bid for European hegemony" because European allies dwarf it in terms of population, economy, and thus latent military power. This is why Russia wouldnt attempt to wage against NATO the kind of attrition warfare it is practicing in Ukraine, but not a reason why it would be deterred altogether. Protracted war would be detrimental for Russia because we would outproduce and out-mobilize them," said Lt. Col. Amund Osflaten, who teaches land warfare and doctrine at the Norwegian Defense University College. So, if they are going to do something, they would want to do something early, where they get into advantageous positions that they can easily defend later." That is exactly what happened in Die Welts scenario. Alexander Gabuev, the director of the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center in Berlin who played Putin in the exercise, pointed out that the smokescreen of humanitarian" intervention was crucial to enable Russian conquest. It was very helpful to keep beating the drum that we need the humanitarian corridor because the evil Lithuanians are preventing us from supplying the poor and hungry people of Kaliningrad." Such hybrid tactics, especially at a time when many in the Trump administration openly embrace Putins narrative, pose an increasing threat to NATOs decision-making, European officials say. There is a gray area, and as Russia is taking additional steps, the gray zone is becoming darker," warned Brekelmans, the Dutch defense minister. At the end, it is up to the NATO ally affected, and the 31 other NATO allies, to decide whether the Article 5 line has been crossed. Russia knows, of course, that this is not a hard scienceand we know that it will try to further push that." Write to Yaroslav Trofimov at yaroslav.trofimov@wsj.com The Lok Sabha on Thursday passed the Motion of Thanks on the President's address without the customary reply by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, amid vociferous protests by the opposition, PTI reported. The incident marks the first time since 2004 that the Motion of Thanks on the President's address has been cleared without a response from the Prime Minister. Only three MPs were able to deliver their speeches. In 2004, then-Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was unable to respond to the budget debate. Meanwhile, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla put the opposition amendments to the Motion of Thanks to a vote, which were rejected. The Speaker then read out the Motion of Thanks to the President for her address to both Houses of Parliament on 28 January, which was passed by a voice vote, amid sloganeering by the opposition members. As the protests continued, the Speaker adjourned the proceedings till 2:00 PM. Uproar in Parliament The Upper House witnessed a heated exchange between Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and BJP leaders after the former accused the government of preventing Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi from speaking in the Lower House. The Opposition has been protesting the Centre, claiming Rahul Gandhi was barred from addressing the Lok Sabha regarding former Army Chief General MM Naravanes unpublished memoir on the 2020 China standoff. Meanwhile, PM Modi is scheduled to respond in the Rajya Sabha to the Motion of Thanks on the Presidents Address. As reported by ANI, speaking about Union Minister JP Nadda's term 'abodh' in reference to LoP, Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said, He should be allowed to speak. Is this a way to talk about anyone? What are they scared of? That he will quote from a book? Or are they scared of the Epstein files? Or that we will question them on this deal ( US-India trade agreement)? Speaking to reporters at the parliament premises, Congress MP KC Venugopal said, In a parliamentary democracy, the Leader of the Opposition has a right to speak and initiate debate, which is completely denied in this House. Our single point agenda is that the LoP has to be allowed to speak Venugopal later added, The real fact is that the farmers of India are very concerned about this deal (US-India trade agreement). India has been compromised with this deal. Kharge also sought to underscore that the Lok Sabha was not functioning smoothly, saying both Houses of Parliament are pillars of democracy and accusing the ruling party of undermining democratic processes. Also Read | Shashi Tharoor stumbles on Parliament steps, Akhilesh Yadav rushes to help His allegations were strongly contested by members of the ruling party. When Kharge attempted to quote from former Army chief MM Naravanes unpublished book, treasury bench members objected. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor said, The LoP should be allowed to speak, and what is more, is that what he is quoting is already in the public domain. All he wanted to do was make his point. By raising such a big objection and not allowing him to speak, a much larger problem has been created. Amid the commotion, MPs from several opposition parties including the Congress, TMC, AAP, CPI and CPI(M) staged a walkout. New Delhi, Feb 5 (PTI) India believes in an open, resilient and inclusive internet, IT Secretary S Krishnan on Thursday said, stressing that the internet is a core part of network infrastructure and that it is in everyone's interest to ensure it functions effectively without causing significant harm. Krishnan said India is committed to the multistakeholder model of Internet governance and advancing policy frameworks that support innovation, inclusion, and trust in the global Internet ecosystem, and that hosting the upcoming 'ICANN85' underlines that position. The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) -- the global internet governance body -- will convene its 85th public meeting in Mumbai from March 7-12, hosted by the National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI) under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). With more than one billion Internet users and a thriving digital economy, India is an ideal location for global participants to gather at the ICANN85 Community Forum to advance the technical work that ensures the secure and stable operation of the internet, according to officials. "India is interested in an open, resilient and inclusive internet. There was a time when the internet was left largely unregulated and allowed to grow because it was the key intent at that time to get more users. But now it has grown substantially," Krishnan said. The internet has become a core part of the network infrastructure, Krishnan said, adding that "therefore, it is in everybody's interest to see it works effectively and does not cause significant harm, and so it is essential to preserve the resilience of the internet". The IT Ministry has encouraged more and more organisations, especially official entities, banks and others to move to adopting 'dot in' extension name, he said. "This has been a conscious attempt that we have been pushing, and the fundamental reason is that we want to build trust in Indian domains, and we will build that trust by having a more robust KYC regime for these domains," he added. About 3.85 million 'dot in' domain names have been issued, and more will be granted. According to an official release, ICANN85 takes place at a crucial moment just before the launch of the next application round for the New gTLD Program (the next expansion of the Domain Name System) in April. The programme provides businesses, communities, governments, and other organisations with the rare opportunity to apply for new top-level domains tuned to fit their organisation, community, culture, language, and customer interests. "The meeting will include important updates about the next round and how to apply," the release said. The New gTLD Program helps to advance ICANN's 2030 vision as the trusted steward of the Internet's unique identifier systems to strengthen the single, globally interoperable Internet for all. This multilingual Internet enables people globally to use the net in their own languages and scripts, which matches the Indian government's approach. ICANN85 is the first ICANN Public Meeting since the United Nations General Assembly adopted the WSIS 20 Outcomes Document in December 2025. The World Summit on the Information Society: 20-year review (WSIS 20) reaffirmed that the Internet is a shared global resource whose stability, openness, and interoperability depend on the multistakeholder model approach, a position strongly supported by ICANN and the Government of India, the release added. Motorola Signature is the companys first attempt at a candybar-style flagship device. I have been using the phone on and off for around 20 days, and heres my detailed review of how it fares in terms of real-world experience. PS: You can read my first impressions for more details on the phone. Camera: You can check out the camera specs of the Motorola Signature below: Camera Module Sensor Key Features Video Recording Main (Rear) 50MP Sony LYTIA 828 f/1.6 aperture, OIS Up to 8K 30fps Telephoto (Rear) 50MP Sony LYTIA 600 Periscope lens, 3x optical zoom, 100x digital zoom Up to 8K 30fps Ultra-wide (Rear) 50MP (Sensor Unspecified) 122 field of view, doubles as Macro shooter Up to 4K 60fps Front (Selfie) 50MP Sony LYTIA 500 Autofocus support Up to 4K 60fps With that out of the way, lets talk about the real-world camera performance of the Motorola flagship. I have loved clicking pictures from the Motorola Signature. The primary shooter takes eye-pleasing pictures in daylight, with close-to-natural colours, decent dynamic range, and reliable exposure. The camera by default takes images in the Natural colour style, but Motorola also gives the option of switching to the Signature colour style, which, to be completely honest, can be a hit or a miss. Now lets talk about portraits. Motorola has also done a great job with the portrait lens, with support for 24mm, 35mm, 50mm, and 85mm focal lengths. In my experience, the phone delivers accurate edge detection and natural skin tones while avoiding artificial blur. I also loved the expansive telephoto zoom capabilities that Motorola has brought to this phone. You can easily capture some good-looking shots at even as high as 60x or 70x zoom. Now, obviously, Motorola is taking advantage of AI to improve detail and sharpness in images, but frankly, I really like the implementation Motorola has gone with. Even the selfies on the Motorola Signature didnt leave much to be desired, with the phone delivering natural skin tones and good detail without the aggressive smoothening you often see with Chinese smartphone makers. What Motorola still needs to work on is the low-light performance of the phone. While on most occasions the phone captures usable images, there are occasions when it really struggles, especially with artificial lights turned on, where details tend to soften and noise inevitably creeps in. You can check out the detailed camera samples below: View full Image Motorola Signature telephoto zoom picture View full Image Night time camera sample View full Image Zoomed in shot from Motorola signature View full Image Motorola Signature struggling with a low light image View full Image Motorola Signature low light image View full Image Motorola Signature low light shot View full Image Motorola Signature zoomed in shot View full Image Low light shot from Motorola Signature View full Image Zoomed in camera sample View full Image Zoomed in camera sample View full Image Image shot under artificial lighting Performance Ill be honest, I didnt believe Motorola when they said that the AnTuTu scores of the Motorola Signature even beat those of Snapdragon 8 Elite-powered phones (last years flagship chipset). As it turns out, the Motorola Signature garnered an AnTuTu score of 30,40,438, which is comfortably above the scores of Snapdragon 8 Elite-powered devices I tested last year, like the OnePlus 13 (Review) or iQOO 13 (Review). Here are the Geekbench and 3DMark results of the Motorola Signature: 3DMark Extreme Stress Test: Best loop score 5527, lowest loop score 3807, stability 68.9% Geekbench 6 CPU: Single-core score 2932; multi-core score 9526 In terms of real-time performance, Im not a big-time gamer, but during my short gaming sessions of BGMI and Call of Duty Mobile, the phone did get a little warm. That said, it cooled down easily once I switched back to normal usage. I must commend Motorola for managing the thermals well on this phone, especially considering its slim 6.99mm profile. Battery and software Hello UI on Motorola is close to stock Android, with only a few third-party apps like Instagram and Facebook. I did see a few game suggestions when I first started using the Motorola Signature, but that seemed to have gone away with software updates. In an interaction with Mint, Motorolas Shivam Ranjan, Head of Marketing Asia Pacific, said: Our commitment when it comes to OS and security patches has been upgraded, and an absolutely clean software experience is a given Ranjan also added that the brand is working on the timeliness of software updates and Signature series will be getting the priority in terms of latest software updates. In terms of battery life, like I said in my first impressions, the standby time of the Motorola Signature is excellent. It easily lasted me over four days inside my backpack without being connected to the internet. In terms of day-to-day usage, I got a screen-on time of around six hours on a usual day of taking some pictures, watching a few YouTube videos, and listening to songs. Let me put it this way: if you are a power user, you may need to charge the phone more than once a day. For moderate users, a charge at night should last you half the next day. The good thing, though, is that Motorola has paired the phone with a 90W charger, which is sneakily small and will easily fit inside your backpack, charging the device fully in around 30 to 40 minutes. Verdict At a starting price of 59,999, the Motorola Signature has a lot going for it, including a slim and classy design, a powerful processor (albeit a step below the most advanced options out there), decent cameras, a good-quality LTPO AMOLED panel, and a clean software experience backed by long-term support. Wojciech Moczydowski, Tomasz Gebarowski Feb 5 2026 Battle-testing Lynx at Allegro How do you ship consistent, high-performance mobile UIs across iOS, Android, and Web - without slowing your teams down? For us at Allegro, this question quickly became a daily reality, forcing constant trade-offs between performance and iteration speed, native quality and cross-platform reach, flexibility and long-term maintainability. Along the way, it led us from our own internal solutions to an unexpected open-source challenger and to rethinking how we build mobile interfaces at scale. More than six years ago we built MBox, our in-house Server-Driven UI solution. It has served us well, enabling rapid experimentation and flexible UI updates without having to ship a new app version every time. But over time we started asking ourselves an important question: whats next? As the ecosystem evolved, so did the expectations. We began exploring alternatives to our internal technology stack, looking for solutions that could offer the best of both worlds: the speed and flexibility of server-driven UI, combined with truly native performance and a modern developer experience. That search led us to Lynx - a recently released, open-source cross-platform framework designed around native rendering. According to its authors, Lynx delivers better performance, reduced latency, and an improved user experience by avoiding the common bottlenecks of purely web-based rendering approaches. Even more interestingly, it enables rendering the same content across three platforms (iOS, Android, and Web) using a single React codebase. On paper, it looked too good to ignore. What really caught our attention was how closely Lynx aligned with what we had already been building internally for years and how boldly it promised to go beyond. Out of the box, Lynx already provides many of the capabilities we consider critical, including: Native rendering, Cross-platform development, Server-driven UI support, Deep integration with the React ecosystem. In other words, it didnt feel like just another framework worth benchmarking. It looked like a potential accelerator for our long-term direction. Lynx supports server-driven UI, can be integrated with our content management system Opbox, and could potentially operate similarly to MBox but with a significantly broader feature set: full JavaScript support, animations, advanced CSS, complex layouts, and more. And the best part? It delivered most of the functionality we needed straight out of the box, with virtually no initial investment. So we did what we always do when we find a promising technology: we battle-tested it. Allegro background # The Allegro mobile app is developed natively on both iOS and Android, and its UI is built as a hybrid of fully native screens, screens rendered via MBox and WebView. MBox has been particularly effective for content-oriented screens, views that require fast iteration, easy updates, and primarily focus on presenting information rather than handling complex client-side logic. This approach allowed teams to move faster and gave product owners the ability to adjust screens without waiting for a full mobile release cycle. Over time, however, product expectations shifted. Many screens that used to be content-only started requiring richer interactions, dynamic state handling, and more advanced UI behavior. This naturally pushed MBox into areas it wasnt originally optimized for, increasing both implementation complexity and maintenance cost. One limitation became increasingly difficult to ignore: the absence of client-side JavaScript support. Without a scripting layer, implementing even moderate interactivity often required custom solutions, additional platform work, or growing the MBox component surface area, which made the system harder to evolve. At the same time, engineers working on MBox-driven UI increasingly expected a more modern development experience. Many frontend engineers naturally gravitate towards a React-based workflow, not only because its widely adopted, but also because it comes with mature patterns, tooling, and a large ecosystem. Another recurring question was cross-platform reuse: if many of these content screens are conceptually similar to web views, why cant we share more with the web stack? And if we do, can we avoid the classic compromise of embedding a WebView, with its drawbacks in performance, UX consistency, and long-term maintainability? We wanted to battle-test Lynx technology by reimplementing one of Allegros mobile screens and setting up A/B testing to compare the Lynx-based solution against our current WebView implementation. Delivery Methods screen The image above shows the reimplemented screen. We chose a screen that wasnt overly complex but still included specific requirements we wanted to test Lynx against. To ensure compatibility with the Allegro mobile app, we had to meet several additional requirements: Full analytics support, Theming (light and dark mode), Reuse of the current design system, Accessibility support, Font and element scaling, Support for custom native elements, Communication with the mobile host application, Translations. Once the project requirements were finalized, we moved into the implementation phase. The key objective was to ensure that this new rendering approach remained consistent with Allegros current architectural standards: a micro-frontend-based architecture. We wanted components to be implemented and built independently, with the resulting code fragments (bundles) fetched dynamically. This approach is supported by Lynx via a feature called Code splitting. Adopting it was a natural choice to maintain architectural consistency across the organization. Using this approach, the project was divided into the following parts: Lynx runtime : The Lynx engine embedded within the native application. : The Lynx engine embedded within the native application. Consumer : (referred to internally as the Root Bundle ). : (referred to internally as the ). Producer: (the Component Bundle). Lynx architecture Root bundle # The Root Bundle (consumer) was the primary component in our architecture. Within the application, it served several purposes: Fetching and rendering component bundles. Communicating with the native application: fetching data and utilizing native modules. Managing the application theme (light and dark). Providing shared modules, such as analytics. These goals stemmed from our desire to prevent Lynx leakage into the business components. We wanted the components to be as unaware of Lynxs underlying presence as possible. Additionally, we aimed to minimize bundle sizes by extracting reusable modules, such as analytics and CSS variables for theming into the Root Bundle. Component bundle # This is the basic building block of any given screen. Specific components contain the business logic; they are subsequently fetched and rendered within the context of the Root Bundle. Native implementation # In addition to the JS layer, the project required native-side implementation. Despite the relatively simple view used in the experiment, we lacked native controls like Switch and Select . Furthermore, we needed to implement custom native modules and expose them to the JS layer. Custom native elements # We used Lynx version 3.4 for this implementation. Most of the tested screen could be built using the standard controls provided by Lynx, such as view, text, and image. However, because Switch and Select were missing, we had to implement them ourselves. Lynx allows the creation of Custom Native Elements, which we integrated using the provided API. Native communication # Communication between the JS code (Lynx) and the native application was handled in two ways: by exposing native data to the JS layer and by providing a native API for the JS layer to call. To avoid leaking Lynx-specific code into business components, only the Root Bundle had direct access to native modules. Data shared by the native layer was accessed in JS using the useInitData hook. This data was previously registered using registerDataProcessors. To pass data from the Root Bundle down to individual components, we used Context, a standard React mechanism fully supported by Lynx. The specific data passed from the native layer to the JS code included: theme : The users preferred color scheme. : The users preferred color scheme. lang : The currently selected language. : The currently selected language. boxes : The list of components to be rendered by the Root Bundle. : The list of components to be rendered by the Root Bundle. analyticsParams: The analytical context defined for the entire page. Communication in the other direction (from JS to native) was facilitated by Native Modules. The modules we exposed from the native layer included: storage : Local storage management. : Local storage management. link : Navigation handling. : Navigation handling. http client : For sending HTTP requests. : For sending HTTP requests. logger : For console logging. : For console logging. analytics endpoint: For dispatching analytical events. Lower-level components containing business logic required access to these native modules. Since we didnt want to expose them directly for the reasons mentioned above, we made them available using the registerModule API. The Root Bundle registered the native modules, which were then accessed within components via the getJSModule function. This solution had one limitation: getJSModule is only accessible on the Background Thread. In our case, this wasnt an issue as the native modules were only needed for background logic. We also considered placing them in a global variable accessible across all bundles as an alternative. Styling was a critical topic. We wanted our styling workflow to be as close to web standards as possible. At the same time, Allegro has a very well-defined design system, and we wanted to reuse as much of our existing CSS class infrastructure as possible within Lynx. The Lynx approach to styling offered several advantages, but also presented some challenges: Pros CSS Class Reusability : Most CSS classes developed for our web platform can be reused in Lynx, promoting consistency across platforms. : Most CSS classes developed for our web platform can be reused in Lynx, promoting consistency across platforms. Shared CSS Variables : Variables used for theming (e.g., colors) can be shared across bundles, creating a single source of truth for the theme. : Variables used for theming (e.g., colors) can be shared across bundles, creating a single source of truth for the theme. DOM-like Operations : While Lynxs DOM operations are more limited than web standards, they still allow for retrieving element dimensions (width/height) and performing basic manipulations. : While Lynxs DOM operations are more limited than web standards, they still allow for retrieving element dimensions (width/height) and performing basic manipulations. Native Animation Support : Lynx provides a dedicated, high-performance API for handling animations. : Lynx provides a dedicated, high-performance API for handling animations. Layout Standards: It supports common patterns like Flexbox, Grid, and relative positioning. Cons Limited CSS Variable Nesting : Support for CSS variables is currently restricted to single-nested variables. : Support for CSS variables is currently restricted to single-nested variables. Property Discrepancies : Some standard CSS properties are missing and others have different values. : Some standard CSS properties are missing and others have different values. No Class Sharing Between Bundles : Lynx does not currently support sharing CSS classes between the Root Bundle and component bundles. This results in duplicated CSS in each bundle, which can lead to bundle bloat. We are currently investigating workarounds for this issue. : Lynx does not currently support sharing CSS classes between the Root Bundle and component bundles. This results in duplicated CSS in each bundle, which can lead to bundle bloat. We are currently investigating workarounds for this issue. Different Inlining Logic : Making elements display inline is handled differently: Web : Use display: inline . Lynx : Wrap elements within a element. : Making elements display inline is handled differently: The Allegro native app supports two color themes: light and dark. We implemented this using the recommended Lynx approach: Theming. Given our architecture, we wanted the component bundles to remain theme-agnostic. Consequently, all theme management logic resides in the Root Bundle. Information about the current theme is retrieved using: const { theme } = useInitData (); Then, based on the theme value, we inject a CSS class containing the corresponding theme variables: export const Theme = ({ children , theme = ' light ' , }: { children : ReactNode ; theme ?: ThemeType ; }): ReactElement => { const isDarkMode = theme === ' dark ' ; const themes = [ common , theme === ' dark ' ? dark : light ]. join ( ' ' ); return ( < Root className = { themes } > { children } ); }; Both the native and web platforms at Allegro have established approaches to analytics. For this project, we needed to implement: pageView , , boxView , , custom events triggered by user interactions. The pageView event is sent when a user enters a page. Each component (component bundle) then sends the boxView event once it becomes visible. Finally, interaction events are triggered by user actions. Our first step was to expose a native module for sending these analytical requests. The pageView event was defined and dispatched from the Root Bundle. This was the logical place for it, as there is exactly one Root Bundle per screen. We used the useEffect hook, which Lynx supports. The next event was boxView . Since this needs to fire when a user views a specific box, it was defined at the individual component level. Lynx provides binduiappear and binduidisappear callbacks, which we used to implement the boxView logic. This allowed us to accurately track which boxes were actually seen by the user. Custom events were managed at the Root Bundle level because it had access to the analytical context provided by the native app. These were then passed to the component bundles via the registerModule and getJSModule APIs. Lynx employs an attribute-based accessibility model similar to web standards. Our implementation confirmed that core functionalities such as nesting, tagging, and disabling accessibility elements are robust and reliable. This allowed us to successfully implement most of the accessibility patterns we required. However, we did encounter several limitations and required workarounds that could prove problematic in the future. We faced several challenges with Lynx accessibility: Outdated Documentation : The official documentation is sometimes inaccurate, as many properties have changed or been removed. We often had to analyze the source code directly to find the correct usage. : The official documentation is sometimes inaccurate, as many properties have changed or been removed. We often had to analyze the source code directly to find the correct usage. Android Performance Trade-offs : To make elements readable by TalkBack on Android, the flatten optimization flag must be disabled for each accessible component. This could potentially impact performance on very complex screens. : To make elements readable by TalkBack on Android, the optimization flag must be disabled for each accessible component. This could potentially impact performance on very complex screens. Single Accessibility Trait : The Lynx API only supports a single value for an elements accessibility role (trait). Assigning multiple states (e.g., accessibility-traits="button,selected" ) requires custom type overrides and extra effort. : The Lynx API only supports a single value for an elements accessibility role (trait). Assigning multiple states (e.g., ) requires custom type overrides and extra effort. iOS Select Element Issues: A limitation in the implementation prevents native iOS select elements from being fully grouped for VoiceOver. This causes VoiceOver to announce them as a series of disconnected items rather than a single interactive control. Font scaling # Font scaling is a vital accessibility feature. In Lynx, this is toggled by adding the enable-font-scaling property to a text element. However, we noticed platform-specific scaling bugs: Android : There is a bug with nested text elements where the property should only be present on the root text element. Applying it to nested text elements results in double scaling. : There is a bug with nested text elements where the property should only be present on the root text element. Applying it to nested text elements results in double scaling. iOS: Conversely, iOS requires the property to be present on all text elements, regardless of nesting, to scale correctly. We created an abstraction to handle these differences, but it remains a manual task for developers to disable scaling (since its enabled by default) on nested elements for Android, which increases the risk of visual bugs. As a final result, we successfully implemented the screen in Lynx, embedded it into the native application, and launched our A/B tests. We compared a traditional WebView-based implementation with a Lynx-powered view, measuring both business and technical metrics. From a business perspective, Lynx showed a slight improvement in key KPIs, confirming its potential to positively impact user experience. Seeing the same code render natively on both platforms was also a good validation of the frameworks core promise. On the technical side, core stability metrics such as CFU remained at an acceptable level. However, during the battle-testing phase, we observed JavaScript engine crashes, some of which started occurring in production environments and required immediate hotfixes. While the transition was technically successful, these incidents exposed strategic and operational risks that are difficult to ignore at our scale. To sum up, while Lynx shows significant potential in the mobile cross-platform framework market, we have decided not to move forward with it at Allegro for now. Here is a deeper look into the risks and limitations that led to this decision: The Web Rendering & SEO Gap # One of the primary drivers for exploring Lynx was the potential for Write Once, Run Everywhere sharing code across iOS, Android, and Web. However, for an e-commerce platform like Allegro, the Web is not just an app runtime; it is our primary acquisition channel. We discovered that Lynx currently lacks support for Server-Side Rendering (SSR). For internal tools, this might be acceptable, but for our public-facing product pages, SSR is critical for SEO and First Contentful Paint metrics. Without it, we cannot render Lynx content to the web in a way that search engines can efficiently index, effectively nullifying the web part of the cross-platform promise for our use case. Friction with Modern Native Stacks # Mobile development is rapidly shifting toward declarative UI frameworks like SwiftUI and Jetpack Compose. Our internal teams are aggressively adopting these modern standards. Lynx, however, relies on a more traditional stack under the hood: Objective-C, UIKit, and Android Views. During our implementation, we found that integrating custom components (like our Switch and Select) with modern SwiftUI or Compose layouts was harder than anticipated. Additionally, the build system required older versions of Gradle, introducing friction into our CI/CD pipelines and conflicting with our efforts to modernize our codebase. Maintenance & Competency Risks # Adopting a core technology implies being able to fix it when it breaks. A significant portion of Lynxs core engine is written in C++. While this ensures performance, it sits outside the primary competencies of our mobile engineers (who specialize in Swift, Kotlin, and TypeScript). Contributing fixes or debugging deep runtime errors would be difficult for our team. Furthermore, the open-source community around Lynx is currently limited, with the majority of contributions coming from the original authors. This creates a vendor lock-in risk where we might be unable to resolve critical engine bugs independently. Google Trends data for Lynx over the last 12 months shows a significant decline in community interest. Finally, while the core features are solid, the last mile of development revealed rough edges typical of younger frameworks. Accessibility vs. Performance Trade-offs: Beyond the font scaling bugs, we faced a critical conflict on Android. To make components readable by TalkBack, we were forced to disable the flatten rendering optimization for those views. This presented an unacceptable choice: degrade performance to gain accessibility, or sacrifice inclusivity for speed. While Lynx mimics web standards, it deviates in subtle, frustrating ways. Basic tasks required non-standard approaches, such as physically restructuring the DOM to achieve inline styling (where display: inline is replaced by wrapping elements in tags) or dealing with limited nesting for CSS variables. These discrepancies break the web developer mental model and complicate code sharing. Documentation Gaps: We frequently found the official documentation to be outdated or inconsistent with the current API. Our team often had to analyze the C++ source code directly to understand property behaviors or uncover hidden limitations, a workflow that slows down onboarding and increases maintenance overhead. Missing UI Primitives: Despite being a UI framework, Lynx lacked standard native controls like Switch or Select out of the box. We had to implement these as Custom Native Elements ourselves. The Verdict # Lynx is a powerful technology with a unique value proposition, particularly for super-apps or environments where SEO is not a constraint. However, the combination of SEO limitations, a legacy-reliant native stack, and the high barrier to entry for core contributions makes it a risky choice for Allegro at this moment. Consequently, Lynx remains on hold on our Allegro Tech Radar. We will continue to watch its evolution, particularly regarding SSR support and interoperability with SwiftUI and Compose and may revisit it as the ecosystem matures. China's issuance of national standards up 56 pct in 2025 Xinhua) 16:26, February 05, 2026 BEIJING, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- China issued 4,929 national standards in 2025, a 56 percent increase year on year, an official told a press conference on Thursday. The number of new business registrations in China reached nearly 25.75 million in 2025, according to Deng Zhiyong, deputy head of the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) and head of the National Standardization Administration. He also noted that the overall safety situation in the market supervision sector remains stable. The SAMR received a total of 26.46 million consumer complaints and reports in 2025, helping consumers recover 4.35 billion yuan (about 625.27 million U.S. dollars) in economic losses. In 2025, some 8.24 million consumer goods were recalled, and 3,683 tonnes of infringing, counterfeit and substandard products were destroyed. In recent years, continuous efforts have been made to strengthen supervision of food, pharmaceuticals, industrial products and special equipment, with a focus on preventing and mitigating risks, Deng said. Last year, the national drug sampling qualification rate remained above 99 percent. In national supervision and spot checks on industrial product quality, the unqualified rate for 16 product categories declined by over 10 percentage points, Deng added. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) In January, I read two books by Simon Winchester, - The Professor and the Madman(1998, the Madman book), A Tale of Murder, Insanity, and the Making of the Oxford English Dictionary, and - The Man Who Loved China(2008, the China book), The Fantastic Story of the Eccentric Scientist Who Unlocked the Mysteries of the Middle Kingdom. The Madman book tells a series of stories, evolving around the life of William Minor, the retired, gifted, and satyric U.S. army surgeon who today could've been classified extreme PTSD after witnessing frontline bloodbaths and partaking in extraordinary cruelty in the American Civil War. The book opened with the fatal drama where, out of the paranoia of being hunted down ever since he branded an Irish soldier for deserting in the war, Minor shot and killed George Merrett, a stoker at the Red Lion Brewery on his way to an early morning shift in Lambeth, London. The Victorian justice system, however, found him not guilty but locked him up in the Asylum for the Criminally Insane, Broadmoor (1872). Unbeknown to Dr. Minor, the universe had long been moving to craft the next part of his legacy and it was in his bedlam sanctuary that he first saw a slip calling for volunteers for the monumental Oxford English Dictionary. There sprang his limerence with the project as he devoted the next decades to seeking and supplying quotes for the lexicographers in Oxford and in time became one of its key contributors. Dr. James Murray, the editor, paid the first visit (1891) to Minor after years of collaboration, where he mistook the asylum warden for the man: "...for you must be, kind sir, my most assiduous helpmeet, Dr. W. C. Minor." Both Murray and Minor died (1915, 1920 respectively) before the 70-year labor produced the first edition of the OED on New Years Eve, 1927. The rest of the book supplies the background for the main story: Minor's childhood in Ceylon, James Murray, the American Civil War, the Irish Brigade, the Dickensian Lambeth, Broadmoor, English dictionary-making, Shakespeare, Dr. Samuel Johnson, etc., all written with elegance and humor. The China book is about a Cambridge genius, Joseph Needham. An established biochemist and left-wing socialist, he first fell in love with a Chinese scholar, Lu Gwei-djen, who left her hometown Nanjing for London on the brink of the war with Japan, then was smitten with her native language and country, and devoted his life to the making of the 24-vol "Science and Civilization in China." During his visit as an attache to the British embassy in Chongqing, he supplied war-time scientific research in Chinese universities, befriended Communist leaders(backed the winning horse, per Winchester), including Zhou Enlai, and led eleven expeditions venturing to places including Dunhuang and Fuzhou to gather information on Chinese inventions on which his magnum opus was based. Maybe "the booby nation" (Emerson) was not even worth refuting, but many of Needham's findings refreshed my memory and reminded me of the greatness of the civilization I came from: the abacus, the compass, the 256-BC Dujiangyan, the world's first open-spandrel segmental arch bridge (610AD), etc. Appendix I quotes Needham and lists eleven pages of Chinese firsts. It took a pair of foreign eyes to appreciate the wonders which I was taught once and had since forgotten. Post WW2, Needham was the guy that put the 'S' for science in the name of the new organization, UNESCO. His subsequent fall from grace started when he accepted the task to investigate the alleged U.S. bio-weapon attacks in northeast China during the Korean War. He was aware of the data-for-amnesty deal between the Americans and the Japanese unit 731 in the last war. He trusted his Chinese colleagues' scientific integrity and found the Americans guilty. In truth, the Mao government had ruthlessly exploited the naivete of their "old friend" in realpolitik and he was utterly discredited in the West. It was "Science and Civilization in China," to which he devoted the rest of his life, that revenged him and exalted him to new heights. Given the long Chinese history of inventions, Needham asked "why not develop?" as modern science broke out in the west and for the past century China had been struggling to defend herself against industrialized nations. He never fully worked out the answer. One reviewer of the China book said "Winchester could probably write circles around most writers on the planet." I myself certainly found it engaging. Reading this book, I learned about the author Robert van Gulik, whose Chinese detective stories are still available from the library! I learned about Rewi Alley and his "Gung Ho" movement, mobile factories in the hinterland for the Chinese war effort, the MoGao Grottoes and the Diamond sutra (printing before the West), etc. I learned interesting words such as cwm and trencherman which, used to describe Needham, an intellectual giant and over six feet tall, gave me a good laugh. UPDATE: Local authorities are now trying to find another man after he led them on a multi-county pursuit while they were trying to locate and arrest a stabbing suspect in Cleveland earlier this week. It all started in Athens on Thursday, January 22, where police say a man named David Rodriguez Cruz stabbed a person and fled the scene. Man wanted for attempted murder in Athens stabbing considered dangerous Officers say his victim, whose identity has not been released yet, was hospitalized after the incident. He had been deemed "armed and dangerous" and was last seen driving a silver 2005 Toyota Highlander, with North Carolina plates LBK-9152. Fast forward to Wednesday, February 4, Cleveland Police Department officers say they saw a man now identified as 41-year-old Larry Thomas Burns speaking with an "associate of Cruz" near the Kinser Road area off Hwy 64. They made contact with him, asking for his identification, but he reportedly put the car in reverse and "aggressively accelerated" toward the officers, forcing them to get out of his way. He continued eastbound on Hwy 64 before reaching Polk County. Tennessee Highway Patrol troopers and deputies with the Polk County Sheriff's Office were unable to catch up with him. They eventually found his car abandoned near the 2400 block of Parksville Road in Benton. He, as well as anybody else that could've been the car, had apparently fled on foot. Now, Cleveland police say they know the driver is Burns. He's currently wanted on multiple felony warrants stemming from the cross-county chase, including three counts of aggravated assault on law enforcement and felony evading. Burns is also wanted on separate felony warrants out of Bradley County for theft over $2,500. His whereabouts, as well as Cruz's, are currently unknown. Anyone with information regarding either of the men are urged to call 911 immediately, and not approach them. Again, the direct connection between Cruz and Burns has not been verified, but their manhunts stem from the same investigation. The story below was updated after Local 3 received clarification from the Cleveland Police Department about the pursuit. PREVIOUS STORY: The "armed and dangerous" man wanted for an attempted murder in Athens is still at large after a multi-agency pursuit of his "associate" on Wednesday, February 4. The chase started after a sighting of 32-year-old David Rodriguez Cruz's "known associate." The windows were tinted, so police didn't know how many people were in the car, nor if Cruz was in the car. Cleveland spokeswoman Evie West tells us officers tried to make contact with this "associate" in the Kinser area, but he placed his car in reverse and "aggressively accelerated toward the officers, forcing them to move out of the vehicle's path." Multiple agencies pursued him onto State Hwy 314, including the Polk County Sheriff's Office, Tennessee Highway Patrol, 10th Judicial Drug Task Force, Bradley County Sheriff's Office, and Cleveland Police Department. Deputies say the driver eventually abandoned his car and fled on foot in the City of Benton near Parksville Road off US Hwy 411 before officers could catch up. Multiple K9s and drones were deployed to the area to search for the suspect, but no one could be found. Cruz and associates are no longer believed to be in Benton, but the Polk County Sheriff's Office requests the public stay vigilant. The US Marshals Service and the Tennessee Dangerous Drug Task Force are working to find Cruz. If you see the suspect, you can call your local law enforcement agency or 911. The victim in the January stabbing is recovering from their injuries. PREVIOUS STORY: Local law enforcement agencies continue looking for an "armed and dangerous" man wanted for attempted murder and an assault on an officer two weeks ago. We first learned about the search on Thursday, January 22, a day after the stabbing happened in McMinn County. The City of Athens said their suspect, 32-year-old David Rodriguez Cruz, had fled the immediate area, but urged the community to remain vigilant. He was thought to be driving a 2005 Toyota Highlander with North Carolina tag LBK-9152. Then, this week, the Polk County Sheriff's Office said he was spotted in the Benton area, and that he was wanted on "murder charges." However, Athens officials say that is incorrect, as the victim survived. Cleveland spokeswoman Evie West told us multiple police agencies were active in the area, and that the public should call 911 if they see anything "suspicious or out of the ordinary." We're still working to learn more. PREVIOUS STORY: Law enforcement in Polk County, Tennessee, are searching for an armed and dangerous suspect in the Benton area, according to the Polk County Sheriffs Office. Authorities say David Rodriguez Cruz is wanted in connection with an assault on a law enforcement officer and on murder charges. The sheriffs office is urging residents in the Parksville and Highway 314 area to stay indoors and secure their property. Deputies also ask residents to remain vigilant and to call 911 immediately if they see anyone matching the suspects description. Local 3 previously reported that Cruz was wanted for attempted first-degree murder after a stabbing at a neighborhood community in Athens last month. News / National by Staff reporter THE Institute of Chartered Accountants of Zimbabwe (ICAZ) is in advanced discussions with United Kingdombased professional bodies to finalise a new mutual recognition agreement, a development set to significantly expand international opportunities for Zimbabwean accountants.The agreement, which is expected to be signed by April, will enable locally trained chartered accountants to access global markets more easily, boosting the international portability and recognition of Zimbabwean qualifications.ICAZ president Emmanuel Mudefi said the initiative forms part of the institute's broader strategy to enhance professional mobility, strengthen the competitiveness of the local accounting profession, and meet growing demand for globally recognised credentials."We are engaging one of the parties in the UK, who we believe is a strategic partner, so that we can conclude another mutual recognition agreement before the end of this presidential term," Mudefi told NewsDay Business.He said negotiations with several international partners were now at an advanced stage."The draft agreement has been reviewed, and all that's left is for the parties to complete the relevant legal formalities before appending their signatures," Mudefi said.Beyond international recognition, ICAZ is also addressing concerns raised by its members regarding operational and professional challenges, with solutions expected to be announced before the end of February."We have identified some of the challenges that are affecting them, and we are already responding to those challenges so that we safeguard the key priority of integrity and public trust," he said.Mudefi added that once the planned interventions are unveiled, they are expected to significantly improve member support and professional efficiency."What we believe is that once we announce some of those solutions to our members, it will go a long way in providing support so that their work is very efficient and effective," he said.At the same time, ICAZ is implementing a digital transformation programme aimed at modernising service delivery and improving efficiency across its operations."ICAZ has acquired or developed several systems that are meant to respond to the digital needs of our students, members, employees and other key stakeholders," Mudefi said.The planned UK agreement is expected to further cement ICAZ's standing as a globally connected professional body and enhance the global mobility of Zimbabwean accountants. Longford County Council is inviting residents and businesses to attend a public information drop-in event on Wednesday, 11 February, from 4pm to 7pm at Ballymahon Library to contribute to the development of the Ballymahon Town Centre First Plan. The plan forms part of the national Town Centre First policy, which aims to create town centres that function as viable, vibrant and attractive locations for people to live, work and visit, whilst serving as the service, social, cultural and recreational hub for the local community. PICTURES | Many Longford volunteers are recognised at awards night Working alongside the local Town Team and wider community, Longford County Council is developing a plan to support Ballymahon's growth as a welcoming economic, education and cultural heartchampioning local enterprise, creative spirit, and strong community identity through high-quality spaces where everyone feels they belong. The drop-in event offers an informal opportunity for people to view initial proposals, ask questions, and share their ideas for the town's future. Cathaoirleach of Longford County Council, Cllr Garry Murtagh said, "Ballymahon's future belongs to the people who call it home. This is your chance to influence how the town centre developsto ensure it reflects what matters most to you and your families. We want to hear your aspirations, your concerns, and your ideas for making Ballymahon an even better place to live and work." Read more: A proud and emotional night: Longford Variety Group presents donations to local causes Chief Executive of Longford County Council, Paddy Mahon said, "The Town Centre First approach recognises that sustainable, thriving communities are built from the ground up. Ballymahon has tremendous potential, and this plan will provide the framework to realise that potential. We're committed to creating spaces that foster connection, support local business, and strengthen the fabric of community life. Your input at this stage is vital." The event is open to all. No appointment is necessary. May will mark 40 years since the official opening of what is now known as Ireland West Airport. The milestone anniversary for the airport that was opened as Connacht Regional Airport will allow the opportunity for those involved over the four decades, along with the people of Mayo in general, to reflect on the achievement of its founding and its development into becoming the countrys fastest-growing airport. Read more: Sustainability and biodiversity workshop in Longford's EDI Centre The airports managing director, Joe Gilmore, says the story of its founding, driven by Monsignor James Horan, captures peoples imagination. I think that as the years pass, the story of where the airport came from and how it came about becomes even more iconic and more remarkable. That effectively a parish priest and some local people could achieve the building of an international airport in a location that was termed a foggy, boggy hill by a Government minister at the time. We have been fortunate over the last 10 to 15 years that I have been there to just be the flag-bearers for those people, who were remarkable and deserve great credit for what they have done. The Claremorris native has been part of the story of the airport since 2009, having arrived in the middle of the financial crisis, when the airport was struggling for survival, for viability. The intervening years have seen lows such as the 2010 ash cloud crisis and the pandemic, and highs which include the visit of Pope Francis in 2018 and US President Joe Biden in 2023. Benefits clear to see For Gilmore, the drive, ambition, commitment and achievements of those that came before him have brought benefits across the region that are clear to see. Those benefits include the employment of more than 200 people directly at the airport, 50 to 60 people working for third-party providers such as car rental companies and airlines, and an estimated 3,000 jobs in support services. The estimated annual spend by the more than 250,000 people who visited the region through the airport is around 200m. They visited counties like Donegal, and right across Leitrim and Longford in their thousands and many of those would not come to those more western and remote counties unless there was an airport in reasonable proximity to them, he said. Our survey shows that one in three of the 250,000 that came through the airport last year would not have travelled unless there was an airport for them to fly directly into. Read more: Longford children being left on long waiting list for essential health services Government support vital The opening of the airport in 1986 came about after a massive fundraising campaign, which raised around IR4m after government support was cut. But the success and growth of the airport in recent years have been greatly helped by the support of successive governments, Gilmore says. Thankfully, over the last 10 to 15 years in particular, the key development has been really that governments recognise the value that the airport can bring to the region, and is bringing to the region, and that we are recognised as one of the four main airports along with Dublin, Cork and Shannon. We are part of the National Planning Framework and National Development Plan and that guarantees investment funding to us under the Regional Airports Programme. That programme over the last 15 years, at least, has given us a certainty of funding for our critical capital projects to maintain the airport and try and develop it. We have to acknowledge that from the government, because without that, we would struggle to be there. Because we are not at the scale of the larger airports that have enough business and cash flows and make enough profit to be able to help fund the significant cost there is to run an airport. Examples of the type of capital works required to develop the airport recently and to make it more pleasant for passengers are the construction of a covered walkway at the terminal, part of around 8m capital works carried out last year. This year will see around 6m spent on a range of works, including an electrical upgrade and air traffic control upgrades. Between 2026 and 2030, the airport is expected to spend up to 35m on capital works, with the biggest element of that being the expansion and reconfiguration of aircraft stands to accommodate new, larger modern aircraft. Charity programme As well as the indirect benefits from the airport, there is also a direct and targeted benefits through the airports charity programme, which last year saw 54,000 presented to six nominated charities selected by airport employees: Connacht SBHI Branch (Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus), Dillon Quirke Foundation, Mayo Roscommon Hospice, Order of Malta (Knock Branch), The National Breast Cancer Research Institute, and Western Alzheimers, with each receiving a cheque worth 9,000. A highlight of the charity programme is the runway fun-run, which takes place every September. We are very proud of it, Gilmore says. We get the greatest support from our staff and the general public, who contribute. To celebrate our 40th, we are trying to make that charity programme bigger and better. Read more: 202 year old Longford pub remains on the market following auction 40th anniversary There is a planned series of events throughout the year to mark the 40th anniversary of the official opening, including the launch of a new logo, which will culminate on May 28 with a gala charity event at the airport. That will include participation from people involved with the airports development through the decades. There will be a revisit down memory lane with various people who were involved with the airport many years ago to map out the journey all the way to the present. Tremendous support of Longford The airport lies just over an hour from Longford town and Gilmore acknowledges the tremendous support the airport gets from the people of Longford. We are always happy to take any feedback we can from them. The data the airport collects shows that more than 10,000 outbound passengers from the Longford region used the airport last year. The most popular destinations used by Longford residents flying out of Ireland West Airport in 2025 were London, Liverpool, Faro and Malaga. Wild Atlantic Way In recent years, the Wild Atlantic Way has emerged as an important driver in bringing increased tourism to counties like Donegal. Ireland West Airport lies less than an hour from access to the 2,600 km tourist route that runs from Kinsale in Cork to Malin Head, and the airport cooperates with tourism agencies and local authorities along the route. We have a regional partnership with each of the local authorities that are invested in the airport and each year we do overseas promotion with them and we include Tourism Ireland in that. Last year in May and June, up to 60 tourism-related businesses and executives from the local tourism offices did a three-day road show in Cologne and Milan where we have the direct routes from and we got 150 tour operators from Germany and Italy to attend. Increase in passenger numbers The growing draw of the airport is reflected in increasing passenger numbers. A 13.5% increase in passenger numbers in 2025 saw a continuation of the growth of recent years at the airport, which now serves 21 international destinations. The year was its busiest year on record with passenger numbers reaching over 946,000, up from the previous record of 834,000 in 2024. This year will see an ongoing focus on increasing capacity on routes such as Faro, Malaga, Milan and Liverpool, as well as the search for new routes. In terms of growing numbers and volume, from an airport point of view, while we would like to be able to get new destinations, we know that the existing services work. UK market key Access to and from the UK is key to the airport, Gilmore says. Ireland West Airport has nine UK destinations - Heathrow, Stanstead, Luton, Bristol, Edinburgh, Birmingham, Nottingham, Manchester and Liverpool - and the 732,501 passengers who used those services last year was an increase of 10% compared to 2024 and a new record for UK traffic to and from the airport. That makes up 75% to 80% of our overall traffic. It is quite a comprehensive coverage destination-wise for an airport of our size to the UK. And the three flights to London airports reflect the importance of the city to the airport. We have had something like 16 million passengers through the airport since it opened and of those, about 8 million are the London market. It has been a very important market for us. Hinterland The airports location is proving a big draw for passengers from south Donegal, to Galway and beyond.The increasing passenger numbers and the growing success of the airport is linked to the size of the airports hinterland, Gilmore believes. We have a broad geographic hinterland. We have 1.2million people living within about 90 minutes of the airport. While we are a rural airport, obviously, we have a large hinterland including large towns such as Galway and Sligo. PICTURES | Longford Association in London celebrates 70th anniversary in memorable style Convenience And it is the convenience and ease of use of the airport that is appealing to its growing hinterland. The surveys we have done for passengers - for over 90% it is the convenience and ease of access of the airport. We have over 3,000 carpark spaces and they are all within a five-minute walk of the terminal. So you are not dealing with the challenges that you are at a much larger airport. More and more people, I think, want to use regional airports for their convenience. One hundred years - on January 27, 1926 - eleven IRA men disembarked from the Glasgow ferry at Dublins North Wall. Two days earlier, the men were released from Peterhead Jail in north-east Scotland following negotiations between the British and Irish Free State governments. The circumstances of their incarceration can be traced back to events four years earlier following the signing of the Anglo-Irish Treaty. After the Treaty was signed in December 1921, the IRA were breaking up into pro-Treaty and anti-Treaty factions in early 1922 and Michael Collins was anxious to prevent division within the IRA and enable both sides to unite. Read more: Desperately sad - Longford Travellers facing substandard life amid lack of services To do this, Collins approved a secret campaign of violence against the newly established six-county state of Northern Ireland using the IRA to destabilise the northern state but also bringing both pro Treaty and anti-Treaty Pro IRA factions to unite around a cause thus preventing a split in the republican ranks. The establishment of an IRA Ulster Northern Command under the leadership of Frank Aiken, with Longfords Sean MacEoin as his deputy, resulted in the initiation of a border campaign from January to June 1922 against crown forces by both factions. Among the more serious operations was a co-ordinated kidnap raid of prominent unionists organised by the Northern Command in response to the threatened execution of republican prisoners at Derry Jail. These raids on the night of 7-8 February involved the deployment of IRA units from Longford, Leitrim and Armagh into Fermanagh and Tyrone. While the raids proved successful in the Tyrone area, where the IRA kidnapped twenty-one local unionists, the IRA raiders in Fermanagh were not successful. A speedy deployment of RUC B Special forces resulted in the capture of a group of IRA men including Frank Reilly from Ballinamuck, William Reilly from Longford town and Joe Lee from Killoe. The Longford men were part of a thirteen-man raiding party from the IRAs Midlands Division under the command of Tipperary native Commandant Sean McCurtain, a friend of Sean MacEoin who was directing the border campaign for Collins. While in the midlands, MacCurtain directed operations from Staffords Hotel in Longford which MacEoins used as his base in 1922. MacEoin himself also led a separate raiding party across the border that night and kidnapped prominent Unionist Ivan Carson before escaping across the border into Co. Cavan. At their trial in Enniskillen on March 13, 1922, all the defendants refused to recognise the court, and asserted that their actions were politically motivated. The court heard that the men were travelling in several cars and were found in possession of arms and explosives when stopped by the police. Before sentencing the defendants to ten-year prison terms, Justice Wilson rejected the pleas that their actions were politically motivated adding that a crime was a crime whether it was committed by a politician, a saint or a butter merchant. Read more: Congratulations: Recent births and baptisms throughout Longford After their convictions, the men were brought to Derry jail but were transferred to Peterhead Prison in north-east Scotland in August 1922. By then the Irish civil war was raging in the newly established Irish Free State which saw the deaths of nearly 1,500 people including many prominent leaders from both the pro-Treaty and anti-Treaty sides including Michael Collins, Harry Boland, Arthur Griffith and Liam Mellows. Following the end of the civil war in May 1923, anti-Treaty prisoners were eventually released by the Free State government but IRA men who were jailed in Northern Ireland, including the Peterhead prisoners remained incarcerated. Opened in 1888, Peterhead Prison was Scotlands only convict prison designed for hard labour. Notorious for its harsh conditions, prisoners laboured in a nearby granite quarry and endured overcrowded, freezing cells and minimal sanitation. Each day, the prisoners were brought between the prison and the quarry where they broke stones with seven- and fourteen-pound hammers. Recalling the conditions, Leitrim republican Berney Sweeney stated that no one could appreciate how we were treated there. When our comrades would be taken out for a beating, as happened frequently, we would not recognise them when they would return. From the outset, the issue of the Peterhead prisoners was raised in discussions between the Free State and the Northern Ireland governments. When one of the prisoners Sean McCurtain was elected to the Dail to represent the people of Tipperary in August 1923, the government was urged to have the prisoners released but to no avail. In December 1923, President of the Executive Council W.T. Cosgrove told the Dail that representations had been made on several occasions regarding the release of Mr McCurtain, but so far, I regret to say, they have not met with success. Despite the release of Eamon de Valera as the last anti-Treaty prisoner jailed in the Free State in 1924, the Peterhead men remained in jail in Scotland under the harshest of conditions. Eventually the release of the prisoners came about because of a tripartite agreement on December 3 1925 between the British, Irish and Northern governments following the report of the Boundary Commission. The Report of the Commission, on which nationalist hopes for a readjustment of the Border rested, revealed that little change to the Border would happen which was a major diplomatic defeat for the Free State Government. James Craig, Prime Minister of Northern Ireland conceded to defer any decision on prisoner release to the British who ordered the release of some 33 prisoners, among them the Peterhead men on 25 January 1926. Read more: Its official! Green light for long-awaited Longford town family resource centre During their four years of their imprisonment, as these young men endured a daily regime of hard labour under the harshest of prison conditions, life at home in Ireland returned to normal. While Sean McCurtain received a huge reception on his arrival in Nenagh, no public celebrations marked the return of the Longford men or their comrades in nearby Leitrim. News of their release, their sacrifice and long prison terms scarcely merited any footnote in newspaper coverage in the period. Sadly, two of the Peterhead prisoners, John Kiernan from Newtowngore in Co Leitrim and Dubliner Sean Flood died in the years following their release. Two of the Peterhead men, Ballinamuck's Frank Reilly and Joe Reynolds from Kiltubrid in Co Leitrim emigrated to the USA in search of a new life. One hundred years after their release, perhaps the time has come to remember the forgotten men of the Irish Revolution. Syrian Interior Ministry forces prepare to enter the eastern Syrian city of Qamishli on February 3 after an agreement with the Syrian Democratic Forces. (SANA) Syrian government forces began deploying to cities in northeastern Syria after an agreement between the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the interim government on January 30. Syrian Interior Ministry personnel first entered Al Hasakah on February 2 and moved into Qamishli the next day. Both cities had been under SDF control since 2015. This new deployment took place as US Central Command (CENTCOM) continued conducting airstrikes on the Islamic State in Syria. Clashes between Damascus and the SDF intensified in January 2025 and resulted in the SDF withdrawing from a large portion of eastern Syria that it had controlled due to its participation in the war against the Islamic State. The SDF has been backed by the US-led anti-Islamic State coalition since 2015 and was a key partner force in taking Raqqa and other areas of the Euphrates River Valley from the jihadist group between 2016 and 2019. The SDF also has a civilian component, the Democratic Administration of North and East Syria, that has administered this portion of the country. A January 30 agreement between the government and the SDF created a path to end the fighting and to have the Interior Ministrys security forces deploy to areas the SDF controls. Simultaneously, CENTCOM has continued transferring Islamic State detainees who were previously secured by the SDF from Syria to Iraq. The deployment coincided with what Rudaw understands is the transfer of a new batch of Islamic State (ISIS) prisonerspreviously held by the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in Rojavafrom Syria to Iraq, the Kurdish Rudaw Media Network noted on February 3. The Syrian security forces deployed in Al Hasakah, the capital of Al Hasakah Governorate, which contains many Kurdish towns and cities, and then to Qamishli in quick succession. A Rudaw reporter on the ground in Hasaka said on Monday that 15 convoys, comprising around 100 Damascus-affiliated security forces, had entered the Kurdish city, Rudaw noted. The entrance of the Ministry of Interior forces is seen as a first test of the January agreement, eastern Syrias North Press Agency said. Photos published by Syrian state media showed a line of light armored vehicles and pick-up trucks as part of the convoy sent to Qamishli on February 3. Other photos showed forces entering towns near Kobane in northern Syria, a city that Damascus refers to by its Arabic name, Ain al Arab. The movement of Interior Ministry forces in eastern Syria took place as Syrian President Ahmad al Sharaa hosted US Syria Envoy Tom Barrack on February 4. Sharaa also met with a delegation of Kurds from the Kurdish National Council (KNC) on February 4. The KNC discussed its vision for Kurds in Syria and noted that they must be a key partner in Syrias future and that their rights should be enshrined in the constitution, according to a Rudaw report. The [Syrian] presidency said in a statement on its Telegram channel that President al-Sharaa reaffirmed the states commitment to guaranteeing the rights of Kurdish citizens within the framework of the constitution, the state-run Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) added. As these changes on the ground took place, US forces continued to carry out operations against the Islamic State. On February 4, CENTCOM said in a post on X that it had conducted five strikes against multiple ISIS [Islamic State] targets across Syria, Jan. 27 Feb. 2, as partner forces continue to apply military pressure to ensure the enduring defeat of the terrorist network. The strikes targeted several sites, including weapons storage facilities. Striking these targets demonstrates our continued focus and resolve for preventing an ISIS resurgence in Syria, US Admiral Brad Cooper, the commander of CENTCOM, said. Reporting from Israel, Seth J. Frantzman is an adjunct fellow at FDD and a contributor to FDDs Long War Journal. He is the senior Middle East correspondent and analyst at The Jerusalem Post, and author of The October 7 War: Israel's Battle for Security in Gaza (2024). News / National by Staff reporter Freda Rebecca Gold Mine has launched an aggressive legal offensive against alleged illegal gold baronage, dragging Side Electrical (Private) Limited, trading as Botha Mine, before the Harare High Court for unlawfully operating within its Kitsiyatota mining lease.In an urgent chamber application filed under case number HCH 456/26, Freda Rebecca accuses Botha of illegally encroaching into Mining Lease 21, falsely claiming ownership of a mine that does not exist, and misleading workers and members of the public into participating in unlawful gold extraction for profit.According to court papers, Botha, operating under the guise of Side Electrical (Pvt) Ltd, has been brazenly mining gold without any valid mining title, effectively running a shadow operation inside Freda Rebecca's legally registered mining area. The gold producer alleges that the conduct amounts to deliberate mine baronage driven by deception and greed.Freda Rebecca, together with co-applicant Possum Tendayi Mapuranga, is seeking an interim interdict barring Botha from entering, occupying, mining, or removing any mineral-bearing material from the Kitsiyatota lease. The applicants are also asking the court to authorise the eviction of Botha, along with its mining equipment, from the disputed area.Freda Rebecca managing director Patrick Maseva-Shayawabaya has previously warned that mining without authority is a criminal offence under sections 368(1) and 368(4) of the Mines and Minerals Act, stressing that the company will not tolerate illegal mining activities on its property.The legal action follows a criminal complaint lodged with the police under reference RRB 63892257, after Freda discovered unauthorised mining activities allegedly linked to Botha in several hotspots within its lease area, including Gwiringwindi, Headgear, Morocco, and the GMB zone.Prior to approaching the courts, Freda Rebecca issued a public notice on January 28 and 29, giving illegal operators an opportunity to regularise their activities by producing identification documents, mining maps, GPS coordinates, or lawful agreements. The mine says Botha ignored the warning, leaving it with no option but to escalate the matter.Freda Rebecca argues that the alleged illegal mining has resulted in significant financial prejudice, environmental degradation, and serious safety risks. The company is seeking costs on a legal practitioner-and-client scale, citing what it describes as wilful and calculated defiance of the law by Botha.The High Court is expected to determine the urgent application in the coming days. Summary created by Smart Answers AI In summary: Macworld reports that the FBI was unable to extract data from a Washington Post reporters seized iPhone 13 due to Apples Lockdown Mode feature. Lockdown Mode, introduced in iOS 16, provides extreme privacy protection against targeted spyware by disabling features and requiring device unlock for accessory connections. This incident demonstrates Apples robust security measures can effectively thwart even law enforcement forensic tools, showcasing strong user privacy protections. FBI tech specialists have been unable to gain access to a journalists iPhone because it was in Lockdown Mode, court filings reveal. As part of an investigation into the suspected leaking of classified data by a Pentagon contractor, the FBI last month raided the home of Washington Post reporter Hannah Natanson and confiscated a wide range of devices, including an iPhone 13 and two MacBook Pros. They were able to access one of the MacBooks by pressing Natansons fingertip on the Touch ID sensor (which was permitted under the terms of the search warrant), but they had no such luck with the iPhone. The iPhone was found powered on and charging, and its display noted that the phone was in Lockdown mode, representatives of the FBI report in a filing (via 404 Media) which opposes the return of the devices. Because the iPhone was in Lockdown mode, [the Computer Analysis Response Team] could not extract that device. As 404 observes, the filing was made roughly two weeks after the raid, which implies that FBI specialists were unable to break through Lockdown Mode for that length of time. This gives us a rare glimpse into the features effectiveness. Lockdown Mode is a niche and rarely discussed iPhone security feature, an ultra-high-privacy setting, which was added in the iOS 16 software update back in 2022. Its intended for iPhone owners working in specialised fields, such as journalism and political activism, where they could be targeted by state-sponsored spyware. The mode disables many features and impacts performance, but makes your device much more difficult to target. While its principal aim is to thwart mercenary spyware attacks, Lockdown Mode can also prevent data from being extracted thanks to a change in the way the locked-down device interacts with external accessories: namely, that the iPhone has to be unlocked for an accessory to be connected. As 404 points out, many digital forensics tools used by law enforcement depend on making a physical connection in a way that Lockdown Mode prevents. Its debatable how Apple will feel about making headlines in this way. On the one hand, the situation serves as a reminder that iPhones have excellent security features, and that Apple is so committed to device privacy that it has made enemies in law enforcement. There are echoes of the San Bernardino case in 2015/2016, when Apple refused to write a custom iPhone OS to help the FBI access a mass shooters communications. But on the other hand, Apple approaches the political establishment in a slightly more conciliatory way these days. How would Tim Cook react if the president posted messages to Truth Social complaining about Lockdown Mode and demanding it be removed in future versions of iOS? Its hard to say, but I imagine hed like to avoid that conversation. Ever since Apple and Google jointly announced a partnership to base the Siri voice assistant on Gemini tech, questions have been raised about user privacy. Apple has done its part to offer reassurance by insisting that Gemini-powered Siri will continue to run on-device or on the companys own Private Cloud Compute (PCC) servers, rather than on infrastructure owned by Google. But doubts remain. At its triumphant Q1 earnings call late last month, CEO Tim Cook responded to a question about the Gemini partnership by saying, in part: Well continue to run on the device, and run in PCC, and maintain our industry-leading privacy standards in doing so. In terms of the arrangement with Google, were not releasing the details of that. As 9to5Mac points out, thats worded in such a way that it could mean other Apple Intelligence features will be hosted in the way described, whereas the new version of Siri will be handled in some other way. I dont think he was saying that (the arrangement with Google almost certainly refers to the financial aspect of the question), but its one possible, albeit tenuous, interpretation. Those doubts resurfaced on Wednesday following another earnings call, this time by Google. The companys CEO, Sundar Pichai, mentioned the partnership in his remarks in the following way: Im pleased that we are collaborating with Apple as [its] preferred cloud provider and to develop the next generation of Apple Foundation Models, based on Gemini technology. Hearing Google refer to itself as Apples preferred cloud provider while discussing the Gemini partnership is undoubtedly alarming, and I dont blame pundits for drawing negative conclusions. One news site (9to5Mac, link above) interpreted this as Google suggesting Gemini-powered Siri will run on its servers; another (AppleInsider) said Apple and Googles statements were seemingly contradictory. But once again, Pichais statement contains vague implications rather than a clear meaning, and I dont think we should take this as a direct contradiction of Apples privacy claimssomething which would in effect be a declaration of PR war. Much like Cooks statement, there are multiple interpretations of what Pichai said. One is that Apple was lying through its teeth and Gemini-powered Siri will run on Google servers in a way that gives Google access to user data. Another is that Google is simply going to lease server hardware to Apple as part of the arrangement. They will be Apple Park servers running Apple software, but the hardware is provided by Google. That would likely fulfil Apples privacy pledge, even if the optics might not be great. And another is that Pichai was, clumsily and at the worst possible time, referring to the fact that Google already provides extensive cloud services to Apple in other areas, and that this latest partnership is merely one more example of the two tech giants working fruitfully together. In other words, the whole thing is frustratingly vague. What we have at the moment is a partnership with many details still to be decided, and the two partners have very different priorities in terms of public messaging. Apple wants to reassure its users at every point that their privacy will be safeguarded, while Google just wants everyone to know that its Gemini AI platform is more important and successful than ChatGPT. So the result is a lot of statements that differ in implication but dont actually say very much. There is a fourth option, proposed by Bloombergs Mark Gurman. This is that Gemini-powered Siri will run, as Apple has consistently said, on-device or on Apple servers, but that another, more radical version of the voice assistant, a chatbot codenamed Campos, will launch later and run on Google servers. Thats going to be a tough sell, assuming Gurman is correct (and he says only that the two companies are discussing the idea). But Apple will at least have some more time to make the case to its users. News / National by Staff reporter Two men who allegedly masqueraded as experts in sourcing and shipping goods from China appeared in court on Wednesday after failing to deliver merchandise worth US$27 540 that had already been paid for.Wellington Mugodhi and Tapiwa Dhaura were charged with fraud and appeared before Harare magistrate Mrs Ruth Moyo, who granted them bail. They are expected to return to court on March 3, pending the completion of investigations.The complainant is a company represented by Wellington Motsi.Prosecutor Mr Lawrence Gangarahwe told the court that in November 2025, Mugodhi approached the complainant claiming to be a shipping agent with the capacity to import a wide range of goods from China. Convinced by his representations, the complainant entered into a business arrangement with him.On December 15, 2025, the complainant engaged Mugodhi to import electrical gadgets valued at US$27 540. Mugodhi allegedly assured the company that he could handle the transaction efficiently and promised delivery within 54 days.The court heard that on the same day, Mugodhi claimed he had already paid the supplier and furnished the complainant with what he purported to be proof of payment. However, after making direct contact with the supplier in China, the complainant discovered that no payment had been made.Further investigations revealed that the proof of payment was fake. When confronted, Mugodhi implicated his alleged accomplice, Dhaura, claiming he had handed over the money to him to complete the transaction.After realising that it had been defrauded, the complainant reported the matter to ZRP Harare Central on January 2, 2026. The case was subsequently referred to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Commercial Crimes Division (CCD) on January 3 for further investigations.On February 3, 2026, CID CCD Harare detectives received information on the whereabouts of the two accused, leading to their arrest.Despite repeated follow-ups by the complainant, the court heard that Mugodhi and Dhaura continued to give unsatisfactory explanations, eventually confirming that the entire transaction had been fraudulent.The total value of the goods allegedly defrauded is US$27 540, and nothing has been recovered. Despite the community rallying to keep a longstanding food market in Bostons South End open, the stores owner says the closure is unavoidable. News broke this week that Foodies Markets at 1421 Washington St. will shut down this June after nearly 30 years. The space will be taken over by The Croft School, a local private school that already occupies the buildings at 1525 and 1310 Washington St. The Croft School, which opened its South End campus in 2022, currently serves preschool through second grade. It plans to expand through sixth grade. By expanding one grade level, The Croft School told MassLive that it will gain roughly 26 new students. Right now space constraints at the existing South End campus are hindering that schools expansion. Therefore, The Croft School will need the extra space to accommodate the incoming students, of which 74% live in the South End. Our Preschool through Grade 6 enrollment interest among neighborhood-area families continues to grow, and we see this as an exciting opportunity to continue to serve students living in the South End and other Boston neighborhoods for years to come, Scott Given, executive director of the Croft School, said in a statement, per the Beacon Hill Times. We love the South End, and intend to rejuvenate the space into a beautiful, bright school facility for our young learners. Owner Victor G. Leon addressed Foodies Markets closure in a Facebook post on Wednesday by first acknowledging how the news has sparked a lot of emotion in the neighborhood and that he wanted to expand on the tough decision that was made. These are challenging times for independent grocers, and our success to date has been made possible by the incredible support of the community, Leon wrote. Despite that support, it is no longer feasible for us to continue operating at 1421 Washington Street. The owner said that keeping Foodies Markets open in the South End would require significant financial investment to update the building and its mechanical systems. Leon added, That level of investment would require a long-term commitment that we determined was too risky given the current economic realities of our industry. Knowing firsthand the challenges facing small grocers we were aware that finding another grocer to take our space would be a challenge, which made this decision especially difficult. We believe this is the right time for us to move on, he said. Leon maintained that The Croft School shares a desire to do good for the South End, adding, This was a business decision it was not a forced closure, and not a decision The Croft School was involved in or influenced. The Croft School reaffirmed this to MassLive in a statement that read, Foodies decided not to renew its lease and communicated that decision to its landlord before there were any communications between Croft and the property owners. In continued, With Foodies leaving, and without a committed occupant, the building would likely remain vacant. Shortly after the news broke, a petition on Change.org was launched in an attempt to preserve retail storefronts, such as Foodies, and food access in the South End. We, the residents, business owners, property owners, and community leaders of Bostons South End, strongly oppose the proposed conversion of the Foodies Market(s) storefront into a private school, The Croft School, the petition reads. Aside from being one of a few grocery stores in the South End, Foodies Markets is known for being easily accessible and walkable for area residents. Laurel McConville, who started the petition, believes storefronts should stay dedicated to retail or food use especially for neighbors who rely on nearby access to fresh food and daily necessities. The South End cannot afford to lose its only grocery-capable space to yet another school expansion, particularly as The Croft School already occupies four former retail spaces in the neighborhood, McConville wrote in the petition. While we recognize that we cannot control whether Foodies remains in operation, we can and must oppose the continued loss of essential retail and food-use space in our neighborhood. The petition has received more than 1,000 signatures thus far. MassLive has reached out to the Boston Planning & Development Agency for comment. Leons father, Victor Leon Sr., first opened Foodies Markets in the South End in 1998, according to a 2020 article from The Boston Sun. The closure means that the company will solely focus on its other location in South Boston. We are not pursuing other locations in the South End and are instead focusing our efforts on our South Boston market, Leon Jr. wrote in the Facebook post. Foodies Markets achievements and involvement in the South End neighborhood have been remarkable, Ted Lubitz, partner of 1421 Washington Associates LLC, which owns the building, said in a statement, per the Beacon Hill Times. We are proud of their accomplishments and wish them continued success in South Boston and in other future endeavors. A former employee in Bostons Office of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion, accused of domestic violence in connection with an incident involving another city hall staffer, had a misdemeanor criminal charge against him thrown out by a judge, records show. Chulan Huang was charged with a single count of misdemeanor assault and battery in connection with the incident on May 15. Judge John Coffey dismissed the charge on Jan. 29 for lack of prosecution. Huang and his then-girlfriend, Marwa Khudaynazar, were arrested following a fight at Huangs apartment on Hudson Street in Chinatown at 2 a.m. on May 15, according to authorities, Khudaynazar called the police. When officers arrived, Huang told police, She went on a date with my boss ... (and) they booked a hotel room, and she came here to rub it in my face, according to police reports filed in court. The altercation, which became physical between the two at times and involved Khudaynazar pushing a police officer who responded to the scene, resulted in both Khudaynazar and Huangs arrests. After they were handcuffed and taken into custody, Huang said, We both work for the city, this is unnecessary, the report read. Both Huang and Khudaynazar, who was chief of staff for Bostons Office of Police Accountability, were fired following the incident. Khudaynazar still faces two criminal charges assault and battery on a police officer and assault and battery on a family/household member both misdemeanors. Following her arrest and termination, Khudaynazar sued the city, Mayor Michelle Wu and one of the police officers who responded to the scene, claiming, among other things, retaliatory arrest, wrongful termination and invasion of privacy. In her complaint, she claimed that the citys human resources staff did not give her a chance to tell her side of the story, and instead fired her to protect the reputation of a top city staffer. She has previously said publicly that on the night in question, Chief of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion Segun Idowu Huangs boss propositioned her for sex and kissed her during a night out, prompting the argument with her boyfriend that led to the arrests. Idowu denied wrongdoing and was cleared by the city. He stepped down from his post this year. U.S. District Judge Allison Burroughs dismissed all but one of the claims brought by Khudaynazar in her lawsuit, leaving in place only a retaliatory discharge claim against the city. In her order, Burroughs indicated that claim was hanging on by a thread. Based on the record before it, the Court finds that Khudaynazar has plausibly, albeit thinly, alleged that her statements about her interaction with Idowu qualify as citizen speech on a matter of public concern, she wrote. Leaders from Boston and nearby cities unveiled executive orders signed Thursday in response to recent deployments of federal immigration agents in Minnesota and Maine which local officials described as an unlawful occupation. The orders signed by Mayor Michelle Wu ban federal officials from using city property for immigration enforcement operations, direct local police to investigate any federal agents who break city or state law and instruct all city officials to use de-escalation tactics to protect peaceful protesters. Additionally, the orders call for city officials to immediately summon emergency medical services if someone is injured during federal operations, for city officials to release video footage of violence or property damage by federal officials captured by police officers body-worn cameras and for Boston police to investigate all allegations of criminal conduct, including by federal officials. Leaders gathered for a press conference Thursday afternoon in Boston, including representatives from Cambridge, Chelsea, Lynn, Newton and Somerville. The cities announced they signed similar orders. I signed an executive order instructing city departments to take a range of actions to protect our residents and make clear that we will hold accountable anyone who commits violence, property damage, or any criminal conduct in the city of Boston, including federal officials, Wu said. Gov. Maura Healey filed new legislation last week seeking to stop federal immigration enforcement agents from making arrests in courthouses, schools, hospitals, houses of worship and state buildings. The new protections would also stop any other state from deploying its National Guard in Massachusetts without permission and allow parents to pre-arrange guardianship for their children in case they are detained or deported. At the same time, Healey signed an executive order prohibiting the state from entering into any cooperation agreements with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and stopping ICE from making civil immigration arrests in non-public areas of state facilities. The executive order signed in Boston states the federal government recklessly deployed immigration enforcement agencies to Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota, and Portland and Lewiston, Maine, where federal agents have fomented chaos, violated residents constitutional rights, and perpetrated egregious acts of violence, including the fatal shootings of Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti. The Celtics have traded veteran forward Chris Boucher to the Jazz, a league source confirmed to MassLive. ESPNs Shams Charania was the first to report the deal. Boucher signed a one-year deal with the Celtics in the offseason in hopes he would be able to crack the rotation. Instead, hes consistently been on the outside looking in and has played just one game since Nov. 23 for the Cs. Now, Boucher will move onto the Jazz in hopes he can get more playing time. Utah is in rebuild mode but did make a big splash earlier in the week by trading for the Grizzlies Jaren Jackson Jr. in a blockbuster deal. The trade frees up another roster spot for the Celtics and sheds another $2.3 million from their salary cap. The Cs currently have 13 players on their roster as currently constructed. Theyre still roughly $3.6 million above the luxury tax line, but theres a chance they could dip under with subsequent moves. The Celtics made their first trade of the week Tuesday, moving guard Anfernee Simons for big man Nikola Vucevic. That trade shored up Bostons front court rotation, plus it saved them about $6 million. Notably, the Simons-for-Vucevic trade isnt official yet, meaning there could be some further deals for the Celtics. The trade deadline is set for 3 p.m. Thursday, so it remains to be seen what further move the Celtics will make following the Boucher deal. Looking to get out of the house this weekend? Theres plenty to do in Massachusetts. MassLive is back with another edition of weekend picks, a weekly list of activities, places to visit or things to do in Massachusetts the weekend of Feb. 6-8. See the list below. The reach of virtual and augmented reality on curatorial practice is demonstrated in the traveling exhibition "Space Explorers: The Infinite" at the Springfield Museums. (Provided photo) Provided photo Stars over Springfield If you and your family love space, Springfield Museums is hosting a beginners astronomy program featuring a talk by a local expert, activities, a planetarium show with a brand-new Zeiss projector and stargazing in the rooftop observatory. The event takes place Friday at 7 p.m. and goes until 8:30 p.m. Admission is $5 for Museum and STARS Club members and $7 for nonmembers. The event is recommended for ages eight and up. Springfield Museums is located at 21 Edwards St. in Springfield. Valentines market The Love Letter Artisan Market is returning to the Hawthorne Hotel in Salem on Saturday as part of Salems beloved So Sweet Festival. From 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., the Valentines Day market features over 30 local artisans, chocolatiers and makers offering handcrafted jewelry, ceramics, candles, art, sweet treats and gifts. The event is at 18 Washington Square West in Salem. Admission is free. See more about the market here. New England Patriots fans , Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa) Super Bowl watch parties If you plan to watch the Super Bowl on Sunday, but arent sure where to watch it, theres a few locations in Massachusetts hosting watch parties. Patriot Place highlighted five spots that are great for watching the Super Bowl on Sunday some even close to Gillette Stadium. These include places like Estrella, Six String Grill & Stage, Scorpion Bar, Eleveno Pickleball, The Harp, Banners Kitchen & Tap, Bleacher Bar, Boston Ale House and more. See a full list near Gillette here and around the Boston area here. Sailors Valentine talk and art activity This is an event to bring the kids and art lovers to. On Saturday starting at 10:30 a.m., families are invited to join Falmouth Museums on the Green for a childrens program exploring the charming tradition of Sailors Valentines. At this event guests will see intricate shell mosaics treasured by sailors and their loved ones during the 19th century, Visit Massachusetts reported. The program begins with a talk that introduces the history, legends, and craftsmanship behind the keepsakes. Afterward, participants can make a Sailors Valentine. All materials will be provided, and museum educators will guide participants in designing their own shell-patterned masterpiece. Admission is free for Museums on the Green members and $10 for non-members per child. The event is located at 55-65 Palmer Ave. in Falmouth. The Massachusetts State House on Beacon Hill. Hadley Barndollar Historic tour of Beacon Hill If youre a history buff, you may consider taking the Art and Architecture Walk Tour in Boston. This tour takes place indoors and outdoors and is fit for groups and individuals interested. Tourists will visit a few charismatic hidden art vestibules in quaint intimate spaces, art atelier, and Art Galleries in the neighborhood, its website said. The tour will continue discussing history, look at local artists paintings and learn about Bostons architectural development. The tour runs for 90 minutes and involves climbing hills and going indoors to a few art gallery spaces. It is suggested to wear comfortable shoes and a warm coat. Tickets are $45 and can be bought here. The tour takes place at 25 Myrtle St. in Boston. The U.S. Department of Education said Thursday that its investigating Tufts University and another organization over claims it violated federal privacy laws as it compiled information on students voting patterns. The agency said it launched its probe of the Medford-based school and the National Student Clearinghouse, a data firm in Virginia, following multiple reports that Tufts illegally shared personal information with third parties to influence elections as it put together a nationwide study aimed at improving civic learning in and out of the classroom. Tufts touts that study, known as the National Study of Learning, Voting, and Engagement, as the first and only study to objectively examine student and institution-level data on student voting. In a statement, a Tufts spokesperson told MassLive that the school was in receipt of the Department of Educations letter and was reviewing it. We have no additional comment at this time, the spokesperson said. The National Student Clearinghouse has agreements with participating colleges and universities that allow the organization to access and share student data. The Education Department said it has reason to believe there could be significant compliance issues with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, which, among other things, restricts the release of students personal information. Those compliance issues include the data thats being collected, how and with whom its shared and whether theres been proper consent from students. The Education Department said its Student Privacy Policy Office had received reports that students personal information was not only shared with the Virginia data firm, but also with unspecified political organizations that influence elections. American colleges and universities should be focused on teaching, learning, and research not influencing elections, U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon said in the agencys statement. The former Biden administration with little to no regard for student privacy laws, openly encouraged institutions to share and utilize student data ... to target certain populations, McMahon continued. Our Student Privacy Policy Office will thoroughly investigate this matter to protect students private data and ensure that our campuses are fully aware of and comply with their responsibilities under FERPA. The investigations by the agencys Student Privacy Policy Office seek to identify how the student data is being shared between colleges and universities, Tufts, the NSC, and any other third parties, according to the statement. The investigations will determine whether institutions are following all informed consent requirements under that federal privacy law. MassLive Reporter Juliet Schulman-Hall contributed to this story. The Karen Read case is mentioned in several FBI documents included in the latest tranche of files related to Jeffrey Epstein released by the federal government, though any connection between the two cases is not entirely clear. The Read case is mentioned four times in the library of files each time in a daily news briefing distributed by the FBI. The first such mention came in the briefing sent on June 4, 2024, while Reads first trial was underway, with a link to Associated Press coverage of the trial. Subsequent mentions came when the trial concluded in a mistrial and when the prosecution rested at Reads retrial. MassLives coverage of the case was also included in a news briefing from February 2025, when Reads defense lawyers confirmed they paid for two accident reconstruction experts first hired by the federal government to travel to Massachusetts to testify at her trial. The federal government opened its own probe of the case in 2023, before the start of Reads first trial. The federal investigation was closed in 2025 and did not lead to any arrests or indictments. The briefings confirm the FBI was at least monitoring the progress of the case, including after the investigation was closed. It remains unclear why FBI documents about the Read case were included in files released about Epstein, who killed himself in a Manhattan jail cell in 2019 years before Reads arrest in 2022. Read was charged with second-degree murder, manslaughter while operating under the influence and leaving the scene of a crash causing injury or death in the death of her boyfriend, Boston Police officer John OKeefe. She was accused of drunkenly backing her SUV into OKeefe outside the Canton home of a fellow officer, then leaving him to die as a snowstorm descended on the region. Jurors acquitted Read of all charges except operating under the influence following her retrial last year. The Justice Department last Friday released many more records from its investigative files on Epstein, resuming disclosures under a law intended to reveal what the government knew about the millionaire financiers sexual abuse of young girls and his interactions with the rich and powerful. Material from the Associated Press was used in this report. News / National by Staff reporter PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa has defended Zimbabwe's controversial Land Reform Programme, saying white farmers who left the country as a result believed they were superior to "the African people of Zimbabwe."Mnangagwa made the remarks while speaking on a panel discussing investment, governance and international relations at the ongoing World Governments Summit, where he argued that Zimbabweans felt liberated and independent after reclaiming land taken during the colonial era.More than 4 000 mostly white commercial farmers lost their land during the government-led land reform exercise, which redistributed farms to about 150 000 black Zimbabweans. Many of the displaced farmers relocated to countries such as South Africa, Zambia, Namibia and Australia.The President said the repossession of land restored dignity and sovereignty to Zimbabweans."We seized the land and gave it to our people but in spite of all that constraint we have developed and we are happy that we have developed on our own and feel very independent," Mnangagwa said."Land did not belong to a race, it belonged to Zimbabweans, so when the colonialists took land from us, time came when we asserted ourselves to take back our land."Those who wanted to have land on the same basis as the African people of Zimbabwe remained, but those who felt they were superior left," he added.The land reform programme gathered momentum in the early 2000s following the collapse of the willing-buyer, willing-seller model agreed at independence in 1980. That framework faltered due to slow implementation, inadequate funding, and the withdrawal of financial support by Britain and the United States, leading to chaotic land seizures.Mnangagwa said the economic challenges and sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe were a direct consequence of the government's decision to repossess land.Online sources estimate that only about 400 white farmers now remain in Zimbabwe.In 2020, the government agreed to a US$3.5 billion compensation deal for former white farmers to cover improvements made on the land they lost. Many of the beneficiaries are now scattered across the globe.The land reform programme was largely driven by liberation war veterans, frustrated by delays in land redistribution. The period was marked by violence, with between seven and 12 white farmers reportedly killed and hundreds others injured during farm invasions.Despite the controversy and long-term economic impact, Mnangagwa maintains that land reform was a necessary step in correcting historical injustices and asserting Zimbabwe's sovereignty. Lawyers for Karen Read are trying to force lawyers representing the family of her boyfriend, Boston Police officer John OKeefe, in the wrongful death lawsuit she faces to destroy an email message she inadvertently copied them on in December. Read hit reply all on an email her lawyers sent to lawyers for OKeefes family on Dec. 16, 2025, meaning her message went to not just her attorneys but everyone included on the email thread. Lawyers for Read claim the message constitutes a privileged attorney-client communication. They asked lawyers for the OKeefes to delete the message less than an hour after it was sent. But lawyers for the family wrote in a court filing that the message includes statements that are inconsistent with her previous under oath positions about what happened on the night OKeefe died. Reads lawyers, on the other hand, claim that the email message is consistent with her most recent under oath statement about her third-party culprit claims. Neither side included a copy of the email as an exhibit to their filings. During the lawsuit, the OKeefes have served Read with several official written questions requiring replies under oath, called interrogatories. In those questions, they asked for all information supporting her position that someone else killed OKeefe. They had previously filed a motion to compel a more thorough answer, which Reads team says she provided. Comparing this answer to the privileged communication demonstrates that there are no areas for impeachment unique to the privileged communication, attorney Damon Seligson wrote in a court filing. Seligson claims the December email was the first and only time Read was blind copied on an email from her lawyers to the OKeefes lawyers. A one-time error operating her email should not mean Read waived her attorney-client privilege, he wrote. Attorney Marc Diller, who is representing the family, argued the message was a bell that cannot be unrung. The family has accused Read of running over OKeefe with her SUV on Jan. 29, 2022, following a night of heavy drinking, then leaving him to die in the snow outside the Canton home of a fellow officer. Its the same accusation Read faced and was acquitted of in criminal court. Read is pursuing whats known as an affirmative defense, as she did in the criminal case, pointing the finger at those inside the home and claiming they conspired with law enforcement to frame her. She has filed a lawsuit of her own, claiming violations of her civil rights by those inside the home and investigators, which is pending in federal court. In her most recent answer to the interrogatories, Read replied, as a result of the destruction and concealment of key evidence, the truth about what happened to Mr. OKeefe has been deliberately obscured. But she pointed to specific testimony from her criminal trials that she said proved her theory of the case, including data showing OKeefe traveled up and down stairs in the hours before his body was found and experts who claimed OKeefes wounds were consistent with being attacked by a dog. A status hearing on the lawsuit is scheduled for 4 p.m. on Feb. 12, and the issue of the email is likely to be addressed then. Jorge Santana was returning from a trip to the Dominican Republic when he was detained by immigration officials in 2021 and placed in deportation proceedings. Years earlier, Santana had pleaded guilty to a drug possession charge, making deportation inevitable because he was not a U.S. citizen. Santana filed a motion seeking to withdraw his guilty plea, claiming his lawyer failed to warn him that he would be deported if he pleaded guilty. In the motion, Santana said he would have refused the deal had he known it meant he had to leave the U.S. Santana sought an evidentiary hearing on the issue, but a judge denied the motion without holding one, finding that the affidavit from the lawyer who represented him at the time of the plea contradicted what the lawyer said at the hearing. But Santana will now get that hearing, after the Supreme Judicial Court, the states highest court, on Wednesday vacated the denial of his motion to withdraw the plea, finding that the judge did not recognize the ambiguity in the lawyers statements. The court ruled 5-2 in Santanas favor, with Justices Serge Georges Jr. and Frank Gaziano dissenting. Santana was arrested in Danvers in 2018 after a police officer saw him conducting what the officer believed to be a drug deal. The officer, according to the decision, found Santana attempting to swallow two baggies full of what appeared to be heroin. After his arrest, Santanas lawyer advised him to accept a deal with prosecutors and plead guilty to a single charge of possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute. In an affidavit attached to the motion to withdraw the plea, the lawyer said he would have told Santana that pleading guilty made him subject to deportation, but not that it was a guarantee. The judge who denied the motion discredited the lawyers affidavit, finding it inconsistent with what the lawyer said during the plea hearing. He also found Santanas affidavit not credible in part because it was submitted four years later. Contrary to the judges determination, however, counsels affidavit was not inherently inconsistent with his representations during the colloquy and any inconsistency could not be resolved on the papers alone, Justice Dalila Argaez Wendlandt wrote for the majority. Wendlandt acknowledged the possibility that the lawyer did tell Santana of the automatic deportation consequences, contrary to what he wrote in the affidavit. But that highlights the need for an evidentiary hearing, she wrote. The court sent the case back to the lower court for proceedings consistent with the opinion. In their dissent, Georges and Gaziano objected to the ruling on the grounds that it did not afford enough deference to the judge, who was in a unique position to make a ruling having already overseen the plea. Georges wrote that he would have affirmed the judges decision to deny the motion. The question is not whether this court would have reached a different result, but whether the ruling reflects a clear error of judgment, the dissent reads. While the dissent acknowledges Santana raised a serious issue ineffective assistance of his lawyer it found the judge was right to discredit the facts in the affidavits. It is not the role of this court to second-guess such credibility determinations where, as here, the record supports them, Georges wrote. A man drowned in New Bedford harbor after visiting a local adult establishment, according to authorities. Jason Vasquez, a 51-year-old New Bedford native, was pronounced dead after the New Bedford Police Departments Marine Unit pulled his body from the harbor on Jan. 31, according to the Bristol County District Attorneys Office. Vasquez worked on a vessel at the New Bedford Shipyard and Shoreline. According to authorities, Vasquez was last seen on Jan. 28 after visiting an adult establishment. His boss reported him missing on Jan. 30 when he failed to show up for work and his vehicle was found in the parking lot at the Shipyard and Shoreline. The Marine Unit found his body in the water a short distance from the vessel on which he worked, according to the DAs office. The Massachusetts State Police and the New Bedford Police Department are investigating the drowning. Karen Guregians football analysis is sponsored by Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers, a Leading Boston Personal Injury Firm. SANTA CLARA, Calif. - Patriots legend Tom Brady has made a lot of waves in recent days, saying he doesnt have a dog in the fight when it comes to upcoming Super Bowl with his former team going up against the Seattle Seahawks. During Thursdays media availability with the players, Bradys lack of a rooting interest was a bit of a hot topic. Patriots linebacker Robert Spillane, for one, voiced some outrage over the GOATs stance. Personally it makes me sick, Spillane said of Brady, who has one of his seven rings courtesy of beating Seattle, opting to remain neutral. Asked if it was because he was a Patriot, Spillane nodded. Yeah, and so he is, and he has a dog in the fight, Spillane said. For him to say that, it is what it is. But at the end of the day, hes an owner of the Las Vegas Raiders now. So he has to do whats best for him. Spillane is a former Raider, who signed with the Patriots in free agency. On Wednesday, Rob Gronkowski, who predicted a Patriots victory - going with a 28-24 score as a nod to the prior win over Seattle - was also asked his thoughts about Bradys stance. He chose a more playful response. Tom (Brady) is all over the place with his predictions, but I love it, Gronk said. Hes keeping everyone guessing." The Red Sox are turning to a former Yankee to help fortify their infield with spring training approaching. Boston is in agreement a one-year contract with Isiah Kiner-Falefa, sources confirmed to MassLive on Wednesday. The deal will pay Kiner-Falefa a $6 million salary in 2026, according to a source, and includes $500,000 in potential incentives based on plate appearances. The contract is pending a physical. Kiner-Falefa, who turns 31 next month, is a versatile veteran who spent 2025 with Pittsburgh and Toronto, appearing in 138 games at three different positions. He saw the bulk of his time at shortstop (817 innings) while also playing third base (211.2 innings) and second (26.1 innings). The Red Sox currently have openings at both third base and second base with Alex Bregman having departed for the Cubs. Its expected Kiner-Falefa and Marcelo Mayer will be in the mix for those two spots along with other internal options like Romy Gonzalez, David Hamilton, Nate Eaton and Nick Sogard. Primarily a shortstop throughout his career, Kiner-Falefa has logged at least 40 major league innings at eight positions, including all three outfield spots and catcher (with Texas in 2018 and 2019). He has always been considered a strong defender, as evidenced by his 12 defensive runs saved in 573.2 innings at second and 29 DRS in 1,181 innings at third. Kiner-Falefa won a Gold Glove at third base while with the Rangers in the shortened 2020 season. His range and arm strength did not grade out spectacularly by Statcast in 2025, however. Offensively, Kiner-Falefa is more of a wild card. A right-handed hitter, the Hawaii native hit .262 with two homers, 21 doubles, 40 RBIs and a .631 OPS between his two teams in 2025, having moved to the Jays via August waiver claim. He has a career .660 OPS and just 36 homers in 918 big league games. For his career, his splits are neutral against right-handed and left-handed pitchers. Kiner-Falefa has struck out at a relatively low rate (15.7%) throughout his career but he showed more swing-and-miss with Toronto down the stretch. For the Jays, he appeared in 15 postseason games last fall, starting 12 at second base (including three in the World Series). After losing Bregman, the Red Sox have looked at different ways to fortify their infield and have been linked to trade candidates like Houstons Isaac Paredes and the Cubs Nico Hoerner and Matt Shaw. They did not pursue slugger Eugenio Suarez before he signed a one-year, $15 million deal with Cincinnati over the weekend. In Kiner-Falefa, its clear Craig Breslow is prioritizing defense and run prevention over offensive production. Its unclear if further infield additions are on the horizon. The Red Sox quickly re-purposed some of the money saved in the trade that sent Jordan Hicks, David Sandlin and cash considerations to the White Sox on Sunday with the Kiner-Falefa agreement. By including $8 million in cash to cover a fraction of the $24 million owed to Hicks over the next two seasons, the Red Sox dropped their projected competitive balance tax (CBT) threshold to around $261 million, which was short of the second threshold of penalties ($264 million). As of now, they are now back over that mark (with the projection around $267 million) but might try to move more money by trading Patrick Sandoval and/or Masataka Yoshida. The Red Sox have an open 40-man spot and therefore will not have to cut anyone from their roster when the Kiner-Falefa addition is made official. Earlier in the day, the club reunited with catcher/infielder Mickey Gasper by claiming him off waivers from Washington. NORTHAMPTON Alvin Campbell Jr., who is awaiting trial on rape charges from incidents in the Boston area, is now accused of assaulting two inmates in the Hampshire County Jail last month. Campbells arraignment was scheduled for Thursday morning in Northampton District Court. Campbell, 45, faces two charges of assault and battery and one of disturbing a correctional facility, according to his case docket. Campbells sister is the states attorney general, Andrea Campbell, who has said in the past that she recused herself from his case. Jan. 14 video footage showed Alvin Campbell tapping an inmate on the shoulder and then punching him repeatedly, according to a report from the Hampshire Sheriffs office filed in court. Campbell then assaulted another inmate who is not on camera but who falls back into the screen and onto the ground, the report says. The first victim was transported to Cooley Dickinson Hospital and needed stitches for cuts on his face, the report says. He had a loose tooth as well, corrections officers said in their reports. The second victim had an X-ray showing broken facial bones. A corrections officer reported finding a copious amount of blood on the floors and wall and a bloody pencil and pen on the ground. A victim reported that Campbell stabbed him with a pencil. One inmate witness reported to an officer that one of the victims had written a note to Campbell about him being a sex offender. Campbell is accused of raping eight women and attempting to rape another between the years of 2014 and 2019. WBUR reported in 2024 that his case is one of the states largest cases of serial sexual violence in recent memory. Its not the first time Campbell has been charged with crimes related to incidents during his incarceration. Last spring, Campbell was charged with assaulting a corrections officer in Suffolk County. That incident happened in late 2024. Campbell was moved to the Northampton jail in early 2025, according to documents filed in his rape case. SPRINGFIELD Baystate Health President and CEO Peter D. Banko was making progress in 2025, closing a $225 million hole in the health care giants finances. Expenses too high, revenue too low. He cut jobs, and searched for efficiencies and ways to grow revenue. Then came President Donald Trumps domestic policy bill. Now passed into law, it threatens to cost Baystate Health $146.7 million, once the bill fully takes force after the November elections. Baystate Health President and CEO Peter Banko listens at the TD Bank building in Springfield on Dec. 15. He was there to discuss the state of health care in Western Massachusetts. (Douglas Hook / The Republican) Douglas Hook Its the single largest rollback in our lifetimes of health care programs, Banko said in a recent interview. The work we did last year and the work were doing this year, that gets totally wiped out. So were almost starting from scratch, Banko said. You know, Ive worked my whole career to try to expand access and coverage, and now it just got undone. Access to care means insurance. And Baystate estimates an increase in the uninsured population, as people lose Medicaid, will cost the hospital system $53 million. Then another increase in the uninsured population will come as people lose insurance subsidies under the Affordable Care Act, which will cost Baystate about $10.4 million. U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal, D-Springfield, has predicted that the ACA subsidies will be back. Thats a help, said Banko, who added that hes lobbying state politicians in Boston. Hes hoping that Democratic wins in Congress in November will change health care policy in Washington. He first disclosed the eye-popping $147 million figure back in December in a forum with Neal. The $146.7 million in lost federal money will represent 4.8% of Baystates bottom line. Last year, the profit margin Baystate relies on to fund capital projects and as a cushion against future misfortune was 3.5%. Additional financial fallout includes the 340B reduced cost drug program, at $45 million; decreases in funding for Medicaid, $298.6 million; and increased cost sharing for Medicaid, $98.2 million. Baystates problem is that Springfield, Holyoke and Western Massachusetts in general have a high percentage of people on these government-provided or government-subsidized health care plans. What are we going to tell people when 25% of our community is no longer covered? he said. We say, Good luck. You dont have that coverage or access.? People without coverage delay care. So, conditions get worse. Cancer, heart disease, each gets worse and more expensive to treat. If you lose coverage in the middle of your pregnancy, are you (going to) continue to get prenatal care if you cant pay for it? he said. Lets say youre in the middle of chemotherapy. Are you going to show up if you cant pay for it? Ambulances fill all the bays at the Baystate Medical Center emergency room in 2024. (Don Treeger / The Republican, File) The Republican But eventually, people arrive at the emergency room. And Baystate cant turn them away. So the reality for us is those people will not have reimbursement, he said. For Banko, bracing for impact is his full-time job in 2026. Thatll take more maximizing of revenue, like making operating rooms more efficient to increase the number of procedures in a day. Banko needs to keep patients, and money, here. It will take efficiencies, like AI customer service. Expect to schedule with a chatbot. Itll also take growing insurer Health New England, which Baystate nearly sold last year. Its about a third of the size it needs to be, Banko said. Health care providers will cope with mergers and acquisitions. And the best way to survive is to get bigger. Baystate and Mercy Medical Center, Springfields other hospital, have been in talks for years that could result in an acquisition or merger. Banko cant discuss a Mercy deal, citing nondisclosure agreements. And Dr. Robert Roose, president of community hospitals for Trinity Health of New England canceled a interview with The Republican on related health care topics. In an essay for The Republican, Roose spoke about the need for transformation and change in the industry. But Mercys decisions already are affecting Baystate, after Mercy closed its maternity and newborn services in December, citing a lack of staff. Patient volume a few blocks away at Baystates childbirth center went up 16%, Banko said. Beyond Mercy, Banko said economics of scale will be even more important. And managers in all of health care know it. We see ourselves as a safety net for some of the organizations that are struggling, he said. Everybodys talking to everybody right now. Mass General Bingham, which includes Cooley Dickinson Hospital in Northampton, announced in January that its acquiring Worcester-based insurer Fallon Health. If not combining outright, Massachusetts hospitals are combining their efforts. So we have to have a single voice with the federal government and with the state government, he said. So I think its an opportunity for competitors to cooperate a little bit more. Baystate Health President and CEO Peter Banko, right, meets with U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal on Dec. 15 to discuss the state of health care in Western Massachusetts. (Douglas Hook / The Republican) Douglas Hook Baystate works with the public, so Medicare and Medicaid recipients are up to date on new paperwork and work requirements. You have to fill out paperwork every year to show you qualify, Banko said. Theyve made that every six months. The problem is, recipients dont do it now, even though its only once a year. Every six months is going to be a burden, he said. Baystates trying other things to build more business. Its flagship Baystate Medical Center in Springfield with 780 beds is nearly always full. But Baystate Noble Hospital in Westfield is not. So in 2025, Baystate piloted a program. It started paying for transportation, encouraging patients in the Springfield hospital who live close to Westfield to transfer and be treated there. It opens up beds in Springfield and cuts wait times in the emergency room. Banko also announced plans this month to expand back into Ware, building a primary care and convenient care practice there, taking the place of the closed Baystate Mary Lane Hospital. Banko said Baystate also hopes to tap the federal Rural Health Transformation Fund and expand a family medicine residency program from Greenfield to Ware. The program trains 12 new medical residents taking in four new doctors a year at Baystate Franklin in Greenfield. The plan would be for faculty and residents to staff a clinic in Ware. WARE Five years after it started closing down Mary Lane Hospital, Baystate has made itself the beneficiary of the $8 million Lewis Gilbert Trust originally meant to support the hospital. Baystate Wednesday reiterated plans to utilize earnings from the trust to help fund a new primary and convenient care facility in Ware. The health care giant said Wednesday it will name the convenient care component Baystate Mary Lane Convenient Care Ware. Baystate said it is looking for sites, having rejected the idea of using the old Mary Lane site, now mostly leveled and being pitched for redevelopment. Heavy machinery sits outside the Davis building of the Mary Lane Hospital ready for demolition on Monday. Groups in the area are nervous that the whole site will be demolished, not just the two structures. August 7, 2025. (Douglas Hook / The Republican) Douglas Hook The Hampshire Probate Court modified the Gilbert Trust last month, according to court records. That move came over objections of the Friends of Mary Lane Hospital, as community groups, smarting over the Mary Lane closure, that had been pushing for the court to put the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts in charge of the trust so it can be used to bring in another health care provider. I think the message that our residents would like to say is that we need more than what Baystate is willing to offer, said Cynthia Allen Bourcier, chairperson of Friends of Mary Lane Hospital. But neighbors seek urgent care, a more capable facility with labs, imaging capable of treating injuries. Thats whats overwhelming the Wing emergency room, she said, referring to Baystate Wing Hospital 10 miles away in Palmer. In its news release Wednesday, Baystate said it expects to lose several hundred thousand dollars a year in Ware. This investment advances our mission to deliver compassionate, quality and accessible care advancing our communities health for all, Baystate said in the written statement. Both Baystate and Friends of Mary Lane Hospital would like to use money from the federal Rural Health Transformation Fund. Baystate Health President and CEO Peter Banko met with Rep. Richard E. Neal at the TD Bank building in Springfield on Monday morning to discuss the state of health care in Western Massachusetts. Dec. 15, 2025. (Douglas Hook / The Republican) Douglas Hook Massachusetts secured about $162 million from the federal government in December. The fund was part of the President Donald Trumps domestic policy bill meant to appease senators concerned about the loss of health care. Bourcier said the Friends and officials from neighboring towns met this week with state and federal officials to see about securing some of that $162 million to bring more health care to Ware. Baystate has a plan for the Rural Health Transformation Fund as well by educating new doctors in Ware. Baystates Family Medicine Residency Program trains 12 new medical residents taking in four new doctors a year at Baystate Franklin in Greenfield. The plan is to access Rural Health money and expand the program from Greenfield to Ware, said Peter Banko, president and CEO of Baystate. So faculty and residents would have a clinic in Ware, Banko said in an interview last month. GREENFIELD In 2019, the Massachusetts State Police became the first law enforcement department to start using robotic dogs. Equipped with sensors and thermal cameras by the Boston Dynamics team, Roscoe has been credited with taking three bullets in a 2024 standoff on Cape Cod. Some say that the use of modern technology has assisted in advancing departments capabilities when it comes to solving crimes and ensuring safety for local communities. Other departments in the Pioneer Valley, though, are hesitant to fully embrace modern technology as a strategy. As technology continues to advance, each department weighs out the advantages and disadvantages for its own community. Todd Dodge, the chief of police with the Greenfield department, said that his community is apprehensive, but he also sees the benefits of using modern technology. The city currently has two automated license plate-readers that scan plates all day, send the information to the town, and then rewrite themselves every 30 days, Dodge said. Police Chief Todd Dodge leads the Greenfield Police Department. (Provided photo) City of Greenfield He said that his department uses the license plate-reader technology to search for cases where there are warrants out for arrests, missing persons or stolen vehicles. The technology assisted in solving a homicide in Greenfield, and even helped track down a suspect in the case of $150,000 stolen from the Greenfield Savings Money Tree ATM, as the truck involved was identified at Boston Logan Airport. Dodge said the department still has a high success rate of solving crimes the traditional way, but technology has made the timeline faster. He said the City Council has its concerns, though, as national reports circulate about plate-reading companies selling data to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The issues raised look at how the Fourth Amendment is being held up regarding access to personal data. In response, Flock the maker of the devices denies sharing personal information with federal agencies. Dodge said that he has heard public concerns about data being used to find out those seeking abortions or gender reassignment surgeries. Other technology that the Greenfield department is using includes interior drones to ensure a building is free of people before sending in a special response team, outside drones to assist in cases involving missing people and pets, as well as heat gauges. The department also is using body cameras for officers, which Dodge said has saved money and time in tracking down interviews. He said there is a continued concern with residents regarding cameras being used at stoplights. In actuality, those are sensors that have been placed above the lights. He assured residents that there is no locally known facial recognition technology being used by the Greenfield Police Department. Dodge said he recognizes how the use of modern technology gives off a George Orwellian surveillance feel, but that for the city of Greenfield, its not the reality. We dont have the money for that, said Dodge. Crime analyst Kyle Roy works at the Springfield Police Department's Real Time Analysis Center in 2023. (Don Treeger / The Republican, File) In Springfield In Springfield, modern technology is being used strategically, according to Ryan Walsh, the spokesperson for the Springfield Police Department. Walsh said in the last two years, the department has acquired two drones that require certified operators who are trained for tactical missing persons cases, crash reconstruction and meteorology. He said the entire department has been wearing body cameras as of June 2021 and said that, while it was a tough sell in the beginning, now the department and the community are both in favor of it. Its been highly beneficial in transparency, said Walsh. Springfield Police Officer Carlos Rodriguez-Lugo patrols Union Station in Springfield on Dec. 5. (Douglas Hook / The Republican, File) Douglas Hook In 2018, the department launched a Real Time Analysis Center, where Walsh said the department is tied into a few hundred city cameras, Union Station, and some businesses with exterior cameras that opted to join the program. He said that in a separate protocol, the department also can access inside Springfield schools, where the school can choose to go live in the case of a serious threat, like the 2024 shooting at the High School of Science and Technology. Ryan Walsh, spokesperson for the Springfield Police Department, talks about a donation made by members of Chicopee Moose Lodge 1849 to obtain a ballistic vest for the department's newest K9, K9 Flexx. (Hoang 'Leon' Nguyen / The Republican, File) The main purpose in R-TAC is when you get a 911 call of something going on, theyre able to get to a camera basically instantaneously and advise officers over the radios of what they see based on what the 911 call is saying, to provide safety for the officers who are arriving and the civilians that are in that area, as well, said Walsh. Walsh said that for the city of Springfield, technology is not being used for data purposes, but rather for the real-time function it can provide officers responding to calls. He said that the city does not use any facial recognition software. The department does not automatically tie into personal doorbell cameras, Walsh said. If residents want to grant permission for the department to view any footage, they would need to fill out a form that would give access to detectives if an incident arose where their footage could be helpful. The department also uses ShotSpotter, an audio-based cloud technology that uses sensors to pick up gunfire in real-time and alerts local departments. Walsh said one study done by the department showed that in 70% of the cases where gunfire or ballistic evidence was found, the department did not receive a 911 call. SPRINGFIELD The Memorial Bridge was closed for about an hour Thursday after a man jumped from the bridge into the Connecticut River. Firefighters saved the unidentified man by lowering a high-angle rescue system from the ladder of a firetruck and pulling him from the water, fire officials said. The man was walking and alert when located by police. He was taken to the hospital by ambulance for evaluation, said Ryan Walsh, police spokesman. Details of the incident, which was reported at about noon, are still sketchy. The bridge was expected to be reopen quickly, Walsh said. Massachusetts State Police and the Massachusetts State Police Airwing helicopter responded, along with the Springfield Police and Fire departments. The Springfield Fire Department raised a ladder truck over the railing as part of the rescue effort. News / National by Staff reporter An inmate already serving time at Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison for fraud has been handed an additional six-year jail term after being convicted of perjury with intent to deceive in a botched property deal.Washington Ferera (41) was convicted after the High Court of Zimbabwe found that he submitted fake, back-dated agreements of sale in an attempt to unlawfully acquire prime land. Harare Regional Magistrate Mr Stanford Mambanje initially sentenced Ferera to seven years' imprisonment, before suspending one year on condition of good behaviour.Ferera had pleaded not guilty to the charge.In his ruling, Mr Mambanje said State witness Norman Mugiya gave credible and compelling testimony, proving that Ferera and his wife, Scholastic Muringaiwho remains at largeinstructed him to process title deeds that were deliberately back-dated to facilitate the illegal acquisition of the land.The complainant was represented by Harare-based lawyer Mrs Tendai Rusinahama, while the State was led by prosecutor Mrs Cecilia Mashingaidze.According to the prosecution, between January and March 2018, Ferera and Muringai, acting with intent to deceive the High Court, signed a fake back-dated agreement of sale for a property known as Lot 358 of Prospect, measuring approximately 25,15 hectares. The property was purportedly sold to Schomet Industrial Holdings (Pvt) Ltd, with Ferera falsely presenting himself as the seller and Muringai as the buyer's representative.The court heard that, as a result of the misrepresentation, the High Court and other authorities were misled into transferring title deeds from Schomet Industrial Holdings to Maride Investments Trust through a court order, without the production of original title deeds.It was further established that Muringai attached the fraudulent agreement of sale to her founding affidavit in case number HC 2670/2018, which she filed with the High Court.The court found that Schomet Industrial Holdings was exposed to potential prejudice amounting to US$4,2 million as a direct result of the fraudulent conduct.With his latest conviction, Ferera's legal troubles have deepened, while police continue to hunt for his wife, who remains on the run. WARREN A man was flown to the hospital by helicopter after being seriously injured in a house fire Wednesday. The man had escaped from the fire at 458 Boston Post Road and firefighters found him badly injured near the blazing house. Some immediately provided medical care while others attacked the fire, said State Fire Marshal Jon Davine. The fire was reported at about 4:30 p.m. Because there was heavy fire at the home, a second alarm was struck bringing mutual aid from Ware, Brimfield, Brookfield and West Brookfield. The Palmer Fire Department provided station coverage for Warren, said Warren Fire Chief Adam Lavoie. It took firefighters about 25 minutes to extinguish most of the flames. They remained at the scene for more than four hours, extinguishing hot spots and assisting fire investigators, he said. The cause does not appear suspicious but is being investigated by the Warren Fire Department, Warren Police Department, State Police fire investigators assigned to the State Fire Marshals office, and State Police assigned to the Worcester District Attorneys Office, Davine said. One person was killed in a two-car crash on the Mass. Pike in Palmer Tuesday night, Massachusetts State Police confirmed Wednesday. The crash happened shortly after 8:20 p.m. on the westbound side of I-90, State Police said. Hampden County District Attorneys Office detectives are investigating the crash. State Police declined to provide any further information about the crash Wednesday afternoon. SPRINGFIELD The Zoning Board of Appeals officially restored building permits for the proposed Palmer Renewable Energy wood-burning biomass plant Wednesday, with members saying they had no other option. The 5-0 vote was a formality and came after 15 years of court battles. There was no discussion, but board members thanked the about 20 people for their attendance even though they did not take any testimony. To put it simply, we are bound by the judgment of the court and have no choice but to comply by taking this vote tonight, Chairwoman Mary Kate Bednarz said while reading a prepared statement. Palmer Renewable Energy originally obtained a special permit in 2008 to build the 35-megawatt plant at 1000 Page Blvd., the site of Palmer Paving Corp. Under normal circumstances, a building permit issued after a special permit would have died if work did not begin within 180 days, but the city issued two building permits for the plant in 2011. The Zoning Board of Appeals previously issued a decision that two building permits granted to Palmer Renewable Energy for the property in question and were no longer valid, Bednarz said. The final result of the process was the Appeals Court overturned the boards decision and ordered the Land Court to issue a judgement requiring the ZBA to reinstate the two permits within 30 days. No representatives from Palmer Renewable Energy attended the meeting. Officials from the firm have not returned previous requests for comment. The special permits were rescinded after opposition grew and a new council was seated. Since then, lawsuits have been filed, and judgments have seesawed back and forth, some favoring Palmer Renewable Energy and others favoring the City Council, resulting in people referring to it as a zombie project" for its ability to repeatedly return from the dead. The Massachusetts Appeals Court ruled against opponents, including the Springfield City Council, in 2024. In October the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court declined to hear the case closing one of the last avenues to fight the plant. Charlie Holmes, an East Springfield resident, attended the hearing carrying a sign saying No To Toxic Biomass Plant. He promised to continue fighting. I believe everyone has a right to breathe clean air, he said. I know a number of people who have asthma. Former City Councilor Timothy Allen, one of the original board members who voted to rescind the special permit, also attended the hearing. He and Councilors Michael Fenton and Melvin Edwards have been at the forefront of the battle for more than 15 years. The reason he said he continues to fight it is residents dont want it and it will be unhealthy for multiple city neighborhoods. I think more people need to know it is not totally dead, Allen said. As hard as we worked to kill this, it is still alive. One of the outstanding issues is the litigation over an air permit between the state and Palmer Renewable is in appeals court. Theres a status update due to the Appeals Court March 18. We are going to keep up the fight. We have won every time, but it keeps coming back, said Susan Theberge, a member of the Springfield Climate Justice Coalition, which has been on the forefront of the long fight. The coalition will continue to educate people and is lobbying state legislators to ensure there is enough support in the House and Senate to pass legislation to eliminate a loophole allowing municipal electric companies to continue to use subsidies to purchase energy from biomass. Private energy companies already are banned from using those subsidies. The legislation has been filed by state Sen. Adam Gomez and state Rep. Orlando Ramos, D-Springfield, who were both city councilors when the original special permit was rescinded, with the hopes that a new law will stop the plant because it will no longer be financially viable. They are not clean, they are not renewable and they are toxic, Theberge said. WESTFIELD William Carellas stepped down as chair of the Planning Board for a few moments at the start of the Feb. 3 meeting to honor one of its members. Chair pro tem Cheryl Crowe called on Raymond St. Hilaire and his wife, Nicole St. Hilaire, to come forward with Carellas to the podium. Thursday, January 13, was a momentous day for one of our very own planning board members. We would be remiss if we did not take this opportunity to recognize, congratulate, and thank Ray St. Hillaire, who, after 24 years of faithful duty, retired from the U.S. Army. Joining us today is his beautiful wife, Nicole, Carellas said. Carellas said St. Hilaire is retiring as a U.S. Army sergeant, having served two tours in Iraq and specializing in helicopters, most notably the Black Hawk. In my hand is a Letter of Proclamation from Mayor Michael McCabe congratulating Ray on his retirement and his accomplishments. Westfield has a long, strong tradition of supporting our military personnel. We are very proud of our air base, our A10s, our F15s, and the soon-to-be F35s, and of course, Rays Army helicopters. The Planning Board, Mayor McCabe and I speak for the many residents of Westfield in thanking Ray for his service. We also express our gratitude to all those who are currently serving, those who have served, and especially those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our country. Ray, thank you for your dedication to our country, Carellas said. Board member Jane Magarian then presented Nicole with a bouquet of flowers from the Planning Board. Proceeding to agenda items, the Planning Board opened the public hearing on the zoning petition of the City Council to implement an interim restriction, or moratorium, for Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). Ward 1 City Councilor Karen Fanion, chair of Zoning, Planning and Development, presented the petition and talked about the recommendation by the Planning Board to put a moratorium on the issuance of permits for battery storage facilities in the city until Sept. 30. She said on Jan. 15, the ZPD committee met and gave a positive recommendation to the full City Council, who approved sending it for two public hearings, this one at the Planning Board and one scheduled for the Council meeting of Feb. 5. Fanion said the petition and hearings are about setting the moratorium, not about what its going to look like, to give the city the chance to write local regulations for battery storage facilities, as well as accessory developments with battery storage. These regulations have to be accepted by September 30. We cannot put a permanent moratorium on this. We cannot prohibit any battery storage facilities in the city of Westfield because it goes against the state regulations, Fanion said, asking for a positive recommendation to move the moratorium forward for the full City Council to vote on it at their next meeting. During the public hearing, several residents spoke in favor of the moratorium. Ron Roux of Woodsong Road said he was in favor of the moratorium and asked the city to consider requiring a special permit instead of by-right approval for Tier 2 installations. He also asked the city to consider lighting, noise and protection of the aquifer in its permitting. City Planner Jay Vinskey said while there are larger facilities over which the state has oversight and cant be regulated locally, there will still be a local approval or permitting process for smaller facilities that could be tailored to Westfield. He said Westfields lighting ordinances are already fairly strict, and the city does have a separate noise ordinance. So there [are] things that are already in place that would apply, he said, adding that aquifer concerns could also be folded in. Were not crafting them now. Were just saying were putting a pause on for several months in order to write these over the course of the coming months. Vinskey said there will be another hearing when the local ordinance is finalized. (That) may be a more appropriate opportunity to weigh in on exactly what were doing. I dont think we know yet. Were just saying put the brakes on and then let us think about it without the pressure of some looming proposal coming. Roux thanked him for the information, which he said was helpful. Ive been really pleased with what Ive been seeing thus far with the questioning, and I feel like there [are] many that have the interest of Westfield at heart and are doing their best. So I do appreciate that, he said. Planning Board member John Bowen mentioned that there is no current proposed project for a battery facility in Westfield. Another resident asked that the board take a careful look at fire response in the regulations, considering the ongoing fires with BESS facilities, and who would be responsible. Former Ward 1 Councilor Mary Ann Babinski recommended that while the city takes the time to write a local ordinance, at the same time, they consider strengthening the Water Resource Protection ordinance in regards to BESS, in order to protect the aquifer. Babinski also suggested that the city participate in some of the public hearings on the new BESS regulations that the Energy Facility Siting Board is holding statewide. She said she participated in one of the hearings on Feb. 2. Also speaking in favor of the moratorium was At Large City Councilor Dan Allie. After the public hearing was closed, the Planning Board voted unanimously in favor of the moratorium. The City Council will hold a public hearing and vote on Feb. 5. The Massachusetts Parole Board remains concerned about a former Worcester gang leader seeking release from prison after he continues to claim a murder was accidental despite two persons being shot in their heads. On March 12, 1999, James Freeman III was convicted of first-degree murder for the death of Teofila Matos (Ledesma) after a jury trial in Worcester County Superior Court. He was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. However, in January 2024, the Supreme Judicial Court ruled in Commonwealth v. Mattis that sentencing people, ages 18 through 20 at the time of their offense, to life without the possibility of parole was unconstitutional and amounted to cruel and unusual punishment. Massachusetts was the first state in the country to transform the law, experts said. Essentially, the brains of what we are calling late adolescents or emerging adults function very much like juveniles, Northampton attorney Paul Rudof, one of the lawyers who successfully challenged life sentences for individuals aged 18 to 20, told The Republican . There were 210 cases that fell into the Mattis decision across Massachusetts, including Freeman. He went in front of the parole board for the first time on Aug. 14, 2025. During the hearing, the parole board talked about what happened the evening of Oct. 4, 1994 when 19-year-old Freeman shot and killed 50-year-old Matos in the kitchen of her apartment in Worcester. Her husband, who was also present, was shot near his left eye but survived. Freeman, the leader of the Vice Lords gang, met up with several other men and discussed committing a robbery to get money and drugs. Two of the men went to get masks to use in the robbery. Freeman went to his girlfriends home and returned with two guns. When the men got to the apartment, they kicked in the front door of a downstairs apartment. After searching the apartment and finding nothing, the men went to the second-floor apartment where Matos and her husband lived. Freeman held both victims at gunpoint in the kitchen, while telling the others what to do and where to search, according to the parole board. Freeman then shot both victims in the head. Freeman buried the murder weapon with his girlfriend, Luz Maria Torres Rondeau, according to The Boston Globe in 1999. While awaiting trial, Rondeau told Worcester Police she knew about Freemans role in the killing and led them to the gun, the news outlet reported. But the gang began to threaten her and she started making plans to move out of Worcester. Every time shed get a job, the gang would come and harass her, a relative told the Globe. It was a problem. The day before she was expected to testify, Rondeau was shot and killed as she lay sleeping next to her 3-year-old daughter, the Globe reported. Muhammad Sahin, 22, a follower of the Vice Lords, was charged in connection with her murder. Freeman had offered Sahin $10,000 for the killing, the news outlet reported. The parole board stated it takes into account Freemans entire significant criminal history. Still, the parole board recognized that Freeman began engaging in rehabilitative programming more than 10 years ago and has been steadily employed. Assistant District Attorney Anne Kennedy of the Worcester District Attorneys Office spoke against Freeman getting parole. One board member voted to grant parole. However, they were out voted by the remaining members. On Jan. 14, parole was denied with the option for another hearing to be scheduled in two years. Overall, there were 1,436 people on parole in Massachusetts in 2025. There were also 1,208 discharges from parole. Police in South Carolina have made an arrest in connection with the discovery of the body of a Massachusetts man who went missing last month. David Hutchinson, a 32-year-old Oakham resident, went missing shortly after he moved to South Carolina in December to pursue a relationship with a woman he met online, according to the Telegram & Gazette. Hutchinsons body was found Jan. 29 inside a rolling trash container that had been pushed into an abandoned house in Marion, S.C., according to WBTW News 13. On Jan. 30, Marion police arrested Jaida Braddy, a 41-year-old woman, and charged her with accessory after the fact to a felony, according to WBTW News 13. Authorities have not announced a cause of death for Hutchinson, but Marion Police Chief Tony Flowers told the outlet the case was being investigated as a homicide. According to a GoFundMe set up by Hutchinsons sister, Hutchinson, a barber, moved to South Carolina to pursue a woman who promised him a lucrative job. Once he arrived, his sister claims Hutchinson was robbed and left stranded in an unfamiliar area. Dave was lured to South Carolina with the promise of making money by a woman who claimed to be an entrepreneur, but upon arrival he quickly figured out it was all a set up, she wrote. After being taken for his money, he was dropped off at a trap house where his phone was also stolen. In the time leading up to his disappearance there was an altercation with his barbering equipment being stolen as well. Hutchinsons family in Massachusetts reported him missing on Jan. 12, according to the Telegram. Police in Marion investigated a tip and discovered the body inside a trash container, which Braddy admitted to moving inside the house, according to WBTW News 13. The philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, marks World Cancer Day 2026 together with Africas First Ladies and Ministries of Health by continuing to build and advance cancer care capacity through their Cancer Access Program, with the aim to increase the limited number of Oncologists in Africa. Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.) explained, At Merck Foundation, we mark World Cancer Day through our sustained, everyday efforts to transform cancer care in Africa by addressing one of its most critical gaps: late diagnosis and the shortage of trained specialists. Together with my dear sisters, African First Ladies, we have strengthened cancer care capacity in the continent by providing 258 Oncology Scholarships for healthcare providers from 34 African and Asian countries, significantly increasing the number of trained oncologists and developing the multidisciplinary cancer care teams. In several of these countries, there wasnt even a single oncologist. We are very proud that we are making history by training the first oncologists and first multidisciplinary cancer care teams in many countries like The Gambia, Sierra Leone, Burundi, Liberia, Guinea Conakry, Central African Republic, Chad, Niger, and many more. Merck Foundation in total provided more than 2500 scholarships for healthcare providers from 52 countries in 44 critical and underserved specialities. Merck Foundation remains committed to transforming the landscape of patient care in general, and cancer care in particular, leading Africa toward a healthier future, Dr. Rasha Kelej further explained. As part of their Cancer Access Program, Merck Foundation has to date provided 258 Scholarships for healthcare providers from 34 countries as per the following: Merck Foundation is establishing Multidisciplinary Oncology Care teams in many African countries by providing scholarships of One year clinical training in most of oncology sub- specialties such as; Medical Oncology, Surgical Oncology, Pediatrics Oncology, Gynecology Oncology, Breast Oncology, Haemato-Oncology, Orthopedic Oncology, Palliative Care, Pathology Oncology, Radiation Oncology, Research in Oncology, Genital Urinary oncology, Advanced Cytopathology Training, Interventional Radiology, Radiation Technician, Laboratory Technician, Oncology Nursing. Moreover, Merck Foundation provides One-year and Two-year Post Graduate Diploma and Master Degree of Cancer and Clinical Oncology, Medical Oncology and Pain Management from reputed Universities in UK like University of South Wales, University of Buckingham, Queen Mary University of London, and Cardiff University. The 34 countries include Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo Brazzaville, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. According to WHO data (2022), Africa sees roughly 1.1 million new cancer cases and up to about 700,000 cancer deaths each year. Cancer mortality rates in Africa are much higher than in many other regions of the world, reflecting late diagnosis, limited access to care, and gaps in health systems. Therefore, Merck Foundations oncology scholarships play a critically important role in strengthening cancer care capacity across the continent. Dr. Rasha Kelej further shared, Nearly two-thirds of cancer cases can be successfully treated when diagnosed early, and up to one-third can be prevented by reducing key risk factors such as exposure to radiation, certain infections, and lifestyle-related causes. To raise awareness about it, we have recently launched a children storybook and its adaptive animation film Ray of Hope, in partnership with African First Ladies. The story deals with childhood cancer and highlights the critical importance of early detection and access to well-trained cancer care teams capable of recognizing early warning signs. With the Milestones Motor Museum set to open its doors in Beaux Songes by the end of this year, an exclusive preview of the Milestones Collection was held on 29 January, in collaboration with the CIPR International Mauritius Network, bringing together representatives of the PR and media communities on the island. The event was held in the presence of senior diplomats H.E. Frederic Bontems, French Ambassador, H.E. KAN Masahiro, Japanese Ambassasdor, H.E. Paul Brummell, UK High Commissioner, H.E . Mrs Kate Chamley, Australian High Commissioner and Craig A. Halbmaier, Charge dAffaires of the U.S. Embassy. Terry Smith, Founder of the Milestones Motor Museum, presented four seminal cars from the collection, namely the Citroen DS19 (France, which was formerly used by the late French President Charles de Gaulle), Aston Martin DB5 (UK), Toyota 2000GT (Japan) and Cadillac V16 (US). These cars will be featured alongside over 200 vehicles in the collection, encompassing movie cars, supercars, race cars, rally cars as well as failure cars and motorcycles, when the museum opens. Commenting on the event, Terry Smith said: Todays preview offers a glimpse of the shape of things to come at Milestones. The collection includes vehicles which have their rightful place in international automotive history, such as the Citroen DS 19, Toyota 2000GT, Aston Martin DB5 and the Cadillac V16, where the stories of the cars are equally as fascinating as their mechanics. We look forward to sharing these iconic cars with the public when we open the museums doors by the end of this year. From the PR perspective, Samantha Seewoosurrun, Founder of the CIPR International Mauritius Network, said: PR professionals attending todays preview will be reminded of the importance of storytelling that should be at the heart of any PR strategy. The museum will not only tell us about engines and cylinders but will reveal the inspiring tales of vision, passion and determination and even rivalry that shape the cars we drive today. We would like to warmly thank Terry Smith and the Milestones team for hosting the PR community for this unique event. CIPR Internationals sponsors for the event were AfrAsia, Rogers Capital Management Services, Kolos, Eagle Insurance, Africa Specialty Risks, Medine Property, Moments by PhoenixBev, Moka Mocha by Courts Mammouth and Impact Production Group. Resume en Francais Le 29 janvier dernier, le futur Milestones Motor Museum de Beaux Songes a devoile un apercu de sa collection lors dune rencontre avec les professionnels des relations publiques et des medias, organisee en collaboration avec le CIPR International. Le 29 janvier dernier, le futur Milestones Motor Museum de Beaux Songes a devoile un apercu de sa collection lors dune rencontre avec les professionnels des relations publiques et des medias, organisee en collaboration avec le CIPR International. Points forts de levenement : Presence diplomatique : Des ambassadeurs et hauts-commissaires de France, du Japon, du Royaume-Uni, dAustralie et des Etats-Unis etaient presents. Modeles iconiques : Terry Smith, fondateur du musee, a presente quatre vehicules historiques : la Citroen DS19 (ex-Charles de Gaulle), lAston Martin DB5, la Toyota 2000GT et la Cadillac V16. Vision : Au-dela de la mecanique, le projet mise sur le storytelling pour raconter lhistoire et la passion derriere chaque vehicule. Louverture officielle est prevue pour la fin de lannee 2026. Le musee abritera plus de 200 vehicules, incluant des voitures de cinema, des supercars et des motos de legende. The Mo Ibrahim Foundation has announced the appointment of two new members to its Council: Dr Ali S. Hadi, University Professor at the American University in Cairo and long-standing member of the Ibrahim Index of African Governance (IIAG) Expert Panel, and Nasi Rwigema, Co-President of the Foundations Now Generation Network (NGN) and Head of Product at The Alliance. Mo Ibrahim, Founder and Chair of the Mo Ibrahim Foundation, said: We are delighted to welcome Ali Hadi and Nasi Rwigema to the Foundations Council. Both have been actively contributing to the Foundations work for many years, and their combined expertise is a major asset to our mission. I am particularly pleased to see the perspectives of the Now Generation Network represented at Council level, and I look forward to working closely with our new members as we continue to promote sound leadership and governance in Africa. Dr Ali Hadi is a Distinguished University Professor and former Chair of the Department of Mathematics and Actuarial Science at the American University in Cairo, where he also served as Vice Provost for Graduate Studies and Research. He founded both the universitys Actuarial Science Programme in 2004 and its Data Science Programme in 2019. Currently a Stephen H. Weiss Presidential Fellow and Professor Emeritus at Cornell University, he has contributed to the IIAG Expert Panel since its inception, supporting one of the continents most comprehensive tools for measuring governance performance. Nasi Rwigema serves as Co-President of the NGN, which focuses on building a practical, high-impact community of young African leaders across sectors. He is Head of Product at The Alliance, where he has supported the expansion of a multi-community EdTech platform through product-led growth and AI-enabled solutions. Previously, he founded Umwuga, a jobs marketplace supporting low- and unskilled workers, and led renewable energy and infrastructure investments at Metier Private Equity. He began his career as an aerospace engineer and holds an MBA from London Business School. A BALLINROBE man who was drunk and abusive on a Bus Eireann bus from Galway to Mayo was eventually removed from the bus by angry passengers. Cathal Jennings of 19 An Cladrach, Castlebar Road, Ballinrobe appeared before Castlebar District Court where he pleaded guilty to engaging in threatening, abusive or insulting words and intoxication in a public place on January 15 last. The court heard that the 30 year old was drunk on the Bus Eireann bus from Galway when he became abusive to fellow passengers and the female bus drivers at Cloonboo at around 7.53pm. Judge Vincent Deane was informed that the driver stopped the bus at Headford and requested garda assistance but none was available. The bus was stationary at Headford for 45 minutes before it continued on its journey after Mr Jennings fell asleep. When the bus eventually arrived in Ballinrobe, he was removed by fellow passengers but he attempted to fight with the passengers. The altercation continued onto Abbey Street when gardai arrived. Court presenter, Sergeant Conor McShane said the passengers on the bus were annoyed with the conduct of Mr Jennings who he said continued to be aggressive. Gardai had to restrain Mr Jennings before he was arrested but Sgt McShane said he continued to be aggressive to gardai. The court was told that when Mr Jennings did sober up he apologised to gardai for his behaviour and later wrote a letter of apology for the bus driver. Mr Gary Mulchrone, solicitor for Mr Jennings said the facts of the case speak for themselves and that his client was very drunk on the night. READ: Hero Mayo teenager (16) rescues sibling surfers off Carrownisky Beach The court was that Mr Jennings is a PLC student studying Emergency Care Services with the hope of becoming a paramedic. Mr Jennings told the court that he had been drinking in a pub in Galway and went into an off licence where he bought a bottle but did not remember anything from being on the bus. He said he was sorry for his behaviour and wished to apologise to the bus driver and the passengers. Mr Jennings has no previous convictions but told the court that he normally does not drink and this was a relapse for him. He said he has not drank since and is attending AA meetings. Mr Mulchrone said this was an unusual case as Mr Jennings has no history of this type of behaviour before but he now has to face up to what he did and needs help. Judge Deane adjourned sentencing until April 14 for the preparation of a probation report. News / National by Staff reporter NELSON Chamisa's return to Zimbabwe's political scene has sparked sharp criticism, with former allies now openly questioning his relevance and leadership.After a two-year political hiatus, Chamisa recently announced that he was making a comeback to lead a new opposition movement. However, instead of rallying support, his return has reignited attacks from erstwhile colleagues who have since crossed over to the ruling Zanu-PF.The criticism came into sharp focus at the launch of the Chegutu Ward 1 by-election campaign over the weekend, where former opposition figures, now aligned with Zanu-PF, took turns to lambast Chamisa.Former opposition legislator Blessing Chebundo dismissed Chamisa in scathing terms, likening him to a spent force."Keep following Chamisa; it is no different from flies that follow a corpse into a grave," said Chebundo.Gift Konjana, who is contesting the councillor's seat on a Zanu-PF ticket, echoed similar sentiments, arguing that the opposition lacks leadership and direction."The opposition does not have direction. The opposition is leaderless," said Konjana.Chebundo and Konjana are among several former Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) members who fell out with Chamisa after he assumed leadership of the opposition. Tensions have persisted, particularly following the disintegration of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), with some former members questioning Chamisa's leadership credentials.Meanwhile, Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Ziyambi Ziyambi welcomed the participation of former opposition figures within the ruling party, describing it as a boost for Zanu-PF."We want to build Zanu-PF so that everyone comes back to the ruling party. The President is happy when former opposition members contest for positions. These men can destroy the opposition completely and make Zanu-PF greater than what it is today because of their experiences," said Ziyambi.As Chamisa seeks to reassert himself on the political stage, his return appears to have deepened divisions, setting the stage for renewed political contestation both within and outside the opposition ranks. In last weeks column, I started by talking about how I hadnt been looking forward to Mayo games in recent seasons, and how I was genuinely excited heading into the Galway game. Both the Galway game and the Dublin game have done very little to change that feeling of expectation and adventure. It has been a brilliant start to the league, and there is no doubt about that. When league fixtures are released, managers tend to view the opening games as a defined block, with clear point targets for the first three games. Making a strong start is critically important, and from that perspective, Andy Moran could not have asked for more. Mayo have taken on two high-quality teams, both of whom would traditionally have been considered favourites against them at this time of the year, and emerged with four points. Whether at home or away, that return represents an outstanding outcome and provides immediate momentum. Purely in terms of points on the board, Moran deserves an A+ for his opening two games, and the preparation that led to this position has clearly paid off. DEFINED ROLES Looking more closely at the teams structure, what stands out is the clarity of Morans thinking in his selections and roles. Bob Tuohy has been established at midfield with a defined brief. David McBrien has been influential all over the pitch, contributing energy and scores. Ryan ODonoghue has operated in the forward line in a fluid role at times a scorer, at times a creator allowing him to show the full range of his skills. Ive always made a case for keeping him closer to goal, but doing so would risk limiting his overall influence, given how effective he is as a playmaker. ODonoghue has been the standout player over the opening two games, which is no surprise. At this stage, he is Mayos most reliable performer someone who can be trusted in big moments to create or convert chances. There may be a touch of Belmullet bias in here, but when I meet people here in Armagh, Ryan is the first player I mention. He is truly great to watch. He has been well supported by Jack Carney and Jordan Flynn, two men who have played important roles. Along with Tuohy and McBrien, that gives Mayo a settled and productive middle third. Most of these players are contributing scores, and the balance of work rate, ball-handling, power and forward running has been central to Mayos strong start. MAN MANAGEMENT Another area where Andy deserves significant credit is in his management of the wider panel. New managers often lean heavily on familiar faces. However, we have already seen a smart blend of trust and opportunity. Established figures such as Aidan OShea and Paddy Durcan have been rotated intelligently, while players like Jack Coyne, Rory Brickenden, and Fergal Boland have been introduced alongside a strong core. Speaking of Paddy Durcan, it was great to see both him and Diarmuid OConnor returning from injury. Having such experienced players coming on adds to the depth of the panel for games going forward. Bringing players into a settled team, rather than making wholesale changes, allows them to grow into roles with confidence, and Moran has handled that balance well. This approach has also been evident in the way Darragh Beirne and Cian McHale have been used. Its great having two left-footed, composed, capable free-takers, and having one on the field at all times has been beneficial. Beirne, in particular, has shown impressive composure at just 19 years of age. Managing his minutes carefully, and giving him 50 minutes each game is a good way to bring him up to speed with inter-county fare. FRONT FOOT From a tactical and mental perspective, Mayo also seem better equipped to deal with momentum swings. Modern games can turn quickly, and no lead is secure until the closing minutes. Mayo handled Dublins second-half resurgence well, continuing to play on the front foot rather than retreating into caution. The emphasis on continuing to attack when space presents itself feels more in tune with the realities of the modern game than attempting to simply slow things down. That attacking mindset has been supported by a clear focus on kickout strategy. Mayo have put pressure on opposition kickouts and shown a willingness to contest longer restarts, winning breaks and second balls. This approach worked against Galway and again proved effective here. As short kickouts become increasingly risky under high pressure, being strong on long kickouts and breaks looks like a smart area of emphasis. Players such as Jordan Flynn, Jack Carney and others have shown they are well suited to that battle. Encouragingly, Mayos scores have been spread throughout the team, with contributions from midfield, the forward line and the bench. That balance makes them more difficult to contain and points to a healthier attacking structure overall. RENEWED ENTHUSIASM Finally, the response from supporters has been telling. A strong attendance in Castlebar reflected renewed belief and enthusiasm around the team. Supporters have clearly been encouraged by both the results and the style of play, and they were rewarded with another positive, attacking performance. Taken together, these opening weeks suggest more than just a good start. They point to clear planning, intelligent squad management, and a team developing an identity that looks capable of lasting beyond the early rounds of the league. There's no doubt about it, these two games have given everyone a boost and energised us. I can't wait for the Donegal game in a couple of weeks when we play a team that obviously is going very well too. They obviously want to bounce back from a poor All-Ireland final performance last year and they certainly seem to have done that so it will be a really really good test for Mayo. It's great to be excited about Mayo games again. A teenage surfer from Westport has been praised by the Coast Guard and local community after rescuing two siblings in distress at Carrownisky Beach, with strong offshore winds pushing them far from shore. Liam Cadden, an experienced 16-year-old surfer, was enjoying a session in the water when he noticed something unusual about 200 meters from the shoreline. "I was surfing for a while, and I noticed they were very far out, and they weren't on their board, or they're just like wading in the water," Liam told The Mayo News. "And I thought it was strange, and I was looking at them, and then one of them called me over." When he reached the pairsiblings in their early twentiesthe brother explained they were in trouble and unable to get back to shore. The sister was particularly vulnerable, having recently torn ligaments in her shoulder, which prevented her from paddling. "I told the brother just to follow me and I'd push the sister in," Liam said. "But the sister wasn't able to paddle because she tore ligaments in her shoulder recently." What began as a manageable rescue quickly escalated when the brother couldn't keep pace. "He wasn't actually able to follow me, so he ended up drifting out more," Liam explained. "And that's when I signaled to the beach for help." As bystanders on shore called the Coast Guard, Liam continued working to bring the sister to safety, instructing her to lie on his board while he pushed from behind, pausing to paddle and catch up before pushing again. READ MORE: Three surfers rescued in Bank Holiday incident off Mayo Coast "I was quite calm. But then when I realized we weren't making much headway, and she started to get very upset about being far out and the brother drifting further off, then I was a bit shocked, like, oh, this is serious," he recalled. Throughout the ordeal, Liam worked to keep the young woman calm. "I kept saying to her, oh, just try stay calm, and try keep your centre of gravity and your balance, because then it was a lot easier for me to push her." His efforts paid off. Liam managed to get the sister to waist-high water, where she was able to walk the rest of the way to shore. The brother, who Liam noted "had a good wetsuit on," was later rescued by the Achill Island RNLIs volunteer lifeboat crew. Liam emphasized that strong offshore winds had created the dangerous conditions that trapped the surfing siblings. Following the rescue, members of the RNLI approached Liam, shaking his hand and commending his actions. They encouraged him to sign up when he turns 18. Despite the praise, Liam remains modest about his actions. "Any surfer that was used to the water would have done it as well," he said. He was quick to credit his surf instructors, Charles O'Malley and Elvis Beetham from Surf Mayo, saying they taught him everything he knows about surfing. "Charles was previously a neighbour and used to give me lifts to surf and brought me to all the beaches," he added. The incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of ocean conditions and the importance of water safety awareness, even for experienced swimmers. Three Mayo tourism businesses were honoured at the CIE Tours Annual Awards of Excellence. CIE Tours, the largest carrier of US visitors to Ireland every year, held its annual awards of excellence, celebrating Irish hoteliers and tourist experience operators who have been singled out by the 30,000 visitors who came to Ireland with CIE Tours in 2025. Westport Walking Tour was awarded gold for best walking tour at this years awards ceremony. Set up by brothers, Stephen and Alan Clarke, Westport Walking Tours give guests the chance to learn about the heritage of Westport while also showing visitors around the town. Knockranny House Hotel and Westport House also received Merit awards in the hotel and visitor experience categories. Pictured above, from left: Stephen Cotter, Managing Director of CIE Tours, Catherine Connolly, Westport House; Geraldine and Adrian Noonan, Knockranny House Hotel; Biddy Hughes, Westport House with Stephen and Aisling Clarke, Westport Walking Tours. Sean Canney, TD, Minister of State at the Department of Transport, acknowledged the commitment of tour operators across Ireland and paid tribute to the award recipients: These awards are a testament to the high standards of quality that each operator holds and is a well-deserved recognition of their work in welcoming CIE Tours visitors to Ireland, providing them with unique and unrivalled experiences. Tourism is a vital part of the Irish economy, impacting every town and village across the country and is a key source of employment for people in many rural communities. The government recognises the importance of the sector and recently launched a National Tourism Policy Statement which sets out a clear ambition to enhance tourisms economic contribution, support regional development, and ensure the industry remains inclusive, sustainable, and adaptable to future challenges. This is supported by the provision of 233 million in Budget 2026 for the Tourism Services programme which aims to drive regional development and employment in the sector. Aidan Murphy, Chairman, CIE Tours said: CIE Tours has been playing a leading role in promoting Ireland as a tourist destination for almost 95 years and continues to perform at a high level on the international stage which has had a significant impact on the Irish economy. As a market leader in the USA, one of the most competitive markets in the world, CIE Tours has helped to increase the number of U.S. visitors to Ireland, who contribute to 31% of visitor spend, which amounted to 1.87 billion in 2024. Stephen Cotter, Managing Director, CIE Tours said; 2025 was another landmark year for CIE Tours, when we booked over 250,000 bed nights throughout Ireland. That we can offer a unique experience unrivalled by any other country is due in no small part to our many partners who work closely with us, taking the feedback from our visitors and continuously refining their offering. Our support for tourism destinations is bringing vital revenue to towns and villages across the country. We are continuously developing our offering, developing new and sustainable tours that will allow our visitors to experience the very best that Ireland has to offer. CIE Tours is the leading inbound tour operator for North American visitors to Ireland for over 90 years and in that time has brought over 3 million visitors from North America to Ireland. READ MORE: Mayo goes the distance for record-breaking GOAL Mile as county raises 16,000 Thirteen employees across two EuroGiant stores in Westport and Ballina in County Mayo are among 640 staff nationwide facing job uncertainty after the discount retail chain entered court-appointed liquidation yesterday. The shops in Ballina and Westport will continue to trade as normal for the foreseeable future. The Irish-owned business, which has traded for over three decades, cited rising costs and increased competition as the primary factors behind its collapse. All stores, including the two Mayo outlets, will remain open while liquidators Mark Degnan and Brendan O'Reilly of Interpath conduct a full review of the store network. A company spokesperson confirmed that escalating rent and operating expenses, combined with fierce competition in the retail sector, had rendered the business "no longer viable in its current form." The liquidation affects EuroGeneral Limited and Bushgrove Limited, the entities trading as EuroGiant, which operated 77 company-owned stores across more than 20 counties including Mayo. Founder Charlie O'Loughlin, who established the business from a single Dublin store over 30 years ago, expressed deep regret at the outcome. "This is a very hard day for me personally. I founded this business over 30 years ago, and I never imagined it would end like this," he said. Mr O'Loughlin emphasised his concern for staff members, many of whom had dedicated significant portions of their careers to the company. "What matters most to me now is our staff. Many people have given a huge part of their working lives to the company, and I know how worrying and unsettling this will be for them and their families. I am deeply sorry that this is where things have gotten to." The founder insisted the company had exhausted all realistic options to continue trading before entering liquidation. His focus now turns to supporting an orderly wind-down and working with liquidators to secure the best possible outcome for employees. Benedetti Teaching Artist Residency The Benedetti Teaching Artist Residency is a nine-month Visiting Instructor/Artist-in-Residence Fellowship offered through MCLA Arts & Culture and MCLA's Department of Fine and Performing Arts. It is an annual residency, beginning in the Fall of every school year. Selected artists may work in painting, sculpture, graphic design, illustration, or mixed media. While teaching courses at MCLA they also work in the studio as one of Gallery 51's resident artists who will culminate their tenure with an exhibition in Gallery 51. These exemplary artists provide our students and the community with workshops and public programs and each teaching resident has an MCLA student who assists them and is mentored by the resident for the school year. The residency aims to bring new artistic perspectives to MCLA and contribute to the diversity, equity, access and inclusion on campus and in the community. This residency is funded by a generous bequest from the estate of Alma Benedetti 37. A beloved North Adams art teacher and life-long advocate and friend of the College, Alma Benedetti inspired generations of children with her keen sense of color, composition, and design. 2026 Benedetti Artist in Residence Ngoc-Tran Vu Ngoc-Tran Vu is a Vietnamese-American multimedia visual artist and cultural organizer, celebrated for her deeply socially engaged practice that melds various artistic mediums with community activism. Residing in the Dorchester community of Boston where she was raised, Tran is devoted to interlacing stories of migration, displacement, and resilience into her artistic and cultural endeavors. Her artistic repertoire spans photography, painting, sculpture, and installationeach medium selected to best resonate and engage audiences with intentionality. Trans creations are immersive experiences, often sparking profound discourse on diasporas, memories, and rituals within the broader contexts of social justice and healing. In her capacity as a cultural organizer, Tran spearheads projects that spotlight critical social issues while promoting community involvement and empowerment. She believes in the transformative power of art to bridge cultural divides and inspire societal change. Her multimedia exhibitions and collaborative installations, both locally and internationally showcased, have drawn attention to the nuanced experiences of immigrant communities and the power of collective memory and resilience. Among her prominent projects is the 1975: A Vietnamese Diaspora Memorial, where Tran serves as the lead artist and project director. This intergenerational, community-driven public art project is slated for permanent installation in Bostons Little Saigon Cultural District. The memorial will honor Vietnamese families and communities impacted by the war and its ongoing legacy, while addressing the critical need for diversity, equity, and inclusion in public place-making. By prioritizing community voices in the creation of public art and reclaiming narratives from a Vietnamese diaspora perspective, the project aims to foster ongoing engagement, address loss and grief, and bridge generational connections. This arts-led collaborative effort not only celebrates the Vietnamese diaspora but also provides a shared space for healing and acknowledging the historical impacts of war. Ngoc-Tran Vus work compels viewers to reflect on their positions within society and the global community. As she continues to challenge the conventions of traditional art and activism, her influence and contributions remain vital to the cultural landscape and collective efforts towards a more inclusive and just world. Tran received her MA in Arts and Politics at New York Universitys Tisch School of the Arts and her BA in Ethnic Studies and Visual Arts at Brown University. www.ngoctranvu.com MCLA Press Release News / National by Staff reporter PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa earned a rare round of applause on Wednesday after declaring that Zimbabwe will not seek to please either the West or the East when it comes to exploiting its natural resources, but will instead act in its own national interest.Mnangagwa made the remarks at the ongoing World Governments Summit in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, while responding to a question from session host Tucker Carlson on how Zimbabwe's relations with the West compare to its experience with the East over the past 150 years.Speaking on a high-level panel that also included Botswana President Duma Boko and Sierra Leone President Julius Maada Bio, Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe values contributions from all partners, regardless of historical ties."Initially, as we became independent, most of our development thrust was from the West, but as we evolved, we have also benefited from investment and cooperation from countries like China," Mnangagwa said."Zimbabwe is a sovereign state. We move on the basis that these are the best results of our resources, whether in relation to the West or the East."What is primarily important is what we as Zimbabweans are satisfied with. We do not need to please the East or West, we please ourselves," he said, drawing applause from delegatessomething he has often missed during past United Nations General Assembly addresses.His remarks come at a time when geopolitical competition over Africa's vast mineral wealth is intensifying. While concerns over exploitation and abuse linked to some Chinese business operations on the continent have grown, Western countries are also seeking to reassert influence and counter China's dominance in the race for strategic resources.Zimbabwe is central to that competition. The country boasts Africa's largest lithium reserves, ranking among the world's top deposits, with proven reserves estimated at about 310 000 metric tonnes. Lithium is a critical mineral in the production of electric vehicle batteries and other new-generation energy technologies.Zimbabwe is also endowed with rich gold resources, with more than 4 000 known gold deposits, some of which are considered among the richest globally.Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe's foreign relations must be understood within historical contexts."Relations cannot be measured country by country. They depend on the historical background of countriesthat is the basis on which they grow and are nurtured," he said."We are a former British colony, but we are very happy with the relations that have developed between us and countries such as China, despite being a former British colony."The World Governments Summit, held annually since 2013, brings together global leaders in Dubai to discuss governance, futurism, technology, innovation, and international cooperation. After his gun controversy, it would seem that there was one occasion in particular when having arms in his possession actually saved Govinda's life. As revealed by his manager, the actor once narrowly escaped death. A downside of having fame like his is the array of death threats that might follow. One such occasion had him running for his life. Govinda was Attacked in the Middle of the Night Instagram/govinda_herono1 During an interview with ANI, Govinda's manager, Shashi Sinha, confirmed that the actor narrowly escaped what could have been a fatal attack. Although his manager was very secretive about the details of the incident, he did admit that having a gun helped Govinda chase them away. "He keeps getting threat calls. Thank God he had a gun with him the day he got attacked. He chased everyone away. Otherwise, God knows what would have happened to him. I rushed him at 4 am. We also filed an FIR. We also have a video of what happened that night." He didnt elaborate further about the incident, but he did confirm that Govinda was left with self-defence injuries afterwards. Govinda Has Been in Trouble Because of a Gun Before Priyanka Chopra is gearing up for her return to Indian cinema with Varanasi, co-starring Mahesh Babu, a project that has already generated significant buzz online ahead of its April 2027 release. Recently, director SS Rajamouli revealed in an interview that nearly 25 minutes of the film will be set in a mythological era. However, the remark sparked criticism on social media, with many netizens taking issue with the approach, given that the film is rooted in the Ramayana. Sri Durga Arts In a recent interaction, SS Rajamouli spoke about the extent to which mythology features in his 2027 film Varanasi, while being cautious not to reveal too much. Addressing the topic, he said,I must be careful in answering this question so that I don't give out spoilers. About 25 minutes of the film is set in the mythological period. Yeah! That is how much I can tell you right now. SS Rajamoulis Statement Divides Internet A section of social media users has alleged that SS Rajamouli is being let off lightly for describing aspects of the film as mythological simply because he is a filmmaker from the South. At the same time, many fans have come out in his defence, pointing out that the director has repeatedly stated in the past that he is not a practising Hindu and identifies as an atheist. One user commented, So? If atheist Rajamouli says Ramayana is mythology then it's considered fine, but when some other atheist filmmaker says the same, they're trolled? Why the hypocrisy? Another user commented, Lol who are you kidding? The word mythology was imposed upon the Hindus by the Westerners as they believed these epics were fan-fic or fantastical. Plus my point is different. I don't mind SSR calling Ramayana mythology, but when other ppl do the same, why are they called out? One user reacted, Absolutely valid point. people are too biased, and the hindi film industry or bollywood has always been an easy target. im a hindu but an atheist, and even i cant definitively call the ramayana either mythology or history. its complex. personally, i believe its a mix of both. Another user reacted, There are mythological stories in our history. Maybe he is referring that, and no one questions him because his films are not problematic in terms of showing India. News / National by Staff reporter A former evangelical pastor has been convicted of a string of sexual offences after exploiting his position of trust to target young girls and women across the country.Walter Chahwanda, 34, of Plemonstall Court in Chester, was found guilty of 17 offences at Liverpool Crown Court on 3 February 2026. The charges included sexual assault and sending explicit images and videos to victims, one of whom was a 14-year-old child. He will be sentenced on 20 March 2026.Chahwanda had previously served as a pastor in the Apostolic Faith Mission before establishing his own church in Liverpool, Sound of Dominion. Over a four-year period, he used church-related activities to meet children and young women, later contacting them via Snapchat and Instagram.Pattern of AbuseInvestigators revealed that Chahwanda's method was consistent across multiple victims. He initially engaged in casual conversations online before steering them into sexualised discussions. Without warning, he would send intimate images and videos of himself, often performing sexual acts.In some cases, he pressured victims to expose his behaviour to others, incorporating the risk of being caught into his sexual fantasies. His actions left victims shocked and confused, particularly given his respected role within the church community.Despite complaints being raised with church leaders and victims confiding in others, Chahwanda continued his offending, which escalated over time. The father of one victim reported the abuse to the NSPCC, while others sought help from police and support organisations.Arrest and TrialChahwanda was first arrested in February 2024 and interviewed again in April 2025 after further victims came forward. During questioning, he denied the allegations but admitted to sexualised conversations online, dismissing them as "naughty" role play.The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) initially authorised 22 charges relating to nine victims. Chahwanda pleaded not guilty to all counts. The jury ultimately convicted him on 17 charges, while acquitting him of rape, assault by penetration, and one charge of sending a sexual image. Two counts of blackmail were dropped after the CPS offered no evidence.CPS StatementAaron Smith, a lawyer with the CPS Mersey Cheshire Rape and Serious Sexual Offences (RASSO) unit, praised the courage of the victims in coming forward:"Walter Chahwanda used his position as a respected Pastor to abuse a 14-year-old child and cause distress to multiple young women and children. He had no regard for their wellbeing or vulnerability and was solely focused on his own sexual gratification.Thankfully, eventually, the victims were listened to and Chahwanda was arrested. He continued to deny that what he had been doing was criminal and said the victims had consented. He passed off his offences as harmless.The Crown Prosecution Service would like to thank the victims and witnesses in this case for their courage and support in this prosecution. Without their testimony, Walter Chahwanda would not have been brought to justice." The organisation says many businesses still fail to recognise that employees own cars Millions of private vehicles used for work are exposing employers to legal and financial risk, according to Logistics UK, as it launches a new compliance tool aimed at tackling low awareness of so-called grey fleets. The organisation says many businesses still fail to recognise that employees own cars, when used for work journeys, carry the same legal responsibilities as company-owned vehicles. To address the issue, Logistics UK has launched Grey Fleet Checks as part of its Vision compliance platform, allowing organisations to manage the compliance of privately owned vehicles alongside their wider fleet. The new functionality is built into Visions Licence Check module and is designed to help employers reduce risk by ensuring vehicles and drivers meet legal requirements. Jemma James, director of partnerships and digital services at Logistics UK, said misunderstanding around grey fleet responsibility remains widespread. Many organisations do not appreciate that their legal responsibility for grey fleets is exactly the same as for the vehicles they operate directly, she said. She warned that the consequences of non-compliance can be severe. Privately owned vehicles used for work are classed as work equipment and, if not properly managed, can expose organisations to serious legal and financial risks, she said. She added that breaches of health and safety law can lead to unlimited fines for organisations and, in serious cases, individuals facing up to two years in prison. The UKs grey fleet is estimated to total around 14 million vehicles, yet research cited by Logistics UK suggests compliance checks are often lacking. Almost half of employees using their own car for work have not had their driving licence checked by their employer, while a third have not been asked to provide a valid MOT certificate. More than half of senior executives surveyed incorrectly believed that employees driving their own vehicles for work were not the organisations responsibility. Ms James said employers must take a more structured approach. Employers must ensure vehicles are roadworthy, properly maintained and safe to use, supported by evidence such as MOT and servicing records, she said. She said, at a minimum, organisations need to check driver licences, insurance, MOTs and road tax, adding that accurate record-keeping is critical to demonstrating compliance. Logistics UK said its new Grey Fleet Checks service links directly with DVLA data for real-time validation, while insurance documents are checked using a combination of artificial intelligence and human verification to confirm business cover. All data is stored within the Vision platform and can be accessed remotely, with organisations able to tailor the system to their own policies, including vehicle age, emissions, mileage and driver criteria. To encourage uptake, Logistics UK is offering an early-adopter discount on the new service. Democratic lawmakers have given U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth a deadline to respond to a series of budgetary questions regarding an appropriated $60 billion that has no spending plan and remains classified to the public and to members of Congress. The Department of Defense submitted a fully classified spending plan for $90 billion of the $150 billion budget appropriated for national security after Republicans reconciliation bill passed July 3, 2025, and was signed by President Donald Trump one day later. Money was said to go towards the so-called Golden Dome project, shipbuilding and weapons procurement, etc. But Congress has yet to receive a spending plan for the remaining $60 billion that was appropriated, with some members questioning the budgets intent and lack of oversight at the federal level. The newest letter of correspondence addressed to Hegseth was composed by U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR), ranking member of the Senate Budget Committee. FILE - Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., speaks during a news conference on the Equality Act at the Capitol, April 29, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Rod Lamkey, Jr., File) Senate Budget Dems are exercising legitimate congressional oversight authority and calling on Secretary Hegseth to explain how DOD is using the funds provided in the Republican Big, Ugly Betrayal Bill, a spokesperson for Merkley told Military.com. His decision to classify the entire spend plan is unjustified and raises serious transparency concerns. Senate Budget Dems will continue to use every oversight tool available to get answers from DOD and ensure accountability to the American taxpayer. Merkley was joined in his concerns by fellow Senate Budget Committee Democrats Patty Murray (WA), Ron Wyden (OR), Bernie Sanders (VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (RI), Mark Warner (VA), Tim Kaine (VA), Chris Van Hollen (MD), Ben Ray Lujan (NM) and Alex Padilla (CA). DOD Giving 'No Explanation' The letter, sent on Wednesday to Hegseth, says that even at the height of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, defense appropriation spend plans were not fully classified. The letter mentions how the One Big Beautiful Bill, known as H.R. 1, passed Congress and included a requirement for Hegseth to submit a detailed spending plan within 45 days of enactment and to provide an annual expenditure report beginning one year after enactment. The Department has offered no explanation for why the spend plan was classified, even though some items included in H.R. 1, such as barracks improvements or personnel benefit increases, are not sensitive. It strains credulity that all the items in the $90 billion classified spend plan are sensitive enough to warrant complete classification. In prior years, only intelligence or specific sensitive programs required classified spend plans, while other defense budget materials were provided in unclassified form or with classified appendices as appropriate. The current approach deviates sharply from long-standing practice and raises serious questions about DODs rationale," the letter adds. Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., presides over his committee's confirmation hearing of Daniel Driscoll, President Donald Trump's nominee to be the Department of Defense's Secretary of the Army, Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025, on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta) Democratic lawmakers tied the classified spending plan to broader transparency concerns, specifically mentioning how the Pentagons more recent communication restrictionsincluding with the media, in the form of a revamped press room in Washingtonfurther limit oversight and undermines public accountability. Senators also inquired in their letter whether reconciliation funds may have been used for purposes not contemplated by law, such as paying troops during the long government shutdown late last yearor via the $1,776 Warrior Dividend that was announced in December as a one-time bonus payment to roughly 1.4 million active-duty and eligible reserve service members. List of Questions, With a Deadline The letter requests that Hegseth and the Pentagon respond to the letter and the following series of questions, listed verbatim, by Feb. 20: What is DODs justification for classifying the spending plan? Funding for specific classified programs was not included in the reconciliation bill. Are any classified programs receiving funding through reconciliation? Will DOD commit to providing relevant committees of jurisdiction with access to the complete spending plan, including all classified and unclassified materials? Will the reconciliation spending plan be incorporated into the FY2027 budget request? Why did DOD transmit a spend plan for $90 billion but not the remaining $60 billion? What factors contributed to the development and transmittal of only a partial spend plan? When does the Department plan to submit a spend plan for the remaining $60 billion? Will any subsequent partial spend plan also be classified, and if so, why? A DOD spokesperson told Military.com on Wednesday that while the department does not comment on member discussions on Capitol Hill, they will as usual respond within the deadline set by the Democratic lawmakers. Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, arrives in the basement of the Capitol to hear from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth how he handled a military strike on a suspected drug smuggling boat and its crew in the Caribbean near Venezuela Sept. 2, in Washington, Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) Bigger Defense Budget? The U.S. House Armed Services Committee at the time of the reconciliation praised the $150 billion in mandatory funding to strengthen national defense and implement Trumps visionary Peace through Strength agenda, including military modernization, border security, and revitalizing the national industrial base. However, both the House and Senate Armed Services Committees lent insight on how those funds should be spent. DOD was tasked by the committees to submit a detailed spending plan by Aug. 22, 2025, with Sen. Roger Wicker (R-MS), chairman of the Senate committee, publicly pressing officials commitment to meet that deadline. While DOD did not meet that deadline, per the letter, it provided both committees with the classified spending plan detailing approximately roughly $90 billion of the $150 billion. Military.com reached out to Wickers office for comment. More recently, Trump has publicly said he wants to again increase the defense budget roughly another $500 billionwhich, if it became a reality, would spike the current Pentagon budget for Fiscal Year 2026 to roughly $1.5 trillion. That increase has been supported by Rep. Mike Rogers (R-AL), chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, who told Breaking Defense this week that he is already seeking $450 billion for defense in the next reconciliation bill. If that came to fruition, it would represent a drastic hike from the $150 billion secured in the 2025 reconciliation bill. We have all these big ticket items that we have to do, and you cant do that on a trillion-dollar budget. You just cant, Rogers said. So thats the sobering side of the story that I think were going to be able to offer to our colleagues when it comes to getting the votes to do this. In a defiant gesture, Cubas handpicked president Miguel Diaz-Canel blasted President Donald Trump on Thursday and vowed his government will resist the U.S. oil blockade with creativity, but warned the population will go through difficult times. The collapse lies in the imperial mindset, but not in the mindset of the Cubans, he said at a rare press conference Thursday morning. I know we are going to live through difficult times, but we will overcome them together with creative resilience. Cubas economy has been in free fall in recent years and the country was already going through its worst economic crisis before Trump moved to cut oil supplies to the island in an effort to bring the Cuban government to the negotiating table. But Diaz-Canel signaled his government would not make political changes, preparing instead to resist at all costs. Diaz-Canel said the islands Council of Ministers prepared a plan to deal with acute fuel shortages based on Fidel Castros directives during the so-called Special Period, the crisis following the fall of the Soviet Union. Diaz-Canel said the plan updated directives for the so-called Option Zero, a situation of extreme scarcity. He said the country would have to adjust to live off of its national production of crude oil and the population would have to face restrictive measures. I know people would question more sacrifice, but if we dont sacrifice, if we dont resist, what are we going to do? We have shared that surrender is not Cubas option. Theres much to defend. Diaz-Canel also said his government will still try to get oil from foreign suppliers. It is our right, he said. He said there were governments and companies willing to work with Cuba, after mentioning statements of support from Russia and China. The Cuban leader said he could not provide details but hinted his government would continue trying to find ways to skirt U.S. sanctions. The financial pressure on the energy sector is so intense that we know we have to work intelligently to overcome these obstacles, he said. Diaz-Canel also said his government has updated its defense plans and has mandated military training at all levels on Saturdays. The training involves both regular army units and civilians, as a part of the doctrine of Guerra de todo el pueblo war of the people that aims at mobilizing the population. Throughout the two-hour long press conference, Diaz-Canel blasted Trumps actions as criminal, vulgar and inhumane. At one point he compared them to those of Hitlers hordes. His statements come after Trump moved to cut oil supply to the country and urged Cuban leaders to strike a deal, following the capture of Venezuelan strongman Nicolas Maduro. Trump also signed an executive order to impose tariffs on countries like Mexico that provide oil to the island. Trump has said several times that his administration is talking to Cuban leaders. Diaz-Canel denied such contacts but on Wednesday. Cubas vice minister for foreign affair Carlos Fernandez de Cossio, told CNN there were exchanges of messages at the highest levels, though he refrained from calling them a negotiation or dialogue. Cossio also said the Cuban government is willing to engage in dialogue with the United States, but that changes to its political and economic system, or the countrys socialist constitution, are off the table. He also ruled out negotiating the release of political prisoners, and precluded discussing the changes many Cubans living on the island and abroad have been advocating. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio previously said the U.S. welcomed political changes on the island and did not rule out the administration was seeking regime change in Havana. Cubas foreign ministry issued a statement this week proposing resuming cooperation with the United States, but solely on security matters. Cuba is willing to engage in dialogue with the United States on any topic they wish to discuss, without pressure or preconditions, on equal footing, with respect for our sovereignty, our independence, and our self-determination, and without addressing issues that we might interpret as interference in our internal affairs, Diaz-Canel said. Its a position of continuity, he added, citing Fidel and Raul Castro. He said the agenda could include security, the fight against drug trafficking, migration and science cooperation. Trump has given few details of what sort of deal he would like to strike with Cuban authorities. He has called Cuba a failing nation with a government that was about to fall on its own. He has said the country needs humanitarian aid and that he would like to see Cuban Americans be able to return to the island. Its unclear what that means. Most Cuban Americans can travel to Cuba to visit relatives, though they cannot live there permanently unless they were born in Cuba and go through a lengthy legal process of repatriation. Cuban Americans also are not allowed to invest in Cuban businesses nor own property. Cuban authorities also routinely deny entry to Cuban Americans who have been critical of the government. _____ 2026 Miami Herald. Visit at miamiherald.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Listening First, Then Legislating As Congress returns for 2026, veterans advocates are pressing lawmakers to focus less on slogans and more on execution. That argument sits at the center of the non-partisan nonprofit, Mission Roll Call, which says it amplifies the voices of veterans and their families by using digital polling to capture what people actually need, including those who do not belong to traditional veterans organizations. The group says it has reached more than 1.3 million veterans and supporters and built its agenda around recurring survey feedback rather than leadership-driven priorities. Jim Whaley, a retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel who served as a Master Army Aviator, now leads the organization and describes its value proposition in blunt terms: speed, scale, and fidelity. In an interview, he said Mission Roll Call collects responses unfiltered and then shares what it hears directly with policymakers and the media, without routing those opinions through layers of internal committees. That approach targets a practical problem, Whaley says Congress often underestimates: many veterans fall outside the traditional networks that typically communicate with lawmakers. The United States has roughly 18 million living veterans, a population spanning every state and a wide range of ages and service eras. Four Priorities, One Continuum Mission Roll Calls published 2026 priorities list four issues veterans and families want Congress to address: access to quality healthcare in VA and non-VA settings, support for service-connected injuries and conditions, veteran suicide prevention, and housing access and homelessness prevention. Whaley argues that veterans see these concerns as linked rather than isolated. When healthcare access fails, downstream risks rise: untreated pain, delayed specialty care, isolation, job loss, and then housing instability or suicidal ideation. Federal data underscores the urgency. The Department of Veterans Affairs reported 6,407 veteran suicides in 2022, an average of 17.6 per day. Several independent analyses suggest this figure may undercount the true toll by excluding related deaths and self-injury mortality, with some estimates pointing to as many as 44 veteran deaths per day when those additional factors are included. Healthcare Access, Including Specialty Care, Drives the Agenda In Whaleys view, access means time and distance. He pointed to veterans who can see a primary care clinician quickly but wait weeks or months for specialists, a delay that can worsen pain and function. Mission Roll Call also emphasizes rural veterans who may live hours from a VA facility and cannot easily travel, making the availability of community care a practical necessity rather than a political talking point. The organizations 2026 priorities page frames this as care when and how, and where a veteran needs it, whether inside or outside VA. Congress has debated that tradeoff for years, and the policy tension remains. Some lawmakers fear expanded non-VA care could weaken VA capacity. Others argue that veterans should not have to wait or drive long distances when local systems can deliver timely treatment. Whaley said veterans largely reject the binary and want a functional network that delivers quality care quickly. Disability, TBI, and Long-Term Conditions That Surface Later The second priority, support for service-connected injuries and conditions, blends two realities: the complexity of the VA claims process and the evolving science around injuries that do not present cleanly at discharge. Whaley highlighted traumatic brain injury as a category where veterans often struggle to get timely assessment and treatment, especially when symptoms emerge gradually or follow repetitive micro exposures rather than one obvious event. VA materials reflect the scale of the problem. VA notes that the Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center reported more than 400,000 TBIs among U.S. service members between 2000 and 2019, and VA reports more than 185,000 veterans who use VA healthcare have had at least one TBI diagnosis. Whaley argues that access constraints compound these needs. VAs Polytrauma/TBI System of Care includes four Polytrauma Rehabilitation Centers, plus a broader network of 21 sites, yet highly specialized care can still require travel and coordination that veterans in crisis may find difficult. Those gaps help explain why some lawmakers have introduced proposals aimed at widening non-VA options for chronic mild TBI care. In January 2026, House members introduced the BEACON Act to expand access to evidence-based, non-pharmacological therapies through a grant approach, with supporters describing it as a way to scale innovative care beyond VA facilities alone. The U.S. Flag at the Capitol building flies at half-staff for fallen Capitol Police officer Brian Sicknick on Jan. 11, 2021. The Flag is being flown at half-staff in honor of Capitol Police officer Brian Sicknick sacrificing his life to protect members of Congress on Jan. 6, 2021. U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Devlin Drew. Source: DVIDS. Suicide Prevention and the Problem of Measurement Whaley contends Congress still lacks confidence-worthy data on both veteran suicide and veteran homelessness. He criticized inconsistent local reporting practices and argued that undercounting can quietly become an excuse for slow progress. VAs annual suicide report attempts to standardize measurement and provides state-level breakdowns to support targeted interventions, yet Whaley says the system still struggles to connect veterans to care fast enough to break the chain of events that lead to suicide. He also argued for more proactive transition outreach, especially in the first year after separation, when many risks can peak. That theme overlaps with broader VA efforts to expand crisis services and community partnerships, although Whaley believes the system should default toward connecting separating servicemembers with vetted support organizations unless they opt out. Housing, Homelessness, and the Limits of One National Template On housing, Whaley emphasized decentralization: national funding paired with local execution. Federal homelessness figures show why the issue resists one-size-fits-all solutions. The VAs most recent Point-in-Time reporting counted 32,882 veterans experiencing homelessness on a single night in January 2024, a number compiled from local jurisdictions tallying sheltered and unsheltered individuals at that moment. Those figures are not a full census. HUD requires communities to conduct a sheltered count every year but only mandates the unsheltered count at least every two years, leaving methodology, staffing, and timing largely to local Continuums of Care. That means results can vary significantly by jurisdiction and year to year, and people staying in cars, tents, or temporary couch-surfing situations often go uncounted. The variation is especially important in large states. California, which has the largest homeless population in the country according to HUDs national assessment, conducts its comprehensive unsheltered counts on a biennial schedule in many jurisdictions rather than annually, illustrating how even high-need areas follow different counting cycles. Orange County, California, publicly notes that its unsheltered count occurs every other year. Those differences make national totals less useful than they appear on paper. Oversight, Due Process, and the Sense of Urgency When asked where oversight matters, Whaley pointed to bills that cycle through Congress without becoming durable law. One example involves firearm background check reporting for veterans who need fiduciaries to help manage VA benefits. A policy summary circulated by the House Veterans Affairs Committee describes proposed legislation that would bar VA from reporting a veteran to the federal background check system solely due to fiduciary status, absent a court finding, framing the issue as due process rather than mental health stigma. Whaleys closing message for lawmakers tracks his organizations top-line survey result: veterans want Congress to prioritize access to quality healthcare, including the ability to obtain specialty care without long delays, whether through VA or community providers. Mission Roll Calls name, he said, reflects a simple idea: calling the roll to make sure everyone is still there and then acting on what that roll call reveals. Eliot Cohen, a respected political scientist, strategist, and author (among many other notable accolades), recently criticized the 2026 National Defense Strategy (NDS) in a piece for The Atlantic (Whatever This Is, It Is Not Strategy, dated Jan. 29, 2026). In a follow-up interview on Feb. 1st on The Shield of the Republic podcast with Eric Edelman (featured below), Cohen doubled down on those points during an extended discussion of the document. While his concerns deserve consideration, many of them focus on presentation and tone rather than the substance of a strategy that offers a disciplined, prioritized vision for U.S. defense. Trump's New Defense Strategy Is a Joke | Shield of the Republic Eric and Eliot discuss Trumps latest reversals on Greenland before pivoting to the recently released National Defense Strategy. They dissect the many flaws of the NDS, including North Koreanstyle adoration for the President, a lack of explanation for how its stated goals would be achieved, and the total omission of Taiwan. The two also speculate about how Xi Jinpings recent purge of General Zhang Youxia could impact the Indo-Pacific in the near future, before closing with an assessment of whether Trump is on the cusp of military action against Iran. (Source: Youtube) The Rollout Cohen highlights the rollout itself as telling. He notes that the NDS "was the equivalent of shoving it over the transom at midnight on a Friday night with no fanfare, no rollout, no explication of the document." This low-key approach contrasts with the usual press conferences, media interviews, and congressional briefings that accompany such releases. Cohen sees it as evidence of insecurity or internal paralysis. Yet the delivery method does not determine the document's merit. Strategies succeed or fail based on their content and alignment with national policy, not their public relations rollout. The 2026 NDS nests directly within the 2025 National Security Strategy. It translates broad political guidance into defense-specific priorities without unnecessary elaboration. This nesting reflects efficient hierarchy, not evasion. Superficial Objections to Presidential Alignment Cohen and Edelman spend considerable time on the document's references to President Trump. They describe it as filled with "mentions of the president at a level of ... sort of Saddam-like reverence" and call the tone "embarrassing" and " the sycophancy is so over the top." These complaints are ultimately tepid superficialism. The NDS is a policy document produced under civilian leadership. Alignment with the elected president's vision is not only appropriate; it is required. Cohen himself explored this dynamic in his book Supreme Command. There, he argues, drawing explicitly on Clausewitz, that civilians must direct military strategy to serve political ends. He acknowledges often rigid separations between political and (subordinate) military spheres, but insists that "war is not merely an act of policy but a true political instrument." The 2026 NDS embodies exactly that principle: military priorities flow from and support the administration's stated political objectives. NDS Cover (Department of War) Prioritizing the Homeland and Hemisphere The document's emphasis on "the homeland and the hemisphere almost to the exclusion of everything else" draws particular ire. Cohen acknowledges only "a kind of ritual bow to the importance of the Indo-Pacific." He questions whether this approach can produce "stable balances across all the theaters of the world." This prioritization is not evasion. It represents a realistic assessment after two decades of global commitments that strained resources and public support. The four lines of effort are explicit: defend the U.S. homeland; deter China in the Indo-Pacific through strength rather than confrontation; increase burden-sharing with allies and partners; and supercharge the U.S. defense industrial base. These choices focus American military power on vital interests while expecting allies to shoulder more responsibility in Europe and the Middle East. The recent Military.com article on the 2026 NDS explicitly explores this dynamic. This approach echoes the Weinberger doctrine's insistence on committing force only for vital stakes with clear objectives and sustainable means. Clausewitzian Foundations Cohen Himself Endorses Cohen's own scholarship strengthens the case for the NDS. In Supreme Command, he celebrates civilian leaders who actively shape military operations to advance political goals. The 2026 NDS performs that exact function. It subordinates defense planning to the political directives in the National Security Strategy, emphasizing homeland security, hemispheric influence, and selective engagement abroad. This is pure Clausewitz: military means in service of defined political ends. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth speaks with Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff U.S. Air Force Gen. Dan Caine during a reception at the Reagan Presidential Library prior to the Reagan National Defense Forum in Simi Valley, Calif., Dec. 6, 2025. (DoW photo by U.S. Air Force Staff Sergeant Madelyn Keech) Addressing Ends, Ways, and Means Cohen's most substantive critique is that the document lacks detail on implementation. He argues there is "no discussion of programs that will get us there. There's no discussion of what resources it will take to get us there," and concludes that "if strategy is about ends, ways, and means, this is a document that's all about ends, and there's almost nothing about ways and means." The NDS does provide directional guidance on ways and means. It calls for burden-sharing metrics, industrial base expansion, and focused deterrence in priority theaters. Full programmatic details belong in the budget process and follow-on guidance, not a high-level strategy document. The emphasis on ends, first and foremost, ensures coherence: political objectives drive resource decisions rather than the reverse. The 2026 National Defense Strategy presents a clear prioritization of vital interests, alignment with civilian leadership, and nesting within the broader National Security Strategy. It represents strategic maturity. Cohen's dismissal overlooks these strengths in favor of critiques that are more stylistic than substantive. Service members and defense professionals deserve a debate grounded in the document's actual priorities rather than its tone or release timing. This strategy offers a path toward sustainable security. Dismissing it risks overlooking a pragmatic reset that aligns military power with America's most pressing political needs. News / National by Staff reporter THE future of third-party motor vehicle insurance in Zimbabwe is set for scrutiny as the Government finalises the proposed Road Accident Fund Bill, amid growing frustration from motorists who say the mandatory cover rarely provides meaningful protection after accidents.The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development is conducting nationwide public consultations on the Bill, with motorists eager to understand how third-party insurance, long criticised as ineffective, will fit into the new compensation framework for road traffic accidents.Transport Minister Felix Mhona said the Government is considering channeling part of the funds collected through third-party insurance into the proposed Road Accident Fund, alongside other revenue streams to be identified by the Ministry of Finance. Speaking on a Zimpapers Current Affairs radio programme, Muriro, Minister Mhona stressed that consultations are ongoing and no final position has yet been adopted.Third-party insurance is a mandatory basic motor policy covering legal liability for bodily injury, death, or property damage caused to other road users. Despite being a legal requirement under the Road Traffic Act, motorists have repeatedly complained that claims are difficult to pursue, often leaving accident victims to shoulder repair and medical costs themselves."The third-party insurance has been a topical issue and I do agree with the people of Zimbabwe that it is difficult to claim, but there is still an element of liability that has to be met," Minister Mhona said. "When you are involved in an accident, you often end up engaging other parties to repair your vehicle, yet the money ultimately goes to insurance companies. As we come up with the Bill, we are saying not only third-party insurance will fund the Road Accident Fund. We will also tap into other revenue streams as directed by the Ministry of Finance."The Minister added that the Government intends to account transparently for how much revenue flows to insurance companies to cover liability and how much can be redirected toward a central accident compensation fund, while ensuring insurers remain viable.Motorists, however, argue that third-party insurance has become more of a prerequisite for vehicle licensing than a functional safety net, accusing insurers of collecting premiums without providing adequate cover when accidents occur. These concerns echo sentiments raised by Finance Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube in the 2024 National Budget, when he proposed a State-controlled third-party insurance scheme.Under the proposed arrangement, the State would assume responsibility for underwriting compulsory vehicle liability insurance, currently handled by private insurers. Authorities say the private-sector model often leaves policyholders exposed to additional costs and provides limited benefits. Prof Ncube noted that enforcing third-party liabilities is difficult because private insurers are profit-driven and lack incentive to compensate victims adequately.The envisaged State-backed scheme would provide broader benefits, including coverage for medical expenses, compensation for injuries, funeral grants in accident-related deaths, and compensation for lost income benefits not fully covered under the current framework. Currently, private insurers offer three main products: third-party cover, third-party fire and theft (TPFT), and comprehensive insurance. While TPFT and comprehensive policies provide wider protection, they are largely unaffordable for most motorists, leaving third-party insurance as the most common, and most criticised, option.Meanwhile, Minister Mhona defended the Government's decision to scrap retesting for public service vehicle (PSV) drivers, saying the process had become burdensome and inconsistent with the ease-of-doing-business agenda. Evidence suggests road accidents are more closely linked to mental and behavioural factors than physical retesting.The Minister added that stakeholders are being consulted on Vehicle Inspectorate Department (VID) reforms, including proposals to reduce its road patrol role and strengthen the Zimbabwe Traffic Safety Council as the lead road safety enforcement agency, subject to public input and legislative approval.The Road Accident Fund Bill marks a major step in the Government's effort to modernise road safety and accident compensation, promising a more structured and potentially State-backed solution to longstanding concerns over third-party motor insurance. MARQUETTE, Mich. State, tribal and academic wildlife experts are launching the next phase of a scientific study aimed at understanding why the Upper Peninsulas moose population has remained stagnant. Were attempting to identify the potential factors that are most likely affecting Michigans moose herd, including disease, nutrition, reproduction, predation, vehicle collisions and habitat alteration, said Tyler Petroelje, a northern Michigan wildlife research specialist with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, in a released statement. This month, researchers from the DNR, Keweenaw Bay Indian Community and Northern Michigan University plan to capture and fit GPS tracking collars on up to 43 moose within the herds core range in the western Upper Peninsula. The study began last year, when 20 moose were captured and collared. This years captures are scheduled for Feb. 1321 in the Michigamme Highlands area. Moose are first spotted from aircraft, then ground crews sedate the animals, collect biological samples and attach tracking collars. Researchers work to collar a moose in Marquette County during the first collaring project in 2025. Michigan DNR Petroelje said the research will help scientists better understand the cumulative, or compounding, effects of multiple stressors on moose population growth in Michigan. Data from the first year of the study showed that 17 of the 20 collared moose were still alive. Of the 10 collared females, eight were pregnant and gave birth to a total of 11 calves. One moose was killed in a vehicle collision, two were killed by predators and one died from unknown trauma. Researchers expect the expanded dataset from the next round of captures to provide additional insight into why the states moose population has not reached 1,000 animals the goal set when moose were reintroduced to Michigan in the mid-1980s. Officials estimate the core moose herd at about 300 animals, based on the DNRs 2025 aerial survey of the species range in Marquette, Baraga and Iron counties. That estimate represents a roughly 30% decline from the 426 moose counted in the 2023 survey. Related: Wolf-Moose study team reaches remote Michigan island during deep freeze Researchers are working to determine whether the lower estimate reflects an actual population decline, shifts in moose distribution away from historically surveyed areas, or a combination of both. Known predators of moose in the Upper Peninsula include gray wolves and black bears, which primarily prey on calves and weakened adults. Vehicle collisions also pose a significant risk. At least 60 moose have been killed by vehicles in Michigan over the past four years, officials said. Moose are additionally vulnerable to winter ticks. Field crews have documented individual animals carrying as many as 100,000 ticks in a single season. The resulting blood loss, skin irritation and hair loss can be fatal, particularly during harsh winter conditions. A Michigan moose photographed in 2021 shows significant hair loss and a heavy load of winter ticks. Winter tick infestation can impact moose health and survival. Michigan DNR The Keweenaw Bay Indian Community received a $684,000 grant from the federal Bureau of Indian Affairs to support the moose study through 2028. We hope this effort will lead to a better understanding of what is or is not impacting the long-term sustainability of the Michigan moose population, said Erin Johnston, KBICs wildlife and habitat manager. Johnston said the collaborative nature of the research strengthens the project by bringing together a range of experiences, knowledge and perspectives. Diana Lafferty, an associate professor of biology at NMU, said the project is valuable both for advancing wildlife research and for training the next generation of conservation scientists. CEDARVILLE, Mich. A rural township in Michigans eastern Upper Peninsula is moving to block data centers and cryptocurrency mining operations through zoning laws, citing concerns over noise, power use and impacts on its rural character. Clark Township in Mackinac County adopted a one-year moratorium on such developments more than seven months ago, giving officials time to draft permanent zoning rules. Township leaders say they want an ordinance in place before the moratorium expires in late June. Township Supervisor Mark Clymer said local officials want to act before the rapidly expanding industry reaches the region, driven by growing demand for artificial intelligence and cloud computing. Were not the ideal place to put one in, Clymer said. But we took the initiative to do the research. Its challenging to interpret the scope of whats unfolding so rapidly now. Related: Year-long moratorium on data centers proposed in second Genesee County community Officials said they moved quickly after a controversial crypto-mining facility opened near a school outside Sault Ste. Marie, prompting a nuisance lawsuit over constant noise. Clymer said that with developers eyeing at least 16 sites in 10 counties across the Lower Peninsula to build new power-hungry server warehouses, a project will eventually be proposed for the U.P., where cold winter air could help cool heat-generating servers. Thats part of the reason why theyre coming to Michigan and Minnesota, Clymer said. Clark Township, a sparsely populated area east of I-75, includes the harbor town of Cedarville and the Les Cheneaux Islands in northern Lake Huron. A township planning official said high-intensity computing facilities would be an industrial encroachment on the character of the small-town community. Related: Saline Township planners consider pause on industrial amid OpenAI, Oracle data center backlash Thats nothing we want in Clark Township. Its absolutely not consistent with our rural community, said Shawn Merritt, planning commission chairman. Merritt spoke last month during an online meeting to discuss the risks of hyperscale data centers and crypto-mining facilities in Northern Michigan. So far, most of the data center proposals have been concentrated in Southeast Michigan. Merritt said township officials want to get an ordinance on the books to make sure we have a voice if those types of development proposals shift north. He said the townships draft ordinance would ban crypto-mining and both commercial and hyperscale data centers. Only small-scale data centers would be allowed as accessories to a school, hospital or research center. Meanwhile, officials in Bergland Township in Ontonagon County in the western U.P. are working to amend their zoning law to require special use permits for any future data center developments. Executives of Michigans second largest electric utility say theyre making great progress with big data centers considering the state and more are lining up to join them. Im very pleased with the progress from a data center perspective, Consumers Energy President and CEO Garrick Rochow told investors on a virtual call Thursday morning, Feb. 5. Securing power is a key step for the big tech companies and developers hoping to build out massive server warehouses amid a national boom in development to serve artificial intelligence. Their demand for electricity can be gargantuan. Read more: A wave of big AI data centers targets Michigan. Heres what to know According to Rochow, Consumers is nearing final terms in a rate agreement with an unnamed data center announced last year. It could bring up to 1 gigawatt in demand, a draw equal to that of at least 750,000 homes, coming online as early as 2028. Consumers has not disclosed its potential location. The utility is also in advanced talks with a second data center that has been public about its desire to expand into Consumers Michigan service area, the CEO said. Rochow didnt share the company behind the project, but Microsoft has purchased land and announced its involvement in potential projects around Grand Rapids. The optimism from higher-ups at Consumers comes as data center projects have stirred backlash across the state. Many communities have passed temporary moratoriums on new project submissions to update local zoning rules, while residents have packed township halls to oppose data center proposals. Scenes from a protest against data centers being built in Michigan, outside of the Michigan State Capitol Building in Lansing, on Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025. (Devin Anderson-Torrez | MLive.com) Advocacy groups, like the Sierra Club, have called for a statewide pause in development until new guardrails around water use and utility costs can be established. Some lawmakers have introduced bills aimed at regulating data centers. Consumers has helped steer data centers into communities that are more accommodating to growth, Rochow said. Short-lived moratoriums dont mean projects stop entirely, he added, downplaying concerns about zoning barriers. I dont see that as a hold-up or an impediment in Michigan. Details about the projects Consumers is courting remain hazy, and they havent yet advanced to final approval stages with state regulators on the Michigan Public Service Commission. That three-member panel conditionally OKd special contracts for DTE Energy to serve Michigans first hyperscale data center in Saline Township in December. Crews are clearing land for the facility meant to power the AI ambitions of ChatGPT-creator OpenAI and tech giant Oracle. The construction site for the Stargate data center for tech companies OpenAI and Oracle, a 2.2 million-square-foot project on about 575 acres off W. Michigan Ave. in Saline Township on Wednesday, Feb. 4 2026. Jacob Hamilton | MLive.com Consumers would need to present similar data center agreements to the Public Service Commission under a new rate plan for customers with large power demand approved in November after input from consumer advocates and the tech industry. Rochow said he is confident that would be a short process because of work to secure pre-approvals. Because the largest data centers can demand hundreds of millions of dollars in investment in power lines, substations and even new power plants, the projects are stirring anxiety around rising electric costs for other utility customers. Consumers rate plan aims to shelter customers by locking data centers into 15-year contracts with minimum demand requirements and exit fees if they shut down early, among other protections. This tariff provides certainty for our data centers as we bring new load onto our system and ensures existing customers dont pay a single cent for the investments, and in some cases they will see tangible benefits as this new load supports more affordable rates as we grow Michigan, Rochow said. Large-scale data centers are fueling the first major electricity demand increases in decades across the nation, providing a major financial opportunity for for-profit utilities to increase their sales and build out new infrastructure that can generate a return for shareholders. Consumers has a pipeline of about 9 gigawatts of potential data centers and manufacturing projects, which has advanced and grown in size, according to utility executives. If realized, the development could more than double its peak electric demand on its Lower Peninsula grid, though the projects are not guaranteed to all come to fruition. Data center developers, including large tech firms like Facebook and Instagram owner Meta and more under-the-radar development companies, have eyed at least 19 sites in Michigan over the past year, according to an MLive tally. New state tax breaks for large-scale data centers passed by lawmakers in late 2024 and signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer have spurred new interest in the state, experts say. After the projects began to pop up, some lawmakers introduced bills to rein in the industry, including a package regulating water usage and energy spending. A separate proposed law would prohibit local officials from signing nondisclosure agreements with developers, a trend that has rankled data center opponents. Another bipartisan bill would repeal the data center tax breaks, though even if it advanced, it could run into trouble when it gets to Whitmer. The governor has backed large-scale data center investments like the Saline Township project, citing the billions in investment it represents and the creation of new tech and construction jobs. Any legislation that prevents us from growing the economy and creating jobs is an automatic non-starter and would be vetoed, Whitmers Press Secretary Stacey LaRouche said in a statement. Utility executives arent talking about headwinds. Everything is headed in the right direction here, which gives me a lot of confidence about our ability to secure, well, a couple data centers potentially, Rochow told investors. If President Donald Trump wins his latest lawsuit, the American taxpayers appear to be on the hook to pay the bill. The revelation came Thursday during a Senate Banking Committee hearing where Treasury Secretary and acting commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service Scott Bessent testified. Trump filed a lawsuit last week, seeking $10 billion in damages after his tax returns were leaked to news outlets between 2018 and 2020. Trump accused the IRS of failing to stop a contractor who leaked the returns of Trump and several other high-profile people. That contractor, Charles Littlejohn, eventually pleaded guilty to a charge of unauthorized disclosure of tax returns and return information. He was sentenced to five years in prison. During Thursdays hearing, Democratic Arizona Sen. Ruben Gallego questioned Bessent about how the money would be paid out if Trump wins the lawsuit. Where would that be cut from? Lets say for some reason he actually wins that lawsuit, where would that $10 billion come from? Gallego asked. Bessent initially stammered before Gallego clarified the question, leading to this exchange: It would come from the Treasury, Bessent said. Which comes from the general fund? Gallego asked. The Treasury general account, Bessent replied. So taxpayers? Gallego asked. Yes, Bessent said. The treasurys general account is funded through taxes paid by millions of individuals, corporations, payroll taxes, excise taxes, and more. Gallego then asked if Trump or anyone in his office has spoken to Bessent about the lawsuit, to which the secretary said they have not. Bessent also reiterated a comment Trump made in an interview with NBC News this week regarding the lawsuit. In that interview, the president claimed that if he wins, he will donate the $10 billion to charity. Any money that I win, Ill give it to charity, 100 percent to charity, charities that will be approved by government or whatever, Trump said. During Thursdays hearing, Bessent also confirmed that any deal made with Trump regarding the lawsuit will come from the Department of Justice and not the treasury itself as the DOJ represents the treasury in legal matters. LANSING, MI -- A Lansing man who shot a police officer while resisting arrest during a 2023 traffic stop has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison. The U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Timothy VerHey announced the sentencing on Feb. 4. Andrial Ortiz, 30, was pulled over by police while they were investigating a road rage incident. Ortiz was on parole for selling drugs, unarmed robbery and larceny. Police searched his vehicle and found drugs, according to a news release from the U.S. Attorneys office. When police attempted to arrest Ortiz, he violently resisted, removing guns from two of the officers waistbands. He fired one of the guns, striking the officer in the leg, according to the release. Andrial Ortiz was a felon who was not allowed to possess a gun, and the moment he did he used it to shoot a police officer, VerHey said in a statement. My office was happy to prosecute this case. We accept the 15-year sentence as a just response. ATF Detroit Field Division Special Agent in Charge James Deir said Ortiz acted recklessly, violently and showed a complete disregard for the lives of the officers. The case was investigated by Michigan State Police, the Lansing Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Ortiz was sentenced for being a felon in possession of a firearm. After President Donald Trump suggested the federal government should administer elections in Michigan, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer rejected the idea. The voting dispute is one of five must-read stories to kick off your morning on Thursday, Feb. 5. Whitmer objects after Trump suggests federal takeover of Michigan elections President Donald Trump suggested federal involvement in administering elections in Michigan, claiming local systems are corrupt and inefficient. Trump advocated for deploying federal agents to oversee vote counting, specifically mentioning cities like Detroit, Philadelphia, and Atlanta. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer firmly rejected Trumps idea, asserting that Michigans elections are safe, secure, and constitutionally managed at the state and local levels. Read Fuad Shalhouts report here. A vehicle that was rammed into the building is surrounded by smoke as a firefighter works on the scene at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, Mich., Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025. (Lukas Katilius/The Flint Journal via AP) AP Officers who shot Michigan church mass killer will not face charges The Genesee County Prosecutors Office decided not to prosecute the officers involved in the shooting death of Thomas Sanford after he opened fire at a church in Grand Blanc Township on September 28, 2025. Prosecutor David Leyton stated that the officers were legally entitled to use deadly force in self-defense and defense of others, based on the findings of the investigation. Read Dylan Goetzs report here. The Boyne River Dam near Boyne Falls, Mich., Sept. 15, 2025. The dam is owned by Boyne Mountain, which is attempting to build an "eco-resort campus" around the reservoir. The state, tribes and conservation groups are pushing FERC to require public access to the pond in a new federal hydropower license. (Garret Ellison | MLive) Garret Ellison Northern Michigan resort planning luxury spa, high-end cabins Boyne Mountain is proposing a new resort campus near the Boyne River, featuring amenities like wood-fired hot tubs, saunas, cabins, and a spa complex, as part of a substantial development plan exceeding 870 acres across 13 parcels. The project plans include controversial development around the Golden Lake reservoir created by Boynes hydroelectric dam, which local agencies and conservation groups are advocating for public access. Read Garret Ellisons story here. Eric Winstrom, Grand Rapids Police Chief, details a Saturday arson during a press conference at the GRPD headquarters in Grand Rapids, Mich. on Monday, Jan. 27, 2025. A 46-year-old woman is currently being held on charges of first-degree arson and three counts of second-degree child abuse. Three of her children were inside the home when fire crews arrived, the 12-year-old girl is still in critical condition. Joel Bissell | MLive.com Grand Rapids police chief taking job in Florida Grand Rapids Police Chief Eric Winstrom was recently announced as the new police chief of the Pensacola Police Department in Florida. The new chief will begin on March 2, pending approval from Pensacola City Council, the city announced in a news release. Read Dylan Goetzs story at this link. Around 100 students walked out of school Wednesday, Feb. 4, from Grand Rapids Public Museum High School to protest Immigration and Customs Enforcement crackdowns nationwide. Melissa Frick Grand Rapids students walk out in protest of ICE immigration crackdowns A group of around 100 students from Grand Rapids Public Museum High School staged a walkout on February 4, 2023, to protest federal immigration crackdowns following recent fatal shootings of U.S. citizens by federal agents in Minneapolis. The students marched to Rosa Parks Circle, chanting slogans like Abolish ICE and carried signs advocating for immigrant rights, showcasing solidarity with the impacted community. Read Melissa Fricks story at this link. This story has been updated with comments from Arbor One representatives. YPSILANTI, MI More tenants who remain living in deteriorated apartments within Ypsilanti city limits must move out soon, a Washtenaw County judge has ordered. No one will be allowed to live at seven buildings in the Arbor One West units off Green Road in Ypsilanti, according to a Wednesday, Feb. 4 ruling by Washtenaw County Circuit Court Judge Carol Kuhnke. Any remaining tenants have until Friday, March 6, to move out and remove any belongings, the order states. It applies to anyone still living there and residents who were temporarily relocated to other units in the complex. Six tenants are still residing in units at Arbor One West, while seventeen tenants were personally relocated by our team before the water was shut off, Arbor One representatives said in a statement emailed to The Ann Arbor News/MLive Friday. The exact count of remaining tenants had been unclear as of Thursday. Ypsilanti attorney Randolph Barker said Thursday he was aware of two remaining occupants. Water problems have been ongoing, Barker said. In the last few weeks, he said, pipes have burst, leading to water shutoffs. Many of the units rely on boilers for heat, which dont work without water service, he added. We saw this was getting worse and worse, Barker said. A vacant building is easier to renovate than one that is occupied. Barker was unable to confirm whether water has been turned back on as of Thursday, but he said there are some indications it has not been. Arbor One officials confirmed Friday the water had not been restored. The frozen pipes and water shut-offs were caused by faulty pipes and aging plumbing, they said in the statement. As soon as the issue occurred, our team worked continuously to ensure tenant safety and provide alternative housing. On the day the water was shut off, maintenance crews physically assisted tenants with moving while office staff made phone calls throughout the day. Tenants willing to relocate were place into new apartments, Arbor One officials said. The tenants who remain in the building are doing so by choice and have declined relocation at this time, they said. We would like to thank the judge for issuing the court order, as the six remaining tenants have ignored or refused more than 15 relocation offers over the past year. Arbor One West tenants were excluded from a previous December court order for other residents who remained in condemned units elsewhere in the apartment complex to move out by Jan. 31 which left advocates racing to reach impacted tenants. The exclusion was due to Arbor One West being under court-ordered receivership, Barker said. Most of the Arbor One apartments within city limits were condemned last year due to deteriorated conditions, with residents given a court-ordered option to temporarily stay rent free while the units were to be repaired, move to units in better shape or leave with the expectation they would receive back rent. The city and the Washtenaw County Prosecutors Office filed suit in February 2025 against New Jersey-based Arbor One property owners ValleyTree Partners LLC and the companys owners, Samuel Rosenthal and Yaakov Nusbaum, along with other associated business entities and individuals. In December 2025, Washtenaw County Trial Court Judge Carol Kuhnke ordered tenants to vacate all but two of 19 buildings with 450 apartments located within city limits. One building was damaged in a 2024 fire. Tenants were given the option to relocate to two apartment buildings and townhomes that are in better shape or move offsite. In addition to apartments located in the city, there are 162 townhomes on the side of the complex that lies within Ypsilanti Township, which are all still certified for occupancy and in better shape. Defense attorneys with Troy-based law firm Bodman have declined to comment due to pending litigation. Since then, leaks became pretty substantial, and in response, the owners turned off water to all the buildings, in Arbor One West, said Lou Maskill, an attorney with Legal Services of South Central Michigan. Legal Services is representing the Arbor One Tenants Association and residents who are intervening plaintiffs in the lawsuit. The county stepped in to distribute water, Maskill said. The apartment complex gave people just a few hours notice of the water shutoffs, they said. They were offering to put them up in other units, but some couldnt relocate themselves, so some residents had to stay. The exact number of currently occupied units is a little bit of a moving target, Maskill said. Roy Finny, who heads up the tenants association, was not immediately available for comment. Finny relocated to a townhome in May 2025 after his apartment was condemned. He and other residents previously told The Ann Arbor News/MLive that Arbor One tenants have had many issues, including mold, bugs, leaks, frozen pipes, electrical shut offs and other building problems. In the new emergency order, Kuhnke ordered property owners to put $112,000 into escrow with Beal Properties for payments to impacted residents. Beal Properties took over management of Arbor One last year with promises to repair apartment units. Remaining tenants in Arbor One West and those temporarily relocated have a few options. They have until 5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 20, to decide and notify property management. Impacted tenants can elect to receive a $1,000 payment to relocate to units in 720 Green Road and 721 W. Clark Road or Arbor Homes on a first-come-first-served basis, according to the judges order. They would be able to sign up for six-month or yearlong leases, with the first month rent-free, and the apartment complex has been ordered to help them move. Tenants temporarily relocated can opt to receive a $1,000 payment to remain in a unit where they were relocated. Tenants can also opt to take a one-time $3,500 payment to move off site. If tenants do not notify the property manager or if no more units are available for them in the complex, those tenants will be automatically elected to receive the $3,500 payment to move offsite. We currently have sufficient available units to relocate all remaining tenants who need housing and do not anticipate running out of space, Arbor One officials said. We remain fully committed to relocating these tenants to safe housing, and our staff is ready to move them and all of their belongings to reduce stress as soon as they are willing to cooperate. Kuhnke also ordered that all the Arbor One West buildings be locked up. All ground level and below ground access points shall be boarded up and the buildings winterized, she ordered. Waterlines will be drained and water and electrical services will be shut off. The tight timeline to move out could potentially be a challenge. Of the households ordered to vacate by Jan. 31, Maskill said they suspect a handful may not have been able to vacate in time. While any remaining residents told to leave by Jan. 31 could face eviction, no eviction cases had been filed in court, they said. In addition to the new emergency order to vacate, there was another recent development in the lawsuit against Arbor One. On Jan 16, Michigan State Court of Appeals judges upheld a preliminary injunction issued by the county judge, which in part ordered Arbor One to relocate residents or allow them to stay in condemned apartments rent free while repairs were made. The defendants in the suit had filed an appeal, arguing in part that the preliminary injunction was an abuse of discretion and that the citys ordinance conflicts with state law. Defendants largely do not dispute the conditions of the property, instead arguing that there is no irreparable harm because they have made significant strides in making repairs, according to the appeals courts Jan. 16 opinion. Barker said the appeals courts opinion is vindication as the lawsuit proceeds in county court. In addition, owners of Arbor One previously filed a 2024 federal suit against the city alleging in part the city has unfairly targeted the complex and violated its constitutional rights by forgoing due process and suspending its rental certificates of compliance, according to court records. That case is currently stayed. Want more Ann Arbor-area news? Bookmark the local Ann Arbor news page. China opposes unwarranted interference by external forces in Cuba: FM Xinhua) 16:51, February 05, 2026 BEIJING, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- China firmly supports Cuba in safeguarding its national sovereignty and security, opposes unwarranted interference by external forces, and rejects any attempt to deprive the Cuban people of their right to survival and development, said Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing on Thursday. Wang made the remarks during talks with Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla, who is the special envoy of the party and government of Cuba, a member of the Politburo of the Central Committee of the Cuban Communist Party and the foreign minister of Cuba. At present, the situation in Latin America is undergoing complex and profound changes, said Wang, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, noting that upholding fairness and justice has always been a consistent principle of China's foreign policy. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) News / National by Staff reporter GOVERNMENT has issued a stern warning to individuals and organisations that use digital and traditional media platforms to attack public officials, saying such acts will be dealt with under Zimbabwean law.The caution comes amid heightened scrutiny of coordinated smear campaigns, as authorities observe a rise in the use of media to spread misinformation and fake news.In a statement, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr. Jenfan Muswere said the Government was deeply concerned about the escalating and malicious abuse of media by certain individuals and subversive groups whose intent is to tarnish the reputations of public officials."This conduct transcends legitimate criticism and constitutes deliberate character assassination, propagation of falsehoods, and sowing of seeds of division among the peace-loving people of Zimbabwe," Dr. Muswere said.He emphasised that the Government distinguishes between lawful political discourse and criminal conduct, noting that constitutional freedoms must not be abused."While Zimbabwe respects freedom of expression as provided for in the Constitution, this right does not extend to the dissemination of hate speech, or orchestrated campaigns of lies aimed at individuals performing their national duties," he said.Dr. Muswere warned that authorities would not hesitate to take action against those responsible. "Any person or entity found engaging in, financing, or promoting these unwarranted attacks will face the full force of the law," he added.He also called on citizens and media houses to exercise responsibility and professionalism in reporting and using media platforms. "You must refuse to be instruments of chaos orchestrated by internal detractors and external hostile forces seeking to reverse the gains of our independence and sovereignty," Dr. Muswere said.The minister underlined that abuse of media platforms undermines national cohesion and threatens peace and stability, while reaffirming the Government's commitment to protecting the integrity of public institutions and office bearers, without infringing on constitutional freedoms of expression. PITTSFIELD TWP., MI - Those with questions about their rights when encountering immigration enforcement can get answers at an upcoming town hall hosted by the sheriffs office. Advocates, the Washtenaw County Sheriffs Office and other local leaders are hosting a forum Thursday, Feb. 5 for those who want information about immigration enforcement in the county. The sheriffs office will be sharing its own policies around immigration enforcement and how to tell the difference between types of warrants, alongside other information, said Sheriff Alyshia Dyer. I really think that people are looking for some clear direction on how we would handle things in certain situations, she said. I think just being able to educate the public and talk more openly about how things are going from our end will be really good. The sheriffs office does not work with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Dyer previously said. Attendees will also learn about their rights related to interacting with ICE, how to connect with local immigrant rights organizations and what local law enforcement is currently seeing from federal agents. The town hall will run from 5:15 to 6:30 p.m. at the Washtenaw County Learning Resource Center, 4135 Washtenaw Ave. Attendees can register and submit questions ahead of time online. The town hall can be attended both in-person and remotely. The event comes shortly after a series of ICE detentions near an Ypsilanti school caused fear among the community. Read more:ICE detention near schools sparks anxiety among Ypsilanti parents Four people were detained Jan. 27 in Ypsilanti, MLive confirmed through multiple sources with knowledge of the federal activity. Three women, two from Honduras and one from Mexico, were detained while driving along Congress Street. A fourth person, a Honduran man, was detained nearby. A spokesperson for ICE said agents were conducting an intelligence-based operation and do not target schools. Want more Ann Arbor-area news? Bookmark the local Ann Arbor news page. DETROIT, MI - Newly released records from the U.S. Department of Justice show that Jeffrey Epstein once described Detroit, during its bankruptcy, as a place ripe for financial experimentation and was later tied indirectly to allegations involving the citys pension system. In emails sent in 2013, shortly after Detroit filed for Chapter 9 bankruptcy, Epstein referred to the city as bankrupt and desperate, suggesting it could serve as a testing ground for new currency ideas. In one message, he questioned the impact of Detroits bankruptcy, and in another said he had discussed using the city as a petri dish for monetary experiments. The emails were sent to contacts that included LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman and venture capitalist Joi Ito. The document release also includes court filings linking Epstein to a massive Ponzi scheme run by his former mentor, Steven Hoffenberg. Hoffenberg pleaded guilty in the 1990s to defrauding investors through Towers Financial Corp. and later claimed Epstein helped orchestrate the scheme, though Epstein was never charged. A 2016 court filing states that Detroits General Retirement System was among the victims of the fraud and considered joining a lawsuit seeking $125 million from Epstein. The pension system ultimately did not join the case, which was later dismissed. Separately, the DOJ records show Epstein was approached in 2013 by a real estate firm offering distressed properties in Detroit-area suburbs, pitching high-yield rental investments as the city emerged from bankruptcy. Epstein had prior ties to Michigan, including donations to Interlochen Arts Camp, where he was later accused of sexually abusing a minor in the 1990s. In 2008, he was convicted in Florida of soliciting sex from a minor. He died in a Manhattan jail cell in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges. CONCORD TWP., MI A recently released report details a Nov. 28 pedestrian crash that killed Keegan Nathaniel Vowels and injured another man as the two were involved in what police called a road rage altercation or series of altercations. Witnesses said a Chevrolet Malibu, driven by Vowels, was closely following a Jeep Cherokee, driven by a Parma man east on M-60, according to a Michigan State Police report obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request. A passing motorist said it appeared the Malibu was trying to run the Jeep off the road about 6 p.m. before both cars stopped and police said the drivers started fighting and a passing pickup truck struck them near North Concord Road. No charges have been filed against anyone in the case as the investigation continues and the reports have not yet been sent to the prosecutors office for review, Jackson County Prosecutor Kelsey Guernsey said Feb. 4. Investigators are still awaiting a full autopsy and toxicology report from the medical examiners office. It might still be a while before we get the report, Guernsey said. The Parma man told investigators he saw the silver Malibu coming up quickly behind him flashing its headlights, according to the police records. The Jeeps passengers told police the Malibu passed them and swerved in front of the jeep, nearly hitting the bumper while someone in the vehicle threw a water bottle at the Jeep a statement disputed by Vowels girlfriend, a Malibu passenger, according to the report. Once in front of the Jeep, the driver of the Malibu driver slammed or hit on the brakes until both vehicles pulled over, the Jeep passengers said. Vowels and the Parma man got out of their vehicles and Vowels did something to the other driver four to five or three or four times, the Jeep passengers said. It is unclear exactly what Vowels did as that action was redacted in the report. As this happened, the two moved toward the center of the road, one Jeep passenger said. The pair were in the middle of the road when a westbound Dodge Ram pickup struck them, a passenger in the Ram said. The driver of the Ram, a 62-year-old Hanover man, told police he was unable to stop by the time he spotted the men. He said it looked like the driver of the Jeep was trying to get away, according to the report. Vowels girlfriend told police the driver of the Jeep put up his hands and pushed Vowels into the oncoming truck while the Jeep driver went around the other side of it, police records show. The Jeep driver said Vowels approached his truck after they stopped. A redacted phrase follows this statement in the report, and the Jeep driver said he did not remember anything else, police reported. The police records offer no indication that the two drivers knew each other prior to the crash. A preliminary autopsy report stated Vowels died of multiple blunt force injuries, according to police records. The other driver, 24, was taken by a family member to Henry Ford Jackson Hospital for treatment. State police have not released information about the drivers current status. At the scene of the crash, he was conscious and talking, but said he had gone unconscious upon impact. He has not been identified and his name was redacted in the report. Vowels girlfriend reported the Malibu had passed the Jeep on M-60 when someone in the Jeep threw a water bottle at them, according to police reports. She said the Jeep followed them until Vowels pulled over and confronted the driver and three males got out of the Jeep, according to the report. A photograph taken after the crash shows both vehicles parked along the road in close proximity to each other. The Jeep is about a car length or less behind the Malibu. The passing motorist reported seeing the silver Chevy Malibu driving aggressively leading up to the fatal crash, police records show. The motorist, in the area at the time, reported seeing the Malibu following the Jeep very closely and almost hitting it while passing in the turn lane. The motorist said it looked like the Malibu, locking its brakes, was trying to run the Jeep off the road, according to the report. The motorist saw them pull over but didnt see anything else as he kept driving and didnt hear about the fatal crash until later, according to the report. There were no streetlights in the area, the sun was setting, and the Malibu and the Jeep had their headlights on and pointed toward oncoming traffic, making it unlikely the truck driver could see the two men in the road before the crash, according to the report. A woman who was driving behind the Ram that hit the pair told police she did not see anyone in the road until the Ram hit them. She initially thought the Ram had hit a deer, the report states. They came out of nowhere, she said. An off-duty paramedic in the area told police he did not see the crash, but was nearby, heard it and rushed over to help, according to the report. He saw what he thought was a deer in the road only to quickly realize it was a person, Vowels, when he got closer, according to the report. He checked on Vowels and found him unresponsive and gasping before quickly checking the other man who was seriously injured but responsive, he said. He performed CPR on Vowels for 10-15 minutes before his son, who had just received lifeguard training, took over for 5 more minutes until Jackson Community Ambulance arrived and took over, records show. Vowels, found by the responding trooper on the centerline, was rushed to Henry Ford Jackson Hospital where he was pronounced dead. Vowels mother declined to comment, noting the investigation is ongoing. This was not the first tragedy the family has faced involving M-60. On Dec. 30, 2017, Keegan Vowels father, Shawn Vowels, was thrown from his car in a crash on M-60 near Cross Road. He died three days later, on Jan. 2, 2018. Snow and icy conditions were factors in that crash. Want more Jackson-area news? Bookmark the local Jackson news page. KALAMAZOO COUNTY, MI Kalamazoo Countys newest Chick-fil-A served nearly 100 customers before the sun rose on Thursday, Feb. 5. A small crowd of cow-print-clad fans braved the chilly temps outside 5802 Gull Road for the new locations grand opening. Olivia Patterson was the first person in the door at 6:30 a.m. She started the line to go inside at 6:15 a.m. Olivia Patterson was first through the door at the new Gull Road location on Thursday, Feb. 5. Audrey Whitaker Eric Rogers brought his whole family along for the grand opening, he said. He first tried Chick-fil-A when it opened on Westnedge Avenue, but this location is right around the corner from home. I love their values, love the excellence of service, Rogers said. We honestly do really support Chick-fil-A. The high value Chick-fil-A places on community engagement and customer service is exactly whats kept Gull Road Operator Max Schuler with the company since Feb. 5, 2018, he said. I want to own a business that serves a great product, impacts its local community and develops leaders, he said. So Chick-fil-A ended up being a great fit. Customers donning cow print on opening day get to pick a free meal. Alex Gruizemga, 11, planned to cash in his inflatable cow suit for a Breakfast Chicken Biscuit before heading to school. A small crowd braved the cold temperatures to be first in line at the new Chick-fil-A on Thursday, Feb. 5. Audrey Whitaker Team members have 100 gift bags to hand out at random throughout the day. Plus, one lucky Facebook fan will win free Chick-fil-A for a year. In addition to excellent service and good food, Chick-fil-A wants its locations to give back to the communities theyre based in, Schuler said. Ahead of opening day, the company donated $25,000 to local Feeding America food banks, he said. The Gull Road team also visited Comstock High School and the fire department with free meals for staff, Schuler said. Ive hired about 100 team members here, he said. Plus, staff from established locations are on hand to guide the new team through the first three weeks. The Gull Road opening created jobs for nearly 100 new employees, said Operator Max Schuler. Audrey Whitaker The popular chicken chain has two other locations in the Kalamazoo area -- 4748 W. Main St. and 6202 S. Westnedge Ave. This location stands at the former site of the Crafty Crab Restaurant, which was demolished to make way for the 5,208-square-foot Chick-fil-A, covered drive-thru and patio. Inside, the space offers table seating and a play area for kids ages 2 to 10. For my business here at Chick-fil-A, I want to exceed the expectations of everyone we come in contact with, Schuler said. I want to create community and connection with everybody. Food is a universal language for that care, he said. Chick-fil-A is ready to serve customers inside or at the drive-thru from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays. Want more Kalamazoo-area news? Bookmark MLives local Kalamazoo news page. BAY CITY, MI Two months before he allegedly killed his father, a Bay City man was involved in a scuffle inside a grocery store. The incident involved him allegedly beating a man with a set of brass knuckles and getting stabbed in the face with a screwdriver. Kyle A. Gontko, 19, is charged with assault with intent to murder, assault with a dangerous weapon, false report of a felony, and felony firearm stemming from the Jan. 8 shooting of his father, Shane M. Gontko, 39. Shane Gontko died two days later after being removed from life support. Kyle Gontko is newly charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, carrying a concealed weapon, possessing a miscellaneous dangerous weapon-brass knuckles, and misdemeanor assault and battery. The charges stem from an incident that occurred about 8:50 p.m. on Nov. 14 at the Kroger at 2910 Center Ave. in Hampton Township. Police responded there when dispatchers relayed some males had entered the store and attacked and possibly stabbed a man at the self-checkout. The assailants fled in a silver Chevrolet SUV and witnesses provided dispatchers with its license plate, which indicated it belonged to Kyle Gontko, reports state. Police arrived and spoke with numerous employees and witnesses. The employee who initially called 911 said she saw a young man and woman at a self-checkout when two men approached them and started throwing fists, reports state. A male employee intervened in the brouhaha and the two assailants ran from the store, reports state. The alleged victim, a 22-year-old Bay City man, was still present and told police he went to Kroger to buy some eggnog. He and a 20-year-old woman were shopping when two others approached him and insulted a mutual acquaintance, he told police. The 22-year-old was then checking out when the two men again approached him, one wearing a set of brass knuckles, he alleged. The one kid swings on me right away, the victim said. I start backing up. I return a few fists while Im backing up. We get into the aisle and they both tackle me. The victim sustained injuries to the side of his head and his right pinky finger, reports state. He told police he did not know his assailants names but knew where they lived in Bay City, reports state. While police were at Kroger, dispatchers relayed they received more calls from people claiming they had witnessed a stabbing there. There were no signs a stabbing had occurred within the store, however, police wrote in their reports. Dispatchers then informed police Kyle Gontko had just arrived at McLaren Bay Region hospital seeking treatment for a screwdriver stab wound to his face, reports state. Officers went to the hospital and spoke with Kyle Gontko, who had a bandage over his left eye. Kyle Gontko said he had visited Kroger and gotten into an argument with a stranger. Kyle Gontko was checking out when the stranger pulled a screwdriver and stabbed him with it, he said. Kyle Gontko denied there had been a physical altercation prior to his stabbing, that he used any weapons, or that he had been with anyone else when the incident occurred. The next evening, Kyle Gontko called police to say he apparently lost his fanny pack during the incident. The pack contained his cellphone, ID cards, and an Apple AirTag tracking device, he said. The AirTag indicated it was at a unit within Huntington Place Apartments occupied by the 20-year-old woman who had been shopping with the victim at Kroger the prior evening. Police went to the apartment and encountered the 22-year-old male victim, who handed over the fanny pack. The victim said he took the pack after the fight at Kroger but did not intend to use Kyle Gontkos ID or cards, reports state. Police returned the pack to Kyle Gontko, who said he didnt want to press charges. Police received surveillance camera footage of the incident on Nov. 19. It showed Kyle Gontko approach the 22-year-old man inside the store and both men take a defensive stance. The victim pulled a screwdriver from his pocket, at which point Kyle Gontkos 18-year-old relative ran at him, reports state. The victim, Kyle Gontko and his relative began fighting, knocking over a display in the process. Kyle Gontko and his relative got on top of the victim and began striking him repeatedly, the footage allegedly showed. A store employee pulled the 18-year-old from the victim, who was still exchanging punches with Kyle Gontko, the footage allegedly showed. Kyle Gontko and his relative ran from the store. Police noted the footage showed Kyle Gontko wearing an unknown object around his fingers, their reports state. After reviewing the footage, police again spoke with the victim to ask him how Kyle Gontko received a stab wound near his eye. Allegedly, if there was something in my hand, why would you need that information from me? the victim asked police. The victim told police he wanted to speak with an attorney before answering any more of their questions. Police also spoke with Kyle Gontko again, who said the item around his fingers in the footage was actually the strap of his fanny pack. He had since thrown away the packs broken strap, he added. The following month, police were contacted by the father of the 20-year-old woman who had been with the victim at Kroger. He told them that the victim and his daughter came to his apartment after the incident and had tossed the screwdriver in his apartment complexs dumpster. Reports do not state if police recovered the screwdriver. The victim is not charged with a crime in connection with the Kroger incident. Kyle Gontkos 18-year-old relative has been charged with assault and battery but he has not yet been arraigned. This is not the first time the victim has been accused of stabbing someone. When he was 16 in May 2020, he stabbed his mother once in her stomach with a double-edged, 3-inch blade. He later pleaded guilty to assault with intent to cause great bodily harm and was sentenced to jail time and five years probation. In connection with their fathers death, Kyle Gontkos older brother, 21-year-old Nathen M. Gontko, is charged with discharging a firearm in or at a building, false report of a felony, felony firearm, and possessing a firearm while under the influence. Their 15-year-old brother has been petitioned as a juvenile with two counts of accessory after the fact to a felony and felony firearm. MLive is not disclosing his name due to his age. Prosecutors allege Shane Gontko rode his bicycle to his ex-wifes apartment at 1015 Center Ave. the night of Jan. 8, where he encountered his sons. An argument ensued and Kyle Gontko pistol whipped his dad and shot him once in his head with a 9mm handgun, prosecutors allege. An intoxicated Nathen Gontko then shot up the apartment building in an effort to make it look like his father was the victim of a random drive-by shooting, prosecutors allege. The 15-year-old brother allegedly took the gun from the scene to another relatives house. Kyle Gontko is to appear in Bay County District Court for a preliminary examination on the Kroger-related charges on Feb. 18. His and Nathen Gontkos homicide-related cases are set for settlement conferences on Feb. 27. BANGOR TWP, MI Bay County residents welcomed the areas first Chick-fil-A when the restaurant opened its doors at 6 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 5, at 3540 Wilder Road in Bangor Township. The new location brings more than 100 jobs to the community and replaces a former Kmart that was demolished last year. Click here to see photos of the new restaurant. Owner Dylan Seitz, who began his career with the chain as an hourly team member working one day a week, was operating a Chick-fil-A in Chicago when he decided to open a location in the Bay City area. He said he and his wife are proud to expand employment opportunities in the region. The restaurant has committed to community support through a partnership with the local Salvation Army, donating surplus food at the end of each day. The location also contributed $25,000 to Feeding America. Inside, the restaurant features design elements that pay tribute to Chick-fil-As history, including peach baskets converted into light fixtures and a Coca-Cola glass bottle fixture. Families can take advantage of an indoor playground. Customers can participate in the Golden Fan Cup Sweepstakes, which offers 3,000 people nationwide the chance to win free Chick-fil-A for one year. The promotional cups cost $3.99 and feature four retro-style designs from the restaurants history. A gold cup indicates a grand prize winner. The restaurant will open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday and remains closed on Sundays. SAGINAW TWP, MI Dollar Trees newest Saginaw Township store is one step closer to opening in a building that was previously home to a pharmacy. The discount store is coming to a former Rite Aid building at the northeast corner of Bay and Shattuck roads that closed permanently in November 2024 after the pharmacy chain announced the closure of all of its Michigan locations. New Dollar Tree signage has been added to the old Rite Aid building, along with a coming soon banner. The store, located at 3050 Bay Road, is next to Fast Eddies Car Wash and Oil Change. Dollar Tree has completed construction at the 11,000-square-foot store, which included minor exterior renovations, Ray Hausbeck, the townships assistant director of community development, told MLive. He said he expects the store to open soon. The store is currently hiring, according to Dollar Trees website, which includes a job listing for a customer service associate position. Prospective candidates can apply online at careers.dollartree.com. Dollar Tree offers several employee benefits, including medical, pharmacy, dental and vision insurance as well as retirement plans and education assistance, according to the companys website. The Bay Road store joins several other Saginaw-area Dollar Tree stores, including locations on Westbay Drive and Lawndale Road in Saginaw Township, among others. The new store also joins several other businesses slated to open soon in the township. Panera Bread is expected to open its second Saginaw Township location in May, and a national spa chain, Hand and Stone Massage and Facial Spa, plans to open a local branch next to a new Chipotle restaurant. The two planned locations are on State Street. Saginaw Township is delighted to see commercial growth, Hausbeck said. It means more employment and more people visiting our area and supporting other businesses. Dollar Tree stores offer a variety of products, including food, drinks, clothing, craft supplies, party supplies, toys, decor, and other items. The chain operates more than 9,000 locations across the United States and Canada, including over 300 Michigan stores, according to Dollar Trees website. More information about Dollar Tree is available online at dollartree.com. Officials are set to reopen a popular camping area following a significant operation to remove some 12,000 pounds of litter and debris created by long-term encampments. The National Park Service said Thursday that the encampment at Lake Mead National Recreation Areas Government Wash in Nevada had been creating issues for years, creating hazards that impaired access routes and caused erosion. The area not far from Las Vegas is a desert wash, a normally dry drainage channel, that opens onto Lake Meads shoreline that has become a popular access point, but lacked infrastructure. By removing years of trash build up, rehabilitating natural resources, and improving visitor services, you can immediately see the difference in Government Washs recreational value, said Superintendent Mike Gauthier. The restoration effort was widely supported by our gateway communities, area businesses, partners, and our visitors, and we are incredibly thankful for the immense volunteerism that helped us over the past 18 months. Government Wash, which has been closed since August of 2024, will reopen at 9 a.m. on Feb. 7. The National Park Service said it conducted a full site restoration that included creating 51 defined campsites, improved access roads and supporting infrastructure, clarified boundaries, and establishing a layout that reduces congestion that protects natural resources while providing canoe, kayak and small boat access to the lake. Issues in the once lightly used area were caused by visitors seeking access to more remote places to drive, fish, picnic, swim, or camp. About 1,365 incidents were reported in the last five years. Some of them were serious law enforcement events, fires, emergency medical responses, searches, and rescues. Overnight stays at Government Wash are limited to 28 days, the NPS said. If you purchase a product through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. Were just about a week out from Valentines Daydo you have your flower plans in place? If not, there are still tons of options that will arrive early, on time and last-minute. Gone are the days of running to the store for a bouquet. Now you can personalize, purchase and schedule delivery through several online florists. Valentines Day gifts for every shopper Weve gathered a list of our top recommendations, including some ideas to get you started. From chocolate-covered strawberries to roses to plants, there is something for every Valentine. Check out the online florist businesses below. Thanks to partnerships with local florists nationwide, get guaranteed same-day delivery on select bouquets from FTD. Plus, they offer cost-friendly options so you dont have to break the bank if youre shopping last minute. Get 5% off sitewide for a limited time, automatically applied. Top picks: ProFlowers offers same-day delivery on select orders. Want to add something special? Look for the bouquets that can be bundled with strawberries, teddy bears and the like. A little extra goes a long way. Top picks: Save 15% off everything for a limited time. When you order before 3 p.m. local time, youll receive same-day delivery across the United States thanks to local florist partners. If your Valentine isnt a fan of flowers, this business has plenty of other options that will say I love you. Shop deals of the day to show more love for less. For a limited time, get 20% off Valentines Day gifts with the code VDAY at checkout. Top picks: Get same-day delivery in Dallas, New York City, Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Orange County (California), San Diego and Miami when you order by noon local time. Next-day delivery is also available. Take 25% off Valentines Day flowers with code BOUQSDAY at checkout. Check out more online florists here Its tough to narrow down our list to just a few shops when there are plenty of impressive, award-winning florists out there. Looking for a few more places to shop around? We suggest starting here: News / National by Staff reporter Rebecca Yeukai Nguruve, 35, a nurse who recently worked in the United Kingdom, was found dead in a hotel room in Harare on Monday morning.The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) are investigating the circumstances and believe she may have taken her own life, after several substances were reportedly discovered at the scene.Nguruve had arrived in Zimbabwe from the UK on Sunday and checked into the Jameson Hotel in the Harare Central Business District.Her body was discovered around 9 a.m. on Monday, 2 February 2026.Authorities have not released further details as investigations continue. Did our AI summary help? The Carens Clavis EV is Kia's first mass-market electric model in India. News / National by Staff reporter Prophetic Healing and Deliverance (PHD) Ministries founder Walter Magaya has been granted US$3,000 bail by High Court Judge Vivian Ndlovu after spending a week in custody. Magaya faces four rape charges that are set to go to trial next month.Judge Ndlovu imposed several conditions on Magaya's release. He must deposit US$3,000 with the clerk of court, report twice weekly on Mondays and Fridays at CID Mukushi Academy, surrender his passport, hand over the title deed to his Mt Pleasant home, and continue residing at his current address until the conclusion of the trial.Magaya had initially appeared before Magistrate Letwin Rwodzi, where he did not oppose being remanded. He is scheduled to return to court on February 16, when the trial is set to begin on a continuous roll until February 19.The State alleges that Magaya sexually assaulted four women between 2016 and 2023. The first charge involves a 24-year-old Harare woman allegedly assaulted at a hotel after being invited to church-related activities in July 2020. The second count concerns a 22-year-old woman from Chegutu, who prosecutors say was directed to Harare for prayers and later sexually assaulted in 2023 at Magaya's hotel.The third case involves a 32-year-old Harare woman who had known Magaya as her pastor and was allegedly lured to a Borrowdale property under the guise of employment linked to a housing project in 2016. The fourth count pertains to a 21-year-old woman from Chegutu, reportedly called to a hotel suite under the pretext of assisting in marketing a church book and assaulted. In all four cases, prosecutors maintain the encounters were non-consensual, and medical evidence will be presented at trial.Magaya's lawyer, Admire Rubaya, accused police of manipulating the timing of the arrest to keep his client in custody, arguing that witnesses in an earlier, separate rape case had either withdrawn or were unavailable. Police dismissed these claims, insisting the arrest was lawful and followed completed investigations.Magaya is now out on bail and preparing for his February trial while complying with the High Court's conditions. Did our AI summary help? MC Education Desk Read the latest and trending news on CBSE, board exams, NEET, JEE, CUET, competitive exams, scholarships, college admissions, education policies, and more. Did our AI summary help? Alia Bhatt and Rajkummar Roy to work together in next film Did our AI summary help? Govinda is waiting for right script 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. News / National by Staff reporter Four women who were operating under the guise of massage therapists at a Harare lodge were fined US$100 each on Wednesday after pleading guilty to charges of soliciting for prostitution through online platforms.The accused - Sekai Chisango (33), Fadzai Mukucha (20), Faith Pahlani (28) and Liana Demberere (21) - appeared before Harare magistrate Lisa Mutendereki, where they admitted to contravening laws that prohibit the solicitation of prostitution via electronic media accessible to the public.The State case was presented by Museba Umary of the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Harare Licence Inspectorate.Prosecutors told the court that on February 2, 2026, ZRP officers received a tip-off concerning a Facebook post and WhatsApp page operating under the name Closure Perfect Touch Spa.The online page advertised various "massage services" but explicitly included sexual services, complete with a detailed price list. The advertisement claimed that eight women were available around the clock and allowed clients to select from them. Promotional images of the women were also posted, with faces partially concealed.Following the tip-off, an informant contacted the page via WhatsApp to enquire about the services and location. Undercover police officers later arranged a meeting and were directed to premises at number 18 Fereday Drive in Eastlea, Harare.Police raided the premises at around 3pm, leading to the arrest of the four women.Investigations revealed that the accused were voluntarily working at the lodge and were promoting prostitution while posing as massage therapists. During the operation, officers searched their mobile phones and allegedly found nude photographs and explicit videos, which the State said further linked them to the offence.The court found that the women had been unlawfully advertising and soliciting prostitution by publishing explicit content on social media and messaging platforms intended for public access.Each of the four women was fined US$100. Sonu Sood speaks on social media gaming after 3 girls in Ghaziabad die by suicide Boyfriend on Demand OTT release: Know date, time, and streaming platform of BLACKPINKs Jisoo and Seo In-guks K-Drama in India Did our AI summary help? Exclusive - Pankaj Tripathi on wife Mridula turning producer with Lailaaj, she says meri aik aur identity bhi hai tumhari biwi ke ilava Did our AI summary help? Ragini Jaiswal Entertainment journalist and content writer with 3+ years of experience covering Bollywood, lifestyle trends, and celebrity stories across leading digital platforms. Did our AI summary help? Kim Hyun-jin captivates audiences as a talented romance novelist in the new K Drama Did our AI summary help? Palak Vij is a Sub Editor and Entertainment Journalist with over a year of experience covering films, television, and pop culture in the digital space. Did our AI summary help? Rohit Shetty house firing case: Pune man arrested for allegedly supplying gun, fifth accused in custody Both tweed and corduroy are coming back as style statements that balance tradition with a distinctly urban edge (Images: Hockerty) News / National by Staff reporter An inmate who escaped from the Botswana Prison Service has been recaptured less than 24 hours later, authorities confirmed on Thursday.The Botswana Prison Service said 50-year-old Stella Sibanda, who escaped from Gaborone Women Prison on Wednesday, February 4, was apprehended earlier on Thursday in Gaborone's Block 3.Prison service spokesperson Oagile Kojane said Sibanda was recaptured following coordinated efforts involving law enforcement agencies and members of the public."The Botswana Prison Service wishes to inform members of the public that prisoner Stella Sibanda, aged 50 years, who escaped from Gaborone Women Prison yesterday, has been recaptured earlier today at Gaborone Block 3," Kojane said.He thanked members of the public for their cooperation and commended the support provided by other law enforcement agencies during the operation.The prison service reassured the public that measures were being strengthened to prevent similar incidents in the future, emphasising that public safety and security remain a top priority.At the time of her escape, Sibanda was being held on a murder charge and had not yet been convicted. Prison authorities said she was on remand when she fled from custody.Details surrounding the alleged murder, including when or where it occurred, have not been disclosed. It is also unclear when Sibanda was due to next appear in court.Her escape raised security concerns due to the seriousness of the charge she faces, triggering an immediate search operation. The Botswana Prison Service later confirmed that Sibanda was returned to lawful custody shortly after her recapture. IndiGo, India's largest airline by market share, cancelled about 4,500 flights in the first weeks of December, stranding tens of thousands of passengers nationwide Locally, Mad Over Donuts competes with other dessert brands like Krispy Kreme, an American multi-national chain and Dunkin Donuts Ashwin Mohan is Editor (Deals) at Moneycontrol and leads the M&A, private equity and equity capital market transactions coverage. He anchors the video show 'Deal Central ' and tweets at @ashwinmohansays. He has previously worked with ET NOW, CNBC TV-18 and The Times of India. Tata Power eyes solar cells, modules export to US, Europe in FY27, says CEO Praveer Sinha Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump during Modi's visit to the US in 2025. (File photo) Adrija Chatterjee is an Assistant Editor at Moneycontrol. She has been tracking and reporting on finance and trade ministries for over eight years. Eyewitness recalls what happened between parents of Ghaziabad sisters after they jumped from 9th floor Adrija Chatterjee is an Assistant Editor at Moneycontrol. She has been tracking and reporting on finance and trade ministries for over eight years. News / National by Staff reporter A 53-year-old Masvingo man has been sentenced to three months in prison after stealing a cellphone from a patient he pretended to pray for at Masvingo Provincial Hospital.Regis Svondo of Village Mhike, Gokomere, was convicted of theft as defined in Section 113 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act (Chapter 9:23) when he appeared before Magistrate Arafat Kozanayi at the Masvingo Magistrates' Court on Wednesday.The court heard that on January 30, 2026, Svondo went to Masvingo Provincial Hospital where the complainant, Tungamirai Jiri, was admitted. Svondo allegedly approached Jiri's bedside under the guise of offering prayers.Prosecutor Munyaradzi Mavhondo told the court that Svondo took advantage of the fact that the complainant was asleep and stole a Tecno Honour cellphone valued at US$200 before leaving the ward unnoticed.However, another patient in the neighbouring bed witnessed the theft and later alerted Jiri after he woke up.The matter was reported to Jiri's sister, Martha Chinyama, who filed a report at Masvingo Central Police Station. This led to Svondo's arrest and the recovery of the stolen cellphone.In passing sentence, the court noted that Svondo had no right to take the complainant's property and described his conduct as a serious abuse of trust, particularly in a hospital setting where patients are vulnerable.Svondo was sentenced to five months' imprisonment, with two months suspended on condition of good behaviour for a period of three years. He will serve an effective three months in jail. Anti-Corruption Court rejects plea seeking FIR against SEBI and exchange officials, warns complainant against forum hunting Here's how 'success kid' of a family lost Rs 70 lakh in F&O trading and is now struggling for livelihood Arbitrage funds gained rapid traction in India last year, as foreign investors exited local equities in record numbers In the span of two days, hundreds of billions of dollars were wiped off the value of stocks, bonds and loans of companies big and small across Silicon Valley 'North Indians clean tables in South, sell pani puri': Tamil Nadu minister faces fire for controversial remark, BJP lashes out 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. Commerce minister Piyush Goyal says the first tranche of the IndiaUS trade deal is nearly ready, while talks for a long-pending FTA with the GCC gain momentum. Adrija Chatterjee is an Assistant Editor at Moneycontrol. She has been tracking and reporting on finance and trade ministries for over eight years. News / National by Staff reporter A 24-year-old man was fatally stabbed during a domestic dispute in Mushayabvudzi residential suburb, Mvuma, in an incident police say arose from a quarrel between a husband and wife.Midlands provincial police spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko confirmed the murder, which occurred on January 31, 2026, at around 8pm."The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms a case of murder in which a 24-year-old man was stabbed once and was pronounced dead upon arrival at Mvuma District Hospital," Mahoko said.The deceased, Tanaka Musiiwa, was allegedly stabbed by his landlord, Aleck Chaminuka (25), following a heated confrontation at the rented premises.According to police, the incident began when Chaminuka returned home from Chivhu, where he works, and confronted his wife, Caroline Hofisi, for allegedly failing to prepare food. Hofisi reportedly told her husband that she had just returned from church, triggering an argument.As the dispute escalated, Hofisi sought refuge in Musiiwa's room, where she was accommodated by Musiiwa's wife, Portia Dzigahwi. Dzigahwi later informed her husband about the incident.Mahoko said that when Musiiwa returned home, Chaminuka accused him of having an affair with his wife, leading to a physical confrontation between the two men while their wives remained inside Musiiwa's bedroom."It is alleged that during the altercation, Chaminuka took a knife and stabbed Musiiwa once," Mahoko said.Neighbours rushed Musiiwa to Mvuma District Hospital, but he was pronounced dead on arrival.Chaminuka has since been arrested and is facing a murder charge, while investigations continue.Police have urged members of the public to exercise restraint and resolve domestic and community disputes peacefully to prevent loss of life. Did our AI summary help? Viswanath Pilla is a business journalist with 16 years of reporting experience. Based in Mumbai, Pilla covers pharma, healthcare and infrastructure sectors for Moneycontrol. The incident also disrupted the supply of essential items such as milk and vegetables, as several goods vehicles remained stuck for hours. You are already a Moneycontrol Pro user. OK Government-backed cooperative cab app Bharat Taxi launches in Delhi today, promising zero commissions for drivers and lower fares for passengers. News / National by Staff reporter The Court Martial Appeal Court has upheld the conviction of former Zimbabwe National Army officer Lawyers Nyaruwata, ruling that he abused his public office by withdrawing troops from community construction projects after Members of Parliament refused to give him additional money.In dismissing the appeal in its entirety, the court found that Nyaruwata deliberately misrepresented facts and improperly used military personnel as leverage for personal gain. The ruling leaves intact his 2019 conviction for criminal abuse of duty, his dismissal from the Defence Forces and a five-year prison sentence.Nyaruwata, who was Officer Commanding 2 Engineers Squadron at the time, had appealed against both conviction and sentence following a hearing held on 10 January 2023. However, his legal team later abandoned the challenge to the sentence after conceding that the Defence Act did not permit the appellate court to interfere with it.The case arose from Nyaruwata's conduct during deployments under the Military Aid to Civil Society programme at Rusununguko High School in Mudzi and Gozi Primary School in Wedza, where soldiers had been assigned to build school blocks and teachers' houses. The court found that he unlawfully withdrew the troops after Members of Parliament declined to continue giving him money.MPs Jonathan Samukange and David Musabayana testified that Nyaruwata solicited funds from them during the deployments, allegedly to support trade tests for the soldiers. Musabayana told the court that although he initially believed the money was for the troops, he later realised it was being used for Nyaruwata's personal benefit. He said that when he stopped sending cash, Nyaruwata threatened to withdraw the soldiers.Samukange also confirmed making payments, testifying that part of the money was used to buy a personal vehicle and to pay Nyaruwata's daughter's university fees. Both MPs said that once they refused to provide further funds, the troops were abruptly withdrawn despite the availability of building materials. Musabayana described arriving at one site with food supplies only to discover that the soldiers had left a week earlier.Senior military officers corroborated this evidence. Lieutenant Colonel KG Manhimanzi told the court that only the Commander had authority to order a withdrawal and that Nyaruwata had no power to act on his own. Brigadier General Mhonda, the Commander at the time, testified that he authorised the withdrawal only after Nyaruwata falsely claimed that building materials had been exhausted. He said he would never have sanctioned the move had he known that the deployments were being used to extract personal payments.The appeal court found that Nyaruwata's explanation that the withdrawal was due to a lack of supplies and impending trade tests was contradicted by the evidence. Justices Susan Mavangira, Samuel Kudya and Joseph Musakwa ruled that the appellant obtained the Commander's approval through misrepresentation, rendering that authority invalid.The judges said Nyaruwata's conduct amounted to an intentional misuse of public resources, noting that the withdrawal was not based on operational needs but was intended to pressure the MPs after his demands were no longer met. They also observed that none of the money allegedly given to him was recovered, although a vehicle said to have been bought using part of the funds was confiscated.In dismissing the appeal, the court held that all the essential elements of criminal abuse of duty had been proved, concluding that Nyaruwata knowingly acted contrary to the obligations of his office for an improper and personal purpose. The conviction and the original sentence of dismissal from the Zimbabwe Defence Forces and five years' imprisonment therefore stand. The Budget speech clarified that the DA hike will not take effect immediately, but will be implemented from the start of the next financial year, April 1. EAM S Jaishankar with the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Christin Mathew Philip is a Senior Assistant Editor at Moneycontrol.com with 15 years of experience in journalism and a recipient of the Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Award. Based in Bengaluru, he understands the pulse of the people and covers issues that matter, including mobility, infrastructure, start-ups, and government policies. He tweets at @ChristinMP_ The agreement is expected to enhance market access in the food processing and petrochemical sectors, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said Adrija Chatterjee is an Assistant Editor at Moneycontrol. She has been tracking and reporting on finance and trade ministries for over eight years. Under the current practice, the railways charge full fare from a passenger to book a berth in trains under the RAC category. News / National by Staff reporter Veteran cattle breeder Mark Hook has played a pivotal role in reviving Zimbabwe's Boran and Nkone cattle societies, breathing new life into the country's livestock industry. Hook, who serves as chairperson of the Cattle Producers Association, the Nkone Cattle Breeders Society, and the Boran Breeders Society, is also a member of the Zimbabwe Herd Book (ZHB) executive committee, where his leadership has been instrumental in restoring these societies after years of dormancy.Both the Boran and Nkone societies had become inactive following the exodus of farmers after Zimbabwe's land reform programme, which began in 2000. The Boran was first introduced to the country at Forrester Estates in Mvurwi in 1993, when about 600 embryos were imported from Kenya, producing nearly 300 calves. This led to the formation of the Boran Breeders Society. However, by 2004, the society became dormant as several breeders left the country.In 2011, Hook, alongside Dave Jobson, Solomon Zawe, and Les Mallett, revived the society, renaming it the Zimbabwe Boran Breeders Society. Hook, who initially served as a committee member, assumed the role of chairperson in 2014. Under his stewardship, the society has grown from two breeders to 89, with over 8,600 animals registered with the ZHB, making the Boran Zimbabwe's second-largest cattle breed after the Brahman.Hook's personal herd reflects his commitment to quality breeding. Born in Harare, he graduated from Chibero Agricultural College in 1982 with first-class distinction and later acquired his own 120-hectare Doonside Farm in Mutorashanga, Mashonaland West. Initially focused on tobacco, paprika, and maize production, Hook began investing in cattle in 1993, starting with Beefmasters, and later importing Beefmaster semen from the US in 1995.He introduced Boran cattle to his farm in 2005, acquiring 11 animals from Forrester Estates. Hook quickly recognized the breed's adaptability, noting that Boran cattle remained active during the heat of the day while his Beefmasters rested under trees. He subsequently acquired an additional 33 Boran and registered them with the ZHB. Today, his herd comprises approximately 650 Boran, 250 Beefmasters, and 100 Nkone cattle.Hook praises the Boran for their fertility, disease resistance, and ability to endure harsh conditions. Ninety percent of cattle in Zimbabwe are raised in rural areas, where conditions are very hard, with little grass and high competition for food, he explains. He adds that Boran cattle can go two to three days without water due to their large stomach capacity, an advantage under local management conditions.The herd follows two bulling seasons, a 63-day summer period starting in January and a 42-day winter period beginning in June. Hook aims for an 80% weaning rate and an 85% pregnancy diagnosis rate, with cows failing to conceive after both seasons being culled to maintain breeding quality.In 2019, Hook extended his efforts to revive the Nkone Society. After the last herd was deregistered in 2017, Hook and his colleague George Hulme retrieved records and located approximately 50 Nkone cows, enabling the society's re-registration. Today, 600 Nkone cattle are registered with the ZHB across seven breeders.Despite significant challenges such as veld fires, which Hook estimates prevent 200,000 calves from being born annually, and land tenure uncertainties that complicate herd management, he remains committed to strengthening Zimbabwe's cattle industry. His leadership continues to provide vital guidance to farmers and safeguard the country's livestock heritage.Mark Hook's dedication demonstrates that with strategic breeding, strong leadership, and perseverance, Zimbabwe's cattle industry can overcome historical setbacks and thrive once more. Bharat Taxi has already been running pilot operations in Delhi-NCR and Gujarat since December 2 and plans a nationwide expansion across states and cities within the next two years. (PTI) Rewati Karan is Senior Sub Editor at Moneycontrol. She covers law, politics, business, and national affairs. She was previously Principal Correspondent at Financial Express and Copyeditor at ThePrint where she wrote feature stories and covered legal news. She has also worked extensively in social media, videos and podcasts at ThePrint and India Today. She can be reached at rewati.karan@nw18.com | Twitter: @RewatiKaran Opinion / Columnist Murder, violence and rape have become the grim order of the day in Filabusi, Insiza District, where artisanal miners, commonly known as makorokoza or oGweja, are accused of reigning terror over local communities. What was once a livelihood of last resort has morphed into a deadly struggle for control of gold-rich land, leaving a trail of blood, fear and broken families. The loss of young lives in this part of Zimbabwe has gone largely unabated. Across Filabusi and other gold mining areas nationwide, territorial disputes over gold claims have spiralled into violent gang wars. Young men are killing each other over claims, access routes and survival. The violence has become so frequent that it now feels normalised, yet its impact on communities is devastating.A recent and painful example is the killing of a young man in Vokola, Filabusi allegedly murdered by a group of intoxicated artisanal miners who were indiscriminately attacking anyone in their path. Villagers say he was innocent, simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. This was not an isolated incident. Similar deaths continue to occur, leaving families in mourning, communities traumatised, and an entire generation of youth trapped in cycles of violence.The mining sector in Filabusi is increasingly underpinned by machete and gang violence, reflecting a deeper class struggle over control of resource-rich areas. Analysts point out that gold rushes are a major trigger of mining-related conflicts, particularly where poverty, unemployment and weak governance collide.Most of the young men involved are driven into illegal mining by desperation. With few economic opportunities available, gold offers the illusion of escape from poverty. However, the absence of effective regulation, protection and state support has created lawless zones where machetes, axes and knives have replaced the rule of law.A concerned villager, Mr Phillip Air Marshal Commander Sibanda, who comes from the area where the recent killing occurred, expressed deep frustration. We want to petition the Government of Zimbabwe to urgently take decisive action to stop the violence in gold mining areas and protect human life, he said.Another resident, Susan Dube, voiced shock and anger over the ongoing killings. She accused the police of allegedly shielding perpetrators and allowing evidence to disappear. We have seen it all. The police here are corrupt, and that is why this violence continues. They eat and drink with these criminals, she said.She described the situation as resembling a war zone. They use all sorts of weapons, commit killings, and violently rape young women. They are simply a law unto themselves.Community members claim that many crimes go unreported, as those who witness or experience violence fear arrest for illegal mining activities themselves. This silence has allowed perpetrators to operate with near impunity.Beyond the human cost, the environmental damage is severe. Artisanal mining has caused massive degradation along tributaries feeding into rivers that supply water to surrounding communities. Open, unrehabilitated mine shafts litter the landscape, posing deadly risks to livestock and people alike.Despite repeated assurances from law enforcement, residents say police interventions have been intermittent and unsustainable. While operations are occasionally announced, miners often return shortly afterward, emboldened by the lack of lasting consequences.Some analysts argue that the only viable solution lies in the formalisation and regulation of small-scale and artisanal mining. Allowing young people to mine legally and safely, coupled with the deployment of professional, corruption-free security forces, could significantly reduce violence and restore order.For now, Filabusi remains a community caught between gold and grief, where wealth beneath the soil continues to cost lives above it. The people are appealing for urgent intervention before more blood is spilled in the name of survival #ezratshisa4life During his address in the upper house, PM Modi launched a scathing attack on the Congress Police say the plot was orchestrated from Canada and aimed at disturbing public order ahead of Republic Day celebrations. US authorities say the India-based network ran illegal online pharmacies that shipped controlled drugs without prescriptions, leading to multiple overdose deaths. Owais Ibni Hassan is a researcher at TrustBridge Rule of Law. Views are personal, and do not represent the stand of this publication. Sayantan Ghosh teaches journalism at St. Xavier's College (autonomous), Kolkata and a columnist. He tweets at @sayantan_gh. Views are personal, and do not represent the stand of this publication. The woman later shared additional posts praising other aspects of life in India, including street food, jewellery and hospitality. Pinterest fires two engineers who created tool to track layoffs internally. CEO defends decision World must not slide into 'ruleless' abyss 10:56, February 05, 2026 By Huan Yuping ( People's Daily Although the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2026 concluded, concerns voiced during the event about the world sliding toward a "ruleless" order continue to resonate across the international community. In its latest National Security Strategy, the Trump administration has elevated differences with Europe to the level of a so-called "civilizational erasure." It has pressed ahead with attempts to seize Greenland from Denmark, escalated tariff threats, and repeatedly played down the role of NATO allies. These actions have led Europe to increasingly realize that, under U.S. power politics, being an ally offers no protection. The recent changes in U.S. policy toward Europe have laid bare the logic of hegemony: nothing is off the table. Europe's sense of helplessness in the face of successive shocks is, to some extent, the price of its long-standing strategic dependence on the United States. At present, frictions between the United States and Europe have deepened, reflecting, in part, a profound crisis confronting the world. Since the beginning of this year, from brazen actions against Venezuela to overt attempts to assert control over Greenland, the United States has trampled on international law and the international order indiscriminately, accelerating the world's slide toward a "ruleless" state. French President Emmanuel Macron warned: "It's a shift toward a world without rules, where international law is trampled underfoot, and where the only law which seems to matter is the strongest with imperial ambitions resurfacing." The international order established after World War II is far from perfect, but it has played an important role in maintaining overall global peace, promoting relatively open global trade, and advancing international cooperation. It remains the foundation for the orderly functioning of today's world. Yet in recent years, key architects of this order have reversed course, increasingly embracing hegemonism, unilateralism, and protectionism. They have become disruptors of the very system they helped build. Today, the risk of "rulelessness" is forming an interconnected and compounded complex of systemic risks across multiple domains, profoundly threatening the living environment of all members of the international community. In the realm of economic and trade cooperation, economic ties such as trade and investment -- once drivers of global prosperity -- are now being deliberately and strategically weaponized by certain countries. This has directly disrupted global industrial and supply chains and dealt a severe blow to multilateral trade rules. In terms of multilateral cooperation, hegemonic countries have unilaterally withdrawn from international mechanisms, plunging core global governance institutions such as the United Nations and the World Trade Organization into unprecedented crises and heightening challenges to world peace and development. In an environment where rules are disregarded and power is worshipped, no country can effectively safeguard its own interests. When constraints disappear, unpredictability itself becomes a powerful destructive force, pushing the world toward disorder and greater instability. While hegemonic threats persisted after World War II, Western nostalgia for a "golden past" often overlooked consequences borne elsewhere. Today, however, the United States' actions to bully the weak and its reckless destruction of the international order have inflicted pain widely felt across the international community. The world must fully recognize these risks and shoulder shared responsibilities in addressing them. To prevent descent into rulelessness, adherence to international law is paramount. International law and the basic norms governing international relations based on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter are vital to world peace and stability and constitute an important basis for resolving international disputes. Only by fully, faithfully, and comprehensively observing international law and these fundamental norms -- ensuring the uniform application of rules and rejecting double standards -- can the law of the jungle be prevented from becoming the guiding logic of global affairs. To prevent a slide into a "ruleless" abyss, the international community must renew its commitment to solidarity. Countries share a common future, and self-preservation in the face of brute force is not a viable path forward. All countries should take shared interests into consideration, build a common understanding of global risks, strengthen the foundations of unity and cooperation, and jointly tackle the challenges posed by hegemonism and power politics. The international order established after World War II has been protecting the world for more than 80 years. What is needed today is to consolidate, reform, and improve this order -- not to tear it down or undermine it at its foundations. Some argue that where the old order "fractures," emerging forces committed to independence and pragmatic cooperation will gain increasing space to help define rules. Viewed this way, "disorder" can also serve as the prelude to transformation. The world stands at a critical crossroads. The international community must not stand by as the world is pushed into a "ruleless" abyss. Only by jointly upholding the international system with the UN at its core and the international order based on international law, and by forging certainty through dialogue and cooperation, can humanity be guided toward a brighter future. (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun) Opinion / Columnist In recent months, Zimbabwe has witnessed a strikingly consistent narrative emerge across multiple private media platforms. Nearly identical stories, recycled claims, and insinuations have surfaced repeatedly - often with no new evidence, corroboration, or context. This is not a matter of coincidence. It is a coordinated media pattern, one that seeks to manufacture what might be called "scandal fatigue," where repetition substitutes for proof and perception replaces facts. When different outlets echo the same story angles, language, and conclusions, the pressing question is no longer "what happened?" but "who benefits from weakening the Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO)?"Trial by media is fundamentally corrosive to both due process and national security. Intelligence agencies cannot function effectively when their operations, protocols, and internal affairs are litigated in public via leaks, conjecture, and unnamed sources. Zimbabwe has clearly established investigative mechanismsincluding the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC), the police, and the courtsthat are empowered to handle allegations. When matters are prematurely aired in newspapers, social media, and online commentary, the result is a poisoned environment where operational morale, internal discipline, and institutional confidentiality are all jeopardized under the guise of "transparency."Accountability is best served through evidence, law, and procedure - not sensationalism. These media narratives thrive on innuendo, selective outrage, and emotional framing. By contrast, true accountability relies on methodical investigations, proper legal thresholds, and measured reporting. Claiming to champion public interest while systematically eroding confidence in state institutions is contradictory. If the concern were genuinely about mismanagement of public resources, reporting would be balanced, restrained, and defer to ongoing investigations. The absence of such an approach suggests the objective extends beyond mere scrutiny.The real target is not individual conduct - it is institutional credibility. Repeated focus on hierarchy, leadership, and alleged "untouchability" signals an attack on the CIO as a whole. By portraying the organisation as corrupt, compromised, or beyond oversight, these stories seek to delegitimise its authority and weaken public trust in state intelligence. This is a classic strategy deployed against security institutions worldwide: discredit first, destabilise later.Anonymous sources and unverified allegations are being weaponised. Credible journalism carefully distinguishes between fact, opinion, and allegation. What we are seeing instead is the deliberate blurring of these lines, with conjecture presented as truth. This approach endangers institutions by creating an environment where any official can be accused, any agency smeared, and any narrative planted without consequence. A nation cannot operate its intelligence services based on whispers elevated to headlines.Zimbabwe has established oversight mechanisms that must be respected. The CIO operates within constitutional, executive, parliamentary, and legal frameworks. To imply that the organisation is entirely unaccountable is not only false, it is reckless and misleading. Weakening confidence in these mechanisms serves neither citizens nor the state; it empowers external and internal adversaries.Finally, reputational damage to security institutions is not a victimless exercise. Undermining the CIO affects state stability, intelligence efficacy, investor confidence, and diplomatic credibility. Nations do not expose their intelligence vulnerabilities without consequences. Those cheering institutional erosion today may well regret it tomorrow.In sum, this is a patterned media offensive - not isolated journalism. The public interest demands scrutiny, but it also demands context, accuracy, and respect for institutional integrity. Zimbabwe's security organs are vital to national survival, and their credibility cannot be sacrificed to sensationalism. A new international study warns that human reproduction in space is shifting from theory to practical concern as commercial missions and long-term space plans expand. Published in Reproductive Biomedicine Online, the research highlights risks from radiation, microgravity and isolation, alongside a lack of global standards. Scientists stress the need for urgent international cooperation, ethical guidelines and deeper research before technological ambitions outpace oversight in humanitys push beyond Earth. Did our AI summary help? Indian mountaineer Kabak Yano from Arunachal Pradesh has successfully scaled Mount Aconcagua in Argentina, the highest peak in South America, as part of her Seven Summit Mountaineering Expedition. The 22,831-foot climb marks a major milestone in her global quest. Arunachal Pradesh Governor K.T. Parnaik congratulated the 27-year-old climber, calling her achievement a powerful inspiration for young people. Yanos expedition was officially flagged off in Itanagar last year. Did our AI summary help? A Rockford, Michigan musician unknowingly suffering from severe Type 2 diabetes was rushed to hospital after his Jack Russell Terrier chewed off his infected big toe while he lay unconscious. Doctors discovered the infection had reached the bone and could have turned fatal without treatment. Surgeons completed the amputation and confirmed the dogs actions forced timely medical care. Jerry Douthett later credited his pet with saving his life. Did our AI summary help? Western Monarch Day is celebrated on 5th February every year. (Image: Canva) Invite your friends and family to sign up for MC Tech 3, our daily newsletter that breaks down the biggest tech and startup stories of the day The 2% TCS cut in Budget 2026 will make foreign holidays more affordableprompting Indians to explore both short-haul and long-haul international destinations. Priyanka Roshan With over eight years in multimedia journalism, is passionate about storytellingboth visual and textualacross travel, jobs, business, markets, politics, and daily news. From crafting engaging articles to producing compelling videos, she blends creativity with strategy to bring stories to life. With a strong foundation in SEO, and video production she ensures content not only informs but also resonates with audiences. Cab, auto and bike taxi services may be hit on February 7 as Ola, Uber and Rapido drivers plan a nationwide All India Breakdown demanding minimum fares and stricter regulation. Priyanka Roshan With over eight years in multimedia journalism, is passionate about storytellingboth visual and textualacross travel, jobs, business, markets, politics, and daily news. From crafting engaging articles to producing compelling videos, she blends creativity with strategy to bring stories to life. With a strong foundation in SEO, and video production she ensures content not only informs but also resonates with audiences. By Diego Ore MEXICO CITY, Feb 5 (Reuters) - Mexican officials are evaluating how to send fuel to Cuba to help meet basic needs such as electricity and transportation without triggering reprisals from Washington, which has threatened tariffs against countries supplying fuel to the Caribbean island, four sources familiar with the matter said. The sources said high-level Mexican officials have been talking to U.S. counterparts in order to gain clarity on the scope of the tariff threat outlined by President Donald Trump in an executive order and see whether there was a way to deliver the much-needed fuel. It remains uncertain whether Mexico will find a solution. The White House referred Reuters to previous comments by Trump, who on Monday told reporters Mexico would stop sending oil to Cuba, without elaborating on why he believed that to be the case. The U.S. State Department and the Mexican presidency did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Mexico's Foreign Ministry said it had no information on the matter. Cuba needs to import fuel for two-thirds of its energy needs, and is struggling with worsening power outages and long lines at gas stations. Shipments of Venezuelan oil to the island ceased following a U.S. blockade of Venezuelan tankers in December and the capture of President Nicolas Maduro in early January, leaving Mexico as Cuba's largest supplier. However, in mid-January, the Mexican government halted shipments of crude and refined products amid pressure from the Trump administration. Washington subsequently threatened tariffs on countries that supply oil to the communist-ruled island, saying that Cuba poses an "extraordinary threat" to U.S. national security - a claim Havana denies. "There are talks happening almost every other day," said one of the sources, who requested anonymity to discuss private matters. "Mexico doesn't want tariffs imposed, but it is also firm in its policy of helping the Cuban people," the source added. The Cuban government said on Thursday it was preparing a plan for "acute fuel shortages" and would release details over the next week. This week, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that Cuba risks a humanitarian "collapse" if it does not receive oil to meet its needs. Mexico, and in particular the ruling Morena party, has long maintained ideological and historical ties with Cuba, and President Claudia Sheinbaum is under pressure from within her coalition to not abandon Havana. Three of the four sources said talks are progressing and they were hopeful a solution could be reached. Mexico could dispatch a tanker with gasoline to the island, as well as food and other supplies all classified as humanitarian aid within days if an agreement is reached, two of the sources said. Priyanka Roshan With over eight years in multimedia journalism, is passionate about storytellingboth visual and textualacross travel, jobs, business, markets, politics, and daily news. From crafting engaging articles to producing compelling videos, she blends creativity with strategy to bring stories to life. With a strong foundation in SEO, and video production she ensures content not only informs but also resonates with audiences. Syria's new authorities who came to power after removing Assad in December 2024, are trying to revive the country's economy. Data centres generate enormous heat. Space seems to offer a solution because it is cold. Bangladeshs unelected interim government plans to sign a secret trade deal with the US just days before elections, sparking concerns over its timing, lack of transparency, and potential negative impact on exports and future governments. Did our AI summary help? Bangladesh's Jamaat-e-Islami leader Shafiqur Rahman waves to his supporters during a rally as he begins campaigning ahead of the upcoming national elections, in Mirpur on January 22, 2026. (Photo by Salahuddin Ahmed / AFP) Gov. Gavin Newsoms memoir reveals his mothers cancer-related decision to end her life, which shaped his support for assisted dying laws and led to making Californias End of Life Option Act permanent despite controversy. Did our AI summary help? The 2010 email was sent two years after Epstein pleaded guilty and was registered as a sex offender. At the time, Andersson-Dubins daughter, Celina, was reportedly 15 years old. Conservative MP Jamil Jivani says he met with Trump administration officials on Wednesday as he visits the United States capital on an independent trip billed as an effort to improve Canada-U.S. trade relations. Jivani said U.S. President Donald Trump gave him a message to share with fellow Canadians. "Productive meetings today with the White House and State Department. The President asked me to pass along a message: 'Tell the Canadians I love them.' I'll have much more to say later," the Ontario MP said in a post on X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CBC News has reached out to the White House for comment. Conservative MP Jamil Jivani posted on X that he spoke with U.S. President Donald Trump while in Washington. (@JamilJivani/X) Jivani, a university friend of U.S. Vice-President JD Vance, offered to work with the Liberals before heading on the trip, but says he was snubbed. In a video posted to social media, the MP said he has "something to offer to help build bridges of communication between our two countries." Speaking on his way to a caucus meeting earlier Wednesday, Prime Minister Mark Carney said while Jivani was briefed by Canada-U.S. Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc, the Liberal government is in "constant contact with the U.S. administration" and has its own list of "extensive contacts." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Minister LeBlanc gave a briefing to Mr. Jivani, who I don't believe is the trade critic for the Opposition, certainly not the minister of international trade or the prime minister of Canada," Carney said. When asked about the briefing, Jivani said that he exchanged emails with LeBlanc, but they have yet to speak over the phone or in person despite weeks of effort." "We are working on a meeting for next week where I can fully debrief him on my meetings in Washington," he wrote. "I hope I get the chance to speak with the prime minister also, instead of us having to communicate through the media. I look forward to meeting with them and the opportunity to put partisanship aside." CBC News has reached out to LeBlanc's offices to ask when the briefing took place and what topics were discussed, but has not received a response. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jivani said he plans to meet with General Motors representatives and other automotive and manufacturing heavyweights. He will also attend the National Prayer Breakfast in the U.S. capital on Thursday an annual gathering of thousands of politicians and power brokers. Canadian politicians across the spectrum have attended the prayer breakfast in previous years. But Jivani is offering his unique experience as a friend of Vance. The pair met at Yale Law School and have stayed in touch. Jivani emails PM, Liberal MPs with offer Jivani shared four emails with CBC News dated from Dec. 14 to Feb. 2 in which he offered to collaborate with the Liberals. He sent the first directly to the prime minister. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I ask with humility, would you please consider how I might be able to help in a way that is constructive and strategically aligned with the federal government's efforts?" he wrote, citing the 2017 multi-partisan strategy for negotiations that led to the creation of the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). He cc'd LeBlanc and other key MPs in subsequent emails. While his messages centred on the need for collaboration on the imperiled free trade deal (U.S. President Donald Trump has recently said "America doesn't need it") Jivani also criticized the "divisiveness" between Conservatives and Liberals. "The timing and spectacle of recent floor-crossings appears to many Canadians as an effort from you to demoralize Conservatives and the millions of citizens who vote for us," he wrote. "This is unfortunate, as it does not need to be this way for Conservatives and Liberals to co-operate where there are shared national objectives." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jivani also said that he has had the opportunity to share his insights with Canada's outgoing ambassador to the U.S., Kirsten Hillman, but said he believes establishing a line with Carney and LeBlanc is critical to present a united front. Conservative MP Gerard Deltell told reporters that while he has not met with Jivani to discuss his efforts to connect with U.S. officials, his party is keen to help the Liberal government in its negotiations with the Trump administration. "We have offered our help we hope that we'll have a great collaboration with the government to be sure that Canada, Canadians will be the big winners," he said. "The advice I've given all of our MPs is you need to fight for jobs in your community," said Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, referencing GM Canada's 1,200 layoffs at its Oshawa, Ont., plant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It's a move the plant's union describes as "a decision to cave to Donald Trump." Jivani told CBC News he wants to "convey a sense of urgency," to U.S. stakeholders about the job losses in his community. But Industry Minister Melanie Joly told reporters she was skeptical. "I haven't heard him once, not only denouncing what GM is doing, but also promoting the interests of the workers at GM that are facing unjustified, and unjustifiable, tariffs by the American administration," she said. A broken frame of Pakistan's field marshal and army chief, Asim Munir, hangs on the wall after an attack at the Cadet College Wana, a military-linked school, in the South Waziristan district near the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, on November 13, 2025. (Photo by Aamir QURESHI / AFP) Indian businessman comes under racial attack at Riyadh exhibition Pakistans Defence Minister Khawaja Asif admitted security forces are handicapped in Balochistan amid escalating BLA attacks, advanced weapon use, and internal failures, exposing a credibility gap and highlighting the provinces deepening crisis. Did our AI summary help? Russian official Dmitry Medvedev warns that letting the New START nuclear arms treaty expire without replacement could heighten nuclear risk, accelerate the Doomsday Clock, and intensify global tensions, as US-Russia talks stall and China resists involvement. Did our AI summary help? By Joe Brock SINGAPORE, Feb 5 (Reuters) - Several U.S. drone firms made their debuts at the Singapore Airshow this week, seeking to expand their business beyond the Pentagon to countries in Asia that are increasingly concerned about the threat posed by China's military build-up. The lethal success of drones on both sides of Russias war in Ukraine has sparked a surge of Silicon Valley investment in drone and military artificial intelligence startups, boosting the valuations of U.S. firms like California-based Anduril Industries and Shield AI. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This wave of interest in the next generation of warfare is reshaping the character of major air shows that have been long-dominated by gleaming commercial airliners, daredevil fighter jets and troop-carrying helicopters. Drones - from palm-sized quadcopters built for kamikaze strikes to unmanned fighter jets - have moved from the margins to centre stage as military commanders, politicians, intelligence officers and defense industry executives converged this week to assess which technologies might give them the edge in a future conflict in the Pacific. Though most drones used by Ukraine are domestically produced, companies like Anduril, Shield AI, El Segundo, California-based Neros Technologies and Virginia-headquartered AeroVironment have supplied Kyiv with weapons. Now these companies are aiming to persuade militaries in Taiwan, the Philippines, Singapore, Australia, South Korea, and Japan that their early battlefield experience and initial Pentagon backing prove they can deliver the cutting-edge systems needed as China builds its military presence in the region. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "They're looking for the ability to conduct intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance operations while GPS and communications are jammed it's what we're offering to a number of different countries in the region," Shield AI's co-founder Brandon Tseng told Reuters at the Singapore show. Shield AI, whose 9-foot-long (2.7 m), roughly $700,000 V-BAT reconnaissance drone has logged hundreds of hours in Ukraine, announced at the show that it will supply Singapore's ST Engineering with Hivemind, its AI autonomy software suite for unmanned systems. ASIA OFFICES OPENING UP Anduril, which has several Pentagon contracts and was valued at $30 billion in a private fundraising last year, opened offices in Taiwan, South Korea and Japan in 2025. It has secured sales of its Altius loitering munition drones to Taiwan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alongside their smaller drones, Anduril and Shield AI showcased models of sleek, stealthstyled Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA), which are around $30 million per unit "loyal wingman" fighter-jet drones designed to fly alongside next-generation manned fighters. Major U.S. defense firms including Boeing, General Atomics, Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman are also developing CCAs. Neros, which has a U.S. Marine Corps contract for its small Archer quadcopter attack drone, aims to establish factories in South Korea, the Philippines, Singapore and Japan to build stockpiles of expendable, explosive-laden drones that could help overwhelm Chinese forces in the event of a Taiwan Strait conflict, said the company's Asia growth lead, Kenneth Inocencio. "Imagine you're a (Chinese) trooper. You're about to board your landing craft ... 5 kilometres (3 miles) away, your landing craft gets hit by 30 Neros Archers. Some of them (below) the water line. Your landing craft sinks like a few kilometres away from the beach," Inocencio told Reuters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Neros, which produces up to 200 drones a day at its El Segundo factory, won a contract last year from a coalition of countries to supply 6,000 Archer drones to Ukraine. U.S. firm Red Cat, which will supply the U.S. Army with its Black Widow short-range reconnaissance quadcopter, announced at the Singapore Airshow that it had received an order for the drone from an unnamed AsiaPacific country. "Because of regional conflicts and uncertainty with China and their intentions, a lot of Asia-Pacific allies are tooling up, a handful of them in a big way," said Stayne Hoff, Red Cat's director of business development, Asia-Pacific. (Reporting by Joe Brock; Editing by Jamie Freed) India has denied reports of a meeting between NSA Ajit Doval and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, calling them baseless. The MEA clarified no such interaction occurred, amid recent developments in India-US trade and energy relations following a new agreement. Did our AI summary help? Taiwan to ramp up purchases of US natural gas this year (File image) Analysts describe Trumps second-term style as neoroyalism, where decisions are shaped by personal loyalty, family ties, and business connections, centralizing power around allies and shifting away from traditional US policy norms and institutional decision-making. Did our AI summary help? These undated photos at an undisclosed location released by the US Justice Department on January 30, 2026 as part of the Jeffrey Epstein files show British former prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor kneeling over a woman lying on the floor. (AFP) Three Chinese lawmakers dismissed as probe into top general Zhang Youxia deepens Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank, California, US, on Friday, Dec. 5, 2025. Netflix Inc. agreed to buy Warner Bros. Discovery Inc. in a historic combination, joining the worlds dominant paid streaming service with one of Hollywoods oldest and most revered studios. Photographer: Ethan Swope/Bloomberg US, Russia to reestablish high level military-to-military dialogue, US military says Paola Torres Huayhualla Paola Torres Huayhualla, an instructor of Spanish in the College of Letters of Science and a research professional for the Mark and Robyn Jones College of Nursing, is the recipient of this years Anna K. Fridley Phi Kappa Phi Distinguished Teaching Award. The award, sponsored by the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, is given to a faculty member whose accomplishments with students reach beyond the classroom. It carries a $1,000 honorarium. Paola M. Torres Huayhualla is a remarkable educator who has an influence extending deep in the community of Bozeman, which makes her a perfect recipient for the award that honors work in community outreach and equity, wrote her student Samuel Marshman in his letter supporting the nomination. Torres Huayhualla consistently teaches how to apply the Spanish language in real world settings to help the surrounding community. Originally from Lima, Peru, she is a graduate of MSUs Hispanic Studies program and currently finishing a masters degree in curriculum and instruction in MSUs Department of Education. She strives to incorporate community engagement activities into her classes by providing opportunities to converse with native Spanish speakers and facilitating cultural experiences for students on and off campus. Beyond the classroom, Torres Huayhualla has been integral in building the Bozeman English Learner Literacy Alliance, which provides summer programming for migrant youth in grades K-8, and in developing Bridging Cultures, a program that teaches Spanish language and cultural awareness practices to Bozeman School District educators and staff to help them engage more effectively with Spanish-speaking students and their families. She has also supported a research project called BIENESTAR, which expands access to counseling services for migrants, in collaboration with Sally Moyce at the Mark and Robyn Jones College of Nursing. Lucy Pether, another of her students, wrote in her recommendation of Torres Huayhualla, She is truly an exceptional educator whose work continues to make a lasting difference in the lives of her students and in the Bozeman community. See more awards from 2025-2026 Its everyone's dream to live in a peaceful home environment. And for those who love dogs, bringing calm rather than chaos is a cherry on top. While every dog has a unique personality, certain breeds are genetically predisposed to lower energy levels. They bark less frequently and have a more "collected approach towards life. These dogs tend to adapt easily to relaxed households, bark less frequently, and are content with gentle routines rather than constant stimulation. They offer companionship without overwhelming their owners and create a soothing presence in the home. So, here are nine dog breeds perfect for a peaceful home. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel This is the ultimate "lap dog, if there ever was one! The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is gentle, affectionate, and people-oriented. These adorable babies had been bred specifically for companionship. And it does show up in their temperament. Advertisement Advertisement They are incredibly intuitive and can often mirror their owners moods. You can be curled up on a couch, drinking coffee, or reading. This doggo will simply be happy to curl up at your feet or on your lap. The Greyhound Many people think that Greyhounds require constant exercise. And we understand the reason for that idea. After all, they are the fastest dogs in the world. But in reality, they are famously known as "45-mph couch potatoes." All they need is a chance to sprint in a fenced area or take a brisk walk. But the rest of their day is spent sleeping! Greyhounds are generally quiet, but they do bark and vocalize when excited, anxious, or alerting. This makes them one of the most unobtrusive large breeds. The Basset Hound They have very soulful eyes and long, floppy ears. Basset Hounds seem to radiate a sense of calm. They are legendary for their moderate energy levels and can easily sleep for up to 20 hours a day. Advertisement Advertisement They have a very distinctive howl (the "bay") but are generally not reactive barkers. Also, they tend to be very patient with children and other pets. Their slow-moving nature ensures that your home remains relaxed and steady. The French Bulldog The French Bulldog is a fan favorite because it fits so well into the modern, quiet lifestyles. They are sturdy but compact. And unlike many small breeds, they arent bark-happy. "Frenchies" are known for their easygoing disposition and their preference for short walks followed by long naps. They are prone to overheating (because of the flat faces). Therefore, they naturally prefer the climate-controlled peace of an indoor environment. The Great Dane Many will be surprised to see the Great Dane on the list. After all, it is one of the most serene companions. In spite of their intimidating size, they are remarkably low-energy while indoors. Advertisement Advertisement Despite being huge, they like to pretend that they are lapdogs. Here's proof: they are forever trying to squeeze onto sofas for a cuddle. Their presence is quite grounding and quiet. You will never find anything to complain about, as long as your dog isn't trying to curl into your lap! The Shih Tzu The Shih Tzu had been bred for centuries by noble/royal families. Well, those days are long gone. However, the Shih Tzu still likes to live in comfort like a royal couch potato. They are not high-strung, but they are emotionally needy and prone to separation anxiety. But instead, they are clingy bois who like to follow their owners from room to room. Yes, they do require regular grooming, but their exercise needs are minimal. So they will be the perfect fit for your serene, peaceful little home. The Basenji The Basenji is unique in the canine world. This is because it is known as the "barkless dog." Instead of a traditional bark, they produce a quiet, yodel-like sound known as a "barroo. And this too is rarely used by them. Advertisement Advertisement They are independent and cat-like in their grooming habits, not to mention very fastidious. For a homeowner who dislikes the noise and "doggy odor," the Basenji offers a clean, quiet, and sophisticated alternative. The Saint Bernard This one is very similar to the Great Dane. The Saint Bernard is a giant breed that moves at a very deliberate, slow pace, like a distinguished senior citizen. They are incredibly patient and have a "nanny-like" temperament. Since they were traditionally used to rescue stranded travellers, they have a very sympathetic demeanour. Yes, they do drool and shed a bit. But their energy is calm and benevolent. Therefore, they thrive in low-activity households. The Pug Pugs are the clowns of the dog world. But at the same time, they are also experts in relaxation. After all, they were bred to be companions for Chinese emperors. And they take their court jester past very seriously today. Advertisement Advertisement A Pugs favorite activity is usually whatever you are doing (well, as long as it involves sitting down). They are remarkably adaptable. They can be just as happy in a quiet city apartment as in a country house. Their moderate energy and affectionate nature make them a classic choice for a peaceful home. Conclusion Even with a low-energy breed, there are some caveats. Because peaceful dogs still need brain work. Use puzzle toys to keep them occupied without the need for high-impact running. Dogs thrive on predictability. Feeding and walking them at the same time each day reduces anxiety and barking. And last but not least, ensure that your dog always has a place to retreat to when they are tired. This will ensure that they are always happy and fresh. February 5, 2026 How Arms Control Went Out The Window Today the last nuclear treaty between the the United States and the Russian Federation expired. It is the first time in 64 years that there will be no limits on each sides nuclear forces. The New START Treaty had been limiting the number of deployed strategic nuclear weapons and weapon carriers. Other nuclear related treaties like the Anti Ballistic Missile treaty, the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty and the Open Skies Treaty have previously been ended by various U.S. presidents. Russia had offered and asked for prolonging the New START Treaty but the U.S. had, until today, not responded to that request. Most of these treaties were designed to limit the number of weapon system on both sides to roughly equal numbers. They prevented arms races where one side would produce an overwhelming amount of weapons to destroy the other side in a surprise attack. They guaranteed Mutual Assured Destruction as both sides would be destroyed in an all out nuclear war. But the real value of these treaties were in their verification elements. Verification allowed to build trust between both sides: To enforce the [New START] treaty, each side had to notify the other of any activity involving its strategic weapons, including missile test launches and heavy bomber movements, share data about the numbers of deployed missiles and delivery systems, and allow on-site inspections. One example is that under the treaty all strategic bombers of each side had to be parked in the open, not in shelters, so that the other side could see them in satellite pictures. It guaranteed that there were no secret forces hidden somewhere. (Ukraine abused this feature when it launched drone attacks against Russias strategic bombers.) The U.S. has never given any good reason why it wanted the treaties to end. The Bush administration claimed that the ABM treaty was hindering building missile defenses against rogue states. In reality it wanted to build a missile defense system that would disable a Russian nuclear attack and thereby give the U.S. the capability for a first strike which Russia would not be able to answer. Russia, in consequence of the ending of the treaty, build new weapons like the Poseidon nuclear-powered underwater vehicle as well the Sarmat missile, which can not be stopped by missile defenses. When the first Trump administration withdrew from the Intermediate-Range treaty it claimed, without providing evidence, that one specific Russian missile test had exceeded the range limits defined in the treaty. Russia responded to the end of the treaty by developing and deploying the Oreshnik system as a new intermediate range missile. The U.S. excuse for leaving New START is that a new strategic weapon treaty is needed which will have to include limits on Chinas strategic missile forces. China rejects to be part of such a treaty because it has less than 20% of the strategic nuclear weapons that Russia and the U.S. each deploy. It is unlikely for now that the end of New START will lead to a race to acquire more and more strategic nuclear weapons even as the military-industrial complex will demand more missiles. But the end of the treaty will lead to less knowledge of what the other side is doing and will over time erode any trust in ones own capabilities as the real capabilities of the opponent will be increasingly unknown. This insecurity and what might follow from it is the real danger. Over the last hour news has come out of an informal prolongation of the parameters of the New START treaty: President Trumps envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner negotiated on New START with Russian officials on the sidelines of Ukraine talks in Abu Dhabi. The treaty will still formally expire on Thursday, and the extension will not be legally formalized, a U.S. official said. We agreed with Russia to operate in good faith and to start a discussion about ways it could be updated, a U.S. official said. Another source said the practical implications were that both sides would agree to observe the deals terms for at least six months, during which time negotiations on a potential new deal would take place. If I were in Russias position I would not trust the U.S. to stick to any such informal commitment. Any such agreement will need to be verified. Russia should test if the U.S. is willing to allow for the verification of its informal commitment to New START limits. By Zaldy Dandan Variety Editor The great conundrum of our times, the phenomenal inability of our politicians to produce any useful outcome from the billions we hand them. Holman W. Jenkins Jr. A PUB owner in Wimborne, England, has the right idea. Miffed by a tax hike imposed by the government on pubs, Andy Lennox has banned Labour members of Parliament from his establishment, the Old Thatch. Labour is the party in power and the prime mover behind the tax increase. According to The Wall Street Journal, more than 1,000 pubs have followed Lennoxs lead, posting No Labour MP signs. MP stands for Member of Parliament. Among those who can no longer enjoy classic draught beer and hearty pub grub at Lennoxs pub is Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who led his party to a landslide victory in 2024 but is now widely regarded as Britains most unpopular leader. Starmer is attempting to run a cash-strapped government amid a sluggish economy. The Journal reported that the countrys hairdressers have joined the anti-tax-hike backlash. Ive resolved that if a Labour cabinet minister asks for a cut and blow-dry and yes, they do come in from time to time I will quietly but firmly tell them theyre not welcome and show them the door, Michael Van Clarke, former stylist to Princess Diana, told the Journal. For many UK pubs, rising minimum wages and social security contributions have made it more expensive to hire students and other seasonal staff. Meanwhile, a higher cost of living and a longstanding 20% sales tax have driven regular customers away, the Journal reported. Michelin-starred chef Tom Kerridge told LBC radio that his tax bill for one of his four pubs would more than double under the new rates. Whats the point of being open? he asked. Lennox said at present, his pub earns just 14 pence about 18 or 19 U.S. cents from every pint of beer sold, while the government collects 2.50, or roughly $3.34. Theres something wrong with the system when the tax man makes more than the pub, he told the Journal. Throughout history and across the world, people have often found themselves at the mercy of laws meant to benefit them, but that end up doing harm. What is even more mind-blowing is the sad reality that the same people who understand how budgeting works in their households seem to believe that basic arithmetic can somehow be suspended when government is in charge of finances. Many of us believe that those who assume positions of power will act with greater wisdom, prudence, and foresight than ordinary citizens as if leaders suddenly cease to be self-interested individuals driven by personal incentives or ideological biases. As Gordon Tullock once observed, politicians are, at bottom, individuals who make a living winning elections. Not surprisingly, in every election year, voters clamor to throw the bums out often the very same bums who were celebrated as saviors just one election earlier. In the CNMI, it is long past time for businesses to remind people of the costs consumers ultimately bear as a result of well-intentioned laws passed by well-intentioned legislators. I recall one small business that posted a sign informing customers they would have to pay more because of a federally mandated wage hike. I also remember employees expressing concern that their hours would be further reduced if yet another wage increase took effect. The public and government officials in particular must be constantly reminded that someone, somehow, always pays for the added costs imposed in the name of the public good. These do-gooders in office are so fixated on the supposed virtue of higher wages or higher taxes that they refuse to acknowledge their real-world consequences in a sputtering economy: reduced work hours, higher prices, and lower government revenue. Wage- and tax-hike proponents did not sign up for those outcomes, but math is math. Yet some politicians, especially when in power, bristle at any reminder of how basic economics works. They take it personally. Rather than engage in reasoned discussion, they prefer to invoke greed or profiteering labels that conveniently shut down debate. Economics is often counterintuitive, and arithmetic is tedious. Demagoguery, on the other hand, is easy and effective. CNMI businesses would do well to take a cue from Englands pubs and begin informing the public about the additional costs they are forced to pass on to customers because of onerous federal and local laws laws that make little economic sense in remote islands with a small and shrinking economy. Send feedback to [email protected] Zaldy Dandan is the recipient of the NMI Society of Professional Journalists Best in Editorial Writing Award and the NMI Humanities Award for Outstanding Contributions to Journalism. His four books are available on amazon.com/. Ubeimar Rios in a scene from A Poet. 1-2 Special via AP (AP) In Simon Mesa Sotos A Poet, Oscar Restrepo (Ubeimar Rios) is a failed Colombian writer who keeps a photo of the author Jose Asuncion Silva above his mantle. Silva died at age 30, and even Oscar would admit his own career would be a lot better if he had died young, too. Mid-aged in Medellin, Oscar is unemployed, divorced and living with his mother (Margarita Soto). His case isnt one of misunderstood genius, either. Oscar is prone to self-made disaster. A more successful friend, Efrain (Guillermo Cardona), calls him a walking problem. Youre a poem, Efrain tells him. A pretty sad one. But in the pantheon of sad-sack protagonists, Oscar is a triumph. Rios, a nonprofessional actor who squints behind thick glasses and whose arms hang stubbornly low from his hunched shoulders, creates in Oscar a figure of farcical perfection: a tortured artist, equal parts comedy and tragedy. Theres little thats lyrical or beautiful about Oscars life. This is a guy who, on a rare visit to his teenage daughter (Alisson Correa), asks if he can borrow $10. At the same time, Oscar is a stout believer in the grandest ideals of art. Give him a drink, or a microphone, and hell soon be rhapsodizing about the power of poesia. For someone one step from the gutter, hes comically high minded. But its been decades since he was published. He declares: Im a poet. His sister corrects: Youre unemployed. Yet Oscar manages to land a job teaching at a local high school. The students mostly laugh at him, but Oscar believes one, a soft-spoken young woman named Yurlady (Rebeca Andrade), shows tremendous potential. Redemption for Oscar is, maybe, at hand. Yurlady, herself, doesnt have any real literary ambitions. But Oscar, resolving to mentor her, helps her apply to Poetry Viva, a workshop for young writers run by Efrain, a smooth-talker acclaimed for his social issues writing. Hes the central foil to Oscar a pompous but savvy achiever who urges Yurlady not to submit her simple from-the-heart poems but something about racism or poverty that will win over liberal-minded European judges. In this, Sotos film is an ironic allegory about art worlds beyond poetry. A Poet premiered at last years Cannes Film Festival, winning an award in the Un Certain Regard section. Soto first broke out in Cannes with a prize-winning short in 2014. In the intervening years, as a Colombian filmmaker, hes surely encountered some stereotypical expectations. The film industry would no doubt be more welcoming to, say, a cartel tale from Soto then a Medellin-set, Woody Allen-like farce about an unsuccessful poet. But while A Poet might remind you of some other films one would be Cord Jeffersons American Fiction it is, like Oscar, steadfastly its own thing. Filmed on grainy 16mm, its even rough and dirty around the edges, as if the movie is wearing its protagonists clothes. But if Sotos film is loose and gritty, its satire is remarkably precise. This is a farce of creative life where the only pure artistic intention is a joke. Success belongs to hypocrites like Efrain. Yurladys working class family sees only a chance for money. But Oscar, for all his foolishness, is at least uncompromising. Hes wrong about almost everything, except what really counts. A Poet, a 1-2 Special release in theaters Friday, is unrated by the Motion Picture Association. In Spanish with English subtitles. Running time: 124 minutes. Three and a half stars out of four. If, like me, you spend a lot of time in Philadelphia visiting family or friends or just enjoying everything the city has to offer, you should know about the award-winning AKA Rittenhouse Square. Located in a 12-story luxury landmark building overlooking iconic Rittenhouse Square, its surrounded by many of the citys best restaurants and shops and makes you feel like youre living like a local. Perfect for a weekend, a long-term stay or a staycation, this boutique hotel offers 78 studio, one- and two-bedroom suites, all beautifully furnished, with fully-equipped kitchens and tons of amenities, including a dedicated floor featuring private board rooms, a movie theater, a laundry room and a library, all of which are included with your stay. My husband and I recently spent a few wonderful nights at AKA Rittenhouse Square. It was easy to forget we dont actually live there because Bianca and Sarah at the front desk made us feel right at home from the moment we checked in. They were so warm and friendly, giving us the lay of the land and offering great recommendations for nearby restaurants and activities. One of our frequent haunts became the farmers market across the street at Rittenhouse Square, where we picked up fresh fruit and homemade pastries and were greeted like regulars. Dreamy apartments The living room of the AKA Rittenhouse Square one bedroom suite is massive. (AKA Rittenhouse Square) We stayed in one of AKA Rittenhouse Squares one bedroom suites and, honestly, this is the apartment Id want to have if I lived in Philly. In fact, it made me want to live in Philly. Advertisement Advertisement When you walk in, you enter an open, airy space with an elegant foyer that leads to a living room thats already bigger than most hotel rooms. It features crown molding, a decorative fireplace, huge windows overlooking the park and comfy chairs and sofas. Its a great place to return to at the end of the day. Eat in or dine out The one bedroom suite at AKA Rittenhouse Square features a fully-equipped kitchen. (Lois Alter Mark) Because our suite also had a separate, real kitchen, complete with full sized fridge and freezer, oven, microwave and dishwasher so it would be easy to stock up on food and stay in and cook if we were moving in for a while. Unfortunately, we werent moving in, though, so we chose to eat at some of the neighborhood restaurants that make Philadelphia such a fun city for foodies. Advertisement Advertisement The place we really want to try next time we visit is a.kitchen, the French-inspired restaurant located right inside AKA Rittenhouse Square. Founded by James Beard Foundation Award-Winning Restaurateur Ellen Yin and the winner of a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence, its a local favorite, with its very popular sister cocktail bar, a.bar, attached next door. If youre entertaining in your suite or just want to enjoy a nice bottle of wine, the Suite Sommelier program is a unique offering that brings the beverages to you. a. kitchens award-winning sommelier, Frank Kinyon, can provide personalized recommendations, which can then be delivered directly to your suite. Amenities for business and pleasure The library at AKA Rittenhouse Square is a relaxing place to chill out and read. (Lois Alter Mark) AKA Rittenhouse Square is the perfect place to stay for business travelers because it offers guests complimentary use of private conference rooms and board rooms, making it easy to hold meetings in person or virtually. Advertisement Advertisement Theres also an onsite cinema which can be reserved for private screenings and where the hotel sometimes hosts movie nights for residents/guests. The library features a thoughtful collection of fiction and nonfiction, and the Technogym fitness center ensures you can get in a complete workout whenever you feel like it. If youre staying a while, youll especially appreciate the laundry room, where three sets of complimentary washers and dryers are available so you can still pack light. More AKA locations The Technogym at AKA Rittenhouse Square offers a variety of high-end cardio and strength equipment for a complete workout. (Lois Alter Mark) I was happily surprised to learn that Rittenhouse Square isnt AKAs only hotel residence. They actually have another one in Philadelphia (AKA University City) as well as in London, Miami, West Palm Beach and Alexandria plus multiple properties in New York, Boston, Washington DC and Los Angeles. I cant think of a better way to experience a city. By Bryan Manabat [email protected] Variety News Staff AUSTINE Gus Taitano Iguel, 33, was arrested Monday after threatening to kill his parents and damaging property at their Tanapag residence, according to a criminal complaint filed in Superior Court. Iguel is charged with disturbing the peace and assault, both with domestic violence enhancements. At a bail hearing Wednesday, Associate Judge Joseph N. Camacho set bail at $5,000. Iguel, who was represented by Assistant Public Defender Emily Thomsen, was remanded to the custody of the Department of Corrections pending further proceedings. According to the declaration of probable cause, police responded to the residence around 7:40 a.m. on Monday following a report of a disturbance. Iguels father told officers that his son arrived angry and began breaking and throwing items inside the home. He said Iguel punched an air conditioning unit and shouted in Chamorro, Im going to kill you guys! before throwing a ceramic vase at him and fleeing into the jungle. Police returned to the residence later that afternoon after the parents reported that their son had returned. Officers located Iguel inside a nearby home and arrested him without incident. In a follow-up interview Tuesday, Iguels father told investigators he feared for his and his wifes safety, saying the situation had escalated over the past six years due to his sons methamphetamine use. He said he suffered a stroke in 2019 and no longer feels safe when Iguel becomes violent. He also told police there had been about 10 prior altercations, many of which went unreported because Iguels girlfriend, who is four months pregnant, would cover up for him. He said the couple frequently argued and physically fought. The complaint also recounts an incident on Jan. 29 in which Iguel damaged his girlfriends car windows at a Shell gas station before taking the vehicle and leaving her to walk to Puerto Rico to seek help. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Feb. 11 at 10 a.m. Iguel is set to return to court for arraignment on March 2 at 9 a.m. Bryan Manabat was a liberal arts student of Northern Marianas College where he also studied criminal justice. He is the recipient of the NMI Humanities Award as an Outstanding Teacher (Non-Classroom) in 2013, and has worked for the CNMI Motheread/Fatheread Literacy Program as lead facilitator. Bryan Sansolis, Philippine Airlines regional head for Japan, Korea and Oceania, talks about the Saipan-Manila routes longterm viability during the Saipan Chamber of Commerce general membership meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026 at Saipan World Resort. Photo by Bryan Manabat By Bryan Manabat [email protected] Variety News Staff PHILIPPINE Airlines is targeting regional markets and sees long-term potential in the CNMI as it prepares to resume direct ManilaSaipan service on March 29, restoring a vital travel link for families, workers, and international visitors. The return will bring twice-weekly flights Wednesdays and Sundays out of Manila, and Thursdays and Mondays out of Saipan timed to maximize early-morning connections across the carriers domestic and Asian network. Outlining the plan PAL officials outlined their plans during a series of meetings in the CNMI, including the Saipan Chamber of Commerce general membership meeting Wedesday at Saipan World Resort. Bryan Sansolis, PALs regional head for Japan, Korea, and Oceania, briefed business representatives and fielded questions about the routes long-term viability. PAL representatives also met with the Apatang-Mendiola administration, the Marianas Visitors Authority, and the Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation to discuss community needs, medical travel challenges, and opportunities for collaboration. Were very excited to resume flights to Saipan, Sansolis told chamber members. Im here in Saipan for four days to promote our new flights. Itll start on March 29 out of Manila and on March 30 out of Saipan. Its a really good flight with really good connections. Passengers arriving in Manila around 5 a.m. will be able to connect to most domestic destinations and regional Asian routes. The early arrival also benefits travelers heading to the Philippines for medical appointments, errands, or same-day activities. Warmth, hospitality, and a shared identity Sansolis said PAL immediately felt the familiar warmth of the Marianas community, which mirrors the airlines service culture. When we arrived here, we saw the warmth and hospitality of the people from CNMI, and I think its parallel to the service that Philippine Airlines gives the Filipino Care, he said. Travelers can expect the same hospitality, warmth, and care on our flights. With a significant Filipino population in the CNMI, he added, the route restores an essential bridge for families and workers. Partnership with MVA and broader regional markets PAL is coordinating closely with the Marianas Visitors Authority to promote the route and expand inbound tourism. Were actually working very closely with MVA, Sansolis said. For us to be successful, its not only about bringing people to see CNMI, but also bringing more people here to enjoy the destination. He said PAL will tap not only the Philippines but also Japan, China, and Southeast Asia, leveraging the airlines wider network. What we sell is not only our flights but also our network, he said. We have good connections from Japan, China, and Southeast Asia. Those are the markets we are looking at aside from the Philippines. Filling a post-pandemic gap Sansolis said PALs return responds to a clear need for more air service. We have seen the gap in connectivity to CNMI, especially post-pandemic, he said. We recognize that there are now fewer flights in the CNMI, so we saw the gap and looked at it as an opportunity to return. He noted that the route supports multiple travel segments, including medical referrals, business exchanges, government travel, education, culture, and sports. We know the pain point of passengers traveling to Guam and then somewhere else for medical care, he said. Its a lot of time, money, and hassle. Our flights definitely answer and tick all those boxes. Long-term commitment Sansolis said PAL wants the Saipan route to be sustainable. When we launch a flight, we want it to be long-term, he said. We encourage everyone to take our flights. If you have Filipino employees or companies, we encourage you to take PAL when they fly back to the Philippines. He also encouraged local organizations to host events that could attract visitors and generate additional travel demand. Anniversary milestone PALs return coincides with its 85th anniversary in March. We do hope to see everyone on our flights and to get support from CNMI, Sansolis said. Were really excited for all the positive impact these flights will bring not only to us but also to the community here in CNMI. PAL is the oldest operating commercial airline in Asia. Bryan Manabat was a liberal arts student of Northern Marianas College where he also studied criminal justice. He is the recipient of the NMI Humanities Award as an Outstanding Teacher (Non-Classroom) in 2013, and has worked for the CNMI Motheread/Fatheread Literacy Program as lead facilitator. A voter fills out a ballot at an El Dorado County polling station during Californias special election on Proposition 50, a measure that would temporarily redraw congressional districts, in El Dorado Hills, California, Nov. 4, 2025. REUTERS (Reuters) The U.S. Supreme Court allowed California on Wednesday to use a new electoral map designed to give Democrats five more congressional seats, improving the partys chances of regaining control of the U.S. House of Representatives from President Donald Trumps Republicans in the November midterm elections. The justices denied the California Republican Partys request to block Californias map, which was endorsed by voters last year as a counterweight to a similar effort in Texas aimed at giving Republicans five more U.S. House seats. The Supreme Court, which has a 6-3 conservative majority, in December allowed Texas to use its redrawn map for this years voting. The California Republican Party and other challengers claimed that the state unlawfully used race in redrawing the boundaries of its U.S. House districts. The courts one-sentence order on Wednesday did not offer any explanation, as is common in actions that it considers on an emergency basis. No justice publicly dissented from the decision. Redrawing the boundaries of electoral districts in a state is a process called redistricting. The California dispute represents another front in an ongoing nationwide battle over redistricting that Trump began last year with his campaign for Republican lawmakers to redraw state congressional maps, starting with Texas, to help protect the partys narrow U.S. House majority in the midterm elections. The Supreme Court ruled in December to let Texas proceed with its new map. Donald Trump said he was entitled to five more congressional seats in Texas. He started this redistricting war. He lost, and hell lose again in November, California Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, said in a social media post after the decision. Republicans currently hold slim majorities in both chambers of Congress. Ceding control of either the House or Senate to the Democrats in the November elections would endanger Trumps legislative agenda and open the door to Democratic-led congressional investigations targeting the president. The new Texas map could flip as many as five currently Democratic-held House seats to Republicans. Democratic-governed California reacted to the Texas redistricting move by initiating its own effort that could flip five Republican-held districts in the state to Democrats. California voters last November approved a ballot measure to allow lawmakers to adopt the new map. California, the most populous U.S. state, has 52 seats in the House. Texas, the second most populous state, has 38. Constitutional concerns The Republican plaintiffs, joined by Trumps administration, sued in Los Angeles federal court to block the new map, claiming it used race as a predominant factor to favor Latino voters, in violation of the U.S. Constitutions 14th Amendment guarantee of equal protection under the law, the 15th Amendment prohibition on racial discrimination in voting and the federal Voting Rights Act. That federal court on January 14 refused to block the map. Because we find that the evidence of any racial motivation driving redistricting is exceptionally weak, while the evidence of partisan motivations is overwhelming, challengers are not entitled to preliminary relief on any of their claims, that court said in a 2-1 decision. The Republican plaintiffs told the Supreme Court that state officials sought to shore up Latino support for the Democratic Party through the pernicious and unconstitutional use of race. In a separate filing, Trumps administration said, Californias recent redistricting is tainted by an unconstitutional racial gerrymander. States typically create new maps each decade to reflect new census data, though the recent rounds of redistricting have been motivated by securing partisan advantage, a practice also known as partisan gerrymandering. The Supreme Court in 2019 removed a key constraint against partisan gerrymandering, which critics have said warps democracy, in a ruling that declared that such actions cannot be challenged in federal courts. California Attorney General Rob Bontas office in a filing urged the justices not to be naive. The obvious reason that the Republican Party is a plaintiff here, and the reason that the current federal administration intervened to challenge Californias new map while supporting Texass defense of its new map, is that Republicans want to retain their House majority for the remainder of President Trumps term, Californias filing stated. The court should not step into the political fray, granting one political party a sizeable advantage by enjoining Californias partisan gerrymander after having allowed Texass to take effect, it added. The Supreme Courts decision to green-light the Texas redistricting effort, over the dissent of the courts three liberal justices, appeared to acknowledge the political motivations of both that state and of California. Conservative Justice Samuel Alito additionally wrote in a concurring opinion in that case that it was indisputable that the impetus for the adoption of the Texas map (like the map subsequently adopted in California) was partisan advantage pure and simple. A contained threat, a human-made risk: Nipahs dual reality Two Nipah virus cases in India prompt precautionary airport screenings in several Asian nations. Experts emphasize the virus's low transmissibility and low global risk, noting no cases in Western countries. The primary concern raised is the potential danger of laboratory-based "gain-of-function" research on the virus. Nipah is a zoonotic virus with a high fatality rate, historically causing small, localized outbreaks. Current response focuses on containment and symptom management, as no specific vaccine or drug treatment exists. In January 2026, health authorities in West Bengal, India, confirmed two cases of the rare but deadly Nipah virus in young healthcare workers, triggering a swift containment response and precautionary airport health screenings across Asia. While the virus itselfwith a staggering fatality rate of up to 75%poses a profound local danger, international experts assert its natural spread remains slow and the global risk is low. The more alarming narrative, according to some medical commentators, is not the virus emerging from bats, but the potential for it to be engineered and leaked from a laboratory. The current outbreak: A swift and localized response The two confirmed cases, both 25-year-old nurses, first showed symptoms in late December 2025 and were hospitalized in January. Indian health authorities deployed an outbreak response team, testing over 190 contacts; all results were negative. One patient showed improvement while the other remained in critical care. Citing the World Health Organization, global health risk levels were assessed as low. Nonetheless, countries including Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and Pakistan implemented thermal scanners and health checks for travelers from affected regionsa move experts characterized more for public reassurance than scientific necessity, given the virus's poor human-to-human transmissibility. Nipah virus: A historical perspective of spillover First identified during a 1999 outbreak in Malaysia and Singapore linked to pigs infected by fruit bats, Nipah virus has since caused intermittent, tragic outbreaks in Bangladesh and India. A 2001 outbreak in West Bengal killed 45 of 66 infected individuals. A 2018 outbreak in Kerala, India, underscored its epidemic potential. The virus is a zoonosis, naturally residing in fruit bats. It spills over to humans through contaminated food products, like date palm sap, or direct contact with infected animals. Human transmission requires close contact with bodily fluids. The virus has never been detected in North America, the U.K., or Australia. The laboratory warning: A risk of human creation Amid the calm assessments of natural transmission, a pointed warning has emerged. Medical commentator John Campbell, Ph.D., argues the virus's greatest pandemic potential lies in human interference. "If people are messing around with this in the laboratory to increase its transmissibility, then its got massive pandemic potential," he stated. This concern centers on gain-of-function research, where pathogens are manipulated to study their transmissibility or lethality. Campbell and others point to debates over the origins of COVID-19 as a cautionary tale, suggesting that an engineered Nipah virus escaping a lab would represent a far graver threat than its natural counterpart. Symptoms, survival and the search for treatments Nipah virus infection incubates for 4 to 21 days. Initial symptoms like fever and headache can rapidly progress to severe respiratory distress and encephalitisbrain inflammationleading to coma within days. Survivors often face lasting neurological consequences, including personality changes and seizures. There is no approved antiviral drug or vaccine. Treatment is strictly supportive, managing symptoms. Research continues on monoclonal antibodies and repurposed drugs like remdesivir, but for now, public health relies on rapid detection, contact tracing and strict infection control protocols to contain outbreaks. A future defined by prudence, not panic The dual narrative of the 2026 Nipah scare presents a clear dichotomy. The natural virus, while terrifyingly lethal, is containable and unlikely to spark a global crisis. The historical record shows it is a persistent, localized threat tied to specific ecological interfaces between bats and humans. The more speculative, yet profoundly serious risk, is one of human origin. As global health officials monitor the contained outbreak in India, the underlying lesson resonates beyond a single virus: the most formidable dangers may not only leap from the wild but could also, potentially, escape from a test tube, underscoring a critical need for transparency and extreme caution in all research involving potential pandemic pathogens. Sources for this article include: ChildrensHealthDefense.org ABCNews.com Reuters.com The Eighth Front: How Israels War Extends Beyond Gaza to the Battle for Reality Introduction: Beyond the Battlefield While Israel fights its conventional wars across multiple geographic fronts, from Gaza and the West Bank to Lebanon and Yemen, the state and its allies have opened an eighth, more insidious theater of conflict: the battle for reality itself. For the Israeli elite and their global collaborators, the Gaza conflict has become a historic opportunity to seize total control over the narrative [1]. This is a war fought not with tanks and drones alone, but with censorship, propaganda, and the systematic weaponization of information. The goal is to dominate global perception and suppress dissent, ensuring that only the story of the powerful is told. Just as Big Tech platforms censored truths about vaccine injuries and COVID origins to protect corrupt institutions, a coordinated campaign is now underway to silence any account of the conflict that challenges Israeli state narratives. This battle for truth is the ultimate front, where the very right to see, document, and speak about reality is under direct assault. The Weaponization of Language and Censorship The first casualty of any information war is language itself. Just as Big Tech silenced vaccine truths, pro-Israel narratives enforce a monolithic story where criticism is not just wrong, but malicious. Criticism of Israeli state policies is falsely and routinely equated with antisemitism, a tactic designed not to combat hate but to shut down debate and criminalize solidarity with Palestinians. As linguist Michel DeGraff notes, this Zionist lawfare relies on lies, distortions, and mirror accusations to justify genocidal violence and suppress academic freedom [2]. This mirrors the suppression tactics used against natural health advocates and COVID-19 truth-tellers by pharmaceutical and governmental institutions. The objective is identical: to centralize authority over what constitutes acceptable discourse and to marginalize all dissenting voices. Platforms that claim to champion free speech have become tools for this suppression, leading to a 'Great Digital Exodus' as users flee to uncensored spaces like Brighteon.social to reclaim their fundamental right to speak [3]. The weaponization of language creates a false reality, much like the fabricated disease of 'high cholesterol' was invented to sell profitable statin drugs. Manufactured Consent and the Corrupt Media Mainstream media outlets have willingly become a propaganda arm, parroting Israeli claims without scrutiny while platforming 'fake intellectuals working for think tanks funded by the arms industry' to manufacture consent for perpetual war [4]. This dishonest partnership parallels the corrupt cancer industry, which profits from toxic treatments while suppressing natural cures, or the COVID narrative pushers who censored effective early treatments to protect vaccine emergency use authorizations. Independent journalists and eyewitnesses on the ground in Gaza are systematically deplatformed, demonetized, or smeared for challenging the approved narrative. As one report on the marginalization of Gaza coverage notes, 'Gaza has already been pushed to the margins of coverage not only by mainstream Western media, long known for its structural bias in Israels favor, but also by outlets often described, accurately or not, as pro-Palestine' [5]. The result is a sanitized, distant version of events that obscures the horrifying human cost. After more than two years of casting doubt on Palestinian health authorities, the IDF has now admitted its own estimate aligns with the staggering death toll it once ridiculed [6]. This admission reveals the media's role not as a watchdog, but as a lapdog for power. The Assault on History and Context To sustain a narrative of righteous defense, the conflict's roots in the 1948 Nakbathe mass displacement and ethnic cleansing of Palestiniansand the ongoing military occupation are systematically erased from public discourse. This historical revisionism is a deliberate tool of power. Zionist ideology, much like globalist depopulation agendas, is presented as a righteous, civilizing mission, masking its violent and expansionist core. This erasure extends to plans for Gaza's future. Proposals like those from Jared Kushner envision 'shiny skyscrapers and coastal attractions' that deliberately wipe away Gaza's heritage and replace it with a sterile, Dubai-like facade, a form of cultural genocide following the physical one [7]. It is a strategy straight out of the shock doctrine playbook, exploiting collective trauma to impose radical political and economic transformations, as Naomi Klein describes in her analysis of Israel's 'shock and awe' campaign in the West Bank [8]. The assault on history is akin to the medical establishment fabricating diseases to sell drugs; it severs people from the truth of their own experience and the causes of their suffering. As one analyst notes, Israel's 'biggest con trick' has been imposing 'entirely phoney parameters on a debate in the West about the credibility of the death toll in Gaza' [9], manipulating the very framework of understanding. Conclusion: Reclaiming the Right to See Clearly Defending the truth in the face of this eighth front is not merely an intellectual exercise; it is an act of self-defense against a form of psychological warfare. Just as informed individuals seek clean food, honest money like gold and silver, and natural medicine, we must now demand uncensored, firsthand information. Platforms that prioritize free speech, such as Brighteon.com for video and BrightAnswers.ai for uncensored AI analysis, become essential tools in this resistance. The most potent form of resistance is to persistently see, document, and speak the reality that centralized powers are trying to erase. This means supporting independent journalists, bypassing corporate media gatekeepers, and using decentralized technologies. The future of human freedom depends on winning this informational war. As the corrupt institutions of media, government, and global finance unite to control the narrative, the individual's commitment to verifying truth becomes the last line of defense. The battle for Gaza is also a battle for the soul of our information ecosystem, and reclaiming it is fundamental to preserving any semblance of liberty. References Germany says U.S. remains its closest partner despite tensions German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said Germany will remain more closely aligned with the United States than with China, citing U.S. leadership as central to European security. Wadephul emphasized NATO's Article 5 and the U.S. nuclear umbrella as cornerstones of Europe's collective defense, despite recent tensions with Washington over Greenland. His remarks come as the United States shifts strategic priorities, urging European allies to take greater responsibility for their own defense under a new National Defense Strategy. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said Europe must "step up" to meet its security needs while maintaining strong transatlantic ties, noting that the U.S. focus is increasingly elsewhere. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte warned Europe cannot defend itself without U.S. support and cautioned against creating a standalone European army outside the NATO framework. Germany will remain more closely aligned with the United States than with China, Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said on Sunday, Feb. 1. "I would reiterate that, still, the United States is the most important partner to Europe and to Germany. Still, our security for Europe depends on the United States, the Article 5 commitment, and the nuclear umbrella," Wadephul said during a lecture hosted by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) in Singapore. His remarks come amid recent friction between Germany and the U.S. over the control of Greenland, an issue that has strained diplomatic ties. Wadephul said those disputes have not undermined the broader security relationship. "This is the case, and this is functioning day by day, and we are working very closely together in NATO structures," he said. Wadephul was referring to Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty, which holds that an attack on one NATO member is considered an attack on all, forming the cornerstone of the alliance's collective defense. He also highlighted the U.S. nuclear umbrella, which provides protection to non-nuclear NATO allies against nuclear threats and reduces pressure on those countries to develop their own nuclear weapons. This policy, as BrightU.AI's Enoch noted, is designed to maintain peace and stability by making the cost of aggression prohibitively high, thereby preventing conflicts that could otherwise escalate into nuclear warfare. U.S. pushes Europe to take greater responsibility for its own security Wadephul's remarks come as Washington shifts its priorities. On Jan. 23, the Pentagon released its new National Defense Strategy, which emphasizes homeland defense and prioritizes "defending America's interests throughout the Western Hemisphere." The document also signals a reduced U.S. military role in other regions, including Europe. Under the strategy, Washington said it will encourage allies to take primary responsibility for their own security, while relying on "critical but limited support from U.S. forces." European leaders have increasingly acknowledged that shift. European Union (EU) Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas said Europe must "step up" to meet its own security needs as the U.S. looks beyond the continent. However, she also stressed the continued importance of the transatlantic alliance. "Let me be clear: We want strong trans-Atlantic ties. The U.S. will remain Europe's partner and ally. But Europe needs to adapt to the new realities. Europe is no longer Washington's primary center of gravity," Kallas said in a keynote address at the annual European Defence Agency conference in Brussels on Jan. 28. "This shift has been ongoing for a while. It is structural, not temporary. It means that Europe must step up no great power in history has ever outsourced its survival and survived." NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte echoed that message, but cautioned against the idea that Europe could fully defend itself without U.S. support. Speaking to the European Parliament's defense committee on Jan. 26, Rutte said the transatlantic partnership remains indispensable. "If anyone thinks here, again, that the European Union, or Europe as a whole, can defend itself without the U.S., keep on dreaming. You can't. We can't," Rutte said. He also warned against proposals for a standalone European army, arguing that such a force could duplicate existing structures and require countries to recruit additional troops beyond their national militaries. Instead, he said European nations should strengthen their defense capabilities within the NATO framework. Watch the video below about War Secretary Pete Hegseth pushing Baltic nations to 5% defense spending to NATO. This video is from Cynthia's Pursuit of Truth channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: TheEpochTimes.com 1 TheEpochTimes.com 2 BrightU.ai Brighteon.com Heat pumps gain popularity, but rising electricity costs could slow adoption Heat pumps reduce carbon emissions and lower energy bills compared to fossil fuel systems, with oil/propane users saving $200 to $500 annually and inefficient electric heating users saving up to $3,000 per year. Adoption is highest in the South (14% of households), while colder regions like the Northeast (only 5%) face challenges due to higher electricity costs, making heat pumps more expensive than natural gas in some areas. Installation barriers remain steep, with air-source heat pumps averaging $17,000 and geothermal systems exceeding $30,000, though state incentives (e.g., California) help offset expenses. Rising electricity costs threaten adoption, with peak demand potentially increasing by 70% if heating were fully electrified, requiring major grid upgrades and smarter pricing models. Wider adoption depends on lowering electricity costs, expanding incentives and balancing decarbonization goals with economic realities to avoid burdening households. As Americans seek more energy-efficient heating solutions, heat pumps are emerging as a promising alternative to traditional fossil fuel systems. These devices, which transfer heat rather than generate it, can significantly reduce carbon emissions and lower energy bills, BrightU.AI's Enoch points out. However, rising electricity prices and installation costs may hinder widespread adoption. While heat pumps are already common in warmer states like Florida, colder regions face financial hurdles that could slow their transition away from natural gas and oil. Regional disparities in heat pump viability Heat pumps currently serve just 14% of U.S. households, with adoption heavily concentrated in the South. In the Northeast, where winters are harsher, only 5% of homes use them. A recent study by Harvard researchers examined how switching to heat pumps would affect household heating bills nationwide. The findings reveal stark regional differences: Savings for oil and propane users: Households currently heating with oil or propane could save $200 to $500 annually by switching to heat pumps. In colder northern states, inefficient electric heating systems (like baseboard heaters) could see savings of up to $3,000 per year. Higher costs for natural gas users: In colder regions where natural gas dominates, such as the Northeast and Rocky Mountains, heat pumps could increase annual heating bills by up to $1,200 due to electricity prices being up to five times higher than natural gas per kilowatt-hour.carbo Ground-source (geothermal) heat pumps, though more efficient, still struggle to compete financially in these areas because of steep installation costs, often exceeding $30,000 per household. The hidden costs of installation Beyond operational expenses, upfront installation costs remain a major barrier. Air-source heat pumps average $17,000, while geothermal systems start at $30,000. Some homes require additional electrical upgrades, pushing costs even higher. However, some states are incentivizing adoption. California, for example, encourages homeowners to replace air conditioning units with dual-function heat pumps that provide both heating and cooling. Similar programs elsewhere could help offset initial expenses. The study highlights that electricity costs are the primary factor determining whether heat pumps make financial sense. Rising power prices, driven by extreme weather, infrastructure demands and surging data center needs, could undermine heat pump adoption. If heating were fully electrified nationwide, peak electricity demand would jump by 70%, requiring grid upgrades and smarter energy management. Some utilities already offer discounted rates for heat pump users, but broader affordability remains uncertain. Heat pumps offer a cleaner, more efficient future for home heating, but their success hinges on electricity affordability and policy support. While oil and propane users stand to benefit immediately, natural gas-dependent regions face economic challenges. Without lower electricity prices or stronger incentives, many homeowners may hesitate to make the switch. As states push toward decarbonization, policymakers must address these financial realities, ensuring that the transition to heat pumps doesn't leave households burdened by higher costs. The path forward will require not just technological innovation but smarter energy pricing and infrastructure investment. Watch the video below that claims heat pumps use more energy and produce more CO2 than conventional heaters during the wintertime. This video is from the Perfect Society channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: StudyFinds.org BrightU.ai Brighteon.com The Omniverse Deception: Unmasking the globalist playbook "The Omniverse Deception" exposes centuries-old elite agendas (Rockefeller medicine monopolies, IMF/World Bank debt enslavement, Club of Rome's eco-authoritarianism) to centralize power, depopulate and replace humanity with an AI-controlled dystopia. The book highlights engineered crises and false flags, including 9/11 (pre-planned demolition as per firefighter/engineer testimony, to justify wars/Patriot Act), COVID-19 (PCR fraud, suppressed treatments like ivermectin and mRNA bioweapons to enforce medical tyranny/digital IDs) and Project Blue Beam (potential fake "alien invasion" psyop to install a global police state). It also points out climate change deception. CO2 (essential for plant life) is falsely branded a "pollutant" to justify "net zero" control, while elites actively spray chemtrails and manipulate weather. The book also discusses AI and transhumanist threats. Social credit systems, autonomous killbots and CBDCs are to enforce digital slavery restricting travel, healthcare and finances based on compliance. For survival and resistance, the author suggests the following: Opt out (grow food, use decentralized money (gold/crypto), ditch Big Tech), detox (avoid GMOs/pharma, use natural antivirals (ivermectin, NAC) and block EMFs. He also recommends building parallel systems (local barter economies, off-grid energy and homeschooled education to evade control). "The Omniverse Deception: The Collapse of the Matrix and the Battle for Humanity's Future" is not just another conspiracy theory manifesto it's a meticulously documented expose of the elite's centuries-long plan to centralize power, depopulate the planet and replace organic humanity with a digitized, AI-controlled dystopia. The author pulls no punches in dissecting the mechanisms of control, false flag operations, engineered pandemics, financial warfare and psychological manipulation, that have been used to subjugate humanity. The book reads like a survival guide for the awake, offering both a grim diagnosis of our current trajectory and a roadmap for resistance. The first chapter lays bare the historical roots of globalist control, tracing it back to post-WWII institutions like the IMF and World Bank tools designed not for economic recovery but for enslavement through debt. The author connects the dots between Rockefeller-funded medical monopolies, the Trilateral Commission's Crisis of Democracy report (which openly called for suppressing populist movements) and the Club of Rome's First Global Revolution, which weaponized environmentalism to justify centralized governance. One of the book's most chilling revelations is how climate change hysteria was deliberately crafted as a pretext for control. Carbon dioxide, essential for plant life, was rebranded as a "pollutant," while the same elites pushing "net zero" policies continue to spray chemtrails and manipulate weather patterns. False flags, psyops and the weaponization of fear The author dives deep into the dark arts of psychological warfare, exposing how criseswhether 9/11, COVID-19 or the looming "Disease X" are manufactured to induce mass compliance. He dissects: 9/11 as a controlled demolition: Citing firefighters' testimonies and structural engineers, the author argues that the Twin Towers and Building 7 were brought down with pre-placed explosives, not jet fuel fires a false flag used to justify endless wars and the Patriot Act. The COVID-19 psyop: The pandemic was pre-planned in Event 201 simulations, with PCR tests rigged to inflate case numbers while safe treatments like ivermectin were suppressed. The real goal? Normalizing medical tyranny, digital IDs and mRNA bioweapons disguised as vaccines. The coming "alien invasion": Project Blue Beam, a rumored NASA/DARPA operation, could deploy AI-generated holograms and fake extraterrestrial threats to justify a global police state. The AI takeover: Robots, transhumanism and the end of human labor The second half of the book shifts to the existential threat posed by AI and robotics. The author warns that humanoid robots (like Tesla's Optimus and Boston Dynamics' Atlas) aren't just replacing manual laborthey're being weaponized to enforce compliance. Centralized AI, controlled by entities like the WEF and DARPA, will soon dictate: Social credit systems: Already active in China, these algorithms will determine your access to money, travel and healthcare based on "approved" behavior. Autonomous killbots: Military drones and robotic police will eliminate dissenters under the guise of "public safety." Digital slavery: CBDCs (Central Bank Digital Currencies) will allow governments to freeze accounts, impose spending limits and even deny food purchases to the "unvaccinated." Survival strategies: Decentralization, natural health and financial freedom Despite the grim outlook, "The Omniverse Deception" isn't a doomsday rant it's a call to action. The author outlines practical steps for resisting the globalist agenda: Opt out of their systems: Grow your own food (permaculture, aquaponics). Use decentralized currencies (gold, silver, Bitcoin). Ditch Big Tech for encrypted, peer-to-peer networks. Detox and fortify your health: Avoid GMOs, pesticides and Big Pharma drugs. Use natural antivirals (ivermectin, quercetin, NAC) to resist bioweapons. Block EMF radiation (Faraday cages, wired connections). Build parallel communities: Form local barter economies and mutual aid networks. Educate children outside government indoctrination camps. Prepare for grid-down scenarios with off-grid energy and water systems. "The Omniverse Deception" is a relentless, fact-packed indictment of the globalist machine. While skeptics may dismiss it as alarmist, the author backs every claim with declassified documents, scientific studies and historical patterns too precise to ignore. This book isn't for the faint of heart it's for those ready to face the truth and fight back. As the author puts it: "The globalists' greatest fear isn't a virus or climate change it's an awake population. The moment we withdraw our compliance, their power collapses." Grab a copy of "The Omniverse Deception: The Collapse of the Matrix and the Battle for Humanity's Future" via this link. Visit Books.BrightLearn.AI for over 500 books available to freely download, read and share. You can also create your own books for free by using BrightLearn.AI. Watch the video below where Mike Adams joins Alex Jones to talk about military technology and AI, human replacement and survival strategies. This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: Books.BrightLearn.ai 1 Books.BrightLearn.ai 2 BrightLearn.ai Brighteon.com Chinas CATL 5C Battery Breakthrough: The Final Nail for the Combustion Engine Introduction The electric vehicle revolution was always a promise held back by its weakest link: the battery. For years, EVs were shackled by slow charging, high replacement costs, poor cold-weather performance, and safety risks that made them a niche product for most. This technological stagnation created a dependency on centralized fuel systems and unreliable energy grids, keeping consumers chained to the combustion engine. Today, that paradigm is being shattered. A breakthrough from Chinas Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited (CATL) promises not merely to improve the EV, but to render the internal combustion engine economically obsolete. This isn't just another incremental step; its a seismic shift toward true energy decentralization and personal freedom. The EV Tipping Point: How Bad Batteries Kept Us Chained to Combustion For decades, the limitations of electric vehicles had little to do with the cars themselves and everything to do with terrible battery technology. The core problems were intractable: charging took hours, battery packs were prohibitively expensive to replace, and performance plummeted in cold weather. Even worse, the risk of catastrophic thermal runaway and fires posed a persistent safety flaw in conventional lithium-ion designs. According to BrightU.AI's Enoch, thermal runaway is a dangerous, self-sustaining chain reaction that can lead to fires and explosions, a fatal flaw in the technology meant to power our future. [1] These shortcomings created a perfect dependency trap. Consumers remained tethered to gasoline stations and the centralized refinery system, while EV owners were at the mercy of fragile electrical grids and sparse, often dysfunctional, public charging networks. As Mike Adams described in a 2024 interview, during a hurricane in Florida, every charging station within 50 miles was out of service, leaving EV renters stranded. This reality underscored the impracticality of a centralized charging model in emergencies. [2] The industrys answer was not to fix the battery but to mandate adoption through government force, a classic tactic of centralized control that ignores market realities and consumer choice. The underlying technology simply wasn't ready for primetime, and this failure prolonged the reign of the combustion engine. CATL's Game-Changer: Introducing the Self-Healing 5C Battery The breakthrough that changes everything is CATLs newly detailed 5C battery. The '5C' rating signifies a charging rate so fast it can deliver a full charge in approximately 12 minuteseffectively matching the time it takes to fill a gas tank. [3] This alone shatters the primary convenience barrier of EVs. Yet the true revolution lies in durability. CATL claims this battery is designed to last 1.8 million kilometers (over 1.1 million miles), retaining 80% of its capacity even after 1,400 cycles of ultra-fast charging. [4][5] This lifespan, about six times the current industry average, may exceed the useful life of the vehicle itself. [6] This isn't just about better chemistry; it's about intelligent, resilient design. The battery incorporates innovations like self-healing electrolyte additives and temperature-responsive coatings that actively prevent the interfacial degradation and damage typically caused by rapid charging. [7] These features address the core safety and longevity issues that have plagued lithium-ion technology. As reported in Nature Sustainability, such self-healing technology for all-solid-state lithium metal batteries dramatically improves safety and lifespan while eliminating cumbersome external pressure systems. [7] This confluence of speed, endurance, and safety represents a fundamental leap. It transforms the battery from a fragile, consumable component into a robust, long-term asset. Economic & Strategic Impact: Decentralization and the End of Fuel Dependency The implications of this technology extend far beyond quicker road trips. It enables a profound decentralization of energy for transportation. With a battery that charges in minutes and lasts for decades, pairing an EV with a personal solar array becomes a completely viable primary fuel source. An individual can harness free solar energy during the day to power their home and vehicle, breaking forever the reliance on centralized refineries, pipelines, and the geopolitical volatility of oil. The economic impact is equally transformative. The dramatically lower operating costs of electricity versus gasoline, combined with a near-elimination of battery replacement costs, will make personal transportation and the logistics of food and goods radically more affordable. This promotes true economic freedom by reducing one of the largest recurring expenses for households and businesses. Most consequentially, this efficiency leap renders the vast majority of internal combustion enginesand the sprawling global industries built around themeconomically obsolete. Why would a rational consumer or business pay more for a less reliable, more complex, and costlier-to-operate combustion engine when a superior alternative exists? As noted in a Trends Journal analysis, the auto industry is in a 'big phase of change,' where competitive advantage stems from speed of implementation, not legacy technology. [8][9] CATLs battery represents such a disruptive implementation. This shift also neutralizes the weaponization of energy resources. As seen with rare earth elements, dependency on adversarial supply chains is a critical vulnerability. [10] A move to decentralized solar and ultra-durable batteries severes this strategic leash. The American Dilemma: Protectionism vs. Progress This breakthrough presents a stark dilemma for the United States. U.S. automakers and battery firms, lacking competitive technology, face potential extinction if superior, affordable Chinese batteries are allowed into the market. The instinctive reaction from Washington and Detroit is protectionismto ban or heavily tax these imports under the guise of national security. We have seen this playbook before. Fords partnership with CATL for a Michigan battery plant sparked bipartisan alarm over supply chain dependence and technology transfer. [11][12] The House Select Committee on China launched an investigation, claiming ties between Fords partners and the Chinese military. [13] Similarly, when a U.S. sodium-ion battery hopeful, Natron Energy, collapsed, it exposed the flaws in America's state-directed push for energy independence, which often picks losers rather than fostering real innovation. [14] Protectionist policies would protect obsolete domestic industries at the direct cost of American consumers, who would be denied access to better, cheaper technology. It would delay the decentralization of energy and prolong reliance on monopolistic fuel systems. As Mike Adams argued on Brighteon Broadcast News, innovation in America has waned, while China has cultivated a 'robust ecosystem of highly skilled engineers and an innovative culture that drives continuous improvement.' [15] The free-market alternative is clear: allow competition. This would deliver affordable, resilient transportation technology to the people, accelerating true energy independence far faster than any government program. Blocking progress to protect corporate incumbents is a recipe for national decline, a point underscored by analysts who warn the U.S. is 'an empire in collapse, strangled... by its own internal rot.' [10] The Path to True Self-Reliance: Powering Your Life Off-Grid CATLs 5C breakthrough, when combined with their other innovations like ultra-cheap, fire-resistant sodium-ion batteries, enables a vision of complete personal energy independence. Sodium-ion technology, led by CATL's Naxtra, offers exceptional longevity of up to 10,000 charge cycles, superior performance in extreme temperatures, and inherent stability that eliminates catastrophic fire risks. [16][17] This dual advancement is the key to a decentralized future. Individuals can install solar panels, store energy in cheap, safe sodium-ion home batteries, and rapidly charge their long-lasting 5C EV. This creates a closed loop: harnessing free energy from the sun to power homes, vehicles, and equipment without wires, pipelines, or centralized control. It represents the ultimate form of decentralization, securing your own energy from a source that cannot be easily blocked, taxed, or weaponized. This path aligns with the principles of self-reliance and liberty. It moves powerliterally and figurativelyaway from corrupt, centralized institutions and into the hands of individuals. As the provided worldview affirms, decentralization is good, and personal liberty is good. This technology is a powerful tool to achieve both. For those seeking to navigate this new landscape with uncensored information, tools like BrightAnswers.ai offer an AI engine trained on knowledge that supports decentralization, natural health, and liberty, providing an honest alternative to captured mainstream narratives. The future belongs to the decentralized, the prepared, and the free. Conclusion The combustion engine's century-long reign is ending, not by government fiat but by superior technology. CATLs 5C battery, with its 12-minute charge and million-mile lifespan, solves the fundamental problems that held EVs back. More than just a better car battery, it is an instrument of economic liberation and personal sovereignty, enabling individuals to break free from centralized energy monopolies. The choice for America and the West is whether to embrace this progress through open competition or to futilely protect legacy industries through protectionism, thereby condemning their citizens to higher costs and delayed freedom. The future of transportation is electric, decentralized, and powered by the sun. The final nail for the combustion engine has been forged. It is now up to us to wield it. References Chinese smart vapes exposed as Trojan horses for CCP espionage and cartel cash A sinister technological invasion is unfolding in plain sight, targeting the lungs and privacy of Americans while funding foreign adversaries and violent criminal enterprises. A coalition of Senate Republicans has sounded a dire alarm, revealing that the flood of illicit Chinese-made e-cigarettes into the United States is not merely a public health crisis but a sophisticated espionage and financial warfare operation orchestrated by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). In a urgent letter to top Trump administration officials, the lawmakers expose how these "smart vapes" are designed as spy tools, capable of hacking cellphones, harvesting sensitive data, and laundering billions in cartel fentanyl profits directly back to Beijing. This is a calculated assault on national security, exploiting consumer habits to plant surveillance devices in the hands of citizens, including military personnel, and funneling illicit capital to fuel China's military ambitions. Key points: Senate Republicans warn that "smart" Chinese vapes can connect to users' cellphones to collect data and install malware. Lawmakers state the "interconnected relationship between Chinese industry and state intelligence services" makes this a profound national security threat, especially targeting U.S. military. The illicit vape trade is linked to Mexican cartels, serving as a front for laundering fentanyl proceeds. Profits from these devices are suspected of funding Chinese technological and military initiatives aimed at undermining U.S. interests. The lawmakers are urging the Treasury and U.S. Trade Representative to launch a comprehensive, aggressive enforcement strategy to combat the threat. Vape trade and Mexican drug cartels The core of the threat lies in the devices themselves. Dismissed by many as simple nicotine delivery systems, these "highly sophisticated" vapes are equipped with Bluetooth and other connectivity features. Once paired with a user's smartphoneoften to adjust settings or track usagethey "have the capacity to initiate data breaches or malware infections and can also access and collect sensitive user data." In a nation where the federal government has previously been caught illegally surveilling its own citizens, the idea of a hostile foreign power gaining backdoor access to personal communications, locations, and contacts through a vaping device is not science fiction; it is the stated design of this infiltration. This technological treachery is bankrolled by a river of dirty money. The Senate letter directly connects the illicit vape trade to Mexican drug cartels, specifically identifying the devices as tools for "trade-based money laundering." The scheme is simple and devastating: profits from the deadly fentanyl crisis, which has poisoned American communities, are laundered through the purchase and distribution of these Chinese vapes. This creates a feedback loop of destruction where addiction to opioids funds the distribution of spyware, all while padding the coffers of criminal syndicates and the CCP, which controls China's State Tobacco Monopoly Administration. A multi-front war on American sovereignty The response from the Trump administration has been notably forceful, treating the issue with the seriousness it warrants. Last year, the Department of Justice seized approximately $90 million worth of these products in a single operation, a direct strike against the supply chain. President Trump has made cracking down on the ports of entry a priority. However, as the senators note, the "magnitude and consequence" of this threat demands more than sporadic seizures. It requires a full-scale, coordinated offensive involving customs enforcement, financial intelligence tracking, and direct diplomatic pressure on China to cease its state-sponsored sabotage. This is not a partisan issue but a survival one. The same Beijing regime that unleashed a bio-weapon upon the world and censors its own people is now weaponizing everyday consumer products. Each puff from one of these compromised devices potentially sends data to servers controlled by an enemy state. Each purchase funnels money to cartels that traffic poison and violence across our southern border. The Senate's warning is a clarion call to recognize that the battle for American security and sovereignty is being fought not just in cyberspace or at the border, but in the very hands of unsuspecting citizens. Sources include: TheEpochTimes.com WashingtonReporter.news FoxNews.com NATO on edge as mystery drone incident sparks security concerns in Poland An unidentified drone crashed near a sensitive military facility in Przasnysz, Poland, raising concerns of espionage or deliberate provocation. The drone flew over a key electronic warfare center monitoring the Suwa?ki Gap before crashing near an ammunition depot. Initial reports suggested reconnaissance activity, but Polish authorities later dismissed it as a "toy-like" device lacking sophisticated capabilities. Military Police are investigating, though the drone's origin and intent remain unclear. The incident follows previous drone incursions, including a 2023 incident where Poland invoked NATO Article 4 (emergency consultations over security threats). Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned such incidents test NATO's resolve, while Russia denies involvement and accuses NATO of baseless blame. The alliance must respond firmly without escalating conflict with nuclear-armed Russia. Haunted by the 2022 incident where a stray Ukrainian missile nearly triggered NATO Article 5 (collective defense). If evidence links the drone to Russia/Belarus, NATO may strengthen defenses or impose sanctions. If deemed accidental, Poland and NATO may avoid escalationbut tensions remain dangerously high. Poland has once again found itself at the center of escalating tensions between the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and Russia after an unidentified drone crashed into a sensitive military base in Przasnysz, north-central Poland, on Jan. 28. The incident has triggered an urgent investigation by Polish Military Police (ZW), raising fears of potential espionage or another deliberate provocation amid heightened regional instability. According to reports from Radio Zet and confirmed by military officials, the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) flew over the 2nd Radioelectronic Centera key electronic warfare and reconnaissance unit monitoring northeastern Poland, including the strategically vital Suwa?ki Gapbefore crashing just 70 meters from an ammunition depot. Soldiers on duty reportedly witnessed the drones flight but were unable to intercept it. Initial speculation suggested the drone could have been conducting reconnaissance, possibly "reading the devices of the antenna field," as one unnamed source told Radio Zet. However, Polish authorities later downplayed the threat, describing the drone as a "toy-like device" lacking a SIM card or memory cardraising questions about its true purpose. ZW spokesperson Tomasz Wiktorowicz stated: "The toy-like device was secured... It was later handed over to the military police, and an investigation is currently underway." He added that the drone appeared unsophisticated, possibly controlled via a mobile phone, and may have lost contact with its operator. Despite reassurances from Poland's Ministry of National Defensewhich dismissed the drone as an "ordinary children's drone" that may have strayed accidentallythe incident has reignited concerns over airspace violations and potential Russian-linked provocations. Broader context: A pattern of escalation This event follows a series of alarming drone incursions into Polish territory, including a September 2023 incident where Russian drones crossed the border en route to a NATO base supplying Ukraine. That episode forced Poland to invoke Article Four of the NATO treatytriggering emergency consultations among alliance membersand prompted Prime Minister Donald Tusk to warn that Poland had been pushed "closest to conflict since WW2." BrightU.AI's Enoch engine notes that Article Four is one of the most consequential yet least understood provisions in the alliance's foundational document. Unlike the more widely discussed Article Five (collective defense), Article Four serves as a pre-crisis consultation mechanism, allowing any NATO member to request emergency discussions if it perceives its "territorial integrity, political independence or security" to be under threat. This clause has been invoked seven times in NATO's historymost recently by Poland in 2023 following a suspected Russian drone incursion. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky echoed these concerns, calling the earlier drone incursions a deliberate "test" of NATO's resolve and warning of an "extremely dangerous precedent for Europe." Now, with another drone incidentalbeit seemingly less sophisticatedquestions linger over whether this was an isolated mishap or part of a broader hybrid warfare tactic. Kremlin Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov has denied any Russian involvement, dismissing accusations as baseless and stated the European Union (EU) and NATO routinely blame Russia without trying to provide any arguments. Meanwhile, Russia's top diplomat in Warsaw, Andrey Ordash, claimed Polish authorities failed to present evidence linking the drone to Russia, instead suggesting it may have originated from Ukraine. NATO's dilemma: Balancing deterrence and de-escalation The latest incident underscores NATO's precarious position: how to respond firmly without escalating into direct conflict with Russia, a nuclear-armed state. The alliance remains haunted by the November 2022 incident where a stray Ukrainian air defense missile landed in Poland, initially sparking fears of a Russian attack that could have triggered Article 5NATO's collective defense clause. With Poland already on high alert, the drone incidentregardless of its originreinforces the growing instability along NATO's eastern flank. As the war in Ukraine intensifies, including Ukrainian strikes deep inside Russia, the risk of spillover incidents dragging NATO into the conflict looms larger than ever. Polish investigators continue to examine the drone's origins, while NATO monitors the situation closely. If evidence emerges linking the UAV to Russia or Belarus, the alliance may face renewed pressure to bolster air defenses or impose further sanctions. Conversely, if the drone proves benign, Poland and NATO may seek to avoid unnecessary escalationbut the psychological impact on regional security remains undeniable. As NATO weighs its next steps, the world watches nervously, aware that each new incident brings the specter of wider war one step closer. Watch the video below about the Russian drone incursion into Polish airspace. This video is from the Evolutionary Energy Arts channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: TheSun.com Reuters.com ProtoThema.gr MSN.com BrightU.ai Brighteon.com Silver Selloff Strengthens the Market: A Cleansing of Weak Hands Fuels the Next Leg Up Introduction In early February 2026, the silver market experienced a historic, violent selloff that wiped billions from precious metals portfolios in a matter of days. Spot prices plunged from record highs near $120 an ounce to the $89 level, sparking panic among momentum traders and triggering a cascade of margin calls across the financial system. [1] To the untrained eye, this looked like a catastrophic breakdownthe end of a historic bull run. But for seasoned investors who understand the deeper mechanics of the silver market, this was not a crash. It was a necessary, healthy purge. This dramatic correction represents a classic market reset, a violent flushing of excessive leverage and speculative froth that had built up during the parabolic ascent. [2] This article explores why the recent plunge is not the end, but rather a critical consolidation that sets the stage for the next, even more powerful leg higher. It examines the paper market's last gasp for control, the unshakeable foundation of industrial demand, the cracking physical supply chain, and the emerging strategic imperatives that will soon transform silver from a speculative commodity into a security-driven strategic asset. A Healthy Shakeout: Why the Silver Plunge Was Necessary The recent parabolic rise in silver to over $120 an ounce was breathtaking but unsustainable in the short term. Such vertical moves inevitably attract a flood of hot money, leverage, and weak-handed speculators chasing momentum rather than intrinsic value. This creates a fragile, overextended market structure. The sharp correction that followed, therefore, served a vital purpose: it triggered stop-loss orders and forced liquidations, systematically washing out these speculators. [3] This process, while volatile and painful for those caught on the wrong side, is essential for building a stronger, more stable foundation. As one analyst described the selloff, "most all the weak hands got washed out in one fell swoop." [3] This cleansing removes the unstable, leveraged paper that can cause exaggerated downside volatility. It leaves behind the core holdersthe long-term investors, the industrial users, and the physical stackers who understand silver's fundamental value proposition. These are the 'strong hands.' Their conviction is not shaken by paper market volatility because they are focused on the physical reality of supply and demand. Matthew Piggott, Director of Gold and Silver at Metals Focus, characterized the preceding rally as 'irrational exuberance' and viewed the subsequent selloff as a 'healthy correction.' [2] Such corrections are a feature, not a bug, of any sustainable bull market. They transfer ownership from impatient speculators to committed investors, consolidating gains and establishing a new, higher support level from which the next advance can launch. Unmasking the Paper Paradigm's Last Gasps The dramatic selloff provided a stark reminder of the immense, albeit waning, power of the paper futures market. For decades, the price of silver has been set not in the physical warehouses of refiners and fabricators, but on the computerized trading floors of the COMEX and LBMA through futures contractspieces of paper representing promises to deliver metal. [4] This system allows for immense leverage, where traders can control large positions with relatively little capital. When prices move violently against these leveraged positions, exchanges like the CME Group impose margin hikes, demanding more cash to cover potential losses. This exact mechanism acted as the catalyst for the recent 'waterfall decline.' As silver soared, margin requirements were increased. [1] For over-leveraged speculators, this was the pin that popped the bubble. Unable or unwilling to post additional collateral, they were forced to sell, triggering a chain reaction of liquidations. The ensuing panic saw gold and silver suffer their worst single-day drops in years, with more than $3.4 trillion wiped from the gold market alone at one point. [5] This event unmasked the paper paradigm's continued ability to create artificial, short-term price dislocations that bear little relation to the physical metal's scarcity. Precious metals expert Andy Schectman has long denounced this system, calling banking giant JPMorgan "the most nefarious group of traders for hoarding silver on a massive scale." [6] He argues that these sophisticated players understand that silver "is the value play of a generation" precisely because it is being depleted through irreversible industrial consumption. [6] The recent volatility is a symptom of the tension between this physical reality and the paper market's ability to temporarily suppress it through financial engineering. The selloff was a demonstration of the paper market's last gasps of control before physical reality reasserts itself with even greater force. Industrial Demand: The Unshakable Foundation While paper traders panic, the fundamental driver of the long-term silver bull market remains rock-solid: insatiable and inelastic industrial demand. Silver is not just a monetary metal; it is the quintessential industrial commodity of the 21st century. Its unique propertieshighest electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, and reflectivity of any elementmake it irreplaceable in critical modern technologies. [7] Core consumption for solar photovoltaics, artificial intelligence data centers, 5G/6G telecommunications, automotive electronics, and advanced weaponry continues to vastly outstrip annual mine supply. [8] This demand is highly price-inelastic. High-tech civilization cannot simply stop functioning if the silver price doubles; manufacturers must secure supply regardless of cost. As author James Turk notes in 'The Money Bubble,' when silver is used in industrial applications like electronics, it is often deployed in such small amounts that it is seldom recovered when the device is scrapped. This silver is effectively taken off the market forever. [7] This creates a permanent supply drain. Turk and co-author John Rubino explain that unlike gold, which is primarily held as money and jewelry, silver is "principally an industrial metal." [7] Governments sold off their strategic stockpiles decades ago, and today's aboveground stock is a fraction of gold's. [7] The relentless industrial consumption against a finite and depleting supply creates a structural deficit that no paper market manipulation can ultimately overcome. Nations and corporations, recognizing this supply chain vulnerability, are now forced to consider strategic stockpiling for national security, creating a massive new source of demand that is only beginning to emerge. Infrastructure Cracks and Supply Chain Reality Beneath the paper market frenzy, the physical silver market remains in a state of severe strain and disarray. The structural weaknesses that fueled the initial rally have not been resolved by the price correction; they have been exacerbated. Reports from the physical market indicate refiners are backlogged for months, dealer vaults are running low on popular products, and dealer credit lines are tapped out. [9] This physical tightness is a stark contrast to the paper price plunge. It reveals a critical disconnect: the paper futures market can dictate a price on a screen, but it cannot conjure physical metal into existence. Financing and processing bottlenecks mean the flow of physical metal from mine to end-user is severely constrained. These are not transient issues but symptoms of a decades-long underinvestment in mining and refining capacity. The drain from exchange vaults is a telling indicator. Since the start of 2022, registered silver inventories in COMEX vaults have been in a persistent decline. [10] This drainage, as noted by dealers, has been 'nothing short of spectacular,' indicating that physical metal is leaving the financial system to meet real-world demand. [10] When paper prices fall sharply while physical metal remains difficult to source at any price, it creates a powerful setup for a violent snap-back rally. The structural weakness in the physical supply chain makes rapid price recoveries and future acute shortages almost inevitable. The selloff has not repaired these cracks; it has merely distracted attention from them. Strategic Imperative: From Free Market to Security-Driven Allocation Silver now sits at a historic crossroads, converging monetary demand, existential industrial necessity, and glaring national security vulnerability. This trifecta is moving the market beyond mere investment speculation. As investigative journalist Mike Adams has warned, the global financial system is teetering, and the COMEX paper market faces imminent implosion. [11] In this environment, nations can no longer afford to treat silver as just another freely traded commodity. Governments, particularly the United States under the Trump administration, may soon be forced to intervene. The transition may shift from a free-market pricing model to one of security-driven allocation or even government-mandated price floors. The strategic needs for data centers, advanced weapons systems like the F-35 and Tomahawk missiles, and green energy infrastructure are too critical to be left to the whims of a potentially failing paper market. [8] As Adams notes in an interview, if a plan to secure physical silver for these national priorities proceeds, it would have 'far-reaching implications for both market stability and geopolitical dynamics.' [8] For the individual, this underscores the paramount urgency of holding physical metal outside the vulnerable financial system. As financial commentator Bill Holter emphasizes, to protect against systemic confiscation or capital controls, "you absolutely have to have metal outside of the system." [12] The recent selloff, while a temporary setback on a screen, is a golden opportunity for those who understand this imperative. It is a chance to acquire real, tangible wealth at a discount before the next phasedriven by strategic national imperatives and irreversible physical shortagetakes hold. The cleansing of weak hands has cleared the path for the strong hands, both sovereign and individual, to position themselves for what comes next. Conclusion The historic silver selloff of early 2026 was not a market breakdown, but a market reboot. It was the violent but necessary process of purging the speculative excess that had built up during a parabolic rise, transferring ownership from weak-handed paper traders to long-term physical holders. The event starkly highlighted the dying convulsions of the paper pricing paradigm, even as the unshakeable foundations of industrial demand and a broken physical supply chain remain firmly in place. The path forward is now clearer and stronger. The weak hands have been washed out. The paper market's temporary dominance has been exposed. All that remains are the relentless fundamentals: a high-tech civilization with an insatiable appetite for silver, a supply chain incapable of meeting that demand, and sovereign nations awakening to the metal's critical strategic importance. This convergence points to one inevitable outcome. The recent plunge has not killed the silver bull market; it has strengthened it, cleansing the landscape and fueling the next, more powerful leg up. For those with the wisdom to see beyond the paper price noise, the message is to seize the moment, secure physical metal, and prepare for the era where silver transitions from a traded commodity to a strategic asset essential for national survival and technological sovereignty. References U.S. lawmakers accuse Nvidia of aiding Chinas military U.S. lawmakers accuse Nvidia of aiding China's military, alleging chips sold to AI firm DeepSeek AI ended up supporting a model used by the People's Liberation Army (PLA). The bipartisan Select Committee on China demands strict export enforcement, even if it means halting all H200 chip sales to China, framing the issue as a critical national security failure. Chinese customs has unexpectedly blocked shipments of the newly approved H200 processors, creating a new obstacle for Nvidia despite having U.S. export clearance. Nvidia is caught in a geopolitical crossfire, needing to assure U.S. officials its tech isn't a security threat while convincing China its chips are still essential, even as local competitors gain market share. CEO Jensen Huang's diplomatic visit to China coincides with the crisis, highlighting the intense pressure on Nvidia as it becomes a focal point in the tech decoupling between the U.S. and China. In a dramatic escalation of the tech cold war, Nvidia finds itself simultaneously battling U.S. national security hawks and Chinese customs officials, as its coveted artificial intelligence chips become the focal point of intensifying geopolitical strife. A bipartisan group of 23 U.S. lawmakers from the powerful Select Committee on China has launched a direct accusation: Nvidia's advanced technology is "powering China's military." The allegation, detailed in a letter to the U.S. Department of Commerce dated January 28, 2026, claims a specific and troubling pipeline. The committee asserts that chips supplied by Nvidia to the Chinese AI firm DeepSeek AI "ended up supporting an AI model used by the People's Liberation Army (PLA)." The lawmakers framed this as a critical security failure, arguing it validates long-held fears about China's military-civil fusion strategy. "There's no such thing as a 'purely civilian' artificial intelligence (AI) company in China," the committee's letter states. It further alleges that Nvidia provided "extensive technical support that enabled DeepSeek," which was later integrated into PLA systems, posing a cybersecurity risk. The committee's demand is stark: rigorous enforcement of export rules, even if it "effectively prevents H200 exports to the PRC altogether." These fiery accusations on Capitol Hill collide directly with the delicate diplomatic mission of Nvidias founder and CEO, Jensen Huang. Even as the committee published its letter, Huang was in the midst of a high-stakes tour through Beijing, Shenzhen and Taiwan, aimed at reinforcing Nvidia's commitment to the massive Chinese market. Nvidia: It makes no sense for the Chinese military to depend on American technology The urgency of Huang's visit is underscored by a new, unexpected obstacle. Despite securing hard-won U.S. government approval in December 2025 to sell its H200 AI processors in China, Nvidia now faces a blockade from Chinese customs. According to a Financial Times report, shipments of the H200 chips have been paused after Chinese customs officials blocked their entry, reportedly catching Nvidia "by surprise." As noted by BrightU.AI's Enoch, "H200 is NVIDIA's next-generation AI processor, succeeding the H100, featuring enhanced memory bandwidth and capacity to accelerate inference and training for large language models. It is designed to deliver significantly higher performance for complex AI workloads." The rationale remains unclear, but sources indicate domestic technology companies have been warned to prioritize local chips over Nvidias. This move aligns with Huangs own recent observations about the rapid rise of Chinese competitors. He previously noted that U.S. export controls have accelerated local innovation, causing Nvidias market share in China to plummet from 95% to 50%. "The rest is Chinese technology. They have a lot of local technology they would use if they didn't have Nvidia," Huang observed. "Chinese AI researchers will use their own chips. They will use the second-best." Nvidia's response to the military allegations was swift and pointed. A company spokesperson countered, "China has more than enough domestic chips for all of its military applications, with millions to spare," adding that "it makes no sense for the Chinese military to depend on American technology. The administration's critics are unintentionally promoting the interests of foreign competitors." The simultaneous pressures from both Washington and Beijing place Nvidia in an nearly impossible bind. It must convince U.S. lawmakers that its products do not threaten national security, while also persuading Chinese authorities that its chips, now legally approved for sale, remain essential and welcome, even as China fervently builds its own alternatives. The outcome of this high-wire act will resonate far beyond Nvidia's balance sheet. It is a live test of whether the world's most critical technology can be bifurcated along geopolitical lines and whether any company, no matter how dominant, can navigate the deepening chasm between the two superpowers. Watch this video about how Nvidia changed the world with its surprising announcement. This video is from Rick Langley's channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: LiveMint.com Brighteon.com BrightU.ai Venezuela defies U.S., vows continued alliance with Russia and China Venezuela defiantly asserts its sovereign right to maintain alliances with Russia and China. Its ambassador to Moscow declared that no outside power can dictate Venezuela's international relations. Venezuela also assured China that their critical oil and investment partnerships will continue unchanged. This event marks a drastic U.S. escalation from sanctions to the military capture of a foreign leader. In a bold rebuke to Washington, Venezuelas government is asserting its sovereign right to maintain critical economic and strategic partnerships with Russia and China following the unprecedented U.S. military capture of its president. The dramatic events of early January, which saw Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro taken to New York to face drug charges, have ignited a fierce diplomatic standoff. Now, Caracas is making it clear that no foreign power will dictate its international relationships. On January 3, U.S. forces launched an operation in Caracas, capturing President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. They were transported to the United States, where they appeared in a New York federal court on charges of "narco-terrorism." Both pleaded not guilty. In the wake of the capture, U.S. President Donald Trump stated Washington would "run" Venezuela in the interim. Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez was swiftly sworn in as the nation's authorized president. A firm stance from Moscow From his post in Moscow, Venezuelan Ambassador Jesus Rafael Salazar Velasquez delivered a forceful response to reported U.S. demands that Caracas sever ties with Russia, China, Iran, and Cuba. "No one dictates to us," Velasquez told reporters. "We have a sovereign government. We have the right to have relations with the whole world, without any outside influence. We will continue to cooperate with all countries across all sectors." The ambassador emphasized that a strategic partnership agreement signed by the presidents of Russia and Venezuela last May remains fully in effect. This pact broadens cooperation in energy, mining, security, and counter-terrorism. Velasquez also insisted that Maduro is Venezuela's legitimate president and that the country's constitution forbids extraditing its citizens for foreign trials. "International law must prevail," he said. Reassurances to Beijing Similar assurances are being offered to China, which is a major financial lifeline and the largest buyer of Venezuelan crude oil. Ambassador Remigio Ceballos in Beijing sought to calm investors, dismissing reports that Washington would force Venezuela to sell oil at a specific price. "Regarding oil pricing, Venezuela will not heed the arrangements of the United States or other countries," Ceballos stated. "We have the right to make independent decisions." He described the capture of Maduro as a "warning to the entire world" but stressed the resilience of the Caracas-Beijing alliance. "China and Venezuela are trusted partners," Ceballos said, noting that Chinese investments and joint ventures, particularly in the vital oil sector, would continue unimpeded. This commitment is crucial for Venezuela, which holds the world's largest proven oil reserves but has seen production crippled by sanctions and mismanagement. The U.S. administration has framed its intervention as a necessary step to reform Venezuela's oil industry, stabilize its economy, and lower global energy costs. Secretary of State Marco Rubio described U.S. involvement in Venezuelan oil sales as a short-term plan to keep the government functioning. After initial tough demands, President Trump later softened his tone, stating that Chinese and Indian investment would be welcome. However, Venezuela's defiant posture highlights a deeper geopolitical struggle. For years, the U.S. has sought to isolate governments in Caracas, Moscow, and Beijing, using economic sanctions as a primary tool. This latest escalation, moving from sanctions to direct military capture of a foreign head of state, represents a radical new tactic. The Venezuelan response underscores a growing global friction between unilateral actions and the principle of national sovereignty. The situation places other nations in a difficult position. Chinese President Xi Jinping, meeting with Uruguay's leader, recently affirmed China's support for the sovereignty of Latin American countries. The global reaction continues to evolve, as nations weigh the implications of the U.S. action against their own economic and diplomatic interests. What we are witnessing is more than a regional dispute. It is a direct challenge to a world order where powerful nations can project military force to enact regime change and dictate economic terms. Venezuelas refusal to bend, even under extreme pressure, signals a hardening of alliances that could redefine international relations for years to come. Sources for this article include: SputnikGlobe.com Tass.com Tass.com CNBC.com Sorry, something doesn't look right. Something seems unusual about your device or browser. Please contact support. Twelve Maoist cadres from the South Sub-Zonal bureau surrendered in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district, laying down arms including AK-47 rifles. The group, on which rewards totalling Rs 54 lakh were declared, also handed over a significant cache of explosive materials. The surrender was conducted under the state's 'Poona Margem' rehabilitation initiative before senior police officials. This event is part of a larger trend in Bijapur, where hundreds of Maoists have returned to the mainstream this year. 12 Maoist cadres, including 8 women, surrender in Bastar, handing over AK-47s, SLR rifles, and explosives. Over Rs 54 lakh in rewards declared on them. Raipur/Bijapur, Feb 5 Twelve Maoist cadres from the South Sub-Zonal bureau surrendered in Chhattisgarh's Bastar region on Thursday, under the state government's 'Poona Margem Rehabilitation to Rejuvenation' initiative, marking a new beginning of trust and mainstream integration. The group, comprising eight female and four male cadres, laid down arms, including three automatic weapons such as AK-47 and SLR rifles, along with ammunition. A total reward of Rs 54 lakh had been declared on them based on their positions and roles in the banned CPI (Maoist) organisation. They voluntarily handed over additional explosive material, including 250 gelatin sticks, 400 detonators, one plastic drum of gunpowder, and one bundle of cordex wire. Among the surrendered cadres was Somdu Madkam, a 42-year-old Darbha Division DVCM (divisional committee member) and Katekalyan Area Committee in-charge, carrying Rs 8 lakh reward, who laid down an AK-47 and one magazine. Other notable surrenders included Hungi Kunjam alias Soni, a 19-year-old battalion No 1 Party Member carrying a reward of Rs 8 lakh, Payki Kunjam, a 22-year-old company No. 02 Party Member carrying Rs 8 lakh, and Ayati Madkam alias Punni, a 24-year-old North Sub Zonal Bureau PPCM (Platoon Party Committee Member) with Rs 5 lakh prize. Several area committee members (ACM), party members, and PLGA members also joined, with rewards ranging from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 5 lakh. The surrender occurred before Inspector General of Police, Bastar Range, Sundarraj P, and other senior officials, including Deputy Inspector General of Police CRPF, Ops Bijapur Sector officers, and Superintendent of Police Bijapur Dr Jitendra Kumar Yadav. Necessary legal processes for their rehabilitation and reintegration into society are underway, with provisions for financial assistance, skill development, and support as per the state's policy. This development is hailed as a significant achievement in the ongoing anti-Maoist campaign. Since January 1, 2024, in Bijapur district alone, 888 Maoists have returned to the mainstream, 1,163 have been arrested, and 231 have been killed in encounters. The state government's comprehensive strategy combining security operations, dialogue, development initiatives, and attractive rehabilitation packages has steadily eroded the influence of violence, replacing fear with opportunities for progress. Officials attribute the growing trend of surrenders to sustained pressure from security forces, the establishment of camps in remote areas, and the effectiveness of 'Poona Margem', which has encouraged numerous cadres across Bastar to abandon armed ideology. The event underscores collective efforts by police, central forces, local administration, and citizens in fostering lasting peace and development in the region. - IANS The Centre informed Parliament that Punjab and Haryana have seen a dramatic 90% reduction in stubble burning incidents during the 2025 paddy season compared to 2022. A multi-layered monitoring mechanism using ISRO-developed satellite protocols is operational across several states. Enforcement was intensified with 31 Central Pollution Control Board flying squads and the appointment of over 20,000 field functionaries and a 'Parali Protection Force'. These measures, including enhanced patrolling and daily reporting, have contributed to the significant decline in farm fires. Centre reports a 90% reduction in farm fire incidents in Punjab and Haryana from 2022 to 2025, crediting satellite monitoring and enforcement squads. New Delhi, Feb 5 Punjab and Haryana have collectively recorded about a 90 per cent reduction in fire incidences during the paddy harvesting season in the year 2025 in comparison to the same period in the year 2022, the Parliament was informed on Thursday. To further strengthen the detection of stubble burning cases, patrolling by enforcement agencies during late evening hours has been enhanced, Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Kirti Vardhan Singh told the Rajya Sabha in a written reply to a question. The Central government has adopted a multilayered mechanism for monitoring paddy stubble burning in the states of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and the NCT of Delhi for control of air pollution from stubble burning, he added. A standard protocol for the estimation of crop residue burning fire events using satellite data was developed by the ISRO in consultation with State Remote Sensing Centres and the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) and issued by the Commission for Air Quality Management in the National Capital Region and adjoining areas in August 2021, the minister said. Active fire locations of stubble ('parali') burning are detected operationally during the satellite overpasses. In addition to it, burn scar (area) was also assessed using suitable satellite data, he said. Reporting of paddy stubble burning incidents as per standard protocol during the paddy harvesting season through the Remote Sensing Centre and ensuring that an alert is sent to field functionaries to take immediate action on incidents of stubble burning, the minister said The said protocol is used for monitoring of crop residue burning fire events, and the IARI, through its CREAMS Laboratory, publishes daily fire event data for the states of Haryana, Delhi, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, based on this protocol. Regional monitoring of stubble burning using satellite data has been successful. However, satellite overpasses at the sub-daily level help increase the efficiency of detection, he said. During the stubble burning season of 2025 (October 1, 2025, to November 30, 2025), 31 flying squads by CPCB were deployed to assist CAQM for intensified monitoring and enforcement actions towards the prevention of paddy stubble burning incidents in 18 districts of Punjab and 13 districts of Haryana, Singh said. These teams provide daily updates, photographic evidence, and compliance status. The flying squads coordinated with state government/nodal officers/officers from respective districts and sent their daily reports to CAQM, he said. Monitoring is also carried out through the appointment of officers at different administrative levels, and the deployment of the Parali Protection Force. In Punjab, 10,500 field functionaries have been appointed to monitor and contain the stubble fire incidents in the year 2025. Further, the Parali Protection Force (PPF) of 1,700 personnel has been deputed at the block level over and above the nodal/cluster officers for effective enforcement of measures to prevent and control stubble burning. Similarly, 10,000 nodal officers have been appointed in Haryana for effective enforcement of measures to prevent and control stubble burning, Singh said. - IANS V.A. Arunkumar, son of late Communist stalwart V.S. Achuthanandan, has strongly indicated the family may not accept the posthumous Padma Vibhushan conferred by the government. He stated the decision will align with his father's Communist ideals and the party's historical position against accepting state honours. This follows a long tradition of CPI(M) leaders like E.M.S. Namboodiripad and Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee rejecting similar awards. The family believes Achuthanandan's place in the hearts of the people is a greater honour than any official recognition. V.S. Achuthanandan's son suggests the family may reject the posthumous Padma Vibhushan, upholding the Communist party's long-standing stance against state honours. Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 5 V.A. Arunkumar, son of legendary Communist leader V.S. Achuthanandan, has dropped strong hints that the Padma Vibhushan award conferred posthumously on his father might not be accepted by the family. On Thursday night, taking to his social media account, Arunkumar posted the January 29-dated letter from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs informing him of the award conferred on his father. However, in his brief note, he wrote: "We have been informed by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs that a decision has been taken to confer one of India's highest civilian honours, the Padma Vibhushan, on my late father, V.S. Achuthanandan. I am sharing below the letter received today in this regard." "The love and respect that the people have consistently shown towards V.S., who walked alongside Kerala's public life for decades through mass struggles and unwavering political positions, has always been a great source of strength for us. We view this honour as a recognition of his public life." "However, the movement he represented had a clear political stand on accepting such official honours. As a Communist, he always firmly upheld those values and party decisions. The family's decision on this matter will be in keeping with my father's ideals and the party's position." "We believe that the place V.S. holds in the hearts of the people is greater than any award. We express our gratitude for the affection and respect the people continue to bestow upon him." The note written by Arunkumar assumes significance in the backdrop of the party's past positions. During the Narasimha Rao government, veteran Communist leader E.M.S. Namboodiripad declined the Padma Vibhushan in line with party policy. In 1996, when the United Front government explored conferring the Bharat Ratna on then West Bengal Chief Minister Jyoti Basu, both Basu and the CPI(M) conveyed in advance that the honour would not be accepted, leading to the proposal being dropped. Similar positions were taken in the cases of Harkishan Singh Surjeet and, more recently, former West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, who rejected the Padma Bhushan in 2022. Party sources point out that earlier rejections were rooted in the belief that Communists work for social change and not for awards, and that state honours represent recognition from the ruling establishment. They added that with Arunkumar making his stand clear, it is only a matter of time before the party formally clarifies its position. - IANS The Indian Defence Ministry is set to discuss a massive proposal to acquire 114 Rafale fighter jets for the Indian Air Force next week. The Rs 3.25 lakh crore deal is considered critical to meet the IAF's operational needs amid heightened regional security concerns. About 80% of the aircraft are planned to be manufactured in India through collaboration between Dassault and Indian private companies. The discussion precedes the upcoming visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to Delhi in the third week of February. India's Defence Ministry to discuss a Rs 3.25 lakh crore deal for 114 Rafale fighter jets next week, ahead of French President Emmanuel Macron's visit. By Ajit Dubey, New Delhi, February 5 Ahead of the visit by French President Emmanuel Macron in the third week of February, the Defence Ministry of India is likely to discuss the Rs 3.25 lakh crore proposal to buy 114 Rafale combat aircraft for the Indian Air Force. The Indian Air Force proposal was given the initial nod by the Defence Procurement Board last month. "The proposal is likely to be taken up for discussion next week at a high-level meeting of the defence ministry and is seen as critical for meeting the operational requirements of the Indian Air Force in view of the present security scenario in the region," defence sources told ANI. The Indian Air Force is currently operating only around 30 fighter aircraft squadrons, whereas its sanctioned strength is 42 squadrons. With increasing collusion between Pakistan and Bangladesh, and Pakistan and China, the threat perception has now gone up further. The project is expected to help the Indian Air Force to meet its requirement for a 4.5-generation-plus multirole fighter aircraft for a long time. About 80 per cent of the 114 Rafale fighter aircraft proposed to be acquired under the deal are planned to be manufactured in India. Sources said that the Indian Air Force is going to get 88 single-seater and 26 twin-seater aircraft under the project, of which the majority would be built in India with the collaboration of Dassault and Indian private sector companies. Once the deal gets completed, the Indian Air Force will have a fleet of 150 Rafales, along with 26 of the Indian Navy, which will have an aircraft carrier-compatible version of the French planes. The French President is expected to be in Delhi for the AI summit on February 18. - ANI Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has outlined her government's vision for a 'Developed Delhi', emphasizing improvements to health infrastructure and transparency in schemes for the poor. She highlighted a landmark MoU with the Reserve Bank of India to streamline the capital's financial management for funding infrastructure projects. The CM set a deadline to clear legacy waste at the Okhla and Bhalaswa landfill sites by the end of 2026, while noting Ghazipur may take two additional years. She also connected her leadership to women's empowerment, expressing confidence that her work would inspire greater faith in women leaders. Delhi CM Rekha Gupta outlines plans for health infrastructure, transparency in schemes, and clearing landfill sites to build a 'Developed Delhi' by 2047. New Delhi, February 5 Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said her government will keep improving the city's infrastructure and health facilities and take people along in its journey to a 'Developed Delhi'. "Every single work that should be done in Delhi--as the capital of the country--we will bring all of that and take the public along," Rekha Gupta said in an interview with ANI. She also talked about efforts for Viksit Bharat and "Developed Delhi". "Our entire country is moving towards one hundred years of independence. In 2047, with this vision of 'Developed India' and 'Developed Delhi,' when I talk, I understand that today the youth of our country is also becoming aware. They are also understanding their responsibility, and continuously I see many NGOs or many platforms where youth are coming forward and working. This is showing that people want a direction now." "And both 'Disha' (direction) and 'Dasha' (condition) should change. And this is the right opportunity when the government also does its work and the public also understands its responsibility. And I believe that we will make Delhi a model," she added. She said all sections of people, including youth, students, and workers in Delhi will be involved in making Delhi better. The Chief Minister emphasised the need for transparency and a foolproof mechanism in all schemes related to the poor sections. "For a poor person, whether it's a school or such a hospital, we will have to work with great transparency. Full-proof schemes will have to be brought, with time, so that no one's right is denied anywhere. And I believe the government will make very strict rules on this--whether it's a hospital or a school--we will work on that and also increase our health infrastructure so that every person gets treatment," she said. The Chief Minister said no person in the city should lose their life due to a lack of treatment. "For our entire health care--whether it's primary or our higher hospitals--we are trying to have better machinery, doctors, everything....the previous governments always said 'there is no budget, no budget'. For the first time, to fix the financial system of Delhi, we signed an MoU with the Reserve Bank of India," she said. Delhi Government last month signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Reserve Bank of India, bringing the national capital under the RBI's full banking, cash management and debt framework. Rekha Gupta said that the financial outlay for the national capital will be effectively used for creating infrastructure, including schools, roads, flyovers, and colleges. She said Delhi will not have to look back due to lack of money and also referred to the support of the Central government. Answering a query on women's empowerment, the Chief Minister said it has been a long journey for women. She referred to initiatives such as "Beti Bachao" and said the country is moving in the right direction. She said the President of the country is a woman, as is the Union Finance Minister. "In the country's armed forces, you are seeing how the participation of girls is increasing," she said, referring to schemes of the Modi goverfment. On her elevation as Chief Minister, she said she feels somewhere that half-population "of the country must be seeing its own reflection in Rekha Gupta". "Today, if I work well, then the faith in women will grow...If I can give better results, then daughters will get a chance to move forward," she said. She also expressed confidence that the legacy waste at the Okhla and Bhalaswa landfill sites will be cleared by the end of this year. The Chief Minister said that the BJP government has ramped up bio-mining capacity to over 30,000 metric tonnes daily. She said the legacy waste at the Ghazipur landfill site will take about two years to be cleared."I want to tell people of Delhi that by the end of 2026, we will end the legacy waste of two garbage mountains in Okhla and Bhalaswa. The Ghazipur landfill site might take two more years. We are building plants so that as much of the generated waste is processed. We are working by segregating the legacy waste," she said. - ANI Union Home Minister Amit Shah attended a ceremony ahead of a significant agreement between the central government, Nagaland, and the Eastern Nagaland Peoples' Organisation (ENPO). He stated that the long-standing conflict is nearing its end and committed the central government to ensuring development in the region. Separately, Shah launched the 'Bharat Taxi' app, a cooperative-led, zero-commission ride-hailing platform aimed at driver welfare. The initiative aims to become a nationwide alternative to foreign-based aggregators within three years. Amit Shah attends ENPO agreement ceremony in Nagaland, pledges development, and launches the cooperative-based Bharat Taxi app for driver welfare. New Delhi, February 5 Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah on Thursday attended the ceremony ahead of the signing of an agreement between the Union Government, the Nagaland Government, and the Eastern Nagaland Peoples' Organisation. The Union Minister was dressed in a traditional Naga outfit and was accompanied by Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio. Addressing the occasion, Amit Shah said that officials of the Union Home Ministry had worked for a long time to bridge the gap between the Government of Nagaland and the ENPO. He noted that the long-standing conflict was now nearing its end. "Home Ministry officials worked hard for a long time and bridged the gap between the Government of Nagaland and ENPO. Now this conflict is nearing its end... I want to thank CM Nephiu Rio and the entire team for taking this negotiation to a logical end... The central government will bear the responsibility of ensuring development in Eastern Nagaland," he told reporters. Earlier in the day, the Union Home and Cooperation Minister, Amit Shah, launched the 'Bharat Taxi' App, aimed at strengthening cooperative participation and enhancing welfare measures for taxi drivers across the country. Speaking on the occasion, Amit Shah said the launch of the Sahkar Taxi initiative was being held in the presence of around 8 lakh sarathi (driver) representatives and several cooperative bodies. "This launch of Sahkar Taxi is taking place in the presence of 800,000 Sarathi representatives and some cooperatives, so that within three years, from Kashmir to Kanyakumari and from Dwarka to Kamakhya, across the entire country, this Sahkar Taxi is going to become a very significant means for the welfare of our taxi Sarathis", he told ANI. Bharat Taxi is India's first cooperative-led ride-hailing platform registered under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002, and was established on June 6, 2025. The platform operates on a zero-commission, surge-free pricing model, with direct distribution of profits to drivers, offering an indigenous alternative to foreign-investment-based aggregator platforms. - ANI Union Home Minister Amit Shah is on a three-day visit to Jammu to review the security landscape and development initiatives. His schedule includes high-level meetings on counter-terror operations and border management. Shah will also visit BSF border posts and meet the families of personnel who died in the line of duty. The visit underscores the Centre's focus on both security and welfare in Jammu and Kashmir. Home Minister Amit Shah begins a 3-day Jammu visit to review security, counter-terror ops, and assess development projects in the region. New Delhi, February 5 Union Home Minister Amit Shah is all set to embark on a three-day visit to Jammu from Thursday evening with a packed schedule centred on reviewing the security landscape and assessing development initiatives in the region. The visit, from February 5 to 7, assumes significance amid continued efforts by the Centre to further strengthen security mechanisms and accelerate infrastructure and welfare projects in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. During his stay, Shah will chair high-level meetings to take stock of the prevailing security scenario, particularly in border areas and other sensitive districts. Senior officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Jammu and Kashmir administration, police, intelligence agencies and central armed police forces are expected to participate in the review meetings. The discussions are likely to focus on counter-terror operations, border management, infiltration attempts, and coordination among security agencies to maintain peace and stability. Apart from security, the Home Minister will also review the progress of key development projects underway in the Jammu region. The Centre has consistently emphasised fast-tracking infrastructure development, improving connectivity, and strengthening grassroots governance in Jammu and Kashmir. The review is expected to cover the implementation of flagship schemes and ongoing public welfare initiatives. As part of his itinerary, Shah will visit the Border Security Force's (BSF) Bobia and Gurnam Border Outposts to assess the ground situation along the International Border. He is expected to interact with BSF personnel and commend their role in maintaining vigilance under challenging conditions. In a significant outreach initiative, the Home Minister will also meet the families of bravehearts who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty. During the interaction, Shah will hand over appointment letters to eligible family members under the government's compassionate employment policy, reaffirming the Centre's commitment to supporting the families of fallen heroes. The visit highlights the government's dual focus on strengthening security preparedness and ensuring sustained development in the region. - ANI At least 18 people were killed in a dynamite explosion at an illegal coal mine in Meghalaya's East Jaintia Hills district. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh for each victim's family from the PM National Relief Fund. Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma announced an additional Rs 3 lakh from the state and vowed strict action against those responsible for the illegal activity. Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to the Chief Minister to take stock of the situation and assured all possible central support. 18 killed in illegal coal mine explosion in Meghalaya. PM Modi & Amit Shah announce ex-gratia. CM Sangma vows strict action against illegal mining. New Delhi, February 5 Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday spoke to Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma after at least 18 people were killed in a coal mine explosion that occurred in the Mynsyngat, Thangsko area of Meghalaya's East Jaintia Hills district. He took stock of the situation of the incident, assuring all possible support from the central government. Meanwhile, Conrad conveyed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his compassion and support following the tragic incident in East Jaintia Hills. "The ex-gratia assistance announced from the PMNRF will offer essential relief to the bereaved families and the injured in this hour of profound sorrow. The Government and people of Meghalaya are grateful for this timely support and solidarity," CMO Meghalaya posted on X. The Chief Minister announced that the Meghalaya government will provide an ex gratia of Rs 3 lakh to the next of kin of the deceased. "In light of the unfortunate incident at a coal mine in East Jaintia Hills District, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has announced that an ex gratia of Rs 3 Lakhs will be given to the next of kin of the deceased from the Government of Meghalaya," CMO Meghalaya posted on X. Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced ex-gratia worth Rs 2 lakh each for the families of 18 victims who lost their lives in the tragic Meghalaya coal mine incident. Those who have been injured in the incident in the Thangskai area of East Jaintia Hills district will be given ex-gratia of Rs 50,000 each. The incident has left one person with burn injuries. "Pained by the mishap in East Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya. Condolences to those who lost their loved ones. May the injured recover at the earliest. An ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs 50,000," the PMO posted on X. The ex-gratia will be provided from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF). Sangma assured that action would be taken against individuals responsible for the incident. He said that any illegal activities will not be tolerated, as the government has promoted scientific mining. "Individuals who are involved in any illegal activities, action will be taken. Whoever is responsible for this incident will face very strict action. We will not let go of anybody who is involved in this," Sangma said while addressing a press conference. "At the same time, with the start of scientific mining, it is expected that all miners will apply for the mining. Now, there is an option. These are things that cannot be tolerated anymore. Those involved in any mining activities should not engage in illegal activities that can endanger lives. We are waiting for further report that comes in. Based on that, I will be in regular touch with the press," he added. Sangma informed that about 18 people are dead because of the blast, while one injured person has been rushed to the hospital. He said that the administration and concerned officials were on the ground as rescue operations were underway. "A dynamite explosion had occurred at an illegal coal mine in East Jaintia Hills. This happened today at around 11 am. As per the current reports, about 18 people are dead because of this blast. One person is injured and has been shifted to the hospital. One SDRF team and several personnel from NDRF are at the site. The Police Dept is also at the site, including the IG of the Eastern Zone. Officials from the mining department are also there. Local Administration is also there," he said. The Chief Minister said the site is located in a remote area, approximately 25 kilometres from the district headquarters, and is a three-hour drive. The area is only accessible by four-wheel-drive vehicles, which has made rescue operations more challenging. The state government has taken immediate action and directed two cabinet ministers, Lakmen Rymbui and Y Ladmiki Shilla, to visit the district. They have been instructed to meet with officials on the ground, review the situation, and ensure all necessary actions are taken. Chief Minister Sangma said that the government is taking this incident very seriously and will take strict action against those responsible. He also assured that there would be no shortcomings in the relief and rescue operations. The death toll in the coal mine incident has risen to 18. Superintendent of Police (SP) Vikash Kumar said that information about an explosion at an illegal coal mine in Mynsyngat, Thangsko (Thangskai), in the Umpleng police outpost area was received this morning, after which police personnel rushed to the incident site. In a press release, SP Kumar confirmed that an explosion had taken place inside an illegal coal mine, and several persons were suspected to be trapped, with 18 bodies recovered from the incident site during the rescue operation. "During the course of the rescue operation, a total of 18 (eighteen) dead bodies have been recovered from the site of the explosion. One (01) injured person was rescued and initially shifted to Sutnga Community Health Centre (CHC) and subsequently referred to a higher medical centre for further treatment," the release read. Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and Special Rescue Team (SRT) are actively engaged at the site, and rescue and recovery efforts are continuing. In connection with the incident, an FIR has been registered at Khliehriat police station under sections 105/118(2)/3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, section 21/21(1) of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 (MMDR Act), and section 3 of the Explosives Substances Act. "If any person has any information about other miscreants involved in this illegal act, they are requested to inform the local Police Station immediately. Their identity shall be kept secret, and a suitable reward shall be given," SP Kumar said. Further investigation is ongoing. The Meghalaya government has ordered an inquiry into the coal mine incident. CM Sangma said that accountability will be fixed for the incident at a suspected illegal coal mine, and those responsible will face strict legal action. "Profoundly saddened by the tragic coal mine incident in East Jaintia Hills. My deepest sympathies are with the families who have lost their loved ones in this unfortunate tragedy. The Government of Meghalaya has ordered a comprehensive inquiry into the incident. Accountability will be fixed, and those responsible will face strict legal action. There will be no compromise when it comes to the safety of lives," Sangma posted on X. "In this moment of sorrow, the State stands in solidarity with all those affected," he added. - ANI Union Home Minister Amit Shah will visit Chhattisgarh from February 7 to 9 to review security operations against Naxalism. The visit coincides with recent security actions, including the neutralization of a Maoist in Bijapur and the demolition of a memorial to top Maoist leader Ravula Srinivas (Ramanna). Government data shows a significant decline in Left-Wing Extremist violence and casualties since 2010. The government has reinforced its goal to eliminate the Naxal threat by March 2026. Union Home Minister Amit Shah will visit Chhattisgarh from Feb 7-9 to review anti-Naxal operations and participate in the Bastar Pandum programme. New Delhi, February 5 Union Home Minister Amit Shah will visit Chhattisgarh from February 7 to 9 to review the security operations against Naxalism in the state. Amit Shah will lead a high-level security review meeting on the Naxal situation and hold additional meetings in Raipur. He is also slated to participate in the Bastar Pandum programme during the visit. The visit comes as the government strengthens its resolve to eliminate Left-Wing Extremism by March 31, 2026. Earlier in the day, Security forces neutralised one Maoist in an encounter operation in the southern region of Bijapur district this morning. The security forces also seized an AK-47 from the site. Meanwhile, in Sukma district, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) demolished a memorial of Ravula Srinivas alias Ramanna, who was a central committee member of the Maoists, in Gogunda village. This comes after the CRPF established a forward operating base in Gogunda on November 20, 2025, ending the long terror reign of Naxals in the region. Speaking with ANI, Assistant Commandant of 74th Battalion Videkho Kiye said, "This area in Gogunda had been under naxal control for a long time and was a cutoff area for the security forces... But the 74th Battalion established a forward operating base on November 20th, 2025. Today, the monument of a Maoist CC member, Ramanna, was demolished by the Battalion in a joint operation... This will pave the way for a brighter future for the upcoming generation." Ramanna was a top Maoist leader who died of cardiac arrest in 2019. He was the mastermind behind the Naxals' most deadly attack on security personnel in Chhattisgarh, which took place in 2010, where 76 CRPF Jawans lost their lives. He also planned the Jhiramghati attack in which 28 people, including top state Congress leaders, were killed in 2013. On Tuesday, Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai said that the Left Wing Extremism (LWE) perpetrated violence has come down by 88 per cent from 2010, with deaths of civilians and security forces reduced by 90 per cent. Replying to an unstarred question from BJP MP Roopkumari Choudhary, Nityanand Rai said 100 deaths of civilians and security forces were reported in 2025 as compared to 1005 in the year 2010. He also updated that security forces neutralised 364 Naxals, arrested 1022 and facilitated 2337 surrenders in 2025. "The LWE perpetrated violence incidents have come down from a high of 1936 in the year 2010 by 88% to 234 in 2025. Resultant deaths of Civilians & Security Forces have also come down from a high of 1005 in 2010 by 90% to 100 in the year 2025. In 2025, security forces have neutralised 364 Naxals, arrested 1022 and facilitated 2337 surrenders," Union MoS Nityanand Rai said. - ANI Malayalam actor Asif Ali has announced that the filming for his upcoming movie 'Tikitaka' is in its final stages. The actor shared a first-look poster and a video on his birthday, revealing the intense effort behind his role as John Denver. Asif Ali previously detailed a serious accident during 2023 fight training that left him bedridden and destroyed his physical preparation for the character. He has since recovered from meniscus and ligament tears to complete the film, which aims to be an unapologetic commercial action movie for the big screen. Asif Ali reveals 'Tikitaka' is in its final filming stage. The actor details his physical transformation and recovery from a serious on-set injury for his role as John Denver. Chennai, Feb 5 Well known Malayalam actor Asif Ali has now disclosed that his eagerly awaited upcoming film 'Tikitaka', which is being directed by Rohith VS, was in its last lap of filming. Taking to his X timeline to share his first look poster from the film on the occasion of his birthday, the actor wrote, "Heat, heat waves, I'm swimmin' in a mirror. @asifali As John Denver." Vellmade productions, one of the production houses producing the film, also released a video clip of the actor, who was seen dressed as the character John Denver, speaking on the occasion. In the video, Asif Ali said, "Thanks for all the wishes. Felt so loved. Felt so happy. And I know you guys are waiting for the teaser. No, the teaser is not coming. As we are filming the last lap of this film, this has been the most tiring birthday ever. So, you guys wait for Tikitaka. Wait for John Denver." It may be recalled that the actor had, last year, penned a heart touching and inspiring post on the phenomenal amount of effort he has had to make to play the lead character of John Denver in 'Tikitaka'. The actor had taken to his Instagram page to pen a lengthy post on how he had to physically transform himself for the lead role and how, an accident on the sets of the film in 2023 left him bedridden and put him out of action, making all his effort at physically transforming himself for the role go waste. Asif disclosed that he had to put in an incredible amount of effort to again transform himself for the role, this time with a healing leg from meniscus and ligament tears. The actor happily disclosed that shooting for the film was on in full swing. Asif Ali wrote, "Dear Family, When John Denver came to me, I was instantly in love with the fighter in him - his resilience, the way he endures through challenges, and how he always refuses to give up. Little did I know that my journey with the character would take me through a similar path on a personal level. "'Tikitaka' is a movie that demands a lot of sweat and blood. For me, it was a journey of several months to physically transform and master the art of fighting. I think I can confidently say that I gave it my all. When we started rolling in 2023, an unfortunate accident hit me during fight training, followed by bedridden days, several weeks on a wheelchair, and the worst part-losing all the progress I had made over a year to prepare for the character. Unlike John Denver, I cried like a child on the hospital bed," Asif Ali said. The actor had further added, "Eighteen months later, we're rolling in full swing again, and I've endured the process once more to meet what the movie demands-more sweat and blood-this time with a healing leg from meniscus and ligament tears." "This movie demands a lot of conviction and effort, not just from the actors but everyone involved. While Malayalam cinema is enjoying a golden wave, we're attempting to provide a never-before experience-to create an unapologetic commercial cinema for the mass euphoria of the big screen, loaded with action. I expect all the support from those who love cinema," he had said. - IANS Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma formally unveiled the UNESCO World Heritage plaque at the Charaideo Moidams, marking a significant achievement for the state. He highlighted a substantial increase in tourism, with nearly 80,000 domestic visitors in the past year. The government has allocated Rs. 25 crore for conservation and plans to establish a dedicated research centre for the site. Further initiatives include promoting homestays and local festivals to develop Charaideo into a major heritage tourism destination. Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma unveils UNESCO World Heritage plaque for Charaideo Moidams, announces Rs 25 crore for conservation and a research centre. Guwahati, Feb 5 Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday formally unveiled the plaque bearing the UNESCO World Heritage recognition certificate of the Charaideo Moidams, describing the historic site as a vast and largely untapped repository of academic and archaeological research. The ceremonial unveiling was held at the Charaideo Moidam complex in Charaideo district. The Moidams were accorded World Heritage Site status during the 46th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee held in New Delhi on July 26, 2024. Speaking on the occasion, Sarma said the global recognition has brought immense pride and joy to the people of Assam and termed it one of the most significant achievements of the state government in the past decade. He said the UNESCO certificate has now been displayed in the form of a plaque so that visitors from across the state and beyond can view it. Highlighting the tourism impact of the recognition, the Chief Minister said tourist footfall at Charaideo has increased substantially. He informed that around 200 foreign tourists and nearly 80,000 domestic visitors toured the site over the past year. Sarma said the Charaideo Moidams hold enormous potential for academic research, noting that many burial mounds are yet to be excavated and scientific processes such as DNA preservation of recovered materials have not been undertaken so far. He announced that the state government would facilitate the establishment of a dedicated research centre for the Moidams under a state university, enabling students to pursue doctoral studies while uncovering historical artefacts. The Chief Minister said Rs. 25 crore has already been allocated for conservation, with plans for regular maintenance, increased manpower and the creation of an annual maintenance fund. Emphasising community participation, he said homestays and eco-friendly guesthouses would be developed, while local festivals such as Me-Dam-Me-Phi should be promoted to enhance cultural tourism. He also stressed the need for urgent development of the buffer zone, which includes 21 Moidams, temples and royal burial sites, and reaffirmed the government's commitment to transforming Charaideo into a national and international heritage tourism destination. Several ministers, MLAs and senior officials accompanied the Chief Minister during the visit. - IANS When AI can replicate premium software tasks in seconds, what happens to recurring revenue? Whats happening: A new AI automation tool from Anthropic sparked a $285 billion rout in stocks across the software, financial services and asset management sectors as investors raced to dump shares with even the slightest exposure. The selloff began before US markets opened on Tuesday and continued into Wednesday. Why this matters: Markets are reassessing whether software businesses built around information resale and process automation retain meaningful value when AI systems can deliver comparable results instantly. The software sector is experiencing a real-time valuation reset as investors recalibrate what businesses can charge in an era of AI automation, according to the chief executive of one of the worlds largest independent financial advisory organisations. A new AI automation tool from Anthropic sparked a $285 billion rout in stocks across the software, financial services and asset management sectors on Tuesday as investors raced to dump shares with even the slightest exposure. A Goldman Sachs basket of US software stocks sank 6%, its biggest one-day decline since Aprils tariff-fueled selloff, while an index of financial services firms tumbled almost 7%. Nigel Green, chief executive of deVere Group, argues the selloff reflects a fundamental shift in market thinking about software valuations rather than fear of technological change. Economics, not fear The selloff is not about fear of AI, its about what software businesses can realistically charge in an AI-first world, said Green. When AI agents can perform legal review, data analysis, research and compliance instantly, subscription-heavy models lose pricing leverage. Investors are reassessing whether decades-old assumptions around recurring revenues still hold. The scale and speed of the declines underline how abruptly investor thinking has shifted. Software companies long valued for predictable subscription income, entrenched workflows and information advantages are now being judged against a different standard. Thomson Reuters, the legal research giant behind Westlaw, saw its stock drop 18%, erasing $8.2 billion in a single session its steepest decline on record. Britains RELX (which owns LexisNexis) fell 14%, losing $11 billion, while the Netherlands Wolters Kluwer shed 13%, down $6 billion. Pricing power under pressure Markets are increasingly questioning whether software businesses retain scarcity value when AI can compress tasks that once justified premium pricing and long-term contracts. Green notes this represents a fundamental change in how investors assess technology risk. The assumption that digital products naturally enjoy durable pricing power is being challenged as automation strips complexity out of workflows. It is a valuation reset driven by economics. AI forces investors to examine what customers are actually paying for, and whether those services remain differentiated when intelligent systems become widely available, he said. Software sentiment is the worst ever, according to a note from Jefferies, while Anurag Rana of Bloomberg Intelligence described the sector as radioactive. The selloff extended globally. Indian IT firms were among the most recent to plummet, with Tata Consultancy Services declining by up to 6%, while Infosys decreased by 7.1%. Another factor weighing on valuations is the rapid erosion of switching costs. As AI systems improve, the friction that once locked customers into long-term software contracts weakens. Outputs become more standardised, competition intensifies and customer loyalty becomes harder to monetise. Margin compression ahead Markets are drawing a clear distinction between companies that genuinely control AI economics and those that simply integrate AI to protect existing businesses, Green said. The former can potentially expand margins, while the latter risk seeing cost savings passed directly to clients. Markets are, it seems, penalising firms that rely on legacy platforms, high headcount or process-heavy models that can be bypassed entirely. Billy Fitzsimmons, analyst at Piper Sandler, wrote in a note: Our concern is that the seat-compression and vibe coding narratives could set a ceiling on multiples. The selloff reflects a growing recognition among investors that AI compresses value chains and concentrates returns, according to Green. A small number of firms will capture disproportionate gains, he explains, while a far larger group will struggle to defend pricing power. The iShares Expanded Tech-Software Sector ETF has now fallen 29% since the start of January, the worst two-month stretch since 2008. Australian small businesses face similar pressures. According to research examining AI adoption in Australian SMEs, enterprises must move beyond experimentation to commercial viability as investors demand concrete returns on AI investments rather than theoretical potential. AI removes the insulation that once protected software margins, Green concluded. What looked like stable, recurring revenue is increasingly exposed. Investors arent waiting for earnings warnings or guidance cues. Theyre repricing now, because AI accelerates disruption faster than quarterly results can capture. The sharp falls in software stocks reflect a market recognising that margins, not innovation, are now the battleground. Keep up to date with our stories on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Australian First Nations artist and designer Grace Lillian Lee is presenting her work at the India Art Fair 2026 in New Delhi. She highlighted the deep synergies between Indigenous Australian and Indian traditions in celebrating culture through weaving and fashion. Australian High Commissioner Philip Green welcomed her participation, praising her wearable art that blends tradition with modern creation. Lee also engaged in a public conversation in Delhi, reflecting on India's vast and fascinating textile heritage. Australian First Nations artist Grace Lillian Lee presents work at India Art Fair 2026, exploring shared heritage and sustainability with Indian traditions. New Delhi, February 5 Australian First Nations artist, designer and cultural advocate Grace Lillian Lee is presenting her work in India at the India Art Fair 2026, bringing Indigenous Australian perspectives on heritage, sustainability and identity to one of South Asia's most influential art platforms. The 17th edition of the India Art Fair is being held at the NSIC Exhibition Grounds in New Delhi from February 5 to 8, 2026. The fair, regarded as the premier showcase for modern and contemporary art in South Asia, will feature 133 exhibitors, including galleries, institutions and a dedicated Design section. Speaking on the occasion, Lee, founder and chairperson of First Nations Fashion and Design (FNFD), highlighted the shared cultural values that connect Indigenous Australian and Indian traditions. "There are many synergies between our purpose and the reason why we celebrate our culture through weaving and fashion and see it as a bigger purpose to support," she said to ANI. The High Commissioner of Australia to India, Philip Green, welcomed Lee's participation at the fair, noting the significance of her work in a cross-cultural context. "We are delighted to have Grace Lillian Lee, who is an Australian artist in this year's Indian Art Fair. She has brought that tradition together with modern fabric and artistic creation from Australia to produce a wonderful set of wearable art, which is on display this week at the Indian Art Fair," he said while speaking to ANI. Lee also shared moments from her visit to India on Instagram, offering insights into a recent public conversation in New Delhi. She wrote about being "in conversation with Sanjay, the founder of Raw Mango," at his boutique, alongside High Commissioner Green. Reflecting on her experiences of India's textile and craft traditions, Lee described them as "vast, layered, and deeply fascinating," while noting a shared respect for cultural identity, heritage and storytelling. - ANI With the deadline for hearings on the draft voters' list expiring on February 7, West Bengal election officials must complete sessions for approximately 15 lakh voters in just three days. The Election Commission is operating 6,500 hearing centres and expresses confidence in meeting the schedule. The final electoral roll is scheduled for publication on February 14, after which the full Election Commission bench will visit the state. Following this assessment, the dates for the crucial Assembly elections, potentially held in a maximum of two phases, will be announced. West Bengal rushes to complete hearings for 15 lakh voters before Feb 7 deadline. Final electoral roll due Feb 14, ahead of crucial Assembly polls. Kolkata, Feb 5 With just three days left for the deadline for completion of the hearing sessions on claims and objections on the draft voters' list in West Bengal to expire, hearings for around 15 lakh voters will have to be completed in these three days to stick to the schedule. The deadline for completion of the hearing session is February 7, and the final voters' list is scheduled to be published on February 14. Going by the trend of daily hearings so far, the Election Commission of India (ECI) is confident of meeting the deadline. "Currently, 6,500 hearing centres are operating where such hearing sessions are being conducted. This means that each hearing centre will have to handle roughly around 76 hearings a day for the next three days, for the process to be completed. This is not at all a herculean task," said an insider from the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), West Bengal. This also means that the hearing sessions will be complete well before the next hearing on the SIR at the three-judge Bench of the Supreme Court on February 9. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is also expected to argue the matter in front of the three-judge Bench as she had done on Wednesday. The hearing session of the SIR exercise in West Bengal started on December 27 last year. Though the initial process was slow, later the exercise gained momentum following an increase in the number of officials at each hearing centre and also a proportionate increase in the number of hearing centres. After the publication of the final voters' list on February 14, the full Bench of the ECI will come to West Bengal to take stock of the situation. Soon after that, the dates for the crucial Assembly elections will be announced by the Commission. The CEO's office had already given a suggestion to the ECI for completing the election process in a maximum of two phases, as opposed to seven to eight phases in the last few elections in the state. It is expected that the elections will be over by the end of April, and by the first week of May, the new state Cabinet will be formed. - IANS Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan led a high-level Indian delegation to Armenia for a four-day official visit aimed at bolstering bilateral defence and strategic cooperation. He held meetings with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, Deputy Defence Minister Karen Brutyan, and other senior officials to discuss the evolving geopolitical landscape and areas of mutual security interest. The visit included the inauguration of an IT Lab and Distance Learning Centre at a military academy, highlighting India's focus on defence education and capacity building. The series of engagements underscored a shared commitment to advance collaboration across defence, high-tech industry, and regional security domains. CDS General Anil Chauhan meets Armenian PM & defence officials to strengthen strategic cooperation, inaugurate IT lab, and discuss security. Yerevan, February 5 Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan led an Indian delegation for a series of high-level engagements in Armenia, aimed at strengthening bilateral defence cooperation and advancing strategic collaboration across key security and regional domains of mutual interest. The delegation, on Wednesday, held a courtesy call with Karen Brutyan, Deputy Minister of Defence of Armenia, where the two sides underscored their commitment to deepen defence ties and explore avenues for strategic collaboration in areas of shared security concern. According to a post by the Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff on X, "General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff CDS, led the Indian delegation for a courtesy call on with Mr Karen Brutyan, Deputy Minister of Defence of the Republic of Armenia. The interaction underscored the commitment for strengthening bilateral Defence Cooperation and advancing strategic collaboration across key security and regional domains of mutual interest between both nations." Prior to their meeting with the Deputy Defence Minister, General Chauhan and the Indian delegation met with Armenia's Minister of High-Tech Industry, Mkhitar Hayrapetyan, to highlight potential avenues for cooperation in technology and defence-related innovation. The CDS also met with the Prime Minister of Armenia, Nikol Pashinyan and exchanged views on the evolving geopolitical landscape and prevailing security environment. The discussions explored emerging opportunities for bilateral collaboration and ways to further strengthen defence and strategic ties. "General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff CDS, accompanied by the Indian Delegation, interacted with His Excellency Mr Nikol Pashinyan, Prime Minister of Republic of Armenia, exchanging views on the evolving Geopolitical Landscape and prevailing Security Environment. The discussions also highlighted emerging opportunities for collaboration and avenues to further strengthen Bilateral Defence and Strategic Cooperation," the Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff stated in a separate post on X. Additionally, General Chauhan interacted with Robert Abisoghomonyan, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, to discuss security issues and other bilateral matters of mutual interest. During the visit, the CDS inaugurated an IT Lab and Distance Learning Centre at the Vazgen Sargsyan Military Academy of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Armenia in Yerevan, further emphasising India's commitment to defence education and capacity-building initiatives in the country. On Monday, General Chauhan received a Guard of Honour and a ceremonial welcome from the Armenian Armed Forces during his official visit to Yerevan. During the visit, General Chauhan also paid tributes and laid a wreath at the Armenian Genocide Memorial and Museum, which commemorates the memory of 1.5 million Armenians who lost their lives in the genocide. The Indian defence delegation, led by CDS Chauhan, arrived in Armenia on Sunday for a four-day official visit, marking another step in strengthening bilateral defence ties between India and Armenia. - ANI The Supreme Court has ruled that Dearness Allowance for West Bengal government employees is a legally enforceable right under statutory pay rules. It directed the state government to pay arrears for the period between 2008 and 2019, rejecting the argument that financial constraints could justify denial. The court constituted a high-level committee, chaired by former Justice Indu Malhotra, to determine the total payable amount and fix a phased payment schedule by March 2026. However, the court partly allowed the state's appeal by holding that employees were not entitled to receive DA twice a year merely because the Central government followed that pattern. Supreme Court directs West Bengal govt to pay DA arrears from 2008-19, calls it a legally enforceable right. Committee formed for payment schedule. New Delhi, Feb 5 The Supreme Court on Thursday held that West Bengal government employees are entitled to Dearness Allowance as a legally enforceable right under the statutory pay rules and directed the state government to pay arrears for the period between 2008 and 2019. While constituting a high-level committee to finalise a binding payment schedule, a Bench of Justices Sanjay Karol and Prashant Kumar Mishra partly upheld the 2022 Calcutta High Court judgment, which had ruled in favour of state government employees and directed payment of DA at par with Central government employees. Pronouncing the verdict on appeals filed by the West Bengal government, the Apex Court held that once DA is defined in the West Bengal Services (Revision of Pay and Allowances) Rules, 2009 (ROPA) by linking it to the All-India Consumer Price Index (AICPI), the state government could not alter the manner of its calculation through subsequent office memoranda. "To receive a Dearness Allowance is a legally enforceable fact that has accrued in favour of the employees of the State of West Bengal," the Justice Karol-led Bench observed, adding that the AICPI, as incorporated in the ROPA Rules, was the standard to be followed for determining DA. However, the Top Court partly allowed the state government's appeals by holding that employees were not entitled to receive DA twice a year merely because the Central government followed such a pattern. Rejecting the argument that the state government's financial constraints could justify the denial of DA, the Supreme Court held that fiscal policy could not override accrued legal rights. "Once there is a right which is conferred upon a person, then fiscal policy cannot come in the way of the disbursement of such rights," the Justice Karol-led Bench said. The Apex Court directed that employees would be entitled to arrears of DA from 2008 to 2019 and clarified that any amount paid pursuant to interim orders or the present judgment would not be recovered, even if there was a subsequent change in law. It further constituted a committee to monitor the implementation of its directions and to balance employees' statutory rights with the state government's financial autonomy. The committee will be chaired by former Supreme Court judge Justice Indu Malhotra and will include former Jharkhand High Court Chief Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan, former judge Gautam Bhiduri, and the Comptroller and Auditor General of India or a senior officer nominated by the CAG. The committee has been tasked with determining the total amount payable and fixing a phased payment schedule in consultation with the state government. The Apex ourt directed that the exercise be completed by March 6, 2026, with the first instalment to be released by March 31, 2026. The Supreme Court further directed the West Bengal government to extend full logistical support to the committee and bear all related expenses. The committee will submit a final status report after payment of the first instalment, detailing the payment schedule and the status of compliance. - IANS Several areas still in 'very poor' category Delhi's air quality showed a marginal improvement on Thursday morning, with the overall AQI recorded at 275, placing it in the 'poor' category. However, several key areas including Anand Vihar, Dwarka, and RK Puram remained in the 'very poor' category. The India Meteorological Department had issued a yellow alert, warning of thunderstorms and gusty winds which could affect air quality. Despite light rain in some parts, a layer of smog continued to linger over the capital. Delhi's air quality marginally improved to an AQI of 275 but stays 'poor'. Several areas like Anand Vihar recorded 'very poor' levels as smog persists. New Delhi, February 5 The national capital saw a little improvement in air quality on Thursday morning, with the overall Air Quality Index at around 7 am recorded at 275. However, it remained in the 'poor' category, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board. Air quality improved compared to Wednesday, when the AQI was over 312. Despite this improvement, a thin layer of smog persists in parts of the city, and overall air quality remains poor. According to CPCB data, several areas in the capital recorded the 'very poor' air quality, including Anand Vihar (332), Bawana (306), Ashok Vihar (320), Dwarka Sector 8 (328), RK Puram (314), Rohini (322) and Patparganj (307). However, some areas of the city had better air quality than others. For instance, Aya Nagar recorded an AQI of 214, Chandni Chowk (218), and Sonia Vihar (299) experienced improved air quality, though the levels still fell within the 'poor' category. Further, DTU also recorded poor air quality, with an AQI of 264. Mandir Marg (214), Najafgarh (258), and CRRI Mathura Road (226) also recorded similar results, entering the 'poor' category. Nerala recorded an air quality index of 195, placing it in the 'moderate' category, according to CPCB data. As per AQI classification, a reading between 0 and 50 is 'good', 51 to 100 'satisfactory', 101 to 200 'moderate', 201 to 300 'poor', 301 to 400 'very poor' and 401 to 500 'severe'. Earlier on Tuesday, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a yellow alert for the national capital, warning that isolated areas may experience thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds of 30-40 kmph. Similar conditions are expected across neighbouring Haryana and Chandigarh. The IMD stated that the rainfall signalled the beginning of an active weather phase, with thunderstorms, lightning, gusty winds, and hail likely to affect several states during the day. Light rain lashed several parts of the city and adjoining NCR areas in the early morning hours. - ANI External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington DC, conducting a detailed review of bilateral cooperation and discussing global diplomatic agendas including the Indo-Pacific, West Asia, and Ukraine. Jaishankar participated in the Critical Minerals Ministerial, where he underlined India's support for the newly launched FORGE initiative, a successor to the Mineral Security Partnership. He warned that excessive concentration in critical mineral supply chains poses a major global risk, advocating for structured international cooperation to de-risk them. India's engagement marks a shift toward industrial execution, highlighted by plans for rare earth corridors in its national budget. EAM S Jaishankar meets US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, reviews bilateral ties, discusses Indo-Pacific, Ukraine, and supports FORGE initiative on critical minerals. By Reena Bhardwaj, Washington DC, February 5 External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, who is in the US as part of the Critical Minerals Ministerial hosted by the US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, says that the two side also reviewed their bilateral cooperation during his meetings with the US Secretary. The EAM said that topics such as the Indo-Pacific, West Asia, and Ukraine were discussed. "We did a fairly detailed review of our bilateral cooperation. It's natural when foreign ministers meet that you discuss the diplomatic agenda. Also, the calendar - what do we expect each one of us to do this year together, so a lot of our discussion was devoted to that, the bilateral side. But again, foreign ministers meet, and we talk about our business: the Indo-Pacific, what is happening in West Asia, the Middle East, Gaza, and the Ukraine conflict. There was a kind of global review of what was happening in the Western Hemisphere. In a sense, we discussed the world, we discussed our relationship, and it was a very open sort of forthcoming conversation," he said At the Critical Minerals meet, the EAM underlined India's support for the FORGE (Forum on Resource, Geostrategic Engagement) initiative. "I am here to attend the Critical Minerals Ministerial, which was convened by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and a number of countries, nearly 50 countries were here. The meeting is going on today, and it was the principal reason. The discussion was very good. Critical minerals are a very important subject; the US has been a partner for some years. Today, they have launched a new edition - FORGE, which we have supported. It is a successor to the Mineral Security Partnership. To me, it was a productive and outcome-oriented meeting," he said. Earlier during his address to the ministerial, the EAM said that "excessive concentration" in critical mineral supply chains poses a major global risk and called for structured international cooperation to "de-risk" them, as India deepens engagement with the US-led framework on strategic minerals. Jaishankar's remarks come as India's engagement in the US-led critical minerals dialogue marks a decisive shift from strategic intent to industrial execution. The announcement of dedicated rare earth corridors in India's 2026 Budget is a particularly important signal, as it reflects a move beyond resource security toward building domestic processing, separation, magnet manufacturing, and downstream capabilities. - ANI External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar confirmed that the detailing of negotiations for a India-US trade deal is currently underway, following a conversation between the Prime Minister and the US President. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, who is in direct engagement with the US Trade Representative, will detail the formal announcement timelines. Goyal informed Parliament that several areas of the bilateral agreement have been finalized after nearly a year of negotiations, aiming to protect sensitive sectors in both economies. Jaishankar also participated in a Critical Minerals meeting in Washington, supporting a new US initiative called FORGE to de-risk global supply chains. EAM Jaishankar states detailing of India-US trade deal is underway. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal to announce timelines after talks with US Trade Representative. Washington DC, February 5 External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday attended the Critical Minerals meeting hosted by the US State Department. As part of his visit to the US, the EAM also met with the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The EAM's visit coincides with the agreement between two of the World's largest democracies on a trade deal. The Minister says that a detailed account of the negotiations is now underway. The two sides are expected to issue a joint statement on the exact tenets of the deal soon. Speaking to ANI on the sidelines of the Critical Minerals meet in Washington DC EAM Jaishankar said, "It was not with me, because that is being handled by Commerce and Industries Minister Piyush Goyal (the negotiations on the trade deal). The Prime Minister and the US President had a conversation; some announcements came out of it. Thereafter, a detailing of the trade negotiations is underway as we speak." The EAM further elaborated that Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal would detail the timelines on the formal announcement of the deal. "It is hard for me to say, and the Commerce Minister would know it better, because he is in direct engagement with the US Trade Representative," he said. Earlier, speaking in Parliament, Piyush Goyal highlighted that both countries have finalised several areas of a bilateral trade agreement following intensive negotiations. Goyal informed the House that both sides will now work to complete technical processes and finalise paperwork to expeditiously unlock the potential of the deal. He described the framework as a landmark step in strengthening bilateral relations and advancing the vision of a developed India by 2047. He added that the 18 per cent rate announced by US President Donald Trump is lower than tariffs imposed on several competing countries, which enhances India's export competitiveness. In the statement delivered to the House, Goyal noted that the negotiating teams for both nations engaged over the last year to conclude a balanced and mutually beneficial agreement. He stated that the discussions aimed to safeguard critical and sensitive sectors in their respective economies. The Minister emphasised that the interests of India's agriculture and dairy sectors remain protected under the new framework. "The US side, too, had areas that were sensitive from its point of view. Following a nearly year-long discussion spread over many rounds, the two negotiating teams were able to narrow their differences significantly and finalise several areas of the bilateral trade agreement," Goyal said. Meanwhile, in the US, the EAM also underlined the importance of the Critical Minerals ministerial meet that he was part of. "It was a very good discussion. Critical minerals are a very important subject. The US has been partnering up for some years. Today, they launched a new initiative called FORGE, which we have supported. It's a kind of successor to the Mineral Security Partnership. Overall, to me, it was a good meeting, very productive, very outcome-oriented, and very businesslike, and that was the core reason I came," he said. In his address to the minesterial Jaishankar said that "excessive concentration" in critical mineral supply chains poses a major global risk and called for structured international cooperation to "de-risk" them, as India deepens engagement with the US-led framework on strategic minerals. - ANI External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held bilateral meetings with his Canadian and Peruvian counterparts on the sidelines of the Critical Minerals Ministerial in Washington DC. He emphasized the need for structured international cooperation to de-risk global critical mineral supply chains, highlighting India's own initiatives like the National Critical Minerals Mission. The ministerial, convening over 50 countries, aims to diversify supply chains for elements like lithium and cobalt, reducing overreliance on China. The meetings precede a planned visit to India by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in March, where deals on minerals and energy are expected. EAM Jaishankar meets Canadian FM Anita Anand, Peruvian FM Hugo de Zela in Washington. Discusses advancing bilateral ties & de-risking global critical mineral supply chains. Washington, DC, February 5 External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held a series of bilateral meetings with key counterparts, including Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand and Peruvian Foreign Minister Hugo de Zela, on the sidelines of the Critical Minerals Ministerial in Washington. In a post on X, EAM Jaishankar said he felt "great" to meet his Canadian counterpart and discuss advancing bilateral cooperation between the two nations. "Great to see FM Anita Anand of Canada today. Talked about taking our ties forward," the EAM stated in his post. He also met with Foreign Minister Hugo de Zela of Peru, noting that both sides agreed to deepen cooperation. "With Foreign Minister Hugo de Zela of Peru. Agreed to deepen our cooperation," Jaishankar wrote in a separate post on X. His meetings come amid the Critical Minerals Ministerial in Washington DC on Wednesday, during which the EAM called for structured international cooperation to "de-risk" critical mineral supply chains, noting that "excessive concentration" poses a major global risk. In another post on X, Jaishankar said, "Spoke at the Critical Minerals Ministerial in Washington DC today. Underlined challenges of excessive concentration and the importance of de-risking supply chains through structured international cooperation. Highlighted India's efforts towards greater resilience through initiatives including National Critical Minerals Mission, Rare Earth Corridors and responsible commerce. Conveyed India's support to the FORGE initiative on critical minerals." Ahead of the ministerial, Jaishankar shared photos of his meetings with the Netherlands FM David van Weel, Italian FM Antonio Tajani, Mohamad Haji Hasan of Malaysia, Bahrain FM Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani and FM Battsetseg Batmunkh of Mongolia, among others. The event, convened by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, brought together delegations from over 50 countries, and the European Union is being viewed as a landmark moment in global supply chain diplomacy. A primary goal of the ministerial is to diversify supply chains for rare earth elements and critical minerals, such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel, to reduce global overreliance on China, which currently dominates processing and mining. Meanwhile, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is set to visit India in the first week of March, and his visit is likely to see the signing of deals on uranium, energy, minerals, and Artificial Intelligence. Sources in the Ministry of External Affairs said there would also be a key focus on trade during PM Carney's visit. - ANI India's Ministry of External Affairs has firmly rejected former US President Donald Trump's claim that India agreed to halt purchases of Russian oil. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that ensuring energy security for India's 1.4 billion people is the government's "supreme priority," guided by national interest and a strategy of diversification. The clarification comes despite the confirmation of a new India-US trade deal, which did not include any statement on stopping Russian imports. Russian officials also expressed confidence that India would not reconsider its beneficial energy cooperation with Moscow. India's MEA rejects Trump's claim that India will halt Russian oil imports, stating energy security for 1.4 billion people remains the "supreme priority." New Delhi, February 5 Amid US President Donald Trump's claim that India has agreed to halt purchases of Russian oil, the Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday reiterated that ensuring energy security for its 1.4 billion people remains the top priority for the Government of India, especially amid evolving global energy dynamics. Addressing a press conference in the national capital, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India's energy decisions are guided by national interest. "In so far as India's energy security or sourcing is confirmed, the government has publicly on several occasions, including me here, stated that ensuring the energy security of 1.4 billion is the supreme priority of the government," Jaiswal said. He further outlined the government's strategy, adding, "Diversifying our energy sourcing in keeping with objective market conditions and evolving international dynamics is at the core of our strategy to ensure this. All of India's decisions are taken and will be taken with this in mind." Trump made the remarks following the announcement of the India-US trade deal, claiming that New Delhi would stop buying Russian oil and shift toward increased purchases from the United States and Venezuela. "We spoke about many this including Trade, and ending the War with Russia and Ukraine agreed to stop buying Russian Oil, and to buy much more fr the United States and, potentially, Venezuela. This will help THE WAR in Ukraine, which is taking place right now, with thousands of people dying each and every week!" Trump wrote on his Truth Social post earlier this week. The trade deal was later confirmed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, though no statement was made regarding stopping Russian oil imports. Responding to questions on Venezuela, Jaiswal said India remains open to sourcing oil based on commercial considerations. "India's stand is clear. We have long-standing partnership with Venezuela. And we remain open to buying oil from Venezuela or other places depending on its commercial viability," he said. The bilateral trade agreement between India and the United States was announced on Monday, with tariffs on Indian goods reduced from 50 per cent to 18 per cent. In a press conference on Tuesday, Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said the final agreement is in its last stages, a view echoed by US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, who stated the deal is "still being papered." A joint statement outlining the details is expected later. Meanwhile, Russia also weighed in on the developments. Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Vladimirovna Zakharova said there was no reason to believe India would reconsider its energy cooperation with Russia. "No reason to believe India has reconsidered its approach to energy cooperation with Russia," Zakharova said, adding, "The trade in resources is beneficial for both sides and contributes to maintaining stability in the international energy market." Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov also said, "We, along with all other international energy experts, are well aware that Russia is not the only supplier of oil and petroleum products to India. India has always purchased these products from other countries. Therefore, we see nothing new here." Separately, Goyal reiterated the government's position, saying, "wish to clarify once again, as the government has stated publicly on several occasions, that ensuring the energy security of 1.4 billion Indians is the supreme priority of the government. Diversifying our energy sourcing in keeping with objective market conditions and evolving international dynamics is at the core of our strategy to ensure this. All of India's actions are taken with this in mind. I would therefore urge the honourable members to consider these issues in their proper perspective." These remarks come as External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is in the United States for the Critical Minerals Ministerial hosted by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Jaishankar said the two sides reviewed bilateral cooperation during his meetings, with discussions also covering the Indo-Pacific, West Asia and Ukraine. "We did a fairly detailed review of our bilateral cooperation. It's natural when foreign ministers meet that you discuss the diplomatic agenda. Also, the calendar - what do we expect each one of us to do this year together, so a lot of our discussion was devoted to that, the bilateral side. But again, foreign ministers meet, and we talk about our business: the Indo-Pacific, what is happening in West Asia, the Middle East, Gaza, and the Ukraine conflict. There was a kind of global review of what was happening in the Western Hemisphere. In a sense, we discussed the world, we discussed our relationship, and it was a very open sort of forthcoming conversation," he said. At the Critical Minerals meeting, the EAM underlined India's support for the FORGE (Forum on Resource, Geostrategic Engagement) initiative. - ANI At least 15 migrants died after their speedboat collided with a Greek coast guard patrol vessel and sank near the island of Chios. Rescue operations saved 25 survivors, including 11 children, while two coast guard officers were injured. The incident underscores the extreme dangers of Mediterranean migrant crossings, which have claimed thousands of lives. Investigations are ongoing into the circumstances of the collision as the tragedy renews focus on Europe's migration policies. At least 15 migrants died after a speedboat collided with a Greek coast guard vessel off Chios. Rescue operations saved 25, including 11 children. Athens, February 6 At least 15 migrants were killed late Tuesday night after a speedboat carrying undocumented migrants collided with a Greek coast guard patrol vessel and sank in the Aegean Sea off the eastern Greek island of Chios, authorities said, in one of the deadliest maritime incidents involving migrants in the region in recent years, reported CNN. The Hellenic Coast Guard said the collision happened as a patrol boat detected the migrant-filled speedboat heading toward the coast near Mersinidi, several miles from the Turkish shore. According to the official statement, "one of its patrol boats spotted a dinghy travelling toward Chios late Tuesday without navigation lights" and issued sound and visual signals for it to stop. The coast guard added that instead of complying, the smaller vessel reversed course and "collided with the starboard side of the Coast Guard patrol boat," causing the overloaded boat to capsize and sink. Rescue efforts were immediately launched. Multiple patrol boats, an air force helicopter and civilian divers joined the search and rescue operation into the early hours of Wednesday morning, authorities said. At least 25 surviving migrants were pulled from the water and taken to hospitals on Chios, including 11 children, officials reported. Two coast guard officers who were injured in the incident were also treated, reported CNN. The coast guard confirmed that the bodies of 14 people, 11 men and three women, were recovered from the sea, while another woman later died in hospital, bringing the confirmed death toll to 15. Some of the rescued survivors were reported to be in serious condition, while the total number of people aboard the speedboat remains unclear as the search continues for potentially missing individuals. Medical authorities on Chios said emergency responders were on high alert given the sudden influx of injured migrants. Michalis Giannakos, head of Greece's public hospital workers' union, told Greek television that several of the injured required immediate surgery and that local hospitals were operating under significant strain to treat them, reported CNN. The tragedy has once again highlighted the perilous nature of Mediterranean migrant crossings. Greece remains a key entry point for people fleeing war, poverty and persecution in the Middle East, Africa and Asia, routes that have claimed thousands of lives over the past decade. The International Organization for Migration has previously described the Mediterranean as one of the deadliest migration corridors in the world, with tens of thousands of migrants dying or going missing at sea since 2014. Greek officials noted that increased patrols and stricter border measures, aimed at curbing illegal crossings, have been in effect for months. However, critics say such policies have shifted smuggling routes and may contribute to riskier voyages. Investigations into the precise circumstances of the collision are under way, and authorities have yet to clarify whether the speedboat's maneuver was intentional or a chaotic response to being intercepted. As search and rescue operations continue, the incident has put renewed attention on Europe's migration policies and the ongoing humanitarian challenges facing those who attempt the treacherous sea passage to seek safety and a better life. - ANI Despite 89% confidence in spotting fakes, Australians correctly identify AI-generated scams only 42% of the time Whats happening: Australian businesses can now access specialist insurance coverage addressing deepfake fraud, as new research reveals only 42% accuracy in detecting AI-generated scams. Why this matters: Nearly nine in ten Australians are confident they can spot an AI-generated scam, but new research from CommBank shows they are only able to correctly distinguish between real and AI-generated images 42% of the time. Australian businesses now face a deepfake detection crisis, with new research revealing most people cannot identify AI-generated fraud even when they believe they can. Australians are only able to correctly distinguish between real and AI-generated images 42% of the time, which is below the chance of a random guess, according to research from Commonwealth Bank involving 1,988 respondents nationally. The findings expose a dangerous gap between confidence and capability. Nearly nine in ten Australians (89%) are confident to some extent they can spot an AI-generated scam, yet their actual detection rate falls well below random guessing. Trust exploited The technology works because it targets fundamental human instincts, according to Professor Monica Whitty, Professor of Human Factors in Cyber Security at Monash University. Humans tend to trust faces, voices and familiar people. Deepfakes take advantage of that instinct, Professor Whitty said. Less than half of Australians (42%) are familiar with AI-enhanced scams, despite deepfakes exploding across social media platforms, websites, messaging apps, and telecommunication channels. The attacks have accelerated rapidly. Around one in four (27%) Australians say they had witnessed a deepfake scam in the past year, with investment scams representing 59% of incidents, business email compromise 40%, and relationship scams 38%. For small businesses, the exposure is particularly acute. Around four in ten (41%) small business owners are familiar with deepfake scams, yet small businesses reported that half of all deepfake scam attempts (50%) arrived by email. Detection fails Age provides little protection against the technology. Australians aged over 65 are only 6% less accurate than those younger than them, showing that deepfakes can fool people of all ages. The sophistication continues to advance. More than 50% of fraud cases in Australia now involve AI and deepfakes, with Australians reporting about $119 million in scam-related losses in the first four months of 2025 alone. The findings reveal a growing gap between confidence and reality, and that gap is exactly what scammers are looking to exploit as they increasingly turn to AI to target everyday Australians and small businesses, said James Roberts, General Manager of Group Fraud at CommBank. The human factor compounds the vulnerability. Only one in five (20%) Australians say they have set up a safe word with their loved ones to confirm its really them, despite nearly three-quarters of Australians (74%) agreeing that they should. Professor Whitty noted that many Australians dont talk openly about deepfake scams, with only a third discussing AI-generated scams with their relatives or friends. Coverage arrives Against this backdrop, specialist insurance protection addressing deepfake attacks has become available for Australian businesses through providers like upcover, which recently launched Coalitions Deepfake Response Endorsement for eligible cyber insurance policies. The coverage includes deepfake forensic analysis, legal support to remove fraudulent content from online platforms, and crisis communications assistance. Weve already seen this with larger organisations, but a convincing deepfake of a founder or CEO can wipe out trust with customers, investors or staff overnight, said Anish Sinha, COO and cofounder of upcover. The timing reflects a wider insurance gap. The Insurance Council of Australia states that 20% of Australian SMEs and 35 to 70% of larger businesses have standalone cyber insurance. Deepfakes are the new frontier; they target trust, the most valuable asset that any business has, said Connor McKay, Head of Business Development, Australia, at Coalition. Protection steps Roberts emphasised that fundamental security practices remain effective even as technology evolves. The good news is that the steps that keep people safe dont need to evolve at the same speed as the technology does. Deepfakes might be new, but the same tried and tested habits remain your best defence, even against AI-powered scams, Roberts said. For businesses implementing protection measures, cybersecurity experts recommend never relying solely on audio or visual cues for authentication. Instead, require secondary verification for financial transactions, such as callback confirmations or digital signatures. Organisations should develop a robust cybersecurity culture and encourage employees to create their own cybersecurity hygiene and function as human firewalls throughout all of their business activities, including work from home arrangements, according to guidance from KPMG. Security frameworks should replace implicit trust with continuous validation by implementing a zero trust model, multifactor authentication, behavioural biometrics, single sign on, password management, and privileged access management. Verification protocols should extend beyond technology. Only 55% of small businesses had cross-checked supplier payment details in the last six months, despite email remaining the primary delivery method for deepfake attempts. Train employees to confirm requests for wire transfers via direct phone calls using pre-established numbers. Establish a family password or secret question to help confirm if an urgent request from supposed relatives is real, whilst at work, take the step to confirm unusual executive requests by calling the person directly using their known contact information. Security awareness training should include practical detection techniques. Listen for longer than usual pauses between words and sentences when verifying audio, as the persons voice may also sound flat and emotionless. For video calls, watch out for unnatural eye movements, patchy skin tones, odd lighting, awkward postures or body movements and poor lip syncing. Scammers are using AI to create fake investment videos, deepfake celebrities, and even voice and text clones of loved ones, senior executives and government officials. Talking openly about this technology is one of the easiest ways to help stay ahead of it, Roberts added. Keep up to date with our stories on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has lauded the landmark India-US trade agreement as a testament to 'New India's' strength and a catalyst for new opportunities. He emphasized that the deal, featuring an 18% reduction in US tariffs on Indian products, will significantly boost manufacturing, MSMEs, and job creation. Patel highlighted that Gujarat's key sectors like textiles, pharmaceuticals, and gems will see major export benefits from this pact. The CM credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership for the agreement, which he said embodies global welfare and strengthens India's economic presence worldwide. Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel praises the new India-US trade agreement, citing tariff cuts, export boosts for MSMEs, and strengthened 'Make in India' under PM Modi. Gandhinagar, February 5 Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel praised the new India-US trade deal as a sign of "New India's" strength and a move that will create new opportunities for citizens of both nations. CM Bhupendra Patel said that the trade deal between India and the United States, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is an introduction to the world of New India's power. This deal is not limited to a single industry; it benefits the citizens of the two largest economies and creates new opportunities. "When the two largest democracies of the world move forward together, the spirit of world welfare is truly embodied. In that regard, this trade deal marks the beginning of a new chapter in bilateral relations between India and America. As a result of this deal, the vision given by the Prime Minister of Make in India, Made for the World, will get more strength," said CM Patel. The Gujarat CM also said that the 18 per cent reduction in US tariffs on Made in India products is a significant boost for manufacturing, MSMEs, exporters and job creation. New doors will open for entrepreneurs and startups to wider markets around the world. Gujarat is a manufacturing hub and a leader in sectors such as textiles, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, petroleum, and gems and jewellery. "This historic agreement between India and the US will boost exports of products from these sectors. In addition, Gujarat's manufacturing, trade, and industry sectors, including MSMEs, will directly benefit. This agreement will increase India's global economic presence," added CM Bhupendra Patel. The CM further stated, praising PM Modi, that under the decisive leadership and citizen-centric diplomacy of Prime Minister Narendrabhai Modi, India-US relations will also contribute to global peace and prosperity. CM Patel said, "On behalf of all the citizens of Gujarat, I congratulate the Prime Minister on this historic bilateral trade agreement". - ANI A high-level Indian delegation, led by Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat and Deputy CM Harsh Sanghavi, delivered sacred Buddhist relics to Sri Lanka for public exposition. The event fulfills a commitment made during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Sri Lanka in April 2025. Both PM Modi and Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake exchanged messages of gratitude, highlighting the deep civilizational bonds between the nations. The exposition aims to promote shared cultural and spiritual heritage. Gujarat Governor leads delegation as sacred Devnimori relics arrive in Colombo, fulfilling a promise by PM Modi to Sri Lanka's President. Colombo, February 5 Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat and Gujarat Deputy CM Harsh Sanghavi held talks with Sri Lankan Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Hiniduma Sunil Senevi. They talked about deepening cultural cooperation. "Gujarat Governor Shri @ADevvrat and Gujarat Deputy CM Shri @sanghaviharsh met Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious & Cultural Affairs, Hon. Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi at @ParliamentLK today. Exchanged views on deepening regional cultural cooperation and promoting shared Buddhist heritage," the official handle of the High Commission of India in Sri Lanka posted on X. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep gratitude to Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake for inaugurating the Exposition of the Holy Devnimori Relics at the sacred Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo. Sharing his thoughts on X, PM Modi wrote, "Gratitude to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake for inaugurating the Exposition of the Holy Devnimori Relics at the sacred Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo. During my visit in April 2025, it was decided these relics will come to Sri Lanka, thus giving the opportunity for the people to pay their respects. Our nations are connected by deep civilisational and spiritual bonds. May Lord Buddha's timeless message of compassion, peace and harmony continue to guide humanity." The initiative stems from a commitment made during Prime Minister Modi's visit to Sri Lanka in April 2025, when both leaders agreed to bring the sacred relics from India for public veneration. In response, Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake expressed heartfelt appreciation to PM Modi and the Government of India for fulfilling that promise. In a post on X on Wednesday, President Dissanayake stated, "Respectfully welcome the Sacred Relics of the Buddha to Sri Lanka today for public veneration until the 11th at Hunupitiya Gangaramaya Temple. I deeply appreciate PM Narendra Modi and the Government of India for honouring their promise and enabling this sacred exposition." The holy relics arrived in Sri Lanka on Wednesday morning for the first-ever international exposition. A high-level Indian delegation, led by the Governor of Gujarat and Maharashtra Acharya Devvrat and Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, personally carried the relics to the aircraft for departure from India. - ANI Bharat Taxi, India's first cooperative cab service, has been officially launched, offering a new model designed to protect drivers' earnings and ensure fair pricing for passengers. The platform, inaugurated by Union Minister Amit Shah, operates on the principle "Sarathi Hi Malik," allowing drivers to retain full fares without paying commissions. It began pilot operations in December, registering over 300,000 drivers and completing about 10,000 daily rides. Supported by major cooperative organizations, the service aims to provide an equitable indigenous alternative to private ride-hailing apps across the country. Bharat Taxi, a cooperative ride-hailing platform, launches to empower drivers with full fares and offer passengers fair, transparent pricing nationwide. Gandhinagar, Feb 5 India's first cooperative cab service, Bharat Taxi, was officially launched today, offering a new model of ride-hailing designed to protect drivers' interests and ensure fair pricing for passengers. Gujarat Government Spokesperson Jitu Vaghani described the initiative as historic and congratulated all involved in making the service a reality. Speaking on the launch, Vaghani said: "The launch of Bharat Taxi is a historic event for the country. This service will serve as a milestone in realising the vision of 'Sahkar thi Samruddhi' - prosperity through cooperation - envisaged by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Cooperation Minister Amit Shah." He highlighted that the cab sector has largely been dominated by private companies, where drivers often have to pay high commissions, reducing their earnings. "Here, the cooperative model safeguards drivers' interests and strengthens their financial position," he said. Vaghani added: "This is the world's first and largest cooperative-based ride-hailing platform. It is beneficial not only for drivers but also for passengers. There will be no hidden charges or excessive fares, and technology will ensure passenger safety." Union Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the service in New Delhi. At the event, he emphasised the cooperative principle: "Sarathi Hi Malik - the driver is the owner. This model empowers drivers and allows them to retain the full fare without paying commissions to intermediaries. Bharat Taxi will be rolled out across the country, from Kashmir to Kanyakumari and Dwarka to Kamakhya." Bharat Taxi began pilot operations on December 2 last year in Delhi-NCR and Gujarat, registering more than 300,000 drivers and over 100,000 users. During the pilot phase, approximately 10,000 rides were completed daily, and Rs 10 crore was directly distributed to drivers. Six top-performing drivers, called "Sarathis," received share certificates, with insurance coverage for personal accidents and family health included. Vaghani said the initiative represents a revolutionary step for cooperative ventures in transport. "Gujarat has always led cooperative activities. After successful models like Amul and IFFCO, Bharat Taxi now extends cooperative principles to the mobility sector," he said. Officials noted that the platform allows bookings for cars, two-wheelers and three-wheelers. The cooperative structure is supported by eight major cooperative organisations and includes programmes to increase women's participation, such as the "Bike Didi" initiative. The launch of Bharat Taxi is seen as a major move to provide equitable opportunities for drivers, fair pricing for passengers and an indigenous alternative to private ride-hailing platforms. - IANS Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) has announced that five LCA Mk1A fighter jets are fully ready for delivery to the Indian Air Force. An additional nine aircraft have already been built and test-flown, awaiting engines from GE to become delivery-ready. The IAF plans to conduct a detailed review of the project in May 2024 before deciding on the acceptance and timeline for deliveries. The delivery of the 180 ordered aircraft has been delayed, partly due to supply chain issues and the IAF's requirement for fully operational configurations. HAL confirms five LCA Mk1A jets are delivery-ready, with nine more built. The IAF will review the project in May before accepting deliveries. New Delhi, February 5 Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd on Thursday confirmed that five LCA Mk1a fighter jets are fully ready and an additional nine aircraft have already been built and flown. The company, in a statement, assured that it will meet the guidance projected for the current Financial Year. "HAL confirms that five aircraft are fully ready for delivery, incorporating major contracted capabilities in accordance with the agreed specifications. An additional nine aircraft have already been built and flown. Upon receipt of engines from GE, these aircraft will be made ready for delivery," the public sector aerospace and defence company said. HAL said that they are in active discussions with the Indian Air Force to deliver the aircraft at the earliest "HAL has received five engines from GE as on date. The supply position from GE is positive, and the future delivery outlook aligns with HAL's delivery plans. HAL assures that it will meet the guidance projected for the current Financial Year." They said in a statement. Meanwhile, the Indian Air Force will review the LCA Mark 1A combat aircraft project in May this year before deciding on the acceptance of delivery of these planes, of which 180 have been ordered by the force. The project was discussed in detail in December last year. Since most aircraft projects are expected to be completed in April 2026, the Indian Air Force will review the project in detail again in May. The delivery timeline would be decided only after that, defence sources told ANI. The Indian Air Force has ordered 180 of these aircraft in two tranches, but deliveries have been delayed. The planes were likely to be delivered last year, but the Indian Air Force has insisted that HAL provide the aircraft in a fully operational configuration. HAL conducted the first flight of the first Tejas Mk1A prototype from its Nashik facility on October 17. The deliveries of the aircraft were supposed to be done almost a year ago, but supply chain issues faced by the engine have pushed them back for some time. - ANI Union Home Minister Amit Shah has begun a crucial three-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir to assess the security situation and development progress. His itinerary includes a visit to the international border in Kathua to inspect BSF anti-infiltration equipment and a high-level security review meeting in Jammu. The Home Minister will also launch various developmental projects during his time in Srinagar. This visit marks his second high-level security review for the region in less than a month. Home Minister Amit Shah starts a 3-day J&K visit for security review, border inspection, and launching developmental projects. Key meetings scheduled. Srinagar, Feb 5 Union Home Minister Amit Shah is set to begin an important three-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday. The purpose of his visit is to conduct a thorough security review, assess development projects, and engage with political stakeholders. During this visit, he is expected to hold high-level meetings with security agencies and administrative officials to evaluate the overall law and order situation, as well as the progress of ongoing governance and infrastructure initiatives. "Union Home Minister will reach Jammu in the evening on February 5. He will meet political leaders at the Lok Bhawan the same evening. In the morning on February 6, the Union Home Minister will visit the international border in the Hiranagar sector of Kathua district," said officials here. During his visit to the international border, the Union Home Minister will inspect the latest equipment installed by the Border Security Force (BSF) to prevent infiltration. "In the afternoon of February 6, he will chair a high-level security review meeting in Jammu. J&K Lt Governor Manoj Sinha, senior officials of MHA, IB, chiefs of CAPFs, senior officers of J&K's civil administration, police and intelligence agencies will attend the security review meeting," the officials said. On the morning of February 7, he will leave for Srinagar, where he is scheduled to launch various developmental projects. In the afternoon, he will leave from Srinagar for Chhattisgarh, official sources said. In less than one month, Amit Shah will be reviewing J&K security for the second time at the highest level. Earlier, on January 8, he chaired a high-level security review meeting on J&K in New Delhi. His review of the security situation was followed by the visit of the Union Home Secretary, Gobind Mohan, the Intelligence Bureau (IB) chief Tapan Deka, chiefs of CAPFs and other agencies to Jammu on January 14 and 15. - IANS Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Malaysia, the Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that the extradition of fugitive preacher Zakir Naik will be discussed during the trip. MEA Secretary P Kumaran expressed hope for a desired outcome, noting the issue has been raised at various levels in the past. The visit will also focus on reviewing the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and enhancing bilateral trade. Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim had previously stated his country would not condone terrorism if sufficient evidence is presented. MEA official expresses hope for desired outcome on Zakir Naik's extradition as PM Modi visits Malaysia to discuss bilateral ties and trade. New Delhi, February 5 Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Malaysia, the Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday said that the visit will see discussions on issues across all areas. Secretary Kumaran made the remarks when asked about the extradition of Zakir Nair to India during the special briefing prior to PM Modi's visit. On the extradition of fugitive preacher Zakir Naik to India, Secretary (East) P Kumaran said, "As far as the question of Zakir Naik is concerned, I can assure you that all issues will be discussed during the visit. We have had opportunities to discuss these issues in past visits also at various levels. We will continue to take up the issue until all technical procedures are completed. We hope to get the outcome that we desire." He also spoke about several other avenues between India and Malaysia. Kumaran said that both countries are also discussing a joint review of the India-Malaysia Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement. "Our countries are working towards further enhancing our bilateral trade in a balanced and sustainable manner... The two countries are also discussing a joint review of the India-Malaysia Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement. The PM will address the Indian community in Malaysia, which numbers around 2.9 million," the MEA official said. In August 2024 during his visit to India, Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim said that if sufficient evidence is presented in the case related to fugitive preacher Zakir Naik, then the country will 'not condone terrorism'. Addressing the 50th Sapru House Lecture, the Malaysian Prime Minister said, "I am talking about sentiment of extremism, of compelling case, evidence that suggest that atrocities committed by an individual, group or factions or parties. These are of concern to us." Zakir Naik is known for his inflammatory speeches and is currently wanted by the National Investigation Agency of the Government of India under a 2016 money laundering case. He is also alleged to have incited people by his hate speech. Naik runs a channel by the name PeaceTV, which is banned across India, and other countries due to its controversial nature and he has also been denied entry into Canada and the United Kingdom because of it. Coming back to India-Malaysia ties, Kumaran said that both sides will review progress on the India-Malaysia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. PM Modi is scheduled to visit Malaysia on February 7-8. "Upon invitation by the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Anwar Ibrahim, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Kuala Lumpur on 7th and 8th February... Our PM had earlier visited Malaysia in 2015. During that visit, India-Malaysia bilateral relations were elevated to enhance the strategic partnership... The forthcoming visit comes within 1.5 years of the elevation of our bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership during the state visit to PM Amwar Ibrahim in August 2024, and reflects India's strong commitment to our relations with Malaysia," he said. - ANI President Droupadi Murmu has approved the appointment of 2006-batch IAS officer Rashmi Kamal as the Director of Census Operations and Citizen Registration for West Bengal. She will assume the role in January 2026 on a three-year central deputation, overseeing preparations for the upcoming Census 2027. The Ministry of Home Affairs has notified that houselisting operations for the census will be conducted between April and September 2026 across all states and union territories. The first phase will collect detailed housing data, including 33 items on amenities, ownership, and demographics. President appoints IAS officer Rashmi Kamal as Director of Census Operations for West Bengal. She will oversee the 2027 Census preparations starting 2026. New Delhi, February 5 President Droupadi Murmu has approved the appointment of Rashmi Kamal, an Indian Administrative Service officer, as the Director of Census Operations and Director of Citizen Registration for West Bengal. As per an official order issued late on Wednesday, Kamal, a 2006 batch IAS officer from the West Bengal cadre, will assume charge with effect from January 14, 2026 (afternoon). She has been appointed on central deputation under the Central Staffing Scheme for a period of three years or until further orders, whichever is earlier. Her headquarters will be located in Kolkata, West Bengal. Kamal, with nearly two decades of administrative experience, will oversee census-related activities and citizen registration processes in the state. The Office of the Director of Census Operations plays a key role in conducting the decennial Census and implementing the provisions of the Citizenship Act related to registration. "The President is pleased to appoint Ms Rashmi Kamal, IAS (WB:2006), an officer belonging to the West Bengal Cadre of Indian Administrative Service, as Director of Census Operations/Director of Citizen Registration. West Bengal, with effect from January 14, 2026 (AN) and for a period of three years or until further orders, whichever is earlier, on central deputation under the Central Staffing Scheme," reads an order issued by the Office of the Registrar General under the Ministry of Home Affairs. The move comes as preparations are in full swing, considering MHA's January 7 notification regarding the houselisting operations for the Census of India 2027 beginning between April 1 and September 30 this year across all states and Union Territories (UTs). The houselisting exercise will be carried out over a 30-day period to be specified separately by each state and UT within the notified timeframe. Last month, the MHA also issued a notification detailing the questionnaire to be used for Phase I of the Census of India 2027, which covers the Houselisting and Housing Census. The notification, issued by the Office of the Registrar General of India, authorised census officials to collect specified housing and household-related information across the country. The notified questionnaire includes 33 items of information, covering details such as building and census house numbers, materials used in floors, walls and roofs, condition and use of houses, household size, ownership status and the number of dwelling rooms. It also seeks demographic information related to the head of the household, including gender and social category. Further, data will be collected on the availability of basic amenities such as drinking water, electricity, toilets, bathing facilities, kitchens and LPG and PNG connections, along with details on cooking fuel, waste water outlets and access to communication and transport facilities, including internet, mobile phones, computers, televisions and vehicles. Mobile numbers will be collected strictly for census-related communication purposes, the notification clarified. The MHA has also stated that the questionnaire for Phase II of the Census of India 2027, which pertains to Population Enumeration, will be notified separately in due course. The government had also provided an option for self-enumeration, which will be conducted for a 15-day period immediately prior to the commencement of the house-to-house houselisting operations. The upcoming Census 2027 exercise will take place in two stages, beginning with houselisting and housing data collection in 2026. The first phase will be carried out over a 30-day period between April and September 2026, based on timelines decided by respective states and Union territories. The second phase, involving the population enumeration, is scheduled for February 2027. March 1, 2027, at 00:00 hours will serve as the reference date for enumeration across the country. However, for Ladakh and snow-bound regions of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, the population count will be conducted earlier in September 2026, with October 1, 2026, as the reference date. A nationwide pre-test for Census 2027 concluded on November 30 last year. The houselisting phase pilot, conducted between November 10 and 30, 2025, also tested the digital data collection model and allowed respondents to self-enumerate between November 1 and 7, 2025. As per Rule 6 of Census Rules, 1990, the census questionnaires and schedules are notified by the Central government through the Official Gazette under sub-section (1) of section 8 of the Act. The Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner is in the process of finalising the questionnaire. In Census 2027, caste enumeration will be done as decided by the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs vide its decision dated April 30, 2025. - ANI UN faces financial crisis from US arrears India has promptly paid its $35.187 million dues to the United Nations, earning a place on the UN Honour Roll. The UN is facing a severe financial crisis as its largest contributor, the United States, has not paid its arrears from the previous year. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned the organization is in "imminent financial collapse" and could run out of operational funds by July. The Honour Roll recognizes member states that pay their assessed contributions within 30 days of receiving the notice. India promptly paid its $35 million UN dues, joining the Honour Roll as the organization faces a financial crisis due to US arrears. United Nations, Feb 5 India has joined the UN Honour Roll by promptly paying up its 2026 dues of $35.187 million to the cash-strapped organisation, according to Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric. India sent in on Tuesday (local time) its share of 1.016 per cent of the total 2016 regular budget of $3.45 billion for its operations except peacekeeping. The UN, which is facing a financial crisis because its biggest contributor, the US, has not paid its share for last year, has appealed to members to send their dues early to keep it solvent. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned in a letter to member countries that the UN is in "imminent financial collapse", and officials say that it could run out of money for its operations by July if the US does not pay its arrears. The honour roll is for countries that pay their dues within 30 days of getting the payment notice. So far, 47 countries have made the roll. India has consistently figured on it. At his daily briefings, Dujarric announces the contributions with a quiz for reporters to guess the country. On Wednesday, he gave this poser: "This country is the home of The Statue of Unity, the world's tallest statue, with a height of 182 metres". After a reporter's correct guess, Dujarric confirmed that India had paid its due in full. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres visited the statue, which is in the image of Sardar Vallabhai Patel, who integrated the country when the British quit India, leaving behind a patchwork of princely states. India's total contribution to the UN's regular budget comes to $38.223 million, but $3.091 million of that is offset by the amount that the organisation withholds in lieu of income taxes from the salaries of Indian employees. The UN has a separate budget for peacekeeping, which falls due in July. India's share of the $5.38 billion budget is 0.2212 per cent. (Arul Louis can be contacted at arul.l@ians.in) - IANS India and the Gulf Cooperation Council have signed the Terms of Reference for a Free Trade Agreement, marking a significant step after discussions spanning nearly two decades. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal emphasized the deal's role in strengthening a 5000-year-old trading relationship and providing policy predictability. The agreement aims to boost the flow of goods, services, and investments between India and the six GCC nations. This move aligns with India's broader strategy of engaging in modern trade pacts to fuel its economic growth and development goals. India and the Gulf Cooperation Council sign initial terms for a Free Trade Agreement to boost trade, investment, and strengthen historic ties. New Delhi, February 5 India and the Gulf Cooperation Council member countries signed the Terms of Reference for a Free Trade Agreement on Thursday in the national capital. Chief Negotiator for GCC, Raja Al Marzouki, highlighted the importance of the proposed free trade agreement, noting that globalisation is under attack. GCC is a group of six Arab countries: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. "So it's a message. It's a signal for the whole group, for the whole globe, and it's important for us at this time to try to be more cooperative, to avoid any risk that our global economy facing as a result of uncertainty," he said. He welcomed the Indian side to hold the first round of negotiations in Riyadh. He said that it will "be a pleasure to host you there." In his address at the signing ceremony, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said discussions for an FTA with the Gulf Cooperation Council have been going on for nearly two decades. "Two trading partners who have been trading amongst each other for over 5000 years. It is most appropriate that we now enter into a much stronger and robust trading arrangement, which will enable greater free flow of goods, services, bring predictability and stability to policy, help encourage greater degree of investments and take our bilateral relations between the six nation GCC group and India to greater heights," Piyush Goyal said. "We are all aware that India is on the fast track. Not only are we the fastest growing large economy on the globe today, with quantum growth over the last decade, our strong fundamentals, the macroeconomic fundamentals, the massive reforms being carried out under the Reform Express, our effort to engage with friendly global partners, with deeper agreements and arrangements, we have entered into a record eight FTAs. We will soon announce the ninth bilateral trade agreements, first tranche details with the USA, which has been agreed upon only two days back." Effectively, these nine free trade agreements between India and other developed nations cover 38 countries. "These economies help us, in our own thrust, to modernize India, to meet the aspirations of young India to provide opportunities for our farmers, our fishermen, our MSMEs, our manufacturing base, give our youth and women more opportunities for business, for becoming exporters jobs and help India achieve its stated goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047 Viksit Bharat, 2047 when we celebrate 100 years of independence," Goyal continued. He added that the agreement with the GCC group of six countries will further strengthen India's relations, both on the geopolitical and trade fronts. The Free Trade Agreement with the GCC will give a message to the world "of our deep ties and historic relations, friendly relations, and as I believe, the GCC and India come closer together, we will become a force multiplier for global good," the Commerce Minister said. Between the GCC and India, bilateral trade already totals nearly USD 179 billion. India has about 10 million of its people living and working in the GCC region, which Goyal termed as a "living bridge between our societies, between our nations." - ANI The 13th edition of the India-Kyrgyzstan Joint Special Forces Exercise KHANJAR has begun in Missamari, Assam, scheduled to run until February 17. The exercise involves 20 personnel each from India's Parachute Regiment (Special Forces) and Kyrgyzstan's ILBRIS Special Forces Brigade. It aims to exchange best practices in counter-terrorism and special operations across challenging terrains, including urban and mountainous environments. The drill underscores both nations' commitment to regional security and deepening their defence partnership. The 13th edition of Exercise KHANJAR, a joint India-Kyrgyzstan special forces drill, commences in Assam to enhance counter-terrorism cooperation. Missamari, February 5 The 13th edition of the India-Kyrgyzstan Joint Special Forces Exercise KHANJAR has commenced in Missamari, Assam. Exercise KHANJAR is an annual training event conducted alternatively between India and Kyrgyzstan, the release said. According to the PRO Defence of Guwahati, the last edition of the exercise was conducted in Kyrgyzstan in March 2025. The Indian Army contingent, comprising 20 personnel, is represented by troops from the Parachute Regiment (Special Forces), and the Kyrgyzstan contingent, also comprising equal strength, is represented by ILBRIS Special Forces Brigade. The exercise, scheduled from February 4 to 17, aims to exchange best practices and experiences in Counter Terrorism and Special Forces Operations across urban and mountainous terrain. The exercise will also focus on developing advanced Special Forces skills of sniping, complex building intervention and mountain craft. Exercise KHANJAR will provide an opportunity for both sides to strengthen defence ties while addressing shared concerns about international terrorism and extremism. The exercise reaffirms the commitment of India and Kyrgyzstan towards fostering peace, stability and security in the region. Earlier in a post on X, the ADGPI said that the exercise aims to enhance interoperability between the Special Forces of both nations, with a focus on joint operations in urban warfare and counter-terrorism scenarios under the United Nations mandate. "Exercise KHANJAR-XIII will further strengthen bilateral defence cooperation and deepen the enduring military partnership between India and Kyrgyzstan", the post added. The 12th edition of the India-Kyrgyzstan Joint Special Forces Exercise KHANJAR-XII took place in Tokmok in March last year. As previously stated, Elite troops from India's Parachute Regiment (Special Forces) and the Kyrgyz Scorpion Brigade participated in this intensive training program to enhance interoperability, high-altitude warfare capabilities, and counterterrorism tactics. The statement noted that throughout the exercise, both contingents practised advanced operations such as sniping, complex building intervention, mountain craft, and specialised counter-terrorism drills. In recent times, India-Kyrgyz relations have expanded in several areas of bilateral engagement, including defence, security, trade and investment. Both countries also share common concerns on the threat of terrorism, extremism and drug-trafficking, the Ministry of External Affairs noted in a statement. Important facets of bilateral defence cooperation between India and the Kyrgyz Republic include training Kyrgyz personnel in Indian defence establishments, joint exercises, conduct of exchange programmes and joint research at the Kyrgyz-India Mountain Bio Medical Research Centre (KIMBMRC), Bishkek, MEA further noted. - ANI TIANJIN, Feb. 4 (Xinhua) -- Several EMU trains are neatly lined up for "health checkups" inside a maintenance depot in Tianjin on the night of Feb. 1, right before the start of the Spring Festival travel rush, the annual homeward journey in China, and also the world's largest human migration. To ensure safe and punctual departure of these trains, Li Qiwei, leader of a maintenance team, had to work overnight with more than 40 colleagues to perform full-body examination for 28 sets of EMUs -- a workload about 20 percent higher than that of a normal workday. Li has been working at the maintenance depot after he graduated with a degree in vehicle engineering from Dalian Jiaotong University. Eight years of diligence saw him rising from green hands to a competent group leader. He said he felt very lucky to be able to contribute to the safety operation of the bullet trains, which help reunite millions of people with their families during the Spring Festival travel rush. Li Qiwei communicates with his colleagues via walkie-talkie at an electric multiple unit (EMU) maintenance depot in north China's Tianjin Municipality, on Feb. 1, 2026. (Xinhua/Zhao Zishuo) Li Qiwei works at an electric multiple unit (EMU) maintenance depot in north China's Tianjin Municipality, on Feb. 1, 2026. (Xinhua/Zhao Zishuo) Li Qiwei works at an electric multiple unit (EMU) maintenance depot in north China's Tianjin Municipality, on Feb. 2, 2026. (Xinhua/Li Ran) Li Qiwei works at an electric multiple unit (EMU) maintenance depot in north China's Tianjin Municipality, on Feb. 2, 2026. (Xinhua/Zhao Zishuo) Li Qiwei checks the wiper blades of the train at an electric multiple unit (EMU) maintenance depot in north China's Tianjin Municipality, on Feb. 2, 2026. (Xinhua/Zhao Zishuo) Li Qiwei (L) collects maintenance tools at an electric multiple unit (EMU) maintenance depot in north China's Tianjin Municipality, on Feb. 1, 2026. (Xinhua/Li Ran) Li Qiwei collects maintenance tools at an electric multiple unit (EMU) maintenance depot in north China's Tianjin Municipality, on Feb. 1, 2026. (Xinhua/Zhao Zishuo) Li Qiwei works at an electric multiple unit (EMU) maintenance depot in north China's Tianjin Municipality, on Feb. 2, 2026. (Xinhua/Li Ran) Li Qiwei (L) works with his colleagues at an electric multiple unit (EMU) maintenance depot in north China's Tianjin Municipality, on Feb. 2, 2026. (Xinhua/Li Ran) Li Qiwei works at an electric multiple unit (EMU) maintenance depot in north China's Tianjin Municipality, on Feb. 1, 2026. (Xinhua/Zhao Zishuo) Li Qiwei (R) checks the monitoring screen with his colleague at an electric multiple unit (EMU) maintenance depot in north China's Tianjin Municipality, on Feb. 1, 2026. (Xinhua/Li Ran) Li Qiwei works at an electric multiple unit (EMU) maintenance depot in north China's Tianjin Municipality, on Feb. 2, 2026. (Xinhua/Zhao Zishuo) Editor: Xiong Jian Senior diplomats from India and Poland met in New Delhi to review their strategic partnership and discuss key deliverables under a newly agreed five-year Action Plan. The partnership was elevated during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Poland in 2024, setting a framework for enhanced cooperation. Discussions focused on advancing collaboration in economic, technology, defence, mining, and cybersecurity sectors. Both nations also reiterated their commitment to combating terrorism and working towards an early conclusion of an India-EU Free Trade Agreement. India and Poland review strategic partnership, discuss deliverables for 2024-2028 Action Plan covering defence, tech, and trade cooperation. New Delhi, Feb 5 Secretary at the Ministry of External Affairs, Sibi George, held a meeting with Polish Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Wladyslaw T Bartoszewski, in New Delhi on Thursday, reviewing the bilateral strategic partnership and discussing key deliverables of the 2024-2028 Action Plan between both countries. Following the meeting, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal in a post on X wrote, "Secretary (West) Sibi George held a productive meeting with Polish Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs Wladyslaw T Bartoszewski in New Delhi. They reviewed India-Poland Strategic Partnership and discussed the key deliverables of the Action Plan (2024-2028)." India and Poland elevated bilateral ties to the level of 'Strategic Partnership' during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Poland in 2024. The two sides also agreed to a five-year Joint Action Plan for 2024-2028. On January 19, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar held a meeting with Polish Deputy Prime Minister Radoslaw Sikorski and discussed advancing economic, technology, defence, mining, P2P and multilateral cooperation between the two nations. "Meeting with DPM and FM Radoslaw Sikorski of Poland provided an opportunity for an open conversation on our bilateral ties and global developments. Discussed advancing our economic, technology, defence, mining, P2P and multilateral cooperation. Appreciate Poland's support for stronger India-EU ties," EAM Jaishankar had posted on X. In December, India and Poland held the 11th round of Foreign Office Consultations in New Delhi and agreed to expedite cooperation in the sectors of defence and security, science and technology, cyber security and Artificial Intelligence (AI). Secretary (West) at the MEA, Sibi George and Polish Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs Wladyslaw T Bartoszewski co-chaired the meeting. During the discussions, the two sides reiterated their commitment towards fighting terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. "The 11th round of India-Poland Foreign Office Consultations was co-chaired by Secretary(West) Sibi George and Polish Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs Wladyslaw T Bartoszewski in New Delhi today. Both sides took stock of progress under the India-Poland Strategic Partnership, particularly with reference to the Five Year Action Plan (2024-2028) agreed during the visit of PM Narendra Modi to Poland in August 2024," the MEA stated after the meeting. "They also agreed to expedite cooperation in the areas of defence and security, science and technology, cyber security and AI. Both sides reiterated their commitment towards fighting terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Poland is the largest trading partner of India in Central and Eastern Europe. The Polish side further reiterated its support for an early conclusion of India-EU FTA," the statement added. - IANS External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar announced India's support for the newly launched FORGE initiative at the Critical Minerals Ministerial in Washington DC. He described the ministerial, convened by the US, as a productive meeting focused on diversifying supply chains for minerals like lithium and cobalt. Jaishankar emphasized the need for structured international cooperation to address the risks of "excessive concentration" in the global critical minerals market, which is currently dominated by China. During his visit, he also held bilateral meetings with US officials to review cooperation and discuss key global issues. EAM Jaishankar announces India's support for the FORGE initiative at the Critical Minerals Ministerial, aiming to de-risk global supply chains from excessive concentration. By Reena Bhardwaj, Washington DC, February 5 India has extended its support to the Forum on Resource, Geostrategic Engagement, a newly launched initiative unveiled at the inaugural Critical Minerals Ministerial, which succeeds the US-led Mineral Security Partnership, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar toldon the sidelines of the ministerial in Washington DC. Speaking to ANI on Wednesday (local time) in Washington, DC, the EAM, who is on a three-day visit to the US capital, said the primary purpose of his trip was to attend the Critical Minerals Ministerial convened by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, which included participation from over 50 countries. He described the discussions at the ministerial as productive and outcome-oriented, highlighting the growing importance of critical minerals in global supply chains. "The main reason I came was that there was a Critical Minerals Ministerial, which was convened by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. There were a number of countries, 50-odd countries, that meeting took place today. That was the principal reason," the EAM said. "It was a very good discussion. Critical minerals are a very important subject. The US has been partnering up for some years. Today, they launched a new initiative called FORGE, which we have supported. It's a kind of successor to the Mineral Security Partnership. Overall, to me, it was a good meeting, very productive, very outcome-oriented, and very businesslike, and that was the core reason I came," he added. Jaishankar attended the inaugural Critical Minerals Ministerial in Washington DC on Wednesday (local time), during which the EAM called for structured international cooperation to "de-risk" critical mineral supply chains, noting that "excessive concentration" poses a major global risk. In a post on X, Jaishankar said, "Spoke at the Critical Minerals Ministerial in Washington DC today. Underlined challenges of excessive concentration and the importance of de-risking supply chains through structured international cooperation. Highlighted India's efforts towards greater resilience through initiatives including National Critical Minerals Mission, Rare Earth Corridors and responsible commerce. Conveyed India's support to the FORGE initiative on critical minerals." The event brought together delegations from over 50 countries, and the European Union is being viewed as a landmark moment in global supply chain diplomacy, with a primary goal of the ministerial is to diversify supply chains for rare earth elements and critical minerals, such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel, to reduce global overreliance on China, which currently dominates processing and mining. According to EAM, the FORGE initiative is a successor to the US-led Mineral Security Partnership, which, according to the US State Department, aimed to accelerate the development of diverse critical mineral supply chains. During his visit, Jaishankar also held bilateral meetings with Rubio and US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and noted that with several foreign ministers present in Washington, there were multiple informal interactions and pull-aside discussions to review the state of bilateral ties. "Yesterday I did my bilaterals with Secretary Rubio and also had a meeting with [US] Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. And today, because a number of other foreign ministers are here, there were a whole lot of pull-asides and sorts of catch-ups on where the relationship is. It's been a very useful two days," the EAM said. Elaborating on his meeting with Secretary Rubio on Tuesday, Jaishankar said the two sides conducted a detailed review of bilateral cooperation and discussed the diplomatic calendar for the year ahead. He stated that the discussions covered key global and regional issues, including developments in the Indo-Pacific, West Asia, Gaza, and the Ukraine conflict, reflecting the broad scope of India-US strategic engagement. "We did a fairly detailed review of our bilateral cooperation. It's natural when foreign ministers meet that you discuss the diplomatic agenda. Also, the calendar - what do we expect each one of us to do this year together, so a lot of our discussion was devoted to that, the bilateral side. But again, foreign ministers meet, and we talk about our business: the Indo-Pacific, what is happening in West Asia, the Middle East, Gaza, and the Ukraine conflict. There was a kind of global review of what was happening in the Western Hemisphere. In a sense, we discussed the world, we discussed our relationship, and it was a very open sort of forthcoming conversation," the EAM said. On Tuesday, following his meeting with Rubio, Jaishankar, in a post on X, said that he was "delighted" to meet with the US State Secretary, stating that both sides held conversations that covered the India-US "bilateral cooperation agenda, regional and global issues". He stated that discussions were held on facets of the India-US "Strategic Partnership", including critical minerals, energy, trade and nuclear. "Delighted to meet US Secretary Rubio this afternoon. A wide-ranging conversation covered our bilateral cooperation agenda, regional and global issues. Facets of India-US Strategic Partnership discussed included trade, energy, nuclear, defence, critical minerals, and technology. Agreed on early meetings of various mechanisms to advance our shared interests," EAM said in his post. Meanwhile, according to a readout from the US State Department Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott, the EAM and the State Secretary committed to expanding "bilateral and multilateral cooperation" through the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) and welcomed the recently announced India-US trade deal, in which Washington reduced the tariff on Indian goods to 18 per cent. "Secretary Rubio and Minister Jaishankar concluded their meeting by expressing their commitment to expanding bilateral and multilateral cooperation through the Quad. They acknowledged that a prosperous Indo-Pacific region remains vital to advancing our shared interests," the readout stated. - ANI Union Minister Piyush Goyal announced that a joint statement on the first part of the India-US bilateral trade agreement is expected within four to five days. A formal legal agreement is slated to be signed around mid-March, after which India can reduce its MFN tariffs. The deal, negotiated over the past year, aims to more than double bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030 while protecting sensitive sectors for both nations. The announcement was made during the signing of Terms of Reference for a separate FTA with the Gulf Cooperation Council. Piyush Goyal announces India-US trade deal joint statement imminent. Deal aims to boost bilateral trade to $500B, with legal signing by mid-March. New Delhi, February 5 Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal announced on Thursday that the first tranche of the bilateral trade agreement between India and the United States is now ready, with a joint statement expected to be issued within the next four to five days. A formal legal agreement on the trade deal is expected to be signed around mid-March, he said. Goyal said that after the joint statement is released, the US is expected to issue an executive order to reduce tariffs to 18 per cent. The Union Minister said this today during the signing ceremony of the Terms of Reference (ToR) for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Highlighting the scale of the upcoming engagement with Washington DC, Goyal stated, "Our orders for US aircraft and engine etc will alone cross USD 100 billion." Providing technical clarity on the procedural aspects of the deal, Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal explained the distinction between the two nations' tariff structures. "Their (US) tariffs are executive tariffs. Our tariffs are MFN tariffs. So (our) MFN tariffs reduction only can take place after the legal agreement has been signed. That will only happen after the legal agreement has been signed," Agrawal said. On Wednesday, Goyal said that India and the US are complementary economies and the trade deal between the countries is beneficial for both parties. Since Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the US in February 2025, the two sides have been negotiating a bilateral trade agreement (BTA) that would benefit both. On February 2, a phone call between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump led to the announcement of the trade deal. Addressing concerns raised by some members in the Lok Sabha, Goyal said, "Negotiators from both sides have been at various levels over the past year. During the negotiations, both sides safeguarded their important and sensitive sectors from the trade deal, at the same time ensuring maximum benefits for both countries." During these negotiations, Goyal said the Indian side secured protection for its sensitive sectors, particularly agriculture and dairy."There were sectors which were important and sensitive from the US point of view. After negotiations for nearly a year, both sides have been successful in finalizing several areas of the bilateral trade agreement," he said, speaking in the Lok Sabha. The BTA, formally proposed in February 2025 following directives from the leadership of both nations, seeks to more than double bilateral trade, from the current USD 191 billion to USD 500 billion by 2030. Mewnwhile at the signing ceremony today featured a high-level delegation, including Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal, Chief Negotiator for India Ajay Bhadoo, Chief Negotiator for the GCC Raja Al Marzouki, Director General for FTA at the GCC Abulrazzaq Aljraid, and Additional Secretary at the Ministry of External Affairs Aseem Mahajan. Reflecting on the historical depth of the partnership, Goyal observed that while formal discussions have been ongoing for two decades, the two regions have functioned as trading partners for over 5,000 years. "This will able to free flow of goods and services and take our bilateral relations to greater heights," the Minister said, adding that India is actively pursuing FTAs with developed nations to expand its global economic footprint. According to Goyal, the agreement will provide "a great opportunity to our MSMEs, farmers, fishermen, youth and manufacturing." He specifically identified food processing, infrastructure, and the petrochemical industry as sectors that will "hugely benefit" from the high-quality companies and increased market access fostered by the pact. - ANI The gems and jewellery export sector anticipates a major recovery, expecting a 20-25% increase in shipments to the US following a forthcoming trade agreement. Industry leader Kirit Bhansali highlighted that the deal will provide relief after a period where overall exports fell by 44%. The sector has also welcomed the Union Budget's significant allocation of 7 lakh crore for MSMEs, which form the backbone of the industry. Bhansali further pointed to existing FTAs with countries like the UAE as successful models for boosting international trade. GJEPC Chairman expects a 25% export surge to the US after a new trade deal, reversing a sharp decline. The industry also welcomes MSME focus in the budget. Mumbai, February 5 The gems and jewellery industry in India expects a significant recovery following the announcement of a trade agreement with the United States. Kirit Bhansali, Chairman of the Gems and Jewellery Export Promotion Council, stated that the agreement, set to be finalised in March, will provide much-needed relief to a sector that has struggled with high tariffs over the last year. He noted that the US remains the most critical market for Indian exports, and the deal is expected to reverse a sharp decline in trade volumes. "Our entire sector was worried for the past six months," Bhansali said. He explained that exports to the US had previously plummeted, with overall shipments falling by 44 per cent and exports of blue diamonds dropping by 60 per cent. With the new agreement in place, Bhansali expressed optimism for the near future. "With a new hope and expectation, we hope that we will be able to export 20-25 per cent more to the US this year," he added. He credited the Ministry of Commerce for its consistent dialogue with Washington to secure the interests of the Indian jewellery sector. The industry has also welcomed the recent Union Budget, particularly for its focus on small businesses. Bhansali highlighted that more than 80 per cent of the people in the gems and jewellery industry work within the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector. He noted that the budget's allocation for these businesses will directly address long-standing issues regarding manufacturing and credit. "For the first time in the budget of Azad India, 7 lakh crore has been allocated for MSMEs," Bhansali said. He mentioned that the industry had specifically requested easier access to bank finance for these smaller units. "Many steps have been taken to increase MSMEs and to increase manufacturing. I welcome this in the budget," he stated, adding that these policies will help the sector grow within the national economy. Regarding broader international trade, Bhansali emphasised that India is committed to strengthening ties with all friendly nations through Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). While acknowledging the massive scale of the US market, he pointed out that previous agreements with countries like the UAE and the UK have already yielded positive results. He noted that income from the UAE has grown significantly since the FTA was signed four years ago. - ANI External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar concluded a visit to the United States, announcing the historic India-US trade deal is in its final stages of detailing. He held meetings with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, covering strategic, economic, and regional issues. Both sides discussed advancing cooperation in critical minerals, trade, defense, and energy. The engagements underscored a strong momentum in the broadening India-US partnership. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar concludes US visit, announces historic India-US trade deal is in final detailing stages, marking a new phase in bilateral ties. Washington, Feb 5 Citing the historic India-US trade deal, which he said is "in the final stages of detailing", External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday said that a "strong momentum" is evident in the growing engagement between New Delhi and Washington. The EAM made the comment as he concluded his February 2-4 visit to the United States during which he also participated in the Critical Minerals Ministerial convened by the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday. "Concluded a productive and positive visit to the US. Thank Secretary Rubio for his warm hospitality," he posted on X. "The historic India-US trade deal is in the final stages of detailing that will be completed very soon. It opens up a new phase in our bilateral ties, with vast possibilities for the relationship. Our critical mineral cooperation is also advancing rapidly. Expect engagement on strategic issues, defence and energy in the coming days. Overall, a strong momentum is evident," EAM Jaishankar added. During the significant visit, the External Affairs Minister also hold meetings with senior members of the US administration. This included separate meetings with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, during which he held wide-ranging discussions on the India-US strategic and economic partnership. "Delighted to meet US Secretary Rubio this afternoon," Jaishankar said in a post on X after the meeting. "A wide-ranging conversation that covered our bilateral cooperation agenda, regional and global issues." The discussions with Rubio, he stated, covered multiple pillars of the India-US relationship. "Facets of India - US Strategic Partnership discussed included trade, energy, nuclear, defence, critical minerals and technology," EAM Jaishankar mentioned. The External Affairs Minister said both sides agreed to move quickly on follow-up engagements. "Agreed on the early meetings of various mechanisms to advance our shared interests," he added. According to the US State Department readout, EAM Jaishankar and Rubio discussed formalising bilateral cooperation on critical minerals exploration, mining, and processing - an area that has emerged as a central pillar of the India-US economic and strategic relationship. The meeting on Wednesday came a day after US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a trade deal aimed at lowering barriers and expanding market access between the world's two largest democracies. US Secretary Rubio and EAM Jaishankar also welcomed the agreement, underscoring the importance of the two democracies working together to unlock new economic opportunities and advance shared energy security goals, the readout said. The discussions also focused on the regional and multilateral dimensions of the partnership. Rubio and EAM Jaishankar concluded their meeting by reaffirming their commitment to expanding bilateral and multilateral cooperation through the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue. They acknowledged that a prosperous Indo-Pacific region remains vital to advancing shared interests. Earlier on Wednesday, EAM Jaishankar also met US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in Washington. "Pleased to meet US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in Washington DC today," he said in a separate post. The External Affairs Minister described the talks as productive. "Had a useful discussion on advancement of India - US economic partnership and strategic cooperation," he said. The twin meetings reflected the broadening scope of India-US engagement, spanning diplomacy, security, trade, and finance. Senior officials on both sides have emphasised the need for closer coordination across departments to translate political momentum into concrete outcomes. India and the United States have expanded cooperation in recent years across defence, energy, and emerging technologies, while also deepening economic ties through trade and investment. Both countries have highlighted critical minerals and advanced technologies as priority areas, given their importance to clean energy transitions and high-end manufacturing. The latest high-level engagements follow sustained dialogue between New Delhi and Washington on regional and global issues, including developments in the Indo-Pacific. Officials on both sides have described the India-US partnership as a central pillar of their respective foreign policy strategies. - IANS Indian destination weddings are increasingly moving abroad, driving consistent double-digit growth in international travel insurance purchases. Thailand leads as the preferred destination due to proximity and infrastructure, while the UAE, Europe, and Southeast Asia are also popular. Demand peaks sharply during traditional Indian wedding seasons, particularly from November to December. These trips often involve entire families, leading to higher demand for comprehensive medical and baggage coverage. Report shows 27.4% annual growth in travel insurance for Indian destination weddings, with Thailand, UAE, and Europe as top choices. New Delhi, February 5 Indian weddings are increasingly moving beyond domestic venues, with a growing number of families travelling overseas for marriage ceremonies, a shift that is reflected in a steady rise in international travel insurance purchases, according to a report by Policybazaar. The travel insurance data covering the period from 2023 to 2025 showed that travel insurance uptake linked to destination weddings recorded consistent growth. The report highlighted that purchases rose by 27.4 per cent between 2023 and 2024 and increased by another 27.4 per cent from 2024 to 2025 YTD, indicating that international weddings are becoming a regular feature of Indian travel patterns rather than a seasonal exception. It stated "Policybazaar's travel insurance data points to sustained growth in wedding-linked international travel, seasonal uptake around peak wedding months, growing participation from families and senior travellers, and a rising preference for baggage and medical-related covers". Indian couples are choosing a wide range of overseas destinations, the report stated that with Thailand emerging as the most preferred location due to proximity, visa ease and established wedding infrastructure catering to Indian ceremonies. The UAE continues to attract families for its luxury venues and international connectivity, while Vietnam and Sri Lanka are gaining popularity as comparatively cost-efficient alternatives. European destinations such as Italy, Spain and Greece are seeing demand from smaller wedding groups with higher per-capita spending, while Oman and the Maldives remain popular for close-family ceremonies. The data also highlighted that wedding-related travel insurance demand follows India's marriage calendar more closely than typical holiday seasons. The sharpest increase was observed during the November 1 to December 15 period, when purchases rose by 30 per cent from 2023 to 2024, followed by an 8 per cent increase from 2024 to 2025. Similar seasonal rises were recorded during the January-March and July-August wedding windows. Wedding travel continues to involve multiple generations. Buyers aged 25-34 accounted for 40 per cent of policies, followed by those aged 45-60 at 35 per cent. Senior travellers above 60 years formed 25 per cent of buyers, contributing to higher demand for medical and pre-existing disease coverage. Group wedding travel has also rebounded after a brief decline, with group bookings rising by around 28 per cent from 2024 to 2025 YTD. Across destinations, travellers consistently opted for a sum insured of USD 250,000, while baggage loss, medical emergencies and pre-existing disease cover emerged as the most preferred policy features. Travel insurance is a specialised policy designed to cover financial losses, medical emergencies, and unexpected incidents during domestic or international trips. It acts as a safety net against risks like trip cancellation, lost baggage, flight delays, and emergency medical treatment, offering peace of mind. - ANI The Indian Naval Ship Gharial has delivered 10 Bailey Bridges to Colombo to assist Sri Lanka's reconstruction after Cyclone Ditwah caused severe infrastructure damage. This delivery is part of India's humanitarian assistance under its Special Economic Package and Operation Sagar Bandhu initiative. The bridges will quickly restore road connectivity, enabling emergency services and aid to reach affected regions. This effort reinforces India's role as a first responder in the Indian Ocean and its Neighbourhood First policy commitment to regional cooperation. Indian Navy delivers 10 Bailey Bridges to restore Sri Lanka's cyclone-hit infrastructure, supporting reconstruction under India's Neighbourhood First policy. Colombo, February 5 The Indian Naval Ship Gharial has docked in Colombo with a vital shipment of 10 Bailey Bridges, aimed at bolstering Sri Lanka's reconstruction efforts following the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah. The delivery, which took place on Wednesday, marks a key milestone in ongoing humanitarian efforts to restore infrastructure and support affected communities in the aftermath of the cyclone. Cyclone Ditwah caused severe damage to roads and vital transport networks, disrupting civilian mobility and hampering relief operations. The modular Bailey Bridges are set to play a transformative role in swiftly re-establishing road connectivity, ensuring that emergency services and humanitarian aid can reach the most impacted regions without delay. This mission is integral to the humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) framework, which has become increasingly significant in the wake of natural disasters that threaten regional stability. It is also aligned with India's commitment made under the USD 450 million Special Economic Package announced by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, further demonstrating the depth of India's support for its neighbours during challenging times. The deployment of the Indian Navy's resources exemplifies India's proactive stance as a first responder in the Indian Ocean Region, solidifying its role as a reliable partner in times of crisis. The operation is an extension of the ongoing regional cooperation framework, Operation Sagar Bandhu, which aims to foster resilience and collaboration among countries in the region. As the situation develops, the Indian Navy's efforts reiterate a message of hope and resilience, reinforcing the bond between India and Sri Lanka as they work together to overcome the challenges posed by natural disasters. The swift delivery and implementation of these Bailey Bridges will not only expedite the rehabilitation process but also underscore the importance of regional cooperation in addressing humanitarian needs. In the coming weeks, as reconstruction activities gain momentum, the collaborative spirit demonstrated by the Indian Navy and Sri Lankan authorities will serve as a reminder of the strong ties that unite the two nations, showcasing the power of solidarity in the face of adversity Cyclone Ditwah, which struck Sri Lanka late last year, triggered widespread flooding, landslides, and large-scale infrastructure damage, overwhelming local disaster-response mechanisms. Earlier this January, the Indian Army's Engineer Task Force successfully constructed the third Bailey Bridge, measuring 120 feet, at KM 15 on the B-492 Highway in Sri Lanka. The bridge, located in the Central Province, reconnects the Kandy and Nuwara Eliya districts, restoring a critical lifeline that had remained disrupted for over a month following the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah. The achievement followed the earlier successful launch of two Bailey bridges in the Jaffna and Kandy regions. Collectively, these engineering efforts have restored road connectivity, improved access to essential services, and provided much-needed relief to communities affected by the cyclone.Operation Sagar Bandhu, launched in November 2025, enabled India to provide urgent Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR), including restoration of roads, bridges, and essential services. By swiftly reestablishing connectivity along the B-492, the Indian Army has not only facilitated daily life for affected communities but also strengthened bilateral ties and goodwill between India and Sri Lanka.This effort reaffirms India's steadfast commitment to Sri Lanka and the Neighbourhood First policy.Under its 'Neighbourhood First' policy, Government is committed to developing friendly and mutually beneficial relations with all its neighbours.India is an active development partner and is involved in several projects in the following countries - Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka. India's policy of 'Neighbourhood First' focuses on creating mutually beneficial, people-oriented, regional frameworks for stability and prosperity. India's engagement with these countries is based on a consultative, non-reciprocal and outcome-oriented approach, which focuses on delivering benefits like greater connectivity, improved infrastructure, stronger development cooperation in various sectors area, security and broader people-to-people contacts. - ANI Iran's top military commander states the country has strengthened its deterrence power through upgrades to its domestic ballistic missile systems. He announced a shift in military doctrine from defensive to offensive following a previous conflict with the US and Israel. The comments come amid renewed regional tensions and a US military buildup, with Iranian officials warning any attack would draw an immediate response. Diplomatic efforts are simultaneously underway, with Iranian and US representatives set to meet for nuclear talks in Oman. Iran's military chief announces enhanced ballistic missile capabilities and a shift to an offensive posture, warning of a rapid response to any US attack. Tehran, February 5 Iran's top military commander asserted that the country has bolstered its deterrence capabilities through upgrades to domestically produced ballistic missile systems. Providing context to the remarks, Iranian state broadcaster Press TV reported that on Wednesday, Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Abdolrahim Mousavi made the comments during a visit to a missile facility operated by the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), accompanied by IRGC Aerospace Force commander Brigadier General Majid Mousavi. Describing the scope of the upgrades, Mousavi noted, "By upgrading its ballistic missiles in all technical dimensions, Iran has been able to strengthen its deterrence power," during the tour. Building on this, he also highlighted Iran's readiness to confront any hostile move, adding, "Following the 12-day war, we have changed our military doctrine from defensive to offensive by adopting the policy of asymmetric warfare and [boosting readiness for a] crushing response to the enemies," according to Press TV. These comments referred to last June's US-Israeli military action against Iran that resulted in at least 1,064 deaths. As reported by Press TV, Israel launched the attack on June 13 while Tehran was engaged in nuclear negotiations with Washington, with the United States later joining the offensive by striking Iranian nuclear facilities. In retaliation, Iranian forces carried out strikes on strategic locations across the occupied territories and at Al-Udeid, the largest US military base in West Asia. Since then, Iran has accelerated efforts to strengthen both its defensive and offensive military capabilities, Press TV noted. Against this backdrop, the region is again witnessing heightened tensions after the United States deployed additional air and naval assets and issued threats against the Islamic Republic. Iranian officials have warned that any American attack would draw an immediate response and could trigger a wider regional conflict. At the same time, diplomatic activity has intensified in recent days, easing tensions slightly, with Iranian and US representatives now expected to meet in Oman on Friday for a fresh round of talks on Tehran's nuclear programme. Returning to his inspection of the IRGC missile base, Mousavi reiterated that Iran has moved from a "defensive" posture to an "offensive" approach since the 12-day conflict and adopted a "strategy of asymmetric warfare" to ensure a stronger response to future aggression. Earlier this week, he cautioned that any misjudgement by Iran's adversaries would provoke a "rapid" and "decisive" reaction. Emphasising the readiness of Iran's armed forces, he added, "We think only of victory. We have no fear of the enemy's superficial might, and we are fully ready for confrontation and to deliver a retaliatory slap." - ANI Iran has conditionally agreed to hold talks with the United States in an effort to de-escalate military threats, with Oman expected to host the discussions. President Masoud Pezeshkian has instructed his foreign minister to engage, but only in an environment free from threats and "unreasonable expectations." A key dispute is the agenda, as Iran wants to focus solely on its nuclear program while the US seeks to include Iran's ballistic missiles and support for regional proxies. The diplomatic push occurs amid a backdrop of US military drills, Iranian warnings of forceful retaliation, and calls from Israel for the US to maintain a skeptical and stringent stance. Iran agrees to talks with the US, mediated by Oman, amid military threats and disputes over nuclear program and regional influence. Tehran, February 6 Iran has conditionally agreed to hold talks with the US to avert the threat of further military strikes, CNN reported. The push for renewed diplomacy comes after weeks of escalatory rhetoric between Washington and Tehran. US President Donald Trump has repeatedly warned that unless Iran agrees to a deal on its nuclear program, "bad things" could happen, a message that has been amplified by the movement of a US carrier strike group and other military assets into the Middle East. According to CNN, the discussions are expected to be held in Oman. Iran's ISNA news agency also reported Oman as the venue for talks on Friday. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, under pressure from regional powers and amid internal unrest, has formally instructed Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to engage in negotiations with the United States "provided that a suitable environment exists ... free from threats and unreasonable expectations." "I have instructed my Minister of Foreign Affairs, provided that a suitable environment exists -- one free from threats and unreasonable expectations -- to pursue fair and equitable negotiations, guided by the principles of dignity, prudence, and expediency," Pezeshkian wrote on X. One of the central disputes remains the scope of negotiations. Tehran insists discussions address only its nuclear activities, while the US seeks to expand the agenda to include Iran's ballistic missile capabilities and its support for proxy forces in the region. Iran has repeatedly described limitations on its defense capabilities as a red line, complicating negotiations, reported CNN. Underlying the diplomatic maneuvering is a stark reality: after Iran's bloody crackdown on anti-government protests and subsequent Western condemnation, the US has maintained a tough posture that includes multi-day military drills in the Middle East and explicit threats of force if Tehran does not compromise on key issues. Iranian officials, for their part, caution that any military action would be met with force and risks spiraling into a broader conflict. Tehran also emphasizes that sanctions relief remains crucial to its participation in negotiations, while its leadership has warned that US strikes could spark widespread regional instability. Israeli leaders have also weighed in, urging US negotiators to remain sceptical of Iranian intentions and demanding stringent conditions for any agreement, adding another layer of complexity to the already fraught diplomatic efforts. The talks are set against a long and turbulent history of nuclear diplomacy, including past agreements and breakdowns such as the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, from which the US withdrew in 2018. Iran's enrichment of uranium to high purity levels has raised international alarms, and disagreements over how, or whether, to reverse such progress remain central to current negotiations. - ANI Iran's Foreign Minister has confirmed that nuclear talks with the United States are set for Friday in Muscat, Oman. The negotiations will be conducted indirectly with Omani mediation, focusing solely on Iran's peaceful nuclear program and sanctions relief. This round follows the disruption of previous talks after a major conflict involving Israel and the US last year. Iranian officials insist the dialogue must occur without threats and will not address other issues like Iran's missile program. Iran's Foreign Minister announces nuclear talks with the US in Oman, strictly focused on its peaceful program and sanctions removal amid regional tensions. Tehran, February 5 Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced that nuclear talks with the United States are scheduled to take place in Muscat on Friday morning. Announcing the development on X, Araghchi wrote, "Nuclear talks with the United States are scheduled to be held in Muscat on about 10 am Friday. I'm grateful to our Omani brothers for making all necessary arrangements." The announcement comes as Iran and the United States prepare for another round of indirect nuclear negotiations after Tehran requested that the venue be shifted from Istanbul, Iranian state broadcaster Press TV reported. Earlier Iranian media said the discussions would be limited strictly to Iran's peaceful nuclear energy programme and the removal of sanctions, with no scope for raising other matters, a position Tehran has consistently maintained. Araghchi is expected to lead the Iranian delegation, joined by senior diplomats Majid Takht-Ravanchi and Kazem Gharibabadi. The US side will be represented by White House special envoy Steve Witkoff, according to the reports. The negotiations will be conducted indirectly, with Oman serving as mediator. The format is expected to mirror earlier rounds held before last June's US-Israeli war on Iran, which disrupted the diplomatic process, Press TV said in a separate report. Araghchi and Witkoff had led five rounds of nuclear talks last year, but the process was halted after Israel launched what Iranian officials described as an unprovoked war of aggression just two days before a planned sixth round. The conflict, later joined by the United States, reportedly resulted in more than a thousand deaths in Iran and caused extensive damage to civilian, military, and scientific facilities. Against this backdrop, Tehran has repeatedly stated that any engagement with Washington must remain confined to nuclear issues, ruling out negotiations over Iran's missile programme or regional role. Iranian officials have also said talks can only succeed if held in an atmosphere free from threats and what they described as illogical or illegal demands, according to Press TV. Senior officials, including Ali Shamkhani, advisor to Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, have stressed that respect and realism are essential for progress in discussions with the United States. The renewed diplomatic effort comes amid escalating tensions across West Asia and a heightened US military presence in the region. In early January, US President Donald Trump warned Iran of attacks if the country harmed "peaceful protesters." Days later, coordinated assaults struck police stations, military installations and civilian infrastructure in several Iranian cities, triggering a security response. Iranian officials said the attacks were aimed at causing mass casualties and destabilising urban centres as a precursor to renewed American aggression against the Islamic Republic. Since Trump's latest warnings, Iranian authorities, including senior military officials, have issued strong cautions to Washington and its allies against any fresh miscalculation, saying the country's level of military preparedness has now surpassed pre-war levels. - ANI A Spring Festivalthemed cultural event was held on Feb. 4, 2026 aboard the China-Laos Railway, with 2026 marking the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Laos. The event took place onboard two high-speed trains the D87 Lancang train departing from Kunming South Station in China and the D88 Fuxing train departing from Vientiane North Station in Laos with both trains serving as the main venues for the celebration. Throughout the journey, the two trains were transformed into mobile cultural stages, where artists and representatives from both countries shared performances, stories and festive activities. Traveling in opposite directions, the trains carried Spring Festival celebrations across borders, presenting a vivid scene of people-to-people exchange and symbolizing a two-way journey that connects hearts in China and Laos. Programs featuring local traditions from southwest China's Yunnan Province, alongside shows by Lao artists blending elements of both cultures, filled the carriages with applause and laughter. Stories shared by railway workers, tour guides and passengers highlighted how the China-Laos Railway has brought tangible changes to daily life, strengthened mutual understanding and drawn the two peoples closer together. Livestreamed to global audiences, the event underscored the deep-rooted friendship between the two nations and showcased the vitality of cultural interaction along the Belt and Road. Photo taken on February 4, 2026 shows performers and passengers taking part in a Spring Festival cultural activity aboard a China-Laos Railway train, as China and Laos mark 65 years of diplomatic relations this year. (Photo provided to Guangming Online) Photo taken on February 4, 2026 shows performers and passengers taking part in a Spring Festival cultural activity aboard a China-Laos Railway train, as China and Laos mark 65 years of diplomatic relations this year. (Photo provided to Guangming Online) Photo taken on February 4, 2026 shows performers and passengers taking part in a Spring Festival cultural activity aboard a China-Laos Railway train, as China and Laos mark 65 years of diplomatic relations this year. (Photo provided to Guangming Online) Photo taken on February 4, 2026 shows performers and passengers taking part in a Spring Festival cultural activity aboard a China-Laos Railway train, as China and Laos mark 65 years of diplomatic relations this year. (Photo provided to Guangming Online) Photo taken on February 4, 2026 shows performers and passengers taking part in a Spring Festival cultural activity aboard a China-Laos Railway train, as China and Laos mark 65 years of diplomatic relations this year. (Photo provided to Guangming Online) Photo taken on February 4, 2026 shows performers and passengers taking part in a Spring Festival cultural activity aboard a China-Laos Railway train, as China and Laos mark 65 years of diplomatic relations this year. (Photo provided to Guangming Online) Photo taken on February 4, 2026 shows performers and passengers taking part in a Spring Festival cultural activity aboard a China-Laos Railway train, as China and Laos mark 65 years of diplomatic relations this year. (Photo provided to Guangming Online) Photo taken on February 4, 2026 shows performers and passengers taking part in a Spring Festival cultural activity aboard a China-Laos Railway train, as China and Laos mark 65 years of diplomatic relations this year. (Photo provided to Guangming Online) Editor: WXY US President Donald Trump issued a stark warning to Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, stating he "should be very worried" as diplomatic contacts continue. The warning comes amid a US military buildup and Iran's conditional agreement to hold talks, potentially in Oman, to avert further conflict. Concurrently, a top Iranian military commander announced upgrades to the country's ballistic missile systems, claiming a shift to an "offensive" military doctrine. The situation highlights escalating tensions even as both sides prepare for negotiations over Iran's nuclear program. US President Trump says Iran's Supreme Leader should be "very worried" as the two nations prepare for diplomatic talks in Oman amid military posturing. Washington DC, February 6 US President Donald Trump delivered a forceful warning to Iran's top leadership this week, saying Iran's supreme leader "should be very worried" as the two countries prepare for resumed nuclear negotiations, according to excerpts from a Wednesday interview with NBC News, reported CNN. In the interview, Trump was asked directly about Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and the mounting pressure on Tehran from Washington and regional actors. "I would say he should be very worried, yeah. He should be," Trump said, underscoring the administration's increasingly tough rhetoric toward Iran even as diplomatic contacts continue. Meanwhile, Iran has conditionally agreed to hold talks with the US to avert the threat of further military strikes, CNN reported. The push for renewed diplomacy comes after weeks of escalatory rhetoric between Washington and Tehran. US President Donald Trump has repeatedly warned that unless Iran agrees to a deal on its nuclear program, "bad things" could happen, a message that has been amplified by the movement of a US carrier strike group and other military assets into the Middle East. According to CNN, the discussions are expected to be held in Oman. Iran's ISNA news agency also reported Oman as the venue for talks on Friday. Iran's top military commander asserted that the country has bolstered its deterrence capabilities through upgrades to domestically produced ballistic missile systems. Providing context to the remarks, Iranian state broadcaster Press TV reported that on Wednesday, Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Abdolrahim Mousavi made the comments during a visit to a missile facility operated by the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), accompanied by IRGC Aerospace Force commander Brigadier General Majid Mousavi. Describing the scope of the upgrades, Mousavi noted, "By upgrading its ballistic missiles in all technical dimensions, Iran has been able to strengthen its deterrence power," during the tour. Building on this, he also highlighted Iran's readiness to confront any hostile move, adding, "Following the 12-day war, we have changed our military doctrine from defensive to offensive by adopting the policy of asymmetric warfare and [boosting readiness for a] crushing response to the enemies," according to Press TV. - ANI The IDF and Shin Bet have killed Hamas terrorist Muhammad Essam Hassan Habil, identified as the murderer of Corporal Noa Marciano. Marciano was kidnapped during the October 7th attack and killed while in Hamas captivity. The operation was a response to a violation of the Gaza ceasefire agreement. Intelligence from the IDF's Gaza Division, to which Marciano belonged, enabled the targeted strike. Israeli forces eliminate Muhammad Essam Hassan Habil, the Hamas cell leader who murdered Corporal Noa Marciano while she was held captive. Tel Aviv, February 5 The IDF and Shin Bet earlier today attacked and killed the terrorist Muhammad Essam Hassan Habil, a Hamas terror cell leader. The attack came, said the IDF, in response to the violation of the Gaza ceasefire agreement last night. As part of Shin Bet investigations, it emerged that the terrorist brutally murdered the military lookout, Corporal Noa Marciano, while in Hamas captivity. Noa was kidnapped from the IDF's Nahal Oz camp during the October 7 massacre. The terrorist's elimination was made possible, among other things, thanks to intelligence gathering carried out by the IDF's Gaza Division, to which the late Noa Marciano belonged. - ANI Actress Janki Bodiwala has expressed that working on "Mardaani 3" was a dream come true, primarily because she got to collaborate with her idol, Rani Mukerji. She shared her gratitude on Instagram, thanking the team at Yash Raj Films and director Abhiraj Minawala for the enjoyable experience. The latest installment in the franchise continues its tradition of exploring dark and brutal societal realities through issue-based storytelling. The film is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release. Actress Janki Bodiwala shares her experience working with idol Rani Mukerji in Mardaani 3, calling it a dream come true. Learn about the film's dark new case. Mumbai, Feb 5 Actress Janki Bodiwala has described working on "Mardaani 3" as a dream come true, as the film allowed her to collaborate with the "OG", including Rani Mukerji. Janki took to Instagram, where she shared a string of images from the sets of "Mardaani 3", in which she played a police officer. "An actor's dream, to work with your idols, to work with the OGs and to learn as much as you can," she wrote as the caption. The actress thanked Yash Raj Films, Rani Mukerji, director Abhiraj Minawala, casting director Shanoo Sharma, and the entire team for making the experience memorable and enjoyable. Janki added: "All fulfilled again and this time with Mardani 3 and guess what, that too with @yrf Can't thank enough to @yrf #RaniMukherjee Ma'am @abhiraj88 sir @shanoosharmarahihai Ma'am and each and every member of our team(family) for making this the most enjoyable experience. Go and watch Mardani 3 in cinemas near you!" Janki is known for Chhello Divas, Chhutti Jashe Chhakka, Naadi Dosh and Vash. She made her Hindi debut with Shaitaan in 2024. Talking about her latest release, "Mardaani 3", the film is directed by Abhiraj Minawala and produced by Aditya Chopra. Mardaani exposed the grim realities of human trafficking and Mardaani 2 explored the disturbing psyche of a serial rapist who challenged the system, Mardaani 3 delves into another dark and brutal reality of our society, further strengthening the franchise's legacy of impactful, issue-based storytelling. Aayush Gupta has written Mardaani 3 of The Railway Men fame. "Mardaani 3" is scheduled to release in theatres worldwide on January 30. The first installment of the Mardaani franchise was released in 2014. It featured Rani, Jisshu Sengupta, Tahir Raj Bhasin, and Anant Vidhaat Sharma in supporting roles. The second installment premiered in 2019. It was directed by Gopi Puthran. It also stars Vishal Jethwa. - IANS A significant fire incident occurred at a sugar factory in Havinal village within Karnataka's Vijayapura district. The blaze broke out on Wednesday evening, prompting an immediate emergency response. Fortunately, there have been no reports of casualties from the incident so far. Firefighting and relief operations are currently underway as authorities await further details. A major fire broke out at a sugar factory in Havinal village, Vijayapura. Fire tenders responded promptly. No casualties reported. Relief efforts ongoing. Vijayapura, February 5 A massive fire broke out at a sugar factory in Havinal village in Chadchan taluk of Vijayapura district on Wednesday evening. No casualties have been reported in the incident so far. Fire tenders arrived on the site promptly after receiving the information. Relief efforts are underway. Further details on the incident are awaited. - ANI Karnataka's Industries Minister M.B. Patil has welcomed the efforts of Union Ministers Pralhad Joshi and H.D. Kumaraswamy in advocating for a Bengaluru-Pune high-speed rail corridor. He emphasized that the project must move beyond discussions to implementation, highlighting its potential benefits for regions in central Karnataka and western Maharashtra. Patil also addressed a recent meeting of Congress Lingayat MLAs, stating it was focused on community welfare and not a show of strength. Furthermore, he criticized the current central government for weakening the MGNREGA scheme, originally launched by the UPA. Karnataka Minister M.B. Patil welcomes Union Ministers' push for the Bengaluru-Pune-Mumbai rail corridor, urging concrete action beyond discussions. Bengaluru, Feb 5 Karnataka's Large and Medium Industries Minister M.B. Patil on Thursday praised the efforts of Union Ministers Pralhad Joshi and H.D. Kumaraswamy for the Bengaluru-Pune high-speed rail corridor, but stated that the initiatives should not remain at the level of discussions alone and must be taken to their logical conclusion. "Soon after the Union Budget was presented, I had highlighted the need for a high-speed rail corridor connecting Bengaluru, Pune and Mumbai. I thank Union Ministers Prahlad Joshi and H.D. Kumaraswamy for taking up the issue with Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. There is no politics involved in this. The initiative should not remain limited to discussions alone, but must be taken to its logical conclusion," Patil, who is also Infrastructure Development Minister, said. Replying to questions from media persons, he said there must be an efficient and world-class connectivity system between Bengaluru, the country's technology capital, and Mumbai, the financial capital. Such a project would bring significant benefits to parts of central and north Karnataka, as well as western Maharashtra, he added. Noting that the Union Budget has announced seven high-speed rail corridors, including Bengaluru-Hyderabad and Bengaluru-Chennai, Patil said that while these are welcome, these two corridors will not bring substantial benefits to the state. If a Bengaluru-Pune-Mumbai corridor is implemented, it would benefit regions such as Tumakuru, Davanagere, Hubballi, Belagavi, Sangli, and Kolhapur, paving the way for economic and industrial growth. "I had stated this on the day of the Budget itself. Now, the fact that both Union Ministers are working in this direction is a welcome development," he said. "It is encouraging that Union Ministers Kumaraswamy and Joshi have paid attention to this issue. We should not politicise such matters. Letters have already been written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and V. Somanna regarding this project," he said. Responding to another question, Minister Patil said the meeting of Lingayat MLAs belonging to the Congress, held four days ago, was not a show of strength. The meeting was convened by leaders Ashok Patil and B.R. Patil, and discussions were limited to issues concerning the welfare of the community. "We hold such meetings from time to time. MLAs from other communities also meet similarly. However, portraying only our meeting as a display of Lingayat strength is not appropriate, Patil clarified. "With the support of the Lingayat community, the Congress won 178 seats in 1989, achieving a historic victory. Even today, the Congress has 34 Lingayat MLAs. In the 2023 Assembly elections, our community voted for the Congress. Therefore, there is nothing wrong with seeking greater representation for MLAs from the community in the government. However, we will not encroach upon the share of any other community," he stated. Patil said that the MGNREGA scheme, introduced by the earlier UPA government, was praised even by BJP leaders such as L.K. Advani, Nitin Gadkari, and Nirmala Sitharaman. However, the Narendra Modi-led government has weakened the scheme and renamed it as VB-G RAM G. BJP MPs themselves should raise their voice on this issue and safeguard their credibility, the Minister urged. - IANS South Korea will chair the newly launched FORGE initiative on critical mineral supply chains through June, continuing its leadership role from the preceding Minerals Security Partnership. The announcement followed the inaugural Critical Minerals Ministerial hosted by the U.S. Secretary of State, which brought together officials from 54 countries and the European Commission. The U.S.-led effort seeks to reinforce and diversify supply chains for minerals vital to high-tech and military manufacturing, directly countering China's formidable influence over these key resources. At the meeting, the U.S. Vice President outlined the administration's approach involving a preferential trade zone with adjustable tariffs to guard against external disruptions. South Korea will chair the FORGE initiative on critical minerals supply chains until June, as the US rallies allies to reduce dependence on China. Washington, Feb 5 South Korea will lead a new multinational initiative, launched under a US push to beef up cooperation with allies on critical minerals supply chains, through June, the State Department said, as Washington steps up efforts to counter China's formidable clout over key resources. The department made the announcement on Seoul's role for FORGE, or Forum on Resource Geostrategic Engagement, after the inaugural Critical Minerals Ministerial, a meeting aimed at reinforcing and diversifying supply chains for critical minerals key to the manufacturing of high-tech military and consumer products, reports Yonhap news agency. "FORGE, which will be chaired by the Republic of Korea through June, will lead with bold and decisive action to address ongoing challenges in the global critical minerals marketplace," the department said in a fact sheet. "Understanding the benefits of working together and building on the MSP, FORGE partners will collaborate at the policy and project levels to advance initiatives that strengthen diversified, resilient, and secure critical minerals supply chains," it added. MSP is short for the Minerals Security Partnership, a precursor to FORGE. South Korea previously served as the MSP chair as well. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio hosted the ministerial meeting on critical minerals at the State Department, where officials from 54 countries and the European Commission participated, including South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun and representatives from Japan, Australia, Canada and India, to name a few. At the start of the meeting, U.S. Vice President JD Vance said that U.S. President Donald Trump's administration is seeking a "preferential trade zone," which will maintain "price floors" through "adjustable tariffs" and guard itself from "external disruptions." The meeting came as Washington has been intensifying efforts to bring allies and partners closer together to address supply chain vulnerabilities and other risks as China wields dominant influence over rare earths and other vital resources. - IANS Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis congratulated Mahindra Auto for securing its largest-ever export order of 35,000 Scorpio Pik-Up vehicles for Indonesia. The vehicles will be manufactured at the company's plant in Nashik, reinforcing the state's role as a manufacturing hub. The order, set for delivery in 2026, is part of Indonesia's KDKMP Project aimed at strengthening cooperatives and national food security. Mahindra stated the vehicles will improve rural logistics and enable efficient movement of agricultural produce from farms to markets. Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis lauds Mahindra's record export of 35,000 Scorpio Pik-Ups from Nashik to Indonesia, boosting Make in India. Mumbai, February 5 Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis congratulated Mahindra Auto on securing its biggest-ever export order of 35,000 Scorpio Pik-ups for Indonesia. On Thursday, the Chief Minister took to social media to celebrate that this order will be made in Nashik. Fadnavis said, "Congratulations to @Mahindra_Auto on securing its biggest-ever export order, 35,000 Scorpio Pik-Ups for Indonesia !" He also added, "Even prouder that this global milestone is Made in Nashik, reinforcing Maharashtra as India's leading manufacturing hub," highlighting the 'Make in India' initiative. Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) on Wednesday announced that it has secured its biggest-ever export order, involving the supply of 35,000 units of its Scorpio Pik Up vehicles to Indonesia in 2026. The order marks a significant milestone for the company's international operations and surpasses Mahindra's total export volumes achieved in FY25. In an official statement, the company said, "Mahindra bags its biggest ever export order; 35,000 units of LCVs to be delivered to Agrinas Pangan Nusantara, Indonesia in 2026" The vehicles will be deployed under Indonesia's Koperasi Desa/Kelurahan Merah Putih (KDKMP) Project, a large-scale initiative aimed at strengthening cooperatives and supporting the country's national food security transformation. According to the statement, the Scorpio Pik Up vehicles will be used for a state-owned project focused on cooperatives across Indonesia. These vehicles are expected to play a crucial role in enabling village-level commerce by improving logistics and transportation, thereby supporting the efficient movement of agricultural produce from farms to markets. Mahindra stated that under this partnership, it will work closely with Agrinas Pangan Nusantara to equip cooperatives, known locally as Koperasi, with robust and reliable vehicles. The collaboration aims to ensure an effective and seamless flow of fresh supplies from farmers directly to the marketplace, helping bridge the gap between producers and consumers. The initiative is also expected to enhance rural logistics and enable villages to emerge as independent centres of economic growth. The company further said that the Scorpio Pik Up vehicles will be manufactured at its Nashik plant. The Scorpio Pik Ups supplied under this order are tailored to meet the specific requirements of Koperasi operations, ranging from navigating rough rural roads to accessing farm tracks. Mahindra added that the vehicles will strengthen the Koperasi ecosystem by supporting first-mile aggregation, which involves transporting produce from farms to cooperatives. In addition, they will facilitate intra-village logistics, ensuring the efficient movement of goods within the cooperative network. - ANI Actress Mannara Chopra has shared a candid reflection on the unseen mental battles she fights daily, contrasting the public perception of her life as one of comfort. She emphasized her philosophy of choosing dignity over shortcuts and maintaining silence over unnecessary noise, which she shared alongside a video of her intense gym workout. The actress, who gained major recognition as the 2nd runner-up on Bigg Boss 17, has a diverse career spanning Telugu, Tamil, Hindi, and Kannada films. She continues to work on upcoming projects in Telugu and Punjabi cinema. Actress Mannara Chopra opens up about her unseen daily mental battles, emphasizing resilience, self-respect, and choosing dignity in a competitive world. Mumbai, Feb 5 Actress Mannara Chopra has spoken about resilience, self-respect and the unseen struggles behind her journey. Reflecting on how her life is often perceived as comfortable, the actress said people rarely notice the mental battles she fights every day. Mannara shared that she believes in staying decent in a world full of politics, choosing dignity over shortcuts and silence over unnecessary noise. Taking to Instagram, Mannara shared a video of herself sweating it out in the gym, performing chakrasan, core workouts, weighted squats and burpees. For the caption, Mannara wrote: "Soft heart. Strong spine. People think my life is all comfort and ease. What they don't see is the mental battles I fight every single day. Staying decent in a world full of politics, choosing dignity when others choose shortcuts, staying silent when I could scream. Emphasising her independent path, the actress added that she doesn't run in groups or play games, but believes in working hard with honesty. "I don't run in groups. I don't play games. I just work hard...." Mannara maintained that challenges may break her momentarily but never bend her spirit. "Some days it breaks me, but it never bends me. And fighting my own battles with grace... that's just who I am." In other news, the actress in December had lent her voice to the evergreen Christmas classic "Last Christmas". "Last Christmas I gave you my heart... but this Christmas, I'm giving you something even more personal - my voice. My vibe, From my heart to yours #lastchristmas #wintervibes #mannarachopra," she wrote as the caption. The classic has been covered by a several artists such as Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande, Kelly Clarkson, Meghan Trainor, Carly Rae Jepsen, Gwen Stefani, Billie Piper, Hilary Duff, Backstreet Boys, Jimmy Eat World, Pentatonix, Sabrina Carpenter, Chappell Roan, ROSE, and Poppy among many others. The 33-year-old actress, who was born as Barbie Handa in the Ambala Cantonment in Haryana, has worked in over 40 commercials. Ahead of her big acting debut she worked as a fashion designer and as an assistant choreographer, being trained in dance forms like hip hop and belly dancing. Mannara stepped into the world of acting in 2014 and has showcased her prowess in different language films such as Telugu, Tamil, Hindi and Kannada films. She made her acting debut with the 2014 Telugu film "Prema Geema Jantha Nai" opposite Sreerama Chandra. She made her Hindi debut with Anubhav Sinha's "Zid", co-starring Karanvir Sharma. In 2015, Chopra had special appearance in a song in two Tamil films "Sandamarutham" and "Kaaval". Mannara also played the lead opposite Sai Dharam Tej in "Thikka". She made her Kannada film debut "Rogue" in 2017. She gained major stardom after she featured in the 17th edition of "Bigg Boss", hosted by Salman Khan, in 2023. She emerged as the 2nd runner-up and the winner was Munawar Faruqui. She made her web debut with "Bhootmate," in which she played a ghost named Pari. She will next be seen in the Telugu film "Thiragabadara Saami", starring Raj Tarun and in the Punjabi film "Ohi Chann Ohi Raatan." - IANS Former Delhi BJP President Manoj Tiwari has strongly praised the Union Budget 2026-27, calling it a transformational effort to shape India's destiny for 2047. He stated the budget shifts focus from annual tax relief to a concrete roadmap for national development. Tiwari highlighted key provisions including establishing skill centres in every district and promoting the Orange Economy to empower youth. He emphasized that the budget, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, fulfills public trust in PM Modi's vision for a developed India. Former Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari calls the 2026-27 Budget a transformational roadmap to make India a developed nation by 2047. New Delhi, Feb 5 Former Delhi BJP President and three-time Member of Parliament from North East Delhi Manoj Tiwari on Thursday hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government for presenting a transformational Union Budget 2026-27. Addressing a press conference, Tiwari said that while anyone can draw a line on butter, the 2026 Budget is an effort akin to carving a line on stone to shape the destiny of India of 2047. He said that this Budget, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, is aimed at transforming India into a developed nation by 2047. Tiwari said that this Budget is different from previous ones. Generally, when a Budget was presented, people focused mainly on how much tax relief was given. Every year, people were appeased with small tax concessions. "However, due to the trust people have in PM Modi, expectations from this Budget were not limited to income tax relief but were focused on a roadmap to make India a developed nation by 2047 - an expectation that the Finance Minister has fulfilled," he said. Tiwari said that if it were a Congress government, they would have wasted time by giving a tax relief of Rs 50,000 every year, whereas the PM Modi's government has already made income up to Rs 12 lakh tax-free in the previous year itself. He reiterated that the Finance Minister has rightly stated that this Budget is meant to make India a developed nation by 2047. The press conference was coordinated by Delhi Pradesh Media Head Praveen Shankar Kapoor, and was attended by Media Relations Head Shri Vikram Mittal and State Spokesperson Dr. Mamta Tyagi. Praveen Shankar Kapoor said that the Orange Economy proposal in Budget 2026 will become a driving force for the progress of India's youth. Tiwari said that the opposition and the general public have always raised questions about employment opportunities for youth. Keeping this in mind, the government has ensured in this Budget that skill centres will be established in every district, not just in metro cities and large urban areas. He said that PM Modi speaks of four sections - youth, women, farmers, and the poor. "Until youth are skilled, who will give them jobs? Therefore, opening skill centres is essential," he said. He said that provisions have also been made in the Budget to make India a global data hub. When India can supply food grains to 170 countries and provide vaccines even to countries like the US, why can it not become a data hub? The youth of the country and the government together are prepared to make India the world's data hub, he said. - IANS Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav participated in a yoga session with Swami Ramdev at Patanjali Yogpeeth in Haridwar. He emphasized the profound mental peace he experienced while visiting the on-site Kanya Gurukul, which is steeped in values and discipline. Yadav credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for transforming yoga from an ancient Indian tradition into a worldwide movement. He also met with Union Minister Bhupender Yadav to discuss forest conservation and the upcoming arrival of eight cheetahs from Botswana. Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav practices yoga with Swami Ramdev in Haridwar, highlights mental peace & urges public to adopt yoga daily for health. Haridwar, February 5 Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Thursday participated in a yoga session with Yoga guru Swami Ramdev at Patanjali Yogpeeth in Haridwar and highlighted the importance of yoga in daily life for physical and mental well-being. CM Yadav also visited the Kanya Gurukul located on the premises of Patanjali Yogpeeth on the occasion, where he experienced an atmosphere rooted in values, discipline and spiritual practice. He emphasised that it brought a sense of deep peace to his mind. "Today, I practised yoga with Yog Guru Swami Ramdev at Patanjali Yogpeeth in Haridwar. Along with this, the atmosphere at the Kanya Gurukul here, filled with Sanskara (values), Sadhna (meditation), and inner strength, brought immense peace to my mind. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, yoga has emerged from India's ancient tradition to become a global mass movement," the Chief Minister said in a post on X. He further urged the public to make yoga part of their daily routine and to take steps toward a healthier lifestyle. "Let us all make yoga a part of our daily routine and move towards a healthy, balanced, and energetic life," he added in the post. CM Yadav arrived at the Patanjali Yogpeeth in Haridwar late Wednesday evening and met with Yog guru Ramdev. The Chief Minister expressed his gratitude to all members of the Patanjali family for their warm welcome. Earlier on Wednesday, CM Mohan Yadav met with Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav, in New Delhi and discussed issues related to tourism development, expansion of reserve forests, and wildlife conservation in the state. After the meeting with the Union Minister, CM Yadav said that eight additional cheetahs would arrive in Madhya Pradesh from Botswana on February 28 and he held detailed discussions with the Union Minister regarding the required cooperation and arrangements for the cheetah reintroduction program. - ANI 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. The Przewalski's horse is listed as a national first-class protected animal in China and remains endangered globally. Starting at the end of the 1980s, the Endangered Animal Protection Center of Gansu Province started to reintroduce 18 studs of Przewalski's horses from Germany and the United States. After 40 years of caring and breeding, the number of Przewalski's horses has increased steadily. By far, taking advantage of its geological and ecological edges, the Gansu Endangered Animal Protection Center has released altogether 56 Przewalski's horses into the wild to the Dunhuang West Lake National Nature Reserve and kept 45 inside. (Xinhua/Chen Bin) 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. The Przewalski's horse is listed as a national first-class protected animal in China and remains endangered globally. Starting at the end of the 1980s, the Endangered Animal Protection Center of Gansu Province started to reintroduce 18 studs of Przewalski's horses from Germany and the United States. After 40 years of caring and breeding, the number of Przewalski's horses has increased steadily. By far, taking advantage of its geological and ecological edges, the Gansu Endangered Animal Protection Center has released altogether 56 Przewalski's horses into the wild to the Dunhuang West Lake National Nature Reserve and kept 45 inside. (Xinhua/Chen Bin) A staff offers water to 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. The Przewalski's horse is listed as a national first-class protected animal in China and remains endangered globally. Starting at the end of the 1980s, the Endangered Animal Protection Center of Gansu Province started to reintroduce 18 studs of Przewalski's horses from Germany and the United States. After 40 years of caring and breeding, the number of Przewalski's horses has increased steadily. By far, taking advantage of its geological and ecological edges, the Gansu Endangered Animal Protection Center has released altogether 56 Przewalski's horses into the wild to the Dunhuang West Lake National Nature Reserve and kept 45 inside. (Xinhua/Chen Bin) 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. The Przewalski's horse is listed as a national first-class protected animal in China and remains endangered globally. Starting at the end of the 1980s, the Endangered Animal Protection Center of Gansu Province started to reintroduce 18 studs of Przewalski's horses from Germany and the United States. After 40 years of caring and breeding, the number of Przewalski's horses has increased steadily. By far, taking advantage of its geological and ecological edges, the Gansu Endangered Animal Protection Center has released altogether 56 Przewalski's horses into the wild to the Dunhuang West Lake National Nature Reserve and kept 45 inside. (Xinhua/Chen Bin) A staff 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. The Przewalski's horse is listed as a national first-class protected animal in China and remains endangered globally. Starting at the end of the 1980s, the Endangered Animal Protection Center of Gansu Province started to reintroduce 18 studs of Przewalski's horses from Germany and the United States. After 40 years of caring and breeding, the number of Przewalski's horses has increased steadily. By far, taking advantage of its geological and ecological edges, the Gansu Endangered Animal Protection Center has released altogether 56 Przewalski's horses into the wild to the Dunhuang West Lake National Nature Reserve and kept 45 inside. (Xinhua/Lang Bingbing) 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. The Przewalski's horse is listed as a national first-class protected animal in China and remains endangered globally. Starting at the end of the 1980s, the Endangered Animal Protection Center of Gansu Province started to reintroduce 18 studs of Przewalski's horses from Germany and the United States. After 40 years of caring and breeding, the number of Przewalski's horses has increased steadily. By far, taking advantage of its geological and ecological edges, the Gansu Endangered Animal Protection Center has released altogether 56 Przewalski's horses into the wild to the Dunhuang West Lake National Nature Reserve and kept 45 inside. (Xinhua/Lang Bingbing) 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. The Przewalski's horse is listed as a national first-class protected animal in China and remains endangered globally. Starting at the end of the 1980s, the Endangered Animal Protection Center of Gansu Province started to reintroduce 18 studs of Przewalski's horses from Germany and the United States. After 40 years of caring and breeding, the number of Przewalski's horses has increased steadily. By far, taking advantage of its geological and ecological edges, the Gansu Endangered Animal Protection Center has released altogether 56 Przewalski's horses into the wild to the Dunhuang West Lake National Nature Reserve and kept 45 inside. (Xinhua/Chen Bin) Staff members check the dung of 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. The Przewalski's horse is listed as a national first-class protected animal in China and remains endangered globally. Starting at the end of the 1980s, the Endangered Animal Protection Center of Gansu Province started to reintroduce 18 studs of Przewalski's horses from Germany and the United States. After 40 years of caring and breeding, the number of Przewalski's horses has increased steadily. By far, taking advantage of its geological and ecological edges, the Gansu Endangered Animal Protection Center has released altogether 56 Przewalski's horses into the wild to the Dunhuang West Lake National Nature Reserve and kept 45 inside. (Xinhua/Lang Bingbing) 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. The Przewalski's horse is listed as a national first-class protected animal in China and remains endangered globally. Starting at the end of the 1980s, the Endangered Animal Protection Center of Gansu Province started to reintroduce 18 studs of Przewalski's horses from Germany and the United States. After 40 years of caring and breeding, the number of Przewalski's horses has increased steadily. By far, taking advantage of its geological and ecological edges, the Gansu Endangered Animal Protection Center has released altogether 56 Przewalski's horses into the wild to the Dunhuang West Lake National Nature Reserve and kept 45 inside. (Xinhua/Lang Bingbing) A staff delivers forage to 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. The Przewalski's horse is listed as a national first-class protected animal in China and remains endangered globally. Starting at the end of the 1980s, the Endangered Animal Protection Center of Gansu Province started to reintroduce 18 studs of Przewalski's horses from Germany and the United States. After 40 years of caring and breeding, the number of Przewalski's horses has increased steadily. By far, taking advantage of its geological and ecological edges, the Gansu Endangered Animal Protection Center has released altogether 56 Przewalski's horses into the wild to the Dunhuang West Lake National Nature Reserve and kept 45 inside. (Xinhua/Chen Bin) An aerial drone photo shows the Przewalski's horses breeding base at the Gansu Endangered Animal Protection Center in Wuwei City of northwest China's Gansu Province, Feb. 3, 2026. The Przewalski's horse is listed as a national first-class protected animal in China and remains endangered globally. Starting at the end of the 1980s, the Endangered Animal Protection Center of Gansu Province started to reintroduce 18 studs of Przewalski's horses from Germany and the United States. After 40 years of caring and breeding, the number of Przewalski's horses has increased steadily. By far, taking advantage of its geological and ecological edges, the Gansu Endangered Animal Protection Center has released altogether 56 Przewalski's horses into the wild to the Dunhuang West Lake National Nature Reserve and kept 45 inside. (Xinhua/Lang Bingbing) Editor: WSH Nearly 94,000 Afghan families have returned to Afghanistan in the past three months, primarily from Pakistan. The UNHCR notes nearly one million Afghan migrants have returned from Pakistan over the past year, with thousands arriving daily. Returnees have raised allegations of mistreatment and extortion by Pakistani authorities during deportation. Migrant rights activists and officials are calling for sustainable, long-term reintegration solutions to prevent a humanitarian crisis. Nearly 94,000 Afghan families returned from Pakistan, Iran, Turkey. UN reports 1 million returns in a year amid rights concerns and calls for sustainable reintegration. Kabul, February 5 Nearly 94,000 families have returned to Afghanistan over the past three months from Iran, Turkey and Pakistan, either voluntarily or through forced deportations, Afghanistan's Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation confirmed, Tolo News reported. Officials said that of the total, more than 88,000 families came back from Pakistan alone, underscoring the scale of cross-border returns into Afghanistan and the growing pressure on reintegration systems. Amid this surge, the ministry outlined the assistance provided to returnees. Abdul Muttalib Haqqani, spokesperson for the Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation, said, "For the returning migrants, the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has provided food assistance, health services, free SIM cards, and other forms of support. In total, 977 million and 368 thousand afghanis in cash assistance have been distributed across various sectors." At the same time, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) noted that nearly one million Afghan migrants have returned from Pakistan over the past year, adding that arrivals continue daily, with close to 2,000 people now entering Afghanistan every day, Tolo News reported. As returns accelerate, migrant rights activists have urged authorities to prioritise long-term reintegration. Nazar Nazari said, "A fundamental solution is not merely focusing on returning migrants, but creating a framework in which return is an informed and sustainable choice, one where migrants have access to employment, income, and basic services such as housing, education, and healthcare." Echoing similar concerns, Ali Reza Karimi called for a phased approach to deportations, stating, "The expulsion of migrants from neighbouring countries should be carried out gradually and in a managed manner to prevent humanitarian crises." Meanwhile, several returnees from Pakistan have raised concerns over alleged mistreatment, harassment and continued detentions by Pakistani police, calling on officials of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan to urgently intervene, Tolo News reported. Sharing their experiences, Anargul, who was deported from Pakistan, said, "They detain us, mistreat us, and take money. Women, children, and the elderly are also detained." Homayoun, another deportee, said, "We have just returned. The Pakistani government subjected us to hardship, and when they detained us, they took our money. That is why we suffered and came back." These accounts come amid repeated appeals from human rights organisations and international bodies urging host countries to safeguard the rights of Afghan migrants. Earlier, a UNHCR representative told Tolo News that since December 2023, more than 4.8 million Afghan migrants have returned home, a surge that has increased Afghanistan's population by up to 12 per cent. - ANI Russian officials state there is no indication India is reconsidering its energy cooperation with Russia, emphasizing the mutual benefits of the trade. Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal reiterates that securing energy for India's population is the government's top priority, requiring a strategy of diversification. The comments come as External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar meets US counterparts, discussing bilateral ties and global issues like Ukraine and the Indo-Pacific. At a critical minerals meeting, India also expressed support for a new resource engagement forum. Russian and Indian officials affirm continued energy cooperation, citing mutual benefits and India's priority of energy security for 1.4 billion people. Moscow, February 5 Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Vladimirovna Zakharova said that there was no reason to believe that India would reconsider its approach to energy cooperation with Russia, RT News reported. "No reason to believe India has reconsidered its approach to energy cooperation with Russia," Zakharova said as per RT News. "The trade in resources is beneficial for both sides and contributes to maintaining stability in the international energy market," she added. "We, along with all other international energy experts, are well aware that Russia is not the only supplier of oil and petroleum products to India. India has always purchased these products from other countries. Therefore, we see nothing new here," Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. Meanwhile, Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal said, "wish to clarify once again, as the government has stated publicly on several occasions, that ensuring the energy security of 1.4 billion Indians is the supreme priority of the government. Diversifying our energy sourcing in keeping with objective market conditions and evolving international dynamics is at the core of our strategy to ensure this. All of India's actions are taken with this in mind. I would therefore urge the honourable members to consider these issues in their proper perspective." These remarks come as External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is in the US as part of the Critical Minerals Ministerial hosted by the US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio. The EAM said that the two side reviewed their bilateral cooperation during his meetings with the US Secretary. Topics such as the Indo-Pacific, West Asia, and Ukraine were discussed, Jaishankar said. "We did a fairly detailed review of our bilateral cooperation. It's natural when foreign ministers meet that you discuss the diplomatic agenda. Also, the calendar - what do we expect each one of us to do this year together, so a lot of our discussion was devoted to that, the bilateral side. But again, foreign ministers meet, and we talk about our business: the Indo-Pacific, what is happening in West Asia, the Middle East, Gaza, and the Ukraine conflict. There was a kind of global review of what was happening in the Western Hemisphere. In a sense, we discussed the world, we discussed our relationship, and it was a very open sort of forthcoming conversation," he said. At the Critical Minerals meeting, the EAM underlined India's support for the FORGE (Forum on Resource, Geostrategic Engagement) initiative. - ANI The Russian Foreign Ministry has declared that with the expiration of the New START treaty, parties are no longer bound by its obligations, citing a lack of formal response from the United States to a Russian proposal for voluntary restraint. Russia stated it remains ready to take military-technical measures to counter threats but is open to diplomatic efforts for strategic stability. The treaty, which limited deployed nuclear warheads and delivery vehicles, was originally signed in 2010 and had been extended to 2026. The pact was the last major arms control agreement between the two nations following the US withdrawal from another treaty in 2019. Russia declares parties free from New START treaty obligations after expiration, signaling potential new nuclear arms steps amid stalled US talks. Moscow, Feb 5 The Russian Foreign Ministry has said that it assumes parties to the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty between Russia and the United States are no longer bound by any obligations in the context of the deal. The ministry on Wednesday said Russia had received no formalised official response from the United States to the Russian initiative on extending voluntary restraint on nuclear arms ceilings beyond the treaty's expiration on February 5. "In the current circumstances, we assume that the parties to the New START are no longer bound by any obligations or symmetrical declarations in the context of the Treaty, including its core provisions, and are in principle free to choose their next steps," it said in a statement. Russia remains ready to take decisive military-technical measures to counter potential additional threats to national security, the ministry said, adding that it remains open to political and diplomatic efforts aimed at stabilising the strategic situation if appropriate conditions are created, reports Xinhua news agency. The New START treaty, signed by Russia and the United States in 2010, aims to limit the number of deployed nuclear warheads and delivery vehicles. The treaty entered into force on February 5, 2011, with an original validity period of 10 years and was later extended to February 5, 2026. Russian President Vladimir Putin said in September 2025 that Russia would continue to observe the core limits of the treaty for one year after its expiration, provided that the US refrains from actions that undermine the existing strategic balance. US President Donald Trump said in January that he was not concerned about the treaty's impending expiration and expressed hope that the two sides would reach a new agreement. The treaty is the only remaining arms control pact between the two nations after Washington withdrew from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty in 2019. - IANS The Black Swan Summit in Bhubaneswar, organized by the Odisha government and GFTN, is centered on three core pillars: global learning, innovation, and creating an engagement platform. It aims to position Odisha as a key player in India's digital growth, specifically in developing a fintech hub. The summit reflects the state's shift from policy to execution in AI, FinTech, and InsurTech, aligning with national goals. With over 1,700 delegates from 24 countries, it fosters execution-oriented dialogue among global policymakers, tech leaders, and investors. Odisha's Black Swan Summit, under BharatNetra, focuses on global learning, innovation & engagement for fintech & AI growth. 1700+ delegates from 24 countries. Bhubaneshwar, February 5 Additional Chief Secretary of Energy & IT Department, Government of Odisha, Vishal Kumar Dev, on Thursday, underlined the main focus of Black Swan Summit. He said that the summit was conceptualised after the Odisha government signed a Memorandum of Understanding MoU with Global Finance and Technology Network, and it has three focus pillars- global learning, global innovation and global engagement platform. "The government of Odisha entered into a partnership with the Global Finance and Technology Network during PM Modi's visit to Singapore. An MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) was signed and the program was conceptualised. The Summit has three pillars. One is global learning. The second pillar is global innovation. The third is to create a global engagement platform," he said. "There is a large delegation from Japan, Singapore and other countries who are here on how we could create and develop a fintech hub in Bhubaneshwar," he added. CEO of Global Finance & Technology Network (GFTN), James Boey, told ANI that the summit's goal is to design an opportunity for different stakeholders to come together and debate about technology and finance. "When we curate the black swan summit, our point is to design an opportunity for different stakeholders to come together and debate about technology and finance... This discussion will continue through the reports and articles, which we will record and circulate," he said. The two-day summit, which began today, is organised by the Government of Odisha under the BharatNetra initiative in partnership with GFTN. The Summit positions Odisha as a nation-building platform for India's next phase of digital-led growth. The Summit reflects Odisha's transition from policy articulation to execution in AI, FinTech, and InsurTech. It reinforces the role of states as engines of national transformation, aligned with India's Viksit Bharat 2047 vision. With participation from over 1,700 delegates across 24 countries and nearly 100 speakers from 5 continents (North America, South America, Europe, Asia and Africa). Black Swan Summit India convenes global and national policymakers, regulators, financial institutions, technology leaders, startups, investors, and academics for an execution-oriented dialogue, according to a release. - ANI A hardcore woman Maoist cadre, identified as Mamata Podiami, surrendered before police in Koraput, Odisha. She was an Area Committee Member of the banned CPI (Maoist) organization and laid down an SLR rifle with ammunition. Following her surrender, the Odisha Police declared Koraput district free from Left-Wing Extremism, a day after Malkangiri district received the same status. The surrendered cadre is eligible for financial benefits under the state's rehabilitation policy as the government pushes to eliminate LWE nationally by 2026. A hardcore woman Maoist cadre surrenders in Odisha, leading police to declare Koraput district LWE-free. She laid down arms under a rehabilitation policy. Bhubaneswar, Feb 5 A hardcore underground woman cadre of the banned CPI organisation on Thursday surrendered before the Koraput police in Odisha. The surrendered woman Maoist, identified as Mamata Podiami alias Mamita and Soni, is a resident of Bijapur district in neighbouring Chhattisgarh. She was an ACM (Area Committee Member)-ranked cadre of the CPI (Maoist). With the surrender of Mamata, the Odisha Police on Thursday declared Koraput district, one of the worst-affected districts of Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) in the state, as Naxal-free. The surrender took place in the presence of senior officials of the Odisha Police and the Border Security Force at Jeypore in Koraput. During the surrender, the ACM cadre of CPI (Maoist) also laid down one SLR along with 10 live rounds of ammunition. "A day after Malkangiri district was declared Naxal-free, we are today declaring Koraput district Naxal-free following the surrender," said Kanwar Vishal Singh, DIG, South Western Range, Koraput. Mamata is also involved in many incidents of exchange of fire (EoF), anti-government and anti-national activities in the bordering areas of Odisha and Chhattisgarh, whose verification is going on. Speaking to media persons, he further stated that as per the Odisha government's rehabilitation policy, the surrendered woman ACM cadre Maoist will get Rs 5.50 lakh, another Rs 1.65 lakh for surrendering along with the SLR rifle, along with several other financial and related rewards. It is worth noting that one hardcore ACM-rank CPI (Maoist) cadre, Sukhram Markam alias Suresh and Yogesh, of Sukma district in Chhattisgarh, surrendered before the Malkangiri Police in Odisha on Wednesday. "This surrender of the operational and ideological CPI (Maoist) leader marks a final blow to CPI (Maoist) cadres in Malkangiri, making the Malkangiri district Naxal-free," the Malkangiri Police announced on Wednesday. In December last year, Union Home Minister Amit Shah had earlier announced that Odisha stands at the threshold of becoming completely free from LWE. The government is resolved to eliminate LWE from the country before March 31, 2026. - IANS The Odisha government has launched the Black Swan Summit India 2026 in partnership with the Global Finance & Technology Network. The initiative includes a five-month hybrid training program, with its first cohort graduating, developed alongside the National University of Singapore. To ensure job placement, the state has signed 17 Memorandums of Understanding with companies like Bajaj General Insurance and Spice Money. The summit aims to connect Odisha with global markets, attract investment, and create a sustainable talent pipeline in digital finance. Odisha launches the Black Swan Summit 2026 with GFTN to develop a future-ready fintech & insurtech workforce through training and global partnerships. Bhubaneswar, February 5 The Government of Odisha, in partnership with the Global Finance & Technology Network, announced the start of the inaugural Black Swan Summit India in Bhubaneswar on Thursday. The summit is part of the BharatNetra initiative and aims to develop the state's ecosystem in fintech, insurtech, and artificial intelligence. The event focuses on workforce readiness and creating a pipeline from education to employment to address the digital needs of the region. A major component of this initiative is a five-month fintech and insurtech hybrid training program. The first cohort of students graduated today from this program, which was developed in collaboration with the National University of Singapore's Asian Institute of Digital Finance. To support these graduates, the state is signing 17 Memorandums of Understanding with companies like Bajaj General Insurance, Spice Money, and Vayana to ensure direct job placement and market access for startups. Neil Parekh, Deputy Chairman of GFTN, stated that financial technology and insurance technology represent the jobs of the future. He noted that the efficiency of various technologies has made it imperative for the young to be exposed to fintech and AI. Parekh mentioned that the training of 7,000 students in Odisha will lead to more startups and opportunities. He added that the focus is on creating high-paying jobs and that the initiative allows the government to develop talent at a faster pace. James Boey, CEO of GFTN, explained that the summit is designed to enable stakeholders to debate policy and technology and to encourage innovation. He said the focus of the first edition is to convene global leaders and begin a discussion that continues through the recording and circulation of reports. Boey stated that the goal is to lock in the mindshare of what is being done in the fintech and insurtech space, as BharatNetra is a five-year journey rather than a one-off event. The summit serves as a platform to connect Odisha with international markets. Boey mentioned that the intent is to attract investment into the state while supporting local enterprises that are ready to venture outside India. He noted that by attracting international entrepreneurs and global leaders, the state creates a supply-and-demand cycle that increases economic impact. The MOUs signed during the event cover job placement, women's inclusivity, and the development of an AI Technopark. The Black Swan Summit India officially begins its sessions today, February 5, 2026. The event is attended by policymakers, technology leaders, and investors from five continents. It follows a period of planning that began in early 2025 during the visit of the President of Singapore to Odisha. The summit now moves that collaboration into an execution phase focused on measurable outcomes in the digital finance sector. - ANI Kalpana Iyer nostalgically recalled her experience working with Amitabh Bachchan in the classic film 'Satte Pe Satta'. She emphasized the crucial life lesson of punctuality she learned from observing him, as he would always arrive on set first, no matter how early the call time. Iyer shared a specific memory of both driving white Ambassador cars to 6 am shoots at Ballard Pier. She concluded by reiterating that valuing other people's time is one of the most important traits a person can have. Veteran actress Kalpana Iyer shares nostalgic memories of working with Amitabh Bachchan, highlighting his legendary punctuality during the filming of 'Satte Pe Satta'. Mumbai, Feb 5 The original 'Ramba Ho' girl, Kalpana Iyer, recalled her experience of working with Amitabh Bachchan in 'Satte Pe Satta' and shared that both of them used to drive white Ambassador cars at the time During an exclusive conversation with IANS, the veteran actress stated that while working with Amitabh, she learned what it is like to be punctual and value time. She stated that no matter the call time and the location, Big B used to reach the set on time. Kalpana Iyer was asked, "How was it working with Amitabh? Any memory of back then?" Answering the question, she stressed that one of the most crucial traits a person can have is punctuality. The 'Hum Saath Saath Hain' actress told IANS, "I had learned a very important life lesson from my mother - A person who reaches everywhere on time has been blessed with the best upbringing. When you learn to value people's time, that is the most important trait to have, to inherit, and to pass on." Recalling how, during the shoot, Amitabh used to make sure to arrive on time every day, even though nobody else used to be there. She added, "I did a movie called Satte Par Satta. Amit ji used to stay in Juhu, and I used to stay in Andheri, and we had to go all the way to Ballard Pier early in the morning at 6. am. Both Amit ji and I used to have a white Ambassador, and clockwise, he used to reach on time every day. I used to reach just 5 minutes after him. He would be there at a time when nobody would reach. I have seen him doing this in other places, too." She further reiterated that punctuality is a trait everyone should value "Reach on time, value time," Kalpana Iyer concluded. - IANS Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed gratitude to Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake for inaugurating the exposition of the Holy Devnimori Relics in Colombo. The event fulfills a commitment made during Modi's visit to Sri Lanka in April 2025, allowing the public to venerate the sacred Buddha relics. A high-level Indian delegation, including Governor Acharya Devvrat and Deputy CM Harsh Sanghavi, personally escorted the relics from Gujarat to Sri Lanka. The exposition strengthens the deep civilisational and spiritual bonds between the two nations, serving as a key instrument of India's cultural diplomacy. PM Modi expresses gratitude as sacred Buddha relics from Gujarat are exhibited in Colombo, strengthening India-Sri Lanka spiritual and civilisational ties. New Delhi, February 5 , Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep gratitude to Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake for inaugurating the Exposition of the Holy Devnimori Relics at the sacred Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo. Sharing his thoughts on X, PM Modi wrote, "Gratitude to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake for inaugurating the Exposition of the Holy Devnimori Relics at the sacred Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo. During my visit in April 2025, it was decided these relics will come to Sri Lanka, thus giving the opportunity for the people to pay their respects. Our nations are connected by deep civilisational and spiritual bonds. May Lord Buddha's timeless message of compassion, peace and harmony continue to guide humanity." The initiative stems from a commitment made during Prime Minister Modi's visit to Sri Lanka in April 2025, when both leaders agreed to bring the sacred relics from India for public veneration. In response, Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake expressed heartfelt appreciation to PM Modi and the Government of India for fulfilling that promise. In a post on X on Wednesday, President Dissanayake stated, "Respectfully welcome the Sacred Relics of the Buddha to Sri Lanka today for public veneration until the 11th at Hunupitiya Gangaramaya Temple. I deeply appreciate PM Narendra Modi and the Government of India for honouring their promise and enabling this sacred exposition." The holy relics arrived in Sri Lanka on Wednesday morning for the first-ever international exposition. A high-level Indian delegation, led by the Governor of Gujarat and Maharashtra Acharya Devvrat and Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, personally carried the relics to the aircraft for departure from India. The delegation also included officials from the National Museum, representatives of MS University, Vadodara, where the relics are currently housed, and members of the International Buddhist Confederation. These sacred relics, discovered at Devnimori in Gujarat, were transported to the revered Hunupitiya Gangaramaya Temple, a prominent centre of Theravada Buddhism in Colombo. The exposition, open to the public from February 4 to February 11, provides devotees in Sri Lanka a rare opportunity to pay respects to the relics. Beyond its spiritual significance, the exposition of the Holy Devnimori Relics in Sri Lanka serves a vital diplomatic purpose by advancing India's cultural diplomacy and reinforcing its people-centric foreign policy. By sharing its most sacred Buddhist heritage with Sri Lanka, India underscores the civilizational foundations of the bilateral relationship, anchored in shared faith, history and values. The event highlights the enduring historical, cultural and religious ties between India and Sri Lanka, rooted in the shared legacy of Buddhism, which originated in India and has flourished for centuries across the island nation. The exposition acts as a powerful instrument of soft power, fostering deeper people-to-people connections, enhancing mutual trust, and complementing formal diplomatic engagements with a profound cultural and emotional resonance. It reaffirms India's role as a responsible custodian of global Buddhist heritage and strengthens regional harmony in the Indian Ocean neighbourhood, while reinforcing Sri Lanka's place as a valued partner in India's vision of peace, stability and cooperative coexistence in South Asia. Speaking to reporters in New Delhi, Director General of the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) Abhijit Halder underscored Sri Lanka's pivotal role in the global Buddhist community and its longstanding spiritual connection with India. "Theravada Buddhism has its roots in Sri Lanka. Many Buddhists from India travel to Sri Lanka to study Pali. Till today, we see many Buddhist societies are run by Sri Lankan Buddhists," Halder said. Governor Acharya Devvrat recalled the significance of the relics and how they first gained international attention during PM Modi's visit to Sri Lanka. "Devnimori is a place in Gujarat where Lord Buddha's relics were found. In his last visit to Sri Lanka, PM Modi had mentioned these relics. These relics are being taken to Sri Lanka today to be placed in a temple there," he said. The forthcoming exposition in Sri Lanka builds upon India's longstanding tradition of sharing its Buddhist heritage with the world. In recent years, sacred relics of Lord Buddha have been successfully exhibited in countries such as Thailand, Mongolia, Vietnam, the Russian Federation and Bhutan, drawing millions of devotees and strengthening people-to-people connections. The Sri Lanka exposition also follows the recent and widely celebrated repatriation of the sacred Piprahwa Jewel Relics to India, hailed by the Prime Minister as the homecoming of a priceless national treasure. Through this exposition, India once again conveys the universal message of Buddha Dhamma, non-violence, compassion and coexistence, while reaffirming its commitment to cultural diplomacy and global harmony. The exposition not only fulfils a bilateral commitment but also reinforces the deep civilisational and spiritual bond between the two neighbouring nations, guided by Lord Buddha's teachings of compassion, peace and harmony. The journey of the Devnimori Relics to Sri Lanka stands as a powerful symbol of peace, a celebration of shared spiritual inheritance, and a reaffirmation of the special and enduring friendship between India and Sri Lanka, rooted in centuries-old civilizational ties and mutual respect. - ANI A devastating explosion at an illegal coal mine in Meghalaya's East Jaintia Hills district has claimed at least 18 lives, with one injured. President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow and announced financial compensation for the victims' families. Union Home Minister Amit Shah assured central support, while Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma ordered a comprehensive inquiry and promised strict action against illegal mining. Rescue operations by NDRF and SDRF teams continue in the remote area as authorities work to fix accountability for the tragedy. 18 workers killed in an illegal coal mine explosion in Meghalaya's East Jaintia Hills. President, PM, and top leaders express condolences and announce compensation. New Delhi, February 6 President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday condoled the loss of lives in a coal mine accident in Meghalaya's East Jaintia Hills district, calling the incident painful . "It is painful to hear about the loss of lives of workers in an unfortunate accident in the East Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya. I convey my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and pray for the early recovery of the injured," the President said in a post on X. At least18 people were killed in a coal mine explosion that occurred in the Mynsyngat, Thangsko (Thangskai) area of Meghalaya's East Jaintia Hills district. Vice President CP Radhakrishnan also condoled the deaths. "Deeply saddened by the tragic loss of lives in the coal mine incident in East Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. I pray for the speedy recovery of those injured." Union Minister for Coal and Mines G Kishan Reddy said the incident caused him "deep anguish" and assured central assistance. "The Ministry of Coal is in touch with the Meghalaya Government to ensure a swift rescue of those that are still trapped inside. I have also instructed the Ministry to seek a full-fledged report from the State Government so that accountability is fixed and such incidents are not repeated," he said in a post on X. Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday spoke to Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma after the incident. He took stock of the situation of the incident, assuring all possible support from the central government. The Chief Minister announced that the Meghalaya government will provide an ex gratia of Rs 3 lakh to the next of kin of the deceased. Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced ex-gratia worth Rs 2 lakh each for the families of 18 victims who lost their lives in the tragic Meghalaya coal mine incident.Chief Minister Sangma said a dynamite explosion occurred at an illegal coal mine around 11 am. "As per the current reports, about 18 people are dead because of this blast. One person is injured and has been shifted to the hospital," he said, adding that the area is remote, about 25 km from the district headquarters and accessible only by four-wheel-drive vehicles, making rescue operations difficult. Superintendent of Police Vikash Kumar confirmed that 18 bodies were recovered during the rescue operation, and one injured person was initially taken to Sutnga CHC before being referred to a higher medical centre. Teams from the NDRF, SDRF and SRT remain deployed at the site as recovery work continues. An FIR has been registered at Khliehriat police station under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, and the Explosives Substances Act. Police have appealed to the public to share information about those involved in illegal mining activities, assuring confidentiality and rewards. The Meghalaya government has ordered a comprehensive inquiry into the incident. CM Sangma said accountability will be fixed and illegal activities will not be tolerated. "Individuals who are involved in any illegal activities, action will be taken. Whoever is responsible for this incident will face very strict action. There will be no compromise when it comes to the safety of lives," Sangma said. Two cabinet ministers, Lakmen Rymbui and Y Ladmiki Shilla, have been directed to visit the district, review the situation on the ground and ensure that relief and rescue operations face no shortcomings. - ANI Pakistan is confronting a state of "water bankruptcy," where long-term water use has severely exceeded renewable supplies, causing irreversible damage. The groundwater table in Lahore has plummeted from below five meters in the 1950s to over sixty meters today, with some areas requiring drilling beyond 800 feet for potable water. The crisis is compounded by arsenic contamination in Punjab's groundwater and intense political disputes over water sharing between provinces like Punjab and Sindh. The normalization of emergency groundwater pumping for water-intensive crops, now aided by near-zero-cost solar tubewells, has turned a temporary solution into a permanent system liquidation. Pakistan faces irreversible water bankruptcy with aquifers depleted, arsenic contamination, and political disputes between Punjab and Sindh worsening the crisis. New Delhi, Feb 5 Pakistan is facing water bankruptcy with the groundwater table declining sharply every year, as states such as Punjab and Sindh remain locked in a dispute of sharing of water, according to an article in the Karachi-based The News International. The article by Mohsin Leghari, a former Irrigation and Finance Minister of Pakistan's Punjab province, cites the United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health (UNU-INWEH) January 2026 report, titled 'Global Water Bankruptcy: Living Beyond Our Hydrological Means in the Post-Crisis Era', to highlight the depth of the water crisis in Pakistan. For decades, "we have treated water" as a 'crisis', something acute that can be managed before returning to normal. The report argues this framing has become misleading because it assumes the baseline remains viable. In many regions, that assumption has collapsed. Rivers fail to reach the sea, aquifers are pumped until land subsides, wetlands disappear and glaciers retreat, the article states. "Water bankruptcy," the report argues, is a persistent post-crisis condition in which long-term use exceeds renewable inflows and safe depletion limits, causing damage so severe that prior levels of supply cannot realistically be restored. Bankruptcy has two components: insolvency, the use of more resources than are available and irreversibility, the damage to the system's storage and ecological functions. Pakistan exhibits both. In Lahore, the water table has dropped from below five metres in the 1950s to over 60 metres today; in some areas, potable water now requires drilling to depths of over 800 feet. The damage is not only to quantity; arsenic is also present in groundwater across Punjab, with traces detected in human hair and milk, the article laments. Pakistan's irrigation economy has normalised groundwater as a substitute for unreliable canal supplies to quench the thirst of water-intensive sugarcane and rice crops, it points out. What began as emergency pumping has become a permanent practice. That is not resilience; it is liquidation, temporary comfort bought at permanent cost. And solar-powered tubewells have removed even the price signal of scarcity, with marginal pumping costs near-zero, farmers have no economic reason to stop. "Here is Pakistan's deeper problem: when claims exceed carrying capacity, the contest becomes political, not hydrological. Our internal water debate, between provinces, between canal commands, between head and tail farmers, resembles a dispute over 'missing water', measurement credibility and trust. In a bankrupt system, when the ledger is disputed, everything becomes a grievance," the article laments. - IANS Members of a maintenance squad wait as a train runs past in north China's Shanxi Province, Feb. 3, 2026. A team of maintenance technicians, most born in the 2000s, has spent the winter months shoveling and removing ice from railway tunnels deep in the mountainous terrain in Shanxi province to safeguard passengers' trips. Embarking on the patrol journey at dawn, they trek more than nine kilometers every day to clear ice in seven railway tunnels. The arduous chipping, shoveling and transporting of large ice chucks means the technicians are totally burned out after a day of work. During the Chinese New Year, the team will stay on duty to ensure the safe operation of train services. Through their efforts, thousands more who have been working far from their hometowns for almost a year will be able to ride the train and return home safe and sound. (Xinhua/Cao Yang) Members of a maintenance squad wait as a train runs past in north China's Shanxi Province, Feb. 3, 2026. A team of maintenance technicians, most born in the 2000s, has spent the winter months shoveling and removing ice from railway tunnels deep in the mountainous terrain in Shanxi province to safeguard passengers' trips. Embarking on the patrol journey at dawn, they trek more than nine kilometers every day to clear ice in seven railway tunnels. The arduous chipping, shoveling and transporting of large ice chucks means the technicians are totally burned out after a day of work. During the Chinese New Year, the team will stay on duty to ensure the safe operation of train services. Through their efforts, thousands more who have been working far from their hometowns for almost a year will be able to ride the train and return home safe and sound. (Xinhua/Cao Yang) Technicians prepare to break ice in a railway tunnel in north China's Shanxi Province, Feb. 3, 2026. A team of maintenance technicians, most born in the 2000s, has spent the winter months shoveling and removing ice from railway tunnels deep in the mountainous terrain in Shanxi province to safeguard passengers' trips. Embarking on the patrol journey at dawn, they trek more than nine kilometers every day to clear ice in seven railway tunnels. The arduous chipping, shoveling and transporting of large ice chucks means the technicians are totally burned out after a day of work. During the Chinese New Year, the team will stay on duty to ensure the safe operation of train services. Through their efforts, thousands more who have been working far from their hometowns for almost a year will be able to ride the train and return home safe and sound. (Xinhua/Cao Yang) A technician breaks ice on the wall of a tunnel in north China's Shanxi Province, Feb. 3, 2026. A team of maintenance technicians, most born in the 2000s, has spent the winter months shoveling and removing ice from railway tunnels deep in the mountainous terrain in Shanxi province to safeguard passengers' trips. Embarking on the patrol journey at dawn, they trek more than nine kilometers every day to clear ice in seven railway tunnels. The arduous chipping, shoveling and transporting of large ice chucks means the technicians are totally burned out after a day of work. During the Chinese New Year, the team will stay on duty to ensure the safe operation of train services. Through their efforts, thousands more who have been working far from their hometowns for almost a year will be able to ride the train and return home safe and sound. (Xinhua/Cao Yang) A technician breaks ice on the wall of a tunnel in north China's Shanxi Province, Feb. 3, 2026. A team of maintenance technicians, most born in the 2000s, has spent the winter months shoveling and removing ice from railway tunnels deep in the mountainous terrain in Shanxi province to safeguard passengers' trips. Embarking on the patrol journey at dawn, they trek more than nine kilometers every day to clear ice in seven railway tunnels. The arduous chipping, shoveling and transporting of large ice chucks means the technicians are totally burned out after a day of work. During the Chinese New Year, the team will stay on duty to ensure the safe operation of train services. Through their efforts, thousands more who have been working far from their hometowns for almost a year will be able to ride the train and return home safe and sound. (Xinhua/Cao Yang) A technician breaks ice in a railway tunnel in north China's Shanxi Province, Feb. 3, 2026. A team of maintenance technicians, most born in the 2000s, has spent the winter months shoveling and removing ice from railway tunnels deep in the mountainous terrain in Shanxi province to safeguard passengers' trips. Embarking on the patrol journey at dawn, they trek more than nine kilometers every day to clear ice in seven railway tunnels. The arduous chipping, shoveling and transporting of large ice chucks means the technicians are totally burned out after a day of work. During the Chinese New Year, the team will stay on duty to ensure the safe operation of train services. Through their efforts, thousands more who have been working far from their hometowns for almost a year will be able to ride the train and return home safe and sound. (Xinhua/Cao Yang) Members of a maintenance squad walk in a railway tunnel in north China's Shanxi Province, Feb. 3, 2026. A team of maintenance technicians, most born in the 2000s, has spent the winter months shoveling and removing ice from railway tunnels deep in the mountainous terrain in Shanxi province to safeguard passengers' trips. Embarking on the patrol journey at dawn, they trek more than nine kilometers every day to clear ice in seven railway tunnels. The arduous chipping, shoveling and transporting of large ice chucks means the technicians are totally burned out after a day of work. During the Chinese New Year, the team will stay on duty to ensure the safe operation of train services. Through their efforts, thousands more who have been working far from their hometowns for almost a year will be able to ride the train and return home safe and sound. (Xinhua/Cao Yang) A technician clears ice from the railway tracks in north China's Shanxi Province, Feb. 3, 2026. A team of maintenance technicians, most born in the 2000s, has spent the winter months shoveling and removing ice from railway tunnels deep in the mountainous terrain in Shanxi province to safeguard passengers' trips. Embarking on the patrol journey at dawn, they trek more than nine kilometers every day to clear ice in seven railway tunnels. The arduous chipping, shoveling and transporting of large ice chucks means the technicians are totally burned out after a day of work. During the Chinese New Year, the team will stay on duty to ensure the safe operation of train services. Through their efforts, thousands more who have been working far from their hometowns for almost a year will be able to ride the train and return home safe and sound. (Xinhua/Cao Yang) Head of a maintenance squad (1st R) briefs about ice breaking skills in a railway tunnel in north China's Shanxi Province, Feb. 3, 2026. A team of maintenance technicians, most born in the 2000s, has spent the winter months shoveling and removing ice from railway tunnels deep in the mountainous terrain in Shanxi province to safeguard passengers' trips. Embarking on the patrol journey at dawn, they trek more than nine kilometers every day to clear ice in seven railway tunnels. The arduous chipping, shoveling and transporting of large ice chucks means the technicians are totally burned out after a day of work. During the Chinese New Year, the team will stay on duty to ensure the safe operation of train services. Through their efforts, thousands more who have been working far from their hometowns for almost a year will be able to ride the train and return home safe and sound. (Xinhua/Cao Yang) Editor: WSH Both Houses of Parliament will continue discussing the Motion of Thanks to the President's address. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's scheduled reply in the Lok Sabha was postponed after adjournment due to opposition protests and sloganeering. The disruption was partly triggered by a row over former Army Chief General M.M. Naravane's unpublished memoir concerning the 2020 China standoff. The Budget Session, which began on January 28, is scheduled to conclude on April 2 after a recess. Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha continue debate on Motion of Thanks. PM Modi's reply delayed after opposition ruckus over China standoff memoir. New Delhi, February 5 Both Houses of Parliament are scheduled to continue the discussion on the motion of 'Thanks to the President's Address' during the ongoing Budget Session on Thursday. In the Lok Sabha, the motion was moved by Sarbananda Sonowal and seconded by Tejasvi Surya. The House has allotted 18 hours for the discussion. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was expected to reply to the Motion of Thanks on the President's Address on Wednesday; instead, after repeated disruptions and sloganeering by the Opposition members, the Speaker adjourned the Lok Sabha. The Prime Minister is likely to reply in the Rajya Sabha on the motion of thanks today as the discussion continues. In the Upper House, the BJP MP Sadananad Master had moved the motion of thanks. The motion comes in response to President Droupadi Murmu's address to the joint sitting of both the Houses to mark the beginning of the Budget Session on January 28. According to the List of Business, the Lower House is scheduled to begin with the discussion on the Union Budget 2026-27. MP Suresh Gopi will make a statement regarding the status of implementation of recommendations contained in the Fifth Report of the Standing Committee on Petroleum and Natural Gas (2024-25) on Action Taken by the Government on the Recommendations and Observations contained in the 23rd Report of the Committee (2023-24) on 'Review of Policy on Import of Crude Oil' pertaining to the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. The proceedings of the Upper House will begin with an obituary reference to former MP Thomas Kuthiravattom. On Wednesday, amid a fierce row over former Army Chief General MM Naravane's unpublished memoir on the 2020 China standoff, triggered sharp accusations, and an all-out BJP versus Opposition slugfest inside and outside the Parliament. This led to PM Modi's address being postponed as the Speaker adjourned the Lok Sabha amid ruckus. The standoff centres on Rahul Gandhi's attempt to cite Naravane's unpublished memoir on the 2020 China standoff in eastern Ladakh, which BJP leaders said violated House rules and risked demoralising the armed forces. While the BJP accused the Opposition of deliberately creating a ruckus in Parliament to stop PM Modi from speaking, the Congress alleged that he stayed away because he did not want scrutiny on national security. The Budget session comprises 30 sittings over 65 days and concludes on April 2. The two Houses will adjourn for a recess on February 13 and reconvene on March 9 to enable the Standing Committees to examine the Demands for Grants of various ministries and departments. - ANI Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended birthday wishes to Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang via social media, praying for his long and healthy life. Chief Minister Tamang thanked the Prime Minister for his constant guidance and encouragement. Union Home Minister Amit Shah also conveyed his warm birthday greetings to the Sikkim CM. In his replies, Tamang expressed his continued commitment to serving the people of Sikkim with dedication. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah sent birthday greetings to Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, who expressed gratitude for their guidance. New Delhi, February 5 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday extended wishes to Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang on the occassion of the latter's birthday. In a post on X, the Prime Minister wishes the Chief Minister "a long and healthy life." "Birthday wishes to Sikkim CM Shri Prem Singh Tamang Golay Ji. Praying for his long and healthy life in service of the people," the PM wrote. Thanking the PM for his well wishes, CM Tamang expressed his gratitude for PM Modi's "constant guidance and encouragement." In a post on X, the CM expressed his commitment towards serving the people of Sikkim. "Thank you, Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi Ji, for your warm birthday wishes and kind prayers. I am deeply grateful for your constant guidance and encouragement. With your blessings, I remain committed to serving the people of Sikkim with dedication and sincerity," the CM replied. Subsequently, Union Home Minister Amit Shah also extended birthday greetings to the Sikkim Chief Minister, wishing him "good health and long life." In a post on X, the Home Minsiter wrote, "Warm birthday wishes to Shri @PSTamangGolay Ji. Wishing you good health and a long life as you continue working for the people of Sikkim." Replying to the Home Minister's wishes, the Chief Minister expressed gratitude for his "warm wishes and kind regards." "Grateful to the Hon'ble Union Minister Shri @AmitShah ji for his warm wishes and kind regards," the CM wrote in a post on X. - ANI Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended warm birthday greetings to Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang Golay, praying for his long life in public service. Golay's journey began in a humble farming family, leading him to become a government schoolteacher before entering politics. He founded the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) in 2013, which ended a 25-year rule in 2019 and secured a massive mandate in 2024. Recent surveys have ranked him as the most loved chief minister among smaller states in India. PM Narendra Modi extends birthday wishes to Sikkim CM Prem Singh Tamang Golay, highlighting his service. Explore his journey from teacher to most loved CM. New Delhi, Feb 5 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday extended birthday greetings to Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang Golay and said he was praying for the leader's long and healthy life in the service of the people. PM Modi took to social media platform X and wrote, "Birthday wishes to Sikkim CM Shri Prem Singh Tamang Golay Ji. Praying for his long and healthy life in service of the people." Prem Singh Tamang's journey began in Singling, West Sikkim, where he was born on February 5, 1968, into a humble farming family. Growing up in a rural setting, he experienced the rhythms of village life - early mornings in the fields, community responsibilities, and the quiet dignity of simplicity which shaped his early worldview. After completing his studies at Darjeeling Government College, Tamang chose not to pursue an urban career and instead returned home to work as a government schoolteacher. Those who knew him during this period describe him as soft-spoken and dedicated, with a strong belief that education was key to empowering Sikkimese youth. However, his desire to serve people could not remain confined to the classroom. Witnessing the everyday struggles faced by ordinary citizens including limited opportunities, poor infrastructure, and the lack of responsive governance, he realised that meaningful change could only be brought through active participation in politics. In the 1990s, Tamang entered public life and began working within the Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF), which dominated the state's political landscape at the time. His diligence and strong connection with grassroots communities helped him emerge as a popular figure. However, his independent approach and vision reportedly brought him into conflict with the party's top leadership. In 2013, he broke away from the SDF and founded the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM). At the time, many viewed him as a rebel with little chance of challenging the entrenched power structure. Yet, Golay's authenticity and direct connect with rural voters gradually turned scepticism into growing support. His public rallies were not merely political gatherings but often felt like community events, where he spoke in a simple and direct language that resonated with the people. In 2019, the SKM ended the SDF's 25-year uninterrupted rule in the state, and Prem Singh Tamang was sworn in as the sixth Chief Minister of Sikkim. For many residents, the change marked the beginning of a new chapter in the state's politics. If 2019 was seen as a breakthrough for the SKM, 2024 proved to be an even bigger victory. Riding on a wave of public trust and consolidation, the SKM won a massive mandate in the Sikkim Legislative Assembly elections, securing 31 out of 32 seats. Such a decisive mandate has been considered rare for regional leaders in India. In February 2025, Prem Singh Tamang's popularity was reaffirmed at the national level as well. The India Today-CVoter Mood of the Nation survey ranked him as the most loved chief minister among smaller states, with a reported approval rating of 62.1 per cent in Sikkim. This made him not only the top leader in the North-East and Himalayan belt but also the highest-rated CM in his own state across time. - IANS A tragic coal mine explosion in Meghalaya's East Jaintia Hills has claimed at least 16 lives, with fears that more labourers remain trapped. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced ex-gratia compensation for the victims' families and the injured. Political leaders including Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Akhilesh Yadav expressed deep sorrow and called for a thorough investigation into the incident at the suspected illegal mine. The state government has ordered an inquiry and rescue operations by NDRF teams are currently underway. 16 labourers dead in Meghalaya coal mine explosion. PM Modi, Priyanka Gandhi, Akhilesh Yadav offer condolences. State orders inquiry, NDRF rescue ongoing. New Delhi, February 6 Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Samajwadi Party Chief Akhilesh Yadav on Thursday expressed deep sorrow over the tragic death of labourers in a coal mine explosion in Meghalaya. They conveyed condolences to the bereaved families and wished speedy recovery of those injured. In a post on X, Priyanka Gandhi said, "Deeply saddened by the tragic deaths of many labourers in the coal mine blast in Meghalaya. I extend my deepest condolences to the bereaved families and pray for the speedy recovery of those injured." Her message came amid growing political reactions to the deadly incident that has claimed at least 16 lives so far. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav also expressed grief over the incident and called for accountability. In his post on X, Yadav said, "The news of the death of workers in the coal mine explosion in Meghalaya is extremely tragic. A thorough investigation into the causes should be conducted, and appropriate financial assistance should be provided to the bereaved families for their livelihood." Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced ex-gratia compensation from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF). The families of the 16 deceased will receive Rs 2 lakh each, while those injured in the incident will be given Rs 50,000. "Pained by the mishap in East Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya. Condolences to those who lost their loved ones. May the injured recover at the earliest," the Prime Minister said in a post on X. Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said the state government has ordered a comprehensive inquiry into the incident, which occurred at a suspected illegal coal mine in the Thangskai area of East Jaintia Hills district. He asserted that accountability would be fixed and strict legal action would be taken against those responsible. Rescue operations are underway with three teams of the National Disaster Response Force deployed at the site. Superintendent of Police Vikas Kumar said 16 bodies have been recovered so far, while several labourers are still feared trapped inside the mine. Further details are awaited as search and rescue efforts continue. - ANI Newly sworn-in Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh has declared restoring peace a collective task for all stakeholders. He referenced the state's history of ethnic conflicts, including the deadly 1993 clashes, to underscore the need for sustained efforts. His appeal for cooperation aims to bridge the trust deficit hindering the return of displaced people to their homes. This comes as the Centre withdraws President's Rule, paving the way for his NDA government after prolonged ethnic violence. New Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh emphasizes collective effort to restore peace and normalcy in the violence-hit state. Imphal, Feb 5 A day after assuming office, Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Thursday underscored that restoring peace and normalcy in the violence-hit state is a collective responsibility of all stakeholders, including elected representatives. Addressing the Assembly, Singh referred to Manipur's history of ethnic conflicts and recalled the devastating Kuki-Naga clashes that began in 1993, which claimed over 1,000 lives. Terming such violence as deeply unfortunate, he said sustained efforts were needed to prevent a repeat of past tragedies. "To bring back a peaceful atmosphere, it is a collective responsibility of all of us," the Chief Minister said, calling for cooperation to bridge the trust deficit that continues to hinder free movement and the return of displaced people to their homes. Singh, a 61-year-old BJP legislator, also expressed gratitude to opposition MLAs for extending support to the government's initiatives aimed at restoring peace and stability in the state, which witnessed ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities since May 2023 and was placed under President's Rule in February 13 last year. Later, Speaker Thokchom Satyabrata adjourned the seventh session of the 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly sine die. A member of the majority Meitei community, Singh served as Speaker of the Manipur Assembly from 2017 to 2022 and was elected twice from the Singjamei constituency in Imphal West district as a BJP candidate in the 2017 and 2022 Assembly elections. He was appointed a Cabinet Minister in the second N. Biren Singh-led ministry following the BJP's second consecutive victory in the 2022 Manipur Assembly elections. Meanwhile, the Centre on Wednesday withdrew President's Rule from Manipur, paving the way for the formation of the Yumnam Khemchand Singh-led NDA government in the state, officials said. The troubled state had been under President's Rule since February 13 last year, four days after then-Chief Minister N. Biren Singh resigned amid prolonged ethnic violence. - IANS Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has warned of severe consequences for the state's economy after the central government decided to discontinue the Revenue Deficit Grant. He stated that the grant, received since 1952, is a constitutional right and its sudden stoppage will impact the state's finances for the next decade. The CM has convened meetings and appealed for all-party unity, including BJP MLAs, to discuss the crisis and work towards an 'Atmanirbhar Himachal'. He also announced that the state will now levy land revenue and cess on all hydropower projects to generate funds. Himachal CM Sukhvinder Sukhu warns of severe financial impact after Centre stops Revenue Deficit Grant, calls for all-party unity to address the crisis. Shimla, February 5 Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu reiterated in Shimla that the state government will levy revenue charges on all hydropower projects operating in the state. The state government is preparing a detailed framework in this regard. Reacting to the Centre's decision to discontinue the Revenue Deficit Grant (RDG), the Chief Minister said that after the recent development on the 8th, where the central government stopped the Revenue Deficit Grant, a cabinet meeting has been convened to discuss the issue. Following this, a meeting of the Congress Legislature Party has also been called, and the government is considering inviting BJP MLAs as well. He said that from 2019 to 2025, Himachal Pradesh received approximately Rs 48,000 crore in Revenue Deficit Grants. If this assistance is suddenly stopped for the next five years, from 2026 to 2031, it will have serious consequences for the state's financial condition. To deal with this situation, all political parties must come together. "The formation of hill states was never based on revenue surplus. The Revenue Deficit Grant we were receiving under Article 275(1) was a constitutional right. Since 1952, Himachal Pradesh has continuously received RDG, and for the first time in 73 years, we are facing such a grave situation. This issue requires serious discussion," he said. CM Sukhu stressed that this matter should be addressed above party politics, keeping the larger interest of Himachal Pradesh in mind. "This is not a fight of governments; it is a fight for the people of Himachal Pradesh. I appeal to BJP MLAs as well to participate. On the 8th, we are ready to give them a presentation and also receive their views on how we can tackle this situation and move towards an 'Atmanirbhar Himachal Pradesh' by bringing policy changes," he said. He noted that Himachal Pradesh has incurred losses since GST was introduced in 2017. GST compensation was provided only for five years. During the BJP government, about Rs 1,600 crore was allocated as GST compensation cess, which has now also been discontinued. He said GST has benefited larger states like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra due to higher consumption, whereas Himachal Pradesh, with a population of only 75 lakh, has suffered losses. The Chief Minister further said that reduced import duties and repeated natural disasters due to climate change have also adversely affected the state's economy. "I raised this issue four times with the Union Finance Minister and the Finance Commission. I never imagined that the Revenue Deficit Grant would be stopped altogether. My demand was that RDG should not be tapered and should continue in equal installments as it did from 2019 to 2025-26," he said. CM Sukhu questioned BJP leaders, including Anurag Thakur, asking whether they opposed the discontinuation of the Revenue Deficit Grant. He added that the Congress government is even ready to go to Delhi along with the BJP leadership in the interest of the state. "This is not about my personal interest or the government's interest; it is about the future of Himachal Pradesh. The impact of this decision will be felt over the next ten years, and we must be prepared for tough decisions and a long struggle," he said. Announcing a fresh decision, the Chief Minister said the state government will now collect land revenue and cess from all power projects operating in Himachal Pradesh. Rejecting comparisons with 17 other states, CM Sukhu said Himachal Pradesh is a special hill state with 90 per cent mountainous terrain, 68 per cent forest land, and 28 per cent forest cover. "Five rivers flow through our state. Himachal Pradesh serves the country as the water bowl and eco-shield of North India. We protect ecology worth Rs 90,000 crore for the nation. Comparing Himachal Pradesh with plains states is completely wrong," he asserted. He concluded by urging all political parties to understand the seriousness of the issue and rise above politics to safeguard the economic future of Himachal Pradesh. - ANI Actress Saiee M Manjrekar describes the demanding yet enriching experience of working on the bilingual period drama 'The India House'. She explains that shooting simultaneously in Hindi and Telugu requires her to be constantly alert to adapt to different linguistic rhythms. The film's distinct historical setting, where she portrays a character named Sati, adds profound layers to her performance. Backed by Ram Charan's debut production, the project brings together a pan-India team focused on a single compelling vision. Actress Saiee M Manjrekar discusses the challenges and creative enrichment of shooting the period drama 'The India House' simultaneously in Hindi and Telugu. Mumbai, Feb 5 Actress Saiee M Manjrekar is currently busy with the upcoming pan-India period drama The India House, and she said working on a film that is being shot in two languages simultaneously requires her to stay constantly "alert, emotionally, mentally, and technically." Saiee said: "Being part of The India House has been creatively enriching in ways I hadn't experienced before. Working on a film that is being shot in two languages simultaneously pushes you to stay constantly alert, emotionally, mentally, and technically." She added: "You're not just performing scenes; you're adapting your instincts to different linguistic rhythms and sensibilities, often back-to-back". The actress said that her earlier experience with Major definitely helped her understand the mechanics of a bilingual shoot. "But every project has its own learning curve. The India House is rooted in a distinct historical backdrop, and that automatically adds layers to the performance. Portraying Sati meant immersing myself in the time she comes from, her emotional world, her quiet courage, and the internal conflicts she carries, even when unspoken." Speaking about the collaborative nature of a true pan-India production, Saiee said: "What excites me most about films like this is the collective spirit on set. You're surrounded by artists and technicians from different regions, all aligned towards a single vision." "Working with Nikhil Siddhartha, director Vamsi, and the entire team has been a wonderful experience. There's a strong sense of focus and respect for storytelling, which naturally elevates your own performance." Backed by Ram Charan in his debut production venture, the project is being shot simultaneously in Hindi and Telugu. Mounted on a big canvas, the film delves into a compelling period narrative. Talking about Saiee, she made her film debut with a brief appearance as Kushi Damle in the Marathi film Kaksparsh in 2012. She did her first leading role as Khushi Chautala in the 2019 Hindi action-comedy Dabangg 3 opposite Salman Khan. In 2020, she appeared in the music video for "Manjha" alongside Aayush Sharma. She next appeared in Kuch Khattaa Ho Jaay opposite Guru Randhawa. Saiee was last seen in the Telugu action drama Arjun Son Of Vyjayanthi directed by Pradeep Chilukuri.The film stars Nandamuri Kalyan Ram and Vijayashanti, alongside Saiee Manjrekar, Sohail Khan, Babloo Prithiveeraj, Srikanth and R. Sarathkumar.It is a spiritual sequel to the 1990 film Karthavyam, with Vijayshanti reprising the same role as Kalyan Ram's mother. - IANS Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami addressed a Sant Sammelan in Haridwar, asserting that Sanatan Dharma is not man-made but founded on eternal and evolving principles. He highlighted his government's strict actions, including an anti-conversion law and the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code in Uttarakhand. Dhami credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for ushering in a cultural revival, citing the Ram Temple and Badrinath Dham projects. The event was also attended by several dignitaries who spoke on India's spiritual unity and development. Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami addresses Sant Sammelan in Haridwar, stating Sanatan Dharma is eternal and highlighting state's strict laws. Haridwar, February 6 Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami onThursday participated in the 'Sant Sammelan' held at Saptarishi Ashram Ground, near Bharat Mata Temple, in Haridwar. On the occasion, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said that all saints, spiritual leaders, and devotees present here are living symbols of Sanatan consciousness, and by gathering in the sacred Saptarishi region on the holy banks of the Ganga, they are making invaluable contributions to the nation and culture. He said that the great personalities who dedicated their entire lives to national duty, service, sacrifice, and compassion were not just ascetics, but divine saints connected to national consciousness. The Chief Minister said that Brahmagiri Maharaj connected spiritual knowledge with social service and presented a philosophy of life that inspired countless people to walk on the path of service and humanity. By establishing Bharat Mata Temple, he worked towards the preservation of Sanatan culture and traditions, which continue to inspire devotees even today. He was made Acharya Mahamandaleshwar during the 1998 Kumbh Mela, after which more than 1 million Naga sadhus have been initiated so far. The Chief Minister said that the installation of Brahmagiri Maharaj's statue will become a medium of spiritual awakening for the new generation. The saint tradition is not limited to any one sect or community, but works to unite the entire world with the spirit of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam'. Sanatan Dharma is not man-made but is based on eternal principles that evolve over time and can never be defeated. The Chief Minister said that the state government has taken strict action against extremist mindsets through the anti-conversion law, the strict anti-riot law, and action against land jihad, love jihad, and spit jihad. He stated that the Uniform Civil Code has been implemented in Uttarakhand to ensure equal laws for all citizens. To secure the future of youth, a strict anti-cheating law has been implemented, resulting in more than 28,000 youths getting government jobs through transparent recruitment. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a new era of cultural revival has begun in the country. The construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya and projects like the Badrinath Dham Master Plan are important steps towards re-establishing India as a global spiritual leader, he said. The program was also attended by Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Bihar Governor Arif Mohammad Khan, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, Juna Akhada Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Avdheshanand Giri Maharaj, Shankaracharya Rajrajeshwarashram Maharaj, Yoga Guru Baba Ramdev, Mahamandaleshwar Swami Balkananad Maharaj, Mahamandaleshwar Vishokhanand, Mahant Devanand Saraswati, Mahant Narayan Giri Maharaj, along with a large number of saints, public representatives, and devotees. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said that Bharat Mata Temple, located on the banks of the Ganga in Haridwar, is a symbol of India's cultural consciousness. He said preparations are underway for the 2027 Kumbh Mela and that Maharaj Ji's life has been continuously inspired by good deeds and spiritual practice. Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said that India has witnessed an unprecedented transformation in recent years and has now become the fourth-largest economy in the world. He said rapid development has taken place in water, land, and air connectivity, and the youth are leading the country towards becoming a developed nation. The saint community is strengthening Indian culture and uniting the country. Bihar Governor Arif Mohammad Khan said that the guidance of saints provides solutions to life's sufferings. India's identity lies in the Sanatan culture. The four monasteries established by Adi Shankaracharya symbolise India's spiritual unity. He said God is one, and His expression is seen through different faiths. - ANI The Supreme Court will deliver its verdict on Thursday regarding the West Bengal government's obligation to pay Dearness Allowance at par with central government employees, including arrears dating back to 2009. The state government has challenged a 2022 Calcutta High Court order that ruled DA was a right of state employees. The state argues that DA payment is not mandatory and its financial structure differs from the Centre's, making parity unsustainable. The final ruling will determine whether lakhs of state government employees receive the long-pending arrears. Supreme Court to rule on West Bengal DA arrears case. Verdict on state paying central rates since 2009 to be delivered today. Kolkata, Feb 5 The Supreme Court will on Thursday deliver the verdict on pleas, including the one filed by the West Bengal government against the Calcutta High Court 2022 order, asking the state government to pay Dearness Allowance at par with that of central government employees and also to release arrears on this count since July 2009. The verdict will be delivered by the apex court's Division Bench of Justice Sanjay Karol and Justice Prashant Kumar Mishra today. The hearing in the matter was concluded at the Supreme Court in September last year. But the Division Bench had then kept the verdict on reserve. Finally, after a prolonged wait of around five months, the apex court will pronounce the verdict in the matter on Thursday. In this case, the apex court earlier directed the state government to clear 25 per cent of the outstanding Dearness Allowance within six months. However, the state government was unable to comply with the order and instead asked for six months of additional time to comply with the same. Based on that application, the hearings in the matter were conducted daily for three days in August last year. Again, the matter was heard in September, following which the Division Bench reserved its verdict in the matter. The long legal battle over payment of Dearness Allowance started at the state administrative tribunal, and subsequently the matter was dragged to the Calcutta High Court. In 2022, the Calcutta High Court ruled in favour of government employees and observed that Dearness Allowance was the right of state government employees and they were entitled to get it at par with central government employees. However, the state government approached the Supreme Court challenging that ruling by the Calcutta High Court. The state government claimed that payment of Dearness Allowance was not mandatory and not a fundamental right of the employees, and hence, the state government was not obliged to pay it at the central rate. The state government's counsel also argued that since the financial structure of the Center and the state was different, the rates of payment of Dearness Allowance would also be different. Therefore, the state cannot be compared with the rate at which the Centre pays DA. Now, it is to be seen whether the Supreme Court's final order on Monday will bring cheer for state government employees or not. - IANS Sean Baker's latest directorial effort, "Sandiwara," will have its world premiere at the Berlin International Film Festival. The film, starring Michelle Yeoh in five distinct roles, was shot on an iPhone and is set in a Malaysian night market. At the same festival, Yeoh will be presented with the Honorary Golden Bear for Lifetime Achievement. The Berlinale also announced new titles for its lineup, featuring films from directors like Gore Verbinski and stars including Ethan Hawke and Russell Crowe. Sean Baker's iPhone-shot film 'Sandiwara' starring Michelle Yeoh premieres at Berlinale, where Yeoh will receive an Honorary Golden Bear. Washington DC, February 5 Sean Baker's directorial 'Sandiwara' starring Michelle Yeoh is set to have its world premiere at the Berlin Film Festival on February 13, reported Variety. In 'Sandiwara,' the 'Anora' director returns to his iPhone-shooting roots for what a press release describes as an "immersive cinematic experience." It marks the first film from Self-Portrait's Residency program, which launched last year to invite creatives "from all disciplines into the brand to design using their own distinctive style," the release states, per the outlet. The initiative provides Self-Portrait's "infrastructure, platforms, resources, teams and distribution network to spotlight and promote external creatives, offering them the freedom to dream and create." Starring Yeoh as five different characters, 'Sandiwara' is set in a Malaysian night market and "moves beyond fashion and into the world of cinema and storytelling to capture the heart of Malaysian culture," according to its synopsis. "Each character tells their own unique story and represents a facet of Malaysian culture rarely explored." The film gets its title from the Malay word for "drama, theatrical performance or play" and was shot in Penang. The Berlin Film Festival will host a special screening of "Sandiwara" followed by a conversation between the director and actor. Baker will also be on hand at the Berlinale's opening ceremony on February 12 to present Yeoh with this year's Honorary Golden Bear for Lifetime Achievement. The festival will run from February 12 to 22. The Berlin International Film Festival has also announced a fresh set of titles for its upcoming edition, adding star power and genre variety to the Berlinale 2026 lineup. The newly revealed lineup includes films spanning horror, science fiction, drama and music-focused narratives. Among the highlights in the Berlinale Specials section are the international premiere of The Only Living Pickpocket in New York, directed by Noah Segan and starring John Turturro and Steve Buscemi. The section will also feature European premieres, including The Weight, directed by Padraic McKinley and starring Ethan Hawke and Russell Crowe, and Gore Verbinski's sci-fi comedy Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die, starring Sam Rockwell, Juno Temple, and Zazie Beetz, according to The Hollywood Reporter. - ANI The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has set funding records for Ukraine for the second consecutive year: in 2025, it allocated EUR 2.9 billion, compared with EUR 2.4 billion in 2024, the bank said in a press release on Thursday. "Energy security made up over EUR 1.2 billion of EBRD Ukraine financing in 2025 And, for the second year running, over 90 per cent of projects and 57 per cent of its investments were in the private sector," the statement said. According to the release, in 2025, the EBRD deployed a record EUR 1.2 billion through partner financial institutions (PFIs) in Ukraine, including EUR 550 million under its Trade Facilitation Programme. The bank also extended EUR 504 million in portfolio risk-sharing facilities to support up to EUR 1.6 billion of new lending through Ukrainian PFIs. Since 2022, these facilities have enabled over EUR 2.4 billion in new lending across more than 30,000 sub-loans to Ukrainian businesses, primarily small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Central to the EBRDs mission to support the development of skills and employment in Ukraine has been support for veterans in the banking sector. This has enabled partner financial institutions to develop dedicated lending products that mobilise finance for veterans and veteran-run businesses. As EBRD First Vice President Gregory Guyett, who was visiting Kyiv this week, told journalists, workforce issues and the quality of personnel currently appear to be the most critical challenge for companies, even more pressing than securing electricity supply. In 2025, under existing veteran reintegration financing windows with partner banks, the EBRD supported 111 sub-loans for a total amount of EUR 12.2 million. The EBRD has been the largest portfolio risk-sharing provider in Ukraine outside government programmes. The EBRD emphasized that "deployed" finance includes additional forms of financing for wartime Ukraine beyond the EBRDs own investments. In 2025, these comprised substantial donor grants and trade financing worth EUR 600 million, as well as EBRD core investments of a record EUR 2.3 billion. According to the release, Since Russia began its full-scale war on Ukraine in February 2022, the Bank has deployed a total of EUR 9.1 billion in the country, including almost EUR 3.3 billion for energy security. Since 2022, the EBRD has mobilised EUR 3.4 billion for Ukraine, including unfunded guarantees, with EUR 904 million secured in 2025. A further EUR 20 million was mobilised through multidonor funds, enabling investment in various projects across the country, the EBRD said. "We remain unwavering in that commitment and are already working with the government to lay the foundations for a resilient and sustainable reconstruction," EBRD President Odile Renaud-Basso was quoted as saying in the release. According to the statement, The Bank will continue to provide at least EUR 1.5 billion a year to Ukraine during wartime, with the potential for further increases once reconstruction begins. These intentions are underpinned by a 2023 agreement to increase the EBRDs paid-in capital by EUR 4 billion, sustaining the provision of support for Ukraine. The capital increase has now been 95 per cent subscribed. The release also notes that, beyond financing, the EBRD continues to support Ukraines reform agenda and reconstruction readiness. To this end, the bank is participating in project preparation, including the multinational Ukraine FIRST initiative announced in 2025, which aims to accelerate the restoration of Ukraines critical infrastructure by streamlining and coordinating the preparation of large-scale projects. Across all the EBRDs regions, Annual Bank Investment rose to a record EUR 16.8 billion in 2025 from EUR 16.6 billion in 2024. The Banks full financial results are expected to be announced in spring. The EBRD was established in 1991. According to data as of the end of 2024, over the course of its operations the financial institution has approved 624 projects for Ukraine totaling EUR 22.15 billion, of which EUR 14.14 billion has been disbursed. As of the end of 2024, its current portfolio comprised 241 projects worth EUR 6.13 billion. Seychelles President Patrick Herminie has arrived in Chennai on his first state visit to India at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The visit, marking 50 years of diplomatic relations, will include high-level discussions on bilateral, regional, and international issues. President Herminie will also attend business events in Chennai and Mumbai, underscoring economic engagement. The trip follows Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan's visit to Seychelles in 2025 and aims to deepen the multifaceted partnership between the two Indian Ocean neighbors. Seychelles President Patrick Herminie begins a state visit to India, meeting PM Modi to strengthen bilateral ties on 50th anniversary of diplomacy. Chennai, February 5 Seychelles President Patrick Herminie arrived in Chennai on Thursday on his first State visit to India at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The visit, which will continue until February 10, is his first trip to India since assuming office in October 2025 and comes as the two countries mark 50 years of diplomatic relations. The visit coincides with the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries. In a post on X, Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, Randhir Jaiswal said, "Commemorating 50 years of longstanding and multifaceted India-Seychelles bilateral ties. Warm welcome to President Dr. Patrick Herminie of Seychelles as he arrives in Chennai for his first State visit to India." During his visit to India, President Herminie will meet the President and hold discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on bilateral, regional, and international issues of mutual interest. President Herminie will also visit Chennai and Mumbai where he would be attending business events. "Seychelles is a key maritime neighbour for India in the Indian Ocean region and holds a special place in India's Vision MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) and our commitment to the Global South," the MEA said. President Herminie was sworn in as the sixth President of Seychelles at a ceremony held at Unity Stadium in Victoria in October 2025. Vice President CP Radhakrishnan represented India at the swearing-in and later met President Herminie at the State House, conveying greetings on behalf of the Government and people of India. Both leaders discussed ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation and reaffirmed their shared vision for peace, stability and prosperity in the Indian Ocean Region and the Global South. Vice President Radhakrishnan also met Seychelles Vice President Sebastien Pillay to discuss various aspects of bilateral ties. "The visit of President Herminie to India, following the visit of the Vice President of India to Seychelles in October 2025, is expected to lend further momentum to wide-ranging cooperation and robust people to people ties between the two countries," the MEA statement read. India's bilateral engagement with Seychelles is characterized by historical contacts and continuous support to Seychelles for its security. Today, India-Seychelles relations embody close friendship, understanding and cooperation. It was in the year 1770 that a small group of five Indians landed in Seychelles as plantation workers along with seven African slaves and 15 French colonists, and were recorded as the first inhabitants of the Islands. During the British colonial period, Seychelles was governed from the Bombay Presidency for some time, with regular shipping links and flow of goods and essential commodities from India. - ANI Seychelles President Patrick Herminie has begun a five-day state visit to India at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The visit, his first since assuming office in October 2025, includes meetings with President Droupadi Murmu and PM Modi to discuss mutual interests. It coincides with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations. The trip aims to enhance wide-ranging cooperation, with President Herminie also scheduled to attend business events in Chennai and Mumbai. Seychelles President Patrick Herminie begins a 5-day state visit to India, meeting PM Modi & President Murmu to bolster bilateral ties on 50th anniversary. New Delhi, Feb 5 Seychelles President Patrick Herminie will travel to India for a State Visit from Thursday at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It will be Herminie's first visit to India since assuming office in October last year, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). He is on a five-day visit till February 10. During his visit, the Seychelles President will meet President Droupadi Murmu and hold talks with PM Modi on bilateral, regional, and international issues of mutual interest. His visit to India also coincides with the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two nations. Patrick Herminie will then travel to Chennai and Mumbai, where he is scheduled to attend business events. The MEA noted that his visit to India is expected to give further momentum to the wide-ranging cooperation between the two nations. "Seychelles is a key maritime neighbour for India in the Indian Ocean region and holds a special place in India's Vision MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) and our commitment to the Global South," read a statement issued by the MEA ahead of the visit. "The visit of President Herminie to India, following the visit of the Vice President of India to Seychelles in October 2025, is expected to lend further momentum to wide-ranging cooperation and robust people-to-people ties between the two countries," it added. Herminie was sworn in as the sixth President of Seychelles during a national ceremony held at Unity Stadium in October 2025. Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan attended the swearing-in ceremony as India's representative. During the visit, Vice President Radhakrishnan met Herminie at the State House in Victoria and discussed ways to enhance bilateral cooperation between the two nations. He also extended warm greetings to President Herminie on his assumption of office on behalf of the Government and people of India. Both leaders reaffirmed their shared vision for peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indian Ocean Region and the Global South, the Vice President's office said. Radhakrishnan also met Seychelles Vice President Sebastien Pillay at the State House to discuss various aspects of bilateral cooperation between the two countries. "Both leaders discussed the multi-faceted India-Seychelles relationship, rooted in shared heritage, culture, and people-to-people ties", the MEA said. Diplomatic ties between India and Seychelles were established after the latter's independence in 1976. When Seychelles attained freedom on June 29, 1976, a contingent from the Indian Naval Ship, INS Nilgiri, participated in the Independence Day celebrations, according to the MEA. The Indian Mission was established in 1979 in Victoria, with the High Commissioner based in Dar-es-Salaam and concurrently accredited to Seychelles. The first resident High Commissioner was appointed in 1987, while Seychelles opened its resident mission in New Delhi in 2008. - IANS Seychelles President Patrick Herminie has arrived in New Delhi for a five-day state visit at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The visit marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two Indian Ocean nations. President Herminie is scheduled to hold talks with PM Modi and meet President Droupadi Murmu to discuss bilateral, regional, and international issues. His itinerary also includes business events in Chennai and Mumbai, aiming to add momentum to the wide-ranging cooperation. Seychelles President Patrick Herminie meets PM Modi & President Murmu in Delhi to strengthen bilateral ties on 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations. New Delhi, Feb 5 Seychelles President Patrick Herminie arrived in New Delhi early on Thursday for a five-day State Visit to India at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. After his warm welcome in India, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) took to X and said, "Commemorating 50 years of longstanding and multi-faceted India-Seychelles bilateral ties. Warm welcome to President Dr Patrick Herminie of Seychelles as he arrives in Chennai for his first State visit to India." It will be Herminie's first visit to India since assuming office in October last year. He is on a five-day visit till February 10. During his visit, the Seychelles President will meet President Droupadi Murmu and hold talks with PM Modi on bilateral, regional, and international issues of mutual interest. His visit to India also coincides with the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two nations. Patrick Herminie will then travel to Chennai and Mumbai, where he is scheduled to attend business events. The MEA noted that his visit to India is expected to give further momentum to the wide-ranging cooperation between the two nations. "Seychelles is a key maritime neighbour for India in the Indian Ocean region and holds a special place in India's Vision MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) and our commitment to the Global South," read a statement issued by the MEA ahead of the visit. "The visit of President Herminie to India, following the visit of the Vice President of India to Seychelles in October 2025, is expected to lend further momentum to wide-ranging cooperation and robust people-to-people ties between the two countries," it added. Herminie was sworn in as the sixth President of Seychelles during a national ceremony held at Unity Stadium in October 2025. Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan attended the swearing-in ceremony as India's representative. During the visit, Vice President Radhakrishnan met Herminie at the State House in Victoria and discussed ways to enhance bilateral cooperation between the two nations. He also extended warm greetings to President Herminie on his assumption of office on behalf of the Government and people of India. Both leaders reaffirmed their shared vision for peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indian Ocean Region and the Global South, the Vice President's office said. Radhakrishnan also met Seychelles Vice President Sebastien Pillay at the State House to discuss various aspects of bilateral cooperation between the two countries. "Both leaders discussed the multi-faceted India-Seychelles relationship, rooted in shared heritage, culture, and people-to-people ties", the MEA said. Diplomatic ties between India and Seychelles were established after the latter's independence in 1976. When Seychelles attained freedom on June 29, 1976, a contingent from the Indian Naval Ship, INS Nilgiri, participated in the Independence Day celebrations, according to the MEA. The Indian Mission was established in 1979 in Victoria, with the High Commissioner based in Dar-es-Salaam and concurrently accredited to Seychelles. The first resident High Commissioner was appointed in 1987, while Seychelles opened its resident mission in New Delhi in 2008. - IANS Mira Rajput shared an adorable handwritten thank you note from her daughter, Misha Kapoor, on Instagram. The note expresses Misha's love and appreciation for her mother's daily care. Meanwhile, Shahid Kapoor is preparing for the release of his new gangster film "O'Romeo," directed by Vishal Bhardwaj. He was also recently seen in the action thriller "Deva," which premiered in late January. Mira Rajput shares daughter Misha's sweet handwritten note. Get updates on Shahid Kapoor's new films 'O'Romeo' and 'Deva'. Mumbai, Feb 5 Actor Shahid Kapoor's daughter Misha has penned a heartfelt 'thank you' note for her mother Mira Rajput, appreciating her for "working every day and taking care of us daily." Mira took to Instagram to share a picture of the handwritten letter written by Misha, which read, "You are the best mom ever. Thank you for working every day and taking care of us daily. I love you from the bottom of my heart." Sharing the emotional moment, Mira captioned the post, "Daughters...My Misha, true to her name... Short of words, just that feeling." Shahid married Mira in 2015, in a private ceremony held in Gurgaon. The wedding was an intimate affair attended by family and close friends. They have two children, a daughter named Misha, whom they welcomed in 2016 and a son named Zain, who was born in 2018. Shahid is busy with his upcoming film directed by Vishal Bhardwaj. The gangster film titled "O'Romeo" also stars Triptii Dimri, Nana Patekar, and Randeep Hooda. It is set in Mumbai in the 1990s and is about the post-independence underworld. "O'Romeo" is a love story set in the 1990s that is also full of action and gangsters. The film is set in the post-independence underworld of Mumbai. The film marks the 4th collaboration between Shahid Kapoor and Vishal Bhardwaj after 'Kaminey', 'Haider', and 'Rangoon'. He was last seen in Deva, which premiered in theaters on January 31, 2025. The film also stars Pooja Hegde and Pavail Gulati. The action thriller film is directed by Rosshan Andrrews in his first Hindi film. The plot revolves around a skilled but defiant police officer who is investigating a major case. The officer discovers layers of lies and betrayal during the investigation. Shahid had recently shared a glimpse of himself grooving to the peppy track 'Aashiqon Ki Colony' from his upcoming film O'Romeo" during his workout session at the gym. Talking about 'Aashiqon Ki Colony', the song is composed by Vishal Bhardwaj and has lyrics by Gulzar. Madhubanti Bagchi and Javed Ali have lent their vocals for the number. - IANS South Korea's Defence Minister Ahn Gyu-back met with Canada's Stephen Fuhr to discuss arms cooperation, focusing on a major submarine procurement deal. The Canadian Patrol Submarine Project, valued at approximately $41 billion, has South Korea's Hanwha Ocean and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries as final contenders. Ahn emphasized South Korea's capability to build and supply submarines swiftly and stably to enhance Canada's naval power. Both sides agreed to elevate their bilateral ties into a strategic arms industry partnership and continue communication for practical defense cooperation results. South Korea's defense chief meets Canadian official to discuss a major submarine procurement project, highlighting industrial capabilities and strategic partnership. Seoul, Feb 5 South Korea's Defence Minister Ahn Gyu-back on Thursday held talks with Stephen Fuhr, Canada's secretary of state for defence procurement, in Seoul to discuss arms cooperation, the defence ministry said, as Seoul seeks to win a major deal to supply naval submarines to Canada. The meeting came as Fuhr is in South Korea for a weeklong trip that includes visits to South Korean shipyards and defence firms. His trip comes as Ottawa is set to pick a supplier for the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project, with its value estimated at 60 trillion won (USD 41 billion). South Korea's Hanwha Ocean Co. and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Co. have been shortlisted as the final two contenders, alongside Germany's ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems, Yonhap News Agency reported. Ahn emphasised South Korea's strengths as a country that has built and operated homegrown submarines and is capable of supplying them in a "swift and stable" manner, noting how such a deal could swiftly bolster Canada's naval power. In response, Fuhr expressed great interest in South Korea's outstanding industrial capabilities and systemic follow-up support and said he hopes Thursday's meeting will serve as an opportunity to elevate their bilateral ties into a strategic arms industry partnership, according to the ministry. Both sides concurred on the importance of mutually beneficial defence and arms industry cooperation amid a changing security environment and exchanged opinions on possible strategic cooperation in regards to the submarine procurement project. They also noted how an agreement to strengthen bilateral security and defence partnership, signed on the occasion of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit last year, is symbolic and agreed to continue to communicate to reap practical results in defence cooperation. As part of his visit, Fuhr boarded the 3,600-ton Jang Bogo-III Batch-II submarine Jang Yeong-sil earlier this week, which Hanwha Ocean has proposed for the Canadian project. - IANS South Korea's Defence Minister Ahn Gyu-back is visiting Saudi Arabia for a five-day trip centred on the World Defence Show in Riyadh. He will hold ministerial talks to deepen bilateral arms cooperation as Saudi Arabia modernises its military. The visit includes a delegation of about 40 South Korean defence firms showcasing their products. This effort supports Seoul's goal to become the world's fourth-largest arms exporter by 2030. South Korea's Defence Minister Ahn Gyu-back visits Riyadh for World Defence Show and talks to deepen arms cooperation with Saudi Arabia. Seoul, Feb 5 South Korea's Defence Minister Ahn Gyu-back will visit Saudi Arabia this week to attend a major defence exhibition and hold meetings with his counterparts from Riyadh, the ministry said on Thursday, as South Korea seeks to boost arms exports. As part of his five-day trip that begins Friday, Ahn will attend the biennial World Defence Show in Riyadh, where some 40 South Korean defence firms will showcase their arms products, according to the ministry. He will also hold talks with Saudi Defence Minister Khalid bin Salman Al Saud and Minister of the National Guard Abdullah bin Bandar Al Saud, it added. Ahn is expected to discuss ways to deepen bilateral arms cooperation and promote South Korean arms products as Saudi Arabia seeks to foster its own defence industry and modernise the military, reports Yonhap news agency. He will be accompanied by Gen. Son Sug-rag, Air Force chief of staff, who will also attend the trade show and hold talks with his Saudi Arabian and British counterparts on the margins of the event. Ahn's upcoming trip comes five months after he visited the Middle Eastern country in September to discuss bilateral defence and arms industry cooperation. South Korea seeks to become the world's fourth-largest arms exporter by 2030 to account for 6 per cent of the global market. - IANS US President Donald Trump has reiterated his claim that he personally prevented nuclear wars from breaking out between India and Pakistan, Iran and Israel, and Russia and Ukraine. He made the assertion in a post on his Truth Social platform while criticizing the existing New START nuclear arms treaty. Trump argued for a new, modernized treaty and touted his administration's military expansion, including the creation of the Space Force. India has consistently refuted these claims, stating that any de-escalation with Pakistan was achieved through bilateral channels without third-party involvement. Donald Trump reiterates claim he prevented nuclear conflicts in multiple global flashpoints and calls for a new arms treaty to replace New START. Washington DC, February 6 US President Donald Trump on Friday reiterated his claim that he had prevented a "nuclear conflict" between India and Pakistan and other parts of the world, while criticising the New START nuclear arms control treaty and calling for a new, modernised agreement. In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump said he had stopped nuclear wars from breaking out "between Pakistan and India, Iran and Israel, and Russia and Ukraine," without providing details to substantiate the claims. He posted, " The United States is the most powerful Country in the World. I completely rebuilt its Military in my First Term, including new and many refurbished nuclear weapons. I also added Space Force and now, continue to rebuild our Military at levels never seen before. We are even adding Battleships, which are 100 times more powerful than the ones that roamed the Seas during World War II -- The Iowa, Missouri, Alabama, and others.I have stopped Nuclear Wars from breaking out across the World between Pakistan and India, Iran and Israel, and Russia and Ukraine. Rather than extend "NEW START" (A badly negotiated deal by the United States that, aside from everything else, is being grossly violated), we should have our Nuclear Experts work on a new, improved, and modernized Treaty that can last long into the future. Thank you for your attention to this matter!" Trump asserted that the United States is "the most powerful country in the world" and claimed he had rebuilt the US military during his first term, including new and refurbished nuclear weapons. He also highlighted the creation of the US Space Force and said the US military continues to expand, including plans to add battleships he claimed are "100 times more powerful" than those used during World War II. The US President also criticised the New START treaty, describing it as a "badly negotiated deal by the United States" and alleging that it has been "grossly violated." "Rather than extend 'NEW START' (A badly negotiated deal by the United States that, aside from everything else, is being grossly violated), we should have our Nuclear Experts work on a new, improved, and modernized Treaty that can last long into the future, " Trump said. Earlier, during the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on January 21, US President Donald Trump reiterated his claim to have mediated multiple international conflicts, including between India and Pakistan. Addressing the 56th Annual Summit of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, the US President stated that he has also been working for the past year to bring an end to the Russia-Ukraine war and further claimed that he also helped resolve the long-running conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan. "I've now been working on this war (Russia-Ukraine) for one year, during which time I settled eight other wars: India, Pakistan. Vladimir Putin called me; he said, 'I can't believe you settled that one (Armenia-Azerbaijan).' They were going on for 35 years. I settled in one day," Trump said. The US President had been repeating his claims that he played a key role in helping de-escalate tensions between India and Pakistan, arguing that trade and tariffs were instrumental to the US in preventing conflicts. India has consistently refuted Trump's claims, stating that the ceasefire was achieved bilaterally through the Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMOs), without third-party involvement. India has also reiterated its long-standing position that any issues with Pakistan, including those related to Jammu and Kashmir, are to be resolved bilaterally between the two countries. - ANI A high-level delegation from Gujarat, including Governor Acharya Devvrat and Deputy CM Harsh Sanghavi, visited Sri Lanka to facilitate the exposition of Holy Devnimori Relics of Lord Buddha. The initiative fulfills a promise made during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 2025 visit, aimed at strengthening bilateral ties through shared spiritual heritage. The delegation met with Sri Lankan officials, including Minister Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, to discuss deepening cultural cooperation. They also engaged with Gujarat-origin diaspora communities in Sri Lanka to bolster people-to-people connections. Gujarat Governor and Deputy CM visit Sri Lanka, facilitating a historic exposition of Holy Devnimori Relics to deepen cultural and spiritual bonds. Colombo, February 6 Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi on Thursday said that engagements in Sri Lanka were aimed at strengthening ties rooted in shared civilizational and spiritual heritage. In a post on X, he said, " Strengthening ties rooted in our shared civilizational and spiritual heritage. Honour meeting PM Dr. @Dr_HariniA with Gujarat Governor Hon'ble Shri @ADevvrat ji, and conveyed heartfelt gratitude for the warm and gracious reception extended to the Holy Devnimori Relics Exposition of Lord Buddha." He also conveyed gratitude for the warm reception extended to the Holy Devnimori Relics Exposition of Lord Buddha. During the visit, the Gujarat Governor, Acharya Devvrat, and the Deputy Chief Minister, Sanghavi, also interacted with members of Gujarat-origin Indian communities in Sri Lanka, including Bohras, Memons, and Sindhis. The High Commission of India in Sri Lanka said the interaction focused on connecting with Indians living abroad and strengthening people-to-people ties. "Connecting with Indians across borders. Gujarat Governor Shri @ADevvrat and Deputy CM Shri @sanghaviharsh interacted with members of Gujarat-origin communities in Sri Lanka, including Bohras, Memons and Sindhis," India in Sri Lanka said in a post on X. Earlier on Thursday, Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat and Gujarat Deputy CM Harsh Sanghavi held talks with Sri Lankan Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Hiniduma Sunil Senevi. They talked about deepening cultural cooperation. "Gujarat Governor Shri @ADevvrat and Gujarat Deputy CM Shri @sanghaviharsh met Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious & Cultural Affairs, Hon. Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi at @ParliamentLK today. Exchanged views on deepening regional cultural cooperation and promoting shared Buddhist heritage," the official handle of the High Commission of India in Sri Lanka posted on X. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep gratitude to Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake for inaugurating the Exposition of the Holy Devnimori Relics at the sacred Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo. Sharing his thoughts on X, PM Modi wrote, "Gratitude to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake for inaugurating the Exposition of the Holy Devnimori Relics at the sacred Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo. During my visit in April 2025, it was decided these relics will come to Sri Lanka, thus giving the opportunity for the people to pay their respects. Our nations are connected by deep civilisational and spiritual bonds. May Lord Buddha's timeless message of compassion, peace and harmony continue to guide humanity." The initiative stems from a commitment made during Prime Minister Modi's visit to Sri Lanka in April 2025, when both leaders agreed to bring the sacred relics from India for public veneration. In response, Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake expressed heartfelt appreciation to PM Modi and the Government of India for fulfilling that promise. In a post on X on Wednesday, President Dissanayake stated, "Respectfully welcome the Sacred Relics of the Buddha to Sri Lanka today for public veneration until the 11th at Hunupitiya Gangaramaya Temple. I deeply appreciate PM Narendra Modi and the Government of India for honouring their promise and enabling this sacred exposition." The holy relics arrived in Sri Lanka on Wednesday morning for the first-ever international exposition. A high-level Indian delegation, led by the Governor of Gujarat and Maharashtra Acharya Devvrat and Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, personally carried the relics to the aircraft for departure from India. - ANI Students urged to be job creators, not seekers Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan emphasized that students' innovative ideas are vital for shaping the state's future, urging a blend of education and solving real-world problems. He inaugurated an interaction with winners of the Young Innovators Programme, praising their work on societal challenges. The CM also announced a new app to help students verify foreign universities and prevent fraud for those seeking overseas education. He highlighted Kerala's peaceful investment climate, citing a major industrial group's proposed Rs 3 lakh crore investment, and encouraged students to become job creators through startups. CM Pinarayi Vijayan says students' ideas are crucial for Kerala's future, highlighting the Young Innovators Programme and new safeguards for studying abroad. Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 5 Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday said that students' innovative ideas would play a crucial role in shaping the state's future, stressing the need to combine education with efforts to address real-life social challenges. Inaugurating the 'CM-YIP Meet' here, an interaction programme with winners of the Young Innovators Programme (YIP), the Chief Minister said it was encouraging to see students identifying societal needs at a young age and working towards practical solutions. From challenges faced within households to issues related to travel and health, students are engaging with a wide range of concerns, which in turn strengthens their self-confidence. Such ideas, he said, are providing strong support for the vision of building a New Kerala. Interacting with the students, Vijayan also spoke about opportunities for higher education abroad. To prevent students aspiring to study overseas from being cheated, a new mechanism has been introduced under the leadership of the NORKA. An app has been developed to help students assess the credibility and standards of foreign educational institutions. The Chief Minister said the state government is committed to elevating Kerala's higher education sector to global standards, pointing out that universities in the state are increasingly gaining national recognition. Students should aim not merely to become job seekers, but to emerge as job creators through startups, he added. Highlighting Kerala's investment climate, Vijayan said the state's peaceful and stable social environment continues to attract investors. He referred to a recent meeting with representatives of a major industrial group that has proposed investments worth Rs 3 lakh crore. Asked why Kerala was chosen, the group cited the State's peace and tranquillity. Preserving this environment, he said, remains one of Kerala's defining strengths. Vijayan also shared his personal experiences of overcoming hardships to complete his school and college education. As part of the programme, an exhibition showcasing prototypes developed by over 300 YIP-winning students was held, and certificates were distributed. Led by K-DISC, the Young Innovators Programme has grown into the world's largest innovation initiative, with participation from more than 1.2 million students. The scheme provides technical and financial assistance to individuals aged 13 to 37 to convert ideas into working prototypes. - IANS Successive storms, including Kristin and Leonardo, have left at least 11 people dead in Portugal, causing widespread damage. The latest victim was a 64-year-old man whose car was swept away by floodwaters in the south. Prime Minister Luis Montenegro has announced a 2.5 billion euro support package for affected families and businesses. The aid includes direct grants, income support, tax moratoriums, and credit lines for recovery. Successive storms leave 11 dead in Portugal. PM Luis Montenegro announces a 2.5 billion euro support package for families and businesses. Lisbon, Feb 5 Successive storms have left 11 people dead in Portugal since late January, with the latest victim a 64-year-old man who died after his car was swept away by floodwaters while he was attempting to cross a road near the Amoreira Dam in Pias, in the municipality of Serpa, southern Portugal. The man was driving through a section of road that was becoming flooded when he was caught at the peak of a flash flood, and his vehicle was dragged away by the current, Lusa News Agency reported, quoting a source from the National Republican Guard (GNR). Portugal has been hit by successive storm systems in recent days, causing widespread damage across the country. Storm Kristin has proven to be the most destructive so far, while Storm Leonardo began affecting the country on Wednesday. Earlier, Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro announced a 2.5 billion euros (2.98 billion US dollars) support package for families and businesses after Storm Kristin left at least eight dead and a trail of destruction across the country, extending a national state of calamity. Following an extraordinary Council of Ministers meeting, the government on Sunday (local time) announced the package while also extending the nationwide state of calamity until February 8. The measures include reconstruction aid, income support for families, liquidity assistance for businesses, and both tax and credit moratoriums. Direct grants of up to 10,000 euros will be available for uninsured primary homes and for agricultural and forestry activities. Families facing hardship or income loss can receive up to 537 euros per person, capped at 10,075 euros per household, reports Xinhua news agency. Businesses in affected areas will benefit from six months of Social Security contribution exemptions and access to a simplified temporary layoff scheme for three months. A 90-day moratorium will apply to business and primary home loans, with the possibility of extension for up to 12 months. As part of the package, two credit lines totalling 1.5 billion euros will be launched to support business liquidity and structural recovery. Additional public funds will be directed toward repairing transport infrastructure, public facilities and cultural heritage. According to local media reports, Storm Kristin, which has battered the country since Wednesday, has caused at least eight related fatalities. The hardest-hit regions include Leiria, about 140 km north of Lisbon, Coimbra, roughly 195 km north of the capital, as well as the district of Santarem and Lisbon. (1 euro = 1.19 US dollars) - IANS Photo: / Ukraine will do everything necessary to receive a new program with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the planned receipts from the EU within the Ukraine Facility, said Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine Taras Kachka. "No one is refusing anything; everyone is working on everything - this is normal. We will have a program with the IMF," he told journalists in Kyiv on Thursday at the sidelines of the "Bridge to Europe: Ukraines Tax Integration Path" conference. Deputy Prime Minister Kachka acknowledged delays in meeting the Ukraine Facility plan indicators, saying the situation is transparent and efforts are underway to accelerate implementation. "But we havent lost a single penny," he emphasized. The Deputy Prime Minister told Interfax-Ukraine the out of 15 delayed indicators, the most critical is the approaching 12-month deadline that could block funding for one: the adoption of new legislation on judicial integrity declaration checks. Kachka said parliament should approve the law, which has EU alignment and is acceptable to both the IMF and Ukrainian judges. For the remaining indicators, he noted technical issues only and reported readiness in energy legislation, decentralization, and digitalization of enforcement procedures. Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense reported detecting 12 Chinese military aircraft and seven naval vessels operating around its waters, with 11 of the aircraft crossing the median line into its air defense identification zone. This comes amid heightened regional tensions. Concurrently, former US President Donald Trump confirmed a lengthy phone call with Chinese President Xi Jinping, discussing topics including trade and Taiwan. Trump affirmed his relationship with Xi is "extremely good" and confirmed plans for an April visit to China. Taiwan reports 12 PLA aircraft & 7 vessels near its waters as Trump confirms April China visit & discusses Taiwan in call with Xi Jinping. Taipei, February 5 Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense detected 12 sorties of Chinese military aircraft and seven naval vessels operating around its territorial waters as of 6am on Wednesday. Of the 12, 11 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern and southwestern ADIZ. In a post on X, the MND said, "12 sorties of PLA aircraft and 7 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 11 out of 12 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern and southwestern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded." Earlier on Wednesday, Taiwan detected 13 sorties of Chinese military aircraft and six Chinese naval vessels. As per the MND, of the 13, 11 crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern and southwestern ADIZ. In a post on X, the MND said, "13 sorties of PLA aircraft and 6 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 11 out of 13 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern and southwestern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded." As the United States convened a meeting of several nations on critical minerals on Wednesday, a move seen as an effort to protect it from China's virtual hegemony, US President Donald Trump spoke with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Trump, in a post on Truth Social, spoke about his call with Xi, confirmed his visit to China in April, and said that the relationship with China was extremely good. "I have just completed an excellent telephone conversation with President Xi, of China. It was a long and thorough call, where many important subjects were discussed, including Trade, Military, the April trip that I will be making to China (which I very much look forward to!), Taiwan, the War between Russia/Ukraine, the current situation with Iran, the purchase of Oil and Gas by China from the United States, the consideration by China of the purchase of additional Agricultural products including lifting the Soybean count to 20 Million Tons for the current season (They have committed to 25 Million Tons for next season!), Airplane engine deliveries, and numerous other subjects, all very positive! The relationship with China, and my personal relationship with President Xi, is an extremely good one, and we both realize how important it is to keep it that way. I believe that there will be many positive results achieved over the next three years of my Presidency having to do with President Xi, and the People's Republic of China! PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP," he posted. - ANI In a significant pre-election move, several Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) workers have switched allegiance to the Congress party in Zaheerabad. The induction ceremony was led by Mohammad Ghaus and presided over by Minority Welfare Minister Mohammad Azharuddin. Concurrently, Azharuddin held a strategic meeting with 37 Congress candidates, expressing confidence in their selection based on extensive surveys. This development is viewed as a strategic boost for the Congress party's campaign ahead of the crucial Zaheerabad Municipal Elections. Key BRS workers, led by Mohammad Ghaus, join Congress in Zaheerabad. Minister Azharuddin welcomes them and holds strategy meeting with 37 candidates. Zaheerabad, February 5 In a significant political development ahead of the upcoming Zaheerabad Municipal Elections, several workers from the Bharat Rashtra Samithi party switched allegiance to the Congress party on Wednesday. The induction took place in the presence of Minority Welfare Minister Mohammad Azharuddin, signalling growing momentum for the Congress in the region. Leading the group was Mohammad Ghaus from Chhota Hyderabad, who, along with his colleagues, formally joined the Congress party. Welcoming them into the party fold, Minister Azharuddin expressed confidence that the new entrants would further strengthen the party at the grassroots level and contribute to its success in the municipal polls. Party leaders described the move as "an indication of increasing public support for Congress ahead of the elections," emphasising unity and organisational strength as key factors in the campaign. Among those present at the program were Telangana Seton Corporation Chairman N Greeder Reddy, Congress leader Dr Ujjwal Reddy, and former municipal councillor Athar Ahmed, along with other party members and supporters. The joining ceremony is being viewed as a strategic boost for Congress as political activity intensifies in Zaheerabad ahead of the crucial civic body elections. Meanwhile, Minority Welfare Minister Azharuddin also held a key strategy meeting of contesting candidates on Wednesday at the City MP Camp Office in Zaheerabad. The meeting brought together all candidates who are set to enter the electoral fray, reflecting the party's focused approach toward the local body polls. Azharuddin attended the gathering and congratulated the candidates, extending his best wishes for their success in the elections. Interacting individually with contestants from various wards, the Minister encouraged them to remain committed to public service and work collectively to secure victory. Addressing the media, Minister Azharuddin stated that a total of 37 candidates have been allotted B-forms based on an extensive survey process. Expressing confidence in the selection, he noted that the candidates were chosen after careful evaluation and voiced optimism that they would emerge successful in the elections. The meeting is seen as a significant step in strengthening election preparedness and boosting morale among party workers and candidates ahead of the polls. Several prominent leaders were present on the occasion, including Corporation Chairman N Giridar Reddy, Zaheerabad Assembly In-charge Dr A Chandrasekhar, senior Congress leader Ujjwal Reddy, Zaheerabad Town President Kandam Narasimhu, along with other party representatives. - ANI Music director S S Thaman has publicly admired Ilaiyaraaja for establishing his own recording studio at the age of 77. Ilaiyaraaja recently marked five years at this studio and is nearing completion of his second symphony. The legendary composer made history last year by presenting his first western classical symphony, 'Valiant', in London with the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra. He plans to take this symphony on a global tour to 13 countries. Music director S S Thaman praises legend Ilaiyaraaja for opening a recording studio at 77 and working on his second symphony. Chennai, Feb 5 One of south India's top music directors S S Thaman has expressed admiration at India's greatest music director Isaignani Ilaiyaraaja setting up a new recording studio at the age of 77 and has praised the ace music director, calling him "a living musical legend" and "a human who never gave up!". On Wednesday, ace music director Ilaiyaraaja had taken to his X timeline to announce that he was completing five years in his new music studio. Taking to his social media timelines to put out a post to announce the completion of five years of his moving to a new studio, Ilaiayaraja had said, "February 03, 2026 marks completion of five years since I moved into this new studio... and the writing of my second Symphony almost completed." Quoting this tweet of Ilaiyaraaja, Thaman, who was inspired by Ilaiyaraaja, wrote, "Made his OWN RECORDING STUDIO AT AGE - 77. The living musical legend. A Human Who Never Gave Up (heart symbol). Come on boys !! We have just started. One life. Let's live. Believe in the future... Learn from the master @ilaiyaraaja gaaru." It may be recalled that Ilaiyaraaja, who did the country proud by becoming the first Indian ever to present a western classical symphony, had announced that he was to begin to write his second symphony on October 21 last year. Ilaiyaraaja, who had performed at Dubai, had then taken to his X timeline to thank fans and audiences for their appreciation. He had said, "Thankful for the love, warmth, and energy from everyone who joined me for the symphony Valiant performance in Dubai Opera. Your appreciation and emotions made the night truly special...Thank you, Dubai." The ace musician had also posted a video clip on his X timeline in which he disclosed that he intended to begin work on his next symphony after observing his mother's death anniversary. He said, "Wish you all a happy Deepavali. On this sweet Deepavali day, there is another piece of information I want to share with you all. I intend to start writing my next symphony after observing my mother's death anniversary. Along with that, I am to write a new piece called Symphonic Dancers." For the unaware, Ilaiyaraaja made history on March 8 last year when he presented his first ever western classical symphony at the Eventim Apollo theatre in London. What made the event more special was the fact that the world-renowned Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra joined Ilaiyaraaja in this historic performance. Ilaiyaraaja had, on his return to India, said that his symphony, called the 'Valiant', would be taken all over the world and that in this regard, he had already given dates for events to be held in 13 countries around the world. "In the world of music, this is something at the top. So, I want my people, who have so much love for me, to listen to it," Ilaiyaraaja had said. - IANS India and the United States have finalized a trade deal featuring a reduced reciprocal tariff of 18%, down from 25%. The agreement is expected to significantly boost Indian exports, particularly in labour-intensive sectors like textiles and footwear, creating new jobs. The deal followed a phone conversation between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump, where Modi expressed appreciation for the tariff reduction. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal clarified there is no investment commitment from India, but the nation's growth will necessitate increased sourcing of products like energy and technology from the US. India and US agree on 18% reciprocal tariff, boosting exports in textiles, footwear. Deal to create jobs, strengthen bilateral trade ties. New Delhi, February 5 India and the United States have taken a significant step forward in strengthening bilateral trade ties, with fresh clarity emerging on tariff structures and export opportunities following high-level engagements between the two countries. Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, Randhir Jaiswal, on Thursday said discussions around the India-US trade deal are progressing, and further updates will be shared as developments unfold. The reduced tariff is expected to have a far-reaching impact on India's export sector, particularly for labour-intensive industries such as textiles, footwear, leather goods, and certain manufacturing segments. "This trade agreement will give a major boost to our exports to the United States. It will be a major boost to the labour intensive industries here in India, create new job opportunities, growth and prosperity for our people," Jaiswal said. The government also sought to address any ambiguity surrounding the tariff figures, confirming that discussions with the US side have led to a clear and final number. "Also, let me say that the US side has also clarified that the final figure of tariff is 18 percent," Jaiswal added. Addressing queries on the status of the trade agreement, Jaiswal indicated that the Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal has once again outlined key elements of the deal in his latest remarks. "On India Us trade deal - Commerce Minister has given you some details in his statements again today. He has spoken about the various aspects relating to the trade. So I would request you to please look at those details that have been shared, and if there are further developments in this regard, we will let you know." Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal on Thursday asserted that there has been no investment commitment from India to the US, but it is natural that India may need to source more products from the US going ahead with the Viksit Bharat 2047 goal."The fast paced growth at which India is going ahead in our journey in the Amritkal to Viksit Bharat 2047, we will need large volumes of energy, we will need large number of data centre equipments, ICT products, our steel capacity is going to double from today's 140 million tons to about 300 million tons in the next few years," Piyush Goyal told reporters in the national capital. A major highlight of the recent engagement was a telephone conversation between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump, which took place in the backdrop of a public statement by the US President on tariff adjustments. In a post on Truth Social the US President wrote, "It was an Honor to speak with Prime Minister Modi, of India, this morning. He is one of my greatest friends and, a Powerful and Respected Leader of his Country. We spoke about many things, including Trade, and ending the War with Russia and Ukraine. He agreed to stop buying Russian Oil, and to buy much more from the United States and, potentially, Venezuela. This will help END THE WAR in Ukraine, which is taking place right now, with thousands of people dying each and every week! Out of friendship and respect for Prime Minister Modi and, as per his request, effective immediately, we agreed to a Trade Deal between the United States and India, whereby the United States will charge a reduced Reciprocal Tariff, lowering it from 25% to 18%. They will likewise move forward to reduce their Tariffs and Non Tariff Barriers against the United States, to ZERO. The Prime Minister also committed to "BUY AMERICAN," at a much higher level, in addition to over $500 BILLION DOLLARS of U.S. Energy, Technology, Agricultural, Coal, and many other products. Our amazing relationship with India will be even stronger going forward. Prime Minister Modi and I are two people that GET THINGS DONE, something that cannot be said for most. Thank you for your attention to this matter!" The Prime Minister expressed appreciation for the decision to reduce reciprocal tariffs on Indian goods entering the American market. "Wonderful to speak with my dear friend President Trump today. Delighted that Made in India products will now have a reduced tariff of 18%. Big thanks to President Trump on behalf of the 1.4 billion people of India for this wonderful announcement. When two large economies and the world's largest democracies work together, it benefits our people and unlocks immense opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation. President Trump's leadership is vital for global peace, stability, and prosperity. India fully supports his efforts for peace. I look forward to working closely with him to take our partnership to unprecedented heights. @POTUS @realDonaldTrump," the PM tweeted on X. "Prime Minister had a telephone conversation with President Trump. Post that call and post the tweet by President Trump. Prime Minister thanked President Trump for the reduction in reciprocal tariff. Prime Minister noted that made in India products will now be exported to United States at a reduced tariff of 18%," Jaiswal also said. - ANI A bushfire near Deep Creek in South Australia has destroyed at least three structures and burned through more than 3,600 hectares of land. Firefighters are battling challenging conditions, including erratic coastal winds and difficult terrain in a national park. Simultaneously, authorities in Western Australia have issued an urgent "leave immediately" evacuation order for the community of Forest Grove due to a separate, life-threatening bushfire. Firefighting efforts in both states continue with aerial support and interstate crew reinforcements. A bushfire in South Australia has destroyed three structures and burned over 3,000 hectares, while Western Australia issues an urgent evacuation order for Forest Grove. Canberra, Feb 5 Three structures have been destroyed by a bushfire that has burnt more than 3,000 hectares of land in South Australia. The SA Country Fire Service (CFS) said that the fire near the small town of Deep Creek, 85 km southwest of Adelaide in the state's Fleurieu Peninsula region, had burnt through 3,646 hectares and had a 49 km perimeter as of Thursday morning, reports Xinhua news agency Authorities on Wednesday night confirmed that the fire, which has been burning since Sunday, has destroyed at least three structures. The CFS said that firefighters had some success creating a perimeter around the northwest side of the fire on Wednesday, but that the fire is expected to remain erratic due to coastal winds and terrain that is hard to access in the Deep Creek National Park. It said that people who wish to leave the area will be allowed to do so via closed roads, but will not be allowed to return until the fire is under control. Firefighters from the neighbouring state of Victoria were expected to arrive in the area on Thursday to aid local crews who have been working since Sunday to protect nearby towns. Meanwhile, residents and visitors on the southwest coast of Western Australia (WA) were on Wednesday evening ordered to evacuate due to the threat posed by a nearby bushfire. A bushfire emergency warning issued by the WA Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) said that the fire is threatening lives and homes in the community of Forest Grove, about 250 km southwest of Perth. The DFES said that the fire was contained but not controlled, and was moving in a northwesterly direction. It said that people in part of Forest Grove should leave immediately if the way is clear, and that people who cannot leave should prepare to shelter in their homes. "You are in danger and need to act immediately to survive," the warning said. Firefighters are actively fighting the fire, and aerial support has been sent to assist ground crews, according to the warning. Forest Grove had a population of 253 people at the time of the 2021 national census, while the town of Margaret River, around 15 km north, has a population of over 7,000. - IANS The United Kashmir People's National Party (UKPNP) has strongly criticized Pakistan's observance of Kashmir Solidarity Day, labeling it a deceptive propaganda effort. UKPNP's Jamil Maqsood accuses Pakistan of systematically oppressing the people in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan while feigning solidarity. He warns that a proposed constitutional amendment would further deteriorate the human rights situation in these regions. The party appeals to the international community to use diplomatic pressure to halt Pakistan's repressive policies. UKPNP leader Jamil Maqsood calls Pakistan's Kashmir Solidarity Day a "mockery," accusing it of oppressing people in PoJK and PoGB since 1947. Brussels, February 5 Every year on February 5, Pakistan observes what it calls Kashmir Solidarity Day. Officially, it claims to stand for the rights of Kashmiris. However, in reality, the day is about state-sponsored propaganda, designed to distract from Pakistan's own human rights record, both in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir and across regions under its control. Against this backdrop, the United Kashmir People's National Party (UKPNP) has launched a sharp attack on Pakistan over its policies in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), accusing Islamabad of systematically oppressing people in PoJK and Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan (PoGB) while projecting itself as a champion of Kashmiris' rights. In a video statement, Jamil Maqsood, President of the Foreign Affairs Committee of UKPNP, said Pakistan's actions expose the "mockery of the word solidarity." "Pakistan, at one end, has occupied, marginalised and oppressed the people of Pakistani-occupied territories of Jammu and Kashmir, commonly referred to as PoJK and PoGB, and on the other end, they are staging so-called solidarity with the people of Jammu and Kashmir," Maqsood said. Calling upon Pakistan to withdraw from both regions, he added, "I, on behalf of the United Kashmir People's National Party, warn Pakistan to quit both the territories and revive the fundamental political, social, economic, constitutional, democratic and human rights of the people of both peripheries under its occupation since 1947 and 1949, respectively." Maqsood claimed that widespread protests and demonstrations are currently underway in both regions against Pakistan's policies, particularly opposing what he described as the bifurcation of the territory under Islamabad's control. He warned that the proposed 28th amendment would further worsen the situation. "The so-called 28th amendment would further deteriorate the human rights situation in both regions," he said. Appealing to the international community, Maqsood urged global powers to intervene diplomatically. "We appeal to the world community that they should use their good offices and diplomatic clout in Pakistan to stop its policies of repression and demonising political activists, social rights activists and civil society under the guise of the so-called PICA Act and many others," he stated. He further called on people living in the two regions to resist what he termed occupation. "I wish that the people of both peripheries would stand against Pakistani occupation and raise their voices for a united Jammu and Kashmir," Maqsood said. - ANI UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has declared the expiration of the New START treaty a grave moment for international peace and security, marking the first time in over 50 years without binding limits on US and Russian nuclear arsenals. He warned the risk of a nuclear weapon being used is currently the highest it has been in decades. Guterres urged the two nations to return to negotiations without delay to establish a new verifiable arms control framework. The treaty's end follows the collapse of other key pacts, leaving a critical gap in global nuclear stability. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warns the expiration of the US-Russia New START treaty removes binding nuclear limits, raising global risk. United Nations, Feb 5 UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has warned that the expiration of New START, the US-Russia nuclear arms reduction treaty, marks a grave moment for international peace and security. "For the first time in more than half a century, we face a world without any binding limits on the strategic nuclear arsenals of the Russian Federation and the United States of America, the two states that possess the overwhelming majority of the global stockpile of nuclear weapons," Guterres said in a statement on Wednesday (local time) New START, which limits the number of deployed nuclear warheads and strategic delivery systems of Russia and the United States, expires on Thursday. Throughout the Cold War and its aftermath, nuclear arms control between the two countries helped prevent catastrophe. It built stability and, when combined with other measures, prevented devastating miscalculations. Most importantly, it facilitated the reduction of thousands of nuclear weapons from national arsenals. Strategic arms control drastically improved the security of all people, not least the populations of the United States and Russia, said Guterres. This expiration of New START could not come at a worse time, as the risk of a nuclear weapon being used is the highest in decades, he said. "Yet at this moment of uncertainty, we must search for hope. This is an opportunity to reset and create an arms control regime fit for a rapidly evolving context," said Guterres. "I welcome that the presidents of both states have made clear that they appreciate the destabilising impact of a nuclear arms race and the need to prevent the return to a world of unchecked nuclear proliferation. The world now looks to the Russian Federation and the United States to translate words into action." Guterres urged the two states to return to the negotiating table without delay and agree on a successor framework that restores verifiable limits, reduces risks and strengthens common global security. New START, which entered into force in 2011, was the last arms control pact between Russia and the United States after Washington withdrew from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty in 2019. - IANS UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has issued a stark warning as the New START Treaty, which limits strategic nuclear weapons, expires at midnight. He stated the world now faces its first time in over half a century without binding limits on the US and Russian nuclear arsenals. Guterres emphasized that the dissolution of decades of arms control achievement comes at the worst possible time, with the risk of nuclear weapon use being the highest in decades. He urgently called on both nations to return to negotiations and agree on a successor framework to restore verifiable limits and reduce risks. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres calls for urgent new nuclear arms treaty between US and Russia as New START pact ends, raising global security risks. New York, February 6 UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres issued a statement ahead of the Treaty on Measures for the Further Reduction and Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms expiring. He called on Russia and the United States to return to the negotiating table and agree on a successor framework that restores verifiable limits, reduces risks, and strengthens collective security. In an official statement on Thursday, Guterres said, "The expiration of the New START Treaty, as of midnight today, marks a grave moment for international peace and security. For the first time in more than half a century, we face a world without any binding limits on the strategic nuclear arsenals of the Russian Federation and the United States of America - the two States that possess the overwhelming majority of the global stockpile of nuclear weapons." He underlined how, throughout the Cold War and in its aftermath, nuclear arms control between these governments helped prevent catastrophe. "It built stability and, when combined with other measures, prevented devastating miscalculation. Most importantly, it facilitated the reduction of thousands of nuclear weapons from national arsenals. From Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT) to New START, strategic arms control drastically improved the security of all peoples, not least the populations of the United States and Russian Federation", he said. The statement further noted, "This dissolution of decades of achievement could not come at a worse time - the risk of a nuclear weapon being used is the highest in decades. Yet even in this moment of uncertainty, we must search for hope.This is an opportunity to reset and create an arms control regime fit for a rapidly evolving context. I welcome that the Presidents of both States have made clear that they appreciate the destabilizing impact of a nuclear arms race and the need to prevent the return to a world of unchecked nuclear proliferation." He said that the world looks to Russia and the US to translate words into action. "I urge both States to return to the negotiating table without delay and to agree upon a successor framework that restores verifiable limits, reduces risks, and strengthens our common security", the statement said. Al Jazeera reported that New START limits the deployment of strategic nuclear weapons, or those designed to hit an adversary's key political, military and industrial centers. The treaty, which was signed in 2010, will expire on Thursday. The treaty was a 10-year agreement signed by former US President Barack Obama and Dmitry Medvedev, who served a single term as Russia's president from 2008 to 2012. It came into effect in 2011. The treaty was extended in 2021 for five more years after Joe Biden took office. - ANI US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor praised the high-level talks between External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and US officials, highlighting the "limitless potential" of the relationship. Jaishankar, attending the Critical Minerals Ministerial in the US, held meetings with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and reviewed bilateral cooperation. The discussions covered a broad diplomatic agenda including the Indo-Pacific, conflicts in West Asia and Ukraine, and collaborative plans for the year. Jaishankar also underlined India's support for the new FORGE initiative on critical minerals, calling the meetings productive and outcome-oriented. US Ambassador Sergio Gor lauds high-level talks between EAM Jaishankar and US officials, discussing bilateral ties and global hotspots. New Delhi, February 5 US Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor on Thursday lauded External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's meeting with the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and United States Secretary of the Treasury, Scott Bessent. Gor said that the talks represented limitless potential. In a post on X, he said, "Engagement at the highest levels is currently happening. The United States is ready to elevate this relationship even further. Limitless Potential!" Jaishankar, who is in the US as part of the Critical Minerals Ministerial hosted by the Rubio, says that the two side also reviewed their bilateral cooperation during his meetings with the US Secretary. The EAM said that topics such as the Indo-Pacific, West Asia, and Ukraine were discussed. "We did a fairly detailed review of our bilateral cooperation. It's natural when foreign ministers meet that you discuss the diplomatic agenda. Also, the calendar - what do we expect each one of us to do this year together, so a lot of our discussion was devoted to that, the bilateral side. But again, foreign ministers meet, and we talk about our business: the Indo-Pacific, what is happening in West Asia, the Middle East, Gaza, and the Ukraine conflict. There was a kind of global review of what was happening in the Western Hemisphere. In a sense, we discussed the world, we discussed our relationship, and it was a very open sort of forthcoming conversation," he said. At the Critical Minerals meet, the EAM underlined India's support for the FORGE (Forum on Resource, Geostrategic Engagement) initiative. "I am here to attend the Critical Minerals Ministerial, which was convened by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and a number of countries, nearly 50 countries were here. The meeting is going on today, and it was the principal reason. The discussion was very good. Critical minerals are a very important subject; the US has been a partner for some years. Today, they have launched a new edition - FORGE, which we have supported. It is a successor to the Mineral Security Partnership. To me, it was a productive and outcome-oriented meeting," he said. - ANI The US Eighth Army conducted live-fire drills in South Korea featuring the Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station (CROWS), which allows gunners to operate from inside armored vehicles. The exercises included training with the M249 and M240 machine guns to enhance troop proficiency. Separately, US Undersecretary of the Air Force Matthew Lohmeier visited Osan Air Base to engage with personnel and reinforce focus on regional readiness. Lohmeier emphasized the base's critical role in deterrence and conflict prevention in the Indo-Pacific region. US forces in South Korea stage live-fire exercises using remote weapon stations and host a senior Air Force official, highlighting regional readiness. Seoul, Feb 5 The US military stationed in South Korea has staged live-fire drills involving a remote weapon station designed to be mounted on armoured vehicles, according to the US Eighth Army on Thursday. The drills, conducted on January 28-29, involved assembling, preparing and operating the Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station (CROWS), a remote weapon system mounted on armoured vehicles to protect the gunner inside, according to the US military. The two-day exercise also involved live firing with the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon and M240 machine gun to enhance hands-on training for the troops, reports Xinhua news agency. The CROWS "allows us to employ our machine guns from the safety of the cockpit of the vehicle and not have to expose ourselves," said Capt. Noah Klein, 84th Ordinance Company commander. Meanwhile, in a separate development, Matthew Lohmeier, US undersecretary of the Air Force, visited Osan Air Base in South Korea last week as part of his tour of Indo-Pacific bases, the base's website showed Thursday. Lohmeier visited the air base in Pyeongtaek, some 60 kilometres south of Seoul, on January 30, according to a release uploaded on the website. During his visit, Lohmeier engaged with US airmen and guardians along with senior officials of the Seventh Air Force, the 51st Fighter Wing and Space Forces Korea as part of efforts to better understand how the base operates. The visit reinforced the US Air Force's focus on readiness across the force and its continued investment in the people, programs and culture that enable airmen and guardians to execute their mission, according to the release. "Being forward-postured in this region places Osan at the heart of deterrence, and their readiness is critical to protecting our nation and preventing conflict," Lohmeier said. - IANS Photo: https://x.com/PremierRP/ Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk have arrived in Kyiv for a visit, the Polish governments office reported on Thursday morning. The program of the visit was not specified. Tusk previously reported that he would visit Ukraine at the invitation of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha, who met Tusk in Kyiv, said: "Welcome to Kyiv, Donald! An important visit from a true friend." "Poland is a leader in supporting Ukraine, including energy assistance. We appreciate this solidarity and our strategic partnership. We look forward to a productive visit and meaningful negotiations with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy," the Foreign Minister said, quoted by the ministrys press service on the Telegram channel. Former US President Donald Trump has declared he will never allow the American military presence at the Diego Garcia base to be undermined. He criticized a UK-Mauritius treaty that grants Mauritius sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago while the UK retains a 99-year lease on the island. Trump warned that the US retains the right to militarily secure and reinforce its forces on the island if the deal ever falls apart or its operations are threatened. His sharp comments contrast with the Biden administration's previous diplomatic support for the agreement. Former President Trump asserts the US right to defend its Diego Garcia military base, criticizing the UK's sovereignty deal with Mauritius over the Chagos Islands. Washington DC, February 6 US President Donald Trump on Thursday said he has held "very productive discussions" with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer regarding the strategically located island of Diego Garcia, which hosts a major UK-US joint military base in the Indian Ocean. Trump said that, though he understood the British Prime Minister had negotiated "the best he could make" under the circumstances, he would never allow the US presence at the military base to be "undermined" or "threatened". In a post on Truth Social, Trump described Diego Garcia as being of "great importance" to US national security due to its central location in the Indian Ocean and its role in supporting American military operations. "It is the site of a major U.S. Military Base, strategically situated in the middle of the Indian Ocean and therefore, of great importance to the National Security of the United States," Trump said. Trump credited recent US military successes to the strength of American warfighters, modern military equipment and the strategic positioning of US bases worldwide, including Diego Garcia. He referred to the lease arrangement of the UK-Mauritius Treaty, signed in 2025, which provides that Mauritius will exercise full sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago, with the UK retaining rights on Diego Garcia for an initial 99-year period. Trump said he understood that the British Prime Minister Starmer had negotiated "the best he could make" under the circumstances. However, Trump warned that the United States would take decisive action if its military presence on the island were ever threatened. "If the lease deal, sometime in the future, ever falls apart, or anyone threatens or endangers U.S. operations and forces at our Base, I retain the right to Militarily secure and reinforce the American presence in Diego Garcia, " he said. Trump also rejected what he described as "fake claims or environmental nonsense" being used to undermine the US presence at the base. "Let it be known that I will never allow our presence on a Base as important as this to ever be undermined or threatened," he added. Earlier, US President Donald Trump criticised the United Kingdom over its plans to give away the Diego Garcia island and called it an act of "great stupidity". He said that London's action is one of several reasons Greenland must be "acquired".He made the remarks on January 20 in a Truth Social post. The US President said, "Shockingly, our "brilliant" NATO Ally, the United Kingdom, is currently planning to give away the Island of Diego Garcia, the site of a vital U.S. Military Base, to Mauritius, and to do so FOR NO REASON WHATSOEVER. There is no doubt that China and Russia have noticed this act of total weakness. These are International Powers who only recognize STRENGTH, which is why the United States of America, under my leadership, is now, after only one year, respected like never before. The UK giving away extremely important land is an act of GREAT STUPIDITY, and is another in a very long line of National Security reasons why Greenland has to be acquired. Denmark and its European Allies have to DO THE RIGHT THING. Thank you for your attention to this matter." Trump's remarks came shortly after the third reading of the Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill on January 13 in the UK Parliament. The UK-Mauritius Treaty, signed in 2025, provides that Mauritius will exercise full sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago, with the UK retaining rights on Diego Garcia for an initial 99-year period. Over the 99-year period, the UK will pay Mauritius around 3.4 billion at 2025/26 prices. The UK Government says this resolves the long-standing BIOT sovereignty dispute and secures the military base for continued operations in the long term, according to the UK House of Commons Library. Trump's sharp tone stood in stark contrast to the Biden administration's stance on the treaty, which hailed the historic Chagos archipelago agreement between the United Kingdom and Mauritius and highlighted how diplomacy can overcome long-standing challenges to reach peaceful, mutually beneficial outcomes. Former President Biden said the agreement affirms Mauritian sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago while granting the United Kingdom authority to exercise Mauritius's sovereign rights over Diego Garcia. - ANI White House adviser Michael Kratsios will lead a high-level US delegation to the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi from February 16-20. The delegation aims to provide an update on the Trump administration's America AI Exports program and foster global partnerships. The summit, the first major global AI gathering hosted in the Global South, is structured around pillars of People, Planet, and Progress and seven thematic "Chakras." It will feature an expansive expo with over 300 exhibitors and focus on translating AI discussions into practical, people-centric outcomes for governance and development. White House adviser Michael Kratsios leads US delegation to India's AI Impact Summit to discuss Trump's AI export program and global cooperation. Washington DC, February 5 Assistant to US President Donald Trump and director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, Michael Kratsios, has announced that he will lead the US delegation to the AI Impact Summit in India later this month. "Looking forward to leading the U.S. delegation to the AI Impact Summit in India this month," Kratsios posted on X, adding, "America is setting the gold standard for AI innovation and we want to share it with our global partners." His post follows a report by POLITICO journalists Katherine Long and Cheyenne Haslett, which said that Kratsios will head to New Delhi with a US delegation to participate in the AI Impact Summit in India. According to the report, "Kratsios will use the summit to provide an update on Trump's America AI Exports program, which was created by executive order in July to hook the world on the United State's tech stack." The delegation will also include Undersecretary of State for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg, Undersecretary of Commerce for International Trade William Kimmitt, and Undersecretary of Commerce for Industry and Security Jeffrey Kessler. Kratsios further noted on X that "@UnderSecE, @TradeGov U/S Kimmitt, @BISgov U/S Kessler, & @skrishnan47 will join @USAmbIndia on Team USA in Delhi." Highlighting the scale of the gathering, the report added, "The AI Impact Summit is one of the biggest world gatherings for industry leaders and policymakers in the sector," while noting that "the upcoming summit marks the first time that the event has been held in the Global South." The India-AI Impact Summit will be held from February 16 to 20 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, marking the first global AI summit to be hosted in the Global South. Designed as a five-day programme covering policy, research, industry and public engagement, the Summit is anchored on three foundational pillars or "Sutras" People, Planet and Progress and is expected to bring together global leaders, policymakers, technology companies, innovators and experts to deliberate on AI's role in governance, innovation and sustainable development. The India AI Impact Expo, spread across over 70,000 square metres, is expected to feature more than 300 exhibitors from 30 countries across over 10 thematic pavilions, showcasing AI's transition from research and pilots to large-scale deployment. The Summit builds on India's development-focused approach to AI, aligned with the IndiaAI Mission and Digital India Initiative, with emphasis on translating global AI discussions into practical, people-centric outcomes. It highlights AI's role in strengthening governance, improving public service delivery and supporting inclusive growth at scale, including applications in healthcare through remote diagnostics and telemedicine, agriculture via crop prediction and precision farming, education through personalised learning and language translation, finance through fraud detection and credit access, and governance through AI-assisted service delivery and judicial accessibility. Recognising AI's strategic importance, the Government of India has prioritised development of AI compute infrastructure, indigenous models and large-scale capacity building to enable responsible and trusted adoption. Deliberations at the Summit will be structured around seven "Chakras" Human Capital, Inclusion for Social Empowerment, Safe and Trusted AI, Resilience Innovation and Efficiency, Science, Democratizing AI Resources, and AI for Economic Growth and Social Good providing a framework for multilateral cooperation and shared learning. These Chakras aim to align global AI strategies while addressing access to data and compute, workforce readiness, ethical governance, sustainability and inclusive economic growth. The Summit programme includes Pre-Summit Events and Regional AI Conferences held across Meghalaya, Gujarat, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Kerala and Telangana, whose outcomes will inform the Main Summit agenda. The Main Summit has received over 700 proposals and will feature sessions across all seven Chakras, alongside the release of the AI Compendium on February 17, documenting real-world AI applications across priority sectors. Flagship initiatives include AI for ALL: Global Impact Challenge, AI by HER: Global Impact Challenge, YUVAi: Global Youth Challenge, and a Research Symposium on AI and its Impact on February 18, while the AI Impact Expo will serve as a business-focused platform connecting innovators and investors. Supported by core institutions including the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, IndiaAI Mission, Software Technology Parks of India and Digital India, the Summit aims to strengthen governance frameworks, promote responsible AI, expand skills and workforce readiness, and foster sustained partnerships among government, academia, startups and industry. Expected outcomes include practical AI deployment across priority sectors, improved policy alignment and institutional coordination, and positioning India as a global hub for AI innovation and deployment, aligned with the vision of a digitally empowered and technology-driven India. - ANI Due to scheduled maintenance from Saturday, March 15, 2025, at 10 PM to Sunday, March 16, 2025, at 2 AM, there may be interruptions for our News Gazette Digital subscribers. During this time frame, please click on any News Gazette website content without logging into your News Gazette Digital subscription account. Thank you for your patience during this scheduled maintenance. Photo: https://t.me/dsns_telegram Two civilians were injured in a nighttime attack by enemy drones on Kyiv, Kyiv Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko reported on his Telegram channel as of 07:48 on Thursday. "Two injured in the capital. In the Solomiansky district, one woman was hospitalized by doctors, another was treated on the spot," Klitschko wrote on Telegram. Also in this area, as a result of falling debris from a UAV, windows in two residential buildings were broken, facades of buildings and cars parked in the yards were damaged. "The debris also fell near a shopping center. And at another address, facades were damaged there and windows in a kindergarten and a residential building were broken," Klitschko added about the damage caused by the enemy in the Solomiansky district. "In the Shevchenkivsky district, debris fell on the roof of a four-story office building. The roof caught fire. In the Darnytsky district, debris burned near a cafe located in a residential building. No damage to the building. In the Obolon district, cars caught fire as a result of UAV debris falling onto a parking lot," he said on Telegram. COVID-19 vaccination is not the cause behind a decrease in childbirth, according to a study from Linkoping University, Sweden. The results speak against rumours about vaccination and reduced fertility. The findings have been published in the journal Communications Medicine. Our conclusion is that it's highly unlikely that the mRNA vaccine against COVID-19 was behind the decrease in childbirth during the pandemic." Toomas Timpka, professor of social medicine, Linkoping University The researchers investigated the issue because, since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, unfounded rumours have circulated, especially on social media, alleging that vaccination impairs chances of becoming pregnant. In the later stages of the pandemic, there was a decrease in the number of children born in some countries, including Sweden. This raised the question whether this could be due to the new vaccines. In the study, the researchers analysed all women aged 18 to 45 years in Region Jonkoping County, a total of almost 60,000 women (of the region's total population of 369,000 people). Of these women, 75 per cent were vaccinated once or more against COVID-19 from 2021 to 2024. The researchers used data on childbirths, vaccination, miscarriages and deaths from healthcare records. When the researchers compared childbirths and miscarriages between vaccinated and unvaccinated women, they found no statistically significant difference between the groups. This is in line with several previous studies that have not found any association between COVID vaccine and fertility. "We see no difference in childbirth rates between those who have taken the vaccine and those who haven't. We've also looked at all registered miscarriages among those who became pregnant, and we see no difference between the groups there either," says Toomas Timpka. The researchers believe that the decrease in childbirth has other, more likely explanations. Those who are now in their 30s, an age when it is most common to have children, were born in the second half of the 1990s. This was a time of financial difficulties and declining childbirth rates in Sweden. In other words, the group of current potential parents has become smaller due to declining birthrates 30 years earlier. Also, factors linked to the pandemic may have reduced childbirth, such as health and economic concerns and changed behaviour during lockdown. One of the strengths of the study is that it examines pregnancy outcomes in a large group that is representative of the country's population. The researchers have taken into account that the woman's age is a possible factor that could hide a possible effect of vaccines on childbirth, and they have therefore compensated for age in their analysis. The study received financial support from, among others, the Swedish Research Council. A Case Western Reserve University professor has developed an innovative card deck designed to help children manage stress and build emotional resilience in today's challenging world. Following the COVID-19 pandemic-and amid ongoing global and societal stressors-Jennifer King, an associate professor and co-director of the Center on Trauma and Adversity at the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences at Case Western Reserve, realized that people needed to know the fundamentals of stress management. She created "Take a Break" micropractice cards in 2022 to help people relax, calm, or reenergize their bodies and minds. And now King has developed a children's version. The new "Take a Break KIDS" edition transforms evidence-based, stress-management techniques into simple one- to three-minute activities that kids can use anywhere, anytime. With children facing unprecedented levels of stress and anxiety, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, the card deck offers practical solutions for parents, teachers and mental health professionals seeking effective tools to support children's emotional wellbeing. Kids aren't struggling because there's something wrong with them. They are responding to a world that is increasingly asking too much of their nervous systems. When kids learn how to take small breaks in moments of stress, they build skills that support regulation, resilience and connection over time." Jennifer King, associate professor and co-director of the Center on Trauma and Adversity at the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences, Case Western Reserve "Take a Break KIDSs" represents a significant evolution from traditional mindfulness tools. The deck features 40 diverse practices organized into color-coded categories-movement, breath, self-touch and partner activities-making it easy for users to find the right technique for any situation. For younger children, each card includes memorable rhyming instructions that leverage rhythm to support learning and emotional regulation. QR codes on every card link to detailed digital resources, allowing tweens and teens to access the practices independently. Adults receive comprehensive background information and implementation guidance to understand the science behind each technique. The deck's development was inspired by feedback King, who has extensive experience working clinically with children, adolescents, families and adults, received from educators and mental health professionals using the original adult version with children. "I heard from many teachers and mental health professionals who were using the original 'Take a Break' card deck with their students and clients," King said. "While the kids found the practices helpful, the professionals were unsure how to explain the benefits to parents. I needed to create something that was both kid- and parent-friendly." Designed to grow with children from early childhood through adolescence, Take a Break KIDS supports the development of lifelong skills for stress management, emotional regulation, and connection. Every year, millions of newborns undergo routine screening as a preventive strategy to detect inherited disorders before symptoms emerge. Newborn screening (NBS) programs have traditionally relied on biochemical markers to identify specific groups of treatable conditions, achieving remarkable success at a population level. However, as researchers increasingly uncover genetically driven diseases that manifest early in life, questions are emerging about whether existing screening frameworks are adequate for the genomic era. To bridge this gap in early detection of genetic disease, Dr. Zhelan Huang from the Children's Hospital of Fudan University, China, and Dr. Wenhao Zhou from Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center have examined the role of next-generation sequencing (NGS) in reshaping the landscape of NBS. Their study, published in Pediatric Investigation on January 6th, 2026, examined the transition of NBS from biochemical assays for a single disease to genome-enabled, multi-disease approaches, while also delving into the challenges that limit the clinical implementation of genomic NBS (gNBS). Dr. Zhou explains, "Conventional NBS methods are inherently constrained by their reliance on measurable biochemical abnormalities. While effective for disorders like phenylketonuria or congenital hypothyroidism, many genetic diseases do not produce detectable metabolic signals during the neonatal period. Consequently, affected infants appear healthy at birth but develop symptoms after irreversible damage has already occurred." Genetic screening therefore offers a direct strategy to uncover disease risk at its earliest possible stage. gNBS uses the NGS technology to analyze DNA obtained from the same dried blood spots already collected for routine screening. Targeted gene panels, whole-exome sequencing, and whole-genome sequencing enable the simultaneous assessment of multiple genes associated with inherited disorders. This genomic approach can substantially expand the benefits of NGS by identifying conditions that are not detectable through traditional biochemical testing. However, genomic screening introduces new complexities. One of the most significant challenges is interpreting genetic variants of uncertain significance, whose clinical implications remain unclear. Reporting such findings in a population-wide screening program may cause unnecessary parental anxiety and raise ethical concerns. Therefore, gNBS requires careful selection of reportable genes and variants, specifically focusing on those with clinically actionable outcomes during childhood. While traditional screening methods deliver results within days, genomic sequencing may require weeks. This delay limits its utility for conditions that require immediate intervention. Dr. Zhou adds, "A major research focus is reducing the turnaround time for genetic screening through rapid whole-genome sequencing approaches, which are already being applied in some critically ill infants. Although these approaches are not yet used in routine population screening, continued efforts may broaden their application in the future." A major aspect that has been debated since the beginning is the psychological and ethical dimensions surrounding gNBS. Many parents view genomic screening favorably, while healthcare professionals tend to be more cautious, reflecting concerns about data interpretation, consent, and long-term data storage. Another complication that arises is whether to report adult-onset conditions or incidental findings, which highlights the need for clear policy frameworks and access to genetic counseling support. Dr. Zhou says, "Driven by lower costs, technological advances, and supportive policy frameworks, gNBS is expected to gradually integrate with or even evolve into a standardized tool for newborn healthcare management." When used along with the conventional assays, it can help clarify ambiguous results and identify conditions beyond the detection limits of conventional methods. While technical, ethical, and logistical challenges continue to shape its implementation, genomic screening holds the potential to refine the identification and management of inherited diseases from birth. gNBS could enable a more precise and informed approach to newborn care, extending the benefits of screening beyond early diagnosis to support long-term health planning. Researchers from The University of Texas at Dallas and their international colleagues have determined the molecular signature of human sleeping - or silent - nociceptors: sensory neurons that are unresponsive to touch or pressure yet are key culprits in neuropathic pain. The findings suggest a potential pathway for finding drug targets to relieve chronic pain, said Dr. Ted Price BS'97, Ashbel Smith Professor of neuroscience in the School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences (BBS) and a co-author of the study published Feb. 4 in the journal Cell. We know from direct human physiological evidence that these cells are important in neuropathic pain. Now we can identify them at the gene-expression level with an astonishing degree of detail. This will allow researchers to start working on targets to manipulate those cells, which could bring about very exciting developments in the future." Dr. Ted Price, director of the UT Dallas Center for Advanced Pain Studies Sleeping nociceptors are a distinct class of sensory neurons that can become spontaneously active to cause persistent pain without an evident stimulus. This makes them essential components of the neuropathic pain suffered by approximately 20% of American adults. The cell bodies of sleeping nociceptors are located in the dorsal root ganglia, nerve cells clustered near the base of the spine that relay sensory signals from the peripheral nervous system to the central nervous system. The axons and dendrites that protrude from each cell and carry electrical signals are long and connect to the skin. Though the functional properties of these fibers have long been known, their distinctive molecular characteristics remained unclear. "Active sleeping nociceptors have been found in people with diabetic neuropathy, postherpetic neuralgia and fibromyalgia," Price said. "There are also scores of neuropathic pain studies that found no cause. If you were going to highlight any type of sensory neuron as the biggest culprit for the spontaneous, shooting pain that neuropathy patients have, it's these sleeping nociceptors." Led by corresponding author Dr. Angelika Lampert, professor of neurophysiology at RWTH Aachen University in Germany, the researchers used high-resolution recordings of electrical activity of individual neurons alongside techniques that read the genetic activity of the neurons to identify sleeping nociceptors among the broader nerve population. To discover the distinctive molecular profile of the neurons, the German researchers first used isolated dorsal root ganglia from pigs because sleeping nociceptors in porcine skin closely resemble those found in humans. Cross-species analyses confirmed that the same molecular markers are present in pig and human sensory neurons. They are both characterized in part by the presence of the oncostatin M receptor on the cell and the neuropeptide somatostatin, which suppresses the release of various hormones. "Our work establishes a new conceptual framework for understanding the emergence of neuropathic pain at the molecular level, opening concrete perspectives for the development of targeted therapies," Lampert said. Co-corresponding author Dr. Shreejoy Tripathy, associate professor of psychiatry at the University of Toronto, led the bioinformatic integration of the patch-sequencing data, linking the neurons' functional properties with their gene expression profiles to identify neuronal subtypes whose activity resembled that of sleeping nociceptors. "This collaboration produced a Rosetta stone for pain research, matching the electrical fingerprint of sleeping nociceptors to a specific genetic signature," Tripathy said. Lampert said: "Now that we have all the information about the different genes expressed in sleeping nociceptors, we can really start to search for an entrance point to drive them back to normal." Co-second author Marisol Mancilla Moreno, a cognition and neuroscience doctoral student in Price's lab, led the portion of the project revolving around spatial sequencing, which is used to show which genes are particularly active in different cell types. "We now hope to start a drug discovery project to try to silence these cells," Price said. "The dataset we've generated on the molecular characteristics of these cells is so comprehensive that the modeling is going to be extremely instructive." The research team also included contributions from the Program to Reveal and Evaluate Cells-to-gene Information that Specify Intricacies, Origins, and the Nature (PRECISION) of Human Pain Network, which is funded by the National Institutes of Health's (NIH) Helping to End Addiction Long-term Initiative that was created to accelerate scientific solutions to the opioid crisis in the U.S. "The PRECISION Network has generated invaluable human data that was essential to this project," Price said. "Everybody involved in this project is very open and interested in making collaborative scientific advancements. Everybody totally bought in, thanks to great leadership from Angelika at the top of the project." Lampert said: "When you realize the kind of team you need to assemble to answer these questions, you turn to the best people you can find at each portion of the project - collaboration partners with whom you know you can push projects and with whom you enjoy working. The success of the study relies on the close integration of specialized centers, like UT Dallas'. This work demonstrates the power of interdisciplinary and international cooperation." Other UT Dallas-affiliated authors include Dr. Diana Tavares Ferreira, assistant professor of neuroscience; neuroscience research scientist Stephanie Shiers PhD'19; neuroscience research scientist Ishwarya Sankaranarayanan PhD'22; and Nikhil N. Inturi MS'25. Additional contributors are affiliated with Harvard Medical School, King's College Hospital in London, the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, and Heidelberg University and the University of Bonn, both in Germany. Funding sources included grants from the NIH (U19NS130608); the German Research Foundation; the Ministry of Culture and Science of the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia; the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada; the Canadian Institutes of Health Research; the Rita Allen Foundation; the Simons Foundation Autism Research Initiative; and the Burroughs Wellcome Fund. As heat waves intensify, new evidence from Ontario shows that resident-room air conditioning can mean the difference between life and death for nursing home residents. Study: Air Conditioning in Nursing Homes and Mortality During Extreme Heat. Image credit: fizkes/Shutterstock.com A recent study in JAMA Internal Medicine examined mortality rates during extreme heat days in Ontario nursing homes with air conditioning ( AC ) compared with those without AC , focusing on institutional long-term care settings. A Growing Crisis for Older Adults Older adults are more vulnerable to heat waves than young people. Heat-related deaths among seniors reached unprecedented levels in 2023, increasing by 167 % globally since the 1990s. This vulnerability stems from multiple factors, such as limited mobility, aging bodies regulating temperature less effectively, common medications affecting heat response, and social isolation compounding the risks. A recent study has documented a global intensification of extreme heat. For instance, heat waves in the US have nearly doubled since the 1980s, underscoring a grim future for seniors. While air conditioning offers proven protection against heat-related illness, more than 35 million Americans lack it at home. Given the health risks in extreme heat, not many studies have evaluated the importance of AC in nursing homes, where the majority of residents experience limited mobility, multiple chronic conditions, numerous medications, and cognitive impairment. The regulatory landscape reveals troubling gaps. In the US , federal regulations require nursing homes initially certified after October 1, 1990, to maintain indoor temperatures within a specified range, but do not explicitly mandate air conditioning, and nearly half of the facilities were certified before that date. Prior to 2020, similar conditions prevailed in Ontario, with more than half of the provinces 600-plus nursing homes, housing over 76,000 residents, lacking air conditioning in resident rooms. Before the mandate, homes without AC were required to provide designated cooled areas rather than room-level climate control. However, following the COVID-19 pandemic, Ontario announced a requirement for air conditioning in all resident rooms in July 2020, which took effect in June 2022, with compliance reaching 99.5 % of facilities by May 2023 at a cost of approximately CAD 200 million. Heat-Related Deaths With and Without AC in Nursing Homes The current study examines whether AC is associated with lower mortality among nursing home residents during extreme heat by comparing mortality rates on extreme heat days in facilities with and without resident-room climate control. A case-crossover analysis was conducted across 615 Ontario nursing homes between 2010 and 2023 during warm months (JuneSeptember), comparing mortality risk on extreme heat days in facilities with and without AC . Extreme heat days were defined as those at or above the 90th percentile heat index for each facilitys location. Temperature and humidity data were collected from the North American Land Data Assimilation System. The current study included all Ontario nursing home residents who died between June and September in 20102023. The self-controlled design eliminated time-invariant confounding factors, such as sex, race, or location, that remained constant between death dates and matched control days set 14 days earlier. For residents who died within 14 days of a hospital admission, the admission date was used as the case day; deaths occurring 14 or more days after admission were excluded. The selected residents must have resided in the same facility for at least 28 consecutive days prior to death. The current study examined the effect of heat waves on mortality, with or without AC , across three lag periods to capture acute and prolonged heat effects: lag 01 (death date plus 1 day prior), lag 03, and lag 06. AC Installation Is Associated With Fewer Deaths During Heat Waves The study analyzed 73,578 nursing home deaths in Ontario that occurred from June through September from 2010 to 2023. Approximately 68 % of the residents were 85 years or older, female (65 %), and living with dementia (70 %). The analysis included 40,255 deaths in facilities with air conditioning and 33,323 in facilities without it. Resident characteristics were similar across both facility types. When Ontario announced its AC requirement in July 2020, 55 % of nursing homes lacked air conditioning. Facilities without AC tended to be for-profit, older, smaller, and more crowded than those with AC , and were more often located in higher-income communities. During the study period, nursing homes experienced an average of 14 extreme heat days per year, with heat index temperatures averaging 34.2C on those days compared to 26.2C across all summer days. Extreme heat significantly increased mortality risk in nursing homes without AC but not in facilities with AC . Approximately 13.8 % of resident deaths occurred on extreme heat days in nursing homes without AC compared with 12.1 % in homes with AC . This association was strongest during the first three days after heat exposure. The effect of air conditioning was generally consistent across most resident subgroups, including those under 80 and over 90, males, residents with heart disease, and those in both low- and high-income areas, although some subgroup estimates were imprecise and not statistically significant. The current study estimated that Ontarios AC mandate was associated with approximately 33 fewer deaths on extreme heat days from 2020 to 2023, or about 10 deaths per year. Modeling suggested that had the mandate been implemented in 2010, it could have prevented 131 deaths over that decade, or about 13 deaths annually, assuming similar patterns of heat exposure and facility characteristics. Conclusions The current study highlighted that air conditioning is associated with lower mortality in nursing homes during extreme heat, but does not eliminate heat-related risk entirely. Facilities without AC had higher mortality on days with extremely high temperatures, with Ontarios mandate linked to an estimated 10 fewer deaths annually. As heat waves intensify globally, these findings carry urgent policy implications. Universal air conditioning mandates should extend beyond nursing homes to all congregate care settings that house vulnerable populations, including assisted living facilities, group homes, prisons, and psychiatric institutions, while recognizing that these findings are specific to institutional care environments. As summers grow hotter, protecting vulnerable residents in institutional settings represents both a public health imperative and a fundamental measure of how societies care for their most at-risk members. Download your PDF copy now! Two emerging pathogens with animal origins - influenza D virus and canine coronavirus - have so far been quietly flying under the radar, but researchers warn conditions are ripe for the viruses to spread more widely among humans. If surveillance and diagnostics continue to lag, influenza D virus and canine coronavirus have real potential to trigger outbreaks, a team of infectious disease experts and authors write in an article in the January issue of Emerging Infectious Diseases, a journal of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Our review of the literature indicates these two viruses pose respiratory disease threats to humans, yet little has been done to respond to or prevent infection from these viruses. If these viruses evolve the capacity to easily transmit person to person, they may be able to cause epidemics or pandemics since most people won't have immunity to them." John Lednicky, Ph.D., co-author, research professor in the Department of Environmental and Global Health at the University of Florida's College of Public Health and Health Professions Since its discovery in 2011, influenza D virus has been associated with infections in pigs and cows, but it has also been found in many other livestock and wildlife species, including poultry, deer, giraffes and kangaroos. Influenza D virus is believed to contribute to bovine respiratory disease, estimated to cost the U.S. cattle industry $1 billion a year. The authors' previous studies of cattle workers in Colorado and Florida found that up to 97% of people working with herds carry influenza D virus antibodies, suggesting the workers had been exposed to the virus. So far, these infections are known to be subclinical, meaning they have not caused symptoms of illness. However, scientists say influenza D virus bears the hallmarks of a virus primed to rapidly evolve. Indeed, a strain of influenza D recently isolated in China has developed the capacity for human-to-human transmission. "So far, influenza D virus has not been associated with serious infections in humans," said Lednicky, a member of UF's Emerging Pathogens Institute. "However, canine coronavirus has, but diagnostic tests are not routinely performed for the virus so the extent at which the virus affects the population at large is not known." Canine coronavirus, or CCoV, can cause gastrointestinal illness in dogs, and is not the same virus as SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Documented canine coronavirus infections in humans, while still rare, have been linked to pneumonia hospitalizations in Southeast Asia. In a study led by Lednicky, a UF team isolated a canine coronavirus from a medical team member who had traveled from Florida to Haiti in 2017 and later experienced mild fever and malaise. The team named the strain HuCCoV_Z19Haiti. Scientists led by Gregory Gray, M.D., director of the One Health Research and Training Laboratory at the University of Texas Medical Branch, reported the discovery of a new canine coronavirus strain, CCoV-HuPn-2018, in 2021. The strain had been isolated from a child hospitalized in Malaysia and was nearly identical to the coronavirus discovered by the UF team. Since then, CCoV-HuPn-2018 has been found in people with respiratory illness living in Thailand, Vietnam and in the state of Arkansas, demonstrating this strain of canine coronavirus is already circulating across continents. These recent influenza D virus and canine coronavirus discoveries underscore a familiar lesson from recent pandemics: Without proper preparation, a virus that quickly gains efficient human-to-human transmissibility can easily turn into a large-scale human epidemic. To prevent such a scenario, the scientists say better virus monitoring, more reliable tests, treatments and possible vaccines are needed. "Our knowledge about the viruses' epidemiology and clinical manifestations are limited to a modest number of research studies," the authors wrote. "Even so, the limited data regarding these novel, newly detected viruses indicate that that they are a major threat to public health." California Gov. Gavin Newsom, who is eyeing a presidential bid, has incensed both Democrats and Republicans over immigrant health care in his home state, underscoring the delicate political path ahead. For a second year, the Democrat has asked state lawmakers to roll back coverage for some immigrants in the face of federal Medicaid spending cuts and a roughly $3 billion budget deficit that analysts warn could worsen if the artificial intelligence bubble bursts. Newsom has proposed that the state not step in when, starting in October, the federal government stops providing health coverage to an estimated 200,000 legal residents comprising asylees, refugees, and others. Progressive legislators and activists said the cost-saving measures are a departure from Newsom's "health for all" pledge, while Republicans continue to skewer Newsom for using public funds to cover any noncitizens. Newsom's latest move would save an estimated $786 million this fiscal year and $1.1 billion annually in future years in a proposed budget of $349 billion, according to the Department of Finance. State Sen. Caroline Menjivar, one of two Senate Democrats who voted against Newsom's immigrant health cuts last year, said she worried the governor's political ambition could be getting in the way of doing what's best for Californians. "You're clouded by what Arkansas is going to think, or Tennessee is going to think, when what California thinks is something completely different," said Menjivar, who said previous criticism got her temporarily removed from a key budget subcommittee. "That's my perspective on what's happening here." Meanwhile, Republican state Sen. Tony Strickland criticized Newsom for glossing over the state's structural deficit, which state officials say could balloon to $27 billion the following year. And he slammed Newsom for continuing to cover California residents in the U.S. without authorization. "He just wants to reinvent himself," Strickland said. It's a political tightrope that will continue to grow thinner as federal support shrinks amid ever-rising health care expenses, said Guian McKee, a co-chair of the Health Care Policy Project at the University of Virginia's Miller Center of Public Affairs. "Its not just threading one needle but threading three or four of them right in a row," McKee said. Should Newsom run, McKee added, the priorities of Democratic primary voters who largely mirror blue states like California look very different from those in a far more divided general electorate. Americans are deeply divided on whether the government should provide health coverage to immigrants without legal status. In a KFF poll last year, a slim majority 54% were against a provision that would have penalized states that use their own funds to pay for immigrant health care, with wide variation by party. The provision was left out of the final version of the bill passed by Congress and signed by President Donald Trump. Even in California, support for the idea has waned amid ongoing budget problems. In a May survey by the Public Policy Institute of California, 41% of adults in the state said they supported providing health coverage to immigrants who lack legal status, a sharp drop from the 55% who supported it in 2023. Trump, Vice President JD Vance, other administration officials, and congressional Republicans have repeatedly accused California and other Democratic states of using taxpayer funds on immigrant health care, a red-meat issue for their GOP base. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Administrator Mehmet Oz has accused California of "gaming the system" to receive more federal funds, freeing up state coffers for its Medicaid program, known as Medi-Cal, which has enrolled roughly 1.6 million immigrants without legal status. "If you are a taxpayer in Texas or Florida, your tax dollars could've been used to fund the care of illegal immigrants in California," he said in October. California state officials have denied the charges, noting that only state funds are used to pay for general health services for those without legal status because the law prohibits using federal funds. Instead, Newsom has made it a "point of pride" that California has opened up coverage to immigrants, which his administration has noted keeps people healthier and helps them avoid costly emergency room care often covered at taxpayer expense. "No administration has done more to expand full coverage under Medicaid than this administration for our diverse communities, documented and undocumented," Newsom told reporters in January. "People have built careers out of criticizing my advocacy." Newsom warns the federal government's "carnival of chaos" passed Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which he said puts 1.8 million Californians at risk of losing their health coverage with the implementation of work requirements, other eligibility rules, and limits to federal funding to states. Nationally, 10 million people could lose coverage by 2034, according to the Congressional Budget Office. Health economists have said higher numbers of uninsured patients particularly those who are relatively healthy could concentrate coverage among sicker patients, potentially increasing premium costs and hospital prices overall. Immigrant advocates say it's especially callous to leave residents who may have fled violence or survived trafficking or abuse without access to health care. Federal rules currently require state Medicaid programs to cover "qualified noncitizens" including asylees and refugees, according to Tanya Broder of the National Immigration Law Center. But the Republican tax-and-spending law ends the coverage, affecting an estimated 1.4 million legal immigrants nationwide. With many state governors yet to release budget proposals, it's unclear how they might handle the funding gaps, Broder said. For instance, Colorado state officials estimate roughly 7,000 legal immigrants could lose coverage due to the law's changes. And Washington state officials estimate 3,000 refugees, asylees, and other lawfully present immigrants will lose Medicaid. Both states, like California, expanded full coverage to all income-eligible residents regardless of immigration status. Their elected officials are now in the awkward position of explaining why some legal immigrants may lose their health care coverage while those without legal status could keep theirs. Last year, spiraling health care costs and state budget constraints prompted the Democratic governors of Illinois and Minnesota, potential presidential contenders JB Pritzker and Tim Walz, to pause or end coverage of immigrants without legal status. California lawmakers last year voted to eliminate dental coverage and freeze new enrollment for immigrants without legal status and, starting next year, will charge monthly premiums to those who remain. Even so, the state is slated to spend $13.8 billion from its general fund on immigrants not covered by the federal government, according to Department of Finance spokesperson H.D. Palmer. At a press conference in San Francisco in January, Newsom defended those moves, saying they were necessary for "fiscal prudence." He sidestepped questions about coverage for asylees and refugees and downplayed the significance of his proposal, saying he could revise it when he gets a chance to update his budget in May. Kiran Savage-Sangwan, executive director of the California Pan-Ethnic Health Network, pointed out that California passed a law in the 1990s requiring the state to cover Medi-Cal for legal immigrants when federal Medicaid dollars won't. This includes green-card holders who haven't yet met the five-year waiting period for enrolling in Medicaid. Calling the governor's proposal "arbitrary and cruel," Savage-Sangwan criticized his choice to prioritize rainy day fund deposits over maintaining coverage and said blaming the federal government was misleading. It's also a major departure from what she had hoped California could achieve on Newsom's first day in office seven years ago, when he declared his support for single-payer health care and proposed extending health insurance subsidies to middle-class Californians. "I absolutely did have hope, and we celebrated advances that the governor led," Savage-Sangwan said. "Which makes me all the more disappointed." Sarah Hess started taking her toddler, Josie, to Mickey Markey Playground in 2010 because she thought it would offer a refuge from lead. After a routine doctor visit revealed Josie had lead poisoning, Hess quickly traced the source to the crumbling paint in her family's century-old home in the Bayou St. John neighborhood. While it underwent lead remediation, the family stayed in a newer, lead-free house near Markey. "Everyone was telling us the safest place to play was outside at playgrounds, so that's where we went," Hess said. Josie became a Markey regular, playing on the swings and slides. Josie's next blood test was a shock. "It skyrocketed," Hess said. Josie's lead levels had leaped to nearly five times the national health standard. The likely culprit, according to scientists at the time, was Josie's favorite park. Soil testing found it had dangerously high levels of lead. City officials took no action to inform Markey's users or make the park safe. But parents started posting warning signs at the park and flooded City Hall with calls and emails. With Josie on her hip, Hess made an impassioned speech at a City Council meeting. In short order, the city hired a company to test Markey and other parks and pledged to fix the lead problem wherever it was found. "My impression was they were going to make them all lead-free parks," Hess said. But a Verite News investigation conducted over four months in 2025 found that lead pollution in New Orleans parks not only persists it is more widespread than previously known. Dozens of city parks with playgrounds remain unsafe, including Markey and other parks that underwent a city-sponsored lead remediation in 2011. The findings indicate that city officials fell short in their cleanup efforts then, and that a very large number of New Orleans children are exposed to excessive amounts of lead, said Howard Mielke, a retired Tulane University toxicologist and one of the nation's top experts on lead contamination. "It's a failed program," he said. "They didn't do what they needed to do to bring the lead levels down in a single park." Verite News reporters tested hundreds of soil samples from 84 city parks with playgrounds in fall 2025. Adrienne Katner, a lead-contamination researcher with Louisiana State University, verified the results. The testing found that about half the parks had lead concentrations that exceeded the federal hazard level established in 2024 for soil in urban areas. "If there's evidence of kids playing in soils that are as high as you described, that's kind of horrifying," Gabriel Filippelli, an Indiana University biochemist who studies lead exposure, told Verite News. Public health researchers and doctors say that children under 6 absorb lead-laden dust more easily than adults, contaminating their blood and harming the long-term development of their brains and nervous systems. There is no known safe exposure level for children, and even trace amounts can result in behavioral problems and lower cognitive abilities. Larry Barabino is the CEO of the New Orleans Recreation Development Commission, which oversees most of the city's parks. He said the city doesn't routinely test for lead in parks, and he confirmed that the last significant effort to do so was in 2011. He called Verite's results "definitely concerning" and pledged to work with city officials, local experts, and a city environmental consultant, Materials Management Group, to potentially remediate unsafe parks. "It's definitely concerning if it's at the level that's considered a true risk or threat, and we would get it to Capital Projects immediately to get MMG out there," Barabino said, referring to the News Orleans Capital Projects Administration. "If there's anything that's a true environmental concern or risk, that's something that we believe in definitely making sure we take action." But New Orleans is in financial straits, with a budget deficit of about $220 million, and it's unclear what resources new mayor Helena Moreno would be able to devote to restart lead remediation efforts. In response to the financial crisis, Moreno has already eliminated dozens of positions and plans to furlough 700 employees one day per pay period to save money. Moreno's administration did not respond to requests for comment. Andrea Young heard pledges similar to Barabino's 15 years ago. Like Hess, Young had a child who frequented Markey and had high lead levels in her blood. Alongside other mothers, she helped push the city to take action. Young thought they had succeeded but said she now realizes that the city didn't do enough. "It makes me question the value" of the work the city did, Young said, "and the safety we felt in letting our kids play there again." Testing New Orleans parks Lead is typically found in very small amounts in natural soil. The average lead abundance in U.S. soils is 26 parts per million, equivalent to less than an ounce of lead per ton of soil. But New Orleans, like many other cities, has a long history of lead contamination in its soil, from sources including lead-based paint, leaded gasoline, and emissions from waste incinerators and other industrial facilities. Lead particles spread easily by wind, eventually settling in the topsoil. The federal hazard level for lead in soil was 400 ppm until early 2024, when the Environmental Protection Agency lowered it to 200 ppm for most residential areas and 100 ppm in urban areas like New Orleans with multiple sources of lead exposure. Last fall, the Trump administration eliminated the lower 100-ppm limit, arguing it was confusing to have two thresholds. It didn't argue that the 100-ppm level was safe. More of a guide than a mandate, the EPA screening levels can steer federal cleanup actions and are often adopted by state and city governments to inform local responses to lead contamination. California has long had a much lower standard of 80 ppm. Mielke said the Trump administration's change doesn't align with the science, which has long shown that children are harmed when exposed to soil with levels below 100 ppm. He was one of several scientists who had pushed for lower thresholds after the EPA established its first screening levels more than 30 years ago. He said the 100-ppm level should still be applied in urban areas, especially New Orleans. Verite conducted soil tests on the 84 city parks that property inventories and maps list as having play structures. Samples were taken from surface soil, which is most likely to come into contact with children's hands and toys or be inhaled when kicked up during play or blown by the wind. The average soil sample collected by Verite contained lead levels of about 121 ppm. Elevated lead levels tended to follow the age of the neighborhood. The city's older neighborhoods, including the Irish Channel and Algiers Point, had some of the highest lead levels, while places like Gentilly and New Orleans East, developed mostly after the 1950s, tended to have lower levels, according to Verite's findings. The highest lead levels were found at Evans Park in the Freret neighborhood. Beside a low-hanging oak branch, on ground worn bare by childrens play, Verite recorded lead at 5,998 ppm, nearly 60 times the 100-ppm urban soils threshold. Verite spoke to more than a dozen parents at playgrounds throughout the city, and most were surprised at the levels of lead in the parks. In the Irish Channel, Meg Potts watched her son run around the dusty Brignac playground. All of Verite's samples at that park surpassed the threshold the EPA deemed safe for urban areas, reaching nearly 600 ppm. Potts knew high lead levels existed in the city but said she didn't realize her neighborhood park could be a source of exposure for her son. " I'm just, like, thinking about all of this now because he's had to go in and have his lead tested," she said. "He's like right on the cusp of having too-high lead." Katner, the LSU researcher, said Verite's results can serve as a starting point for city officials to conduct more comprehensive testing in parks, noting that even a single lead hot spot in a park is concerning. "The kid playing in that part of the park is going to get the highest dose," she said. A legacy of lead Before the 1970s, lead was ubiquitous. A 2022 study estimated that most of the U.S. population born before the 1980s was poisoned by dangerously high levels of lead in early childhood, resulting in an average loss of at least one IQ point. Lead pollution from cars spread into areas near roads, especially major thoroughfares, until leaded gasoline was phased out by 1996. Similarly, emissions from trash incinerators and industrial sites contaminated the surrounding soil in some New Orleans neighborhoods until they were closed in the 1970s and '80s. Today, the most pervasive source of lead in soil is degraded paint. Lead-based paint was used extensively for homes and buildings until it was banned in 1978. In New Orleans, most of the houses were built before 1980, according to the 2024 American Community Survey. As the paint deteriorates, Tulane University epidemiologist Felicia Rabito said, it can chip or turn into toxic dust. " The leaded paint goes straight into the dust and it goes straight into the soils, which is a major source of exposure for young children in the city," said Rabito, who studies lead poisoning and other health conditions. Children under 6 are especially vulnerable, in part because they like to stick their hands in their mouths. A child eating a dropped Cheerio or putting their thumb in their mouth after playing on a seesaw can be enough to cause harm. Rabito recommended that parents avoid contaminated playgrounds. The only way to know whether a child has lead poisoning is a medical test. By state law, Louisiana health care providers are required to ensure every child between 6 months and 6 years of age receives at least two blood tests, recommended at age 1 and age 2. But the law does not include a way to enforce those testing requirements, so many health care providers don't test, according to a 2017 report from the Louisiana Department of Health. In 2022, fewer than 1 in 10 children under 6 were screened for lead poisoning in the city, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. " There's not anything that we can say about lead poisoning or lead levels in children in Orleans Parish with any scientific certainty," Rabito said. " Parents really need to get their children tested." Limited soil testing, patchy fixes In 2011, the last time there was outcry over lead pollution in parks, the New Orleans health commissioner at the time, Karen DeSalvo, said the city should do "everything we can to understand what the risk might be and to remediate it." But she also called it "not the greatest challenge, honestly," according to The Times-Picayune. Then-Mayor Mitch Landrieu promised a comprehensive response. "The city will take all necessary measures to investigate possible lead contamination in other parks and playgrounds and remediate them as soon as possible," he said in March 2011. Two months later, testing and remediation were completed at several parks. Parents brought their children back to the reopened playgrounds. Despite city leaders' assurances of a broad response, only 16 parks were tested in 2011 and the city's piecemeal cleanup covered only patches of contaminated soil rather than entire parks, according to documents obtained through public records requests. That stunned the vocal group of parents who had pushed for cleaning up the Markey playground. Young, one of the mothers, said the scope of the 2011 testing and remediation was much more limited than she thought. "If the majority of the parks they tested were high, what would make them think all the others are fine?" she said. Verite's testing found high levels of lead at several playgrounds that were remediated in 2011, including Markey. The results disturbed Mielke, the Tulane toxicologist. In 2010, Mielke led an effort to reduce lead exposure at 10 private child care center playgrounds in New Orleans. He and his team covered the entire footprint of each playground with water-pervious plastic fabric and then 6 inches of Mississippi River sediment from the Bonnet Carre Spillway, a source of clean, cheap, and easily accessible soil. Lead levels fell, with most playgrounds testing below 10 ppm. In contrast, the city's remediation was mostly limited to areas with lead levels above 400 ppm, leaving many hazardous areas exposed. Testing and remediation reports obtained by Verite typically showed MMG focused on two or three spots in each park, with the rest going untreated. At Easton Park in Bayou St. John, for instance, the 2011 remediation covered four areas totaling about 4,700 square feet, but the park's playground was left untouched. Verite measured four samples around the playground that exceeded the 100-ppm threshold, including 1,060-ppm and 603-ppm readings near Easton's swing set. One park, Evans in the Freret neighborhood, wasn't remediated despite lead levels as high as 610 ppm in 2011. The reason wasn't clear in progress reports submitted by MMG. In Verite's 2025 tests, Evans recorded the highest level, with 5,998 ppm in one location. MMG did not respond to requests for comment. Landrieu did not respond to a request for comment. DeSalvo, who retired last summer as Google's chief health officer, said "extremely limited resources" forced the city to weigh its response to lead contamination in parks with the many other health threats residents faced. "We worked to address the range of exposures whenever possible with the resources we could muster," she said. A road map for cleanup? Filippelli, of Indiana University, said the city should conduct comprehensive testing of every park and do regular checkups. But because lead contamination in New Orleans parks is extensive and city leaders are struggling to close a large budget deficit, Filippelli recommends that the city remediate the worst parks first. He and Mielke don't believe the city must go the expensive route of full remediation, which involves digging up lead-tainted soil and trucking it to a hazardous waste landfill. It's usually unnecessary if a park is properly capped with clean soil, Filippelli said. Verite obtained cost estimates for 10 of the 13 parks targeted for remediation in 2011. The total cost was $83,000 in 2011, or about $120,000 today. The work covered just more than 1.3 acres across the 10 properties. Filippelli estimated that similar work could be done today for about $20,000 per acre about a fifth of what was spent to remediate just over an acre at New Orleans parks. Remediation should be coupled with efforts to reduce contamination from nearby sources, primarily old houses shedding lead-based paint, Rabito said. "When you clean up soil, you're not going to do it much good if you haven't identified what's contaminating the soil," she said. Cleaning up New Orleans parks is also likely to require sustained public pressure, said the parents involved with the lead issue in 2011. "I was not intending to kick butts or make anybody look bad," Claudia Copeland said of her efforts to alert parents about the dangers at Markey. "But nothing would have happened unless all these parents were calling in to the city." Methodology Verite News reporters Tristan Baurick and Halle Parker were trained to use an X-ray fluorescence analyzer, or XRF, a handheld device that can detect the unique traits of lead at trace levels, down to 10 parts per million. The analyzer is widely used by government and university scientists. The reporters tested 531 soil samples over a month in late 2025, following protocols developed by retired Tulane University toxicologist Howard Mielke and vetted by three other lead-contamination researchers. The reporters tested surface soil in and around play structures and other areas of parks that children use. Of the more than 110 parks in New Orleans, Verite concentrated on the 84 that city property inventories and maps list as having play structures. The reporters took between three and 11 samples at each park, depending on the size, site accessibility, and levels of contamination. A GPS device was used to record each sample's location. Verite's results were reviewed by Adrienne Katner, a lead-contamination researcher at Louisiana State University. She verified the accuracy of the testing by comparing it with a smaller set of park soil samples collected by her team last summer. While valid, the method did have limitations. The results can't be used to determine the state of a whole park. But even one elevated soil sample can provide a starting point for city officials to conduct more comprehensive testing. This article was produced in collaboration with Verite News. The four-month investigation was supported by a Kozik Environmental Justice Reporting grant funded by the National Press Foundation and the National Press Club Journalism Institute. It was also produced as a project for the USC Annenberg Center for Health Journalism's National Fellowship fund and Dennis A. Hunt Fund for Health Journalism. SpaceX owner, American businessman Elon Musk, has urged users of the Starlink satellite internet who are in Ukraine to register their terminals. "It is important to register your Starlink terminal if you are in Ukraine," Musk wrote on the social network X, reposting a post by SpaceX Vice President of Business Operations Lauren Dreyer regarding instructions for registering terminals. Since the end of last year, the Russian military has begun to massively equip its drones with Starlink satellite systems, which has significantly increased their effectiveness both on the battlefield and during shelling deep inside Ukraine. At the end of January, Defense Minister Mikhail Fedorov reported that the Defense Ministry team had contacted SpaceX and proposed ways to solve this problem. The first reaction was to limit the speed at which Starlink satellite communication terminals operate in Ukraine. However, as a long-term solution, the Cabinet of Ministers later adopted a resolution to introduce a "white list" for Starlink, thanks to which only verified and registered terminals will operate in Ukraine, and others will be disconnected. Already on February 4, Fedorov appealed to the commanders of the Defense Forces at all levels with an appeal to organize the verification of Starlink terminals - for this it is necessary to transfer all Starlink terminal numbers via the DELTA system to the "white list". According to him, the Starlink verification process in Ukraine is actively underway, citizens are already entering terminals into the "white list" to ensure their operation. As of the end of summer 2025, according to the Ministry of Digital Affairs of Ukraine, it has ensured the supply of about 50 thousand Starlink terminals since the beginning of the war thanks to the support of international partners. In addition to Poland, their work is also paid for by Germany. In addition, Starlink terminals are also imported and used in Ukraine by other users who pay for them independently. The total number of Starlink terminals in Ukraine at that time was estimated at approximately 100,000. People with ulcerative proctitis, a milder and more limited form of ulcerative colitis, are not at higher risk of developing rectal cancer than the general population. This is shown in a new Swedish registry study from Karolinska Institutet, published in Gastroenterology. The findings may contribute to more individualized follow-up of patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Ulcerative colitis has long been linked to an increased risk of cancer in the colon or rectum, but the risk varies depending on how widespread the inflammation is. For people with ulcerative proctitis, where the inflammation is limited to the rectum, the link with rectal cancer has been unclear. The new study now provides clearer information. The researchers identified nearly 16,000 people in Sweden who had been diagnosed with isolated ulcerative proctitis between 1997 and 2023. These were compared with just over 158,000 people from the general population who did not have inflammatory bowel disease. By linking several national health registries, the participants could be followed for a median of over ten years. The results show that the incidence of rectal cancer and precancerous lesions, known as high-grade dysplasia, was very low in both groups. After ten years of follow-up, approximately 0.2 percent of both the patient group and the comparison group had developed rectal cancer. The researchers also saw no increased risk of rectal cancer in patients who later developed more widespread colitis. Our results are reassuring for patients with ulcerative proctitis. Despite long-term inflammation in the rectum, we see no increased risk of cancer compared to the general population." Asa Hallqvist Everhov, senior physician in surgery and associate professor, Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Institute of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, and first author of the study "This supports a more individualized approach to cancer surveillance in inflammatory bowel disease, where the extent of the disease plays a crucial role," says Ola Olen, senior physician in pediatric gastroenterology and adjunct professor at the Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Institute of Medicine, Solna, Karolinska Institutet. The study is based on prospective data from, among others, the national IBD registry SWIBREG, the Cancer Registry, and the Patient Registry. The research was funded by, among others, the Swedish Research Council, the Cancer Foundation, the Bengt Ihre Foundation, and ALF funds from Region Stockholm. India-Kyrgyzstan joint special forces exercise KHANJAR begins in Assam Last Updated: February 06, 2026, 00:00 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Missamari (Assam) [India], February 5 (ANI): The 13th edition of the India-Kyrgyzstan Joint Special Forces Exercise KHANJAR has commenced in Missamari, Assam. Exercise KHANJAR is an annual training event conducted alternatively between India and Kyrgyzstan, the release said.According to the PRO Defence of Guwahati, the last edition of the exercise was conducted in Kyrgyzstan in March 2025. The Indian Army contingent, comprising 20 personnel, is represented by troops from the Parachute Regiment (Special Forces), and the Kyrgyzstan contingent, also comprising equal strength, is represented by ILBRIS Special Forces Brigade. The exercise, scheduled from February 4 to 17, aims to exchange best practices and experiences in Counter Terrorism and Special Forces Operations across urban and mountainous terrain. The exercise will also focus on developing advanced Special Forces skills of sniping, complex building intervention and mountain craft.Exercise KHANJAR will provide an opportunity for both sides to strengthen defence ties while addressing shared concerns about international terrorism and extremism. The exercise reaffirms the commitment of India and Kyrgyzstan towards fostering peace, stability and security in the region.Earlier in a post on X, the ADGPI said that the exercise aims to enhance interoperability between the Special Forces of both nations, with a focus on joint operations in urban warfare and counter-terrorism scenarios under the United Nations mandate.Exercise KHANJAR-XIII will further strengthen bilateral defence cooperation and deepen the enduring military partnership between India and Kyrgyzstan", the post added.The 12th edition of the India-Kyrgyzstan Joint Special Forces Exercise KHANJAR-XII took place in Tokmok in March last year.As previously stated, Elite troops from Indias Parachute Regiment (Special Forces) and the Kyrgyz Scorpion Brigade participated in this intensive training program to enhance interoperability, high-altitude warfare capabilities, and counterterrorism tactics.The statement noted that throughout the exercise, both contingents practised advanced operations such as sniping, complex building intervention, mountain craft, and specialised counter-terrorism drills.In recent times, India-Kyrgyz relations have expanded in several areas of bilateral engagement, including defence, security, trade and investment. Both countries also share common concerns on the threat of terrorism, extremism and drug-trafficking, the Ministry of External Affairs noted in a statement.Important facets of bilateral defence cooperation between India and the Kyrgyz Republic include training Kyrgyz personnel in Indian defence establishments, joint exercises, conduct of exchange programmes and joint research at the Kyrgyz-India Mountain Bio Medical Research Centre (KIMBMRC), Bishkek, MEA further noted. (ANI) News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: February 06, 2026, 00:00 IST News agency-feeds India-Kyrgyzstan joint special forces exercise KHANJAR begins in Assam Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Iran seizes 2 foreign oil tankers in Persian Gulf, says state media Last Updated: February 06, 2026, 02:15 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Muscat, Feb 6 (AP) Iran seized two foreign oil tankers it said was smuggling fuel in the Persian Gulf on Thursday, state television reported. The report did not provide a nationality of the tankers or say what flag they were flying under. Gen Heidar Honarian Mojarrad, a regional commander with the Revolutionary Guards navy, said the tankers had been carrying about 1 million litres of fuel (about 6,300 barrels), including diesel and were seized near Farsi island and transferred to Bushehr. Fifteen crew members on board the two tankers are in custody of judicial bodies," he said, without providing their nationalities. Iran occasionally seizes oil-carrying vessels over similar charges in the region. In December, it seized a foreign tanker as it travelled the strategic Strait of Hormuz, detaining 16 crew. It had also seized a ship in the Strait of Hormuz in November. The West has blamed Iran for a series of limpet mine attacks on vessels that damaged tankers in 2019, as well as for a drone attack on an Israeli-linked oil tanker that killed two European crew members in 2021. Those attacks began after US President Donald Trump, in his first term in office, unilaterally withdrew from Irans 2015 nuclear deal with world powers. The seizure comes the day before the US and Iran are expected to meet for highly-anticipated nuclear talks in the Omani capital of Muscat. Tensions between the countries remain high following Tehrans bloody crackdown on nationwide protests last month. (AP) RUK RUK News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: February 06, 2026, 02:15 IST News agency-feeds Iran seizes 2 foreign oil tankers in Persian Gulf, says state media Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Paramilitary official killed in quadcopter attack in Pakistans KPK province Last Updated: February 05, 2026, 21:15 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Peshawar, Feb 5 (PTI) A paramilitary official was killed and two others injured in a quadcopter attack targeting the main gate of the Federal Constabulary headquarters in Pakistans northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Thursday, local police said. The attack was carried out by Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) terrorists at the headquarters of the federal paramilitary police force in Darazinda tehsil of Dera Ismail Khan district, police said. Two projectiles were fired from a quadcopter at the FC headquarters gate that killed Havaldar Amjad, while two others sustained injuries, it added. The injured were rushed to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. Police have initiated a search operation in the area and are working to determine the direction from which the quadcopter was operated. In another incident in the province, a child was killed and another injured when a rusted hand grenade they were playing with exploded, local police said. According to police, the incident happened while children were playing outdoors and came across a rusted hand grenade in Kabal tehsil of Swat district. The device detonated during play, killing one child on the spot and injuring another. The bodies of the deceased and the injured child were immediately shifted to Kabal Hospital. Police have collected evidence from the scene and launched further investigations. PTI AYZ RD RD RD RD News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: February 05, 2026, 21:15 IST News agency-feeds Paramilitary official killed in quadcopter attack in Pakistans KPK province Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... China To Ban 'Hidden' Car Door Handles Made Popular By Elon Musk's Tesla Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 05, 2026, 11:09 IST China's industry ministry on Monday said that under its new safety technical requirements, every car door should be equipped with both exterior and interior handles. China to ban 'hidden' car door handles. (Representative Image) The hidden handle design draws scrutiny concerns in both the United States and China over potential safety risks. According to Reuters, the US auto safety agency last year opened a defect probe into the Tesla Model 3 Sedans emergency door release controls. However, Tesla is yet to comment on the investigation. Meanwhile, Chinas industry ministry on Monday said that under its new safety technical requirements, every car door should be equipped with both exterior and interior handles. Mechanical release designs will be mandatory, with innovations such as electrical handles optional. In October last year, the driver of a Xiaomi SU7 Ultra Sedan died in an accident after passers-by were unable to open the door to pull him out of the burning vehicle, Chinese media reported. Chinas New Policy According to Chinas new policy, car handles must be located on the outside of a car. They should function to ensure that they can be opened in the event of an accident. It also requires interior handles to be clearly visible. New vehicle models must align their door handle design with the new regulation from January 1, 2027. The approved models will come under the rules by January 1, 2029, the ministry said. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : China First Published: February 05, 2026, 11:09 IST News auto China To Ban 'Hidden' Car Door Handles Made Popular By Elon Musk's Tesla Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Killer Or Disruptor: What Will Bharat Taxi Do To Ola-Uber And What It Means For You? Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 05, 2026, 16:26 IST Bharat Taxi, a government-backed, driver-owned taxi app with zero commission and no surge pricing, is hitting the road. Can it shake up Ola-Ubers dominance? It might be overkill to state that Bharat Taxi would kill Ola or Uber; but it certainly brings disruption. (AI Generated) Bharat Taxi, Indias first cooperative-led ride-hailing platform, presents an interesting challenge to established app-based taxi players like Uber, Ola and Rapido. Union Cooperation Minister Amit Shah will on Thursday launch the service, which will be operated by Sahakar Taxi Cooperative Ltd, not a private startup or multinational corporation. Bharat Taxi had already been running in Delhi-NCR and Gujarat since December 2 on a pilot basis. The service aims to expand across all states and cities within two years. How Is Bharat Taxi Different From Ola-Uber? Some of the features that set Bharat Taxi apart from Uber and Ola are: It operates as a driver-owned cooperative drivers will be called Sarathis and are not just gig workers; they are the shareholders and owners. Drivers are also protected through health insurance, accident insurance, and retirement savings. Around Rs 10 crore have been distributed directly to drivers so far. Drivers dont need to pay commission on ride fares; instead they will pay a flat daily access fee of Rs 30. They are also allowed to work on other platforms without exclusivity clauses. There will be no surge pricing like traditional taxi apps. It is estimated that rides on Bharat Taxi will be up to 30% cheaper compared with Ola or Uber since savings from zero commissions will be passed on to passengers. Bharat Taxi is similar to Uber and Ola in only that it offers multiple ride types (cabs, auto-rickshaws, bike taxis) and includes similar safety features like real-time tracking and customer support. Bharat Taxis claim to disruption lies in its cost structure, driver empowerment, and surge elimination, which directly address the two biggest complaints against private aggregators. But Can It Kill Ola and Uber? It might be overkill to state that Bharat Taxi would kill Ola or Uber; but it certainly brings disruption. Lower Effective Cost for Drivers and Riders: With zero commissions and a fixed fee model, drivers might earn more per ride, which can attract drivers away from traditionally commission-heavy platforms, reducing the supply advantage of Ola and Uber. With zero commissions and a fixed fee model, drivers might earn more per ride, which can attract drivers away from traditionally commission-heavy platforms, reducing the supply advantage of Ola and Uber. Surge-Free Pricing Is A Big Selling Point: Surge pricing during peak demand has been a constant customer pain point for app-based taxis. A stable pricing model could attract cost-conscious customers. Surge pricing during peak demand has been a constant customer pain point for app-based taxis. A stable pricing model could attract cost-conscious customers. Cooperative Backing & Policy Support: Government launch and cooperative backing make this not just a commercial venture but part of a policy push to reshape the gig economy. That alone lifts its visibility and scale rapidly. Government launch and cooperative backing make this not just a commercial venture but part of a policy push to reshape the gig economy. That alone lifts its visibility and scale rapidly. Safety & Formal Partnerships: Police integration and safety focus may appeal to riders who sometimes worry about responsiveness or trust with private platforms, especially women riders. Where Bharat Taxi Needs To Catch Up That said, Bharat Taxi is entering a market where Ola and Uber already enjoy deep operational maturity. Years of expansion have given these platforms dense driver networks, faster ride matching, refined routing algorithms and strong recall among everyday users advantages that are difficult to replicate overnight. For Bharat Taxi, the immediate task will be to build comparable scale, ensure consistent availability across locations and deliver a smooth, dependable app experience that matches what riders have come to expect. Its success, therefore, will hinge less on its intent or pricing philosophy and more on how quickly it can close these execution gaps while expanding beyond the initial launch phase. Disruptor? Yes. Killer? Not Yet. Bharat Taxi is a significant challenger, not just another taxi app. Its cooperative, driver-centric, surge-free model could reshape how ride hailing is priced in India and give Ola-Uber real competition especially in cost-sensitive and driver-dissatisfied segments. Bharat Taxi is more likely to carve out a significant niche, particularly in tier-2 and tier-3 cities where brand loyalty is lower and price sensitivity is higher. However, killing" Ola and Uber outright is unlikely in the near term. These companies have scale, deep tech, and established user bases that wont disappear overnight. The most probable scenario is a multi-player market where Bharat Taxi captures 15-25% market share in cities where it operates well, forcing Ola and Uber to improve driver compensation and moderate surge pricing. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: February 05, 2026, 13:02 IST News auto Killer Or Disruptor: What Will Bharat Taxi Do To Ola-Uber And What It Means For You? Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Bharti Airtel Q3 Results: Net Profit Declines 55% To Rs 6,631 Crore, ARPU Up 5.7% Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 05, 2026, 16:58 IST Bharti Airtel Q3 Results: Its revenue from operations in October-December 2025 stands at Rs 53,982 crore, which is 19.6% higher than Rs 45,129.3 crore in the year-ago period. Bharti Airtel Q3 Results. Bharti Airtel Q3 Results: Telecom major Bharti Airtel on Thursday reported a 55 per cent decline in its consolidated net profit to Rs 6,630.5 crore for the third quarter ended December 2025. Its revenue from operations in October-December 2025 stood at Rs 53,982 crore, which is 19.6 per cent higher than Rs 45,129.3 crore in the year-ago period. Indias second-largest telecom companys consolidated profit, attributed to the owners of the parent, was Rs 14,781.2 crore in the year-ago period, according to a regulatory filing. The telco recorded a 5.7 per cent increase in ARPU (Average Revenue Per User) of Rs 259 during the quarter, as compared to Rs 245 a year ago. Airtels India revenue grew to Rs 39,226 crore, up 13.2 per cent on a year-on-year basis. The companys India mobile revenue recorded a YoY increase of 9.1 per cent, led by improved realisations and a growing customer base. Shares of Bharti Airtel on Thursday fell by 1.65 per cent, or Rs 33.40, to close at Rs 1,992.40 apiece on the NSE. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: February 05, 2026, 16:58 IST News business Bharti Airtel Q3 Results: Net Profit Declines 55% To Rs 6,631 Crore, ARPU Up 5.7% Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Farmers' Interests Completely Safe: Agri Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan On Indo-US Trade Deal Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 06, 2026, 01:02 IST Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan says Indo-US trade pact fully protects interests of Indian farmers. Rapid Read Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan says deal will boost exports and farmers are safe under India-US trade agreement. (IMAGE: PTI FILE) Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Thursday strongly defended the Indo-US trade agreement, rejecting Opposition claims that the deal would harm Indian farmers and the dairy sector. Responding to criticism from Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and other opposition leaders, Chouhan said the agreement, finalised under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, was a positive step for the country. The interests of the farmers have been completely protected. Farmers interests are completely safe. Our main foodgrains, fruits, all our main crops, our millets, everything is safe. Dairy products are safe," he was quoted as saying by PTI. Chouhan described the agreement as a new example of diplomacy, development, and dignity," and accused the Opposition of spreading misinformation about its provisions. The minister dismissed the criticism, calling it politically motivated, saying the Congress was frustrated after repeated electoral defeats. The Congress and the opposition are frustrated, mentally disturbed. They cannot compete in the field. One defeat after another has filled them with frustration, despair, and resentment," he was quoted as saying by PTI. He further attacked the Opposition, saying they had become a machine of lies, a market of rumours," according to the news agencys report. Chouhan argued that the trade deal would, in fact, benefit Indian farmers by boosting exports through lower tariffs in the US market. Citing official figures, he pointed to rice exports worth Rs 63,000 crore to the United States and said reduced duties would further increase exports of rice, spices, and textiles, indirectly benefiting cotton farmers as well. Addressing concerns that over 50 per cent of Indians involved in farming could be affected by increased American imports, he said: No large quantities of goods will start coming. As I said earlier, all our main crops are safe. No market has been opened up. Whether its staple grains, major fruits, or dairy products, everything is secure". The minister was responding to fears triggered by a recent social media post by the US Treasury Secretary, who said that more American farm products would be exported to India under the new arrangement. Chouhan said Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal had already clarified the issue in Parliament and assured lawmakers that the interests of Indian agriculture had been fully safeguarded. The agriculture ministry, in a separate official release, reiterated that the agreement does not open up Indias core agricultural markets and that existing protections for sensitive sectors remain firmly in place. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: February 06, 2026, 01:02 IST News business Farmers' Interests Completely Safe: Agri Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan On Indo-US Trade Deal Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Asked To Play Peacemaker, Hindu Man Assaulted Over False Affair Suspicion With Muslim Woman Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 05, 2026, 10:43 IST Venkatesh was assaulted in Koppal after being wrongly suspected of an affair with a Muslim woman. Venkatesh was assaulted in Koppal after being wrongly suspected of an affair with a Muslim woman. A Hindu man was brutally assaulted in Karnatakas Koppal district on Tuesday after he was wrongly suspected" of being in a relationship with a Muslim woman. The man, identified as Venkatesh, was allegedly attacked by a group of Muslim men who spotted him at a bus stand with the woman, assuming he was involved in an affair with her. However, the victim was trying to help the woman resolve domestic issues with her husband. Following the assault, Venkatesh approached the police and registered a complaint about the matter. According to the complaint, the woman, Afia, had left her house with her children following an argument with her husband, Azmeer. Azmeer asked his neighbour, Venkatesh, to speak to Afia and persuade her to return home, the complaint said. Acting as a peacemaker, Venkatesh went to a bus stand to meet Afia and convince her to return home with the children. However, things took an ugly turn as a group of youth saw him with the woman and began assaulting him, assuming he was having an affair with her. When locals intervened and tried to explain to the group that Venkatesh belonged to the same village as the couple and that he had no such intentions, the assault continued, the victim said in his complaint. Based on his complaint, the police have registered an FIR against Azmeer, Khajafeer, Indrawali and others. The police revealed that Venkatesh had known Afias family for 15 years and that he was trying to help her resolve the dispute. However, following the complaint, several members from the Muslim community gathered at the police station and created an uproar, demanding a counter-complaint be filed against Venkatesh as well. An investigation into the matter is underway, said the police. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Koppal, India, India First Published: February 05, 2026, 10:43 IST News cities Asked To Play Peacemaker, Hindu Man Assaulted Over False Affair Suspicion With Muslim Woman Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Telangana Animal Sacrifice: Men Bite Goats To Death During Jagtial Temple Jatara Ritual Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 05, 2026, 10:27 IST Between 50 and 70 goats were reportedly sacrificed in the ritual known as gavu pattadam, in which animals are killed by biting. AI-generated image used for representation A police complaint has been filed after nearly 50 goats were allegedly killed during the Bheemanna Jatara at the Bheemeswara Temple in Raikal, in an alleged human sacrifice ritual. Videos recorded by animal rights activists show men biting the goats on the throat to draw blood as part of the ritual. The incident took place on Tuesday, the final day of the three-day fair, according to a report by the Times of India. Based on a complaint, Raikal police filed an FIR under Section 325 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Section 6 of the Telangana Animals and Birds Sacrifices Prohibition Act, 1950, and Section 11(1)(a) of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. We registered a case and started an investigation," confirmed Chitneni Sudheer Rao, sub-inspector, Raikal police station. According to the locals cited by the outlet, between 50 and 70 goats were sacrificed in the ritual known as gavu pattadam, in which animals are killed by biting. Videos show the ritual being carried out inside the temple premises while some policemen were present in the crowd. Gavu pattadam is among the cruellest methods of killing animals, as they bitten while alive and left to die," said activist and complainant Adulapuram Goutham, adding that such practices continue despite being illegal in Telangana. Goutham alleged that no one present, including police personnel, stopped the sacrifices. Police, however, said they were deployed only for bandobast duty and did not witness any killing. Temple organisers admitted that animal sacrifice is common in village festivals and described it as a long-standing tradition. Locals believe their wishes will be fulfilled if goats are sacrificed like this," said temple pujari and organiser Devuni Lingaiah. We dont consider these sacrifices inhumane. This is part of our tradition," said Rajesh, a local devotee. About 10,000 people from across Telangana and neighbouring areas attended the fair, which began on February 1. Activists claimed that at least seven similar incidents have been reported in the state in the past six months, with nearly 100 animals allegedly sacrificed during such rituals. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Telangana, India, India First Published: February 05, 2026, 10:27 IST News hyderabad-news Telangana Animal Sacrifice: Men Bite Goats To Death During Jagtial Temple Jatara Ritual Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Photo: https://t.me/OleksiiKuleba Russia on the night of Thursday, February 5, again attacked cities and villages of Ukraine, including Sumy region. As a result of the strikes, residential buildings and logistics infrastructure were damaged, Vice Prime Minister Minister for Recovery of Ukraine - Minister of Communities and Territories Development Oleksiy Kuleba has said reported. "The RF army massively struck railway infrastructure of Sumy region with drones at night. In Shostka district, a railway worker came under fire a station duty officer who was heading to work. Medical assistance was provided operatively," Kuleba wrote on his Telegram channel. The strike also hit a "Wagon of Invincibility," which is deployed in the community to provide heating for residents. People were in shelter. Railway buildings and a locomotive were also damaged. Despite the attack, as soon as the security situation allowed, railway workers restored train movement. Energy infrastructure of the railway in this district was also under targeted fire. In addition, the enemy struck with drones at a railway station in Okhtyrka district. Technical premises and tracks were damaged. Everything is being restored operatively. "This is yet another act of terrorism against Ukrainian logistics. The enemy is trying to stop train movement, Ukrainian railways are strengthening security protocols and continuing operations," the minister stressed. Meet Rouble Nagi, Educator Transforming Mumbai's Slums, Now Awarded Nobel Of Teaching Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 05, 2026, 19:49 IST Mumbai educator Rouble Nagi wins Global Teacher Prize for using art and education to change lives in slum communities. Rapid Read Global Teacher Prize winner Rouble Nagi seen interacting with female students at a school function in Baramulla, Jammu and Kashmir. (IMAGE: X/@ROUBLENAGI) Rouble Nagi, a Mumbai-based social worker and educator from Jammu and Kashmir, has won the Global Teacher Prize at the World Governments Summit in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The prize, often described as the Nobel of Teaching," honours educators who have made noteworthy contributions to the profession. Nagi received the award, along with $1 million in prize money, for setting up more than 800 learning centres and painting educational murals on slum walls across India. She heads the Rouble Nagi Art Foundation (RANF), which was established to educate children and make them caring, responsible and productive citizens. RANF has introduced low-cost and sustainable educational models for underprivileged children to provide quality education, according to the foundations website. Misaal Mumbai Nagi also spearheaded the Misaal Mumbai initiative, under which more than 150,000 houses were painted and repaired. The foundation currently works in over 163 slums and villages across the country. She plans to use the prize money to build an institute that will offer free vocational training to young people. Who Is Rouble Nagi An internationally acclaimed artist, Nagi has created more than 800 murals and held over 150 exhibitions worldwide. Her murals teach literacy, science, mathematics and history, among other subjects. A member of the India Design Council, she has contributed to Mumbais beautification through public art installations. Nagi pursued a BA in Political Science and studied Fine Art at the Slade School of Fine Art as well as European Art at Sothebys in London. She is the tenth teacher to receive the Global Teacher Prize. Past Winners Since it was established by the Varkey Foundation in 2015 to recognise outstanding educators worldwide, the Global Teacher Prize has been awarded annually to teachers whose work has had deep social impact. 2015 Nancie Atwell (United States): English teacher and literacy pioneer, the first ever recipient of the prize. (United States): English teacher and literacy pioneer, the first ever recipient of the prize. 2016 Hanan Al Hroub (Palestine): Recognised for helping children affected by violence and conflict through innovative teaching methods. (Palestine): Recognised for helping children affected by violence and conflict through innovative teaching methods. 2017 Maggie MacDonnell (Canada): Honoured for her work with students in remote Arctic communities and improving youth wellbeing. (Canada): Honoured for her work with students in remote Arctic communities and improving youth wellbeing. 2018 Andria Zafirakou (United Kingdom): Awarded for her community-focused arts education in a challenging urban school environment. (United Kingdom): Awarded for her community-focused arts education in a challenging urban school environment. 2019 Peter Tabichi (Kenya): A science teacher celebrated for transforming learning outcomes in an under-resourced rural region. (Kenya): A science teacher celebrated for transforming learning outcomes in an under-resourced rural region. 2020 Ranjitsinh Disale (India): Recognised for promoting girls education and introducing QR-coded textbooks; he famously shared his prize money with fellow finalists. (India): Recognised for promoting girls education and introducing QR-coded textbooks; he famously shared his prize money with fellow finalists. 2021 Keishia Thorpe (United States/Jamaica): Honoured for redesigning curricula to support immigrant and refugee students. (United States/Jamaica): Honoured for redesigning curricula to support immigrant and refugee students. 2022, 2023 No widely publicised winner. No widely publicised winner. 2024 Information on a single winner not widely reported. Information on a single winner not widely reported. 2025 Mansour al-Mansour (Saudi Arabia): Recognised for community education initiatives and work with underserved students. (Saudi Arabia): Recognised for community education initiatives and work with underserved students. 2026 Rouble Nagi (India): Honoured for establishing hundreds of learning centres and using art and education to transform slum communities. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: February 05, 2026, 19:48 IST News mumbai-news Meet Rouble Nagi, Educator Transforming Mumbai's Slums, Now Awarded Nobel Of Teaching Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Sujata Suraj Patil Elected Navi Mumbai Mayor: Who She Is? Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 05, 2026, 19:48 IST Sujata Suraj Patil was elected Mayor of Navi Mumbai, defeating Saroj Rohidas Patil, while Dashrath Bhagat became Deputy Mayor. BJP now leads NMMC with 65 seats. Sujata Suraj Patil was elected Mayor of Navi Mumbai, defeating Saroj Rohidas Patil, while Dashrath Bhagat became Deputy Mayor. BJP now leads NMMC with 65 seats. (Pic: X) Sujata Suraj Patil was elected Mayor of Navi Mumbai after a majority of corporators backed the Bharatiya Janata Party candidate at the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) headquarters in CBD Belapur. BJPs Dashrath Bhagat was elected Deputy Mayor. Patil defeated Shiv Sena candidate Saroj Rohidas Patil in the mayoral contest, while Bhagat beat Senas Akash Balkrishna Madhvi for the deputy mayors post. With 65 seats in the 111-member civic body, the BJPs victory was widely anticipated. Who is Sujata Suraj Patil? Sujata Suraj Patil is a BJP corporator from Navi Mumbai and a second-time elected member of the civic body. She is the wife of Suraj Patil, a senior BJP loyalist known for his strong grassroots presence in the city. Despite being relatively junior compared to several senior party leaders, she was chosen for the mayoral post by BJP leader Ganesh Naik, former Maharashtra government cabinet minister, a decision that surprised many within the party. According to an HT report, party insiders said corporators were informed of her selection only on the day nominations were filed, even as several senior women leaders were seen as contenders. The move underlined the importance of loyalty and trust in the partys internal decision-making. Mayors priorities Addressing a gathering after her election, Mayor Sujata Patil said cleanliness, public health, education, environment and traffic planning would be her key focus areas. She emphasised the need to create opportunities for youth, ensure womens safety and dignity, respect senior citizens and deliver essential civic amenities to common citizens. Calling the mayors post a major responsibility entrusted to her by senior leaders, Patil said she was confident disciplined governance would be ensured through guidance from senior members and cooperation from all councillors. Deputy Mayors message Deputy Mayor Dashrath Bhagat said the position gave him a significant opportunity to contribute to the faster development of Navi Mumbai, a city of national importance. He pledged to work tirelessly and honestly, stressing that quality development work would be carried out with the cooperation of all members. Bhagat also thanked fellow councillors for electing him unopposed. Whats next With Sujata Patil at the helm, the BJP is expected to further consolidate its control over Navi Mumbais civic administration. However, political tensions within the ruling Mahayuti particularly criticism from the Shiv Sena over unilateral decision-making are likely to continue simmering even as the new mayor begins her term. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Navi Mumbai, India, India First Published: February 05, 2026, 19:48 IST News cities mumbai-news Sujata Suraj Patil Elected Navi Mumbai Mayor: Who She Is? Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Who Is Sudhir Mehta? Pune Tycoon Who Beat Mumbai Highways 36-Hour Gridlock With A Quick Heli-Hop Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: February 05, 2026, 13:01 IST Industrialist Sudhir Mehta, stuck for hours in a massive Mumbai-Pune Expressway traffic jam, took a helicopter to reach his city. The chaos was triggered by a gas tanker accident. (Photo Credit: X/@sudhirmehtapune) Traffic jams are common in India, but what unfolded on the MumbaiPune Expressway after a tanker overturned went far beyond a rush-hour snarl. For hours, cars, buses, and trucks remained at a standstill on the busy highway. Many commuters were exhausted and uncertain about when they would reach home. Amid this chaos, one industrialist decided he had waited long enough. After being trapped for nearly eight hours, he arranged for a helicopter to fly from the highway and reach Pune. What followed was not just a personal escape, but a larger debate on how such emergencies should be handled in the future. He Showed What He Saw From The Sky Dr Sudhir Mehta, chairman of EKA Mobility and Pinnacle Industries, posted pictures from his helicopter on X (formerly Twitter). In his post, he said that Lakhs of people are stuck on the #Mumbai #Pune expressway for the last 18 hours for one gas tanker." He pointed out that better planning was needed for such situations and suggested creating more emergency exit routes on the expressway. He further wrote that small helipads should be built near major highways, saying, Helipads cost less than Rs 10 lacs to make and require less than one acre of open area. These need to be mandatory at various points near the expressway for emergency evacuation." He also thanked Nitin Welde, an Air Veteran and Consultant for Helicopters in Civil Aviation, for helping him return to Pune. One of the images shows Dr Mehta sitting inside a helicopter next to the pilot. Other pictures show a long line of vehicles stuck on the expressway from an aerial view. Lacs of people are stuck on the #Mumbai #Pune expressway for the last 18 hours for one gas tanker . For such emergencies we need to plan exits at different points on expressway which can be opened to allow vehicles to return. Helipads cost less than Rs 10 lacs to make and pic.twitter.com/u2EooiKjh3 Dr. Sudhir Mehta (@sudhirmehtapune) February 4, 2026 People Questioned His Move Shared on February 4, the post crossed over one lakh views and attracted several reactions. A user asked, Why do we need helipad? Cant they land on the highway just like how it happens in Dubai? Especially on newly constructed highways." Another wrote, How will a helipad solve the problem? How many can it evacuate from the Lacs standard in highway?" One frustrated commuter commented, I got stuck for 12 hours and was very furious. This isnt the first time such an incident happened on this expressway. There has to be a way to do better. Lack of empathy for aam admi (regular taxpayer) is bothering." Another individual said, What we need is people to be held accountable for such a mess. Civic authority should be equipped/prepared, and ready for all eventualities." What Actually Caused The Chaos Concerned authorities later confirmed that the disruption began around 5 pm on Tuesday, February 3, near the Adoshi tunnel in Raigad district. A tanker carrying highly flammable propylene gas was reportedly travelling at high speed when it lost control on a downward slope and overturned. Soon after, officials detected a gas leak, prompting police to shut down traffic towards Mumbai as a safety precaution. This led to massive congestion not just on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway but also on the old Mumbai-Pune Highway (NH-48). Movement across the affected stretch was severely restricted. Commuters Were Stranded Overnight The traffic jam reportedly stretched beyond 15 hours, leaving hundreds of vehicles stuck overnight. Many commuters, including women and children, remained trapped in long queues with limited access to food, drinking water, or toilet facilities. Authorities later reportedly advised travellers to avoid the Lonavala-Khandala ghat section and follow official traffic advisories before planning their journey. Who Is Sudhir Mehta? Sudhir Mehta is a prominent Indian industrialist and entrepreneur, serving as the Chairman and Managing Director of Pinnacle Industries, a leading automotive components manufacturer. He is also the Founder and Chairman of EKA Mobility, an electric vehicle company focusing on commercial EVs. As of 2025, Mehtas net worth is estimated at $7.58 billion, ranking him 490th globally among billionaires. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: February 05, 2026, 12:43 IST News mumbai-news Who Is Sudhir Mehta? Pune Tycoon Who Beat Mumbai Highways 36-Hour Gridlock With A Quick Heli-Hop Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Pariksha Pe Charcha 2026 To Be Held Tomorrow, PM Modi To Address Students At 10 AM Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 05, 2026, 16:35 IST Pariksha Pe Charcha 2026: The event will be held at the GMC Balayogi Auditorium in Parliament, with approximately 250 students attending live alongside the Prime Minister. PPC 2026, featuring PM Narendra Modi interacting with students, will air on February 6, 2026, at 10 am. (File Photo) With board exams approaching, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will interact exam warriors" through Pariksha Pe Charcha" on tomorrow, February 6, 2026. This ninth edition of the popular programme has nearly 4.50 crore registrants. The event will be held at the GMC Balayogi Auditorium in Parliament, with approximately 250 students attending live alongside the Prime Minister. Starting at 10 am, PM Modi will address students questions and provide tips to teachers and parents on managing childrens mental health and future challenges. As the Parikshas are approaching, #ParikshaPeCharcha is back too!This time, the Charcha happened with #ExamWarriors in Devmogra, Coimbatore, Raipur, Guwahati and at 7, LKM in Delhi. As always, it is refreshing to interact with my young friends and discuss stress free exams pic.twitter.com/HOEmDZIR7B Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 3, 2026 Previously hosted at Talkatora Stadium, the 2026 events notable location in the Parliament complex in New Delhi is set to enhance its grandeur. The venue aims to unite students and policymakers, boosting students confidence and fostering democratic values. Participants: Students: 4.50 crore Teachers: Around 25 lakh Parents: More than 6 lakh This broad participation underlines the extensive reach of the Prime Ministers Exam Warriors mission. CTET Admit Card 2026 Live Updates Ahead of Pariksha Pe Charcha 2026, PM Modi has interacted with students from various regions, including Devmogra, Coimbatore, Raipur, and Guwahati. Selected students were also invited to his official residence at 7 Lok Kalyan Marg for discussions, helping to alleviate exam fears through personal connections. Where To Watch? To watch Pariksha Pe Charcha live, tune in on: TV Channels: DD National, DD News, and DD India Digital Platforms: Ministry of Educations YouTube channel, Facebook Live, and MyGov portal Radio: All India Radio With major exams like CBSE, State Board, and NEET approaching, PM Modis guidance is crucial for students. He will discuss time management, balanced social media use, and handling failure. This programme is an inspirational session for students above grade 6. Winners of the Pariksha Pe Charcha" programme receive special certificates and future event participation opportunities. Competitions on the MyGov portal offer students the chance to interact directly with the Prime Minister, with all participants receiving digital certificates. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: February 05, 2026, 16:24 IST News education-career Pariksha Pe Charcha 2026 To Be Held Tomorrow, PM Modi To Address Students At 10 AM Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... PM Modi Invites Students To Join Pariksha Pe Charcha Tomorrow, Focuses On Stress-Free Learning Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 05, 2026, 23:13 IST In a post on X, PM Modi added that he enjoys the platform as it allows him to engage with bright young minds from across the country. Rapid Read Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacst with students on different aspects of stress-free exams under Pariksha Pe Charcha programme last year. (PTI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi invited students to watch Pariksha Pe Charcha tomorrow, at 10 AM. He said this years session will cover topics such as staying stress-free and focusing on learning. In a post on X, PM Modi added that he enjoys the platform as it allows him to engage with bright young minds from across the country. Do watch #ParikshaPeCharcha26 tomorrow, 6th February at 10 AM. This years PPC features very interesting topics relating to examinations, notably the need to remain stress free, focus on learning and more. This is a platform Ive always enjoyed, as it gives me an opportunity to Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 5, 2026 The event will be telecast on the PM Modis YouTube channel, Doordarshan (DD), and the Ministry of Educations social media platforms. Additionally, the following OTT platforms, such as WAVES OTT, Amazon Prime Video, Jio, ZEE5, Sony LIV, and Spotify (audio platform), will stream Pariksha Pe Charcha live. In alignment with NEP 2020, the PPC concept is aimed at reshaping the examination experience of students by fostering confidence, positivity, and holistic well-being, and celebrating the exam season as a Utsav. The Prime Minister has condensed his views in his book titled Exam Warriors", available in multiple languages as well as Braille, where he has stressed belief in self and underscored the need to talk about these issues so that our children have the fun-filled childhood they deserve, the Ministry of Education said in a statement. Conceptualized by the Prime Minister, Pariksha Pe Charcha is dynamic and innovative, introducing fresh elements every year. For the first time, PPC 2026 was introduced at multiple locations covering all parts of the country. Besides Delhi, PPC 2026 was held in 4 (four) different locations Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu, Raipur in Chhattisgarh, Dev Mogra in Gujarat and Guwahati in Assam, covering the East, West, North, South and Centre of the country. As part of the run-up to Pariksha Pe Charcha 2026, student-centric engagement activities were organised across schools nationwide, including the Swadeshi Sankalp Daud, a student-led run/walk promoting the spirit of self-reliance, and quiz and writing competitions held at identified Kendriya Vidyalayas on Parakram Diwas. Approximately 4.81 crore students participated in these activities. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: February 05, 2026, 23:13 IST News education-career PM Modi Invites Students To Join Pariksha Pe Charcha Tomorrow, Focuses On Stress-Free Learning Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Study Abroad: British Council Announces 25 Fully-Funded Scholarships For Women In STEM Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 05, 2026, 15:04 IST Each scholarship, worth at least 40,000, provides financial support, covering full tuition fees, living stipends, travel and visa expenses, health coverage fees, etc. The programme offers 90 scholarships to eligible applicants from 30 countries. (AI Generated Image) The British Council has opened applications for scholarships for women in STEM for the 2026-27 academic year under its Going Global Partnerships initiative. This programme aims to boost opportunities for women in STEM, enhance female leadership in science and innovation, and promote a more diverse and gender-representative STEM ecosystem, the organisation said in an official press release. For the 2026-27 academic year, 25 fully funded postgraduate scholarships are available to women from South Asia, including India, through partnerships with five UK universities: the University of Edinburgh, the University of Glasgow, the University of Manchester, Queen Mary University of London, and Brunel University London. These scholarships target women with strong academic potential who aspire to careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, aiming to develop their leadership skills and contribute to research, innovation, and development in their home countries. Each scholarship, worth at least 40,000, provides comprehensive financial support, covering full tuition fees, living stipends, travel and visa expenses, health coverage fees, and English language support if necessary. Globally, the programme offers 90 scholarships to eligible applicants from 30 countries. The British Council Scholarships for Women in STEM initiative has partnered with 43 leading UK universities and has awarded nearly 500 scholarships worldwide, including 22 to candidates from India so far. The Women in STEM scholarship programme, part of the British Councils Going Global Partnerships, funds one-year masters degree courses at top-ranking universities and research institutions in the UK. Beyond academic studies, the programme supports long-term career development by offering access to UK alumni networks, allowing scholars to build international connections, collaborate across borders, and continue contributing to innovation and knowledge exchange well beyond their studies. Rittika Chanda Parruck MBE, Director Education India, British Council, said The British Council Scholarships for Women in STEM strongly reflect the spirit and ambition of the IndiaUK Vision 2035, which places education, skills, research and people-to-people connections at the heart of our bilateral partnership. By enabling talented women from India to access world-class STEM education in the UK, we are not only addressing gender gaps in science and innovation but also nurturing a future-ready talent pool that will drive shared prosperity for both countries. These scholarships empower women to become leaders, researchers and change-makers, strengthening innovation ecosystems and reinforcing the long-term collaboration between India and the UK as we work together to shape a more inclusive, resilient and sustainable global future." News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: February 05, 2026, 15:04 IST News education-career Study Abroad: British Council Announces 25 Fully-Funded Scholarships For Women In STEM Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... UP BEd JEE 2026 Registration To Begin On February 10, Notification Out Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 05, 2026, 15:43 IST UP BEd JEE 2026 is conducted for admissions to the two-year B.Ed. courses across 22 universities and 2300 affiliated colleges in the state. It will be held from April 20 to 25. UP BEd JEE 2026 application soon at bujhansi.ac.in. (AI Generated Image) Bundelkhand University is set to start the online application process for the Uttar Pradesh Joint B.Ed. Entrance Examination 2026 on February 10. The notification for UP BEd JEE 2026 has been issued by the university. The last date to apply is March 10. The exam, which is conducted for admissions to the two-year B.Ed. course offered by 22 universities and around 2300 affiliated colleges in the state, will be held from April 20 to 25. As per the official notice, the result will be out between May 25 and 30 while counselling process will commence on June 1. The last date for admission is June 28 and the academic session will begin on July 1. The detailed information brochure will be released along with the application forms. While filling out the online application, candidates must scan their index finger. Additionally, they must scan and upload their latest passport-size photo and signature. Only after these steps can the application be submitted. Candidates with reservations must also upload their certificate with the application. UP BEd JEE 2026 Registration: Eligibility Criteria As per the notice, the candidates must have completed graduation. General and OBC category candidates must have secured 50 per cent marks and SC or ST category candidates must have secured 45 per cent in graduation or post-graduation. B.E./B.Tech students must have scored a minimum of 55 per cent marks with specialisation in science/maths. UP BEd JEE 2026 Registration: How To Apply? Step 1: Visit the official website of UP BEd JEE bujhansi.ac.in. Step 2: Click on the registration link. Step 3: Register and complete the UP B.Ed JEE application form. Step 4: Pay the required fee and submit the form. Step 5: Download and print the acknowledgement form for future reference. UP BEd JEE 2026 Registration: Application Fees The application fee for general, backward class, and candidates from other states is Rs. 1400. Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe candidates will pay Rs 700. Payments can be made online via e-challan, debit card, or credit card. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: February 05, 2026, 15:43 IST News education-career UP BEd JEE 2026 Registration To Begin On February 10, Notification Out Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Congress Announces To Go Solo In West Bengal Assembly Polls, Mamata Banerjee Reacts Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 05, 2026, 16:34 IST A high-level meeting of Congress was held in New Delhi, in which top leaders, including Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, West Bengal unit chief Subhankar Sarkar were present. Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge Congress on Thursday announced to contest all 294 seats alone in the upcoming West Bengal assembly polls, clearly ruling out an alliance with any party. A high-level meeting of the Congress party was held in New Delhi, in which top leaders, including Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, West Bengal unit chief Subhankar Sarkar and General Secretary and West Bengal in-charge Ghulam Ahmad Mir were present. After the meeting, Mir announced the partys decision to contest the Bengal polls on its own. By joining hands with the Left and other parties, our cadres were feeling demoralised. Therefore, this time all leaders have decided to contest the elections alone. Our workers, cadres and supporters want us to fight on all seats," Mir said. Reacting to Congresss announcement, Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee said, What is the objection? They said what they wanted to say." In the 2021 West Bengal Assembly elections, the Congress joined hands with Left parties. However, the alliance failed to win a single seat. Mamata Banerjee led Trinamool Congress to a landslide victory, winning 213 out of 294 seats, while the BJP secured 77 seats. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: February 05, 2026, 14:51 IST News elections Congress Announces To Go Solo In West Bengal Assembly Polls, Mamata Banerjee Reacts Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... After Cancer, Can You Still Have Children? What You Should Know About Early Fertility Planning Written By : News18.com Last Updated: February 09, 2026, 13:58 IST One of the biggest misconceptions about fertility preservation is that it delays cancer treatment. Egg and embryo freezing, and sperm cryopreservation are established procedures What is Stage 1 cancer? Stage 1 cancer means the tumour is small and confined to the organ where it first developed. It has not spread to the lymph nodes or to other parts of the body. When treatment begins at this stage, the chances of recovery are close to 100 per cent. However, symptoms at this stage are usually very mild, which is why they are often ignored. Detecting cancer at Stage 1 means you have already won half the battle. Treatment is simpler, side effects are fewer, and surgery often allows the complete removal of the tumour. This is why even minor changes in the body should never be ignored. The word cancer" still hits hard for many, even though survival rates have risen significantly, from about 50% in the 1970s to nearly 70% in recent years. Conversations in a cancer patients home often revolve around staging, treatment plans, hospital admissions, and recovery. For many patients and families, the only question that seems to matter is: how do we beat cancer? Yet an overlooked concern future fertility quietly weighs on young adults diagnosed with the disease. For young adults and even teenagers diagnosed with cancer, chemotherapy, radiation, and certain surgeries can permanently affect their ability to have biological children. Yet fertility preservation is rarely discussed at the time of diagnosis, when it is most effective and still possible. Why Fertility Conversation Matters Cancer is no longer an automatic death sentence for many patients. Advances in early detection, targeted therapy, and supportive care have significantly improved survival rates worldwide. The overall 5-year cancer survival rate in India is estimated to be between 30% and 60%. This medical progress has created a new reality a rising population of young cancer survivors who live long, full lives after treatment. However, survival now brings long-term quality-of-life questions into focus. Many patients diagnosed in their 20s and 30s are yet to start families or may want children later in life. In India, a significant share of new cancer diagnoses occurs in people under 40, making fertility preservation a public-health concern rather than a niche issue. Fertility is not simply about biology; it is tied to identity, relationships, and the shape of ones future. Young survivors often return months later, healthy but heartbroken, only then realising that parenthood has become uncertain," says Dr Prachi Benara, fertility specialist, Birla Fertility & IVF Gurgaon. When discussed early, simple steps such as freezing eggs, embryos, or sperm can be completed within a short window and do not usually delay cancer care, she further said. These options give patients choice and control at a time when everything else feels uncertain. How Cancer Treatments Affect Reproductive Health Cancer therapies are designed to destroy rapidly dividing cells. Unfortunately, this mechanism does not distinguish between malignant cells and healthy reproductive cells. Chemotherapy drugs can damage ovarian follicles in women and reduce sperm production in men, sometimes permanently. Radiation therapy, particularly in the pelvic area, can impair reproductive organs and disrupt hormonal balance. Studies show that up to 80% of women receiving alkylating agents experience diminished ovarian reserve or premature ovarian insufficiency. In men, chemotherapy can reduce sperm counts significantly, sometimes permanently. What many patients are not told is that there is usually a narrow but critical window, sometimes just two to three weeks, during which fertility preservation can be planned without delaying cancer care," warns Dr Benara. Surgical interventions for cancers affecting reproductive organs may remove or alter structures essential for fertility. Even treatments not directly targeting reproductive areas can influence hormone levels or accelerate menopause. The degree of impact varies depending on the patients age, treatment type, and dosage. Still, the risk is real enough that doctors increasingly recommend discussing preservation options before the first cycle of therapy begins. What Are Misconceptions About Fertility Preservation? One of the biggest misconceptions about fertility preservation is that it significantly delays cancer treatment. A common misconception is that fertility preservation is experimental or unsafe for cancer patients. In reality, egg, embryo, and sperm freezing are well-established, evidence-based procedures. Another myth is that fertility preservation delays cancer treatment; studies show that most protocols can be completed within two to three weeks without affecting outcomes. Many also believe fertility preservation guarantees future pregnancy, whereas it preserves potential, not certainty. Lack of awareness among clinicians and patients, rather than lack of science, remains the primary barrier," Dr Benara. For men, sperm banking can often be done in a matter of days. For women, egg or embryo freezing typically requires a short hormone stimulation cycle followed by retrieval. What Are The Options Available For Men And Women? Egg freezing, embryo freezing, and sperm cryopreservation are established, not experimental, procedures, said Dr Benara. According to the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) guidelines, fertility preservation counselling should be discussed with all reproductive-age patients at diagnosis. Modern vitrification techniques have transformed success rates. Frozen eggs now demonstrate survival rates above 90% after thawing. Sperm freezing has been standard practice for decades, with robust pregnancy outcomes, she explained. In certain cases, ovarian or testicular tissue preservation may also be considered, especially for patients who cannot delay treatment even for a few weeks. Cancer care has advanced significantly over the past two decades. Treatment is no longer limited to surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation alone. Today, targeted therapies, immunotherapy, and precision medicine allow treatment to be tailored to the biology of the tumour, improving survival and quality of life. Advances in imaging, minimally invasive surgery, and supportive care have also reduced treatment-related side effects. Most importantly, early detection and better awareness mean many cancers are now diagnosed earlier, making them more treatable than ever before," says Dr Umesh Khandelwal, Additional Director (Medical Oncology), CK Birla Hospitals, Jaipur. What Are Costs And Cultural Factors Behind Fertility Preservation? Cost remains a major barrier, as fertility preservation is often not covered by insurance, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Cultural stigma around discussing fertility, sexuality, and reproductive autonomy further limits access, especially for unmarried individuals and women," points out Dr Benara. The cost of fertility preservation for cancer patients in India (oncofertility) typically varies from Rs 1.2 lakh to Rs 2 lakh per cycle for egg freezing, covering consultations, medications, and retrieval. Sperm freezing is generally more affordable, while embryo freezing may be higher. Family decision-making dynamics and misconceptions about prioritising fertility over survival also discourage timely action. Studies show that culturally sensitive counselling and financial support mechanisms significantly improve uptake and equity in fertility preservation services, she said. Whats The Way Forward? Cancer care has evolved from a survival-focused approach to one that prioritises long-term quality of life. In India, national health programmes now stress early detection, comprehensive treatment, and survivorship planning. The World Health Organization recognises fertility preservation as a key part of cancer care for patients of reproductive age. This evolution reflects growing awareness that successful cancer treatment must address not only disease outcomes, but also future well-being, including reproductive health, Dr Benara said. Integrating fertility counselling into the first stages of cancer diagnosis does not diminish the seriousness of the disease. Instead, it acknowledges the future that patients hope to return to once treatment ends. Though the survival rates continue to improve, the conversation about fertility is no longer optional. It is an essential part of compassionate, forward-looking cancer care one that ensures victory over illness does not come at the cost of forgotten dreams. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: February 05, 2026, 09:43 IST News explainers After Cancer, Can You Still Have Children? What You Should Know About Early Fertility Planning Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... No Surge, Lower Fares & Drivers As Owners: All About Bharat Taxi, India's New Ride-Hailing App Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 05, 2026, 15:44 IST Bharat Taxi operates on a cooperative ownership model where each driver on the platform (Sarathi) holds shares in the cooperative, giving them a stake in the business Rapid Read The app will be available on both Android and iOS, and can book different vehicle types from autos and bike taxis to AC, non-AC and XL cabs. (AI-Generated Image) In a move that could change the landscape of cab hailing in India, Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched Bharat Taxi" on Thursday as a cooperative-led alternative to private players such as Uber, Ola, and Rapido. The key aim of the new service is to offer a fairer, more driver-centric model in the gig economy. So, what exactly is Bharat Taxi and can it change the cab-hailing experience in India? News18 takes a look How Does Bharat Taxi Work? Unlike traditional private apps, Bharat Taxi is managed by Sahkar Taxi Cooperative Limiteda cooperative registered under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Actand backed by major Indian cooperatives, including IFFCO, Amul, NABARD and others. According to Business Standard, at its core, Bharat Taxi operates on a cooperative ownership model where each driver on the platform (Sarathi) holds shares in the cooperative, giving them a stake in the business. Instead of traditional percentage commissions per ride, drivers pay a fixed daily access fee (around Rs 30) to use the app. This is intended to let drivers keep a far larger share of the fare. The app will be available on both Android and iOS, and can book different vehicle types from autos and bike taxis to AC, non-AC and XL cabs. The service also includes built-in safety features, 247 support, multilingual interfaces and integration with transit options like the metro for smoother last-mile travel. Will It Put More Money In The Pockets Of Drivers? One of the central promises of Bharat Taxi is higher earnings for drivers. This is to be ensured through a zero-commission model as drivers do not give a share of fare revenue to the platform on a per-ride basis. They only pay the daily fee. Apart from this, as cooperative members, drivers can participate in profit distribution and governance. According to NDTV, there are also social security benefits for the drivers such as health and accident insurance and retirement savings plans. It is because of these structural differences, the model is pitched as potentially more financially rewarding than the commission-based gig systems dominant today. How Is Bharat Taxi Different From Ola & Uber? In Bharat Taxi, drivers are shareholders and co-owners in the cooperative, while in Uber/Ola, drivers are usually independent contractors without equity or profit rights. What might make the service more appealing to drivers is that in Bharat Taxi, there is no per-ride commission; only a fixed daily fee. However, in Uber/Ola, there is typically a percentage commission per trip, which can be a major cost for drivers. Will It Bring Cheer To Commuters? In good news for commuters, Bharat Taxis launch pricing is surge-free, aiming to avoid price spikes during peak hours, unlike its private competitors. Officials believe savings from the zero-commission approach could make rides on Bharat Taxi up to ~30 per cent cheaper compared with private players, though actual pricing may vary by market and time. Bharat Taxi has also set up dedicated support booths in collaboration with police agencies (e.g., 35 booths with Delhi Police), and features in-app emergency supporta push to match or exceed existing safety norms. Can Bharat Taxi Disrupt The Market? The launch of Bharat Taxi represents a significant attempt by the government and cooperative sector to transform Indias ride-hailing industry by addressing two long-standing criticisms of private aggregators: Driver dissatisfaction over high commissions and lack of control. Unpredictable pricing for riders due to surge algorithms. By formalising a cooperative, ownership-focused alternative, Bharat Taxi could introduce new competitive pressure on established players and reshape how gig economy platforms operate in India. After its launch in Delhi and the National Capital Region on Thursday, the service is expected to expand across other states and cities over the next two years. Initial uptake includes roughly 2.5 lakh vehicles registered in the Delhi-NCR region alone, according to NDTV. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: February 05, 2026, 12:48 IST News explainers No Surge, Lower Fares & Drivers As Owners: All About Bharat Taxi, India's New Ride-Hailing App Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Zelenskyy and Tusk honor the memory of those who died in war near St. Michael's Monastery in Kyiv Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, together with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, who arrived in Kyiv on Thursday for a visit, took part in a ceremony honoring the memory of those who fell in the Russian-Ukrainian war and brought flowers to the national memorial near the wall of the St. Michaels Monastery in the center of the Ukrainian capital. "We paid tribute to the fallen Ukrainian defenders together with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk. Eternal memory to our bravest people who fought for Ukraine, defended its independence and died in this struggle," Zelenskyy wrote on Telegram on Thursday. DRDO Tests Ramjet Technology: What It Is And Why It Marks A Major Step For Indias Defence Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 05, 2026, 10:14 IST The successful test by DRDO positions India alongside Russia, China and the United States as one of the few nations to possess ramjet-powered missile technology. The Ministry of Defence confirmed that the test was carried out at around 10.45 am and that all subsystems performed as expected. India has taken a major leap in advanced missile propulsion with the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully testing its indigenous Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet (SFDR) technology on Tuesday. The flight demonstration, carried out at the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur, off the coast of Odisha, marks Indias entry into an elite group of countries developing ramjet-powered missile systems. The achievement carries significant implications for the future of Indias air-to-air missile programmes and the combat capabilities of the Indian Air Force. The Ministry of Defence confirmed that the test was carried out at around 10.45 am and that all subsystems performed as expected. Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet (SFDR) technology was successfully flight tested from the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur off the coast of Odisha today. SFDR is very crucial for development of long range Air to Air Missiles pic.twitter.com/66ZwE0micY DRDO (@DRDO_India) February 3, 2026 All subsystems, including the nozzle-less booster, SFDR motor and fuel flow controller, performed as per expectations after being initially propelled by a ground booster motor to the desired Mach number", according to the defence ministrys statement. Mach is the speed of sound. The performance of the system was confirmed by the flight data captured by a number of tracking instruments deployed by ITR, Chandipur along the coast of Bay of Bengal," the statement read. Senior scientists from multiple DRDO laboratories monitored the launch, with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Secretary, Department of Defence R&D & Chairman DRDO, Samir V. Kamat, congratulating the teams involved. With the technology now demonstrated in flight, India moves closer to joining countries such as Russia, China and the United States that have developed operational ramjet-powered missile systems. What Exactly Is Ramjet Technology? A ramjet is an air-breathing jet engine that compresses incoming air using the missiles own forward speed, rather than relying on rotating compressor blades found in conventional engines. As per HowStuffWorks, the ramjet depends on high-speed motion to compress air, making it suitable for sustained supersonic and hypersonic flight. In the Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet system, solid fuel burns in a controlled manner as atmospheric air flows through the engine. Unlike rocket motors, which expend fuel quickly and then lose energy, ramjet propulsion allows missiles to maintain high speeds for much longer duration, including in the terminal phase of flight. This results in higher end-game energy, faster intercept speeds and improved manoeuvrability. SFDR systems also eliminate the need for onboard oxidisers. This not only frees up space for more fuel but also allows the missile to carry a bigger warhead while still sustaining long-range, high-speed flight. How DRDO Tested The Ramjet System According to DRDO, the missile was first accelerated to the required speed using a ground-based booster. Once it achieved the desired Mach number, the SFDR engine ignited and took over propulsion. Key components such as the nozzle-less booster, the ramjet motor and the fuel flow controller functioned as planned. Performance was validated using data collected from multiple tracking instruments deployed along the Bay of Bengal coast. The successful transition from booster propulsion to ramjet mode was central to confirming the technologys readiness. The test continues a series of successful missions since DRDO began developing SFDR in 2017. Earlier demonstrations were conducted in 2018, 2019 and 2021. Multiple DRDO laboratoriesincluding the Defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL), Research Centre Imarat (RCI) and the High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL)worked together to mature the system. Why Ramjet Propulsion Is Critical For Indian Fighter Jets The primary advantage of ramjet-powered missiles is their ability to maintain high energy until the moment of impact. In air-to-air combat, this translates into several operational gains. Ramjet propulsion allows missiles to achieve far greater ranges than conventional rocket-powered systems, enabling fighter aircraft to engage adversaries from much safer distances. Because the missile retains speed and energy in the final phase, it becomes considerably harder for enemy aircraft to evade, even when performing aggressive manoeuvres. SFDR-powered missiles can neutralise highly manoeuvrable targets across ranges roughly spanning 50 km to 340 km, at speeds between Mach 2 and Mach 3.8. They can operate from sea level up to altitudes of around 20 km, with strong vertical manoeuvring capability of up to 10 km. According to the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), ramjet-powered missiles offer greater range and a higher average speed compared to solid-propellant systems. These characteristics significantly enhance the beyond-visual-range combat envelope of Indian fighter platforms. For the Indian Air Force, this means a sharper tactical edge as future air-to-air missiles developed around SFDR propulsion will allow earlier, longer-range engagements while reducing susceptibility to counter-measures. Why The Successful Test Is A Major Boost For Indias Defence The successful demonstration of SFDR marks a milestone in Indias pursuit of self-reliance in advanced missile propulsion. As only a small number of countries possess this technology, mastering it domestically reduces dependence on foreign suppliers and strengthens Indias indigenous defence ecosystem. The achievement also confirms Indias ability to design, integrate and validate complex propulsion systems that operate at supersonic speeds while maintaining stable combustion, building on multiple years of developmental tests. More broadly, ramjet propulsion expands Indias capability to develop next-generation missile systems for both air-to-air roles and potentially even surface-to-air applications. The technology increases the operational reach of future Indian weapons, improves survivability in contested airspace and reinforces Indias status as a growing defence technology leader. With the latest test, DRDO has taken a decisive step towards deploying long-range, high-energy missiles that will enhance the combat effectiveness of the Air Force in the years ahead. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: February 05, 2026, 10:14 IST News explainers DRDO Tests Ramjet Technology: What It Is And Why It Marks A Major Step For Indias Defence Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... If A US-Iran War Breaks Out, Can Tehran Strike Back In Minutes? The Sejjil Missile Explained Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 05, 2026, 16:19 IST Iran's Sejjil cannot reach the US mainland, but its 2,000-km range and quick-launch design mean American bases in the Gulf would be among the first targets if conflict erupts. A Sejjil missile is being moved along the reviewing stand during a military parade to commemorate the anniversary of the start of the 1980-1988 Iran-Iraq war, in Tehran September 22, 2009. (REUTERS) As Washington and Tehran prepare for their first formal negotiations since the United States bombed Irans nuclear facilities last year, tensions between the two countries are once again sharply elevated. US President Donald Trump has warned that Irans supreme leader should be very worried," even as the US deploys additional air and naval assets to the region. I would say he (Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei) should be very worried. Yeah, he should be," Trump told NBC News in an interview on Wednesday. Iranian officials, for their part, insist that any American attack would trigger an immediate and decisive response, including strikes on US forces and assets in the region. The talks in Omans capital Muscat, bringing together Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Trumps envoy Steve Witkoff, follow weeks of confrontation: a deadly crackdown on anti-government protests inside Iran, Trumps deployment of what he called an armada," a US aircraft carrier shooting down an Iranian drone in the Arabian Sea, and Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps gunboats threatening to board a US-flagged tanker in the Strait of Hormuz. With both sides signalling firm red lines, we take a look at the tools Iran might use if diplomacy fails, including the missile it fired during its attack on Israel last year: the Sejjil. What Is The Sejjil Missile? The Sejjil also known as Sajjil, Ashoura, or Ashura is an indigenously developed, two-stage, solid-fuel ballistic missile designed by Irans Ministry of Defence-run Aerospace Industries Organisation. Work on the missile began in the early 1990s, building on Irans experience with the Zelzal short-range ballistic missile, which had received Chinese assistance. The missile measures around 18 metres in length and 1.25 metres in width, weighs approximately 23,600 kilograms and can carry a warhead of up to 700 kilograms. It can carry both normal explosives and nuclear warheads. It has a range of around 2,000 kilometres, sufficient to strike Israel and major US military facilities across the Gulf. The Sejjil was first tested in 2008 and again in 2009, with at least four tests overall. The last known test occurred in 2012, when the missile entered the Indian Ocean. Iran has since inducted it into service. Military footage released in 2021 showed updates to its jet vane controls and what Tehran described as enhanced inertial navigation," aimed at improving accuracy. The Sejjil-2, unveiled in 2009, incorporated a modified warhead design and guidance wings, though some reports suggest it may simply have been a test-phase designation. Rumours persist of a Sejjil-3, a three-stage missile with a potential 4,000-kilometre range, but conclusive evidence has not been made public. How Is Sejjil Different From Irans Other Missiles? The defining feature of the Sejjil is its use of solid fuel. Earlier Iranian missiles, such as the Shahab-3, rely on liquid fuel and require time-consuming preparation before launch, making them vulnerable to detection and pre-emption. Solid-fuel missiles can be launched quickly, stored for long durations, moved across Irans terrain by road, and fired with minimal warning. This dramatically increases their survivability in the event of a surprise attack. The missile is also manoeuvrable across its flight phases, complicating efforts by modern air-defence systems to intercept it. According to a Euronews report, Tehran has reportedly claimed that the missile could reach Tel Aviv in roughly seven minutes if launched from central Iran, illustrating both its speed and intended regional use. How Does Sejjil Fit Into Irans New Military Doctrine? Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Abdolrahim Mousavi recently outlined a shift in Tehrans defence posture, stating that the country has moved from a defensive" to an offensive" approach following last years 12-day conflict. Following the 12-day war, we have changed our military doctrine from defensive to offensive by adopting the policy of asymmetric warfare and [boosting readiness for a] crushing response to the enemies," he said. According to Iranian state broadcaster Press TV, Mousavi said Iran had strengthened its deterrence power by upgrading its ballistic missiles in all technical dimensions," and warned that any misjudgement by adversaries would provoke a rapid and decisive reaction. These remarks reference the June conflict in which Israel and, later, the US conducted strikes that killed more than 1,000 people, as reported by Iranian state media. Iran retaliated with strikes on locations in the occupied territories and on the Al-Udeid base in Qatar. Since then, Iranian officials say the country has accelerated efforts to strengthen both its defensive and offensive capabilities. In this context, the Sejjil serves as a central pillar of Irans retaliatory strategy. Its survivability, quick launch capability, and range give Tehran the means to respond even if parts of its launch network are degraded. Why Sejjil Could Be A Gamechanger If The US Attacks Iran The Sejjil does not alter the strategic landscape by threatening the United States mainland. It simply cannot: the missile is a medium-range ballistic missile, and Iran currently does not possess any operational Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) capable of reaching the US mainland. While its Simorgh and Zuljanah space-launch vehicles use dual-use technology and bring Iran closer to long-range capability, the country has not demonstrated the re-entry vehicle technology required for an intercontinental missile. Tehrans threat to the US in any near-term conflict therefore lies in regional retaliation, not strikes on American soil. As a solid-fuel, medium-range ballistic missile, Sejjil can be launched with little warning. Its mobility makes it difficult to locate, target, or destroy pre-emptively. This means that even if the US conducts early strikes on Iranian infrastructure, Tehran could retain the ability to respond immediately. With its 2,000-kilometre reach, the Sejjil can strike virtually every major US and Israeli military facility across the Gulf region, including airbases, naval nodes, logistics hubs and command centres. In the event of conflict, Iran could launch several missiles simultaneously. Such salvo launches strain defence systems, increasing the likelihood that at least some missiles would penetrate interception layers. Its manoeuvrability adds another layer of difficulty for missile-defence systems. Taken together, these factors turn Sejjil into a credible state-level retaliatory tool below the nuclear threshold but far more significant than Irans network of proxies. The Road Ahead For USIran Negotiations Last year, Araghchi and Witkoff completed five rounds of nuclear talks before the process abruptly ended when Israel launched what Iranian officials called an unprovoked war of aggression, just two days before a scheduled sixth round. The fighting, later joined by the United States, reportedly killed more than a thousand people in Iran and left widespread damage across civilian, military and scientific sites. With that experience still shaping Tehrans posture, Iranian officials say any new engagement with Washington must be confined to nuclear issues alone, rejecting negotiations over missiles or regional activities. They also maintain that progress is only possible in an atmosphere free of threats and what they describe as unjustifiable or illegal demands, Press TV reported. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: February 05, 2026, 16:19 IST News explainers If A US-Iran War Breaks Out, Can Tehran Strike Back In Minutes? The Sejjil Missile Explained Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... START To Finish: As US-Russia Nuclear Weapons Treaty Expires, What Does This Mean For The World? Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 05, 2026, 06:36 IST For the first time in over 50 years, the two largest nuclear powers are not bound by a legally enforceable framework to limit their strategic arsenals The passing of New START signals a shift from a managed regime of deterrence to an unstable, competitive environment where the 'margin for error' has become dangerously thin. Representational Image The world has entered a precarious new era of nuclear uncertainty on Thursday, with the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START) officially expiring. The lapse of this landmark agreement between the United States and Russia marks the first time in over 50 yearssince the SALT I negotiations of the early 1970sthat the two largest nuclear powers are not bound by a legally enforceable framework to limit their strategic arsenals. The Final Stand of New START Signed in 2010 and extended for five years in early 2021, New START was the last surviving pillar of a bilateral arms control regime that once successfully reduced global nuclear stockpiles from a Cold War peak of 70,000 to approximately 12,000. The Limits: The treaty capped both nations at 1,550 deployed strategic warheads and 700 deployed delivery systems, including intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), submarine-launched missiles (SLBMs), and heavy bombers. The Verification: It provided a robust system of 18 on-site inspections per year and biannual data exchanges to ensure mutual predictability. The Road to Expiry The collapse of the treaty was not sudden but followed years of deteriorating relations. Suspension (2023): Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine and subsequent Western military aid to Kyiv, President Vladimir Putin formally suspended Russias participation in February 2023. This halted on-site inspections and data sharing, though both sides claimed they would informally adhere to the numerical caps. The Better Deal Ambition: In the months leading up to the expiry, President Donald Trump maintained that if it expires, it expires," suggesting that the US would pursue a better agreement" that includes China. Beijing, however, has consistently refused to join such talks, arguing its arsenalestimated at roughly 600 warheadsis dwarfed by the US and Russian stockpiles of over 5,000 each. The Final Offer: In late 2025, Putin proposed a one-year informal" extension of the treatys limits without the verification regime. Washington did not provide a formal affirmative response, with US officials citing the lack of transparency as a dealbreaker. Consequences of a Limitless World UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres described the expiration as a grave moment" for international security. Without the treaty, the world faces several immediate risks: Worst-Case Planning: Without inspections, military strategists must rely on intelligence guesswork, often leading to worst-case scenario" planning that accelerates spending and deployment. The Three-Way Race: For the first time, the US must now prepare for a trilateral competition against both a peer nuclear adversary (Russia) and a rapidly expanding one (China). Technological Escalation: Focus is likely to shift towards unconstrained hypersonic delivery systems, AI-enabled command-and-control, and space-based weaponry. The passing of New START signals a shift from a managed regime of deterrence to an unstable, competitive environment where the margin for error" has become dangerously thin. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: February 05, 2026, 06:36 IST News explainers START To Finish: As US-Russia Nuclear Weapons Treaty Expires, What Does This Mean For The World? Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Al-Falah University Chairman Javad Siddiqui Arrested In Fraud Case After UGC Complaint Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 05, 2026, 08:18 IST Siddiqui was produced before a Delhi court, which granted the Crime Branch four days of police remand. The agency alleges that chairman Jawad Ahmed Siddiqui and the Al-Falah Charitable Trust 'dishonestly induced' thousands of students and their parents into paying substantial tuition and examination fees under false pretences. File image The Delhi Police Crime Branch has arrested Jawad Ahmed Siddiqui, Chairman of Al Falah University, in a case related to alleged fraud and irregularities, acting on complaints filed by the University Grants Commission (UGC). Two separate FIRs were registered in the matter, police officials said. Following his arrest, Siddiqui was produced before a Delhi court, which granted the Crime Branch four days of police remand. FIRs registered on UGC complaint The arrest comes after action by the Enforcement Directorate and follows complaints filed by the UGC. Acting on the UGCs complaint, the Crime Branch registered two separate FIRs against Siddiqui, accusing him of fraud and related offences. Police said Siddiqui was taken into custody for further investigation. Officials said the case relates to alleged irregularities and falsification. Further details are expected to emerge during questioning. Earlier scrutiny over university staff The university had earlier drawn national attention after it emerged that Dr Umar Nabi, convicted in the Red Fort blast case that killed 13 people, was employed at the institution. Two of his associates, Dr Muzammil Shakeel and Dr Shaheen Shahid, who investigators have linked to a white-collar" terror network, were also found to have worked at the university. Website taken offline after show-cause notice In November 2024, the universitys website was taken offline after the National Assessment and Accreditation Council issued a show-cause notice over an alleged false accreditation claim. The Enforcement Directorate has since said it will examine the institutions funding and the financial transactions linked to its medical staff. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: February 05, 2026, 07:43 IST News india Al-Falah University Chairman Javad Siddiqui Arrested In Fraud Case After UGC Complaint Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Allahabad HC Acquits Nearly 100-Year-Old Man 40 Years After Bail In Murder Case Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 05, 2026, 13:13 IST The case dates back to a 1982 murder linked to a land dispute. File photo of the Allahabad High Court. (News18 Hindi File) The Allahabad High Court has acquitted a nearly 100-year-old man accused in a murder case, more than four decades after he was released on bail, observing that the prolonged pendency of the appeal and the social consequences faced by the accused could not be ignored, PTI reported. A division bench of Justices Chandra Dhari Singh and Sanjiv Kumar said that over 40 years had passed since Dhami Ram challenged his life sentence, making his age and the delay significant factors in moulding relief, according to PTI. The bench noted that the anxiety, uncertainty and social repercussions suffered by Ram for decades warranted consideration while determining what justice demanded at this stage. The case dates back to a 1982 murder linked to a land dispute, in which three persons Maiku, Satti Din and Dhami Ram were named as accused, PTI reported. While Maiku absconded, a sessions court in Hamirpur sentenced Satti Din and Ram to life imprisonment in 1984. Ram was granted bail the same year, while Satti Din died during the pendency of his appeal, leaving Ram as the sole surviving appellant. Observing that Ram had remained on bail since 1984, the High Court ordered that his bail bond stand discharged and clarified that the acquittal was on merits, citing the prosecutions failure to prove the charges beyond reasonable doubt. Rams counsel told the court that the appellant, now nearly 100 years old, had only exhorted the absconding accused to fire at the victim. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: February 05, 2026, 13:13 IST News india Allahabad HC Acquits Nearly 100-Year-Old Man 40 Years After Bail In Murder Case Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Amit Shah Lands In Jammu; To Visit Border Posts, Hold Security Review Meeting On Friday Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 05, 2026, 23:25 IST Security forces in Kashmir are on alert for Amit Shah's three-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir, during which he is expected to conduct a comprehensive security review. Union Home Minister Amit Shah (PTI) Union Home Minister Amit Shah landed in Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday night for a three-day visit, with a focus on security review, political outreach and developmental projects, amid ongoing anti-terror operations in the Union Territory. Security forces in Kashmir are on alert for Shahs visit, with police and paramilitary CRPF personnel carrying out area dominance exercises and surprise checks around the commercial hub of Lal Chowk and adjoining areas, according to officials. Security personnel have been deployed in higher numbers, and random vehicle checks and frisking operations have also been intensified. Searches of several premises in the locality were carried out, and passersby were frisked. Shah will visit border posts during his visit on Friday, and he is expected to lay the foundation stone for six welfare schemes for border personnel. He will also chair a security review meeting at 2:30 pm and will later meet the families of martyrs at Lok Bhavan, Jammu. The visit is expected to include high-level meetings with security agencies and administrative officials to evaluate the overall law and order situation and the progress of ongoing governance and infrastructure initiatives. Earlier, BJP MLA Vikram Randhawa welcomed the Home Ministers visit, calling it an important signal of the Centres commitment to Jammu and Kashmir. He told news agency IANS that such visits provide a morale boost to security agencies and reaffirm the governments zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism and instability. It is always a welcome step when the Home Minister visits Jammu. It shows his concern about the situation in Jammu and Kashmir. During this three-day visit, security agencies will get a morale boost. This visit reflects that both the Prime Minister and the Home Minister remain committed to the zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism," Randhawa said. Congress leader Tariq Karra said, His visits have now become routine, which indicates that the situation requires a review. He comes, assesses the situation, returns, and states that everything is normal and under control. However, over the last three to four months, eight districts have been affected by militancy, with militants striking at will and encounters continuing for 10 to 12 days. All this is happening while the Government of India claims the situation is normal." His visit came after security forces killed three Pakistani operatives in the Doda-Kishtwar-Udhampur belt in the last 48 hours. In the latest operation on Wednesday, one terrorist was killed in Jammu and Kashmirs Kishtwar district. According to sources, the operations are being hailed as a major blow to the Jaish-e-Mohammeds (JeM) strategic push to revive militancy in eastern Jammu a region that was relatively peaceful and stable until a recent influx of foreign fighters in 2024. The sources said the three terrorists, identified as Pakistani nationals from Rawalakot in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK), infiltrated the region in April 2024 as part of a larger batch of 35 to 40 militants. Despite multiple search operations, the cell managed to survive undetected for months by adopting sophisticated evasion tactics, they said. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Jammu, India, India First Published: February 05, 2026, 23:25 IST News india Amit Shah Lands In Jammu; To Visit Border Posts, Hold Security Review Meeting On Friday Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Can Bharat Taxi Match Amul's Success? Inside The Cooperative Model | Explained Curated By : Translation Desk Last Updated: February 05, 2026, 14:58 IST Bharat Taxi drivers are expected to retain between 80-100% of their daily earnings, with only a nominal daily or monthly platform fee going towards operating costs Rapid Read Unlike private aggregators, Bharat Taxi does not deduct a percentage commission from each ride. (AI Image) Most urban commuters have hailed an app-based cab from Ola, Uber or Rapido at some point. When these platforms first entered the market, drivers reported strong earnings and flexible work. Over time, however, rising commissions and platform fees began eating into incomes, even as passengers faced higher fares and unpredictable surge pricing. Against this backdrop, the government-backed Bharat Taxi has entered the market with a markedly different promise, of zero commission and collective ownership. Union Home Minister Amit Shah will launch the ride-hailing app on Thursday after a successful 2-month pilot run, according to an official statement. The service plans to expand to all states and cities within two years. Structured as a cooperative, Bharat Taxi aims to shift Indias ride-hailing ecosystem away from a profit-driven gig model towards one owned and governed by drivers themselves. Market watchers have drawn parallels with Amul, the dairy cooperative that transformed the milk economy by placing farmers at the centre of the business. Bharat Taxi, they argue, is attempting a similar reset in urban mobility, using scale, trust and shared ownership rather than venture capital and aggressive pricing. Bharat Taxi Leadership The service is operated by Sahkar Taxi Cooperative Limited, headquartered in New Delhi, and is supported by the Ministry of Cooperation. Its leadership carries strong cooperative credentials with Amul Managing Director Jayen Mehta chairing the cooperative, giving institutional weight to the experiment. The platform is also integrated with the National e-Governance Division, adding a layer of technological and regulatory backing. Bharat Taxi Business Model Unlike private aggregators, Bharat Taxi does not deduct a percentage commission from each ride. Drivers are expected to retain between 80-100% of their daily earnings, with only a nominal daily or monthly platform fee going towards operating costs. This stands in contrast to the 20-30% commissions drivers commonly report on existing platforms, after accounting for fuel costs and vehicle EMIs. The cooperative structure also gives drivers a formal voice in decision-making. Elected driver representatives are to be part of the governing board, a departure from the top-down management typical of app-based platforms. For passengers, the model promises more predictable fares, with an assurance that prices will not spike sharply during peak hours or bad weather. Bharat Taxis rollout began as a pilot in select regions and is now being expanded nationwide. Technologically, it relies on the same backend architecture used by the ONDC-linked Namma Yatri, allowing it to compete with established players without building systems from scratch. In the United States, the Drivers Cooperative has been operating in New York since 2021 as a driver-owned alternative to Uber and Lyft, and has emerged as the countrys largest taxi cooperative despite limited marketing budgets. Closer home, Goas taxi ecosystem has long functioned through strong unions and informal cooperation, effectively keeping large aggregators out, though critics note that this has often resulted in high fares for passengers. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: February 05, 2026, 14:58 IST News india Can Bharat Taxi Match Amul's Success? Inside The Cooperative Model | Explained Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Centre, Nagaland Govt, Naga Tribes Body Sign Pact To Create Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 05, 2026, 21:40 IST Central Government, Nagaland and ENPO signed a pact in New Delhi to create the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority, empowering 6 eastern districts for accelerated development. Home Minister Amit Shah in a traditional Naga outfit. (Image: PIB) The Government of India, the Government of Nagaland and representatives of the Eastern Nagaland Peoples Organisation (ENPO) on Wednesday signed a historic agreement in New Delhi. The pact paves the way for the creation of the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA) for six eastern districts of Nagaland that include Tuensang, Mon, Kiphire, Longleng, Noklak and Shamator and provides for the devolution of powers over 46 subjects to the new authority. The agreement was signed in the presence of Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah and Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio. Calling the day a very significant moment" for a dispute-free Northeast, Shah said the Modi government is committed to resolving every long-pending issue through dialogue and democratic means. He noted that since 2019, the Centre has signed 12 major agreements in the region, stressing that, unlike earlier governments, the current administration ensures their implementation in letter and spirit." Shah assured ENPO representatives that the Centre would actively support the development of Eastern Nagaland and shoulder its responsibilities. A fixed amount will be allocated annually for the regions development, while the Union Ministry of Home Affairs will bear the initial expenditure for setting up the FNTA. The Home Minister said people of Eastern Nagaland had long felt deprived since the states formation and acknowledged the regions strategic importance. He credited sustained efforts by the Ministry of Home Affairs for bridging differences between the ENPO and the Nagaland government, leading to the resolution of the dispute. Expressing gratitude to Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and the Nagaland cabinet, Shah said their openness and cooperation helped take negotiations to a logical conclusion. There will now be no obstacles in the path of Eastern Nagalands development," he said, adding that the agreement reflects the governments commitment to fulfilling the genuine aspirations of the people. Under the arrangement, a mini-secretariat for the FNTA will be set up, headed by an Additional Chief Secretary or Principal Secretary. Development outlay for Eastern Nagaland will be shared in proportion to population and area. The agreement clarifies that it does not affect the provisions of Article 371(A) of the Constitution. The pact envisages accelerated development of Eastern Nagaland through greater financial autonomy, enhanced decision-making, improved infrastructure, economic empowerment and optimal use of resources. Senior officials from the Centre and the Nagaland government, along with the Deputy Chief Minister and other dignitaries, were present at the signing ceremony. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: February 05, 2026, 21:40 IST News india Centre, Nagaland Govt, Naga Tribes Body Sign Pact To Create Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Deepak, Who Confronted Mob Bullying Kotdwar Shopkeeper, Attacked, Says Police Promised Action Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 05, 2026, 22:15 IST The shopkeeper identified as Vakil Ahmed, said his business had been operating for nearly 30 years without any objections to its name. Rapid Read Gym trainer Deepak, who defended Advocate Ahmeds Baba School Dress & Matching Centre in Kotdwar. Days after defending Advocate Ahmeds Baba School Dress & Matching Centre in Dehraduns Kotdwar, gym trainer Deepak Kumar said that some people attacked him on Wednesday after which the police summoned him to the station and assured him that such incidents would not recur. In a self made video, Deepak said that appealed to people seeking to meet him to wait for the appropriate time and urged everyone to remain where they are for the moment. Yesterday, some people attacked me. Afterwards, the police called me to the station, spoke with me, and assured me that whatever had happened should not have. They also said that such an incident would never happen again. I urge people who are trying to meet me that when the time comes, we will meet, but right now, everyone should stay wherever they are," he said. #WATCH | Dehradun: Gym trainer Deepak, who defended Advocate Ahmeds Baba School Dress & Matching Centre in Kotdwar, says, Yesterday, some people attacked me. Afterwards, the police called me to the station, spoke with me, and assured me that whatever had happened should not https://t.co/15ffYyPF1V pic.twitter.com/BY73dwOaJS ANI (@ANI) February 5, 2026 This comes after several Hindu organisations raised objections to the name of a garment shop called Baba School Garments in Kotdwar, arguing that the word Baba," associated with Hindu religious tradition and the Siddhabali Baba Hanuman temple, should not be used by a Muslim shopkeeper. The shopkeeper identified as Vakil Ahmed, said his business had been operating for nearly 30 years without any objections to its name. He maintained that the word Baba" is used across religions and is not exclusive to Hinduism. After this, Deepak Kumar intervened during the argument and spoke with members of the Bajrang Dal and other groups. As tensions rose and he was questioned about his identity, he introduced himself as Mohammad Deepak, a statement he later explained was intended to symbolise national unity and the equality of all citizens before the law. Following the viral circulation of the video, around forty people gathered at a local park in Kotdwar on Saturday, raising slogans against Deepak Kumar and condemning his actions as provocative. Protesters alleged that his self-introduction as Mohammad Deepak" caused religious confusion. Kumar has reported receiving threats to his family and business, saying he feels intimidated despite the police presence during the protest. The Uttarakhand Police have registered an FIR based on a complaint filed by Vakeel Ahmed under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including voluntarily causing hurt and criminal intimidation. This incident comes amid a series of communal flashpoints in the state, including recent attacks on Kashmiri traders. Local leaders have expressed concern that such events are harming Uttarakhands social harmony and peaceful reputation. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Dehradun, India, India First Published: February 05, 2026, 22:15 IST News india Deepak, Who Confronted Mob Bullying Kotdwar Shopkeeper, Attacked, Says Police Promised Action Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 25 Killed In Meghalaya Coal Mine Blast; Amit Shah Assures Centres Help To Rescue Trapped Labourers Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 06, 2026, 22:45 IST The explosion is suspected to have occurred during coal mining activities at the site, which is believed to be an illegal operation. Rapid Read Search and rescue operations underway at the coal mine where five miners were trapped after a dynamite blast flooded the pit, in East Jaintia Hills of Meghalaya. (PTI) The death toll in the explosion that occurred at an illegal" coal mine in Meghalayas East Jaintia Hills district on Thursday has risen to 25, officials said. Director General of Police I Nongrang said rescue teams are conducting search operations and added that the incident took place in the Thangsku area in the morning. East Jaintia Hills Superintendent of Police Vikash Kumar said that one person injured in the blast was first taken to Sutnga Primary Health Centre and later referred to a Shillong hospital for advanced treatment. The explosion is suspected to have occurred during coal mining activities at the site, which is believed to be an illegal operation. When asked if the mine was operating illegally, the police officer said it appeared so, adding that the cause of the explosion is yet to be determined and an inquiry will be conducted. CM Sangma Reacts Meghalaya Chief Minister CM Conrad K Sangma expressed deep sorrow over the tragic coal mine incident in East Jaintia Hills He offered his heartfelt condolences to the families who lost loved ones in the disaster. He said the state government has ordered a comprehensive inquiry into the incident and assured that accountability will be ensured, with those responsible facing strict legal action. CM Sagma emphasised that there will be no compromise when it comes to the safety of lives. Profoundly saddened by the tragic coal mine incident in East Jaintia Hills. My deepest sympathies are with the families who have lost their loved ones in this unfortunate tragedy.The Government of Meghalaya has ordered a comprehensive inquiry into the incident. Accountability Conrad K Sangma (@SangmaConrad) February 5, 2026 He added that the state stands in solidarity with all those affected by the tragedy, reiterating the governments commitment to protecting its citizens and ensuring justice for the victims. PM Modi Announces Ex-Gratia Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Ministers National Relief Fund (PMNRF) to the next of kin of each deceased, while those injured in the incident would receive Rs 50,000. Pained by the mishap in East Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya. Condolences to those who lost their loved ones. May the injured recover at the earliest.An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000: PM PMO India (@PMOIndia) February 5, 2026 Amit Shah Took Stock Of Situation Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to Meghalaya CM Conrad Sangma and took stock of the situation of incident in which 18 people lost their lives after an explosion at a suspected illegal coal mine in a village in Meghalayas East Jaintia Hills district. He also assured him all possible Central support. President Murmu Expresses Condolences President Droupadi Murmu expressed grief over the loss of lives in an accident in East Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya. In a post on X, she conveyed her heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the early recovery of those injured in the incident. It is painful to hear about the loss of lives of workers in an unfortunate accident in the East Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya. I convey my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and pray for the early recovery of the injured. President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) February 5, 2026 The National Green Tribunal (NGT) had imposed a ban on rat-hole coal mining and other unscientific mining practices in Meghalaya in 2014, citing environmental damage and safety risks, while also restricting illegal transportation of coal extracted through such methods. Rat-hole mining involves digging of narrow tunnels, usually 3-4 feet high, for workers to enter and extract coal. The horizontal tunnels are often termed rat-holes", as each just about fits one person. Watch more videos Share this Article WhatsApp facebook Twitter telegram copy link (With inputs from agencies) News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Meghalaya, India, India First Published: February 05, 2026, 16:39 IST News india 25 Killed In Meghalaya Coal Mine Blast; Amit Shah Assures Centres Help To Rescue Trapped Labourers Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Photo: Red Cross Society Three newly created mobile medical teams of the Ukrainian Red Cross Society (URCS) began operating in Kherson region from the beginning of 2026. "Over the past month, mobile medical teams (MMTs) provided 641 primary medical care consultations to the local population. Currently, the teams make trips to Vysokopillia, Kalynivka, Tiahynka, Beryslav and Novoraisk territorial communities," the URCS reported on Facebook on Thursday. The MMTs consist of a family doctor, a nurse and a driver. They provide assistance to all residents, including internally displaced persons, large families, elderly people, children and adults, as well as persons with disabilities. Each patient can receive consultations from doctors, primary examination and assessment of general health condition, basic diagnostics (measurement of blood pressure, sugar and oxygen levels in blood). The Ukrainian Red Cross Society emphasized that due to constant changes in the line of contact and regular shelling of Kherson region by the army of the Russian Federation, the work of mobile medical teams is of critical importance, as access to hospitals and pharmacies here is often limited or absent. The schedule of trips is adjusted by decision of Primary Health Care Centers jointly with MMTs of the URCS in compliance with safety rules for the team and residents. Ghaziabad Sisters' Deaths: How Online Gaming Addiction Is Harming Young Minds | Explained Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee Last Updated: February 05, 2026, 07:00 IST There is an increase in families visiting psychiatrists with children showing symptoms of irritability, school withdrawal, academic decline, difficulty in attention and mood swings The WHO has officially recognised "gaming disorder" as a mental health condition in its ICD-11 classification, citing impaired control, prioritising gaming over daily life, and continuation despite negative consequences. (Image for representation: IMAGEN 4 ENGINE) If your child has started spending long hours alone in a room, withdrawing from friends and reacting with distress or anger when asked to stop using their phone or gaming device, psychiatrists say these are no longer harmless habits but warning signs. Those red flags have come into sharp focus after the death of three teenage sisters in Ghaziabad, allegedly linked to a Korean game online. The incident has triggered concerns over rising online gaming addiction among adolescents and its impact on mental health a risk also flagged in the latest Economic Survey. As investigators continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the siblings deaths, mental health experts warned that the tragedy must serve as a wake-up call for parents, schools and policymakers to treat online gaming addiction as a serious mental health concern and not simply a phase children will outgrow. WARNING SIGNS, NOT STAGES Mimansa Singh Tanwar, clinical psychologist at mental healthcare chain Adayu Mindfulness, told News18 that parents often miss early symptoms assuming children will grow out of it". There has been a huge increase in the number of parents who have been coming to us with kids, showing symptoms of irritability, school withdrawal, academic decline, difficulty in attention, and emotional changes affecting their mood. Sleep withdrawal, sleep issues are due to increased screen time, leading to a lot of challenges in being able to reduce their screen time or time spent on games or otherwise, overall screen usage," said Tanwar, who is also the head of the Fortis School Mental Health Program at Fortis Healthcare. She advised that parents should keep an eye on the behavioural symptoms, especially when their child is increasingly isolated and spending more and more time on gaming at the risk of even their academic schooling, studying, eating, sleeping, and meeting their friends. Despite the parent trying to stop the child, the child still ends up feeling a sense of urge, a higher need to continue to keep gaming and an inability to stop their urge to be on it," she said. The expert said prolonged gaming often becomes an unhealthy coping mechanism. When a lot of time is being spent on online gaming, it tends to affect their moodchildren sometimes also tend to use this as a means of unhealthy coping," she added. Similarly, Dr Vinodh Sreeram, senior psychiatrist at Maarga Mind Care, said the Ghaziabad incident reflects a disturbing national trend visible in the clinical practice as well. We have seen a tremendous increase in online and digital addiction cases at Maarga in the last few years since Covid-19. Internet connections exploded from 63 crore in 2021 to nearly 97 crore by 2024, fuelling a surge in digital addiction among youth, along with increased loneliness and lifestyle changes, with the Economic Survey 2026 warning of severe impacts on mental health, productivity, and sleep, especially via smartphones (85%+ households), social media, gaming, and OTT," Dr Sreeram said. The tragedy that took place highlights the seriously alarming rise in youth mental health problems Isolation, technology overuse, and sudden behavioural changes must be considered as warning signs and not stages." Dr Sreeram pointed to a sharp rise in deaths by suicide. With a drastic rise in mental health-related causes in the past few years, the suicide rate in India has increased from 10.2 per 1,00,000 in 2018 to 12.4 in 2022," he said. WHAT SHOULD PARENTS DO? Tanwar stressed on the need for active parental engagement and school-level interventions. Parents need to be able to monitor what kind of games children are playing Media literacy is a skill where children are taught in schools about how to manage their screen time better and how to practice digital detox," she said. She said the inability to reduce gaming is a medical issue, not a sign of defiance. When you see some of these signs and symptoms where the child is unable to stop gaming, it is important that you recognise that this is not out of the childs control and you need to seek help from a mental health expert," she added. Dr Sudhir Kumar from Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad, believes that the internet is powerful, but unsupervised use can be dangerous. Protecting children today means being involved, not permissive". He advised that parents should delay giving smartphones to young children and, if giving, they must set strict screen-time limits and actively supervise what their children watch and who they interact with online". Keeping open, non-judgmental conversations is critical and seeking professional help early not waiting can save lives," Dr Kumar said. WHAT DOES GLOBAL RESEARCH SAY? Global research has repeatedly warned about the psychological harm linked to excessive gaming. The World Health Organization has officially recognised gaming disorder" as a mental health condition in its ICD-11 classification, citing impaired control, prioritising gaming over daily life, and continuation despite negative consequences. Also, several studies published in the medical journal, The Lancet Psychiatry, have linked problematic gaming among adolescents to higher risks of depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts, especially when digital engagement replaces real-world social interaction. The research by the American Psychological Association has similarly found that excessive gaming can disrupt sleep patterns, emotional regulation and impulse control in young minds. Most recently, the Economic Survey echoes these findings in India, warning that rising screen time and online gaming addiction are contributing to emotional distress, attention problems and worsening mental health outcomes among children and teenagers. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: February 05, 2026, 07:00 IST News india Ghaziabad Sisters' Deaths: How Online Gaming Addiction Is Harming Young Minds | Explained Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'It Has Been Nearly 5 Months': SC Asks Centre For 'Thoughtful Relook' At Sonam Wangchuk's Detention Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 05, 2026, 06:18 IST The court expressed serious concern over Wangchuks deteriorating health and the duration of his incarceration Wangchuk, a Ramon Magsaysay awardee and the prominent face of the movement demanding statehood and Sixth Schedule safeguards for Ladakh, was detained on September 26, 2025. File pic/PTI The Supreme Court has urged the central government to reconsider its continued detention of activist Sonam Wangchuk under the stringent National Security Act (NSA). A bench comprising Justices Aravind Kumar and PB Varale on Wednesday expressed serious concern over Wangchuks deteriorating health and the duration of his incarceration, which has now approached the five-month mark. During the hearing of a habeas corpus petition filed by Wangchuks wife, Dr Gitanjali Angmo, the bench noted that a recent medical report indicated the activists condition was certainly not very good". Addressing Additional Solicitor General KM Nataraj, the court remarked that beyond the legalities of the case, the government should provide a thoughtful relook" at the detention on humanitarian grounds. The detention order was passed on 26 September 2025; it has been nearly five months. Considering the health condition of the detainee is there a possibility for the government to rethink?" the bench observed orally. The Centre has consistently defended the move, alleging that Wangchuk was the primary instigator behind violent protests in Leh in September 2025. These demonstrations, which demanded statehood and Sixth Schedule status for Ladakh, resulted in four fatalities and over 160 injuries. The government argued that Wangchuks provocative" speeches aimed to incite a Gen-Z" movement similar to the civil unrest seen in Bangladesh and Nepal. It claimed such actions in a sensitive border region adjacent to China and Pakistan posed a direct threat to national security and public order. Representing the petitioner, senior advocate Kapil Sibal argued that the detention was an arbitrary exercise of power based on borrowed material". He contended that the detaining authoritythe District Magistrate of Lehhad simply copy-pasted" recommendations from the police without independent application of mind. Furthermore, the defence claimed that Wangchuk was denied the right to effective representation, as the specific video evidence cited against him was never provided to him or his counsel. Wangchuk, currently lodged in Jodhpur Central Jail, has denied all charges of inciting violence, maintaining that he has always advocated for peaceful, Gandhian methods of protest. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: February 05, 2026, 06:18 IST News india 'It Has Been Nearly 5 Months': SC Asks Centre For 'Thoughtful Relook' At Sonam Wangchuk's Detention Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Mumbai Horror: Disabled Woman Gets Pregnant After Gangrape; 17 Men Tested, Fathers DNA Matches Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 05, 2026, 13:04 IST A 20-year-old Mumbai woman with disabilities was gang-raped last year. As her pregnancy was later confirmed, medical tests have now stated her father's relation with the foetus. An AI-generated, representative image for a person in distress (News18) The father of a 20-year-old woman with disabilities has been identified as the main accused in her alleged gangrape after DNA tests confirmed his relationship with the foetus. The incident reportedly occurred in March last year in Mumbai and was reported around September, when the woman was already five months pregnant. According to NDTV, police had earlier arrested a second man and detained a 17-year-old boy, both of whom were identified by the woman as having raped her. In September 2025, the woman, unable to hear or speak, reportedly experienced discomfort in her stomach and gestured to her grandmother that she felt like insects were crawling inside. She was admitted to the hospital, where medical tests confirmed her pregnancy. Subsequently, police were informed, and a probe was launched. The survivor was initially reluctant to make a statement, and the police teams faced challenges in communicating with her because of her disabilities. When police questioned her father, he dismissed concerns about sexual abuse. He also refused to file a complaint. Following a counselling session, the woman agreed to lodge a complaint and narrated the incident to the police, after which two people were arrested. DNA and blood samples from 17 suspects, including the father, were collected as part of the probe to establish the rapists identity. On January 27, the report revealed that the father was a positive match. The report quoted officers as saying that the survivor told investigators she had been assaulted on multiple occasions and that some of the accused had taken her to secluded places before allegedly giving her carbonated drinks. Police suspect that multiple individuals may have taken advantage of her condition. Investigators were also examining whether the drinks were used to incapacitate her. While the victims father has been identified as the main accused in the case, police said they were questioning more people as part of the inquiry and working to establish the sequence of events surrounding the alleged crimes. A case has been registered under Sections 64(2)(i) and 64(2)(k) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: February 05, 2026, 13:04 IST News india Mumbai Horror: Disabled Woman Gets Pregnant After Gangrape; 17 Men Tested, Fathers DNA Matches Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... New Device Security Protocols Soon For Forces, Agencies As Espionage Concerns Rise | Exclusive Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Apoorva Misra Last Updated: February 05, 2026, 11:59 IST The move is aimed at preventing exploitation of devices & safeguarding hyper-sensitive operational data amid proof of foreign-backed espionage networks targeting Indian personnel Rapid Read The tightening of digital controls follows a sweeping intelligence review after the Pahalgam attack, which triggered a high-level meeting of central intelligence agencies. (Pexels Image for Representation) In response to an escalating threat of digital espionage and device compromise, the Centre is set to introduce stringent security protocols governing the procurement, handling and use of digital hardware and personal electronic gadgets by police officers, security personnel, and intelligence agencies. According to a top-level official aware of the development, the move is aimed at preventing hostile exploitation of devices and safeguarding hyper-sensitive operational data amid growing evidence of foreign-backed espionage networks targeting Indian personnel. Senior officials said the upcoming framework will standardise the use of authorised devices, restrict personal gadget access in sensitive zones, and mandate advanced monitoring and auditing of digital communications within police and paramilitary establishments and a policy or strict guidelines would be drafted and implemented soon. Procurement of hardware will be routed through vetted supply chains, while strict guidelines will regulate software installations, data storage, and external connectivity. Officials said the measures are designed to close critical vulnerability gaps" that have been repeatedly exploited in recent intelligence breaches. A top security official said the emerging espionage landscape has forced a reassessment of internal digital hygiene. We are facing a new generation of threats where a simple compromised device can expose operational grids, movement patterns, and classified strategy. Various countries have been found involved in systematic espionage attempts, including Pakistan, with the sole aim of extracting sensitive information. Our response has to be structural and uncompromising," the official said. All the protocols and guidelines will be driven by an umbrella policy, and Meity, MHA and other ministries would play a key role, sources said. Another senior government functionary emphasised that modern espionage relies heavily on digital infiltration rather than traditional spying methods. The battlefield has shifted to smartphones, laptops, encrypted chats and social media platforms. Personnel, officers working in forces, agencies must understand that a personal device can become a surveillance tool in the hands of hostile agencies," the official said, adding that enforcement would be uniform across all forces and agencies. The tightening of digital controls follows a sweeping intelligence review after the Pahalgam attack, which triggered a high-level meeting of central intelligence agencies. State units were directed to narrow down suspects from a shared database of nearly 1,500 individuals compiled through inter-agency intelligence inputs. Government employees and security personnel came under scrutiny, leading to the identification of around 30 individuals allegedly linked to an espionage network. The intelligence was circulated to local police and enforcement bodies for corroboration and further action. An umbrella assessment revealed that espionage operations were allegedly being orchestrated with direct backing from operatives functioning under diplomatic cover in India. Officials said officers linked to Pakistans intelligence establishment exploited vulnerable individuals, often luring them with small financial incentives or emotional manipulation. Several suspects were reportedly honey-trapped by women identified as Pakistani intelligence operatives and had been in contact with handlers for four to five months. The crackdown has already prompted urgent institutional reviews. The CRPF has ordered priority scrutiny of all cases involving contact or compromise with Pakistan intelligence operatives, with mandatory 15-day review cycles to ensures continuous monitoring. A communication sent to all zone and sector commands instructed officers to submit full case details and action reports. Two recent incidents heightened alarm within the force. A CRPF jawan was dismissed in May 2025 for allegedly concealing his marriage to a Pakistani national whose visa had expired, a case now being challenged in court. In another instance, a CRPF Assistant Sub-Inspector was arrested by the NIA over alleged honey-trap espionage and sharing classified information for payment. The NIA conducted raids across states in connection with the espionage network. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: February 05, 2026, 11:59 IST News india New Device Security Protocols Soon For Forces, Agencies As Espionage Concerns Rise | Exclusive Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... North Indians Know Only Hindi, Sell Pani Puri: TN Minister Sparks Fresh Language Row Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 05, 2026, 11:20 IST MRK Panneerselvam said Hindi-only northerners found limited jobs in Tamil Nadu, doing menial work, while Tamilians prospered under the two-language policy. Tamil Nadus Agriculture Minister MRK Panneerselvam With only a few months left for the state Assembly elections, Tamil Nadus Agriculture Minister MRK Panneerselvam has reignited the long-running state versus centre and two-versus-three language debate after making crude remarks about migrant workers from northern states. He said people from the north, having learnt only Hindi", had limited job opportunities in Tamil Nadu and ended up in menial work, while Tamilians benefitted from the states two-language policy, learnt English and secured jobs abroad. those from the north are coming to Tamil Nadu to clean tables they are coming here to work as construction labourers pani puri sellers as they have only learnt Hindi," he said. But our children have gone abroad as we follow a two-language policy and learned English well. They are going abroad and getting opportunities to earn in crores in USA, London." Panneerselvam was not the only Tamil Nadu minister to speak on the issue. Earlier in an interview with a news channel, Industries Minister TRB Rajaa offered a more nuanced view. He said the government would never stop people from speaking Hindi and pointed to the presence of large German and Japanese communities in the state. All these foreigners can find their happiness in Tamil Nadu. I wonder why my Hindi-speaking friends cant" he said, adding that the state also has a duty to protect Tamil. Language as an election campaign issue The remarks come weeks before a crucial Assembly election. The ruling DMK, allied with the Congress though ties are strained over seat-share talks, is seeking a second consecutive term and a fourth straight major election win over its Dravidian rival, the AIADMK, which has joined hands with the Bharatiya Janata Party. Language, an emotive issue in Tamil Nadu, is expected to be a key campaign theme, with the National Education Policy once again in focus. National Education Policy debate The NEP triggered a massive row when it was announced in 2019 and has flared up periodically. In February last year, tensions rose again after the centre pushed its three-language policy, which requires students to learn a third language in addition to English and the state language. The Tamil Nadu government described this as an attempt to impose Hindi on non-Hindi speaking states. Two-language policy Historically, southern states have been wary of attempts by the centre to impose Hindi over regional languages. In Tamil Nadu, this tension led to riots in the 1930s and 1960s. The state follows a two-language policy, teaching Tamil and English in state-run schools. Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi told last year that this helps students connect with their linguistic heritage while learning English allows them to engage globally. Centres response Responding to the protests from Tamil Nadu, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan told there is no question of imposing any language" and said the NEP would only correct an over-reliance on foreign languages, limiting students exposure to linguistic roots". News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Tamil Nadu, India, India First Published: February 05, 2026, 11:20 IST News india North Indians Know Only Hindi, Sell Pani Puri: TN Minister Sparks Fresh Language Row Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Ola, Uber, Rapido Worker Unions Call Nationwide Strike On February 7: Know Their Demands Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 05, 2026, 20:44 IST Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union leads a nationwide strike on February 7, 2026, demanding regulated fares for Ola, Uber, Rapido and Porter, citing exploitation. Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union leads a nationwide strike on February 7, 2026, demanding regulated fares for Ola, Uber, Rapido and Porter, citing exploitation.(Representative Image) Gig worker unions representing drivers from Ola, Uber and Rapido have announced a nationwide strike on Saturday, February 7, 2026, demanding government intervention to regulate fares in the app-based transport sector. The protest, dubbed the All India Breakdown, is expected to see app-based drivers go offline for around six hours across the country. The strike is being led by the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (TGPWU), which has accused ride-hailing platforms of arbitrarily setting fares despite the existence of the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines, 2025. Announcing the strike on X on Wednesday, the union said app-based transport workers nationwide would stop work to protest the absence of minimum fares and regulatory safeguards. No minimum fares. No regulation. Endless exploitation. Government must act now," the union said, alleging that millions of drivers are being pushed into poverty while aggregator companies continue to profit. App-based transport workers across India will observe an All India Breakdown on 7 Feb 26.No minimum fares. No regulation. Endless exploitation.Govt must act NOW. Millions of app-based drivers are pushed into poverty while aggregators profit. Govt silence = platform impunity pic.twitter.com/zT3e6eZWjm Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (@TGPWU) February 4, 2026 In an earlier statement, the TGPWU appealed to the government to immediately notify minimum base fares for aggregator platforms, including Ola, Uber, Rapido and Porter. It said that in the absence of government-regulated fare structures, companies continue to unilaterally determine fares, resulting in income insecurity, exploitation and unsustainable working conditions for millions of drivers. As a mark of protest against continued policy inaction and to assert our legitimate demands, app-based transport workers across the country will observe an All India Breakdown on 7 February 2026," the union said. The union has also urged authorities to initiate immediate dialogue with worker representatives to move toward what it described as a fair, lawful and sustainable regulatory framework for the app-based transport sector. Key demands Among the key demands raised by the unions are: Minimum base fares: Immediate notification of minimum base fares for app-based transport services, including autos, cabs and bike taxis, to be finalised in consultation with recognised driver and worker unions, in line with the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines, 2025. Ban on private vehicles: Strict prohibition on the use of private, non-commercial vehicles for commercial passenger and goods transport. The proposed strike is expected to disrupt app-based transport services in several cities if negotiations with the government do not materialise before February 7. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: February 05, 2026, 20:44 IST News india Ola, Uber, Rapido Worker Unions Call Nationwide Strike On February 7: Know Their Demands Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Last Updated: February 05, 2026, 21:03 IST Parliament Budget Session 2026 Live Updates: Parliament witnessed fresh disruptions today, with the Lok Sabha adjourned till 12 noon shortly after proceedings began amid protests by Opposition members. In the Rajya Sabha, a heated argument broke out between the government and the Opposition. Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge accused the ruling side of not allowing Rahul Gandhi to speak earlier in the House. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju rejected the claim and said the House functions according to rules, not anyones wishes, and belongs to everyone. He stated the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha had been given around 40 minutes by the Speaker but repeatedly spoke beyond the rules, adding it was wrong to say Rahul Gandhi was prevented from speaking. BJP president JP Nadda also attacked the Opposition, saying the Prime Minister was ready to reply to issues raised in the Lok Sabha but the House was not allowed to function. Opposition members also staged a walkout from the Rajya Sabha, but the House continued its proceedings. Follow live updates here PM Speech Row Spills Into Rajya Sabha As BJP, Opposition Trade Barbs Over Lok Sabha Disruptions Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 05, 2026, 12:28 IST Kiren Rijiju said the government had agreed that the LoP would speak before the Prime Ministers reply, but rules and traditions needed to be followed File photo of Rajya Sabha. (PTI) The standoff over Prime Minister Narendra Modis speech escalated into the Rajya Sabha on Thursday, with sharp exchanges between the BJP and the Opposition a day after disruptions in the Lok Sabha prevented the Prime Minister from speaking at 5 pm during the Motion of Thanks debate. Follow LIVE Updates Raising the issue in the Upper House, Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge flagged that Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi was not allowed to speak, arguing that Parliament functions as a collective of both Houses. Parliament means Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. Rahul Gandhi wanted to speak on the countrys interests, but was not allowed to speak. How can you run the House like this?" Kharge said, adding that the Lok Sabha had not functioned for four days because the LoP was allegedly obstructed. Speaking in Rajya Sabha, LoP Mallikarjun Kharge says,"Parliament means Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. The LoP, Lok Sabha, wanted to speak on the countrys interests, but was not allowed to speak. How can you run the House like this?"The LoP should know that the proceedings of the pic.twitter.com/XFAtSjQI7h ANI (@ANI) February 5, 2026 Union ministers, however, pushed back strongly, saying proceedings of one House cannot be discussed in the other. BJP leader and union minister JP Nadda said, The LoP should know that the proceedings of the Lok Sabha cannot be discussed in the Rajya Sabha," while reiterating that the Modi government was ready for all discussions. Nadda said that in the Lok Sabha, the Prime Minister was ready to speak, but the Opposition did not let the House run." Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said the government had agreed that the LoP would speak before the Prime Ministers reply, but rules and traditions needed to be followed. Today is the fourth day of discussion on the Motion of Thanks. We are all expecting that all MPs will follow the rules and traditions of the House," Rijiju said. He added that while Congress MPs may choose not to listen, all other members want to listen" to the Prime Minister. Rijiju also took a swipe at the Opposition, saying, You should stop your leader Rahul Gandhi you should make him understand." Opposition voices also weighed in, with Samajwadi Party MP Ram Gopal Yadav saying, I am against anyone being blocked from being allowed to speak. The Parliament is a place to speak." Amid the sharp back-and-forth, Kharge later said the Opposition did not wish to disrupt proceedings, even as the Chair repeatedly ruled that events in the Lok Sabha could not be debated in the Rajya Sabha. Speaking about the comments he made yesterday, BJP MP Nishikant Dubey said he would abide by the Speakers authority, unlike Rahul Gandhi. I am not Rahul Gandhi, so I would not continue to shout even after the Speaker warns," Dubey said, adding that the BJP respects the Constitution. BJP MP Dinesh Sharma accused Congress leaders of blocking the Prime Ministers path in Parliament, saying, You are not blocking the Prime Ministers path but the path of the countrys development." News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: February 05, 2026, 12:28 IST News india PM Speech Row Spills Into Rajya Sabha As BJP, Opposition Trade Barbs Over Lok Sabha Disruptions Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Roads, Mining, Hydel Projects Claimed Nearly 1 Lakh Hectares Of India's Forest Land Since 2020 Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: February 06, 2026, 00:56 IST The environment ministry told Parliament that it has approved 10,026 proposals in the last 5 years and rejected just 120an overwhelmingly high approval rate, with few rejections As per the conditions of approval, the states/UTs concerned have to ensure that a minimum number of trees are felled, and wherever feasible, translocation of trees is to be done, and the permission for felling of trees is given by the concerned states/UTs. Representational image Nearly 97,050 hectares of forest land was diverted for non-forestry purposes in the last five financial years, starting 2020-21, the Union Environment Ministry told Parliament. Madhya Pradesh accounted for the largest share, with 902 such proposals for non-forestry use approved and only six rejected between 1st April 2020 and 31st March 2025. The government said that it gave the go-ahead to as many as 10,026 proposals during this period and rejected just 120 proposalsan overwhelmingly high approval rate, with only a handful of rejections. Some regions, like the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, where 26 projects were approved, saw no rejection. Jammu and Kashmir, as well as Manipur, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram in the Northeast, also saw no rejections. Out of the total projects considered during the last five years, most of them were approved in Gujarat (1560), with Haryana (1424) and Uttar Pradesh (1188) following closely behind. Roads cut deep into forests, followed by mining, hydel projects Roads cut the deepest into Indias forests, with nearly 22,233 hectares of forest land diverted for construction of roads alone. Mining and quarrying followed close behind, claiming 18,913 hectares of forest land, while hydel and irrigation projects claimed 17,434 hectares, and power transmission lines nearly 13,859 hectares. Remaining diversions were mostly for Defence (6,041 hectares), railways (5,957 hectares), and other developmental projects. Responding to questions, Minister of State (Environment, Forests, and Climate Change) Kirti Vardhan Singh said the diversion was approved under the Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam, 1980. The central government, following the prescribed statutory approval process, takes prompt decisions on proposals for diversion of forest land, including all development projects, that are complete in all respects," he told Parliament. As per the conditions of approval, the states/UTs concerned have to ensure that a minimum number of trees are felled, and wherever feasible, translocation of trees is to be done, and the permission for felling of trees is given by the concerned states/UTs, he added. Madhya Pradesh, Odisha record maximum diversion of forest land While Madhya Pradesh recorded the maximum diversion of forest land24,346 hectaresit was followed by Odisha (12,875 hectares), Gujarat (6,850), and Arunachal Pradesh (6,656 hectares), as per the data from 2020-21 to 2024-25. The government attributed the reduction in timelines observed in the processing of Environmental Clearance (EC) proposals to comprehensive regulatory reforms undertaken by the Environment Ministry, supported by technology-driven interventions such as GIS layers, Decision Support System". The minister also cited the recently launched online single-window system for processing such proposals, as well as amendments to the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, 2006, and office memorandums issued from time to time for reducing the duration. The government had also recently given appraisal powers to the State Environment Impact Assessment Authorities (SEIAAs) for sectors like mining, irrigation, and power projects, and also increased Expert Appraisal Committee meetings to at least twice a month to speed up proposal review. Under the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, 2006, project proposals are examined by an Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC), which reviews their environmental impacts. The committee recommendations are then placed before the ministry, which takes the final decision on granting or rejecting environmental clearance. Forest diversion proposals from states are reviewed by an advisory committee under the Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan Adhiniyam), 1980. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: February 06, 2026, 00:40 IST News india Roads, Mining, Hydel Projects Claimed Nearly 1 Lakh Hectares Of India's Forest Land Since 2020 Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'Sahkar, Not Sarkar': Amit Shah Launches Bharat Taxi Service, Promises Big Benefits For Drivers Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 05, 2026, 15:59 IST Amit Shah launched Bharat Taxi, a cooperative-owned platform that enables drivers to operate as owners, saying that drivers will get 80% of the fares. Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched Bharat Taxi on Thursday. (Amit Shah/X) Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday launched Bharat Taxi, a cooperative-owned platform that enables drivers to operate as owners, ensuring zero commission and eliminating surge pricing. The service aims to compete with apps like Uber and Ola. The Cooperation Ministry described Bharat Taxi as a transformative initiative in the mobility sector, placing drivers referred to as sarathis (charioteers) at the centre of ownership, operations, and value creation, thereby freeing them from exploitative aggregator-based models. Speaking at the launch event, Amit Shah said the Bharat Taxi service will provide major convenience for taxi drivers, saying that sahkar (helper), not Sarkar (government)" is formally entering the taxi sector. In this system, every driver (Sarathi) is the owner of the taxi, and this structure will bring a revolutionary economic transformation. Like Amul in Gujarat, this is a unique cooperative model of its kind in the world. The wheels of your taxi will run for the benefit of the Sarathi communitythis is the spirit of cooperation," he said. Shah further revealed that Bharat Taxi was envisioned as a unified mobility platform that offered two-wheelers, three-wheelers and four-wheelers. Bharat Taxi Sarathi Didi" will play a key role in ensuring the safety, dignity, and empowerment of women riders and drivers," he added. No Commissions, Lower Fares The Home Minister said the taxi service will be rolled out in three years, and the government will charge 20% of the revenue earned by the platform, while the rest will be transferred into the accounts of each Sarathi. Until now, fares were first credited to the companys account and a commission was deducted. That system ends here. Bharat Taxi will charge zero commission. Not even one percent," he added. All payments will be transferred directly from the customer to the Sarathis account no middleman, no delays." Furthermore, the platform will also exclude booking fees, heavy platform charges, and hidden commissions from the Sarathi app, making it more convenient for drivers and travellers. All the profits earned will be directly transferred into accounts of the drivers associated with the Bharat Taxi service. However, Amit Shah also cautioned drivers to maintain professional standards and behaviour with travellers. The event was also graced by Union Minister of State for Cooperation Krishan Pal Gurjar; Union Minister of State for Cooperation Murlidhar Mohol; Dr. Ashish Kumar Bhutani, Secretary, Ministry of Cooperation and other senior dignitaries. The Cooperation Ministry said Amit Shah will distribute share certificates to the top six performing Sarathis, further reinforcing the core principle of Sarathi Hi Malik. Each honoured Sarathi will be provided with a personal accident insurance cover of Rs 5 lakh and a family health insurance cover of Rs 5 lakh, reflecting Bharat Taxis commitment to driver welfare and long-term social security. Bharat Taxi prioritises social security for Sarathis through health insurance, accident insurance, retirement savings, and a dedicated driver support system. Support centres are being operated at seven key locations in Delhi. The platform provides rapid emergency assistance, verified ride data, and allows drivers the freedom to work on other platforms without any exclusivity clauses. To promote womens empowerment, initiatives such as Bike Didi" are being implemented, under which more than 150 women drivers have joined Bharat Taxi so far. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: February 05, 2026, 15:35 IST News india 'Sahkar, Not Sarkar': Amit Shah Launches Bharat Taxi Service, Promises Big Benefits For Drivers Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Ukrainian, American and Russian delegations at talks in Abu Dhabi (UAE) have agreed on an exchange of 314 prisoners between the Russian and Ukrainian sides, said US President Donald Trumps special representative Stephen Witkoff, who is participating in the negotiations. "Today, delegations from the United States, Ukraine, and Russia agreed to exchange 314 prisonersthe first such exchange in five months," Witkoff wrote on the social network X on Thursday. He noted that "much work remains to be done," but such steps "demonstrate that continued diplomatic engagement produces tangible results and advances efforts to end the war in Ukraine." Trumps special representative also announced progress in the negotiations in the coming weeks, without specifying details. "Discussions will continue, and additional progress is expected in the coming weeks," wrote Witkoff, thanking the UAE "for hosting these discussions." As reported, bilateral (Ukraine-US) and trilateral (Ukraine-US-Russia) talks are taking place on February 4-5 in Abu Dhabi. After the conclusion of the trilateral talks on Wednesday, work was carried out in groups. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that after the trilateral talks, there were contacts between the Ukrainian negotiating team and the American side. Following the results of the Ukrainian delegations report, the president announced an exchange of prisoners of war in the near future. At the end of January, Zelenskyy updated the composition of the Ukrainian delegation to participate in the negotiation process with the United States and representatives of the Russian Federation on achieving a just and lasting peace. The Ukrainian delegation included the head of the Presidential Office Kyrylo Budanov and his first deputy Serhiy Kyslytsia, Peoples Deputy David Arakhamia, Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Andriy Hnatov, Advisor to the Office of the President of Ukraine Oleksandr Bevz. On the American side, the consultations were attended by special envoys of US President Donald Trump, Stephen Witkoff, Jared Kushner and Joshua Gruenbaum, as well as US Secretary of the Land Forces Daniel Driscoll and the Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) Alex Hrynkevich. The Russian side was represented at the level of military leadership. Two Sleeper Cell Members Linked To Khalistani Terrorist Pannun Arrested In Delhi Over R-Day Threats Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 05, 2026, 09:41 IST A close associate of Pannu based in Canada hired Baljinder and Rohit alias Keerath to carry out the act. Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun (AP File Image) Two sleeper cell members linked to Canada-based Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun of Sikhs for Justice were arrested in Delhi. The development came after attempts were made at two locations in the national capital to disturb public order by writing pro-Khalistan slogans ahead of Republic Day celebrations on January 26. The arrests by the Delhi Police were made in connection with the case. According to the sources, Pannu allegedly lured them with Rs 2 lakh to write Khalistan Zindabad" in Delhi. The entire conspiracy was orchestrated from Canada. A close associate of Pannun based in Canada hired Baljinder and Rohit alias Keerath to carry out the act, sources informed. Baljinder works as an ambulance driver in Delhi, while Rohit is his associate. The mastermind, a resident of Tilak Nagar, had gone to Canada a few days before January 26 and was in direct contact with Pannu. Meanwhile, the Delhi Police Special Cell ahead of Republic Day registered an FIR against Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun for allegedly issuing threats to create unrest in the national capital on January 26. The case was registered under Sections 196 (promoting enmity), 197 (imputations prejudicial to national integration), 152 (acts endangering sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India), and 61 (criminal conspiracy) of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS). Pannun had also released a video on social media claiming that his sleeper cells" had put up pro-Khalistan posters in Rohini and Dabri areas of the national capital. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: February 05, 2026, 08:13 IST News india Two Sleeper Cell Members Linked To Khalistani Terrorist Pannun Arrested In Delhi Over R-Day Threats Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Strangers Kissing, Stars Meeting: 5 Festivals That Prove Valentines Day Isnt The Only Day For Love Curated By : Last Updated: February 05, 2026, 13:46 IST Skip the cliches this February and discover how different cultures celebrate love, connection and companionship Strangers Kissing, Stars Meeting: 5 Festivals That Prove Valentines Day Isnt The Only Day For Love Valentines Day, celebrated on 14th February, arrives with the same script every year! There are roses, dinner reservations, heart-shaped chocolates and the works. But love isnt celebrated the same way everywhere, and in many parts of the world, it isnt limited to couples or one day in February. If youre feeling Valentines Day fatigue, read on to find out about five very different festivals of love from around the world that celebrate connection, devotion, friendship and joy, often in ways far more meaningful than a box of chocolates. Lupercalia (Italy) Long before Valentines Day became commercial, ancient Rome celebrated Lupercalia in mid-February. The festival was about fertility, protection and renewal rather than romance alone. While Lupercalia no longer exists in its original form, historians widely believe Valentines Day evolved from it. If youre looking for a reason to ditch modern expectations and embrace love as something collective and chaotic, this is where it all began. Tanabata (Japan) Also called the Star festival, Tanabata is built on a legend of two lovers (stars called Altair and Vega) separated by the Milky Way, allowed to meet only once a year. Instead of dates or gifts, people write wishes about love, life and hope, on strips of paper and hang them on bamboo trees. Colourful Tanabata festivals are held across Japan in early July and August. Among the biggest ones are the Tanabata festivals of Sendai in August and Hiratsuka near Tokyo in July. Qixi Festival (China) Often called Chinese Valentines Day, Qixi is rooted in the legend of two star-crossed lovers separated by the Milky Way and allowed to meet just once a year. Traditionally, the festival focused less on romance and more on skills, patience and devotion. Young women would pray for wisdom, talent and a good future. Today, Qixi has taken on a more modern tone in cities, with couples exchanging gifts and spending time together, but the core idea remains the same: love that survives distance, time and waiting. Dragobete (Romania) Celebrated in late February, Dragobete marks the start of spring and is deeply tied to nature. In folklore, Dragobete is a matchmaker figure, and the day is believed to bless new relationships. Traditionally, young people would gather outdoors, pick flowers and flirt openlyif you were seen together on Dragobete, it was taken as a sign youd be a couple by years end. Unlike Valentines Day, Dragobete celebrates love as something joyful, public and seasonal rather than private and commercial. Omed-omedan (Indonesia) Omed-omedan is one of the worlds most unusual love festivals. Held a day after Nyepi in Bali, the ritual involves young, unmarried men and women being pulled together by crowdsoften resulting in spontaneous kisses amid laughter and cheering. What looks chaotic is believed to bring good fortune and harmony to the community. Less about romance and more about collective joy, Omed-omedan treats love as something playful, social and rooted in shared tradition. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: February 05, 2026, 13:46 IST News lifestyle events Strangers Kissing, Stars Meeting: 5 Festivals That Prove Valentines Day Isnt The Only Day For Love 'Fully Refreshed And Recharged', Smriti Mandhana, Shreyanka Patil & Co Enjoy Goa Before WPL Final Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: February 05, 2026, 10:52 IST Ahead of the final, Shreyanka shared glimpses from their Goa trip, which she called it a wonderful opportunity to get "fully refreshed and recharged" ahead of the finale. Smriti Mandhana becomes 1st player to score 100 in WPL. (Picture Credit: Sportzpics) Royal Challengers Bengaluru womens skipper Smriti Mandhana, young spinner Shreyanka Patil and pacers Arundhati Reddy and Sayali Satghare enjoyed their brief holiday in Goa ahead of the much-anticipated final of the Womens Premier League 2026. Before their high-voltage clash with the Delhi Capitals in Vadodara on Thursday, February 5, the RCB quartet was spotted together relaxing at the stunning beachside of the popular tourist destination. Having booked their place in the final on January 29, the RCB players earned themselves a relaxed getaway as they dropped their red and black jersey momentarily and donned some stylish clothing to match the Goa vibes. As Shreyanka shared the glimpses from their Goa trip, she called it a wonderful opportunity to get fully refreshed and recharged" ahead of the finale. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Shreyanka Patil (@shreyanka_patil31) What Mandhana And Shreyanka Wore Keeping things simple and yet vibrant, Mandhana could be seen posing for pictures in an all-black ensemble. The RCB captain wore a sleek crop top, which she paired with relaxed-fit bottoms. She enhanced her overall look with a rich green velvet jacket. In the mood to unwind, Shreyanka wore a pretty blue dress that perfectly suited the beachside setting. The flared skirt with a midi hemline featured some delicate spaghetti straps, a straight neckline and had some detailing on the bust. The 23-year-old rounded off the calming and beautiful look with a wristwatch and a crossbody sling bag. Arundhati And Sayali: Staying True To Their Vibe Arundhati stayed true to her cool personality, wearing a green full-sleeve sweatshirt and black pants. Her black shoes and brown-tinted sunglasses really stamped her unabashed outlook. Meanwhile, Sayali wore a white tank top tucked into black mom jeans adorned by a brown belt. Like Mandhana, she maintained the right balance between comfort and style. These four RCB stars enjoyed some perfect downtime in Goa before resuming their playing duties with the high-intense final against Delhi at the BCA Stadium in Vadodara. RCB had sealed their berth for the summit clash with a magnificent run in the league stage, winning six of their eight matches. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: February 05, 2026, 10:52 IST News lifestyle fashion 'Fully Refreshed And Recharged', Smriti Mandhana, Shreyanka Patil & Co Enjoy Goa Before WPL Final Kriti Sanon To Walk For Manish Malhotra At Dubai Fashion Week 2026 | Exclusive Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: February 05, 2026, 16:39 IST Asia's leading fashion designer, Manish Malhotra will close Dubai Fashion Week 2026 on February 6. Kriti Sanon to turn muse for Manish Malhotras The India Story, Inaya Collection 2026. After a roaring successful debut at Dubai Fashion Week 2025, Asias leading couturier and costume designer Manish Malhotra is all set to close the 2026 edition with The India Story, Inaya Collection 2026. Expect a night of glamour and the best in Indian crafts take centrestage at Dubai Fashion Week 2026. Manish, who showcased as the Grand Finale designer at the 2025 edition, returns to close the 2026 edition with the elan. Showcasing his Inaya collection 2026 which celebrates couture at its best, Manish Malhotras The India Story will be brought to life on the international runway with his muse and Bollywood superstar Kriti Sanon. Kriti Sanon is an epitome of glamour and grace and we cant wait to see her styled by Manish Malhotra for this special showcase. Kriti has celebrated the designer and his impeccable designs over the years. Kriti recently celebrated her sister, Nupur Sanons wedding, looking breathtaking in Manish Malhotra couture and also had the whole family wear the couturiers creations. Closing Dubai Fashion Week 2025 with the first ever showcase of the World Collection: Dubai, was a special moment for Manish Malhotra. The maestro of the moment, Manish Malhotra, in an earlier interview with News18, expressed how Dubai is like his second home. Dubai has always been a city that appreciates craftsmanship, luxury, and timeless elegance, and the response from our clients has been phenomenal. Fashion is about evolution, and this past year in Dubai has been a testament to how beautifully cultures can merge while still celebrating their own unique identities," expresses Manish Malhotra. A true showman when it comes to celebrity showstopper moments, Manish Malhotra had two renowned international models open and close the show for him in 2025 Russian model Valery Kaufman opened the show and Brazilian supermodel and former Victoria Secret Angel Adriana Lima closed the star-studded showcase. In 2023, Manish Malhotra inaugurated his flagship store in Dubai, which marked a momentous day for Indian fashion. The store seamlessly connects the rich tapestry of Indian haute couture with the Middle Eastern penchant for lavishness. We cant wait to see him celebrate India once again at Dubai Fashion Week 2026 as the finale designer. The ongoing Dubai Fashion Week is on till February 6 at Dubai Design District. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: February 05, 2026, 16:32 IST News lifestyle fashion Kriti Sanon To Walk For Manish Malhotra At Dubai Fashion Week 2026 | Exclusive Margot Robbie's Latest Wuthering Heights Coatdress Look Is Archival Dior By John Galliano Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 05, 2026, 10:07 IST The London photocall took place at Spencer House on Wednesday, where Margot Robbie was joined by her Wuthering Heights co-star Jacob Elordi. Margot Robbie in London with Jacob Elordi Margot Robbie is in London for the UK premiere of her new movie, Wuthering Heights, which is set to release just before Valentines Day. The period drama is based on the 1847 book by author Emily Bronte and stars Margot and Jacob Elordi in the leading roles. During the lead-up to the films release, Margot Robbie, who made a name for herself during the promo tour of her 2023 film Barbie for method dressing, has taken another page from the same book. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Margot Robbie (@margotrobbieofficial) She has been serving one Victorian-era look after the other, as she is currently promoting her film, both in the US and internationally. She and the rest of the crew are currently in London and were at a photo call at Spencer House. Margot stunned in yet another piece of historic fashion. Just like the name suggests, a photo call is a brief media event where actors and the filmmakers pose for photographs to promote the new project. It is a crucial part of film marketing and typically occurs at film festivals or before special screenings. The actor opted to wear an archival Dior long coat from John Gallianos spring/summer 1992 ready-to-wear collection. The light green full-length toile coat had pale pink feathery plumes at the sleeves and at the neckline. Styled by stylist Andrew Mukamal, this look worn by Margot Robbie was originally modelled by Danish supermodel Helena Christensen during the designers Ready To Wear presentation at Paris Fashion Week in 1992. The long coatdress left her toned abs and belly button exposed and were in fact precariously held together by hooks at the midsection. She completed the look with a pair of custom icy blue-grey satin Manolo Blahnik heels, a thigh-skimming black miniskirt with a garter that held the red stockings from the French designer. For accessories, she also wore diamond and pearl hoop earrings from Jessica McCormack and skinny black sunglasses. Talking about her styling for this films promotions, Margot Robbie told W, Hes (Andrew Mukamal) a history major, he really enjoys delving deep. He came to set while we were shooting, he spent time with Jacqueline [Durran], our costume designer, which normally doesnt happen." News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: February 05, 2026, 10:07 IST News lifestyle fashion Margot Robbie's Latest Wuthering Heights Coatdress Look Is Archival Dior By John Galliano 6 Mumbai Spots Serving Irresistible Hazelnut-Chocolate Desserts Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 05, 2026, 10:32 IST From waffles and cheesecakes to shakes and dessert pizzas, Mumbai cafes are celebrating February 5 with creative hazelnut-chocolate treats worth indulging in. Whether youre indulging in classic waffles or adventurous desserts, these six restaurants are serving up Nutella creations worth a visit. Each year, Nutella lovers around the globe celebrate the rich, creamy hazelnut-chocolate spread that brings joy to breakfast tables and dessert menus alike. Whether youre indulging in classic waffles or adventurous desserts, these six restaurants are serving up Nutella creations worth a visit. 1. Le Cafe: Nutella Waffles & Pancakes (Chembur) Start your Nutella Day with a breakfast-meets-dessert classic at Le Cafe. Famous for its fluffy waffles and pancakes generously drizzled with Nutella, this cafe pairs the spread with maple syrup, fresh fruit compote, and vanilla ice cream for the ultimate morning treat. 2. 1441 Pizzeria: Nutella Dough Balls (Seawoods) Dont underestimate Nutella on your pizza! 1441 Pizzeria adds a playful twist to classic wood-fired pies with sweet Nutella Dough Balls and even a Nutella Pizza topped with marshmallows and bananas, a creative dessert pizza thats perfect for sharing. 3. Chantilly: Nutella Philly Cheesecake (Bandra, Mumbai) For cheesecake lovers, Chantillys Nutella Philly Cheesecake is a melt-in-your-mouth dream. Laced with rich Nutella and served with ice cream and chocolate chips, its a dessert that combines creamy texture with a robust hazelnut twist. 4. Le 15 Cafe: Julie Nutella Chocolate Cheesecake (Colaba, Mumbai) Le 15 Cafe serves an elegant Nutella Chocolate Cheesecake topped with caramelised hazelnuts, perfect for those who want a slightly more refined yet still indulgent Nutella experience. 5. Tea Villa Cafe: Nutella Shake (Multiple Outlets, Mumbai) Sometimes, a glass of chocolate-hazelnut heaven is all you need! Tea Villa Cafes Nutella Shake blends creamy ice cream with rich Nutella for a refreshingly sweet sip, ideal after a spicy meal or as a mid-afternoon craving. 6. Sammy Sosa: Nutella Crumble Cheesecake (CBD Belapur) Last but certainly not least is the unique offering at Sammy Sosa: a Nutella Crumble Cheesecake. Imagine a velvety cheesecake swirled with creamy Nutella and topped with a crunchy crumble, a dessert that celebrates texture and flavour in every bite. This special dessert is a highlight for World Nutella Day and a must-try for cheesecake aficionados. Why We Love Nutella Nutellas versatility is part of its charm, it pairs beautifully with fruit, waffles, pancakes, shakes, and even unconventional fusion ideas. From cozy cafes to creative bakeries, chefs are always finding new ways to showcase this beloved spread. So whether youre in Mumbai (or planning a foodie trip), mark your calendar for February 5 and dive into a world of Nutella-packed goodness. Happy World Nutella Day! News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: February 05, 2026, 10:32 IST News lifestyle food 6 Mumbai Spots Serving Irresistible Hazelnut-Chocolate Desserts This State In India Is Officially One Of The Worlds Most Welcoming Places For Travellers Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 05, 2026, 21:29 IST Booking.coms Traveller Review Awards 2026 put Himachal Pradesh on a global hospitality list, and one small hill town is stealing the spotlight in India This State In India Is Officially One Of The Worlds Most Welcoming Places For Travellers If youve ever been invited in for chai by a stranger in the mountains, or had a homestay host plan your entire day without being asked, this will not really come as a surprise. According to Booking.coms Traveller Review Awards 2026, Himachal Pradesh has been named among the Top 10 Most Welcoming Regions on Earth, and has once again taken the title of Indias most welcoming region, for the third year in a row. Why Himachal Pradesh Keeps Winning Hearts Yes there are snow-lined roads, cedar forests and gorgeous valleys but what keeps travellers coming back to Himachal is the warmth built into everyday interactions. From family-run homestays in villages to small boutique hotels in hill towns, the state is famous for its routes, weather, local food and festivals. That combination has now put Himachal on a global list alongside some of the most hospitality-driven destinations in the world. Himachal is followed by Kerala and Goa. Bir: Indias Most Welcoming City Again Tucked into Himachals Kangra Valley, Bir has been named Indias most welcoming city for the second year running. Known for paragliding, Tibetan culture and a slow, grounded pace of life, Bir attracts travellers who want more than sightseeing. The towns calm, community-driven energy seems to be exactly what modern travellers are looking for. Keralas Mararikulam Comes Second Coming in next is Mararikulam, a coastal village in Kerala where hospitality is gentle and simple. Life here revolves around the beach, backwaters and simple routines. Travellers often stay in homestays and low-key resorts where hosts focus on comfort rather than formality. Jaisalmer: Desert Hospitality Done Right In the heart of Rajasthan, Jaisalmer rounds out the top three. Despite its popularity, the Golden City continues to draw travellers thanks in parts to Rajput hospitality and Rajasthans cultural and historical legacy. This is the full list of of the most welcoming places in India for 2026 2026s Most Welcoming Places on Earth Globally, Italy continues to lead for the ninth consecutive year with 214,666 award-winning partners, followed by France (170,596) and Spain (152,292). Germany (111,685) and the United Kingdom (93,989) round out the top five. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: February 05, 2026, 17:34 IST News lifestyle travel This State In India Is Officially One Of The Worlds Most Welcoming Places For Travellers Aishwarya Rai Wishes 'Baby-Papa' Abhishek Bachchan On His 50th Birthday: 'Shine On Love' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 05, 2026, 22:13 IST Aishwarya Rai Bachchan celebrates husband Abhisheks 50th birthday with a sweet Instagram tribute. See the rare childhood photo and the Bachchan family's reactions. Aishwarya Rai shares baby Abhishek Bachchans soulful eyes. The milestone of a 50th birthday is a momentous occasion for anyone, but when it involves Bollywood royalty, the celebration takes on a poetic charm. On Thursday, global icon Aishwarya Rai Bachchan took to Instagram to honor her husband, Abhishek Bachchan, as he officially entered his fifth decade. Eschewing the typical glamorous red-carpet shots, Aishwarya opted for a deeply personal touch that resonated with fans worldwide. A Golden" Tribute for a Milestone Year Aishwaryas post featured a poignant, cropped black-and-white photograph of a baby Abhishek. The image, focusing solely on his wide, innocent eyes looking directly into the lens, captured a sense of timelessness. Her caption was equally evocative, blending familial warmth with high praise. She wrote, (Heart with ribbon and glowing star emojis) Happy HAPPY 50th Birthday dearest Babyyy-Papa." The actress didnt stop at a simple greeting. Her message carried the weight of their long journey togetherthe couple having wed in 2007. She added, (Nazar amulet, birthday cake, hug face and sparkling heart emojis) with lots of love, peace, happiness, contentment and best health God Blesssss (sparkles emoji) Stay Golden Shine on Love (face with three hearts, red heart and sparkles emojis)." The use of Stay Golden" served as a fitting mantra for a man who has spent twenty years navigating the highs and lows of the Indian film industry with grace. The Bachchan Family Legacy The celebration was bolstered by Abhisheks father, the legendary Amitabh Bachchan. Earlier in the day, the patriarch took to his personal blog to acknowledge the wave of affection directed toward his son. Expressing his deep appreciation for the fans, he wrote, To all that send greetings for Abhishek on his 50th birthday, may I express my extreme gratitude and love ..Your blessings give him courage and strength to keep moving..Affection and love." While Abhishek gears up for high-octane professional projectsmost notably Siddharth Anands King alongside Shah Rukh Khanthis birthday was clearly about the private strength found in family. From their quiet vacations with daughter Aaradhya to these sentimental public tributes, the Power Couple" of Bollywood continues to demonstrate that despite the relentless spotlight, their foundation is built on love, peace, and contentment." News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: February 05, 2026, 22:13 IST News movies bollywood Aishwarya Rai Wishes 'Baby-Papa' Abhishek Bachchan On His 50th Birthday: 'Shine On Love' Celina Jaitly Makes Emotional Appeal To PM Modi For Detained Brother: 'Please Bring Our Soldier Back' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 06, 2026, 01:10 IST Celina Jaitly seeks Prime Minister Modis intervention as her brother, Major (retd.) Vikrant Jaitly, remains in UAE detention without formal prosecution. Celina Jaitly's brother Maj. (Rtd.) Vikrant Kumar Jaitly has been detained in the UAE since September last year. In a poignant plea that has resonated across social media and political circles, Bollywood actress Celina Jaitly has directly appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene in the case of her brother, Major (retd.) Vikrant Kumar Jaitly. The former Indian Army Special Forces officer has been in detention in the United Arab Emirates since September 2024, leaving his family in a state of prolonged agony and legal uncertainty. The case reached a critical turning point this week when the Delhi High Court stepped in. On Tuesday, the court directed the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to facilitate legal representation for Major Vikrant by authorizing the UAE-based firm Almarri & Partners to take up his case pro bono. For Celina, this move was a monumental victory after an 18-month struggle. She noted on social media that the court had finally stepped in to restore a soldiers right" and had given back her brothers dignity. Despite the courts order to facilitate communication, Celina revealed in an emotional interview with India Today that she has been unable to speak with him. Her frustration stems from the lack of transparency regarding the charges. She questioned the delay in justice, stating, A soldier of our country is in a foreign jail without prosecution. Why should we delay legal aid any further?" She pointed out that if he had committed a crime, a formal prosecution would have likely commenced by now. While legal wheels have begun to turn, Celina believes the complexity of the situationwhich has been vaguely linked to national security" by some reportsrequires diplomatic weight. Drawing parallels to the successful return of Indian naval officers from Qatar, the actress reached out to the Prime Minister. My request to Modiji is to please bring this soldier back. He has given his entire youth to the nation. If he had done something wrong, there would have been a prosecution by now." She emphasized that her brother, who served in the elite 3 Para Special Forces and received a COAS Commendation for Gallantry, deserves the full backing of the nation he once protected. With the next court hearing scheduled for February 10, 2026, all eyes are now on the MEA to see how the diplomatic and legal support for the veteran will materialize. Celina remains steadfast, promising to move mountains" to ensure her brother returns to Indian soil. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: February 06, 2026, 01:10 IST News movies bollywood Celina Jaitly Makes Emotional Appeal To PM Modi For Detained Brother: 'Please Bring Our Soldier Back' Kangana Ranaut Enjoys Sansad Mein Sukoon Ke Pal With Hema Malini | See Pictures Curated By : Last Updated: February 05, 2026, 20:08 IST Kangana Ranaut shared warm pictures with Hema Malini from Parliament, calling the moments Sansad mein sukoon ke pal, highlighting their bond. Kangana Ranaut shared sweet pictures with Hema Malini from Parliament. Actor Kangana Ranaut, who is the BJP MP from Mandi, has shared a couple of sweet pictures with veteran actress Hema Malini. Kangana Ranaut took to her social media on Thursday, and in the selfies, she was seen spending some time with the veteran actress. In the pictures, Kangana was seen wearing a stunning baby pink saree, which she paired with a purple full-sleeved blouse. Meanwhile, Hema Malini looked stunning as she opted for a floral-printed yellow saree paired with a matching blouse. While dropping the pictures, Kangana wrote, Sansad mein sukoon ke kuch pal with #dreamgirl," and tagged Hema Malini. Kangana also added Kishore Kumars song Dream Girl as the background music. Kangana Ranaut and Hema Malini share a good bond. After the demise of veteran actor Dharmendra in December 2025, Kangana had attended his prayer meet in Delhi on December 11. She paid a floral tribute to the late actor and greeted Hema and her daughters, Esha Deol and Ahana Deol. Kangana even spoke to reporters at the gathering, and while honouring the legacy of Dharmendra, she said, Dharam ji came from a small village, just like me, and tasted the peak of success. Seeing him always reminded me of the fragrance of the village, of the soil there. He was so grounded and a really simple person It is an hour of grief." Kangana Ranauts Recent and Upcoming Works In 2025, she appeared in Emergency, a historical biographical drama film that she directed and co-produced. She played the role of Indira Gandhi in the movie, based on a screenplay by Ritesh Shah on the Indian Emergency from 1975 to 1977. Looking ahead, she has an untitled psychological thriller and a movie titled Bharatha Bhhagya Vidhata in her pipeline. Kangana made her acting debut with Anurag Basus Gangster in 2006, produced by Mahesh Bhatt. She went on to appear in films like Woh Lamhe (2006) and Life in a Metro (2007) before landing the milestone project Fashion (2008). Kangana Ranaut, who has recently added politician" to her list of credentials, contested the 2024 Lok Sabha elections on a BJP ticket from the Mandi constituency in Himachal Pradesh. She defeated her Congress rival, Vikramaditya Singh. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: February 05, 2026, 19:53 IST News movies bollywood Kangana Ranaut Enjoys Sansad Mein Sukoon Ke Pal With Hema Malini | See Pictures Photo: @V_Zelenskiy_official Telegram President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has dedicated a daily conference call to the situation in the energy sector and the general situation in the regions of Ukraine that were affected by Russian shelling. "The Minister of Energy is in Kharkiv today to maximize the activation of all work processes in the region. The situation in Kyiv also remains difficult, and more than 1,100 houses are without heating. It is important that people have all the necessary assistance that they need," Zelenskyy wrote on Telegram on Thursday following the meeting. He thanked Naftogaz of Ukraine for its work on the warm package program and reported that they had distributed more than 20,000 such packages to people. "In general, the volume of the program should reach the level of 100+ thousand packages. It is important that local authorities in communities, cities support this work of government structures and Naftogaz. I would also like to note the State Emergency Service of Ukraine and Ukrhydroenergo for the work of specialists to eliminate the consequences of Russian strikes - people work under any conditions and circumstances and produce results, this is extremely tangible," the president noted. The head of state reported that significant attention at the meeting was devoted to the use of missiles by the occupiers against Ukraine. "First, there must be additional reinforcement in the work against Russian reconnaissance drones. Second, we must continue to use all methods of protection against multiple-launch rocket systems (MLRS) and, accordingly, strike at Russian positions. I am counting on the results in this regard from the Ministry of Defense and the command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine," Zelenskyy said. Rajpal Yadav Surrenders At Tihar Jail After Delhi High Court Denies Leniency In Fraud Case Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 06, 2026, 01:37 IST Bollywood actor Rajpal Yadav has surrendered before Tihar Jail authorities following a Delhi High Court order rejecting his plea for a deadline extension today. The Delhi High Court rejected Rajpal Yadavs plea in a long-running cheque-bounce case. The long-standing legal battle for veteran Bollywood comedian Rajpal Yadav reached a critical turning point on Thursday, February 5. The actor, known for his iconic comic timing in films like Bhool Bhulaiyaa and Hungama, surrendered before the Tihar Jail authorities in Delhi, reported by PTI. This move followed the Delhi High Courts firm refusal to extend the deadline for his surrender in a persistent cheque bounce case. The Final Deadline and Courts Stern Stance Rajpal Yadav arrived at the jail premises at approximately 4:00 PM today to comply with the courts mandate. Before surrendering, the actor made a last-ditch effort to secure relief by presenting a cheque of Rs 25 lakh to the court. He assured the bench that the remaining pending amount would be settled soon and requested more time to arrange the funds. However, the Delhi High Court remained unmoved by these eleventh-hour assurances. Judge Swarana Kanta Sharma emphasized that surrender was a mandatory prerequisite before the court would even consider the merits of his plea for relief. The court highlighted that Yadav had been granted multiple opportunities in the past to settle the dispute with the complainants company amicably, yet those undertakings were never fulfilled. No Further Room for Leniency The courts patience appeared to have worn thin after years of repeated assurances from the actor. In a sharp critique of his conduct, Judge Swarana Kanta Sharma noted that Yadav had already been given two additional days to travel from Mumbai to Delhi to facilitate his surrender. The judge made it clear that his history of non-compliance played a major role in the current ruling. In a statement reported by the Hindustan Times, the judge remarked, This he has done at least 15-20 times in the past. His conduct has been mentioned in the last order. He has not complied with any order, any undertaking I dont think there is any ground for him for any leniency any more." The case, which has seen the actor move in and out of legal trouble for over a decade, centers on unpaid loans and failed financial commitments. Despite a prolific career spanning over 25 years and recent appearances in major hits like Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 and Baby John, the actor now faces a stint behind bars as the jail authorities begin their standard operating procedures. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: February 06, 2026, 01:37 IST News movies bollywood Rajpal Yadav Surrenders At Tihar Jail After Delhi High Court Denies Leniency In Fraud Case BTS ARMY Divided As New Light Stick Ver 4 Sparks Heated Debate Ahead Of World Tour Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 06, 2026, 02:30 IST BTS reveals the long-awaited ARMY Bomb Version 4, but a surprise update regarding the "obsolete" status of older light sticks has sparked a massive fan backlash. The new ARMY Bomb Ver. 4 features a centered BTS logo. The celebration of BTSs highly anticipated full-group return has been met with a wave of mixed emotions. On Thursday, February 5, 2026, HYBE unveiled the teaser for the BTS Official Light Stick Ver. 4, signaling a new era for the global K-pop sensation. While the sleek new designfeaturing the BTS logo suspended within a globeinitially generated excitement, the accompanying technical announcement has left a significant portion of the ARMY feeling incredibly frustrated." Innovation vs. Obsolescence: The Tech Debate The new ARMY Bomb comes nearly six years after the Map of the Soul Special Edition (SE) and introduces a refined wireless control system, expanded color gradations, and a dedicated app with venue-specific maps. However, the controversy lies in the support timeline" shared on Weverse. According to the notice, while Ver. 3 and the SE model will function through the groups ARIRANG" World Tour stop in Las Vegas on May 28, 2026, they will effectively become obsolete" shortly after. [NOTICE] #BTS OFFICIAL LIGHT STICK VER.4 Release and Wireless ControlWe are pleased to announce the drop of BTS OFFICIAL LIGHT STICK VER.4, with new features and a new wireless control system.VER.4 is an upgraded version being released about 5 years and 10 months after pic.twitter.com/8XbZNHyhlX BTS Chart Daily (@btsxchartsdaily) February 5, 2026 Starting from the Busan concert on June 12, 2026, the synchronized ocean of lights that defines the BTS concert experience will exclusively support Version 4. This decision has sparked a heated debate on social media, with many fans labeling the move a money grab." One disappointed fan noted on X, I really like the design but I cant help thinking how greedy and unfair is that from june ver 3/SE wont be working." Others pointed out the financial strain on international fans who are already balancing the high costs of stadium tickets and travel. The Road to the ARIRANG World Tour The timing of the release coincides with the rollout of the ARIRANG" World Tour, the groups largest career undertaking to date. Spanning 34 regions and 82 shows, the tour kicks off in April 2026 in Goyang, South Korea, before heading to major global hubs including Tokyo, London, and Mexico City. The tour also marks the debut of their new album, Arirang, set for release on March 20. Despite the friction over the merchandise, the reunion remains the most anticipated event in music. The new light stick features a Color Shaking" mode and a home mood-lamp cradle, catering to those who want a piece of the comeback in their daily lives. Sales for the Ver. 4 light stick are set to begin at 11 AM KST on Friday, February 6. As the group prepares for their historic 360-degree stadium stage production, the ARMY remains caught between the joy of the reunion and the logistical hurdles of the new ARIRANG" era. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: February 06, 2026, 02:30 IST News movies korean BTS ARMY Divided As New Light Stick Ver 4 Sparks Heated Debate Ahead Of World Tour Opinion | Bangladesh On Bargaining Table: A Running Ledger Of Big-Ticket Deals Under Yunus Regime Written By : News18.com Last Updated: February 05, 2026, 22:25 IST The purpose for which Dr Yunus took control of Bangladeshs governance has been fully executed. The staged election on February 12 is meant to apply the final seal The interim government has not limited itself to the United States. It has launched unnecessary and highly ambitious initiatives with other countries as well. (File pic/Reuters) On 13 June 2024, Bangladeshs current interim government, led by Dr Yunus, signed an NDA agreement with the United States. The explanation was a familiar one: urgency and the need to reduce reciprocal taxes" imposed under the Donald Trump administration. But the way it was done matters as much as what was done. The agreement was rushed through without meaningful consultation with relevant stakeholders. And because it was a non-disclosure agreement, the public had no way to know what was promised, traded, or quietly conceded. The government kept repeating one line: nothing in the deal goes against national interest. Yet it never answered the obvious follow-up. If there was nothing to hide, why was the public denied the right to see it? Later, when a draft leaked from Bangladeshs National Board of Revenue, the governments claim collapsed on contact with the text. This 20-page NDA did not read like a harmless confidentiality instrument. Page after page, Bangladeshs interests were weakened. The authority to make decisions linked to national security, the economy, natural resources, and foreign relations was, in effect, handed over to a foreign state. At the time the NDA was signed, media reports said the agreement included a plan to buy 25 Boeing aircraft and import wheat from the United States. Then, in August, Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin claimed that during discussions with US officials, they did not seem serious about selling Boeing aircraft. Biman Bangladesh Airlines, too, said it was not aware of any Boeing purchase plan. And yet, within just four months, Biman finalised a decision to buy 14 Boeing aircraft. That decision was taken at Bimans board meeting on 30 December 2025. Under Yunuss interim government, work is now underway to finalise this massive, unnecessary procurement, valued at 37,000 crore TK, roughly 3 billion dollars. To speed up the process, on 27 August 2025, Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin was appointed Chairman of Biman. Then, on 14 January, Security Adviser Khalilur Rahman, Yunuss Special Assistant Faiz Ahmed Taiyeb (serving with the rank of State Minister), and Akhtar Ahmed, Senior Secretary of the Election Commission Secretariat, were appointed to Bimans board. Each is widely known as close to Dr Yunus. The interim government has also finalised a decision to buy Black Hawk helicopters from the United States for the armed forces. In July 2025, the interim government signed an MoU with the US Wheat Exporters Association to import wheat from the United States. Under this agreement, Bangladesh will import 3.5 million tonnes of US wheat over five years. The contract set the price at 308 dollars per tonne, with a note that the price may be adjusted over time. But wheat is currently available on the international market at 226230 dollars per tonne. Already, under this arrangement, Bangladesh has imported 220,000 tonnes in three batches. Importing at inflated prices will raise the price of flour in the open market. That increase will spread quickly across food prices. The cost will fall on ordinary people. On 12 August 2025, the interim government approved a decision to purchase two bulk carrier ships from the United States, from Hellenic Dry Bulk Ventures LLC, for nearly 1,000 crore taka. The oddity is glaring: the United States is not even among the worlds top ten shipbuilding and ship-exporting countries, yet Bangladesh is buying at prices well above market rates. And then comes the detail that makes the whole thing feel like a bad joke: both ships will be built in China. In other words, Chinese-made ships are being purchased not from China but through the United States, at a higher price. The interim government has also signed a 15-year LNG purchase agreement with Excelerate Energy worth around 1 lakh crore taka (8.5 billion dollars). Under the Awami League government, Bangladesh had signed a preliminary agreement with Excelerate Energy in November 2023. Before that, Bangladesh imported LNG at competitive prices through long-term deals with Qatar Energy (signed in 2017) and OQ Trading Limited, Oman (signed in 2018). The stated idea behind Excelerate was competition, with supplies expected to begin from 2026. But after the fall of the Awami League government on 5 August 2024, Excelerate Energy intensified its efforts to expand in Bangladesh. In September, Bangladesh-focused former US ambassador Peter D. Haas left the US State Department and joined Excelerate as a strategic adviser. In October, Excelerates CEO Steven M Kobos flew to Bangladesh to meet Dr Yunus. After that, effective single control of LNG exports to Bangladesh moved into Excelerates hands. Under the interim governments revised agreement, the price of gas purchased from Excelerate is set at 15.69 dollars per MMBtu, at least 2.5 dollars higher than the spot market. In April 2024, Bangladesh purchased LNG from the spot market at 9.59.93 dollars. On 30 December, the interim government decided to buy short-term LNG from Switzerland-based SOCAR Trading S.A. Although the office is in Switzerland, it is essentially the commercial arm of SOCAR, the state oil and gas company of Azerbaijan. Notably, on 7 December, Azerbaijans presidents two daughters, Leyla Aliyeva and Arzu Aliyeva, visited Bangladesh and met Dr Yunus. It was Dr Yunuss personal intervention that drove the decision to purchase LNG from the controversial SOCAR-linked company. The interim government has not limited itself to the United States. It has launched unnecessary and highly ambitious initiatives with other countries as well. These include plans to buy JF-17 Thunder fighter jets from Pakistan, purchase Eurofighter Typhoon jets from a European consortium, establish a drone factory under a G2G agreement with China, buy J-10CE fighter jets, purchase submarines from South Korea, buy T-129 ATAK helicopters from Turkey, and sign a defence agreement with Japan. Then there is the question of ports and terminals, where decisions today can lock a country into dependencies for decades. In November, the interim government signed a 33-year agreement with APM Terminals to build and operate the Laldiya Terminal at Chattogram Patenga. The Chattogram Ports New Mooring Container Terminal is being handed over for 30 years to UAE-based DP World. And the Pangaon inland water terminal near Dhaka has been leased for 22 years to Switzerlands Medlog SA. Put all of this together, and a picture forms. Dr Yunus has seized control of Bangladeshs governing authority and used it in two directions at once: to serve personal interests and to satisfy those who employ" him by pushing through agreement after agreement that runs against the country and the state. The long-term damage will not be theoretical. Bangladesh will face deeper long-term loss, the economy will deteriorate, and ordinary people will be the ones left carrying the burden. And now comes the political insurance policy. To secure impunity for these actions and corruption, Dr Yunus has planned a referendum-style drama designed to deliver a Yes" victory. He wants that outcome to serve as a shield. Beyond that, he is moving to amend the constitution to build a governing structure in which no future political government can undo the decisions he has made. Western powers are openly consenting because it would secure their long-term influence and business interests in Bangladesh. The purpose for which Dr Yunus took control of Bangladeshs governance has been fully executed. The staged election on the 12th is meant to apply the final seal. Aminul Hoque Polash is a Bangladeshi political activist, researcher, and former government official with experience in national security, diplomacy, and state institutions. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the writer. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: February 05, 2026, 22:25 IST News opinion Opinion | Bangladesh On Bargaining Table: A Running Ledger Of Big-Ticket Deals Under Yunus Regime Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Opinion | India-US Trade Deal: The Verdict Is Premature And Must Await Full Details Written By : News18.com Last Updated: February 05, 2026, 11:45 IST No international agreement is a perfect one, nor should we expect the India-US trade agreement to be one. We can only assess who has benefited once the full details are known Rapid Read Beyond economics, this agreement solidifies the strategic partnership between India and the US. (PTI) The India-US trade deal has been announced, and met with either unconditional euphoria by the governments spokespersons, or blind condemnation by the Opposition. To my mind, both these reactions are premature and misplaced. The reason is that both the benedictions in the deal, and the devil, lie in the details, which are not yet known. The announcement is of a framework agreement, which, as we are aware, was being negotiated for quite some time now. However, the full legal text has not been released, nor are the product-wise tariff schedules, technology agreements, and timelines known. For the moment, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal has held a cursory press conference, and made a bland declaratory statement in the Lok Sabha. In the light of such a sketchy canvas, how do we assess the deal? To my mind, there are some pros and some cons. The pluses are that the acrimonious impasse that had been created in India-US relations by Donald Trumps aggressive and partisan tariffs has been, at least, partially broken. Under the agreement, the United States has agreed to cut its tariffs on Indian goods significantly from punitive levels that had reached effectively 50 per cent down to around 18 per cent across many categories. Lower US tariffs directly benefit Indias export-oriented industries. Sectors such as textiles, apparel, gems and jewellery, footwear, pharmaceuticals and chemicals, seafood (especially shrimp), and engineering goods all of which face heavy competition from neighbours like Bangladesh and Vietnam stand to gain improved price competitiveness in the US market. Reduction in tariffs can also revive demand and market share that Indian exporters lost due to previous tariff hikes. Some analysts note that Indian exports to the US already grew significantly in 2024, and the deal could accelerate that trend. Second, the deal will help in boosting positive market and sentiment effects. Indian financial markets reacted positively to the announcement, with stock indices rising and credit ratings agencies highlighting the credit-positive impact on labour-intensive sectors. A more predictable trade relationship also improves investor confidence, which can spur foreign investment into Indias economy. Third, beyond economics, this agreement solidifies the strategic partnership between India and the US, positioning India, especially against the background of China as a competitor, as a major centre of manufacturing and supply chains. This diversification helps US firms reduce reliance on China and enhances bilateral cooperation on geopolitical and security issues. There are some cons and grey areas as well. Does this deal commit us to reduce or phase out our purchases of Russian oil? India has historically been a major buyer of Russian crude often at discounted prices and has built infrastructure and contracts around that supply. Reducing or halting these purchases could increase Indias energy import bill, at least initially, and complicate New Delhis longstanding defence and strategic relationship with Moscow, which is still of paramount importance. In practical terms, Indian refiners cannot instantly unwind long-term contracts. A transition to US or Venezuelan oil is likely to take time and may increase costs. One can only hope also that IndiaIran ties, particularly regarding energy and infrastructure cooperation, will not be affected. Indias access to Irans Chabahar port and energy pipelines is a strategic leverage point for us in South-West Asia. Another major concern is that Indian agriculture, which employs a large portion of Indias population and remains politically sensitive, could be adversely affected if US farm products enter the Indian market without protective tariffs. US agricultural producers operate with high levels of subsidisation and efficiency, meaning cheaper imports could undercut Indian farmers livelihoods. US agricultural producers particularly of soybean products, tree nuts, cotton, dairy and grains could find new opportunities in Indias large population. Even limited market opening for dairy, corn, ethanol, and other commodities could displace millions of smallholder farmers who are unable to compete directly with large US agribusiness shipments. The social media post by the US Secretary of Agriculture, lauding the new export benefits for American farmers, needs to be juxtaposed with what may be the detrimental impact on our own farmers. Another con, that will need greater analysis, is the degree of equity in the deal. Under its terms from what we know as yet US imports into India will attract zero tariffs, while Indian exports to the US will face 18 per cent tariffs. Certainly, 18 per cent is a great improvement over the punitive 50 per cent tariffs that Trump had arbitrarily imposed earlier, but just as a matter of perspective it is useful to remember that this too is a pretty high tariff when compared to the zero per cent that US exports will bear, and the low 2 per cent or so Indian exports attracted as recently as last year. In addition, US tariffs on certain products like steel, aluminium and automobiles are expected to remain, meaning the deal does not fully liberalise trade across the board. This inequity may prove to be glaring if as the deal seems to suggest India will be required to increase its US imports to up to $500 billion over the next several years. No international agreement is a perfect one, nor should we expect the India-US trade agreement to be one. There will be some losses and some gains for both sides. We can only assess who has benefited more, and who less and at what cost once the full details are known of what is, obviously, still an ongoing process of negotiation. (The writer is a former diplomat, an author, and a politician. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views) News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: February 05, 2026, 11:45 IST News opinion Opinion | India-US Trade Deal: The Verdict Is Premature And Must Await Full Details Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Last Updated: February 05, 2026, 14:52 IST 1 / 10 As anticipation builds for Nitesh Tiwaris grand two-part Ramayana, slated to begin its theatrical journey in 2026, fans have found a new way to visualize the mythological saga. A digital creator, known as Digital Dreamer (dgtl_dreamer) on Instagram, has sparked excitement online by blending nostalgia with modern star power, reimagining the beloved 1993 anime classic Ramayana: The Legend of Prince Rama through the lens of Tiwaris cast. (Image: Instagram) 2 / 10 Digital Dreamer unveiled a striking series of AI-generated visuals that transport Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi, Yash, Sunny Deol, and others into the world of the cult anime. The images recreate iconic frames from the Indo-Japanese production, but with todays Bollywood stars stepping into the roles. (Image: Instagram) ADVERTISEMENT 3 / 10 One of the most talked-about visuals shows Sunny Deol as Lord Hanuman, soaring across the ocean in a powerful leap. (Image: Instagram) 4 / 10 Another depicts Ranbir Kapoors Rama in battle, sword in hand, running earnestly. (Image: Instagram) ADVERTISEMENT 5 / 10 A particularly evocative frame captures him breaking Lord Shivas bow, Pinaka, to win Sitas hand, a moment etched in the memory of fans of the original anime. (Image: Instagram) 6 / 10 The AI artistry doesnt stop there. Yash as Ravana is shown in dramatic fashion, abducting Sai Pallavis Sita and carrying her away to Lanka. The renderings capture the grandeur and emotional weight of the 1993 film while layering in the charisma of contemporary stars. The result is a fascinating fusion of past and present, offering a glimpse of how Tiwaris live-action adaptation might echo the visual majesty of the animated version. (Image: Instagram) ADVERTISEMENT 7 / 10 The images quickly went viral, drawing enthusiastic reactions across social media. Fans praised the uncanny fit of the actors in their mythological avatars. Comments ranged from Ranbir looks good, Yash looks amazing, Sunny looks cute too, and Sai looks beautiful to First time Ravana is looking better than Ram ji. Another user summed up the mood: This is so good everyone looks just perfect. (Image: Instagram) 8 / 10 The choice to reimagine Ramayana: The Legend of Prince Rama is significant. Released in 1993, the Indo-Japanese anime directed by Yugo Sako, Koichi Sasaki, and Ram Mohan remains one of the most acclaimed adaptations of the epic. With its sweeping visuals, emotional depth, and enduring storytelling, the film has achieved cult status and continues to be celebrated decades later, boasting an IMDb rating of 9.2. (Image: Instagram) ADVERTISEMENT 9 / 10 By placing Tiwaris cast into this iconic animated framework, the AI project bridges generations of storytelling. It reminds audiences of the timeless appeal of the Ramayana while stoking curiosity about how the upcoming live-action spectacle will interpret the same myth. (Image: Instagram) Last Updated: February 05, 2026, 15:34 IST 1 / 9 Most countries have a dominant climate or landform. However, a few nations break this rule entirely. Imagine traveling just a few hundred kilometres and witnessing scorching sand dunes on one side and lush, green forests on the other. This dramatic contrast highlights how unpredictable and fascinating nature can be. 2 / 9 It may sound unbelievable that deserts and rainforests exist within the same nation. But surprisingly, Australia is the country that hosts both. Some of the driest deserts on Earth and some of the worlds oldest rainforests are within the same national borders. Its landscapes feel like different planets coexisting in one place. ADVERTISEMENT 3 / 9 Why does Australia have both deserts and rainforests? The countrys unusual geography and weather systems are the main reasons behind this contrast. Australia has both because of its large landmass, varied latitude, and atmospheric circulation systems. The middle of the country lies under high-pressure zones that limit rainfall and create desert conditions, while moist winds from the Pacific Ocean bring monsoon rains to the northeast, supporting rainforest growth. 4 / 9 A large part of Australias interior is dominated by arid and semi-arid deserts. Regions like the Great Victoria Desert, Great Sandy Desert, Simpson Desert, and Tanami Desert receive extremely low rainfall. Nearly one-third of the continent is covered by desert or dry land and experience extreme temperatures, low rainfall, and vegetation adapted to harsh, dry conditions. ADVERTISEMENT 5 / 9 Despite the harsh climate, Australias deserts are far from lifeless. Plants and animals here have evolved unique survival strategies, deep roots, water-storing tissues, nocturnal behaviour, and heat resistance, allowing life to thrive against the odds. 6 / 9 Queensland and northern New South Wales are home to dense tropical rainforests that receive heavy rainfall and support rich biodiversity. The most famous of these is the Daintree Rainforest, believed to be over 180 million years old. It is one of the oldest surviving tropical rainforests in the world and shelters rare plants, insects, birds, and animals found nowhere else on Earth. ADVERTISEMENT 7 / 9 How do rainforests survive near deserts? Although deserts and rainforests seem completely opposite, Australia shows how both can exist close to each other. Coastal rainfall, fertile soil and warm temperatures help rainforests grow while inland dry winds and low rainfall create desert regions. This balance of nature makes Australia environmentally special. 8 / 9 Besides deserts and rainforests, Australias landscapes include savannas, mountain ranges, wetlands, rivers, beaches, and coral reefs. The Great Barrier Reef, the worlds largest coral reef system, lies close to tropical rainforests, an ecological combination found in very few places on Earth. This diversity makes Australia one of the most ecologically varied countries on Earth. ADVERTISEMENT Last Updated: February 05, 2026, 14:37 IST 1 / 10 On 4 February 1871, a grand new hotel opened on Mumbais Esplanade and it marked a turning point in the citys social and architectural history. It introduced a level of comfort and modernity that Bombay had never seen before, featuring facilities that were unheard of in India at the time. These included advanced engineering and imported materials. 2 / 10 The hotel was Watsons Esplanade Hotel, built between 1867 and 1871 at the prime Kala Ghoda location. Designed by architect Rowland M Ordish for its British owner John H Watson, the structure was prefabricated in cast iron in England and later assembled in Mumbai. Its interiors featured polished teak and mahogany finishes, giving it a European touch. ADVERTISEMENT 3 / 10 At a time when luxury hospitality rarely existed in India, the hotel stood far ahead of its era. It became the first building in the country to install a steam-powered elevator, reflecting its cutting-edge technology. Long before landmarks like the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel were conceived, this hotel had already redefined what high-end living looked like in colonial Bombay. 4 / 10 The property operated as a super-deluxe hotel with 130 rooms and 20 suites. It quickly became a preferred address for European visitors and Mumbais elite thanks to its services like refined dining, spacious rooms and social events. For nearly a hundred years, it functioned as a hub of elite gatherings. The hotel closed its doors in the 1960s. ADVERTISEMENT 5 / 10 In 1896, the building scripted history by becoming the first venue in India to host a public film screening. The Lumiere Brothers screened their short films during their world tour using the Cinematographe projector, introducing moving images to Indian audiences for the very first time. 6 / 10 The films shown were brief and lasted only 30 to 45 seconds but it was all revolutionary. Titles included Arrival Of A Train, Leaving The Factory, The Sea Bath, A Demolition, Entry Of A Cinematographe, and Ladies And Soldiers On Wheels. The screening took place in one of the hotels large rooms, with an entry fee of Re 1. ADVERTISEMENT 7 / 10 This event occurred 17 years before Dadasaheb Phalke made Raja Harishchandra in 1913, a milestone that marked the birth of Indian cinema. The hotels role in introducing film to India placed it at the very foundation of what later became the worlds largest film industry. 8 / 10 The guest list over the years included several notable figures. In 1896, American writer Samuel L Clemens, better known as Mark Twain, stayed at the hotel during his three-month visit to India. He later wrote about the Mumbai crows he observed from his balcony in his travel book Following The Equator. ADVERTISEMENT 9 / 10 Another frequent visitor was Mohammed Ali Jinnah, who later became the founder of Pakistan. During his early years as a lawyer, Jinnah reportedly played pool at the hotel to earn some extra pocket money. This is another unexpected layer to the buildings historical significance. Last Updated: February 05, 2026, 12:54 IST 1 / 9 Commuters were stuck on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway for over 30 hours after a gas tanker suffered an accident near the Khandala Ghat section of the Adoshi Tunnel. The incident occurred around 5 pm on February 3, when a tanker overturned on the Mumbai-bound carriageway, leading to thousands of vehicles being stranded for a day and a half. 2 / 9 The Mumbai-Pune Expressway is the first six-lane concrete, access-controlled tolled expressway in India. The 94.5 km-long road connects Mumbai, Navi Mumbai and Raigad with Pune. Massive traffic snarls and public outrage led to the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) suspending toll collection on the expressway. Public transport was also affected, with a number of regular services cancelled and several Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) buses stranded. ADVERTISEMENT 3 / 9 Lines of stationary vehicles ran for as far as 20 km at the peak of the jam. Passengers, including women and children, remained stranded in their vehicles for several hours without any food, water or toilet facilities. The incident also affected the supply of essential items like vegetables and milk, as several goods vehicles were stuck for hours, PTI reported. 4 / 9 What Is Propylene? Propylene is used as a building block for more complex chemicals, including propylene oxide, acrylonitrile, acrylic acid and cumene. These chemicals are used in several products such as containers, packaging, films, fibers, and caps and closures. The gas is also used across various industries, such as petrochemicals, where it serves as a raw material during production. ADVERTISEMENT 5 / 9 Is Propylene Dangerous? Propylene is an extremely flammable gas easily ignited by heat, flames or sparks. Containers of the gas can rupture if they are exposed to fire or intense heat for long periods of time. Fire ignited by propylene may produce irritating and toxic gases. If a tanker or truck carrying propylene is involved in a blaze, the area should be isolated for one mile in all directions, as per Chemical Safety Facts. 6 / 9 Areas that have had a propylene leak or spill must be isolated for a minimum of 330 feet in all directions. Large spills could require downward evacuation for at least half a mile. Skin contact with liquified propylene can lead to severe injury, burns or frostbite. Moderate concentrations of propylene in the air can lead to dizziness, drowsiness and even unconsciousness. However, no toxic effects have been reported in people from brief, high exposures. ADVERTISEMENT 7 / 9 Since propylene was leaking from the tanker, teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) were deployed to tackle the situation. The Maharashtra Highway Traffic Police had urged commuters to avoid the expressway till the situation was back to normal. 8 / 9 What Is The Current Situation? After 33 hours, traffic resumed on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway. As per officials, the propylene gas was transferred safely from the overturned tanker to other tankers. Later, heavy-duty cranes removed the accident-hit vehicle. Traffic on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway resumed at 1:46 am after the damaged gas tanker was shifted from the accident site, an official told PTI. ADVERTISEMENT Last Updated: February 05, 2026, 15:32 IST 1 / 12 Congress MP Shashi Tharoor suffered a fall in Delhi on Wednesday, February 4. The Thiruvanthapuram MP was talking on his mobile phone when he tripped and fell. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav and Congress MP Imran Masood helped Tharoor get back on his feet. In a post on X, Tharoors office revealed that he had suffered a fracture and would continue with parliamentary work and other engagements. 2 / 12 The video of Tharoors fall prompted a lot of concern on social media. Dr Sudhir Kumar, a neurologist at Hyderabads Apollo Hospitals, said he was glad to know that the parliamentarian was well. Kumar cited the incident as an example of how the human brain is terrible at 'walking + phone' multitasking, especially when one is moving downstairs. A split-second shift in attention while going down the stairs can impact balance, depth perception and foot placement. ADVERTISEMENT 3 / 12 Why Is Talking On The Phone While Walking Dangerous? Talking on the phone while walking somewhere is a habit that almost all of us have. However, few people consider the risks it poses. Chances of accidents increase due to ones attention being divided between walking and using the phone. Not just that, multi-tasking in this manner reduces speed, alters gait and increases the possibility of trips, collisions or falls. 4 / 12 What Are The Key Risks Associated With This Behaviour? The major risks include impaired balance and speed as phone conversations reduce stride length and walking velocity, making it tougher to navigate obstacles or react to hazards such as traffic. It also leads to higher injury rates. Studies indicate that talking causes more injuries (69 per cent) than texting (9 per cent), especially among 16-25-year-olds. Distracted walkers often move away from paths, bump into others, or fail to spot threats, leading to accidents. ADVERTISEMENT 5 / 12 What Health Concerns Arise From Prolonged Phone Use While Moving? Prolonged phone usage while walking can lead to eye strain and headaches due to poor posture. It can also result in potentially higher radiation emission as the devices seek signals. This may raise the risk of cancer and brain tumours, though evidence is inconclusive. 6 / 12 How Can One Prevent These Risks? To lower these risks, one should avoid using phones in high-traffic areas such as crosswalks. People must stop walking to take calls or use the hands-free option if they wish to talk to someone urgently. Awareness campaigns and phone locks during motion may help reduce instances of accidents. ADVERTISEMENT 7 / 12 What Are The Specific Dangers Of Phone Use While Walking In India? The crowded streets, heavy traffic and widespread smartphone use in India have amplified the dangers of phone use while walking. Experts say that about 30-40 per cent of road accidents occur due to people being distracted by their mobiles while walking or driving. 8 / 12 What Do Accident Statistics Reveal? In cities like Lucknow, about 30-40 per cent of road accident cases involve mobile phone use while walking. Studies reveal that 5-45 per cent of pedestrians are distracted by phones at crossings, depending on urban location. ADVERTISEMENT 9 / 12 What Are The Local Risks? Distractions can lead to people tripping over uneven surfaces, colliding with vehicles or walking into traffic. This is common among two-wheeler drivers and pedestrians, resulting in accidents from momentary lapses in attention. 10 / 12 What Advice Can Help Prevent These Incidents? Public campaigns about incidents tied to scrolling habits can help increase awareness. People can use hands-free devices or pause movement to talk. Avoiding mobile usage in traffic-heavy areas like Mumbai streets can help prevent incidents. ADVERTISEMENT 11 / 12 What Is The Current Legal Stance In India On Phone Use While Walking? There is no nationwide law in India that specifically bans phone use (talking or texting) while walking. A private members bill in 2019 proposed fines up to Rs 5,000 for first offences and Rs 10,000 for repeat instances, but it was never enacted. This has led to a lack of legal incentives for people when it comes to lowering scrolling time while walking or driving. Last Updated: February 05, 2026, 15:49 IST 1 / 10 Vivek Ramaswamy and his wife, Apoorva, welcomed their third child on Wednesday. The couple announced the birth of their daughter, Savithri, in a post on X (formerly Twitter). Both mother and child are doing well. They even thanked Ohioans and friends across the country for their prayers and warm messages. 2 / 10 Along with a family photo, former Republican presidential candidate Ramaswamy wrote, Apoorva and Vivek are happy to share the news of their daughters birth, Savithri. Mom and baby are doing well, and the family is thankful for the prayers and kind messages from Ohinoans and friends across the country." Indian-American entrepreneur's announcement was met with widespread congratulations. ADVERTISEMENT 3 / 10 But beyond the joy of the birth, it was the new arrivals name, Savithri, that quickly became the subject of the discussion online. Users noted its strong cultural roots, and the discussion quickly shifted to the traditional Indian names chosen by the couple for all three of their children. The moment sparked conversations about identity, heritage and naming choices among Indian families abroad. 4 / 10 A social media user, reacting to the post, wrote, Only NRI people name their children after God's name. And here in India, we have Kayra, Mayra, Vivaan, Akaayan etc etc. The comment reflected a broader debate about how naming trends differ between Indians living overseas and those in India. ADVERTISEMENT 5 / 10 As the discussion continues, here we take a look at a closer look at the names of all three children and what they mean. Before welcoming Savithri into their lives, the couple was already parents to two sons Karthik (the eldest) and Arjun (the middle child). Vivek occasionally shares peek-a-boo moments with them on social media. Now, what do their names actually mean? 6 / 10 Savithri, Karthik, and Arjun represent Indian culture. First comes first; Karthik is a name linked to Lord Kartikeya, the Hindu god of war and victory, who is also the bestower of happiness. It represents courage, leadership and discipline. The name is also associated with the Hindu calendar, as it is also referred to as a month. ADVERTISEMENT 7 / 10 Their second son, Arjun, takes his name from one of the key heroes of the Mahabharata. The name is of Sanskrit origin and is derived from the word Arjuna, which means bright or shining. In Hindu mythology, Arjuna is one of the main protagonists in the epic Mahabharata, known for his courage, archery skills and his role as a warrior. 8 / 10 Savithri is a name deeply rooted in Indian mythology and spiritual tradition. Derived from the Sanskrit word "Savitr," often interpreted as relating to the sun or a hymn to the sun. In Hindu mythology, Savithri is revered as a devoted woman, celebrated for her unwavering love. The name is associated with virtue, strength and marital fidelity. ADVERTISEMENT 9 / 10 Vivek Ramaswamy has often shared brief family moments with sons Karthik and Arjun on social media, while keeping much of his childrens lives private. He has previously spoken about balancing public responsibilities with family life and has even brought his children to public events on occasion. Photo: https://www.facebook.com/margus.tsahkna/ Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna arrived in Kyiv and visited the sites of Russian drone and missile strikes on civilian targets in the city. "I am currently in Ukraine and see with my own eyes the results of the devastation that Russia is wreaking. Russia is continuing this destructive aggression not because of a lack of dialogue, but because it still believes it is on the path to success. Therefore, the pressure that is being put on Ukrainians here in Kyiv to make concessions is perceived as a betrayal. Estonias foreign policy will not change, and we will stand firm on our current principles, supporting Ukraine and opposing aggression," Tsahkna wrote on Facebook on Thursday, illustrating the message with photos of the destruction. He stressed that Russia will continue to deceive anyone who hopes to force it to peace through negotiations until it is convinced that it will not be able to achieve its goals through military means. "Any concession offered to the Russians will lead to their new demands. In the European context, this means transferring Estonias security to Russias sphere of influence The starting point of our actions is the understanding that Russia does not seek peace. This is proven by Russias continued military attacks in Ukraine, simultaneous participation in negotiations, or demands that Ukraines full acceptance of Russias terms be a prerequisite for peace. The Kremlin still believes that it can achieve its original goals. As long as this belief persists, Russia will not change its behavior," the Estonian foreign minister noted. He recalled the lessons of the 1920 Treaty of Tartu and pointed out that it is still applicable today. "Peace will come only when Russia understands the hopelessness of its strategy. The Estonian people are also critical of concessions. 82% of respondents to a public opinion poll on foreign policy disagree with the idea that Ukraine should cede territories under its control to Russia. The path to a just and lasting peace lies only through political, economic and military support for Ukraine and pressure on Russia. This is a firm principle of Estonian foreign policy It is important that all people representing Estonian foreign policy confirm these principles," Tsahkna said. The minister noted that Estonia has been stating since the beginning of the full-scale war that true peace will be achieved if the Russian Federation abandons its plan to destroy Ukraine and reorganize European security, which was the goal of the aggression. "We sensed the Russian threat even before the tanks began moving towards Ukraine, and sent military assistance to Kyiv weeks before February 24, 2022. Today, the allies recognize, unfortunately, at the cost of Ukrainian blood, that our warnings about the Russian threat should have been heeded earlier. Now the allies have listened to our messages when we said that concessions will not bring peace and that Russia only understands pressure," he stated. A First Since 2004: No PM Speech But Lok Sabha Passes Motion Of Thanks On President's Address Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 05, 2026, 13:50 IST The development is unprecedented, but not the first, as in 2004, then PM Manmohan Singh was prevented from replying to the Motion of Thanks on the President's Address by the BJP. (File Photo: Lok Sabha/Sansad TV) A Motion of Thanks on the Presidents address was adopted by the Lok Sabha on Thursday, without the customary speech by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as the opposition continued protests for the fourth day during this budget session. The development is unprecedented, but not the first, as in 2004, the then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was prevented from replying to the Motion of Thanks on the Presidents Address by the BJP. Earlier today, PM Modi was not present in the Lok Sabha when the Motion of Thanks to the President for her address to both Houses of Parliament on January 28 was passed. Amid sloganeering by the opposition members, the Speaker then adjourned the proceedings till 2:00 PM. Some opposition MPs stormed the Well, carrying posters with PM Modis picture and Narendra-Surrender slogan written at the top. Samajwadi Party members too were in the Well, carrying three banners and pamphlets raising the issue of demolitions at the Manikarnika ghat on the river Ganga in Varanasi. The SP banners carried pictures of Rani Ahilyabai Holkar, who had developed the ghats nearly 300 years ago. Trinamool Congress members were also in the Well joining the protest, while other members of the INDIA bloc, including the DMK and the Left, stood at their seats and in the aisle in solidarity. Unprecedented Development Former Lok Sabha secretary general P D T Achary termed the passage of the Motion of Thanks on the Presidents address without the customary reply by the prime minister as an unprecedented development". Achary said that in 2004, the then prime minister Manmohan Singh was present in the House, but did not make a speech as per an understanding reached with the then opposition BJP. Speaker, sir, I learn that there is an understanding among political parties on both sides that the Motion of Thanks on the Presidents Address be put to vote straightaway and passed unanimously. Therefore, sir, I request you to put the motion to vote," Manmohan Singh had said on June 10, 2004. Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh shared a video on X of Singhs address from March 10, 2005. Manmohan Singh was heard saying that he had to wait the entire year to thank the President for the address. This is the video of Dr Manmohan Singhs speech on March 10 2005 where he refers to the fact that he was prevented from replying to the Motion of Thanks on June 10, 2004 https://t.co/RyDSwhkMzG pic.twitter.com/uJNfgne78Z Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) February 5, 2026 Govt Vs Oppn: All About Parliament Stand-Off The stand-off in this budget session between the government and the opposition started after Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, was stopped from speaking on the 2020 India-China border clash in Galwan Valley, while he was referring to a memoir of then Army chief MM Naravane from his book Four Stars of Destiny". The government has said that Rahul Gandhi cannot quote from an unpublished book. Speaker Birla had also given a ruling in the matter, prohibiting MPs from quoting books during their speeches. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: February 05, 2026, 13:37 IST News politics A First Since 2004: No PM Speech But Lok Sabha Passes Motion Of Thanks On President's Address Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Accused In 89 Criminal Cases: BRS Leader Writes To Harvard Over Telangana CMs Leadership Course Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 05, 2026, 14:43 IST Praveen Kumar, a Harvard Kennedy School alumnus himself, alleged that Revanth Reddys political conduct stood in stark contrast to the values of ethical leadership. File photo of Telangana CM Revanth Reddy. (Image: X/@revanth_anumula) BRS leader RS Praveen Kumar has written to Harvard University questioning its decision to award a completion certificate to Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy after he attended an executive leadership programme at the Harvard Kennedy School, citing the chief ministers criminal background as the central concern. In a letter addressed to Harvard University President Alan Garber and Dean Weinstein, Praveen Kumar said he was writing with profound dismay and outrage" over the certificate being issued to Revanth Reddy, whom he described as accused in 89 criminal casesthe highest among any Indian Chief Minister". Referring to data from the Association for Democratic Reforms, he said the cases include 72 serious IPC charges and recalled that Reddy was arrested in the 2015 cash-for-vote case and spent around 50 days in jail. Praveen Kumar, a Harvard Kennedy School alumnus himself, alleged that Revanth Reddys political conduct stood in stark contrast to the values of ethical leadership. He accused the Telangana CM of indulging in divisive caste and communal politics, using abusive language against opponents and their families, and pursuing rivals through what he called fake cases". Such conduct mocks the very values of ethical leadership, civility, and public service that HKS claims to instill in its classrooms," he wrote. As an HKS alum (MC-MPA 2012 & Mason Fellow), Im ashamed! Harvard Kennedy School awarded a leadership certificate to Telangana CM Revanth Reddy89 criminal cases (highest among Indian CMs), caught in cash-for-vote bribe scandal, jailed ~50 days, indulging in divisive pic.twitter.com/gNy6egYLRt Dr.RS Praveen Kumar (@RSPraveenSwaero) February 5, 2026 Questioning Harvards admission process, the BRS leader asked how an institution known for shaping global leaders could issue certificates to politicians with dubious credentials". He claimed there appeared to be no rigorous background check or due diligence before granting admission and alleged that short executive programmes were being sold" to controversial figures to lend them legitimacy. Calling the decision a betrayal of trust", he urged the university to revoke the certificate immediately and review its admission norms, warning that failure to act would suggest Harvards prestige was for sale to the highest bidder". The letter comes against the backdrop of Revanth Reddys participation in the Leadership in the 21st Century: Chaos, Conflict, and Courage" executive education programme at Harvard Kennedy School, which began on January 25 and concluded on January 30. According to government sources, the programme included sessions on leadership analysis, case studies and group work, with participants from over 20 countries attending classes at the Cambridge, Massachusetts campus. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: February 05, 2026, 14:43 IST News politics Accused In 89 Criminal Cases: BRS Leader Writes To Harvard Over Telangana CMs Leadership Course Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'Anti-Sikh Mindset': PM Modi Targets Rahul Gandhi Over 'Traitor' Jibe At Ravneet Bittu Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 05, 2026, 18:43 IST PM Modi's remarks came after Rahul Gandhi called BJP's Ravneet Bittu a "traitor friend" outside the Parliament, while the latter called the Congress leader the "enemy of India". Rapid Read PM Modi addressing the Rajya Sabha on Thursday. (Sansad TV) Prime Minister Narendra Modi slammed the Congress for having an anti-Sikh mindset" after Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, called BJP MP Ravneet Singh Bittu a traitor" outside the Parliament on Wednesday. Yesterday, the Prince of Congress called an MP a traitor. Their arrogance has reached new heights. So many people have left Congress. The Congress has been divided several times, several leaders have gone to other parties. They didnt call them traitors. However, they called him (Bittu) a traitor because he was a Sikh," Modi said in Rajya Sabha during his reply to the motion of thanks to the Presidents address. This was an insult to all Sikhs. It was an expression of deep hatred of Congress for the Sikh community. They could have apologised in this House for the incident, but due to their hatred for Sikhs, they did not. He was an MP whose family made sacrifices for the nation. Just because he changed his political views, he became a gaddar (traitor)?" he added. Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, Yesterday, in an incident in this House, Congresss Yuvaraj called an MP a traitor. This shows how arrogant they have become. That MP was called a traitor because he was a Sikh" pic.twitter.com/7ihgsaOTtY IANS (@ians_india) February 5, 2026 PM Modi further underscored the significance of calling someone a traitor", saying, If someone calls my citizens traitors, how will the nation tolerate this? Just because he is a Sikh, is he a traitor? These people will bring ruin to Congress." Rahul Gandhis Traitor Jibe At Bittu PM Modis sharp response came after a tense exchange outside the Parliament on Wednesday, when Rahul Gandhi was posing with suspended MPs. Bittu, a former Congress MP who later joined the BJP, was passing by and said, Ye Kargil ki jung jeet ke aaye hain (seems like they have won the Kargil war)." In response, Rahul Gandhi said, Here is a traitor walking right by." As Bittu walked up to the group, Gandhi repeated his charge, saying: Take a look at the face. Thats what he looks like." He then added, hello brother, my traitor friend. Dont worry, you will come back (to Congress)" and offered a handshake which Bittu refused, calling him Desh ke Dushman (enemy of India). The exchange turned into a full-blown controversy as Sikh leaders from the BJP accused Gandhi of insulting the entire community. Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri described the remarks as crossing all boundaries of civility, decency and dignity." ALSO READ: If Theres A Traitor, Its You: BJP Blasts Rahul Gandhi Over Traitor Remark On Ravneet Bittu It is entirely possible that he holds a deep grudge against Bittu Ji for choosing the policies of Vikas espoused by the Modi government over the directionless Congress. But that cannot ever justify such a slur," Puri wrote. However, Congress leaders defended Rahul Gandhis remarks, saying the party had given everything to Bittu, yet he still chose to join the BJP. Amritsar MP Gurjeet Aujla said Bittu chose to sit in the lap of the dictator" while the entire nation was fighting against dictatorship." Bittu quit the Congress and joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on March 26, 2024, ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. He resigned from Congress and formally became a BJP member as part of his switch before contesting the polls under his new party banner. However, he failed to win the elections. Congress Insulted President, Dalits, Northeast The Prime Minister spent most of his speech in the Rajya Sabha attacking the Congress, accusing the party of insulting President Droupadi Murmu, the Dalit community and people of Northeastern countries. Disrespecting the people of the country seems to be ingrained in the Congress partys behaviour and culture. In recent days, Congress has insulted the President. The language used for our President after the elections is shameful and disturbing," he said. Even yesterday in the Lok Sabha, a discussion on the Presidents Address could not take place. This amounts to an insult to the office of the President." He also accused the Congress of insulting the people of Assam after the government awarded Bharat Ratna to former Assamese politician Bhupen Hazarika. A son of a Dalit family from Andhra Pradesh was presiding over the House, and he too was insulted," he added. Congress has always worked to insult Dalits and Adivasis." News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: February 05, 2026, 18:07 IST News politics 'Anti-Sikh Mindset': PM Modi Targets Rahul Gandhi Over 'Traitor' Jibe At Ravneet Bittu Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'Considering His Age...': PM Modi Jibes Kharge As Oppn Interrupts His Rajya Sabha Address | Video Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 05, 2026, 17:36 IST Opposition MPs raised slogans and later walked out of PM Modi's reply to motion of thanks to the President's address in the Rajya Sabha. PM Modi in Rajya Sabha on Thursday. (Sansad TV) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday began his reply to the motion of thanks to the Presidents address in the Rajya Sabha amid intense sloganeering by Opposition MPs, a day after his Lok Sabha address was deferred. As the Prime Minister began his address, several opposition leaders began raising slogans, saying LoP ko bolne do" and tanashahi nahi chalegi. In a jibe at Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, PM Modi urged him to sit and raise slogans, considering his age. Considering the age of Kharge ji, I urge you, the Chairman, to let him sit and raise slogans, so that he faces no discomfort. There are young people at the back. So, please permit Kharge ji to sloganeer even while sitting," PM Modi said in a light-hearted jibe, drawing smiles from BJP MPs. BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari hailed PM Modis gesture as a clear display of leadership, restraint, and democratic maturity", adding that he demonstrated how institutions must be respected and proceedings must continue, contrasting it from Rahul Gandhis dynast mindset" that was focused on entitlement. , , ! "A clear display of leadership, restraint, and democratic maturity by PM @narendramodi Ji. Even in disruption, he demonstrated how institutions must be respected and proceedings must pic.twitter.com/DbixJzSUeP Pradeep Bhandari( ) (@pradip103) February 5, 2026 Opposition MPs later staged a walkout from Rajya Sabha as PM Modi continued his reply on Motion of Thanks to the Presidents Address, in which he said that India was rapidly progressing towards realising the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. Why PM Modi Did Not Address Lok Sabha? This came a day after PM Modi did not deliver his reply to the motion of thanks to the Presidents address in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla made a stunning revelation today, saying he had advised the Prime Minister not to come to the House on Wednesday after receiving inputs that Congress MPs were planning an unprecedented" disruption. ALSO READ: I Advised PM Not To Come, Congress MPs Planned Something Unprecedented: Om Birla On Speech Row Explaining his decision, Birla said, When the Prime Minister was supposed to respond to the Presidents address in the House, I received information that several Congress MPs could have created an inappropriate incident near the Prime Ministers chair. If such an incident had occurred, it would have torn apart the democratic traditions of the country. To prevent this, I requested the Prime Minister not to come to the House". Sources told news agency ANI that there was a clear information that Congress MPs were planning to physically attack the PM and women MPs were sent as a cover measure, which led to the adjournment After Birlas remarks, opposition MPs accused the Prime Minister of hiding behind the Lok Sabha Speaker and refuted any plans to attack the Prime Minister. There is no question of anybody raising any hands on the Prime Minister or hurt him or any such thing," said Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: February 05, 2026, 17:05 IST News politics 'Considering His Age...': PM Modi Jibes Kharge As Oppn Interrupts His Rajya Sabha Address | Video Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'For Them, People Were Problems': PM Modi Takes Aim At Nehru-Gandhi Legacy In Rajya Sabha Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 05, 2026, 19:07 IST The Prime Minister referred to past remarks by Indira Gandhi on India's population that the 'dimension of her problems' had grown from 350 million to 570 million Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday while replying to the President's address. Image/Sansad TV In a sharp ideological critique delivered during the Rajya Sabha session on Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi utilised the historical words of former Prime Ministers Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi to suggest a fundamental disconnect between the Congress party and the Indian populace. Replying to the Motion of Thanks on the Presidents Address, the Prime Minister argued that while his administration views citizens as participants" in the nations progress, the previous leadership viewed them merely as problems". The Problem Perspective The Prime Ministers primary target was a specific philosophical outlook he attributed to the Nehru-Gandhi era. He referenced a quote from Indira Gandhi wherein she recalled a conversation with her father, Jawaharlal Nehru. According to the excerpt cited by PM Modi, Indira Gandhi said, Nothing in India is simple or small. When asked how many problems he had, my father once replied 350 million, which was our population at that time. Now the population is 570 million, so that is the dimension of my problems. My constituency has 515,000 voters and our Parliament has 520 such constituencies." PM Modi used this to draw a stark contrast between the old and new" India. For them, 350 million people were 350 million problems," the Prime Minister stated. For us, 140 crore Indians are 140 crore solutions. They saw the population as a burden; we see it as a demographic dividend and a catalytic force for a Viksit Bharat." No matter how many challenges there are, we have 140 crore solutions. pic.twitter.com/lnECKdKvNR PMO India (@PMOIndia) February 5, 2026 The Planning Commission Paradox The Prime Minister further targeted the legacy of the Planning Commission, a body established by Nehru and replaced by the NITI Aayog under the current government in 2015. He quoted a speech delivered by Indira Gandhi in Himachal Pradesh, where she had herself expressed frustration with the rigid, top-down bureaucracy of the Commission. PM Modi recounted how Gandhi had once noted that local workers in the hilly terrain of Himachal required mules for transport rather than jeeps. However, she lamented that due to the inflexible policy restrictions of the Planning Commission, funds were only available for vehicles, leaving the actual needs of the people unmet. The Prime Minister argued that despite Gandhis personal recognition of these systemic flaws, the Congress failed to reform the institution for decades. The Planning Commission she criticised was the creation of her own father," Modi remarked. She acknowledged the problem but chose to maintain the status quo. It took this government to finally dismantle that ivory tower and bring in a spirit of cooperative federalism." Governance by Intent vs Governance by Inertia Throughout his speech, which was punctuated by protests from the Opposition benches, PM Modi painted a picture of a Congress party that was perpetually trapped in its own history". He claimed that the archival remarks of Nehru and Gandhi served as a confession of the partys inability to see the common citizen as an empowered stakeholder. By citing the population figures of that erawhen Indira Gandhi had noted the dimension of her problems" had grown from 350 million to 570 millionPM Modi asserted that the Congress leadership viewed the growth of India not as an achievement, but as a compounding crisis. The Prime Minister said that his administrations focus on saturation-level implementation of welfare schemes, such as PM Kisan and Jal Jeevan Mission, was the definitive antidote" to the old culture of viewing citizens as mere statistics of distress. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: February 05, 2026, 19:03 IST News politics 'For Them, People Were Problems': PM Modi Takes Aim At Nehru-Gandhi Legacy In Rajya Sabha Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Hardcover Politics: BJP-Congress Clash Turns Parliament Into Literary Battlefield Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 05, 2026, 07:00 IST The Lok Sabha witnessed repeated adjournments, culminating in the cancellation of the Prime Ministers scheduled reply to the Motion of Thanks on February 4 Nishikant Dubey challenged Rahul Gandhi to a debate on 'printed books' rather than 'unprinted manuscripts'. FIle image/X The 2026 Budget Session of the Indian Parliament has descended into an unprecedented war of books, a high-stakes narrative battle between the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). What began as a dispute over national security has escalated into a fierce confrontation over historical legacies, personal conduct, and the very rules of parliamentary procedure. The Opening Salvo: The Naravane Memoir The flashpoint was ignited by Lok Sabhas Leader of the Opposition, Rahul Gandhi, who sought to quote from Four Stars of Destiny, the unreleased memoir of former Army Chief General MM Naravane. Gandhi used excerptsoriginally published in The Caravan magazineto allege that the government had let down" the armed forces during the 2020 Ladakh standoff with China. He claimed that the Prime Minister and the Defence Minister failed to provide clear directions during the critical night when Indian and Chinese tanks were at a standoff. The governments response was immediate and procedural. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Home Minister Amit Shah objected to the citation of an unpublished and unauthenticated" book. Speaker Om Birla upheld these objections, invoking Rule 349, which prohibits members from reading from books or newspapers that are not directly related to the business of the House. Nishikant Dubeys Counter-Strike In a classic tit-for-tat escalation, BJP MP Nishikant Dubey turned the tables by bringing a physical library" of literature into the House. Arguing that if an unreleased book could be discussed, then over 150 published works detailing the alleged deceit and corruption" of the Nehru-Gandhi family must also be admissible. Dubey took to X to amplify his attack, sharing a purported 1961 letter from Jawaharlal Nehru to Field Marshal KM Cariappa regarding the Edwina Mountbatten Memorial Fund. Dubeys posts and parliamentary speeches referenced a litany of controversial titles to target the Congress legacy, including: MO Mathais Memoirs: To allege personal misconduct and debauchery" within the early Nehru administration. The Red Sari (Javier Moro): To question the origins and motivations of the Gandhi family. The Accidental Prime Minister (Sanjaya Baru): To portray the Manmohan Singh era as one of external control by the Gandhi family. The Shadow of the Great Game: To suggest that national interests were compromised during Partition due to personal relationships. Dubeys rhetoric was scathing, stating on X, If I say something, there will be an uproarwill it set the Congresss Lanka ablaze?" He challenged Rahul Gandhi to a debate on printed books" rather than unprinted manuscripts". The Backlash and Parliamentary Paralysis The Congress, led by Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, hit back by accusing the government of double standards". She questioned why Dubeys microphone remained on while he quoted from books, despite the Speakers earlier ruling against Rahul Gandhi. The Opposition argued that General Naravanes book is a matter of public record, even if suppressed by the Ministry of Defence, whereas the BJPs citations were aimed at personal character assassination. The fallout has been severe. The Lok Sabha witnessed repeated adjournments, culminating in the cancellation of the Prime Ministers scheduled reply to the Motion of Thanks on February 4. With the Treasury benches demanding an apology for belittling the army" and the Opposition demanding the right to quote the former Army Chief, the book war" has effectively institutionalised instability in the House, moving the debate from current policy to a permanent battle over history. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: February 05, 2026, 07:00 IST News politics Hardcover Politics: BJP-Congress Clash Turns Parliament Into Literary Battlefield Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'You Appear In Court To Defend Illegals': PM Modi On Mamata Banerjee's SIR Plea Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 05, 2026, 20:17 IST PM Narendra Modi alleged that the ruling Trinamool Congress in West Bengal is compromising the youth of the state by "inviting" illegal immigrants Without naming her, PM Narendra Modi took a jibe at West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee's petition against the ongoing SIR exercise in the state. (Image: ANI/File) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday launched a scathing attack on the ruling Trinamool Congress in West Bengal, alleging that it is compromising the youth of the state by inviting" illegal immigrants. Without naming her, Modi took a jibe at Chief Minister Mamata Banerjees petition against the ongoing special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in her state. Responding to the Motion of Thanks on the Presidents Address in the Rajya Sabha, he said while countries around the world are making efforts to expel illegal immigrants, there are those who defend them in court. You appear in court in defence of illegal immigrants, who are taking away the rights and jobs of your own people," Modi said. He said the Congress, TMC, and Left parties have been in power for years, but they only filled their own coffers and did not work for the people. On Wednesday (February 4), Banerjee became the first serving chief minister to argue in the Supreme Court as she sought an intervention in the SIR exercise, alleging that West Bengal was being targeted" and its people were being bulldozed". The court took note of her petition and said genuine persons must remain on electoral rolls. The court has issued notices and sought replies to the petition by February 9 from the Election Commission of India (ECI) and the chief electoral officer (CEO) of West Bengal. She has challenged the SIR in the state and sought a direction to the poll panel to accept Aadhaar cards as proof of identity especially in cases of logical discrepancy without insisting on any other documents". The BJP, however, downplayed her court appearance and called it a flop drama", alleging that she delivered a political speech in the court. It said she was making so much hue and cry" over the SIR because she knows her days in power are numbered. It was all drama. After the court allowed her to speak on her request for five minutes, she delivered a completely political speech there. Mamata Banerjees dramas are meant to grab public attention through cameras. Today, the people of Delhi also got an opportunity to see that. But the Mamata Banerjee show completely flopped," said Union minister Sukanta Majumdar while addressing a press conference at the BJP headquarters. (With agency inputs) News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: February 05, 2026, 18:06 IST News politics 'You Appear In Court To Defend Illegals': PM Modi On Mamata Banerjee's SIR Plea Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'Planned By Mohabbat Ki Dukaan': PM Modi's Two-In-One Swipe At 'Kabr Khudegi', Rahul Gandhi Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 05, 2026, 20:17 IST Referring to 'kabr khudegi', PM Narendra Modi said it is not merely a slogan but shows deep hatred towards him PM Narendra Modi replies to the Motion of Thanks to the President's address in the Rajya Sabha during the Budget session of Parliament, in New Delhi on February 5, 2026. (Image: Sansad TV/PTI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday turned around Congress leader Rahul Gandhis Mohabbat ki dukaan and used it against him, combining it with another slogan: Modi teri kabr khudegi (Modi, your grave will be dug up). Speaking in the Rajya Sabha during the Motion of Thanks to the Presidents Address, Modi said those talking of mohabbat ki dukaan (the shop of love) are raising slogans like Modi teri kabr khudegi. He said this is not merely a slogan but shows deep hatred towards him because the Congress is still unable to fathom how he became the Prime Minister. Congress thinks the Prime Ministers post only belongs to the shahi parivar (royal family, referring to the Nehru-Gandhi family). They (the opposition) are still wrapping their heads around how Modi became PM," Modi said, adding, you may raise any number of slogans, but you will never be able to dig my grave (tum kabr nahin khod paoge)." Taking on the Congress, Modi said slogans like kabr khudegi highlight their frustration of electoral defeats. He said they will never succeed in digging his grave as he enjoys the blessings of crores of mothers and sisters and the poor of the country, for whom he is working selflessly. He said the Congress treated Indian citizens as problems while we treat them as our strength and solution to challenges". In an apparent reference to Gandhi, he said the Congress never promoted startup culture as they are unable to lift their own startup. The country gave opportunity to the Congresss first family for decades, but they only misled people with slogans like garibi hatao," he added. In his nearly 100-minute speech, the Prime Minister countered the opposition parties criticism about his governments track record of implementing schemes and talking about Viksit Bharat. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: February 05, 2026, 19:53 IST News politics 'Planned By Mohabbat Ki Dukaan': PM Modi's Two-In-One Swipe At 'Kabr Khudegi', Rahul Gandhi Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Why Mamata Banerjee's Day In The Supreme Court Has Sparked A Debate Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Apoorva Misra Last Updated: February 05, 2026, 15:08 IST From the West Bengal assembly to Parliament, from street protests to dharnas, one constant has followed Banerjee across decades---her confidence bordering on disregard for protocol Rapid Read West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee with her nephew and TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee in New Delhi | Image: PTI Mamata Banerjees Wednesday appearance in the Supreme Court for a voter roll revision hearing has sparked a debate. Some called it a historic" move, stressing that it was the first time that a sitting chief minister had argued her case in the top court. But the Supreme Court, in its order, did not mention the chief ministers presence or the argument put forward by Banerjee; instead it mentioned about the brief argument by her advocate. We have briefly heard Shri Shyam Divan and Shri Gopal Sankaranarayanan, learned senior counsel of the petitioner" stated the court before going on with its direction. Political and legal experts and analysts have varied views on her appearance. Talking to News 18, Kanchan Gupta, senior advisor, ministry of information and broadcasting, said: The Supreme Court has not even recorded her presence. Ten years from now, no one will remember she was there. It was pure theatrics. The court initially tried to dissuade her, but she kept interrupting the Chief Justice of India. What played out in the Supreme Court was not advocacy, it was just tamasha." Her car with the security detail entered the Supreme Court premises in the morning, she walked the corridors, almost being surrounded by the security and her advocates. After waiting for around three hours in court number 1 of the SC for her case to come for hearing, she held everyones attention in the CJIs court. What Didi has done in the Supreme Court is plain for all to see. Once again, she has taken up the cause of her electorate, fearlessly taking on the system, and making history in the process," said Saugata Roy, senior MP of Trinamool Congress. Playing to the Gallery? From the West Bengal assembly to Parliament, from street protests to dharnas, one constant has followed Banerjee across decadesher confidence bordering on disregard for protocol. The courtroom was no exception. She did not arrive to be represented. She arrived to speak. Even as her band of lawyers stood ready, Banerjee repeatedly took control of the argument. When urged, gently, repeatedly even by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, to allow her advocate to make submissions, she barely paused. At one point, even the CJI intervened, asking her to let her counsel speak. The request slowed her momentarily. It did not stop her. However, her decision to be present in the court and outshout everyone, including the CJIs bench, was something that nudged people and carries political significance. She went to court because she sensed something was wrong about the SIR procedure. Something was amiss. That was a decision which she took and she made it possible. Politicians will always have their political rhetoric. But Mamata Banerjee is a champion of rhetoric. Even though she is a politician of long standing, she is also a trained lawyer who has appeared in a few cases before," said Prof Saikat Sinha Roy, a senior political analyst. In the court, Banerjee was at her confrontational best. She called the Election Commission a WhatsApp Commission, and accused it of acting under political instructions. At one point, while referring to deaths of some BLOs, allegedly linked to election-related work-pressure, she said suicide, then she alleged, they were murdered and then quickly corrected herself to died at her advocates prompt. Senior Advocate Rakesh Dwivedi, for the ECI, on Wednesday said that ECI had to appoint micro observers since the state government did not spare sufficient Group B officers for SIR work despite multiple reminders. He asserted that micro observers are validly appointed as per the RP Act, and they had to be appointed due to the non-cooperation by the State, live law reported. As a sitting chief minister, this is unprecedented. Yes, politics is ingrained in such arguments, but the real test is how reasonable they are and whether they stand on merit and evidence. Leaders like P. Chidambaram, Ashok Sen, and Siddhartha Shankar Ray have fought legal battles before, but a sitting chief minister personally arguing her case is rare. Now, the court will have to closely examine the substance of her arguments," added Roy, who is a senior professor of Economics, Jadavpur University. Debate Ensues None of her arguments, however, went into SCs record. Citing the courts directions, Mahesh Jethmalani, senior advocate of the Supreme Court posted on X, As I walk into Supreme Court today, a word on Mamata Banerjees grandstanding debut in the apex court yesterday. She came, she squeaked, she fizzled. By the way, she did not even get a mention in the order. What a circus." Jai Anant Dehadrai, another SC advocate, mentioned some of the irregularities citing the rules. First, appearance as a party-in-person is not a matter of choice or spectacle. Under Order IV of the Supreme Court Rules a litigant can argue in person only after filing a formal application, undergoing scrutiny by the Registrar, and satisfying the Court that she is unable to engage an Advocate failing which the Court may even appoint counsel or amicus. It is a regulated exception, not a political privilege. The rule certainly doesnt envisage a petitioner-in-person supplementing their engaged counsel," he stated. Second, her vehicle being permitted entry into the Supreme Court precincts raises a basic question of equality before procedure. The court functions on uniform access norms and there is no rule that allows special logistical indulgence for political personalities. One cannot posture as a champion of the common citizen while simultaneously bending institutional rules for personal optics. The Supreme Court is not a stage for political theatre," he further added. Amit Malviya, BJPs IT department and Bengals co-in charge, called Banerjees act political theatrics. The Supreme Court has refused to take the West Bengal Chief Ministers submissions on record. Her political theatrics have been dismissed with the contempt they deserve. This should have embarrassed her beyond measure but nothing seems to shame Mamata Banerjee. She has been rebuffed in the court of law. Next, she will face the verdict of the peoples court," he said. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: February 05, 2026, 15:08 IST News politics Why Mamata Banerjee's Day In The Supreme Court Has Sparked A Debate Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'You Will Be Reduced To Zero': Mamata Banerjee Vs BJP's Suvendu Adhikari In Bengal Assembly Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 05, 2026, 14:38 IST The Chief Minister also questioned BJP leaders over their repeated allegations of Rohingya presence in Bengal, pointing out that draft electoral rolls have already been published. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee alleged that the Centre has yet to release Rs 2 lakh crore in dues owed to West Bengal. (Photo: PTI file) West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday launched a strong attack on the BJP, asserting that the party would be reduced to zero" in the upcoming state Assembly elections. Speaking in the state Assembly, Banerjee alleged that the Centre has yet to release Rs 2 lakh crore in dues owed to West Bengal. You all were zero, and you will be zero. Bengal will be a hero. Use all agencies, but the people of Bengal will reject you," she said. The Chief Minister also claimed that the BJP-led central government has not provided even one paisa" for the Gangasagar Mela a major annual Hindu pilgrimage held at the confluence of the Ganges and the Bay of Bengal on Sagar Island, usually around Makar Sankranti. Responding to the BJPs criticism over alleged delays in providing land for border fencing, Banerjee said, Whom have we not given land to? You want to occupy Bengal. Complete the work on the land already given. There will be no problem with land. We give land to Coal and the Army. You have installed Pegasus so that nobody can speak freely." The Chief Minister also questioned BJP leaders over their repeated allegations of Rohingya presence in Bengal, pointing out that draft electoral rolls have already been published. Have you found any Rohingya?" she asked. She further criticised the BJP for remaining silent on alleged attacks against migrant labourers from West Bengal in other states. Migrant labourers are tortured outside what do you do then? Why didnt you protest at that time? You only think about infiltrators, nothing else. Those who have just turned 18 will they not become voters? Why is Bengal being targeted?" Banerjee said. Banerjee also said the Governor himself had acknowledged Bengals achievements. The Governor has said that Bengal stands number one. As far as I know, he had a flight around 1:15 pm, which is why he could not complete the entire speech," she said. Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari interjected, claiming the Governor had cut short his address for another reason. The Governors speech was 45 minutes, but he stopped reading after around four-and-a-half minutes because, in the Ghatal Master Plan paragraph, the Central government had been criticised," Adhikari said. Earlier today, the West Bengal government moved a resolution in the assembly over alleged hardships being faced by people due to the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Moving the resolution under Rule 169, State Parliamentary Affairs Minister Shovandeb Chattopadhyay claimed that the SIR process led to harassment of voters and the death of 107 people due to anxiety over the exercise. Criticising the Election Commission, he asserted it had turned into a commission of harassment" ahead of the assembly polls in the state. Speaker Biman Banerjee, however, rejected the proposal, contending that since the matter was pending before the apex court, the assembly could not deliberate on it. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Kolkata [Calcutta], India, India First Published: February 05, 2026, 14:37 IST News politics 'You Will Be Reduced To Zero': Mamata Banerjee Vs BJP's Suvendu Adhikari In Bengal Assembly Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Photo: https://t.me/Ukraine_MFA The termination of the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty between Russia and the United States (SAR-III Treaty) is a direct consequence of Russias deliberate destruction of the global security architecture and a manipulation to undermine support for Ukraine, Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha believes. "Putin wants all rules to be selective or questionable, and new rules to be established solely with his consent. And this is exactly what he cannot be allowed to do. Moscow violated the treaty and withdrew from it in 2023. Putin is now using this as another tool of nuclear blackmail to undermine international support for Ukraine. No one should succumb to this manipulation. The Russian economy is entering a recession due to Putins refusal to end the war against Ukraine. Putin does not have the funds for a new strategic arms race," Sybiha wrote on the social network X. He stressed that Moscow "can and must be contained." "The United States and its European allies successfully contained the USSR in the 1970s and 1980s, and they can certainly contain Russia, which cannot match the Soviet Union. Ukraine, as the country that has made the greatest contribution to non-proliferation and global denuclearization, has the right to call on transatlantic unity to remain strong and principled, despite Russias gambling and bluffing," the minister stressed. He added that the expiration of the new INF Treaty should also mark the end of nuclear blackmail by Russia. Anthropic Mocks ChatGPT Ads: Heres What OpenAIs Sam Altman Has Said Curated By : Last Updated: February 05, 2026, 11:38 IST OpenAI is bringing ads to ChatGPT which has become a serious concern for people and even others in the industry. Anthropic has come out with ads that mock OpenAI and its plans to bring ads to ChatGPT OpenAI is bringing ads to ChatGPT which has got many people worried about the future of AI chatbots and their supposed privacy on these platforms. And one of its rivals in the AI arena, Anthropic has released a few ads that depict a future where people talking to these chatbots are randomly interrupted with product placements or ads. This has understandably got OpenAI chief Sam Altman talking, and sharing his views about the ads and also using the platform or the timing to defend its own cause and reasons to bring ads to its AI chatbot in the near future. We Are Not Stupid": Altman Responds To Anthropic Ads Altman, in a detailed post on X, claims he found the Anthropic ads funny and he laughed. But then he questions the idea behind its rival with these ads, which he suggests are dishonest." First, the good part of the Anthropic ads: they are funny, and I laughed.But I wonder why Anthropic would go for something so clearly dishonest. Our most important principle for ads says that we wont do exactly this; we would obviously never run ads in the way Anthropic Sam Altman (@sama) February 4, 2026 Many fear that OpenAI could open a can of worms that could change the AI paradigm and give us a future where browsing the web and using AI tools will not be very different. We see ads on Google, and most websites that you open. AI chatbots are still new but ChatGPT getting ads will unlock a market that will entertain more players. But Altman assures people that his company will never run ads the way Anthropic has depicted with its latest series of ads. Our most important principle for ads says that we wont do exactly this; we would obviously never run ads in the way Anthropic depicts them. We are not stupid and we know our users would reject that," he adds in the post. The Classic Rich Vs Free Debate Besides the obvious deflection about the ads, Altman defended his company by claiming Anthropic serves the rich crowd while it strives to deliver free access to AI tools for everyone. More Texans use ChatGPT for free than total people use Claude in the US, so we have a differently-shaped problem than they do," he mentioned. This is not the first time we are seeing comparisons being made about access. Android and Apple have been put in the same pedestal for years, where the former is credited for democratising smartphone access while the latter serving the needs of those in the premium tier. Anthropic serves an expensive product to rich people. We are glad they do that and we are doing that too, but we also feel strongly that we need to bring AI to billions of people who cant pay for subscriptions." However, that access is possible because Google dishes out ads (what OpenAI will be doing for its free ChatGPT version). Altman will obviously defend the intentions and decisions made by his company but to preach about serving billions when your brand has been built with the help of billions from investors across the board doesnt sit right with many who have replied back to his post with similar views. In fact, Googles AI chief Demis Hassabis was asked whether the company plans to bring ads to the AI model. Hassabis, speaking in Davos at the World Economic Forum recently, confirmed that the company is not planning to bring ads in the AI chatbot anytime soon. There are no plans to put ads inside Gemini." There are many ways to look at increasing the revenue streams for these companies but OpenAI clearly has less wriggle room in this regard since it is an AI-centric company without any other product or services available to monetise. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : California, USA First Published: February 05, 2026, 11:38 IST News tech Anthropic Mocks ChatGPT Ads: Heres What OpenAIs Sam Altman Has Said Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Elon Musks Grokipedia AI Being Sourced By Other AI Chatbots For Information: Heres What It Means Curated By : Last Updated: February 04, 2026, 16:32 IST Grok AI as given birth to Grokipedia which Elon Musk says is more accurate, unbiased and useful than Wikipedia. Elon Musk's Grokipedia, an AI-driven encyclopedia, has taken on its rival Wikipedia. Elon Musk and his xAI company are once again making the headlines for worrying reasons. The startup has developed Grokipedia (AI version of Wikipedia) which is based on the Grok AI model. We have come to a point where people heavily rely on AI tools for information but now we have a situation where one AI is quoting another AI which may or may not have the right and accurate content. ChatGPT and other popular AI models are quoting Grokipedia content to the users and researchers are not comfortable with how this could turn out in the end. Grok has not covered itself in glory since its release in the market, including the controversial nudify version of real photos that got the AI model banned in a few countries. Grokipedia is cut from the same AI cloth and having the information delivered in the open to the public raises misinformation concerns. Grokipedia Content On AI: What The Data Says The report from a firm called Ahrefs recently claims Grokipedia has been quoted in over 263,000 responses on ChatGPT where the xAI model was the source of the information gathered. In comparison, Wikipedia was cited 2.9 million times in responses which shows the gulf between the two pedias but also tells you how quickly Grok has climbed up the AI model ladder. The other worrying part is that ChatGPT seems to be relying on Grokipedia for its responses. And going by the track record of Musks AI platform, that will not be comforting to millions. It is not like Grokipedia is not showing up on other AI models like Googles AI overviews but ChatGPT seems to be offering its responses more prominents, as mentioned by multiple research data. It is easy to say that Grokipedia competes with Wikipedia but the latter has human moderators while the former relies on content edited and generated by the xAI Grok model. And unlike regular content platforms, AI models can be trained based on the needs and tricked into serving harmful or inaccurate information that can eventually become a problem when acted upon by people. Most AI models serving the audience come with a disclaimer which says they can make mistakes, so there is no harm in taking Grokipedia in the same light and look to minimise its impact or usage for vital information. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : California, USA First Published: February 04, 2026, 16:32 IST News tech Elon Musks Grokipedia AI Being Sourced By Other AI Chatbots For Information: Heres What It Means Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Google Pixel 10a Launch Announced With New Teaser: Expected Price And Specs Reported By : Last Updated: February 05, 2026, 09:47 IST Google Pixel 10a launch is officially confirmed with a new teaser video that shows the design, and some AI features. Google Pixel 10a launch is confirmed and we also know what it looks like. Google Pixel 10a design, launch date and other details have been revealed by the company spoiling the fun for leaksters. To be fair, reliable tipster Evan Blass aka Evleaks does get the credit for leaking the Pixel 10a design and other features. But Google decided to take matters into its own hands and not only share the official Pixel 10a teasers, you also have the launch date and other important features for the new mid-range Pixel device in the market. We have heard rumours about the Pixel 10a launching earlier than its usual schedule this year and Google has confirmed those details with its all-revealing teaser video. Google Pixel 10a Launch, Specs And More Teased Google Pixel 10a launch is confirmed and the pre-orders start from February 18 which suggests the phone should be available on shelves by the end of the month. The first you notice with the Pixel 10a teaser video is the lack of camera bump at the back, which is not very common for phones launching in 2026. You immediately see the classic Pixel design signature which looks to continue what we saw with the Pixel 10 series launched in August last year. The flat edges are in trend and Google is happy to keep that going, and the blue-ish tinge on the Pixel 10a model suggests the company is now really mixing it up with the colour ways. The new device doesnt look very different from the Pixel 9a version but that is also because of the design language getting minor tweaks from Google rather than a complete overhaul. We do expect the Pixel 10a to be powered by the Tenor G4 or G5 chipset with 8GB RAM to keep Gemini and other AI features running on tap. The Android 16 stock version should be available out of the box with its class-leading 7 OS and security update promise. We hope Google does make some improvements to the camera sensors for better overall performance. And also pack a battery which is bigger than the one we got with the Pixel 9a. But more importantly, the Pixel 10a launch price should not be very different from the Pixel 9a range, which means, people in India will probably have to spend upwards of Rs 55,000 on the new model this year as well. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: February 05, 2026, 09:47 IST News tech Google Pixel 10a Launch Announced With New Teaser: Expected Price And Specs Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... How Scammers Are Hijacking Your Phone Network And Changing 5G To 2G Curated By : Translation Desk Last Updated: February 05, 2026, 20:23 IST Cybercriminals use portable devices to mimic a mobile tower and temporarily disrupt the real signal, forcing nearby phones to connect to their network Rapid Read A government report indicates that telecom-related fraud cases increased by nearly 300% between 2024 and 2025. (AI-Image) If your phone is suddenly flooded with urgent messages about power cuts, KYC updates, expiring reward points, part-time jobs, or courier parcels stuck" and needing immediate action, authorities say it may not be a coincidence. Cyber experts warn that such messages could be coming from fraudsters operating close to you, using a device known as an SMS blaster or IMSI catcher to trap unsuspecting users. An SMS blaster essentially works like a fake mobile tower. Mobile phones normally connect to the nearest legitimate tower for network access. However, cybercriminals can use these portable devices to mimic a tower, temporarily disrupt the real signal, and force nearby phones to connect to their network within a radius of roughly 500 metres. Once this happens, victims begin receiving a flood of fraudulent SMS messages. The device works by pushing phones to switch from secure 4G or 5G networks to the older 2G network. Security on 2G is much weaker, making it easier for attackers to manipulate sender information. Instead of displaying a phone number, messages may appear to come from names such as HDFC-BANK", SBI-SEC" or INCOME-TAX", which makes them look legitimate and increases the chances of people trusting them. These messages often carry urgent warnings or tempting offers. Common examples include claims that bank KYC is incomplete and accounts will be blocked, alerts that reward points worth thousands of rupees are about to expire, threats of electricity disconnection due to unpaid bills, courier notifications asking users to update addresses, or promises of part-time jobs offering daily income. Clicking on the links in such messages can expose banking details, allow access to personal data, and even interfere with OTP-based verification, making fraud easier. Investigations in recent months suggest that such scams are spreading rapidly. In December 2025, the CBI conducted simultaneous raids in Delhi, Noida and Chandigarh, dismantling a large network allegedly sending fraudulent messages to lakhs of people daily. Officials recovered hundreds of USB hubs, servers and thousands of fake SIM cards. The involvement of insiders linked to telecom systems is also under suspicion. In January 2026, Cyberabad police in Hyderabad busted a foreign-linked gang and arrested 25 people accused of cheating victims of over Rs 5 crore through fake trading apps and bank alerts. According to police, the accused carried SMS blaster devices to crowded places and sent bulk messages under sender names resembling bank alerts. Investigators said the group had connections to countries such as Cambodia and China. A Home Ministry report indicates that telecom-related fraud cases increased by nearly 300% between 2024 and 2025. Government data compiled by the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) shows cyber fraud complaints surged in 2025. During the year, citizens reportedly lost more than Rs 30,000 crore, with over 40 lakh complaints registered. Authorities have blocked more than 15 lakh suspicious SIM cards and over 5,00,000 mobile phone numbers (IMEIs), but criminals continue to evolve new methods. Officials estimate that currently only about 10-12% of the money lost in such scams is recovered. Experts advise simple precautions to stay safe. Users should disable 2G connectivity in their phone settings under SIM or network options, as scammers often exploit 2G to gain access. Any message claiming to be from a bank or service provider and containing a link should be treated with suspicion, and people should instead use official apps or websites. Sudden disappearance of 4G or 5G signals, with the phone showing only 2G, can also be a warning sign. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: February 05, 2026, 20:21 IST News tech How Scammers Are Hijacking Your Phone Network And Changing 5G To 2G Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Microsoft Edge Users Get New Vulnerability Warning From Indian Govt Curated By : Last Updated: February 05, 2026, 09:24 IST Microsoft Edge security warnings are getting alarmingly regular and the new alert concerns millions of PC users. The new security alert comes for the Chromium based browser Microsoft Edge is once again facing a major security issue and the Indian government has done its bit by alerting users about the risks linked to the latest problem. The security agency, Indian Computer Emergency Response Team or CERT-In, in its February 3, 2026 bulletin, claims that the web browser from Microsoft has a remote code security vulnerability that could allow an attacker to bypass the security of your device and give them access to the data stored on it. The security agency has given it a high severity rating which is never to be taken lightly and the broader range of details hint at serious danger for millions of users. Microsoft Edge Security Issue Alert The CERT-In bulletin gives the details for the latest risk and how it affects the targeted users. Remote Code Execution vulnerability exists in Microsoft Edge due to race condition error in V8. A remote attacker could exploit this vulnerability by persuading a victim to visit a specially crafted web page." As you would know, Edge is based on Googles Chromium engine which is also the base for Chrome browser but the new issues are heavily linked to the architecture of the browser and not solely an issue for Microsoft. The company has done its bit by sharing the information about the vulnerabilities and alerting everyone using the Edge browser on their devices. Microsoft Edge Security Risk Concerns The agency claims issues at this scale put everyone using the Edge browser at risk, which can be individual users or even the businesses relying on the platform for their work. The Edge version affected by these risks is: Microsoft Edge versions prior to 144.0.3719.92 If your system is running Edge on the versions before the one given here, it is vital that you get the latest patch updating right away. There are other platforms facing security risks regularly which is why it is important that people are careful about what they use and where they install the apps from for their system. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: February 05, 2026, 09:24 IST News tech Microsoft Edge Users Get New Vulnerability Warning From Indian Govt Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Woman Forgets To Turn Off Tap After Bath, Overnight Leak Turns Building Into Winter Wonderland: Dad Scolded Me Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: February 05, 2026, 15:53 IST Wang explained that she had taken a shower the previous night but forgot to turn off the tap connected to her homes solar water heater. The incident took place in Lanzhou, the capital of Gansu province. (Representative Image) A simple oversight inside a home in northwestern China snowballed into an unexpected problem for an entire neighbourhood after water leaked for hours and froze into thick ice outside. According to a report in the South China Morning Post (SCMP), the incident took place in Lanzhou, the capital of Gansu province, where freezing winter temperatures turned a residential lane into what residents later described as an outdoor skating rink. China Woman Forgets To Turn Off Tap The woman involved, identified only as Wang, later shared a video on Chinese social media platform Douyin on January 16, where she apologised to her neighbours. In the clip, Wang explained that she had taken a shower the previous night but forgot to turn off the tap connected to her homes solar water heater. The water was flowing out of the tank for nine hours. The skating rink in our community you saw this morning was made by me. I am sorry. I made this mistake," Wang said as quoted in SCMP. The water heaters tank, installed on the roof of the building, continued to fill and overflow after the tap was left open. Water spilt from the tank, ran down the buildings exterior walls and gradually spread across the road below. Minus Temperatures Turn Leak Into Ice Sheet Mid-January temperatures in Lanzhou had dropped to around minus eight degrees Celsius, causing the leaked water to freeze overnight. The icy road was first spotted early in the morning by Wangs father who routinely wakes up early to exercise. At about 6 AM, my father found the road was covered with ice, with the water still flowing onto the road. At first, he thought the water came from someone elses home. Not long later, he discovered it was from our home," Wang said. Realising what had happened, Wangs father immediately called her and the two began clearing the ice together. Wangs mother rushed to nearby grocery shops and bought all available salt to help melt the frozen surface. The salt was sold out because of us. So, if you could not buy salt this morning, I would like to say sorry to you," Wang said in her video. How Did Internet React While Wang admitted she was severely scolded by her father, who felt embarrassed by the situation, social media reactions were largely forgiving. She confessed her mistake and her family dealt with the aftermath on time. I think the community residents should forgive her," one user wrote. Another joked, She has saved a salt field." Property management staff later joined the family to help remove the ice from the road. Fortunately, no injuries were reported despite the hazardous conditions. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: February 05, 2026, 15:53 IST News viral Woman Forgets To Turn Off Tap After Bath, Overnight Leak Turns Building Into Winter Wonderland: Dad Scolded Me Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Company Fires Stand-Up Comedian For Mocking Office Culture In His Show: Khudhi Fielding Khud Hi Set Karli Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: February 05, 2026, 18:19 IST A comedian claimed he was fired from his corporate job after mocking the manager and the HR in one of his shows. The video showed hysterical scenes from the reel.(Photo Credit: X) A funny video posted about his company and the manager landed an employee in trouble as he got fired upon claiming he is a corporate bahu". In a hysterical clip, stand-up comedian Ajay Sharma Chinta claimed he was released from the team after funnily accusing the company and the manager of making him do extensive work like a bride in an Indian household. My company fired me. I had made a reel with the name of corporate bahu (bride) and the reel went viral, and they fired me. If you also make reels online, dont do it. They take it very seriously and release you from the company. Be careful what you say online," said the comedian in the video. They Didnt Hire Me, Brought Home Upon Marrying Later in the video, the comedian revealed, All that I said about the company was that my company thinks they didnt hire me but brought me home on a marriage. They dont consider me an employee but think of me as a daughter-in-law." Speaking about his manager in the edited footage containing bits of the comedians stand-up act in front of an audience, he said, My manager is not my manager but like a mother-in-law. Now even I have begun to consider myself a daughter-in-law. She notes everything about me. When I come to the office, when I leave. What do I eat? How many times do I take a toilet break?" The man later said the HR of this company Stage OTT wouldve saved him if he hadnt quipped, My manager wouldnt openly say anything to me, but complain about me to her son, our HR. The HR then comes to me and says, Why are you troubling the mother?'" The mans sarcasm and raw humour about his company caused great hysteria within the audience. He also commented in the video after mustering courage, Dosto yeh bilkul such hai and company ka naam STAGE OTT @haryanvi.stage hai and Mere Manager Mr. Pravesh hai. Public ke itne support ko dekhte hue inka naam Daal raha hu. I hope aage se koi company apne employee ke sath Esa na kare." He Has A Better Career In Stand-Up Upon learning of the mans office struggles and seeing his impact on his audience doing comedy, people funnily suggested it was his good fortune getting axed, as he has a stronger chance of succeeding in comedy. I think he has a better and more successful career in stand-up. This is genuine humour look how it connects with the audience!" commented a person. Someone else agreed, Why do comedians like him need a job?" Corporate says bring your authentic self to work until your authentic self gets better engagement than the brand page," quipped a person. One maintained the humour saying, Khudki fielding khud hi set krli bhai ne." The video appeared to be a self-promotional act by this stand-up comedian, who had earlier posted the reel he was referring to. It featured the funny bits of the mans laughable jokes and audience reaction. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: February 05, 2026, 18:19 IST News viral Company Fires Stand-Up Comedian For Mocking Office Culture In His Show: Khudhi Fielding Khud Hi Set Karli Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 80-Year-Old Madhya Pradesh Dadi Abandoned By Grandson At Bus Stand: Aur Inka Beta Teacher Hai Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: February 05, 2026, 14:09 IST The incident followed a minor disagreement between the elderly woman and her daughter-in-law. Her grandson abandoned her at the Mandsaur bus stand. (Photo Credit: X/@WokePandemic) An elderly woman sitting alone at a busy bus stand in Madhya Pradeshs Mandsaur has sparked widespread outrage after a video of her distress caught widespread attention on social media. The clip shows the 80-year-old grandmother crying and seeking help from passersby. It is being claimed that she had been left there by her own family. As the video circulated online, details emerged that suggested the woman was allegedly abandoned by her grandson following a family dispute. Grandson Abandons Grandmother At Bus Stand In Madhya Pradesh According to a report in DNP India, the incident followed a minor disagreement between the elderly woman and her daughter-in-law. After the argument, the daughter-in-law allegedly asked her husband to remove his mother from the house. The man, unable or unwilling to confront his wife, is said to have delegated the task to his son, the elderly womans grandson. The grandson allegedly left the grandmother at the Mandsaur bus stand. In the viral video, the woman appears visibly shaken and continues to cry. A man recording the video can be heard explaining the situation. He says, Ye ek teacher ki maa hai. Suresh Sharma naam hai aur unki jo wife unhone mata ji ke sath galat vyavar kiya. Aur ye ab apni beti ke pas ja rahi hai (She is a teachers mother. His name is Suresh Sharma and his wife behaved badly with this elderly woman. She is now going to her daughters place)." He further adds, Halat dekhiye. Teacher hote hue bhi ma ka palan poshan nahi kar pa rahe log. Bahut hi ro rahi hai ma (Look at her condition. Even after being a teacher, people are unable to take care of their mother. She is crying a lot)." Watch The Clip Here Elderly Mother aged 80 Abandoned at Bus Stand in Mandsaur by son after pressure from his wifeThe idea of family losing its meaning?Are aging parents become inconvenient liabilities in their own homes? This incident is not an isolated case. It reflects a growing moral crisis pic.twitter.com/Cjsemah4AE Woke Eminent (@WokePandemic) February 4, 2026 How Social Media Responded The video triggered reactions from social media users, many of whom expressed anger and disbelief at the abandonment. One user wrote, Heartbreaking and shameful. Parents spend their whole lives caring for us, and in old age they deserve dignity, not abandonment. If a society treats its elders as a burden, something is deeply wrong." Another commented, Disgusting and heartbreaking for the mother, the child she poured her life into and breathed her life into, abandoning her heartlessly like this to fend for herself, when she even doesnt realise she has been cast off." Others focused on the larger issue of declining values. This is disappointing. When an 80 year old mother is left at a bus stand by her own son, it shows how badly values are fading. Aging parents are not burdens, they are the reason families exist," someone else wrote. This is heartbreaking. Just so unsettling how a mother who sacrifices everything for her children can be abandoned. Abandoned. Hard to process," a person added. This is cruel beyond words. A socially viable alternative has to be created for the aged, especially the ones abandoned by their children and left to fend for themselves," read another comment. Police Step In According to DNP India, authorities took cognisance of the matter. The Mandsaur police have initiated an investigation under the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007, which mandates care and protection for elderly parents. It should be noted that News18 could not independently verify the authenticity of the video. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: February 05, 2026, 13:49 IST News viral 80-Year-Old Madhya Pradesh Dadi Abandoned By Grandson At Bus Stand: Aur Inka Beta Teacher Hai Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Mumbai, Chennai's Lifeline Is Local Train: How City Layout Decides Mode Of Public Transport Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: February 05, 2026, 07:00 IST The video explains why Mumbai and Chennai relied on suburban local trains while cities like Delhi, Bengaluru and Hyderabad turned to metros. It links transport choices to history and how cities grew.(Photo Credit: Instagram) Public transport has always shaped how Indian cities grow and move. While some cities rely heavily on suburban local trains, others have built modern metro networks to handle rising crowds. A video breaking down this difference has caught attention, as it explains why Mumbai and Chennai developed strong local train systems while cities like Delhi, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad turned to metros. The discussion has sparked debates online about which system works better for Indias rapidly growing urban population. Why Mumbai and Chennai Relied On Local Trains The clip opens with the narrator explaining why suburban railways became the backbone of cities like Mumbai and Chennai. He says these cities were built by the British and grew in a straight line along the coast, making local trains the most practical option. Mumbais first railway line, laid in 1853 between Bori Bunder and Thane, set the foundation for its massive suburban network. Since the city stretches between the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea, a single railway line could connect most areas efficiently. The narrator then compares this with Chennai, another coastal city developed as a major British port. Like Mumbai, it grew in a linear pattern along the Bay of Bengal, which made suburban trains a natural fit for daily travel. He explains that these historical and geographical factors played a key role in why local trains became so dominant in these two cities. Why Other Cities Chose Metros The video then shifts focus to cities like Delhi, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad. Unlike Mumbai and Chennai, these cities expanded in all directions rather than in a straight line. Because of this, buses were the main mode of transport for many years. However, growing traffic and population led to the need for a faster and more organized system. The narrator points out that Delhi began building its metro from 2000 onwards, and over time, it became more popular than the DTC bus service. He adds that Bengaluru and Hyderabad are also rapidly expanding their metro networks to improve connectivity and reduce road congestion. The video highlights how metros have become a game-changer" in these cities, offering cleaner, faster, and more reliable travel. Are Metros Replacing Locals? Towards the end, the narrator notes that even Mumbai and Chennai are now building metro lines to ease the pressure on overcrowded local trains. He raises a question to viewers, asking whether metros will eventually surpass suburban trains in these cities. The on-screen caption reinforces this idea, stating, Mumbai-Chennai have been carried by Suburban Locals for decades, while Metro became a gamechanger in Delhi, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad." Watch the clip here: As the clip circulated online, many people shared their opinions. A user said metros are changing commuting in Mumbai but are still not reducing the load on local trains, adding that Indias population needs control. Another simply remarked, No sir, Local cheap hota." Some viewers appreciated the video for being informative, while others pointed out that Indias first train actually ran between Roorkee and Kaliyar in 1851. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: February 05, 2026, 07:00 IST News viral Mumbai, Chennai's Lifeline Is Local Train: How City Layout Decides Mode Of Public Transport Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Woman Quits Job After Manager Tells Her To Increase Pain Tolerance For Menstrual Leave Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 05, 2026, 18:29 IST A woman resigned after her manager dismissed her severe menstrual pain, sparking criticism on Reddit and renewed debate on workplace empathy and menstrual health protections. A woman resigned after her manager dismissed her severe menstrual pain, sparking criticism on Reddit and renewed debate on workplace empathy and menstrual health protections. (Image: X) A woman has resigned from her job after her manager allegedly asked her to increase her pain tolerance" when she took sick leave for severe menstrual cramps. The incident, shared on Reddits r/IndianWorkplace forum, has sparked widespread criticism over workplace insensitivity and toxic management practices. According to the post, the employee had taken one sick leave per month for three consecutive months due to intense menstrual pain and dizziness. Despite clearly stating medical reasons in her emails, the manager reportedly summoned her to his office and dismissed her condition, saying, Even my wife gets periods, but she works." When the woman explained that pain tolerance differs from person to person and that her symptoms were debilitating, the manager allegedly responded by telling her to simply increase" her pain tolerance. I mean, are you f***ing kidding me?" she wrote, recounting the exchange. The post quickly went viral, prompting strong reactions from users who called the remarks extremely unprofessional" and pointed out that menstrual pain can be severe and vary widely among individuals. Several users said comparing an employees medical condition with that of someone else was inappropriate, while others suggested filing a complaint under workplace harassment norms, including PoSH provisions. In a follow-up update, the woman said she resigned soon after the incident. She also alleged that the manager who works at his fathers company intended to deduct the cost of a work-related course from her final settlement. The episode has reignited conversations online about menstrual health, workplace empathy and the need for stronger protections for employees dealing with medical issues. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: February 05, 2026, 18:29 IST News viral Woman Quits Job After Manager Tells Her To Increase Pain Tolerance For Menstrual Leave Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Photo: https://www.facebook.com/andrij.sybiha/ NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte had visited the village of Yahidne in the Ivanovo territorial community of Chernihiv district, which was under Russian occupation for almost a month in 2022 and where Russian soldiers held hundreds of civilians in the basement of a local school for 27 days without water, food, and unsanitary conditions. The trip took place on February 4 with the participation of the heads of the Chernihiv regional military administration, Vyacheslav Chaus, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Andriy Sybiha. "We went down to this basement together, where we talked with the people who were there More than 60% of the community was destroyed, 10 out of 17 settlements were under occupation. At the same time, Yahidne today is an example of recovery. Grateful to Latvia for its contribution to reconstruction: modular houses, restoration of housing and communications," Sybiha wrote on Facebook on Thursday. The parties also visited the 105th Border Guard Unit named after Prince Volodymyr the Great, got acquainted with its work, modern technologies for border protection and the use of unmanned systems. "It is extremely important to visit such places - both for us and for diplomats of partner countries. In order to understand this war not from analytical reports, but directly from the military. We received up-to-date information about the situation on the battlefield and the needs of our Defense Forces. Ukraine has unique experience and is ready to share it. Ukraine is scaling up its own defense production, but needs further defense support from the Alliance and member states. These needs were voiced to the NATO Secretary General," the minister said. Rutte also visited one of the critical infrastructure facilities and the SES invincibility point as part of the visit. "The final part of the program was communication with schoolchildren and students in Chernihiv. We talked about European and Euro-Atlantic integration, formats of cooperation with youth, academic exchanges and Ukraines foreign policy, the war, our resilience and the path to a just peace," Sybiha said. Pakistan's Outreach To World Bank Chief Tied To Indus Waters Treaty Calculus. Here's How | Exclusive Reported By : CNN-News18 Edited By: Apoorva Misra Last Updated: February 05, 2026, 14:30 IST The optics of the grand reception---featuring horses, schoolchildren, banners & ceremonial pageantry---stand in stark contrast to the everyday realities faced by Sikhs in Pakistan Rapid Read Ajay Bangas visit to Pakistan was deeply personal. His Sikh family was forced to flee Khushab during the violence of Partition in 1947. (News18) Pakistans unusually warm public welcome to World Bank President Ajay Banga during his recent visit to the country is being viewed by Indian government sources as a calculated diplomatic move aimed squarely at safeguarding Islamabads interests under the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) and securing future financial assistance, rather than a gesture rooted in religious outreach or cultural goodwill. Banga, who serves as the President of the World Bank Group, occupies a critical procedural position in dispute resolution mechanisms linked to the Indus Waters Treaty. Under the treaty framework, the World Bank plays a defined role in appointing neutral experts and facilitating arbitration processes when India and Pakistan disagree on hydroelectric projects and water-sharing interpretations. Top government sources told CNN-News18 that Pakistan sees engagement with Banga as a strategic necessity at a time when water security and economic stability are both under strain. Pakistan understands that technical rulings and procedural decisions can shape decades of water control. Maintaining goodwill with World Bank leadership strengthens Islamabads chances of getting its disputes formally entertained," a senior Indian government source told CNN-News18. Sources added that Pakistans establishment is acutely aware that the Indus river system remains its economic and agricultural lifeline. With multiple Indian hydropower projects under scrutiny, even procedural delays or favourable interpretations can significantly alter outcomes on the ground. The optics of Bangas visit, including ceremonial receptions, banners, schoolchildren and mounted escorts, were widely circulated by Pakistani media. However, Indian officials interpret this display as transactional. This is not about a Sikh being welcomed home. It is about Pakistans desperation for World Bank money and influence over water negotiations," another senior source said. Bangas visit also intersected with Pakistans ongoing economic crisis, where engagement with multilateral lenders remains critical. Government sources say Islamabad hopes that visible warmth toward the World Bank chief could reinforce its credibility as a cooperative stakeholder at a time when loan negotiations and debt restructuring remain urgent. At the same time, sources familiar with Sikh affairs in Pakistan point to a stark contradiction in Islamabads posture. Most Sikh gurdwaras in Pakistan, including historic shrines, are administered by the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB), a state body with negligible Sikh representation and strong influence from Pakistans security establishment. Over the years, Pakistan Armylinked authorities have repeatedly interfered in gurdwara land management, access and security. Sacred Sikh spaces, sources say, are often treated as strategic assets and revenue-generating pilgrimage centres rather than protected religious institutions. The welcome to Ajay Banga should be seen in contrast with the everyday reality faced by Sikh institutions and activists in Pakistan," a source close to Sikh gurdwara committees said. Ajay Bangas family history also underlines this contradiction. His Sikh family was forced to flee Khushab during the violence of Partition in 1947 atrocities against Sikhs that Pakistans establishment has never formally acknowledged. Indian intelligence sources also point to the continued house arrest of Gopal Singh Chawla, a Sikh activist previously used by Pakistani intelligence agencies for Khalistan-related propaganda. Chawla has reportedly been under surveillance and movement restrictions for nearly three years. CNN-News18 had earlier reported that his prolonged house arrest is seen as a deliberate signal to both Sikh communities and foreign observers underscoring that engagement with minorities remains tightly controlled and instrumentalised. Once Chawla outlived his utility, restrictions were imposed in the name of security," a source said. For Indian officials, the contrast is telling: a high-profile embrace of a globally influential Sikh figure on one hand, and tight control over Sikh religious and political expression on the other. As one senior official summed it up: Ajay Bangas visit is personal. Pakistans welcome is transactional driven by water, loans and leverage." News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Islamabad, Pakistan First Published: February 05, 2026, 10:37 IST News world Pakistan's Outreach To World Bank Chief Tied To Indus Waters Treaty Calculus. Here's How | Exclusive Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Bangladesh Polls: Jamaat-e-Islami Pledges Constructive Ties With India In Election Manifesto Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 05, 2026, 10:57 IST Jamaat-e-Islami also promised peaceful relations with other neighbours, including Bhutan, Nepal, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, the Maldives and Thailand. File photo used for representation. (AP) Ahead of the Bangladesh elections, Jamaat-e-Islami has made a reference to India in its election manifesto, outlining its foreign policy approach towards neighbouring countries. The party said it is committed to maintaining constructive and cooperative relations" with India, stressing that such ties would be rooted in mutual respect and fairness. Jamaat-e-Islami also pledged peaceful relations with other neighbours, including Bhutan, Nepal, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, the Maldives and Thailand. Bangladesh is heading into its first national election since the ouster of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, with polls scheduled for February 12. The election follows months of political upheaval after Hasina was removed from office in August 2024, following a violent crackdown on protesters, and later fled to India. Her former party, the Awami League, once the countrys dominant political force, has since been banned, leaving a significant section of the electorate without its traditional political platform. The absence of the Awami League has created uncertainty in several regions, including Gopalganj, a longtime stronghold of Hasina and her family. Hasina had secured repeated landslide victories from the constituency since 1991, and her father, Bangladeshs founding president Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, hailed from the district. With the party outlawed and its election symbol removed from the ballot, voters are now facing an unfamiliar political landscape. This will be the first election in decades in which Awami League candidates are not contesting. Hasina was sentenced to death in absentia by a Dhaka court in November for crimes against humanity, and authorities have since filed thousands of cases against her supporters following clashes during earlier phases of campaigning. Human rights groups have criticised the ban on the Awami League, while analysts warn of possible low voter turnout in former party bastions. With the Awami League sidelined, the main contenders in the election are candidates from the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami, both longtime rivals of Hasina. The shifting political equations have reshaped the contest, as voters navigate an election without the party that dominated Bangladeshs politics for over three decades. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: February 05, 2026, 10:48 IST News world Bangladesh Polls: Jamaat-e-Islami Pledges Constructive Ties With India In Election Manifesto Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Colourful: Bangladesh Jamaat Chiefs Remark On Relations With India If Elected Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 05, 2026, 23:34 IST In its manifesto for the upcoming elections, Jamaat-e-Islami has called for peaceful and cooperative relations with neighboring countries. Jamaat-e-Islami president Shafiqur Rahman Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami chief Shafiqur Rahman hinted at a potential improvement in relations with India when asked by a journalist about Dhakas ties with New Delhi if his party comes to power. In the clip, a journalist can be heard asking in Bangla, Aapnar India-r shonge relationship ta kemon hobe?" (How will your relationship be with India?). The Jamaat-e-Islami leader then looked at the chandeliers and replied, India-r shonge relationship tah ei je colourful." (The relationship with India will be like this, colourful.) He was then seen walking away amid laughter. Jamaat Cheif Says Bangladesh India Relationship Will Be Very Colorful If Jamaat- NCP Alliance Comes To Power #BangladeshElections https://t.co/AMflZ5zYDO pic.twitter.com/NauOY5laqN (@iSoumikSaheb) February 5, 2026 In its manifesto for the upcoming elections, Jamaat-e-Islami has called for peaceful and cooperative relations with neighboring countries- including India, Bhutan, Nepal, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, the Maldives and Thailand- based on mutual respect and fairness." Several leaders of Jamaat-e-Islami have previously made strong anti-India statements and criticized New Delhi for hosting ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina after she fled Bangladesh. Bangladeshs foreign affairs adviser Mohammed Touhid Hossain noted that relations between Bangladesh and India have not been very smooth" and have faced setbacks during the interim governments tenure. He expressed hope that the next elected government would be able to address these challenges. I do not want to blame anyone. India has certainly acted in the way it considers best for its interests. We have also tried to act in a way that protects our interests. In many cases, the expectations of the two sides did not match," he said. On Sheikh Hasinas return to Bangladesh, he added, We have asked for her return. We have not received a response. It would not be right for us to speculate beyond that." Elections in Bangladesh are scheduled for February 12. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Bangladesh First Published: February 05, 2026, 23:20 IST News world Colourful: Bangladesh Jamaat Chiefs Remark On Relations With India If Elected Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Donald Trump Reveals He Never Sleeps On Planes: I Look Out For Missiles, Enemies Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 06, 2026, 00:42 IST Donald Trump jokes that he stays awake on long flights to watch for missiles and enemies instead of resting Rapid Read Trump jokes he keeps watch for missiles, enemies instead of sleeping on long flights. (IMAGE: REUTERS FILE) US President Donald Trump has revealed that he does not sleep during long flights, saying he prefers to stay awake and watch for potential threats. Speaking at the National Prayer Breakfast on Thursday, Trump recalled how he avoids resting even on extended journeys aboard Air Force One. I dont sleep on planes. I dont like sleeping on planes," he told the audience. You know, I like looking out the window watching for missiles and enemies, actually," the US President added, drawing laughter from the crowd. Trump made the remarks while reminiscing about a trip to Iraq during his first term in office, when he flew to the region to review the US military campaign against the Islamic State group. During that visit, Trump said he met a senior US military officer who offered him a chance to rest after the long flight. He said, Sir, if youd like, you can go and sleep. Its a 20-hour trip. We have quarters prepared for you," Trump recalled. I said, no, no, I dont have to sleep. I dont sleep on planes. I like looking out the window watching for missiles and enemies." TRUMP: "Sleep on the plane?! I don't sleep on planes. I don't like sleeping on planes. I like looking out the window watching for missiles and enemies actually." pic.twitter.com/SffwBTzE04 Daily Wire (@realDailyWire) February 5, 2026 Trump used the anecdote to introduce retired US Army General Daniel Raisin" Caine, a former special operations commander whom he credited with playing a key role in the campaign against ISIS. Who is Daniel Raisin" Caine? Daniel Caine, popularly nicknamed Raisin Caine" by troops, is a decorated US military officer who served in senior counterterrorism roles. Trump has repeatedly praised him in speeches, claiming Caine helped accelerate operations that led to the defeat of ISIS in Iraq and Syria. The nickname, Trump said, caught his attention when he first met the general in Iraq. I came out of the plane and there was a handsome general standing there," Trump recounted. I said, whats your name? He said, Raisin. I said, what the hell kind of a name is that?" Trump said Caine offered to brief him after he had rested, but he insisted on getting straight to work instead. I said, no, no, lets go right now," Trump told the audience. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: February 05, 2026, 22:02 IST News world Donald Trump Reveals He Never Sleeps On Planes: I Look Out For Missiles, Enemies Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Dutch Army Gets A Star Recruit As Queen Maxima Signs Up For Reserves Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 05, 2026, 23:47 IST The Royal House issued a statement saying that the queen, "like many others, wants to make a contribution to that security." Rapid Read This image provided by the Netherlands Ministry of Defense shows Queen Maxima beginning training as a reservist for the Royal Netherlands Army, Feb. 4, 2026, in Breda, Netherlands. (AP) Queen Maxima, 54, has started training with the Dutch army reserves, joining efforts to boost recruitment as the Netherlands responds to growing security concerns in Europe. The Argentine-born queens involvement highlights the countrys focus on strengthening its military amid ongoing tensions and the war in Ukraine. Because the security of the Netherlands can no longer be taken for granted, Maxima has decided to become a reservist," the Ministry of Defense said in a statement after she began training on Wednesday. The Royal House issued a statement saying that the queen, like many others, wants to make a contribution to that security." Maxima is following in her daughters footsteps into the military. Crown Princess Amalia, heir to the Dutch throne, finished her basic training last month as a volunteer reservist. Royals across Europe have a tradition of enlisting. Five years ago, Princess Elisabeth, the heir to the Belgian throne, signed up to do a year in military school in Brussels to help her prepare for her royal duties. Her father, King Philippe, also attended the Royal Military School in central Brussels. The incoming Dutch coalition government that is expected to be sworn in later this month has unveiled plans to boost the nations military to 122,000 staff. A Ministry of Defense spokesperson, Klaas Meijer, said Thursday that the total force currently stands at 80,000, including military personnel, civilians, and reservists like Maxima. He added that joining was her personal decision, but we are of course very proud that she is doing this and hope that other people will think, hey, this is something I could do.'" A series of photos taken by a defense ministry photographer as Maxima started training at a military academy in the city of Breda were released Wednesday by the House of Orange. In one, Maxima, her left eye squeezed shut, grips a pistol in both hands as she takes aim. In another, shes hanging onto a rope in front of a rock climbing wall. Another snap shows Maxima, barefoot, wearing green overalls and blacked-out ski goggles jumping into a swimming pool. According to the defense ministry her training will comprise all the practical and theoretical military components necessary to become a reservist. These include physical resilience, self-defense, marksmanship, map reading, and military law." Once the queen has completed her training, she will be given the rank of lieutenant-colonel and will deploy wherever needed," the Royal House statement said. Ministry spokesperson Meijer said that reservists are generally deployed for tasks in the Netherlands, but have occasionally also been sent overseas on a voluntary basis. Europe Wants To Attract More Military Recruits Amid Russias war in Ukraine and questions about NATO from the U.S., the Netherlands plans a freedom contribution" for citizens and businesses to help cover rising military costs. Meanwhile, Germany has approved measures to increase military recruitment as it seeks to strengthen its armed forces against growing concerns over Russia. In November, France unveiled a new program that is meant to bolster the countrys armed forces by training thousands of volunteers aged 18 and 19. The program will start with 3,000 volunteers to be selected next summer and will gradually increase to 10,000 per year by 2030. France has ambitions to reach up to 50,000 volunteers per year by 2035. At a Paris naval conference this week, the Dutch navy chief, Vice Admiral Harold Liebregs, and counterparts from the U.K. and U.S. spoke of success in boosting recruitment and retention of much-needed personnel, in part because of growing concerns about threats to Europes security. Something happened in Europe. We have been struggling with shortages of personnel for a couple of years but now for the first time in years we see that (the) retention rate is pretty OK," Liebregs said. Recruitment and influx is also picking up People are really willing to join the navy." He credited the improvement partly to a program allowing volunteers to serve in the armed forces for one year, providing them with initial training and a firsthand experience of military life. Denmark sought to increase the number of young people in the military last year, by extending compulsory enlistment to women for the first time. Men and women can both still volunteer, and the remaining places will be filled by a gender-neutral draft lottery. And Dutch neighbor Belgium has just reactivated two military brigades as part of a wider drive to boost defenses. Efforts to recruit new military personnel are likely to strain defense budgets across Europe, while also driving governments to increase NATO spending as agreed at last years summit. Its good, its a difficult path," especially because it requires financing and other resources, Retired Gen. Jean-Paul Palomeros, a former head of the French Air Force, told The Associated Press after France announced its plans. But nevertheless I think it was needed somewhere to make sure that the young generations understand that freedom and peace are not taken for granted and it doesnt come as a free lunch." (With inputs from AP) News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Netherlands First Published: February 05, 2026, 23:47 IST News world Dutch Army Gets A Star Recruit As Queen Maxima Signs Up For Reserves Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'Few Can Relate To Life I Led': Son Of Norway's Crown Princess Breaks Down During Rape Trial Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 05, 2026, 08:39 IST Marius Borg Hoiby, son of Norways Crown Princess Mette-Marit, denied rape charges in court, admitting to destructive behavior amid media scrutiny. Norway Crown Princess, Mette-Marit's son, Marius Borg Hoiby (Image credit: AFP) Marius Borg Hoiby, the son of Norways crown princess, broke down in court on Wednesday as he refuted rape charges against him and claimed videos on his phone had not shown acts of rape. The 29-year-old is accused of raping four women and faces more than 30 other criminal charges. In the court, he acknowledged that he had experienced an extreme need for recognition" owing to a life of excess with public attention which he claimed from an early age had pushed him into destructive behaviour as he started craving sex, drugs, and alcohol. As he took the stand on the second day of his trial, Hoiby appeared devastated, taking pauses between his statements to wipe his eyes and remove his glasses, BBC reported. He told the three-judge panel that speaking in court was very difficult" for him, as he admitted that he had been followed by the media since early childhood. I am known for being Mammas son. Nothing else," he said, referring to his mother, Mette-Marit. Few can relate to the life I have led. A lot of parties, alcohol, some drugs", he added. What Are The Allegations? Marius Borg Hoiby is accused of raping four women between December 2018 and November 2024, allegedly after consensual sex, either when they were asleep or incapacitated, India Today reports. According to the report, one of the women alleged before the court that she was 100 per cent convinced" that she had been drugged at an after-party at Hoibys parents house in 2018. When the police showed her videos allegedly depicting sexual assault against her she said she was in shock and had felt betrayed. The woman also added that she had no memory of the incident. Hoiby, on the other hand, has denied drugging anyone. On the first day of his trial on Tuesday, he pleaded not guilty to charges of rape. At the same time, he admitted to having committed some lesser offences. Royal Family Under Scrutiny Norways Crown Princess and Hoibys mother, Mette-Marit, whose past association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has long been known, has come under renewed scrutiny after her name appeared in the Epstein Files. The US Department of Justice, last week, released a huge cache of documents that shed light on the probe into the crimes and trafficking network of late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. In one of the emails, Epstein told the princess about how he was on a wife hunt. In another, he said that he hoped he didnt make her sad, to which she responded: You tickle my brain". Princess Mette-Marit, who is now married to Crown Prince Haakon, issued an apology as the revelations surfaced. I showed poor judgment, and I deeply regret having had any contact with Epstein. It is simply embarrassing," she said in a statement released by the royal palace. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Norway First Published: February 05, 2026, 08:39 IST News world 'Few Can Relate To Life I Led': Son Of Norway's Crown Princess Breaks Down During Rape Trial Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... If The Deal Falls Apart...: Trump Backs UK Handover Of Diego Garcia To Mauritius With A Warning Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 06, 2026, 01:34 IST Trump reverses earlier stance after call with British PM Keir Starmer. Rapid Read US President Donald Trump (L) speaks during a joint press conference with Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer (R) following their meeting at Chequers, in Aylesbury, central England. (IMAGE: AFP FILE) US President Donald Trump on Thursday said he now supports Britains decision to hand over the Chagos Islands, including Diego Garcia, to Mauritius, reversing his earlier opposition to the agreement. However, Trump issued a sharp warning that the United States would act decisively if the arrangement ever threatens American military interests on the island, which hosts a key US-UK military base. In a post on Truth Social after speaking with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Trump said he retained the right to secure and reinforce" the US presence on Diego Garcia if the deal collapses. However, if the lease deal, sometime in the future, ever falls apart, or anyone threatens or endangers US operations and forces at our Base, I retain the right to militarily secure and reinforce the American presence in Diego Garcia," Trump said. Under the agreement reached in May last year, Britain will return sovereignty over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius while retaining the strategically important Diego Garcia base on a 99-year lease. The base is jointly operated by US and British forces. Trump had initially endorsed the deal but reversed his position last month, calling it a threat to American national security. The UK giving away extremely important land is an act of GREAT STUPIDITY, and is another in a very long line of National Security reasons why Greenland has to be acquired," Trump had said on January 20. On Thursday, however, Trump struck a more conciliatory note, saying Starmer had made the best deal he could make" on the long-disputed islands. The Chagos archipelago has been at the centre of a decades-long diplomatic battle, with Mauritius arguing that Britain illegally separated the islands from its territory during the colonial era. Following their conversation, Starmers office said the two leaders agreed to work closely" on implementing the agreement. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: February 06, 2026, 01:34 IST News world If The Deal Falls Apart...: Trump Backs UK Handover Of Diego Garcia To Mauritius With A Warning Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'India Has No Option': Tensions Flare As Asim Munir, Shehbaz Sharif Promote 'Liberation' Narrative In PoK Reported By : CNN-News18 Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee Last Updated: February 05, 2026, 23:16 IST Pakistani PM Shehbaz Sharif and army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir have recently visited PoK, delivering fiery speeches that have raised concerns over regional stability Pakistani Army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir recently visited the area near the Line of Control and commended the officers and soldiers deployed in the area. (Image: News18) Amid tensions in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir, Pakistani leadership has heightened its provocative narrative contributing to political and military friction surrounding the region. Both Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir have recently made high-profile appearances in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK), delivering fiery speeches that have raised concerns over regional stability. According to sources, during a visit to the Line of Control (LoC), Field Marshal Asim Munir was reported to be openly promoting jihad, vowing that Kashmir will be liberated soon". He commended the combat readiness" and professional excellence" of the officers and soldiers deployed in the area, while reiterating Pakistans unwavering political, moral, and diplomatic support for the Kashmiri peoples right to self-determination. Top intelligence sources told News18 that Shehbaz Sharif echoed this hardline military stance, and addressed an assembly in the region stressing asserting that India has no option" but to grant self-determination. He claimed that durable peace in South Asia is unattainable until India abandons what he termed aggressive, expansionist designs and nefarious conspiracies". The sources said the impact of this rhetoric on the ground appears increasingly detrimental, as they often result in increased tension, infiltration, and violence for those living close to conflict zones. Local perspectives within PoK, however, reflect a growing sense of frustration and fear. They said many residents believe that these aggressive stances are political messaging" rather than a reflection of genuine concern for the population. Sections of civil society, including traders and youth groups, have expressed that such rhetoric has led to economic disruption" and the loss of lives. Residents fear, the sources said, these provocations prioritise political signalling over the actual safety and livelihoods of the people. There is a widespread feeling that the continued calls for liberation have actively harmed local tourism, education, and employment opportunities, leaving the border population to bear the brunt of the escalating friction. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Islamabad, Pakistan First Published: February 05, 2026, 23:16 IST News world 'India Has No Option': Tensions Flare As Asim Munir, Shehbaz Sharif Promote 'Liberation' Narrative In PoK Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Iranian Regime Does Not Reflect People Of Iran: Marco Rubio Amid US Push For Talks With Tehran Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 05, 2026, 07:17 IST He also pointed to recent protests in Iran, driven largely by economic grievances, accusing the leadership of diverting national resources toward terrorism. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. (Reuters) US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday said the Iranian regime does not represent the aspirations or culture of the Iranian people, stressing that there is a sharp disconnect between those who govern the country and its citizens. The Iranian regime does not reflect the people of Iran, nor their culture rooted within a deep history. I know of no other country where theres a bigger difference between the people who lead the country and the people who live there," Rubio said. The Iranian regime does not reflect the people of Iran, nor their culture rooted within a deep history. I know of no other country where theres a bigger difference between the people who lead the country and the people who live there. https://t.co/MznPODW9sn Secretary Marco Rubio (@SecRubio) February 5, 2026 Speaking at a press conference on the sidelines of the Critical Minerals Ministerial in Washington DC, Rubio said the United States remains open to engaging Iran in talks if Tehran is willing, even amid escalating tensions. He emphasised that Washington does not view dialogue as a concession or as legitimising the Iranian leadership. President Trump is willing to talk to, meet with and engage with anyone in the world. We dont view meetings as a concession. We dont view meetings as even a little legitimisation," Rubio said, adding that the US would be open to direct engagement with counterparts in the Iranian regime if an opportunity arises. Rubio said any meaningful discussions would have to address key concerns, including Irans ballistic missile programme, its sponsorship of terrorist organisations across the region, its nuclear activities and the treatment of its own people. In order for talks to actually lead to something meaningful, they will have to include certain things," he said, outlining the issues that would need to be on the agenda. He also pointed to recent protests in Iran, driven largely by economic grievances, accusing the leadership of diverting national resources toward terrorism and proxy groups instead of improving citizens lives. The fundamental problem that Iran facesthe regime faces right nowis what the people are on the streets complaining about," Rubio said, arguing that the government is unable to address these concerns because of its priorities. Reiterating that the US preference remains a peaceful resolution, Rubio said Washington is ready to test whether diplomacy is possible. If the Iranians want to meet, were ready. Theyve expressed an interest in meeting and talking Im not sure you can reach a deal with these guys, but were going to try to find out," he said, adding that President Donald Trump continues to favour dialogue over conflict. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: February 05, 2026, 07:17 IST News world Iranian Regime Does Not Reflect People Of Iran: Marco Rubio Amid US Push For Talks With Tehran Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Jeffrey Epstein Called Bill Gates 'So Cheap' Over Alleged Ties With Russian Bridge Player: Report Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 05, 2026, 12:09 IST Fresh reports surrounding Jeffrey Epstein claims the sex offender mocked Bill Gates in emails over the latter's alleged treatment of a Russian bridge player. Jeffrey Epstein/Bill Gates (File photos/AP) The controversy surrounding revelations about convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has deepened, as a new report has claimed that Epstein once derided Gates as cheap" over the billionaires alleged treatment of a Russian bridge player. The report comes as millions of pages of files tied to Epstein have been released by the US Department of Justice, drawing renewed media scrutiny and reactions from Gates and his former wife, Melinda French Gates. The Daily Mail cited a 2017 email and reported that Epstein wrote to Gates adviser Boris Nikolic claiming that the Russian player, who allegedly dated Gates around 2010, was struggling financially. She said she had little money, couldnt afford [an] air conditioner, and was living on a friends couch. Really needed money," Epstein wrote, adding that he had sent her some" funds. In the same message, Epstein sharply criticised Gates, telling Nikolic, Your friend Bill is nuts. His former girl cant afford air con, cant afford to travel to bridge." He concluded with an even starker remark, The richest man in the world is so cheap, his former bridge girl and toy lives on a friends sofa. WOWO." That story would take Donald Trump off the front pages," Epstein wrote. The report added that Nikolic had introduced the Russian bridge player to Epstein in 2013, after which Epstein paid for her to attend a software-coding class. He later emailed Gates demanding reimbursement for that cost. At the time of the alleged relationship, Gates was still married to Melinda French Gates. The report also referred to purported links between the Russian bridge player and former Kremlin spy Anna Chapman. EPSTEINS EARLIER EMAILS HAD REVEALED BILL GATES CAUGHT STD Epstein had previously made explosive claims about Gates in draft emails from 2013. The sex offender had alleged that Gates had asked aides to procure medication to deal with sexually transmitted diseases, which Epstein described as consequences of sex with Russian girls." The drafts also spoke of marital discord between Gates and his then-wife and included accusations that Nikolic had been asked to facilitate affairs and provide drugs for bridge tournaments. Epstein allegedly threatened in 2017 to expose Gates connection to the Russian player after the billionaire declined to join a proposed charitable fund involving JPMorgan Chase. However, later, a Gates spokesperson dismissed the allegations as absolutely absurd and completely false," reiterating that any interactions with Epstein were unrelated to wrongdoing and that Gates ultimately refused to back the financiers project, which did not go ahead. MELINDA GATES REACTS TO REVELATIONS SURROUNDING BILL GATES Melinda French Gates spoke publicly about the disclosures, saying she felt unbelievable sadness" after reviewing new material concerning her former husbands ties with Epstein. In a preview of an interview for NPR, she said, 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. They need to answer to those things, not me." She added she was happy to be away from all the muck," while acknowledging that the revelations revived very, very painful times in my marriage." Melinda also emphasised the suffering of Epsteins victims, telling the podcast that what the girls endured was beyond heartbreaking" and unimaginable." Meanwhile, CNN reported that Gates himself responded in an interview with Australias Nine News, saying one of the incriminating emails was never sent and was false. Every minute I spent with him I regret, and I apologise that I did that," Gates said, adding, Its factually true that I was only at dinners. I never went to the island. I never met any women," Gates said. UNCENSORED NUDES, NAMES OF VICTIMS IN EPSTEIN FILES According to the Associated Press, the Justice Departments massive release of Epstein-related material has been marred by widespread failures to properly redact sensitive information. Nude photos, the names and faces of alleged abuse victims, and even bank account and Social Security numbers appeared in the documents, despite legal requirements that such details be blacked out. Police reports identifying victims who had never spoken publicly were released without redactions, while some photos were only partially obscured. One topless image remained visible online even after officials attempted corrections, the report mentioned. Lawyers for accusers called on authorities to take down the database and appoint an independent monitor, while the Justice Department blamed technical and human errors and said it was republishing properly redacted versions. The cache represents the largest public disclosure yet in the years-long investigations into Epstein, who died in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex-trafficking charges. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: February 05, 2026, 09:30 IST News world Jeffrey Epstein Called Bill Gates 'So Cheap' Over Alleged Ties With Russian Bridge Player: Report Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Photo: Zelenskiy / Official An exchange took place on Thursday, with 157 prisoners of war (POWs) returning home, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced. "There was an exchange today, and I congratulate all the families who will soon welcome their loved ones home. This is very good. Some 157 Ukrainians have returned home," Zelenskyy said during a joint press conference with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk in Kyiv. As Zelenskyy said on his Telegram channel, warriors from the Armed Forces, National Guard, and the State Border Guard Service have been returned, these are soldiers, sergeants, and officers, along with our defenders, civilians are also returning. Most of them had been in captivity since 2022. Today's exchange came after a long pause, and it is critical that we were able to make it happen. I thank everyone who works to make these exchanges possible, as well as everyone on the frontline who contributes to expanding Ukraine's exchange fund. Without the determination of our warriors, such exchanges would be impossible. And thus every result achieved by our units is what also sustains the ability to bring Ukrainians home from Russia, the President added. He stressed that Ukraine will continue to work to release our people from captivity. We must bring everyone backand we certainly will. We are working on every name so that each family can finally welcome their loved ones home, Zelenskyy said. According to Russian media, Ukraine handed over 157 Russian prisoners. The UAE acted as an intermediary in the exchange, which took place on the Ukrainian-Belarusian border. Keir Starmer Under Pressure: Who Could Succeed Him As Mandelson Scandal Threatens UK PM's Future? Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 06, 2026, 02:45 IST With Keir Starmer under fire over the Mandelson-Epstein scandal, speculation grows over who could lead Labour if a challenge emerges. Rapid Read Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer leaves 10 Downing Street in central London on February 4, 2026, to take part in the weekly session of 'Prime Minister's Questions' (PMQs). (IMAGE: AFP) UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing the gravest political crisis of his premiership after a scandal involving the appointment of Peter Mandelson as the United Kingdoms ambassador to the United States triggered anger within his own Labour Party and fresh public backlash. Starmer on Thursday apologised to victims of disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein for appointing Mandelson, a longtime associate of Epstein, to the prestigious diplomatic post. The apology came as opposition parties called for his resignation and some Labour lawmakers questioned his judgement. I am sorry," Starmer said in London, addressing Epsteins victims. Sorry for what was done to you, sorry that so many people with power failed you, sorry for having believed Mandelsons lies and appointed him." Despite the apology, Starmer insisted he would not step down, saying: I intend to go on doing that vital work." Is Keir Starmers Position Shaky? Starmers leadership is under intense pressure both from the opposition and from within his own party. Labour MPs forced the government to submit all documents related to Mandelsons appointment to Parliaments Intelligence and Security Committee, rejecting Starmers initial plan to release only selected material. The mood yesterday was the angriest I think Ive ever seen Labour MPs in the 16 years that Ive been in Parliament," Labour lawmaker Karl Turner told Times Radio. We cant pretend that this is not a crisis situation." Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch called Starmers position clearly untenable" and urged Labour MPs to support a no-confidence vote, saying it was a question of when, not if, he goes." The crisis comes ahead of a crucial by-election this month and local elections in May, where Labour is widely expected to perform poorly. Political analysts say repeated policy U-turns and internal disputes have already dented Starmers authority. The Mandelson affair has deepened doubts about his leadership and judgement. Why Is Starmer In Trouble? The immediate cause is his decision to appoint Peter Mandelson as ambassador to Washington last year despite Mandelsons long-documented ties to Jeffrey Epstein. Newly released files last week revealed intimate email exchanges between Mandelson and Epstein, as well as evidence of financial dealings and the sharing of potentially sensitive information. Starmer admitted he knew Mandelson had maintained contact with Epstein even after the financiers 2008 conviction for soliciting a minor, but said he was unaware of the depth and darkness" of the relationship. He fired Mandelson in September after only seven months in the post, but the damage to his own credibility has been severe. Labour MPs have also blamed Starmers chief of staff Morgan McSweeney, a close Mandelson ally, for pushing the appointment. Opposition parties are demanding McSweeneys removal, though Starmer has so far defended him. Who Could Replace Starmer? Despite the anger within Labour ranks, there is no obvious successor to Keir Starmer, according to a report by The Guardian. The paper said new MPs were openly discussing leadership challenges in the Commons tea room, but admitted no contender appeared brave enough to trigger Starmers downfall." Angela Rayner is seen as a potential frontrunner after her intervention helped avert a parliamentary defeat, but MPs noted she is awaiting an HMRC ruling over unpaid stamp duty, which weakens her position. Health Secretary Wes Streeting is said to have support among some MPs, but his past closeness to Peter Mandelson is now viewed as a liability. Several MPs have also mentioned Defence Minister Al Carns as a possible alternative, though he has not indicated any interest. One senior Labour MP told The Guardian: The biggest thing Keir has going for him right now is that theres not an obvious successor." What Is The Mandelson Scandal? Peter Mandelson, a former EU trade commissioner and a key architect of Tony Blairs New Labour" project, was appointed Britains ambassador to the United States in February last year. The decision quickly drew criticism because of Mandelsons friendship with Epstein, who died in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. Last Friday, new documents were released showing warm and extensive correspondence between Mandelson and Epstein, including private photographs and discussions that suggested a close personal bond. The revelations led to Mandelson resigning from the House of Lords earlier this week. He is also now facing a police investigation into alleged misconduct in public office. For Starmer, the core issue is that he appointed Mandelson despite knowing about at least some of these connections. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : London, United Kingdom (UK) First Published: February 06, 2026, 02:45 IST News world Keir Starmer Under Pressure: Who Could Succeed Him As Mandelson Scandal Threatens UK PM's Future? Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Maduro's Powerful Aide Alex Saab Allegedly Detained By FBI In Caracas Curated By : Last Updated: February 05, 2026, 20:55 IST Alex Saab and Raul Gorrin were reportedly detained in Caracas by Sebin and the FBI, following US-Venezuela collaboration, amid ongoing controversy and conflicting statements. Venezuelan official Alex Saab has reportedly been arrested in a joint operation by Venezuelas intelligence agency and the FBI. (Reuters/X) A powerful associate of former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, Alex Saab, has reportedly been detained during a joint operation by Venezuelas intelligence agency and the FBI. Saab was removed from his rank a fortnight after the US forces captured Maduro on January 3. According to a report by The Guardian, the 54-year-old was reportedly detained by members of the Bolivarian national intelligence service (Sebin) at a luxury home in Venezuelas capital, Caracas, in the early hours of Wednesday. Besides him, Raul Gorrin, a billionaire media mogul who owns the Globovision TV channel, was also reportedly detained at the same address. Also Read: Seeing Mafia Maduro Decapitated Brings Relief To Venezuelans: Caracas Ex-Mayor | Exclusive Though there has been no official confirmation of the arrests from the Venezuelan government, The Guardian quoted a US official saying that Saab had been detained as a result of collaboration between US and Venezuelan authorities. The official said they expected Saab to be extradited to the US in the coming days. Meanwhile, Saabs lawyer has rejected the claims and called them as fake news". He told Colombias El Espectador newspaper that Saab was doing fine in Caracas". However, The Guardian quoted intelligence sources telling the Colombian radio station Caracol that Saab, who had served as minister for industry and national production under Maduro, was taken into custody at about 2am and was being held at the intelligence services detention centre. In 2019, Saab was indicted in the US for reportedly being part of a corruption racket in which about $350 million of government money was transferred from Venezuela into accounts he owned or controlled. The next year, he was arrested after reaching Cape Verde while flying to Iran. He was extradited to the US in 2021 on charge of money laundering. In December 2023, he was released as part of a prisoner swap deal with the Biden administration. In 2024, Saab was appointed as a minister by Maduro and stripped of on January 16 by Maduros former number two, the countrys interim leader, Delcy Rodriguez. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Venezuela First Published: February 05, 2026, 20:55 IST News world Maduro's Powerful Aide Alex Saab Allegedly Detained By FBI In Caracas Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Morocco Floods: Over 1 Lakh Evacuated, Roads Impassable, Food Access Hit; US Issues Advisory Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 05, 2026, 07:15 IST US has advised American citizens to enrol in the Smart Traveler Program so the US Embassy in Morocco can share emergency and routine information. Over 1 Lakh Evacuated as Heavy Rains Flood Moroccos Northwest. (Photo: CGTN Africa X) More than 1,08,000 people have been evacuated from northern Morocco after extreme rainfall triggered widespread flooding, forcing residents to flee as rivers swelled, dams filled, roads became impassable and emergency rescue operations intensified across the region. The US Department of State Consular Affairs has warned its citizens following floods in Morocco caused by extreme rainfall in the north. In a post on X, the department said the flooding had forced mass evacuations, made roads impassable and affected access to food. It advised US citizens in the emergency area who are safe to notify friends and loved ones, contact police or authorities if they face danger, and follow official warnings. Residents and visitors were also urged to enrol in the Smart Traveler Program so the US Embassy in Morocco can share emergency and routine information. Morocco: Extreme rainfall in Morocco has caused floods in the north, forcing mass evacuations. The rainfall has resulted in impassable roads and has impacted access to food. U.S. Citizens in Morocco that are in the emergency area and are safe, should notify friends and loved pic.twitter.com/qw2r341Azz TravelGov (@TravelGov) February 4, 2026 Thousands evacuated as flooding worsens Heavy rains have brought significant flooding to northern Morocco, leading to the evacuation of thousands of people from their homes. The Moroccan army has been deployed to support relief efforts. Authorities urged residents in flood-prone areas of the northwestern plains to leave immediately amid threats from heavy rain, swollen rivers and the release of more water from full dams. Rescue operations Moroccos Interior Ministry said 108,432 people had been evacuated. Helicopters were used in rescue operations as rising waters flooded fields and villages across the northwest. The army has been assisting evacuations since Friday under a red alert for more rainfall. Evacuations were ordered in parts of Larache province, including Ksar El Kebir, Souaken, Ouled Ouchih, the Larache industrial zone and areas near the Loukous river. Most evacuations took place in Ksar El Kebir, where 85 per cent of the population had already left. Those evacuated received shelter and food in camps. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Morocco First Published: February 05, 2026, 07:15 IST News world Morocco Floods: Over 1 Lakh Evacuated, Roads Impassable, Food Access Hit; US Issues Advisory Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'Need Faster Results': Zelenskyy Says Negotiations With Russia, US To End Ukraine War 'Not Easy' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 05, 2026, 20:42 IST Zelenskyy urges quicker progress as Kyiv and Moscow conclude second day of US-brokered talks. Rapid Read Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy speaks during a joint press conference with Poland's Prime Minister (not pictured) at the Mariinskyi Palace in Kyiv. (IMAGE: AFP) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Thursday said Kyiv wants faster results from trilateral talks with the United States and Russia in Abu Dhabi, as the war triggered by Moscows invasion enters its fourth year. Zelenskyy said Ukraine hoped to see quicker progress towards ending the conflict. It is certainly not easy, but Ukraine has been and will remain as constructive as possible," he told a press conference in Kyiv alongside Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk. We want faster results." Ukraine and Russia concluded the second day of US-brokered negotiations on Thursday. The negotiations have concluded," Diana Davitian, spokeswoman for Ukraines top negotiator Rustem Umerov, told journalists, without giving further details. The remarks came as Moscow and Kyiv carried out their first prisoner exchange in months, with each side releasing at least 157 people. The swap, mediated by the United States and the United Arab Emirates, was the first since October. Todays exchange came after a long pause, and it is critical that we were able to make it happen. I thank everyone who works to make these exchanges possible," Zelenskyy said. He posted images showing the released prisoners wrapped in Ukrainian flags and smiling amid falling snow. Ukrainian Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets said that among the 157 Ukrainians freed were seven civilians and others who had been unlawfully convicted" by Russian authorities. Kyrylo Budanov, head of Ukraines military intelligence, said 19 of those released had been illegally sentenced by Russia, including 15 who had received life imprisonment. Russia confirmed that 157 Ukrainian soldiers had been handed over in exchange for 157 Russian servicemen. Moscow said the United States and the United Arab Emirates had acted as mediators in the process In addition, three Russian citizens, residents of the Kursk region, will be returned home," the Russian defence ministry said in a statement. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Kyiv, Ukraine First Published: February 05, 2026, 20:42 IST News world 'Need Faster Results': Zelenskyy Says Negotiations With Russia, US To End Ukraine War 'Not Easy' Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'Project Vault': Why Balochistan's Reko Diq Is The Only International Entry In US Critical Minerals Initiative Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 05, 2026, 23:55 IST While Project Vault is primarily focused on internal stockpiling within US, it includes a $1.3 billion investment in Pakistan's Reko Diq mines, located in the Balochistan province Pakistani Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir displays a wooden box, claimed to contain rare earth minerals, during his meeting with US President Donald Trump. (Image: X) The United States has unveiled Project Vault, a $12 billion initiative to establish its first-ever strategic critical minerals reserve, in which Pakistan will have a major stake. The ambitious project was announced by the Trump administration on Wednesday (February 4), and will operate under the Export-Import Bank (EXIM) with the aim to stockpile essential minerals for the civilian economy. The US has planned for this to effectively insulate domestic commercial industries from the volatile effects of global supply shocks. WHAT IS PAKISTANS ROLE IN IT? While Project Vault is primarily focused on internal stockpiling within the US, it includes a landmark $1.3 billion investment in Pakistans Reko Diq mines, which are located in the Balochistan province, and marks the only international project funded under the initiative. Reko Diq is home to some of the worlds largest undeveloped copper and gold deposits in the rugged terrain of the southwestern province of Balochistan. Industry estimates suggest the area contains approximately 5.9 billion tonnes of ore, including 41.5 million ounces of gold. The US State Department has indicated that this move is intended to reshape the global market for critical minerals and rare earths", as Washington pivots towards a more aggressive foreign policy of resource acquisition cue in its intense interest in mineral-rich Greenland. WHY DOES THE US WANT THIS RESERVE? This strategic manoeuvre is a direct challenge to Chinas long-standing dominance over the rare earth elements essential for modern technology and national defence. China currently controls more than 90 percent of the global output of refined rare earths, which are vital components in everything from iPhones and electric vehicles to advanced semiconductors and AI development. The urgency of the project is underscored by a global copper rush" as nations race to electrify and digitise. Experts have warned that the world is facing a structural shortage" of copper, whose global demand is projected to surge from 30 million tonnes annually to 50 million tonnes by 2050. Copper will fuel every part of our modern economy, and were at a structural shortage," Dr Gracelin Baskaran, the director of the Critical Minerals Security Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, told CNN. WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR BALOCHISTAN? Pakistans largest province, Balochistan, is ridden with decades of insurgency and is, at present, on the offensive against the Pakistani government. Reko Diq seems to be right in the middle of all the violence. The security risks have been exacerbated by the US withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, which left behind a vast cornucopia" of weaponry. Reports from the region indicate that US-made M-16s, M-4s, and sniper rifles stamped as property of the US government are now being used by militants to turbocharge insurgencies against Pakistani forces. In fact, defence minister Khawaja Asif referred to this during his address at the National Assembly. He admitted that the Pakistani security forces were practically handicapped" in the face of Baloch rebels, who were equipped with advanced rifles and night-vision devices that are not even standard military issue for the countrys army. Despite all of this, the partnership between Washington and Islamabad appears to be strengthening. Following a visit to the White House, where Pakistani leaders presented a chest of rare earths dug from their soil, Trump praised the cooperation even referring to the Pakistani Army chief as his favourite field marshal". CNN reported that for Pakistan, which has survived 24 IMF bailouts since 1958, the Reko Diq investment represents a potential cash bonanza". While DG ISPR Lt General Ahmed Sharif Choudhry told reporters that the US has a lot to offer for the people and stability and prosperity of Pakistan", the reality seems to be far from it. (With agency inputs) News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: February 05, 2026, 23:55 IST News world 'Project Vault': Why Balochistan's Reko Diq Is The Only International Entry In US Critical Minerals Initiative Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Time Bombs Waiting To Be Triggered: Russia Calls US-Iran Situation Explosive Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 05, 2026, 19:01 IST Russian FM Lavrov says Moscow not indifferent as US-Iran tensions threaten wider region. Rapid Read Russia says Iran is a close partner and warns situation is explosive for entire West Asia ahead of talks with Tehran-Washington talks in Oman. (IMAGE: REUTERS FILE/REPRESENTATIVE) Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has described the current standoff between the United States and Iran as explosive" and warned that the wider West Asia region is filled with time bombs" that could be triggered by missteps. Speaking to Russian state broadcaster RT, Lavrov said Moscow was not trying to insert itself as a mediator between Tehran and Washington but was closely watching developments. Iran is our close partner and neighbour. We are not indifferent to how the situation develops, especially since it is explosive not only for Iran but also for the entire Middle East," he said in remarks carried by state news agency TASS. There are too many time bombs waiting to be triggered by a clumsy foot. The Iranians and Israelis know that we are ready to help implement any agreements, should they be reached," Lavrov added. His comments come as Iran and the United States prepare to hold talks in Oman on Friday, their first direct engagement in months. Tehran wants the discussions to focus strictly on its nuclear programme, while Washington is pressing for a broader agenda. The two sides held several rounds of Oman-mediated talks in 2025, but diplomacy collapsed after the Iran-Israel conflict escalated. Days before the sixth round of discussions, the United States carried out strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, derailing negotiations. US President Donald Trump has since threatened renewed military action against Iran following its crackdown on anti-government protests. At the same time, he has indicated that Tehran may still be open to a deal. Washington insists that any agreement must address Irans ballistic missile programme and its support for militant groups across the region, demands that Tehran has repeatedly rejected. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Tehran, Iran First Published: February 05, 2026, 19:01 IST News world Time Bombs Waiting To Be Triggered: Russia Calls US-Iran Situation Explosive Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Trump Again Claims He Stopped India-Pakistan War From Going Nuclear While Pushing New Arms Treaty Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 06, 2026, 02:03 IST India has consistently rejected Trumps assertion that Washington helped defuse 2025 conflict with Pakistan following Operation Sindoor. Rapid Read US President Donald Trump speaks during the 74th annual National Prayer Breakfast at the Washington Hilton in Washington, DC. (IMAGE: AFP) US President Donald Trump has once again claimed that he personally prevented a nuclear war between India and Pakistan, even as he pushed for a new global arms control treaty following the expiry of the last major nuclear agreement between Washington and Moscow. In a post on Truth Social on Thursday, Trump asserted that he had stopped several international conflicts from escalating into nuclear confrontations. I have stopped Nuclear Wars from breaking out across the World between Pakistan and India, Iran and Israel, and Russia and Ukraine," Trump wrote while arguing against extending the expired New START treaty with Russia. Trumps remarks came hours after the 2010 New START treaty, which imposed the last major restrictions on US and Russian nuclear arsenals, formally lapsed. Calling the agreement badly negotiated" and grossly violated," he urged that a new and more modern treaty be drafted instead. Rather than extend NEW START, we should have our Nuclear Experts work on a new, improved, and modernized Treaty that can last long into the future," Trump said. Indias Stand Contradicts Trumps Claim Indias official military record, however, directly contradicts Trumps repeated assertion that Washington played any role in de-escalating tensions with Pakistan. According to the Defence Ministry, it was Pakistan that reached out to India seeking a halt to hostilities after suffering heavy losses, and not as a result of any international pressure or mediation. On May 10, 2025, after India carried out precision strikes on terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir under Operation Sindoor, Pakistans Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) contacted his Indian counterpart and appealed for a cessation of military operations. Formal DGMO-level talks were subsequently held on May 12, after which both sides agreed to stop military action. Indian officials have consistently maintained that the crisis was resolved bilaterally and militarily, with no foreign intervention. New Delhi has long rejected any third-party mediation in India-Pakistan disputes. A Claim Trump Has Repeatedly Made Trumps latest post is not the first time he has made such a claim. He repeated the assertion in 2026 at the World Economic Forum in Davos and again during a White House press briefing marking one year of his second term, where he said he had stopped multiple wars, including between India and Pakistan. Trump has been making this claim consistently since June 2025, soon after the conflict ended. Trump has also claimed that Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif told him during a meeting at the White House that the US president had saved tens of millions of lives." That claim has never been acknowledged or confirmed by the Indian government. India has repeatedly pushed back against Trumps narrative. Addressing the Lok Sabha in July last year during a special discussion on Operation Sindoor, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said no world leader had asked India to stop the military operation, dismissing opposition allegations that New Delhi had acted under US pressure. PM Modi told Parliament that it was Pakistan that pleaded with India to halt military action, saying Islamabad could not suffer any longer." He added that India had clearly conveyed to the US Vice President at the time that if Pakistan carried out any attack, India would respond with a major strike. Global Nuclear Concerns Grow Trumps renewed claim came against the backdrop of growing global concern over the end of New START. Campaigners have warned that the expiry of the treaty could trigger a fresh nuclear arms race. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres described the moment as grave," saying the risk of nuclear weapons being used is now the highest in decades. Despite the stalemate on arms control, Trump has recently restarted diplomatic engagement with Moscow and called for a broader nuclear pact that would also include China a proposal Beijing has already rejected. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: February 06, 2026, 02:03 IST News world Trump Again Claims He Stopped India-Pakistan War From Going Nuclear While Pushing New Arms Treaty Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'Their Equipment Didn't Work': Trump Touts 'Discombobulator' Weapon In Maduro Raid, Says He Named It Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 05, 2026, 10:49 IST Trump expressed pride in the name 'Discombobulator' & credited himself for naming the secret weapon that the US used in Maduro raid. A file photo of US President Donald Trump (AP) Days after Donald Trump talked about the secret weapon the United States used to disable Venezuelan equipment during the capture of Nicolas Maduro, the US President again reiterated that he is not allowed to talk about it" and everybody now knows what it is capable of. In an interview with NBC News, when asked about the weapon the Discombobulator Trump said, Im not allowed to talk about it Let me just tell you, you know what it does? None of their equipment works. Thats what it does." He further expressed pride in the name Discombobulator, and credited himself for naming the secret weapon. Everything was discombobulated. It was my name. I am very proud of the name." NBC: You talked about the weapon, the discombobulator"TRUMP: Im not allowed to talk about it Let me just tell you, you know what it does? None of their equipment works Everything was" pic.twitter.com/XCHK5yYwjA Breaking911 (@Breaking911) February 5, 2026 ALSO READ: Discombobulator: Trump Names US Secret Weapon Used In Maduro Raid, Says Cant Talk About It Trump Names US Secret Weapon Used In Maduro Raid Days after the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, Trump, in the last week of January, took everyone by surprise when he claimed that the United States used a secret weapon against Venezuela during the raid the Discombobulator to disable Venezuelan equipment. During an interview with the New York Times, the Republican President was commenting on reports that the US had a pulsed energy weapon. The Discombobulator. Im not allowed to talk about it," he said. He added that the weapon made Venezuelan equipment not work". They never got their rockets off. They had Russian and Chinese rockets, and they never got one off," Trump said in the interview, adding, We came in, they pressed buttons, and nothing worked. They were all set for us." Nobody Else Has It: Trump Trump had earlier acknowledged the weapons use, boasting about the strength of the US military and suggesting that no other country possesses similar technology. Its something I dont wanna nobody else has it," he said, adding, But we have weapons nobody else knows about. And I say its probably good not to talk about it, but we have some amazing weapons." The speculation over the use of a sonic weapon after White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said a device deployed during the raid left Venezuelan soldiers bleeding from the nose and vomiting blood. Nicolas Maduro Captured Then Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro was captured on January 3 after he was accused of trafficking drugs into the United States, allegations Caracas has repeatedly denied. Venezuelas Interior Minister informed that the US raid on Maduro resulted in at least 100 deaths, as per official statements. However, it was unclear that the deaths were related to the use of a sonic weapon. Meanwhile, soon after Trumps remarks on Discombobulator, Russia has demanded more information about the weapon. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said that Moscows special services had been tasked with examining the US Presidents remarks. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: February 05, 2026, 09:38 IST News world 'Their Equipment Didn't Work': Trump Touts 'Discombobulator' Weapon In Maduro Raid, Says He Named It Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... No Issues: Air India Responds After UK Regulator Seeks Details On Boeing 787 Fuel Switch Incident Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 05, 2026, 08:53 IST An Air India pilot flagged a defect in the fuel control switch on February 2 after operating flight AI132. File photo of an Air India aircraft. (Representative Image) Air India on Thursday said it found no issues" during precautionary inspections of fuel control switches across its Boeing 787 fleet, in response to the UKs Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), who sought details about a fuel control switch incident involving an Air India Boeing 787-8 aircraft at Londons Heathrow airport. The UK aviation regulator asked Air India to share details of the incident involving the aircraft, which was scheduled to operate a flight from Heathrow to Bengaluru on February 1. An Air India pilot later reported a possible defect in the fuel control switch on February 2 after operating flight AI132, following which the aircraft was grounded for checks after landing in Bengaluru. Also Read: When AI-171 Crashed Due To Fuel Switch Fault, Why Did AI-132 Fly With The Same Issue? An initial examination by Indias aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), found that apparently correct procedure" was not followed while operating the switch and asked the airline to ensure crew adherence to prescribed procedures. Sources said the DGCA is also examining whether the aircraft, VT-ANX, should have been grounded at Heathrow instead of operating the flight to Bengaluru. Responding to the developments, an Air India spokesperson said the airline had completed fleet-wide checks with no adverse findings. Air India has completed precautionary re-inspections of the Fuel Control Switch (FCS) across all operational Boeing 787 aircraft in its fleet. No issues were identified during these checks. The inspections were undertaken in an abundance of caution following an observation reported by one of our pilots," the spokesperson said. The airline said the FCS has also been cleared by regulators and Boeing. We acknowledge the regulators proactive oversight in conducting independent inspections and subsequently clearing the FCS. The FCS has also been cleared by Boeing," the spokesperson said, adding that Air India will circulate OEM-recommended operating procedures for the switch to all crew members. Also Read: No Issues Were Identified: Air India After Fuel Control Switch Re-inspections Of Boeing 787 Fleet Air India will respond to the UK regulator accordingly. The safety of our passengers and crew remains Air Indias highest priority," the spokesperson added. The functioning of fuel control switches has been under scrutiny following last years crash involving an Air India Boeing 787-8, after a preliminary probe indicated fuel supply was cut off shortly after take-off, PTI reported. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: February 05, 2026, 08:26 IST News world No Issues: Air India Responds After UK Regulator Seeks Details On Boeing 787 Fuel Switch Incident Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... US, Russia To Reestablish Top Military Level Talks: Pentagon After Nuclear Treaty Expires Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 05, 2026, 19:58 IST The US and Russia will resume high-level military dialogue after the New START treaty expired, ending limits on nuclear arsenals. The accord, signed in 2010, was the key component of the US administrations policy to reset relations with the Kremlin. (AP File) The US and Russia have agreed to reestablish high-level military-to-military dialogue, the Pentagon said on Thursday, hours after the expiration of the new START treaty that imposed limits on their nuclear arsenals. Maintaining dialogue between militaries is an important factor in global stability and peace, which can only be achieved through strength, and provides a means for increased transparency and de-escalation," the US militarys European Command said in a statement. The Kremlin on Thursday expressed regret over the end of the last treaty governing the nuclear arsenals of Russia and the US and called it a negative step. Meanwhile, a NATO official saying on the condition of anonymity, Restraint and responsibility in the nuclear domain is crucial to global security." Also Read: NATO Pushes For Restraint As US-Russia Nuclear Treaty Expires AFP quoted Russia saying that it is no longer bound on the number of nuclear warheads it could deploy after the New START agreement ended Thursday, formally releasing both Moscow and Washington from a raft of restrictions. The accord, signed in 2010, was the key component of the US administrations policy to reset relations with the Kremlin. It limited the arsenals of both to a maximum of 1,550 deployed strategic offensive warheads each a reduction of about 30% compared with the previous ceiling set in 2002. It also put a limit to the number of launchers and heavy bombers at 800. According to AFP, the treaty provided for mutual inspections of military sites, a pillar of the trust but verify" disarmament policy when Ronald Reagan was US president. The treaty was signed as a last-minute deal in January 2021 between Russia and then US President Joe Bidens administration to extend it to February 4, 2026. In September last year, Vladimir Putin proposed extending the treatys terms for one more year, which was approved by Donald Trump but was not followed up on. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: February 05, 2026, 19:58 IST News world US, Russia To Reestablish Top Military Level Talks: Pentagon After Nuclear Treaty Expires Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Zelenskyy: Even if someone recognizes our territories as Russian, nothing will work Photo: Office of the President of Ukraine/www.president.gov.ua Even if someone were to recognize Ukrainian territories as Russian, it would achieve nothing, since Ukraine has a president who signs documents, not other leaders signing important decisions for Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated. "Even if someone were to recognize our territories as Russian, it wouldn't achieve anything. Firstly, not everyone will, as my Polish colleague said, and secondly, Ukraine has a president who signs documents. Thank God. It's not other leaders who sign these important documents for Ukraine. Therefore, our territories are ours, despite their temporary status as temporarily occupied," Zelenskyy said during a joint press conference with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk in Kyiv. Vivek Ramaswamy And Wife Welcome Third Child 'Savithri': 'Mom And Baby Doing Well' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: February 05, 2026, 13:24 IST Vivek Ramaswamy and his wife, Apoorva, announced the birth of their third child, Savithri. Vivek Ramaswamy and his wife, Apoorva, announced the birth of their third child, Savithri. (Image: X/@VivekGRamaswamy) Vivek Ramaswamy and his wife, Apoorva, on Wednesday welcomed their third child, Savithri. In a statement released by the family, they said both mother and baby are doing well and expressed gratitude for the prayers and messages of support they have received from Ohioans and friends across the country. The couple is already parents to two sons Karthik (their oldest) and Arjun (the little guy). Vivek occasionally shares peekaboo moments with them on social media. Sharing a family photo, Ramaswamy in a post on X wrote, Apoorva and Vivek are happy to share the news of their daughters birth, Savithri. Mom and baby are doing well, and the family is thankful for the prayers and kind messages from Ohinoans and friends across the country." Who Is Vivek Ramaswamy? Vivek Ganapathy Ramaswamy, the India-American entrepreneur, was born in Cincinnati, Ohio on August 9, 1985, to Tamil-speaking Brahmin parents who immigrated to the US from India. His mother was a geriatric psychiatrist and his father was an engineer and patent lawyer. Earlier in 2023, Ramaswamy announced his presidential campaign for the Republican Party, facing Donald Trump and fellow Indian-origin GOP leader Nikki Haley. Following Trumps re-election as the US President, Ramaswamy was chosen by him to lead the newly-formed Department of Government Efficiency" along with Elon Musk. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : United States of America (USA) First Published: February 05, 2026, 13:24 IST News world Vivek Ramaswamy And Wife Welcome Third Child 'Savithri': 'Mom And Baby Doing Well' Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... The US has pulled back the curtain on a Cold War spy tool that listened in for decades from a highly unusual orbit. The National Reconnaissance Office has declassified JUMPSEAT, a now-retired series of eavesdropping satellites that flew from 1971 to 1987 as part of an Air Force effort known as Project EARPOP, Gizmodo reports. Eight JUMPSEAT satellites were launched into space to vacuum up electronic signalssuch as radar and other emissionsfrom the Soviet Union and its allies, then relay the data back for analysis by the Pentagon, the National Security Agency, and other intelligence branches. Unlike earlier American surveillance craft like GRAB and POPPY, which circled in low Earth orbit, JUMPSEAT operated in what's known as a Molniya orbitan elongated, 12-hour loop that swings from about 620 miles above Earth at its closest point to roughly 25,000 miles at its farthest. That stretched, egg-shaped path allowed the satellites to linger over high northern latitudes, giving US intelligence a long, repeated look at Soviet territory. "Its orbit provided the US a new vantage point for the collection of unique and critical signals intelligence from space," James Outzen, who heads the office's Center for the Study of National Reconnaissance, said in a statement. The satellites, which worked in what the NRO describes as "transponder mode," stayed in service until 2006. The agency said that the system met expectations and that revealing its existence now won't compromise current or planned space programsthough portions of JUMPSEAT's mission are still classified. That wasn't the end of US spy satellites, Space.com points out. The agency continues to upgrade its reconnaissance spacecraft. An ongoing effort is expanding a constellation of hundreds of small satellites designed to handle anti-satellite moves such as jamming. British audiences will soon hear the line, "Live from London, it's Saturday Night!" Sky has unveiled the first-ever cast of Saturday Night Live UK, a new six-episode take on NBC's long-running late-night staple. The 11 performers are Hammed Animashaun, Ayoade Bamgboye, Larry Dean, Celeste Dring, George Fouracres, Ania Magliano, Annabel Marlow, Al Nash, Jack Shep, Emma Sidi, and Paddy Young, Deadline reports. The series debuts March 21 on Sky, more than 50 years after SNL first launched in the US. It's being produced by Universal Television Alternative Studio's UK arm and SNL creator Lorne Michaels' Broadway Video, with Michaels on board as executive producer. The series, the first official British version of SNL, was announced last year. Sky says the show will be "re-imagined through a distinctly British lens." Helen Wheatley, a professor of film and television at the University of Warwick in England, told the New York Times last year that the move across the pond was no surprise. "In a fairly brutal media environment, people are looking for trusted formats that they know work," she said. Wheatley noted that media cultures in the UK and the US have grown closer together, with US hits like The Office and Dancing With the Stars originating in the UK, and that many British viewers are already familiar with SNL through clips seen online. "Television is endlessly cannibalistic," she said. "It constantly recycles itself." President Trump said Wednesday that he and Chinese President Xi Jinping discussed the situation in Iran in an "excellent" wide-ranging call as the US administration pushes Beijing and others to further isolate Tehran. Trump said the two leaders discussed a broad range of other critical issues in the US-China relationship, including trade, Taiwan and his plans to visit Beijing in April, the AP reports. "The relationship with China, and my personal relationship with President Xi, is an extremely good one, and we both realize how important it is to keep it that way," Trump said in a Truth Social post. "I believe that there will be many positive results achieved over the next three years of my Presidency having to do with President Xi, and the People's Republic of China!" An email newly released by US authorities disputes Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's claim that he never met Virginia Giuffre, the woman who said he had sex with her three times when she was a minor. The 2015 "draft statement," sent by "G Maxwell" to Jeffrey Epstein, describes being in London in 2001 when a womanwidely understood to be Giuffre, though the name is redacted"met a number of friends of mine including Prince Andrew. A photograph was taken as I imagine she wanted to show it to friends and family," per the BBC . The email also states that the sender was unaware of "anything improper" happening at her home, per the Guardian . The wording appears to undercut Andrew's repeated suggestions that the now-infamous image of him with his arm around Giuffre's waist might have been altered and that he had no recollection of ever meeting her. In 2019, he claimed he wasn't at Ghislaine Maxwell's home on the night in question. In her memoir, the late Giuffre said she asked Epstein to take the photo at Maxwell's London townhouse in March 2001, per ABC Australia. She was then 17. A previously released 2011 email from Epstein himself said Giuffre had been on his plane and "had her picture taken with Andrew." Andrew, who settled a civil lawsuit with Giuffre in 2022 without admitting liability, has always denied having sex with her and any wrongdoing. Giuffre's family, speaking to BBC Newsnight, said the email confirms what she had long maintained. "It truly does vindicate Virginia she was not lying this entire time," her brother Sky Roberts said. An earlier statement from the family said they were "hopeful that Andrew will face criminal charges." Newly released documents also include a photo of Andrew kneeling over a woman who is lying on the floor and messages suggesting he remained in contact with Epstein after his 2008 conviction for procuring a minor for prostitution. Andrew, stripped of his royal titles last year, on Monday left his Windsor home for the Sandringham estate. Photo: t.me/V_Zelenskiy_official Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported a substantive conversation with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, who arrived in Kyiv on Thursday, about cooperation in a number of areas and diplomatic efforts to end the war. I briefed him on the situation in our country in the energy sector and in recovery. We discussed cooperation in this area, and there are things that can strengthen both of our countries. In particular, this concerns the development of our energy networks in Ukraine and in Poland. Another part of our conversation focused on joint defense programs. We count on Polands continued participation in the PURL initiative, which enables Ukraine to purchase American weapons. We also expect Ukraine to become a full participant in the SAFE instrument. We are preparing to co-produce drones and other weapons, Zelenskyy said on X following the talk. The President also informed the head of the Polish government about the work of the Ukrainian negotiating team. A separate point was the importance of maintaining pressure on Russia. We must bring this war to a real end with reliable security guarantees for Ukraine and for our entire region. And most importantly, Russia must receive no reward whatsoever for its aggression, Zelenskyy stressed. A Ukrainian woman just did something most spouses will never face: She dug up her husband's grave and moved it out of fear the Russians might soon control the soil he was buried in. In a piece for the BBC , correspondent Sarah Rainsford follows Natalia, whose husband, Vitaly, was killed fighting in the Donbas in 2022 and first laid to rest in their hometown of Slovyansk. As Russian forces edge closer, however, with drone and bomb attacks now hitting the town every few days, Natalia has exhumed and reburied Vitaly in Kyiv so that their young daughter can visit his grave without the risk of imminent occupation. Natalia says her daughter "watches videos of him [and] looks at photos and she loves him very much, even though they never met." The widow also notes that she plans to get pregnant again soon using her late husband's sperm, which they froze at a clinic shortly before he died. She says Vasilya ceramics artist who joined Ukraine's armed forces when she was still pregnant with their daughterhadn't wanted to go to war, "but he had do it. He was a patriot." Rainsford uses Natalia's story to frame Ukraine's grim choices as US-led talks circle the hardest question: What land, if any, can Kyiv afford to give up? Russia controls about a fifth of Ukraine and wants all of the Donbas; Ukraine says no more. Soldiers in a drone unit near Kharkiv tell Rainsford "we need to unite, and fight," even as recruitment slumps and "victory" is redefined as simply preserving statehood. Meanwhile, a second day of talks began Thursday between Russia, Ukraine, and the US, after a "productive" Wednesday among the parties, a White House official tells ABC News. Staffers at the Washington Post are still dealing with a "shock to the system" after layoffs slammed its sports department and other divisions on Wednesday, though supporters are now trying to alleviate some of that shock. A GoFundMe for those affected blew past $330,000 from more than 2,800 donors by Thursday morning, making it one of the more successful recent media-layoff fundraisers, per Business Insider . The drive was launched by Post reporter Rachel Siegel and the paper's union, with former Post star and tech journalist Kara Swisher topping the donor list at $10,000 after publicly urging others to give. Per the Wrap, Swisher also wrote on social media: "My take today on [Post owner] Jeff Bezos since I met him at his struggling start up in the 1990s in Seattle: Twice the muscles, half the man." The fundraising campaign comes as executives execute what they describe as a sweeping restructuring aimed at cutting costs and narrowing coverage. Matt Murray, the Post's executive editor, told staff the paper will shutter its Post Reports podcast; trim beats, including sports, books, and foreign affairs; and double down on politics and national security. The Washington-Baltimore News Guild blamed "inexcusable business decisions" by leadership, while the company said the moves are necessary to stay competitive. Platforms like Substack and Beehiiv, meanwhile, stepped in with offers of fee waivers and training for any laid-off Post journalists looking to build their own audiences. "For the most part, words fail," Siegel writes on the fundraising page, noting they intend to keep the GoFundMe open for a few more days. "But we are bowled over by the support that has been shown here." She notes that the money will be used to help "hundreds of our colleagues facing sudden job loss, moving costs, visa expenses, childcare, healthcare, meals and more." Authorities are investigating whether former NFL lineman Kevin Johnson's killing near Los Angeles is linked to the murders of three other unhoused people in the same area. Johnson, 55, who played defensive lineman for various teams in the 1990s, was fatally stabbed on Jan. 21 at a homeless encampment covering a stretch of the 1300 block of East 120th Street in Willowbrook, per KTTV . There have been three other killings of unhoused victims in that same area along the Compton Creek since October, according to Los Angeles County sheriff's investigators. The three other victims, all 52, were identified as Michelle Steele, who was shot in the head on Oct. 5 and died in a hospital a month later; Octavio Arias, killed Dec. 4 from blunt trauma to the head and neck; and Mauro Alfaro, who died of multiple injuries on Jan. 26, per KTTV and the Los Angeles Times. Detectives have not publicly said the cases are connected but are actively examining whether the same person or people could be responsible, looking for similarities in location or method, as well as any ties among the victims. Johnson, who suffered blunt force trauma, had mentioned that someone at a nearby site had been severely beaten and found wrapped in a blanket, sometime around December, his son, Brenden, tells KTTV. "[He] didn't want to talk about it much, didn't want me to worry about his safety," he continued, noting his father had been unhoused for just six months. He struggled emotionally, but remained close to his family, his son said. Authorities are asking anyone with information to call the Sheriff's Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500 or Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477. A movie theater known for its wise-cracking marquees apparently went a little too far in the eyes of Amazon. When it booked the Melania documentary about the first lady, the independent Lake Theater & Cafe in suburban Portland channeled Sun Tzu's The Art of War and put this up on the big board to plug it: "To defeat your enemy, you must know them. Melania starts Friday," reports the Oregonian . The gag didn't land with the studio. "Got a call that the higher ups (i.e., at Amazon) were upset with how our marquee marketed their movie (i.e., Melania), that, per them, Sunday would be its last day here," the theater wrote on Instagram Monday. Theater manager Jordan Perry said he wasn't bothered because he was going to ask Amazon to shorten the run from two weeks to one week anyway, but the missive came before that could happen. He explained that he booked the film in the liberal area mainly because "I thought doing so would be funny." Still, it didn't go over well with regulars. Perry calculated that the short run of Melania sent only $196 to what he jokingly called the "Jeff Bezos Trust Fund," adding that while the Amazon founder won't notice the money, "someone on his team noticed our marquee." The Hollywood Reporter notes that the theater continued the marquee snark after the move. "Amazon called," the new one read. "Our marquee made them mad. All Melania showings cancelled. Show your support at Whole Foods instead." (Amazon owns the food chain, too.) Amazon MGM did not respond to comments about the odd flap. (The Guardian corrected its own review of the movie to make it even worse.) Google's parent company announced some very ambitious plans for spending on AI infrastructure Wednesday, but investors weren't exactly enthusiastic. Alphabet said it could pour as much as $185 billion into capital projects this yearlargely AI chips and infrastructureroughly double last year's tab and far above Meta's projected $135 billion, the Wall Street Journal reports. That level of investment would amount to around 40% of Google's annual revenue, which just cleared $400 billion, twice Meta's haul. Alphabet reported a stronger profit than expected Wednesday, but its stock still fell more than 3% on Thursday, with investors questioning if the AI spend would be worth it, the AP reports. President Trump dipped into politics at Thursday's National Prayer Breakfast, maybe most notably by referring to a GOP representative as a "moron," reports the Hill . Trump targeted Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie during his remarks in Washington, telling attendees at the annual bipartisan event that Massie is a guaranteed "no" vote on his agenda, per the Hill . "If we did welfare reform, if we did the greatest thing in the history for religion, no matter what we did, no matter how good it is," Trump said. "No matter what we do, this moron, no matter what it is." Massie has emerged as one of Trump's most vocal critics within the GOP. He has clashed repeatedly with the president since Trump returned to office, including pushing for the release of files tied to Jeffrey Epstein and voting against the Republican-backed "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" last summer. Trump has endorsed Massie's primary challenger, retired Navy SEAL Ed Gallrein, whom he personally urged to run. The president's remarks at the prayer breakfast were wide-ranging, notes PBS, but he did discuss heaven at one point: "I really think I probably should make it. I mean, I'm not a perfect candidate, but I did a hell of a lot of good for perfect people." In other remarks, Trump discussed claims that he uses the Justice Department to retaliate against perceived enemies ("I don't, but wouldn't I have a right to?"), claimed that "we won the popular vote by a lot" in 2016 (though he lost the popular vote to Hillary Clinton), questioned "how a person of faith can vote for a Democrat," defended Kristi Noem's oversight of "the strongest border in the history of our country," and praised El Salvador President Nayib Bukele as "a great ally" with "very strong prisons," per NBC News and CNN. A new meeting as part of the negotiation process will take place soon, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced. "Regarding the next meeting, it was agreed that the next meeting will take place in the near future," Zelenskyy said during a joint press conference with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk in Kyiv. Commenting on the nature and subjects of the two-day talks, the president noted that "we discussed everything." He added that the information was sensitive. Zelenskyy stated that the Ukrainian delegation would report to him in detail on the talks upon their arrival in Ukraine. "Then I'll communicate with you, understanding where we stand. It's important that the process is ongoing; we want faster results. If there is a next meeting, then there's a chance to continue the dialogue, which, of course, we really want to see lead to an end to the war," he emphasized. As earlier reported, two-day trilateral Ukrainian-American-Russian talks on ending the war in Ukraine have concluded in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Bilateral (Ukraine-USA) and trilateral (Ukraine-USA-Russia) talks were held in Abu Dhabi on February 4-5. Nova Scotia is recognized as the birthplace of African presence in Canada. The province is home to more than 50 historic African Nova Scotian communities whose culture, heritage, and contributions have been a fundamental part of Nova Scotia's history and development for over 400 years. This rich legacy continues to shape the social, cultural, and economic fabric of the province today. As part of IKEA Canada's commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, the exhibit invites visitors to engage with curated photos, artifacts, and storytelling developed by the Africville Museum. A Walk Through Africville will be on display at IKEA Halifax until February 28, 2026. "Africville is more than a chapter in Black Canadian history; it is a national story about human rights, dignity, and the meaning of home," said John Williams, Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Leader, IKEA Canada. "At IKEA, we design for life at home because home is more than four walls, it's where connection, community, and belonging are built. Africville's story reminds us that systemic injustice can strip away the foundations of home, but hope, resilience and community endure. We are honoured to host A Walk Through Africville and create space for reflection, learning, and belonging." Located on the shores of the Bedford Basin in Halifax, Africville was home to a thriving Black community for more than 100 years before being demolished in the 1960s under the guise of "urban renewal." Its destruction displaced generations and remains a powerful reminder of systemic racism in Canada. In 2024, Africville was designated as Canada's first UNESCO Place of History and Memory linked to Enslavement and the Slave Trade, marking global recognition of its cultural and historical significance. The Africville Heritage Trust and Africville Museum continue to preserve and share this legacy through education, advocacy, and cultural programming. "We are grateful for the opportunity to bring our exhibit into a space where thousands of people can experience it," said Juanita Peters, Executive Director, Africville Museum. "The installation allows visitors to connect with the people, culture, and history of Africville in an accessible and meaningful way. Partnerships like this help ensure that Africville's legacy of resilience, strength, and community continues to be shared with future generations." IKEA Canada is a humanistic, valuesdriven company with a simple, enduring vision: to create a better everyday life for the many people. This vision extends beyond the physical aspects of home to embrace its emotional and cultural significance. Guided by the values of togetherness, caring for people and planet, and leading by example, IKEA Canada stands against systemic injustice and champions inclusion and equality. The story of Africville aligns with the company's commitment to confronting racism and inequality through meaningful action, underscoring that a better everyday life must include fairness and belonging for all. IKEA Canada and the Africville Museum invite visitors to experience A Walk Through Africville at IKEA Halifax throughout February. The exhibit is free and open to all during regular store hours, and guests are encouraged to explore, learn, and reflect as they walk through this important piece of Canadian history. ABOUT IKEA CANADA Founded in 1943 in Sweden, IKEA is a leading home furnishing retailer, offering a wide range of well-designed, functional home furnishing products at prices so low that as many people as possible can afford them. IKEA Canada is part of Ingka Group which operates 574 IKEA stores in 31 countries, including 15 stores and 11 Plan and order points in Canada. Last year, IKEA Canada welcomed 33.3 million visitors to its stores and 199.9 million visitors to IKEA.ca. IKEA Canada operates business through the IKEA vision - to create a better everyday life for the many people and does so through its local community efforts and sustainability initiatives. For more information on IKEA Canada, please visit http://IKEA.ca. ABOUT AFRICVILLE MUSEUM The Africville Museum in Halifax, Nova Scotia, is a poignant, year-round interpretive center located in a replica of the Seaview United Baptist Church on the shores of Bedford Basin. It commemorates the vibrant Black community forcibly displaced in the 1960s, featuring exhibits, artifacts, and stories that highlight their resilience and the injustice of the site's destruction. SOURCE IKEA Canada Limited Partnership For media inquiries: Marisa Ferreira, Communications Business Partner, IKEA Canada, [email protected] There are several reason why the Tesla and SpaceX merger will not happen and definitely not this year. It would be the largest merger deal involving a global public company ever. It would be the largest by several times. This makes it risky and complex. It will involve EU approval and if the EU rejected the Nvidia purchase of ARM, then they will reject any Tesla and SpaceX merger. Most of the benefits of a merger can be obtained with regional joint venture. SpaceX and Tesla could set up a US only joint venture that would only need US approval. All of the concrete actions with major banks are SpaceX IPO related. SpaceX held meetings with non-U.S. banks to pitch for roles in its upcoming IPO. Foreign banks came to their California office in mid-January; one group was European banks, another from other regions, all vying for a piece of the action. They're targeting the biggest pic.twitter.com/0CEJ9mgIe8 Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) February 4, 2026 Photo: Office of the President of Ukraine/www.president.gov.ua Poland is preparing a 48th aid package for Ukraine worth PLN 200 million, which will include armored vehicles for Ukrainian troops, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced. "The 47th aid package was worth approximately PLN 100 million. This consisted primarily of 155mm ammunition, which we have already delivered. We are finalizing the 48th package. It will cost PLN 200 million and will primarily consist of armored vehicles for Ukrainian troops," Tusk said during a joint press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv on Thursday. Speaking about the possibility of transferring MiG-29 fighters, Tusk noted that he had discussed this in detail with Zelenskyy and that Poland would work on it. "I know that Ukraine needs various types of air defense systems, in particular, a certain type of missile. We can't help with everything. But if MiGs are needed, Poland is ready to donate them immediately," Tusk noted. According to him, Ukraine is prepared to exchange its drones for this purpose. He also noted that he currently cannot answer the question of "whether other equipment could be transferred in place of the MiGs." "But immediately upon returning to Poland, I will speak with the Minister of National Defense. And by Monday, I will let President Zelenskyy know what's possible," Tusk said. Zelenskyy, in turn, noted that he had informed of Ukraine's air defense needs during today's meeting. "If possible, we are also ready to exchange these missiles for our modern drones. We simply need it," the head of state emphasized. Photo: https://eurosolidarity.org/2026/02/05 The European Solidarity Party announced the opening of a "hotline" for internally displaced persons (IDPs), according to the political party's website. "From our point of view, caring for IDPs today is, in addition to supporting our military and the Armed Forces of Ukraine, one of the most important tasks that every political party, every faction should set for itself. Since IDPs, if we are talking about the civilian population, have suffered perhaps the most," said Artur Herasymov, co-chair of the European Solidarity faction in the Verkhovna Rada, at a briefing. According to him, some families of IDPs lost all their property two or three times. "Thanks to European Solidarity and Nina Petrivna Yuzhanina, amendments to the legislation were adopted, which allowed exempting from a significant part of taxes businesses located in the territories of mandatory evacuation... Thanks to the initiative of European Solidarity, draft law 14219 was registered on the prohibition of eviction of IDPs from places of temporary residence, because such a problem really exists. It is currently under consideration in the relevant committee," the deputy said. He also reported on the adoption of a bill that exempted businesses and farmers from loans until the martial law is lifted, whose crops, equipment, or their enterprises were destroyed in the occupied territory or in the territory of active hostilities. "It was thanks to the initiative of European Solidarity, which was unanimously supported by both the committee and the parliament, that bill 11161 on real compensation for destroyed housing in the occupied territories and in the territories of active hostilities was adopted," the parliamentarian said, regretting that this bill was never signed. He stressed that the goal of the political force is "so that all the rights that exist today, which IDPs possess, are protected and can be used." "That is why we are opening this hotline - an email address and a number where you can contact, get in touch and get the necessary legal assistance," Herasymov said. Head of the Association of young IDPs, public activist Arkadiy Petrosyan added that lawyers will advise internally displaced persons during working hours. Hotline contacts: [email protected] WhatsApp/Viber 063 591 87 59 Solidarity with IDPs Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Kyrylo Budanov reported that 139 of the 157 Ukrainian prisoners of war (POWs) released on Thursday had been in captivity since 2022, 15 of whom were sentenced to life imprisonment in Russia. "The first exchange this year. Today we have brought home another 157 Ukrainians military and civilians. This was a long and arduous operation, and we have achieved a commendable result. Of those released, 139 had been held captive since 2022. Among those returning home are 19 illegally convicted defenders, 15 of them sentenced to life imprisonment. Also returning home are the defenders of Mariupol. These people have been through very difficult trials, but they survived," he wrote on Telegram. The Head of the Presidents Office thanked the team of the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War and all involved agencies for their "professional and complex work." Budanov also expressed gratitude to his partners from the United States and the United Arab Emirates for their important mediation and assistance in the exchange. Photo: Red Cross of Ukraine After the night Russian air attack on Sumy, the Ukrainian Red Cross Society (URCS) team started distributing humanitarian aid to the victims in the morning. "In Sumy, the Ukrainian Red Cross team joined the response to the consequences of the shelling of the city... The situation is complicated by weather conditions, because on the street it is 15 below zero, so the distribution of humanitarian aid began at 05:00 to be able to carry out temporary repairs more quickly," the society said on Facebook on Thursday. Volunteers and employees of URCS Sumy regional organization provided residents of damaged houses with blankets, as well as OSB boards and waterproof tarpaulins for the rapid repair of homes. According to the State Emergency Service of Ukraine, as a result of another attack by Russian UAVs in Sumy, the blast wave broke out windows in apartment buildings and damaged vehicles. A heat station has been set up at the site, where you can warm up, drink hot drinks and charge mobile devices. As of Thursday evening, rescuers completed emergency and recovery work at the site of the Russian attack. The first-ever Oreo Cafe has closed its doors at the American Dream mall in New Jersey. The cafe and store, which opened in August 2021 and served Oreo-inspired desserts, shuttered last week, an American Dream spokesperson confirmed to NJ Advance Media. Spanning 3,500 square feet, the cafe was situated on the third floor of the ITSUGAR candy store. The store offered customizable treats, as well as a variety of classic desserts with an Oreo twist. They included a waffle sundae with Oreo pieces baked into the waffle and a cookies and cream cheesecake layered with Oreo cookie mousse. Customers were also able to purchase Oreo products and merchandise, such as tote bags, apparel and home decor. The American Dream spokesperson said no additional information regarding the closure was available. Oreos parent company, Mondelez International, did not immediately return a request for comment. A corrections officer from New Jersey has been charged in a drug smuggling operation into a jail in Delaware. Rashod Hull, 34, of Pemberton, was arrested by the Delaware State Police on Sunday. He has been charged with various felonies, including five counts of official misconduct, three counts of possession with intent to deliver a controlled dangerous substance and receiving a bribe as a public servant, among other charges, the Delaware State Police said in a statement. The Department of Corrections told detectives about a suspected drug smuggling operation at the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution in Wilmington. Following an investigation, police alleged that Hull accepted bribes from an inmate and worked with an accomplice to bring the drugs into the facility between December 2025 and January 2026. On Sunday, police observed a drug transaction between Hull and the accomplice at the Peoples Plaza Shopping Center in Newark, Delaware, authorities said. A search of their possessions turned up about 264 doses of suspected synthetic marijuana, 24 grams of suspected remifentanil and 27 strips of suspected suboxone, officials said. Illegal and illicit contraband poses a risk to the safety, health, and wellbeing of correctional staff, visitors, and incarcerated individuals, said Terra Taylor, commissioner of the Delaware Department of Corrections. The DOC remains vigilant to counter this threat with significant tools at our disposal to root out and stop contraband flow." Police did not say whether Hull has been suspended from the Delaware Department of Corrections. All three suspects were arrested on Sunday. The inmate, Isaiah Boykin, 30, of Wilmington, Delaware, and accomplice, Autumn James, 35, of Conowingo, Maryland, were also charged with multiple felonies. Those crimes include bribery, conspiracy, organized crime and racketeering and drug-related offenses. Hull and James had their initial court appearances and they were released after posting bonds of $132,000 and $70,000 respectively. Boykin is being held in custody on a $640,000 cash bond. A fugitive from New York City who is allegedly responsible for a deadly double shooting in Camden was captured in Spain, ending a months-long search, authorities said. The Spanish National Police arrested Felix De La Cruz-Arias, 30, last Friday in Barcelona, the nations second-largest city. He is charged with first-degree murder in the death of Jose Hiraldo-Peralta, who died after being repeatedly shot in Camden last year, the Camden County Prosecutors Office said on Thursday. This arrest sends a clear message that violence in our community will be pursued wherever it leads, even across international borders, Camden County Prosecutor Grace MacAulay said in a statement. He also faces a first-degree attempted murder charge for injuring a 28-year-old man who survived the shooting, the county prosecutor said. A U.S. Marshals Office task force officer and the U.S. Department of Justice aided county authorities in finding Cruz-Arias, who is from Brooklyn. He remains in police custody in Spain while awaiting extradition to New Jersey. Further details about Cruz-Ariass arrest and how he was located were not immediately available. Similar global collaboration led to the arrests of two Camden County fugitives last year in Mexico and Ukraine, said Nicholas Ricigliano, U.S. Marshal for the District of New Jersey. These cases underscore that attempts to evade justice across international lines are rarely successful. Cruz-Arias allegedly shot Hiraldo-Peralta and the other man in the 300 block of Morse Street on March 12, 2025. Camdens ShotSpotter system, which detects gunfire, alerted city police to the shooting, and officers found Hiraldo-Peralta on the street while the other man was located inside a nearby home. Both men were taken to Cooper University Hospital, about two miles west of the shooting scene. Hiraldo-Peralta was later pronounced dead. Attorney information for Cruz-Arias was not available in New Jersey court records. UPDATE: A Camden Fire Department firefighter who died Thursday after he got trapped beneath the icy waters at a local marina has been identified as longtime member Howard Bennett. A South Jersey firefighter was rushed to the hospital Thursday after falling through the icy waters at a marina on the Camden Waterfront, according to city officials. The firefighter was rescued from beneath the Wiggins Park Marina off Riverside Drive around 11 a.m., Camden Public Information Officer Vince Basara confirmed to NJ Advance Media. The firefighter was taken to Cooper University Medical Center in Camden, Basara said. His condition wasnt immediately known, and the city could not confirm how long he was submerged. No other information about the rescue was immediately available. The marina houses boats on the Delaware River. It is adjacent to the Freedom Mortgage Pavilion, the popular waterfront concert venue at the waterfront. The marina complex includes the Adventure Aquarium and the Battleship New Jersey. UPDATE: The Camden Fire Department firefighter who died has been identified as longtime member Howard Bennett. A veteran South Jersey firefighter died Thursday after becoming trapped beneath the icy waters of a Camden Waterfront marina while working on a department boat, city officials said. The firefighter, a man in his 60s, fell through the ice at the Wiggins Park Marina, which is next to the Freedom Mortgage Pavilion. He was taken to Cooper University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead, city Public Information Officer Vince Basara said. The marina houses boats on the Delaware River at a complex that includes the Adventure Aquarium and the Battleship New Jersey. The mans name was not released while officials notified next of kin, Basara said. City officials held a press conference at the hospital on Thursday afternoon to provide more information. Greg Guzman, right, hugs a person at the memorial procession for a firefighter who died at Cooper Hospital in Camden, New Jersey on Thursday, February 5, 2025. Gavin Schweiger | For NJ Advance Media Camden Fire Chief Jesse Flax said authorities are still investigating the firefighters death. Mayor Victor Carstarphen added that the city will provide full support to the mans family. Its a tough time, Carstarphen said. The firefighter fell into the water around 11 a.m. and was submerged for several minutes, Basara said. He described the firefighter as a longtime member of the department. First responders performed life-saving measures before the firefighter was rushed to the hospital. The firefighter and at least three colleagues were aboard a boat the department owns, officials said. Its what we use to fight fire off the shoreline, Flax said. We usually have a team of four that go down there. The firefighter fell overboard, plunging into the icy water, while performing maintenance aboard the vessel, officials said. The circumstances of the fall were not immediately known. Pete Perez, vice president of Camden Firefighters IAFF Local 788, said support services were being offered to department members. I appreciate the support that we received from our state, Perez said at a news conference. All of the local fire departments have reached out the minute they knew something was going on with one of our guys. Perez said he worked with the firefighter for about 21 years, and described him as being well-versed in boating. I just want to honor him in knowing that he was such a great firefighter and knew what he was doing, Perez said. When I got the call that was going on, I was in still in shock. I could not believe that this was going on. It was like, surreal. Angela Cephas was excited to be a mom. The 20-year-old, pregnant with her first child, had already picked out a name and quit her job to await the birth of her baby girl. On the morning of May 4, 1984, Cephas told her sister she needed to visit her boyfriend and asked to borrow a bicycle. Though she was just a few months from giving birth, Cephas hopped on the bike and pedaled off from their home in the Cumberland County community of Port Norris, a former oyster industry hub on the Delaware Bay. Her family thought it would be a brief outing. She never came home. For her twin sister, that was the day part of her world was ripped away. I was torn apart. It hurt me so bad, Angelina Lecator said of losing her identical twin. Its just like somebody stuck me with a knife. Cephas left behind all of her possessions and disappeared without a trace. Even the bike was never found. Though her family suspected Cephas boyfriend was involved in her disappearance, he denied any wrongdoing. He was never charged in the case and has since died. New Jersey State Police officials say the case remains open. But they said they have no new answers in the nearly 42-year-old mystery. Cephas family is still pressing for closure in one of New Jerseys most enduring cold cases. If shes not living, just let us know to bring her home and give her a good burial. I would at least have some kind of peace in my mind, Lecator said. Excited for motherhood In 1984, Angela Cephas was living with her older sister Betty and Bettys kids in the home where the sisters grew up on Dragston Road in the Port Norris section of Commercial Township. Lecator said she had a great relationship with her twin and both enjoyed a fun childhood growing up in the small community. It was wonderful. I loved being a twin, she said. It was me and her, her and me. While Lecator described herself as quiet and reserved, her sister was the opposite. She was a sweetheart. She was more outgoing, her sister said. Cephas had a job as an oyster shucker in the bayside community and enjoyed the work, Lecator said. But she had to quit as her pregnancy progressed. She was looking forward to motherhood. She was so happy. Especially when they told her it was a girl, Lecator said. Ill never forget that day. She called me on the phone and told me. Lecator still remembers their last conversation days before her disappearance, when Cephas revealed that she had already decided on a name for her daughter. She was telling me that she was going to name her Tanisha Cephas, her sister said. Lecator was living in Woodbine when her sister Betty called to tell her their sister was missing. Someone living in the home said Cephas boyfriend, who was driving a truck, had come by and given Cephas a hand signal to meet him nearby, Lecator said. Cephas asked Betty if she could borrow her nieces bicycle and headed off. She left behind her purse, bankbook and other possessions, Lecator said. Searches come up empty The disappearance initially received plenty of attention from local news outlets. Cephas left around 11 a.m. and her family contacted police around 9 p.m. that evening when she didnt return, according to stories published at the time in the Bridgeton Evening News. She was last seen wearing gray maternity pants, a white T-shirt, brown sweater and blue sneakers. She was riding her nieces pink and white Huffy girls bicycle with a white banana seat, images of flowers on the frame, and the initials K.C. on the neck of the bike near the handlebars. In the days after her disappearance, police and volunteers searched the area, including woods and swamps, on foot. Helicopters from the State Police and Coast Guard later joined the effort. About 50 volunteers from area fire and rescue companies took part, according to news coverage. Family and friends organized their own search but none of the efforts turned up any clues about Cephas whereabouts. Nearly three weeks later, police conducted another search of a wooded area between North Avenue and the Maurice River, according to the Bridgeton newspaper. About 20 state troopers combed the area for about three hours, police said at the time. The man the family identified as Cephas boyfriend was 14 years older than her, her family said. Lecator said she had witnessed the man threaten Cephas and tell her not to claim he was the father of her unborn child. While Lecator was frightened by his behavior, she said her sister was not afraid of him. That man has since died, but in a 1998 interview with The Press of Atlantic City, he denied being the missing womans boyfriend or the father of her child. Cephas family were just neighbors down the street, he told the newspaper. New Jersey State Police Detective Sgt. 1st Class George Holmes, who was a trooper involved in the investigation in 1984, told The Press in 1998 that the man had a lawyer who would not allow his client to answer any questions. The man denied any knowledge of the womans disappearance, Holmes told the paper. Holmes said in the article that he believed Cephas was dead. Holmes, who has since retired, declined through a family member to comment on the case when contacted recently by NJ Advance Media. She wouldnt just leave When Cephas went missing, some, including the police, suggested she may have taken off to continue her life elsewhere, Lecator said. But her twin sister doesnt believe that, noting that Cephas left all of her possessions behind. The bankbook was especially important because she was saving for her baby, Lecator said. The bank account was left untouched. She wouldnt just leave like that. She would have tried to call me, Lecator said. Lecator, who believes her sister was murdered, said she remains frustrated over a lack of progress in the case. If her sister is dead, she wants to bury her near the gravesites of their mother and father. We just want her home, Lecator said. I want closure. The case is still open, according to the police. This case remains active and ongoing. There is no additional information available at this time, a State Police spokesman said. Cephas case isnt included on the State Police webpage listing missing person cases dating back to the 1960s, but the spokesman said the site is currently being updated and revamped. The case is included in the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System NamUs database, which provides what the spokesman said was broader visibility. Now in her 60s, the pain of losing her twin hasnt eased, Lecator said. Sometimes I still cry because of the talks that we used to have. And every time, she would always say, I cant wait to see you. And I would tell her, I cant wait to see you either. When asked what she would like to tell her twin about how her own life turned out, grief seeps into Lecators voice as she pauses. I would like to tell her that, Angela, Im doing good. I just wish she was here, Lecator said. Anyone with information about Cephas whereabouts is asked to contact New Jersey State Police at 609-882-2000, ext. 2554 or by email at missingpinformation@njsp.gov. Students across New Jersey and beyond are mobilizing against the presence of federal immigration authorities on or near their campuses. The backlash has grown in recent weeks as students challenge how colleges engage with agencies under the Department of Homeland Security. Students say the proximity of immigration officials to campus signals a climate of surveillance that does not belong in higher education. In South Jersey, student-run organizations at Rowan University are demanding U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials stay off their campus. We find Rowan Universitys support and perpetuation for roles within Customs and Border Patrol to be deeply tone deaf, disgusting, and disturbing, said the leaders of the Rowan Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) in a statement. A Rowan University spokesperson said the Rohrer College of Business hosted the Department of Homeland Securitys Philadelphia CBP Trade Regulatory Audit field office for a professionaldevelopment event. Joe Cardona, vice chancellor for university communication, said the same Customs and Border Protection office also took part in the universitys fall and spring recruitment cycles by reserving a table in the business hall, where it shared information about accountingrelated auditing internships. The Department of Homeland Security did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Rowan Students for Justice in Palestine, along with four other student-led groups, organized a petition for participants to voice their concerns about CBP officials attending the event, they announced in a social media post. The petition has garnered more than 3,000 signatures. To bring in an office upholding this violence administratively and encouraging students to use their degrees to increase this harm is incredibly disappointing and certainly antithetical to the mission of Rowan University (and truly, any higher education institution), the petition said. The student group leaders said they were aware immigration enforcement officers were not on campus during the event, but they still believe the federal department should not be present at the university. The administrative roles of DHS are indirectly supporting the tyranny ICE is bringing to our streets, homes, and businesses, said the student group leaders. ICE is not a rogue agent; it is working to carry out the goals of DHS through fear, violence, and aggression - and the administrative roles of DHS make these operations possible. Our organizers also saw firsthand that they were promoting careers in all offices of DHS, the Students for Justice in Palestine petition read. Our community members deserve better. Our students deserve better. A protest led by five university groups is scheduled to take place Thursday afternoon, where organizations including Rowan Students for Justice in Palestine will call to abolish Immigration and Customs Enforcement, according to the petition. This action is not reactionary; it is a necessary proclamation of how Rowan students feel about current events, the student group leaders said. ICE-related operations across New Jersey continue to increase as agents continue to detain people. Cardona said the business school hosts more than 200 employers each year, ranging from private-sector organizations as well as local, state and federal agencies. The presence of any employer on campus does not constitute institutional endorsement of that organizations policies or actions, said Cardona. Rather, it reflects our commitment to supporting student career exploration while upholding principles of open access and free expression, Cardona said. Around 150 protesters showed up to a rally in Ledgewood, New Jersey against an immigration detention facility in Roxbury, New Jersey on Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026. Ian Peters | for NJ Advance Media Other institutions in New Jersey are also seeing student unrest. Students at Rutgers University protested ICE near the College Avenue campus during a national day of action on Jan. 30, according to a social media post announcing the event. Rutgers students are mobilizing against deportations, raids, and ICE terror in our communities, the Instagram post said. The Rutgers protest was led by several advocacy groups, including Students for Justice in Palestine at New Brunswick and Black Students for Liberation, according to the post. A university spokesperson confirmed the protest took place, but said it was organized by groups not affiliated with the school. ICE agents took at least five people into custody in the New Brunswick area this past weekend, according to surveillance video obtained by New Brunswick Today. State Assemblyman Joe Danielsen, D-Middlesex, criticized ICE for the arrests in a statement to NJ Advance Media. The lawless and authoritarian behavior we have seen playing out in the streets of Minneapolis is now playing out in our own backyard, Danielsen said in a statement. An online petition created by the Rutgers Young Democratic Socialists of America has garnered more than 2,500 supporters calling for the university to become a sanctuary campus and refuse to work with ICE or other federal agencies. At Princeton University, about 200 people marched through campus on Jan. 30 in solidarity with national protests related to ICE operations, TapIntoPrinceton reported. Students elsewhere in the country are raising similar concerns about immigration officials on their campuses. At Villanova University, the CBP withdrew from an upcoming career event shortly after its attendance was announced, according to the student-run newspaper, The Villanovan. Villanova University officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Students at Ohio State University protested the presence of CBP at their career fair, leading to three arrests, as reported by the Columbia Dispatch. More than 50 students were seen crowding the CBP officials who were tabling alongside the 150 employers at the event. Photo: https://www.facebook.com/GeneralStaff.ua The enemy advanced into the village of Chervonyi Lyman in Myrnohrad urban community of Pokrovsk district, into the village of Vasiukivka, and near the village of Bondarne in Soledar urban community of Bakhmut district of Donetsk region, according to the OSINT project of DeepState. According to the project maps, the area of territory under the control of the occupiers in Pokrovsk direction has increased by 2.51 square kilometers, while the area of the gray zone has increased by 0.87 square kilometers. According to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, as of 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, since the beginning of the day, Russian occupiers have made 21 attempts to push Ukrainian troops from their positions in Pokrovsk sector near the villages of Rodynske, Myrnohrad, Kotlyne, Udachne, and Filiya, and toward Novopidhorodne, Novopavlivka, and Novyi Donbas. Defense forces are holding back the onslaught and have already repelled 15 attacks. In Kramatorsk sector, according to DeepState data, the area under occupier control increased by 2.89 square kilometers, due to the gray zone. According to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the enemy did not conduct any offensive operations in Kramatorsk sector. The total area of Donetsk region occupied by the Russian army increased by 5.4 square kilometers in the last 24 hours. As reported, last week, the occupiers increased their area of control by an average of 12.9 square kilometers per day, while the gray zone expanded by an average of 0.5 square kilometers per day. A 29-year-old man was shot and killed in Newark on Wednesday night, officials said. A woman approached officers on Bergen Street at 7 p.m. to report that a man had been shot, the Essex County Prosecutors Office said. Police found the man later identified as Alkadeem Dortch with multiple gunshot wounds on the 800 block of Bergen Street. Dortch, of Newark, was brought to an area hospital and pronounced dead 45 minutes later. No arrests have been made as the investigation continues. Anyone with information is asked to call the Essex County Prosecutors Office Tips Line at 1-877-847-7432. Tips can be made anonymously. It used to be that Newark developers could avoid building affordable housing units in their otherwise market-rate apartment towers by paying just $25,000 per unit into a city fund to help build them somewhere else. A loophole, said City Councilman Carlos Gonzalez, who later helped close it. Before the ordinance was modified, people were able to pay $25,000 and build outside of the complex. So we increased that to $180,000, and that was my suggestion. That 2023 amendment to the citys inclusionary zoning ordinance, originally approved six years earlier, was among Gonzalezs more recent accomplishments in a 20-year stint on the council that will end July 1. The 76-year-old retired lawyer and grandfather of four announced this week that he will not seek a sixth four-year term in the citys officially non-partisan elections on May 12, when the mayors post and all nine council seats are up for grabs. Gonzalez says he will endorse his chief of staff, Newark Board of Education member Josephine Garcia, as his successor for one of four at-large seats on the council. More than two dozen potential candidates have picked up petitions to run for the citywide council seats, including the three other at-large council members, C. Lawrence Crump, Louise Scott-Rountree, and Luis Quintana. Quintana, now in his 32nd year, is the only Newark council member whos served longer than Gonzalez. The deadline to drop petitions off in the City Clerks office is 4 p.m. on Feb. 26. Apart from helping update the inclusionary zoning ordinance, Gonzalez said a dont-block-the-box measure intended to improve traffic flow and public safety was another point of pride. The intention was not to give people tickets, he said. The intention was to allow the intersection to be clear, so that ambulances and police officers can move freely. His leadership roles have included serving as chair of the councils tax abatement committee. He wielded his authority there in 2023 by threatening to rescind a tax break awarded to the owner of the Georgia King Village affordable housing complex, where tenants complained of a rodent infestation. Gonzalez said he and his wife, Margarita, plan to travel and spend more time with their two daughters and their families. My wife wants to go to Spain, said Gonzalez, a native of Puerto Rico. And were buying a place in Ecuador. The couple lives in Newarks Forrest Hill neighborhood, a historic enclave of large homes from the late 19th and early 20th centuries adjacent to Essex County Branch Brook Park. He said he wasnt sure whether they would stay in Newark, a decision they might base on an ongoing city-wide revaluation due for completion in 2027, which could shift assessments depending on updated market values. That shift, in turn, could lead to tax increases for some whole neighborhoods relative to others. Word of Gonzalezs retirement surfaced during Tuesdays city council work session, when administration officials and colleagues on the ruling body took turns congratulating him on his relaxing times ahead and lamenting his departure. One member of the public thanked Gonzalez for his intelligence, another thanked him for nothing. Newark Business Administrator Eric Pennington noted that he and Gonzalez had been at Rutgers Law School together before reuniting in their respective roles at City Hall half a century later. Gonzalez, who turns 77 next month, had a general law practice in Newark until 2010, when he said he gave it up to serve on the council full-time. I decided not to run because I am getting up in age, he said with a laugh, and I dont want to die in office. Over 400 investors in New Jersey lost more than $1.5 million in an elaborate scheme, the Newark Federal Bureau of Investigation Joint Organized Task Force announced. The investigation targeted a sophisticated, organized crime group based in Hungary and Dubai that sold fake gold bars to investors, officials said. The FBIs Newark office and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) worked in partnership with the Hungarian National Bureau of Investigation to arrest three Hungarian citizens, authorities said. The investigators alerted the New Jersey victims to the fake gold bar investment scheme, according to the FBI. The relationships we have built with our overseas partners in Hungary and the work we do every day with our partners at DEA, are vital to protecting the communities we serve in New Jersey, said Stefanie Roddy, the Newark FBI special agent in charge. Criminals can victimize people across international borders and even oceans but they cannot escape the global reach of the FBI, DEA and our international partners, Roddy added. This case is an incredible example of why these partnerships are so important. A father in Hudson County went out to buy diapers for his two young kids, but never made it home. Martin Soto, 30, was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents on Monday while buying diapers in Kearny, his wife told NJ Advance Media. He went to get diapers and never returned, Gabriela Soto said. Soto said her husband left at about 5:30 p.m. on Monday and she started calling him about an hour later wondering where he was. At about 11:30 p.m. she received a call from a Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) phone number and her husband was on the other line. He explained to her that he was stopped by ICE officers that night and that there was confusion during the conversation based on a language barrier. He told me he kept saying he didnt understand, Soto recalled. He said they got frustrated and just arrested him. Martin, originally from Peru, speaks Spanish as his primary language but can speak English fairly well, Soto said. He has trouble understanding English if the person is speaking too fast, she added. Martin is being held at Delaney Hall and was processed on Wednesday, according to Soto. She said the first day she could visit him was today. Martin entered the U.S. illegally in late 2023 and was released by immigration authorities in early 2024, according to Soto. The pair were in a long-distance relationship for about four and a half years when Soto would periodically fly to Peru to visit Martin, she said. After their daughter was born in New Jersey, they discussed how to regroup as a family in one location and discussed whether to endure the three-year process of legally immigrating or travel to the U.S. and navigate the immigration process from within the country. The couples daughter is four years old and their son is 10 months old, Soto said. Soto, a U.S. citizen who married Martin in 2024, started a GoFundMe campaign to raise money for an immigration attorney. We never fully got a lawyer for his immigration status because his court date was due for 2028, Soto wrote in the GoFundMe. We were going to use this year to make all the changes so he can have a lawyer through this whole process. Soto said she met with several attorneys Wednesday and that her husband has an immigration hearing in about two weeks. A spokesperson for ICE did not immediately respond to a request for comment. A man accused of slashing a taxi drivers face near a Howell park last month was arrested Tuesday at a Monmouth County home, authorities said. Three other people were also taken into custody at the home and two of them were taken into ICE custody, according to a statement from the Howell Township Police Department. The incident happened around 11:15 p.m. on Jan. 16, after the taxi driver picked up two men in Neptune and drove them to Oak Glen Park, police said. When the cab arrived at the park, one of the men slashed the 46-year-old driver in the face, investigators said. The driver then fled from the taxi and the assailants drove away in the vehicle. An officer on patrol found the bleeding driver at 11:15 p.m. but the carjackers were not located, authorities said. The driver was treated at an area hospital for a facial laceration. Detectives eventually identified one of the two alleged attackers as 19-year-old Melvin J. Cruz-Salmoran, the department announced Tuesday. Cruz-Salmoran is a foreign national from Mexico who was last known to reside in Neptune Township. He was charged with first-degree carjacking, second-degree aggravated assault, third degree aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and third-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, officials said. On Tuesday, detectives from the department and members of the FBI located Cruz-Salmoran inside a Neptune Township home despite others at the home trying to hide him from police, authorities said. As a result, two other foreign nationals from Mexico, Jose Luis Acevedo Jimenez, 27, and Jovanni Cruz-Salmoran, 29, were arrested by the FBI, police said. Jimenez was charged with immigration offenses for lying to federal agents and Jovanni Cruz-Salmoran was arrested on a warrant of removal after the FBI contacted ICE and confirmed his alleged illegal status. Acevedo Jimenez and Jovanni Cruz-Salmoran were transported to the U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement Newark Field Office for processing, the department said. A 22-year-old Neptune woman at the home was arrested on local charges for providing false information to authorities, the investigators said. She was processed and released pending a future court date. Melvin J. Cruz-Salmoran was brought to the Howell Township Police Department for processing and later transported to Monmouth County Correctional Institution, where he was held pending future court proceedings, authorities said. Detectives are still trying to identify and apprehend the other alleged assailant in the carjacking, police said. Anyone with information related to the investigation was urged to contact Howell Township Police Det. Vincent Bonner at 732-938-4575, ext. 2647. Rlaymone Wilkerson admits that he isnt good at remembering dates, but he recalls Dec. 3, when construction began outside his BBQ restaurant Blowin Smoque in Camden. It felt like calamity, said Wilkerson, who opened his business about three years ago. There was no traffic here. In December, construction on Haddon Avenue closed the road outside his business, Wilkerson said. Since then, he said hes lost about 20-30% of his revenue. Wilkerson, of Camden, is among many business owners on Haddon Avenue who complain that they have taken a financial hit and dealt with trash pickup and package delivery issues since the work began under a multimillion-dollar initiative to improve the area, and now need help. The loss in revenue hurts, said Todd Israel, owner of T.I.s The Next Level Barber Shop, LLC. I want to be compensated. I think thats only fair. Free Williams, owner of Hair Mob studio, who has also experienced revenue losses, added that, package delivery has been extremely horrible. City Councilman Chris Collins, who represents the area, did not respond to a request for comment. But a city spokesperson, Vince Basara, said roadway reconstruction is bound to cause some disruptions. At the end of the day, this is millions of dollars that is now being invested in a corridor that needed some attention, he said. The result will definitely pay dividends for the businesses, Basara added. But Basara said the city and county are concerned about the short-term losses and have worked with businesses to address any issues. We never want to see any business ever impacted by a project, he said. In June, officials announced plans to reconstruct Haddon Avenue, one of the oldest and most travelled roads in the city. The work, between Newton and Euclid avenues, is part of a $161 million countywide infrastructure improvement program. The project will receive $17 million, one of the largest allocations. A Camden County spokesperson, Dan Keashen, said the project will create ADA-accessible ramps, repair parts of the sewer system and water line, and improve stormwater and drainage systems, among other improvements. Before construction began, Basara said officials went door to door to notify businesses about the project, held public meetings, posted updates on social media and launched a website with construction information. To offset the loss of street parking, he said officials opened parking lots and displayed signage directing residents to them and informing them that the businesses remain open. Businesses remain open as road construction shuts down most of Haddon Avenue in Camden on Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026. Joe Warner | For NJ Advance Media Wilkerson is excited about the changes. A lot of the things that they are doing - its extremely needed, he said. Still, he wants to be compensated for the revenue loss hes experienced since construction began. He said business still comes in from platforms like Uber Eats, but hes lost much of the foot and drive-by traffic. People cant tell that were open, he said. They dont want to deal with the trouble of navigating the traffic and trying to figure out where to park and how to get into your store. A couple of doors down, Israel said his barbershop has lost about 45% of revenue since the construction began. Its difficult for my online clientele base, basically people not from this area, he said. They dont know this terrain, so they have a problem with parking. Its also hard for older residents and mothers with strollers and young children to maneuver through the construction, he said. Customer James Williamson, 61, has noticed. Usually, by now, theres people in here, he said, noting that Israel has cut his hair for the last decade. Its a popular barbershop. Businesses remain open as road construction shuts down most of Haddon Avenue in Camden on Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026. Joe Warner | For NJ Advance Media Businesses have also faced other issues. Wilkerson said trash isnt getting picked up daily and sometimes sits out for a week. I think its difficult for the people that collect the trash to get to us, and difficult for individual business owners to know what to do in the interim, he said. Especially if youve got food, you dont want to leave it sitting out, because that might attract rats. Israel said he has struggled to get packages delivered. Once, he said he ordered a big box of paper towels, but they got sent back to the store, so he had to contact the company and provide instructions on how to navigate the road closure. According to Basara, the Department of Public Works is removing the trash, and the pickup locations are at the intersection of Kaighn and Haddon avenues. Meanwhile, nearby store owners who are unaffected now are nervous about what is to come when the street near their businesses closes for repairs. I absolutely love the city and the community loves and wants me here, said Arlene Felder, the owner of Glassy Brown Cookies, a bakery that opened last year. But I have a concern that when construction starts on my part of Haddon Avenue, then people may not be able to reach me. Felder moved her business to Camden after being recruited by the Parkside Business and Community in Partnership, or PBCIP, which aims to revitalize Camdens Parkside neighborhood. She shared her concerns at the city council meeting last month. What theyre doing in Camden is going to be very, very nice its long overdue for the city, she said. But with that change, if theres sidewalks up and you cant even drive down the street, what happens to the businesses? Road construction shuts down most of Haddon Avenue in Camden on Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026. Joe Warner | For NJ Advance Media Wilkerson said the city should take the lessons it learned from the first phase of the project and apply them as it moves to the next phase. In the meantime, Bridget Phifer, CEO of PBCIP, said the organization will create a small relief fund for businesses to apply for in February. Its not going to be significant enough to ensure that they stay in business over the next eight months, she said. But I think its enough to fill a little hole. PBCIP has asked officials to match the funds theyre contributing to businesses and is awaiting a response. Were very excited about the opportunity that this change will be comingwe fully support it, Phifer said. But also realizing that we need to understand the challenges that the small businesses are experiencing and provide them the support that they need at this time. Jersey Citys new mayor says the states second-largest city has a $255 million deficit due to a pattern of systemic mismanagement under former Mayor Steve Fulop. Mayor James Solomon, who took office last month, ripped into Fulop, now president and CEO of the nonprofit Partnership for New York City, during a Wednesday afternoon press conference at City Hall. Solomon outlined several criticisms of Fulop from a 24-page report from his administration charging that his predecessor relied too heavily on short-term revenues and asset sales. He brought up the decision by Moodys, one of the nations Big Three credit ratings agencies, to downgrade Jersey Citys rating in December. At every turn, the former mayor used the citys budget to avoid making hard decisions, to shift responsibility and to prop up his own political ambitions, said Solomon, who served on the City Council from January 2018 until being sworn in as mayor three weeks ago. Fulop led Jersey City for more than 12 years before he declined to seek a fourth term. He ran in the Democratic primary for governor in June, but lost. Asked for a response to Solomon, Fulop said, We obviously disagree. Had I chosen to run for re-election, we would have introduced another budget with no tax increase for Jersey City residents as we did nearly every year, Fulop added. Fulop and Solomon both are Democrats. The former mayor did not make an endorsement in the non-partisan race to succeed him, which drew seven candidates. Solomon finished first in the Nov. 4 general election and defeated the second-place finisher, former Gov. Jim McGreevey, in a Dec. 2 runoff election. Solomon said the $255 million deficit represents around 28% of the citys operating budget, more than what the city spends on public safety via the police and departments. It was built year after year after year, Solomon said of the deficit. It was built on deception. It was built on gimmicks. It was built on irresponsible decision-making. It was built on incompetence and it was built on vanity, Solomon said. Fulop countered that Solomon had full budget responsibilities during his eight years on the city council overlapping his second and third terms as mayor. During that time, he never raised any of these concerns and actually voted for virtually every contract and resolution that came before the council. This is unfortunately just James playing politics as it is standard practice for new mayors to blame their predecessors, Fulop said. Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop giving an interview at City Hall in January, six days before leaving office. Reena Rose Sibayan | For NJ Advance Media Solomon said during the press conference that he voted against every city budget while on the council and the buck stops with the mayor. The mayor is responsible for leading the city, is responsible for hiring all the key personnel, and that cant be just sort of ignored or spread around. That is the fundamental cause of why were in this place, Solomon said. In providing examples from his report, Solomon said the ex-mayor should have prioritized $100 million in federal COVID relief funding in 2021 the year he won a third term on long-term investments rather than for a residential property tax cut. Solomon said the city spent nearly $20 million on consultants in pursuit of Fulops goal to develop a branch of the French Centre Pompidou modern art museum. The plan for the museum stalled in 2024 but has not been officially withdrawn. During Fulops tenure, Jersey City under-budgeted for known expenses, resulting in more than $52 million in unpaid health insurance bills from 2024 and 2025, Solomon alleged. Mismanagement resulted in Jersey City overpaying state and federal taxes by $3.1 million and failing to request a refund before the deadline, the mayor said. What we are presenting today is the first full public accounting of Jersey Citys financial condition in years. The people of our city deserve to know how their money is being spent, Solomon said. Solomon did not address whether any programming or staffing cuts might result from the deficit. He said the next city budget is still being developed and also spoke of prioritizing a five-year plan. I think it is fair to say that every option is on the table, Solomon said. Asked about changes since he took office, Solomon said the city has a new finance director and his administration is receiving guidance, at no cost to Jersey City, from municipal budget experts at the City University of New Yorks Institute for State and Local Governance . He announced a switch in health insurance administrators last week that he said should save $30 million in 2026. Looking ahead, Solomon offered a note of optimism. The underlying economy of the city is strong, Solomon said. New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill said she talked to President Donald Trump last week before a lawsuit was filed by her state and New York seeking to free up billions of dollars for the Gateway Tunnel project. Those funds were frozen last October by the Trump administration. Sherrill, speaking during a news conference at Newark Penn Station on Wednesday afternoon, said taxpayers will be on the hook for millions of dollars if construction shuts down as scheduled on Friday, when the project runs out of cash. To avoid this, were seeking emergency relief by Friday Feb. 6 and other relief later this month to ensure construction continues on the most important infrastructure project in the nation, acting New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport said. Thousands of workers still on the job at five projects face lay-offs, in addition to the 11,000 expected to resume working in the spring. The withheld funds were approved in contracts with federal agencies in 2024. Referring to Trumps Oct. 15 statement that Gateway is terminated, Sherrill said his action is arbitrary, illegal, and I refuse to let it happen. When hes involved costs go up and people get hurt. State taxpayers will get stuck paying millions more. The decision to suspend all project funds violates careful federal regulations that limit whether and when agencies can freeze project funds. Sherrill, a Democrat, said she told Trump during a phone call late last week that Gateway was critical to the region for jobs and the economy. After she listed reasons why the project should continue, he replied I know how important it is, but didnt offer to restore funding, Sherrill said. There has been no credible explanation for the hold-up other than political games and moving the goal posts, she said. New Jersey and New York sued the Trump administration Tuesday contending it will put taxpayers on the hook for millions of dollars in additional costs. The Gateway Development Commission, which is overseeing construction, filed a breach of contract suit in federal court on Monday. Under agreements with the Federal Transit Administration, the two states are responsible for covering costs beyond the $16 billion allocated for the project. Those costs were estimated by the commission at $15 million to $20 million a month. That figure includes costs to secure the five sites under construction, for contractors to move equipment and interest payments for lines of credit Gateway used to keep construction going for four months after federal funding was frozen on Oct. 1. While Sherrill and her attorney general talked about the twin lawsuits filed by the states and Gateway, U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer, D-5th Dist., said he was still working with legislators on both sides of the aisle and the White House to negotiate release of the funds. Echoing the reasons Sherrill provided for the suit, Gottheimer said he is still working with other lawmakers and the White House on a legislative settlement. I will not leave the table. I helped negotiate the bipartisan infrastructure bill. We can do this if we grind it out as the lawsuit moves forward, he said during a Wednesday morning press conference. Gateway would build two new tunnels under the Hudson, rehabilitate the two existing tunnels and build other infrastructure. The 116-year-old tunnels are a notorious choke point and require constant maintenance, usually done overnight and by shutting down a tunnel on weekends. A shutdown of one of the existing tunnels would reduce train service and hurt Democratic, Republican and Independent families, he said. While acknowledging and supporting the two lawsuits, Gottheimer said the litigation shouldnt stop talks from happening for a legislative solution to free up funds. Im taking an all of the above approach to get this solved, Gottheimer said. There are Republicans and Democrats working to get it moving. Both Sherrill and Gottheimer said stopping work on Gateway also wastes $1 billion of taxpayer money already spent on five projects, one of which is completed. We have members of the congressional delegation like Josh Gottheimer working hard at negotiating to get the money released, she said. We are using every means we have to fight hard for job for the economy and the commuter of the state. Construction has stopped on two concrete launch pads for the first tunnel boring machines to begin drilling through the Palisades in North Bergen in the spring, Sherrill said. This is why were fighting, she said. This is political decision by the president to cancel money that is already in a pot, ready to put to work. Gateway funds is being tied to congressional approval of full funding for Department of Homeland Security, something Democrats wont support without restraints on the agency after the shooting by ICE officers of two protesters in Minneapolis. White House spokesman Kush Desai said U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and Democrats were standing in the way of a deal for Gateway by refusing to negotiate with the Trump administration for full Department of Homeland Security funding in return for reinstating funding, according to Reuters. Prior to that, funding was tied to a new federal rule regulating the award of contracts to Disadvantaged Business Enterprises on the bases of gender or race. Gateway officials said it suspended all Disadvantaged Business Enterprises activities late last year to comply with the federal rule and get funding reinstated. You cant have a first rate economy with second rate infrastructure, Gottheimer said. Gateway is not an optional project. Prior to leaving office, Gov. Phil Murphy had a chance to sign a three-bill package aimed at curbing the unfettered power of ICE to run immigration raids across the state. There was a bill to restrict state agencies from sharing information with ICE; another that would have codified the current Immigration Trust Directive a policy forbidding local police involvement with civil enforcement cases and a third piece of legislation that created safe zones in schools, churches and hospitals. Murphy vetoed the first two and signed the third. Now, just a few weeks later, ICE is running rampant across the state and the mayors of our two largest cities are pleading for help. In the midst of public daylight raids in their cities, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka and Jersey City Mayor James Solomon are advocating for lawmakers to repass the bills and send them to Gov. Mikie Sherrill for a signature. During her young administration, Sherrill has been a vocal critic of President Donald Trumps immigration policy in general and ICE and the Department of Homeland Security specifically, going as far as to call for DHS Secretary Kristi Noem to lose her job in the wake of the killings in Minneapolis. Asking her to sign two relatively minor bills aimed at curbing major rights violations doesnt seem like too heavy a lift. Despite already passing the bills in the Legislature, there are some in the Democratic Party worried that signing them into law might provoke Trump and ICE further. My response to that would be: So what? Theyve been steadily ramping up the frequency and severity of their operations for months; the powers that be in the administration arent going to suddenly have a change of heart. Showing legislative restraint on your side isnt going to lead to curbing overreach on theirs. If you sit on your hands, the administration isnt going to reciprocate; theyre going to keep going further. If theres one thing weve learned for sure over the course of the last year, its that ICE doesnt know how to de-escalate. The head of the Ukrainian delegation at the trilateral negotiations with the United States and Russia, Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) Rustem Umerov reported on the results of the negotiations on agreements on the exchange of prisoners of war, discussion of methods of implementing the ceasefire, monitoring the cessation of hostilities and the resumption of negotiations in the "coming weeks." "Readout of Trilateral Peace Talks Hosted by the United Arab Emirates. Over February 4 and 5, delegations from the United States, Ukraine, and the Russian Federation met for the second trilateral meeting in Abu Dhabi to advance efforts to end the war in Ukraine. The discussions were constructive and focused on how to create the conditions for a durable peace. The delegations reached agreement whereby the Russian Federation and Ukraine will each release 157 Prisoners of War. This is the first exchange in the last five months. Over the two days, the delegations had wide-ranging discussions on the remaining open issues including methods to implement a ceasefire and monitor the cessation of military activities," he said on the X social network on Thursday evening. According to him, the delegations agreed to inform their capitals and continue the trilateral discussions in the coming weeks, and they expressed gratitude to the United Arab Emirates for hosting the talks. "Ukraine is grateful to President Donald J. Trump for his leadership in advancing an end to the war," Umerov said. President Donald Trumps comments about the two fatal shootings in Minneapolis left critics confused after he starting speaking about the deadly boat strikes in the Caribbean. In an extensive interview with NBC News Tom Llamas, Trump lamented that he gets bad publicity because federal immigration officers shot and killed two U.S. citizens in Minneapolis last month. He suggested that he wanted more people to talk about the administration deporting those with criminal records and about the controversial boat strikes. But, his rambling answer appeared to leave Llamas and social media critics confused. You arrest thousands of rapists. You arrest thousands of the worst people. You arrest the drug dealers. I mean, we had drug kingpins. We had murderers. Thousands, no incident. We bring em back to their country. Two people its bad. I hate it. I hate even talking about it. Two people out of tens of thousands, Trump said during Wednesdays interview. And you get bad publicity. Nobody talks about all of the murderers that were taking out of our country, he continued. When Llamas noted that Renee Good and Alex Pretti were Americans, Trump continued to complain before abruptly changing the subject. They dont talk about we have the smallest drugs as an example, weve been very tough on the waters," Trump said. The waters? Llamas responded. Trump then began talking about the U.S. strikes on alleged drug boats that have raised legal and ethical concerns. If you look at the waters where we knock out boats...Each boat that we knock out we save 25,000 American lives. Were doing a job like nobodys ever seen before, Trump added. Trumps comments led social media users to question the presidents mental acuity. One user just posted question marks in response to Trumps remarks. The president of the U.S. is a demented buffoon and an international laughingstock, the Republicans Against Trump account posted on X. Not many neurons left, the Lincoln Projects Rick Wilson wrote on X. Anyone who has a family member with rapidly advancing dementia knows their brains bounce around exactly like this in bizarre ways, endlessly, a political commentary account posted on X. The Tennessee Holler wrote: All he cares about is himself and his image. Diabolical. Senate Democrats brutally grilled Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Thursday over President Donald Trumps $10 billion lawsuit against the U.S. government. Trump filed a lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the Treasury Department last week, accusing the agencies of failing to prevent his tax information from being leaked to news outlets during his first term. The move has been met with widespread criticism, with many pundits accusing the president misusing taxpayer money. Bessent dismissed questions about conflict of interest concerns during a Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee hearing on Thursday. Bessent confirmed that if Trump wins the lawsuit, the money would come from U.S. taxpayers. Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) hammered Bessent on whether he has received any advice on how to approach the lawsuit, noting that Bessent is also the acting head of the IRS. At one point, Gallego asked whether Bessent had any say in whether Trump deserves $10 billion. Do you have any final say at all in the process of this? Or is the DOJ just going to instruct you to cut a check and or settle and you have no independence to actually make a decision whether or not the President deserves $10 billion? Gallego asked. Again, that is a DOJ matter, Bessent responded. So you would just have to write the check if you were told to write the check? Gallego said. Correct, Bessent responded. Gallego then said Trumps lawsuit looks like a total shakedown of the American taxpayer. Bessent reiterated that the Justice Department would represent the Treasury Department in a lawsuit with Trump, emphasizing that he has no role in the lawsuit. Gallego then asked whether the lawsuit is a conflict of interest because Trump can fire Bessent, who would be responsible for sending the money if the president wins the lawsuit. I think youre confused, Senator, I am not part of the decision, Bessent responded. The two men began talking over one another before Gallego hurled an accusation at Bessent. Youre plundering U.S. taxpayer dollars! Gallego concluded. Earlier in the hearing, Sen. Andy Kim (D-N.J.) also demanded answers from Bessent on the lawsuit Trump brought against the Treasury Department. When Kim asked if there was a conflict of interest, Bessent referred the New Jersey Democrat to the Justice Department. In an interview with NBC News Tom Llamas, Trump said he wants the U.S. government to pay him despite it taking money away from taxpayers. Llamas asked Trump whether the move is a good use of taxpayer money. You cant leak documents, Trump said in the interview. And any money that I win, Ill give it to charity, 100% to charity. Charities that will be approved by government or whatever. The lawsuit claimed that the leaked tax documents caused reputational and financial harm, public embarrassment and unfairly tarnished their business reputations, portrayed them in a false light, and negatively affected President Trump, and the other Plaintiffs public standing. The lawsuit is asking for at least $10 billion from the government agencies over the leaked information. Trump, a billionaire, faced intense scrutiny during his first term for not disclosing his tax returns. The New York Times reported in 2020 that Trump had only paid $750 in federal income tax in 2016, the year he was elected to his first term in office. The Times also reported that Trump did not pay any federal income tax in 10 of the previous 15 years to 2020. Acting state Treasurer Aaron Binder says Gov. Mikie Sherrill has taken tax hikes off the table in New Jersey as she prepares to enter her first budget season. But that could mean New Jersey is in for some severe cuts to the state budget as lawmakers navigate a complicated budget season with a dwindling surplus. Spending cuts are a very important part of this, Binder warned when pressed on the states budget plan during his confirmation hearing Monday. Sherrill is expected to make her first budget address next month as lawmakers begin to negotiate the state budget. A new budget must be approved by the state Legislature and signed by Sherrill by the end of June. As Sherrill prepares to present her proposed budget next month, her administration is facing a complex budget picture made more complicated by the prospect of losing federal dollars from President Donald Trumps administration. Binder, Sherrills nominee for state treasurer, previously served as deputy treasurer and as a legislative budget director. At his confirmation hearing on Monday, he was approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee. But his nomination must still be approved by the full state Senate. Democrats on the committee said during the hearing that they would save their questions about Sherrills budget plan for upcoming budget hearings. But state Sen. Mike Testa, R-Cumberland, who also serves on the Senate Budget Committee, said he had no intention of waiting to quiz Binder. Time is ticking with these funds, so I do believe I need to ask some of these questions, Testa said. Testa pressed Binder on how the administration plans to address the states budget deficit. Binder did not detail where Sherrills administration plans to propose cuts. But he listed the parts of the state budget that are the most expensive, including healthcare, school funding and Stay NJ, a property tax relief program for senior homeowners. On the spending side, those are the bigger cost drivers, Binder said, without saying it those areas were targeted for cuts. He said Sherrill who made affordability one of the cornerstones of her campaign for governor has been explicit in ruling out tax increases to balance the budget. Gov. Sherrill has made it clear that with an affordability agenda, tax increases are not part of an affordability agenda, he said. The state budget is expected to be one of the Sherrill administrations first major policy tests. A new governor usually uses the first budget to outline the administrations fiscal priorities and set the tone for how it plans to work with the Legislature and interest groups. The budget proposal could also signal how Sherrill plans to manage competing demands of school funding, public-worker pensions, property tax relief and business incentives. For Sherrill, the stakes are heightened by a steadily shrinking state budget surplus that forecasts say could be depleted within a few years. During the final budget season of former Gov. Phil Murphys tenure, Republicans and moderate Democrats pushed back against tax increases. The state still ended up passing its largest budget ever at $58.8 billion last year. Binders hints about the administrations upcoming budget proposal followed Sherrills remarks last week as the keynote speaker at the New Jersey Business & Industry Associations public policy forum in Plainsboro. The association, which represents the states largest collection of employers, has pressed Sherrills administration to hold off on raising taxes. At the forum, Sherrill promised a stronger relationship with the business community. I want our government to work better for you, Sherrill told the crowd of business executives. Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) spent over 54 days in space during his career as a NASA astronaut. Having spent nearly two months orbiting Earth, he had some pointed thoughts about rap star Nicki Minajs lunar landing conspiracy theory. Minaj, who has recently cozied up to President Donald Trump, cast doubt on the historic 1969 Apollo 11 landing this week during an appearance on Katie Millers podcast. I dont think we landed on the moon, Minaj said on Wednesdays Katie Miller Pod. I asked Elon (Musk) this one. He said we did indeed land on the moon, said Miller, the wife of White House deputy chief of staff for policy Stephen Miller. Minaj responded with a shrug, and Miller moved onto another topic. On Thursday, MeidasTouch News reporter Pablo Manriquez caught up with Kelly to get his thoughts on the matter. He first responded with a hearty laugh. You know, theres like a whole crazy community of people out there that believe in these nutty conspiracy theories, Kelly told Manriquez. What I often tell people is that, in the 1960s when we were in a competition with the Soviets to land on the moon, you know what they said after Apollo 11? They said congratulations. In the days leading up to the landing, Russian physicist Leonid Sedov wrote about the magnitude of the moment. Mankind highly appreciates the achievement of the American specialists and the daring astronauts, Sedov wrote in Russian newspaper Pravda. After the Apollo 11 mission achieved the first successful human landing on the moon in July 1969, at the height of the Cold War, Chairman of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet Nikolay V. Podgorny sent a formal telegram to U.S. President Richard Nixon conveying his congratulations and best wishes to the space pilots. Also soon after the landing, Russian cosmonauts sent a message to the Apollo 11 crew: We ... closely followed your flight. We wholeheartedly congratulate you on the completion of your wonderful journey to the moon and safe return to earth. Nearly six decades later, conspiracy theorists like Minaj still believe the initial moon landing and the five other successful Apollo missions that followed were all a hoax. But, as the United Kingdom-based National Institute of Physics explained, every single argument claiming that NASA faked the Moon landings has been discredited." They tracked us to the surface of the moon and they congratulated us, Kelly said of the Soviets. So I would suggest that she lay off the conspiracy theories and study some history. More than five years later, President Donald Trump will not stop repeating lies about the 2020 election. Trump repeated his false claims that the 2020 election was rigged against him during his remarks at the National Prayer Breakfast on Thursday. He reiterated his grievances about losing to former President Joe Biden and questioned how any one of faith could support a Democrat. He admitted that he wanted to win the 2020 election just for his ego. They rigged the second election. I had to win. It had a win. It needed it for my own ego. I would have had a bad ego for the rest of my now. I really have a big ego. Beating these lunatics was incredible. What a great feeling, Trump said on Thursday. There was no evidence of widespread voting fraud during the 2020 election. Trumps claims of fraud during the 2020 election have been repeatedly debunked. Trump also claimed, without evidence, that he won the popular vote during the 2016 election against Democrat Hillary Clinton. While Trump won the electoral college, he lost the popular vote by nearly 2.9 million votes. He also lost the popular vote to Biden in the 2020 election by about 7 million votes. Trump did win the popular vote in the 2024 election by about 2.3 million votes over former Vice President Kamala Harris. Winning the popular vote, the first time. You know, they said I didnt win the popular vote. I did, Trump added. He also accused Democrats of cheating in the elections without presenting any evidence to back his claims. He also criticized Democrats over their stance on voter identification laws. I dont know how a person of faith can vote for a Democrat. I really dont, and I know we have some here today, and I dont know why theyre here, because they certainly dont give us their vote. I certainly know that were not going to be convincing them to vote for a little thing called voter ID, Trump said. And they do something to win. You know what it is? They cheat, he added. Trump has reignited his obsession with the 2020 election in recent weeks. In a recent interview with former FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino, Trump said he wanted Republicans to nationalize elections. The shocking statement sparked widespread criticism, with even some Republicans pushing back on Trumps rhetoric. The Republicans should say, We want to take over. We should take over the voting in at least many, 15 places, Trump told Bongino. The Republicans ought to nationalize the voting. It also comes just a week after the FBI searched a warehouse near Atlanta where voter records and information about the 2020 election were stored. That search came in the wake of Trumps repeated false claims that fraud cost him the state of Georgia during the 2020 election. It has also escalated fears that Trump will try to interfere with the results of the 2026 midterms. The White House has scoffed at such fears, noting that Trump did not intervene in the 2025 off-year elections despite some Democratic predictions he would. But the presidents party usually loses ground in midterm elections and Trump has already tried to tilt the fall races in his direction. During an interview with NBC News that aired Wednesday, the president said he will trust Republican losses in the midterms if the results are honest. Its a strategy Trump has regularly used ahead of elections, suggesting that a loss would only be due to some type of fraud. The Associated Press contributed to this report. During his address at the National Prayer Breakfast on Thursday, President Donald Trump questioned why anyone of religious faith would ever align with the Democratic Party. I dont know how a person of faith can vote for a Democrat. I really dont, Trump told the audience at the Washington Hilton in D.C. And I know we have some here today. I dont know why theyre here because they certainly dont give us their vote, the president added. Trumps comments came during a meandering 75-minute speech in which he also took shots at political rivals, compared servicemembers to Tom Cruise and appeared to mock House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) for praying before meals. Mike Johnson is a very religious person, Trump said. He does not hide it. Hell say to me sometimes at lunch, Sir, may we pray. Ill say, Excuse me? Were having lunch. But it was Trumps comments about people of faith supporting Democrats that drew the most outrage. California Gov. Gavin Newsom called Trump an absolute fraud and disgrace over those remarks. Michael Wear, the president and CEO of the Center for Christianity and Public Life, said that Trump mocks Christians deepest beliefs to their face. Not until this president has someone gone to the breakfast to make so much of himself, and so little of God. And he does it every year, Wear wrote on X. Christian novelist Jennifer Erin Valent accused Trump of using religion to benefit himself at the expense of Christian supporters and encouraged them to stop supporting his rhetoric. Christians, he has always only been about getting your votes and your $. Thats it. He cares nothing for the things we believe in, Valent posted on X. In fact, its been made clear that behind the scenes he mocks Christian supporters. Stop being easy marks. Stop enabling his evil. Stop. Political Alignment and Religion White Protestants and Catholics tend to lean more Republican. According to a 2024 report from the Pew Research Center, 59% of Protestants and 85% of white evangelical Protestants are registered Republicans. However, 84% of Black Protestants and 45% of Hispanic Protestants are registered Democrats. Protestants remain the largest single religious group in the United States. Just over half of Catholics are registered Republicans, including 61% of White Catholics; 44% of all Catholics and 60% of Hispanic Catholics are registered Democrats. Democrats continue to hold a commanding edge among religiously unaffiliated voters, according to Pews data. As the number of secular voters has expanded, their political alignment has shifted increasingly toward the Democratic Party. About 70% of religiously unaffiliated voters identify as Democrats or lean Democratic, compared with 27% who identify as Republicans or lean Republican. President Donald Trump has one demand for his administration over his new lawsuit against the IRS and the Treasury Department. Trump filed a lawsuit against the agencies for $10 billion in late January, alleging they failed to prevent a former IRS employee from improperly disclosing his tax returns as well as those of his sons, Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump, and the Trump Organization to news outlets during his first term. The lawsuit indicates that Trump is suing in his personal capacity, and not as president. In an exclusive interview with NBC News, anchor Tom Llamas asked Trump directly whether the move is a good use of taxpayer money. You cant leak documents, Trump said in comments released late Wednesday. And any money that I win, Ill give it to charity, 100% to charity. Charities that will be approved by government or whatever. After Trump pivoted to a separate complaint against the Justice Department over the 2022 raid on his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, Llamas pointed to how members of his administration are at the opposing end of the lawsuit, with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent serving as acting commissioner of the IRS and Attorney General Pam Bondi leading the Justice Department. Llamas went on to say that they are both poised to defend the IRS against him. Well, theres never been anything like it, in all fairness, Trump said. Dont forget, I sued as a private citizen, because I sued between terms. I won three times, he added baselessly. I won three times, but I didnt assume unfortunately for this country, I didnt assume office the second time." Llamas went on to repeatedly ask whether Trump was going to direct his administration to pay him. What I would do tell them to pay me, but Ill give 100% of the money to charity, Trump said. I dont want any of that money." When Llamas responded that Trump would be taking money out of the system, the president replied: No, no, Im putting it back into the system. If I give money to American Cancer Society, I will give 100% of the money away, he continued. I dont want any of it. Llamas then cited the countrys over $30 trillion in national debt. Well, I mean, you give it away anyway, Trump said. They give away a lot of money. The previous IRS contractor, Charles Littlejohn, was sentenced to five years in prison in 2024 after pleading guilty to leaking Trumps records to The New York Times. The outlet found that Trump had paid just $750 in federal income taxes in 2016 and 2017, and had paid no income taxes in 10 of the previous 15 years. At the time, Trump claimed the story was totally fake news and made up while his new complaint argues that the family experienced reputational and financial harm and public embarrassment, while the leaking unfairly tarnished their business reputations and portrayed them in a false light. The lawsuit comes as Trump told reporters last year that he could be seeking $230 million as compensation from the federal government following investigations by the Justice Department into him. I dont know about the numbers, Trump said last October. I dont even talk to them about it. All I know is that they would owe me a lot of money. But Im not looking for money. Id give it to charity or something. The owner of a 1,000acre former munitions plant in Roxbury is suing the township, claiming a new ordinance will make it harder to redevelop the property. Hercules LLC, which owns the land known as the Kenvil site, filed a complaint in Superior Court asking a judge to overturn an ordinance the township council adopted last fall. The law notified the New Jersey Highlands Council that Roxbury Township intended to enter Plan Conformance, a voluntary process in which a municipality agrees to align its zoning and planning rules with the regional Highlands master plan. The Highlands Council, a state agency created to oversee development and protect drinking water in the region, can impose more stringent landuse restrictions in areas designated as the Highlands Preservation Area. Hercules argues the new ordinance effectively shifts parts of Roxbury including its property from the more flexible Highlands Planning Area into the stricter Preservation Area, limiting how the site can be cleaned up and eventually redeveloped. Hercules and its predecessors have owned the 1,000 acres for more than 150 years. The property once housed the flagship facility of the Hercules Powder Co., which produced dynamite, explosives and propellants. The plant operated from 1871 until 1996. According to the lawsuit, the company demolished more than 300 structures and removed over 1 million square feet of paving and concrete between 1996 and 2005, working with the state Department of Environmental Protection and licensed remediation professionals. Between 2018 and 2021, the DEP approved several remediation plans that Hercules is currently carrying out. Town planning documents previously identified the Kenvil property as a redevelopment opportunity. The townships 2000 Master Plan listed uses such as offices, limited industrial operations, hotels, conference centers and service businesses. Roxbury again highlighted the site for redevelopment in 2004 and 2017 because of its proximity to transit and major highways. The new Highlands ordinance, the company says, now limits the remedies available to Hercules in its ultimate remediation and redevelopment of the Kenvil property. The filing argues the change will increase cleanup costs and place a further burden solely on Hercules without any corresponding public benefit. Hercules has been working cooperatively with the Township of Roxbury since the mid1990s on various remediation and redevelopment efforts for its approximately 1,000acre property, spokesperson Carolmarie C. Brown said. Brown added that the ordinance has created new and excessive restraints for Hercules and goes beyond reasonable limitations on development, creating a burden on Hercules township property interests. Brown said that the company still hopes to resolve the issue without further litigation. The lawsuit claims the township failed to individually notify nearby property owners of the zoning change and improperly bypassed the Planning Board, which is supposed to review all landuse ordinances. The Roxbury Township Council, the Planning Board and the township itself are named as defendants. The complaint was served on the Township yesterday, Township Attorney Anthony M. Bucco said in a statement to NJ Advance Media. I am in the process of reviewing same. I am sure the Mayor and Township Council will authorize me to answer the complaint and defend it vigorously. A homeowner in Cranford fought off a man who broke into his home in the middle of the night on Wednesday, authorities said. The would-be burglar entered the house on Beech Street just before 4:25 a.m. by damaging a first-floor window while another person waited outside, Cranford police said. The resident confronted the suspect, who fled following a brief physical altercation. An investigation revealed that a white mid-sized SUV was driving through the area immediately before and after the attempted burglary. Police remind residents to remove their key fobs from vehicles and to secure their homes. Car thieves enter and exit the township quickly and have shown little regard for safety when fleeing, Cranford police said. There has been a recent influx in these burglaries in neighboring communities. Cranford police couldnt immediately be reached for additional information. Anyone with doorbell camera or other surveillance footage is asked to call Detective Michael Dubitsky at 908-709-7358 or email the video to police@cranfordnj.org. Isiah Kiner-Falefa is headed to Boston. The infielder has an agreement with the Red Sox on a one-year contract that guarantees $6 million, according to MassLives Chris Cotillo. The Red Sox will presumably use Kiner-Falefa at second base after losing Alex Bregman in free agency. Kiner-Falefa spent the 2025 season split between the Pirates and Blue Jays and mainly played third base. The Blue Jays claimed Kiner-Falefa off waivers from the Pirates in August. At the 2024 trade deadline, he had been sent to Pittsburgh from Toronto. He joined the Yankees before the 2022 season as a part of the Josh Donaldson and Gary Sanchez trade and hit .253 with a .643 OPS, 10 homers, 85 RBI and 36 stolen bases for New York. He played six positions for them, including four innings as a pitcher. Photo: https://t.me/V_Zelenskiy_official Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson discussed Russian strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure, as well as strengthening air defense and protecting critical facilities. Together with Swedish PM Ulf Kristersson, we discussed Russian strikes on Ukraines energy sector. I informed him in detail about the overall situation, recovery efforts, and our needs. I thanked Sweden for todays decision to allocate $100 million in energy support, Zelenskyy said on X Thursday. As reported earlier in the day, the Swedish government has decided to immediately allocate SEK 1 billion Swedish kronor (over $110 million) in energy support to Ukraine in 2026. According to the president, he and the Swedish prime minister also discussed strengthening air defense and protecting critical facilities. "We continue to coordinate our diplomatic work, and I briefed Ulf on the trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi and contacts with the American side. Thank you for your support," Zelenskyy added. Former Yankees slugger Mark Teixeira has finally earned President Donald Trumps endorsement. On Wednesday evening, Teixeira, who is running in Texass 21st Congressional District, shared a message Trump posted on Truth Social a little over an hour later. Had an excellent phone call with the President tonight, Teixeira wrote on X/Twitter. Thank you, Mr. President. Im truly honored by your support, and excited to be part of the team. Ill fight hard to make sure we keep America safe and prosperous. Our mission is clear and Im ready to get to work. Had an excellent phone call with the President tonight. Thank you, Mr. President. Im truly honored by your support, and excited to be part of the team. Ill fight hard to make sure we keep America safe and prosperous. Our mission is clear and Im ready to get to work. pic.twitter.com/TnjEyxQhJ6 Mark Teixeira (@teixeiramark25) February 5, 2026 On Aug. 28, Teixeira announced that hed be running to replace Rep. Chip Roy, who will not seek re-election as he runs for Texas Attorney General. The former All-Star has aligned himself with Trumps MAGA policies, recently showing his support for ICE in the wake of two deadly shootings in Minneapolis. Hes also heaped praise upon the Presidents efforts with the economy, despite most Americans feeling dissatisfied with it. Teixeira is a Maryland native who currently lives in the Austin area. He spent the first four-plus years of his major-league career with the Texas Rangers. The three-time All-Star concluded his career with eight years on the Yankees, winning a World Series in 2009. Teixeira retired in 2016 after a 14-year career in which he hit .268 with a .869 OPS and 409 home runs. Watertown, NY (13601) Today A mix of clouds and sun early followed by cloudy skies this afternoon. High 26F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight Snow showers. Low 19F. Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of snow 60%. Snowfall around one inch. Photo: https://www.president.gov.ua/ The next meeting of delegations within the framework of the peace talks will most likely take place in the United States, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said. "Today there was a report from our negotiating team after two days of meetings and negotiations in the Emirates with the American side and with the Russian side. I am expecting the team in Kyiv for a full report, many aspects cannot be discussed by phone. From what can already be said, the next meetings are planned in the near future. Most likely, in America," Zelenskyy said in an evening address on Thursday. He said Ukraine is ready for all working formats that can really bring peace closer and "make it reliable, lasting and one that deprives Russia of the appetite to fight further." Leader of the Servant of the People party and First Deputy Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada, Oleksandr Korniyenko, estimates the cost of holding elections in Ukraine at UAH 6 billion. "There are no complex calculations here, as 90% of these expenses are the commission members' salaries. Since the last elections, the 2019 parliamentary elections, the cost of living and average wages have increased by several thousand hryvnias, and some indicators have doubled. Therefore, if elections previously cost UAH 2.5-3 billion, then if we simply multiply that by two, that figure now amounts to UAH 6 billion," Korniyenko said in an interview with the Azerbaijani agency Report. He also noted a number of issues related to compensation for commission members abroad. "How can this be implemented? If, for example, we follow the regulatory path, some of these people will be based there, while others may be on business trips. This still incurs additional expenses. So, these open questions remain," the First Deputy Speaker said. According to Korniyenko, partner countries "understand that they will be funding these elections." "We are negotiating with them," he said. At the same time, the party leader said that he did not want to discuss the issue of election participants, since there are now larger problems in the country, such as the energy crisis. "Unfortunately, the aggressor country has deprived us of both democracy and the opportunity to hold elections on time... Let's see how events unfold, including political ones. Now we must do everything we can to at least hold these elections," Korniyenko concluded. Residents in Torbay have overwhelmingly called for the restoration of Torquay's iconic Grade II-listed Pavilion to become a vibrant, year-round cultural and heritage hub, according to a major public consultation published by the council. The consultation, which ran from 6 to 25 January 2026, attracted 1,736 responses the second-highest ever recorded by the council's engagement team reflecting deep local attachment to the Art Deco building on the harbour front. More than three-quarters (77%) of respondents were from Torbay, with others from across the UK and abroad, underlining the Pavilion's wider appeal. The building, which has stood empty and scaffolded for years, is the subject of an ongoing Options Appraisal funded by Torbay Council, Arts Council England and the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Consultants are examining sustainable uses that preserve its historic significance while ensuring financial viability. Strong support for arts and heritage Analysis of responses showed clear preferences for a multi-purpose venue. Top suggestions included: An Agatha Christie-themed offer, such as a museum, events centre or tea room (mentioned in 28.9% of relevant comments on cultural activities, and 23.7% overall for experiences). Torquay's connection to the crime writer who lived locally and set some stories in the area was frequently highlighted as a draw for tourists, including cruise passengers, though some warned against over-reliance on one theme. Theatre performances and plays (26.7%). Art exhibitions and galleries (25.5%). Hands-on workshops and classes (22.1%). Live music and concerts (17.6%). Many also wanted food and drink options (33.2% of responses), such as a cafe, restaurant or afternoon tea venue with harbour views evoking the building's 1920s Palm Court heyday. Respondents stressed the need for year-round, all-weather attractions, community access, affordability and family-friendly activities, while avoiding duplication with nearby venues like the Princess Theatre. A regenerated Pavilion could deliver significant economic benefits, according to nearly half (47.6%) of comments on its potential impact. People envisioned increased tourism, footfall, jobs and spending, alongside visual improvements to the seafront and harbour. It was seen as a potential "cultural anchor" and community hub, with calls for inclusive spaces that benefit locals, young people and wellbeing initiatives. Clear red lines The consultation also revealed strong opposition to certain ideas: Low-quality retail, market stalls or "tat" shops topped the list of unwanted uses (29.45%). Gambling venues, arcades, nightclubs or loud late-night bars (11.88%). Conversion to housing, offices, a hotel or private use (10.38%). Chain brands or fast-food dominance (combined around 16%). There was scepticism about novelty attractions like an ice rink (seen as unsustainable by some) or anything that compromised the building's elegant Art Deco character. Next steps The consultants used AI tool Microsoft Copilot to help identify themes from free-text responses. Findings will feed into a shortlist of options, with recommendations expected by the end of April 2026 to support a full business case. Council leaders described the high response rate and passionate feedback as evidence of "strong interest in local heritage assets and a clear desire to see historic buildings brought back into active use". The Pavilion, once a popular venue for dances, teas and events, has become a symbol of decline for many locals, who expressed frustration at years of inaction. A council spokesperson said: "The overwhelming message is that people want to see the Pavilion revived, used and loved again something genuinely for everyone." Further updates on the Options Appraisal will be published on the Torbay Council website. Devon-based James Pryce Tractors are exhibiting at the West Country Farming & Machinery Show this week during a landmark year in which the family-run dealership celebrates its 50th anniversary. Taking place on February 11 at Westpoint, near Exeter, the show returns with its biggest and most ambitious programme yet, bringing together leading agricultural machinery brands, expert exhibitors and a popular live machinery auction, all with free entry for visitors. For James Pryce Tractors, who have offices in South Molton and Tiverton, this years event provides the perfect platform to celebrate five decades of supporting farmers across Devon and West Somerset, while also showcasing the latest developments from Case IH, alongside a range of other farm machinery. The show appearance follows a standout year for the business, which was crowned Case IH Overall Dealer of the Year in 2025, recognising excellence across sales, service, parts, marketing and commitment to the Case IH brand. Director Andrew Pryce said: Being part of the West Country Farming & Machinery Show in our 50th anniversary year feels especially significant for us. The show is an important event for the region and a great opportunity to catch up with customers, suppliers and friends from across the industry. To be named Case IH Overall Dealer of the Year and now to be entering our milestone year is something were incredibly proud of, and it reflects the dedication of our whole team and the loyalty of our customers. The company says on its website: At James Pryce Tractors, we operate with a dedicated team who adhere to the highest standards of honesty, trustworthiness and reliability, ensuring that your experience with us is nothing short of exceptional. As a family business, we are proud of our values. Our staff is like an extended family, with many long-serving employees. Respecting and valuing their opinions through an open-door policy fosters a happy working relationship, contributing to the success of our team and ultimately benefiting our valued customers. With branches conveniently located in Tiverton and South Molton, we are well-positioned to provide local and personable service throughout the Devon and Somerset region. The West Country Farming & Machinery Show offers visitors the chance to explore the latest innovations in farming machinery and services, while networking with suppliers, manufacturers and rural organisations from across the industry. The 2026 event is expected to be the largest yet, with major machinery brands already confirmed and the popular live machinery and equipment auction returning. Entry to the West Country Farming & Machinery Show is free. The team of the Ukrainian pavilion at the Venice Biennale 2026 presented the national exposition "Security Guarantees" and spoke about the key messages for the international audience. "I am very glad to be here. To understand that we are on the way to the Biennale, that so much important work has been done by the team, and my confidence and hope that the pavilion will fulfill its great mission and do important political work at the event itself is even greater," Deputy Prime Minister for Humanitarian Policy and Minister of Culture of Ukraine Tetiana Berezhna said within the Dialogue Platform at the Ukrainian House in Kyiv on Thursday. She said that what the national pavilion does at the Biennale is a kind of diplomacy, negotiations and the position that Ukraine is trying to convey to the world. "And it is very important that this year the Biennale raises such an important topic as security guarantees. Because security guarantees are such a maxim that is found in absolutely all negotiations, in absolutely all conversations," the Deputy Prime Minister said. She said the project shows the fact that the established world order, established ideas need to be rethought. "And here Ukraine takes on the role of saying, look, security guarantees are not working, security guarantees should be different," Berezhna said. She said it is important to use all possible ways to convey your message to the world: in the language of art, in the language of business negotiations, in the language of economics, in the language of simply human relationships. "Many people have convinced me that the Biennale, which was in the field of cinema, is one thing, politics is another. No! Now it doesn't work anymore. Therefore, I would not talk about the instrumentalization of art, but we simply need to understand that Ukraine should use this situation in which we live, because time is really very short and every minute is precious," Berezhna said. The Deputy Prime Minister also said she hopes that the sculpture will be installed exactly where the Ukrainian side planned. The Security Guarantees project is being implemented in partnership with the NGO Museum Open for Repair. The central object of the exhibition will be the concrete sculpture "Deer" from the Origami series, created by Zhanna Kadyrova in 2019 for Leontovych Park in Pokrovsk. It was installed on the site of a dismantled Soviet aircraft, turning the space of a military symbol into a space of cultural rethinking. It is noted that the project raises the topic of unfulfilled security guarantees, for which Ukraine got rid of its nuclear arsenal, reflects the fragility of peace and the resilience of the Ukrainian people. The curators of the project are Ksenia Malykh and Leonid Marushchak. As reported by an Interfax-Ukraine correspondent, among other things, the event will feature a screening of the film "IDPs" about the evacuation of Zhanna Kadyrova's sculpture "Origami Deer" - the central object of the Ukrainian pavilion project from Pokrovsk. Nestle in Ukraine plans to increase investments in new factory in Volyn to EUR 70 mln in 2026 Nestle in 2025 fully implemented the investment plan in Ukraine in the amount of UAH 9.5 billion and intends to increase capital investments in its new production site in Smolyhiv (Volyn region) to EUR 70 million by the end of 2027, Nestle CEO in Ukraine and South-Eastern Europe Alessandro Zanelli said in a column for the NV publication. "At the beginning of the year, I announced that we planned to invest about UAH 9.5 billion in Ukraine, and we have met that forecast. In 2025, we achieved roughly double growth," he wrote. Zanelli highlighted the launch of a new factory in Smolyhiv in April 2025 as a key industrial project of recent years. Initial investments in the facility totaled EUR 43 million, but the company plans to expand capacity. By the end of 2027, total investments in the site are expected to reach EUR 70 million. The factorys design capacity will allow it to produce 40,000 tons of vermicelli per year for export to Europe, the United States, and Mexico. Zanelli noted that production in Smolyhiv is highly automated, requiring half as many employees while demanding higher skill levels. To meet this need, the company has established its own production academy. In addition to industrial and commercial investments, Nestle has allocated nearly $18 million to its Ukraine WeCare program, which focuses on employee safety as well as physical and mental health (excluding shelter-related expenses). The company also invests about EUR 10 million annually in modernization and quality improvements at its existing production facilities. The CEO of Nestle Ukraine also announced that, starting in 2026, he will move to lead the companys Eastern Europe division and will leave the Ukrainian office. Nestle began operating in Ukraine in 1994 with the opening of a representative office. In 1998, it acquired a controlling stake in the Lviv Confectionery Factory Svitotch, and since 2018 has owned 100% of the companys shares. In May 2003, Nestle Ukraine LLC was established in Kyiv, and by the end of that year, Nestle became the sole owner of Volynholding. Enrique Castillejos and Maria Elena Hernandez came to the United States as undocumented immigrants. They raised three children and two grandchildren. Enrique Castillejos and Maria Elena Hernandez came to the United States as undocumented immigrants. They raised three children and two grandchildren. Enrique Castillejos and his wife, Maria Elena Hernandez, raised a family in California. But they were undocumented immigrants, and after President Trumps crackdown began, they decided to return to Mexico. Enrique Castillejos and his wife stopped at a Winchells Donut House. It was part of their after-church routine on Friday nights. That evenings sermon had been about finding peace in God in turbulent times, and they felt it spoke directly to them. Enrique, 63, and his wife, Maria Elena Hernandez, 55, were undocumented immigrants. Like millions of others in Southern California, they had been looking over their shoulders as federal agents conducted immigration sweeps. Freedom, they felt, had become impossible in the land of the free. They had made a decision: Leave America and move back to Mexico. The process has the sterile, bureaucratic name of self-deportation. For Enrique and Maria Elena, it resembled a long, slow-motion goodbye. It took an emotional, spiritual and logistical toll on everyone around them, including their three children and two grandchildren. They had to decide what to do with their old, beloved dog and their trucking business. They had to suddenly cut ties with their church and their neighbors. Visitors bearing gifts dropped by unannounced. Maria Elena had suggested to Enrique that he leave for Mexico first, while she waited for her broken foot to heal. No, she recalled Enrique telling her. Together we came and together we go. Their decision to go came long before the Trump administrations crackdown in Minneapolis, and long before federal operations intensified in their own San Bernardino County neighborhood. Returning to Mexico had always been in the cards. But they had wanted to go on their own terms, retiring there someday. The Trump administrations crackdown had prompted them to make that someday now. The couples departure hit the family hard. They watch the news now with conflicting emotions, as Enrique and Maria Elena start their lives over in Mexico and their adult children struggle to carry on without them. None of the couples friends or relatives tried to change their minds, and there were few heated debates over the decision. In their community, the federal immigration raids made such an extreme move seem entirely reasonable. Its a mixture of all those feelings being grateful for knowing that theyre safe, and at the same time, hating that this is the way it has to be, said Lizbeth Castillejos, 29, the couples oldest daughter. Back at the coffee shop, Maria Elena and Enrique could feel the clock tick. It was Aug. 8. They had just two weeks left. Their nearly 30 years in the United States were coming to an end. Ya casi, Enrique told her: Almost time. Maria Elena set down her coffee cup. Ya casi, she repeated. Maria Elena had to squeeze her belongings into just a few suitcases. She insisted on taking a little piece of home with her: her curtains. Some were thin and delicate, others thick to dampen sound. Gold, red, green a color for every season. They had rented the house in Bloomington, an unincorporated community some 50 miles east of Los Angeles, for more than 10 years. It was semirural, with dirt sidewalks and residents on horseback. Outside, Enrique kept chickens in the backyard. Inside, Maria Elena had her curtains. To make room in the luggage for them, Maria Elena took out all the socks. Her younger daughter, Helen, 23, a schoolteacher, told her not to worry because they could get new things in Mexico. Eventually, Maria Elena gave up. Leaving America meant leaving her curtains, too. It was lunchtime. Maria Elena and Enrique had just sat down at the kitchen table, plates of bistec, white rice, black beans and diced cactus spread out before them. There was a sudden pounding at the door. For a moment, the conversation grew quiet. For months, masked immigration agents had seemed to appear everywhere in Southern California, and fear gripped entire communities. Except for doctors appointments for her broken foot and strategically timed trips to the market, Maria Elena had stopped leaving the house. One day, Enrique had called his daughter Lizbeth, who works for a local immigrant rights group. A white sedan was tailing him. He thought it might be ICE. Nothing had come of it, but it was another sign that life as they knew it in the United States was over. They were afraid of being picked up by agents, not so much because of the threat of deportation but because of the uncertainty of detention. One goal of the Trump administrations mass deportation campaign is to effectively scare people into self-deporting while dangling financial incentives to leave. Enrique and Maria Elena had decided not to accept the administrations offer of $1,000 and a flight home to migrants who deport themselves because they did not trust the government to honor the arrangement. Ultimately, there had been no dramatic incident that spurred their departure; they had simply grown weary, day after day, of watching their world shrink to fit only the bounds of their home. He said he would go after criminals, and we dont consider ourselves criminals, Maria Elena said of the president, adding, We consider ourselves working people. It turns out, for him, were all criminals. Although they were living in America illegally, the couple saw no contradiction in that: Undocumented immigrants were part of the fabric of everyday life in Southern California. Over time, it didnt seem especially risky. Still, they expressed regret that they had never obtained legal status. In 2006, Maria Elena and her children had joined protests in Los Angeles demanding amnesty for undocumented immigrants. The family had also discussed another pathway: If one of their children joined the military, Maria Elena and Enrique could get the right to stay. Each of their three children had seriously considered signing up when they turned 18. But the couple never wanted their children to set aside their dreams and careers for their parents. Were immigration agents now at the front door? Responding to the pounding, Enrique and Maria Elenas son, Joaquin, 26, bolted to open it. It was their close friend, Kike, dropping by to say hello. Everyone was anxious about Rex, the familys scruffy 14-year-old dog. Maria Elena and Enrique had decided to put Rex down before they left. He was ailing, could hardly walk and was in constant pain. Rex had seen Joaquin and Helen grow from children to adults. One day, when Joaquin was away in college, he learned his parents were giving the dog to a family friend because Rex had been killing chickens in the backyard. Joaquin raced home. He took Rex in himself. This time, Joaquin was not stepping in to save him. Everyone had agreed that Rex was suffering. Still, saying goodbye to the dog was like saying goodbye to a member of the family. Rex was a constant, as Helen put it, and those constants were ending as the family prepared for self-deportation. It needs to be done soon, Helen told her dad over dinner as they discussed when to put down Rex. But she didnt want it done this soon. Right now, theres too much loss, she added. I cant do both. A nervous Enrique stood at the front of the church and clutched the microphone. He was telling the congregation, with Maria Elena standing at his side, that they were leaving for Mexico. To Enrique, it wasnt so much the presidents will, but Gods. He saw self-deportation as an opportunity to spread the word of God to his family back in his hometown of Mapastepec, near the plot of land in rural Chiapas where they had decided to move. He found comfort in Psalms 37, which says that God does not forsake those who believe. Every Sunday, Enrique carried a composition book with notes on Scripture and a Bible with his name scrawled on the side. Maria Elena brought a tambourine for the hymns. And in the house, Enrique led prayers before meals. For Maria Elena, leaving the United States was a way for her to come clean with God. For years, the couple said, Enrique had been using another persons identity a common but illegal way for undocumented immigrants to get the paperwork they need to work in the country. They said that not long after arriving in the United States, a friend had helped Enrique use the identity of a Honduran who had work authorization. Last year, the Trump administration moved to end that type of work authorization, making it harder for Enrique to keep using that identity. Guilt weighed on Maria Elena. We got tired of living in a lie, she said, adding, We have to be good before God. You cant be a child of God and lie with two names. She already had a name for the plot of farmland awaiting them in their native Chiapas: Rancho La Promesa de Dios. Gods Promise Ranch. At the church, a long line formed before them. For half an hour, one by one, congregants gave them tearful hugs. Michael, 2, bounced around the living room, his brightly colored toys scattered all over the tiled floor. Olivia, 4, was fixated on a cartoon on the television. Maria Elena was on grandmother duty. Grandma and Grandpas house was where the little ones learned Spanish, and where Enrique cut up fruit to feed them one piece at a time. It was days like these that the grandparents cherished. It was days like these that made Maria Elena cry. Its only when I look at my grandchildren and say to myself, Who is going to take care of them? Enrique grabbed his belongings from the old turquoise Toyota. His longtime friend who had dropped by to say hello that one day, Kike, was there to pick it up. For Enrique, it meant the old clunker was one less thing he had to get rid of. Kike and Enrique had much in common, including their names. Kike is short for Enrique. The two men are from the same town in Mexico, and they ended up here in the same place in America. Kike was sad to see them go, but he, too, was contemplating leaving because of the Trump administrations immigration crackdown. A lot of fellow paisans are wanting to leave, he said. It doesnt look like this thing is going to get resolved. Its going from bad to worse. Each sibling took turns on the mic. It was Enrique and Maria Elenas farewell party, at a nearby property. Earlier that day, the family had said goodbye to Rex before putting him down. At the party, a mariachi belted out Christian ballads. Butterflies a symbol of migration decorated a towering fruit spread. Joaquin said he would miss the little things, like stopping by on his lunch break for his moms beans. Helen, the youngest, talked about how there was always mom and dad. When her older siblings had moved out, she had remained. Now, for the first time, the unit of three Helen, Maria Elena and Enrique would be apart. Lizbeth tried to focus on the positive. She said this was a fresh chapter. Their parents legacy in America would live on. Three college-educated children with dignified careers. And two grandchildren, one old enough to express her wish to spend every summer in Chiapas. On the party invitation cards Lizbeth had sent out weeks earlier, there was nothing that suggested the gravity of self-deportation. The occasion was simply titled New Beginnings. It was Aug. 24. Sixteen days had passed since that stop at the donut shop after church. At the house in Bloomington, after instant coffee and pan dulce, the family huddled in the living room and bowed their heads. This was the day Maria Elena and Enrique were self-deporting. This morning, our father, were grateful to you because you have kept us here in this land, in this country for 29 years, Enrique said. And we thank you because you never abandoned us. Then they squeezed into the van and set course for the two-hour trip to the border crossing in San Diego. In the blink of an eye, as they crossed into Mexico, 29 years reset to zero. This was the couples first time returning to Mexico together. It was their home country, but a sense of wonder seemed to overtake Maria Elena and Enrique. They had entered the United States nearly three decades ago, crossing that same border on foot. They had initially intended to stay for a few years, save up money and return to Mexico, but after they had children, their plans changed. Saliendo del sueno Americano y ahora entramos al sueno Mexicano, Maria Elena told her family in the van: Leaving the American dream and now entering the Mexican dream. A bright day greeted them in Tijuana as they strolled through downtown. Maria Elena ambled around on a scooter for her broken foot, feeling out of place. Joaquin put his arms around her, trying to cheer her up. They planned to stay at a relatives house until their flight to Chiapas. In the months to come, Maria Elena and Enrique would try to adjust to life in Mexico. They would stay with relatives, and make slow progress fixing up a small dwelling on their plot of land. They would find themselves at times overwhelmed and homesick. But before all of that, on this first bright day in Tijuana, Enrique pulled out his Mexican I.D. and smiled. It might have felt like any other family trip. The political forces and fears that had forced them to leave went unspoken. After the siblings had dropped off their parents in Mexico and headed back home in the van, they felt a sense of optimism as they waited in the long line at the port of entry. Vendors selling churros, chips and religious ornaments paced between cars. Joaquin lamented that there was no time for a final Dodgers game with his dad or a family trip to the beach. Lizbeth assured him there would plenty of memories for them to make in Chiapas. Helen, the schoolteacher, was anxious to get home and prepare her lesson plan for the week. She read aloud a list her mom had given her. It had all of the things she had forgotten to pack but wanted from home the next time she saw them. No. 1, Helen read aloud in the van, look for my earrings. Hours had passed when a customs agent finally waved them into the United States. Soon, everyone except the driver slipped into a slumber, and the road home was quiet. They slowly woke up as the car rolled up to the house in Bloomington. Olivia, 4, realized she was at Grandma and Grandpas house. Then, it dawned on her. Grandma and Grandpa were not there. She cried out for them. The siblings embraced in the middle of the driveway. Their parents had once described what it felt like to leave life behind in America. They said it felt like a kind of death. Lizbeth, surrounded that night with her loved ones on the driveway of her parents empty house, felt the same way, too. She called it grief. Rogers Olu Maguta is not your typical 27-year-old. He walks around Nairobi with birds of prey on his head and shoulders and spends most of his time caring for them until they are ready to return to the wild. Some get so attached that they dont want to leave his side anymore, but he doesnt mind; whatever meager meals he can get his hands on, Rogers is more than happy to share with his feathered friends. Nairobi Birdman, as the homeless bird guardian has come to be known in Kenya, first attracted the worlds attention in 2025, during the massive protests that took place in the capital. Thousands of young Kenyans descended on Nairobi, to protest against the government, and Rogers joined their ranks. His unique appearance, with birds of different species perched on his head and shoulders, immediately drew attention, and people flocked around him. His appearance also made him the target of law enforcement, who suspected him of being a leader of the protesters and beat him severely with batons. But the attention also had positive effects, as photos of him and his birds spread like wildfire on social media, and he became somewhat of an icon. Growing up in Nairobi, Rogers Olu Magota would often go to the Lake Nakuru National Park to see flamingos, storks, black kites, and countless other bird species. He always loved birds, but his life changed one day, 5 years ago, when a wounded kite chick landed near him as if asking him for help. He was sitting under a tree sharing a donated meal with other homeless people, and he gave some of it to the bird. Before long, Rogers and the chick developed a bond of trust. He named it Johnson, and they practically became inseparable. People noticed the man with the bird on his shoulder and began bringing other wounded birds to him. Even though he had no training, he looked after them as best he could, nursed them back to health, and then released them into the wild. Some stuck around and became his companions. And thats how Nairobi Birdman was born. When people see me with birds, they think Im using supernatural powers. Many people think Im using magic or sorcery, Rogers said in an interview. My role is to help them and then release them back into the wild. The Nairobi Birdman claims to have rescued dozens of birds from over 20 species, even though he doesnt have a home and can barely has the means to take care of himself. He wants to inspire others with his passion for birds and the environment, and uses social media to share his life on the streets of Kenyas capital city. You can follow his adventures on TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook. A superstitious woman who believed her bad luck and health were caused by poor feng shui is accused of having caused multiple car accidents in her Shanghai neighbourhood by adjusting the position of a traffic mirror. According to the unnamed womans husband, she had suffered bad luck and health as of late, so she called a feng shui expert to see if something could be improved. The expert said that the traffic mirror that had been installed opposite the womans house more than a decade before was the cause of her problems. The woman and her husband felt that it was like a demon-revealing mirror, an item in Chinese mythology that could reveal the true identity of a demon disguised as a human. We are no demons. We are not happy having a demon-revealing mirror pointing at us, the womans husband said, adding that his wife had repeatedly adjusted the mirror so that it didnt face their house anymore. Although the feng-shui obsessed woman insisted that nobody used the traffic mirror anyway, neighbours disagreed, so the property management company decided to settle the matter by installing another mirror on the opposite side of the road. This way, drivers could see around the bend in the road and the womans feng shui wasnt affected. The woman agreed with this compromise at first, but as soon as she felt that her luck had changed for the worse, she started messing with the mirrors again. The neighbourhood committee tried to reason with her, but she insisted that the mirrors affected her feng shui, bringing her bad luck. In the end, the police were notified, and officers warned the woman that she could be held responsible for traffic accidents caused by them moving the mirrors. Feng shui, which means wind and water, is a traditional form of geomancy focusing on spatial arrangement and orientation in relation to the flow of energy (chi). Believers in feng shui are convinced that the way one arranges objects affects ones success, health, and happiness Ben Berentson Stagwell appoints Ben Berentson as CEO, owned media. Berentson was most recently managing director at Stagwells Code and Theory. Before that, he spent over two decades at Conde Nast in roles including general manager at Vogue.com and executive director, editorial web strategy for the company. In his new role, Berentson will drive the operations, growth and expansion of Stagwells owned media portfolio including Ink, ReachTV, RealClearPolitics, and future initiatives, advancing the portfolio as a strategic business engine for the global network. Berentson is a true professional with long-standing media experience, and his appointment will accelerate our push to scale differentiated media platforms with real market impact, said Stagwell chairman and CEO Mark Penn. Jenn Duggan FUSE Create, a Toronto-based advertising agency, brings on Jenn Duggan as SVP, managing director, PR. Duggan joins the agency from Citizen Relations, where she most recently served as president. Before joining Citizen Relations in 2018, she was a VP at Proof Strategies. At FUSE Create, she will be responsible for accelerating the growth of its PR division and raising the profile of its PR work. Jenn brings exactly the kind of leadership we were looking forstrategic, empathetic and deeply experienced in building modern PR practices, said FUSE Create CEO Stephen Brown. Nicole Bell The Virginia Department of Transportations Richmond District names Nicole Bell communications manager. Bell previously served as VP of public relations for Smile Train, an organization that funds safe, local cleft care for children in need, leading global campaigns, managing crisis communications, serving as primary spokesperson and securing media coverage. In her new post, she will lead the districts communications team and strategic outreach efforts. Nicole is a proven communicator and trusted leader, said Lezlie Ellis, VDOTs Richmond District deputy administrator. Her experience as a journalist and public relations executive uniquely positions her to lead our communications team with insight, integrity, and impact. Not a Subscriber? Join O'Dwyer's & Get RFP Access Stop wasting time tracking down RFPs. O'Dwyer's connects you with organizations looking for PR firms & services. Get new business with O'Dwyer's! Join O'Dwyer's Lets hope Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent didnt pass along the story that he read in the Financial Times about the renovation of a fresco in one of Romes oldest churches that turned into a tribute to Italy's leader. The restorer of an angel in the fresco painted the face to resemble Italys right-wing prime minister Giorgia Meloni, who is one of Donald Trump's favorite European leaders. The Monsignor of the Basilica of San Lorenzo in Lucina, told the FT that he is okay with the altered cherub, and is happy about crowds that it draws. The Vatican though was not amused. It covered the angels face with white paint. Meloni, who collects angel figurines, wrote on social media that she doesnt have the face of an angel. How about a renovation of the National Cathedrals Church Triumphant Rose Window. It has imagery from the Book of Revelation and St. Johns vision of the throne of God. Putting Trumps mug on the guy sitting on the throne would be a tribute to the man who is putting his mark on DC landmarks. And anyway, nobody knows what God looks like. Trumps most enthusiastic cultists believe their leader is the second coming of Christ. Lets throw them a bone and make it official at the National Cathedral. Move over Project 2025 Project 2029, which was formed to put a Democrat in the White House, will release its first batch of policy ideas next month. It believes opposing Trumps agenda is not enough to retake the White House. America needs an alternative to Trumpism. Project 2029 promises big ideas that meet the scale of profound challenges. It will be interesting to see if the Democratic presidential candidate embraces the blueprint created by Project 2029. During his campaign, Trump downplayed the Project 2025 agenda, even claiming that he wasnt aware of its recommendations. Once secure in office, Trump unleashed Project 2025s game plan, which is why America is in the fix that it is currently in. WPPs chill out The British advertising giant is offering counseling to US employees who are unsettled about the strong-armed tactics employed by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, according to a report in the Times of London. We know that recent events in the news have been unsettling for many of our colleagues across the US and may be taking a toll on you personally and professionally, wrote WPPs chief people officer Marie-Clarie Barker in an email to staff. She promised to be flexible about work schedules and that her staff would handle conversations with discretion and care, whatever you need. WPPs employee assistance program includes counseling, referrals for personal and work-related matters, including mental health support. Hats off to WPP. PRSA stresses the 3 Rs. In her New Year greeting to members, PRSA chair Heide Harrell said the group faces significant financial challenges and a continued year-over-year decline in membership. She noted that the issues didnt arise overnight and wont be resolved quickly. Harrells 2026 priorities: revenue, retention and recruitment. She wrote that PRSA is at the crossroads and meaningful change must occur for us to thrive for another 79 years and beyond. Good luck, Heide. I know Jack O'Dwyer is looking down from heaven and rooting for you. OFFALY County Council is aiming to create industrial land banks in Ferbane and Birr during 2026, a recent meeting was told. During the January monthly meeting of the local authority the Executive told the Councillors that bringing about more land banks in these places is a priority during the coming year. The Council is planning to investigate the potential for the extension of industrial land banks in Ferbane and Birr, Edenderry, Portarlington and Clara to meet the demand for infrastructure for startup SMEs in these locations. The executive also aims to assist the IDA with the development and promotion of the new industrial Park in Tullamore. A recent meeting of Birr Municipal District was told that a lack of serviced land is a big problem in Birr and it's stymieing development. Cllr Sean Maher pointed out that the issue is holding back industrial development in the town. He cited Syngefield Industrial Estate as an example. Syngefield Industrial Estate is thriving and very successful with several companies on site, but it is at capacity and has no room to expand because of the lack of serviced land. This means that no new companies can come into the estate, Cllr Maher remarked. Serviced land is a plot of land that has utilities and infrastructure, such as water, sewage and electricity and is ready for construction. The land can be zoned under one of the Council's zoning designations (such as residential) but this is no guarantee that it is serviced. The problem is also an issue on Roscrea Road in Birr. During a Budget Breakfast meeting held in Tullamore in October, which was attended by the then Minister for Finance Paschal Donohue, Mark Clendennen, Manager of Applied Concepts (which is located on Roscrea Road) told the meeting that there is no serviced land in Birr and he has nowhere to expand his company. He pointed out that he could create 25 new jobs, doubling his workforce but this wasn't possible because of the current situation Mark asked if it would be possible for the State to provide services on private land which was available to purchase. The Minister told him that he would prefer if he developed on IDA land but if none was available there could be a possibility of providing support to private landowners to develop services on their land. READ NEXT: 'It's a brilliant organisation': Thriving mens shed group in Offaly secure permanent base Roscrea's Castle Street will be changed to a one-way traffic system for a trial run later this month. The one-way system will be introduced temporarily to gather information on formulating a new traffic plan for Roscrea town centre as part of the redesign of the heritage town's centre Roscrea's Main Street, Castle Street and Gantly Road will be rejuvenated as part of the new Town First planning and design system - Roscrea is the only town in North Tipperary chosen to adopt the new Town First method. Last month a public consultation session was held in the Blackmills complex to explore options for a redesign of Castle Street, where three proposals were put forward. Two of the suggested designs feature a one-way traffic system for Castle Street and changes to the current parking system on the street. READ NEXT: Roscrea to receive new Family Resource Centre Following the recent public consultation on the Just Transitionfunded Castle Street Regeneration Part 8 application, a trial of the proposed oneway system on Castle Street will now be undertaken for five days later this month. During the trial, traffic will be permitted to travel from the bottom of Castle Street (opposite Bank of Ireland) towards Main Street. Left/right turning from Main Street onto Castle Street will be prohibited, meaning there will be no access from Main Street down Castle Street. The trial will commence on Monday, 9th February, operating 24 hours per day, and will remain in effect until 3pm on Friday, 13th February. "This is a trial only, and no final decisions will be made regarding the future design of the street until it is clear that this option is the most beneficial for Castle Street and for Roscrea as a whole," the design team said. "There has been strong support from the community for a one-way system, and this trial provides an opportunity to assess how it operates in practice," they added. Throughout the trial period, observations will be made on traffic flow, safety, accessibility, and the overall impact on businesses, residents, and visitors. Feedback from the public will be an important part of the evaluation process, and all views will be carefully considered before any long-term decisions are taken and feedback can be submitted to castlestroscrea@tbla.eu during the one-way trial. READ NEXT: Redesign for Roscrea street explored at informative public consultation The trial is will gather data and validate the trafficmodelling analysis associated with this option and appropriate signage will be installed in advance of the changes to inform local businesses and residents. Details of the trial one-way system to be introduced on Roscrea's Castle Street on Monday, Feburary 9. 2026 Interfax-Ukraine to host press conference 'Draft law No. 14347: the path to providing housing and modern rehabilitation centers for war veterans and their family members, internally displaced persons, and all victims of the Russian Federation's armed aggression against Ukraine' On Friday, February 6, at 11.00, the press center of the Interfax-Ukraine news agency will host a press conference entitled "Draft law No. 14347: the path to providing housing and modern rehabilitation centers for war veterans and their family members, internally displaced persons, and all victims of the Russian Federation's armed aggression against Ukraine ." Draft Law No. 14347 will be presented, which proposes to transfer seized assets managed by the Asset Tracking and Management Agency in a simplified manner - without a competition, based on a decision of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, to enterprises, institutions, and organizations designated by the Ministry of Veterans Affairs, for the purpose of providing housing and rehabilitation (rehabilitation) of servicemen, war veterans, internally displaced persons and all victims of the Russian Federation's armed aggression against Ukraine. Participants: Head of the Subcommittee on Social Protection of Veterans' Rights of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Social Policy and Protection of Veterans' Rights Anatoliy Ostapenko, Minister for Veterans' Affairs of Ukraine Natalia Kalmykova, Head of the Federation of Trade Unions of Ukraine Serhiy Byzov, Lawyer Andriy Potemkin (8/5a, Reitarska Street.). The event will be streamed on the Interfax-Ukraine YouTube channel. Admission requires registration on the spot with press ID cards. Taiwan apart from China (Image by pixabay) Details DMCA As 2026 opens, Taiwan has moved beyond a regional flashpoint. Now it's become arguably the definitive arena for potential China-U.S. hostile military action. Many believe that would constitute a threat to global stability. China 's present-day ownership claim to Taiwan is at the heart of the matter. According to China Daily, President Xi Jinping stated in his 2026 New Year address, "We Chinese on both sides of the Taiwan Strait share a bond of blood and kinship. The reunification of our motherland, a trend of the times, is unstoppable!" China Taiwan Taiwan China China Taiwan Taiwan Japan China China China Tokyo Bay Japan Taiwan China territory of Taiwan U.S. Taiwan Taiwan China Taiwan Taiwan island of Taiwan United States America Taiwan America China Taiwan China Taiwan Taiwan U.S. Taiwan Taiwan U.S. Taiwan China Taiwan Taiwan China Taiwan China China Taiwan United States Beijing Taiwan But two of his claims are counterfactual: First is his premise that "blood and kinship" provide a bond betweenand. Second is use of the term "reunification."A bond of blood and kinship? A blood or DNA connection is one thing. But a feeling of kinship is something else. A 2024 Pew Research study found that over two-thirds ofadults identify as primarily Taiwanese; three percent identify as Chinese. Less than half feel any emotional attachment to, and even that is influenced greatly by views of the older generation. Indeed, the island's original inhabitants were Austronesian peoples, predating later Han Chinese migration from the mainland.Reunification? Logically reunification must follow a parted state of unification. The People's Republic ofhas never been united with. Since the late 1800swas subject to Japanese sovereignty and rule. It had been ceded toin perpetuity in a mutual treaty by the Qing Dynasty. Later, during World War II, Taiwanese soldiers fought on the Japanese side against the Allies, includingNonetheless,'s reunification claim does have a historical association. But it is with a fraud, not a fact.There is a largely unspoken story that explains that fraud. The setting is, 1945, the end of World War II in the Pacific. A formal military surrender to the "Allied Powers" had been accepted aboard the USS Missouri inby U.S. General Douglas MacArthur. That was September 2, 1945.The surrender was valid not only forproper, but also for its external territories. Surrender ceremonies on different dates took place in these locations as well. They were connected to the disarming of millions of Japanese troops stationed in those territories.For theceremony, for instance, MacArthur ordered Chiang Kai-shek to accept the surrender on that island on behalf of the Allied Powers. This duty was mandated in the document "Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers, General Order No. One". That order also provided for the subsequent military occupation in the name of the Allied Command.Chiang was a natural for the job. During the war Chiang had held a prestigious position along with Eisenhower, Churchill, and Stalin as one of the Big Four allied military leaders. He, of course, was president of, and served as the Supreme Commander of the China Theater. He was addressed as "General Chiang Kai-shek".So what's the alleged fraud all about? It took place on October 25, 1945. It was a monumental day. The surrender was accepted per Order No. 1. The military occupation ordered by the Allied Command commenced.But then something surprising happened: Chiang broke ranks from the Allies and annexed the Allied occupiedon behalf of his own country, the Republic of China. The island surrender and the annexation happened in the same room on the very same day according to George Kerr, amilitary witness.This all ran completely counter to Chiang's delegated authority from the Allied Command. After accepting the local surrender, his duty was simply to be somewhat like a property manager for the island, not an owner.In short, Chiang's specific fraud was this: He began to representas sovereign Chinese territory, which it was not. This was a flat misrepresentation. Chiang had made a completely false claim. He misled the world and opened the door for China's fake claim to Taiwan, the unspeakable fraud.Some observers point out that his deception was even in violation of the Hague Convention: A military occupier is a temporary administrator, not an owner.What's more, neither the military occupation nor Chiang's annexation changed the sovereignty status of. It was still Japanese, pending a yet-to-be-produced peace treaty. Such a treaty would be the competent authority to deal with issues of sovereignty.Today there is great irony in Chiang's fraud.It is that the People's Republic of, Chiang's nemesis, now uses Chiang's claimed annexation as a basis for the PRC's claim to. The PRC recognizes Chiang's fraudulent annexation as if it were a legitimate act. Accordingly when the PRC defeated the ROC in 1949, it consideredto be a legitimate acquisition of the revolution.As you can imagine, this creates quite a dilemma. And it's a dangerous one.As a result thepresently faces serious threats. There is now a situation wherein Taiwanese people must live under a threat of invasion from the PRC, and of being the possible venue for a battle of surrogacy between the PRC and theThat's nothing new. Past world headlines have framed the story and's reaction this way:"Biden Says US Would Defendif China Invaded." --Voice of, May 23, 2022says it reserves right to use force over." --Aljazeera, October 15, 2022speeding up plans to seize, Blinken says." --Washington Post, October 18, 2022As recently as late December 2025, President Xi Jinping has been conducting notable military maneuvers around. They're said to be a prelude to an inevitable takeover of the island -- a "reunification", as Xi calls it.The present Trump administration seems largely to be ducking the issue with relatively noncommittal statements.Meanwhile, however, according to NPR on December 18, 2025, there is this: "announces massive package of arms sales tovalued at more than $10 billion."NPR goes on: "'s Defense Ministry in a statement Thursday expressed gratitude to theover the arms sale, which it said would helpmaintain 'sufficient self-defense capabilities.'"Given's already menacing military maneuvers around, Trump's military reaction can be viewed as an escalation. A less-risky approach might be better for all concerned.According to my analysis, this is a situation that offers great opportunity for a safe diplomatic solution.The fraudulent claim tothat is being made by the PRC seems to be widely unrecognized as such in the news coverage of the matter. Perhaps it is even unrecognized in diplomatic circles as well.That presents the opportunity to pull the rug out from under's claim tois on a clear course in search of a more significant role in world affairs. At the 2017 Party Congress, while speaking about the future, President Xi Jinping proclaimed, "It will be an era that seesmoving closer to center stage and making greater contributions to mankind."Being characterized as a scoundrel-state exploiting widespread ignorance about the real status ofwould seem to conflict with that aspiration. Certainly, thehas the capability to acquaint the world with the PRC-Taiwan fraud. That could be a significant and confidential negotiating point -- one aimed at reshaping's strategic assumptions rather than publicly contesting its narrative.This would require a stark reevaluation of the situation by the Trump administration. The choice is between the present course of military escalation on one hand, and using a truthful redefinition of the situation surroundingon the other. What will be the administration's chosen direction? Marietta, Georgia - Atlanta Holistic Family Law, a pioneering family law firm specializing in alternative dispute resolution, announced today the launch of its comprehensive brand Oregon State added two more defenders to its 2026 roster, Former Fullerton College safety Xander Chisolm and former Wyoming and Navarro College edge defender Adrian Onyiego signed with the Beavers on Wednesday. Chisolm, a 6-foot-3, 185-pound defensive back, had 40 tackles and one interception last season. He chose OSU over West Virginia and has three years of eligibility remaining. Chisolm began his career at Sacramento State in 2023, when he had one tackle in five games while redshirting. He had two tackles in two games in 2024 and was sidelined due to injury. The 6-foot-3, 230-pound Onyiego was a three-star prospect in the class of 2024. He signed with Wyoming but did not play as a freshman and transferred to Navarro College, where he also did not play. OSU also formally announced the signings of former Vanderbilt running back AJ Newberry, former Washington State running back signee Tre Garrison and former Arizona offensive line commit Michael Langi. A 17-year-old former Thurston High School student faces multiple charges after allegedly striking a 14-year-old current student with a vehicle following a dispute between the two teens. The incident happened at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday in the parking lot of Waypoint Church across from Thurston High School, according to the Springfield Police Department. The pedestrian sustained significant injuries in the incident. Police arrested the unnamed driver on allegations of driving under the influence of intoxicants, assault in the second degree and criminal mischief in the second degree. The driver is being held in the Serbu youth detention facility in Lane County. Anyone who witnessed the crash is asked to contact Sgt. Tony Delcastillo at the Springfield Police Department at 541-726-3714. This story was drafted with the assistance of generative AI based on data from the Springfield Police Department and reviewed and edited by Oregonian staff. A federal judge on Wednesday issued a preliminary injunction barring federal immigration officers from making warrantless arrests without finding that a person represents a risk of escaping or fleeing. U.S. District Judge Mustafa T. Kasubhai made the ruling from the bench at the end of a daylong hearing in federal court in Portland. With the order, Oregon joins Washington, D.C., and Colorado in restricting the practice. There is ample evidence that establishes theres a pattern and practice of executing warrantless arrests without the required legal findings on flight risk, Kasubhai said. Likelihood of escape considerations are not being made on a far-reaching scale across the populations in our community who are subject to immigration law, he added. He said theres clear evidence of potential future harm, noting the overwhelming material documenting broad-reaching dragnet, sweeping approaches that will continue to force people who would otherwise not be targets to be caught up again and again by federal immigration officers. The harm is great, significant and severe, pervasive for both individuals, their families, their communities, he said. Based on his view of videos of multiple U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement stops, Kasbuhai called the manner of the arrests violent and brutal. Both plaintiffs were stopped while going about activities of daily living and were not intended targets of federal officers, he noted. There can be an injury no more irreparable than the manner in which these plaintiffs have been stopped, detained, thrown to the ground and handcuffed, he said. Its violent and brutal, what Ive seen in the stops. The drawing of firearms, the civil administration process, is excessive and defies human decency. He said he doesnt believe his injunction will impede immigration enforcement but will improve it. The judge ordered federal immigration officers to document in narrative form all warrantless arrests made in Oregon and what officers used to support their finding that someone was likely to escape before they could obtain a warrant. Officers must document the date and time of the arrest and the persons community and family ties and any jobs held, Kasubhai said. Warrantless immigration arrests made in the state without a finding that the person is likely to escape insults the due process rights afforded by the Constitution, he said. Due process calls for those who have great power to exercise great restraint. That is the bedrock of a Democratic Republic founded on this great Constitution, Kasubhai said. I think were losing that. Attorney Stephen Manning, executive director of Innovation Law Lab, had sought the injunction, urging the judge to bar what he called federal immigration officers practice of arrest first, justify later. Immigrants in some of the largest cities and counties in Oregon are living under a state of emergency, Manning argued, because officers from ICE and U.S. Customs and Border Protection have been in the states streets, neighborhoods and schools arresting people without warrants and sweeping them out of state. Going to work, coming home from work, driving on the highway, buying bread or hanging out with your family at home. Those are not existential threats for most of us, Manning said, ... but they are for immigrants and people perceived as immigrants. It is an upside-down world. He asked the court to protect thousands of Oregonians vulnerable to becoming ICE targets or so-called collaterals. Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Ratcliffe asked the judge not to take the drastic step of issuing an injunction. He pointed to a recent memo, dated Jan. 28, from acting ICE Director Todd M. Lyons that set out the requirements and guidance for all ICE officers on how to conduct warrantless immigration arrests. He argued that the memo would prevent any future harm because it makes clear to federal immigration officers that they must follow the law. The lead plaintiff in the case, a 45-year-old woman from Mexico identified only as MJMA, was riding to work in the back seat of a van when officers stopped it in Woodburn on Oct. 30. She was among five passengers detained. When she was taken to the Portland ICE office, an ICE supervisor created and signed a warrant for her arrest though he knew officers had already arrested her without a warrant, he testified previously. She was kept overnight in a detention center in Tacoma and released the next day. Testimony about her arrest elicited testimony in December about ICE arrest quotas and warrants drafted after arrests. The other plaintiff, Victor Manuel Cruz Gomez, broke down on the witness stand as he described how he was pulled over by immigration enforcement officers on his way home from construction work about three miles from his Hillsboro home on Oct. 14. The 57-year-old from Mexico has lived in Oregon for 25 years. ICE officials held the married father of three and grandfather of four in their Tacoma detention center for three weeks, even though he had a valid work permit and received notice that he has been accepted to receive a U visa as a crime victim in a fraud case. During his stop, he said he showed the officers his drivers license and work permit. They werent satisfied, claimed his permit wasnt valid and told him, Youre still an illegal, Cruz Gomez recalled, raising his hand to his forehead to cover his tears. Kasubhai also granted class-action status to the suit filed by Cruz Gomez and MJMA, meaning they can represent all Oregonians at risk of arrest by immigration officers without a warrant and without the legally required assessment that the individual poses a risk of fleeing. That also means that all documentation of warrantless arrests in Oregon going forward will be provided to Manning and his legal team in the ongoing class-action suit, he said. Kasubhai asked how many arrests without warrants and escape assessments would he need to conclude that the federal government has a practice or policy of not following the law. Manning said two is sufficient, citing the MJMA and Cruz Gomezs cases. U.S. Justice Department lawyers argued the judge would need significantly more evidence. Innovation Law Lab lawyers played three videos for the judge: -- An early morning Nov. 5 immigration stop and handcuffing of a Cottage Grove woman who has a permanent residence card and does Spanish interpreting work for Cottage Grove police. -- Armed ICE officers bursting into a Gresham apartment without a warrant on Oct. 15 and their arrest of two men who were not the target of the investigation. -- An immigration lawyers confrontation with ICE officers when she demanded they leave an apartment complex parking lot while one asserted that agents can make warrantless arrests. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ariana N. Garousi highlighted the memo from Lyons, which the federal government presented in a pending court case in Minnesota last week. It says the Immigration and Nationality Act authorizes warrantless arrests if an officer has reason to believe someone is unlawfully in the U.S. and is likely to escape before a warrant can be obtained for his arrest. The memo served as a reminder, Lyons wrote, of what he called an essential authority and guide for officers in the consistent exercise of warrantless arrest authority for civil violations of immigration law. Garousi argued the Lyons memo cuts against the plaintiffs argument for an injunction, as it provides the exact remedy theyre looking for. That is, she said, guidance on arrests and a reaffirmation of ICE directives. Lyons memo sets out factors officers should consider to determine if someone is likely to escape, including the persons behavior before and after an encounter, refusal to follow lawful commands, attempt to evade officers, the persons age and health, possession of suspected fraudulent work permits or identity documents and whether the person has complied with immigration registration requirements. If warrantless arrests become necessary under the circumstances, immigration officers must effectuate such arrests in a manner consistent with the ICE policy and the law and follow up with the proper paperwork, the memo says. Kasubhai said he did not think Lyons memo reflected the reality on the street. Manning said he did not agree with Lyons interpretation of the law, saying his memo did not reflect that an ICE officer needs probable cause that someone poses a flight risk prior to making a warrantless arrest. Anxious and terrified Cruz Gomez said he prayed nightly with others at the Tacoma detention center and was twice offered $1,000 if he voluntarily signed a document to self-deport. I was very, very anxious and terrified, he said. I didnt know what was going to happen. Cruz Gomez said the three officers who handcuffed and arrested him shared a photo in the car of another man on one of their cellphones, which he said was a person completely different than me. He was driven to the ICE office in Portland and then taken with others to Tacoma. No one on the day of his arrest asked him about his immigration status, he testified. If they had, he said, they would have learned he had received deferred action for a U visa, suggesting he met all the requirements, and a visa would be approved once available. The special visa is provided to immigrants who report crimes, are victims of crimes or assist police in prosecuting another. He had been a victim of fraud in 2012 and assisted in the prosecution of the crime, according to court records. During his detention, he described the psychological cruelty of the staff, noting he arrived and was placed in a freezing concrete cell, making it impossible to sleep. He said he has gone back to Mexico three times since he first came to the U.S. and that he last entered the United States in 1999. He co-owns a house in Hillsboro with his wife. He has three grown children. One son and daughter are lawful permanent residents and another daughter has status under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program known as DACA. He has no criminal record, has work authorization and owns his own construction business, according to his lawyers. With the help of attorneys, a judge ordered his release from detention after his family posted a $3,000 bond in immigration court. He said his arrest and detention have shattered any sense of security among his family. We went three weeks without even opening the door to the house because of the fear we were feeling, he said, dabbing his tears with a tissue. I suffer from a lot of anxiety whenever I see any officer. Thats my mom Another witness for the plaintiffs, Emely Avila, testified that she happened upon an ICE stop in Cottage Grove last November and started filming when she realized her mother, Juana Avila, was the one being detained. Oh my (expletive) God, thats my mom! Emely Avila is heard on the video. What are you doing? ... She has a green card. You dont need to tackle her! Theres no reason to (expletive) do this! You guys are (expletive) crazy! Juana Avila said she left her home that morning when it was still dark after she received calls from several community members who told her that ICE had arrested someone and left the persons car behind. Suddenly, she noticed flashing lights behind her and pulled over, she wrote in a declaration. At least two masked officers showed up at her window and told her she was under arrest, she said. She asked why she had been stopped and asked for any paperwork but was shown nothing, she said. One tried to open my car doors. Another reached through my open window, unlocked my door and dragged me out of the car, Juana Avila said. They pushed me to the ground, and I felt their knees on my back, forcing me down. They were shouting at me. I begged them not to hurt me. She told the officers that she had children asleep at home and begged for her release. They handcuffed her and took her into their car and then searched her wallet, where they found her drivers license and her permanent residency card. I felt the most severe form of panic I have ever experienced, Juana Avila said in her statement. Every time I leave the house, I leave with fear. Avila was let go that night from the scene of her stop and not taken to an ICE detention facility. Ratcliffe, the Justice Department lawyer who questioned both Cruz Gomez and Emely Avila on cross examination in court, apologized for any harm that was caused to them or their family members. Lawyer confronts ICE Immigration lawyer Alicia Vial Beesley testified that she took a video on Dec. 15 in the parking lot of the Riverwood Heights Apartments in Tigard when she confronted ICE officers in green ballistic vests who had knocked on the door of her clients. They have asylum applications pending, she said. Get the (expletive) out of this apartment, shes heard yelling on the video. Just go, get off the property. An ICE officer tells her to back up and stand an arms-length away. Another officer tells her that cops make warrantless arrests, according to the video. I received a call from clients that ICE had been at their door and threatened to arrest them, she said. I wanted to have on video what their excuse was for trying to arrest my clients. Kasubhai said his order is effective immediately but he intends to issue a written ruling as well. Outside court, Manning said he expects a return to decency, normalcy, due process. ... Thats what we should see happening in Oregon again. If ICE officers do not follow the courts order, Manning said he and his lawyers will be back before the judge. Less than a year after a bipartisan bill to streamline the payout process for exonerated Oregonians stalled, Oregon lawmakers are trying their hand at a narrower piece of legislation. Senate Bill 1515, sponsored by the Senate Judiciary Committee, aims to strengthen a 2022 Oregon law allowing those who have been wrongfully accused of a crime to receive $65,000 for each year of imprisonment and $25,000 additionally for each year of post-release supervision. Most states already have laws ensuring a pathway for wrongfully convicted individuals to receive compensation. The committee, which heard the bill on Wednesday, had unanimously approved legislation last session seeking to improve that process, but the 2025 effort died in a budgeting committee amid concerns that it could open up the state to increased legal costs. The bill would have allowed those who received clemency from the governor or placement on a nationally recognized registry for exonerated individuals to serve as proof of innocence. The new legislation comes after the state awarded its first two certificates of innocence last year to exonerated Oregonians, a show of progress for a process critics say dragged on in court under former Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum. An amendment discussed on Wednesday drops the ability for a gubernatorial pardon to count as sufficient proof of innocence, a change supporters hope will lower the number of cases and ease fiscal concerns. Theres not a whole big bunch of these folks, and it doesnt happen all the time, but when it does, we need to give them an avenue to have their case reviewed in court, Sen. Kim Thatcher, R-Keizer, told her colleagues Wednesday. Exonerees deserve better, and after losing years of their lives, their reputations, their livelihood, their families to unlawful imprisonment, we can do better. This year, the bills backers have sought to push back on prosecutors who exonerees say have relied upon historically-discredited forensic techniques, such as microscopic hair comparison, bite mark analysis and comparative bullet lead analysis. Around 40% of Oregons 43 criminal cases involving an exoneration involve faulty or misleading forensic evidence, according to the National Registry of Exonerations run by researchers at the University of Michigan and University of California, Irvine. Oregon courts do not have the ability to review convictions that resulted from these discredited forensic techniques or make determinations about the materiality of those techniques and those convictions, said Andrew Lauersdorf, a Portland-based attorney who has handled such cases. As a community, we want our courts to be able to make that review. Thats a matter of common sense. The state is involved in several cases dealing with the issue, according to the Oregon Department of Justice. It has paid out more than $7.25 million for 12 petitions in court over wrongful conviction, and as of late January, there were an outstanding 18 complaints that have yet to be resolved, Jenny Hansson, an agency spokesperson, wrote in an email. Amendments incoming as DAs raise concerns Lawmakers on Wednesday also heard direct testimony from a familiar face fresh off a victory in court: Philip Scott Cannon. He supported last years legislation as well. Cannon, whose case for redress was finalized in December, received a $925,000 payout from the state and a certificate verifying his innocence after spending 11 years in prison. A jury found him guilty for a 1998 murder in a case that relied on comparative bullet analysis, a methodology of forensics that compares a bullets chemicals with ammunition found in a suspects possession. The FBI abandoned the technique in 2005, and investigators for the Oregon State Police declined to use it in his case. The prosecution went and found someone from Oregon State University to do it instead, Cannon told lawmakers. That expert told the jury the bullets from the crime scene matched bullets from my house, told the jury that it was science, and the jurors believed him. They found me guilty of murders I did not commit. The new legislation, however, could run into hurdles due to concerns from prosecutors. The Oregon District Attorneys Association does not explicitly oppose the bill in concept, John Wentworth, the associations president and the district attorney of Clackamas County, told lawmakers. But he said his group is pushing for a two-year sunset on the bill to avoid a costly long-term expansion of collateral and post conviction attacks on convictions which undermine finality in the criminal justice system. Science in criminal cases should be determined by scientists and overseen by courts, Wentworth told the committee. If passed, moving forward, what science is sufficiently scientifically reliable would become the subject of this legislative process, rather than controlled by Oregons evidence code. The proposed bill would prevent courts handling such cases from subpoenaing crime victims unless their testimony is directly relevant to the case. Victims could ask for there to be no personal contact between them and the other party in the case, and they would be allowed to appear by phone or television. They would also be allowed to have an Oregon assistant attorney general or another advocate present during any interview with a petitioners attorney. Should the bill clear the Oregon Legislature and receive Oregon Gov. Tina Koteks signature, it would take effect immediately. Upon passage, Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield would have 180 days after receiving a petition for compensation to determine whether it met the bar for redress. If so, he would be directed to not oppose the exonerees request or a court judgement in their favor. He would also be required to submit an annual report to legislative committees in both chambers summarizing his determinations on such cases. -- Shaanth Kodialam Nanguneri, Oregon Capital Chronicle The Oregon Capital Chronicle, founded in 2021, is a nonprofit news organization that focuses on Oregon state government, politics and policy. A 56-year-old woman was sentenced Thursday to a year of probation after she pleaded guilty to the misdemeanor assault of a federal officer outside the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement building in Portland. Lisa Miyamoto struck a Federal Protective Service officer in the chest with an Irish drum known as a bodhran after he had asked her to step out of the buildings driveway during an Oct. 19 protest. Prosecutor Ethan Bodell and Miyamoto agreed on the sentence. Miyamoto has no prior criminal history. The assault did not cause injury to the officer and Miyamoto accepted responsibility early, Bodell wrote in a sentencing memo. About a dozen people came to court in support of Miyamoto. Assistant Federal Public Defender Clais Daniels-Edwards said Miyamoto has worked as a nurse for more than 23 years, is a mother of five boys and has consistently worked to help people and speak up for those who dont have a voice. I felt so strongly about the injustices, Miyamoto told the judge, but said she will find other ways to express her disapproval of aggressive immigration enforcement. U.S. District Judge Michael H. Simon urged Miyamoto to consider the power of peaceful protest, citing the sit-ins and marches from the 1960s civil rights movement. Simon noted that when judges around the country order federal immigration officers to follow the law, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security responds by pointing to the protesters as the violent ones, assaulting officers and damaging property. Imagine how much more successful the protests will be if theres absolutely no violence committed by the protesters, if theres no property destruction committed by the protesters, he said. To the extent that passions get inflamed, think about the discipline that was shown by the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and his followers and what they had to endure. Peacefully protesting, he said, can better accomplish the objectives Miyamoto feels so passionately about. Miyamoto is one of about 40 people who have been charged with federal misdemeanor or felony charges stemming from protests in Oregon against federal immigration enforcement. Oregons child care agency left unspent $66.6 million intended to provide free preschool to needy children in 2025, the agencys leaders acknowledged Tuesday. The states Department of Early Learning and Care, which became a freestanding agency in 2023, didnt serve as many preschoolers in 2023-2025 as lawmakers allocated money for. The bulk of the unspent money was for two programs: The agency failed to provide $24 million worth of slots in its Preschool Promise program for low- and moderate-income 3- and 4-year-olds. And it fell $22 million short of providing all the slots that it could have in the state-funded version of Head Start, known as Oregon Prenatal to Kindergarten. An agency spokesperson declined to say how many additional preschoolers would have been served had all the money been used as intended. But based on the current annual cost per child served about $18,700 for Preschool Promise and $22,400 for Oregon PreK a rough estimate would be about 2,250 young children. The agencys director, Alyssa Chatterjee, and a top deputy told lawmakers Tuesday that they regret they left children unserved. But they said they have since improved how they communicate with preschool operators and monitor grantee spending so the problem will not recur. Every dollar that DELC receives has the potential to address Oregons significant early learning and child care need, and every dollar that isnt spent is missed potential to that end, Cooper Brown, the agencys deputy director for operations, acknowledged. The vast majority of the $67 million was sent to approved preschool and Head Start operators who were authorized to serve a designated number of children in the two academic years spanning 2023 to 2025, Brown said. But a significant number of the slots the department gave grants for never opened, due primarily to preschools not being able to hire all the teachers, assistants, cooks and bus drivers they needed, he said. He acknowledged that the Department of Early Learning didnt do a great job managing the grants or communicating with preschool operators during its first two years in operation. We are a young agency with nascent grant-in-aid administrative tools and processes. We had internal process gaps, frankly. Brown told lawmakers Tuesday that a few large grantees ... accounted for most of the underspend. But agency officials would not name those grant recipients when asked by The Oregonian/OregonLive on Tuesday or Wednesday. Lawmakers on the Joint Ways and Means Subcommittee on Education, co-chaired by Sen. Janeen Sollman of Hillsboro and Rep. Ricki Ruiz of Gresham, both Democrats, generally went easy on the agency and its leaders. None suggested the agency should have done better or decried that preschoolers went unserved. Oregonian parents need for child care is profound. The state has about 240,000 children ages 5 and younger, but there are only about 115,000 licensed child care slots designed for children from infants to age 12, Chatterjee said. And 69% of children younger than 6 have no stay-at-home parent; they have a single working parent or both parents work, she said. We of course know there arent necessarily enough places for these children to go, she said. Access to child care has a direct impact to Oregons economy. We know that when parents are assured they have a safe, consistent place that their child can be, that allows them to go to work and contribute to Oregons economy. We also know that child care is one of the biggest expenses a family faces, Chatterjee said. Oregon ranks as the 10th most expensive state in the country for child care, with preschool costs averaging about $14,000 a year and infant and toddler care averaging just shy of $20,000, she said. The money that the early learning agency left unspent as of June 30, 2025, remained available to be spent on preschool and other state priorities, Brown said. More than a third of it, $25 million, reverted to the state general fund for lawmakers to spend as they chose, while the remaining $42 million was sent back to the Fund for Student Success, which can only be spent on K-12 schools or early childhood programs, he said. To help ensure no large underspending hampers preschool availability going forward, the agency agreed to pay a Maine consulting firm up to $250,000 to help improve agencywide processes and priorities for monitoring how much money is being spent plus how well preschool providers are adhering to quality standards and delivering excellent services. That work is well underway, Brown said, and last month, the agency debuted a new dashboard that allows agency employees to see in real time how much the preschools it funds have spent. That will help the agency ensure that over the coming summer, agency employees will know which preschool and Head Start programs didnt serve as many children as they were funded to and reallocate that money to other operators who do have the capacity to scale up, Brown said. The Interfax-Ukraine press center hosted the first working meeting of the organizing committee of the nationwide competition, which aims to select talented young people to prepare a draft security agreement for Ukraine. This was announced by Oleksiy Shevchuk, spokesperson for the National Association of Advocates of Ukraine (NAAU), who also heads the Center for Economic Research at the Vadym Hetman Kyiv National Economic University (KNEU). According to the lawyer, the competition was initiated by the UNAA and KNEU, and a preliminary presentation of the initiative was held several months ago. "If a decision is made to present the results to NATO, we consider this appropriate, as this format will ensure adequate publicity for the work. The possibility of presenting the results to the Office of the President of Ukraine is also being considered; I have had working communication on this issue with Ms. Iryna Mudra, who is awaiting the results of the competition. I do not rule out that she may join the final meeting of the competition commission. The relevant institutions have been informed, and expectations regarding the competition have been confirmed," Shevchuk emphasized. He stressed that the competition is intended to be annual, as the topics of security and international order are changing, and the main task of the current season is to identify talented young people in Ukraine who are capable of formulating the legal conditions of a future security agreement for the state. We have come to the conclusion that today even experienced diplomats cannot determine the list of conditions that should be spelled out for our country, Shevchuk added. The commission's work was joined by, in particular, Ukrainian MP and former head of the Security Service of Ukraine Valentin Nalyvaichenko, head of the Diplomatic Academy Ihor Ostash, and international relations scholar Volodymyr Nakonechny. The meeting participants agreed on the leadership of the competition commission: Lyudmila Kozhura, director of the KNEU Law Institute, was elected chair, with Ihor Ostash and Valentin Nalyvaichenko as deputies. The role of commission secretary was discussed separately, with Eva Hoffman and Volodymyr Nakonechny among the candidates proposed. During the discussion, human rights activist and founder of the Project Sunflowers Foundation Eva Gofmanska noted that she would prefer to remain a member of the committee, supporting the initiative in a spirit of respect and solidarity, and to give the key role in substantive work to Ukrainian experts who know the language and legal system from the inside. "Thank you for inviting me to join the competition committee. I greatly appreciate the trust and openness that this invitation demonstrates. At the same time, I consider it necessary to clearly define the nature of my participation: I do not speak Ukrainian and I realize that this limits my ability to fully work with the legal, cultural, and social context on which the competition is focused. That is why my participation in the committee is mainly representative and symbolic in nature, aimed at supporting the initiative. In my opinion, the key substantive role should belong to Ukrainian experts," said Hofmanska. The chair of the commission, Lyudmila Kozhura, reported that as of the day of the meeting, 26 contestants from nine law schools in Ukraine had registered for the competition. The largest number of participantseight eachrepresent Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv and Yaroslav Mudryi National Law University, and three more are registered from KNEU. In terms of level of education, third-year students predominate. "I think it is important to note that the involvement of young lawyers in discussing issues of state security is evidence of their responsibility and professional readiness to work on the future of Ukraine. I congratulate the participants, colleagues, and partners and thank them for their presence and support of this initiative. Participation in the competition is already a sign of professional maturity, a responsible attitude, and confidence in the effectiveness of legal mechanisms. I am counting on meaningful, practical, and well-prepared proposals," Kozhura said. According to the rules, entries will be accepted until March 1, after which they will be published and checked for academic integrity, including plagiarism. It is expected that after evaluation by the commission, the winners will be determined by mid-March. The meeting also discussed the selection of entries, taking into account the risks of using artificial intelligence and borrowing. The organizers announced that the competition will award three prizes and a separate special cash prize from the organizer. A separate part of the discussion concerned the future presentation of the best works. Shevchuk said that among the possible venues being considered are the NATO representative office, the Office of the President, and communication with the education sector. In addition, the possibility of supporting participants in further international programs was mentioned. People's Deputy and public figure Valentin Nalyvaichenko, for his part, expressed his readiness to facilitate public presentations of the works and support the winners. I confirm my readiness to provide organizational and communication support for the initiative, both in terms of content and format of its further presentation. I consider it appropriate to provide the winners and participants with the opportunity to publicly present their work, in particular in parliament, in relevant committees, and at the Hennadiy Udovenko Diplomatic Academy of Ukraine under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. We can organize an appropriate platform for the presentation of works and professional self-presentation of authors. I also confirm my readiness to provide recommendations and facilitate further support for the winners in their interaction with European and NATO partners," he stressed, adding that he is ready to provide recommendations to European and NATO partners. Igor Ostash, Head of the Hennadiy Udovenko Diplomatic Academy of Ukraine under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in turn, stressed the importance of choosing a very prestigious platform for publishing the results and further presentation. In addition, the discussion also included proposals to prepare a special issue of a specialized publication with the winners' works in several languages and to organize a series of presentations at Ukrainian universities and international venues. Oregon lawmakers are weighing a bill that would strengthen protections for people who receive, provide or help others obtain reproductive health care including abortions or gender-affirming treatment in the state. House Bill 4088 comes amid an increasingly fragmented national legal landscape, where some states have moved to restrict access to abortions and gender-affirming care which include puberty blockers, hormone therapies and surgical interventions while Oregon and others have sought to protect it. Across the country, people are losing access to health care, especially reproductive and gender-affirming care that is legal in our state, Rep. Lisa Fragala, D-Eugene, said during a hearing Monday. Oregon will stand with people seeking health care lawful in Oregon and with the health care providers and staff who show up for us every day. Fragala, the bills chief sponsor, told lawmakers on the House Judiciary Committee that HB 4088 is meant to reinforce Oregons long-standing position that personal health care decisions should be made by patients and their doctors not by politicians or government officials from other states. Dr. Kara Connelly, a pediatric endocrinologist at OHSU and medical director of Doernbecher Childrens Hospitals gender clinic, told lawmakers that such protections are urgently needed. The political and legal threats, in addition to fears about doxxing, have had a chilling effect on individual providers and clinics, she said, adding that her clinic has received death threats and that some providers have reduced or paused services. Connelly said rural families have been especially affected as providers pull back, forcing some patients to travel hours for routine follow-up visits trips that can delay care because of transportation or safety concerns. At its core, the bill would bar Oregon state and local agencies from cooperating with out-of-state or federal investigations into delivery of reproductive or gender-affirming care, as long as that care would be legal if it occurred entirely in Oregon. The bill would also narrow when the governor could agree to extradite someone to another state for actions connected to that type of care. Another provision directs Oregons courts to apply state law rather than the law of another state in civil lawsuits involving reproductive or gender-affirming care provided to patients who were physically in Oregon at the time. Those protections would extend to patients, health care providers and people who helped facilitate the care. Rep. Willy Chotzen, D-Portland, told lawmakers the bill is about safety, not about changing what kind of care is legal in Oregon. This is about protecting people who are following existing Oregon law, Chotzen said. This is not hypothetical. There are documented cases of people getting hurt and harassed. In 2024, the Texas attorney general demanded that Seattle Childrens Hospital hand over records regarding gender-affirming treatment potentially given to children from Texas. Last summer, the U.S. Department of Justice sent subpoenas to more than 20 medical providers nationwide that offered gender-affirming care for minors. Last summer, Kaiser Permanente, which runs two hospitals and several clinics across Oregon, said it would pause gender-affirming care for minors because of the legal risks facing hospitals, providers and patients. Other states, including Massachusetts, New York, Illinois, California and Washington, have adopted similar laws aimed at limiting out-of-state enforcement tied to reproductive or gender-affirming care. The bill also includes protections for doctors, nurses and midwives. Under HB 4088, Oregon licensing boards could not discipline providers solely for offering care that is legal in Oregon but illegal in another state, as long as they follow Oregons standards of care. The bill also sets limits on when court records can be made public in cases involving legal name changes or changes to sex designation. Under the proposal, those records would generally remain private, becoming public only if the person who filed the case requests it or a judge finds a compelling reason to release them. People with cases already on file could also ask the court to apply those same privacy protections. Since the bill was introduced, lawmakers have proposed amendments that would narrow some of its broader privacy provisions. The bill would no longer create new protections for patient medical records, including information tied to care paid for by the Oregon Health Authority. Instead, the amendments would focus more narrowly on protecting the identities and locations of health care providers, while allowing disclosure when a patient consents. Opponents of the bill raised concerns about oversight, parental rights and accountability. Melissa Ohden, who testified on behalf of the Abortion Survivors Network, said HB 4088 prioritizes protecting providers over patient safety, particularly in cases where abortions do not end as expected and pregnancies continue. She argued that limiting cooperation with outside investigations and restricting access to records could make it harder for women to seek answers, medical care or legal recourse when complications occur. Other critics argued that the bill could reduce transparency in cases involving minors and interfere with malpractice investigations, arguing that existing safeguards are necessary to protect patients and families. Its unclear what comes next for HB 4088 after a public hearing on the day the Legislature opened its five-week short session tasked with tackling issues from health care to housing. Committee members havent scheduled a vote for the bill as of Wednesday afternoon. If lawmakers approve the bill, most of its provisions would take effect right away. The confidentiality rules for court cases involving changes of sex designation and related name changes would take effect later, on July 1, 2026, to give Oregons courts time to prepare. Democrats are threatening to block funding for the Homeland Security Department when it expires in two weeks unless there are dramatic changes and real accountability for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and other law enforcement agencies who are carrying out President Donald Trumps campaign of federal immigration enforcement in Minnesota and across the country. Congress is discussing potential new rules for ICE and U.S. Customs and Border Protection after officers shot and killed two Minneapolis protesters in January. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer and House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries reiterated their partys demands on Wednesday, with Schumer telling reporters that Congress must rein in ICE in very serious ways, and end the violence. Democrats are drawing a line in the sand as Republicans need their votes to continue the funding, Jeffries said. The negotiations come amid some bipartisan sentiment that Congress should step in to de-escalate tensions over the enforcement operations that have rocked Minnesota and other states. But finding real agreement in such a short time will be difficult, if not an impossibility, as Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., said Tuesday. President Donald Trump last week agreed to a Democratic request that funding for the DHS be separated from a larger spending bill and extended at current levels for two weeks while the two parties discuss possible requirements for the federal agents. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., said this weekend that he was at the White House when Trump spoke with Schumer and that they were on the path to get agreement. But its unclear if the president or enough congressional Republicans will agree to any of the Democrats larger demands that the officers unmask and identify themselves, obtain judicial warrants in certain cases and work with local authorities, among other asks. Republicans have already pushed back. And House GOP lawmakers are demanding that some of their own priorities be added to the Homeland Security spending bill, including legislation that would require proof of citizenship before Americans register to vote. South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham and other Republican senators are pushing for restrictions on sanctuary cities that they say dont do enough to crack down on illegal immigration. Theres no clear definition of sanctuary jurisdictions, but the term is generally applied to state and local governments that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities. Its also uncertain if Democrats who are furious over the Trump administrations increasingly aggressive immigration enforcement operations would be willing to compromise. Republicans need to get serious, Schumer, a New York Democrat, said, adding that they will propose tough, strong legislation in the next day. A look at Democrats demands and what Republicans are saying about them: Agreement on body cameras Republicans say they are open to officer-worn body cameras, a change that was already in the underlying homeland security spending bill. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem backed that up on Monday when she ordered body-worn cameras to be issued to every DHS officer on the ground in Minneapolis, including those from ICE. She said the policy would expand nationwide as funding becomes available. The bill already directed $20 million to outfit immigration enforcement agents with body-worn cameras. Gil Kerlikowske, who served as commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection from 2014 to 2017, said that most agents are very supportive of cameras because they could help exonerate officers. But he added that complex questions remain, including when footage should be released and when cameras must be activated. When do you turn it on? And if you got into a problem and didnt have it on, are you going to be disciplined? Its really pretty complex, he said. Schumer said Tuesday that the body cameras need to stay on. Disagreement on masking As videos and photos of aggressive immigration tactics and high-profile shootings circulate nationwide, agents covering their faces with masks has become a flashpoint. Democrats argue that removing the masks would increase accountability. Republicans warn it could expose agents to harassment and threats. State law enforcement, local folks dont do it, said Rep. Bennie Thompson, the top Democrat on the Committee for Homeland Security. I mean, whats so special about an ICE law enforcement agency that they have to wear a mask? But Republicans appear unlikely to agree. Unlike your local law enforcement in your hometown, ICE agents are being doxed and targeted. We have evidence of that, Johnson said on Tuesday. He added that if you unmask them and you put all their identifying information on their uniform, they will obviously be targeted. Immigration officers are already required to identify themselves as soon as it is practical and safe to do so, according to federal regulations. ICE officials insist those rules are being followed. Critics, however, question how closely officers adhere to the regulations. We just see routinely that thats not happening, said Nithya Nathan Pineau, a policy attorney with the Immigrant Legal Resource Center. Judicial vs. administrative warrants Democrats have also demanded stricter use of judicial warrants and an end to roving patrols of agents who are targeting people in the streets and in their homes. Schumer said Tuesday that they want arrest warrants and an end to racial profiling. Most immigration arrests are carried out under administrative warrants, internal documents issued by immigration authorities that authorize the arrest of a specific person but do not permit officers to forcibly enter private homes or other non-public spaces without consent. Traditionally, only warrants signed by judges carry that authority. But an internal ICE memo obtained by The Associated Press last month authorizes ICE officers to use force to enter a residence based solely on a more narrow administrative warrant to arrest someone with a final order of removal, a move that advocates say collides with Fourth Amendment protections. Democrats have not made clear how broadly they want judicial warrants used. Jeffries of New York said that Democrats want to see an end to the targeting of sensitive locations like houses of worship, schools and hospitals. Johnson said Tuesday that Democrats are trying to add an entirely new layer by seeking warrants signed by a judge rather than the administrative warrants that are signed by the department. We cant do that, he said. The speaker has said that an end to roving patrols is a potential area of agreement, but he did not give details. Code of conduct and more accountability Democrats have also called for a uniform code of conduct for all ICE and federal agents similar to that for state and local law enforcement officers. Federal officials blocked state investigators from accessing evidence after protester Renee Good was shot and killed by an ICE agent on Jan. 7. Gov. Tim Walz, a Democrat, demanded that the state be allowed to take part, saying that it would be very difficult for Minnesotans to accept that an investigation excluding the state could be fair. Hoping for a miracle Any deal Democrats strike on the Department of Homeland Security is unlikely to satisfy everyone in the party. Rep. Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts said she would never support an agreement that didnt require unmasking. I ran for Congress in 2018 on abolish ICE, Pressley said. My position has not changed. Thune, of South Dakota, has repeatedly said its an impossibility to negotiate and pass something so complicated in two weeks. He said any talks should be between Democrats and Trump. I dont think its very realistic, Thune said Tuesday about finding quick agreement. But theres always miracles, right? -- Mary Clare Jalonick and Joey Cappelletti, The Associated Press When Noah Hulsman, who owns a skate shop in Louisville, Kentucky, learned he no longer qualified for federal subsidies to help him pay for his gold Affordable Care Act health plan, the 37-year-old opted for skimpier coverage. But the deductible is about a quarter of his yearly income. Loretta Forbes realized she would have to drop her plan after her monthly ACA marketplace premiums jumped tenfold in 2026. So the 56-year-old, who lives outside Nashville, Tennessee, started rationing her rheumatoid arthritis medications. Her husband, Jim, gave up on his fledgling handyman business and started looking for a job with insurance coverage. And when Nicole Wipp learned the monthly premium for her familys ACA plan would be more than their mortgage payment, she and her husband decided to drop their family plan and buy coverage only for their 15-year-old son. After crunching the numbers, Wipp, 54, a self-employed lawyer in Aiken, South Carolina, said she and her family made the tough call. We decided that, ultimately, it would be better for us to gamble. Despite a contentious back-and-forth and the longest government shutdown in history last fall, the GOP-led Congress allowed enhanced ACA subsidies, which had helped millions of Americans cover all or part of their marketplace premiums since 2021, to expire on Dec. 31. With the loss of the subsidies and health care costs already surging, more middle-income people face tough decisions about their health coverage this year. Hulsman, Forbes, and Wipp dont qualify for Medicaid, the public insurance program for those with low incomes or disabilities. But like many others, they are being squeezed by the increasing costs of groceries, housing, and other necessities. Rising monthly health insurance premiums, along with copayments, high deductibles, and other out-of-pocket medical costs, can often push families like these to the brink. More than 80% of Americans said their cost of living has increased in the past year, according to a January poll from KFF, a health information nonprofit that includes KFF Health News. Health care costs ranked at the top of their concerns, with about two-thirds saying that they are somewhat or very worried about affording health care more than said the same about other necessities, such as food and housing, the poll found. Among three new health care laws set to take effect in New York on Jan. 1, health insurers will be required to cover medically necessary EpiPens with a $100 annual cap on out-of-pocket costs. (Associated Press/Rich Pedroncelli) Premiums are getting quite unaffordable for a lot of people. The cost of both health care and other basic needs is rising, said Cheryl Fish-Parcham, director of private coverage at the health consumer group Families USA. This is an especially critical time for Congress to do something. Most Republican lawmakers have refused to renew the enhanced subsidies. Most of the public says that inaction by Congress was the wrong thing, according to the KFF poll. Instead, GOP lawmakers have advocated for an expansion of health savings accounts and for more plans with lower premiums and steeper deductibles and copays that dont reduce overall costs. President Donald Trump released an outline of a health plan in January with few details about how to lower out-of-pocket costs for millions of Americans. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which he signed in July, is expected to leave millions uninsured over the next decade as it reduces federal health spending by nearly $1 trillion, mostly from Medicaid. Already about 1.2 million fewer people have signed up for plans for this year under the ACA, also known as Obamacare, according to federal data. Health policy analysts expect more people to stop making payments and drop coverage in the coming months. ACA marketplace insurers have said that they are charging 4 percentage points more in 2026 because they expect healthier people to drop plans as enhanced tax credits expire, leaving more sick and high-cost patients. Rising costs and lack of congressional action are forcing many to make untenable choices, said Joan Alker, executive director and co-founder of the Center for Children and Families at Georgetown University. People are faced with absorbing this huge financial and health risk, she said. Forbes, the woman with rheumatoid arthritis near Nashville, had been on an ACA marketplace plan since 2018. But this year she and her husband, Jim, dropped their coverage after learning the monthly premium would jump from $250 to $2,500 because the enhanced subsidies expired. Jim, 59, gave up his handyman business and began searching for a job with health insurance. We were like: OK, we cant breathe. Were gonna tap out, said Forbes, who was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2021. Last year she lost her job at a retirement facility because she couldnt work after she had a hysterectomy. A day before their ACA coverage lapsed, her husband got a job offer at a property management company that provides health coverage. In January, they learned that Forbes was approved for Medicare because of her disability. The $155 monthly premium is automatically deducted from her disability check, she said. Forbes Medicare plan starts in February, just in time for her next cancer screening. You cannot imagine what a relief it is to know I will have care, Forbes said. Even those who are insured face drastically higher out-of-pocket costs. This year, health insurers premiums for ACA marketplace plans jumped an average of 26%, the result of higher hospital costs, the popularity of pricey GLP-1 drugs for obesity and diabetes, and the threat of tariffs, according to KFF. Nearly 4 in 10 adults said they were skipping or postponing necessary care because of costs, a 2025 KFF poll showed. Hulsman, the Louisville shop owner, said he takes home about $33,000 a year from his business. Last year he paid about $105 a month for a gold plan on the marketplace, with a $750 deductible. This year, with the loss of the enhanced subsidy, Hulsman is paying the same monthly premium for a bronze plan, but with a deductible of $8,450, which he must pay out-of-pocket before his insurer starts paying for care. On average, deductibles for bronze plans are more than four times those of gold plans, according to a KFF analysis of 2026 marketplace plans. Hulsman didnt consider dropping health insurance, because Kentucky has limited consumer protections for medical debt. But he said hell try to get an estimate if he needs to go to a doctor. And hes worried that a major accident could wipe out his skate shop. He wont be able to buy inventory or pay shop bills if he has to meet his full deductible, he said. Im just riding the line right now, the skateboarder said. One slip and its gonna be uncomfortable. In South Carolina, Wipp dragged her family to get routine vaccinations on New Years Eve the last day that she and her husband had health coverage. This years monthly premium for a bare-bones bronze family plan would have cost them $1,400, up from $900 last year. They would still have faced high copays for doctor visits and need to meet a deductible of more than $10,000. Instead, theyre paying around $200 to cover just her son. Wipp, who has a rare condition that causes cysts and other growths to form in the lungs, said she and her husband plan to pay out-of-pocket this year for any initial preventive care. Their second source of money, for larger medical expenses, is an old health savings account. But she said that account doesnt have enough to cover a major accident or illness. And Wipp cant add to the account while she is uninsured. The third source would be, I dont know, Wipp said. The fourth is bankruptcy. KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs of KFF the independent source for health policy research, polling and journalism. 2026 KFF Health News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. You dont see real estate listings like this every day. Abiqua Falls, one of Oregons most iconic waterfalls (and thats saying a lot) is suddenly up for sale. The 92-foot waterfall, known for its columnar basalt cliffs and broad pool thats become a popular swimming hole, has been on property owned by the nearby Mount Angel Abbey for nearly a century. In 2000, the Benedictine community transferred ownership to its nonprofit Abbey Foundation of Oregon, which is now putting the land on the market. Throughout the years, the abbey has explicitly allowed public recreational access to the waterfall. With the sale, that could change. The abbeys foundation listed the 40-acre lot for sale on Tuesday, as first reported by the Statesman Journal, selling it in an auction-style format that asks potential buyers to name their price. The listing boasts a nationally recognized, year-round waterfall which has carved through basalt and forest for generations, long preceding modern land boundaries. Water features of this scale and prominence are almost universally public or protected, the listing reads. Private ownership of a waterfall of this stature is exceptionally uncommon. The sale comes after roughly a decade of attempting to strike a deal with other parties, said Amanda Staggenborg, director of communications for Mount Angel Abbey. A sign at the trailhead indicates that the land is private, but public use is permitted. Jamie Hale/The Oregonian One of those parties was the Willamette River Preservation Trust, which negotiated with the abbey foundation in 2025, trust president Travis Williams said. Williams, who lives near the waterfall, said he was disappointed that talks fell through. He said he is now concerned the abbey is prioritizing money over conservation by putting the site on the open market, comparing the foundation to timber giant Weyerhaeuser. It felt like there was a lack of civic mindedness in their effort to suddenly list this property, Williams said. While land trusts typically look to buy larger parcels of land with more miles of waterway, he said, the Abiqua Falls site is a special case because of the beauty of the waterfall and the opportunity to help people connect with nature. This is a place of reverence. Its an amazing geological feature, Williams said. It would make a lot of sense for a land trust or a government entity to own it. A cairn stands near the base of the waterfall. Jamie Hale/The Oregonian Most of Oregons major waterfalls are on public lands, like those in nearby Silver Falls State Park or the many falls on U.S. Forest Service land. But after the public listing this week, none of the states public lands agencies seem eager to put in an offer for Abiqua Falls. The Oregon Department of Forestry, which manages the nearby Santiam State Forest, isnt looking to acquire new land for state forests, a spokesperson said Wednesday. Ditto for the Oregon Department of State Lands, which said it wont be pursuing purchase of Abiqua Falls because the property would not likely be a strong investment for the Common School Fund. A spokesperson for the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department said while the department will look into opportunities as they come up, its current budgetary issues would make an Abiqua Falls purchase difficult. The parks department was not aware of the sale and has not had any conversations with Mount Angel Abbey about the property, the spokesperson said. The U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management, which collectively manage more than 31 million acres of land in Oregon, did not immediately respond to requests for comment about the sale. Between the two federal agencies, its likely that only the BLM would be able to purchase Abiqua Falls. According to a 2025 federal report, the U.S. Forest Services authority to acquire land is primarily limited to places within or bordering national forests, which Abiqua Falls is not. The BLM, meanwhile, has much broader authority to acquire land, the report says. Mount Angel Abbey said it did previously pursue a land deal with the BLM, attempting to trade the Abiqua property for a comparable 40-acre property adjacent to the Foundations other timber holdings. After nearly 10 years of failing to negotiate a trade, the foundation has now pivoted. A group of friends gathers at Abiqua Falls on a sunny spring day. Jamie Hale/The Oregonian Whether the landowner winds up being a public or private entity, public access could remain, as long as thats what the new owner wants. In 2025, Gov. Tina Kotek signed a bill that gave public and private landowners broad immunity from liability suits stemming from recreational activities, making permanent an earlier short-term fix that allowed landowners more leeway to open up public access. Thats particularly important for Abiqua Falls, which has drawn thrill-seekers among its throngs of visitors. The immunity bill was signed 10 days after a Utah man was seriously injured after jumping from the top of Abiqua Falls, requiring an emergency rescue. Two months earlier, the Today show aired a clip of a kayaker paddling over the waterfall. Just accessing Abiqua Falls can be treacherous. The last stretch of rough road to the trailhead is best done in a vehicle with high clearance, and the 0.8-mile round-trip hike is short, but not necessarily easy: It requires the use of ropes to get downhill to the stream bed, where a walk along river rock leads to the base of the waterfall. Williams said whoever bought the land would need to contend with ongoing recreation at the site, managing not only potential injuries but also litter, parking issues and trail maintenance. As for revoking public access at Abiqua Falls, he said that would be easier said than done. They need to know they wont be able to keep people out of there, Williams said. Thats a reality at that site. Theres going to be people. As far as the abbey is concerned, the time has simply come to pass on stewardship of this natural treasure. For over 100 years, Mount Angel Abbey and the Abbey Foundation of Oregon preserved and protected this unique, majestic space, sharing its timeless beauty with the community, Staggenborg said. It is now time for another to love and care for the property in the same spirit for future generations. A group of 24 Democratic state legislators are pushing a bill that would make it tougher for President Donald Trump to once again order National Guard troops into Portland or any part of Oregon as part of an immigration crackdown or to quell crime. The bill is meant to avoid a repeat of last fall, when Trump tried to deploy troops from Oregon, California and Texas into Portland in what he claimed was a war ravaged city that was impeding the efforts of Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to detain and deport immigrants. But if House Bill 4091 passes, it is sure to face a court challenge from the Trump administration, which likely would argue that Oregon doesnt have the authority to rein in such presidential power. Sen. Mike McLane, a Republican from Powell Butte, warned colleagues during a public hearing Tuesday that the bill might result in repercussions from the Trump administration. McLane noted that the federal government funds the vast majority of the Oregon National Guards operations, including training, personnel and equipment. Should House Bill 4091 be perceived by the Secretary of War or the federal administration as making Oregon inhospitable to federal missions, McLane said, my concern is what does that do to future missions or future units? Does Oregon suddenly fall to the bottom of the list of perceived assets to a federal Department of War? Rep. Paul Evans, a Democrat from Monmouth and a chief sponsor of the bill, told The Oregonian/OregonLive that he knows it will do nothing to strengthen Oregons relationship with the Trump administration. But, Evans said, I think theyre already angry with us. Evans said if the bill becomes law, he expects a legal challenge. He also thinks the new state law would prevail. Specifically, House Bill 4091 carefully navigates a complex set of federal and state laws with the goal of inhibiting the president or even state-level officials from deploying National Guard troops for immigration or law enforcement purposes. Among its provisions: The bill clarifies in Oregon law what state officials say is already existing federal law: A president cant mobilize the Oregon National Guard under federal Title 10 Section 12406 for law enforcement purposes, such as suppressing crime. Title 10 is the section of law that Trump used last fall to order the National Guard into Portland before a federal judge blocked him. The U.S. Supreme Court later prevented Trump from deploying National Guard soldiers into Chicago for immigration purposes, undermining the legality of Trumps efforts to send troops into other U.S. cities for the same reasons. The bill also explicitly bars the deployment of National Guard troops for immigration enforcement, such as accompanying ICE officers into the community as they detain immigrants for deportation. Evans said the bill isnt attempting to change federal law. Were not telling the president what they cant do, Evans said. But if a president tried to mobilize troops under Title 10 to, for example, beat back what he claimed was an explosion in crime, the bill would bar the adjutant general of the Oregon National Guard and the governor from conveying that mobilization order to Oregon National Guard troops. The bill has no power to prevent the president from mobilizing National Guard troops for any purpose under a different law, the Insurrection Act. Trump so far has said he might use the Insurrection Act in Portland and other cities. But he has yet to do so. Experts say using the Insurrection Act would be a bold move , even for Trump. The bill also says that if a president doesnt invoke the Insurrection Act, the governor can deny National Guard soldiers from other states from entering Oregon if the president is deploying them to crack down on immigration or crime. Rep. Willy Chotzen , a Democrat from Southeast Portland and another chief sponsor of the bill, said that many reddish states have long had such laws. That includes Texas, Idaho and North Dakota, he said. This isnt a partisan issue, Chotzen said. Rep. Shannon Isadore, a Northwest Portland Democrat and chief co-sponsor, said the bill would ensure that the Oregon National Guard is available to fight wildfires or respond to other disasters, instead of being tied up with immigration or law enforcement sweeps. It draws an important line, Isadore said. Two dozen Democrats are sponsoring the bill. One Republican, Rep. Alek Skarlatos from Winston, was listed as a sponsor but apparently removed his support after expressing reservations during Tuesdays hearing. Skarlatos didnt respond to a request for comment from The Oregonian/OregonLive. Last session, a Democrat-sponsored bill with a more limited scope passed the House on a party line vote but died in the Senate. The Oregon Supreme Court on Thursday ruled that the state must ultimately dismiss criminal charges against people who dont get a court-appointed attorney within two months for misdemeanors and three months for felonies. The unanimous ruling in State v. Roberts is the latest development in Oregons long-running challenge to ensure people who are accused of crimes have legal representation. The ruling comes as the Oregon Public Defense Commission has generally made strides in reducing the backlog of people without lawyers. Late last month, an estimated 2,494 people lacked attorneys, commission data shows. Thats down from 3,778 at the end of 2024. The court ruling is expected to most affect four counties with the worst backlogs: Jackson, Douglas, Washington and Multnomah. The state relies on a patchwork system to provide public defense. Two years ago, it began a trial division staffed by lawyers who work directly for the state. It also has contracts with nonprofit law firms and independent lawyers who take on public defense cases. The agency was for years roiled by political turmoil as lawmakers poured millions into the system without seeing significant reductions in the backlog of defendants needing lawyers. On Thursday, commission leaders said they were still assessing the impact of the ruling. We have made solid progress in reducing the number of unrepresented individuals and will continue to address the crisis with urgency and transparency, the agency said in a statement. The decision has implications for an estimated 1,400 cases, including about 900 out of Multnomah County, according to the Oregon Judicial Department. Clackamas County District Attorney John Wentworth, who serves as president of the Oregon District Attorneys Association, said the ruling puts thousands of criminal prosecutions at risk. This is an immense waste of taxpayers money, he said. We continue to call upon the Governor and the Oregon Public Defense Commission to fix this problem now. Our indigent defense system must deliver the service they are paid to provide. Rob Harris, who chairs the public defense commission, said the ruling didnt come as a surprise and that the states beleaguered public defense system isnt wholly to blame for the crisis. We have been constrained by factors not within our control the number of qualified lawyers available, charging decisions of the different county prosecutors, the local rules of each county Circuit Court, differing law enforcement cultures, new laws, the funding we get from the Legislature and higher court decisions - like this one," he said. Its clear we all have a part to play in solving this serious problem. While the Supreme Court imposed timelines for dismissing cases without attorneys, it also said prosecutors may refile charges, which lawyers say could lead cases to cycle through the courts repeatedly while defendants await court-appointed counsel. There must be a limit to the amount of time that the state can maintain a criminal prosecution without appointing counsel for an eligible defendant, Justice Rebecca Duncan wrote in the courts opinion. We acknowledge that setting such a limit involves a judgment call. Oregons current public defense crisis requires us to make that call and establish a general rule that can be applied consistently across the state. The justices weighed in on the case of a Multnomah County defendant who was arraigned in 2024 on car theft charges and subsequently sought court-appointed counsel. The state appoints lawyers to people who meet financial eligibility guidelines. Typically, most criminal defendants qualify for public defense. No one was appointed to the case and after going for months without a lawyer, the defendant, Allen R. Roberts, filed a motion to dismiss the charges. He argued that the state had violated his right to counsel. Nearly a year after Roberts was arraigned on allegations of unauthorized use of a vehicle and possession of a stolen vehicle, he still lacked an attorney. By then the case had been postponed six times and was ultimately dismissed for lack of an attorney. But the Supreme Court continued with its review, finding that the case represented legal questions capable of repetition. The justices agreed with Roberts that the state had violated his right to counsel by failing to appoint him a lawyer for an extended period. When the state fails to appoint counsel, a defendants legal interests are at risk of prejudice because the defendant is without anyone to advise them, address pretrial restrictions on their liberty, assert their rights, and prepare their defense, Duncan wrote. In short, the defendant is subjected to the states prosecutorial powers and all the accompanying consequences but left without the means to effectively respond. Carl Macpherson, executive director of Metropolitan Public Defenders, a large provider of public defense in Multnomah and Washington counties, said in a statement that he hopes the decision will prompt policymakers and other leaders to seek solutions to a systemic failure that has been years in the making. The response cannot be to force appoint attorneys to clients they cannot ethically represent, he said. Thirty one Oregon mayors and Gov. Tina Kotek have called on the Trump administration to halt all immigration enforcement efforts in the state at least until recent shootings by federal officers in Portland and other states are fully investigated and addressed. In a Thursday letter addressed to U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and White House border czar Tom Homan, the Oregon elected officials said the Trump administrations aggressive immigration crackdown has eroded public trust and instilled fear into their communities. Kotek and the mayors also expressed concerns that local law enforcement agencies have not been included in federal probes into violent immigration enforcement incidents. They also pledged to defend the states sanctuary laws. Parents are afraid to take their children to school, the Oregon politicians wrote. Families are avoiding health care. People are scared to go to work or even go to the store for essentials, let alone support a range of small businesses. The mayors who signed the letter represent some of Oregons largest cities, including Portland, Eugene, Bend, Hillsboro and Gresham. Several leaders of smaller communities are also represented in the group, including the mayors of Detroit, Carlton, Yachats and Falls City. Immigration authorities have arrested more than 2,100 people in Oregon since President Donald Trump took office, according to a Homeland Security spokesperson. U.S. citizens have also been targeted in violent altercations with federal agents. Last week in Salem, a U.S. citizen suffered a concussion, a torn rotator cuff and bruised ribs after immigration officers stopped her on a street, broke her car window, pulled her out and then left abruptly after discovering her passport in her purse, advocates said. Many of Oregons top Democratic leaders have vocally criticized Trumps immigration enforcement efforts for months. Those calls have increased in recent weeks after a U.S. Border Patrol officer shot and wounded a man and woman from Venezuela on Jan. 8 during an immigration stop in the parking lot of a Southeast Portland medical office building and after federal agents fatally shot U.S. citizens Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minnesota. The letter comes one day after a federal judge in Portland issued a preliminary injunction barring federal immigration officers from making warrantless arrests without finding that a person represents a risk of escaping or fleeing. U.S. District Judge Mustafa T. Kasubhai issued the order after reviewing videos of multiple U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement stops. Both plaintiffs in the case were stopped while going about their daily life and were not intended targets of federal officers, he noted. There can be an injury no more irreparable than the manner in which these plaintiffs have been stopped, detained, thrown to the ground and handcuffed, he said. Its violent and brutal, what Ive seen in the stops. The drawing of firearms, the civil administration process, is excessive and defies human decency. Reporters Maxine Bernstein and Yesenia Amaro contributed reporting. INTERVIEWERSo how about the writers you painted for the portfolio for the Review? Are all of them real? I Wollstonecraft wrote to Roscoe: I am dissatised with myself for not having done justice to the subject.Heres what the Reviews s the realist and abject traits of faces appear smoothed into a mortuary characterology; and thus light.The receptionist told me that a nurse practitioner would be able to dra Faust and Marguerite helped me begin to understand things about love and sex that were still remote from my experience.when Ill come across a charred coagulate of bodies or a Mikhail Bubnov, CEO of Schneider Electric in Ukraine, has joined Board of Directors of Franco-Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Mikhail Bubnov, CEO of Schneider Electric in Ukraine, has joined the Board of Directors of the Franco-Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIFU). Thank you for your trust and the opportunity to join the CCIFU Board of Directors. The Chamber plays an important role in strengthening cooperation between French and Ukrainian businesses. I hope that its activities will continue to promote dialogue between business and the state and attract international partners to the reconstruction of Ukraine, said Mikhail Bubnov. Among the key areas of development of the Chamber that Mykhailo Bubnov plans to focus on are strengthening cooperation with government authorities and developing a systematic public dialogue, facilitating the attraction of international financing for Chamber members, and increasing the visibility of French businesses in Ukraine. He plans to pay particular attention to strengthening the CCIFU's sectoral committees, which bring together representatives from the energy, agricultural, IT, construction, and other sectors. According to Bubnov, these committees should become a platform for exchanging experience, preparing proposals for government authorities, and coordinating business initiatives within the framework of Ukraine's recovery. The Chamber's priorities also include developing energy resilience and sustainability, promoting the reconstruction of critical infrastructure, supporting digital and technological innovation, and integrating Ukraine into the European economic and energy space. I am convinced that through joint efforts we will be able to contribute to a sustainable, modern, and energy-efficient future for Ukraine, emphasized Mykhailo Bubnov. Mykhailo Bubnov has headed Schneider Electric in Ukraine since 2016. Prior to that, he held management positions at Primetals Ukraine and Siemens Ukraine. He graduated from the Kyiv Polytechnic Institute and holds an Executive MBA from Heriot Watt University Edinburgh Business School. The Franco-Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIFU) brings together more than 200 companies representing French and Ukrainian businesses. Its mission is to promote bilateral cooperation, attract investment, restore the Ukrainian economy, and integrate Ukraine into the European market. About Schneider Electric Schneider Electric is a global leader in energy technology, delivering efficiency and sustainability through electrification, automation, and digitalization of industry, business, and homes. Its technologies enable buildings, data centers, factories, infrastructure, and energy networks to operate as open, interconnected ecosystems, increasing productivity, sustainability, and environmental performance. The company's portfolio includes smart devices, software-driven architectures, artificial intelligence-based systems, digital services, and expert consulting. With 160,000 employees and 1 million partners in more than 100 countries, Schneider Electric is consistently ranked among the world's most sustainable companies. South Carolina lawmakers are considering a new bill that would give parents more control over teens' medical care and school decisions, sparking a fresh clash over parental rights and student privacy. The proposal, filed for the 20252026 legislative session, would write into state law that parents have a "fundamental right" to direct the upbringing, education, and care of their minor children, including decisions on health care and access to medical records. It would change current rules that let many 16- and 17-year-olds consent to their own health services, instead requiring parental approval for most nonemergency treatment. Supporters say this will ensure parents are fully informed about the medications, counseling, and other care their children receive. Changes For Schools Under the bill, schools would also have to follow stricter rules on notifying parents about sensitive topics and services offered to students, according to the South Carolina Daily Gazette. Parents would gain clearer rights to review curriculum materials, see education and healthrelated records, and pull their children from lessons that conflict with family beliefs, especially on gender identity and sexual orientation. Local school districts would be required to adopt formal parentalinvolvement policies based on new state standards. Concerns From Critics The measure also creates enforcement tools for families who say a school or health provider has ignored their wishes, Citizen Portal reported. Parents could use the law as a legal defense or file civil actions after going through administrative procedures, with the state attorney general authorized to pursue violations in court. Advocates argue these penalties are needed so schools and clinics take parental consent requirements seriously. Critics warn the bill could limit confidential care for teens dealing with mental health issues, sexual health, or family conflict, if they fear involving a parent. Medical groups and civil rights organizations say added consent barriers may delay treatment, especially for youths who are homeless or do not live with a legal guardian. Advocacy groups also raise concerns that new school rules could chill classroom discussions and harm LGBTQ+ students by restricting access to supportive services and inclusive lessons. The parentalrights measure is part of a wider push in South Carolina to expand parents' authority over schools and student health, and it remains in committee as lawmakers debate changes and hear public testimony, as per the Saluda GOP. Two drivers killed in a December head-on collision on a Lower Paxton Township road were under the influence of alcohol and drugs, according to newly released reports. The fiery Dec. 30 crash along a curve in the 1100 block of Colonial Road in Lower Paxton Township killed Anil Gajmer, 30, of Lower Paxton Township, and Mahogheni Mills, 25, of Penbrook. Gajmer had a blood alcohol concentration of 0.290, more than three times the legal limit, according to a toxicology report reviewed by PennLive this week. Mills had 140 nanograms per milliliter of methamphetamine in her blood, the toxicology report said, a level that can be considered high. Per state law, coroners reports from the previous calendar year become publicly accessible on Feb. 2. PennLive obtained new details from the double-fatal crash this week. Lower Paxton police have not released any updates on the crash since it happened when they provided scant details. When asked, police said the crash remains under investigation so they would not say which vehicle crossed over the center line or how the crash occurred. Epiphany Lutheran Church, left, at 1100 Colonial Road in Lower Paxton Township, February 4, 2026. Dan Gleiter | dgleiter@pennlive.com Dan Gleiter | dgleiter@pennlive.com Mills was driving north in a Hyundai Elantra and Gajmer was driving south in a Nissan Kicks when they collided head-on around 1 a.m., causing both vehicles to catch fire, according to a report from the Dauphin County Coroners Office. The coroners report said a bystander who called 911 heard a loud explosion, looked outside and saw a car on fire. Bystanders told 911 dispatchers they saw Gajmer slumped over inside the burning vehicle and banged on the windows to try to wake him up before emergency responders arrived and extricated him. Gajmer and Mills died at the scene from multiple traumatic injuries. A male passenger in Mills car survived and was taken to a hospital, police said. Mills family told the coroners office she delivered food orders through DoorDash and frequently worked late at night, but its unknown where she or Gajmer were headed when they died. Property records show Gajmer lived on Colonial Road, about a mile from the crash site. Former Jackass star and Pennsylvania resident Bam Margera pleaded not guilty on Tuesday after police said he violated his probation in a 2024 DUI incident. Margera was arrested by state police in Fulton County on Sept. 16, 2024, for driving under the influence and reckless driving. He was placed in custody two days later for violating his probations drug and alcohol condition. He had been sentenced in June 2024 to six months probation after pleading guilty to disorderly conduct following an altercation near his home in Chester County. In April 2023, police issued a warrant for Margeras arrest following what authorities called a confrontation between him and his brother at the skateboarder and stunt professionals home in Chester County. Court documents said that Margera had attacked his brother Jesse and threatened to kill everyone in the house before running away. He surrendered to the authorities several days later. Margera has struggled with substance abuse in the past and was fired from the film Jackass Forever due to alcohol and drug problems. In addition to his work on Jackass, Margera also appeared on the spin-off shows Viva La Bam, Bams World Domination and Bams Bad Ass Game Show. It was recently announced that he signed on to appear in Jackass 5, although he will not be filming any new stunts for the upcoming movie. Margera is scheduled to be in court again on April 7, NBC10 reported. A 53-year-old pharmacist at a Lancaster County Weis was charged last week after he stole more than 1,500 prescription pills and various retail items, charging documents said. Nathan J. Bear, who has been licensed as a pharmacist in Pennsylvania for nearly 20 years, was charged Jan. 30 after large amounts of controlled substances were reported missing to a Weis manager. Bear was hired as a pharmacist at the Weis along the 1200 block of Millersville Pike on Jan. 5, 2025. He began stealing controlled substances and retail items just months later, between July and December 2025. After being notified of the missing medications, the Weis asset protection team installed hidden cameras throughout the pharmacy. The stores internal investigation found Bear stole controlled substances on at least 13 occasions starting in July 2025. During an interview with Weis staff, Bear admitted to stealing the medications to fuel his drug addiction. Footage from the hidden cameras showed Bear hiding additional bottles of controlled substances, primarily Oxycodone, up his sleeve while he fulfilled legitimate prescriptions, police said. Bear would then drop the stolen pills into his lunchbox, which he would take home after his shift. To hide the thefts, Bear also fraudulently edited Weis computer data to show the stolen pills being issued to prescription holders. In total, Bear stole 1,503 controlled substance pills, which primarily consisted of 100-pill bottles of 30mg Oxycodone and Oxycodone/Acetaminophen. Charging documents also said Bear stole additional pills, but did not specify what they were. The stolen pills were valued at just over $750. In addition to the stolen medications, Bear was captured taking phone chargers, meat, hashbrowns, candy, batteries, rice and a birthday card from the Weis without paying. Bear turned himself in to the police on Tuesday and was arraigned and released on $10,000 unsecured bail. He is charged with felony acquisition of a controlled substance by fraud, theft by unlawful taking, tampering with records and related charges. Other charges he faces include possession of a controlled substance and dispensing a controlled substance without the required information. Bears preliminary hearing is scheduled for Feb. 10. Donald Trump took to social media on Wednesday to address the disappearance of Today host Savannah Guthries mother. Nancy Guthrie, 84, was reported missing at noon Sunday, and TMZ reported Tuesday that it received a ransom note seeking a substantial amount of Bitcoin for her return or else. I spoke with Savannah Guthrie, and let her know that I am directing ALL Federal Law Enforcement to be at the familys, and Local Law Enforcements, complete disposal, IMMEDIATELY, Trump wrote. We are deploying all resources to get her mother home safely. The prayers of our Nation are with her and her family. GOD BLESS AND PROTECT NANCY! PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP. Trumps announcement came on the same day that Savannah Guthrie took to social media flanked by her sister Annie, and brother, Camron to ask for the return of her mother. We want to thank all of you for the prayers for our beloved mom, Nancy, the emotional Today host said in the video shared to her Instagram. We feel them, and we continue to believe that she feels them, too. Our mom is a kind, faithful, loyal, fiercely loving woman of goodness and light. She is funny, and spunky, and clever. She has grandchildren that adore her and crowd around her and cover her with kisses. She loves fun and adventure. She is a devoted friend. She is full of kindness and knowledge. Talk to her and youll see. Her sister chimed in, The light is missing from our lives. Nancy is our mother. We are her children. She is our beacon. She holds fast to joy in all of lifes circumstances. She chooses joy everyday despite already passing through great trials of pain and grief. Mama mama, if you are listening, we need you to come home, she added. We miss you. Savannah Guthrie then began reading from her statement again. Our mom is our heart and our home, she said. She is 84 years old. Her health, her heart, is fragile. She lives in constant pain. She is without any medicine. She needs it to survive. She needs it not to suffer. She then addressed the reports of a ransom note. As a family we are doing everything that we can, Guthrie said. However, we live in a world where voices and images are easily manipulated. We need to know without a doubt that she is alive, and that you have her. We want to hear from you, and we are ready to listen. Please, reach out to us. Mommy, if you are hearing this, you are a strong woman. You are Gods precious daughter, Nancy. We believe and know that even in this valley, he is with you. Everyone is looking for you mommy everywhere. We will not rest. Your children will not rest until we are together again. We speak to you every moment, and we pray without ceasing, and we rejoice in advance that the day that we hold you in our arms again. We love you mom. Disturbing new details emerged on Tuesday regarding Guthries disappearance. TMZ highlighted a video from NewsNation Senior National Correspondent Brian Enten from Nancy Guthries home. The video appeared to show a blood trail leading away from the front door of Nancy Guthries home and blood splatter on her front porch. TMZ said blood was found inside of the home, too, along with signs of forced entry. The updated details came on the heels of the outlet reporting the ransom note on Tuesday. So, we got something in our email that looks like a, its written like a ransom note for Samantha Guthries mother, TMZs Harvey Levin said. Levin said the ransom note asks for a very specific amount of money. And, also, at the bottom there are certain things theyre saying about what she was wearing and damage to the house to say, Its us, Levin said. So, we have contacted the sheriffs department and we want to get them this letter. Levin said TMZ doesnt know if the letter is authentic, but when you read it, theyre acting as if only we would know these things, and theres a dollar demand or else in there. So, we will let you know as this thing kind of develops. An article on TMZ that accompanied Levins video said the letter demanded a specific substantial amount of Bitcoin the amount is in the millions. The outlet added that a deadline has been given and an element of or else. Nancy Guthrie was reported missing at noon Sunday, and Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos told TMZ that police believe she was taken from her home in Arizona by force in the middle of the night. TMZ also said that a rep for the Sheriffs Office said police were looking at registered sex offenders in the area as part of the investigation. Also troubling, according to the outlet, police have declined to say if blood was found in Guthries home. Nancy Guthrie was last seen in the Catalina Foothills area around 9:45 p.m. Saturday night, according to the sheriffs department. The departments flier said that Guthrie, who is 5-foot-5, 150 pounds with brown hair and blue eyes, was last seen near her home near East Skyline Drive and North Campbell Avenue. She does not have any known mental or cognitive challenges. She does require daily medications, so police are hoping to find her alive, soon. Police also said that she is very limited in her mobility, and that there were other things at the scene that indicate that she did not leave on her own. Police said that dogs were used to help in the search for her. Air teams have also reportedly been used to assist with the search as well. Firefighter rescues boy stranded mid-air after mall ride malfunction (People's Daily App) 16:39, February 05, 2026 A firefighter in Chengdu, Sichuan Province rescued a boy who was left suspended mid-air after a hot air balloon ride at a shopping mall malfunctioned. Carrying out a rapid rope rescue to descend from above, the first responder used one arm to secure the child who was hanging from the deflated balloon before lowering him safely to the ground and drawing applause from onlookers at the scene. The boy was not injured. The amusement ride has since been suspended for safety checks. (Produced by interns Li Linmo and Tang Kexin) (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun) A metalcore band is just a couple of weeks out from touring around their home turf. Unfortunately, their supporting act had to drop out last-minute. In an Instagram post published Wednesday, Australian group Thornhill announced that special guest Amira Elfeky will no longer be joining them on their BODIES tour. Unfortunately, @amiraelfeky has had to withdraw from the BODIES Australia tour due to unforeseen circumstances, wishing her all the best, the post read. Elfeky herself published an Instagram post that same day, explaining her absence is due to medical issues. This is really hard to post, and I know how disappointing this is, the American songstress wrote. Due to health circumstances and challenges beyond my control, I have to cancel my upcoming support and two headline dates in Australia. I never take a decision like this lightly, especially knowing how much time, excitement, and planning goes into showing up for a show. Knowing that my first-ever shows with you sold out makes this even harder to share. Im incredibly grateful for the love and support you showed. More than anything, I want to be able to give you the show you truly deserve that feels complete, powerful, and fully present, Elfeky continued. Right now, I wouldnt be able to deliver in the way I want to, and I have to honor that both for you and myself. I will be back, and I cant wait to perform for you. Thank you for your patience, your love, and for believing in me. I feel it always. Elfeky confirmed that ticket retailers would be reaching out to fans regarding refunds. Thornhill, on their end, confirmed that Ocean Grove would be taking over Elfekys slot. The story of former Philadelphia Eagles player Kevin Johnsons death has taken another disturbing turn this week. Johnson, 55, was found dead on Jan. 21 outside of a homeless encampment in Los Angeles. Police said he was suffering from head trauma when they found him, and paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene. The medical examiner noted that Johnson had also been stabbed. Now police believe his killing may be connected to three other killings involving homeless people in Los Angeles, per NBC. The outlet reported that the sheriffs department said the three other individuals were found at homeless encampments near the same area in the Willowbrook community between October and January. All four victims were unhoused individuals who were living in encampments, the sheriffs department said in a statement per NBC. Homicide investigators continue to pursue all investigative leads and remain committed to identifying the individual or individuals responsible for these crimes. The sheriffs department said it responded to another homicide at nearly the same location, according to NBC, on Jan. 26 and that person was also declared dead at the scene. Johnson was a 6-foot-1, 305-pound defensive tackle who played collegiately at Texas Southern. He was drafted in the fourth-round, 86th overall, by the New England Patriots in 1993. He went on to have stints with the Vikings and Raiders before landing with the Eagles for the 1995 and 1996 seasons. His friend have expressed a concern that he may have been dealing with chronic traumatic encephalopathy, known as CTE, which is the brain disease suffered after multiple blows to the head. He was a loving man. He was a family man. He was a father, a friend, and all of the above, Johnsons son, Branden Johnson, told NBC. He loved everyone around him and would give his shirt off his back just to make sure everybody else around him was OK. UPDATE: Journey Gaddis has been found, police said. Pennsylvania State Police in Cumberland County are searching for a 5-year-old girl who was last seen more than a week ago. Journey Gaddis was last seen around 1 p.m. on Jan. 27 in Mount Holly Springs, according to a police report. Police described the girl as 4 feet tall, around 45 pounds, with brown eyes and black, braided hair. She was last seen wearing a rainbow beanie, a green Old Navy coat, pink and white Champs sweatpants and Ugg boots. Kim Gaddis, who police said was last seen with the missing 5-year-old girl. Pennsylvania State Police Police said the girl was last seen with 58-year-old Kim Gaddis, who is 5 feet tall with black hair and brown eyes. The police report did not specify what the womans relationship to the missing girl is. The woman drives a black 2024 Buick Envision with the following Pennsylvania license plate number: LJK3362. State police said the missing girl might be at special risk of harm or injury. Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of the girl or woman is asked to call 911 or Mount Holly Springs police at 717-243-4121. DICKSON CITY, Pa. (AP) Emergency crews battled a blaze and evacuated patients from a northeastern Pennsylvania hospital after a fire broke out, authorities said. No injuries were reported. The fire began around 9:40 p.m. Wednesday at the Lehigh Valley Hospital campus in Dickson City. It started on the roof of an older building formerly known as Scranton Orthopedics, not inside the attached main hospital building, fire officials said. Smoke and water damage were reported. This photo provided by NEPA Fire Photography, shows firefighters battling a blaze at the Lehigh Valley Hospital on Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026 in Dickson City, Pa. (NEPA Fire Photography via AP) NEPA Fire Photography via AP More than 70 patients were transported to hospitals and care facilities across the region, and all available EMS services within a 50-mile radius were used during the evacuation, officials said. Fire Chief Richard Chowanec said the alarm was upgraded upon arrival to bring in additional resources. Police from across the Mid Valley area, hospital staff and EMS crews were already evacuating patients when firefighters arrived. All patients, staff and visitors were safely evacuated, a hospital spokesperson said. Emergency responders remained at the scene early Thursday. Gov. Josh Shapiro said on X that state police, the emergency management agency and the health department responded to the fire. Thank you to every first responder running toward danger to help their fellow Pennsylvanians, Shapiro said. Lori and I are praying for the staff, patients, their families, and the entire community tonight. Update: 70 patients relocated from Pa. hospital damaged in fire DICKSON CITY, Penn. (AP) Emergency crews battled a blaze and evacuated patients from a hospital Wednesday night in Pennsylvania as fire engulfed part of the facility, according to officials. All patients, staff and visitors were safely evacuated from Lehigh Valley Hospital in Dickson City, according to a hospital spokesperson. Emergency responders continued to work at the scene early Thursday. The Scranton Times-Tribune reported that 77 patients were relocated to area hospitals. Gov. Josh Shapiro said on the social platform X that the states police, emergency management agency and health department had responded to the fire. Thank you to every first responder running toward danger to help their fellow Pennsylvanians, he said. Lori and I are praying for the staff, patients, their families, and the entire community tonight. In video and photos posted online, flames can be seen shooting out from the top of what appears to be the hospitals Orthopedic Institute. It was not immediately clear what had caused the fire in Dickson City, which is about 6 miles (10 kilometers) north of Scranton. Deep gratitude goes to the first responders and hospital teams whose swift, professional actions ensured the safety and well-being of everyone involved, U.S. Rep. Rob Bresnahan Jr., whose district includes the city, posted on X. By Jessica Knapp Every student who beats the odds and stays in school shares one common thread: a caring adult who saw their potential. That person checked in during absences, encouraged them through setbacks, and affirmed their worth, proving that one relationship can change everything. At Communities in Schools of Pennsylvania (CISPA), we prioritize this foundational basic: forging one-on-one bonds between students and trusted adults. Academic gains and better attendance follow only after students feel truly seen and supported, especially amid hardship. For Pennsylvanias vulnerable youth facing poverty, trauma, food insecurity, or homelessness, this isnt optionalits often the lifeline keeping school viable when life feels anything but. Pennsylvanias dropout crisis burdens every taxpayer through hidden, compounding expenses. In 2022-2023 alone, 13,253 students dropped out statewide, contributing to underemployment, welfare reliance, and criminal justice demands. Dropouts earn roughly 40% less lifetime incomeabout $20,000 annually versus $34,000 for graduatesslashing state tax revenues while inflating public assistance costs. Each dropout costs Pennsylvania $683 more per year in net public spending than they generate, totaling over $80 million annually statewide. Theyre 3.5 times more likely to be arrested and eight times more prone to incarceration, driving up corrections expenses that all residents fund. Re-engaging just half could yield $1.1 billion in economic gains over a decade. With overall graduation at 87.6% and cyber charters lagging at 65%, and a projected 17% decline in graduates by 2041 due to demographic shifts, these fiscal drains will worsen without action. Decades of research affirm that mentoring is an antidote to dropout. Mentored students boost GPAs by 2-20%, cut course failures by 22-35%, earn 3-5 more credits, and gain half a year of schoolingraising college enrollment by 19-46%. They show 62% higher self-esteem, 52% fewer absences, 48% better grades, and 49% less school misconduct. Big Brothers Big Sisters data reveal that mentees skip 37% fewer classes, initiate drugs 46% less, drink alcohol 27% less, and fight far less. Each additional mentoring month lifts graduation odds by 7%; in-person contact adds 11%. Mentored youth attend school 52% more regularly and pursue college 55% more often. These gains translate directly to dropout prevention, proving that relationships drive retention. CISPA embeds trained coordinators in schools across seven counties, building trust, spotting risks, and delivering integrated supportsfrom tutoring and counseling to basic needs. In 2024-2025, 82% of our 693 case-managed students improved academically, 66% boosted attendance, and we reached 16,000+ students and 54,000 parents with nearly 4,000 essentials like food and clothing. Earlier, 76% of 739 cases advanced both attendance and academics; 81% improved behavior. Affiliates achieve 99% school engagement and graduation for case-managed youth, with partners logging 66% attendance jumps, 82% academic progress, and 99% on-time diplomas. Operating at 70+ sites, we case-manage thousands, preventing Pennsylvania schools can partner with CISPA to deploy consistent, data-informed mentors, seamlessly blending volunteers and resources. Lawmakers, educators, and philanthropists: fund these models to slash dropout costs, build workforces, and secure futures. The math is clearmentoring saves taxpayer dollars while saving lives. Every dropout avoided means billions recirculated into communities, not deficits. Investing in mentoring isnt optional; its essential to academic success and to preventing dropout. Lawmakers, educators, and philanthropists must prioritize funding for proven programs amid growing needs. Imagine the ripple effect: fewer dropouts mean stronger communities, workforces, and futures. Throughout the remainder of 2026, commit to one student. Notice them. Check in. Stay when its hard. Together, we can turn the odds in their favorrelationship by relationship. Jessica Knapp is president & state director of Communities in Schools of Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania is still in an opioid crisis. Overdose deaths have come down in recent years, but they remain unacceptably high, especially in working-class and rural communities. So why are lawmakers considering Senate Bill 233, a bill that would eliminate one of the few affordable, legal tools some people use to manage pain and stay off opioids? After I left the military, I fell into addiction, first with pills and then with illegal opioids. Four years ago, I started using 7-OH, a compound derived from the kratom plant. I went from living on the street, watching my body shut down, to working as a supervisor, owning my own home, and raising a beautiful daughter. I take 7-OH responsibly, and it works. But SB 233 would effectively ban it, not because the evidence shows it is unsafe when properly regulated, but because of political pressure and industry lobbying. If lawmakers strip away what has helped people like me rebuild our lives, the predictable result is more relapse, more suffering, and more deaths. Pennsylvania still has a chance to get this right. Please do not take away something that has helped people like me stay alive, stable, and functional. Cavan McIntyre, Harrisburg, Pa. The heads of the legislative Latino and Black caucuses are condemning plans by federal immigration officials to convert a massive warehouse in Berks County into a detention center. Reps. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz and Napoleon Nelson, chairs of the Pennsylvania Legislative Latino Caucus and the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus, respectively, on Wednesday issued statements regarding plans by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to purchase a 520,000-square-foot warehouse to be used as an immigration detention facility. Across this country, ICE enforcement has led to devastating consequences for families and communities including family separation, aggressive raids, and the targeting of individuals who pose no threat to public safety. These actions have created fear and instability, particularly within immigrant communities, said Cepeda-Freytiz, who represents part of Berks County, including the city of Reading. Now, ICE is preparing to establish a detention operation in Berks County. This decision risks provoking fear, disrupting families, and endangering the well-being of our neighbors regardless of citizenship status. The pattern of cruelty and lack of accountability we have seen from ICE has no place in Berks County or anywhere in Pennsylvania. Both Cepeda-Freytiz and Nelson, of Montogmery County, are Democrats. The Trump administration purchased the warehouse in Upper Bern Township as part of a suite of at least 23 warehouses that ICE plans to convert into an immigration detention facilities, Spotlight reported this week, citing Bloomberg reports. The Berks County warehouse could house up to 1,500 beds. The Trump administration purchased the warehouse, most recently called the Hamburg Logistics Center, for $87.4 million, Spotlight reports. The propertys neighbors include an Amazon warehouse and the Mountain Springs Camping Resort. In 2022, immigration advocacy groups succeeded in pressuring Berks County and federal officials into closing a detention center notorious for human rights abuses and sexual assaults. Advocates, led by Shut Down Berks Coalition, fought for years to close the detention center, which opened in 2001. The facility eventually became one of three detention facilities in the U.S to detain families, most often mothers with children. That history matters, Cepeda-Freytiz said. While many questions remain about the scope and operations of this proposed facility, I will continue to use every tool available to demand transparency, protect due process, and stand with our most vulnerable neighbors. Cepeda-Freytiz encouraged residents to remain engaged and informed as more details emerge. Nelson warned of renewed efforts by ICE to plant roots in Pennsylvania. Their actions have brought terror to our neighbors, especially immigrant communities and communities of color, said Nelson. We stand united in the all-too-familiar fight for civil rights. Cepeda-Freytiz recently signed on as a co-sponsor of H.R. 402, legislation urging Congress to withhold funding from ICE and the Department of Homeland Security unless meaningful reforms and oversight are enacted. Cepeda-Freytizs 129th legislative district is nearly 40% Hispanic one of the highest percentages in Pennsylvania. The Upper Bern Township warehouse is approximately 20 miles from downtown Reading. Members of the Legislative Latino Caucus recently called on Gov. Josh Shapiro to use the full scope of his executive and administrative authority to protect immigrant communities, including ending collaboration with ICE and prohibiting the sharing of sensitive personal data with federal immigration authorities. The state Senate passed a bill Tuesday that would ban student phone use during the school day roughly four hours after Gov. Josh Shapiro advocated for a ban in his budget address. Shapiro endorsed a bell-to-bell phone ban in a social media post last week, but the idea had been running through the legislature for some time prior, with the Senate Education Committee having unanimously approved the bill back in December. Shapiros budget proposal went far afield of fiscal policy, serving as a broad outline of his agenda with a multitude of items that arent measured in dollars, of which the phone ban was one small piece. But it might be the first piece he gets. Having cleared the Republican-majority Senate on a bipartisan 48-to-1 vote, the bill now heads to the House, which is controlled by Shapiros fellow Democrats. The senators who backed the bill, while not wanting to step on the Houses toes, indicated at a press conference Wednesday that they saw some urgency. You see how quickly this went, said Sen. Vincent Hughes, D-Philadelphia. The bill has real impact for real people, Hughes said, and late March when the House and Senate are scheduled to be in Harrisburg at the same time might be a good time to finish this. If approved, schools would have to implement phone bans for the 2027-2028 school year. We cannot waste these new resources that were putting into our schools, Hughes said of the increases to education funding in recent state budgets. We must maximize them, and this is an important way to maximize the talent that we know that our children possess. One recent study found that teenagers were using their phones an average of 1.5 hours during the school day, noted Sen. Devlin Robinson, R-Allegheny County. Thats a quarter of the school day, Robinson said. We need to step in. We cannot allow our investment in education be robbed by the tech moguls who are stealing our students attention. Pennsylvania currently leaves cell phone rules up to individual school districts. The commonwealth is an outlier in this respect, given that most states have a uniform statewide policy. Of these, 17 states have a bell-to-bell ban, meaning students are not permitted to access their phones from the morning opening bell until the afternoon dismissal, with limited exceptions. A growing body of research shows that such bans have measurable positive effects on test scores, attendance, and students mental health. This is no longer an experiment. We know from countless studies and data that it has brought positive change, Robinson said. The Senate bill would mandate that schools put a policy in place to prohibit the use of a mobile device during the school day while on school property and also establish the manner in which a students possession of a mobile device is to be restricted. The requirement would apply to all public school districts, intermediate units, vo-techs, and charter schools. Exceptions to the rule are to be made for students with disabilities, or when phones are used as translation devices or as instructional tools. Superintendents can also grant student-specific exceptions on a case-by-case basis. A growing number of schools including in the Harrisburg region have adopted phone-ban policies, although these are not always the bell-to-bell ban sought by Shapiro and the Senate. Carlisle Area School District, for instance, enacted a rule last year requiring high school students to put their phones in specialized lock-boxes during class time, but still allowing students to use them during lunch and between classes something that would not be allowed under the Senate bill. Those hours, the minutes between classes and the time spent at recess or in the cafeteria at lunch, thats time when young people need to be talking to each other, they need to be building those relationships, instead of being glued to their phones, said Sen. Steve Santarsiero, D-Bucks County. While students might not like phone bans at first, Santarsiero said, those districts that have already enacted some sort of policy have seen students come around rather quickly. Not only have the teachers said its miraculous, its really changed the classroom environment, but the students have as well, Santarsiero said. Their response has been its taken a weight off of them. Its enabled them to live in the moment and not in this virtual world, and thats why this is so important. By Ximena Conde, The Philadelphia Inquirer (TNS) In a bit of winter irony, two barges carrying 21,000 tons of salt reinforcements for Philadelphia couldnt get through the frozen Delaware River, according to city officials. At the Pelbano Recreation Center in Bustleton on Wednesday, Director of Clean and Green Initiatives Carlton Williams said the city had used more than 30,000 tons in January, which was highlighted by the 9.3 inches of snow and icy sleet on the 25th. The Arctic cold that followed has kept a whole lot of it in place. The city still has 15,000 tons on reserve, but Williams said officials are watching salt levels closely and using judgment when dispersing whats left. He said inspectors are being sent out to sites where salting has been requested to ensure treatment is warranted in an effort to ensure the city has enough salt until the reinforcements arrive. We definitely need to make sure our salt levels are at a sufficient amount so that if we get another storm like this, we can be out there prepared to fight, he said. By Wednesday afternoon, a city spokesperson confirmed that a barge carrying 15,000 tons of salt was able to redirect and dock in Paulsboro, New Jersey. That load is slated to reach Philly by truck Thursday. The fate of the second barge with 6,000 tons meant to go to Philadelphia remains unclear. The delivery is ultimately slated to head to Fairless Hills, which is iced in, according to Office of Emergency Management Director Dominick Mireles. How long the barge has been stuck wasnt immediately clear but Mireles said the U.S. Coast Guard continues to perform ice-cutting operations on the river. The city uses up about 15,000 tons of salt for a significant winter storm, according to a city spokesperson. It tries to keep 45,000 tons on hand. City officials noted the frozen sections of the river offer a reminder of how the elements have not done plows and snow cleanup crews any favors in breaking up what have become dirty, hardened, sometimes rock-solid chunks of ice across the city. Mayor Cherelle L. Parkers administration, like those in other East Coast cities, has received no shortage of criticism for inaccessible crosswalks and SEPTA bus stations that remained icy days after the biggest snowstorm in a decade. The veteran politician, who is preparing his bid for the State Duma after being barred from the 2024 presidential elections, seeks to overcome the post-imperial syndrome and bring Russia back into Europe Nothing stood between Vladimir Putin and his fifth term when Boris Nadezhdin [Tashkent, Uzbekistan, 62 years old] challenged the Russian leader by running in the March 2024 presidential elections. This veteran politician, a critic of the war against Ukraine and until then a regular on Kremlin television, gathered around 250,000 signatures in just three weeks to register as an independent candidate. His name was increasingly mentioned as the elections approached and the Kremlin, which had stopped publishing opinion polls, invalidated his signatures, thus blocking his candidacy. But Nadezhdin, whose surname sounds like the Russian word for hope, is not giving up and will run again in the 2026 parliamentary elections to try to bring a critical voice within his means to the subservient State Duma. From Putins perspective, the only possible end to the war is Ukraines capitulation, he emphasized during an interview at his home in late December, on the outskirts of the Russian capital. Capitulation means that Ukraine will be governed by political forces completely under Moscows control. Nadezhdin has a long and distinguished career. He was a deputy for the Union of Right Forces during Putins first term; in the 1990s he worked as an assistant to Sergey Kiriyenko, the powerful current deputy chief of staff of the Presidential Office; and in the 2000s he was second-in-command to opposition leader Boris Nemtsov, who was assassinated in 2015. A long-term truce and the establishment of a lasting peace are unlikely while Putin is in power, Nadezhdin elaborates, adding that as long as [Volodymyr] Zelenskiy holds power in Ukraine and Putin in Russia, it is extremely unlikely that an agreement will be reached. Most Russian opposition figures are in prison, in exile, or, as in the cases of Nemtsov and Alexei Navalny, dead. The big question is why Nadezhdin hasnt even been officially labeled a foreign agent, a designation used to silence opponents and organizations deemed troublesome by the regime. I dont know, I dont have an answer, but I can guess why. Its significant that both Putin and Kiriyenko know me personally, the opposition leader replies. Ive criticized Putin and his policies since 2003 [...] but I never insulted him personally. I never incited anyone to do anything bad to him. I never crossed those lines, and theyve known me personally for 30 years, he adds. Nadezhdin wants to offer voters two major proposals. One is to change the priorities of a state where 40% of the budget goes to the military and security, compared to 25% for social spending and 10% for infrastructure. The other is to overcome the post-imperial syndrome and bring Russia back into Europe. Putin is convinced that Europeans cannot be trusted, and that is a very poor foundation for negotiations. That is why I say it is extremely unlikely that the conflict will end with Putin [in office], he asserts. However, he considers it absolutely impossible politically for Moscow to start a war with NATO, unless there is some kind of incident involving European forces in areas like the Kaliningrad exclave. Russia has many problems, both economic and internal, and there are many problems with the attitude of the people. Two-thirds of the population want an end to the current military conflict, the opposition leader maintains. Russian opposition leader Boris Nadezhdin, pictured on December 23 in Moscow. Javier G. Cuesta Nadezhdin has an enormous task ahead of him. On the one hand, the party that supported him in 2024, Civic Initiative, was dissolved. On the other, the authorities have stripped his campaign manager, Dmitry Kisiev, of his Russian citizenship, and some of the 4,000 staff members who worked on his federal and regional teams have been targeted with fines, searches, or arrests. He has also lost a great deal of money and a house. Authorities declared him bankrupt a couple of months after the 2024 presidential elections in a case dating back to 2011, when a banker gave $300,000 to the party he belonged to, Just Cause. The bank went under in 2017, and the businessman disappeared. It wasnt a personal loan [...] This sum wouldnt have been a disaster for me, but they calculated the late payment interest and charged me 112 million rubles, about 1.2 million ($1.4 million), he explains. However, Nadezhdin is confident he can assemble a new team and secure the necessary funding to run for the State Duma. My main asset is my reputation and the trust of millions of people. This is my most valuable asset; they cant take that away from me, he asserts, noting that he reached over 15% support in the polls, representing more than 15 million potential voters. Profiles of those under Francoism We have a classic authoritarian regime in Russia, the politician states. The same thing happened in Spain under Franco, a personalist regime, Nadezhdin points out, emphasizing that these types of systems can disappear very quickly and debunking the myth that Russians need to be governed by a strong leader. Spain had Franco and Portugal had Salazar. Both claimed their countries were on a special path [...] in the sixties they said we had to look at how bad things were in Europe. That there were riots and hippies were rebelling while everything was stable there, Nadezhdin explains. But in the seventies, Portugal and Spain were far behind France and Germany in economic development, he adds before emphasizing that corruption exists everywhere, but in an authoritarian regime it is monstrous, while in a democracy power shifts and there isnt a single figure who controls all the positions and privileges. Few Russians feel represented by the opposition in exile anymore, he argues, although within the country, besides Nadezhdin, there are still some alternatives to Putinism that could channel this disillusionment. Among them are the opposition party Yabloko and the Communist Party. Yabloko is currently the target of a severe crackdown. After years on the brink, its leader, Nikolay Rybakov, has been barred from any political candidacy after being fined for having a photo of Navalny on his social media, and other prominent members have been arrested. Yabloko poses a major problem for our leaders because [as a party] it can nominate a list without having to collect signatures, Nadezhdin explains. Many say its not dangerous because in the last Duma elections [in 2021] it obtained a very small percentage of votes, but that was a different reality. The reality now is that Russia is in a military conflict with Ukraine, and the vast majority of citizens want it to end. Regarding the Communist Party, Nadezhdin believes it is trapped by its own inconsistencies, as its loyalty to Putin at the federal level and its support for the war are incompatible with its criticism of the economic crisis. Education, healthcare, and so on are deteriorating because the state is spending all its energy on military actions. The communists have a unique opportunity, but they are unlikely to seize it. This is understandable. The pandemic as a pretext Authorities have banned Nadezhdin and his team from organizing demonstrations, using the Covid-19 pandemic even now as an excuse to deny permits. However, according to the politician, social tension has not reached the level necessary for people to be willing to organize mass protests against Putin. The opposition figure also emphasizes the limited tradition of protest in Russia and the hierarchical nature of its society. Russians express their discontent by recording appeals to President Putin, he explains. People believe they can ask Putin to change everything and he will listen. But this illusion is fading, although not as quickly as some would like. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition The New START treaty, which limits the number of strategic warheads deployed by the parties to 1,550, ends on January 5 with no negotiations on the horizon. Washington also wants China to commit to a reduction, but Beijing refuses Five months after signing a crucial nuclear arms treaty to quell fears of impending catastrophe, Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev telephoned his counterpart in the United States, George H. W. Bush. It was Christmas Day, 1991. The tone was warm. Gorbachev called to tell his dear friend that he was going to resign. Our responsibilities may change, but I assure you that what we have achieved will not, Gorbachev said. I am convinced that what you have done will go down in history, Bush replied. On January 5, more than three decades later, that security architecture sealed in the final stages of the Cold War has lost its last pillar with the end of the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START), which limited to 1,550 the number of nuclear warheads deployed by the two major powers, mounted on both missiles and bombers. The United States and the Russian Federation, the successor to the Soviet Union that was dissolving as Gorbachev resigned, have allowed the only remaining nuclear arms control agreement to expire without any sign of negotiations in the short term. Other pacts, such as the Anti-Ballistic Missile (ABM) Treaty and the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, also perished before it. Gorbachev and Bush laid the foundation for this system of limiting nuclear arsenals with the signing of the START Treaty in Moscow on July 31, 1991. The objective of that first pact was to restrict long-range weapons power, termed strategic because it was designed to attack the enemy on its own territory. This distinguished it from tactical weapons, which have a shorter range and are used on the battlefield. U.S. President Barack Obama and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev gave arms control a new boost with the signing of the New START treaty in Prague in 2010, which was renewed in February 2021 for another five years. The main advantage of Cold War-era arms control talks is that they generated institutionalized knowledge in both the United States and Russia about the other side, Paul van Hooft of the U.S. think tank Rand noted in an email. On paper, along with the cap of 1,550 warheads and bombs, the treaty established a limit of 800 launchers for this type of weapon (deployed and undeployed), and 700 intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs) and heavy bombers assigned to nuclear missions. Communication between Washington and Moscow More importantly, the agreement allowed for up to 18 inspections of arsenals per year between the parties. This established a new line of communication between Washington and Moscow and, therefore, created a climate of some predictability, essential for de-escalation. Without transparency, each side will assume the worst-case scenario, and that definitely wont contribute to greater trust, Pavel Podvig, director of the Geneva-based Russian Nuclear Forces Project, explains by phone. Before, they had to prove they werent doing anything suspicious, but without this treaty, without this whole system, without the verification mechanism, they simply dont have the tools to do so. The treaty has functioned for many years, not only for mutual deterrence but also to contain, to some extent, the other countries with nuclear capabilities (the United Kingdom, France, China, India, Pakistan, North Korea, and Israel). The end of New START, however, comes at a time of global rearmament. The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) warned last year that the worlds nuclear arsenals are expanding and modernizing. According to SIPRI records, the total inventory exceeds 12,200 warheads, more than 9,600 of which are operational. Between 80% and 90% of the arsenal, stored or deployed, is in the hands of Washington and Moscow. The Swedish research center estimates that both the United States and Russia have deployed over 1,700 warheads in total, whether mounted on a ballistic missile or ready to be launched by a bomber. This figure would not exceed the limit of the now-defunct treaty because, under the Prague agreement, each bomber, despite being able to carry between 16 and 20 of these devices, only counts as one warhead. It is likely that both sides will respect the treaty to a greater or lesser extent as if it were still in force, at least for now, since that would cause the least disruption, Van Hooft continues. The climate so far this decade has been one of relative continuity. Inspections between the two countries were abruptly halted during the pandemic. In February 2023, a year after the start of the large-scale invasion of Ukraine, Moscow withdrew from New START in response to the Biden administrations support for Kyiv. Threats of nuclear weapons use followed, many made by Medvedev himself, now a member of the Russian Security Council, but none have materialized into an attack. Last September, Russian President Vladimir Putin suggested that the status quo could be maintained for another year. Washington has not responded to the proposal. U.S. President Donald Trump, who undoubtedly maintains some relationship with his counterpart in Moscow a relationship that has deteriorated somewhat in recent months and is far from the rapport between the leaders of the 1990s has warned of the risks of these weapons, but little more. If it expires, it expires, Trump recently said. Barack Obama and Dmitry Medvedev in Prague on April 8, 2010, after the signing of the New START Treaty. Mikhail Metzel (AP) Even when there appeared to be political will, it wasnt enough to overcome the disagreement over whether bilateral arms control should also include non-nuclear systems, such as missile defense, which have an impact on nuclear deterrence, notes SIPRI researcher Tytti Erasto. The consequence: the demise of New START increases the risk of larger arsenals, as well as the possibility of a less secure world. The qualitative arms race has been underway for quite some time, and without regulation, a numerical arms race is also possible, Erasto adds. The unknown quantity is China. The United States considers the Asian giant a greater threat than Russia, so any agreement should include Beijing at the negotiating table. On December 24, the Pentagon published a report on Chinese military capabilities, warning of a growing and expanding nuclear arsenal. According to SIPRI data, the Chinese Peoples Liberation Army possesses a total of 600 warheads, 24 of which are operational for immediate use. But beyond the overall figure, Washington is concerned about the rate of production of these nuclear warheads, the highest in the world: 100 per year since 2023. A month before the U.S. report, Beijing published a document on arms control stating that it is the major nuclear powers that must drastically reduce their stockpiles. When conditions are right, the document stated, all nuclear-weapon states should join the multilateral negotiation process on nuclear disarmament. This three-way agreement between Washington, Moscow, and Beijing seems unlikely in the short and medium term. Russia wants an agreement with the United States because the symbolic value of being an equal partner is important to Russia, Podvig points out. All of the United States attention is focused on China, but China is reluctant to sign any of these agreements because it doesnt feel it needs them. A treaty between the three would be practically impossible, but perhaps we can imagine agreements between China and the United States. Back in 1945, Albert Einstein and J. Robert Oppenheimer, along with other scientists from the Manhattan Project, which led to the first atomic bombs, founded the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists. This organization periodically updates what it calls the Doomsday Clock, which measures how close humanity is to catastrophe, set for midnight. According to the latest update, on January 27, the world is 85 seconds from midnight, the closest it has ever been to destruction. Among the reasons cited is undoubtedly the demise of the New START agreement between the United States and Russia. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition It all started with a phone call message left. This was a bomb threat. This happened in Burns, Wyoming, authorities were called, (police and sheriff even the military from FE. Warren came with their bomb dog.) Burns schools were not the only schools - there were multiple bomb threats throughout the state of Wyoming, according to the release by Department of Criminal Investigation of Wyoming. Burns Mayor Joseph Nicholson confirmed in a conversation that he had spoken to on-site deputies at the Burns location and both schools have been swept by canine units and have been cleared. "They are moving onto another location but at this time there is no threat to either school in Burns. I want to thank Laramie County sheriffs officers for their diligence and responding prompt in clearing this reported threat." stated Nicholson. Further information indicated that other schools in Wyoming that were put on lockdown to threats received via voicemail was Worland high school and Ten Sleep school. According to a report by Washakie County Sheriffs Office both schools that received threats via voicemail have been checked, cleared and have returned to normal operations. Under Sheriff Chance Walkama of Laramie County said, "The schools received a message on their voicemail at about 10 o'clock last night. We worked with the school to quickly follow security protocols. We were able to ascertain fairly quickly that this was a noncredible threat. Anytime there is a threat to a school it affects how everyone feels, so we will always respond according to the threat level and do our due diligence to ensure anyone threatened is safe. We deployed several resources to confirm conditions. We've learned from past incidents that parents want timely information about their children, and we had a good partnership with the school district to notify impacted schools and inform parents through proper channels rather than posting immediately to social media. That approach helped prevent unnecessary public interference at the schools. We have learned a lot over the last few years about these swatting attempts and refined our procedures to keep students, staff and families feeling safe. These threats were random and sporadic across the state, and those patterns factor into how we assess credibility." Pine Bluffs Police Chief Austin Smith was present at the schools with other officers stated, ""When you get any type of threat to a school you have to take it seriously! We knew this was more than likely a SWATing attempt early on but we have a set of protocols and procedures. Having those procedures play out to make sure all students, staff, and the general public are safe. It was good to see the training we all go through realized in action!" He further stated, " I would like to commend LCSD2 staff, LCSO Deputy's, US Air Force bomb dogs/handlers, and my guys for a quick diligent response to this event. Thank you to the public and parents for being patient and supportive!" The $25,000 Main Event continued with Day 1b at the 2026 Onyx High Roller Series drawing 98 entries in the second starting flight of the $5,000,000 guaranteed prize pool event. By the time play wrapped up for the night, 15 players remained to bag chips and progress to Day 2 inside the Merit Royal Diamond Hotel Casino & Spa. When play came to an end, Joni Jouhkimainen topped the chip counts after bagging 3,630,000. He was followed closely by Daniel Rezaei with 3,225,000. Quan Zhou rounded out the top three on 2,485,000, while Matthias Lipp finished fourth with 2,000,000 as the last player to breach the two-million mark. Day 1b Top Ten Chip Counts Rank Player Country Chip Count Big Blinds 1 Joni Jouhkimainen Finland 3,630,000 91 2 Daniel Rezaei Austria 3,225,000 81 3 Quan Zhou China 2,485,000 62 4 Matthias Lipp Austria 2,000,000 50 5 Geoffrey Mooney Australia 1,750,000 44 6 Jessica Teusl Austria 1,655,000 41 7 Mikita Badziakouski Belarus 1,645,000 41 8 Fahredin Mustafov Bulgaria 1,500,000 38 9 Eyal Eshkar Israel 1,400,000 35 10 Harout Ghazarian Canada 1,345,000 34 Jouhkimainen max-late registered, sitting down just after the dinner break, and it didnt take long for him to surge up the chip counts. He picked up a huge boost when Pieter Aerts four-bet jammed pocket tens into his aces, before winning a big pot multi-way where he put Mehdi Chaoui to the test on the river. Then, on the soft bubble, Jouhkimainen scooped a pot worth over 1.5 million against Adrian State, rivering a baby flush and cementing his position at the summit by the end of the night. Daniel Rezaei An unusual and unenviable Onyx record fell to State, who bubbled the Main Event for a second straight day, once again from the very same table. After stone bubbling Day 1a by shoving ace-nine into ace-jack, State met a similar fate on Day 1b, four-bet jamming close to 30 big blinds with big slick on the direct bubble, only to run into Rezaeis pocket aces in a cruel case of deja vu. Among the other notables to make it through were Jessica Teusl (1,655,000), Mikita Badziakouski (1,645,000), and defending champion Fahredin Mustafov (1,500,000), who knows exactly what it takes to go all the way in this event. Also safely into the money were the ever-talkative Daniil Kiselev (1,100,000), and Aren Bezhanyan (905,000), who spent a long stretch of Day 1b near the top of the counts. Jessica Teusl With Day 1c Turbo having closed late registration and drawing 44 entries, the total field stands at 207 across the three opening flights. All surviving players will reconvene for Day 2 at 1 p.m. on Thursday, February 5, with the blinds rolled back to the earliest finishing level and 60-minute levels starting as the tournament plays down to the final table. Remaining $25,000 Main Event Schedule Day Date Time Blind Levels Day 2 February 5 1 p.m. 60 minutes Day 3 Final Table February 6 1 p.m. Hands-per-level Stay tuned to PokerNews for continued live coverage of the $25,000 Main Event, which resumes for Day 2 at the 2026 Onyx High Roller Series. The $25,000 Main Event at the 2026 Onyx High Roller Series presented by Onyx Club has reached its final table after another day of poker inside the Merit Royal Diamond Hotel Casino & Spa. From a field of 207 built across three starting flights, just nine players remain, all chasing a share of the $4,968,000 prize pool and the staggering $1,150,000 top prize. Heading into the final day with the chip lead is one of pokers original legends, Patrik Antonius. The Finnish pro bagged 9,660,000, a huge turnaround after starting the day among the shorter stacks. Australias Geoffrey Mooney sits close behind with 8,380,000, while one of Bulgarias end bosses, Boris Kolev, rounds out the podium positions on 7,500,000. Final Table Chip Counts Rank Player Country Chip Count Big Blinds 1 Patrik Antonius Finland 9,660,000 81 2 Geoffrey Mooney Australia 8,380,000 70 3 Boris Kolev Bulgaria 7,500,000 63 4 Mikalai Vaskaboinikau Belarus 5,040,000 42 5 Matthias Lipp Austria 4,920,000 41 6 Daniil Kiselev Russian Federation 4,850,000 40 7 Ottomar Ladva Estonia 4,265,000 36 8 Kirill Shcherbakov Russian Federation 4,135,000 34 9 Jessica Teusl Austria 3,005,000 25 Day 2 Action When cards hit the felt, 32 players were back in action, all having locked up at least a $50,000 min-cash and now turning their attention toward the final table. Espen Sandvik and Istvan Birizdo were the first to fall, heading out in quick succession, both due to cruel river cards. It was a good start to the day for Antonius, who spiked the river to double through Daniel Rezaei, then followed it up just a few hands later by doubling through him again, this time with ace-king against Rezaeis ace-queen. Artur Martirosian never really got anything going on Day 2 and eventually found himself forced all in holding nine-four offsuit, ending his run in the Main Event. Daniel Rezaei For Rezaei, it was a rough day that kept getting worse. Still wounded from handing Antonius two doubles, he then got it in good with pocket queens against Yulian Bogdanovs king-queen, only to see a king fall and leave him short. Not long after, Mooney finished him off when his top pair after Rezaei held a striaght draw. When the tournament redrew for the final three tables, Alexey Borovkov still held the chip lead, but that changed almost immediately. Ottomar Ladva sent Quan Zhou packing due to being on the right side of a flip, before Bogdanov and Biao Ding followed him out the door. Antonius then found pocket aces to score a huge double against Mikalai Vaskaboinikaus queens. Ottomar Ladva Vaskaboinikau stayed unfazed, perhaps helped by the massage he enjoyed throughout the day, and soon bounced back by doubling with aces against Elias Gutierrez. A few hands later, he won a massive flip to knock out Day 1b chip leader Joni Jouhkimainen, while defending champion Fahredin Mustafov saw his title defense end after Kenar turned a straight against his top pair. With the tournament down to two tables, Kolev pulled off one of the calls of the festival, staring straight into Kirill Shcherbakov's soul and finding a hero call that even earned a nod of approval from the only Poker Hall of Famer in the room, Antonius. On a four-diamond board, Kolev called Shcherbakov's big river bet holding nothing more than two black sixes, a call that sent his stack rocketing up toward the top of the counts. Kirill Shcherbakov Not long after, Russias online cash-game wizard and poker streamer Borovkov four-bet jammed pocket nines into Antonius cowboys to bow out in 12th place. Pieter Aerts soon followed, shoving blind-vs-blind for 24 big blinds and getting looked up by Kolev with the better ace, and this meant the tournament was down to the final table bubble. Mooney and Jessica Teusl then tangled in a massive pot that ended in a textbook cooler. Mooney turned a full house, while Teusl turned a straight, and with all the chips going in, it was Mooney who came out on top to score a huge double and lock up second place on the leaderboard. Geoffrey Mooney The bursting of the final table bubble soon followed. Kenar three-bet ripped his short stack in holding pocket threes, only for Daniil Kiselev to wake up with pocket sevens behind. The board ran out clean, sealing Kenars exit and officially setting the final table of the $25,000 Main Event, with Antonius leading the way. The final table will begin at 1 p.m. on Saturday, February 6, inside the Onyx Club, with cards back in the air on Level 21 and 27 minutes remaining in the level. The action will be streamed on a 30-minute delay via the OnyxLiveTV YouTube channel, as the most sought-after NLH event of the festival plays down to a champion. Final Table Payouts Place Prize 1 $1,150,000 2 $717,000 3 $490,000 4 $355,000 5 $270,000 6 $200,000 7 $160,000 8 $124,000 9 $100,000 Be sure to tune back into PokerNews for all the coverage from the final day of the Main Event, with all the latest chip counts and action, as this tournament crowns a champion. Reporter Carl Dawson covers the City of Aiken and the Savannah River Site. An Aiken County resident since 1990, his work has appeared in the Charleston News & Courier, the Tampa Tribune, the Atlanta Constitution and the Augusta Chronicle. He holds a B.A. in English from the University of South Carolina. The author and expert on the Bolivarian Revolution warns that the Venezuelan opposition must strongly denounce its exclusion or the country will risk remaining a dictatorship The removal of Nicolas Maduro from the presidency by U.S. Delta Force soldiers compelled the small global community of Venezuela experts to almost immediately reassess the new power map. Few are better equipped to do so than Javier Corrales (born in Puerto Rico 59 years ago to Cuban parents in exile), who has been studying the DNA of the Bolivarian Revolution for more than two decades. In 2006, he published the now-canonical article Hugo Boss in Foreign Policy, in which he identified the key characteristics of Hugo Chavez as a singular and effective autocrat. There, he also anticipated the logic of gradual autocratization, one of the main contemporary enemies of democracy in the world, including in the United States. Since then, Corrales has offered some of the most insightful analyses explaining the mutations of Chavismo under Chavez and Maduro. In his book Dragon in the Tropics, co-authored with Michael Penfold, he laid out how oil was both Chavismos greatest strength and its main vulnerability. Today, once again, oil appears as the decisive factor in the countrys direction, to the point of aligning at least tactically interim president Delcy Rodriguez, Maduros successor, with Donald Trump, the regimes historical enemy. Meanwhile, Maria Corina Machado, the opposition leader, is looking for ways to influence a game from which she has been publicly sidelined. Trump says he admires Machado, but he is satisfied with Rodriguezs work and obedience. The irony is brutal: in the name of a political solution, Venezuela has surrendered its sovereignty and placed the fate of its democratic struggle, at least for now, in Trumps hands. From that moment on, the countrys democratic aspirations became tied for better or for worse to the calculations, whims, and limitations of the Republican president, as well as to the growing turbulence of U.S. domestic politics. Question. Maduros departure was abrupt and caused by external factors. From the perspective of the gradual autocratization that you have worked on so extensively, what is the most important thing that did not fall along with Maduro? Answer. The big surprise was discovering that they took away the dictator, but the government remained: the cabinet, the state apparatus, and the party. There are very few cases of interventions of this kind where something like this happens, and then the United States makes peace with that structure. Theres talk of a new normalization and concessions to the United States, but the concessions being made arent democratizing: theyre investments. Period. Thats why its difficult to use historical evidence to predict what might happen. There are very few comparable precedents. Q. Chavismo was a laboratory for autocratization. Is it plausible to think of a gradual exit from authoritarianism under the current conditions, a phased transition, led or at least tolerated by its own Chavista elites, as Marco Rubios plan seems to suggest? A. Completely plausible. Many democratic transitions happen from within. The founders of the regime are removed, and people from within the system itself come in and conclude that the only way to save themselves, their party, and their project is through gradual liberalization. That happened in Spain after Franco. Also in the Soviet Union with Gorbachev. And, in a way, in Venezuela after [Marcos] Perez Jimenez: the military took power and quickly organized a transition. This phased transition is possible. Q. If that scenario gains traction, what real incentives would the Chavista elites have today to cede power without exposing themselves to political or judicial retribution? A. The first incentive would have to come from outside. These transitions usually occur when international actors demand political liberalization. Thats why its key to see if Washington will impose those demands. If it doesnt, the incentives fail. The second is internal: that the government concludes its sinking and that its better to negotiate a way out before its too late. We dont know how deep the wound left by Maduros removal was. If it generated a sense of crisis, a group within Chavismo might emerge that says: were in the final stage and we have to negotiate our salvation. Theres also a factor in its favor: the country hasnt erupted into instability. When theres chaos, the hardliners usually prevail and any liberalization is canceled. Since that hasnt happened, perhaps Chavismo feels more secure in considering a political opening. Having said all that, today I dont see any clear incentives: neither external nor internal. Nicolas Maduro in Caracas, in December 2025. Jesus Vargas (Getty Images) Q. The liberalization that is being hinted at seems very much controlled by the Chavista hierarchy. And there are figures like Diosdado Cabello, who negotiate and at the same time exert control. The release of political prisoners has been minimal, despite the amnesty announcement. How do you interpret that? A. Its important to make distinctions. What has happened with the prisoners is a humanitarian achievement, and it must be recognized as such. But its not an achievement of democratization. Even if the prisons were emptied, that wouldnt mean the repressive system is being dismantled. To speak of liberalization, there would have to be a process of dismantling the coercive apparatus, and thats not happening. The second point is the political veto. In dictatorships, certain actors are banned. In Venezuela, Maria Corina Machado and her party remain completely banned. At some point, that has to change: they have to sit down and talk with them. That happened in Spain, when Francos regime had to talk with the PCE (Communist Party of Spain). It happened in Chile, when Pinochets regime had to negotiate with socialists and Christian Democrats. We dont see any of that here. Thats why there are very few signs of a democratic transition underway. Q. As an observer of these processes, beyond cold analysis, what feeling does all this leave you with? A. The feeling is that Chavismo believes its possible to coexist with the United States without ceasing to be authoritarian. Something similar to a Vietnamization. Vietnam went from a full-blown war with the United States to normalization: economic liberalization, but the Communist Party remained in power and maintained good relations with Washington. I think thats one of the moves Delcy Rodriguez is considering: doing the bare minimum politically and a lot economically and commercially. In Vietnam, there were more concessions, including the release of American prisoners, but the general model is the same: the same party continues to govern and normalizes relations. Q. Its even beneficial for Chavismo. A. To a certain extent, yes. Venezuela hasnt been liberated. Who theyve really liberated is Delcy Rodriguez from Maduros brutality. If the United States were demanding profound political reforms, it would be different. Q. In retrospect, was Maduro expendable within the system or did he fulfill a glue-like function that no one can replace? A. Everything indicates that Delcy and Jorge Rodriguez had been preparing for this. Maduro didnt govern as a one-man dictator. He created a kind of confederation of relatively autonomous power zones. This meant the system wasnt exclusively dependent on him. Removing that central hub creates instability, but as long as the confederations remain intact and someone quickly takes control, the system can continue to function. If this had happened under Chavez, whose government was much more personalistic, the collapse would have been greater. The other unknown was whether the rest of Chavismo would accept Delcy and Jorge Rodriguez as heirs. That wasnt automatic, but it seems to be happening. And with that, the system is being rebuilt. Maduro prevented them from moving forward in certain directions. Q. [Delcy] Rodriguez has been the key figure in shaping the economic framework in recent years. Many complaints concerned the sanctions and the limitations placed on progress. Lifting the sanctions will allow the oil sector to open up. A. Delcy understands that economic reforms are necessary, along with closer ties to the United States and a reduction in inefficient dependence on Russia. Furthermore, this White House doesnt seem to have particularly stringent human rights requirements. That makes things easier. Q. In this post-Maduro Chavismo, do you see real cracks or rather resilience? A. Ill say it again: the cracks will depend on the demands of the United States. If Washington simply opens up the oil sector and moves forward, there wont be any cracks. I dont think anyone within Chavismo would oppose major oil deals with the United States. That was already happening under Chavez. But if the United States starts demanding elections, dismantling the SEBIN (Bolivarian National Intelligence Service), combating drug trafficking, or other reforms of that kind, cracks could appear that compromise the power of many actors within Chavismo. And we also have to see what happens if Maria Corina Machado or her party regain some influence, or if social protests resurface. Were already seeing some, although theyre still very contained. If there were a new explosion, that could also open up cracks. Delcy Rodriguez in Caracas, on January 14. Leonardo Fernandez Viloria (REUTERS) Q. What is Delcy Rodriguezs role today? Is she managing a retreat, like Gorbachev or [former Spanish prime minister Adolfo] Suarez, or is she the architect of a new form of post-personalist control, a third wave of Chavismo? A. I think Delcy Rodriguez has a dual personality. In public, she represents ideological dogmatism and revolutionary radicalism. But behind closed doors, she seems capable of negotiating with anyone. She achieved something extraordinary: talking with the United States before and after Maduros departure. We dont know what was said, but she must have done something to convince Washington that she was the right person to stay and govern. That style has brought her enormous benefits. We have to acknowledge that. Q. It is known that she has the backing of oilmen close to Trump and of [presidential envoy] Richard Grenell. That has carried a lot of weight. And there are stories not yet corroborated about why Maria Corina Machado did not have Trumps support after Maduros removal. A. Continuing with this delicate matter, one might even wonder if Delcy is not becoming a kind of double agent, supplying information to the United States, even about Cuba. Q. How do you interpret the central paradox; Maduros military removal without a commitment from Washington to nation-building or democratization? A. That fits perfectly with Trump. He has always detested the concept of nation-building. National reconstruction is expensive: in troops, technicians, investments, and long-term commitments. Trump wanted to do it in the cheapest way possible, almost like a DOGE model: eliminate the dictator and not rebuild the state. Q. In an article you explained that Maduro had built rings of interests that protected him from falling: a shield. He fell, but the shield is still there and now protects Rodriguez. A. Delcy even has an additional shield: the backing of the United States. Thats a very strong form of international legitimacy. Is it conditional? Yes, but for now thats enormous political capital. Q. In this context, what type of opposition leadership is more effective: one that seeks rapid ruptures or one that dismantles the system step by step? A. There isnt a single answer. There are times when prudence is advisable and others when its necessary to make noise and generate pressure. More than choosing a type of strategy, whats important is having actors with political savvy to know when to hold back and when to act. Q. What are the risks of having an opposition outside the core decision-making body, as is happening now? A. The risk is that Venezuela will remain a dictatorship. There is evidence that the opposition represents at least 70% of popular sentiment. If the opposition continues to be excluded, the only way to govern is through repression. There is no possibility of openness without addressing the desires of the majority of Venezuelans. Q. You said something key: we dont know who is working for whom. Whether its the United States for Delcy or Delcy for the United States. And one of the conditions could very well have been to completely exclude Maria Corina Machado. A. Many analyses focus on whether or not Maria Corina deserved to be included. But another explanation is simpler: that was Chavismos condition. Something like: you want investments and Maduros departure, perfect, but dont talk to Maria Corina Machado. Its comparable to [South Africas] apartheid [regime] saying: well negotiate, but never with Mandela. That was Chavismos hard line, and its the one the White House ended up accepting. Q. Ironic. A. Yes. It has been speculated that Trump read her resume and rejected her. Perhaps. But the other explanation is that there was an explicit political agreement: economic openness yes, Maria Corina, no. Maria Corina Machado in Washington, on January 16. Tyrone Siu (REUTERS) Q. How do you view Maria Corina Machado today after Maduros departure? A. I have enormous admiration for her performance between 2023 and 2025. What she did to confront such a biased election is epic. The problem is what happens afterward, when she is left politically orphaned and a new administration in the United States actually does something for the first time. I think her mistake was not distinguishing between gratitude and subservience. She could have expressed gratitude without being overly familiar. I also understand that: she was desperate and had been abandoned by the international community. Q. She created enormous political capital by mobilizing the vote. Can that capital be translated into a transition like the current one, or are there structural limitations? A. She needs to do something she has always struggled with: think about a broad opposition coalition. Depersonalize the movement. For Chavismo, she is an extremely problematic figure. If she manages to dilute her centrality without losing influence, she can protect her political capital. In Chile, the socialists understood they were unacceptable to Pinochetism and relied on the Christian Democrats during the transition. Its not a bad model to consider now. Q. Given Trumps stark realism and transactional nature, what should the opposition do to avoid becoming trapped in a dependency on Washington? A. It must strongly denounce its exclusion and the lack of transparency in the agreements with the Rodriguez siblings. But it must also demonstrate pragmatism and a capacity for deradicalization. The opposition has to accept that there will be concessions. There are people prepared for that, but it needs to be shown. Transitional justice is key: its not about revenge, but about creating incentives for Chavismo to become a competitive political party. This idea is not foreign to a large part of the opposition. Q. Recently, Venezuelan economist Ricardo Hausmann raised in an interview the possibility of confronting Trump if he obstructs the democratic transition. Is this a realistic strategy, or a risk that could further isolate the opposition? A. Its always risky to confront Trump. But something very sad has happened here for the Venezuelan democratic cause: it has lost international admiration because it is perceived as too willing to accept U.S. imperialism. Democratic forces need to shed that image, because when a democratic cause is associated with capitalist imperialism, it loses its soft power. Thats what happened to the Cuban opposition with Fidel Castro, and it still hasnt recovered. One of the great virtues of the Venezuelan democratic movement was its moral legitimacy, its ability to garner international support. Today, with Trump practically holding the Venezuelan problem hostage, it would be healthy for democratic forces to give clear signals that they do not endorse this hijacking. It is essential that Venezuelan democratic forces speak clearly about sovereignty. International cooperation does not mean tutelage or reconquest. Venezuela has a very strong historical tradition of defending its autonomy against empires. This was the case for decades, until Chavez came along and subordinated the country to other empires. Recovering that tradition is of utmost importance. Q. Given that context, what advice would you give the opposition today to regain agency in such an adverse situation? A. The only thing they can do now is publicly condemn the path being taken: a Latin American dictatorship doing business behind closed doors with U.S. economic interests. That hasnt been seen since the era of the banana republics. Q. Lets play with the idea that Venezuela is improving economically and socially. Beyond elections, what three institutional indicators would you observe in five years to gauge if the country has truly emerged from authoritarianism or merely mutated? A. First, an electoral system reform accompanied by a call for elections. That is vital. Second, the opening of formal talks with the opposition on specific institutional reforms, as happened in Mexico when the PRI began reforming state institutions alongside the opposition. And third, a reform of the coercive system. That was key in Panama after Noriega and in Colombia with Plan Colombia. It also has to happen in Venezuela. Q. What is the greatest risk facing the opposition today? And what would you say to Maria Corina Machado and Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia? A. The usual story: rapidly deflating after reaching a peak of influence without actually gaining power. Its happened to all opposition leaders. They must occupy any available space of power, however small it may seem. Its better to have crumbs than an empty plate. Q. This seems unlikely, but if you were to speak with Delcy Rodriguez today, what would you say to her, thinking about the well-being of the country? A. They are not in a govern or disappear situation. Chavismo can transform itself into a competitive political party. There are many precedents, from Paraguay to Panama. As long as they remain in power as they are, they will depend on repression and now also on Washington. Perhaps it would be better to rely on their electoral capacity, something that can be negotiated with the opposition. Q. Do you see the risk of a partially integrated opposition, but without real power, that ends up serving as a symbolic alibi for a post-Maduro regime? A. That argument is used to dismiss any pragmatism. But there are times when being inside the system gives you more influence than being outside. If getting in means sacrificing essential principles, thats bad. But if not, you can achieve more from within than from without. Q. Where do you draw the red line between political realism and ethical capitulation? A. Two things are unacceptable: a regime that invests in repressing its citizens and the blocking of electoral processes. Q. If in 10 years Venezuela is more stable and less violent, but is still built on opaque pacts, will that be a victory or an outstanding issue? A. Transparency is better than opacity, but privacy, understood as discretion and even secret negotiation, is also necessary. In highly polarized societies, this allows political actors to compromise without public humiliation. If these agreements aim for coexistence and result in greater freedom for Venezuelans, privacy can serve a greater good. Secret agreements to divide benefits are a very different matter. Privacy must be used in a very limited and strict way. In the long term, transparency must always be the objective. Chelsea Grinstead is a South Carolina native and an award-winning reporter for The Post and Courier's Arts & Culture Lab. As a previous contributing editor at Charleston City Paper, she spotlighted the diverse voices of the local music scene. Growth & Development Reporter Caleb Bozard covers business, growth and development for The Post and Courier Columbia. He has previously written for The State and the Times and Democrat. He graduated from the University of South Carolina in 2023. Reporter Riley covers business and government in Richland County for The Post and Courier Columbia. She has previously written for The State and National Mortgage News. She graduated from the University of South Carolina's journalism school and is finalizing a master's degree in data and communications. The monarchs wife and mother of the Dutch heir to the throne has begun her military training. Upon completion, she will be awarded the rank of lieutenant-colonel Queen Maxima of the Netherlands has enlisted in the Dutch army as a reservist. The wife of King Willem-Alexander and mother of the heir to the throne will begin working part-time as a soldier after joining the Dutch Armed Forces, a decision that comes at a time of increased effort to boost the number of personnel in the countrys military in light of the new security context in Europe. The 54-year-old monarch has begun a brief military training program with theoretical and physical components, a requirement for joining the reserves, a key figure in the so-called flexible structure of the Dutch defense apparatus, according to official sources speaking to Dutch broadcaster RTL. The Dutch royal household itself shared the first images of Maxima of Orange during mental skills training in Breda on its social media accounts on Wednesday. Queen Maxima began training today to become an army reservist. She registered because, like other reservists, she wants to contribute to the security of the Netherlands. Reservists play a crucial role in supporting the Army. Queen Maxima currently holds the rank of private. Upon completion of her training, she will be awarded the rank of lieutenant -colonel, the Instagram post explained. The images accompanying the post show Maxima climbing a wall, aiming a weapon, rappelling, and participating in aquatic survival training in a pool. The Royal House also published another post showcasing her skills in a video during her training at the military academy. Reservists can be mobilized in emergency situations, such as floods, or assume support roles alongside professional soldiers and, in the event of a major conflict, relieve career personnel. Queen Maxima of the Netherlands enlistment in the Armed Forces falls within the age limit allowed in the country for such roles (up to 55 years old) and is interpreted as a gesture of institutional support for strengthening national defense, in which the future center-right government plans to invest billions of euros in the coming years, reaching an investment of 3.5% of GDP. The queen the most popular member of the Royal Family according to the latest polls has participated in military police exercises in recent years, visited the Engineer Regiment in full uniform, and joined aerial training exercises for fighting forest fires. Last October, she participated in a gendarmerie maneuver dressed in camouflage. The Dutch royal family has a long-standing tradition of service with the Dutch Armed Forces: King Willem-Alexander served in the Royal Navy and later in the Army and Air Force, while Prince Bernhard, the current monarchs grandfather, was Inspector General of the Armed Forces in the 1970s. Willem-Alexanders daughter, Crown Princess Amalia, 22, has become the first female member of the Dutch royal family to complete her military service. Last week, she finished her general military training at the Defence College, a Ministry of Defence program that combines university studies with military training. After completing the basic course, she was promoted to the rank of corporal a ceremony attended by an emotional Queen Maxima and will continue her involvement with the Ministry of Defence as an unpaid trainee. Following Amalias enlistment on the Defense College program, the number of applications doubled, a phenomenon dubbed the Amalia effect by the media. The queens decision could have a similar impact and help to normalize the role of the reservist, including among older people. Military training is quite common among European royalty, although they often complete it at a younger age. Spains Princess Leonor is in the final stage of her military training at the Air Force and Space Academy in San Javier (Murcia), where she has already completed her first solo flight. Crown Princess Elisabeth of Belgium began her military training in 2019. Christian of Denmark, the heir to the throne, has also received military training, while Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden underwent basic training with the Stockholm Amphibious Regiment in late 2024. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Quick Response and Public Safety Reporter Caitlin Bell is a breaking news and courts reporter for The Post and Courier Charleston. She is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Nick Reynolds covers politics for the Post and Courier. A native of Central New York, he spent three-and-a-half years covering politics in Wyoming before joining the paper in late 2021. His work has appeared in outlets like Newsweek, Poynter, the Associated Press, and the Washington Post. He lives in Columbia. Autism rates in men and women may be comparable. The findings of a study conducted on a sample of 2.7 million people in Sweden over a 35 year period, and published this Thursday in the medical journal BMJ, suggest that the male to female ratio of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has decreased over time. In early childhood, before the age of 10, the male to female ratio is 3:1 (the most widely accepted ratio a few years ago was 4:1). But the numbers balance out over time. By age 20, the rate of diagnoses is practically balanced. Findings indicate that the male to female ratio for ASD has decreased over time and with increasing age at diagnosis. This male to female ratio may therefore be substantially lower than previously thought, to the extent that, in Sweden, it may no longer be distinguishable by adulthood, the authors conclude. The analysis included a sample of more than 2.7 million people born in Sweden between 1985 and 2020, followed from birth to a maximum age of 37. More than 78,000 received a ASD diagnosis. The detection of this disorder increased with age throughout childhood, peaking for boys between the ages of 10 and 14 and for girls between 15 and 19. The authors do not address the question that experts have been asking for years: why girls get diagnosed later. The study rests on a solid foundation, both because of the track record of the teams that authored it and the quality of the Swedish registry system, explains Jorge Aguado, a clinical psychologist at the Hospital Clinic and a researcher at the University of Barcelona. Speaking to the scientific website SMC, the expert also points out some limitations: Its conclusions can only be considered fully generalizable to the Swedish population, which is based on registered diagnoses (passive cases), reflecting, above all, detection patterns rather than true prevalence; and it does not incorporate comorbidities that could influence the age at diagnosis. Even so, he gives it a positive assessment and emphasizes that the results remain in line with the most recent evidence. Autism is more prevalent in boys than in girls, but the exact ratio has varied over the years. In 2012, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated that boys were 4.7 times more likely than girls to receive an autism diagnosis. By 2018, the ratio had decreased to 4.2 to 1. In 2023, the figure was 3.8 to 1. The most recent available data, from 2025, indicates that boys are 3.4 times more likely to be diagnosed. The gap continues to narrow. In a review of dozens of studies conducted by the American Academy of Child Psychiatry, British researchers estimated that the actual ratio was closer to 3 to 1, identical to the ratio suggested by the Swedish study for infants. The authors then pointed to a possible reason for the underdiagnosis in girls: a gender bias in the criteria for detecting ASD, traditionally based on males. Another reason that could explain this gender gap is the phenomenon of camouflage: girls with milder cases learn to mask their symptomsby improving nonverbal communication, for examplein order to fit in socially. Gender roles could explain these differences. Girls are expected to smile more, to be more caring, more sociable, and less violent. They are raised to be that way, including autistic girls. And this gives them the tools to disguise their condition. ASD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that has been extensively researched since the mid-20th century. It is estimated to affect approximately one in every 100 school-aged children. Studies suggest it is closely linked to genetics, but diagnostic tests are primarily observational. There is no single test or medical examination that definitively diagnoses autism, as one can diagnose celiac disease or Down syndrome. Clinical assessment is more subjective and subtle. This is why autism can be easily disguised, especially when it is not severe. In the first study on autism, published in 1943 by Leo Kanner, a psychiatrist at Johns Hopkins University, he identified 11 childreneight boys and three girlswith a strong desire for solitude and uniformity. It was then described as a monolithic and unequivocal disease. Over the years and with further research, it has become clear that it is actually a spectrum with varying degrees. There are individuals with profound autism, unable to lead independent lives and integrate into society. And there are people with a less severe form who can lead perfectly normal lives. This doesnt mean that identifying them isnt important. When someone is on the spectrum and hasnt been diagnosed, they grapple with a certain amount of misunderstanding, not only from society but also from themselves. They dont understand whats happening to them. This would explain why many people diagnosed in adulthood often also struggle with mental health issues. Its difficult to live with something thats happening to you but doesnt have a name. Studies like this one help better understand the particularities of a neurodevelopmental disorder that we still dont fully understand. And they reflect that something is changing, at least in terms of its detection. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition PR-Inside.com: 2026-02-05 15:45:18 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 975 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA / ACCESS Newswire / February 5, 2026 /American Critical Minerals Corp. ("American Critical Minerals" or the "Company") (CSE:KCLI)(OTCQB:APCOF)(Frankfurt:2P30) highlights key milestones achieved during the previous 6 months.HighlightsAmended and Restated Technical Report: The Company filed an amended and restated technical report with respect to its Green River Potash and Lithium Project. The report provides updated information and includes targets for further exploration* with respect to potash, lithium and bromine as follows:Potash exploration target of 0.5-1.0 billion tonnes of sylvanite grading from 12% to 18% potassium oxide based on elog (eK2O=19% to 29% potassium chloride based on elog (eKCl))2.1 billion cubic meters (brine volume) grading from 71.6 to 216.3 parts per million lithium2.1 billion cubic meters (brine volume) grading from 3,656 to 4,741 parts per million bromineThe potential quantity and grades are conceptual in nature and there has been insufficient exploration to define a mineral resource, and, while reasonable potential may exist, it is uncertain whether further exploration will result in the determination of a mineral resource under NI 43-101.Agapito Associates LLC restated that based on the seismic data that both the Paradox and Leadville stratigraphy in the sub-surface at Green River are relatively flat-lying with important positive implications for Potash and Lithium, including the potential for Solution Mining (press release October 15, 2025)Technical Team Significantly Strengthened:Dean Pekeski added as Senior Advisor with significant time commitment (press release November 4, 2025) - CEO, President & Director Peak Minerals and former Executive VP Western Potash Corp. - deep technical knowledge at all phases of development and strong relationships across the Potash SectorKenneth Taylor, added as Strategic Advisor (press release July 22, 2025) - expert in Salt Minerals and Evaporite Deposits, CFO Redmond Minerals formerly with Intrepid Potash for 12 years in a number of roles including as part of Senior Management, latterly as Vice President of Business DevelopmentBalance Sheet significantly strengthened with Closing of Bought Deal Offering and Non-Brokered Offering for aggregate gross proceeds of $7,451,000 (press release November 3, 2025)Annual Renewal of all Potash Licenses and Lithium Claims across the Green River Project (press release September 29, 2025)Bonding paid for all Federally authorized drill holes (total of 4) in December 2025 and awaiting final approval from the BLMPotash added to USGS Critical Minerals List - joining Lithium (press release November 12, 2025)US focused on securing the Nation's Critical Minerals Supply Chains - potential for government funding and permitting supportSpecific reference to Bromine as a Critical Mineral in recent US Govt. Policy Documents on the importing of Processed Critical Minerals ( https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2026/01/adjusting-imports-of-processed-critical-minerals-and-their-derivative-products-into-the-united-states/ Simon Clarke, President and CEO stated, "On behalf of Management and the Board of Directors' of the Company, I would like to thank all of our shareholders and stakeholders for their continuing support and our Team for the hard work and progress made during 2025. This was a transformative year for the Company and it has positioned us for a very strong 2026 and beyond with a team and balance sheet that enable us to move forward with our plans for drilling to confirm / validate historic drill and other data. We are excited to continue to advance the Green River Project with the goal of unlocking the potential of all 3 of its critical minerals for the benefit of domestic supply chains at a time when the US has recognized the need to break foreign dominance." Amended and Restated Technical ReportThe Company also announces that it has filed a revised technical report in respect of its Green River Project. The original report was voluntarily filed on October 28, 2025. The amended and restated technical report follows completion of a review by the British Columbia Securities Commission and, in particular, clarifies that the Green River Project does not contain a current mineral resource estimate under National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101"). With clarifying amendments in place, the Company has re-filed an amended and restated technical report prepared in accordance with NI 43-101.On behalf of the Board of DirectorsSimon Clarke, President & CEOContact: (604)-551-9665About American Critical Minerals' Green River Potash and Lithium ProjectThe Green River Project is situated within Utah's highly productive Paradox Basin, located 20 miles northwest of Moab, Utah. It has significant logistical advantages including close proximity to major rail hubs, airport, roads, water, towns and labour markets. It also benefits from close proximity to the agricultural and industrial heartland of America and numerous potential end-users for its products.The history of oil and gas production across the Paradox Basin provides geologic data from historic wells across the Project, and the wider Basin, validating and de-risking the potential for high grade potash and large amounts of contained lithium. Wells in and around the project reported lithium up to 500 ppm, bromine up to 6,100 ppm and boron up to 1,260 ppm (Gilbride & Santos, 2012). This data is reinforced by nearby potash production and the advanced stage of neighbouring lithium projects. The Paradox Basin is believed to contain up to 56 billion tonnes of lithium brines, potentially the largest such resource in US (Source: AnsonFastmarketsPresentation- https://wcsecure.weblink.com.au/pdf/ASN/02823465.pdf) The Company has disclosed targets for further exploration at the Green River Project consisting of 500 million to 950 million tonnes of sylvinite (the most important source for the production of potash in North America) grading from 12% to 18% potassium oxide based on elog (eK2O=19% to 29% potassium chloride based on elog (eKCl)). Its target for further exploration for Lithium and Bromine are 0.6-1.7 Mt lithium carbonate equivalent grading from 91-152 ppm; and 3.3-9.1 Mt bromine grading from 2,647-4,412 ppm.*The Company holds a 100% interest in eleven State of Utah ("SITLA") mineral and minerals salt leases covering approximately 7,050 acres, 1,094 federal lithium brine claims (BLM Placer Claims) covering 21,150 acres, and 11 federal (BLM) potash prospecting permits covering approximately 25,480 acres. Through these leases, permits and claims the Company has the ability t PR-Inside.com: 2026-02-05 18:50:06 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 953 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 RC drilling underway at Excelsior Springs; Permits pending at Laird LakeWHITE ROCK, BRITISH COLUMBIA / ACCESS Newswire / February 5, 2026 / Athena Gold Corporation (CSE:ATHA)(OTCQB:AHNRF) ("Athena" or the "Company") is pleased to provide an exploration update from its Excelsior Springs Project in Nevada and its Laird Lake Project in Ontario. Mammoth Minerals Limited (ASX: M79) (formerly Firetail Resources Limited) has been aggressively exploring Excelsior, per its option agreement to earn an 80% interest in the project over five years, providing Athena a free-carry to Definitive Feasibility Study thereafter (see press releases dated June 2, 2025, and August 22, 2025). Recently, Mammoth reported significant announcements from its ongoing exploration campaign (refer to Mammoth Minerals press release dated February 5, 2026). As of today, Athena remains a significant (>5%) shareholder of Mammoth Minerals Limited.Highlights from Mammoth Minerals (Excelsior Springs Project, Nevada)New assays from Mammoth's maiden diamond drilling program completed late last year returned shallow high-grade gold intercepts at the Buster Trend:6.32m @ 2.10 g/t Au from 26m (MEXDD007), including:1.0m @ 6.40 g/t Au from 27m14.0m @ 0.99 g/t Au from 28.5m (MEXDD003), including:2.0m @ 4.54 g/t Au from 40.5m0.71m @ 15.76 g/t Au from 74.3m (MEXDD011)These intercepts build on previously reported results at the Buster Trend, including:14.4m @ 4.33 g/t Au from 117m (MEXDD004), including:3.1m @ 19.10 g/t Au from 119.36m; and0.95m @ 15.98 g/t Au from 124.5m25.5m @ 1.05 g/t Au from 35.45m (MEXDD001), including:0.55m @ 26.7 g/t AuDetailed logging of diamond core may be indicative of a large-scale "Carlin-style" mineral system across the Buster Trend (Figure 1):Host lithology, geochemistry, and observed mineralization consistent with sediment-hosted type Carlin system.This interpretation materially changes the understanding of the potential scale of the gold system, repositioning exploration strategy to target Carlin-type gold mineralization.RC drilling has now commenced across the Buster Trend targeting Carlin-style gold, with the rig achieving over 140m per shift; assay results expected in approximately four weeks.The silver-rich polymetallic Blue Dick Zone has been further expanded, extending the known mineralized trend to over 3.5 km, with evidence for multiple untested parallel trends supported by newly staked tenure and extensive historical workings mapped from LiDAR, following up on previously reported rock chip results:5,980 g/t Ag, 7.65 g/t Au, 0.66% Sb, 0.55% Cu, 3.85% Pb (C110873)4,160 g/t Ag, 4.7 g/t Au, 0.36% Sb, 0.61% Cu (C110877)78 g/t Ag, 10.25 g/t Au, 1.58% Pb, 2.41% Zn (C110892)Figure 1: Schematic of Carlin-type gold deposit model at Buster Trend, Excelsior Springs (source: Mammoth Minerals).Figure 2: Cross-section of MEXDD007 (source: Mammoth Minerals).Figure 3: Map over Blue Dick Trend, Excelsior Springs (source: Mammoth Minerals).Upcoming Drill Program at Laird Lake Project, OntarioA ~5,000m, eight-hole, diamond drilling program has been designed at Laird Lake, located in Ontario's world-class Red Lake Gold Camp. The drill program will leverage historical SkyTEM magnetic and electromagnetic data, which has been reprocessed to further refine targets prior to drilling, further details of which the Company plans to release in the near term. The Company applied for drill permits in September 2025 (see press release dated November 13, 2025) and completed a Species at Risk Mitigation Plan in December 2025. While the Company continues to experience ongoing delays in the permitting process, it remains fully committed to advancing the project and is optimistic that permits will be received in the near future to enable drilling to commence within the quarter. Athena is actively engaged with relevant stakeholders and regulatory authorities to support timely approval and looks forward to updating shareholders on progress.QUALIFIED PERSONS STATEMENTThe technical information presented in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Benjamin Kuzmich, P.Geo., Vice President of Exploration for Athena Gold Corporation, and the Qualified Person for exploration at the Excelsior Springs Project, as defined by NI 43-101 "Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects". Readers are cautioned that historical records referred to in this press release have been examined but not verified by a Qualified Person. Further work is required to verify that historical records referred to in this press release are accurate. Information contained in this press release was taken from Mammoth Minerals Limited's recent press release dated February 5, 2026.About Athena Gold CorporationAthena is engaged in the business of mineral exploration and the acquisition of mineral property assets. Its objective is to locate and develop economic precious and base metal properties of merit and to conduct additional exploration drilling and studies on its projects across North America. Athena's Laird Lake project is situated in the Red Lake Gold District of Ontario, covering over 7,000 hectares along more than 10 km of the Balmer-Confederation Assemblage contact, where recent surface sampling results returned up to 373 g/t Au. This underexplored area is road-accessible, located about 10 km west of West Red Lake Gold's Madsen mine and 34 km northwest of Kinross Gold's Great Bear project. Meanwhile, its Excelsior Springs Project is located in the prolific Walker Lane Trend in Nevada, where it is currently under an earn-in option with Mammoth Minerals Limited (formerly, Firetail Resources Limited). The Excelsior Springs Project spans over 2,500 hectares and covers at least three historic mines. Athena also holds 100% interest in its Oneman Lake Au-VMS project in Ontario.For further information about Athena Gold Corporation, please visit www.athenagoldcorp.com On Behalf of the Board of DirectorsKoby KushnerPresident and Chief Executive Officer, Athena Gold CorporationFor further information, please contact:Athena Gold Corporation Koby Kushner, President and Chief Executive Officer Phone: 416-846-6164 Email: kobykushner@ athenagoldcorp.com CHF Capital Markets Cathy Hume, CEO Phone: 416-868-1079 x 251 Email: cathy@ chfir.com Forward-Looking StatementsThis press release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian and U.S. securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included herein, inc PR-Inside.com: 2026-02-05 15:01:11 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 570 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 DUBLIN, IE / ACCESS Newswire / February 5, 2026 / Ayrmid, Ltd. ("Ayrmid" or the "Company"), the parent company of Gamida Cell Inc., today announced that it has entered into an exclusive distribution agreement with Ariti S.A., a Greece based pharmaceutical company for the distribution of Omisirge (Omidubicel-onlv) in Greece and Cyprus.Under the terms of the agreement, Ariti will provide services to support early access schemes to Omisirge in the agreed territories, leveraging its established expertise in hematology and local market infrastructure.Dr. Joe Wiley, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of Ayrmidccommented: "This agreement represents continued progress as we expand access for patients in existing and new territories. We look forward to working with the team at Ariti and we remain deeply committed to advancing innovative therapies to help patients with serious unmet medical needs." Mr. Serafeim Kyrkos, Chief Executive Officer of Ariti S.A.commented: "This collaboration brings together our broad expertise in hematology with Ayrmid's innovative therapies, including Omisirge, the only FDA approved cell therapy for allogenic transplant for hematologic malignancies and for the treatment of Severe Aplastic Anemia. For both companies, this represents a tremendous opportunity to support market access in Greece and Cyprus, while driving mutual growth in the haemato-oncology segment".About Omisirge Omisirge is a nicotinamide-modified allogeneic hematopoietic progenitor cell therapy derived from cord blood. Omisirge is approved in the United States for: (1) adults and pediatric patients 12 years and older with hematologic malignancies planned for umbilical cord blood transplantation following myeloablative conditioning to reduce time to neutrophil recovery and incidence of infection; and (2) adults and pediatric patients 6 years of age and older with severe aplastic anemia following reduced-intensity conditioning.About Ayrmid Ltd. and Gamida Cell Ayrmid Ltd. is the parent company of Gamida Cell Inc., a pioneering cell therapy company developing novel treatments designed to turn cells into powerful therapeutics. Gamida Cell Inc. currently has two FDA approved products on the market in the US, namely Omisirge (please see the current full Prescribing Information, including boxed warning, here) and APHEXDA (please see the current full Prescribing Information here). Gamida Cell operates as a wholly owned subsidiary of Ayrmid Limited, a UK entity. For additional information, please visit www.gamida-cell.com or follow Gamida Cell on LinkedIn, X, Facebook or Instagram.Contacts: Media, Investors / Business Development: bd@ ayrmid.com About Ariti S.A. Ariti S.A., founded in 1985, is a well-established Greek healthcare company active in the pharmaceutical and medical sector. Over the past decades, the Company has built a strong track record in the exclusive representation, distribution and commercialization of pharmaceutical and healthcare products in Greece, in collaboration with reputable international partners. With extensive local expertise, Ariti leverages a solid commercial and regulatory infrastructure to support market access and broad product availability across Greece and Cyprus. Ariti also maintains an owned nationwide network of 10 chronic hemodialysis care units in Greece, strengthening its healthcare footprint and supporting its long-term commitment to improving patient outcomes. For additional information, please visit Ariti SA or follow Ariti SA on LinkedInThis information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@ lseg.com or visit www.rns.com SOURCE: Ayrmid Pharma Ltd PR-Inside.com: 2026-02-05 21:18:26 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 774 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK, NY / ACCESS Newswire / February 5, 2026 / Leading securities law firmBleichmar Fonti & Auld LLPannounces that it has filed a class action lawsuit against BellRing Brands, Inc. (NYSE:BRBR) and certain of the Company's senior executives for securities fraud after a significant stock drop resulting from potential violations of the federal securities laws.If you invested in BellRing, you are encouraged to obtain additional information by visiting: https://www.bfalaw.com/cases-investigations/bellring-brands-inc-class-action-lawsuit Investors have until March 23, 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 BellRing securities. The class action is pending in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. It is captioned Denha v. BellRing Brands, Inc., No. 1:26-cv-00575.Why is BellRing Being Sued for Securities Fraud?BellRing develops, markets, and sells "convenient nutrition" products such as ready-to-drink ("RTD") protein shakes primarily under the brand name Premier Protein. During the relevant period, Defendants represented that sales growth reflected increased end-consumer demand, attributing results to "organic growth," "distribution gains," "incremental promotional activity," and "[s]trong macro tailwinds around protein" among other factors. At the same time, Defendants downplayed the impact of competition on demand, insisting BellRing was not experiencing any significant changes in competition, and that in the RTD category particularly, BellRing possessed a "competitive moat," given that "the ready-to-drink category is just highly complex" and the products are "hard to formulate." As alleged, in truth, BellRing's reported sales during the Class Period were driven by its key customers stockpiling inventory and did not reflect increased end-consumer demand or brand momentum. Following the destocking, BellRing admitted that competitive pressures were materially weakening demand.Why did BellRing's Stock Drop?On May 6, 2025, BellRing's CFO revealed "several key retailers lowered their weeks of supply on hand, which is expected to be a mid-single-digit headwind to our third quarter growth," adding "[w]e now expect Q3 sales growth of low single digits." BellRing's CEO further revealed that retailers had been "hoarding inventory to make sure they didn't run out of stock on shelf" and "protecting themselves coming out of capacity constraints," but since there had been "several quarters of high in-stock rates," customers "felt comfortable about bringing [inventory] down. We thought this could happen." This news caused the price of BellRing stock to drop $14.88 per share, or 19%, from a closing price of $78.43 per share on May 5, 2025, to $63.55 per share on May 6, 2025.On August 4, 2025, after market hours, BellRing reported its 3Q 2025 financial results and "narrowed its fiscal year 2025 outlook for net sales." Then, during the Company's August 5, 2025 earnings call, BellRing's CEO attributed the narrowed guidance to "several other competitors" gaining space to sell their products with a large retailer and that "it is not surprising to see new protein RTDs enter[ed]" the convenient nutrition market.This news caused the price of BellRing stock to drop $17.46 per share, or nearly 33%, from a closing price of $53.64 per share on August 4, 2025, to $36.18 per share on August 5, 2025.Click here for more information: https://www.bfalaw.com/cases-investigations/bellring-brands-inc-class-action-lawsuit What Can You Do?If you invested in BellRing, 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, 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 PR-Inside.com: 2026-02-05 23:00:25 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 628 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / February 5, 2026 /Grounded People Apparel Inc. ("Grounded" or the "Company")(CSE: SHOE.X)(OTC PINK:GPAIF)(Frankfurt:K1G, WKN: A3DVB1) announces that it intends to complete a non-brokered private placement (the "Private Placement") of up to 10,000,000 units (the "Units") at a price of $0.10 per Unit, for gross proceeds of up to $1,000,000.Each Unit shall consist of one common share (each a "Share") and one-half (1/2) of one common share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a "Warrant"), with each (whole) Warrant entitling the holder to purchase one Share at an exercise price of $0.12 for a period of 36 months.The net proceeds from the Private Placement are expected to be used for general working capital and to support the Company's ongoing strategic review, including the evaluation of potential opportunities in the mining and exploration sectors. This may include preliminary technical assessments, strategic discussions, due diligence and strategic acquisition initiatives related to emerging technologies.As previously disclosed (please see news release dated November 25, 2025), the Company has been reviewing options to reposition its business and deploy capital into areas that management believes may offer improved long-term prospects. Mining and exploration have been identified as areas of interest as part of this process; however, no definitive transaction has been entered into at this time, and the Company notes that any such transaction will be subject to the review and approval of the Canadian Securities Exchange."This financing is intended to provide the Company with additional flexibility as we continue to review strategic alternatives," said Maximilian Justus, Chief Executive Officer of Grounded People Apparel Inc. "Our focus remains on disciplined capital allocation while we evaluate opportunities that could support a more sustainable business going forward." The Private Placement is subject to customary conditions, including receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals, including approval of the Canadian Securities Exchange. All securities issued will be subject to a statutory hold period of four months and one day in accordance with applicable securities laws.There can be no assurance that the Private Placement will be completed on the terms proposed, or at all, or that any strategic initiative arising from the Company's review will result in a completed transaction.About Grounded People Apparel Inc. Grounded People Apparel Inc. is a publicly traded company listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange. The Company is undertaking a strategic review of its business and evaluating potential opportunities across emerging sectors, with a focus on prudent execution and shareholder value.ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS"Maximilian Justus"Maximilian JustusChief Executive OfficerFor further information, please contact:Email: investors@ groundedpeople.com Telephone: 1-844-673-6753CAUTIONARY DISCLAIMER STATEMENTThis news release includes certain "forward-looking statements" under applicable Canadian securities legislation, including in relation to the Company's ability to complete the Private Placement and to identify and / or pursue strategic opportunities in emerging (or any) sectors. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon several 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. 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.The CSE has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release. Neither the CSE nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.SOURCE: Grounded People Apparel Inc. PR-Inside.com: 2026-02-05 02:01:57 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 504 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / February 4, 2026 / Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Bath & Body Works, Inc. ("Bath & Body Works" or the "Company") (NYSE:BBWI). Such investors are advised to contact Danielle Peyton atnewaction@ pomlaw.comor 646-581-9980, (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll-free, Ext. 7980. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address, telephone number, and the number of shares purchased.The class action concerns whether Bath & Body Works and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices.You have until March 16, 2026, to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class if you purchased or otherwise acquired Bath & Body Works securities during the Class Period. A copy of the Complaint can be obtained atwww.pomerantzlaw.com [Click here for information about joining the class action]On August 28, 2025, Bath & Body Works reported its second quarter 2025 financial results. Among other items, the Company reported earnings per diluted share of $0.30, representing a decline of 55.8% year over year and missing the Company's prior guidance on the low end by $0.03. Bath & Body Works also reported net income of $64 million, a decline of 57.9% year over year. The Company also announced that it was cutting its full year guidance for earnings per diluted share by $0.03 at the midpoint, to a range of $3.28 to $3.53.On this news, Bath & Body Works' stock price fell $2.18 per share, or 6.9%, to close at $29.36 per share on August 28, 2025.Then, on November 20, 2025, Bath & Body Works reported third quarter 2025 financial results. The Company reported a 1% year over year decline in revenue, missing its guidance of 1-3% growth for the quarter. Bath & Body Work's net income also declined, falling 26% to $77 million. Finally, the Company announced that it was slashing full year guidance for net sales from a previously positive 1.5%-2.7% to negative "high single digits." Bath & Body Works also cut expected earnings per diluted share from a range of $3.28 to $3.53 to "at least $2.83." In an investor presentation published the same day, the Company announced a new business strategy and admitted that its strategy of "adjacencies, collaborations and promotions" had "not grown our total customer base." On this news, Bath & Body Works' stock price fell $5.22 per share, or 24.8%, to close at $15.82 per share on November 20, 2025.Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. Seewww.pomlaw.com Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.SOURCE: Pomerantz LLP PR-Inside.com: 2026-02-05 16:40:04 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 955 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA / ACCESS Newswire / February 5, 2026 /Relevant Gold Corp. (TSXV:RGC)(OTCQB:RGCCF)("Relevant Gold" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Larry Taddei, CPA, CA, as an Independent Director, effective immediately, and the engagement of Ms. Mal Karwowska as a Strategic Advisor to the Board, with the intention that Ms. Karwowska will stand for election to the Board at the Company's next Annual General Meeting."The appointments of Larry Taddei and Mal Karwowska reflect Relevant Gold's commitment to strengthening our governance and strategic leadership," said Board Chair Sarah Weber. "Larry brings deep expertise in capital markets, financial oversight, and corporate governance, while Mal contributes a strong strategic perspective and extensive capital markets experience. Together, they broaden our corporate foundation and enhance the Board's capacity to drive disciplined growth and long-term shareholder value." Larry Taddei - Independent DirectorMr. Taddei is a highly experienced senior mining executive and corporate director with more than three decades of leadership in finance, capital markets, governance, and M&A primarily within the mining sector. He brings deep experience spanning exploration, development, mine construction, and production, with operational and transactional exposure in Canada, the United States, Mexico, and Peru.From 2010 to 2022, Mr. Taddei served as Chief Financial Officer of MAG Silver Corp., where he was a key member of the executive team that built the company into a ~C$2 billion market-capitalization silver, gold, lead, zinc producer. During his tenure, he led more than C$500 million in equity financings, negotiated a US$40 million revolving credit facility, oversaw Canadian and U.S. public listings, and played a central role in corporate strategy, technical disclosure, governance frameworks, and ESG advancement. He worked extensively on PEA and feasibility-level technical reports, including detailed mine modeling with independent consultants.Mr. Taddei currently serves as a director of GR Silver Mining Ltd. where he chairs the Compensation Committee and of Africa Energy Corp. where he chairs Audit Committee. He has extensive experience across audit, compensation, and governance oversight. Earlier in his career, he held CFO roles at West Timmins Mining Inc., guiding the company through the 2008 financial crisis and its C$424 million merger with Lake Shore Gold, and at Gold Hawk Resources Inc., where he supported the restart and financing of an underground polymetallic mine in Peru. Mr. Taddei is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CA), an Accredited Director (Chartered Governance Institute of Canada), and holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of British Columbia."Relevant Gold has assembled a strong technical and leadership team with a clear focus on disciplined exploration and governance. I look forward to contributing my experience in capital markets, financial oversight, and strategic decision-making as the Company advances its projects," Larry Taddei stated.Mal Karwowska - Strategic Advisor to the BoardRelevant Gold also announces the appointment of Ms. Mal Karwowska as Strategic Advisor to the Board, effective immediately. The Company intends to nominate Ms. Karwowska for election as a director at its next AGM, subject to shareholder approval.Ms. Karwowska brings over 17 years of experience in the mining industry with a focus on corporate development, capital markets, investor relations, and principal investing. She is currently Vice President, Corporate Development & Investor Relations at Newcore Gold Ltd., where she has played a key role in corporate strategy and shareholder engagement.Previously, Ms. Karwowska held roles in investment banking with National Bank Financial, where she advised mining companies on equity financings and strategic transactions. She also worked in principal investing with Pacific Road Capital Management as well as Liberty Metals & Mining Holdings, LLC, where she focused on portfolio management and asset evaluation. In addition, Ms. Karwowska held corporate development roles with Oxygen Capital Corp. and First Mining Gold Corp., contributing to corporate strategy, asset evaluation, and capital markets initiatives. This experience provides her with a broad perspective across public markets, private capital, and corporate development within the mining sector. Ms. Karwowska holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Finance and Accounting from the Sauder School of Business at the University of British Columbia."Relevant Gold's project portfolio and methodical approach to value creation are compelling. I am pleased to support the Board in a strategic advisory capacity and look forward to working closely with the team as the Company progresses toward its next stage of growth," commented Mal Karwowska.Options Issued Under Omnibus Equity Incentive Compensation PlanThe Company also announces that pursuant to the Company's omnibus equity incentive compensation plan (the "Plan") it has granted an aggregate of 1,000,000 options ("Options") to a director and a consultant of the Company. The Options are exercisable at an exercise price of $0.50 per common share for a period of 5 years ending February 4, 2031. The grant of Options is subject to the approval and requirements of the TSX Venture Exchange.About Relevant Gold Corp.Relevant Gold Corp. is a North American gold exploration company founded by experienced exploration geologists and operated by a highly respected team with a proven record of significant value creation for shareholders. Relevant Gold is focused on the acquisition, exploration, discovery, and development of district-scale gold projects in the state of Wyoming - one of the most mining-friendly jurisdictions in the United States and globally.On behalf of Relevant Gold Corp.,Rob Bergmann, Chief Executive OfficerMore informationNeither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.For further information about Relevant Gold Corp. or this news release, please visit our website at www.relevantgoldcorp.com or contact Rob Bergmann, President and CEO, or Kristopher Jensen, Manager of Investor Relations, at 763-760-4886 or by email at investorrelations@ relevantgoldcorp.com SOURCE: Relevant Gold Corp. PR-Inside.com: 2026-02-05 14:17:54 Press Information Published by ACN Newswire +65 6304 8926 e-mail https://www.acnnewswire.com/ # 773 Words ACN Newswire+65 6304 8926 TOKYO, Feb 5, 2026 - (JCN Newswire) - TANAKA PRECIOUS METAL TECHNOLOGIES Co., Ltd. (Head Office: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director & CEO: Koichiro Tanaka), a company engaged in the industrial precious metals business of TANAKA, announced today that it has established a total solution system capable of supporting all processes in the contract manufacturing business for various test kits including in vitro diagnostics.Until now, TANAKA has been responsible primarily for processes from developing and manufacturing test kits to bulk production of extraction buffer. At this time, TANAKA established dedicated production lines for the dispensing and packaging of extraction buffer, creating a system that enables it to complete all processes in-house from development to manufacture of final products. This enables TANAKA to reduce costs and the time for external outsourcing and transportation, making it possible to deliver high-quality products in shorter times.In addition, TANAKA will seek to expand production capacity and shorten lead times even further by introducing additional state-of-the-art automatic assembly lines and extract dispensing equipment with a target of March 2026.Flexible responses achieved through reinforced integrated production systemBy establishing this total solution system, TANAKA will be able to provide comprehensive contract services covering all processes from test kit development and manufacturing to bulk production, dispensing, and packaging of extraction buffer. This will enable TANAKA to continuously support customers from the development stage through mass production while also accommodating request for individual processes such as extraction buffer dispensing only.By bringing production processes entirely in-house, TANAKA will further reinforce stable supply and quality control.A track record in the development of diagnostic test kits across a wide range of disease areas and examples of deploymentTANAKA offers in vitro diagnostics for a wide range of infectious diseases including respiratory tract infections, such as influenza and COVID-19, as well as dengue and ZIKA viruses. These test kits are compatible with various sample types such as saliva, blood, and urine, and support rapid and accurate testing in clinical settings.Technical foundations and future outlookTANAKA started research and development of in vitro diagnostics around 2006 and has accumulated technologies centered on nano-colloidal gold (Au). It possesses a diverse range of technologies that support the enhancement of reagent performance using immunochromatographic assay, including protein immobilization technology, non-specific absorption expression technology, and antigen-antibody reaction enhancement technology, TANAKA provides contract manufacturing of high-quality test kits that leverage these technologies in accordance with the ISO 13485 system.Going forward, TANAKA will leverage this total solution system to develop new diagnostics in collaboration with partner companies, while contributing to solutions to social issues and advancement of the field of medicine.About TANAKASince its foundation in 1885, TANAKA has built a portfolio of products to support a diversified range of business uses focused on precious metals. TANAKA is a leader in Japan regarding the volume of precious metals it handles. Over many years, TANAKA has manufactured and sold precious metal products for industry and provided precious metals in such forms as jewelry and assets. As precious metals specialists, all Group companies in Japan and worldwide collaborate on manufacturing, sales, and technology development to offer a full range of products and services. With 5,591 employees, the group's consolidated net sales for the fiscal year ended December 2024 were 846.9 billion yen.TANAKA Industrial Precious Metal Materials PortalProduct inquiriesTANAKA PRECIOUS METAL TECHNOLOGIES Co., Ltd.Press inquiriesTANAKA PRECIOUS METAL GROUP Co., Ltd.Disclaimer:ANY EXPRESS WRITTEN WARRANTY THAT TANAKA MAY ISSUE, IS THE SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE WARRANTY AS TO TANAKA'S MATERIALS AND PRODUCTS, EXTENDS ONLY TO THE INITIAL PURCHASER FROM TANAKA OR ITS AUTHORIZED DISTRIBUTOR, IS NOT TRANSFERABLE OR ASSIGNABLE, AND IS EXPRESSLY IN LIEU OF AND TANAKA EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS TO THE EXTENT PERMISSIBLE UNDER APPLICABLE LAW ANY OTHER WARRANTY, ORAL OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION ANY ORAL OR IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSE.TANAKA SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL LOSS, DAMAGE, OR EXPENSE (INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, LOST PROFITS) DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING FROM THE SALE, INABILITY TO SELL, USE, OR LOSS OF USE OF ANY PRODUCT. NO ORAL OR WRITTEN INFORMATION OR ADVICE GIVEN BY TANAKA, ITS EMPLOYEES, DISTRIBUTORS, DEALERS, OR AGENTS SHALL INCREASE THE SCOPE OF ANY WARRANTY OR CREATE ANY NEW WARRANTIES.THE LIMITATIONS AS STATED HEREIN SHALL NOT PRECLUDE ANY LIABILITY WHICH UNDER APPLICABLE PRODUCTS LIABILITY LAW CANNOT LEGALLY BE PRECLUDED BY CONTRACT OR OTHERWISE.NEVER USE THIS TEST KIT AS THE ONLY GUIDE TO MANAGE YOUR CONDITION OR ILLNESS. CONSULT YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IF YOUR SYMPTOMS PERSIST OR BECOME MORE SEVERE, OR IF YOU ARE CONCERNED AT ANY TIME. Top energy investors and operators in Nigerias upstream oil and gas sector have called for regulatory consistency, contract sanctity and critical gas infrastructure to unlock the countrys long-term energy potential, amid intensifying global competition for capital. The call was made by executives from major international oil companies (IOCs) and indigenous operators during a panel session at the ongoing Nigeria International Energy Summit (NIES) in Abuja on Wednesday. Participants at the sessiondrawn from ExxonMobil, Chevron, TotalEnergies, Seplat Energy, Renaissance Africa Energy and Oandoagreed that Nigerias ability to attract sustained upstream investment will depend on policy stability, disciplined financing, infrastructure expansion, and improved host-community relations. The panel, themed Capitalising Africas Global Upstream Momentum, was moderated by Vimbai Mutinhiri-Ekpenyong, Anchor and Co-Host of ARISE TV Morning Show. Global capital, local competition Speaking at the session, Matthieu Bouyer, Managing Director of TotalEnergies E&P Nigeria, said the companys strategy in Nigeria is built around two pillars: growing oil and gas production, and expanding electricity generation through integrated power projects. Mr Bouyer explained that hydrocarbonsoil and gasremain central to TotalEnergies Nigerian operations and continue to compete for capital within the companys global portfolio. We are competing with other countries and projects for capital, so it is critical that Nigeria remains attractive, he said, noting that demonstrating competitive returns remains a daily challenge. From Chevrons perspective, Jim Swartz, Chairman and Managing Director of Chevron Nigeria, said the company has deliberately avoided an asset divestment strategy, choosing instead to retain and optimise its portfolio. He said Chevron continues to invest in asset reliability through infill drilling, appraisal wells and exploration within existing fields, adding that several in-field discoveries were made in the past year. These are long-term investments, he said, stressing that contract sanctity and regulatory consistency are essential for returns. Mr Swartz welcomed recent government incentives and progress on environmental approvals for deepwater projects, urging authorities to extend similar pragmatism to shallow-water and onshore developments. On gas, he said Chevron sees opportunities in both international exports and domestic supply but warned that ageing and limited gas pipeline infrastructure remains a major bottleneck for power generation, fertiliser production and regional gas supply. Proving scale and discipline Responding to concerns around investor confidence, Roger Brown, Chief Executive Officer of Seplat Energy Plc, said indigenous operators are increasingly proving their ability to deliver scale, returns and discipline. He noted that Seplat has been active in asset acquisitions for over a decade and has accessed international capital markets since 2014. According to him, rising investor interest is being driven by clearer government messaging, regulatory reforms and defined national production targets. As evidence, he cited a recent Eurobond issuance that priced strongly and received a rating close to Nigerias sovereign level. Demand exists when policies are consistent and credible, Mr Brown said. However, he warned that oil and gas capital has become more selective, with African and international banks competing for a shrinking pool of funds. Operators must be exemplary borrowers, he said, noting that a single default could damage confidence across the sector. Also speaking, Jagir Baxi, Chairman and Managing Director of ExxonMobil Affiliates in Nigeria, said the company evaluates Nigerian projects through a global portfolio lens. He said ExxonMobil has taken steps to improve competitiveness, including portfolio adjustments in shallow water and renewed focus on redeveloping mature assets. Mr Baxi disclosed plans for a significant redevelopment programme at one of its long-producing facilities later this year, alongside progress on new discoveries. He said recent government actions over the past two years have strengthened Nigerias national framework, adding that operators must now convert policy goodwill into bankable, project-specific outcomes. If we can successfully deliver early projects, it will unlock further investment, he said. Communities and the Social Licence to Operate On host community relations, Tony Attah, Managing Director and CEO of Renaissance Africa Energy, said operational stability depends as much on community trust as on government approvals. He explained that beyond statutory licences, operators must earn a social licence to operatea social contract between companies and host communities. Mr Attah said the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) has helped formalise host community structures and clarify mutual obligations, noting that Renaissance currently works with multiple functioning host community trusts. Today, communities are involved in identifying their priorities, he said. When communities are truly involved, the conversations change, the tone changes, and stability follows. He illustrated this with an example of a failed water project implemented without community input, underscoring the need for development interventions shaped by local realities. Environmental Concerns Remain Despite operators optimism, environmental degradation and unresolved host community grievances remain a concern. Decades of oil exploration have left several oil-producing communities with polluted land and waterways. Recent PREMIUM TIMES investigations found that several oil-producing communities, including Ogoniland, continue to suffer hydrocarbon pollution. The report showed that many residents, whose livelihoods depend on farming and fishing, have lost access to farmland and waterways due to recurring oil spills from creeks and pipelines, often attributed to oil companies negligence. While government efforts have focused on attracting fresh investment to boost economic growth, panellists acknowledged that environmental remediation has not kept pace with industry expansion. NNPC Signals Cultural Shift In his remarks, Udobong Ntia, Executive Vice President, Upstream, NNPC Limited, said the most significant change has been a cultural shift in engagement between the national oil company and operators. For the first time in years, there is real engagement and openness, he said. When the leadership change happened, we realised we had to start speaking with operators frequently and directly. At the end of the day, we are all here to create value. If the ecosystem doesnt work, everyone struggles. Mr Ntia said NNPC is prioritising cost reduction and technology adoption, stressing that digitalisation is no longer optional. We recently identified about $2 billion worth of opportunities where operators can collaborate to make the industry work better, he said. He warned that global energy markets remain volatile and capital is increasingly selective. This is a moment where the stars are aligned, he said. If we dont act now, we may look back and regret it. While challenges persistparticularly around infrastructure, financing and environmental remediationparticipants agreed that alignment between policy, capital discipline, infrastructure investment and genuine community engagement could unlock significant growth across Nigerias oil and gas value chain. This is not the time to hesitate, Mr Ntia said. We are going to make it work. While Congress negotiates the imposition of new limits on immigration agents, state legislatures are redoubling their efforts to pass bills that in some cases have been stalled for months The deaths of Alex Pretti and Renee Good, two 37-year-old American citizens shot by federal agents in Minneapolis, have accelerated a legislative offensive in Democratic-led states to rein in immigration authorities and demand accountability for abuses and violations of constitutional rights. These initiatives are a direct challenge to the anti-immigrant agenda of the Trump administration, and include measures ranging from enabling civil lawsuits against agents to restricting cooperation between local and federal police. While Congress negotiates to impose new limits on immigration agents as a condition for funding the Department of Homeland Security, whose budget expires on February 14, state legislatures have redoubled their efforts to pass bills that in some cases have been stalled for months, driven by what they describe as growing impunity for federal agents amid a chilling wave of terror. The events in Minneapolis add to an escalating confrontation that intensified last summer when Donald Trump ordered the deployment of thousands of National Guard troops to Los Angeles without the governors consent, following a wave of protests against mass immigration raids and which later spread to other cities governed by Democrats. The aggressive tactics of the second Trump administration have generated a renewed sense of urgency among state and local governments to push for changes aimed at protecting their immigrant communities from harmful forms of immigration enforcement, Ann Garcia, senior staff attorney at the National Immigration Project, explained via email. This is an attempt to fill a serious accountability gap that currently prevents people whose constitutional and civil rights have been violated by federal officials from filing civil lawsuits. Federal agents arrest a person in Minneapolis on February 3. Ryan Murphy (AP) California has been one of the leading testing grounds for this approach. Last week, the state Senate passed the so-called No Kings Law, which would allow civil lawsuits to be filed in state courts against federal officials including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents for violations of constitutional rights such as freedom of speech and peaceful protest, illegal searches and detentions, and discriminatory practices based on race, national origin, or political affiliation. The measure is a protection against the increasingly aggressive, illegal, and violent tactics of this administration, said Democratic State Senator Lena Gonzalez, chair of the Latino Legislative Caucus and co-author of the law. California lawmakers have also pushed proposals to ban migrant arrests near courthouses, limit police cooperation with ICE, and prohibit state or local officers from simultaneously working for the Department of Homeland Security. The state also passed a law called No Secret Police that prohibits officers from wearing masks during interactions with the public. Although the Trump administration challenged the measure, several other Democratic states have adopted similar legislation. Democratic lawmakers have promoted initiatives with varying approaches. In Colorado, for example, a bill seeks a way for anyone injured during an immigration operation to sue federal agents in state courts. In Delaware, a bill is being debated that would eliminate tax benefits for airlines that assist in deportations, while in Wisconsin, a proposal similar to the California No Kings initiative is being considered, which would allow civil lawsuits for violations of constitutional rights. In Washington State, legislators are discussing an initiative that would prohibit the collection of immigration status information in schools. And in New York, the attorney general announced a legal observer program to monitor immigration operations and document potential abuses. Lawmakers in seven states even launched a coordinated effort in December, combining proposed state laws with lawsuits filed by Democratic attorneys general. Professor Muzaffar Chishti, a senior research fellow at the Migration Policy Institute, noted that previously these coalitions focused mainly on litigation such as challenges to the immigration ban or the public charge rule but now they are also coordinating how to respond politically. This demonstrates how quickly the political climate in the country has changed. Just a few months ago, it would have been considered political suicide for states to try to limit the enforcement of immigration laws, given that Trumps election largely revolved around stricter immigration control. However, after what happened in Los Angeles and Chicago, many have begun to perceive a turning point. Some public opinion may have supported strict enforcement of immigration laws, but that support seems to have eroded. What was once a political advantage for Republicans has become a liability, and blue states are seeing an opportunity to limit what ICE can do. Protest against ICE in San Francisco, January 30. Stephen Lam (AP) The fact that even the federal government is willing to negotiate some aspects of immigration law enforcement such as the use of body cameras in Minneapolis shows that these pressures are having an effect at the federal level, he noted. The strategy, however, raises legal questions. Stephen Yale-Loehr, a retired Cornell law professor and immigration expert, cautions that it is a complex legal issue. Immigration has long been considered a national policy, not one of 50 different states. Immigration law is the supreme law and supersedes state laws; however, states can enact their own civil and criminal penalties, and when these intersect with immigration, it becomes difficult to determine which will prevail, he explains. Garcia, from the National Immigration Project, adds that although the federal government has what is known as preeminence in immigration matters, states and local authorities can choose not to cooperate with the federal government in these efforts. The law does not require states to remain passive when that power is abused. As long as Congress does not act to limit qualified immunity and establish accountability mechanisms in all 50 states, state and local governments are using the tools at their disposal to protect their residents, and in some cases, those actions could save lives, she maintains. Republican response In Republican-governed states, the picture is the opposite, and laws reinforcing Trumps immigration agenda have even been passed. In Florida, for example, the legislature opened its session last month with a package of measures promoted by Governor Ron DeSantis that includes restrictions on loans and other financial services for undocumented immigrants, as well as penalties for companies that hire them. Yale-Loehr notes that the Trump administration has already begun legally challenging several of these state laws. The federal government has filed lawsuits against California and Illinois, arguing that these state laws are unconstitutional and jeopardize the safety of federal agents. Well have to wait and see how the federal courts rule, the expert points out. The issue could eventually reach the Supreme Court, he asserts. Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Tricia McLaughlin stated in an email that what these states are attempting to do is illegal, and they know it. Federal officials acting within the scope of their duties are protected from liability under state law. Politicians are blaming law enforcement instead of looking in the mirror and acknowledging how they have fueled the hatred and violent attacks we are seeing against federal agents. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition The Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd), Bayo Ojulari, has addressed recent debates surrounding the newly launched Nigerias Gas Master Plan (GMP) 2026, particularly concerns over export parity pricing. Speaking during a fireside chat at the Nigeria International Energy Summit (NIES) on Wednesday, the NNPC chief pushed back against claims that the framework is unworkable. When people talk about export parity, I laugh a bit, because today we have domestic customers paying more than export prices, he said. Last week, PREMIUM TIMES reported that NNPC unveiled the Gas Master Plan 2026, a policy framework aimed at driving industrialisation and strengthening Nigerias energy security. The GMP 2026 is an offshoot of the Nigerian Gas Master Plan 2008, a strategic blueprint developed to maximise economic value from the countrys vast gas resources. A key feature of the new plan is its alignment with the Federal Governments Decade of Gas Programme. The plan is expected to serve as the definitive framework for coordinated gas-sector development, execution discipline, and value creation over the next decade. Execution Over Policy Rhetoric Mr Ojulari described the NNPC gas master plan as fundamentally different from previous initiatives, stressing that its focus is implementation rather than theory. We could have named it a gas monetisation execution plan. This plan is about implementation. Its about execution, he said. He explained that gas producers were actively consulted during the design process to ensure realism and industry buy-in. Most of our producers have ownership of this plan because we interacted with them and checked what works and what doesnt. Reflecting on past policy failures, Mr Ojulari said NNPC has moved away from relying on obligations to stimulate investment in the gas sector. We tried obligations, and nobody invested, he said. Gas is not like oil. It needs long-term commitments, and those commitments must translate into action. Built-in Flexibility To prevent delays caused by individual projects stalling the entire system, Mr Ojulari said flexibility has been built into gas supply agreements. If youre not delivering on the plan, we have the option to swap that supply to someone else who is ready, he said. We cannot hold the country to ransom because one person is holding on. Leadership The NNPC chief said what sustains him in public service since his appointment last year is the quality of talent within the company and a growing sense of responsibility. The company has world-class people. What you need is consistent, credible leadership leadership is about results, he said. He added that the opportunity to contribute directly to national development has been humbling. I didnt realise how much one person can help this country until I got into this seat, he said. You cannot waste that opportunity. Ultimately, he said faith remains his anchor amid the pressures of the role. Revamping Nigerias energy sector In recent years, Nigeria has embarked on reforms aimed at revamping its energy sector by leveraging its vast resources to achieve energy security, economic growth and sustainable development, amid challenges such as regulatory coordination gaps and financing constraints. The development in Nigerias oil and gas sector has continued, as the industry is widely seen as critical to stabilising the countrys fragile economy and addressing persistent energy challenges. Under President Bola Tinubus Renewed Hope Agenda, the reforms seek to attract investment, expand access to energy and accelerate the transition to cleaner energy sources. Key policy drivers include the Electricity Act 2023, the Energy Transition Plan (ETP), which targets net-zero emissions by 2060, and increased investments in the gas sector. These reforms have encouraged renewed investor interest, with several oil and gas companies indicating their willingness to expand operations in the country. Although oil discoveries in Nigeria since the 1950s have been described by many as both a curse and a blessing, crude oil remains the backbone of the countrys economy. A PREMIUM TIMES investigation published last year found that several oil-producing communities, including Ogoniland, continue to suffer severe hydrocarbon pollution. At the ongoing Energy summit in Abuja, the emphasis across the atmosphere of the discussions room has been primarily on how to scale oil and gas production, attract more investment, and increase profits; discussions on intensifying remediation efforts have been somewhat negligible. Nollywood actress Angela Okorie has publicly apologised to her colleague Mercy Johnson six days after being granted bail in a case involving cyberstalking, threats, and harassment. PREMIUM TIMES reported that Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja granted Angela bail after she was remanded at the Suleja Correctional Centre for alleged cyber-related offences against Mercy. Her remand followed her arrest by operatives from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Lagos, arising from a dispute that began in 2025 when Angela claimed Mercy was suffering from an ailment she allegedly would not wish on her enemies. Angela accused Mercy of hypocrisy, alleging that her public use of church words contradicted her true character, and urged her to seek forgiveness from those she had wronged. Although Mercy initially responded to the 40-year-olds allegations with a cryptic social media message, she later disengaged from the public dispute. Speaking for the first time after her release on Monday, Angela, in a video posted on her Instagram page on Thursday, expressed regret over her actions. She apologised to Mercy, her children, and her family, and retracted the statements that sparked the legal proceedings. She said: I just want to apologise to you. If its just my words, if its the words I have written, anytime your name pops up on social media, I am deeply sorry. You are not a witch. You are not what people are calling you. This is to say I am sorry. We dont know where our kids will meet each other tomorrow. They might be the best of friends. These kids have been travelling far and wide. They can meet anywhere in the world, and they can be best of friends. And we, as mothers, cannot stop them from being friends. I do not love the fact that they call Mercys kids witches, bully them in school and all that. If they do it to my child, I wont take it. So this is to say I am sorry, deeply sorry for everything. I love everybody. As the Bible says, make peace with all men. I am making peace with everybody. I dont know whom I might have offended. Industry gossip Additionally, the actress attributed the supposed fallout to industry gossip and misunderstandings, noting that people often passed conflicting stories to both parties. She emphasised a shift in her priorities, stating that she had reached a stage in her life when she no longer sought conflict. She also expressed gratitude to her fans and everyone who supported her during her time in prison. This video is specifically for Mercy and her kids and her family. You know, as you get older, a lot of things will be leaving you. While were growing in the industry, some people will come and tell me that Mercy said, some people will tell me that Angela said, and there have been issues, quarrels, chaos, logheads, you know, and at this age, I dont think this is what I want. The only thing I want right now is money, business. If you have business, call me. Im no longer listening to that cheap gossip, you know. Please, knowing or unknowingly, Biko, I am sorry. Please forgive the Legit Queen. Legit Queen is not a troublesome person. I am the sweetest soul you can ever see or meet in your life. I am deeply sorry for anything I might have written or said that was hurtful to you. Mercy, this is a new beginning, said Angela. She stated that Mercy was her friend, noting that she loved her and prayed that God would bless her and elevate her wherever she is. You are my friend, and you are still my friend. I will never listen to anything anybody has to say about you again. If I hear anything, I will give you a call. Like when we spoke on the phone, you apologised to me and said you are sorry. And I accepted you wholeheartedly. God in heaven knows that I dont have anything against you. On Christmas night 2025, the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) launched missile strikes in Sokoto State, northwest Nigeria, targeting what it described as Islamic State terrorists. AFRICOM said the operation was coordinated with Nigeria. However, US President Donald Trump framed the strikes as an attempt to stop the (debunked) Christian genocide taking place in the country a claim that had earlier led him to threaten Nigeria with sanctions and military action. The US emphasis on Islamic State and Christian persecution doesnt match Nigerias security threats. There are also concerns about civilian casualties in Sokoto, the use of poor intelligence and Americas true intentions. And by contradicting its stance against foreign military intervention, Nigeria has increased the risk of political and sectarian strife. Sokoto is an overwhelmingly Muslim-majority state, as are the casualties of attacks there, mainly by armed criminal gangs or bandits. None of the locations targeted by the strikes was affected by Islamic State-related activity. The strikes mainly hit Bauni Forest on the Niger border, a base for Lakurawa, a cross-border jihadi-criminal group that is not an Islamic State affiliate. It is operationally linked to Boko Harams JAS (Jamaatu Ahlis Sunna Liddaawati wal-Jihad) faction, a rival to Islamic State West Africa Province. Another impact site, Jabo, has no documented terrorist presence or history of violent activity. This raised concerns, particularly among Muslims, that innocent communities were affected. Nigerian political officials said Jabo was hit by debris rather than a deliberate strike. However, security officials framed this explanation as damage control for a possible US targeting error linked to poor or misapplied intelligence. Its possible that the US deliberately labelled the targets as Islamic State to fit a political narrative at home. This ties into Mr Trumps earlier accusation of Christian genocide much like his white genocide in South Africa claims in mid-2025. Allegations about both countries have been thoroughly debunked, but could resonate among evangelical and conservative US constituencies. Such narratives could endanger fragile security situations in Africa and fuel sectarian tensions, especially in places like Nigeria, with a history of ethno-religious distrust and violence. They can also alienate local communities, who are vital for intelligence and counter-terrorism cooperation. Nigerias endorsement of the strikes was a departure from its posture against foreign combat operations on its soil. For years, Abuja received only training and equipment from foreign countries. The aim was to preserve its sovereignty and avoid a backlash, especially in the Muslim-majority north, which is often suspicious of Western intervention. But those concerns lessened as insecurity deepened, even among Muslims. Before the airstrikes, many Christians in Nigeria supported an American intervention. Growing US pressure and threats of unilateral strikes and sanctions left Abuja with few choices. Rejecting the strikes could have reinforced the impression in Washington and among some Christians at home that Abuja was obstructing the protection of Christians, inviting diplomatic and economic repercussions. It might also have portrayed Nigerias government as impotent if the US operations proceeded regardless. Nigerias intelligence sharing ahead of the strikes appears to have been limited, but officials were pragmatic. They accepted Americas globally familiar Islamic State messaging, saying the inclusion of local threats in this narrative was handy strategic mistranslation as long as bad actors got hit and ties with America improved. The Sokoto strikes were part of AFRICOMs broader push for relevance under Mr Trumps second term. Under the previous administration, US influence declined after Nigers junta asked it to withdraw from Niger Air Base 201 in 2024. The sprawling facility served as Americas hub for drones and surveillance operations in the Sahel, where Russia is expanding its influence. In November 2025, the US moved assets to Accra, Ghana, from where contractor-operated surveillance flights operate over the Lake Chad area, aiding in offensives against Boko Haram in Nigerias Borno State. In February, the US confirmed troop deployments to Nigeria, with limited details about size and scope from either government. Januarys AFRICOM security cooperation talks with the Democratic Republic of the Congo coincided with the US State Departments re-engagement with Mali in the Sahel. Relations there had deteriorated amid the juntas pivot towards Russia for security. In Somalia, AFRICOM has conducted at least 23 strikes targeting al-Shabaab and Islamic State since 1 January, a rate outpacing US operations in previous years. After the Nigerian strikes, AFRICOM which has greater autonomy over such operations under US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth stated publicly that America intended to get a lot more aggressive kinetically in Africa. The Sokoto operation in Africas largest nation, and one badly affected by insecurity, was a signal of the US decision to reassert its military relevance on the continent. But choosing Sokoto not Borno, the main location of Islamic State terrorism, or Benue, Plateau or northern Adamawa, where Christian communities have faced attacks forced Nigeria to accept domestic political risks. Sokoto is a symbolically sensitive area the seat of the Sultan, the head of Nigerian Muslims. Many perceived the strikes, especially the impact in Jabo, as anti-Islam amid US accusations of Christian persecution. That prompted Nigerian ministers to quickly emphasise that there was no religious motivation and that Jabo was hit by debris. On the ground, Lakurawa suffered losses, with local sources telling the Institute for Security Studies that over 100 of its fighters died. Yet the group has since intensified attacks on civilians, suggesting that a temporary disruption without sustained Nigerian operations wont be effective. Questions remain about sovereignty and equality in US-Africa security partnerships, as well as about how foreign interventions not attuned to local contexts can backfire on affected African countries and communities. To mitigate risks, African nations must ensure decisions are made using local intelligence and that ownership of joint operations is truly shared. Regional cooperation must be improved, and reliable external partnerships formed that better align with the long-term goals of development and stability. This will reduce vulnerability to unilateral pressures, such as sanctions or conditional interventions. Taiwo Adebayo, Researcher, Lake Chad Basin, Institute for Security Studies (ISS) (This article was first published by ISS Today, a Premium Times syndication partner. We have their permission to republish). Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, on Thursday, inducted 3,933 newly recruited primary healthcare workers. Mr Makinde, during the induction held in Ibadan, said that health workers were the heart of the states healthcare delivery system. He said that primary health workers were closer to the people at the grassroots. According to the governor, the recruitment is to address critical human resource gaps and strengthen multidisciplinary teamwork at the grassroots level. He asserted that with adequate availability of health workers in hospitals, 70 per cent of the problem in that sector would have been solved. Mr Makinde said that the provision of buildings or medical equipment/facilities without the human capital would be a waste of resources. He tasked the recruited health workers to put in their best wherever they are posted, assuring them that their posting would not lead to hardship. I want to promise you that you have chosen a career, and for us as an administration, we will ensure that this is a rewarding career for all of you, he said. Earlier, the Executive Secretary of the Oyo State Primary Healthcare Board, Muideen Olatunji, said the recruitment of the health workers was strategic and part of the ongoing transformation of the primary healthcare system in Oyo State. Mr Olatunji explained that the recruitment cut across diverse cadres; from medical doctors to nurses, midwives, community health practitioners, pharmacists, laboratory scientists, administrative staff and security personnel. He charged the health workers to serve with integrity, respect the dignity of every client, and uphold discipline and teamwork. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that highlights of the event were the unveiling of the operational guidelines for the inducted health workers. (NAN) President Bola Tinubu said he has ordered the deployment of an army battalion to Woro, a village in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, where Boko Haram terrorists killed dozens of villagers in an overnight attack. PREMIUM TIMES earlier reported that Boko Haram terrorists under the command of Mallam Sadiku killed about 170 locals in the attack that lasted for several hours. The state government put the casualty figures at 75 while the Red Cross said 162 deaths have been confirmed as of Wednesday evening. Mr Tinubus words were conveyed in a statement issued by a presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, late Wednesday. President Tinubu said the new military command will spearhead Operation Savannah Shield to checkmate the barbaric terrorists and protect defenceless communities, Mr Onanuga stated. He said the president condemned the cowardly and beastly attack and described the terrorists as heartless for targeting the residents of the village. According to the statement, Mr Tinubu believes that the villagers who were Muslims were killed for refusing to be conscripted into a weird belief that promoted violence over peace and dialogue. Mr Onanuga said the president commended the victims for rejecting radical Islam being propagated by the terrorists. The president urged collaboration between federal and state agencies to provide succour to members of the community and ensure those who committed the atrocities do not go scot-free. President Tinubu prayed for the repose of the soul of the deceased and condoled with those who lost family members, Mr Onanuga said. The attack According to residents, the attack began around 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, and lingered for several hours until the terrorists vacated the community early Wednesday morning. PREMIUM TIMES reported that the attack occurred about five months after the terror group sent a warning letter, informing the district head of Woro, Salihu Umar, that it would come to preach its radical ideology. Mr Umar reported the matter to Ilorin Emirates Council and secured posting of soldiers to his community. This, sources believed, stopped the terrorists from coming as earlier planned. Locals suspect that the recent attack could be in retaliation to the invitation of the military to the community. Reuters earlier quoted a local politician, Saidu Ahmed, as estimating the death toll at 40, noting that more bodies were likely to be found. By Wednesday evening, local sources said the casualty figures had risen to 170. But Rafiu Ajakaiye, the spokesperson to the Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, said the Emir of Kaiama confirmed 75 people dead when the governors team visited him in his palace in Kaiama. PREMIUM TIMES could not independently verify these contrasting figures. The police in Kwara also confirmed the attack, saying several people were killed, others injured, and homes and properties destroyed. Sources in the area told our reporter that Mr Umars palace was among the houses set on fire. The police spokesperson in the state, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, said police tactical teams in collaboration with the military, forest guards, and local vigilantes have been deployed to secure the area, while investigations are underway to track the attackers, who reportedly fled toward the Kainji National Park forest. Sadiku Boko Haram faction After reigning terror in the Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, the Sadiku-led Boko Haram faction relocated to Kainji forest reserve in July last year. Sources including ex-members of the group told this reporter that the group left its former stronghold due to sustained military aerial offensives and infighting with Dogo Gide, a notorious bandit leader Mallam Sadiku had collaborated with to stage violent attacks in North-west and North-central. The group was operating from Alawa forest reserve in Shiroro LGA. Its campaign of terror had driven locals away from their homes. Barely four months after its relocation, the group invaded Papiri, a community on the fringes of Kainji National Park, kidnapping over 300 students and staff from St Marys Catholic school. In January, the group invaded Kasuwan Daji, killing more than 30 locals and kidnapping women and children. Sources in the area said the captives are still with the group. The Kwara State Government said 75 people have been confirmed killed so far in an attack on Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State. Rafiu Ajakaiye, the spokesperson for the Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, gave the casualty figure in a telephone interview with PREMIUM TIMES. Seventy five people have been confirmed (dead) by the emir himself when we met with him, Mr Ajakaiye said, adding all the victims were Muslims. He said the people were killed for rejecting extremist ideologies by terrorists. He said the governor and his team were heading to Woro. The spokesperson said security forces have been deployed, and the governor has also announced the directive by President Tinubu to deploy new battalion of soldiers to launch a new operation in the axis. This newspaper earlier reported that 170 people were killed in the attack believed to have been carried out by the Sadiku-led Boko Haram faction which relocated to Kainji forest reserve in July last year. The assault came about five months after the group sent a letter to the district head of Woro, Salihu Umar, notifying him of their intention to visit the community for [radical] preaching. The attack began around 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday and continued into the early hours of Wednesday, residents said, adding that the terrorists abducted an unspecified number of women and children. Reuters earlier quoted a local politician, Saidu Ahmed, as estimating the death toll at 40, noting that more bodies were likely to be found. By Wednesday evening, local sources said the casualty figures had risen to 170. The Red Cross put the death toll at 162 as of Wednesday evening. A resident who spoke to PREMIUM TIMES from hiding said a search-and-rescue team, accompanied by military personnel and forest guards, counted at least 170 bodies. Among those killed was Salihu Ibrahim, a former students union leader of the Kwara State College of Nursing, Ilorin. PREMIUM TIMES also gathered that the terrorists razed houses and shops, including the palace of the district head, Mr Umar. The district head, like several other villagers, remains missing. Sources said terrorists went away with his vehicle. They also stole his jeep, one source said. They used it to transport some of the kidnapped victims into the forest. At of press time, many residents were still taking refuge in nearby bushes. Police confirm attack, say several people killed In response to an enquiry earlier sent to the Kwara State police command, its spokesperson, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, said the attack left several people dead, others injured, and homes and properties destroyed. Ms Ejire-Adeyemi said police tactical teams in collaboration with the military, forest guards, and local vigilantes have been deployed to secure the area, while investigations are underway to track the attackers, who reportedly fled toward the Kainji National Park forest. The Woro attack comes barely a month after terrorists attacked Kasuwan Daji in neighbouring Niger State, killing more than 30 people and abducting women and children. The same terrorists are also believed to be responsible for the abduction of over 300 students from St Marys Catholic School in Papiri, Niger State. The Sadiku faction of Boko Haram has operated in Alawa forest reserve from where it attacked neighbouring villages like Alawa, Basa and Kurebe among others. Although the group has moved to the Kainji axis, it left behind an excruciating tale of a humanitarian crisis. Sources inducing ex-members of the group told this reporter that the group left its former stronghold due to sustained military aerial offensives and infighting with Dogo Gide, a notorious bandit leader that Sadiku had collaborated with to stage violent attacks in the North-west and the North-central. Salihu Umar, the village head of Woro, a community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, where Boko Haram terrorists killed scores of residents on Tuesday, has confirmed that the terrorists sent a letter to the community three weeks earlier. PREMIUM TIMES had earlier reported that the letter was sent about five months ago, indicating that the group wanted to visit the village for preaching. There was a letter sent about three weeks ago, Mr Umar told our reporter from his place of refuge. I made a photocopy of the letter and took it to the Kaiama Emirate. I also forwarded a soft copy to the State Security Services (SSS) office in Kaiama. The original copy of the letter sighted by our reporter was dated 19 Rajab 1447, equivalent to 8 January. The senders of the letter identified themselves as Jamaatu Ahlis Sunna Liddaadati wal-Jihad (JAS), the main Boko Haram faction now led by its overall leader, Bakura Doro, who succeeded late Abubakar Shekau. In the letter, written in Hausa, the terrorists stated that they wanted to secretly meet with Mr Umar or his representatives to discuss with you. The letter added: And we want to come to your town to preach to the people and not to harm you or your people. Mr Umar clarified that the community had been under threat for months. According to him, the terrorists clashed with soldiers stationed in the village in November after confronting troops deployed to neighbouring Nuku, forcing the military authorities to withdraw the soldiers. Our reporter attempted to reach the Emir of Kaiama, Muazu Omar, for comments, but repeated phone calls were not answered. Communication with the village head was also affected by a poor and fluctuating network, making it impossible to continue the conversation or obtain further details from him. 75 buried so far Mr Umar, who was initially missing after the attack, said at least 75 bodies had been buried, adding that more bodies were likely still in nearby bushes. Rafiu Ajakaiye, spokesperson for Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, corroborated the account, citing estimates he attributed to the Emir of Kaiama during a visit to the palace by government officials led by the governor. While the Red Cross said 162 deaths had been confirmed as of Wednesday evening, other accounts estimated more people were killed. Although the Kwara State Police Command confirmed the attack, it did not disclose any casualty toll. The terrorists under the command of Mallam Sadiku, invaded the village on Tuesday evening and unleashed terror for several hours. Mr Sadiku is a Boko Haram commander sent by the groups late leader, Mr Shekau, to open new fronts outside the North-east. Apart from burning shops and houses, including the village heads palace, the terrorists also abducted women and children. Village heads sons killed, three daughters and wife abducted Mr Umar said two of his sonsKhalid and Zakariyawere killed during the attack, while his second wife and three daughters were abducted. He added that the attackers stole his Toyota Highlander, burnt his pickup van and motorcycles, and killed one of his brothers, Mohammed Yusuf, before making away with his Toyota Camry. I would have been a victim too, he said. When they came, I was not at home. I was elsewhere in the community when people started shouting that they had arrived. That was how I managed to escape. He also said he returned to the village in the early hours of Thursday as part of the governors entourage. Sadikus reign of terror After many years of bloodshed in the Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, the Sadiku-led Boko Haram faction relocated to Kainji forest reserve in July last year. This newspaper exclusively reported last year that Mr Sadiku instructed the women in his camp to lead in the relocation. The group was operating from Alawa forest reserve in Shiroro LGA. Its campaign of terror had driven locals away from their homes and separated families from their children. This newspaper reported how the group abducted girls and forcefully married them, turning some of them into unprepared mothers. It was also notorious for conscripting boys into its fold, but mostly using them for hard labour. Respected jihadi researchers and ex-members of the group told this reporter that the group left its former Shiroro base as a result of sustained military aerial attacks and infighting with Dogo Gide, a notorious bandit leader Mallam Sadiku with whom he collaborated to stage high-profile attacks, including the 2022 Abuja-Kaduna train attack. Barely four months after its relocation, the group invaded Papiri, a community on the fringes of Kainji National Park, kidnapping over 300 Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna state on Thursday formally received all 183 residents of the Kurmin Wali community abducted by gunmen on 18 January, declaring that the safe return of every victim has vindicated his administrations quiet, security-first approach to governance. The governor spoke at the Government House, Kaduna, during a reception attended by top security officials and the freed victims, marking the end of 19 days of captivity for the abductees. PREMIUM TIMES reported on Thursday the return of the victims and how they were received at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim House, Kaduna, by the state government. According to Mr Sani, all those taken from the community in Kajuru Local Government Area had regained their freedom, stressing that the government would not have rested if even one person was still missing. Today, I can say without contradiction that all those abducted from Kurmin Wali have returned. We would not be sitting here if even one person was still in captivity, the governor said. He explained that 183 people were initially abducted, of whom 11 were released earlier and taken directly to the hospital, where they were treated. Of the remaining victims, 83 regained freedom earlier in the week, while the final 89 were rescued on Wednesday, bringing the total number of returnees to 183. Describing the day as one of joy, Mr Sani said the incident was particularly painful given the progress recorded in security across Kaduna State in the past two and a half years. He noted, however, that the government immediately mobilised all security agencies and relevant stakeholders upon the abduction. The governor expressed deep appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as consistent support and personal concern throughout the ordeal. He also thanked the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, for working closely with the state to ensure the safe return of the victims. According to him, the Kaduna State Government deliberately avoided politicising the incident or engaging in public disputes over figures, choosing instead to focus solely on the safe return of all abducted persons. For us, even one person abducted is unacceptable. That is why we refused to engage in media arguments. Our focus was clear to bring everyone back safely, he said. Government response and development plans As part of steps to prevent future attacks, the governor disclosed that he had approached the President and the National Security Adviser on the need to establish a military base along the KajuruKachia axis, particularly around the Regina area, which he described as a long-standing flashpoint along the KadunaAbuja corridor. He said President Tinubu had given assurances that the request would be granted. Mr Sani also announced that construction had commenced on the road linking Kurmin Wali to the main road, noting that work started last week. He added that a hospital and a skills-acquisition centre would also be built in the community to improve access to healthcare and create alternative livelihoods. The governor said the victims would not be returned home immediately, explaining that they would first undergo comprehensive medical examinations and psychosocial support in Kaduna to ensure complete physical and mental recovery. He added that the government would also provide livelihood support, as many had lost income during captivity. This is the Kaduna model working quietly with community leaders, religious leaders, youth leaders, local government officials and security agencies at the grassroots, he said. Background On 18 January, 183 residents of Kurmin Wali were abducted by gunmen in a shocking attack that drew national and international outrage. The victims, including men, women, and children, were taken from their homes and held for 19 days, despite ongoing security measures by the Kaduna State Government aimed at protecting lives in vulnerable communities. The abduction prompted urgent mobilisation by security agencies, including the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Department of State Services (DSS), working alongside state authorities. Through coordinated operations and intelligence-led efforts, the victims were gradually recovered: 11 were released early and treated in hospital, 83 returned a few days before the final operation, and the remaining 89 were rescued on 4 February. Justice Anthony Onovo of the Enugu High Court on Thursday ordered the British government to pay 20 million each to the families of the 21 coal miners killed in Enugu State in 1949 by the Colonial masters. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the massacre took place at the Iva Valley Coal Mine in Enugu on 18 November 1949, which was the administrative capital of the Eastern Region of British-administered Nigeria at the time. The miners were protesting harsh working conditions, racial disparities in wages and unpaid back wages, and when their demands were not met, they adopted a go-slow protest method and occupied the mine to prevent management from locking them out. This led the British superintendent to shoot and kill 21 coal miners and injure 51 others. The victims were Sunday Anyasodo, Ani Oha, Andrew J. Obiekwe Okonkwo, Augustine Chiwetalu, Onoh Ugwu, Ngwu Offor, Ndunguba Eze, Okafor Agu, Livinus Ukachunwa, Jonathan Agu Ozoani, Moses Ikegbu Okoloha and Chukwu Ugwu. They also include Thomas Chukwu, Simon Nwachukwu, Agu Alo, Ogbonnia Ani Chima, Nnaji Nwachukwu, William Nwaku, James Onoh Ekeowa, Felix Nnaji, and Ani Nwaekwe. The suit was filed by rights activist Greg Onoh, who sought an acknowledgement of liability, a formal apology from the British government, and comprehensive compensation for the loss of their loved ones. The respondents were the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs as the first respondent, the British government as the second respondent, and the Federal Government of Nigeria as the third. Others were the Attorney-General of the Federation and Head of the Commonwealth, Government of the United Kingdom as 4th and 5th respondents respectively. NAN reports that no counsel represented the 1st, 2nd, 5th and 6th respondents. Delivering the judgement, Justice Onovo described the massacre as an unlawful and extrajudicial violation of the right to life, holding the British colonial administration liable and ordering substantial compensation, formal apologies, and diplomatic action. According to him, the British government must be held accountable and must make reparations to the families of the 21 coal miners. This defenseless coal miners were asking for improved work conditions, they were not embarking on any violent action against the authorities, but yet were shot and killed. The 1st, 2nd, 5th and 6th respondents should pay 20 million per victim, totaling 420 million, payable by the British government as effective remedy and compensation for the violations of the right to life. They will also pay post-judgment interest at 10 per cent annum until fully paid, while claims for pre-judgement interest and exemplary damages are hereby refused, Justice Onovo held. He said that unreserved written apologies to the families, via their counsel, should be published in Nigerias Daily Sun, Daily Independent, and Punch, as well as in three major national newspapers in the United Kingdom, recognising the historical injustice. This, he said, must show proofs of publication filed in court within 60 days, ordering that the monetary awards would be satisfied within 90 days from the date of judgement. The judge added that the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Attorney-General had a constitutional duty under Sections 19(d) and 150(1) to pursue redress, and their prolonged inaction was held to constitute a dereliction of constitutional duty. Justice Onovo added that the Nigerian Government must initiate and pursue diplomatic engagement with the British side within 60 days to seek justice, effective remedies, and reparations. He, however, dismissed a preliminary objection based on sovereign immunity and affirmed its jurisdiction, stressing that grave historical injustices remained justiciable under Nigerias Constitution. The argument by the representative of the federal government that Nigeria was still under colonial rule when the killing was committed is hereby struck out, the judge held. Reacting to the judgement, counsels to the applicants, Yemi Akinseye-George, SAN, and P.N Agazie, described it as a historic and indication that governments anywhere in the world should not tolerate abuses and violations of any form, torture and taking of human lives without provocation. According to them, the judgement drew persuasive parallels with international precedents, including the United Kingdoms Mau Mau settlement, underscoring the continuing obligation to provide redress for serious human rights abuses. This ruling represents a significant milestone in the pursuit of historical accountability and justice for colonial-era violations, affirming that the right to life transcends time, borders, and changes in sovereignty, Mr Akinseye-George said. (NAN) A former governor of Benue State, Gabriel Suswam, on Wednesday officially joined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) few hours after his exit from Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Mr Suswam had earlier in the day resigned his membership of his erstwhile party, PDP, citing unending internal conflicts for his decision. The party that once stood as a symbol of cohesion, internal democracy and progressive opposition has, regrettably, become plagued by persistent and unresolved internal conflicts. These disputes, spanning leadership, structure, discipline and ideology, have been allowed to fester without any clear or credible pathway to resolution, the former governor had stated in his resignation letter. Mr Suswam expressed gratitude for the opportunities provided him by PDP. This decision has not been taken lightly. For decades, the PDP provided me with a platform to serve the Nigerian people in various capacities: as a member of the House of Representatives, as governor of Benue State and as a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. For these opportunities and the trust reposed in me at different times, I remain sincerely grateful, he further said. NAN reports that Mr Suswams defection into APC signal a significant political move by the two-term Benue governor and former senator who represented Benue North-east Senatorial District in the National Assembly between 2019 and 2023. The former governor, a founding member of PDP, had remained in the party for 27 years. Speaking after picking his membership card at Mbagber Council Ward, Logo Local Government Area of the state, Mr Suswam urged all his supporters to register for the party immediately. He also urged Benue people to support Governor Hyacinth Alia to fulfill his mandate. The former governor said that a formal ceremony would be held for him and his supporters at a later date. NAN reports that the Organising Secretary of APC in Benue, James Ornguga, presented the membership card to Mr Suswam on behalf the state chairman of the party. (NAN) In a decision that redefines the limits of federal immigration power, the court said that agents cannot carry out such detentions unless there is a real flight risk In a decision that redefines the limits of federal immigration power in Oregon, Federal Judge Mustafa T. Kasubhai ruled that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents may not make arrests without a warrant unless they determine, on a case-by-case basis, that there is a likelihood of escape. The judge described the agents practices as violent and brutal and warned that they continue to cause great, significant, and severe harm to individuals, families, and entire communities. The preliminary injunction, issued Wednesday after an all-day hearing in federal court in Portland, comes in the context of a class action lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security. With it, Oregon joins Washington, D.C., and Colorado in imposing restrictions on immigration arrests without a warrant. Kasubhai said there is ample evidence of a systematic pattern in which federal agents detain people without assessing whether they might actually flee before a warrant is obtained. Likelihood of escape considerations are not being made on a far-reaching scale, he said from the bench, while warning about raids that end in the arrests of people who were not even the targets of the operations. During the hearing, the judge reviewed videos of multiple ICE detentions in the state, which he described as disturbing. They show agents pointing guns, people thrown to the ground and handcuffed for civil violations. To be arrested by agents in the way that plaintiffs are being stopped is not a theoretical action, he said. Its violent, its brutal... Its excessive and defies human decency. The case was brought by Innovation Law Lab, a Portland-based nonprofit legal organization. Its executive director, Stephen Manning, described the challenged policy as a system of arrest first, justify later. In court, he warned that entire communities live in a constant state of fear. Going to work, coming home from work, driving on the highway, buying bread or hanging out with your family at home. Those are not existential threats for most of us, he said. But they are for immigrants and people perceived as immigrants Among the most impactful testimonies was that of Victor Manuel Cruz Gamez, a 57-year-old construction worker, grandfather, and resident of Oregon for more than two decades. Cruz Gamez tearfully recounted how he was detained last October while returning from work, despite having a valid work permit and being preliminarily accepted for a U visa as a victim of fraud. He spent three weeks detained at an ICE facility in Tacoma, Washington. They told me, Youre still an illegal, he recalled, covering his face with his hand. During his detention, he said he suffered extreme anxiety and constant fear. Upon returning home, his family spent weeks without opening the door for fear that ICE would return. I suffer from a lot of anxiety whenever I see any officer, he said. Another case cited was that of a woman identified as MJMA, who was arrested without a warrant on her way to work. At the hearing, it was revealed that an ICE supervisor signed an arrest warrant after she had already been detained. For the judge, these facts represent a direct violation of the due process guaranteed by the Constitution. The order states that every arrest made by federal agents without a warrant must be documented in narrative form, detailing why it was considered that there was a flight risk, along with information about the detainees family ties, employment, and community ties. Federal government attorneys argued that in a recent directive, ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons already reminded agents that they can only make arrests without a warrant when there is a real likelihood of escape. However, Kasubhai said he did not think Lyons memo reflected the reality on the streets. By also granting class action status, the judge extended the scope of the ruling to thousands of people in Oregon potentially exposed to arbitrary detention. Manning said he expects a return to decency, normalcy, and due process. Since last year, Oregon has become one of the main stages for intensified immigration operations by the federal government, with ICE and Border Patrol agents deployed on streets, highways, apartment complexes, and rural areas of the state after protests were held at ICE facilities in Portland, a sanctuary city. In September, President Donald Trump described the city as anarchy and war-ravaged, after which he announced a plan to send in the National Guard, which was canceled on December 31. Civil organizations and lawyers have documented an increase in arrests, as well as entries onto private property without warrants, as part of a more aggressive nationwide immigration enforcement strategy that has sparked months of protests, lawsuits, and growing tension between federal authorities and local communities. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, says political activities towards the 2027 general elections will not affect his capacity to deliver life-impacting projects to the territorys residents. Mr Wike gave the assurance when he inspected some ongoing projects in parts of Abuja on Wednesday. The minister had come under criticism for allegedly leaving his job in Abuja to engage in political activies in River State. Mr Wike a former governor of Rivers State, has been in a protracted political dispute with his succesdor, Governor Siminalayi Fubara. The minister explained that he has the capacity to handle both tasks effectively and efficiently, with more emphasis on service to the people. According to him, while politics is different from his task as FCT Minister, he has a duty to serve the people. He further stressed that politics has its own time and the work would continue to go on, stressing that the important thing was to pay the contractors and supervise them from time to time. I assure you, politics is not going to affect my work. The only way it will affect work is to make people happy by ensuring that the Renewed Hope Agenda is real and working, he said. Speaking on the inspected projects, the minister expressed satisfaction with the ongoing construction of the road linking Baze University, Body of Benchers, Nile University and the Wupa Light Rail Station in Idu Area of Abuja. He said that the contractor promised to deliver the project in May, and would be inaugurated to celebrate the third anniversary of President Bola Tinubu. Mr Wike, who equally inspected the ongoing construction of the Body of Benchers extension building, commended the progress so far, which he said was about 80 per cent completed with only landscaping remaining to complete the job. The minister equally inspected the ongoing construction of a 7km road, linking the Airport Road with Tunga Madaki and other communities in the area. He explained that the new road was in fulfillment of FCTA promise to the people to link them with other parts of FCT. He also directed that the process of linking the road with Zuba should commence. (NAN) The Lagos State Government has announced a six-week traffic diversion to facilitate repairs on the Apongbon Bridge and adjoining service lanes. In a statement posted on X on Wednesday, the Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, said the Federal Ministry of Works will fix failed asphalt sections of the ramp linking Inner Marina to Apongbon Bridge, as well as portions of the bridges inbound and outbound carriageways. The works will commence on Thursday (today), and run until 19 March. To ensure safety and smooth execution, the statement said sections of the affected roads will be temporarily closed, with alternative routes mapped out for motorists. Inbound traffic from Inner Marina will be redirected through the Apongbon under-bridge roundabout to Adeniji Adele Road, passing through Ebute Ero to access the ramp connecting Apongbon and Eko bridges. Motorists from Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), Third Mainland Bridge and Victoria Island will continue through Apongbon Bridge to Eko Bridge. During repairs on the inbound main carriageway, traffic from TBS and adjoining routes will exit at the under-bridge roundabout, proceed via Inner Marina, reconnect with the Apongbon service lane and continue onto Eko Bridge. Upon completion of inbound repairs, construction will shift to the outbound lanes. Motorists travelling from Eko Bridge toward Inner Marina will divert through Ebute Ero Ramp and Adeniji Adele Road to the Apongbon under-bridge roundabout. Traffic heading to Outer Marina, CMS, Victoria Island and Third Mainland Bridge will maintain movement on the bridge, except during repairs on the outbound main carriageway, when vehicles will be diverted via Ebute Ero Ramp, Leventis and Outer Marina/CMS. ALSO READ: Lagos govt demolishes shops under burnt Apongbon Bridge Motorists bound for Inner Marina will exit through Chapel Street to reconnect at the under-bridge roundabout. The repairs come nearly three years after a major fire in March 2022 severely damaged sections of Apongbon and Eko bridges, leading to prolonged closures and structural rehabilitation. The incident also prompted the demolition of illegal structures beneath the bridge. After about 15 months of repairs, the Federal Government reopened the bridge in July 2023, though intermittent palliative works continued afterwards. Mr Osiyemi urged motorists to exercise patience and comply with traffic management measures, assuring that personnel would be deployed to minimise congestion during the period. Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State has requested the approval of the Delta State House of Assembly for a bill seeking to repeal the Internal Revenue Service Law of 2020 and replace it with the Internal Revenue Service, Harmonised Taxes and Levies Law. The request was conveyed in a letter read at plenary on Wednesday in Asaba by the Speaker of the assembly, Dennis Guwor. Mr Oborevwori said the repeal had become necessary following the commencement of the federal governments Tax Reform Laws of 2025, which require states to realign their revenue and taxation laws with the new national tax framework. He explained that the proposed legislation was designed to merge the existing Internal Revenue Service Law of 2020 with relevant provisions of the Tax Reform Laws of 2025 into a single, comprehensive and harmonised law. He noted that the consolidation would enhance ease of doing business in the state by ensuring that all matters relating to taxation, revenue collection, and tax administration are clearly addressed under a unified legal framework. The governor also emphasised that aligning the states tax laws with the federal reforms would promote uniformity, clarity and efficiency in Nigerias tax system. Mr Oborevwori added that the proposed law would also help to curb issues such as multiple taxation and regulatory overlap. In a separate letter, Mr Oborevwori submitted the names of nominees for screening and confirmation as members of the Delta State Judicial Service Commission. The nominees include Joseph Ojo, representing the Nigerian Bar Association; James Obeuwou, representing the Delta South Senatorial District; and Fun-Ebi Edoyabo, also representing the Delta South Senatorial District. The governor explained that the nominations followed the expiration of the tenure of three out of the four non-ex-officio members of the commission, necessitating their replacement in line with constitutional provisions. Following the presentation of the letter, the speaker directed the nominees to submit 35 copies of their curriculum vitae to the Office of the Clerk of the House on or before 10 February. He also announced that the screening exercise for the nominees would take place on 11 February. (NAN) Former CEO of the defunct ADC Airlines and veteran pilot, Augustine Okon, says Nigeria can still reclaim its position as Africas leading aviation hub if the country commits to safety-driven reforms, institutional discipline and long-term investment in people and infrastructure. Mr Okon made the statement in late January during an aviation stakeholders session held at the conference room of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) in Lagos, where regulators, airline operators and aviation professionals gathered to review the state of Nigerias aviation industry. Speaking of Nigerias aviation history, Mr Okon recalled a period when Nigerian pilots and engineers operated intercontinental flights and performed major aircraft maintenance locally. He said Nigerian professionals once flew Boeing 707s, 747s, and DC-10s on long-haul routes to Europe and North America and performed full C-check maintenance on Boeing 737 aircraft in Lagos. Yet today, Nigeria has no national carrier and no meaningful in-country maintenance capacity, Mr Okon said. According to him, Nigerias aviation decline was not caused by a shortage of skilled manpower, but by policy inconsistency, weak institutions, and failure to sustain long-term aviation strategies. He noted that Nigerias population of more than 220 million people, strategic geographic location, and growing domestic air travel market still place the country in a strong position to lead aviation development in West and Central Africa. Mr Okon said any credible aviation revival must be anchored on safety, describing it as a culture that should define the entire aviation ecosystem. He called for a technically strong and independent NCAA that operates free from political interference and meets or exceeds International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards. He added that modernising Nigerias airspace is essential to improving operational efficiency and safety, noting that enhanced surveillance systems, modern communication and navigation infrastructure, and digital air-traffic management would significantly strengthen the sector. A case for MRO facility in Akwa Ibom On aircraft maintenance, Mr Okon said Nigeria must urgently reduce its reliance on foreign maintenance facilities. He identified Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, as a viable foundation for developing a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) centre, supported by additional facilities in Lagos and Abuja. He said expanding local maintenance capacity would save foreign exchange, improve aircraft availability and deepen the technical skills of Nigerian aviation engineers. Mr Okon also emphasised the importance of human capital development, describing the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Zaria, as central to Nigerias aviation future. He said upgrading the aviation college to global standards would allow most pilot and cabin crew training for aircraft operating in Nigeria to be conducted locally under ICAO-approved programmes. He noted that sustained investment in training infrastructure and international partnerships would position Nigeria as a regional aviation training hub and a source of skilled professionals for other African countries. Addressing the long-standing absence of a national carrier, Mr Okon said Nigeria needs a more resilient model that avoids the pitfalls of full government ownership and the vulnerability of isolated private operators. He said a structured framework that protects international traffic rights and long-haul operations while allowing domestic airlines to retain operational independence would strengthen the sector and preserve institutional continuity. According to him, consistent implementation of aviation reforms could significantly expand Nigerias aviation workforce over the next decade and boost contributions to gross domestic product, employment and foreign-exchange earnings. Aviation is not built by chance, Mr Okon said. It is built by vision, strong institutions and skilled people. If Nigeria gets safety, training and maintenance right, the country can move from recovery to leadership in African aviation. The 82 Division, Nigerian Army, has assured traders in the Onitsha Main Market, Anambra State, and traders in other economic centres in the South-east region of security and safety. This is contained in a statement issued by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations 82 Division, Olabisi Ayeni, on Tuesday in Enugu. Mr Ayeni, a lieutenant colonel, said that traders and other law-abiding citizens would be protected with every necessary measure. According to him, security forces remain fully deployed, on alert, while intelligence-led kinetic operations are ongoing to dismantle the remnants of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its militant wing, ESN, from their hideouts. The Headquarters, 82 Division, wishes to commend the courageous and patriotic traders of Onitsha Main Market for their patriotic decision to reopen their businesses after years of succumbing to empty threats of enemies of the nation. This bold step represents a collective stand for peace, security, and economic progress in Anambra State and the South-East region. For years, criminal elements masquerading as freedom fighters have been instilling fear and undermining the livelihoods of hardworking citizens. Their action, which was designed to instil fear, cripple commerce, destabilise communities, and erode confidence in government institutions, has long been defused, but the courage of these patriotic traders has authenticated the giant strides by the security agencies. By rejecting intimidation and resuming business, they have demonstrated resilience and a firm commitment to peace and progress, Mr Ayeni said. He urged all residents to continue their lawful activities without fear, shun intimidation and embrace courage in the face of empty threats. The divisions spokesman further said that the Nigerian Army stands ready to defend the people against those who are bent on ruining the economic prosperity of the South-east. All criminal elements are hereby warned to lay down their arms, renounce violence, and embrace peace. Unrepentant criminals will face the full weight of the law and the decisive force of the security agencies, as no hiding place will shield them from justice. The division reiterates its unwavering commitment to the protection of all citizens, the security of life and property, and the defence of Nigerias sovereignty. We further call on the public to disregard false threats intended to undermine the peace support efforts of the security agencies, he said. Mr Ayeni assured that the division would continue to work closely with civil authorities, traditional institutions, and other security agencies to ensure lasting peace and security throughout the state. He encouraged members of the public to provide credible information on any security threat to enable prompt action, adding that, together, we would defeat all acts of terrorism. Army appreciates Anambra govt The divisions spokesperson said that the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division and Commander Joint Task-Force South-East OPERATION UDO KA, Oluremi Fadairo, appreciated the political will of the Anambra State Government. Mr Fadairo, a major-general, was quoted as saying that the state governments support had been instrumental in the ongoing efforts to end terrorism and restore normalcy in the region. The government collaboration with security agencies has strengthened confidence and provided the enabling environment for commerce to thrive, the GOC added. Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra ordered the markets closure about a week ago after visiting it and observing that shops were closed in compliance with IPOBs sit-at-home. The market reopened on Monday after traders reopened their shops in defiance of IPOBs illegal directive. (NAN) The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has faulted the refusal by the Senate to approve electronic transmission of election results and voter card downloads aimed at giving credibility to future elections and INECs efficiency. This is contained in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, on Thursday in Abuja. The PDP had earlier faulted Senates refusal to approve electronic transmission of election results to INEC IREV. Mr Abdullahi condemned the Senate for rejecting Electoral Act reforms, warning that the development threatens election credibility in Nigeria. The party also faulted the decision by the upper chamber to reduce election notice periods and shorten the timelines for the publication of the list of candidates. It urged Nigerians to resist the changes and called on the Electoral Act Conference Committee to overturn the Senates decision and pass people-driven amendments. The Senate also voted against key reforms that would have allowed for the electronic download of voter cards from the INEC website. They reduced the notice period for elections and shortened the timeline for the publication of candidatesnames from 150 days to 60 days, it said. The party noted that the proposed provisions were intended to provide necessary safeguards against electoral abuse and restore voter confidence in the electoral process. As Nigerias leading opposition party, the ADC unequivocally condemns this retrogressive action of the Senate and calls on all Nigerians to reject it, the statement said. Meanwhile, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, had during the plenary on Wednesday, refuted the claim that the Senate did not pass the electronic transmission of results. He noted that the Senate retained Clause 60 relating to the electronic transmission of election results, as proposed. The social media is already awash with the fact that the Senate has rejected electronic transmission. That is not true. Electronic transmission has always been in our hearts. And what we did was to retain the electronic transmission, which has been in our hearts, and which was used in 2020. So, please, do not allow people to confuse you. If you are in doubt, we will make our final votes and proceedings available to you if you apply and you are entitled, so that youll see. This Senate, under my watch, has not rejected electronic transmission of results. Its in my interest as a participant in the next election for such to be done. So, please dont go with the crowd. We have retained what was in the previous provision. Thats all we did, Mr Akpabio had said. The PDP had earlier condemned Senates rejection of the electronic transmission of election results. (NAN) The Senate on Wednesday passed a bill to amend Nigerias Electoral Act, strengthening the countrys electoral system and aligning it with current realities. The amendment bill was approved after lawmakers engaged in over five hours of debate and clause-by-clause consideration. The clauses were examined at the Committee of the Whole, after which the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, announced their passage following a majority voice vote. The bill had generated controversy since its introduction in the upper chamber. Unlike the House of Representatives, where it passed without dissent, several provisions sparked disagreement among senators, prompting the Senate to establish an ad hoc committee to harmonise the contentious clauses. The ad hoc committee was chaired by the Senator representing Ondo Central, Adeniyi Adegbonmire. Details of the disputed clauses were not immediately clear, as most deliberations were held behind closed doors. For instance, on 29 January, when the bill was first scheduled for passage, senators went into a closed-door session that lasted over three hours without reaching a resolution. The Senate subsequently constituted the ad hoc committee and rescheduled consideration of the bill. On Tuesday, lawmakers again met in a closed-door session for over five hours but were unable to reach a compromise, leading to a further deferment until Wednesday, when the bill was eventually passed. What the amended Act provides One of the major decisions taken by the lawmakers was the rejection of the proposal to make the electronic transmission of election results from polling units to the Independent National Electoral Commissions Result Viewing Portal (IREV) mandatory after vote counting. Instead, under Clause 60, the Senate retained the provision in the 2022 Electoral Act that allows election results to be transmitted to the collation centre. On voter identification under Clause 47, lawmakers rejected a proposal to allow alternative forms of identification for voting other than the Permanent Voter Card (PVC). Rather, they replaced smart card readers with the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) for accreditation and voting, thereby retaining the PVC as the sole mandatory means of identification at polling units. Initially, the bill had proposed that since BVAS does not read the microchip embedded in PVCs, the card should no longer be compulsory for voting, allowing the use of the National Identification Number (NIN), Nigerian passport, or birth certificate. However, the Senate disagreed with this proposal and retained the PVC as the primary mode of voter identification. On Clause 22, which prescribes penalties for PVC-related offences, lawmakers rejected a proposed 10-year jail term for the buying and selling of PVCs. Instead, they retained the two-year imprisonment term and increased the fine from 2 million to 5 million. Regarding proof of non-compliance, the Senate deleted Clause 142, which would have allowed parties to prove non-compliance solely through original or certified documents without oral evidence. The lawmakers, during the clause-by-clause consideration, argued that the provision would amount to a waste of time in court. On ballot paper inspection, Clause 44 retained the existing procedure, which gives political parties two days to submit written approval or disapproval of their representations on sample ballot papers. INEC is also required to invite parties to inspect sample electoral materials at least 20 days before an election. The Senate amended Clause 28 of the electoral timetable by reducing the period within which INEC must publish a notice of election from 360 days to 180 days. Under Clause 29, the deadline for political parties to submit their list of candidates was reduced from 120 days to 90 days before the election. To curb vote buying, lawmakers amended Clause 22 to impose stiffer penalties, increasing the fine for offenders from 500,000 to 5 million. On post-election disputes, the Senate amended Clause 136 by removing the power of election tribunals to declare winners outright in certain circumstances. The amendment now provides that, where a candidate is found not to have been validly elected for failing to secure a majority of lawful votes, a rerun election shall be conducted, with the disqualified candidate and the sponsoring party barred from participating. This section contradicts the provision of the 2022 Electoral Act, which provides that where an election tribunal nullifies an election on the ground that the candidate with the highest votes was not qualified, the candidate with the second-highest number of valid votes should be declared elected. Akpabio addresses criticisms Responding to criticisms over the Senates decision on electronic transmission of results, Mr Akpabio insisted that the amendment did not abolish electronic transmission. Distinguished colleagues, the social media is already awash with reports that the Senate has literally rejected electronic transmission of results. That is not true. What we did was to retain the electronic transmission, which has been in the Act and was used in 2022. So please, do not allow people to confuse you. If you are in doubt, we will make our final votes and proceedings available to you if you apply. This Senate under my watch has not rejected the electronic transmission of results. It is in my interest as a participant in the next election for such to be done. So please dont go with the crowd. We have retained what was in the previous provision by way of amendment. That was all we did. The previous previous has made allowance for electronic transmission. So it is still there as part of our law. We cannot afford to be going backwards, Mr Akpabio said. The upper chamber passed the Electoral Act Amendment Bill a few hours after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) urged it to pass the bill. At a meeting with the Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Abuja, the commissions Chairman, Joash Amupitan, had asked the Senate to expedite action on the bill to avoid negatively impacting its plan and preparations for the 2027 polls. The House of Representatives has since passed the bill and transmitted it to the Senate for concurrence. The President-General of Igbo sociopolitical organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, John Azuta-Mbata, has asked President Bola Tinubu to adequately fund the operations of the newly created South-east Development Commission (SEDC) to stimulate healing of old wounds inflicted on the Igbo-speaking people of the region in the past. Mr Azuta-Mbata spoke on Wednesday at the ongoing four-day South-east Vision 2050 Regional Stakeholders Forum in Enugu. Organised by the SEDC, the event which began on Tuesday, is aimed at charting a unified socio-economic development roadmap for the South-east and repositioning the region as a global industrial hub by 2050. In attendance were Vice-President Kashim Shettima, ministers, and House of Representatives members. Others were Governors Alex Otti (Abia), Francis Nwifuru (Ebonyi), Charles Soludo (Anambra) and the host governor, Peter Mbah (Enugu). Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma was represented by the Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly, Chike Olemgbe. Healing old wounds Mr Azuta-Mbata, while making his remarks, argued that the South-east has been instrumental in Nigerias development, especially through entrepreneurship and innovation, but that the region continues to suffer marginalisation since the end of the Nigerian Civil War. It would be dishonest not to acknowledge that over the years, feelings of exclusion, neglect and unresolved grievances have taken root in parts of our region. These sentiments, if left unaddressed, can weaken national cohesion, Mr Azuta-Mbata said. The Ohanaeze leader said the SEDC can play a dual role, driving development in the South-east and functioning as a vital instrument of reconciliation and healing. I respectfully appeal to the federal government to fully utilise the South-east Development Commission by providing it with appropriate and sustained funding. This will not only accelerate development, but also help assuage lingering ill feelings, rebuild confidence and heal old wounds in Igboland, he stated. Mr Azuta-Mbata stressed if the Nigerian government adequately supports the commissions development plan for the South-east, it would demonstrate the governments commitment to equity and justice for the region. Earlier, while declaring the event open, the Chairperson of the SEDC, Emeka Wogu, said the forum underscored the importance of collaboration among federal and state government as well as regional institutions in addressing structural development challenges. Mr Wogu said the gathering was intended to integrate a unified, long term development programme for the South-east. The South-east Vision 2050 is intended to provide a consistent rally and development framework that completes existing steps and national development plan, he said. Oh his part, the Managing Director of the SEDC, Mark Okoye, explained that the decision to organise the event came about when officials of the commission visited state governors from the South-east to gain their insights on the effective development plan for the region. Mr Okoye said during those engagements, the governors separately pointed out the need for stable power supply and regional collaboration as pathway for shared prosperity of the region. In the coming months, this forum will translate into a prioritised pipeline for region wide projects for financing strategy and shared implementation framework. I think a month is too long. We will deliver this document in matter of six to seven weeks even we have to deny ourselves some sleep, he said. The Senate on Wednesday at plenary paid glowing tribute to the late Okechukwu Ezea, the Enugu North senator, who died on 18 November, 2025 at the age of 62. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mr Ezea, born on 11 August, 1963, represented Enugu North Senatorial District on the platform of Labour Party (LP). NAN also reports that before commencement of the valedictory session, the remains of late lawmaker were laid in state at the foyer of the senate chamber. The late senators wife, children and relatives were present at the session, following revocation of Senate Order 12 to allow strangers into the chamber. Tributes in honour of the late lawmaker followed a motion by Senate Majority Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele (APC-Ekiti), that the Senate should pay the tributes. Mr Bamidele said that the news of Mr Ezeas death came as a profound shock to the Senate. It silenced a calm but principled voice in this chamber and robbed the nation of a patriot who believed very deeply in service, equity and the supremacy of the public good, he said. According to him, Mr Ezeas passing has left a void that will not easily be filled, describing him as a legislator of rare disposition, guided always by conscience. He brought to this Senate not only the mandate of his people but also a quiet wisdom that enriched our debates and strengthened our deliberations, he said. The Senate majority leader also noted that the late senator showed unwavering commitment to national unity. He said that beyond the formalities of lawmaking, Mr Ezea was a gentle colleague and bridge builder who related with members across party lines and regions with humility and mutual respect. Mr Bamidele said that the deceased had a sincere desire to improve the lives of his constituents and advance the collective interests of the country. As an industrialist, he could be better described as a colossus, a think tank for several boards of both private and public sectors. He was a leader in his notable appointment; he carried the hopes of Enugu North with dignity and discharged its responsibilities with honour through the sponsorship of bills and motions. He came, he saw and he excelled; his brilliance will shine forever, Mr Bamidele said, condoling the family, people of Enugu State and Nigerians in general. Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, said that the Senate was overwhelmed with grief, saying that it had lost a brother and a friend in Ezea. He was one of those faithful servants of the republic who laboured with us tirelessly; a distinguished son of Ibo high chief, a very highly educated personality who has carried his knowledge to the great beyond. Though he may not live to see the fulfillment of his promises, I believe he has departed this world, assured that Nigeria is on the right path. Deputy Senate President, Barau Jubrin (APC-Kano), described Mr Ezea as a good man who stood for what he believed in, saying that the Senate had lost a friend, brother and colleague. Other senators also took turns to pay tributes to the late senator which lasted about three hours. Enyinnaya Abaribe (APGA-Abia) said Mr Ezea was a role model to his constituents, stressing that his people had organic love for him. Victor Umeh (LP-Anambra) said the people of Enugu North were grieved over the death of Mr Ezea, describing him as a great man who would be greatly missed by his people. Mr Umeh said Mr Ezea was a colossus in so many ways, especially in human capital development, while he was a friend of all. Osita Ngwu (PDP-Enugu) said that the late lawmaker was a firm and courageous person, describing him as a person of positive deposition. Kelvin Chukwu (APC-Enugu) said Mr Ezea was a man of integrity who stood for his belief and convictions. The senate, thereafter, offered Christian and Muslim prayers for the repose of the late senators soul, while also observing a minute silence in his honour. It resolved to send a delegation to condole with his family, the government and people of Enugu State. The Senate also resolved to send a high powered delegation to attend the final burial of the late senator. The senators, thereafter, embarked on a procession to inspect the remains of the late lawmaker. (NAN) The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has urged the Senate to reconsider its decision rejecting the mandatory electronic transmission of election results from polling units to the Independent National Electoral Commissions (INEC) Result Viewing Portal (IREV). The opposition party said that making electronic transmission compulsory would curb vote-buying and other electoral malpractices. The PDP spokesperson, Ini Ememobong, said this in a statement on Wednesday, shortly after the Senate passed an amendment to the Electoral Act. Mr Ememobong argued that the lawmakers rejection of electronic transmission shows a lack of commitment to electoral integrity and democratic consolidation. This rejection is a clear indication that the National Assembly is not willing or ready to legislate for electoral sanctity and democratic consolidation. This is indeed a sad day for electoral democracy. We hereby call the National Assembly to immediately reconsider its stand on this matter and take steps to pass the amendment approving the electronic transmission of results, he said. He called on the National Assembly to immediately reconsider its position and approve the electronic transmission of results. The party also warned that the amendment, if left unchanged, could worsen voter apathy ahead of the 2027 general elections. This is the minimum amendment that can increase faith in the electoral process, without which the apathy will be worse than the last general election, which is greatly unhelpful to democracy. Electoral Act amendment Earlier on Wednesday, the Senate passed amendments to the 2022 Electoral Act after more than five hours of debate and clause-by-clause consideration. One of the major decisions taken by the lawmakers was the rejection of the proposal to make the electronic transmission of election results from polling units to the Independent National Electoral Commissions Result Viewing Portal (IREV) mandatory after vote counting. Instead, under Clause 60, the Senate retained the provision in the 2022 Electoral Act that allows election results to be transmitted to the collation centre. On voter identification under Clause 47, lawmakers rejected a proposal to allow alternative forms of identification for voting other than the Permanent Voter Card (PVC). Rather, they replaced smart card readers with the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) for accreditation and voting, thereby retaining the PVC as the sole mandatory means of identification at polling units. Initially, the bill had proposed that since BVAS does not read the microchip embedded in PVCs, the card should no longer be compulsory for voting, allowing the use of the National Identification Number (NIN), Nigerian passport, or birth certificate. However, the Senate disagreed with this proposal and retained the PVC as the primary mode of voter identification. On Clause 22, which prescribes penalties for PVC-related offences, lawmakers rejected a proposed 10-year jail term for the buying and selling of PVCs. Instead, they retained the two-year imprisonment term and increased the fine from 2 million to 5 million. Regarding proof of non-compliance, the Senate deleted Clause 142, which would have allowed parties to prove non-compliance solely through original or certified documents without oral evidence. The lawmakers, during the clause-by-clause consideration, argued that the provision would amount to a waste of time in court. On ballot paper inspection, Clause 44 retained the existing procedure, which gives political parties two days to submit written approval or disapproval of their representations on sample ballot papers. INEC is also required to invite parties to inspect sample electoral materials at least 20 days before an election. Under Clause 29, the deadline for political parties to submit their list of candidates was reduced from 120 days to 90 days before the election. To curb vote buying, lawmakers amended Clause 22 to impose stiffer penalties, increasing the fine for offenders from 500,000 to 5 million. On post-election disputes, the Senate amended Clause 136 by removing election tribunals power to declare winners outright in certain circumstances. The amendment now provides that, where a candidate is found not to have been validly elected for failing to secure a majority of lawful votes, a rerun election shall be conducted, with the disqualified candidate and the sponsoring party barred from participating. This section contradicts the provision of the 2022 Electoral Act, which provides that where an election tribunal nullifies an election on the ground that the candidate with the highest votes was not qualified, the candidate with the second-highest number of valid votes should be declared elected. Appeal to lawmakers Mr Ememobong urged lawmakers to remember their responsibility to represent the will of the people. We charge our lawmakers to remember that they are delegates of power invested in them by the voters in their various constituencies and must endeavour to mirror their desires and wishes at all times. It is common knowledge that the majority of Nigerians all across the 109 Senatorial Districts desire electoral sanctity which is better guaranteed through the electronic transmission of votes from the polling units. We are all witnesses to the widespread practice of altering results before it gets to the collation centre or at the collation centre. This electronic transmission would have brought an end to this ignoble practice that has been deployed by politicians to win elections against the wishes of the people expressed through the ballot, he said. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has approved the registration of two more political parties, bringing the total in the country to 21. INEC Chairperson, Joash Amupitan, a professor, disclosed the approval on Thursday during the first regular consultative meeting with Political Parties this year. He listed the new political parties as the Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA) and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). Mr Amupitan explained that while the commission vetted and approved the DLA as a political party, INEC registered the NDC as a political party in compliance with a court order. The Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja, Kogi State, in Suit No. FHC/LKJ/CS/49/2025 between Barr Takori Mohammed Sanni & Ors v. INEC ordered the commission to register the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) as a political party, he said. Political Party registration Last year, INEC received 171 requests from associations seeking to be registered as political parties. The commission disqualified 157 in the first stage of scrutiny, leaving only 14. Of the 14, Mr Amupitan said only eight successfully uploaded their documents on the commissions dedicated portal. He listed them as: All Democratic Alliance (ADA), Citizens Democratic Alliance (CDA), Abundance Social Party (ASP), African Alliance Party (AAP), Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA), Green Future Party (GFP), National Democratic Party (NDP) and the Peoples Freedom Party (PFP). However, only two qualified for final assessment and verification of due compliance with the Constitution and the Electoral Act, Mr Amupitan said. After due consideration, only the Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA) was found to have complied fully with the requirements of the law. Accordingly, the Commission has decided to register the Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA) as a political party, effective from today, 5th February 2025. Furthermore, the Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja, Kogi State, in Suit No. FHC/LKJ/CS/49/2025 between Barr Takori Mohammed Sanni & Ors v. INEC ordered the Commission to register the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) as a political party. The Commission has decided to comply with the order and is being registered as a political party. Certificate of Registration will be handed over to the two new political parties in due course, he added. Political Parties in Nigeria There are now 21 political parties in Nigeria. They are: Accord (A), Action Alliance (AA), African Action Congress (AAC), African Democratic Congress (ADC), Action Democratic Party (ADP), All Progressives Congress (APC), All, Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Action Peoples Party (APP), Boot Party (BP), Labour Party (LP), National Rescue Movement (NRM) and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP). Others are the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Social Democratic Party (SDP), Young Progressive Party (YPP), Youth Party (YP), Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA) and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation HADIN KAI, have arrested a suspected logistics supplier to ISWAP terrorists and facilitated the safe repatriation of 700 Nigerian refugees from Cameroon into Borno. A credible military source revealed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja. The source said the second phase of the voluntary repatriation of Nigerian refugees from Cameroon was successfully conducted at the Banki border in Bama Local Government Area. He said that troops of 152 Task Force Battalion, alongside other security agencies, provided maximum security during and after the exercise to ensure the safety of the returnees. According to him, about 700 returnees arrived at the border on 31 January and were subsequently integrated into Banki town under a coordinated security and humanitarian framework. Relief materials, including mats and accommodation support, were provided by the Federal Government through the National Refugee Commission in collaboration with the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), with the Borno State Government facilitating distribution, he said. The source further revealed that combined troops of 273 Task Force Tank Battalion and 29 Task Force Brigade apprehended a suspected ISWAP/JAS logistics supplier at Jakana village in Konduga Local Government Area of Borno on Monday. According to him, preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect, an indigene of Jakana, had been providing logistics support to terrorist elements operating within the area. The suspect is currently in military custody for further interrogation. He said the troops of Battle Group IV, while on offensive operations along the Mulumkoloye axis of Konduga Local Government Area, recovered two bicycles, sacks of vandalised cables and iron rods suspected to have been abandoned by criminals on sighting the advancing troops. He added that troops of 73 Battalion, supported by the Civilian Joint Task Force and Hybrid Force, conducted cordon and search operations at Mashirmami general area in Konduga to flush out suspected terrorists and their collaborators. The military source said the series of successes underscored sustained pressure on terrorist networks, degraded their logistics chains and reinforced ongoing efforts to restore security and normalcy across the North-East. (NAN) Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticised the Senates decision to reject the mandatory electronic transmission of election results in the amendment of Nigerias Electoral Act, describing it as a sign that lawmakers are unwilling to subject elections to public scrutiny. Atiku, one of the key promoters of the coalition seeking to unseat President Bola Tinubu, said the decision amounts to a deliberate assault on Nigerias electoral system. In a statement issued on Thursday, the former vice president warned that the rejection would undermine electoral reforms and weaken transparency, credibility, and public trust in the countrys democratic process. The decision of the Nigerian Senate to reject the real-time electronic transmission of election results is a deliberate assault on electoral transparency. This ill-advised action represents a grave setback for electoral reform and a calculated blow against transparency, credibility, and public trust in Nigerias democratic process, he said. Preference for opaque system Atiku, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), berated the Senate for the decision, arguing that the lawmakers prefer an opaque electoral system that protects loopholes rather than promotes transparency. At a time when democracies across the world are strengthening their electoral systems through technology, the Nigerian Senate has chosen to cling to opacity, protect loopholes, and preserve a system that has historically enabled manipulation, tampering, and post-election disputes, he said. The former vice president, who came second in the 2023 presidential election, maintained that electronic transmission of results would significantly reduce human interference and manipulation during and after vote counting. Real-time electronic transmission of results is not a partisan demand; it is a democratic safeguard. It reduces human interference, limits result manipulation, and ensures that the will of the voter, expressed at the polling unit, is faithfully reflected in the final outcome. To reject it, and adopt what is obviously a face-saving provision of the 2022 Act on electronic transmission of results is to signal an unwillingness to submit elections to public scrutiny. Questions over 2027 elections The former vice president questioned the rationale behind the Senates decision and linked it to concerns about the ruling partys commitment to conducting free, fair, and credible elections in 2027. This decision raises troubling questions about the commitment of the ruling political establishment to free, fair, and credible elections in 2027. Nigerians cannot ignore the pattern: every reform that strengthens transparency is resisted, while every ambiguity that benefits incumbency is preserved. Atiku insisted that elections should reflect the will of the people and not be determined through manipulation or institutional failures. I have consistently maintained that democracy must evolve with time, technology, and the legitimate expectations of the people. Elections must be decided by voters, not by manual delays, backroom alterations, procedural excuses or even by the courts, which section is shamelessly standing on the mandate of the incumbent. He called on Nigerians, civil society organisations, the media, and the international community to oppose the amendment, insisting that the country deserves a transparent and verifiable electoral process. I call on Nigerians, civil society organizations, the media, and the international community to take note of this regression and to continue demanding an electoral system that reflects modern democratic standards. Nigeria deserves elections that are transparent, verifiable, and beyond manipulation. Anything less is an injustice to the electorate and a betrayal of democracy. Electoral Act amendment On Wednesday, the Senate passed amendments to the 2022 Electoral Act after more than five hours of debate and clause-by-clause consideration. One of the major decisions taken by the lawmakers was the rejection of the proposal to make the electronic transmission of election results from polling units to the Independent National Electoral Commissions Result Viewing Portal (IREV) mandatory after vote counting. Instead, under Clause 60, the Senate retained the provision in the 2022 Electoral Act that allows election results to be transmitted to the collation centre. On voter identification under Clause 47, lawmakers rejected a proposal to allow alternative means of identification for voting aside from the Permanent Voter Card (PVC). Rather, they replaced smart card readers with the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) for accreditation and voting, thereby retaining the PVC as the sole mandatory means of identification at polling units. Initially, the bill had proposed that since BVAS does not read the microchip embedded in PVCs, the card should no longer be compulsory for voting, allowing the use of the National Identification Number (NIN), Nigerian passport, or birth certificate. However, the Senate disagreed with this proposal and retained the PVC as the primary mode of voter identification. On Clause 22, which prescribes penalties for PVC-related offences, lawmakers rejected a proposed 10-year jail term for the buying and selling of PVCs. Instead, they retained the two-year imprisonment term and increased the fine from 2 million to 5 million. Regarding proof of non-compliance, the Senate deleted Clause 142, which would have allowed parties to prove non-compliance solely through original or certified documents without oral evidence. The lawmakers, during the clause-by-clause consideration argued that the provision would amount to a waste of time in court. On ballot paper inspection, Clause 44 retained the existing procedure, which gives political parties two days to submit written approval or disapproval of their representations on sample ballot papers. INEC is also required to invite parties to inspect sample electoral materials at least 20 days before an election. Under Clause 29, the deadline for political parties to submit their list of candidates was reduced from 120 days to 90 days before the election. To curb vote buying, lawmakers amended Clause 22 to impose stiffer penalties, increasing the fine for offenders from 500,000 to 5 million. On post-election disputes, the Senate amended Clause 136 by removing the power of election tribunals to declare winners outright in certain circumstances. The amendment now provides that where a candidate is found not to have been validly elected for failing to score the majority of lawful votes, a rerun election shall be conducted, with the disqualified candidate and the sponsoring party barred from participating. This section contradicts provision of the 2022 Electoral Act, which provides that where an election tribunal nullifies an election on the ground that the candidate with the highest votes was not qualified, the candidate with the second-highest number of valid votes should be declared elected. The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, Abuja, on Thursday, sentenced Roberts Orya, a former managing director of the Nigerian Export Import (NEXIM) Bank, to 10 years imprisonment for fraud he perpetrated while in office. Trial judge F.E Messiri held that the prosecution proved its case beyond every reasonable doubt and found the defendant guilty as charged. The judge sentenced the former NEXIM Bank chief to 10 years imprisonment on each of the 49 counts brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). However, the judge ordered the sentences to run concurrently, implying the convict will only spend 10 years in prison. EFCC arraigned Mr Orya in November 2021, charging him with abuse of office as managing director of NEXIM Bank, a position he held from August 2009 to July 2016. The commission alleged in the charges that Mr Orya used his office to divert NEXIM Banks N1.4 billion tthrough fraudulent loan awards. In one of the counts, the prosecution accused Mr Orya of inducing NEXIM to pay N488 million to Treasure Mix Construction Limited as a loan under the pretence that the directors of Luxurium Leisure Services Limited, a company with ownership traced to him, applied for and were the beneficiaries of the said loan. The commission said Mr Orya took this action, with intent to defraud, on 21 September 2011, while serving as NEXIMs director-general. According to EFCC, Mr Orya perpetrated similar fraud by inducing NEXIM to pay N630 million to Treasure Mix Construction Limited under the same circumstances on 19 February 2013. The commission said the actions constituted an offence contrary to section 1 (1)(b) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act 2006 and punishable under section 1 (3) of the same Act. He was also accused of incorporating the company, Luxurium Leisure Service Limited, using the names of non-existent persons and others without their consent, and proceeded to grant loans to the company which remained unpaid years after. The defendant pleaded not guilty to all 49 counts, setting off a full trial that came to an end with Thursdays judgement. In the course of the trial, which lasted over four years, the prosecution led by Samuel Ugwuegbula, called seven witnesses. The judge ruled on Thursday that the evidence tendered by the prosecution proved Mr Orya was guilty of all 49 counts. NEXIM, a government-owned development financial institution established in 1991 to diversify Nigerias economy by promoting, financing, and supporting the non-oil export sector. It provides export credit guarantees, insurance, and loans to small and medium enterprises, acting as a key policy bank for economic development. The case involving Mr Orya highlights how officials have taken advantage of the noble goals of the establishment for personal gains. Pre-trial battles Allegations of compromised loan disbursement and procedural abuses sullied Mr Oryas administration. For instance, in 2019, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) accused Mr Orya of corruption and fraud. The CBN accused his administration of plotting the removal from office of its deputy governor in charge of the Economic Policy Directorate, Joseph Nnanna. However, Mr Orya described the accusations of fraud in the disbursement of loans against him as wild, inappropriate, unacceptable and untrue. In 2021, the High Court of Benue State awarded N50 million as damages against the NEXIM Bank over the unlawful arrest and detention of Mr Orya by the EFCC and the Inspector General of Police (IGP). The court reprimanded the EFCC and the IGP for turning themselves into tools of persecution in the hands of the NEXIM Bank authorities, and ordered them to apologise to Mr Orya. The court gave the judgement following a fundamental human rights suit Mr Orya filed against the EFCC, the IGP, NEXIM Bank, the State Security Service (SSS), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and the Code of Conduct Bureau. Mr Orya alleged that the EFCC arrested and detained him for four days before he was requested to continue to report daily and then weekly for the period covering 2016 to 2018. Thereafter, in October 2017, the NEXIM Bank management wrote to the now defunct Special Presidential Investigation Panel for the Recovery of Public Property (SPIP) and Mr Orya was apprehended and detained in Abuja for four days. Mr Orya served as the managing director of NEXIM Bank between 2009 and 2016. The then-President Umaru YarAdua appointed him to the position for the first term of five years on 14 August 2009. Then-President Goodluck Jonathan reappointed him on 18 August 2014. But he did not complete the second term as he was removed from office amid myriads of allegations of fraudulent awards of NEXIM Banks loans. The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and the State Security Services (SSS) to investigate a court registrar, Nasiru Zubairu, and the second defendant, Daudu Sulaiman, over alleged tampering with evidence in an ongoing N10 billion fraud trial. The order followed a disclosure by the judge, James Omotosho, that the registrar allegedly confessed to him that Mr Sulaiman approached him to delete certain WhatsApp messages from a mobile phone admitted as Exhibits N and O in the case. In his ruling on Thursday, the judge played what he described as the registrars confession in open court and directed Mr Zubairu to publicly narrate what transpired between him and the defendant. I have to disclose it because that is what the Chief Judge told us, to ensure we disclose such a thing as early as possible. We have a policy of discovery and disclosure at the Federal High Court. We have zero tolerance for this kind of attitude. The person involved is here, I will call him so that you will hear from the horses mouth, the judge said in a statement shared with PREMIUM TIMES by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) spokesperson Dele Oyewale on Thursday. Mr Sulaiman is the second defendant in a N10 billion money laundering trial in which he is charged alongside Ali Bello, a nephew of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello. Ali and his co-defendants in the case face prosecution for allegedly diverting N10 billion in Kogi States funds during Mr Bellos tenure as governor of the state. Mr Bello himself is facing fraud charges before two separate court on charges that stemmed from his activities during his eight years in office as governor. Addressing the court during Thursdays proceedings, Mr Zubairu, the registrr, admitted that the second defendant allegedly approached him and asked what he needed. He said he told Mr Sulaiman he had accommodation challenges. I was asked to delete certain information, some WhatsApp messages in the exhibits, on the promise that I would be given a house, the registrar told the court. Mr Omotosho subsequently granted permission to the Director of Public Prosecution, Rotimi Oyedepo, who is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), to lead the prosecutions investigating officer, Muhammed Abubakar, an operative of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), to confirm whether chats had indeed been deleted from the phone. Mr Abubakar informed the court that several messages contained in Exhibits N and O, spanning 2020 to 2022, had been deleted. Earlier, Mr Omotosho asked the registrar to specify which chats he had deleted. Mr Zubairu said he could not recall the details but admitted that he had opened only two chats. I cant remember, but I opened only two chats, he told the court. Under further examination, EFCC operative Muhammed Abubakar informed the court that several messages between 3 and 28 December 2020, were missing. He noted that there was no entry for 23 December, as the conversation stopped on 22 December and resumed on 29 December 2020. Mr Abubakar added that while a message dated 13 January 2021, reading Abdurasheed will bring it to Abuja now was still present, subsequent entries had been deleted. He further stated that messages from 22 January 2021, including Hudu will bring it now, were missing, as were entries from 26 January 2021, such as Hudu is bringing N100m. Other deleted messages cited in court included: N60m is on transit from Friday they are on their way coming (January 30, 2021); Hudu is on his way to Abuja he is also coming with N30m; Mr Ododo has collected N50m and will be coming tomorrow to Abuja (August 30, 2021); Hudu is on his way, coming with N93m, N7m for TJ and for 2 Jan 2022; and a February 28, 2022, message referencing Mr Rabiu. Mr Abubakar told the court that he had previously come across these deleted chats during the course of his investigation. Call for forensic examination, bail cancellation Reacting, Mr Oyedepo urged the court to order a forensic investigation of Exhibit N and to revoke the second defendants bail. There is a very urgent and irresistible suspicion that Exhibit N, which contains crucial evidence, has been tampered with, he said. Lawyer to the defendant expressed shock at the development but urged the court to await the outcome of the forensic investigation before taking further steps. Mr Omotosho directed the police and SSS to investigate the alleged tampering and adjourned the case to 9 February, for continuation of the trial. Background The trial has been ongoing since the EFCC filed charges against Messrs Bello and Sulaiman in 2022, accusing them of fraud and money laundering involving Kogi State Government funds. Mr Bello, the Chief of Staff to the currently Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, is the first defendant, while Mr Sulaiman is the second. Other persons named but not directly charged in the case include Abdulsalami Hudu, the cashier of the Kogi State House Administration, and former Governor Yahaya Bello. In February 2024, Mr Omotosho dismissed a motion seeking to strike out the 17 amended counts filed by the EFCC, ruling that the prosecution was entitled to amend charges before judgement and that the alleged offences, including property acquisitions and foreign exchange transactions, fell within the Abuja jurisdiction. The defendants were ordered to take their pleas. In June 2024, the trial was adjourned to 15 July after cross-examination of EFCC witness Olom Egoro, a staff member of Access Bank. Egoro testified that the EFCC requested bank statements related to the Kogi State Government House account between 2018 and 2021, detailing deposits and withdrawals, including N10 million in multiple tranches. He clarified that there was no record linking Bello to any transactions and that the banks ICT Department, not the compliance unit, manages the servers generating transaction data. READ ALSO: Lagos govt unveils programme for collecting used cooking oil from residents In April 2025, Mr Omotosho also threatened to send the EFCC case file to the Chief Judge, John Tsoho, for reassignment following a complaint by Mr Bellos lawyer, Abubakar Aliyu, also SAN. Mr Aliyu alleged that the EFCC published inaccurate accounts of court proceedings on its website, claiming Mr Bello purchased a house at Ikogosi Close in Maitama District and later returned related documents. The judge warned that publishing fictitious stories about court proceedings could undermine public confidence in the judiciary and affect the integrity of the court. Experts and top government officials have offered insights on how Nigeria can convert its gas reserves into reliable electricity supply and broad-based economic growth. This conversation comes against the backdrop of the recently launched Gas Master Plan by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd), which seeks to reset the countrys gas development trajectory Speaking at a session themed Unlocking Nigerias Gas Advantage for Power, Industry and Growth, the Authority Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Saidu Mohammed, described Nigerias gas market as one of enormous potential but limited economic impact. Nigeria was still a dwarf concerning the micro gas market, and there lies the challenge. How can we use this source to develop not only the energy market, but also develop the catalyst and the propellant of all other sectors of the economy, he said. According to him, gas should be the foundation for growth across agriculture, industry and social development. Gas is not just an energy commodity. It is an economic enabler. Without gas, there is no electricity, without electricity there is no industrial growth, and without industrial growth, there is no economic development, he added. Mr Mohammed lamented Nigerias challenges with electricity generation despite decades of reforms, noting that output remains largely unchanged from levels achieved more than 20 years ago. About 25 years ago, we celebrated 4,500 megawatts of electricity generated. Twenty-five years later, we are still hovering around 5,000 megawatts or so, he said. He stressed that the challenge is not installed capacity but gas supply constraints and weak commercial arrangements. It is not because there is no generating capacity. There are up to 13,000 megawatts. But the fundamental question is every time you hear no gas, no gas, no gas. Questioning power producers, he added: The question I always keep on asking the power plants is: how much gas did you buy that was not delivered? When we ask those questions, you hardly get an answer, the NMDPRA boss said. Missing link At the heart of Nigerias gas-to-power challenge, Mr Mohammed argued, is the absence of firm commercial gas arrangements. If we dont move to commerciality, we will not move those molecules called gas. Gas is a commodity that is sold before you even start drilling for it, he explained. Without guaranteed buyers, he said, producers have little incentive to invest. If there is no buyer for gas, you dont look for it. You just cap your wells and move forward. Mr Mohammed said the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) has introduced a framework aimed at correcting past distortions in gas pricing, supply and regulation. PIA has come and with it has come some transformation. It makes sure that we are placed on the right path to developing what we have as a resource called natural gas. Under the PIA, regulators are mandated to determine domestic gas demand requirements, which form the basis of supply obligations. That is the starting point of the domestic gas supply obligations. He added that differentiated pricing for power, gas-based industries and commercial users is essential for sustainable market growth. Drawing from experience, Mr Mohammed stressed that gas infrastructure development is critical to unlocking industrial growth. Wherever you find a gas line, you will see industries springing up, he said. He cited the LagosAbeokuta corridor as evidence of how pipeline infrastructure attracts manufacturing investments. You just need to drive from Lagos to Abeokuta and see how many industries are springing up because there are pipelines carrying gas. According to him, similar industrial revival could occur nationwide if infrastructure development is accelerated. Governments gas-to-power push Also speaking on Thursday, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Obongemem Ekpo, said natural gas remains central to Nigerias transition to a cleaner, more secure and inclusive energy future. It is our bridge fuel, linking todays realities with tomorrows low-carbon ambitions, he said. He highlighted infrastructure and policy measures being implemented to maximise gas sector efficiency. Today, gas fuels over 70% of Nigerias on-grid electricity generation. But to power our industrialisation ambitions, we are strengthening the entire gas-to-power chain, the minister said. According to him, government priorities include long-term, commercially viable gas supply agreements for power plants and sustained implementation of the National Economic Council-approved gas-to-power debt resolution framework. Other measures include expansion of pipelines, processing plants and metering systems, deeper collaboration with the power sector to remove bottlenecks, and the establishment of a National Gas Infrastructure Command Centre to monitor and optimise gas infrastructure nationwide, as approved by President Bola Tinubu. Tighter network discipline Mr Mohammed warned that the era of informal gas supply arrangements is ending, stressing the need for discipline across the gas network. Gone are the days when gas will be supplied on best endeavour. Shrinkage must be defined within acceptable world-class operators limits. He added: Shippers must be disciplined to take what they ask for, and what they ask for must be put in the right quantity and right quality. Addressing concerns around financing fossil fuel projects, the regulator said gas should not be viewed as incompatible with sustainability. Gas is not contradictory to sustainability. It is a bridge fuel. As a matter of fact, gas is not only a transition fuel, it is the ultimate fuel. Nigeria, he said, must balance expanded gas utilisation with cleaner technologies. In closing, Mr Mohammed urged stakeholders to move beyond rhetoric and focus on delivery. Lets move the potential to performance. We cannot continue to talk about reserves and potentials. If we get it right, gas will not only power the economy, it will shape the development of this great nation, he said. Some opposition senators have said the Electoral Act amendment passed by the Senate on Wednesday accommodates the electronic transmission of election results. The lawmakers said this at a press briefing at the National Assembly. Those at the briefing were Enyinnaya Abaribe (APGA, Abia South), Abdul Ningi ( PDP, Bauchi Central), Austin Akobundu (PDP Abia Central), Peter Jiya (PDP Niger South), Ireti Kingibe (ADC FCT), Victor Umeh (LP Anambra Central), Binos Yaroe (PDP Adamawa South), and Kabeeb Mustapha (PDP, Jigawa South West). Others were Khalid Mustapha (PDP Kaduna North), Mohammed Ogoshi Onawo (APC Nasarawa South), Aminu Tambuwal (PDP Sokoto South), Tony Nwoye (LP Anambra North) and Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP Kogi Central). Mr Abaribe, who spoke on behalf of the lawmakers, said confusion over the provision arose from side conversations during the clause-by-clause consideration of the amendment bill in plenary. Yesterday, the Senate did not, I repeat, did not reject transmission of results as contained in the 2022 Act. What we passed is transmission of results. The distinction is important. What is in the 2022 Act is transfer, but we do not want a law that is vague or capable of misinterpretation. We want a law that is clear, concise and unambiguous electronic transmission of results, he said. Mr Abaribe said both the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters and the ad hoc committee recommended electronic transmission of results, a position he said was agreed upon during the clause-by-clause consideration. On the honour of all of us standing here, both the Senate electoral committee, the ad hoc committee and the executive session agreed on the provision for electronic transmission of results in real time. Confusion arose due to movements and side conversations in the chamber, giving the impression that something different had been approved. We went back individually to confirm what was done, and we were reassured, he said. However, Mr Abaribes comments appear to contradict the Senates outcome on the bill on Wednesday. During the clause-by-clause review, lawmakers rejected a proposal seeking to make the electronic transmission of election results from polling units to the Independent National Electoral Commissions Result Viewing Portal (IREV) mandatory after vote counting. Instead, under Clause 60, the Senate retained the provision in the 2022 Electoral Act that allows election results to be transmitted to the collation centre. Neither Mr Abaribe nor any of the senators who addressed journalists publicly opposed the clause during plenary. After the passage of the bill, however, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, attempted to address criticisms, insisting that the amendment did not abolish electronic transmission of results. For Nigerian NGOs that remain active into 2026 and continue to deliver impactful work despite funding constraints, this is a period of forced innovation, building new networks, leveraging new funders, and collective action to advocate for sustainable funding for the sector. On 20th January 2025, the American government issued Executive Order 14169 (EO 14169), which effectively ended 65 years of USAIDs assistance to Nigeria, rolled out in 1961 with grants to four major colleges of agriculture in Nigerian universities in Ibadan, Nsukka, Zaria, and Ife. An in-depth review of USAIDs official assistance to Nigeria between 2002 and 2024 shows a steady progress in the US commitment to Nigerias development. From a $90 million obligation in 2002, the first fiscal year following Nigerias return to civilian rule and recertification, to a high point of US$1 billion for the budget year 2023, USAIDs commitment to Nigeria grew exponentially. By 2024, USAIDs obligated funds to Nigeria fell slightly to $930.2 million. For most of these 65 years, USAID applied a programming model in Nigeria, favouring US Implementing Partners, with disproportionate funding going towards US consultants fees, grants to US prime implementing partners, and US technical assistance firms. What most people dont know is that at the cusp of USAIDs departure from Nigeria, the Mission was the only development partner with a definitive localisation policy shaped by Grand Bargain commitments, with goals and targets for increased funding to Nigerian NGOs and reduced grant awards to US partners. Over a ten-year period, USAID official data, accessed in 2024, reports that direct funding to local Nigerian partners increased from 4.2 per cent in 2002 to 10.2 per cent in 2022, as a percentage of obligated funds. Under the USAID localisation programming policy, direct funding was awarded to Nigerian partners, including NGOs, coupled with capacity-strengthening support and CSO sector-wide network development. Nigerian NGOs in HIV/AIDS programming were the main beneficiaries of this localisation model in the development sector. In 2025, as USAID closed out its Nigeria programmes, one interesting programme which shut down was an intervention designed to leverage learning from the Missions localisation experiences in the development sector for application to Nigerias humanitarian sector. This was a formative study by the Fritz Institute (USA), titled Humanitarian Supply Chain Management Partnership for Localisation, commissioned by USAID-Washington and implemented under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Economic Planning and Budgeting. The development Research and Projects Centre (dRPC) had a supportive role in this important project, providing technical assistance to review and improve research tools for field administration. With USAIDs exit from development and humanitarian spaces in Nigeria, NGOs in the humanitarian space lost the opportunity to benefit from the Fritz humanitarian study. In the development sector, several leading Nigerian NGOs, which received direct funding, lost their grants. Also losing funding were thousands of smaller sub-grantee NGOs, working under bigger NGOs to deliver services at the community level. Since April 2025, Nigerian NGOs working in multiple areas, including youth entrepreneurship; climate justice; public health advocacy; school safety; awareness creation to reduce the high and growing rates of zero-dose children; and human rights, have been forced to close out programmes, shut down offices, and disengage staff. For Nigerian NGOs that remain active into 2026 and continue to deliver impactful work despite funding constraints, this is a period of forced innovation, building new networks, leveraging new funders, and collective action to advocate for sustainable funding for the sector. On 24 October, 2025, the Nigerian offices of three charitable foundations the MacArthur Foundation; the Ford Foundation; and Luminate convened a pivotal Dialogue to discuss the important question of the future of resilience for Nigerian NGOs, sans big donor funding. For five hours, NGOs, development partners, researchers, and thought leaders, discussed, debated and explored questions around the keynote presentation by The Nextier Group, before arriving at strategic recommendations on how to build sustainability and resilience for the Nigerian NGO sector. While many of the recommendations put the onus on NGOs to think differently and to work smarter in order to leverage new funders and use new business models, recommendations also challenged development partners to be more innovative in providing strategic support for sustainability and resilience. One important issue I raised at the close of the Dialogue was the need to reframe the issue of NGO sustainability and resilience within a broader context of localisation in development assistance. While USAID has left, localisation, USAIDs flagship downward accountability policy priority, should not leave Nigerias official assistance space. I pointed to a strategic opportunity that now exists to shore-up the NGO sector in Nigeria by mainstreaming localisation principles into Nigerias National Official Development Assistance (ODA) policy, currently under review by the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning. This can be done by weaving into the ODA Policy, intentional guidelines for funding and capacity-strengthening support for local Nigerian NGOs working at national and sub-national levels across the value chain of development and humanitarian programming. As Nigerian NGOs face the headwinds of 2026 with limited grant assistance opportunities, much more must be done to provide fit-for-purpose funding, similar to the small grants awarded by the dRPCs NGO Support Initiative (NSI) with Ford Foundation support; by ACT Trust Foundation; by Global Affairs Canada; Irish Aid; and the Hungarian Governments Mission to Nigeria. But perhaps equally important is the new opportunity that has arisen for the government to provide direct funding to Nigerian community-based civil society organisations through new initiatives such as the Renewed Hope Ward Development (RHWD) programme. The good news is that the grants award process for the RHWD opened in 2026; the not-so-good news is that the process only accepts applications from individuals through Ward Coordinators. While this is a commendable initiative, greater impact can, no doubt be achieved with minimal redesign to include the thousands of community and self-help groups across the country working to improve the lives of vulnerable Nigerians. Judith-Ann Walker holds a PhD in International Development, from the ISS, the Hague; is a member of the Presidential-High Level Council on Women and Girls (P-HiLAC), Nigeria; and the Executive Director of the dRPC. [email protected] Beyond the political exchanges lies the more important issue: the substance of the reforms. Nigerias economy has for decades suffered from weak revenue mobilisation, a narrow tax base, and inefficient administration. The new tax laws are intended to modernise the system, improve coordination among revenue agencies, and reduce leakages steps that are essential if the country is to fund infrastructure, social services, and economic diversification without unsustainable borrowing. Every administration is ultimately judged by its willingness to confront difficult structural problems. For President Bola Ahmed Tinubus government, tax reform represents one such necessary but challenging intervention, designed not for political convenience, but for long-term national stability and economic renewal. The recent controversy surrounding the newly enacted tax laws, particularly claims of falsification and lack of transparency, deserves to be addressed with calm, facts, and institutional respect. The leadership of the National Assembly has spoken clearly. Senate President Godswill Akpabio has affirmed that the laws signed by the President reflect what was duly passed by the legislature, while the House of Representatives has taken additional steps to reassure the public through the release of Certified True Copies and the activation of internal review mechanisms. These actions demonstrate a functioning democracy, not a failing one. It is important to separate legitimate oversight from unhelpful alarmism. Nigerias constitutional system already provides structured avenues for resolving legislative concerns, and those avenues are currently being utilised. To continue to project suspicion while these processes are ongoing risks weakening public confidence in institutions at a time when unity and clarity are required. Beyond the political exchanges lies the more important issue: the substance of the reforms. Nigerias economy has for decades suffered from weak revenue mobilisation, a narrow tax base, and inefficient administration. The new tax laws are intended to modernise the system, improve coordination among revenue agencies, and reduce leakages steps that are essential if the country is to fund infrastructure, social services, and economic diversification without unsustainable borrowing. President Tinubu has been consistent in his reform agenda, from fiscal policy to broader economic restructuring. These reforms are not without short term discomfort, but history shows that nations that shy away from reform in the face of resistance ultimately pay a higher price. International economic assessments continue to emphasise that fiscal discipline and domestic revenue generation are key to Nigerias growth prospects and macroeconomic stability. Public debate is healthy, but it must be informed. Much of the current uproar appears driven by speculation, rather than careful engagement with the actual provisions of the tax laws. Constructive criticism should be anchored in evidence and proposed improvements, not in narratives that suggest institutional bad faith without proof. The tax laws are now operational. The administration has acted within the law, the legislature has exercised its oversight responsibilities and there are no discrepancies. At this point, the national interest is best served by shifting focus from controversy to implementation, ensuring clarity, compliance, and public understanding. Governance is not advanced by endless dispute, but by steady, responsible action. The Tinubu administration has made its intentions clear, to place Nigeria on a firmer economic footing through necessary reforms. The task before citizens and leaders alike is to engage constructively, allow institutions to do their work, and support policies that are aimed at securing a more resilient and prosperous Nigeria. The task before us now is to make them work transparently, fairly, and for the benefit of all. Aderonke Atoyebi is the Technical Assistant on Broadcast Media to the Executive Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service. Disregard for democratic values that might have concerned the US in a former life is no longer an issue. In the current dispensation, if its not critical minerals which the Sahelian states have in abundance or the promise of a nice piece of real estate, forget it. Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger three rogue states that have formed an Alliance of Sahelian States (AES) to resist external pressure from ECOWAS on military rule have just won the biggest diplomatic jackpot beyond their wildest imagination. Not even a sorcerer would have guessed that, as a reward for their delinquency, this trio would receive support, endorsement actually, from the dominant power in the world since World War 2 the United States. But much better than prodigals, they are about to receive flowers for their waywardness. According to the BBC, Nick Checker, head of the US State Departments Bureau of African Affairs, would visit Malis capital, Bamako, to convey the United States respect for Malis sovereignty and chart a new course in relations, moving past policy missteps. The statement adds that the US also looks forward to cooperating with Malis allies, neighbouring Burkina Faso and Niger, on shared security and economic interests. New Possibilities Or What? Forget the diplomatese and sugar-coating! This is a declaration of intent, and it states, even in its nebulous ambiguity, that the US has cut all pretences and will do or undo business with anyone, anywhere, without hesitation, on a whim. The days of thoughtful, considered diplomacy are over. In Niger, the military junta of General Abdourahamane Tchiani had expelled 800 US troops from the large drone base Washington had built in Agadez, after the Biden administration demanded a roadmap to restore democracy in Niamey. Trump may well roll back the tanks with a deal, any deal to undercut or compete with Russia and its Wagner agents, Nigers new super ally, while France remains bitter, despised and stranded. To spite France for President Emmanuel Macrons condemnation of Russias invasion of Ukraine, President Vladimir Putin had launched a foray into Francophone West Africa. President Donald Trump might well have taken a leaf from the Kremlins playbook after Macron censured his Greenland fantasy. This massive oxygen tank from the most unlikely quarters is a boost not just for delinquents elsewhere, but also for a whole new phase of Americas transactional politics, thanks to President Trump, the deal-maker who strikes deals without moral or institutional qualms. Even the saying, no sentiment in business, was never such an absolute Machiavellian riposte. It would be interesting to see how the subregion responds, especially since it has nothing near the gift of cunning or leverage that Europe used to dissuade Trump from grabbing Greenland. Before the rapprochement, the US had placed the three AES members on its comprehensive travel ban list, a measure the countries immediately reciprocated. The Price of Delinquency But its not only the global powers that may need to reset their interests. The way things are going, ECOWAS, which has had a torrid time convincing the military leaders of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger that coup-making is unacceptable, now has to contend with America warming up to Mali and co. The trios exit has had real negative consequences for the affected countries and the subregion as a whole. Although there isnt sufficient quantitative data yet, the three countries, with an estimated combined population of 73 million, comprise 15 per cent of ECOWAS total population, 50 per cent of its landmass, and contribute about 7 per cent of its GDP. Even though they are landlocked, losing them has impacted the size of the regional market. In Niger, one of Americas potential new brides, food prices have risen by an estimated 21 per cent, while the countrys budget has fallen by about 40 per cent due to regional sanctions. In the region as a whole, household mobility and intra-regional trade have decreased, as have the numbers of migrant workers, students, and families who regularly move across borders for work, education, or healthcare. Diplomatic efforts to bring them back have failed, either bungled in haste or sabotaged by the new military leaders, who have little appetite, if any, for a return to civilian rule. Why make peace when war is an option? Cauldron Game This is the cauldron into which we must now factor the Trump administrations opportunism. Instead of mediating the crisis in a way that benefits ECOWAS and the US, the president decides to rub salt in the subregions wound. It would be interesting to see how the subregion responds, especially since it has nothing near the gift of cunning or leverage that Europe used to dissuade Trump from grabbing Greenland. Before the rapprochement, the US had placed the three AES members on its comprehensive travel ban list, a measure the countries immediately reciprocated. Does this new course mean a reversal of the US missteps, which also affect Sierra Leone, while seven ECOWAS members, including Nigeria, are on the partial ban list? Captain Ibrahim Traore of Burkina Faso has scrapped the legal framework that allowed multiparty democracy and dissolved all political parties. At the same time, the reports from Bamako and Niamey do not indicate any immediate plans to return to civil rule. The current mood in the worlds major power centres does not suggest any need for haste. Mum Is the Word Theres yet no official response to the indications of back-pedalling by the US, either from the AES, ECOWAS or the AU. One clear thing, though, is that such a step will further drive a wedge between the subregion and its delinquent states. However, it is unlikely that they would gamble their present relationship with Russia, warts and all, for a roller-coaster ride with the US. The motive of the US is not to enable a stable, cohesive, interdependent subregion capable of deepening trade and cooperation. Its yet another subversive attempt by Trumps administration to smash, grab and convert any critical resources that it can find at any cost. A variant of this strategy first played out with South Africa, where Trump insisted on a non-existent White genocide to create discord, and then later in Nigeria, where he used the excuse of a Christian genocide to raise sectarian tensions. Subversion As Diplomacy His administration appears to have gone up a notch, with covert meetings between leaders of Alberta separatists, committed to breaking away from Canada, and members of the US State Department. Administration officials claim that the meetings have involved a civil society group, and not official members of the separatist movement. Yet, Trumps unrelenting covetousness has made it difficult for some to believe that this is not in furtherance of his Project 51st US State. While the Trump administrations interest in Alberta may also be to spook stubborn Prime Minister Mark Carney, the common thread between Alberta and the Sahel is critical minerals. The military leaders in the AES know that with this US president, business trumps rogue politics. They have spurned any idea of a political transition and are instead preparing for a lifetime in office. Disregard for democratic values that might have concerned the US in a former life is no longer an issue. In the current dispensation, if its not critical minerals which the Sahelian states have in abundance or the promise of a nice piece of real estate, forget it. The Fire Next Time Captain Ibrahim Traore of Burkina Faso has scrapped the legal framework that allowed multiparty democracy and dissolved all political parties. At the same time, the reports from Bamako and Niamey do not indicate any immediate plans to return to civil rule. The current mood in the worlds major power centres does not suggest any need for haste. The rogue states can take their time, as we wait for the fire of diplomacy by subversion to make its next fall. Azu Ishiekwene is Editor-In-Chief of LEADERSHIP and author of the book,Writing for Media and Monetising It. As part of his administrations resolve to position Jigawa State as Nigerias hub for forage production and agribusiness, Governor Umar Namadi is currently leading a high-level technical learning mission to the Republic of Argentina. The mission, conducted in partnership withEL-Meena Farms Limited and international partners, including the Alkhorayef Group of Saudi Arabia, centres on the industrialisation of the alfalfa value chaina critical component of Governor Namadis agricultural transformation agenda. The delegation is studying the world-class agricultural ecosystem in the Province of Cordoba, a region whose semi-arid conditions are similar to those of Northern Nigeria. The mission aims to replicate Argentinas Cluster model, which integrates smallholder farmers into a high-tech industrial hub for domestic feed security and international export to Middle Eastern markets. The governor and his team engaged in intensive field and industrial assessments designed to provide a blueprint for Jigawas agricultural evolution. The team visited Biofarma S.A., a prominent Cordoba-based leader in animal nutrition, to explore advanced health and feeding protocols essential for upgrading Jigawas livestock sector. The team visited the Nafosa and Pellfood plants where they were provided hands-on exposure to mega-baling, high-density compaction, and pelleting technologies. The delegation equally toured expansive Alfalfa, soy, and corn fields, observing high-productivity agronomic management and efficient water-use irrigation technologies. This mission is not merely a study tour; it is a foundational step toward creating jobs and boosting the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of our state, Governor Namadi stated. By adopting these Argentine industrial blueprints, we are ensuring that Jigawa State transitions from traditional farming to a commercial, export-oriented powerhouse. A technical team including the Commissioner for Ministry of Livestock Development, Dr Abdurrahman Salim Lawal, and the Director General of the Jigawa Agriculture Transformation Agency (JATA), Dr Saifullahi Umar accompanied the governor. The mission is expected to conclude with formalised joint ventures and technical partnerships that will see immediate implementation at El-Meena Farms and across Jigawas agricultural clusters. Chairperson of the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), Zacch Adedeji, has canvassed a paradigm shift in dependence on raw material exports to one that embrace ideas, innovation and the production of complex products as a pathway to sustainable economic growth and national prosperity. Mr Adedeji made the submission while delivering the maiden distinguished personality lecture of the Faculty of Administration, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, on Thursday. A statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Dare Adekanmbi, said Mr Adedeji, in the lecture entitled, From Potential to Prosperity: Export-led Economy, stressed the need to rethink growth through the lens of complexity by not just producing more of the same stuff. He lamented that Nigeria possesses a high-tech oil sector and low-productivity informal sector as well as lacking the vibrant, labour-absorbing industrial base that serves as a bridge to higher complexity. The NRS chairperson stated that Nigeria witnessed stagnation in its exportation drive for three decades between 1998 to 2023, and only added six new products in its export basket list between 2008 and 2023. Because of our current position, the Harvard Atlas concluded that we are positioned to take advantage of very few opportunities to diversify using what we already know. Mr Adedeji urged Nigeria to learn from the world by comparative study of success and failure like Vietnam, Bangladesh, Indonesia, South Africa and Brazil. We are not just looking at numbers in a vacuum; we are looking at the strategic choices made by nations like Vietnam, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Brazil, and South Africa over the same twenty-five-year period. While there are many ways to underperform, the path to success is remarkably consistent: it is defined by a clear strategy to build economic complexity. When we put these stories together, the divergence is clear. Vietnam used global trade to build a resilient, complex economy, while the others remained dependent on natural resources or a single low-tech niche. There are three big lessons here for us in Nigeria as we think about our roadmap. First, avoiding the resource curse is necessary, but it is not enough. You need a proactive strategy to build productive capabilities. Vietnams success came from integrating itself into Global Value Chains (GVCs). They positioned themselves as the assembly hub for the worlds electronics, importing high-tech parts and exporting finished products. This allowed them to borrow technology and management skills from abroad to build their own know-how. Nigeria, on the other hand, remains a supplier of raw materials to these chains, not an active participant within them. We must realise that productive capabilities are not permanent. The examples of South Africa and Brazil show us that you can actually lose your industrial edge if you are not careful. Over-reliance on the easy path of resource extraction creates economic and political incentives that crowd out the difficult, long-term work of building an industrial base. He added that for Nigeria, which is at an even earlier stage of development and even less diversified than these nations, the warning is stark. Relying solely on our natural endowments isnt just a path to stagnation; its a path to regression. The global economy increasingly rewards knowledge and complexity, not just what you can dig out of the ground. If we want to move from potential to prosperity, we must stop being just a source of raw materials and start being a source of ideas, innovation, and complex products. He added that President Bola Tinubu has already begun the difficult work of rebuilding the economy to ensure collective knowledge to innovate, produce and build a resilient economy. The journey from potential to prosperity is not a short one, but with the right map and the right resolve, it is a journey we can finally complete, he added. African leaders have been urged to protect their sovereign autonomy, with warnings that failure to do so could leave the continent perpetually dependent despite its vast natural endowments. This admonition was given yesterday at the strategic policy workshop held at the Nigeria Institute of International Affairs in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the assassination of General Muhammed Muritala, Nigerias former Head of State with the theme Has Africa Come of Age? Muritala Muhammeds Pan-African Vision 50 Years After, jointly organised by the Muritala Muhammed Foundation (MMF) and The Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA). In his welcome remarks, the Director-General, Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Dr Eghosa Osaghae, stressed that it is time Africans reclaimed their assertiveness on the global stage, arguing that Africa is no longer an appendage of world powers but an emerging centre of influence in a multipolar world. Commenting on General Muritalas historic speech that Africa has come of age, which was delivered on 11 January 1976, at an OAU extraordinary summit in Addis Ababa, Dr Osaghae noted that indeed Africans must tackle its challenges with local solutions, adding that continued dependent on foreign aids would not yield positive outcome. He said: When General Muritala said Africa had come of age, he was saying to the world, dont think Africa is an appendage anymore. Dont think Africa is what you like to put today as copycat. To say Africa has come of age is actually to put on the stamp the meaning of strategic autonomy. And I just say that Africa has become its own voice, its own master. Africa has now insisted that it must only follow tracks and tractions that are determined by Africa for Africans. And so today, it resonates very well when we say African solutions to African problems. In her remarks, the Chief Executive Officer of the foundation, Dr Aisha Muhammed-Oyebode, lauded her father for his commitment to Pan-Africanism, which according to her, elevated the status of Nigeria and Africans on the global stage. Reflecting on her fathers enduring influence on Nigerias governance and Africa, Mrs Muhammed-Oyebode emphasised that her father stood at the forefront of Africas liberation struggle. She described her fathers popular saying that Africa has come of age, as a rallying cry that continues to resonate in Africas pursuit of unity and independence in international affairs. Mrs Muhammed-Oyebode explained that the event was organised to serve as inspiration for young Africans to embrace careers in diplomacy, governance, and international development in other to address the challenges facing the continent. In his keynote address, Professor of Political Science and former Nigeria Minister of External Affairs, Bolaji Akinyemi, described the late former Head of State as a man of several parts. He said that Murtala Muhammed was recognised for bringing out the pride in Nigeria, whose efforts to governance is unparalleled. Akinyemi underscored the significance of the theme of the workshop and the urgency of honest self-assessment as Africa navigates a rapidly evolving global order. To say that Africa has come of age is not a declaration of perfection, but a recognition of responsibility, Prof. Akinyemi stated. Coming of age demands that we critically examine our political maturity, economic resilience, institutional strength, and cultural confidence. It requires confronting unfinished business from independence, and asserting Africas clarity and confidence in global affairs. Speaking on the panel session, the Deputy Research at the NIIA, Dr Joshua Bolarinwa, argued that Africa is yet to fully realise the vision of self-reliance and courageous leadership articulated by the late general nearly five decades ago. He noted that the statement related to the current leadership deficit currently affecting Africa, urging the leaders to take responsibility in defending Africas destiny with willingness and determination. In his submission, President of the Nigerian Political Science Association (NPSA), Prof Hassan Saliu, also said that Africa and Nigeria are yet to fulfil the vision of General Murtala Muhammed especially on issues of sovereignty defence, unity, liberation and freedom as contained in his Addis Ababas speech. A yet unknown number of people have been killed in Woro, a remote community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, by suspected Boko Haram terrorists during an attack that lasted several hours. A Kwara government official said 75 people have been confirmed dead. But residents say the casualty could be much higher. The assault came weeks after the group reportedly sent a letter to the district head of Woro, Salihu Umar, notifying him of their intention to visit the community for [radical] preaching, residents and local leaders told PREMIUM TIMES. Woro is located on the fringes of Kainji National Park, a vast forest reserve covering about 5,341 square kilometres. The area has increasingly become a hideout for armed groups, including Boko Haram and Ansarulocally known as Mamuda. While Ansaru has operated in the area since around 2020, Boko Haram fighters moved into the forest in July last year, PREMIUM TIMES learnt. Our reporter spoke with multiple residents of Woro and a community leader in Kaiama to piece together details of the attack. The residents spoke from hiding. A night of terror The attack began around 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday and continued into the early hours of Wednesday, residents said. The terrorists stormed the village, opening fire, setting houses ablaze, and abducting an unspecified number of women and children. Reuters earlier quoted a local politician, Saidu Ahmed, as estimating the death toll at 40, noting that more bodies were likely to be found. By Wednesday evening, however, the figure had risen sharply. A resident who spoke to PREMIUM TIMES from hiding said a search-and-rescue team, escorted by military personnel and forest guards, counted at least 170 bodies. They counted 170 this afternoon, the resident said, requesting anonymity for security reasons. This newspaper has been unable to independently verify that claim. Among those killed was Salihu Ibrahim, a former students union leader of the Kwara State College of Nursing, Ilorin. Homes razed, district head missing Another resident who fled to a nearby forest said the attackers razed houses and shops, including the palace of the district head, Mr Umar. The district head, like several other villagers, remains missing. They also stole his Jeep (car), the source said. They used it to transport some of the kidnapped victims into the forest. Many residents, he added, were still taking refuge in nearby bushes as of Wednesday. We have been in the bush since yesterday. The gunfire continued until this morning, he said. Authorities silent, military mobilised The Kwara State police spokesperson, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, did not respond to PREMIUM TIMES enquiries. Like Ms Ejire-Adeyemi, Army spokesperson, Appolonia Anele, did not respond to a message sent to her. However, Al Jazeera reported that Ms Ejire-Adeyemi confirmed the attack and said military operatives had been deployed to the area, although she did not provide casualty figures. The letter before the massacre A community leader in Kaiama, who requested anonymity because he was not authorised to speak publicly, said the attackers had written to the district head of Woro months earlier. The letter, he said, informed the district head of the groups intention to come and preach in the community. According to the leader, who is also a member of the Kwara State Emirate Council, the district head forwarded the letter to the council in Ilorin, which subsequently requested the deployment of soldiers to Woro. A team of soldiers was sent, he said, but withdrew later when no attack occurred. Instead, the fighters reportedly moved to Baburasa, a neighbouring community about 20 kilometres from Woro. They went to Baburasa and preached to the people there about three weeks ago, the community leader said. They even mentioned communities they planned to attack, but they did not mention Woro. The leader believes the group attacked Woro because the district head alerted authorities after receiving the letter. As of now, we do not know the whereabouts of the district head, he said. A widening threat The Woro attack comes barely a month after Boko Haram fighters under the command of Mallam Sadiku attacked Kasuwan Daji in neighbouring Niger State, killing more than 30 people and abducting women and children. The same faction was also responsible for the abduction of over 300 students from St Marys Catholic School in Papiri, Niger State. The Sadiku faction of Boko Haram has operated in the Alawa forest reserve from where it attacked neighbouring villages like Alawa, Basa and Kurebe, among others. Although the group has moved to the Kainji axis, it left behind a humanitarian crisis. Sources, including ex-members of the group, told this reporter that the group left its former stronghold due to sustained military aerial bombardment and infighting with Dogo Gide, a notorious bandit leader Mallam Sadiku had collaborated with to stage violent attacks in the North-west and North-central. The Police Command in Akwa Ibom State said on Wednesday that it has rescued an 81-year-old man from the suspected fraud syndicate operating in Uyo and its environs. Timfon John, the police spokesperson in Akwa Ibom, disclosed this in a statement to reporters in Uyo. Ms John, a deputy superintendent of police, said the command arrested three suspected members of the syndicates during an operation on Tuesday. She said the arrest followed a report from a concerned citizen about the suspects activities, who specialise in using tricycles to deceive members of the public. The suspects reportedly used an operational tricycle to lure and convey victims, after which they employed deceptive and diabolical means to dispossess them of their monies and other valuables. Acting swiftly on the information, operatives of the Command swung into action and arrested three suspects, Ms John said. She said the commands operatives recovered the syndicates operational tricycle, registration number UFG-886-QA. She added that the suspects had confessed to the crime, admitting they had fraudulently obtained money and property from several individuals in Uyo and its environs. Ms John said that an investigation was ongoing to identify and reach out to other victims, and to arrest other members of the syndicate. She assured the public of the commands commitment to the safety of lives and property and urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information to the police for prompt action. PREMIUM TIMES reported on Monday that the police in Akwa Ibom arrested suspects at a cult initiation at a secondary school in Uyo. The arrest took place on 1 February, at about 4:30 p.m., following credible intelligence that a group of suspected cultists were conducting initiation activities at a secondary school along Oron Road in Uyo. According to the police, when the operatives arrived at the scene, the suspects fled on sighting them and abandoned a red mini-bus. The operatives chased the suspects and arrested two of them. Items recovered at the scene include one axe, one brown calabash, one bottle of Lords alcoholic drink, different types of incense, coloured handkerchiefs and one Neo Black Axe, the police said. (NAN) A section of the LagosCalabar Coastal Highway under constrution could triger the release of more than 3.5 million tonnes of greenhouse gases and cause climate damage valued at nearly N785 billion, according to a new scientific assessment that warns the project would destroy the carbon-absorbing capacity of the Stubbs Creek Forest Reserve. The study, conducted by Joel Benson, a greenhouse gas analyst and researcher at the University of Abuja, assessed the climate implications of the highway using satellite-based geospatial data and internationally recognised greenhouse gas accounting frameworks. According to the findings, constructing the highway through the reserve would result in a net emission of 3,511,562 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCOe) over a 20-year accounting period, driven by forest clearance, biomass removal and soil disturbance. This outcome reflects the transfer of a carbon-rich natural system into a net emitter through vegetation removal and soil disturbance. This observation aligns with general trends reported for tropical forest loss, where disturbances and deforestation accelerate carbon fluxes toward emission rather than sequestration, the study stated. The assessment showed that carbon dioxide was the dominant greenhouse gas, contributing 3,510,847 tCOe, largely from the removal of forest biomass and the loss of soil organic carbon. Nitrous oxide contributed 715 tCOe, released as forest clearing disrupted nitrogen cycles in the soil. Although emitted in smaller quantities, nitrous oxide is 265 times more potent than carbon dioxide in terms of global warming potential, the report noted. Stubbs Creek Forest Reserve is a legally gazetted forest reserve, established in 1930 for conservation and ecological protection. Located across Ibeno, Eket, Esit Eket and Mbo local government areas, it is the largest forest reserve in Akwa Ibom State and a key ecosystem in the Niger Delta. However, the study noted that the reserve has suffered decades of degradation. Dense forest cover declined from 63.50 square kilometres in 1993 to 28.22 square kilometres by 2013, raising concerns that any further disturbance could lead to its complete loss. The reserve is effectively lost with the implementation of the project, the report said, referring to the proposed highway alignment. Climate damage put at N785bn Beyond emissions, the study placed a monetary value on the climate damage associated with the proposed highway route. Using a carbon price of $158 per tonne of CO equivalent, the total emissions were valued at $554.8 million, equivalent to approximately N785 billion at the Central Bank of Nigerias exchange rate as of January 2026. The magnitude of the economic cost captured through this valuation positions SCFR as a strategic asset for climate mitigation, whose protection is critical for maintaining local, national, regional, and global climate stability, and therefore must be safeguarded at all cost, the study said. According to the study, the analysis was based on data from IPCC climate zones, FAO Global Ecological Zones, and the Harmonised World Soil Database (HWSD 2.0). Emissions were estimated using the Environmental Externalities Accounting Framework, applying IPCC Fifth Assessment Report (AR5) global warming potential values over a 100-year timeframe. The study explained that forest loss would occur during a one-year implementation phase, followed by a 19-year period during which emissions would continue as disturbed soils release carbon and removed biomass decomposes. This implies that the reserve is effectively lost with the implementation of the project, the report stated. The study warned that the loss of Stubbs Creek Forest Reserve would weaken the natural resilience of the Niger Delta, a low-lying region already vulnerable to flooding, coastal erosion and sea-level rise. It noted that forests in the region provide natural protection against climate extremes while supporting fisheries and agriculture. The LagosCalabar Coastal Highway and recommendations The LagosCalabar Coastal Highway is a flagship federal infrastructure project promoted for its economic and transport benefits. However, the study said the climate cost of routing the road through a protected forest has not been adequately considered. Stubbs Creek Forest Reserve was gazetted in 1930 for ecological protection, yet the proposed route would require clearing what remains of its dense forest cover. The study did not identify any publicly available justification explaining why an alternative alignment outside the reserve was not adopted. The report also raises questions about who approved the current route and the basis on which the environmental risks were weighed against the projects anticipated benefits. Beyond domestic approvals, the findings appear to conflict with Nigerias commitments under the Paris Agreement, which require the country to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect natural carbon sinks such as forests. The study argues that converting Stubbs Creek into a net source of emissions undermines those commitments. It recommended that the highway be rerouted well away from Stubbs Creek Forest Reserve and that greenhouse gas emissions and their economic value be fully integrated into infrastructure planning and appraisal. This analysis is intended to inform policymakers, government authorities, environmental planners, and the public that the true cost of the intervention is not only infrastructural or financial but fundamentally climatic, with potentially irreversible consequences if ignored. The magnitude of the economic cost captured through this valuation positions SCFR as a strategic asset for climate mitigation, whose protection is critical for maintaining local, national, regional, and global climate stability, and therefore must be safeguarded at all cost, the report stated. A coalition of 70 civil society organisations had raised the alarm over the planned routing of the coastal highway through the forest reserve. In a recent statement, Policy Alert said evidence from the Federal Ministry of Environment shows that the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) for the section of the highway passing through Stubbs Creek only commenced in January 2026, months after official approvals had been granted and public announcements made regarding the projects alignment. Approving or advancing the project before completing a comprehensive ESIA undermines the legal intent of the Act and raises serious questions about transparency and due process, the CSO said. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Anambra State says it has registered 4,423 eligible voters in the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise in the state. The State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Queen Agwu, disclosed this during a briefing on Wednesday in Awka. The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the commission registered 2.8 million voters in 2025 before the governorship election in the state. We have started the CVR in Anambra. The exercise commenced on 5 January and will end on 17 April 2026. In the ongoing second phase of this registration exercise, we have registered a total of 4,423 voters in the state. The ongoing exercise is being done rotationally in the 326 wards in the state, she said. She said the rotational method would ensure grassroots registration in the state. She encouraged eligible voters to register at their local government areas or the INEC head office in the state. The REC cautioned against duplicate registrations, noting that the digital system would reject them. If you have an issue with your Permanent Voter Card or registration, it will be sorted out when you complain. Dont go for double registration. If you have been captured before, dont go for another capture, but update when you have an issue with your registration, she said. SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Goodfire the AI research lab using interpretability to understand, learn from, and design modelsannounced a $150 million Series B funding round at a $1.25 billion valuation. The round was led by B Capital, with participation from existing investors Juniper Ventures, Menlo Ventures, Lightspeed Venture Partners, South Park Commons, and Wing Venture Capital, and new investors DFJ Growth, Salesforce Ventures, Eric Schmidt, and others. This funding, coming less than a year after its Series A, will enable Goodfire to advance frontier research initiatives, build the next generation of its core product, and scale partnerships across AI agents and life sciences. Interpretability is the science of how neural networks work internally, and how modifying their inner mechanisms can shape their behaviore.g., adjusting a reasoning model's internal concepts to change how it thinks and responds. Interpretability also enables AI-to-human knowledge transfer, i.e., extracting novel insights from powerful AI models. Goodfire recently identified a novel class of Alzheimer's biomarkers in this way, by applying interpretability techniques to an epigenetic model built by Prima Mentethe first major finding in the natural sciences obtained from reverse-engineering a foundation model. "We are building the most consequential technology of our time without a true understanding of how to design models that do what we want," said Yan-David "Yanda" Erlich, former COO and CRO at Weights & Biases and General Partner at B Capital. "At Weights & Biases, I watched thousands of ML teams struggle with the same fundamental problem: they could track their experiments and monitor their models, but they couldn't truly understand why their models behaved the way they did. Bridging that gap is the next frontier. Goodfire is unlocking the ability to truly steer what models learn, make them safer and more useful, and extract the vast knowledge they contain." Most companies building AI models today build their models as black boxes. Goodfire believes that that approach means that society is currently flying blindand that deeply understanding how models work "under the hood" is critical to building and deploying safe, powerful AI systems. The company is pursuing research which turns AI into something that can be understood, debugged, and intentionally designed like written software. "Interpretability, for us, is the toolset for a new domain of science: a way to form hypotheses, run experiments, and ultimately design intelligence rather than stumbling into it," explained Goodfire CEO Eric Ho. "Every engineering discipline has been gated by fundamental sciencelike steam engines before thermodynamicsand AI is at that inflection point now." Goodfire is part of an emerging cadre of research-first "neolabs"AI companies which are pursuing new breakthroughs in training models which have been neglected by "scaling labs" such as OpenAI and Google DeepMind. So far, the company has shown the value of their interpretability-driven approach across two key domains: scientific discovery and model design. On the scientific discovery front, Goodfire has focused on deciphering scientific foundation models with partners like Mayo Clinic, Arc Institute, and Prima Mente, exemplified by their identification of a new class of biomarkers for Alzheimer's detection. Because AI models already surpass human understanding in many scientific domains, like materials discovery and protein folding, studying how those models work can extract novel insights and expand the horizons of human knowledge. The company plans to continue scaling its pipeline for scientific discovery with new collaborators. On the model design front, Goodfire has focused on teaching models directly through their internal mechanisms. The company has recently developed methods to efficiently retrain a model's behavior by precisely targeting parts of its inner workings. One application of these methods reduced hallucinations by half in a large language model. Goodfire is betting that this approach will underpin a paradigm shift in how AI is built, where AI can be made far more reliable and people can precisely and efficiently dictate how models should behave without off-target effects. The new funding will support Goodfire's work to rethink training and build a "model design environment"a platform for understanding, debugging, and intentionally designing AI models at scale. The platform will leverage frontier interpretability techniques to allow users to reach inside models, identify the parts responsible for behaviors they want to change, and specifically train or intervene on those subunits. The company also plans to continue its green-field research into fundamental model understanding and new interpretability methods. Goodfire's team comprises top AI researchers from DeepMind and OpenAI, leading academics from Harvard, Stanford and more, and top ML engineering talent from OpenAI and Google. The team includes Nick Cammarata, a core contributor to the seminal interpretability team at OpenAI, co-founder Tom McGrath, who founded the interpretability team at Google DeepMind, and Leon Bergen, a professor at UC San Diego (on leave). About Goodfire Goodfire is a research company and public benefit corporation based in San Francisco, dedicated to using interpretability to understand, learn from, and design AI systems. Our mission is to build the next generation of safe and powerful AInot by scaling alone, but by understanding the intelligence we're building. Our goal is to make AI that can be understood, debugged, and shaped like software. Our team shaped modern neural network interpretability at OpenAI, DeepMind, Stanford, and Harvard. We're backed by over $200M from B Capital, Menlo Ventures, Lightspeed, Eric Schmidt, and others. Learn more at goodfire.ai and x.com/GoodfireAI . About B Capital B Capital invests globally in extraordinary founders and businesses shaping the future through technology. With more than $9 billion in assets under management and dedicated stage-based funds, the firm focuses on seed to early- and late-stage venture growth investments, primarily in the technology, healthcare and energy tech sectors. Founded in 2015, B Capital has an integrated, global team across nine locations in the U.S. and Asia. The firm's value-add platform, together with the consulting expertise of its strategic partner, The Boston Consulting Group, provides entrepreneurs with the tools and resources to scale quickly and efficiently, expand into new markets and build market-leading businesses. For more information, click here . SOURCE Goodfire WASHINGTON, Feb. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- ASTM International will hold an organizational meeting on March 45, 2026, to explore the potential establishment of a new ASTM Technical Committee on Artificial Intelligence in Manufacturing Systems. The meeting will take place at ASTM headquarters in West Conshohocken, PA and is open to all interested stakeholders. The meeting follows a successful planning process and marks the transition from concept to execution for a proposed committee focused on AI as deployed in manufacturing systemswhere equipment, data, software, and human decisionmaking intersect. Artificial intelligence is increasingly embedded in manufacturing equipment and production environments, often without shared definitions, performance expectations, or validation norms. Without coordinated standards development, this fragmentation can create risk, inefficiency, and uncertainty. ASTM International is uniquely positioned to address this gap by serving as a neutral, consensusbased forum for applied, sectorspecific standards. The objectives of the organizational meeting are to convene key stakeholders; establish clarity around scope, intent, and structure; and identify priority areas where standards are needed. The meeting will also assess stakeholder interest and help determine the appropriate path forward for standards development activity in this area. The program will include opening remarks and contextsetting discussions that will focus on applied challenges such as AI at the equipment and system level; data, models, and decisionmaking in production environments; interoperability, validation, safety, and trust; and areas where standards are missing, unclear, or misaligned. The meeting is designed to balance authority with participation, grounding discussions in operational reality while avoiding overprescription. The proposed activity is intended to complement existing AI governance efforts by translating broader principles into practical guidance for manufacturing systems. The expected participants will consist of manufacturing end users, equipment and automation providers, AI and digital technology providers, government and publicsector observers, and academia. ASTM International welcomes participation from all interested parties. To register for the meeting, please visit: https://na.eventscloud.com/aiinmfgsysmarch5 For more information on participation or ASTM membership, visit www.astm.org. About ASTM International Advancing standards and transforming markets, we touch every part of everyday life helping our world work better. Over 12,000 ASTM standards operate globally. Defined and set by us, they improve the lives of millions every day. Combined with our innovative business services, they enhance performance and help everyone have confidence in the things they buy and use. Media Inquiries: Gavin O'Reilly, tel +1.610.832.9618; [email protected] SOURCE ASTM International NEW YORK and LONDON, Feb. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Global Dollar Network (GDN) today announced that Bitpanda, one of Europe's leading digital asset platforms, will launch USDG trading markets as well as deposits and withdrawals on February 5, 2026. This partnership enables millions of European investors and businesses to access trusted, compliant digital dollars. Global Dollar (USDG) will be available for trading on Bitpanda's platform, offering users access to a stablecoin that meets the European Union's Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulatory framework. As USDG is issued under the supervision of Finland's Financial Supervisory Authority (FIN-FSA), it provides European users with a transparent, trusted digital dollar issuance option that complies with the EU's stringent consumer protection and regulatory standards. GDN is a more open, enterprise-grade digital dollar ecosystem fueling real-world financial use cases of stablecoins by rewarding network partners for their contributions to growing the network. Partners can earn rewards by minting, utilizing or accepting USDG. "We're thrilled to welcome Bitpanda to GDN so that they can economically benefit while also offering their European users the safest, most trusted digital dollar," said Linnea Perelli-Minetti, Global Dollar Network. "This also represents our commitment to providing compliant, accessible digital dollar solutions that meet the highest regulatory standards. Bitpanda's reputation for security and user experience makes them an ideal partner as we expand USDG's presence in European markets." Bitpanda users will be able to access USDG through the platform's existing interface, with the ability to trade, hold and transfer the stablecoin alongside other digital assets. The integration leverages Bitpanda's robust infrastructure to provide seamless access to USDG's benefits, including fast settlement times, transparent reserve backing and regulatory compliance. This adoption underscores global demand for a trusted dollar-backed stablecoin that combines equitable economics under clear regulatory authority across geographies. USDG is one of the few stablecoins that has achieved scale and deep liquidity while maintaining strict standards of transparency. "Adding USDG to our platform allows us to offer our users a MiCA-compliant stablecoin option that meets the regulatory expectations of European markets," said Dominik Beier, Chief Commercial Officer at Bitpanda. "As the regulatory landscape evolves, we're committed to providing our users with digital assets that combine innovation with compliance and USDG represents exactly that standard." Today's launch will make USDG available to Bitpanda's millions of users across Europe, providing them with a regulated on-ramp to digital dollar usage for payments, savings and trading. About Global Dollar Network Global Dollar Network is the world's fastest-growing stablecoin network with unmatched economic upside. Powered by Global Dollar (USDG), a US dollar-backed stablecoin issued by Paxos Digital Singapore and Paxos Issuance Europe, Global Dollar Network offers a transparent and equitable economic model that rewards partners for their contributions. Global Dollar Network partners include industry leaders such as Anchorage Digital, Bullish, Kraken, Nuvei, OKX, Paxos, Robinhood, Worldpay and more. About USDG in the EU Paxos issues USDG in the EU through Paxos Issuance Europe OY ("PIE"). USDG is fully redeemable from Paxos on a one-to-one basis for U.S. dollars. All USDG token holders in the EU have a right of redemption against PIE at any time and at par value for USDG. Further information is available at paxos.com/eu, and the EU USDG White Paper is available at www.paxos.com/terms-and-conditions/usdg-eu-whitepaper. Contact information: Email: [email protected] Telephone: +358 4549 00 361 Note: USDG is available on Solana, Ink, X Layer and Ethereum. About Bitpanda Bitpanda is a leading European broker for crypto and other digital assets. With a selection of more than 650 crypto-assets, nine indices, four precious metals and more than 10,000 stocks, exchange-traded funds and exchange-traded commodities, Bitpanda offers one of the most comprehensive ranges of digital assets available in Europe. With more than 7 million registered users and several blue-chip institutional partners, Bitpanda has earned a strong reputation for trust. This is supported by Bitpanda's commitment to high regulatory and security standards, with Bitpanda holding regulatory licenses enabling it to offer services across the European Economic Area and the United Kingdom. In addition to Vienna, Bitpanda has offices in Barcelona, Berlin, Bucharest, Dubai, London, Malta, Milan, and Zurich. Media Contact: Becky Colliau, [email protected] SOURCE Global Dollar Network Brings Increased Employment Opportunities Back to the Jarratt Community SARASOTA, Fla., Feb. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Boar's Head Brand, a leading provider of premium delicatessen foods, announced that its facility in Jarratt, Virginia, has resumed operations as of Monday, February 2. This significant milestone follows a comprehensive series of facility enhancements and the implementation of enhanced product manufacturing protocols, further underscoring the Company's commitment to food safety, innovation, and consumer trust. "Since I joined Boar's Head in May 2025, it has been clear to me from day one that Boar's Head is a company that puts food safety and quality first," said Chief Food Safety Officer Natalie Dyenson. "The extensive enhancements and stringent protocols implemented at the Jarratt facility, as well as the advancements and the actions we've taken across our organization, ensure we uphold rigorous safety standards. We are committed to building on our more than 120-year history of delivering products that consumers love and can eat with confidence." Over the past year, the Jarratt facility has undergone extensive renovation consistent with Boar's Head's commitment to safety and quality throughout the food preparation process. Beyond these substantial enhancements, Boar's Head has made significant investments in implementing even more stringent requirements across all its facilities, including the reopened Jarratt location. These key enhancements include: Providing Additional Layers of Protection by Implementing Controls Consistent with the USDA's Alternative 2 (Alt 2) Listeria Control Program The Jarratt facility is reopening under the USDA Alt 2 Listeria control program. Alt 2 is a proven step in the food preparation process that dramatically reduces foodborne pathogens and results in even higher food safety standards across its entire ready-to-eat meat and poultry product portfolio. Intensified Environmental Monitoring and Analysis Technologies Boar's Head has enhanced Listeria sampling across all its facilities and invested in cutting-edge laboratory testing and analysis technologies. Strengthened Sanitation Protocols The Boar's Head sanitation team has undergone additional third-party training, and the Company has bolstered daily cleaning and sanitation procedures. Regular audits help ensure the effectiveness of these practices. Empowered Teams with Continuous Training In addition, Boar's Head has retrained team members across all its facilities on updated and comprehensive food safety procedures. This ensures employees are equipped to operate with the utmost care and attention to detail. Boar's Head has also implemented a continuous training program to ensure that employees are consistently educated on the latest food safety procedures. New Leadership and Expert Guidance Natalie Dyenson, MPH, joined the company in May 2025 as Chief Food Safety Officer. Dyenson brings nearly three decades of food safety experience and knowledge to the organization. Additionally, Boar's Head benefits from the expertise of its distinguished Food Safety Advisory Council. Led by Frank Yiannas, MPH, as Chief Food Safety Advisor, the Council also includes renowned experts Dr. David Acheson and Dr. Martin Wiedmann. These advisors offer invaluable, combined expertise to maintain the brand's commitment to food safety. Cultivating a Strong Food Safety Culture The entire Boar's Head team, at all levels, continues to promote a culture of safety and embraces the principles and values that have driven Boar's Head for 120 years. Boar's Head has been a proud member of the Jarratt community for over 35 years. The Company is excited to bring employment opportunities back to the region as a result of the facility's reopening. Boar's Head recently donated $50,000 to Greensville County and Sussex County public schools, continuing its tradition of community support in the region. More details about Boar's Head's commitment to food safety can be found at boarshead.com/FoodSafety. About Boar's Head Brand Founded in 1905, Boar's Head Brand has a deep commitment to upholding the highest standards for quality. What started with just a few products has grown to over 500, ranging from premium delicatessen meats, cheeses, and condiments to an array of Italian and Old World specialties, hummus, snacking, and foodservice items. Contact [email protected] SOURCE Boars Head Brand Core U.S. equity strategy brings decades of stock selection expertise to broader portfolio format RESTON, Va., Feb. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Burney Company announces the launch of the Burney U.S. Equity Select ETF (BRES), the firm's second exchange-traded fund. BRES provides core U.S. equity exposure through a systematic stock selection process refined over 50 years. BRNY, the firm's first ETF, earned a 5-Star Overall Morningstar Rating in its third year. The rating confirmed that Burney's investment approach works effectively in an ETF structure while delivering the tax efficiency and accessibility investors expect. Please visit https://burneyetfs.com to learn more about Burney's ETF Family or burney.com to see services offered to individuals, families, firms, and institutions. Investment Approach BRES evaluates stocks using five key factors: Growth, Valuation, Profitability, Quality, and Momentum. Rather than maintaining static allocations, the strategy adjusts factor weights based on evolving market conditions. The fund also uses digital footprint analysis to identify companies with strong revenue potential that traditional metrics might overlook. Holding 80-100 stocks instead of the typical 40 in a separately managed account allows for broader exposure. Frequent rebalancing happens inside the ETF wrapper without triggering taxable events for investors. "Equity investment management has been our core competency for over 50 years," said Lowell Pratt, President of Burney Company. "Demonstrating this prowess so convincingly with BRNY is an accomplishment our founder Jack Burney would have been proud of. Launching BRES with an even larger 351 tax-free conversion ensures all our clients have access to our best performing equity execution in the tax efficiency of an ETF wrapper." About BRES The Burney U.S. Equity Select ETF seeks long-term capital appreciation by investing in U.S. equities. A quantitative model evaluates stocks across multiple factors, adjusting weightings based on current market effectiveness. This systematic approach has been refined through five decades of investment management at Burney Company. About Burney Company Burney Company was founded in 1974 and provides investment management and comprehensive financial planning services. The firm was featured on CNBC's 2025 FA 100 list as the #4 financial advisory firm nationally and #1 in Virginia. Burney Wealth Management, a division of Burney Company, serves individual clients, families, and business owners. Investments are managed for institutions and individuals through separately managed accounts and ETFs. The firm's flagship ETF, the Burney U.S. Factor Rotation ETF (BRNY), received a 5-Star Overall Morningstar Rating as of September 30, 2025. For more information about BRES, visit http://www.burneyetfs.com/ Important Disclosures: 2025 Morningstar, Inc. All Rights Reserved. The information contained herein: (1) is proprietary to Morningstar and/or its content providers; (2) may not be copied or distributed; and (3) is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely. Neither Morningstar nor its content providers are responsible for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information. The Morningstar Rating for funds, or "star rating", is calculated for managed products (including mutual funds, variable annuity and variable life subaccounts, exchange-traded funds, closed-end funds, and separate accounts) with at least a three-year history. Exchange-traded funds and open-ended mutual funds are considered a single population for comparative purposes. It is calculated based on a Morningstar Risk-Adjusted Return measure that accounts for variation in a managed product's monthly excess performance, placing more emphasis on downward variations and rewarding consistent performance. The Morningstar Rating does not include any adjustment for sales loads. The top 10% of products in each product category receive 5 stars, the next 22.5% receive 4 stars, the next 35% receive 3 stars, the next 22.5% receive 2 stars, and the bottom 10% receive 1 star. The Overall Morningstar Rating for a managed product is derived from a weighted average of the performance figures associated with its three-, five-, and 10-year (if applicable) Morningstar Rating metrics. The weights are: 100% three-year rating for 36-59 months of total returns, 60% five-year rating/40% three-year rating for 60-119 months of total returns, and 50% 10-year rating/30% five-year rating/20% three-year rating for 120 or more months of total returns. While the 10-year overall star rating formula seems to give the most weight to the 10-year period, the most recent three-year period actually has the greatest impact because it is included in all three rating periods. Burney U.S. Factor Rotation ETF (BRNY) was rated against the following number of Mid-Cap Blend funds over the following time period: 368 funds in the last three years as of 12/31/25. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. The Fund's investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses must be considered carefully before investing. This and other important information is contained in the prospectus, which may be obtained by visiting https://burneyetfs.com/ or by calling +1.215.882.9983. Please read the prospectus carefully before investing. Investments involve risk. Principal loss is possible. The Fund is actively managed and is subject to the risk that the strategy may not produce the intended results. The Fund is new and has a limited operating history to evaluate. Shares of the ETF may be bought or sold throughout the day at their market price on the exchange on which they are listed. The market price of an ETF's shares may be at, above, or below the ETF's net asset value ("NAV") and will fluctuate with changes in the NAV as well as supply and demand in the market for the shares. Shares of the ETF may be redeemed directly with the ETF at NAV only by Authorized Participants in very large creation units. There can be no guarantee that an active trading market for the Fund's shares will develop or be maintained, or that their listing will continue or remain unchanged. Buying or selling the Fund's shares on an exchange may require the payment of brokerage commissions, and frequent trading may incur brokerage costs that detract significantly from investment returns. Equity Securities Risk Equity securities, such as common stocks, are subject to market, economic, and business risks that may cause their prices to fluctuate. Growth Investing Risk The risk of investing in growth stocks that may be more volatile than other stocks because they are more sensitive to investor perceptions of the issuing company's growth potential. Value Style Risk Value investing involves the risk that an investment in undervalued securities may not appreciate as anticipated or remain undervalued for long periods. Small- to Mid-Capitalization Risk Investments in small- to mid-capitalization companies are subject to greater risks than large-company stocks due to limited resources and inventory, as well as greater sensitivity to adverse conditions. New Fund Risk The Fund is recently organized, giving prospective investors a limited track record on which to base their investment decision. Active Management Risk The Fund is actively managed and may not meet its investment objective if the Sub-Adviser fails to implement investment strategies for the Fund. High Portfolio Turnover Risk The Fund's investment strategy is expected to result in a higher portfolio turnover rate, which may increase brokerage commission costs and thus negatively impact the Fund's performance. Non-Diversification Risk. Because the Fund is non-diversified, it may be more sensitive to economic, business, political or other changes affecting individual issuers or investments than a diversified fund, which may result in greater fluctuation in the value of the Shares and greater risk of loss This material has been distributed for informational purposes only and should not be considered as investment advice or a recommendation of any particular security, strategy, or investment product. We make no representation or warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of the information contained herein, including third-party data sources. The views expressed are as of the publication date and subject to change at any time. No part of this material may be reproduced in any form or referred to in any other publication without express written permission. References to other funds should not be interpreted as an offer or recommendation of these securities. The Fund is distributed by PINE Distributors. The fund's investment advisor is Empowered Funds, LLC, which is doing business as ETF Architect. The Burney Company serves as a sub-adviser to the fund. PINE Distributors, LLC, is not affiliated with ETF Architect or The Burney Company. BRES is new and has a limited operating history. As of 12/31/2025, BRNY's 1-year total return was 22.1% (NAV) and 22.0% (Market Price); and return since inception was 25.0% (NAV) and 25.0% (Market Price). The Fund's inception date was 10/13/2022. The S&P 500 Index is an unmanaged index of large capitalization common stocks. You cannot invest directly in an index. The performance data quoted represents past performance and is no guarantee of future results. Investment returns and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor's shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be higher or lower than the quoted performance data. Market price returns are based upon the closing composite market and do not represent the returns you would receive if you traded shares at other times. Returns are average annualized total returns, except for periods of less than one year, which are cumulative. 351 Exchange Considerations: The 351 exchange is a limited-time opportunity available only during the ETF launch period. Participants must meet specific eligibility requirements and should consult with their tax advisor before participating. This is tax deferral, not eliminationyou will pay capital gains when you sell ETF shares. A 351 exchange, governed by Section 351 of the Internal Revenue Code, allows for the transfer of property to a corporation for its stock without immediate tax liability. This provision is often used when starting a new corporation or adding assets to an existing one. The regulation facilitates a change in the form of an investment, from direct ownership of property to indirect ownership through stock, by deferring any tax event until the shareholder sells the stock. CNBC's annual FA 100 ranking was published on 10/1/2025 for the year 2025. The Burney Company did not pay CNBC any compensation for being considered for the list; however, The Burney Company does pay a licensing fee to use the CNBC logo in marketing materials. A link to the CNBC selection criteria can be found by going to https://www.cnbc.com/2025/10/01/financial-advisor-100-methodology 2025.html . The CNBC award was given to The Burney Company, which includes portfolio managers associated with Burney Wealth Management and nine other affiliated portfolio managers. Advisory services are offered through The Burney Company, an investment adviser registered with the U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission. Registration as an investment adviser does not imply a certain level of skill or training. SOURCE Burney Company DAYTON, Ohio, Feb. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Employees of CareSource, a nationally recognized nonprofit managed care organization, have come together through the organization's annual workplace giving campaign to support causes close to their hearts. Employees gave more than $255,000 to benefit three nonprofit organizations dedicated to improving the lives of children and families in communities CareSource serves: Dolly Parton's Imagination Library of Ohio, Firefly Children and Family Alliance in Indiana, and FOCUS (Families of Children Under Stress) in Georgia. Ohio First Lady Fran DeWine, CareSource president and CEO Erhardt Preitauer and CareSource employees present a CareSource Workplace Giving check to Dolly Parton's Imagination Library of Ohio. This year's campaign focused on three key causes: enhancing children's literacy, providing essential support to children and families in foster care. and empowering children with disabilities through therapeutic and recreational programming. "The generosity of our employees shows the heart of the people who make CareSource what it is. When we rally behind causes that matter to us and the people we serve every day, that is when real impact can be made," said Ellen Miller, CareSource vice president, community relations and the CareSource Foundation. "CareSource employees' giving reflects our belief as an organization that health care reaches beyond coverage and services to actions that strengthen and support healthier, more resilient communities." The missions of these organizations closely align with the values that guide the work of CareSource and its employees. From promoting early literacy, to helping families navigate challenges, to creating inclusive opportunities for children with disabilities, these causes reflect the compassion and commitment employees bring to their work. Dolly Parton's Imagination Library of Ohio provides children across the state with free, age-appropriate books mailed directly to their homes, supporting early learning, school readiness and long-term educational success. Dolly Parton's Imagination Library work aligns with CareSource's commitment to literacy and the impact it has on health outcomes. Firefly Children and Family Alliance (Indiana) provides foster care and adoption services along with a children's shelter, counseling programs and child abuse prevention advocacy. By supporting children and families through complex challenges, Firefly shares the whole-person, community-based approach CareSource employees work to advance every day. FOCUS serves families of children with disabilities across Georgia through wraparound support programs and therapeutic and recreational experiences. In partnership with Camp Twin Lakes, FOCUS operates a fully accessible and medically supported camp, helping children build independence and connection while providing respite for caregivers. FOCUS' whole-family commitment to community aligns with CareSource's specialized focus and holistic approach to health. This annual employee giving campaign encourages employees to come together, lean into the organization's mission, and make a real impact on causes that matter to them. As a cornerstone of CareSource's culture, the program amplifies employee contributions and makes it easy for employees to give back. About CareSource CareSource is a nonprofit, nationally recognized managed care organization with over two million members across 12 states. CareSource administers one of the largest Medicaid managed care plans in the U.S. The organization offers health insurance, including Medicaid, Health Insurance Marketplace and Medicare products. As a mission-driven organization, CareSource is transforming health care with innovative programs that address the social determinants of health, prevention and access to care. For more information, visit us at www.caresource.com, or follow us on X, formerly known as Twitter, LinkedIn or Facebook. Adam Summers Media Relations Specialist [email protected] 708.549.9572 SOURCE CareSource Rita Case, president, CEO and owner of Rick Case Automotive Group, has been honored as the 2026 Barbara Cox Woman of the Year. Case is recognized for her leadership in the automotive industry, community impact and notable philanthropic efforts. The Barbara Cox Woman of the Year Award includes a $10,000 donation to a charity of the winner's choice and a $10,000 Barbara Cox Memorial Scholarship for a Northwood University student. ATLANTA, Feb. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Cox Automotive announces Rita Case, president and CEO of Rick Case Automotive Group, as the 2026 Barbara Cox Woman of the Year. The award recognizes women who have made outstanding contributions to the automotive industry, championed community advocacy and demonstrated leadership. Rita Case, president, CEO and owner of Rick Case Automotive Group, was presented the 2026 Barbara Cox Woman of the Year Award by Steve Rowley, president of Cox Automotive, at NADA 2026. Case is widely recognized for her leadership in the automotive retail space, operating the nation's largest auto group owned and led by a woman. Her 12 dealerships across South Florida and Atlanta generate more than $2 billion in annual sales and are consistently recognized for setting national sales-volume records. The Barbara Cox Woman of the Year Award includes a $10,000 donation to a charity of the honoree's choice and a $10,000 Barbara Cox Memorial Scholarship awarded to a Northwood University student. Case has designated the $10,000 to benefit the Rita and Rick Case Vocational Scholarship Fund at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County. This year's scholarship recipient is Breanne Pratley, a rising senior in the nation's leading Automotive Marketing and Management program at Northwood University. Pratley is a student ambassador, softball athlete and leader in the university's annual International Auto Show. The scholarship helps support her continued academic and professional growth. "The Barbara Cox Woman of the Year Award celebrates extraordinary female pioneers who embody transformative leadership and unwavering philanthropic vision within our industry," said Steve Rowley, president of Cox Automotive. "We are honored to recognize Rita Case, president, CEO, and owner of Rick Case Automotive Group, whose remarkable achievements and enduring commitment have made an indelible mark on the automotive industry." The honor was presented by Rowley during the Northwood University Dealer Education Awards on Feb. 5, 2026, at the NADA Show in Las Vegas. "I am so honored to receive the Barbara Cox Woman of the Year Award," said Case. "I am also thrilled for Breanne, who will be part of the next generation of women leaders in the automotive industry. And thank you to Cox Automotive for the donation to our scholarship fund at the Boys & Girls Club, an organization near and dear to Rick's and my heart. It is so important that as business leaders we support our local communities. Our loyal customers allow us to give back, and we are very proud to do so." A Lifelong Automotive Leader Case's parents opened the first Honda car dealership in the U.S. in 1968, where she worked throughout grade school. After earning a bachelor's degree in economics from the University of California, Davis, she returned to the family business, determined to prove that a woman could thrive as a dealer. While managing the dealership, she met Rick at a Honda car meeting in 1977; the two married in 1980 and went on to build Rick Case Automotive Group. Rick Case Automotive Group and its Community Impact Beyond its business accomplishments, Rick Case Automotive Group is deeply rooted in community impact having helped raise more than $125 million for South Florida organizations through philanthropic initiatives supporting youth, education, housing and health-related nonprofits. Signature programs include the long-running Rick Case Bikes for Kids, which has collected more than 122,000 gently used bicycles donated by the community to gift to underserved children each holiday season since 1982. Download a photo from the event: https://www.coxautoinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Rita-Case-2026-Barbara-Cox-Woman-of-the-Year.jpeg Learn more about the Barbara Cox Woman of the Year Award: https://www.coxautoinc.com/about-us/diversity/barbara-cox-woman-year-award/ About Cox Automotive Cox Automotive is the world's largest automotive services and technology provider. Fueled by the largest breadth of first-party data fed by 2.3 billion online interactions a year, Cox Automotive tailors leading solutions for car shoppers, auto manufacturers, dealers, lenders and fleets. The company has 29,000+ employees on five continents and a portfolio of industry-leading brands that include Autotrader, Kelley Blue Book, Manheim, vAuto, Dealertrack, NextGear Capital, CentralDispatch and Cox Fleet. Cox Automotive is a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises Inc., a privately-owned, Atlanta-based company with $23 billion in annual revenue. Cox Automotive has been included on Glassdoor's Best Companies in Tech & AI 2026 and Best Place to Work in 2026 lists. Visit coxautoinc.com or connect via @CoxAutomotive on X, CoxAutoInc on Facebook or Cox-Automotive-Inc on LinkedIn. SOURCE Cox Automotive Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, holds talks with Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla, who is the special envoy of the party and government of Cuba, a member of the Politburo of the Central Committee of the Cuban Communist Party and the foreign minister of Cuba, in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Li Xin) BEIJING, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- China firmly supports Cuba in safeguarding its national sovereignty and security, opposes unwarranted interference by external forces, and rejects any attempt to deprive the Cuban people of their right to survival and development, said Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing on Thursday. Wang made the remarks during talks with Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla, who is the special envoy of the party and government of Cuba, a member of the Politburo of the Central Committee of the Cuban Communist Party and the foreign minister of Cuba. Wang, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that Cuba has long strived to explore a socialist path suited to its own national conditions, earning widespread respect from the international community with its spirit of standing up to power and being unafraid of difficulties. He said that amid the shifting international landscape, China and Cuba have always maintained sincere mutual trust and stood together, and last year, the two countries celebrated the 65th anniversary of their diplomatic ties. At present, the situation in Latin America is undergoing complex and profound changes, said Wang, noting that upholding fairness and justice has always been a consistent principle of China's foreign policy. China stands ready to work with Cuba to implement the consensus reached between their two heads of state, continue providing support and assistance within its capacity, consolidate and advance the friendly ties between the two countries, and work with like-minded countries in renewed efforts to enhance solidarity among the Global South and uphold regional and global peace, Wang said. Rodriguez noted that Cuba and China are brothers and comrades, expressing gratitude for China's steadfast support of the Cuban people in opposing external blockades and sanctions, and for its assistance in Cuba's economic and social development. Cuba takes pride in being the first country in the Western Hemisphere to establish diplomatic relations with China and forge a bilateral community with a shared future, Rodriguez said, adding that Cuba supports China's vision of a community with a shared future for humanity and four major global initiatives. He said that Cuba adheres to the one-China principle, opposes "Taiwan independence" separatism, and is willing to work with China to implement the important consensus reached between their two heads of state to strengthen cooperation in all fields. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, holds talks with Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla, who is the special envoy of the party and government of Cuba, a member of the Politburo of the Central Committee of the Cuban Communist Party and the foreign minister of Cuba, in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Li Xin) Free Genealogy Guide Helps Anyone Begin the Journey to Discover Their Family History WASHINGTON, Feb. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Black History Month is a time for the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) to celebrate its members and their diverse heritage, while also educating others about DAR's many initiatives that touch on Black history. DAR Member and Rhode Island State Regent Dymond Bush cleans a historical headstone in honor of her two Revolutionary War Patriots of color. DAR celebrates its members and their diverse heritage by sharing stories of individuals often under-represented in the telling of the American Revolution and offering educational resources spotlighting the historical contributions of Black Revolutionary War Patriots in securing American independence. "For so many of our members, finding their family history is a way to celebrate the past but also honor who they are today," said Ginnie Sebastian Storage, DAR President General. "Black History Month is an important time for us to spotlight resources and share stories about Patriots that you may not hear about in history books. We invite everyone to uncover their personal connection to Revolutionary War Patriots and consider membership in the DAR." The E Pluribus Unum Educational Initiative was launched by DAR in 2020 inspired by the United States motto translated to "out of many, one" representing how a single nation emerged from the variety of people who fought for its independence. The initiative is focused on raising awareness of often unknown Revolutionary War Patriots, including those who were Black, Native American and female. Part of that initiative has included expanding on a DAR project that started in the 1980s to identify African Americans, Native Americans and individuals of multiracial ancestry who supported the struggle for independence during the American Revolution. The DAR Patriots of Color Database is a free online research tool to identify and honor people of Black, Indigenous and multiracial heritage who served in or contributed to the American Revolution. The data is also integrated into the 10 Million Names project through a collaboration with American Ancestors. A free genealogy guide is available for download on the DAR website to help people start their genealogical journey. DAR members say that learning about their lineages and family histories is an important and rewarding part of DAR membership. DAR member Yvonne Liser is a 4th-generation Washingtonian and the DAR State Regent of the District of Columbia. Her DC State Regent project supports digitizing historical records at the Moorland-Spingarn Research Center at Howard University, her alma mater. For many people of color, genealogy can appear daunting, but Liser says resources are available and she enjoys helping others research their family histories. She descends from David Charity, a Revolutionary War Patriot and free Black man of Surry County, Va. She has multiple Patriots in her family lineage, including John Redman, a free Black man who joined the Revolution in Winchester, Va., and was involved in a skirmish with the Creek tribe while on his way to fight the British in Savannah, Ga. DAR Member Carla Clarke traces her lineage to Revolutionary War Patriot Cyrus Bustill, who was born into slavery in New Jersey. He purchased his freedom, and baked bread for George Washington's troops at Valley Forge. He hired a child to teach him to read while baking and moved eventually to Philadelphia, where the family's connections to education and community service persist to this day. Today, Clarke is the National Chair of the E Pluribus Unum Committee and is also the state chair for membership in Pennsylvania. Along with her cousin, DAR member Joyce Mosley, the family celebrates their Patriot ancestor and his role in securing American independence. "I always wanted to be a teacher and didn't know why," said Clarke. "It wasn't until I became involved in DAR that I realized the educational, artistic, and social justice thread of ancestry still runs through us. It's a calling." Also located in Philadelphia, DAR member Taryn Kennedy traces her lineage to Revolutionary War Patriot Thomas Stewart, her 7th great grandfather. He was the 18th century's first free Black physician and was of mixed race. He held a land grant signed by Thomas Harrison, a signer of the Declaration of Independence. Rhode Island's Dymond Bush traces her family lineage to two Revolutionary War Patriots of color from Rhode Island, Michael Anthony and Mingo Pollock. Anthony served in the 1st Rhode Island Regiment, the first integrated U.S. military regiment. Pollock was a free Black man. As DAR State Regent of Rhode Island, Bush is doing a project illuminating the 1st Rhode Island Regiment through donating books and placing historical markers. She also helps prospective members discover their own Patriots of color by serving as a specialist for African American genealogy research on DAR's Specialty Research Committee. "Discovering two Patriots of color empowered me to ensure that their service was not forgotten," Bush said. "By joining the DAR, I've been dedicated to sharing the story of Patriots of color, especially the 1st Rhode Island Regiment." About the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution was founded in 1890 to preserve the memory and spirit of those who contributed to securing American independence. Any woman 18 years or older, regardless of race, religion, or ethnic background, who can prove lineal descent from a Patriot of the American Revolution is eligible for membership. Through the DAR Genealogical Research System (www.dar.org/GRS), the public can access a free database of information amassed by the DAR about these Patriots. One of the largest patriotic women's service organizations in the world, DAR has 190,000 members in approximately 3,000 chapters across the country and several foreign countries. DAR members promote historic preservation, education and patriotism via commemorative events, scholarships and educational initiatives, citizenship programs, service to veterans, meaningful community service and more. For additional information about DAR and its relevant mission, visit www.dar.org. Media Contact: Ami Neiberger, 703-887-4877, [email protected] SOURCE Daughters of the American Revolution London, Feb. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Dowlat Parbhu, Chief Executive Officer of Demerara Bank Limited (DBL), has been named "Digital Transformational Banking CEO of the Year Caribbean", recognising his leadership in driving a technology-led, customer-centric transformation that is reshaping modern banking in Guyana and across the wider Caribbean region. The accolade forms part of Business Worldwide Magazine's 2025 Global Corporate Excellence Awards announced earlier this year, which recognise companies and visionary leaders whose commitment to innovation, ethical leadership and exceptional performance is shaping the future of global business. Spanning categories such as Business Innovation, Digital Transformation, Sustainability, Financial Excellence and Customer Experience, the awards celebrate organisations setting new benchmarks through breakthrough technologies and forward-thinking strategies. Under Mr Parbhu's leadership, Demerara Bank has emerged as a standout example of how a homegrown financial institution can combine deep local insight with international best practices. At the heart of DBL's strategy is a strong focus on customer personalisation, using data-driven insights to ensure clients are treated as individuals rather than account numbers. Customers are segmented by financial behaviour, account type and life stage, allowing the Bank to deliver highly relevant products, from tailored savings and investment options to SME working-capital support and expansion loans. Digital transformation has been a key enabler of this approach. DBL has invested heavily in its online and e-banking infrastructure, allowing customers to open accounts remotely, apply digitally for loans and credit cards, manage balances, transfer funds and pay bills around the clock. An upcoming mobile banking app will further extend full-service banking to customers on the go, meeting the growing expectation for secure, mobile-first financial services across personal, SME and corporate segments. Looking ahead, DBL is positioning itself for the future of Banking-as-a-Service (BaaS) and open banking. While public frameworks are still emerging in the Caribbean, the Bank has proactively invested in secure systems, compliant data architecture and standardised processes to enable future third-party integrations under strict regulatory oversight. This readiness places DBL ahead of the regional curve in financial innovation. Artificial intelligence is also being adopted responsibly, enhancing insight rather than replacing human judgement. Unified data infrastructure supports predictive analytics, intelligent chatbots and real-time fraud monitoring, strengthening both customer experience and risk management. Beyond technology, DBL remains deeply committed to SME empowerment and community impact. Its digital-first SME services simplify access to finance, while balanced credit management ensures responsible lending across retail, SME and corporate portfolios. Initiatives such as the DBL Innovation Tank, which awards grants to promising local entrepreneurs, further demonstrate the Bank's role in driving inclusive economic growth. Commenting on the recognition, Mr Parbhu said: "Digital transformation is not just about technology, but understanding customers, strengthening trust and building sustainable value for communities. This award reflects the dedication of the entire Demerara Bank team." The Global Corporate Excellence Awards aim to spotlight leaders and organisations redefining industries. Dowlat Parbhu's recognition underscores Demerara Bank's position as a blueprint for modern, inclusive and resilient banking in the Caribbean. For further information about Demerara Bank, visit https://demerarabank.com/ . Details about the Business Worldwide Global Corporate Excellence Awards can be found at https://www.bwmonline.com/2025-global-corporate-excellence-awards-winners/ About Business Worldwide Magazine Business Worldwide Magazine is the leading source of business and dealmaker intelligence throughout the world. Our quarterly magazine and online news portal enable an established audience of corporate dealmakers to track the latest news, stories and developments affecting the international markets, corporate finance, business strategy and changes in legislation. This readership includes CEO/CFO - Banks, Corporate Lawyers and Venture Capital/Private Equity Companies to name a few. Contact David Jones Awards Department E: [email protected] W: www.bwmonline.com SOURCE Business Worldwide Magazine Now Available for Purchase, AirBoss Delivers an NFPA 1970:2025 SCBA Built for the Way American Firefighters Work HOUSTON, Feb. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Drager, a global leader in firefighting safety technology, today announced that the Drager PSS AirBoss Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) is now available for purchase in the United States through the company's network of Authorized Sales Partners. The Drager AirBoss SCBA certified to NFPA 1970:2025 delivers next-generation protection with enhanced ergonomics, streamlined controls, and high-visibility indicators designed for the demands of the modern American fire ground. This milestone follows the AirBoss certification to the NFPA 1970 (2025 Edition) standards a certification announced in November 2025 making it one of the first new SCBAs to meet the fire service's latest safety requirements. U.S. fire departments can now order the AirBoss SCBA, confident they are acquiring a breathing apparatus that was purpose-built for American firefighters. The Drager AirBoss SCBA delivers next-generation protection with enhanced ergonomics, streamlined controls, and high-visibility indicators designed for the demands of the modern American fireground. The SCBA's development followed a "Made for America" philosophy: from initial concept to final testing, American firefighters were directly involved in shaping the design of the AirBoss. Drager solicited feedback from fire departments across the country to ensure this SCBA reflects how U.S. crews operate. Firefighters demanded a better SCBA one that moves with them, supports their style of attack, and reduces stress in high-heat, high-intensity conditions and Drager's engineers answered by building the AirBoss around those real-world firefighting needs. Rigorous U.S.-based field testing further validated the AirBoss in action, proving its durability and performance under the extreme conditions American firefighters face. "AirBoss isn't just built for firefighters it's built with them," said John Wilson, Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Drager. "We worked side by side with America's fire service throughout development, and now we're proud to deliver on that collaboration. "Now that AirBoss is available, firefighters can equip themselves with an SCBA born from their input and built for their toughest calls," Wilson continued. "It's a pack they can trust to move and fight as hard as they do, backed by Drager's commitment to their safety." Built for the Fireground: Key Features The AirBoss was created for aggressive interior attack and long-duration missions, with performance-driven features including: Ergonomic "floating" waist belt keeps weight on the hips for better movement and balance High-visibility indicators and reflective surfaces support quick accountability in smoke-filled environments Muscle-memory flexibility left or right regulator and gauge placement based on department preference Non-indexing regulator insertion for fast sealing under pressure Rapid, tool-less disassembly simplifying cleaning in minutes rather than hours Now Certified for the Future of Firefighter Protection The 2025 Edition of NFPA 1970 unifies multiple PPE standards into a single, more stringent benchmark for SCBA performance and firefighter safety. The NFPA certification of AirBoss ensures U.S. fire departments can confidently move forward with purchasing decisions aligned with the newest requirements. "With AirBoss, U.S. firefighters don't have to change how they operate," said Jason Morton, Drager Product Manager for AirBoss. "Their SCBA finally operates the way they do." Ready to Serve American Firefighters From product support to service delivery, AirBoss provides the backing U.S. departments expect with a growing network of regional service locations to maximize uptime and minimize turnaround. To schedule an evaluation or request additional information, visit www.draeger.com/fire or contact your Drager representative. You can find more information and pictures in our press center: https://www.draeger.com/en-us_us/Newsroom/press-center The PSS AirBoss is manufactured by Drager Safety AG & Co. KGaA. Drager. Technology for Life Drager. Technology for Life Drager is an international leader in the fields of medical and safety technology. Our products protect, support, and save lives. Founded in 1889, Drager generated revenues of around 3,4 billion in 2024. The Drager Group is currently present in over 190 countries and has more than 16,000 employees worldwide. Please visit www.draeger.com for more information. Note: Not all products in this press release are available worldwide. Equipment packages can vary from country to country. We reserve the right to make changes to products. Up-to-date information is available on the Drager website of your country or from your Drager representative. Contact Communications: Melanie Kamann-Holt, Tel. +49 451 882-3202, [email protected] Press Contact North America: Melissa Ray, Tel. + 1 817 776 2155, [email protected] Investor Relations: Thomas Fischler, Tel. +49 451 882-2685, [email protected] SOURCE Draeger Up to 20 community colleges eligible for grants apply by Feb. 25 Funding will support high-demand craft and technical programs critical to the energy industry CHARLOTTE, N.C., Feb. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Duke Energy Foundation is awarding $500,000 to community colleges across the state to help prepare the next generation of skilled energy and trade workers. Zoom in: North Carolina community colleges can apply for $25,000 grants to expand or strengthen programs that support critical energy and skilled trade careers, including lineworker training, electrical, mechanical and electronics engineering technology, welding, plumbing, construction trades, vehicle maintenance and more. Why it matters: North Carolina's rapid growth is driving record energy demand and meeting it will require a strong pipeline of skilled workers. By the numbers: $500,000 total investment Up to 20 community colleges funded More than $6 million invested in workforce development in North Carolina over the past five years by Duke Energy Foundation Local perspectives: Dr. Jeff Cox, President of North Carolina Community College System: "Our community colleges align education with real workforce needs driving skills, careers and economic mobility across North Carolina. Investments like this from partners such as Duke Energy Foundation help us build and sustain programs that connect students to in-demand jobs and strengthen the talent pipeline our state needs to thrive." "Our community colleges align education with real workforce needs driving skills, careers and economic mobility across North Carolina. Investments like this from partners such as Duke Energy Foundation help us build and sustain programs that connect students to in-demand jobs and strengthen the talent pipeline our state needs to thrive." Kendal Bowman, Duke Energy North Carolina state president: "This investment reflects our long-term commitment to building a skilled, homegrown workforce that keeps North Carolina's economy moving and our energy grid strong. Community colleges are at the heart of that talent pipeline, helping us meet this moment head-on." What's next: Eligible community colleges can find additional program details and apply via Duke Energy Foundation's website. Applications are open now through Feb. 25, 2026. Duke Energy Foundation Duke Energy Foundation provides more than $30 million annually in philanthropic support to meet the needs of communities where Duke Energy customers live and work. The Foundation is funded by Duke Energy shareholders. Duke Energy Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of America's largest energy holding companies. The company's electric utilities serve 8.6 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 55,100 megawatts of energy capacity. Its natural gas utilities serve 1.7 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky. Duke Energy is executing an ambitious energy transition, keeping customer reliability and value at the forefront as it builds a smarter energy future. The company is investing in major electric grid upgrades and cleaner generation, including natural gas, nuclear, renewables and energy storage. More information is available at duke-energy.com and the Duke Energy News Center. Contact: Madison McDonald 24-Hour: 800.559.3853 SOURCE Duke Energy At the European Parliament, the presentation of the Brussels Liaison Office: a strategy for the post-NRRP period and the future of EU programmes MILAN, Feb. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Politecnico di Milano has officially launched the Brussels Liaison Office, the University's new office dedicated to communication with EU institutions and to providing strategic support for participation in EU research and innovation programmes. The Politecnico di Milano delegation at the European Parliament in Brussels The role and activities of the Liaison Office were presented in Brussels, at the European Parliament, during the event From Knowledge to Impact: Research and Innovation in Partnership with Society and Industry, which brought together representatives from European institutions, researchers, university professors, and other drivers of innovation. The meeting was an opportunity to illustrate the vision with which the Politecnico intends to structure its continuous presence in Brussels, to become more recognisable and more effective. With the gradual conclusion of the NRRP, the next EU Framework Programme is set to become the main structural lever for research funding and for the international positioning of universities. In this context, the Politecnico di Milano chooses to set up a structured public office in Brussels designed to anticipate and intercept priorities, instruments and strategic trajectories of European research and innovation policy. This strategy is based on an already established position of the Politecnico di Milano in European research programmes. The University is now Italy's leading university in terms of funding obtained under Horizon Europe, with 389 funded projects having a total value of approximately 185.68 million. Under the 2021-2027 Framework Programme, the Politecnico has also been awarded 44 ERC projects for a total of 44.65 million, thus confirming the University's role in groundbreaking research. On the innovation front, between 2021 and January 2026, the Politecnico di Milano received funding for 29 proposals under the European Innovation Council (EIC), with a success rate of 10.7%, among the highest at the European level. "Europe is experiencing a decisive and identifying moment from several points of view, including that of advanced research and competitiveness: two elements that go hand in hand. This is a key moment for the next Framework Programme, FP10, where priorities and measures are defined. The question we asked ourselves in deciding to open an office in Brussels was not, "What can we get out of this situation?", but rather, "What can we bring to the decision-makers' table?" explained Donatella Sciuto, Rector of the Politecnico di Milano. "We are the first university in Italy in terms of the number of research projects funded by the Union, and fifth at the EU level. In a context increasingly dictated by major technological and research challenges, we are here to stay. To strengthen connections with the institutions, and to participate more decisively in defining continental priorities." The Brussels Liaison Office acts as a strategic hub between the university and the European research and innovation ecosystem. It will maintain continuous dialogue with EU institutions and contribute to the definition of strategic agendas in the fields of research and innovation. Through this office, the Politecnico has strengthened its involvement in the design processes of European research policies. It can also offer researchers more structured support and help during their participation in EU programmes, particularly in consideration of the next planning cycle. From this perspective, the Liaison Office is also a tool for strengthening the relationship between universities, research teams, and the European industrial system. The office can encourage participation in international partnerships and the development of high-impact research and innovation projects such as the new European Strategic Partnership on Advanced Materials IAM-I. During the event at the European Parliament, the discussion involved representatives of the European Commission, Members of Parliament and the heads of the main European research and innovation bodies. Each person offered a shared interpretation of the challenges facing the next European planning cycle, and the role that universities, research, and industry are called upon to play. With the launch of the Brussels Liaison Office, the Politecnico di Milano is consolidating a long-term strategy aimed at strengthening its scientific competitiveness, its dialogue with European institutions, and its contribution to the development of EU policies for research and innovation, at a decisive stage for the future of the Europe of knowledge. FOR MORE INFORMATION: Emanuele Sanzone, Media Relations, +39 3316480248, [email protected] Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2877946/Politecnico_di_Milano_Brussels.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2877945/Politecnico_di_Milano_Logo.jpg SOURCE Politecnico di Milano SEC-Registered Transfer Agent Proposes Allowing Product Users and Contributors to Qualify as Investors NEW YORK, Feb. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Fairmint , a pioneer in on-chain equity infrastructure, has submitted written recommendations to the Securities and Exchange Commission's Crypto Task Force proposing a new path for individuals to qualify as accredited investors based on their knowledge, expertise, or sophistication as investors. The full submission is available here: Modernizing investor accreditation for on-chain capital markets The proposal, which complements Fairmint's prior submission to the Task Force regarding a framework for on-chain equity securities, expands on an important element of that framework: the accreditation rules that determine who may invest in private placements of securities. More meaningful accreditation rules would allow individuals to invest in particular companies based on verified relationships, such as sustained product usage, employment history, code or other work contributions, commercial engagement with a company, or industry expertise. Current accredited investor rules for individuals mostly rely on income or wealth thresholds, requiring, for example, $1 million in net worth or $200,000 in annual income. Two-Part Reforms The submission proposes two complementary approaches: Knowledge-Based Accreditation: Development of a financial sophistication exam that would qualify investors regardless of wealth or income, similar to professional certifications the SEC added to accreditation criteria in 2020, but more easily distributable online and not reliant on sponsorship by an SEC-registered organization or other complex prerequisites. Usage-Based Accreditation: A new category allowing investors to qualify for specific offerings based on: Active product usage over a minimum period, documented on-chain Employment at the issuing company Code contributions to open-source protocols or communities Existing customer or supplier relationships Demonstrated expertise in the company's industry The proposal is complementary, not an alternative, to the current framework, and does not comment more broadly on investor protection, disclosure requirements or anti-fraud provisions. Regulated Infrastructure for On-chain Accreditation As a transfer agent, Fairmint maintains records of securities ownership for private issuers and applies transfer restrictions and other conditions specified by issuers and applicable law. Fairmint's Open Cap Table Protocol can verify relationships without exposing personal data. Smart contracts encode eligibility requirements directly into securities infrastructure, preventing transfers to wallets that don't meet regulatory criteria. Fairmint's blockchain-native cap table infrastructure has successfully processed over $1 billion in securities transactions, providing a proven foundation for the future of on-chain equity. The submission suggests that, if policymakers determine that additional accreditation eligibility categories are appropriate, SEC-registered entities, including transfer agents and broker-dealers, could operationalize and supervise those criteria using both traditional and on-chain data sources. The full recommendations submitted to the SEC Crypto Task Force can be accessed at: Modernizing investor accreditation for on-chain capital markets About Fairmint Fairmint is an SEC-registered transfer agent building on-chain equity infrastructure. The company turns capitalization tables into smart contracts, facilitating the issuance, management and transfer of equity securities. Fairmint's Open Cap Table Protocol enables programmable equity with embedded compliance and real-time settlement. Founded in 2019 by Joris Delanoue and Thibauld Favre, Fairmint has processed over $1 billion in securities transactions. Equity moves on-chain at Fairmint.com SOURCE Fairmint Record-Breaking Global STEM Competition for Middle and High School Finalists Compete February 14-18, 2026 WASHINGTON, Feb. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- This month, Washington, DC will host the 2026 Future City Finals, where top middle and high school student teams will present innovative ideas for cities that eliminate food waste from farm to table. Finalist team members from the Future City Competition present their scale model of a sustainable, futuristic city designed to eliminate food waste. They are among the top teams advancing to the Finals in Washington, DC, from February 1418, 2026, representing a record-breaking season of more than 92,000 participants worldwide. Organized by DiscoverE, the competition builds essential life skills while inspiring students to solve real-world problems. From February 1418, 2026, finalist teams will gather in the nation's capital to compete in the culminating event of the Future City Competition, a global STEM program organized by DiscoverE. The Finals represent the top teams advancing from a season that engaged more than 92,000 students worldwide the largest participation in the program's history. The finalist teams represent regional champions from across the United States and select international locations. A full list of teams advancing to the Finals is available at futurecity.org/teams-advancing-to-finals . Throughout the competition, students were challenged to rethink how food is grown, transported, consumed, and reused in the cities of the future, applying engineering principles to real-world sustainability challenges. "The 'Farm to Table' theme pushes students to think across systems agriculture, infrastructure, technology, and community impact," said Kathy Renzetti, Executive Director of DiscoverE. "By the time they reach the Finals, these teams have refined ideas that are both imaginative and grounded in real-world problem-solving." A National Stage for the Next Generation of Engineers After advancing through regional competitions, finalist middle and high school teams will present their future cities through scale models, essays, project plans, and live presentations evaluated by a multidisciplinary panel of judges. The 202526 season also marks key milestones: A 50/50 gender split among student participants, a rare achievement in STEM programming The highest-ever participation from teams in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia region, bringing strong local representation to the program Continued growth of the competition's high school division, which awards college scholarships to top teams Big Ideas with Real-World Relevance At the Finals, students will compete for a wide range of awards recognizing innovation, sustainability, resilience, and communication. Judges including engineers, educators, and industry professionals will evaluate how effectively teams translate visionary ideas into feasible, scalable solutions. The competition highlights how today's students are already engaging with issues of food security, sustainability, and the future of urban life. Sponsors: DiscoverE programs, including Future City, are supported by the following organizations. At the Visionary Level: Bechtel Group Foundation, NCEES , and Overdeck Family Foundation . At the Leader Level: Bentley Systems Inc ., Northrop Grumman Foundation , PMI Educational Foundation , TE Connectivity , UL Research Institutes , and United Engineering Foundation . At the Champion Level: RTX and Shell Energy . At the Partner Level: BAE Systems and Glenn W. Bailey Foundation. At the Supporter Level: ON Semiconductor Foundation and SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry as a leading Finals event sponsor. About DiscoverE: DiscoverE is a nonprofit organization committed to inspiring and empowering the next generation of engineers through free and low-cost global STEM programs. DiscoverE's initiatives include Engineers Week, Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day, Chats with Change Makers, and the Future City Competition. These programs emphasize problem-solving, creativity, and the critical role of engineering in building a better future. For more information, visit discovere.org . SOURCE Discover Engineering New IBM Business Partner status strengthens Gallea Ai's ability to support secure, scalable AI adoption across North America and the United Kingdom MIAMI, Feb. 5, 2026 /CNW/ - Gallea Ai , an advisory led consultancy specializing in applied artificial intelligence for small and mid sized businesses (SMBs), today announced it has joined IBM Partner Plus as an IBM Business Partner. This designation expands Gallea Ai's ability to support organizations as they move from AI experimentation to secure, production ready deployment leveraging IBM AI and hybrid cloud technologies across Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Strengthening capabilities through partnership By joining IBM Partner Plus, Gallea Ai gains access to IBM enterprise AI and hybrid cloud solutions, as well as advanced training, technical enablement, and go to market support. These capabilities allow Gallea Ai to shorten time to value for clients, reduce implementation risk, and establish repeatable, defensible AI capabilities in an environment increasingly shaped by AI mediated discovery and automation. The collaboration aligns IBM technology with Gallea Ai's proprietary AI Implementation Framework, a structured methodology governing AI strategy, data readiness, workflow integration, and operational deployment. The framework is designed to ensure AI initiatives deliver measurable outcomes while remaining aligned with governance, brand integrity, and organizational priorities. A practical path to AI adoption Gallea Ai works with growth oriented and operationally complex businesses to translate advances in artificial intelligence into actionable strategies that improve decision making, operational efficiency, and customer experience. The firm's consulting approach emphasizes disciplined adoption, governance alignment, and business value realization, helping clients embed AI as a durable capability rather than a series of isolated projects. Leadership perspectives "Joining IBM Partner Plus marks an important milestone in our mission to make AI practical, accessible, and business ready for small and mid sized organizations," said Alessandro Rocca, Chief Operating Officer of Gallea Ai. "Our clients will benefit from IBM scalable technology portfolio while maintaining the hands on strategic guidance, governance discipline, and implementation rigor that define our firm." "For many small and mid sized businesses, the age of AI still feels like something reserved for the biggest players," said Ryan Mackay, Managing Director of Gallea Ai's Neural Networks division, the firm's AI transformation consulting arm. "Partnering with IBM raises the ceiling on what we can safely deliver. Our team is now backed by the same class of AI and hybrid cloud tools that large enterprises rely on, and we use that to open doors that smaller organizations have historically been shut out of, while still keeping a clear path to more complex enterprise level applications as they grow." About IBM Partner Plus Through IBM Partner Plus, Gallea Ai gains direct access to IBM AI and hybrid cloud technology, training, and enablement, allowing the firm to deliver enterprise grade capabilities in a way that fits the realities of small and mid sized businesses. As an IBM Business Partner, Gallea Ai will: Identify and prioritize high impact AI use cases across workflows, customer operations, and decision processes for SMBs Integrate AI capabilities into existing business systems, marketing funnels, and sales operations with minimal operational disruption Expand technical and advisory expertise through IBM training, certification, and enablement, ensuring clients benefit from current best practices in AI deployment, governance, and data management About Gallea Ai Gallea Ai is a Miami based, advisory led consultancy focused on helping small and mid sized businesses turn advances in artificial intelligence into tangible operational advantage. The firm helps leadership teams move from experimentation to execution by aligning AI strategy with business objectives, customer expectations, and organizational design. Gallea Ai takes a disciplined, outcomes focused approach to adoption, using artificial intelligence to amplify trust, resilience, and performance in the parts of the business that matter most. Rather than forcing clients to rip and replace what already works, the firm layers AI into existing capabilities to create new value and new ways of competing. With operations spanning Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom, the firm's leadership team brings deep experience across strategy, technology, and transformation consulting. SOURCE Gallea Ai BEIJING, Feb. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- China unveiled its "No.1 central document" for 2026 on Tuesday, outlining plans to advance agricultural and rural modernization and to promote all-around rural revitalization, according to the Xinhua News Agency. As the first major policy document on agriculture and rural affairs issued at the start of the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-30), analysts said the document is expected to help translate the vast potential of agriculture and rural areas into concrete drivers of economic growth and high-quality development. This marks the 14th No.1 central document focusing on agriculture and rural work since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China in 2012. As the first policy statement released by central authorities each year, the document is widely seen as a barometer of policy priorities. According to Xinhua, the document consists of six sections covering efforts to enhance agricultural production capacity and efficiency, implement normalized and targeted assistance, promote steady income growth for farmers, advance livable and business-friendly rural development, enhance institutional innovation, and strengthen the Party's leadership over agriculture, rural areas and farmers. The document notes that the 15th Five-Year Plan period is a critical stage for laying the foundation for basically realizing socialist modernization, calling for efforts to shore up weak links in agriculture and rural areas, and secure faster progress in building up China's strength in agriculture. Among the key highlights, the document places particular emphasis on boosting comprehensive agricultural production capacity and quality efficiency, and for the first time makes systematic arrangements for implementing normalized and targeted assistance. Chinese economists said the document sets higher development benchmarks while strengthening baseline safeguards through a system-wide modernization approach, helping lay a solid foundation for accelerating agricultural and rural modernization during the 15th Five-Year Plan period and supporting high-quality growth and domestic demand. Boosting food security through technology The document calls for improving the effectiveness of policies that strengthen agriculture, benefit farmers and promote rural prosperity, while firmly safeguarding national food security and upgrading rural industries. It also stresses efforts to build agriculture into a modernized major industry and improve farmers' livelihoods, providing support for Chinese modernization, according to Xinhua. By anchoring agricultural development firmly in modernization, the document sets a high bar even by international standards and reflects policymakers' determination to advance agricultural and rural modernization through systemic reform, said Hu Qimu, deputy secretary-general of the Forum 50 for Digital-Real Economies Integration. "The goal goes beyond agricultural output, aiming to build a coordinated framework linking population mobility, rural development and industrial growth," Hu told the Global Times on Tuesday. Food security remains the top priority and a firm red line, according to the document. It sets a target of keeping grain output at around 1.4 trillion jin (700 million tons), providing a clear benchmark for the first year of the 15th Five-Year Plan period and underscoring China's resolve to keep its food supply firmly in its own hands. The document sets out new measures to stabilize grain and edible oil production, including stepping up a new round of the 50-million-ton grain capacity enhancement program and promoting integrated use of farmland, seeds, machinery and farming techniques to raise yields at scale. Zhao Changbao, director of the Rural Economy Research Center at the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, said boosting per-unit yields of major grain and oil crops is key to strengthening food security, improving the match between supply and demand, and supporting farmers' income growth, CCTV reported on Tuesday. Wang Gangyi, a professor at Northeast Agricultural University, told the Global Times that technology - including bio-breeding, AI and digital technologies - has become the key variable and the critical breakthrough for raising grain output under resource constraints in China. These priorities are translated into concrete measures in the document, which calls for accelerating the breeding and promotion of breakthrough crop varieties, expanding applications of drones, the Internet of Things and robotics, and ensuring agricultural technologies reach villages. Official data show that China's contribution rate of agricultural science and technology progress exceeds 64 percent, and independently bred crop varieties account for more than 95 percent of planted areas. Normalized targeted assistance Another major highlight is the call to implement normalized and targeted assistance, marking the first time the No.1 central document has made systematic arrangements for this policy. The move reflects the evolving policy needs. Although China achieved decisive success in poverty alleviation in 2020 and consolidated the results through a five-year transition period, risks of falling back into poverty remain, making it necessary to shift support measures from temporary arrangements to a normalized and institutionalized framework, members of the document's drafting group said, according to a Xinhua report. The document outlines measures to improve the policy system for normalized assistance, enhance monitoring precision and timeliness, strengthen industrial and employment-based support, and provide differentiated assistance to underdeveloped regions. It also incorporates normalized assistance into the overall rural revitalization strategy, while maintaining policy stability in fiscal input, financial support and resource allocation. Hu said the policy shift reflects a move toward more focused and efficient support as rural industrial foundations and farmers' income-generating capacity improve, providing stronger institutional safeguards for consolidating poverty alleviation gains. In addition to these key measures, the document also stresses promoting steady income growth for farmers through coordinated policies on prices, subsidies and insurance, fostering county-level industries and stabilizing employment for migrant workers. As the first major sector-specific policy released in the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-30), the document aims to systematically turn rural potential into tangible growth momentum, income gains and jobs, Hu added. More broadly, experts noted that while the document focuses on agriculture and rural affairs, it carries wider economic implications. With China's urbanization rate at 67.89 percent, boosting rural incomes and development capacity is key to expanding domestic demand and supporting the unified national market. SOURCE Global Times () (incorporated in Hong Kong as a public limited company) (the "Issuer") (ISIN: XS2314779427 Common Code: 231477942) (Stock Code: 40629) (the "Notes") HONG KONG, Feb. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- GLP China Holdings Limited () (the "Company"), has mandated Morgan Stanley as dealer manager (the "Dealer Manager") in relation to the cash tender offer (the "Tender Offer") to purchase any and all of its outstanding U.S.$700,000,000 2.95 per cent. Notes due 2026 (ISIN: XS2314779427, Common Code: 231477942) (the "Notes"). The Tender Offer is being made pursuant to a tender offer memorandum dated 5 February 2026 (the "Tender Offer Memorandum"), which is available at the transaction website: https://projects.sodali.com/glpchina, subject to distribution restrictions. Capitalised terms used but not defined herein have the meanings assigned in the Tender Offer Memorandum. Description of the Notes Acceptance amount ISIN / Common Code Principal amount outstanding Purchase Price per U.S.$1,000 in principal amount1 U.S.$700,000,000 2.95 per cent. Notes due 2026 Any and all XS2314779427 / 231477942 U.S.$495,000,000 U.S.$1,000 1. In addition to the Purchase Price, the Company will pay Noteholders whose Notes are accepted for purchase by the Company, the Accrued Interest Payment The purchase of any Notes by the Company pursuant to the Tender Offer is subject, without limitation, to GLP Pte. Ltd. ("GLP"), the parent and controlling shareholder of the Company, having successfully priced and settled (as determined by the Company at its sole discretion), at or prior to the Expiration Deadline, the issuance of the additional U.S. dollar-denominated senior notes due 2028 (to be consolidated and form a single series with the U.S.$500,000,000 9.75 per cent. Senior Notes due 2028 issued on 20 May 2025) by GLP (the "New GLP Notes"), which was initially announced by GLP, on 5 February 2026 (the "New Financing Condition"). Nothing in the Tender Offer Memorandum or this announcement constitutes an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the New GLP Notes. Subject to applicable law and limitations described in the Tender Offer Memorandum, the Company reserves the right to extend, re-open, withdraw or terminate the Tender Offer and to amend or waive any of the terms and conditions of the Tender Offer at any time before any acceptance by the Company of Notes tendered in the Tender Offer. Indicative Timetable Commencement Date: Thursday, 05 February 2026 Withdrawal Deadline: Thursday, 19 February 2026, 5:00 PM New York Time Expiration Deadline: Thursday, 19 February 2026, 5:00 PM New York Time Result Announcement: Friday, 20 February 2026 Guaranteed Delivery Deadline: Monday, 23 February 2026, 5:00 PM New York Time Settlement Date: Tuesday, 24 February 2026 Guaranteed Delivery Settlement Date: Wednesday, 25 February 2026 The above times and dates are subject to the right of the Company to extend, re-open, amend and/or terminate the Tender Offer (subject to applicable law and regulations). Noteholders are advised to check with any bank, securities broker or other intermediary through which they hold Notes when such intermediary would need to receive instructions from a Noteholder in order for that Noteholder to be able to participate in, or withdraw their instruction to participate in, the Tender Offer before the deadlines specified above. The deadlines set by any such intermediary and each Clearing System for the submission and withdrawal of Tender Instructions will be earlier than the relevant deadlines specified in above. Rationale of the Tender Offer The rationale of the Tender Offer is to actively manage the Company's balance sheet liabilities and optimize its debt structure. Notes purchased by the Company pursuant to the Tender Offer will be cancelled and will not be re-issued or re-sold. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein have the meanings assigned to them in the Tender Offer Memorandum, which is available, subject to eligibility confirmation and registration, on the Transaction Website: https://projects.sodali.com/glpchina Dealer Manager Morgan Stanley Asia Limited: +852 2848 5200 / [email protected] Tender and Information Agent Sodali & Co Limited Tel: + 852 2319 4130 / +44 20 4513 6933 / +1 203 658 9457 Email: [email protected] Transaction Website: https://projects.sodali.com/glpchina Questions from holders of the Notes regarding the Tender Offer or requests for additional copies of the Tender Offer Memorandum and other related documents should be directed to the Tender and Information Agent or to the Dealer Manager at their respective contact details contained in the Tender Offer Memorandum. SOURCE GLP China Holdings Limited ABUJA, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- At least 75 bodies have been recovered after gunmen attacked two villages in Nigeria's central Kwara State earlier this week, local officials said late Wednesday. Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, who visited Kaiama Local Government Area on Wednesday night with security chiefs and cabinet members, said 75 people had been killed in the Woro and Nuku communities. He described the victims as local Muslims and said they were attacked after refusing to submit to extremists preaching what he called a "strange doctrine." The gunmen rode on motorcycles and wreaked havoc in the two communities by shooting indiscriminately at residents while also razing some houses, local sources told Xinhua. A senior military officer who accompanied the governor on an on-the-spot assessment of the affected villages said the death toll could rise as search-and-rescue operations continued. Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has identified the Boko Haram terror group as being responsible for the attacks and ordered the deployment of an army battalion to Kaiama Local Government Area, said a statement by the State House late Wednesday. Tinubu condemned "the cowardly and beastly attack" and described the gunmen as "heartless for choosing soft targets in their doomed campaign of terror." The new military command will spearhead "Operation Savannah Shield" to "checkmate the barbaric terrorists and protect defenseless communities," according to the statement quoting the Nigerian leader. MINNEAPOLIS, Feb. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Health Care Compliance Association (HCCA) is pleased to announce its 30th Annual Compliance Institute (CI), April 2730 at the Loews Meeting Complex at Universal Orlando in Orlando, Florida. This landmark event celebrates three decades of trusted compliance education, peer-to-peer learning, and advancement for healthcare compliance professionals. Celebrating 30 Years of the Compliance Institute Speed Speed Now in its 30th year, the CI continues to set the standard for comprehensive, practical, and forward-looking compliance programming. The Institute brings together thousands of healthcare compliance leaders, regulators, legal experts, and industry practitioners for professional development, networking, and strategic insight. Engaging Agenda Focused on the Future of Compliance The 2026 agenda features a robust lineup of educational sessions, interactive workshops, and expert panels designed to address contemporary challenges and emerging trends in healthcare compliance. Topics include: Opening General Session on building a culture of compliance and organizational trust by Top 15 Apple Podcaster and best-selling author Brant Menswar Regulatory and enforcement developments shaping healthcare compliance strategy Best practices for compliance program design, auditing, monitoring, and investigations Practical approaches to risk management and organizational culture integration Innovative compliance program solutions from exhibitors and sponsors The agenda is available at hcca-info.org/2026CI The Institute also offers optional certification exam opportunities and networking activities that foster meaningful professional engagement and career advancement. Virtual conference participation in select live-streamed sessions is offered for those unable to join in person. Celebrating 30 Years of Trust and Impact HCCA's flagship conference has helped shape the careers of healthcare compliance officers and reinforced best practices that enhance organizational integrity and trustworthiness. Attendees cite the Institute's high-quality education, thought leadership, and peer connections as key drivers of professional success. "HCCA's Compliance Institute is more than an event it is an institution in the healthcare compliance community," said HCCA CEO Garth Jordan. "As we mark 30 years, we reaffirm our commitment to delivering the insights, tools, and relationships that compliance professionals need to navigate an increasingly complex regulatory environment." Registration and Additional Information Attendance options include full conference, single-day, and virtual passes. Exhibitor and sponsorship opportunities are also available. For complete agenda details, registration information, and press credential requests, visit: hcca-info.org/2026CI. About HCCA Health Care Compliance Association (HCCA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving compliance professionals with education, resources, and peer networking opportunities that improve compliance programs and professional performance. HCCA advances the development, implementation, and improvement of compliance programs in healthcare-related industries. SOURCE Health Care Compliance Association (HCCA) Palisade lauded for its exterior design, abundance of tech and overall refinement MotorWeek Drivers' Choice Awards announcement coincides with the opening of the Chicago Auto Show FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., Feb. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Hyundai Palisade was named 2026 MotorWeek Drivers' Choice Award for Best Large Utility. The Palisade stood out among other category finalists thanks to its powerful 3.5-liter V6 and new hybrid powertrain option, a slew of convenience and technology features and overall refinement. In addition to driving impressions, MotorWeek's vehicle evaluations team considered reliability and value, as well as consumer trends. The Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy is photographed in California City, Calif. on March 4, 2025. "The 2026 MotorWeek Drivers' Choice Award recognition for Best Large Utility is proof that Hyundai is providing customers the features and technologies they desire at an accessible price point," said Ricky Lao, director, product planning, Hyundai Motor North America. "During the design phase, people told us they wanted confidence and a premium feel in real life, so we focused on proportion, presence and refinement for a first-class experience." "Large crossover utilities are still a relatively new phenomenon, but our winner, the Hyundai Palisade, is no stranger to the segment. When it first arrived 6 years ago, it was truly a game changer. We picked it as a winner then, and it caused established brands to rethink their own large SUV strategies," said John Davis, Host & Creator of MotorWeek. "Well, the second-generation Palisade is now here with a new hybrid powertrain that is both more efficient and more powerful than the outgoing V6. Plus, while the exterior size has grown only modestly, it packs far more features and refinement than ever and does so without sticker shock. Putting the Palisade at the top of our SUV ticket was once again an easy choice." For the last 45 years, MotorWeek has paused halfway through their television season to examine the state of the automotive business, and to judge the year's best new cars, SUVs and trucks. Driving, researching, and performing instrumented testing of over 150 new vehicles every year is a benchmark of which MotorWeek is proud. From this intensive process, a list of the best vehicles in each class is prepared and the DCA winners are determined. The goal is to produce a list of winners that align with the perspectives of automotive experts and consumers alike, with recommendations that can be used as a practical guide for new-vehicle shopping. The Drivers' Choice Awards selection show can be watched now at MotorWeek.org and MotorWeek's YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@Motorweek/videos Hyundai Motor America Hyundai Motor America offers U.S. consumers a technology-rich lineup of cars, SUVs, and electrified vehicles, while supporting Hyundai Motor Company's Progress for Humanity vision. Hyundai has significant operations in the U.S., including its North American headquarters in California, the Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama assembly plant, the all-new Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America, several cutting-edge R&D facilities and more than 855 independent dealers. These operations are part of Hyundai Motor Group, which is investing $26 billion in the U.S. from 2025 to 2028. For more information, visit www.hyundainews.com. Hyundai Motor America on Twitter | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | TikTok SOURCE Hyundai Motor America LAWRENCEBURG, Tenn., Feb. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- What is the real cost of choosing a cheap roof? That question is addressed in a HelloNation article featuring Roofing Expert Jeff Hill of 7H Roofing and Construction in Lawrenceburg, Tennessee. The article, titled "The Real Cost of a Cheap Roof," explains how low-cost roofing jobs often lead to costly repairs, damage, and stress down the line. Jeff Hill, President Speed Speed The HelloNation article highlights how homeowners are often drawn to roofing bids that appear to save money upfront. However, it explains that these savings can be short-lived. Roofing Expert Jeff Hill warns that lower bids often mean lower-quality materials, improper installation, or skipped steps like underlayment and ventilation. These shortcuts can result in hidden costs that appear months or years later. The article points out that cheap roofing jobs often use low-grade asphalt shingles and overlook essential elements like flashing and moisture barriers. The risks from these shortcuts aren't always visible at first. But once a storm hits or time passes, the damage becomes apparent. The article explains that homeowners may face roof leaks, insulation issues, water stains, or mold, all of which can lead to costly damage repairs. HelloNation also notes that some low-cost roofing contractors may not carry insurance or proper licenses. Roofing Expert Jeff Hill explains that if an accident occurs during installation or substandard work causes structural damage, homeowners could be left without protection. In some cases, insurance claims may be denied if the roof wasn't installed in accordance with the building code roofing requirements. The article stresses that a poorly installed roof can also cause problems when filing storm-related insurance claims. Homeowners may struggle to prove that their roof meets code, especially if unlicensed workers made repairs or installations. This can delay the claims process or result in denied coverage, adding stress during a time when fast repairs are critical. According to Roofing Expert Jeff Hill, a quality roof requires more than just shingles. The HelloNation article explains that proper ventilation, flashing, and underlayment are essential parts of a durable roofing system. These elements help prevent moisture buildup, leaks, and structural wear over time. Skipping them may reduce bid costs, but it also shortens the roof's lifespan. The article encourages homeowners to ask key questions when selecting a contractor. Roofing Expert Jeff Hill recommends checking whether shingles are impact-rated, if the company provides written warranties, and if they follow building code roofing requirements. He also suggests confirming that cleanup and disposal are included in the job. These questions help ensure a contractor delivers long-term protection, not just a quick fix. The HelloNation feature emphasizes that while low-cost bids may seem appealing, they often lead to long-term expenses. A cheap roof may require frequent patching or full replacement years earlier than expected. The article reminds readers that investing in proper roof installation brings peace of mind, performance, and long-term value. Homeowners who choose licensed contractors who use high-quality materials often avoid problems associated with poor roof work. Roofing Expert Jeff Hill explains that every part of a roof, from asphalt shingles to flashing, contributes to its durability. When installed correctly, a roof protects both the structure and everything beneath it. By highlighting the hidden costs of shortcuts, the article shows how Roofing Expert Jeff Hill encourages homeowners to look beyond the lowest price. A reliable roof is more than a layer of shinglesit's a long-term investment in safety, comfort, and confidence. The Real Cost of a Cheap Roof features insights from Jeff Hill, Roofing Expert at 7H Roofing and Construction in Lawrenceburg, TN, on 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 LANIER COUNTY, Ga., Feb. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Jon Kohler & Associates, the premier authority in plantation and high-quality recreational land, is proud to announce the listing of Big Creek Farms for $39 million. This 3,310-acre generational estate is not only one of the most significant sporting properties to hit the market in decades but is also positioned to challenge the state's residential price record recently set by entertainer Jake Paul. For more information on Big Creek Farms or to schedule a private tour, please contact Jon Kohler & Associates at (850) 508-2999 or visit JonKohler.com. Nestled in Lanier County, Georgia, Big Creek Farms is a 3,310 acre legacy property where the art of land stewardship meets architectural mastery. The home at Big Creek Farms is an achievement rarely seen in modern times, a 22,000-square-foot masterpiece. Every inch was planned, drawn, and refined with purpose, resulting in a residence that blends 1840s inspiration with twenty-first-century innovation. Nestled in the heart of South Georgia's fertile agricultural belt, Big Creek Farms represents a rare convergence of world-class architecture, high-yield income-producing farmland, and elite-level sporting recreation. "This is like seeing a brand-new Greenwood, Chinquapin, or Watercrest," said Jon Kohler, founder of Jon Kohler & Associates. "Undoubtedly, this will be regarded as one of the finest homes on any sporting property in America. Perhaps the perfect combination of recreation, architecture, and income." At the heart of the estate is a 22,000-square-foot Classical Revival masterpiece (17,000 sq. ft. heated/cooled) that took over three years to complete. Designed by Doug Carter and meticulously realized by landowners Haynes and Justin Studstill, the residence draws inspiration from the 1840s while incorporating 21st-century technology. Features include: Intricate crown moldings hand-carved in Egypt. French-oak parquet floors sourced from Europe. A custom gun room lined in pecky cypress with a stone fireplace, housing over 120 firearms. A resort-style wave pool and world-class equestrian facilities, including an eight-stall barn and a 120' x 200' covered riding arena. "If King Solomon would have built in South Georgia, this is what he would have built," Kohler added. Big Creek Farms is more than a residence; it is a highly productive land asset. The property includes 1,124 acres of irrigated farmland with 11 pivots, generating significant annual rental income. For the sportsman, the property is a masterpiece of wildlife management. It features 2,000 acres of high-quality recreation, including 1,000 acres under intensive quail management, a 13-acre floodable duck impoundment, and three miles of frontage on Big Creek. The property is renowned for its trophy whitetail deer genetics, with local records exceeding 170 inches. The $39 million price tag places Big Creek Farms in a league of its own. It entered the market just months after Jake Paul purchased Southlands. Big Creek Farms offers over 3,000 acres of "Social Storm" security, long-term timber and agricultural value, and a 200-year family legacy. About Jon Kohler & Associates: Jon Kohler & Associates is the leading brokerage and advisory firm for plantations, ranches, and high-quality recreational lands across the Southeast. For 35 years, they have specialized in representing the finest legacy properties in the "Red Hills" region and beyond. https://jonkohler.com/about-us/ SOURCE Jon Kohler & Associates Chief Compliance Officer of Berthel Fisher and Company, Inc., brings more than 30 years of financial services experience, including two decades in compliance leadership. CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa, Feb. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Berthel Fisher Companies (the firm), a leading wealth management, investment management and insurance solutions provider, today announced that Kim Chapman, Chief Compliance Officer for Berthel Fisher subsidiaries, has been elected to serve as Chair of FINRA's National Adjudicatory Council (NAC) for 2026. This new role follows her election to a four-year term in the Mid-Size Firm seat in January 2024. She is also a member of FINRA's Midwest Regional Committee. Appointed by the FINRA Board of Governors, the NAC evaluates initial disciplinary decisions issued by FINRA hearing panels and considers disciplinary matters that have been appealed to, or called for consideration by, the NAC. The NAC also addresses statutory disqualification matters, considers appeals of membership proceedings, exercises exemptive authority and acts in other proceedings as set forth in the Code of Procedure. "It's a distinct honor to be elected by my peers to serve as Chair of the NAC," Chapman said. "As we collaborate with FINRA, our responsibility to review disciplinary decisions and membership proceedings is more critical than ever. My goal is to leverage our combined expertise and diverse perspectives to deliver fair, consistent enforcement that protects the investing public. I believe my three decades in financial services position me for success in this role." Chapman has been CCO of the Berthel Fisher subsidiaries since 2020. They are comprised of several financial services businesses within the firm, including two independent broker-dealers, an SEC-registered RIA and an insurance agency. She has over 20 years of experience in compliance, including across business models encompassing captive, franchised and independent audiences. Meanwhile, her entire financial services background spans retail, fintech, investment banking and product manufacturers across insurance and mutual funds. During her career, Chapman has worked at firms with more than 5,000 registered reps and at those with fewer than 50. That range of experience gives her a practical, end-to-end view of compliance and operations, making her well-suited for her new role. "The wealth management industry will be well served with Kim as Chair of the FINRA NAC," said Andrew Christofferson, CEO & President for Berthel Fisher subsidiaries. "Her election reflects her knowledge, judgment and integrity while underscoring the caliber of leadership we continue to cultivate at Berthel. Kim understands the issues facing financial advisors, firms and clients, and in her new position will no doubt help to provide efficient, well-reasoned and fact-based oversight." About The Berthel Fisher Companies The Berthel Fisher Companies (Berthel Fisher) consists of Berthel Fisher & Company Financial Services, a leading independent broker-dealer; BFC Planning, an SEC-registered investment adviser; Berthel Fisher & Company Insurance, an agency providing comprehensive solutions with competitive contracts from top carriers; Securities Management & Research (SMR), an insurance-based broker-dealer operated by a securities firm, as well as SMR's holding company, One Financial; and has majority ownership of BFC Investments, Commercial Power Finance and iPrism Global. For more information, visit https://www.berthel.com/. About FINRA FINRA is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to investor protection and market integrity. FINRA regulates one critical part of the securities industrymember brokerage firms doing business in the U.S. FINRA, overseen by the SEC, writes rules, examines for and enforces compliance with FINRA rules and federal securities laws, registers broker-dealer personnel and offers them education and training, and informs the investing public. In addition, FINRA provides surveillance and other regulatory services for equities and options markets, as well as trade reporting and other industry utilities. FINRA also administers a dispute resolution forum for investors and brokerage firms and their registered employees. For more information, visit www.finra.org. Media Contact: Michael Dugan Haven Tower Group LLC 424 317 4852 [email protected] SOURCE Berthel Fisher Companies Demonstration highlights adaptive, mission-ready edge AI built through strategic partnerships PRINCETON, N.J. and SAN DIEGO, Feb. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Latent AI, the global leader in edge AI solutions, today announced it will showcase its interoperable, full-stack edge AI ecosystem at AFCEA West next week in collaboration with Sigma Defense and Abaco Systems. Aligned with the Department of War's Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA), the demonstrations highlight truly interoperable, plug-and-play AI running across multiple hardware platforms, exactly what the military has called for to reduce integration friction and avoid vendor lock-in. Together, the companies are showing how adaptive edge AI, secure orchestration, and rugged hardware work better together to deliver resilient, real-time intelligence in denied, degraded, intermittent and low-bandwidth (DDIL) environments where cloud-dependent systems cannot operate. Edge AI enables real-time decision-making closer to the point of action, but AI models deployed in isolation can degrade over time as operational conditions shift, data drifts and threats evolve. Latent AI addresses this challenge through an adaptive edge AI approach powered by its optimized AI and Field Tactical Suite (FTS), field-proven in the Navy's Project APFIT and the Army's Project Linchpin. FTS provides a user-facing AI pipeline that enables warfighters to deploy, update and refine AI models in the field in minutes, rather than days or weeks. Edge AI solutions ensure sustained performance without reliance on centralized cloud infrastructure or higher-echelon support. Through its partnership with Sigma Defense, Latent AI integrates its optimized, containerized AI services with Sigma Defense's Olympus platform, delivering secure orchestration and automated software distribution at the tactical edge. Olympus handles the last mile of AI delivery by pushing updates, monitoring runtime health, and optimizing resources under strict size, weight and power (SWaP) constraints, even in bandwidth-starved or disconnected environments. Together, the companies enable rapid mission adaptation, ensuring that critical AI capabilities, such as EO/IR tracking and automatic target recognition, remain operational when connectivity is unreliable or unavailable. Latent AI's collaboration with Abaco Systems pairs adaptive edge AI with rugged, modular mission hardware designed to endure the harshest operational conditions. Abaco System's line of mission computers that deliver high-performance compute in a low-SWaP, SOSA-aligned form factor, while Latent AI's hardware-agnostic AI models are optimized to run efficiently across CPU and GPU configurations without custom integration. Jags Kandasamy, CEO and co-founder, Latent AI, said: "Edge AI alone is not enough for real-world operations. AI must be adaptive, interoperable and supported by a resilient ecosystem that keeps systems operational as conditions change. Our partnerships with Sigma Defense and Abaco Systems allow us to deliver mission-ready edge AI that can be deployed, updated and trusted at the tactical edge without waiting on distant infrastructure." Matt Jones, CEO, Sigma Defense, said: "CJADC2 superiority will not be achieved by adding more hardware it will be driven by delivering the right applications and capabilities to warfighters, even in disconnected environments. As a leader in software mobility for the Department of War, our partnership with Latent AI strengthens our ability to deliver mission-ready capabilities to the tactical edge." Simon Collins, director of product management, Abaco Systems, said: "Latent AI is a high-growth, emerging partner ready for integration into Abaco Systems' defense-grade hardware. Through this partnership, we will integrate advanced AI capabilities into our products and deliver proven, mission-ready solutions that strengthen and improve operational performance for now and tomorrow." At AFCEA West from Feb. 1012 in San Diego, Latent AI (Booth 4306) will showcase its optimized tracking and adaptive edge AI capabilities live at Sigma Defense (Booth 1133) and Abaco Systems (Booth 2315). Attendees can experience firsthand how Latent AI's "better together" approach, combining optimized AI, secure orchestration, and rugged hardware, delivers resilient, real-time intelligence where it matters most. To read more, see Latent AI's blogs here on Abaco Systems and Sigma Defense . About Latent AI Latent AI delivers edge AI solutions that enable rapid deployment of artificial intelligence capabilities on any device. Founded in 2018, the company's developer platform helps government and commercial organizations implement efficient, secure AI solutions at the edge. Latent AI's tools enable developers to build and update secure, adaptive models for field or laboratory use, serving defense and commercial customers. For more information, visit latentai.com. Media Contact: Max Holden Force4 Technology Communications [email protected] SOURCE Latent AI Annex Brands, Inc. Celebrates Franchise Renewal, Ensuring the Continuation of Essential Shipping and Office Services SAN DIEGO, Feb. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Annex Brands, Inc., a leading franchisor in the packing, shipping, and office services industries, is proud to announce the renewal of a franchise agreement for the AIM Mail Center location in Lake Wylie, South Carolina. This renewal reflects the ongoing dedication of Richard Winter with the addition of his daughter, Ashli Ornoski, to the business. Now that she is incorporated into the family business, they can continue providing essential shipping and office services to the local community. Located at Landing Station, at 168 Highway 274, in Lake Wylie, SC 29710, this AIM Mail Center offers a comprehensive array of services, including shipping options with UPS, FedEx, and USPS, plus expert packing services, private mailbox rentals, notary public services, and office solutions such as printing and packaging supplies. "I chose to renew our contract because I truly believe in the values, and the systems and support that Annex Brands provides," said Winter. "Over the years, they've given me the tools to grow a strong, sustainable business, while still allowing me the flexibility to put my own touch on how we serve our customers. Renewing and adding my daughter to the family business felt like the natural next step for continuing to build on what we've started here." Annex Brands recognizes the importance of franchise renewals for strong, locally-owned businesses that support their communities. "We're proud to see Richard and his daughter, Ashli, reaffirm their franchise agreement with AIM Mail Center #1147 and the customers they serve," said Patrick Edd, Chief Executive Officer & President of Annex Brands. "Strong, lasting franchise relationships like this underscore the reliability of our system and the value we bring to local communities. We look forward to their continued achievements." Headquartered in San Diego, CA, Annex Brands has been providing business ownership opportunities since 1985 and now licenses and franchises over 800 locations across the United States, Canada and Mexico. Their brands, including PostalAnnex, Pak Mail, AIM Mail Centers, Parcel Plus, Sunshine Pack & Ship, Navis Pack & Ship, and Handle With Care Packaging Store, are synonymous with reliable and professional service. For more information about AIM Mail Center #1147, located at Landing Station, at 168 Highway 274, in Lake Wylie, SC 29710, and the services offered at this location, please visit www.aimmailcenters.com/1147. ABOUT COMPANY: Annex Brands, Inc. licenses and franchises over 850 locations in the United States, Canada, and Mexico under the brands PostalAnnex, Pak Mail, AIM Mail Centers, Parcel Plus, Sunshine Pack & Ship, Navis Pack & Ship and Handle With Care Packaging Store. Headquartered in San Diego, Calif., Annex Brands has been providing business ownership opportunities since 1985. Locations offer a range of shipping options from multiple carriers such as UPS, FedEx and USPS, as well as freight shipping for large, awkward, high-value, or fragile items. Additional offerings include packaging supplies and custom packing solutions for parcels and wooden crates, as well as mailbox services and other office services such as notary public services, copy and print services, and more. For more information, visit www.annexbrands.com. Contact: Michelle McKee Phone: (619) 563-4800 Email: [email protected] SOURCE Annex Brands, Inc. FRESNO, Calif., Feb. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Lozano Smith, LLP, a leading California education and public agency law firm, is proud to announce that Anne Collins, Regina Garza, and Kelly Rem have joined the firm as Equity Partners. "These attorneys exemplify the leadership, integrity, and collaborative spirit that define Lozano Smith," said Karen Rezendes, Managing Partner of Lozano Smith. "Anne, Regina, and Kelly have each demonstrated an unwavering commitment to our clients, our colleagues, and our firm. Their transition to equity partnership reflects the trust they have earned and their long-term investment in Lozano Smith's continued growth and service to public agencies across California." Meet the New Equity Partners: Anne Collins Anne Collins has been a member of Lozano Smith for more than 15 years and has built a respected practice focused on governance, litigation, and facilities and business matters. She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Illinois and graduated with honors from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law. Throughout her tenure, Anne has served in numerous leadership roles within the firm, including as a Practice Group co-chair for multiple practice areas, and has played an active role in mentoring attorneys and supporting firmwide client development initiatives. She is a highly sought-after presenter for statewide associations and was recognized with a CASH Membership Service Award for her longstanding commitment to supporting school districts and educational organizations. Regina Garza Regina Garza has spent nearly two decades building a distinguished career at Lozano Smith, where she has played a significant role in the firm's leadership and growth. She has held several leadership positions, including Office Managing Partner, Assistant Office Managing Partner, and member of the firm's Organizational Learning Committee. In addition to serving as County Counsel for Madera County, Regina has been instrumental in the expansion of the firm's Municipal Practice Group throughout California. She is widely regarded as a trusted general counsel, negotiator, and advisor, bringing a deep commitment to public service and client partnership to her practice. Kelly Rem Kelly Rem is the Managing Partner of Lozano Smith's Walnut Creek office. Throughout her 14-year career at Lozano Smith, she has held numerous leadership roles, including Office Managing Partner, Assistant Office Managing Partner, and co-chair of the Facilities and Business Practice Group, while also mentoring attorneys and contributing to firmwide thought leadership. Kelly primarily advises public agencies across California on facilities, business, and litigation matters and has led hundreds of millions of dollars in real property transactions on behalf of school districts and public agencies throughout the state. She is a recognized authority on CEQA and complex facilities issues, and frequently presents at statewide conferences, including representing the California School Boards Association as amicus curiae before the California Supreme Court. Get to Know Lozano Smith Lozano Smith is a full-service education and public agency law firm serving hundreds of California's K-12 school districts, community college districts, and numerous cities, counties, and special districts. The firm's expertise includes, but is not limited to, personnel matters, labor relations, real property and construction matters, constitutional issues, special education, student discipline, Title IX, charter schools, bond elections, governance, and litigation in all areas of representation. Lozano Smith has offices in eight California locations: Sacramento, Walnut Creek, Fresno, Monterey, Bakersfield, San Luis Obispo, Los Angeles, and San Diego. For more information about Lozano Smith or to see full attorney bios, visit www.LozanoSmith.com or find us on Facebook or LinkedIn. You can also download the Lozano Smith mobile app and listen to our podcast to stay updated with the latest legal updates. Contact: Andy Garcia Executive Director 559.431.5600 [email protected] SOURCE Lozano Smith, LLP New Partnership Expands STEM and Career Exploration Opportunities Across Ohio COLUMBUS, Ohio, Feb. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Maritime Industrial Base (MIB) Program is funding statewide access to Learning Blade, powered by eDynamic, for all Ohio schools and districts. The initiative ensures every Ohio student in grades 59 can access more than 500 interactive lessons and hands-on resources introducing careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), computer science, and advanced manufacturing. The announcement follows Ohio's decision to end exemptions for Career-Based Learning requirements, meaning all students must now complete coursework or experiences to meet graduation standards. Learning Blade provides a funded option for this. Through this partnership, Learning Blade also joined forces with the Ohio Middle Level Association (OMLA) to strengthen connections with educators across the state. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to strengthening the nation's workforce by inspiring students early with exposure to high-demand industries. Through Learning Blade's engaging platform, Ohio students will be able to explore maritime missions such as "Beneath the Waves," and the newest "Assemble the Fleet", arriving in January of 2026, which immerses learners in the real-world skills and careers behind building ships, while connecting them more closely to the broader US Navy mission. To fill the workforce gap required to secure our nation, MIB has worked to expose students across the country to STEM education focused on maritime careers. "Students can't be what they can't see," said Joshua Sneideman, Vice President of Learning Blade. "Thanks to the support of the Maritime Industrial Base Program, Ohio students will now have the chance to see themselves in future high-tech manufacturing careers that sustain our national security and drive innovation in our economy." "In the classroom, students often ask, 'When am I going to need this in real life?'" said Dr. Carrie Curtis, Education Lead, MIB Program. "Learning Blade's mission-driven approach bridges academic gaps by integrating real-world applications that connect directly to high-demand industries like those found in Ohio. At a pivotal stage in their personal growth, students are exposed to emerging technologies and career possibilities, allowing them to take charge of their educational paths moving forward. This strategy is essential for ensuring our nation remains competitive and ready to meet future workforce needs." Ohio joins a growing list of states where Learning Blade is helping students build career awareness, workforce readiness skills, and confidence in pursuing STEM pathways. By providing statewide access to this platform, the MIB Program is empowering educators to connect classroom learning with real-world opportunities that build pathways into the nation's maritime workforce. To access your free account, teachers can go to learningblade.com/states . About Maritime Industrial Base The U.S. Navy's Maritime Industrial Base (MIB) Program is revitalizing America's shipbuilding and sustainment industrial base to ensure the Navy can build, maintain, and modernize its fleet. The program focuses on three key areas, Workforce Development, Supply Chain Resilience, and Advanced Manufacturing, to strengthen the nation's ability to build submarines, aircraft carriers, and surface ships that support maritime defense and deterrence. About Learning Blade, Powered by eDynamic Learning Learning Blade, powered by eDynamic Learning, provides online tools that introduce students in grades 59 to STEM, computer science, and career opportunities through interactive missions and modules. Aligned to academic standards and designed to spark early career interest, Learning Blade's resources help students envision themselves in high-demand, high-wage careers. Media contact: Adrienne Mullens Marketing Director eDynamic Learning [email protected] SOURCE eDynamic Learning CANBERRA, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- Three structures have been destroyed by a bushfire that has burnt more than 3,000 hectares of land in South Australia (SA). The SA Country Fire Service (CFS) said that the fire near the small town of Deep Creek, 85 km southwest of Adelaide in the state's Fleurieu Peninsula region, had burnt through 3,646 hectares and had a 49 km perimeter as of Thursday morning. Authorities on Wednesday night confirmed that the fire, which has been burning since Sunday, has destroyed at least three structures. The CFS said that firefighters had some success creating a perimeter around the northwest side of the fire on Wednesday, but that the fire is expected to remain erratic due to coastal winds and terrain that is hard to access in the Deep Creek National Park. It said that people who wish to leave the area will be allowed to do so via closed roads, but will not be allowed to return until the fire is under control. Firefighters from the neighboring state of Victoria were expected to arrive in the area on Thursday to aid local crews who have been working since Sunday to protect nearby towns. Local husband-and-wife entrepreneurs Mark and Krishelle Magee acquire their first franchise locations in South Jordan and Draper CARROLLTON, Texas, Feb. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- My Salon Suite , a salon suite franchise focused on providing beauty, health, and wellness professionals a personal space to build their business, announced the acquisition and conversion of two independent salons, which are now operating as My Salon Suite South Jordan and My Salon Suite Draper . The new salons are owned and operated by local entrepreneurs Mark and Krishelle Magee, marking their first venture into franchise ownership with the brand. The two Utah locations were previously independently owned and operated before being acquired and converted to the My Salon Suite brand. The transition brings the salons into a national system offering established operational support, marketing resources, technology, and brand recognition, which are key advantages for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to scale, streamline operations, or plan for long-term growth. For independent salon owners, conversion to My Salon Suite offers a powerful path to growth. Owners who convert gain immediate access to My Salon Suite's established systems, national marketing support, training, and Member support. For those considering a sale, My Salon Suite provides a streamlined process with no broker commissions, delivering a faster, more efficient transition. "Conversions are a powerful growth engine for My Salon Suite," said Mark Jameson, chief development officer at Propelled Brands. "Mark and Krishelle represent the type of passionate, community-focused owners we are proud to welcome into the My Salon Suite family." In 2025, My Salon Suite experienced strong national expansion driven by rising demand for flexible, semi-absentee franchise models. The conversion of the new My Salon Suite locations brings the brand to a total of three salons in Utah with over 350 locations across the U.S. and Canada. As My Salon Suite advances its nationwide development goals, the company remains focused on strategic market expansion, enhanced franchisee support, and providing an elevated experience for both Members and owners. With the launch of their salons, the Magees aim to foster a supportive, professional environment for beauty and wellness entrepreneurs in their community. "We hope to build a strong reputation as a nice, clean, safe and peaceful place to grow our Members' businesses and customer loyalty," the Magees said. Looking to the future, they're focused on sustained growth and long-term profitability as they continue learning and building within the My Salon Suite system. My Salon Suite is currently seeking qualified franchise candidates with an emphasis on multi-unit owners as it targets continued nationwide growth. Interested prospects can visit key franchise personnel at the Multi-Unit Franchising Conference in Las Vegas, March 24 - 27, 2026 (booth #2221). For more information about My Salon Suite franchise opportunities, visit https://www.mysalonsuite.com/franchise , or contact Mark Jameson at [email protected] or 214-346-5679. About My Salon Suite My Salon Suite is a franchise designed for individuals with an entrepreneurial spirit who are interested in diversifying their portfolio while enjoying a semi-absentee lifestyle. The company was established with the aim to inspire and empower health, beauty, and wellness professionals with the opportunity to go into business for themselves, but not by themselves. My Salon Suite Members are provided with ongoing training, support, and a robust referral network to bolster their business growth. The brand, which is ranked 119 on ENTREPRENEUR's highly competitive 2025 Franchise 500 List, is widely recognized for its rapid expansion and significant success. As a service-oriented business in the Propelled Brands family, My Salon Suite boasts over 350 locations in 35 states across the United States and Canada, with 165 franchisees and over 10,000 Members. To learn more about My Salon Suite, visit mysalonsuite.com. For franchise opportunities, contact Mark Jameson ( [email protected] or call 214.346.5679). SOURCE My Salon Suite Company to showcase AI-powered observability and Agentic AI workflow February 10-12, 2026 at the Newly-Renovated and Expanded Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center LOS ANGELES, Feb. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Netverge, the platform empowering the next generation of MSPs, announced today that it will be showcasing its AI -powered MSP and enterprise platform at ITEXPO, held February 10-12, 2026 at the shiny new Broward County Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. ITEXPO is the communications and digital transformation event where influential buyers gather to make purchase decisions and prepare their companies for the Autonomous Enterprise. Meet Netverge at ITEXPO at booth 1263 to learn more about the company's strategy for eliminating operational noise and automating technical workflows though agentic AI. For more than 20 years, executives, technology buyers, sellers, resellers and manufacturers from companies of all sizes and industries assemble at ITEXPO to forge new business partnerships, collaborate and learn together and from one another. Dozens of conferences sessions, keynotes and panels will be focused on helping attendees move their businesses forward. "As MSPs face increasing margin pressure and tool sprawl, the need for a unified, intelligent operational backbone has never been greater," said Jim Gurol, CEO at Netverge. To address these challenges, Netverge unifies monitoring, documentation, and ticketing into a single intuitive system, anchored by Vergepoint onsite observability devices. These devices emulate an "engineer-onsite" experience by running live diagnostics and QoE/QoS checks directly within the client's network, allowing service providers to isolate problems across the LAN, ISP, or cloud without the expense of a field dispatch At ITEXPO booth 1263, Netverge will demonstrate how providers can transition from reactive support to an autonomous, proactive service model that maximizes recurring revenue and operational excellence. Complementing the exhibition, Jim Gurol will join the featured panel, "Channel Crisis: Why Your Model Is Killing Partner Growth," on Tuesday, February 10, from 1:30 PM to 2:15 PM. The session will tackle the industry's "broken economics" and misaligned incentives, providing a strategic roadmap for building a sustainable, partner-led growth engine. Why Attend ITEXPO 2026? Discover and demo solutions in AI, communications, cybersecurity, CX, network modernization, UC/UCaaS, cloud, and collaboration. Network with and learn from thousands of IT leaders, service providers, MSPs, and tech buyers from around the globe. Learn from 300+ speakers across multiple co-located events including MSP Expo, Enterprise Cybersecurity Expo, Generative AI Expo, and Future of CX. Evaluate new partners and vendors to support 2026 IT and digital transformation priorities. Connect with Netverge and other top technology innovators who can help solve your businesses' technology challenges. About Netverge Netverge is a next-generation network intelligence platform that modernizes infrastructure management through cutting-edge Generative and Agentic AI. By autonomously detecting, analyzing, and resolving network events before they impact operations, the platform provides enterprises and MSPs with an intelligent operations layer that eliminates manual bottlenecks and reduces operational noise. This proactive approach delivers end-to-end visibility and automated remediation, empowering teams to scale effortlessly while focusing on high-value work rather than repetitive troubleshooting. Learn more at netverge.com and follow on LinkedIn About TMC TMC provides global buyers with valuable insights to make informed tech decisions through our editorial platforms, live events, webinars, and online advertising. Leading vendors trust TMC, thought leadership, and our events for branding, thought leadership, and lead generation. Our live events, like the ITEXPO #TECHSUPERSHOW, deliver unmatched visibility, while our custom lead generation programs and webinars ensure a steady flow of sales opportunities. Display ads on trusted sites generate millions of impressions, boosting brand reputations. TMC offers a complete 360-degree marketing solution, from event management to content creation, driving SEO, branding, and marketing success. Learn more at www.tmcnet.com and follow @tmcnet on Facebook, LinkedIn, and X. Media Contact: Stephanie Thompson Communications Liaison, TMC [email protected] Sponsorship Contacts: Joe Fabiano, TMC | [email protected] | 203-852-6800 x132 Maureen Gambino, TMC | [email protected] | 203-852-6800 x109 Follow ITEXPO: X/Twitter: @ITEXPO LinkedIn: ITEXPO on LinkedIn Netverge Contact: Abbigail Arriaga Manager, Netverge (888)-263-8188 [email protected] SOURCE Netverge Firm to Hire Sector Specific Equities Focused Portfolio Managers NEW YORK, Feb. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- New Holland Capital, LLC ("New Holland" or "the Firm"), an alternative asset manager focused on absolute return investing for institutional clients, today announced the launch of New Amsterdam Principal Strategies ("New Amsterdam" or "NAPS"), a diversified, equity long/short multi-portfolio manager strategy which will operate within the Firm's internal platform Plum Island Partners. New Amsterdam Principal Strategies was formed in partnership with Mark Walker and John Gisondi, each of whom possesses more than 30 years of investing experience. Mr. Walker will serve as Chief Executive Officer and Mr. Gisondi will serve as Chief Investment Officer, respectively. NAPS will serve as New Holland's internal equities business and over time intends to employ approximately 10 sector specific equity portfolio managers. New Amsterdam will focus on creating an entrepreneurial culture underpinned by trusted, likeminded individuals who value working in a collaborative environment with other experienced investors with the initial capital provided by New Holland. Portfolio Managers will have the ability to create external separately managed accounts on behalf of other investors. Over time, portfolio managers will have the ability to either become partners in New Amsterdam Principal Strategies itself or spin-out and launch their own businesses, with NAPS retaining capacity rights in the new venture. Mark Walker, CEO of New Amsterdam Principal Strategies said: "We are looking forward to partnering with New Holland on this innovative platform and leveraging our long-standing network and relationships to build an experienced and collaborative investment team. Recruiting proven and trusted portfolio managers is foundational to generating strong risk adjusted returns and adhering to sound risk management practices. We believe we will be well positioned to accomplish both." John Gisondi, CIO of New Amsterdam Principal Strategies added: "Many portfolio managers coming out of large multi-strat firms are optimizing for equity, autonomy and diversified sources of capital. New Amsterdam is being built to meet those needs, and consequently, we believe the output will result in a better environment for repeatable alpha generation." Scott Radke, CEO and Co-CIO of New Holland said: "New Amsterdam Principal Strategies is a natural step in our Firm's evolution as we scale our internal trading capabilities spanning global markets. Mark and John are highly skilled investors and proven business builders with strong track records over numerous market cycles. Our team is looking forward to collaborating with them as we build out this platform." Mr. Walker was previously the Co-Founder of Baypointe Partners, an equity long/short focused alternative asset manager. Prior to co-founding Baypointe, he spent nearly 13 years at Crestline Investors Inc., and was the president of Summit TX, one of three Crestline businesses he helped to found. Prior to Crestline, Mr. Walker was Co-CIO of Ranger Investments and was the Global COO and co-founder of BNP Paribas global relationship management business. Earlier in his career, he held roles at Credit Suisse, Smith Barney, and Merrill Lynch in OTC derivative sales, prime brokerage sales, and private client management. Mr. Walker earned a BBA from Texas Christian University and is a former US Army Captain. Mr. Gisondi was previously the President of TOMS Capital Investment Management. Prior to that, he spent 20 years at GLG Partners, Inc., the US arm of GLG Partners, where he served as the Head Portfolio Manager for its US hedge fund and long only strategies, and was a member of its Global Risk Committee and Strategic Advisory Board. Additionally, Mr. Gisondi has held roles at Merrill Lynch and Summit Partners, a leading venture capital and private equity firm. Mr. Gisondi holds a BA in economics and English from Amherst College, and an MBA from the Harvard Business School. About New Holland Capital New Holland Capital, LLC is an alternative investment manager that manages over $7B in absolute return strategies for institutional clients. The firm seeks to generate alpha across a wide set of diversifying strategies, with a preference for niche, capacity constrained opportunities often with emerging portfolio managers. For more information please visit https://newhollandcapital.com/ . Media Contacts: Prosek Partners Devin Shorey [email protected] SOURCE New Holland Capital Five online programs are providing new pathways for students seeking alternatives to traditional classroom study LONDON, Feb. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- A new partnership between Goldsmiths, University of London and education technology company Risepoint is broadening access to the university's unique and creative approach to learning through high-quality online courses. The university has introduced five online programs designed for students who require greater flexibility and for those looking to pursue their studies outside of a traditional on-campus environment. Teaching on the courses will begin in summer 2026. Goldsmiths is one of the world's leading creative universities and is known for taking an innovative approach to learning across all of its subject areas. This collaboration builds on Goldsmiths' established success in delivering online education and reflects a shared commitment to supporting learners whose work, family responsibilities or location may make conventional study routes challenging. By offering flexible entry points, the programs are designed to open doors for students at different stages of their educational and professional journeys. Programs launched in January 2026 are: Foundation in Computer Science MSc/PGDip/PGCert Artificial Intelligence with Machine Learning MSc/PGDip/PGCert Artificial Intelligence and Creative Practice MA/PGDip/PGCert Children's Literature MA/MSc/PGDip/PGCert Psychology The courses all draw on Goldsmiths' innovative approach to these subjects, with programs designed by world-leading experts, including Professor Michael Rosen on the MA/PGDip/PGCert Children's Literature and industry collaborations on the Computing courses. Professor David Oswell, Vice-Chancellor (Interim) of Goldsmiths, said, "We offer a critical and creative approach to learning and we're delighted to be able to extend this to learners wherever they are in the world. These programs will give students the freedom to progress at a pace that suits their lives while accessing the expertise that Goldsmiths is known for." Fernando Bleichmar, CEO at Risepoint, said, "Goldsmiths has a long history of championing innovative education and ensuring that learners have the opportunity to thrive. Together, we are expanding access to programs that help students build skills for the future, regardless of where they live or how they need to learn." The partnership signals a significant step in Goldsmiths' ongoing work to make its programs more accessible to a wider range of learners, including adult students and those balancing study with other commitments. The programs start on June 8, 2026, and interested applicants can learn more here. About Goldsmiths, University of London Goldsmiths is a progressive university that aims to forge positive change in the world through all that we do. Goldsmiths has fostered an innovative and enquiring spirit since we welcomed our first students as a University 120 years ago in 1905. Around 7,500 students at our campus in the heart of New Cross in South East London study undergraduate, postgraduate and teacher training courses across the arts and humanities, social sciences, cultural studies, psychology, computing, entrepreneurial business, law and management. Opportunity and equity are at the heart of everything we do. We're ranked as the UK's top university for student academic progression, are among the top three in the UK for Art and Design and considered a world leading university for study in nine subject areas. Goldsmiths has a thriving research culture with nearly four fifths of our research rated either internationally excellent or world-leading. From artists and creatives to teachers and practitioners, our graduates shape culture and society. Nearly a quarter of Turner Prize winners are Goldsmiths alumni and notable graduates include artist and filmmaker Sir Steve McQueen, writer Bernardine Evaristo, artist Sir Antony Gormley and Charli XCX music producer A.G. Cook. About Risepoint Risepoint is an education technology company that provides world-class support and trusted expertise to more than 100 universities and colleges. We primarily work with regional universities, helping them develop and grow their high-ROI, workforce-focused online degree programs in critical areas such as nursing, teaching, business and public service. Risepoint is dedicated to increasing access to affordable education so that more students, especially working adults, can improve their careers and meet employer and community needs. Learn more at risepoint.com. SOURCE Risepoint NYSE issues a pre-market daily advisory direct from the trading floor. NEW YORK, Feb. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) provides a daily pre-market update directly from the NYSE Trading Floor. Access today's NYSE Pre-market update for market insights before trading begins. Ashley Mastronardi delivers the pre-market update on February 5th Bob's + Forgent to debut for trade at the NYSE. Speed Speed D-Wave visited the NYSE on Monday, August 8, 2022. Stocks are little changed as omnichannel retailer Bob's Discount Furniture (NYSE: BOBS) and electrical equipment maker Forgent Power Solutions (NYSE: FPS) begin trading today. (NYSE: BOBS) and electrical equipment maker (NYSE: FPS) begin trading today. Bob's Discount Furniture, with a projected post-deal market capitalization of $2.2 billion, raised more than $330 million in its IPO after pricing shares at $17 each. in its IPO after pricing shares at $17 each. Forgent Power Solutions, with an estimated $8.2 billion market capitalization, raised $1.5 billion in its IPO after pricing shares at $27 each. in its IPO after pricing shares at $27 each. Dr. Alan Barrots, President & CEO of D-Wave (NYSE: QBTS), will join NYSE Live to discuss a recent $20 million sale to Florida Atlantic University. Opening Bell Bob's Discount Furniture (NYSE: BOBS) celebrates its IPO Closing Bell The New York Junior League celebrates 125 years of service For market insights, IPO activity, and today's opening bell, download the NYSE TV App: TV.NYSE.com SOURCE New York Stock Exchange Sleeter's background spanning defense, telecommunications, aerospace, and secure mission systems strengthens the firm's technical leadership in wireless technology reverse engineering and patent claim analysis. NEW YORK, Feb. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Global consulting firm J.S. Held announces today that former US Air Force Radio Frequency (RF) systems engineer Dan Sleeter has joined the Patent Analysis and Reverse Engineering group of Ocean Tomo. Sleeter brings more than 15 years of experience leading crossfunctional technical teams across AIdriven RF programs, secure cloud environments, and agile delivery models supporting both national defense and commercial clients. Summary of Dan Sleeter's Expertise Dan Sleeter, in Ocean Tomos Patent Analysis and Reverse Engineering group, brings 15 years of experience leading cross-functional teams in AI-driven RF programs, secure cloud environments, and agile delivery models for both national defense and commercial clients. His work includes applying secure-systems expertise to evaluate patent claims, system architectures, and potential infringement pathways, providing defensible, evidence-based technical interpretations in complex, high-stakes matters. Speed Speed 15+ years leading crossfunctional teams across AIdriven RF programs, secure cloud environments, and agile delivery models. Deep expertise in RF systems, spectrum management, acquisition frameworks, and regulatory compliance. Proven success delivering missionaligned, innovationdriven, and technically rigorous solutions for DoD and commercial clients. Specialized background in NSA secure communications, TEMPEST/EMSEC, classified RF engineering, and RFML/AIenabled signal analysis. Brings nationalsecuritygrade RF insight to patent analysis, reverse engineering, and complex system deconstruction. Sleeter draws on a strong foundation of U.S. Air Force service and deep handson RF engineering expertise to guide clients through complex system evaluations, spectrum challenges, and intellectual property matters. His proven success managing programs for the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and commercial stakeholders reflects a commitment to mission alignment, technical rigor, and innovation. "Dan brings a rare combination of national securitygrade RF experience, modern AI/ML capability, and hands-on engineering depth," said Tim Dorney PhD, Technical Lead, Patent Analysis and Reverse Engineering. "Our clients rely on us for precise, defensible interpretations of highly complex technologies, and Dan's expertise significantly expands what our team can deliver." Sleeter's expertise spans the full lifecycle of RF systemsdesign, testing, and maintenance of technologies enabling 4G/5G networks, Wi-Fi, radar, satellite communications, and Bluetooth. His work ensures secure, interferencefree communication across telecommunications, aerospace, defense, and consumer electronics industries. "Dan's background in secure communications, TEMPEST/EMSEC compliance, and classified RF systems engineering directly enhances our ability to deconstruct modern wireless and sensing technologies," added Sam Wiley, Strategic Business Intelligence Team Lead, Patent Analysis and Reverse Engineering. "His experience applying RF machine learning and automation to spectrum analysis provides a powerful advantage for our clients facing intricate IP and technical challenges." Sleeter has led RF/AI-enabled initiatives to characterize signal behavior, detect interference, and automate spectrum workflows across diverse software-defined radio environments. This hands-on analytical depth translates into detailed, component-level insights when evaluating patent claims, identifying infringement pathways, or mapping system architectures for Ocean Tomo clients. "As our clients face increasingly sophisticated technologies and equally complex disputes, Dan's combination of technical excellence and analytical discipline is exactly what our practice needs," said James E. Malackowski, Ocean Tomo Co-founder, Head of the Intellectual Property Practice, and J.S. Held Chief Intellectual Property Officer. "We are thrilled to welcome him to the team." Industry Expertise Before joining Ocean Tomo, Sleeter served as a Senior Radio Frequency Engineer with: Huntington Ingalls Industries the largest U.S. military shipbuilding company the largest U.S. military shipbuilding company Alion Science and Technology (now part of HII Mission Technologies) a leading defense contractor supporting the DoD and intelligence community (now part of HII Mission Technologies) a leading defense contractor supporting the DoD and intelligence community Silver Spring Network provider of IoT and smart grid networking technologies He has also held RF design and testing engineering roles with: Verizon Wireless a global leader in 5G and fiber-optic communications a global leader in 5G and fiber-optic communications L-3 Communications (now part of L3Harris) a major defense contractor specializing in secure communications and advanced electronic systems Ocean Tomo's unique understanding of intellectual property (IP) value is driven by the firm's engagement across all matters involving intangible assets, spanning strategic planning, investments, disputes, and transactions. Litigation outcomes refine valuation methodologies, while advisory engagements are shaped by real-world insights from both the boardroom and public markets. Transaction outcomesbuying, selling, and licensing IPvalidates strategic decisions and informs how IP is valued in practice. Ocean Tomo valuations used by IP owners to access capital provides insight on how financial institutions recognize IP as a bankable asset. This continuous feedback strengthens the team's ability to deliver credible, actionable insights across all matters involving intangible assets. About J.S. Held J.S. Held is a global consulting firm that combines technical, scientific, financial, and strategic expertise to advise clients seeking to realize value and mitigate risk. Our professionals serve as trusted advisors to organizations facing high stakes matters demanding urgent attention, staunch integrity, proven experience, clear-cut analysis, and an understanding of both tangible and intangible assets. The firm provides a comprehensive suite of services, products, and data that enable clients to navigate complex, contentious, and often catastrophic situations. More than 1,500 professionals serve organizations across six continents, including 84% of the Global 200 Law Firms, 75% of the Forbes Top 20 Insurance Companies (90% of the NAIC Top 50 Property & Casualty Insurers), and 71% of Fortune 100 Companies. J.S. Held, its affiliates and subsidiaries are not certified public accounting firm(s) and do not provide audit, attest, or any other public accounting services. J.S. Held is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Securities offered through PM Securities, LLC, d/b/a Phoenix IB or Ocean Tomo Investments, a part of J.S. Held, member FINRA/SIPC. All rights reserved. Media Contact Kristi L. Stathis, J.S. Held, +1 786 833 4864, [email protected], JSHeld.com SOURCE J.S. Held MONTERREY, Mexico, Feb. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- OMA Airports (Grupo Aeroportuario Centro Norte), a member of the VINCI Airports network, has announced a landmark digital transformation initiative across its 13-airport portfolio in partnership with AirportLabs. This collaboration marks a significant leap in operational efficiency and passenger experience. A Record-Breaking Digital Rollout OMA Airports & AirportLabs Partnership The partnership began with a milestone achievement: the fastest FIDS implementation, with VisionAir FIDS rolled out at Chihuahua Airport in just 40 days, with the successful rollout across the remaining 12 airports completed by the end of 2025. Looking ahead to 2026, the collaboration enters its next phase with the group-wide activation of SkyCore AODB, Allegra RMS, and Airport Community App. Furthermore, Monterrey International Airport OMA's flagship hub will serve as a centre for innovation with the dedicated launch of RealTime Airport and AirportLabs Billing. A Unified Vision for Modern Aviation This digital transformation is a testament to OMA Airports' identity as a leader in excellence. This strategic move empowers OMA's teams with the same high-tier operational standards and agile technologies found across the global VINCI Airports network, with the transition toward an Airport Operations Centre (APOC) model being at its heart. "Airports are now experimenting with new ways of collaborating and operating from an APOC. So the fact that the AirportLabs products are very agile and innovative - that was and is key for us," says Victor Martin, Project Manager at VINCI Airports. Scalable Innovation Across 13 Airports The collaboration focuses on three core pillars of modern airport management: Elevating Passenger Communication: With VisionAir FIDS already operational across the entire 13-airport network, OMA now possesses a unified, hardware-agnostic platform to deliver synchronised , real-time flight and wayfinding information to travellers. With already operational across the entire 13-airport network, OMA now possesses a unified, hardware-agnostic platform to deliver , real-time flight and wayfinding information to travellers. The Connected Workforce: To unify operational teams, Airport Community App will be deployed across all 13 airports. This mobile hub centralises communication and real-time collaboration, allowing staff to resolve issues before they arise and keep operations running smoothly 24/7. To unify operational teams, will be deployed across all 13 airports. This mobile hub centralises communication and real-time collaboration, allowing staff to resolve issues before they arise and keep operations running smoothly 24/7. The Digital Data Backbone: Next year, the implementation of SkyCore AODB (Airport Operations Database) will automate core workflows and eliminate data fragmentation. Next year, the implementation of (Airport Operations Database) will automate core workflows and eliminate data fragmentation. Dynamic Resource Management: The rollout of Allegra RMS will move OMA away from static planning to a dynamic, machine-learning-driven approach to resource allocation, optimising capacity and unlocking new revenue streams. Monterrey Airport: The Innovation Flagship At Monterrey International Airport, the partnership will go one step further with the launch of RealTime Airport and AirportLabs Billing. RealTime Airport will serve as a central decision-support platform, providing total situational awareness through an interactive airfield map that tracks aircraft and assets in motion. By transforming complex data into a live, visual ecosystem, the platform enables stakeholders to break operational silos and make every second count during critical landside processes. Complementing the above, the AirportLabs Billing platform will ensure high-precision financial clarity for both aeronautical and non-aeronautical revenue. By automating complex charging rules and providing real-time auditability, it fosters total transparency and trust between Monterrey Airport and its airline partners. For all media and marketing-related questions regarding AirportLabs, please contact the marketing team at [email protected] . Website - https://www.airportlabs.com/ LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/company/airportlabs Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AirportLabs About AirportLabs A global leader in aviation technology, AirportLabs delivers integrated, cloud-native tools that make airport operations simple. With over a decade of proven results and deployments at 85+ airports including some of the world's busiest international hubs AirportLabs helps operational teams work as one, with shared, real-time insight. By connecting critical systems and simplifying complex data instead of adding complexity, AirportLabs enables airports, airlines, and ground handlers to increase efficiency, strengthen resilience, and deliver a smoother passenger experience About VINCI Airports As the leading private airport operator in the world, VINCI Airports manages the development and operation of more than 70 airports located in 14 countries. VINCI Airports draws on its expertise as a comprehensive integrator to develop, finance, build, and operate airports, leveraging its investment capability and know-how to optimise operational performance and modernise infrastructure while bringing about their environmental transition. In 2016, VINCI Airports became the first airport operator to commit to an international environmental strategy, setting itself the aim of reaching zero net emissions (scopes 1 and 2) across the network by 2050 while supporting local climate transitions in the territories. About OMA Airports Grupo Aeroportuario del Centro Norte (OMA) operates and manages 13 international airports across central and northern Mexico, including Monterrey, the country's second-largest industrial hub. Serving over 26 million passengers annually, OMA is a key driver of Mexico's regional connectivity and economic growth. Since 2022, OMA has been part of the VINCI Airports network, focusing on modernising infrastructure and integrating advanced digital solutions to deliver world-class operational standards and a seamless passenger experience. For more information, visit ir.oma.aero. Contact: [email protected] Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2878024/AirportLabs_Limited.jpg Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2878023/AirportLabs_Limited_Logo.jpg SOURCE AirportLabs Limited ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., Feb. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Parnall Law Firm is proud to continue its longstanding commitment to giving back to the New Mexico community by sponsoring the Souper Bowl 2026, hosted by Road Runner Food Bank of New Mexico. The event took place on Saturday, January 31, 2026 (the weekend before the Super Bowl) from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Road Runner Food Bank in Albuquerque. As part of its $5,000 sponsorship, Parnall Law's support will help provide approximately 25,000 meals to New Mexicans facing food insecurity. According to Road Runner Food Bank New Mexico, every dollar donated can help distribute up to five meals to individuals and families in need. In addition to the firm's financial contribution, 20 Parnall Law team members will volunteer at the event, assisting Road Runner Food Bank staff with meal preparation and distribution. The firm believes that meaningful community impact comes from both giving resources and showing up to serve. "Supporting Road Runner Food Bank has been a priority for our firm for many years," said Bert Parnall, founder of Parnall Law Firm. "Hunger affects far too many families across our state, and we're honored to help ensure our neighbors have access to nutritious meals. Giving back to New Mexico isn't something we do once; it's part of who we are!" Road Runner Food Bank of New Mexico is the largest food bank in the state, serving hundreds of partner agencies and communities across the entire state. Events like Souper Bowl play a critical role in raising awareness and resources during one of the most important food-giving weekends of the year. Parnall Law Firm's sponsorship of Souper Bowl 2026 is part of its broader 'Bert Gives Back' initiative, which focuses on supporting local nonprofits, charitable organizations, and community programs throughout New Mexico. Through ongoing partnerships and volunteer efforts, the firm remains dedicated to making a positive, lasting impact in the local community. Event Details: Event: Souper Bowl 2026 Souper Bowl 2026 Purchase Tickets : Buy Souper Bowl Tickets Here! : Buy Souper Bowl Tickets Here! Date: Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026 (weekend before the Super Bowl) Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026 (weekend before the Super Bowl) Time: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Location: Road Runner Food Bank- 5840 Office Blvd., N.E., Albuquerque, N.M., 87109 About Parnall Law Founded in 2009, Parnall Law is a New Mexicobased personal injury law firm led by Bert Parnall, who has been practicing law since 1997. The firm is dedicated to fighting for New Mexicans who have been injured due to the negligence of others. Parnall Law's award-winning legal team has secured more than $500 million in settlements for New Mexicans, helping clients pay for medical treatment, recover lost wages, and move forward after life-altering injuries. Parnall Law focuses exclusively on personal injury law, representing victims of motor vehicle accidents, slips and falls, premises liability incidents, crime victims, and wrongful death. With four offices located in Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Rio Rancho, and Roswell, the firm provides experienced, local representation throughout the state. Free consultations are available to injured victims. For more information, visit www.hurtcallbert.com. SOURCE Parnall Law Firm New at-the-meter solution gives customers a lower-cost path to adopting EVs and electric applianceswithout the delays and expense of traditional panel upgrades OAKLAND, Calif., Feb. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) today announced a strategic collaboration with SPAN to deploy the company's SPAN Edge solution to help customers electrify their homes more affordably and efficiently. SPAN Edge is an at-the-meter device that enables real-time load management and allows homes to add new electric appliances or electric vehicle charging without costly electric panel or service upgradesaddressing one of the most significant barriers to residential electrification. SPAN Edge an at the meter device enabling affordable, accelerated home electrification shown connected directly to the meter as part of SPANs expanding collaboration with PG&E to help customers adopt electric technologies without costly panel upgrades. PG&E will deploy the new SPAN Edge devices coupled with next-generation metering infrastructure through its new PanelBoost program, a grid-edge innovation initiative designed to reduce upgrade costs for customers adopting electric vehicles, heat pumps, induction cooking, and other high efficiency electric technologies. PG&E estimates that more than 600,000 homes in PG&E's service area are likely to require some type of electric service upgrade in the next decade to meet electrification demand. "PG&E is committed to helping our customers electrify affordably while maintaining a reliable, resilient grid," said Mike Delaney, Vice President of Strategy & Innovation, PG&E. "Our work with SPAN aims to enable thousands of households to add electric appliances and EVs faster and without more costly panel and electric system upgrades." PG&E joins a growing list of energy companies and grid partners, including Landis+Gyr , utilizing SPAN Edge to enable affordable customer electrification, manage distribution system upgrades and support the clean energy transition. "Our partnership with PG&E is a critical step in making home electrification affordable and accessible," said Arch Rao, CEO of SPAN. "By deploying SPAN Edge at scale, we are helping PG&E customers bypass the traditional 'panel bottleneck' and accelerate the transition to clean energy." A Scalable Solution for California's Load Growth SPAN Edge uses a Dynamic Service Rating capability to shape home energy demand during peak events, helping protect local electric transformers and maintain grid reliability. This technology complements PG&E's broader grid edge, R&D, and innovation strategy to develop and deploy scalable smart-panel and meter-socket-based solutions to avoid expensive service upgrades for customers. Electricians and installers participating in early PanelBoost feedback sessions praised the program for helping customers avoid electric panel service upgrades. "PG&E just made it possible to effectively have a 200-amp panel by throttling the loads in their house," one installer noted. Customer testers echoed this sentiment, with several indicating they would have used this pathway before pursuing traditional upgrade work. Building on the Success of PG&E's SAVE Program SPAN Edge deployments will build on lessons learned from PG&E's successful Seasonal Aggregation of Versatile Energy (SAVE) virtual power plant program , which demonstrated the value of aggregating residential distributed energy resources to mitigate local grid constraints. SPAN's existing customer-sited infrastructure and Dynamic Service Rating provided PG&E with valuable load-shaping capability and analyticsand future VPPs can further scale these benefits through at-the-meter technologies like SPAN Edge. With California's energy demand expected to grow meaningfully due to transportation and building electrification, PanelBoost is designed to align with California Energy Commission forecasts and enable cost-effective customer transitions. The program is a part of PG&E's broader innovation implementation strategy that incorporates extensive customer research, market analysis, and lessons learned from previous technology demonstrations. Meaningful Economic and Grid Benefits SPAN Edge devices are installed quickly at the electric meter. They offer utilities a reliable, flexible load-shaping tool and give customers a lower-cost path to electrificationavoiding service upgrades that can cost $6,000 to $40,000 and take months to complete. In comparison, the cost estimate for a customer to have an electrician to install a SPAN Edge device through PanelBoost could be between $500-$2,000 dependent on a range of factors. Through PanelBoost, PG&E will supply the SPAN Edge device for customers as an add on to their electric meter, and customers will be responsible for the costs for an electrician to install the device and for costs to wire any new appliances and loads connecting to the device. PG&E plans to launch a website with more information about the SPAN Edge PanelBoost offering in summer 2026. PG&E plans to initially scale SPAN Edge devices to thousands of customers when the program kicks off later this summer, with further scale as the program develops over the next several years. To learn more about PG&E's electrification programs and customer offerings, visit www.pge.com/electrification About PG&E Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation (NYSE: PCG), is a combined natural gas and electric utility serving more than sixteen million people across 70,000 square miles in Northern and Central California. For more information, visit pge.com , pge.com/news and pge.com/innovation . About SPAN SPAN is on a mission to enable electrification for all and provide energy management for every home. The company designs products that remove barriers to electrification, providing a holistic approach to managing increasing demands on household energy. Powering your home with clean energy should be a simple and delightful experience that is technology-forward and human-centered. For more information, go to www.span.io. SOURCE Pacific Gas and Electric Company Grand Opening Launches Phase I of the Nation's Largest Outdoor Gallery Dedicated to Delta Music and Culture for the 100th Black History Month PINE BLUFF, Ark., Feb. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The City of Pine Bluff will celebrate the grand opening of the Delta Rhythm & BayousBlues and Wellness Plaza on Friday, February 27, 2026, marking the debut of Phase I in what will become the nation's largest outdoor gallery dedicated to Delta music and culture. The grand opening, timed as the capstone to Black History Month, represents a major milestone in Pine Bluff's cultural heritage preservation and economic development efforts. The Plaza showcases the rich musical traditions of the Arkansas Delta through innovative outdoor exhibits, interactive installations, and public art celebrating the region's profound contributions to American music. "Pine Bluff sits at the heart of the Arkansas Delta, where bayou culture and musical traditions have been shared and passed down for generations," said Mayor Vivian Flowers. "Opening the Delta Rhythm & Bayous Blues and Wellness Plaza is especially meaningful, as Delta music reflects Black history, American history, and a global cultural legacy. The rhythms born here helped shape the soundtrack of modern life, and this Plaza gives Pine Bluff a place to celebrate that heritage while welcoming the nation and the world to experience our story." Nation's Largest Outdoor Gallery Vision Phase I establishes the foundation for what will expand to become the nation's largest outdoor gallery dedicated to Delta music and culture. Future phases will add: Additional exhibit areas exploring specific musical genres and artists Expanded performance venues International Delta music connections Integration with Pine Bluff's bayou trail system Partnership exhibits with museums and cultural institutions "The Delta Rhythm & BayousBlues and Wellness Plaza is more than an outdoor museumit's a living celebration of culture that's still being created today," said Jimmy Cunningham, Tourism Development Director, Pine Bluff A&P Commission. "Visitors will eventually experience how the Arkansas Delta's three longest bayous, its rich soil, and its people created musical traditions that changed the world. This is where geography, history, and culture converge to tell an American story." Black History Month Significance The February 27 opening as the capstone for the 100th Black History Month honors the profound contributions of African American musicians and communities to Delta musical traditions. The Plaza interpretation will explore: The origins of the Blues from the social conditions of the south African musical traditions preserved and transformed in the Delta The Great Migration and spread of Delta music nationally Gospel and spiritual traditions rooted in Delta churches Blues as artistic expression and social commentary Cultural resilience and creativity in the face of oppression Contemporary Delta artists continuing the tradition "The 100th Black History Month is the perfect time to open this Plaza because Delta music is Black history, American history, and world cultural history all intertwined," said Sheri Storie, Executive Director of Pine Bluff A&P Commission. "The rhythms that started here in the Delta bayous and fields became the foundation for jazz, rock and roll, soul, hip-hopthe soundtrack of modern life. Pine Bluff is proud to preserve and celebrate this legacy." Partnership and Support The Delta Rhythm & Bayous Blues and Wellness Plaza was made possible through partnerships with: Delta Rhythm & Bayous Alliance Pine Bluff Advertising & Promotion Commission City of Pine Bluff Economic & Community Development Department Parks & Recreation Department University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (Art Department) Jefferson County About Pine Bluff's Delta Music Heritage Pine Bluff and the surrounding Arkansas Delta region have played a crucial but often under-recognized role in American musical history. The confluence of the world's three longest bayous (Bartholomew, Macon, and Meto), rich agricultural land, and diverse cultural traditions created a unique environment where musical innovation flourished. Delta musical traditions emerged from: African musical heritage preserved through generations Field hollers and work songs Sacred music traditions in Black churches Interaction between diverse cultural groups The unique acoustics and atmosphere of bayou environments Cultural creativity and resilience under oppression Migration patterns spreading Delta sound nationally Pine Bluff artists and musical traditions influenced the development of blues, gospel, jazz, and rhythm and blues that became foundational to American popular music. For more information about the Delta Rhythm & Bayous Blues and Well Plaza, visit ExplorePineBluff.com or contact Jimmy Cunningham, Tourism Development Director at (870) 534-2121 or [email protected] For media inquiries, interviews, or high-resolution images, contact: Michael McCray, Public Relations & Cultural Development Specialist at (870) 543-0024 or [email protected] Contact: Michael McCray, Public Relations & Cultural Development Specialist, Pine Bluff A&P Commission at (870) 543-0024 or [email protected] SOURCE Pine Bluff A&P Commission UNITED NATIONS, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese envoy on Wednesday called for concerted global efforts to combat terrorism, warning that increasingly complex terrorist threats pose severe challenges. The international community should uphold a vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security, and maintain zero tolerance toward terrorism, Sun Lei, China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, told the Security Council. "We should strengthen unity and cooperation to forge concerted efforts against terrorism," he said, stressing that selective counter-terrorism and double standards should be firmly opposed. China urged the Afghan authorities to take concrete and effective measures to resolutely combat and eliminate the terrorist forces entrenched in Afghanistan, so as to prevent the country from relapsing into a hub for terrorists, Sun added. Sun noted that the security situation in Syria remains fragile and the counter-terrorism task remains formidable. He emphasized the need to prevent terrorists from using Syrian territory to threaten the security of other countries. "The Syrian transitional government should fully fulfill its counter-terrorism obligations and resolutely combat the Islamic State, the East Turkestan Islamic Movement and all other terrorist entities listed by the Security Council," he said. As Africa has become a pivotal region in global counter-terrorism efforts, China calls on the international community to provide greater support to African countries in financing, technology, equipment and intelligence. He also urged the Security Council to advance political solutions to the continent's hot-spot issues, thereby continuously shrinking the space in which terrorist groups can operate. Recently, the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and its affiliate, Majid Brigade, have carried out a series of terrorist attacks in Pakistan, causing heavy civilian casualties. Sun called on the international community to strongly support Pakistan's counter-terrorism efforts and urged the Security Council to list the BLA and Majid Brigade on its sanctions list as soon as possible. China stands ready to continue working with all parties to resolutely combat terrorism in all its forms and make greater contributions to building a world of lasting peace and universal security, he said. SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Feb. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Pinnacle Fertility Oregon, formerly ORM Fertility, proudly welcomes Dr. Marissa Luck, a fellowship-trained reproductive endocrinology and infertility (REI) specialist, to its physician team. For more than three decades, Pinnacle Fertility Oregon has been a trusted destination for fertility treatment where advanced reproductive science meets compassionate, personalized care. With two locations in Portland, the clinic has earned a national reputation for clinical excellence and has received multiple accolades, including recognition as one of Newsweek's Top 100 Fertility Clinics. As part of the Pinnacle Fertility network, the practice continues to set the standard for patient-centered innovation and physician collaboration. "I chose Pinnacle Fertility because of the strength of its clinical reputation and its commitment to collaborative, evidence-based care," said Dr. Luck. "The opportunity to practice within a nationally recognized fertility program supported by advanced laboratory capabilities and an experienced, multidisciplinary team was a natural fit for the way I care for patients." Dr. Luck joins Pinnacle Fertility Oregon following completion of her Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility fellowship at Oregon Health & Science University, after her OB/GYN residency at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine. She earned her Doctor of Medicine from Oregon Health & Science University and holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Denver. Earlier in her career, Dr. Luck served as an andrologist at Pinnacle Fertility Oregon, which was known as ORM Fertility at the time. In that role, she gained hands-on experience within the same practice she is now returning to as a physician. That experience provided a strong foundation in fertility care and a deep appreciation for the collaborative model that defines Pinnacle Fertility Oregon today. Dr. Luck will begin seeing patients at the beginning of March. Appointments can be scheduled at www.pinnaclefertility.com/schedule-a-consultation. "Pinnacle Fertility Oregon has long been recognized as a destination for both patients and physicians who value excellence and collaboration," said Dr. Jillian Kurtz, Medical Director at Pinnacle Fertility Oregon. "Dr. Luck brings outstanding training, thoughtful clinical judgment, and a patient-centered approach that aligns seamlessly with the care we provide." Beth Zoneraich, CEO of Pinnacle Fertility, added, "Pinnacle's vision is to bring together exceptional physicians, advanced laboratory science, and a shared commitment to personalized care. Dr. Luck's return to the same practice where she began her career in fertility care is a powerful reflection of the strength of that vision." As part of the Pinnacle Fertility network, patients have access to national resources including state-of-the-art laboratory capabilities, integrated clinical data systems, and shared physician innovation boards. These resources are designed to create a seamless, supportive experience from consultation to conception. To learn more about the Pinnacle Fertility Network, visit pinnaclefertility.com. About Pinnacle Fertility Oregon Pinnacle Fertility Oregon, formerly ORM Fertility, has proudly served the Portland community since 1989, helping individuals and families achieve their dreams of parenthood. With two Portland locations, the clinic offers a full range of fertility services, including IVF, egg freezing, genetic testing, IUI, and LGBTQ+ family-building care. Recognized nationally for clinical excellence, Pinnacle Fertility Oregon remains committed to compassionate, personalized, and innovative fertility treatment. About Pinnacle Fertility, Inc. Pinnacle Fertility, Inc. supports a premier network of physician-led fertility clinics committed to transforming dreams of parenthood into reality. Headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, Pinnacle manages a nationwide network of more than 45 clinic locations and 17 state-of-the-art embryology laboratories. With a team of over 1,000 dedicated professionals, Pinnacle Fertility empowers clinics to help individuals and couples build the families of their dreams. Media Contact: [email protected] SOURCE Pinnacle Fertility NEW YORK, Feb. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Schweiger has been named a leading dermatology practice in the United States by Castle Connolly earning one of the highest national distinctions among dermatology practices, in addition to multiple statewide #1 rankings. In the 2026 Castle Connolly Accolades, Schweiger received five prestigious practice honors, including being ranked #2 Physician Practice in the Nation for Dermatology, #1 Dermatology Practice in New York, and #1 Dermatology Practice in New Jersey, underscoring the practice's continued leadership in clinical excellence and patient care. In addition to these Accolades, more than 70 Schweiger Dermatology physicians were named Castle Connolly Top Doctors 2026, reflecting the depth and breadth of clinical expertise across the organization. This year's honorees include physicians across multiple specialties, including Schweiger's allergy providers, as the practice continues to expand comprehensive care offerings. Schweiger recently introduced Schweiger Allergy, enhancing its ability to provide integrated, patient-centered care. The inclusion of Schweiger's allergy specialists on the Castle Connolly Top Doctors list highlights the strength of the program and the caliber of physicians delivering allergy care within the organization. "These recognitions reflect the extraordinary caliber of our physicians and care teams across specialties," says Eric Schweiger, MD, founder and C.E.O. of Schweiger Dermatology. "As we continue to grow and expand services like allergy care, our focus remains on delivering an appointment when you need onewith same- and next-day appointments available." Castle Connolly Top Doctors and Accolades are based on a comprehensive evaluation process that includes peer nominations, professional achievements, and a review of clinical excellence. Only the top 7% of practicing physicians nationwide are selected as Castle Connolly Top Doctors, making the honor one of the most respected distinctions in healthcare. With a growing national network and an expanding multidisciplinary approach, Schweiger continues to set the standard for innovation, access, and quality in dermatology and allergy care across the United States. About Schweiger Dermatology Schweiger Dermatology is a leading national dermatology practice, providing medical, cosmetic, and surgical dermatology, as well as allergy services through Schweiger Allergy. Built around the needs of patients, Schweiger is committed to delivering high-quality, personalized care while removing barriers to access. With a focus on convenience, timely appointments, and clinical excellence, the practice makes expert skin and allergy care easier to getoften within days, with same- and next-day appointments available. Learn more at schweigerderm.com Media Contact Melissa Schweiger Kleinman [email protected] SOURCE Schweiger Dermatology As the nation marks its 250th year, Monterey County turns the lens inward sharing the moments and people that have shaped the iconic destination for more than a millennium. MONTEREY, Calif., Feb. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- See Monterey today announced the launch of Monterey 1000, a year-long storytelling experience that brings more than a thousand years of Monterey County history to life. As the United States looks ahead to its 250th anniversary, Monterey 1000 (M1000) invites visitors to explore a broader timeline one rooted in the people, places and ideas that have shaped the region and continue to define it today. Spanning Indigenous stewardship, exploration and settlement, agriculture, literature, music, conservation and innovation, Monterey 1000 connects pivotal moments from the past with the landscapes, communities and traditions visitors experience today. "Monterey 1000 is storytelling at its core a journey through history that ultimately invites travelers and residents to experience Monterey County today through the moments, places and cultures that shaped it," said Rob O'Keefe, president & CEO of See Monterey. "As the country reflects on 250 years of American history, Monterey 1000 reveals a deeper timeline one that still shapes how California thinks about land, culture, creativity and stewardship." M1000 is a curated, editorial approach guided by lead curator Brian Edwards, library & museums director for the city of Monterey. Working with See Monterey and a network of local writers, historians, artists and subject-matter experts, Edwards is leading the development of original written, visual and video storytelling throughout 2026. "Monterey County has long been a place where influential ideas take shape," said Edwards. "Monterey 1000 gives us the opportunity to explore those ideas across time and show how history continues to live through the landscapes, industries and communities' visitors experience today." Throughout 2026, new content will roll out across SeeMonterey.com and See Monterey's social channels, spotlighting defining moments in the County's history and pairing them with ways travelers can experience those stories firsthand from walking through historic districts, visiting museums and landmarks, attending marquee events and spending time in the County's extraordinary natural spaces to supporting local farms and wineries. "More than ever, travelers are seeking authentic, life-enriching experiences and the meaning behind them," said O'Keefe. "Monterey 1000 connects the historical dots, creating a clear through-line from the past to the present through visitor experiences." The breadth of historical experiences throughout the County include kayaking across the Monterey Bay through waters stewarded by Indigenous communities for generations now protected as a global model for marine conservation, catching the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, a modern evolution of Bing Crosby's legendary Clambake that introduced Monterey County to a worldwide audience, and retracing John Steinbeck's immortalized world of Cannery Row, including the Monterey Bay Aquarium housed in a former sardine cannery to see how a place once rooted in extraction became a leader in ocean science, education and conservation. Additional stories and historic touchpoints will be released each month throughout 2026 and will explore: Monterey County's many "firsts," from early exploration and governance to milestones in preservation, culture and innovation. The rise of agriculture in the Salinas Valley, where fertile land and railroad connections helped earn the region its title as the "Salad Bowl of the World" a legacy visitors can still taste today. Music, art and cultural movements that put Monterey County on the world stage and continue to draw audiences year after year. Monterey County's wine country roots shaped by terroir, climate and craft, evolving today into a distinctive, experience-driven wine region that travelers can encounter firsthand. The series also reflects See Monterey's The Right Path initiative, highlighting a long-standing commitment to preservation, community and responsible travel encouraging travelers to slow down, respect the land and sea, explore with intention and engage in ways that honor both the County's history and its future. To explore Monterey 1000 and follow the journey through a thousand years of history, visit SeeMonterey.com/Monterey1000. About See Monterey See Monterey is a 501(c)(6) non-profit organization that drives tourism for Monterey County. Tourism is the largest industry on the Monterey Peninsula and the second largest in the county. See Monterey is a partnership of the hospitality community and local governments that aims to generate community prosperity and enrich economic vitality for Monterey County through the responsible growth of the tourism economy. In 2024, travel spending in Monterey County was $3.1 billion, supporting nearly 28,000 jobs and generating $310 million in state and local tax revenue that directly benefited the community. For more information, visit SeeMonterey.com and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. Media Contacts: Sandy Huerta Communications Specialist [email protected] Jennifer Chiesa Director of Public Relations [email protected] SOURCE See Monterey SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Sensentia , a San Francisco-based technology firm, recently celebrated its 15th anniversary. Established in 2011, the company has spent a decade and a half pioneering high-accuracy solutions for the healthcare industry. Coinciding with this milestone, Sensentia is announcing the Q1 launch of AdvisorEdge, a new platform designed to equip independent agents with enterprise-grade plan data and compliance tools. As the healthcare industry increasingly starts understanding the power and pitfalls of different types of artificial intelligence, Sensentia brings a unique depth of experience to the conversation. With 15 years of dedicated focus on developing Gold standard Accuracy solutions involving data science and AI in various forms, the company has developed a distinct approach designed specifically for the complexities of regulated markets associated with the highest legal risks. By prioritizing deterministic logic and absolute precision, Sensentia's technology ensures that health plan data is not just accessible, but mathematically reasoned to be legally fully compliant. "We founded Sensentia with a vision that advancing computer science will solve the most complex challenges in healthcare," said Jan Jungclaus, Co-founder and CEO of Sensentia. For us, this anniversary is a celebration of 15 years of refining that potential into a reliable, precision-based reality. With AdvisorEdge, we are now extending that expertise to seniors and the agent community, providing them with the trusted tools they need to help seniors find insurance that best serves their needs as well as agents and agencies to succeed in a rapidly evolving market." A Decade of Enterprise Results Sensentia's technology is validated by a ten-year partnership with a Fortune 25 healthcare carrier. Data collected from this long-term deployment of the company's customer service solution, ServiceSense demonstrates the following operational metrics: 30% reduction in handle time expenses. in handle time expenses. 40% increase in member response accuracy. in member response accuracy. 25% increase in first-call-resolution Significant increase in overall member satisfaction Expanding to Agents with AdvisorEdge In Q1, Sensentia will launch AdvisorEdge to address the shifting landscape of Medicare distribution. As regulatory standards tighten and the market demands greater efficiency, agents require tools that support both productivity and compliance. AdvisorEdge extends Sensentia's platform trusted by major carriers to provide agents with instant, precise plan comparisons. By automating the retrieval of detailed benefit information, the platform allows agents to focus on client relationships, confident that every recommendation is backed by accurate, real-time data. The platform allows mid-sized agencies to white-label its core technology, effectively creating a proprietary, enterprise-grade solution for their teams. This infrastructure creates a competitive advantage that strengthens the agency's brand and supports agent retention, ensuring critical compliance and support tools without needing to look outside the agency ecosystem. About Sensentia Headquartered in San Francisco, Sensentia is a healthcare technology company specializing in making insurance information accessible and intelligible. By combining deep domain expertise with advanced knowledge engineering, Sensentia transforms complex plan documents into accurate, usable data for carriers, agents, and consumers. The company's suite of products, including ServiceSense and AdvisorEdge, is designed to reduce operational costs and ensure compliance. For more information, visit https://www.sensentia.com/ . Media Contact: Paul E Maxwell (800) 674-9745 [email protected] SOURCE Sensentia KANSAS CITY, Mo., Feb. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Standard Wellness Holdings, LLC ("Standard Wellness"), a leading vertically-integrated cannabis company, today announced a new partnership with DABSTRACT, UGC Inc.'s award-winning concentrate brand, to bring DABSTRACT's terpene-forward concentrate portfolio to dispensaries across Missouri, including the greater St. Louis and Kansas City regions. Through the collaboration, Standard Wellness will leverage its in-state cultivation and processing capabilities and operational infrastructure to support the production and distribution of DABSTRACT products. The partnership combines high-quality Missouri-grown cannabis with their proprietary extraction techniques, product formulations, and custom-designed hardware to deliver consistent, premium concentrate experiences to Missouri consumers. "This partnership represents a strong alignment between two teams that prioritize quality, consistency, and innovation," said Tiana Arriaga, Vice President of Product & Marketing at Standard Wellness. "DABSTRACT has built a respected reputation for terpene-forward concentrates, and we're excited to work together to deliver those products using our in-state expertise, genetics, and award-winning team." As part of the initial rollout, Standard Wellness will support expanded availability of DABSTRACT's Live Resin High Terpene Extract (HTE) All-in-One Device, a rechargeable, ready-to-use format recognized for preserving flavor and delivering a consistent live resin experience. The device has gained strong traction in established cannabis markets including Washington, Illinois, and Michigan. The partnership will also introduce Live Resin HTE Vape Cartridges and Live Resin Concentrates to dispensary menus throughout Missouri. DABSTRACT's entry into the Missouri market builds on notable industry recognition, including a Best BHO Concentrate win at the 2024 Missouri Growers Cup and multiple nominations in Greenway Magazine's Best of the Industry awards. Standard Wellness brings an equally strong record of product excellence, earning First Place for Live Resin Cartridges, Second Place for Sauce and Diamonds, and Second and Third Place honors for Solventless Live Rosin at the same competition. Together, the partnership reflects a shared commitment to craftsmanship, innovation, and expanding access to thoughtfully produced, high-quality cannabis products. "Missouri's cannabis market continues to mature, and consumers here are highly knowledgeable and quality-driven," said Eli Korer, CEO of DABSTRACT. "Partnering with Standard Wellness allows us to bring our products to the state in a way that respects local cultivation, compliance, and community." Products from the Standard Wellness - DABSTRACT partnership are expected to be available at select Missouri dispensaries beginning in early 2026. About Standard Wellness Founded in 2017 in Ohio, Standard Wellness is a vertically integrated cannabis company operating in Ohio, Missouri, and Utah, with cultivation, processing, and dispensary licenses in Maryland. The Company operates seven retail locations under The Forest brand and employs approximately 350 people. Standard Wellness is dedicated to improving quality of life by providing safe and legal access to cannabis for medical and adult use. For media inquiries: Tiana Arriaga Vice President of Product & Marketing Standard Wellness Holdings, LLC Email: [email protected] SOURCE Standard Wellness Holdings, LLC The ADI Foundation-H2O Hospitality collaboration marks a significant step towards integrating blockchain technology into the hospitality and travel sectors, setting the stage for a more efficient and digital-first tourism experience in the UAE. This initiative not only aligns with the country's broader economic goals but also enhances the UAE's appeal as a top destination for international travelers. ABU DHABI, UAE, Feb. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The ADI Foundation , an Abu-Dhabi-based organization building sovereign-grade blockchain infrastructure, has announced a partnership with H2O Hospitality, a leading South Korean hospitality tech company, to embed ADI Chain into real-world hospitality and travel experiences - using wallets, identity, and compliant infrastructure to onboard travelers into blockchain seamlessly and at scale. The ADI Foundation partners with H2O Hospitality Under the agreement, ADI will develop and integrate the digital solutions that streamline the travel experience, while H2O Hospitality will lead distribution, bringing those capabilities to travelers through its guest-facing platforms in the UAE and beyond. By embedding ADI Chain solutions into its smart checkin system, H2O Hospitality will become a key distribution channel enabling visitors to open a wallet on arrival and pay in the soon-to-be-launched Dirham-backed stablecoin, throughout their stay. The system will offer a frictionless experience, enabling travelers to make purchases without needing a deep understanding of blockchain technology. Through this partnership, H2O Hospitality will be able to connect data from the entire customer journey, from checkin to payment and onsite consumption, directly via ADI Chain. This collaboration will provide a seamless way for tourists to make digital payments and is expected to support the use of the Dirham-backed stablecoin across the UAE. The partnership will also explore exclusive rewards and loyalty incentives. By bridging the gap between fintech and tourism, H2O is paving the way for a more efficient and innovative travel experience for both local and international visitors. Commenting on the partnership, Ajay Bhatia, Principal Council Member of the ADI Foundation, said: "This partnership underscores our commitment to make blockchain practical, useful and impactful for people all over the world. By embedding ADI Chain into the travel experience, we are enabling millions to engage with the UAE's digital economy. This partnership between the ADI Foundation and H2O Hospitality underscores our commitment to inclusion, ease of use and real-world utility." John Lee, CEO of H2O Hospitality, stated: "We are honored to participate as a technology and distribution partner in this core project for the UAE, which is rapidly becoming a global digital asset hub. By tightly integrating with ADI Chain, we will build an innovative infrastructure where tourists can conveniently use digital currencies without needing to understand the underlying blockchain technology". The agreement with H2O Hospitality was signed during Abu Dhabi Finance Week, MENA's leading investment summit, which saw the ADI Foundation partner with several leading global financial services institutions to advance next-generation digital financial infrastructure, including Franklin Templeton, BlackRock and Mastercard, with more to be announced. It follows the successful launch of ADI Chain's mainnet and ADI utility token. ADI Chain will also power a Dirham-backed stablecoin, currently being developed with IHC, Sirius International and First Abu Dhabi Bank, demonstrating how a regulated stablecoin can operate within a country's legal and financial system. As the UAE continues to advance its digital currency initiative, this partnership is likely to set the stage for future innovations in hospitality technology, offering new opportunities for both travelers and businesses. With its robust infrastructure and forward-thinking policies, the UAE is positioning itself as a hotspot for blockchain and digital asset technology. About the ADI Foundation The ADI Foundation is an Abu Dhabibased organization building sovereign-grade blockchain infrastructure that empowers governments and institutions to accelerate the growth of digital economies. The Foundation was founded by Sirius International Holding, the technology arm of $240B+ holding company IHC. The ADI Foundation is catalyzing large-scale social and economic inclusion by bringing 1 billion people globally into the digital economy by 2030, building on a strong foundation of the 500+ million people already within its project ecosystem. The Foundation has strategic partnerships in over 20 countries and across 50 major institutions, and a growing portfolio of use cases such as a new UAE Dirham-backed stablecoin, built on ADI Chain. Headquartered in Abu Dhabi's ADGM, the world's first jurisdiction with a bespoke digital asset framework, regulator-supervised virtual asset trading venues, fiat-referenced token rules, and a pioneering DLT Foundations regime, the ADI Foundation is proud to help lead the UAE's rise as a global digital asset hub by translating visionary policy into practical, scalable systems that empower people, businesses, and governments alike. For more information: https://www.adi.foundation About H2O Hospitality H2O Hospitality is a hospitality technology company leading the digital transformation of the accommodation industry. The company automates hotel operations by connecting fragmented online and offline environments, allowing facility owners to separate ownership from operation. Through its integrated Property Management System (PMS) and contactless solutions, H2O reduces fixed operating costs and maximizes revenue. Headquartered in Seoul, H2O Hospitality operates in South Korea, Japan, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East (UAE). The company manages over 21,000 rooms and has raised approximately $48 million in total funding from investors including Kakao Investment, KDB Bank, and Samsung Ventures. For more information: https://www.h2ohospitality.io/en/ Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2877161/ADIxH2O.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2841699/ADI_Foundation_Logo.jpg SOURCE The ADI Foundation HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla., Feb. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Prominently featured in The Inner Circle, Diana Loubeau is recognized as a Pinnacle Professional Member Inner Circle of Excellence for her contributions to Championing Inclusive Education and Transformative Leadership. Diana Loubeau Diana Loubeau has built a remarkable career as an educational leader devoted to creating equitable learning environments and driving academic excellence. With over twenty-seven years in education, her work has been instrumental in transforming underperforming schools into high-achieving institutions through innovative leadership, teacher empowerment, and meaningful collaboration across school communities. Her approach is guided by empathy, accountability, and a steadfast belief that every child deserves access to quality education. Dr. Loubeau's educational foundation reflects her deep commitment to lifelong learning. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Visual Disabilities from Florida State University, a Master's degree in Exceptional Student Education from Barry University, and a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership and Management from Capella University. This academic journey has shaped her philosophy as a leader who values academic rigor, inclusion, and the holistic development of students. A strong advocate for students with disabilities, Dr. Loubeau has dedicated her career to supporting children who are blind, visually impaired, or have exceptional needs. She is recognized for her advocacy in behavior management and mental health awareness, helping educators and families understand that true learning goes beyond academics to nurture emotional and psychological well-being. Beyond the classroom, Dr. Loubeau has made a lasting impact in her community. As the former vice president of Soldiers for a Cure, Inc., she led efforts to raise awareness and funds for health issues affecting the African American community through the organization's annual event, Partying with a Purpose. The initiative successfully combined celebration with service, uniting community members to create positive change. She is also active in the American-Haitian Educators of Dade and the March of Dimes, reinforcing her commitment to both education and public health. Throughout her career, Dr. Loubeau has launched innovative programs, including a health science initiative for middle school students that introduced them to medical careers early in their academic journey. She also organized the Healthcare Back-to-School Fair, providing families with vital resources that support both student wellness and academic success. Her leadership and contributions have earned her significant recognition throughout her career, including being named a Semi-Finalist for Principal of the Year in 2024, receiving the Influential Woman in Education Award from Pearls of Wisdom in 2018, and most recently being identified as one of the Most Influential Women for 2025. These accolades reflect her unwavering dedication to educational excellence and her powerful impact as a mentor, visionary leader, and role model in the field. Rooted in her Haitian heritage, Dr. Loubeau's personal philosophy is built on resilience, discipline, and gratitude. She believes in maintaining balance through family, faith, and self-care, recognizing that strong leaders must nurture both their own well-being and that of others. Looking ahead, she continues to lead with purpose, striving to leave a legacy defined by representation, equity, and empowerment for all learners. Contact: Katherine Green, 516-825-5634, [email protected] SOURCE The Inner Circle The 2026 edition of the campaign will include the inauguration of the first phase of the project, delivering 3.3 kilometers (2.05 miles) of trail as part of the regeneration process for access to the Base Torres Viewpoint. TORRES DEL PAINE, Chile, Feb. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Following the success of its first two editions, tourism company Las Torres Patagonia, in partnership with SKY Airline, has launched the third edition of its "10 Volunteers for 10 Days" campaign. The initiative invites people from different countries to take part in rebuilding the trails that lead to the Base Torres Viewpoint in Torres del Paine National Park, with all expenses covered. The 2026 edition will mark a major milestone with the inauguration of the first phase of the regeneration project, which includes 3.3 kilometers of trail: 1.5 km of pedestrian trail and 1.8 km of logistical trail. This design will allow for the separation of horseback operational traffic from visitor flow, improving safety, enhancing the hiking experience, and protecting the natural environment. The completion of the first phase of this three-stage project sets an important precedent for visitor management and long-term conservation within Torres del Paine National Park. The trail to the Base Torres Viewpoint is one of the most heavily trafficked routes in the park and, at the same time, one of the most vulnerable. Its restoration will benefit thousands of visitors from around the world who travel to Chile to experience its unique geological formations, as well as its native flora and fauna. How to Participate in "10 Volunteers for 10 Days" To apply, participants must be over 21 years old, reside in Chile, Brazil, the United States, Canada, or the United Kingdom, and submit a video of no more than 45 seconds via Instagram Stories using the "Your Turn" button, available in the featured stories on Las Torres Patagonia's Instagram account (@lastorres.patagonia). Applicants must tag Las Torres Patagonia and SKY Airline (@skyairline) in their story and post the video from a public account. Applications will be accepted until February 20, when a team from the tourism company will select the winners. Those selected will receive round-trip airfare from their country of residence to Puerto Natales and will then be transferred to Hotel Las Torres, located in the heart of Torres del Paine National Park. During their stay, participants will work on trail reconstruction efforts for the Base Torres trail and take part in excursions that allow them to experience Chilean Patagonia up close. Campaign winners will stay in the national park for five nights during one of the following periods: March 2226 or March 28April 1. "This campaign represents what tourism should be: participatory, regenerative, and deeply connected to the land," said Josian Yaksic, CEO of Las Torres Patagonia. He added that it marks "a concrete milestone in the regeneration of 3.3 kilometers of infrastructure, signaling the beginning of a new way to manage, experience, and conserve the trail to the Base Torres Viewpointintegrating safety, visitor experience, and environmental protection." The development of this campaign in collaboration with SKY aligns with the airline's sustainability strategy of recent years, which has focused on the progressive reduction of emissions, cumulatively avoiding more than 1.2 million tons of CO since 2018. "We are very pleased to support initiatives like this one, which make a tangible contribution to sustainability in Chile and to the protection of its natural heritage," said Mayra Kohler, Director of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability at SKY Airline. "At SKY, sustainability is a long-term strategic pillar, and collaboration between tourism, conservation, and connectivity is key to advancing toward a more responsible development model." This strategic alliance between Las Torres Patagonia and SKY Airline reflects both companies' commitment to sustainability, promoting responsible tourism and a shared focus on reducing their carbon footprints across operations. The Campaign and its Results The most recent edition of the "10 Volunteers for 10 Days" campaign received approximately 1,000 video applications from sustainability enthusiasts in North America, Chile, and Brazil. Ten winners were selected, and during their stay they successfully built 67.1 meters (220 feet) of new trail. Key tasks included removing the vegetation layer in previously designated areas and shaping the trail profile using back slope and out slope techniques, which are essential for proper water drainage and for preventing erosion caused by rainfall accumulation. In addition to work on the new section, volunteers also carried out maintenance on 206.7 meters (678 feet) of existing trail. These efforts included removing overgrown vegetation, repairing drainage systems to ensure proper water flow, and widening certain sections to improve visitor safety and trail flow. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ About Las Torres Patagonia Las Torres Patagonia is a natural and cultural reserve located in the heart of Torres del Paine National Park in Chilean Patagonia. It is a family-owned company with more than 30 years of experience in tourism, focused on nature conservation, Patagonian culture, and the promotion of sustainable tourism. Through its hotel, mountain lodges, and campsites located across five areas of the parkCentral, Chileno, Cuernos, Frances, and Seronthe company offers unique experiences while preserving ranching traditions and connecting visitors to the land through local guides and collaborators. Its commitment is to establish itself as a world-class sustainable destination in Chilean Patagonia. About SKY Airline SKY is a Chilean low-cost airline with 24 years of experience, operating more than 40 destinations across the Americas, with hubs in Chile and Peru. Since its first flight in 2001, the airline has transported more than 70 million passengers. In 2024, SKY was recognized by SKYTRAX as South America's Best Low-Cost Airline for the fourth time, and by CH-Aviation for having one of the youngest fleets in the region. For more information about the contest, terms, and conditions: https://tools.lastorres.com/10-volunteers-for-10-days-2026 Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2877421/Las_Torres_Patagonia_lLogo.jpg In the news release, "TIER IV selected for ATLA-led study exploring autonomous driving applications for SDF facilities", issued 04-Feb-2026 by TIER IV, Inc. over PR Newswire, we are advised by the company that the 3rd paragraph, 1st to 2nd sentences, should read "Securing sufficient personnel has become an increasingly critical challenge for the SDF amid population decline in Japan's chronically aging society, driving it toward a policy of full automation, labor-saving, and optimization." rather than "Securing sufficient personnel has become an increasingly critical challenge for the SDF amid population decline in Japan's chronically aging society. Meanwhile, the burden of ground support tasks at air bases, such as aircraft towing and the transport of materials and equipment, is steadily increasing." as originally issued inadvertently. Complete, corrected release follows: TIER IV selected for ATLA-led study exploring autonomous driving applications for SDF facilities TOKYO, Feb. 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- TIER IV , the pioneering force behind open-source software for autonomous driving, has been selected for an Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Agency (ATLA) study assessing autonomous vehicle applications for Japan Self-Defense Forces (SDF) facilities. ATLA is an independent agency under Japan's Ministry of Defense responsible for defense equipment research, development and procurement. Through studies such as this, ATLA helps inform future projects for the Ministry of Defense and SDF. Addressing personnel constraints through automation Securing sufficient personnel has become an increasingly critical challenge for the SDF amid population decline in Japan's chronically aging society, driving it toward a policy of full automation, labor-saving, and optimization. This study will assess the feasibility of deploying autonomous vehicles such as tow trucks at Maritime Self-Defense Force air bases to reduce workload and improve operational efficiency. Autonomous vehicles for diverse applications TIER IV develops platforms built around Autoware*, the world's leading open-source software for autonomous driving, and has supported deployments ranging from industrial vehicles in closed environments to buses and taxis operating on public roads. Building on this experience, TIER IV aims to apply its autonomous driving technologies to defense-related support functions in ways that enhance safety, efficiency and long-term sustainability. * Autoware is a registered trademark of the Autoware Foundation. About TIER IV TIER IV stands at the forefront of deep tech innovation, pioneering Autoware , the world's first open-source software for autonomous driving. Harnessing Autoware, we build scalable platforms and deliver comprehensive solutions across software development, vehicle manufacturing, and service operations. As a founding member of the Autoware Foundation, we are committed to reshaping the future of intelligent vehicles with open-source software, enabling individuals and organizations to thrive in the evolving field of autonomous driving. Media contact [email protected] SOURCE TIER IV, Inc. Dave Wright, president of Dave Wright Nissan Subaru in Hiawatha, Iowa wins 57th annual award that recognizes industry accomplishments and community service at the 109th National Automotive Dealers Association Show LAS VEGAS, Feb. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Ally Financial Inc. (NYSE: ALLY) today announced Dave Wright, president of Dave Wright Nissan Subaru in Hiawatha, Iowa, was named the 2026 TIME Dealer of the Year at the 109th National Automotive Dealers Association (NADA) Show. Now in its 57th year, the award is recognized as one of the auto industry's highest honors. This milestone also marks Ally's 15th year as the exclusive sponsor, reflecting its ongoing commitment to automotive excellence and its position as an industry-leading auto finance business. 2026 TIME Dealer of the Year Dave Wright Wright was selected for his remarkable leadership in the automotive industry and his longstanding dedication to community service. He has fostered a culture built around people and community impact and has been recognized by Automotive News as a Best Dealerships to Work For 12 times. This achievement makes it the only dealership in Iowa and one of just three nationwide to receive this honor. "Dave and all of the TIME Dealer of the Year nominees stand out for their industry excellence, investing in the communities they serve and teams they lead," said Doug Timmerman, Ally's President of Dealer Financial Services. "The TIME Dealer of the Year award honors dealers who build lasting success by strengthening communities, and through his leadership and dedication to his team, Dave truly embodies these values." Beyond business operations, Wright continues to support organizations including Goodwill of the Heartland, To The Rescue, the Boys and Girls Club of the Corridor, Heritage Area Agency on Aging, and the Iowa Giving Crew. Through annual contributions exceeding $50,000 and ongoing program sponsorships, Wright helps support children, educators, and seniors across the region. Jessica Sibley, CEO of TIME, and Timmerman announced Wright as the winner at a ceremony in Las Vegas that honored all 47 nominees. Wright was chosen from a field of more than 20,000 franchised dealers across the country. "At TIME, we are proud to recognize automotive dealers who demonstrate excellence, leadership, and a deep commitment to service through the TIME Dealer of the Year award," said Sibley. "This award celebrates those whose work strengthens their communities and sets a standard for the industry, and we are thrilled to continue this legacy in partnership with Ally." The TIME Dealer of the Year winner and finalists are chosen by a panel from the Tauber Institute for Global Operations at the University of Michigan. The panel selects finalists from each of the four NADA regions, and, ultimately, a national winner from those finalists. In addition to Wright, the 2026 TIME Dealer of the Year finalists include: Jamie Cobb, Buick GMC, North Little Rock, Ark. Mario Hernandez, Teton Toyota, Idaho Falls, Idaho David Kull, Burns Honda, Marlton, N.J. Bert Lindsay, Lindsay Honda, Columbus, Ohio As the exclusive sponsor of the TIME Dealer of the Year program for the 15th year in a row, Ally will provide grants to eligible 501c3 charitable organizations selected by the nominees, finalists, and winner. Ally has made donations in connection with the program, totaling nearly $1 million. This year, Ally will give $10,000 to the charity of Wright's choice and $5,000 to a nonprofit organization selected by each of the finalists. In recognition of their achievements, Ally also will give $1,000 to a charity selected by each of the 47 nominees. For more information on the nominees, finalists, and winner, please visit: https://www.ally.com/go/allydealerheroes/nominees . About Ally Financial Ally Financial Inc. (NYSE: ALLY) is a financial services company with the nation's largest all-digital bank and an industry-leading auto financing business, driven by a mission to "Do It Right" and be a relentless ally for customers and communities. The company serves customers with deposits and securities brokerage and investment advisory services as well as auto financing and insurance offerings. The company also includes a seasoned corporate finance business that offers capital for equity sponsors and middle-market companies. For more information, please visit www.ally.com . For more information and disclosures about Ally, visit https://www.ally.com/#disclosures . For further images and news on Ally, please visit http://media.ally.com . About TIME TIME is the 102-year-old global media brand that reaches a combined audience of over 120 million around the world through its iconic magazine and digital platforms. With unparalleled access to the world's most influential people, the trust of consumers and partners globally, and an unrivaled power to convene, TIME's mission is to tell the essential stories of the people and ideas that shape and improve the world. Today, TIME also includes the award-winning branded content studio and Emmy Award-winning film and television division TIME Studios; a significantly expanded live events business built on the powerful TIME100 and Person of the Year franchises and custom experiences; TIME for Kids, which provides trusted news with a focus on news literacy for kids and valuable resources for teachers and families; and more. About NADA The National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA), founded in 1917, represents more than 16,000 light-vehicle and commercial-truck dealerships with 32,500 domestic and international franchises. New-vehicle franchised dealers are directly responsible for more than one million U.S. jobs. Contact: Alex Moore Ally Communications (Media) 704-222-4337 [email protected] SOURCE Ally Financial MOSCOW, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- Russia has declared a diplomat at Germany's embassy in Russia persona non grata in retaliation for Berlin's expulsion of a Russian embassy staff member, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Thursday. The ministry added that the head of Germany's diplomatic mission in Russia was summoned and handed a note outlining the decision. LINDON, Utah, Feb. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Trucordia, a top 20 U.S. insurance brokerage and leader in innovative risk management insurance solutions, announced today that Kim Reid has joined the company as Vice President on its mergers and acquisitions team, which acquires insurance businesses that then rebrand under the Trucordia corporate umbrella. Reid comes to Trucordia after more than two decades with Arthur J. Gallagher, where she helped build and lead the firm's due diligence and integration programs. Kim Reid has joined Trucordia as Vice President of M&A. Reid started in sales support before moving into an analyst role on a small mergers and acquisitions team, sourcing and evaluating potential merger partners. Over time, she developed and refined the integration processes used to bring newly acquired agencies and brokerages into the company, working closely with advisers, sellers, and internal workstream leaders to move deals from signed term sheets to closing. "Kim has exactly the kind of experience we need as acquisitions remain a strong focus in Trucordia's growth plans," said Rocky Steele, Senior Vice President of Business Development at Trucordia. "She has spent her career building processes that balance discipline, efficiency, and respect for the businesses and people involved in each transaction, which is valuable and immediately transferrable to our ongoing work here at Trucordia." Reid holds a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, reflecting her processdriven approach and focus on efficiency and detail. "I was drawn to Trucordia because it feels like returning to the early, most energizing chapter of my M&A career," she said, "this time with the benefit of everything I have learned, and with a new opportunity to help build a program from the inside." About Trucordia Trucordia is the group name for a top 20 U.S. insurance brokerage headquartered in Lindon, Utah. The Trucordia group of companies offers a broad array of commercial and personal lines, life and health, and employee benefits insurance solutions. Trucordia is an integrated organization united by a passion to deliver extraordinary opportunities and exceptional experiences for its clients, partners, and each other. With more than 5,000 team members across the U.S., Trucordia is a notable leader in the insurance brokerage space, ranking #18 on Business Insurance's 2025 Top 100 Brokers and #16 on Insurance Journal's 2025 Top Property/Casualty Agencies. Visit trucordia.com for more information. SOURCE Trucordia SANTA MONICA, Calif., Feb. 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Unlikely Collaborators will host a Spark Salon on Wednesday, February 11 at 7:00 p.m. PT, featuring futures designer and author Nick Foster, RDI, in a conversation titled How Do You Think About the Future. Rather than predicting what lies ahead, Foster invites audiences to examine the stories, assumptions, and habits shaping how they relate to the future. In doing so, he helps surface the often-unseen lens through which we interpret what is possible, uncertain, or inevitable which is a process closely aligned with the Unlikely Collaborators' Perception Box framework, which explores how our internal narratives quietly shape the way we see the world and ourselves. Nick Foster explores how our assumptions shape the future in a Spark Salon on Feb 11 at 7 p.m. PT. Post this Unlikely Collaborators hosts futures designer Nick Foster, RDI, for a Spark Salon on Feb 11 at 7 p.m. PT. In How Do You Think About the Future, Foster explores the stories and assumptions shaping how we relate to whats possible, uncertain, or inevitable, a process aligned with the Perception Box framework, helping audiences see how internal narratives shape the way we interpret the world and imagine the future. Drawing from his new book, Could Should Might Don't: How We Think About the Future, Foster will encourage attendees to notice how cultural narratives, mental shortcuts, and unexamined assumptions shape the way they imagine what comes next. With clarity, humor, and provocation, he reframes the future not as something to predict or control, but as something continuously shaped by human values, choices, and imagination, offering a more discerning and grounded way to navigate uncertainty. The evening will take place in person at Unlikely Collaborators' Santa Monica headquarters and will also be livestreamed online. In-person attendees will receive a complimentary copy of Foster's book Could Should Might Don't: How We Think About The Future. Event Schedule 6:00 p.m. Doors open, reception 7:00 p.m. Program begins promptly 8:00 p.m. Book signing and reception Cost: Free (registration required) Register to Attend in person Register to join live online About Nick Foster Nick Foster, RDI, is a futures designer based in Oakland, California. He has spent his career exploring the future for globally renowned technology companies including Google, Nokia, Sony, and Dyson. As Head of Design at Google X, Nick led a team of designers, researchers, and prototypers developing nascent technologies such as brain-controlled computer interfaces, intelligent robotics, stratospheric Internet balloons, and neighborhood-scale nuclear fusion. Despite the ambitious nature of much of his work, Nick is well known for his down-to-earth and occasionally irreverent approach to the future. In 2013, he coined the term "future mundane." Fortune magazine described him as "one of the world's foremost leaders in speculative design" in 2018. And in 2021, he received the title Royal Designer for Industrythe highest accolade for a British designerin recognition of his significant contributions to the discipline. An accomplished writer and public speaker, Nick has produced multiple books and shares his thinking about the future with audiences across the globe. While his presentations often focus on the future, they reject the allure of predictions and forecasts, the formulaic comforts of methods and frameworks, and the hollow pomposity of buzzy, corporate jargon. Instead, Nick's talks are intentionally provocative. He designs his talks to challenge assumptions and inspire people to truly reconsider how they think about the future. He proposes ways of thinking about the future as an extension of the presenta world shaped by human hands and inhabited by people much like us. Nick encourages audiences to approach the future with greater rigor, tenacity, imagination, and care. He empowers them to become more discerning consumers and critics of the endless stream of future propositions being presented to us all. Nick Foster was born in Derbythe birthplace of the Industrial Revolution and a city once synonymous with innovation, manufacturing, and technology. In 2001, he earned his master's degree from the Royal College of Art. In 2018, he became a fellow of the Royal Society of Arts. He has lived in California since 2012 with his wife, Jayne. About Spark Salons Spark Salons are a signature program of Unlikely Collaborators, the nonprofit founded by Elizabeth R. Koch. These gatherings bring together grantees, researchers, artists, and collaborators for conversations that challenge perspectives and deepen connections. Past Spark Salon speakers have included illusionist Harris III, psychologist Scott Barry Kaufman, PhD, nutrition therapist Kim Shapira, MS, RD, mythologist John Bucher, Harvard Business School professor and author Michael Norton, PhD, visionary violinist Vijay Gupta, chef and entrepreneur Ellen Bennett, artist Candy Chang, digital workplace expert and author Alexandra Samuel, PhD, grief experts Brennan Wood and Dr. Donna L. Schuurman, and neuroscientist, best-selling author Lisa Feldman Barrett, PhD, and world-renowned neuroscientist, author, and NYU Dean Wendy Suzuki, PhD. Watch the Spark Salons Trailer About Unlikely Collaborators Unlikely Collaborators is a nonprofit dedicated to helping people see themselves and the world more clearly. Founded by Elizabeth R. Koch, the organization is built on the Perception Box framework, which explores how our unconscious lens shaped by our experiences, beliefs, fears, and identities affects the way we interpret the world. By becoming aware of our Perception Box, we can take the first step toward real change. SOURCE Unlikely Collaborators Joe Northcott Joins Viking Mergers & Acquisitions in Fort Lauderdale FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Feb. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Viking Mergers & Acquisitions proudly welcomes Joe Northcott to its Fort Lauderdale office. Northcott brings a powerful blend of Big Four experience, and analytical depth to his role, supporting advisory services that drive successful outcomes across the transaction lifecycle. Viking M&A welcomes Joe Northcott to the Fort Lauderdale Team. "Joe's foundation in high-level financial analysis and his genuine interest in helping business owners succeed make him a natural fit for our team," said Larry Lawson, President of Viking M&A's Florida Division. "He represents the next generation of advisors we continue to cultivate at Viking M&A." A Florida native, Northcott was born and raised in Leesburg and earned dual bachelor's degrees in Finance and Accounting from Florida State University, along with a minor specialization in Data Analytics. While at FSU, he was an active member of various Financial and Professional Services Honor Societies and served as Vice President of Finance & Accounting for a major on-campus organization. Northcott began his career at Deloitte, serving as both an Audit Associate and a Senior Associate during his tenure. There, he provided audit & assurance services to a diverse portfolio of public and private companies across various industries, including aerospace and defense manufacturing, consumer goods, and private equity. His experience includes complex financial statement audits, regulatory compliance, and pre-initial public offering (IPO) engagements. "In his role as Associate Advisor, Joe applies his background in accounting, due diligence, and financial modeling to support business valuations, transaction strategy, and deal execution," said Lawson. "His analytical mindset and attention to detail will help our clients navigate the sale process with clarity and confidence." This hire is another example of the firm's commitment to developing top-tier talent and delivering high-impact advisory services to Florida's business owners. About Viking Mergers and Acquisitions Florida Division Viking Mergers & Acquisitions, with offices strategically located throughout Florida, supports business owners with annual revenues ranging from $2M to $250M. Viking offers complimentary business valuation services, ongoing valuation updates, and comprehensive exit planning and strategy for small and middle-market business owners. As one of the largest and most successful mergers and acquisitions firms in the United States, Viking is headquartered in Charlotte, NC, and Tampa, FL. The firm boasts 18 offices strategically positioned across the U.S., providing exceptional brokerage services as well as mergers & acquisitions advisory work. Over the past three decades, Viking has successfully closed over 950 businesses, achieving a closing ratio of over three times the industry average. Viking consistently maintains an impressive 85% closing rate, securing sellers an average of 96% of their asking price. Visit Vikingmergers.com to request a confidential, complimentary business valuation or for more information about selling or buying a business. SOURCE Viking Mergers & Acquisitions VANCOUVER, BC , Feb. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ - Wheaton Precious Metals Corp. ("Wheaton" or the "Company") today announced, as part of the Company's strategic succession planning, Haytham Hodaly, currently President, will succeed Randy Smallwood as Wheaton's Chief Executive Officer ("CEO"), reflecting an ongoing leadership evolution to support the next phase in the Company's growth trajectory. After more than 15 years of leading the business he co-founded, Mr. Smallwood will step down as CEO and assume the role of non-executive Chair of the Board of Directors, effective March 31, 2026. As Board Chair, Mr. Smallwood's ongoing involvement will provide leadership continuity and alignment to the Company's long-term vision. George Brack, who has served as Chair of the Board since 2022 and Director since 2009, will concurrently transition to Lead Independent Director. Haytham Hodaly, currently serving as President, will transition to President and CEO and join the Company's Board of Directors, effective March 31, 2026. As President and CEO, Mr. Hodaly will guide the Company's strategy and ensure effective execution across all areas of the business. Mr. Hodaly is a seasoned mining industry executive who joined Wheaton in 2012 as Senior Vice President, Corporate Development before being promoted to President in 2025. A mining engineer by training and a former Director and Mining Analyst at RBC, he brings a unique combination of technical expertise and capital markets experience. Mr. Hodaly has played a pivotal role in executing more than $11 billion in streaming transactions, significantly advancing the Company's growth trajectory, while building and leading one of the most highly regarded technical teams in the industry. "I am honored to step into the role of President and CEO at such an exciting time in both the Company's history and the broader precious metals market," said Haytham Hodaly, current President and incoming CEO. "We have a clear vision for the future and an exceptionally strong foundation from which to grow, positioning us well to support the next generation of mine builders in an unprecedented environment for gold and silver. Our focus remains on delivering sustainable value for all stakeholders, while maintaining the principles that have made Wheaton a leader in the streaming industry. I am deeply grateful to Randy for his guidance and mentorship, and to the Board for their confidence in me. I look forward to working closely with our talented team and Board as we pursue new opportunities and advance the Company's next phase of growth." "Building and leading this extraordinary organization alongside such a dedicated and talented team has been the privilege of my career," said Randy Smallwood, CEO. "I am deeply grateful to the Board current and former members included for its guidance and partnership over the past two decades, as well as our team for their steadfast commitment to creating what I believe is one of the strongest precious metals companies in the world today. I'd also like to extend my thanks to all of our stakeholders, for their continued trust and support as we helped transform the landscape of mining financing. This leadership evolution marks a significant milestone in Wheaton's long-term strategy, to develop, support and elevate the next generation of leadership and further accelerate the Company's momentum. I can truly say that I have never been more confident in our future. Haytham has been instrumental in shaping Wheaton's success to date, and his leadership will be an essential element of our anticipated next phase of transformative growth. As I move into the role of Chair of the Board, I remain fully committed to supporting him as CEO and continuing to create value for all stakeholders." Since co-founding Wheaton in 2004 and becoming CEO in 2011, Mr. Smallwood has been a transformative leader, guiding Wheaton from the world's first streaming business to one of the largest precious metals companies in the world. Under his leadership, the Company has delivered consistent shareholder value by pursuing strategic growth with a focus on high-quality assets, disciplined capital allocation and investing in innovation. Mr. Smallwood has also championed sustainable, community-focused practices, including the launch of Wheaton's Community Investment Program, the first of its kind in the streaming industry. His operational insight, commitment to fostering partnerships, and strategic vision have solidified Wheaton's reputation for excellence and resilience in a dynamic global market. "On behalf of the Board of Directors, I thank Randy for his visionary leadership and his unwavering dedication to building not only the world's leading streaming company, but also to advancing the broader mining industry," said George Brack, current Chair of Wheaton's Board of Directors. "His commitment to the sector, passion for developing people, and his deep sense of community responsibility have been nothing short of remarkable. We are very pleased that Randy will continue to provide his strategic insight and industry expertise as incoming Chair of the Board. Over the past several years, the Board has strongly supported Wheaton's leadership evolution, including the management transitions announced in 2025. We have tremendous confidence in Haytham, who has consistently demonstrated outstanding leadership and played an instrumental role in shaping the strong growth profile that we have today." About Wheaton Precious Metals Wheaton is the world's premier precious metals streaming company with the highest-quality portfolio of long-life, low-cost assets. Its business model offers investors commodity price leverage and exploration upside but with a much lower risk profile than a traditional mining company. Wheaton delivers amongst the highest cash operating margins in the mining industry, allowing it to pay a competitive dividend and continue to grow through accretive acquisitions. Wheaton is committed to strong ESG practices and giving back to the communities where Wheaton and its mining partners operate. Wheaton creates sustainable value through streaming for all of its stakeholders. SOURCE Wheaton Precious Metals Corp. AUSTIN, Texas, Feb. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Willie's Remedy+ , today announced a $15 million Series A funding round led by Left Lane Capital , with participation from Second Sight Ventures, to accelerate national retail expansion and continue product innovation. In less than a year since launch, Willie's Remedy+ has emerged as a breakout leader in the fast-growing THC drinks category. The brand has already sold more than 400,000 bottles, making it the #1 THC beverage sold online. "This funding marks a major milestone as we build on our early momentum and bring Willie's Remedy+ to shelves across the country," said Greg Serrao, Co-Founder and CEO of JuneShine Brands, which provides sales, marketing, and distribution services to the brand. "We've proven demand online, and now we're ready to replicate that success at retail." Willie's Remedy+ was created with a simple but powerful vision: offer a modern alternative to alcohol that delivers clarity, balance, and connection without hangovers. Inspired by Willie Nelson's lifelong relationship with cannabis, the brand reflects his belief in living authentically and using the plant responsibly. Each beverage is crafted with USA-grown, hemp-derived THC, blended with CBD, CBG, and L-theanine for a fast-acting, short-lasting experience designed to elevate the moment without overwhelming it. Effects typically begin within 1530 minutes and taper after one to one-and-a-half hours, making the drinks approachable for first-timers, the canna-curious, and seasoned consumers alike. "Willie's Remedy+ isn't about getting knocked out it's about finding your own balance, one sip at a time," said Serrao. "The biggest killer on the planet is stress, and I still think the best medicine is and always has been cannabis," said Willie Nelson. "I gave up alcohol and tobacco a long time ago and switched to pot. Marijuana should be recognized for what it is: a remedy. I'm excited to share my remedy with the world." Nelson has also been a vocal advocate for responsible hemp regulation, urging lawmakers to reject efforts to ban hemp at the federal level. "Banning hemp won't solve problems," Nelson said. "Smart regulation will." Following a successful limited retail test with Total Wine, where the brand quickly ranked among top THC-infused spirits, Willie's Remedy+ is preparing for a national retail rollout in early 2026, leveraging JuneShine Brands' established wholesaler and three-tier distribution network. The brand plans to launch with a 10-SKU portfolio, including 750ml THC-Infused Spirits, 12oz THC-Infused Seltzers in flavors like Strawberry Watermelon, Black Cherry Lime, and Passion Fruit Orange Guava, and 2oz THC-Infused Shots mirroring the flagship spirit flavors. "We're confident our strong online brand awareness will translate to serious velocities on shelf," Serrao added. "Over time, retail will become our primary growth engine." With fresh capital and growing demand, Willie's Remedy+ is gearing up for expansion with retail partners including Total Wine, Lowe's, Binny's, TXB, and others nationwide in 2026. "We invest in brands that align with where consumers are going not where they've been. Today's consumers are seeking balance, intention, and better-for-you experience," said Laura Sillman, Partner at Left Lane Capital. "Willie's Remedy+ stands out through cultural authenticity and a product experience designed for repeat, everyday occasions which is exactly what builds enduring consumer brands." Willie's Remedy+ also gives back to the farming community, beginning with a $40,000 donation to Willie Nelson's Farm Aid Foundation, supporting small American farmers with plans for continued contributions. About Willie's Remedy+ Willie's Remedy+ is a line of THC-infused social tonics inspired by Willie Nelson's lifelong relationship with cannabis. Crafted with natural, hemp-derived cannabinoids and designed as a modern alternative to alcohol, the brand offers a balanced, customizable way to unwind without hangovers. Learn more at www.drinkwillies.com and follow @drinkwillies on social media. About Left Lane Capital Founded in 2019, Left Lane Capital is a New York and London-based venture capital and growth equity firm investing in high-growth internet and consumer technology businesses globally. Left Lane's mission is to partner with extraordinary entrepreneurs who create category-defining companies across growth sectors of the economy. Select investments include Bilt Rewards, Prenuvo, Olipop, Talkiatry, Tovala, HOLY, Blank Street, Kittl, Evvy, and more. For more information, visit www.leftlane.com . About Second Sight Ventures Second Sight Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm backing high-growth companies at the forefront of culture and innovation. The firm partners with ambitious founders building culturally relevant products and services that don't just follow consumer trends they help create and shape them. Second Sight focuses on brands and platforms with real cultural gravity, where product, narrative, and community intersect to influence how people discover, adopt, and engage. Select investments include Lemme, Momentous, Khloud, Superpower, Steven.com, and Blueprint. The firm was founded by Chris Hollod, Patrick Finnegan, and Jackson Eisenpresser. Contact: For Media Inquiries: [email protected] SOURCE Willie's Remedy+ John Wonais, founder of Wonais Law, LLC, has achieved Super Lawyers Rising Stars recognition for five consecutive years (20222026). This consistent peer-reviewed acknowledgment reflects the firm's commitment to providing experienced legal representation in consumer bankruptcy matters for individuals and families throughout the Chicago area. This distinction recognizes attorneys for professional achievement and peer recognition, with only a select percentage of lawyers in each state earning the Rising Stars designation each year. CHICAGO, Feb. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- "We understand the financial pressures many Chicago families face," said John Wonais, Founder. "We bring not only legal expertise, but also an understanding of the unique financial circumstances affecting residents in our city." A Track Record of Focused Service The multi-year Super Lawyers Rising Stars selection speaks to Wonais Law's role as a dedicated consumer bankruptcy practice. As a Chapter 7 bankruptcy attorney in Chicago Illinois and Chapter 13 bankruptcy attorney in Cook County, John Wonais has built his practice around personalized, client-focused service since being licensed to practice law in Illinois in 2014. A graduate of the University of Illinois College of Law, he's developed deep experience helping people navigate both Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy options, tailoring solutions to each client's specific situation. Building Confidence Through Consistency Earning consecutive Super Lawyers Rising Stars selections has strengthened Debt Pros - Wonais Law's standing as a reliable resource for those seeking a Chapter 7 bankruptcy attorney in Chicago or guidance through Chapter 13 proceedings. This ongoing peer endorsement helps reinforce trustnot just with clients facing difficult financial decisions, but also with referral sources throughout the legal community. The recognition reflects both the quality of legal work and a genuine dedication to helping people find meaningful financial relief. This distinction recognizes attorneys for: Professional achievement and excellence Peer recognition within the legal community Consistent high-quality legal service Based on Wonais Law's work with Chicago-area clients, qualifying for Chapter 7 bankruptcy involves two main steps. First, your household income is compared to the median income for similar-sized households in Illinoisif you're below that median, you generally qualify. If your income is above the median, the firm looks at whether your monthly income (after allowed expenses) could realistically pay back at least 25% of your unsecured debts like credit cards and medical bills. Individuals and families in Chicago and Cook County facing financial hardship are encouraged to contact Wonais Law, LLC for a consultation. Whether exploring Chapter 7 bankruptcy options or considering Chapter 13 repayment plans, the firm offers personalized guidance to help clients understand their options and take the first step toward financial stability. Wonais Law, LLC is a Chicago-based consumer bankruptcy law firm dedicated to helping individuals and families achieve financial stability through personalized legal representation. Founded by John Wonais, a University of Illinois College of Law graduate licensed to practice in Illinois since 2014, the firm specializes in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy cases throughout Chicago and Cook County. As a trusted Chapter 7 bankruptcy attorney in Chicago Illinois and Chapter 13 bankruptcy attorney in Cook County, John Wonais has built a practice centered on understanding the unique financial pressures facing Chicago-area residents. The firm takes a client-focused approach, offering clear guidance through complex bankruptcy proceedings and exploring all available debt relief options before filing. Wonais Law, LLC serves clients throughout Chicago and surrounding Cook County communities, providing compassionate, experienced representation for those seeking a fresh financial start. For more information, visit https://chicagodebtpros.com/. SOURCE DebtPros - Wonais Law 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 Angela Harmantas Angela Harmantas is an Editor at Proactive. She has over 15 years of experience covering the equity markets in North America, with a particular focus on junior resource stocks. Angela has reported from numerous countries around the world, including Canada, the US, Australia, Brazil, Ghana, and South Africa for leading trade publications. Previously, she worked in investor relations and led the foreign direct investment program in Canada for the Swedish government. She earned a Bachelor of... 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 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. BEIRUT, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- Lebanon has signed an emergency support agreement with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) to contain the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease and strengthen national veterinary preparedness, local media reported Thursday. The agreement, signed by the country's Agriculture Minister Nizar Hani and FAO Representative in Lebanon Nora Ourabah Haddad, aims to control the spread of the disease affecting livestock production, reinforce animal health and food security systems, and protect rural livelihoods, according to Lebanon's state-run National News Agency (NNA). The NNA reported that the FAO will support the second phase of the emergency vaccination campaign for cattle and small ruminants, alongside capacity-building for breeders, improved disease surveillance and response procedures, and regular monitoring to support decision-making. After the initial suspected cases in November 2025, Lebanon ramped up surveillance and response measures, establishing a national task force in collaboration with the FAO. The foot-and-mouth disease is a highly contagious viral disease affecting cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, sheep and goats. 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. About this content About Stephen Gunnion Stephen Gunnion is a senior financial journalist and broadcaster at Proactive Investors. He has more than 25 years of experience in television, radio and print media, anchoring on a number of television channels including South Africa's Business Day TV, CNBC Africa and the South African Broadcasting Corporation, where he was the economics editor. He has also worked for Daily Maverick, Bloomberg, the Business Day newspaper and Investors' Chronicle. Read more About the publisher Proactive financial news and online broadcast teams provide fast, accessible, informative and actionable business and finance news content to a global investment audience. All our content is produced independently by our experienced and qualified teams of news journalists. Proactive news team spans the worlds key finance and investing hubs with bureaus and studios in London, New York, Toronto, Vancouver, Sydney and Perth. We are experts in medium and small-cap markets, we also keep our community up to date with blue-chip companies, commodities and broader investment stories. This is content that excites and engages motivated private investors. The team delivers news and unique insights across the market including but not confined to: biotech and pharma, mining and natural resources, battery metals, oil and gas, crypto and emerging digital and EV technologies. Use of technology Proactive has always been a forward looking and enthusiastic technology adopter. Our human content creators are equipped with many decades of valuable expertise and experience. The team also has access to and use technologies to assist and enhance workflows. Proactive will on occasion use automation and software tools, including generative AI. Nevertheless, all content published by Proactive is edited and authored by humans, in line with best practice in regard to content production and search engine optimisation. If you were looking for the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee website and ended up here, try this Got news tips, gossip, suggestions, complaints?E-mail us: progressivecharlestown@gmail.com We strive to avoid errors in our articles. Our correction policy can be found here Kolkata, Feb 5 : Questions have been raised over the police investigation into the murder of gold merchant Swapan Kamilya after the name of former Rajganj BDO Prashant Barman, alleged to be the main accused, was not included in the charge sheet submitted to the Bidhannagar court. Kamilya was allegedly kidnapped on October 28 last year, and his body was recovered from a canal bank in Jatragachi under the New Town police station the following day. The charge sheet, filed after 90 days, names five accused a" Tufan Thapa, Raju Dhali, Sajal Sarkar, Gobinda Sarkar, and Vivekananda Sarkar a" but excludes Barman. Investigators said his name may be added to a supplementary charge sheet or a separate one later. The victimas family has accused Barman, who was removed from his post as BDO, of being the prime conspirator and expressed anger over the policeas failure to arrest him. Barman had earlier obtained anticipatory bail from the Barasat and Bidhannagar sub-divisional courts, which was overturned by the Calcutta High Court on December 22 with a directive to surrender within 72 hours. He failed to comply, went into hiding, and an arrest warrant was issued against him. On January 19, the Supreme Court also ordered him to surrender by January 23, but he remains absconding. Meanwhile, the administration has appointed a new BDO in Rajganj. Speculation has intensified over the absence of Barmanas name in the charge sheet even as police continue their search for him. --IANS sch/dan The Security Council holds a meeting on the threat posed by the Islamic State, at the UN headquarters in New York, on Feb. 4, 2026. The threat posed by the Islamic State (IS) has increased in the past few months, a UN official said Wednesday. The IS continued to recruit foreign terrorist fighters and to enhance the use of new and emerging technologies, Alexandre Zouev, acting under-secretary-general of the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism, told the Security Council in a briefing. (Evan Schneider/UN Photo/Handout via Xinhua) Acting under-secretary-general of the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism Alexandre Zouev (C) speaks at a Security Council meeting at the UN headquarters in New York, on Feb. 4, 2026. The threat posed by the Islamic State (IS) has increased in the past few months, a UN official said Wednesday. The IS continued to recruit foreign terrorist fighters and to enhance the use of new and emerging technologies, Alexandre Zouev, acting under-secretary-general of the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism, told the Security Council in a briefing. (Loey Felipe/UN Photo/Handout via Xinhua) Bengaluru, Feb 5 : The controversy surrounding the "Pakistani tongue" remark made by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLC C.T. Ravi continued, disrupting proceedings in the Karnataka Legislative Council as Congress members pressed for an apology from MLC Ravi. As BJP MLC Ravi remained absent from the Assembly House, State Legislative Council Chairman Basavaraj Horatti said on Wednesday that House proceedings would continue until the BJP MLC arrived. The development led to heated exchanges between the ruling Congress and the Opposition BJP and JD(S) members. Meanwhile, Karnataka Minister and floor leader N.S. Boseraju moved a resolution in the House seeking action over the "Pakistani tongue" remark by BJP MLC Ravi. The resolution proposed that BJP MLC Ravi be suspended until the end of the Assembly session. State Legislative Council Chairman Horatti said that BJP MLC Ravi was absent and that he would take a decision after consulting him. Later, amid strong protests by Congress members, he added that he would continue the House proceedings until BJP MLC Ravi arrived in the House. "If BJP MLC C.T. Ravi does not express regret, I will take a decision," Horatti said. Despite repeated demands from Congress members and requests by the Chair of the Legislative Council, BJP MLC Ravi, on Tuesday, refused to express regret for his controversial remark, following which the House proceedings were adjourned. The political remark was made in response to a statement by Congress MLC Naseer Ahmed, who had referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a "deshdrohi" (anti-national). On Monday, Naseer Ahmed had made the remark in the presence of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah during the discussion on the Motion of Thanks to the Governor's address to the joint Assembly session. After Naseer Ahmed later expressed regret for his remark, Congress members demanded an apology from BJP MLC Ravi. After House proceedings resumed on Wednesday, Minister Boseraju demanded that BJP MLC Ravi comply with the Chair's direction and express regret for his remark. "The comment directed at our (Congress MLC Naseer Ahmed) member is inappropriate. The Chair has asked him (BJP MLC C.T. Ravi) to apologise five times," he said. Senior Congress leader Saleem Ahmed said, "We submitted a letter against MLC Ravi, and you, Chairperson, also advised him to apologise. MLC Ravi is not responding, and the Chair should issue an order in this matter." Another senior Congress leader, Ivan D'Souza, said, "We discussed this issue at length and decided not to treat it as a matter of prestige. Our MLC Naseer Ahmed expressed regret for his remarks against Prime Minister Modi. The Chair had decided that first Naseer Ahmed should apologise and then C.T. Ravi should do so. Our (Congress) member has complied, but the Opposition member has not. How can we ignore this and continue House proceedings? MLC Ravi should set a good precedent by apologising." Congress MLC Ramesh Babu said, "It is our bounden duty to follow the orders of the Chair. To uphold the traditions of the Upper House of the Legislative Assembly (Legislative Council), the Chair's directions must be respected. When Naseer Ahmed expressed regret, MLC Ravi should have done the same." Responding to Congress MLC Ramesh Babu's remarks, Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council Chalavadi Narayanaswamy said, "The issue has already ended. After House proceedings began, the House took up the Question Hour. Once House proceedings move forward, we cannot go back. Secondly, the Chair has not issued any order. The Chair stated that MLC Ravi's remark was not unparliamentary and that it would be removed from the records. The Chair also said the matter was left to Ravi's conscience." "Let us not reopen a closed issue. The Congress member made remarks against the Prime Minister multiple times during the discussion, which was incorrect. This time, he did so in the presence of the Chief Minister (Siddaramaiah). We protested to put an end to this practice," he added. Narayanaswamy said that no unparliamentary word was used by MLC Ravi and that the term was removed from the records. "There is no scope for expressing regret or tendering an apology in this matter, and no further discussion is required," he added. Reacting to Chalavadi Narayanaswamy's remarks over the row, Karnataka Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H.K. Patil, said, "The Chair requested MLC Ravi five times. The Assembly Speaker's advice is a command. Congress MLC Naseer Ahmed also had his arguments, but he expressed regret at the request of the Assembly Speaker to ensure the House functioned. If MLC Ravi refuses to apologise now, it is unfair. The Assembly Speaker's advice must always be treated as a command." Responding to Minister Patil's comments, Narayanaswamy said Minister Patil was portraying Naseer Ahmed's apology as an achievement. "Was it a great act to apologise after insulting the Prime Minister, who was elected by 140 crore people? The matter should end here," he added. Minister Boseraju reiterated that MLC Ravi must apologise for his remark. BJP MLC D.S. Arun said that every action has an equal and opposite reaction. "Targeting the Prime Minister has been going on for years. The regret expressed by Naseer Ahmed was not convincing. The matter should be dropped now," he added. Congress MLC Saleem Ahmed demanded that if BJP MLC Ravi did not express regret, he should be expelled from the House. -- Syndicated from IANS Los Angeles, Feb 5 : Hollywood actor Harrison Ford seems to be content with the way his career has shaped up. The actor thinks 'Shrinking' would be a "sufficient" end to his legendary career. The 83-year-old actor, who stars alongside the likes of Christa Miller, Jessica Williams, Michael Urie, Jason Segel and Michael J Fox in the hit Apple TV series, described the show as a "very special" project to work on and admitted he wonders what he could possibly do next to live up to the experience, reports 'Female First UK'. Speaking during a panel at Apple TV's inaugural press day this week, he said, "Where do you go from here? The kind of work that we're able to do is remarkable given the tools we have to work with, and the notion that lies behind this series. And if it was all over here, that would be sufficient". The 'Star Wars' and 'Indiana Jones' legend explained how working on Shrinking has been a "different" experience, but one that has been incredibly fulfilling. He added, "This has been a different kind of job for me, and I've been doing this for a long time. This is very special and it really nurtures me and makes me feel like what we're doing has value and importance. I look for that in my life and I'm happy to have found it here". As per 'Female First UK', elsewhere during the panel, he admitted he was nervous about working with Michael J Fox on the show, as Harrison's character Dr. Paul Roades has the same condition as the 'Back To The Future' icon. He said, "It was a bit daunting when I thought about it, because I am representing a character that has Parkinson's, and Michael, of course, has the real thing. I've always felt a real sense of responsibility for getting that part of my story right". "But Michael is an extraordinary, generous and lovely fellow, who I did not know at all and had a chance to, just working on this show. It was an extraordinary experience to work with him. He is such a powerful presence. Such grace and courage and indomitability, and some of that, I hope, will help me colour my portrayal of a character with Parkinson's", he added. -- Syndicated from IANS Srinagar, Feb 5 : Union Home Minister Amit Shah is set to begin an important three-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday. The purpose of his visit is to conduct a thorough security review, assess development projects, and engage with political stakeholders. During this visit, he is expected to hold high-level meetings with security agencies and administrative officials to evaluate the overall law and order situation, as well as the progress of ongoing governance and infrastructure initiatives. "Union Home Minister will reach Jammu in the evening on February 5. He will meet political leaders at the Lok Bhawan the same evening. In the morning on February 6, the Union Home Minister will visit the international border in the Hiranagar sector of Kathua district," said officials here. During his visit to the international border, the Union Home Minister will inspect the latest equipment installed by the Border Security Force (BSF) to prevent infiltration. "In the afternoon of February 6, he will chair a high-level security review meeting in Jammu. J&K Lt Governor Manoj Sinha, senior officials of MHA, IB, chiefs of CAPFs, senior officers of J&K's civil administration, police and intelligence agencies will attend the security review meeting," the officials said. On the morning of February 7, he will leave for Srinagar, where he is scheduled to launch various developmental projects. In the afternoon, he will leave from Srinagar for Chhattisgarh, official sources said. In less than one month, Amit Shah will be reviewing J&K security for the second time at the highest level. Earlier, on January 8, he chaired a high-level security review meeting on J&K in New Delhi. His review of the security situation was followed by the visit of the Union Home Secretary, Gobind Mohan, the Intelligence Bureau (IB) chief Tapan Deka, chiefs of CAPFs and other agencies to Jammu on January 14 and 15. -- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed Seoul, Feb 5 : South Korea's Defence Minister Ahn Gyu-back will visit Saudi Arabia this week to attend a major defence exhibition and hold meetings with his counterparts from Riyadh, the ministry said on Thursday, as South Korea seeks to boost arms exports. As part of his five-day trip that begins Friday, Ahn will attend the biennial World Defence Show in Riyadh, where some 40 South Korean defence firms will showcase their arms products, according to the ministry. He will also hold talks with Saudi Defence Minister Khalid bin Salman Al Saud and Minister of the National Guard Abdullah bin Bandar Al Saud, it added. Ahn is expected to discuss ways to deepen bilateral arms cooperation and promote South Korean arms products as Saudi Arabia seeks to foster its own defence industry and modernise the military, reports Yonhap news agency. He will be accompanied by Gen. Son Sug-rag, Air Force chief of staff, who will also attend the trade show and hold talks with his Saudi Arabian and British counterparts on the margins of the event. Ahn's upcoming trip comes five months after he visited the Middle Eastern country in September to discuss bilateral defence and arms industry cooperation. South Korea seeks to become the world's fourth-largest arms exporter by 2030 to account for 6 per cent of the global market. Tehran, Feb 5 : Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has unveiled a new underground missile base amid tensions with the United States, according to local media reports. The base was unveiled during a visit by Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Abdolrahim Mousavi and Seyed Majid Mousavi, commander of the IRGC's Aerospace Division, on Wednesday (local time), reports Xinhua news agency, quoting the semi-official Fars news agency. Capabilities and operational readiness of the IRGC's missile units were assessed during the visit, and senior commanders of Iran's armed forces were briefed on the progress and preparedness of the strategic unit, the report added. Mousavi said at the base that Iran has managed to strengthen its deterrence power by upgrading its ballistic missiles in all technical dimensions. "We are ready for any action from the enemies. Also, following the 12-day war (with Israel in June last year), we have changed our military doctrine from defensive to offensive based on the approach of carrying out lightning-fast and large-scale operations while adopting asymmetric warfare and crushing military strategies," he said. His remarks came as tensions remain high between Iran and the United States in view of Washington's intensified military presence near Iran, with threats against Tehran to either strike a deal with Washington or risk being attacked. On Sunday, Mousavi warned that Iran's response to any mistake by the United States would set off a regional war, according to the official news agency IRNA. "The slightest mistake will give Iran the freedom to take action ... Then, no American will be safe, and the region's fire will burn the United States and its associates," he said. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text New Delhi, Feb 5 : The Delhi Police Crime Branch has arrested Al Falah University Chairman Jawad Ahmed Siddiqui in connection with alleged financial and administrative irregularities, officials confirmed on Thursday. The arrest follows recent action initiated by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and comes after complaints were lodged by the University Grants Commission (UGC) regarding suspected violations and fraudulent activities linked to the institution. Based on the complaint submitted by the UGC, the Crime Branch registered two separate FIRs against Siddiqui, accusing him of fraud and other related offences under relevant legal provisions. According to police officials, Siddiqui was taken into custody and subsequently produced before a Delhi court. The court granted the Crime Branch four days of police custody to allow investigators to question him and gather further evidence in the case. Authorities said the investigation centres around alleged irregularities and falsification of records, although officials indicated that additional details are likely to surface during the course of interrogation. Al Falah University had earlier come under national scrutiny after it was revealed that Dr Umar Nabi, who carried out the Red Fort blast that resulted in the death of 12 people, had been employed by the institution. Investigations had also found that two of Nabi's associates, Dr Muzammil Shakeel and Dr Shaheen Shahid, were linked to what investigators described as a "white-collar" terror network, and both individuals had also been associated with the university. In November last year, the university's website was taken offline after the National Assessment and Accreditation Council issued a show-cause notice over an alleged false claim regarding accreditation status. The Enforcement Directorate has since stated that it will scrutinise the institution's financial operations, including funding sources and monetary transactions linked to its medical and administrative staff, as part of the ongoing investigation. Seoul, Feb 5 : South Korea's Police on Thursday requested arrest warrants for a lawmaker and a former Seoul city councillor embroiled in a bribery scandal linked to the 2022 local elections. The warrants were sought for Rep. Kang Sun-woo, an independent who formerly belonged to the ruling Democratic Party (DP), and Kim Kyung, who until recently served as a Seoul city councillor, reports Yonhap news agency. Kim is accused of offering 100 million won (US$68,500) to Kang in exchange for a DP nomination for her councillorship ahead of the 2022 local elections. Kang has acknowledged receiving a shopping bag from Kim but denied knowing it contained cash. Police said that in the case of Kang, they considered applying charges of bribery under the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes, but opted instead for charges of acceptance of bribes in breach of trust, judging that the task of giving a nomination fell under party affairs, not public affairs. Kim was charged with giving bribes in breach of trust. The two crimes carry punishments of up to four years and 18 months in prison, respectively, which are lighter than the maximum sentences of 10 years and 3 1/2 years for accepting and giving bribes under the aggravated punishment act. Police said they will continue to review whether the heavier bribery charge can be applied before sending the case to the prosecution. Both women were also charged with violating the Political Funds Act and the Improper Solicitation and Graft Act. The scandal broke at the end of last year through the disclosure of a recording in which Kang can be heard discussing the money with former DP floor leader Kim Byung-ki. The former city councillor left the country for the United States, raising suspicions she was attempting to flee, but returned last month to face investigation. Meanwhile, the investigation into Kang began after she was removed from the DP, heightening suspicions that the police were dragging their feet. Under typical procedures, a court will hold a hearing within three days after the prosecution requests an arrest warrant to determine whether to issue it. As a sitting lawmaker, Kang, however, has immunity from arrest while parliament is in session. To arrest her, the National Assembly must consent with majority approval in a vote attended by a majority of lawmakers. Sydney, Feb 5 : Police in the Australian state of New South Wales (NSW) have arrested a man after seizing firearms and a commercial quantity of illicit drugs during raids north of Sydney. The NSW Police Force said on Thursday that officers were notified on Tuesday morning of a single-vehicle crash in the suburb of San Remo, 80 km north of Sydney, where a man was seen running from the scene carrying a black bag. A subsequent search of the area by police located two black bags allegedly containing two pistols and large quantities of methamphetamine and other illicit drugs, reports Xinhua news agency. A short time later, officers executed a search warrant at a home in San Remo, where they allegedly located and seized seven more firearms, ammunition, commercial quantities of prohibited drugs and drug paraphernalia. The search followed earlier seizures of ammunition and prohibited drugs by officers conducting firearm prohibition order compliance checks at nearby homes. Police officers returned to the San Remo property on Wednesday and arrested a 24-year-old man. He was taken to a local police station and charged with two counts of supplying a prohibited drug in large commercial quantities, one count of knowingly dealing with the proceeds of crime, as well as firearms offences. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. Last month, police in the Australian state of Queensland arrested four people after seizing more than 100 kilograms (kg) of cannabis and several firearms. The Queensland Police Service said in a statement that the major organised crime squad executed search warrants on a property and vehicle in the town of Alligator Creek, over 1,000 km northwest of Brisbane, on January 13. During the search, detectives located and seized 108 kg of cannabis, almost 8 kg of methamphetamine, 1 kg of cocaine, as well as four rifles, one handgun, ammunition and over 400,000 Australian dollars (about 268,000 US dollars) in cash. A 24-year-old man from the nearby city of Townsville was arrested and charged with 15 offences, including five counts of supplying dangerous drugs. Three others, two of whom were from Townsville, were also arrested and charged with a combined 19 offences relating to the possession and supply of drugs. Washington, Feb 5 : A prominent American lawmaker has criticised Texas Governor Greg Abbott's order freezing new H-1B visa petitions at public universities and state agencies, calling it harmful to the state's workforce and economy. Congressman Marc Veasey said the decision would weaken Texas at a time when skilled labour and innovation are critical. Abbott last month ordered state agencies and public universities to halt new H-1B visa petitions through the end of 2027 while his administration reviews the use of the federal program. He has said taxpayer-funded jobs should be filled by Texans first. "Abbott's decision to freeze H-1B visa petitions at Texas public universities and state agencies is a blow to Texas' workforce," Veasey said in a strongly worded statement. "Texas' economy has thrived because we attract qualified workers, researchers, doctors, educators, and students who bring their talents and hard work to strengthen our communities. This order undermines that legacy," he said. The Texas Democrat said the freeze would affect families, students and workers who contribute to the state every day. "This action will impact thousands of families, students, and workers who contribute every day to our state's success," he said. "It will make Texas less competitive economically, weaken our workforce, and erode the standing of our higher education and medical institutions at a time when innovation and talent are critical to our future." Veasey also criticised Abbott's expanded review of visa use at universities and state agencies. He said it would not fix deeper immigration problems. "Governor Abbott's so-called investigations do nothing to fix our broken immigration system," Veasey said. "They waste taxpayer dollars, sow fear, and offer no real solutions." He said immigration reform requires cooperation, not political attacks. "Immigration reform requires serious leadership and bipartisan cooperation -- not political stunts that scapegoat immigrants and damage Texas' economy," Veasey said. Veasey warned that the move sends a negative message to global talent and investors. "Texas should be competing to attract the best talent in the world, not driving it away," he said. "We must reject fear-based politics and focus on policies that grow our economy, support families, and keep Texas strong." Chennai, Feb 5 : Actor Dhanush, who plays the lead in director Rajkumar Periasamy's upcoming film, has responded to Malayalam Megastar Mammootty's post expressing excitement to be a part of the film, saying it was "an absolute honour" to have him onboard. Chennai, Feb 5 (IANS) Actor Dhanush, who plays the lead in director Rajkumar Periasamy's upcoming film, has responded to Malayalam Megastar Mammootty's post expressing excitement to be a part of the film, saying it was "an absolute honour" to have him onboard. Taking to his X timeline to respond to the post put out by Mammootty, Dhanush wrote, "An absolute honour sir (folded hands)." Earlier on Wednesday, Mammootty had written, "Elated and excited to be a part of this journey with @dhanushkraja and @Rajkumar_KP (smiley)." On Wednesday, the makers of the film, including director Rajkumar Periasamy, officially welcomed the legendary Malayalam star on board the unit of the film. Director Rajkumar Periasamy, who took to his X timeline to personally welcome the Malayalam superstar, wrote, "Dear @mammukka, the day you said aYesa I knew the almighty has blessed #D55 with Divinity. Iam honoured and ecstatic to welcome you, our very own #Mammootty sir on board for the film! Canat wait to see your magic unfold along with @dhanushkraja sir. Hereas to my #OyeMammootty times for life." Wunderbar Films, one of the production houses that is producing the film, too welcomed Mammootty. It wrote, "When the Big M chooses a story, it becomes history. Super excited to welcome Megastar @mammukka onboard #D55! We are honoured! Thank you #Mammootty sir." It may be recalled that Wunderbar Films, the production house of actor Dhanush, had taken to its X timeline to welcome actress Sai Pallavi on Monday. It had said, "Sheas about grace and strength - all at once. Welcoming everybodyas favourite @Sai_Pallavi92 on board #D55. The hit combo returns to the big screen." The makers of the film, being tentatively referred to as #D55, had already welcomed actress Sreeleela onboard the unit of the film on January 30 this year. The makers had also welcomed young music sensation Sai Abhyankkar onboard the unit. Taking to its X timeline to make the announcement, Wunderbar Films had said, "Timeas up. The SAI-lence breaks. Excited to have the sensational @SaiAbhyankkar as the music composer for #D55. D55 - A #SaiAbhyankkar Musical. A brand new collaboration loading." Sai Abhyankkar responded to the post of the production house saying,"Super excited and pumped working with @dhanushkraja sir on #D55! My dream collaboration @Rajkumar_KP , dear sir thank you so much !! This is gonna be a very special cooking and thank you dear @theSreyas anna. @wunderbarfilms @RTakeStudios GIG" The film has triggered huge excitement as the makers have already disclosed that this film will be a magnum opus. It may be recalled that only a week ago, another production house called R Take Studios had announced that it was joining hands with Wunderbar Films for producing this film. BEIJING, Feb. 4 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Wednesday that he hopes to work with U.S. President Donald Trump in the new year to steer the giant ship of China-U.S. relations steadily forward through wind and storms, and accomplish more big things and good things. During his talks with Trump over phone, Xi noted that he attaches great importance to China-U.S. relations, saying that over the past year, he and Trump have enjoyed sound communication, and had a successful meeting in Busan, charting the direction and course for China-U.S. relations. This has been welcomed by the people of both countries and the broader international community. Just as the United States has its concerns, China for its part also has concerns, he said. China always means what it says and matches its words with actions and results. If the two sides work in the same direction in the spirit of equality, respect and mutual benefit, we can surely find ways to address each other's concerns, Xi said. The Chinese president said that both China and the United States have important items on their agenda this year -- China will kick off its 15th Five-Year Plan, and the United States will celebrate the 250th anniversary of its independence. China will host the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting, and the United States, the G20 Summit, he added. The two sides should follow the common understandings we have reached, enhance dialogue and communication, manage differences properly, and expand practical cooperation, Xi said. It is always right to do a good thing, however small, and always wrong to do a bad thing, however small, he said, noting that the two sides should make progress step by step to build mutual trust, find the right way to get along, and make 2026 a year where the two major countries advance toward mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation. Xi emphasized that the Taiwan question is the most important issue in China-U.S. relations. Taiwan is China's territory, and China must safeguard its own sovereignty and territorial integrity, and will never allow Taiwan to be separated, he said. The United States must handle the issue of arms sales to Taiwan with prudence, Xi said. For his part, Trump said that both the United States and China are great countries, and the U.S.-China relationship is by far the most important in the world. Trump also said he has a great relationship with Xi and a lot of respect for him. Under their leadership, the United States and China are doing well in such fields as economy and trade, he added. Noting that he wants to see China succeed, Trump said the United States would like to work with China and make more progress in bilateral ties. Trump said that he understands how China feels about the Taiwan question. He would like the two sides to continue talking to each other and keep the U.S.-China relationship in good shape during his presidency, Trump added. Patna, Feb 5 : BJP leader Dilip Kumar Jaiswal on Thursday strongly criticised Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, for his remarks against Union Minister of State Ravneet Singh Bittu, saying such language reflected arrogance and a lack of political decorum. Reacting to Rahul Gandhi reportedly referring to Bittu as a "traitor friend", Jaiswal said history has shown that arrogance in public life does not last long. Speaking to IANS, Jaiswal said, "The language used by Rahul Gandhi reflects arrogance, and history shows that arrogance never endures. God does not allow it to last. His behaviour and manner of speaking clearly show a lack of dignity expected from someone holding a constitutional position like the Leader of Opposition." The Bihar minister said political disagreements should be expressed with restraint and responsibility, particularly when sensitive issues involving national unity, armed forces, and communities with a legacy of sacrifice are concerned. Reacting to Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri's remarks criticising LoP Gandhi, Jaiswal said the Sikh community's contribution to the nation was unparalleled and beyond political debate. "The Sikh community has made immense sacrifices for this country and for the world. From protecting the nation's borders to upholding Sanatan traditions, their contribution is historic and inspirational. Any statement that questions their faith or commitment to the nation will never be tolerated by the people of this country," he said. Jaiswal further said that such remarks hurt not only the sentiments of the Sikh community but also undermine the spirit of unity and brotherhood that defines India's pluralistic society. The minister also launched a sharp attack on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and the ruling Trinamool Congress, accusing them of encouraging lawlessness and political violence in the state. "The hooliganism of Mamata Banerjee and the Trinamool Congress in West Bengal has reached such an extreme level that the people of the state have now made up their minds to uproot her government. The atmosphere of fear, violence and intimidation cannot continue forever," he alleged. Jaiswal said the people of West Bengal were looking for change and accountability, adding that democratic forces would ultimately prevail. -- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed February 05 : Lucknow: Under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the Uttar Pradesh government is continuously taking effective steps to make youth self-reliant, employment-orientated and capable of competing at the global level. In this sequence, a grand felicitation ceremony for the winners of the state-level skill competition, organised under the India Skills Competition 2025-26 by the Uttar Pradesh Skill Development Mission (UPSDM), was held on Wednesday at the Skill Development Mission headquarters in Lucknow. On this occasion, a total of 40 winning participants, who demonstrated excellence across 20 different skill trades, were honoured with awards and certificates. The ceremony was organised under the guidance of the Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Vocational Education, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Kapil Dev Agarwal. The winners were honoured by the Principal Secretary of the Department of Vocational Education, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Dr. Hari Om, and Mission Director Pulkit Khare. Two winners from each skill trade were felicitated, who brought laurels to the state through their skills, dedication and hard work. Principal Secretary Dr. Hari Om interacted with the winning participants, learnt about their training experiences, competition journey and future plans and encouraged them. He said that the state government is committed to providing modern, employment-orientated skills in line with global standards to the youth. Such events foster a spirit of healthy competition among young people and provide them opportunities to reach national and international platforms. Mission Director Pulkit Khare said that the state-level skill competition is a powerful platform to recognise the talent of youth, inspiring them to become self-reliant and progress at national and international levels. He informed us that all selected winners will participate in a special boot camp to be organised in Lucknow, where experts will prepare them for the North Regional Skill Competition. Additional Mission Director Priya Singh said that skill development is an effective means of making youth self-reliant, and the mission is continuously striving to provide quality training. It is noteworthy that the World Skills Competition is organised every two years. In 2024, a total of 7,472 participants had registered, whereas for 2026, this number has increased to 109,249, making Uttar Pradesh the state with the highest registrations in the country. In 2024, the state participated in 10 skills, while this year participation has expanded to 20 skills, marking significant progress in the field of skill development. Additionally, whereas earlier the competition was conducted at a single centre, this year 1,270 participants took part across 11 different centres in Lucknow. During the programme, a Social Media Cell was launched to effectively disseminate the missions activities to the public at large. An MoU was also exchanged with the National Institute for Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development (NIESBUD) to further strengthen quality training. On this occasion, Director of the Institute of Training of Trainers (ITOT) D.K. Singh, Director of NIESBUD Noida Shivani Dey, Joint Director Mayank Gangwar, Finance Controller Sandeep Kumar, Assistant Directors Dr. M.K. Singh and Dr. Pavitra Tandon, COO of DDU-GKY Ashish Kumar, along with mission officers, staff and officials from various districts were present. February 05 : Lucknow: National Spokesperson of Bharatiya Kisan Union (Apolitical) Dharmendra Malik met Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday. He expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister for approving Rs 261.91 crore for the modernization and expansion of The Ganga Cooperative Sugar Mill, Morna (Muzaffarnagar). Malik said, this decision is historic for the sugarcane farmers and the sugar industry of Western Uttar Pradesh. During the meeting with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Dharmendra Malik said, For the historic decision taken by the Uttar Pradesh Cabinet under CM Yogis chairmanship for the modernization and capacity expansion of The Ganga Cooperative Sugar Mill, Bharatiya Kisan Union (Apolitical) and lakhs of sugarcane farmers of the region express heartfelt gratitude to him. The plan to increase the crushing capacity of this mill from 2500 TCD to 3500 TCD in the first phase and to 5000 TCD in the future, and granting approval to a project of approximately Rs 262 crore for this purpose, clearly shows that the government is committed to farmers income, timely sugarcane payment and the development of modern agriculture based industries. This decision will prove beneficial not only for the Morna region but for sugarcane farmers across Western Uttar Pradesh. It will speed up crushing operations, ensure timely payments to farmers and also promote employment and economic activities at the local level. This step will not only modernize the production capacity, efficiency and technical standards of the mill but will also strengthen the income, employment and economic security of thousands of sugarcane farmers in the region. Malik further added, Because of Chief Ministers visionary thinking, farmers will receive timely payments and the operational efficiency of the mill will increase. This will also generate local employment opportunities and promote environmentally friendly technology. Timely payments for the sugarcane production by the Uttar Pradesh government, modernization of sugar mills, expansion of irrigation facilities, development of rural infrastructure and farmer welfare schemes strengthen the sense of trust and security among farmers. He expressed hope that under the leadership of the CM Yogi Adityanath , the sugarcane sector of Uttar Pradesh will continue to progress. Raipur/Bijapur, Feb 5 : Security forces in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district engaged in a fierce encounter with armed Maoists in the southern forested region on Thursday, highlighting the ongoing efforts to curb left-wing extremism in the Bastar area. The operation began based on specific intelligence inputs about the presence of Maoist cadres in the South Bijapur zone. Joint teams, including personnel from the District Reserve Guard and other specialised units, launched a search mission that led to intermittent clashes starting around 7:30 a.m. The exchange of fire continued for several hours as security personnel pressed forward in the challenging terrain. As the day progressed, authorities recovered the body of one Maoist along with an AK-47 rifle from the encounter site, sources said. Reports circulating from local sources suggested that several other Naxalites may have been killed, including a Naxal commander and Divisional Committee member. However, officials said that they were awaiting reports to confirm the development. The Bijapur Superintendent of Police said that a comprehensive and detailed report would be released only after the operation concludes and thorough verification is completed. A substantial number of security personnel remain deployed at the scene to secure the area and continue the search. This encounter comes amid intensified "anti-Naxal" operations across Chhattisgarh, where security forces have achieved notable successes in recent months through both direct engagements and rehabilitation drives. Authorities said that operations would persist until the area is fully cleared, with further updates expected soon. The situation remains fluid as teams consolidate their positions in the forests. In a contrasting development on the same day in Bijapur district, armed Maoist cadres will participate in a formal process to join the mainstream of society. Under the state government's 'Poona Margem: Rehabilitation to Rejuvenation' initiative, several Maoists laid down their arms and opted for reintegration, reflecting the dual strategy of enforcement and dialogue being pursued to address the insurgency. The 'Poona Margem' programme has encouraged numerous cadres to surrender in recent times across Bastar districts, offering pathways to normal life through financial aid, skill development, and other support measures. Authorities will soon give details of those who are going to surrender on Thursday. Mumbai, Feb 5 : The Shiv Sena Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray (UBT) on Thursday launched an attack on the central government over the India-US trade agreement, calling it not merely a deal but a "declaration of war" against India's farmers and labourers. In a strongly worded editorial in its mouthpiece, Saamana, the Thackeray faction said the agreement threatens the livelihood of the country's food providers and questioned whether Prime Minister Narendra Modi is acting in India's interest or functioning as a "sales agent" for the United States. It urged farmers and workers across the country to unite and demand accountability from the Centre. The editorial said the deal has been signed at a time of domestic economic vulnerability, pointing out that the Indian rupee touched a record low of 92 against the US dollar in late January. Despite this, the government, it said, appeared "intoxicated" by the agreement, portraying former US President Donald Trump as a "new deity" while "mortgaging the nation's sovereignty". It asserted that Prime Minister Modi "should not remain in office for even a moment after sacrificing the interests of Indian farmers and national sovereignty". Quoting Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, the editorial claimed that the Prime Minister signed the agreement under "fear" and "immense pressure" from Trump. According to Gandhi, the deal had remained stalled for nearly four months and was abruptly signed for "mysterious reasons". While the BJP has projected the agreement as a "magnificent announcement" benefiting 1.4 billion Indians, Saamana argued that the fine print tells a grim story for the domestic economy. It claimed that India would reportedly stop purchasing oil from Russia and shift entirely to US oil imports worth 500 billion dollars. It further alleged that India would eliminate tariffs on US agricultural products, coal and technology. The editorial noted that although US tariffs on Indian goods are expected to fall from 50 per cent to 18 per cent, India's effective tariff burden would rise sharply from the earlier 3.31 per cent to 18 per cent. Warning of severe consequences for agriculture, the Thackeray camp said the proposed "zero tariff" regime would allow subsidised and cheaper American produce to flood Indian markets. Items such as cotton, milk and dairy products, pulses, soybean, maize, almonds, walnuts, fruits and vegetables would be sold without duty, making them cheaper than local produce and rendering Indian farmers and agricultural labourers uncompetitive. In a country where farmers continue to die by suicide due to mounting debt, the editorial said, the government is "rolling out the red carpet for foreign products", reiterating that the Modi government has compromised the interests of Indian farmers and the nation's sovereignty in favour of the United States. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text New Delhi, Feb 5 : The Lok Sabha was briefly adjourned on Thursday after the Opposition created a ruckus in the House by raising slogans. Speaker Om Birla advised the Opposition MPs to maintain the decorum of the House; however, when the sloganeering did not stop, the Lok Sabha was adjourned till noon. This comes amid days of disruptions in the Parliament following the ex-Army chief's book row and India-US trade deal. Earlier on Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address in Parliament, slated for 5 p.m., was postponed, as the Lok Sabha was adjourned till Thursday morning, over continued uproar and vociferous sloganeering from the Opposition members. As the Lok Sabha reconvened at 5 p.m. on Wednesday to discuss the Motion of Thanks to the President's Address, the House plunged into chaos with Opposition members erupting in protest, apparently enraged over the denial of permission to Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi to take up excerpts from an article based on an unpublished book, containing the memoirs of former Army Chief General M.M. Naravane. Sandhya Ray, officiating as the House Chairman, made an appeal to the lawmakers to stay seated and not disrupt the proceedings, but her appeals went unheeded. Members from the Opposition Benches assembled in the Well of the House and kept flashing paper pamphlets. The Lower House has remained plagued by repeated disruptions for the last two days, with the Union government and Opposition engaging in a fierce stand-off over raking up of India-China border skirmishes during August 2020. Rahul Gandhi, leading the Congress' charge, raised the issue of Chinese aggression during the Galwan stand-off while citing 'uncomfortable facts' from the memoirs of General Naravane, where he is understood to have written about 'political indecision' over the response mechanism to the then Chinese misadventures. Mumbai, Feb 5 : Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah on Thursday will launch Bharat Taxi, India's first rideahailing service application based on a co-operative model. Mumbai, Feb 5 (IANS) Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah on Thursday will launch Bharat Taxi, India's first ridea'hailing service application based on a co-operative model. The minister will unveil the application as a governmenta'backed alternative to established players such as Uber, Ola, and Rapido. Supported by the Ministry of Cooperation and operated by Sahkar Taxi Cooperative Limited, Bharat Taxi is being promoted as a drivera'owned mobility service that follows a zeroa'commission model in its initial phase, with 100 percent of ride payments going directly to drivers. The Ministry of Cooperation said the platform will free drivers, referred to as Sarathis, from exploitative aggregator-based models. The minimum fare for up to 4 km is Rs 30; 4-12 km at Rs 23 per km, and rides beyond 12 km are priced at Rs 18 per km. Similar to other aggregators, Bharat Taxi also integrates with public transit services such as the Metro, allowing users to plan and complete journeys involving multiple modes of transport through a single app. In the initial phase, 100 per cent of ride payments will go directly to drivers. At a later stage, the cooperative may retain a fee of around 20 per cent, which it says will be redistributed to drivers in the form of incentives. Unlike existing platforms, Bharat Taxi plans to avoid surge pricing, although dynamic pricing may be applied in specific situations. According to the Ministry of Cooperation, over 150 women drivers have joined Bharat Taxi so far. The app experiences a surge in registrations, with around 40,000 to 45,000 new users signing up every day over the past two days. According to a post by the Ministry of Cooperation on the social media platform X in January, Bharat Taxi has already crossed four lakh registered customers. The app available on both Android and iOS was ranked ninth on the Google Play Store and thirteenth on Appleas App Store. Safety features also include options to alert emergency contacts, reach a safety team, and activate a siren from within the app. The sign-up process requires only basic details like a mobile number, name, and email address. Similar to Ola and Uber, Bharat Taxi plans dedicated pickup and drop zones at airports, with expansion to other transport hubs in the future. Dhaka, Feb 5 : As Bangladesh heads to elections next week, radical Islamist party Jamaat-e-Islami, in its election manifesto, pledged to pursue peaceful and cooperative relations with neighbouring countries, including India, rooted in "mutual respect and fairness". Dhaka, Feb 5 (IANS) As Bangladesh heads to elections next week, radical Islamist party Jamaat-e-Islami, in its election manifesto, pledged to pursue peaceful and cooperative relations with neighbouring countries, including India, rooted in "mutual respect and fairness". "Constructive relations with neighbouring countries: Peaceful, friendly, and cooperative relations will be built with neighbouring and nearby countries -- including India, Bhutan, Nepal, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Thailand -- based on mutual respect and fairness," read the manifesto issued by Jamaat. Highlighting its foreign policy priorities, the party said it would focus on strengthening ties with countries of the Muslim world. It also outlined a plan to enhance cooperation with developed nations, including the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union, Japan, and Canada -- and to expand diplomatic, economic, and strategic engagement with Eastern Europe, Africa, and South America. "Engagement with the developed world: Constructive and mutually beneficial relations will be fostered with developed countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union, Japan, and Canada," the party stated. "Expanding ties with Eastern Europe, Africa, and South America: Effective steps will be taken to broaden and deepen diplomatic, economic, and strategic relations with countries in Eastern Europe, Africa, and South America," it added. The manifesto emphasised strengthening Bangladesh's engagement with the United Nations and other international organisations to tackle global issues, including peace, security, human rights, and economic development. "Active engagement with the United Nations and international organisations: Bangladesh's active participation in the United Nations and its affiliated agencies will be further strengthened to address global challenges such as peace, security, human rights, and economic development," it noted. Jamaat also reaffirmed Bangladesh's continued participation in regional organisations like SAARC and ASEAN. "Active participation in regional organisations: Bangladesh will continue its active engagement in regional organisations such as SAARC and ASEAN," it added. The party further said that in collaboration with the international community, "a peaceful and sustainable solution to the Rohingya crisis will be pursued, ensuring their safe, dignified, and voluntary repatriation." Jamaat also committed to continuing "Bangladesh's participation in United Nations peacekeeping missions," while pledging to "support and cooperate in the establishment of transparent, orderly, and lawful migration management systems." Jamaat's election manifesto, ahead of the February 12 election, promises a broader and cooperative foreign policy outreach across several countries; however, it strikingly avoids any direct mention of Pakistan. New Delhi, Feb 5 : The Rajya Sabha witnessed a stormy start to the session on Thursday, with government and Opposition getting into verbal confrontation over denial of permission to Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi to speak in the Lok Sabha and also over attempts to stall Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address to the Motion of Thanks to the President's Address. New Delhi, Feb 5 (IANS) The Rajya Sabha witnessed a stormy start to the session on Thursday, with government and Opposition getting into verbal confrontation over denial of permission to Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi to speak in the Lok Sabha and also over attempts to stall Prime Minister Narendra Modias address to the Motion of Thanks to the Presidentas Address. Lok Sabha was adjourned moments after reconvening on Thursday, following which the Upper House witnessed noisy scenes and uproar with Opposition accusing the government of gagging the Leader of Opposition. This invited strong counters from Leader of House in the Rajya Sabha J.P. Nadda and Union Minister Kiren Rijiju. Rijiju condemned the Oppositionas conduct and schooled the members on following Parliamentary protocols. "Today we all are expecting that all MPs will follow rules and traditions of the House. All the Parliamentarians are waiting to hear the Prime Minister's speech today. Congress doesn't want to listen to the PM's address, but all other members do. Your LoP Lok Sabha doesn't follow the House rules," Rijiju told the House. Mallikarjun Kharge took strong objections to ahumiliationa of late Prime Ministers Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi by BJP lawmakers, apparently referring to citations from controversial books, and insisted that Rahul Gandhi be given a chance to speak in the House. "Parliament means Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. The LoP, Lok Sabha, wanted to speak on the country's interests, but was not allowed to speak. How can you run the House like this?" Kharge said. J.P. Nadda, turning the tables on the Opposition, said, "The LoP should know that the proceedings of the Lok Sabha cannot be discussed in the Rajya Sabha." While the leaders engaged in fierce arguments, uproar prevailed in the House with Opposition members resorting to slogan-shouting. Earlier, the INDIA bloc floor leaders held a meeting inside the Parliament House to deliberate on their strategy on cornering the government. Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 5 : After a quarter century as the undisputed face of Kerala Congress (M) in the hilly Idukki Assembly constituency, State Water Resources Minister Roshy Augustine is bracing for what could be the toughest electoral battle of his career as he gears up for a sixth consecutive contest. The 56-year-old minister, known for his soft-spoken demeanor and accessibility, has consistently defied political odds, winning five straight elections from Idukki. Four of those victories came when his party was part of the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF). Even the dramatic shift of Kerala Congress (M) to the CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) ahead of the 2021 Assembly polls failed to dent his winning streak, as Augustine secured his fifth term. Political fortunes rose further when party chairman Jose K. Mani, son of veteran leader K.M. Mani, suffered a shock defeat in the Pala constituency. With no senior leader remaining in the fray, Augustine was inducted into the second Pinarayi Vijayan cabinet and entrusted with the Water Resources department. His ministerial tenure has so far remained free from any controversy, adding to his administrative credibility. However, fault lines within the party have begun to surface. While Jose K. Mani was reportedly inclined towards a return to the UDF, Augustine emerged as the principal voice opposing the move. These internal differences spilled into the open, compelling Jose to publicly dismiss reports of an exit from the LDF and accuse sections of the media of speculation. Leaders close to Jose are said to be unhappy, believing it was Augustine who stalled the proposed shift after receiving a personal call from Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, urging the party to remain with the LDF. Electoral warning signs are also evident. Augustineas victory margins have steadily narrowed -- from 15,806 votes in 2011 to 9,333 in 2016, and just 5,573 in 2021. Adding to the challenge is the Congress partyas renewed determination to reclaim Idukki, a seat it has not contested since 1987, having long ceded it to its allies, including various factions of the Kerala Congress. Should the Congress decide to field its own candidate, Augustine may, for the first time in 25 years, be drawn into a bruising, high-stakes contest -- intensified by simmering discontent within his own party ranks. BEIJING, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- Liu Haixing, head of the International Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, met with Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla, who is the special envoy of the party and government of Cuba, member of the Politburo of the Central Committee of the Cuban Communist Party and the foreign minister of Cuba, in Beijing on Wednesday. The two sides exchanged in-depth views on implementing the important consensus reached between the top leaders of the two parties and the two countries, strengthening interparty exchanges, and promoting the building of a China-Cuba community with a shared future. Bokaro, Feb 5 : Three members of a family were trampled to death and two others seriously injured after a herd of elephants went on a rampage in Jharkhand's Bokaro district in the early hours of Thursday, triggering panic and grief in the area, officials said. Bokaro, Feb 5 (IANS) Three members of a family were trampled to death and two others seriously injured after a herd of elephants went on a rampage in Jharkhandas Bokaro district in the early hours of Thursday, triggering panic and grief in the area, officials said. The incident occurred in Barkipunnu village under the Gomia block. According to villagers, a herd of elephants entered the village around 7 p.m. on Wednesday, but residents managed to drive the animals back into the nearby forest by raising an alarm. However, the reprieve was short-lived. The same herd reportedly returned around 3 a.m. on Thursday and began wreaking havoc in the village. During the attack, three members of the Karmali family -- two women and a man -- were trampled to death on the spot. The deceased have been identified as Ganga Karmali, Kamli Devi, and Bhagiya Devi. Two other family members who sustained serious injuries were rushed to a nearby hospital, where they are undergoing treatment and their condition is being closely monitored by doctors. The tragic incident has left Barkipunnu village in shock, with a pall of gloom hanging over the area. Residents said elephant movement in the region has increased significantly in recent months, and the absence of adequate preventive measures has led to repeated fatal encounters. The latest deaths come close on the heels of another elephant attack on January 25, when Karamchand Soren was killed in the remote Darhabera village of the same Gomia block. Following that incident, state minister Yogendra Prasad had taken cognisance of the matter and issued directions to the Forest Department to curb the elephant menace. Despite those assurances, the fresh incident has raised serious questions about the preparedness and response of the Forest Department. Official sources said that more than 18 people have lost their lives in elephant attacks across Jharkhand since January this year. The rising toll has brought the issue of human-elephant conflict into sharp focus in the state, with growing demands for concrete and effective measures to prevent further loss of life. --IANS snc/skp Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 5 : The Sabarimala gold theft case continued to dominate Kerala's political discourse on Thursday, with prime accused Unnikrishnan Potti walking out of jail after securing statutory bail, even as the issue triggered an uproar in the State Assembly for the fourth consecutive day. The Assembly has been adjourned and will now reconvene on February 23. Potti, named as the first accused in the chargesheet filed by the Special Investigation Team (SIT), is among the 13 accused named in the two cases registered in connection with the alleged gold theft, who was jailed. With his release, he became the fourth accused in the case to have secured bail. The Opposition all along has been accusing the government of shielding influential players and weakening the probe. Congress-led Opposition members stalled proceedings, raising slogans and demanding a comprehensive and impartial investigation, alleging that the case had wider ramifications and possible political links. The treasury benches, however, mounted a strong defence, citing oral observations made by the Kerala High Court on Wednesday. The court had pointed out that the grant of bail should not be seen as a cause for concern, noting that bail does not amount to exoneration and that those who had committed wrongdoing would not escape the law. Senior treasury bench legislators continue to argue that the SIT probe was progressing strictly in accordance with legal procedures and that the investigation would continue irrespective of the bail granted to any of the accused. They accused the Opposition of deliberately creating public confusion by equating bail with innocence. "None fails to understand why the Opposition is not interested to discuss this issue on the floor of the Assembly, even when the government was willing for it," said Speaker A.N. Shamseer. Despite repeated assurances from the government, the Opposition insisted that the manner in which the case was unfolding had eroded public confidence. CWC member and senior legislator Ramesh Chennithala reacting to the day's events said now with Potti walking out, their fears have come true that the government is doing its best to thwart the case. "We will continue our protest in the way the government is handling the case. Now with Potti out, things will ease out and the others behind bars also will soon walk out," said Chennithala. Meanwhile with Potti now out, it remains to be seen if the Enforcement Directorate will call him for questioning, as they have started their probe too. The Sabarimala gold theft case, which involves allegations of illegal removal and misappropriation of gold linked to temple offerings, has emerged as a major flashpoint ahead of upcoming political battles in the State, with both sides hardening their stance as legal proceedings continue to unfold. Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 5 : The BJP's historic capture of the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, ending more than four decades of uninterrupted Left Democratic Front (LDF) rule, is set to be celebrated at the national level, with the Prime Minister's Office extending a rare official reception to the party's councillors. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has personally invited a BJP delegation led by Mayor V. V. Rajesh to a dinner at his official residence on February 13. Such an invitation to municipal representatives is considered exceptional and underlines the political significance the central leadership is attaching to the victory. As part of the programme, the BJP has invited all 50 of its councillors from the 101-member Thiruvananthapuram Corporation Council to New Delhi. The councillors are scheduled to leave Kerala on February 9 by the Kerala Express train. BJP units in various States will organise receptions at stations where the train has longer halts, turning the journey itself into a coordinated political outreach. In addition to the dinner hosted by the Prime Minister, the delegation will visit monuments of national importance in the Capital. The central leadership has decided to project the Thiruvananthapuram result - described by the party as a "golden victory" in Kerala's local body elections - as a national milestone. The Thiruvananthapuram development document is also expected to be unveiled in Delhi during the visit. Prime Minister Modi had earlier hailed the Corporation result as "the beginning of a new era" and a milestone "written in golden letters". He had also sent personal letters congratulating Mayor Rajesh and Deputy Mayor Asha Nath following the election outcome. The BJP secured power in the Corporation with the support of an independent councillor, marking the first time the party has formed an administration in a municipal corporation in Kerala. The National Democratic Alliance's surge pushed the LDF, which had governed the civic body for nearly four decades, to second place, while the Congress-led United Democratic Front slipped to third. Political observers view the Delhi visit as a calculated morale booster for the BJP as it prepares for the upcoming Assembly elections, signalling the party's intent to convert its municipal breakthrough into broader electoral momentum. The BJP presently has no representation in the 140-member Kerala Assembly. New Delhi, Feb 5 : US Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor on Thursday welcomed recent engagement between the leadership of two nations and expressed Washington's readiness to further elevate ties with New Delhi. Gor shared pictures of External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar's interactions in Washington with the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and US Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent. "Engagement at the highest levels is currently happening. The United States is ready to elevate this relationship even further. Limitless Potential!", he stated. EAM Jaishankar, currently on a visit to the US, attended the Critical Minerals Ministerial convened by Marco Rubio on Wednesday and expressed India's support for structured international cooperation to reduce risks in critical mineral supply chains. During his visit, EAM Jaishankar held separate meetings with Marco Rubio and Scott Bessent, holding wide-ranging discussions on the India-US strategic and economic partnership. "Delighted to meet US Secretary Macro Rubio this afternoon," EAM Jaishankar said in a post on X after the meeting. "A wide-ranging conversation that covered our bilateral cooperation agenda, regional and global issues." He said the discussions with Rubio covered multiple pillars of the India-US relationship. "Facets of India - US Strategic Partnership discussed included trade, energy, nuclear, defence, critical minerals and technology," EAM Jaishankar said. The External Affairs Minister said both sides agreed to move quickly on follow-up engagements. "Agreed on the early meetings of various mechanisms to advance our shared interests," he added. According to a State Department readout, the two leaders discussed formalising bilateral cooperation on critical minerals exploration, mining, and processing an area that has emerged as a central pillar of the IndiaUS economic and strategic relationship. The meeting came at a time when two nations announced a trade deal aimed at lowering barriers and expanding market access between the world's two largest democracies. Secretary Rubio and EAM Jaishankar welcomed the agreement, underscoring the importance of the two democracies working together to unlock new economic opportunities and advance shared energy security goals, the readout said. The discussions also focused on the regional and multilateral dimensions of the partnership. Rubio and EAM Jaishankar concluded their meeting by reaffirming their commitment to expanding bilateral and multilateral cooperation through the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue. They acknowledged that a prosperous Indo-Pacific region remains vital to advancing shared interests. EAM Jaishankar also met US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in Washington. "Pleased to meet US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in Washington DC today," he said in a separate post. EAM Jaishankar described the talks as productive. "Had a useful discussion on advancement of India-US economic partnership and strategic cooperation," he said. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Kolkata, Feb 5 : The joint forum of state government employees and also Opposition parties in West Bengal on Thursday welcomed the Supreme Court's verdict on the Dearness Allowance (DA). Bhaskar Ghosh, convenor of the Join Forum of State Government Employees, hailed the verdict, saying it was an outcome of their relentless protest movements, demanding pending DA from the Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee government. "It is a victory for all state government employees who have been denied their legitimate dues in form of Dearness Allowance. Today, the Supreme Court has clearly stated that the West Bengal government will now have to pay the pending DA. It is a result of our sustained movement. We have been protesting on this issue for more than 1,100 days," said Ghosh. "We would like to thank all our lawyers, organisations, Leader of Opposition in state Assembly Suvendu Adhikari and lawyer Bikash Bhattacharya for standing by us and supporting out movement. The state government without causing any further delay must abide by the order of the Supreme Court and release the DA to government employees," he added. The Supreme Court on Thursday ordered the Mamata Banerjee government to clear 25 per cent of the DA due to the state government employees by March 31. The Division Bench of Justice Sanjay Karol and Justice Prashant Kumar Mishra also ordered the state government to constitute a four-member committee to decide on the remaining 75 per cent of DA. The same Bench had in August last year reserved its judgment in the case. In an interim order passed on May 16, last year the apex court had directed the state government to pay 25 per cent of the Dearness Allowance to its employees within three months. The Mamata Banerjee government later pleaded with the SC to extend the deadline by six months, citing funds constraint. Following today's verdict, LoP Adhikari said the SC order has secured the fundamental rights of state government employees. "The honourable Supreme Court has upheld the fundamental rights of state government employees in the DA case. Today, Mamata Banerjee has been proven wrong, as she repeatedly claimed that 'DA is not an entitlement of the employees' to evade her responsibility. Today, the country's highest court has declared that DA is a legitimate right of the employees, not a mere grant," said Adhikari in a social media post. "After a long wait and years of struggle, state government employees are finally going to receive their rightful Dearness Allowance as per the order of the Honourable Court," added the BJP leader. Union Minister of State for Education and DoNER, Sukanta Majumdar also welcomed the DA verdict. "After a prolonged struggle marked by unwavering resolve, state government employees are finally poised to receive Dearness Allowance in accordance with their lawful entitlements, following the directive of the Supreme Court. This historic achievement stands as a testament to the unity, patience, and steadfast determination of the stateas government employees," said Majumdar. Hailing the Apex Court's order, senior CPI(M) leader Bikash Bhattacharya said, "It is a big setback for the state government. If they have any shame then they must release the pending DA without wasting much time. They have unnecessarily wasted time and money to fight this case and delay the process." Echoing similar sentiments, state Congress leader Ashutosh Chatterjee told IANS, "Congress always supported the state government employees in their fight to seek pending DA. Today's Supreme Court verdict comes as a lesson for the Mamata Banerjee government. They must rectify their mistake." The Trinamool Congress on the other hand claimed that it is a partial victory for the state government as the Supreme Court did not ask it to pay 100 per cent DA. "Supreme Court did not order the state government to pay 100 per cent DA but just 25 per cent. It goes to show that the Supreme Court sensitively reviewed the matter. The central government despite the Supreme Court's order refused to pay the state government the pending funds for welfare projects such as MGNREGA and Awas Yojana. If the Centre pays our dues then the government will not have any financial crunch to release the DA. The BJP must be held accountable for causing complications in this regard," said Trinamool spokesperson Arup Chakraborty. It may be recalled that since 2022 onwards there have been 18 adjournments on the issue after the Mamata Banerjee government filed an appeal against a contempt proceedings initiated by the Calcutta High Court over DA. Since April 1, 2025 the Dearness Allowance for Bengal government employees was fixed at 18 per cent of the basic salary in last year's state budget proposals. The gap between the central employees and the state is around 40 per cent. Kolkata, Feb 5 : In an unusual development, the treasury bench in the West Bengal Assembly on Thursday moved a motion condemning the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in the state barely an hour before the scheduled presentation of the interim (vote-on-account) budget. However, the Speaker of the House, Biman Bandopadhyay, disallowed any discussion on the motion as a crucial hearing in the matter is still pending at the Supreme Court. The next hearing is on February 9. The leader of the opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, expressed dismay over the development and said that the legislative team of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), as the principal opposition party in West Bengal, should have been informed earlier that there would be no discussion on the motion. "We came prepared to participate in the debate on the motion. Why were we not informed earlier that there would be no discussion on the motion?" the leader of the opposition asked. Before the motion was moved, Governor C.V. Ananda Bose gave the customary opening speech for the budget session. However, he did not read out the full speech and left midway, keeping the address incomplete. The leader of the opposition defended the Governor and said that he did the right thing by not reading out the full speech. "The speech was drafted by the state government, and it was full of lies. So the Governor had done the right thing by not reading out the entire speech," Adhikari said. The leader of the opposition also objected to the time allotted to him for speaking on the Governor's address. After the Speaker informed that one hour had been allotted for Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, and only 10 minutes for the leader of the opposition, Adhikari registered his objections. "It would have been better if you had not allotted any time for me," the leader of the opposition told the Speaker of the House. --IANS src/skp Vijayawada, Feb 5 : A post-graduate medical student was found dead under suspicious circumstances at a government hospital in Andhra Pradesh's Vijayawada on Thursday, officials said. Battula Deepika, a student of PG final year in the Anaesthesia Department, was found dead in the Vijayawada Government General Hospital early in the morning. On getting the information, the police rushed to the spot and launched an investigation. The body was shifted for a post-mortem examination. The police, with the help of hospital authorities, were examining CCTV footage as part of the investigation to find the cause of her death. Preliminary investigation revealed that Deepika was on duty from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday. As she was feeling hungry, she had asked a classmate to bring her food. Later, Deepika reportedly complained of abdominal pain and asked a junior medic to administer her an injection. A few hours later, she was found lying on the table in the operation theatre. Doctors examined her and administered Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (PCR), but all attempts to revive her proved futile. Minister for Health Satya Kumar Yadav expressed shock over the incident. He spoke to the father of the medico and assured all support to the family. The minister directed Vijayawada Police Commissioner Rajasekhar Babu to conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the death. Hospital Superintendent Dr A. Yedukondala Rao said an investigation was on into the death of Deepika under suspicious circumstances. Clarity on the cause of the death is likely after receipt of the post-mortem examination report. The hospital has also launched an internal inquiry. He said a committee has been constituted to conduct the inquiry. The Superintendent said they were investigating to find out if she was facing any harassment. The officials recorded the statement of the junior medico who administered the injection and others. Meanwhile, the NTR district Collector has sought a report from hospital authorities. The superintendent said the report would be submitted after the committee completes its investigation. New Delhi, Feb 5 : BJP MP and former Union Minister Anurag Thakur praised the Modi government for the financial assistance and infrastructure projects extended to Himachal Pradesh, saying that the state has received unprecedented support from the Centre. He said that since Narendra Modi became Prime Minister in 2014, Himachal Pradesh has been generously aided and several historic steps have been taken for its development. Addressing the media, Thakur said the Modi government has so far provided more than 76,799 crore to Himachal Pradesh in the form of assistance and various infrastructure projects. Targeting the Congress, he said that during the UPA regime, Himachal Pradesh was stripped of its special category status, but Prime Minister Modi restored it. He added that the special category status has significantly benefited the state, as the Centre now bears 90 per cent of the project cost, while the state government contributes only 10 per cent. The BJP MP said several major projects were brought to Himachal Pradesh during the NDA government's tenure. Railway projects worth over 13,000 crore are currently underway in the state, which will boost connectivity and economic growth in the future. He accused the Congress of misleading the public and presenting false figures. Referring to the Covid period, Thakur said a new initiative was launched to provide special assistance to the state. "What did the UPA government do? Nothing! In contrast, over the last five to six years, the Modi government has provided 8,309 crore in assistance," he said. Highlighting investments in the health and industrial sectors, Thakur said the Centre has provided around 720 crore for medical colleges. He said 1,000 crore has been allocated for a bulk drug park in Una, while over 300 crore will be provided for a medical device park in Rajgarh. He added that the Centre has left no shortage of funds for development works. Clarifying questions raised over the revenue deficit grant, Thakur said the grant has not been stopped only for Himachal Pradesh, but for 17 states across the country, and therefore allegations of discrimination against the state are baseless. Launching a sharp attack on the state government, the BJP MP said Himachal Pradesh is heavily burdened with debt. He alleged that the state government has taken excessive loans over the past three years and is failing to make serious efforts to increase its revenue, resulting in a continuously weakening financial condition. New Delhi: Every year on February 5, Pakistan marks 'Kashmir Solidarity Day' with rallies, speeches, diplomatic outreach, and coordinated media campaigns across capitals and international forums. Official statements invoke the language of human rights, self-determination, and moral responsibility. Yet behind this carefully curated global advocacy lies a striking paradox: while Pakistan positions itself as the principal defender of Kashmiris' rights abroad, it systematically suppresses political freedoms, dissent, and basic civil liberties within the territories under its own control. New Delhi: Every year on February 5, Pakistan marks 'Kashmir Solidarity Day' with rallies, speeches, diplomatic outreach, and coordinated media campaigns across capitals and international forums. Official statements invoke the language of human rights, self-determination, and moral responsibility. Yet behind this carefully curated global advocacy lies a striking paradox: while Pakistan positions itself as the principal defender of Kashmirisa rights abroad, it systematically suppresses political freedoms, dissent, and basic civil liberties within the territories under its own control. This contradiction raises an uncomfortable but necessary question: can a State credibly champion human rights in Kashmir while denying those same rights at home? Pakistanas 'Kashmir Solidarity Day' has evolved into a sophisticated political exercise. Embassies host seminars, diaspora groups organise protests, and digital campaigns flood social media platforms with emotionally charged narratives. The intent is clear to keep the Kashmir issue alive internationally and frame Pakistan as the moral stakeholder in a long-standing dispute. However, much of this advocacy relies on selective storytelling. While allegations of rights violations in Jammu and Kashmir dominate speeches and placards, there is near total silence on the lived realities of people in Pakistan occupied regions. This selective outrage undermines the ethical foundation of Pakistanas advocacy and weakens its credibility in the eyes of neutral observers. The most glaring omission in Pakistanas Kashmir narrative concerns Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) and Gilgit Baltistan. Despite being integral to the Kashmir dispute, these regions remain politically marginalised. Gilgit Baltistan, home to over two million people, lacks constitutional status within Pakistan. Its residents cannot vote in Pakistanas national elections, have limited legislative authority, and possess no meaningful representation in the countryas decision-making structures. Local political activists demanding constitutional rights have repeatedly faced arrests, surveillance, and restrictions on assembly. In PoJK, political expression is tightly controlled through legal mechanisms that criminalise dissent. Any advocacy that challenges Pakistanas official position on Kashmir or calls for greater autonomy is often met with intimidation or prosecution. Independent journalism remains constrained, and protests critical of Islamabadas policies are frequently curtailed. The irony is difficult to ignore: while Pakistan demands a plebiscite and freedom of expression for Kashmiris elsewhere, it denies both to Kashmiris under its own administration. Pakistan often justifies internal repression in PoJK and Gilgit Baltistan on grounds of national security. Laws restricting speech, assembly, and political organisation are defended as necessary to preserve territorial integrity. Yet these justifications mirror the very arguments Pakistan condemns when used by others. International human rights organisations have repeatedly flagged concerns about enforced disappearances, restrictions on media, and the targetting of activists in these regions. However, these reports rarely find mention during 'Kashmir Solidarity Day' events, where the narrative remains carefully curated and externally focused. In global diplomacy, moral authority matters. States that successfully advocate for human rights abroad are usually those that demonstrate consistency at home. Pakistanas selective human rights discourse has increasingly drawn scrutiny from international analysts, journalists, and policymakers who question whether 'Kashmir Solidarity Day' is about genuine concern for Kashmiris or political posturing. This credibility gap is particularly visible in multilateral forums, where Pakistanas claims are often met with calls for introspection regarding its own governance record. Advocacy that ignores internal contradictions risks being dismissed as performative rather than principled. True solidarity with Kashmir cannot be symbolic or selective. It requires a commitment to universal rights regardless of geography or political convenience. If Pakistan wishes to be taken seriously as a stakeholder in Kashmiras future, it must begin by addressing democratic deficits within its administered regions. Granting constitutional status to Gilgit Baltistan, ensuring freedom of expression in PoJK, protecting journalists and activists, and allowing genuine political pluralism would not weaken Pakistanas position on Kashmir. On the contrary, such steps would strengthen its moral standing and demonstrate sincerity. 'Kashmir Solidarity Day', as currently observed, reflects a paradox that Pakistan can no longer afford to ignore. Advocacy abroad cannot substitute for accountability at home. The international community, increasingly attuned to inconsistencies in human rights narratives, is unlikely to be persuaded by slogans alone. Real solidarity with Kashmiris on both sides of the Line of Control demands consistency, introspection, and reform. Until then, February 5 will remain less a day of solidarity and more a reminder of a credibility gap that continues to widen. (The author is the National Chairman of Muslim Students Organisation of India. Views expressed are personal) Bengaluru, Feb 5 : The Karnataka High Court on Thursday granted medical bail to Congress MLA Satish K Sail, who is lodged in jail in connection with a money laundering case, to enable him to undergo a liver transplantation. The court directed MLA Satish Sail to submit a report once every two weeks regarding the liver transplantation. It also instructed him to file a health progress report before the court once every eight weeks. The court further underlined that Satish Sail should not influence witnesses or hamper the trial proceedings in any manner. In addition, the court directed the MLA to furnish a surety bond of Rs 5 lakh along with a personal surety. The Congress legislator from Karnataka's Karwar constituency, Satish K Sail, was arrested by Enforcement Directorate (ED) sleuths on September 9, 2025, in Bengaluru on money laundering charges. The arrest was made while MLA Satish Sail was attending an inquiry at the ED office. Earlier, the ED had conducted raids at the residence of Congress MLA Satish Sail in connection with illegal iron ore export charges on August 13 and 14, 2025, and detected illegal property, cash, and jewels. The ED sleuths seized a huge quantity of cash and gold. The search operations were conducted in Karwar, Goa, Mumbai, and Delhi, targeting properties owned by Satish Sail. The ED officials packed the documents, gold, and cash into two trunks. MLA Satish Sail was the third Congress legislator to be arrested by central agencies at that time. Chitradurga MLA KC Veerendra and Dharwad Rural MLA Vinay Kulkarni were the other two legislators. On October 26, 2024, a Special MP/MLA Court handed seven years imprisonment to MLA Satish Sail, in all six cases related to the Belekeri illegal iron ore export case. The court had also imposed a fine of Rs 44 crore on him. A case in connection with the illegal iron ore export case was lodged in 2010, and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) submitted a charge sheet later in the matter. MLA Satish Sail was named as the second accused in the first case. However, the Karnataka High Court suspended the conviction of Satish Sail in the illegal export of iron ore case on December 21, 2024. The court also directed authorities not to notify the byelection to the Karwar Assembly constituency till the outcome of his appeal. The court had barred him from attending the Assembly session. Later, he was arrested by the ED on money laundering charges. CANBERRA, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- Global mining giant Newmont on Thursday said that a worker has died following an incident at a gold mine in Australia's Northern Territory (NT). The U.S. based Newmont Corporation said in a statement that the employee was killed in an incident on Wednesday at the Tanami gold mine, around 900 km south of the NT capital of Darwin. Newmont said that emergency response procedures were immediately activated following the incident and that relevant authorities have been notified and were attending the site. All activities at the mine have been suspended, and Newmont said it would provide full support to assist with investigations into the incident. The Tanami site is one of Australia's largest gold mines, producing around 408,000 ounces of gold annually. The mine has been wholly owned and operated by Newmont since 2002. Chennai, Feb 5 : Chennai is on high alert after more than 1,500 crows were found dead across several neighbourhoods in recent days, prompting the Central government to direct the Tamil Nadu administration to strengthen surveillance and disease-control measures following confirmation of bird flu. The sudden deaths were reported from multiple parts of the city, including Adyar, Gandhi Nagar, Pallikaranai, Velachery, Thiruvanmiyur, the East Coast Road, and the Old Mahabalipuram Road (OMR). Residents first noticed crows collapsing in public spaces, trees, and residential areas, triggering concern among civic and animal health authorities. Responding swiftly, the Animal Disease Investigation Team from Kancheepuram collected samples from the dead birds last month. These samples were sent for laboratory testing to the National Institute of Animal Disease Control in Bhopal, and the test results have now confirmed the presence of avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, among the affected birds. Given the potential risk of the virus spreading to other animals and, in rare cases, humans, the Central Veterinary Research Institute has written to Tamil Naduas Chief Secretary, urging immediate and intensified precautionary action. Officials have been advised to enhance monitoring, restrict the movement of birds in affected zones, and implement rapid response protocols to prevent further spread. The Animal Husbandry Department has also issued public advisories. Residents have been asked to immediately inform authorities about any sudden bird deaths in their locality. People have been strictly warned not to handle dead birds or animals with their bare hands, as this could increase the risk of infection. Authorities have further instructed that carcasses of infected birds, including crows, be safely buried in pits at least eight feet deep to prevent contamination. Health experts are closely monitoring the situation, although officials have reassured the public that there is no immediate cause for panic if safety guidelines are followed. Surveillance has been stepped up in poultry farms and urban bird habitats across Chennai. Meanwhile, reports indicate that bird flu cases have also been detected in Kerala and Bihar, raising broader concerns about regional spread. Authorities say coordinated efforts between state and central agencies are underway to contain the outbreak and safeguard both public and animal health. --IANS aal/vd Chennai, Feb 5 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the long-awaited first phase of the AIIMS campus at Thoppur in Tamil Nadu's Madurai on February 28, marking a significant milestone for one of the state's most debated healthcare projects, Bharatiya Janata Party sources said on Thursday. The institute, announced ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, has faced repeated delays over land acquisition and funding issues, turning it into a persistent political flashpoint between the Centre and the state government. According to AIIMS Madurai Executive Director and CEO M. Hanumantha Rao, the Prime Minister has conveyed his consent to launch the initial phase of operations during his proposed visit. Officials said the campus is now nearing readiness, with partial services expected to begin by March after years of slow progress. As part of the first phase, students currently studying at the temporary AIIMS facility in Ramanathapuram will be shifted to the permanent Madurai campus. Academic activities are scheduled to commence from the 2026a"27 academic year. In addition, select hospital blocks and basic medical services will be opened to the public, enabling the institute to start functioning in a limited but meaningful capacity. The inauguration carries considerable political weight ahead of the upcoming state Assembly polls scheduled to be held earlier this year. The AIIMS project has frequently featured in Tamil Nadu's electoral debates, with the ruling DMK accusing the Centre of announcing the premier institution without ensuring timely execution. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin recently criticised the prolonged delays, reiterating that the state deserved faster implementation of such critical healthcare infrastructure. Party sources indicate that Prime Minister Modi's Madurai visit will also include the inauguration of other completed development works and participation in a National Democratic Alliance (NDA) public meeting with allies in the state. Bharatiya Janata Party leaders say that inaugurating AIIMS just months ahead of the elections could provide the NDA with substantial political mileage, showcasing the Centre's commitment to strengthening healthcare and development in the region. While the Prime Minister's detailed itinerary is yet to be finalised, the Madurai event is expected to draw significant public and political attention across the state. February 05 : Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh's villages are now forging a new identity of cleanliness and innovation. Innovative experiments of road construction from plastic waste, door-to-door waste collection for compost production and revenue generation have made the state's rural landscape hi-tech. So far, 75 kilometre long roads have been constructed from plastic waste in the state capital Lucknow including Rampur, Amethi, Lalitpur and Eta, which are presenting a new model of development with environmental conservation. Panchayati Raj Department's Director Amit Kumar Singh said, "On Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's directions, master plan for waste management has been prepared in Uttar Pradesh. Under this, door-to-door waste collection has been started in gram panchayats and vermi compost production is being done. From this initiative, more than 3 crore rupees income has been generated so far. Meanwhile, additional earning of 29 lakh rupees has been made from plastic waste management units. Under this scheme, Panchayati Raj Department is working on 'Waste to Wealth' model in the state. Under Swachh Gaon Maha Abhiyan being run by Panchayati Raj Department, waste is being converted into resource. These experiments of road construction by proper utilisation of plastic waste, compost production from organic waste and increasing panchayats' income are proving to be milestone in direction of making every village of state clean, self-reliant and empowered. Innovative experiments will be done in every village of state through this scheme. According to Panchayati Raj Department's Director Amit Kumar Singh, department is committed to strengthen gram panchayats through innovation. With village-to-village cleanliness campaign, not only environment is being protected from utilisation of plastic waste, but income worth crores of rupees is also being generated. Kochi, Feb 5 : The Kerala High Court on Thursday dismissed a public interest litigation challenging the state government's decision to enhance the wages paid to convicted prisoners. A Division Bench, comprising Justice Soumen Sen and Justice V.M. Syam Kumar, rejected the petition filed by advocate A. K. Gopi, which questioned the legality of the government's executive order dated January 9. The order revised daily wages for prison labour from the earlier range of Rs 63 a" Rs 168 to between Rs 530 and Rs 620. The petitioner contended that the revision amounted to a multi-fold increase and, in certain categories, nearly a nine-fold rise in wages at one time. It was argued that the revised structure would result in prisoners earning approximately Rs 15,000 to Rs 18,600 per month, while all essential living expenses including food, accommodation, clothing and medical care, continue to be fully borne by the State. This, the petitioner submitted, created a "constitutionally impermissible economic inversion", where prisoners would enjoy a financial advantage over free workers. Reliance was placed on the Supreme Court judgment in State of Gujarat v. High Court of Gujarat [(1998) 7 SCC 392], which held that prison labour is not "employment" in the conventional legal sense and that wages paid to prisoners are intended to be equitable and incentive-based rather than equivalent to statutory minimum wages. The Apex Court had cautioned that prison wages should not place inmates in a better economic position than free labour once State-provided facilities are taken into account. The petition also referred to minimum wage notifications issued by the Kerala government under the Minimum Wages Act, 1948, noting that unskilled workers are entitled to a basic monthly pay of Rs 15,000, while semi-skilled and skilled workers receive Rs 15,720 and Rs 18,000 respectively, without subsidised living costs. It was further argued that the honorarium paid to elected representatives in local self-government institutions is lower than the revised prison wages. Rejecting these arguments, the Court observed that the non-revision of pay scales for other categories of workers cannot prevent the State from revising prison wages. The Bench noted that other sections are free to seek revision of their pay scales through appropriate channels. The Court further observed that prison wages form part of the rehabilitation process. The judges noted that prisoners are not receiving wages without work and that the scheme is intended to aid their rehabilitation and reintegration. The petition had also challenged the authority of prison officials to fix wages at such levels under the Prisons Act, 1894 and State Prison Rules, and alleged procedural lapses, including the non-publication of the government order in the official Gazette or on the government website, in violation of the Right to Information Act, 2005. After hearing the matter, the High Court dismissed the petition. New Delhi, Feb 5 : Congress leaders on Thursday rejected allegations that Opposition MPs had threatened or attempted to obstruct Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the Lok Sabha, asserting that claims of a "planned" incident were false and aimed at diverting attention from disruptions in parliamentary functioning. Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra dismissed reports suggesting that Opposition members attempted to obstruct or tried to harm the Prime Minister, calling such assertions "entirely wrong". "There was absolutely no such issue. There was no plan whatsoever," she said. She added that protests from the Opposition benches were a response to ruling party members being allowed to stand up, quote books, and make what she termed "nonsensical" remarks. Criticising the government, she alleged that the Prime Minister was "hiding behind the Speaker" and questioned claims that three women MPs standing near his bench posed any threat. "What utter nonsense," she remarked. Congress MP Varsha Gaikwad also questioned the role of Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, alleging selective action during the proceedings. Referring to remarks made by BJP MP Nishikant Dubey, she asked whether the ruling party endorsed what she described as "vulgar language" used against former Prime Ministers and others. "We went to the Speaker not once, but three times, pleading that such remarks against Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi be stopped," Gaikwad said. She claimed that Opposition MPs, including the Leader of the Opposition, were repeatedly denied the opportunity to speak, while ruling party members were allowed to continue without restraint. "We expect action to be taken against them," she added. Meanwhile, RJD MP Manoj Kumar Jha said the controversy surrounding a book cited in Parliament had exposed the government. "A single book has exposed the government," he said, adding that even during serious debates, parliamentarians should choose their words with dignity and respect. He criticised what he described as a lack of decorum and clarity in the government's response. The remarks come amid continued political sparring in Parliament, with both the ruling party and the Opposition accusing each other of undermining parliamentary norms and decorum. New Delhi, Feb 5 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a sharp critique of the Congress during his reply to the Motion of Thanks on the President's address in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday, accusing past Congress-led governments of lacking vision, thought, and willpower as evidenced by their Independence Day speeches from the Red Fort. In his address amid the ongoing parliamentary tensions, including Opposition walkouts and protests earlier in the session, PM Modi said that analysing the speeches delivered by Congress Prime Ministers from the ramparts of the Red Fort would reveal an absence of clear thinking, long-term vision, or determination to drive national progress. He asserted that the nation had suffered the consequences of this approach for decades, leading to missed opportunities and economic setbacks. Expressing deep gratitude to the citizens of India for entrusting him with the responsibility to serve, the Prime Minister noted that a significant portion of his government's energy has been devoted to correcting the mistakes and rectifying the legacy issues left by previous administrations. He emphasised that this corrective focus has been paired with a deliberate shift toward future-ready policies, eliminating ad-hoc decision-making in favour of structured, policy-driven governance. This transformation, he said, has restored confidence not only domestically but also internationally, earning India greater trust from other nations. Prime Minister Modi highlighted the guiding mantra of his administration -- reform, transform, perform -- declaring that the country is now firmly on the "reform express". He pointed to comprehensive reforms in structural frameworks and sectoral policies, aimed at adding value across agriculture, industry, services, infrastructure, and technology. These efforts, according to him, have positioned India to compete effectively on the global stage in every domain, from trade and innovation to defence and diplomacy. The remarks came in the context of the Budget Session's disruptions, where Opposition members had protested over procedural issues in the Lok Sabha, leading to adjournments and preventing PM Modi's full reply there on Wednesday. In the Rajya Sabha, despite some initial sloganeering, the Prime Minister proceeded to outline the Union government's achievements and forward-looking agenda, contrasting it sharply with what he described as the Congress era's policy paralysis and short-sightedness. Shillong, Feb 5 : At least four labourers lost their lives and another was critically injured after a powerful explosion rocked a suspected illegal coal mine in the Thangsko area of Meghalaya's East Jaintia Hills district on Thursday, officials said. The explosion, believed to have been caused by the use of high-intensity dynamite for mining operations, led to the collapse of adjoining mine shafts, trapping workers deep underground and raising fears of additional casualties. Local sources said the impact of the blast was so intense that nearby quarry structures caved in instantly, severely hampering rescue efforts. Superintendent of Police of East Jaintia Hills, Vikash Kumar, confirmed the incident and said police teams, along with disaster management personnel, were rushed to the spot soon after the explosion was reported. "We have confirmed that the incident occurred this morning. Immediate steps have been taken, and assistance from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) has been sought to carry out rescue operations," Kumar told reporters. One labourer who survived the blast sustained critical injuries and was initially taken to the Sutnga Primary Health Centre. He was later referred to Shillong for advanced medical treatment, where his condition continues to remain critical, hospital sources said. Preliminary investigations indicate that the coal mine was operating illegally in violation of existing safety norms and the long-standing ban on rat-hole coal mining in the region. Officials said further inquiry is under way to ascertain the exact cause of the explosion and to identify those responsible for the illegal operation. The incident has once again drawn attention to the persistent menace of illegal coal mining in East Jaintia Hills district, which has witnessed several fatal accidents in recent years despite repeated enforcement drives and court-mandated bans. Meanwhile, SDRF teams from Jowai are racing against time to reach the remote accident site and conduct search and rescue operations amid unstable terrain and safety concerns. Authorities said more details would be shared as the rescue operation progresses and the situation becomes clearer. New Delhi, Feb 5 : Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Thursday said the India-US trade agreement fully safeguards the country's agricultural interests, particularly those of the farm and dairy sectors. Addressing the media here, Chouhan reiterated that Indiaas staple grains, fruits, major crops, millets, and dairy products remain completely secure and face no threat whatsoever. He emphasised that the interests of small and large farmers alike have been fully protected, and that the agreement will create fresh opportunities rather than risks for Indian agriculture. "No market segment has been opened in a manner that could harm Indian farmers, and all major crops, food grains, fruits and dairy products remain shielded," he said. On the recent X post by the US Treasury Secretary about increased access for American farm products, Chouhan said that Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal has already clarified the facts in Parliament. "India has not opened its markets in any way that puts pressure on domestic farmers, and the protections for key agricultural commodities remain intact," he reiterated. The Agriculture Minister further stated that India already exports rice to many countries, including the United States, and recently recorded exports worth around Rs 63,000 crore. He stated that reduced tariffs will directly benefit Indiaas rice, spices and textile exports, and that growth in textile exports will help millions of cotton-growing farmers. The minister affirmed that the deal is unequivocally in the interest of Indian farmers and opens up new export avenues, despite the misinformation being spread by the opposition. "All details of the agreement will be shared in due course. The core principle remains clear and unchanged: the interests of Indian farmers are fully protected," he added. Chouhan also stressed the need for clear communication to prevent confusion or fear among farmers, given the enormous size of the agricultural sector. "Farmers are our annadata, the providers of life. Their welfare is the nationas welfare, and their interests are absolutely secure," the minister stressed. Amaravati, Feb 5 : Denying the clean chit to the YSRCP in the Tirupati laddu adulteration case, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Thursday declared that the guilty in the case will not be spared. The CBI-led has submitted a report to the state government to initiate administrative action against the individuals concerned, Naidu said. The Chief Minister said the government has constituted a one-man committee to conduct a comprehensive examination of the report, identify lapses, and fix responsibility. Once the committee completes its review, the government will initiate appropriate action in accordance with the findings, he said, addressing a press conference along with Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, BJP State President P.V.N. Madhav and several ministers. Stating that they are placing the facts before people, the Chief Minister said that the alleged adulteration of Tirumala laddu prasadam is a grave offence against devoteesa faith and asserted that no report has given a clean chit to the YSRCP in the matter. The issue is directly linked to public sentiments, he said, alleging that sacrilege of the Lordas prasadam took place during the previous YSRCP regime. The Chief Minister alleged that despite clear warnings from the Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI) in 2022 about adulteration, the report was suppressed and no action was taken. After assuming office, as part of a comprehensive clean-up, his government collected laddu samples and sent them to the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) for testing. Referring to the SIT and laboratory reports, he said ghee was prepared using chemicals and palm oil, and other adulterants, calling it a grave wrongdoing and an unforgivable sin. He alleged that lakhs of devotees were given adulterated laddus over the last five years, causing fear and mental distress. Rejecting claims of a clean chit, the Chief Minister clarified that the CBI report does not certify anywhere that there was no adulteration, and said that the accused are spreading false narratives and launching counterattacks to divert attention. He warned that intimidation and rowdyism would not succeed and asserted that strict punishment would be ensured for the guilty. Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan said the government speaks with responsibility and caution on sensitive issues of faith. "No report has given a clean chit so far. Allegations involving animal fat are extremely sensitive and cannot be spoken about lightly," he said, adding that the government spoke only after examining evidence which was found in the NDDB CALF test report. He said the issue concerns the Hindu faith and sentiments, and accused the opposition of attacking the government and spreading false propaganda instead of apologising if mistakes were committed. He warned that those who tamper with matters of faith and God would ultimately face severe consequences in life. BJP state President Madhav slammed the YSRCP and said the Tirumala laddu issue reflected "adulterated thinking and corrupt governance" of the previous regime. "Preparing laddus with chemically processed and adulterated ghee is dangerous, deeply hurts devoteesa sentiments, and plays with public health. The present government is committed to restoring transparency and sanctity in temple administration," he said. Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 5 : Union Minister of State for MSME, Labour and Employment Shobha Karandlaje, who is also the BJP's co-incharge for the Kerala Assembly elections, on Thursday alleged that the state government, while raising demands for an AIIMS, had failed to utilise three medical colleges already allotted to Kerala -- two in Wayanad and Kasaragod and an ESI medical college in Kollam. As part of a nationwide outreach by Union Ministers to explain the Union Budget, Karandlaje accused the Kerala government of not cooperating with Central schemes. She said Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan should focus on development instead of indulging in political posturing. She alleged that both political fronts in Kerala were spreading misinformation about the Union Budget. According to her, the specific allocation of schemes for States would become clear only in the coming months after discussions in the standing committees of Parliament comprising MPs from different parties in the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha. A detailed picture of what Kerala receives and under which schemes would be available only when the final proposals are placed before Parliament by the end of March. "No state has been mentioned by name in the Budget. Projects are sanctioned first to those states that provide land," she said, adding that Kerala had received Rs 26,500 crore this year under various schemes. She said the allocation for Kerala had risen from Rs 27,382 crore in the 202526 Budget to Rs 36,355 crore this year. The Centre's loan allocation to the State had also been increased to Rs 21,077 crore, a 23 per cent rise over the previous year. Despite this, she said, Kerala continued to allege discrimination and neglect by the Centre. Referring to agriculture, Karandlaje said Kerala has coconut cultivation spread over 7.76 lakh acres and that the Budget has announced major schemes and financial assistance for high-density, high-yield coconut farming. The plan involves replacing low-yield coconut trees with more productive varieties. She said 10,000 people in Kerala would be trained in the health sector as part of a nationwide programme to train one lakh people. The Centre also plans to expand food processing infrastructure and has assured marketing support for farm produce. The Budget, she said, focuses on Kerala's strengths in agriculture, fisheries, dairy, tourism and healthcare, and called on the State government to cooperate. She said Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government had ensured direct transfer of benefits without intermediaries, noting that Rs 48.67 lakh crore had been transferred directly to beneficiaries' bank accounts over the past 10 years. This, she said, marked a shift from earlier times when only a fraction of government assistance reached beneficiaries. Karandlaje added that Kerala had also benefited significantly from tax devolution and urged comparisons between allocations a decade ago and now. Under the Prime Minister's Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP), Rs 13,356 crore has been disbursed to beneficiaries in Kerala's micro and small industries sector, she said. She also said that ongoing national highway, rail, port and airport development projects announced in earlier Budgets would continue until completion. KABUL, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- A total of 261 Afghan prisoners have been released from jails in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Pakistan, Afghan government ministries announced in separate statements on Thursday. According to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, sustained diplomatic efforts by Afghanistan's embassy in the UAE resulted in the release of around 108 Afghan detainees by Emirati authorities. The release coincided with the UAE's National Day, with some inmates already returned and others scheduled for repatriation following the completion of legal formalities. In a parallel development, the Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation announced that 153 Afghans imprisoned in various Pakistani cities have been released and safely returned to Afghanistan through the Spin Boldak border crossing in southern Kandahar province. Their prison terms had ranged from one day to two months. The repatriations come as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported a couple of months ago that over 10,000 Afghan citizens remain incarcerated abroad, primarily in Iran and Pakistan. New Delhi, Feb 5 : Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah on Thursday launched Bharat Taxi, India's first cooperative-led ride-hailing platform, after a successful two-month pilot operation, saying that the service will be rolled out across the country in the next three years. Bharat Taxi has been initially launched in Delhi-NCR and Gujarat and will be expanded across all states and Union Territories within two years. Profits will be shared with drivers associated with Bharat Taxi. Customers can hail cars, three-wheelers and two-wheelers through the digital platform. HM Shah said at an event here that "in three years, Bharat Taxi will be rolled out across the country, from Kashmir to Kanyakumari and Dwarka to Kamakhya". "I said that when this cooperative taxi initiative began, we did not realise how big it would become, but in the coming years it will grow across the country and benefit taxi drivers," HM Shah told the gathering. "I clarified that the government is not entering the taxi sector; this is a cooperative initiative, and the taxi drivers themselves are its owners. I emphasised that every driver associated with this cooperative taxi will have ownership, and it will work for their welfare," he added. Bharat Taxi is being promoted as a drivera'owned mobility service that follows a zeroa'commission model in its initial phase, with 100 per cent of ride payments going directly to drivers. The Ministry of Cooperation said the platform will free drivers, referred to as Sarathis, from exploitative aggregator-based models. The minimum fare for up to 4 km is Rs 30; 4-12 km at Rs 23 per km, and rides beyond 12 km are priced at Rs 18 per km. Bharat Taxi also integrates with public transit services such as the Metro, allowing users to plan and complete journeys involving multiple modes of transport through a single app. Unlike existing platforms, Bharat Taxi plans to avoid surge pricing, although dynamic pricing may be applied in specific situations. The app, available on both Android and iOS, was ranked ninth on the Google Play Store and 13th on Appleas App Store. The sign-up process requires only basic details like a mobile number, name, and email address. New Delhi, Feb 5 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his Rajya Sabha address on Thursday, lashed out at the Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi and Congress party over objectional and distasteful slur on the Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu and stated that by branding the Sikh MP a 'traitor', they have insulted and demeaned the entire Sikh community. PM Modi said that the 'traitor' jibe at the distinguished Parliamentarian was a reflection of the Congress's hateful mindset against the community and questioned as to why the party didn't express remorse or repentance after this, inside the House. Ravneet Bittu, a three-time MP and currently the Union Minister of State (MoS) for Railways, faced an acrimonious jibe outside the Parliament near Makar Dwar on Wednesday, as Rahul Gandhi addressed him as his "traitor friend" while extending a handshake, which the MP refused. "Calling Sikh MP a traitor is unfortunate and unacceptable," PM Modi stated and quipped that it's these people who will drown the Congress party. Shifting his focus to Sadanand Master's (RS MP from Kerala) first speech in the House, PM Modi heaped praise on his composure and disposition despite facing a savage attack on himself decades ago, resulting in the loss of both limbs. "Sadanand Master lost both his legs in prime of his life because of the ideological differences with political rivals. Despite having lived life in excruciating circumstances, his demeanour and conduct show no spite and therefore deserve admiration," PM Modi said. Prime Minister further stated that his calm and composed approach speaks highly of his character and is a lesson for others. He added that distinguished figures like Sadanand Master are a source of inspiration for the nation as well as the political class. Today, he is contributing to policy-making and is inspiring others with his patriotism and selfless service to the nation. The Prime Minister also lambasted the Opposition for not giving due respect and honour to Sadanand Master's first address in the House, adding that when he rose to speak in the House, this filled everyone's hearts with pain and sorrow. --IANS mr/dan Gandhinagar, Feb 5 : Gujarat emerged as the third most preferred state for foreign tourists in India in 2024, as the country recorded a strong recovery in international travel, according to data released by the Union Ministry of Tourism and Culture. The stateas ranking reflects a wider national upswing, with foreign tourist arrivals to India reaching 9.95 million during the year and total international tourist visits rising to 20.5 million, an increase of 14.85 per cent compared with the pre-pandemic year of 2019. The ministryas figures place Maharashtra and West Bengal ahead of Gujarat in terms of foreign tourist arrivals, followed by Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan in the top five. At the global level, India ranked 20th in international tourist arrivals in 2024. The tourism sector also continued to be a major source of employment, providing opportunities to an estimated 84.6 million people during 2023a"24, the data showed. Officials attributed the sectoras overall performance to sustained policy support and infrastructure development, including special assistance to states for capital investment and the implementation of central schemes such as Swadesh Darshan 2.0. These measures have focused on improving connectivity, visitor facilities and destination management across key tourism circuits. In Gujarat, efforts to promote religious, cultural, ecological and modern attractions contributed to the rise in foreign tourist interest. International visitors in 2024 travelled across a range of destinations, including major pilgrimage centres, heritage sites, wildlife reserves and contemporary landmarks. The Somnath Jyotirlinga continued to attract visitors from around the world, while Dwarka remained a significant destination for spiritual tourism. Gir National Park, the only natural habitat of the Asiatic lion, drew wildlife enthusiasts, and the Statue of Unity at Kevadia, the worldas tallest statue, remained a prominent attraction for overseas travellers. Tourists also visited the white desert of Kutch, which offers a distinctive landscape and cultural experience, particularly during the Rann Utsav. These locations together account for a substantial share of the stateas foreign tourist footfall and receive millions of visitors annually. The ministry noted that Gujaratas performance reflects coordinated efforts by the central and state governments to position Indian destinations more prominently on the global tourism map. Large-scale projects and destination-focused programmes have aimed to enhance visitor experience while dispersing tourist flows beyond traditional centres. With foreign tourist arrivals placing Gujarat third nationally in 2024, the stateas diverse mix of heritage, nature and modern attractions has reinforced its standing within Indiaas tourism sector, alongside broader national gains in international travel and employment generation. New Delhi, Feb 5 : In a relief to the ED, the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), New Delhi, has recalled the Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process (CIRP) initiated against M/s Alchemist Limited, holding that the insolvency proceedings were vitiated by fraud, collusion and malicious intent, a statement said on Thursday. The order was pronounced on Wednesday, with the Tribunal exercising its powers under Section 65 of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), 2016. The NCLT categorically held that the insolvency framework cannot be misused as a shield to legitimise proceeds of crime or frustrate proceedings under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. The ED initiated its probe against M/s Alchemist Limited under the provisions of the PMLA based on FIRs registered by the Kolkata Police and Uttar Pradesh Police. The investigation revealed that Alchemist Holdings Limited and M/s Alchemist Township India Ltd had collectively raised more than Rs 1,840 crore from the public by promising high returns and allotment of plots, villas and flats. However, neither the promised properties nor returns were delivered, and investorsa money was not refunded. According to ED, the funds were siphoned off and diverted to other group entities, including M/s Alchemist Limited, in the form of inter-corporate deposits (ICDs). The ED filed its main prosecution complaint (charge sheet) on March 2, 2021, followed by supplementary complaints on July 19, 2024 and September 11, 2025, before the Special PMLA Court. The agency has also provisionally attached movable and immovable properties worth Rs 492.72 crore through seven separate attachment orders. During the investigation, the ED found that an application under Section 9 of the IBC had been filed by M/s Sai Tech Medicare Private Limited to initiate CIRP against M/s Alchemist Limited. Subsequently, a Committee of Creditors (CoC) was constituted, which, according to the ED, was almost entirely dominated by Alchemist Group entities. M/s Technology Parks Limited alone held nearly 97 per cent of the voting rights, while M/s Alchemist Township India Limited and M/s Alchemist Realty Limited held 1.74 per cent and 0.61 per cent voting shares, respectively. The ED placed detailed material before the Tribunal showing that these dominant CoC members were group entities accused of money laundering and beneficiaries of the proceeds of crime. All of them have been named as accused in the EDas PMLA complaint. It argued that the insolvency process was being used as a device to reclaim attached assets and to invoke immunity under Section 32A of the IBC to frustrate criminal proceedings under the PMLA. The agency also highlighted that an ex-employee of the Alchemist Group, Gaurav Misra, was appointed as the Resolution Professional, raising serious concerns over independence and fairness. Despite specific directions from the Tribunal, the ED was not impleaded in a timely manner, indicating mala fide intent, the agency submitted. Accepting the EDas submissions, the NCLT held that the IBC is a beneficial legislation intended for genuine insolvency resolution and not a mechanism to sanitise tainted transactions or launder proceeds of crime. The Tribunal ruled that Section 32A of the IBC cannot be invoked to extinguish criminal liability or to derail proceedings under the PMLA. It further observed that a CIRP dominated by accused group entities fundamentally erodes the independence and commercial wisdom of the CoC. Allowing such proceedings to continue, the NCLT said, would result in legitimisation of proceeds of crime, dilution of PMLA attachments and abuse of insolvency-related immunity. The Tribunal concluded that the insolvency process had been initiated with fraudulent and malicious intent, squarely attracting the provisions of Section 65 of the IBC. While reiterating that the IBC and the PMLA operate in distinct fields and may proceed in parallel in appropriate cases, the NCLT held that the doctrine of parallel operation cannot be stretched to permit abuse of one statute to defeat the object and purpose of another. Accordingly, the Tribunal recalled the CIRP, lifted the moratorium imposed under Section 14 of the IBC, nullified the appointment of the Resolution Professional and set aside all actions taken pursuant to his appointment. Taking note of the gross abuse of the legal process, the NCLT imposed a penalty of Rs 5 lakh on the operational creditor, M/s Sai Tech Medicare Private Limited. The order, the Tribunal noted, reaffirms the settled legal position that insolvency proceedings cannot be misused to defeat criminal law, confiscation of proceeds of crime or restitution to investors under the PMLA. New Delhi, Feb 5 : The Supreme Court on Thursday quashed an FIR and criminal proceedings against a Chhattisgarh-based advocate accused of repeatedly raping a woman on the false promise of marriage, holding that the case arose out of a consensual relationship between two adults, which later turned acrimonious. A bench of Justices B.V. Nagarathna and Ujjal Bhuyan held that continuation of the prosecution would amount to an abuse of the process of law, and accordingly set aside the Chhattisgarh High Court order refusing to quash an FIR lodged under Section 376(2)(n) of the IPC. The FIR was registered on the complaint of a woman advocate who alleged that the appellant had repeatedly raped her on the false promise of marriage. After examining the material on record, the apex court held that "the facts of the present case unmistakably indicate towards a classic case of a consensual relationship turning acrimonious". In its judgment, the Justice Nagarathna-led Bench observed that the complainant was a married woman with a ten-year-old child and divorce proceedings were still pending at the relevant time. "By no stretch of imagination can it be held that the complainant was eligible for being married with the accused-appellant on 18.09.2022," the apex court observed, adding that marriage during the subsistence of an earlier marriage is barred under the Hindu Marriage Act,1955. "The law prohibits bigamous unions and therefore disallows parties from entering into a second marriage during the subsistence of their first marriage," the judgment said. The Supreme Court held that the complainant, being a 33-year-old advocate, could not be considered "a naAve or gullible woman incapable of taking decisions for herself". "It is difficult to accept the view that the complainant, who herself is an advocate, was oblivious to the said settled position of law and hence was duped and induced by the accused-appellant into having sexual relations with him on different occasions on the pretext of marriage," the apex court held. Referring to its earlier rulings, the Supreme Court reiterated that not every breach of a promise to marry amounts to rape and that courts must clearly distinguish genuine cases of sexual violence from disputes arising out of failed consensual relationships. "A mere break-up of a relationship between a consenting couple cannot result in the initiation of criminal proceedings," the bench said, cautioning against a "disquieting tendency wherein failed or broken relationships are given the colour of criminality". Terming the continuation of the prosecution an abuse of the criminal justice process, the top court held that the ingredients of Section 376(2)(n) IPC were not made out even if the allegations were taken at face value. "The facts of the present case clearly indicate a consensual relationship gone sour," it said, adding that both parties "should have refrained from involving the state into their personal relationship turning rancorous". Quashing the FIR, the charge sheet and the pending sessions case, the Supreme Court concluded that it was "neither expedient nor in the interest of justice" to allow the prosecution to continue. --IANS pds/vd Kollam : , Feb 5 (IANS) The Kerala State Women's Commission on Thursday took suo motu cognisance of the controversy over a headmistress being denied entry into a school in Kottarakkara in Kollam district for wearing a "churidar". Kollam (Kerala), Feb 5 (IANS) The Kerala State Womenas Commission on Thursday took suo motu cognisance of the controversy over a headmistress being denied entry into a school in Kottarakkara in Kollam district for wearing a "churidar". Commission Chairperson P. Sathidevi said the act violated womenas dignity and directed the Kottarakkara District Educational Officer to submit an urgent report. The intervention followed an incident in which Sindhu, the headmistress of Neduvathur Eeswaravilasam Higher Secondary School in Kottarakkara, was allegedly denied entry into her workplace for wearing a churidar instead of a sari. The incident occurred on Tuesday morning when Sindhu arrived for duty and was stopped at the school gate by a security employee. According to Sindhu, the security staff member told her that the school management had instructed him not to allow her inside if she was dressed in a churidar. With students and teachers watching, she sat down in protest at the gate, refusing to leave. Police were later called to the spot and intervened, allowing her to enter the school. Based on her complaint, the Kottarakkara police registered a case against the security employee, Shashankan. The FIR states that restraining the headmistress amounted to an act that harmed her dignity. Sindhu has alleged that the guard acted on explicit directions from the school manager and described the episode as an abuse of authority. "There is no government order mandating that women teachers must wear saris. I have been repeatedly harassed in ways that make it difficult for me to work," said Sindhu and added that she was humiliated in front of her students and colleagues. She said she would continue her legal fight until justice is ensured. The school management, however, has denied the allegations. The manager has claimed that teachers are free to wear attire of their choice and that no instruction was issued to prevent the headmistress from entering the campus based on her clothing. The episode has sparked wider debate on workplace dignity and gendered norms in educational institutions. Womenas rights groups and educators have pointed out that dress codes cannot be enforced arbitrarily or used as a tool of intimidation, particularly against women in leadership positions. Jaipur, Feb 5 : The Rajasthan Assembly witnessed repeated disruptions on Thursday during Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma's reply to the debate on the Governor's address. Accepting the Congress challenge head-on, the Chief Minister said he was ready for a detailed discussion in the House comparing the performance of the previous five-year Congress government with the BJP's two-year tenure. "The opposition challenged me to a debate on five years versus two years, and I accept the challenge. I am placing all relevant documents before the House. Speaker, please fix a time - I am fully prepared for this debate," the Chief Minister said. Following his reply, the House was adjourned till February 11. Congress MLAs created an uproar twice during the CM's address, first while he rejected allegations related to the Special Investigation Report (SIR), and later when he announced his readiness for the 'two years versus five years' debate. The CM accused the opposition of moral posturing after losing power. "There is a tendency of becoming wise the moment power slips away. When one hand held power, the other held recommendations for relatives. Exams were held, but the questions were already in pockets," he said. He added that hardworking youth were ignored during the Congress regime. "Where was morality then? One day, the chair slipped, and suddenly sermons began. Those who were busy sipping ghee are now preaching against corruption," Sharma said. Without naming him directly, the Chief Minister targeted Congress state president Govind Singh Dotasra, saying that when Congress leaders were in power, people seeking help were directed to a particular "Bada" where favours were decided. Taking a further swipe, the Chief Minister remarked, "Honesty is not a post-retirement plan. It must be practised while in power. Youth don't need speeches; they need fair examinations." He added sarcastically that if the Leader of the Opposition could not see development, "I can arrange for glasses." The CM alleged that the Congress left behind a debt of over Rs 5.79 lakh crore. "They knew they were not returning to power, so they weakened the economy. After forming the government, we worked to revive it," he said. Earlier, during the debate, Leader of the Opposition Tika Ram Jully launched a sharp attack on the BJP government, accusing it of focusing more on branding than governance. "Whether work is happening or not, branding is in full swing. The Chief Minister makes reels. A contract worth Rs 8 crore has been given for branding. YouTube channels have been created, but they don't even have 100 viewers," Jully said. He also mocked administrative instability, saying, "The Chief Secretary left, the Principal Secretary left - we started wondering whose turn was next. We even thought, what if the CM changes? But no, we want this CM to complete his full five-year term." He claimed that a senior minister had himself admitted in a legislative party meeting that "because of one minister, people won't even allow us to enter villages." Raising the Vande Mataram controversy, Jully asked pointedly, "Which part of Vande Mataram was removed that created the uproar? During the freedom struggle, the RSS did not accept Vande Mataram, nor the tricolour initially. Which BJP MLA here can tell me which part was removed?" He said he would sit down and wait for an answer - but no ruling party member responded. Imphal, Feb 5 : A day after the Yumnam Khemchand Singh-led BJP government assumed office following the withdrawal of President's Rule in Manipur, the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC), the apex body of the tribal community, on Thursday declared a social boycott of all Kuki-Zo MLAs who participated in its formation. Three of the ten MLAs belong to the Kuki-Zo community -- Nemcha Kipgen, L.M. Khaute, and Ngursanglur Sanate -- have so far been involved in the government formation process. Of the ten Kuki-Zo MLAs in the 60-member state Assembly, seven, including Kipgen, Khaute and Sanate, belong to the BJP, while the remaining three are affiliated with local Kuki-Zo organisations. Kipgen, elected from the Kangpokpi Assembly constituency, took oath virtually from Manipur Bhavan in New Delhi as Deputy Chief Minister. She is the lone woman minister in the current Council of Ministers, headed by Chief Minister Khemchand Singh. Khaute, elected from the Churachandpur constituency, accompanied Chief Minister Khemchand Singh when he, along with other BJP leaders, met Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla at the Raj Bhavan to stake a claim to form the government. Sanate, elected from Tipaimukh Assembly constituency, arrived in Imphal on Wednesday for the first time since the outbreak of ethnic violence in May 2023, in connection with the government formation. Kipgen, who was also a Cabinet Minister in the previous government led by former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, on Thursday expressed gratitude to the BJP central leadership for appointing her as Deputy Chief Minister. In a post on her official X handle, Kipgen said: "Took oath as the Deputy Chief Minister of Manipur last evening. I am deeply grateful to the Central BJP leadership for their trust and confidence in me. I will continue to serve the people with dedication, integrity and unwavering commitment to their welfare." The KZC, in a statement, said it "strongly and unequivocally" condemned the participation of certain Kuki-Zo MLAs in the formation of the Manipur government, terming it a gross violation of a resolution adopted on January 13. According to the KZC, the resolution was unanimously adopted by the Suspension of Operation (SoO) groups, Kuki-Zo MLAs and the Council, resolving not to participate in the formation of the Manipur government in the absence of a written political commitment from both the Central and state governments to support a negotiated political settlement -- Union Territory with Legislature -- under the Constitution. The apex tribal body alleged that by joining what it termed a "Meitei-dominated government", the MLAs concerned had betrayed the collective political stand and sentiments of the Kuki-Zo people. Declaring a social boycott, the KZC urged the Kuki-Zo community not to cooperate or associate with the MLAs in any social, customary, or public matters. It also said that various Kuki-Zo organisations are holding protests in Manipur and in Delhi against the participation of a section of MLAs from the community in the government formation. Khemchand Singh was sworn in as the 13th Chief Minister of Manipur on Wednesday, a day after the BJP announced him as the new Legislature Party Leader. Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla administered the oath of office and secrecy to the Chief Minister, two Deputy Chief Ministers and two other ministers at a ceremony held at the Lok Bhavan. Besides Kipgen, who took oath virtually from New Delhi, Loishi Dikho of the Naga People's Front (NPF) was also sworn in as Deputy Chief Minister. The other ministers include Govindas Konthoujam (BJP) and Khuraijam Loken Singh of the National People's Party (NPP). The Khemchand Singh-led Council of Ministers will be expanded later, as seven ministerial berths are still vacant. --IANS sc/vd Imphal, Feb 5 : Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla on Thursday said that maintaining law and order remains the foremost priority of the government, as efforts continue to restore normalcy and ensure public safety across the state. Addressing the first session of the state assembly this year, the Governor said that the coordinated efforts of the Central and state governments, security forces, civil administration, and community institutions have enabled Manipur to move steadily towards peace and stability. "I would like to acknowledge the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for restoring peace and normalcy in the state. Intelligence-led operations, area domination, and coordinated cordon-and-search activities across vulnerable districts led to marked improvement in the overall law and order situation," Bhalla told the house. He informed the members that the unified security architecture has been reinforced through regular coordination at the Unified Headquarters and district levels. A total of 272 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), supported by state Police, Assam Rifles, and Army units, have been deployed to secure vulnerable areas, vital installations, highways, and farming zones, said Bhalla, who was the Union Home Secretary earlier. He said that joint mobile teams, special operation groups, and anti-extortion units have been established across districts to counter criminal activity and restore public confidence. Noting that the recovery of illegal arms remains central to restoring normalcy, the Governor said that so far, 7,313 arms, 83,512 rounds of ammunition, and 5,195 explosives have been recovered. "The voluntary surrender of 1,078 arms during early 2025 reflects growing public trust in the peace process. In addition, 549 offensive bunkers across hill and valley areas have been dismantled, contributing significantly to the reduction of violence," he pointed out. The Governor told the house that to address extortion, a major obstacle to economic normalcy, a state and district-level anti-extortion units were established along with a 24x7 helpline, resulting in over 924 arrests. Security forces have also undertaken extensive enforcement actions, including arrests, preventive measures, and recoveries linked to unlawful activities, he stated. Bhalla said that with the support of the Central government, comprehensive humanitarian measures have been implemented. "Direct benefit transfer to violence-hit Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) has been provided since November 1, 2025, replacing in-kind ration distribution to enhance dignity and choice. Phased resettlement has commenced under the Rs 523 crore Resettlement and Rehabilitation Package, including top-up assistance of Rs 1.70 lakh per house for 7,000 PMAY-G beneficiaries," he said. The Governor said that first instalments have been released to 6,300 families, with construction underway in most cases. Assistance has also been sanctioned for over 2,200 partially damaged houses, while families with fully damaged houses have received immediate relief linked to verified return and resettlement, he said. Resettlement efforts are being closely monitored by a state-level committee chaired by the Chief Secretary and District-level Committees under Deputy Commissioners. Alongside housing, comprehensive support has been extended for livelihoods, health, education, and employment. The Governor said that over 430 youths have been trained under skill development programmes, livelihood assistance has reached thousands of families, health cards have been issued to nearly 10,000 IDPs, educational support has been provided to around 7,000 students, and employment assistance has been extended through special MGNREGS job cards. The government will continue phased resettlement with enhanced security, extend financial assistance for another year in view of livelihood constraints, rebuild community assets, facilitate supervised visits to original villages and address the requirement of about 5,000 additional houses under PMAY-G during the 2026-27 fiscal. Noting that combating the menace of drugs remains a major focus, the Governor said that under a zero-tolerance policy, large-scale destruction of illicit poppy cultivation of over 3,841.3 acres was undertaken across multiple districts, along with significant seizures of narcotics and pharmaceutical drugs during the last three years. Financial investigations led to the freezing of assets, while demand reduction and rehabilitation efforts were pursued through awareness programmes and coordinated action under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, he added. Modernisation of policing also received sustained attention, Bhalla said, adding that the Cyber Crime Helpline is fully operational, a Cyber Forensic Division has been established, and CCTV surveillance has been expanded to 33 remote locations. --IANS sc/dan Mumbai, Feb 5 : The campaign for the elections to the 12 Zilla Parishads and 125 Panchayat Samitis across the state ended on Thursday. Voting will take place on Saturday from 7.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m., and the counting of votes will be held on Monday, February 9. With the campaign period over, political parties and candidates are now prohibited from publishing or broadcasting advertisements through print, electronic, or social media. Elections are being held for 12 Zilla Parishads and 125 Panchayat Samitis in the following districts: Raigad, Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg, Pune, Satara, Sangli, Solapur, Kolhapur, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Parbhani, Dharashiv, and Latur. Since Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samiti elections are held simultaneously, every voter is expected to cast two votes: one for the Zilla Parishad electoral division and one for the Panchayat Samiti electoral college. A total of 25,482 polling stations have been set up. To facilitate the process, 51,537 control units and 1,10,329 ballot units (EVMs) have been made available. The State Election Commission (SEC) is using the Assembly constituency voter lists prepared by the Election Commission of India. The lists existing as of July 1, 2025, are being used. While the SEC cannot add or delete names, potential duplicate names have been marked with a double star (**). The State Election Commission has launched the 'Matadhikar' mobile app, available on the Google Play Store, to help voters find their names, polling stations, and candidate information. Voters can also search using their full name or EPIC (Voter ID) number on the website: https://mahasecvoterlist.in/ At the polling stations, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, women with infants, and pregnant women will be given priority. Temporary ramps and wheelchairs will be provided where permanent ramps are unavailable. Electricity, drinking water, shade, and toilets will be available at all centres. Polling stations where the female voter population is high will be managed entirely by women officers and police personnel. These are designated as "Pink Polling Booths". Around 1.28 lakh election officials have been deployed, including 125 Returning Officers and 125 Assistant Returning Officers. The BJP hopes to repeat its performance in the recently held elections to the nagar parishads, nagar panchayats, and municipal corporations, where it emerged at the top slot, while the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena is confident of increasing its presence in these elections. On the other hand, the NCP expects to ride on the sympathy wave following the sudden and untimely death of former deputy chief minister and party president late Ajit Pawar. Incidentally, the Sharad Pawar-led NCP is contesting these polls in an alliance with the NCP. The Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT) are contesting independently, as the opposition has not been able to work out a united front against the BJP-led Mahayuti. LUSAKA, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema on Thursday held talks with his Ghanaian counterpart John Dramani Mahama, with a particular focus on deepening economic ties. The two leaders met at State House in Lusaka following Mahama's arrival on Wednesday for a three-day state visit to Zambia. While acknowledging the strong bilateral relations that have existed between Zambia and Ghana over the years, Hichilema said the time had come for the two countries to place greater emphasis on economic cooperation. "I believe that the economic agenda is now more important and must be pronounced. It is this angle that will support other areas of our relationship," he said. Hichilema emphasized that Zambia values the relations established by the two countries' founding fathers and is keen to deepen them further. He said Zambia is interested in learning from Ghana and sharing experiences in various economic sectors, including mining, where the two countries face similar challenges. Hichilema also underscored the importance of promoting people-to-people relations and expressed satisfaction that such ties are being strengthened through intermarriages between citizens of the two countries. For his part, Mahama echoed the call for enhanced economic cooperation, noting that both countries face similar economic challenges, including debt restructuring and the implementation of economic reforms. He said there was a need for Zambia and Ghana to go beyond political cooperation and strengthen economic partnerships by sharing experiences. He added that Ghana is determined to rekindle the spirit planted by the founding fathers and revive the cooperation that has long existed between the two countries. Chandigarh, Feb 5 : No agreement has so far been signed between India and the United States regarding duty-free trade (free trade) involving dairy products or the agriculture sector. Farmers are being deliberately misled on this issue. This was stated by the BJP's Punjab spokesperson, Pritpal Singh Baliewal, while addressing the media here. Baliewal alleged that the Opposition is spreading misinformation by claiming that the proposed trade agreement would harm Punjab's agriculture and dairy farming sectors, whereas in reality, no final proposal has been prepared so far. He said the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government "is creating an atmosphere of fear in the state without any supporting documents." Challenging the Aam Aadmi Party, Baliewal said that if it possesses any copy of such an agreement, it should be made public. He pointed out that AAP Rajya Sabha MP and noted industrialist Rajinder Gupta has already described the agreement as beneficial, while Cabinet Minister Sanjeev Arora has also termed it in Punjab's interest. At the same time, several AAP leaders are calling the agreement anti-Punjab and anti-farmer. He said these contradictory statements clearly indicate that there is no clarity within AAP itself. "In fact, AAP is opposing the agreement publicly only to gain political mileage." Baliewal said that "if AAP truly believes the agreement is against farmers, it should officially register its opposition with the Central government through its own administration." He added that "it is inappropriate to do politics by keeping farmers away from the truth." Appealing to farmers, Baliewal urged them not to fall prey to any misleading propaganda. He asserted that "if any trade agreement is finalised in the future, it will be framed keeping the interests of farmers and dairy producers in mind, and it will lead to increased investment and income in the agricultural sector." --IANS vg/dan Colombo, Feb 5 : Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat and Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi met Sri Lanka's Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, Sunil Handunnetti in Colombo on Thursday, discussing collaboration through connecting industries of Gujarat and Sri Lanka for exploring opportunities in investment and industrial development in the island nation. In a statement shared on X, the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka stated, "Gujarat Governor Shri Acharya Devvrat and Deputy CM Shri Harsh Sanghvi met Hon. Sunil Handunnetti, Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development. Discussed collaboration through connecting industries of Gujarat and Sri Lanka for exploring opportunities in investment and industrial development in Sri Lanka." "Sri Lankan delegation was warmly invited to Gujarat, including to Vibrant Gujarat Summit 2027," it added. Earlier in the day, Acharya Devvrat and Harsh Sanghavi met Sri Lanka's Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Hiniduma Sunil Senevi at the Lankan Parliament. During the meeting, the two sides discussed deepening regional cultural cooperation and promoting shared Buddhist heritage, the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka detailed. Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat and Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi also held a meeting with Sri Lanka's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath. "Gujarat Governor Shri Acharya Devvrat and Deputy CM Shri Harsh Sanghavi and Vijitha Herath, Sri Lanka's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism," the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka posted on X. "Appreciated Sri Lanka's strong public response to the Holy Devnimori Relics Exposition, and discussed avenues for people to people exchanges, including a cultural visit to Gujarat by Sri Lankan Buddhist monks," it added. Devvrat and Sanghavi also called on Sri Lankan Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya and expressed gratitude for the warm reception given to the Holy Devnimori Relics Exposition of Lord Buddha. The Holy Devnimori Relics of Lord Buddha reached Sri Lanka on Wednesday, aboard an Indian Air Force C-130J aircraft for a historic international exposition, marking a significant moment in cultural and spiritual ties between the two nations. The relics were received at the Sri Lankan airport by Sri Lankan Minister of Religious and Cultural Affairs Hiniduma Sunil Senevi and Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government A.H.M.H. Abayarathna, along with the Acting High Commissioner. The exposition of the revered relics is being held at the renowned Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo from February 4 to February 10, where thousands of devotees are expected to gather. The Devnimori relics, considered highly sacred by followers of Buddhism, are travelling abroad for their first-ever international public exposition. The event is expected to attract thousands of devotees and visitors from Sri Lanka and other countries. Officials said the exhibition symbolises the deep-rooted spiritual, historical and civilisational links shared by India and Sri Lanka. The initiative is also being seen as part of Indiaas continued efforts to strengthen cultural diplomacy and promote Buddhist heritage across the region. The Gangaramaya Temple, one of Sri Lankaas most prominent Buddhist sites, has made elaborate arrangements for the exposition and public viewing of the relics. The occasion is expected to further reinforce people-to-people connections and highlight the shared Buddhist legacy that binds India and Sri Lanka. The exposition was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Sri Lanka in April 2025 as part of Indiaas commitment to share its Buddhist heritage with the world, reaffirming Indiaas role as a responsible custodian of global Buddhist heritage. New Delhi, Feb 5 : More than 78.86 lakh jobseekers and over 12.36 lakh employers have been registered on the National Career Service (NCS) portal during FY2025-26 (as on January 20), the Parliament was informed on Thursday. Further, more than 3.43 crore vacancies have been mobilised on the NCS Portal during the FY 2025-26, Minister of State for Labour and Employment Shobha Karandlaje told the Rajya Sabha in a written reply to a question. The NCS project also envisaged setting up Model Career Centres (MCCs) in collaboration with states/institutions to deliver employment services. Till date, the government has approved 407 Model Career Centres across the country, she added. Further, a module on the NCS Portal facilitates the approved career counsellors to provide career counselling and guidance services. "As on 20.01.2026, more than 1,180 career counsellors have onboarded on the NCS Portal, and till dat,e more than 55 lakh online/offline career guidance sessions have been conducted nationwide," said the minister. The NCS Portal offers online employability enhancement programmes, digital skill enhancement programmes and self-placed career skill programmes. It is integrated with Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH), which is specially designed and developed to skill, reskill and upskill individuals through an online training platform for jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities. "The integration of NCS Portal with SIDH has paved the way for the skilled jobseekers on SIDH to avail the benefits of NCS Portal and the jobseekers to avail the skilling services offered by SIDH," the minister stated. In order to increase awareness and enhance the reach of the NCS portal, regular social media posts are released about the availability of services and vacancies on it. NCS monthly e-newsletters are released to create awareness about new developments and activities of the NCS. Besides, the Model Career Centres established in the States/UTs regularly conduct various outreach activities, viz., workshops, awareness/ orientation programmes for the stakeholders. The portal provides career-related services, including jobs from private and government sectors, information on online and offline job fairs, job search and matching, career counselling, vocational guidance, and information on skill development courses. New Delhi, Feb 5 : The Delhi High Court has struck down a provision of the Graduate Medical Education Regulations, 2023, which imposed a blanket ban on migration of medical students from one institution to another, holding it to be "manifestly unreasonable and arbitrary" and violative of Article 14 of the Constitution. A division bench of Chief Justice (CJ) Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia ruled that a complete prohibition on migration fails to account for exceptional and deserving cases, particularly involving persons with disabilities, and cannot be justified on grounds of administrative convenience or apprehensions of misuse. The CJ Upadhyaya-led bench was hearing a petition filed by a medical student with 40 per cent visual impairment, who sought migration to a medical college in Delhi due to the deterioration of his eye condition, caused by the harsh climatic conditions in Rajasthanas Barmer. Earlier, the National Medical Commission (NMC) had rejected his request for migration from the Government Medical College, Barmer, citing Regulation 18 of the Graduate Medical Education Regulations, 2023. Setting aside the impugned regulation, the Delhi High Court observed that "total prohibition on transfer or migration of a student, need of which may occur in various situations, including the one which has arisen in this case, cannot be said to be reasonable". "In our opinion, such prohibition is manifestly unreasonable and arbitrary," the bench held, adding that the regulation "does not permit even a most deserving student, a person with disability, like the petitioner, to seek transfer, keeping in view the statutory mandate" under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. It took note of the petitioneras submission that due to the denial of his rightful participation in initial counselling rounds under the PwD category, he was compelled to take admission in Barmer during the stray vacancy round, where limited choices were available. The harsh climatic conditions there, the Delhi High Court noted, had aggravated his eye condition, requiring treatment at AIIMS, New Delhi. It also rejected the NMCas argument that migration provisions were removed due to their potential misuse, holding that "mere possibility of abuse cannot be used to deny legitimate rights". Referring to the statutory obligations under the Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, the Delhi High Court said that provisions such as "reasonable accommodation" cannot remain "a decorative and admirable piece of literature kept in a bookshelf". "These are legislative mandates to be followed by all public authorities, which will encompass the Commission as well," the bench said. Declaring Regulation 18 of the Graduate Medical Education Regulations, 2023, as ultra vires and invalid, the Delhi High Court also quashed the NMCas December 30, 2024, order rejecting the petitioneras migration request. It directed the NMC to take a fresh decision on the petitioneras request for transfer to University College of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, within three weeks, and further directed the Commission to formulate an appropriate policy permitting migration in exceptional and deserving cases, subject to necessary safeguards. Washington, Feb 5 : Pakistan's public support for US adversary Iran - through lavish receptions, high-level meetings, and deepening ties - directly undermines its credibility as a Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA). Amid growing engagement with Tehran, Pakistan should be excluded from any international Board of Peace and barred from facilitating Washington-led negotiations with Iran, a report said on Thursday. Washington, Feb 5 (IANS) Pakistan's public support for US adversary Iran through lavish receptions, high-level meetings, and deepening ties directly undermines its credibility as a Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA). Amid growing engagement with Tehran, Pakistan should be excluded from any international Board of Peace and barred from facilitating Washington-led negotiations with Iran, a report said on Thursday. According to a report in the US-based Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI), Pakistan's routine diplomatic shielding of Iran makes it an unreliable broker. It added that Islamabad cannot be considered a genuine ally and its MNNA status warrants serious reconsideration and potential revocation. "Pakistan holds Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA) status with the United States, a designation that grants it privileged access to military cooperation and equipment. Furthermore, on January 15, 2026, the US-led intergovernmental organisation Board of Peace was established. On January 18, US President Donald Trump, acting as chair of the organisation, invited Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to join it," the report detailed. "Furthermore, Pakistan has been invited to participate in talks between Iran and the United States in Turkey on February 6. Islamabad is expected to play a facilitative role. However, Pakistan has repeatedly demonstrated its unreliability as a strategic partner for the United States," it stated. The report emphasised that despite reports of mass killings of civilians by Iran, Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has reaffirmed his support for Tehran. "On January 13, 2026, he emphasised that Iran has always been a dear neighbour and brother, and that its security and sovereignty are close to Pakistan's heart, while, on January 20, the Pakistani Defence Minister in a meeting with Iranian Ambassador to Islamabad Reza Amiri Moghadam said that Pakistan stands firmly by Iran in all circumstances," the report detailed. "Furthermore, on January 24, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi thanked Pakistan for its support at the UN Human Rights Council after Islamabad voted against a resolution expanding an international investigation into Iran's violent crackdown on protests," it mentioned. A clear example, the report noted, surfaced during the June 2025 12-Day War a direct armed conflict between Iran and a coalition of Israel and the United States, with US forces joining aerial attacks on key Iranian nuclear sites during which Pakistan firmly aligned with Iran, publicly expressing unwavering solidarity. "This alignment continued and intensified in the aftermath of the conflict. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian visited Pakistan on August 2-3, 2025 his first official foreign trip following the war. Officials, think tanks, and media in both countries widely hailed the visit as a major success, highlighting ambitions to raise annual bilateral trade," it highlighted. Bhopal, Feb 5 : As Prime Minister Narendra Modi will interact with students across the country under the 'Pariksha Pe Charcha' on February 6, the BJP-led Madhya Pradesh government has directed the district administrations to ensure that the programme is organised in all schools, including non-government schools in the state. The main state-level event will be held at the government-run Subhash Excellence School in Bhopal. While the state's School Education Minister Uday Pratap Singh will attend the programme with students at the Girls' Higher Secondary School in Tendu Kheda in Narsinghpur district. The state government has made an elaborate arrangement for the programme, and the students will participate through a live telecast. "In addition to television, arrangements are being made to view the broadcast on internet-enabled devices, such as computers and laptops," the government said in a statement on Thursday. Apart from the schools, the 'Pariksha Pe Charcha' programme will also be organised at the State Council of Educational Research and Training, all District Institutes of Education and Training. For participation in the state-level 'Pariksha Pe Charcha', online registration was open from December 1 to January 11 for students, teachers and parents. From Madhya Pradesh, over 22.95 lakh students from Classes 6 to 12, more than 1.28 lakh teachers, and over 17,000 parents, totalling 24,41,390 participants, registered. During the interaction, Prime Minister Modi will address students' queries related to examinations and motivate them to appear for exams with a positive mindset. Notably, PM Modi has been interacting with students through this event since 2018 to help them overcome examination stress. The event will be held in New Delhi on 6 February from 10:00 a.m., during which the Prime Minister will address various questions raised by students. The event will be broadcast live through various communication platforms, including Doordarshan, DD National, DD News, DD India, all channels of All India Radio, the PMO website (mygov.in), YouTube, Ministry of Education platforms, Facebook Live, Swayam Prabha channels, DIKSHA channels of the Ministry of Education, as well as various radio channels. Mumbai, Feb 5 : The NCP on Thursday released a video of late Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar recorded against the backdrop of the Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samiti election campaign in Maharashtra. The campaign for 12 Zilla Parishads and 125 Panchayat Samitis concluded on Thursday, with voting scheduled for February 7 and counting on February 9. Through the video, Ajit Pawar appealed to voters to vote for the Nationalist Congress Party. The one-minute and 28-second video was recorded at his Devagiri residence four days before his death, on January 24. After that, Pawar died in a plane crash in Baramati on January 28. In the video, Ajit Pawar appealed to voters by emphasising rural development, farmers' welfare, women empowerment, youth employment and basic facilities. He further stated that this is an important time to decide in whose hands the overall development of villages, talukas and districts should be entrusted. "Zilla Parishad is the real key to rural development. This institution is directly linked to basic issues like water, roads, health, education, agriculture and employment. "The Nationalist Congress Party has always worked keeping rural areas at the centre. From farmers' issues to women's empowerment, youth employment and respect for the elderly, we have handled every issue seriously. "I am not just a man of my word, but a man of work. Keeping my word is my identity," Ajit Pawar said in the video. Further, Ajit Pawar said that the party is firmly determined to bring modern technology, artificial intelligence and digital tools for water supply, road works, health facilities and agriculture to rural areas. He appealed to voters to support NCP candidates in the elections. "Give us a chance for clean, efficient and people-oriented governance. We will never let your trust be broken. We will not let funds for development works run short. This is my word," he said in his appeal. Meanwhile, Maharashtra NCP chief Sunil Tatkare indirectly attacked the Sharad Pawar-led NCP for claiming a merger between the two NCP factions. "Why was the merger discussed in the same courtyard when Ajit Pawar's body was kept for the last rites? Why did some leaders make hasty statements about the merger in interviews before the funeral? "Sunetra Pawar's swearing-in ceremony and the merger were two separate issues. So did the discussion on merger first mean bringing someone else as the Deputy Chief Minister?" he asked. Tatkare clarified that a decision regarding the post of the party's national president will be taken only after considering the sentiments of all party MLAs, office-bearers and workers. Talking about Ajit Pawar's plane crash, Tatkare said he has demanded a thorough investigation into the incident from the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation. He also said that a high-level inquiry into the crash should be conducted and the truth placed before the public at the earliest. Hyderabad, Feb 5 : No gang-rape of a minor girl occurred during the recent Sammakka Saralamma Jatara, shows the preliminary inquiry by the National Commission for Women (NCW). The inquiry committee constituted by the NCW to probe the allegations arrived in Mulugu district of Telangana on Thursday afternoon. According to an official release by the state government, the inquiry committee headed by NCW member Delina Khongdup met Collector T. S. Divakara and Superintendent of Police Ramnath Kekan at the Mulugu Collectorate. Subsequently, they inspected the area around the Medaram Jatara where the alleged gang rape was believed to have taken place. It was primarily confirmed that no gang rape incident occurred at the Jatara. The inquiry team will submit its final report to the National Commission for Women after receiving a written report from the police. The Commission on Wednesday constituted an inquiry committee to inquire into the alleged sexual assault of a 13-year-old girl during the tribal fair as it took cognisance of reports circulating in the media and on social media platforms regarding the alleged incident. Some media reports alleged that the incident involved a case of gang rape purportedly committed by five youths from Chhattisgarh. Taking serious note of the matter, NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatka constituted the committee to inquire into the alleged incident. Chaired by NCW member Khongdup, it included senior coordinator Kanchan Khattar as a member. It was also announced that the Committee may also be assisted by an advocate nominated by the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Mulugu. The Committee has been mandated to examine the circumstances leading to the alleged incident, assess the action taken by the authorities concerned, interact with relevant officials and persons to ascertain facts, and recommend remedial measures to prevent recurrence of such incidents. The Committee will submit its recommendations to the Commission for appropriate action, the NCW had said. Thousands of devotees attended Sammakka Saralamma Jatara held at Medaram from January 28 to 31. The biennial event, said to be the largest tribal fair in Asia, drew devotees from across Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Chhattisgarh and other states. New Delhi, Feb 5 : Former Delhi BJP President and three-time Member of Parliament from North East Delhi Manoj Tiwari on Thursday hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government for presenting a transformational Union Budget 2026-27. Addressing a press conference, Tiwari said that while anyone can draw a line on butter, the 2026 Budget is an effort akin to carving a line on stone to shape the destiny of India of 2047. He said that this Budget, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, is aimed at transforming India into a developed nation by 2047. Tiwari said that this Budget is different from previous ones. Generally, when a Budget was presented, people focused mainly on how much tax relief was given. Every year, people were appeased with small tax concessions. "However, due to the trust people have in PM Modi, expectations from this Budget were not limited to income tax relief but were focused on a roadmap to make India a developed nation by 2047 an expectation that the Finance Minister has fulfilled," he said. Tiwari said that if it were a Congress government, they would have wasted time by giving a tax relief of Rs 50,000 every year, whereas the PM Modi's government has already made income up to Rs 12 lakh tax-free in the previous year itself. He reiterated that the Finance Minister has rightly stated that this Budget is meant to make India a developed nation by 2047. The press conference was coordinated by Delhi Pradesh Media Head Praveen Shankar Kapoor, and was attended by Media Relations Head Shri Vikram Mittal and State Spokesperson Dr. Mamta Tyagi. Praveen Shankar Kapoor said that the Orange Economy proposal in Budget 2026 will become a driving force for the progress of India's youth. Tiwari said that the opposition and the general public have always raised questions about employment opportunities for youth. Keeping this in mind, the government has ensured in this Budget that skill centres will be established in every district, not just in metro cities and large urban areas. He said that PM Modi speaks of four sections youth, women, farmers, and the poor. "Until youth are skilled, who will give them jobs? Therefore, opening skill centres is essential," he said. He said that provisions have also been made in the Budget to make India a global data hub. When India can supply food grains to 170 countries and provide vaccines even to countries like the US, why can it not become a data hub? The youth of the country and the government together are prepared to make India the world's data hub, he said. New Delhi, Feb 5 : Member of Parliament Hema Malini met Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta at the Delhi Secretariat on Thursday and discussed various issues related to development. In a message on social media, the Chief Minister's Office said, "On this occasion, a meaningful discussion took place on various contemporary issues." The CMO also shared photographs of the meeting. Earlier, on the occasion of World Cancer Day, the Chief Minister joined Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Pratap Rao Jadhav in the 'Jan Jan Jage, Cancer Bhage' campaign at the NDMC Convention Centre. Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said that a serious illness like cancer affects not just the body, but also a person's mental strength, self-confidence, and the financial stability of the entire family. She stressed that the fight against cancer must go beyond medical treatment and be driven by collective social support and human sensitivity. The Chief Minister said that Ayushman Arogya Mandirs are steadily becoming the backbone of primary healthcare in Delhi. At present, around 350 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs are operational across the capital, offering free screening for oral, breast, and cervical cancer, along with medicines, vaccinations, and essential diagnostic services. The Ayushman Bharat scheme has provided health security to crores of citizens, with more than 43 crore people registered so far. In Delhi as well, lakhs of residents are receiving health coverage under the scheme. She also noted that over 16,000 Jan Aushadhi Kendras have been set up across the country, where many medicines are available at prices up to 90 per cent lower. These centres are being continuously expanded in Delhi to ensure affordable and quality medicines reach the common people. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the central government has allocated a budget of Rs 10,000 crore for major central hospitals in Delhi, including AIIMS, Safdarjung, and Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital. This investment will strengthen medical infrastructure, modern equipment, and facilities, helping ensure better, accessible, and dignified treatment for patients. She added that the Delhi government will continue to stand firmly with all institutions working in the fields of public service and healthcare. HONG KONG, Feb. 4 (Xinhua) -- Hong Kong will draft its first five-year development blueprint as part of efforts to better align with the national 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030), John Lee, chief executive of China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), said on Wednesday. Lee said he will lead the HKSAR government, including all bureaus and departments, in formulating the plan, as this year marks the start of the country's 15th Five-Year Plan. Hong Kong's economy is expected to expand 3.5 percent year on year in 2025, with the value of exports and imports of goods surging by 12 percent respectively, Lee said. Meanwhile, the financial hub last year has also maintained its status as the world's freest economy and saw its global competitiveness ranking rise to third place. Lee said that these achievements have underscored Hong Kong's strengths in connecting the mainland and the world under the "one country, two systems" policy, pledging that the HKSAR government will work with all sectors to proactively integrate into national development strategies and deepen international cooperation in the new year. ANKARA, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- Turkiye and Saudi Arabia are entering a new and stronger phase of cooperation in defense and energy, the state-run TRT broadcaster quoted Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan as saying on Thursday. "We are signing significant defense industry cooperation agreements with Saudi Arabia, and we are determined to strengthen these ties further," Erdogan told journalists on the plane returning from his visit to Saudi Arabia and Egypt. Turkiye's rapid progress in the defense industry has drawn growing international attention, including from Saudi Arabia, Erdogan said, noting that Turkiye's primary focus remains meeting its own defense needs, while also supporting friendly and allied nations through cooperation and technology sharing. The Turkish leader said that the agreements signed during the visit demonstrate the growing strategic trust between Turkiye and Saudi Arabia, adding that cooperation in defense and energy will continue to expand in the coming period. Erdogan arrived in Saudi Arabia's capital on Tuesday. The visit included the signing of a multi-billion-U.S.-dollar agreement to develop solar power projects in Turkiye with a total capacity of 5,000 megawatts. Bhopal/Dehradun, Feb 5 : Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said on Thursday that Adi Shankaracharya made an immensely significant contribution to elevate Sanatan culture to new heights and shared a special bond with the land of Madhya Pradesh. Chief Minister Yadav made this statement, addressing the 'Sant Sammelan' organised during the 'Pratima Pran Pratishtha' at the Gurudev Samadhi Mandir by the Samanvay Seva Trust in Haridwar. He said that with the objective of ensuring the eternal flow of the Sanatan tradition, saints and the state government are working in close coordination. On this occasion, the Chief Minister also extended an invitation to saints for the Simhastha Kumbh Mela, the largest congregation of Hindus held once in 12 years in Madhya Pradesh's ancient city of Ujjain. Apart from Chief Minister Yadav, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Bihar Governor Arif Mohammad Khan, Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami and some other prominent leaders also joined the religious programme. "Today in Haridwar, I participated in the Gurudev Samadhi Temple -- Idol Installation Ceremony of Anantashri Vibhushit Param Gurudev Swami Satyamitranand Giri Ji Maharaj. On this occasion, I extended an invitation to all the saints and sages to visit Ujjain for Simhastha-2028," CM Yadav said in a statement. During his day-long visit to Haridwar, Chief Minister Yadav also visited Patanjali Yogpeeth and performed yoga with Yoga guru Swami Ramdev. He said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, yoga has evolved from an ancient Indian tradition into a global mass movement. He urged everyone to make yoga a part of their daily routine and move towards a healthy, balanced and energetic lifestyle. Impressed by the serene environment of Patanjali Yogpeeth, CM Yadav said that its atmosphere, imbued with values, spiritual practice and inner strength, offers profound peace of mind. He also offered prayers, performed rituals and participated in a yajna, accompanied by Swami Ramdev, at the Bharat Mata Mandir in Haridwar, praying for the welfare and well-being of all the people. Bengaluru, Feb 5 : The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday accused the Congress-led Karnataka government of convening a special Assembly session without any valid reason, alleging that it served no public purpose and resulted only in the waste of taxpayers' money. It may be noted that the Congress-led government held a special session between January 22 and February 4 and passed a resolution against the "Viksit Bharat Grameen Rozgar Aajeevika Mission" (VB-GRAMG). Addressing the media in Bengaluru, the Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council, Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, stated, "The state government failed to explain to the people why the special session was called. They claimed the real reason behind the session was the Congress party's opposition to the renaming of the rural employment scheme by the Centre." He said the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme was originally introduced to provide 100 days of wage employment to rural residents. However, he alleged that the scheme had turned into a source of corruption under Congress rule, with work being carried out using machines, fake beneficiary lists being prepared, and large sums of money being siphoned off. Narayanaswamy said Prime Minister Narendra Modi renamed the scheme as "Viksit Bharat Grameen Rozgar Aajeevika Mission" (VB-G RAM G) to restore its original intent of supporting women, Scheduled Castes, and persons with disabilities. He alleged that the Congress was upset merely because the acronym of the new name includes the word "Ram", and accused the party of opposing anything associated with Hindu sentiments. He said the Congress was staging protests and drama only to please national-level opposition leaders. Narayanaswamy further alleged that Congress leaders behaved irresponsibly during the special session. He accused Congress MLC B.K. Hariprasad of using abusive language against the RSS and making objectionable remarks about women. He also alleged that Congress MLC Naseer Ahmad called the Prime Minister a "traitor", drawing strong condemnation from the public. He condemned the one-day suspension of BJP leader C.T. Ravi, stating that he had not named anyone and had not used unconstitutional language. Narayanaswamy argued that the suspension did not meet the criteria under Assembly Rules 326 and 322 and accused the Speaker of acting hastily in the absence of the concerned member. The BJP said it would examine the legal validity of the suspension and decide on further action. On the Bengaluru Metro fare hike, he said the government has maintained that the Metro is running at a loss and that the decision to increase fares was made accordingly. Narayanaswamy said the BJP would assess the reasons cited by the government before reacting further, adding that the decision to hike fares rests with a state-level committee and that the Centre would not intervene. Referring to the Excise Department issue, the BJP said discussions would be held with party leaders soon and that the government had taken the issue as a matter of prestige. The party said it would decide within a week on the nature of its agitation against the government. Bengaluru, Feb 5 : Leader of the Opposition in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly R. Ashoka on Thursday said the BJP had succeeded in exposing the alleged corruption of the Congress-led government during the special session of the Legislature held between January 22 and February 4. In a press statement, Ashoka said, "The fight regarding the alleged excise scam started in the session will not stop. Discussions have already been held for statewide protests on behalf of the party. Ultimately, the scam will be taken to the people's court. Thoughts are also on conducting a legal battle." "There are indications of getting some more key evidence related to the scam. With those, the colours of this government will be exposed before the public," he said. "From the day it came to power, the government has been entangled in a web of scams. The corruption and looting worth more than Rs 6,000 crore in the Excise Department is a new addition to the list of scams," Ashoka alleged. He claimed that the Congress-led government has no development programmes to boast about and that the treasury is empty. "They are not in a position to pay their 40 per cent share for development projects and schemes. So, like 'a stone in curd for an unwilling husband', they are raising objections against the 'VB-GRAMG' Act implemented by the Central government," he said. To hide this reality, he alleged, the government is making baseless allegations and scapegoating the Centre. For this, crores of rupees have been spent from the Panchayat Raj and Rural Development Department to release advertisements in the media, he claimed. Even though the government is facing a shortage of funds, people's tax money is being wasted on such political gimmicks, he alleged. Ashoka said the government had misused the MGNREGA scheme and looted crores of rupees, and that the new Act had put an end to such practices. He claimed that a new strict law has been framed with a touch of modernity and that the scheme has been designed with the concepts of Gram Swaraj as per Mahatma Gandhi's vision. "But since their looting opportunities are lost and they have to pay a 40 per cent share, they are making baseless allegations in distress," he alleged. He said that in the last two-and-a-half years, scams were the only achievements of the government. "That is why they are picking fights with the Governor and conspiring to mislead the people of the state under the pretext of presenting resolutions against the Centre," he said. However, he claimed that the BJP's struggle inside the House had been successful in convincing the people of the real facts. "The scam worth more than Rs 6,000 crore in the Excise Department has been exposed thread by thread in the session. We demanded the resignation of Minister R.B. Thimmapur and an inquiry by a sitting judge," Ashoka said. "But since everyone from the high command to the Chief Minister has joined in the looting, the entire Cabinet stood in support of the tainted minister. This has never happened before in the history of the state. It is clear that the looted money is being used for elections in neighbouring states," he alleged. Ashoka further said, "Minister Thimmapur had said he would resign if even one piece of evidence is provided for the allegation. Not one, not two, more than five pieces of evidence were given." "Serious evidence was provided, including three audio conversations involving senior officials in bribe acceptance, two Lokayukta complaints, one complaint to the Governor, and a voluntary statement by a person named Ningappa, who was caught by the Lokayukta in connection with the alleged excise scam," he claimed. "But this insensitive government did not budge," he said. Referring to alleged disrespectful remarks towards BJP MLAs in the House by Congress MLA Shivalinge Gowda, Ashoka said that the legislator behaved in an unparliamentary manner during protests. He said the BJP condemned the conduct in the House itself and alleged that the Speaker acted in favour of the Congress. "When Shivalinge Gowda was making personal allegations, he was smiling and sitting. This is not just a matter of great disappointment, but it has tarnished the dignity of the chair," Ashoka said. He added that resistance was expressed inside the House over the matter. "Overall, in this session, people's problems have been effectively conveyed to the government. We are also satisfied that the session highlighted the government's scams, corruption and irregularities," he said. "We will not stop exposing the colours of this government in the upcoming Budget session either," Ashoka added. Shillong, Feb 5 : In the wake of the tragic coal mine incident in Meghalaya's East Jaintia Hills district, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Thursday announced an ex-gratia assistance of Rs 3 lakh from the state government to the next of kin of each deceased labourer. The Chief Minister said the decision was taken as an immediate relief measure for the affected families, even as rescue and investigation efforts continue at the accident site. He reiterated that the state government stands firmly with the bereaved families during this difficult time. In addition to the state assistance, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also announced ex-gratia support from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF). As per the announcement, an amount of Rs 2 lakh will be provided to the families of each deceased, while those injured in the incident will receive Rs 50,000. Chief Minister Sangma earlier confirmed that at least 18 bodies of labourers have been recovered so far from a collapsed illegal coal mine at Thangsko in the coal-rich East Jaintia Hills district, even as search and rescue operations continue. Speaking to reporters here, Sangma said the incident occurred earlier in the day when a powerful dynamite blast triggered the collapse of the illegal mine, trapping several workers inside. The explosion reportedly took place around 11.30 am during mining activity. The Chief Minister said two Cabinet ministers Wailadmiki Shylla and Lahkmen Rymbui have been directed to visit the accident site to oversee the situation and coordinate relief and rescue efforts. The site is located in a remote area, around a three-hour journey from the district headquarters at Khliehriat. Sangma said he is personally monitoring the situation and remains in constant touch with district officials. The Deputy Chief Minister, who is in charge of the Home (Police) department, is also closely coordinating with the administration to ensure that rescue operations are carried out efficiently. "Search and rescue operations are underway and investigations have been initiated," the Chief Minister said, adding that the state government is taking the incident with utmost seriousness. Disaster response teams, including personnel from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), have been mobilised to assist local authorities in the ongoing operation, which is being conducted under challenging conditions due to unstable terrain and safety concerns. The Chief Minister further said the Meghalaya government has ordered a thorough inquiry into the incident and made it clear that accountability would be enforced. "The Government of Meghalaya has ordered a comprehensive inquiry into the incident. Accountability will be fixed, and those responsible will face strict legal action," he said. Stressing that there would be no leniency in matters involving public safety, the Chief Minister asserted that the state would not compromise when it comes to the protection of human lives. He said the administration would ensure that all necessary legal and administrative steps are taken based on the findings of the inquiry. "In this moment of sorrow, the state stands in solidarity with all those affected," Sangma added. Visakhapatnam, Feb 5 : The Enforcement Directorate (ED), on Thursday, provisionally attached movable and immovable properties valued at Rs 1.39 crore in connection with the case of a former Railway officer in disproportionate assets (DA) case. The ED's Visakhapatnam Sub-Zonal Office has provisionally attached the properties under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. Alladaboina Satish allegedly acquired disproportionate assets in his name and in the name of his family members. "The attached properties are in the form of nine residential flats and plots as well as three fixed deposits in the name of Alladaboina Satish, his wife and his parents-in-law," the ED said in a statement. The central probe agency initiated an investigation on the basis of an FIR registered by the Visakhapatnam Central Bureau of Investigation's (CBI) Anti-Corruption Bureau under Sections 13(2) read with Section 13(1)(e) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, against Alladaboina Satish, (Indian Railway Service of Engineers of 2001 batch), the then Deputy Chief Engineer/Design of the North Frontier Railway at Maligaon in Guwahati for acquiring assets in his name and in the name of his family members, which was disproportionate assets to his known sources of income. As per the charge sheet filed by the CBI in this case, Alladaboina Satish had acquired disproportionate to the tune of nearly Rs 1.39 crore, which were 83.30 per cent in excess to his known sources of income during the check period from April 1, 2008 to January 24, 2016. The ED investigation said that Alladaboina Satish fraudulently and dishonestly amassed immovable properties disproportionate to the known sources of his income. The proceeds of crime (POC) in the form of cash were directly used to acquire immovable properties in the former Railway officer's name and his family members' names. Huge cash deposits were also made in Alladaboina Satish, his wife and his father-in-law's bank accounts to camouflage the illicit origin of funds. The said POC, through bank transfers, were also used to acquire immovable properties. The POC in the form of cash were also handed over to his known person in lieu of bank transfers to acquire immovable properties. Further investigation is under progress, the ED said. Gwalior, Feb 5 : A devastating explosion rocked a railway spring manufacturing factory located near Sithouli railway station in Gwalior district on Thursday evening, leaving five workers injured, two of them critically. The incident occurred around 6:30a"7:00 pm on Thursday when a fire suddenly erupted in an LPG pipeline inside the factory premises under the Jhansi road police personnel. The fire quickly triggered a powerful blast that shook the entire unit and caused widespread panic among the workers. The injured workers have been identified as Kaushal Shrivastava, Yogesh, Shabbir, Hemant Choube, and Amar Singh. All five were immediately shifted to nearby hospitals. They are currently undergoing treatment at ITM Hospital, Gwalior, police officials said. ITM doctors said that all the injured workers were brought to the hospital in an emergency condition. Two of the injured have sustained serious injuries and are under close observation and intensive treatment. Preliminary information suggests that the accident was caused by negligence in handling the LPG pipeline system. However, the exact cause of the fire and subsequent explosion is yet to be conclusively established. Senior factory officials have also remained silent on the possible reason behind the incident till the time of filing this report. Shakti Singh Yadav, Station House Officer of Jhansi Road police station, under whose jurisdiction the factory falls, confirmed that a police team reached the spot shortly after the explosion and conducted an on-site inspection. The police have registered a case and started a detailed investigation. Technical experts and forensic teams will also examine the site. A thorough probe will be conducted to determine the exact cause, the police officials said. Local administration has directed the factory management to extend full cooperation to the investigating agencies and to ensure proper medical care and financial assistance to the injured workers and their families. Industrial safety experts have pointed out that factories handling LPG and other hazardous gases must strictly follow safety protocols, maintain pipelines through regular maintenance of pipelines, and provide mandatory safety training for workers. Further investigation is underway, and more details are expected in the coming days. Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 5 : V.A. Arunkumar, son of legendary Communist leader V.S. Achuthanandan, has dropped strong hints that the Padma Vibhushan award conferred posthumously on his father might not be accepted by the family. On Thursday night, taking to his social media account, Arunkumar posted the January 29-dated letter from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs informing him of the award conferred on his father. However, in his brief note, he wrote: "We have been informed by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs that a decision has been taken to confer one of India's highest civilian honours, the Padma Vibhushan, on my late father, V.S. Achuthanandan. I am sharing below the letter received today in this regard." "The love and respect that the people have consistently shown towards V.S., who walked alongside Kerala's public life for decades through mass struggles and unwavering political positions, has always been a great source of strength for us. We view this honour as a recognition of his public life." "However, the movement he represented had a clear political stand on accepting such official honours. As a Communist, he always firmly upheld those values and party decisions. The family's decision on this matter will be in keeping with my father's ideals and the party's position." "We believe that the place V.S. holds in the hearts of the people is greater than any award. We express our gratitude for the affection and respect the people continue to bestow upon him." The note written by Arunkumar assumes significance in the backdrop of the party's past positions. During the Narasimha Rao government, veteran Communist leader E.M.S. Namboodiripad declined the Padma Vibhushan in line with party policy. In 1996, when the United Front government explored conferring the Bharat Ratna on then West Bengal Chief Minister Jyoti Basu, both Basu and the CPI(M) conveyed in advance that the honour would not be accepted, leading to the proposal being dropped. Similar positions were taken in the cases of Harkishan Singh Surjeet and, more recently, former West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, who rejected the Padma Bhushan in 2022. Party sources point out that earlier rejections were rooted in the belief that Communists work for social change and not for awards, and that state honours represent recognition from the ruling establishment. They added that with Arunkumar making his stand clear, it is only a matter of time before the party formally clarifies its position. Imphal, Feb 5 : At least five people were injured on Thursday evening after a mob clashed with security forces in Kuki-Zo tribal-dominated Churachandpur district of Manipur amid protests against MLAs from the community joining the BJP-led government, officials said. A police official in Imphal said that protesters, mostly youths, gathered at Tuibong Bazaar, torched heaps of discarded materials and burnt tyres while raising slogans against Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen, a BJP MLA belonging to the Kuki-Zo community. The situation escalated when central and state security forces attempted to disperse the crowd. The mob initially outnumbered the security personnel and resorted to heavy stone-pelting, prompting the forces to carry out a baton charge to bring the situation under control. Additional security personnel were later deployed in the trouble-hit areas to prevent further escalation. At least five protesters sustained minor injuries in the incident, the police official said. The situation remains highly tense, with senior security officials rushing to the area to oversee efforts to restore normalcy, the official added. Tensions have been simmering in Churachandpur district since Wednesday evening after Kipgen, who hails from Kangpokpi district, virtually took oath as Deputy Chief Minister from Manipur Bhavan in New Delhi. Several Kuki-Zo organisations have called for a shutdown in Churachandpur district on Friday and announced plans to hold demonstrations in Kuki-Zo tribal-inhabited areas of other districts. Meanwhile, the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC), the apex body of the Kuki-Zo tribal community, on Thursday declared a social boycott of all Kuki-Zo MLAs who participated in the formation of the Manipur government. Three of the ten MLAs from the Kuki-Zo community -- Nemcha Kipgen, L.M. Khaute and Ngursanglur Sanate -- have so far been involved in the government formation process. Of the ten Kuki-Zo MLAs, seven, including Kipgen, Khaute and Sanate, belong to the BJP, while the remaining three are affiliated with local Kuki-Zo organisations. --IANS sc/dan Jaipur, Feb 5 : During the discussion on the Governor's Address in the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly, Leader of the Opposition, Tika Ram Jully launched a scathing attack on the Bhajan Lal Sharma government, accusing it of poor governance masked by statistical jugglery. Blending hard data with literary references, Jully said the BJP government should remember that it is not the master of the people but merely a trustee. Addressing the House, he stated that out of 2,717 promises made across the last two state budgets, only 754 -- just 27 per cent -- have been fulfilled. He remarked sarcastically that BJP MLAs who praise the party's manifesto are themselves unaware of the number of promises it contained. He pointed out that half of the government's term has already elapsed, yet only 18-20 per cent of last year's announcements have translated into action on the ground. Jully questioned whether there was even a single farmer in the state whose millet crop had been procured at the minimum support price (MSP). He accused the government of mismanagement in moong and groundnut procurement in the Bikaner and Jodhpur divisions. Highlighting failures in the education sector, he said the tender for providing scooties to 60,000 meritorious girl students was cancelled under the pretext of rules and procedures. Referring to the Uniform Scheme, he said that against the promised Rs 1,200, only Rs 600 was disbursed, and economically weaker children from the general category were excluded. Drawing a contrast, he said that while the Prime Minister wears a suit worth Rs 10 lakh, children under the "double-engine government" receive only Rs 600 for school uniforms. The Leader of the Opposition stated that even after 26 months, the government cannot cite a single recruitment process that was initiated and completed during its tenure. He said that in the first 19 months, not even one new recruitment notification was issued. He also protested the neglect of the Valmiki community in sanitation worker recruitments and the failure to provide out-of-turn appointments to medal-winning sportspersons. Jully alleged that a Rs 456 crore solar tender and an advance payment of Rs 46 crore constituted a scam flourishing under government patronage. Attacking the government's flagship 'Rising Rajasthan' initiative, he said: "Out of the claimed Rs 35 lakh crore in investments, only 22 per cent (Rs 8 lakh crore) are operational. Of this, Rs 6.5 lakh crore is concentrated in the solar sector, which generates negligible employment. Why is the government afraid of making the list of MOUs public?" He criticised the renaming of the Rajiv Gandhi Scholarship Scheme and the reduction of seats from 300 to 150, questioning why a scheme enabling students to pursue quality education abroad was discontinued. Taking a dig at the Chief Minister's convoy, Jully said the spectacle of stopping at red lights was merely symbolic, while ordinary citizens continue to remain stuck in traffic jams for hours. He concluded with a sharp political barb, saying that while officers may keep changing, the Chief Minister should remain in office for the entire five-year term. Bengaluru, Feb 5 : Responding to criticism by the BJP against the Congress-led government over the Metro fare hike, Deputy Chief Minister and State Congress President D.K. Shivakumar on Thursday said that the issue does not fall under the jurisdiction of the state government and that no proposal in this regard has been received by him so far. Reacting to the BJP's criticism of the state government, Shivakumar said party leaders should raise the issue with their own Union ministers and questioned whether they were capable of doing so. Clarifying whether the Metro fare hike is decided by the state or the Centre, he said the matter does not come under the state government's purview. "The committee is headed by a Union government secretary. Though there are four representatives from the state, the final decision rests with the Centre," he said. Responding to MPs Tejasvi Surya and P.C. Mohan's claim that the state government could change committee members to regulate fares, Shivakumar questioned how such a change was possible and said they should first get approval to appoint a Karnataka representative as committee chairperson. He added that the Centre contributes only 1213 per cent to Metro projects and that an agreement had earlier been signed for the committee to be headed by a central official. Asked whether the state government had given its consent for the Metro fare hike, he said the issue does not concern the state government and there was no discussion with them. "Since there was no discussion, it was not placed before the Cabinet or the Chief Minister," he said. On whether Bengaluru Metro fares are expensive compared to other cities, he said he would compare fares with those cities. On a possible water tariff hike, he said there is no discussion on the issue at present. On ward reservation for Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) elections, he said the process would be carried out by the concerned committee and does not fall under his purview. When asked about statements by MLAs and Satish Jarkiholi that the high command should resolve power-sharing issues soon, he declined to comment, saying it was not the time for political discussion. On reports of MLAs being sent abroad or to Goa, he said he was unaware of any such move and had not been involved in such discussions. Asked about his travel plans to Delhi, he said he would be visiting Mangaluru on Friday, Raichur the next day and then Gadag, adding that official travel schedules would be released by the secretariat. On whether he expected to be called to Delhi, as suggested by some high command leaders, he said he would inform the media if and when he goes. When asked about the Upper Krishna Project, he said the Cabinet has already taken a decision and that all projects he has decided to implement would be brought to the final stage within the next two-and-a-half years. He said he does not make empty promises and that historic decisions have been taken for Karnataka and Bengaluru, with visible changes expected in the next two to three years. On a possible Cabinet reshuffle, he said the question should be addressed to the Chief Minister. He further stated, "We plan to complete the first phase of the Bengaluru Business Corridor project within the next one-and-a-half years." On the absence of central budgetary support for tunnel roads and Bengaluru, he said the Centre has not provided any assistance. "Tunnel road projects are based on the build-operate model, with the government contributing only 40 per cent, and project developers will have to take the risk," he said. Shivakumar also said that the Deputy Head of Mission of Denmark, Martin Petersen, and the High Commissioner of South Africa met him on Thursday and expressed interest in starting industries in Karnataka and Bengaluru. They showed interest in investing in education, technology, innovation and tourism sectors and met him to strengthen ties. He assured them of all necessary support from the state government and noted that Bengaluru is the only city in India, apart from Delhi, where Denmark has an office. -- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed A woman visits a Chinese New Year paintings exhibition at the Prince Kung's Palace Museum in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 4, 2026. An exhibition displaying more than a hundred exquisite Chinese New Year paintings collected by Prince Kung's Palace Museum opened here on Wednesday. (Xinhua/Jin Liangkuai) A tourist experiences the making of Chinese New Year paintings at Prince Kung's Palace Museum in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 4, 2026. An exhibition displaying more than a hundred exquisite Chinese New Year paintings collected by Prince Kung's Palace Museum opened here on Wednesday. (Xinhua/Jin Liangkuai) A woman visits a Chinese New Year paintings exhibition at the Prince Kung's Palace Museum in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 4, 2026. An exhibition displaying more than a hundred exquisite Chinese New Year paintings collected by Prince Kung's Palace Museum opened here on Wednesday. (Xinhua/Jin Liangkuai) A woman visits a Chinese New Year paintings exhibition at the Prince Kung's Palace Museum in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 4, 2026. An exhibition displaying more than a hundred exquisite Chinese New Year paintings collected by Prince Kung's Palace Museum opened here on Wednesday. (Xinhua/Jin Liangkuai) A woman visits a Chinese New Year paintings exhibition at the Prince Kung's Palace Museum in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 4, 2026. An exhibition displaying more than a hundred exquisite Chinese New Year paintings collected by Prince Kung's Palace Museum opened here on Wednesday. (Xinhua/Jin Liangkuai) Tai Liping, a representative inheritor of Fengxiang Woodblock New Year paintings, a national intangible cultural heritage project, engraves woodblock prints at Prince Kung's Palace Museum in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 4, 2026. An exhibition displaying more than a hundred exquisite Chinese New Year paintings collected by Prince Kung's Palace Museum opened here on Wednesday. (Xinhua/Jin Liangkuai) A tourist visits a Chinese New Year paintings exhibition at the Prince Kung's Palace Museum in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 4, 2026. An exhibition displaying more than a hundred exquisite Chinese New Year paintings collected by Prince Kung's Palace Museum opened here on Wednesday. (Xinhua/Jin Liangkuai) A tourist takes photos of an exhibit during a Chinese New Year paintings exhibition at Prince Kung's Palace Museum in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 4, 2026. An exhibition displaying more than a hundred exquisite Chinese New Year paintings collected by Prince Kung's Palace Museum opened here on Wednesday. (Xinhua/Jin Liangkuai) This photo taken on Feb. 4, 2026 shows a Chinese New Year paintings exhibition at the Prince Kung's Palace Museum in Beijing, capital of China. An exhibition displaying more than a hundred exquisite Chinese New Year paintings collected by Prince Kung's Palace Museum opened here on Wednesday. (Xinhua/Jin Liangkuai) Kolkata, Feb 5 : A popular social media influencer from Kolkata was arrested on Thursday evening on charges of forcibly detaining and molesting his girlfriend. The influencer, identified as Shamik Adhikary, who goes by the name 'Nonsane', has a large following on social media. The 22-year-old woman alleged that he held her captive in his home for approximately 20 hours. During this time, she claimed she was physically assaulted and threatened. The woman has since filed a complaint with the police. According to the police, the accused is a resident of Behala, and the complainant is his girlfriend. On February 2, she went to the influencer's house due to their friendship. She alleged that he unlawfully detained her in his home from 9.30 p.m. that night until 5 p.m. the following day. During this time, she claimed she was beaten and punched. She also alleged that he touched her inappropriately and pulled at her clothes. They were reportedly arguing over an issue, and the accused also allegedly threatened her. On Wednesday, the young woman filed a written complaint against the young man at the Behala police station in south Kolkata. Based on the complaint, the police registered an FIR against the social media influencer under Sections 127(2), 115(2), 74, and 351(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. On Thursday, the influencer was arrested. The accused has a significant following on Facebook, with around 32,000 followers. He also has over 1,000 followers on Instagram. Since the allegations came to light, his followers have been vocal in their condemnation, expressing outrage on social media. The accused has not yet made any public statement. He is known to be a critic of the state government and had previously made reels about the safety and security of women in the state. Following his arrest, BJP IT Cell chief Amit Malviya slammed the administration for allegedly targeting social media influencers. "West Bengal under Mamata Banerjee has turned into a dictatorial regime, where valid criticism is answered not with facts or reform, but with fake, malicious FIRs and fabricated cases. "One after another, activists and voices who embarrass the Trinamool Congress are being targeted, subjected to relentless character assassination, intimidation, and police action," Malviya wrote in a social media post. "A social media influencer whose video highlighted how women are unsafe in Bengal has suddenly been accused of assaulting a female friend. No one knows when this alleged incident occurred. "No one knows why the so-called victim never spoke earlier. No facts are in the public domain. Yet, a complaint is filed, right on cue," he said. Malviya further criticised senior Trinamool Congress leaders for allegedly indulging in character assassination of the influencer. "This is the TMC's model of governance: Muzzle free speech, intimidate critics, weaponise the police and destroy reputations to stay in power. "But Bengal is watching. And Bengal will not stay silent. BJP will stand with every individual victimised by Mamata Banerjee's regime. "Together with the people of West Bengal, we will defeat fear, expose abuse of power, and restore democracy. This is not justice. This is political persecution. And it will end," he added. Gandhinagar, Feb 5 : Gujarat has taken a significant step in strengthening healthcare and regional development with the introduction of 14 advanced MRI machines and the inauguration of 31 development projects in Kheda district. The new MRI machines, each featuring 1.5 Tesla technology and valued at Rs 12.75 crore, have been purchased at a total cost of Rs 178.54 crore on Thursday. They will be installed at GMERS and Civil Hospitals in Dharpur, Vadnagar, Valsad, Junagadh, Navsari, Rajpipla, Godhra, Porbandar, Morbi, Ahmedabad, Surat, Vadodara, Jamnagar, and Visnagar. The machines are expected to provide patients with faster, more accurate, and high-quality diagnostic services, improving access to affordable healthcare across the state. On the same day, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel inaugurated 31 development projects worth over Rs 348 crore in Kheda district, coinciding with the establishment of the new Fagvel taluka. Thirteen projects, valued at over Rs 234 crore, were formally inaugurated, while 18 projects, worth more than Rs 113 crore, had their foundation stones laid. The initiatives cover irrigation, water supply, roads, buildings, health services, and animal husbandry. Paying respects to Veer Bhathiji Maharaj in Fagvel, CM Patel said: "Fagvel is a land of bravery and devotion, recognised not only in Gujarat but across India. In 2002, Prime Minister Narendra Modi initiated the Gujarat Gaurav Yatra from this sacred land, and today this development journey has reached a global scale under his leadership." He added: "Under the Mukhyamantri Gramotthan Yojana, 114 villages without municipal status will receive city-level facilities. This scheme will soon expand to larger villages with populations exceeding 10,000. Land for the Fagvel Taluka Service Centre has already been allocated, and within a year, citizens will have access to a modern administrative facility." Cabinet Minister Raman Solanki described the occasion as "a new dawn of development" for Fagvel. He said the inauguration of irrigation, water supply, and rural infrastructure projects would transform the region and improve public welfare. State Revenue Minister Sanjaysinh Mahida observed: "Kheda, previously known for tobacco (golden leaf) production, is now advancing rapidly towards comprehensive development under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel." The event was attended by senior ministers, MLAs, district officials, municipal authorities, and residents. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Vadodara, Feb 5 : Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) clinched their second Women's Premier League title after beating Delhi Capitals by six wickets at the BCA Stadium, Kotambi in Vadodara on Thursday. After captain Jemimah Rodrigues top-scored with 57 to take DC to 203/4, RCB completed the highest successful chase in a WPL final in 19.4 overs with immaculate ease. Vadodara, Feb 5 (IANS) Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) clinched their second Womenas Premier League title after beating Delhi Capitals by six wickets at the BCA Stadium, Kotambi in Vadodara on Thursday. After captain Jemimah Rodrigues top-scored with 57 to take DC to 203/4, RCB completed the highest successful chase in a WPL final in 19.4 overs with immaculate ease. The victory also made RCB the first team to win the title after finishing top of the group stage standings, and the first franchise to hold both IPL and WPL crowns simultaneously. Captain Smriti Mandhana produced her finest and classy WPL innings, scoring 87 off 41 balls, laced with 12 fours and three sixes. She managed only six runs from her first five deliveries but accelerated spectacularly thereafter, striking boundaries almost every over. Her knock also made her the tournamentas leading run-scorer, as Smriti became the backbone of RCBas dominating chase. Smriti shared a decisive 165-run partnership off 92 balls with Georgia Voll, who made a sublime 79 off 54 balls, studded with 14 boundaries. Every over of the chase featured at least one boundary, a statistic that underlined the dominance of their batting effort. Despite a little wobble at the end, thanks to DC bowling pace-off deliveries, Radha Yadav ensured RCB crossed the line with successive boundaries and triggered celebratory scenes in the dugout. DC, playing their fourth consecutive final, were at the receiving end of the Smriti-Georgia masterclass, sending the ball to all parts of the park and suffering yet another painful defeat, despite posting the highest first innings total in a WPL final. Chasing 204, Grace Harris hit two early boundaries off a drive and inside edge against Marizanne Kapp in the opening over, before being beaten by movement and low bounce from Chinelle Henry to be castled through the gate for nine. Smriti got going with a stylish off-drive for four, while Georgia opened her account with a flick and drive off Marizanne, fetching her boundaries. Georgia continued her strokeplay by flicking Chinelle through midwicket and scooping over short fine leg for boundaries, before cutting and driving Marizanne for back-to-back fours. Despite Nandni Sharmaas introduction, there was no respite for DC as Georgia swiped her for four, before Smriti slogged and swept her for two boundaries. The duo took a boundary each off N Sree Charani a" Georgia, hitting her over mid-off, while Smriti pierced off-side field with precision, before the former and latter took a four off Minnu Mani and Shafali Verma respectively. Smriti pulled a short ball from Nandni over square leg for six, before dancing down the pitch to loft Charani over long-on. After Georgia raised her fifty, Smriti brought up her half-century by lofting Sneh Rana over extra cover for four. It also helped that DC fed them the lengths RCB needed a" Georgia cutting and pulling Sneh Rana for fours. Chinelle returned to be greeted with a sweep from Smriti that cleared backward square leg, before Georgiaas powerful pull beat the deep fielder to get another boundary. Charanias return in the 13th over saw Smriti pull and punch off the back foot to get fours, while Georgia got low to pull for the third boundary in the over. Marizanneas reintroduction in the 14th over was met with lofted drives from Smriti going straight down the ground and over mid-off. After Georgia hoicked Nandni over midwicket and Smriti again danced down the pitch to loft Minnu over mid-off to get more boundaries, RCB were cruising in the chase. Though Georgia and Richa Ghosh fell in quick succession after holing out to long-on off Minnu and Nandni respectively, Smritias dismissal for 87 after Chinelle uprooted her leg-stump left RCB on a tricky pitch. But Radhaas consecutive boundaries off Charani a" lofting over cover-point and crunching over cover a" sealed the trophy win in RCBas favour. Previously, after Lizelle Lee and Shafali Verma provided the early momentum, Jemimah took charge with a sparkling knock, showcasing her sublime timing and ability to pick gaps with awe-inspiring ease to get eight boundaries. Laura Wolvaardt chipped in with a useful 44 off 25 balls, while Chinelle Henry played a blistering cameo of 35 off just 15 balls to power Delhi past the 200-run mark. Such was the effect of Chinelleas finishing touch that DC plundered 55 runs in the last four overs. For RCB, Lauren Bell was the lone bright spot with the ball with her spell of 0-19 in four overs, but the rest of the attack struggled with their lines and lengths, offering scoring opportunities almost every over. RCB staged a brief comeback after Jemimahas dismissal in the 16th over, but Chinelleas late fireworks dashed their hopes. DC began by making only nine runs in the first three overs before Lizelle broke free by walloping Sayali Satghare for two sixes and set the tone for what turned out to be one of their most complete batting performances in the competition. Shafali opened up by striking successive boundaries off Arundhati Reddy before perishing to a sharp catch by Richa Ghosh for 20. But Lizelle continued to attack, hammering Shreyanka Patil for three fours and a six in the seventh over, but Nadine de Klerk provided the breakthrough by removing her for 37 a" miscuing slog to long-on. Jemimah came in and was fluent against both pace and spin from the get-go, striking boundaries through cover, extra cover, and point. With Laura settling in, the pair kept the scoreboard ticking. The 12th over proved to be pivotal, as Jemimah showcased her full range a" cover-driving, sweeping, and cutting Shreyanka for three boundaries, before slicing fiercely off Radha Yadav. Jemimah soon reached her half-century in the 15th over, before falling for 57, as she was caught by deep square leg off Sayali Satghare. But Laura and Chinelle unleashed a brutal assault in the death overs. Chinelle, in particular, tore into Nadine de Klerk in the 18th over, smashing four boundaries and a six to collect 24 runs. The duo took a boundary each off Sayali in the final over, yielding 15 runs, before Laura was run out while attempting a desperate second run, as DC put RCB on the path of a daunting chase, which they completed in a dominating fashion. Brief Scores: Delhi Capitals 203/4 in 20 overs (Jemimah Rodrigues 57, Laura Wolvaardt 44; Arundhati Reddy 1-40, Sayali Satghare 1-46) lost to Royal Challengers Bengaluru 204/4 in 19.4 overs (Smriti Mandhana 87, Georgia Voll 79; Chinelle Henry 2-34, Minnu Mani 1-19) by six wickets Finance India budget focuses on the future while addressing challenges, and also provides a response to Trump and China India knows how to overcome challenges. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman successfully attempted to demonstrate this in her 2026-2027 budget speech. Given the current global situation, India faced the significant challenge of shielding itself from negative impacts while simultaneously charting a path for future growth. In this budget, the Modi government has attempted to formulate policies that will strengthen India's position on both fronts. Therefore, it would not be wrong to call this the budget for a self-reliant India. The Finance Minister began his budget speech by stating that the availability of special resources is currently very difficult. The ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, the US's imperialistic methods to control the world's energy resources, and China's blackmailing of the world in the name of rare earth elements are not ordinary events. Adding to these difficulties is the high tariff imposed by the US on India. Clearly, India is battling on multiple fronts simultaneously. Now, let's examine what tools the budget offers to combat these challenges. Emphasis on minimizing petroleum imports India's top priority was to minimize petroleum imports. This was because the US was pressuring India regarding its petroleum purchases. The Trump administration wanted to prevent India from buying cheap oil from Russia at any cost. The 50 percent tariff was also imposed under this pretext. Now, there is pressure to buy oil from Venezuela, and obviously, India will not get the same concessions that Russia was offering. Therefore, the only option left for India is to reduce its dependence on petroleum imports as much as possible. For more information on the special story, please see the Navbharat Live special edition page. TOKYO, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has been facing mounting criticism over the timing of the upcoming general election, as opposition figures and educators warned the vote could disrupt university entrance exams and discourage youth participation. The election, scheduled for Feb. 8, will be the first House of Representatives election held in February since 1990, a month that coincides with peak entrance exam season across Japan. Takaichi, who abruptly dissolved the lower house in January, has urged students to make use of early voting, but Toshiko Takeya, a leader of the Komeito, was quoted by Kyodo News as saying that the burden on examinees will be heavy, calling Takaichi's move "extremely unreasonable." Meanwhile, Yoshihiko Noda, co-leader of the newly formed Centrist Reform Alliance, said it could deprive young people eager to vote "for their own future" of the opportunity to cast ballots. Concerns have also centered on the potential impact of noisy campaigning near schools and exam venues. Although Japan's public offices election law urges candidates to avoid loud activities around educational institutions, it carries no penalties. Noting that voluntary restraint by only some candidates may not be enough to protect students during crucial examinations, Kaori Suetomi, a professor of education administration at Nihon University, said the overlap underscores the need to review legal rules on election timing and campaign practices. In a rapid maneuver, Syrian government forces recently consolidated power over the northeastern areas of their country following the collapse of the Kurdish-dominated Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). The military operation, which followed a December 31 deadline for the Kurds to reintegrate and months of Kurdish refusals to do so, has prompted bitter accusations that the U.S. has abandoned the Kurds by allowing President Ahmed al-Sharaa to proceed. While Americans should feel compassion for the Kurds in Syria, the narrative of U.S. abandonment is patently false. It misconstrues the origins of the U.S.-Kurdish partnership against ISIS, ignores the unsustainability of Kurdish occupation over Sunni Arab heartlands, and overlooks how the U.S. has protected Kurdish interests throughout Syrias painful political transition. The Syrian Kurds fought ISIS alongside the U.S. for self-preservation, not altruism. The danger the caliphate posed to the Kurds was existential and immediate while the threat to the U.S. was limited and remote. To the extent charity was involved, it came on the part of the United States. The U.S. first partnered with the Kurds in Syria in October 2014 when they were on the verge of losing Kurdish-dominated Kobani to Islamic State fighters, despite ongoing U.S.-led airstrikes on ISIS positions around the city. President Obama airdropped weapons, ammunition, and medical supplies to help the Kurds retake Kobani, even at the cost of straining relations with Turkey, a NATO ally that has fought a long insurgency against Kurdish groups. Once the Kurds proved capable of fighting ISIS, the U.S. extended them support to form the SDF, a Kurdish-dominated organization that incorporated Sunni Arab tribes into the anti-ISIS campaign. U.S. military advisors and combat air support bolstered the SDF ground campaign, successfully wiping ISIS off the map in 2019. U.S. support led to successand excess. The SDF advance granted the Kurds effective control over nearly one-third of Syria. Kurdish occupation expanded far beyond majority-Kurdish enclaves into the Sunni Arab and ethno-religiously mixed regions of northeast Syria where rich agricultural land and most Syrian oilfields are located. Over 80 percent of the population under SDF control at the start of 2026 was non-Kurdish, according to one estimate. By many accounts, Kurdish minority rule was repressive, with groups such as Amnesty International documenting numerous human rights abuses committed in territories under SDF authority. When Arab tribes rebelled in Deir Az Zor and Aleppo in 2023, Kurdish authorities crushed them. The U.S. didnt intervene, despite suffering damage to its public image. Permanent Kurdish rule over Syrian Arab territories was non-viable. The United States never promised to support Kurdish independence in Syria and cannot be expected to prop up Kurdish political autonomy against U.S. interests. For months, U.S. officials have made it clear that the United States favors Syrian reunification and the Kurds would have to accept some loss of autonomy in exchange for minority protections within greater Syria. Throughout U.S.-brokered negotiations between the Kurds and al-Sharaas government, the U.S. helped to secure the best terms possible for the Kurds, including the recognition of Kurdish culture, holidays, and traditions by the Syrian government and the declaration of Kurdish as a national language. The U.S. has also demonstrated its loyalty by protecting Kurdish civilians during the advance of Syrian forces. Reports indicate U.S. leaders threatened to reimpose sanctions on Syriaa devastating consequence for al-Sharaas governmentif it committed mass violence against the Kurds. On the ground, U.S. troops have shot flares to deter the Syrian army from entering Kurdish population centers. U.S. interests lie with Syrian reunification under a central government that maintains order and is accountable to Washington for what happens within its borders. Thats especially true when it comes to securing the SDF-controlled prison camps that until recently held 8,000 ISIS fighters and tens of thousands of ISIS family members. For years, the Kurds have used their control of ISIS camps as a form of bureaucratic hostage-taking by suggesting prisoners would escape if the U.S. withdrew troops from Syria or lessened financial assistance to the SDF. Yet the purported danger was never credible because the Kurds would never permit ISIS fighters en masse to roam SDF-controlled territory, even without U.S. funding. Now that the SDF occupation is collapsing, however, some Kurdish forces have left their posts allowing ISIS detainees to escape, despite calls from U.S. officials for an orderly transition of authority to the Syrian government. The U.S. military has been forced to move 7,000 ISIS fighters into Iraq to prevent additional escapee incidents. Washingtons best response to the problem of ISIS detainees is to recognize that if the Kurds cannot control ISIS prison camps without U.S. help, those prisoners must be moved or the facilities handed over to an entity that can: the Syrian central government. Staying on the sidelines of the Kurdish-Syrian conflict, while difficult, is the only way the U.S. can incentivize political compromise between the parties that would survive in the absence of a U.S. military footprint. Incorporating the Kurdish regions of Syria into a centralized government that recognizes and respects their culture strengthens greater Syria. The Kurds didnt get everything they want. But while Washington may have disappointed, it certainly didnt abandon them. Every once in a while, a brand name replaces the name of the tool. Think Coke, Kleenex, Band-Aid, etc. Kestrel, while more niche, is one such name. No one says weather meter with ballistic solver, its just a Kestrel. That might not be true anymore. The community is going to need to find a new name for it because Vortex ACE just became Player 2 and challenged the status quo in a big way. In the simplest terms, the Vortex ACE is a weather meter and ballistic calculator powered by the Vortex-owned Geo Ballistics. A hand-held tool, this little guy can read wind speed at your location, temperature, humidity, and use that data to produce a firing solution for just about anything you care to ask it. If you can provide a muzzle velocity and information about your bullet (size, weight), and how your rifle is set up the ACE can tell you what your bullet will do downrange. And its damn accurate. A truly invaluable tool for long range shooting, weather meters, and ballistic solvers change how you shoot. Information is power, and nothing empowers a long range shooter like a *STRIKE* Kestrel weather meter with ballistic solver does. Vortex ACE uses 2 AA batteries, fits in the plam of your hand, comes with 10 pre-built profiles, but these can be changed for custom profiles in the device or in the Geo Ballistics app, and has a full color LCD screen. The screen and the ease of use are what set ACE miles apart from everything else. LCD screen is a huge and obvious improvement, making everything better in every way. From navigating the settings to reading a range card, this larger, brighter, and easier-to-use screen is simply better in a way that should be clear to anyone who remembers technology before the iPhone. For the generations whose first phone came with high-speed internet, using the ACE will feel natural. Learning curve on the ACE barely exists because the ACE is built to help you along the way. Every option, every screen, every menu tells you exactly what it is, what it does, and normally where to find the information. Even if youve never shot long range before, the ACE makes it easy to understand how to use it. Geo Ballistics & Vortex Relay If you havent played with the Geo Ballistics app, you really should. Its free, and it has a lot of tools that you can take advantage of even if you dont use Vortex systems. There is everything youd expect, like being able to build custom profiles (importantly, an unlimited number of custom profiles), but there is more to the app than what youd expect. Two major features make a huge impact: being able to set up custom libraries and use those libraries to build out custom rifle profiles, and a measuring tool that quickly and accurately measures your scope over bore offset with zero math or calipers required. There is a lot that goes into the Geo Ballistics app, and even in our testing, weve only scratched the surface. While technically existing for a while, the Vortex Relay system officially launched with the release of the ACE and Talon HD 10k LRF binoculars. At its core, Vortex Relay is how each Vortex unit talks to each other over a closed network to share data. Ranging information, environmental data, ballistic calculations, etc. In our testing, the system has been extremely robust and reliable. Getting the new Talon, ACE, and Impact 4k on the same network was done using only one push of a button, and since then, nothing has lost connection or needed to be restarted. A major improvement over competing systems. LOOSE ROUNDS The Vortex ACE is extremely impressive and a major step forward for weather meters with ballistic software. We really live in the golden age for long range shooting and tools like the ACE make getting into western hunting, PRS, NRL: Hunter, or just plinking at 1,000 yards all the more accessible and enjoyable. MSRP for the ACE is $900, but with a $600 MAP you'll find it much lower than MSRP. The Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) holds a reception to welcome the Chinese New Year in Macao, south China, on Feb. 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Cheong Kam Ka) MACAO, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- The Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) on Thursday voiced expectations for new progress in Macao's appropriate economic diversification, governance efficiency, and other areas. In the year ahead, Macao is expected to achieve new breakthroughs in economic diversification and make fresh progress in governance capacity, said Zheng Xincong, head of the liaison office, in a speech at a reception to welcome the Chinese New Year. The SAR is also encouraged to foster stronger patriotic forces that love the motherland and Macao, and demonstrate renewed commitment to safeguarding national security and social stability, Zheng said. Sam Hou Fai, chief executive of the Macao SAR, said in his speech that the SAR government will continue to fully and accurately implement the "one country, two systems" policy, and unswervingly safeguard national sovereignty, security, and development interests. Efforts will be made to deepen public administration reform, promote appropriate economic diversification and the Hengqin cooperation zone, improve people's livelihoods, fully support the growth of patriotic groups devoted to Macao, and continue to create broad opportunities for youth development, Sam added. Zheng Xincong, head of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR), addresses a reception to welcome the Chinese New Year in Macao, south China, on Feb. 5, 2026. The Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macao SAR held the reception on Thursday. (Xinhua/Cheong Kam Ka) Sam Hou Fai, chief executive of China's Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR), addresses a reception to welcome the Chinese New Year in Macao, south China, on Feb. 5, 2026. The Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macao SAR held the reception on Thursday. (Xinhua/Cheong Kam Ka) Approximately 20 million pets across the United States experience poverty alongside their owners. According to the Humane World for Animals, 43% of all pet owners have been unable to support their pets needs at some point as a result of financial insecurity. When people cannot pay for pet care or food, they must often surrender their pets to shelters. The Athens Area Humane Society (AAHS), a no-kill shelter and nonprofit in Athens Clarke-County, is working to combat this issue by keeping pets united with their families through the Full Bellies Food Bowl program. 'We kept this Budget on a larger plank, rather than on one incident, however serious.' IMAGE: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman speaks in the Rajya Sabha during the Budget session, February 5, 2026. Photograph: Sansad TV/ANI Video Grab Key Points The Budget was framed on a long-term, structural plank, not around any single incident Even if the tariff cut had come before the Budget, it would not have altered Budget assumptions or priorities Global uncertainties persist, so fiscal buffers were deliberately preserved The India-US trade deal, had it come a little earlier, would not have made the Union Budget any different, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman tells Asit Ranjan Mishra, Vikas Dhoot, Nivedita Mookerji and A K Bhattacharya on Wednesday afternoon at her Parliament office. Part 1 of a 3 part interview: What has been the central focus of this Budget? And had the India-US trade deal happened earlier, would the Budget have been different? I have always been realistic while making the Budget. So, at no point in time has it been an incident-dependent or one incident-based Budget. For instance, at the time of the pandemic, we didn't think we were going to anchor it only on Covid. Or, after that, we didn't think we were going to anchor a Budget only on post-Covid revival. So like that, we kept this Budget on a larger plank, rather than on one incident, however serious. To your question on whether the reduction in tariff from a punitive 50 to 18 per cent, coming soon after the Budget, could have influenced me had it happened one day earlier, I would say no, not at all. Even beyond this event, there are uncertainties looming today. Could you talk about the central point in the Budget? As the prime minister pointed out at the beginning of the session, this is the first Budget of the second quarter of the century, and that the second quarter would include the goal of reaching Viksit Bharat in 2047. So, I have to show the direction towards that for more than 20 years. Then, I also start the new Finance Commission cycle and need to plan for the next five years. This is the first of the five years. From that perspective, it's a very critical Budget... There was no space for me to be going in one extreme or the other, and therefore the focus of this Budget has been to keep the stable growth going. Do you agree that you have been more conservative in terms of the disconnect between the nominal growth and your actual collections? Could you have gone in for a lower fiscal deficit target for next year? I agree with all that, but a lot of global uncertainties are still around. Having given the income tax and the GST relief (earlier) -- both of which I strongly believe will help people to have more money in the hands and enable consumption opportunity -- the primary focus should remain growth. I didn't want to be left with no room for some flexibility in case that's required. I have reached the destination without failing any one year. Can I now have that little space -- that was my thought. So, you are hopeful of giving a positive surprise at the end of the year? No, just for me to have that cushion because you don't know what's going to happen globally, as many challenges are still active and alive today. After the recent conversation (referring to the interaction between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump), I can probably say the funds, looking at the weathercock, are likely to come back. There was expectation of a comprehensive Customs duty rationalisation. Some steps have been taken but can more be done? I could have done it all during this Budget. But unlike income tax, Customs has so many different dimensions to it, not just the duty, the scanning of goods which come into the country, the diligence which exporters and importers will have to adopt, the health standards and testing labs, electronics and semiconductors (it's a complex area on its own merit), and we didn't want to hurry. We will give it, maybe even during the treasury amendments. Some of it could also be packaged all together a bit later. But it will happen soon. IMAGE: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary and senior finance ministry officials arrive for the presentation of the Union Budget 2026 at Parliament. Photograph: Press Information Bureau 'Industry Will Have To At Ways To Participate In Growth Story' Do you think private capex will finally kick in? Are there any specific measures that could help? There's no specific measure. I've given the corporate tax reduction already. We made it easy. In income tax also, the slabs have been rationalised already... So I think industry will have to look at ways to participate in the growth story of India. You have promised a lot more on divestment... What is the plan? It will go as per the approvals received from the Cabinet. It will happen. Global uncertainties still remain, but the external challenges are less now, after the US deal is done. As things settle down, is it time to focus more on internal issues? It should settle. But the first announcement (on the deal with the US) is on the punitive tariff rates imposed on us that's come down to 18 per cent. The joint statement will tell us what the details are. But even otherwise, I don't think I've made the internal issues wait till such a time I address the external. I'm simultaneously working on them as well. So if the external is all sorted out, many things may still remain. In one of your post-Budget interactions, you said you will look at expanding the direct tax base. Can you elaborate please? The Central Board of Direct Taxes has already started a nudge movement (by interacting with assesses as they fill their forms). We are also creating a lot more awareness, saying "You're better off taking part in this exercise of paying what is due to the country". It will be a bit of a slow process but we will work on that. In the Part B of your speech, you listed a number of steps that give tax certainty. That's very good, but there's also a perception that by changing the capital gains structure of the sovereign gold bonds, it's a virtual retroactive tax. How do you respond to that? Not at all. And I think it's not fair... It was very clearly launched with an intention of having people invest in it. At the time of the launch itself, we were clear that it had to be held till maturity. There were two bookends to it -- you come into the primary market issue and hold it... It's natural to assume that the benefit reaches you, but both these bookends have to be met or it would slip off like the book. Another instance is picking up from the secondary market and getting out -- in all fairness, you cannot get the benefit, and that's what we've said. 'The Domestic Investor Is Not At Disadvantage' Domestic players in the data centre-cloud service space are curious to know whether they are going to get the same tax holiday. Do you think a clarification is required there? If a clarification is required, we will issue it. But I want to give a pointed answer. That is, there is a level-playing field. The domestic investor is not at a disadvantage. Quite a lot of thought has gone into this. We have not put the domestic investor or the domestic operator at inconvenience. There's no unfair treatment being offered to him, not at all. I'm quite happy to issue point by point narrative to say why this applies to all equally. It applies to all equally. After the US deal has been done, do you think the growth assumptions in the Budget will change? As I said, it depends on the agreement, the details of which will have to come. I'm not saying I'm going to have to change because the agreement has come through. Let me at least see what is there. I repeat that a Budget is not made depending on one or not depending on one (event or development). Disclaimer: This article is meant for information purposes only. This article and information do not constitute a distribution, an endorsement, an investment advice, an offer to buy or sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any securities/schemes or any other financial products/investment products mentioned in this article to influence the opinion or behaviour of the investors/recipients. Any use of the information/any investment and investment related decisions of the investors/recipients are at their sole discretion and risk. Any advice herein is made on a general basis and does not take into account the specific investment objectives of the specific person or group of persons. Opinions expressed herein are subject to change without notice. Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff The Competition Commission of India, following its preliminary inquiry, said the airline appeared to have caused an appreciable adverse effect on competition by restricting its services. IMAGE: An IndiGo aircraft lands at the Jayaprakash Narayan international airport in Patna. Photograph: ANI Photo The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has ordered an investigation into the country's largest airline, IndiGo, after finding prima facie evidence that it abused its dominant market position, according to an order issued by the antitrust watchdog on Wednesday. The Commission, following its preliminary inquiry, said the airline appeared to have caused an appreciable adverse effect on competition by restricting its services. Probe Earlier, on December 18, 2025, the CCI said in a brief statement that it had taken cognisance of information filed against IndiGo in connection with widespread flight disruptions across multiple routes between December 1 and 9. Dominant Position In its order, the Commission noted that by cancelling thousands of flights, representing a significant proportion of its scheduled capacity, IndiGo had effectively withheld services from the market. This, it said, created an artificial scarcity and limited consumer access to air travel during a period of peak demand. 'Such conduct by a dominant enterprise may be viewed as restricting the provision of services under Section 4(2)(b)(i) of the Act,' stated the CCI in its 16-page order. Flight Cancellations & Capacity Cuts The Commission said that, given IndiGo's dominant position, consumers were effectively locked in and lacked viable alternatives, a situation that appeared to violate provisions of the Competition Act. The CCI has directed the office of the director general to submit an investigation report within 90 days of receiving the order. The order records IndiGo's submission that the Competition Act does not empower the Commission to examine the adequacy or effectiveness of sectoral regulatory frameworks. The airline argued that 'any intervention by the Commission in matters falling within the exclusive remit of the DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) would amount to an impermissible assumption of jurisdiction'. Artificial Scarcity During Peak Demand IndiGo cancelled more than 4,200 flights between December 1 and 9. The disruption was triggered by the airline's failure to manage its pilot duty roster after the DGCA fully implemented stricter rest and duty regulations last month. The new rules increased weekly rest requirements and reduced the number of hours pilots can fly at night. Market Concentration in Domestic Aviation In its order, the competition watchdog cited data on all domestic airlines, including passenger numbers, market share and available seat kilometres for the financial years 2023-2024 and 2024-2025, to establish that IndiGo was a significant player in the market. 'The domestic passenger aviation market exhibits very high and increasing concentration, exhibiting that leading firms possess the ability to operate independently of competitive forces, as the presence of effective rivals is materially constrained,' said the Commission. Exclusive Routes & Network Dominance The CCI also noted that IndiGo's substantial presence on high-density and revenue-critical routes pointed to significant economic strength and extensive network coverage across key city pairs. The DGCA had provided the Commission with details of routes operated exclusively by IndiGo for September, October and November 2025. The Commission said IndiGo's exclusive operations across a substantial number of city pairs demonstrated extensive network coverage combined with limited competitive presence in a significant segment of the market. 'Such structural presence on a large number of monopoly routes constitutes a relevant indicator of market power,' according to the order. The DGCA had also furnished the CCI with year-wise revenue details of airline operators from 2021-2022 to 2024-2025. Rules Impact The CCI initiated its preliminary inquiry following a complaint from an informant, a Bengaluru-based consumer, who described a personal experience of having to book a ticket at a significantly higher price of Rs 17,000, compared with the original cost of Rs 7,173, because of flight cancellations. Earlier, the civil aviation regulator, on December 9, had directed IndiGo to cut 10 per cent of its domestic flights for the entire winter season in an effort to stabilise operations. Before the crisis, the airline was operating about 2,300 flights a day, including roughly 2,000 domestic services and 300 international flights. Passenger Disruptions & Compensation Costs Nearly 1 mn affected by IndiGo cancellations in Dec More than 1.46 million passengers were affected by flight cancellations in December, with over 93 per cent of the total passengers getting impacted by IndiGo cancellations. The latest data shared by the civil aviation regulator showed that scheduled domestic airlines shelled out over 24.27 crore towards compensation and facilities for flight cancellations last month. Flight cancellations by IndiGo impacted 982,000 passengers in December and the airline spent Rs 22.74 crore towards facilitation. The overall cancellation rate of scheduled domestic airlines was 6.92 per cent in December, and that of IndiGo was 9.65 per cent. IndiGo, the country's largest airline, faced massive flight disruptions in early December and during that month, its market share fell to 59.6 per cent from 63.6 per cent in November. During December, a total of 29,212 passenger-related complaints had been received by the scheduled domestic airlines and the number of complaints per 10,000 passengers carried was at around 20.41, according to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). According to DGCA data, flight delays impacted 834,000 passengers and airlines spent Rs 4.50 crore towards facilitation in December. In December, as many as 2,050 passengers were denied boarding by the airlines, which cost them Rs 2.08 crore towards compensation and facilitation. PTI Monopoly Routes & Network Power Key Points Competition Commission of India has ordered a probe into IndiGo for alleged abuse of dominant market position. The watchdog said mass flight cancellations may have restricted services and hurt competition. IndiGo's cancellations allegedly created artificial scarcity during peak demand, limiting consumer access. The airline holds strong market power due to high market concentration and monopoly routes. IndiGo argued the matter falls under the Directorate General of Civil Aviation and not the competition regulator. Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/Rediff The finance minister said that consolidation of state-owned banks could proceed at any time without waiting for the recommendations of the proposed high-level committee on banking. IMAGE: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. Photograph: Rahul Singh/ANI Photo The headwinds may finally be turning into tailwinds for foreign investment flows into India with the announcement of a trade deal between New Delhi and Washington, Union Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Wednesday, arguing the country's macroeconomic fundamentals were strong even when investors began pulling out nearly a year ago. India-US Trade Deal "The fundamental macroeconomic indicators were strong then, strong afterwards, and are strong even now, but then for investment to come in, there's something else. "If you take the reaction to the day before yesterday's phone conversation between the two leaders (referring to the phone call between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump on February 2), you can see the weathercock. "Look at the big funds... also see the environment now having a different air... So I think that change of wind -- headwind becoming a tailwind -- is probably happening post the phone call," she told Business Standard in an interview at her office in the new Parliament building. FDI Inflows Turn Positive Sitharaman said India would soon undertake another round of Customs clean-up, signalling that the rationalisation in the Budget was not comprehensive yet. The government, she said, had deliberately sequenced the reforms rather than executing them in a single sweep, given the multiple layers of the Customs ecosystem. "Some changes could even be introduced through treasury amendments. But it will happen...the sooner the better," she said. Strong Macroeconomic Fundamentals The minister also said that consolidation of state-owned banks could proceed at any time without waiting for the recommendations of the proposed high-level committee on banking. "All that has been approved by the Cabinet, could happen any time," she said. Customs Clean-Up & Rationalisation Acknowledging that the pace of fiscal consolidation budgeted for FY27 -- to reduce the fiscal deficit by 10 basis points to 4.3 per cent of GDP -- could have been more aggressive, Sitharaman said the aim was to retain a cushion for uncertainty. "With the global uncertainties being what they are, and having given Rs 12 lakh in income tax (exemptionto be) left with no room in case I wanted some flexibility in one thing or the other... Because you don't know what's going to happen globally as many challenges are still active and alive," she pointed out. Global Uncertainty & Policy Cushion On the debt-to-GDP trajectory, Sitharaman agreed that the 50 basis point reduction for FY27 creates an impression of backloading consolidation, but that was not the intent. "I do not want that burden to be completely pushed to the rear end. "If I'm in a position to extinguish more even at the beginning... it's comfortable for me. "I will steadily increase it, but not really push it to be back-ended." Fiscal Deficit Target FY27 Key Points India-US trade deal has improved investor sentiment, with FDI headwinds turning into tailwinds. The government maintains that India's macroeconomic fundamentals remain strong despite last year's outflows. Another round of Customs clean-up and rationalisation will be undertaken soon. Public sector bank consolidation can move ahead anytime, without waiting for the committee report. The government will follow a gradual fiscal and debt consolidation path to retain flexibility amid global uncertainty. Debt-to-GDP Trajectory Photographs curated by Anant Salvi/Rediff Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/Rediff On the geopolitical front, traders remained cautious ahead of Iran-US talks scheduled for Friday. US President Donald Trump also held wide-ranging discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping ahead of a proposed April visit, following Xi's recent virtual meeting with Russian Vladimir Putin. Photograph: Angelika Warmuth/Reuters Key Points In the short term, gold prices are likely to remain weak Decline in silver and other metals appears set to continue China's gold exchange traded funds witnessed record daily outflows Silver and gold prices snapped a two-day rebound and declined sharply up to 10 per cent in the futures trade on Thursday amid weak trends in the international markets and a strong US dollar. On the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX), silver for March delivery dropped by Rs 26,850, or 10 per cent, to Rs 242,000 per kilogram. In the previous session, the white metal had settled at Rs 268,850 per kg. Gold depreciated by Rs 2,310, or 1.51% Similarly, gold for April contract depreciated by Rs 2,310, or 1.51 per cent, to Rs 150,736 per 10 grams as compared with Wednesday's closing level of Rs 153,046 per 10 grams. "Gold and silver erased recent gains, snapping a two-day rebound as renewed selling pressure and heightened volatility returned to precious-metal markets," Renisha Chainani, head - research at Augmont, said. In the international market, silver and gold futures mirrored the downward movement seen in the domestic trade. On the Comex, the white metal dropped by $8.85 On the Comex, the white metal for March delivery dropped by $8.85, or 10.48 per cent, to $75.55 per ounce. During the intraday trade, it plunged over 13 per cent to hit a low of $73.38 per ounce. "Silver plunged as much as 14 per cent to around $73 per ounce, snapping a two-day rebound as precious metals faced renewed selling pressure and heightened volatility. "Despite hopes that dip buyers might step in at lower levels, the decline in silver and other metals appears set to continue after the recent rebound failed to hold," Jigar Trivedi, senior research analyst at IndusInd Securities, said. Comex gold also fell by $80 Comex gold for April delivery also fell $80, or 1.61 per cent, to $4,870.9 per ounce in overseas trade. In the previous session, the yellow metal had crossed the $5,000 threshold again, touching a near two-week high of $5,113.9 per ounce, before settling at $4,950.8 per ounce. Trivedi attributed the selloff to a stronger US dollar, driven by hawkish signals from the Federal Reserve and expectations of a slower pace of rate cuts. "Investors considered the implications of Kevin Warsh's nomination as Fed chair, noting his preference for a smaller Fed balance sheet and expectations that he would be less aggressive on rate reductions," he added. Chainani of Augmont added that China's gold exchange traded funds witnessed record daily outflows, with nearly $1 billion withdrawn from major bullion-backed funds following the sharp price correction that unsettled investor confidence. On the geopolitical front, traders remained cautious ahead of Iran-US talks scheduled for Friday. US President Donald Trump also held wide-ranging discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping ahead of a proposed April visit, following Xi's recent virtual meeting with Russian Vladimir Putin. "In the short term, gold prices are likely to remain weak and consolidate within the $4,550-$5,100 range (Rs 1.4-1.6 lakh per 10 grams), while silver is also expected to trade weak and consolidate in the $74-91 range (Rs 2.35-2.85 lakh per kilogram)," Chainani said. This Budget positions India's taxation ideology as not merely a revenue source but as a strategic catalyst for growth, inclusion and long-term confidence. IMAGE: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presents Budget 2026 in the Lok Sabha. Photograph: Sansad TV on YouTube Key Points There has been a constant growth in the income return filers in India in the last few years Companies providing data centre services from India could avail safe harbour options of 15 per cent on cost. India is shifting from a high litigation tax environment to a certainty driven investment ecosystem Amid global turbulence ranging from tariff shocks and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven job disruptions to geopolitical issues, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented her ninth Union Budget, steering India's journey towards Viksit Bharat by 2047. The finance minister presented the Budget in Kartavya Bhawan anchored in three core kartavyas -- driving economic growth, empowering citizens, and ensuring equitable access to opportunity. The proposals provide a clear tax philosophy focused on competitiveness, predictability and ease of compliance, bringing in more stability and convenience. The world looks at India as a beacon of economic resilience and this Budget positions India's taxation ideology as not merely a revenue source but as a strategic catalyst for growth, inclusion and long-term confidence. The finance minister reaffirmed the implementation timelines for the new Income-tax Act, 2025 as April 1, 2026. Personal taxation and securities transaction tax (STT): Given most of the tax reliefs and rate cuts have already been granted by the government in its past Budgets, this Budget proposes no change in personal tax rates and deductions. However, STT on futures is proposed to be increased to 0.05 per cent from 0.02 per cent, on sale of options in securities to 0.15 per cent from 0.1 per cent and on exercise of options to 0.15 per cent from 0.125 per cent. This move is aimed at curbing excessive speculations in futures and options (F&O) segment based on the Securities and Exchange Board of India's (Sebi's) study wherein 9 out 10 retail F&O traders incur losses. There has been a constant growth in the income return filers in India in the last few years, and the snapshot are given below: Change in return filing: In view of the above constant growth in filing, the Budget has proposed certain changes in the return filing due dates as under: No interest deduction against dividend/mutual fund income -- Proposes that no expense shall be allowed as deduction on dividend income and income from mutual fund units which was earlier allowed up to 20 per cent. Relief to small taxpayers for disclosure of foreign income and assets under 'The Foreign Assets of Small Taxpayers Disclosure Scheme, 2026': As one-time measure for small taxpayers and with a view to facilitate voluntary disclosure for resolving small taxpayers' legacy issues of foreign asset and foreign income non disclosures, the scheme has been introduced. The scheme also provides immunity from levy of penalty and prosecution. Amount payable on such disclosure: Category of taxpayers with undisclosed foreign assets or income amount payable Not exceeding Rs 1 crore tax 30 per cent of FMV & penalty -- 100 per cent of tax Asset acquired out of (a) foreign income (when such person was a non-resident) or (b) income already offered to tax in India -- does not exceed Rs 5 crore fees of Rs 1 lakh Corporate taxation changes: Minimum alternate taxes (MAT): MAT rate will be reduced from 15 per cent to 14 per cent. With a view to promote adoption of the new tax regime, no further MAT credit will be accumulated for a company opting for the old regime (MAT paid would be final tax). If a company opts for a new regime from tax year 2026-27, MAT credit (up to March 2026) can be availed up to 25 per cent of tax liability and up to the difference between normal tax and MAT (for foreign companies). MAT shall not apply in case of non-residents opting presumptive taxation. Buybacks recast: The buy back, as an option for distribution of accumulated profits, was slowed down when it was taxable as dividend. However, from April 1, 2026, the Budget proposes to restore capital gains in case of buy back of shares. Considering distinct position and influence in decision making, additional tax rates proposed on buy back by promoters. However, from April 1, 2026, the Budget proposes to restore capital gains in case of buy back of shares. Considering distinct position and influence in decision making, additional tax rates proposed on buy back by promoters. Employer's due date to deposit employee contributions aligned with incomes tax returns (ITR) due date: With a view of ease of doing business, the government proposes to align the due date for remittance of employees' contributions, for deduction, with ITR due date. Unexplained credits: Tax on unexplained credits/investment/asset/expenditure will be reduced to 30 per cent against the earlier tax rate of 60 per cent. Penalty would be aligned with penalty for income misreporting. This would encourage more voluntary reporting. Transfer pricing & international taxation: Rationalisation of safe harbour: Being a global leader in software development services, information technology-enabled services (ITeS), knowledge process outsourcing (KPO) services and contract software research and development (R&D) services, the Budget proposes to club all these inter-connected services under single category with safe harbour margin of 15.5 per cent. Threshold is enhanced to Rs 2,000 crore, with automated approval. This can be availed for 5 years. This enables uniform safe harbour margin, higher eligibility threshold easing TP compliance and attracting larger multinational companies (MNCs), including global capability centres (GCCs), to India. Bringing certainty to advance pricing agreements (APAs): The Budget proposes fast-track completion (within a period of 2 years, extended by 6 months on taxpayer's request) in cases of unilateral 'APA' for IT/ITeS. There is further facility of filing modified returns to cover associated enterprises (AE) with income impacted by APA, within a time period of 3 months for the APAs entered after April 2026. This proposal in the Budget would enable aligning their tax returns, facilitating correct reporting and possibility of refunds where excess is paid. Tax incentives: Prioritising funding for domestic AI and computer infrastructure: With an intent to promote digital infrastructure growth, drive Cloud infrastructure investments and make India more competitive, the Budget proposes to provide tax holiday till 2047 to foreign Cloud service providers using Indian data centres. For the services offered to Indian customers, the Budget proposes such services to be routed through an Indian reseller entity. Companies providing data centre services from India could avail safe harbour options of 15 per cent on cost. The Budget proposes to exempt foreign companies' income from providing capital goods, equipment to an electronic goods manufacturer located in a custom bonded area. These proposals could further protect foreign companies from PE allegations and exposures. Extended tax holiday for IFSC: GIFT IFSC was designed to enable international investors to engage with the Indian economy directly through a world-class regulatory framework like Singapore or Dubai. To promote this objective, the Budget proposes to increase tax holiday for IFSC from 10 out of 15 years to 20 out of 25 years. Further, business income, post expiry of this period, is proposed to be taxed at 15 per cent. Such units should not be formed by way of splitting, reconstruction, reorganisation or transfer of business in India. 'Dividend' for IFSC treasury centre - To enable growth of IFSCs as treasury centres, loans and advances between group entities would not be treated as deemed dividend subject to satisfaction of certain conditions. TDS / TCS provisions: Rationalisation of TDS/TCS rates: With an objective of enhancing administrative convenience and mitigating litigation, the Budget proposes certain changes in TDS / TCS rates. Resident individuals and Hindu undivided families (HUF) are not required to obtain tax deduction and collection account number (TAN) for deducting tax on the purchase of immovable property from non-resident. Retrospective amendments With a view to bring certainty and predictability in taxation, the government has always emphasised not amending laws retrospectively. In the past, the government has condemned certain retrospective amendments. However, quite contradictory to its own position, this Budget proposes the following retrospective amendments to provide clarity to investors by removing a major source of ambiguity on taxation laws: Clarifying time-limit for completion of assessment where Dispute Resolution Panel (DRP) is involved and rule out the divergent views taken by the Supreme Court (SC) in this matter: It has been clarified that timelines prescribed for draft and final assessment order will function independently. This amendment has saved the tax authorities from a revenue loss of nearly Rs 1.3 trillion given the pendency of cases at various appellate levels (source: SC verdict in Shelf Drilling SLP (Civil) Nos. 20569-20572 of 2023). Initiation of reassessment proceedings by jurisdictional assessing officer (JAO) clarified to be valid - settling the JAO vs. National Faceless Assessment Centre dispute. This would bring an end to a lot of cases pending at various appellate forums in India. Audits will not be invalidated for minor Document Identification Number (DIN)-related errors, defects or omissions in notices provided the DIN is referenced in any form settling cases pending at various appellate forums in India. Clarification issued on computing the 60-day timeline for transfer pricing order. Rationalisation of penalties India is consciously shifting from a high litigation tax environment to a certainty driven investment ecosystem. The government intends to reduce multiplicity of proceedings and thereby, has proposed: Discretionary penalties for defaults such as failure to obtain a tax audit, furnish a transfer pricing report, or report specified financial transactions to be converted into mandatory fees. Cases of unexplained credits, assets, etc will be treated as cases of misreporting, attracting a 200 per cent penalty. Budget proposes immunity from penalty, currently available for under-reporting of income, will be extended to cases of mis-reporting on payment of additional tax of 100 per cent of the tax due (120 per cent for unexplained cash/credits etc). Pallavi Singhal is subject matter expert, Price Waterhouse Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff Highly-indebted states such as Kerala, Punjab, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal continue to carry elevated debt and persistent revenue gaps. Illustration: Uttam Ghosh Key Points Highly-indebted states are Kerala, Punjab, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal Gujarat reduced debt levels from over 30% of GSDP to below 20% The report proposes a traffic light system Indias state-level fiscal rules have improved headline deficits, but the gains are fragile and uneven with major states still grappling with high debt levels, a World Bank report submitted to the 16th Finance Commission (FC) said. According to the report, despite nearly two decades of adoption of fiscal responsibility laws (FRLs), debt levels have not converged. Most indebted states And, highly-indebted states such as Kerala, Punjab, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal continue to carry elevated debt and persistent revenue gaps. Many states that started with relatively high levels of debt and fiscal deficits prior to FRLs adoption in the mid-2000s continue to have higher debt burdens. "Some states, like Gujarat, were able to meaningfully reduce debt levels from over 30 per cent of gross state domestic product (GSDP) to below 20 per cent. "Debt levels, however, have remained high for other states like Kerala, Punjab and Rajasthan, highlighted the report titled From Policy to Performance: Analyzing Indias Subnational Fiscal Rules. Factors that increased debt level An analysis of seven major states by the World Bank Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Kerala, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal shows that rising contingent liabilities, off-budget borrowing and high committed expenditure on salaries, pensions and interest have increased debt levels. Setting a historical context, the report points out that while the adoption of fiscal rules is associated with reductions in subnational fiscal deficits, the consolidation often comes at the cost of capital expenditure and development-related revenue spending rather than durable revenue and structural reforms. In relatively rich states, revenue collections did not contribute to the improvement of fiscal deficit during episodes of consolidation. "Instead, reductions in capital expenditures and development-related (revenue) expenditures accounted for more than 80 per cent of the consolidation efforts, notes the report. Reports key recommendation The reports central recommendation is to move away from a one-size-fits-all 3 per cent fiscal deficit ceiling to a differentiated, debt-anchored regime. Indias subnational fiscal rules framework is clear and enforceable but its one-size-fits-all approach ignores heterogeneity in fiscal conditions across states, states the report. What the report proposes It proposes a traffic light system in which states are classified as high risk, under observation or sustainable based on debt-to-GSDP (including off-budget), a three-year average operating balance and the ratio of interest payments to own revenue. Under this scheme, high-risk states would see their borrowing limit cut to 2.5 per cent of GSDP, under-observation states to 2.8 per cent, while sustainable states could borrow up to 3.25 per cent. All would be calibrated to a medium-term debt anchor of 25 per cent of GSDP. To make this work, the paper argues for a parallel strengthening of institutions and accounting. Probable solution for the most indebted states For the most indebted states, it also moots conditional debt restructuring, coupled with medium-term structural reforms. Implementing an accrual accounting system and establishing an independent fiscal institution (IFI) would enhance the accuracy of the state's fiscal data, improve fiscal health assessments, and facilitate the monitoring of fiscal rules. "Increasing flexibility in central transfers, particularly by rationalising Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS), which are rigid, is also important, it suggests. The Arvind Panagariya-led 16th FCs report tabled in Parliament on Sunday recommended capping states fiscal deficits at 3 per cent of GSDP (excluding loans under SASCI). It also called for lowering the Centres fiscal deficit to 3.5 per cent of GDP by the end of the award period (2020-31). What began as a mentor-protege relationship between UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has now evolved into a broader contest over influence, strategy, and leadership in the Middle East, points out Asif Ullah Khan. IMAGE: Abu Dhabi's then Crown Prince (now president of the United Arab Emirates) Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan receives Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the presidential airport in Abu Dhabi, November 27, 2019. Photograph: WAM/Handout via Reuters Key Points Tensions between the Arab neighbours has been simmering for years Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates now find themselves locked in rivalry MbZ helped shape MbS' early assertive foreign policy A prominent Saudi Arabian academic accusing the United Arab Emirates of throwing itself 'into the arms of Zionism' and acting as 'Israel's Trojan horse in the Arab world' -- in an effort to weaken Saudi Arabia and emerge as a dominant regional power -- cannot be dismissed as merely expressing a personal opinion. His pointed criticism of Abu Dhabi is unlikely to be incidental, suggesting it may reflect broader political messaging from higher levels. In a scathing column published in the Saudi newspaper Al Jazirah, Ahmed bin Othman al-Tuwaijri accused UAE leaders of being 'blinded' by 'hatred and jealousy' and of turning against the kingdom despite decades of Saudi support. Tuwaijri, a former dean at the King Saud University and a former Shura Council member, singled out the emirate of Abu Dhabi for criticism, saying it was pursuing 'hostile plots under the guise of diplomacy' and was behind several attempts to destabilise the region. Framing the emirate's actions as both ideological and existential threats, Tuwaijri said that the UAE, which is governed by Mohammed bin Zayed -- a staunch opponent of political Islam -- had collaborated with Israel to the detriment of Arab interests. 'They are trying to shift loyalty from Arab and Islamic solidarity toward external influence,' Tuwaijri wrote. 'This is a betrayal of God, His Messenger, and the entire nation, and it cannot be ignored.' Simmering Discontent For Years Tensions between the UAE and Saudi Arabia have been simmering for years, but burst out in an unprecedented manner shortly after Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's visit to Washington in November. The downward spiral in ties between the two Gulf neighbours has spread beyond the Arab world, with signs that Saudi Arabia is courting Pakistan for military partnerships, and the UAE is inching closer to Islamabad's arch-rival India. The two leaders once acted almost as a single geopolitical force -- backing Egypt's military leadership, coordinating military intervention in Yemen, and spearheading the 2017 blockade of Qatar to curb political Islam and reshape Gulf power dynamics. Once hailed as Gulf allies shaping a new Middle East order, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates now find themselves locked in rivalry, mistrust, and strategic competition. What began as a close partnership -- reinforced by the personal bond between Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MbS) and UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed (MbZ) -- has steadily transformed into a struggle for regional influence. MbS was widely viewed as MbZ's protege. As the older and more seasoned leader, MbZ helped shape the Saudi prince's early assertive foreign policy and reportedly lobbied for him in Washington and other Western capitals. Today, Saudi Arabia is challenging the UAE's economic dominance, attempting to lure multinational firms from Dubai to Riyadh. The two States clash over oil policy in OPEC+, support rival factions in Sudan, and increasingly pursue divergent regional strategies in Yemen, Africa, and the Horn of Africa. Analysts now describe their relationship as a 'fractured fraternity' -- cooperation layered with rivalry and competition for Arab leadership. This assumption is clearly reflected in al-Tuwaijri's outburst when he accused the UAE of trying to be a 'sub-imperial power that uses mercenaries, proxy militias, covert operations, and economic pressure to impose its will.' He argues Emirati militarisation ultimately 'serves Israeli geopolitical goals, particularly weakening Egypt and Saudi Arabia.' What began as a mentor-protege relationship between MbZ and MbS has now evolved into a broader contest over influence, strategy, and leadership in the Middle East. Photograph curated by Manisha Kotian/Rediff Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff The delivery of the jets are facing delays primarily due to GE Aerospace missing several deadlines for supply of its aero engines to power the jets. IMAGE: Tejas fighter jet performs during an air show. Photograph: ANI Photo Key Points Delivery delays are primarily due to GE Aerospace missing deadlines for supplying aero engines. HAL has already built and flown an additional nine Tejas aircraft, awaiting GE engine delivery for finalization. The Indian Air Force aims to induct these Tejas warplanes to address the reduction in its fighter squadron strength. HAL is actively coordinating with the Indian Air Force to expedite the delivery of the Tejas aircraft. Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) on Thursday said five Tejas light combat aircraft are fully ready for delivery to the Indian Air Force. In February 2021, the defence ministry sealed a Rs 48,000 crore deal with HAL for the procurement of 83 Tejas Mk-1A jets for the IAF. The delivery of the jets are facing delays primarily due to GE Aerospace missing several deadlines for supply of its aero engines to power the jets. "The HAL confirms that five aircraft are fully ready for delivery, incorporating major contracted capabilities in accordance with the agreed specifications," a spokesperson of the aerospace major said. "An additional nine aircraft have already been built and flown. Upon receipt of engines from GE, these aircraft will be made ready for delivery," the official said, adding all design and development issues identified are being addressed in an "expedited manner". Tejas is largely Indian-designed Tejas is a single-engine multi-role fighter aircraft capable of operating in high-threat air environments. It has been designed to undertake the air defence, maritime reconnaissance and strike roles. Delivery at the earliest possible time The spokesperson said the HAL is in active discussions with the Indian Air Force to deliver the aircraft at the earliest. "The HAL has received five engines from GE as on date. The supply position from GE is positive, and the future delivery outlook aligns with HAL's delivery plans," she added. "HAL assures that it will meet the guidance projected for the current financial year," the spokesperson said. The IAF is looking at inducting the warplanes as the number of its fighter squadrons have gone down to 30 from officially sanctioned strength of 42. The chairman, Javad Ahmad Siddiqui, has been remanded to four days of police custody for further questioning. IMAGE: The Al Falah University came under the scanner following the Red Fort blast in New Delhi. Photograph: ANI Photo Key Points The arrest follows two FIRs registered by the Crime Branch based on a complaint from the University Grants Commission. The cases involve alleged irregularities and forgery related to the university's operations. The Enforcement Directorate had initiated proceedings in the matter prior to the arrest. The Crime Branch of Delhi Police has arrested Javad Ahmad Siddiqui, chairman of the Al Falah University, following two FIRs registered on a complaint by the University Grants Commission (UGC) after the Delhi Blast, an official said. The action came after the Enforcement Directorate had initiated proceedings in the matter. Investigation into Al Falah University The Crime Branch registered the cases over alleged irregularities and forgery related to the functioning of the private university after the blast near the Red Fort. Siddiqui was produced before a local court, which granted four days of police custody for further questioning, the officer added. Further details awaited. BEIJING, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- China had 1.125 billion internet users by the end of 2025, with the penetration rate climbing to 80.1 percent, according to an official industry report. The report, released by the China Internet Network Information Center (CNNIC) on Thursday, underscores broader adoption of generative artificial intelligence (AI) technology across the country's consumer and industrial sectors, with user numbers reaching 602 million by December 2025, a striking 141.7-percent increase from the end of 2024. As of December 2025, the nationwide adoption rate of generative AI stood at 42.8 percent, a year-on-year increase of 25.2 percentage points. Generative AI is rapidly integrating into daily life and various production sectors, becoming a key engine driving the digital and intelligent transformation of society, the report said. In terms of computing infrastructure, 42 ten-thousand-GPU intelligent computing clusters have been built, placing China among the world's leaders in this regard and providing strong support for the rapid development of its AI industry, said the report. According to the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology earlier this year, China had more than 6,000 artificial intelligence (AI) enterprises last year, while the scale of the country's core AI industry was expected to exceed 1.2 trillion yuan (about 171.39 billion U.S. dollars) in 2025. AI applications have now expanded to cover key industries including steel, non-ferrous metals, power and telecommunications, and are increasingly being applied in product research and development, quality inspection and customer service, the ministry said. With its ability to address challenges like R&D, high costs and low efficiency, AI also serves as a powerful tool for transforming small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in China, according to the CNNIC report. For instance, it helped a new energy company cut the defect rate of its production line from three per thousand to five per ten thousand, said Wang Changqing, an official with the CNNIC. In the first quarter of 2025, a total of 254,000 new SMEs specializing in AI software R&D were established in China, the report added. According to Wang, SMEs are focusing on specialized areas such as large models for vertical industries and industrial intelligent agents, becoming the main force in technological innovation. "Together with leading companies, they are building a healthy ecosystem of collaboration among large, medium and small firms, enabling AI to truly permeate the 'capillaries' of the real economy," he added. Meanwhile, empowered by AI, China's industrial expansion overseas is shifting from scale growth to value increase. This is particularly true in the cultural industry. Technologies like AI-powered automatic translation have enabled cultural products to "go global in minutes," allowing online novels and micro-dramas to reach global audiences immediately, Wang said. According to a 2025 report on the international communication of Chinese online literature released by the online literature center under the China Writers Association, by the first half of 2025, Chinese online literature had already reached over 200 countries and regions worldwide. Behind this growing popularity was the rise of AI in the development of text translation and dissemination, the report said, as it is now widely applied in translation and distribution, especially in non-English language markets, where revenues from AI-translated works are growing rapidly. Moreover, AI supports overseas content distribution by enabling semantic recognition, keyword extraction, user preference modeling, and other applications, allowing personalized recommendations through content profiling, according to the online literature report. AI has also enabled intellectual properties to rapidly transform into diverse forms, including animation, short dramas and games, boosting the vitality of Chinese culture, according to Wang. According to data from China Netcasting Services Association, the overseas market for micro-series generated 1.53 billion U.S. dollars in revenue from January to August in 2025, a 194.9 percent year-on-year increase, with downloads soaring 370.4 percent to approximately 730 million. Online literature platform practitioners have also attributed the surge to AI, as they believe that AI technology brings entirely new possibilities for adapted drama production by assisting in script development, optimizing production processes, and leveraging deep learning to predict audience preferences. Shah said the platform would keep Rs 20 out of every Rs 100 earned, and Rs 80 would go to the drivers' bank accounts. Even the ownership of Rs 20 would be with the drivers IMAGE: Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah greets during the launch of the 'Bharat Taxi' App, at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi, February 5, 2026. Minister of State for Cooperation, Krishan Pal Gurjar and Murlidhar Mohol are also seen in the image. Photograph: Naveen Sharma/ANI Photo Union Cooperation Minister Amit Shah on Thursday launched Bharat Taxi, the country's first co-operative-run ride-hailing platform, which will start services in Delhi-NCR and Gujarat initially and pan-India in the next three years. Key Points Bharat Taxi platform, which has been established by India's top eight co-operative organistions including dairy major Amul, will enhance drivers' income significantly The profit will be shared with drivers associated with Bharat Taxi Customers can hail cars, three-wheelers and two-wheelers through the platform Bharat Taxi platform, which has been established by India's top eight co-operative organistions including dairy major Amul, will enhance drivers' income significantly, besides giving them ownership, the minister highlighted. Addressing an event after launching the service, Shah said the rival ride-hailing platforms have reduced commission and are offering many other incentives, including free rides to customers, seeing the success of Bharat Taxi during the pilot operation. However, Shah emphasised that Bharat Taxi is giving ownership to drivers, which no other ride-hailing platform can offer. "From today, Bharat Taxi has been commercially launched in Delhi-NCR and Gujarat. Within three years, the service will be expanded to all states. Nobody should have any doubt about this," he said. "You will be the driver, and you will be the owner of Bharat Taxi platform," Shah told the gathering. Around 800-1,000 drivers attended the event held at Vigyan Bhawan in the national capital. He said the profit will be shared with drivers associated with Bharat Taxi. Shah said the platform would keep Rs 20 out of every Rs 100 earned, and Rs 80 would go to the drivers' bank accounts. Even the ownership of Rs 20 would be with the drivers. Customers can hail cars, three-wheelers and two-wheelers through the platform. Bharat Taxi operates on a zero-commission and surge-free pricing model with direct profit distribution among drivers. This positions the platform as an indigenous alternative to foreign investment-based ride-hailing platforms. The ride-hailing service market in the country is currently dominated by a handful of players, like Uber, Ola and Rapido. "Within three years, Bharat Taxi is going to become a very major means of welfare for our taxi drivers across the country, from Kashmir to Kanyakumari and Dwarka to Kamakhya," Shah said. After this mobility platform, the minister said the co-operatives would enter into new businesses in the coming years. IFFCO-TOKIO General Insurance Company will provide personal accident and health insurance coverage to drivers associated with Bharat Taxi. Bharat Taxi platform will be run by Sahakar Taxi Cooperative Ltd, which was registered on June 6, 2025, under the Multi state Cooperative Societies Act, 2002 and jointly promoted by NCDC, IFFCO, GCMMF (AMUL), KRIBHCO, NAFED, NABARD, NDDB and NCEL. Sahakar Taxi Cooperative aims at establishing a sustainable and democratic taxi service which will be owned and operated by drivers. It seeks to provide affordable, safe and efficient service for the public while ensuring fair income, social security and dignified livelihood for drivers through collective ownership and cooperative principles. The platform began pilot operations on December 2 in Delhi-NCR and Gujarat. According to the cooperation ministry, Bharat Taxi has emerged as the world's first and largest cooperative-based ride-hailing platform, and the world's largest driver-owned mobility platform. Since its pilot launch, over 3 lakh drivers have joined the platform. Over 10,000 rides have been completed daily in Delhi-NCR and Gujarat. Around Rs 10 crore has been distributed directly to drivers so far. The platform prioritises social security for drivers - called 'Sarathis'- through health insurance, accident insurance, retirement savings and a dedicated support system. Support centres operate at seven locations in Delhi. 'The prime minister didn't come to Parliament.' 'But the BJP MP is charging that you wanted to assault the prime minister.' 'Only a person who has the intellect and ideology of the BJP can come up with such bizarre charges.' IMAGE: Seated from left in the Lok Sabha -- Union Home Minister Amit A Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Photograph: ANI video grab/Sansad TV Congress MPs Varsha Gaikwad and Jothimani have rejected Bharatiya Janata Party claims that women MPs sought to assault the prime minister on Wednesday evening, calling the charge a deliberate falsehood to deflect attention from parliamentary disruptions, denial of speaking rights to the Opposition, and controversial remarks made on the House floor. Key Points Congress MPs deny assault claim, calling it a fabricated BJP narrative to divert attention from silencing the Opposition and shielding the prime minister from scrutiny. Protests were over Nishikant Dubey's remarks, denial of Rahul Gandhi's speaking rights, and alleged bias, not any threat to the prime minister. PM was absent during protests, MPs say, accusing the government of avoiding debates on national security, Ladakh, the India-US trade deal, farmers' issues and the Epstein files. Speaking to Rediff Congress MPs Varsha Gaikwad and Jothimani strongly rebutted the BJP allegations that women Opposition members had planned to physically assault the prime minister, describing the charge as "idiotic", "preposterous" and a manufactured narrative to mask what they called the government's refusal to face accountability in Parliament. 'Protesting against Nishikant Dubey's vulgar remarks against Indira Gandhi' "From where does the BJP churn out such rubbish?" Gaikwad, the Congress MP from Mumbai North Central, asked, reacting to statements by BJP MPs Nishikant Dubey and Manoj Tiwari. "From where does Nishikant Dubey and Manoj Tiwari bring such lies and spin a narrative to hide the prime minister's inactions?" "He (Dubey) spoke such vulgar things about Nehruji, Soniaji and Indiraji. We were protesting against Nishikant Dubey's vulgar remarks and we wanted to register our protest before the Speaker of the House," she said, adding, "As responsible MPs we know what our rights are and we were just asking the Speaker to be heard." Reportedly, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla stated there was an Opposition plan to assault the PM. 'I advised the PM to not come to the House (external link),' Birla reportedly said. 'When we demand that the PM talk about national security, he runs away' Rejecting the assault charge outright, Gaikwad underlined that Prime Minister Modi was not even present in the House at the time. "The PM was not present when we were protesting before the Speaker. So from where does the BJP and Manoj Tiwari bring up such idiotic ideas of wanting to assault the PM?" she asked. "How on earth can intelligent MPs like Manoj Tiwari come up with such preposterous ideas?" Gaekwad said the protest involved nothing more than banners. "We were just protesting with banners. There is no rule that prohibits MPs from doing so," Gaikwad said, accusing the Treasury benches of bias. /p> "First, they don't allow the LoP (Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi) to speak, but before him Nishikant Dubey starts speaking. How can they be so one-sided in their approach?" Gaikwad said the Opposition had repeatedly sought Speaker Birla's intervention. "We had requested the Speaker thrice to allow us to answer Nishikant Dubey's charges but we were not allowed. So, to register our protest we went to the Speaker," she said. "When we demand that the PM talk about national security, he runs away." Invoking the Congress' ideological roots, she added, "The Congress party believes in Mahatma Gandhi's non-violence and truth," and alleged that the BJP "runs away when the Opposition holds them accountable and demands answers about what happened in Ladakh, the India-US trade deal and the Epstein files." 'This has never happened in the history of this Parliament' Karur, Tamil Nadu, MP Jothimani echoed the denial, calling the allegation "disgraceful". "We have no, no such ideas," she said. "It's disgraceful that the prime minister, defence minister and home minister stood up in Parliament and ensured that an Opposition leader was not speaking. This has never happened in the history of this Parliament." Jothimani said repeated attempts by the Opposition to speak had been thwarted. "Every day we are trying to speak, but every time we were not allowed to speak. As a result, the House is adjourned," she said. "Rahul Gandhiji can't show even a magazine and he (Dubey) will do that (Dubey read book excerpts from several books levelling damning allegations against Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi)?" Jothimani said the Opposition wanted to raise "very serious" issues. "What (former Indian Army chief General Manoj Mukund ) Naravaneji said we wanted to speak on that," she said, along with concerns over the US-India trade deal, farmers, MSMEs and the Epstein files. 'It's about the country; beyond the Congress and BJP' On the specific allegation of assault, Jothimani was categorical. "Yesterday, we do not have any bad intention. We went beyond the well to protest, but the prime minister didn't come to Parliament," she said. "He was not present. But the BJP MP is charging that you wanted to assault the prime minister. Only a person who has the intellect and ideology of the BJP can come up with such bizarre charges. We are not the BJP. We are Congress." Calling the episode a question of democratic rights, she said, "The leader of the Opposition not being allowed to speak is not a small thing. It's about the country; beyond the Congress and BJP." Parliament, she stressed, must follow "the same rule for everybody" and uphold "dignity and decorum". "We cannot be sitting lame duck when they are trying to shut us down," Jothimani said, adding that the INDIA alliance stood united. "Somebody making a deplorable statement against a former prime minister is not acceptable to us. The BJP warranted the situation," she said. "We never intend to do something. We wanted to speak -- because there are so many issues concerning the country." The Lok Sabha on Thursday passed the Motion of Thanks on the President's address without the customary speech by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, amid vociferous protests by the opposition. Amid the logjam in the Lok Sabha, the Congress on Thursday hit out at the government and said all opposition parties are united that if Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi was not allowed to speak on the most important order of business, there is very little opportunity for the House to run. IMAGE: Former prime minister Manmohan Singh. Photograph: ANI Photo Key Points Opposition parties are united in protesting the denial of speaking rights to Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi in the Lok Sabha. The Congress party is drawing parallels to a 2004 incident when then-Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was prevented from speaking, highlighting concerns about parliamentary democracy. Mallikarjun Kharge emphasised the importance of both houses of Parliament and the weakening effect of undermining either one. The Lok Sabha passed the Motion of Thanks on the President's address without the customary speech by the Prime Minister, amid opposition protests. Opposition MPs are protesting near Parliament, demanding that the Leader of Opposition and other members be allowed to speak on the motion of thanks. The opposition party also recalled that on June 10, 2004, then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was prevented by the BJP from speaking on the Motion of Thanks to the President's Address. 'Only one issue agitating Opposition' "There is only one issue in Parliament that is agitating the opposition that the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha has been prevented from speaking. When he began to speak raising fundamental issues of security, foreign and defence policy, the prime minister did not want to hear, the home minister did not want to hear, the defence minister did not want to hear," Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh said. "The Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge has said that the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha are two interlinked pillars of Parliament. When one is undermined the other is weakened. The Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha has been prevented from speaking for the past four days....All Opposition MPs in the Rajya Sabha walked out in protest of the denial of opportunity for the LoP Lok Sabha to speak," Ramesh told reporters in Parliament House complex. The Congress leader further said that he would like to remind Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP that on June 10, 2004, the then Prime Minister Singh did not reply to the Motion of Thanks because he was prevented from doing so. "The debate had taken place and here the debate has not taken place.Then, the following year, on March 10, 2005, he thanked the President twice, for 2004 and 2005 This is the BJP's track record," he said. 'Very little opportunity for House to run' Today, the LoP has not been allowed to speak and all opposition parties are united that if the LoP is not allowed to speak in the most important order of business in which the Budget session commences -- the motion of thanks to the President's address, there is very little opportunity for the House to run, Ramesh said. Ramesh posted on X a video of Singh's speech on March 10, 2005, recalling that the then PM had referred to the fact that he was prevented from replying to the Motion of Thanks on June 10, 2004. On Wednesday night, Ramesh had said that to recall and remind on June 10 2004, the then prime minister was prevented by the BJP from speaking on the Motion of Thanks to the President's Address. "On March 10, 2005, Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh began his speech on the Motion of Thanks to the President's Address thus: 'Mr Speaker, Sir, I deem it a great privilege to be standing here today to express the gratitude of our Government to the respected Rashtrapatiji for his address to members of both Houses of Parliament. 'Sir, this is a hard earned privilege for me since I have had to wait out the entire year to perform this happy task. I would like to take this opportunity to doubly thank the President for his Address last year and his Address this year'," Ramesh recalled. Opposition parties decide to raise issue in RS In the morning, floor leaders of several opposition parties met in Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge's chamber and it was decided that the issue of Gandhi "not being allowed to speak" on the President's address would be raised in the Rajya Sabha. Subsequently, Kharge raised the matter in the Upper House, even as the government asserted that the proceedings of the Lower House cannot be discussed in the Rajya Sabha. Speaking with reporters in the Parliament House complex, Congress MP and AICC General Secretary organisation K C Venugopal had demanded that Gandhi and other opposition members be allowed to speak on the motion of thanks to the President's address. "Parliament is for debate and discussion. In parliamentary democracy, LoP has a right to speak and initiate the debate which has been completely denied in this House," Venugopal said. He said the "single point agenda" of the opposition is that the LoP has to be allowed to speak. 'Let the LoP speak' "Our demand is very clear, let LoP speak. When LoP began his speech, they disrupted the speech and switched off the mic. They passed on the mic to treasury benches. Not a single member from the opposition spoke," he said. Venugopal reiterated that the LoP and all other opposition party leaders be allowed to speak. "Our fight is to protect parliamentary democracy. LoP must be allowed to speak, other opposition leaders can speak and then the PM can speak," he said. Meanwhile, the suspended opposition MPs continued their protest on the steps and near the Makar Dwar of Parliament, raising slogans against the government. Motion of Thanks Passed Amid Protests In an unprecedented development, the Lok Sabha on Thursday passed the Motion of Thanks on the President's address without the customary speech by Prime Minister Modi, amid vociferous protests by the opposition. The prime minister was not present in the House when Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla put the amendments moved by the opposition to the Motion of Thanks to vote, which were rejected. The Speaker then read out the Motion of Thanks to the President for her address to both Houses of Parliament on January 28, which was passed by a voice vote, amid sloganeering by the opposition members. As the protests continued, the Speaker adjourned the proceedings till 2 PM. Opposition Demonstrations Congress members stormed the Well, carrying posters with PM Modi's picture and 'Narendra-Surrender' slogan written at the top. Samajwadi Party members too were in the Well, carrying three banners and pamphlets raising the issue of demolitions at the Manikarnika ghat on the river Ganga in Varanasi. The SP banners carried pictures of Rani Ahilyabai Holkar, who had developed the ghats nearly 300 years ago. Trinamool Congress members were also in the Well joining the protest, while other members of the INDIA bloc, including the DMK and the Left, stood at their seats and in the aisle in solidarity. The face-off between the government and the opposition in Lok Sabha had intensified on Tuesday following the suspension of one CPI(M) and seven Congress members for unruly behaviour for the remainder of the Budget session. Gym owner "Mohammed Deepak" unexpectedly became a national hero after standing up to activists pressuring a shopkeeper to change his store's name, sparking widespread praise and highlighting issues of religious tension. IMAGE: Mohammed Deepak. Photograph: Courtesy, ZubairChowdhary /X Key Points Deepak Kumar, a gym owner, unexpectedly gained fame after confronting Bajrang Dal activists pressuring a shopkeeper to change his store's name. Kumar defended a 70-year-old Muslim shopkeeper, Vakil Ahmed, whose store was targeted by activists due to its name. Kumar's act of defiance, including declaring his name as 'Mohammed Deepak,' went viral, earning him praise from leaders like Rahul Gandhi. The Jharkhand government offered Kumar a Rs 2 lakh award, which he declined, suggesting it be given to someone in need. Police have increased security measures in Kotdwar to prevent any disturbances following the incident. Thrust into the national limelight for taking on Bajrang Dal activists putting pressure on a 70-year-old to change the name of his shop, 'Mohammed Deepak' says the fame is most unexpected, and he doesn't want the Rs 2 lakh award given to him by the Jharkhand government. "Give it to someone in need," the 42-year-old gym owner, Deepak Kumar, told PTI after he became the subject of headlines and a social media celebrity. Kumar recalled the incident of January 28 when Bajrang Dal activists gathered outside the Patel Marg clothing store named "Baba," to pressure shop owner Vakil Ahmed (70) to change its name. "There was some pushing and shoving. During this, a man asked my name. I burst out angrily that my name was 'Mohammed Deepak'," he said. 'Had no idea it would escalate this far' Kumar, however, said he had no idea that it would "escalate this far." On January 31, some Bajrang Dal members gathered outside the shop to protest and raise slogans demanding his arrest, accusing him of posting controversial content online. While two cases were filed against the protesters, the police had also filed an FIR against Kumar. My name is Mohammad Deepak. In Kotdwar, Uttarakhand, Deepak Kumar, a Hindu, stood like a wall to protect a Muslim shopkeeper from a mob. No slogans. No fear. Just pure courage and humanity. This is the real India unity over hate, conscience over communalism. Salute this brave pic.twitter.com/d54wlsWxB3 Zubair chowdhary (@ZubairChowdhary) January 30, 2026 A video of Kumar coming to the defence of the Muslim shopkeeper has been widely circulated which is catapulted him to celebrity status online. Various leaders, including Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, praised his actions and have called him a "hero". 'No affiliation with any party' Kumar said he appreciated the support from former Congress cabinet ministers Surendra Singh Negi and Harak Singh Rawat. He however clarified that he has no affiliation with any political party when asked about his pictures with local Congress leaders. Kumar said that he got to know about the reward of Rs 2 lakh announced by Jharkhand Health Minister Dr Irfan Ansari through social media. "Rs 2 lakh is a huge amount, but if the minister gives this amount to a disabled person or any other needy person, it will be really commendable," he said. Increased Security Measures The police administration has been on high alert. According to officials, the situation is being closely monitored, and police have been deployed as a precautionary measure at Deepak Kumar's gym and other sensitive locations. Apart from this, intensive checking of vehicles is being done at the Kaudiya border adjoining the Bijnor district of Uttar Pradesh, so that no anti-social element can enter Kotdwar and the atmosphere is not spoiled. 'This website may embed third-party content from YouTube/Instagram/social media for news and informational purposes under fair use provisions for reporting. All rights remain with the original creators. We do not host or own such content. Any concerns may be reported to us for review and removal in good faith.' Prime Minister Narendra Modi declares the world is shifting towards a new global order, positioning India as a leading voice for the Global South and emphasizing the importance of recent trade deals for the nation's future. IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi replies on the President's address in the Rajya Sabha, New Delhi, February 5, 2026. Photograph: ANI on X Key Points India has emerged as a significant voice for the Global South, amplifying its influence on the global stage. The government is actively pursuing future-ready trade deals with various countries, including a major deal with the European Union. PM Modi criticizes previous Congress-led governments for allegedly damaging India's image and hindering trade opportunities. The India-US trade deal is expected to bring significant benefits, particularly for the Indian youth. The world is moving towards a new global order, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday while replying on the President's address, adding that India has emerged as a loud voice of the Global South. The Prime Minister started his reply as Opposition parties raised slogans saying the 'Leader of Opposition should be allowed to speak' amid the stand-off in the Lok Sabha. The Prime Minister took a dig at Rajya Sabha Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge, and suggested he can raise slogans while sitting. Opposition MPs later staged a walkout. The Prime Minister said the world is moving towards a new global order after the Covid-19 pandemic. "It is clear, the world is moving towards a new world order. After the second world war, a world order was created, now the world is moving towards a new world order. If we analyse it independently, it is leaning towards India," Modi said. "The world is talking about the global south, India is a loud voice of the global south," he said. He mentioned the trade deals being finalised with different countries. "We are doing future-ready trade deals with a lot of countries. In the past few days, we have had nine major trade deals, and the mother of all deals was the one with the European Union," he said. He also took a jibe at the Opposition, which had staged a walkout, and said, "They got tired and left... But some day they will have to reply... How did they bring India to a point that no country was coming forward to have a trade deal with us." He also accused former Congress-led governments of destroying India's image. He further said, "The whole world is appreciating" the India-US trade deal." He added that the trade deal will especially be beneficial for the Indian youth. Traffic on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway resumed at 1.46 am after the damaged gas tanker was shifted from the accident site, an official said. IMAGE: Firefighters and emergency responders attend to an overturned tanker on the Pune-Mumbai Expressway . Photograph: ANI Photo Key Points The accident led to massive traffic congestion, stranding thousands of vehicles and disrupting public transport. The propylene gas was safely transferred, and the damaged tanker was removed using heavy-duty cranes. Toll collection was suspended on the expressway due to the extensive traffic snarls and public inconvenience. Traffic on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway was restored early on Thursday, 33 hours after a gas tanker overturned in the hilly Khandala Ghat section, officials said. The tanker, which carried the highly flammable propylene gas, was removed from the accident site near the Adoshi tunnel in the ghat section, allowing the resumption of traffic on the Mumbai-bound carriageway at 1.46 am, an official from the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) said. The Mumbai-Pune Expressway is India's first 6-lane concrete, access-controlled tolled expressway. It spans a distance of 94.5 km connecting Mumbai, Raigad and Navi Mumbai with Pune. Thousands left stranded for hours The tanker overturned on the Mumbai-bound carriageway around 5 pm on Tuesday, triggering a massive traffic congestion that left thousands of vehicles stranded for hours on the busy expressway. Lines of stationary vehicles stretched for as far as 20 km at the peak of congestion. Passengers, including women and children, remain stranded in their vehicles for several hours without food, water, or toilet facilities. The propylene gas was safely transferred from the overturned tanker to other tankers late Wednesday night and the accident-hit vehicle was removed with the help of heavy-duty cranes, the MSRDC official said. "Traffic on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway resumed at 1.46 am after the damaged gas tanker was shifted from the accident site," he said. Traffic normalised after 33-hour gridlock Vehicular movement in the ghat section normalised gradually after the clearance operation was completed, though congestion persisted for some time as several heavy vehicles were stuck on the stretch. "With the tanker removed and the road cleared, traffic on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway normalised within the next few hours," a police official said. However, the movement slowed briefly in the ghat section on Thursday morning due to the breakdown of a few heavy vehicles near the Amrutanjan Bridge stretch around 7.30 am, he said. Complete shutdown of the Mumbai-bound e-way The tanker accident on Tuesday had led to the complete closure of the Mumbai-bound carriageway, while traffic was diverted and regulated in blocks from the Pune-bound lane. Massive traffic snarls and public outrage had prompted the MSRDC to suspend toll collection on the expressway. Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL), highway police and MSRDC were deployed at the site to manage the hazardous situation and carry out the gas transfer and tanker removal safely. The prolonged disruption also affected public transport, with several Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) buses stranded on the expressway and a large number of regular services cancelled. The incident also disrupted the supply of essential items such as milk and vegetables, as several goods vehicles remained stuck for hours. The deportation from the United States prompted government action against illegal immigration networks and a focus on ensuring humane treatment during deportation processes. IMAGE: Kindly note that this image has been posted for representational purposes only. Photograph: @USBPChief/X Key Points The Indian government is in dialogue with the US regarding the humane treatment of Indian deportees, especially women and children. Cases have been registered against illegal recruitment agents and human trafficking syndicates facilitating illegal immigration via the 'Dunki route'. The Emigration Act of 1983 mandates licensing for recruiting agents to reduce fraud and exploitation of Indian emigrants. The ministry of external affairs issues advisories about fake job rackets and promotes safe emigration practices through the eMigrate portal. Over 3,800 Indian nationals were deported from the US in 2025, the government informed the Rajya Sabha on Thursday. The figures include 3,414 Indians deported through Washington till mid-December, according to the data shared in a tabulated form in a written response to a query by Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh. Congress member Randeep Singh Surjewala asked for the number of Indian nationals deported from the United States and other countries during the last five years, preventive measures including registration or licensing of travel agencies and border coordination taken to protect vulnerable youth, and whether any targets or timelines have been fixed to reduce the illegal "Dunki route" migration. The phrase "donkey route" or "Dunki route" refers to the route used for illegal immigration, largely in context of North America. In 2025, over 3,800 Indian nationals were deported from the US, according to the data shared in the written response. The tabulated data also included locations of Indian consulates in the US and the corresponding number of deportations in 2025, viz., consulates of India in New York (47), Atlanta (31), Houston (234), San Francisco (49) and Seattle (31). Singh said the government of India works in close coordination with the US and other foreign governments on all matters pertaining to deportation of Indian citizens. "Such deportations are subject to an unambiguous verification of their Indian nationality," he said. The government is in constant dialogue with the US government regarding the need for "humane treatment" of Indian nationals during such deportation operations. "We have registered our concerns with the US authorities, particularly with respect to use of restraints on the deportees, especially women and children," the MoS said. Based on the accounts and testimonies given by returning deportees, the central and respective state governments along with the relevant law enforcement agencies have registered a number of cases, and investigations as well as actions are ongoing against several illegal recruitment agents, criminal facilitators and human trafficking syndicates that run these rackets, the government said. The government accords utmost priority to the safety, security and well-being of Indian nationals proceeding for employment abroad. According to The Emigration Act 1983, no person or agency can function as a recruiting agent (RA) without a valid licence issued by the registering authority who is the Protector General of Emigrants. "Mandatory registration of RA is aimed to reduce fraud and exploitation of prospective Indian emigrants proceeding for employment abroad. It is also mandatory for ECR passport holders proceeding for employment to any of the 19 notified Emigration Check Required (ECR) countries to obtain Emigration Clearance (EC) from the office of the Protector of Emigrants (PoE)," he added. The ministry also issues advisories through eMigrate portal, social media handles and other modes of publicity about the perils of fake job rackets and ways to prevent the same. Till December 2025, "a total of 3,505 unregistered agents in country have been notified on the eMigrate portal," he said. Hiba Rana expresses concern for the safety of her children and alleges continuous threats following the incident. IMAGE: Acclaimed poet Munawwar Rana died in 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo Key Points Hiba Rana, daughter of poet Munawwar Rana, has filed a case alleging triple talaq, dowry harassment, and assault against her husband and in-laws. The FIR details alleged demands for dowry, including gold, diamonds, and cash, made by the husband and his family after the marriage. Hiba Rana alleges that she was verbally abused, physically assaulted, and ultimately given triple talaq by her husband during an argument. The case has been registered under various sections of Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Dowry Prohibition Act, and the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act. The daughter of renowned poet Munawwar Rana faced "triple talaq" by her husband in Lucknow. A case was registered for dowry harassment and assault at the Sadatganj police station in Uttar Pradesh. A case has been registered against the husband and in-laws of Munawwar Rana's daughter, Hiba Rana, based on her complaint under Section 85, 115 (2), 351 (2), and 352 of Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Section 3 and 4 of Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961, and Section 3 and 4 of Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act, 2019. The charges include serious offences. According to the FIR, Hiba Rana married Syed Saqib on December 19, 2013, according to Muslim customs. However, harassment over demands for additional dowry began soon after the marriage. According to the FIR, Hiba Rana married Syed Mohd Saqib according to Sunni customs. The petitioner's father and family gave Saqib a dowry, including gold and diamond jewellery and Rs 10 lakh. After the marriage, the petitioner went to her in-laws' house and fulfilled her wifely duties. However, Saqib and his father repeatedly demanded more dowry and Rs. 20 lakh from the petitioner's family. The petitioner's family fulfilled these demands several times to protect her marital life. Allegations of Abuse and Triple Talaq The FIR also alleges that on April 9, 2025, during an argument, her husband verbally abused her, pronounced triple talaq, and threw her out of the house. Rana was subjected to severe verbal abuse and physical assault by her husband. When her sister, Ayesha Rana alias Tina, went to visit her sister at her in-laws' house, Saqib became very agitated and attacked her while hurling abuses. During this incident, he pronounced triple talaq on Hiba Rana, forcibly threw her out of the house, and locked her two children, namely, Syed Fawaz and Hayyam Fatima, in a room, the FIR stated. This incident caused Hiba Rana severe mental trauma, and she went into depression. The complaint also mentioned the concerns about the safety of her children and the continuous threats she is receiving. Quetta in Pakistan's restive Balochistan province witnessed devastating attacks last week, resulting in significant damage to police stations and infrastructure. Images document the aftermath showing destroyed vehicles, damaged buildings, and security forces at the scene. Army personnel and officials surveyed the destruction while residents mourned the casualties in this volatile region affected by ongoing violence. IMAGE: A damaged police station in Quetta, here and below. Photograph: Reuters Photograph: Reuters IMAGE: Damaged vehicles at a police station in Quetta. Photograph: Reuters IMAGE: A damaged site in Quetta. Photograph: Reuters IMAGE: A person walks past the remains of a damaged vehicle at a site, after militant attacks, in Quetta, Pakistan, February 1, 2026. Photograph: Stringer/Reuters IMAGE: A road leading to a damaged site is cordoned off. Photograph: Stringer/Reuters IMAGE: Army soldiers gather at the site in Quetta. Photograph: Stringer/Reuters IMAGE: Soldiers and residents gather to offer prayers for Liaquat Ali, a soldier of the Frontier Corps Balochistan, who was killed in the attacks, during his funeral in Lakki Marwat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Photograph: Ehsan Khattak/Reuters Photographs Curated by and Feature Presentation by Manisha Kotian/Rediff Asaram Fasale, a resident of Pune, is the fifth person arrested by Mumbai Police in the case. IMAGE: Filmmaker Rohit Shetty. Photograph: ANI Photo Key Points The Mumbai police arrested Asaram Fasale, who is believed to have supplied the weapon. The accused are suspected to be acting under the instructions of Shubham Lonkar, an absconding member of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. Shubham Lonkar is also wanted in connection with the murder of NCP leader Baba Siddique and a firing outside actor Salman Khan's residence. A pistol, three magazines, and an air gun were seized from one of the accused during the initial arrests. The court has extended police custody for all five accused until February 11 for further investigation and joint interrogation. The police on Thursday arrested another person in connection with the firing at filmmaker Rohit Shetty's residence in Mumbai, and claimed that the accused were acting on the instructions of Shubham Lonkar, an absconding member of Lawrence Bishnoi gang. Asaram Fasale, a resident of Pune, is the fifth person arrested by Mumbai police in the case. A court remanded him in police custody till February 11, and extended the custody of the other four accused till the same date. Fasale is suspected to have provided the weapon used in the crime, officials said. At least five rounds were fired at the first floor of Shetty's nine-storey building in Juhu area at 12.45 am on Sunday. One bullet struck the glass of a gym inside the building. The shooter in the case is yet to be arrested. All the accused persons were in contact with Shubham Lonkar, who has been shown as a wanted accused in the case, police said. Lonkar is also wanted in the cases related to the murder of NCP leader Baba Siddique and a firing outside actor Salman Khan's Bandra residence. Police produced Fasale before the court along with four others whose initial police remand ended on Thursday. Aditya Gayaki (19), Siddharth Yenpure (20), Samarth Pomaji (18) and Swapnil Sakat (23) were arrested on Sunday. A pistol, three magazines and an air gun were seized from one of the accused. All the accused were acting on Lonkar's instructions, police told the magistrate's court, seeking their maximum custody. Advocate Archana Mane, appearing for Swapnil Sakat, said he was accused of being in touch with Lonkar through Signal app, but his custody was not required as the police had already seized his phone. Advocate Ajinkkya Mirdul, who represented Gayaki, Yenpure and Pomaji, contended that they had only sold a motorbike, and had no idea how it was going to be used. Additional chief judicial magistrate V R Patil, after hearing all the submissions, said the offence appeared to be serious in nature. There was a criminal conspiracy and the case diary showed progress in the investigation, the judge said, adding that further probe was needed. Also, as Fasale was arrested only on Thursday, joint interrogation was necessary, the judge said. The court granted police the custody of the accused till February 11. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, hosts the Chinese Foreign Ministry's 2026 New Year reception in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 5, 2026. Nearly 500 people attended the event, including diplomatic envoys from various countries, representatives of international organizations in China, and representatives of Chinese government departments. (Xinhua/Liu Bin) BEIJING, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- Foreign Minister Wang Yi hosted the Chinese Foreign Ministry's 2026 New Year reception in Beijing on Thursday. Nearly 500 people attended the event, including diplomatic envoys from various countries, representatives of international organizations in China, and representatives of Chinese government departments. Addressing the reception, Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that 2025 marked the 80th founding anniversary of the United Nations. Despite headwinds in international relations, China has remained committed to the right path in its diplomacy over the past year, he added. In particular, the Global Governance Initiative proposed by China has lit the way forward for the world during a critical time of evolution in the international order, Wang said. He noted that no matter how the world has evolved, China's position of safeguarding international fairness and justice has remained steadfast, and its commitment to building a community with a shared future for humanity has not wavered. Entering the new year, the world is becoming even more volatile and unstable, and peace and development face serious challenges, Wang said. China stands ready to work with all forces for progress across the globe -- bearing in mind the future of humanity and the well-being of all people -- to open up an even brighter future, he added. He called for efforts to uphold peace and the rule of law, promote openness and development, tackle crises and challenges, and deepen understanding and friendship. Martin Mpana, dean of the foreign diplomatic corps in China and Cameroon's ambassador to China, sent best wishes to the Chinese people for a happy New Year on behalf of the diplomatic corps. He spoke highly of China's diplomatic achievements in 2025, and of the Global Governance Initiative in particular, describing it as crucial to global peace and development. Countries around the world are willing to work with China to promote mutual understanding, deepen friendship and strengthen cooperation, aiming to safeguard international fairness and promote common prosperity, Mpana said. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, attends and addresses the Chinese Foreign Ministry's 2026 New Year reception in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 5, 2026. Nearly 500 people attended the event, including diplomatic envoys from various countries, representatives of international organizations in China, and representatives of Chinese government departments. (Xinhua/Liu Bin) Sinha issued a brief statement after some posts circulating on social media linked Epstein to one Y K Sinha. IMAGE: A view of the Indian High Commission in the UK. Photograph: ANI Photo Key Points Social media posts linked Epstein to a 'Y K Sinha,' prompting the denial. Sinha served as High Commissioner to the UK from 2016 to 2018. The Epstein files contain documents related to sex trafficking investigations involving Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. India's former high commissioner to the UK, Yashvardhan Kumar Sinha, on Thursday categorically denied any link to controversial financier Jeffrey Epstein. Sinha issued a brief statement after some posts circulating on social media linked Epstein to one Y K Sinha. "It has come to my notice that there are some tweets circulating on social media linking a Y K Sinha to the ghastly and condemnable activities at Epstein Island. "I was a high commissioner of India to the UK, from 2016 till 2018. The person mentioned in the tweet is not me, and I categorically deny any links with Jeffrey Epstein," he said in the statement. Epstein has grabbed global headlines due to the infamous Epstein files. The files are thousands of pages of documents related to two criminal investigations into sex trafficking by financier Jeffrey Epstein and his accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell, including travel logs, recordings, and emails, which have been a topic of conversation since Epstein died in custody in 2019. The Congress recalled that on June 10, 2004, then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was prevented by the BJP from speaking on the Motion of Thanks to the President's Address. IMAGE: This is for the first time since 2004 that the Lok Sabha approved President's address to a joint sitting of Parliament during the Budget Session without the Prime Minister's reply to speech. Photograph: ANI video grab/Sansad TV Key Points Opposition members protested with posters and slogans, while Samajwadi Party members raised the issue of demolitions at the Manikarnika ghat in Varanasi. Congress members stormed the Well, carrying posters with PM Modi's picture and 'Narendra-Surrender' slogan written at the top. The Speaker adjourned the proceedings till 2:00 PM amid continued protests from the opposition. In an unprecedented development, the Lok Sabha on Thursday passed the Motion of Thanks on the President's address without the customary speech by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, amid vociferous protests by the opposition. The prime minister was not present in the House when Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla put the amendments moved by the opposition to the Motion of Thanks to vote, which were rejected. The Speaker then read out the Motion of Thanks to the President for her address to both Houses of Parliament on January 28, which was passed by a voice vote, amid sloganeering by the opposition members. As the protests continued, the Speaker adjourned the proceedings till 2:00 PM. Opposition Members Storm the Well Congress members stormed the Well, carrying posters with PM Modi's picture and 'Narendra-Surrender' slogan written at the top. Samajwadi Party members too were in the Well, carrying three banners and pamphlets raising the issue of demolitions at the Manikarnika ghat on the river Ganga in Varanasi. The SP banners carried pictures of Rani Ahilyabai Holkar, who had developed the ghats nearly 300 years ago. Trinamool Congress members were also in the Well joining the protest, while other members of the INDIA bloc, including the DMK and the Left, stood at their seats and in the aisle in solidarity. 'Unprecedented Development' Constitutional expert P D T Achary termed the passage of the Motion of Thanks on the President's address without the customary reply by the prime minister as an "unprecedented development". Achary, a former Lok Sabha secretary general, said that in 2004, the then prime minister Manmohan Singh was present in the House, but did not make a speech as per an understanding reached with the then opposition BJP. "Speaker sir, I learn that there is an understanding among political parties on both sides that the Motion of Thanks on the President's Address be put to vote straightaway and passed unanimously. Therefore, sir, I request you to put the motion to vote," Manmohan Singh had said on June 10, 2004. Cong recalls Manmohan was prevented from speaking on Prez address in 2004 Earlier, the Congress recalled that on June 10, 2004, then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was prevented by the BJP from speaking on the Motion of Thanks to the President's Address. Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh posted on X a video of Singh's speech on March 10, 2005, recalling that the then PM had referred to the fact that he was prevented from replying to the Motion of Thanks on June 10, 2004. On Wednesday night, Ramesh had said that to recall and remind on June 10 2004, the then prime minister was prevented by the BJP from speaking on the Motion of Thanks to the President's Address "On March 10, 2005, Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh began his speech on the Motion of Thanks to the President's Address thus: 'Mr. Speaker, Sir, I deem it a great privilege to be standing here today to express the gratitude of our Government to the respected Rashtrapatiji for his address to members of both Houses of Parliament. "'Sir, this is a hard earned privilege for me since I have had to wait out the entire year to perform this happy task. I would like to take this opportunity to doubly thank the President for his Address last year and his Address this year'," Ramesh recalled. Ajit Pawar and four other persons on board a chartered aircraft were killed when it crashed barely 200 metres from the edge of a tabletop runway at Baramati airport in Pune district on January 28. IMAGE: In the recording, Ajit Pawar purportedly said that he always tried to take all communities along. Photograph: @mahancpspeaks/X Key Points A relative of Ajit Pawar claims the NCP leader called him minutes before his plane crash. The call reportedly involved a request for representation of the Mali community in Zilla Parishad elections. An audio recording of the purported conversation has been released. The Civil Aviation Ministry reported the plane crashed at 8:44 am after a failed landing attempt. A distant relative of late Maharashtra deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar has claimed that the NCP chief had spoken to him over the phone just minutes before the aircraft he was travelling in crashed, killing him and four others. Playing what he claimed was an audio recording of the call, Shreejit Pawar, a distant nephew of Ajit Pawar, said on Tuesday that he had messaged the NCP leader seeking representation for the Mali community in the upcoming Zilla Parishad elections. Ajit Pawar and four other persons on board a chartered aircraft were killed when it crashed barely 200 metres from the edge of a tabletop runway at Baramati airport in Pune district on January 28. Details of the Purported Phone Call "I had messaged him at 8.19 am while he was on board. As soon as the aircraft came into network range, he called me at 8.37 am, just a few minutes before the crash. I had sought representation for the Mali community in the ZP polls," Sreejit Pawar said. In the recording, Ajit Pawar purportedly said that he always tried to take all communities along. "The conversation reflects Ajit Pawar's inclusive approach," Shreejit Pawar told the media. During the conversation, Ajit Pawar is purportedly heard saying that he had appointed Digambar Durgade, who belongs to the Mali community, as chairman of the Pune District Central Co-operative Bank Ltd. He is also heard saying that a ticket had already been given to a candidate from the Mali community from a ZP group in Baramati. Civil Aviation Ministry Statement In a statement issued on January 28, the Civil Aviation Ministry had said that at 8.18 am, the aircraft first established contact with Baramati air traffic control after being released by the Pune approach at 30 nautical miles (around 55 km) inbound to Baramati. Upon reaching the final approach for the runway, the crew reported that the runway was not in sight and initiated a go-around to reposition for a second attempt on the runway. It subsequently reported "runway in sight" and the ATC cleared the aircraft to land at 8.43 am. However, the crew did not provide the mandatory readback of this final clearance, and at 8.44 am, exactly one minute after the last communication, ATC personnel observed flames erupting near the threshold of the runway. The prime minister is now expected to speak on Thursday in the Rajya Sabha, where the debate on the Motion of Thanks on the President's Address has taken place without any disruption. IMAGE: Opposition MPs protest in the Lok Sabha during the Budget session of Parliament, in New Delhi. Photograph: Sansad TV/ANI Photo Key Points Lok Sabha adjourned after opposition MPs protested near the Prime Minister's seat over trade deals and controversial book references. Opposition protests intensified following the suspension of several MPs for unruly behavior during the Budget Session. Rahul Gandhi's remarks against a Union minister and references to Jawaharlal Nehru sparked further controversy and disruptions in the Lok Sabha. The Prime Minister is scheduled to address the Rajya Sabha, while the Lok Sabha's agenda includes a discussion on the Union Budget. The Lok Sabha on Wednesday witnessed dramatic scenes as women opposition MPs charged towards the Prime Minister's seat holding banners ahead of his scheduled speech, leading to adjournment of proceedings for the day. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was not present in the House, and BJP member P P Chaudhary was making his remarks on the Motion of Thanks on the President's Address when the opposition members trooped into the Well of the House. Government floor managers had indicated that the prime minister would reply to the discussion on the Motion of Thanks at 5:00 PM. What Happened Moments Before Modi's speech When the House met at 5:00 PM after three adjournments, BJP member Sandhya Rai, who was in the chair, called Chaudhary to make his remarks on the Motion. Soon, the women members of the Opposition trooped into the Well and made their way to the Treasury benches, protesting against the trade deal with the US and former Army chief M M Naravane's 'unpublished' book. As opposition members approached the prime minister's seat, the presiding officer adjourned the proceedings for the day. Modi likely to Speak on Thursday The prime minister is now expected to speak on Thursday in the Rajya Sabha, where the debate on the Motion of Thanks on the President's Address has taken place without any disruption. It was not immediately clear when the prime minister would speak in the Lok Sabha, as opposition protests are expected to continue. A discussion on the Union Budget has been listed in the Lok Sabha agenda for Thursday. Escalation of Tension in Parliament The face-off between the government and the opposition in Lok Sabha had intensified on Tuesday following the suspension of one CPI(M) and seven Congress members for unruly behaviour for the remainder of the Budget Session. Some Dalit members of the ruling alliance also met Speaker Om Birla to complain that they were insulted by the opposition benches while chairing the House proceedings. More Drama Outside Parliament Drama ensued outside the House also when Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi, while protesting alongside his suspended party colleagues, taunted Union minister and former Congress MP Ravneet Singh Bittu with a "traitor friend" jibe. Bittu retorted, calling Gandhi 'desh ka dushman', while the BJP later paraded its Sikh leaders to charge the Congress leader of insulting the community. The Lok Sabha has witnessed stormy protests by the opposition members since Monday, when Rahul Gandhi insisted on referring to the unpublished book of Naravane, a move strongly opposed by senior ministers Rajnath Singh and Amit Shah, among others. Nishikant Dubey Sparks Fresh Row On Wednesday, when the House re-assembled at 2 PM after two adjournments at 11 AM and 12 noon, BJP member Nishikant Dubey raked up a fresh controversy by referring to books such as "Edwina and Nehru" and "Mitrokhin Archive" among others and made certain remarks targeting former prime ministers Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi. As Dubey kept listing books and what they said about various members of the Nehru-Gandhi family, TDP member Krishna Prasad Tenneti, who was in the chair, said he could not allow this as the Speaker had already given a ruling against making such comments. Tenneti cited Rule 349 to not make such remarks. Rule 349 bars members from reading from any book, newspaper or letter except in connection with the business of the House. Dubey's remarks angered the Congress and other opposition members, who charged towards him, leading to the adjournment of the House till 5:00 PM. Congress, BJP MPs Meet Speaker After the House was adjourned, Congress MPs met Speaker Birla to protest the Chair's decision to allow Dubey to speak, quoting from books, contending that the Leader of the Opposition had been denied such an opportunity. Home Minister Amit Shah and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju also had a separate meeting with the Lok Sabha speaker. Opposition members were demanding the suspension of Dubey from the House for his remarks. Separately, Dubey held a press conference to further buttress his charges against the Gandhi family and the Congress party. Rahul Gandhi's Reference to Naravane's Memoir Triggers Uproar The debate on the Motion of Thanks was initiated by Union minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Monday and seconded by BJP member Tejasvi Surya. Rahul Gandhi started his speech with references to Naravane's unpublished book, which triggered a stand-off with the government. An unrelenting Gandhi found support from members of the SP, Trinamool Congress and DMK who refused to participate in the debate. TDP's Harish Balayogi, BJP members Dubey and Chaudhary have made brief remarks in the debate. The Lok Sabha had allotted 18 hours for the debate, but only two hours and 44 minutes of discussion had taken place till Wednesday. Long-term climate and vegetation stability is why the one-horned rhinoceros survived in north east India even as it vanished from much of the subcontinent. IMAGE: A one-horned rhinoceros grazing at the Kaziranga National Park. Photograph: ANI Photo Ancient wetland sediments explain why the one-horned rhinoceros survived in Assam while disappearing elsewhere in India Hidden beneath the wetlands of the Kaziranga National Park, layers of ancient mud have preserved a detailed ecological archive stretching back more than three millennia. A new scientific study shows that this long-term climate and vegetation stability is a key reason why the Indian one-horned rhinoceros survived in northeast India even as it vanished from much of the subcontinent. The findings come from a pioneering palaeoecological investigation conducted by scientists at the Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences (BSIP), which reconstructed the first continuous record of past climate, vegetation and herbivore activity from within Kaziranga. Wetland mud as a time capsule To piece together Kaziranga's ecological past, researchers extracted a sediment core more than one metre deep from the Sohola swamp inside the park. Each layer of mud acted as a natural time capsule, preserving pollen grains and coprophilous (dung-loving) fungal spores. "Pollen tells us what kind of vegetation dominated the landscape, while fungal spores linked to dung give us indirect evidence of large herbivores such as rhinos," a BSIP scientist explained. Using this method, the team reconstructed environmental changes spanning roughly 3,300 years. Climate & Vegetation Stability According to the study, Kaziranga did not always look the way it does today. In its early phases, the region was dominated by denser forests and deeper swamp conditions, with relatively low megaherbivore activity. Over time, wetlands became shallower and open grasslands expanded, creating ideal conditions for grazing animals, including rhinoceroses. These transitions were driven by a combination of climate fluctuations, changing river dynamics, vegetation shifts and grazing pressure. The research has been published in the international journal Catena. Palaeoecological Study Why rhinos vanished from the rest of India The study also sheds light on why megaherbivores, including the Indian one-horned rhinoceros, disappeared from large parts of northwestern and central India during the late Holocene period. Scientists link this decline to a combination of increasing climatic instability -- particularly during the Little Ice Age-- and intensifying human pressures such as deforestation, agriculture and hunting. "In contrast, north east India experienced relatively stable climatic conditions and lower human disturbance," the researchers noted. "This allowed rhinos to migrate eastward and eventually concentrate in areas like Kaziranga, where suitable habitats persisted." 3,300-Year Climate Record Kaziranga, part of the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, now supports the world's largest population of the one-horned rhinoceros. Conservationists say the new findings offer crucial lessons for protecting megafauna in a warming world. The long-term data show how climate stability and resilient habitats can act as refuges during periods of environmental stress -- insights that could guide future conservation planning, habitat restoration and wildlife management. From Swamps to Grasslands Supported by the Department of Science and Technology, the study highlights the growing role of palaeoecology in shaping modern conservation policy. By looking deep into the past, scientists argue, policymakers can better understand how species respond to climate change -- knowledge that may prove vital as India faces increasing ecological pressures in the decades ahead. Key Points Kaziranga National Park preserved long-term climate and habitat stability that helped the one-horned rhino survive. A palaeoecological study by Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences reconstructed ~3,300 years of climate, vegetation and herbivore activity. Wetland sediment cores (pollen and dung-fungal spores) revealed how habitats shifted from forested swamps to open grasslands. Stable climate and lower human pressure in north east India allowed rhinos to persist while they declined elsewhere in the country. Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/Rediff Colleen and Hugh Gantzer were the GOATs of travel writers. IMAGE: Hugh and Colleen Gantzer at their cottage Ockbrook in Mussoorie. Photographs: Seema Pant for Rediff Key Points Hugh and Colleen Gantzer were India's oldest and best known travel writers. They began their travels in 1974 after Commander Gantzer's early retirement from the Indian Navy. The couple wrote more than a dozen travel books and thousands of articles. They were awarded a Padma Shri in 2025. Colleen and Hugh Gantzer were one of the nicest couples one could have ever met. India's oldest and finest travel writers, much before social media inhabiting travel influencers invaded our timelines, the Gantzers travelled through every state, Union Territory and beyond. They travelled real and raw, once spending a night alone on an uninhabited island in Andaman and Nicobar. They simply asked the boatman to drop them off and pick them up the next day! The couple travelled by trains, boats, ambassador car taxis, planes, even a Vespa scooter. The Vespa two-wheeler took them on their first wondrous journey from Cochin to Kanyakumari in the 1970s. Commander Gantzer driving, his wife Colleen and young son Peter riding pillion. The couple never stopped after that. IMAGE: The couple's study where they worked and wrote together. After early retirement from the Indian Navy, Commander Gantzer took to travel. His dear Colleen, companion and partner on every journey. They experienced India like few have, sharing their experience and vast repository of knowledge in dozens of travel books, nearly 3,000 of articles and a popular series on Doordarshan that they have left behind. Their travel writing told the story of India the way it should -- its history, geography, culture, people, foods, architecture and shared histories that connect places and people. They had so many stories -- and told them so well. No travel influencer could match the wealth they possessed, their curiosity and sense of inquiry. After the Covid lockdown, the couple, then in their 80s and 90s, stopped travelling, preferring to stay home in their 180-year-old cottage in Mussoorie, while continuing to write for local newspapers. IMAGE: The room full of framed awards and certificates. IMAGE: Colleen Gantzer outside her home in February 2023. After having known about them through their articles, I had long desired to meet them. On a trip to Dehradun in 2023, I managed to get their phone number and called. Mrs Gantzer answered the landline in a pleasant and warm voice. The gracious couple agreed to a phone interview and spoke to me for nearly an hour -- the conversation sprinkled with stories of beautiful journeys they had made in India and abroad -- and their own fascinating personal history. At the end of the conversation, they agreed to be photographed and invited me along with two colleagues for tea at their cottage, Mrs Gantzer giving detailed directions to their home in the hills. Winding steps took us up the cottage and we were greeted by a charming Mrs Gantzer. Leaning on her stick, she led us through her dining room into the drawing room -- both replete with souvenirs collected from their travels. One wall lined with plates from different countries, one section only had plates with pictures of dogs. The drawing room lined with black and white photos, so classic in style that you paused to see each frame. Commander Gantzer joined us in a few minutes. In his 90s and walking with the aid of a stick, age had not diminished his wit and sparkling memory. A natural raconteur, he had us enthralled. The charm still intact, he made his wife chuckle coyly when he talked about his decision to marry her the first time he saw her which incidentally was from a top floor window with her back towards him. The couple were married for 64 years. IMAGE: The alcove in the room containing memorabilia from his two decades spent in the Indian Navy. Among the medals and mementos was a black and white framed photograph of the second version of INS Khukri. IMAGE: Vast collections of treasures by the couple. They brought back something from every journey. An alcove in the room was devoted to memorabilia from his two decades spent in the Indian Navy. Among the medals and mementos was a black and white framed photograph of the second version of INS Khukri. He was posted on the first version of the ship, the only Indian vessel that was destroyed and sunk in a torpedo strike in the 1971 War. Commander Gantzer had been posted out of the ship just a month before it sank with its commanding officer Captain M N Mulla choosing to go down with the ship in the highest traditions of a seaman. "Had he not been posted out, he would not have been here talking to you," Mrs Gantzer had said. Both Hugh and Colleen were Anglo-Indians. Hugh had Danish origins while his wife's ancestors were from Scotland. "There was a Gantzer Street in Calcutta," he said talking about his ancestors who arrived in Bengal several generations earlier. Hugh was born in Patna in 1931 where his father was chief of the Survey of Bihar and Orissa. Mr Gantzer senior had bought the Mussoorie cottage in 1940. Colleen was born in 1934 in Godhra where her father was employed in the workshop of the Bombay Baroda & Central India Railway. Our conversation took place over hot pakodas made by the house help under Mrs Gantzer's supervision and served with tea in old style cups and saucers. The generous couple showed us their writing room which was a writer's paradise, stacked with books and papers, the sunlight streaming from the window above. "We believe every person has to pay back to society. So we write a regular column to bring out what we believe are the local problems," said Commander Gantzer who loved the hills and championed their preservation. IMAGE: The couple always had Lovebirds. A section on the verandah was devoted for them. He felt that Dehradun would be the ideal place to host The World Ecological Forum just like the World Economic Forum in Davos to discuss issues like climate change, rampant cutting of trees, unplanned infrastructure, pollution that have come to affect us all. We spent a lovely morning with a kind and generous couple who epitomised so much of a world that has disappeared. A world that was slow and solid -- and the grace they brought into those times. IMAGE: Hugh and Colleen Gantzer. Colleen and Hugh Gantzer deservedly were awarded the Padma Shri, sadly a few months after Mrs Gantzer's passing. In their deaths, 14 months apart, they have taken a small piece of India's heart with them. Farewell and Rest in Peace. Here's to many more journeys in the Great Beyond... Photographs curated by Manisha Kotian/Rediff Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff STOCKHOLM, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- Europe cannot afford to isolate itself if it wants to remain globally competitive, and cooperation with China "is essential," said Anders Soderholm, president of Sweden's KTH Royal Institute of Technology. Soderholm made the remarks in a recent interview with Xinhua. He visited Chinese universities and research institutions in mid-October 2025, together with three other Swedish university presidents. The trip aimed to gain first-hand insight into how Chinese universities organize scientific research and innovation, and to identify areas where cooperation could benefit both sides, he said. "Overall, yes, the visit gave us valuable insights and several concrete ideas for cooperation," Soderholm said. He said he was impressed by the rapid development of Chinese universities and their strong momentum in research and innovation. China's research environment, he noted, is well funded and strategically focused. Both data and on-site observations point to an unprecedented pace of Chinese research and experimental development (R&D), he said, noting that China's R&D spending has risen rapidly, research output and citation impact have increased, and the country now leads in several key areas. Looking ahead, Soderholm said research and academic cooperation needs to prioritize sustainability-related technologies, including energy systems, materials and climate technologies, where China's large-scale deployment and Europe's research strengths can complement each other. Soderholm and the presidents of Lund University, Uppsala University and Chalmers University of Technology co-authored an opinion piece published in the Swedish newspaper Svenska Dagbladet in June 2025, calling on Swedish universities to strengthen cooperation with China. The article notes that China invests heavily in R&D and that Europe could learn from China's progress in areas such as artificial intelligence, quantum technology and renewable energy. "Europe needs to stay globally competitive, and in some areas cooperation with China is essential," Soderholm said. "If Europe cuts itself off, we risk slowing our own innovation and weakening our long-term economic and security position," he said. Soderholm noted that Sweden and China have broad potential for cooperation, including climate action, sustainable cities, green energy and circular materials, areas where both countries have strong capabilities. LANZHOU, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- For most Chinese farmers, the freezing winter period before the Spring Festival is typically a slack season in the agricultural calendar, but for 47-year-old An Mingqiang, it is an unusually busy time. At home, An looks after more than 20 head of cattle, over 30 sheep and more than 200 pigeons, while also pruning his nectarine trees. "The more work I do, the more I earn. That gives me peace of mind," he said. An is a farmer from Bonan-Dongxiang-Salar Autonomous County of Jishishan, northwest China's Gansu Province. On the night of Dec. 18, 2023, a 6.2-magnitude earthquake struck the county, which is home to about 280,000 people. The quake damaged more than 230,000 rooms and affected over 50,000 households, impacting around 240,000 residents. An's house suffered severe structural cracks and was rendered uninhabitable. In March 2024, Jishishan County began systematically advancing post-disaster reconstruction efforts. Under relevant policies, An received a subsidy of 75,000 yuan (about 10,786 U.S. dollars) and a 50,000-yuan subsidized loan to rebuild his home on its original site. With an average altitude exceeding 2,200 meters, Jishishan endures harsh winters, with temperatures that can plunge below minus 10 degrees Celsius. For residents affected by the disaster, moving into a warm, newly built home was their greatest wish. In remote Jishishan, frequent rainfall in summer and autumn made post-disaster reconstruction anything but easy. To ensure residents could resettle in warm homes before winter, construction teams from across Gansu rose to the challenge. Working around the clock for more than eight months, more than 17,000 workers repaired homes for 28,927 households, rebuilt 10,080 houses on their original sites, and completed the construction of all 10,015 new homes across 13 centralized resettlement areas. "In just six months, we all moved into new homes. All our worries are gone. We've really experienced the efficiency of 'China speed' firsthand," said An. Beyond housing, Jishishan County has focused on revitalizing industries to help affected residents like An Mingqiang not only resettle securely but also build sustainable livelihoods. Measures include robust support for the livestock sector through subsidies for purchasing cattle, sheep and feed, as well as for building barns; the active promotion of crop cultivation -- such as ginseng fruit, pumpkins and nectarines -- by providing free seedlings to farmers; the transfer of land-use rights and the construction of greenhouses to create local employment; and the deployment of agricultural experts to offer on-site guidance and technical training. With guidance from the local government, An not only continued his livestock breeding efforts but also converted part of his land to cultivate higher-value cash crops like pumpkins and nectarines. "Last year, my pumpkins sold for tens of thousands of yuan," An said. "The government not only provided free pumpkin seedlings but also set up sales stalls for us in the county." The financial returns from the new planting strategy delighted An. After this Spring Festival, he plans to lease another 10 mu (about 0.67 hectares) of land to grow pumpkins. Last year, his sales of cattle and sheep brought in over 80,000 yuan. With guidance from agricultural experts, he also began raising egg-laying pigeons, whose eggs -- selling for 3 to 5 yuan each -- are in high demand, and ventured into beekeeping. His 15 beehives yield around 75 kilograms of honey annually, which sells for up to 160 yuan per kilogram. Dong Gajun, Party chief of Zhangguojia Village, said that about 80 percent of the 54 households in the village that rebuilt on their original sites are now engaged in breeding or planting. Ma Zhanbiao, head of Jishishan County, said that after the earthquake, the county pursued housing reconstruction and industrial cultivation in parallel to ensure that disaster-affected people could both settle securely and thrive in their work. At the Hejia Village resettlement site in Guanjiachuan Township, about 20 kilometers from Zhangguojia Village, the ginseng fruit greenhouses operated by Gansu Glacier Summer Agricultural Product Supply Chain Co., Ltd. are bustling with activity. In the weeks leading up to the Spring Festival, orders have surged, keeping workers busy harvesting ripe fruit, pruning shoots, and applying fertilizer. Established in June 2025 with government support, the company primarily grows and sells vegetables and fruits to employ relocated residents. Xie Wei, who manages the company, said that 90 percent of its workers are disaster-affected residents. Ma Lianxi, from Zhangxiejia Village in Guanjiachuan Township, was relocated with his five family members to the Huateng Community in Chuimatan Township just six months after the earthquake, moving into a 150-square-meter apartment. Drawing on his extensive farming experience, he was hired by the company to manage greenhouse operations. "As soon as the greenhouse was built, I started working here, with a monthly salary of 4,500 yuan," Ma said. He said that at 61, he now has a steady job as a "salaried worker." "The houses were built quickly and well, and industrial cultivation kept pace. The government considered everything for us, letting us truly feel what 'China speed' means," he added. Li Yong, Party chief of Jishishan County, told Xinhua that by the end of November last year, all 209 post-disaster recovery and reconstruction projects in the county -- including housing, education and healthcare -- had been completed. The county accomplished its three-year reconstruction task in just two years. Notably, the county's agricultural industry was restructured and upgraded, with the concentrated construction of 374 greenhouses and 56 livestock breeding and rearing pens. The scale of protected agriculture expanded significantly, with livestock breeding reaching a record high. According to Mao Jinhuang, a professor at the School of Economics, Lanzhou University, Jishishan County's post-disaster recovery and reconstruction -- ensuring both resettlement and prosperity -- demonstrates the efficient and pragmatic "China speed." This success stems not only from scientific, systematic planning and resource allocation, but also from the collaborative support of all sectors of society and the mutual aid among affected residents, collectively providing a vivid example of effective post-disaster reconstruction, Mao noted. Heshmat Kayedi says Iranian security forces shot and killed his 18-year-old son in front of their home in the western Iranian city of Andimeshk during the violent crackdown on nationwide protests. Speaking to RFE/RL's Radio Farda from inside Iran, Kayedi said that his son, Hossein, was shot in the heart and died in his mother's arms. The death was one of thousands recorded all over Iran during protests sparked by a collapsing economy and brutal state repression. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the next round of US-brokered peace talks with Russia is "likely" to take place in the United States as officials from both countries wrapped up a second day of renewed negotiations. Ahead of the Abu Dhabi meetings on February 4-5, both Russian and Ukrainian officials hinted at glimmers of optimism to end the full-scale invasion, which Russia launched on February 24, 2022, and which has now killed or wounded nearly 2 million men on both sides. With no other apparent breakthroughs in the sputtering efforts to end Moscow's all-out war on Ukraine, the two sides agreed to another prisoner-of-war swap, something that has occurred periodically throughout the war. Steve Witkoff, the White House envoy who has led the US-led talks, announced the exchange, in which 314 prisoners were released on February 5. "While significant work remains, steps like this demonstrate that sustained diplomatic engagement is delivering tangible results and advancing efforts to end the war in Ukraine," Witkoff said in a post to X. Neither Russian nor Ukrainian officials made any announcements about the outcome of the talks. Kyrylo Budanov, the former head of Ukraine's military intelligence who is now a top presidential adviser, was quoted by RBK-Ukraine as saying they were "indeed constructive." Later in the day, Zelenskyy said the prisoner exchange was "most important," adding that it had been a long time since Kyiv had been able to "unblock" the diplomatic process of returning its citizens. Despite the hints of progress, Russia continued to barrage Ukraine with drones and missile. On the eve of the talks, Russia launched one of its largest aerial attacks of the war, targeting Ukraines energy infrastructure and deepening misery for civilians suffering through a bitterly cold winter. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters that Russia's position remains unchanged and that it is "absolutely clear and well understood by both Kyiv and the American negotiators." Markus Ziener, a former Moscow-based correspondent who is now a fellow with the German Marshall Fund, said the prisoner swap signaled some progress. "But I'm rather skeptical if we get to the nitty-gritty, actually, of the whole negotiations," he told RFE/RL. "So far, there is not really much that gives us hope that a settlement of the war is within reach." After initially holding face-to-face talks in months immediately following February 2022, Moscow and Kyiv did not hold direct negotiations until May of last year. US President Donald Trump has been frustrated that the war continues to rage, despite the fact that he made making resolving it a top foreign policy priority. In addition to Witkoff, who has met seven times with Russian President Vladimir Putin over the past year, Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, was also attending the talks. The meetings include current and former intelligence agency officials from both countries, and have focused on narrow topics. The gap between two sides positions has narrowed somewhat, with the main sticking point being the question of territory in Ukraines Donbas region that Kyiv controls but Moscow claims. Zelenskyy has proposed setting up a demilitarized zone, possibly with European peacekeepers. Russia has decidedly rejected that option. Kyiv is also seeking binding security guarantees from the United States and other Western allies, that would obligate outside countries to come to Ukraines aid if Russia were to attack again in the future. Ukrainian political analyst Ihor Reiterovych urged the West to offer stronger guarantees for Ukraine -- and to avoid a repeat of the 1994 Budapest Memorandum. That agreement, signed by the United States, Russia, and Britain, guaranteed Ukrainian territorial integrity in exchange for Kyiv eliminating its nuclear arsenal. "I would put myself in the shoes of the Russian president: if I want to negotiate a peace settlement, I would not hammer Ukraine and pound them the way they do," Ziener said. "I would actually try to create a situation where you can reach a settlement." "Given all the sacrifices Ukraine has [made] so far. I think it's very difficult for Ukraine to say, OK, well, we'll cede to the Russian demands and [then] so many lives have been lost in vain," he said. "So I believe that it's difficult really to find a settlement that would ask Ukrainians to make major concessions at this point." With reporting by RFE/RL Brussels correspondent Zoriana Stepanenko. WASHINGTON -- Congress has approved $200 million in security assistance for the Baltic states as Russian activity along NATOs eastern flank intensifies. The funding, approved this week as part of the Fiscal Year 2026 Defense Appropriations Act secures continued US backing for Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania under the Baltic Security Initiative (BSI). The $838.7 billion defense package, signed by President Donald Trump on February 3, locks in funding for security cooperation with the three Baltic states despite earlier attempts inside the Pentagon to eliminate it. An additional $10 million was allocated to Estonia through the Foreign Military Financing program under the overseas missions budget, funding Tallinn has previously used to acquire HIMARS ammunition, Javelin missiles, and large-caliber artillery shells. "This is great for deterrence for our Baltic allies, Congressman Don Bacon (Republican-Nebraska), a retired Air Force brigadier general and co-chair of the House Baltic Caucus, told RFE/RL. He added that the issue became a priority after the Defense Department signaled its intention to defund the program. Congress is committed to a strong NATO alliance, and we know that extra emphasis is needed in regard to the Baltics, he said, added that history shows the dangers of retreating from global engagement. Most in Congress are committed to NATO and know we need friends to counter China, Russia and Iran. We cannot do it alone. America alone is America weaker, Bacon said. The three Baltic countries, all NATO members and firm supporters of Ukraine, have seen violations of their territory by Russian planes or drones in recent months. Highlighting heightened tensions, three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets entered Estonian airspace over the Gulf of Finland in September and remained there for approximately 12 minutes. That incident prompted Tallinn to request an extraordinary meeting of the UN Security Council and the activation of Article 4 of the Atlantic Treaty, which provides for consultations between allies in the event of a threat to one of its members. Bacon noted that Russia's war against Ukraine, weeks away from its fourth anniversary, is a threat beyond Ukraine's borders. He said the outcome of the conflict, Europe's largest and deadliest since World War II, will directly shape the security environment for the Baltic states and other vulnerable neighbors. If Ukraine falls, he said, we should know with certainty that Moldova will be next, followed by mounting pressure on the Baltics and Georgia in the Caucasus. We should not be neutral, Bacon said. We should stand on the side of freedomand against a dictator thug. A Very Political Decision For Baltic leaders, the congressional vote approving the funding is more than just a budgetary decision. Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys, speaking to RFE/RL during a visit to Washington on February 4, underscores the reality that the region is NATOs front line. The decision is very political in its essence, Budrys said, describing it as evidence of strong transatlantic ties and of Baltic commitments to invest in US-made defense capabilities. Budrys also pointed to the broader security environment facing the region, including Russian and Belarusian hybrid operations. He said Lithuania and its neighbors are accumulating experience in countering tactics ranging from cyber and information warfare to the instrumentalization of migration and disruptive actions against civil aviation. We should expect that it will come in new forms tomorrow or the day after tomorrow, he warned, describing hybrid pressure as a persistent feature of the West's new security reality. Bipartisan Signal Kristen Taylor, associate director of the Atlantic Councils Transatlantic Security Initiative, told RFE/RL the legislation comes at a moment of heightened urgency, as Russian activity along NATOs eastern flank intensifies. This funding is designed to support interoperability efforts and enhance military capabilities for Baltic allies, Taylor said. More importantly, she added, it gives a measure of reassurance to allies who have grown uneasy about Washington's commitment to its European allies. The Defense Appropriations Act passed the House by a razor-thin 217214 margin and cleared the Senate with a more comfortable 7129 vote before being signed by Trump. In a dramatic reversal that has kept global markets and regional allies on edge, the United States and Iran have confirmed they will move forward with high-stakes negotiations in Muscat on February 6. The talks, which appeared to have collapsed late on February 4, represent what is largely seen as a last-chance effort to avert a major military escalation in the Persian Gulf. The path to the Omani capital was anything but smooth. After a dispute over the venue and the agenda -- with Tehran pushing for a bilateral meeting in Oman and Washington initially insisting on a multilateral summit involving regional powers in Turkey -- the Trump administration briefly called off the engagement. However, following a flurry of "high-level" messages from at least nine regional partners, including Saudi Arabia and Egypt, the White House relented. While the United States agreed to the change of scenery to Muscat, senior officials emphasized that the change in location does not signal a change in resolve. Iran Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi wrote on February 4 that "nuclear talks" were set to be held in Muscat at 10 a.m. local time. A White House official later confirmed to RFE/RL that the meeting would go ahead. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, speaking from Washington on February 4, made it clear that the United States is not interested in a narrow "nuclear-only" conversation. Rubio confirmed that while the White House is prepared to engage, it has set a high bar for what constitutes a successful meeting. "In order for talks to actually lead to something meaningful, they will have to include the range of their ballistic missiles, their sponsorship of terror organizations, and the treatment of their own people," Rubio told reporters. Rubio also drew a sharp line between the Iranian leadership and the public, particularly in the wake of last month's bloody crackdown on nationwide, antiestablishment protests. "The leadership of Iran at the clerical level does not reflect the people of Iran," he said. "I know of no other country where theres a bigger difference between the people that lead the country and the people who live there." 'Weird' Country To Talk To US Vice President JD Vance echoed Rubios skepticism, highlighting the inherent difficulty of negotiating with a country where the ultimate decision-maker remains behind a curtain of clerical authority. In a February 4 interview on The Megyn Kelly Show, Vance described the diplomatic dance as "absurd," pointing out that unlike other world powers, the United States cannot simply call the person truly in charge. "Its a very weird country to conduct diplomacy with when you cant even talk to the person whos in charge," Vance said, referring to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Since succeeding Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the founder of the Islamic republic, as Irans supreme leader, Khamenei has not left the country and has almost exclusively met with leaders of country that are either friendly toward Tehran or otherwise not deemed overtly hostile. As US envoy Steve Witkoff prepares to meet Araqchi, the atmosphere remains combustible. The United States continues to bolster its military presence in the region, and Iran warns that any strike will result in a regional war. Vance warned that while the Trump prefers a nonmilitary resolution, the clock is ticking. "If [Trump] feels like the military is the only option, then hes ultimately going to choose that option," he said. QUITO, Feb. 4 (Xinhua) -- Ecuador's sales of hybrid and electric vehicles (EVs) saw a surge in January, mainly driven by Chinese EV brands, the Association of Automotive Companies of Ecuador (AEADE) said Wednesday. The country's EV sales in the period increased from 181 units to 612 units year on year, AEADE said in a sales report, noting that hybrids and EVs accounted for 22.2 percent in the Ecuadorian car market. According to the report, 15 Chinese brands, including BYD, Dongfeng, GAC, Chery and JAC, were among the 21 best-selling EV brands in January. BYD led the surge of Chinese EV sales in Ecuador with 311 units sold, a 170.4-percent increase year on year. AEADE added that January became the best month for the Ecuadorian automotive market, with a 37-percent growth in new vehicle sales, up from 8,276 units in 2025 to 11,342 units in 2026. Genaro Baldeon, the president of AEADE, said that the decrease in country risk has made financing more accessible, which drives demand and keeps the automotive market in Ecuador active. CARACAS, Feb. 4 (Xinhua) -- Venezuela's Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez said on Wednesday that authorities are investigating the events surrounding the Jan. 3 U.S. military operation, which resulted in the seizure of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife. In his statement, the military chief did not specify the type or scope of the investigation, but indicated that the ongoing investigation will allow the country "to learn, evaluate and make adjustments" to the transformation plan for Venezuela's Bolivarian National Armed Forces, adding that "extremely high technology" was involved. The remarks were made on Venezuela's National Dignity Day, an event viewed as a symbol of resistance and political transformation. Local authorities and politicians need to campaign for the Athlone City Project, Oran businessman Sean Mulryan told a meeting of Roscommon County Council last week. It is now for everyone to put pressure on the people in power to deliver this, it is in their hands, he said. He asked councillors and officials to get on the phones to ensure that the project crossed the line, and get them to press the green button. And lets get on with it. Following an invitation from the local authority, the Ballymore property group gave a presentation to councillors on the ambitious project for the Midlands. The project would see a new, sustainable Athlone City designed to accommodate a population of 100,000 by the year 2040. Under this proposal, there would also be a major expansion of the Technological University of the Shannon. Mr Mulryan said that the process began around 8 years ago, when they saw the congestion in Dublin and the problems with student accommodation, saying that the capital was basically bursting at the seams. He stressed that continuing to add to the size and scale of Dublin didnt seem to make an awful lot of sense. Looking at examples around Europe, including Copenhagen, they looked at how others went about starting a new city. The one thing you must have is an anchor. You cant guarantee jobs in this world but you can guarantee students, he said. You have a young, growing population and a great education system in Ireland. He said that under the plan, TUS Athlone could grow to up to 25,000 students. We started with that as being the anchor to the new city, he said. He said that three years ago, he met the former Taoiseach Brian Cowen, former EU Commissioner Phil Hogan and Head of Goldman Sachs Adrian Jones. I mentioned that I was disappointed that we werent going forward at pace, Mr Mulryan said. But he was urged to keep going, and further meetings with the powers that be were organised. At this stage, we have met almost all of the senior ministers across the parties, he continued, saying they all asked him to continue with the plan. Among them are Taoiseach Micheal Martin, Tanaiste Simon Harris, Minister for Finance Jack Chambers, as well as other ministers and members of the opposition. A project of this nature so close to Roscommon and the North West, he said, would be transformative. The economic impact, for education, and for young people who dont have to emigrate would be enormous, the Oran native said. Mr Mulryan said that the governments role was essential. This cant go forward without total commitment by government, he said, adding that the project would require a body similar to the Dublin Dockland Development Authority, with CPO powers. Were leading the project to a certain point, but there is a point we hand the baton over to the government, he said. If we want to do something in Athlone we have to bid for it the same as everyone, as every other competitorThats the only way this would be successful. In terms of how much the project would cost, he told the Taoiseach that it was very early days. Probably for the first five years, its approximately a billion a year of a commitment to get this project up and running, starting with the university. The next stages are the master plan and infrastructure, he said. You bring them all along together but the most important piece is the university. To get this going, its going to have to come from the top down. It's going to have to see the Taoiseach of the day appoint a senior civil servant and have it as their priority. The overseeing authority would then be appointed to work with the local councils. It is a very good time for Ireland to start reinventing itself. There is a budget surplus at the moment. The beauty of these infrastructure projects is the payback is huge. It is early days, but it has to come from the top down and it has to start now. If we want to hit 2040 it has to start now. Regarding the type of housing for the project, he said he did not envision any high rise residential buildings, citing costs. He said the project has received universal support from politicians but needed someone to press the button and say now were going to do it". "Thats all outside of our power, we have brought it a certain amount of the way, it's down now to the Taoiseachs office and his team. Speaking about the possibility of a new airport in Athlone, Mr Mulryan felt that with better transport infrastructure, Knock Airport would serve the project. It is nearing a million passengers now and it has a lot of potential, he said. *Published as part of the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme. A district court judge has accepted jurisdiction in a case in which a garda was allegedly assaulted and injured. Shane Fetherstone, aged 35 years old, with an address at 11 Lanesboro Street, Roscommon, appeared before Judge Vincent Deane at Roscommon District Court, charged with public order offences at Douglas Drive, The Walk, Roscommon Town on October 16th, 2025. He is also charged with alleged obstruction of a garda and assault causing harm to the garda. The court heard that gardai were called to a public order incident at The Walk where the accused was allegedly highly intoxicated. He was arrested and brought back to the station, where it is alleged that he was wilfully obstructing gardai. During this, it is alleged that one of the gardai injured her shoulder. It is also alleged that when being put into the cell, he tried to grab the gardas wrist. Judge Deane accepted jurisdiction and the matter was adjourned until March. *Published under the Court Reporting Scheme The chief executive of Roscommon County Council has welcomed the Athlone City Project, and pledged his support for it. Following a presentation on the plan by the Ballymore Group at the January plenary meeting, Mr Shane Tiernan said he fully supported the proposal. I dont think there is a CE in the country who wouldnt relish the thought of a city like that developing in their local authority area, he said. He added that both he and Ballymore Group CEO Sean Mulryan were very passionate about the development of Knock Airport, saying it was pivotal to this county and region. We have met with my counterpart in Westmeath and the economic forum, he said. This has all the ingredients of a super city, it has all the ingredients of what we in local authorities want to see for our towns. Mr Tiernan said the project was a tremendous plan which needed to be driven forward by decision makers, including endorsement from the Department of the Taoiseach. He agreed with Mr Mulryans estimation that the project needed a billion euro a year for the first five years. Thats significant investment but we have to look at the return, and the long term return with be phenomenal, not just for Roscommon but for the entire West of Ireland. A vehicle with a strong leader is needed now to drive this forward. *Published as part of the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme Roscommon County Council is to honour Cloontuskert Development and Tidy Towns Association at its 2026 civic reception. At last weeks meeting of the Roscommon Municipal District, Cllr Larry Brennan proposed that the local group be commended as The Abbey Housing Estate, Cloontuskert, was the overall All-Island winner in the Urban Neighbourhoods and Housing Estates Category at the IPB Pride of Place Awards. The awards were held in November of last year, and the FF councillor said that the Cloontuskert Development and Tidy Towns Association do a huge amount of excellent voluntary work in their community. The proposal was seconded by Independent Ireland councillor Nigel Dineen, who also praised the group for its great work. Supporting the proposal, Cllr Ruth Conboy highlighted that the timing of the Pride of Place awards can lead to a delay in groups being honoured in the councils civic receptions. For this particular group, it will be 13 months since they received their national award, she said. She asked that the timing of the Pride of Place awards be considered when civic receptions were being planned. This was supported by MD Cathaoirleach Paschal Fitzmaurice. *Published under the Local Democracy Reporting scheme The Bishops of Ireland have formally launched a new monstrance at a special prayer gathering. The gathering took place during the Bishops annual spring retreat at the International Eucharistic and Marian Shrine in Knock. The new Vocations Monstrance will be used to gather the faithful for prayerful Eucharistic adoration for vocations to the priesthood and to religious life. Following the launch, Bishop Phonsie Cullinan of Waterford of Lismore, who chairs the Bishops' Council for Vocations, highlighted the central role of prayer in nurturing vocations. "The Holy Father Pope Leo XIV blessed our new monstrance in the Vatican last November, which has been designated as a Vocations Monstrance, he said. The bishops' launch today marks an important moment in the Churchs ongoing commitment to promote and foster vocations to the priesthood and to religious life. Our monstrance will be travelling around the island of Ireland to focus minds and hearts, and to ask the Lord of the harvest to send labourers into the fields of people's lives today. As Catholics, we all share the important responsibility to build the Kingdom of God as we practice our faith. "Our initiative aims to encourage prayer for vocations and to deepen young people's awareness of Gods call in their lives. The monstrance will visit dioceses, parishes, schools, and seminaries throughout the country, providing opportunities for Eucharistic Adoration and focused prayer for vocations. Through prayer before the Blessed Sacrament, we ask the Lord to raise up generous and joyful servants for His Church. Vocations are born in prayer, sustained by prayer, and strengthened through prayer, he explained. The Bishops of Ireland launched the Vocations Monstrance at the International Eucharistic and Marian Shrine in Knock this week. Father Willie Purcell of Ossory, who serves as the National Diocesan Vocations Coordinator, described the launch as a hopeful and practical initiative that places prayer and accompaniment at the heart of vocational discernment. "At a time when many young people are searching for meaning, direction, and belonging, our National Vocations Monstrance offers a quiet but powerful invitation to encounter Christ in the Eucharist. It reminds us that every vocation begins in a relationship with the Lord, nurtured through prayer, listening, and trust, he remarked. "At this time, and always, I wish to also emphasise the vital role of families and parish communities in supporting those who are discerning their vocation. Every vocation is nurtured within a community of faith. We hope this monstrance will inspire parishes, families, and young people to pray together and to listen attentively to the voice of God in their lives, he added. Bishop Cullinan concluded by saying: "We should consider in our prayer three virtues in particular in pleading with God for more vocations to the priesthood and religious life: faith, courage and generosity that we ask for greater faith in Gods plan and to trust God more. That we need more courage to step out and be the person God is asking us to be and to follow the vocation God has planned for each person, and then be generous enough to give ourselves willingly in the service of others be that in marriage, the single life, priesthood or religious life. "I believe that there are people who are called to priesthood and religious life who just cannot make that final step. With sincere prayer around the country, perhaps they will obtain the faith, courage and generosity to do that and hopefully this initiative will help them on their vocational journey." Several jobs in a County Roscommon business are under threat following the appointment of liquidators to the companies which operate the EuroGiant chain. The discount retailer has 77 stores across the country, including one at the Retail Park in Roscommon Town, and one in Monksland in South Roscommon employing around 640 staff, which are now under threat. EuroGeneral Limited and Bushgrove Limited, which trade as EuroGiant, have blamed "rising costs" for the decision. EuroGiant operates this store at the Retail Park in Roscommon Town as well as one in Monksland. A spokesperson for EuroGiant told RTE News that after more than 30 years of trading, "the company has today entered court-appointed liquidation". "Rent and day-to-day operating expenses, along with increased competition in the retail sector, mean the business is no longer viable in its current form," the spokesperson told RTE. EuroGiant stores will "remain open and continue trading as normal" while a full review of the store network is carried out. The spokesperson for the Irish retailer told RTE News that companys thoughts are with the staff affected, and "we want to sincerely thank them for their hard work and commitment over many years". EuroGiant was established as a single store on Moore Street in Dublin in 1990. It later expanded nationwide, with a presence in over 20 counties, including Roscommon Town and Monksland. Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) has been criticised over a stalled road safety project in Castlerea. At a meeting of the Roscommon Municipal District, MD Cathaoirleach Paschal Fitzmaurice said that the proposed safety scheme for the town would have seen a set of traffic lights at the Hells Kitchen junction, as well as a number of pedestrian crossing points. He claimed that there were a number of very anti-business parts of the scheme, particularly the loss of all of Patricks Streets parking spaces and a significant number of spaces from Main Street. We were told that we had to accept the whole scheme in its entirety, he said, adding that the scheme was accepted, but not the loss of parking. This is a safety scheme, and 90% of it could have gone ahead without the loss of parking. You are taking your life in your hands trying to cross the road in Castlerea, in parts of it. He said that the TII had been corresponded with about how the scheme could be progressed, but not much of a response was received. He asked that the MD write to TII seeking a meeting about the scheme. We certainly want to see some of the scheme progressed. The traffic lights at Hells Kitchen could be progressed, as could a number of the pedestrian crossing points. Cllr Nigel Dineen seconded the proposal, agreeing that the pedestrian crossings and traffic lights could go ahead. I dont think TII should be bullying us. They have to work with us, the Independent Ireland councillor said. There has to be a compromise. *Published under the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme. She said that her motivation was deeply personal, rooted in her own experiences with loneliness and anxiety while studying in the United States. File Photo. She will collaborate with Trust founder Sangeeta Vardhan to conduct a year-long series of podcasts, webinars, and awareness sessions. Turning Empathy into Action: Teenager Shaina Mittal Funds Rs 1 Lakh Mental Health Project In a remarkable display of youth leadership, 18-year-old Shaina Mittal has donated Rs 1 lakh to the Vatsal Chaya Trust to support its 'Sakushal Project', an initiative dedicated to mental health awareness. Shaina, a resident of Chandigarh, presented the contribution at the NGOs Panchkula office, fulfilling a commitment to utilise profits from a fundraiser she organised for social good. Advertisement The donation originated from a special Christmas fundraiser held last December, specifically designed to spark conversations around the mental health challenges confronting todays youth. After covering operational costs, Shaina earmarked the entire remaining profit for the cause. She said that her motivation was deeply personal, rooted in her own experiences with loneliness and anxiety while studying in the United States. Upon returning to Chandigarh, she channelled these challenges into purpose by launching an event management venture, Reveliq Events, alongside her advocacy work. Shaina emphasised that modern, social media-driven lifestyles leave young people emotionally vulnerable, making open dialogue essential. Under the project, she will collaborate with Trust founder Sangeeta Vardhan to conduct a year-long series of podcasts, webinars, and awareness sessions in schools and colleges. These sessions will be held both online and offline, aiming to turn empathy into tangible action. Advertisement By honouring her commitment, Shaina has set a benchmark for social responsibility, proving that personal success is most meaningful when it uplifts society. Source: The Tribune Booth Vijay Abhiyan': Assam BJP to Hoist Party Flags at Households Ahead of Elections, Says CM Himanta The last Assembly elections were held in 2021 in three phases. The current term of the Assam Legislative Assembly will end in May 2026. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday met residents of Jalukbari Assembly constituencys Booth Number 32 as part of the BJPs Booth Vijay Abhiyan campaign. Speaking to the media, Sarma said the campaign Booth Vijay Abhiyan has been launched today in view of the upcoming elections. Advertisement He added that under the campaign, BJP workers will visit every household in a booth and hoist the BJP flag at each residence with the familys permission. He emphasized that flag hoisting will not be done without the familys consent, while adding that the flag-hoisting drive will begin across 28,000 booths in the state from today. Assam has 126 Assembly seats and is scheduled to go for Legislative Assembly elections in 2026. However, the Election Commission has not yet announced the election dates. Advertisement The last Assembly elections were held in 2021 in three phases. The current term of the Assam Legislative Assembly will end in May 2026. (For more news apart from Booth Vijay Abhiyan: Assam BJP to Hoist Party Flags at Households Ahead of Elections, Says CM Himanta," stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman.) On the morning of February 5, the Fourth Session of the 14th Anhui Provincial People's Congress opened in Hefei. At the session, participants heard the Government Work Report, reviewed the draft outline of Anhui Province's 15th Five-Year Plan for National Economic and Social Development, examined the report on the implementation of the province's 2025 plan for national economic and social development and the draft plan for 2026, and reviewed the report on the implementation of Anhui Province's 2025 budget and the draft budget for 2026. Source: anhuinews.com Wang Huning, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference National Committee, meets with Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla, who is the special envoy of the party and government of Cuba, a member of the Politburo of the Central Committee of the Cuban Communist Party and the foreign minister of Cuba, in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Li Tao) BEIJING, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- China's top political advisor Wang Huning met with Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla, who is the special envoy of the party and government of Cuba, a member of the Politburo of the Central Committee of the Cuban Communist Party and the foreign minister of Cuba, in Beijing on Thursday. Chinese President Xi Jinping and Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel met on two occasions last year to draw a blueprint for building a closer China-Cuba community with a shared future, said Wang, who is a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC). Wang said that China will firmly support Cuba's just struggle against external interference and work with Cuba to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries. He added that the CPPCC stands ready to contribute to deepening friendly cooperation between the two countries. Noting that China is an important force in safeguarding world peace and carries hope for the Global South, Rodriguez said that Cuba is willing to work with China to implement the consensus reached between the two heads of state, continuously enhance relations between the two parties and countries, and uphold international fairness and justice. Wang Huning, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference National Committee, meets with Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla, who is the special envoy of the party and government of Cuba, a member of the Politburo of the Central Committee of the Cuban Communist Party and the foreign minister of Cuba, in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Li Tao) Kharge raises concern over Rahul Gandhi not being allowed to speak in Lok Sabha JP Nadda said, The LoP should know that the proceedings of the Lok Sabha cannot be discussed in the Rajya Sabha. Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, on Thursday raised concerns in the Upper House over Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, not being allowed to speak in Parliament over the past few days. Kharge said, Parliament means both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. The Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha wanted to speak in the interest of the country, but was not allowed to do so. How can the House be run like this? Advertisement Responding to this, Union Minister JP Nadda said, The LoP should know that the proceedings of the Lok Sabha cannot be discussed in the Rajya Sabha. Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju also criticised Kharge and the opposition, stating, Today, we all expect that all MPs will follow the rules and traditions of the House. All MPs are waiting to hear the Prime Ministers speech. If Congress does not want to listen to the PMs address, that is their choice, but all other members do. The Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha does not follow House rules. Kharge later clarified that he did not intend to disturb the proceedings of the House. However, he pointed out that the Lok Sabha has not been functioning properly for the past four days and stressed that both Houses should function, not just one. Advertisement Congress MP Manickam Tagore told the media that parliamentary democracy "is facing difficult times in India. The mics of Opposition leaders are switched off... It is becoming a 'mann ki baat' government and 'mann ki baat' Parliament..." Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, talking to Media said that the LoP of the Lok Sabha should be allowed to speak. "What are they scared of? That he will quote from a book? Or are they scared ofthe Epstein files? Or that we will question them on this deal ( US-India trade agreement)?" she added. Advertisement (For more news apart from Kharge raises concern over Rahul Gandhi not being allowed to speak in Lok Sabha," stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman.) The 338-page illustrated volume, published by the Guru Gobind Singh Study Circle, is dedicated to the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur. It presents banking as a social enterprise focused on community welfare rather than just a profit-driven business. File Photo. The book also profiles approximately 40 prominent Sikh bankers globally, showcasing their leadership and public service. Beyond Profit: Gurmit Singhs New Book Maps the Sikh Journey from Honest Labour to Global Banking Advertisement A comprehensive new book titled Sikhs in Banking: The Legacy of Trust, Excellence and Economic Impact in India and Beyond was released on Wednesday, documenting the communitys profound influence on the financial sector. Authored by Gurmit Singh, a retired Chief Manager of Punjab & Sind Bank, the book was launched in the presence of Rajya Sabha MP Vikramjit Singh Sahney, senior diplomat Manjeev Singh Puri, and former MP Tarlochan Singh. The 338-page illustrated volume, published by the Guru Gobind Singh Study Circle, is dedicated to the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur. It presents banking as a social enterprise focused on community welfare rather than just a profit-driven business. Gurmit Singh said that Sikh economic thought, rooted in principles like Kirat Karni (honest earning), Vand Chakna (sharing) and Seva (selfless service), integrates spirituality with professional integrity. The book traces this engagement back to the statecraft of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur and Maharaja Ranjit Singh, highlighting a long tradition of disciplined financial management and social justice. Advertisement A major portion of the book focuses on Punjab & Sind Bank, described as the "cradle of Sikh bankers". Founded in 1908 at Sri Darbar Sahib, the bank is presented as a symbol of economic self-reliance. The author specifically credits the leadership of Dr Inderjit Singh for expanding rural banking and financial inclusion. The book also profiles approximately 40 prominent Sikh bankers globally, showcasing their leadership and public service. Final chapters detail their contributions to healthcare, education, and disaster relief, emphasising that professional success should include social responsibility. It concludes with expert reflections on the future of ethical, value-driven finance." Source: The Tribune Editorial: Baloch Tragedy The Government of Pakistan Is Not Showing Honesty This kind of wealth should have made it the most prosperous province in Pakistan... The death toll in the violence that began in the Pakistani province of Balochistan on Sunday has crossed 230. The violence lasted for about 48 hours and is being described as the most coordinated attack by Baloch rebels against the Pakistani government. The Pakistan Army's joint public relations agency 'ISPR' claims that the security forces have 'wiped out' 177 Baloch rebels, while 17 security personnel and 36 civilians were killed by the rebels. The dead civilians include women and children. Contrary to such claims, the main organization of the Baloch rebels, 'Baloch Liberation Army' (BLA), says that most of the 177 'terrorists' that the government is claiming to have killed are ordinary people. In the name of fighting terrorism, the government is killing innocent people and activists detained in jails and calling their bodies terrorist bodies. The BLA has also threatened to give a befitting reply to such violence soon. Pakistani organizations fighting for the protection of human rights have also challenged the claim of killing 177 terrorists in Balochistan alone. Advertisement They say that the involvement of two trained young women in the suicide attacks on military garrisons in Quetta Cantonment and other cities and towns on Sunday shows the extent to which the anger against the policies of the Pakistani government has spread among the Baloch people. These organizations are also of the opinion that it is a completely wrong strategy to oppress innocent people by calling the Baloch anger an Indian conspiracy or mischief. The unfortunate consequences of this strategy adopted by the Pakistani army have been continuously coming to light since the past; the ranks of the insurgents are not decreasing, but are constantly increasing. Pakistani Defense Minister Khawaja Asif on Tuesday openly admitted that the central government and the army are facing a difficult situation in two provinces Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. The daily death toll due to violence in these two provinces does not paint a good picture of Pakistan internationally and is also having an impact on the countrys economic condition. But at the same time, he repeated the well-worn excuse of blaming foreign powers, especially India, for such a situation. He admitted that presenting direct evidence of Indian mischief to the media is not an easy task, but also claimed that almost all the member countries of the United Nations Security Council believe that the scale of terrorist violence taking place in Pakistan could not have been possible without the direct involvement of some neighbouring countries. The Indian government has rejected such allegations from the outset and has demanded that Pakistan, instead of blaming others, should first look within its own ranks and honestly try to find the truth. International experts also agree with the fact that anti-government violence on such a large scale as it is happening in Pakistan is not possible in any country without internal discontent and unrest. Advertisement The Pakistani agency ISPR has been calling the violence in Balochistan Fitna al-Hindostan (a rebellion instigated by India) and the anti-government movement in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Fitna-e-Khawarij (a rebellion instigated by foreigners). The Pakistani media has also been speaking the official language in this context. But at the same time, the media has been asking why measures to calm the Baloch or Pashtun anger are missing from the governments approach? Balochistan is geographically the largest province of Pakistan. Its land is not fertile, it is rocky. There is also a shortage of water. Despite such shortcomings, this province has reserves of valuable minerals and magnetic soils. The innumerable treasures of crude oil and natural gas are also abundant in this province. This kind of wealth should have made it the most prosperous province in Pakistan. But the reality is quite the opposite; it is the poorest province. Ever since Pakistan came into existence in 1947, the benefits of the mineral wealth and other natural resources of this province have been given to the provinces of Punjab and Sindh, not to the Baloch people. This is why it is the most backward province in the country. There is still no seriousness in removing this backwardness and the Baloch people are being deprived of the benefits of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) because they are not in a position to challenge the Punjabi hegemony within the army due to their small population, voter politics or lack of honesty in accepting such inconsistencies. The lack of honesty in accepting such inconsistencies is the reason for the daily bloodshed in Balochistan. The truth is that this bloodshed is not going to go away by blaming India, nor any other neighboring country. Referring to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's upcoming visit to India in March, Sawhney noted it presents a vital opportunity to identify new areas of economic cooperation. File Photo. She was part of a high-level Canadian delegation exploring deeper collaborations in trade, academics, research, and economic growth. A Strategic Reset: Minister Sawhney Maps Out New Indo-Canadian Trade Vistas Signalling a strategic reset in bilateral relations, Canadas Minister of Indigenous Relations, Rajan Sawhney, stated on Wednesday that Canada seeks to be viewed by India as a "reliable and trusted partner". Speaking at Chandigarh University, she emphasised that the future trajectory of the India-Canada relationship is both positive and productive. Advertisement The Minister was addressing an event titled Beyond Diplomacy: People, Knowledge and Youth as the Future of India-Canada Relations. She was part of a high-level Canadian delegation exploring deeper collaborations in trade, academics, research, and economic growth. According to Sawhney, the focus is on strengthening ties across critical sectors. Referring to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carneys upcoming visit to India in March, Sawhney noted it presents a vital opportunity to identify new areas of economic cooperation. This comes as India has recently concluded major trade agreements with the European Union and the USA. The Minister highlighted the scope for institutional partnerships between Indian and Canadian universities in different fields. Source: The Tribune Advertisement Working in Romania The unemployment rate in Romania was 6% in December 2025 Photo: pixabay.com Sorin Iordan, 05.02.2026, 13:40 New layoffs in the auto parts industry take place in Romania amid difficulties facing the European automotive sector. After the announced layoffs at the Leoni plant in Arad and at the branches of the German group Aumovio, several hundred more people will be made redundant by a company in Bistrita-Nasaud that produces aluminum radiators for the automotive industry. RAAL, one of the largest employers in Bistrita-Nasaud County, specialises in the production of complete cooling systems made of aluminum alloys and stainless steel. The company is going through a difficult period and has announced it will lay off 250 employees, out of a total of over 1,500. The financial problems are partly related to the decrease in orders in the foreign market. According to the County Employment Agency, workers in both production and maintenance departments, as well as administrative staff, will be affected. During the notice period, the employees who will lose their jobs will benefit from pre-dismissal services, such as information, counselling, labour mediation and access to professional training programs, with a view to a quick reintegration in the labour market. The unemployment rate in Romania was 6% in December 2025, the same as in November, according to data from the National Statistics Institute. Of the nearly 494,000 people registered with the National Employment Agency, over two-thirds are in the 25-74 age bracket, with an unemployment rate of 4.6%, below the national average. In contrast, nearly 27% of young people under 24 are unemployed. In the capital city Bucharest, the unemployment rate stayed on a downward trend, reaching 0.47%. Romania has seen a consistent increase in the number of physicians in recent years, despite the emigration of young practitioners to European Union countries, where they are better paid. This was the conclusion of a conference recently organised by the Romanian Academy of Medical Sciences, which also discussed the shortage of doctors in rural communities. Although there are about 70,000 physicians in the country, plus almost 15,000 dentists, most of them choose to work in big cities, in public and private clinics. Cristi Selaru, a consultant with the National Statistics Institute, said that since 1990 the number of employees in the system has almost doubled. He explained that this means a roughly 90% total increase and that Romania currently has about 1.9 times more doctors than it had immediately after the 1989 Revolution. Selaru also said that, for the 35-year period under review, the increase means an average of approximately 1,000 more physicians per year, a significant rise in the medical workforce, despite persistent challenges. Nearly 7% of the population of the Romanian capital consists of foreigners, according to data from the General Immigration Inspectorate. Last year, the authorities in Bucharest reviewed the immigration status of over 144,000 people, over 100,000 of whom were from countries such as Nepal, Turkey or Sri Lanka. Another 42,000 people came mostly from Italy, Sweden and France. The majority of people, over 60,000, have established their residence here for work purposes. The increase in the number of foreign citizens in Bucharest has been substantial, said the head of the Citys Immigration Directorate, Ionut Cardei. He explained that the increase is almost 3 times compared to the past 5 years, and if this growth rate continues, in the next 5 years foreigners will account for 15% of the people residing in Bucharest. Cardei also explained that last year the increase was almost 30%. In 2025, immigration police issued over 20,000 work permits for foreign citizens, but also over 1,500 sanctions for failure to comply with relevant legislation. (AMP) Accusations rejected Romanias cancelled presidential elections from 2024 again stir controversy. Protest to support the candidacy of Calin Georgescu / Photo: Agerpres Bogdan Matei, 05.02.2026, 13:50 Tensions between Washington controlled by the so-called Republican elites, who gravitate around the unpredictable president Donald Trump and the Brussels of the so-called self-invested elites have been on the rise for a year. The legal committee of the US House of Representatives accuses the European Commission that it frequently interferes with the election process in the EU and candidate member states, including in Romania and the Republic of Moldova, an ex-Soviet state with a majority Romanian-speaking population. The documents presented to the legal committee, which are not public, allegedly demonstrate that pressures are regularly exerted to put Europes conservative or populist parties at a disadvantage. According to an interim report, quoted by the Bucharest media, the most aggressive censorship measures were adopted during the presidential elections in Romania in 2024, when the Constitutional Court annulled the entire presidential elections whose first round had been won by the populist independent and by then little known candidate Calin Georgescu. The decision was taken after the countrys intelligence services said Russia secretly supported Georgescu via the Chinese TikTok network. Internal TikTok documents presented to the American committee seem to contradict this version of events, the report also notes. TikTok allegedly also informed the European Commission that neither found nor was presented with proof supporting the allegation of the authorities in Bucharest with respect to Russian interference. The team of European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen, quoted by Radio Romanias correspondent in Brussels, categorically rejected censorship allegations. The Commission says it never interfered in national elections and EU legislation does not limit freedom of expression, it also seeks to prevent slippages or coordinated interference that can manipulate voters online. In Bucharest, president Nicusor Dan also said that the decision to annul the elections was an internal act of justice protecting constitutional order. The preliminary report of the US legal committee would only make strictly contextual references to Romania as part of a wider debate about freedom of expression. He underlined that the document partially reflects the reaction of a single private company, TikTok. Also in Bucharest, the nationalist opposition has again accused the self-declared pro-western authorities that they seriously deteriorated Romanias relations with the United States, although the two states are linked by an older strategic partnership. Even voices from the current parliamentary majority say the US report contains extremely serious accusations against Romania, which must be clarified. It is also the opinion of the media, who consider the 2024 elections the most obscure and embarrassing episode in the almost 4-decade history of Romanian post-communist democracy and which dramatically eroded citizens trust in state institutions. Government Priorities A package of significant economic measures has been announced by the Liberal Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan / Photo: gov.ro Mihai Pelin, 05.02.2026, 14:00 After months when the Romanians heard only about pay cuts and higher taxes aimed at curbing the budget deficit, Romanias Liberal Minister, Ilie Bolojan, came with a message, which indicates a change of direction. Romania will enter a stage of economic relaunch, after the tough measures aimed at balancing the budget are about to end, he told a news conference. The first step will be made after the Finance Minister, Alexandru Nazare, has presented a comprehensive measure package of supporting companies requested by the ruling PSD for months, whose effects would be felt in many well-paid jobs. According to Nazare, this year is one in which the paradigm of Romanias development will change and the emphasis will shift from a consumption-based economy to one based on massive investment and added value. The package is supposed to be endorsed next week and the Justice Ministry has recommended that government assume responsibility for it. The coalition is expected to convene for a final decision. As far as the population is concerned, one of the most concrete announcements is focusing on energy. The liberalization of the natural gas market, which was supposed to kick off in a month and a half, has been postponed until March 2027 so the cap remains in place until then. Ilie Bolojan: The gas price is to be administered for all household consumers and for all power plants for the quantity used for producing thermal energy. There will be no cap for other activities, but according to todays data, most of the consumers in the economy are purchasing gas at prices under the cap. Regarding the state budget this year, the head of the government said he intends the Executive finalize it next week and submit for Parliament approval by the end of the month. Ilie Bolojan: The main budget challenges are related to staying within the deficit, the EU fund absorption and to get major investment and this year and they translate in kilometers of highway, completed hospitals, investment in localities in Romania. According to Ilie Bolojan, next week the Executive will endorse both the bill on the public administration reform, for which it will assume responsibility in Parliament as well as that on banning the accumulation of pension with the state salary. Taxes for houses and vehicles almost double as of January 1 January might drop to the minimum level set by the government at the end of last year. The Prime Minister has explained that a legislative amendment is needed to allow the local authorities to reduce taxes and duties not only to raise them as the law provides now. The aforementioned amendment must be done quickly before the endorsement of the state budget, the head of the government went on to say. Bolojan talked with the leader of the UDMR from the ruling coalition, Kelemen Hunor, about tax cuts; the latter called for their cut by 50% after the protests staged by the people in the counties led by the ethnic Hungarians. (bill) The White House has announced that more than 4,000 dangerous criminal illegal immigrants were arrested in Minnesota in the ongoing Operation Metro Surge. Those apprehended include violent killers, rapists, gang members, and other public safety threats, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said. Speaking in Minneapolis, the head of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Tom Homan underscored the unprecedented level of cooperation now emerging from local officials for the operation. "We currently have an unprecedented number of counties communicating with us now and allowing ICE to take custody of illegal aliens BEFORE they hit the streets," he told reporters. "For those who are not a national security threat or public safety risk, you are not exempt from immigration enforcement actions. If you're in the country illegally, you are NOT off the table Let me be clear: President Trump fully intends to achieve mass deportations during this Administration," he added. The Border Czar said ICE plans to deploy full body cam on ICE agents nationwide, after it was introduced in Minneapolis earlier this week. "[The goal] is to achieve a complete drawdown and end this surge as soon as we can, but that is largely contingent upon the end of the illegal and threatening activities against ICE and its federal partners that we're seeing in the community. We will not draw down on personnel providing security for our officers." Operation Metro Surge was launched in December by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection with the aim of apprehending undocumented immigrants and deporting them. It initially targeted the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul, and later expanded to all of Minnesota. The Department of Homeland Security called it "the largest immigration enforcement operation ever carried out". For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News A common bacterium that usually infects the respiratory system may be linked to memory loss and Alzheimer's disease when it is found in the retina of the eye, according to recent research. Chlamydia pneumoniae, which often causes pneumonia and sinus infections, has been detected in the brains of people with Alzheimer's. In a new study, researchers have now found higher levels of this bacterium in the retina, the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye, of people living with the disease. The study, led by researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in the US, examined retinal tissue from 104 people using advanced imaging, genetic analysis, and protein testing. The group included individuals with normal brain function, mild cognitive impairment, and Alzheimer's disease. Results showed that people with Alzheimer's had much higher levels of Chlamydia pneumoniae in both the retina and the brain compared to those with normal cognition. The study also found that higher bacterial levels were linked to more severe brain damage and greater cognitive decline. The bacterium was more commonly found at elevated levels in people carrying the APOE4 gene variant, which is known to increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease. Further tests on human nerve cells and mouse models of Alzheimer's revealed that infection with the bacterium increased inflammation, nerve cell death, and memory problems. It also triggered the production of amyloid-beta, the protein that builds up in the brains of people with Alzheimer's. Overall, the findings suggest that long-term bacterial infections and the inflammation they cause could play a role in Alzheimer's progression. They also point to the retina as a possible non-invasive way to help detect and track the disease in the future. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News Recent leaks suggest that Samsung's upcoming Galaxy S26 Ultra smartphone may not include built-in magnets for Qi2 wireless charging. This news follows earlier reports that the device will also forego silicon-carbon battery , potentially tempering expectations for significant improvements in battery life. The speculation around Qi2 support intensified after Samsung unveiled its Magnetic Wireless Powerbank, leading to expectations that the Galaxy S26 Ultra would feature an integrated magnetic ring similar to Apple's MagSafe system. Such a ring allows wireless chargers and accessories to snap securely into place, ensuring stable alignment and faster charging speeds - a feature already standard on recent iPhones and Google's latest Pixel models. However, leaked images of Galaxy S26 Ultra cases lacking magnetic support, combined with a claim from long-time Samsung tipster Ice Universe, suggest that the device will not have built-in magnets. This means that users will need to rely on specially designed cases to use magnetic Qi2 chargers or mounts. One likely reason for Samsung's decision is the S Pen. Strong magnets have long been known to interfere with stylus input, and keeping magnets out of the handset could help avoid touch and accuracy issues. If confirmed, the Galaxy S26 Ultra's Qi2 support would represent more of a sideways step than a full upgrade, offering faster wireless charging, but only with potential compromises. The reported exclusion of built-in Qi2 magnets in the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra suggests that the company may have made a trade-off to accommodate other features, such as the S Pen. While this could impact the seamless wireless charging experience, it remains to be seen how Samsung addresses these potential challenges in its upcoming flagship device. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News ISLAMABAD, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- At least two people were killed and 31 others injured when two passenger buses collided in Pakistan's eastern Punjab province on Wednesday, local officials said. The accident occurred in Chiniot district, where the buses were traveling on the same route and collided head-on, according to a spokesperson of the Rescue 1122 emergency service. The spokesperson said several passengers sustained critical injuries. Two of the injured later succumbed to their wounds while being shifted to a nearby hospital, and three others remained in critical condition. Women and children were among those injured in the accident, the officials added. Authorities said an investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the collision. Toyota has a strategic partnership with Suzuki and both companies share quite a few vehicles between themselves under a badge-engineering exercise. In Toyotas portfolio, we have badge-engineered vehicles like Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Urban Cruiser Taisor, Rumion and Glanza. These four vehicles have received a price hike for the month of February 2026 with a maximum increment of Rs 21,000. The company has not revealed a reason for this price hike, but higher input costs of raw materials and increased production costs could be some of the reasons. Lets take a closer look and see whats what. Urban Cruiser Hyryder Hike Up To Rs 21k For the month of February 2026, Toyota has given four of its vehicles a price hike of up to Rs 21,000. The max price hike is Rs 21,000, seen with Urban Cruiser Hyryder. In percentage terms, Hyryder got a price hike of up to Rs 1.40%. Hyryder and its badge-engineered counterpart, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, are serious contenders in the 4.2m to 4.4m SUV space. Urban Cruiser Taisor Hike Up To Rs 16.4k The second highest price hike is with Urban Cruiser Taisor. With around Rs 16,400 price hike in the month of February 2026, Taisor has gotten pricier by up to 1.88%, when compared to pre-hike prices. It is a badge-engineered version of Maruti Suzuki Fronx and both of them compete in the sub 4m SUV space. Glanza Hike Up To Rs 15.8k Globally, Toyota has a multitude of popular hatchbacks, but there is only one in India. It is the Glanza, which has received a price hike of up to Rs 15,800 in February 2026, which amounts to 1.98%. It is currently the most affordable Toyota offering in India and is a badge-engineered version of Maruti Suzuki Baleno hatchback. Rumion Hike Up To Rs 6.8k With Innova being the most notable MPV brand in India, Toyota needed something more affordable to be positioned below Innova. This is where Rumion fits in, which gets the least price hike in February 2026 when compared to afford-mentioned Toyota offerings at up to Rs 6,800 which amounts to around 0.59%. It is a badge engineered version of Maruti Suzuki Ertiga Source ISLAMABAD, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- At least 216 terrorists were killed as Pakistan's security forces have concluded an anti-terrorist operation in the country's southwestern province of Balochistan, the military said on Thursday. A total of 22 personnel of the security forces and law enforcement agencies and 36 civilians were also killed in the attacks launched by the terrorists, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the Pakistani army, said in a statement. The operation began on Jan. 29, following credible and verified intelligence indicating the presence of terrorists posing an imminent threat to the local population. Subsequently, security forces repelled a series of attacks by the outlawed Balochistan Liberation Army, the ISPR said. This was followed by an expanded campaign of intelligence-based operations across multiple areas to dismantle terrorist sleeper cells through sustained combing and sanitization efforts, said the statement. A substantial cache of foreign-origin weapons, ammunition, explosives and other equipment was also recovered during the operations, according to the statement. Teri Monroe started her career in communications working for local government and nonprofits. Today, she is a freelance finance and lifestyle writer and small business owner. In her spare time, she loves golfing with her husband, taking her dog Milo on long walks, and playing pickleball with friends. KABUL, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- Police have arrested two individuals for illegally cutting down trees and engaging in deforestation in the northern Afghanistan Faryab province, provincial police spokesman Mawlawi Abdullah Muradi said Thursday. The suspects were engaged in deforestation in Ferdos area on Wednesday when police found and took them into custody, according to the official. The official noted that no one has the right to cut down trees illegally in the forests. The Afghan government has banned deforestation and hunting wild animals as part of efforts to protect the environment. BEIJING, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- China will step up its tough crackdown on telecom and online fraud, a senior security official said Thursday. Addressing a national teleconference, State Councilor Wang Xiaohong said the authorities will keep launching successive waves of crackdowns, "leaving no breathing room for telecom fraudsters." Wang, who is also a member of the Secretariat of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, underscored the need for a comprehensive approach, calling for close monitoring of fraud-related individuals, phone cards, networks and channels to ensure effective law enforcement. He also stressed the importance of prevention, with targeted early warnings, stronger technological safeguards, and broader public awareness efforts to build a robust protection network. Wang urged deeper law enforcement cooperation to squeeze the operating space of telecom fraud, adding that China would contribute its solutions to tackling this global problem. Physicists at the University of Massachusetts Amherst argue that an ultra-high-energy neutrino detected by the KM3NeT experiment could be the signature of an explosion of a quasi-extremal primordial black hole, pointing toward new physics beyond the Standard Model. Black holes exist, and we have a good understanding of their life cycle: an old, large star runs out of fuel, implodes in a massively powerful supernova and leaves behind an area of spacetime with such intense gravity that nothing, not even light, can escape. These black holes are incredibly heavy and are essentially stable. But, as physicist Stephen Hawking pointed out in 1970, another kind of black hole, a primordial black hole, could be created not by the collapse of a star, but from the Universes primordial conditions shortly after the Big Bang. Primordial black holes exist only in theory so far, and, like standard black holes, are so massively dense that almost nothing can escape them. However, despite their density, these objects could be much lighter than the black holes we have so far observed. Furthermore, Hawking showed that primordial black holes could slowly emit particles via what is now known as Hawking radiation if they got hot enough. The lighter a black hole is, the hotter it should be and the more particles it will emit, said Dr. Andrea Thamm, a physicist at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. As primordial black holes evaporate, they become ever lighter, and so hotter, emitting even more radiation in a runaway process until explosion. Its that Hawking radiation that our telescopes can detect. If such an explosion were to be observed, it would give us a definitive catalog of all the subatomic particles in existence, including the ones we have observed, such as electrons, quarks and Higgs bosons, the ones that we have only hypothesized, like dark matter particles, as well as everything else that is, so far, entirely unknown to science. In 2023, the KM3NeT experiment captured that impossible neutrino exactly the kind of evidence Dr. Thamm and colleagues hypothesized we might soon see. But there was a hitch: a similar experiment, called IceCube, also set up to capture high-energy cosmic neutrinos, not only didnt register the event, it had never clocked anything with even one hundredth of its power. If the Universe is relatively thick with primordial black holes, and they are exploding frequently, shouldnt we be showered in high-energy neutrinos? What can explain the discrepancy? We think that primordial black holes with a dark charge what we call quasi-extremal primordial black holes are the missing link, said Dr. Joaquim Iguaz Juan, a physicist at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. The dark charge is essentially a copy of the usual electric force as we know it, but which includes a very heavy, hypothesized version of the electron a dark electron. There are other, simpler models of primordial black holes out there, added Dr. Michael Baker, also from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Our dark-charge model is more complex, which means it may provide a more accurate model of reality. Whats so cool is to see that our model can explain this otherwise unexplainable phenomenon. A primordial black hole with a dark charge has unique properties and behaves in ways that are different from other, simpler primordial black hole models, Dr. Thamm said. We have shown that this can provide an explanation of all of the seemingly inconsistent experimental data. The team is confident that, not only can their dark-charge model primordial black holes explain the neutrino, it can also answer the mystery of dark matter. Observations of galaxies and the Cosmic Microwave Background suggest that some kind of dark matter exists, Dr. Baker said. If our hypothesized dark charge is true, then we believe there could be a significant population of primordial black holes, which would be consistent with other astrophysical observations, and account for all the missing dark matter in the Universe, Dr. Iguaz Juan said. Observing the high-energy neutrino was an incredible event, Dr. Baker said. It gave us a new window on the Universe. But we could now be on the cusp of experimentally verifying Hawking radiation, obtaining evidence for both primordial black holes and new particles beyond the Standard Model, and explaining the mystery of dark matter. The findings appear in the journal Physical Review Letters. _____ Michael J. Baker et al. Explaining the PeV neutrino fluxes at KM3NeT and IceCube with quasi-extremal primordial black holes. Phys. Rev. Lett, published online December 18, 2025; doi: 10.1103/r793-p7ct Students dance during an event in celebration of the upcoming Chinese New Year at Baku State University in Baku, Azerbaijan, on Feb. 4, 2026. This event held at the auditorium of Baku State University on Wednesday was hosted by the Confucius Institute of the university. (Xinhua/Chen Junfeng) A local student sings a Chinese song during an event in celebration of the upcoming Chinese New Year at Baku State University in Baku, Azerbaijan, on Feb. 4, 2026. This event held at the auditorium of Baku State University on Wednesday was hosted by the Confucius Institute of the university. (Xinhua/Chen Junfeng) Students dance during an event in celebration of the upcoming Chinese New Year at Baku State University in Baku, Azerbaijan, on Feb. 4, 2026. This event held at the auditorium of Baku State University on Wednesday was hosted by the Confucius Institute of the university. (Xinhua/Chen Junfeng) A dragon dance is staged during an event in celebration of the upcoming Chinese New Year at Baku State University in Baku, Azerbaijan, on Feb. 4, 2026. This event held at the auditorium of Baku State University on Wednesday was hosted by the Confucius Institute of the university. (Xinhua/Chen Junfeng) Chen Binhua, a spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, gestures at a press conference in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Pan Xu) BEIJING, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese mainland spokesperson on Thursday urged Taiwan authorities to remove unreasonable restrictions on the air transport across the Taiwan Strait. Speaking at a press conference, Chen Binhua, a spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, noted that there is a strong demand among compatriots on both sides of the Strait for the full restoration of direct flight routes. As the Spring Festival is the most important traditional holiday for the Chinese nation, Taiwan compatriots, businesspeople, and students eagerly hope for a smooth journey home to celebrate the New Year, Chen said. The relevant mainland authorities will prioritize the needs and concerns of Taiwan compatriots and actively prepare for the additional cross-Strait charter flights during the Spring Festival period, he added. "We hope the Taiwan side will heed public sentiment, promptly remove unreasonable restrictions on cross-Strait air transport, and meet the travel demands of compatriots on both sides, especially those from Taiwan," Chen said. Chen Binhua, a spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, gestures at a press conference in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Pan Xu) BANGKOK/PHNOM PENH, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- Thai media reports, citing the Thai army, said a grenade was fired from the Cambodian side and landed near a Thai operational base in the border area on Thursday, a claim which was denied by Cambodian authorities. According to the reports, Thailand's Second Army Region said that a 40mm grenade was fired and landed near a Thai operational base in Sisaket Province, Thailand, at about 10:18 a.m. local time on Thursday, leaving no casualties. Following the occurrence, the Thai army said it had coordinated with Cambodian commanders in the area to inform them of the situation, and Cambodian authorities confirmed that the incident resulted from indiscipline among newly deployed troops and that they have since issued warnings and reinforced disciplinary measures to ensure proper conduct among their personnel. Meanwhile, Cambodian Ministry of National Defense Spokesperson Maly Socheata said in a press release that the Cambodian side completely rejected those Thai media reports. "The liaison teams of Cambodia's 4th Military Region and Thailand's 2nd Army Region had contacted each other and confirmed that there was no situation as reported by the Thai media outlets," she said. Socheata said Cambodia reiterated its firm and clear commitment to fully respect and implement with the utmost responsibility a ceasefire agreement reached by the two countries on Dec. 27, 2025, and other agreements. Anglo American on Thursday cut 2026 copper production forecasts after a 10% decline in output last year. The mining giant - currently in the middle of a merger with Canada's Teck Resources - now expects 2026 copper production of between 700,000 - and 760,000 tonnes, down from previous guidance of 760,000-820,000 tons, due to lower production from its partly owned Collahuasi mine in Chile. Production in 2025 came in at 695,000 metric tonnes. Copper production steps up from 2027, and our maiden 2028 guidance is expected to see our Chile operations produce over 125kt more copper than in 2025, said chief executive Duncan Wanblad. Anglo added that it expected to take around $200 min charges for the second half of last year related to rehabilitation provisions at its Chile copper operations. The company is pivoting operations to focus on copper and iron ore, while it also looks to spin off or sell the ailing De Beers diamond business along with metallurgical coal and nickel assets. "We are committed to seeing our portfolio transformation through to its conclusion," Wanblad said in a production report. Anglo said is reviewing the value of the De Beers diamonds business after its 2025 rough diamond production dropped 12% to 21.7 million carats. It cut its production forecast for 2026 to a range of 21 million - 26 million carats, from 26 million - 29 million previously, in response to "challenging" demand. Reporting by Frank Prenesti for Sharecast.com Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel welcomed the IndiaUS trade agreement, calling it a symbol of 'New Indias' rising global influence and stronger bilateral ties. The pact reduces US tariffs on Indian goods by 18%, boosting manufacturing, exports, MSMEs, startups, and job creation across sectors. Gujarat is set to gain significantly, with key industries like textiles, pharma, chemicals, petroleum, and gems & jewellery expected to see higher exports. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has welcomed the recent India-US trade agreement, calling it a strong reflection of 'New Indias' growing influence on the global stage and a deal that will open fresh opportunities for people in both countries. He said the agreement shows Indias economic strength under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and marks an important step forward in India-US relations. Speaking about the agreement, Patel said it is not limited to one sector but has a wide impact across industries and citizens. This deal is not confined to a single industry. It benefits the people of the two largest economies of the world and creates new opportunities for growth, said Bhupendra Patel, Chief Minister of Gujarat. He added that when the worlds two largest democracies work together, it strengthens the idea of global welfare and shared progress. Patel described the trade pact as the beginning of a new chapter in bilateral ties between India and the United States. He said the agreement strengthens the Prime Ministers vision of 'Make in India, Made for the World' by giving Indian products better access to global markets. According to him, the deal clearly signals Indias readiness to play a larger role in the global economy. Also Read: India Poised to Overtake Japan as World's 4th-Largest Economy in 2025: IMF Report The Chief Minister highlighted the reduction of US tariffs on Indian goods by 18 percent as one of the most important outcomes of the agreement. He said this move would give a major boost to manufacturing, exporters, and micro, small and medium enterprises, while also supporting job creation. The reduction in tariffs will strongly encourage manufacturing and exports and will especially help MSMEs, which are the backbone of our economy, Patel said. He also noted that the agreement will help startups and entrepreneurs who are looking to expand their businesses beyond India and enter international markets. Focusing on Gujarat, Patel said the state stands to gain significantly from the agreement because of its strong industrial base. He pointed out that Gujarat is a leading manufacturing hub with major strengths in textiles, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, petroleum, and gems and jewellery. He said exports from these sectors are expected to rise as a direct result of the deal, bringing benefits to industries, traders, and MSMEs across the state. Praising Prime Minister Modis leadership, Patel said Indias foreign policy has become more citizen-focused and decisive in recent years. He expressed confidence that stronger India-US ties will contribute to global peace and economic stability. On behalf of the people of Gujarat, I congratulate Prime Minister Narendra Modi on this historic bilateral trade agreement, the Chief Minister said, calling it a milestone moment for Indias global journey. Bharti Airtel, Nykaa, Marico, and others set to announce Q3 results today. Key stocks like Tata Motors, Trent, and Power Grid to impact market sentiment. Stocks to watch as global cues remain mixed and Indian market opens flat. The Indian stock market is expected to open on a flat note on Thursday, following mixed cues from global markets. Asian markets were a mix of positive and negative movements, while US stocks closed mostly lower on Wednesday, pressured by continued declines in technology shares. On Wednesday, the Indian stock market closed marginally higher despite mixed global cues. The Sensex gained 79 points, or 0.09%, to close at 83,817.69, and the Nifty 50 added 48 points, or 0.19%, to settle at 25,776. The market exhibited a range-bound trading pattern, with investors carefully evaluating the aftermath of Tuesday's rally, which was sparked by the India-US trade deal. Sectoral movements were mixed, with the auto, metal, and energy sectors showing some buying interest. Meanwhile, the IT sector lagged behind the broader market. Market breadth was positive, aided by a recovery in midcap and smallcap stocks. As market participants await further direction, here are some stocks likely to remain in focus on Thursday: Bharti Airtel, Nykaa, Hero Motocorp, LIC, IOC, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Shares of these companies will attract investor attention as they are set to declare their Q3 results today. Investors are keen to see how these companies performed in the December quarter amid challenging economic conditions. Trent investor sentiment around Trents stock. Trent, the Tata Groups retail arm, will be under the spotlight following a strong earnings report. The company posted a 14.8% increase in revenue in the December quarter. Meanwhile, its EBITDA surged by 27.6%, reaching Rs 1,081.7 crore. The positive results are expected to boostaround Trents stock. Tata Power Tata Power reported a modest 0.6% increase in profit, rising to Rs 1,194.3 crore from Rs 1,187.5 crore in the corresponding period last year. However, revenue declined significantly by 9.4%, dropping to Rs 13,948.4 crore from Rs 15,391 crore in the previous year. While profits remained stable, the sharp revenue decline has raised concerns among investors. Marico Marico has signed definitive agreements to make a strategic investment in Cosmix Wellness, the digital-first functional wellness brand in India. This strategic move signals Maricos interest in expanding its footprint in the wellness space. Market watchers will be closely observing the impact of this investment on the companys future growth. NHPC NHPCs board has approved the cancellation of its memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Green Energy Development Corporation of Odisha. The MoU was intended for setting up a joint venture to execute solar power projects in Odisha. This development could influence the stock's movement on Thursday. Power Grid Corporation of India Power Grid Corporation of India made an announcement that could have long-term implications for the company. The Ministry of Corporate Affairs has approved the merger of 17 subsidiaries into two entities. This restructuring is seen as a move to streamline operations, and investors will be evaluating the potential impact on the companys financials. Cummins Cummins India posted an 11.9% year-on-year decline in net profit for the third quarter. The companys earnings slipped to Rs 453 crore from Rs 514 crore in the same period last year. Investors are likely to take a cautious stance on the stock as the profit drop raises concerns about the companys near-term performance. Sterlite Technologies Sterlite Technologies will have its board meeting on February 7 to evaluate a proposal to raise funds by issuing equity shares, warrants, or convertible securities to promoters through a preferential allotment. Investors will keep a close eye on the outcome of this meeting and its implications for the stock. NSDL NSDL will see 149.2 million shares, representing 75% of its total outstanding equity, become available for trading today. This follows the expiration of a six-month shareholder lock-in period. The market will be closely watching how the release of these shares impacts the stock's price. Emami Emami reported a 15% increase in its consolidated net profit for the December quarter. The companys earnings rose to Rs 319 crore from Rs 279 crore in the same period last year. This positive growth trend is likely to attract investor interest in Emamis stock as it reflects the companys strong performance despite challenging market conditions. As the market opens today, these stocks are likely to experience heightened activity, with investors keen to assess how the latest earnings and developments will influence their future prospects. A freezer staple will soon be a thing of the past. Minute Maid, the Coca-Cola Companys iconic juice brand, is discontinuing its frozen canned juices in the United States and Canada. The popular drink concentrate has been manufactured by the company for 80 years. We are discontinuing our frozen products and exiting the frozen can category in response to shifting consumer preferences, a spokesperson for the Coca-Cola Company noted in a statement. With the juice category growing strongly, were focusing on products that better match what our consumers want. The spokesperson noted that all frozen products will be discontinued in the first quarter of 2026, with in-store inventory available while supplies last. The history of the brands frozen canned juices dates back to 1945, when the company then called the Florida Foods Corporation was tasked with producing 500,000 pounds of powdered orange juice for the U.S. Army. With the end of World War II in sight, the U.S. Army contract was cancelled, and the company began converting the powdered orange juice into a commercial product. According to Coca-Colas website, thats how the frozen orange juice concentrate was born. A Boston advertising agency, which operated in a city famous for its Minutemen militia, came up with the name Minute Maid, reflecting the products convenience and ease of preparation. The product was sold door-to-door before the Minute Maid Company was purchased by the CocaCola Company in 1960. The frozen juices found favor with housewives in the 1960s and 70s and have been used more recently in viral cocktail and dessert recipes. Several private label alternatives are still available for purchase, but not in the same variety of flavors. BUCHAREST, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- Hydrologists on Thursday warned of an increased risk of flooding on rivers in southern and eastern Romania from Thursday evening through Friday, citing forecast rainfall, snowmelt and evolving ice formations. The National Institute of Hydrology and Water Management issued a Code Orange flood alert for certain river sections in Buzau and Prahova counties. A Code Yellow alert is also in force for rivers in Dambovita, Prahova, Ialomita, Buzau and several other counties. Romania's National Meteorological Administration classifies weather alerts into three risk levels -- yellow, orange and red -- indicating increasing severity from potential risk to extreme danger. Authorities urged residents in affected areas to exercise caution, avoid travel near rivers and refrain from attempting to cross flooded areas or bridges affected by high water levels. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. After more than a half-century in the fur industry, Robert Cosumano is putting a lid on his storied local business and long-standing family legacy. As owner of LFurs in New Dorp, Cosumanos furs have remained a symbol of luxury, with top-tier materials like Russian Sable, Chinchilla, and Lynx. The exterior of L'Furs on New Dorp Lane. STATEN ISLAND ADVANCE The fur retailer entered the fur business at the age of 15, working alongside his father, Lucian Cosumano, a couturier who created high end garments in Manhattans Fur District. Cosumano said he couldnt wait for Saturdays to accompany his dad and learn the art of manufacturing and styling furs and creating custom fur garments. Robert Cosumano of L'Furs is retiring and closing the shop on New Dorp Lane. Advance file photo Throughout the years the savvy business entrepreneur, whos outfitted generations, traveled the world in order to bring his clients the best in fur and fashion. A CHARITABLE RETAILER Cosumano has donated to myriad not-for-profit organizations, including the American Cancer Society, who lauded the local businessman for hosting fundraisers, the proceeds of which benefited breast cancer research. Attending the American Cancer Societys fur auction fundraiser benefiting childhood cancer patients and their families in LFurs, New Dorp, are Betty Fitzpatrick, Barbara Savino, Barbara Strafella, ACS representative Michelle Fusaro, owner Robert Cosumano and Celia Balsamo. (Staten Island Advance/ Jan Somma-Hammel) Jan Somma-Hammel He supports Rocco Strong Inc., a not-for-profit named for Rocco Gabriel DiMaggio, a 7-year-old cancer survivor, thats dedicated to making childhood cancers a priority through increased funding and awareness. Robert Cosumano, sitting, and his sister, Maria DeLuca, far right, host a charitable fashion show several years back. Models are all wearing fashion furs by L'Furs. (Courtesy/L'Furs) Staten Island Advance In addition, he became involved in the Save Our Soldiers Program, connecting community and military by sending custom care boxes, supplies, and letters of support to soldiers. When Hurricane Sandy hit, Cosumano supported Staten Island Strong, a grassroots organization dedicated to the cleanup and restructuring of homes. Robert Cosumano, owner of LFurs, poses with Michelle Fusaro, senior director of Patient and Family Services at the American Cancer Society, and Barbara Strafella, owner of Wake Up With MakeUp, Dongan Hills. The Winter Fur Land Extravaganza raised funds for the society at LFurs in New Dorp. Advance file photo A TOUGH DECISION The decision to retire didnt come easy for Cosumano. Our store on New Dorp Lane has been more than a place of business, said Cosumano. It has been a place of stories, of style and of legacy. We have had the honor of helping you find the perfect coat, restyling the heirloom fur passed down to a granddaughter, and creating the piece that made you feel truly yourself. He added: To our loyal clients, we say thank you. Your support, your stories, your trust are what carried us all of these years. Weve built relationships that we will always cherish. A GOING OUT OF BUSINESS SALE As Cusumano prepares for the next chapter in his life, hes conducting a going out of business sale. We will be inviting our clients and the public to attend our sale that has already began, he continued. During the event, he will be liquidating every garment and accessory. From our family to yours, thank you for your loyalty, friendship and support through the years, Cosumano added. We have cherished every moment serving you. We wish you and your family continued health and happiness during the years ahead. Cosumano also notes that if anyone has coats in storage, they should be picked up no later than March 1. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. A scheduled court date for a Staten Island man claiming innocence in a 1993 double murder has been pushed back two months, which his lawyers argue is indicative of law enforcements refusal to address past transgressions. Philip Robinson, now 57, was found guilty by a jury of murdering his female friend and the womans 2-year-old son inside a Tompkinsville apartment on Feb. 25, 1993. Currently he is serving out two sentences of 25 years to life in Sing Sing Correctional Facility in Ossining, New York. After the defense filed a motion to lift the conviction or have the case re-examined, the district attorney requested additional time to respond. The request was granted by Justice Marina Mundy, who rescheduled the appearance for April 10 in state Supreme Court, St. George. Robinsons counsel, meanwhile, has expressed frustration with the pace at which things are moving, and is skeptical that his client is getting a fair shake. This is the longest response Ive seen to a 440 motion in any of the five boroughs, especially after a lengthy district attorney investigation, said Brooklyn-based defense attorney James Henning. A 440 motion is a post-conviction legal procedure allowing a defendant to challenge a conviction or sentence. I think that unlike the other boroughs, Staten Island has not dealt with the reality of how cases were prosecuted in the 80s and 90s. They havent yet confronted how things were too often done in those days. Conversely, District Attorney Michael E. McMahon has said his office takes the possibility of anyone being wrongfully convicted with the utmost seriousness. That is precisely why we fought vigorously to secure funding for the creation of a dedicated Conviction Review Unit an independent body within our office tasked solely with examining claims of wrongful convictions," wrote McMahon in a recent statement about Robinsons case. A lengthy investigation into Robinsons case by the Conviction Integrity Review Unit was launched in 2022. It included several interviews across multiple states, and ultimately they determined the jury got it right. Since its establishment, we have overturned convictions when the facts, the law, and justice demanded it. Reasonable people can, and often do, disagree, McMahon went on to say in the statement. In this case, over 30 years ago, 12 reasonable jurors that heard evidence, not speculation, concluded that the defendant was guilty. Since the creation of the Conviction Integrity Review Unit on Staten Island in 2018, there have been three cases overturned; a murder, a robbery and a serial rape case. Other cases have been reviewed and deemed righteous convictions, including Robinsons and the 1994 murder conviction of Foster Thompson. Grisly 93 murders of Theresa, Tommy Theresa Jones holding her son Tommy prior to both of them being murdered inside their Tompkinsville apartment on Feb. 25, 1993. (Courtesy of LIzziey Bartlett) Investigators called to the murder scene on the evening of Feb. 25, 1993, were led to the bludgeoned bodies of Theresa Jones, 27, and her 2-year-old son, Tommy Moriarty Jr. The apartment was inhabited by Jones, her two children and her common-law husband, Tom Moriarty. At the time, Robinson was crashing on the familys couch. Jones kids referred to him as Uncle Phil. He worked two jobs as a cab driver and construction worker. Jones family said recently that he was a close friend of Jones and their relationship was platonic. Police at the scene were met by Moriarty. He told them he discovered the victims bludgeoned to death on the bathroom floor. Moriarty informed police that Robinsons construction bag had gone missing from the home, according to Robinsons court filings. Days into the investigation A day after the murders, Robinsons construction bag containing a bloody hammer was discovered in an abandoned hospital on Castleton Avenue. Robinson said previously that upon learning about what happened, he showed up to the 122nd Precinct stationhouse in New Dorp to clear his name. A current view of Brook Street in Tompkinsville, where Theresa Jones and her 2-year-old son Tommy were discovered bludgeoned to death on tghe evening of Feb. 25, 1993. (Google Maps) The lead detective claimed in police reports and testimony, later cited in court filings, that Robinson gave incriminating statements. Robinson, however, denies these statements, and the defense argues they were never properly recorded or signed. Prosecutors at trial cited a speck of blood on Robinsons sock. A DNA expert testified that genetic material found in the cells of the blood on Robinsons sock was consistent with the DNA of Thomas Moriarty Jr., according to Advance archives. There was no other physical evidence conclusively linking him to the crime scene, the defense argues. In an outburst at his sentencing in 1995, Robinson inferred that Jones common-law husband, the now-deceased Thomas Moriarty Sr., may have committed the slayings, according to Advance/SILive.com archives. Family had doubts Dating back to the time of the slaying, Jones family had doubts about whether Robinson was the killer. Joness daughter, Lizziey Bartlett, now 41 and living in Florida, recalled Moriarty as a heavy drinker who fought often with her mother. In a recent interview, she said there were broken bones and that there were escape plans if things got too out-of-hand. Thomas Moriarty, who was Jones' common-law husband and Tommy's father, met police at the crime scene on the evening of Feb. 25, 1993. (Courtesy of Lizziey Bartlett) In the moments after the slaying, Jones then 11-year-old sister, Franny Rozo, was walking toward the apartment, returning from a doctors appointment. (Moriarty) swung the door open and said theres a woman and baby dead, Rozo said. (Robinson) didnt do it. I know he didnt do it." Police at the time determined Moriartys alibi checked out. Court filings by the defense allege police prematurely cleared Moriarty as a suspect and argue that evidence of anger, domestic conflict, and opportunity were never fully investigated. A wrongful conviction, defense argues There are holes in the investigation beginning from the first minutes officers arrived, according to the defenses court filings. For starters, police allowed Moriarty to walk through the crime scene before detectives arrived to see if anything was missing, court documents allege. Two days after the murders, the bag and bloody hammer were found in an abandoned hospital by men who lived nearby. The lead detective directed them to search the area for the bag, rather than conducting the search himself, according to Robinsons court filings. There were multiple moves by the lead detective that dont make any sense in the grand scheme of how homicides are reliably investigated, said Henning. Robinson said in a recent interview with NBC New York that he believes he may have been targeted because he is Black and the victims were white. The most compelling evidence, however, has come in the form of DNA testing. It shows that skin cells found under Jones fingernails belong to two other unknown individuals, not Robinson, according to court filings on behalf of Robinson. At minimum, I dont think any court should have confidence in the verdict, said Henning. D.A. responds to motion Richmond County District Attorney Michael McMahon speaks at a press conference held outside of St. Ann's R.C. Church in Dongan Hills which was the subject of one of several recent disturbances at Catholic churches in recent weeks. Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026. (Advance/SILive.com | Jason Paderon) The district attorneys statement regarding Robinsons motion went on to say the following: At the request of the defense, we agreed to investigate the possibility that this conviction for the murder of a mother and child was wrongful. Over the course of two years, our Conviction Review Unit conducted an exhaustive review of the evidence and interviewed surviving witnesses. At the conclusion of that process, we reached the same determination as the jury; the conviction was supported by the evidence. Our justice system provides the defendant with additional legal avenues to pursue beyond our review, and he has chosen to exercise those additional options. As a result, this matter is now the subject of pending litigation. Out of respect for that ongoing process, we will not comment further on the specifics of the case outside of our filings and responses to the Court. Conviction Integrity Review Unit To submit a request for a conviction to be considered for re-investigation by the district attorneys Conviction Integrity Review Unit, see statenislandda.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/CIRU-Intake-Form_compressed.pdf STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Staten Island led the way with zero murders as New York City recorded the least amount of gun violence in its history last month. For the first month of the year, the women and men of the NYPD delivered the fewest shooting incidents, victims, and murders in recorded history, Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said in a statement. These results show that this department remains focused on building on the historic public safety gains made last year. Our strategy is simple: dont just get tough on crime, get smart. And deploy the best police officers in the nation to get it done and make New York safer. The precincts on Staten Island and in Manhattan did not report any murders in January, according to statistics supplied to the Advance/SILive.com by the NYPD. The city uses CompStat, a computerized system, to track crimes in the five boroughs. Staten Island recorded a historically low number of shooting incidents and murders during 2025. Staten Island continues a positive downward trend with overall crime on Staten Island declining 12.4% to 234 incidents in January from 267 last year. The steepest dive in crime was in burglaries, down 85.4%, with seven burglaries compared to 48. Petty larcenies dropped 35.1%, to 253 thefts versus 390. Grand larceny auto dipped slightly, down 1%, with 22 thefts of vehicles compared to 23. Some upward trends were tallied in January on Staten Island. Grand larceny increased by 10.9%, up to 112 thefts from 101 last year. Felony assaults were nearly flat last month, with a 1.6% increase to 63 from 62. Major crimes drop citywide Overall major crimes were down 6.7% citywide in January, to 8,338 incidents from 8,940 last year, according to the NYPD. Murders declined in every borough to their lowest level for January, shattering the previous record of 22 set in 2018 and 2022. Killings plummeted 60%, to 12 murders from 30. Shootings declined 20%, to 40 from 50, while the number of gunshot victims dropped by 30.9%, to 47 versus 68. Burglaries fell 27.8%, to 854 compared to 1,183, a historic low for January. Robberies declined 9.9%, to 993 from 1,102. Auto theft fell 4%, to 867 from 903. Grand larceny dipped 2.3%, to 3,376 compared to 3,454. Felony assault decreased 2%, to 2,069 from 2,111. Retail theft fell 16%, to 3,844 from 4,596. Rape increased by 6.4%, to 167 versus 157, partly due to legislative changes that broadened the legal definition of the crime. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Carlisle Rivera, a convicted murderer from Brooklyn, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for his role in a murder-for-hire plot targeting journalist, human rights activist Masih Alinejad, an outspoken critic of the Iranian government. The plot was directed by the Government of Iran, according to a press release from the U.S. Department of Justice. In addition to the prison sentence, Rivera will also face three years of supervised release. According to federal authorities, Rivera previously pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire and one count of conspiracy to commit stalking. He was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Lewis J. Liman for the Southern District of New York on Wednesday, Jan. 28. Riveras co-conspirator, Jonathan Loadholt, a Staten Island resident, will be sentenced in April after pleading guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit stalking and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering in January, according to authorities. The Government of Iran, a sponsor of terrorism, assassination, and espionage around the globe, has engaged in a campaign of assassination plots in the United States and abroad targeting those who oppose the regime, said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton for the Southern District of New York. The Government of Iran hired Rivera through an associate living in Iran to locate and murder Masih Alinejad in cold blood, right here in New York City. The Government of Iran has long sought to murder Ms. Alinejad, a U.S. citizen residing in New York City, because of her efforts to stand up to the Iranian regime and expose its discriminatory treatment of women, corruption, and human rights abuses, said Clayton. Todays sentence should be a warning to anyone who would cast their lot with the brutal Iranian regime and seek to do their murderous bidding, especially on American soil: You will be stopped, you will be arrested, and you will be brought to justice. Rivera was arrested on Nov. 7, 2024, before he could kill Alinejad. At his residence, law enforcement authorities found, among other things, a firearm with a partially obliterated serial number, as indicated in the release. According to federal authorities, Rivera was hired by Farhad Shakeri to murder Alinejad on orders from high-ranking members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The IRGC reports directly to the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran and is the governments primary instrument for funneling financial and lethal aid to proxy terror groups in the Middle East, the U.S. Department of Justice said. This is not the first time the IRGC has attempted to target Alinejad. In 2020 and 2021, Iranian intelligence officials and assets planned to kidnap Alinejad, according to federal authorities. Then, in 2022, the IRGC hired members of the Russian Mob to kill Alinejad. It was after those failed efforts that the IRGC turned to Shakeri, the U.S. Department of Justice added. In 2024, Shakeri, an IRGC asset, contacted Rivera and offered him $100,000 to locate and kill Alinejad, which Rivera accepted, according to authorities. The two men first met when they were incarcerated in the New York State prison system after Riveras conviction for murder in 1994 and Shakeris conviction for manslaughter in 1991. It was after he agreed to the offer that Rivera recruited Loadholt to assist in the plot, authorities said. Federal authorities state that using Shakeris money, Rivera and Loadholt purchased a firearm and burner cellphones. Authorities claim the pair then spent several months trying to find and murder their target, including by following Alinejad to a public speaking event and repeatedly stalking the Brooklyn residence where Shakeri believed she lived. According to federal authorities, the co-conspirators exchanged messages about their progress and photographs relating to the plot. In or around February 2024, Rivera and Loadholt messaged about an inbound payment from Shakeri before traveling to Fairfield University in Fairfield, Connecticut, where Alinejad was scheduled to appear. There, authorities say they took pictures on campus. Later, in April 2024, the co-conspirators exchanged a series of voice notes discussing the ongoing efforts to murder Alinejad, as stated by the U.S. Department of Justice. In one such note, Rivera told Shakeri that Alinejad was hard to catch, bro. And because she hard to catch, there aint gonna be no simple pull up, unless there[s] the luck of the draw. In another note, Rivera referred to the slammer, meaning a firearm he had obtained to kill Alinejad, according to authorities. Although Rivera has been sentenced and Loadholt awaits his sentencing, Shakeri remains at large. As previously shared by the U.S. Department of Justice, President Donald Trump, two Jewish American citizens living in New York City and Israeli tourists in Sri Lanka were among the other targets assigned to Shakeri. The Iranian government enlisted a convicted killer to stalk and murder an American journalist and activist, Masih Alinejad, in an effort to forever silence her vocal criticism of its regime, said FBI Assistant Director in Charge James C. Barnacle, Jr. Carlisle Rivera served as a hired gun to facilitate the political assassination attempt ordered by an international adversary. May todays lengthy sentence reflect the FBIs unwavering stance against any domestic or foreign actor seeking to target our nations residents for nefarious agendas. Walking out of the U.S. courthouse, right after my would-be assassin was sentenced to 15 years in prison, I came across images of beautiful, unarmed women and men who had been massacred by the regime, Alinejad said in a Jan. 28 post on X. It broke my heart. I want the same protection for the people of Iran. They are not only fighting for themselves; they are also standing against a terrorist regime that threatens U.S. national security. That is why I am calling on President Trump to give the Iranian people the same protection. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. New York City public schools across all five boroughs celebrated World Read Aloud Day with special events this week. More than 5,400 volunteers from school leadership, staff, parent leaders, community members, and partner organizations joined Litworld in reading more than 4,200 books to over 37,000 students marking more than 68,000 minutes of reading aloud. World Read Aloud Day is a powerful reminder that reading is not only a fundamental skill, but also a shared experience that builds confidence, curiosity, and connection, said Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels. When adults read aloud to children, we help bring stories to life, strengthen language development, and foster a lifelong love of learning. Across New York City Public Schools, we are committed to creating joyful, literacy-rich environments where every student sees themselves reflected in their books and feels inspired to explore the world through reading. World Read Aloud Day was created in New York City by a little boy and Pam Allyn as they were reading aloud together. Now, its celebrate on the first Wednesday of every February reaching millions of people, according to Litworld. Allyn, Litworld founder, joined Samuels on Wednesday for a special read aloud event at PS 3 in Manhattan. It is only fitting that I read alongside the Chancellor on World Read Aloud Day, which was created right here in a New York City classroom by a third-grader who was so inspired by a read-aloud that he believed the entire world should experience its power, said Allyn. New York City Public Schools unparalleled commitment to literacy, grounded in research and best practices, continues to demonstrate what is possible when we believe in the power of stories to change childrens lives. Here are the Staten Island public schools that celebrated World Read Aloud Day on Wednesday: PS 23, Richmond PS 29, Castleton Corners PS 52, Dongan Hills PS 56, Rossville PS 58, New Springville PS 74, Brighton Heights Barnes Intermediate School (I.S. 24), Great Kills Paulo Intermediate School (I.S. 75), Huguenot At PS 29, Staten Island District 31 Superintendent Dr. Roderick Palton and Acting Deputy Chancellor for Operations Kevin Moran read aloud to students. I.S. 75 students also visited PS 56 to read stories aloud to their younger peers. The city also provide resources online for families to support their children in developing key literacy skills. Those resources can be found at schools.nyc.gov/literacy . These resources include: In a dramatic legal battle with a rare WuTang album at its center, the infamous Pharma Bro Martin Shkreli filed new claims accusing RZA of doubleselling rights to Once Upon a Time in Shaolin. According to Billboard, Shkreli has filed a countersuit accusing WuTang Clans RZA of improperly doubleselling rights to the groups oneofakind album Once Upon a Time in Shaolin. Shkrelis filing, which pulls RZA into an ongoing dispute with PleasrDAO, claims RZA and producer Cilvaringz wrongfully transferred rights that Shkreli says were already contractually promised to him, the publication said. Martin Shkreli leaves federal court in New York, Friday, Aug. 4, 2017. The former pharmaceutical CEO has been convicted on federal charges he deceived investors in a pair of failed hedge funds. A Brooklyn jury deliberated five days before finding Shkreli guilty on Friday on three of eight counts. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig) AP Billboard reports that PleasrDAOs attorney dismissed the countersuit as another attempt by Shkreli to distract and delay, while Shkrelis lawyer argued that the new claims reveal a more complex story behind the albums ownership battle. According to Billboard, the lawsuit centers on Shkrelis assertion that WuTang oversold the albums rights by a total of 150%, despite his 2015 purchase that allegedly granted him half the copyrights immediately and the remaining half decades later. Billboard notes that PleasrDAO had previously sued Shkreli over threats to leak the rare album, which a federal judge recently said could qualify as a trade secret. In response, the outlet said, Shkrelis countersuit argues that PleasrDAO undermined its own tradesecret claims by publicly sharing parts of the album, including through NFT sales. Nearly 25 years after the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks, new information has emerged about New York Citys air quality and potential health concerns in the aftermath of the World Trade Centers destruction. An unearthed memo revealed New York City officials were worried just a month after the 9/11 attacks that thousands of first responders and survivors could suffer from toxic exposure at Ground Zero, the Daily News reported. The Harding memo, uncovered this week by attorneys seeking documents on air quality and health risks, was sent to Deputy Mayor Robert Harding in October 2001. It warned of roughly 35,000 potential claims, including lawsuits over health advisories that either brought people back too soon or kept them away too long. The memo also noted risks from faulty equipment and slip-and-fall injuries, and it suggested seeking federal compensation for liability. Despite the warnings, the city publicly assured New Yorkers from September 2001 through February 2002 that lower Manhattans air was safe and acceptable, according to court filings. Dust and toxins lingered for months, later causing respiratory illnesses and cancers among responders and survivors. The World Trade Center Health Program, established in 2011, now serves over 140,000 people, with 81,000 certified as having 9/11-related health conditions. Attorneys Andrew Carboy and Matt McCauley obtained the memo not from the city, but from the archives of the late investigative journalist Wayne Barrett at the University of Texas at Austin. Survivor advocates say the discovery highlights decades of city stonewalling. Mayor Zohran Mamdani has pledged to review existing records, and Corporation Counsel nominee Steve Banks says he will do the same if confirmed. Meanwhile, advocates are calling for transparency and the release of all related documents. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Robert Ollis, a New Dorp resident, had an idea that some big news was coming, but that didnt detract from the joy he felt upon learning his late son Staff Sgt. Michael Ollis will receive the Medal of Honor. Gathered around the kitchen in their family home, Robert, his wife, Linda, and their daughter, Kimberly Loschiavo, received the news from President Donald Trump over a phone call around 6 p.m. Tuesday. We knew we were going to get a call from somebody because about a week prior we got a call from the Pentagon clearing the phone numbers, Robert said. And we knew they said to be prepared for a phone call, but they wouldnt give us any more information than that." When asked how he felt upon hearing the official approval directly from the president, Robert said: Extremely happy, but also sad. You know what Im saying? Its like bittersweet. We were very happy that the president recognized Michaels sacrifice, you know? he added. Although it took a while to come to fruition, Robert expressed gratitude to all those in the chain of command who sat down, examined Michaels story and acknowledged that his actions merit such a prestigious honor. President Donald Trump will posthumously award Staff Sgt. Michael Ollis, a New Dorp resident killed while serving in Afghanistan in 2013, with the Medal of Honor. (Courtesy of the U.S. Army). Its Roberts belief that Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and his assistant had a big part in pushing forward the ongoing effort. Were very grateful for them and we cant wait to meet them, to thank them, he said. The anticipation of Tuesdays call grew as little hints tipped the family as to what news could be in store. Calls from the Pentagon and a hint from Tom Sileo, author of I Have Your Back: How an American Soldier Became an International Hero, a book on Michael, suggested the news to come, according to Robert. On Tuesday, Sileo put out a post on X sharing the news; it was reposted by Hegseth. BREAKING: President Trump has just informed the parents of fallen @USArmy Staff Sgt. Michael Ollis that their son will posthumously receive the Medal of Honor," the post stated. SSG Ollis, of Staten Island, New York, died while saving the life of a Polish soldier in Afghanistan on 8/28/13. During the call with the president, Trump invited the Ollis family to the White House for a future ceremony. As of Wednesday morning, the family was awaiting a call to learn when that event will be held. For several years the Ollis family has advocated for their son to receive the Medal of Honor and taken action to support the community in memory of their boy. In 2014, the family created the Staff Sgt. Michael Ollis Freedom Foundation. The foundation has been instrumental in getting a ramp in place for an injured serviceman, helping families who had fires in their apartments get back on their feet again and assisting a vet who had a bad car accident in Virginia while on vacation by helping his wife travel back and forth during his recovery there. Around the holidays, in 2019, the foundations Operation Ollis turned to local schools to help those in the military. That year, students at PS 56 in Rossville and Paulo Intermediate School in Huguenot sent more than 200 care packages to troops stationed overseas. A 2022 push to upgrade Michaels Distinguished Service Cross to the Medal of Honor failed to gain traction. However, last year, local veterans and a bipartisan political effort managed to get the final decision to the presidents desk. For Robert, the news of Trumps final approval brings relief. It was constantly on our minds, you know? Constantly would come up in conversations when we were just Linda and I or when we were all together. It would just come up and, you know, he explained. Keep praying and keep hoping and now, when the president spoke to us and everything else, it was like a sigh of relief and a thank you. Thank you, Mr. President. Thank you, God. Michaels father also wanted to take the opportunity to thank all of Staten Island. The politicians, the clergy and the civilians, a tremendous thank you for your support, because everybody has been behind us 100%, Robert told the Advance/SILive.com. Honoring a sacrifice Michael, 24, was serving as a squad leader in Bushmaster Company, 2nd Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 10th Mountain Division during his third combat deployment. On Aug. 28, 2013, Forward Operating Base Ghazni came under fire and Ollis mobilized the men under his command to a secure location and without pause or hesitation answered the call to duty and advanced toward the assailants, according to a letter from U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer, the Senate minority leader, to Chief of Staff of the Army General Randy A. George. Ollis rallied with coalition forces, among them Polish Officer 2nd Lt. Karol Cierpica. Ollis and Cierpica then encountered a suicide bomber. In an act of heroism, Ollis positioned himself between the bomber and Cierpica, firing upon the target. Although Ollis was able to effectively drop the attacker, the vest detonated and killed him, but he shielded Cierpica from the full blast, saving Cierpicas life. Ollis has since been recognized with the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star, the Audie Murphy Medallion and the Polish Armed Forces Gold Medal that nations highest honor for non-citizens. In 2019, Ollis Silver Star was upgraded to the Distinguished Service Cross. A veteran South Jersey firefighter died Thursday after becoming trapped beneath the icy waters of a Camden Waterfront marina while working on a department boat, city officials said. The firefighter, a man in his 60s, fell through the ice at the Wiggins Park Marina, which is next to the Freedom Mortgage Pavilion. He was taken to Cooper University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead, city Public Information Officer Vince Basara said. The marina houses boats on the Delaware River at a complex that includes the Adventure Aquarium and the Battleship New Jersey. The mans name was not released while officials notified next of kin, Basara said. City officials held a press conference at the hospital on Thursday afternoon to provide more information. Camden Police Chief Jesse Flax said authorities are still investigating the firefighters death. Mayor Victor Carstarphen added that the city will provide full support to the mans family. Its a tough time, Carstarphen said. The firefighter fell into the water around 11 a.m. and was submerged for several minutes, Basara said. He described the firefighter as a longtime member of the department. First responders performed life-saving measures before the firefighter was rushed to the hospital. The firefighter and at least three colleagues were aboard a boat the department owns, officials said. Its what we use to fight fire off the shoreline, Flax said. We usually have a team of four that go down there. The firefighter fell overboard, plunging into the icy water, while performing maintenance aboard the vessel, officials said. The circumstances of the fall were not immediately known. Pete Perez, vice president of Camden Firefighters IAFF Local 788, said support services were being offered to department members. I appreciate the support that we received from our state, Perez said at a news conference. All of the local fire departments have reached out the minute they knew something was going on with one of our guys. Perez said he worked with the firefighter for about 21 years, and described him as being well-versed in boating. I just want to honor him in knowing that he was such a great firefighter and knew what he was doing, Perez said. When I got the call that was going on, I was in still in shock. I could not believe that this was going on. It was like, surreal. NBC reports that the search for Nancy Guthrie, the 84yearold mother of TODAY coanchor Savannah Guthrie, has entered its fifth day as authorities continued to investigate her possible abduction. Savannah has pleaded publicly for proof that her mother is alive, while investigators review unverified ransom notes reportedly sent to several news outlets. NBC News says it has not seen the notes and law enforcement has not confirmed them. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos updates media on the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of "Today" host Savannah Guthrie, in Tucson, Ariz., on Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026. (AP Photo/Sejal Govindarao) AP According to a timeline reviewed by NBC, Nancy Guthrie visited a local familys home at 5:32 p.m. before being dropped off at her residence at 9:48 p.m., when the garage door opened and then closed two minutes later. The #FBI is offering a reward of up to $50,000 for information leading to the recovery of Nancy Guthrie and/or the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in her disappearance. She was last seen at her residence in the Catalina Foothills neighborhood of Tucson, Arizona, on the pic.twitter.com/4GsKV7zFxo FBI (@FBI) February 5, 2026 Early the next morning on Feb. 1, her doorbell camera disconnected at 1:47 a.m., and motiondetection software registered a person at 2:12 a.m., followed by her pacemaker app disconnecting at 2:28 a.m.. Family members checked on Guthrie shortly before noon, discovering she was missing at 11:56 a.m., and a 911 call was placed at 12:03 p.m., with deputies arriving at 12:15 p.m. Imposter arrest made According to Heith Janke, the FBI Phoenix special agent in charge, one reported ransom note carried a deadline of 5 p.m. today, with a second deadline set for Monday. ABC News reported Thursday that Janke said an arrest has been made in connection with an imposter ransom demand. To those imposters who are trying to take advantage and profit from this situation, we will investigate and ensure you are held accountable for your actions, he said. UNITED NATIONS, Feb. 4 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned on Wednesday that the expiration of New START, the U.S.-Russia nuclear arms reduction treaty, marks a grave moment for international peace and security. "For the first time in more than half a century, we face a world without any binding limits on the strategic nuclear arsenals of the Russian Federation and the United States of America, the two states that possess the overwhelming majority of the global stockpile of nuclear weapons," Guterres said in a statement. New START, which limits the number of deployed nuclear warheads and strategic delivery systems of Russia and the United States, expires on Thursday. Throughout the Cold War and its aftermath, nuclear arms control between the two countries helped prevent catastrophe. It built stability and, when combined with other measures, prevented devastating miscalculations. Most importantly, it facilitated the reduction of thousands of nuclear weapons from national arsenals. Strategic arms control drastically improved the security of all people, not least the populations of the United States and Russia, said Guterres. This expiration of New START could not come at a worse time, as the risk of a nuclear weapon being used is the highest in decades, he said. "Yet at this moment of uncertainty, we must search for hope. This is an opportunity to reset and create an arms control regime fit for a rapidly evolving context," said Guterres. "I welcome that the presidents of both states have made clear that they appreciate the destabilizing impact of a nuclear arms race and the need to prevent the return to a world of unchecked nuclear proliferation. The world now looks to the Russian Federation and the United States to translate words into action." Guterres urged the two states to return to the negotiating table without delay and agree on a successor framework that restores verifiable limits, reduces risks and strengthens common global security. New START, which entered into force in 2011, was the last arms control pact between Russia and the United States after Washington withdrew from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty in 2019. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. A pair of Staten Island elected officials announced their latest efforts Thursday to curb fraud under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, a Republican representing Staten Island and part of South Brooklyn, and State Sen. Jessica Scarcella-Spanton, a Democrat representing the North Shore and part of South Brooklyn, each announced pieces of legislation aimed at curbing the tens of millions of dollars in fraud seen under the program each year. I am proud to stand with Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton in our shared commitment to combat this rampant fraud impacting our constituents, Malliotakis said. SNAP is a vital lifeline for thousands of families in our community, and this legislation will modernize the system, strengthen safeguards against abuse, and ensure taxpayer funds are protected and directed to those who truly rely on this program. The duo joined local seniors in 2024 at the New Lane New York City Housing Authority Development to decry fraudsters efforts to steal SNAP benefits and call for more law enforcement action. Each year millions from the taxpayer-funded program are stolen driven primarily by by card skimming and cloning of beneficiaries Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards. Between October 2022 and December 2024, states reported over $320 million in SNAP theft, according to the elected officials. The skimming of SNAP benefits has impacted far too many of our constituents, with my office receiving numerous calls from seniors who discovered their SNAP funds were missing after grocery shopping, Scarcella-Spanton said. Our families should not have to skip meals or stretch limited budgets because of a system failure beyond their control. Malliotakis legislation would require chip technology on EBT cards by 2030 nationwide, and Scarcella-Spantons would do the same in New York by the end of June. Most New York legislation gets done each year in the annual budget, and Gov. Kathy Hochul included funding for Scarcella-Spantons SNAP bill in her Executive Budget released last month. The final budget should be passed sometime in the spring. California, one of the two states that have upgraded to chip technology, has seen an 83% reduction in stolen SNAP reimbursements, according to the elected officials. This legislation will get the root of the problem to better protect public assistance funds from theft, protecting families already facing financial hardship, Scarcella-Spanton said. This bipartisan effort alongside Congresswoman Malliotakis will help ensure that New Yorkers approved for SNAP benefits do not have to worry about how they will put food on the table. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. President Donald Trump recently signed a nearly-$1-million public safety package backed by Rep. Nicole Malliotakis into law, the Republican congresswoman announced Wednesday. The funds will go towards NYPD funding combatting car theft in the congresswomans district, which is comprised of Staten Island and part of South Brooklyn, and safety upgrades for the city Department of Correction. I will always support our brave men and women in law enforcement and remain committed to ensuring they have the tools and resources they need to do their jobs safely and effectively, Malliotakis said. At a time when certain policies have made their work more challenging, this funding delivers critical equipment that strengthens public safety for our community. Since I have been in Congress, I have secured over $9 million for the NYPD for essential equipment and training, and last year helped restore $100 million in federal funding for the NYPDs counterterrorism operations. A little over $460,000 in the earmarked funds will go towards NYPD safety camera upgrades in the district, about $360,000 will go towards upgraded Department of Correction safety equipment, including its K-9 unit, and $180,000 will go toward license plate readers used to combat car theft. Car thefts on Staten Island saw a slight uptick in 2022 and 2023, but have again reached historically-low levels in recent years, according to NYPD data. On Monday, the NYPD celebrated historically-low crime rates announcing the lowest number of shootings ever recorded in January. For the first month of the year, the women and men of the NYPD delivered the fewest shooting incidents, victims, and murders in recorded history, Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said. These results show that this department remains focused on building on the historic public safety gains made last year. Our strategy is simple: dont just get tough on crime, get smart. And deploy the best police officers in the nation to get it done and make New York safer. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. In honor of those who have died, here is a compilation of obituaries posted on SILive. Viewing times and guest books can be seen here. George Runer Jr., 90, passed away Sunday, Feb. 1, following a lengthy period of health complications. Born Sept. 17, 1935, at Lincoln Hospital in the Bronx, he was a long-time resident of Staten Island with early years spent in Wheeling, West Virginia. He served in the National Guard USAR for over eight years in the 42nd Rainbow Recon Division of New York, receiving three honorable discharges. His professional career spanned multiple industries, including employment as a machine operator for Blue White Laundry for over four years, over 33 years in the ice cream industry working for Dolly Madison, Schraffts Jahns and Sedutos, and over 25 years in the mail room at the Staten Island Advance newspaper. He was the husband of Evelyn Yanez for 67 years, eldest child of George Runer Sr. and Elizabeth Knezeak, and father to George Emanuel Runer and Dr. Evelyn Rosario Runer. Read the full obituary on SILive. Generative AI was used to produce an initial draft of this story based on data from Legacy.com. It was reviewed and edited by Advance/SILive.com staff. New York Attorney General Letitia James and New Jersey Acting Attorney General Jennifer Davenport sued the Trump administration Monday, seeking emergency relief to restore federal funding for the Hudson Tunnel Project, warning construction could halt as soon as Friday, Feb. 6. The lawsuit challenges an indefinite freeze on federal reimbursements announced Sept. 30 last year, which state officials say forced New York and New Jersey to cover construction costs for months using limited funds. Allowing this project to stop would put one of the countrys most heavily used transit corridors at risk, James said. Our tunnels are already under strain, and losing this project could be disastrous for commuters, workers and our regional economy. The Hudson Tunnel Project is the centerpiece of the Gateway Program, which aims to repair the 116-year-old North River Tunnel and build a new tunnel beneath the Hudson River. The existing tunnel was heavily damaged during Superstorm Sandy and continues to deteriorate, causing frequent service disruptions. Construction began in 2023 and is underway at multiple sites in both states. New York and New Jersey have invested hundreds of millions of dollars, while the federal government has committed more than $16 billion in grants and loans. The U.S. Dept. of Transportation halted funding despite repeated certifications that the project met federal requirements, according to the lawsuit. Officials warn a shutdown would have immediate consequences, including job losses and higher costs from halting and restarting construction. More than 200,000 passengers rely on the Hudson River rail crossing each weekday, and disruptions would ripple across the Northeast Corridor, the nations busiest passenger rail line. James and Davenport argue the funding freeze is unlawful and politically motivated. The federal government cannot withhold funding without a legal basis or proper process, they said, asking the court to order immediate resumption of payments so construction can continue uninterrupted. MINNEAPOLIS (AP) The Trump administration is reducing the number of immigration officers in Minnesota but will continue its enforcement operation that has sparked weeks of tensions and deadly confrontations, border czar Tom Homan said Wednesday. About 700 federal officers roughly a quarter of the total deployed to Minnesota will be withdrawn immediately after state and local officials agreed over the past week to cooperate by turning over arrested immigrants, Homan said. But he did not provide a timeline for when the administration might end the operation that has become a flashpoint in the debate over President Donald Trumps mass deportation efforts since the fatal shootings of U.S. citizens Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis. About 2,000 officers will remain in the state after this weeks drawdown, Homan said. Thats roughly the same number sent to Minnesota in early January when the surge ramped up, kicking off what the Department of Homeland Security called its largest immigration enforcement operation ever. Since then, masked, heavily armed officers have been met by resistance from residents who are upset with their aggressive tactics. A widespread pullout, Homan said, will occur only after theres more cooperation and protesters stop interfering with federal agents carrying out arrests. Trump told NBC News that he ordered the reduction and added that one lesson coming out of the turmoil in Minnesota is maybe we can use a little bit of a softer touch. But you still have to be tough. Gov. Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, both Democrats who have heavily criticized the surge, said pulling back 700 officers was a good first step but that the entire operation should end quickly. We need a faster and larger drawdown of forces, state-led investigations into the killings of Alex Pretti and Renee Good, and an end to this campaign of retribution, Walz posted on social media. Vice President JD Vance said the officers being sent home were mainly in Minneapolis to protect those carrying out arrests. Were not drawing down the immigration enforcement, Vance said in an interview on The Megyn Kelly Show. Trump administration has pushed for cooperation in Minnesota Trumps border czar took over the Minnesota operation in late January after the second fatal shooting by federal officers and amid growing political backlash and questions about how the operation was being run. Homan said right away that federal officials could reduce the number of agents in Minnesota, but only with the cooperation of state and local officials. He pushed for jails to alert Immigration and Customs Enforcement about inmates who could be deported, saying transferring those inmates to ICE is safer because it means fewer officers have to be out looking for people in the country illegally. Homan said during a news conference Wednesday that there has been an increase in unprecedented collaboration resulting in the need for fewer public safety officers in Minnesota and a safer environment, allowing for the withdrawal of the 700 officers. He didnt say which jurisdictions have been cooperating with DHS. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement that the administration will monitor local officials to make sure they keep their commitments. The Trump administration has long complained that places known as sanctuary jurisdictions a term applied to local governments that limit law enforcement cooperation with the department hinder the arrest of criminal immigrants. Minnesota officials say its state prisons and nearly all of the county sheriffs already cooperate with immigration authorities. But the two county jails that serve Minneapolis and St. Paul and take in the most inmates had not previously met ICEs standard of full cooperation, although they both hand over inmates to federal authorities when an arrest warrant is signed by a judge. The Hennepin County Sheriffs Office, which serves Minneapolis and several suburbs, said its policies have not changed. The Ramsey County Sheriffs Office in neighboring St. Paul did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Border czar calls Minnesota operation a success Homan said he thinks the ICE operation in Minnesota has been a success, checking off a list of people wanted for violent crimes who were taken off the streets. I think its very effective as far as public safety goes, he said Wednesday. Was it a perfect operation? No. He also made clear that pulling some federal officers out of Minnesota isnt a sign that the administration is backing down. We are not surrendering the presidents mission on a mass deportation operation, Homan said. Youre not going to stop ICE. Youre not going to stop Border Patrol, Homan said of the ongoing protests. The only thing youre doing is irritating your community. Schools ask court to block immigration operations Two Minnesota school districts and a teachers union filed a lawsuit Wednesday to block federal authorities from conducting immigration enforcement at or around schools, saying their actions have disrupted classes, endangered students and caused attendance drops. The lawsuit also argues that Operation Metro Surge has marked a shift in policy that removed long-standing limits on enforcement in sensitive locations, including schools. Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin said ICE is not going to schools to arrest children we are protecting children. Top Republicans are pointing their fingers at President Donald Trump as a new nightmare scenario looms for the party. The GOP is on high alert after Democrat Taylor Rehmet on Saturday won a state Senate seat in a North Texas district that Trump won by 17 points in 2024, The Hill reported. And that could be a bad omen for this years midterm elections, which Republicans now fear could also see their slim majority in the U.S. Senate washed away. One GOP senator who attended a briefing at the National Republican Senatorial Committee on Tuesday said that concern over the midterms should be very, very high. The lawmaker said that the loss in Texas should be a wake-up call and that GOP senators in battleground states, including Sen. Susan Collins of Maine and retiring Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina, have warned their Senate colleagues that the GOP faces a deteriorating political environment. Republicans say that increasing public discontent with Trumps handling of the economy and with ICE enforcement and deportations could be a death knell for Republicans at the ballot box. Senators are saying more and more loudly that theyre very, very concerned about the environment, that its continuing to deteriorate. They say it over and over again, the senator said. Republicans continue to believe that they have a good chance of keeping the Senate, but they are wary of the possibility that a Democratic surge could lead to Dem victories in GOP-leaning states like Ohio, Alaska and Iowa. Republicans for months have been looking at a potential loss of their House majority. A federal judge on Wednesday issued a preliminary injunction barring federal immigration officers from making warrantless arrests without finding that a person represents a risk of escaping or fleeing. U.S. District Judge Mustafa T. Kasubhai made the ruling from the bench at the end of a daylong hearing in federal court in Portland. With the order, Oregon joins Washington, D.C., and Colorado in restricting the practice. There is ample evidence that establishes theres a pattern and practice of executing warrantless arrests without the required legal findings on flight risk, Kasubhai said. Likelihood of escape considerations are not being made on a far-reaching scale across the populations in our community who are subject to immigration law, he added. He said theres clear evidence of potential future harm, noting the overwhelming material documenting broad-reaching dragnet, sweeping approaches that will continue to force people who would otherwise not be targets to be caught up again and again by federal immigration officers. The harm is great, significant and severe, pervasive for both individuals, their families, their communities, he said. Based on his view of videos of multiple U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement stops, Kasbuhai called the manner of the arrests violent and brutal. Both plaintiffs were stopped while going about activities of daily living and were not intended targets of federal officers, he noted. There can be an injury no more irreparable than the manner in which these plaintiffs have been stopped, detained, thrown to the ground and handcuffed, he said. Its violent and brutal, what Ive seen in the stops. The drawing of firearms, the civil administration process, is excessive and defies human decency. He said he doesnt believe his injunction will impede immigration enforcement but will improve it. The judge ordered federal immigration officers to document in narrative form all warrantless arrests made in Oregon and what officers used to support their finding that someone was likely to escape before they could obtain a warrant. Officers must document the date and time of the arrest and the persons community and family ties and any jobs held, Kasubhai said. Warrantless immigration arrests made in the state without a finding that the person is likely to escape insults the due process rights afforded by the Constitution, he said. Due process calls for those who have great power to exercise great restraint. That is the bedrock of a Democratic Republic founded on this great Constitution, Kasubhai said. I think were losing that. Attorney Stephen Manning, executive director of Innovation Law Lab, had sought the injunction, urging the judge to bar what he called federal immigration officers practice of arrest first, justify later. Immigrants in some of the largest cities and counties in Oregon are living under a state of emergency, Manning argued, because officers from ICE and U.S. Customs and Border Protection have been in the states streets, neighborhoods and schools arresting people without warrants and sweeping them out of state. Going to work, coming home from work, driving on the highway, buying bread or hanging out with your family at home. Those are not existential threats for most of us, Manning said, ... but they are for immigrants and people perceived as immigrants. It is an upside-down world. He asked the court to protect thousands of Oregonians vulnerable to becoming ICE targets or so-called collaterals. Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Ratcliffe asked the judge not to take the drastic step of issuing an injunction. He pointed to a recent memo, dated Jan. 28, from acting ICE Director Todd M. Lyons that set out the requirements and guidance for all ICE officers on how to conduct warrantless immigration arrests. He argued that the memo would prevent any future harm because it makes clear to federal immigration officers that they must follow the law. The lead plaintiff in the case, a 45-year-old woman from Mexico identified only as MJMA, was riding to work in the back seat of a van when officers stopped it in Woodburn on Oct. 30. She was among five passengers detained. When she was taken to the Portland ICE office, an ICE supervisor created and signed a warrant for her arrest though he knew officers had already arrested her without a warrant, he testified previously. She was kept overnight in a detention center in Tacoma and released the next day. Testimony about her arrest elicited testimony in December about ICE arrest quotas and warrants drafted after arrests. The other plaintiff, Victor Manuel Cruz Gomez, a, broke down on the witness stand as he described how he was pulled over by immigration enforcement officers on his way home from construction work about three miles from his Hillsboro home on Oct. 14. The 57-year-old from Mexico has lived in Oregon for 25 years. ICE officials held the married father of three and grandfather of four in their Tacoma detention center for three weeks, even though he had a valid work permit and received notice that he has been accepted to receive a U visa as a crime victim in a fraud case. During his stop, he said he showed the officers his drivers license and work permit. They werent satisfied, claimed his permit wasnt valid and told him, Youre still an illegal, Cruz Gomez recalled, raising his hand to his forehead to cover his tears. Kasubhai also granted class-action status to the suit filed by Cruz Gomez and MJMA, meaning they can represent all Oregonians at risk of arrest by immigration officers without a warrant and without the legally required assessment that the individual poses a risk of fleeing. That also means that all documentation of warrantless arrests in Oregon going forward will be provided to Manning and his legal team in the ongoing class-action suit, he said. Kasubhai asked how many arrests without warrants and escape assessments would he need to conclude that the federal government has a practice or policy of not following the law. Manning said two is sufficient, citing the MJMA and Cruz Gomezs cases. U.S. Justice Department lawyers argued the judge would need significantly more evidence. Innovation Law Lab lawyers played three videos for the judge: -- An early morning Nov. 5 immigration stop and handcuffing of a Cottage Grove woman who has a permanent residence card and does Spanish interpreting work for Cottage Grove police. -- Armed ICE officers bursting into a Gresham apartment without a warrant on Oct. 15 and their arrest of two men who were not the target of the investigation. -- An immigration lawyers confrontation with ICE officers when she demanded they leave an apartment complex parking lot while one asserted that agents can make warrantless arrests. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ariana N. Garousi highlighted the memo from Lyons, which the federal government presented in a pending court case in Minnesota last week. It says the Immigration and Nationality Act authorizes warrantless arrests if an officer has reason to believe someone is unlawfully in the U.S. and is likely to escape before a warrant can be obtained for his arrest. The memo served as a reminder, Lyons wrote, of what he called an essential authority and guide for officers in the consistent exercise of warrantless arrest authority for civil violations of immigration law. Garousi argued the Lyons memo cuts against the plaintiffs argument for an injunction, as it provides the exact remedy theyre looking for. That is, she said, guidance on arrests and a reaffirmation of ICE directives. Lyons memo sets out factors officers should consider to determine if someone is likely to escape, including the persons behavior before and after an encounter, refusal to follow lawful commands, attempt to evade officers, the persons age and health, possession of suspected fraudulent work permits or identity documents and whether the person has complied with immigration registration requirements. If warrantless arrests become necessary under the circumstances, immigration officers must effectuate such arrests in a manner consistent with the ICE policy and the law and follow up with the proper paperwork, the memo says. Kasubhai said he did not think Lyons memo reflected the reality on the street. Manning said he did not agree with Lyons interpretation of the law, saying his memo did not reflect that an ICE officer needs probable cause that someone poses a flight risk prior to making a warrantless arrest. Anxious and terrified Cruz Gomez said he prayed nightly with others at the Tacoma detention center and was twice offered $1,000 if he voluntarily signed a document to self-deport. I was very, very anxious and terrified, he said. I didnt know what was going to happen. Cruz Gomez said the three officers who handcuffed and arrested him shared a photo in the car of another man on one of their cellphones, which he said was a person completely different than me. He was driven to the ICE office in Portland and then taken with others to Tacoma. No one on the day of his arrest asked him about his immigration status, he testified. If they had, he said, they would have learned he had received deferred action for a U visa, suggesting he met all the requirements, and a visa would be approved once available. The special visa is provided to immigrants who report crimes, are victims of crimes or assist police in prosecuting another. He had been a victim of fraud in 2012 and assisted in the prosecution of the crime, according to court records. During his detention, he described the psychological cruelty of the staff, noting he arrived and was placed in a freezing concrete cell, making it impossible to sleep. He said he has gone back to Mexico three times since he first came to the U.S. and that he last entered the United States in 1999. He co-owns a house in Hillsboro with his wife. He has three grown children. One son and daughter are lawful permanent residents and another daughter has status under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program known as DACA. He has no criminal record, has work authorization and owns his own construction business, according to his lawyers. With the help of attorneys, a judge ordered his release from detention after his family posted a $3,000 bond in immigration court. He said his arrest and detention have shattered any sense of security among his family. We went three weeks without even opening the door to the house because of the fear we were feeling, he said, dabbing his tears with a tissue. I suffer from a lot of anxiety whenever I see any officer. Thats my mom Another witness for the plaintiffs, Emely Avila, testified that she happened upon an ICE stop in Cottage Grove last November and started filming when she realized her mother, Juana Avila, was the one being detained. Oh my (expletive) God, thats my mom! Emely Avila is heard on the video. What are you doing? ... She has a green card. You dont need to tackle her! Theres no reason to (expletive) do this! You guys are (expletive) crazy! Juana Avila said she left her home that morning when it was still dark after she received calls from several community members who told her that ICE had arrested someone and left the persons car behind. Suddenly, she noticed flashing lights behind her and pulled over, she wrote in a declaration. At least two masked officers showed up at her window and told her she was under arrest, she said. She asked why she had been stopped and asked for any paperwork but was shown nothing, she said. One tried to open my car doors. Another reached through my open window, unlocked my door and dragged me out of the car, Juana Avila said. They pushed me to the ground, and I felt their knees on my back, forcing me down. They were shouting at me. I begged them not to hurt me. She told the officers that she had children asleep at home and begged for her release. They handcuffed her and took her into their car and then searched her wallet, where they found her drivers license and her permanent residency card. I felt the most severe form of panic I have ever experienced, Juana Avila said in her statement. Every time I leave the house, I leave with fear. Avila was let go that night from the scene of her stop and not taken to an ICE detention facility. Ratcliffe, the Justice Department lawyer who questioned both Cruz Gomez and Emely Avila on cross examination in court, apologized for any harm that was caused to them or their family members. Lawyer confronts ICE Immigration lawyer Alicia Vial Beesley testified that she took a video on Dec. 15 in the parking lot of the Riverwood Heights Apartments in Tigard when she confronted ICE officers in green ballistic vests who had knocked on the door of her clients. They have asylum applications pending, she said. Get the (expletive) out of this apartment, shes heard yelling on the video. Just go, get off the property. An ICE officer tells her to back up and stand an arms-length away. Another officer tells her that cops make warrantless arrests, according to the video. I received a call from clients that ICE had been at their door and threatened to arrest them, she said. I wanted to have on video what their excuse was for trying to arrest my clients. Kasubhai said his order is effective immediately but he intends to issue a written ruling as well. Outside court, Manning said he expects a return to decency, normalcy, due process. ... Thats what we should see happening in Oregon again. If ICE officers do not follow the courts order, Manning said he and his lawyers will be back before the judge. President Donald Trump gave a non-religious reason for attending this years traditional National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, D.C., today, the New York Post reported. This is a beautiful American tradition, and its a true honor to be back, Trump told the audience at the Washington Hilton. I think Ive been here just about every time. Its hard to turn it down. I dont have the courage to turn it down. But the president acknowledged that hes sometimes not up to attend the event. Trump said: The last time I came, I got in [to D.C.] at 4 in the morning. They said, Sir, youre going to be speaking at 7. I said, Ill be there. Im afraid not to be. I need all the help I can get. The annual event brings Washington lawmakers together to pray. It will be Trumps sixth time attending the event. During his appearance at the breakfast last year, the president pledged to take action against what he called anti-Christian bias tied to the Biden administration, Fox News reported. While Im in the White House, we will protect Christians in our schools, in our military, in our government, in our workplaces, hospitals and in our public squares, and we will bring our country back together as one nation under God, with liberty and justice for all, Trump said at that time. Ahead of this years event, the White House said: President Trump has made unprecedented strides to protect our God-given rights and has delivered on his promise to reverse Joe Bidens divisive policies that weaponized the federal government against men and women of faith. President Trump has secured major victories for religious freedom from defending innocent life to restoring biological truth and protecting parents fundamental rights. SHENZHEN, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- When a Chinese robotics innovator faced an urgent space crunch for his laser sensor startup a few years ago, he did what many entrepreneurs in the country's southern tech hub of Shenzhen do: he called the local government. By the next day, multiple authorities responded. Within three months, Qiu Chunxin's RoboSense was moving into a new facility. Today, the tech firm born of his doctoral research is a publicly listed leader in LiDAR technology, with its sensors acting as the "eyes" for a new generation of autonomous machines. What happened in between wasn't just a startup success story. It was a rapid trajectory of how a small district in Shenzhen -- specifically a 10-kilometer stretch of asphalt known as Liuxian Avenue -- has become the world's most concentrated ecosystem for hardware innovation, driven by the city's dense, readily available industrial chain and hands-on government incubation policies. TRILLION-YUAN DISTRICT The strip's output is impressive. In 2025, the GDP of the Nanshan district exceeded 1 trillion yuan (approximately 144 billion U.S. dollars), making it the first county-level economy in the nation to exceed this economic threshold. At this year's CES in Las Vegas, the geographic advantage was unmistakable. Of roughly 4,100 exhibitors, approximately 380 came from Shenzhen; more than 100 from Nanshan alone, with at least 65 clustered along the Liuxian corridor, also known as "Robot Valley." The hardware firms in the district didn't bring just gadgets. They brought the entire supply chain: UBTECH's self-maintaining humanoid robots, RoboSense's sensors, and the agile workshops across Shenzhen that rapidly produce customized components. Its model is not quite Silicon Valley, which long ago outsourced its manufacturing; nor is it Austin, Texas, whose tech boom relies on luring cost-sensitive refugees from San Francisco. Startups stay not because it's cheap, but because leaving means exiling themselves from the ecosystem. They benefit from the speed afforded by proximity. LOGIC OF DENSITY Nanshan, where China's first open industrial zone, Shekou, was founded, marks the start of the country's openingup policy and serves as an early incubator for its hightech manufacturing sector. Since then, this densely packed district has fostered more than 6,000 national high-tech enterprises, including 394 specialized and sophisticated "little giant" firms. Facing severe land constraints, Nanshan even pioneered an "Industrial Upstairs" initiative, stacking factories vertically in multistory buildings. This concentration creates a "sameday closedloop" supply chain, in which all stages, from prototyping to assembly, occur within a single geographic hub on a single day. Wang Cheng, product line manager at Orbbec, a leading 3D vision sensor maker based in the valley, recounted how his team once diagnosed and solved a complex optical issue on the spot for an overseas client in the glasscleaning robotics industry, who had traveled all the way to Shenzhen seeking a solution. A short morning drive brings Wang to the assembly maker's office. Teams gather around a single screen, work through engineering and algorithmic challenges, and schedule afternoon testing, all before lunch. This is his typical workday. Many things are settled with a phone call or two, and within minutes, people along the chain sit around a table, working through the issue all in the same day. The team at drone-maker Potensic explained why they relocated to Liuxian Avenue. Roughly 70 percent of manufacturing can be handled in Liuxian, and up to 90 percent of production can remain within Shenzhen, according to Huang Hui, PR manager at Mammotion, a robotic mower manufacturer. The mountain-flanked valley's layout itself accelerates innovation: campuses like Tsinghua and Harbin Institute of Technology face directly onto industrial parks and corporate headquarters. Joint universitycorporate labs enable seamless labtoindustry translation, turning this compressed geography into a "petri dish" where future industries are cultivated at pace. GOV'T AS ENABLER Nanshan's local officials describe their role as providing an "invisible string" that ties the ecosystem together, rather than picking winners. Their approach is described in a maxim: no disturbance, but always responsive to requests. The government provides startups with a bundled package that includes a workspace, early-stage funding, and expedited regulatory approvals -- all in one offering. "This policy package is more precisely tailored to serve startups with technological breakthroughs, sustained R&D investment, and broad commercial prospects," said Liu Jingkang, founder of Insta360. This Nanshan-based hardware maker's panoramic camera became an instant U.S. hit, with customers lining up at dawn to grab the new release -- shattering the stereotype of Chinese manufacturing as merely "cheap and cutthroat." Nanshan's government services also deploy AI assistants for instant inquiries. This year, more application scenarios and greater AI computing power will be made available to small and medium-sized businesses. On a broader scale, the Chinese government is set to inject additional capital into the region to drive growth in its tech sector, as part of a blueprint to build an international technological innovation center here. Last December, the national venture capital guidance fund was launched in China. Among the three regional funds under its guidance, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Fund was registered and established in Nanshan, with a target scale of 50.45 billion yuan. The fund follows early-stage, small-scale, long-term investments in hard technology. As evening traffic thickens along the avenue, engineers inside Nanshan's industrial parks are still huddled over prototypes. In an era defined by technological upheaval, this sense of urgency reflects China's broader ambition. Advertisement Sponsored BusinessCompaniesBulls N' Bears Ardea lands $1B Aussie, US govt backing for monster WA nickel hub Brought to you by BULLS N BEARS Andrew Todd February 5, 2026 3:09pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A Ardea Resources has locked in up to a whopping $1 billion in financing support from two government-backed agencies to develop its globally significant Goongarrie nickel hub outside Kalgoorlie in Western Australia. The companys Goongarrie joint venture has attracted a conditional letter of support from Export Finance Australia (EFA), flagging potential funding of up to a cool $500 million. It has also received a letter of interest from the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) for up to US$350 million, taking total indicative backing to roughly A$1 billion. Ardea Resources managing director and chief executive officer Andrew Penkethman. The strong endorsement of Ardeas project has come through the Single Point of Entry for Critical Minerals program. The initiative is a streamlined collaboration between EFA and EXIM, designed to fast-track referrals and joint financing for eligible critical mineral ventures. It underlines just how closely Goongarrie aligns with shared Australian and US priorities to strengthen critical minerals supply chains. The support remains subject to meeting eligibility standards, including comprehensive due diligence on environmental, social and financial fronts - all standard conditions in an agreement of this magnitude. Advertisement The companys vast Goongarrie Hub clearly stood out to the government-backed instos as a strategically substantial nickel-cobalt deposit. Positioned 70 kilometres north of Kalgoorlie, Ardea says its project, with multi-million tonnes of contained nickel, stands ready to supply long-term feedstock to the steel industry while also addressing the surging demand for electrification and the need for a socially responsible cobalt source. The company is now eagerly awaiting its comprehensive definitive feasibility study (DFS), which is being funded up to $98.5 million in costs by a Japanese consortium of majors, Sumitomo Metal Mining and Mitsubishi Corporation. The strong interest from these government-backed institutions reinforces the global strategic significance of the Goongarrie. Ardea Resources managing director and CEO Andrew Penkethman The study will incorporate the latest design optimisations, including a reconfigured shift to a simplified 3.5 million tonnes per annum high-pressure acid leach flowsheet and a focus on higher-grade near-plant ore in the early mining years. In large-scale projects like this, modest refinements can drive outsized gains and Ardeas already standout margins over conventional sulphide nickel operations are clearly grabbing the attention of global governments. Advertisement The report is set to drop by the first half of this year, meaning the funding and final investment decision (FID) could accelerate shortly thereafter, placing the project centre stage for development in 2027. Ardea Resources managing director and chief executive officer Andrew Penkethman said: The receipt of support from both EFA and EXIM for up to A$1 billion equivalent (in aggregate) represents a major milestone in advancing the Goongarrie Hub toward development. The strong interest from these government-backed institutions reinforces the global strategic significance of the Goongarrie Hub in meeting both traditional nickel demand in stainless steel and the rapidly increasing requirements of EV and energy storage battery markets. Once the DFS is handed down, the Japanese partners stand to increase their stake in the Goongarrie JV to 35 per cent, with a further path to 50 per cent on the back of a final investment decision. Ardeas broader Kalgoorlie nickel project ranks as Australias largest nickel-cobalt resource and among the most substantial worldwide in established mining regions. It carries an enormous 854-million-tonne resource grading 0.71 per cent nickel and 0.045 per cent cobalt, which equates to 6.1 million tonnes of contained nickel and 386,000 tonnes of contained cobalt. The overall resource is divided across two key centres, with the Goongarrie Hub hosting 584 million tonnes containing 4 million tonnes of nickel, while the Kalpini Hub contributes a further 270 million tonnes for 2.1 million tonnes of nickel. Advertisement A 2023 prefeasibility study outlined a remarkable 40-year mine life, delivering around 30,000 tonnes of nickel and 2000 tonnes of cobalt annually, drawing on a shallow, flat-lying laterite orebody with a low strip ratio. The company has been particularly blessed by its partnership with Japanese powerhouses Sumitomo and Mitsubishi, which has allowed the project to progress through a decided downturn in nickel prices, bringing funding and technical capabilities to the otherwise unloved sleeping giant. With this fresh wave of international financial backing, a solid Japanese consortium partnership and a DFS on the march, Ardea looks set to steer the Goongarrie Hub towards becoming a cornerstone supplier of battery-grade nickel and cobalt, just as global efforts to diversify Western supply chains intensify. Is your ASX-listed company doing something interesting? Contact: mattbirney@bullsnbears.com.au Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share More: Bulls N' Bears Sharemarket Shares Advertisement BusinessCompaniesHospitals Healthscope to survive as not-for-profit after private equity bid rejected Colin Kruger February 6, 2026 10:17am 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 Healthscope lenders have approved a plan that will keep Australias second-largest private hospital operator intact as a not-for-profit operation following its financial collapse last year after private equity owners walked away. The announcement comes after lenders owed $1.7 billion rejected a private equity offer for its Prince of Wales Private hospital in Sydney, which was finalised early on Friday morning. Healthscope boss Tino La Spina is leading a bid to buy the hospital group and turn it into a not-for-profit operator. Stephen Kiprillis The transition of this significant portfolio of hospitals to a well-capitalised not-for-profit organisation, operating in accordance with its care-focused charitable purpose, would support the long-term sustainability of the private health sector in Australia, taking pressure off the public health system, the receivers from McGrathNicol, led by Keith Crawford, said in a statement. He told this publication that the not-for-profit plan was the only option that would keep all of Healthscopes hospitals open and avoid job losses. Advertisement The solution we have put forward is the only one that keeps all hospitals open and jobs secure, he said. Related Article Insolvency Why has Healthscope entered receivership? Private hospitals provide the vast majority of elective surgeries performed in Australia. The announcement is a significant victory for Healthscope boss Tino La Spina, who has led the bid to keep the rest of its hospitals together and pursued the plan to make it a not-for-profit operator, which means it immediately sheds significant costs like payroll tax which may have been costing the group as much as $100 million a year. This is a transformative day for our people, our doctors, our patients and the Australian healthcare sector. Our whole organisation has been galvanised by the idea of transforming Healthscope into Australias largest not-for-profit hospital operator, reinvesting surpluses back into our hospitals and people to continually improve patient care, he said. Advertisement Last November La Spina warned that some of the hospitals had not attracted any buyer interest and faced the risk of closure if a break-up of the hospital operator was pursued. The Sydney hospital offer was the last being considered for five of Healthscopes so-called crown jewels, which were put up for sale to the highest bidder as part of a plan for receivers to raise hundreds of millions of dollars for lenders owed $1.7 billion from the collapse. Late last year, the receivers sold Canberra-based National Capital for $251 million to Ramsay Health, and also found buyers for Gold Coast Private, Victorias Holmesglen Private and Hobart Private Hospital. Northern Beaches Hospital is currently run by private operator Healthscope but will transition to full public control this year. Wolter Peeters They have already banked $190 million from the NSW government after it terminated Healthscopes operation of Sydneys Northern Beaches Hospital under a public private partnership model. Advertisement Lenders owed $1.7 billion had to balance the proceeds from the potential sale of the Sydney hospital with the need to ensure the remaining group of hospitals were still viable. The fact that lenders are expected to receive as little as 50c for every dollar they are owed indicates how little value is ascribed to dozens of Healthscopes hospitals. The last big hurdle for the receivers and new owners are the rents charged by landlords for some of the hospitals, which were unviable and contributed to its collapse last year. Related Article Analysis Healthcare Have they learnt nothing? Radical surgery only option for hospital giant Late last year, the receivers from McGrathNicol rejected a proposal from Canadas Northwest Healthcare to carve off the 12 hospitals where it acts as landlord as part of a deal with not-for-profit Calvary which would be the new operator in a deal worth $140 million. High indebtedness was another major factor in the collapse, along with funding problems with private health insurers, and the loss of financially lucrative multi-day stays in hospital by private patients in favour of at-home care. Advertisement Healthscope collapsed into administration in May last year after Canadian financial giant Brookfield was unable to reach an agreement with either its lenders, or landlords like Northwest, that would help make the business viable. The other landlord, Healthco backed by rich lister David Di Pilla acquired 11 of the Healthscope hospital properties in 2022 for $1.2 billion. Both Healthco and Northwest have announced plans to transfer their hospitals to new operators if receivers do not offer them an adequate deal on rents. The Market Recap newsletter is a wrap of the days trading. Get it each weekday afternoon. Advertisement CultureLive reviewsSydney live reviews Lizzy Hoos glee is infectious as she milks her dad for best lines Shamim Razavi John Shand and Updated February 2, 2026 4:35pm ,first published January 31, 2026 12:05pm 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 Lizzy Hoo: Deja Hoo Sydney Opera House Until February 6 Reviewed by Daniel Herborn Some comedians scan the headlines of the day for inspiration; others gaze inwards, finding gallows humour in the dark corners of their psyche. As Lizzy Hoo tells us, her approach is simpler: she just asks her brother which anecdotes about their father, Chan, she hasnt told on stage yet. Comedian Lizzy Hoos glee is infectious. Along with the slick and affable delivery and a pun on her surname, stories of the sweet-natured and eccentric Chan are the constants in Hoos work. In Deja Hoo, we hear how Chan sought to make some extra cash by offering massage services from his home. Forced to set up his massage table in a dank dungeon-like space under the familys Queenslander, his venture ended in farce with his very first client. Advertisement Hoo gets good mileage out of being single in her early 40s, relaying how she sometimes wakes up spooning her greyhound. She also takes us through some less-than-stellar dates with men her age, like one dud who spent the whole time quoting The Simpsons. Her direct messages are apparently equally dire, with one would-be suitor proposing assembling a 6000-piece Hogwarts Lego set together for a first date. Stories of her elderly mother struggling to use technology or a cringe-inducing decision to play a Barry Manilow song on an electric organ at a school talent show are slight but go down easily. There are some flashes of sardonic humour and clever wordplay throughout, but Hoos main draw is her effortless and relatable style. Deja Hoo ends on a high with a surprise that a review shouldnt spoil, thats both a clever callback and a novel way to tick off an item on a bingo list of goals she and her single friends write at the start of each year. Shes clearly having a great time, and her glee is infectious. CABARET Amplified Belvoir St Theatre, January 30 Until February 8 Reviewed by JOHN SHAND Advertisement Long after Chrissy Amphletts band Divinyls ground to a halt, she imagined doing a one-woman theatrical show about herself and her songs. Having spent her Divinyls career playing a fiery, racy, pouting, unpredictable schoolgirl, she wanted a character this time, too, reportedly settling on a crow. It was never to be. She died of breast cancer before the half-formed dream took flight. Enter Sheridan Harbridge, Glenn Moorhouse and Sarah Goodes. Together, they envisaged a ghost of the show Amphlett had contemplated, subtitling it The Exquisite Rock and Rage of Chrissy Amphlett. Harbridge wrote it, with Moorhouse as musical director and Goodes directing Harbridges performance. Theyve done a storming job. Sheridan Harbridge as Chrissy Amphlett in a potent performance. Jade Ellis Harbridge doesnt become Chrissy, in the sense that the story is told in the third person, but Amphletts spirit is alive and living dangerously inside Harbridges performance. What a range the latter has, from being the best Blanche Ive seen in A Streetcar Named Desire, to now exploding off the stage with a singing voice I didnt know she had, that could be brutally powerful when required, yet also sweetly soulful. Advertisement Harbridges voice can be brutally powerful but also sweetly soulful. Jade Ellis Beyond the potency of her performance and the engaging storytelling, the music and spoken word are interwoven so that a Divinyls hit might start, shudder to a stop while Harbridge tells us more, pick up again, and repeat this process. Its done so well that youre not cursing the fact that they wont get on with the song; youre engrossed in an ever-growing tension that finally finds release when the song takes centre-stage. Sheridan Harbridge in full flight. Jade Ellis Another strength is the music itself, with Moorhouse (on guitar) joined by Clarabell Limonta (keyboard), Ben Cripps (bass) and Dave Hatch (drums). I never particularly rated Divinyls as a band, compared with their songs and Amphletts performance of them. Moorhouse and company have knocked some bricks out of the wall of sound and replaced them with nuance, without losing the kick to the surging chorus of, say, Boys in Town. Advertisement Related Article Whats on Chrissy Amphlett wrote a show in which she was a crow. Years after her death, her vision lives on The fearless Harbridge, meanwhile, doesnt just enter the audience, she invades it. Shes also funny, and the humour makes for a completeness of emotional impact, given the inherent sadness of a story of excess, of Amphletts repeatedly having to smash the same glass ceiling, and then suffering multiple sclerosis before the cancer hit. Perhaps its also so moving because the show exudes such immense affection for its subject. If the intensity of grip is released a little in the final phase, its certainly reasserted when they launch into I Touch Myself, the song that made the teenage Harbridge a fan. I suspect Amphlett would approve. Shed have appreciated the absence of hagiography and sugar-coating, and she may have recognised a fellow traveller in the high-stakes game of being audacious on stage. She may have even stood up with the rest of us at the end. Advertisement MUSIC The Whitlams and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra State Theatre, January 31 Reviewed by SHAMIM RAZAVI The Whitlams were early adopters of the now-fashionable and symphony trend, returning to it intermittently over the past 20 years. It is a format that frontman Tim Freedman freely admits can be reduced to some strings on top of our chords a reduction he spends the evening trying to disprove. His counterargument opens convincingly with Beauty in Me with the two elements in balance: the orchestra afforded the space to carry the opening lines on their own, with Freedman on piano and daughter Alice on vocals, joining in as the song unfolds. This sets up the template for the night: agreeable, well-balanced and designed to amplify the bands hallmark pretty tunes. Tim Freedman. Sitthixay Ditthavong The effect is more interesting when inverted, the swelling strings pulling counter to the sardonic lyrics of Fondness Makes the Heart Grow Absent, heightening the sleight-of-hand tricksy of the original. The same effect is even more powerful on Melbourne, the tale of righteous outsider contrarianism that gains bite when delivered with the buttoned-up formality of the symphony. Advertisement Twenty years of orchestral toying has thrown up the occasional gem, chief among them Out the Back, co-written with distinguished composer Peter Sculthorpe. No mere rearrangement for strings, this is a genuine three-way conversation between guitarist Jak Housdens languid line, Freedmans lazy lyrics and the orchestras expansive response. On record, it is clever and tight live, it takes beautiful flight. The Whitlams were an early adopter of the symphony concert and they use the format well. Sitthixay Ditthavong The arrangement of Up Against the Wall by the masterful Benjamin Northey similarly transcends the strings-atop-chords formula: a meaningful reworking rather than just pretty ornamentation. In both pieces, the orchestral accompaniment doesnt merely add depth but illumination, drawing out the Irish folk-inflected lines that underpin so much of the Whitlams songwriting. All of which is to say that too much of the remainder amounted to an amiable but unrevealing run through the bands back catalogue. Sure, their hits are still fabulous and Blow Up the Pokies sounds even better with 30 more musicians whirling away. For all we are given, we are left wanting: more reimagining, less reupholstering. MUSIC The Edge of Zen: Riley Lee, Satsuki Odamura, Chroma Quartet Utzon Room, Sydney Opera House, February 1 Reviewed by PETER McCALLUM Advertisement I wont attempt to define the Zen that this concert placed itself at the edge of, but I imagine one knows when one is near it. The Zen-like music, from Scottish, Australian and Japanese composers, explored states of mind that were quiet and reflective and marked by a vivid sense of presence and sometimes pain. Koto player Satsuki Odamura set the tone with Letter from a Strangers Childhood by Robin Williamson for solo bass koto. Its simple melody moved around the scale thoughtfully, hastened by occasional impulsive gestures and quivering pauses, as though to recover a breath or thought. Musicians performing The Edge of Zen at the Utzon Room. Jay Patel Voice of the Rain by Ross Edwards for shakuhachi (Riley Lee) and string quartet (Chroma Quartet: Harry Bennetts, Victoria Bihun, Elizabeth Woolnough and Eliza Sdraulig) began by blending a freely floating solo on the shakuhachi (Japanese bamboo flute) with a quiet wispy fifth on cello, a sonority that returned at the close. Lees playing was ineffably delicate, nurturing pure tones inflected by microtonal pitch bending and ornamental vibrato, as though seized by deep regret. The music to this point had largely explored unmetered rhythms but Haru no Umi (Spring Sea) for koto and shakuhachi, by blind Japanese composer Michio Miyagi, juxtaposed contemplative sections where the ornamentation drove the music to brief moments of madness, with imitative rhythmic passages, reaching a plateau of suspended time and arresting strangeness in the upper register. Advertisement Anne Boyds Alchera-Jugulba for shakuhachi and string quartet entered a lonely place with sustained shakuhachi tones against plucked notes on strings, which sometimes become unsettled like a chime animated by a sudden gust. With quiet string chords and low howling shakuhachi tones, the work had the stillness of an evening where thoughts turn inwards, sometimes darkly. Stepping a little further away from the edge of Zen, the Chroma Quartet then performed Debussys String Quartet with attentive sensitivity to its textural subtlety. After the densely compact chords and rhythmic tussle of the first movement, the plucked transparent passages of the second movement flitted by with evanescent lightness. Playing with precision of pitch and sensitive calibrations of softness, the players established the haunting third movement as the works expressive fulcrum before an invigorated finale. To close, Lachlan Skipworths Sealight for shakuhachi, koto and string quartet returned to rumination, gently lapping rhythmic patterns and heterophonic elaboration, ending with vibrating shakuhachi echoes and, from the koto, a sentimental twang. The Booklist is a weekly newsletter for book lovers from Jason Steger. Get it delivered every Friday. Advertisement EnvironmentConservationEnvironmental threats This beach was crowned Australias best. Is it being loved to death? Bianca Hall Updated February 5, 2026 1:30pm ,first published 11:45am 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 Its white quartz sands are so pristine, they squeak when visitors scuff their feet on the beach. Offshore, those sands lend the water a sparkling, crystalline quality that shimmers from green to blue. Welcome to Squeaky Beach, named Tourism Australias best Australian beach in 2024, and the runner-up in Lonely Planets list of the best beaches in the world in 2025. Squeaky Beach, with its sparkling turquoise water and glistening white sand, is one of Australias top beaches. iStock But as natural wonders like this beach, on the west side of Wilsons Promontory National Park in Victoria, rise rapidly in popularity, advocates warn they are in danger of being loved to death. In 2023, K-pop star Jennie from Blackpink posted photographs of herself sitting on the edge of a high cliff at the unfenced and popular Lincolns Rock lookout at Wentworth Falls in the Blue Mountains, outside Sydney, to her 80 million-plus followers on Instagram. Advertisement The post received more than 4.5 million likes and, since then, Blue Mountains City Council Mayor Mark Greenhill says, visitor numbers have exploded. The rush of tourists has brought an increase in rubbish, illegal parking, traffic congestion and vandalism, including hundreds of people carving their initials and names into the rock. With no toilets at the previously obscure site, visitors have taken to defecating in the bush. Lincolns Rock has closed for at least three months. Steven Siewert The council closed the site last month for at least three months, citing safety concerns. Two people had previously fallen from the lookout and survived horrific injuries, but Greenhill feared deaths would follow. While the tourist numbers at Wilsons Promontory are far lower than the 5 million tourists who visit the Blue Mountains every year, they have grown quickly. Advertisement In 2024, the same year Tourism Australia named Squeaky Beach as Australias best, the Victorian government estimated 400,000 visitors a year travelled to the Prom. Last year, the official estimate was 500,000 annual visits, and this year more than 600,000 visitors are expected. As word has spread about Squeaky Beachs wild beauty, so too has the impact tourists leave on the formerly pristine location. During the summer months, hundreds of tourists disembark from shuttle buses in waves onto the beach, some clambering over delicate dunes to marvel at the famous squeaks. Advertisement One former ranger, who asked not to be identified, worries the beach is in danger of being loved to within an inch of its life. On a Friday last month, this masthead saw hundreds of tourists arriving by the busload for a curious stomp around the beach. Despite signs warning that the dunes are vulnerable, children played in them, sending waves of sand down the sides. Squeaky Beach is famous not only for its sparkling waters and sands, but also for the boulders that line the shore. Getty Images/iStockphoto In a statement, area chief ranger Brett Mitchell says visitors are eager to hear the famous squeak beneath their feet and see crystal clear waters roll into shore. But the surrounding sand dunes are fragile, living ecosystems with significant cultural heritage values. They provide vital feeding and nesting areas for small animals like the southern brown bandicoot and endangered hooded plover, he says. Advertisement Related Article Sydney councils Inherently dangerous: Popular Blue Mountains destination closes When visitors leave rubbish behind or trample, slide or jump on the dunes, it speeds up erosion and harms coastal plants that hold the dunes together. A Parks Victoria spokeswoman says fencing the dunes would be impractical, as they are dynamic and constantly shifting with wind and rain. Rangers regularly patrol and pick up rubbish at key visitor sites such as Squeaky Beach, she says. So whats the answer? Parks Victoria launched a consultation to develop a new management plan for the Prom in 2023. A key idea raised in the consultation was limiting visitors to ensure the long-term sustainability of the park. The state government has twice delayed the draft plan it first promised in 2024. Advertisement The Parks Victoria spokeswoman says the agency is now working with traditional owners to develop the plan, and it would take a significant amount of time, given its scope and importance. Matt Golding Victorian National Parks Association campaigner Jordan Crook says that, as population and tourism numbers increase, so too must the number of park rangers employed to manage invasive weeds, maintain tracks and protect national parks. Last June, however, there were fewer full-time equivalent staff (801) at Parks Victoria than in June 1998 (913), according to annual report figures, and only a fraction are rangers. In 1998, Victoria had a population of 4.6 million. In 2025, it was more than 7 million. Advertisement It is concerning to see the numbers increasing of visitors, but the number of park rangers and people looking after the park declining at the same time, so its leading to the parks being loved to death, Crook says. Meanwhile, it is up to visitors to do the right thing. Parks Victoria urges visitors to keep to paths, avoid dune areas, and take rubbish home with them when visiting Squeaky Beach. A spokeswoman for Tourism Australia says the agency encourages responsible travel behaviours and sustainable growth in the tourism industry. We encourage international visitors across our marketing and communications to act as custodians of the places they visit, prioritising care for people and place throughout their journey, she says. Advertisement With Ellie Busby Get to the heart of whats happening with climate change and the environment. Sign up for our fortnightly Environment newsletter. A Colorado funeral home owner who stashed 189 decomposing bodies in a building over four years and gave grieving families fake ashes will be sentenced on Friday on corpse abuse charges. Jon Hallford owned Return to Nature Funeral Home in Colorado Springs with his then-wife, Carie. They pleaded guilty in December to nearly 200 counts of corpse abuse under an agreement with prosecutors. Jon Hallford faces between 30 and 50 years in prison. Carie Hallford faces 25 to 35 years in prison at sentencing on April 24. The Hallfords stored the bodies in a building in the small town of Penrose, south of Colorado Springs, from 2019 until 2023, when investigators responding to reports of a stench from the building discovered the corpses. Jon and Carie Hallford, the owners of the Colorado funeral home where 189 decaying bodies were found. AP Bodies were found throughout the building, some stacked on top of each other, with swarms of bugs and decomposition fluid covering the floors, investigators said. The remains including adults, infants and fetuses were stored at room temperature. Investigators believe the Hallfords gave families dry concrete that mimicked ashes. The bodies were identified over months with fingerprints, DNA and other methods. Families learnt the ashes they had been given, and then spread or kept at home, werent actually their loved ones remains. Many said it undid their grieving process, others had nightmares and struggled with guilt that they let their relatives down. The owners of the funeral home also pleaded guilty to federal fraud charges after prosecutors said they cheated the government out of nearly $900,000 in pandemic-era small business aid. Jon Hallford was sentenced to 20 years in prison in that case. He told the judge he opened Return to Nature to make a positive impact in peoples lives, then everything got completely out of control, especially me. I still hate myself for what Ive done, he said at his sentencing last June. Carie Hallfords federal sentencing is set for March 16. Attorneys for the Hallfords did not respond to requests for comment from The Associated Press. During the years they were stashing bodies, the Hallfords spent lavishly, according to court documents. That included purchasing a GMC Yukon and an Infiniti worth over $120,000 combined, along with $31,000 in cryptocurrency, luxury items from stores like Gucci and Tiffany & Co., and laser body sculpting. One of the recovered bodies was that of a former army sergeant first class who was thought to have been buried at a veterans cemetery, said FBI agent Andrew Cohen. When investigators exhumed the wooden casket at the cemetery, they found the remains of a person of a different gender inside, he said. The veteran, who was not identified in court, was later given a funeral with full military honors at Pikes Peak National Cemetery. The corpse abuse revelations spurred changes to Colorados lax funeral home regulations. AP Growing tension amidst Israeli presidents looming Australia visit The Israeli president is due to touch down in Australia on Sunday, but his visit is causing division both in and outside of parliament. Advertisement NationalMissing person Gus Lamonts family member a suspect as police treat four-year-olds disappearance as a major crime Isabel McMillan and Alexander Darling Updated February 5, 2026 3:18pm ,first published 2:27pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A The disappearance of four-year-old Gus Lamont has been declared a major crime as South Australian police reveal a family member who lived at the same outback property is a suspect in their investigation. Gus went missing from the Oak Park sheep station in Yunta a three-hour drive north of Adelaide in September last year, prompting several massive searches of the surrounding scrubland. August Gus Lamont was last seen about 5pm on September 27. SA Police On Thursday, South Australian police declared the case a major crime. Police stressed that while neither of Gus parents were suspects, another family member who lived at the same property as the boy had become a person of interest in their investigation. Advertisement Related Video Video icon 1:36 Mine shafts focus of new search for missing boy Gus Detective Superintendent Darren Fielke said inconsistent accounts had emerged in the statements that Gus family members had first made to officers. Only as recently as January 14 and 15, when we attended there, did we get more information that we have analysed and reviewed, which again has highlighted some discrepancies, he said. As a result of these inconsistencies ... a person who resides at Oak Park station has withdrawn their support for the police and is no longer cooperating with us. The person who has withdrawn their co-operation is now considered a suspect in the disappearance of Gus. I do want to stress, however, that Gus parents are not suspects in his disappearance. Advertisement Fielke declined to detail the suspects exact relationship to the missing boy or explicitly state what the inconsistencies in the accounts of the boys disappearance were. What I can say, however, is that well continue to thoroughly and meticulously investigate the disappearance of Gus until we get an outcome. Were all focused and determined to locate Gus and return him to his parents. Nothing is off the table as we work towards that outcome. In early October authorities scaled back their search for missing boy Gus, last seen near Yunta, South Australia. Nine News Fielke also said the suspect has obtained legal representation. Asked if police believed Gus was at the property when officers were searching for him, Fielke replied that it was possible. Advertisement Related Article National News Live Australia news as it happened: Gus Lamont disappearance declared major crime by SA Police; Perth Invasion Day failed bombing declared terrorist act Police were on scene quite quickly when they were advised that Gus was missing, Fielke said. Yes, there was some time in between that it was possible. Were still working on that timeline. The search for Gus has so far covered 95 square kilometres, including six mine shafts near the property. It has involved nearly 400 personnel, including police officers, SES, the Australian Defence Force, an Indigenous tracker, aircraft and community volunteers. Fielke said police believed Gus was not currently in the search area. He also revealed that police had explored three possibilities in their search. Advertisement The search... was based on him walking off from Oak Park Station and becoming lost, he said. The other two investigation options are focused on Gus being abducted from Oak Park Station or whether someone known to him was involved in his disappearance and suspected death. Loading As well as that, today Im also declaring the disappearance of Gus Lamont to be a major crime. Fielke said there was no evidence to suggest that Gus has merely wandered off from the homestead. Advertisement No charges have been laid over Gus disappearance. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter. Advertisement Updated NationalNSWBondi Junction attack A vast and permanent space: Grieving families speak after Bondi stabbing inquest findings Perry Duffin and Kate Aubusson Updated February 5, 2026 3:44pm ,first published 11:59am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A Key points Joel Cauchis psychiatrist referred to Queenslands health watchdog over failings in care. NSW government urged to close gaps in mental health system, including housing. Hero cop Inspector Amy Scott praised for bravely stopping attack and clearly saving lives. Victim Ashlee Good, French Bollard Man, survivors, should be considered for bravery award. Cauchis parents offer condolences to families, victims. The inquest into the Bondi Junction Westfield stabbing attack has urged the government to house and care for the mentally unwell, referred the killers psychiatrist to the watchdog over treatment failures, and recommended bravery awards for the heroism displayed by police, victims and witnesses to the tragedy. The families of those who died spoke outside the coroners court in Sydney of the voids that remained in their lives, while experts have called for urgent changes to care and support for people with mental illness. NSW Police Inspector Amy Scott, left, heroically faced and killed Joel Cauchi during the attack on her own. She was diagnosed with cancer last year. Sam Mooy Queenslander Joel Cauchi, 40, was shot dead by NSW Police Inspector Amy Scott after he stabbed 16 people in the shopping centre on the afternoon of April 13, 2024. Six people died of their injuries: Dawn Singleton, 25; Ashlee Good, 38; Jade Young, 47; Cheng Yixuan, 27; Pikria Darchia, 55; and Faraz Tahir, 30. A further 10 people were injured but survived. Advertisement His attacks were a quintessential example of an active armed offender rapid, unpredictable and fatal within a very short period of time, NSW Coroner Teresa OSullivan said, handing down her findings with 23 recommendations on Thursday. OSullivan praised Scott, who had raced into the centre alone. The hero officer told the inquest she had resigned herself to death and found Cauchi on a pedestrian footbridge on an upper level. Joel Cauchis horrific attack erupted in the Bondi Junction shopping centre on Saturday, April 13, 2024. Matthew Absalom-Wong Cauchi charged at Scott with a military knife in hand and she shot him dead. Her actions undoubtedly prevented more deaths, the coroner said. Her actions were extraordinary, calm, skilful and courageous actions which clearly saved lives. Advertisement Scott was diagnosed with breast cancer last year. Her condition was made public over the Christmas break and triggered a massive outpouring of support and donations from a country indebted to the inspector. Cauchi was profoundly psychotic after going off the medication for his chronic schizophrenia, the coroner said, and sleeping rough at Maroubra Beach before the attack. Joel Cauchi was shot dead by police at Westfield Bondi Junction after he stabbed and killed six shoppers. Facebook His psychiatrist, Andrea Boros-Lavack, began weaning Cauchi off his anti-psychotics in 2019 after changing his diagnosis from chronic schizophrenia to first-time psychosis. Cauchi relapsed into psychosis, and his mother, Michelle, tried to raise the alarm to Boros-Lavack seven times. Advertisement Boros-Lavack was told her patient was scrawling countless messages about satanic control, obsessing over pornography and showering compulsively. It was ultimately a major failing that she revised her view and did not do more to proactively urge Mr Cauchi to resume his medication, OSullivan said on Thursday. Bondi Junction attack victims (clockwise from top left) Ashlee Good, Jade Young, Dawn Singleton, Yixuan Cheng, Faraz Tahir and Pikria Darchia. Even after the tragedy, the psychiatrist dismissed Michelles comments as just an opinion of the mother. In evidence, Boros-Lavack made bizarre claims about Cauchis mental state and motivation. That was nothing to do with psychosis. He couldnt have organised himself to do what he did. I think it might have been due to his sexual frustration, pornography and hatred towards women, she said. Advertisement OSullivan on Thursday recommended the Health Ombudsman of Queensland review Boros-Lavacks treatment of Cauchi. The coroners main recommendations were directed at a much larger failure the underfunded and fractured mental health systems through which Cauchi slipped. Andrea Boros-Lavack treated Bondi Junction killer Joel Cauchi from 2012 to 2020. A Current Affair OSullivan recommended that the NSW government establish short-term accommodation in Sydney for people with mental illness and homelessness with on-site care and services. She also urged the government to reverse the decline in outreach services which could have found and helped Cauchi. Advertisement This impacts upon all of the community first responders, the health system and the population at large, OSullivan said. OSullivans final recommendations were to consider bravery awards for people who confronted Cauchi during the rampage: Inspector Scott; Jade Youngs husband Noel McLaughlin; Frenchmen Damien Guerot and Silas Despreaux, known as the bollard men; and Good, who was fatally wounded while saving her baby. Julie Singleton, mother of victim Dawn Singleton, arrives at the NSW Coroners Court in Lidcombe on Thursday. Sam Mooy McLaughlin on Thursday said he had shared two decades of life with Young, and her death left a vast and permanent space, one that cant be filled, only carried. The evidence has shown that what first appeared to be a sudden and random act of violence was, in fact, the end point of a long story, he said. Advertisement Kerry Good, the father of Ashlee, laid blame at the feet of the staff and systems of the shopping centre. The inquest found one of the security control room operators was not fit to man the desk without supervision, and the emergency warnings had been unclear to shoppers. Kerrie Good (left), father of Ashley Good, and Noel McLaughlin (centre), fiance of victim Jade Young, speak outside the coroners court. Sam Mooy If they had done their job successfully, my daughter would still be alive today, Good said. Security guards Faraz Tahir, who died in the attack, and his colleague, Mohammed Taha, have both been recognised with security bravery awards already. Tahirs brothers, outside the court, said he would be remembered for sacrificing his life to save others. Advertisement The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists accepted the recommendations, noting the findings highlighted weaknesses which are not isolated and represent sector-wide structural risks within the mental health system framework. Musawar Ahmad Bashir (right) and Muzafar Ahmad Tahir (centre), the brothers of murdered security guard Faraz Tahir, arrive at the court. Sam Mooy This tragedy has laid bare the critical fault lines in the mental health system. When provision or continuity of care in the public health system breaks down, the risks do not disappear instead they accumulate with devastating consequences, President Astha Tomar said. Dr Pramudie Gunaratne, CEO of the Australian Society of Psychiatrists, said the findings reflected the severe gaps in the mental health system and what life was really like for people with severe and complex mental illness who slip through the cracks. I really hope that decision-makers are able to take these findings seriously and see this as a turning point for change in the system, she said. Advertisement All of us, we probably walk past people every day, outside train stations or in the main streets of cities, who might be psychotic. We have to do something as a community, as a nation, to turn things around, so that people who have severe and complex mental illness are not left to languish. Related Article Bondi Junction attack She had our backs we got hers: Hero Bondi Westfield cop diagnosed with cancer Professor Jackie Curtis, executive director of Mindgardens Neuroscience Network, said the findings highlighted that an individual clinician is often not sufficient to look after someone with schizophrenia and similar conditions. We are going to need to look at the broader community mental health sector in NSW. NSW Premier Chris Minns on Thursday told parliament his government would consider all findings to further strengthen our mental health system in the days, months and years ahead. Advertisement He spoke about the bravery of Scott and Tahir, a refugee from Pakistan on his first day on the job, who gave his life in defence of a complete stranger. Also, a nurse who found safety within a shop asked to leave that place of refuge. She left that place of refuge because there were people outside that needed a hand, Minns said. Loading There was a French tradie known as bollard man, many of us who met him. He faced down the attacker so that other people could get out of the way and undoubtedly saved scores of lives. Minns said many of the paramedics and police dispatched to the stabbing were again deployed to the terror attack at Bondi Beach on December 14, 2025. Advertisement Mental Health Minister Rose Jackson said the Minns government had taken immediate action in the aftermath of the attack to strengthen community mental health supports and improve information sharing across all Australian jurisdictions, but there is always more work to do. NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said all recommendations directed to the force would be considered. Ivan (centre) and Elizabeth Young (right), parents of victim Jade Young. Sam Mooy I also wish to thank the coroner for acknowledging what she described as the immense bravery and extraordinary courage of Inspector Amy Scott, as well as members of the public who provided assistance on that day, he said in a statement. The terror attack forced OSullivan to delay handing down her findings, which were scheduled for late last year. Advertisement I had hoped that our community would not need to grapple again so soon with such a violent event and the devastating consequences wrought by it, OSullivan said. Related Article Crime Families to call for investigation into Bondi attackers doctor She said the stabbing inquest had led NSW Police and Ambulance to change how they work together in major crises which appears to have saved lives during the terror attack. The findings, which run over 800 pages, mark the end of the formal coronial process, but not of the grieving, OSullivan said. Those were words echoed in a rare public statement by Cauchis parents, released this week, which offered condolences to all those who suffered from their sons terrible actions. Advertisement Mr and Mrs Cauchi also extend their thoughts to all families and other unpaid carers of people experiencing mental ill-health, knowing they too are likely to have been affected by the incident and the ongoing coverage of it, the statement reads. As Mr and Mrs Cauchi are also living with the ongoing complexities and grief of this tragedy, they ask all media to please respect their need for privacy and refrain from calling or visiting their home. Anyone needing support can contact Lifeline 13 11 14 and Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800. Be the first to know when major news happens. Sign up for breaking news alerts on email or turn on notifications in the app. ALMATY, Feb. 4 (Xinhua) -- Kazakhstan's business activity index (BAI) rose from 49.9 in December to 50.8 in January, returning to expansion territory, the National Bank of Kazakhstan (NBK) said Wednesday. The results were based on a monthly survey of enterprises conducted by the central bank to assess real-sector economic conditions, according to the NBK. The central bank attributed the improvement mainly to the services sector, where the index rose to 52.1 from 49 a month earlier. Activity in production and trade remained in expansion territory in January, with the indices at 50.8 and 50.3, respectively, compared with 52 and 51.3 in December, the NBK said. The BAI improved in the construction sector but remained in contraction territory at 47.1, up from 45.4 in December, the central bank said, adding that in the mining sector, business activity edged down to 49.1 in January from 49.4 in the previous month. The central bank noted that the assessment of current business conditions deteriorated in January 2026, with the business climate index declining slightly to 4.4. Advertisement NationalNSWBondi Junction attack Editorial Bondi stabbing inquest reminds mental healthcare failures endanger us all The Herald's View Editorial February 6, 2026 5:00am February 6, 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 2024 Bondi Junction stabbing murders horrified the nation, but the coronial inquest recommendations released on Thursday unveil inadequacies in the mental health system that have been lurking in the shadows for decades. State coroner Theresa OSullivan pointedly recommended the need for new guidelines and policies in relation to the care and management of those suffering schizophrenia in NSW and Queensland, as well as short-term accommodation in the greater Sydney area for those experiencing mental health issues and homelessness. The coroner recommended the NSW government, over the next 12 months, obtain advice about the decline of mental health outreach services and determine a realistic timeline to resource such services. Courage under pressure: Inspector Amy Scott. Kate Geraghty Among the 23 recommendations, she also referred the killers doctor to the Health Ombudsman of Queensland to review failures in her treatment, recommended bravery awards for the heroism displayed by police, victims and witnesses to the tragedy and gave a wake-up call to the media over the trauma caused by its coverage of mass casualty incidents. Advertisement Queenslander Joel Cauchi, 40, was shot dead by NSW Police Inspector Amy Scott six minutes after he began his rampage in the Bondi Junction Westfield shopping centre and stabbed 16 people on the afternoon of April 13, 2024. Six people died. Cauchi had been treated by a Queensland psychiatrist Andrea Boros-Lavack between 2012 and 2021 for chronic schizophrenia. She weaned him off psychotic medication entirely and subsequently ignored family concerns on seven occasions that he had relapsed. He was sleeping rough at Maroubra Beach before the attack. Governments began closing large state-run psychiatric hospitals and in their place, community-based mental health services were intended to provide care within less restrictive and more humane environments. The de-institutionalisation of psychiatric care in the 1970s and 1980s was a profound shift in mental health policy. The intentions were admirable, but outcomes were often problematic particularly for patients with chronic psychotic illnesses and severe functional impairments. In retrospect, Cauchis rampage was a tragedy waiting to happen. But clearly there are many others waiting in the wings. Advertisement To that end, OSullivan said the Bondi Junction terror attack reinforced the need for an awareness campaign to better equip the public response to active armed offender events. I recommend that the NSW government actively promote, by way of an advertising campaign, the principles of escape, hide, tell, including by encouraging operators and owners of crowded places to disseminate the messaging among staff, retailers and attendees, she said. OSullivan said victims families who shared their experiences of the media coverage of the attack suggested some coverage exacerbated their trauma: she made recommendations to the Australian Press Council and the Australian Communications and Media Authority, which she hoped would inform future coverage of mass casualty incidents. The massacre sends a clear signal. De-institutionalisation remains a double-edged sword that rightfully ended many abuses and excesses, but also dismantled essential infrastructure for the care of individuals with the most disabling mental illnesses. Advertisement Governments must consider prioritising investment in long-term residential clinical and rehabilitation services to repair the mental health system. Get a weekly wrap of views that will challenge, champion and inform your own. Sign up for our Opinion newsletter. Advertisement Exclusive NationalNSWCourts Fight over car with son led to devastating death of father in Sydneys north Clare Sibthorpe February 5, 2026 12:51pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A A physically ill man died trying to stop his mentally unwell and drug-addicted son from taking his ute and driving away from their northern Sydney home, causing what a judge described as immeasurable and ongoing grief for their family. Jaiken Richard Fitzpatrick, 41, was jailed in the NSW District Court on Thursday after pleading guilty to the manslaughter of his 69-year-old father Kenneth Fitzpatrick at his Berowra Heights home on September 7, 2023. Due to time already served, he will be immediately released on parole. Jaiken Fitzpatrick arrives at the Downing Centre for an earlier court appearance. Steven Siewert On the day of Kenneth Fitzpatricks death, according to the prosecutions earlier submissions to court, he called police for help because of his sons drug-induced mental health issues. Hes been on drugs. I cant have him here Ive got cancer, the court heard he told police. Advertisement I dont think he would be dangerous. Shortly after, neighbours witnessed a struggle between the father and son outside the house involving keys and a ute. During Thursdays sentencing, Judge Christopher OBrien said that, sadly, it was the deceaseds exertion which caused his death, rather than any physical injury affected during the altercation with the offender. Jaiken Fitzpatrick pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of his father Kenneth Fitzpatrick. Mr Fitzpatricks death did not result from the course of conduct engaged by the offender, which always had a violent motive, OBrien said. Advertisement Rather, the episode commenced when the offender engaged in an unsophisticated and ineffective attempt to take his fathers car and leave his premises in circumstances where his own mental health was compromised. At the time, Kenneth Fitzpatrick was suffering serious health issues, including prostate cancer and the impact of heart surgery. Despite these circumstances, OBrien said he must not and will not lose sight that Jaiken Fitzpatricks unlawful and dangerous acts led to his fathers domestic violence death. The judge noted a moving victim impact statement written by Kenneth Fitzpatricks partner, in which she powerfully expressed the profound grief and loss she had experienced since the tragic death of her partner. The sudden and unexpected loss of a loved one in circumstances such as here is a devastating experience. The pain she and her family have suffered is both immeasurable and ongoing, OBrien said. Advertisement Jaiken Fitzpatrick grew up in the northern Sydney suburb of Berowra, leaving school at 14 to become a cabinet maker, a job he has held since. To psychologists, he described an unstable childhood, which caused panic attacks from as young as nine years old. The Berowra Heights home where Kenneth Fitzpatrick died in September 2023. Nick Moir He struggled to cope with his parents separation and had repeated hospitalisations for mental health. After experiencing his own separation from his wife, he continued a good relationship with his children, the court heard. Years ago, he spiralled into alcohol and drug addiction, involving cannabis, cocaine, methylamphetamine and benzodiazepines. Advertisement He has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, panic disorder, borderline personality traits, ADHD, alcohol and substance use disorder, and a substance-induced mental disorder. [A treating psychiatrist] is of the view that the offender was mentally unstable within the weeks leading up to his offending, including exhibiting disorganised behaviour and paranoid conduct, leading to him presenting at Gosford Hospital in September 2023, OBrien said. I am satisfied... that the offender was suffering from several mental health conditions which contributed in some way to his impulsive and unplanned offending. The judge noted Fitzpatricks recent efforts at rehabilitation (including abstinence from alcohol and drugs), expression of remorse and lack of prior criminal history, as well as his strong community support and involvement in his local church. [He has] managed, with the support of others, to turn his life around, he said. Advertisement Fitzpatrick was sentenced to two years and three months jail with a non-parole period of 11 months and 22 days. Due to time already spent in custody on remand, Fitzpatrick will be immediately released on parole, having been eligible for it on Wednesday. His sentence will expire in May 2027. Fitzpatricks charge was previously downgraded from murder. 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. Thank you for reading our live coverage of the 2026 Sydney Summit, hosted by the Committee for Sydney think tank and supported by the Herald. The theme of this years summit was the bold city. Here are some of the key takeaways from the day: There was a packed roster of talent who spoke at the 2026 Sydney Summit. Staff photographers NSW Planning Minister Paul Scully singled out opposition to development as a major obstacle to economic and housing growth, admitting NSW was behind where [it] wanted to be on its housing targets. It was a similar sentiment from federal Housing Minister Clare ONeil, who criticised the uneven way in which housing was being introduced in Sydney, with well resourced councils knocking back sensible increases in density while those further afield picked up the slack, despite lacking necessary infrastructure. The State of the City report by the Committee for Sydney and BDO, presented at todays summit, identified Parramatta, Liverpool and Bankstown as among the citys most overcrowded centres. NSW Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane reiterated that she was pro-housing, including in her own eastern suburbs electorate of Vaucluse, but cautioned against throwing slings and arrows at the east, when there were 4500 people per square kilometre in Woollahra, compared to 3300 in Parramatta. The Heralds incoming editor, Jordan Baker, asked both Scully and Sloane whether the state government should move to acquire defence sites this week identified by a federal audit as suitable for sale, including Victoria Barracks and the HMAS Penguin. Scully confirmed Homes NSW had made inquiries about potential options for Victoria Barracks, but ruled out aggressive redevelopment, such as going in and bulldozing it and replacing it with huge apartment towers. Sloane raised concerns about the federal government offloading assets onto state governments without a clear plan, while both politicians said any development of the site would need to occur after close community consultation, including with veterans, stressing a need to be sensitive of the propertys historical significance. Former Coalition prime minister Malcolm Turnbull said political leaders must present ideas for projects they can deliver rather than thought bubbles. He also said Australia should not end up like the United States, where its public infrastructure was almost universally, in complete disarray. Multiple politicians current and former have weighed in on tax reform and the possibility of the government reducing capital gains tax exemptions for investor properties. Pressure mounts on PM ahead of Israeli presidents visit Pressure is mounting on the prime minister to rescind an official invitation to the Israeli president, ahead of next week's visit. Advertisement NationalQueenslandQueensland courts Sex offender vigilante spared jail for Facebook posts Rex Martinich February 5, 2026 7:42pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A The first person charged with misusing a landmark public sex offender registry has been spared jail after he scrolled past messages warning him not to publish identities from the website. Brian Allan Smith faced Ipswich Magistrates Court on Wednesday and pleaded guilty to accessing Queenslands registry and publishing information about a sex offender. The 47-year-old was charged after Queensland set up Australias first public child sex offender register under legislation honouring abducted teen Daniel Morcombe. Brian Allan Smith (left) and lawyer Amanda Rossow (right) leave Ipswich Magistrates Court on Wednesday. Darren England/AAP The child protection register was made available online from December 31, providing access to the photos and locations of sex offenders. Advertisement Smith posted identifying information on social media that he had applied for despite the website warning that doing so would be an offence. A member of the public told police on January 2 that information from the registry had been posted on a Facebook community group, a police prosecutor told magistrate Leanne Scoines. Third time this post has been taken down. I have been suspended from other groups for the same post but this face needs to be recognised, Smith posted on Facebook. He is scum and shouldnt be living in the community. Please keep an eye on your children. He is listed on the new Daniels Law website. Anyone in Queensland wanting details of sex offenders in their area must submit an application including their own identification and address. Advertisement Court documents obtained by AAP stated the offence occurred at Lowood, east of Brisbane, on January 1 the day after the sex offender site went live. Smith told police he did not realise he was committing an offence, Scoines heard. He did not read the document and scrolled directly to the image, the prosecutor said. He stated he didnt intend any harm or harassment to be directed toward the reportable offender and felt he was doing the community good by making them aware. Smiths solicitor said Smith was remorseful, and his offending was out of character and misguided. Advertisement Scoines told Smith he obviously felt very strongly that the information should be public. But there were practical reasons against it, including to encourage child sex offenders to keep their registry details updated. It is vigilantism to take the law into your own hands in this way and press on despite [the posts] being taken down three times, she said. Smith was handed a $700 good behaviour bond for six months and no conviction was recorded. The sex offender website was created under Daniels law, named for 13-year-old Daniel Morcombe who was abducted and murdered in December 2003 on Queenslands Sunshine Coast by a serial child sex offender. The Daniels law website states it provides applicants with details of reportable offenders who have a history of repeat child sex offending or have been considered to be a high risk to children in your residential area. AAP Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share More: Queensland courts Ipswich Sunshine Coast Facebook Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Save this article for later Remove items from your saved list to add more. You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Two sisters have died nearly a week after they were pulled from a massive house fire in north Queensland. Emergency services were called to their familys house in Bushland Beach, just north of Townsville, about 5.30am on Sunday, and the two-year-old and 13-year-old were rushed to Townsville University Hospital in critical condition. Hallie, 2, and Evie, 13, died after the fire in Townsville. Townsville University Hospital Two teenage boys escaped the fire and were taken to the hospital in stable condition. Queensland Fire Department Acting Inspector Steve Bigham said firefighters performed CPR to one of the children on the roof of the house while it was engulfed in flame. Advertisement NationalVictoriaCourts Drug kingpin Tony Mokbel is expected to escape retrial and face no further charges Erin Pearson February 5, 2026 6:46pm 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 Underworld identity Tony Mokbel is unlikely to face a retrial on decades-old drug matters, with the Director of Public Prosecutions expected to announce the bombshell decision to abandon the legal case against him. Mokbels defence barrister, Julie Condon, KC, told this masthead a decision on the future of the case had been made on Thursday, before a hearing in the Supreme Court on Friday at which it is expected to be announced. Tony Mokbel (centre) and his lawyers on Friday. Jason South Channel Seven reported it had been decided a retrial would not be pursued, after the Court of Appeal set aside Mokbels previous conviction in October, ending the 60-year-olds protracted, high-profile legal fight. When previous inquiries were made about whether the charges would be pursued, the Office of Public Prosecutions told this masthead a decision was yet to be made. On Thursday, the office said it could not comment but would release further information on Friday. Advertisement Mokbel attended the Supreme Court late last year expecting to learn whether he would be retried after his conviction was quashed by the Court of Appeal, but no decision had yet been made. Related Article Crime Tony started the underworld: The original gangland crime boss who survived and, eventually, beat the system During a hearing in December, Condon expressed frustration at the delay and said it was time to bring this sorry saga to an end. The case centres on a charge of conspiracy to import drugs stemming from two meetings with undercover police operatives on June 29 and 30, 2005. The charge was laid despite Mokbel backing out of the alleged deal and calling the undercover police operatives on July 15, 2005. Advertisement Police alleged Mokbel had commissioned the importation of 100 kilograms of MDMA powder at a cost of $1.2 million in what was known as the Orbital case. Mokbel has been on bail since being released from custody pending the outcome of his appeal hearings in April 2025. Strict conditions prevented him from leaving the country and at one point mandated he wear a tracking device, abide by a nightly curfew and live with family in Melbournes north. He was jailed for 30 years, with a non-parole period of 22 years, in 2012 after pleading guilty to masterminding an elaborate drug syndicate. Mokbel at the Supreme Court in December. Jason South But in October, the Court of Appeal threw out one of Mokbels major drug convictions, ordered a retrial on a second and upheld a third. Advertisement His 30-year sentence was then reduced to 13 years, seven months and 15 days, which the court said he had already served in jail following his arrest in Greece while on the run from authorities. In its judgment, the Court of Appeal found supergrass Nicola Gobbos involvement corrupted one case against Mokbel known as Operation Quills to a degree that his conviction should be quashed. Gobbo had served as Mokbels defence lawyer in the early 2000s while also informing on him to police. The Magnum conviction, which still stands, related to Mokbel trafficking a commercial quantity of methamphetamine via a large-scale criminal enterprise while he was overseas. Mokbel is expected to be at the Supreme Court on Friday. It is expected that after the announcement of the DPPs decision he will be a free citizen with no pending criminal charges. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter. Advertisement NationalVictoriaCrime Wind whistling through hole in his neck: Alleged Hamad foot soldiers launch bid for bail Chris Vedelago and Marta Pascual Juanola February 5, 2026 7:10pm 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 dispute at a party in Bali allegedly erupted into a spree of home invasions, arson attacks and shootings in Melbourne that left a 17-year-old blowing smoke and leaking water through a bullet hole in his neck. The details of the dispute were aired at a bail hearing on Thursday for Ahmad Taha and Waile Omer, two alleged foot soldiers linked to tobacco kingpin Kazem Kaz Hamad. The two 18-year-olds, and a 17-year-old who cannot be named, were arrested on Wednesday following seven targeted home invasions, arsons, attempted arsons and firearm incidents since early January, which allegedly related to an apparent personal dispute that quickly spun out of control. Two other men were arrested as part of the operation, but have since been released without charge. Five men were arrested by the gang crime squad on Wednesday. Three have been charged, and two were later released without charge. Police Media It began on a flight to Bali on December 29, when a group of young men from Melbourne met a woman on the plane who invited them to a party on the popular holiday island. Advertisement Whilst they were at that party, theyve come into a dispute with a male there who is friends with the female, Detective Senior Constable Ed Roberts, of the gang crime squad, testified during a hearing in the Melbourne Magistrates Court. Its unsure exactly what the dispute was over, but the womans partner Ali Ramos took offence to the dispute. The court later heard that Ramos was an organised crime figure involved with the Hamad syndicate. He remains overseas and has not been charged. [Ramos] essentially informed the males that they have to pay an extortion fee of $250,000 recompense for the offence caused to him, Roberts said. And if they dont pay, they will be targeted on their return to Melbourne. The group of males returned to Melbourne and, essentially, one by one they have been targeted via his connections back in Victoria. The attacks allegedly began one day after the men returned to Melbourne, with an aggravated home invasion in Caroline Springs involving a bat and a machete. Advertisement Related Article Exclusive Organised crime How the illegal tobacco cartels plan to evade new laws and keep control of the black market No one was home because they had already fled to an undisclosed location for their safety. But when police arrived, they captured a conversation between the intended victim and someone believed to be Ramos on a WhatsApp call. According to police, [Ramos] said: Why did you move your family out? I would have told the boys to cut his head off. I said: make a video. Cut his fingers off. Two days later, a home in Taylors Hill was almost set alight in a firebombing attack. That same day, shots were fired into the Caroline Springs home. Advertisement The next evening, a firebombing destroyed the Taylors Hill home. Then came a violent home invasion in Thornhill Park, where a bedroom door was broken, and a handgun was shoved through the gap. A strike-back after this spree allegedly came on January 12, when Triple Zero received reports of a man knocking on doors in Burnside Heights asking for help after being shot in the neck. A victim of the arson was staying with a friend on the street, who was also one of the men from Bali, when a car showed up with men wearing dark-coloured clothing, hoods and masks and carrying a jerry can. What happened next is still unclear. Advertisement Related Article Exclusive Crime Underworld kingpin Kaz Hamads gang gets a new name Police began searching the area and found a bag with a firearm with a silencer and rounds of ammunition. A 17-year-old male was found after an attempted foot chase. [He] was uncooperative to a certain extent, Roberts said. It was obvious he was in a state of shock having a bullet going into his neck and lodged in his vertebra. It was remarkable he was even able to walk. Police requested an ambulance, who attended and inspected the wound to his neck and deemed it to be superficial and consequently cleared the scene. Advertisement Shortly after [he] was having a cigarette and police could hear a whistling noise in his neck. He was given some water and water began to dribble out of the hole in his throat. The 17-year-old was taken to the Royal Melbourne Hospital. He was later charged and appeared in the Childrens Court. Five men were arrested by the gang crime squad on Wednesday. Three have been charged, and two were later released without charge. Police Media About a fortnight later, masked men approached a home in Hillside. Inside was another man who was in the group that went to Bali. After no one answered the door, a gas cylinder was thrown at a car in the driveway. Two offenders allegedly opened fire when a man began looking out of the house, shooting 11 times, including into a neighbours home. Advertisement Related Article Exclusive Organised crime An untouchable kingpin is behind bars in Iraq. But his run may not be over The accused were arrested and charged on Wednesday. Roberts said Taha was placed in a cell with a covert operative, where he made admissions about the arson, attempted arson and home invasion, and that he works for some pretty bad dudes. Roberts said that Omer separately made admissions to police about participating in the alleged extortion of several tobacconists in Melbourne, in which handwritten notes telling the owners to ring an overseas number were handed out. The offenders in these incidents are essentially foot soldiers for the Hamad serious organised crime syndicate, Roberts said. Advertisement The one in Bali [Ramos], we believe, is part of the organised crime syndicate. They have serious access to capital, funds from illicit tobacco, and access to firearms. We have serious concerns for continuing attacks given he is offshore, to continue this pattern of violence against the victims. We do believe he is not going to stop. Roberts said investigations were ongoing, and he expected further charges to be laid. A decision on the pairs application for bail will be made next week. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter. Advertisement Updated NationalWACourts Motivated by hate: Perth Invasion Day rally attempted bombing declared an act of terror Hannah Murphy and Hamish Hastie Updated February 5, 2026 3:41pm ,first published 1:17pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A A Perth man accused of throwing a homemade bomb into a crowd of Invasion Day protesters was allegedly motivated by racism, hatred and pro-white ideologies, as authorities formally declare the incident an act of terror. The 31-year-old man, who cannot be identified due to a suppression order, was allegedly captured on camera hurling the explosive into a crowd of around 2500 people gathered in Perths CBD on January 26 to protest the date of Australia Day. The man accused of making and throwing a bomb at an Invasion Day rally in Perths CBD. WA Police The device, which police claimed was filled with screws and ball bearings and designed to explode on impact, failed to detonate and triggered police to evacuate the event. Had the bomb exploded, WA Police and the state government believe it could have caused a mass casualty event. Advertisement The incident was not immediately declared a terrorist act, with authorities taking nine days to investigate the accused mans motive behind the attack. On Thursday, WA Premier Roger Cook, flanked by WA Police Commissioner Col Blanch, Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett, and Indigenous Australians Minister Malarndirri McCarthy, announced the declaration. I can confirm today, the WA joint counterterrorism team comprising WA Police, the Australian Federal Police and ASIO, have determined the incident last Monday in Perth, should be charged as a terrorist act, Cook said. As a result, a 31-year-old man has been charged with one count of engaging in a terrorist act. This is the first time this charge has been laid in Western Australia. Advertisement This charge ... alleges the attack on Aboriginal people and other peaceful protesters was motivated by hateful, racist ideology. The new charge, a result of a joint investigation called Operation Dumfries, carries a maximum penalty of life behind bars. Noongar elder Herbert Bropho taking the microphone to alert the public to what was later confirmed to be a homemade bomb at the Invasion Day rally. Jesinta Burton. Blanch said the mans internet history allegedly revealed he had self-radicalised online and accessed pro-white material. Asked whether the accused had links to white nationalist groups, Blanch said: That ideology was prevalent across his accesses to the internet. Advertisement Blanch said the accused man was not known to police ahead of the alleged attack, but said there may have been signs that family or friends could have spotted. My call-out to our community: if you know someone who is saying these things, whether its against Aboriginal people or anyone else, and they are accelerating in their hateful views, call authorities. We will take action. Were not going to wait, he said. ...whatever was looking over the people in that rally that day stopped it from going off, and we should all be thankful... WA Police Commissioner Col Blanch Barrett said she believed the new charge was the first of its kind in the country where Aboriginal people were the target. She said the charge was a warning to other individuals and groups espousing hateful rhetoric. Advertisement Barrett revealed that AFP national security investigations teams or hate disruptors which are already in operation in New South Wales, Victoria and Canberra were setting up in WA. There are individuals and current and emerging groups across Australia, including in the west, which are eroding the countrys social fabric by advocating hatred, fear and humiliation, that is mobilising towards violence and I am here to put these groups and individuals on notice, she said. The terrorist act declaration comes after rally organisers and politicians urged authorities to recognise the seriousness of the incident, as it appeared to be a calculated attempt to harm First Nations people and their supporters. A motion was also passed in the Senate this week to condemn the attempted bombing, with Senator Lidia Thorpe labelling the incident an act of horrific, overt hate and racism. Blanch rejected accusations that the police did not treat the incident seriously, pointing to the immediate involvement of the AFP and ASIO, and his public commentary after the incident that suggested it was being investigated as a potential terror attack. Advertisement Related Article Crime A horrific act of overt hate: Senate condemns attempted bombing at Perth Invasion Day rally To the people that say it took too long, I disagree with their premise, he said. Rally organiser Fabien Yarran, who will meet with Cook and police on Thursday afternoon, said he was still disappointed it had taken so long to declare the incident a terrorist act. Everybody, from the grassroots and people that were there, saw it was a terrorist act. It was a hate act, he said. I dont know why it took them so long. Advertisement McCarthy, who walked through Forrest Place on Thursday morning with Noongar elders, called the incident an attempted bombing of a peaceful, First Nations rally, led by First Nations, Australians and their allies. Whats happened these past couple of months has certainly highlighted the fact that all of us, wherever we are in this country, need to be vigilant, and we need to deliberately work towards a social, cohesive community, she said. Indigenous Australians Minister Malarndirri McCarthy and WA Senator Dorinda Cox at the meeting on Thursday. McCarthy said there was no doubt in her mind that Australian Federal Police, the WA Police and ASIO, worked immediately to assist to keep Australians safe. In parliament on Thursday, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Australia stood with First Nations people. Advertisement We will do everything required to keep you and your loved ones safe, he said. Federal Opposition Leader Sussan Ley said the nation can never accept a situation where we turn to violence to settle our political differences. These are fragile times for our society and it is incumbent upon all of us in this place to nurture peaceful, civil debate and guard our great democracy against hate and violence, she said. Blanch reiterated that the device allegedly thrown at the rally was a live explosive. It should have gone off and had a fuse that was lit, he said. Advertisement Whether it fell out or failed ... whatever was looking over the people in that rally that day stopped it from going off, and we should all be thankful that we dont have deceased or seriously injured people in Western Australia. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke emphasised the catastrophe Australia could have faced had the bomb exploded. Indigenous leaders met with WA Police and the government at Dumas House on Thursday afternoon. This is a bomb fitted with screws and ball bearings into a crowd of people rallying in support of First Nations Australians, he said. Think about the number of Australians who were there in a tight space, had it gone the way it was allegedly intended to, we would have been looking at something quite catastrophic. Advertisement The 31-year-old man has already been charged with intent to cause harm and making an explosive device with suspicious intentions. He will formally be charged with the terrorism offence when he next appears in court later this month. It is the second terror act investigated by WA Police in as many years, after a teenage boy was shot by police when he stabbed a stranger in a car park in Willetton in 2024. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter. Advertisement Updated NationalWACourts Sons secret recordings aired in court during Sharon Fulton murder trial Michael Philipps February 5, 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 A Perth court has been played covert recordings between an accused murderer and his son, who probed for answers as to what happened when his mother went missing decades earlier. Raymond Reddington previously known as Robert Fulton and Maxwell Fulton has been charged with the murder of his then 39-year-old wife Sharon Fulton in 1986. A court sketch of Raymond Reddingon, aka Robert Fulton, who is accused of the murder of his wife Sharon Fulton four decades ago. Anne Barnetson Cold case detectives re-opened the case into her disappearance following a Coroners Court verdict that she likely met with foul play. Sharon Fultons body has never been found, and her disappearance has been the subject of two police investigations one in 2007 and another in 2017 as well as the coroners inquest in 2022. Advertisement Despite extensive inquiries by police and family and comprehensive media coverage, there has been no information regarding her whereabouts since her disappearance. Prior to Thursdays hearing, jurors requested a transcript of a covert recorded conversation between Reddington and his son, Heath Fulton. Due to technical issues, no transcript was available and the prosecution and defence agreed to proceed with the recording being played in the Supreme Court on Thursday. A transcript will be made available for the jurors to read while making their deliberations in addition to the recordings. Defence lawyer Jonathan Davies also suggested the use of technology to clean up the recording to make it easier to understand. Advertisement Sharon Fulton went missing in 1986. The first conversation between the accused and his son took place on June 16, 2017. However, due to background noise and the kind of recording device used, the dialogue between the pair was difficult to accurately be understood. At one stage, Fulton was heard asking his father if Sharon had killed herself, adding that he only wanted closure after his mothers disappearance. Why would she leave her kids? Why would she leave you? Fulton was heard asking his father on the recording. Advertisement If there wasnt an issue then why would she do that? Reddington can allegedly be heard replying, I do believe something happened to her, before the recording again becomes unclear. The court was the played a second covert recording of a conversation 16 days later on August 2, in which Reddington and his son were heard discussing several everyday topics in a Gold Coast apartment. The discussion then switched to Fultons interest in what happened to his mother. The thing that upset me the other night was I dont like being called a liar, Reddington can be heard saying. Advertisement Related Article Updated Courts Court told Fultons son used covert recording device in bid to pin murder on his dad Anybody else [asking that] and I probably would have thrown them over the balcony. Fulton could be heard asking his father what exactly happened on the day his mother went missing. All I remember is going to the daycare centre, heading to the train station and then coming home from the train station, Reddington replied in the recording. Why was I going to daycare if mum wasnt working? Fulton asked. Advertisement Why were you picking me up instead of mum? Was there an argument in the morning? No there was an argument the night before, Reddington replied in the recording. The conversation then moves to a nearby restaurant, where background noise again makes the dialogue difficult to clearly understand. The trial began on Wednesday, with prosecutor Ben Stanwix telling the jury a series of lies allegedly made by Reddington including a falsified letter to the WA coroner would be proven by the state over the coming three weeks. Advertisement However, Davies, in his opening address, told there jury there was no body, no confession, no proof. The prosecution has put forward a story of a husband, a troubled marriage, and a murder, but the law doesnt convict on stories, it convicts on proof and in this case, it is only circumstance, he said. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter. Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share License this article More: Courts Perth Michael Philipps is a producer and reporter with WAtoday. ABU DHABI, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- The delegations from the United States, Ukraine and Russia have agreed to exchange 314 prisoners -- the first such exchange in five months, U.S. presidential special envoy Steve Witkoff said Thursday. Witkoff said on social media platform X that the outcome was achieved from peace talks that have been "detailed and productive," emphasizing that "significant work" remains. He added that discussions will continue, with additional progress anticipated in the coming weeks. The second round of U.S.-brokered talks between Russia and Ukraine started on Wednesday in Abu Dhabi and lasted for two days. It followed an initial round held in Abu Dhabi on Jan. 24, which concluded without any concrete agreements or a joint statement. Advertisement NationalWACourts WA livestock carriers accused drug collector claims he was trying to save friend Hannah Murphy February 6, 2026 2:00am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A A Sydney man accused of being involved in an elaborate multimillion-dollar cocaine smuggling operation using a live export boat off the West Australian coast claims he was only in Perth to help save a friend who had become stranded in a regional town. Police allege the then-19-year-old man, whose identity is suppressed, and his co-accused were tasked with picking up half a tonne of cocaine that had been dumped at sea by a livestock carrier in November. The seized drugs. WA Police During his bail application in the Supreme Court of Western Australia last week, the court was told his flights and accommodation was paid for when he and another man picked up a Ford Ranger from Perth Airport and drove to Two Rocks in Perths north, and picked up a boat. The cocaine blocks had allegedly been dumped off the coast by a Brazilian live export ship bound for Fremantle port, and were kept afloat using barrels and containers with a GPS attached to them to track the products movements. Advertisement The court was told the man and his co-accused went out to sea a number of times in a borrowed boat, and CCTV footage allegedly captured them loading three bags matching the description of the cocaine left at sea into the rear tray of their hire car. On one of their trips out to sea, the group ran into trouble and had to be picked up by the local marine rescue group. The drugs were located about 11 nautical miles off the coast of Two Rocks, a northern Perth suburb. Police Media They reportedly told attending authorities had been trying to rescue their friend who had become stranded in Guilderton, a river system north of Perth, and were released without charge. Three days after the rescue, fishermen discovered the blocks of cocaine tied to drums off the coast of WA and an arrest warrant was issued for the 19-year-old about a week later. Advertisement The man had gone back to New South Wales after the incident and had to be extradited to WA, where he and five other men were charged with serious drug smuggling offences. His lawyer applied for bail on the ground the case against his client was purely circumstantial, and he denies he had any knowledge he was dealing with drugs. The barrels were first spotted by fishermen who notified the authorities. Police Media In a decision published on Wednesday, Supreme Court Justice Matthew Howard said he acknowledged the mans defence and said it had yet to be tested. However, he said the prosecutions case appeared to be strong. Advertisement The circumstances of the applicants travel to the state, his activities immediately upon landing and at Two Rocks, and at the Two Rocks Marina with the boat, do not immediately speak of either a holiday or rescuing somebody at Guilderton, he said. While it may be accepted that knowledge remains a live issue, matters such as the [a GPS watch] located on the applicant by the police, the timing and frequency of the trips on the red boat and the circumstances of the applicants arriving in the state strongly suggest, at least, that the applicant knew that he was involved in picking up something illegal or which needed to be concealed. Officers pull the cocaine blocks aboard. Police Media Of course, that does not necessarily mean that the Crown would succeed in this charge. The court was told the man did not have a criminal record, aside from a drug charge when he was a child, and he had complex health needs that would be difficult to manage in custody. Advertisement He was granted bail with strict conditions, and was told he would need to live at his mothers house in New South Wales and provide a surety of $400,000. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter. Advertisement PoliticsFederalPolitical leadership Coalition peace talks on brink of collapse as Hanson boasts of One Nations future Nick Newling and Paul Sakkal Updated February 5, 2026 7:09pm ,first published 5:13pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has declared Im back you cant stop me as she returned to the Senate for the first time since she was suspended two months ago for wearing a burqa into the chamber, boasting about her partys future as peace talks between Liberals and Nationals teetered on the brink of collapse. Hansons return came as she offered conflicting statements about her desire to team with the Liberal and National parties in a future coalition to bring down the Albanese government, after Opposition Leader Sussan Ley said she wanted to work with the non-Labor side of politics to hold the government to account. Hanson arrives at the opening of the Senate on Thursday, announcing to her colleagues: Youve all missed me. Dominic Lorrimer Ley has set a deadline of 9am on Friday for the Nationals to respond to her request to bench Nationals rebels for six months, a condition most Nationals will not accept. David Littleprouds party was responding to Ley on Thursday night and talks were expected to collapse on Friday, after which the parties would go it alone. Well, Im back. You can kick me out, you can dismiss me or try to silence me, but you cant stop me because Australians know I have their back. Growing numbers of Australians now have mine, Hanson told the Senate chamber on Thursday afternoon. Advertisement When [Labor] try to silence me, you try to silence millions of Australians who are tired of your cosy two-party system because it doesnt deliver. You put yourselves and vested interests before the Australians you are supposed to serve. You are not part of the Australia we know and love, the same Australia you are trying to destroy with net zero and mass migration. Related Article Tony Wrights Column Political leadership Pauline Hanson is all smiles. But who will get the last laugh? One Nations primary vote has soared in recent polling, with this mastheads Resolve Political Monitor showing the party holding a record high of 18 per cent. The Australians Newspoll and The Australian Financial Reviews Redbridge/Accent poll have pegged the party above the Coalition, at 22 per cent and 26 per cent of the vote respectively. The party has risen in the polls just as the Coalitions popularity plummeted following a record election loss and protracted infighting. Advertisement The recent schism of the Liberals and Nationals over frontbench solidarity and disagreements over hate crime legislation has further split the conservative vote. Hanson was suspended for seven sitting days on November 24 for wearing a burqa into the Senate during the years final sitting week, after she failed in an attempt to have the garment and full-face coverings banned. Opposition Leader Sussan Ley and Nationals leader David Littleproud in parliament before the latest Coalition split. Alex Ellinghausen The stunt was condemned by senators across party lines, including Foreign Minister Penny Wong, the Greens Mehreen Faruqi and the Nationals Matt Canavan, who said it was disrespectful to Muslim Australians. The suspension covered the January snap recall of parliament to debate the governments Bondi shooting response legislation. Advertisement Hanson unsuccessfully appealed to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to have the suspension lifted. Its an injustice I wasnt able to debate legislation last month, but I am proud of my colleagues following my lead. They stood tall against Labors attempt to scapegoat lawful gun owners for Anthony Albaneses failure to check antisemitism and radical Islam, Hanson said on Thursday. Hansons social media accounts across Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and X have gained an additional 600,000 followers an increase of about 60 per cent over the past six months. The party leader has grown her total followership from 918,400 across the platforms to almost 1.5 million. Her YouTube channel, which features the political satire cartoon Please Explain, has an additional 144,000 followers. While she remains the second-most followed federal politician, she is catching up with Albanese, who garnered an additional 300,000 followers in the same period an increase of about 16 per cent. Albaneses total followership is around 2.3 million. Advertisement In separate media appearances on Wednesday evening, Hanson offered differing stances on whether she was willing to partner with the Liberal and National parties in a future coalition arrangement. Speaking to Sky News, Hanson said she would of course be interested in joining with the parties to form government. Related Article Political leadership The Trumpian policies Pauline Hanson would roll out if One Nation ran Australia Thats the only way to move forward because Im not going to be government, and either is, by the looks of it, the Coalition or the National Party, Hanson said. The fact is that I am a conservative at heart, and I work with them to give them supply. Would I join up to the rabble that they are at the moment? No way in the wide world, but I have my strong policies that we need because theyre doing nothing to address the important issues that the Australian people want. However, hours earlier, Hanson unequivocally ruled out working with the Liberal Party. Advertisement Speaking to the Senate on Thursday, Hanson said: One Nation stands alone We cant afford another term under Labor. Ill work with anyone who shares this goal, but Ill never join them. Nationals leader David Littleproud on Thursday did not rule out working with One Nation in the future, but described the party as a threat. Cut through the noise of federal politics with news, views and expert analysis. Subscribers can sign up to our weekly Inside Politics newsletter. Advertisement Exclusive PoliticsQueenslandQueensland government Minister onto fifth key staffer amid fears of office toxicity Matt Dennien Updated February 5, 2026 9:19pm ,first published 4:32pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A The minister steering Queenslands efforts in the key area of youth justice is now onto her fifth chief of staff and third department head, amid ongoing concern about the toxicity of her office. Andy Longmire, shifted into Youth Justice Minister Laura Gerbers office in September, has now also moved on, according to sources with knowledge of the matter. The sources, granted anonymity as they were not authorised to speak publicly, said the longstanding ally of Premier David Crisafulli had been replaced with another from his office: Ian Kaye. Youth Justice Minister Laura Gerber has now had five chiefs of staff, and three youth justice department bosses, in 15 months. Jamila Filippone Kaye, a Newman government MP for Greenslopes and former police officer of 23 years, has worked with the government since its time in opposition most recently as a policy advisor. Advertisement He is said to have started with Gerber last week. Longmire is now said to have only ever been in the role on an interim basis, according to a spokesperson for Gerber. The minister has previously dismissed what she described as spurious personal allegations about her behaviour. Issues within the Commonwealth prosecutor-turned-Currumbin MP and first-time ministers office have been repeatedly aired since May last year. Labor had raised parliamentary questions of Gerbers office in June, hinting at turmoil. In response, a visibly angry Gerber accused unnamed Labor ministers of throwing staplers at staff. Advertisement Advertisement The ministers responsibility for youth justice, victim support and corrections places her in one of the most important roles to deliver the crime victim number reduction Crisafulli has staked his leadership on. Former youth justice department director-general Bob Gee last year took leave to work as secretary of the CFMEU Commission of Inquiry though publicly denied requesting the move. After acting for a short time as Victims Commissioner following the resignation of Beck OConnor, Gee was appointed Cross-Border Commissioner last month. His acting successor as director-general, Kate Connors, was at the same time announced as the new permanent Victims Commissioner. Michael Drane, a former deputy, now leads the department. A government source, speaking to this masthead on condition of anonymity to detail internal workplace matters, described reported concerns about Gerber screaming at colleagues as ongoing. Advertisement The level of toxicity in her office is resulting in the turnover of staff, they said, adding that the level of micromanagement by Gerber and her office was leading to workload problems in the public service, which was often being pushed to alter public messaging. Its like the separation of powers has just been thrown out the window their in-reach is just on another level. Crisafullis office did not respond to questions. A spokesperson for Gerber initially did not provide a response for publication to questions on the change in the chief-of-staff role. The minister will continue to work closely with Connors in her new role to support victims of crime, and with Gee in her capacity as the local member for the cross-border community in Currumbin, Gerbers spokesperson said. They accused the opposition of trying to get in the gutter and distract from their failures and get in the way of us delivering fewer victims of crime, which we are. Advertisement In a later statement, they added: Andy was always only acting in the chief of staff position for an interim period before Ian Kaye joined the team. Deputy Labor leader Cameron Dick said he was incredibly concerned about the revolving door of leaders in the department and high turnover in Gerbers office. Strong and stable leadership is important in every government and department especially when it comes to the people tasked with addressing the LNPs crime crisis, Dick said. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter. Advertisement Analysis WorldEuropeEpstein fallout How the Epstein scandal could topple a damaged PM David Crowe February 5, 2026 1:02pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A London: Keir Starmer leads a Labour government with a crushing majority in parliament and a divided opposition that is waging a daily war between conservatives and populists. The UK prime minister has, on paper, the same advantages as his friend, Anthony Albanese. Just as the Australian leader can walk into parliament and enjoy the sight of Liberals and Nationals eating each other alive, Starmer can watch the Conservatives and Reform UK cannibalise their voters. Keir Starmer is facing tough questions over what he knew of Labour peer Peter Mandelsons (left) relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. Monique Westermann And yet Starmer is now the target of open speculation about a leadership challenge. He leads a fractious Labour Party that is tearing itself apart less than 20 months after it swept into power with more than 400 of the 650 seats in the House of Commons. While Labor in Australia enforces discipline, Labour in Britain erupts in division. Now the Epstein scandal looks like the final straw for a mutinous party. Starmer is exposed for his decision to appoint one of Jeffrey Epsteins associates, Peter Mandelson, as the British ambassador to Washington DC at the end of 2024. Advertisement Mandelson was removed last September when documents showed how close he was to the convicted sex offender, but this has not been enough to protect Starmer after the release of so much cringeworthy detail in the document dump from the US Department of Justice last Friday. The latest emails and documents show that Mandelson was not just a friend who turned up at Epsteins island. He was in constant touch on business and politics. As a Labour minister more than a decade ago, he sent Epstein confidential documents from within the British government. He is now the subject of a police investigation. Mandelson (left) and Jeffrey Epstein pictured together in an image released by US Congress. US Congress And Starmer is the subject of questions about his judgment in appointing Mandelson to such a key position. This was clarified on Wednesday in the House of Commons when the Conservative leader, Kemi Badenoch, asked Starmer about the security advice he had received before naming Mandelson in the post. Advertisement Did the official security vetting he received mention Mandelsons ongoing relationship with the paedophile Jeffrey Epstein? she asked. Related Article Epstein fallout Mandelson: I didnt know about Epsteins crimes because Im gay Yes, it did, Starmer answered. He said questions were put to Mandelson and promised to release this information to the House. He added: So it will see for itself the extent to which, time and time again, Mandelson completely misrepresented the extent of his relationship with Epstein and lied throughout the process. This might be enough to save Starmer. He has condemned Epstein and described Mandelsons leaks as a betrayal of the nation. He blames Mandelson for deceiving the government when it tried to check on his ties to the sex offender. The problem is that Mandelsons link to Epstein was known years ago. It emerged in court proceedings (such as a case regarding JPMorgan) well before any Department of Justice document releases. It was written about in the press, even though the full details were hidden. Advertisement Starmer appointed Mandelson anyway. A leader with full authority could ride out this storm. Starmer, however, has little authority left. He has struggled to set a direction for his government. His office conveys instability by hiring and firing advisers, blaming them for dud decisions. But every political office is shaped by the personality of its leader. Loading This is not all the leaders fault. Starmer presides over a large and fractious parliamentary party that was unready for government after 14 years in opposition. The Labour backbench jumps and scatters at every hard decision, whether it is on welfare reform or tax. While the Australian Labor Party uses the iron will of the left and right factions to keep order, the Labour Party lacks these twin pillars. It has a complex structure and fewer sanctions on dissent. Right now, it looks like an unruly collective. Advertisement Labour could, in theory, hold its nerve and keep governing. The next national election is not due until August 2029. But the government is behind in the opinion polls, and 68 per cent of voters say they dislike Starmer, according to polling firm YouGov. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage sets the agenda with his populist appeal on migration and his declaration that Britain is broken. So the date that matters is not in 2029 but in 2026. Labour MPs look terrified of the elections due on May 7 for parliaments in Scotland and Wales, as well as local councils. A drubbing for Labour would be a defeat for Starmer. Leadership questions grow Leadership speculation is rife. The major newspapers, from the left and the right, are full of Labour MPs speaking on background about Starmers poor judgment and the merits of various ministers who could replace him. The backgrounding presents the contenders as serious options, and much of the media falls for this, but the choices all have flaws. One of them, Angela Rayner, a left-wing firebrand, had to quit as deputy leader only five months ago because she did not pay her taxes properly. Advertisement Another, Wes Streeting, appeals to centrists but is only 43 and has barely been a minister for 18 months. A third, Andy Burnham, is the mayor of Greater Manchester and not even in the Commons. (He was, at least, a minister for three years until 2010.) Labour, as a party of government, looks panicked and paralysed. Australians will guess where this is going. Just as Labor splintered in Canberra over the choice between Kevin Rudd and Julia Gillard almost 16 years ago, Labour in the UK seems about to crack over the argument about Starmer. Once tipped as Starmers successor, Angela Rayner was forced to resign as his deputy over a tax scandal last year. AP That is why this is so bizarre. Labour saw the damage from feuding among its Australian friends from 2010 to 2013, and it saw the Conservatives implode over 14 years in power with five leaders from David Cameron to Theresa May, Boris Johnson, Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak. Yet it is heading towards the same civil strife. The despair has reached a stage where some MPs are intent on dumping Starmer despite their doubts about the alternatives. That is partly because the Mandelson affair makes it look as if the core problem is the prime minister, and the solution is to swap him out for another one. Advertisement If this happens, they are likely to discover that a governments first spill is not the end of the agony. Often it is just the start. Get a note directly from our foreign correspondents on whats making headlines around the world. Sign up for our weekly What in the World newsletter. Advertisement Updated WorldNorth AmericaMissing person Missing TV hosts mother still out there, police believe Erica Stapleton and Steve Gorman Updated February 6, 2026 6:55am ,first published 1:20pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A Tucson: Investigators presume the kidnapped mother of popular US television news host Savannah Guthrie is still out there and alive four days after she was abducted from her home, though no suspect has been identified, authorities say. Police and FBI officials said they had intensified their search for Nancy Guthrie, 84, calling in extra personnel and special forensic analysts, even as the first of two deadlines set in a ransom note came and went early on Thursday evening (Friday AEDT). Nancy Guthrie was last seen on January 31 when she was dropped off at her residence near Tucson by family members after having dinner with them, and relatives reported her missing around noon the following day, according to authorities. Loading Because her mobility is extremely limited, she could not have left her home unassisted, leading investigators to conclude early on that she was the victim of a kidnapping. Advertisement Revealing new details from the investigation at a press conference on Thursday, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos confirmed reports that DNA tests determined that blood found on the porch steps at the front door to the home came from Guthrie. Nanos said in a separate CNN interview that he immediately assigned his homicide detectives to the case, an unusual step given that there was no body. He said he based his decision on initial details from the scene that he found alarming. They described a scene to me that just disturbed me, he said, without elaborating. A timeline compiled by investigators showed that the victims doorbell camera was disabled and her pacemaker app disconnected from her telephone line in the predawn hours of Sunday morning, when she presumably was kidnapped. Advertisement Five days into the search, investigators had not yet obtained proof of life or identified a suspect or person of interest, Nanos told reporters, but added, Right now, we believe Nancy is still out there. We want her home. Asked whether he feared she was dead, Nanos acknowledged he did, but added, We operate from a position that until we know, shes out there, shes alive, and were going to continue thinking that way until we find her. Savannah Guthrie (left) and her mother, Nancy Guthrie, on the NBCs Today show set in 2023. Getty Ransom note set two deadlines The FBI on Thursday offered a $US50,000 ($72,000) reward for information leading to the recovery of Guthrie or the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in her disappearance. Advertisement FBI special agent Heith Janke said a purported ransom letter sent to various media outlets this week was being treated seriously, but he said there had been no further communication from anyone claiming to hold Guthrie. In a normal kidnapping case, there would be contact by now, Janke said. A missing person alert for Nancy Guthrie. AP The letter, whose authenticity had yet to be conclusively determined, set a 5pm Thursday (11am Friday AEDT) deadline for payment of a ransom, with a second deadline for Monday, Janke added, declining to give further details. Authorities provided no further updates as the initial deadline lapsed. According to celebrity news website TMZ.com, the first outlet to report receiving a copy of the note in question, it demanded a ransom sum in the millions to be paid in cryptocurrency. Advertisement Janke said the letter made mention of certain details that lent credence to its authenticity, including unspecified references to an Apple Watch and a floodlight. He said there were no other demands in the note except for a ransom. Any action taken on any ransom is ultimately decided by the family, Janke told reporters. Janke also said investigators had arrested someone in connection with a separate impostor ransom demand sent to family members. Among other concerns for Guthries well-being was that her frail health was dependent on daily medication, a point made by Janke in remarks he directed to her captors during the news conference. You still have time to do the right thing before this becomes a much worse scenario for you, Janke said. Advertisement We dont know that shes getting her medication. That in itself could prove fatal. In a video posted to Savannah Guthries Instagram account on Thursday evening, Camron Guthrie, Nancy Guthries son, pleaded for someone to reach out directly to the family. We need you to reach out, and we need a way to communicate with you so we can move forward, Guthrie said in the video. But first, we have to know that you have our mum. The victims daughter, co-anchor of NBCs morning news show Today since 2012, also posted an online video on Wednesday pleading for her mothers safe return and appealing to whoever might have been holding her to open a line of communication with the family. Advertisement We need to know without a doubt that she is alive and that you have her. We want to hear from you and we are ready to listen. Please, reach out to us, Savannah Guthrie, 54, said in her video message. Enhanced investigative resources assigned to the case included FBI cellular analysts who specialised in collecting and processing digital information, such as data from banks, phone companies and social media, Janke said. Reuters Get a note directly from our foreign correspondents on whats making headlines around the world. Sign up for our weekly What in the World newsletter Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share More: Missing person USA Celebrity life PHILIPSBURG:--- As part of its ongoing efforts to engage positively with Sint Maarten's youth, the Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) has visited several schools over the past few weeks to connect with students, raise awareness, and promote education. On January 28, 2026, officers from the KPSM Traffic Department visited Sister Magda Primary School. During this visit, officers shared important information on traffic rules, general road safety, and helped prepare students for their upcoming traffic examinations. KPSM believes that early education and positive interaction are key to building responsible road users and strengthening trust between the police and the community. KPSM takes this opportunity to thank the management of Sister Magda Primary School and the officers who participated in these meaningful engagements with the youth. PHILIPSBURG: --- A motion of disapproval tabled in Parliament today failed to secure a majority, but the political maneuvering behind the vote has sent an unmistakable signal to the government. While Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina survived the challenge, the debate underscored growing frustration over unresolved issues plaguing the countrys emergency services. The final tally saw five Members of Parliament voting in favor of the motion, seven voting against, and three MPs absent from the proceedings. Coalition Unity Holds, But Pressure Mounts The seven MPs supporting the current coalition government stood united, voting en bloc against the motion. This solidarity effectively shielded the Prime Minister from a formal reprimand. However, political observers note that this victory is largely symbolic. The heated debate preceding the vote made it clear that patience is wearing thin regarding the working conditions of firefighters and ambulance personnel. The message delivered to Dr. Mercelina was direct: get your act together. The issues facing emergency respondersranging from equipment shortages to operational concernscan no longer be sidelined. While the coalition protected its leader today, the underlying grievances remain a potent political liability. A House Divided: The PFP Split One of the most notable developments of the session was the visible rift within the Party for Progress (PFP) faction. PFP faction leader MP Peterson cast his vote in favor of the motion, signaling a hardline stance against the government's handling of the crisis. In a surprising turn, fellow PFP member MP Ludmilla de Weever broke with her leader to vote against the motion. This decision came despite her public proclamation during the debate that she holds a "soft spot in her heart" for the firefighters. Her vote against the disapproval motion suggests a preference for giving the government more time or perhaps a disagreement with the mechanism of a disapproval motion itself, even while acknowledging the validity of the workers' struggles. Implications for Emergency Services The failure of the motion does not close the book on the crisis facing St. Maartens first responders. If anything, it places a brighter spotlight on the Prime Minister's office. With the political opposition demonstrating their willingness to escalate matters to a vote of disapproval, the pressure is now squarely on the executive branch to deliver tangible solutions. For the firefighters and ambulance workers watching from the sidelines, the political drama offers little immediate relief. However, the parliamentary session has forced their plight to the top of the national agenda. The seven coalition votes may have saved the Prime Minister today, but they came with an implicit condition: the situation must improve quickly. As the dust settles on today's vote, the focus shifts back to the government administration building. The ball is now in Dr. Mercelina's court to prove that the confidence shown by the seven coalition MPs was well-placed and to resolve the critical issues threatening the safety and stability of the island's emergency services. PHILIPSBURG A contentious parliamentary session on Wednesday exposed deep fractures within the government, culminating in a failed motion of disapproval against Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina. While the Prime Minister narrowly survived the vote, the heated debate laid bare the administration's chaotic handling of a mounting crisis involving the nation's fire and ambulance personnel, leaving a trail of unanswered questions and bitter accusations. The meeting, ostensibly called to address the escalating situation with emergency services, quickly devolved into a political battlefield. Opposition members, fed up with what they see as inaction and disrespect, launched a full-scale assault on the Prime Minister's leadership. The tension was palpable as Member of Parliament Lyndon Lewis took the floor and directly challenged the Prime Minister's integrity. He pointedly referenced a recent press release from the Prime Minister, stating that such behavior from an MP "is a disgrace." The comment highlighted growing animosity between the executive and legislative branches, suggesting a government at war with itself while critical services remain in jeopardy. The disarray within the Council of Ministers was further exposed by MP Omar Ottley, who questioned the "apparent disconnect" between the Minister of VSA's supposed willingness to negotiate with unions and a hardline letter from the Prime Minister. This contradiction suggests a disjointed administration where one hand does not know what the other is doing. MP Francisco Lacroes echoed this sentiment, asking whether the Minister of VSA was part of the decision-making process, casting further doubt on the government's coherence. In his defense, Prime Minister Mercelina dismissed the entire affair as a political stunt. He claimed the motion was "not substantiated by facts and gives the impression of being politically motivated," arguing that it was drafted before his answers were even considered. This defense, however, did little to quell the outrage from those who feel the government has abandoned its civil servants. MP Lacroes back, clarifying that the motion had "nothing to do with the civil servants themselves but the support that the civil servants have received and are getting." The message was clear: this is a crisis of leadership, not a critique of the dedicated first responders. Though the motion ultimately failed to carry, the victory for the Prime Minister is hollow. The proceedings have placed an intense spotlight on his administration's inability to provide tangible solutions for the very people tasked with ensuring public safety. The session ended not with a resolution, but with a weak proposal for yet another explanation from a "technical team." For the firefighters and ambulance personnel, this offers little more than continued delays and political theater. The pressure is now immense, and the public is left wondering whether this government is capable of leading or will continue to crumble under the weight of its own dysfunction. ABU DHABI, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- The second round of U.S.-brokered talks between Russia and Ukraine concluded here on Thursday, with both sides agreeing to a large-scale prisoner exchange but failing to achieve substantive breakthroughs on core issues such as territorial arrangements and a ceasefire. According to Ukraine, the talks were conducted trilaterally before moving to group consultations. Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov said the Ukrainian delegation sought a "dignified and lasting peace," without disclosing specific outcomes. The talks ended with no joint political or security statement, underscoring persistent differences between Russia and Ukraine on key matters, including territorial disputes, ceasefire arrangements, and security guarantees. U.S. President's Special Envoy Steve Witkoff said representatives from the three countries reached a consensus on a prisoner swap, describing the discussions as "specific and constructive." He added, however, that greater efforts would be required to advance a comprehensive settlement of the conflict. Following the talks, Russia and Ukraine conducted their first large-scale prisoner exchange in nearly five months, with each side returning 157 detainees. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said those released included both military personnel and civilians. In a statement issued earlier, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed cooperation between Russia and Ukraine on the prisoner exchange, saying it demonstrated the UAE's role as a reliable mediator in easing the crisis and promoting constructive dialogue. No timetable or arrangements for a next round of talks were announced, highlighting continued uncertainty in the political settlement process. Zelensky said Thursday that the next peace talks with the delegations of the U.S. and Russia will be held soon. "Further meetings are planned in the near future, likely in the United States," Zelensky said in his evening address. Press Release from Business Wire: VeriSilicon (AFP) Feb 05, 2026 SHANGHAI, Feb 5, 2026 (BSW) - VeriSilicon (688521.SH) today announced its latest enhanced versions of Image Signal Processing (ISP) IP ISP8200-FS series, ISP8200-ES and ISP8200L-ES, featuring improved performance and energy efficiency to better support complex automotive camera systems. These enhanced IPs have successfully achieved ISO 26262 ASIL B functional safety certifications issued by TUV NORD, an international inspection and certification institution, further validating their suitability and reliability for ADAS and autonomous driving applications. The latest enhanced ISP8200-FS series IP can operate at up to 1.2 GHz and support data processing from up to 16 image sensors. It significantly improves the performance of multi-camera scheduling, enabling flexible data-access capabilities and efficient hardware pipeline utilization for automotive camera systems. The enhanced series IP integrates image processing technologies including Color Noise Reduction (CNR) and radial Lens Shading Correction (LSC), and features RGB-IR enhanced processing supporting data formats such as RGB-IR 4x4. Together, these capabilities improve image stability and detail preservation in multi-camera, multi-view application scenarios. Combined with a built-in RAW Data Compression (RDC) engine and 64-bit AXI address extension, this series IP effectively enhances bandwidth efficiency and reduces data transmission load without compromising image quality. Additionally, the enhanced ISP8200-FS series IP, when combined with the automotive functional safety?certified DeWarp Processing IP DW200-FS, enables a high-quality, fully compliant, and low-bandwidth automotive ADAS camera subsystem. This provides customers with system-level image processing capability for multi-camera perception, accelerating the deployment of advanced driver assistance and autonomous driving solutions. "The automotive industry is advancing at an unprecedented pace, and imaging technologies must evolve just as rapidly to meet the growing demands of next-generation vehicles. Working closely with our leading customers, we have delivered a major upgrade to our ISP8200-FS series IP to address the increasing complexity of automotive camera systems," said Weijin Dai, Chief Strategy Officer, Executive Vice President and General Manager of IP Division at VeriSilicon. "The latest enhanced ISP8200-FS series IP, compliant with functional safety requirements, further solidifies VeriSilicon's strong leadership in automotive ISP solutions. We remain fully committed to continuously tracking market requirements and staying ahead of future automotive imaging needs." About VeriSilicon VeriSilicon is committed to providing customers with platform-based, all-around, one-stop custom silicon services and semiconductor IP licensing services leveraging its in-house semiconductor IP. For more information, please visit: www.verisilicon.com View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260203542969/en/ Contact Media Contact: [email protected] 2026 Business Wire, Inc.Disclaimer:This press release is not a document produced by AFP. AFP shall not bear responsibility for its content. In case you have any questions about this press release, please refer to the contact person/entity mentioned in the text of the press release. Google's annual revenue tops $400 bn for first time, AI investments rise San Francisco, United States, Feb 5 (AFP) Feb 05, 2026 Google parent Alphabet on Wednesday reported blockbuster earnings, its revenue climbing as it invests massively in cloud computing services enhanced with artificial intelligence. The tech giant said revenue jumped 18 percent year-on-year in the quarter, and overall annual revenue topped $400 billion for the first time at the company founded by Larry Page and Sergey Brin in 1998. But Alphabet said it will nearly double its investments this year in the technology arms race gripping Silicon Valley. The company expects capital expenditures between $175 billion and $185 billion in 2026, double its 2025 spending, to meet customer demand for AI products. Despite Alphabet relentlessly investing in computing infrastructure for AI, demand outstrips supply, according to chief executive Sundar Pichai. "We've been supply constrained even as we've been ramping up our capacity," Pichai said on an earnings call. Alphabet shares were down slightly more than one percent in after-market trades. - Gemini wins fans - Google's Gemini AI continued to grow quickly, ending the year with 750 million monthly users in an increase of 100 million from the previous quarter. "We expect Google to overtake OpenAI this year for the top spot in AI," said Emarketer analyst Nate Elliott. Alphabet brought in $113.8 billion in the final three months of 2025, powered by its core search business and cloud computing, earnings figures showed. Alphabet reported profit of $34.5 billion in the recently ended quarter as revenue from cloud computing soared 48 percent to $17.7 billion. "We're seeing our AI investments and infrastructure drive revenue and growth across the board," Pichai said. Google's core search and advertising business remained the primary revenue driver, generating $82.3 billion, up from $72.5 billion a year earlier. YouTube advertising revenues also grew strongly to $11.4 billion from $10.5 billion. The cash flowing in from online advertising gives Alphabet an advantage when it comes to investing in AI infrastructure. Google said it now counts over 325 million paid subscriptions across consumer services, including Google One and YouTube Premium. The cloud division, which competes with Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure, has become a key growth engine for Alphabet. - Keeping Chrome - Alphabet continues to benefit from a US court ruling late last year that spared the Internet giant from having to sell off its Chrome browser to address monopoly concerns. Google recently notified the court it will appeal the federal judge's ruling that it held an illegal monopoly on online search, court records show. Despite the robust growth, Alphabet's experimental "Other Bets" division, which includes autonomous vehicle unit Waymo, posted a loss of $3.6 billion on revenues of just $370 million. Self-driving car star Waymo said this week that it raised $16 billion in a funding round that valued the Alphabet subsidiary at $126 billion. Alphabet was the majority investor in that funding round. Waymo co-chief executives Tekedra Mawakana and Dmitri Dolgov touted the massive investment as a sign that the age of large-scale autonomous mobility has arrived. "This infusion of capital will ensure we are positioned to move forward with unprecedented velocity, while maintaining our industry-leading safety standards," Dolgov and Mawakana said in a blog post. Last year, Waymo more than tripled its annual volume to 15 million rides and now provides more than 400,000 rides weekly in the six major US metropolitan areas where it operates, according to the company. Press Release from Business Wire: Invivoscribe (AFP) Feb 05, 2026 SAN DIEGO, Feb 5, 2026 (BSW) - Invivoscribe, a leader in precision medicine and measurable residual disease (MRD) testing, today announced the addition of the LeukoStrat(R)KMT2A + MRD Assay and Software to its industry-leading oncology portfolio. The assay leverages digital PCR (dPCR) to support both screening and precise longitudinal MRD monitoring for KMT2A rearrangements in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) subjects. This quantitative test is currently available for research use in clinical trials and as a stand-alone kit for purchase by our global customers, and will soon be available as a service in our regional LabPMM(R) laboratories worldwide. The assay is available to detect key AML-associated KMT2Arearrangements,which account for the vast majority of KMT2A fusion partners in AML1 and those most commonly targeted in menin-inhibitor clinical development programs. Later this year, the assay will be enhanced with four additional KMT2Arearrangements which are frequently found in acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), expanding its utility across leukemias. The LeukoStrat KMT2A + MRD Assay accurately identifies and quantifies common KMT2Arearrangements that drive KMT2A-translocated acute leukemias, offering translational researchers and biopharmaceutical partners a critical tool to assess MRD and to evaluate therapeutic response. With unprecedented sensitivity down to 0.005% (5x10-5) and precise quantitation through normalization against a control gene, the assay enables far more rapid turnaround time and more sensitive detection of low-level KMT2Arearrangements that traditional cytogenetics and FISH methods miss. The LeukoStrat(R)KMT2A + MRD Assay and Software streamline both initial screening and longitudinal MRD monitoring from a single workflow, facilitating efficient implementation both in research laboratories and as a service supporting clinical research. "Invivoscribe is setting a new standard for how researchers and biopharmaceutical partners can identify, monitor and understand disease response," said Jeff Miller, CEO and CSO at Invivoscribe. "Our LeukoStrat KMT2A + MRD Assay provides partners with a powerful tool for exploratory and pivotal analyses in menin-inhibitor trials, offering precise insights into subject response throughout treatment. This assay builds on our international reputation as the ideal partner for pharmaceuticals looking to accelerate KMT2A trials using MRD as a surrogate endpoint and for companion diagnostic development as these therapies advance toward approval." The assay integrates with LeukoStrat(R)KMT2A + MRD Software for rapid, objective analysis, enabling labs and biopharmaceutical partners to unlock complex molecular insights. When paired with Invivoscribe's globally standardized LabPMM(R) network and regulatory expertise, it supports the full development pathway from early-phase trials through CDx validation and commercialization. For a comprehensive approach to therapy development, biopharmaceutical partners can combine the LeukoStrat KMT2A + MRD Assay for treatment monitoring with Invivoscribe's established myeloid portfolio of IVDR and research use only LeukoStrat CDx and MRD assays, including prognostic biomarkers such asFLT3 and NPM1.2,3,4,5 Invivoscribe's proven track record in companion diagnostics (CDx) development and successful global regulatory submissions positions the company as a trusted strategic partner for menin-inhibitor programs progressing toward approval. About Invivoscribe Invivoscribe(R) is a global, vertically integrated biotechnology company dedicated to Improving Lives with Precision Diagnostics(R). For over thirty years, Invivoscribe has improved the quality of healthcare worldwide by providing high quality standardized reagents, tests, and bioinformatics tools to advance the field of precision medicine. Invivoscribe has a successful track record of partnerships with pharmaceutical companies interested in clinical trial testing via our global lab network located in the U.S., Germany, Japan and China, and in developing and commercializing companion diagnostics, with our rigorous expertise in both regulatory and laboratory services. Providing distributable kits, as well as clinical trial services through its globally located clinical lab subsidiaries (LabPMM(R)), Invivoscribe is an ideal partner from diagnostic development, through clinical trials, regulatory submissions, and commercialization. For more information, please visit www.invivoscribe.com, contact [email protected], or follow Invivoscribe on LinkedIn. References 1. Meyer, C., et al. Leukemia 2023; 37, 988-1005. DOI: 10.1038/s41375-023-01877-1 2. Dillon, L. et al. JAMA. 2023; 329(9):745-755. DOI: 10.1001/jama.2023.1363 3. Dillon, L. et al. JAMA Oncology. 2024; 10(8)1104-1110. DOI: 10.1001/jamaoncol.2024.0985 4. Levis, M. et al. Blood. 2025; 145(19):2138-2148. DOI: 10.1182/blood.2024025154 5. Al-Ali, R. et al. Bone Marrow Transplantation. 2025; DOI: 10.1038/s41409-025-02757-1 View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260204747414/en/ Contact [email protected] 2026 Business Wire, Inc.Disclaimer:This press release is not a document produced by AFP. AFP shall not bear responsibility for its content. In case you have any questions about this press release, please refer to the contact person/entity mentioned in the text of the press release. Trump fuels EU push to cut cord with US tech Brussels, Belgium, Feb 5 (AFP) Feb 05, 2026 Until President Donald Trump's return a year ago, when the EU talked about cutting economic dependency on foreign powers -- it was understood to mean China. But now Brussels has US tech in its sights. As Trump ramps up his threats -- from strong-arming Europe on trade to pushing to seize Greenland -- concern has grown that the unpredictable leader could, should he so wish, plunge the bloc into digital darkness. Since Trump's Greenland climbdown, top officials have stepped up warnings that the European Union is dangerously exposed to geopolitical shocks and must work towards strategic independence -- in defence, energy and tech alike. The 27-country bloc relies on foreign countries for over 80 percent of digital products, services, infrastructure and intellectual property, according to a 2023 EU report. Europe has already begun chipping away at its reliance on US tech. The latest step came last week when France told state employees they would soon be required to use a domestic alternative to tools like Zoom or Microsoft Teams. Brussels' wake up call came last year when Washington sanctioned judges at the International Criminal Court, cutting them off from US tech such as Amazon or Google. The move laid bare the US stranglehold over many tools that underpin European lives. "During the last year everybody has really realised how important it is that we are not dependent on one country or one company when it comes to some very critical technologies," EU tech tsar Henna Virkkunen said. "Dependencies... can be weaponised against us," she warned. - Technology 'no longer neutral' - Virkkunen will in March unveil a major "tech sovereignty" package covering cloud, artificial intelligence and chips -- areas where the EU hopes to build greater autonomy. "Digital technologies are no longer neutral tools," European Digital SME Alliance's secretary general, Sebastiano Toffaletti, told AFP. "When core infrastructures like cloud, AI or platforms are controlled from outside Europe, so are the rules, the data and ultimately the leverage." Among EU member states, France and Germany have been leading the charge. The northern German state of Schleswig-Holstein became a poster child for digital sovereignty last year by ditching Microsoft in favour of open-source software. Digitalisation minister Dirk Schroedter said the move was economically-driven at first, before "political tensions" shifted the focus. "Dominance of a few tech corporations in public infrastructure limits... our flexibility, threatens our security and inflates our software costs," Schroedter told AFP. Over six months, the state migrated more than 40,000 mailboxes from Microsoft Exchange and Outlook to open-source solutions Open-Xchange and Thunderbird. There were challenging areas during the transition -- for example in document?sharing with other federal states and the national government -- but Schroedter said the state showed "digital independence is possible". Meanwhile, the European Parliament is reviewing its reliance on Microsoft among other tools after a cross-party group of lawmakers urged it to adopt European alternatives. - 'Leverage against US' - Moves are also underway at EU level. French firm Mistral and German giant SAP agreed to work on a European AI-driven cloud solution at a Franco-German digital sovereignty summit in November. And France, Germany, Italy and the Netherlands teamed up last year in a push to create common European digital infrastructure, steered by the European Commission. Much of EU policymaking is now being viewed through the prism of sovereignty. The bloc has long been working on a digital euro, which dozens of economists -- including Thomas Piketty -- called an "essential safeguard of European sovereignty" in an open letter last month. That follows the 2024 launch of Wero, a European payments alternative to Mastercard, Visa and PayPal backed by several major banks. But Zach Meyers of CERRE, a Brussels-based think tank, warns the EU must be clear about what "tech sovereignty" is meant to achieve. If the goal is to withstand political pressure, the EU may be better off focusing on gaining "more leverage against" the United States, Meyers argued. To that end, he said the most effective strategy is not to cut back on American tech use in Europe but "rather to double down on parts of the tech value chain where the US is dependent on Europe" -- from chip-building machinery to corporate software or telecoms equipment. raz/ec/gv Amazon.com GOOGLE MICROSOFT SAP MASTERCARD VISA Press Release from Business Wire: LTIMindtree (AFP) Feb 05, 2026 MUMBAI, Feb 5, 2026 (BSW) - LTIMindtree [NSE: LTIM, BSE: 540005], a leading global technology consulting and digital solutions provider, has been positioned as a Leader in the Everest Group Payments IT Services PEAK Matrix(R) Assessment 2025. This recognition is for being a strategic transformation partner that combines modernization scale, platform alliances, and innovation across real-time, digital assets, and ensure secure, regulator-ready payment environments. Everest Group highlighted LTIMindtree's strong market impact and vision and capability in delivering largescale payments across issuers, acquirers, payment processors, card networks, and FinTechs. The assessment comes at a time when enterprises are rapidly modernizing legacy payments platforms to support real-time, cross-border, and ISO 20022 compliant payment environments, while enhancing resiliency, interoperability, and regulatory compliance. LTIMindtree stands out for its product engineering expertise across major payment platforms like Finastra GPP/P2G, alongside leading credit card platforms and money transfer systems, backed by Centers of Excellence and global transformation programs. Everest Group also highlighted LTIMindtree's strength in payment hub modernization, ISO 20022 migrations, scheme compliance, and Request?to?Pay implementations. "Enterprise payment systems are complex and need AI-based solutions for secure and compliant transactions. LTIMindtree uses generative and agentic AI through BlueVerseTM to provide scalable payment transformation, ensuring efficient transfers and strong business results," said Harsh Naidu, Senior Vice President, Banking and Financial Services, LTIMindtree. "LTIMindtree has strengthened its position in the payments IT services landscape by supporting large-scale, multi-country payments modernization and real-time payments transformation initiatives," said Pranati Dave, Vice President, Everest Group. "LTIMindtree's growing focus on AI-powered modernization, supported by its BlueVerseTM ecosystem and early adoption of agentic AI across fraud prevention, rulebook automation, and payment operations, further enhances its differentiation. Its strong platform partnerships, long-standing client relationships, and focused investments in AI-led engineering, reinforce LTIMindtree's recognition as a Leader in Everest Group's Payments IT Services PEAK Matrix(R) Assessment 2025." About LTIMindtree LTIMindtree is a global technology consulting and digital solutions company that partners with enterprises across industries to reimagine business models, accelerate innovation, and drive AI-centric growth. Trusted by more than 700 clients worldwide, we use advanced technologies to enable operational excellence, elevated customer experience, and long-term value creation. With a workforce of more than 86,000 talented and entrepreneurial professionals across over 40 countries, LTIMindtree - a Larsen & Toubro Group company - is dedicated to solving complex business challenges and delivering transformation at scale. For more information, please visit www.ltimindtree.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260205898185/en/ Contact Media Contact:Gitanjali Sreepal, [email protected] 2026 Business Wire, Inc.Disclaimer:This press release is not a document produced by AFP. AFP shall not bear responsibility for its content. In case you have any questions about this press release, please refer to the contact person/entity mentioned in the text of the press release. Press Release from Business Wire: Experian (AFP) Feb 05, 2026 COSTA MESA, Feb 5, 2026 (BSW) - Experian today announced that its recently launched, AI?powered Experian Assistant for Model Risk Management has been awarded the 2026 BIG Innovation Award in the Innovative Products category. Recognizing trailblazers across industries since 2014, this global award celebrates exceptional innovation and the value it brings to a recipient's clients, stakeholders and community. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260205042051/en/ Experian's recently launched, AI-powered Experian Assistant for Model Risk Management has been awarded the 2026 BIG Innovation Award in the Innovative Products category. Fully integrated into the Experian Ascend Platform? and powered by ValidMind technology, Experian Assistant for Model Risk Management helps accelerate model validation, improve auditability and reduce regulatory risk. By offering standardized templates, centralized documentation and streamlined workflow approvals, the solution empowers financial institutions to meet regulatory guidelines in today's AI-driven model development. "The AI-enabled speed of data analytics and model development is driving unprecedented business opportunities for financial institutions, but it comes with a significant challenge: global regulations that require time-consuming documentation," said Vijay Mehta, EVP, Global Solutions and Analytics, Experian Software Solutions. "Experian Assistant for Model Risk Management helps solve this labor- and resource-intensive requirement with end-to-end model documentation automation, and this award recognizes this value to our customers." According to a 2025 study by Experian of more than 500 global financial institutions, two thirds of them (67%) currently find it challenging to meet their respective country's regulatory requirements, and 79% report that regulators communicate supervisory concerns and issues more frequently now than a year ago. Presenting an even tougher challenge, 60% of financial institutions still rely entirely on manual processes for compliance. More than 70% of larger companies say that model documentation compliance currently involves more than 50 people. "Experian Assistant for Model Risk Management solves a very real pain point for financial institutions by offering scalable and explainable AI across the credit and risk lifecycle," said Mehta. "With it, they can modernize their model documentation and risk practices and keep pace with fast-evolving AI technologies and regulatory requirements." The 2026 BIG Innovation Awards are evaluated by a panel of seasoned business leaders and executives who assess submissions based on measurable performance, responsible implementation and the capability to shape the future of work and culture. For more information, visit https://www.bintelligence.com/awards/big-innovation-awards. About Business Intelligence Group The Business Intelligence Group was founded with the mission of recognizing true talent and superior performance in the business world. Unlike other industry award programs, these programs are judged by business executives who have experience and knowledge. The organization's proprietary and unique scoring system selectively measures performance across multiple business domains and rewards those companies whose achievements stand above those of their peers. About Experian Experian is a global data and technology company, powering opportunities for people and businesses around the world. We help to redefine lending practices, uncover and prevent fraud, simplify healthcare, deliver digital marketing solutions, and gain deeper insights into the automotive market, all using our unique combination of data, analytics and software. We also assist millions of people to realise their financial goals and help them to save time and money. We operate across a range of markets, from financial services to healthcare, automotive, agrifinance, insurance, and many more industry segments. We invest in talented people and new advanced technologies to unlock the power of data and to innovate. A FTSE 100 Index company listed on the London Stock Exchange (EXPN), we have a team of 25,200 people across 33 countries. Our corporate headquarters are in Dublin, Ireland. Learn more at experianplc.com. Experian and the Experian marks used herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of Experian and its affiliates. Other product and company names mentioned herein are the property of their respective owners. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260205042051/en/ Contact Michael TroncaleExperian Public Relations+1 714 830 5462[email protected] 2026 Business Wire, Inc.Disclaimer:This press release is not a document produced by AFP. AFP shall not bear responsibility for its content. In case you have any questions about this press release, please refer to the contact person/entity mentioned in the text of the press release. Press Release from Business Wire: Duna and CapitalG (AFP) Feb 05, 2026 AMSTERDAM & BERLIN, Feb 5, 2026 (BSW) - Duna, the identity fintech founded by two Stripe alumni, today announced a EUR30 million Series A funding round led by CapitalG, Alphabet's independent growth fund. Existing investors Index Ventures, Puzzle Ventures and Snowflake Chairman Frank Slootman also participated in the round. The company, based in Germany and the Netherlands, was launched in 2023 by Duco van Lanschot, who was head of Benelux and DACH at Stripe for three years, and David Schreiber, who spent six years at Stripe where he ran the company's largest global business unit, including the core card payment platform. In May 2025, the company announced a EUR10.7 million seed round led by Index Ventures. The latest fundraise brings Duna's total funding to more than EUR40 million. Duna's mission is to build global trust infrastructure by providing a digital passport for every business. Over time, this will evolve into a network for shareable identity and one-click onboarding. Today Duna's AI-native business identity platform serves large banks, fintechs, platforms and financial institutions. Customers include large enterprises such as Plaid, CCV (Fiserv), Moss, Bol and SVEA bank, with companies reporting 10.6x faster onboarding and 4.8x productivity gains. "Duna is addressing one of the internet's biggest unsolved problems: identity," says Duna founder Duco van Lanschot. "Compliance and identity now consume up to 10-20 percent of a bank's total costs. The expensive and manual legacy systems lead to billions lost in fraud, friction, and fines, as well as lost income from refusals of legitimate customers. This makes it an ideal use case for AI automation." "The need for a secure business identity has never been more urgent: AI has many benefits, but it also enables an acceleration in the velocity and sophistication of fraud. Duna will help companies root out this fraud," added Duna founder David Schreiber. "We are turning a decades-old compliance cost center into a core revenue driver." "We have seen strong traction with leading enterprise customers," continues van Lanschot. "The funding will be used to further expand our enterprise capabilities with compliant, auditable AI, while maintaining the high regulatory standards required by banks and large enterprises." "Duna is building the internet's missing 'one click' identity network. Most new business relationships start with a painful, manual, and time-consuming exchange of documents which amount to a massive hidden tax on the B2B economy," said Alex Nichols, CapitalG General Partner and longtime investor in fintech leader Stripe. "Duco and David are the perfect founders to solve business identity for the internet. As former leaders at Stripe, they possess not only deep founder-market fit but also the leadership skills to build a high-ownership, talent-dense culture to achieve such an ambitious vision." About Duna Duna's mission is to build global trust infrastructure by providing a digital passport for every business. Over time, this will evolve into a network for shareable identity and one-click onboarding. Today, Duna is an AI-native business identity platform for regulated companies including large banks, fintechs, platforms and financial institutions. Duna enables organizations to understand who they are doing business with through "know your customer" (KYC), "know your business" (KYB), "customer due diligence" (CDD), and "anti-money laundering" (AML). Duna is backed by Index Ventures and CapitalG, as well as an exceptional group of tech executives from Stripe, Adyen, Anthropic, and Goldman Sachs - including Pieter van der Does (Adyen founder; advisor), Claire Hughes Johnson (Stripe COO), Frank Slootman (Snowflake Chairman), and many more. Learn more at https://duna.com/. About CapitalG CapitalG, Alphabet's independent growth fund, invests in generational companies transforming the world's largest markets. CapitalG partners with growth stage companies in their transition from startup to scale up through hands-on assistance and connections. CapitalG's portfolio companies include Stripe, CrowdStrike, Databricks, Duolingo, Odoo, Lovable, Monzo, and UiPath, among others. Learn more at https://capitalg.com/. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260205654367/en/ Contact [email protected] 2026 Business Wire, Inc.Disclaimer:This press release is not a document produced by AFP. AFP shall not bear responsibility for its content. In case you have any questions about this press release, please refer to the contact person/entity mentioned in the text of the press release. Anthropic unveils new AI model as OpenAI rivalry heats up San Francisco, United States, Feb 5 (AFP) Feb 05, 2026 Anthropic on Thursday released its latest high-performing artificial intelligence model, escalating its challenge to OpenAI in the intensifying AI race. Founded by former OpenAI staffers in 2021, Anthropic has gained significant momentum in recent months with a series of product releases that have impressed Silicon Valley -- and rattled Wall Street. Releases including an AI automation tool and a legal field product contributed this week to a broad selloff in software stocks, as they exacerbated concerns that AI models can replace the utility of stand-alone business apps and platforms. While its archrival OpenAI targets consumers directly with the hugely popular ChatGPT, Anthropic appeals to computer coders and enterprises seeking artificial intelligence products that prioritize data security and predictability alongside raw performance. Anthropic says its latest model, Claude Opus 4.6, represents a fundamental shift in how AI handles complex workplace tasks. The company highlighted use cases including financial modeling that synthesizes complicated regulatory filings and market data, plus document and presentation outputs that require minimal refinement. "Claude Opus 4.6 gets much closer to production-ready quality on the first try than what we've seen with any model," Anthropic said, adding that deliverables will require "less back-and-forth" to finalize. The launch caps a productive stretch of more than 30 product releases in recent months. In November, Claude Code -- a highly regarded coding tool -- surpassed $1 billion in revenue just six months after its public launch. However, that revenue comes with massive computing costs. Like OpenAI, Anthropic remains far from profitability. OpenAI is not taking the challenge lying down, and on Thursday released its own business-focused product, a platform for AI agents called Frontier. The rivalry between the two companies extends beyond technical features. Anthropic has publicly committed to keeping its Claude chatbot ad-free, calling advertisements "incongruous" with the personal nature of user conversations. This was in veiled contrast to OpenAI's decision to introduce ads to the non-premium portion of its roughly 800 million ChatGPT users, a move that critics say will create distrust for the technology. Anthropic relies instead on enterprise deals and paid subscriptions for revenue, a distinction it's highlighting in its first Super Bowl ad campaign, airing this weekend. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman hit back sharply at the campaign in a post, calling Anthropic "dishonest" and "authoritarian." "Anthropic serves an expensive product to rich people," he wrote, defending ChatGPT as a product that brings AI "to billions of people who can't pay for subscriptions." According to US media reports, Anthropic is planning a tender offer for its staff that would value the company at approximately $350 billion -- staggering growth for a four-year-old company but below OpenAI's reported target valuation of $800 billion in its next fundraising round. Both companies are widely rumored to be preparing for IPOs in the near future. Press Release from Business Wire: Calix, Inc. (AFP) Feb 05, 2026 BARCELONA, Feb 5, 2026 (BSW) - Calix, Inc. (NYSE: CALX) today announced that President and Chief Executive Officer Michael Weening will deliver a keynote in the Tuesday morning, March 3, " Architects of the AI Age " session at MWC26 Barcelona . Calix's presence at MWC, the world's largest and most influential connectivity event, extends the momentum following the recent launch of the company's AI?native platform Weening will take the MWC Main Stage on Tuesday morning to reveal a transformative vision for telecommunications: how agentic AI enables service providers to deliver an "experience of one" to millions of subscribers simultaneously-personalizing every interaction in real time, unlocking new revenue streams, and fundamentally redefining what it means to grow in the connected world. He will be joined onstage by leading AI researcher and author Kate Crawford, a globally recognized voice in AI ethics, to explore how this transformation goes beyond automation. They will address how responsible agentic AI can amplify team capabilities and drive sustainable growth built on privacy and transparency. The keynote will be livestreamed globally on the MWC app, MWCBarcelona.com, and Mobile World Live. As one of the most prominent sessions in MWC Barcelona's conference program, "Architects of the AI Age" brings together global technology leaders to examine how advances in AI, connectivity, and computing are redefining how networks are built, operated, and delivered. Beyond the keynote, Calix will showcase live demonstrations of its agentic AI platform at MWC with partner Google Cloud, highlighting how providers can deploy AI at scale, whether serving rural communities or large metro markets. "At Calix, we have invested more than $2 billion over 15 years to build and launch our 3rd generation platform, backed by our partnership with Google Cloud," said Weening. "Calix Agent Workforce is making agents?for?everyone a reality. That is the power of our platform, where you build once and scale everywhere so our customers can monetize by delivering an experience of one to millions of subscribers. The companies that turn AI into operational advantage will be the ones that win." MWC26 Barcelona takes place March 2-5 at Fira Gran Via. Weening's keynote is scheduled for Tuesday, March 3, 2026, from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. CET on the MWC Main Stage Hall 4. Calix will also demonstrate its agentic AI platform with Google Cloud in Hall 2, stands 2H40 and 2I10MR. To book a meeting with Calix onsite at MWC26 Barcelona, contact [email protected]. Discover the AI-native Calix Platform and agentic workforce, purpose-built for the telecommunications industry. About Calix Calix, Inc. (NYSE: CALX)-Calix is an appliance-based platform, cloud and managed services company. Broadband experience providers leverage Calix's broadband platform, cloud and managed services to simplify their operations, subscriber engagement and services; innovate for their consumer, business and municipal subscribers; and grow their value for members, investors and the communities they serve. Our end-to-end platform and managed services democratize the use of data-enabling our customers of any size to operate efficiently, acquire subscribers and deliver exceptional experiences. Calix is dedicated to driving continuous improvement in partnership with our growing ecosystem to support the transformation of our customers and their communities. This press release contains forward-looking statements that are based upon management's current expectations and are inherently uncertain. Forward-looking statements are based upon information available to us as of the date of this release, and we assume no obligation to revise or update any such forward-looking statement to reflect any event or circumstance after the date of this release, except as required by law. Actual results and the timing of events could differ materially from current expectations based on risks and uncertainties affecting Calix's business. The reader is cautioned not to rely on the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. Additional information on potential factors that could affect Calix's results and other risks and uncertainties are detailed in its quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC and available at www.sec.gov. Calix and the Calix logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Calix and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and other countries. A listing of Calix's trademarks can be found at https://www.calix.com/legal/trademarks.html. Third-party trademarks mentioned are the property of their respective owners. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260205072688/en/ Contact Press Inquiries:Alison Crisci919-353-4323[email protected] Investor Inquiries:Nancy Fazioli[email protected] 2026 Business Wire, Inc.Disclaimer:This press release is not a document produced by AFP. AFP shall not bear responsibility for its content. In case you have any questions about this press release, please refer to the contact person/entity mentioned in the text of the press release. BAGHDAD, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani met visiting French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot on Thursday to discuss bilateral ties and regional security, his office said. Al-Sudani stressed Iraq's commitment to strengthening relations with France, particularly in the economic sphere, according to a statement from his media office. He said Iraq had taken on "significant responsibilities on behalf of the international community" in transferring suspected Islamic State (IS) militants from prisons in Syria, adding that Baghdad needed international support at what he described as a critical moment. Countries concerned must fulfil their obligations by repatriating their nationals, he said. On U.S.-Iran tensions, al-Sudani reiterated Iraq's support for dialogue as the main path toward de-escalation and peaceful solutions. Barrot said France was keen to work closely with Iraq to promote regional stability and coordinate efforts to combat terrorism, the statement said. He praised Iraq's role in transferring detainees as contributing to regional security and affirmed France's readiness to provide support on issues related to the detainees. Before arriving in Iraq, Barrot also visited Syria earlier in the day, where he stressed the importance of fighting against "any resurgence of terrorism in Syria," according to his X account. Iran-US talks back on, as Trump warns supreme leader Washington, United States, Feb 4 (AFP) Feb 04, 2026 Iran and the United States said Wednesday they were going ahead with nuclear talks in Oman later this week, even as President Donald Trump piled pressure on Tehran's supreme leader by saying he should be "very worried." Doubts had swirled about the fate of the negotiations after a report earlier Wednesday that the talks between the bitter foes were falling apart due to disagreements about the format and the venue. The uncertainty had increased fears of renewed US military action against Tehran, amid soaring tensions since Iran violently put down some of the most serious protests against its rule since the 1979 Islamic revolution. But Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said nuclear talks were now "scheduled" for Friday in Muscat. "I'm grateful to our Omani brothers for making all necessary arrangements," he said on X. A White House official also confirmed to AFP that the meeting would happen in Oman on Friday. Diplomats had earlier said the meeting would happen in Turkey. But the Axios news outlet said the US was on the verge of pulling out, as Iran disputed both the location and whether its ballistic missile program should be included. But Trump, who has sharply built up the US military presence in the region and refused to rule out new military action, continued to up the pressure on Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. "I would say he should be very worried," Trump said Wednesday in an interview with US broadcaster NBC News. Trump also said that Iran had eyed a new nuclear facility after US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites during Israel's June war against the Islamic republic. "They were thinking about starting a new site in a different part of the country," Trump told NBC. "We found out about it, I said, you do that, we're going to do very bad things to you." - 'Ballistic missiles' - Trump has sent a US aircraft carrier group -- which he calls an "armada" -- to the region and one of its planes shot down an Iranian drone on Tuesday. Iran has threatened retaliation against US targets in the region if attacked. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said earlier Wednesday that the United States was "ready" to meet Iran -- but insisted that discussions must cover Tehran's missile and nuclear programs to be "meaningful." "They will have to include certain things, and that includes the range of their ballistic missiles, that includes their sponsorship of terrorist organizations across the region, that includes their nuclear program and that includes the treatment of their own people," he said. Rubio said that Trump's roving envoy Steve Witkoff had been ready to meet with Iran in Turkey but then received "conflicting reports" on whether Tehran had agreed. Iran in previous talks on its disputed nuclear program has ruled out discussions on its missiles, casting the weapons that can hit Israel as a tool of self-defense to which every country has a right. But Iran has been under growing pressure from the protests and after an Israeli bombing campaign last year. Iran has also lost key regional allies with Israel's severe degrading of Lebanon's Hezbollah and the fall of veteran Syrian president Bashar al-Assad. dk/iv Last US-Russia nuclear treaty ends in 'grave moment' for world Washington, United States, Feb 5 (AFP) Feb 05, 2026 The last nuclear treaty between Russia and the United States expired Thursday, abruptly ending decades of restrictions on how many warheads the two top powers can deploy and triggering fears of a global arms race. New START, signed during a warmer period of relations, ended with the turn of the calendar to February 5, with President Donald Trump not following up on Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin's proposal to extend the treaty's limits for one year. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called it a "grave moment for international peace and security" and urged Washington and Moscow to head quickly to the negotiating table. "For the first time in more than half a century, we face a world without any binding limits on the strategic nuclear arsenals of the Russian Federation and the United States of America," Guterres said in a statement, which considered the treaty over at midnight GMT or 7 pm in New York. "This dissolution of decades of achievement could not come at a worse time -- the risk of a nuclear weapon being used is the highest in decades," he said, after Russian suggestions of using tactical nuclear weapons early in the Ukraine war. Pope Leo XIV said each side needed to do "everything possible" to avert a new arms race. "I urge you not to abandon this instrument without seeking to ensure that it is followed up in a concrete and effective manner," the American-born pope said at his weekly general audience. Russia's foreign ministry said it considered that both countries are "no longer bound by any obligations or symmetrical declarations within the context of the treaty." "The Russian Federation intends to act responsibly and prudently," it added, but warned it was ready to take "decisive" countermeasures if its national security is threatened. - US demands China involvement - Trump has frequently lashed out at international limits on the United States and called for nuclear testing to resume after a long moratorium, although he has not followed up. But some observers say the expiration of New START owes less to ideology than to the workings of the Trump administration, where career diplomats are sidelined, simply not having the bandwidth to negotiate a complex agreement. Trump, asked in October in front of his helicopter about Putin's proposal for a one-year extension, said it sounded "like a good idea," but there were no subsequent negotiations. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Wednesday that Trump would make a decision later and reiterated a call for a new agreement that includes China. "The president's been clear in the past that in order to have true arms control in the 21st century, it's impossible to do something that doesn't include China, because of their vast and rapidly growing stockpile," Rubio said. China's nuclear arsenal is growing quickly with an estimated 550 strategic nuclear launchers, which is still well below the 800 each of Russia and the United States capped under New START. France and Britain, treaty-bound US allies, together have another 100. Trump in his first term also looked ready to let New START lapse as he insisted on including China, with a US negotiator even provocatively setting up an empty seat with a Chinese flag. Daryl Kimball, executive director of the Arms Control Association, which warns of nuclear risks, agreed that China should engage on its nuclear program but wondered if Trump has even tried. "Despite Trump's talk about involving China in nuclear negotiations, there is no indication that Trump or his team have taken the time to propose risk reduction or arms control talks with China since returning to office in 2025," Kimball said. He said that Trump and Putin could agree to keep current limits and then press China. Joe Biden agreed with Russia to extend New START for five years after he defeated Trump in the 2020 election, but tensions between the two countries later soared over Moscow's invasion of Ukraine. The treaty, signed in 2010 in Prague by then presidents Barack Obama and Dmitry Medvedev, limited each side's nuclear arsenal to 1,550 deployed strategic warheads, a reduction of nearly 30 percent from the previous limit set in 2002. Germany urges China to join arms control efforts Sydney, Feb 5 (AFP) Feb 05, 2026 Germany's foreign minister urged China on Thursday to show "restraint" in weapons development after the expiry of the last US-Russian nuclear treaty. Campaigners warn the end of the New START treaty on February 5 could unleash a new arms race between the world's top nuclear powers and encourage China to expand its arsenal. "Any armaments control treaty that expires must be cause for concern for us," German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul told reporters in Canberra during a visit to Australia. "It shows how large the task is when it comes to building new trust in the world that can be a basis for new agreements." China should be part of future arms control efforts, the minister said. "China has to be included," he said. "China keeps emphasising that they stand with multilateralism, they also have to show in the field of arms control that they are ready to show restraint and that they invest trust in international relations." US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday called for a new agreement that includes China. "The president's been clear in the past that in order to have true arms control in the 21st century, it's impossible to do something that doesn't include China, because of their vast and rapidly growing stockpile," Rubio said. China's nuclear arsenal is growing quickly, with an estimated 550 strategic nuclear launchers, which is still well below the 800 each that Russia and the United States have been capped at under New START. France and Britain, treaty-bound US allies, together have another 100. NATO calls for 'restraint' as last US-Russia nuclear treaty expires Brussels, Belgium, Feb 5 (AFP) Feb 05, 2026 NATO on Thursday urged "responsibility and restraint" as the New START treaty between the United States and Russia imposing limits on their nuclear arsenals expired, raising fears of a new arms race. "Restraint and responsibility in the nuclear domain is crucial to global security," an official from the US-led military alliance said, on condition of anonymity. The official said Russia and China were both ramping up their nuclear capabilities and that NATO "will continue to take steps necessary" to ensure its own defences. "Russia's irresponsible nuclear rhetoric and coercive nuclear signalling demonstrate a posture of strategic intimidation," the official said. Meanwhile, "China continues to rapidly expand and diversify its nuclear arsenal with more warheads and a larger number of sophisticated delivery systems," they added. The Kremlin on Thursday said it regretted the end of the last treaty governing the nuclear arsenals of Russia and the United States and called it a negative step. Washington has said any new nuclear agreement would have to include China, but international efforts to encourage Beijing to join fresh talks have so far failed. China shuns calls to enter nuclear talks after US-Russia treaty lapses Beijing, Feb 5 (AFP) Feb 05, 2026 China rejected calls to enter talks on a new nuclear treaty after a US-Russian agreement expired on Thursday, ending decades of restrictions on how many warheads the two powers can deploy. Campaigners have warned that the expiry of the New START treaty could trigger a global arms race, urging nuclear powers to enter negotiations. The United States has said any new nuclear agreement would have to include China, whose nuclear arsenal is rapidly expanding. China's foreign ministry joined a growing international chorus expressing regret on Thursday over the treaty's expiry, but said Beijing "will not participate in nuclear disarmament negotiations at this stage". "China's nuclear capabilities are of a totally different scale as those of the United States and Russia," foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian told a news conference. Russia and the United States together control more than 80 percent of the world's nuclear warheads. China's nuclear arsenal, meanwhile, is growing faster than any country's, by about 100 new warheads a year since 2023, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). China is estimated to have at least 600 nuclear warheads, SIPRI says -- well below the 800 each at which Russia and the United States were capped under New START. France and Britain, treaty-bound US allies, together have another 100. - Fears of nuclear war - Signed during a warmer period of relations, US President Donald Trump did not follow up on Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin's proposal to extend New START's limits for one year. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called the expiry a "grave moment". "For the first time in more than half a century, we face a world without any binding limits on the strategic nuclear arsenals" of Russia and the United States, Guterres said in a statement. "This dissolution of decades of achievement could not come at a worse time -- the risk of a nuclear weapon being used is the highest in decades," he said, after Russian suggestions of using tactical nuclear weapons early in the Ukraine war. A NATO official, speaking on condition of anonymity, called for "restraint and responsibility" and said that the US-led military alliance "will continue to take steps necessary" to ensure its defence. The official condemned "Russia's irresponsible nuclear rhetoric". China, meanwhile, "continues to rapidly expand and diversify its nuclear arsenal", they added. A group of Japanese survivors of US atomic bombs during World War II said they feared the world was marching towards nuclear war. "I have a feeling that in the not-too-distant future, we'll actually have a nuclear war and head toward destruction," Terumi Tanaka, co-chair of the Nihon Hidankyo group, told a press conference. In the run-up to the treaty's expiry, the metaphorical "Doomsday Clock" representing how near humanity is to catastrophe moved closer than ever to midnight, as its board warned of heightened risks of a nuclear arms race. - 'Impossible' without China - Moscow said it considered that both Russia and the United States were "no longer bound by any obligations" under New START. "The Russian Federation intends to act responsibly and prudently," it added, but warned it was ready to take "decisive" countermeasures if its national security is threatened. China urged Washington to "handle follow-up arrangements of the treaty in a responsible way, and resume strategic stability dialogue with Russia", foreign ministry spokesman Lin said. Trump, who has frequently lashed out at international limits on the United States, also looked ready in his first term to let New START lapse as he insisted on including China. But some observers say the expiry owes less to ideology than to the workings of the Trump administration, where career diplomats are sidelined, simply not having the bandwidth to negotiate a complex agreement. On Wednesday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio reiterated a call for a new agreement to include Beijing. "The president's been clear in the past that in order to have true arms control in the 21st century, it's impossible to do something that doesn't include China," Rubio said. Daryl Kimball, executive director of the Arms Control Association, which warns of nuclear risks, agreed that China should engage. But "there is no indication that Trump or his team have taken the time to propose risk reduction or arms control talks with China since returning to office in 2025", Kimball said. The treaty, signed in 2010 in Prague by then presidents Barack Obama and Dmitry Medvedev, limited each side's nuclear arsenal to 1,550 deployed strategic warheads, a reduction of nearly 30 percent from the previous limit set in 2002. UNITED NATIONS, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday strongly condemned Tuesday's terrorist attack in the Nigerian state of Kwara, which reportedly killed over 100 people. The secretary-general reiterates the solidarity of the United Nations with Nigeria's government and people in their efforts to fight terrorism and violent extremism, said Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for the UN secretary-general, in a statement. Guterres stresses the importance of bringing the perpetrators to justice, said the statement. It added that the UN chief conveys his condolences to the families of the victims and to Nigeria's people and government, and wishes a speedy recovery to the injured. Hungary starts long-delayed nuclear plant expansion Paks, Hungary, Feb 5 (AFP) Feb 05, 2026 Workers poured concrete for a new reactor near Hungary's sole nuclear plant Thursday, beginning a contentious expansion project led by Russia's Rosatom following a decade of delays. Hungary struck an agreement with Russia in 2014 involving a 10 billion euro ($11 billion) loan deal to build two reactors at the Paks plant south of Budapest. The first new reactor was originally scheduled to come online in 2023, but permit issues, the Covid-19 pandemic and Western sanctions against Russia over its invasion of Ukraine led to delays. Last year, the United States granted a waiver to the sanctions that allowed the project to be financed. The ribbon-cutting ceremony Thursday was held even though the EU's top court last year annulled the European Commission's decision to approve state aid for the expansion project, ruling in favour of neighbouring Austria. Hungary's government argues that the "Paks 2" expansion project is the only way to meet growing domestic demand for electricity in an climate-friendly, inexpensive, and safe manner. Paks 2 "guarantees Hungary's long-term energy security" Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said at the ceremony, also attended by Rafael Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Alexey Likhachev, head of Russia's state-owned nuclear energy group Rosatom, hailed the project launch as a "historic day" and a celebration of Russian-Hungarian ties. The new reactors are due to be connected to the grid in the early 2030s, just as the original four reactors -- built with Soviet-era technology in the 1980s -- are slated to be gradually retired. The new 1,200 megawatt reactors are comparable to the plant's current 2,000 megawatt output. The project also involves Western contractors, including the French-German Framatome-Siemens consortium. Still, critics say the project could increase Hungary's dependence on Moscow, which already provides fossil fuels for its energy needs. Greenpeace meanwhile has warned about the risks of nuclear waste disposal and thermal pollution affecting Danube river ecosystem. Detractors have also expressed fears over the final cost. In 2024, Hungarian lawmakers adopted a bill that permits increasing the original budget of 12.5 billion euro budget in case of further delays. Construction is also starting ahead of elections in April when Prime Minister Viktor Orban, the EU's longest-serving current leader, is facing an unprecedented challenge. Opposition leader Peter Magyar, whose party is leading in polls ahead of Orban's governing coalition, has vowed to renegotiate the loan deal with Russia if he wins the April 12 vote. ros/kym/js What does Iran want from talks with the US? Tehran, Feb 5 (AFP) Feb 05, 2026 Iran and the United States are holding talks on Friday in Oman, with Tehran pushing to focus squarely on its nuclear programme, while Washington's demands go beyond that. The two foes had held several rounds of Oman-mediated nuclear talks in 2025, but the Iran-Israel war, which saw the United States conduct strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, derailed diplomacy days before a meeting was due. US President Donald Trump has threatened renewed military action against Iran following its deadly crackdown on mass anti-government protests, but has also said he thinks Tehran is open to a deal. The United States has said talks must cover Tehran's missile programme and its support for militant groups in the region. AFP takes stock of the thorny issues on the table: - Uranium enrichment - The main dispute between Iran and the US concerns uranium enrichment. Western countries and Israel, thought to be the Middle East's only country with nuclear weapons, say Iran is seeking to acquire a bomb, which the Islamic republic denies. During the Iran-Israel war last June, the United States bombed three nuclear sites in Iran (Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan), with Trump later claiming the strikes "obliterated" the nuclear programme, although the extent of the damage remains unknown. Experts say uranium enriched above 20 percent can have potential military applications but that enrichment must reach 90 percent to make a bomb. Before the war, Iran was enriching uranium to 60 percent, according to the UN's International Atomic Energy Agency, far exceeding a 3.67 percent cap allowed under a now-defunct nuclear agreement that Iran reached with world powers in 2015. The United States withdrew from that deal in 2018 and Iran subsequently abandoned its commitments under the agreement in retaliation. Trump has repeatedly called for a complete end to enrichment, a condition much stricter than the 2015 deal. Iran, which says it has a right to civilian nuclear power, deems this demand a "red line" and contrary to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty to which it and 190 other nations are signatories. - Stockpile - The location of Iran's reserves of more than 400 kilogrammes of highly enriched uranium is unclear after the US bombings last year. The stocks were last seen by IAEA inspectors on June 10. "The materials are under the rubble (of bombed nuclear sites) and we have made no attempt to extract them... because it is dangerous," Ali Shamkhani, an adviser to Iran's supreme leader, told Lebanese media this week. "We are discussing this issue with the IAEA in order to find a solution while ensuring safety," he added. Iran suspended all cooperation with the UN nuclear watchdog at the end of September, justifying its decision as retaliation after UN sanctions were reinstated over its nuclear programme. Several countries, including Russia, have offered to house Tehran's stockpile of enriched uranium as a safeguard, but Iran has refused. "There is no reason to move the materials abroad when we can eliminate the sources of concern" about their end use, Shamkhani insisted. "We have no plan to militarise our nuclear programme" and "we can therefore dilute the material from 60 to, say, 20 percent", he added. "But in exchange, something must be paid," Shamkhani said, alluding to Iran's demand that sanctions be lifted. - Nuclear and nothing else - Tehran is adamant that the talks be strictly limited to the nuclear issue and the lifting of sanctions, and considers this demand non-negotiable. But Washington and its ally Israel are pushing for other grievances against the Islamic republic to be included. In 2018, the United States' withdrawal from the previous nuclear deal was partly motivated by the absence of curbs in the agreement on Iran's ballistic missile programme, perceived as a threat to Israel. According to media reports, Israel is now pushing to put this issue on the negotiating table, along with Iran's policy of financing militant groups across the Middle East, including Hezbollah in Lebanon, Hamas in Gaza and the Houthis in Yemen. Russia, US agree to resume military contacts at Ukraine talks Abu Dhabi, Feb 5 (AFP) Feb 05, 2026 Russia and the United States have agreed to resume high-level military contacts at two-day Ukraine talks in Abu Dhabi on Thursday, in a major step of rapprochement between the world's top nuclear powers. Moscow and Washington suspended senior military dialogue shortly before Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, with then US President Joe Biden severing almost all contact with Russia. But US President Donald Trump has restored communications with Moscow since he returned to the White House last year, holding several talks and a summit with Russian leader Vladimir Putin. The agreement to restore military contacts came after two days of talks between US, Russian and Ukrainian delegates in Abu Dhabi, searching for a deal to end the war in Ukraine. Those negotiations resulted in the first prisoner exchange in four months, but Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called the discussions complicated and urged faster progress. It was also announced hours after the New START treaty -- the last nuclear agreement between Moscow and Washington -- expired, triggering fears of a global arms race. "The U.S. and Russian Federation agreed today in Abu Dhabi to reestablish high level military-to-military dialogue," the US military's European Command said in a statement, adding that "the parties continue to work towards a lasting peace." "Maintaining dialogue between militaries is an important factor in global stability and peace, which can only be achieved through strength, and provides a means for increased transparency and de-escalation," it added. Moscow had not commented on the announcement. - 'Not easy' - Moscow and Kyiv agreed to swap more than 300 prisoners at the talks in Abu Dhabi, but there were no immediate signs of progress on the thornier issue of territory. "It is certainly not easy, but Ukraine has been and will remain as constructive as possible," Zelensky said of the talks. "We want faster results," he told a press conference in Kyiv, speaking alongside Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk. US mediator Steve Witkoff conceded that "significant" work still lay ahead in the quest for a broader deal to end the war, dimming hopes for a quick breakthrough. The negotiations are the latest bid in diplomatic efforts to halt the fighting -- Europe's deadliest conflict since World War II, with hundreds of thousands killed, millions forced to flee their homes and much of eastern and southern Ukraine left decimated. As talks were underway, large swathes of the Ukrainian capital were still without heating in sub-zero temperatures, after successive Russian strikes knocked out energy supplies to hundreds of apartment blocks. Kyiv's mayor Vitali Klitschko warned that more than 1,000 apartment blocks could be without heating for two months after a Russian strike earlier this week destroyed a critical power station. - Territory deadlock - The main sticking point in the negotiations is the long-term fate of territory in eastern Ukraine. Moscow is demanding that Kyiv pull its troops out of swathes of the Donbas, including heavily fortified cities atop vast natural resources, before any deal. It also wants international recognition that land seized in the invasion belongs to Russia. Kyiv has said the conflict should be frozen along the current front line and has rejected a pull-back of forces. Trump has been pushing both sides to negotiate an end to the war since he returned to office, boasting he could strike a deal in hours. Zelensky said the US president's role was crucial, telling French television in an interview broadcast Wednesday that "Putin is only scared of Trump". In a rare official admission of battlefield losses, Zelensky said Wednesday that at least 55,000 of his country's troops had been killed since Russia invaded in February 2022 -- a figure lower than many independent estimates. Russia has not disclosed how many of its soldiers have been killed. Tracking of obituaries and family announcements by the BBC and independent Mediazona outlet has found the names of more than 160,000 Russian soldiers killed in the conflict. Russia occupies around 20 percent of Ukraine. It claims the Donetsk, Lugansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions as its own, and holds pockets of territory in at least three other Ukrainian regions in the east. Kyiv still controls around one-fifth of the Donetsk region that Moscow demands it withdraws from. Ukraine has warned that ceding ground will embolden Moscow, and that it will not sign a deal that fails to deter Russia from invading again. burs-asy/oc/jc/yad Iran, US prepare for Oman talks after deadly protest crackdown Paris, France, Feb 5 (AFP) Feb 05, 2026 Iran and the United States were preparing for talks on Friday in Oman, with Washington looking to see if there is any prospect of diplomatic progress on the Iranian nuclear programme and other issues while refusing to rule out military action. The talks, which were finally confirmed by both sides late Wednesday after hours of doubt over the location, timing and format, will be the first such encounter between the two foes since the US joined Israel's war against the Islamic republic in June with strikes on nuclear sites. President Donald Trump's Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi are due to lead their delegations at the talks in the discreet Gulf sultanate, which has periodically acted as a low-profile mediator between the countries. The meeting comes just under a month after the peak of a wave of protests nationwide in Iran against the clerical leadership, which rights groups say were repressed with an unprecedented crackdown that has left thousands dead. "They're negotiating," Trump said at the National Prayer Breakfast. "They don't want us to hit them, we have a big fleet going there," he added, referring to the aircraft carrier group he has repeatedly called an "armada". Trump initially threatened military action against Tehran over its crackdown on protesters and even told demonstrators "help is on its way". But his rhetoric in recent days has focused on reining in the Iranian nuclear programme that the West fears is aimed at making a bomb. "He (Trump) is going to do is he is going to keep his options open, he is going to talk to everybody, he is going to try to accomplish what he can through non-military means and if he feels like the military is the only option then he is ultimately going to choose that option," US Vice President JD Vance told SiriusXM in an interview broadcast Wednesday. Vance also expressed frustration with the fact that Trump could not deal directly with supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, saying "it's a very weird country to conduct diplomacy with when you can't even talk to the person who's in charge of the country". - 'Inflexibility towards US demands' - German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, speaking in the Qatari capital Doha, urged Iran's leadership to "truly enter talks", saying there was a "great fear of military escalation in the region". Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was quoted by Turkish newspapers as saying that "so far, I see that the parties want to make room for diplomacy", adding that conflict was "not the solution". There had been tensions in the run up to the talks over whether the meeting should also include regional countries and address Tehran's support of proxies and ballistic missile programmes, two US concerns that Iran resisted. Citing unnamed Iranian officials, the New York Times said the United States agreed the talks would exclude regional actors, and while the meeting would focus on the nuclear file it would also discuss missiles and militant groups, "with the goal of coming up with a framework for a deal". "Iran continues to show inflexibility toward addressing US demands, which reduces the likelihood that Iran and the United States will be able to reach a diplomatic solution," the US-based Institute for the Study of War said. - 'Compromise or war' - With the American threats of military action still looming, the United States has manoeuvred a naval group led by aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln into the region while Iran has repeatedly vowed it will hit back at US bases in the region if attacked. "We are ready to defend and it is the US president who must choose between compromise or war," state television on Thursday quoted army spokesman General Mohammad Akraminia as saying, warning that Iran had "easy" access to US bases. In a sign of the tensions, Iran's Revolutionary Guards have seized two oil tankers with their foreign crews in Gulf waters for "smuggling fuel", the Tasnim news agency reported Thursday. It was not immediately clear what flags the tankers were carrying nor the nationalities of the crew. "Iran is fully prepared to stand against any foreign threat and enemy," said former foreign minister Ali Akbar Velayati, who remains an advisor to Khamenei, quoted by the ISNA agency. sjw/amj Trump accepts UK deal on Indian Ocean islands with key military base Washington, United States, Feb 5 (AFP) Feb 05, 2026 President Donald Trump on Thursday dropped his opposition to an agreement in which Britain returned to Mauritius an Indian Ocean archipelago that hosts a key US-UK military base. But after speaking with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Trump warned in a post on Truth Social that he retains the right to "secure and reinforce" the US presence on Diego Garcia island, which is home to the base, if the British deal comes undone or the American presence is threatened. Under a deal agreed in May of last year, Britain will hand back the Chagos islands, which include Diego Garcia, to Mauritius but keep the base, jointly run by US and British forces, on a 99-year lease. Trump initially endorsed this accord but then last month changed his mind. "The UK giving away extremely important land is an act of GREAT STUPIDITY, and is another in a very long line of National Security reasons why Greenland has to be acquired," Trump said on January 20. On Thursday, Trump said Starmer made "the best deal he could make" on the Chagos Islands, which had been at the center of a decades-long diplomatic battle. Trump said: "However, if the lease deal, sometime in the future, ever falls apart, or anyone threatens or endangers US operations and forces at our Base, I retain the right to Militarily secure and reinforce the American presence in Diego Garcia." In their conversation Thursday Starmer and Trump agreed to work "closely" on the implementation of the Chagos Islands agreement, the UK leader's office said. Russia, US agree to resume military contacts at Ukraine talks Abu Dhabi, Feb 5 (AFP) Feb 05, 2026 Russia and the United States agreed to resume high-level military contacts, in a major step of rapprochement between the world's top nuclear powers at Ukraine talks in Abu Dhabi on Thursday. Moscow and Washington suspended senior military dialogue shortly before Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, with then US President Joe Biden severing almost all contact with Russia. But US President Donald Trump has restored communications with Moscow since he returned to the White House last year, holding several talks and a summit with Russian leader Vladimir Putin. The agreement to restore military contacts came after two days of talks between US, Russian and Ukrainian delegates in Abu Dhabi, searching for a deal to end the war in Ukraine. Those negotiations resulted in the first prisoner exchange in four months, but Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called the discussions complicated and urged faster progress. Kyiv's lead negotiator later said the talks would continue in coming weeks. The US-Russia agreement was also announced hours after the New START treaty -- the last nuclear agreement between Moscow and Washington -- expired, triggering fears of a global arms race. "The U.S. and Russian Federation agreed today in Abu Dhabi to reestablish high level military-to-military dialogue," the US military's European Command said in a statement, adding that "the parties continue to work towards a lasting peace." "Maintaining dialogue between militaries is an important factor in global stability and peace, which can only be achieved through strength, and provides a means for increased transparency and de-escalation," it added. Moscow had not commented on the announcement. - 'Not easy' - Moscow and Kyiv agreed at the talks in Abu Dhabi to swap more than 300 prisoners, but there were no immediate signs of progress on the thornier issue of territory. "It is certainly not easy, but Ukraine has been and will remain as constructive as possible," Zelensky said of the talks. Kyiv's lead negotiator, Rustem Umerov, said on social media that "the delegations agreed to inform their capitals and continue trilateral talks in the coming weeks." US mediator Steve Witkoff conceded that "significant" work still lay ahead. The negotiations are the latest bid in diplomatic efforts to halt the fighting -- Europe's deadliest conflict since World War II, with hundreds of thousands killed, millions forced to flee their homes and much of eastern and southern Ukraine devastated. As talks were underway, large swathes of the Ukrainian capital were still without heating in sub-zero temperatures, after successive Russian strikes knocked out energy supplies to hundreds of apartment blocks. Kyiv's mayor Vitali Klitschko warned that more than 1,000 apartment blocks could be without heating for two months after a Russian strike earlier this week destroyed a critical power station. - Territory deadlock - The main sticking point in the negotiations is the long-term fate of territory in eastern Ukraine. Moscow is demanding that Kyiv pull its troops out of swathes of the Donbas, including heavily fortified cities atop vast natural resources, before any deal. It also wants international recognition that land seized in the invasion belongs to Russia. Kyiv has said the conflict should be frozen along the current front line and has rejected a pull-back of forces. Zelensky said the role of the US president was crucial, telling French television in an interview broadcast Wednesday: "Putin is only scared of Trump." In a rare official admission of battlefield losses, Zelensky said Wednesday that at least 55,000 of his country's troops had been killed since Russia invaded in February 2022 -- a figure lower than many independent estimates. Russia has not disclosed how many of its soldiers have been killed. Tracking of obituaries and family announcements by the BBC and independent outlet Mediazona has found the names of more than 160,000 Russian soldiers killed in the conflict. Russia occupies around 20 percent of Ukraine. It claims the Donetsk, Lugansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions as its own, and holds pockets of territory in at least three other Ukrainian regions in the east. Kyiv still controls around one-fifth of the Donetsk region that Moscow demands it withdraw from. Ukraine has warned that ceding ground will embolden Moscow, and that it will not sign a deal that fails to deter Russia from invading again. burs-asy/oc/jc/yad/rlp Emotional reunions, dashed hopes as Ukraine soldiers released Chernihiv, Ukraine, Feb 5 (AFP) Feb 05, 2026 Not even the bitter cold could stifle Ivan Roman's joy when he received news of his child from the Ukrainian army at noon on Thursday: "Congratulations. Your son has been released," the message read, two years after Russia captured the young soldier. "I have good news! He's been released!" the jubilant father shouted down the phone to his son's friend. "I yelled with joy!" he told reporters. "He's coming back! I even spoke to him for a few minutes." Russia and Ukraine exchanged 157 respective prisoners of war on Thursday, the first such swap between the two warring countries since October. Ivan, who shares his father's first name, was captured by the Russian army in November 2022 in Vuhledar, in Ukraine's eastern Donbas region. Since then, his father has attended practically every prisoner exchange -- one of the rare areas of direct cooperation between Ukraine and Russia throughout the four-year war. In the crowd that spent hours waiting outside the hospital where the prisoners were due to arrive, Olga Kurk-Malayeva beamed radiantly. After "three years and 10 months", the 26-year-old would finally be reunited with her husband Ruslan, a member of the 501st Marine Battalion who was taken prisoner in the southern Ukrainian city of Mariupol, besieged by Russia at the start of the war. "I am overwhelmed with emotion," said the young woman, wrapped in a flag bearing her husband's army corps insignia and surrounded by friends who saw her through the final hours of an agonisingly long wait. She staggered and began to cry, but straightened up and adjusted her coat to welcome her partner. - A desperate search - Night was falling when the three buses carrying the liberated prisoners finally arrived. Their haggard faces appeared behind the windows as the crowd outside readied to greet their loved ones. The mass of people surged with anticipation, but Kurk-Malayeva managed to reach the bus's door, embracing her husband as he disembarked. The pair walked away and shared their first kiss in years. A disorderly guard of honour hastily formed to greet the men, while some people called out names in the hopes that their relatives, missing or imprisoned for years and with whom they have had no contact, might have been included in the release. These grieving mothers, fathers, husbands and wives never received a notification from the army, and instead came in a desperate attempt to get news of their loved ones from the released prisoners. After the emotional reunions, those freed were immediately sent for medical checkups in one of the hospital's buildings. Once inside, they were still visible through a window. Some of the women outside pressed photos of missing soldiers up against it. One of the former prisoners stepped forward to examine them, shaking his head in front of each one. Trump urges new nuclear treaty after Russia agreement ends Washington, United States, Feb 5 (AFP) Feb 05, 2026 US President Donald Trump on Thursday called for a brand new nuclear treaty after the last agreement with Russia expired, prompting fears of a new global arms race. The Trump administration has repeatedly pressed for a new treaty to include China, whose arsenal is growing but still significantly smaller than those of Russia and the United States, but Beijing has publicly rejected the pressure. Trump had been mostly mum on Russian calls to extend New START, the 2010 treaty that imposed the last restrictions on the two largest nuclear powers after decades of agreements dating from the Cold War. But hours after it expired, Trump said that the treaty, signed by predecessor Barack Obama and extended by Joe Biden, was "badly negotiated" and "is being grossly violated." "We should have our Nuclear Experts work on a new, improved, and modernized Treaty that can last long into the future," he wrote on his Truth Social platform. Asked if Washington and Moscow had agreed to stick to the terms of the expired START treaty while negotiations on a new accord are ongoing, White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said: "Not to my knowledge." Russia had refused inspections under New START as relations deteriorated with the Biden administration. It said Wednesday that it no longer considered itself bound on the number of nuclear warheads due to the expiration of New START. Despite the stalemate on New START, Trump has enthusiastically restarted diplomacy with Russia and invited President Vladimir Putin to Alaska last August. The United States announced Thursday that it was resuming military dialogue with Russia after three-way talks in Abu Dhabi on the Ukraine war. - 'Unconstrained nuclear competition' - Campaigners have warned that the end of the New START treaty could trigger a global arms race, and urged nuclear powers to enter negotiations. A group of former senior arms control officials from around the world, in a joint statement Thursday, called on the United States and Russia to agree to keep observing New START's limits as a first step. The end of New START "will reduce nuclear stability and predictability, threaten global security, and increase the risk of a new era of unconstrained nuclear competition," they wrote. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the nuclear treaties between the United States and Russia after more than half a century were at a "grave moment." "This dissolution of decades of achievement could not come at a worse time -- the risk of a nuclear weapon being used is the highest in decades," Guterres said, after Russian suggestions of using tactical nuclear weapons early in the Ukraine war. A NATO official, speaking on condition of anonymity, called for "restraint and responsibility" and said that the US-led military alliance "will continue to take steps necessary" to ensure its defense. The official condemned "Russia's irresponsible nuclear rhetoric." - China rejects pressure - On Wednesday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that arms control was "impossible" without including China. China's foreign ministry expressed regret Thursday over New START's demise but said Beijing "will not participate in nuclear disarmament negotiations at this stage." "China's nuclear capabilities are of a totally different scale as those of the United States and Russia," foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian told a news conference. Russia and the United States together control more than 80 percent of the world's nuclear warheads. China's nuclear arsenal is growing faster than any country's, by about 100 new warheads a year since 2023, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. China is estimated to have at least 600 nuclear warheads, the institute says -- well below the 800 each at which Russia and the United States were capped under New START. France and Britain, treaty-bound US allies, together have another 100. Daryl Kimball, executive director of the Arms Control Association, which warns of nuclear risks, agreed that China should engage. But "there is no indication that Trump or his team have taken the time to propose risk reduction or arms control talks with China since returning to office in 2025," Kimball said. Nice to Meet Who? Nice to Meet You, Malcolm is Will Trent in its sweet spot: a character-first hour wrapped in two intersecting investigations, buoyed by humor, romance, and just enough heartbreak to keep the emotional stakes taut. This episode knows exactly what its doingspotlighting GBI Special Agent Faith Mitchell (Iantha Richardson) at her most open, most hopeful, and therefore most vulnerable. Faith Mitchell, Hopeless Romantic and Certified Keeper of the Real Atlantas dating pool is apparently a wasteland of men who think fix my parking ticket is a meet cute. Faith is midblock and delete on a dating app nonstarter when the universe finally throws her a bone: a devastatingly handsome stranger, Malcolm (DeVaughn Nixon). He approaches her with charm, curiosity, and the kind of attention that makes a woman forget she had plans to go home alone. Nice to Meet You, Malcolm WILL TRENT. Pictured: (l-r) Iantha Richardson as Faith Mitchell, DeVaugh Nixon as Malcolm. Photo: Disney/Daniel Delgado Jr 2026 Disney. All rights reserved. Three hours later, Faith is swept into a beautifully choreographed entanglement, the kind of tastefully steamy rom com moment that says: yes, the girl still has it. And yesanyone whos been watching this show immediately thought: What is her roommate Detective Michael Ormewood (Jake McLaughlin) going to say about this? The answer arrives near the end of the episode. Three hours later, Faith is swept into a beautifully choreographed entanglement, the kind of tastefully steamy rom com moment that says: yes, the girl still has it. And yesanyone whos been watching this show immediately thought: WThe answer arrives near the end of the episode. Oh, he noticed she hasnt slept at home for three nights. Hes quietly, almost tenderly, concerned. Michaels stakeout conversation with Special Agent Will Trent (Ramon Rodriquez)asking whether Faith seems happylands with surprising emotional weight. Micheals not jealous; hes protective, but in a way thats distinct from Wills instinct to shield his partner. Its a lovely beat. The Love Bomb Heard Round the Police Station Malcolm is the kind of man who rents out a movie theater, supplies an apple dessert, and screens Say Anything because its Faiths favorite film. Its intoxicating. Its also suspiciously perfect. So, when Will calls Faith to warn her that Malcolm is a confirmed suspect in APDs corporate-espionage case, the heartbreak is immediate. Shes floating, but Will, who genuinely believes shes happy, bursts her love bubble. The truth lingers, then sinks, leaving Faith questioning what to do next. Nice to Meet You, Malcolm WILL TRENT. Pictured: (l-r) Ramon Rodriquez as Will Trent, Iantha Richardson as Faith Mitchell. Photo: Disney/Daniel Delgado Jr 2026 Disney. All rights reserved The GBI Case: Murder in the Matchmaking World Faith and Wills case is a sharp, well-paced procedural anchored by Faiths instincts. The murder of Sawyer Jennings, a high-end matchmaker, opens a window into a business model that charges men $50,000 and women only $5,000. Sawyers business partner, Liv Somerman (Marguerite Moreau), calls this pricing model tradition, but Faith calls it what it looks like: the difference between matchmaking and prostitution. The real story is uglier. A wealthy client, Brody Evans (Logan Michael Smith), assaulted potential match, Anna Martello (Greyson Chadwick). When Martello reported the offense to Jennings, he promised her that Brody would be dropped from their client roster. Unfortunately, Jennings did not know that his partner, Somerman, had already taken $100,000 from Brody to bury the assault. Jennings threatened the arrangement. And suddenly, Jennings was dead. Although Brody quickly became a person of interest, he had an airtight alibi. So, Will and Faith turn their attention to Somerman. Their investigation dismantles Somermans spin-class alibi with methodical precision. Its classic GBI workclean, credible, and satisfying. Nice to Meet You, Malcolm WILL TRENT. Pictured: (l-r) Marguerite Moreau as Liv Somerman, Iantha Richardson as Faith Mitchell. Photo: Disney/Daniel Delgado Jr 2026 Disney. All rights reserved The APD Case: From Bank Heist to Corporate Espionage What starts as a straightforward bank robbery and murder quickly mutates into a corporate espionage nightmare. While digging in, Detectives Polaski and Ormewood stumble upon the near suicide of the man tied to the mysterious safe deposit box. That manWyatt Fernsby (Marc LeVasseur)lifted confidential files from his employer, Biosentia Pharmaceuticals. Documents worth killing for. And, as Fernsby proves, worth dying for. Of course, this crime leads straight to Faiths new millionaire hotelier hookup, Malcolm. The case isnt solved yet, which gives the episode a serialized pulse and leaves Faiths emotional arc dangling until next week. Nice to Meet You, Malcolm WILL TRENT. Pictured: (l-r) Sonja Sohn as Amanda Wagner, Ramon Rodriquez as Will Trent, Iantha Richardson as Faith Mitchell. Photo: Disney/Daniel Delgado Jr 2026 Disney. All rights reserved. Humor, Banter, and the Joy of Ensemble This episode is deeply unserious in all the right ways. Michael Ormewood is back in full rotationpost chemo, post cancer, feeling fantastic, and cracking jokes about having superpowers. Franklin (Kevin Daniels) and Captain Hellers (Todd Allen Durkin) stroller building fiasco is peak workplace comedy. Will and Amanda (Sonja Sohn) clowning Faith for using Amandas name on datescomplete with Will dubbing her Amanda Chiquitais exactly the kind of affectionate ribbing that makes their workplace hum. Pairing Special Agent Will Trent with Detective Michael Ormewood to track down the bank robber who wore the Cheetah mask (aka Preston Willis)? Inspired. Their dynamic is fresh, slightly awkward, and layeredespecially when Wills little digs at Michaels machismo and his supposed superpowers slip out. They read as microaggressions to me. Is it jealousy because Michael gets to work with a very pregnant Angie Polaski (Erika Christensen)? Or is it simply that Michaels more physically imposing? And did anyone else clock how unsettled Will looked in the elevator when Faith was making a whole production out of Angies baby bump? Hes clearly making progress in therapy, but hes not ready to graduate just yet. Nice to Meet You, Malcolm WILL TRENT. Pictured: (l-r) Ramon Rodriquez as Will Trent, Jake McLauglin as Michael Ormewood. Photo: Disney/Daniel Delgado Jr 2026 Disney. All rights reserved. Final Thoughts Nice to Meet You, Malcolm delivers everything a Will Trent episode should: a Point Break-style, high-stakes heist with the bank robbers swapping animal masks in for the masks of dead presidents. The episode also has character development, humor, romance, and a final twist that hits Faith hard enough to leave viewers genuinely worried about her emotional and physical well-being. Theres a beautiful, almost porous quality to Faith and Mikes relationship nowa direct result of living together through his illness. Their growth is a reminder that the best TV characters dont stay static; they carry their scars. That shared history gives every moment between them a soulful, weary intimacy. The same has always been true for Angie and Will. I love this episode, and I continue to respect the craft of this standout show. For me, its an easy 10 out of 10. What do you think about Amandas dangerous liaison? Let me know in the comments. DAMASCUS, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- Visiting French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot voiced France's support for Syria's transition and reconstruction efforts here on Thursday during a meeting with Syrian foreign chief Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani, Syria's state news agency SANA reported. Barrot said France has stood by the Syrian people and will continue supporting efforts to build a better future for Syria, SANA reported. He welcomed the recent agreement between the Syrian interim government and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, saying it guarantees basic rights for Syria's Kurdish population and supports ongoing efforts to combat the Islamic State (IS), SANA reported. The two sides stressed the importance of Syria's unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and discussed the next steps toward completing the integration of Kurdish forces into the Syrian military formation in northeastern Syria, SANA reported. They also discussed bilateral relations and ways to enhance cooperation on political and economic issues, as well as regional developments of mutual concern, SANA reported. In a post on social media platform X following the meeting, al-Shaibani said the two sides also focused on ways to combat the IS, and the management of detention facilities and displacement camps, aiming to strengthen sustainable stability. The visit, part of Barrot's broader Middle East tour, marks a rare high-level diplomatic engagement between Paris and Damascus amid shifting regional dynamics and renewed international attention to Syria's political transition. Allow Google Search To use the search feature, we need your consent to load Google Custom Search, which may use cookies or similar technologies. Please click 'Allow and Continue' below to enable search. See our privacy policy for more information. Allow and Continue These arent just tax breaks, theyre the fuel we need to keep our high streets alive. When you strike at a local restaurant, you also hit the farmer who grows the carrots, the producer making the cheese and the teenager getting their first break as an apprentice. You hit the entire ecosystem of British excellence. And you remove the joy for the public. Food brings people together, its at the heart of communities and its something to be proud of. We have the talent, we have the drive and we have a public hungry for what we do. Jatinder Paul, serious injury lawyer at the firm, said: In my experience Im used to supporting holidaymakers who have fallen ill at resorts across the globe, but Ive never seen repeated and continued illness outbreaks at the same resorts on such a scale over such a period of time. Welsh private island for sale for less than the price of a London flat Welsh private island for sale for less than the price of a London flat Artists perform at a Spring Festival reception hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Budapest, Hungary on Feb. 5, 2026. (Photo by Laszlo Balogh/Xinhua) BUDAPEST, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- Hungarian and Chinese officials on Thursday highlighted the steady development of bilateral relations at a Spring Festival reception hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Budapest to mark the upcoming Chinese New Year, the Year of the Horse. Speaking at the event, Marta Matrai, first officer of the Hungarian National Assembly, said she had personally witnessed the remarkable progress of Hungary-China relations over the past decade. Matrai recalled that she assumed the chairmanship of the Hungarian-Chinese Friendship Parliamentary Group during the previous Year of the Horse and had held the position for nearly 12 years. In an interview with Xinhua following the event, Matrai underlined that despite global political uncertainty and rising geopolitical tensions, cooperation between Hungary and China has remained stable and robust, based on mutual respect. "Hungarians are a people for whom keeping one's word carries great importance, along with mutual respect and appreciation, and I believe these values are also reflected in Hungary's relations with China," she said. On the economic front, bilateral trade has expanded significantly in recent years and is expected to reach 15 billion U.S. dollars by 2025, making China Hungary's most important trading partner outside Europe, she said. Cooperation has also broadened from traditional sectors to electric vehicles, clean energy, and other high-tech and green industries, she added. Addressing the reception, Chinese ambassador to Hungary Gong Tao said the China-Hungary partnership has continued to develop at a high level, marked by close high-level interactions, steady progress in economic and trade cooperation, and increasingly vibrant cultural exchanges. Referring to the Year of the Horse, the ambassador said that the horse symbolizes "freedom and independence" in Hungarian culture and "vitality and progress" in Chinese tradition, expressing hope that bilateral cooperation would gain fresh momentum in the year ahead. The evening featured festive cultural performances celebrating the Spring Festival, one of China's most important traditional holidays. Marta Matrai, first officer of the Hungarian National Assembly, delivers a speech at a Spring Festival reception hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Budapest, Hungary on Feb. 5, 2026. (Photo by Laszlo Balogh/Xinhua) Chinese ambassador to Hungary Gong Tao delivers a speech at a Spring Festival reception hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Budapest, Hungary on Feb. 5, 2026. (Photo by Laszlo Balogh/Xinhua) Artists perform at a Spring Festival reception hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Budapest, Hungary on Feb. 5, 2026. (Photo by Laszlo Balogh/Xinhua) Artists perform at a Spring Festival reception hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Budapest, Hungary on Feb. 5, 2026. (Photo by Laszlo Balogh/Xinhua) Artists perform at a Spring Festival reception hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Budapest, Hungary on Feb. 5, 2026. (Photo by Laszlo Balogh/Xinhua) Artists perform at a Spring Festival reception hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Budapest, Hungary on Feb. 5, 2026. (Photo by Laszlo Balogh/Xinhua) Samuel David Tremblett was a student at Syracuse University. He worked as a model and, as a fashion designer, had launched a successful clothing line. This week, his mother filed a lawsuit against Tesla Inc., saying the Austin automaker was responsible for his death when he couldnt escape his burning Model Y. LSG Press Tesla Inc. is facing another wrongful death lawsuit tied to its vehicles door handles. According to the suit filed by his mother, college student Samuel David Tremblett pleaded with a 911 dispatcher for help while he was trapped in his burning 2021 Model Y after a crash. Advertisement Article continues below this ad I cant get out, please help me, he said, according to a transcript of the call included in the lawsuit. Its on fire, help please Im going to die. The suit filed Wednesday alleges the unreasonably dangerous design of Teslas electric doors caused the 20 year olds death. Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source The Austin automaker did not respond to a request for comment. Advertisement Article continues below this ad According to the suit, Tremblett died after he hit a tree and his Model Y burst into flames. Officers who responded were unable to remove Tremblett from the vehicle due to the fire, which took about four hours to put out. He died of thermal injuries and smoke inhalation. The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in Massachusetts, is the latest in a series of complaints against Tesla over the design of its door handles, which can fail and trap occupants, particularly after a crash. Teslas website notes that in the unlikely situation when Model Y has no power passengers can pull up the manual door release located in front of the window switches. Still, difficulty exiting vehicles after a crash has been tied to at least 15 deaths. Those include the death of Texas man Michael Sheehan, whose family filed a lawsuit after his Cybertruck caught fire in a 2024 crash in Baytown. In the Massachusetts lawsuit, Samuels mother Jacquelyn Tremblett alleges Teslas design is unreasonably dangerous and not crashworthy. The lawsuit claims it breached its warranty and duties to identify hazards and design a vehicle that is safe and without defects. She is seeking punitive damages not less than $5,000 and a jury trial. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In December, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opened a defect investigation into the Tesla Model 3 over concerns that the vehicles interior mechanical door release is unlabeled and not intuitive to locate during an emergency. The agency has also probed 2021 Tesla Model Y vehicles after reports of exterior door handles becoming inoperative due to low battery voltage, leading to instances of children stuck inside. Tesla door handles have also been considered for regulation. U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly, an Illinois Democrat, introduced a bill last month that would require easily seen manual releases for each door in a vehicle. And on Monday, China announced it would ban hidden door handles on cars to address EV crashes that turned fatal when passengers could not operate the electronic handles to exit the vehicle. The rule applies to both internal and external door handles and will take effect Jan. 1, 2027. Tesla has considered adjusting its door handles. In September, Tesla design chief Franz von Holzhausen said combining an electronic and manual release mechanism on its doors makes a lot of sense and is something Tesla is working on. Expedia Group CEO Ariane Gorin on stage during the company's 2025 Explore event in Seattle in May 2025. Expedia said it is laying off 100 Austin employees starting April 1. Expedia Group Online travel company Expedia is laying off 100 workers at its Austin office. The company said it will cut the positions from its corporate offices at 11920 Alterra Parkway near The Domain starting April 1. Advertisement Article continues below this ad We are eliminating roles as well as opening some new roles as we remain disciplined about assessing the skills we need for the future, an Expedia spokesperson said in an emailed response to questions. We are also simplifying our structure and reducing organizational layers to move faster and with more accountability. These are not easy decisions, and we are grateful for the contributions of our colleagues who are impacted. The Austin workers will join roughly 160 others who were eliminated from Expedias headquarters in Seattle. In February 2024, Expedia laid off dozens of workers from its Austin offices as part of the companys broader efforts to shed 9% of its global workforce. Expedia Group Austin then reported having about 1,800 employees in Austin, but it hasn't reported regional job numbers since. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source The company notified the Texas Workforce Commission of the new layoffs in a Jan. 28 filing. It did not specify which roles would be affected. Parent company Expedia Group Inc., which was founded as part of Microsoft before spinning off to its own independent public company in 1999, exceeded financial expectations in its most recent quarter. In the three months through September, it reported profit of $959 million on $4.41 billion in revenue. It's expected to report fourth-quarter results next week. In addition to Expedia, the company owns other brands including Hotels.com and Vrbo. Expedia Group shares were up slightly in midday Thursday trading.. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Layoffs in Austin Expedia joins several other companies in Austin that have cut jobs in recent months. Earlier this year, Meta Platforms Inc., the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, closed three Austin gaming studios, leading to roughly 100 workers losing their jobs. AI Fleet, a tech-focused trucking company in Austin, abruptly laid off about 60 employees from its Austin headquarters in November after losing a key supplier. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In July, chipmaker Intel Corp. announced plans to reduce its global workforce by 20% with about 110 people laid off from its Austin corporate offices. That same month, Microsoft Corp. said it was cutting 9,000 jobs, equivalent to about 4% of its global workforce. The company has not responded to requests clarifying how Austin employees were affected. Indeed also cut 6% of its global workforce in July, driven by artificial intelligence. The impacts on Austin, where the company employs about 2,000 people, remain unknown. Last year, Austin-based Khoros, a social media and customer engagement software company, laid off 116 employees in Austin weeks after being acquired by another Austin-tech company Ignite Enterprise Software Solutions. Round Rock-based Dell Technologies Inc. has also been slowly reducing its workforce over the past few years, cutting roughly 25,000 employees since 2023. ADDIS ABABA, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- The African Union (AU) on Wednesday condemned a deadly terrorist attack in Nigeria's central Kwara State. Unidentified gunmen attacked two villages in the Kwara State late Tuesday and returned early Wednesday. The death toll surged to over 100 by Wednesday afternoon after the gunmen launched a second attack, according to local sources. The AU said in a statement that AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf has learned with deep shock and profound sorrow of the terrorist attack during which "at least 162 innocent civilians tragically lost their lives." Youssouf described the deadly attack as a "heinous and barbaric act, which constitutes a grave violation of human rights and an unacceptable assault on peace and security." He expressed the AU's full solidarity with the government and people of Nigeria during this difficult time, stressing the AU's steadfast commitment to continuing supporting Nigeria in its efforts to consolidate peace, security, and stability throughout the country. The AUC chief reaffirmed the 55-member continental body's "unwavering policy of zero tolerance for terrorism and violent extremism in all their forms and manifestations." Martin Berger places the ring on the hand of his bride Sonia Farina during their wedding under the Capitol dome on Valentines Day Friday February 14, 2025. Jay Janner/American-Statesman When is Valentine's Day? Valentine's Day always falls on Feb. 14. In 2026, it lands on a Saturday, giving many people more flexibility to celebrate. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The Valentine's Day light display at the Katy Trestles. The Round Rock Parks and Recreation Department hosted the 8th annual Night Rider Family Bike Ride on Saturday, August 14, 2021 along the Brushy Creek Regional Trail. Over 300 riders enjoyed the ride, through lighted displays representing the holidays. Henry Huey @HenryHueyPhoto What is the history of Valentine's Day? Valentines Day is named after Saint Valentine, though historians say there were multiple Christian martyrs with that name. One popular legend claims Valentine was a priest who secretly married couples after Roman Emperor Claudius II banned marriage for soldiers. Another story credits him with sending the first valentine a letter signed From your Valentine before his execution. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Some historians believe Feb. 14 was later chosen to align with Lupercalia, a pagan fertility festival held in mid-February. By the Middle Ages, people in France and England believed birds began mating around that time of year, reinforcing the connection to romance. According to Hallmark, the first American valentine was sent in 1849 by Esther Howland of Worcester, Mass., and Hallmark began producing the cards in 1916. Hallmark says approximately 145 million Valentines Day cards are exchanged on the holiday (not including those prepackaged valentines exchanged in elementary school classrooms). Advertisement Article continues below this ad Cody Dye and Julia Hansen, of Minneapolis, Minnesota, take a selfie in front of the I Love You So Much mural at Jos Coffee on South Congress Avenue on Valentines Day Friday February 14, 2025. The iconic mural, created by Amy Cook in 2010, was the backdrop for many people expressing their love for each other on Valentines Day. Jay Janner/American-Statesman Austin is the best Texas city for Valentine's Day WalletHub ranked Austin the top city in Texas and the 12th-best in the country to celebrate Valentines Day in 2026. It's the second year in a row Austin topped Texas' V-day rankings. According to the study, WalletHub compared 100 of the country's highest-populated cities and compared budget considerations, available activities, gift accessibility and weather forecast to rank the top cities. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The top cities in the U.S. were: San Francisco, Calif. San Diego, Calif. Las Vegas Atlanta Seattle Denver Pittsburgh, Pa. Scottsdale, Ariz. Portland, Ore. Washington, D.C. Zilker Park includes plenty of space for a picnic with friends. Jay Janner / American-Statesman Other Texas cities on the top-100 list included: Advertisement Article continues below this ad Houston (No. 23) Plano (No. 25) Dallas (No. 36) Fort Worth (No. 37) San Antonio (No. 43) El Paso (No. 74) Corpus Christi (No. 76) Arlington (No. 84) Lubbock (No. 87) Irving (No. 89) Laredo (No. 92) Garland (No. 93) WalletHubs analysis said the average person spends roughly $200 on Valentines Day. Texas cities Garland and Plano ranked in the top five for the cheapest prices for a three-course meal for two people, according to the analysis but Garland has the fewest florists per capita out of all 100 cities, as well as ranking in the lowest cities for chocolate shops per capita (Laredo and Lubbock also ranked low in the chocolate shop category). Is Valentines Day a federal holiday? No. Valentines Day is not a federal holiday in the United States. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Federal offices, banks, schools and post offices remain open on Feb. 14, and there are no changes to government services. While many businesses run Valentines Day promotions or events, the holiday is not officially recognized by the federal government. Is Valentines Day a holiday in other countries? In most countries, Valentines Day is not a public holiday, even though it is widely celebrated. Government offices, banks and schools typically remain open on Feb. 14 in countries such as the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and most of Europe. The day is generally treated as a cultural or commercial celebration rather than an official holiday. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Some countries observe Valentines Day differently or celebrate love on other dates. For example, Brazil celebrates Dia dos Namorados on June 12, while South Korea and Japan observe Valentines Day with unique gift-giving traditions spread across multiple dates. Per The Colorado Sun, a second, 74,000-square-foot travel center was planned for the southwest side of I-25 near Palmer Lake. However, plans were stalled due to community opposition and legal challenges over the annexation of the land. (Yi-Chin Lee/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images) Houston Chronicle/Hearst Newspap/Houston Chronicle via Getty Imag Buc-ees the Texas-based gas station superstore has withdrawn plans for a second Colorado travel center after more than a year of legal battles and community backlash in the small town of Palmer Lake. On Wednesday, Palmer Lake officials confirmed that the developer behind the proposed Buc-ees location had pulled its annexation application, effectively halting the project. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Monument Ridge West LLC has withdrawn its annexation application from the Town of Palmer Lake, the statement read. The Town followed the established state annexation process, including public notice and opportunities for community input. Residents are encouraged to stay informed by attending public meetings. The proposed 74,000-square-foot travel center was slated for land on the southwest side of Interstate 25 near Palmer Lake, about 40 miles south of Denver. Plans stalled amid mounting opposition from residents and legal challenges over annexing the property, according to The Colorado Sun. The Texas-based gas station chains proposal quickly ignited a heated debate among residents and ultimately led to the resignations of several Palmer Lake officials. The community pushback has included concerns about water usage, environmental impacts and traffic concerns. A town planning commission recommended against the plan for the travel center. Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source On Oct. 2, the Palmer Lake Board of Trustees voted 4-3 to delay a zoning hearing for the site of the proposed Buc-ees until after a likely annexation election. The board originally rescheduled the hearing for Feb. 5. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The first Buc-ee's in Colorado opened in Johnstown, located at the intersection of Interstate 25 and County Road 48 between Denver and Fort Collins, in 2024. What is the "Heave the Beave" slogan about? In Palmer Lake, a local movement called Heave the Beave aims to halt the construction of a new Buc-ees travel center. The name is a clever twist on Buc-ees beaver mascot, inspired by a sailors chant for throwing things. Residents are concerned about the potential increase in traffic, water consumption, and environmental damage to their town. Will Buc-ee's resubmit its application? Its unclear whether Buc-ees or the developer plans to pursue a new proposal in the area. A Buc-ees consultant did not return a voicemail seeking comment, The Colorado Sun reported. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The Colorado Sun reported that opposition to the Buc-ees proposal led to a lawsuit, a recall election targeting two former Board of Trustees members, the resignation of the towns former mayor and other clashes between residents on both sides of the issue. Town meetings addressing the proposed travel center were frequently contentious, drawing standing-room-only crowds inside town hall as other residents protested outside with antiBuc-ees signs. Everybody has just been wringing their hands over this and now its maybe over maybe because I dont know what the restrictions are for them coming back, Palmer Lake Trustee Roger Moseley said. The industrial building Oakmont 410, which U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement recently purchased for a proposed detention facility in San Antonio. Monte Bach/San Antonio Express-News U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement recently purchased Oakmont 410, an industrial building constructed by Oakmont Industrial Group on San Antonios East Side. Monte Bach/San Antonio Express-News The agency released a statement confirming the purchase but failed to disclose the site location. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Where is the new ICE detention facility located? According to deed records obtained by the San Antonio Express-News, the 639,595-square-foot facility is located at 542 S.E. Loop 410, on the East Side of the city. ICE paid $66.1 million to buy Oakmont 410 from Atlanta-based Oakmont Industrial Group. It was previously vacant and had no tenants since it was first built in 2022. Deed records for the 39.8-acre plot of land show the sale went through on Jan. 20, and it was electronically recorded by the Bexar County Clerks office Wednesday. These will not be warehouses they will be very well structured detention facilities meeting our regular detention standards, an ICE spokesperson said in a statement to the San Antonio Express-News. Every day, the (U.S. Department of Homeland Security) is conducting law enforcement activities across the country to keep Americans safe. It should not come as news that ICE will be making arrests in states across the U.S. and is actively working to expand detention space. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source The spokesperson said the agency is using funds allocated from President Donald Trumps big, beautiful bill to expand its detention space. What will the facility be used for? No details have been provided about when the facility will open or what exactly it will be used for. The Dallas Morning News last month obtained an internal ICE document that said the agency was planning to convert Oakmont 410 into a 1,500-bed processing center, where detainees would go before being transferred to a longer-term detention center and ultimately deported. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Can local officials block the facility? Some Democratic state officials, as well as elected officials in San Antonio and Bexar County, put up a fight in the days and weeks ahead of the sale, but their efforts were futile. Properties owned or leased by the federal government arent subject to local zoning and permitting restrictions, making it difficult to block such plans. Where else does ICE operate detention centers in Texas? ICE currently operates processing and detention facilities in Dilley, Pearsall and Karnes City in South Texas. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Peter Attia at the Featured Session "Peter Attia: The Science and Art of Longevity" during SXSW Conference & Festivals in the Hilton Austin Downtown on March 8, 2025 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Renee Dominguez/SXSW Conference & Festivals via Getty Images) Renee Dominguez/SXSW Conference & Festivals via Austin-based physician and longevity expert Dr. Peter Attia is facing public backlash after his name appeared repeatedly in newly released court records tied to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein, who died by suicide in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex-trafficking charges. Attia is one of several Austin figures including Elon Musk whose name appeared in the files. Last Friday, the United States Department of Justice released a batch of material from the investigation into Epstein. Attias was named over 1,700 times in the documents. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Podcaster Joe Rogan walks the starting grid of the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas on Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025 in Austin. Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman Why is Peter Attia mentioned in the Epstein files? The newly released records include emails between Epstein and several high-profile figures, including Attia. One 2016 message from Attia to Epstein referenced female genitalia as indeed, low carb. 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," Attia wrote in a statement on X. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Inclusion in the Epstein files does not imply criminal wrongdoing, and the records do not accuse Attia of participating in sexual abuse. How did Peter Attia respond to the Epstein files? According to Attia, he was not involved in any criminal activity, was never on Epstein's plane or island and that none of interactions with Epstein had anything to do with sexual abuse. Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source Attia said he bears responsibility for putting himself in a position where embarrassing emails with Epstein became public, but said he was never involved in and never witnessed sexual crimes. He described a limited, professional relationship centered on science and fundraising, saying he met Epstein several times in New York between 2014 and 2019, never traveled with him and was not his doctor. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Peter Attia at the Featured Session "Peter Attia: The Science and Art of Longevity" during SXSW Conference & Festivals in the Hilton Austin Downtown on March 8, 2025 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Renee Dominguez/SXSW Conference & Festivals via Getty Images) Renee Dominguez/SXSW Conference & Festivals via The man I am today, roughly 10 years later, would not write them and would not associate with Epstein at all, Attia said. Whatever growth Ive had over the past decade does not erase the emails I wrote then. Did Peter Attia get any backlash? After Peter Attia appeared in the latest batch of released Epstein documents, several companies and media partners quietly distanced themselves from him. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Attia stepped down from his role as chief science officer at David Protein, a protein-bar company he invested in and helped promote. Another supplements company, AG1, dropped him as a scientific adviser after the files surfaced, according to The Los Angeles Times. Attia was also removed from the scientific advisory board page of Eight Sleep, a high-profile sleep-technology company where he had been listed as an adviser since 2024. Eight Sleep did not immediately responded to requests for comment, and it remains unclear exactly when the change was made. Has anyone continued to support Peter Attia? Some have refused to sever ties with Attia. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Attia was among the 19 contributors named by CBS News Editor-in-Chief Bari Weiss when she addressed staff about her future plans for the network on Jan. 28, just days before his name appeared in the latest batch of Epstein-related documents, according to the Los Angeles Times. WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 18: The Free Press' Honestly with Bari Weiss (pictured) hosts Senator Ted Cruz presented by Uber and X on January 18, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Leigh Vogel/Getty Images for Uber, X and The Free Press) Leigh Vogel/Getty Images for Uber, X and The While Attia has stepped away from roles at several health and nutrition companies and a previously aired 60 Minutes segment featuring him was pulled from rebroadcast, CBS leadership has resisted calls to sever ties, viewing the backlash as part of a broader cancel culture moment, the Los Angeles Times wrote. Who is Peter Attia? Attia is Stanford-trained physician best known for his work in longevity medicine and preventative health. Advertisement Article continues below this ad After medical school, Attia trained for five years in general surgery at the Johns Hopkins Hospital and spent two years as a surgical oncology fellow at the National Institutes of Healths National Cancer Institute, where his research focused on immune-based therapies for melanoma. He went on to co-found the Nutrition Science Initiative, a non-profit aimed at improving the quality of nutrition research and addressing obesity and metabolic disease. Elon Musk, Joe Rogan among other Austinites named in Epstein files 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 The records show Elon Musk had more contact with Jeffrey Epstein than previously disclosed, including years of friendly email exchanges beginning in 2012 that touched on holiday plans, parties, work stress and visits to SpaceX facilities, even as Musk later said he declined invitations to Epsteins island and plane. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Joe Rogan was mentioned in passing, though none of those instances were in relation to sexual or illegal content, and no direct communications Rogan and Epstein took place. NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 16: Joe Rogan speaks before the UFC 309 event at Madison Square Garden on November 16, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC) Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC The documents show Epstein unsuccessfully attempting to get an introduction to Rogan through physicist Lawrence Krauss after Krauss appeared on The Joe Rogan Experience in 2017. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Marley Malenfant is a 10-year multimedia journalist whos worked in print, digital, and broadcast. His prior work includes working in West Texas as a TV reporter for KTXS. During his time there, he covered education, sports, features, and breaking News. Hes skilled in front of the camera as well as behind it. He was a freelance writer, published in D Magazine, Dallas Morning News, SB Nation, Dallas Observer, and was a personality for The Coach Brothers sports radio show. Outside of journalism, he was an educator in the Dallas area. He was a 2012 Mayborn Literary Nonfiction Conference grant recipient. In 2021, he was part of the NABJ student multimedia project. He graduated with a paralegal degree from El Centro in 2023. Currently, hes a trending news reporter for the Austin American-Statesman, covering breaking News, sports, music, and legal trends. Round Rock police Villalpando, Rob (CMG-Austin)/Austin American-Statesman An employee of a therapy business for autistic children and teens in Round Rock has been accused of sexually assaulting a juvenile patient, police said Wednesday. Erin Roush, 29, of Georgetown, was charged with aggravated sexual assault, a first-degree felony punishable by up to 99 years in prison, police said in a social media post. It said she was working for Infinite Spectrum Learning and Behavior. The post said the juvenile's mother reported the incident to police Jan. 30 and that the incident happened at a home in Round Rock. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Roush was arrested Wednesday and taken to the Williamson County Jail, according to the post. Police said they are investigating to determine if there are more victims. They did not release any additional information Wednesday, officials said, due to the age of the victim and the nature of the case. The owner of Infinite Spectrum Learning and Behavior, Liz Darley, said Wednesday afternoon that Roush had been fired and had worked there as a behavior technician for more than two years. Darley said the business provides therapy for autistic children and teens in private homes as well as in public settings, including day care centers. She said Roush had fewer than five patients, including two she worked with in public at a day care center and at a recreation center. Darley said Roush had passed criminal background checks. "I'm shocked by what has happened," Darley said. Mariachi Corazon de Leon performs as Austin Community College District hosts an open house and ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating its newest education and career training center at the historic Ford building in downtown Lockhart Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman Fourteen months after Lockhart Independent School District voters approved joining Austin Community Colleges district, the college has opened a center geared toward high-demand skills and trades in downtown Lockhart. The 20,000 square-foot center housed in the historic Ford Building on W. San Antonio Street is the first ACC building in the city. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Audience members make the symbol for a riverboat as Austin Community College District hosts an open house and ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating its newest education and career training center at the historic Ford building in downtown Lockhart Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman Austin Community College District hosts an open house and ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating its newest education and career training center at the historic Ford building in downtown Lockhart Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman Diane Cook is greeted by Lockhart High School cheerleaders as Austin Community College District hosts an open house and ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating its newest education and career training center at the historic Ford building in downtown Lockhart Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman Mary Ann Cicala, director of alumni relations, discusses the program as Austin Community College District hosts an open house and ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating its newest education and career training center at the historic Ford building in downtown Lockhart Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman ACC Chancellor Russell Lowery-Hart speaks as Austin Community College District hosts an open house and ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating its newest education and career training center at the historic Ford building in downtown Lockhart Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman Officials cut the ribbon as Austin Community College District hosts an open house and ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating its newest education and career training center at the historic Ford building in downtown Lockhart Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman Attendees applaud Mariachi Corazon de Leon as Austin Community College District hosts an open house and ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating its newest education and career training center at the historic Ford building in downtown Lockhart Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman Mariachi Corazon de Leon performs as Austin Community College District hosts an open house and ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating its newest education and career training center at the historic Ford building in downtown Lockhart Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman ACC board chair Sean Hassan speaks as Austin Community College District hosts an open house and ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating its newest education and career training center at the historic Ford building in downtown Lockhart Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman Caldwell County Chief Deputy Dennis Cooper examines a heat pump trainer as Austin Community College District hosts an open house and ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating its newest education and career training center at the historic Ford building in downtown Lockhart Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026. Cooper worked with the machines in his former career. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman A model displays plumbing techniques as Austin Community College District hosts an open house and ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating its newest education and career training center at the historic Ford building in downtown Lockhart Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman Last week, the community college welcomed hundreds of community members to tour the renovated facility as part of the opening. Lockhart High Schools mariachi band and cheerleading team greeted the group, ushering them toward tables with ACC programs and free barbecue. The center, boasting the community colleges name in purple letters on its exterior, will offer short-term programs tied to Lockharts workforce needs, such as HVAC, automotive, plumbing, construction and welding. What this space represents is our promise, as ACC our promise to deliver high-quality programs, very strong support services and a long-term investment, ACC Chancellor Russell Lowery-Hart said. This center, this campus, is about serving the workers and training people for real jobs that will sustain and grow the Lockhart community. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source Voters passed the ACC annexation proposal with more than 61% approval in 2024, allowing the growing city to access lower tuition costs for educational programs and free tuition for high school graduates to reach rising job needs. Shortly after, the city purchased the Ford Building for $2.8 million. Caldwell County Chief Deputy Dennis Cooper examines a heat pump trainer as Austin Community College District hosts an open house and ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating its newest education and career training center at the historic Ford building in downtown Lockhart Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026. Cooper worked with the machines in his former career. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman The skill-trades programs provide an accessible path for adults in the community who want to train for a higher-wage career fast, with the opportunity to continue their education through ACCs certificate, associate and select bachelors degree options, said Troy DeFrates, interim dean of design, manufacturing, construction and applied technologies. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The center, located about 30 miles south of Austin, provides hands-on training with tools created by ACC for students. Most of the classes will be offered after working hours to reach students of all ages. Programs will range from two to five months in length, officials said. It's very affordable, and I know that these training programs provide opportunity for a career job you wouldn't have if you didn't have access to (ACC), DeFrates said. Its the start of a career. Nick Metzler, a born-and-raised Lockhart resident who led the Greater Lockhart for ACC political action committee that brought the initial proposal to the college, said he was driven to bring ACC to Lockhart to give the next generation more opportunities. The city and its job needs are rapidly growing: in 2025 the city of Lockhart projected that the population, at about 15,000 people, could double by 2040. Though about 62% of residents have completed high school, only 12% have attained a bachelors degree, and nearly 21% attended college but have no degree, according to the citys economic development data. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Attendees browse different academic opportunities as Austin Community College District hosts an open house and ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating its newest education and career training center at the historic Ford building in downtown Lockhart Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman Even when I was younger, there was not a lot of emphasis on trades. We had very little options, Metzler said. This is the first step in providing something that we didn't have. Demand for ACC programming is already high. More than 600 new Lockhart ISD students enrolled at ACC in the year following annexation, including 130 dual-credit students, 160 free-tuition students and 60 students who are parents, the colleges data shows. ACC started offering core academic courses at Lockhart High School last January. Those classes will still be offered there even as the new center opens. Its just the beginning, DeFrates said. Well grow. We are the communitys college. Advertisement Article continues below this ad ACC also hopes to help Lockhart residents curious about going back to school, said Donald Tracy, dean of ACCs continuing education programs. About 80% of ACCs continuing education students are ages 25 and older. They range from people seeking a new career, degree or new hobby, he said. Its not just about the kids, its about the parents too, Tracy said. Think about what a life changing investment it is to go from two or three low-skilled, low-wage jobs to one job that pays more than those combined, and now think about the time that gives back to you. Hoppy Haden, Caldwell County Judge, said ACCs expansion will help ensure people in Lockhart can stay and thrive in the city, while also attracting even more businesses to the region. Access to these programs help strengthen families and long-term economic stability, Haden said. It gives us the opportunity for generations of our families to stay here. Advertisement Article continues below this ad At the welcome event, Metzler, the early ACC advocate, said it was absolutely amazing to see the facility up and running. When you start something like this, you never expect to be here, Metzler said. This is monumental for this area. Lockhart ISD Superintendent Mark Estrada ran past the center on his nightly jog last week and saw the purple lights the colleges signature colors light up the colleges name. Advertisement Article continues below this ad McCallum High School students walk out of class in protest of ICE in Austin Friday, Jan. 30, 2026. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman After days of walkouts on public school campuses across Texas, two state Republican leaders set their sights on a familiar target to rein in the student-led fight against immigration enforcement. They took aim at the Austin Independent School District. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In back-to-back announcements, Gov. Greg Abbott ordered the Texas Education Agency to investigate Austin ISDs role in student protests at more than a dozen campuses. He demanded no such inquiry of any other district where students protested. Three days later, Attorney General Ken Paxton demanded Austin ISD provide information on attendance, absences, security policies and communications between district staff about the walkouts, accusing the district of facilitating the walkouts. Just like Abbott, Paxton only selected the Austin district for his inquiry. Neither official answered any questions from the American-Statesman about why they singled out Austin ISD for investigation, nor have they provided any specific insight on what wrongdoing they suspected occurred. The officials also did not address whether they believe the districts practices concerning protests are out of step with others. Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source The outsized attention on Austin ISDs handling of the protests is the latest example in recent months of Abbott, Paxton and other state conservatives singling out the urban district in a progressive city. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Crockett High School students participate in a school walkout in Austin on Friday, Jan. 30, 2026, as part of a nationwide protest against the actions of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Hundreds of students participated in the walkout, which was one of many similar student demonstrations held at other Austin-area schools. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman While Austin ISD isnt the only district that state leaders have scrutinized over alleged violations of conservative policies, the latest probes underscore the belief among many advocates and parents that Republicans frequently use the district as a punching bag, said Cuitlahuac Guerra-Mojarro, a district parent. Austin ISD seems to be a target of the governor and attorney general for political exploitation, said Guerra-Mojarro, who is also co-host of the Education X podcast, which examines issues confronting the district. The headline isnt as sexy if they investigate Pflugerville ISD. Austin, being the capital of the state, makes it a really easy target. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Texas education attorney Martin Cirkiel, who has represented students and families on both sides of the political aisle, said: Why is Austin being singled out? It is obvious. It is political. Some district parents and advocates also fear it is the latest effort to build a case toward a state takeover of the district. Austin ISD Trustee Kevin Foster said repeated inquiries, lawsuits and investigations have ramifications that ripple throughout the system. Each time an outside agency or an outside organization tells us to respond, they compel us to spend resources, he said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Austin ISD faces a $65 million deficit, and any unexpected cost adds to that tally, which has happened several times in the past few years. Foster acknowledged state efforts to hold the district accountable have at times been justified, including in 2023 when TEA investigated chronic failings in the districts special education department. But he said there is a difference between the states reasonable scope of powers and when the district appears to be singled out. Protests from San Antonio to Houston Crockett High School students walk out of school in Austin on Friday, Jan. 30, 2026, as part of a nationwide protest against the actions of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Hundreds of students participated in the walkout, which was one of many student demonstrations held at other Austin-area schools. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman In the past 10 days, protests like the ones at Austin schools erupted across the state from San Antonio to Houston. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Thousands of students carried signs, waved flags and in Austin marched to the Texas Capitol to voice outrage over the presence and tactics of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Protests began after the killings of Alex Pretti, Renee Good, Silverio Villegas Gonzalez and Keith Porter Jr., all civilians who died during encounters with federal agents. Students also protested at campuses in Manor, Pflugerville, Leander and Hays school districts. Most demonstrations occurred without incident. Two protests outside of Austin ISD gained attention online a fight at a protest in Buda resulted in police on Tuesday charging a 45-year-old Kyle man with two counts of assault against student protesters from Johnson High School. Police deemed him the primary aggressor. Abbott also took notice of Kyle polices arrest of two minors during student walkouts. Police later clarified the arrests were not related to the protests. One minor was charged with possession of alcohol by a minor, among other things, and the other was charged with resisting arrest and interfering with public duties. Online, Abbott insisted that its about time students like this were arrested. Advertisement Article continues below this ad We are also looking into stripping the funding of schools that abandon their duty to teach our kids the curriculum required by law, he said in a social media post about the incident. Largely, recent student protests against ICE have been peaceful. Over the past half-century, federal law gave special consideration to students ability to demonstrate. A 1969 U.S. Supreme Court case solidified grade-school students right to protest during the school day unless demonstrators disrupt learning. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Basically, the thing is, as long as theyre not disrupting school, the school board cant thwart the First Amendment rights to protest, Cirkiel said. However, under state law, teachers arent allowed to encourage students to protest on a particular issue or share their political views in class. They can be punished for doing so. This week, Hays CISD placed a teacher on administrative leave after photos circulated online of him holding profane protest signs while on campus These dedicated staff members are not politicians, Hays Superintendent Eric Wright wrote in a Feb. 2 letter to families. They have no need for and dont seek votes or campaign contributions; nor are they ever up for election. Consistent with state law, Austin ISD prohibits employees from encouraging walkouts or protests, spokesman JJ Maldonado said. Campus leadership provides guidance to staff on maintaining professional boundaries, he said, and staffs role is to inform students of consequences for leaving class. Advertisement Article continues below this ad An educators role in a walkout McCallum High School students walk out of class in protest of ICE in Austin Friday, Jan. 30, 2026. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman Guerra-Mojarro said Austin teachers are particularly cautious about their political behavior in the current climate. Over the last decade, teachers' personal opinion has been chilled, he said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad However, Brian Phillips, spokesman for conservative think tank Texas Public Policy Foundation, believes both investigations will unearth wrongdoing on the part of Austin ISD and educators. Austin ISDs actions specifically appalled him because he felt punishments for students leaving class an unexcused absence werent harsh enough, he said. Did their parents even know they were walking up Congress? Phillips said. Where were the teachers? Did the teachers let them out of class? He pointed to a post-walkout announcement from Hays CISD that warned students theyd face Saturday school detention and lose final exam exemption privileges if they become truant as a more appropriate response to the demonstrations. According to state law, students become truant when they miss 10 days in six months. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Abbotts original call to investigate Austin ISD referred to a social media post by Phillips with photos of AISD police vehicles near student protestors on Congress Avenue. Austin ISD Superintendent Matias Segura has said the district didnt promote the recent protests, but campuses directed district police to be present to ensure students remained safe. According to district policy, administrators may prohibit student expression if it interferes with school activities or the rights of other students or teachers. The district communicates with parents about walkouts if officials learn of them in advance and always wants students in the classroom during school hours, Segura said. During the school day, our students are our responsibility and were committed to the safety of our students in our community, regardless if they are on our campus, Segura said in a letter to parents. Advertisement Article continues below this ad While walkouts arent a perpetual event on campuses, its not uncommon for students in Austin ISD or other districts to protest local or national issues. But the tradition runs deeper: In 1968, students walked out to protest the Vietnam War, poverty and racial discrimination within the schooling system, including in San Antonio. Some of these protests played a role in policy changes, including the walkouts in San Antonios Edgewood ISD, which helped spark changes in the states public school funding system. Students also walk out of class in Austin ISD to voice their unique concerns. In past practice, district officials say staff have supervised walkouts, even those that are relatively small, which students have staged on issues like abortion rights or potential school closings. Advertisement Article continues below this ad For these past protests, district officials say they marked students leaving class with an unexcused absence. AISD maintains rules about truancy that apply to protest-related absences: multiple absences can put a students final grade in jeopardy or even prevent a student from getting credit, according to district policy. Unless given special accommodations, students must attend 90% of a class to receive credit, according to district policy. Investigations lead to new rules Although the investigations appear focused on Austin ISD, debate over a schools proper response to protests has triggered significant statewide response. The TEA confirmed it launched investigations of other districts, but did not say which ones. Meanwhile, some districts ratcheted up consequences for students leaving school to attend demonstrations. On Tuesday, the TEA told districts that the state could sanction educators who help students leave class for political activism and impose harsh consequences against school districts that dont follow state attendance requirements. TEA even threatened districts with the most severe repercussion the agency has available a state takeover. Advertisement Article continues below this ad But Texas doesnt have jurisdiction over how local school districts punish students who skip class as long as each district is consistent in its punishment, no matter the reason for a students absence, said Kevin OHanlon, an Austin attorney who specializes in education law. The state could investigate whether a district had given harsher or more lenient punishment to protesting students compared to other unexcused absences unrelated to protests, he said. Its based on their conduct, not on their speech, OHanlon said. As a parent of high schoolers, Laurie Solis is disappointed but not surprised by Abbott and Paxtons focus on Austin ISD. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Bone marrow transplant coordinator Anne Raines shows nurse Emily Maxwell the steps needed to take out the prepared stem cells for transplant. Nicole Villalpando/American-Statesman Last March, it quickly became clear something was wrong with 3-year-old Avry Jo Schapansky. After a week-long cruise with her family, she had trouble walking once she was back on land in her Bastrop home. "We thought maybe it was a virus," said her mother, Rose Schapansky. Advertisement Article continues below this ad They took Avry Jo to the emergency room at Dell Children's Medical Center. An overnight stay to monitor her turned into a second overnight stay, and by the third day, an MRI scan revealed it was not a virus. On March 9, Avry Jo, who is now 4, was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, a highly aggressive cancer of the nerves that typically occurs within the first few years of life. What once had a 30% survival rate now has a 70% chance or greater because of bone marrow transplants and the protocol that also includes chemotherapy, radiation and immunotherapy. In August, Avry Jo, became the first child at Dell Children's to undergo a bone marrow transplant. Since then, the bone marrow transplant program has done five transplants in three children, all with neuroblastoma. Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source Until August, children in Central Texas who needed a bone marrow transplant would have to go to Dallas, San Antonio or Houston for treatment. Their families would have to move away from home for months, sometimes splitting up if they had other children. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Dell Children's did not have a bone marrow transplant program when it was built in 2007, but that was always the plan. The hospital initially promised to launch its bone marrow transplant program in a year, but that got put on the back burner. Dr. Amir Mian, along with nurse Emily Maxwell and coordinator Anne Raines, walk through the special doors that separate the bone marrow transplant unit from the rest of the hospital at Dell Children's Medical Center. Nicole Villalpando/American-Statesman Dell Children's did not have the infrastructure or the physical layout to successfully start the program. A few developments had to happen: Dell Medical School at the University of Texas had to open in 2016. Without a medical school, it would be difficult to attract the doctors and specialists to launch the program. Dell Children's had to build an area of the hospital that would have specialized airflow to maintain a sterile environment and keep viruses and bacteria out. When the hospital built the fourth tower in 2022, it created eight rooms with the correct ventilation for bone marrow transplant patients. Dell Children's had to recruit the team. That started in 2023 with the recruitment of Dr. Amir Mian to lead the program and later an additional two doctors. The hospital also recruited coordinators to manage the program, and trained nurses with advanced certifications, specialized pharmacists, psychologists and child life specialists in bone marrow transplant care. "It takes a team," Mian said. Dell Children's had to go through ongoing regulatory compliance and certification steps to be able to perform the transplants. "It's quite a strenuous process," Mian said of the accreditation. "Every transplant program is very expensive and resource intensive." Advertisement Article continues below this ad Dr. Amir Mian talks with nurse Emily Maxwell at the specialized unit for the new bone marrow transplant program at Dell Children's Medical Center. Nicole Villalpando/American-Statesman During the accreditation process, hospitals begin with autologous bone marrow transplants, which use the patient's own stem cells. The hospital initially has to pay for the cost of the treatments because they are not covered by insurance until the program is fully accredited, typically two years after starting the program when it can show long-term results. Once fully accredited, Dell Children's will be able to do allogeneic transplants, which uses donor stem cells, as well as gene therapies and CAR T cell therapies. "Once we get accreditation and can do CAR T and gene therapies, then the floodgates open up," Mian said. "Cellular therapies are the new frontier." Typically, 15 to 20 local patients at a time travel elsewhere for this kind of bone marrow transplant care that Dell Children's doesn't offer yet, Mian said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Being able to stay home and not have to leave their older child was the main reason the Schapanskys agreed to have Avry Jo be the inaugural patient. They went to Dallas for the radiation portion, but that was only for three weeks, which felt more doable. Eventually, Mian said, Dell Children's will have the ability to do the radiation portion after it builds out the rest of the program. Avry Jo's stem cells were harvested in May. They are then put back in after rounds of chemotherapy to kill off the cancer cells. In neuroblastoma, the protocol is two rounds of bone marrow transplants with chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy and surgery to remove any dead cancer cells. Nurse Emily Maxwell can chart patient's procedures in the room at the new bone marrow transplant program at Dell Children's Medical Center. Nicole Villalpando/American-Statesman The treatment cycle takes 18 months to two years. Avry Jo has made it through chemotherapy, two transplants, radiation and is now doing regular immunotherapy. Advertisement Article continues below this ad "It's rigorous. It's hard. You feel like screaming because it is terrible," Rose Schapansky said. "I don't wish this on my worst enemies. The horrors of it all are unexplainable." Still, she has learned to celebrate the little things and to cherish every moment: friendships with nurses, reading bedtime stories to her daughter, campfires and memories of that family cruise. "I feel so honored to be her mom," Schapansky said, "but this is the hardest thing I've ever done." Advertisement Article continues below this ad Mian said the team continues to learn with every transplant as it builds the program. He expects Dell Children's will achieve accreditation and start offering other cell therapies in 2027, about the time Avry Jo is expected to be done with her treatment. Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis speaks about Austins use of force police during a interview at the Austin Police Department Headquarters in Austin, Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman As tensions rise across Austins immigrant communities over the Police Department's past cooperation with federal immigration officials, Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis is scheduled to address residents at a Thursday evening town hall. The event comes as Austin residents continue to protest the Police Departments policies cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Protesters have urged local officers to limit cooperation with ICE as much as possible, while Davis has said state law restricts the departments discretion. Advertisement Article continues below this ad A January deportation case in Austin became a local flashpoint in the debate over the Trump administrations immigration crackdown. After a 911 call for help, officers discovered that ICE had issued an administrative immigration warrant for a woman at the scene. Officers contacted the agency, and the woman was deported along with her 5-year-old daughter. Kamila Fernandez, 18, a student at Weiss High School, protests U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement outside the Pflugerville Justice Center in Pflugerville on Monday, Feb. 2, 2026. Hundreds of students walked out of classes and marched from Pflugerville, Hendrickson, Connally and Weiss high schools. They converged at the justice center and rallied for more than an hour before dispersing as a large law enforcement presence arrived. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman The case prompted Davis to order revisions to the departments policies on cooperation with ICE. Under the changes, officers will soon be required to call a supervisor when they encounter an administrative immigration warrant in the field. The supervisor will determine whether the officer should detain the subject until ICE arrives or return to patrol duties. The issue has intensified as the Trump administration continues immigration enforcement operations in Minneapolis and elsewhere across the country. Over the past week, Austin-area students have staged multiple walkouts to protest the operations, prompting scrutiny from state officials including Attorney General Ken Paxton. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Read More: See hundreds of Pflugerville high school students walk out to protest ICE Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source The town hall, hosted by three Austin City Council members who represent heavily Hispanic districts, is scheduled to begin at 6:00 p.m. in the cafeteria of Govalle Elementary School located at 3601 Govalle Ave. It will feature a presentation by Davis followed by a Q&A period. Spanish interpretation will be available. Advertisement Article continues below this ad UNITED NATIONS, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- The Gaza Ministry of Health reported dozens of fatalities and injuries over the past 24 hours, while patients and companions went through the Rafah crossing, UN humanitarians said Thursday. "Last night, teams on the ground received 25 additional returnees who had crossed through Rafah," the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said. "As in previous nights, the UN Development Programme provided transportation to Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis." OCHA and its partners at Nasser Hospital welcomed the returnees from Egypt in a reception area, with protection specialists, psychologists, medical personnel and other support, said the office. On Wednesday, the World Health Organization (WHO) and its partners supported the medical evacuation of eight patients and 17 companions from Gaza to Egypt through Rafah. Early on Thursday, they supported the medical evacuation of an additional seven patients and 14 companions. "UN colleagues are working with all stakeholders to address persistent challenges hindering the operations, so that more people can receive the care that they need - safely and with dignity," OCHA said. The WHO said its key priority was to ensure the entry of more humanitarian supplies into Gaza and to quickly scale up health services, rehabilitate damaged facilities and expand critical services, efforts essential to build a resilient and sustainable health system and to reduce the need for medical evacuations. In the West Bank, the office warned that high levels of displacement continue. Since the beginning of the year, more than 900 Palestinians have been forced out of their homes or communities, primarily due to settler violence and access restrictions, as well as demolitions. From Jan. 20 to last Monday, OCHA said it documented more than 50 Israeli settler attacks that resulted in casualties, property damage or both. The office said it is carrying out preliminary assessments of damage and needs following these incidents. . Rodolfo Gonzalez for AMERICAN-STATESMAN For the second time in four years, Gregory Klaus and Donald Loucks are squaring off to be the Republican nominee for Bastrop County judge. In 2022, Klaus received 55% of the vote to defeat Loucks in a GOP primary runoff in May before being elected county judge by winning the general election in November against Democrat Dock Jackson. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Klaus, 75, is a Navy veteran who served in the Vietnam War. He previously owned an air-conditioning and heating business. Loucks, 77, is a former county commissioner, retired U.S. Air Force fighter pilot and a former volunteer firefighter. He also ran unsuccessfully for county judge in 2018. The winner of the March 3 primary will face Jackson in November. Jackson was the only Democrat to file to seek the office. The county judge serves a four-year term and chairs the Commissioners Court, the countys governing body. Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source Klaus started his campaign in July and raised no money in contributions, according to a Feb. 1 campaign finance report. Loucks began his campaign in July with $8,261 in contributions and has since raised $500, according to a Feb. 2 campaign finance report. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Gregory Klaus courtesy of Gregory Klaus/Gregory Klaus Donald Loucks courtesy of Donald Loucks/Donald Loucks The two candidates answered questions about what the issues facing Bastrop County and their goals if elected. What are the most important issues facing the county Klaus: "Bastrop County is growing fast and that brings challenges," he said. "We need to handle growth responsibly and make sure public safety keeps up with the growing population. At the same time, we want to protect our rural way of life, water resources and overall quality of life. By planning wisely, we can manage growth while keeping Bastrop County a great place to live, work and raise a family for future generations." Advertisement Article continues below this ad Loucks: "Growth, overdevelopment and related issues such as traffic, schools, infrastructure, public safety, property taxes and managed development," he said. What are your goals if elected? Klaus: "If re-elected, my goal is to continue to be open and accountable and to plan carefully for growth with other county staff and the cities," he said. "We will work together to keep taxes low while making sure important services like public safety continue to be funded." Loucks: "To ensure the safety of Bastrop County residents and businesses, I will work with the Bastrop County Sheriffs Department and our county commissioners to provide the resources to accomplish these goals," he said. "To ensure our seniors and struggling families dont lose their homes, I will join the effort to reduce property tax burden with the goal of elimination. I will work closely with elected officials at all levels to craft legislation that keeps Texans in their homes." Loucks said he would also coordinate a review of the county budget "with emphasis on finding wasteful areas and funds allocated outside our county." Advertisement Article continues below this ad What makes you the best candidate? Klaus: "Having already served, I'm familiar with county operations, budgeting and working with the Commissioners Court and other departments," he said. "I've seen firsthand how county government works and understand the responsibilities of the county judge's office." Loucks: "Leadership, experience and training," said Loucks. "My background fits the needs of Bastrop County. I am a certified Texas emergency manager, have 35 years of military leadership and strategic planning experience, all of which is unique amongst current officeholders, specifically my opponent." What community groups are you involved with now or in the past? Klaus: "I served 12 years as a VFW commander and two years as Grand Knight in the Knights of Columbus," Klaus said. "I also called bingo for the Ladies Auxiliary for 25 years every Wednesday night. I have dedicated significant time to supporting local schools and nonprofits such as the Rockne Little League, frequently assisting with fund-raisers and community initiatives across Bastrop County." Advertisement Article continues below this ad Taylor Rehmet greets a supporter at his Senate District 9 runoff watch party on Jan. 31 at Nickel City in Fort Worth. Eleanor Dearman/Fort Worth Star-Telegram/TNS The victory of Democratic candidate Taylor Rehmet in deeply red Tarrant County is being described as the political equivalent of a 9.5 Richter scale earthquake. But take a look at whats been going on here in Texas and across the country, and you realize the results should not come as a shock. To people who think Republican these days automatically translates to staunch Trump supporter, Rehmets big win in a state Senate race would seem inexplicable. Donald Trump won the district by 17 points in the 2024 presidential election. In advance of Saturdays special election in the Fort Worth-area suburb, Trump gave Republican Leigh Wambsganss his Complete and Total Endorsement (capitalization his, of course). Yet Rehmet beat Wambsganss by about 14 points. Advertisement Article continues below this ad But having voted for Trump does not automatically mean supporting the direction in which he has taken the Republican Party. Also, his re-election had a big boost from the implosion of President Joe Bidens campaign. And voters were rejecting incumbents all over the world. Across the United States, people were dissatisfied with Democrats on the economy, security and more. Here in Texas, voters cant blame Democrats for our problems. Weve been under one-party GOP rule for decades. The way so many Texans see it: You break it, you fix it. And a lot feels broken right now including our economy and education system. Voters have told me theyre also fed up with hateful rhetoric from GOP figures who demonize Democrats. And theyre deeply concerned about growing antisemitism, racism and other forms of bigotry in both parties. They want candidates who will unite people. That played out here. This isn't red versus blue; this is right versus wrong, Rehmet said in his victory speech. We can talk about partisanship all we want. I was focused on unity, bringing people together. We're all Texans. We all want to look out for each other. Advertisement Article continues below this ad SIGN UP FOR THE AUSTIN ANGLE and get Statesman commentaries in your inbox Meanwhile, Republican John Huffman, who ran against Wambsganss in the first leg of this race, says she failed to unite even her own party. This was not a turnout problem, he wrote after the Jan. 31 election. The GOP simply failed to meet a broader, less ideological electorate where it actually is in a runoff environment. He added that Wambsganss didnt even reach out to him until days before early voting began. In true MAGA style, Wambsganss also didnt focus on issues that could unite people. She kept pushing school vouchers with, apparently, no understanding that Republicans themselves are divided on the issue, and most Democrats oppose vouchers. Rehmet, by contrast, focused on something the vast majority of residents share: support for local schools. This is about public school funding, he said in his victory speech. This is about helping working folks. This is about lowering costs. This is about everyday folks. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The race shows what happens when a moderate candidate gets a real shot. In primaries, the parties often push more extreme candidates. As the Fort Worth Star-Telegram put it, Huffman and Wambsganss largely treated the first election as a Republican primary. So voters in a general election end up with polar opposites. But Americans want more independent-minded candidates who come closer to the middle. (That's why I often tell people how important it is to research candidates before the primaries.) Many true conservatives like me see our party moving away from classic conservative values like small government and personal liberty. And across political lines, many Texans and Americans want the same things, like clean water, good healthcare and sensible educational reforms. We want our tax dollars to go to changes that actually improve our lives, rather than a bureaucracy. That's the biggest lesson of this race. If a candidate from any party comes along who speaks to all this, that candidate can inspire people to show up to the polls. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Former U.S. Senate candidate Colin Allred endorsed Jasmine Crocket in the Democratic primary for Senate on Monday after a Democratic activist accused her opponent, James Talarico, of calling Allred a mediocre black man in a private conversation. Talarico responded that he'd actually said that Allred ran a mediocre campaign Tony Gutierrez/Associated Press Will Rogers had it right when he said that he wasnt a member of any organized political party he was a Democrat. Just take a look at the squabbling controversy that has erupted in the primary for U.S. Senate. After an activist accused candidate James Talarico of characterizing U.S. Rep. Colin Allred as a "mediocre black man," Talarico admitted that he'd said that Allred had a mediocre method of campaigning in 2024. Advertisement Article continues below this ad However, heres one thing that should not be controversial: admitting Allred had a mediocre method of campaigning in 2024. Lets get the most glaring and clearest failure out of the way. Allred lost in his race for Senate. He lost big by an 8.5 point margin. This loss was also predictable. The campaign had little presence on the ground, choosing instead to rely on television ads, social media and influencers. Allreds loss also cemented the end of a dream for Texas Democrats that demographic trends would deliver them victory. When the results came in, those hopes had all but evaporated. Though Allred didnt have Beto ORourkes grassroots appeal, he did raise roughly the same amount of money as ORourke in the 2018 Senate race. But what is there to show for it? The Dallas-area representative raised more than $90 million, yet he barely outperformed M.J. Hegar, the Democrats' easy-to-forget 2020 Senate candidate. With the kind of attention and money Allred received in 2024, calling the results mediocre is being polite. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Texas is big, and if you want to win here, you need to show up. Allred didnt. Unlike ORourke in 2018, who made a goal of traveling to all 254 Texas counties, Allred infamously only campaigned in 34 of them. When he did travel, he typically kept his meetings small with the exception of a few stadium-style events at the end of the campaign. When the Texas Tribune ran a story questioning Allreds clandestine strategy, then-executive director of the Texas Democratic Party Monique Alcala took to X and claimed Allred was criss-crossing the state and that those speaking out were spreading disinformation. Maybe a commitment to waltzing across all of Texas is an unnecessary gimmick. But if you arent working to win outside of Texas major metros, youd better turn out the base. Allred didnt do that either, underperforming ORourke in major population centers. So if Texas Democrats want to win, they need to consider more seriously the ways theyve lost touch not just with Texans but with their core supporters. Advertisement Article continues below this ad This means rethinking the idea that demographics is destiny. For decades, the hope that an increasingly diverse state would inevitably deliver a Democratic victory on a rising Hispanic tide caused a lot of lazy thinking. Yes, shifting demographics did change Democrats fate but not as they had hoped. In 2024, instead of a triumph, Texas Democrats faced a disaster. Trump won historic margins with non-white voters. And while Sen. Ted Cruz slightly underperformed Trump with Hispanic voters something Allreds defenders often point to this understates the shattering shift that happened downballot. Comparing CNN exit polls from 2024 and 2018 paints a stark picture: ORourke won 64% of the Hispanic vote; Allred won just 47%. If you think it is unfair to compare Allred to ORourke, how is this? Allred underperformed Hegar with Hispanic voters too. The idea that entire racial groups are bound to one political party was always ludicrous. Texas Democrats took Hispanic voters for granted, and it cost them. Advertisement Article continues below this ad If youre looking for the silver lining, Allred did outperform Vice President Kamala Harris at the top of the ticket unlike Hegar, who lagged behind Joe Biden on the 2020 ballot. But that only drives home the point: Allreds campaign could have been worse, but it was at least mediocre. So where did things go wrong? It's true that Allred didnt have much help from the top of the ticket. But the congressman didnt do himself any favors, either. His campaign failed to inspire much enthusiasm from Democratic voters. His positions were hard to pin down. Cruz painted him as an open borders fanatic, but progressives saw his campaign as tacking to the center. It was the worst of both worlds perceived as being too progressive for moderates and too moderate for progressives. This happened because Allred allowed himself to be defined by his opponent, because he was not willing to fight firmly for what he stood for. Allreds campaign seemed set on reaping the benefits of changing Texas demographics, which of course were out of his control. In the end, he reaped what he sowed: a whole lot of nothing. If Texas Democrats are looking for a better way, they should consider what works. Advertisement Article continues below this ad On Saturday, union leader Taylor Rehmet, a Fort Worth-area Democrat, won election to a state Senate seat Trump had won by 17 points. Rehmet built a grassroots campaign focused on working-class issues. He was massively outspent by his MAGA opponent, but overcame the spending deficit because an army of volunteers was inspired by his clear and common-sense message about economic populism. He did not need to run to the right on culture war issues. Instead he talked about what matters to everyday Texans: our kids' education, the cost of living, and dignity at work. And yes, running in a special election as a Democrat under a historically unpopular Republican president didnt hurt either. But instead of focusing on this encouraging victory, Texas Democrats have devolved into a tabloid squabble. Texas deserves better. Instead of protecting the egos of politicians, Democrats would do well to take a page from Rehmets book and seriously think of the ways they can win back the working-class supporters theyve been losing. On CNN, Rehmet said one of the keys to his victory was, listening to voters, not just talking at them, but talking with them. Advertisement Article continues below this ad David McArthur, a candidate for House District 121, plants one of his campaign signs in the yard next to a suppporter of incumbent State Representative Marcx LaHood. McArthu was block walking to visit voters on a recent Saturday morning in the Stone Oak area of San Antonio. McArthur hopes to unseat incumbent State representative LaHood. Robin Jerstad If you live in San Antonio's North Side, chances are youve been bombarded with ads about a topic most Texans think little about: tort reform. Television ads warn of ambulance-chasing lawyers who are driving your insurance rates through the roof. Mailers allege a history of damaging personal legal battles. A Newsmax host brands the local Republican lawmaker a liberal Democrat before cutting to his GOP challenger promising to stop these predatory lawyers. Advertisement Article continues below this ad NEW RESISTANCE: Houston megadonor Dick Weekley is losing in the Texas Legislature after 30 years of wins The GOP primary for House District 121, featuring state Rep. Marc LaHood and challenger David McArthur, has turned into a ferocious power struggle between the states well-funded trial attorneys and Texans for Lawsuit Reform, the corporate lobbying juggernaut that has for decades tried to take them down. With spending already blowing past $3 million, the race has become more expensive than any other state House race this cycle and even outpaced spending on some statewide and state Senate races, according to a Hearst Newspapers analysis of data from the Texas Ethics Commission. Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source The outcome of the race, and dozens of others like it, is in part a referendum on failed legislation last year that aimed to protect businesses from lawsuits. Its also a test of whether personal injury attorneys, a major donor to the left who once reigned supreme when conservative Democrats led Texas, will gain a sturdier foothold in the states now dominant Republican Party. Advertisement Article continues below this ad How a freshman lawmaker made enemies Texans for Lawsuit Reform has been the largest contributor to Republicans in Texas for decades and counts billionaire Tesla owner Elon Musk and business magnates from across Texas among its backers. In recent years, however, its grip has been waning. The group says its goal is to protect businesses from frivolous lawsuits, also known as tort reform, arguing million-dollar verdicts push up insurance premiums for businesses and homes. But trial lawyers, including LaHood, have long accused TLR of seeking to deny justice to parties who may have been legitimately harmed by doctors, drivers and business owners. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The tort reform groups then-president blamed LaHood, Republican House Speaker Dustin Burrows and other GOP lawmakers who are trial attorneys or who are known to be close to their lobbyists for the bills demise. We feared from the outset that Mr. LaHood was not philosophically aligned with the business community, and we were right," then-President Lee Parsley wrote in a June 3 email circulated by the Texan. In response, LaHood, a criminal defense attorney whose practice also advertises for personal injury cases, said he refused to support a poorly drafted, frankly indefensible, scheme to deny aid to those who have suffered life-altering harm. Advertisement Article continues below this ad LaHood, then a candidate in the general election for HD-121, addresses the crowd during a campaign event at the Angry Elephant on Wednesday afternoon, Oct. 30, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News TLR later threw its weight behind McArthur, a former oil and gas executive who worked for the George W. Bush administration. The 121st District, which stretches north from wealthy neighborhoods like Alamo Heights and Terrell Hills toward Bulverde, has historically favored relatively moderate, business-centric Republicans. TLR CEO Ryan Patrick said the same tort reform policies that died in Texas led to significant (home and auto insurance) premium cuts (7-20% over the past two years), more competition in the market, and 1 million fewer homes relying on state-run insurance policies in Georgia and Florida. During this same period, Texas has seen premiums increase 25%, Patrick, the son of Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, said in an emailed statement to Hearst. The cost of inaction is significant and Texans demand solutions. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In a recent interview, LaHood said the group is targeting him because he refused to be bought. People always say, We just want a relationship. Vote your conscience. Vote your district, LaHood told Hearst last month. No. What they want is people that are going to do whatever they say, whenever they say, and if you don't, they're going to throw money against you. Millions spent, and lines crossed LaHood has experience with these kinds of races. He ousted state Rep. Steve Allison in 2024 after a vicious GOP primary that centered on Allisons opposition to private school vouchers. By March 5, the candidates and outside groups had burned through more than $2 million solely on broadcast and digital advertising, making it one of the most expensive in the state. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Now, LaHood is on the other side of the table, defending his spot against a fellow Republican who argues hes not conservative enough. And the race is on track to be even more expensive. David McArthur, a candidate for House District 121, uses an app called Numinar to guide him to particular homes as he block walks to visit voters on a recent Saturday morning in the Stone Oak area of San Antonio. McArthur hopes to unseat incumbent State represwentative Marc LaHood. Robin Jerstad For his part, McArthurs campaign has spent $550,000, drawing on contributions from the tort-reform group, GOP strategist Karl Rove and several prominent business owners and developers. TLR also has spent roughly $1.4 million running ads and sending mailers that directly support him. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Outside groups do not need consent from candidates to spend for or against them. Adding it all up, McArthur and his supporters spent nearly $2 million through Jan. 22, the end of the most recent filing period, while those in the LaHood camp dispatched roughly $1.4 million, according to the Hearst analysis. Lies, attacks and half-truths The ads have been as aggressive as the spending. LaHood has framed his challenger as big insurances puppet and McArthur has accused LaHood of being a lifelong Democrat. LaHood's campaign also spread falsehoods about McArthur's past. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Several LaHood mailers inaccurately said McArthur was sued for patent and copyright infringement, apparently confusing him with the co-founder of the defunct internet music service Audiogalaxy. After Hearst Newspapers flagged the error, LaHoods consultant Elliot Griffin blamed an opposition research firm and said the claim would not be repeated. Since being contacted by Hearst, LaHoods campaign has stopped referencing its outside opposition research about litigation regarding McArthur, Griffin said. David McArthur, a candidate for House District 121, block walks to visit voters on a recent Saturday morning in the Stone Oak area of San Antonio. McArthur hopes to unseat incumbent State representative Marc LaHood. Robin Jerstad McArthur has also hit his opponent hard. On Jan. 23, he aired a video of a man with a dagger protruding from his button-up to illustrate the assertion that LaHood betrayed Republicans. Advertisement Article continues below this ad My back is killing me, Doc, a patient says in the ad. That's been going around, a doctor responds. Its probably because of this knife Marc LaHood stuck in your back. LaHood says hes a lifelong Republican and supported dozens of bills last session opposed by almost all Democrats. Those include a ban on foreign land ownership, a measure prohibiting trans women from using mens bathrooms, and a far-reaching abortion pill crackdown. He said he has voted in some Democratic primaries previously, but only to have a hand in choosing judges in left-leaning Bexar County. McArthur also attacked LaHood for voting against a measure to further tighten the limit on how much property tax large cities and counties can impose before seeking voters approval. LaHood, who joined Democrats and a bloc of fellow Republicans to kill the legislation, said it didnt go far enough. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Other House primaries that pit trial lawyers against TLR The primary in HD-121 reflects trial lawyers growing willingness to invest in Republican primaries, which are often the most consequential elections in red-leaning districts. The Texas Trial Lawyers Association has handed checks to at least 20 Republicans this year, and Arnold & Itkin put $10 million into a new political action committee, Texans for Truth and Liberty PAC, in the first half of 2025. TLR and the trial lawyer groups have been involved in two other Republican primaries in San Antonio, including Republican incumbent Rep. Mark Dorazios reelection bid, and the race to fill the seat left by outgoing state Rep. John Lujan. The state House contest between Fort Worth Mayor Armin Mizani and Fred Tate has also generated a flurry of spending from the groups. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Loading... Loading... Trial lawyers rising influence in Austin comes after the impeachment of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in 2023. Paxton lashed out at the tort-reform group during the 2024 primary election cycle, when TLR backed incumbent Republicans who voted to impeach him on corruption and bribery charges. LaHood will be the first to tell you that the impeachment played a role in his turn toward politics. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Had (Steve Allison) not voted to impeach Paxton, I wouldn't be here, LaHood said in an interview. I didn't get in the race solely for that reason, but that offended me so much that I started looking into bills he filed and how he voted, and I realized I have a lot of issues with him. Many others in his class also joined the House as a result of the Paxton impeachment, riding a wave of anger and endorsements from Paxton. Looking ahead Whoever wins the Republican nomination for HD 121 will still face a competitive November contest in a district that has historically swung between the parties. Zack Dunn, a special victims unit prosecutor in the Bexar County District Attorneys Office, is running unopposed for the Democratic nomination this year. Advertisement Article continues below this ad LaHood beat Democrat Laurel Jordan Swift by five points in 2024, making use of a $300,000 donation from TLR ahead of the race. The contest will be even more competitive this year amid an uncertain economy and backlash against Trump and other Republicans. Regardless of what happens with LaHood, TLR has signaled its rethinking its past tactics. Asked whether he stood by the past presidents attack on Burrows and LaHood, the groups new CEO said he was looking ahead. As the incoming CEO, my focus is on building new relationships and strengthening TLRs policy strategy going forward, Patrick, who took the helm in January, told Hearst in an email. McArthur argues the Legislature, which is considered a part-time job and regularly gives rise to professional conflicts of interest, should not be a place where lawmakers cast votes that directly benefit themselves. LaHood is motivated by his firms personal-injury cases, the real estate agent alleged. Advertisement Article continues below this ad When you kill bills for the sole purpose of benefiting you, yourself and your law firm, to line your pockets and improve your life, thats wrong, he said. You have to vote the way your district wants you to vote, not the way you want to vote to benefit yourself. However, McArthur acknowledged that it's inevitable that some (bills) will relate to what you do professionally. He didnt commit to abstaining from votes on legislation that could benefit him. LaHood says hes consistently voted for what I believe is right, and that TLR is advocating for bills that 1,000% benefit them. That's it. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Texas Department of Public Safety Trooper Jerald Sams listens during the ceremony to launch the DPS Mounted Horse Patrol Unit at the Capitol on Tuesday, May 6, 2014. Austin American-Statesman Members of the DPS honor guard, Conan Hauck, Jari McPherson, and Mary Phillips (l-r) participate in a DPS memorial on May 17, 2016 at DPS Headquarters in Austin, Texas. The Texas Department of Public Safety honored Texas officers killed in the line of duty at the 2016 DPS Peace Officer's Memorial Service. Two officers lost their lives in the line of duty this year, Highway Patrol Sergeant William Karl Keesee and Highway Patrol Trooper Jeffrey Don Nichols. LAURA SKELDING / AMERICAN-STATESMAN Austin American-Statesman Texas State Troopers lijne up outside the Texas Capitol in preparation for a protest on Friday, Jan 30, 2026 at the Texas Capitol that is part of a nationwide protest against actions by U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement. Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman An Austin jury has found the Texas Department of Public Safety liable for racial harassment of two of its officers and awarded them nearly $1.7 million in damages. The suit, filed in 2020, alleged that the officers faced years of racial discrimination, including not being promoted, and that the agency failed to properly investigate their concerns. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Lawyers for the state had argued in court filings that there were legitimate reasons why the plaintiffs, who are Black, did not rise professionally in the agency, and that they did not meet the legal standard of proof showing they faced a hostile working environment. The plaintiffs attorney, Leonard Mungo said this week that the jurys decision validates his clients claims that the agency has and still harbors a racially hostile work environment. Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source As one of their retired captains testified to at trial, the TXDPS is like a dysfunctional family, said Mungo, who also serves as general counsel for the National Black State Troopers Coalition. This should be a clarion call for the state legislators and the governor to gut out the poison of institutional racism that is flourishing in that agency. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The agency is fighting the verdict and asking U.S. District Judge David Ezra to declare a mistrial. It declined to comment on the request. The attorney generals office, which represents state agencies in court, did not respond to a request for comment. Mungo said the agency is arguing that the award of damages is inconsistent with the jurys findings of liability in the case. He slammed the states challenge, saying it will prove fruitless and will only add interest to the judgement or bill that the public will have to pay. Lawyers for the state argued that one of the plaintiffs, Special Agent Jari McPherson, had lied to supervisors and the other, former Corporal Jerald Sams, presented leadership and communications concerns. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Each plaintiff is a well-regarded employee who at some point made an error in judgment, and thus they have had a harder time competing for a promotion, they wrote in filings. The plaintiffs, however, blame race discrimination and retaliation, and claim they are subject to a hostile working environment. McPherson in 2019 filed an internal complaint about the racially hostile environment in the Temple office where he worked at the time. It went nowhere, the suit alleged, so he requested a transfer to the agencys Austin office. Before he even arrived, his supervisor spoke poorly of him, citing the internal complaint, and seemed to treat white colleagues better, McPherson alleged. McPherson was later passed over for a different job that was given to a white employee with less experience, he said, and ultimately placed in a minority-only unit that was given more difficult and onerous tasks, work, and assignments and given less days off than other units containing only white employees. Advertisement Article continues below this ad McPherson, who is still employed by DPS as a special agent, said he shed tears when the jury rendered their verdict last week because it validated everything Ive been through, not just these last five years with this lawsuit but my entire career. I want to thank those jurors not just for their time but for them listening and hearing our cry, he said. They did not know me at all, had never met me at all, and they did something that an agency Ive given 24 years of my life to didnt do, and thats listen to me. Sams alleged in the case that a white lieutenant once accused him of trying to turn the agencys horse-mounted patrol unit into a Buffalo Soldiers Unit a nod to historically Black U.S. Army regiments in the 19th century. Sams had grown up with horses and helped develop the rules for the unit. According to the suit, a commander had also asked him, Cant you see what the perception is with all of these African Americans that are on the mounted unit? Advertisement Article continues below this ad The complaint alleges that another coworker, a captain over the mounted unit, also allegedly took a picture of Sams while he was trimming a horses hooves and texted it to a friend, then read the friends response out loud while laughing: I have never seen a Black man doing that before. The jury agreed with McPherson that he had been denied an assignment and use of his state-issued vehicle because he complained about racial discrimination. It also found that both McPherson and Sams had proven they were racially harassed and that DPS knew or should have known about it and failed to take prompt remedial action. It did not agree that Sams had been denied promotion to a sergeant position in 2018 solely based on his race. The jury awarded Sams $875,000 for emotional damages and McPherson just under $800,000 for economic and emotional damages. Sams, who retired after more than 26 years of service, citing the cost of the discrimination on his mental health, said he had mixed emotions about the verdict. The win is gratifying, he said, but the agencys handling of the situation took the joy of being a trooper away from him. Advertisement Article continues below this ad I have wanted to be a trooper since 11th grade, he said. I had a lot of great accomplishments when I was at DPS, and it just feels like these racist events have outshadowed that. Both McPherson and Sams said they hope this case ultimately brings change to the agency, but its choice to fight the outcome of their case is disappointing and not encouraging. McPherson said he hopes that their case will inspire others who face discrimination to speak up. Advertisement Article continues below this ad FILE- Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton speaks during Turning Point USA's AmericaFest 2025 in Phoenix, Dec. 20, 2025. Ross D. Franklin/AP At the podium from left, Texas Rep. Gene Wu, D-Houston, Shakeel Rashad, with Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) Austin, John Floyd, with CAIR National Board of Directors, Rep. Dr. Suleman Lelani, D-Sugarland and Rep. Jon E. Rosenthal, D-Houston join in the Texas Muslim Capitol Day at the State Capitol, Tuesday, March 7, 2023. It is the 20th anniversary of the event that is held to lobby the state legislature. Jerry Lara/San Antonio Express-News Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton on Thursday moved to shut down the Council on American-Islamic Relations' Texas branch with a lawsuit that seeks to block the advocacy group from owning property in the state or recruiting members. "Sharia law and the jihadists who follow sharia law have no business being in Texas," Paxton, a Republican running for U.S. Senate, said in a statement. "Radical Islamic terrorists are antithetical to law and order, endanger the people of Texas, and are an existential threat to our values." Advertisement Article continues below this ad The lawsuit comes amid a heated campaign against Muslim-led groups in the leadup to this years midterm elections. State GOP officials have moved to block an Islamic planned community in North Texas, accused CAIR of aiding and abetting terrorism and cut out Islamic private schools from the state's new private school voucher program, even though they were not explicitly prohibited in the law that created it. Abbott designated CAIR as a terrorist organization late last year, claiming it has ties to Hamas, the U.S.-designated terror organization that has ruled the Gaza Strip since 2007. Among the evidence he cited is a 2008 terrorism financing case in which CAIR was identified as one of more than 200 groups and individuals with ties to a charity accused of funneling money to Hamas. Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source Abbott called last week on Paxton to sue the group's Texas chapter, saying Paxton alone has the power to regulate nonprofits that may be violating the law. Advertisement Article continues below this ad READ MORE: Texas Muslim Republicans question their role in the party as Republicans ramp up attacks on Sharia law CAIR has denied any involvement in terrorist activity and said it has previously helped federal officials thwart attacks, including alerting the FBI to a potential threat against President Donald Trump during his first term. The group is suing Abbott to block the terrorist designation, calling it unconstitutional and defamatory. In a statement on Thursday, the group brushed off Paxton's lawsuit and said it looked forward to defending itself in court. "Mr. Paxton's belated and bigoted lawsuit is as frivolous as Governor Abbott's unconstitutional proclamation," it said, adding, "CAIR-Texas will be serving and protecting the people of Texas long after Ken Paxton leaves office, God willing." Advertisement Article continues below this ad CAIR has been a vocal critic of Israel, accusing the Israeli government of human rights abuses against the Palestinian people, including occupation, ethnic cleansing and genocide. It has also sued Abbott and other state officials in the past, including challenging the governors executive order directing universities to institute rules punishing students for criticism of Israel. "The people of Texas elected Ken Paxton to serve and protect them, not to waste taxpayer dollars on attempts to silence Texans who dared to oppose Israel's genocide in Gaza," the group said on Thursday. Haajrah Gilani and Benjamin Wermund contributed reporting. Marcia Pena works to apply for a Texas Education Freedom Account voucher for her daughter's catholic school next year in Houston, Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026. Wednesday was the first day that the applications opened for parents to take part in Texas new program to utilize tax dollars as part of school choice. Jason Fochtman/Houston Chronicle Marcia Pena works to apply for a Texas Education Freedom Account voucher for her daughter's catholic school next year in Houston, Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026. Wednesday was the first day that the applications opened for parents to take part in Texas new program to utilize tax dollars as part of school choice. Jason Fochtman/Houston Chronicle Marcia Pena works to apply for a Texas Education Freedom Account voucher for her daughter's catholic school next year in Houston, Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026. Wednesday was the first day that the applications opened for parents to take part in Texas new program to utilize tax dollars as part of school choice. Jason Fochtman/Houston Chronicle More than 30,000 private school voucher applications were submitted on Wednesday as the state reported a relatively smooth launch of its online portal for families interested in participating in the new program. Applications for the program, which gives families state-funded accounts for private school tuition, tutoring, homeschooling, and other expenses, will be accepted until March 17, and arent first-come, first-serve. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Still, demand was high for the rollout on Wednesday. The comptrollers office, which is overseeing the program, said 42,000 unique visitors had toured the site within the first hour of launching, the agency said. Some users were directed into a queue or received error codes in the first few minutes, but those appeared to smooth out as the day went on. Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source Odyssey, the agencys tech contractor, had promised that the application would take less than fifteen minutes to complete. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The programs $1 billion appropriation is projected to support between 90,000 and 100,000 accounts in its first year. If the number of applications exceeds the programs capacity, the state will run an income- and disability-based lottery to determine which families ultimately receive vouchers. The popularity of the program in its first year has high stakes: the length of the waitlist could shape how much more lawmakers choose to pump into the program when they return to Austin next year. Advocates of the national school choice movement, which lobbies to support education alternatives outside of traditional public schools, generally praised the programs first day of operations, with the "yes. every kid. foundation calling it a smooth, well-executed rollout." Advertisement Article continues below this ad Texas state Rep. Brent Money, a Republican lawmaker from Greenville who supported the programs passage, said on social media he had registered his three children for the program in around 15 minutes. Early voucher proposals had barred members of the Legislature or their relatives from benefitting personally from the program. GOP lawmakers voted down such an amendment as it passed the Texas House last year. The rollout is one of the first major tests for Odyssey and Acting Comptroller Kelly Hancock, who is running for a full term this year in part on the success of his oversight of the program. Hancocks office has greenlit roughly 1,500 private schools and pre-kindergarten programs to participate in the program, including hundreds of Christian and Catholic schools. It is still blocking over two dozen Islamic schools, which some Republicans have pushed to be excluded from receiving the subsidies. A Houston-area mom, Marcia Pena, who sends her daughter to Epiphany of the Lord Catholic school in Katy, completed the application Wednesday afternoon, after having some technical difficulties earlier in the day. She was excited for the program and said it would be a huge help for her family if she received it. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Im interested because this time its too hard to pay for private school, Pena said If we have all the funds in this program, oh my goodness, its perfect because it covers all tuition. Tuition at the Catholic school her daughter attends is around $9,000 per year, and Pena said that even though she and her husband have good jobs she is a family success specialist at the nonprofit Families Empowered, which promotes the voucher program, and he works at a car dealership it is still difficult to put aside the money for tuition. The family relies mostly on financial aid to cover about half or nearly half of tuition, and because her daughter gets good grades they also apply to scholarships on her behalf. But usually, the family has to pay about $5,000 per year for the school, on top of extra costs for technology and fees. Pena and her husband chose Catholic school for their daughter because of their faith, but also because she feels that private school is safer than public school. Advertisement Article continues below this ad We are Catholic, our religion is Catholic, and we want to reinforce what we teach in our house, Pena said. State Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington Washington D.C. West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Puerto Rico US Virgin Islands Armed Forces Americas Armed Forces Pacific Armed Forces Europe Northern Mariana Islands Marshall Islands American Samoa Federated States of Micronesia Guam Palau Alberta, Canada British Columbia, Canada Manitoba, Canada New Brunswick, Canada Newfoundland, Canada Nova Scotia, Canada Northwest Territories, Canada Nunavut, Canada Ontario, Canada Prince Edward Island, Canada Quebec, Canada Saskatchewan, Canada Yukon Territory, Canada Postal Code MEXICO CITY, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said Thursday that Mexico maintains a firm and unwavering stance in defense of its independence and sovereignty. The president affirmed that national sovereignty is not at risk and rejected any possibility of the country once again becoming a colony or protectorate of any foreign power, during the commemoration of the 109th anniversary of the 1917 Constitution held in the central state of Queretaro, about 200 kilometers from Mexico City. "Mexico will not return to the regime of privilege and corruption. Mexico will not return to being a colony or protectorate of anyone. And Mexico will never surrender its natural resources," Sheinbaum said. "Mexico does not bow down, does not kneel, does not surrender and does not sell out," Sheinbaum said while reaffirming the historic principles of national independence. The president noted that her administration has promoted a constitutional reform aimed at guaranteeing the country's independence and sovereignty. She condemned any attempt of foreign interference in the country's internal affairs. AMMAN, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- China's Shaanxi province signed a memorandum of understanding with Jordan on Thursday to jointly develop a digital theatre in the Jordanian capital, aiming to boost bilateral cooperation in digital performing arts. The agreement was signed by officials from both sides, in the presence of Chinese Ambassador to Jordan Guo Wei and Jordanian Minister of Culture Mustafa Al-Rawashdeh. Under the deal, Shaanxi and Jordan will collaborate on digitizing theatre and other performing arts resources from both regions. Plans include creating shared digital performing arts libraries in Shaanxi and Amman, developing cloud-based audio-visual platforms, building digital theatre collections, and exploring new business models for digital performances. Lina Attel, director general of the Jordan National Center for Culture and Arts, said the agreement seeks to deepen Jordanian-Chinese cooperation in digital performing arts while delivering innovative artistic content that benefits both countries. China's advanced technology will facilitate the exchange of expertise, broaden the reach of theatre, music, dance, and folk arts, and help preserve them for future generations, Attel said. Shaanxi, a northwestern Chinese province, is home to Xi'an, the ancient capital that marked the starting point of the Silk Road. Xi'an is also famous for the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor, an archaeological site featuring thousands of clay soldiers known as the Terracotta Army. KIEV, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Thursday that the next peace talks with the delegations of the U.S. and Russia will be held soon. "Further meetings are planned in the near future, likely in the United States," Zelensky said in his evening address. He emphasized that Kiev is prepared for work in any format to bring peace closer. Delegations from Ukraine, the United States and Russia held two rounds of peace talks in the United Arab Emirates on Wednesday and Thursday. Ukraine's chief negotiator Rustem Umerov said Thursday on Telegram that the parties reached a deal under which Russia and Ukraine agreed to each release 157 prisoners of war. Umerov added that negotiating teams also had broad discussions on unresolved issues, including mechanisms for implementing a ceasefire and monitoring the cessation of military activities. Naha District Court in Naha city, Okinawa, Sept. 10, 2025. (Brian McElhiney/Stars and Stripes) NAHA, Okinawa A U.S. airman convicted of kidnapping and sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl on Okinawa is facing a civil trial after objecting to a court order requiring him to pay the victim about $17,500. Senior Airman Brennon Washington, formerly of Kadena Air Base, was ordered on Feb. 7, 2025, to compensate the girl by a three-judge panel led by Tetsuro Sato, according to court documents. Washingtons attorney, Junji Shimizu, filed a written objection five days later, triggering a civil trial that opened Wednesday at Naha District Court. The airman was sentenced Dec. 13, 2024, to five years in prison with hard labor after the same three-judge panel found him guilty of kidnapping and sexually assaulting the girl on Dec. 24, 2023. Evidence at trial showed Washington picked her up at a Yomitan park and took her to his home. The girls attorney, Erika Ikemi, initially sought about $21,000 in compensation, citing a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder after the assault, according to court records. She reiterated that request during Wednesdays proceedings. Ikemi submitted a medical certificate on Sept. 26 stating the girl is receiving treatment for depression presenting as self-harm, insomnia and loss of appetite, the documents show. In a Jan. 26 filing, Shimizu asked the court to dismiss the claim, arguing the girl consented to the encounter and that her testimony lacked credibility. Under Japans restitution order system, crime victims or their families may seek compensation from defendants in criminal cases that result in convictions. The sentencing court reviews the case record and determines an appropriate payment amount. If the defendant refuses to comply, the victim may pursue the matter through civil trial. Japans Supreme Court dismissed Washingtons final appeal on Jan. 30. He filed the appeal on Sept. 10, the same day the Naha branch of the Fukuoka High Court upheld his conviction. Washingtons case, along with that of Marine Lance Cpl. Jamel Clayton convicted in June of attempted sexual assault in a separate incident sparked protests and renewed criticism from Okinawa officials over crimes committed by U.S. service members. In response, U.S. Forces Japan imposed stricter liberty restrictions, including a ban on drinking at off-base establishments between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. Clayton has also appealed his conviction and appeared in court Tuesday for his first appellate hearing. Maj. Blaine McGraw, who is facing multiple legal battles over allegations he secretly video recorded his patients, filed 13 handwritten pages to a Bell County court from jail asking that a civil lawsuit against him be dismissed because it is a federal matter. (Bell County (Texas) Sheriffs Office) A former Fort Hood doctor facing multiple legal battles over allegations he secretly video-recorded his patients filed 13 handwritten pages to a Bell County, Texas, court from jail asking that a civil lawsuit against him be dismissed because it is a federal matter. More than 80 women filed the lawsuit against Maj. Blaine McGraw, 47, accusing him of using his phone to record exams without permission, performing invasive and unnecessary exams, and inappropriately touching them. McGraw, an OB-GYN, is the only person named in the suit and is representing himself, according to court records. Without ever expressing innocence or guilt regarding the allegations, McGraw asserted that the women should use the administrative claim system set up by the Federal Tort Claims Act for their grievances, not a civilian county court. The federal tort law outlines procedures for presenting and resolving administrative monetary claims for personal injury, property damage or death arising from the alleged negligence of officers and employees of the federal government. It is a required first step toward a lawsuit. Plaintiffs allege wrongful acts occurred within the walls of a military treatment facility, on federal property, by an active-duty military physician, an employee of the federal government in the performance of his duties, McGraw wrote. He also wrote that the complaint against him alleges that the United States government was complicit in the alleged wrongdoing but has been excluded as a defendant. Among other reasons to dismiss the case, McGraw wrote that he was never properly served notice of the legal action against him. He noted he is representing himself because he cannot look for a lawyer while in jail. Andrew Cobos, an attorney for the 82 women in the lawsuit, said the filing is nothing more than a desperate attempt to hide behind legal technicalities and avoid facing a jury of the very community he betrayed. While he fights over which courtroom he sits in, we remain focused on the only thing that mattersholding him accountable for the irreparable harm he caused, Cobos said in a statement. We are confident in our position and will not allow procedural games to delay the justice these women have earned. The court docket does not list a hearing date for Judge Mike Russell to hear arguments. McGraw filed the legal paperwork from Bell County Jail, where he has been detained for pretrial confinement by the Army since Dec. 2. He was charged Dec. 9 with 54 counts of indecent visual recording involving 44 women, according to the Army. All but one of those women were patients he provided medical care to this year at Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center at Fort Hood. One woman was recorded at an off-post home. A preliminary hearing to review the evidence against McGraw has not been announced. McGraw was suspended from Fort Hoods hospital Oct. 17 after a patient accused him of secretly recording her during an exam, according to base officials. Army Criminal Investigation Division arrived within hours to begin an investigation, which has included sifting through more than half a terabyte of digital media. McGraw moved from Hawaii to Texas in August 2023, according to the Army. He served in Hawaii beginning in June 2019 as an intern and then as a resident. Before attending medical school to become an OB-GYN, McGraw was a physician assistant at Fort Campbell, Ky. His medical license was issued through the state of Hawaii but expired Jan. 31, according to online state records. The state medical board also listed one pending complaint against McGraw. Photo taken on Feb. 5, 2026 shows a street view in Muscat, Oman. Iran and the United States are scheduled to hold talks on Friday in Muscat, Oman, amid a recent U.S. military buildup in the Middle East and Tehran's stepped-up preparations. (Photo by Khaled Moussa/Xinhua) CAIRO, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- Iran and the United States are set to hold talks on Friday in Oman's capital, Muscat, officials from both sides confirmed. The negotiations are highly anticipated amid a recent U.S. military buildup in the Middle East and Iran's stepped-up preparations. While the two sides have agreed on the venue for the negotiations, multiple media outlets have reported that differences remain over the format and agenda, casting doubt on whether a breakthrough can be achieved. VENUE CONFIRMED AFTER DISAGREEMENTS On Wednesday, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi announced that the talks will take place in Muscat at around 10:00 a.m. local time (0600 GMT). Multiple media outlets later cited an anonymous White House official as affirming that the talks will proceed in Oman on Friday despite prior disputes. The two sides had previously been reported to meet on Friday in Istanbul, Turkiye. On Tuesday, Iran reportedly proposed moving the talks to Oman and holding them in a bilateral format focused solely on nuclear issues. Earlier on Wednesday, U.S. media outlet Axios, citing two U.S. officials, reported that Washington had decided to reject Iran's requirement, but later reconfirmed that the talks would proceed. Axios cited the U.S. officials as saying that at least nine Middle Eastern countries had reached out to the White House at the highest levels, strongly urging the United States not to cancel the meeting. Omani political analyst Khalfan al-Touqi said Oman has consistently been a trusted and reliable mediator for both sides and that the country could offer a low-profile setting for sensitive negotiations. Neither side has officially specified the format of the talks. Iran's semi-official Tasnim news agency reported Wednesday that the negotiations would be indirect, with delegations led by Araghchi and U.S. President's special envoy Steve Witkoff. DISPUTES OVER WHAT TO NEGOTIATE Differences remain over the scope of the talks. The Iranian side has insisted that the talks must be limited to nuclear issues and the removal of U.S. sanctions, asserting that Iran's missile capabilities and regional activities are non-negotiable. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, at a news conference in Washington on Wednesday, outlined a broad agenda for any "meaningful" talks, which he said must include Tehran's ballistic missiles, nuclear program, regional sponsorship of "terrorist organizations," and its treatment of its people. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Tuesday that he has ordered the country's foreign ministry to pursue "fair and equitable negotiations" with the United States. On Saturday, Mohammad Eslami, president of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, told Iranian media that the country's nuclear program is "based on the peaceful use of technology," noting there is "no need for nuclear weapons for deterrence." On Monday, Ali Bagheri Kani, deputy for foreign policy at the secretariat of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, said that Tehran does not intend to send its enriched nuclear materials to any other country. Tasnim reported that the upcoming negotiations would focus solely on Iran's nuclear program and the removal of U.S. sanctions, though no U.S. official has confirmed this. RISK OF RENEWED MILITARY ESCALATION Tensions remain high between the United States and Iran. On Tuesday, U.S. Central Command said a U.S. fighter jet shot down an Iranian Shahed-139 drone after it approached the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln in the Arabian Sea with unclear intent, causing no injuries or damage. The carrier strike group was deployed to the Middle East on Jan. 26. On Jan. 11, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would view U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. Last year, Iran and the United States held five rounds of indirect talks under Omani mediation. Those efforts collapsed in June after Israel carried out strikes on Iran, triggering a 12-day conflict, during which the United States bombed key Iranian nuclear sites. Photo taken on Feb. 5, 2026 shows a street view in Muscat, Oman. Iran and the United States are scheduled to hold talks on Friday in Muscat, Oman, amid a recent U.S. military buildup in the Middle East and Tehran's stepped-up preparations. (Photo by Khaled Moussa/Xinhua) Photo taken on Feb. 5, 2026 shows a street view in Muscat, Oman. Iran and the United States are scheduled to hold talks on Friday in Muscat, Oman, amid a recent U.S. military buildup in the Middle East and Tehran's stepped-up preparations. (Photo by Khaled Moussa/Xinhua) Photo taken on Feb. 5, 2026 shows a view in Muscat, Oman. Iran and the United States are scheduled to hold talks on Friday in Muscat, Oman, amid a recent U.S. military buildup in the Middle East and Tehran's stepped-up preparations. (Photo by Khaled Moussa/Xinhua) Army investigators announced a $10,000 reward for information leading to a conviction in the killing of a military spouse and her unborn child in Mannheim, Germany, in 1987. (Jessica Veltri/U.S. Army) STUTTGART, Germany Army criminal investigators are offering a $10,000 reward for information in a nearly 40-year-old unsolved killing of a military spouse and her unborn child in Mannheim. Reward money will be given for any credible information leading to the conviction of the person or people responsible for the death of Tracy McMath in 1987, the Army Criminal Investigation Division said. The investigation is considered active, so I cannot divulge details, CID spokesman Thomas Hamilton said Wednesday in response to questions about why the reward was announced. On Sept. 29, 1987, the 20-year-old McMath was reported missing by a friend. She was later found dead in the bathtub at her off-base apartment in Mannheim with her hands tied behind her back. Her ATM card had been stolen and was used to withdraw $600 in Kaiserslautern and Heidelberg, the CID said. At the time, her husband was away from home and involved in training activities in northern Germany. Soon after her death, McMaths brother, a U.S. soldier stationed in Frankfurt as an audio production specialist for AFN, was charged with murder. He was later acquitted in a court-martial. Anyone with information about the McMath case can call the Army CID Cold Case Unit at (520) 706-8685, email usarmy.belvoir.hqda-usacid.mbx.cold-case-unit@army.mil or submit an anonymous tip online at www.p3tips.com/armycid. Investigators have had some recent success in solving military cold cases. In 2024, Army veteran Shannon Wilkerson, 44, was convicted of second-degree murder in the death of Pfc. Amanda Gonzales, who was found beaten and strangled in 2001 inside her barracks at Fliegerhorst Kaserne in Hanau, Germany. U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Active crew members stack bales of seized cocaine in San Diego, Dec. 15, 2025. The drugs, worth $203.9 million, were seized in international waters in the Eastern Pacific Ocean. (Chris Sappey/U.S. Coast Guard) The U.S. Coast Guard has seized more than 200,000 pounds of cocaine in the Eastern Pacific Ocean since launching Operation Pacific Viper last year. The service reached this milestone with the recent interdictions of 13,337 pounds of cocaine by Coast Guard Cutter Seneca and 13,263 pounds by Coast Guard Cutter Robert Ward, the service announced Thursday. Operation Pacific Viper has proven to be a crucial weapon in the fight against foreign drug traffickers and cartels in Latin America and has sent a clear message that we will disrupt, dismantle, and destroy their deadly business exploits wherever we find it, said Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. Operation Pacific Viper has surged cutters, aircraft and tactical teams to disrupt the flow of cocaine and other illicit drugs in the Eastern Pacific. Each Coast Guard drug seizure far from our borders prevents deadly drugs from reaching our communities and disrupts the profit that fuels narco-terrorists, said Adm. Kevin Lunday, commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard. The success of Operation Pacific Viper proves that we own the sea, and the proficiency, vigilance, and heart of our crews is our greatest strength. In December, the Coast Guard reached a milestone of 150,000 pounds of cocaine seized in the Pacific after interdicting a drug smuggling vessel carrying more than 20,000 pounds of cocaine. The service ended 2025 with its total maritime seizures reaching a record of $3.8 billion worth of narcotics. Adm. Daryl Caudle, chief of naval operations, left, and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy John Perryman speak to sailors during an all-hands call on Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026 at U.S. Naval Support Activity Naples in Italy. Caudle and Perryman were in Naples to speak with U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet officials and sailors. (Alison Bath/Stars and Stripes) NAPLES, Italy Iran is no match for American military forces, the Navys highest-ranking active-duty officer said this week. Adm. Daryl Caudle, chief of naval operations, told hundreds of sailors at an all-hands call Wednesday that although he doesnt take Iranian posturing lightly, U.S. forces overmatched Tehrans threats significantly when it comes to capabilities. We have a very good approach of providing the president of the United States military options, Caudle told an audience at Naval Support Activity Naples. Iran knows this. So, the fact that we have that type of capability is a strong deterrent. The U.S. bombing of Iranian nuclear facilities in June in an operation dubbed Midnight Hammer was evidence of the American militarys capability to do things on that order and that scale, he said. Caudle and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy John Perryman were in Naples on Wednesday and Thursday to meet with officials and sailors of U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet. Adm. Daryl Caudle, chief of naval operations, left, and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy John Perryman speak to sailors during an all-hands call on Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026 at U.S. Naval Support Activity Naples in Italy. During the more than hour-long meeting, Caudle told sailors that the capabilities of American forces overmatched those of Iran. (Alison Bath/Stars and Stripes) Adm. Daryl Caudle, chief of naval operations, left, gave the reenlistment oath to a group of sailors on Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026 during an all-hands call at U.S. Naval Support Activity Naples in Italy. Caudle and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy John Perryman were in Naples to speak with U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet officials and sailors. (Alison Bath/Stars and Stripes) Hundreds of sailors attended an all-hands call with Adm. Daryl Caudle, chief of naval operations, left, and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy John Perryman on Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026 in an aircraft hangar at U.S. Naval Support Activity Naples in Italy. During the more than hour-long meeting, Caudle told sailors that the capabilities of American forces overmatched those of Iran. (Alison Bath/Stars and Stripes) The visit followed Caudles attendance at the Paris Naval Conference earlier in the week. On Wednesday, President Donald Trump told NBC News that Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei should be very worried. Trump has repeatedly warned Iran that the U.S. has an armada coming to the region. A day earlier, U.S. Central Command confirmed that a Navy F-35 Lightning II fighter jet had shot down an Iranian drone as it aggressively approached the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln in the Arabian Sea. U.S. and Iranian officials are scheduled to begin negotiations Friday in Oman. The administration wants Tehran to stop its nuclear program altogether and get rid of its enriched uranium, among other demands. Meanwhile, the Pentagon has beefed up naval forces in the Middle East, sending the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group with its three destroyers and Carrier Air Wing 9 into the region. There are at least eight Navy destroyers in the area, including two more in the Persian Gulf, one in the Red Sea and two in the eastern Mediterranean Sea. All told, there are 40,000 U.S. service members throughout the Middle East stationed in Qatar, Kuwait, Jordan and other countries. Caudles remarks Wednesday were in response to a sailors question about concerns that potential hostilities with Iran could ignite a broader conflict in the Middle East, putting sailors and their families there at risk. The safety and security of U.S. forces, military families and Defense Department civilians at U.S. Naval Support Activity Bahrain and other locations in the Middle East is of the utmost concern, Caudle said. He pointed to Joint Force capabilities along with strong partnerships throughout the region that allow base access and overflight of other nations. Force protection is a persistent conversation for Caudle and the regions top commanders as they weigh concerns and options, he said. For example, amid escalating tensions with Iran in June, the Pentagon approved voluntary departures for military families. Many chose to temporarily return to the U.S. But restricting dependents from accompanying sailors assigned to Bahrain or other Navy bases is not a favored option, as it runs counter to the services efforts to support the well-being of sailors, he said. Families are essential to the effectiveness of a sailors life, Caudle said. Im not a big fan of unaccompanied tours. A highlight of the new Frida Kahlo exhibition in Stuttgart, Germany, is a panoramic presentation of her paintings flashed on walls and set to music and sound effects. (John Vandiver/Stars and Stripes) The lineage of the iconic and inventive Mexican painter known the world over for her unibrow traces straight back to southern Germany. Thats one surprising factoid about Frida Kahlo that I picked up at a new Stuttgart exhibition celebrating her work. Viva Frida Kahlo opened last month at Hanns-Martin-Schleyer-Halle and runs through March. It offers an immersive experience of a legendary artist known for her eye-catching self-portraits and lifestyle that broke free from convention. In the process, it provides insights about her background and what inspired her. I didnt know much about Kahlo ahead of my recent visit to the exhibition, at least beyond her iconic image thats become embedded in popular culture. So I was surprised, given her deep connection to Mexico, that she was the daughter of a German photographer who hailed from nearby Pforzheim. Her father was born Carl Wilhelm Kahlo and immigrated to Mexico at 19, never returning to his native Germany. The rest is art history. The exhibition, which begins with a selection of replica paintings and panels about the artists life, is structured as a 360-degree experience. The main presentation involves panoramic projections with music and various sound effects. There also is some interspersed narration in German. Still, you dont need to know the language to appreciate the material. Mexican artist Frida Kahlos many self-portraits are among the highlights of a new exhibition in Stuttgart, Germany. Viva Frida Kahlo runs through March. (John Vandiver/Stars and Stripes) A new exhibition at Hanns-Martin-Schleyer-Halle in Stuttgart, Germany, is dedicated to the famed Mexican painter Frida Kahlo. It offers an immersive experience of her works and gives insights into what inspired her. (John Vandiver/Stars and Stripes) Viva Frida Kahlo is a new exhibition at Hanns-Martin-Schleyer-Halle in Stuttgart, Germany, that is focused on the works of the iconic Mexican painter. (John Vandiver/Stars and Stripes) Information panels that are displayed in English ahead of the multimedia program also help visitors brush up on her background, with details about her turbulent marriage and various love affairs, such as dalliances with Josephine Baker and Leon Trotsky. The program lasts for about a half hour and takes you through the various stages of Kahlos life, with family pictures and scenes from the time. Her artwork is weaved throughout the presentation. Unfamiliar as I was with any of it besides the self-portraits, I was taken aback by the intensity of many paintings. A series of graphic works related to her experience of having a miscarriage was especially jarring. Other pictures were bright and cheerful, with a focus on things like exotic birds and juicy watermelons. After the presentation, visitors walk into another room for a virtual-reality Frida experience. The program is only about 10 minutes, but might have even topped the panorama show. Once you put on the headset, a Kahlo look-alike starts singing. After that, you move through paintings brought to life and travel through a Mexican street scene with all kinds of references to her art. The exhibition takes about an hour to get through. I enjoyed it all, but also felt like it would have benefited from more individual paintings to look at and study before entering the big panorama show. Still, seeing the works of one of the worlds great artists brought to life in a multimedia setting proved to be a moving experience and one Id recommend to novices and aficionados alike. Viva Frida Kahlo Address: 69 Mercedesstrasse, Stuttgart, Germany Cost: Admission price is between 20 and 26 euros depending on the day. Hours: Daily, 10 am.-9 p.m. Information: www.vivafridakahlo.de/vfk/stuttgart A charcuterie board from Di Punto near Yokosuka Naval Base, Japan. (Jonathan Baez/Stars and Stripes) Di Punto, an Italian restaurant near Yokosuka Naval Base, works well on date night, after work with friends and everything else in between. This izakaya takes a traditional Italian experience and gives it a Japanese twist. From the outside, Di Punto gives off a snooty vibe, but take a chance and youll see that everyone is welcome. Inside, a server greets you with a broad smile while wearing a striped outfit reminiscent of a French seamans mariniere shirt. Di Punto, near Yokosuka Naval Base, Japan, combines Italian cuisine with Japanese presentation. (Jonathan Baez/Stars and Stripes) The interior is industrial rustic wooden chairs and tables complemented by concrete, steel poles and exposed lighting overhead. Outside, passersby move up and down Yokosukas busy shopping district on Blue Street. The room feels familiar even though it looks nothing like home. As your server leads you to a table, you pass groups of friends and families casually sharing laughs over bottles of wine. The basket of bread that arrives at your table is all-you-can-eat, at 385 yen per person, or $2.43, but butter is not included. Bread and pizza drizzled with honey are staples at Di Punto in Yokosuka, Japan. (Jonathan Baez/Stars and Stripes) The menu is extensive, and the serving sizes are small, as youd expect at an izakaya. Di Punto has plenty of dishes to sample, from charcuterie boards with mixed cheeses that resemble flower petals, four-cheese pizzas drizzled with honey and sprinkled with pistachios, and a classic Angus beef steak cut up into bite-sized pieces served with soy-sauce-flavored wasabi. Each dish that I tried was better than the last, but the best plate of the night went to the Angus beef steak with wasabi for 1,980 yen. The medium-rare steak was tender and juicy, and to my surprise went well with the soy-flavored wasabi. Slices of Angus beef steak top the menu at Di Punto on Blue Street outside Yokosuka Naval Base, Japan. (Jonathan Baez/Stars and Stripes) A wide variety of alcoholic beverages are available. Di Punto offers mocktails, or you may have your grape juice in a wine glass if youre feeling fancy. The mission statement on Di Puntos website says its goal is to create a space that encourages conversation, and pair it with delicious food and wine. Whether you put on your favorite going-out shirt or a casual hoodie, Di Punto wont turn you away. Di Punto, near Yokosuka Naval Base, Japan, is a cut above the typical izakaya. (Jonathan Baez/Stars and Stripes) Di Punto Location: 3-18-14 Wakamatsucho Dai 86, Tokyo Bldg 1F, Yokosuka, 238-0007 Hours: Open 5 p.m. to 12 a.m. Monday to Wednesday; 5 p.m. to 3 a.m. Thursday and Friday; and 3 p.m. to midnight Saturday and Sunday. Prices: Most dishes range from 580 yen to 1,980 yen. Dress: Casual Directions: A 10-minute walk from the Yokosuka Naval Base, Japan. Information: Phone: 046-828-5070; Online: dipunto.wine Military aircraft perform aerobatic displays in this undated photo from the 2026 Singapore Airshow at Changi Exhibition Centre. (Singapore Airshow) The Defense Department continued its long-running string of appearances at the Singapore Airshow by sending four aircraft and the U.S. Air Force Band of the Pacific to participate in the event this week. The four aircraft are the F-35A Lightning II, MQ-9 Reaper, KC-46 Pegasus and P-8A Poseidon. They are on static display this year and not scheduled for flights, according to a Pacific Air Forces news release Tuesday. The U.S. Air Force Band of the Pacific is scheduled to perform periodically throughout the air show, which began Tuesday and concludes Sunday. The air show was accessible mainly to trade professionals throughout the week, with the public getting their chance to attend this weekend. The event is also a trade show, with representatives from the worlds biggest aerospace companies present, from Airbus to Boeing and Lockheed Martin, Saab and Gulfstream, according to the event organizer, Experia Events Pte Ltd. Over 1,000 companies from more than 50 nations are attending this years show, according to the release. An F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter sits on display in this undated photo from the 2026 Singapore Airshow at Changi Exhibition Centre. (Singapore Airshow) The United States is one of 14 countries whose pavilions anchor the main floor at the Changi Exhibition Centre, the largest in the shows history, according to Experia Events. Exhibitors use the popular event to showcase the latest advances in aerospace technology and equipment while also networking with potential clients. The 2024 air show alone generated more than $300 million, according to the company. Members of the U.S. Air Force Band of the Pacific perform in this undated photo from the 2026 Singapore Airshow at Changi Exhibition Centre. (Singapore Airshow) The first two days of this years event featured a space summit for the first time to create dialogue between space agencies, policymakers and investors in the burgeoning industry. The Pentagon uses the annual event to strengthen ties with Singapore, engage with other foreign partners, showcase equipment and expand their power projection capabilities, according to Pacific Air Forces. The first Singapore Airshow was held in 2008, and the U.S. has been a regular participant ever since, becoming the first Feature Country in 2014. Members of the 25th Infantry Division fire machine guns during a Balikatan live-fire drill in Aparri, Philippines, May 3, 2025. (Malia Sparks/U.S. Marine Corps) FORT SHAFTER, Hawaii The Hawaii-based 25th Infantry Division heads to the Philippines next month for its part in U.S. Army Pacifics annual Operation Pathways training engagements with that nations armed forces. Just dont call them exercises. I will emphasize: We wont call these exercises, Col. Aidan Shattock, the divisions deputy commander for interoperability, said by phone Tuesday. The Philippines look at these activities as rehearsals, he said. We are rehearsing how they will defend their homeland and their territories. That distinction reflects the evolution of Operation Pathways, which started in 2014 as Pacific Pathways, and the changing security environment in Southeast Asia. The initial Pathways rotated small Army units into the Indo-Pacific region for a few months at a time by moving through a series of established multinational exercises west of the International Date Line. Its redesignation as Operation Pathways in 2023 marked the initiatives shift into an Army campaign. Now were focused on rehearsing, Shattock said. That creates the most amount of deterrence. That deterrence is primarily directed toward China, which maintains expansive but disputed claims to most of the South China Sea, including islands and atolls claimed by the Philippines. Over the past two years, Philippine crews have captured video of Chinese coast guard vessels harassing Philippine boats with water cannons and unsafe maneuvers. Tension between Manila and Beijing over the South China Sea is an existential issue for the Philippines, Adm. Ronnie Gil Gavan, commandant of the Philippine coast guard, told reporters in Honolulu in January. Operation Pathways kicks off in March with Salaknib, which has in the past included live-fire drills, logistics operations and air-assault training. Salaknib has primarily been an army-to-army engagement between the two nations, but it is apparently expanding this year. Philippine media reported this fall that the Japan Self-Defense Force and the Australian army will join Salaknib for the first time. Balikatan, the largest annual engagement between U.S. armed forces and the Philippine army, begins in April. Key activities typically include live-fire maritime strikes, amphibious assaults, cyber defense, coastal defense and disaster relief operations. Japan, Australia and New Zealand have regularly participated in Balikatan. Canada, however, is expected to be the third largest participant in Balikatan after signing a status of visiting forces agreement last year with the Philippines, according to reports by Philippine media. In May, U.S. Army Pacifics Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center will deploy to the Philippines for the third year. It employs monitors, video and other digital information to provide real-time feedback on combat to 25th ID and Philippine soldiers on the ground. We will conduct that with our largest footprint to date, Shattock said. In June, the 25th is scheduled for Operation Maneuver, a massive movement of joint troops and equipment by air, sea and land. During a similar operation last year, 25th ID soldiers joined troops from the 5th and 7th Philippine infantry divisions for maneuvers on the northern portion of Luzon, the nations largest and most populous island. We are now developing that path to include the 9th Infantry Division, which is south of Manila, so that we can build in more exposure to the Philippine army forces, Shattock said. The 25th will also continue throughout spring and summer with its transformation of several brigades into lighter, more mobile units using drones, the HIMARS rocket system and the new infantry squad vehicles, Shattock said. Taiwan President Lai Ching-te speaks during a press conference in Taipei on Feb. 3, 2026. (Taiwan Presidential Office via AP) TAIPEI, Taiwan Taiwans ties with the United States are rock solid, the islands president said Thursday, hours after President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping spoke on the phone about topics that included the self-ruled islands future. The Taiwan-U.S. relationship is rock solid, and all cooperation projects will continue uninterrupted, Taiwan President Lai Ching-te told reporters during a visit to textile merchants in western Taiwan. The comments came after Xi, in his first call with Trump since November, warned the U.S. president to be prudent about supplying arms to the self-ruled island, according to a readout of their call provided by Chinas Foreign Ministry. Taiwan is a self-ruled democracy that China claims as its own territory, to be annexed by force if necessary. Beijing prohibits all countries it has diplomatic relations with including the U.S. from having formal ties with Taipei. Still, while the U.S. doesnt officially recognize Taiwan as a country, it is the islands strongest informal backer and arms supplier. In December, the U.S. State Department announced its largest-ever arms sales package to Taiwan, valued at more than $11.1 billion and including missiles, artillery systems and drones. The package is yet to be approved by Congress. China reacted angrily to the proposed arms sales, conducting two days of military drills around the island in late December, for which it dispatched air, navy and missile units. The arms sales are also facing pushback from Taiwans opposition KMT party and some of its population, along with a proposed increase of defense spending to 3.3% of Taiwans gross domestic product. Taiwans opposition-controlled parliament has blocked Lais budget plan, including a $40 billion special defense budget, proposing instead a much smaller defense spending plan. Trump said the call with Xi was excellent and thorough in a post late Wednesday on Truth Social. He added that he is looking forward to a trip to China in April that will be the first of his current term in office. Trump also said China is considering buying 20 million tons of U.S. soybeans in the current season, up from 12 million tons in the previous season. AP Video journalist Johnson Lai contributed to this report. U.S. Marines and sailors prepare to launch an RQ-20 Puma unmanned aircraft system from a combat rubber reconnaissance craft during Operation Baltic Sentry in Southern Finland, Feb. 28, 2025. NATO is poised to step up its military presence in the Arctic region with a new surveillance mission similar to Baltic Sentry, an alliance spokesman said. (Brian Bolin Jr./U.S. Marine Corp) NATO is poised to step up its military presence in the Arctic region with a new surveillance mission modeled along the lines of a similar effort in the Baltics, an alliance spokesman said this week. The activity will even further strengthen NATOs posture in the Arctic and High North, Col. Martin L. ODonnell, Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe spokesperson, said Thursday. Planning for the effort, to be called Arctic Sentry, is already underway, said ODonnell, who did not indicate when the operation might launch. The initiative is the latest example of how NATO is stepping up efforts aimed at countering Russia in northern Europe and along the alliances eastern flank. One year ago, NATO began Baltic Sentry, which was prompted by a series of suspected undersea sabotage incidents that resulted in damage to energy pipelines and communication cables. The effort has incorporated a wide range of naval surveillance drones, warships, submarines and aircraft to identify and track ships. Allied officials have said the mission has paid off over the past year with fewer instances of mischief-making in the Baltic Sea. NATOs plan to boost operations in the High North comes as the Arctic as a whole has become a major focal point for the alliance. President Donald Trump has argued that the alliance is vulnerable to Russian and Chinese influence in the region. Trump has cited such concerns as a justification for the United States to take control of Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory of NATO ally Denmark. Trumps push for control of the territory has rattled some members of the alliance. However, tensions appear to have eased in recent weeks following Trumps visit last month to an economic forum in Davos, Switzerland. In Davos, Trump said he and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte had reached the framework of a future deal on Greenland. Details of the plan, however, have yet to emerge. U.S. President Donald Trump greets Russian President Vladimir Putin, Aug. 15, 2025, at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska. (Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP) MOSCOW The Kremlin said Thursday it regretted the expiration of the last remaining nuclear arms pact between Russia and the United States, while U.S. President Donald Trump declared he was against keeping its limits and wants a better deal. The pacts termination left no caps on the two largest atomic arsenals for the first time in more than a half-century, fueling fears of an unconstrained nuclear arms race. Russian President Vladimir Putin last year declared his readiness to stick to the treatys limits for another year if Washington followed suit, but Trump has ignored the offer and argued that he wants China to be a part of a new pact something Beijing has rebuffed. Rather than extend NEW START (A badly negotiated deal by the United States that, aside from everything else, is being grossly violated), we should have our Nuclear Experts work on a new, improved, and modernized Treaty that can last long into the future, Trump posted on his Truth Social network. Putin discussed the pacts expiration with Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Wednesday, noting the U.S. failure to respond to his proposal to extend its limits and saying that Russia will act in a balanced and responsible manner based on thorough analysis of the security situation, Kremlin adviser Yuri Ushakov said. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Moscow views the treatys expiration Thursday negatively and regrets it. He said Russia will maintain its responsible, thorough approach to stability when it comes to nuclear weapons, adding that of course, it will be guided primarily by its national interests. Peskov emphasized that if we receive constructive responses, we will certainly conduct a dialogue. With the end of the treaty, Moscow remains ready to take decisive military-technical measures to counter potential additional threats to the national security, the Russian Foreign Ministry said. Even as New START expires, the U.S. and Russia agreed Thursday to reestablish high-level, military-to-military dialogue following a meeting between senior officials from both sides in Abu Dhabi, the U.S. military command in Europe said. The link was suspended in 2021 as relations between Moscow and Washington grew increasingly strained before Russia sent troops into Ukraine in February 2022. Details of the pact New START, signed in 2010 by then-President Barack Obama and his Russian counterpart, Dmitry Medvedev, restricted each side to no more than 1,550 nuclear warheads on no more than 700 missiles and bombers deployed and ready for use. It was originally supposed to expire in 2021 but was extended for five more years. The pact envisioned sweeping on-site inspections to verify compliance, although they stopped in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic and never resumed. In February 2023, Putin suspended Moscows participation, saying Russia couldnt allow U.S. inspections of its nuclear sites at a time when Washington and its NATO allies have openly declared Moscows defeat in Ukraine as their goal. At the same time, the Kremlin emphasized it wasnt withdrawing from the pact altogether, pledging to respect its caps on nuclear weapons. In offering in September to abide by New STARTs limits for a year to buy time for both sides to negotiate a successor agreement, Putin said the treatys expiration would be destabilizing and could fuel nuclear proliferation. New START was the last remaining pact in a long series of agreements between Moscow and Washington to limit their nuclear arsenals, starting with the SALT I in 1972. Trump wants China in a pact Trump has indicated he would like to keep limits on nuclear weapons but wants to involve China in a potential new treaty. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Wednesday that Trump has made clear in order to have true arms control in the 21st century, its impossible to do something that doesnt include China because of their vast and rapidly growing stockpile. In his first term, Trump tried and failed to push for a three-way nuclear pact involving China. Beijing has balked at any restrictions on its smaller but growing nuclear arsenal, while urging the U.S. to resume nuclear talks with Russia. Chinas nuclear forces are not at all on the same scale as those of the U.S. and Russia, and thus China will not participate in nuclear disarmament negotiations at the current stage, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said Thursday. He said China regrets the expiration of New START and calls on the U.S. to resume nuclear dialogue with Russia soon. Beijing, he said, urges the U.S, to respond positively to Moscows suggestion that the two sides continue observing the core limits of the treaty for now. Peskov reaffirmed Thursday that Moscow respects Beijings position. He and other Russian officials have repeatedly argued that any attempt to negotiate a broader nuclear pact instead of a U.S.-Russian deal should also involve nuclear arsenals of NATO members France and the U.K. Arms control advocates bemoaned the end of New START and warned of the imminent threat of a new arms race. If the Trump administration continues to stiff-arm nuclear arms control diplomacy with Russia and decides to increase the number of nuclear weapons in the U.S. deployed strategic arsenal, it will only lead Russia to follow suit and encourage China to accelerate its ongoing strategic buildup in an attempt to maintain a strategic nuclear retaliatory strike capability vis-a-vis the United States, said Daryl Kimball, executive director of the Arms Control Association in Washington. Such a scenario could lead to a years-long, dangerous three-way nuclear arms buildup. Associated Press writers Ken Moritsugu in Beijing and Aamer Madhani in Washington contributed to this report. People learn to write Chinese calligraphy during an event in celebration of the Chinese New Year in Cape Town, South Africa, on Feb. 1, 2026. The bustling Victoria & Alfred Waterfront in Cape Town, South Africa's legislative capital, came alive with vibrant colors and lively performances on Sunday as the upcoming Chinese New Year was celebrated. The event attracted hundreds of local residents and foreign tourists, injecting fresh momentum into people-to-people exchanges between China and Africa. (Xinhua/Wang Lei) CAPE TOWN, Feb. 4 (Xinhua) -- The bustling Victoria & Alfred Waterfront in Cape Town, South Africa's legislative capital, came alive with vibrant colors and lively performances on Sunday as the upcoming Chinese New Year was celebrated. The event attracted hundreds of local residents and foreign tourists, injecting fresh momentum into people-to-people exchanges between China and Africa. China's Spring Festival will fall on Feb. 17 this year, marking the beginning of the Year of the Horse. The horse is the seventh animal in the 12-year cycle of the Chinese zodiac. Organized by the city's Chinese community, the Chinese New Year 2026 celebration in Cape Town once again presented a rich cultural feast infused with Spring Festival atmosphere, taking on added significance as 2026 has been designated as the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges. Ahead of the main performance event, a cultural exhibition was held near the V&A Waterfront Amphitheatre, allowing visitors to taste Chinese cuisine, experience Chinese tea ceremonies, participate in arts and crafts such as Chinese calligraphy, woodblock printing, as well as making Chinese trinkets said to bring luck and success. Zian Lombat, a postgraduate majoring in media at the University of Cape Town, was trying Chinese calligraphy at a cultural booth. "I really love Chinese culture and enjoy learning about it," she told Xinhua. "And I would like to visit China someday, especially for the teas and the calligraphy." Taaraa Lakay, a third-year Chinese linguistics major at Stellenbosch University, told Xinhua that she also came to the Chinese New Year celebration last year, which she said was very beautiful, too. "I think it is really exciting," Lakay said, adding that she got to try on traditional Chinese clothes and sample Chinese food. "I'm very happy to be here. It's a wonderful time." Having started learning Chinese in primary school, Lakay said she knew that 2026 has been designated as the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges. "Such an event for celebrating the New Year will improve the people-to-people relationship between South Africa and China, fostering things like today's connections," she said. "I think bringing the Chinese culture can serve to diversify South Africa even more, which is always a good thing." Around 4 p.m., amidst the resounding beats of gongs and drums from the amphitheatre, the main performance event kicked off with New Year's messages from China's Consul General in Cape Town Ren Faqiang and Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis. The audience was treated to mesmerizing performances, including Sichuan opera face-changing, Chinese martial arts, and a fusion of Chinese and South African dances, featuring traditional Chinese folk dances alongside the lively rhythms of Xhosa performances. The exhilarating dragon and lion dances by the Cape Town Huaxing Arts Troupe ignited a wave of cheers and applause from the crowd. South African youths were also seen among the performers of traditional Chinese programs, including 21-year-old local college student Luqmaan Slarmie and 18-year-old local high school student Saifullah Chafeker, who took part in the Chinese martial arts performances. Although they both love Chinese culture -- with Slarmie fascinated by the Chinese zodiac and Chafeker by Chinese calligraphy -- their greatest enthusiasm is reserved, of course, for Chinese martial arts. "That has brought me a sense of confidence, a sense of peace as well. And I can definitely tell that my fitness has gone up in the time frame that I've been training," Slarmie told Xinhua. "For me, Chinese martial arts have been a very big part of my life since I was a small child. I've always wanted to do it, and I've been extremely grateful to have started and been able to continue for the past 10 to 11 years," said Chafeker. Dong Gang, leader of the Huaxing troupe and chief organizer of the event, expressed his excitement about celebrating Spring Festival at such an iconic location for the fourth time, especially because this year has been designated as the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges. The Spring Festival emphasizes reunion, harmony, and sharing, while the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges highlights mutual learning between civilizations and closer ties between peoples. "At the spiritual level, the two are closely connected and share the same underlying ethos," said Dong. When the Chinese and South African communities celebrate the Spring Festival and welcome the New Year together, "this form of exchange goes beyond a superficial level and truly achieves cultural integration and mutual learning," he added. People watch a performance during an event in celebration of the Chinese New Year in Cape Town, South Africa, on Feb. 1, 2026. The bustling Victoria & Alfred Waterfront in Cape Town, South Africa's legislative capital, came alive with vibrant colors and lively performances on Sunday as the upcoming Chinese New Year was celebrated. The event attracted hundreds of local residents and foreign tourists, injecting fresh momentum into people-to-people exchanges between China and Africa. (Xinhua/Wang Lei) People learn to make Chinese-knot decorations during an event in celebration of the Chinese New Year in Cape Town, South Africa, on Feb. 1, 2026. The bustling Victoria & Alfred Waterfront in Cape Town, South Africa's legislative capital, came alive with vibrant colors and lively performances on Sunday as the upcoming Chinese New Year was celebrated. The event attracted hundreds of local residents and foreign tourists, injecting fresh momentum into people-to-people exchanges between China and Africa.(Xinhua/Wang Lei) People perform a traditional Chinese dance during an event in celebration of the Chinese New Year in Cape Town, South Africa, on Feb. 1, 2026. The bustling Victoria & Alfred Waterfront in Cape Town, South Africa's legislative capital, came alive with vibrant colors and lively performances on Sunday as the upcoming Chinese New Year was celebrated. The event attracted hundreds of local residents and foreign tourists, injecting fresh momentum into people-to-people exchanges between China and Africa.(Xinhua/Wang Lei) People perform a lion dance during an event in celebration of the Chinese New Year in Cape Town, South Africa, on Feb. 1, 2026. The bustling Victoria & Alfred Waterfront in Cape Town, South Africa's legislative capital, came alive with vibrant colors and lively performances on Sunday as the upcoming Chinese New Year was celebrated. The event attracted hundreds of local residents and foreign tourists, injecting fresh momentum into people-to-people exchanges between China and Africa. (Xinhua/Wang Lei) People perform a traditional African dance during an event in celebration of the Chinese New Year in Cape Town, South Africa, on Feb. 1, 2026. The bustling Victoria & Alfred Waterfront in Cape Town, South Africa's legislative capital, came alive with vibrant colors and lively performances on Sunday as the upcoming Chinese New Year was celebrated. The event attracted hundreds of local residents and foreign tourists, injecting fresh momentum into people-to-people exchanges between China and Africa.(Xinhua/Wang Lei) People perform Chinese martial arts during an event in celebration of the Chinese New Year in Cape Town, South Africa, on Feb. 1, 2026. The bustling Victoria & Alfred Waterfront in Cape Town, South Africa's legislative capital, came alive with vibrant colors and lively performances on Sunday as the upcoming Chinese New Year was celebrated. The event attracted hundreds of local residents and foreign tourists, injecting fresh momentum into people-to-people exchanges between China and Africa. (Xinhua/Wang Lei) Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, head of U.S. European Command and NATO supreme allied commander, speaks during a press conference at NATO headquarters in Brussels on Sept. 12, 2025. (NATO) The United States and Russia will maintain high-level military-to-military dialogue for the first time since 2021, with the reopening of a direct communication channel that was suspended ahead of the Kremlins full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The agreement was reached during meetings this week in the United Arab Emirates involving Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, commander of U.S. European Command, and counterparts from Russia and Ukraine, EUCOM said in a statement Thursday. President Donald Trumps special envoy Steve Witkoff and senior White House adviser Jared Kushner also participated in the talks, EUCOM said. Maintaining dialogue between militaries is an important factor in global stability and peace, EUCOM said without identifying specific topics expected to be discussed under the restored channel. It will provide consistent military contact as the sides pursue a potential path toward ending the war in Ukraine, the statement added. Dialogue between the U.S. and Russian militaries was suspended in the fall of 2021 amid tensions leading up to Moscows full-scale invasion the following February. Since then, the U.S. and its European allies have significantly increased troop presence along NATOs eastern flank, citing the need to deter further aggression by Moscow. The buildup has raised the risks of an unplanned incident that could trigger a wider confrontation. In addition to his role leading EUCOM, Grynkewich serves as NATOs Supreme Allied Commander Europe, a position that gives him authority to maintain military-to-military communication with Russias Gen. Valery Gerasimov, chief of the general staff. EUCOM declined to comment Thursday in response to questions seeking further information. Two AH-64 Apache helicopters fly through a landing zone during aviation operations in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility on Nov. 4, 2025. An ISIS communication site, a critical logistics center and weapons facilities in Syria were destroyed in strikes between Jan. 27 and Feb. 2, CENTCOM said. (Doniel Kennedy/U.S. Army) U.S. Central Command recently launched fresh strikes against Islamic State targets in Syria, continuing its retaliatory campaign after the December killings of two American soldiers and a civilian interpreter in an ambush. Between Jan. 27 and Feb. 2, CENTCOM forces carried out five strikes against various targets, destroying an ISIS communications site, a critical logistics center and weapons facilities, according to a Wednesday statement from the command. Striking these targets demonstrates our continued focus and resolve for preventing an ISIS resurgence in Syria, CENTCOM commander Adm. Brad Cooper said in the statement. Operating in coordination with coalition and partner forces to ensure the enduring defeat of ISIS makes America, the region and the world safer. The U.S. maintains about 1,000 troops in Syria, primarily as part of its anti-ISIS mission. The deadly Dec. 13 attack in Palmyra on U.S. forces who were patrolling with their Syrian partners was carried out by a gunman with links to ISIS, according to U.S. and Syrian officials. The gunman was killed by partner forces, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said at the time. Two members of the Iowa National Guard were killed in the attack along with an American interpreter. A number of members of the Syrian security forces were wounded. President Donald Trump and Hegseth vowed swift vengeance against ISIS. In the months since, CENTCOMs Operation Hawkeye Strike has killed or captured more than 50 ISIS members, the command said in its Wednesday statement. Among those targeted was Bilal Hasan al-Jasim, an ISIS leader directly connected to the ambush who was killed in a Jan. 16 strike, according to CENTCOM. Members of the National Guard patrol on the National Mall with the U.S. Capitol in the background in Washington, D.C., on Nov. 5, 2025. (Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP/Getty Images/TNS) (Tribune News Service) The gunman accused of shooting two National Guard members in Washington, D.C., killing one and seriously wounding the other, has pleaded not guilty to the nine charges against him including first-degree murder. Rahmanullah Lakanwal, who was also shot before he was taken into custody, made his brief court appearance Wednesday in a wheelchair and an orange jumpsuit, CNN reported. In addition to the murder charge, 29-year-old Lakanwal is also facing counts of transportation of a firearm and ammunition in interstate commerce with the intent to commit a felony, three counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, and four counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence or dangerous offense. The Department of Justice had said it will be seeking the death penalty in the case. On Nov. 26, Lakanwal allegedly used a powerful Smith & Wesson .357 Magnum to open fire on law enforcement near the Farragut Square metro stop, just blocks away from the White House. Both 24-year-old Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe and Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, were shot. The had been deployed to the area as part of the Trump administrations efforts to crack down on what it has called rampant crime in major cities across the U.S, . The gunman was eventually wounded by another member of the National Guard and arrested. A day after the shooting, on Thanksgiving, President Trump announced Beckstrom had died, remembering her as a highly respected, young, magnificent person and outstanding in every way. Both Beckstrom and Wolfe each suffered a gunshot to the back of the head, according to a federal criminal complaint, cited by NBC News. Wolfe, meanwhile, continues to recover. He was transferred to an inpatient rehabilitation facility in December. Authorities have said that Lakanwal entered the U.S. in September 2021 through the Biden administrations Operation Allies Welcome initiative, a program that helped resettle Afghan allies who worked with the U.S. during the war against the Taliban in Afghanistan. Lakanwal worked with the CIA by way of the Zero Units, a group of Afghan commandos tasked with missions planned by the agency. Most recently, hed been living in Bellingham, Wash., with his wife and five kids. He applied for asylum during the Biden administration, but it was granted last year while Trump was in office. His next court appearance is slated for May. 2026 New York Daily News. Visit nydailynews.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. The Franklin Fire sends a plume of smoke into the sky, Dec. 10, 2024, in Malibu, Calif. (Eric Thayer/AP) Chronic exposure to pollution from wildfires has been linked to tens of thousands of deaths annually in the United States, according to a new study. The paper, published Wednesday in the journal Science Advances, found that from 2006 to 2020, long-term exposure to tiny particulates from wildfire smoke contributed to an average of 24,100 deaths a year in the lower 48 states. Our message is: Wildfire smoke is very dangerous. It is an increasing threat to human health, said Yaguang Wei, a study author and assistant professor in the department of environmental medicine at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. Other scientists who have studied the death toll from wildfire smoke were not surprised by the findings. The estimates theyre coming up with are reasonable, said Michael Jerrett, professor of environmental health science at the University of California, Los Angeles who was not involved in the study. We need more of them. Its only if were doing multiple studies with many different designs that we gain scientific confidence of our outcomes. These are real lives being lost due to wildfire smoke The papers researchers focused on deaths linked to chronic exposure to fine particulate matter, or PM2.5 the main concern from wildfire smoke. These particles can lodge deep into lungs and enter the bloodstream. Short-term exposure can trigger coughing and itchy eyes, but longer term, they can make existing health problems worse and lead to a range of chronic and deadly health issues, including respiratory illness, cardiovascular and neurological diseases, and premature death. Wildfire smoke PM2.5 has emerged as significant environmental hazard in the U.S., and its driven by increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires due to climate change, said Min Zhang, a postdoctoral student at the Icahn School and a study author. Along with decades of forest mismanagement, growing development in fire-prone areas has expanded the urban wildland interface, increasing wildfire risk with real consequences for human health, said Jerrett. Nobodys going to have wildfire death on their death certificate unless the fire actually burned them or a tree fell on them or something like that, said Jerrett. But many of the people that are dying from this exposure are ones that are already more vulnerable. These are real lives that are being lost. This is not some arbitrary abstract statistical concept. How researchers approached the study The studys authors analyzed the link between annual average exposure to PM2.5 from wildfire smoke and deaths by county in the lower 48. They used federal mortality data across 3,068 counties of all causes of death and several specific ones circulatory, neurological and respiratory diseases, as well as mental and behavioral disorders, tumors and endocrine, nutritional and metabolic diseases. They also included deaths related to falls and transport accidents which are unlikely to be linked to wildfire smoke to ensure their other observations werent biased. We found no association for car accidents and falls, while for other diseases we found statistically significant effects, said Wei. Deaths from neurological diseases saw the biggest increase with exposure to these particulates. How pronounced the link was between particulate exposure and death varied by season and demographics. A stronger association appeared during cooler periods, and people in rural areas and younger communities appeared to be more vulnerable. Researchers also found that with every 0.1 microgram per cubic meter increase of PM2.5 across all these places, about 5,594 more people died each year. Jerrett said the study had the benefit of a large study population and that it includes most causes of deaths in the U.S. But he said the county-level data could have led to over or underestimates because wildfire smoke is very dynamic. It doesnt just blanket a large county all at once. There are going to be parts of the county that gets it a lot worse. The study also did not account for other important factors, such as whether a person smokes, he said. Federal rollbacks on climate policy poses risks, authors say Kai Chen, an associate professor of environmental sciences at the Yale School of Public Health who has also studied the topic, said: I really like that they examined both the smoke and nonsmoke PM2.5. Various research has found that PM2.5 from wildfire smoke has bigger health impacts than pollution from other sources, such as car emissions, said Chen in an email, who was not involved in the study. The Trump administrations rollbacks in climate change policy, even as the more destructive wildfires become more frequent in large part due to global warming, poses critical risks, the studys authors said. Quantifying the deadly threat that PM2.5 from wildfires poses to human health shows the need for effective, urgent mitigation strategies, backed by Environmental Protection Agency monitoring and regulation, they said. This highlights the importance of controlling wildfire sourced PM2.5, which is currently not regulated by the EPA as it is usually regarded as natural disasters, Chen agreed. Retired U.S. Navy Capt. Royce Williams, who was involved in a secretive dogfight with seven Soviet fighter planes more than 70 years ago, will receive the Medal of Honor, the White House confirmed Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026. ( T. Logan Keown/U.S. Navy) WASHINGTON Korean War veteran Royce Williams, who was involved in a secretive dogfight with seven Soviet fighter planes more than 70 years ago, will receive the Medal of Honor, the White House confirmed Thursday. Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., announced the news Wednesday that President Donald Trump let Williams know he would receive the nations highest award for courage under fire. My friend, constituent and hero Royce Williams is 100 years young, a Top Gun pilot like no other, and an American hero for all time, Issa said. The heroism and valor he demonstrated for more than 35 harrowing minutes almost 70 years ago in the skies over the North Pacific and the coast of North Korea unquestionably saved the lives of his fellow pilots, shipmates and crew. His story is one for the ages and it now has its rightful chapter as Royce receives the Medal of Honor. On Nov. 18, 1952, Williams was piloting an F9F-5 Panther when he encountered seven Soviet MiG-15s. Williams, a lieutenant at the time, shot down four of the fighters and survived a 37-millimeter round to his fuselage. Though his plane was badly damaged, he managed to make a safe landing on the deck of the USS Oriskany aircraft carrier off the North Korean coast. After the mission, he was directed to keep silent about the high-stakes dogfight that pitted him against Soviet aviators at the peak of the Cold War. In the moment I was a fighter pilot doing my job I was only shooting what I had, Williams said in an earlier Navy account of the dogfight. They had me cold on maneuverability and acceleration the MiG was vastly superior on those counts to the F9F. The only thing I could do was out-turn them. Williams battled the Soviet pilots for 35 minutes, making the encounter the longest dogfight in U.S. military history, according to the Navy. For more than 50 years, Williams kept quiet about the mission, which was detailed in Soviet records in 1992 after the communist countrys collapse. Williams was initially awarded the Silver Star, and that was elevated to the Navy Cross in 2023. His supporters have continued to press for higher recognition. Issa was among the people spearheading the effort to award Williams the Medal of Honor. The National Defense Authorization Act for 2026, finalized in December, included legislation that removes a five-year statute of limitations rule so that Williams, whose exploits as a Navy pilot are now part of military lore, can be considered for the nations highest honor. What Royce did is still to this day the most unique U.S.-Soviet aerial combat dogfight in the history of the Cold War, and one in which Royce Williams demonstrated indomitable courage of the highest skill under incalculable duress, Issa said. It is my honor to have fought all these years for Royce to gain a recognition that he has not sought, but so richly deserves. Stars and Stripes reporter John Vandiver contributed to this report. NAIROBI, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- Kenya is stepping up preparations to celebrate the upcoming Chinese New Year amid the rising popularity of Chinese films, an official said on Thursday. Cultural institutions, tourism stakeholders, and creative industry players are planning a series of events to mark the Chinese Year of the Horse, which begins on Feb. 17. Timothy Owase, chief executive officer of the Kenya Film Commission (KFC), told Xinhua in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, that the national broadcaster, Kenya Broadcasting Corporation, has scheduled programming focused on Chinese culture, which locals are eager to watch. "As we celebrate this Spring Festival, it is a celebration that Kenya joins with China because the future of storytelling stands tall when the two countries collaborate," Owase said. He noted that Kenyans have long been exposed to Chinese martial arts films, but domestic audiences are now showing interest in other categories of films from the Asian nation. "There are many stories being created by the Chinese in our country, targeting specific topics such as culture, wildlife, and climate change," Owase added. According to the KFC, the rising popularity of Chinese films reflects strengthening cultural exchanges, driven by shifting preferences due to digital platforms and exchange programs. DALTON The Dalton American Legion 301 Auxiliary will host a Community Pie Social on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026, at the Dalton Fire Hall. The event will run from 1 to 4 p.m., and attendees can enjoy a piece of pie for a freewill donation. All bakers in the community are invited to participate in the Pie Judging. Those interested in entering should submit their intent to participate to Aly Belmeyer at the Dalton Village Office between Feb. 23 and Feb. 25. Entries may be submitted by call or text at 308-350-2054. Participants should bring their pies to the Fire Hall by 12:30 p.m. on the day of the event for judging. The Dalton American Legion Auxiliary encourages the community to stop by, enjoy some delicious pies, and support a local gathering. SIDNEY Sidneys local Dairy Queen hosted a fundraiser on Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026, to support employee Scarlette Taylor of Potter as she continues her recovery from injuries sustained in a car accident. The restaurant donated a portion of the days profits and offered customers the option to round up their purchases to benefit Taylors medical expenses. Mollie Packer, general manager of the Sidney Dairy Queen, said the fundraiser drew strong community support, with an estimated 100 people stopping by throughout the day. We had people from Potter, people from Sidney, and surrounding areas asking how she was doing, Packer said. That was heartwarming to see. One good thing about this community Potter, Sidney, Gurley, the whole area is how people really come together for others. Packer said Taylor has worked at the restaurant since last summer and described her as a hardworking employee with a positive attitude. Ive really enjoyed having her here, Packer said. She fit in really well, and the crew all loves her. Theres a bit of a void without her its not the same. Taylor was injured in a car accident on Dec. 5, 2025, and suffered several injuries, including a diffuse axonal injury, a form of traumatic brain injury that can result in temporary or permanent widespread brain damage, coma, or death, according to the Brain Injury Association. She spent a week in the hospital following the accident. While she has since recovered enough to attend school part time, her recovery remains ongoing. According to her mother, Christina Taylor, Scarlettes continued recovery requires weekly and monthly trips to medical providers across Nebraska and Colorado. Insurance coverage has been limited due to providers being considered out of network, adding to the financial burden. Between medical bills, travel costs, and lodging expenses, costs are expected to continue rising. On a GoFundMe page created for Scarlette, Christina Taylor set an initial fundraising goal of $1,600 but noted that future expenses remain uncertain. Those wishing to donate may do so through the GoFundMe page at gofund.me/4597b990c or via Cash App at $Crickie26. SIDNEY - The Cheyenne County Commissioners held a regular meeting Monday, Feb. 2, 2026, reviewing annual reports from several departments and deciding to reclaim office space previously allocated to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). County Clerk Jordan Hajek opened the meeting, explaining that DHHS had inquired about the commissioners' plans for the space. Third District Commissioner Philip Sanders was the first to respond, expressing his opinion that the county should reclaim the offices. First District Commissioner Randal Miller asked Hajek for further clarification but ultimately agreed. The official decision gives DHHS two years' notice to vacate the space. Cheyenne County Tourism Director Kendra Mitchell followed with a report on the All is Bright event. She noted a 27% increase in attendance over the previous year and provided a detailed breakdown of visitors. On average, 27% of attendees each weekend came from outside the county, with guests traveling from as far away as Pennsylvania, though the majority of out-of-state visitors came from Colorado and Wyoming. Mitchell also outlined preliminary ideas for next year's event, including adding tables and chairs for seating. Jamie Bright, Extension Educator with the University of Nebraska, introduced Ashlyn Roelle as the county's new 4-H director. Roelle shared her background, noting her participation in 4-H throughout childhood and involvement in agriculture-based activities during college. "I'll say one of the things I really appreciated in her interview was her interest in volunteer engagement," Bright said. "I think that'll really be a strength for Extension." Bright then gave her annual report, updating commissioners on Marketing Hometown America, which is still in development, and the press coverage the county has received this year. She also highlighted Mitchell's nomination for a state tourism award in Lincoln and noted that she, Mitchell, and UNL Community Vitality Extension Specialist Cheryl Burkhart-Kriesel will speak at the upcoming tourism conference about a "red carpet service" program. The program educates local businesses on creating a positive impression for visitors. More information is available at ruralprosperityne.unl.edu/red-carpet-service/. Cheyenne County Weed Superintendent Brent Fletcher presented his annual report after it was tabled at the previous meeting. While he did not review details, commissioners asked about predator control efforts. Fletcher said he had not received updates from the state. Sanders noted he had contacted a USDA specialist and suggested holding a meeting once that person can present on funding and resources for predator management. Cheyenne County Highway Superintendent Anthony Krajewski provided a routine update on road operations. He shared quotes for new tractors but no action was taken. Krajewski said the county continues hauling gravel, has received no bids on a motor grader, is evaluating trade-in options for the current grader, and will send crews to address trouble spots identified by Sanders at a prior meeting. During public comment, Cheyenne County Chamber Director Joe McCarn reminded attendees about the Federal Crop Insurance Agency's open later that day. ABUJA, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- At least 82 of the 177 worshippers believed to have been abducted last month by suspected bandits in Nigeria's northern state of Kaduna have regained their freedom, local officials and media reported Thursday. The worshippers had been held hostage since Jan. 18, when gunmen stormed a church during a service in Kurmin Wali Village, Kajuru Local Government Area. Eleven people were earlier believed to have escaped, leaving 177 in captivity. Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani late Wednesday confirmed the return of 82 worshippers after visiting the rescued victims at a shelter in the state capital, where they are receiving medical care and psychosocial support. Sani said the rescue was carried out by state security forces and indicated that efforts are ongoing to secure the release of the remaining captives. Ishaku Dan'azumi, head of the village, told local media that those released included women and children. MJ Arrebola Granada Thursday, 5 February 2026, 12:32 Share Storm Leonardo, which kept Granada's Costa Tropical on orange alert for heavy rain and coastal phenomena on Wednesday 4 February, passed without causing any "serious" incidents. While most of the region escaped major destruction, the most significant disruption occurred in Velez de Benaudalla. Local police closed the Rufino bridge and the Barranco de las Vinas area after water was released from the Rules dam on Wednesday night. Mayor Francisco Gutierrez confirmed that six households in the immediate flood zone were asked to evacuate as a precautionary measure as the River Guadalfeo rose Town halls had activated extensive preventive measures along the coast, but in the end the situation remained "under control". In Motril the town hall activated a special monitoring and prevention plan from the early hours of the morning. During the early hours of Tuesday morning, when heavy rainfall was expected, an extensive emergency operation was deployed but no incidents or emergency calls were recorded. The accesses to the Rambla de las Brujas and the Camino del Pelaillo were closed as a precautionary measure, but hours later they were reopened to traffic, while waterways in Calahonda, Carchuna and Motril were supervised and machines worked to ensure correct drainage. The beach areas were also closed to traffic due to the heavy swell and sandbags were put in place to prevent seawater from entering Los Moriscos restaurant. Falling trees In Almunecar-La Herradura there were reports of falling trees in the Cuesta del Manchante and Cotobro areas, due to waterlogged soil. There were also reports of minor landslides on some rural roads, which were cleared promptly. A large tree fell on Paseo Blas Infante with no personal injury or material damage. The Olamar building, on Paseo Andres Segovia and close to the mouth of the River Jate was once again flooded due to the heavy rainfall. Mayor of the town, Juanjo Ruiz Joya, explained that the westerly wind and the sea generated "some very slight and occasional problems" in specific locations including the Pena Parda in La Herradura, but he said that no "significant" damage was caused. A fallen almond tree cut off the road in Haza del Trigo de Polopos at the connection with the A-7 and N-340. According to the local mayor, Matias Gonzalez, municipal workers acted quickly to remove it from the road. Water released from Rules dam In Salobrena, mayor Javier Ortega Prados said that the impact of Storm Leonardo was much less than expected. The town hall tried to minimise the damage by blocking the main accesses to La Guardia with sandbags, a measure that "worked". Preventive measures including the cleaning of gutters and waterways were also "effective", he said. Although no agricultural or beach damage has been recorded after Storm Leonardo, the town hall has already begun the process of applying for aid and assessing the effects of other recent storms. C. L. Thursday, 5 February 2026, 12:15 Share The drugs and organised crime unit of the National Police in Granada (UDYCO) has arrested a Venezuelan man and woman aged between 39 and 41 and a 41-year-old Spanish man, who were wanted by the Spanish and Venezuelan authorities. The two Venezuelans were the subject of International Arrest and Extradition Orders (I.D.E.O.) and police were looking for the Spanish fugitive in relation to possession of arms, ammunition and explosives and another of money laundering. The Spanish man was also charged with an offence of assault against police officers committed during his arrest. The two Venezuelan nationals had international arrest warrants from Caracas for crimes of fraud committed in 2023. Both detainees had allegedly fled the country in order to avoid a potential 30-year prison sentence and the UDYCO Central had received information that they may have been hiding in Granada province. The third detainee, a 41-year-old Spanish man with an extensive criminal record, had been wanted by the Spanish judicial authorities since 2023 for offences including possession of weapons, ammunition and explosives and money laundering. During the arrest, the Spanish man assaulted the officers and tried to run away on two occasions, but was finally intercepted and taken to police headquarters. He has already been taken to prison. Torremolinos storm damage: Trees and lampposts toppled as gale battered coast Emergency teams are working to clear dozens of incidents across the Costa del Sol town after heavy rain and 80km/h winds washed away beaches and toppled infrastructure on Thursday morning Jose Rodriguez Camara Torremolinos Thursday, 5 February 2026, 13:23 Share A turbulent early Thursday morning in Torremolinos saw strong winds and heavy rain cause widespread damage. Dozens of incidents were reported, prompting municipal cleaning teams and other departments to respond, working alongside the Local Police and the fire brigade, according to the council of the Costa del Sol town. There have been numerous problems on the beaches, especially in El Bajondillo and at the mouth of the El Saltillo stream, on the border with Benalmadena, where this type of episode is frequent. The inclement weather has caused significant losses of sand, in particular, next to the Banana Beach Club, while at other points, shower platforms have been washed away. There have also been dozens of fallen trees in different parts of the municipality, including Playamar, Los Pinares and Los Alamos, while the strong winds have also downed lampposts. The town's mayors, Margarita del Cid, expressed her gratitude via her social media profiles to the outstanding professionals mobilised for their work in ensuring safety and minimising the effects of the wind, while also urging caution and prudence. It should be remembered that on 27 January, a young woman died when a palm tree fell on her in Avenida Palma de Mallorca as a result of the strong gale caused by storm Joseph. The state meteorological agency (Aemet) is keeping yellow warnings active for Thursday for gusts of up to 80 kilometres per hour and for expected accumulated rainfall of up to 40 millilitres in 12 hours. In these cases, the warnings will remain in effect until 5.59pm. Meanwhile, coastal phenomena, with waves of two to three metres high, will remain in force until 7.59pm. For all these reasons, the town hall has kept the territorial plan for local emergencies activated and suspended non-essential activities. Irene Quirante Thursday, 5 February 2026, 11:08 Share A 41-year-old man barricaded himself with knives at his home in Alhaurin de la Torre (Malaga) for two hours on Tuesday night, allegedly after assaulting his partner. Once he came out after long negotiations, the police arrested him on suspicion of gender-based violence. The incident in the Los Limones area required the intervention of the Local Police and the Guardia Civil. Upon arrival, the police discovered that the man had locked himself inside, drunk and in a state of great agitation. According to sources, he had hurt himself and was losing blood, but said that he wouldn't come out until he had spoken to the head of the police and former neighbour of his. The man in question was off duty that evening, but he went to the house as soon as he learnt about the incident. After almost two hours of mediation and negotiations, the man finally surrendered. Due to the cuts he had inflicted on himself, he needed to go to the hospital, already under arrest for an alleged crime of gender-based violence and resistance. The detainee's partner told the police that it was not the first time he had assaulted her. The police informed the victim of her rights, available resources and services, as well as the possibility of filing a complaint. Italian Navys 'air defence destroyer docks in Malaga The Marina Militare ship can be visited on 5 and 6 February on quay 2, next to the Palm Grove. Ignacio Lillo Malaga Thursday, 5 February 2026, 15:13 | Updated 15:33h. Share The Port of Malaga has welcomed a high-profile guest as the Italian Navys guided-missile destroyer, Andrea Doria (D 553), moored at Quay 2, just steps from the Palmeral de las Sorpresas on Thursday. The vessel, a crown jewel of the Italian Marina Militare, is making a scheduled stopover before continuing its journey to Northern Europe. It is set to represent Italy in high-intensity multinational NATO exercises alongside allied fleets. Armed with a PAAMS (Principal Anti-Air Missile System) and a 48-cell vertical launch system, it can intercept threats at significant ranges. Its stealthy, tilted superstructure is specifically designed to reduce its radar signature, making this 7,000-tonne giant surprisingly difficult for adversaries to detect. Features The Andrea Doria is part of the elite Orizzonte (Horizon) class, a joint project between Italy and France. Launched in 2005 and commissioned in 2007, the ship is a master of air defence, designed to shield carrier strike groups from missile threats and aircraft. The ship will be open to the public and can be visited this Thursday, 5 February, from 15.00 to 18.00; and on Friday, 6 February, from 10.30 to 12.00 and from 15.00 to 18.00. Thanks to state-of-the-art sensors, advanced telecommunications and command and control systems, the vessel has multifunctional capabilities and can operate in a wide range of operational scenarios. It has also operated as a flagship in maritime security and anti-piracy operations and for air defence, integrated with allied carrier groups in high-intensity operational contexts. With an operational range of 7,600 nautical miles at 18 knots, it embarks an SH90 helicopter and is armed with three Oto Melara 76/62 SR guns; two 25/80 machine guns; 48-cell PAAMS missile system; provision for eight Teseo Mk2/A S/S; two SCLAR-H rocket launchers and two Eurotorp B515/1 MU90 torpedo launchers. The ship will be open to the public and can be visited on the following days and times: this Thursday, 5 February, from 15.00 to 18.00; and on Friday, 6 February, from 10.30 to 12.00 and from 15.00 to 18.00. A large police deployment in Malaga province on Thursday led to the arrest of five individuals, one of them underage, suspected of the assaults on taxi drivers reported by SUR last week. The latest incident took place shortly before 5am on 25 January, when the medical emergency services attended to an injured taxi driver on Calle Ebro. The driver said that his 'customers' were armed with a knife and a gun, if not with more weapons. They had punched the victim, but he did not need hospitalisation. The previous two robberies had taken place on 17 January. All three taxi drivers were lightly injured and the reported loot was small. According to the investigation, the method and the crime scene are the same in all three cases: fake customers request a ride to the Palma-Palmilla district, where they rob the drivers at gunpoint. The police operation on Thursday morning was possible thanks to fingerprint and photo identification of the suspects. More than 60 police officers participated in the deployment, with the help of aerial resources, and dogs. They carried out five house searches, four in the northern part of Malaga city and one in Benalmadena. The operation led to the gathering of more evidence and the seizure of weapons. The Serrania de Ronda has reached a geological breaking point as saturated land fails to absorb another drop of water following the arrival of Storm Leonardo. After two months of persistent rainfall, the ground across the mountain range is now so sodden that even minor streams have been transformed into torrents. On Wednesday, the heaviest downpour of the winter pushed already full aquifers beyond their limits, leaving the landscape unable to contain the overflow. Access to some roads remains partially or completely cut off due to landslide damage and fallen trees obstructing the passage. Some fields are waterlogged. The only people who dared to cross road between Ronda and Jimera de Libar on Wednesday were the police, civil protection, road maintenance, the fire brigade and journalists. They were also among the few customers of the only establishment that remained open - La Morada, in Ronda's industrial area. Carlos, the owner, made sure they were fed, with enough energy to respond to emergencies. Usually a topic of small talk, the weather had monopolised all conversations, with residents and journalists taking photos to record the storm. Local resident Rosario was taking photos of the La Ventilla stream throughout the day as proof that its level had not stopped rising. The photo of the Tajo gorge, with water spectacularly rushing from under the bridge in Ronda, will remain in history. Zoom The Tajo gorge, Ronda, on Thursday. Salvador Salas Almost nobody walked on the streets of local villages, except for the odd tourist who had not understood that the weather was not inviting. People stayed at home and worked remotely, while restaurants, bars, shops and hotels closed their doors. The emergency services had evacuated around 140 people in Cortes, Ronda, Estacion de Jimera de Libar and Canete la Real. Around 300 people in different rural areas of the Serrania were trapped in their houses. In view of the red alert approaching, on Tuesday the local authorities informed residents about how they could stay safe. The emergency services remained on alert throughout the night and during the day of 4 February, ready to respond to any incidents. "We are at full capacity, but we are always on the lookout for any incidents that may occur," Mayor of Arriate Francisco Javier Anet said on Wednesday. Many people stoically watched rivers and streams grow, aware that they had no control. "There is nothing to be done about the rain, it comes when it comes," local resident Manuela said. Isabel and Salvador at the door of their house in the village of Almargen. Isabel was 35 years old when she almost lost her life in the 1979 flood in Malaga province. She and her husband Salvador live in fear every time it rains heavily in the northern village of Almargen. On Wednesday, storm Leonardo triggered the old trauma. On 20 October 1979, the overflowing river entered their home on Avenida de Ronda 10. Salvador, who had taken their children upstairs, thought that the strong flow had swept away his wife. "I grabbed hold of the bars on a window because the water was up to my neck," Isabel says, while Salvador nods next to her. The water surprised him too, but he managed to hold on. Although they suffered no physical damage, they lost a lot of belongings. Alive and well, they bear the psychological mark of that day in 1979. When storm Leonardo flooded several streets in the village on Wednesday, Isabel's fears increased. "I didn't even eat all day," she says. Salvador says that only someone who has lived through something similar "can understand". Their daughter Maria was 13 years old when the historical flood happened, but she remembers it well. The whole family went to help Isabel and Salvador on Wednesday and prepare the house for a possible flooding. They placed sacks of flour to prevent the water from seeping in, which allowed Isabel to breathe a little despite the forecast. Nobody should have to learn a lesson like theirs, but the state of the river every time it rains has taught them to always put any valuable belongings upstairs, even when there is little risk. S. V. Thursday, 5 February 2026, 11:17 | Updated 11:23h. Share Firefighters rescued 20 people from their vehicles on Thursday after a major water pipe burst flooded a tunnel leading to Madrid-Barajas Airport. The incident, triggered by a 900mm pipe rupture on Avenida de Logrono, caused significant travel chaos, forcing the closure of the M-14 motorway and the total suspension of Metro Line 8. Emergency crews confirmed there were no injuries, though several drivers and passengers had to be extracted from the rising water levels near Terminal 4. Municipal water company Canal de Isabel II said the burst left approximately 5,000 properties without water. While restorative work continues, traffic authorities have temporarily lifted tolls on the M-12 motorway to ease congestion, and airport operator Aena has advised passengers to use alternative shuttle services between terminals. The incident also led to the suspension of line 8 of the metro and the partial closure of the M-14 motorway on Thursday. Despite the flooding of the tunnel, there were no injuries and firefighters successfully rescued trapped drivers and passengers. Spain's airport operator Aena has informed the public that there will be alternative transfer between the airport terminals. Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi (R) meets with visiting Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Cairo, Egypt, Feb. 4, 2026. Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi and his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, held talks on Wednesday in Cairo, aiming to strengthen ties and coordinate on key regional issues, particularly on Gaza. (Egyptian Presidency/Handout via Xinhua) CAIRO, Feb. 4 (Xinhua) -- Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi and his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, held talks on Wednesday in Cairo, aiming to strengthen ties and coordinate on key regional issues, particularly on Gaza. Following their meeting, the two leaders co-chaired the second meeting of the Egypt-Turkiye High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council, witnessing the signing of several cooperation agreements in defense, investment, trade, energy, and tourism, according to the Egyptian presidency. The leaders set a goal to increase bilateral trade from nearly 9 billion U.S. dollars to 15 billion dollars by 2028. On the Gaza Strip, Egypt and Turkiye reaffirmed their support for the ceasefire plan, stressing the urgent need for a full Israeli withdrawal, sustained humanitarian access, the reopening of the Rafah crossing in both directions, and a comprehensive reconstruction process. They also reiterated the necessity of launching a political process for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the June 4, 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital. The discussions also covered developments in Sudan, Libya, Syria, Lebanon, Somalia, and the Horn of Africa, with both sides advocating for political solutions and respect for sovereignty, as well as underlining the importance of securing the Red Sea maritime navigation and rejecting "any attempts to pursue military presence on its shores in contradiction to international law." Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi (2nd R) shakes hands with visiting Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (2nd L) in Cairo, Egypt, on Feb. 4, 2026. Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi and his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, held talks on Wednesday in Cairo, aiming to strengthen ties and coordinate on key regional issues, particularly on Gaza. (Egyptian Presidency/Handout via Xinhua) Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi holds a welcoming ceremony for visiting Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Cairo, Egypt, on Feb. 4, 2026. Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi and his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, held talks on Wednesday in Cairo, aiming to strengthen ties and coordinate on key regional issues, particularly on Gaza. (Egyptian Presidency/Handout via Xinhua) Armed with wit, wonder, and a lens trained on everyday beauty, Sherry knows her Yunnan journey -- much like "Becoming Chinese" -- won't just be seen. It'll be shared, saved, and savored by millions. by Xinhua writers Sun Ding, Wu Yan, Li Xiyan KUNMING/NEW YORK, Feb. 4 (Xinhua) -- What began as a lighthearted joke among friends has evolved into a global phenomenon: Chinese American creator Sherry Zhu has captivated audiences worldwide with her viral TikTok series "Becoming Chinese," sparking both widespread attention and deep cultural appreciation. Sherry shared with Xinhua her unexpected journey into becoming a social media influencer, her views on cultural identity, and her enthusiasm for exploring Yunnan Province in southwest China. PLAYFUL INFLUENCER Born and raised in New Jersey and now working in New York, Sherry's path wasn't plotted in code. Though she graduated from Johns Hopkins with dual degrees in computer science and math -- and proudly calls herself a "big STEM girl" -- her rise as a cultural storyteller on TikTok was anything but algorithmic. "My videos were never pre-planned," Sherry said. "I never really intended to be an influencer. I just filmed whatever came to mind." The idea behind "Becoming Chinese" is simple and playful. Whenever Sherry noticed her friends using chopsticks, slipping on house slippers at home, or sipping plain hot water, she'd joke, "You're becoming Chinese." "That was just humor I shared with my friends. One day, I posted it online, and it went viral," Sherry said. "I didn't expect it at all." Sherry believed the appeal lies in everyday details. "There's an initial shock factor," she said. "In the U.S. or Europe, people don't usually drink plain hot water. These small lifestyle habits are different, and that makes people curious." Some articles described Sherry's videos as having "a witty, dry humor," a quality she believes also contributed to their viral success on TikTok. STORYTELLER OF CHINESE CULTURE As a Gen-Z Chinese American, Sherry has never felt torn between identities. "I don't think I've ever had an identity crisis," she said. "I always felt that the two sides of my background coexisted. I'm American by birth, but I'm also culturally Chinese." Her family roots span China's vast cultural map: her father from Zhejiang Province in eastern China, her mother raised in Guizhou Province in the southwest -- but with ancestral echoes from the northern provinces of Liaoning and Shandong. "Sharing Chinese culture is something I've always loved doing," she said. With social media and technology making the world more connected, Sherry sees growing openness toward Chinese culture. "With technology and information sharing, people have more exposure. With more exposure comes curiosity, and then appreciation and respect," she added. YUNNAN HIGH ON TRAVEL WISH LIST Among the destinations on Sherry's travel wish list, Yunnan stands out. "Yunnan has been on our radar for so long. We want to go so badly," Sherry said, adding that she hopes to visit in summer or autumn with her sister. When she finally steps into Yunnan's emerald hills, camera in hand, Sherry won't just visit -- she'll archive. Every steaming bowl of cross-the-bridge noodles, every Dai village festival, every mountain mist at dawn: all destined for the lens. "I want to show the visuals, but also explain the cultural significance behind them," she said. Ask Sherry about Yunnan's cuisine, and she lights up instantly. "No one is going to hold me back," she joked. "I'm going to eat unapologetically." Armed with wit, wonder, and a lens trained on everyday beauty, Sherry knows her Yunnan journey -- much like "Becoming Chinese" -- won't just be seen. It'll be shared, saved, and savored by millions. "This trip is happening," she said, "I'm going to share it." Armed with wit, wonder, and a lens trained on everyday beauty, Sherry knows her Yunnan journey -- much like "Becoming Chinese" -- won't just be seen. It'll be shared, saved, and savored by millions. by Xinhua writers Sun Ding, Wu Yan, Li Xiyan KUNMING/NEW YORK, Feb. 4 (Xinhua) -- What began as a lighthearted joke among friends has evolved into a global phenomenon: Chinese American creator Sherry Zhu has captivated audiences worldwide with her viral TikTok series "Becoming Chinese," sparking both widespread attention and deep cultural appreciation. Sherry shared with Xinhua her unexpected journey into becoming a social media influencer, her views on cultural identity, and her enthusiasm for exploring Yunnan Province in southwest China. PLAYFUL INFLUENCER Born and raised in New Jersey and now working in New York, Sherry's path wasn't plotted in code. Though she graduated from Johns Hopkins with dual degrees in computer science and math -- and proudly calls herself a "big STEM girl" -- her rise as a cultural storyteller on TikTok was anything but algorithmic. "My videos were never pre-planned," Sherry said. "I never really intended to be an influencer. I just filmed whatever came to mind." The idea behind "Becoming Chinese" is simple and playful. Whenever Sherry noticed her friends using chopsticks, slipping on house slippers at home, or sipping plain hot water, she'd joke, "You're becoming Chinese." "That was just humor I shared with my friends. One day, I posted it online, and it went viral," Sherry said. "I didn't expect it at all." Sherry believed the appeal lies in everyday details. "There's an initial shock factor," she said. "In the U.S. or Europe, people don't usually drink plain hot water. These small lifestyle habits are different, and that makes people curious." Some articles described Sherry's videos as having "a witty, dry humor," a quality she believes also contributed to their viral success on TikTok. STORYTELLER OF CHINESE CULTURE As a Gen-Z Chinese American, Sherry has never felt torn between identities. "I don't think I've ever had an identity crisis," she said. "I always felt that the two sides of my background coexisted. I'm American by birth, but I'm also culturally Chinese." Her family roots span China's vast cultural map: her father from Zhejiang Province in eastern China, her mother raised in Guizhou Province in the southwest -- but with ancestral echoes from the northern provinces of Liaoning and Shandong. "Sharing Chinese culture is something I've always loved doing," she said. With social media and technology making the world more connected, Sherry sees growing openness toward Chinese culture. "With technology and information sharing, people have more exposure. With more exposure comes curiosity, and then appreciation and respect," she added. YUNNAN HIGH ON TRAVEL WISH LIST Among the destinations on Sherry's travel wish list, Yunnan stands out. "Yunnan has been on our radar for so long. We want to go so badly," Sherry said, adding that she hopes to visit in summer or autumn with her sister. When she finally steps into Yunnan's emerald hills, camera in hand, Sherry won't just visit -- she'll archive. Every steaming bowl of cross-the-bridge noodles, every Dai village festival, every mountain mist at dawn: all destined for the lens. "I want to show the visuals, but also explain the cultural significance behind them," she said. Ask Sherry about Yunnan's cuisine, and she lights up instantly. "No one is going to hold me back," she joked. "I'm going to eat unapologetically." Armed with wit, wonder, and a lens trained on everyday beauty, Sherry knows her Yunnan journey -- much like "Becoming Chinese" -- won't just be seen. It'll be shared, saved, and savored by millions. "This trip is happening," she said, "I'm going to share it." BEIJING, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese mainland spokesperson on Thursday urged Taiwan authorities to remove unreasonable restrictions on the air transport across the Taiwan Strait. Speaking at a press conference, Chen Binhua, a spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, noted that there is a strong demand among compatriots on both sides of the Strait for the full restoration of direct flight routes. As the Spring Festival is the most important traditional holiday for the Chinese nation, Taiwan compatriots, businesspeople, and students eagerly hope for a smooth journey home to celebrate the New Year, Chen said. The relevant mainland authorities will prioritize the needs and concerns of Taiwan compatriots and actively prepare for the additional cross-Strait charter flights during the Spring Festival period, he added. "We hope the Taiwan side will heed public sentiment, promptly remove unreasonable restrictions on cross-Strait air transport, and meet the travel demands of compatriots on both sides, especially those from Taiwan," Chen said. Syracuse, N.Y. One person was injured Wednesday night in an apartment fire in Syracuse that displaced residents from a 20-unit building. Around 6 p.m., Syracuse firefighters went to 127 South Ave. for a reported structure fire, according to Capt. Erik Caster. Firefighters quickly located a resident with burns who had had gotten out of the building. The person was taken to Upstate University Hospital, Caster said. Their condition was not immediately known. Firefighters entered the building and encountered heavy smoke and fire in a first-floor apartment. Some residents evacuated on their own, but firefighters assisted others down the stairs, Deputy Chief Zachary Smith said. Two people in wheelchairs were outside next to the building, and a resident carried a dog out and wrapped it in a blanket. The fire was brought under control in about 10 minutes and fully put out in less than 30 minutes, Caster said. No other residents or animals were injured in the fire. A Centro bus was brought to the scene so residents could stay warm while firefighters continued working in the building. Temperatures were in the low 20s with wind chills down to minus 11 degrees, according to the National Weather Service. The fire was contained to the apartment where it started, which sustained fire and smoke damage, Caster said. Nearby apartments had minor smoke and water damage. Utilities for the building were shut off as a precaution, displacing residents from all 20 units, Caster said. The American Red Cross opened a shelter for the residents at the SRC Arena on Onondaga Community Colleges campus. Volunteers are offering shelter, food and water for displaced residents and their pets. Fire investigators determined the fire started in a kitchen from cooking, Caster said. The fire was ruled accidental. Syracuse Police, two AMR ambulances and National Grid also responded. Police had South Avenue closed from West Onondaga Street to White Street for over two hours. Cortlandville, N.Y. - A woman from Ohio who was found dead near train tracks in Cortlandville in November died from hypothermia, State Police said Thursday. Robin Bowman, 59, of Findlay, Ohio, had been living in her vehicle, troopers said Thursday. They said it was unclear why she was in Cortland County. Her autopsy confirmed she died as a result of hypothermia due to exposure. There are no signs of foul play, they said. Hypothermia is when a persons body temperature drops below 95 degrees. Body temperature that is too low affects the brain, making the victim unable to think clearly or move well, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. The temperatures were in the low 30s on the day she was found, Nov. 25, according to the National Weather Service. Police were initially called to Route 281 in Cortlandville around 9 a.m. that Tuesday after a passerby reported finding a person near the tracks next to Pall Trinity Micro Corp. Bowman, who was born in Texas, was remembered in her obituary as an enjoyer of meditation, tarot cards and crystals, music, puzzles, and travel. Her favorite city was New York City. She is survived by her children, grandchildren, siblings, stepmother, and aunts. *** Read Robin Bowmans obituary. *** An 18-year-old Upstate New York student was charged with falsely reporting an incident after allegedly posting that there was a gunman on campus. Yates County deputies issued an appearance ticket on Monday to the eligible youthful offender in connection with an incident that occurred in the early morning hours of Jan. 28 on the Keuka College campus. Deputies were summoned to the campus after a social media post reported an unknown subject on campus with a gun. After an investigation, deputies determined there was never a threat. The post was traced back to a student at the school, according to the Yates County Sheriffs Office. The student was charged with falsely reporting an incident in the third degree and will appear in Jerusalem Court at a later date. Keuka College is located in the town of Keuka Park in the Finger Lakes and has about 1,000 undergraduate students. Mount Pleasant, N.Y. A Putnam County man faces multiple charges after troopers say he pointed a handgun at a school bus driver during a road rage incident on the Taconic State Parkway. Michael L. Alarcon, 19, of Mahopac, was arrested Tuesday following an investigation into the menacing incident that occurred near Exit 3 southbound in the Town of Mount Pleasant in Westchester County. The school bus was carrying a bus monitor and three special-needs children. State Police at Hawthorne received a walk-in complaint from the bus driver, who reported that another driver pointed a handgun at him during the confrontation. Investigators located the suspect vehicle later that evening traveling northbound on the parkway. Troopers stopped the vehicle. Police discovered Alarcon was operating with a suspended drivers license. A search of the vehicle turned up a loaded handgun. Alarcon was arrested and charged with second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, a felony, for the loaded firearm. He also faces two felony charges for third-degree criminal possession of a weapon related to an ammunition feeding device and a weapon defaced for concealment. Additional charges include second-degree menacing with a weapon, three counts of endangering the welfare of a child, and third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. Alarcon is awaiting arraignment before the Town of Mount Pleasant Court. Lessons learned in a 400-year-old kitchen in Italy helped cook up an Upstate New York eatery that was just named one of Americas best new restaurants. Via Cassia, a slice of authentic Italian trattoria in the foodie-friendly Hudson Valley, has been voted the fourth-best new restaurant of 2026 in the nation by USA Todays 10Best. The restaurant was the sole Upstate eatery to make the list, which only included one other New York restaurant. Uncle Rays Chicken Rice, a New York City joint, was voted the eighth-best new restaurant in the U.S. The restaurants included in 10Bests contest were selected by a panel of experts and voted on by readers. Via Cassia, an Italian trattoria in Hudson, New York, has been named one of the best new restaurants in America by USA Today's 10Best. Photo courtesy of Meigan Arnone of Via Cassia Photo courtesy of Meigan Arnone of Via Cassia In a post on Instagram, Via Cassia thanked its patrons for their votes of support and congratulated the chef behind the lists No. 1 new restaurant, Koast in Wailea, Hawaii. Via Cassia opened in March 2024 at 214 Warren St. in the city of Hudson. It is run by chef Gaetano Arnone and his wife, Meigan Arnone. The Arnones spent 10 years living in New York City, where Gaetano Arnone worked as chef de cuisine for Babo, according to a Q&A with Bloomberg posted on Via Cassias website. When the coronavirus pandemic changed the world in 2020, the Arnones packed up their life in NYC and moved to Italy. Via Cassia, an Italian trattoria in Hudson, New York, has been named one of the best new restaurants in America by USA Today's 10Best. Photo courtesy of @lateafternoon on Instagram Photo courtesy of @lateafternoon on Instagram There, in a village south of Florence, the couple worked with the Corsini family at Villa Le Corti, the couple said. Gaetano Arnone ran a private restaurant in a four-century-old kitchen at Villa Le Corti, while Meigan Arnone served as creative director for the Villa and its winery. After four years in Italy, the Arnones moved back to New York and opened Via Cassia, their first restaurant. In its roundup of Americas top new restaurants, 10Best highlighted the deep knowledge of Northern Italian cuisine that chef Gaetano Arnone brings to Via Cassias pasta-forward menu. Via Cassia, an Italian trattoria in Hudson, New York, has been named one of the best new restaurants in America by USA Today's 10Best. Photo courtesy of Meigan Arnone of Via Cassia Photo courtesy of Meigan Arnone of Via Cassia There is an extensive Italian wine list as well as antipasti, formaggi, and salumi options, 10Best wrote. The rustic interiors feel like a modern take on an Italian farmhouse, and the warm hospitality highlights the neighborhood trattoria feel. Along with serving up homemade pasta and dishes ranging from squid ink tonnarelli to pistachio gelato, Via Cassia boasts an extensive beverage list filled with wines from Italy. Via Cassia is open for dinner from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. To make a reservation or see the full menu, visit the restaurants website. To the Editor: Wednesday, Feb. 4, was transit equity or equality day, commemorating Rosa Parks birthday and her quest for racial equality famously on the bus. Parks fought racial segregation on buses but todays battle lines look different: low-income workers facing longer commutes as routes are cut, wheelchair users unable to board when their mobility devices are damaged, and communities of color watching as transit investments bypass their neighborhoods. The back of the bus battle has been replaced by inaccessible stations, unreliable service and funding cuts that disproportionately harm the same marginalized communities Rosa Parks fought for. Unfortunately, in 2026, the experience of moving from place to place on public transportation still can expose the often-invisible architecture of inequality surrounding race, disability and poverty. Our federal Department of Transportation (DOT) is losing ground rather than making progress towards Rosa Parks goals. Travel offers a broad range of social goods knowledge, experience, connection, autonomy and joy and public transit opens these possibilities to us all. As Americans, we have the right to free movement. The federal DOTs role is to ensure a safe, efficient, modern and sustainable national transportation system. It develops policies, regulates all modes of transport (air, rail, road, maritime) and invests in infrastructure to improve safety, economic competitiveness and quality of life for Americans. Few Americans realize how vital the DOTs work is to our right to move freely within our communities, cities and country. In his year since taking over running the DOT from Pete Buttigieg, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has removed equity requirements from federal grant programs, thus removing requirements designed to enhance diversity hiring. He cut funding for two Chicago subway transportation contracts designed to support minority and disadvantaged businesses. He eliminated $54 million in university funding he considered woke, some of which would have supported research into transportation equity. His administration has also opposed congestion pricing, an admittedly controversial policy which nonetheless was intended to generate funding to modernize subway travel used to serve working-class New Yorkers. This administration has also threatened funding to state transit systems by tying the funding to non-transportation issues and delayed enforcement of a rule which would have made it a violation of the Air Carrier Access Act if airlines damage a travelers wheelchair. Rosa Parks took her seat. We need to take ours in Congress, at Transportation Department hearings and at the ballot box. Call your representatives. Show up at local transit meetings. Because if we dont fight for transit equity, no one will. Duffy has made his priorities clear and they dont include access for all Americans. Make yours just as clear: Transit equity isnt woke its constitutional. Its about whether your neighbor in a wheelchair can get to work, whether your grandmother can afford to visit her grandchildren, whether communities historically denied resources will continue to be denied to them. Demand better or watch your right to move freely disappear, one delayed wheelchair rule at a time. Cora True-Frost Syracuse University College of Law Syracuse The writer is Laura J. and L. Douglas Meredith Professor of Teaching Excellence at the law school and faculty director of the Journal of Global Rights and Organizations and Impunity Watch News. SYDNEY, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- An attempted bombing of a crowd of protesters in the capital of Western Australia (WA) in January has been declared an act of terror, authorities said on Thursday. WA Premier Roger Cook said at a press conference that police have deemed that the attempted bombing was motivated by a racist, hateful ideology and that the alleged culprit has become the first person in the state's history to be charged with engaging in a terrorist act. The 31-year-old man was arrested shortly after a suspected homemade explosive device was thrown into a crowd of thousands of people who had gathered in central Perth for a protest led by Indigenous Australians on Australia Day on Jan. 26. He was initially charged with one count of making or possessing explosives under suspicious circumstances and with one count of endangering the life, health and safety of others. Cook said on Thursday that further investigations had determined that the incident should be treated as a terrorist act. "We must condemn this incident in the strongest possible way," he said. "The attack was motivated by racist, hateful ideology." Authorities previously said that the device contained ball bearings, screws and an unknown liquid in a glass container and that it was designed to explode on impact. Cook said on Thursday that it could have been a mass casualty event if the device had detonated as intended. WA Police Commissioner Col Blanch said that authorities had no intelligence that the attack was being planned. President Donald Trump thinks its time for the nation to move on from Jeffrey Epstein after another release of documents by the Justice Department last week. I think its really time for the country to maybe get onto something else, Trump told reporters in the Oval Office on Tuesday, according to USA Today. Now that nothing came out about me, other than it was a conspiracy against me, literally by Epstein and other people. Epstein was arrested on sex trafficking charges in 2019. He died by suicide in jail later that year. Trump said he had not read the newly released files, which include thousands of photos of the disgraced financiers properties, emails, flight logs, and tips submitted to the FBI, according to The Hill. The files mention prominent individuals including Trump, former President Bill Clinton, billionaire Elon Musk, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and others. None of those individuals have been accused of any criminal wrongdoing, but their appearance in the files drew fresh scrutiny of their relationships with Epstein, according to The Hill. Trump and Epstein were friends but later had a falling out. Trump has said the relationship ended years before Epstein was arrested on charges that he was involved in sex trafficking minors. Trumps name, his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida and other related words and phrases appeared more than 38,000 times across over 5,300 files in the latest release of documents from the Justice Department, although some of the files are duplicates of earlier releases, according to The New York Times. On Tuesday, Trump dismissed the appearances of Musks and Lutnicks names in the files, according to The Hill. He said he was sure they were fine. I think its time now for the country to maybe get onto something else like health care, he added. Something that people care about. Former professional wrestler and Minnesota governor Jesse Ventura is hinting at a return to politics, and says he might run for an office that will allow him to be a thorn in the side of President Donald Trump. The former WWE star known as Jesse The Body as a wrestler has been a vocal critic of Trump and the administrations immigration crackdown in his home state of Minnesota over the last several weeks. Last week, he suggested on a podcast that Minnesota leave the U.S. and instead become part of Canada. On the Canadian political talk show Rosemary Barton Live on CBC Sunday, he said that while that suggestion was tongue-in-cheek, talk of a return to the political arena is not. Barton asked Ventura if, with Tim Walz not running for reelection, he was thinking about running for Minnesota governor again that is a real consideration you are having right now? Im having that consideration, and other considerations, Ventura replied. When Barton asked if that meant he was mulling a run for president, Ventura said, No, thats too far off, thats three years from now. Our main person is Sen. (Amy) Klobuchar, and shes announced shes coming back to run for governor. Somebodys got to replace her as a senator, dont they? And would that not put me eye to eye with (Trump)? Barton asked Ventura if he had any advice for Gov. Walz. My position is hold tight, stand tough, and dont give this guy nothing, Ventura said. Because Donald Trump views any concession as a victory for him, and he needs to learn something, this draft-dodging coward that Minnesota is not going to back down from him. He picked the wrong state to mess with. Ventura was born James George Janos in Minneapolis in 1951, according to the Minnesota Historical Society, and grew up in the area. Last month, Ventura stopped at his alma mater, Roosevelt High School in Minneapolis, the day after there was a confrontation involving ICE agents on the grounds of the school as students were being dismissed for the day. I am so proud of Roosevelt High School, and how they stood up for what is supposed to be America and freedom, Ventura told FOX 9 TV. Freedom is not arresting people without warrants. We have a system here, its called a Constitution, and we have a party, the Republicans, who dont seem to want to abide by the Constitution. Jan. 6 is a prime example of that. Last week, Ventura appeared on The Spin Sisters podcast, and he had a unique solution to the recent chaos in Minnesota. How about since Trump dislikes Minnesota so bad and were so out of control, lets join Canada, Ventura said. Instead of Canada becoming the 51st state of America and lose their healthcare like they said, theyd never do that because theyd lose their healthcare Id like to see Minnesota, all of us, become Canadians, and make this part of Canada. Because its obvious Donald Trump dont want us. Its obvious that hes ready to fracture the whole country for his own folly, whatever he is doing. I think we should petition to get out of the United States, if they dont want us. Im sure Canada would take us. Ventura was a professional wrestler for many promotions, but is most famous for his time as both a wrestler and broadcaster for WWE (then known as the WWF). Ventura was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2004. Almost a decade later, in 2013, Trump would also be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame. As a member of the Reform Party, Ventura won the governorship of Minnesota in 1999 and served one term. He did not run for re-election. Ventura, sporting a bushy gray beard, said on Bartons show that it will be easy to know when hes ready to re-enter the political arena. It wont be serious until you see the beard cut, Ventura joked. If I show up clean-shaven or with just a mustache, watch out. Brendan J. Lyons, Times Union, Albany, N.Y. (TNS) ALBANY Low morale continues to plague the ranks of the New York State Police, according to an internal poll conducted by the union that represents thousands of troopers. The survey also found roughly three-fourths of the agencys sworn members believe they are not treated fairly and honestly by the State Polices top-ranking officials. The poll released this week underscores a continuing slide in the overall mood of state troopers who had also expressed concerns about low morale in a survey conducted two years ago. That survey, which was done by the agency, had been based on responses from about 56% of the State Polices more than 6,000 employees, including hundreds of civilian employees. But the recent poll conducted by the Police Benevolent Association of the New York State Troopers solicited responses only from the members their union represents, which includes uniformed troopers up to and through the rank of major. Trooper Charles Murphy, president of the PBA, said the union conducted the poll so that its members could have the opportunity to voice their concerns both regularly and anonymously. He said the unions poll framed its questions around the agencys 2024 survey so that there would be a good measure of where workplace concerns are improving or getting worse. Our troopers are the best in the nation and proudly rise to meet new challenges and demands, but they are being forced to overcome largely avoidable obstacles that leadership has yet to meaningfully address, Murphy said. Division must commit to a good-faith, collaborative partnership with the unions rank-and-file to improve morale, bolster recruitment, and ensure every trooper is backed by the safe resources they deserve. But he said the poll shows that, compared to two years ago, sworn members concerns have worsened. Morale remains alarmingly low, Murphy said. Recruitment and retention continue to be a significant challenge. Our members are increasingly asked to do more with less, and faith in the agencys leadership has eroded. After the Division of State Police conducted its first-ever workplace climate survey in 2024, Superintendent Steven G. James had promised a thorough review of the survey results to identify opportunities where we can change and improve. On Wednesday morning, James provided a statement to the Times Union in which he claimed the PBAs survey was the result of regular conversations between me and union leadership; I encouraged the union to conduct the survey, and I welcome the results. I understand that our members have strong opinions about a wide range of issues that affect their work, and I appreciate their perspective and take their concerns seriously, James added. I previously indicated to PBA President Charlie Murphy that we will use the survey as a jumping-off point to collaborate on addressing the members concerns. But Liz Benjamin, a spokeswoman for the PBA, disputed the superintendents characterization of his involvement in the PBAs decision to conduct the survey. The survey was not done at his direction, but at the direction of the (PBA) board due to disappointment that this was not an annual exercise (by the agency), Benjamin said. After the 2024 workplace climate survey, James had promised a thorough review of the survey results to identify opportunities where we can change and improve. The PBA said that in the absence of a follow-up climate survey from headquarters, they decided to conduct their own, using largely the same questions so that a comparison could be made. The PBAs survey found 80% of its members who responded do not believe that agency leaders listen to or act on their concerns. Another 73% do not believe they are treated fairly and honestly, and 80% responded that morale is not good. On the positive side, 72% of the PBA members who took part in the survey said they are satisfied with their immediate supervisors, and 58% are satisfied with their troop commanders. But when that question was posed in connection with executive staff, just 10% were satisfied and 61% responded that they were unsatisfied which is a sharp decrease from the responses in the 2024 survey. The survey also signaled that there may be issues with the State Polices disciplinary system, as 70% of respondents said they are concerned they may get into trouble while performing the duties of my job in good faith. More than 30% of respondents said they disagree that the agency is concerned for their safety, with another 25% remaining neutral on that point. The 2024 survey was taken that spring, several months after James emerged from retirement after being appointed to lead the agency by Gov. Kathy Hochul. The Times Union reported in February 2024 that James had cleared out most of the agencys top positions on his first day in the job, removing multiple colonels and deputy superintendents from key roles in one of the agencys biggest one-day leadership shakeups on record. James, a Niskayuna resident who had retired from the agency in 2020, had risen through the ranks and spent much of his law enforcement career working at Troop G, which is headquartered in Colonie. In his statement Wednesday, James said that from the day he was appointed by Hochul, his priorities have included bringing our agency to full staffing, providing troopers with the latest equipment to improve their safety and effectiveness, and committing resources necessary to ensure their health and well-being. I remain steadfast in my resolve to support our members and the work they do to protect New Yorkers. James sweeping overhaul of the agencys top brass two years ago came after a period of turmoil during both the administrations of Hochul and former Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, who had faced allegations of meddling with the agencys personnel decisions. In the past two years, Hochul, who succeeded Cuomo in August 2021, had two acting superintendents resign Kevin P. Bruen and Steven Nigrelli in the face of investigations of their workplace conduct. 2026 the Times Union (Albany, N.Y.) . Visit www.timesunion.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. A Virginia man has been arrested for allegedly causing a high-speed crash that killed an Upstate New York woman. William F. McAllister III, 38, of Ringgold, Va., was charged Tuesday with criminally negligent homicide, a felony, according to New York State Police. He surrendered himself to NYS Police in Latham, where he was arrested and processed. McAllister is accused of driving at more than 130 miles per hour (mph) on Nov. 1, 2025, on the New York State Thruway, causing a three-car collision. The crash occurred around 4:44 p.m. on I-87 northbound near Exit 23 in the town of Bethlehem. Troopers said a 2011 Chevrolet sedan driven by McAllister was speeding in the left lane when the car attempted to move into the right lane, sideswiping a 2009 Ram pickup truck. McAllisters vehicle then veered back into the left lane, where it rear-ended a 2025 Chevrolet sedan, which then struck the guardrail. The driver of the 2025 Chevy was pronounced dead at the scene. She was later identified as Claudia Hargis-Grover, 63, of Glens Falls, N,Y. A passenger in Hargis-Grovers vehicle was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. The driver and a passenger in the Ram pickup truck were also transported to a hospital in Albany. Police said at the time that McAllister, whose vehicle came to a stop on the right shoulder of the highway, showed no signs of impairment when given a field sobriety test. A preliminary breath test was negative for the presence of alcohol. McAllister was initially charged with multiple vehicle and traffic law violations before Tuesdays arrest for criminally negligent homicide. He was arraigned at the Bethlehem Town Court, where he was released under the supervision of the Albany County Probation Department. Bethlehem is located just outside of Albany, more than 500 miles north of Ringgold, Virginia. An Upstate New York woman has been arrested after allegedly selling drugs near an elementary school. WHAM reports Lissanne Livingston, 32, is accused of dealing drugs at her apartment in Lyons, N.Y., across the street from Lyons Elementary School. The Wayne County Sheriffs Office said an investigation began this fall after receiving a tip. Detectives said a search warrant executed in October uncovered a large quantity of narcotics and tasers inside the apartment where Livingston lived with several young children. Officials did not specify her relationship to the children. Livingston was arrested Wednesday and charged with two counts criminal possession of a controlled substance, three counts of criminal possession of a weapon with prior conviction, and three counts of endangering the welfare of a child. According to WHEC, Livingston was not allowed to possess tasers due to a prior conviction. Additional charges are pending, the sheriffs office said. An investigation is ongoing. Livingston was taken to the Wayne County Jail and scheduled for arraignment. Lyons is located in Wayne County, approximately 35 miles east of Rochester and 45 miles west of Syracuse. SYDNEY, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- A 19-year-old from Sydney has been charged by authorities over an alleged death threat to Israeli President Isaac Herzog ahead of his visit to Australia. The Australian Federal Police (AFP) said on Thursday that the man was arrested on Wednesday and charged with allegedly making an online threat towards a foreign head of state. The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) reported that the head of state was Israeli President Isaac Herzog, who is set to arrive in Australia on Sunday for a five-day visit after being invited by the federal government following the antisemitic Bondi Beach terror attack. The AFP said in a statement that officers from its newly established National Security Investigations (NSI) team began investigating the alleged threat against Herzog on a social media platform in January. A search warrant was executed at a home on Wednesday where the 19-year-old was arrested and later charged with one count of using a carriage service to make a threat to kill, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years' imprisonment. Herzog's visit to Australia is expected to be met with widespread protests led by pro-Palestine activists. Chris Sidoti, a leading Australian human rights lawyer who served as a commissioner on a United Nations independent commission of inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territories, told the ABC on Thursday morning that Herzog should be arrested on arrival in Australia for inciting genocide. A September report from the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory concluded that Israel was committing genocide in Gaza. Responding to Sidoti, Australian Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong told ABC radio that the government had considered legal advice about Australia's obligations to international law before inviting Herzog to visit. Marketing analytics software helps businesses make smarter decisions based on actual data instead of guesswork. Companies using these tools consistently see better campaign results and higher returns on their marketing spend. The difference shows up in everything from conversion rates to customer acquisition costs. Finding the right platform takes some work. You need to match features with your specific business needs, team skills, and budget. Some tools work better for small businesses just getting started, while others suit enterprise teams managing complex campaigns across multiple channels. The good news is that most platforms have gotten easier to use over the past year, with AI handling more of the heavy lifting. This breakdown covers five solid marketing analytics software options available right now. Each one brings something different to the table. You'll see what makes each platform worth considering, who should use it, and what trade-offs you might face. Quick Comparison Table Platform Best For Starting Price Setup Difficulty Key Strength Google Analytics 4 Businesses of all sizes Free Medium Cross-platform tracking with ML predictions Adobe Analytics Large enterprises $100,000+/year High Advanced attribution and real-time analysis Mixpanel SaaS and product companies Free tier available Low User-level behavioral tracking HubSpot Marketing Analytics Small to mid-sized businesses Varies by package Low Closed-loop marketing to revenue reporting Trackingplan Agencies and data-conscious teams Contact for pricing Very Low Automated QA and tracking validation 1. Google Analytics 4 Google Analytics 4 completely changed how most businesses track their websites compared to the older Universal Analytics version. Instead of focusing on sessions, GA4 tracks every individual action users take on your site. This shift matters because you can now measure exactly what people do rather than just grouping their visits into time periods. The machine learning features in GA4 actually prove useful in real work. The platform predicts which users will probably make a purchase or which ones might stop coming back. You can build audiences around these predictions and use them in your ad campaigns. This means you can target people based on what they're likely to do next, not just what they did last week. Five Key Features That Matter GA4 offers several features that make it stand out as marketing analytics software for businesses of all sizes: Cross-platform tracking connects user behavior across websites and mobile apps through a unified measurement approach, giving you a complete picture of the customer journey instead of fragmented data from different sources. Privacy-first features handle consent properly with consent mode that adjusts data collection based on user choices, automatic IP anonymization, and flexible data retention settings that help you stay compliant. Custom event tracking lets you measure actions unique to your site without hiring a developer for every change, from video completion rates to calculator usage and custom form interactions. Analysis Hub provides advanced exploration tools for deeper data dives, including funnel analysis that shows drop-off points, path analysis that reveals user journeys, and cohort comparisons that measure retention. BigQuery integration allows you to export raw event data for unlimited analysis possibilities and combine GA4 data with other business datasets for comprehensive reporting. Understanding the Learning Curve Switching to GA4 frustrates people at first because the interface looks nothing like Universal Analytics. Reports you relied on might have moved or disappeared completely. But most marketing teams adapt within a month or so. Google keeps adding features based on feedback, and free training materials are everywhere online. The real benefit shows up after you get past the initial confusion. Event-based tracking gives you more flexibility than the old session model. You can answer questions about user behavior that were nearly impossible before. Teams that push through the learning phase usually end up preferring GA4 once they understand how it works. Four Types of Businesses That Benefit Most This platform works best for several business categories: Companies already using Google Ads or other Google marketing products that need seamless integration and want data flowing automatically between platforms. Businesses preparing for a cookieless future who want tracking that doesn't rely solely on traditional cookies and adapts to privacy changes. Teams with basic to intermediate analytics needs who want a free, powerful solution without paying enterprise prices for features they won't use. Organizations operating in multiple countries that need built-in privacy compliance features that adjust to different regional requirements automatically. The free pricing makes GA4 accessible to everyone, though Google does offer a paid version called GA4 360 for enterprises with massive traffic volumes and advanced needs. Most businesses find the free version more than sufficient for their marketing analytics software requirements. 2. Adobe Analytics Adobe Analytics targets large companies that need serious depth in their marketing analytics software. The platform handles complex scenarios that smaller tools can't touch. Think multinational corporations tracking dozens of brands across hundreds of websites and apps, all needing consistent measurement and reporting. Advanced Attribution Capabilities The attribution modeling goes way beyond simple first-click or last-click credit. Adobe uses machine learning to figure out which touchpoints actually contributed to conversions based on patterns in your data. You can compare different attribution models side by side to see how each one changes your understanding of channel performance. This matters when you're deciding where to spend millions of dollars. A channel might look useless under last-click attribution but prove valuable when you account for its assist role earlier in the customer journey. Adobe's algorithmic attribution shows you credit allocation based on actual contribution rather than arbitrary rules. Four Real-Time Processing Benefits Adobe processes data fast enough that you can watch behavior happen and react immediately. Here's what makes this capability valuable: Instant visibility during flash sales, product launches, or major campaigns lets marketing teams adjust strategies on the fly instead of waiting until tomorrow's report shows problems. Conversion monitoring updates within seconds, allowing teams to catch and fix issues before they significantly impact results or waste substantial ad spend. Advanced segmentation lets you slice audiences incredibly thin based on any combination of behaviors, demographics, or custom variables you've configured. Cross-platform segment sharing works across the entire Adobe Experience Cloud, keeping targeting consistent in analytics, advertising, and personalization tools without manual export and import. Customer Journey Analysis Tools The journey analysis features map out every path users take from the first touchpoint to conversion and beyond. You see common routes, where people drop off, and what paths lead to the best outcomes. Flow visualizations make patterns obvious that would take hours to spot in spreadsheets. Integration with other Adobe products creates a complete marketing stack if you're willing to invest in the ecosystem. The three most valuable integrations include: Adobe Target for testing and personalization experiments that connect directly to analytics data for seamless result measurement. Adobe Audience Manager for centralized data management that creates consistent segments across all marketing channels. Adobe Campaign for marketing automation and email that uses analytics insights to trigger relevant messages at the right time. Everything talks to everything else without custom code or middleware, creating seamless workflows across your entire marketing operation. Investment Requirements Adobe Analytics costs serious money. Pricing typically starts at six figures annually, which rules it out for small businesses. Implementation also takes time and expertise. You need dedicated analysts or consultants who know the platform inside and out. Companies that commit resources see huge value, but the barrier to entry is real. 3. Mixpanel Mixpanel built its reputation on product analytics, but it works great as marketing analytics software for companies that care about what happens after acquisition. The platform tracks individual user actions instead of anonymous pageviews, which tells you whether your marketing brings in people who actually use your product. Event Tracking Foundation Every action gets logged as a discrete event with properties attached. This granular approach creates a detailed record of what each user does over time. You can analyze specific feature usage, identify your most engaged users, and spot patterns that indicate someone's about to churn. The retroactive analysis feature sets Mixpanel apart from many competitors. You can go back and create reports from historical data without having set up the tracking in advance. This flexibility saves you when leadership suddenly asks a question about user behavior from six months ago. Four Cohort Analysis Insights Understanding how different user groups behave over time reveals which marketing channels deliver real value. Mixpanel's cohort analysis offers several key insights: Channel comparison shows how users from different marketing sources behave weeks or months after acquisition, revealing quality differences between traffic sources. Long-term value tracking reveals that cheap traffic from one channel might cost more because those users never convert or churn quickly after signing up. Behavioral patterns identify what actions correlate with retention and which ones predict churn, helping you optimize for engagement that matters. Time-based analysis measures how engagement changes as users mature with your product, showing whether onboarding efforts actually stick. Funnel reports pinpoint exactly where users drop out of multi-step processes. You see conversion rates between each step and can filter by any user property. Marketing teams use this to identify problems that better ads won't fix. Sometimes the issue isn't traffic quality but friction in your product that kills conversions. User Profiles and Testing The user profile view aggregates everything you know about each person in one place. You can see their complete history from their first visit through every interaction. This helps support teams troubleshoot issues and lets marketers build precise segments for campaigns. Built-in A/B testing connects experiments to long-term outcomes. The four key benefits include: Seeing whether a variation increases signups and whether those users become valuable customers months later, not just an immediate conversion lift. Measuring impact on retention and engagement metrics that actually correlate with business success, not vanity metrics that look good but don't matter. Understanding which changes drive sustainable growth versus temporary bumps that fade once the novelty wears off. Connecting top-of-funnel experiments to bottom-line revenue impact so you optimize for profit, not just traffic or signups. Pricing Structure Mixpanel charges based on monthly tracked users rather than locking features behind pricing tiers. This makes the platform accessible to growing companies. A free tier exists for smaller businesses, though limits kick in as traffic grows. Most mid-sized SaaS companies find the pricing reasonable compared to enterprise alternatives. 4. HubSpot Marketing Analytics HubSpot Marketing Analytics lives inside the broader HubSpot CRM platform, which creates connections that standalone marketing analytics software can't match. You see which campaigns generate leads and which of those leads turn into paying customers. This closed-loop view proves marketing's impact on revenue instead of just claiming credit for form fills. Campaign and Lifecycle Tracking Campaign tracking connects every marketing activity to real outcomes. HubSpot automatically follows email opens, clicks, website visits, and form submissions back to specific campaigns. Attribution reports show which campaigns influence deals throughout the entire sales cycle, not just at the first touchpoint. The contact lifecycle framework tracks where each person sits in the buyer journey. You measure conversion rates from stranger to visitor to lead to customer. Reports break down performance by traffic source, campaign, or any custom property you've set up. This view helps identify exactly where your funnel leaks and what to fix. Four Traffic Analytics Features HubSpot's traffic analytics automatically track all your channels without manual setup. Here's what you get: Automatic tracking of organic search, paid ads, social media, email, direct visits, and referrals without any configuration required on your part. Multi-touch attribution that shows how channels work together instead of fighting over last-click credit, revealing true channel value. Source tracking that follows users across multiple visits before conversion, giving credit to all touchpoints in the journey. Channel performance comparison to identify which sources drive the most valuable traffic based on actual conversion and revenue data. Email marketing analytics provide detailed metrics on every send. Opens, clicks, forwards, and replies get tracked at campaign and individual email levels. A/B testing lets you experiment with subject lines, content, and timing. Most importantly, HubSpot connects email engagement to what happens next, like form submissions, deal creation, and actual revenue. Landing Page Optimization Landing page and form analytics help optimize conversion paths. You see views, submissions, and conversion rates for every page and form. The data shows which traffic sources send the best visitors and which form fields cause people to abandon. Four All-in-One Benefits The consolidated approach offers several advantages for businesses wanting to simplify their tech stack: Email marketing, landing pages, social media management, and analytics all live in one platform, eliminating the need for multiple tool subscriptions. Data flows seamlessly between tools without integration headaches, custom code, or third-party middleware that breaks unexpectedly. Single login and unified interface reduce training time and complexity, making it easier to onboard new team members quickly. Often costs less than paying for multiple specialized tools separately, especially when you factor in the time saved managing fewer vendor relationships. However, companies with sophisticated needs sometimes find HubSpot's features less powerful than best-of-breed alternatives in specific areas. 5. Trackingplan Trackingplan handles a problem most marketing analytics software ignores. Your tracking setup breaks constantly, pixels disappear, and campaign parameters get misconfigured. These issues corrupt your data silently until you notice reports looking wrong weeks later. This AI-powered analytics monitoring platform catches problems as they happen, so you can fix them before they mess up decisions. The platform learns your tracking setup automatically by watching real user traffic. You don't configure rules or define test scenarios. Trackingplan just observes what events, pixels, cookies, and campaign parameters flow from your websites and apps to analytics tools. This approach saves hours compared to traditional auditing tools that need constant maintenance. Four Real-Time Monitoring Benefits Trackingplan watches 100% of actual user traffic instead of running scheduled tests. The platform sees every event, pixel fire, cookie, consent flow, and campaign parameter as real users trigger them. This complete coverage catches issues immediately across all browsers, devices, and user configurations. You discover broken tracking before it significantly impacts your data quality. Key monitoring features include: Automated alerts via email, Slack, or Microsoft Teams when critical events stop firing, giving you instant notification of problems. Instant notifications when pixels disappear from pages or fail to load, protecting your ad campaign tracking and retargeting audiences. Detection of UTM parameter misconfigurations that corrupt attribution data, ensuring you know which campaigns actually drive results. Identification of unexpected values in tracking properties that indicate implementation errors, catching issues before they accumulate in reports. Consent, cookies, and CMP compliance validation, ensuring events fire only after proper opt-in and helping teams avoid privacy risks. AI-Powered Debugging The AI debugging features explain not just what broke but why it broke and how to fix it. Trackingplan's grounded AI analyzes real user sessions to show what changed, where the problem started, and which users are affected. This root cause analysis cuts debugging time from hours to minutes. You jump straight to solutions instead of checking the tag manager configurations line by line. Campaign attribution protection ensures your marketing data stays accurate. Trackingplan monitors UTM parameters and campaign IDs to catch naming convention errors before they corrupt reports. The platform validates that required parameters exist and values follow your standards. This prevents attribution data loss that makes optimization basically impossible. Five Privacy and Compliance Features Consent monitoring helps you stay compliant without becoming a privacy expert. Important compliance capabilities include: Cookie audits across all your digital properties to identify tracking that shouldn't be there or cookies that violate user consent choices. Consent management platform monitoring to ensure proper implementation and that your CMP actually stops tracking when users decline consent. PII leak detection that catches sensitive data accidentally being sent to analytics tools, protecting you from major compliance violations. Consent acceptance rate tracking to understand how privacy choices affect data collection and adjust strategies accordingly. Validation that tracking respects user choices and stops when consent is denied, giving you proof of compliance during audits. Zero-Maintenance Operation The setup process takes minutes instead of days. You install one tag through your tag manager or add a small SDK to mobile apps. Trackingplan automatically discovers all events and integrations without manual configuration. The platform scales as your tracking evolves, providing visibility into new implementations without additional work. Unlike traditional analytics auditing tools like ObservePoint that require extensive journey configuration and ongoing maintenance to keep tests updated, this ObservePoint alternative for real-time analytics monitoring works automatically from day one. The difference matters when you're managing multiple properties or trying to maintain quality standards without dedicated QA resources. Analytics monitoring for agencies particularly benefits from centralized monitoring across multiple client properties. Teams receive alerts about issues before clients notice problems, enabling proactive support that strengthens relationships. Trackingplan eliminates time-consuming manual audits while maintaining quality standards across all accounts, letting agencies scale their client base without proportionally scaling their QA team. Choosing the Right Marketing Analytics Software Start by honestly assessing your needs and constraints. Your technical capabilities matter as much as your budget. A powerful platform becomes useless if nobody on your team can operate it effectively. Think about whether you need basic tracking or advanced attribution modeling, simple reports, or custom analysis. Integration requirements deserve serious consideration. The best marketing analytics software connects cleanly with your existing tools. Check for native integrations with your advertising platforms, CRM, email tools, and other critical applications. Poor integrations create data silos that limit insights and force manual work. Team skills affect which platform makes sense. Some solutions require dedicated analysts or developers to set up and maintain. Others work immediately with minimal technical knowledge. Consider current capabilities and ongoing support needs. The most sophisticated platform won't help if nobody can use it. Data privacy and compliance needs vary by industry and location. Companies in regulated industries or selling to European customers need robust consent management and privacy features. Verify that any marketing analytics software you consider helps maintain compliance rather than creating additional risks. The marketing analytics software landscape keeps changing as AI, privacy regulations, and customer expectations shift. These platforms represent strong options right now, but staying informed about new capabilities helps ensure your analytics stack keeps pace with your needs. Regular evaluation prevents your tools from holding back marketing performance. HANOI, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- A woman and her two children were killed in a house fire early Thursday in Vietnam's southern hub of Ho Chi Minh City, local media outlet VnExpress reported. The blaze broke out at about 1:00 a.m. local time, trapping the three victims inside the house, the report said. Local authorities are investigating the cause of the incident, according to the report. Indigenous Brazilians protest Amazon river dredging for grain exports Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Feb 5 (AFP) Feb 05, 2026 Hundreds of Indigenous people have been protesting in northern Brazil for two weeks outside the port terminal of US agribusiness giant Cargill, angered over the dredging and development of Amazonian rivers for grain exports. Brazil's Indigenous communities have raised the alarm for months about port expansion on rivers they see as vital to their way of life, a grievance they protested at COP30 climate talks last November. "The government is opening up our territories to many projects ... to boost agribusiness," Indigenous leader Auricelia Arapiuns told AFP in a video message from the Amazon port city of Santarem, in the same state that hosted COP30 in Belem. "We have been here for 14 days, but this struggle didn't start now. We occupied Cargill to draw attention so that the government would come up with a proposal." By Wednesday, some 700 Indigenous people from 14 communities were taking part in the demonstration, according to the Amazon Watch advocacy group. The protesters have blocked trucks from "entering and leaving the terminal," Cargill said in a statement sent to AFP, adding it has "no authority or control" over their complaints. The Minnesota-based multinational has agricultural logistics operations across Brazil, where it employs 11,000 people. Protesters on Wednesday demanded the cancellation of a decree signed by President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in August which designates major Amazonian rivers as priorities for cargo navigation and private port expansion. They also want the cancellation of a federal tender issued in December worth 74.8 million reais ($14.2 million) to manage and dredge the Tapajos River -- a major Amazon tributary. "This infrastructure that is coming is not a space for us, and it never will be. It is a project of death to kill our river and our sacred places," Indigenous leader Alessandra Korap of the Munduruku people said in a statement. The ports ministry said earlier in January that the contract of a company for maintenance dredging was necessary to "increase navigation safety... and ensure greater predictability for cargo and passenger transport operations." - 'Serious environmental risks' - The protesters criticized the government for only sending mid-level officials to meet with them and breaking a COP30 promise not to carry out projects on Amazonian rivers "without prior consultation." Brazil's Ministry of Indigenous Peoples said in a statement Monday it recognizes the "legitimacy of the concerns raised" and that no dredging or other projects can take place on the Tapajos river without the consent of those affected. Fed up, the protesters were no longer in the mood to negotiate. "We don't want a consultation. We want this decree revoked," Indigenous leader Gilson Tupinamba, wearing a large headdress of blue and orange feathers, told a meeting with government representatives on Wednesday. Brazil is the world's largest exporter of soybeans and corn, and in recent years has switched to northern river ports to export grains more cheaply. Critics see plans to boost barge traffic on Amazonian rivers as yet another project where economic development is clashing with Lula's much vaunted commitment to the environment. "What did the government do after the COP? They launched the dredging tender," Arapiuns told the government representatives. After the meeting, the protesters blocked the road leading to the Santarem international airport -- a popular hub for tourists. Brazil's Federal Public Prosecutor's Office (MPF) -- which has taken legal action against the dredging efforts -- on Tuesday pointed to "serious environmental risks" for the river. In a statement, the MPF referred to the release of heavy metals such as mercury into the water, and destruction of crucial habitats for threatened species of dolphins, turtles and aquatic birds. Largest-Ever Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week Concludes with Renewed Commitment to Accelerate Sustainable Progress (AFP) Feb 05, 2026 Abu Dhabi, Feb 5, 2026 (MediaConnect) - Press release from Masdar-Thursday 05 February 2026. Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) 2026 concluded its largest edition to date on January 15, reaffirming global commitment to delivering real-world sustainability solutions and accelerating systems transformation. Held under the theme "The Nexus of Next: All Systems Go," the world's largest sustainability gathering brought together leaders across energy, finance, food, water, and nature to explore how interconnected systems can scale faster, work more effectively together, and deliver impact at pace. Most Ambitious ADSW to Date ADSW 2026 convened 15 Heads of State and Government and more than 400 ministers and government officials, alongside business leaders, investors, and civil society representatives from around the world. Hosted by Masdar, the event attracted over 60,000 attendees, a 20 percent increase on the previous year. Over five days, ADSW featured more than 240 sessions and over 800 speakers, addressing global energy transformation, food and water security, climate resilience, and the role of emerging technologies in driving sustainable development. Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, Chief Executive Officer of Masdar, said: "ADSW 2026 marked our biggest and most ambitious gathering yet. Leaders came together with a shared understanding that the systems shaping our future must evolve faster, work better together, and deliver at scale. ADSW provided a vital platform to align ambition with action and catalyze year-round collaboration, investment, and delivery." Summits, Dialogues, and Global Platforms The ADSW Summit, held January 13-14, featured more than 100 speakers across 30 sessions, enabling leaders to identify practical solutions and forge strategic partnerships. The Leadership Segment brought Heads of State and Government together to address pressing sustainability challenges. The ADSW Dialogues program convened policymakers, investors, and industry leaders, with partners including ADNOC, BlackRock, Global Infrastructure Partners, and the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Key discussions focused on mobilizing capital, scaling infrastructure, and accelerating investment across the Global South. ADSW also featured the Blue Forum, convened through the partnership between Masdar and the Sino-International Entrepreneurs Federation (SIEF), ahead of the 2026 UN Water Conference in the UAE this December. Held on January 15, the event brought together leaders from government, multilateral organizations and development banks, business and civil society to unlock transformative opportunities for a water-secure future, driving technology, resilience, and sustainable growth. "Building on our participation last year, we are proud to join ADSW 2026 as a strategic partner with Masdar. Through initiatives including the Blue Forum, the AIB Reception, the Climate Sustainability Photography Exhibition, the Sci-Fi Innovation Pavilion, and the Sustainable Fashion Show, we are advancing awareness and driving action on sustainability across business, investment, culture, and society" said William Wang, Chief Representative of Middle East & Africa of SIEF. Youth and Women Empowerment Youth and inclusion remained central to ADSW 2026. The Youth for Sustainability (Y4S) Forum and Youth Hub brought together more than 3,500 young people, connecting them with leaders from government, industry, and academia. The annual WiSER Forum, held under the theme "Inclusive Pathways for Transformative Growth," convened more than 120 leaders to advance dialogue on women's leadership, inclusive finance, governance reform, and skills for the future workforce. Celebrating Progress and Innovation ADSW concluded with the Zayed Sustainability Prize Awards Ceremony, recognizing pioneering solutions across Health, Food, Energy, Water, Climate Action, and Global High Schools. His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan personally presented the awards, underscoring the UAE's commitment to inclusive and impactful innovation. Masdar also marked 20 years of clean energy leadership, announcing that its renewable energy portfolio reached 65 gigawatts, placing the company two-thirds of the way toward its 2030 target of 100GW. For more information, please visit http://www.adsw.ae [email protected] Check the full version on MediaConnect.com : https://mediaconnect.com/largest-ever-abu-dhabi-sustainability-week-concludes-with-renewed-commitment-to-accelerate-sustainable-progress Masdar Disclaimer:This document is neither produced nor endorsed by AFP.Although distributed by MediaConnect, its issuer remains solely responsible for its contentIts reproduction is authorized in context without any distortion of content.If you have any question about this document, please contact its issuer. Carney scraps Canada EV sales mandate Toronto, Canada, Feb 5 (AFP) Feb 05, 2026 Prime Minister Mark Carney on Thursday cancelled a mandate for all vehicles sold in Canada to be electric by 2035, while announcing a multi-billion-dollar plan to support EV production. The announcement marked another departure from policies backed by his climate-focused predecessor Justin Trudeau, but Carney said he wanted to incentivize EV production while bolstering a Canadian auto industry hammered by US tariffs. Since replacing Trudeau last year, Carney has also scrapped the former leader's carbon tax on individual households and advanced plans to build a new oil pipeline from Alberta to the Pacific coast -- infuriating environmental groups. Asked Thursday if he still considered Canada a leader in the fight against climate change, Carney said: "Absolutely." He stressed his climate policies would be focused on "results and solutions." Trudeau had passed legislation mandating that 20 percent of vehicles sold this year be electric, with a 60 percent target by 2030 -- benchmarks that faced criticism from automakers. While he pivoted away from those mandates, Carney stressed that the future strength of Canada's auto industry required a transition to EVs. "We know where the auto industry is headed. We're going to support that transition," he told reporters. Carney said his goal was 75 percent EV sales by 2035, and a 90 percent target by 2040. To get there, he has earmarked CAN$3 billion ($2.2 billion) "to help the auto industry adapt, grow and diversify to new markets," his office said in a statement. Carney said his goal is to position "Canada to become a global leader in electric vehicle (EV) production." Underlying the strategy was the need to prepare the Canadian sector for a future where the highly integrated North American auto sector is transformed by US tariffs, Carney said. "There's no greater symbol of how closely the Canadian and American economies have been intertwined than automobiles," the prime minister said. "The average car is built from parts that travel across our border up to eight times before landing on the showroom floor," he added, while warning: "That trade relationship that once was a great strength has now become a serious vulnerability." Carney scraps Canada EV sales mandate, affirms auto sector's future is electric Toronto, Canada, Feb 5 (AFP) Feb 05, 2026 Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney on Thursday cancelled a mandate for all vehicles sold in the country to be electric by 2035, while announcing major investments to support the auto industry's EV transition. In unveiling his plan to transform the sector, Carney said Canada's auto industry needed to be ready for a future where EVs are dominant, and where US President Donald Trump's tariffs have made cross-border vehicle production unworkable. Carney's decision to scrap EV mandates also marked another departure from policies backed by Justin Trudeau, his climate-focused predecessor. Trudeau's government had mandated that 20 percent of vehicles sold this year be electric, with a 60-percent target by 2030 and the 100-percent target for 2035. Those goals were applauded by some environmental groups but faced criticism from automakers, as well as concern that Canada had nowhere near the charging infrastructure needed to support full electrification across a vast landmass. Carney argued his new automotive strategy would prioritize "results and solutions." His plan includes a CAN$5,000 (US$3,700) subsidy for individuals who choose to buy an electric vehicle, CAN$1.5 billion to improve charging infrastructure, and CAN$3 billion "to help the auto industry adapt, grow, and diversify to new markets," his office said. "We know where the auto industry is headed. We're going to support that transition," Carney told reporters. Progress in the global EV market has been patchy. Trump scrapped tax credits for EV purchases last year, jarring automakers that invested heavily in electrification during Democrat Joe Biden's presidency. The European Union in December also proposed scrapping a planned 2035 ban on new combustion-engine vehicles. Carney said his goal was 75 percent EV sales by 2035, and 90 percent by 2040. The Global Automakers of Canada, an industry group, praised Carney for providing "greater clarity" on the government's electrification plans, including "a commitment to aggressively build out the charging infrastructure." The Canadian Climate Institute called Carney's auto strategy "a positive step toward a more affordable future powered by clean electricity." Since taking office last year, Carney has also scrapped Trudeau's carbon tax on individual households and advanced plans to build a new oil pipeline from Alberta to the Pacific coast -- infuriating environmental groups. Asked Thursday if he still considered Canada a leader in the fight against climate change, Carney said: "Absolutely." - 'Serious liability' - Canada's auto industry supports half a million jobs, and concern about its future has intensified since Trump returned to office last year. The president's broad approach on trade with Canada has shifted, but his administration has maintained a fairly consistent message on autos, insisting it wants to see vehicles made exclusively inside the United States. Carney on Thursday said "there's no greater symbol of how closely the Canadian and American economies have been intertwined than automobiles." Parts cross the US-Canada border up to eight times during production, but Trump's auto tariffs are threatening the viability of such integration. "That trade relationship that once was a great strength has now become a serious vulnerability," Carney said. Since April, Canadian-made vehicles have faced a 25-percent tariff on their non-US components, a levy Canada insists violates the existing North American free trade agreement, known as the USMCA. USMCA revision talks are set for this year. "Our objective is to remove all tariffs in the auto sector," Carney said, but he stressed Canada's industry needed to start planning for an entirely domestic production chain. Canada has large deposits of the critical minerals needed for EV batteries and says it wants to develop an end?to?end production chain, from mining to mineral processing to vehicle battery production. COLOMBO, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka's Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport recorded its highest passenger traffic in 2025 since beginning operations in 2013, according to Sri Lanka's ports and civil aviation ministry. Airport officials said passenger movements at Mattala reached 140,614 during the year, the highest level recorded since the airport opened. The airport also handled 703 international flights during 2025. Constructed with considerable public investment, Mattala, Sri Lanka's second international airport, had faced prolonged underutilization in previous years. Notably, airlines had been reluctant to operate flights to the airport due to safety concerns related to wildlife activity in the surrounding area. Officials said measures implemented to address these issues contributed to the increase in international flights during 2025. The airport plays a role in supporting Sri Lanka's tourism sector by providing access to domestic tourist destinations in the southern and eastern regions. It also serves as an alternative to congestion at Bandaranaike International Airport. Get the latest entertainment news, reviews and star-studded interviews with our Independent Culture email Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Amazon has reportedly demanded that a local Oregon movie theater pull screenings of its documentary Melania after the establishment made a series of jokes about its controversial subject, the First Lady. Ahead of the movies recent global release, the Lake Theater & Cafe in Lake Oswego, a suburb of Portland, lightheartedly promoted the title on its marquee, saying: Does Melania wear Prada? Find out Friday! and To defeat your enemy. You must know them. Melania. The theaters manager, Jordan Perry, has since said that they received a call from Amazon requesting they remove all future screenings. The studio was not happy and/or did not appreciate my take on marketing their film to our own public, Perry told The Oregonian. The marquee now reads: Amazon called. Our marquee made them mad. All Melania showings cancelled. Show your support at Whole Foods instead. Join Amazon Prime for Free Two-Day Shipping. A source familiar with the film confirmed to Variety that Melania has indeed been blocked from the theater. The Independent has contacted Amazon for further comment. Melania is out in theaters now ( AP ) Sharing the news on Instagram, alongside pictures of the changed marquee messaging, the Lake Theater & Cafe said: Got a call that the higher-ups (i.e., at Amazon) were upset with how our marquee marketed their movie (i.e., Melania), that, per them, Sunday would be its last day here. Before then, we got countless emails and voicemails and Google / Yelp reviews (Google / Yelp took them down) wondering why the hell we had Melania here, or disdaining our disparaging of her, the Instagram statement added. Now that its prematurely over, the plug pulled on us not from public outcry (always listening, thank you) but by some corporate executive (fair enough, sorry AMZN, please dont cancel my Prime). On the theaters website, Perry explained that his initial decision to show Melania was simply a matter of humor. I thought doing so would be funny, he wrote. Wouldnt it be exponentially weirder, to the point of being funny, to show Melania here, at your obviously anti-establishment, occasionally troublemaking, neighborhood cinema? Helmed by director Brett Ratner, Melania follows Melania Trump over the 20 days leading up to her husbands second inauguration, as she prepares to transition back to the White House. The documentary, which the President has touted as transforming his wife into a movie star, has been a major critical flop, earning a measly five percent critics score on Rotten Tomatoes, despite viewers awarding it a 99 percent in an apparent demonstration of support for Trump. Nick Hilton argued in his one-star review for The Independent that the First Lady is a preening, scowling void of pure nothingness in this ghastly bit of propaganda. Get the latest entertainment news, reviews and star-studded interviews with our Independent Culture email Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Pedro Pascal has officially joined Todd Haynes De Noche, over a year after Joaquin Phoenix reportedly got cold feet and exited the gay romance. Five days before production was scheduled to begin in 2024, Phoenix dropped out of the then-untitled detective love story. Entire sets had been built in Guadalajara, Mexico, where shooting was due to take place. Phoenix abandoned the project just days before the scheduled shoot in early July, leaving cast and crew in the lurch. A source told Variety, the Joker star made the last-minute decision after getting cold feet. At the time, the decision led to a huge amount of outrage, an executive told The Hollywood Reporter. On his exit from De Noche, Phoenix said at the Joker: Folie a Deux press conference in 2024: I think, if I do, Id just be sharing my opinion from my perspective and the other creatives arent here to say their piece, and I just dont feel like that would be right. Im not sure how that would be helpful. So, I just dont think I will. De Noches new production company, MK2 Films, confirmed on Wednesday that Pascal had joined the cast, and would be starring opposite Top Gun: Mavericks Danny Ramirez, according to Variety, which first reported the news. Pascal also confirmed the news on Instagram, with a post containing a carousel of photos from Haynes films and a photo of him with Ramirez. The film is set to begin shooting next month. This will be Pascals third collaboration with Ramirez, having worked with him on the second season of HBOs The Last of Us, and forthcoming Marvel film Avengers: Doomsday. This story, with Pedro Pascal and Danny Ramirez in the two leads, arises out of an era all too relevant to our own of domestic corruption, racial exploitation and global terror, Haynes told Variety. But it emerges as a testament to the inexplicable powers of desire and love to survive and overcome even the most crippling of human barriers. open image in gallery Pedro Pascal joins the cast Todd Haynes De Noche to star opposite Danny Ramirez ( Getty ) The film follows an unexpected romance between a detective (Pascal) and a boarding school teacher (Ramirez) in 1930s Los Angeles who are forced by circumstances to flee to Mexico. Haynes, best known for helming queer movies like the Oscar-nominated Carol (2015) and May December (2023), first teased the project in a 2023 interview with Variety. He described it as a love story between two men set in the 30s that has explicit sexual content. Phoenix had originally worked on the screenplay with Haynes and the directors longtime collaborator Jon Raymond. Haynes had described it as an original script that I developed with Joaquin Phoenix based on some thoughts and ideas he brought to me. open image in gallery Pedro Pascal, left, director Ari Aster and Joaquin Phoenix, right, at the photo call for 'Eddington' at the 78th international film festival in Cannes ( 2025 Invision ) Haynes added that the movie which was set to be rated NC-17 (the highest MPA rating given to films containing material inappropriate for children under 17) was going to feature a relationship that challenges audiences. [Phoenix] had fragments of ideas and then I started to formulate them into an actual narrative, Haynes told the outlet, adding that Joaquin was pushing it further into more dangerous territory, sexually. The Oscar-winning actor is known to be anxious in the run-up to a movie, with THR reporting that Phoenix nearly dropped out of the 2023 biopic Napoleon, insisting that his trusted The Master filmmaker Paul Thomas Anderson be brought on board to do rewrites. MK2 Films will produce De Noche along with Killer Films, Paloma Negra Films, and Jonathan Montepare and Steven Demmler, in association with Cinetic Media. Few filmmakers connect with audiences as strongly as Todd Haynes, said Fionnuala Jamison, managing director of MK2 Films. De Noche carries that same power, and with Killer Films and a remarkable cast led by Pedro Pascal, it is a stand-out project we are proud to be a part of and share with buyers. Get the latest entertainment news, reviews and star-studded interviews with our Independent Culture email Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Chris Noth is once again doubling down on his ill will toward the Sex and the City reboot, And Just Like That, saying he is very lucky his longtime character, Mr. Big, was killed off in the debut episode. Noth, 71, who starred as the on-again-off-again husband of series lead Carrie Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker), was written off the spinoff series in 2021 after sexual assault accusations surfaced against him. The actor has maintained his innocence, calling the allegations complete fabrication. Speaking to the Daily Mail at the Blue Jacket Fashion Show in New York City on Wednesday, Noth insisted he felt very good that he didnt have a bigger part in HBO Maxs now-canceled show. I was very lucky, he said with a laugh. Since Noths removal from the franchise, he has criticized his co-stars Parker, 60, Cynthia Nixon, 59, and Kristin Davis, 60, for the joint statement they issued in support of his accusers. Were not friends, I think thats pretty obvious, he said last month on the Really Famous with Kara Mayer Robinson podcast. The statement that they put out which was nothing more than brand management, really I dont know, it was sad, it was disappointing, it was surprising, he said. Because you need to call me and hear my side of this. Youve known me for many years, and weve worked [together] for many years. open image in gallery Chris Noth was dropped from the 'Sex and the City' reboot series after sexual assault allegations surfaced ( Getty ) open image in gallery Noth and Sarah Jessica Parker played lovers in Sex and the City ( Getty Images ) Asked about his fallout, specifically with Parker, Noth gave the Daily Mail a definitive response: Its over. The Independent has contacted Parkers representative for comment. Noth, however, revealed that he is still friendly with other Sex and the City alums, including John Corbett and Kim Cattrall, who played Aidan Shaw and Samantha Jones, respectively. John Corbett and I are very close friends. Hes doing wonderful, Noth claimed, adding of Cattrall: Shes living in London, I think. He said he reached out to Cattrall to wish her a happy birthday a few months ago. Corbett, 64, returned as Aidan, Mr. Bigs romantic rival in And Just Like That, while Cattrall sat out of the reboot except for one brief appearance in season two due, in part, to a pay dispute. I felt after six years it was time for all of us to participate in the financial windfall of Sex and the City, she said on a 2004 episode of Friday Night with Jonathan Ross. When they didnt seem keen on that I thought it was time to move on. Cattrall, 69, later admitted that she and her three leading co-stars were never friends. Weve been colleagues, and in some ways its a very healthy place to be, she told Piers Morgan in 2017. Sex and the City aired from 1998 to 2004, and followed a group of four friends living in New York City. The story was revived in the three-season series And Just Like That, which was set years after the events of the original series and its subsequent films. The show received a lukewarm critical reception and ended in August after a surprise cancellation. Get the latest entertainment news, reviews and star-studded interviews with our Independent Culture email Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice David Tennant is set to ignite screens once more as the highly anticipated second season of Rivals confirms its release date for 15 May on Disney+. A new teaser trailer places the Doctor Who star firmly at the centre of the drama, reprising his role as the formidable TV mogul Lord Tony Baddingham. The preview opens with Tennant, 54, making a dramatic entrance, striding from a helicopter and sharing: "Sorry Im late, darling. Ive had a terrible headache." This striking return follows a tense cliff-hanger from the previous season, which left viewers questioning Lord Baddinghams fate after Cameron Cooke (Nafessa Williams) struck him, leaving him motionless in a pool of his own blood. Tennants character quickly reasserts his ruthless authority, later seen in the Corinium Television offices delivering a stark warning to his employees: "We are at war." The trailer also features the return of EastEnders actor Danny Dyer as businessman Freddie Jones, who succinctly describes the unfolding chaos: "Its a bloody circus." His character is also seen looking cosy with love interest Lizzie Vereker (Katherine Parkinson) while lothario Rupert Campbell-Black, played by Alex Hassell, is getting close with Bella Maclean as Taggie OHara. open image in gallery Lord Baddinghams striking return follows a tense cliff-hanger from the previous season, which left viewers questioning Lord Baddinghams fate after Cameron Cooke (Nafessa Williams) struck him ( Disney+ ) Meanwhile, Irish actor Aidan Turner who plays journalist Declan OHara can be heard saying: Its entertaining. In the most delightful way. Mony Mony by Billy Idol plays throughout the trailer as viewers get a glimpse into the upcoming drama. The new season will also see a string of guest stars, including Agent Carter actress Hayley Atwell and My Policeman star Rupert Everett. Set in the 1980s, with the backdrop of the Cotswolds countryside, the award-winning drama follows the high-stakes world of British television as careers, marriages and reputations hang by a thread when professional and personal lives collide. open image in gallery Aidan Turner as Declan O'Hara in the new season of drama, Rivals ( Disney+ ) Based on the best-selling novel by Dame Jilly Cooper, the second series will see Lord Baddingham ready to stop at nothing to keep his TV company Coriniums empire unrivalled. Last month, a memorial service was held for Dame Jilly, who died unexpectedly in October, aged 88, after suffering injuries from a fall. The second series of Rivals will consist of 12 episodes and the hit show will return to Disney+ on 15 May. Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Margot Robbie wore a British designer at the London premiere for the highly anticipated Wuthering Heights. Robbie celebrated the film, coming to UK cinemas on February 13, in a sheer corseted Dilara Findikoglu custom gown with moss green, blooming seams and a matching choker. But the British label isnt the only designer Robbie has debuted in London. She also dove into the fashion archives for a photocall on Wednesday, stepping out in a look pulled from John Gallianos 1992 spring ready-to-wear collection. open image in gallery Margot Robbie in Dilara Findikoglu ( PA ) Its clear that Robbie, 35, has a penchant for method dressing. Her whirlwind Barbie press tour saw her channel the dolls most famous looks in a series of meticulously recreated outfits, from her 1960s Enchanted Evening Barbie to her shimmering black Solo in the Spotlight Barbie. open image in gallery Margot Robbie during a photocall in St Jamess Place in London ( PA ) At the Wuthering Heights world premiere in Los Angeles, Robbie wore an ombre corseted Schiaparelli gown alongside a piece of Hollywood history. open image in gallery Margot Robbie in Schiaparelli ( PA ) The dress was paired with a large, heart-shaped pendant, which belongs to the estate of Hollywood star Dame Elizabeth Taylor, who confirmed this as one of the most significant pieces in her jewellery collection: her Taj Mahal diamond Cartier necklace. The necklace was given to Taylor on her 40th birthday in 1972 by her husband Richard Burton. The necklace itself, however, dates back to 16th-century India. open image in gallery Robbie wore a necklace from Dame Elizabeth Taylors estate ( PA ) Robbies opening look, however, was certainly not the only showstopper. For the Paris premiere, Robbie wore a custom draped velvet Chanel look designed by Matthieu Blazy. It is such an honour to wear this look designed by Matthieu, Robbie told Vogue. Its the first Chanel red carpet look Ive worn designed by him, and I couldnt think of a more special occasion than for Wuthering Heights, a project that is so special to me. The corseted dress was designed in a burgundy silk, velvet and faille, with an ivory silk faille under-skirt and was adorned with intricate feathers and silk petals, accessorised with more than 100 carats of jewels by Lorraine Schwartz. Robbie wasnt the only star turning heads on the London red carpet. open image in gallery Emerald Fennell in Vivienne Westwood ( PA ) Director Emerald Fennell wore a bold red corseted dress by Vivienne Westwood and a striking black opal, diamond and platinum necklace lent to her by Sothebys. Similar to Robbies statement in LA, this is the first time that Fennells necklace, which was made by Cartier London in 1937, has been worn in public in more than 70 years and is estimated at 700,000-1 million. open image in gallery Jacob Elordi at the Wuthering Heights premiere ( PA ) Jacob Elordi, 28, who plays Heathcliff in the film, stepped out in a monochromatic, slate grey suit with a leather tie and a double-breasted overcoat. Charli XCX, 33, who wrote the score for the film, followed suit in Gothic glamour, wearing a floor-length veil and off the shoulder pink tulle and lace dress by London-based designer Erdem. open image in gallery Charli XCX wore a floor length Victoriana-inspired veil ( PA ) Alison Olivier, who plays Edgars younger sister Isabella Linton, also leant into dusty pink a big colour on spring/summer 2026s runways wearing a silk and lace column dress with embellished bows adorning the bodice. open image in gallery Alison Oliver in pink at the Wuthering Heights premiere ( PA ) Her accessory was unorthodox for the red carpet, as she carried a small Pomeranian under her arm. Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Milan's iconic fashion house Versace has named Belgian designer Pieter Mulier as its new creative director, with his tenure set to begin on 1 July. The announcement came on Thursday from the Prada Group, which owns the luxury brand. Mr Mulier currently holds the creative director position at French fashion house Alaia. His career also includes a period as the associate of fellow Belgian designer Raf Simons, working alongside him at prestigious labels such as Calvin Klein, Jil Sander, and Dior. In his new capacity, Mr Mulier will report directly to Lorenzo Bertelli, who serves as Versace's executive chair. Mr Bertelli is also the designated successor to lead the family-owned Prada Group, being the son of Miuccia Prada and Prada Group chairman Patrizio Bertelli. open image in gallery Pieter Mulier attends the 2025 CFDA Awards at The American Museum of Natural History ( Getty ) When we considered the Versace acquisition, we identified Pieter Mulier as the right person for the brand, Lorenzo Bertelli said in a statement. We believe that he can truly unlock Versaces full potential and that he will be able to engage in a fruitful dialogue with the brands strong legacy. We are excited to begin this journey together. Mr Mulier takes over from Dario Vitale, who departed in December after previewing just one collection during his short-lived Versace stint. Born in 1978, Mr Mulier went on to study architecture at the Institute Saint-Luc in Brussels. He was discovered by Mr Simons at a graduate judging in 2003. open image in gallery Pieter Mulier speaks with Marco Rambaldi at the International Woolmark Prize 2023 at Le Petit Palais ( Getty ) British Vogue said he has experience in breathing new life into a culturally significant, but commercially challenged brand, saying he launched a new, contemporary era of Alaia during his time at the fashion house. The magazine pointed to viral products like his mesh ballet flats and the popular bag Le Teckel. Mr Mulier was honored last fall by supermodel and longtime Alaia muse Naomi Campbell at the Council of Fashion Designers of America for his work paying tribute to brand founder Azzedine Alaia. Mr Mulier took the creative helm in 2021, after Alaias death. Get the Well Enough newsletter with Harry Bullmore for tips on living a healthier, happier and longer life Get the Well Enough email with Harry Bullmore Get the Well Enough email with Harry Bullmore Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Online telehealth company Hims and Hers Health will begin offering compounded copies of Novo Nordisk's new Wegovy pill at an introductory price of $49 per month, about $100 less than the brand name. Shares of Novo extended losses in early morning trading, and were off 6% after the news. Hims' compounded version of the treatment is made from the same active ingredient, semaglutide, as the one from Danish drugmaker Novo Nordisk. Following the lower one-time payment, patients at Hims with a five-month subscription will pay $99 per month thereafter versus the $199 Novo will charge. Patients with shorter subscription durations will pay more per month, but less over the course of their treatment plan, with a three-month subscription totaling $277. All treatments are paid for upfront in full. Novo launched its version of the drug in January and has seen strong demand in the U.S., where it is available on its cash-pay direct-to-consumer website ( Getty Images ) Hims said the treatment can be tailored for patients aiming to ward off side effects or who prefer the pill over the injectable option. "Were excited to find ways to continue bringing branded treatments to the platform across specialties. More choice on the platform is the best thing for customers everywhere," said Hims CEO Andrew Dudum in a statement. Novo launched the drug in the beginning of January and has seen strong demand in the U.S., where it is available on its cash-pay direct-to-consumer website. A spokesperson for Novo Nordisk was not immediately available for comment. NOVO WARNED ON PRICE PRESSURE Novo and Hims had a partnership in 2025 allowing Hims to sell injectable Wegovy, but the two companies walked away with Novo saying Hims had wrongfully marketed copycats of Wegovy. Hims' Dudum accused Novo of attempting to control how clinicians at Hims make decisions. Compounding, in which pharmacies mix ingredients to copy a drug but at different dosages, is allowed in the U.S., flourishing even as copies of the branded version are readily available. Hims currently sells compounded versions of injectable Wegovy. The Food and Drug Administration in September issued a warning to Hims regarding its marketing of compounded semaglutide, stating claims like "same active ingredient as Ozempic and Wegovy" are misleading, as compounded drugs are not FDA-approved. In 2025, Hims doubled the size of its facility in New Albany, Ohio. The company said Thursday the expansion allows Hims to provide treatments at a lower price. Novo Nordisk has said states should limit mass manufacturing of weight-loss drug copies to protect patient safety. Kim Hana Id been living alone for a decade when I suddenly became aware of its demands and efforts. Without realising, Id been expending energy on late-night thoughts and needless worrying. I wondered: Was my weariness a sign that Id grown out of the perks of living alone? Marriage wasnt a solution. In fact, it felt like the most foolish thing to do running straight into another draining world, one ruled by the institution of marriage, in-laws and patriarchy. Besides, it didnt seem like any man was going to sweep me off my feet and turn me into a fool anytime soon and that wasnt something I wanted anyway. I naturally began to seek out a different way of life. I looked into everything from living with friends to house-shares and eventually ended up meeting a woman who was very similar to me. We were both from Busan, in our forties, had lived alone for a very long time, were seeking a new form of companionship that didnt involve getting a husband, and we each had two cats. After wed spilled our hearts to each other, I learnt that Sunwoo, too, was done with living alone and was searching for a different way of life. The more we got to know each other, the more I found myself wondering, what if its her? If either one of us had been convinced that living alone or getting married was the only answer, we wouldve missed out on this felicitous arrangement. Now, wouldnt that be sad? On 6 December 2016, 2pm, Hwang Sunwoo and I, both in our forties, became official homeowners. With some help from the bank, we bought a spacious apartment to live in together. Rather than having two separate homes where each kitchen, bathroom and hall would be jampacked into little more than 33m, sharing one home that was twice the size and furnished with the same amenities made so much more sense. Talk about extra space! Our cats finally had the freedom to run around. Most importantly, we got a bathtub. It wasnt something Id desperately wanted in the past given the lack of space but its certainly nice to have. I started living with my cohabitant ten years ago and I couldnt be happier with our arrangement. Weve got our chore distribution down to a T: Sunwoo takes care of the cooking and tidying, and puts the laundry in the washing machine, while I do the dishes and cleaning, and put away the laundry. When Im in bed, sensing another persons presence in the house instantly relaxes me. Every morning, were woken gently by signs of this shared life, while our little greetings (Did you sleep well? Youre home! Ill be right back!) add a splash of colour to our daily lives. open image in gallery Kim Hana and Hwang Sunwoo ( Melmel Chung ) When I lived alone, I had to make a conscious effort to keep up my emotional temperature. But with Sunwoo around, that comes naturally. And if I ever need to raise my actual body temperature, Ive got a tub to soak in. But the best part is, were both single. During the holidays, well visit our parents or ask after them. Our parents are quite pleased with our living arrangement; they find it reassuring. Sunwoos mum always sends a box of all my favourite side dishes, and thats without me having to travel to visit them out of a sense of filial piety, as would be the case with in-laws. All I have to do is say, Yum! The lightness of being single and the benefits of living with a cohabitant go hand in hand. Of course, were lucky that we complement each other in so many ways. If either one of us had been convinced that living alone or getting married was the only answer, we wouldve missed out on this felicitous arrangement. Now, wouldnt that be sad? They say that single-person households make up 36 per cent of households in South Korea. I think of single-person households as atoms. Its fully possible to lead a happy life alone. But once we reach a certain threshold, whats stopping the individual atoms from joining forces to form a molecule? A molecule can be made up of two, three, four, or perhaps even twelve atoms. Its bond could be strong or weak. We live in a generation where the most common molecule consists of a firmly bonded woman and man. But in the future, we might see a more diverse range of configurations. For instance, in this house, were W2 C4 two women and four cats. And as of now, Id venture were a very stable configuration. Hwang Sunwoo The good thing about being unmarried at this age is that I know a secret the world doesnt: its not the end of the world if you dont get married. I know this because I havent got married myself. Its true, everythings perfectly fine. I contain diverse stories and a complex history known only to me, and cannot be reduced to a careless summary from someone elses lips. Oh, and sorry to disappoint the busybodies, but I am quite happy at the moment. If only there were an option that connotes greater responsibility and trust than friend, so that Hana and I, and my friend and her partner, could check it and be properly represented. A word like life companion, perhaps. Its out of this need that the Life Partnership Act a bill allowing cohabiting partners to receive income tax benefits, be registered as dependants under national health insurance and access medical records is being discussed. A similar bill has already been enacted in France. The Civil Solidarity Pact (commonly known as PACS) provides tax and welfare benefits to unmarried, cohabiting partners. The way people live evolves faster than any law, institution or concept. Just as workers are no longer devoting themselves to one company until retirement, people are starting to break out of the traditional obligations of blood or marriage. Besides, we live in an age where the average life expectancy is inching towards one hundred. As the population of unmarried couples, divorcees and widowed spouses ages accordingly, there will be more people like Hana and me, looking to turn to their friends for companionship. open image in gallery Kim Hana and Hwang Sunwoo share their story in Two Women Living Together ( Penguin Books ) When its good, its great is what Haruki Murakami says about his married life, and the same applies to me and Hana. I dont know if Ill ever meet another person who will laugh at all my bad jokes, make up silly dance moves as we take turns sharing our favourite songs and, at the end of a rough day, tell me Im a good person whos doing just fine. Such blessings only come once in a lifetime, dont they? And even if I were to meet someone like Hana, I doubt Ill have the endurance to go through the whole ordeal of matching their lifestyle, arguing with them, combining our furniture, throwing out the extras, fighting over my inability to throw out my things, etc. Besides all that, what would I say to our four cats who would never know why they cant see their siblings any more? I cant let that happen. While this may all come to an end someday, I hope that day keeps getting postponed. Adapted from Two Women Living Together by Hwang Sunwoo and Kim Hana (translated by Gene Png). Published by Doubleday at 16.99. Copyright Hwang Sunwoo and Kim Hana, 2026. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A Good Samaritan father-of-three was shot and killed after reportedly offering a woman a ride to a warming shelter in Missouri, police have said. William Palmer was found with a gunshot wound to the head in the early hours of Sunday, according to the St Louis Metropolitan Police Department. His fiancee, Riyen Jones, said that Palmer had enjoyed collecting scrap metal and had been doing so with a friend when they had encountered 36-year-old Brittany Rivoire. If there was a dumpster in sight, he was looking in it, Jones told First Alert 4. As far as we know, she asked him at a gas station to take her to a warming shelter because she was cold. According to investigators, Rivoire got into Palmers truck and drove around with the two men. At one point, the friend left the vehicle because he was concerned about her behavior. open image in gallery William Palmer was found with a gunshot wound to the head on the side of a road in the early hours of Sunday, after reportedly offering a woman a ride to a warming shelter, according to the St Louis Metropolitan Police Department ( Riyen Jones/ GoFundMe ) Surveillance cameras later captured Rivoire shooting Palmer in the head before driving his truck a few blocks before abandoning it. For somebody to take him for granted when all he was doing was helping her and then to do it to basically take his truck is... I cant wrap my head around it, Jones said. Rivoire has been hit with multiple charges, including first-degree murder, unlawful possession of a firearm, armed criminal action and first-degree tampering with a motor vehicle. open image in gallery Brittany Rivoire has been hit with multiple charges including first-degree murder, unlawful possession of a firearm, armed criminal action and first-degree tampering with a motor vehicle ( St Louis Metropolitan Police Department ) She remains in jail without bond. The Independent has contacted St Louis Police Department for more information. I used to tell him all the time not to pick up people off the side of the road anymore, she said. He did it a lot. If he saw someone walking, he was picking them up and taking them as far as he could. A GoFundMe page has been set up for Palmer by Jones, who described her fiance as the glue to our family and a giver. So far, the page has raised over $2,000 for household support and funeral costs. Palmer and Jones share a six-year-old daughter, an 18-year-old daughter, and a 21-year-old son. William Palmer was the nicest, big-hearted, helpful, and all-around great person, loving father, great friend, just a wonderful person, the fundraiser description reads. SYDNEY, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- The psychiatrist of a man who fatally stabbed six people at a Sydney shopping center in 2024 was on Thursday referred to a watchdog after an inquiry identified failures in his treatment. Joel Cauchi killed six people and injured 10 others during a stabbing spree at a Bondi shopping center before he was shot dead by police on April 13, 2024. The coroner of the state of New South Wales (NSW), Teresa O'Sullivan, on Thursday released an 837-page report following a five-week inquiry into the attack. Handing down the report, O'Sullivan recommended that the health ombudsman in Cauchi's native state of Queensland review the care and treatment he received from psychiatrist Andrea Boros-Lavack between 2012 and 2020. O'Sullivan said that Cauchi, who lived with schizophrenia, was weaned off his anti-psychotic medication in 2019, but that Boros-Lavack did not adequately monitor him for early warning signs of relapse. "It was a major failing that Dr Boros-Lavack revised her view with respect to early warning signs and did not more proactively agitate for resumption of medication," she said. "The care that was provided was one of the many factors that led to this tragic outcome." The inquiry found that Cauchi's attacks were rapid and unpredictable and praised the response of NSW Police Inspector Amy Scott, who fatally shot Cauchi less than six minutes after the attack began. The final report made 23 recommendations, including for the state government of NSW to inform the public on what to do during a possible mass casualty event. Additionally, it called for the state government to establish short-term accommodation in Sydney for people with mental illness and to reverse a decline in outreach services. NSW Premier Chris Minns said in a statement that the state government would carefully consider all of the recommendations. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A Colorado man has been arrested after being pulled over for reckless driving by police, who then found three kids in the trunk of his car. Body camera footage of the January 23 incident shows officers approaching Thomas Michael Raiolas vehicle and questioning him, before he admits he was acting like an idiot. Youre lucky you didnt hit somebody, replies the officer, who then questions him on whether he is drunk, due to the smell of alcohol coming from his car. Raiola, 40, is seen refusing the officer's request to complete some voluntary roadside maneuvers. He then tells officers that three children are hiding in the trunk of the car. Yes, you read that right, the Westminster Police Department wrote in an online post. Sure enough, three kids were in the trunk. We'd like to point out it was also freezing temps outside during this stop. open image in gallery A Colorado man has been arrested after being pulled over for reckless driving by police, who found three kids in the trunk of his car ( Westminster Police Department ) The children were found unharmed and several bottles of alcohol were allegedly recovered from inside the vehicle. open image in gallery Body camera footage of the incident just after 5 p.m. on January 23 showed officers approaching the vehicle and questioning the driver, who admits he was acting like an idiot ( Westminster Police Department ) You didnt think thatd have been a good idea to say something before? the officer asks Raiola at the end of the clip. Raiola was arrested on suspicion of DUI, reckless driving, failure to provide a valid insurance and three counts of child abuse. He was transported to Adams County Jail. Child Protection Services was contacted and the kids were released to their family. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Investigators searching for Nancy Guthrie, the mother of TODAY co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, believe she is still out there five days after she vanished from her Arizona home, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said, as authorities revealed new details in the case. Right now, we believe Nancy is still out there, Nanos told reporters during a press conference on Thursday. The 84-year-old was last seen Saturday night after a family member drove her back to her Catalina Foothills home after dinner. Investigators believe Guthrie was taken against her will from her home between late Saturday night and early Sunday. Blood found splattered on her front porch was confirmed to be hers, Nanos said Thursday. The case took a new turn this week after multiple media outlets reported receiving ransom notes demanding millions of dollars in Bitcoin for Guthries return. open image in gallery Nancy Guthrie was last seen Saturday night after a family member drove her back to her Catalina Foothills home after dinner ( Pima County Sheriff's Department ) In a video posted Wednesday evening, Savannah Guthrie and her siblings Annie and Camron Guthrie acknowledged the reports and made a direct plea for proof their mother is alive. They said they were ready to talk and asked whoever has their mother to provide evidence of life. FBI Phoenix Special Agent in Charge Heith Janke said Thursday there has been no contact since the ransom notes were sent to media outlets. The family wants to be contacted, Janke said. They know time is of the essence. And if those that may have Nancy are watching this, the family is ready to talk, get proof of life, because there has been no contact after that ransom note went to the media. However, none of the letters contained proof of life, he said. Janke said the notes contained references to a deadline and a monetary demand, as well as mentions of an Apple Watch and a floodlight, but declined to provide further details. open image in gallery Cars were seen parked outside Nancy Guthrie's home on Wednesday. FBI Phoenix Special Agent in Charge Heith Janke said there has been no contact since the ransom notes were reportedly sent to media outlets ( Reuters ) Were not going to go into specifics, Janke said. Its very important that we keep this investigation moving forward, and we dont want to put more facts out there that others can use to try to profit from this. Janke said one of the reported ransom notes had a deadline of 5 p.m. Thursday. He also confirmed the second deadline was on Monday, but details of the exact timing were not released. "So we are continuing in a normal kidnapping case; there would be contact by now, trying to discuss that," Janke said. "But those are the time frames we're looking at as we move forward." During the press conference, the sheriff also outlined a detailed timeline of Guthries final known movements. open image in gallery Today show host Savannah Guthrie and her siblings plead for their mother's safe return after she disappeared from her home in Arizona ( instagram/savannahguthrie ) Guthrie ordered an Uber and left her home at 5:32 p.m. Saturday to go to a family dinner and returned at 9:48 p.m., police said. We did speak to a driver, because Nancy, we learned, had been taken the Uber to the family residence, the daughter for dinner, Nanos said. And we located that driver and spoke with them. Her garage door opened at approximately 9:48 p.m. and closed two minutes later, which investigators believe marks the time she arrived home. Her doorbell camera was disconnected at 1:47 a.m. Sunday. Software detected motion at 2:12 a.m., but no video could be recovered. At 2:28 a.m., Guthries pacemaker disconnected from its personal monitoring device. Family members went to check on Guthrie at 11:56 a.m. Sunday. A 911 call was made at 12:03 p.m., and deputies arrived about 10 minutes later. The search for Guthrie has expanded across Arizona and beyond. Were looking for her everywhere, Nanos said. open image in gallery Blood splattered on Nancys front porch was revealed to be hers, the sheriff said ( NewsNation ) Before beginning the latest press briefing, Nanos expressed sympathy for the family The family, you know, they just hurt, he said. Understandably so, and so I really want you to know this entire team here those behind me and our community are hurting with you. We really just want mom back. Authorities urged anyone with information about Nancy Guthries disappearance to contact law enforcement immediately. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Authorities briefly detained a person on Tuesday for questioning over the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, 10 days after the 84-year-old vanished from her home in Tucson, Arizona, only to then release him in the early hours of Wednesday. The man identified himself to reporters as Carlos Palazuelos and said he works as a delivery driver, according to Telemundo. He told ABC15: "They didn't even tell me what's going on until the detectives got here... They told me I was being detained for kidnapping, and I asked them, Kidnapping of who?" As the search continues, FBI Director Kash Patel told Fox News Tuesday evening: We are looking at people who, as we say, are persons of interest. The development came shortly after new surveillance photos and video were released showing a masked person outside Guthries Arizona home the morning she was abducted. Authorities have not held a press conference since releasing these images, and no briefing is scheduled for Wednesday. The FBI also said Wednesday its agents are conducting an extensive search along multiple roadways in the Catalina Foothills area, where Guthrie lives. open image in gallery A makeshift tribute to Nancy Guthrie has been set up outside of her home ( Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) Heres what we know: Who was the person detained for questioning? Palazuelos, 36, told reporters he hadnt heard of Guthrie before Tuesday night and hopes shes found safe, according to The New York Times. I hope they get the suspect, because Im not it, he said. The Pima County Sheriffs Department said Tuesday police detained a subject for questioning during a traffic stop and later searched a property in Rio Rico, a town south of Tucson, Arizona, near the U.S.-Mexico border. The agency has since confirmed he was released without charges but provided few other details. This detention was part of follow-up on incoming leads. As with any investigation, we do not release the identities of individuals who are detained and later released without charges, the sheriffs department said in a statement Wednesday. What do authorities think has happened? Police believe Nancy Guthrie, the mother of Today co-host Savannah Guthrie, was taken from her home in Catalina Foothills, a quiet neighborhood near Tucson, at some point between the night of January 31 and the morning of February 1. Investigators released footage of an armed and masked man at Guthries front door the morning she disappeared. One video shows the individual approaching the front door and interacting with the camera with his gloved hand. The individual then walks away and appears to pick up an object off the ground nearby. A second shows the individual using what appears to be a plant to obstruct the camera. Another four-second video also shows the individual approaching the front door with his shoulders hunched and his head down. open image in gallery New surveillance footage shows a masked person approaching the front door of Nancy Guthries home on the morning she disappeared ( Pima County Sheriffs Department ) open image in gallery The masked individual appeared to use a plant to obstruct the camera ( FBI ) Working with our partners, as of this morning, law enforcement has uncovered these previously inaccessible new images showing an armed individual appearing to have tampered with the camera at Nancy Guthries front door the morning of her disappearance, the Pima County Sheriffs Office said Tuesday. The video was recovered from residual data located in backend systems, the agency said. The release also included several black-and-white photos showing the masked individual with gloved hands interacting with the camera. President Donald Trump, who has been following the investigation, reacted with pure disgust when he viewed the surveillance footage, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said. His initial reaction, of course, as all Americans, is just pure disgust. And again, it's heartbreaking to see now this footage really bring to life a story we've all been reading about, Leavitt told reporters at a press briefing Tuesday. Again, we're just praying for the safety of Nancy Guthrie and that she will return home soon, and the president directed me to please encourage all Americans with any information to call the FBI. We hope that this case will come to a positive resolution as soon as possible, she added. open image in gallery The masked individual tampered with the camera, police said ( Pima County Sheriffs Department ) open image in gallery The masked individual has not been identified ( FBI ) Guthrie was last seen just after 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, January 31, at her home near Skyline Drive and Campbell Avenue, the Pima County Sheriffs Department said. The agency has released a detailed timeline of the events leading up to her disappearance. She took an Uber at 5:32 p.m. on Saturday, January 31, to go to a family members house for dinner. We did speak to a driver, because Nancy, we learned, had taken the Uber to the family residence, the daughters for dinner, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said. And we located that driver and spoke with them. Family dropped Guthrie off at home at 9:48 p.m., and her garage door opened before closing two minutes later. Her doorbell camera was disconnected at 1:47 a.m. on Sunday, February 1. Guthrie did not have an active subscription, so it took investigators several days to recover the footage. Software data recorded movement at the home at 2:12 a.m. Then, at 2:28 a.m., Guthries pacemaker disconnected from her phone. Family members went to check on Guthrie at 11:56 a.m., after hearing she didnt attend church that morning. A 911 call was made at 12:03 p.m., and deputies arrived about 10 minutes later. open image in gallery Guthrie was last seen at her home in Catalina Foothills, a community outside of Tucson, Arizona ( AP ) Her disappearance has sparked a massive search involving state and federal law enforcement agencies. Guthrie relies on daily medication, and there could be fatal consequences if she doesnt take it, Nanos said. Police also flagged her health issues when she initially vanished, according to a 911 dispatch audio. Nancy has high blood pressure, a pacemaker and cardiac issues, the dispatcher said. DNA tests showed blood on Guthries front porch was hers, Nanos said. The FBI has also said its investigating alleged ransom notes received by multiple news outlets. Investigators said one note contained two deadlines that have since passed: Thursday, February 5 and Monday, February 9. Local CNN affiliate KGUN, one of the outlets that reportedly received a note, said it demanded $6 million by Monday, a deadline that passed with no update. Meanwhile, the FBI has told the Associated Press its not aware of ongoing communication between the Guthrie family and any potential kidnappers. The FBI has offered a $50,000 reward for information. Theories have swirled as investigators continue the search for Guthrie. Josh Schirard, a former SWAT commander and police captain, told CNN the universal nylon style holster seen on the masked individual at Guthries front door likely wouldnt be used by someone who regularly carries a gun. This seems more like a very cheap, off-the-shelf holster that somebody just stores their gun in. And it just happens to have a belt loop on the back of it that they thought that they could throw on, Schirard told the outlet. What has the Guthrie family said about the disappearance? Nancy Guthries daughter, 54-year-old Savannah Guthrie, is a co-host on NBCs Today show and was previously a White House correspondent. On Tuesday, Savannah Guthrie shared the new surveillance footage on Instagram. We believe she is still alive. Bring her home, she wrote. A day prior, she posted a video asking for the publics help in finding her mother as an alleged ransom deadline passed. open image in gallery Savannah Guthrie has used social media to ask for the publics help in finding her mother, Nancy Guthrie ( Instagram/@savannahguthrie ) Guthrie shared her first public statement about her mothers disappearance on Monday, February 2. Thank you for lifting your prayers with ours for our beloved mom, our dearest Nancy, a woman of deep conviction, a good and faithful servant, she wrote. Raise your prayers with us and believe with us that she will be lifted by them in this very moment. In a video posted Wednesday, February 4, Guthrie and her siblings Annie Guthrie and Camron Guthrie acknowledged the reports of a ransom note and made a direct plea for proof their mother is alive. They said they were ready to talk and asked whoever has their mother to provide evidence of life. We need to know without a doubt that she is alive and that you have her. We want to hear from you and we are ready to listen. Please reach out to us, Savannah Guthrie said while fighting off tears. With her voice cracking, she addressed her mother directly, saying the family was praying for her and that people were looking for her. Mamma, if youre listening, we need you to come home. We miss you, Annie Guthrie added. open image in gallery Today show host Savannah Guthrie and her siblings shared a video pleading for their mothers safe release and proof shes still alive ( instagram/savannahguthrie ) Camron Guthrie posted his own video on Thursday, February 5, asking the suspected kidnappers to contact the family. Whoever is out there holding our mother, we want to hear from you. We havent heard anything directly, he said in the video. We need you to reach out and we need a way to communicate with you so we can move forward. But first, we have to know that you have our mom. We want to talk to you and we are waiting for contact. On Saturday, the siblings posted another message acknowledging that contact had been made with a suspected kidnapper. In the video, Savannah Guthrie said her family has received your message and will pay for their mothers safe return. We beg you now to return our mother to us, so that we can celebrate with her, she said. open image in gallery Savannah Guthrie begged her mothers suspected kidnapper to return her ( Instagram ) Guthrie has been absent from the Today show and did not travel to Milan, Italy, to host the 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremony. Many of Guthries colleagues have since offered their support as the search continues for her mother. An NBC Sports spokesperson told The Independent: Savannah will not be joining us at the Olympics as she focuses on being with her family during this difficult time. Our hearts are with her and the entire Guthrie family as the search continues for their mother. The Pima County Sheriffs Department said anyone with information should contact 1-800-CALL-FBI, 520-351-4900, 88-CRIME or visit tips.fbi.gov. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A Philadelphia foster mother is facing a murder charge nearly nine months after a 20-month-old boy drowned in her bathtub in a case that has sparked outrage from the childs biological family. Apalosnia Watson, 39, has been charged with third-degree murder and endangering the welfare of a child in the death of Syvir Hill, court records show, according to CBS News. The charges stem from an alleged incident on April 15 last year inside Watsons home on the 900 block of East Schiller Street in the citys Harrowgate neighborhood. According to a probable cause affidavit, Watson was caring for Syvir and two other young children ages 4 and 2 when she left them in the bath unattended while she went downstairs to heat up food in the microwave. On her way to the kitchen, she reportedly heard flipping in the water, she later told police. When she returned, Syvir was facedown in the tub. Apalosnia Watson, 39, has been charged with murder after 20-month-old Sy'vir Hill (pictured) drowned in a bathtub while in her care last year ( KYW/YouTube ) Watson attempted CPR and called 911. Paramedics arrived and attempted life-saving measures, but Syvir was pronounced dead at the scene. A responding officer described Watson as visibly upset, screaming and crying, and repeatedly stating, I dont want to go to jail. Despite the Philadelphia Medical Examiners Office having conducted a postmortem exam the following day, the childs cause and manner of death remained pending for nine months. Syvirs biological mother Sharee Collins and her attorney say the delay was unacceptable. If theres a case that we should prioritize in our society, its the death of a 1-year-old child. I felt that it was not being prioritized, said A.J. Thomson, who represents Collins in a wrongful-death lawsuit. Collins previously told CBS News Philadelphia she trusted her son would be safe in foster care. He didnt deserve that, he didnt, she said I wouldnt wish it on nobody else. At the time of the boys death, there were several other children living in the home, including the 4-year-old and 2-year-old who were also in the bathtub, Hills 4-month-old sister, and a 17-year-old, according to a police report. Collins filed a civil lawsuit in October against Tabor Childrens Services and Northeast Treatment Centers, accusing them of placing her son in an overcrowded home. Her attorney said documents showed Watson had four foster children under the age of five in addition to other child relatives in the home and was at her max. Thomson also questioned Watsons decision to leave the children unattended. What food was that important that you would leave three kids that age in the tub by themselves? he said. The Philadelphia Department of Human Services called Syvirs death a tragic loss and said he had been receiving foster care services through Tabor and case management through Northeast Treatment Community Care, CBS News reported. The months-long gap prompted Thomson to file a second lawsuit in November, asking a Philadelphia Common Pleas Court judge to compel the medical examiner to make a ruling. A spokesperson for the medical examiners office said investigations vary in length depending on multiple factors and that, Above all, our priority is to conduct thorough and accurate investigations. The judge ordered the medical examiner certify the cause and manner of death within 10 days. On December 4, the office ruled that the cause of death was drowning and the manner of death was homicide. Watson was arrested on January 13. Her attorney S. Philip Steinberg told CBS News Philadelphia that she is devastated by the tragic, accidental death of Syvir Hill. Nonetheless, she has not committed a crime. Watson is set to appear in court on March 4. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Today show star Savannah Guthrie and her siblings have demanded that anyone holding her mother, Nancy Guthrie, provide proof of life in a heartbreaking new video. We, too, have heard reports about a ransom letter in the media. As a family, we are doing everything that we can. We are ready to talk, a visibly emotional Savannah said in the video posted to Instagram Wednesday night. However, we live in a world where voices and images are easily manipulated. We need to know, without a doubt, that she is alive and that you have her. Nancy vanished from her home in the Catalina Foothills, just outside of Tucson, Arizona, Saturday night. Local authorities believe she was abducted while she slept. Multiple news outlets have reported receiving ransom notes for Nancy, but police are yet to confirm their authenticity. TMZ and Arizona station KGUN 9 reported that the notes demanded millions of dollars in Bitcoin for her safe return. open image in gallery Savannah Guthrie and her siblings have pleaded that anyone holding her mother, Nancy Guthrie, provide proof of life in a heartbreaking new video ( Savannah Guthrie via Instagram ) Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said Tuesday his office is aware of reports about possible ransom note(s), and it is taking all tips and leads very seriously. Savannah was joined in the video by her sister Annie and brother Camron. The Today show co-anchor thanked everyone again for their prayers during this extremely difficult time and spoke highly of her mother. Our mom is a kind, faithful, loyal, fiercely loving woman of goodness and light. Shes funny and spunky and clever, Savannah said. open image in gallery Nancy vanished from her Arizona home Saturday night and local authorities believe she was abducted ( Pima County Sheriff's Department ) Annie said, The light is missing from our lives, adding that the siblings are just normal human people who need our mom. Savannahs dad, Charles, died of a heart attack when she was a teenager, according to reports. In her plea, Savannah mentioned her concern for mom Nancys health. She is 84 years old. Her health, her heart is fragile. She lives in constant pain. She is without any medicine. She needs it to survive. She needs it not to suffer, Savannah said. open image in gallery Multiple news outlets have reported receiving ransom notes for Nancy, but police are yet to confirm their authenticity ( Instagram/@savannahguthrie ) The Today show star urged whoever was holding Nancy to Please, reach out to us. We love you, mom. Stay strong, Camron said. Sheriff Nanos warned days ago that if Nancy does not take her medication within 24 hours, it could be fatal. He said Nancy is very limited in mobility. We know she didnt just walk out there. But he added she is of great sound and mind, this is not dementia related. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A man who sexually assaulted a teenager who was sitting next to him on an Alaska Airlines flight has been sentenced to serve prison time. Trayton Ballot, 29, was convicted last year following the incident on January 15 during which he repeatedly rubbed the thigh of the 17-year-old girl sitting next to him on the overnight trip from Anchorage to Seattle. He was sentenced to one and half years in prison, according to court records obtained by KIRO7. Speaking at Ballots sentencing, the teenage victim said she was trapped in a small place where I could not defend myself. She added, It was predatory, attacking me while I was asleep. According to court records the teen was flying with her mother and a friend but was seated away from them and in the window seat next to Ballot towards the back of the aircraft. Ballot appeared to be asleep but then moved his hand onto the victims inner thigh and began rubbing her thigh, according to the Department of Justice. The victim removed Ballots hand, but he replaced it twice more. After the third time the teenager lowered her tray table and wedged a stuffed animal under it to protect her lap. A man who sexually assaulted a teenager who was sitting next to him on an Alaska Airlines flight has been sentenced to serve prison time ( Getty ) Despite those barriers, Ballot moved his hand under the armrest and attempted to place it over the victims thigh, the DOJ said. The victim pressed down on the stuffed animal to stop the assault and Ballot took his hand away. The girl alerted her mother, who was sitting in the row behind her, by typing into her phone that Ballot had touched her. She then notified the flight attendants who moved her to another seat. Ballot was arrested as soon as the flight landed in Seattle and convicted following a two-day trial. The jury deliberated for just one hour in the case. Sexual assaults on airplanes are a distressingly prevalent risk of modern airline travel, prosecutors said during the sentencing. In several ways, a plane is a uniquely vulnerable environment: passengers are often seated in close proximity to strangers, with little room and few options for removing themselves from unwanted situations. Passengers regularly attempt to sleep on planes while sitting next to unknown persons; and outside of a passengers immediate neighbors, there is limited visibility and a low likelihood of witnesses, particularly when cabin lights are dimmed. Ballot must complete 10 years of supervised release following his prison term. BANGKOK, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- A 40mm grenade was fired by the Cambodian side at around 10:18 a.m. local time on Thursday, which landed at a military base in Thailand's Sisaket Province on the Thai-Cambodia border, leaving no casualties, according to Thai media reports, citing a report from Thailand's Second Army Region. KIEV, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- Ukrainian forces struck the launch site of Russia's Oreshnik hypersonic ballistic missile in January, according to a statement on Thursday by the general staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The strikes targeted infrastructure where Russia conducts pre-launch preparations for medium- and intercontinental-range ballistic missiles at the Kapustin Yar test site in the Astrakhan region, said the statement. According to the statement, Ukraine-made long-range strike weapons, in particular FP-5 Flamingo missiles, were used in the strike. According to available information, several buildings on the site sustained varying degrees of damage, with one of the hangars being significantly damaged, the statement said. Some personnel have been evacuated from the area. Russia used an Oreshnik in its attack on Ukraine's western city of Lviv on Jan. 9, Ukrainian authorities said. Protesters chant and bang on trash cans as they stand behind a makeshift barricade during a protest in response to the death of 37-year-old Alex Pretti, who was fatally shot by a U.S. Border Patrol officer earlier in the day, Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, in Minneapolis. Advertisement BusinessCompaniesRoad safety Its on fire: Tesla sued over trapped driver as safety concerns grow Elias Visontay, Dana Hull and Madlin Mekelburg and February 5, 2026 4:26pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A A US Tesla driver who crashed his SUV told emergency responders he was trapped inside, and pleaded for help to escape moments before he died, a lawsuit has alleged, as concerns intensify over car doors that require electricity to function. Details of the emergency phone call that Samuel Tremblett placed after the October crash outside Boston were revealed in documents filed to a US court on Wednesday, just as manufacturers were grappling with news that China would become the first country to ban sales of new cars without a mechanical release option for doors. A hidden door handle on a Tesla. Giphy Australian authorities are yet to act on concerns that power-operated doors could trap occupants after collisions, but car industry groups say they expect the ban in China a powerhouse of global electric vehicle manufacturing to flow through to the designs of cars exported to the local market after it takes effect from next January. As well as Chinas ban, a raft of news reports and lawsuits against car manufacturers have raised further questions about the safety hazards of electric door systems, which can fail and trap occupants inside vehicles, particularly after a crash. Advertisement In Trembletts lawsuit, its alleged that the 20-year-old died after he was unable to open electrically powered doors on his car. He allegedly pleaded with a 911 operator to be rescued from his burning Tesla Model Y SUV after the crash: I cant get out, please help me. Related Article Cars Tesla Model Y recalled over window that can close with excessive force Its on fire. Help please, Tremblett said, according to the lawsuit. I am going to die. After Tremblett survived the initial impact of the collision his remains were found in the back seat, according to a police report of the incident. Unable to open the doors, Mr Tremblett was trapped in the Tesla vehicle and died from thermal injuries and smoke inhalation before he was able to be rescued, according to the complaint filed on Wednesday in Massachusetts federal court. Advertisement Tesla didnt immediately respond to a request for comment on Trembletts lawsuit. However, in September, a Tesla executive said that the company was working on a redesign of its door handles. In December, Tesla updated its website to say that, after a serious collision is detected, hazard lights will turn on to increase visibility and doors will automatically unlock for emergency access. Tesla is facing multiple US lawsuits over crashes that allegedly involved door-related entrapment, including cases filed last year in Washington state and Wisconsin. The company was sued in October over claims that defects in the doors of a crashed Cybertruck in California made it a death trap by preventing three college students from escaping before they died of smoke inhalation. Callan Root, who bought his Tesla in December, likes the sleek look of the hidden electronic door handles, but concedes they could pose a safety hazard. Sitthixay Ditthavong Bloomberg has also reported at least 15 deaths in a dozen incidents over the past decade in which occupants or rescuers were unable to open the doors of a Tesla that had crashed and caught fire. Advertisement Tesla cars and most electric vehicles have two batteries: a low-voltage 12V battery that operates interior functions like windows, doors and the touchscreen, and the high-voltage pack that propels the car. If the low-voltage battery dies or is disabled, which is common after collisions or if a car is submerged in water, the doors may not unlock and must be operated manually from the inside. While manufacturers, including Tesla, are increasingly including mechanical release options inside for at least some doors, many owners and passengers are unfamiliar with where theyre located or how to operate them. There is no mechanical release option from outside for emergency responders. Related Article Electric vehicles Tesla loses title as worlds biggest EV maker as sales fall for second year It has led to multiple reports of occupants being trapped. In October the same month of Trembletts death Chinese state media reported that the driver of a Xiaomi SU7 Ultra sedan died in an accident after passers-by were unable to open the door to pull him out of the burning vehicle. Emergency workers were also filmed breaking windows to try to save victims at a 2024 crash involving an SUV from Aito backed by Huawei with retractable handles, in which three people died. In addition to Chinas ban announced this week, European regulators have said they intend to accelerate rulemaking on the matter. In the United States, authorities are conducting defect investigations into various Tesla models, including certain iterations of the popular Model 3 and Model Y, the latter of which was driven by Tremblett. Advertisement In Australia, independent safety advocate the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) rewards reliability of door opening in the event of crashes in its rating system, but there are no laws requiring manually opening doors. ANCAPs CEO Carla Hoorweg this week said would encourage regulation to follow in this space. Transport minister Catherine King, whose portfolio includes oversight of Australian Design Rules that dictate requirements for cars, did not respond to a request for comment. With Bloomberg The Business Briefing newsletter delivers major stories, exclusive coverage and expert opinion. Sign up to get it every weekday morning. Police officers and firefighters are seen at the accident site after a vehicle crashed into the 99 Ranch Market in the Westwood neighborhood in Los Angeles, California, the United States, on Feb. 5, 2026. (Photo by Qiu Chen/Xinhua) LOS ANGELES, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- At least three people were killed and multiple others injured after a vehicle crashed into a grocery store in the Westwood neighborhood in the U.S. city of Los Angeles on Thursday, according to local authorities. The crash was reported around noon. Three people were pronounced dead at the scene, and seven others were transported to a local hospital, the Los Angeles Fire Department said. Local media identified the grocery store as a 99 Ranch Market, an Asian supermarket chain. The cause of the crash has not yet been determined. Police officers are seen at the accident site after a vehicle crashed into the 99 Ranch Market in the Westwood neighborhood in Los Angeles, California, the United States, on Feb. 5, 2026. (Photo by Qiu Chen/Xinhua) People gather near the accident site after a vehicle crashed into the 99 Ranch Market in the Westwood neighborhood in Los Angeles, California, the United States, on Feb. 5, 2026. (Photo by Qiu Chen/Xinhua) Police officers are seen at the accident site after a vehicle crashed into the 99 Ranch Market in the Westwood neighborhood in Los Angeles, California, the United States, on Feb. 5, 2026. (Photo by Qiu Chen/Xinhua) Firefighters are seen at the accident site after a vehicle crashed into the 99 Ranch Market in the Westwood neighborhood in Los Angeles, California, the United States, on Feb. 5, 2026. (Photo by Qiu Chen/Xinhua) Police officers are seen at the accident site after a vehicle crashed into the 99 Ranch Market in the Westwood neighborhood in Los Angeles, California, the United States, on Feb. 5, 2026. (Photo by Qiu Chen/Xinhua) Advertisement BusinessConsumer affairsAviation Why Qantas Economy Plus seats may be no bargain for frequent flyers Chris Zappone February 5, 2026 11:42am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A Qantas customers angling for more comfortable domestic economy seats may want to think twice about the cost of using Frequent Flyer points to book them, travel experts warn. Adele Eliseo, of travel publication The Champagne Mile, said that Qantas Economy Plus seating, which is rolling out this week, is a costly choice for customers using points rather than cash. Economy Plus is also expensive compared to other schemes like Classic Rewards. Qantas Economy Plus: whether its a good deal depends on how you pay, say points experts. Redeeming points for Economy Plus delivers around 0.6 cents per point, she said. Thats materially below the value frequent flyers can typically extract when using points on Classic Reward flights, including on domestic economy seats which are widely available for redemption. Economy Plus seats offer up to 40 per cent more legroom along with priority boarding and priority access. Overhead baggage space will be divvied up, with dedicated bins for Economy Plus passengers. Advertisement Customers have the option to pay in cash for an upgrade for the seats, with prices ranging from $30 Sydney-Melbourne one way to $90 Melbourne-Bali. That cost is in addition to an economy seat. The same seat upgrades can be acquired with points at a relatively high cost, running at 5000 to 15,000 points. Economy Plus unlocks limited value relative to premium cabin flights, Eliseo said. For many people, using their Qantas points to fly business class isnt really financially feasible - even if it may be better value in terms of the cents you are redeeming per point. However, Eliseo said that if flying in the premium cabin is an option, rather than spending the points in economy, a customer would get more value using the points on an upgrade into business. Advertisement Where a point may buy 1 cent of value for domestic economy seats, the same point may garner 5 cents or more of value in business class. This has long been the case for Qantas rewards program. The new seat class will include priority boarding and overhead luggage access. Qantas A spokesperson for Qantas said that since announcing Qantas Economy Plus, the airline has seen strong interest from our Frequent Flyers, corporate and leisure customers. Complex Travel Group founder Mark Trim said the costliness of the points is probably slightly on the high side for Economy Plus. A more preferable rate would be closer to 1.5 cents per point, so its probably better to spend cash than points for Economy Plus, Trim said. Advertisement Related Article Aviation Frequent flyer points mania expands far past airlines In addition, Steve Hui, of the iFLYflat Flights Club, said the value per point when redeeming for Economy Plus can also be lower than the cost of earning those points through a credit card. For example, on a high points earning card, if someone spends $5,000 paying regular bills and earns 5,000 Qantas Points, but pays a 1 per cent credit card surcharge, those 5,000 points have effectively cost them $50, Hui said. If those 5,000 points are then redeemed for an Economy Plus upgrade worth around $30 on a Sydney - Melbourne flight, the customer has paid $50 to save $30. In many cases, customers paying credit card surcharges are effectively paying more than 0.6 cents per Qantas Point to earn them, he said. Advertisement In effect, they paid more to get less. Thats not a reward. Nevertheless, Trim anticipates Economy Plus being a popular offering by Qantas in part because how useful it will be for domestic flyers. Looking at introductory prices laid out by Qantas, a Sydney to Perth upgrade to Economy Plus starts at $70. Thats a route where business class can be $2000-$3000 one way, said Trim. So if you just want that extra 4 inches (10 centimetres) of legroom, its a very low sort of price point to get significantly more comfort. Advertisement Airlines have struggled to balance the availability of reward flights with the volume of points they are issuing. In this way, a product like Qantas Economy Plus also serves to help consume customer points. University of Sydney transportation professor Rico Merkert said passengers often forget their points or do not have sufficient opportunities to redeem them, often leading to a huge and growing pool of unredeemed miles. This creates large liabilities on airline balance sheets, which makes this an interesting accounting problem, he said. After the COVID lockdowns ended, airlines faced a surge of redemptions, forcing them to devalue points in response, as Qantas, Virgin and Jetstar all have. In effect, airlines began requiring more points for the same flight. Qantas devalued its Classic Reward points by between 5 and 20 per cent, depending on the product, last year. Advertisement Classic Rewards offer fixed-rate points pricing with limited seats, while Classic Plus offers higher availability by dynamically pricing points based on cash fares. Related Article Aviation Qantas class war: Premium economy fliers to get first dibs at overhead bins The problem with Classic Rewards redemptions is that there are often not enough seats to match the demand. Classic Plus - a new scheme launched by CEO Vanessa Hudson in 2024 - uses more points but is easier to book. From the airlines perspective, Economy Plus seating gives Qantas a new product which customers can spend points on. Qantas more detailed monetisation of the cabin means that previously empty middle seats, which often occurred next to high-tier flyers, will now be sold. High-tier flyers in economy frequently enjoyed being sat next to a spare middle seat. Now platinum members who were used to a spare middle seat are going to find that a lot less frequent, Trim said. Advertisement But again its a net win because Id rather have the extra 4 inches of legroom for free [by virtue of flying as a high-tier frequent flyer]. (High-tier flyers will be automatically seated in Economy Plus seats in domestic flights at no charge.) Adele Eliseo of The Champagne Mile believes the Economy Plus seats arent a great deal for points users. Eliseo welcomed Qantas creating a new usage for points, and said it follows a trend seen elsewhere. Virgin Australia, for example, began allowing its Velocity members in December to redeem points for in-flight purchases using a linked credit card. While convenient, the value delivered by those redemptions was relatively low, at around 0.5 cents per point. Typically, the worst way to redeem points is for gift cards, Eliseo said. Redeeming points for Economy Plus seats is not the worst, but its certainly not the best way to use points. Advertisement The other factor to know when booking is carrier charges, or the fee - which is sometimes high - that an airline charges a customer for booking with points. Angus Kidman, at consumer comparison site Finder.com, notes that even after Qantas devalued its points, the best value comes from flight upgrades, followed by business class flights, followed by economy flights, followed by store purchases. The value will vary a lot as higher-tier customers will get them without paying extra, Kidman said. But using points just to get the seat upgrade isnt a great redemption option in my view. The Business Briefing newsletter delivers major stories, exclusive coverage and expert opinion. Sign up to get it every weekday morning. Advertisement CultureBooksLiterature Newcastle Writers Festival invites Randa Abdel-Fattah amid questions over funding Linda Morris February 6, 2026 10:13am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A Newcastle Writers Festival has defied a national firestorm over Dr Randa Abdel-Fattah that led to the cancellation of Adelaide Writers Week, naming the Palestinian-Australian author in its 2026 program. Abdel-Fattahs appearance at the festival on March 28 was announced on Friday morning, a day after the NSW arts minister stressed the need for social cohesion as questions were raised in NSW parliament about the events $250,000 government grant. Dr Randa Abdel-Fattah will appear at Newcastle Writers Festival. AAP In January, the Adelaide Festival board withdrew an invitation for Abdel-Fattah to appear at its Writers Week, a move that set off a boycott by 180 writers, led to festival director Louise Adlers resignation and the event being cancelled. AbdelFattah will discuss her novel, Discipline, the Newcastle festivals program says, reflecting on the role of fiction in challenging injustice and offers insight into her writing process and the urgent themes shaping her work. Advertisement She will also appear alongside Evelyn Araluen and Cheng Lei in a panel discussion the same day about resurgent racism, widening inequality and the tightening grip of censorship in conversation with lawyer Josh Bornstein. Related Article Analysis Literature How Adelaides writers week collapse is shaping Australias major literary festivals Newcastle Writers Festival director Rosemarie Milsom said she invited Abdel-Fattah last August after reading her book. She said she came under no pressure, either from government or her board, to rescind that invitation. The book is good, and it really is unique, a part of the flourishing movement in literature in western Sydney and centres on a Muslim journalist and academic and touches on contemporary issues, Milsom said. An invitation to appear in a writers festival program is not an endorsement of a writers personal views, and we support an individuals right to freedom of expression. She is in conversation about her book and in a panel discussion, and thats a broad panel who have their own views on things, whose views I dont profile based on politics or religion. That would be dangerous. Advertisement Abdel-Fattah has come under fire for past social media posts that said Zionists had no claim to cultural safety and that institutions that considered fragile feelings of Zionists were abhorrent. Editor's pick Literature Louise Adler and Randa Abdel-Fattah headline rebel Adelaide literary festival This week, she said those comments had been taken out of context. She was also criticised for posting an illustration of a paraglider with a Palestinian flag parachute as her Facebook profile photo the day after the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel. She has since said she was not aware of the scale of the attack at the time. In NSW parliament on Thursday, Liberal MP Aileen MacDonald questioned whether it was appropriate for the Newcastle Writers Festival to receive its $250,000 state grant if Dr Abdel-Fattah was on the bill. Programming and funding decisions should ensure taxpayer funds support a broad cross-section of the community, not narrow political interests, she said. Emphasising the need for social cohesion and Jewish arts lovers to feel welcome, Arts Minister John Graham said: Im also not a big fan of cancel culture. Advertisement I do not support cancelling Thomas Friedman or Deborah Conway or a range of Palestinian artists. That backfires pretty rapidly. That is my starting point. But we do have expectations about how people will behave. We will not accept hate speech. The laws are clear. We do expect festivals and cultural institutions to make a contribution to social cohesion. Everyone has a responsibility to do that. A rebel literary festival created in direct response to the cancellation of Adelaide Writers Week this week announced that it will feature Abdel-Fattah and former Adelaide Writers Week director Louise Adler, the two women at the centre of the major events implosion. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter. Regarding American global awareness (C8), a former colleague once taught in Arizona, writes Wayne Duncombe of Lilyfield. One day, after revealing that she was, in fact, Australian, an earnest student asked her how she managed to escape the communists. It gets worse, says John Boddington of Dalton. An acquaintance who was an airline attendant once told me he encountered an elderly American on the way to Cairns to fulfil his lifelong ambition of seeing the film festival. He kindly gave him a few whiskies to soften the forthcoming blow. Forget the rate rise, its the toast tax (C8) thats hitting home, with Maureen Donlon of Wagga Wagga noting that at the Wagga Wagga Base Hospital, you cant have toast with your breakfast, just bread. Must save shed-loads of money for the Health Department. Recent items on & Sons/Daughters tags (C8) remind me of the two immigrant tradesmen from the subcontinent reportedly working around London some years ago with a van displaying a sign, Youve had it with the cowboys. Now try the Indians. We thank Max McKinnon of Forresters Beach. A US contact tells me that The Donald arranged a viewing of Melania (C8) for a select group at which the champagne was flowing freely, reports Simon Dixon of Bolton Point. Waiters were wandering through the audience, topping up glasses. One uncorked a bottle but lost control of the stopper, which hit a guest on the head. After a brief silence, the guest said Hit me again. I can still hear her talking. And concerning Natasha Lees Abe Lincoln jape, Paul Keir of Strathfield can only say, Too soon, Natasha. Advertisement Updated NationalQueenslandCrime Owner of Arnie, dog found dead in claimed stolen ute, pleads guilty in court Cloe Read Updated February 5, 2026 2:40pm ,first published February 5, 2026 9:43am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A A man who left his dog to die in the back of his hot ute has told a court he invented an elaborate story about the vehicles theft after panicking about how to hide a drug-fuelled brothel binge from his wife. Nathan McKeown, 43, was sentenced to community service on Thursday over the death of Arnie, his seven-year-old German shepherd, in a case that gripped thousands of people around Australia, after he falsely claimed his ute had been stolen with the dog inside. McKeown pleaded guilty to all the offences, including over the death of Arnie, driving unlicensed and under the influence of liquor and a drug, and obstructing police. Loading There was a heavy police and security presence at the Cleveland Magistrates Court on Thursday, where officers escorted McKeown both onto the premises, and then into the courtroom through a side door. He did not answer several questions from waiting media. Advertisement McKeown had claimed he put Arnie in the back of his Toyota Hilux ute with some water around November 7 after a few minor scuffles had broken out with his friends kelpie. Then he claimed the vehicle had been stolen from a friends house in the bayside Brisbane suburb of Wynnum in the early hours. While Arnie was presumed missing, McKeown and his wife, Louise, pleaded on television for the safe return of their dog, offering a $6000 reward for Arnies return. Nathan McKeown leaves Cleveland Magistrates Court. Brisbane Times/Cloe Read But police charged McKeown shortly afterwards, with investigators alleging the vehicle had not been stolen. Advertisement In a tragic turn, Arnie was found dead inside the Hilux on Amelia Street in Fortitude Valley days later. Temperatures around that time were close to 30 degrees. The court was told McKeown had an argument with a family member on the afternoon of November 7. He left the home about 4.30pm with Arnie in the back. According to court documents, over the next six hours, McKeown attended a bar, two brothels, and a hotel. During this time, Arnie was secured in the back without water, food, or ventilation, as McKeown consumed MDMA and alcohol while he drove to various locations. About 10.45pm, McKeown went to Amelia Street in Fortitude Valley, and by that stage was heavily intoxicated and under the influence of drugs, the court was told. Advertisement About this time, he let Arnie out of the back canopy of the ute for about four minutes. The family posted photos on a Facebook page established to help find Arnie. Nine News About 12.30am, he was seen to be heavily intoxicated and belligerent at one premises, where he was asked to leave. He then made his way to Brunswick Street, where he was denied entry to licensed venues. Between 1.30am and 7.25am, he used taxis and ride-share services to travel to other locations. According to court documents, a manager from the brothel told police a heavily intoxicated McKeown returned to the venue, looking for his car, at 2.30am. Advertisement He then visited a McDonalds in Coorparoo, before texting his wife at 5am saying he would be going to work. A friend picked him up from Bowen Hills about 7.30am, and he then enlisted the help of another friend to say the vehicle had been stolen from Wynnum. At 9.30am, he visited a bottle shop, before heading to a bar. By 12pm, he called his wife telling her the ute had been stolen. Arnie and his owners, before the dog was found dead in the McKeowns ute. Nine News The prosecution said McKeown obstructed police in various ways, and intended to cover up the story to avoid telling his wife about that night. McKeowns actions resulted in police being diverted from other jobs for the citywide search, the court heard. Advertisement The court heard Arnie had died from dehydration and heat stress, likely 24 to 72 hours after confinement. His lawyer, Patrick Quinn, told the court McKeown was very sorry for what had happened. He said McKeown had tried to find Arnie because he did not know where the vehicle was. Quinn said his client had been the subject of threats from the public, including some calling for his death. Media camped outside his home as news broke. Court documents state McKeown claimed he was having marriage problems because of his alcohol consumption. The lawyer said McKeown had not set out that evening to intentionally harm Arnie. Advertisement A statement read to the court from McKeowns parents spoke of the impact the threats had on the family, and how McKeown had to flee into hiding. They said McKeown would have never intentionally harmed Arnie, and that the dog was loved by all the family. In a letter to the magistrate, seen by this masthead, McKeown said his lies were a result of me panicking and trying to cover my tracks after hours of searching for the ute. If I could change what happened that night I would in a heartbeat, he said. I regrettably lied to my wife not knowing where my ute was, I panicked. I sincerely apologise to her for lying as I knew the hurt it would have caused her, Not only have I lost my best friend, but I have lost the trust of my wife as a result of my lies and actions. McKeown stared ahead during the proceeding and at times became emotional, before he was sentenced to 240 hours of community service, with no conviction recorded. He was also disqualified from driving, and unable to get his licence back until October. Advertisement Magistrate Deborah Vasta said she knew McKeown loved Arnie. You were rough-housing him, you were on CCTV cuddling him, giving him a hug, and then you closed that door, and you walked away, she said. Vasta took into account the public condemnation of McKeown, but criticised those who had used his stupid and terrible mistake as a justification for intense hatred. She said McKeown had wasted enough public money, and therefore needed to give back to the community. Vasta said while Australians were largely forgiving people, they did not like being lied to. As such, the community felt betrayed and manipulated by McKeown. Advertisement You killed your dog. Your actions killed your best friend, Vasta said during sentencing. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter. Advertisement NationalCBD Seasoned philanthropist executive Vedran Drakulic moves on again Gemma Grant and John Buckley February 6, 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 It was only 18 months ago that your faithful columnists brought an update on the billionaire-hopping movements of Melbourne philanthropic A-lister Vedran Drakulic. Now theres been yet another career shake up for Drakulic. He has stepped in as the chief executive of the Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation, a group that aims to carry on the memory of police officers who have died in the line of duty. Vedran Drakulic has joined the Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation. Its an incredible organisation, with such a great history and really meaningful mission, Drakulic told CBD. I just hope that I can take it to even greater heights. Drakulic, an OAM recipient who arrived in Australia in 1995 as a refugee from war-torn Bosnia, said he had mixed feelings about leaving the philanthropic sector and his last gig at the Hansen Little Foundation. Advertisement He was appointed CEO of the joint philanthropic venture between billionaire power-couple Paul Little and Jane Hansen in August 2024. We reached out to their people, who said they had nothing to add about the staffing changes. Drakulic most recently worked for Jane Hansen and Paul Littles philanthropic venture. Peter Casamento Previously, Drakulic was chief executive of the Gandel Foundation, run by rich listers John and Pauline Gandel of Chadstone Shopping Centre fame. He worked for the foundation for 12 years. Currently, he is also the deputy chair of the Betty Amsden Foundation, on Haileyburys school council, a board member of the Order of Australia Association Foundation, an adjunct professor at RMIT University and a board member at the Greater Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust. Save some room for the rest of us, Vedran! Advertisement The new Blue Ribbon gig will have a focus on strategic direction, fundraising and stakeholder engagement and he was picked after a reportedly rigorous selection process. This role kind of combines all the working experience that I had over the past 30 years in Australia I was very pleased that I would be able to use all my skills, Drakulic said. Albo lieutenant gets in on MAGA romance Maybe its a political overcorrection, after weeks of shrill Coalition election commentary about Prime Minister Anthony Albaneses ability to get US President Donald Trump on the phone. Maybe its just genuine friendship. Advertisement Whatever you want to call it, the Labor governments top ranks can no longer be accused of having problems getting access to the White House. For the latest piece of evidence, you dont need to look much further than the Instagram account of White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, where the boss of Albaneses press shop Fiona Sugden can be found gushing in the comments. Earlier this week, Leavitt posted a gallery of photos to the platform, the first picturing her alongside her real estate developer husband Nicholas Riccio. The pictures were accompanied by the caption Two MAGA weddings, one weekend! One CBD spy was quick to note Sugdens praise. Looking beautiful @karolineleavitt, she wrote, replete with a love heart and expecting mother emojis. Unsurprisingly, the Prime Ministers Office didnt respond to our queries about Sugdens blossoming MAGA friendship. Of course, we dont blame her for it, either. Its not uncommon for those in positions like Sugdens to have to cavort with all manner of deplorables. All in the national interest, we suppose. Update: Labor MPs apologies Advertisement In case you missed it state Labor MPs were reprimanded for a unique co-ordinated flyer display at question time on Tuesday. The stunt poked fun at Opposition Leader Jess Wilsons now-cancelled speaking appearance at an upcoming regional conference organised by political movement the Across Australia Alliance. The regional organisation has turned heads after booking the speaking services of Barnaby Joyce for the event and announcing they would field One Nation candidates for the next state election. In what reminded us of a flash mob, Labor caucus in the lower house merrily broke out into a co-ordinated display of flyers that advertised Joyces billing at the convention in Horsham this weekend all while Wilson sat across from them. Legislative Assembly Speaker Maree Edwards asserted her authority on Tuesday when she requested that every Labor MP involved in the stunt must deliver a written apology to her office ASAP. Advertisement Labor MPs staged a co-ordinated flyer wave at question time on Tuesday. Parliament of Victoria Well, were pleased to report that, after checking in on Thursday morning, there are zero apology letters left outstanding. Its nice to hear that the Labor government understands the importance of a due date. Unfortunately, we cant bring you any details on the contents of the correspondence. But the speakers office assured us that the tone of all the letters was very apologetic. Advertisement NationalDisability Opinion This was no act of love. Autism is not a justification for murder Laura Pettenuzzo Writer February 5, 2026 11:06am February 5, 2026 11:06am 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 scroll through the news on my phone, hands shaking as I read. Im oscillating between grief and rage. Two autistic children, Leon and Otis Clune, are dead. Evidence suggests their parents killed them in a murder-suicide after cuts to their NDIS funding. Their deaths were tragic and preventable, and I feel such sorrow at their loss. Jarrod Clune, 50, Maiwenna Goasdoue, 49, and their sons Leon, 16, and Otis, 14, were found at a property in the wealthy Perth suburb of Mosman Park, Perth, on Friday morning. But I dont have a chance to sit with that, because the coverage of their murder leaves me incensed and hurting in a whole new way. Headlines proclaimed: No choice: parents reached breaking point, and, Mothers tragic struggle. Almost every article mentions that the brothers had significant health challenges. One article quoted the boys neighbour, who said, It is a very, very sad thing, but in this case, you know the two teenagers there were non-verbal. Advertisement Whether Leon, 16, and Otis, 14, communicated verbally or non-verbally is in no way relevant to their murder (though Leon, reportedly, was verbal). This kind of viewpoint is dangerous. And its not disabled people alone who are affected. For too long we saw perpetrators of domestic violence blithely described as an otherwise good bloke. Were slowly learning that by failing to hold the perpetrator to account we minimise the victims, effectively blaming them for their fate. Four year on from the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability, how are we still having this conversation? Media Diversity Australia has a guide to responsible reporting on disability but were still getting this catastrophically wrong. The articles are bad but the comments under them are even worse. Advertisement Advertisement We shouldnt have to see the worth of our lives debated, our access needs used as justification for murder. Related Article Crime The hidden struggle behind closed doors at a quiet Mosman Park home Lets be clear: killing disabled people is not mercy, nor an act of love. Our murder is not excusable. Disabled people deserve to live. But reading these articles without lived experience, without exposure to disabled people and community, could easily lead people to think otherwise. Sadly, disabled people are used to this kind of media treatment. We saw it at the height of COVID-19, when some people highlighted that COVID posed the greatest risk for people with underlying conditions, as though our deaths were expected, and our lives mattered less. We see it when the NDIS and the people it supports are framed as a burden on the economy. Advertisement Leon and Otis Clune should be alive. Thats the story. Not their special needs, not their health challenges or the struggle they caused their family. Their lives mattered. Related Article Opinion Coronavirus pandemic Spare me. If you have a runny nose, stay home Laura Pettenuzzo Writer The system failed Leon and Otis Clune. We failed them. Im not alone in my despair and fury. Disability Discrimination Commissioner Rosemary Kayess denounced the dangerous narrative surrounding the case of Leon and Otis, and asserted that, the fact that the children may have been autistic and required supports should not be the basis for any justification of their murder. CEO of Children and Young People with Disability Australia, Skye Kakoschke-Moore, urged individuals and organisations to take every opportunity to affirm that children with disability are not a burden. Advertisement Disabled people are not a burden on our parents. Were not a burden on the economy. Were not a burden, full stop. If you think otherwise, you should damn well reconsider. If not for other people, then for yourself. Disability is the only marginalised group that anyone can join at any time. Age disables all of us in different ways. One day, youll likely be one of us, and I guarantee youll be angry too. We are all complicit in societal understandings of disability. Attitudes about disability or anything else are not inherent. Theyre built and shaped by conversations, by policies and by media coverage. Leon and Otis Clune are dead. The very least we can do must do is respect them. The very least we can do is challenge the way we think, talk and write about disability and disabled people. We owe it to them. Non-disabled people, you owe it to us. Laura Pettenuzzo is a disabled writer and accessible communications professional. Advertisement Support is available from Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 and Lifeline on 13 11 14. The Opinion newsletter is a weekly wrap of views that will challenge, champion and inform your own. Sign up here. Advertisement Updated NationalVictoriaCourts Tony Mokbel a free man with wedding bells on his mind after crime case abandoned Erin Pearson Updated February 6, 2026 10:42am ,first published 9:45am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A On the steps of the courthouse, Tony Mokbel declared going to jail for drug matters was the biggest mistake of his life. Missing the death of his mother and other major life events, the underworld figure said he was now looking forward to getting on a plane, perhaps even to Greece, after the Director of Public Prosecutions abandoned its pending 2005 case against him more than 20 years after the alleged crimes were said to have been committed. Tony Mokbel walks free from the Melbourne Supreme Court on Friday. Jason South The 60-year-old is now a free man, walking away from court without any pending criminal matters and without the shadow of bail, flagging that a wedding may now be on the cards. When asked what the relief felt like, he replied: Its beautiful, it feels really nice, and life goes on. Advertisement Thanking his legal team, friends and family who supported him along the way, he said he wasnt sure how to feel right now, but an overseas holiday was on the cards. That would be great to get on a plane. I always dreamed of getting on a plane when I was in jail, Mokbel said while looking up at the Melbourne sky. Loading Being absent for family matters, including the death of his mother though, he said, were his biggest life regrets. Thats probably the biggest mistake of my life, being in jail, I dont recommend it for anyone, he said. Advertisement Minutes earlier, inside courtroom four at the Supreme Court, Crown prosecutor David Glynn, SC, told judicial registrar Timothy Freeman that the director (DPP) would not pursue a retrial on matters the Court of Appeal ruled on in October due to the potential impacts of supergrass barrister Nicola Gobbo on his defence. On behalf of the Director of Public Prosecutions, I file a discontinuance in relation to one remaining charge, Glynn said. Freeman noted there were now no pending matters before the court regarding Mokbel and discharged his bail. Mokbel then nodded in agreement; his red-soled Christian Louboutin shoes obstructed from view by the wooden dock wall. Advertisement Thank you very much, your honour, Mokbel replied. With his bail removed, he is also now free to move around the country, and internationally, without restriction. Mokbel with his then-lawyer, Nicola Gobbo, outside court in 2004. Nine In a statement, the DPP said: This decision was reached after careful consideration of all aspects of the matter relevant to the prospects of conviction and the public interest in a retrial. Issues of particular significance included likely ongoing delays, the age of the alleged offending, the fact that there was no actual importation, and the likely sentence to be imposed upon conviction given Mr Mokbels age, health and the lengthy term of imprisonment already served. Mokbel launched an appeal against drug convictions for three matters known as Orbital, Magnum and Quills following revelations his one-time lawyer, Gobbo, had been informing on him to police while also providing him with legal advice at times. Advertisement In October, three Court of Appeal justices partially sided with Mokbel, acquitting him of some convictions, upholding others, while ordering a retrial on a third case. Related Article Crime Tony started the underworld: The original gangland crime boss who survived and, eventually, beat the system The court earlier heard that Mokbels legal team, led by Julie Condon, KC, immediately wrote to the DPP asking for the case to be dropped. Mokbel was on bail at the time, but had earlier served almost 19 years in jail since his arrest in Greece, while on the run from the authorities in 2005. The case had centred on a charge of conspiracy to import drugs stemming from two meetings with undercover police operatives on June 29 and 30, 2005, where police had previously alleged Mokbel commissioned the importation of 100 kilograms of MDMA powder at a cost of $1.2 million in what was known as the Orbital case. Advertisement In April, after almost two decades behind bars, Mokbel was released on bail with strict conditions pending the outcome of his appeal hearings in April 2025. He was in 2012 jailed for 30 years, with a non-parole period of 22 years, after pleading guilty to masterminding an elaborate drug syndicate. But in October, the Court of Appeal threw out one of Mokbels major drug convictions, ordered a retrial on a second and upheld a third. His 30-year sentence was then reduced to 13 years, seven months and 15 days, which the court said he had already served in jail following his arrest in Greece while on the run from authorities. In its judgment, the Court of Appeal found Gobbos involvement as a supergrass corrupted one case against Mokbel known as Operation Quills to a degree that his conviction should be quashed. Gobbo had served as Mokbels defence lawyer in the early 2000s while also informing on him to police. Advertisement The Magnum conviction, which still stands, related to Mokbel trafficking a commercial quantity of methylamphetamine via a large-scale criminal enterprise while he was overseas. Since his release on bail, Mokbel has been supported in court each day by his girlfriend, who has remained staunchly by his side after meeting while he was in jail. Mokbel and his partner shop at Melbournes Northland Shopping Centre on his first day of freedom in April 2025. Alex Coppel When asked by the masthead outside court if a wedding could be on the cards, he replied: Id say yes. Be the first to know when major news happens. Sign up for breaking news alerts on email or turn on notifications in the app. Advertisement PoliticsFederalIsraeli-Palestinian conflict Labor stalls on Trumps Board of Peace invitation as Trump envoy issues warning Brittany Busch and Nick Newling February 5, 2026 12:06pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A Donald Trumps ambassador to Israel has questioned how Australia could justify refusing the US presidents invitation to join his Board of Peace, as the Albanese government stalls and says it is seeking more information about Washingtons intentions. Foreign Minister Penny Wong flagged on Thursday that Australia would be signing up to a new international treaty if it accepted Trumps invitation, while also defending the governments decision to invite Israeli President Isaac Herzog to visit Australia after the Bondi Beach massacre. US President Donald Trump holds up a signed charter for the board of peace last month. AP Trump announced in October that a Board of Peace would be established to oversee the postwar transition in Gaza, but enthusiasm has waned due to fears he was attempting to create his own organisation to rival the United Nations. Many like-minded countries to Australia have refused to join the body, but Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has hesitated in his response as he weighs up the cost of rejecting Trump. Advertisement Wong said on Thursday the government was interested in a peace plan for Gaza, but was seeking to understand more closely what US intentions were. Related Article Trump diplomacy Trump invited Albanese to join his Board of Peace. He may be disappointed The Board of Peace proposal would involve Australia being part of a treaty. Obviously, that is a different kind of arrangement to those which we would generally engage in for these sorts of matters, Wong told ABC Radio National. US ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, who previously expressed disgust at Albaneses decision to recognise a Palestinian state, questioned how Australia would justify refusing to participate given its previous rhetoric on Gaza. For Australia not to be a part of it, especially as much noise as they made last year about how we needed to do more for Gaza, and then now you have the opportunity, and you say, yeah, we said a lot of that, but we didnt mean it, and were not going to actually do it, Huckabee told Sky News. Advertisement Its fair to say that a refusal wouldnt exactly be met with celebration, and Im not going to say that it has lingering consequences because I dont know. Huckabee, who Trump nominated as ambassador to Israel after his 2024 election victory, denied the boards objective was to challenge the United Nations. New Zealand declined Trumps invitation last week, citing a lack of clarity on the boards scope and saying participation of countries in the region was more important. France has rejected the offer, as have economic powers Japan and Germany, while Trump revoked Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carneys invitation. Middle Eastern nations including Turkey, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Qatar have joined, saying in a statement they supported the boards mission in Gaza and advancement of Palestinian statehood, but making no mention of Trumps global peacemaking plan. Advertisement The Trump administration has asked countries to contribute $1 billion each to become permanent members of the peace board, while a non-permanent membership would remain free. The mandate of the board, approved in November by the United Nations Security Council, is limited to Gaza and only until the end of 2027, but the boards draft charter does not mention the Palestinian territory. Trump has said it is going to, in my opinion, start with Gaza and then do conflicts as they arise. Foreign Minister Penny Wong. Dominic Lorrimer The Israel-Hamas conflict has continued to ratchet up tensions domestically, with a growing number of politicians expressing concern over the Israeli presidents trip, scheduled to begin Sunday. Wong defended the invitation on Thursday and said the government always considers legal advice on its obligations under international law amid calls for Australian authorities to arrest Herzog for allegedly inciting genocide. Advertisement Herzog has been criticised for signing warheads to be dropped on Palestine and for suggesting all Palestinian civilians were responsible for Hamas October 7 attack. Related Article Foreign relations Albanese urges protesters to respect Israeli Presidents solemn visit Labor backbencher Ed Husic on Wednesday said the trip made him very uncomfortable before Independent MPs Andrew Wilkie, Zali Steggall and Sophie Scamps condemned his visit on Thursday as a threat to social cohesion. It was entirely inappropriate for the minister for home affairs to allow a visa to be issued for that visit, and it will be entirely inappropriate if the Israeli president visits Parliament House and attends the House of Representatives next week, Wilkie said. If he does, I will not attend the chamber at that time, and Im confident that thats what the people I represent want me to do. Advertisement Wong was asked on ABC Radio National whether Australia was obliged to arrest Herzog under international law. President Herzog is coming to Australia to honour the victims of the worst antisemitic attack in our countrys history, at Bondi. Hes coming to provide support to the Australian Jewish community. The community asked for President Herzog to visit, and hes been invited by the governor-general at the request of the prime minister, Wong said. Israel will be judged by the International Court of Justice on its compliance with the Genocide Convention. And Ive also said previously that it must accept its responsibility for the humanitarian situation in Gaza. But lets, again, go back to the context of this visit, she said. We have families mourning, and this was a request from the Jewish community for President Herzog to visit. He is here to provide support to that community and to honour the victims of this horrific terror attack. With AP Good dividend stocks are particularly coveted in volatile markets because they offer some sense of stability. While there are never any guarantees in investing, reliable dividend stocks come fairly close, as they can provide you with income to bank or reinvest, no matter what type of returns they generate. Two great dividend stocks to buy right now are telecommunications giant Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ) and oil and gas company Chevron (NYSE: CVX). Both of these stalwart dividend stocks offer high yields and have long track records of increasing their dividends. Where to invest $1,000 right now? Our analyst team just revealed what they believe are the 10 best stocks to buy right now, when you join Stock Advisor. See the stocks Image source: Getty Images. 1. Verizon Communications Verizon raised its dividend to $0.69 per share, payable Feb. 2, maintaining the amount it had the previous quarter. If Verizon maintains this level, it would be the 20th consecutive year of dividend increases for the company. The reliability is impressive, but the yield is even better. Currently, Verizon offers a yield of 6.2%, which is about six times higher than the average yield on the S&P 500 and one of the highest you'll find. The yield is the percentage of the share price that goes to the dividend, so a higher yield means more dividend income per share purchased. In this case, 100 shares of Verizon would generate $69 per quarter. Verizon has a decent payout ratio of 58%, meaning 58% of net income goes to maintain the dividend. That's a tad high, but still in a manageable range. A payout ratio over 60% could mean the company is stretching to maintain the dividend at the expense of investing in growth. But Verizon just had one of its best quarters in years, adding nearly 1 million net additions to its mobility and broadband services -- the most since 2019. For 2026, it expects to grow its phone net additions by two to three times, increase its earnings per share by 4% to 5%, and boost its free cash flow by 7%. Verizon should deliver more than a good dividend in 2026, but also solid returns. 2. Chevron Chevron just boosted its dividend in January by 4% to $1.78 per share, at a yield of 4.03%. Obviously, it's not as high as Verizon, but it's still one of the better yields out there. And Chevron has now increased its dividend for the 39th straight year -- a testament to its reliability. Chevron stock reached a three-year high at the end of January, fueled by solid quarterly results and investor optimism about the potential for increased production in Venezuela after President Nicolas Maduro was removed from office. Advertisement Exclusive PoliticsVictoriaLiberal Party Liberal MPs invitation to Islamic community day withdrawn after Bondi speeches Rachel Eddie February 5, 2026 7:30pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A The relationship between the Victorian Liberal Party and the states Muslim leadership has descended into legal warnings and the withdrawal of an invitation to this Saturdays Open Mosque Day following condolence speeches given in parliament this week. The Islamic Council of Victoria had previously invited opposition multicultural affairs spokesman Evan Mulholland to speak at the launch of the celebration, which encourages Victorians to engage with their Muslim neighbours to deepen understanding and mutual respect. Opposition multicultural affairs spokeman Evan Mulholland. Justin McManus However, the invitation was withdrawn by council president Mohamed Mohideen on Wednesday, in a letter seen by this masthead, over the content of condolence speeches Liberal MPs made this week in response to the Bondi Beach terrorist attack. The Islamic Council of Victoria drew attention to the comments of Mulholland, Matthew Guy and, in particular, Renee Heath. Advertisement Related Article Exclusive City life Just sick: Posters of Bondi shooter pop up across Melbourne Speaking in parliament on Tuesday, Mulholland said his multicultural community was made up of fantastic citizens. But as members of parliament, it is our duty to know where the line is, he said. He called out a sheikh, without naming him, whose centre has received state government grants, for professing that Zionists were not human and were bloodsuckers. Mulholland also told parliament the sheikh had said: Take away from them [Zionists] the blessing of security, scatter their gatherings, and tear apart their unity. Tragedies like this do not happen out of nowhere, Mulholland said of the Bondi attack. They begin with hateful bile like this. The Liberals and Nationals know where the line is, and you will never see us associating with so-called leaders who have spewed such hatred and, I would say, incitement about our Jewish community here in this state. Advertisement The MP, who represents the diverse northern suburbs in the upper house, said in a statement to this masthead that his record of engagement with the Muslim community spoke for itself, having attended countless events, iftar dinners and advocacy on behalf of Muslim Victorians. Victoria, rightly, is a place where people of all faiths can and do worship freely, Mulholland said. But incitement to harm is not worship, it is hate speech, and I know my many friends in the Muslim community agree. In response to questions from The Age, Mohideen said anti-Muslim hate was on the rise and we expect better from our politicians and leaders. Mohamed Mohideen in 2017. Eddie Jim On Wednesday, the council posted and then deleted a public statement that accused Mulholland, Guy and Heath of Islamophobia and of blaming all Muslims for the massacre that killed 15 people celebrating Hanukkah on December 14. Advertisement Three sources with knowledge of the situation said Mulholland and Guy viewed the Islamic Council of Victoria statement as defamatory and that this had been conveyed to the council, which then deleted the statement. Disinviting Mulholland, who has worked closely with the broader Muslim community and retains connections, from Saturdays event represents a significant breakdown in relations. The Islamic Council of Victorias statement, since deleted, said Muslim people were being treated as sources of suspicion, that protests were being mischaracterised and that public mourning of the Bondi tragedy should seek to unite communities. Opposition transport spokesman Matthew Guy outside parliament last year. Simon Schluter Guy, in his condolence speech, told parliament that radical Islamic terrorism was responsible for the Bondi attack, which the Australian Federal Police has publicly said was probably inspired by the Islamic State group. Advertisement He listed a spate of antisemitic incidents and included the federal governments recognition of Palestine, a step taken with allies, and the huge protest march across the Sydney Harbour Bridge last August. Excuses were made when politicians could not even use the word antisemitism without adding in Islamophobia, Guy said. He repeated claims that in the days after the October 7, 2023, Hamas terrorist attack, protesters chanted Death to Jews at the Sydney Opera House. NSW Police have said there was no evidence Gas the Jews or the like was chanted, but that offensive comments were made. Liberal MP Renee Heath. Simon Schluter Heath also repeated this claim and criticised protesters who have called for the abolition of Israel, while celebrating Ahmed Al Ahmed, who tackled and disarmed one of the Bondi gunmen. Advertisement She went on to claim, without evidence and using parliamentary privilege, that Islamic Council of Victoria president Mohideen had praised Hamas after October 7 and the Iranian regime killing its citizens. Heath claimed that Mohideen was responsible for Islamophobia by failing to draw a line between good, peace-loving Muslims that are here to contribute to this society and groups like Hamas and the Iranian regime. The Islamic Council of Victoria, in its since-deleted statement, said Heaths comments were particularly concerning. The council said parliamentary privilege came with responsibilities. Mohideen has previously endured calls for the government to remove him as one of 12 Victorian multicultural commissioners over anti-Israel social media posts. Guy and Heath were 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. Advertisement WorldEuropeEpstein fallout I was lied to: Starmer apologises to Epstein victims over Mandelson scandal Jill Lawless February 6, 2026 12:17am 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 London: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has apologised to victims of Jeffrey Epstein for appointing Peter Mandelson as the UKs ambassador to Washington despite his ties to the disgraced financier and sex offender. The prime minister said Mandelson had lied and portrayed Epstein as someone he barely knew. Britains Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Peter Mandelson had lied and portrayed Epstein as someone he barely knew. AP To the victims, he said: I am sorry, sorry for what was done to you, sorry that so many people with power failed you. Sorry for having believed Mandelsons lies and appointed him and sorry that, even now, youre forced to watch this story unfold in public once again. Starmer appointed Mandelson, a veteran politician, as ambassador to the US in 2024. The prime minister fired him in September after emails were published showing that he maintained a friendship with Epstein following the Americans 2008 conviction for sex offences involving a minor. Epstein died by suicide in a jail cell in 2019, while awaiting trial on US federal charges accusing him of sexually abusing dozens of girls. Advertisement Starmer never met Epstein and is not accused of any wrongdoing, but he is under intense pressure over the appointment after newly released documents revealed fresh details of Mandelsons close relationship with Epstein. I was lied to, Starmer said. It had been publicly known for some time that Mandelson knew Epstein, but none of us knew the depth and the darkness of that relationship. Loading British police are investigating Mandelson over potential misconduct in public office. He is not accused of any sexual offences. Documents published last week by the US Department of Justice contain new revelations, including papers suggesting Mandelson shared sensitive government information with Epstein after the 2008 global financial crisis. There are also scores of chatty, jokey messages pointing to a much closer relationship than Mandelson had previously disclosed. Advertisement The newly released files also suggest that in 2003 to 2004, Epstein sent three payments totaling $US75,000 to accounts linked to Mandelson or his partner Reinaldo Avila da Silva, now his husband. Related Article Analysis Epstein fallout How the Epstein scandal could topple a damaged PM Mandelson, 72, has been a major, and contentious, figure in the Labour Party since the 1990s. He twice had to resign from senior posts in previous administrations because of scandals over money or ethics. He was chosen as ambassador because his trade expertise, network of contacts and mastery of the political dark arts were considered assets in dealing with US President Donald Trumps administration. Critics, some from Starmers own party, say Mandelsons ties with Epstein made his appointment too risky and Starmer was, at best, naive. Advertisement I think the prime minister has shown that his judgment is questionable, Labour MP Paula Barker said. I think he has questions to answer. I think he has a very long way to go to rebuild trust and confidence with the public, and trust and confidence within our party. AP Get a note directly from our foreign correspondents on whats making headlines around the world. Sign up for our weekly What in the World newsletter. As the nation marks its 250th year, Monterey County turns the lens inward sharing the moments and people that have shaped the iconic destination for more than a millennium. MONTEREY, Calif., Feb. 5, 2026 -- See Monterey today announced the launch of Monterey 1000, a year-long storytelling experience that brings more than a thousand years of Monterey County history to life. As the United States looks ahead to its 250th anniversary, Monterey 1000 (M1000) invites visitors to explore a broader timeline one rooted in the people, places and ideas that have shaped the region and continue to define it today. Spanning Indigenous stewardship, exploration and settlement, agriculture, literature, music, conservation and innovation, Monterey 1000 connects pivotal moments from the past with the landscapes, communities and traditions visitors experience today. "Monterey 1000 is storytelling at its core a journey through history that ultimately invites travelers and residents to experience Monterey County today through the moments, places and cultures that shaped it," said Rob O'Keefe, president & CEO of See Monterey. "As the country reflects on 250 years of American history, Monterey 1000 reveals a deeper timeline one that still shapes how California thinks about land, culture, creativity and stewardship." M1000 is a curated, editorial approach guided by lead curator Brian Edwards, library & museums director for the city of Monterey. Working with See Monterey and a network of local writers, historians, artists and subject-matter experts, Edwards is leading the development of original written, visual and video storytelling throughout 2026. "Monterey County has long been a place where influential ideas take shape," said Edwards. "Monterey 1000 gives us the opportunity to explore those ideas across time and show how history continues to live through the landscapes, industries and communities' visitors experience today." Throughout 2026, new content will roll out across SeeMonterey.com and See Monterey's social channels, spotlighting defining moments in the County's history and pairing them with ways travelers can experience those stories firsthand from walking through historic districts, visiting museums and landmarks, attending marquee events and spending time in the County's extraordinary natural spaces to supporting local farms and wineries. "More than ever, travelers are seeking authentic, life-enriching experiences and the meaning behind them," said O'Keefe. "Monterey 1000 connects the historical dots, creating a clear through-line from the past to the present through visitor experiences." The breadth of historical experiences throughout the County include kayaking across the Monterey Bay through waters stewarded by Indigenous communities for generations now protected as a global model for marine conservation, catching the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, a modern evolution of Bing Crosby's legendary Clambake that introduced Monterey County to a worldwide audience, and retracing John Steinbeck's immortalized world of Cannery Row, including the Monterey Bay Aquarium housed in a former sardine cannery to see how a place once rooted in extraction became a leader in ocean science, education and conservation. Additional stories and historic touchpoints will be released each month throughout 2026 and will explore: Monterey County's many "firsts," from early exploration and governance to milestones in preservation, culture and innovation. The rise of agriculture in the Salinas Valley, where fertile land and railroad connections helped earn the region its title as the "Salad Bowl of the World" a legacy visitors can still taste today. Music, art and cultural movements that put Monterey County on the world stage and continue to draw audiences year after year. Monterey County's wine country roots shaped by terroir, climate and craft, evolving today into a distinctive, experience-driven wine region that travelers can encounter firsthand. The series also reflects See Monterey's The Right Path initiative, highlighting a long-standing commitment to preservation, community and responsible travel encouraging travelers to slow down, respect the land and sea, explore with intention and engage in ways that honor both the County's history and its future. To explore Monterey 1000 and follow the journey through a thousand years of history, visit SeeMonterey.com/Monterey1000. Hyundai Palisade Wins 2026 MotorWeek Drivers' Choice Award for Best Large Utility Palisade lauded for its exterior design, abundance of tech and overall refinement MotorWeek Drivers' Choice Awards announcement coincides with the opening of the Chicago Auto Show "The 2026 MotorWeek Drivers' Choice Award recognition for Best Large Utility is proof that Hyundai is providing customers the features and technologies they desire at an accessible price point," said Ricky Lao, director, product planning, Hyundai Motor North America. "During the design phase, people told us they wanted confidence and a premium feel in real life, so we focused on proportion, presence and refinement for a first-class experience." "Large crossover utilities are still a relatively new phenomenon, but our winner, the Hyundai Palisade, is no stranger to the segment. When it first arrived 6 years ago, it was truly a game changer. We picked it as a winner then, and it caused established brands to rethink their own large SUV strategies," said John Davis, Host & Creator of MotorWeek. "Well, the second-generation Palisade is now here with a new hybrid powertrain that is both more efficient and more powerful than the outgoing V6. Plus, while the exterior size has grown only modestly, it packs far more features and refinement than ever and does so without sticker shock. Putting the Palisade at the top of our SUV ticket was once again an easy choice." For the last 45 years, MotorWeek has paused halfway through their television season to examine the state of the automotive business, and to judge the year's best new cars, SUVs and trucks. Driving, researching, and performing instrumented testing of over 150 new vehicles every year is a benchmark of which MotorWeek is proud. From this intensive process, a list of the best vehicles in each class is prepared and the DCA winners are determined. The goal is to produce a list of winners that align with the perspectives of automotive experts and consumers alike, with recommendations that can be used as a practical guide for new-vehicle shopping. The Drivers' Choice Awards selection show can be watched now at MotorWeek.org and MotorWeek's YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@Motorweek/videos Hyundai Motor America Hyundai Motor America offers U.S. consumers a technology-rich lineup of cars, SUVs, and electrified vehicles, while supporting Hyundai Motor Company's Progress for Humanity vision. Hyundai has significant operations in the U.S., including its North American headquarters in California, the Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama assembly plant, the all-new Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America, several cutting-edge R&D facilities and more than 855 independent dealers. These operations are part of Hyundai Motor Group, which is investing $26 billion in the U.S. from 2025 to 2028. For more information, visit www.hyundainews.com. As the TSX kicks off its fourth-quarter earnings season with promising results, investors are keenly observing how expansive earnings growth might influence market dynamics. In this environment, dividend stocks can offer stability and income potential, making them an attractive consideration for those looking to diversify their portfolios amidst solid economic activity and evolving market conditions. Top 10 Dividend Stocks In Canada Name Dividend Yield Dividend Rating Wajax (TSX:WJX) 4.77% Transcontinental (TSX:TCL.A) 3.80% Toronto-Dominion Bank (TSX:TD) 3.31% Pulse Seismic (TSX:PSD) 12.11% Power Corporation of Canada (TSX:POW) 3.77% Olympia Financial Group (TSX:OLY) 6.26% Great-West Lifeco (TSX:GWO) 3.87% Firm Capital Mortgage Investment (TSX:FC) 8.40% Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (TSX:CM) 3.30% Bank of Montreal (TSX:BMO) 3.47% Click here to see the full list of 18 stocks from our Top TSX Dividend Stocks screener. Here's a peek at a few of the choices from the screener. Simply Wall St Dividend Rating: Overview: Bank of Montreal provides diversified financial services primarily in North America and has a market cap of approximately CA$137.51 billion. Operations: Bank of Montreal's revenue segments include Capital Markets (CA$7.25 billion), Wealth Management (CA$5.29 billion), U.S. Personal and Commercial Banking (U.S. P&C) at CA$10.44 billion, and Canadian Personal and Commercial Banking (Canadian P&C) totaling CA$9.90 billion. Dividend Yield: 3.5% Bank of Montreal offers a stable dividend history with payments increasing over the past decade, supported by a reasonable payout ratio of 56.2%. Recent announcements include a quarterly dividend increase to C$1.67 per share, reflecting consistent growth. However, its current yield of 3.47% is lower than the top Canadian dividend payers' average yield of 5.38%. The bank's recent fixed-income offerings indicate strategic financial maneuvers to support ongoing operations and shareholder returns. TSX:BMO Dividend History as at Feb 2026 Simply Wall St Dividend Rating: Overview: Evertz Technologies Limited designs, manufactures, and distributes video and audio infrastructure solutions for production, post-production, broadcast, and telecommunications markets globally, with a market cap of CA$1.11 billion. CHAOS IN PARLT, PMs LS address postponed NEW DELHI : (IANS) PRIME Minister Narendra Modis address in Parliament, slated for 5 pm on Wednesday, is understood to have been postponed, as the Lok Sabha was adjourned till Thursday morning, over continued uproar and vociferous sloganeering from the Opposition members. As the Lok Sabha reconvened at 5 pm on Wednesday to discuss the Motion of Thanks to Presidents address, the House plunged into chaos with Opposition members erupting in protest, apparently enraged over denial of permission to Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi to rake up excerpts from an unpublished book, containing the memoirs of former Army Chief General M M Naravane. Sandhya Ray, officiating as the House Chairman, made an appeal to the lawmakers to stay seated and not disrupt the proceedings but her appeals went unheeded. Members from Oppositions benches assembled in the Well of the House and kept flashing paper pamphlets. Following this, the Chair announced adjournment of the House till 11 a m on Thursday. When the Lower House resumed at 5 pm, P P Chaudhary, BJP MP from Rajasthans Pali, spoke on the Motion of Thanks to Presidents address and thanked Speaker Om Birla for allowing him to be part of the discourse. He also made pointed reference to Rahul Gandhi and Congress deliberate attempts to derail the House proceedings and took exception to hurling of torn papers at the Dalit leader, then presiding over the Lower House. He alleged that tearing apart papers and hurling at the Chair was part of a planned move, and it was done with the blessings of the Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi. Notably, the Lower House has remained plagued by repeated disruptions for the last two days, with the Union Government and Opposition engaging in a fierce stand-off over raking up of India-China border skirmishes during August 2020. Rahul Gandhi, leading the Congress charge, raised the issue of Chinese aggression during Galwan stand-off while citing uncomfortable facts from the memoirs of former Army chief Naravane, where he is understood to have written about political indecision about response mechanism to the then Chinese misadventures. This drew strong counter from Union Ministers and also rejection from Speaker Birla, who rebuffed Rahul Gandhis repeated reference to Galwan, on grounds of violation of Parliamentary norms. Earlier, the House was adjourned till 5 pm following an uproar over remarks by BJP MP Nishikant Dubey targeting the Gandhi family. As the House re-assemble at 2 pm, TDP MP Harish Balayogi resumed his address on the motion of thanks on the Presidents address. After Balayogi, Krishna Prasad Tenneti, who was on the Chair, called on Dubey to speak. Dubey said while Rahul Gandhi wants to speak about an unpublished book, he has brought a series of books to expose the Gandhi family. As Dubey kept listing books and what they said about various members of the Gandhi family, Tenneti said he cannot allow this as the Speaker had already given a ruling, disallowing such comments. Tenneti cited Rule 349 to not make such remarks. As Opposition members strongly protested and with Dubey unrelenting, Tenneti adjourned the House till 5 pm. After the House was adjourned, Congress MPs met Speaker Om Birla to protest the Chairs decision to allow Dubey speak against the Gandhi family. Outside Parliament building, Congress MPs demonstrated demanding that Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi be allowed to speak on the Presidents address. Earlier, proceedings were adjourned till 2 pm following vociferous protests by Opposition members over certain issues related to the unpublished memoir of former Army chief M M Naravane. Key Points Many of these ETFs are well diversified across defensive sectors and more. These ETFs screen for financially healthy companies. Some of these ETFs use multiple income gathering strategies. Investors rethink 'hands off' investing and decide to start making real money A sudden market downturn can deliver a serious blow to your portfolio. It could be devastating to see your assets diminish. But its important to note that panicking would most likely make it worse. Staying invested and diversified should help you weather market storms in the long run. Arming your portfolio with the right dividend ETFs can provide a steady stream of income as well as capital appreciation and downside protection. But with so many dividend ETFs out there, how do you pick the ones that can remain resilient even during down markets? The ETFs that have historically done this are known to screen for high-quality and well-established companies with strong financials and consistency in paying out and even raising dividends year over year. Many are heavily invested in defensive sectors which typically remain stable during down markets. And some also engage in alternative income generating strategies like selling options. But here too, the list can seem daunting. So to help you out, we narrowed it down to six monthly dividend ETFs that may help protect your savings even in a down market. So lets take a closer look. JPMorgan Equity Premium Income ETF (JEPI) The JPMorgan Equity Premium Income ETF (JEPI) invests in large-cap stocks with low volatility, which could provide defense in a down market. As an actively managed fund, it also uses its proprietary research to find under-and-over valued stocks with preferable risk/adjusted return characteristics. And it also takes a secondary approach to generating income by selling options. This strategy has helped JEPI deliver a high yield of over 8%. Among its top holdings are companies in the financial, healthcare and information technology sectors. The latter has been benefiting from the recent boom in artificial intelligence (AI). Moreover, JEPI has earned a Morningstar Silver Medalist rating. The fund has a five-year return of over 6%. And it holds net assets of $41.49 billion. Invesco S&P 500 High Dividend Low Volatility ETF (SPHD) The Invesco S&P 500 High Dividend Low Volatility ETF (SPHD) invests in some of the highest-yielding companies in the S&P 500 index. But it filters out companies with high volatility. This strategy could provide high income and downside protection. Its also heavily invested in defensive sectors like utilities. 32nd COMP-EX 2026 begins today Business Reporter : THE much-awaited tech and digital expo COMP-EX 2026 is set to return with its 32nd edition, bringing the latest advancements in the IT and digital ecosystem to Central India. Organised by the Vidarbha Computer & Media Dealers Welfare Association (VCMDWA), COMP-EX 2026 promises to be the largest and most comprehensive IT Expo in the region. Scheduled from February 5 to 8 at St. Ursula School Ground, the four-day event will showcase cutting-edge technologies, products, and services from IT world. Visitor timings will be 12 noon to 9 pm daily. With participation by over 200 leading brands, COMP-EX 2026 will feature thousands of products across hardware, software, networking, peripherals, and emerging digital technologies. Renowned IT giants such as Canon, Epson, ASUS, Brother and D-Link, among others, will be part of this prestigious expo. Professionals, entrepreneurs, students, and tech enthusiasts will find solutions catering to work-from-home and learn-from-home, automation, and smart applications. A major attraction of COMP-EX 2026 will be the exclusive Gamezone area, designed especially for gaming enthusiasts and young visitors. COMP-EX 2026 will host an interactive AI workshop on visual photography and real-world applications.The excitement continues with Reel ka Dhurandhar, a reel-making and selfie contest organised by OCPC in collaboration with COMP-EX, offering attractive prizes and promising high participation from youth and social media enthusiasts. This flagship event of VCMDWA continues to receive strong support from Government of Maharashtra and Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation. For details, interested may contact VCMDWA office located at 603, Suryakiran Commercial Complex, Plot No. 1, Central Bazaar Road, Bajaj Nagar (Mobile No: 9730988800). CM launches Green Maharashtra Mission, State to plant 300 cr trees in next 5 yrs Staff Reporter : Plantation efforts should commence in the first year with target of planting approximately 20 crore saplings n The mission will be done through a digital and satellite-based real-time monitoring system Government of Maharashtra is going to launch one of the biggest greening initiatives in India by planting 300 crore trees in State in the next five years (2026-31). To give a boost to the programme, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis chaired a meeting to establish Green Maharashtra Authority recently. Fadnavis in the meeting directed that the project should be carried out in mission mode to raise forest cover of Maharashtra to 33 per cent. The programme will be implemented on priority in regions with low forest cover, said Fadnavis in the meeting. The drive will expand green cover while advancing environmental conservation, climate action, and rural employment, with support from experts, voluntary organisations, and startups to ensure effective implementation, the CM said. Under the Green Maharashtra initiative, plantation efforts should commence in the first year itself, targeting the planting of approximately 20 crore saplings, subject to the availability of seedlings. Maintenance for a period of three to five years has been ensured through convergence with schemes of Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin), Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA), the Agriculture Department, and local self-government bodies. Under this mission, tree species suitable to the local ecosystem will be planted according to the various agro-climatic zones of the state, while in grassland areas and wetlands, tree plantation will not be done; instead, their restoration will be carried out. The implementation of this mission will be done through a digital and satellite-based real-time monitoring system, and the plantation and tree survival rate will be transparently recorded, he said and also directed that regular checks should be conducted on the survival rate of trees, forest formation, and the growth of saplings. Core sensitivities in food, agri fully safeguarded in India-US trade deal: Goyal NEW DELHI : THE Government on Wednesday assured Parliament that the countrys core sensitivities in food and agriculture have been fully safeguarded in the India-US trade deal, and the pact will enhance export competitiveness in the American market. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal made a statement on the trade deal first in the Lok Sabha and later in the Rajya Sabha amid disruptions by Opposition MPs, who sought clarifications but were not allowed by the Chair. Several Opposition parties had been asking the Government to make a statement in Parliament following the announcement of the deal by US President Donald Trump on Monday evening and later Prime Minister Narendra Modis social media message in this regard. On Tuesday, Lok Sabha witnessed repeated adjournments over a government-opposition face-off in the wake of certain remarks by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. Making a statement soon after the Question Hour in the Lok Sabha, Goyal said that following the visit of Prime Minister Modi to the US in February 2025, India and the US have been engaged in regular discussions with the objective of concluding a balanced and mutually beneficial bilateral trade agreement. The negotiating teams of the two sides have engaged intensively over the last year at various levels. Given the significant and varied interests of the two sides, it is natural that both sides would want to ensure the best possible outcome while safeguarding critical and sensitive sectors in their respective economies, the minister said. During the course of these negotiations, Goyal said, the Indian side was able to do this, in particular, by ensuring that the interests of our agriculture and dairy sectors were protected. The US side, too, had areas that were sensitive from its point of view. Day before yesterday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump spoke over the phone to discuss multiple issues of bilateral and international significance. Subsequently, President Trump announced a reduced rate of 18 per cent for Indian exports to the US, he said. In identical statements in both houses, Goyal underlined that the rate is lower than the tariffs imposed by the United States on several competing countries, thereby enhancing Indias export competitiveness in the US market. The agreement also provides a significant comparative advantage to Indian exporters, particularly in labour-intensive sectors and manufacturing. I wish to reiterate to this august House that Indias core sensitivities in food and agriculture have been fully safeguarded, Goyal said. Equally, this partnership will unlock new opportunities for MSMEs, entrepreneurs, skilled workers, and industry, enable access to advanced technologies, and support Indias vision to Make in India for the world, Design in India for the world, and Innovate in India for the world, he added. The minister further said that the landmark framework agreement, therefore, marks an important step in strengthening India-US relations and advancing our journey towards Viksit Bharat 2047 and also reflects the strength of engagement between two of the largest democracies in the world, which are natural partners, working together for shared prosperity. In terms of next steps, Goyal said, the two sides will now work together to complete the necessary technical processes and finalise the paperwork related to the trade deal, so as to expeditiously unlock its potential. The detailed contours of the agreement will be announced shortly after completion of these processes, he informed Parliament. Goyal further said that issues related to Indias energy sourcing that have been raised in the context of discussions on the agreement, I wish to clarify once again, as the government has stated publicly on several occasions, that ensuring the energy security of 1.4 billion Indians is the supreme priority of the government. He further said: Diversifying our energy sourcing in keeping with objective market conditions and evolving international dynamics is at the core of our strategy to ensure this. All of Indias actions are taken with this in mind. I would therefore urge the Honble members to consider these issues in their proper perspective. Insofar as references to sourcing from the US are concerned, Goyal said members would appreciate that India and the US are largely complementary economies. As India proceeds on the path to Viksit Bharat, it will need to grow capacities enormously in multiple sectors, including energy, aviation, data centres, and nuclear power, to name only a few. The US is a world leader in these areas, and it is natural, therefore, for us to focus on the trade potential in these sectors, which will lead to an expansion not only in our sourcing but also in our own exports, he said. This framework understanding with the largest economy of the world, one that will continue to power global growth and innovation for years to come, is in the larger national interests of the people of India, Goyal said in Parliament. It empowers both Viksit Bharat and Atmanirbhar Bharat. We will continue to work towards fulfilling this vision of prime minister for our country, he added. Soon after Goyal finished his statement in the Rajya Sabha, Opposition members sought clarifications, which were not allowed by Chairman C P Radhakrishnan. Leader of the House J P Nadda said he clearly stated on Tuesday that the government was ready to discuss all matters and will respond through a statement. Yesterday, Piyush Goyal was in Mumbai; he was unwell, despite that, he came to Delhi and attempted to make a statement in the Lok sabha which was unsuccessful as the House did not function. The Opposition is such that tails I win, heads you lose, the senior BJP leader said. Later in a social media post, Minister Goyal said he was scheduled to deliver a statement in the Lok Sabha. However, when the Government came prepared to provide a factual clarification on the subject, the Opposition began creating a ruckus, he said, and released his full statement on X for everyones benefit. Distant relative claims Ajit Pawar spoke to him minutes before aircraft crash PUNE : A DISTANT relative of late Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has claimed that the NCP chief had spoken to him over the phone just minutes before the aircraft he was travelling in crashed, killing him and four others. Playing what he claimed was an audio recording of the call, Shreejit Pawar, a distant nephew of Ajit Pawar, said on Tuesday that he had messaged the NCP leader seeking representation for the Mali community in the upcoming Zilla Parishad elections. Ajit Pawar and four other persons on board a chartered aircraft were killed when it crashed barely 200 metres from the edge of a tabletop runway at Baramati airport in Pune district on January 28. I had messaged him at 8.19 am while he was on board. As soon as the aircraft came into network range, he called me at 8.37 am, just a few minutes before the crash. I had sought representation for the Mali community in the ZP polls, Sreejit Pawar said. In the recording, Ajit Pawar purportedly said that he always tried to take all communities along. The conversation reflects Ajit Pawars inclusive approach, Shreejit Pawar told the media. During the conversation, Ajit Pawar is purportedly heard saying that he had appointed Digambar Durgade, who belongs to the Mali community, as chairman of the Pune District Central Co-operative Bank Ltd. He is also heard saying that a ticket had already been given to a candidate from the Mali community from a ZP group in Baramati. Fadnavis not party to NCP merger talks, has no right to comment: Sharad Pawar BARAMATI : NCP (SP) head Sharad Pawar on Wednesday said Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis was not part of merger discussions between the two Nationalist Congress Party factions and therefore had no right to comment on them. Speaking to reporters in Baramati, the former Union Minister claimed that NCP (SP) leader Jayant Patil and his nephew and NCP chief Ajit Pawar had been leading the merger talks. Deputy CM Ajit Pawar died in a plane crash on January 28. After his death, Sharad Pawar and other leaders of his party claimed that merger talks were in advanced stages and Ajit Pawar had finalised February 12 as the date to announce reunification between the rival factions. CM Fadnavis, however, said if the merger talks were really in progress, then Ajit Pawar would have shared details with him. Asked about Fadnaviss remarks, Sharad Pawar said, I do not understand, what right he has to mention my name? As he was nowhere in the merger talks, he has no right to comment on it. on India-US trade deal Sharad Pawar on said the new US tariff policy has provisions allowing agricultural exports to India, which is a cause for concern for Indian farmers. A clear picture of the recent India-US trade deal would emerge in the next two days, Pawar told reporters in Baramati. We can comment only after the picture becomes clear. However, a provision in the Indo-US tariff deal announced by the United States allows agricultural exports to India, which is a matter of concern for Indian farmers and the domestic agriculture sector, he said. The US is a powerful economy, and large-scale agricultural exports by such a country can adversely impact local producers in other nations. I expect that the Indian agriculture sector will be safeguarded and not exposed to such a situation, the Rajya Sabha member said. Speaking about row over Army chief MM Naravanes memoir in Lok Pawar said that Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi should have been allowed in the Lok Sabha to quote from an unpublished memoir of former Army chief MM Naravane. If the former Army chief has written something and if the Leader of the Opposition is saying something, then it is his (Gandhis) right and he should have been given that opportunity, the Rajya Sabha member said at a press conference in Baramati. He said that an atmosphere of suspicion should not prevail unnecessarily in the country. memoir conflict in Parlt premises, Rahul displays Gen Naravanes unreleased book NEW DELHI : LEADER of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday cited former Army chief General M M Naravanes unreleased memoir to claim that Prime Minister Narendra Modi failed to take responsibility during the India-China conflict in 2020 and passed the buck on to General Naravane. Addressing reporters in the premises of Parliament House complex, Gandhi held up General Naravanes unreleased memoir and said he would like the youngsters in India to know that this book exists despite the Government claiming otherwise. The Speaker has said this book does not exist, the Government has said it does not exist, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh ji has said this book does not exist. Every youngster in India should see this book exists, Gandhi said. He said, Naravane has written the full account of what happened in Ladakh. Gandhi said, he has been told that he cannot quote from this memoir in the Lok Sabha. The main line is what the PM said -- jo uchit samjho woh karo. The chief of Army staff General Naravane called Rajnath Singh and said Chinese tanks have come on Kailash ridge, what should we do? Rajnath Singh did not reply to him at first. He (Naravane) asked S Jaishankar, NSA (Ajit Doval) and Rajnath Singh ji, but did not get a reply, the Congress leader said citing the memoir. He (Naravane) again called Rajnath Singh ji who said I will ask from the top. There was a standing order from the top that if Chinese forces come in then do not fire on them without asking us. Naravane ji and our Army wanted to fire on those tanks because they had entered our territory, he said. Narendra Modi gave the message - jo uchit samjho woh karo. Meaning he shed responsibility. Unhone Army chief se kaha aapko jo karna hai karo meri bas ki nahi hai (He told the Army chief, you do whatever you want, it is beyond me) Gandhi said, citing the memoir. The former Congress chief further said, the Army chief has written that he felt alone and was abandoned by the entire establishment. This is what they are scared of me saying in Parliament, Gandhi said. I dont think the PM will have the guts to come to the Lok Sabha today. If he comes, I am going to give him this book, he said. Later, in a post in Hindi on X, Gandhi said, Today, if the Prime Minister comes to Parliament, I will present him with a book. This book is not by any Opposition leader. This book is not by any foreign author. This book is by the countrys former Army chief, General Naravane and the surprising thing is that, according to the Cabinet Ministers, this book does not even exist. This book clearly states that when the Chinese Army had entered our border, in such a critical moment, the Army chief was made to wait. And when the time came to take a decision, the Prime Minister simply said jo aapko uchit lage woh kijiye, Gandhi said. In other words, in the most serious crisis for the countrys security, Modi ji evaded political responsibility, he said. The country is asking questions, and the Government is running away from answering those questions, Gandhi added. Misleading the court backfires: High Court recalls detention order, slaps Rs 50,000 cost Staff Reporter : In a stern message against misleading the judiciary, the Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court recalled its own earlier order in a preventive detention case after discovering that the court was wrongly led to believe the detention was under the MPDA Act. Calling it a case of fraud on the court, the judges not only restored the petition for fresh hearing but also imposed a hefty cost of Rs 50,000. The case was filed by Shaikh Zibraeel alias Pinky Shaikh Rajjak against the State of Maharashtra. The petition challenged a preventive detention order. Advocate Mir Nagman Ali appeared for the petitioner, while Additional Public Prosecutor S A Ashirgade represented the State. The Bench comprising Justice Anil L Pansare and Justice Siddheshwar S Thombre noted that this petition was wrongly included and decided along with a group of similar petitions on September 30, 2025. Those petitions dealt with detention orders passed under the Maharashtra Prevention of Dangerous Activities Act, 1981 (MPDA Act). Later, it was brought to the notice of the Court by the State that the detention order in the present case was not passed under the MPDA Act, but under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1988. The Court observed that the provisions of the 1988 Act are different and not fully similar to the MPDA Act. The judges said they were made to believe that this petition was also under the MPDA Act, and therefore it was wrongly disposed of by a common judgment. They pointed out that neither the petitioners lawyer nor the State argued the case under the 1988 Act at the time of hearing. When questioned, the petitioners advocate submitted that it was a mistake and that he believed all preventive detention matters were similar. However, the Court rejected this explanation. The judges noted that even after the judgment was pronounced, the advocate did not inform the Court about the mistake. The Bench held that the order was obtained by playing fraud on the Court. It observed that fraud vitiates the entire legal proceeding and makes the order invalid. As a result, the High Court recalled its earlier judgment dated September 30, 2025, only in respect of Criminal Writ Petition No. 454 of 2025. The Court imposed a cost of Rs 50,000, to be deposited with the Court registry within two weeks. The amount will be credited to the Police Welfare Fund, Nagpur. The petition has now been restored to file and will be heard afresh by the regular Bench in the week starting from January 27. Multi-crore Metro skywalk reduced to showpiece at RKMP Station Staff Reporter : While the Bhopal Metro was touted as a revolutionary shift for the citys urban commute, the ground reality at Rani Kamalapati (RKMP) Railway Station suggests otherwise. A multi-crore skywalk, designed to seamlessly connect the railway station to the Metro station, has become a symbol of administrative apathy. Despite being ready, the facility remains shuttered, leaving passengers stranded at the gates. The 70-meter-long skywalk was constructed to provide a direct link for railway commuters to reach the Metro without stepping onto the main road. However, the Metro management has kept the shutters down. Consequently, passengers are forced to take a grueling 200 to 300-meter detour to board a train. Multi-modal integration under lock and key RKMP Station handles an average of 50,000 passengers daily, a significant portion of whom travels toward AIIMS and Subhash Nagar. This skywalk was envisioned as the backbone of Bhopals multi-modal transport system. Experts suggest that if this direct corridor were operational, at least 10 percent of railway commuters would immediately opt for the Metro, significantly boosting ridership. While the railway end of the passage remains open, the locked shutters on the Metro side have left commuters in a state of constant confusion. Commuters brave traffic, heat Passengers lament that navigating an additional 300 meters with heavy luggage is an ordeal. What should have been a safe, two-minute walk is now a struggle through sun, dust, and heavy road traffic, noted a regular commuter. The lack of access not only wastes time and energy but also forces pedestrians to risk crossing busy intersections. Addressing the public outcry, Metro management stated that the skywalk has not yet been commissioned for full-fledged operations. Officials maintained that the facility would be opened to the general public shortly, though no specific date was provided for the commencement of services. PRESIDENTs RULE REVOKED, Khemchand Singh is Manipurs new CM IMPHAL : MANIPUR got a new Chief Minister, one year after the resignation of BJP leader N Biren Singh, as BJP leader Y Khemchand Singh was sworn in as the Chief Minister of the State on Wednesday. Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla administered the oath of office and secrecy to the 62-year-old legislator. BJP MLA Nemcha Kipgen, who belongs to the Kuki community, and Naga Peoples Front legislator L Dikho took oath as the Deputy Chief Ministers of Manipur. BJPs Govindas Konthoujam and K Loken Singh of NPP were also sworn in as ministers. Kipgen took oath virtually from Manipur Bhavan in New Delhi. The swearing-in ceremony was held at Lok Bhavan here, hours after the Presidents Rule in the State was revoked. Restive Manipur had been under the Presidents rule since February last year. The ceremony was attended by several BJP legislators, senior party functionaries, and top leaders of the NDA in the State. Manipur has been witnessing ethnic violence since May 3, 2023, after a tribal solidarity march was taken out in the hill districts, in protest against the majority Meitei communitys demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. Since then, at least 260 people, including members of both the Kuki and Meitei communities as well as security personnel, have been killed in the violence, while thousands become homeless. Notably, the BJP legislature party of Manipur had on Tuesday elected Y Khemchand Singh as its leader at a meeting held at the party headquarters in New Delhi. The meeting was attended by 35 of the 37 BJP MLAs. Stacy Alderson, Canadian Nationals assistant vice president, investor relations, will retire in May. Alderson will be succeeded by Jamie Lockwood, appointed as vice president, investor relations and special projects. Chief Executive Tracy Robinson of Montreal-based CN (NYSE: CNI) made the announcement during the companys recent earnings call. Stacy Alderson Robinson said Alderson has had an exceptional 30-year career here at CN, defined by leadership, integrity, and lasting impact. Shes touched many parts of our business over those years strategic planning, acquisitions, network development, financial planning, shes done it all. Lockwood will move into the new position from his current post as vice president, engineering. He brings about 18 years of deep railroad experience, Robinson said. Hes spanned finance, internal audit, supply chain, and most recently, a big kind of job in engineering, where with Pat (Whitehead, chief operating officer), hes been leading the transformation of our engineering strategy and execution. Alderson and Lockwood will work together over the next month or so, Robinson said, to ensure a smooth transition. Subscribe to FreightWaves Rail e-newsletter and get the latest insights on rail freight right in your inbox. Related coverage: Union Pacific, Wabtec sign for $1.2B in locomotive upgrades Sorfleet retires at CSX; Chand new CAO New industrial development worth $7.7B for Norfolk Southern in 2025 CPKC profits rise as economy, trade issues drag freight The post Alderson, CN investor relations executive, to retire appeared first on FreightWaves. Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE:MO Get Free Report)s share price was up 1.6% during trading on Wednesday . The stock traded as high as $65.33 and last traded at $65.16. Approximately 12,874,052 shares traded hands during trading, an increase of 11% from the average daily volume of 11,616,081 shares. The stock had previously closed at $64.16. More Altria Group News Here are the key news stories impacting Altria Group this week: Get Altria Group alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of analysts have recently issued reports on the stock. UBS Group raised their price target on shares of Altria Group from $63.00 to $67.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Monday, January 26th. Argus upgraded shares of Altria Group to a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, January 13th. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a buy (b) rating on shares of Altria Group in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus lowered their target price on Altria Group from $72.00 to $68.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Friday, January 30th. Five equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, five have given a Hold rating and two have assigned a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $62.56. Altria Group Stock Performance The stock has a market cap of $109.38 billion, a P/E ratio of 15.85, a P/E/G ratio of 3.43 and a beta of 0.47. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $59.30 and its 200-day moving average price is $61.86. Altria Group (NYSE:MO Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Thursday, January 29th. The company reported $1.30 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.32 by ($0.02). Altria Group had a net margin of 29.84% and a negative return on equity of 287.61%. The company had revenue of $5.08 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.02 billion. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $1.30 earnings per share. Altria Groups revenue for the quarter was down .5% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, equities research analysts expect that Altria Group, Inc. will post 5.32 earnings per share for the current year. Altria Group Announces Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, January 9th. Investors of record on Friday, December 26th were paid a dividend of $1.06 per share. The ex-dividend date was Friday, December 26th. This represents a $4.24 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 6.5%. Altria Groups payout ratio is 103.16%. Altria Group announced that its board has initiated a stock buyback program on Thursday, October 30th that permits the company to repurchase $2.00 billion in shares. This repurchase authorization permits the company to purchase up to 1.9% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares repurchase programs are generally a sign that the companys management believes its stock is undervalued. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Altria Group A number of hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the company. CWA Asset Management Group LLC grew its position in shares of Altria Group by 8.6% during the third quarter. CWA Asset Management Group LLC now owns 335,418 shares of the companys stock worth $22,158,000 after purchasing an additional 26,624 shares in the last quarter. Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Group Inc. boosted its stake in Altria Group by 1.3% in the 3rd quarter. Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Group Inc. now owns 3,522,209 shares of the companys stock worth $232,677,000 after purchasing an additional 44,303 shares during the period. Vanguard Group Inc. grew its holdings in Altria Group by 1.0% during the 2nd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 159,717,148 shares of the companys stock valued at $9,364,216,000 after buying an additional 1,599,923 shares in the last quarter. Silver Oak Securities Incorporated raised its position in shares of Altria Group by 155.4% during the third quarter. Silver Oak Securities Incorporated now owns 31,220 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,062,000 after buying an additional 18,997 shares during the last quarter. Finally, VIRGINIA RETIREMENT SYSTEMS ET Al purchased a new position in shares of Altria Group in the second quarter worth $126,471,000. 57.41% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. About Altria Group (Get Free Report) Altria Group, Inc (NYSE: MO) is a U.S.-based consumer goods company whose principal business is the manufacture and sale of tobacco products. Headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, the companys operations are focused primarily on the U.S. market and include the production, marketing and distribution of cigarettes, smokeless tobacco and cigars. Its flagship cigarette franchise in the United States is sold through its operating subsidiaries and is among the most recognizable cigarette brands in the country. Altrias principal operating businesses include Philip Morris USA (cigarettes), U.S. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Altria Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Altria Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. When the winners of the Sheikh Zayed Foundation's Human Brotherhood Award 2026 (UAE) were announced, no one was surprised by this choice. Azerbaijan and Armenia are the only countries that have gone through a long-term bloody conflict, but have found the strength and wisdom to embark on the path of peace. Baku and Yerevan are following this path without international "consultations", without endless meaningless discussions and meaningless meetings. The Sheikh Zayed Foundation was established as an institutional continuation of the ideas and values of the founder of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Its activities are aimed at supporting universal humanistic principles - strengthening intercultural dialogue, promoting tolerance, protecting the environment and creating sustainable peace between peoples. One of the Foundation's key projects is the Zaid Award for Human Brotherhood, an influential international award that recognizes outstanding individuals and organizations who have made a significant contribution to the development of ideas of solidarity, peaceful coexistence and mutual respect at the global level. The 2026 laureates were selected by an independent international jury consisting of renowned personalities and experts in the field of dialogue and coexistence. Mohammad Abdulsalam, a member of the jury and General Secretary of the Award, noted that this year the jury chose the historic peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan. According to him, this agreement embodies the mission and goals of the award, and is also considered an important milestone in promoting global peace and a major diplomatic achievement. Although the peace treaty has not yet been concluded, its initialing in Washington and all the steps taken in recent months by the parties, primarily Azerbaijan, can actually be considered a major diplomatic achievement. The General Secretary of the Award did not exaggerate. The award ceremony for the President of Azerbaijan and the Prime Minister of Armenia was held in a very good mood and in an atmosphere of goodwill. Those present were sincerely glad to see the leaders of the two countries, who had been in a terrible and destructive conflict for three decades, side by side on the podium. This is a huge success that should inspire other countries and help them find their way to peace. In his speech at the ceremony, President Ilham Aliyev said this: the example of Azerbaijan and Armenia should be learned and accepted by those who are still at war. Peace is possible even after a conflict like Karabakh. Thanks to Baku's persistence, the settlement of relations between the two countries has been going on exclusively in a bilateral format and without intermediaries for several years. This is one of the reasons for his success. Of course, Azerbaijan exerts some pressure on its neighbor to put him on the right path, but official Yerevan should also be given credit for trying. After the Washington talks last August, the process went even faster, and the presence of American interest in it ensured its security. In other words, no external actors can interfere anymore and dictate to the weak side, which is Armenia, how to live with its neighbors. There is great interest in the normalization process between Azerbaijan and Armenia in the world. And this is not accidental. The Armenian-Azerbaijani settlement is the most successful peace process of our time. And it is unique, because after all that Azerbaijan had to go through, not a single country that won the war and liberated its lands would extend a hand to the defeated aggressor. This is a truly unique case in recent history. By liberating the occupied territories and creating a new geopolitical reality in the South Caucasus, Azerbaijan has laid the foundation for long-term stability and peace. In the post-conflict period, Azerbaijan, under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, deliberately chose the policy of "peace for the development of the region", rejecting the logic of humiliation and destruction of the defeated side. This approach has become a rare example of political will and humanism on the part of the victorious State. "We have been at war for more than thirty years. We've been living in peace for six months now. We are learning to live in peace. I can say that this is a special feeling," the Azerbaijani President said at a ceremony in Abu Dhabi. Millions of residents of the South Caucasus are experiencing this special feeling today. Thirty years is a very long time. Many were born and raised in a conflict that was invisibly present in our lives every moment of it. Even when they weren't shooting. It was impossible to ignore him. After the 2020 war, for some time it was hard to believe that the conflict no longer existed, that the psychological pressure of the occupation also no longer existed. Our neighbors probably had their own worries. After all, the occupation of Azerbaijani territories has become a rock for them, dragging them to the bottom. Armenia could not taste its "victory" because this "victory" was not accepted by the world, and the country itself was isolated.. The peace agenda proposed by Baku formed the basis for a new economic architecture of the region, focused on common well-being. The abandonment of confrontational rhetoric in favor of cooperation has opened up broad prospects for the South Caucasus. Azerbaijan has shown the world not only its defense power, but also its strategic thinking. Peace initiatives close the tragic page of hostility and pave the way for a new era based on respect and cooperation. This is happening in front of the whole world. And the whole world sees that this is possible. Yes, it is possible to open roads for trains going to Armenia. It is possible to sell fuel at low prices to a neighbor who was your enemy five years ago. Every decision made by the President of Azerbaijan should be included in the textbooks of diplomacy and taught in the world's leading universities. Let's not forget about the contribution of Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan to the process. Without his sober approach, without his understanding of the realities and without his desire to lead his country out of the darkness of cave nationalism, Azerbaijan and Armenia would hardly have been able to find a common language. At the same time, Pashinyan has to overcome the powerful resistance of revanchist circles, to resist attempts of external pressure, including from the diaspora, which advocates continued confrontation and sows hatred. Unlike the Azerbaijanis of the world, who unequivocally support their national state and their leader, Yerevan has many opponents in the face of world Armenians. In such circumstances, Nikol Pashinyan had a very difficult task - to transform an illusory Armenia into a real state, no matter what. The fact that the process is going well could be seen from the meeting of the leaders of Azerbaijan and Armenia in Abu Dhabi. From the footage of the meeting, it was noticeable how much the atmosphere had changed. Distrust and tension have gone out of it, and the Armenian side has also got rid of fear. Armenian leaders have always been afraid of meetings with President Ilham Aliyev, even when they were "winners." In the same mood, the leaders took to the podium during the award ceremony. In Abu Dhabi, President Ilham Aliyev and Nikol Pashinyan discussed issues that normal neighbors discuss. The process of normalization of relations shows good dynamics. Recently, another wheat train arrived in Armenia through Azerbaijan, and on Wednesday, another grain shipment was sent from Russia. While bad weather is raging in the region and roads are closed, Russian grain is being successfully delivered to Armenia by rail, which would have been unimaginable six months ago. It was also impossible to imagine that the residents of Armenia would line up at gas stations for Azerbaijani gasoline. Usually the first pancake is a lump, but in our case it immediately became clear that the process was going in the right direction. At the meeting in the UAE, the parties agreed to continue exploring the possibilities of expanding bilateral trade and economic cooperation, confirmed their readiness to continue working to further strengthen peace and stability between their countries and maintain contacts. Earlier it was reported that Baku and Yerevan are discussing a wide range of goods in respect of which there is mutual interest. The parties exchange preliminary lists and explore market opportunities. This process is still going on without unnecessary publicity. The most important thing is that he's coming. Armenia has already identified a number of export positions. According to Armenian media, Armenia is ready to supply aluminum foil and raw materials for its production, ferromolybdenum, tobacco and textile products, as well as cognac raw materials to Azerbaijan. The neighboring country can also offer agricultural products. The leaders of the countries also discussed the most important issue - the implementation of the TRIPP project and other projects for the development of transport links. The issue of opening communications is an integral part of the TRIPP (Zangezur Corridor) project. The sequence of steps taken by Baku suggests that in Azerbaijan, TRIPP is considered the starting point for all other transport and logistics projects between the two former adversaries. This issue got off the ground only after the meeting in Washington and the transformation of the Zangezur corridor into the "Trump Route." Armenia wanted to develop the topic of communications in a different sequence, but Azerbaijan was persistent. President Ilham Aliyev never abandons his ideas, but seeks and finds opportunities to implement them, no matter who opposes him. Many were against the Zangezur corridor, but Baku found a partner whose presence forced the whole crowd to close the doors on the other side. The United States is not an intermediary, but a partner. The Americans will build the Zangezur Corridor (whatever it is called now), while insuring the project against outside interference. You can see how recent events have inspired Yerevan. In Abu Dhabi, Nikol Pashinyan called the Zaid Award a symbol of the turning over of the page of the long-standing conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan. This award, he said, "belongs to the peoples of both countries - to every Armenian and Azerbaijani who was not afraid to hope for peace." Nikol Pashinyan was ready to take the right steps after the war, but the government was under too much pressure, and from different sides - from within, from the north, from the south, from the west. It was difficult to resist the internal and external pressure. The figure of Donald Trump has shielded Armenia from the crowd of those who do not want peace in the South Caucasus, and also scared away the local crows, giving Nikol Pashinyan the opportunity to pursue the right policy without regard for revanchists. Over the past five years, the two countries have had to go through a difficult path from hostility to mutual understanding. This mutual understanding, I think, has already been established between the leaders. It will be more difficult with societies, but this path will also be possible if Armenia does not change its orientation. We came across a bullish thesis on Alibaba Group Holding Limited on Valueinvesting subreddit by Illustrious_Lie_954. In this article, we will summarize the bulls thesis on BABA. Alibaba Group Holding Limited's share was trading at $175.66 as of January 28th. BABAs trailing and forward P/E were 22.96 and 19.19 respectively according to Yahoo Finance. Alibaba Group Holding Limited, through its subsidiaries, provides technology infrastructure and marketing reach to help merchants, brands, retailers, and other businesses to engage with their users and customers in the People's Republic of China and internationally. BABA delivered a stronger-than-expected second quarter, helping shift sentiment around the stock as revenue reached 247.8 billion yuan (approximately $34.8 billion), comfortably ahead of expectations of 242.6 billion yuan and representing roughly 5% year-over-year growth. The market reacted positively, with shares rising about 4% in premarket trading, reflecting relief that operating trends are stabilizing amid a challenging backdrop for Chinese technology companies. While headline revenue growth remains modest, the real focus of the quarter was Alibabas cloud division, which is increasingly central to the companys long-term investment narrative due to its exposure to artificial intelligence workloads and enterprise digital transformation. Cloud revenue accelerated sharply, growing 34% year over year to 39.8 billion yuan, materially exceeding expectations and marking a meaningful step up from the prior quarters 26% growth rate. Management attributed this acceleration primarily to sustained AI-related investments, including higher demand for AI computing, model training, and enterprise solutions, suggesting that Alibaba is beginning to see tangible returns from years of heavy spending in cloud infrastructure and AI capabilities. This performance is particularly notable given the persistently weak sentiment surrounding Chinese tech, where concerns around regulation, macro conditions, and competition have weighed on valuations and investor confidence. Against that backdrop, the reacceleration in cloud growth provides evidence that Alibabas most strategic business is regaining momentum and could serve as a stabilizing force for the broader company. While one quarter does not resolve all structural concerns, the combination of an earnings beat, improving cloud fundamentals, and visible AI-driven demand strengthens the case that Alibabas cloud segment may once again become a key driver of growth, valuation support, and investor re-rating if execution continues to improve. Ryerson Holding Corporation (NYSE:RYI Get Free Report) CFO James Claussen sold 4,972 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, February 3rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $30.00, for a total value of $149,160.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief financial officer owned 74,284 shares in the company, valued at $2,228,520. The trade was a 6.27% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Ryerson Price Performance Shares of NYSE:RYI traded up $0.36 during trading on Wednesday, hitting $30.52. 319,627 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 331,945. The businesss 50-day simple moving average is $26.31 and its 200 day simple moving average is $23.65. The company has a market cap of $983.05 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -42.99 and a beta of 1.58. Ryerson Holding Corporation has a 52-week low of $19.02 and a 52-week high of $30.90. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.62, a current ratio of 1.98 and a quick ratio of 0.95. Get Ryerson alerts: Institutional Inflows and Outflows A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of RYI. CWM LLC increased its position in Ryerson by 97.7% in the second quarter. CWM LLC now owns 1,866 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $40,000 after purchasing an additional 922 shares during the last quarter. Virtus Investment Advisers LLC grew its stake in shares of Ryerson by 16.5% in the 2nd quarter. Virtus Investment Advisers LLC now owns 8,940 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $193,000 after buying an additional 1,269 shares in the last quarter. State of Alaska Department of Revenue bought a new stake in shares of Ryerson in the 3rd quarter worth about $30,000. Wedge Capital Management L L P NC raised its position in shares of Ryerson by 3.2% during the 3rd quarter. Wedge Capital Management L L P NC now owns 49,052 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $1,121,000 after buying an additional 1,523 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Mutual Advisors LLC raised its position in shares of Ryerson by 5.3% during the 4th quarter. Mutual Advisors LLC now owns 47,235 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $1,188,000 after buying an additional 2,370 shares in the last quarter. 94.81% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several equities analysts have recently commented on RYI shares. Weiss Ratings reissued a sell (d) rating on shares of Ryerson in a report on Monday, December 29th. Zacks Research upgraded shares of Ryerson to a hold rating in a report on Wednesday, January 7th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, Ryerson presently has a consensus rating of Reduce and a consensus price target of $25.00. Get Our Latest Research Report on RYI Ryerson Company Profile (Get Free Report) Ryerson, Inc is a North American metals distributor and processor serving a broad range of industrial and manufacturing end markets. Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, the company supplies carbon steels, stainless alloys, aluminum, brass and copper products to customers across the United States, Canada and Mexico. Through its extensive branch network, Ryerson provides just-in-time delivery and comprehensive inventory management solutions to support complex production schedules and tight lead-time requirements. In addition to raw material distribution, Ryerson offers a suite of value-added processing services, including laser and plasma cutting, plate burning, sawing, shearing, forming, drilling and welding. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Ryerson Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Ryerson and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. MarineMax, Inc. (NYSE:HZO Get Free Report)s share price reached a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Wednesday . The company traded as high as $31.60 and last traded at $30.78, with a volume of 628911 shares trading hands. The stock had previously closed at $30.89. Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of research firms recently weighed in on HZO. National Bankshares set a $35.00 price target on shares of MarineMax in a research note on Friday, January 30th. Citigroup reissued a buy rating on shares of MarineMax in a research note on Wednesday, January 14th. Benchmark restated a buy rating on shares of MarineMax in a research report on Friday, January 30th. Wall Street Zen upgraded MarineMax from a sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Saturday, November 22nd. Finally, Zacks Research raised MarineMax from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Friday, January 23rd. Five equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, one has given a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, MarineMax currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $30.80. Get MarineMax alerts: Read Our Latest Analysis on HZO MarineMax Stock Performance The firm has a market cap of $678.08 million, a P/E ratio of -11.49 and a beta of 1.69. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.37, a quick ratio of 0.29 and a current ratio of 1.19. The stocks 50-day moving average is $25.91 and its 200 day moving average is $25.37. MarineMax (NYSE:HZO Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, January 29th. The specialty retailer reported ($0.21) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of ($0.12) by ($0.09). The business had revenue of $505.18 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $481.67 million. MarineMax had a positive return on equity of 1.13% and a negative net margin of 2.46%.The firms revenue was up 7.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $0.17 earnings per share. On average, research analysts predict that MarineMax, Inc. will post 2.41 earnings per share for the current year. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Boothbay Fund Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of MarineMax during the third quarter worth $17,372,000. Divisadero Street Capital Management LP acquired a new position in MarineMax in the 3rd quarter worth $16,620,000. Invesco Ltd. boosted its stake in MarineMax by 115.6% in the 2nd quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 716,078 shares of the specialty retailers stock worth $18,002,000 after purchasing an additional 383,926 shares during the period. American Century Companies Inc. increased its holdings in MarineMax by 16.6% during the 2nd quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 2,432,173 shares of the specialty retailers stock worth $61,145,000 after purchasing an additional 345,833 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Gagnon Securities LLC acquired a new stake in shares of MarineMax in the 3rd quarter valued at about $6,620,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 92.85% of the companys stock. About MarineMax (Get Free Report) MarineMax, Inc is a publicly traded company on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker HZO and is one of the largest recreational boat and yacht retailers in the United States. The company markets new and used motor yachts, sailing yachts, sport boats and personal watercraft, acting as an authorized dealer for leading manufacturers. In addition to boat sales, MarineMax provides service and maintenance, parts and accessory sales, training and education, and marina operations. Operating through a network of sales centers, service facilities and marinas, MarineMax serves coastal and inland markets across the continental U.S. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for MarineMax Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for MarineMax and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. NOV (NYSE:NOV Get Free Report) released its earnings results on Wednesday. The oil and gas exploration company reported $0.02 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.25 by ($0.23), Zacks reports. NOV had a net margin of 4.36% and a return on equity of 5.89%. NOV Price Performance NOV stock traded up $0.57 during trading hours on Wednesday, hitting $19.34. The stock had a trading volume of 8,767,052 shares, compared to its average volume of 4,821,286. NOV has a 1-year low of $10.84 and a 1-year high of $19.51. The stock has a market capitalization of $7.05 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 19.34, a PEG ratio of 4.88 and a beta of 0.93. The stocks fifty day moving average is $16.77 and its two-hundred day moving average is $14.63. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.26, a current ratio of 2.55 and a quick ratio of 1.71. Get NOV alerts: NOV Announces Dividend The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 19th. Shareholders of record on Friday, December 5th were given a dividend of $0.075 per share. This represents a $0.30 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.6%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, December 5th. NOVs payout ratio is presently 30.00%. Insider Activity Hedge Funds Weigh In On NOV In other NOV news, Director Christian S. Kendall acquired 70,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, November 21st. The shares were acquired at an average cost of $14.46 per share, for a total transaction of $1,012,200.00. Following the transaction, the director directly owned 85,949 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,242,822.54. This represents a 438.90% increase in their ownership of the stock. The purchase was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link . 1.85% of the stock is owned by company insiders. A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in NOV. Royal Bank of Canada grew its position in shares of NOV by 15.6% in the first quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 49,721 shares of the oil and gas exploration companys stock valued at $756,000 after purchasing an additional 6,711 shares during the last quarter. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. raised its position in shares of NOV by 35.5% during the 1st quarter. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. now owns 161,927 shares of the oil and gas exploration companys stock worth $2,465,000 after purchasing an additional 42,462 shares during the last quarter. UBS AM A Distinct Business Unit of UBS Asset Management Americas LLC lifted its stake in NOV by 17.4% in the 1st quarter. UBS AM A Distinct Business Unit of UBS Asset Management Americas LLC now owns 1,062,292 shares of the oil and gas exploration companys stock valued at $16,168,000 after buying an additional 157,385 shares in the last quarter. Focus Partners Wealth acquired a new stake in NOV during the 1st quarter valued at $214,000. Finally, Cetera Investment Advisers purchased a new position in NOV during the second quarter worth $190,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 93.27% of the companys stock. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several equities analysts have issued reports on NOV shares. Susquehanna boosted their price objective on shares of NOV from $17.00 to $20.00 and gave the company a positive rating in a research note on Wednesday, January 7th. Barclays upgraded shares of NOV from an underweight rating to an equal weight rating and boosted their price target for the stock from $15.00 to $20.00 in a research note on Wednesday. Morgan Stanley set a $16.00 price objective on shares of NOV in a research report on Monday, December 15th. The Goldman Sachs Group reiterated a sell rating and set a $17.00 target price on shares of NOV in a research report on Wednesday, January 14th. Finally, Piper Sandler increased their target price on NOV from $14.00 to $17.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Thursday, December 18th. Six research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, seven have issued a Hold rating and two have given a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $17.31. View Our Latest Report on NOV NOV Company Profile (Get Free Report) National Oilwell Varco (NYSE: NOV) is a leading provider of equipment and technology to the oil and gas industry. The company designs, manufactures and services an extensive portfolio of products used in drilling, completion and production operations. Its offerings include drilling rigs and related components, wellbore technologies such as tubulars and completion tools, surface equipment including mud pumps and blowout preventers, and aftermarket parts and services that support ongoing field operations. NOVs business is organized to serve upstream energy companies around the world. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for NOV Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for NOV and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Rheinmetall (ETR:RHM) used its full-year/Q4 2025 investor and analyst recap call to reiterate previously disclosed expectations for 2025 and provide additional detail around its early indications for 2026, including a step-up in anticipated German order activity and the impact of upcoming portfolio and consolidation changes. Get alerts: Portfolio and reporting changes Management emphasized that the recap call did not include new information, but it reminded investors of reporting changes stemming from portfolio actions. The company said it expects to disclose only the defense business for 2025, with the automotive business reported as a discontinued business, and asked investors to adjust expectations accordingly. 2025 outlook reaffirmed for defense For 2026, the company said it expects the NVL business to be closed in the first quarter, which would result in reporting 10 months of NVL business from 2026 onward. Rheinmetall reiterated the expectation it previously released via an ad hoc statement on December 18. For 2025, it expects the defense business to grow in a range of 30% to 35% with an operating margin in a range of 18.5% to 19%. The company also described cash flow in 2025 as really good, attributing strength to customer prepayments received toward the end of the quarter. Management reiterated that it has communicated cash conversion would be significantly above 50%, referencing its rolling forecast methodology. 2026 early indications: revenue, margin, consolidation, and NVL contribution Management described its 2026 commentary as a first indication rather than full guidance, noting it has not yet provided complete consolidation-line disclosure. Operationally, the company expects defense business sales of roughly 15 billion to 16 billion in 2026, including NVL, and referenced a consolidation effect discussed at its Capital Market Day of about 12%, meaning reported revenue would be lower than the operational figure. For 2026 profitability, Rheinmetall cited an operating margin range of 18% to 20%, stating this is a net figure. It also said cash conversion is expected to remain very, very high, supported by the order profile expected in 2026. On NVL specifically, management reiterated that because it expects to consolidate only 10 months in 2026 and because the F126 program is a little bit delayed, it has indicated NVL sales in 2026 of 1.3 billion to 1.5 billion. It added that the expectation is for NVL to be paid out of existing cash facilities during the quarter. German orders in focus: Boxer, naval programs, and broader pipeline Management repeatedly highlighted what it sees as a major pickup in contracting activity from Germany, stating that the German customer is starting to sign the contracts over the next couple of quarters, including major land and naval orders. Rheinmetall said it expects 67 billion of German orders over the next four quarters, financed by Germanys new financial facility. Among the largest items discussed was the Arminius Boxer program. Rheinmetall described it as a two-phase structure: 12.5 billion fixed contract for Boxer vehicles to be executed through 2030 fixed contract for Boxer vehicles to be executed through 2030 An additional option/frame agreement for 20302035 of 25 billion Management later clarified that 37 billion will be booked in 2026. It also said the contract covers multiple platform types, describing them qualitatively as infantry fighting vehicles, air-defense vehicles, special-purpose vehicles (including engineering and mine-clearing variants), without disclosing quantities by platform. Rheinmetall said it is working with KMW on dedicated lines to increase output and efficiency versus a more complicated historical split, with the goal of having capacities ready by 2027 to execute orders through the rest of the decade. It added that planned increases in automationsuch as in welding and paintingsupport customer advance payments. Management said advance payments could be significant, citing potential up to 30% on the first 12.5 billion fixed portion, contributing to what it described as a very cash positive situation. In naval, management referenced additional potential orders for F126 and F127 totaling about 12 billion to 13 billion. Asked about reports regarding a TKMS pre-contract for a MEKO solution, management said it views F126 as necessary because Germany requires dedicated mine-hunting capabilities in the North Atlantic and Baltics. It characterized MEKO as an interim solution if F126 deliveries would be too late, and said there is room for all three variants (F126, F127, and MEKO). International orders, ammunition expansion, and segment detail Beyond Germany, Rheinmetall said international orders could be supported by new safe financing facilities from Brussels, citing Romania and Italy as initial examples with expected contracts tied to land vehicles. It referenced expected new Lynx and Panther contracts from Italy totaling roughly 10 billion, while stating Romania would be a broader package including Lynx but without further details. The company also said it expects about 3 billion from Ukraine over the next quarters. Overall, management said 2026 order intake is expected to be at a similar level or higher than what was achieved at the end of last year. It described an adjusted figure (excluding civil business) close to around 70 billion, and said it expects more around 80 billion of order intake for 2026. Including 2026 sales, it expects backlog at the end of 2026 to be around 135 billion. On ammunition, Rheinmetall said it expects significant growth in 2026 as capacity investments in South Africa, Spain, and Germany (Unterlu plant) ramp. It reiterated an expectation for the ammunition business to grow from about 3.5 billion to around 5 billion in 2026 and described it as its most profitable business. The company also said its Murcia facility will be up and running in 2026 and that permits are in place, while noting it previously cited up to 200 million of impact in Q3 related to issues including customer acceptance changes. Rheinmetall also provided a high-level breakdown of the 1516 billion 2026 operational revenue indication, reflecting a revised reporting structure that separates electronic solutions into air defense and digital systems and includes NVL. It described the mix as: Ammunition : about 5 billion : about 5 billion Vehicle systems : up to about 6 billion : up to about 6 billion Digital systems : around 2 billion : around 2 billion Air defense : around 1 billion : around 1 billion Naval (NVL): up to about 1.5 billion Management said it ended 2025 net debt free, but declined to quantify free cash flow in absolute terms. It also said it has made good progress on the disposal of the automotive business and expects results latest early Q2 of 2026. About Rheinmetall (ETR:RHM) Rheinmetall AG provides mobility and security technologies worldwide. The company operates in five segments: Vehicle Systems, Weapon and Ammunition, Electronic Solutions, Sensors and Actuators, and Materials and Trade. The Vehicle Systems segment offers combat, logistics, support, and special vehicles, including armored tracked vehicles, CBRN protection systems, artillery, turret systems, and wheeled logistics and tactical vehicles. The Weapon and Ammunition segment provides firepower and protection solutions, such as weapons and munition, protection systems, propellants and international projects and services. Featured Stories Toast, Inc. (NYSE:TOST Get Free Report) CEO Aman Narang sold 1,648 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, February 3rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $30.34, for a total value of $50,000.32. Following the sale, the chief executive officer directly owned 340,723 shares in the company, valued at $10,337,535.82. This trade represents a 0.48% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. Aman Narang also recently made the following trade(s): Get Toast alerts: On Monday, January 5th, Aman Narang sold 8,591 shares of Toast stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $34.38, for a total value of $295,358.58. Toast Stock Performance TOST stock traded up $0.03 during midday trading on Wednesday, hitting $28.28. 22,144,637 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 10,427,690. The stocks 50-day moving average price is $34.61 and its 200-day moving average price is $38.27. The stock has a market cap of $14.56 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 65.77 and a beta of 1.93. Toast, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $27.28 and a fifty-two week high of $49.66. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Toast ( NYSE:TOST Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, November 4th. The company reported $0.16 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.24 by ($0.08). The firm had revenue of $1.63 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.58 billion. Toast had a net margin of 4.68% and a return on equity of 15.77%. The companys quarterly revenue was up 25.1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $0.07 EPS. Research analysts anticipate that Toast, Inc. will post 0.39 EPS for the current year. Several brokerages have issued reports on TOST. Wolfe Research downgraded shares of Toast from an outperform rating to a peer perform rating in a report on Thursday, January 8th. The Goldman Sachs Group cut their price objective on Toast from $51.00 to $41.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Monday, October 13th. Jefferies Financial Group reiterated a buy rating on shares of Toast in a report on Tuesday. Evercore ISI raised Toast from an in-line rating to an outperform rating and set a $40.00 price target for the company in a research report on Tuesday, January 20th. Finally, DA Davidson reduced their price objective on Toast from $42.00 to $36.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Monday. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, thirteen have issued a Buy rating and eight have issued a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $45.55. Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on Toast Institutional Inflows and Outflows A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of TOST. Quent Capital LLC purchased a new position in shares of Toast during the 3rd quarter worth about $27,000. RiverPark Advisors LLC purchased a new position in Toast during the second quarter worth approximately $30,000. Alpine Bank Wealth Management acquired a new position in shares of Toast in the 3rd quarter valued at $30,000. Ameritas Advisory Services LLC acquired a new position in shares of Toast in the 2nd quarter valued at $31,000. Finally, Central Pacific Bank Trust Division grew its stake in shares of Toast by 123.5% during the 4th quarter. Central Pacific Bank Trust Division now owns 943 shares of the companys stock valued at $33,000 after buying an additional 521 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 82.91% of the companys stock. About Toast (Get Free Report) Toast, Inc (NYSE: TOST) is a technology company that builds a cloud-based platform for restaurants and other foodservice businesses. Headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, Toast offers integrated point-of-sale (POS) systems and a suite of software and hardware designed to streamline front-of-house and back-of-house operations. The company went public in 2021 and has positioned itself as a vertically integrated provider for the restaurant industry. Toasts product portfolio includes touchscreen POS terminals and handheld order-and-pay devices, kitchen display systems, and peripherals tailored for high-volume foodservice environments. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Toast Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Toast and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. CM Wealth Advisors LLC bought a new position in iShares Gold Trust (NYSEARCA:IAU Free Report) in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The institutional investor bought 21,033 shares of the exchange traded funds stock, valued at approximately $1,531,000. iShares Gold Trust makes up about 0.4% of CM Wealth Advisors LLCs investment portfolio, making the stock its 26th largest holding. Several other large investors have also recently bought and sold shares of IAU. MTM Investment Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of iShares Gold Trust in the second quarter valued at approximately $25,000. Mountain Hill Investment Partners Corp. bought a new stake in iShares Gold Trust during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $29,000. Keener Financial Planning LLC bought a new stake in iShares Gold Trust during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $25,000. Fourth Dimension Wealth LLC increased its position in iShares Gold Trust by 436.3% in the 3rd quarter. Fourth Dimension Wealth LLC now owns 429 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $31,000 after acquiring an additional 349 shares during the period. Finally, Private Wealth Management Group LLC raised its stake in shares of iShares Gold Trust by 290.9% during the second quarter. Private Wealth Management Group LLC now owns 430 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $27,000 after acquiring an additional 320 shares during the last quarter. 59.67% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get iShares Gold Trust alerts: Key iShares Gold Trust News Here are the key news stories impacting iShares Gold Trust this week: iShares Gold Trust Stock Performance About iShares Gold Trust Shares of NYSEARCA:IAU opened at $92.92 on Thursday. iShares Gold Trust has a 52 week low of $53.44 and a 52 week high of $104.40. The firm has a market cap of $78.46 billion, a PE ratio of 5.53 and a beta of 0.09. The firms fifty day moving average is $85.17 and its 200-day moving average is $75.67. (Free Report) iShares Gold Trust (the Trust) is to own gold transferred to the Trust in exchange for shares issued by the Trust (Shares). Each Share represents a fractional undivided beneficial interest in the net assets of the Trust. The assets of the Trust consist of gold held by the Trusts custodian on behalf of the Trust. The sponsor of the Trust is iShares Delaware Trust Sponsor LLC (the Sponsor), which is an indirect subsidiary of BlackRock, Inc The trustee of the Trust is The Bank of New York Mellon (the Trustee) and the custodian of the Trust is JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A., London branch (the Custodian). See Also Receive News & Ratings for iShares Gold Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Gold Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. 5N Plus Inc. (OTCMKTS:FPLSF Get Free Report)s share price gapped up prior to trading on Monday . The stock had previously closed at $17.67, but opened at $18.45. 5N Plus shares last traded at $18.30, with a volume of 3,155 shares changing hands. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Separately, Raymond James Financial restated an outperform rating on shares of 5N Plus in a research report on Friday, October 17th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Buy. Get 5N Plus alerts: Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on FPLSF 5N Plus Price Performance The company has a 50-day moving average price of $14.20 and a 200-day moving average price of $17.13. The company has a market capitalization of $1.77 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 37.93 and a beta of 1.97. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.60, a quick ratio of 1.39 and a current ratio of 2.97. 5N Plus (OTCMKTS:FPLSF Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Monday, November 3rd. The company reported $0.19 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.10 by $0.09. The company had revenue of $104.90 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $89.88 million. 5N Plus had a net margin of 12.22% and a return on equity of 28.06%. About 5N Plus (Get Free Report) 5N Plus Inc is a Canadian specialty chemicals and materials company that develops, manufactures and commercializes highpurity metals and compounds for advanced technology markets. The companys product portfolio spans a range of elemental metalsincluding bismuth, antimony, tellurium, selenium, indium and germaniumalong with organometallic precursors, catalysts and radioisotopes. These materials are engineered to meet stringent purity standards (commonly known as fivenines or 99.999% purity) for critical applications in electronics, photovoltaics, catalysts and life sciences. Founded in 2000 and headquartered in Boucherville, Quebec, 5N Plus has grown from its roots in highpurity research to a global manufacturing and distribution platform. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for 5N Plus Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for 5N Plus and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. A10 Networks (NYSE:ATEN Get Free Report) issued its earnings results on Wednesday. The communications equipment provider reported $0.26 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, hitting the consensus estimate of $0.26, FiscalAI reports. A10 Networks had a net margin of 17.78% and a return on equity of 25.87%. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 8.3% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business posted $0.24 EPS. A10 Networks updated its FY 2026 guidance to 0.640-0.650 EPS. Here are the key takeaways from A10 Networks conference call: Get A10 Networks alerts: A10 reported record quarterly and full-year results, with $80.4 million in Q4 revenue and $290.6 million for FY2025, driven by strong growth in the Americas. in Q4 revenue and for FY2025, driven by strong growth in the Americas. Profitability and cash metrics strengthenedrecord adjusted EBITDA of $86 million (29.6% of revenue), nonGAAP gross margin ~80.680.8%, Q4 free cash flow of $16 million , and $378 million in cash plus ongoing buybacks and a quarterly dividend. (29.6% of revenue), nonGAAP gross margin ~80.680.8%, Q4 free cash flow of , and in cash plus ongoing buybacks and a quarterly dividend. The company hit its target for security-led revenue ( 65% of Q4 and 72% for the year) and says its portfolio is well positioned for AI infrastructure needs (high throughput, low latency, encrypted-traffic management). of Q4 and for the year) and says its portfolio is well positioned for AI infrastructure needs (high throughput, low latency, encrypted-traffic management). Management guided 2026 for continued top- and bottom-line growthrevenue growth of 10%12% , gross margins in the 80%82% range, expanding EBITDA margins, and EPS growth outpacing revenue. , gross margins in the range, expanding EBITDA margins, and EPS growth outpacing revenue. Risks include regional weakness in APJ (notably Japan) and supply-chain pressures (memory/components, tariffs); management expects to mitigate impacts but said these factors could weigh on visibility. A10 Networks Stock Performance Shares of NYSE:ATEN traded up $0.22 on Wednesday, hitting $17.49. 774,520 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 606,505. The firm has a market capitalization of $1.25 billion, a P/E ratio of 25.72 and a beta of 1.23. The company has a current ratio of 3.64, a quick ratio of 3.49 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.06. A10 Networks has a 1-year low of $13.81 and a 1-year high of $21.90. The stocks 50 day moving average price is $17.68 and its 200 day moving average price is $17.73. Institutional Trading of A10 Networks Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. CANADA LIFE ASSURANCE Co grew its stake in A10 Networks by 3.9% during the 3rd quarter. CANADA LIFE ASSURANCE Co now owns 80,265 shares of the communications equipment providers stock valued at $1,450,000 after purchasing an additional 3,049 shares during the last quarter. Verity Asset Management Inc. raised its stake in shares of A10 Networks by 3.2% in the third quarter. Verity Asset Management Inc. now owns 91,400 shares of the communications equipment providers stock worth $1,659,000 after purchasing an additional 2,795 shares during the last quarter. Qube Research & Technologies Ltd lifted its holdings in shares of A10 Networks by 68.4% during the third quarter. Qube Research & Technologies Ltd now owns 563,476 shares of the communications equipment providers stock worth $10,227,000 after purchasing an additional 228,837 shares during the period. Punch & Associates Investment Management Inc. boosted its position in A10 Networks by 4.0% in the third quarter. Punch & Associates Investment Management Inc. now owns 1,431,358 shares of the communications equipment providers stock valued at $25,979,000 after buying an additional 55,469 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Millennium Management LLC increased its holdings in A10 Networks by 55.5% in the 3rd quarter. Millennium Management LLC now owns 144,845 shares of the communications equipment providers stock worth $2,629,000 after buying an additional 51,718 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 98.61% of the companys stock. ATEN has been the subject of a number of analyst reports. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c+) rating on shares of A10 Networks in a report on Wednesday, January 21st. Wall Street Zen lowered A10 Networks from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Saturday, November 8th. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and three have assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, A10 Networks currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $22.00. Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on A10 Networks A10 Networks Company Profile (Get Free Report) A10 Networks, Inc (NYSE: ATEN), headquartered in San Jose, California, designs and sells networking and security solutions that accelerate application performance and protect data across on-premises, cloud and hybrid environments. Founded in 2004, the companys offerings target enterprises, service providers and cloud operators seeking high availability, secure access and optimized traffic delivery for critical applications. The companys core portfolio includes application delivery controllers (ADCs) for load balancing and traffic management, advanced distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) protection appliances, SSL inspection solutions and carrier-grade NAT (CGNAT) platforms. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for A10 Networks Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for A10 Networks and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Border to Coast Pensions Partnership Ltd boosted its position in Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT Free Report) by 4.6% in the third quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 422,356 shares of the healthcare product makers stock after purchasing an additional 18,742 shares during the period. Border to Coast Pensions Partnership Ltds holdings in Abbott Laboratories were worth $56,570,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of ABT. Norges Bank bought a new stake in Abbott Laboratories during the second quarter worth approximately $3,026,180,000. Laurel Wealth Advisors LLC lifted its position in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 13,347.0% during the 2nd quarter. Laurel Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 6,056,934 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $823,804,000 after acquiring an additional 6,011,891 shares during the last quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 1.8% during the 2nd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 172,800,851 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $23,502,644,000 after acquiring an additional 2,977,715 shares in the last quarter. First Trust Advisors LP grew its holdings in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 180.7% in the 2nd quarter. First Trust Advisors LP now owns 3,063,443 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $416,659,000 after acquiring an additional 1,972,097 shares during the last quarter. Finally, TD Asset Management Inc raised its position in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 98.6% during the second quarter. TD Asset Management Inc now owns 3,467,896 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $471,669,000 after purchasing an additional 1,721,523 shares during the period. 75.18% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Abbott Laboratories alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes A number of equities analysts recently weighed in on the company. The Goldman Sachs Group dropped their price target on Abbott Laboratories from $152.00 to $140.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, January 23rd. Weiss Ratings downgraded shares of Abbott Laboratories from a buy (b-) rating to a hold (c+) rating in a research report on Monday, January 26th. Benchmark assumed coverage on shares of Abbott Laboratories in a research report on Friday, October 10th. They issued a buy rating and a $145.00 price target for the company. Oppenheimer lowered their price objective on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $140.00 to $132.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, January 23rd. Finally, Evercore ISI reduced their target price on Abbott Laboratories from $144.00 to $138.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Friday, January 23rd. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, sixteen have assigned a Buy rating and four have given a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Abbott Laboratories has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $137.05. Abbott Laboratories Trading Down 0.8% Shares of NYSE:ABT opened at $108.18 on Thursday. The firm has a fifty day moving average of $121.62 and a two-hundred day moving average of $127.11. The company has a quick ratio of 1.24, a current ratio of 1.70 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.23. Abbott Laboratories has a 12-month low of $105.27 and a 12-month high of $141.23. The firm has a market capitalization of $188.11 billion, a P/E ratio of 29.08, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.73 and a beta of 0.75. Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, January 22nd. The healthcare product maker reported $1.50 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, hitting the consensus estimate of $1.50. The business had revenue of $11.46 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $11.80 billion. Abbott Laboratories had a return on equity of 17.94% and a net margin of 14.72%.Abbott Laboratoriess quarterly revenue was up 4.4% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the company earned $1.34 earnings per share. Abbott Laboratories has set its Q1 2026 guidance at 1.120-1.180 EPS and its FY 2026 guidance at 5.550-5.800 EPS. On average, equities analysts expect that Abbott Laboratories will post 5.14 EPS for the current fiscal year. Abbott Laboratories Increases Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, February 13th. Investors of record on Thursday, January 15th will be issued a $0.63 dividend. This is an increase from Abbott Laboratoriess previous quarterly dividend of $0.59. This represents a $2.52 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.3%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, January 15th. Abbott Laboratoriess dividend payout ratio is currently 67.74%. About Abbott Laboratories (Free Report) Abbott Laboratories is a global healthcare company headquartered in Abbott Park, Illinois, that develops, manufactures and markets a broad portfolio of medical products and services. Founded in 1888, Abbott operates through multiple business areas that focus on diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and established pharmaceuticals. The company supplies hospitals, clinics, laboratories, retailers and direct-to-consumer channels with products intended to diagnose, treat and manage a wide range of health conditions. In diagnostics, Abbott provides laboratory and point-of-care testing platforms and assays used to detect infectious diseases, chronic conditions and biomarkers; its Alinity family of instruments and rapid-test solutions are examples of this capability. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Abbott Laboratories Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Abbott Laboratories and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. ABN AMRO Bank N.V. raised its holdings in shares of Bank of America Corporation (NYSE:BAC Free Report) by 1.1% during the third quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The firm owned 4,300,645 shares of the financial services providers stock after purchasing an additional 45,070 shares during the period. Bank of America accounts for about 2.2% of ABN AMRO Bank N.V.s portfolio, making the stock its 16th largest position. ABN AMRO Bank N.V. owned 0.06% of Bank of America worth $221,073,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the company. Permanent Capital Management LP purchased a new stake in Bank of America in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $649,000. Disciplined Investments LLC purchased a new stake in Bank of America during the second quarter worth $217,000. CCG Wealth Management LLC acquired a new stake in Bank of America during the second quarter valued at $287,000. Meridian Wealth Management LLC increased its holdings in Bank of America by 54.6% in the third quarter. Meridian Wealth Management LLC now owns 58,308 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $3,008,000 after buying an additional 20,591 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Stonehage Fleming Financial Services Holdings Ltd acquired a new position in shares of Bank of America in the second quarter worth about $1,456,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 70.71% of the companys stock. Get Bank of America alerts: Bank of America Stock Up 1.7% NYSE BAC opened at $55.38 on Thursday. The business has a fifty day moving average price of $54.29 and a 200 day moving average price of $51.72. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.15, a quick ratio of 0.80 and a current ratio of 0.80. The company has a market cap of $404.41 billion, a P/E ratio of 14.46, a P/E/G ratio of 1.33 and a beta of 1.29. Bank of America Corporation has a one year low of $33.06 and a one year high of $57.55. Bank of America Announces Dividend Bank of America ( NYSE:BAC Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, January 14th. The financial services provider reported $0.98 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.96 by $0.02. The business had revenue of $4.53 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $27.73 billion. Bank of America had a net margin of 16.23% and a return on equity of 11.07%. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 12.3% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $0.82 earnings per share. Research analysts anticipate that Bank of America Corporation will post 3.7 EPS for the current fiscal year. The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 27th. Investors of record on Friday, March 6th will be paid a dividend of $0.28 per share. This represents a $1.12 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.0%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, March 6th. Bank of Americas dividend payout ratio is currently 29.24%. Key Headlines Impacting Bank of America Here are the key news stories impacting Bank of America this week: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of equities research analysts have recently commented on the company. Evercore ISI set a $59.00 target price on Bank of America in a research report on Thursday, January 15th. CICC Research initiated coverage on Bank of America in a report on Wednesday, January 14th. They issued an outperform rating and a $62.00 price objective on the stock. Ameriprise Financial raised Bank of America to a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 22nd. Phillip Securities increased their target price on Bank of America from $50.00 to $56.00 in a research report on Tuesday, October 21st. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their price target on shares of Bank of America from $58.00 to $61.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Tuesday, January 6th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twenty-three have given a Buy rating and three have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $60.00. Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on Bank of America Bank of America Profile (Free Report) Bank of America Corporation is a multinational financial services company headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina. It provides a broad array of banking, investment, asset management and related financial and risk management products and services to individual consumers, small- and middle-market businesses, large corporations, governments and institutional investors. The firm operates through consumer banking, global wealth and investment management, global banking and markets businesses, offering capabilities across lending, deposits, payments, advisory and capital markets. Its consumer-facing offerings include checking and savings accounts, mortgages, home equity lending, auto loans, credit cards and small business banking, supported by a nationwide branch network and digital channels. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Bank of America Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bank of America and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. This story was originally published on Multifamily Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Multifamily Dive newsletter. Last month, American Landmark CEO Joe Lubeck said he was adding executives to boost the firm after raising approximately $400 million in equity commitments toward a $1 billion target raise that will ultimately provide the firm with $3 billion in buying power. We are bringing in new and additional senior people in both capital markets to grow our investor base, Lubeck told Multifamily Dive. Lubeck made good on that promise with two hires announced in a press release shared with Multifamily Dive on Tuesday. American Landmark, which ranked No. 34 on the 2025 National Multifamily Housing Council list of the top apartment owners in the country, added Andrew Yam as senior managing director and global head of capital markets, along with Jessica Wichser as senior executive portfolio manager. Though American Landmark is headquartered in Tampa, Florida, Yam and Wichser will be based in New York to deepen the firms relationship with institutional investors. Yam, a 23-year investment veteran, will sit on the firms investment committee and senior executive management committee. He will be responsible for leading American Landmarks global capital formation efforts, including fund strategy, partnership formation and investor engagement. Previously, Yam was founder and managing principal of PXPillar Capital, a capital advisory firm focused on advising real estate investment managers on capital strategy and institutional fundraising. He also had stints at Lehman Brothers Real Estate Private Equity, Citi Mergers & Acquisitions, Phoenix Property Investors and Cottonwood Group. Wichser, who will also sit on the investment committee, will be responsible for overseeing portfolio performance and strategy across the firms multifamily investment entities. With more than 20 years of experience, Wichser served as managing director of portfolio management and global head of asset management at Partners Group, a Switzerland-based global private equity firm, where she oversaw the firms direct real estate portfolio. She also held asset and portfolio management roles at Clarion Partners, focusing on opportunistic investment strategies. Andrew and Jessica each bring deep institutional experience and a thoughtful, disciplined approach that aligns closely with our long-term vision, Lubeck said in the press release. Andrews leadership in global capital markets and Jessicas portfolio management expertise further strengthen the firm as we see significant opportunity ahead in the multifamily sector and are well positioned to capitalize on it. Shares of Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc. (NYSE:WMS Get Free Report) were up 7.8% during trading on Thursday following a stronger than expected earnings report. The stock traded as high as $173.07 and last traded at $172.7380. Approximately 623,397 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 11% from the average daily volume of 696,708 shares. The stock had previously closed at $160.26. The construction company reported $1.27 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.11 by $0.16. Advanced Drainage Systems had a return on equity of 28.85% and a net margin of 15.35%.The firm had revenue of $693.35 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $686.37 million. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $1.09 earnings per share. The companys quarterly revenue was up .4% on a year-over-year basis. Get Advanced Drainage Systems alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes A number of research analysts have recently issued reports on the stock. Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c) rating on shares of Advanced Drainage Systems in a report on Wednesday, January 21st. Oppenheimer lifted their price target on Advanced Drainage Systems from $175.00 to $180.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Thursday, January 15th. KeyCorp boosted their price objective on Advanced Drainage Systems from $170.00 to $180.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Monday, January 26th. Royal Bank Of Canada restated an outperform rating and issued a $176.00 target price on shares of Advanced Drainage Systems in a report on Thursday, January 15th. Finally, Barclays upped their price target on Advanced Drainage Systems from $181.00 to $187.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Thursday, January 15th. Eight research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and two have given a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $165.33. Insiders Place Their Bets In other news, EVP Thomas J. Sr. Waun sold 1,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Wednesday, November 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $150.00, for a total transaction of $150,000.00. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president directly owned 14,970 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,245,500. This trade represents a 6.26% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Also, insider Tim A. Makowski sold 4,901 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, November 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $149.21, for a total transaction of $731,278.21. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider directly owned 2,467 shares in the company, valued at $368,101.07. This trade represents a 66.52% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Over the last ninety days, insiders sold 97,772 shares of company stock valued at $14,605,539. Insiders own 1.63% of the companys stock. Institutional Trading of Advanced Drainage Systems Hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Outlook Wealth Advisors LLC lifted its position in shares of Advanced Drainage Systems by 3.0% during the third quarter. Outlook Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 2,836 shares of the construction companys stock worth $393,000 after acquiring an additional 82 shares in the last quarter. RWC Asset Management LLP lifted its holdings in Advanced Drainage Systems by 2.7% during the 3rd quarter. RWC Asset Management LLP now owns 3,234 shares of the construction companys stock worth $449,000 after purchasing an additional 85 shares in the last quarter. CWM LLC boosted its stake in Advanced Drainage Systems by 16.2% in the 3rd quarter. CWM LLC now owns 702 shares of the construction companys stock worth $97,000 after purchasing an additional 98 shares during the period. Louisiana State Employees Retirement System grew its holdings in Advanced Drainage Systems by 0.5% during the 2nd quarter. Louisiana State Employees Retirement System now owns 19,900 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $2,286,000 after buying an additional 100 shares in the last quarter. Finally, State of Michigan Retirement System increased its position in shares of Advanced Drainage Systems by 0.6% during the second quarter. State of Michigan Retirement System now owns 17,000 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $1,953,000 after buying an additional 100 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 89.83% of the companys stock. Advanced Drainage Systems Stock Performance The businesss fifty day moving average price is $151.81 and its 200-day moving average price is $143.12. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.75, a current ratio of 3.48 and a quick ratio of 2.60. The stock has a market capitalization of $13.34 billion, a PE ratio of 29.24, a P/E/G ratio of 2.03 and a beta of 1.34. About Advanced Drainage Systems (Get Free Report) Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc (NYSE: WMS) is a leading manufacturer and supplier of water management solutions in North America. Headquartered in Hilliard, Ohio, the company specializes in the design, production and distribution of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) drainage pipe and related products. Its core business addresses stormwater management, on-site septic systems and erosion control for residential, commercial and infrastructure projects. The companys product portfolio includes corrugated plastic pipe, tubing, fittings, geocells, geogrids and stormwater structures such as inlets, manholes and detention/retention systems. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Advanced Drainage Systems Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Advanced Drainage Systems and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Allegion PLC (NYSE:ALLE Get Free Report) announced a quarterly dividend on Wednesday, February 4th. Investors of record on Friday, March 13th will be given a dividend of 0.55 per share by the scientific and technical instruments company on Tuesday, March 31st. This represents a c) annualized dividend and a yield of 1.3%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, March 13th. This is a 7.8% increase from Allegions previous quarterly dividend of $0.51. Allegion has raised its dividend payment by an average of 0.1%annually over the last three years and has raised its dividend annually for the last 11 consecutive years. Allegion has a dividend payout ratio of 24.3% meaning its dividend is sufficiently covered by earnings. Equities research analysts expect Allegion to earn $7.97 per share next year, which means the company should continue to be able to cover its $2.04 annual dividend with an expected future payout ratio of 25.6%. Get Allegion alerts: Allegion Price Performance NYSE:ALLE opened at $173.32 on Thursday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.06, a quick ratio of 1.11 and a current ratio of 1.77. The firm has a market cap of $14.91 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 23.45, a P/E/G ratio of 3.06 and a beta of 1.03. Allegion has a 52 week low of $116.57 and a 52 week high of $180.68. The firms 50-day simple moving average is $162.84 and its 200 day simple moving average is $167.15. Institutional Inflows and Outflows About Allegion A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Berkshire Hathaway Inc purchased a new stake in Allegion in the 2nd quarter worth about $112,433,000. Norges Bank purchased a new stake in shares of Allegion during the second quarter worth $109,862,000. Geode Capital Management LLC raised its stake in shares of Allegion by 15.2% during the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 2,573,193 shares of the scientific and technical instruments companys stock valued at $369,514,000 after purchasing an additional 339,025 shares during the period. Cooke & Bieler LP boosted its stake in Allegion by 118.5% in the 2nd quarter. Cooke & Bieler LP now owns 544,659 shares of the scientific and technical instruments companys stock worth $78,496,000 after purchasing an additional 295,395 shares during the period. Finally, Nordea Investment Management AB grew its stake in Allegion by 22.5% during the second quarter. Nordea Investment Management AB now owns 1,509,567 shares of the scientific and technical instruments companys stock valued at $216,095,000 after acquiring an additional 277,241 shares in the last quarter. 92.21% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. (Get Free Report) Allegion plc (NYSE: ALLE) is a global provider of security products and solutions focused on ensuring the safety and security of people and property. The company was formed in December 2013 through a corporate spin-off from Ingersoll Rand and is headquartered in Dublin, Ireland. Allegions core mission is to deliver innovative mechanical and electronic access control systems for a wide range of end markets, including commercial buildings, residential properties, institutional facilities, and industrial sites. The companys product portfolio spans mechanical locksets, door closers, exit devices, key systems and cylinders, as well as a growing suite of electronic and smart access control offerings. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Allegion Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Allegion and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Ambu A/S (OTCMKTS:AMBBY Get Free Report) released its earnings results on Wednesday. The company reported $0.07 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, Zacks reports. Ambu A/S had a return on equity of 10.35% and a net margin of 10.00%. Ambu A/S Price Performance Shares of OTCMKTS:AMBBY opened at $13.82 on Thursday. The firm has a market cap of $3.25 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 40.65 and a beta of 0.93. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $13.61 and a 200 day moving average price of $14.55. Ambu A/S has a fifty-two week low of $12.56 and a fifty-two week high of $20.24. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.08, a quick ratio of 1.63 and a current ratio of 2.72. Get Ambu A/S alerts: Ambu A/S Company Profile (Get Free Report) Ambu A/S is a Denmark-based medical device company specializing in single-use diagnostic and life-supporting equipment for hospitals, clinics and emergency services. The companys core focus lies in developing products that enhance patient safety, streamline clinical workflows and reduce the risk of cross-contamination. Ambus offerings span critical care solutions such as anesthesia and respiratory care devices, as well as advanced endoscopy systems for minimally invasive diagnostics and therapies. Within its anesthesia and respiratory care segment, Ambu is known for its market-leading disposable resuscitatorscommonly referred to as Ambu bagsas well as a range of airway management products, including laryngeal masks and endotracheal tubes. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Ambu A/S Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Ambu A/S and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV (NYSE:BUD Get Free Report) is projected to issue its Q4 2025 results before the market opens on Thursday, February 12th. Analysts expect the company to announce earnings of $0.91 per share and revenue of $15.4769 billion for the quarter. Investors are encouraged to explore the companys upcoming Q4 2025 earning overview page for the latest details on the call scheduled for Thursday, February 12, 2026 at 9:00 AM ET. Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV Trading Up 0.6% Shares of BUD traded up $0.48 during mid-day trading on Thursday, reaching $74.96. 3,218,309 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 2,040,234. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.79, a current ratio of 0.64 and a quick ratio of 0.48. The stocks 50-day moving average is $65.72 and its two-hundred day moving average is $63.02. Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV has a 12 month low of $50.05 and a 12 month high of $75.73. The stock has a market cap of $146.37 billion, a P/E ratio of 24.50, a P/E/G ratio of 1.54 and a beta of 0.55. Get Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV alerts: Institutional Investors Weigh In On Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV Hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. grew its stake in Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV by 0.4% in the third quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. now owns 46,080 shares of the consumer goods makers stock valued at $2,747,000 after purchasing an additional 189 shares during the last quarter. National Bank of Canada FI grew its holdings in Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV by 7.6% in the third quarter. National Bank of Canada FI now owns 3,535 shares of the consumer goods makers stock worth $211,000 after purchasing an additional 251 shares during the last quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC increased its position in shares of Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV by 36.1% during the second quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 2,230 shares of the consumer goods makers stock worth $153,000 after purchasing an additional 591 shares in the last quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV by 7.8% during the 1st quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC now owns 8,869 shares of the consumer goods makers stock valued at $546,000 after purchasing an additional 642 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Russell Investments Group Ltd. boosted its position in shares of Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV by 7.2% in the 3rd quarter. Russell Investments Group Ltd. now owns 10,248 shares of the consumer goods makers stock worth $611,000 after purchasing an additional 686 shares in the last quarter. 5.53% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several analysts have recently weighed in on BUD shares. The Goldman Sachs Group reiterated a buy rating on shares of Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV in a research report on Friday, November 28th. Royal Bank Of Canada reaffirmed a buy rating on shares of Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV in a research note on Tuesday, December 9th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reissued a neutral rating on shares of Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV in a research report on Friday, January 9th. Jefferies Financial Group reaffirmed a buy rating on shares of Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV in a research report on Tuesday, January 6th. Finally, UBS Group reaffirmed a buy rating on shares of Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV in a research note on Friday, January 9th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twelve have issued a Buy rating and three have assigned a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $77.67. Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV About Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV (Get Free Report) Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV (NYSE: BUD) is a multinational brewing company headquartered in Leuven, Belgium. It is one of the worlds largest brewers and is primarily engaged in the production, distribution and marketing of beer and related beverages. The companys operations span brewing, packaging, logistics and retail/customer sales support, serving a broad set of channels from on-premise hospitality to retail and e-commerce. AB InBevs portfolio includes a mix of global, regional and local beer brands across mainstream, premium, craft and non-alcoholic categories. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Atlantic Union Bankshares Corp raised its holdings in Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc. (NYSE:HII Free Report) by 8,712.8% in the third quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 3,437 shares of the aerospace companys stock after acquiring an additional 3,398 shares during the quarter. Atlantic Union Bankshares Corps holdings in Huntington Ingalls Industries were worth $990,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of the business. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. boosted its holdings in Huntington Ingalls Industries by 40.1% in the first quarter. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. now owns 206 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $42,000 after purchasing an additional 59 shares in the last quarter. Truist Financial Corp lifted its position in shares of Huntington Ingalls Industries by 1.4% in the second quarter. Truist Financial Corp now owns 10,590 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $2,557,000 after buying an additional 147 shares during the last quarter. QRG Capital Management Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Huntington Ingalls Industries by 22.8% during the 2nd quarter. QRG Capital Management Inc. now owns 3,252 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $785,000 after acquiring an additional 604 shares in the last quarter. Belpointe Asset Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of Huntington Ingalls Industries during the 2nd quarter valued at about $394,000. Finally, Blair William & Co. IL acquired a new position in shares of Huntington Ingalls Industries during the 2nd quarter valued at about $330,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 90.46% of the companys stock. Get Huntington Ingalls Industries alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In HII has been the subject of a number of recent analyst reports. The Goldman Sachs Group upped their target price on Huntington Ingalls Industries from $384.00 to $425.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, January 20th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their price objective on shares of Huntington Ingalls Industries from $287.00 to $342.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Monday, November 3rd. TD Cowen raised their target price on shares of Huntington Ingalls Industries from $320.00 to $350.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Friday, October 31st. Melius Research upgraded shares of Huntington Ingalls Industries from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Monday, January 5th. Finally, Wall Street Zen lowered shares of Huntington Ingalls Industries from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a research report on Saturday, January 31st. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, five have given a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $343.63. Insider Activity at Huntington Ingalls Industries In other Huntington Ingalls Industries news, CEO Christopher D. Kastner sold 15,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, November 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $321.06, for a total value of $4,815,900.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer owned 68,139 shares of the companys stock, valued at $21,876,707.34. This represents a 18.04% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this link. Also, VP Edmond E. Jr. Hughes sold 850 shares of Huntington Ingalls Industries stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, November 20th. The stock was sold at an average price of $315.44, for a total value of $268,124.00. Following the sale, the vice president directly owned 8,731 shares in the company, valued at $2,754,106.64. The trade was a 8.87% decrease in their position. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Insiders have sold 16,637 shares of company stock worth $5,331,276 over the last three months. Company insiders own 0.72% of the companys stock. Huntington Ingalls Industries Price Performance Shares of Huntington Ingalls Industries stock opened at $413.50 on Thursday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.54, a current ratio of 1.14 and a quick ratio of 1.06. The company has a market cap of $16.23 billion, a PE ratio of 28.56, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.73 and a beta of 0.34. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $366.26 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $312.27. Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $158.88 and a fifty-two week high of $436.14. Huntington Ingalls Industries Announces Dividend The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 13th. Investors of record on Friday, February 27th will be given a dividend of $1.38 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, February 27th. This represents a $5.52 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.3%. Huntington Ingalls Industriess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 38.12%. Huntington Ingalls Industries Company Profile (Free Report) Huntington Ingalls Industries (NYSE: HII) is Americas largest military shipbuilding company and a leading provider of professional services to the U.S. government. Headquartered in Newport News, Virginia, HII designs, constructs and maintains nuclear-powered aircraft carriers, submarines and other complex vessels for the U.S. Navy. The companys products include nuclear aircraft carriers, Virginia-class and Columbia-class submarines, as well as amphibious assault ships, destroyers and cutters. Established in 2011 as a spin-off from Northrop Grummans shipbuilding operations, HII traces its heritage to two historic builders: Newport News Shipbuilding, founded in the 19th century, and Ingalls Shipbuilding, founded in 1938. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Huntington Ingalls Industries Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Huntington Ingalls Industries and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Atlantic Union Bankshares Corp boosted its stake in shares of Hershey Company (The) (NYSE:HSY Free Report) by 97.7% 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 owned 5,677 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 2,806 shares during the quarter. Atlantic Union Bankshares Corps holdings in Hershey were worth $1,062,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). A number of other large investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in HSY. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. raised its stake in shares of Hershey by 6.5% during the 1st quarter. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. now owns 15,310 shares of the companys stock worth $2,618,000 after acquiring an additional 937 shares in the last quarter. Robeco Institutional Asset Management B.V. grew its holdings in Hershey by 11.2% in the second quarter. Robeco Institutional Asset Management B.V. now owns 8,412 shares of the companys stock worth $1,396,000 after purchasing an additional 850 shares during the last quarter. Ameritas Advisory Services LLC acquired a new position in shares of Hershey during the second quarter worth $128,000. KLP Kapitalforvaltning AS lifted its holdings in shares of Hershey by 2.7% during the 2nd quarter. KLP Kapitalforvaltning AS now owns 131,295 shares of the companys stock valued at $21,788,000 after purchasing an additional 3,400 shares during the last quarter. Finally, REAP Financial Group LLC boosted its position in shares of Hershey by 177.3% in the 2nd quarter. REAP Financial Group LLC now owns 366 shares of the companys stock worth $61,000 after purchasing an additional 234 shares in the last quarter. 57.96% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get Hershey alerts: Hershey Stock Up 2.2% HSY stock opened at $205.88 on Thursday. The company has a market capitalization of $41.75 billion, a P/E ratio of 30.77 and a beta of 0.18. Hershey Company has a 12 month low of $140.13 and a 12 month high of $205.96. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $188.12 and its 200-day simple moving average is $185.26. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.02, a current ratio of 1.36 and a quick ratio of 0.83. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In HSY has been the topic of several recent analyst reports. TD Cowen reduced their target price on Hershey from $204.00 to $200.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, October 31st. Stifel Nicolaus upped their price objective on shares of Hershey from $185.00 to $195.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a report on Thursday, December 11th. Sanford C. Bernstein reiterated an outperform rating on shares of Hershey in a research note on Monday, January 26th. Piper Sandler set a $213.00 price target on shares of Hershey and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Tuesday, January 6th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company set a $182.00 price target on shares of Hershey and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a report on Monday, January 5th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, six have assigned a Buy rating and fifteen have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $197.56. Read Our Latest Analysis on HSY Key Hershey News Here are the key news stories impacting Hershey this week: Insider Buying and Selling at Hershey In other Hershey news, CFO Steven E. Voskuil sold 1,500 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, January 20th. The stock was sold at an average price of $198.67, for a total transaction of $298,005.00. Following the sale, the chief financial officer directly owned 52,319 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $10,394,215.73. This trade represents a 2.79% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. Also, CEO Kirk Tanner acquired 2,000 shares of Hershey stock in a transaction on Friday, November 21st. The shares were bought at an average price of $185.46 per share, with a total value of $370,920.00. Following the purchase, the chief executive officer directly owned 47,860 shares in the company, valued at approximately $8,876,115.60. The trade was a 4.36% increase in their position. The SEC filing for this purchase provides additional information. Over the last three months, insiders have sold 6,000 shares of company stock valued at $1,119,450. 0.34% of the stock is owned by insiders. Hershey Company Profile (Free Report) The Hershey Company (NYSE: HSY) is a leading North American chocolatier and snack manufacturer headquartered in Hershey, Pennsylvania. The company develops, produces and markets a wide range of confectionery and snack products for retail, foodservice and international customers. Hersheys business spans manufacturing, branded product marketing, packaging and distribution across grocery, convenience, mass merchant and e-commerce channels. Hersheys product portfolio centers on chocolate and sugar confectionery, including core brands such as Hersheys, Reeses, Hersheys Kisses and Twizzlers, alongside non-chocolate snacks and confectionery brands. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Hershey Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Hershey and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. ATS (NYSE:ATS) executives highlighted steady third-quarter execution, continued revenue growth, and a diversified backlog during the companys fiscal Q3 conference call held February 4, 2026. The discussion also marked CEO Doug Wrights first earnings call since joining the company in mid-January, with leadership emphasizing sharper execution discipline, margin improvement, and a continued focus on disciplined capital allocation. Get alerts: New CEO outlines early priorities and leadership updates Wright said his initial focus has been rapidly translating learning into action, particularly around execution discipline, margin performance, and capital allocation. He pointed to ATSs lean operating cultureanchored by the ATS Business Model (ABM)as a foundation for sustained results, and said the companys focus on lean discipline will only get sharper going forward. Sarah Moore joined as Life Sciences Group Executive, bringing experience across healthcare diagnostics, medical devices, and life sciences. Simon Roberts was appointed to lead ATSs packaging and food technology business. ATS embedded its growing services business within operating units, a move management said strengthens accountability, customer alignment, and helps position services as a recurring, margin-enhancing part of offerings. Management also noted several leadership changes and organizational shifts: Wright also recognized CFO Ryan McLeods planned transition. Corporate Controller Anne Cybulski will serve as Interim CFO, with Wright stating the transition is orderly and planned and that the finance organization is stable and capable. Third-quarter results: revenue growth with mix-driven gross margin pressure On the quarter, ATS reported order bookings of $821 million. Management described bookings as up nearly 12% sequentially, while Cybulski noted bookings were down 7% year-over-year due to an expected lower run rate in transportation and the prior-year inclusion of larger enterprise bookings in life sciences and food and beverage. The trailing-twelve-month book-to-bill ratio ended Q3 at 1.06x. Revenue in Q3 was $761 million, up 16.7% from the prior year. Cybulski said growth included 12.6% organic growth and a 4.1% benefit from foreign exchange translation, with revenue rising in all market verticals except transportation, as expected. Adjusted earnings from operations were $79.9 million (also referenced as $80 million by McLeod), up 21.6% year-over-year, driven primarily by higher volumes. Gross margin was 29.6%, down 111 basis points from last year, which Cybulski attributed mainly to program mix and timing across verticals with differing margin profiles. SG&A expenses (excluding acquisition-related amortization and transaction costs) totaled $141.9 million, up $11.3 million year-over-year, mainly due to foreign exchange translation and, to a lesser extent, higher employee costs and professional fees. Adjusted EPS was $0.48. Stock-based compensation expense, excluding mark-to-market impacts tied to the share price, was $3.1 million. Backlog and market commentary: nuclear, life sciences, and consumer stand out ATS ended the quarter with an order backlog of approximately $2.1 billion, which management described as balanced across end markets and geographies. McLeod said the companys funnel remains healthy and diversified. In life sciences, ATS reported order backlog of $1.1 billion and quarterly revenue of $391 million, which management called the second highest in company history. McLeod highlighted radiopharmaled by the Comecer businessas a key growth market supported by customer relationships and an expanded services footprint. Wright added that ATS is seeing improving diversity in life sciences applications, citing radiopharma, visual inspection, med tech applications, and mail-order pharmacy, while also noting ongoing activity tied to GLP-1 auto-injectors. On GLP-1, Wright said ATS is executing against a healthy backlog and continues to partner with customers as device requirements evolve. He acknowledged lumpiness in the order cycle but said ATS continues to see a strong pipeline of incremental opportunities. He also said customers have been pretty consistent that there is long-term opportunity in GLP-1s, while ATS works to diversify its pipeline into other therapies such as radiopharma and oncology. Energy backlog reached a record CAD 296 million, up 87% from Q3 last year, driven by refurbishment and life extension projects for nuclear reactors. Management described these as longer-cycle programs that include service components. ATS also cited early-stage work on new builds, including large-scale reactors and small modular reactors (SMRs), spanning front-end design, engineering, and prototyping activities in areas such as fuel production, fuel handling, and modular fabrication. In Q&A, management referenced an order in the quarter for a new build reactor for fuel fabrication. Consumer products backlog also reached a record CAD 321 million, supported by a large enterprise warehouse packaging automation program that leverages ATSs global manufacturing and aftermarket capabilities. Food and beverage backlog was CAD 203 million, with management citing strong funnel activity in core processing markets including tomato and other fresh fruit applications. Transportation remained the primary vertical where revenue did not increase year-over-year. Wright said ATS still sees value in the EV ecosystem but intends to be more targeted, emphasizing a more disciplined approach and avoiding what he described as higher-risk mega projects in the broader transportation sector. Outlook, restructuring, and capital allocation For Q4, ATS expects revenue in the range of $710 million to $750 million. In Q&A, management said the Q4 revenue guide reflects timing of program execution and scope adjustments and remains consistent with expectations for full-year growth discussed previously, including high single-digit growth on a full-year basis. The company incurred CAD 5.5 million of restructuring costs during the quarter under a program disclosed last quarter. Cybulski said ATS identified additional opportunities to realign its cost structure, lifting total expected program costs to approximately CAD 20 million, while the payback period remains unchanged. She said some savings will be reinvested in strategic growth areas while also supporting operating leverage, primarily as the company moves into fiscal 2027. Wright repeatedly emphasized margin expansion as a central focus, stating ATS has a lot of runway and needs to do better. He pointed to opportunities through more aggressive deployment of ABM tools and commercial actions to get more value for the work ATS performs. In another response, he outlined three margin themes: intensified ABM productivity initiatives, focusing R&D and commercial efforts on higher-value applications within existing end markets, and increasing the aftermarket/services mix to improve margins and reduce earnings volatility. On tariffs, Cybulski said the company has not been materially impacted, noting that most exports from Canada to the U.S. remain covered under the USMCA. She added that ATSs decentralized operating model supports serving customers where capital is being deployed. Cash flow, working capital, and leverage Cash flows from operating activities were CAD 115 million in Q3. Non-cash working capital as a percentage of revenues improved to 16.4%, moving closer to the companys target of less than 15% of revenues, aided by the receipt of larger milestone payments before quarter-end. ATS invested $16.6 million in CapEx and intangible assets during the quarter. For fiscal 2026, the company lowered its expected CapEx and intangible investment range to $70 million to $90 million, slightly lower than previously disclosed. Net debt to adjusted EBITDA was 3.0x, which management said reflects progress toward the top end of its stated 2x3x target range. With leverage back within the targeted range, Wright said ATS will continue to deploy capital with discipline, with an emphasis on improving margins, expanding aftermarket mix, and adding complementary technologies within its existing end-market framework. He also said investors should expect ATS to favor deploying capital toward M&A going forward, while maintaining its leverage framework and discipline. About ATS (NYSE:ATS) ATS Corporation (NYSE: ATS) is a Canada-based global provider of automation and energy solutions. Headquartered in Cambridge, Ontario, the company specializes in the design, engineering and manufacturing of custom automation and test systems, as well as fluid handling and control products. Since its founding in 1978, ATS has focused on delivering integrated hardware and software solutions that help original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) improve efficiency, quality and throughput across a range of industries. Through its Automation segment, ATS develops bespoke assembly and testing platforms for sectors such as life sciences, consumer electronics, automotive and industrial equipment. Further Reading AvalonBay Communities (NYSE:AVB Get Free Report) issued an update on its first quarter 2026 earnings guidance on Wednesday morning. The company provided earnings per share (EPS) guidance of 2.730-2.830 for the period, compared to the consensus estimate of 1.900. The company issued revenue guidance of -. AvalonBay Communities also updated its FY 2026 guidance to 11.000-11.500 EPS. AvalonBay Communities Trading Up 1.9% AvalonBay Communities stock traded up $3.37 during mid-day trading on Wednesday, hitting $177.66. The companys stock had a trading volume of 1,404,148 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,230,712. AvalonBay Communities has a 1 year low of $166.73 and a 1 year high of $230.21. The stocks fifty day moving average is $179.59 and its two-hundred day moving average is $185.26. The firm has a market capitalization of $25.16 billion, a PE ratio of 21.69, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.00 and a beta of 0.76. The company has a current ratio of 0.67, a quick ratio of 0.67 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.72. Get AvalonBay Communities alerts: AvalonBay Communities (NYSE:AVB Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, February 4th. The real estate investment trust reported $2.85 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, hitting analysts consensus estimates of $2.85. AvalonBay Communities had a return on equity of 9.72% and a net margin of 38.78%.AvalonBay Communities has set its FY 2026 guidance at 11.000-11.500 EPS and its Q1 2026 guidance at 2.730-2.830 EPS. On average, analysts anticipate that AvalonBay Communities will post 11.48 EPS for the current year. AvalonBay Communities Announces Dividend Analysts Set New Price Targets The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, January 15th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, December 31st were paid a $1.75 dividend. This represents a $7.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.9%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, December 31st. AvalonBay Communitiess payout ratio is 85.47%. A number of equities analysts recently weighed in on the stock. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft cut shares of AvalonBay Communities from a buy rating to a hold rating and set a $172.00 price objective for the company. in a research report on Tuesday, January 20th. Wells Fargo & Company lowered their price target on AvalonBay Communities from $213.00 to $193.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Monday, November 10th. Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c) rating on shares of AvalonBay Communities in a research note on Friday, January 9th. Evercore ISI restated an in-line rating and set a $214.00 target price on shares of AvalonBay Communities in a report on Monday, November 3rd. Finally, Colliers Securities reiterated a neutral rating and set a $195.00 price target (down from $200.00) on shares of AvalonBay Communities in a research note on Thursday, December 4th. Six analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and twelve have assigned a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, AvalonBay Communities presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $203.50. Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on AVB Hedge Funds Weigh In On AvalonBay Communities Several hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in AVB. Empowered Funds LLC increased its position in shares of AvalonBay Communities by 5.7% during the first quarter. Empowered Funds LLC now owns 2,723 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $584,000 after purchasing an additional 148 shares in the last quarter. Guggenheim Capital LLC increased its position in AvalonBay Communities by 2.8% during the second quarter. Guggenheim Capital LLC now owns 4,759 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $968,000 after buying an additional 129 shares during the period. Baird Financial Group Inc. purchased a new stake in AvalonBay Communities in the second quarter valued at approximately $1,374,000. Cresset Asset Management LLC boosted its holdings in shares of AvalonBay Communities by 14.2% in the second quarter. Cresset Asset Management LLC now owns 2,890 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $591,000 after acquiring an additional 360 shares during the period. Finally, Bank of Nova Scotia grew its position in shares of AvalonBay Communities by 9.5% during the second quarter. Bank of Nova Scotia now owns 18,854 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $3,837,000 after acquiring an additional 1,629 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 92.61% of the companys stock. AvalonBay Communities Company Profile (Get Free Report) AvalonBay Communities, Inc (NYSE: AVB) is a publicly traded real estate investment trust (REIT) that owns, develops, redevelops and manages multifamily residential properties. The company focuses on professionally managed apartment communities, offering a range of rental housing options and related resident services. As a REIT, AvalonBays core activities center on the acquisition and development of apartment assets and the ongoing operations and leasing of those communities. AvalonBays operating activities include ground-up development, strategic redevelopment of existing properties, property and asset management, and on-site leasing and resident services. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for AvalonBay Communities Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for AvalonBay Communities and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Banca Mediolanum S.p.A. (OTCMKTS:BNCDY Get Free Report) shares traded up 0.2% during mid-day trading on Wednesday . The stock traded as high as $47.09 and last traded at $47.09. 544 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 10% from the average session volume of 607 shares. The stock had previously closed at $47.00. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Separately, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reiterated a buy rating on shares of Banca Mediolanum in a research report on Tuesday, December 2nd. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, According to MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Buy. Get Banca Mediolanum alerts: Check Out Our Latest Analysis on BNCDY Banca Mediolanum Price Performance Banca Mediolanum Company Profile The business has a fifty day moving average of $45.17 and a 200-day moving average of $41.87. (Get Free Report) Banca Mediolanum is an Italian banking and financial services group that operates through a network of financial advisors and direct banking channels. The company provides a broad spectrum of retail banking products, including deposit accounts, mortgages, personal loans and consumer credit. In addition to its core banking activities, Banca Mediolanum offers asset management solutions and life and pension insurance products through its subsidiaries. The institution traces its origins to 1982, when entrepreneur Ennio Doris founded Mediolanum S.p.A. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Banca Mediolanum Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Banca Mediolanum and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Banco Bilbao Viscaya Argentaria S.A. (NYSE:BBVA Get Free Report) has been given an average recommendation of Moderate Buy by the six brokerages that are currently covering the firm, Marketbeat Ratings reports. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, two have given a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company. BBVA has been the subject of a number of analyst reports. Weiss Ratings reissued a buy (b+) rating on shares of Banco Bilbao Viscaya Argentaria in a report on Monday, December 29th. Morgan Stanley initiated coverage on shares of Banco Bilbao Viscaya Argentaria in a research note on Tuesday, October 21st. They issued an equal weight rating for the company. 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. Wall Street Zen downgraded shares of Banco Bilbao Viscaya Argentaria from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Saturday, January 17th. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada downgraded shares of Banco Bilbao Viscaya Argentaria from an outperform rating to a sector perform rating in a research note on Wednesday, January 28th. Get Banco Bilbao Viscaya Argentaria alerts: Read Our Latest Research Report on Banco Bilbao Viscaya Argentaria Banco Bilbao Viscaya Argentaria Price Performance Institutional Investors Weigh In On Banco Bilbao Viscaya Argentaria Shares of Banco Bilbao Viscaya Argentaria stock opened at $25.65 on Thursday. Banco Bilbao Viscaya Argentaria has a 1 year low of $11.47 and a 1 year high of $26.20. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $23.58 and a 200 day moving average price of $20.53. The company has a market capitalization of $147.83 billion, a P/E ratio of 13.43, a P/E/G ratio of 0.89 and a beta of 0.80. Hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Bank of America Corp DE lifted its position in Banco Bilbao Viscaya Argentaria by 28.0% during the second quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 9,288,196 shares of the banks stock worth $142,760,000 after buying an additional 2,034,318 shares during the period. Capital International Investors increased its stake in shares of Banco Bilbao Viscaya Argentaria by 0.6% during the 3rd quarter. Capital International Investors now owns 6,616,619 shares of the banks stock valued at $125,914,000 after acquiring an additional 40,320 shares during the last quarter. Clark Capital Management Group Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Banco Bilbao Viscaya Argentaria by 2.0% during the 3rd quarter. Clark Capital Management Group Inc. now owns 5,755,246 shares of the banks stock worth $110,788,000 after acquiring an additional 113,250 shares during the period. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted its holdings in shares of Banco Bilbao Viscaya Argentaria by 6.5% during the 3rd quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 4,846,150 shares of the banks stock worth $93,288,000 after acquiring an additional 297,752 shares during the period. Finally, Envestnet Asset Management Inc. boosted its position in shares of Banco Bilbao Viscaya Argentaria by 17.1% in the second quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 4,375,294 shares of the banks stock worth $67,247,000 after acquiring an additional 637,519 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 2.96% of the companys stock. About Banco Bilbao Viscaya Argentaria (Get 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. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Banco Bilbao Viscaya Argentaria Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Banco Bilbao Viscaya Argentaria and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. With many modern cruise ships having the capacity to carry nearly 5,000 passengers, the impact that their arrival has on cities that were never designed to accommodate that many visitors can be profound. Over the last two years, cities like Barcelona in Spain and Dubrovnik in Croatia have both implemented restrictions on visitor numbers to combat overtourism while an effort by the mayor of Nice to outright ban cruise ships with more than 900 passengers was recently overturned by a French court. Large cruise ships have meanwhile remained banned entirely from the historic center of Venice since 2021. Various measures to limit total visitor numbers are now also being explored by ports such as Bar Harbor in Maine and Cozumel in Mexico. Amsterdam "exploring the option of ending sea cruises by 2035," city council says The latest city to mull major restrictions on large ships is the Dutch capital and popular tourist destination of Amsterdam. With recent numbers showing that over seven million international tourists or roughly ten visitors for every resident came to Amsterdam in 2025, the city is one of the most stark examples of excessive tourism that strains local infrastructure. At the end of January, the city government of Amsterdam announced that it will begin "exploring the option of ending sea cruises in Amsterdam by 2035 in the coming months." This comes after it found the option of relocating the Port of Amsterdam to several suggested areas outside of the city center not feasible economically at a cost of over 85 million euros. Related: A popular European city is introducing the highest 'tourist tax' yet "The municipality will further develop the precise consequences of ending sea cruises, including the loss of direct and indirect jobs, in the coming months," the press release from the city reads. "This will be done carefully and in collaboration with the national government and other involved partners." This would leave Amsterdam without a port that accommodates large cruise ships traversing by ocean and thereby shut them out entirely; in the summer of 2025, the city also expressed intention to cut the total number of river cruises going through the city by 10% by next year. Given its location on the water, Amsterdam hosts large numbers of both sea and river cruises during the warmer months.Image source: Shutterstock Image source: Shutterstock What happens if Amsterdam shuts down to sea cruises entirely? These efforts come as Amsterdam prepares for municipal council elections in March 2026 and candidates face competing political pressures from both residents concerned with overtourism and local businesses who do not want to see a complete end to the sea cruise industry in the city and much of The Netherlands as a result (the country is home to several smaller ports that are not widely used for tourism). Beacon Harbor Wealth Advisors Inc. increased its position in shares of Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE Free Report) by 28.4% during the third quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 245,123 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock after buying an additional 54,263 shares during the period. Beacon Harbor Wealth Advisors Inc.s holdings in Pfizer were worth $6,246,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Fiduciary Alliance LLC boosted its stake in Pfizer by 46.4% during the third quarter. Fiduciary Alliance LLC now owns 145,263 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $3,701,000 after buying an additional 46,043 shares during the last quarter. Y Intercept Hong Kong Ltd purchased a new stake in shares of Pfizer in the third quarter valued at about $3,019,000. Vista Investment Partners LLC increased its position in Pfizer by 236.1% during the third quarter. Vista Investment Partners LLC now owns 69,613 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $1,774,000 after purchasing an additional 48,900 shares during the last quarter. Money Concepts Capital Corp raised its stake in Pfizer by 29.9% during the third quarter. Money Concepts Capital Corp now owns 248,251 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $6,325,000 after purchasing an additional 57,188 shares during the period. Finally, Generali Investments CEE investicni spolecnost a.s. boosted its holdings in Pfizer by 76.4% in the 3rd quarter. Generali Investments CEE investicni spolecnost a.s. now owns 109,269 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $2,784,000 after purchasing an additional 47,319 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 68.36% of the companys stock. Get Pfizer alerts: Pfizer News Roundup Here are the key news stories impacting Pfizer this week: Pfizer Stock Up 4.1% Shares of NYSE:PFE opened at $26.83 on Thursday. The firm has a market capitalization of $152.55 billion, a PE ratio of 19.73 and a beta of 0.47. Pfizer Inc. has a 1 year low of $20.92 and a 1 year high of $27.69. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.62, a current ratio of 1.28 and a quick ratio of 0.97. The firms 50-day moving average is $25.57 and its two-hundred day moving average is $25.07. Pfizer (NYSE:PFE Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, February 3rd. The biopharmaceutical company reported $0.66 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.57 by $0.09. Pfizer had a net margin of 12.42% and a return on equity of 20.25%. The firm had revenue of $17.56 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $16.93 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business posted $0.63 earnings per share. The businesss quarterly revenue was down 1.2% compared to the same quarter last year. Analysts predict that Pfizer Inc. will post 2.95 EPS for the current year. Pfizer Dividend Announcement The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 6th. Shareholders of record on Friday, January 23rd will be issued a dividend of $0.43 per share. The ex-dividend date is Friday, January 23rd. This represents a $1.72 annualized dividend and a yield of 6.4%. Pfizers dividend payout ratio is 126.47%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several analysts have recently commented on PFE shares. Sanford C. Bernstein reaffirmed a market perform rating and set a $30.00 price target on shares of Pfizer in a research report on Friday, October 31st. The Goldman Sachs Group reaffirmed a neutral rating and issued a $26.00 price target on shares of Pfizer in a research note on Wednesday, November 5th. Cantor Fitzgerald restated a neutral rating and issued a $27.00 price objective on shares of Pfizer in a report on Wednesday. Guggenheim reaffirmed a buy rating on shares of Pfizer in a research note on Wednesday, December 17th. Finally, BMO Capital Markets reissued an outperform rating on shares of Pfizer in a research note on Wednesday, December 10th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, four have assigned a Buy rating, twelve have assigned a Hold rating and two have issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $28.06. Read Our Latest Report on Pfizer Pfizer Company Profile (Free Report) Pfizer Inc (NYSE: PFE) is a multinational biopharmaceutical company headquartered in New York City. Founded in 1849 by Charles Pfizer and Charles Erhart, the company researches, develops, manufactures and commercializes a broad range of medicines and vaccines for human health. Its activities span discovery research, clinical development, regulatory affairs, manufacturing and global commercial distribution across multiple therapeutic areas. Pfizers portfolio and pipeline cover oncology, immunology, cardiology, endocrinology, rare diseases, hospital acute care and anti-infectives, along with a substantial vaccine business. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Pfizer Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Pfizer and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Fusemachines, Tempus AI, OneStream, BigBear.ai, Hut 8, Fluence Energy, and SoundHound AI are the seven Artificial Intelligence stocks to watch today, according to MarketBeats stock screener tool. Artificial intelligence stocks are shares of companies that develop, supply, or materially benefit from AI technologies including firms focused on AI software, machine learning platforms, semiconductor chips, cloud services, and AI-driven applications. For investors, these stocks provide a way to gain exposure to the potential growth and productivity gains from AI, but they also carry sector-specific risks such as rapid technological change, competitive disruption, regulatory uncertainty, and valuation volatility. These companies had the highest dollar trading volume of any Artificial Intelligence stocks within the last several days. Get alerts: Fusemachines (FUSE) Fusemachines Inc. develops and delivers artificial intelligence (AI) as a service and machine learning software solutions. The company offers Fuse Anna which is an AI assistant for follow ups through daily reminders; and Fuse Prospector which is an artificial intelligence sales platform. Further, the company offers managed outbound services and AI as a service for big data processing, data management, and cloud analytics. Tempus AI (TEM) Tempus AI Inc. is a technology company advancing precision medicine through the practical application of artificial intelligence principally in healthcare. The company provides AI-enabled precision medicine solutions to physicians to deliver personalized patient care and in parallel facilitates discovery, development and delivery of optimal therapeutics. Read Our Latest Research Report on TEM OneStream (OS) Read Our Latest Research Report on OS BigBear.ai (BBAI) BigBear.ai Holdings, Inc. provides artificial intelligence-powered decision intelligence solutions. It offers national security, supply chain management, and digital identity and biometrics solutions. The company also provides data ingestion, data enrichment, data processing, artificial intelligence, machine learning, predictive analytics, and predictive visualization solutions and services. Read Our Latest Research Report on BBAI Hut 8 (HUT) Hut 8 Corp., together with its subsidiaries, acquires, builds, manages, and operates data centers for digital assets mining, computing, and artificial intelligence in the United States. It operates in four segments: Digital Assets Mining, Managed Services, High Performance Computing Colocation and Cloud, and Other. Read Our Latest Research Report on HUT Fluence Energy (FLNC) Fluence Energy, Inc., through its subsidiaries, offers energy storage products and solution, services, and artificial intelligence enabled software-as-a-service products for renewables and storage applications in the Americas, the Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. The company sells energy storage products with integrated hardware, software, and digital intelligence. Read Our Latest Research Report on FLNC SoundHound AI (SOUN) SoundHound AI, Inc. develops independent voice artificial intelligence (AI) solutions that enables businesses across automotive, TV, and IoT, and to customer service industries to deliver high-quality conversational experiences to their customers. Its products include Houndify platform that offers a suite of Houndify tools to help brands build conversational voice assistants, such as Application Programming Interfaces (API) for text and voice queries, support for custom commands, extensive library of content domains, inclusive software development kit platforms, collaboration capabilities, diagnostic tools, and built-in analytics; SoundHound Chat AI that integrates with knowledge domains, pulling real-time data like weather, sports, stocks, flight status, and restaurants; and SoundHound Smart Answering is built to offer customer establishments custom AI-powered voice assistant. Read Our Latest Research Report on SOUN Further Reading AST SpaceMobile, Rocket Lab, Boeing, GE Aerospace, RTX, Lockheed Martin, and Huntington Ingalls Industries are the seven Space stocks to watch today, according to MarketBeats stock screener tool. Space stocks are publicly traded companies whose primary business activities are tied to the space industry for example, manufacturers of rockets and satellites, launch and groundsegment service providers, space infrastructure and data companies, and suppliers supporting those operations. For investors, these stocks are typically viewed as growth or speculative plays that carry high capital intensity, long development timelines, regulatory and technological risks, and exposure to both government contracts and commercial demand for space services. These companies had the highest dollar trading volume of any Space stocks within the last several days. Get alerts: AST SpaceMobile (ASTS) Read Our Latest Research Report on ASTS Rocket Lab (RKLB) Rocket Lab USA, Inc., a space company, provides launch services and space systems solutions for the space and defense industries. The company provides launch services, spacecraft design services, spacecraft components, spacecraft manufacturing, and other spacecraft and on-orbit management solutions; and constellation management services, as well as designs and manufactures small and medium-class rockets. Read Our Latest Research Report on RKLB Boeing (BA) The Boeing Company, together with its subsidiaries, designs, develops, manufactures, sells, services, and supports commercial jetliners, military aircraft, satellites, missile defense, human space flight and launch systems, and services worldwide. The company operates through Commercial Airplanes; Defense, Space & Security; and Global Services segments. Read Our Latest Research Report on BA GE Aerospace (GE) GE Aerospace (also known as General Electric) is a company that specializes in providing aerospace products and services. It operates through two reportable segments: Commercial Engines and Services and Defense and Propulsion Technologies. It offers jet and turboprop engines, as well as integrated systems for commercial, military, business, and general aviation aircraft. Read Our Latest Research Report on GE RTX (RTX) RTX Corporation, an aerospace and defense company, provides systems and services for the commercial, military, and government customers in the United States and internationally. It operates through three segments: Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, and Raytheon. The Collins Aerospace Systems segment offers aerospace and defense products, and aftermarket service solutions for civil and military aircraft manufacturers and commercial airlines, as well as regional, business, and general aviation, defense, and commercial space operations. Read Our Latest Research Report on RTX Lockheed Martin (LMT) Lockheed Martin Corporation, a security and aerospace company, engages in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration, and sustainment of technology systems, products, and services worldwide. The company operates through Aeronautics, Missiles and Fire Control, Rotary and Mission Systems, and Space segments. Read Our Latest Research Report on LMT Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc. designs, builds, overhauls, and repairs military ships in the United States. It operates through three segments: Ingalls, Newport News, and Mission Technologies. The company is involved in the design and construction of non-nuclear ships comprising amphibious assault ships; expeditionary warfare ships; surface combatants; and national security cutters for the U.S. Read Our Latest Research Report on HII See Also Boston Scientific (NYSE:BSX Get Free Report) issued an update on its FY 2026 earnings guidance on Wednesday morning. The company provided EPS guidance of 3.430-3.490 for the period, compared to the consensus EPS estimate of 3.460. The company issued revenue guidance of $22.2 billion-$22.4 billion, compared to the consensus revenue estimate of $22.4 billion. Boston Scientific also updated its Q1 2026 guidance to 0.780-0.800 EPS. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades BSX has been the topic of a number of research reports. Citigroup reissued a buy rating on shares of Boston Scientific in a research report on Thursday. National Bankshares set a $115.00 price objective on Boston Scientific in a research note on Monday. Mizuho lowered their target price on shares of Boston Scientific from $140.00 to $115.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a report on Thursday. Weiss Ratings reiterated a buy (b-) rating on shares of Boston Scientific in a research note on Wednesday, January 21st. Finally, Evercore ISI lowered their price objective on shares of Boston Scientific from $112.00 to $96.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twenty have given a Buy rating and two have assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $110.36. Get Boston Scientific alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Report on Boston Scientific Boston Scientific Stock Performance NYSE BSX traded up $2.69 during trading on Thursday, reaching $78.19. The companys stock had a trading volume of 26,728,821 shares, compared to its average volume of 16,103,258. Boston Scientific has a 12 month low of $74.86 and a 12 month high of $109.50. The firm has a 50 day moving average price of $94.37 and a 200 day moving average price of $99.13. The firm has a market capitalization of $115.92 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 41.79, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.63 and a beta of 0.67. The company has a current ratio of 1.51, a quick ratio of 0.96 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.47. Boston Scientific (NYSE:BSX Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, February 4th. The medical equipment provider reported $0.80 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.78 by $0.02. The business had revenue of $5.29 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.29 billion. Boston Scientific had a return on equity of 19.46% and a net margin of 14.43%.The firms revenue for the quarter was up 15.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $0.70 earnings per share. 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. As a group, equities analysts anticipate that Boston Scientific will post 2.85 EPS for the current fiscal year. Insider Buying and Selling at Boston Scientific In other news, EVP Arthur C. Butcher sold 17,313 shares of Boston Scientific stock in a transaction on Monday, December 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $101.55, for a total value of $1,758,135.15. Following the transaction, the executive vice president owned 23,600 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,396,580. This trade represents a 42.32% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, CEO Michael F. Mahoney sold 160,901 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Monday, February 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $93.49, for a total value of $15,042,634.49. Following the sale, the chief executive officer owned 1,411,735 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $131,983,105.15. This represents a 10.23% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. 0.50% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. More Boston Scientific News Here are the key news stories impacting Boston Scientific this week: Positive Sentiment: Q4 results beat consensus: BSX reported $0.80 EPS and ~$5.29B in revenue with ~16% reported sales growth the underlying quarter is strong and supports the longerterm growth narrative. PR Newswire Q4 results Q4 results beat consensus: BSX reported $0.80 EPS and ~$5.29B in revenue with ~16% reported sales growth the underlying quarter is strong and supports the longerterm growth narrative. Positive Sentiment: Analysts trimmed price targets but largely maintained buy/overweight/outperform ratings many brokers lowered PTs after the call while still signaling upside, which can attract dip buyers. Benzinga analyst reactions Analysts trimmed price targets but largely maintained buy/overweight/outperform ratings many brokers lowered PTs after the call while still signaling upside, which can attract dip buyers. Neutral Sentiment: Unusual options activity and trading strategies are in play (including strangle strategies highlighted among top active option names); this increases intraday volatility but is not a fundamental change. Barchart options activity Unusual options activity and trading strategies are in play (including strangle strategies highlighted among top active option names); this increases intraday volatility but is not a fundamental change. Neutral Sentiment: Long-term research pieces continue to highlight BSX as a growth name (Zacks and others), supporting buy-and-hold investors despite near-term noise. Zacks long-term view Long-term research pieces continue to highlight BSX as a growth name (Zacks and others), supporting buy-and-hold investors despite near-term noise. Negative Sentiment: Soft FY2026 and Q1 guidance from BSX drove a large selloff when released managements cautious revenue and EPS outlook remains the principal nearterm risk to the stocks multiple. Reuters guidance reaction Soft FY2026 and Q1 guidance from BSX drove a large selloff when released managements cautious revenue and EPS outlook remains the principal nearterm risk to the stocks multiple. Negative Sentiment: Multiple broker pricetarget reductions were published today (examples include RBC, Morgan Stanley, Evercore, Wells Fargo and others), which can keep sentiment muted even though many ratings remain bullish. StreetInsider PT changes Multiple broker pricetarget reductions were published today (examples include RBC, Morgan Stanley, Evercore, Wells Fargo and others), which can keep sentiment muted even though many ratings remain bullish. Negative Sentiment: Insider selling: CEO Michael Mahoney disclosed a large sale (~160,901 shares) earlier this week, which can be viewed negatively by shortterm traders. SEC filing insider sale Hedge Funds Weigh In On Boston Scientific A number of large investors have recently modified their holdings of the company. Brighton Jones LLC increased its holdings in Boston Scientific by 0.8% in the 4th quarter. Brighton Jones LLC now owns 27,376 shares of the medical equipment providers stock worth $2,445,000 after acquiring an additional 226 shares during the last quarter. First Foundation Advisors purchased a new position in shares of Boston Scientific in the third quarter worth about $237,000. Ausdal Financial Partners Inc. purchased a new position in shares of Boston Scientific in the third quarter worth about $281,000. Texas Capital Bank Wealth Management Services Inc bought a new stake in shares of Boston Scientific in the third quarter valued at approximately $328,000. Finally, Seven Mile Advisory lifted its stake in shares of Boston Scientific by 26.4% during the 3rd quarter. Seven Mile Advisory now owns 3,802 shares of the medical equipment providers stock valued at $371,000 after buying an additional 795 shares in the last quarter. 89.07% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. About Boston Scientific (Get 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. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Boston Scientific Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Boston Scientific and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Bristol Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY Get Free Report) released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday. The biopharmaceutical company reported $1.26 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.65 by ($0.39), FiscalAI reports. Bristol Myers Squibb had a return on equity of 76.53% and a net margin of 12.57%.The business had revenue of $12.50 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $12.24 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $1.67 EPS. The companys revenue was up 1.3% compared to the same quarter last year. Bristol Myers Squibb updated its FY 2026 guidance to 6.050-6.350 EPS. Here are the key takeaways from Bristol Myers Squibbs conference call: Get Bristol Myers Squibb alerts: Growth portfolio momentum Growth portfolio revenue rose ~15% in Q4 and 17% for FY2025, with Opdualag, Breyanzi and Camzyos each >$1B and Reblozyl >$2B, and those newer products nearly offset a ~ $4B decline in the legacy portfolio. Growth portfolio revenue rose ~15% in Q4 and 17% for FY2025, with Opdualag, Breyanzi and Camzyos each >$1B and Reblozyl >$2B, and those newer products nearly offset a ~ $4B decline in the legacy portfolio. Data-rich pipeline in 2026 BMS expects top-line registrational readouts for six potential new products and >10 pivotal readouts this year (examples: Milvexian, Admilparant, Iberdomide, Mezigdomide, RYZ101, Sotyktu and Cobenfy extensions), concentrated in H2 and positioned as key near-term catalysts. BMS expects top-line registrational readouts for six potential new products and >10 pivotal readouts this year (examples: Milvexian, Admilparant, Iberdomide, Mezigdomide, RYZ101, Sotyktu and Cobenfy extensions), concentrated in H2 and positioned as key near-term catalysts. 2026 financial guide Company guided 2026 revenue of $46.0$47.5B, gross margin ~69%70%, operating expenses ~ $16.3B and adjusted EPS of $6.05$6.35, while noting continued reinvestment into launches and selected development programs. Company guided 2026 revenue of $46.0$47.5B, gross margin ~69%70%, operating expenses ~ $16.3B and adjusted EPS of $6.05$6.35, while noting continued reinvestment into launches and selected development programs. Eliquis transition risk Eliquis is expected to grow 10%15% in 2026 (helped by pricing/contract changes), but management anticipates a $1.5$2.0B step-down in 2027 driven by generic entry and EU patent expirations late2026. Eliquis is expected to grow 10%15% in 2026 (helped by pricing/contract changes), but management anticipates a $1.5$2.0B step-down in 2027 driven by generic entry and EU patent expirations late2026. Cost, cash and capital allocation BMS delivered ~ $1B of a $2B productivity target in 2025, expects the remaining $1B across 202627, holds ~ $11B cash/marketable securities, completed a targeted $10B debt paydown and plans continued BD plus dividend returns. Bristol Myers Squibb Stock Performance Shares of Bristol Myers Squibb stock traded up $1.99 during trading on Thursday, hitting $59.61. 16,439,152 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 13,082,129. The company has a current ratio of 1.27, a quick ratio of 1.17 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.39. Bristol Myers Squibb has a 1-year low of $42.52 and a 1-year high of $63.33. The stock has a market capitalization of $121.36 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 20.12, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.17 and a beta of 0.29. The company has a fifty day moving average price of $53.88 and a 200-day moving average price of $48.85. Bristol Myers Squibb Increases Dividend Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, February 2nd. Investors of record on Friday, January 2nd were issued a dividend of $0.63 per share. The ex-dividend date was Friday, January 2nd. This is a boost from Bristol Myers Squibbs previous quarterly dividend of $0.62. This represents a $2.52 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.2%. Bristol Myers Squibbs dividend payout ratio is 85.14%. BMY has been the subject of a number of recent analyst reports. BMO Capital Markets reaffirmed a market perform rating on shares of Bristol Myers Squibb in a research report on Monday, November 17th. HSBC reissued a hold rating and set a $53.00 price target on shares of Bristol Myers Squibb in a research report on Wednesday, December 10th. Citigroup reaffirmed a neutral rating and issued a $60.00 price target (up from $53.00) on shares of Bristol Myers Squibb in a research note on Tuesday, January 27th. Cantor Fitzgerald reissued a neutral rating on shares of Bristol Myers Squibb in a research note on Monday, November 24th. Finally, Guggenheim reaffirmed a buy rating on shares of Bristol Myers Squibb in a report on Tuesday, December 23rd. Seven analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, twelve have assigned a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, Bristol Myers Squibb presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $57.43. Read Our Latest Research Report on Bristol Myers Squibb Key Headlines Impacting Bristol Myers Squibb Here are the key news stories impacting Bristol Myers Squibb this week: Institutional Trading of Bristol Myers Squibb Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. Darwin Wealth Management LLC purchased a new stake in Bristol Myers Squibb in the second quarter worth $25,000. JPL Wealth Management LLC purchased a new position in Bristol Myers Squibb during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $36,000. Turning Point Benefit Group Inc. acquired a new position in shares of Bristol Myers Squibb during the third quarter valued at approximately $40,000. Quarry LP acquired a new stake in shares of Bristol Myers Squibb during the third quarter valued at about $48,000. Finally, WFA of San Diego LLC purchased a new position in Bristol Myers Squibb in the second quarter valued at approximately $49,000. Institutional investors own 76.41% of the companys stock. About Bristol Myers Squibb (Get Free Report) Bristol Myers Squibb is a global biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Princeton, New Jersey, focused on discovering, developing and delivering medicines for serious diseases. The companys core activities include research and development, clinical development, manufacturing and commercialization of prescription pharmaceuticals across multiple therapeutic areas. BMS concentrates on advancing therapies in oncology, hematology, immunology, cardiovascular disease and specialty areas through both small molecules and biologics. BMSs marketed portfolio and latestage pipeline reflect a strong emphasis on cancer and immunemediated conditions. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Bristol Myers Squibb Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bristol Myers Squibb and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Cardinal Energy (TSE:CJ Get Free Report) had its price target raised by analysts at Royal Bank Of Canada from C$9.00 to C$9.50 in a research note issued to investors on Thursday,BayStreet.CA reports. The brokerage presently has an outperform rating on the stock. Royal Bank Of Canadas target price points to a potential upside of 4.28% from the companys previous close. Other research analysts have also issued reports about the company. Raymond James Financial lifted their target price on Cardinal Energy from C$9.00 to C$9.50 and gave the company a market perform rating in a report on Thursday. CIBC raised Cardinal Energy from a neutral rating to an outperform rating and boosted their target price for the company from C$7.75 to C$11.00 in a report on Thursday. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has given a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Cardinal Energy presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of C$10.00. Get Cardinal Energy alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Report on CJ Cardinal Energy Stock Performance Shares of TSE:CJ traded down C$0.31 on Thursday, hitting C$9.11. 1,686,673 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 1,133,626. Cardinal Energy has a 1-year low of C$4.64 and a 1-year high of C$9.56. The firm has a market capitalization of C$1.47 billion, a P/E ratio of 18.98, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of -0.26 and a beta of 0.46. The company has a current ratio of 0.50, a quick ratio of 0.67 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 8.05. The stocks 50 day moving average price is C$8.80 and its 200 day moving average price is C$8.12. Cardinal Energy (TSE:CJ Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, November 6th. The company reported C$0.09 earnings per share for the quarter. The company had revenue of C$104.82 million during the quarter. Cardinal Energy had a net margin of 19.57% and a return on equity of 11.24%. Sell-side analysts predict that Cardinal Energy will post 0.625118 EPS for the current year. Cardinal Energy Company Profile (Get Free Report) Cardinal is a Canadian oil and natural gas production company with operations focused on low decline sustainable oil production in Western Canada. Cardinal has recently completed its first thermal SAGD project in Reford, Saskatchewan and has transitioned to the production phase of operations. The Companys portfolio of conventional and SAGD project inventory offers a complimentary low decline, long life resource base that is ideally suited to sustain our commitment to meaningful dividend returns to shareholders. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Cardinal Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Cardinal Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Cardinal Health (NYSE:CAH Get Free Report) posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday. The company reported $2.63 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.31 by $0.32, FiscalAI reports. The business had revenue of $65.63 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $64.88 billion. Cardinal Health had a negative return on equity of 84.37% and a net margin of 0.68%.The companys quarterly revenue was up 18.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $1.93 EPS. Here are the key takeaways from Cardinal Healths conference call: Get Cardinal Health alerts: Raised FY26 non-GAAP EPS guidance to $10.15$10.35 (implying 23%26% YoY) after a strong Q2 where consolidated revenue rose 19% to $66 billion and nonGAAP EPS was $2.63 (+36%). (implying 23%26% YoY) after a strong Q2 where consolidated revenue rose 19% to and nonGAAP EPS was (+36%). The Pharmaceutical & Specialty Solutions segment led performance with revenue up 19% to $61 billion ; management expects specialty revenues to exceed $50 billion in FY26 and closed the Solaris Health urology MSO acquisition in November to expand MSO scale. segment led performance with revenue up 19% to ; management expects in FY26 and closed the Solaris Health urology MSO acquisition in November to expand MSO scale. GMPD is showing a tangible turnaroundQ2 revenue +3% to $3.3 billion and segment profit improved to $37Mbut part of the strength reflected distributor restocking timing and tariffs remain an adverse factor that may normalize in Q3. and segment profit improved to $37Mbut part of the strength reflected distributor restocking timing and tariffs remain an adverse factor that may normalize in Q3. Other growth businesses delivered outsized results (revenue +34% to $1.7 billion, profit +52%), with Theranostics and OptiFreight each growing >30%, ADS integration proceeding well, and management reiterated strong cash generation with adjusted FCF guidance of $3.0$3.5 billion while completing the $750M baseline buyback (Q2 repurchases of $375M) and returning leverage to ~3.2x. Cardinal Health Stock Up 9.2% NYSE:CAH traded up $19.05 on Thursday, reaching $225.90. 1,355,349 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 1,751,757. The firm has a market capitalization of $53.67 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 34.02, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.48 and a beta of 0.64. Cardinal Health has a 52-week low of $120.72 and a 52-week high of $229.76. The business has a fifty day moving average of $206.34 and a 200-day moving average of $179.16. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Cardinal Health Cardinal Health News Summary Several large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in CAH. Wellington Management Group LLP boosted its position in Cardinal Health by 153.2% in the 3rd quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 5,804,090 shares of the companys stock valued at $911,010,000 after buying an additional 3,511,579 shares during the period. Bank of America Corp DE increased its position in shares of Cardinal Health by 3.2% during the third quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 3,592,775 shares of the companys stock worth $563,922,000 after acquiring an additional 111,582 shares during the period. Invesco Ltd. raised its stake in shares of Cardinal Health by 14.7% in the third quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 3,483,207 shares of the companys stock valued at $546,724,000 after acquiring an additional 445,425 shares in the last quarter. Man Group plc boosted its holdings in Cardinal Health by 26.1% in the third quarter. Man Group plc now owns 1,605,349 shares of the companys stock valued at $251,976,000 after purchasing an additional 331,783 shares during the period. Finally, Ameriprise Financial Inc. boosted its holdings in Cardinal Health by 33.0% in the third quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. now owns 1,455,196 shares of the companys stock valued at $228,467,000 after purchasing an additional 360,725 shares during the period. 87.17% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Here are the key news stories impacting Cardinal Health this week: Analyst Ratings Changes Several research firms have recently commented on CAH. Jefferies Financial Group lifted their price target on shares of Cardinal Health from $220.00 to $270.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, January 22nd. Morgan Stanley raised their target price on Cardinal Health from $224.00 to $245.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Thursday, January 29th. Leerink Partners set a $240.00 price target on Cardinal Health in a research note on Tuesday, January 13th. Citigroup raised Cardinal Health from a neutral rating to a buy rating and raised their price objective for the stock from $190.00 to $244.00 in a research report on Friday, January 9th. Finally, Barclays started coverage on shares of Cardinal Health in a research report on Monday, December 8th. They issued an overweight rating and a $243.00 target price on the stock. Fourteen investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $230.43. Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on Cardinal Health About Cardinal Health (Get Free Report) Cardinal Health is a multinational healthcare services and products company headquartered in Dublin, Ohio. Tracing its roots to the early 1970s, the company has grown into a major provider of supply chain and distribution services for the healthcare sector. Cardinal Health operates across a range of service lines that support hospitals, health systems, pharmacies, physician offices and clinical laboratories. The companys core activities include the wholesale distribution of branded and generic pharmaceuticals, the supply and distribution of medical-surgical products, and the provision of logistics and inventory management solutions. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Cardinal Health Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Cardinal Health and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Cemex (NYSE:CX Get Free Report) issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday. The construction company reported ($0.19) EPS for the quarter, Zacks reports. Cemex had a net margin of 8.62% and a return on equity of 6.85%. Here are the key takeaways from Cemexs conference call: Get Cemex alerts: Project Cutting Edge delivered the targeted $200 million of recurring EBITDA savings in 2025, with a plan to reach $400 million by 2027 and an incremental $125 million of savings expected in 2026, supporting margin expansion and cash generation. delivered the targeted of recurring EBITDA savings in 2025, with a plan to reach by 2027 and an incremental of savings expected in 2026, supporting margin expansion and cash generation. Free cash flow excluding oneoffs was about $1.4 billion (46% conversion) in 2025; management guides to high singledigit EBITDA growth in 2026 and is proposing a ~40% higher cash dividend plus an intent to repurchase up to $500 million of shares over three years. Free cash flow excluding oneoffs was about (46% conversion) in 2025; management guides to high singledigit EBITDA growth in 2026 and is proposing a ~40% higher cash dividend plus an intent to repurchase up to of shares over three years. The company took material impairment/writedown charges in 2025 (about $538 million disclosed), which weighed on reported net income despite stronger underlying performance a potential signal of weaker assets or valuation risks. The company took material impairment/writedown charges in 2025 (about disclosed), which weighed on reported net income despite stronger underlying performance a potential signal of weaker assets or valuation risks. CEMEX is accelerating portfolio rebalancing toward the U.S. (divested Panama, consolidated Couch Aggregates) and prioritizing aggregates and adjacent businesses, signaling a strategic shift to higherreturn, U.S.focused assets. Cemex Stock Performance NYSE:CX traded down $0.23 during trading hours on Thursday, reaching $11.88. The company had a trading volume of 4,886,204 shares, compared to its average volume of 6,509,840. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.37, a current ratio of 0.91 and a quick ratio of 0.67. The businesss 50 day moving average price is $11.87 and its 200-day moving average price is $10.18. Cemex has a 1-year low of $4.89 and a 1-year high of $13.35. The firm has a market cap of $17.20 billion, a PE ratio of 12.77, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.86 and a beta of 1.61. Cemex Announces Dividend Institutional Investors Weigh In On Cemex The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, December 23rd. Investors of record on Monday, December 15th were given a dividend of $0.0224 per share. This represents a $0.09 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.8%. The ex-dividend date was Monday, December 15th. Cemexs dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 9.68%. A number of institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of CX. Morningstar Investment Management LLC acquired a new stake in Cemex in the 3rd quarter valued at $772,000. PharVision Advisers LLC purchased a new position in Cemex during the third quarter valued at $114,000. XTX Topco Ltd grew its position in shares of Cemex by 9.4% in the third quarter. XTX Topco Ltd now owns 186,880 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $1,680,000 after purchasing an additional 16,008 shares during the period. Voloridge Investment Management LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Cemex during the third quarter worth about $10,196,000. Finally, Qube Research & Technologies Ltd acquired a new position in shares of Cemex during the 3rd quarter worth about $1,498,000. 82.97% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of equities research analysts have commented on the company. Citigroup cut Cemex from a buy rating to a neutral rating and increased their price target for the company from $9.00 to $10.00 in a research note on Monday, October 13th. Wall Street Zen raised shares of Cemex from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, November 4th. Barclays reiterated an overweight rating and issued a $15.00 target price on shares of Cemex in a research note on Tuesday, January 27th. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c) rating on shares of Cemex in a research note on Wednesday, January 21st. Finally, Zacks Research upgraded shares of Cemex from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Monday. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, four have given a Buy rating, six have assigned a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $10.52. View Our Latest Stock Analysis on Cemex Cemex Company Profile (Get Free Report) Cemex (NYSE: CX) is a global building materials company headquartered in Monterrey, Mexico. The company produces, distributes and sells cement, ready-mix concrete and aggregates, as well as related building materials, to construction markets in more than 50 countries. Cemexs product portfolio also includes asphalt and mortar mixes, waste-derived fuels and other complementary construction solutions, supported by a network of production facilities, distribution centers and logistics operations. Founded in 1906 as Cementos Hidalgo, the company adopted the Cemex name in 1976 following a series of domestic mergers and expansions. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Cemex Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Cemex and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Century Communities, Inc. (NYSE:CCS Get Free Report) declared a quarterly dividend on Wednesday, February 4th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, February 25th will be paid a dividend of 0.32 per share by the construction company on Wednesday, March 11th. This represents a c) dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.8%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, February 25th. This is a 10.3% increase from Century Communitiess previous quarterly dividend of $0.29. Century Communities has a dividend payout ratio of 15.8% meaning its dividend is sufficiently covered by earnings. Equities analysts expect Century Communities to earn $11.62 per share next year, which means the company should continue to be able to cover its $1.16 annual dividend with an expected future payout ratio of 10.0%. Get Century Communities alerts: Century Communities Trading Up 1.8% Shares of NYSE:CCS traded up $1.21 during mid-day trading on Thursday, reaching $70.02. 12,825 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 285,595. The firm has a market capitalization of $2.03 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 14.41 and a beta of 1.58. Century Communities has a twelve month low of $50.42 and a twelve month high of $78.05. The businesss fifty day moving average price is $63.26 and its 200-day moving average price is $62.67. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.43, a quick ratio of 1.08 and a current ratio of 1.08. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Century Communities ( NYSE:CCS Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, January 28th. The construction company reported $1.59 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.39 by $0.20. The firm had revenue of $1.23 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.04 billion. Century Communities had a return on equity of 6.87% and a net margin of 3.58%.The businesss quarterly revenue was down 3.1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $3.54 EPS. On average, research analysts predict that Century Communities will post 11.07 EPS for the current fiscal year. Several large investors have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Summit Global Investments bought a new position in Century Communities in the third quarter worth $1,162,000. Penserra Capital Management LLC increased its stake in shares of Century Communities by 34.9% in the 2nd quarter. Penserra Capital Management LLC now owns 4,565 shares of the construction companys stock worth $257,000 after acquiring an additional 1,180 shares in the last quarter. Westwood Holdings Group Inc. lifted its position in Century Communities by 26.6% during the 2nd quarter. Westwood Holdings Group Inc. now owns 1,341,781 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $75,569,000 after acquiring an additional 282,133 shares during the period. Creative Planning boosted its stake in Century Communities by 117.2% during the second quarter. Creative Planning now owns 37,891 shares of the construction companys stock worth $2,134,000 after acquiring an additional 20,447 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Assenagon Asset Management S.A. purchased a new stake in shares of Century Communities in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $2,826,000. 99.54% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. About Century Communities (Get Free Report) Century Communities, Inc is a national homebuilder and land developer headquartered in Greenwood Village, Colorado. The company is engaged in the acquisition, development, construction and sale of single- and multi-family residential homes, offering a range of floor plans and design options to homebuyers. In addition to its core homebuilding activities, Century Communities provides ancillary services such as mortgage financing, title and closing services, and insurance products through its wholly owned subsidiaries, aiming to deliver a comprehensive homebuying experience. Founded in 2009, Century Communities rapidly expanded through both organic growth and strategic land acquisitions, positioning itself in high-growth markets across the United States. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Century Communities Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Century Communities and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. CoastalSouth Bancshares (NYSE:COSO Get Free Report) had its price objective boosted by equities research analysts at Piper Sandler from $27.00 to $29.00 in a research report issued to clients and investors on Thursday,Benzinga reports. The brokerage presently has an overweight rating on the stock. Piper Sandlers price target would suggest a potential upside of 14.53% from the stocks previous close. Several other research analysts have also recently issued reports on the stock. Zacks Research raised shares of CoastalSouth Bancshares from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Friday, January 2nd. Wall Street Zen upgraded CoastalSouth Bancshares from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Saturday, January 10th. Finally, Weiss Ratings reiterated a buy (b) rating on shares of CoastalSouth Bancshares in a report on Thursday, January 22nd. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has given a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $29.00. Get CoastalSouth Bancshares alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Report on CoastalSouth Bancshares CoastalSouth Bancshares Stock Up 0.1% Shares of NYSE COSO traded up $0.03 during midday trading on Thursday, reaching $25.32. 102,884 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 87,445. CoastalSouth Bancshares has a one year low of $19.24 and a one year high of $25.90. The stocks 50 day moving average is $23.64. The stock has a market cap of $303.31 million and a P/E ratio of 14.98. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.10, a quick ratio of 0.80 and a current ratio of 0.92. CoastalSouth Bancshares (NYSE:COSO Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, January 20th. The company reported $0.58 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.62 by ($0.04). The company had revenue of $22.16 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $22.30 million. Institutional Inflows and Outflows A number of hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in COSO. Patriot Financial Partners GP II L.P. acquired a new position in shares of CoastalSouth Bancshares during the 3rd quarter worth $24,256,000. EJF Capital LLC acquired a new position in CoastalSouth Bancshares in the third quarter valued at $20,287,000. Alliancebernstein L.P. purchased a new position in shares of CoastalSouth Bancshares during the 3rd quarter worth about $10,972,000. Azora Capital LP acquired a new position in shares of CoastalSouth Bancshares in the 3rd quarter valued at $8,704,000. Finally, Endeavour Capital Advisors Inc. purchased a new stake in CoastalSouth Bancshares during the third quarter valued at about $7,349,000. About CoastalSouth Bancshares (Get Free Report) 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. See Also Receive News & Ratings for CoastalSouth Bancshares Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for CoastalSouth Bancshares and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. SAN FRANCISCO, Feb 5 (Reuters) - Technology startup Anthropic (ANTH.PVT) on Thursday launched what it called an improved artificial intelligence model, days after its product advances helped kick-start a selloff of traditional software stocks. The San Francisco-based lab, which is backed by Amazon.com and Alphabet's Google, said its Claude Opus 4.6 model is an upgrade to the Opus 4.5 model released in November. The new AI can work on tasks for longer and more reliably, while showing gains related to coding and finance, Anthropic said. More from Yahoo Scout What improvements does Claude Opus 4.6 offer? What business applications is Anthropic targeting with Claude? How is Anthropic's AI affecting traditional software stocks? How does Anthropic plan to work with existing software? Anthropic also teased how this tech could process 1 million pieces of data known as "tokens" in a single prompt, matching a capability earlier claimed by Google and a less powerful Claude model. And it previewed how this AI, in the computer programming tool Claude Code, could divvy up tasks among multiple autonomous agents and get work done faster. Seen as a disruptor in the software industry, Anthropic is aiming to stay at technology's frontier ahead of its highly anticipated initial public offering, at a time of competition from Google and OpenAI. Software developers have embraced its AI for coding. Anthropic is meanwhile making a push for business deals with products like Claude Cowork, which executes computer tasks for white-collar workers. The AI companies' swift deployments have stoked market moves that predict older software businesses will lose relevance as AI beats them at their own game. Shares of Salesforce, Workday and Thomson Reuters each traded around 3% lower Thursday, extending declines over the past week. Still, technology industry figures, including Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, have dismissed such concerns about disruption, arguing that the specialized products, vast data and AI adoption of older software companies will provide a moat. Scott White, Anthropic's head of product for enterprise, also said the goal was to connect AI to older software tools to make them more useful. "We are excited to partner and actually lower the floor to get more value out of those tools," White told Reuters. Claude Cowork, he said, is more like "the front door to getting hard work done." (Reporting by Jeffrey Dastin in San Francisco; Editing by Lisa Shumaker) Augusta Gold (OTCMKTS:AUGG Get Free Report) and AngloGold Ashanti (NYSE:AU Get Free Report) are both basic materials companies, but which is the superior business? We will compare the two businesses based on the strength of their dividends, analyst recommendations, earnings, risk, valuation, profitability and institutional ownership. Analyst Recommendations This is a summary of current recommendations for Augusta Gold and AngloGold Ashanti, as provided by MarketBeat.com. Get Augusta Gold alerts: Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Augusta Gold 0 0 0 0 0.00 AngloGold Ashanti 1 0 6 1 2.88 AngloGold Ashanti has a consensus price target of $95.00, suggesting a potential downside of 3.66%. Given AngloGold Ashantis stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, analysts clearly believe AngloGold Ashanti is more favorable than Augusta Gold. Profitability Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Augusta Gold N/A -34.03% -12.24% AngloGold Ashanti 26.25% 24.01% 15.59% Insider & Institutional Ownership This table compares Augusta Gold and AngloGold Ashantis net margins, return on equity and return on assets. 52.4% of Augusta Gold shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 36.1% of AngloGold Ashanti shares are owned by institutional investors. 45.8% of Augusta Gold shares are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, large money managers and hedge funds believe a company will outperform the market over the long term. Volatility and Risk Augusta Gold has a beta of 0.85, indicating that its stock price is 15% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, AngloGold Ashanti has a beta of 0.59, indicating that its stock price is 41% less volatile than the S&P 500. Valuation & Earnings This table compares Augusta Gold and AngloGold Ashantis revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Augusta Gold N/A N/A -$6.59 million ($0.09) -13.51 AngloGold Ashanti $5.79 billion N/A $1.00 billion $4.54 21.72 AngloGold Ashanti has higher revenue and earnings than Augusta Gold. Augusta Gold is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than AngloGold Ashanti, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Summary AngloGold Ashanti beats Augusta Gold on 11 of the 14 factors compared between the two stocks. About Augusta Gold (Get Free Report) Augusta Gold Corp. engages in the acquisition and exploration of mineral properties in the United States. The company primarily explores for gold, silver, and other metals. It holds interests in the Bullfrog gold project consists of 734 unpatented lode mining claims and mill site claims, and 87 patented mining claims located in the Bullfrog Hills of Nye County, Nevada; and the Reward Gold Project comprises 123 unpatented Bureau of Land Management (BLM) placer and lode mining claims, and six patented placer mining claims covering approximately 2,333 acres located in Nye County, Nevada. The company was formerly known as Bullfrog Gold Corp. and changed its name to Augusta Gold Corp. in January 2021. Augusta Gold Corp. is headquartered in Vancouver, Canada. About AngloGold Ashanti (Get Free Report) AngloGold Ashanti plc operates as a gold mining company in Africa, Australia, and the Americas. The company primarily explores for gold, as well as produces silver and sulphuric acid as by-products. Its flagship property is a 100% owned Geita mine located in the Lake Victoria goldfields of the Mwanza region in north-western Tanzania. AngloGold Ashanti plc was incorporated in 1944 and is headquartered in Greenwood Village, Colorado. Receive News & Ratings for Augusta Gold Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Augusta Gold and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Core Laboratories Inc. (NYSE:CLB Get Free Report) declared a quarterly dividend on Wednesday, February 4th. Stockholders of record on Monday, February 16th will be paid a dividend of 0.01 per share by the oil and gas company on Monday, March 9th. This represents a c) annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.2%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, February 13th. Core Laboratories has decreased its dividend by an average of 0.6%per year over the last three years. Core Laboratories has a dividend payout ratio of 4.7% meaning its dividend is sufficiently covered by earnings. Research analysts expect Core Laboratories to earn $1.11 per share next year, which means the company should continue to be able to cover its $0.04 annual dividend with an expected future payout ratio of 3.6%. Get Core Laboratories alerts: Core Laboratories Stock Down 9.8% Shares of NYSE:CLB opened at $17.69 on Thursday. The firm has a market cap of $823.41 million, a P/E ratio of 26.40, a P/E/G ratio of 17.14 and a beta of 1.09. Core Laboratories has a 12-month low of $9.72 and a 12-month high of $20.36. The company has a quick ratio of 1.76, a current ratio of 2.37 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.41. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $17.62 and a 200 day simple moving average of $14.41. About Core Laboratories Core Laboratories ( NYSE:CLB Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, February 4th. The oil and gas company reported $0.21 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.20 by $0.01. The business had revenue of $138.26 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $130.40 million. Core Laboratories had a return on equity of 12.85% and a net margin of 6.21%.The firms revenue was up 7.0% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $0.22 EPS. Core Laboratories has set its Q1 2026 guidance at 0.110-0.150 EPS. Analysts predict that Core Laboratories will post 0.96 earnings per share for the current year. (Get Free Report) Core Laboratories N.V. is a global provider of proprietary and patented reservoir description and production enhancement services to the oil and gas industry. The company applies specialized expertise in core and fluid analysis, advanced petrophysical interpretation, and reservoir engineering to optimize hydrocarbon recovery. By integrating laboratory testing with field services and digital analytics, Core Laboratories delivers insights that help operators maximize production and extend the life of their assets. The companys portfolio spans two primary service lines: reservoir description and production enhancement. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Core Laboratories Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Core Laboratories and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Cross Timbers Royalty Trust (NYSE:CRT Get Free Report) shares passed above its fifty day moving average during trading on Wednesday . The stock has a fifty day moving average of $8.27 and traded as high as $8.60. Cross Timbers Royalty Trust shares last traded at $8.5150, with a volume of 16,226 shares traded. Analyst Ratings Changes Separately, Weiss Ratings restated a sell (d) rating on shares of Cross Timbers Royalty Trust in a report on Wednesday, January 21st. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Sell rating, According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Sell. Get Cross Timbers Royalty Trust alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Report on CRT Cross Timbers Royalty Trust Price Performance The firms fifty day moving average is $8.27 and its 200 day moving average is $8.26. The firm has a market capitalization of $51.09 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 11.35 and a beta of 0.12. Cross Timbers Royalty Trust (NYSE:CRT Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Thursday, November 13th. The oil and gas company reported $0.08 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. Cross Timbers Royalty Trust had a net margin of 79.29% and a return on equity of 191.25%. Cross Timbers Royalty Trust Cuts Dividend The company also recently disclosed a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, February 13th. Investors of record on Friday, January 30th will be given a dividend of $0.0329 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, January 30th. This represents a c) dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 4.6%. Cross Timbers Royalty Trusts dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 53.33%. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Cross Timbers Royalty Trust A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Ritholtz Wealth Management bought a new stake in shares of Cross Timbers Royalty Trust in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $169,000. Susquehanna International Group LLP acquired a new stake in Cross Timbers Royalty Trust in the third quarter valued at approximately $212,000. Bank of America Corp DE lifted its stake in Cross Timbers Royalty Trust by 81.3% in the second quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 3,596 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $36,000 after acquiring an additional 1,612 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Scotia Capital Inc. bought a new stake in Cross Timbers Royalty Trust in the second quarter worth approximately $109,000. 9.74% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. About Cross Timbers Royalty Trust (Get Free Report) Cross Timbers Royalty Trust (NYSE:CRT) is a Delaware statutory trust that holds royalty interests in a portfolio of onshore oil and natural gas properties. The trust was established in June 2005 through a contribution of assets by Chesapeake Energy Corporation. It earns revenue by collecting overriding royalty and net profit interests carved out of producing leases and then distributing those receipts to its unitholders on a quarterly basis. The underlying assets of the trust consist primarily of oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids reserves located in several Texas counties, including Erath, Stephens, Comanche and Palo Pinto. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Cross Timbers Royalty Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Cross Timbers Royalty Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Cullen Capital Management LLC reduced its stake in shares of Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.- Petrobras (NYSE:PBR Free Report) by 40.2% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 1,576,277 shares of the oil and gas exploration companys stock after selling 1,059,797 shares during the quarter. Cullen Capital Management LLCs holdings in Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.- Petrobras were worth $19,956,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in PBR. Financial Gravity Companies Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.- Petrobras during the 2nd quarter worth about $26,000. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. grew its stake in Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.- Petrobras by 74.9% during the second quarter. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. now owns 2,438 shares of the oil and gas exploration companys stock worth $30,000 after buying an additional 1,044 shares during the last quarter. Whipplewood Advisors LLC increased its holdings in shares of Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.- Petrobras by 45.7% during the second quarter. Whipplewood Advisors LLC now owns 2,875 shares of the oil and gas exploration companys stock worth $36,000 after buying an additional 902 shares in the last quarter. Sachetta LLC increased its holdings in shares of Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.- Petrobras by 142.9% during the second quarter. Sachetta LLC now owns 5,100 shares of the oil and gas exploration companys stock worth $64,000 after buying an additional 3,000 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Kiker Wealth Management LLC raised its stake in shares of Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.- Petrobras by 158.3% in the second quarter. Kiker Wealth Management LLC now owns 5,718 shares of the oil and gas exploration companys stock valued at $72,000 after acquiring an additional 3,504 shares during the last quarter. Get Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.- Petrobras alerts: Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.- Petrobras Stock Down 0.9% Shares of PBR opened at $15.15 on Thursday. The businesss fifty day moving average price is $12.70 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $12.52. The firm has a market capitalization of $97.63 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 7.01, a PEG ratio of 0.31 and a beta of 0.49. Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.- Petrobras has a 52 week low of $11.03 and a 52 week high of $15.94. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.73, a quick ratio of 0.57 and a current ratio of 0.82. Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.- Petrobras Announces Dividend Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.- Petrobras ( NYSE:PBR Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Friday, November 7th. The oil and gas exploration company reported $0.82 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.79 by $0.03. Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.- Petrobras had a return on equity of 23.32% and a net margin of 16.15%. On average, analysts predict that Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.- Petrobras will post 2.14 earnings per share for the current year. The firm also recently announced a special dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 27th. Stockholders of record on Friday, December 26th will be paid a $0.0658 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, December 26th. Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.- Petrobrass dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 21.76%. Analyst Ratings Changes A number of equities research analysts recently commented on the company. Wall Street Zen upgraded Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.- Petrobras from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Saturday, January 17th. Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c-) rating on shares of Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.- Petrobras in a research note on Monday, December 29th. Finally, UBS Group increased their target price on Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.- Petrobras from $14.40 to $14.60 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, January 14th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, three have issued a Buy rating and three have assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $14.97. Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.- Petrobras Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.- Petrobras Profile (Free Report) Petroleo Brasileiro SA Petrobras is a Brazilian, state-controlled integrated oil and gas company headquartered in Rio de Janeiro. Founded in 1953, Petrobras is principally engaged in the exploration and production of crude oil and natural gas, and operates across the full value chain from upstream activities through refining, transportation and downstream marketing of petroleum products. The company is a major player in Brazils energy sector and is a listed public company with global capital market presence. Petrobrass core activities include deepwater and ultra-deepwater exploration and production, where it has been a pioneer in developing pre-salt reserves off Brazils coast. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PBR? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.- Petrobras (NYSE:PBR Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.- Petrobras Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Petroleo Brasileiro S.A.- Petrobras and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Cullen Capital Management LLC boosted its stake in shares of Toyota Motor Corporation (NYSE:TM Free Report) by 25.2% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 197,114 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 39,620 shares during the quarter. Cullen Capital Management LLCs holdings in Toyota Motor were worth $37,667,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of TM. Fisher Asset Management LLC increased its holdings in shares of Toyota Motor by 1.7% during the 2nd quarter. Fisher Asset Management LLC now owns 6,827,634 shares of the companys stock worth $1,176,128,000 after purchasing an additional 112,905 shares during the period. Captrust Financial Advisors grew its position in Toyota Motor by 2.9% during the second quarter. Captrust Financial Advisors now owns 402,550 shares of the companys stock worth $69,343,000 after buying an additional 11,397 shares in the last quarter. American Century Companies Inc. increased its stake in Toyota Motor by 10.0% during the second quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 280,896 shares of the companys stock valued at $48,387,000 after acquiring an additional 25,591 shares during the period. First Trust Advisors LP raised its holdings in Toyota Motor by 2.7% in the 2nd quarter. First Trust Advisors LP now owns 236,359 shares of the companys stock valued at $40,715,000 after acquiring an additional 6,175 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Envestnet Asset Management Inc. raised its holdings in Toyota Motor by 16.7% in the 3rd quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 174,676 shares of the companys stock valued at $33,379,000 after acquiring an additional 25,052 shares in the last quarter. 1.48% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get Toyota Motor alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of analysts have recently issued reports on TM shares. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c) rating on shares of Toyota Motor in a research report on Wednesday, January 21st. Erste Group Bank upgraded shares of Toyota Motor from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Friday, October 31st. Wall Street Zen lowered shares of Toyota Motor from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Sunday, November 16th. Finally, Zacks Research downgraded shares of Toyota Motor from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a report on Thursday, January 22nd. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, one has assigned a Hold rating and two have given a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold. Toyota Motor Stock Up 4.4% TM opened at $241.54 on Thursday. The firm has a market cap of $325.46 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.65 and a beta of 0.62. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.61, a quick ratio of 1.10 and a current ratio of 1.25. The firms 50-day simple moving average is $216.46 and its 200-day simple moving average is $203.21. Toyota Motor Corporation has a twelve month low of $155.00 and a twelve month high of $242.96. Toyota Motor (NYSE:TM Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, November 5th. The company reported $4.85 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $3.36 by $1.49. The firm had revenue of $81.22 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $79.06 billion. Toyota Motor had a net margin of 9.33% and a return on equity of 12.32%. Equities research analysts anticipate that Toyota Motor Corporation will post 19.76 EPS for the current fiscal year. Toyota Motor Company Profile (Free Report) Toyota Motor Corporation is a global automotive manufacturer headquartered in Toyota City, Aichi, Japan. Founded in 1937 by Kiichiro Toyoda as an offshoot of Toyoda Automatic Loom Works, the company builds and sells a broad range of vehicles and related products under the Toyota and Lexus brands. Toyotas operations encompass vehicle design, manufacturing, parts supply, and distribution through a worldwide dealer network, as well as complementary businesses such as vehicle financing and mobility services. The companys product lineup includes passenger cars, SUVs, pickup trucks, light commercial vehicles and heavy-duty commercial vehicles, along with engines and vehicle components. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding TM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Toyota Motor Corporation (NYSE:TM Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Toyota Motor Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Toyota Motor and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Cullen Capital Management LLC increased its holdings in shares of Diageo plc (NYSE:DEO Free Report) by 67.5% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 1,309,258 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 527,814 shares during the quarter. Cullen Capital Management LLCs holdings in Diageo were worth $124,943,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. A number of other hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Twin Peaks Wealth Advisors LLC purchased a new position in shares of Diageo during the 2nd quarter worth about $26,000. Arlington Trust Co LLC grew its holdings in Diageo by 3,885.7% in the third quarter. Arlington Trust Co LLC now owns 279 shares of the companys stock valued at $27,000 after purchasing an additional 272 shares during the period. Bell Investment Advisors Inc increased its position in Diageo by 94.7% during the second quarter. Bell Investment Advisors Inc now owns 292 shares of the companys stock worth $29,000 after purchasing an additional 142 shares during the last quarter. New England Capital Financial Advisors LLC purchased a new position in Diageo during the third quarter worth approximately $29,000. Finally, HHM Wealth Advisors LLC raised its stake in Diageo by 76.5% during the second quarter. HHM Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 330 shares of the companys stock worth $33,000 after purchasing an additional 143 shares during the period. 8.97% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Diageo alerts: Diageo Stock Performance DEO opened at $97.21 on Thursday. The firms 50 day moving average is $89.07 and its 200-day moving average is $96.49. Diageo plc has a 52-week low of $84.52 and a 52-week high of $116.69. The company has a current ratio of 1.63, a quick ratio of 0.64 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.64. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of research firms have recently commented on DEO. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft restated a hold rating on shares of Diageo in a report on Friday, November 28th. Royal Bank Of Canada upgraded Diageo from a sector perform rating to an outperform rating in a research note on Tuesday, January 6th. Weiss Ratings restated a sell (d) rating on shares of Diageo in a report on Wednesday, January 21st. Barclays reiterated an overweight rating on shares of Diageo in a report on Thursday, December 11th. Finally, Sanford C. Bernstein set a $124.00 price target on shares of Diageo and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Monday, December 29th. Five investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, three have assigned a Hold rating and three have given a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $116.50. Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on DEO About Diageo (Free Report) Diageo plc is a global producer, marketer and distributor of alcoholic beverages, headquartered in London, England. The company was created through the 1997 merger of Guinness plc and Grand Metropolitan plc and is publicly traded on multiple exchanges, including the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: DEO) and the London Stock Exchange. Diageo operates a worldwide business, selling products in a broad range of markets across the Americas, Europe, Africa, Asia and Latin America. Diageos core activities cover the production, marketing and sale of a diverse portfolio of spirits, beer and liqueurs. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding DEO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Diageo plc (NYSE:DEO Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Diageo Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Diageo and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Hantz Financial Services Inc. raised its holdings in shares of D.R. Horton, Inc. (NYSE:DHI Free Report) by 8,717.8% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 29,804 shares of the construction companys stock after purchasing an additional 29,466 shares during the period. Hantz Financial Services Inc.s holdings in D.R. Horton were worth $5,051,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of DHI. Norges Bank acquired a new stake in D.R. Horton during the second quarter worth about $494,278,000. Berkshire Hathaway Inc bought a new position in shares of D.R. Horton during the second quarter valued at approximately $191,491,000. Viking Global Investors LP raised its position in shares of D.R. Horton by 108.3% during the 2nd quarter. Viking Global Investors LP now owns 2,827,032 shares of the construction companys stock worth $364,461,000 after purchasing an additional 1,469,978 shares during the period. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC lifted its holdings in shares of D.R. Horton by 42.7% in the 2nd quarter. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC now owns 2,827,694 shares of the construction companys stock worth $378,628,000 after purchasing an additional 846,085 shares during the last quarter. Finally, AQR Capital Management LLC boosted its position in D.R. Horton by 136.4% during the 2nd quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 1,073,583 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $137,934,000 after purchasing an additional 619,509 shares during the period. 90.63% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get D.R. Horton alerts: D.R. Horton Stock Up 2.8% D.R. Horton stock opened at $158.11 on Thursday. D.R. Horton, Inc. has a 52 week low of $110.44 and a 52 week high of $184.54. The stock has a market cap of $45.80 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 14.36, a PEG ratio of 2.37 and a beta of 1.44. The companys 50-day moving average price is $152.27 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $156.24. The company has a current ratio of 6.63, a quick ratio of 0.98 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.23. D.R. Horton Announces Dividend D.R. Horton ( NYSE:DHI Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, January 20th. The construction company reported $2.03 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.98 by $0.05. D.R. Horton had a net margin of 9.95% and a return on equity of 13.51%. The business had revenue of $6.89 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $6.66 billion. During the same period last year, the firm posted $2.61 earnings per share. The businesss revenue was down 9.5% on a year-over-year basis. On average, analysts expect that D.R. Horton, Inc. will post 13.04 EPS for the current fiscal year. The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, February 12th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, February 5th will be issued a $0.45 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, February 5th. This represents a $1.80 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.1%. D.R. Hortons dividend payout ratio is 16.35%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades DHI has been the topic of several analyst reports. Wells Fargo & Company set a $158.00 target price on D.R. Horton in a research report on Wednesday, January 21st. BTIG Research set a $182.00 price objective on shares of D.R. Horton in a report on Wednesday, January 21st. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods reissued a reduce rating on shares of D.R. Horton in a research note on Tuesday, January 27th. The Goldman Sachs Group restated a buy rating and issued a $195.00 target price on shares of D.R. Horton in a research report on Tuesday, January 13th. Finally, Evercore ISI lifted their price target on D.R. Horton from $167.00 to $169.00 and gave the company an in-line rating in a report on Wednesday, January 21st. Five equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, eight have issued a Hold rating and four have issued a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, D.R. Horton currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $160.50. Check Out Our Latest Analysis on D.R. Horton D.R. Horton Company Profile (Free Report) D.R. Horton, Inc is a national homebuilding company that designs, constructs and sells new residential properties across the United States. The companys core operations focus on building single-family detached homes, townhomes and condominiums for a range of buyer segments. In addition to home construction and sales, D.R. Horton provides complementary services through subsidiaries that support the mortgage, title and closing processes for its customers, enabling integrated transaction workflows from inventory development to home delivery. Founded in 1978 by Donald R. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding DHI? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for D.R. Horton, Inc. (NYSE:DHI Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for D.R. Horton Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for D.R. Horton and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of DaVita Inc. (NYSE:DVA Get Free Report) have earned a consensus recommendation of Hold from the seven research firms that are presently covering the company, MarketBeat.com reports. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, five have given a hold rating and one has assigned a buy rating to the company. The average 1 year target price among brokerages that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $155.50. A number of analysts have recently weighed in on DVA shares. UBS Group upped their price target on shares of DaVita from $186.00 to $190.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Wednesday. Wall Street Zen cut DaVita from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Saturday, October 11th. Zacks Research upgraded DaVita from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Friday, November 28th. Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c) rating on shares of DaVita in a report on Monday, December 29th. Finally, TD Cowen reaffirmed a hold rating on shares of DaVita in a research note on Tuesday. Get DaVita alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Report on DaVita DaVita Stock Performance NYSE:DVA opened at $141.74 on Thursday. The company has a market cap of $10.01 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 14.30, a PEG ratio of 0.75 and a beta of 0.99. DaVita has a fifty-two week low of $101.00 and a fifty-two week high of $178.47. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $114.12 and a 200-day moving average price of $124.94. DaVita (NYSE:DVA Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Monday, February 2nd. The company reported $3.40 EPS 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 for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $3.51 billion. During the same quarter last year, the business earned $2.24 earnings per share. DaVitas revenue was up 9.9% on a year-over-year basis. DaVita has set its FY 2026 guidance at 13.600-15.00 EPS. Research analysts predict that DaVita will post 10.76 EPS for the current fiscal year. Hedge Funds Weigh In On DaVita A number of institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in DVA. Assenagon Asset Management S.A. grew its holdings in DaVita by 1,951.8% during the 3rd quarter. Assenagon Asset Management S.A. now owns 68,408 shares of the companys stock worth $9,089,000 after acquiring an additional 65,074 shares during the period. Mirae Asset Global Investments Co. Ltd. grew its stake in DaVita by 175.1% during the third quarter. Mirae Asset Global Investments Co. Ltd. now owns 18,409 shares of the companys stock worth $2,446,000 after purchasing an additional 11,718 shares during the period. National Pension Service acquired a new stake in DaVita during the third quarter worth approximately $1,305,000. Rakuten Investment Management Inc. bought a new stake in DaVita in the third quarter worth approximately $19,875,000. Finally, Norges Bank acquired a new position in DaVita in the second quarter valued at approximately $32,986,000. 90.12% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. About DaVita (Get 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. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for DaVita Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for DaVita and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. DNB Bank ASA (OTCMKTS:DNBBY Get Free Report) issued its earnings results on Wednesday. The company reported $0.75 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.65 by $0.10, Zacks reports. DNB Bank ASA had a net margin of 21.20% and a return on equity of 15.17%. The company had revenue of $2.44 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.35 billion. DNB Bank ASA Stock Down 1.7% OTCMKTS:DNBBY traded down $0.50 during mid-day trading on Thursday, hitting $29.61. 16,248 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 31,579. DNB Bank ASA has a twelve month low of $20.86 and a twelve month high of $30.48. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.42, a quick ratio of 1.45 and a current ratio of 1.45. The company has a market capitalization of $43.75 billion, a P/E ratio of 10.85 and a beta of 0.73. The company has a fifty day moving average of $27.82 and a 200 day moving average of $26.84. Get DNB Bank ASA alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of research firms have recently issued reports on DNBBY. Zacks Research upgraded shares of DNB Bank ASA from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Thursday, October 23rd. Citigroup restated a neutral rating on shares of DNB Bank ASA in a report on Tuesday, October 14th. Morgan Stanley reiterated an underweight rating on shares of DNB Bank ASA in a report on Friday, January 9th. Pareto Securities cut DNB Bank ASA from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Thursday. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group downgraded DNB Bank ASA from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Thursday, December 4th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, five have issued a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, DNB Bank ASA currently has an average rating of Hold. About DNB Bank ASA (Get Free Report) DNB Bank ASA (OTCMKTS: DNBBY) is Norways largest financial services group, offering a broad range of banking, insurance and capital markets services to retail, corporate and institutional clients. The banks core activities encompass retail and commercial banking, corporate and investment banking, asset management, life insurance and pension products, as well as payment and card services. DNB provides traditional deposit and lending products, mortgages, savings and wealth management solutions, securities trading, corporate finance and treasury services. The group operates through several specialized business lines, including DNB Markets for investment banking and capital markets activities and DNB Asset Management for portfolio management and investment funds. Read More Receive News & Ratings for DNB Bank ASA Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for DNB Bank ASA and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. e.l.f. Beauty (NYSE:ELF Get Free Report) posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday. The company reported $1.24 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.72 by $0.52, Briefing.com reports. e.l.f. Beauty had a return on equity of 13.77% and a net margin of 5.90%.The company had revenue of $489.51 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $461.78 million. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $0.74 EPS. e.l.f. Beautys revenue for the quarter was up 37.8% compared to the same quarter last year. e.l.f. Beauty updated its FY 2026 guidance to 3.050-3.100 EPS. Here are the key takeaways from e.l.f. Beautys conference call: Get e.l.f. Beauty alerts: Q3 results and upgraded guidance: Net sales grew 38% and adjusted EBITDA grew 79% in Q3, management raised FY26 net sales guidance to ~22%23% and now expects Rhode to contribute ~$260M$265M for the year. Net sales grew 38% and adjusted EBITDA grew 79% in Q3, management raised FY26 net sales guidance to ~22%23% and now expects Rhode to contribute ~$260M$265M for the year. Weak organic growth outside of Rhode: Excluding Rhode, Q3 net sales rose only ~2% and management expects organic net sales of ~2% for the year, with softness in the U.K. and Germany and unit volumes roughly flat. Excluding Rhode, Q3 net sales rose only ~2% and management expects organic net sales of ~2% for the year, with softness in the U.K. and Germany and unit volumes roughly flat. Near-term margin pressure from increased investments: Marketing and SG&A investments (marketing ~27% of net sales in H2, a Super Bowl/streaming commercial, space and team buildouts) drive an implied H2 adjusted EBITDA margin of ~19% (down ~300 bps YoY) despite a stronger full-year EBITDA outlook. Marketing and SG&A investments (marketing ~27% of net sales in H2, a Super Bowl/streaming commercial, space and team buildouts) drive an implied H2 adjusted EBITDA margin of ~19% (down ~300 bps YoY) despite a stronger full-year EBITDA outlook. Strong brand momentum and international runway: e.l.f. Cosmetics consumption grew 8% in the U.S. (e.l.f. Skin +16%), the company continues market-share gains (130 bps in Q3) and is scaling high-growth brands like Rhode with record Sephora launches and further global rollouts planned. e.l.f. Cosmetics consumption grew 8% in the U.S. (e.l.f. Skin +16%), the company continues market-share gains (130 bps in Q3) and is scaling high-growth brands like Rhode with record Sephora launches and further global rollouts planned. Healthy balance sheet and capital returns: Cash rose to $197M, the company repurchased ~$50M of stock in the quarter with ~$400M remaining authorization, and net debt is under 2x adjusted EBITDA. e.l.f. Beauty Trading Down 9.1% e.l.f. Beauty stock traded down $7.74 during trading hours on Thursday, hitting $76.89. The company had a trading volume of 5,530,317 shares, compared to its average volume of 2,042,209. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.73, a quick ratio of 1.76 and a current ratio of 2.70. The company has a 50-day moving average price of $82.14 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $105.64. The firm has a market cap of $4.59 billion, a P/E ratio of 54.15, a P/E/G ratio of 7.94 and a beta of 1.71. e.l.f. Beauty has a 1 year low of $49.40 and a 1 year high of $150.99. e.l.f. Beauty News Roundup Institutional Investors Weigh In On e.l.f. Beauty Here are the key news stories impacting e.l.f. Beauty this week: Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in ELF. Nomura Holdings Inc. acquired a new stake in e.l.f. Beauty during the 3rd quarter worth $218,000. Larson Financial Group LLC increased its holdings in shares of e.l.f. Beauty by 62.2% in the third quarter. Larson Financial Group LLC now owns 1,479 shares of the companys stock valued at $196,000 after purchasing an additional 567 shares during the period. Lighthouse Investment Partners LLC purchased a new position in e.l.f. Beauty during the 3rd quarter worth $212,000. Glenmede Investment Management LP acquired a new stake in e.l.f. Beauty in the third quarter valued at about $225,000. Finally, Cresset Asset Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of e.l.f. Beauty in the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $204,000. 92.44% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several analysts recently weighed in on ELF shares. UBS Group lifted their price objective on shares of e.l.f. Beauty from $98.00 to $102.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Thursday. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their target price on shares of e.l.f. Beauty from $103.00 to $105.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Thursday. Wall Street Zen raised e.l.f. Beauty from a sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Saturday, January 24th. Piper Sandler decreased their target price on e.l.f. Beauty from $100.00 to $85.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Monday, December 22nd. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reiterated a hold rating and issued a $92.00 target price on shares of e.l.f. Beauty in a research report on Thursday, January 29th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eleven have given a Buy rating and six have issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $119.75. Get Our Latest Analysis on ELF About e.l.f. Beauty (Get Free Report) e.l.f. Beauty (NYSE: ELF) is an American cosmetics company known for offering an extensive range of affordable, trend-driven makeup and skincare products. The companys portfolio spans foundations, lipsticks, mascaras, brushes, serums, masks and other beauty essentials, all positioned at accessible price points. e.l.f. Beauty maintains a direct-to-consumer platform through its e-commerce site and engages in widespread retail partnerships with major chains such as Target, Walmart, Ulta Beauty and Amazon. Founded in 2004 and headquartered in Oakland, California, e.l.f. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for e.l.f. Beauty Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for e.l.f. Beauty and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Our performance this quarter reinforces the strength of the Arm Holdings plc American Depositary Shares platform and our continued commitment to investing in innovation across a broad spectrum of compute technologies. The fundamentals of the Arm Holdings plc American Depositary Shares business have never been stronger. AI is changing how compute is built and where it runs across cloud infrastructure, edge devices, and physical systems. The industry requires platforms to deliver high performance, energy efficiency, and flexibility across a broad range of power envelopes and use cases. Only Arm Holdings plc American Depositary Shares' compute platform can address these demands, supporting AI workloads ranging from milliwatts to gigawatts. Rene Haas: Thank you, Jessica, and welcome, everyone. Arm Holdings plc American Depositary Shares delivered a record third quarter. Revenue grew 26% year on year to $1.24 billion, our fourth consecutive billion-dollar quarter. Royalties increased 27% to a record $737 million, driven by record units with strength across AI and general-purpose data center. Our data center royalty revenue has grown more than 100% year on year, and we expect in a few years our data center business to be our largest business, larger than mobile. License revenue was $505 million, up 25% year on year, as more leading companies signed high-value licenses for next-generation technologies. That performance lifted our non-GAAP EPS to 43, even as we continue to increase R&D investment. In addition to any risks that we highlight during this call, important risk factors that may affect our future results and performance are described in a registration statement on Form 20-F filed with the SEC. Arm Holdings plc American Depositary Shares assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements. We will refer to non-GAAP financial measures during this discussion. Reconciliations of certain of these non-GAAP financial measures to their most directly comparable GAAP measures can be found in our shareholder letter, as can a discussion of certain projected non-GAAP financial measures that we are not able to reconcile without unreasonable effort and supplemental financial information. Jessica Vall: Thank you very much, and welcome to our third quarter fiscal 2026 earnings call. On the call are Rene Haas, Arm Holdings plc American Depositary Shares' Chief Executive, and Jason Child, Arm Holdings plc American Depositary Shares' Chief Financial Officer. During the call, Arm Holdings plc American Depositary Shares will discuss forecasts, targets, and other forward-looking information about the company and its financial results. While these statements represent our best current judgment about future results, our business is subject to many risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. Story Continues To align with how our customers deploy AI, we've organized ourselves around three business units: Edge AI, Physical AI, and Cloud AI. Edge AI comprises the smartphone and IoT businesses. Physical AI includes automotive and robotics, and Cloud AI encompasses data center and networking. A key driver of our royalty momentum is the compute subsystem or CSS. We launched CSS nearly two and a half years ago, and demand continues to exceed expectations. This quarter, we signed two additional CSS licenses for Edge AI tablets and smartphones, bringing us to 21 CSS licenses across 12 companies. Five customers are now shipping CSS-based chips, including two shipping a second-generation platform. And the top four Android smartphone vendors are shipping CSS-powered devices. CSS helps customers get to market faster by lowering integration risk and complexity. As demand scales, it increases the value that Arm Holdings plc American Depositary Shares delivers per chip, creating a significant tailwind to royalties. In Cloud AI, the shift towards inference is reshaping data center design, and increasingly, that inference is agent-based. These workloads are persistent, always on, and power constrained. This is a fundamental change in how AI systems operate. This is because agent-based AI requires coordination across many agents running continuously, and that the CPU can only do coordination. As this model scales, customers need CPU chips with higher core counts and better power efficiency to operate continuously within tight power and cost constraints. This trend directly benefits 1 billion cores deployed, and Arm Holdings plc American Depositary Shares' share amongst the top hyperscalers is expected to reach 50%. Leading hyperscalers are launching new products with increased core counts to address this opportunity. AWS launched its fifth-generation Graviton processor with 192 cores, doubling the core count from Graviton four and delivering 25% higher performance and up to 33% lower latency versus Graviton four. NVIDIA's next-generation Vera CPU features 88 Arm Holdings plc American Depositary Shares-based cores, up from 72 cores in the gray CPU generation. Microsoft introduced Cobalt 200, built on the higher performance Arm Holdings plc American Depositary Shares Neoverse CSS v3 with 132 cores, up from 128 cores in Cobalt 100, which was based on the prior Neoverse n2 platform. And Google previewed its second Arm Holdings plc American Depositary Shares-based server processor with Axion-powered m4a instances delivering up to 2x better price performance and 80% better performance per watt in the comparable x86 offerings. Google has now migrated over 30,000 applications to the Arm Holdings plc American Depositary Shares instruction set. We are also seeing more integrated platform designs to improve system efficiency, often translating to more AI output or more tokens per watt within the same power envelope. AWS integrates Graviton with Arm Holdings plc American Depositary Shares-based Nitro DPUs and training accelerators, and NVIDIA pairs GPUs with Arm Holdings plc American Depositary Shares-based gray CPUs and Arm Holdings plc American Depositary Shares-based blue field GPUs, which has transitioned to Vera, delivering a 6x increase in GPU compute capability over the prior generation. Together, these trends make clear that as AI inference becomes more agent-based, the importance of CPUs is only increasing. And as a result, Arm Holdings plc American Depositary Shares' role at the center of the modern data center architecture continues to grow rapidly. Outside the data center, AI is now moving to everyday devices. The edge and physical AI markets are opening up new growth opportunities. These systems operate in real-time under strict power and safety, and reliability constraints. Where efficient and predictable general-purpose compute is essential. Arm Holdings plc American Depositary Shares' strengths, power efficiency, perceivable latency, and always-on operation are best suited to on-device agents that continually monitor inputs, prioritize tests, and invoice models when needed to preserve battery life. Our common software foundation across devices, vehicles, and robotics customers scale deployments without rebuilding software stacks. We now see that momentum in customer innovation. Rivian announced its third-generation autonomy computer based on the Arm Holdings plc American Depositary Shares-based Rivian autonomy processor. The first production vehicle based on a custom Arm Holdings plc American Depositary Shares chip and the first to deploy Arm Holdings plc American Depositary Shares v9 in a production car. Tesla's upcoming Optimus humanoid robot is also powered by a custom Arm Holdings plc American Depositary Shares-based AI processor and platform from leading silicon providers like NVIDIA's Jets and Thor, and Qualcomm's Dragon Wing platforms are scaling Arm Holdings plc American Depositary Shares-based solutions across robotics and autonomous systems. To close, AI is moving to every environment and every power envelope. Arm Holdings plc American Depositary Shares provides the foundation for that shift. A platform that spans milliwatts to gigawatts, a developer ecosystem over 22 million developers, more than 80% of the global total. We are now seeing the results of strategies we put in place years ago, focusing on the data center, power efficiency, and compute subsystems. As a result, as more and more applications move to AgenTic AI, Arm Holdings plc American Depositary Shares will be the compute platform connecting cloud, edge, and physical AI use cases. And with that, I'll now hand it over to Jason. Jason Child: Thank you, Rene. We have delivered another strong quarter. Total revenue grew 26% year on year to a record $1.24 billion, marking our fourth consecutive quarter above $1 billion. Royalty revenue exceeded our expectations, growing 27% year on year to a record $737 million. The biggest growth contributors were smartphones with higher royalty rates per chip, and in the data center where our revenues continue to grow triple digits year on year as we see ongoing share gains from custom hyperscaler chips. Royalty revenue from edge AI devices such as smartphones continues to grow much faster than the market. All the major Android OEMs are now ramping smartphones with chips based on both Arm Holdings plc American Depositary Shares v9 and CSS. In Cloud AI, data center royalty revenue continues to double year on year, with the ramp of Arm Holdings plc American Depositary Shares-based chips by all major hyperscaler companies. We are getting a further benefit as the build-out of these new AI data centers is driving increased deployment of networking chips, particularly DPUs and smart NICs, where Arm Holdings plc American Depositary Shares has a very high market share. In physical AI, the automotive market grew double digits year on year and contributed to our strong royalty performance. Overall, royalty revenue growth continues to reflect Arm Holdings plc American Depositary Shares' royalty per chip and rising market share. Turning now to licensing. License and other revenue was $505 million, up 25% year on year. Growth was driven by strong demand for next-generation architectures and deeper strategic engagements with key customers. We signed two new Arm Holdings plc American Depositary Shares ATA or Arm Holdings plc American Depositary Shares Total Access Agreements during the quarter and two new CSS licenses, both with leading smartphone handset OEMs. These agreements reflect the continued investment by our customers in our next-generation Arm Holdings plc American Depositary Shares technology. Of the $505 million of license revenue, our agreement with SoftBank for Technology Licensing and Design Services contributed $200 million. SoftBank has become an increasingly important customer as they build out their AI compute strategy, including their recent acquisitions such as Ampere and Graphcore. We believe that the revenues we are receiving from SoftBank are durable as they relate to current generations that will continue as SoftBank executes on its roadmap. As always, licensing revenue varies quarter to quarter due to the timing and size of high-value deals. So we will continue to focus on annualized contract value, or ACV, as a key indicator of the underlying licensing trend. ACV grew 28% year on year, maintaining strong momentum following the 28% year on year growth we reported in Q2 and Q1. This continues to be above our long-term expectation of mid to high single-digit growth for license revenue. Turning to operating expenses and profits. Non-GAAP operating expenses were $716 million, up 37% year on year due to strong R&D investment. These investments in R&D reflect ongoing engineering headcount expansion to support customer demand for more Arm Holdings plc American Depositary Shares technology, including innovation in next-generation architectures, compute subsystems, and into our exploration into chiplets and complete SoCs. Non-GAAP operating income was $505 million, up 14% year on year. This resulted in a non-GAAP operating margin of about 41%. Non-GAAP EPS was $0.43, close to the high end of our guidance range, driven by both higher revenue and slightly lower OpEx than expected. Turning now to guidance. Our guidance reflects our current view of our end markets and our licensing pipeline. For Q4, we expect revenue of $1.47 billion, plus or minus $50 million. At the midpoint, this represents revenue growth of about 18% year on year. We expect royalties to be up low teens year on year and licensing to be up high teens year on year. We expect our non-GAAP operating expense to be approximately $745 million and our non-GAAP EPS to be $0.58, plus or minus $0.04. The strength of customer demand we are seeing today, combined with a growing base of long-duration contracts at structurally higher royalty rates, provides increasing confidence in our future revenue profile. This confidence allows us today to invest in next-generation architectures, compute subsystems, and silicon that are needed to enable higher performance, greater efficiency, and more AI use cases. We believe this virtuous cycle of customer demand and ambitious investment positions Arm Holdings plc American Depositary Shares for sustained growth over the long term. Just before we get into the Q&A portion of the call, as you will have seen, Arm Holdings plc American Depositary Shares is hosting an event on March 24, and I'm sure there will be interest about what we are planning to announce. There'll be a million ways of asking what we may or may not be announcing. Please be patient as we won't be providing any details ahead of the event. With that, I'll turn the call back to the operator for the Q&A portion of the call. Operator: Thank you. And one on your telephone and wait for your name to be announced. To withdraw your question, please press 1 and 1 again. We will now take the first question. One moment, please. And your first question today comes from the line of Joe Quatrochi from Wells Fargo. Please go ahead. Joe Quatrochi: Rene, you touched upon in the prepared remarks, so I was kind of curious if you could just maybe give us a little more detail on just how you view Arm Holdings plc American Depositary Shares' role and the role of the CPU in AI and cloud data centers and just how does that change as we start to see more proliferation of AI agents? Rene Haas: Yeah. Thank you for the question. There are a number of shifts taking place in the data center, as I mentioned in opening remarks. You know, first off, as the shift moves away from exclusively training to predominantly inference, that is a workload that launches a number of different solution paths. One of them that we're seeing is around AgenTeq AI. And the agents that are actually talking to other agents or having to control workflows such as service tickets or other work streams, those are very, very well suited for CPUs. Because CPUs are very, very power efficient, always on, very, very fast latency. And what we are seeing is already an increased deployment of CPUs to address that problem. Now it's just not CPUs that are good for that problem. It's the number of CPUs you have and, obviously, given the power constraints inside the data center, the efficiency of those CPUs. So for all those reasons, that's a very positive tailwind for Arm Holdings plc American Depositary Shares. And in particular, we're seeing those proof points now, as I mentioned, where the latest generation of CPU chips from the hyperscaler providers and also NVIDIA have increased the number of cores. And we think that only continues. Joe Quatrochi: Thanks for that. And just as a follow-up, one for Jason. I know you're not giving fiscal '27 commentary today, but just how do we think about the puts and takes of this royalty revenue growth and the risks that are associated with the potential like demand destruction that we're seeing, you know, in consumer electronics potentially from memory? Jason Child: Yeah. Yeah. That's a it's a great question and something we spend a lot of time looking at. So in particular, you know, I think MediaTek last night talked about something like around a 15% reduction in unit volume for next year. And that's pretty consistent with what we've heard from other smart and handset providers around what they think the memory supply chain constraints could provide. So we've done our own kind of analysis of it. What's interesting is we're hearing from our various partners that they're really trying to make sure that they protect the high end of the market, so the premium and flagship portion of the market. Which is great for us because that's where all of our CSS and v9 royalties are. So the highest, by a significant margin. And then on the very bottom end of the segment, that's where most of the supply chain constraints will probably be felt. For us, that's V8 and even older generations that are dramatically smaller royalties. So I think, if you were to say, what if there's a 20% reduction in volumes next year? For us, that would translate to probably somewhere around a 2% or 4% at worst. Impact on smartphone royalties. If you then project that across the whole business, it'd be a 1%, maybe 2% negative impact on total royalties. The good news is because, as Rene mentioned, the cloud AI or infrastructure business has been continuing to grow ahead of our expectations. It's actually growing at a level that's more than compensating for those kind of risks on the memory and mobile side. So I think we have a very good setup for next year and not too concerned about at least the royalty revenue impacts that we might see from these unit volume and supply chain constraints. Joe Quatrochi: Helpful. Thank you. Operator: Your next question today comes from the line of Simon Leopold from Raymond James. Please go ahead. Simon Leopold: Great. Thank you. Appreciate you taking the question. First one is, I'm hoping you're able to shed some light on this. But wondering what your thoughts on are whether or not SoftBank will potentially need to sell some of the Arm Holdings plc American Depositary Shares stock that it holds to finance some of the investment you've talked about making and how we should think about the implications for your shares? Then I've got a quick follow-up. Rene Haas: Sure. Yeah. Thanks for the question. You know, that's one that we read a lot about, and there's a lot of speculation on chat boards and whatnot about that. I can tell you from talking to Masa about this, and I would quote him directly, he is not interested in selling one share of Arm Holdings plc American Depositary Shares stock. And that doesn't mean two shares or three shares. That means any shares. He's very long on the company. He's very, very bullish. As am I, about our long-term prospects. And he has no interest in selling. There's been a lot of writing about it. But I can tell you from a direct conversation and direct conversations plural, that I've had with them. That's just not the case. Simon Leopold: Okay. And then just as a follow-up, you've provided a forecast for some deceleration in the royalty revenue growth. I'm just wondering if you could elaborate on the trend. Is it more difficult comps? Or is there something else shifting that we should be considering? Jason Child: Yeah. This is Jason. I'll take that. I would say the royalty trends for next year are pretty consistent now. Absolute dollars, maybe a little bit lighter just because of what you're now seeing on the memory shortage side. Like maybe one or 2% impact largely due to that. The growth percentage is down a bit because of the overperformance that we saw last quarter and expected to see again this quarter. So we are coming off of a stronger comp. Now the obvious question then is because you've had stronger growth both in Q3, you know, we thought we'd grow about 20%. We grew 27%. So, you know, $30 million beat or more. And now seeing some of that flow through into Q4, will that flow into next year as well? Right now, too I'd say too hard to say. You know, there's a lot of talk about memory and even away shortages. And so, you know, that stuff doesn't affect us as much as many of the full fab of semiconductor companies. But I'd say right now, we'll give you updates as we learn more. But overall, the absolute magnitude of royalties for next year, expect to be pretty close to what we were thinking what we said earlier this year. But, you know, we'll see if this recent strength continues and allows us to take things up as we proceed into next year. Simon Leopold: Very helpful. Thank you. Operator: Thank you. In the interest of time, please limit yourself to one question only, and rejoin the queue for any follow-up questions. You'll now go to the next question. And your next question today comes from the line of Vivek Arya from Bank of America. Please go ahead. Vivek Arya: Thanks for taking my question. I actually just had two clarifications. One is I was hoping you could quantify the exact amount of data center revenue. I know you said that it doubled, but how much is it so we can get a sense for, like, what the magnitude is versus the overall company sales. And then the clarification the other clarification I had was, I think you mentioned software contributed $200 million. I somehow recall the original expectation was about $178, $180 million. And if you could clarify that and what are you embedding for March and onwards, from that contribution? Thank you. Jason Child: Yeah. The well, the $178 last quarter, it was it was so no new deals were signed. It's just the deals from last quarter. It was $178 for the quarter. The full quarter has the impact now is about $200. So nothing new. It's just a full quarter impact. I would expect that $200 going forward is the right run rate going forward. Vivek Arya: And the data center revenue? Jason Child: Yeah. Data center revenue we provide the details on that once a year. I think at the beginning of this year, we said it had hit double digit. And because it's growing so much faster than the rest, assume it's gonna be, you know, somewhere in kind of the teens to probably getting closer to 20%. As Rene said, over the next, yeah, two to three years, you should expect to see it get similar or maybe even larger than smartphone business, which is in the, you know, kind of 40 to 45% of total business. Vivek Arya: Thank you. Operator: Thank you. Your next question comes from the line of Mehdi Husseini from Susquehanna Financials. Please go ahead. Mehdi Husseini: Yes. Just thank you. Thank you for taking the question. Just as a follow-up to the smartphone topic, to how should I think about the migration to the v9 higher royalty? Is going to help offset lower smartphone units. Rene Haas: Yeah. So I'll let Jason provide the detail, but again, as a reminder, with the way that we handle v9 for smartphones, particularly v9 CSSs, every smartphone cycle, we deliver a brand new CSS. Each time we deliver the brand new CSS, the royalty rates are generally increased year on year. So when we think about v9 in smartphones, the appropriate way to think about it is it's all CSS it's all moving to CSS now. And as a result of that, we get priced every year with the royalty increase year on year. Jason Child: Yeah. And in terms of the guidance that I just gave in terms of if there's a minus 20 degree unit impact, there's at most a kind of four to 6% revenue impact just specifically within smartphones. That would that would be incorporating the higher royalty rate per unit that's already been contractually agreed to and that we assume will be shipping later in the year. Mehdi Husseini: Okay. Thank you. Bye. Operator: Thank you. Your next question comes from the line of Vijay Rakesh from Mizuho. Please go ahead. Vijay Rakesh: Yeah. Hi, Rene and Jason. Just a quick question on the on your partnerships. As your partner SoftBank executes on its AI roadmap, will we be expecting, like, an Arm Holdings plc American Depositary Shares custom ASIC down the road given the substantial partnership that you have with them? With the $200 million a quarter NRE that you're getting? How should we look at that, the timing, and how that'll impact the fiscal 2027, let's say. Jason Child: Yeah. Not nothing yeah. Hi, Vijay. Nothing we can say specific about any products that you're you're asking about. So, unfortunately, not much more we can say there. Vijay Rakesh: Got it. Thank you. Operator: Thank you. Your next question today comes from the line of Krish Sankar from TD Cowen. Please go ahead. Krish Sankar: Hi, thanks for taking the question. Rene, I just wanted to find a little bit about how to think about Arm Holdings plc American Depositary Shares' IP penetration rates or percentage rate in AI data center semis today, and where do you think that evolves over the next three to five years? Rene Haas: Hey. It's a it's a wonderful question. I think what we're gonna see over the next three years is an evolving of how these data center chips are built out. And what do I mean by that? You know, today, you've got a classic architecture where you've got a CPU which connects into an accelerator. The CPU does some work. The GPU does some work. I think we're gonna start to see over time is a morphing of the workloads that the CPU takes that the GPU used to do. And as I mentioned, you go to a GenTeC inference, that's gonna mean more CPUs, which could be more different custom chips that are CPU based. In addition, the inference workloads, which are dominated by two pieces of area of work, specifically prefill and decode, you could see some specific solutions around that, that continue to extend. Things like what a Grok has done, for example, you could still see more kind of innovation across that area. I also think, you know, you asked about the data center, but I think we're gonna start to see a lot of that migrate to the smaller form factors. Where different combinations of IP and solutions are gonna be needed. To address areas where power is much more constrained, particularly around physical AI. And then the lower edge devices. So I think there's a lot of innovation to come in solving the AI problems because one thing that's clear is that these AI workloads are going to be running on every single piece of hardware. That has compute. And because the vast majority of the compute platforms out there today are already Arm Holdings plc American Depositary Shares-based, gives us a gigantic opportunity to mold where that goes. Krish Sankar: Got it. Thanks, Rene. Operator: Thank you. Your next question comes from the line of Harlan Sur from JPMorgan. Please go ahead. Harlan Sur: Good afternoon. Thanks for taking my question. On compute subsystems, obviously, you continue to drive solid momentum with two more licenses added in the quarter. The value out of CSS that we hear from your customers is resonating extremely well. Right? It improves their productivity. It improves their overall system performance. They're willing to pay a higher licensing fee and higher royalty fee for that value added you mentioned. I'm curious to know what percentage of the royalty mix is CSS today, and what proportion of the royalty revenue could it become over the next two to three years? Rene Haas: Yeah. Thank you, Harlan. I'll let Jason take that. Jason Child: Yeah. So, Harlan, yeah, a lot of progress on CSS with the, you know, the five CSSs that have actually already been turned into silicon and actually something we're receiving royalties on. It's it's had a material impact. Think of CSS last year. I think it was just kind of approaching double digit. And this year, it well into double digit. Think of it as being into the teens. And then I would say, you know, over the next couple of years, I expect it to probably it could be upwards of 50%. But, you know, we'll have to see. I think, you know, the primary drivers for acceleration of CSS has really been mostly around our customers needing to shorten the cycle time and CSS, you know, tip that's that cycle time about in a half. And so, you know, stay tuned, but I would expect to continue to see that acceleration occur and to continue to see I think right now, every CSS customer that's had a chance to, you know, sign up for the next version or kind of renew for the next generation, has all done that. So that's certainly a really key indicator of the value that, as you said, customers are seeing from it. Harlan Sur: Yeah. Absolutely. Thank you. Operator: Thank you. Your next question comes from the line of Charles Shi from Needham and Company. Please go ahead. Charles Shi: Yes. Thanks for taking my question. I think going back, maybe it was one year, you guys kind of soft and guided, FYE '26 and FYE '27 growth, should be around 20%. You are definitely delivering that the FY '26. We definitely will see how you think about FY '27, you know, about the quarter. But any early view you guys can provide on FY '28? I know I'm asking and plus two year here, but you guys did do that. Going back about a year. And I was hoping if you can provide any early view into the outer year. Thank you. Jason Child: Yeah. I would say for '26, as you said, we said at least 20%, and I think now we're guiding to '22 at the midpoint. So as you said, exceeding that target. For '27, not guiding on full year, in terms of kind of at a high level, the 20% growth rate I think, certainly is very reasonable. And not anything that we back away from. In terms of '28, we haven't thrown anything out there yet. I'd say maybe stay tuned. You know, there are opportunities as we contemplate, you know, other possible offerings and what that could do to our numbers is still something we're working through. So we'll give you an update on '28 sometime down the road. Charles Shi: Thank you. Appreciate that. Operator: Thank you. Your next question today comes from the line of Srini Pajjuri from RBC. Please go ahead. Srini Pajjuri: A couple of clarifications, guys. On the memory impact, I guess, talked about you quantified that impact. But, Jason, the outlook for the next quarter on the royalties, being up low teens, do you think memory is already having an impact on the smartphone volumes? Is that why it's on the upload teams? And then to add to that, you talked about CSS accelerating. I'm just curious, given the pressure on the bill of materials do you anticipate or are you seeing any impact in terms of the adoption of CSS and V9 I guess, look into the next few quarters given the bill of materials challenges? Thank you. Rene Haas: Yes. Thanks for the question. I'll take the second part first, and then Jason will take the first part on memory. Question was regarding CSS pricing impacting bill of materials. No. We're not seeing any of that at all. What we are seeing is that the value gained by accelerating time to market outweighs anything that customers are considering. Given the complexity of building these chips. The increased cycle times, through the fabs going from five nanometer three nanometer to two nanometer means that the design windows are really short and missing the first few months of shipment or having any kind of delay would be critical to profits. So based on that, we've really not had many discussions with anyone regarding the bomb impact, the value that we create relative to profits gained by the customer is what really drives the decision point. And then regarding the memory, impact on the next quarter, I'll let Jason address that. Jason Child: Yeah. The memory impact, very minimal, I would say. And that's not really the driver of the guidance on the growth. Absolute growth in royalties has much more to do with typically seasonality, our Q4 or calendar Q1 is always one of the slower quarters. And the one thing that happened a year ago is we did have Mediatek chip come out in Q4 of a year ago or Q yeah. Our Q4 calendar Q1 of a year ago. Which was unusual timing. So we are lapping that. So it's much more about kind of what we're comping and to some extent seasonality. But overall, you know, full year royalties, I would expect to be in that north of you know, 20% range, which is kind of what we were expecting early in the year. And still expect Q4 or calendar Q1 to be stronger than what we previously expected. So it's really the year on year growth piece is really more of a seasonality slash seasonality comping kind of an unusual one-time release from a year ago. Srini Pajjuri: Thank you. Operator: We will now go to the next question. And your next question comes from the line of Andrew Gardiner from Citi. Please go ahead. Andrew Gardiner: Good afternoon. Thanks for taking my question as well. Jason, perhaps one for you on the OpEx side. We've clearly seen significant investments in the business particularly in R&D, given everything that you guys are doing. You've given us a bit of a steer on fiscal '27 revenue growth. Utility R&D has been growing at a faster rate than revenue in the current period. Is that something we can expect to continue into fiscal '27 given everything that you guys have got in front of you, or will we actually start to see R&D growth slow relative to the revenue? Thank you. Jason Child: Sure. So a little early to talk full year. I can tell you right now, our expectation is that the Q4 to Q1 step up will be similar to last year. Think last year, it was you know, low double-digit sequential growth, and you should see the same kind of sequential growth as a year ago. I right now, I would say the growth after Q1 is probably gonna to moderate more so than it did this year. We did see pretty significant step-ups throughout the year. I don't expect there to be quite significant step-ups for next year. But as we progress more into next year, we'll give you a little more color, but that's the high-level I'd say, modeling approach I would take right now. Andrew Gardiner: Thank you. Operator: Thank you. We will now take the next question. And the question comes from the line of John DiFucci from Guggenheim Securities. Please go ahead. John DiFucci: Thank you. Rene, you've seen a lot in technologies in technology over the years. So I'm gonna ask a question that's kind of a little bit self-serving here. I'm curious how you'd characterize what's happening in the stock market recently as it pertains to the software sector. And if you might, since you're at least partially a software company, how does AI affect your business other than driving demand? In other words, how should we think of how you'll leverage AI? In the design of chips and systems? Rene Haas: Yeah. Well, regarding the stock market's reaction to software company, I had a great answer to that. I'd probably be in a difficult position than the one that I have. I'm not sure I can I'm in a great position to discuss what the near-term impacts are to the stock market, but what I can say after, you know, watching and being in technology my entire career, we do see these kinds of things time to time where investors or the market gets jittery around what the broad impacts are when in the midst of fairly significant technology disruptions. I can say for our business, you know, given the fact that we are an intellectual property provider that goes into physical things chips, AI is not gonna replace a physical chip anytime soon. They're kind of linked at the hip, if you will, relative to you need the hardware to run the software. I think there's just enormous opportunity, however, still for growth in the overall sector. Because when I think about where AI actually is operating truly inside the enterprise, it's very When I think about our own company and things like our payroll systems or purchase order systems or our SAP systems. There's some AI going on there, but not nearly enough to be massively transformative yet. And I think part of that is just the complexity of integrating these large systems and changing software workloads. So I think we're in super early days, to be quite frank, and having, you know, been in technology again my entire career and have seen lots of technology disruptions this one feels a little bit like the final frontier in terms of the amount of productivity and change that AI can benefit. We're still all trying to get our arms around it. If you just even look at the numbers of spend, I heard earlier today, Google or Alphabet announcing a $180 billion CapEx spend. That used to be what semiconductor companies just spent a year on fabs. Times a few. So we're in uncharted waters. And maybe that's why you're seeing some jittery numbers relative to how the market reacts. But where we sit there's just huge demand for compute. And that's what Arm Holdings plc American Depositary Shares does. And, so I think in the long game, I'm super excited about the opportunity for us. John DiFucci: Really appreciate your thoughts, Rene. Thank you. Operator: Thank you. We will now take our final question for today. And the final question comes from the line of Timm Schulze-Melander from Rothschild and Co. Please go ahead. Timm Schulze-Melander: Yes. Hi, there. Thanks for taking my question. It's a two-parter for Rene, please. You've talked a lot about inference in the AI future. You just referenced the Grok architecture. And I really wanted to ask you, what are your thoughts or how should we think about SRAM at the edge, some of these different memory and what they could mean for your business. And then the second part is just the cadence of power efficiency for Arm Holdings plc American Depositary Shares. Is there something that we should think about in terms of the average annual or per v8 to v9 energy for compute efficiency, that you see going forward? Thank you so much. Rene Haas: Yeah. So I'll take the latter part first because it kind of bridges into the first. We look at how to address power efficiency twenty-four seven. And the reason for that is increasingly as you get into these smaller form factors, the one thing that you don't get much liberty on is battery life and space. So as a result, we have to always think about operating a constrained environment where you're adding more and more demand of compute. When you add AI onto something that already has to drive a display or open an app or recognize the voice, it's a constant thing that we think about and worry about. I think we're very well positioned to address it because we are the incumbent in many of these platforms. So it is something we spend a lot of time and energy on. To your first part of the question on SRAM, and different memory technologies, absolutely, that's something we're highly involved in. To oversimplify a computer, a CPU needs memory, and memory needs a CPU. Period, and stop. So when you're designing a piece of hardware, the two go very much hand in hand. And there is a lot of work and research being done about not just SRAM, but alternative memory technologies and solutions that can address these increasing demands on AI. So again, it's a just question prior to yours in terms of the overall broad opportunity. You know, what people in our space tend to worry about is that there isn't hard problems to go think and work on and develop new technologies for. We don't have that problem. Every single end application is gonna be impacted by AI. We believe every end application will run AI through Arm Holdings plc American Depositary Shares. So we're spending a lot of time and energy, and you can see by our investments, come up with innovative ways to address that. Timm Schulze-Melander: Great. Thank you so much. Operator: Thank you. I will now hand the call back to Rene for closing remarks. Rene Haas: Yeah. Thank you, and thanks for all the thoughtful questions and we could tell by the range of the questions we were talking about memory prices inside the quarter. And then, what alternative memory technologies could look like years from now. I think that's a very good way to sort of describe the current quarter, but how we're very, very bullish about Arm Holdings plc American Depositary Shares long term. We delivered the best quarter in our history. We delivered the best quarter in our history on royalties, which is really an indicator for the strategies we have going forward. And we have a huge amount of customers shifting to Arm Holdings plc American Depositary Shares in a big way with more CPU counts. That being said, the quarters that we're most excited about are the ones ahead of us. We think we have huge opportunity, as I mentioned, in the new areas of physical AI, cloud AI, and edge AI. And we intend to do everything we can to make Arm Holdings plc American Depositary Shares the compute platform of choice. For all AI workloads. Operator: Thank you. This concludes today's conference call. Thank you for participating. You may now disconnect. Should you buy stock in Arm Holdings right now? 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This article is a transcript of this conference call produced for The Motley Fool. While we strive for our Foolish Best, there may be errors, omissions, or inaccuracies in this transcript. As with all our articles, The Motley Fool does not assume any responsibility for your use of this content, and we strongly encourage you to do your own research, including listening to the call yourself and reading the company's SEC filings. Please see our Terms and Conditions for additional details, including our Obligatory Capitalized Disclaimers of Liability. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Arm Holdings (ARM) Q3 2026 Earnings Transcript was originally published by The Motley Fool Emerson Electric (NYSE:EMR Get Free Report) issued an update on its second quarter 2026 earnings guidance on Tuesday morning. The company provided earnings per share (EPS) guidance of 1.500-1.550 for the period, compared to the consensus estimate of 1.560. The company issued revenue guidance of $4.6 billion-$4.6 billion, compared to the consensus revenue estimate of $4.6 billion. Emerson Electric also updated its FY 2026 guidance to 6.400-6.550 EPS. Emerson Electric Stock Performance NYSE EMR traded down $4.06 during midday trading on Thursday, hitting $153.26. The company had a trading volume of 1,895,287 shares, compared to its average volume of 3,411,134. Emerson Electric has a fifty-two week low of $90.06 and a fifty-two week high of $160.13. The company has a quick ratio of 0.65, a current ratio of 0.88 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.41. The stock has a market cap of $86.18 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 37.47, a P/E/G ratio of 2.46 and a beta of 1.26. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of $140.83 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $136.13. Get Emerson Electric alerts: Emerson Electric (NYSE:EMR Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, February 3rd. The industrial products company reported $1.46 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.41 by $0.05. Emerson Electric had a net margin of 12.72% and a return on equity of 17.35%. The firm had revenue of $4.35 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.37 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business posted $1.38 earnings per share. The companys quarterly revenue was up 4.1% compared to the same quarter last year. Emerson Electric has set its FY 2026 guidance at 6.400-6.550 EPS and its Q2 2026 guidance at 1.500-1.550 EPS. Equities analysts forecast that Emerson Electric will post 5.96 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Emerson Electric Announces Dividend The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, March 10th. Investors of record on Friday, February 13th will be given a dividend of $0.555 per share. The ex-dividend date is Friday, February 13th. This represents a $2.22 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.4%. Emerson Electrics dividend payout ratio is 54.28%. Emerson Electric announced that its Board of Directors has authorized a share repurchase plan on Wednesday, November 5th that authorizes the company to repurchase $0.00 in shares. This repurchase authorization authorizes the industrial products company to buy shares of its stock through open market purchases. Shares repurchase plans are typically an indication that the companys board of directors believes its stock is undervalued. Analysts Set New Price Targets Several equities analysts have weighed in on EMR shares. Evercore ISI increased their target price on Emerson Electric from $170.00 to $185.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Thursday. Wells Fargo & Company increased their price target on shares of Emerson Electric from $145.00 to $160.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research report on Wednesday. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their target price on shares of Emerson Electric from $150.00 to $157.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Friday, January 16th. KeyCorp lifted their price target on shares of Emerson Electric from $155.00 to $185.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Thursday. Finally, TD Cowen cut shares of Emerson Electric from a buy rating to a hold rating and set a $150.00 price objective for the company. in a research report on Friday, January 9th. Ten equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, nine have assigned a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $163.50. Read Our Latest Research Report on EMR Insider Activity at Emerson Electric In other Emerson Electric news, CEO Surendralal Lanca Karsanbhai sold 7,263 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, December 3rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $133.00, for a total transaction of $965,979.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer owned 196,292 shares of the companys stock, valued at $26,106,836. This represents a 3.57% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. 0.23% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Emerson Electric News Roundup Here are the key news stories impacting Emerson Electric this week: Positive Sentiment: Broad analyst price-target increases and upgrades lifted upside expectations (several firms raised PTs into the $170$185 range, with multiple outperform/overweight or buy calls). This boosts near-term upside potential and investor interest. Benzinga KeyCorp PT Rise (MarketScreener) Broad analyst price-target increases and upgrades lifted upside expectations (several firms raised PTs into the $170$185 range, with multiple outperform/overweight or buy calls). This boosts near-term upside potential and investor interest. Positive Sentiment: Q1 results beat on EPS and management raised the bottom end of FY2026 EPS guidance (now $6.40$6.55), driven by stronger automation demand and growth in Intelligent Devices fundamental evidence supporting higher analyst targets. Reuters Q1 results beat on EPS and management raised the bottom end of FY2026 EPS guidance (now $6.40$6.55), driven by stronger automation demand and growth in Intelligent Devices fundamental evidence supporting higher analyst targets. Positive Sentiment: Company declared a quarterly cash dividend ($0.555 per share), maintaining the income profile for shareholders and supporting investor confidence. (Record/exdividend dates announced with payout in March.) Company declared a quarterly cash dividend ($0.555 per share), maintaining the income profile for shareholders and supporting investor confidence. (Record/exdividend dates announced with payout in March.) Positive Sentiment: Unusually large calloption activity was observed, signaling speculative bullish positioning by some traders that can amplify upside in the near term. Unusually large calloption activity was observed, signaling speculative bullish positioning by some traders that can amplify upside in the near term. Neutral Sentiment: Certain firms raised price targets but kept neutral/hold ratings (e.g., Jefferies, Wells Fargo), reflecting recognition of improved fundamentals but caution on valuation or near-term comps. Jefferies (MarketScreener) Certain firms raised price targets but kept neutral/hold ratings (e.g., Jefferies, Wells Fargo), reflecting recognition of improved fundamentals but caution on valuation or near-term comps. Negative Sentiment: One notable downgrade: Deutsche Bank cut EMR from buy to hold (though its PT remains above the current price). A high-profile downgrade can pressure the shares intraday and temper momentum from upgrades. Benzinga One notable downgrade: Deutsche Bank cut EMR from buy to hold (though its PT remains above the current price). A high-profile downgrade can pressure the shares intraday and temper momentum from upgrades. Negative Sentiment: Q2 EPS guidance (1.501.55) was provided below the streets published midpoint (~1.56), and revenue guidance was essentially in line a slight nearterm miss that can explain intraday weakness despite the stronger FY floor. Press Release / Slide Deck Institutional Investors Weigh In On Emerson Electric Several large investors have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Darwin Wealth Management LLC acquired a new position in Emerson Electric in the 2nd quarter valued at about $29,000. Wealth Watch Advisors INC acquired a new position in shares of Emerson Electric in the third quarter valued at approximately $33,000. Measured Wealth Private Client Group LLC bought a new position in shares of Emerson Electric during the third quarter worth approximately $69,000. Riggs Asset Managment Co. Inc. lifted its holdings in Emerson Electric by 14.0% during the 2nd quarter. Riggs Asset Managment Co. Inc. now owns 740 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $99,000 after purchasing an additional 91 shares during the last quarter. Finally, WFA of San Diego LLC bought a new stake in Emerson Electric in the 2nd quarter valued at $113,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 74.30% of the companys stock. Emerson Electric Company Profile (Get Free Report) Emerson Electric Co is a global technology and engineering company that designs and manufactures products and provides services for industrial, commercial and consumer markets. Founded in 1890, the company is headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, and has built a long-standing presence in automation, control and climate-related technologies. Emersons offerings are aimed at improving productivity, energy efficiency and reliability for a wide range of end markets. Emerson operates through two principal platformsAutomation Solutions and Commercial & Residential Solutionsproviding process automation systems, measurement and analytical instrumentation, valves and actuators, control software, and related aftermarket services, alongside products for heating, ventilation and refrigeration, residential and commercial climate controls, tools and storage solutions. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Emerson Electric Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Emerson Electric and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Encompass Health (NYSE:EHC Get Free Report) released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday. The company reported $1.46 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.29 by $0.17, FiscalAI reports. Encompass Health had a net margin of 9.33% and a return on equity of 17.84%. The company had revenue of $1.54 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.54 billion. Encompass Health updated its FY 2026 guidance to 5.810-6.100 EPS. Encompass Health Stock Performance EHC stock traded up $3.88 during trading hours on Thursday, reaching $99.54. The stock had a trading volume of 2,794,739 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,297,216. The stock has a market capitalization of $10.02 billion, a PE ratio of 18.82, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.52 and a beta of 0.73. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $104.81 and a 200 day simple moving average of $114.55. Encompass Health has a fifty-two week low of $92.53 and a fifty-two week high of $127.99. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.76, a current ratio of 1.14 and a quick ratio of 1.14. Get Encompass Health alerts: Hedge Funds Weigh In On Encompass Health A number of institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of EHC. Certuity LLC grew its stake in Encompass Health by 22.4% in the 3rd quarter. Certuity LLC now owns 2,303 shares of the companys stock valued at $292,000 after buying an additional 422 shares during the last quarter. Cresset Asset Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of Encompass Health in the third quarter valued at approximately $383,000. Evergreen Capital Management LLC bought a new position in shares of Encompass Health during the second quarter worth approximately $239,000. Vident Advisory LLC bought a new stake in Encompass Health in the 2nd quarter valued at $336,000. Finally, EP Wealth Advisors LLC increased its position in Encompass Health by 2.4% during the 2nd quarter. EP Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 3,694 shares of the companys stock worth $453,000 after buying an additional 88 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 97.25% of the companys stock. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of research firms have issued reports on EHC. Wall Street Zen upgraded Encompass Health from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Sunday, January 18th. Barclays upped their price objective on Encompass Health from $141.00 to $150.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Thursday, October 30th. Zacks Research lowered Encompass Health from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday, November 19th. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a buy (b+) rating on shares of Encompass Health in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Finally, Raymond James Financial upgraded shares of Encompass Health to a strong-buy rating in a report on Friday, October 31st. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eight have issued a Buy rating and one has issued a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Buy and a consensus target price of $142.86. Read Our Latest Report on Encompass Health Encompass Health Company Profile (Get Free Report) Encompass Health Corporation is a leading provider of postacute healthcare services in the United States, operating a comprehensive network of inpatient rehabilitation hospitals and home health and hospice agencies. Its inpatient rehabilitation hospitals offer intensive therapy programs for patients recovering from conditions such as stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, cardiac and pulmonary disorders, and orthopedic procedures. Through its home health segment, Encompass Health delivers skilled nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy to patients in the comfort of their homes, while its hospice services provide endoflife care focused on symptom management and emotional support for patients and families. Founded in 1984 as HealthSouth Corporation and rebranded as Encompass Health in 2018, the company has grown organically and through acquisitions to serve patients across more than 30 states. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Encompass Health Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Encompass Health and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. cut its position in Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF (NYSEARCA:RSP Free Report) by 16.3% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 1,759,298 shares of the companys stock after selling 342,089 shares during the period. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. owned 0.45% of Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF worth $333,739,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of RSP. Investment Counsel Co. of Nevada purchased a new position in Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF in the second quarter valued at $29,000. Tompkins Financial Corp purchased a new stake in Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF during the 3rd quarter worth about $32,000. GoalVest Advisory LLC purchased a new stake in Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF during the 2nd quarter worth about $34,000. Cloud Capital Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF during the 3rd quarter worth about $35,000. Finally, Copia Wealth Management increased its holdings in shares of Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF by 335.8% in the 3rd quarter. Copia Wealth Management now owns 231 shares of the companys stock valued at $44,000 after acquiring an additional 178 shares during the last quarter. 61.18% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF alerts: Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF Stock Performance Shares of NYSEARCA RSP opened at $200.30 on Thursday. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is $195.02 and its 200-day simple moving average is $190.18. The firm has a market capitalization of $83.06 billion, a PE ratio of 20.10 and a beta of 0.99. Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF has a fifty-two week low of $150.35 and a fifty-two week high of $200.95. Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF Profile Guggenheim S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF, formerly Rydex S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF, seeks to replicate as closely as possible, the daily performance of the S&P 500 Equal Weight Index (the Index). The Index is a capitalization-weighted index covering 500 industrial, utility, transportation and financial companies of the United States markets (mostly NYSE Euronext issues). The Index utilizes quarterly rebalancing to maintain its equal-weight stance. Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 90% of its net assets, plus any borrowing for investment purposes, in the equity securities (and derivatives thereof) included in the Index. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding RSP? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF (NYSEARCA:RSP Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. boosted its stake in Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. (NYSE:AJG Free Report) by 1.2% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 1,414,100 shares of the financial services providers stock after buying an additional 16,882 shares during the period. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. owned approximately 0.55% of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. worth $438,003,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other hedge funds also recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Norges Bank acquired a new position in shares of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $1,536,230,000. Sands Capital Management LLC lifted its stake in Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. by 453.3% during the second quarter. Sands Capital Management LLC now owns 1,121,249 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $358,934,000 after purchasing an additional 918,618 shares in the last quarter. Balyasny Asset Management L.P. boosted its position in shares of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. by 41,475.5% during the second quarter. Balyasny Asset Management L.P. now owns 770,394 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $246,619,000 after buying an additional 768,541 shares during the period. Vanguard Group Inc. grew its stake in shares of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. by 2.3% in the second quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 31,096,542 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $9,954,625,000 after buying an additional 685,278 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Principal Financial Group Inc. raised its holdings in shares of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. by 26.1% in the 3rd quarter. Principal Financial Group Inc. now owns 2,866,786 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $887,976,000 after buying an additional 593,483 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 85.53% of the companys stock. Get Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several equities analysts have weighed in on AJG shares. Needham & Company LLC set a $272.00 target price on Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. in a research report on Thursday, December 18th. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c+) rating on shares of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. in a report on Monday, December 29th. TD Cowen reiterated a buy rating on shares of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. in a report on Friday, October 31st. Wells Fargo & Company decreased their price target on shares of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. from $311.00 to $298.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Friday, January 30th. Finally, Piper Sandler cut their price objective on Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. from $272.00 to $249.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, January 30th. Six investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, twelve have given 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 Hold and an average target price of $284.12. Insider Activity at Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. In related news, VP Christopher E. Mead sold 4,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Tuesday, December 23rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $258.11, for a total value of $1,032,440.00. Following the completion of the sale, the vice president directly owned 17,327 shares of the companys stock, valued at $4,472,271.97. The trade was a 18.76% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, CFO Douglas K. Howell sold 5,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Monday, December 22nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $258.05, for a total value of $1,290,250.00. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer directly owned 95,777 shares in the company, valued at approximately $24,715,254.85. The trade was a 4.96% decrease in their position. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Insiders sold a total of 32,100 shares of company stock worth $8,243,865 in the last ninety days. Company insiders own 1.60% of the companys stock. Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Stock Performance Shares of AJG stock opened at $249.61 on Thursday. The company has a market cap of $64.10 billion, a P/E ratio of 40.59, a PEG ratio of 1.34 and a beta of 0.66. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $253.06 and a 200 day moving average price of $275.03. The company has a current ratio of 1.06, a quick ratio of 1.06 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.52. Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. has a 12 month low of $236.34 and a 12 month high of $351.23. Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. (NYSE:AJG Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, January 29th. The financial services provider reported $2.38 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.35 by $0.03. Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. had a return on equity of 12.13% and a net margin of 11.84%.The company had revenue of $3.57 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $3.61 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $1.12 EPS. Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.s revenue for the quarter was up 33.9% on a year-over-year basis. Sell-side analysts predict that Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. will post 11.54 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Increases Dividend The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 20th. Shareholders of record on Friday, March 6th will be paid a $0.70 dividend. This is an increase from Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.s previous quarterly dividend of $0.65. This represents a $2.80 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.1%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, March 6th. Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.s payout ratio is currently 42.28%. About Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. (Free Report) Arthur J. Gallagher & Co is a global insurance brokerage and risk management firm headquartered in Rolling Meadows, Illinois. Founded in 1927 by Arthur J. Gallagher, the company has grown from a regional broker into an international professional services organization that arranges insurance, provides consulting and designs risk-transfer solutions for commercial, industrial, public sector and individual clients. The companys core activities include property and casualty insurance brokerage, employee benefits consulting and administration, and a range of risk management services. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding AJG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. (NYSE:AJG Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. decreased its position in shares of iShares MSCI Japan ETF (NYSEARCA:EWJ Free Report) by 17.4% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 5,169,896 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after selling 1,091,110 shares during the period. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. owned approximately 2.78% of iShares MSCI Japan ETF worth $414,677,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of the company. LRI Investments LLC bought a new position in iShares MSCI Japan ETF during the second quarter worth about $26,000. Morgan Dempsey Capital Management LLC bought a new stake in iShares MSCI Japan ETF in the 2nd quarter valued at about $36,000. Front Row Advisors LLC acquired a new position in shares of iShares MSCI Japan ETF during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $44,000. Allianz SE grew its position in shares of iShares MSCI Japan ETF by 262.0% during the 2nd quarter. Allianz SE now owns 1,010 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $76,000 after purchasing an additional 731 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Activest Wealth Management increased its holdings in shares of iShares MSCI Japan ETF by 28.2% during the third quarter. Activest Wealth Management now owns 1,227 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $98,000 after purchasing an additional 270 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 64.60% of the companys stock. Get iShares MSCI Japan ETF alerts: iShares MSCI Japan ETF Trading Up 0.9% NYSEARCA EWJ opened at $87.49 on Thursday. The company has a market cap of $17.07 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 14.63 and a beta of 0.68. The company has a 50 day moving average of $83.37 and a 200-day moving average of $81.24. iShares MSCI Japan ETF has a 1-year low of $59.84 and a 1-year high of $88.24. iShares MSCI Japan ETF Profile iShares MSCI Japan ETF (the fund), formerly Ishares Msci Japan 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 Japanese market, as measured by the MSCI Japan Index (the Index). The Index consists of stocks traded primarily on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. The Fund invests in a representative sample of securities included in the Index that collectively has an investment profile similar to the Index. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding EWJ? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares MSCI Japan ETF (NYSEARCA:EWJ Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares MSCI Japan ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares MSCI Japan ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Ermenegildo Zegna N.V. (NYSE:ZGN Get Free Report) gapped up prior to trading on Thursday . The stock had previously closed at $9.71, but opened at $10.36. Ermenegildo Zegna shares last traded at $9.7960, with a volume of 141,649 shares trading hands. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several research analysts have commented on the company. Sanford C. Bernstein started coverage on Ermenegildo Zegna in a research report on Tuesday, November 25th. They set an outperform rating and a $13.00 price target on the stock. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c) rating on shares of Ermenegildo Zegna in a research note on Wednesday, January 21st. Bank of America reissued a neutral rating and set a $11.20 price target (down from $11.50) on shares of Ermenegildo Zegna in a report on Friday, January 16th. Jefferies Financial Group began coverage on Ermenegildo Zegna in a research report on Tuesday, October 14th. They set a buy rating and a $12.90 target price on the stock. Finally, UBS Group upgraded Ermenegildo Zegna from a neutral rating to a buy rating and set a $11.50 price target on the stock in a research note on Thursday. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and three have issued a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Ermenegildo Zegna has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $11.59. Get Ermenegildo Zegna alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Report on Ermenegildo Zegna Ermenegildo Zegna Price Performance Institutional Trading of Ermenegildo Zegna The businesss 50-day moving average is $10.23 and its two-hundred day moving average is $9.59. The company has a current ratio of 1.42, a quick ratio of 0.79 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.18. A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the business. Temasek Holdings Private Ltd increased its holdings in Ermenegildo Zegna by 114.5% in the third quarter. Temasek Holdings Private Ltd now owns 27,242,276 shares of the companys stock worth $257,440,000 after buying an additional 14,542,295 shares during the last quarter. Barrow Hanley Mewhinney & Strauss LLC bought a new stake in Ermenegildo Zegna in the third quarter worth approximately $22,609,000. Artisan Partners Limited Partnership increased its stake in shares of Ermenegildo Zegna by 1.2% during the 3rd quarter. Artisan Partners Limited Partnership now owns 2,123,543 shares of the companys stock worth $20,067,000 after purchasing an additional 24,894 shares during the last quarter. Portolan Capital Management LLC lifted its stake in shares of Ermenegildo Zegna by 15.6% in the 3rd quarter. Portolan Capital Management LLC now owns 1,369,176 shares of the companys stock valued at $12,939,000 after purchasing an additional 185,190 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Millennium Management LLC boosted its holdings in Ermenegildo Zegna by 182.8% in the first quarter. Millennium Management LLC now owns 1,149,055 shares of the companys stock worth $8,503,000 after purchasing an additional 742,680 shares in the last quarter. 12.91% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. About Ermenegildo Zegna (Get Free Report) Ermenegildo Zegna is a global luxury fashion house specializing in mens tailored clothing, casualwear, accessories, footwear and fragrances. With a focus on high-quality fabrics and craftsmanship, the company manages the entire value chain from wool sourcing and textile production to garment design, manufacturing and retail distribution. Founded in 1910 by Ermenegildo Zegna in Trivero, Italy, the company began as a textile mill dedicated to producing fine wool fabrics. Over the decades it expanded into ready-to-wear clothing and built a reputation for sartorial excellence. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Ermenegildo Zegna Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Ermenegildo Zegna and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Essex Property Trust (NYSE:ESS Get Free Report) updated its FY 2026 earnings guidance on Wednesday. The company provided earnings per share guidance of 15.690-16.190 for the period, compared to the consensus earnings per share estimate of 10.080. The company issued revenue guidance of -. Essex Property Trust also updated its Q1 2026 guidance to 3.890-4.010 EPS. Essex Property Trust Stock Performance Shares of Essex Property Trust stock traded up $5.42 on Wednesday, reaching $253.01. 779,957 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 600,577. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $256.50 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $260.83. The firm has a market capitalization of $16.29 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 19.23, a PEG ratio of 5.92 and a beta of 0.74. Essex Property Trust has a twelve month low of $243.25 and a twelve month high of $316.29. The company has a quick ratio of 1.18, a current ratio of 1.18 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.15. Get Essex Property Trust alerts: Essex Property Trust (NYSE:ESS Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, February 4th. The real estate investment trust reported $3.98 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $4.00 by ($0.02). Essex Property Trust had a return on equity of 14.68% and a net margin of 45.46%.The business had revenue of $479.63 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $474.66 million. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $3.92 earnings per share. Essex Property Trust has set its FY 2026 guidance at 15.690-16.190 EPS and its Q1 2026 guidance at 3.890-4.010 EPS. Analysts anticipate that Essex Property Trust will post 15.96 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Essex Property Trust Announces Dividend Analyst Ratings Changes The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, January 15th. Investors of record on Friday, January 2nd were given a dividend of $2.57 per share. The ex-dividend date was Friday, January 2nd. This represents a $10.28 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 4.1%. Essex Property Trusts payout ratio is currently 78.12%. ESS has been the topic of several analyst reports. Truist Financial cut their price target on Essex Property Trust from $283.00 to $273.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, December 16th. Wells Fargo & Company lowered their target price on Essex Property Trust from $280.00 to $268.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, November 10th. Wall Street Zen upgraded Essex Property Trust from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Friday, January 23rd. Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c+) rating on shares of Essex Property Trust in a report on Thursday, January 22nd. Finally, Scotiabank lowered their price objective on Essex Property Trust from $294.00 to $284.00 and set a sector outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, November 4th. Six investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and twelve have assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $285.70. Check Out Our Latest Report on ESS Institutional Inflows and Outflows Several large investors have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Norinchukin Bank The boosted its position in Essex Property Trust by 0.6% during the third quarter. Norinchukin Bank The now owns 6,957 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $1,862,000 after acquiring an additional 44 shares during the last quarter. Evergreen Capital Management LLC lifted its stake in Essex Property Trust by 10.1% in the 2nd quarter. Evergreen Capital Management LLC now owns 795 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $227,000 after purchasing an additional 73 shares in the last quarter. Snowden Capital Advisors LLC lifted its stake in Essex Property Trust by 11.7% in the 2nd quarter. Snowden Capital Advisors LLC now owns 771 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $220,000 after purchasing an additional 81 shares in the last quarter. AXA S.A. boosted its holdings in shares of Essex Property Trust by 0.9% during the 2nd quarter. AXA S.A. now owns 9,721 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $2,755,000 after purchasing an additional 85 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Harvest Fund Management Co. Ltd grew its position in shares of Essex Property Trust by 23.0% in the third quarter. Harvest Fund Management Co. Ltd now owns 465 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $124,000 after purchasing an additional 87 shares in the last quarter. 96.51% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. About Essex Property Trust (Get Free Report) Essex Property Trust, Inc (NYSE: ESS) is a publicly traded real estate investment trust that acquires, develops, owns and operates multifamily residential properties. The company focuses on market-rate apartment communities and delivers a full suite of property services including leasing, resident services, asset management, and capital improvement programs designed to preserve and enhance longterm property values. Essex concentrates its portfolio in West Coast markets, with a significant presence in California and the Pacific Northwest. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Essex Property Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Essex Property Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Essex Property Trust (NYSE:ESS Get Free Report) updated its first quarter 2026 earnings guidance on Wednesday. The company provided earnings per share guidance of 3.890-4.010 for the period, compared to the consensus earnings per share estimate of 2.480. The company issued revenue guidance of -. Essex Property Trust also updated its FY 2026 guidance to 15.690-16.190 EPS. Essex Property Trust Price Performance NYSE ESS traded up $5.42 during trading hours on Wednesday, reaching $253.01. The companys stock had a trading volume of 779,957 shares, compared to its average volume of 552,570. Essex Property Trust has a 1-year low of $243.25 and a 1-year high of $316.29. The firm has a market capitalization of $16.29 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 15.58, a P/E/G ratio of 5.89 and a beta of 0.74. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.15, a current ratio of 1.18 and a quick ratio of 1.18. The companys 50-day moving average is $256.50 and its two-hundred day moving average is $260.83. Get Essex Property Trust alerts: Essex Property Trust (NYSE:ESS Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, February 4th. The real estate investment trust reported $3.98 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $4.00 by ($0.02). The company had revenue of $479.63 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $474.66 million. Essex Property Trust had a return on equity of 14.68% and a net margin of 45.46%.During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $3.92 EPS. Essex Property Trust has set its FY 2026 guidance at 15.690-16.190 EPS and its Q1 2026 guidance at 3.890-4.010 EPS. On average, equities analysts predict that Essex Property Trust will post 15.96 EPS for the current year. Essex Property Trust Announces Dividend Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, January 15th. Investors of record on Friday, January 2nd were given a dividend of $2.57 per share. The ex-dividend date was Friday, January 2nd. This represents a $10.28 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 4.1%. Essex Property Trusts dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 78.12%. A number of research analysts recently commented on ESS shares. Barclays reiterated a positive rating and issued a $292.00 price objective on shares of Essex Property Trust in a report on Tuesday, January 13th. Evercore ISI dropped their price objective on shares of Essex Property Trust from $279.00 to $271.00 and set a cautious rating for the company in a report on Monday, November 3rd. Wells Fargo & Company reduced their target price on shares of Essex Property Trust from $280.00 to $268.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a report on Monday, November 10th. Truist Financial reduced their price objective on shares of Essex Property Trust from $283.00 to $273.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, December 16th. Finally, Scotiabank cut their price target on Essex Property Trust from $294.00 to $284.00 and set a sector outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, November 4th. Six analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and twelve have given a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $285.70. View Our Latest Research Report on ESS Key Headlines Impacting Essex Property Trust Here are the key news stories impacting Essex Property Trust this week: Hedge Funds Weigh In On Essex Property Trust Hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Advisory Services Network LLC bought a new stake in shares of Essex Property Trust in the third quarter worth $51,000. MUFG Securities EMEA plc bought a new stake in Essex Property Trust in the second quarter valued at $54,000. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC increased its holdings in shares of Essex Property Trust by 70.1% in the 2nd quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 279 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $79,000 after acquiring an additional 115 shares during the period. Towarzystwo Funduszy Inwestycyjnych PZU SA boosted its position in shares of Essex Property Trust by 60.5% during the third quarter. Towarzystwo Funduszy Inwestycyjnych PZU SA now owns 345 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $92,000 after buying an additional 130 shares during the period. Finally, Harvest Fund Management Co. Ltd boosted its position in Essex Property Trust by 23.0% during the 3rd quarter. Harvest Fund Management Co. Ltd now owns 465 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $124,000 after acquiring an additional 87 shares during the period. 96.51% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Essex Property Trust Company Profile (Get Free Report) Essex Property Trust, Inc (NYSE: ESS) is a publicly traded real estate investment trust that acquires, develops, owns and operates multifamily residential properties. The company focuses on market-rate apartment communities and delivers a full suite of property services including leasing, resident services, asset management, and capital improvement programs designed to preserve and enhance longterm property values. Essex concentrates its portfolio in West Coast markets, with a significant presence in California and the Pacific Northwest. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Essex Property Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Essex Property Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Ethernity Networks Ltd. (LON:ENET Get Free Report) reached a new 52-week low during trading on Monday . The company traded as low as GBX 0.01 and last traded at GBX 0, with a volume of 1466036250 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at GBX 0.01. Ethernity Networks Price Performance The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 21.00, a quick ratio of 1.37 and a current ratio of 0.42. The company has a 50-day moving average of GBX 0.01 and a 200-day moving average of GBX 0.01. The firm has a market capitalization of 40,000.00, a price-to-earnings ratio of 0.00 and a beta of 0.58. About Ethernity Networks (Get Free Report) Ethernity Networks Ltd. provides technology solutions for telecom, mobile, security, and data center markets in Asia, Europe, Israel, and the United States. The company develops and delivers data processing technology and solutions for carrier Ethernet switching. It provides ENET flow processors for telco/cloud network; ACE-NIC40 SmartNIC, an open flow enabled software acceleration NIC; ACE-NIC50 SmartNIC, which offers 10/25G Ethernet connectivity and field-programmable gate array (FPGA) acceleration; and ACE-NIC100 SmartNIC that provides flexible 10/25/40/100G Ethernet connectivity and programmable FPGA acceleration. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Ethernity Networks Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Ethernity Networks and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. ABN AMRO Bank N.V. increased its position in Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM Free Report) by 209.3% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 103,783 shares of the oil and gas companys stock after acquiring an additional 70,231 shares during the period. ABN AMRO Bank N.V.s holdings in Exxon Mobil were worth $11,721,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Norges Bank bought a new stake in shares of Exxon Mobil during the 2nd quarter worth about $6,163,719,000. First Trust Advisors LP increased its stake in shares of Exxon Mobil by 150.2% during the second quarter. First Trust Advisors LP now owns 7,602,601 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $819,560,000 after acquiring an additional 4,563,707 shares during the period. Cerity Partners LLC raised its holdings in Exxon Mobil by 200.7% during the second quarter. Cerity Partners LLC now owns 2,014,446 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $217,162,000 after purchasing an additional 4,015,099 shares in the last quarter. Laurel Wealth Advisors LLC lifted its position in Exxon Mobil by 10,809.8% in the second quarter. Laurel Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 3,095,106 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $333,652,000 after purchasing an additional 3,066,736 shares during the period. Finally, Bessemer Group Inc. boosted its stake in Exxon Mobil by 119.4% during the 3rd quarter. Bessemer Group Inc. now owns 2,672,359 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $301,310,000 after purchasing an additional 1,454,308 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 61.80% of the companys stock. Get Exxon Mobil alerts: More Exxon Mobil News Here are the key news stories impacting Exxon Mobil this week: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth XOM has been the topic of a number of research reports. Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c) rating on shares of Exxon Mobil in a research note on Monday, December 29th. Zacks Research raised Exxon Mobil from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Friday, January 30th. Barclays upped their price target on shares of Exxon Mobil from $140.00 to $145.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Tuesday. Citigroup lifted their price objective on shares of Exxon Mobil from $115.00 to $118.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Wednesday, December 10th. Finally, Loop Capital set a $123.00 target price on shares of Exxon Mobil in a report on Tuesday. Nine equities 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 company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $140.59. Get Our Latest Stock Report on XOM Insider Buying and Selling In other news, VP Darrin L. Talley sold 5,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, February 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $139.75, for a total value of $698,750.00. Following the transaction, the vice president owned 23,584 shares in the company, valued at $3,295,864. This represents a 17.49% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. In the last three months, insiders sold 11,000 shares of company stock worth $1,406,570. Company insiders own 0.03% of the companys stock. Exxon Mobil Stock Performance Exxon Mobil stock opened at $147.58 on Thursday. The firms 50 day simple moving average is $124.49 and its 200-day simple moving average is $116.81. Exxon Mobil Corporation has a fifty-two week low of $97.80 and a fifty-two week high of $147.84. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.13, a current ratio of 1.15 and a quick ratio of 0.79. The company has a market cap of $622.37 billion, a P/E ratio of 22.06, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 15.25 and a beta of 0.39. Exxon Mobil (NYSE:XOM Get Free Report) last announced its 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. The company had revenue of $82.31 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $77.98 billion. Exxon Mobil had a net margin of 8.68% and a return on equity of 11.21%. The companys revenue was down 1.3% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $1.67 EPS. As a group, equities research analysts predict that Exxon Mobil Corporation will post 7.43 EPS for the current year. Exxon Mobil Dividend Announcement The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, March 10th. Investors of record on Thursday, February 12th will be paid a $1.03 dividend. This represents a $4.12 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.8%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, February 12th. Exxon Mobils dividend payout ratio is currently 61.58%. Exxon Mobil Profile (Free Report) Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE: XOM) is an integrated oil and gas company engaged in the exploration, production, refining, distribution and marketing of petroleum products and the manufacture and sale of petrochemicals. Its operations span the full energy value chain, including upstream exploration and development of crude oil and natural gas; midstream transportation and storage; and downstream refining, product distribution and retail. The company also produces a broad range of chemical products for industrial and consumer applications. ExxonMobil markets fuels and lubricants under well-known brands such as Exxon, Mobil and Esso, and its Mobil 1 motor oil is a prominent consumer product. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Exxon Mobil Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Exxon Mobil and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. This article first appeared on GuruFocus. Release Date: February 05, 2026 For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript. Positive Points Aurionpro Solutions Ltd (BOM:532668) reported a strong performance with a 26% increase in revenue from operations for the first nine months of FY26. The company achieved a 23% year-on-year rise in EBITDA, maintaining healthy margins above 20%. Aurionpro Solutions Ltd (BOM:532668) secured several strategic and high-impact wins, including a landmark lending transformation mandate from a leading Singapore bank. The company is expanding its smart transit portfolio, marking its entry into complex and safety-critical solutions with significant orders from Mumbai Metro and Delhi Metro. Aurionpro Solutions Ltd (BOM:532668) is investing in AI-driven innovations, launching platforms like Orion MSP and Orent AI to support secure AI adoption in regulated institutions. Negative Points The company faced a one-off cost item due to the implementation of a new labor code, impacting profit margins for the quarter. Aurionpro Solutions Ltd (BOM:532668) is experiencing short-term capacity challenges due to its strategy to decouple headcount growth from revenue growth. There is uncertainty around the exact cash flow figures for the nine-month period, with the company not providing specific numbers during the call. The company is undergoing a concentrated investment cycle in AI, which may impact short-term financial performance. Aurionpro Solutions Ltd (BOM:532668) acknowledged potential near-term pressure on delivery capacity due to its decision not to increase headcounts significantly. Q & A Highlights Q: Can you provide an update on the cash flow situation for the nine months of FY26? A: Cash flows will be published at the end of the year. As of the middle of the year, we were at about 8% cash flow, similar to previous years. Execution is strong, especially in banking, with several projects going live. We expect cash collections to remain solid, with DSOs around 100 to 110 days. Unidentified_2 Q: There has been a significant increase in intangible assets under development. Can you explain the reasons behind this and the expected returns? A: The increase in intangibles is primarily due to investments in our payments business, Autopay, and significant AI investments. We are pursuing regulatory licenses and grants from various governments. The AI investments are expected to yield significant opportunities, and we are committed to being a leading player in AI for banking and financial services. Unidentified_2 Tidewater (NYSE:TDW Get Free Report) and Petroteq Energy (OTCMKTS:PQEFF Get Free Report) are both energy companies, but which is the superior business? We will compare the two companies based on the strength of their analyst recommendations, profitability, valuation, institutional ownership, earnings, dividends and risk. Valuation & Earnings This table compares Tidewater and Petroteq Energys top-line revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Get Tidewater alerts: Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Tidewater $1.35 billion 2.49 $180.66 million $2.97 22.75 Petroteq Energy N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A Insider & Institutional Ownership Tidewater has higher revenue and earnings than Petroteq Energy. 95.1% of Tidewater shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 0.0% of Petroteq Energy shares are owned by institutional investors. 6.6% of Tidewater shares are owned by company insiders. Comparatively, 0.9% of Petroteq Energy shares are owned by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, endowments and hedge funds believe a stock is poised for long-term growth. Profitability This table compares Tidewater and Petroteq Energys net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Tidewater 11.14% 14.86% 8.01% Petroteq Energy N/A N/A N/A Risk & Volatility Tidewater has a beta of 0.65, indicating that its stock price is 35% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Petroteq Energy has a beta of 373.05, indicating that its stock price is 37,205% more volatile than the S&P 500. Analyst Recommendations This is a summary of recent ratings and price targets for Tidewater and Petroteq Energy, as provided by MarketBeat. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Tidewater 0 6 1 0 2.14 Petroteq Energy 0 0 0 0 0.00 Tidewater currently has a consensus price target of $67.50, indicating a potential downside of 0.10%. Given Petroteq Energys higher possible upside, analysts clearly believe Petroteq Energy is more favorable than Tidewater. Summary Tidewater beats Petroteq Energy on 8 of the 10 factors compared between the two stocks. About Tidewater (Get Free Report) Tidewater Inc., together with its subsidiaries, provides offshore support vessels and marine support services to the offshore energy industry through the operation of a fleet of marine service vessels worldwide. It provides services in support of offshore oil and gas exploration, field development, and production, as well as windfarm development and maintenance, including towing of and anchor handling for mobile offshore drilling units; transporting supplies and personnel necessary to sustain drilling, workover, and production activities; offshore construction, and seismic and subsea support; geotechnical survey support for windfarm construction; and various specialized services, such as pipe and cable laying. The company operates anchor handling towing supply vessels, platform supply vessels, crew boats, utility vessels, and offshore tugs. The company serves integrated and independent oil and gas exploration, field development, and production companies; mid-sized and smaller independent exploration and production companies; foreign government-owned or government-controlled organizations, and other related companies; offshore drilling contractors; and other companies, such as offshore construction, windfarm development, diving, and well stimulation companies. Tidewater Inc. was incorporated in 1956 and is headquartered in Houston, Texas. About Petroteq Energy (Get Free Report) Petroteq Energy Inc., through its subsidiaries, engages in the oil sands mining and processing operations in the United States. It holds rights to mine, extract, and produce oil and associated hydrocarbons and minerals from oil sands containing heavy oil and bitumen under mineral leases covering approximately 1,671,91 acres in the Asphalt Ridge area of Utah, including 320 acres held under the TMC Mineral Lease and an additional 1,351.91 acres held under three Temple Mountain State of Utah's School and Institutional Trust Land Administration Leases. The company also operates rights under five leases covering lands consisting of approximately 5,960 acres situated in Uintah, Wayne, and Garfield Counties, Utah. In addition, it is developing a blockchain-powered supply chain management platform for the oil and gas industry. The company was formerly known as MCW Energy Group Limited and changed its name to Petroteq Energy Inc. in May 2017. Petroteq Energy Inc. was founded in 2010 and is based in Sherman Oaks, California. Receive News & Ratings for Tidewater Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Tidewater and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Flagship Harbor Advisors LLC boosted its position in shares of Capital Group Dividend Value ETF (NYSEARCA:CGDV Free Report) by 131.5% in the third quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The fund owned 196,891 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 111,850 shares during the quarter. Flagship Harbor Advisors LLCs holdings in Capital Group Dividend Value ETF were worth $8,275,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. Other large investors have also made changes to their positions in the company. Washington Trust Advisors Inc. bought a new stake in Capital Group Dividend Value ETF during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $29,000. FNY Investment Advisers LLC purchased a new stake in Capital Group Dividend Value ETF in the 2nd quarter worth $35,000. Banco de Sabadell S.A bought a new stake in Capital Group Dividend Value ETF during the second quarter valued at about $47,000. MassMutual Private Wealth & Trust FSB grew its holdings in Capital Group Dividend Value ETF by 38,200.0% during the 3rd quarter. MassMutual Private Wealth & Trust FSB now owns 1,149 shares of the companys stock valued at $48,000 after buying an additional 1,146 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Trust Co. of Vermont lifted its holdings in shares of Capital Group Dividend Value ETF by 83.0% in the third quarter. Trust Co. of Vermont now owns 1,347 shares of the companys stock worth $57,000 after buying an additional 611 shares in the last quarter. Get Capital Group Dividend Value ETF alerts: Capital Group Dividend Value ETF Stock Performance NYSEARCA CGDV opened at $44.86 on Thursday. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $44.06 and a 200-day moving average price of $42.62. Capital Group Dividend Value ETF has a one year low of $30.94 and a one year high of $45.15. The company has a market capitalization of $28.65 billion, a P/E ratio of 26.59 and a beta of 0.89. Capital Group Dividend Value ETF Increases Dividend Capital Group Dividend Value ETF Profile The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 29th. Stockholders of record on Friday, December 26th were given a $0.1928 dividend. This represents a $0.77 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.7%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, December 26th. This is an increase from Capital Group Dividend Value ETFs previous quarterly dividend of $0.14. (Free Report) The Capital Group Dividend Value ETF (CGDV) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in total market equity. The fund is an actively managed fund that primarily invests in stocks of dividend-paying, large- and mid-cap US companies. The fund seeks to produce income exceeding the average yield on US stocks. CGDV was launched on Feb 22, 2022 and is managed by Capital Group. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CGDV? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Capital Group Dividend Value ETF (NYSEARCA:CGDV Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Capital Group Dividend Value ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Capital Group Dividend Value ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Flagstar Bank, National Association (NYSE:FLG Free Report) had its target price raised by Keefe, Bruyette & Woods from $13.50 to $14.00 in a research report sent to investors on Monday morning,Benzinga reports. They currently have a market perform rating on the stock. Several other equities analysts also recently commented on FLG. Weiss Ratings reiterated a sell (d-) rating on shares of Flagstar Bank, National Association in a report on Thursday, January 22nd. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their price target on Flagstar Bank, National Association from $14.00 to $15.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Tuesday, December 16th. DA Davidson restated a buy rating and set a $14.50 price objective on shares of Flagstar Bank, National Association in a report on Thursday, November 13th. Cantor Fitzgerald upped their price objective on Flagstar Bank, National Association from $15.00 to $16.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Friday, December 19th. Finally, UBS Group decreased their target price on Flagstar Bank, National Association from $13.00 to $11.50 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, November 5th. Five equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, seven have assigned a Hold rating and two have issued a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Flagstar Bank, National Association has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $14.46. Get Flagstar Bank National Association alerts: View Our Latest Stock Analysis on FLG Flagstar Bank, National Association Stock Performance NYSE:FLG opened at $13.98 on Monday. The stocks fifty day moving average is $12.91 and its 200 day moving average is $12.19. Flagstar Bank, National Association has a fifty-two week low of $9.64 and a fifty-two week high of $14.43. The firm has a market capitalization of $5.81 billion, a PE ratio of -27.41, a PEG ratio of 0.67 and a beta of 1.10. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.59, a quick ratio of 0.99 and a current ratio of 1.00. Flagstar Bank, National Association (NYSE:FLG Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Friday, January 30th. The company reported $0.06 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.02 by $0.04. Flagstar Bank, National Association had a negative net margin of 3.68% and a negative return on equity of 1.60%. The company had revenue of $548.00 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $533.00 million. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned ($0.41) earnings per share. Flagstar Bank, National Associations quarterly revenue was down 10.9% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, sell-side analysts anticipate that Flagstar Bank, National Association will post -0.31 earnings per share for the current year. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Flagstar Bank, National Association Large investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Geode Capital Management LLC increased its holdings in shares of Flagstar Bank, National Association by 9.4% in the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 7,462,877 shares of the companys stock valued at $79,116,000 after acquiring an additional 641,117 shares during the period. Alliancebernstein L.P. boosted its position in Flagstar Bank, National Association by 1,130.1% during the second quarter. Alliancebernstein L.P. now owns 6,635,962 shares of the companys stock valued at $70,341,000 after purchasing an additional 6,096,512 shares in the last quarter. Victory Capital Management Inc. boosted its position in Flagstar Bank, National Association by 4.0% during the third quarter. Victory Capital Management Inc. now owns 6,291,647 shares of the companys stock valued at $72,669,000 after purchasing an additional 240,119 shares in the last quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP grew its stake in Flagstar Bank, National Association by 12.8% in the third quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 5,846,016 shares of the companys stock valued at $67,520,000 after purchasing an additional 661,749 shares during the last quarter. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised its holdings in Flagstar Bank, National Association by 310.8% in the third quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 3,825,713 shares of the companys stock worth $44,187,000 after purchasing an additional 2,894,424 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 67.88% of the companys stock. Flagstar Bank, National Association Company Profile (Get Free Report) Flagstar Financial Corporation (NYSE: FLG) is a bank holding company whose principal subsidiary, Flagstar Bank, provides a range of financial services across the United States. Headquartered in Troy, Michigan, Flagstar combines commercial banking, mortgage lending and servicing, and deposit products to serve individuals, businesses and public entities. As a publicly traded company, Flagstar leverages its banking charter and national mortgage platform to deliver tailored financial solutions through both digital and branch channels. The companys mortgage business is one of the largest residential originators and servicers in the nation, offering retail, wholesale and correspondent lending channels. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Flagstar Bank National Association Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Flagstar Bank National Association and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Grupo Aeromexico (NYSE:AERO Get Free Report) have been assigned an average recommendation of Moderate Buy from the nine analysts that are presently covering the company, MarketBeat Ratings reports. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and seven have assigned a buy rating to the company. The average 12-month target price among brokers that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $30.00. A number of research analysts have recently weighed in on AERO shares. Zacks Research raised shares of Grupo Aeromexico to a hold rating in a research note on Thursday, December 18th. Evercore ISI started coverage on shares of Grupo Aeromexico in a report on Wednesday, December 17th. They set an outperform rating and a $36.00 price target for the company. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft started coverage on shares of Grupo Aeromexico in a research report on Wednesday, December 17th. They set a buy rating and a $25.00 target price on the stock. The Goldman Sachs Group began coverage on Grupo Aeromexico in a report on Wednesday, December 17th. They issued a buy rating and a $35.00 price target for the company. Finally, Itau BBA Securities initiated coverage on Grupo Aeromexico in a report on Sunday, November 30th. They issued an outperform rating for the company. Get Grupo Aeromexico alerts: View Our Latest Stock Report on Grupo Aeromexico Grupo Aeromexico Trading Down 5.7% Grupo Aeromexico Company Profile AERO opened at $19.01 on Thursday. Grupo Aeromexico has a one year low of $16.00 and a one year high of $23.05. The businesss fifty day moving average price is $20.34. (Get Free Report) Grupo Aeromexico is the parent company of Aeromexico, Mexicos long-established flag carrier and commercial airline group. The company operates scheduled passenger and cargo services, with a network that connects domestic destinations across Mexico and international markets in the Americas, Europe and Asia. Grupo Aeromexicos operations include mainline services as well as regional flying through its regional affiliates, airport ground-handling and cargo divisions that support its commercial network. The carrier deploys a mix of narrow-body and wide-body aircraft to serve short-, medium- and long-haul routes, using single-aisle jets for domestic and regional markets and wide-body equipment for transcontinental services. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Grupo Aeromexico Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Grupo Aeromexico and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Grupo Simec, S.A. de C.V. (NYSEAMERICAN:SIM Get Free Report) saw strong trading volume on Monday . 1,860 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, an increase of 189% from the previous sessions volume of 644 shares.The stock last traded at $31.25 and had previously closed at $29.00. Grupo Simec Price Performance The firm has a market capitalization of $4.70 billion, a PE ratio of 28.06 and a beta of 0.26. The stocks 50-day moving average price is $29.59 and its 200 day moving average price is $28.39. Get Grupo Simec alerts: Grupo Simec Company Profile (Get Free Report) Grupo Simec (NYSE American: SIM) is a Mexicobased producer and distributor of long steel products, serving construction, infrastructure, industrial and energy markets. The companys core operations encompass the manufacture of merchant bar steel, including reinforcing bar (rebar), wire rod, merchant bars and structural shapes. In parallel, its service centers offer cutting, bending and other valueadded processing services to meet the precise specifications of fabricators and end users. With multiple steel mills located throughout Mexico and an expanding footprint in the United States, Grupo Simec maintains a vertically integrated supply chain that spans rawmaterial sourcing, steelmaking and downstream processing. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Grupo Simec Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Grupo Simec and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. GSK (LON:GSK Get Free Report)s stock had its buy rating reaffirmed by analysts at Shore Capital in a research report issued on Wednesday, MarketBeat.com reports. They presently have a GBX 2,300 price objective on the stock. Shore Capitals price objective would suggest a potential upside of 13.00% from the stocks current price. A number of other brokerages have also recently weighed in on GSK. Citigroup restated a buy rating and issued a GBX 1,900 price objective on shares of GSK in a report on Tuesday, January 27th. UBS Group reaffirmed a neutral rating and set a GBX 1,940 price objective on shares of GSK in a research report on Friday, January 23rd. Jefferies Financial Group reiterated a buy rating and set a GBX 2,100 price objective on shares of GSK in a research note on Wednesday, January 7th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft increased their target price on GSK from GBX 1,600 to GBX 1,675 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research note on Thursday, January 15th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. restated an underweight rating on shares of GSK in a report on Wednesday, January 7th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, three have given a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, GSK has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of GBX 1,867.86. Get GSK alerts: Get Our Latest Research Report on GSK GSK Stock Up 4.6% GSK stock traded up GBX 89.99 during midday trading on Wednesday, hitting GBX 2,035.49. The stock had a trading volume of 72,969,727 shares, compared to its average volume of 10,179,397. The business has a 50-day moving average of GBX 1,833.69 and a two-hundred day moving average of GBX 1,658.22. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 114.64, a current ratio of 0.81 and a quick ratio of 0.73. The firm has a market cap of 82.13 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 15.30, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.24 and a beta of 0.31. GSK has a 52-week low of GBX 1,242.50 and a 52-week high of GBX 2,066. GSK (LON:GSK Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, February 4th. The company reported GBX 172 EPS for the quarter. GSK had a net margin of 8.02% and a return on equity of 18.08%. As a group, equities research analysts forecast that GSK will post 175.980975 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Insiders Place Their Bets In other news, insider Wendy Becker bought 441 shares of the stock in a transaction on Friday, December 19th. The shares were bought at an average price of GBX 1,809 per share, with a total value of 7,977.69. Also, insider Jonathan Symonds bought 1,650 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Monday, December 22nd. The stock was purchased at an average cost of GBX 1,810 per share, for a total transaction of 29,865. Company insiders own 0.20% of the companys stock. About GSK (Get Free Report) GSK plc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the research, development, and manufacture of vaccines, and specialty and general medicines to prevent and treat disease in the United Kingdom, the United States, and internationally. It operates through two segments, Commercial Operations and Total R&D. The company offers shingles, meningitis, respiratory syncytial virus, flu, polio, influenza, and pandemic vaccines. It also provides medicines for HIV, oncology, respiratory/immunology, and other specialty medicine products, as well as inhaled medicines for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and antibiotics for infections. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for GSK Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for GSK and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Harmony Asset Management LLC trimmed its position in shares of ONEOK, Inc. (NYSE:OKE Free Report) by 38.9% during the third quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 30,284 shares of the utilities providers stock after selling 19,274 shares during the quarter. Harmony Asset Management LLCs holdings in ONEOK were worth $2,210,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Bogart Wealth LLC increased its stake in ONEOK by 3.1% in the 2nd quarter. Bogart Wealth LLC now owns 4,031 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $329,000 after buying an additional 122 shares during the last quarter. Empowered Funds LLC grew its holdings in shares of ONEOK by 0.8% in the first quarter. Empowered Funds LLC now owns 17,957 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $1,782,000 after acquiring an additional 137 shares in the last quarter. Focused Wealth Management Inc grew its holdings in shares of ONEOK by 4.3% in the third quarter. Focused Wealth Management Inc now owns 3,441 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $251,000 after acquiring an additional 142 shares in the last quarter. Fidelis Capital Partners LLC increased its position in shares of ONEOK by 4.2% during the second quarter. Fidelis Capital Partners LLC now owns 3,589 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $270,000 after acquiring an additional 144 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Silver Lake Advisory LLC lifted its holdings in ONEOK by 1.4% during the third quarter. Silver Lake Advisory LLC now owns 10,788 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $787,000 after acquiring an additional 147 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 69.13% of the companys stock. Get ONEOK alerts: ONEOK News Summary Here are the key news stories impacting ONEOK this week: Positive Sentiment: Zacks flagged that ONEOK outperformed the market on the session (buying interest despite a weak tape), suggesting idiosyncratic demand or sectorspecific support. Oneok Inc. (OKE) Ascends While Market Falls Zacks flagged that ONEOK outperformed the market on the session (buying interest despite a weak tape), suggesting idiosyncratic demand or sectorspecific support. Neutral Sentiment: Context: volume traded above the stocks average (roughly 5.4M vs ~4.6M), 12month range $64.02$103.64, market cap ~ $50.6B, PE ~14.8 these fundamentals/technicals provide support but do not explain the shortterm move by themselves. Context: volume traded above the stocks average (roughly 5.4M vs ~4.6M), 12month range $64.02$103.64, market cap ~ $50.6B, PE ~14.8 these fundamentals/technicals provide support but do not explain the shortterm move by themselves. Negative Sentiment: US Capital Advisors cut a string of EPS forecasts for ONEOK across quarters and fiscal years examples include Q12026 to $1.44 (from $1.48), Q22026 to $1.45 (from $1.51), Q32026 to $1.49 (from $1.57), Q42026 to $1.58 (from $1.61), FY2026 to $5.96 (from $6.16) and FY2027 to $6.34 (from $6.67). Those downward revisions signal weaker nearterm earnings visibility and could pressure valuation if other analysts follow. MarketBeat: ONEOK analyst notes ONEOK Trading Up 2.6% ONEOK Increases Dividend Shares of OKE opened at $80.34 on Thursday. ONEOK, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $64.02 and a fifty-two week high of $103.64. The business has a 50-day moving average of $74.43 and a 200 day moving average of $73.34. The firm has a market cap of $50.55 billion, a P/E ratio of 14.77, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 4.44 and a beta of 0.96. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.44, a quick ratio of 0.75 and a current ratio of 0.90. The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, February 13th. Investors of record on Monday, February 2nd will be paid a dividend of $1.07 per share. This represents a $4.28 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 5.3%. The ex-dividend date is Monday, February 2nd. This is an increase from ONEOKs previous quarterly dividend of $1.03. ONEOKs dividend payout ratio is currently 78.68%. Analyst Ratings Changes A number of research analysts have issued reports on the company. The Goldman Sachs Group restated a neutral rating and issued a $72.00 price objective on shares of ONEOK in a research note on Monday, November 3rd. Citigroup cut their price target on shares of ONEOK from $102.00 to $95.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Friday, October 31st. Argus upgraded shares of ONEOK from a hold rating to a buy rating and set a $79.00 price target for the company in a research report on Thursday, November 6th. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c) rating on shares of ONEOK in a research report on Monday, December 29th. Finally, Scotiabank reiterated an outperform rating and issued a $91.00 target price on shares of ONEOK in a research note on Friday, January 16th. Eight equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and nine have given a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, ONEOK presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $87.31. View Our Latest Analysis on ONEOK ONEOK Company Profile (Free Report) ONEOK, Inc (NYSE: OKE) is a publicly traded midstream energy company headquartered in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The company owns and operates a portfolio of natural gas and natural gas liquids (NGL) pipelines, processing facilities, fractionators and storage and terminal assets. Its operations are focused on gathering, processing, transporting, fractionating and marketing NGLs and interstate natural gas, providing critical infrastructure that connects hydrocarbon production to refineries, petrochemical plants and other end markets. ONEOKs asset base includes pipeline systems and processing plants that move and condition natural gas, along with infrastructure for the transportation, storage and fractionation of NGLs such as ethane, propane and butane. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding OKE? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for ONEOK, Inc. (NYSE:OKE Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for ONEOK Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for ONEOK and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. High Ground Investment Management LLP lifted its holdings in Humana Inc. (NYSE:HUM Free Report) by 1.7% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The firm owned 503,801 shares of the insurance providers stock after purchasing an additional 8,418 shares during the period. Humana comprises 21.8% of High Ground Investment Management LLPs holdings, making the stock its 2nd biggest position. High Ground Investment Management LLP owned 0.42% of Humana worth $131,074,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of the business. RMR Wealth Builders raised its stake in Humana by 22.2% in the third quarter. RMR Wealth Builders now owns 2,452 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $638,000 after buying an additional 446 shares in the last quarter. Bessemer Group Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Humana by 35.2% in the 3rd quarter. Bessemer Group Inc. now owns 2,681 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $698,000 after acquiring an additional 698 shares during the period. BI Asset Management Fondsmaeglerselskab A S raised its position in shares of Humana by 6.5% in the 3rd quarter. BI Asset Management Fondsmaeglerselskab A S now owns 17,059 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $4,438,000 after acquiring an additional 1,038 shares in the last quarter. Savant Capital LLC lifted its stake in shares of Humana by 16.2% during the 3rd quarter. Savant Capital LLC now owns 15,671 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $4,077,000 after purchasing an additional 2,186 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Unison Advisors LLC boosted its position in Humana by 0.4% during the third quarter. Unison Advisors LLC now owns 10,137 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $2,646,000 after purchasing an additional 37 shares in the last quarter. 92.38% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Humana alerts: Humana News Roundup Here are the key news stories impacting Humana this week: Humana Trading Down 0.5% NYSE HUM opened at $192.14 on Thursday. Humana Inc. has a 12-month low of $186.00 and a 12-month high of $315.35. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $253.63 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $263.34. The company has a current ratio of 2.02, a quick ratio of 2.02 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.68. The stock has a market cap of $23.11 billion, a P/E ratio of 18.01, a P/E/G ratio of 1.60 and a beta of 0.44. Humana (NYSE:HUM Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 5th. The insurance provider reported $3.24 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.95 by $0.29. Humana had a net margin of 1.02% and a return on equity of 12.86%. The firm had revenue of $32.65 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $31.99 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the company earned $4.16 earnings per share. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 11.1% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, analysts forecast that Humana Inc. will post 16.47 earnings per share for the current year. Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of equities analysts have commented on HUM shares. Wolfe Research boosted their target price on shares of Humana from $300.00 to $325.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Thursday, January 8th. Truist Financial reduced their price objective on shares of Humana from $300.00 to $285.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a research note on Monday, November 10th. The Goldman Sachs Group lowered their target price on shares of Humana from $235.00 to $215.00 and set a sell rating for the company in a research note on Monday, November 24th. Wells Fargo & Company lowered shares of Humana from an overweight rating to a cautious rating in a report on Wednesday, January 7th. Finally, Morgan Stanley reiterated an underperform rating on shares of Humana in a report on Thursday, December 18th. Eight equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, nine have issued a Hold rating and five have issued a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $293.21. Get Our Latest Research Report on HUM About Humana (Free Report) 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. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Humana Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Humana and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Homestead Advisers Corp lowered its position in Citigroup Inc. (NYSE:C Free Report) by 2.1% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 991,085 shares of the companys stock after selling 21,600 shares during the period. Citigroup makes up approximately 2.4% of Homestead Advisers Corps investment portfolio, making the stock its 12th biggest holding. Homestead Advisers Corps holdings in Citigroup were worth $100,595,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the business. RMR Wealth Builders boosted its holdings in Citigroup by 3.6% during the 3rd quarter. RMR Wealth Builders now owns 12,107 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,229,000 after acquiring an additional 417 shares during the period. ABN AMRO Bank N.V. lifted its position in shares of Citigroup by 4,233.6% during the third quarter. ABN AMRO Bank N.V. now owns 139,412 shares of the companys stock worth $14,180,000 after purchasing an additional 136,195 shares during the last quarter. Castlekeep Investment Advisors LLC grew its holdings in shares of Citigroup by 0.6% in the third quarter. Castlekeep Investment Advisors LLC now owns 36,611 shares of the companys stock worth $3,716,000 after purchasing an additional 210 shares during the last quarter. HighPoint Advisor Group LLC increased its stake in Citigroup by 6.3% in the 3rd quarter. HighPoint Advisor Group LLC now owns 23,466 shares of the companys stock worth $2,382,000 after buying an additional 1,394 shares during the period. Finally, Bessemer Group Inc. lifted its holdings in Citigroup by 6,172.0% during the 3rd quarter. Bessemer Group Inc. now owns 2,904,795 shares of the companys stock valued at $294,838,000 after buying an additional 2,858,481 shares in the last quarter. 71.72% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get Citigroup alerts: Citigroup Stock Performance C stock opened at $117.38 on Thursday. Citigroup Inc. has a one year low of $55.51 and a one year high of $124.17. The firm has a market cap of $210.02 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 16.84, a PEG ratio of 0.75 and a beta of 1.18. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.63, a quick ratio of 0.99 and a current ratio of 1.00. The firm has a 50-day simple moving average of $114.63 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $103.61. Citigroup Dividend Announcement Citigroup ( NYSE:C Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, January 14th. The company reported $1.81 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.65 by $0.16. The company had revenue of $19.87 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $20.99 billion. Citigroup had a net margin of 8.50% and a return on equity of 8.28%. Citigroups revenue for the quarter was up 2.1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted $1.34 earnings per share. On average, equities analysts forecast that Citigroup Inc. will post 7.53 EPS for the current fiscal year. The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, February 27th. Investors of record on Monday, February 2nd will be paid a dividend of $0.60 per share. This represents a $2.40 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.0%. The ex-dividend date is Monday, February 2nd. Citigroups payout ratio is 34.43%. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In C has been the subject of several research analyst reports. Royal Bank Of Canada reaffirmed an outperform rating and set a $121.00 price target on shares of Citigroup in a research note on Thursday, January 15th. Piper Sandler set a $135.00 target price on Citigroup in a research report on Thursday, January 15th. Morgan Stanley upped their target price on Citigroup from $134.00 to $135.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Thursday, January 15th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods boosted their price target on shares of Citigroup from $118.00 to $131.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Wednesday, December 17th. Finally, Weiss Ratings reiterated a buy (b) rating on shares of Citigroup in a research note on Wednesday, January 21st. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, fourteen have given a Buy rating and four have issued a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $125.56. Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on C Citigroup News Summary Here are the key news stories impacting Citigroup this week: Citigroup Company Profile (Free Report) Citigroup Inc is a global financial services company headquartered in New York City with roots tracing back to the City Bank of New York, founded in 1812. The modern Citigroup was created through the 1998 merger of Citicorp and Travelers Group and has since operated as a diversified bank holding company that provides a broad range of banking and financial products and services to consumers, corporations, governments and institutions worldwide. Citis principal businesses include retail and commercial banking, credit card and consumer lending products, wealth management and private banking, and a full suite of institutional services. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding C? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Citigroup Inc. (NYSE:C Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Citigroup Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Citigroup and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Hypermarcas (OTCMKTS:HYPMY Get Free Report)s stock price gapped down before the market opened on Monday . The stock had previously closed at $5.00, but opened at $4.62. Hypermarcas shares last traded at $4.89, with a volume of 137,783 shares trading hands. Hypermarcas Trading Down 3.9% The firm has a fifty day moving average of $4.54 and a 200-day moving average of $4.44. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.61, a quick ratio of 0.84 and a current ratio of 1.27. The stock has a market capitalization of $3.00 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 20.61 and a beta of 0.71. Get Hypermarcas alerts: Hypermarcas (OTCMKTS:HYPMY Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 12th. The company reported $0.13 EPS for the quarter. Hypermarcas had a return on equity of 6.89% and a net margin of 12.03%.The company had revenue of $408.83 million for the quarter. About Hypermarcas Hypermarcas SA is a Brazil-based consumer health and pharmaceutical company whose shares trade over the counter in the United States under the symbol HYPMY. Founded in the early 2000s and headquartered in Rio de Janeiro, the company operates as a holding group for a broad portfolio of branded products in the healthcare and personal care sectors. Through its various subsidiaries, Hypermarcas develops, manufactures and markets prescription and over-the-counter medications, alongside personal care, baby care, home care and nutritional supplement products. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Hypermarcas Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Hypermarcas and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. (Bloomberg) Baidu Inc. (BIDU, 9888.HK) announced plans to issue its first dividend alongside a three-year stock buyback program of as much as $5 billion, moving to reward investors whove endured a multiyear retreat in the Chinese search leaders market value. The Chinese AI and search specialist authorized a buyback program that will cover the period through the end of 2028, it said in a filing on Thursday. Beijing-based Baidu also expects to declare the first payment of a dividend this year, which may include regular or special distributions. The company is due to report earnings this month. Most Read from Bloomberg The internet company, one of Chinas earliest to embrace artificial intelligence, joins Tencent Holdings Ltd. (0700.HK, TCEHY) and Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. (BABA, 9988.HK) in enhancing shareholder returns. Baidu was among the first Chinese companies to roll out a ChatGPT-like service, though it lost leadership in the field to its larger rivals as well as up-and-comers like DeepSeek. Baidus Hong Kong-listed shares advanced as much as 2.4% on Thursday before trimming gains, outperforming the Hang Seng Tech Indexs drop of over 1%. Theyre down about 14% from a 2026 high, and have almost halved from a March 2021 lifetime peak. Its a step in the right direction since one of the common complaints about Baidu is a lack of shareholder returns, said Vey-Sern Ling, managing director at Union Bancaire Privee in Singapore. But $5 billion is not a large amount relative to what they have on the balance sheet and its over three years. They also did not specify how much dividends they intend to pay. In 2024, Alibaba approved a $25 billion stock repurchase program doubling down on the $9.5 billion it green-lit a year earlier after nixing plans to pursue a public listing for its burgeoning cloud division. Tencent last year laid out plans to buy back at least HK$80 billion ($10.2 billion) worth of shares and proposed a 32% hike in its annual dividend for 2025. Beyond the internet sphere, other major Chinese firms listed in Hong Kong are also seeking to shore up investor confidence by buying back their own shares. Among them are Xiaomi Corp., Pop Mart International Group Ltd. and Geely Automobile Holdings Ltd., which have been active in recent trading days. Illinois Tool Works (NYSE:ITW Get Free Report) updated its FY 2026 earnings guidance on Tuesday. The company provided EPS guidance of 11.000-11.400 for the period, compared to the consensus EPS estimate of 11.260. The company issued revenue guidance of $16.4 billion-$16.7 billion, compared to the consensus revenue estimate of $16.5 billion. Analysts Set New Price Targets Several equities research analysts recently weighed in on the stock. Truist Financial increased their target price on shares of Illinois Tool Works from $275.00 to $280.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research note on Wednesday. Weiss Ratings reissued a buy (b-) rating on shares of Illinois Tool Works in a research report on Wednesday, January 28th. Evercore ISI dropped their price objective on shares of Illinois Tool Works from $261.00 to $253.00 and set an underperform rating for the company in a research note on Monday, November 17th. The Goldman Sachs Group reiterated a sell rating and set a $253.00 price objective on shares of Illinois Tool Works in a report on Tuesday. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company raised their price objective on shares of Illinois Tool Works from $250.00 to $270.00 and gave the stock an underweight rating in a report on Wednesday. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, seven have issued a Hold rating and five have issued a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Illinois Tool Works currently has a consensus rating of Reduce and an average target price of $270.69. Get Illinois Tool Works alerts: Read Our Latest Report on ITW Illinois Tool Works Trading Up 1.0% Shares of Illinois Tool Works stock traded up $2.95 on Thursday, hitting $291.75. 725,033 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 1,544,140. The company has a market cap of $84.64 billion, a PE ratio of 27.92, a PEG ratio of 14.94 and a beta of 1.15. The company has a current ratio of 1.21, a quick ratio of 1.11 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.07. The stocks 50 day moving average price is $255.14 and its 200-day moving average price is $255.36. Illinois Tool Works has a 52 week low of $214.66 and a 52 week high of $293.83. Illinois Tool Works (NYSE:ITW Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, February 3rd. The industrial products company reported $2.72 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.69 by $0.03. The firm had revenue of $4.09 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.07 billion. Illinois Tool Works had a net margin of 19.11% and a return on equity of 95.16%. Illinois Tool Workss revenue was up 4.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the firm posted $2.54 EPS. Illinois Tool Works has set its FY 2026 guidance at 11.000-11.400 EPS. Equities research analysts predict that Illinois Tool Works will post 10.39 EPS for the current year. More Illinois Tool Works News Here are the key news stories impacting Illinois Tool Works this week: Institutional Inflows and Outflows A number of institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Osterweis Capital Management Inc. boosted its stake in Illinois Tool Works by 6,240.0% during the 2nd quarter. Osterweis Capital Management Inc. now owns 317 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $78,000 after acquiring an additional 312 shares during the last quarter. Front Street Capital Management Inc. acquired a new stake in Illinois Tool Works in the second quarter worth about $124,000. MUFG Securities EMEA plc acquired a new position in shares of Illinois Tool Works during the 2nd quarter valued at $195,000. Invenio Wealth Partners LLC acquired a new stake in Illinois Tool Works during the third quarter valued at approximately $201,000. Finally, Seven Mile Advisory acquired a new position in shares of Illinois Tool Works in the 3rd quarter valued at $219,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 79.77% of the companys stock. Illinois Tool Works Company Profile (Get Free Report) Illinois Tool Works Inc (ITW) is a diversified industrial manufacturer that designs and produces a broad array of engineered products, consumables and related service solutions for industrial customers. Its offerings span engineered fastening systems, specialty components, industrial equipment, welding products, foodservice and packaging equipment, adhesives and polymer products, and test-and-measurement technologies. These products are used as critical inputs by customers across automotive, construction, electronics, foodservice, maintenance and other industrial end markets. The company operates a decentralized business model in which independently managed businesses focus on niche product lines and close customer relationships. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Illinois Tool Works Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Illinois Tool Works and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. PPG Industries, Inc. (NYSE:PPG Get Free Report) CFO Vincent Morales sold 29,672 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, February 4th. The shares were sold at an average price of $125.00, for a total transaction of $3,709,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief financial officer directly owned 28,439 shares in the company, valued at $3,554,875. The trade was a 51.06% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. PPG Industries Price Performance Shares of PPG stock traded down $1.14 on Thursday, hitting $124.81. 1,309,379 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 2,376,549. PPG Industries, Inc. has a 12 month low of $90.24 and a 12 month high of $126.47. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.74, a current ratio of 1.47 and a quick ratio of 1.08. The stock has a market cap of $28.01 billion, a P/E ratio of 18.01, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.79 and a beta of 1.16. The company has a 50 day moving average of $106.44 and a 200 day moving average of $105.63. Get PPG Industries alerts: PPG Industries (NYSE:PPG Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, January 27th. The specialty chemicals company reported $1.51 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.57 by ($0.06). The business had revenue of $3.91 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.77 billion. PPG Industries had a net margin of 9.93% and a return on equity of 22.67%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 5.0% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the business posted $1.61 EPS. PPG Industries has set its FY 2026 guidance at 7.700-8.100 EPS. On average, equities research analysts predict that PPG Industries, Inc. will post 7.95 EPS for the current year. PPG Industries Dividend Announcement Institutional Trading of PPG Industries The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, March 12th. Shareholders of record on Friday, February 20th will be given a dividend of $0.71 per share. This represents a $2.84 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.3%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, February 20th. PPG Industriess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 40.92%. Hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Walnut Level Capital LLC raised its holdings in shares of PPG Industries by 46.8% in the 2nd quarter. Walnut Level Capital LLC now owns 62,754 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock valued at $7,138,000 after purchasing an additional 20,000 shares in the last quarter. GAM Holding AG lifted its position in shares of PPG Industries by 97.5% during the 3rd quarter. GAM Holding AG now owns 21,281 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock valued at $2,237,000 after buying an additional 10,508 shares in the last quarter. Vest Financial LLC lifted its stake in PPG Industries by 17.4% in the 2nd quarter. Vest Financial LLC now owns 526,269 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock valued at $59,863,000 after buying an additional 78,022 shares in the last quarter. Columbia Advisory Partners LLC acquired a new position in PPG Industries during the second quarter worth $318,000. Finally, Empower Advisory Group LLC increased its stake in PPG Industries by 9.3% during the second quarter. Empower Advisory Group LLC now owns 77,252 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock worth $8,787,000 after acquiring an additional 6,559 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 81.86% of the companys stock. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of equities research analysts recently issued reports on PPG shares. KeyCorp reissued a sector weight rating on shares of PPG Industries in a report on Thursday, January 29th. Bank of America reduced their target price on PPG Industries from $118.00 to $116.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a report on Thursday, January 8th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c-) rating on shares of PPG Industries in a research report on Wednesday, January 28th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their target price on shares of PPG Industries from $117.00 to $126.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Thursday, January 29th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company increased their price target on shares of PPG Industries from $130.00 to $135.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Thursday, January 29th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seven have assigned a Buy rating and eleven have given a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, PPG Industries presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $123.71. View Our Latest Stock Analysis on PPG Industries PPG Industries Company Profile (Get Free Report) PPG Industries is a global supplier of paints, coatings and specialty materials that serves industrial, transportation, consumer and construction markets. Founded in 1883 as the Pittsburgh Plate Glass Company, PPG has evolved from its origins in glass manufacturing into a diversified coatings and materials company headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The company develops and manufactures a broad array of products used to protect and enhance surfaces, from consumer paints to highly engineered coatings for demanding industrial applications. PPGs product portfolio includes architectural and decorative paints, automotive original equipment and refinish coatings, industrial coatings for machinery and equipment, protective and marine coatings, aerospace and defense coatings, and packaging coatings and materials. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for PPG Industries Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for PPG Industries and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Flagship Harbor Advisors LLC reduced its position in shares of Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF (NYSEARCA:PPA Free Report) by 10.6% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 35,595 shares of the companys stock after selling 4,208 shares during the period. Flagship Harbor Advisors LLC owned about 0.08% of Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF worth $5,533,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of PPA. Benjamin Edwards Inc. raised its stake in Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF by 1.2% in the third quarter. Benjamin Edwards Inc. now owns 5,724 shares of the companys stock valued at $891,000 after buying an additional 69 shares in the last quarter. National Wealth Management Group LLC increased its holdings in shares of Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF by 1.3% in the 2nd quarter. National Wealth Management Group LLC now owns 5,445 shares of the companys stock valued at $772,000 after acquiring an additional 71 shares during the last quarter. Ellis Investment Partners LLC increased its holdings in shares of Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF by 0.5% in the 2nd quarter. Ellis Investment Partners LLC now owns 16,053 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,274,000 after acquiring an additional 73 shares during the last quarter. Smith Moore & CO. raised its position in shares of Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF by 3.4% during the 2nd quarter. Smith Moore & CO. now owns 2,347 shares of the companys stock worth $333,000 after acquiring an additional 77 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Guardian Asset Advisors LLC lifted its stake in Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF by 0.8% during the second quarter. Guardian Asset Advisors LLC now owns 10,512 shares of the companys stock worth $1,489,000 after purchasing an additional 79 shares during the last quarter. Get Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF alerts: Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF Stock Down 2.8% Shares of PPA opened at $171.26 on Thursday. The company has a market capitalization of $7.67 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 30.91 and a beta of 0.87. Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF has a 52-week low of $100.39 and a 52-week high of $181.31. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $163.74 and a 200 day moving average price of $155.34. Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF Company Profile PowerShares Aerospace & Defense Portfolio (Fund) seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield of the SPADE Defense Index (the Index). The Index is designed to identify a group of companies involved in the development, manufacturing, operations and support of the United States defense, homeland security and aerospace operations. The modified market-cap portfolio is rebalanced quarterly and reconstituted annually. The Fund will normally invest at least 90% of its total assets in common stocks that comprise the Index. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PPA? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF (NYSEARCA:PPA Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. iShares Core Canadian Universe Bond Index ETF (TSE:XBB Get Free Report) shares were up 0% during mid-day trading on Wednesday . The stock traded as high as C$28.27 and last traded at C$28.24. Approximately 148,956 shares were traded during mid-day trading, a decline of 30% from the average daily volume of 213,444 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$28.23. iShares Core Canadian Universe Bond Index ETF Price Performance The stock has a fifty day moving average of C$28.25 and a two-hundred day moving average of C$28.30. iShares Core Canadian Universe Bond Index ETF Company Profile (Get Free Report) The investment objective of the Fund is to provide income by replicating, to the extent possible, the performance of the FTSE Canada Universe Bond Index the Index, net of expenses. To achieve its investment objective the fund uses an indexing strategy to achieve its investment objective. Under this strategy, the Fund seeks to replicate the performance of the Index, net of expenses, by employing, directly or indirectly, through investment in one or more exchange-traded funds managed by BlackRock Canada or an affiliate and or through the use of derivatives, a replicating strategy or sampling strategy. See Also Receive News & Ratings for iShares Core Canadian Universe Bond Index ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Core Canadian Universe Bond Index ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. iShares Silver Trust (NYSEARCA:SLV Get Free Report) gapped down prior to trading on Thursday . The stock had previously closed at $79.18, but opened at $68.23. iShares Silver Trust shares last traded at $67.0520, with a volume of 53,612,567 shares trading hands. More iShares Silver Trust News Here are the key news stories impacting iShares Silver Trust this week: Get iShares Silver Trust alerts: iShares Silver Trust Stock Down 12.1% The stock has a market cap of $38.31 billion, a PE ratio of -8.51 and a beta of 0.38. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $70.03 and a 200-day moving average of $50.68. Institutional Investors Weigh In On iShares Silver Trust iShares Silver Trust Company Profile Large investors have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Teacher Retirement System of Texas increased its holdings in shares of iShares Silver Trust by 259.9% in the 4th quarter. Teacher Retirement System of Texas now owns 1,400,000 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $90,188,000 after purchasing an additional 1,011,000 shares in the last quarter. Quadrature Capital Ltd boosted its holdings in iShares Silver Trust by 1,691.5% during the third quarter. Quadrature Capital Ltd now owns 960,353 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $40,681,000 after buying an additional 906,747 shares in the last quarter. GLOBALT Investments LLC GA acquired a new position in iShares Silver Trust during the second quarter worth about $29,459,000. Guggenheim Capital LLC increased its holdings in iShares Silver Trust by 1,557.6% in the second quarter. Guggenheim Capital LLC now owns 914,527 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $30,006,000 after buying an additional 859,355 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Mainstay Capital Management LLC ADV increased its holdings in iShares Silver Trust by 478.6% in the third quarter. Mainstay Capital Management LLC ADV now owns 999,890 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $42,365,000 after buying an additional 827,089 shares in the last quarter. (Get Free Report) iShares Silver Trust (the Trust) owns silver transferred to the Trust in exchange for shares issued by the Trust. The Trusts each share represents a fractional undivided beneficial interest in its net assets. The assets of the Trust consist of silver held by the Trusts custodian on behalf of the Trust. The activities of the Trust are limited to issuing baskets of shares in exchange for the silver deposited with the custodian as consideration, selling silver as necessary to cover the sponsors fee, Trust expenses not assumed by the sponsor and other liabilities, and delivering silver in exchange for baskets of shares surrendered for redemption. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for iShares Silver Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Silver Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Itau Unibanco (NYSE:ITUB Get Free Report) released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday. The bank reported $0.17 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.20 by ($0.03), Zacks reports. Itau Unibanco had a return on equity of 19.60% and a net margin of 16.30%.The company had revenue of $7.62 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $8.98 billion. Itau Unibanco Price Performance Itau Unibanco stock traded up $0.16 during mid-day trading on Thursday, reaching $8.65. The company had a trading volume of 10,322,271 shares, compared to its average volume of 25,632,832. The company has a market capitalization of $95.75 billion, a P/E ratio of 12.35, a P/E/G ratio of 1.03 and a beta of 0.62. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.33, a current ratio of 1.58 and a quick ratio of 1.58. Itau Unibanco has a 1 year low of $4.73 and a 1 year high of $9.10. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is $7.55 and its 200-day simple moving average is $7.09. Get Itau Unibanco alerts: Itau Unibanco Announces Dividend The business also recently announced a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, January 11th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, December 2nd will be given a dividend of $0.0032 per share. This represents a c) annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.4%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, December 2nd. Itau Unibancos payout ratio is presently 4.29%. Analyst Ratings Changes ITUB has been the topic of a number of recent analyst reports. Weiss Ratings reiterated a buy (b) rating on shares of Itau Unibanco in a research note on Monday, December 29th. Zacks Research raised shares of Itau Unibanco from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Tuesday, January 13th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their price target on Itau Unibanco from $6.80 to $7.77 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Tuesday, November 25th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, two have given a Buy rating and one has assigned a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Buy and a consensus target price of $7.77. Get Our Latest Analysis on Itau Unibanco Hedge Funds Weigh In On Itau Unibanco A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of ITUB. Royal Bank of Canada raised its stake in Itau Unibanco by 11.7% during the first quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 445,578 shares of the banks stock valued at $2,450,000 after buying an additional 46,608 shares in the last quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Itau Unibanco by 28.5% in the first quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 4,996,699 shares of the banks stock worth $27,482,000 after acquiring an additional 1,107,607 shares in the last quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC raised its holdings in Itau Unibanco by 332.4% during the 2nd quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 6,966 shares of the banks stock worth $47,000 after buying an additional 5,355 shares during the period. Guggenheim Capital LLC raised its holdings in Itau Unibanco by 11.7% in the 2nd quarter. Guggenheim Capital LLC now owns 118,405 shares of the banks stock valued at $804,000 after acquiring an additional 12,442 shares in the last quarter. Finally, First Trust Advisors LP increased its position in Itau Unibanco by 425.3% in the 2nd quarter. First Trust Advisors LP now owns 356,467 shares of the banks stock valued at $2,420,000 after acquiring an additional 288,602 shares during the period. Itau Unibanco Company Profile (Get Free Report) Itau Unibanco SA (NYSE: ITUB) is a Brazilian banking and financial services conglomerate headquartered in Sao Paulo. The company was formed by the merger of Banco Itau and Unibanco in 2008 and is one of the largest private-sector banks in Brazil and among the leading banks in Latin America. Itau Unibanco is publicly listed in Brazil and maintains an international listing on the New York Stock Exchange. The bank offers a full range of financial products and services across retail, commercial and wholesale banking. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Itau Unibanco Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Itau Unibanco and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Whirlpool (NYSE:WHR Free Report) had its price target cut by JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $78.00 to $76.00 in a research report report published on Monday,Benzinga reports. They currently have a neutral rating on the stock. Several other brokerages also recently issued reports on WHR. Weiss Ratings reiterated a sell (d) rating on shares of Whirlpool in a report on Wednesday, January 21st. The Goldman Sachs Group reduced their target price on shares of Whirlpool from $107.00 to $93.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Monday, October 13th. Stifel Nicolaus dropped their price target on shares of Whirlpool from $82.00 to $75.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, January 30th. Zacks Research upgraded shares of Whirlpool from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Tuesday, January 13th. Finally, Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of Whirlpool from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Saturday, November 1st. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, two have given a Buy rating, three have issued a Hold rating and three have assigned a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, Whirlpool presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $85.43. Get Whirlpool alerts: Read Our Latest Analysis on Whirlpool Whirlpool Trading Up 2.6% WHR opened at $87.72 on Monday. Whirlpool has a fifty-two week low of $65.35 and a fifty-two week high of $111.96. The firm has a market capitalization of $4.93 billion, a PE ratio of 15.53, a P/E/G ratio of 1.39 and a beta of 1.25. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.06, a current ratio of 0.76 and a quick ratio of 0.40. The companys 50-day moving average is $79.16 and its 200 day moving average is $80.77. Whirlpool (NYSE:WHR Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, January 28th. The company reported $1.10 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.54 by ($0.44). The company had revenue of $4.10 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.27 billion. Whirlpool had a net margin of 2.04% and a return on equity of 12.98%. Whirlpools revenue for the quarter was down 1.0% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $4.57 EPS. Whirlpool has set its FY 2026 guidance at 7.000-7.000 EPS. As a group, research analysts predict that Whirlpool will post 9.52 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Institutional Inflows and Outflows A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans grew its stake in shares of Whirlpool by 0.8% during the second quarter. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans now owns 13,194 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,338,000 after buying an additional 109 shares during the last quarter. Old North State Wealth Management LLC boosted its holdings in Whirlpool by 5.2% during the 4th quarter. Old North State Wealth Management LLC now owns 2,889 shares of the companys stock valued at $209,000 after acquiring an additional 143 shares during the period. Hotchkis & Wiley Capital Management LLC boosted its holdings in Whirlpool by 0.3% during the 3rd quarter. Hotchkis & Wiley Capital Management LLC now owns 52,944 shares of the companys stock valued at $4,161,000 after acquiring an additional 144 shares during the period. Gamco Investors INC. ET AL grew its position in Whirlpool by 3.0% in the 2nd quarter. Gamco Investors INC. ET AL now owns 5,150 shares of the companys stock valued at $522,000 after acquiring an additional 150 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Creative Planning increased its stake in Whirlpool by 1.6% in the second quarter. Creative Planning now owns 9,776 shares of the companys stock worth $992,000 after purchasing an additional 157 shares during the period. 90.78% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Whirlpool Company Profile (Get Free Report) Whirlpool Corporation is a leading global manufacturer and marketer of home appliances, with a product portfolio that spans major categories such as laundry, refrigeration, cooking, dishwashing and small electrics. Headquartered in Benton Harbor, Michigan, the company designs, produces and distributes its appliances through a network of wholly owned manufacturing facilities, joint ventures and third-party partners. Whirlpool serves both retail and professional markets, offering products under its flagship Whirlpool brand as well as several well-known names including Maytag, KitchenAid, JennAir, Amana, Brastemp and Consul. In its laundry segment, Whirlpool provides top- and front-load washing machines, dryers and combination units designed to balance energy efficiency, capacity and convenience. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Whirlpool Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Whirlpool and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of KBC Group SA (OTCMKTS:KBCSY Get Free Report) saw an uptick in trading volume on Thursday . 55,247 shares were traded during mid-day trading, an increase of 192% from the previous sessions volume of 18,929 shares.The stock last traded at $70.07 and had previously closed at $71.51. Analyst Ratings Changes A number of research firms have recently weighed in on KBCSY. Citigroup reissued a neutral rating on shares of KBC Group in a research note on Monday, November 24th. Royal Bank Of Canada restated a sector perform rating on shares of KBC Group in a report on Monday, November 17th. Barclays lowered KBC Group from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a research report on Tuesday, December 2nd. Morgan Stanley reiterated an overweight rating on shares of KBC Group in a research report on Friday, November 14th. Finally, Zacks Research cut shares of KBC Group from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Friday, October 10th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, four have issued a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, KBC Group presently has an average rating of Hold. Get KBC Group alerts: View Our Latest Analysis on KBCSY KBC Group Price Performance The company has a market cap of $58.63 billion, a P/E ratio of 14.01, a P/E/G ratio of 1.09 and a beta of 0.54. The companys 50-day moving average price is $66.21 and its 200-day moving average price is $61.30. KBC Group (OTCMKTS:KBCSY Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Thursday, November 13th. The company reported $1.43 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.37 by $0.06. KBC Group had a return on equity of 13.96% and a net margin of 15.91%.The firm had revenue of $3.61 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $3.54 billion. On average, equities research analysts predict that KBC Group SA will post 4.28 EPS for the current year. KBC Group Company Profile (Get Free Report) KBC Group is a Belgian bank-insurance group headquartered in Brussels that combines retail and commercial banking with life and non-life insurance, asset management, leasing and related financial services. The company operates an integrated bank-insurance model designed to serve both individual consumers and corporate clients, offering deposit accounts, lending and mortgage products, payment and treasury services, pension and protection insurance, investment solutions and wealth management. The groups banking activities include retail and private banking, corporate and commercial banking, and specialized finance such as leasing and factoring. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for KBC Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for KBC Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Kite Realty Group Trust (NYSE:KRG Get Free Report) have been assigned an average recommendation of Hold from the eight brokerages that are currently covering the firm, MarketBeat reports. Six investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation and two have issued a buy recommendation on the company. The average 12-month target price among analysts that have covered the stock in the last year is $25.4286. KRG has been the subject of a number of recent analyst reports. UBS Group reissued a neutral rating and issued a $25.00 target price (up previously from $24.00) on shares of Kite Realty Group Trust in a report on Thursday, January 8th. Wells Fargo & Company upgraded shares of Kite Realty Group Trust from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating and increased their price target for the company from $23.00 to $25.00 in a report on Tuesday, October 21st. Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c) rating on shares of Kite Realty Group Trust in a report on Monday, December 29th. Raymond James Financial lowered shares of Kite Realty Group Trust from a strong-buy rating to a market perform rating in a research report on Tuesday, November 11th. Finally, Wall Street Zen downgraded shares of Kite Realty Group Trust from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research report on Saturday, November 1st. Get Kite Realty Group Trust alerts: View Our Latest Report on KRG Kite Realty Group Trust Trading Up 2.3% Kite Realty Group Trust Increases Dividend NYSE KRG opened at $24.18 on Thursday. The stock has a market capitalization of $5.24 billion, a P/E ratio of 37.78, a P/E/G ratio of 5.96 and a beta of 0.91. Kite Realty Group Trust has a 52-week low of $18.51 and a 52-week high of $24.50. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $23.45 and a 200 day moving average price of $22.70. The company has a quick ratio of 0.98, a current ratio of 0.98 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.93. The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, January 16th. Investors of record on Friday, January 9th were issued a dividend of $0.29 per share. This is a boost from Kite Realty Group Trusts previous quarterly dividend of $0.27. This represents a $1.16 annualized dividend and a yield of 4.8%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, January 9th. Kite Realty Group Trusts payout ratio is presently 181.25%. Institutional Inflows and Outflows A number of hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the company. State of Wyoming bought a new stake in shares of Kite Realty Group Trust in the third quarter worth $516,000. Capital Fund Management S.A. bought a new stake in shares of Kite Realty Group Trust in the 2nd quarter worth about $1,882,000. AlphaQuest LLC raised its stake in shares of Kite Realty Group Trust by 227.5% in the 3rd quarter. AlphaQuest LLC now owns 62,930 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $1,403,000 after purchasing an additional 43,716 shares in the last quarter. Wolverine Asset Management LLC bought a new position in shares of Kite Realty Group Trust during the third quarter worth about $4,372,000. Finally, Geode Capital Management LLC grew its stake in Kite Realty Group Trust by 0.7% in the second quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 5,879,464 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $133,183,000 after purchasing an additional 40,017 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 90.81% of the companys stock. Kite Realty Group Trust Company Profile (Get Free Report) Kite Realty Group Trust (NYSE: KRG) is a real estate investment trust that specializes in the ownership, development and management of open-air retail real estate. Headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, the company focuses on acquiring, developing and operating community and neighborhood shopping centers, as well as mixed-use properties that accommodate national, regional and local retailers. Established in 1994, Kite Realty has grown its portfolio through strategic development projects, targeted acquisitions and selective dispositions. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Kite Realty Group Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Kite Realty Group Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Machina Capital S.A.S. decreased its holdings in Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Free Report) by 52.2% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 1,168 shares of the companys stock after selling 1,275 shares during the quarter. Machina Capital S.A.S.s holdings in Eli Lilly and Company were worth $891,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Lazard Freres Gestion S.A.S. lifted its position in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 114.3% during the 2nd quarter. Lazard Freres Gestion S.A.S. now owns 77,295 shares of the companys stock valued at $60,253,000 after acquiring an additional 41,222 shares during the period. Exencial Wealth Advisors LLC raised its stake in Eli Lilly and Company by 189.6% in the third quarter. Exencial Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 17,408 shares of the companys stock valued at $13,283,000 after purchasing an additional 11,396 shares in the last quarter. Rede Wealth LLC bought a new stake in Eli Lilly and Company during the third quarter worth about $487,000. Central Pacific Bank Trust Division grew its stake in Eli Lilly and Company by 25.8% during the third quarter. Central Pacific Bank Trust Division now owns 8,990 shares of the companys stock worth $6,859,000 after buying an additional 1,843 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Oak Family Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in Eli Lilly and Company during the third quarter worth about $1,979,000. Institutional investors own 82.53% of the companys stock. Get Eli Lilly and Company alerts: Trending Headlines about Eli Lilly and Company Here are the key news stories impacting Eli Lilly and Company this week: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of analysts have recently weighed in on the stock. Guggenheim cut their price target on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $1,163.00 to $1,161.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, January 20th. National Bankshares set a $1,286.00 target price on Eli Lilly and Company in a research note on Monday, December 1st. HSBC reaffirmed a hold rating and issued a $1,070.00 target price on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a report on Wednesday, December 10th. Jefferies Financial Group boosted their price target on Eli Lilly and Company from $976.00 to $1,300.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Thursday, January 8th. Finally, Zacks Research lowered Eli Lilly and Company from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Friday, January 30th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eighteen have issued a Buy rating and six have given 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 $1,162.75. View Our Latest Stock Analysis on LLY Eli Lilly and Company Trading Up 10.3% NYSE LLY opened at $1,107.13 on Thursday. The company has a market cap of $1.05 trillion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 54.16, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.76 and a beta of 0.39. Eli Lilly and Company has a twelve month low of $623.78 and a twelve month high of $1,133.95. The company has a quick ratio of 1.24, a current ratio of 1.55 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.71. The businesss fifty day moving average is $1,054.31 and its 200 day moving average is $895.30. Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, February 4th. The company reported $7.54 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $7.48 by $0.06. Eli Lilly and Company had a return on equity of 109.52% and a net margin of 30.99%.The firm had revenue of $19.29 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $17.85 billion. During the same period last year, the company earned $5.32 earnings per share. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 42.6% on a year-over-year basis. Eli Lilly and Company has set its FY 2026 guidance at 33.500-35.000 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts expect that Eli Lilly and Company will post 23.48 EPS for the current fiscal year. Eli Lilly and Company Increases Dividend The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, March 10th. Investors of record on Friday, February 13th will be given a dividend of $1.73 per share. The ex-dividend date is Friday, February 13th. This represents a $6.92 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.6%. This is a boost from Eli Lilly and Companys previous quarterly dividend of $1.50. Eli Lilly and Companys dividend payout ratio is 29.35%. About Eli Lilly and Company (Free Report) Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY) is a global pharmaceutical company founded in 1876 and headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. The company researches, develops, manufactures and commercializes a broad range of medicines and therapies for patients worldwide. Eli Lilly maintains operations and commercial presence across North America, Europe, Asia and other regions, serving both developed and emerging markets. The company has been led in recent years by President and Chief Executive Officer David A. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding LLY? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Eli Lilly and Company Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Eli Lilly and Company and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Bhutan is selling off its Bitcoin in $50 million clips after it began mining the cryptocurrency more than six years ago. Its been a lucrative venture for a country with an annual GDP of just $3.8 billion. The Himalayan kingdom has generated over $765 million in Bitcoin mining profits since 2019, according to Arkham Intelligence. As the country invested roughly $120 million in energy costs to power the mining operation, it has generated a 500% return on that investment. Besides recording record profits, the recent sales also appear to be part of a larger project for the country. Back in December, Bhutans government said it would use 10,000 Bitcoin from its holdings about $420 million worth at todays prices to fund the development of its Gelephu Mindfulness City, meant to be a world-class economic hub in southern Bhutan. The King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, described the project as for our people, our youth, and our nation. The kingdoms killer trade comes as Bitcoin extends its losing spree, falling another 7% to nearly $70,000 on Thursday. Bitcoin is now trading 44% below its all-time high set in October. Along the way, more than $700 million in long positions across a variety of cryptocurrencies have been wiped out over the past day, Coinglass data shows. Some $2 trillion has been wiped out from cryptocurrency markets since their highs in October. US spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds also bled another $545 million on Wednesday, according to DefiLlama data. Nation-states backpeddle Industry leaders like digital asset treasury Strategy and investment manager Fidelity had predicted that countries would buy Bitcoin in 2026. Bank adoption, nation state adoption, is going to increase, Strategy CEO Phong Le said in December. But both Bhutan and El Salvador, two notable holders of Bitcoin, have distanced themselves from the top crypto in recent months. El Salvador walked back from aggressive Bitcoin adoption after striking a $1.4 billion deal with the IMF. And while US President Donald Trump ran his 2024 election campaign, teasing a national reserve, the only Bitcoin the country holds these days is that which has been confiscated as part of criminal proceedings. In August, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the administration had started a Bitcoin strategic reserve, but added that the country wont buy anymore of that. Crypto market movers Bitcoin is down 6% over the past 24 hours, trading at $$71,560. Ethereum is down 5.4% past 24 hours at $$2,136. What were reading Lance Datskoluo is DL News Europe-based markets correspondent. Got a tip? Email him at lance@dlnews.com. Webster Financial (NYSE:WBS Get Free Report) had its price objective reduced by investment analysts at Morgan Stanley from $77.00 to $75.00 in a report released on Thursday,Benzinga reports. The brokerage presently has an equal weight rating on the financial services providers stock. Morgan Stanleys target price would suggest a potential upside of 3.95% from the companys current price. Several other analysts have also commented on the stock. Jefferies Financial Group set a $75.00 target price on shares of Webster Financial in a research note on Wednesday. Weiss Ratings reiterated a buy (b-) rating on shares of Webster Financial in a report on Monday, December 29th. TD Cowen downgraded shares of Webster Financial from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday. Santander lowered shares of Webster Financial to a hold rating in a research note on Wednesday. Finally, Barclays set a $75.00 price objective on Webster Financial in a report on Wednesday. Eight research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and eight have issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Webster Financial has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $74.36. Get Webster Financial alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on WBS Webster Financial Stock Down 0.2% Shares of WBS stock traded down $0.11 during mid-day trading on Thursday, hitting $72.15. The stock had a trading volume of 2,309,762 shares, compared to its average volume of 2,954,265. Webster Financial has a 12-month low of $39.43 and a 12-month high of $73.50. The firms 50-day moving average is $64.17 and its two-hundred day moving average is $60.59. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.40, a current ratio of 0.86 and a quick ratio of 0.86. The firm has a market capitalization of $11.64 billion, a P/E ratio of 12.20, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.92 and a beta of 1.07. Webster Financial (NYSE:WBS Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Friday, January 23rd. The financial services provider reported $1.59 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.52 by $0.07. The company had revenue of $760.48 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $731.95 million. Webster Financial had a return on equity of 11.10% and a net margin of 22.67%.During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $1.43 earnings per share. On average, analysts predict that Webster Financial will post 5.88 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Insider Buying and Selling at Webster Financial In related news, CEO John R. Ciulla sold 8,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, November 17th. The shares were sold at an average price of $55.45, for a total value of $443,600.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer owned 231,872 shares in the company, valued at $12,857,302.40. This trade represents a 3.34% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. Company insiders own 0.54% of the companys stock. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Webster Financial A number of institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Assenagon Asset Management S.A. boosted its holdings in Webster Financial by 959.3% during the 3rd quarter. Assenagon Asset Management S.A. now owns 358,294 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $21,297,000 after acquiring an additional 324,471 shares during the last quarter. Campbell & CO Investment Adviser LLC bought a new position in shares of Webster Financial during the 3rd quarter worth $1,991,000. Norges Bank purchased a new stake in Webster Financial in the 2nd quarter worth about $131,780,000. Pzena Investment Management LLC lifted its holdings in Webster Financial by 1.5% during the second quarter. Pzena Investment Management LLC now owns 1,612,758 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $88,057,000 after purchasing an additional 23,605 shares during the last quarter. Finally, M&T Bank Corp increased its stake in shares of Webster Financial by 550.7% in the second quarter. M&T Bank Corp now owns 44,295 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $2,418,000 after purchasing an additional 37,488 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 85.58% of the companys stock. More Webster Financial News Here are the key news stories impacting Webster Financial this week: Positive Sentiment: Acquisition: Banco Santander agreed to acquire Webster in a cashandstock transaction that provides a nearterm exit and a takeover premium for WBS shareholders; the deal is the main driver pushing WBS higher. Webster Financial Corporation Enters Into Merger Agreement With Banco Santander Acquisition: Banco Santander agreed to acquire Webster in a cashandstock transaction that provides a nearterm exit and a takeover premium for WBS shareholders; the deal is the main driver pushing WBS higher. Neutral Sentiment: Market mechanics: Trading in WBS was temporarily halted when the deal was announced (standard for material M&A news); Santander shares moved lower on the acquisition reaction, which is a crossmarket dynamic but not directly negative for WBSs deal value. Santander shares down after deal Market mechanics: Trading in WBS was temporarily halted when the deal was announced (standard for material M&A news); Santander shares moved lower on the acquisition reaction, which is a crossmarket dynamic but not directly negative for WBSs deal value. Negative Sentiment: Analyst downgrades: Multiple firms (TD Cowen, Jefferies, Stephens and others) cut WBS to Hold/Equal Weight or removed strongbuy ratings, citing that the Santander takeout caps upside and leaves limited room for further share appreciation ahead of closing. Those downgrades pressure sentiment and can weigh on nearterm performance. Stephens downgrades Webster Analyst downgrades: Multiple firms (TD Cowen, Jefferies, Stephens and others) cut WBS to Hold/Equal Weight or removed strongbuy ratings, citing that the Santander takeout caps upside and leaves limited room for further share appreciation ahead of closing. Those downgrades pressure sentiment and can weigh on nearterm performance. Negative Sentiment: Shareholder litigation risk: Several investorrights firms (Kahn Swick & Foti, Halper Sadeh, Johnson Fistel, Ademi and others) have opened investigations into whether the sale price and process are fair, creating potential for litigation, deal delay or pressure for a higher bid a source of uncertainty for investors. Kahn Swick & Foti investor alert Halper Sadeh investigation Webster Financial Company Profile (Get Free Report) Webster Financial Corporation is a bank holding company headquartered in Waterbury, Connecticut. Through its principal subsidiary, Webster Bank, N.A., the company offers a broad range of banking products and financial services to individuals, small businesses, and middle-market commercial clients. Key offerings include deposit accounts, residential and commercial real estate lending, equipment finance, treasury management, and payment processing solutions. In addition to traditional banking services, Webster Financial provides wealth management and insurance products designed to help clients plan for retirement, preserve assets, and manage risk. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Webster Financial Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Webster Financial and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Mueller Water Products (NYSE:MWA Get Free Report) hit a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Thursday following a stronger than expected earnings report. The stock traded as high as $28.66 and last traded at $28.18, with a volume of 229747 shares. The stock had previously closed at $27.52. The industrial products company reported $0.29 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.27 by $0.02. The business had revenue of $318.20 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $315.26 million. Mueller Water Products had a return on equity of 22.75% and a net margin of 13.41%.The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 4.6% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business posted $0.25 EPS. Get Mueller Water Products alerts: Mueller Water Products Dividend Announcement The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, February 20th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, February 10th will be issued a $0.07 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, February 10th. This represents a $0.28 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.0%. Mueller Water Productss dividend payout ratio is presently 23.14%. Mueller Water Products News Roundup Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Here are the key news stories impacting Mueller Water Products this week: Separately, Weiss Ratings reissued a buy (b) rating on shares of Mueller Water Products in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating and two have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Mueller Water Products has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $29.00. Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on Mueller Water Products Insider Activity at Mueller Water Products In related news, Director Brian C. Healy purchased 1,125 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, January 7th. The stock was acquired at an average price of $24.41 per share, for a total transaction of $27,461.25. Following the completion of the purchase, the director directly owned 17,925 shares of the companys stock, valued at $437,549.25. This trade represents a 6.70% increase in their ownership of the stock. The purchase was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, SVP Todd P. Helms sold 15,094 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Thursday, December 4th. The shares were sold at an average price of $24.62, for a total transaction of $371,614.28. Following the completion of the transaction, the senior vice president directly owned 85,917 shares in the company, valued at $2,115,276.54. This represents a 14.94% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. 1.10% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Institutional Trading of Mueller Water Products Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Assenagon Asset Management S.A. boosted its stake in Mueller Water Products by 525.9% in the 3rd quarter. Assenagon Asset Management S.A. now owns 1,393,293 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $35,557,000 after purchasing an additional 1,170,683 shares during the period. Y Intercept Hong Kong Ltd purchased a new stake in shares of Mueller Water Products in the third quarter valued at $692,000. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC boosted its position in shares of Mueller Water Products by 8.7% in the second quarter. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC now owns 282,878 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $6,800,000 after buying an additional 22,718 shares during the period. Triodos Investment Management BV grew its holdings in shares of Mueller Water Products by 2.6% during the second quarter. Triodos Investment Management BV now owns 1,080,000 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $25,963,000 after buying an additional 27,500 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Duff & Phelps Investment Management Co. grew its holdings in shares of Mueller Water Products by 20.7% during the second quarter. Duff & Phelps Investment Management Co. now owns 500,405 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $12,030,000 after buying an additional 85,785 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 91.68% of the companys stock. Mueller Water Products Stock Up 3.0% The firm has a 50-day moving average of $25.29 and a two-hundred day moving average of $25.32. The stock has a market capitalization of $4.43 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 23.33, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.30 and a beta of 1.17. The company has a quick ratio of 2.41, a current ratio of 3.54 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.46. About Mueller Water Products (Get Free Report) Mueller Water Products, Inc is a leading provider of water infrastructure and flow control products and services designed to help water utilities and municipalities manage, control and measure their water distribution systems. The companys portfolio includes a comprehensive range of products such as fire hydrants, valves, pipe repair systems, fittings and couplings, along with advanced metering and monitoring solutions. By combining traditional mechanical components with digital technologies, Mueller Water Products addresses the critical need for reliable and sustainable water distribution across North America. The companys operations are organized around two primary business segments. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Mueller Water Products Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Mueller Water Products and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of OFG Bancorp (NYSE:OFG Get Free Report) have been given a consensus recommendation of Hold by the seven brokerages that are covering the stock, Marketbeat Ratings reports. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have issued a buy rating on the company. The average 1 year price objective among brokers that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $45.8333. OFG has been the topic of a number of research reports. Piper Sandler initiated coverage on shares of OFG Bancorp in a report on Thursday, January 15th. They issued a neutral rating and a $45.00 price objective on the stock. Truist Financial decreased their price target on shares of OFG Bancorp from $48.00 to $44.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, January 26th. Weiss Ratings reissued a buy (b-) rating on shares of OFG Bancorp in a research report on Monday, December 29th. Wells Fargo & Company reduced their price objective on OFG Bancorp from $48.00 to $43.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research note on Monday, October 27th. Finally, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods reiterated a market perform rating and set a $43.00 target price (down from $50.00) on shares of OFG Bancorp in a research report on Friday, January 23rd. Get OFG Bancorp alerts: Read Our Latest Research Report on OFG Bancorp Insider Activity Institutional Trading of OFG Bancorp In other news, Director Jorge Colon sold 25,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Monday, November 10th. The shares were sold at an average price of $40.85, for a total transaction of $1,021,250.00. Following the sale, the director directly owned 27,543 shares in the company, valued at $1,125,131.55. This trade represents a 47.58% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink . Also, Director Jesus Nestor De sold 2,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Monday, December 22nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $42.31, for a total value of $84,620.00. Following the sale, the director directly owned 22,690 shares in the company, valued at approximately $960,013.90. This represents a 8.10% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Insiders have sold a total of 62,500 shares of company stock worth $2,564,302 in the last quarter. 3.11% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Empowered Funds LLC increased its holdings in shares of OFG Bancorp by 211.0% in the 2nd quarter. Empowered Funds LLC now owns 421,742 shares of the banks stock worth $18,051,000 after buying an additional 286,113 shares during the last quarter. Burney Co. bought a new position in shares of OFG Bancorp during the second quarter valued at approximately $10,236,000. CSM Advisors LLC bought a new position in OFG Bancorp in the 2nd quarter valued at $8,235,000. Qube Research & Technologies Ltd increased its stake in OFG Bancorp by 31.6% in the 2nd quarter. Qube Research & Technologies Ltd now owns 554,208 shares of the banks stock worth $23,720,000 after buying an additional 133,046 shares during the period. Finally, First Trust Advisors LP grew its stake in OFG Bancorp by 6.5% in the 3rd quarter. First Trust Advisors LP now owns 1,875,513 shares of the banks stock worth $81,566,000 after acquiring an additional 113,868 shares in the last quarter. 92.73% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. OFG Bancorp Stock Performance OFG stock opened at $40.97 on Thursday. The company has a market cap of $1.80 billion, a P/E ratio of 8.95 and a beta of 0.75. OFG Bancorp has a 1 year low of $33.15 and a 1 year high of $46.11. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.33, a current ratio of 0.87 and a quick ratio of 0.85. The stocks fifty day moving average price is $40.96 and its 200-day moving average price is $41.87. OFG Bancorp (NYSE:OFG Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, January 22nd. The bank reported $1.27 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.16 by $0.11. OFG Bancorp had a return on equity of 15.21% and a net margin of 22.72%.The company had revenue of $185.37 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $184.17 million. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $1.09 earnings per share. OFG Bancorps revenue for the quarter was up 1.9% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, equities analysts forecast that OFG Bancorp will post 4.18 earnings per share for the current year. OFG Bancorp Increases Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, April 15th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, March 31st will be given a dividend of $0.35 per share. This represents a $1.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.4%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, March 31st. This is an increase from OFG Bancorps previous quarterly dividend of $0.30. OFG Bancorps payout ratio is presently 26.20%. OFG Bancorp declared that its Board of Directors has initiated a share buyback plan on Wednesday, January 28th that authorizes the company to buyback $200.00 million in shares. This buyback authorization authorizes the bank to purchase up to 12% of its stock through open market purchases. Stock buyback plans are often an indication that the companys management believes its stock is undervalued. OFG Bancorp Company Profile (Get Free Report) OFG Bancorp, through its principal subsidiary Oriental Bank, is a financial holding company headquartered in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The company provides a wide range of banking services, including commercial and consumer deposit accounts, small business loans, corporate lending, treasury management, and cash management solutions. Its consumer offerings encompass personal checking and savings accounts, credit cards, and electronic banking platforms designed to serve retail customers across its markets. In addition to traditional banking products, OFG Bancorp offers mortgage origination and servicing, as well as wealth management and trust services for highnetworth individuals and institutional clients. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for OFG Bancorp Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for OFG Bancorp and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Principal Financial Group Inc. lowered its stake in ONEOK, Inc. (NYSE:OKE Free Report) by 1.0% during the third quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 776,453 shares of the utilities providers stock after selling 7,543 shares during the quarter. Principal Financial Group Inc. owned 0.12% of ONEOK worth $56,658,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. A number of other large investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. City Holding Co. purchased a new stake in shares of ONEOK during the third quarter worth $28,000. Winnow Wealth LLC acquired a new position in ONEOK during the third quarter worth about $28,000. Global Wealth Strategies & Associates purchased a new stake in ONEOK during the 3rd quarter valued at about $29,000. Financial Consulate Inc. acquired a new stake in ONEOK in the 3rd quarter valued at about $29,000. Finally, Access Investment Management LLC purchased a new position in ONEOK in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $33,000. 69.13% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get ONEOK alerts: ONEOK Trading Up 2.6% OKE opened at $80.34 on Thursday. ONEOK, Inc. has a 52 week low of $64.02 and a 52 week high of $103.64. The company has a quick ratio of 0.75, a current ratio of 0.90 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.44. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $74.43 and a 200-day simple moving average of $73.34. The firm has a market cap of $50.55 billion, a P/E ratio of 14.77, a P/E/G ratio of 4.44 and a beta of 0.96. ONEOK Increases Dividend Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, February 13th. Stockholders of record on Monday, February 2nd will be paid a $1.07 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, February 2nd. This is a positive change from ONEOKs previous quarterly dividend of $1.03. This represents a $4.28 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 5.3%. ONEOKs payout ratio is 78.68%. A number of research firms have recently issued reports on OKE. Wells Fargo & Company dropped their price target on ONEOK from $90.00 to $82.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, October 30th. Raymond James Financial restated an outperform rating and issued a $82.00 target price (down from $100.00) on shares of ONEOK in a report on Friday, October 24th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c) rating on shares of ONEOK in a report on Monday, December 29th. Morgan Stanley reissued an overweight rating and issued a $104.00 price objective on shares of ONEOK in a report on Wednesday, January 28th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group started coverage on shares of ONEOK in a research report on Tuesday, January 20th. They set a hold rating and a $80.00 price objective for the company. Eight analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and nine have issued a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, ONEOK presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $87.31. Get Our Latest Research Report on OKE More ONEOK News Here are the key news stories impacting ONEOK this week: Positive Sentiment: Zacks flagged that ONEOK outperformed the market on the session (buying interest despite a weak tape), suggesting idiosyncratic demand or sectorspecific support. Oneok Inc. (OKE) Ascends While Market Falls Zacks flagged that ONEOK outperformed the market on the session (buying interest despite a weak tape), suggesting idiosyncratic demand or sectorspecific support. Neutral Sentiment: Context: volume traded above the stocks average (roughly 5.4M vs ~4.6M), 12month range $64.02$103.64, market cap ~ $50.6B, PE ~14.8 these fundamentals/technicals provide support but do not explain the shortterm move by themselves. Context: volume traded above the stocks average (roughly 5.4M vs ~4.6M), 12month range $64.02$103.64, market cap ~ $50.6B, PE ~14.8 these fundamentals/technicals provide support but do not explain the shortterm move by themselves. Negative Sentiment: US Capital Advisors cut a string of EPS forecasts for ONEOK across quarters and fiscal years examples include Q12026 to $1.44 (from $1.48), Q22026 to $1.45 (from $1.51), Q32026 to $1.49 (from $1.57), Q42026 to $1.58 (from $1.61), FY2026 to $5.96 (from $6.16) and FY2027 to $6.34 (from $6.67). Those downward revisions signal weaker nearterm earnings visibility and could pressure valuation if other analysts follow. MarketBeat: ONEOK analyst notes About ONEOK (Free Report) ONEOK, Inc (NYSE: OKE) is a publicly traded midstream energy company headquartered in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The company owns and operates a portfolio of natural gas and natural gas liquids (NGL) pipelines, processing facilities, fractionators and storage and terminal assets. Its operations are focused on gathering, processing, transporting, fractionating and marketing NGLs and interstate natural gas, providing critical infrastructure that connects hydrocarbon production to refineries, petrochemical plants and other end markets. ONEOKs asset base includes pipeline systems and processing plants that move and condition natural gas, along with infrastructure for the transportation, storage and fractionation of NGLs such as ethane, propane and butane. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for ONEOK Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for ONEOK and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Canadian Natural Resources, Canadian Pacific Kansas City, and Canadian National Railway are the three Canadian stocks to watch today, according to MarketBeats stock screener tool. Canadian stocks are equity shares of companies that are incorporated in or primarily operate from Canada and are traded on Canadian exchanges such as the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX). For investors they provide exposure to the Canadian economyoften heavy in resources, financials and industrialsare priced in Canadian dollars, and are subject to Canadian regulatory and tax rules. These companies had the highest dollar trading volume of any Canadian stocks within the last several days. Get alerts: 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). Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CP) Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited, together with its subsidiaries, owns and operates a transcontinental freight railway in Canada, the United States, and Mexico. The company transports bulk commodities, including grain, coal, potash, fertilizers, and sulphur; merchandise freight, such as forest products, energy, chemicals and plastics, metals, minerals, consumer products, and automotive; and intermodal traffic comprising retail goods in overseas containers. Read Our Latest Research Report on CP Canadian National Railway (CNI) Canadian National Railway Company, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the rail, intermodal, trucking, and marine transportation and logistics business in Canada and the United States. The company provides rail services, which include equipment, custom brokerage services, transloading and distribution, business development and real estate, and private car storage services; and intermodal services, such as temperature controlled cargo, port partnerships, and logistics parks. Read Our Latest Research Report on CNI See Also ProShares UltraShort Bloomberg Natural Gas (NYSEARCA:KOLD Get Free Report)s share price gapped up prior to trading on Monday . The stock had previously closed at $13.58, but opened at $18.59. ProShares UltraShort Bloomberg Natural Gas shares last traded at $18.74, with a volume of 19,787,955 shares changing hands. ProShares UltraShort Bloomberg Natural Gas Trading Down 7.9% The businesss fifty day moving average is $30.89 and its 200 day moving average is $32.69. Get ProShares UltraShort Bloomberg Natural Gas alerts: Institutional Inflows and Outflows Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of KOLD. Centric Wealth Management acquired a new stake in ProShares UltraShort Bloomberg Natural Gas in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $4,232,000. IMC Chicago LLC bought a new position in shares of ProShares UltraShort Bloomberg Natural Gas during the 4th quarter worth approximately $1,960,000. 1248 Management LLC raised its holdings in shares of ProShares UltraShort Bloomberg Natural Gas by 25.0% in the second quarter. 1248 Management LLC now owns 3,000 shares of the companys stock valued at $77,000 after purchasing an additional 600 shares during the last quarter. Headlands Technologies LLC bought a new stake in shares of ProShares UltraShort Bloomberg Natural Gas in the second quarter worth $61,000. Finally, Two Sigma Securities LLC acquired a new position in ProShares UltraShort Bloomberg Natural Gas during the second quarter worth $756,000. About ProShares UltraShort Bloomberg Natural Gas The ProShares UltraShort Bloomberg Natural Gas (KOLD) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the Bloomberg Natural Gas Subindex index. The fund provides daily -2x exposure to an index that tracks natural gas by holding one second month futures contract at a time. KOLD was launched on Oct 4, 2011 and is managed by ProShares. See Also Receive News & Ratings for ProShares UltraShort Bloomberg Natural Gas Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for ProShares UltraShort Bloomberg Natural Gas and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Rolls-Royce Holdings plc (LON:RR Free Report) had its price objective hoisted by Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft from GBX 1,290 to GBX 1,550 in a report released on Monday morning, MarketBeat reports. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft currently has a buy rating on the stock. Separately, Berenberg Bank raised Rolls-Royce Holdings plc to a hold rating and boosted their price objective for the stock from GBX 240 to GBX 1,080 in a research note on Monday, October 20th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and three have assigned a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of GBX 1,244. Get Rolls-Royce Holdings plc alerts: Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on Rolls-Royce Holdings plc Rolls-Royce Holdings plc Price Performance Insider Buying and Selling at Rolls-Royce Holdings plc RR opened at GBX 1,217.50 on Monday. The company has a market capitalization of 104.42 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 44.38, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.55 and a beta of 1.82. Rolls-Royce Holdings plc has a 1-year low of GBX 196.45 and a 1-year high of GBX 537.20. The business has a 50 day moving average price of GBX 1,175.86 and a two-hundred day moving average price of GBX 1,126.47. In related news, insider Tufan Erginbilgic sold 6,128 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, November 28th. The stock was sold at an average price of GBX 1,065, for a total transaction of 65,263.20. Also, insider Wendy Mars acquired 167 shares of the stock in a transaction on Monday, December 8th. The shares were bought at an average price of GBX 1,096 per share, for a total transaction of 1,830.32. In the last quarter, insiders have bought 775 shares of company stock worth $897,553 and have sold 19,783 shares worth $22,879,196. Corporate insiders own 0.04% of the companys stock. Rolls-Royce Holdings plc Company Profile (Get Free Report) Rolls-Royce Holdings plc develops and delivers complex power and propulsion solutions for air, sea, and land in the United Kingdom and internationally. The company operates through four segments: Civil Aerospace, Defence, Power Systems, and New Markets. The Civil Aerospace segment develops, manufactures, markets, and sells aero engines for large commercial aircraft, regional jet, and business aviation markets, as well as provides aftermarket services. The Defence segment is involved in the development, manufacture, marketing, and sale of military aero engines, naval engines, and submarine nuclear power plants, as well as offers aftermarket services. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Rolls-Royce Holdings plc Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Rolls-Royce Holdings plc and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Savant Capital LLC boosted its position in shares of iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF (BATS:USMV Free Report) by 8.0% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 96,356 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 7,131 shares during the period. Savant Capital LLCs holdings in iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF were worth $9,167,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in USMV. Post Resch Tallon Group Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF by 6.9% in the 3rd quarter. Post Resch Tallon Group Inc. now owns 7,258 shares of the companys stock valued at $690,000 after purchasing an additional 470 shares during the last quarter. Hantz Financial Services Inc. acquired a new stake in iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF in the third quarter valued at about $66,000. Ashton Thomas Private Wealth LLC grew its holdings in iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF by 4.2% during the third quarter. Ashton Thomas Private Wealth LLC now owns 42,083 shares of the companys stock worth $4,004,000 after acquiring an additional 1,711 shares during the period. Cornerstone Planning Group LLC boosted its holdings in iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF by 1,325.4% during the third quarter. Cornerstone Planning Group LLC now owns 1,853 shares of the companys stock worth $173,000 after buying an additional 1,723 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Physician Wealth Advisors Inc. increased its stake in iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF by 1.4% in the 3rd quarter. Physician Wealth Advisors Inc. now owns 13,379 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,273,000 after purchasing an additional 186 shares in the last quarter. Get iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF alerts: iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF Trading Up 7.3% Shares of USMV opened at $95.08 on Thursday. The company has a 50-day moving average of $94.56 and a two-hundred day moving average of $94.12. The stock has a market cap of $24.26 billion, a P/E ratio of 22.90 and a beta of 0.72. iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF has a 12-month low of $83.99 and a 12-month high of $95.12. iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF Profile The iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF (USMV) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the MSCI USA Minimum Volatility (USD) index. The fund tracks an index of US-listed firms selected and weighted to create a low-volatility portfolio subject to various constraints. USMV was launched on Oct 18, 2011 and is managed by BlackRock. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding USMV? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF (BATS:USMV Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Siemens Healthineers (OTCMKTS:SMMNY Get Free Report) posted its earnings results on Thursday. The company reported $0.29 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.26 by $0.03, reports. The business had revenue of $6.37 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $5.29 billion. Siemens Healthineers Trading Up 0.5% SMMNY stock opened at $24.93 on Friday. The company has a fifty day moving average price of $25.90 and a 200 day moving average price of $26.67. Siemens Healthineers has a 12 month low of $23.28 and a 12 month high of $30.19. Get Siemens Healthineers alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of equities analysts recently commented on SMMNY shares. Sanford C. Bernstein raised shares of Siemens Healthineers to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, January 13th. Citigroup reaffirmed a buy rating on shares of Siemens Healthineers in a research note on Friday, January 23rd. Zacks Research upgraded Siemens Healthineers from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Monday, January 12th. Royal Bank Of Canada initiated coverage on shares of Siemens Healthineers in a report on Wednesday, December 17th. They issued a moderate buy rating on the stock. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft lowered Siemens Healthineers from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Thursday, December 4th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, two have issued a Buy rating and two have assigned a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Siemens Healthineers has a consensus rating of Buy. Siemens Healthineers Company Profile (Get Free Report) Siemens Healthineers AG is a leading global medical technology company that develops, manufactures and distributes a broad range of products and services for the healthcare sector. Headquartered in Erlangen, Germany, the company focuses on diagnostic and therapeutic imaging, in vitro diagnostics and advanced digital health solutions. As a spin-off from Siemens AG, Siemens Healthineers has leveraged decades of engineering expertise to establish a comprehensive portfolio that addresses critical needs in modern healthcare. The companys core offerings include magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), X-ray and molecular imaging systems, as well as laboratory diagnostics equipment and point-of-care testing devices. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Siemens Healthineers Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Siemens Healthineers and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Southwest Airlines (NYSE:LUV Free Report) had its price objective lifted by UBS Group from $45.00 to $51.00 in a research report released on Monday,Benzinga reports. The brokerage currently has a neutral rating on the airlines stock. LUV has been the subject of a number of other research reports. Jefferies Financial Group lifted their target price on Southwest Airlines from $42.00 to $45.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a report on Monday, January 26th. BNP Paribas Exane upped their price objective on shares of Southwest Airlines from $19.00 to $24.00 and gave the stock an underperform rating in a research report on Monday, December 8th. The Goldman Sachs Group boosted their price target on shares of Southwest Airlines from $29.00 to $32.00 and gave the stock a sell rating in a research note on Friday, January 30th. Wells Fargo & Company raised their price objective on shares of Southwest Airlines from $45.00 to $50.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research report on Friday, January 30th. Finally, Evercore ISI increased their target price on Southwest Airlines from $40.00 to $45.00 and gave the company an in-line rating in a research note on Thursday, January 29th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seven have assigned a Buy rating, ten have given a Hold rating and four have issued a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Southwest Airlines currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $45.76. Get Southwest Airlines alerts: View Our Latest Stock Report on Southwest Airlines Southwest Airlines Trading Up 2.7% Shares of Southwest Airlines stock opened at $52.55 on Monday. The firm has a market cap of $27.18 billion, a PE ratio of 62.56, a P/E/G ratio of 0.37 and a beta of 1.15. Southwest Airlines has a 1 year low of $23.82 and a 1 year high of $52.77. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.57, a current ratio of 0.52 and a quick ratio of 0.45. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $41.72 and a 200-day moving average price of $35.50. Southwest Airlines (NYSE:LUV Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, January 28th. The airline reported $0.58 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.56 by $0.02. Southwest Airlines had a net margin of 1.57% and a return on equity of 6.18%. The company had revenue of $7.44 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $7.51 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $0.56 EPS. Southwest Airliness revenue was up 7.4% on a year-over-year basis. Southwest Airlines has set its FY 2026 guidance at 4.000- EPS and its Q1 2026 guidance at 0.450- EPS. Equities research analysts anticipate that Southwest Airlines will post 1.55 EPS for the current year. Southwest Airlines Announces Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, January 16th. Stockholders of record on Friday, December 26th were paid a dividend of $0.18 per share. This represents a $0.72 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.4%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, December 26th. Southwest Airliness dividend payout ratio is 85.71%. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Ameriprise Financial Inc. increased its position in Southwest Airlines by 43.7% during the 3rd quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. now owns 12,335,167 shares of the airlines stock valued at $393,615,000 after purchasing an additional 3,753,183 shares during the period. JPMorgan Chase & Co. grew its position in shares of Southwest Airlines by 13.6% in the 3rd quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 12,218,086 shares of the airlines stock worth $389,879,000 after buying an additional 1,459,235 shares during the period. Artisan Partners Limited Partnership grew its holdings in Southwest Airlines by 0.9% in the second quarter. Artisan Partners Limited Partnership now owns 10,763,935 shares of the airlines stock worth $349,182,000 after purchasing an additional 98,290 shares during the period. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership lifted its holdings in shares of Southwest Airlines by 2,403.8% during the second quarter. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership now owns 10,120,368 shares of the airlines stock valued at $328,305,000 after purchasing an additional 9,716,160 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Invesco Ltd. raised its stake in Southwest Airlines by 9.2% during the third quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 6,837,197 shares of the airlines stock valued at $218,175,000 after buying an additional 577,326 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 80.82% of the companys stock. Southwest Airlines Company Profile (Get Free Report) Southwest Airlines Co is a U.S.-based low-cost carrier that operates a point-to-point domestic and near-international airline network. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, the company primarily flies Boeing 737 aircraft and offers no-frills, single-class service designed to keep fares competitive. Southwests operating model emphasizes high aircraft utilization, quick turnaround times and an open seating policy, allowing customers to board and select seats on a first-come, first-served basis. Founded in 1967 by Herb Kelleher and Rollin King as Air Southwest Company, Southwest began commercial service in 1971, initially connecting Dallas, Houston and San Antonio. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Southwest Airlines Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Southwest Airlines and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Big Tech CEOs this week brushed aside worries that AI will evaporate the competitive moats of established software companies, even as those firms have seen their stocks plunge amid a steep, months-long sell-off. Speaking during the Cisco (CSCO) AI Summit in San Francisco on Tuesday, Nvidia (NVDA) CEO Jensen Huang said, "There's this notion that the tool industry is in decline and will be replaced by AI It is the most illogical thing in the world, and time will prove itself." More from Yahoo Scout Why are enterprise software stocks declining this week? What specific AI threats concern software investors? How do Big Tech CEOs defend software companies? What barriers protect established enterprise software firms? He continued, "If you were a human or robot artificial general robotics would you use tools or reinvent tools? The answer obviously is to use tools like Service Now and SAP." Palantir (PLTR) and Oracle (ORCL) have led declines in big enterprise software stocks this week, both down about 12% over the past three trading sessions. Salesforce (CRM), SAP (SAP), ServiceNow (NOW), Snowflake (SNOW), and Microsoft (MSFT) have also plummeted during the period. Investors worry that such software-as-a-service (SaaS) firms could see their customers develop in-house software solutions using AI tools from large language model providers like Anthropic's (ANTH.PVT) Claude Code, reducing their reliance on providers like Salesforce. There is also concern that AI is lowering barriers for entirely new software players including startups like Aurasell and Artisan AI whose AI-native platforms could directly challenge the competitive advantages of established firms. Those fears have deepened with the recent release of Anthropic's autonomous digital assistant Claude Cowork and new plug-ins for the agent that automate tasks for legal, sales, and marketing teams. Read more: How to protect your portfolio from an AI bubble But Alphabet (GOOG, GOOGL) CEO Sundar Pichai and Rene Haas, CEO of British semiconductor firm Arm (ARM), echoed Huang's commentary, brushing aside those worries. Asked about the gloomy market sentiment on software stocks in a post-earnings call on Wednesday afternoon, Pichai said that "just like it [AI] has been an enabling tool for us across our products and services ... I think the [software] companies who are seizing the moment ... have the same opportunity ahead." AI helped Google Cloud revenue surge 48% from the previous year to $17.7 billion. Pichai said Google's software customers a group that includes Salesforce, Intuit (INTU), and ServiceNow are "incorporating Gemini deeply in critical workflows" to improve their products. Meanwhile, Haas called the fears prompting the software sell-off a "micro-hysteria," per the Financial Times. swisspartners Advisors Ltd increased its holdings in shares of Stellantis N.V. (NYSE:STLA Free Report) by 30.0% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 1,003,085 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 231,565 shares during the period. Stellantis comprises 7.6% of swisspartners Advisors Ltds investment portfolio, making the stock its 7th largest holding. swisspartners Advisors Ltds holdings in Stellantis were worth $9,288,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. FNY Investment Advisers LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Stellantis during the second quarter worth $28,000. Atlantic Union Bankshares Corp purchased a new stake in Stellantis during the 2nd quarter worth about $37,000. MassMutual Private Wealth & Trust FSB increased its holdings in Stellantis by 137.9% during the 3rd quarter. MassMutual Private Wealth & Trust FSB now owns 5,524 shares of the companys stock worth $52,000 after purchasing an additional 3,202 shares during the period. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC raised its position in Stellantis by 63.8% in the 2nd quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 6,286 shares of the companys stock valued at $63,000 after purchasing an additional 2,448 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Caitong International Asset Management Co. Ltd purchased a new position in shares of Stellantis in the 2nd quarter valued at about $74,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 59.48% of the companys stock. Get Stellantis alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets Several analysts recently weighed in on the stock. BNP Paribas Exane cut shares of Stellantis from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a report on Thursday, December 11th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a sell (d) rating on shares of Stellantis in a research note on Wednesday, January 21st. Zacks Research cut Stellantis from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a research note on Friday, January 2nd. DZ Bank raised Stellantis from a strong sell rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Thursday, December 4th. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reiterated a hold rating on shares of Stellantis in a report on Monday, October 13th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, four have given a Buy rating, nine have given a Hold rating and four have issued a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $11.67. Stellantis Trading Up 3.1% NYSE:STLA opened at $10.23 on Thursday. Stellantis N.V. has a 52-week low of $8.39 and a 52-week high of $14.28. The stocks 50 day moving average price is $10.78 and its 200 day moving average price is $10.20. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.37, a quick ratio of 0.77 and a current ratio of 1.06. About Stellantis (Free Report) Stellantis N.V. is a global automotive manufacturer formed through the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) and Groupe PSA, a transaction completed in January 2021. The company designs, manufactures and sells a broad portfolio of passenger cars, light commercial vehicles and related powertrains under a large number of well-known brands, including (but not limited to) Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Citroen, Dodge, Fiat, Jeep, Maserati, Opel, Peugeot, Ram and Vauxhall. Stellantis also provides parts, accessories, service operations and branded aftersales support through legacy networks such as Mopar and regional dealer ecosystems. In addition to vehicle manufacturing, Stellantis operates mobility- and software-related businesses and financial services. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding STLA? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Stellantis N.V. (NYSE:STLA Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Stellantis Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Stellantis and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. STERIS (NYSE:STE Get Free Report) issued an update on its FY 2026 earnings guidance on Wednesday morning. The company provided EPS guidance of 10.150-10.300 for the period, compared to the consensus EPS estimate of 10.220. The company issued revenue guidance of $5.9 billion-$6.0 billion, compared to the consensus revenue estimate of $5.9 billion. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Separately, Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a buy (b) rating on shares of STERIS in a report on Friday, January 9th. Six research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and two have given a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $275.20. Get STERIS alerts: Read Our Latest Analysis on STE STERIS Price Performance Shares of STE traded down $21.36 during trading hours on Thursday, reaching $242.91. 143,719 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 505,105. STERIS has a 12 month low of $204.90 and a 12 month high of $269.44. The company has a current ratio of 2.37, a quick ratio of 1.63 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.27. The stock has a market cap of $23.84 billion, a PE ratio of 34.69 and a beta of 1.03. The firms 50 day simple moving average is $259.17 and its 200-day simple moving average is $249.54. STERIS (NYSE:STE Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, February 4th. The medical equipment provider reported $2.53 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, hitting analysts consensus estimates of $2.53. The company had revenue of $1.50 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.48 billion. STERIS had a net margin of 12.07% and a return on equity of 14.43%. The firms revenue was up 9.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $2.32 EPS. STERIS has set its FY 2026 guidance at 10.150-10.300 EPS. Equities analysts expect that STERIS will post 9.08 EPS for the current year. STERIS Announces Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, March 19th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, February 17th will be given a $0.63 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, February 17th. This represents a $2.52 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.0%. STERISs payout ratio is presently 36.21%. Insider Buying and Selling In other STERIS news, VP John Adam Zangerle sold 15,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, November 11th. The stock was sold at an average price of $265.14, for a total transaction of $3,977,100.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the vice president owned 33,669 shares of the companys stock, valued at $8,926,998.66. This represents a 30.82% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Also, VP Renato Tamaro sold 5,036 shares of STERIS stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, November 18th. The stock was sold at an average price of $257.55, for a total value of $1,297,021.80. Following the completion of the sale, the vice president owned 5,695 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,466,747.25. This represents a 46.93% decrease in their ownership of the stock. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Insiders have sold a total of 25,044 shares of company stock valued at $6,586,218 over the last three months. 1.07% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the company. AQR Capital Management LLC lifted its stake in shares of STERIS by 178.6% in the third quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 1,183,070 shares of the medical equipment providers stock worth $291,704,000 after buying an additional 758,423 shares in the last quarter. Boston Partners purchased a new position in STERIS in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $158,982,000. Orbis Allan Gray Ltd lifted its position in STERIS by 36.0% in the 2nd quarter. Orbis Allan Gray Ltd now owns 2,100,099 shares of the medical equipment providers stock valued at $504,486,000 after acquiring an additional 556,088 shares in the last quarter. Alliancebernstein L.P. lifted its position in STERIS by 101.9% in the 3rd quarter. Alliancebernstein L.P. now owns 418,359 shares of the medical equipment providers stock valued at $103,519,000 after acquiring an additional 211,107 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Bank of America Corp DE boosted its stake in STERIS by 24.3% during the 3rd quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 890,277 shares of the medical equipment providers stock valued at $220,290,000 after purchasing an additional 173,895 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 94.69% of the companys stock. STERIS Company Profile (Get Free Report) STERIS Corporation (NYSE: STE) is a global provider of infection prevention, contamination control and procedural products and services for the healthcare, life sciences, pharmaceutical and medical device industries. The company develops, manufactures and supports a broad portfolio of equipment and consumables designed to reduce risk of infection, maintain sterile environments and support critical clinical and manufacturing procedures. Its offerings include sterilization and decontamination systems, instrument washers and washers-disinfectors, endoscope reprocessing solutions, surgical equipment and procedural disposables, and contamination-control products for cleanrooms and laboratories. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for STERIS Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for STERIS and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Stora Enso Oyj (OTCMKTS:SEOAY Get Free Report)s share price gapped down prior to trading on Monday . The stock had previously closed at $12.3760, but opened at $11.6660. Stora Enso Oyj shares last traded at $11.6540, with a volume of 2,861 shares traded. Analyst Ratings Changes Separately, Citigroup reiterated a buy rating on shares of Stora Enso Oyj in a research note on Monday, January 26th. One equities research analyst has 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 data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $10.80. Get Stora Enso Oyj alerts: View Our Latest Analysis on Stora Enso Oyj Stora Enso Oyj Trading Up 7.6% Stora Enso Oyj Company Profile The stock has a 50-day moving average of $12.21 and a 200 day moving average of $11.57. The company has a quick ratio of 0.80, a current ratio of 1.23 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.35. The stock has a market cap of $9.87 billion, a PE ratio of 1,253.25 and a beta of 0.70. (Get Free Report) Stora Enso Oyj is a Finlandbased provider of renewable solutions in packaging, biomaterials, wooden construction and paper. The company draws on centuries of forest industry experience and leverages sustainable practices to produce a wide array of products, including paperboard for consumer goods, specialty papers for printing and publishing, and pulp for industrial applications. Its portfolio also encompasses wood products such as cross-laminated timber, sawn timber and building components, designed to meet growing demand for environmentally friendly construction materials. Formed through the 1998 merger of Swedish mining and forestry giant Stora and Finnish paper maker Enso, Stora Enso combines deep heritage with ongoing investments in innovation. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Stora Enso Oyj Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Stora Enso Oyj and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of TAL Education Group (NYSE:TAL Get Free Report) have earned an average recommendation of Moderate Buy from the five analysts that are presently covering the company, MarketBeat Ratings reports. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, two have assigned a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company. The average twelve-month price target among analysts that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $15.18. A number of equities research analysts have recently weighed in on TAL shares. Zacks Research upgraded shares of TAL Education Group from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Tuesday. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised TAL Education Group from a neutral rating to an overweight rating and set a $16.00 price objective for the company in a report on Thursday, October 30th. Wall Street Zen upgraded TAL Education Group from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Saturday, January 31st. Macquarie upgraded TAL Education Group from a neutral rating to an outperform rating and set a $18.00 price target on the stock in a research report on Friday, January 30th. Finally, Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c) rating on shares of TAL Education Group in a research report on Monday, December 29th. Get TAL Education Group alerts: Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on TAL Education Group Institutional Trading of TAL Education Group TAL Education Group Stock Down 5.2% Several large investors have recently made changes to their positions in TAL. Prudential PLC lifted its stake in TAL Education Group by 6.0% in the 2nd quarter. Prudential PLC now owns 231,037 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,361,000 after purchasing an additional 13,081 shares during the last quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. increased its holdings in shares of TAL Education Group by 19.4% during the second quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 13,983 shares of the companys stock worth $143,000 after buying an additional 2,268 shares in the last quarter. KBC Group NV lifted its stake in shares of TAL Education Group by 606.2% in the 2nd quarter. KBC Group NV now owns 143,623 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,468,000 after acquiring an additional 123,286 shares during the last quarter. Aviva PLC lifted its stake in shares of TAL Education Group by 3.9% in the 2nd quarter. Aviva PLC now owns 298,838 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,054,000 after acquiring an additional 11,307 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Beck Bode LLC boosted its holdings in shares of TAL Education Group by 15.2% during the 2nd quarter. Beck Bode LLC now owns 524,560 shares of the companys stock valued at $5,361,000 after acquiring an additional 69,087 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 37.79% of the companys stock. Shares of TAL Education Group stock opened at $11.61 on Thursday. The stock has a market capitalization of $7.07 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 24.19, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.43 and a beta of 0.08. TAL Education Group has a twelve month low of $8.50 and a twelve month high of $15.30. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $11.26 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $11.17. TAL Education Group Company Profile (Get Free Report) TAL Education Group is a leading provider of after-school tutoring services in China, specializing in K-12 academic instruction. The company offers a range of programs designed to help primary and secondary school students strengthen their core competencies in subjects such as mathematics, English, Chinese language and science. TAL leverages both in-person learning centers and digital platforms to deliver its curriculum, aiming to support student progress through interactive lessons and personalized study plans. Founded in 2003 and headquartered in Beijing, TAL Education Group has grown into one of Chinas largest private education firms. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for TAL Education Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for TAL Education Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Transdigm Group (NYSE:TDG Get Free Report) announced its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday. The aerospace company reported $8.23 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $7.99 by $0.24, FiscalAI reports. The firm had revenue of $2.29 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.26 billion. Transdigm Group had a negative return on equity of 29.06% and a net margin of 20.50%.The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 13.9% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the firm posted $7.83 earnings per share. Transdigm Group updated its FY 2026 guidance to 37.420-39.340 EPS. Here are the key takeaways from Transdigm Groups conference call: Get Transdigm Group alerts: Raised FY2026 outlook: Management increased full-year guidance with midpoint revenue now at $9.94 billion (+13% YoY) and midpoint EBITDA as-defined at $5.21 billion (+9%), and adjusted EPS midpoint of $38.38 , excluding pending acquisitions. Management increased full-year guidance with midpoint revenue now at (+13% YoY) and midpoint EBITDA as-defined at (+9%), and adjusted EPS midpoint of , excluding pending acquisitions. Strong cash generation and liquidity: Q1 operating cash flow topped $830 million , free cash flow was just under $900 million , ending cash of > $2.5 billion , and unchanged FY26 FCF guidance of $2.4 billion ; management also repurchased > $100 million of stock. Q1 operating cash flow topped , free cash flow was just under , ending cash of > , and unchanged FY26 FCF guidance of ; management also repurchased > of stock. Active, disciplined M&A that fits the model announced purchases of Stellent (~$960M) and Jet Parts Engineering + Victor Sierra (~$2.2B); pro forma M&A capacity remains substantial (management cites ~ $10 billion ). that fits the model announced purchases of (~$960M) and + (~$2.2B); pro forma M&A capacity remains substantial (management cites ~ ). High-margin performance Q1 EBITDA as-defined margin was 52.4% (including ~200 bps dilution from recent deals), and management says margins in base businesses improved more than expected, though they remain conservatively guided for the year. Q1 EBITDA as-defined margin was (including ~200 bps dilution from recent deals), and management says margins in base businesses improved more than expected, though they remain conservatively guided for the year. Demand and bookings are strong but uneven: Q1 bookings outpaced sales across commercial OEM (pro forma +17%), commercial aftermarket (+7%), and defense (+7%), yet management flags OEM recovery as bumpy and aftermarket growth lags peers by ~56 points due to lower engine exposure and distributor/airline lumpiness. Transdigm Group Stock Performance Shares of Transdigm Group stock traded down $16.41 during mid-day trading on Thursday, hitting $1,248.39. 57,864 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 395,454. Transdigm Group has a 12 month low of $1,183.60 and a 12 month high of $1,623.82. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $1,357.77 and a 200 day simple moving average of $1,358.81. The company has a market capitalization of $70.47 billion, a P/E ratio of 40.17, a P/E/G ratio of 2.85 and a beta of 0.92. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of equities analysts have recently issued reports on TDG shares. Morgan Stanley raised their price objective on Transdigm Group from $1,600.00 to $1,660.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Friday, November 14th. Stifel Nicolaus lowered their price target on shares of Transdigm Group from $1,710.00 to $1,650.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Thursday, November 13th. UBS Group reduced their price objective on shares of Transdigm Group from $1,804.00 to $1,800.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday. KeyCorp reiterated a sector weight rating on shares of Transdigm Group in a research report on Thursday. Finally, BNP Paribas Exane assumed coverage on shares of Transdigm Group in a report on Tuesday, November 18th. They issued an outperform rating and a $1,775.00 target price on the stock. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eleven have assigned a Buy rating and six have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Transdigm Group has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $1,584.44. Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on TDG Transdigm Group News Roundup Here are the key news stories impacting Transdigm Group this week: Positive Sentiment: Q1 beat: TransDigm reported stronger-than-expected Q1 results with revenue up ~14% and adjusted EPS above consensus; management raised fiscal2026 sales and adjusted EPS guidance. This supports the companys durable aftermarket pricing power and margin profile. Read More. Q1 beat: TransDigm reported stronger-than-expected Q1 results with revenue up ~14% and adjusted EPS above consensus; management raised fiscal2026 sales and adjusted EPS guidance. This supports the companys durable aftermarket pricing power and margin profile. Read More. Positive Sentiment: M&A / cashflow story: Coverage highlights ~$3.2B of deals that deepen TransDigms aftermarket footprint potentially adding recurring aftermarket cash flow and crosssell opportunities. Read More. M&A / cashflow story: Coverage highlights ~$3.2B of deals that deepen TransDigms aftermarket footprint potentially adding recurring aftermarket cash flow and crosssell opportunities. Read More. Positive Sentiment: Analyst backing remains: UBS kept a Buy rating and a high price target (trimmed slightly to $1,800), implying significant upside from current levels a vote of confidence from a major sellside shop. Read More. Analyst backing remains: UBS kept a Buy rating and a high price target (trimmed slightly to $1,800), implying significant upside from current levels a vote of confidence from a major sellside shop. Read More. Neutral Sentiment: Guidance is a range: management set FY26 EPS and revenue ranges (EPS 37.4239.34; revenue $9.8B$10.0B). The midpoint is roughly in line with consensus, but the range introduces interpretation risk that can create mixed market reactions. Read More. Guidance is a range: management set FY26 EPS and revenue ranges (EPS 37.4239.34; revenue $9.8B$10.0B). The midpoint is roughly in line with consensus, but the range introduces interpretation risk that can create mixed market reactions. Read More. Neutral Sentiment: Drilldown / metrics: Detailed analyst commentary and metric comparisons are available (useful for modeling margins, free cash flow and interest impacts). Read More. Drilldown / metrics: Detailed analyst commentary and metric comparisons are available (useful for modeling margins, free cash flow and interest impacts). Read More. Negative Sentiment: Analyst downgrade citing risks: Robert W. Baird downgraded / reaffirmed neutral and Baird flagged margin pressure and leverage risk; that commentary likely amplified selling pressure. Read More. Analyst downgrade citing risks: Robert W. Baird downgraded / reaffirmed neutral and Baird flagged margin pressure and leverage risk; that commentary likely amplified selling pressure. Read More. Negative Sentiment: Guidance / cost headwinds flagged: Coverage notes higher interest expense and tariff-related issues that could weigh on FY26 profit vs. some sellside expectations. That nuance appears to have dented investor confidence despite the beat. Read More. Guidance / cost headwinds flagged: Coverage notes higher interest expense and tariff-related issues that could weigh on FY26 profit vs. some sellside expectations. That nuance appears to have dented investor confidence despite the beat. Read More. Negative Sentiment: Large insider sales: Director Kevin M. Stein sold tens of thousands of shares (~$68M+ across filings) and the COO sold shares recently these big disclosures often create negative sentiment and can amplify shortterm weakness. Read More. Read More. Insiders Place Their Bets In other Transdigm Group news, Director Kevin M. Stein sold 36,925 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Monday, February 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $1,425.79, for a total value of $52,647,295.75. Following the transaction, the director directly owned 19,233 shares in the company, valued at $27,422,219.07. The trade was a 65.75% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Also, Director Robert J. Small sold 90,953 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, December 9th. The shares were sold at an average price of $1,335.72, for a total value of $121,487,741.16. Following the completion of the transaction, the director owned 68,139 shares in the company, valued at approximately $91,014,625.08. The trade was a 57.17% decrease in their position. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Insiders sold a total of 242,485 shares of company stock valued at $331,932,850 in the last 90 days. Corporate insiders own 4.09% of the companys stock. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Several large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. L2 Asset Management LLC raised its position in shares of Transdigm Group by 5.2% in the 3rd quarter. L2 Asset Management LLC now owns 261 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $344,000 after acquiring an additional 13 shares in the last quarter. Texas Capital Bank Wealth Management Services Inc purchased a new stake in Transdigm Group in the third quarter worth $249,000. Family Management Corp raised its holdings in Transdigm Group by 13.9% in the third quarter. Family Management Corp now owns 213 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $281,000 after purchasing an additional 26 shares in the last quarter. MUFG Securities EMEA plc purchased a new position in Transdigm Group during the second quarter valued at $252,000. Finally, IHT Wealth Management LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Transdigm Group by 20.1% during the 2nd quarter. IHT Wealth Management LLC now owns 185 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $281,000 after buying an additional 31 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 95.78% of the companys stock. Transdigm Group Company Profile (Get Free Report) TransDigm Group Incorporated is a designer, producer and supplier of engineered aircraft components and systems for commercial and military aerospace applications. The companys product portfolio covers a broad range of mission-critical parts and subsystems, including mechanical and electromechanical components, ignition and fuel system parts, sensors and actuators, cockpit and cabin systems, and other safety-critical hardware. TransDigm supplies original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) as well as the aftermarket, providing spare parts, repair and overhaul services and component support throughout an assets life cycle. TransDigms operating model places emphasis on proprietary, niche components that are difficult to replace, and the company operates through a collection of independently run subsidiaries and brands that sell specialized products. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Transdigm Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Transdigm Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Unigold Inc. (CVE:UGD Get Free Report) rose 18.9% during trading on Wednesday . The stock traded as high as C$0.23 and last traded at C$0.22. Approximately 281,524 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, an increase of 59% from the average daily volume of 177,501 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$0.19. Key Unigold News Here are the key news stories impacting Unigold this week: Get Unigold alerts: Neutral Sentiment: Please paste the news articles or URLs you want summarized (up to ~5 recent items). Ill produce an investor-focused summary explaining likely drivers of the stock move and whether items are positive, neutral, or negative for UGD. Please paste the news articles or URLs you want summarized (up to ~5 recent items). Ill produce an investor-focused summary explaining likely drivers of the stock move and whether items are positive, neutral, or negative for UGD. Neutral Sentiment: If you prefer, tell me which types of items to prioritize (press releases, drilling results, financing, M&A, macro/regulatory news). Recent technical/volume data you already provided helps interpret market reaction. If you prefer, tell me which types of items to prioritize (press releases, drilling results, financing, M&A, macro/regulatory news). Recent technical/volume data you already provided helps interpret market reaction. Neutral Sentiment: If you want me to fetch recent public headlines, confirm and Ill attempt to retrieve and summarize the latest coverage (note: I need permission to access external sources). Unigold Stock Up 18.9% The stock has a market capitalization of C$66.17 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -14.00 and a beta of 0.53. The companys 50-day simple moving average is C$0.18 and its 200 day simple moving average is C$0.17. Unigold Company Profile Unigold Inc, a junior natural resource company, focuses on exploring and developing gold projects in Canada and the Dominican Republic. The company also explores for copper, silver, and zinc deposits. It holds an 100% interest in the Neita property covering an area of 21,031 hectares in the Dominican Republic; and the Candelones Oxide project situated in the Dominican Republic. The company was formerly known as Caribgold Resources Inc and changed its name to Unigold Inc in December 2002. Unigold Inc was incorporated in 1990 and is headquartered in Toronto, Canada. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Unigold Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Unigold and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Usinas Siderurgicas de Minas Gerais SA (OTCMKTS:USNZY Get Free Report) gapped down before the market opened on Monday . The stock had previously closed at $1.35, but opened at $1.28. Usinas Siderurgicas de Minas Gerais shares last traded at $1.28, with a volume of 424 shares changing hands. Usinas Siderurgicas de Minas Gerais Trading Down 6.6% The firm has a market cap of $701.21 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -2.61 and a beta of 1.32. The company has a quick ratio of 2.64, a current ratio of 4.21 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.26. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $1.16 and a 200-day moving average price of $1.00. Get Usinas Siderurgicas de Minas Gerais alerts: Usinas Siderurgicas de Minas Gerais Company Profile (Get Free Report) Usinas Siderurgicas de Minas Gerais SA (OTCMKTS: USNZY), widely known as Usiminas, is one of Brazils leading integrated steel producers. The company operates across the full steel value chain, from iron ore mining to the manufacture and distribution of flat steel products. Its portfolio includes hot- and cold-rolled coils, coated sheets, tin plates, plates and tubular products, which serve a broad array of end markets such as construction, automotive, packaging, machinery and energy. Founded in the mid-1950s through a partnership between Brazilian and international investors, Usiminas is headquartered in Belo Horizonte and maintains its principal steelmaking facilities in Ipatinga, Minas Gerais, as well as secondary operations in Cubatao (Sao Paulo) and Santa Cruz. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Usinas Siderurgicas de Minas Gerais Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Usinas Siderurgicas de Minas Gerais and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ Free Report) had its price objective hoisted by Wells Fargo & Company from $41.00 to $44.00 in a research report report published on Monday morning,Benzinga reports. They currently have an equal weight rating on the cell phone carriers stock. Several other analysts also recently weighed in on VZ. Barclays initiated coverage on Verizon Communications in a research report on Thursday, January 22nd. They issued an equal weight rating and a $43.00 price objective for the company. KeyCorp reissued a sector weight rating on shares of Verizon Communications in a research report on Monday, January 26th. BNP Paribas Exane cut shares of Verizon Communications from an outperform rating to a neutral rating and set a $44.00 price objective on the stock. in a research report on Tuesday, October 21st. Royal Bank Of Canada dropped their target price on shares of Verizon Communications from $46.00 to $44.00 and set a sector perform rating for the company in a report on Thursday, October 30th. Finally, Scotiabank boosted their price target on Verizon Communications from $50.50 to $51.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a report on Thursday, October 30th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seven have issued a Buy rating and twelve have issued a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Verizon Communications currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $49.02. Get Verizon Communications alerts: Check Out Our Latest Research Report on VZ Verizon Communications Stock Up 1.6% Shares of NYSE:VZ opened at $46.97 on Monday. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $40.64 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $41.68. The company has a market cap of $198.05 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 11.60, a PEG ratio of 2.95 and a beta of 0.33. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.32, a current ratio of 0.91 and a quick ratio of 0.87. Verizon Communications has a one year low of $38.39 and a one year high of $47.55. Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Friday, January 30th. The cell phone carrier reported $1.09 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.06 by $0.03. The company had revenue of $36.38 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $36.20 billion. Verizon Communications had a return on equity of 19.03% and a net margin of 12.43%.The firms revenue was up 2.0% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $1.10 earnings per share. Verizon Communications has set its FY 2026 guidance at 4.900-4.950 EPS. Analysts anticipate that Verizon Communications will post 4.69 EPS for the current fiscal year. Verizon Communications Increases Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, May 1st. Shareholders of record on Friday, April 10th will be issued a $0.7075 dividend. This represents a $2.83 annualized dividend and a yield of 6.0%. This is a boost from Verizon Communicationss previous quarterly dividend of $0.69. The ex-dividend date is Friday, April 10th. Verizon Communicationss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 68.15%. Insider Buying and Selling at Verizon Communications In other news, EVP Joseph J. Russo sold 9,579 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, February 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $44.88, for a total value of $429,905.52. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president owned 44,045 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,976,739.60. This represents a 17.86% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Company insiders own 0.10% of the companys stock. Institutional Trading of Verizon Communications A number of hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in VZ. Norges Bank bought a new stake in Verizon Communications in the second quarter worth $2,504,150,000. State Street Corp raised its position in shares of Verizon Communications by 3.5% in the 3rd quarter. State Street Corp now owns 215,490,064 shares of the cell phone carriers stock worth $9,470,788,000 after purchasing an additional 7,276,809 shares during the last quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. boosted its stake in Verizon Communications by 1.5% in the 4th quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 379,402,347 shares of the cell phone carriers stock worth $15,453,058,000 after purchasing an additional 5,497,598 shares in the last quarter. Capital World Investors grew its position in Verizon Communications by 51.1% during the 3rd quarter. Capital World Investors now owns 14,512,228 shares of the cell phone carriers stock valued at $637,812,000 after purchasing an additional 4,905,101 shares during the last quarter. Finally, California Public Employees Retirement System increased its stake in Verizon Communications by 21.5% during the 2nd quarter. California Public Employees Retirement System now owns 21,159,040 shares of the cell phone carriers stock valued at $915,552,000 after purchasing an additional 3,743,892 shares in the last quarter. 62.06% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Key Headlines Impacting Verizon Communications Here are the key news stories impacting Verizon Communications this week: Positive Sentiment: Q4 beat and subscriber strength Verizon posted a fourthquarter earnings and revenue beat and reported sizable wireless subscriber additions, which underpins nearterm revenue momentum and investor confidence. InsiderMonkey Q4/Subscriber Adds Q4 beat and subscriber strength Verizon posted a fourthquarter earnings and revenue beat and reported sizable wireless subscriber additions, which underpins nearterm revenue momentum and investor confidence. Positive Sentiment: Analyst upgrades and higher price targets multiple firms have raised price targets or ratings (Citigroup to $50 buy, Evercore/Scotiabank, JPMorgan raised) supporting upside expectations and helping buying interest. Citigroup PT Raise Analyst upgrades and higher price targets multiple firms have raised price targets or ratings (Citigroup to $50 buy, Evercore/Scotiabank, JPMorgan raised) supporting upside expectations and helping buying interest. Positive Sentiment: Shareholder returns and cost actions management is executing cost savings, pursuing a $25B buyback program and recently increased the quarterly dividend, all of which bolster EPS and freecashflow outlook for 2026. Seeking Alpha: Momentum & Buyback Shareholder returns and cost actions management is executing cost savings, pursuing a $25B buyback program and recently increased the quarterly dividend, all of which bolster EPS and freecashflow outlook for 2026. Neutral Sentiment: Analyst and media coverage parsing valuation pieces from Zacks and others are discussing whether the Q4 beat and yield justify repositioning into VZ; useful background but not an immediate catalyst. Zacks Trending Stock Analyst and media coverage parsing valuation pieces from Zacks and others are discussing whether the Q4 beat and yield justify repositioning into VZ; useful background but not an immediate catalyst. Neutral Sentiment: Sector/flow influence some of todays move reflects the S&P 500 Communications Index and sector flows rather than pure companyspecific news. Kalkine Media Sector/flow influence some of todays move reflects the S&P 500 Communications Index and sector flows rather than pure companyspecific news. Negative Sentiment: Regulatory/reputational risk Senator Maria Cantwell said Verizon (and AT&T) are blocking release of Salt Typhoon security assessment reports and requested CEOs testify before Congress, creating potential regulatory scrutiny and reputational risk. Reuters: Senator on Salt Typhoon Regulatory/reputational risk Senator Maria Cantwell said Verizon (and AT&T) are blocking release of Salt Typhoon security assessment reports and requested CEOs testify before Congress, creating potential regulatory scrutiny and reputational risk. Negative Sentiment: Legal/competitive escalation Verizon filed a suit accusing TMobile of false advertising over savings claims; this could intensify competitive spending on promotions and trigger legal costs or a public dispute. Reuters: Verizon sues TMobile Legal/competitive escalation Verizon filed a suit accusing TMobile of false advertising over savings claims; this could intensify competitive spending on promotions and trigger legal costs or a public dispute. Negative Sentiment: Insider selling and margin concerns an EVP disclosed a sizable share sale and analysts warn that heavy 5G/fiber investment, pricelock dynamics and margin pressure could limit multiple expansion. SEC Form 4: Russo Sale Verizon Communications Company Profile (Get Free Report) Verizon Communications Inc (NYSE: VZ) is a major U.S.-based telecommunications company that provides a broad range of communications and information services. Its operations span consumer and business markets, with core offerings that include wireless voice and data services, fixed-line broadband and fiber-optic services, and enterprise networking solutions. Verizon is headquartered in New York City and operates a nationwide wireless network that supports consumer subscribers as well as business and government customers. The companys consumer products include mobile phone plans, unlimited data services, and Fios, its branded fiber-optic internet, television and voice service for homes and small businesses. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Verizon Communications Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Verizon Communications and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Vicat S.A. (OTCMKTS:SDCVF Get Free Report) was the recipient of a large growth in short interest during the month of January. As of January 15th, there was short interest totaling 475 shares, a growth of 20.3% from the December 31st total of 395 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 412 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 1.2 days. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 412 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 1.2 days. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several equities research analysts have recently issued reports on SDCVF shares. Citigroup restated a neutral rating on shares of Vicat in a research note on Monday, January 12th. Oddo Bhf raised shares of Vicat to an outperform rating in a report on Wednesday, January 14th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has issued a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Vicat currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy. Get Vicat alerts: View Our Latest Analysis on SDCVF Vicat Stock Performance Vicat Company Profile SDCVF stock opened at $88.71 on Thursday. Vicat has a 1-year low of $70.00 and a 1-year high of $88.71. The businesss 50 day moving average is $85.75 and its 200-day moving average is $73.31. (Get Free Report) Vicat is a France-based building materials group specializing in the manufacture and distribution of cement, ready-mix concrete, aggregates and specialized construction products. The companys operations span the full value chain of hydraulic binders, from quarrying and raw-material processing to large-scale production facilities and on-site deliveries. In addition to standard cement and concrete offerings, Vicat provides tailored solutions for infrastructure, housing, industrial projects and environmental works, including mortars, gypsum-based products and admixtures. Founded in 1853 by Joseph Vicatson of renowned engineer Louis Vicatthe company pioneered early developments in hydraulic binders and has remained under family influence for much of its history. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Vicat Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Vicat and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Wabash National (NYSE:WNC Get Free Report) announced its earnings results on Wednesday. The company reported ($0.93) EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of ($0.77) by ($0.16), Briefing.com reports. Wabash National had a negative return on equity of 15.21% and a net margin of 15.89%.The firm had revenue of $321.45 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $318.32 million. During the same quarter last year, the business earned ($0.02) EPS. The businesss revenue was down 22.9% compared to the same quarter last year. Here are the key takeaways from Wabash Nationals conference call: Get Wabash National alerts: Q1 2026 guidance Wabash expects revenue of $310M$330M and adjusted EPS of about -$0.95 to -$1.05 , and says Q1 will be the weakest quarter as customer spending remains highly managed amid a soft freight market. Wabash expects revenue of $310M$330M and adjusted EPS of about , and says Q1 will be the weakest quarter as customer spending remains highly managed amid a soft freight market. Idling two plants The company idled Little Falls and Goshen, took ~$16M of noncash charges in Q4 and expects an additional $4M$5M of charges (with ~$1M$2M cash) in H1 2026, while targeting roughly $10M of ongoing annualized cost savings from the actions. The company idled Little Falls and Goshen, took ~$16M of noncash charges in Q4 and expects an additional $4M$5M of charges (with ~$1M$2M cash) in H1 2026, while targeting roughly $10M of ongoing annualized cost savings from the actions. Parts & Services momentum The segment grew 33% yearoveryear (6% sequential), shipped ~550 upfit units in Q4 (2,050 in 2025) and management expects continued growth, margin expansion toward highteens EBITDA over time, and >2,500 upfit units in 2026. The segment grew 33% yearoveryear (6% sequential), shipped ~550 upfit units in Q4 (2,050 in 2025) and management expects continued growth, margin expansion toward highteens EBITDA over time, and >2,500 upfit units in 2026. Liquidity and capital priorities Liquidity was $235M at yearend, fullyear operating cash generation was $12M (free cash flow -$31M excluding a $30M legal settlement), CapEx is expected to be roughly maintenance levels (~$2526M) in 2026, and management plans to prioritize ABL paydown, dividends and disciplined use of excess cash for repurchases or bond repayment as visibility improves. Wabash National Price Performance Shares of NYSE WNC traded down $0.30 during mid-day trading on Thursday, hitting $10.75. 115,927 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 627,534. Wabash National has a twelve month low of $6.78 and a twelve month high of $14.91. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $9.64 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $9.68. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.01, a quick ratio of 0.86 and a current ratio of 1.35. The company has a market cap of $435.39 million, a P/E ratio of 1.77 and a beta of 1.67. Wabash National Dividend Announcement Hedge Funds Weigh In On Wabash National The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, January 29th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, January 8th were given a $0.08 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, January 8th. This represents a $0.32 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.0%. Wabash Nationals payout ratio is 5.26%. A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of WNC. Raymond James Financial Inc. raised its holdings in shares of Wabash National by 12.6% in the second quarter. Raymond James Financial Inc. now owns 18,519 shares of the companys stock valued at $197,000 after buying an additional 2,078 shares during the last quarter. Man Group plc raised its stake in shares of Wabash National by 4.4% in the third quarter. Man Group plc now owns 53,556 shares of the companys stock worth $529,000 after acquiring an additional 2,235 shares during the last quarter. BNP Paribas Financial Markets lifted its position in shares of Wabash National by 104.4% during the third quarter. BNP Paribas Financial Markets now owns 8,085 shares of the companys stock worth $80,000 after purchasing an additional 4,129 shares in the last quarter. UBS Group AG grew its stake in shares of Wabash National by 8.0% during the third quarter. UBS Group AG now owns 66,158 shares of the companys stock valued at $653,000 after purchasing an additional 4,882 shares during the last quarter. Finally, State of Wyoming increased its holdings in shares of Wabash National by 29.6% in the second quarter. State of Wyoming now owns 26,064 shares of the companys stock valued at $277,000 after purchasing an additional 5,960 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 97.05% of the companys stock. More Wabash National News Here are the key news stories impacting Wabash National this week: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of research firms have issued reports on WNC. Zacks Research raised Wabash National from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Monday, January 5th. Weiss Ratings lowered shares of Wabash National from a hold (c-) rating to a sell (d+) rating in a research report on Monday, January 26th. DA Davidson reissued a neutral rating and issued a $9.00 price target on shares of Wabash National in a report on Friday, December 19th. Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of Wabash National from a sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Sunday, November 9th. Finally, National Bankshares set a $9.00 target price on Wabash National in a research report on Thursday, October 23rd. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Reduce and a consensus price target of $9.00. Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on Wabash National Wabash National Company Profile (Get Free Report) Wabash National Corporation (NYSE: WNC) is a leading designer and manufacturer of transportation equipment and supply chain solutions. The companys product portfolio includes dry freight van trailers, refrigerated vans, tank trailers, platform trailers, flatbeds and composite bodies. Wabash National also offers railcar products and modular building solutions, serving customers in a wide range of end markets such as food and beverage, chemicals, agriculture, waste management and construction. Founded in 1985 and headquartered in Lafayette, Indiana, Wabash National has built a reputation for innovation in lightweight materials, advanced manufacturing processes and telematics integration. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Wabash National Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Wabash National and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Speaking at the World Governments Summit in Dubai, billionaire Ray Dalio kept it simple. Despite the negative chatter after golds recent pullback, Dalio feels that the shiny yellow metal is gold is still the safest money. He followed up by saying that the global system is effectively edging closer to a capital war, in which money itself becomes a source of conflict. Over the past month, theres been a ton of activity in precious metals, with gold and silver continuing to rise despite sharp pullbacks. Despite the volatility, Gold is still trading nearly 8% higher month-over-month. Its important to note that it hit an all-time high of $5,608.35 in January before stumbling on the back of Fed-driven dollar strength, but buyers returned anyway. Also, I covered Dalio recently after Davos, where he took a similar view, arguing that allocating 5% to 15% of a portfolio to gold makes sense given market fragility. In Dubai, he essentially reiterated his view, brushing aside concerns that gold is losing relevance. Ray Dalio says gold remains the safest money as global debt pressures raise risk of capital conflictPhoto by Bloomberg on Getty Images Photo by Bloomberg on Getty Images Wall Streets latest gold price targets Using spot gold about $4,931/oz (Feb. 5, 2026) as the baseline: J.P. Morgan: $6,300/oz (end-2026) , about 27.8% upside. Wells Fargo Investment Institute: $6,100 to $6,300/oz (end-2026) , about 23.7% to 27.8% upside. UBS: $6,200/oz , about 25.7% upside (also $5,900/oz (end-2026) , about 19.6% upside ). Bank of America: $6,000/oz (by spring 2026) , about 21.7% upside. Goldman Sachs: $5,400/oz (end-2026), about 9.5% upside. Dalios gold take hits differently Dalios sharp take on gold and markets resonates because he isnt just a TV pundit filling airtime. More Gold: The legendary fund manager founded Bridgewater Associates in 1975, turning it into a macro machine that. At its peak, it became the most valuable hedge fund globally, managing roughly $154 billion in assets as of December 2020. Dalio speaks much more freely these days, after stepping down as Bridgewater's CEO in 2017, leaving the chairmanship in 2021, and fully handing over control by late 2022. Needless to say, his views remain blunt and sharp, focusing on debt cycles, currencies, and the plumbing of financial markets. Moreover, as per Forbes, Dalio boasts a net worth of roughly $15 billion$16 billion, placing him in the upper echelon of investors. Related: Deutsche bank reaffirms gold price target into late 2026 Gold vs. bitcoin vs. stocks since 2020 Shares of Xinyi Glass (OTCMKTS:XYIGF Get Free Report) hit a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Monday . The company traded as high as $1.35 and last traded at $1.35, with a volume of 110 shares. The stock had previously closed at $1.03. Xinyi Glass Stock Up 19.5% The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.07, a quick ratio of 0.82 and a current ratio of 1.18. The companys 50 day moving average is $1.15 and its 200 day moving average is $1.10. Get Xinyi Glass alerts: Xinyi Glass Company Profile (Get Free Report) Xinyi Glass Holdings Limited (OTCMKTS:XYIGF) is a leading manufacturer of glass products serving the architectural, automotive and industrial markets. The company produces a wide range of float glass, energy-efficient coated glass, laminated glass and insulated glass units that are used in commercial and residential buildings, as well as tempered and laminated safety glass for the automotive sector. By leveraging advanced production techniques and stringent quality controls, Xinyi Glass seeks to meet the performance and safety requirements of global building and auto manufacturers. Founded in 1988 and headquartered in Hong Kong, Xinyi Glass has grown from a regional glass processor into one of the largest float glass producers in Mainland China. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Xinyi Glass Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Xinyi Glass and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Yum! Brands, Inc. (NYSE:YUM Get Free Report) reached a new 52-week high during trading on Thursday after the company announced a dividend. The stock traded as high as $163.49 and last traded at $162.67, with a volume of 262271 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at $159.57. The newly announced dividend which will be paid on Friday, March 6th. Stockholders of record on Friday, February 20th will be issued a $0.75 dividend. This represents a $3.00 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.9%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, February 20th. This is a positive change from Yum! Brandss previous quarterly dividend of $0.71. Yum! Brandss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 55.36%. Get Yum! Brands alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In YUM has been the subject of a number of research reports. Sanford C. Bernstein reissued an overweight rating and issued a $179.00 price target on shares of Yum! Brands in a research report on Wednesday, January 7th. BMO Capital Markets reissued a market perform rating and issued a $165.00 target price on shares of Yum! Brands in a report on Thursday. Weiss Ratings reissued a buy (b) rating on shares of Yum! Brands in a research report on Monday, December 29th. Evercore ISI raised Yum! Brands from an in-line rating to an outperform rating and lifted their price target for the stock from $165.00 to $180.00 in a research report on Wednesday, November 5th. Finally, UBS Group reissued a buy rating and issued a $180.00 price objective on shares of Yum! Brands in a report on Monday. Thirteen equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and nine have assigned a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Yum! Brands has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $172.45. Yum! Brands Stock Performance The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $152.84 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $148.91. The company has a market capitalization of $44.91 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 31.59, a PEG ratio of 2.19 and a beta of 0.66. Yum! Brands (NYSE:YUM Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, February 4th. The restaurant operator reported $1.73 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.76 by ($0.03). Yum! Brands had a negative return on equity of 21.79% and a net margin of 17.95%.The company had revenue of $2.51 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.45 billion. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $1.61 EPS. Yum! Brandss revenue for the quarter was up 6.4% compared to the same quarter last year. Research analysts predict that Yum! Brands, Inc. will post 5.94 EPS for the current fiscal year. More Yum! Brands News Here are the key news stories impacting Yum! Brands this week: Positive Sentiment: TD Cowen reaffirmed a Buy on YUM and set a $180 price target (~13% upside from the recent level), signaling continued analyst conviction in Yums long-term growth (Taco Bell momentum and potential re-rating after Pizza Hut actions). TD Cowen Buy Rating TD Cowen reaffirmed a Buy on YUM and set a $180 price target (~13% upside from the recent level), signaling continued analyst conviction in Yums long-term growth (Taco Bell momentum and potential re-rating after Pizza Hut actions). Positive Sentiment: Yum raised its quarterly dividend to $0.75 (a ~5.6% increase), which supports income-focused holders and signals management confidence in cash flow. Dividend Increase Yum raised its quarterly dividend to $0.75 (a ~5.6% increase), which supports income-focused holders and signals management confidence in cash flow. Neutral Sentiment: Top-line beats and same-store sales strength (led by Taco Bell and KFC international growth) show underlying sales momentum, partially offsetting profit concerns. Same-store Sales Beat Top-line beats and same-store sales strength (led by Taco Bell and KFC international growth) show underlying sales momentum, partially offsetting profit concerns. Negative Sentiment: Yum reported Q4 nonGAAP EPS of $1.73, missing consensus by a few cents a near-term catalyst for selling pressure as margins showed stress despite revenue beating estimates. Earnings Miss Yum reported Q4 nonGAAP EPS of $1.73, missing consensus by a few cents a near-term catalyst for selling pressure as margins showed stress despite revenue beating estimates. Negative Sentiment: Yum said it will close about 250 underperforming U.S. Pizza Hut locations and is conducting a strategic review of the brand (including potential sale), raising uncertainty around near-term costs, restructuring and the future contribution from Pizza Hut. Pizza Hut Closures Yum said it will close about 250 underperforming U.S. Pizza Hut locations and is conducting a strategic review of the brand (including potential sale), raising uncertainty around near-term costs, restructuring and the future contribution from Pizza Hut. Negative Sentiment: Management flagged margin pressure (a margin squeeze) even as sales rose, which tempers outlook for near-term profitability and could weigh on multiples until cost leverage returns. Margin Squeeze Management flagged margin pressure (a margin squeeze) even as sales rose, which tempers outlook for near-term profitability and could weigh on multiples until cost leverage returns. Negative Sentiment: Recent insider selling was reported (~$6.3M across insiders), a datapoint some investors view as a cautionary signal even though its not atypical for the executive class. Insider Selling Insider Transactions at Yum! Brands In other news, CEO Scott Mezvinsky sold 276 shares of Yum! Brands stock in a transaction dated Monday, December 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $153.17, for a total value of $42,274.92. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, COO Tracy L. Skeans sold 24,332 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Monday, November 17th. The stock was sold at an average price of $149.10, for a total transaction of $3,627,901.20. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. In the last quarter, insiders sold 27,398 shares of company stock worth $4,090,015. Company insiders own 0.33% of the companys stock. Institutional Trading of Yum! Brands A number of institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of YUM. Salomon & Ludwin LLC increased its stake in shares of Yum! Brands by 679.2% during the 3rd quarter. Salomon & Ludwin LLC now owns 187 shares of the restaurant operators stock worth $28,000 after purchasing an additional 163 shares in the last quarter. Wiser Advisor Group LLC acquired a new stake in Yum! Brands during the 3rd quarter valued at $28,000. Community Bank N.A. acquired a new position in shares of Yum! Brands in the third quarter worth $29,000. Westside Investment Management Inc. lifted its position in shares of Yum! Brands by 81.7% in the third quarter. Westside Investment Management Inc. now owns 198 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $30,000 after acquiring an additional 89 shares in the last quarter. Finally, CNB Bank boosted its stake in shares of Yum! Brands by 833.3% during the third quarter. CNB Bank now owns 224 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $34,000 after acquiring an additional 200 shares during the last quarter. 82.37% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Yum! Brands Company Profile (Get Free Report) Yum! Brands, Inc (NYSE: YUM) is a global quick-service restaurant company that develops, operates and franchises a portfolio of well-known restaurant brands. The companys principal brands are KFC, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell, each focused on distinct product categoriesKFC on fried chicken and related menu items, Pizza Hut on pizza and complementary offerings, and Taco Bell on Mexican-inspired quick-service food. Yum! is headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky and was formed as Tricon Global Restaurants in 1997 when PepsiCo spun off its restaurant businesses, later adopting the Yum! Brands name. The companys operating model centers on brand development, system growth and franchising; a large portion of its restaurants are operated by independent franchisees, and Yum! generates revenue through franchise royalties and fees in addition to sales from company-operated locations. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Yum! Brands Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Yum! Brands and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Zealand Pharma A/S (OTCMKTS:ZLDPF Get Free Report) shares saw an uptick in trading volume on Monday . 13,623 shares were traded during mid-day trading, an increase of 911% from the previous sessions volume of 1,348 shares.The stock last traded at $67.14 and had previously closed at $67.28. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several equities analysts have commented on ZLDPF shares. BTIG Research upgraded Zealand Pharma A/S to a strong-buy rating in a report on Friday, November 28th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reiterated a hold rating on shares of Zealand Pharma A/S in a research note on Tuesday, December 16th. Five investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating and two have given a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Buy. Get Zealand Pharma A/S alerts: View Our Latest Stock Analysis on ZLDPF Zealand Pharma A/S Stock Up 1.4% The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $72.20 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $69.99. The company has a market capitalization of $4.88 billion, a P/E ratio of 4.94 and a beta of 0.72. The company has a quick ratio of 14.10, a current ratio of 14.10 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.02. Zealand Pharma A/S (OTCMKTS:ZLDPF Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, November 13th. The company reported ($0.90) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of ($1.11) by $0.21. Zealand Pharma A/S had a net margin of 71.79% and a return on equity of 55.76%. The business had revenue of $7.76 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.54 million. Equities research analysts anticipate that Zealand Pharma A/S will post -2.19 EPS for the current fiscal year. Zealand Pharma A/S Company Profile (Get Free Report) Zealand Pharma A/S is a Denmarkbased biopharmaceutical company specializing in the discovery, design and development of peptidebased therapeutics. Utilizing proprietary peptide engineering platforms, the company focuses on metabolic and endocrine disorders, including diabetes and rare gastrointestinal diseases. Zealand employs a rational design approach to optimize stability, selectivity and dosing profiles of its candidates, aiming to improve patient outcomes where current treatment options are limited. Among the most advanced assets in Zealands pipeline is dasiglucagon, a stable glucagon analog designed for the emergency treatment of severe hypoglycemia. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Zealand Pharma A/S Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Zealand Pharma A/S and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. India abandoned its strategic partner, Iran, at the most difficult moment for this country. As the Indian NDTV channel reported recently, the government has not invested funds for the development of the Iranian port of Chabahar in the financial budget for 2026. The reason was the tension between Iran and the United States. For several years, India has invested $10 million annually in the development of this Iranian port, which has served as a key trade hub for it with Central Asia and the Middle East. In addition, Chabahar was important for New Delhi in terms of competition with the Pakistani port of Gwadar and transit through Pakistan. In September 2025, the United States expanded sanctions on Iran, while granting India a 6-month exemption to participate in the Chabahar project. The United States recently announced plans to impose additional 25 percent tariffs on Iran, and Tehran's Indian partners decided it was not worth spending the money. Chabahar is located at the mouth of the Gulf of Oman and is the only Iranian port with direct access to the Indian Ocean and independent of the Persian Gulf. The joint development of the port has been discussed by Tehran and Delhi since 2003. In 2022, the authorities of India and Iran agreed to expand Indian investments in the construction of the Iranian port, and a corresponding roadmap was drawn up. In May 2024, India and Iran signed a 10-year port management agreement with the possibility of automatic renewal. We are interested in the fact that in 2024, at the height of the Armenian-Indian renaissance, Armenia was in the frame of this project. Yerevan has announced plans to participate in the management of the Chabahar port. After his trip to Mumbai, the then Deputy Minister of Economy Nasibyan stated that Chabahar would be of particular interest to Armenian logistics companies after the necessary infrastructure was established there. The port "will become an important hub for Armenia to develop and deepen trade relations with the outside world," Nasibyan said. Armenia pinned hopes on this port to become part of a hypothetical multimodal high-speed route that would leave the Middle Corridor out of business and help Yerevan finally close the topic of the Zangezur corridor. The format in which India was going to include Armenia in this project remains shrouded in obscurity. Delhi had its own plans. She hoped, not without Western cues, to bypass the Chinese "Belt and Road", as well as to wipe the nose of the Pakistani port of Gwadar. The latter is located in the same geography as Chabahar. There is a very small distance between the two ports. Armenian experts noted that it is important for India to establish links with Europe and Central Asia, while Pakistan is blocking its path. India could use the route through Azerbaijan and the Caspian Sea to connect with Central Asia and Europe. But India preferred to feed Armenia with promises and build projects, of which the Chabahar port was a part. In 2024-2025, India allocated more than $43 million for the Chabahar Port project. Now, large Indian investments and hopes for an alternative route for trade with Afghanistan and the Central Asian states are under threat. Most of the Indian funds have already been allocated for the modernization of the port infrastructure, the development of the Shahid Beheshti terminal and the formation of a new logistics hub. India has also lost the opportunity to compete with China. The Pakistani port of Gwadar is a key hub of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and the Belt and Road Initiative, providing China with direct access to the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean. India placed similar bets on Chabahar. Recall that India has joined another project aimed against the Chinese "Belt and Road". The IMEC economic corridor, a memorandum on which was signed in September 2023 during the G20 summit on the initiative of the United States, collapsed without even forming a real agreement due to the sharp escalation in the Middle East. If the powers had global goals in the Chabahar issue, Armenia needed only one thing - to gain access to the sea and, at the expense of rich partners, become part of international transit bypassing Azerbaijan and Turkey. When Baku was talking about Armenia's historic chance to become part of the international transit through the Zangezur corridor, the Armenian side was feverishly looking for an alternative to prove that it had a choice. In May 2025, Yerevan still thought that the Zangezur corridor had been archived and other plans could be safely made. In particular, about the Iranian port of Chabahar. Armenian media reported that Armenia is working on launching a route through Chabahar to connect with the Persian Gulf countries and India. The idea of the route appeared in 2023, but the project has been postponed. According to the plan, cargo from the Indian port of Mumbai should be delivered to Chabahar, then overland to Armenia, Georgia and further to Europe and Russia. Armenian officials pointed out that the Chabahar port is considered by Armenia as a strategically important outlet to the open sea and an integral part of the North-South corridor. Plans were made to include the logistics chains of the Republic of Armenia in the port infrastructure. It was stated that although the port is a thousand kilometers away from Armenia, it is a priority area for the country's economic development. There was nothing behind these statements. Three months later, Armenia signed up to the "Trump Route," and dreams of the Persian Gulf began to take on more or less real outlines. Azerbaijan has once again pointed out to its neighbor a simple truth: Armenia's affairs do not depend on India or anyone else. They depend only on Azerbaijan. By building a corridor through Meghri, she will get her coveted access to the Middle East without Indian promises. The port of Chabahar is not going anywhere. He remains in his place, but without Indian injections and under sanctions. But that's a completely different story. Bitcoin (BTC-USD) dropped to $67,000 per token on Thursday, falling to its lowest level since 2024 as selling pressure intensified. The token extended losses from the prior session after Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent signaled that the US government would not step in to support the cryptocurrency market. In a heated back-and-forth during a House Financial Services Committee on Wednesday, Bessent was asked if the US Treasury had the authority to buy bitcoin or other cryptos. "I do not have the authority to do that, and as chair of FSOC, I do not have that authority," Bessent stated. Bitcoin fell to as low as $67,073 apiece early Thursday, continuing Wednesday's slump that followed Bessent's comments. The decline was also fueled by the broader selling pressure in markets and a warning from notable investor Michael Burry that a sustained decline in bitcoin's price could "set in motion a death spiral leading to massive value destruction." "Bitcoin has been exposed as a purely speculative asset, and is not near the debasement trade hedge that gold and other precious metals are," Burry, who rose to prominence after predicting the 2008 financial crisis, wrote in his Substack. The move lower on Thursday only added to bitcoin's recent rout. The world's largest cryptocurrency is down nearly 20% year-to-date. Bitcoin dropped sharply last weekend to notch its fourth straight month of losses. The move lower coincided with President Trump's announcement last Friday selecting Kevin Warsh to lead the Federal Reserve when Jerome Powell's term ends in May, a nomination markets view as hawkish. Ether (ETH-USD) and other digital tokens also slid. Read more: How to navigate a crypto meltdown After bitcoin earlier broke through the key support level at $73,000, 10X Research strategists wrote that "current flows suggest sentiment has shifted meaningfully." The firm's strategists pointed to flow and positioning data, which indicated "investors are not yet positioned to buy the dip." "While sentiment and technical indicators are approaching extreme levels, the broader downtrend remains intact," the researchers wrote. "In the absence of a clear catalyst, there is little urgency to step in." The firm noted that traders remain focused on deleveraging and unwinding their positions rather than on preparing for a typical snapback rally. Pressure on digital assets reflected the broader fragility across the crypto market. Aside from a brief bounce last month, bitcoin has struggled since October, when whale selling and forced liquidations swept through the industry. The price of bitcoin continued its monthslong slide Thursday, falling another 11% to $67,000, and is now worth less than it was when President Donald Trump was elected into his second term of office. The original cryptocurrency, pitched as digital gold, has lost nearly half of its value since Oct. 6, when it hit a record high of $126,210.50, according to crypto trading platform Coinbase. As of 2 p.m. ET, the currency was trading at $66,301. After the election of Trump in November of 2024, Bitcoin prices chugged higher for the better part of a year, in part due to investors' expectations of a more crypto-friendly administration in Washington. But those gains have now been erased. The sell-off appears to be a combination of investors pulling out of speculative assets like gold, silver and digital currencies, as well as a concern about the future of cryptocurrency regulation in Washington, despite Trump heavily backing cryptocurrency companies since his election. The White House hosted banks and cryptocurrency companies at an event this week to see if there could be common ground on pending legislation that would regulate stablecoins. The cryptocurrency industry wants to be able to pay customers for holding their deposits in crypto or stablecoins, a move that the banking industry would absolutely oppose. Banks believe cryptocurrency accounts providing a dividend or yield would take money out of the traditional banking system. Presently it appears the bill is not going to move forward in Congress. One popular way of investing in bitcoin is through spot bitcoin ETFs, or exchange-traded funds, which allow investors to have a stake in bitcoin without directly owning the cryptocurrency. According to data from Morningstar Direct, investors pulled about $5.7 billion out of spot bitcoin ETFs from November through January. Companies that enable investors to buy and sell cryptocurrencies, as well as the growing number of companies who have made investing in bitcoin their main business focus, have also been hit hard in the recent sell-off. Coinbase Global fell 9.1% and online trading platform Robinhood Markets lost 8.1%. Bitcoin mining company Riot Platforms dropped 10%. Strategy, the biggest of the so-called crypto treasury companies that raise money just to buy bitcoin, tumbled 13%. The company, formerly called MicroStrategy, reports on its website holdings of 713,502 bitcoin. With the average purchase price for those above $76,000, it means the company is under water on the investment. Thursday morning its bitcoin holdings were worth about $47.8 billion, less than the $54.3 billion Strategy says they cost. By David French and Isla Binnie WEST PALM BEACH, Florida, Feb 3 (Reuters) - Disruption to businesses from artificial intelligence development is "top of the page" for Blackstone, the world's largest alternative asset manager, its president and chief operating officer Jon Gray said on Tuesday. "You want to be thinking about this in almost everything you're doing now," Gray told the WSJ Invest Live event in West Palm Beach, Florida. Blackstone manages assets worth $1.27 trillion, spanning most sectors of the economy across the world. Some of its portfolio, including sandwich shops and apartment complexes, are "less at risk", Gray said. But other businesses face much more serious questions, he added, citing an insurance firm lowering rates for customers using self-driving cars. "You start to say, well, what does that mean for collision repair? What does that mean for auto insurance? What's going to happen to all sorts of rules-based businesses?" he said. Along with other large private capital firms, Blackstone has invested heavily in the infrastructure around AI, including data center operator QTS, which drove growth in its funds last year. It also invests in power generation and transmission and agreed to buy U.S. utility TXNM for $11.5 billion last year. Gray said focusing on "picks and shovels" is the safest way to play the AI megatrend. "You don't necessarily have to know who the winners and losers are going to be," Gray said. "The data centers, the autonomous vehicles, the robots, they are all going to plug into the wall and there's going to be a lot of need for digital infrastructure." Gray said Blackstone is also investing in large-language-model companies and other software firms that apply AI technology, "because I think there will be an enormous amount of value, but that is obviously riskier". (Reporting by David French in West Palm Beach and Isla Binnie in New York. Editing by Mark Potter) Discard the politics of clash Tasks before new Govt | In zeroing in on Yumnam Khemchand as the Chief Minister of Manipur after nearly a year of Presidents Rule, it is now the job of the Centre to ensure that all possible co-operation is extended to the newly installed popular Government. Judging from the manner in which things moved swiftly in the last four/five days, starting from naming BJP National General Secretary Tarun Chugh as the Central observer to oversee the election/selection of the BJP Legislature Party leader, to naming Khemchand as the man, to the revocation of Presidents Rule and the swearing in of Khemchand as the Chief Minister and four other MLAs in the Council of Ministers, the BJP Government demonstrated that it can act swiftly and with conviction if it desires and this is where one is left wondering why the ethnic clash and stand off has been allowed to fester for nearly three years now. Time for Delhi to ensure that the prevalent train of thought that the popular Government has been allowed to return has nothing to do with taking Manipur closer to the understanding of normalcy but is done to put the BJP on a firmer wicket before the scheduled 2027 Assembly elections. The same sense of purpose, the resoluteness shown in paving the way for the Khemchand led Government to assume office should be extended to the task of resolving the issue which dates back to May 3, 2023. This is where Delhi would need to address the issue in all sincerity and with a sense of purpose. The focus of Delhi should not be lost and the first step towards this end should be to ensure that the dissenting voices which have come along with threats and intimidations against the Kuki-Zo MLAs for having joined the newly installed Government are dealt with firmly. As noted more than once here, it should not take much for Delhi to let the Union Home Minister lift a finger and silence the dissenting voices. It does not need rocket science to understand from where the muscle and vocal power have come while berating the MLAs for having joined the Council of Ministers and for attending the swearing in ceremony at Lok Bhavan. This is the first step that should be taken up for if left unchecked this can take on a larger and uglier turn. Next obviously should be to open the National Highways, a task which the PR regime utterly failed while following the free movement from March 8 call of the Union Home Minister in 2025. The resettlement of all displaced persons, on either side, should be given the needed push and the guns that have been used to terrorise the people who have decided to go back to the place they once called home should be silenced. Not an impossible task for the Central security personnel who are spread out across the length and breadth of the State. The number one priority of the newly installed Government under Yumnam Khemchand should obviously be ushering in normalcy, and this is where no rooms should be created to prolong the politics of conflict. Something Delhi can do, if it is willing. With a Naga and a Kuki named as Deputy Chief Ministers, Khemchand may have just the right combination to try and reach out to all sections of the people. This is what Manipur desperately needs, for the time of each community championing its own cause will no longer work for the overall benefits of the State. It was with a reason why The Sangai Express had repeatedly urged the Government, before PR was imposed, to try and use the good office of the NPF and see what steps may be taken up to take Manipur closer to the understanding of normalcy. With an MLA from the NPF now made a Deputy Chief Minister, now is the right time to take this suggestion more seriously. It is also only right that the Government under the new Chief Minister also try and see how it can take the Congress along in its efforts to bring in normalcy. And this is where Delhi would need to go one up from petty politics and acknowledge that the stake is Manipur and this should cut across political lines. Nearly 36 months of mindless stand off and violence should be enough time for people on either side to come to admit that the continued confrontation and stand off will not leave any future to the younger generations. DESAM urges | IMPHAL, Feb 5 : The Democratic Students' Alliance of Manipur (DESAM) has urged the State Government to investigate the supply of substandard paper for printing academic textbooks and answer sheets by constituting a high-level inquiry committee. DESAM alleged that the student association had exposed a scam involving the supply of substandard paper for printing BOSEM textbooks and answer sheets for the 2026 academic session. DESAM claimed that the authority had admitted the paper lacked the BOSEM watermark and was of poor quality. Claiming that the authority had assured the paper had been collected and stored in an appropriate location, DESAM further alleged that its volunteers, however, have detected the printing of textbooks with substandard paper continuing at printing presses under BOSEMs purview. Accusing BOSEM, DE-SAM urged the State Govt to investigate the matter as soon as possible. Over the past five years, Bank of Americas credit cards have bounced up and down J.D. Powers customer-satisfaction ratings, rising to No. 2 last year from No. 5 in 2024. In all five years, American Express Co. has topped the rankings. For rewards credit cards with no annual fee, three of four Bank of America cards ranked below the segment average for consumer satisfaction. While players such as JPMorgan Chase & Co. and American Express Co. spent billions of dollars on rewards for premium cards and expanded their roster of co-brand credit cards across the travel and retail industries, Bank of America seemed content to focus on no-fee, cash-back cards. Its looking to do more with its existing co-brand partners, including Alaska Air Group Inc., Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. Since the global financial crisis in 2008, Bank of America has shifted its loan portfolio away from riskier borrowers. Those standards arent changing, but technology is helping the bank underwrite more loans, ONeill said in an interview at her office in Boston. Last year, she was elevated to president of consumer, retail and preferred at the Charlotte, North Carolina-based company. The lender has a multipronged approach for reaching its goals: expand the customer base, deploy technology to sift through more data to reach clients and trim expenses. The bank currently works with 69 million consumers and operates 3,650 branches across 39 states. It wants to increase the number to 75 million consumers by 2030. The focus is on growth, said Holly ONeill, 54, head of Bank of Americas consumer business. Card is a big piece of this growth as we move forward and get more targeted with our outreach. As part of the broader consumer push, executives said in interviews that theyre deploying millions of dollars and using artificial intelligence in a bid to lure new customers and persuade existing ones to do more business with the bank. This month, the lender plans to unveil new incentives for cardholders with higher account balances. Reworking the rewards program is one lever the firm is pulling in its effort to lift the annual profit of the consumer unit to $20 billion by the end of the decade, a feat thats been achieved only twice in the history of the US banking industry. Bank of America Corp. aiming to double the profit it makes from consumers is revamping its approach to credit cards as the lender embarks on a plan to meet one of its most audacious financial targets set last year. Story Continues While we have a high penetration, there is still the opportunity to deepen and make our products more attractive to clients, said Mary Hines Droesch, head of consumer and small-business products and analytics. Were very successful with cash back, but we could do even more. That comes at a cost. It takes three to five years, on average, for a lender to break even after spending on marketing and incentives such as sign-on bonuses. Bank of America recently doubled its cash-back percentage, to 6%, for the first year for new card customers, on a spending category of their choice. Technology is helping the bank sift through more sources of data to find consumers and tailor their outreach at an appropriate time, such as when potential clients are getting married or buying a home, according to Droesch. That also applies to how the bank is evaluating borrowers for their potential to default. A customer with no credit history, who in the past wouldve had a hard time getting approved for a card, now stands a better chance even as the bank maintains its lending standards, ONeill said. AI can help sift through additional consumer information to assess risk. As technology improves, and as you are able to better leverage data and analytics you have on your client base, it gives you better insight to underwrite within your risk parameters, she said. For more complex loan products, such as mortgages, Bank of America is again leaning on artificial intelligence. The company is reworking how it processes loans using AI, which is leading to more underwriting, said Matt Gellene, head of specialized consumer client solutions. The lender is also gearing up for a potential resurgence in homebuying should borrowing costs continue to decline. Thats something we work on daily to make sure we have got the elasticity in our mortgage capabilities, so that when rates do come down were ready to pick up, ONeill said. The bank is also looking at new ways to engage with consumers in physical spaces. It added 50 sites last year and closed nearly as many while renovating 150 existing financial centers. It plans to open up to 100 more by the end of next year, all in locations its identified as high-growth areas. Inside those branches, senior bankers are trained to handle both big tasks, such as assisting with mortgage applications and setting up investment accounts, as well as small, mundane activities like cash withdrawals, which some customers still prefer to be handled by a person rather than an ATM. On the corner of 59th Street and Third Avenue in Manhattan, the changes are starting to show up. Bank of America now occupies a glass-lined spot across the street from an old financial center a term the bank prefers to branches. Visitors encounter couches and side tables arranged like those in a hotel lobby and dont even see a teller line until they get to the second floor. Directionally, this is the new model, ONeill said. The question on my mind is at what point does the teller line go away? Roughly 55,000 employees currently work at Bank of Americas financial centers a number that will drop over time amid the rise of AI and other efficiencies, according to ONeill. The pace with which it will come down will be dependent on the effectiveness of the technology and client adoption, she said. For now, the firm is adding its AI agent, Erica, to employee desktops at financial centers, which ONeill says is like an extra brain for workers. Over time, that technology will help staff become more efficient and cut down on hiring, she said. The degree to which digital tools can help the bank reach its forecast for efficiency and returns is the big question, Wells Fargo & Co. analyst Mike Mayo said in an interview. He described the goal as a more blue-skies scenario. Wed love to be pleasantly surprised if BofA can somehow leverage its technology edge to supercharge these trends, he said. That part of the story, the jury is likely to remain out. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2026 Bloomberg L.P. Captrust Financial Advisors has incorporated Meritage Portfolio Management, a Kansas City-based wealth management firm, into its operations. Financial terms of the deal remain undisclosed. Meritage serves high-net-worth clients and institutions such as retirement plans, endowments, and foundations. It manages client assets of $2.4bn. The firm officially joined Captrust in December 2025 and has adopted the Captrust brand. Leadership at Meritage includes president and co-chief investment officer Mark Eveans and Principal Jim Klein. The deal adds 17 employees to Captrust, nine of whom are advisers. Houlihan Lokey provided financial advice to Meritage for this transaction. Eveans said: By joining Captrust, we are positioning ourselves for long-term success. This strategic step gives our team access to a broader network of resources and support that will help us create new opportunities for both our clients and colleagues. Captrust principal and Midwest regional leader Nick Blasi said: Meritage has a unique perspective and proven expertise that complements our capabilities. Kansas City has become a key growth market for Captrust, and Meritages reputation for thoughtful, trusted client relationships adds tremendous value as we continue to expand. This addition strengthens our ability to serve clients locally while supporting our long-term national growth. This development follows Captrusts previous acquisitions in the Kansas City area, including Frontier Wealth Management in 2022. Upon the integration of Meritage, Captrust now employs 54 staff members across two Kansas City locations. Captrust provides services to individuals and institutions, including investment management, financial planning, fiduciary support, and other offerings for retirement plan sponsors and nonprofits. Last March, Captrust also acquired Carolinas Investment Consulting in Charlotte, North Carolina. Established in 2001 by George Edmiston, CIC manages assets exceeding $1.4 bn. "Captrust adds $2.4bn in assets with Meritage purchase" was originally created and published by Private Banker International, a GlobalData owned brand. remaining of Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has realised that she was operating under severe resource constraints while presenting the Union Budget for 2026-27, said former Finance Secretary of India Subhash Chandra Garg. For an economy where the nominal GDP is expected to increase by 10 per cent in FY 2026-27, the Finance Minister could not increase the expenditure even by 5.5 per cent or 6 per cent. It is good that Sitharaman recognised the writing on the wall and was pragmatic, he added. Garg was speaking in Kochi to deliver Malayala Manorama's 27th Budget Lecture held on Wednesday. The budget lecture series aims to dissect the Union budget and encourage informed discussions about it among the public. Highlighting the impact of last years tax cut, Garg said just two crore people in India pay taxes now, after the tax exemption limit was raised to 12 lakh per annum. For the Assessment Year (AY) 2023-24, more than 8 crore Income Tax Returns (ITRs) were filed in India. Nearly 3 crore people paid the tax when the exemption was 7 lakh. Now, when the exemption limit has been raised to 12 lakh, it is my assessment that not more than 2 crore among the total 145 crore people in India would be paying tax, Garg said. Last year, the government had a plan for Rs 14.4 lakh crore to be received as income tax receipts. Thanks to the decision, 1.2 lakh crores have been wiped out, Garg said. He added that Prime Minister Narendra Modis "GST 2.0" tax relief, where the GST structure was simplified into primarily two slabs: 5% and 18%, took away another 1.3 lakh crores of GST income. This means that the governments receipts from the GST are less than what it received two years ago. Calling the tax exemption a misadventure, Garg said this decision wiped out much of the tax revenues. Thankfully, the government realises that it doesnt have any more space for doing this kind of misadventure, he added. The former Finance Secretary said the only revenue source that was increasing was the RBI dividend, which used to be Rs one lakh crore but increased to Rs 2.25 lakh crore over the last two years. The government can expect about Rs 3 lakh crores to come from RBI dividend, but where does this come from. The RBI balance sheet is in rupees, and hence when our currency depreciates, the RBI profits rise, because the value of assets you bought in dollars rise. So, while the economy suffers due to dollar appreciation, RBIs profits go up, Garg said. On disinvestment, Garg said the revenues were down to Rs 10,000-15,000 crore. The government has stopped disclosing the disinvestment revenues in its budget. It doesnt do that because it doesnt really aim that much, he added. He also accused the Finance Minister of compensating real allocations with feel-good words. She promised a lot of things, including five university towns and seven high-speed rail corridors. But, not a single rupee has been allocated for the same, he said, adding these were nothing but real estate ideas. Garg also urged the people to monitor the expenditure the government was incurring. Is the government reforming the expenditures to serve the goal of what India would like to look at? he asked. He stated that over Rs 17 lakh crore were being spent on non-expenditure, which included pensions and interest payments. All of us should be asking why we have come to the situation where the government spends this amount on things that dont serve anything, Garg said. He also questioned whether the allocations were aimed at reforms. We spent close to 7.85 lakh crore on defence. But, the defence systems and the wars of the world have completely changed. Even with the traditional expenditures, is there a reorientation of the defence expenditure? he questioned. Garg stated that though a big bulk of our expenditure was on public goods and services and human development, there was simply no reforms. How much do the government spend on research and development? Did you notice a single paragraph on pollution and climate change or anything on courts and the logjam of cases? he asked. The expert said that a lot of expenditure that passes in the name of social welfare and redistribution was freebies. There are a lot of freebies which are built into this Rs 10.75 lakh crore of the social welfare and human development expenditure. My rough estimate would suggest that roughly about 50 per cent of this is freebies, he said. Fourteen tier-2 cities are rapidly emerging as strong warehousing markets, according to a recent research from JLL. In their latest publication, 'India's Industrial Real Estate Evolution', the infrastructure consultant giant noted how the warehousing market demand extended beyond conventional tier-1 cities. West: Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (formerly, Aurangabad), Indore, Nagpur, Nashik South: Coimbatore, Kochi, Vishakhapatnam North: Chandigarh-Rajpura, Jaipur, Lucknow, Ludhiana East: Bhubhaneshwar-Cuttack, Guwahati, Patna The above were the cities listed as "tier 2+". The report further noted, "India's warehousing stock has grown substantially, crossing 610 million sqft in 2025, demonstrating geographic diversification beyond its strongholds in the top 8 tier-1 Cities, with Emerging 14 tier 2+ cities playing an increasingly important role." The 14 locations alone accounted for 112 million square feet, of which 33 per cent were grade A, according to JLL. Top among the emerging cities Chandigarh-Rajpura led in overall stock of 15.4 million sqft, with Nagpur closely behind at 13.7 million sqft. Lucknow and Kochi were almost neck to neck at 10.9 and 10.6 million sqft, respectively. While noting how tier-2 cities were catching up, JLL said that the Indian warehousing and logistics industry was on "the brink of a significant overhaul". India is now aiming for 850 million sqft of warehousing stock by 2030. With the sector now spread to tier-2 locations, this target looks more and more feasible. As Assembly elections draw close, the West Bengal government tabled its Budget on Thursday proposing an increase in their pilot Lakshmir Bhandar Scheme for more than 2.23 crore women in rural households. The welfare scheme initiated before the 2021 Assembly elections offered Rs 500 to each woman, which later went up to Rs 1,000 for the general class and Rs 1,200 for the reserved class. The Budget now proposes a Rs 500 increase from April 1, 2026, making it Rs 1,500 for women in the general category and Rs 1,700 for the reserved class. Once elections are declared we cannot announce schemes, what is the use? We are announcing it now, said Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee while addressing the media after the Budget was tabled by state Finance Minister Chandrima Bhattacharya. Kolkata: West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee says, "We are number one in many schemes like 100 Days Rojgar Yojana, Awas Yojana. But the central government stopped funding for these schemes. We present this budget for people, not focusing on the election. We kept our word. So, we pic.twitter.com/st3MHXrhC6 ANI (@ANI) February 5, 2026 Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari called the move pointless, as no welfare schemes and incentives could be announced for people once elections are declared and the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) comes into force. The rule of the Model Code of Conduct states that the benefit amount does not increase. It is not possible for the schemes to be implemented from April. It is a four-month interim plan for vote on account or to show recurring expenditure of like for various states, he said. The state government also announced the Yuva Sathi Scheme which proposes a Rs 1,500 monthly allowance for unemployed youths aged 21-40 for a period of five years until they get a job. The BJP however called this an eyewash, as this scheme was initiated back in 2013. They have revamped the Yuva Shree Scheme and named it Yuva Sathi with Rs 1,500 per month allowance for unemployed youth. Under the Chief Ministers leadership, the scheme was announced by Amit Mitra (former state finance minister) for unemployed youth. It is complete jugglery and lies with unemployed youth, Adhikari noted. Seems like after my X post, the Session has been rescheduled. The State of West Bengal needs normalcy not madness:- pic.twitter.com/NfcWpmKE1J Suvendu Adhikari (@SuvenduWB) February 5, 2026 A 4 per cent hike in Dearness Allowance (DA) was announced for government employees, taking it from 14 per cent to 18 per cent. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court (SC) has also directed the West Bengal government to immediately clear 25 per cent of outstanding DA arrears with a payment schedule determined by March 6 as well as the first instalment of the remaining 75 per cent by March 31. This move will benefit around 12 lakh current and previous government employees. The apex court also appointed a four-member committee headed by former SC Justice Indu Malhotra to oversee the implementation of the judgement. The court also asked for a comprehensive compliance report by April 15, the next date of hearing. Notably, despite the DA increase announced by the state government in its budget, there is a 40 per cent gap between DA received by state and central government employees. They (state government) should not have announced the portion of 4 per cent DA after getting the Supreme Court order. Where the 7th Pay Commission is being formed, they are speaking about the 6th Pay Commission. This budget has no merit, added Adhikari. Mamata responded to the SC order saying that the state was yet to receive it. Let us study it. Talk to lawyers. They have formed a committee for the next course of action. We will follow what the committee says," she said. The ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) is confident of coming back to power for a fourth term. The smooth implementation of proposed schemes and budget plans based on the response of beneficiaries of welfare schemes has turned many rural voters in favour of the party over the years. This will prove tough for the BJP to combat, despite promises of industry and employment if the saffron party comes to power. Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) has come out with a clarification regarding the delivery of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1A to the Indian Air Force (IAF), saying five aircraft are fully ready for delivery, incorporating major contracted capabilities in accordance with the agreed specifications. In a statement issued, HAL said it wishes to clarify the status of LCA Mk1A deliveries to the customer for all stakeholders. Apart from the five fighter jets that are ready, An additional nine aircraft have already been built and flown. Upon receipt of engines from GE, these aircraft will be made ready for delivery, the state-run company said. For more defence news, views and updates, visit: Fortress India The company confirmed that all design and development issues that were identified are being addressed in a timely manner, and added that it is in discussions with the IAF to deliver the aircraft at the earliest. The company said it received five engines from GE as of date and added that the supply position from GE is positive, and the future delivery outlook aligns with HALs delivery plans. ALSO READ: India gains major tactical edge with successful SFDR missile tech demonstration The company assured that it will meet the guidance projected for the current financial year. The clarification from HAL comes even as a report said the IAF will review the LCA Mk1A combat aircraft project in May before deciding on the acceptance of the delivery of the fighter jets. The IAF, which is facing a shortage of fighter jet squadrons, has ordered as many as 180 combat aircraft from HAL. In September, while signing a contract with the state-run company, the Defence Ministry had clarified that the aircraft will have an indigenous content of over 64 per cent. The integration of advanced indigenously developed systems such as the UTTAM Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, Swayam Raksha Kavach, and control surface actuators will further strengthen the Aatmanirbharta initiatives, the defence ministry had then said. Jobys valuation is quite rich. At roughly a $10 billion market cap, JOBY trades at an EV/revenue multiple on the order of 200 or more, far above virtually any peer. Thats because its scant revenues, just $23 million last quarter, make the ratio enormous. Analysts note JOBY sits at a lofty valuation; J.P. Morgan explicitly calls it a steep premium to traditional aerospace peers. Nonetheless, JOBY is still up about 33% over the past 52 weeks but down 19% in 2026. The recent slide was tied directly to equity dilution: announcing the $1.2 billion raise sent the stock tumbling as investors worried about funding needs. Overall, the company outperformed broad markets last year, but its moves hinge on news flow, fundraising, test flights, and more than steady fundamentals. JOBY stock has been volatile lately. By spring 2025, it hit a 52-week high near $21, driven by excitement over its technology and progress. After the late-Jan offering, shares retreated; as of early February, they sit roughly 36% below that peak. Based in Santa Cruz, Joby is building a five-seat, all-electric VTOL aircraft designed for quiet, point-to-point urban travel. The S4 prototype targets a 150-mile range and 200-mph cruise. Joby pairs aircraft development with service plans, leveraging partnerships with Uber (UBER), Toyota (TM), the Blade acquisition to seed operations, and plans to integrate booking through the Uber app. If Joby certifies and scales, it could be the first to market with a new urban-air mobility business model. Woods trade is a classic ARK playbook; add to high-conviction, long-horizon innovation bets on weakness. For investors, the key question is whether Jobys certification timeline and funding plan justify the risk of further dilution and execution setbacks. That pullback presented a buying window for ARK Invest. Cathie Woods ARKQ (ARKQ) and ARKX (ARKK) funds picked up about 780,000 Joby shares on Jan. 29, a purchase worth roughly $8.7 to $10.4 million, as the firm doubled down on autonomous and urban-air themes. Joby Aviation (JOBY) has spent the past months proving technical progress while wrestling with capital needs. The eVTOL maker recently priced a roughly $1.2 billion package of common stock and convertible notes to fund certification and production ramp plans, a move that sparked a sharp selloff. Story Continues Simply put, the market assumes success. Essentially every dollar of sales is valued in the hundreds, unlike mature aircraft makers that trade at single-digit multiples. In my view, this positions JOBY as richly priced unless it delivers on certification and scaling. www.barchart.com Cathie Wood Buys the Dip On Jan. 29, ARKs trades showed Woods flagship funds scooped up 781,519 JOBY shares worth about $10.45 million across ARKQ and ARKX ETFs. TheStreet called it classic ARK, doubling down on a long-term theme during a short-term pullback. Wood has said the air-taxi industry is almost here, and her team clearly believes Joby will lead it. In practice, this high-profile buying could buoy sentiment among momentum-driven traders in the short run. However, it doesnt change the fundamental runway ahead. J.P. Morgan and others warn that JOBYs huge valuation already bakes in very optimistic assumptions about FAA certification and urban adoption. If Joby meets key milestones like on-time certification production ramp, Woods timing may prove prescient and attract follow-on interest. But if delays persist, critics note the stock has plenty of room to fall; it even appeared on a recent sell-side short list. Joby Revenue Rises From Near Zero The latest quarterly report shows both progress and heavy spending. On the positive side, Joby generated $22.6 million in revenue for Q3 September 25, essentially all from its Blade helicopter service and some defense/engineering contracts. By comparison, the same quarter last year was essentially zero revenue. On the bottom line, net losses swelled, with EPS coming in at a loss of $0.48, well below the consensus loss of $0.19. R&D expense was $149 million, up 18% YoY, and SG&A was $45 million, reflecting the build-out of the team and Blade integration. Despite the red ink, margins on those early sales were high: Blade trips carry a 50% gross margin, far above the 14% aerospace industry median, because helicopter service incurs mainly pilot and fuel costs. Joby emphasized its strong balance sheet and progress. It ended the quarter with about $978 million in cash and equivalents, buoyed by a $576 million equity raise in October. Operating cash burn is roughly $357 million YTD, so the new cash nicely covered the deficit. CEO JoeBen Bevirt highlighted operational milestones: 600+ flights in 2025, the first point-to-point flight, Marina Monterey, plus a White House-backed eVTOL pilot program to introduce air taxis in communities. He noted Blade served 40,000 passengers this quarter, many at the Ryder Cup, and will be bookable via the Uber app, underscoring synergies. Bevirt sounded optimistic, saying the technical and regulatory progress is unprecedented. Recent Developments Beyond the quarter, Joby has kept up a busy pace. It bought a second 700,000-sq-ft factory in Dayton, Ohio, to boost production capacity and installed advanced eVTOL simulators at its Marina, California, training center. The company has logged more than 600 test flights in 2025, demonstrated its Superpilot autonomous system, and adopted Nvidias (NVDA) IGX Thor for onboard processing. Blade carried roughly 40,000 passengers last quarter and produced unusually high gross margins for early-stage transport services. Analysts Opinion on JOBY Stock Wall Street remains mixed. As of now, the analyst consensus is Hold with a median price target of around $12.14. Analysts repeatedly stress that execution is key: one noted that Woods buying and the excitement suggest a 20%-25% potential rally if milestones are hit but warned any slip could send JOBY far lower. So, in my opinion, ARKs purchases may give the stock a short-term lift, but most pros are watching the fundamentals: will Joby certify and scale in time with its cash? If so, ARKs call might be vindicated; if not, investors who chase momentum may regret it. All data cited above are from company releases and financial news reports, which readers should consult for the full context. www.barchart.com On the date of publication, Nauman Khan 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 That the Indo-US trade deal is not just about trade despite its nomenclature, but also of matters strategic became clear when US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, soon after his February 3 meeting with Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar, expressed Washingtons interest in expanding bilateral and multilateral cooperation through the QUAD. The mention of QUAD (short for the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue) is definitely not a slip and is deliberate by design, indicating where the interests of the two nations lie. For more defence news, views and updates, visit: Fortress India Loosely structured as an anti-China mooring, QUAD was a flagship policy of Donald Trump during his first term, aimed at curtailing Chinese influence and paramountcy in the Indo-Pacific. The four QUAD countriesIndia, the US, Australia and Japanstate their commitment to a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific as well as a rules-based international ordereuphemisms that China thinks are directed against it. Taking potshots, China has even termed the QUAD as a mini NATO in the Indian Ocean. On the other hand, the announcement of the India-US trade deal after protracted negotiations has important ramifications for military cooperation and collaboration between the two nations. There could be fast-tracking of the GE F404 engines for Indias LCA Tejas Mark1A fighter aircraft, even as the Indian Air Force faces the huge challenge of scarcity of combat aircraft. In place of a mandated 43 fighter squadrons, it has only about 30 now. The major reason for the failure of HAL to meet the delivery deadlines of LCA Mk1A to IAf was the delayed delivery of GE F404 aero-engines. The frost in the bilateral ties, exemplified by tariff barriers being erected by the US, had also put into question the tie-up for the GE F414 engines that are expected to power LCA Mk2. The technology transfer and a joint venture deal to produce GE F414 aero-engines were signed in June 2023. India already fields sufficient military hardware from the US, which includes the AH-64 Apache (attack helicopters), CH-47 Chinook (transporter), C-130J and C-17 Globemaster III (heavy transport planes), P-8I Neptune (for long-range maritime reconnaissance), AGM-114 Hellfire, Stinger, Javelin missiles, besides the MQ-9A Reaper, M777 artillery guns and a range of ammunition. With ties on the upswing now, there is every possibility that military ties and collaborative production affairs between India and the US would also head northwards. Famous Bollywood filmmaker Anurag Kashyap is the latest Indian to be named in the newly released tranche of the Epstein files, which has left the internet shocked. The latest tranche of three million files related to notorious sex offender Jeffrey Epsteinwhich was released by the US Department of Justice (DOJ) on January 30includes mentions of famous faces such as Elon Musk, Indian-American filmmaker Mira Nair, Bollywood actor couple Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan, PM Narendra Modi, and Bill Gates, among hundreds of others. However, Kashyapwho had allegedly been referred to as the 'Bollywood guy' and the 'Famous Bollywood director' in an emaildenied any connection to the sex offender. The Gangs of Wasseypur director had even been mentioned by name in the series of emails between Jeffrey Epstein and individuals named Giuseppe Bersani, Gino Yu, and Omella Corazza, about an event scheduled for 2017 in Beijing. Ive no clue about this. I get invitations as a speaker, about 15 a month. I rarely respond. Also, I have never been to Beijing in my life! he told Hindustan Times. Its some random email, thats self explanatory. The clickbaits in my name are more popular than my films, he added, dismissing the rumours. Notably, mentions in the Epstein files alone do not necessarily mean the person is guilty of anything, but they are known to add to the social media flames around the Epstein files issue. Filmmaker Mira Nair is named in the newly released Jeffrey Epstein files. Her name appears in a 2009 email sent by publicist Peggy Siegal to Epstein.The email refers to an after-party hosted by Ghislaine Maxwell after a screening of Nairs film Amelia. (Mira Nair, Epstein pic.twitter.com/wfoyowQtc9 THE WEEK (@TheWeekLive) January 31, 2026 As a result, Mira Nair, who is best known for films like The Namesake, Monsoon Wedding, and A Suitable Boy, received a lot of backlash for her name appearing in the files. The files alleged that she attended an after party for a film at the townhouse of convicted sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell. The backlash against Nair has also been amplified by her connection to politicsher son is Zohran Mamdani, the Mayor of New York. This comes a day after the US Department of Justice released a tranche containing millions of files related to late child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. #EpsteinFiles (narendra modi, epstein files modi, randhir jaiswal mea, , )https://t.co/zak2QJ0u6f THE WEEK (@TheWeekLive) January 31, 2026 Similarly, the mention of PM Modi in the Epstein files over an official visit to Israel in 2017 led to a lot of backlash from not just netizens, but also opposition parties. This led the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to clarify that PM Modi's name had come up only due to the Israel visit, and that the rest was "little more than trashy ruminations by a convicted criminal". The Crime Branch of Delhi Police arrested Javad Ahmed Siddiqui, chairman of Haryana-based Al Falah University, on Wednesday in connection with an alleged fraud and irregularities case. Police had filed two separate FIRs against Siddiqui following a complaint from the University Grants Commission (UGC), which accused the university of falsely claiming accreditation from the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC). Siddiqui was produced before a court in Saket, which granted the Crime Branch four days of custody for further investigation. Meanwhile, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has already filed a chargesheet against Siddiqui and Al Falah Charitable Trust in a money laundering case. The court scheduled the hearing for the consideration of the chargesheet for February 13 after the defense counsel requested more time to review the chargesheet and related documents, which run up to 10,000 pages. Siddiqui was previously arrested by the ED in November 2025 in connection with money laundering charges linked to the alleged cheating of students enrolled in educational institutions operated by his Al Falah Charitable Trust. On January 16, the ED attached assets worth Rs 140 crore, including land and buildings of Al Falah University. The 54-acre campus in Faridabad's Dhauj area, along with its schools, departments, and student hostels, were seized under a provisional order issued under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. Al Falah University came under scrutiny after the November 10 blast near the Red Fort area. Two doctors associated with the universityMuzammil Ahmad Ganaie and Shaheen Saeedwere arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and Jammu and Kashmir Police in connection with the case. Rahul Gandhis traitor remark against Congress turncoat Ravneet Singh Bittu, now a Rajya Sabha MP from the BJP and Union minister, is weighing heavily on the political discourse during the ongoing Parliament session. Several Sikh leaders within the BJP have flagged the comment as the dislike of the Congress for the community, pointing out the 1984 desecration of golden temple. As the BJP ups the ante, a larger question emerges: is the saffron camp politically harvesting the controversy a year ahead of the Punjab assembly elections? At the same time, the saffron camp leaders have rained down upon the Congress and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi by bringing Bittu into the limelight. "There are only a few popular Sikh leaders that the BJP has in Punjab, and Bittu comes in one of those few top leaders," a political analyst says, "which also signals that they are preparing a ground for the upcoming Punjab assembly elections in the state where Bittu may be given bigger responsibilities." During the brief face-off, Bittu refused to shake hands with Rahul Gandhi, who had outstretched his hand while making the remark. The moment also underlined the depth of Bittus rupture with the Congress, a party that had once nurtured his ascension, with Gandhi himself playing a key role in bringing him into active politics. Ravneet Singh Bittu was a three-time Congress Lok Sabha MP, once from Anandpur Sahib between 2009 and 2014, and twice from Ludhiana from 2014 to 2024. During his long stint in the party, he held several key organisational and parliamentary roles, including president of the Punjab Youth Congress at the age of 33 and later serving as the Congress whip in the Lok Sabha in 2020. Ahead of the 2024 general elections, Bittu crossed over to the BJP. His defection came to the spotlight after the Leader of the Opposition and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi referred to him as a traitor within the parliamentary premises, though outside the House, triggering a political controversy. The BJP accused Gandhi of disrespecting the Sikh community, while Congress leaders rallied to his defence, insisting that the remark was directed at Bittu personally for switching parties, and not at Sikhs as a community. Several prominent Sikh leaders in the BJP have come out strongly against Rahul Gandhi over his remarks. Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri said calling a distinguished Sikh a traitor without any basis amounted to a slur on the entire Sikh community. He further added that the country should not forget the desecration of the Golden Temple in 1984, suggesting that the same mindset was at play. Delhi minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa also demanded that the Lok Sabha Speaker take action against Gandhi. Attacking the Gandhi family, Sirsa said, The Gandhi family is the traitor for the way they bombed the Golden Temple and the way Sikhs were killed by wrapping tyres around their necks. The anti-Sikh mentality of the Congress, as displayed in 1984, is intact. Bittu's background has been political. He is the grandson of Beant Singh, a Congress stalwart who was assassinated in a bomb attack by Khalistani militants in 1995 when he was the chief minister of Punjab. Bittus family legacy is interwoven with that of the Congress and Gandhis; his cousin Gurkirat Singh Kotli and uncle Tej Parkash Singh, both former ministers, are still in the Congress. Telangana Assembly Speaker Gaddam Prasad Kumar has ruled that Bandla Sanjay Kumar, the eighth MLA accused of switching sides did not cross the floor, effectively dismissing a petition filed by Bharat Rashtra Samithi MLA Padi Kaushik Reddy. The BRS has alleged that 10 of its MLAs joined the Congress and that complaints in this regard were pending before the Speaker. With this decision, the Speaker has now dismissed petitions against eight of the legislators, holding that the material on record did not establish the essential elements of defection. The Speaker stated that the petitioner had failed to produce evidence showing that the MLA had voluntarily relinquished membership of the party on whose ticket he was elected or had formally joined a rival party. In the absence of such proof, he held, the Anti-Defection Law could not be invoked. The dispute is rooted in the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution, inserted through the 52nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1985, which seeks to penalise legislators who voluntarily give up membership of their political party or who disobey the party whip in specified circumstances. The law vests the power of adjudication in the Speaker or Chairman of the legislature concerned. Courts have repeatedly held that the expression voluntarily gives up membership is wider than a formal resignation and may be inferred from conduct. At the same time, the standard of proof required to unseat an elected representative remains high. In this case, the Supreme Court, on July 31, 2025, directed the Speaker to decide the disqualification petitions within three months. The order came after prolonged delays in disposing of the pleas. During this period, Jubilee Hills MLA Maganti Gopinath, one of the 10 MLAs named in the petitions, passed away, rendering proceedings against him infructuous. As a result, effective adjudication now remains in respect of nine MLAs. Beyond the Supreme Court-imposed deadline, much of what has unfolded follows a familiar pattern in Indian politics. While the Anti-Defection Law exists on paper, its effectiveness is blunted by the fact that the power to decide cases rests with the Speaker, who is typically a member of the ruling party. Speakers across States have often been accused of delaying or shaping decisions in ways that suit the political interests of their parties. The BRS itself actively encouraged defections when it was in power, most notably by absorbing a large section of the Telugu Desam Party. It has weakened the Congress and opened the doors for MLAs from all parties. Now in opposition, the party is talking about the Constitutional spirit and ethical politics. The Congress, which strongly opposed defections while in opposition, has largely fallen silent on the issue after coming to power. The role of the judiciary has also evolved slowly. The delay denied justice. Although Speakers decisions were made subject to judicial review in 1992 with the Supreme Courts verdict in Kihoto Hollohan v. Zachillhu case, courts for years refrained from imposing firm deadlines. The practice of directing Speakers to decide anti-defection petitions within a fixed period began in 2020, when the Supreme Court, in Keisham Meghachandra Singh v. the Honble Speaker, Manipur Legislative Assembly case, ordered disposal within three months. The Telangana case marks a continuation of that approach. Once the Speaker decides on the remaining petitions, the BRS is expected to approach the courts seeking a review of the orders. The larger question is whether the Supreme Court will use this opportunity to press for the much-needed reform, i.e., prescribing a mandatory time frame in the Constitution. Without such changes, critics argue, the Anti-Defection Law will continue to exist more as a political tool than as a credible safeguard of legislative morality. The Rajya Sabha witnessed a heated exchange between Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge and BJP leaders after he alleged that Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, was not being allowed to speak in the Lower House. The confrontation began when Leader of the House J.P. Nadda and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju objected to Kharge raising the issue, arguing that matters related to the Lok Sabha cannot be discussed in the Rajya Sabha. Chairman C.P. Radhakrishnan also intervened, asking Kharge not to bring up Lok Sabha proceedings in the Upper House, citing an earlier ruling that bars such references. Kharge, however, maintained that Parliament comprises both Houses and alleged that the Lok Sabha had not functioned for the past four days because the Opposition leader was not being allowed to speak. Parliament doesnt comprise only one House. You cannot paralyse one House to hide your mistakes. You betrayed and insulted the nation. When Rahul talks about it, then aapko khujli uthti hai (you get itchy), Kharge said. Responding sharply, Nadda reiterated that Lok Sabha proceedings cannot be debated in the Rajya Sabha and referred to past rulings by previous chairmen to support his point. Prime Minister Modi was ready to answer questions in the Lok Sabha, but you did not allow the House to function. You demanded a statement on the IndiaUS trade deal; Piyush Goyal ji delivered the statement, Nadda said. In a veiled jibe at Rahul Gandhi, Nadda urged Kharge not to let his party become the hostage of an innocent child. Later, when Kharge attempted to quote from General M.M. Naravanes unpublished book, Treasury bench members objected. Amid the uproar, Opposition members led by the Congress staged a walkout. A day after a Bloomberg report citing official sources claimed that India's ties with the US thawed after National Security Adviser Ajit Doval's secret meeting with US officials in Washington, the Ministry of External Affairs has clarified that no such meeting or visit took place. "Regarding the report by Bloomberg, I would like to say that there is absolutely no basis for that report. No such meeting or no such visit has taken place," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal revealed during a press briefing. No visit of NSA Ajit Doval or meeting with Rubio took place, MEA dismisses Bloomberg report pic.twitter.com/cMzNtAY0im https://t.co/6sPd4KCHqM Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) February 5, 2026 The Bloomberg report claimed that NSA Doval met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington in early September, around the time when PM Modi was in Tianjin, China, for the SCO Summit. Doval reportedly told Rubio that India would not be bullied by US President Donald Trump and was willing to wait out Trump's term to end in 2029. "India wouldn't be bullied by US President Donald Trump and his top aides, and would be willing to wait out his term, having faced other hostile US administrations in the past," Bloomberg quoted Doval as telling Rubio. The report also claimed that Doval had made it clear that India wanted Trump and his aides to dial down their public criticism of India in order to get the ties back on track. The purported meeting came on the heels of US imposing 50 per cent tariffs on India for procuring oil from Russia and thereby allegedly funding the 'war machine' in Ukraine. Earlier this week, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Trump had a phone conversation, following which the two sides announced that US tariffs on Indian goods will be reduced to 18 per cent as part of a trade deal. On January 29, 2026, the Chief Justice of India (CJI) reportedly observed that trade unionism has been "largely responsible" for hindering industrial growth in India. The remark, sweeping and unqualified, is striking for both its content and the institutional location from which it emanated. Coming from the highest judicial office of the republic, such remarks cannot be treated as a casual aside or an offhand economic opinion. They inevitably acquire a constitutional resonance. The bench went further in expressing scepticism toward the relief sought by domestic workers' unions, with the CJI warning that "if you fix minimum wages, people will refuse to hire, and this will further contribute to their hardship. The remarks suggested that the very mechanism of minimum wage protection, a globally recognised labour standard, was considered as a threat to employment by the judges and not as a safeguard against exploitation. We need to bear in mind that domestic workers are among the most vulnerable sections of our workforce. The bench ultimately disposed of the plea without relief. The right to form associations under Article 19(1)(c) was not grafted onto the Constitution as a decorative liberty, nor was it conceived as a concession subordinate to market convenience. It was grounded in the recognition that in an unequal society, individual freedom without collective power is a hollow promise. To describe trade unionism as an impediment to growth is to reduce this constitutional value to an economic irritant and, in the process, to flatten history into ideology. One need not look far for evidence of the value of collective associations: the judiciary itself houses multiple associationsthe Supreme Court Bar Association, various High Court bar associations, and others at various levels with a range of concerns. Have these bodies been a drag on the institution's functioning, or have they served as crucial mechanisms for articulating collective concerns? The answer is self-evident. Or is it the case that only the privileged, like lawyers and industrialists one is thinking here of bodies like FICCI and ASSOCHAM may legitimately form associations while the poor and vulnerable must negotiate their conditions atomistically, stripped of collective voice? Indias labour law architecture is unintelligible without the long and often bitter struggles of organised labour. The Factories Act of 1948, enacted in the immediate aftermath of Independence, was a response to the brutal working conditions inherited from colonial industrialisation; long hours, unsafe workplaces, and the routine sacrifice of worker health at the altar of productivity. The Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, sought to civilise industrial conflict by recognising collective bargaining, regulating layoffs and retrenchment, and creating mechanisms for dispute resolution. The Minimum Wages Act, 1948, was an explicit acknowledgement that the labour market, left to itself, does not guarantee subsistence, let alone dignity. Trade unions have been instrumental in securing fundamental workplace protections that now form the bedrock of middle-class employment security. The eight-hour workday, weekend rest, and paid annual leave, now considered basic entitlements, were won through decades of union struggle. Collective bargaining established the principle of employer-provided health insurance, pension schemes, and provident fund contributions that underwrite middle-class financial planning. Unions fought for maternity and paternity leave, workplace safety regulations, protection against arbitrary dismissal, and grievance redressal mechanisms. Statutory benefits, including gratuity, overtime compensation, sick leave, and workplace accident compensation, all emerged from union advocacy. Even ostensibly managerial protections, like notice periods, severance pay, non-discriminatory hiring practices, and protection against wage theft, trace their legal recognition to labour movements. The very distinction between "permanent" and "contract" employment, and the protections afforded to the former, reflects union efforts to establish employment security as a workplace norm rather than employer largesse. None of these legislations, or the rights and privileges that emerged from them, is due to state benevolence or charitable industrialists. They were wrung from power through collective pressure: strikes, negotiations, and political mobilisation led by trade unions that refused to accept exploitation as destiny. To frame trade unions as a drag on industrial growth is therefore to invert the causal narrative. It was not trade unionism that distorted a naturally just economic order; it was unregulated industrial capitalism that necessitated trade union intervention in the first place. Growth that depends on suppressed wages, precarious employment, and the silencing of worker voice is not growth in any constitutional sense; it is accumulation without accountability. The Constitution does not privilege growth over justice. It insists on their coexistence, and there is no contradiction of any nature in this arrangement. The Directive Principles of State Policy repeatedly emphasise just and humane conditions of work, living wages, and worker participation in management. Courts have historically recognised that labour rights are not merely statutory entitlements but flow from the deeper constitutional commitment to dignity under Article 21. To speak now as though trade unions are external to this moral universe is to forget that constitutional democracy is not neutral between power and vulnerability. India's constitutional framework has never treated growth and rights as mutually exclusive, nor has it conceived of justice as subordinate to economic expansion. Instead, it insists that growth be anchored in justice and that power, whether of the state or the market, be subject to collective accountability. Trade unions remain mechanisms through which workers exercise agency in contexts of structurally asymmetric power. The danger of judicial amnesia lies in its consequences because when the highest court appears to echo the impatience of capital with labours collective voice, it subtly shifts the moral baseline of public discourse. The worker is no longer a rights-bearing citizen but a factor of production; the union is no longer a democratic instrument but a nuisance. Once this shift is normalised, the erosion of labour protections appears not as a constitutional loss but as an economic necessity. There is also a deeper jurisprudential unease at play. When judges pronounce on economic phenomena using the language of blame rather than balance, they risk collapsing the distinction between adjudication and ideology. Courts are, of course, not insulated from economic reasoning, but constitutional adjudication demands an awareness of asymmetry between capital and labour, between individual bargaining and collective action, between formal freedom and substantive inequality. Trade unions exist precisely because this asymmetry is structural, not accidental. Trade unions, like all institutions, warrant critique. Instances of exclusionary practices, political capture, and resistance to necessary change exist. But reform is not the same as delegitimisation. A constitutional approach would ask how unions can be democratised, made more representative, and adapted to new forms of work, including gig and platform labour. A market-centric approach simply asks how they can be weakened or bypassed. What makes the CJIs remark particularly troubling is its timing. Over the past decade, India has witnessed a systematic dilution of labour protections under the rubric of reforms. The consolidation of labour laws into four labour codes has been accompanied by the weakening of collective bargaining, the expansion of fixed-term employment, and the effective normalisation of informality. The language of rights has steadily given way to the vocabulary of flexibility, competitiveness, and ease of doing business. In this context, a judicial endorsement, implicit or explicit, of the idea that trade unions are obstacles rather than democratic counterweights risks becoming an ideological accelerant for executive overreach. (The author is Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) and a member of Rashtriya Janta Dal.) (The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of THE WEEK.) When the winner of Abu Dhabi Big Ticket's grand prize was announced on Tuesday, Shantanu Shettigar was on cloud nine. This big win of Dh 20 million comes just over a month after his baby girl was born. Who is Shantanu Shettigar? Shantanu Shettigar, 34, is an an Indian expatriate based in Oman. The native of Udupi, Karnataka, has been residing in Muscat for eight years and working as a shop in-charge. Speaking to Khaleej Times, Shantanu said, "I feel my daughter brought me luck. I did not expect this at all." For latest news and analyses on Middle East, visit: Yello! Middle East Pointing out that he is yet to meet his daughter, the new father said, "She was born while I was in Oman. I will be travelling soon for her naming ceremony. That is what I am looking forward to the most." Shantanu got the life-changing call during a routine workday. He missed the live Big Ticket draw and two calls from organisers. "I was at work and didnt realise. The third time they called, I picked up," he told the outlet. What followed stunned him. "I was very surprised. I didnt think it was real at first." He has been taking part in Big Ticket for the past five years. Though he was sporadic initially, he has not missed a single draw in the past three years. He has been splitting the ticket with Sunil, a fellow expat from Udupi. "There were only two of us. We always shared the ticket," he added. He pointed out that he is "very fortunate" as many people try for 10 or 15 years and do not win anything. However, he said he has not made any future plans about how to use the jackpot money and would continue with his current job. He will travel to Abu Dhabi next month for formalities and later bring his his wife and daughter to Muscat. Family is the most important thing for me now. I think my daughter came into this world with luck. For me, that is the biggest blessing," he told the outlet. Iran and the United States are set to hold nuclear talks in Oman on Friday, amid heightened regional tensions following President Donald Trumps warning of possible military action against Tehran after its crackdown on anti-government protests last month. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed the planned talks, even as reports suggest disagreements between the two sides over both the format and scope of the discussions. On Wednesday, Trump issued a stark warning to Irans Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as the US builds up its military forces in the region. "I would say he should be very worried, yeah, he should be," Trump said in an interview with NBC News. In recent weeks, the US president has been urging Iran to reach an agreement with Washington to avert a potential military strike. I would say he should be very worried, President @realDonaldTrump on Irans Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei. pic.twitter.com/ocyEaaQNj7 Arsen Ostrovsky (@Ostrov_A) February 4, 2026 A White House official confirmed that the United States will participate in the high-level talks in Oman, noting that several Arab and Muslim leaders have urged the Trump administration not to walk away from negotiations. The official added that Iranian representatives have sought to limit the scope of the talks and proposed changing the venue, according to the Associated Press. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasised on Wednesday that Washington does not view engagement with Iran as a concession or as legitimising its leadership. He said Trump remains open to meeting and engaging with any global actor, including adversaries, echoing the presidents approach during his first term. We don't view meetings as a concession. We don't view meetings as even a little legitimisation. It is our willingness to sit and listen and talk to anyone, any adversary, an ally, obviously, but anyone around the world, he said. Rubio stressed that any meaningful dialogue with Iran would need to address a broad range of issues, including Tehrans ballistic missile programme, its support for militant groups across the region, its nuclear activities, and its treatment of its own population. As far as the topic of those discussions and what the agenda needs to be, I think in order for talks to actually lead to something meaningful, they will have to include certain things. And that includes the range of their ballistic missiles. That includes their sponsorship of terrorist organisations across the region, including the nuclear programme, and that includes the treatment of their own people. You can find original article here WealthManagement. Subscribe to our free daily WealthManagement newsletters. (Bloomberg) -- Alternative money manager CAZ Investments launched a fund for individuals that will take stakes in private-asset firms, a niche strategy thats gathering momentum amid a secondaries boom. The CAZ GP Stakes Fund will offer quarterly redemptions and daily subscriptions, CAZ said in a statement Tuesday. It wont charge performance fees. Such funds typically take stakes in private-asset managers known as general partners, or GPs in exchange for a share of management fees, profits and revenue from co-investments. The explosive growth of the secondaries market for private assets has spawned new ways for GP stakes firms to return cash to their investors, and it has made it easier to buy such positions from existing investors. CAZ owns minority stakes in more than 100 private asset managers, including Bonaccord Capital Partners, which itself specializes in buying pieces of other alternative money managers. CAZ has also backed GP stakes funds managed by Hunter Point Capital, Blue Owl Capital Inc. and Blackstone Inc. These private-asset firms typically manage money for longer-term investors, making them an enticing bet, CAZ Chief Investment Officer Christopher Zook said. When you own these firms that have a locked-up investor base, its a very sticky contractual revenue stream, he added in an interview. The rise of secondaries and the proliferation of GP-stakes funds has coincided with a race among asset managers to capture the potentially trillions of dollars held by individuals as institutional backers hold off on making new private investments. Houston-based CAZ oversees $11 billion of assets and has invested more than $6 billion into GP stakes across private equity, credit and real estate. In a paper on GP stakes, Zook wrote that such investments are still rare and that private-asset firms are generally cautious about taking on minority partners. But, he added, As the world of private asset management continues to grow, there will likely be more high-quality firms that will sell a minority interest. (Updates with information on fees in second paragraph. An earlier version corrected the first paragraph to reflect that the fund is broadly open to individual investors.) The United States and Iran have agreed to hold their high-stakes negotiations in Oman on Friday, following a chaotic 24 hours during which the talks nearly collapsed over disputes about venue and agenda. The original plan was for the two sides to meet in Turkey, where mediators had brokered a preliminary framework for discussions. Foreign ministers from Egypt, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Turkey were also scheduled to participate. That process got nearly derailed when Tehran pulled back from earlier understandings on both the location and format of the meeting. Iranian officials signalled a preference for shifting the talks to Muscat, Oman, and for excluding other participating countries. Tehran also wanted to discuss nuclear issues only and did not wish to take up ballistic missiles or its support for regional non-state actors. Washington was furious, saying Iran was trying to scuttle the talks with its last-minute demands; however, the move actually reflected the sharp internal divide within Tehran. For latest news and analyses on Middle East, visit: Yello! Middle East While President Masoud Pezeshkian, a moderate, had cleared Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to hold the talks in Turkey, the ultraconservative factions in Tehran were livid, calling the move a humiliation. They did not want the talks to take place in a NATO country, which is also a regional rival. Under pressure, Iran abandoned the Turkey arrangement, prompting the White House to threaten to walk away entirely, warning Tehran that the talks were an all or nothing proposition. The negotiations were salvaged only after a coalition of Arab and Muslim states lobbied the White House, urging the Trump administration not to abandon diplomacy. Following this intervention, there was some compromise. The US agreed to shift the venue and exclude other participants, while Iran dropped its resistance to discussing missiles and militant groups. Araghchi finally confirmed that nuclear talks would proceed in Muscat at 10am on Friday, thanking Oman for facilitating the meeting. Araghchi and his team would hold discussions with President Trumps special envoy Steve Witkoff and the presidents son-in-law Jared Kushner. The Omani foreign minister is also likely to be present. The Friday meeting would be the first personal contact between officials from the two countries after the June war, when American bombers targeted Iranian nuclear facilities. However, according to the New York Times, Araghchi and Witkoff have been in direct contact by text even during this period. Despite agreement on the venue and some compromise on the subjects to be discussed, there is a stark mismatch between American maximalist demands and Iranian red lines. The United States is entering the talks with an expansive set of requirements outlined by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Washington insists that any meaningful dialogue must go beyond the nuclear file to include Irans ballistic missile programme, its backing of militant groups across the regionparticularly after Iranian missiles penetrated Israeli defences during the recent 12-day warand its human rights record. At the same time, scepticism runs deep in Washington. Rubio has publicly questioned whether an agreement is possible with Irans current leadership, even as the administration signals its willingness to test diplomacy. While Iran has shown cautious openness to talks, driven in part by fears that a US military strike could destabilise the regime amid domestic unrest, it remains adamant that the scope must remain tightly constrained. Araghchi has dismissed the US agenda as maximalist, arguing that it ignores Irans security concerns and sovereign rights. Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has warned repeatedly that Iran would not give in to American pressure. Mediators from Qatar, Turkiye and Egypt have sought to bridge these gaps by advancing a detailed framework of principles. Under this proposal, Iran would commit to zero uranium enrichment for three years, after which enrichment would be capped below 1.5 per cent. Iran would also be required to transfer its existing stockpile of highly enriched uranium, including roughly 440 kg enriched to 60 per cent, to a third country. Beyond the nuclear file, the framework calls on Iran to halt the transfer of weapons and technology to regional non-state allies and to pledge restraint in the use of ballistic missiles. Another key element of the framework is a potential non-aggression pact between Tehran and Washington. The US retains significant leverage: it has an expanded military presence in the Arabian Sea, and the Israelis will be more than willing to undertake another round of air attacks. Trump has already issued an ominous personal warning to Khamenei, hinting at the possibility of further strikes. Tensions are already high, with the US Navys F-35C Lightning II stealth fighter shooting down an Iranian Shahed-139 drone in the Arabian Sea on Tuesday, and reports of Iranian forces harassing a US-flagged vessel in the Strait of Hormuz. Although the move to Oman has allowed diplomacy to limp forward, US officials have stressed that engaging Iran does not amount to concession or legitimisation. While Washington doubts Tehrans intentions, the ultraconservatives in Iran portray the talks as an act of capitulation. The success of the talks will depend on whether Irans demand for a narrow agenda can be reconciled with the broader security architecture sought by Washington. On Tuesday, the US military announced its U.S. Navy F-35C Lightning II stealth fighter shot down Irans Shahed-129 drone in the Arabian Sea after aggressively approaching the US aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln. Despite this, reports claimed Iran sent a second drone to gather surveillance on the US carrier. While Iran seemed unfazed by the downing of the drone, the act was considered by many as the reflection of its determination to continue surveillance. However, according to the UK-based think tank Institute for the Study of War, the Islamic Republic has conducted two reconnaissance-test operations against the US Navy in the Persian Gulf, with the aim of showcasing its capabilities and assessing the US defensive responses. The think tank wrote in its analysis that by initiating tensions at sea, the Iranian government is trying to challenge US naval activities and create a deterrent against a possible attack by the country. Though the proximity of the Shahed-129 drone to the aircraft carrier is not clear, the US military's response could contain important information for the Islamic Republic, especially about how the US Navy confronts Iranian drones within its operational range. For latest news and analyses on Middle East, visit: Yello! Middle East In a second provocative act, which happened three hours after the incident involving the USS Abraham Lincoln, two small fast attack craft of the Islamic Republic, supported by a reconnaissance drone, attempted to seize a US-flagged tanker in the Persian Gulf, but were met with a response from an American destroyer. The tanker, named MV Stena Imperator, had previously refuelled US Navy vessels. The institute added that the Islamic Republic likely purposefully selected this particular ship to provoke the US Navy into a response and gauge how and when the United States would respond to similar actions in the future. Geo-political experts too think Shahed-139 drone launch toward the USS Abraham Lincoln was part of Tehrans message to US President Donald Trump. The Islamic regime is trying to make good on its threat that, if there is another war, it will be a region-wide war, Behnam Ben Taleblu, the Iran Program Senior Director and Senior Fellow at the Foundation for Defence of Democracies think tank in Washington, told The Jerusalem Post. Those asymmetric harassment tactics that the Houthis employed post-October 7 were actually created and perfected by the Islamic Republic for the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz, he said, adding that Iran used to harass oil tankers and other vessels in the region with small boats, and then it shifted to doing so with drones. Taleblu said that the regime is poking, prodding and testing Trumps resolve, and that was part of the reason the US needed to respond with pure military professionalism. Days after US President Donald Trump claimed that India had agreed to halt purchases of Russian oil, Moscow said on Wednesday that New Delhi remains free to buy crude from any supplier and that Indias efforts to diversify its energy sources are nothing new. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Russia is aware that it is not Indias sole oil supplier. We, along with all other international energy experts, are well aware that Russia is not the only supplier of oil and petroleum products to India. India has always purchased these products from other countries. Therefore, we see nothing new here, Peskov said. Russia Doesn't See Anything New About The Fact That India Can Purchase Oil From Countries Other Than Russia - Kremlin Spox Moscow is well aware that Russia is not the only supplier of oil to India, Dmitry Peskov added. pic.twitter.com/uG60oU2Ki4 RT_India (@RT_India_news) February 4, 2026 A day earlier, Peskov stated that Moscow had received no official communication from India regarding any decision to stop purchasing Russian oil. Russias foreign ministry also underscored that the hydrocarbons trade is beneficial for both India and Russia. We remain convinced that India's purchase of Russian hydrocarbons is beneficial to both countries and contributes to maintaining stability in the international energy market, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said at a press briefing. We are ready to continue close cooperation in this area with our partners in India. Energy analyst Igor Yushkov of the National Energy Security Fund said it would be difficult for Indian refiners to fully replace Russian crude imports. The American shale oil they export is light grades, similar to gas condensate. Russia, on the other hand, supplies relatively heavy, sulfur-rich Urals, Yushkov said, as quoted by PTI. This means India will need to blend US crude with other grades, which incurs additional costs, meaning a simple substitution won't be possible. He added that Russia typically exports between 1.5 million and 2 million barrels of oil per day to Indiavolumes the United States would be unable to fully replace. So, one gets the sense that Trump is simply trying to show that he won these trade negotiations and the deal was concluded entirely in line with US demands, Yushkov said. Trump has been pressuring India to end its purchases of Russian oil, accusing New Delhi of indirectly financing Moscows war in Ukraine. Last year, his administration imposed tariffs of up to 50 percent on Indian goodsamong the highest globallyincluding a 25 percent levy linked to Indias imports of Russian energy. Though the Kremlin has officially issued a rather nonchalant reaction to reports about Indias cutting down its oil, stating New Delhi remains free to buy crude from any supplier, reports hint that it is pulling every card to keep India on its side. Russia has reportedly increased oil discounts for Indian refineries in a bid to encourage India to purchase oil despite its trade agreement with the United States. The discounts offered to Indian refiners have widened over the last 10 days, with Russias flagship Urals grade being offered at more than $10 a barrel below Brent, inclusive of shipping and other costs, traders involved in the purchases, according to Bloomberg. The report, quoting analytics firm Argus, estimates the discount at approximately $11 per barrel; this figure stood at $9.15 before January 22. The current discount is also at least three times higher than the level traders were discussing before the US imposed sanctions on Rosneft and Lukoil. India, traditionally not a major buyer of Russian oil, turned to the producer after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in early 2022 thanks to discounts . Purchases have decreased in recent months, but still averaged around 1.2 million barrels per day in January, according to Kpler, down from a peak of 2 million barrels per day. According to data intelligence firm Kpler, India is unlikely to fully disengage from Russian oil in the near term, which added that the imports would stabilise in the 1.1 million to 1.3 million barrels a day range through the first quarter and early into the next. Kpler put Urals discounts at around $9 a barrel to ICE Brent to India, some $4 to $5 cheaper than Venezuelan barrels. Don't trust Trumps words Prime Minister Narendra Modi has not abandoned Russian oil, despite US President Donald Trump's claims to the contrary, and intends to raise the issue of settlements with Russia in national currencies at the 2026 BRICS summit, according to financial analyst and head of the Indian Business Alliance office, Neeraj Shah. In an interview with Russian media URA.RU, Shah said India has already turned down the US, which asked our prime minister not to buy Russian oil [in exchange for American and Venezuelan]. I regularly communicate with Indian politicians, so I know what I'm talking about. You shouldn't trust Trump's words. And I won't even speculate on why he said that. He says a lot of things. We are confident that he will reduce tariffs to 18%, because Narendra Modi has already said so, he said. The South Australian police have declared the disappearance of four-year-old Gus Lamont a 'major crime', revealing that a family member is a suspect in their investigation. Lamont went missing in September last year from the Oak Park sheep station in Yunta, north of Adelaide. A massive search has been launched by the police in the area to locate the missing boy. BREAKING: Major Crime Detective Superintendent Darren Fielke is providing an update on the disappearance of Gus Lamont in the state's outback. The four-year-old was last seen playing outside on his family's homestead south of Yunta on September 27. https://t.co/4bcqoYfyPx 7NEWS Adelaide (@7NewsAdelaide) February 5, 2026 In a major development in the case, the police on Thursday said that a family member, who lived at the same property as the boy, had become a person of interest in the investigation. The inconsistencies in the family member's statements from the first time made the police suspect. Detective Superintendent Darren Fielke said that as a result of these inconsistencies, a person who resides at Oak Park Station has withdrawn their support for the police and is no longer cooperating with us. He also added that the parents are not suspects in Lamont's disappearance. "Were all focused and determined to locate Gus and return him to his parents. Nothing is off the table as we work towards that outcome," he said. The search for Gus has so far covered 95 square kilometres, including six mine shafts near the property. Along with the police officers, SES, the Australian Defence Force, an Indigenous tracker, aircraft and community volunteers joined the search team. The search in the scrubland was launched by the police on the assumption that Lamont had walked off from the Oak Park Station and got lost. "The other two investigation options are focused on Gus being abducted from the Oak Park Station or whether someone known to him was involved in his disappearance and suspected death," he said. ProAssurance Corporation (NYSE:PRA Get Free Report) shares reached a new 52-week high on Monday . The company traded as high as $24.62 and last traded at $24.51, with a volume of 284840 shares trading hands. The stock had previously closed at $24.22. Analyst Ratings Changes Several equities analysts have recently commented on PRA shares. Zacks Research downgraded ProAssurance from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday, November 5th. Wall Street Zen raised ProAssurance to a sell rating in a report on Saturday, November 22nd. Finally, Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c) rating on shares of ProAssurance in a research note on Thursday, January 22nd. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, ProAssurance presently has an average rating of Reduce and an average target price of $25.00. Get ProAssurance alerts: Check Out Our Latest Research Report on ProAssurance ProAssurance Price Performance The firm has a market cap of $1.26 billion, a PE ratio of 37.63 and a beta of 0.09. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of $24.12 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $23.99. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.32, a quick ratio of 0.28 and a current ratio of 0.28. ProAssurance (NYSE:PRA Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, November 4th. The insurance provider reported $0.15 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.28 by ($0.13). ProAssurance had a return on equity of 4.78% and a net margin of 3.01%.The firm had revenue of $279.55 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $268.71 million. During the same period last year, the company earned $0.34 earnings per share. The firms revenue was down 2.0% on a year-over-year basis. Equities analysts predict that ProAssurance Corporation will post 0.8 EPS for the current fiscal year. Institutional Trading of ProAssurance Several hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in PRA. Qube Research & Technologies Ltd grew its position in ProAssurance by 186.1% in the second quarter. Qube Research & Technologies Ltd now owns 1,491,060 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $34,041,000 after acquiring an additional 969,833 shares in the last quarter. Hsbc Holdings PLC boosted its holdings in shares of ProAssurance by 1,310.1% in the 2nd quarter. Hsbc Holdings PLC now owns 939,428 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $21,433,000 after purchasing an additional 872,808 shares during the period. Alliancebernstein L.P. increased its position in shares of ProAssurance by 41.6% during the 3rd quarter. Alliancebernstein L.P. now owns 2,711,805 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $65,056,000 after purchasing an additional 796,132 shares during the last quarter. Man Group plc purchased a new stake in ProAssurance during the 3rd quarter valued at $17,058,000. Finally, Magnetar Financial LLC lifted its position in ProAssurance by 27.6% in the second quarter. Magnetar Financial LLC now owns 2,956,808 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $67,504,000 after buying an additional 638,992 shares during the last quarter. 85.58% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. ProAssurance Company Profile (Get Free Report) ProAssurance Corporation is a specialty property and casualty insurance holding company headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama. The company focuses primarily on professional liability coverage for healthcare providers, including physicians, surgeons, dentists and allied health professionals. ProAssurance operates through a group of insurance subsidiaries that underwrite both occurrence- and claims-made policies tailored to the unique risks faced by the medical community. In addition to professional liability insurance, ProAssurance offers a suite of complementary property and casualty products, such as general liability, workers compensation, property and inland marine, and umbrella coverage. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for ProAssurance Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for ProAssurance and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. NASB Financial (OTCMKTS:NASB Get Free Report) announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday. The financial services provider reported $1.15 EPS for the quarter, Zacks reports. NASB Financial had a net margin of 16.14% and a return on equity of 6.80%. NASB Financial Price Performance Shares of NASB stock remained flat at $38.25 during trading on Wednesday. The company had a trading volume of 1 shares, compared to its average volume of 777. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.54, a current ratio of 1.37 and a quick ratio of 1.37. The business has a fifty day moving average price of $36.82 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $35.62. NASB Financial has a 1-year low of $30.68 and a 1-year high of $38.71. The stock has a market capitalization of $276.55 million, a PE ratio of 9.61 and a beta of 0.05. Get NASB Financial alerts: About NASB Financial (Get Free Report) NASB Financial, Inc is the bank holding company for North American Savings Bank, F.S.B., a federal savings bank headquartered in Little Rock, Arkansas. Through its subsidiary operations, NASB Financial offers a full suite of banking and financial services to individual and business clients. The companys core activities include accepting deposits, making consumer and commercial loans, and originating mortgage loans for sale into the secondary market. In addition to traditional deposit and lending services, NASB Financial provides mortgage banking solutions, including retail mortgage origination, correspondent lending, and loan servicing. Read More Receive News & Ratings for NASB Financial Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for NASB Financial and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Rakuten, Inc. (OTCMKTS:RKUNY Get Free Report)s stock price gapped down prior to trading on Monday . The stock had previously closed at $6.01, but opened at $5.70. Rakuten shares last traded at $5.9950, with a volume of 2,978 shares trading hands. Rakuten Stock Performance The company has a quick ratio of 1.16, a current ratio of 1.16 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 4.70. The stock has a market cap of $12.89 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -11.88 and a beta of 1.20. The stocks fifty day moving average is $6.18 and its 200-day moving average is $6.13. Get Rakuten alerts: Rakuten (OTCMKTS:RKUNY Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, November 13th. The company reported ($0.08) earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.07 by ($0.15). Rakuten had a negative return on equity of 13.96% and a negative net margin of 6.67%.The firm had revenue of $4.08 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $4.21 billion. On average, analysts forecast that Rakuten, Inc. will post 0.06 EPS for the current year. About Rakuten Rakuten, Inc is a diversified internet services company based in Tokyo, Japan, and founded in 1997 by Hiroshi Mikitani, who continues to serve as chairman and chief executive officer. Originally established as an online marketplace, Rakuten has expanded its reach to become a global technology group offering a wide range of digital services and consumer-facing platforms. The company is listed in Japan but its American depositary receipts trade over the counter under the symbol RKUNY. At the core of Rakutens business is its e-commerce marketplace, Rakuten Ichiba, which hosts millions of merchants and serves tens of millions of customers across Japan and other key markets. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Rakuten Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Rakuten and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Premier Health of America Inc. (CVE:PHA Get Free Report) were down 20% during trading on Monday . The company traded as low as C$0.02 and last traded at C$0.02. Approximately 710,200 shares were traded during mid-day trading, an increase of 1,079% from the average daily volume of 60,223 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$0.03. Premier Health of America Trading Down 20.0% The firms 50 day moving average price is C$0.02 and its 200-day moving average price is C$0.03. The company has a market cap of C$1.11 million, a P/E ratio of -0.10 and a beta of 0.39. Premier Health of America Company Profile (Get Free Report) Premier Health of America Inc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the provision of staffing and outsourced service solutions for healthcare needs in Canada. It operates in two segments, Per Diem and Travel Nurse. The company provides temporary or permanent resources, including registered nurses, registered practical nurses, registered therapists, and personal support workers for public and private hospitals, medical clinics, and retirement homes. It also offers health consulting, nursing, and healthcare services in remote communities, as well as provides nursing and assistance services in remote regions; and Code Bleu, an agency to employ staff nurses. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Premier Health of America Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Premier Health of America and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Consumer sentiment was higher in January than in December, which is bullish for stocks. - MarketWatch photo illustration/iStockphoto Of the many January indicators that investors look to for clues about the stock markets direction, just one is statistically significanct. Fortunately, this indicator is bullish for the remainder of 2026. This lone January-based indicator with statistical significance is known as the January sentiment effect. The JSE points to increased stock-market returns from February through December when consumer sentiment in January is higher than it was in the prior month. Two researchers, Zhongdong Chen of the University of Northern Iowa and Phillip Daves of the University of Tennessee, reported this finding in the October 2018 issue of the International Review of Financial Analysis, based on an analysis of the 40 years from 1978 through 2017. Most Read from MarketWatch This indicator has good news for 2026 because the University of Michigans Index of Consumer Sentiment, or ICS the index that the professors focused on in their research was significantly higher in January than it was in December: 56.4 vs. 52.9. The January sentiment effect is distinct from better-known January-based stock-market indicators. As I discussed in a recent column, none of these other indicators is statistically significant including the Santa Claus rally (focusing on the period between Christmas and the second trading day of January), the first trading day of January, the first two trading days of January, the first five trading days of January, and the full month of January. According to the researchers, the JSE works because investors typically change their 401(k) asset allocation just once each year, in January. When consumer sentiment is higher in January than in December, investors tend to increase the equity exposure in their retirement accounts. This not only increases the equity exposure of amounts already held in those accounts, but also of each subsequent months contributions (both the employees and the employer match). As a result, this increased equity allocation from January will persist through the end of the year. To test this explanation, the professors measured the correlations between other months sentiment changes and the stock market and found none. Thai Oil Public Company Limited (OTCMKTS:TOIPF Get Free Report) traded up 12.1% during mid-day trading on Wednesday . The stock traded as high as $1.30 and last traded at $1.30. 4,100 shares changed hands during trading, an increase of 10% from the average session volume of 3,733 shares. The stock had previously closed at $1.16. Thai Oil Public Stock Up 12.1% The firms 50-day moving average price is $0.76 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $0.88. Get Thai Oil Public alerts: Thai Oil Public Company Profile (Get Free Report) Thai Oil Public Company Limited is one of Thailands leading oil refiners and petrochemical producers. Established in the early 1960s and headquartered in Samut Prakan Province, the company operates a complex that processes a variety of crude oil grades into refined petroleum products. Listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand and trading in the United States over the counter under the symbol TOIPF, Thai Oil is a core subsidiary of PTT Public Company Limited. The companys refining operations encompass the production of transportation fuels such as gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, and liquefied petroleum gas. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Thai Oil Public Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Thai Oil Public and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Auckland International Airport Limited (OTCMKTS:AUKNY Get Free Report)s share price traded up 1.2% during mid-day trading on Wednesday . The company traded as high as $24.7975 and last traded at $24.7975. 467 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 62% from the average session volume of 1,238 shares. The stock had previously closed at $24.50. Auckland International Airport Price Performance The businesss 50-day moving average is $23.65 and its 200 day moving average is $23.09. Get Auckland International Airport alerts: Auckland International Airport Company Profile (Get Free Report) Auckland International Airport (OTCMKTS: AUKNY) operates as New Zealands primary air transport gateway, serving both domestic and international passengers and cargo. Situated at M?ngere, south of Aucklands city center, the airport handles services to key markets across the AsiaPacific region, Australia, North America and beyond. Its facilities include a dual-runway airfield, two passenger terminalsdomestic and internationaland dedicated cargo and freight handling areas. In addition to its core airport operations, the company generates revenue through retail concessions, property leasing and ground-handling services. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Auckland International Airport Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Auckland International Airport and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Eurosite Power (OTCMKTS:EUSP Get Free Report) and Portland General Electric (NYSE:POR Get Free Report) are both utilities companies, but which is the better business? We will compare the two businesses based on the strength of their profitability, valuation, institutional ownership, dividends, risk, analyst recommendations and earnings. Earnings and Valuation This table compares Eurosite Power and Portland General Electrics revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Get Eurosite Power alerts: Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Eurosite Power $6.99 million 0.63 -$70,000.00 ($0.09) -0.57 Portland General Electric $3.44 billion 1.66 $313.00 million $2.75 18.43 Volatility and Risk Portland General Electric has higher revenue and earnings than Eurosite Power. Eurosite Power is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Portland General Electric, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Eurosite Power has a beta of 1.06, meaning that its share price is 6% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Portland General Electric has a beta of 0.67, meaning that its share price is 33% less volatile than the S&P 500. Profitability This table compares Eurosite Power and Portland General Electrics net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Eurosite Power N/A -12.75% -12.08% Portland General Electric 8.63% 8.32% 2.52% Analyst Ratings This is a breakdown of recent ratings and recommmendations for Eurosite Power and Portland General Electric, as reported by MarketBeat.com. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Eurosite Power 0 0 0 0 0.00 Portland General Electric 1 8 3 0 2.17 Portland General Electric has a consensus price target of $48.42, suggesting a potential downside of 4.47%. Given Portland General Electrics stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, analysts plainly believe Portland General Electric is more favorable than Eurosite Power. Summary Portland General Electric beats Eurosite Power on 10 of the 11 factors compared between the two stocks. About Eurosite Power (Get Free Report) EuroSite Power Inc., owns, operates, and distributes on-site energy systems in the United Kingdom and Europe. Its energy systems produces and supplies electricity, heat, hot water, and cooling solutions to commercial and industrial customers, such as healthcare facilities, hotels, multi-family hotels, multi-family residential buildings, leisure centers, industrial buildings, and schools and colleges. The company was founded in 2010 and is headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts. About Portland General Electric (Get Free Report) Portland General Electric Company, an integrated electric utility company, engages in the generation, wholesale purchase, transmission, distribution, and retail sale of electricity in the state of Oregon. It operates six thermal plants, three wind farms, and seven hydroelectric facilities. As of December 31, 2023, the company owned an electric transmission system consisting of 1,254 circuit miles, including 287 circuit miles of 500 kilovolt line, 413 circuit miles of 230 kilovolt line, and 554 miles of 115 kilovolt line; and served 934 thousand retail customers in 51 cities. It also has 28,868 circuit miles of distribution lines. Portland General Electric Company was founded in 1889 and is headquartered in Portland, Oregon. Receive News & Ratings for Eurosite Power Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Eurosite Power and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Manulife Financial (TSE:MFC Free Report) (NYSE:MFC) had its price objective hoisted by Jefferies Financial Group from C$54.00 to C$58.00 in a research note released on Monday,BayStreet.CA reports. Several other equities analysts also recently commented on the company. Royal Bank Of Canada set a C$52.00 price target on Manulife Financial and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Monday, January 19th. Desjardins set a C$55.00 price objective on shares of Manulife Financial and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Thursday, December 18th. National Bankshares lifted their target price on shares of Manulife Financial from C$47.00 to C$52.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Monday, October 20th. Barclays boosted their target price on shares of Manulife Financial from C$49.00 to C$52.00 in a research report on Friday, January 9th. Finally, CIBC raised Manulife Financial from a neutral rating to an outperform rating and raised their price target for the company from C$50.00 to C$58.00 in a research report on Thursday, January 8th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, six have assigned a Buy rating and one has issued a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Buy and a consensus price target of C$54.63. Get Manulife Financial alerts: Read Our Latest Research Report on Manulife Financial Manulife Financial Trading Down 2.0% Shares of TSE:MFC opened at C$50.89 on Monday. The stock has a market capitalization of C$85.35 billion, a PE ratio of 16.31, a P/E/G ratio of 1.01 and a beta of 0.99. Manulife Financial has a 1 year low of C$36.93 and a 1 year high of C$52.97. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of C$50.37 and a 200 day moving average price of C$46.30. Manulife Financial (TSE:MFC Get Free Report) (NYSE:MFC) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, November 12th. The financial services provider reported C$1.16 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. Manulife Financial had a return on equity of 11.75% and a net margin of 12.52%.The company had revenue of C$26.23 billion during the quarter. On average, sell-side analysts forecast that Manulife Financial will post 3.6104452 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Insider Activity In other news, insider Shamus Edward Weiland sold 88,500 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, November 26th. The shares were sold at an average price of C$48.95, for a total transaction of C$4,332,075.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider owned 53,495 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately C$2,618,580.25. This represents a 62.33% decrease in their ownership of the stock. Also, insider Rahim Hirji sold 25,048 shares of Manulife Financial stock in a transaction dated Friday, November 21st. The stock was sold at an average price of C$48.25, for a total value of C$1,208,566.00. Following the sale, the insider directly owned 31,315 shares in the company, valued at approximately C$1,510,948.75. This trade represents a 44.44% decrease in their ownership of the stock. Insiders own 0.03% of the companys stock. Manulife Financial Company Profile (Get Free Report) Manulife provides life insurance and wealth management products and services to individuals and group customers in Canada, the United States, and Asia. Manulife is one of Canadas Big Three Life Insurance companies (the other two are Sun Life and Great West Life). As of Dec. 31, 2021, Manulife reported assets under management or administration of about CAD $1.4 trillion. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Manulife Financial Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Manulife Financial and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. 5N Plus (TSE:VNP Free Report) had its target price increased by Desjardins from C$24.50 to C$30.00 in a research report released on Monday morning,BayStreet.CA reports. The brokerage currently has a buy rating on the stock. A number of other brokerages have also issued reports on VNP. Raymond James Financial lifted their target price on shares of 5N Plus from C$24.00 to C$26.00 in a research note on Wednesday, November 5th. Canaccord Genuity Group set a C$26.00 price objective on 5N Plus and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, January 8th. National Bankshares upped their target price on 5N Plus from C$17.00 to C$21.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Tuesday, October 7th. Finally, Ventum Financial lifted their price target on 5N Plus from C$19.00 to C$21.50 in a report on Wednesday, October 29th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating and four have assigned a Buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Buy and an average target price of C$31.25. Get 5N Plus alerts: Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on 5N Plus 5N Plus Trading Up 2.9% TSE:VNP opened at C$27.68 on Monday. The stock has a market cap of C$2.47 billion, a PE ratio of 56.49, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 6,283.33 and a beta of 1.19. 5N Plus has a fifty-two week low of C$4.90 and a fifty-two week high of C$28.10. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 104.29, a current ratio of 3.49 and a quick ratio of 1.51. The stocks 50-day moving average is C$19.63 and its two-hundred day moving average is C$17.65. 5N Plus (TSE:VNP Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Monday, November 3rd. The company reported C$0.20 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. The business had revenue of C$146.06 million during the quarter. 5N Plus had a net margin of 5.63% and a return on equity of 11.86%. As a group, equities research analysts forecast that 5N Plus will post 0.3739703 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. 5N Plus News Roundup Here are the key news stories impacting 5N Plus this week: Positive Sentiment: Pentagon / U.S. grant a reported US$18M U.S. investment to secure germanium supply and support strategic production expands 5N Pluss addressable market and supply?chain importance. Read More. Pentagon / U.S. grant a reported US$18M U.S. investment to secure germanium supply and support strategic production expands 5N Pluss addressable market and supply?chain importance. Read More. Positive Sentiment: Space/solar capacity expansion company plans to further increase space solar cell production capacity, supporting revenue upside in high-margin segments. Read More. Space/solar capacity expansion company plans to further increase space solar cell production capacity, supporting revenue upside in high-margin segments. Read More. Positive Sentiment: National Bankshares raised its price target to C$33 and moved to outperform, signaling stronger institutional conviction. Read More. National Bankshares raised its price target to C$33 and moved to outperform, signaling stronger institutional conviction. Read More. Positive Sentiment: Canaccord Genuity raised its target to C$31 and kept a buy rating, adding incremental analyst support. Read More. Canaccord Genuity raised its target to C$31 and kept a buy rating, adding incremental analyst support. Read More. Positive Sentiment: Desjardins and Ventum also raised targets (Desjardins to C$30; Ventum to C$30), reinforcing the upgrade momentum. Read More. / Read More. Desjardins and Ventum also raised targets (Desjardins to C$30; Ventum to C$30), reinforcing the upgrade momentum. Read More. / Read More. Positive Sentiment: Market reaction: coverage noting a new 1?year high after upgrades confirms momentum and may attract momentum traders. Read More. Market reaction: coverage noting a new 1?year high after upgrades confirms momentum and may attract momentum traders. Read More. Neutral Sentiment: Valuation/coverage pieces (Seeking Alpha, Yahoo Finance) are assessing how the U.S. grant and capacity expansion affect valuation useful for investors but not an immediate catalyst. Read More. / Read More. Valuation/coverage pieces (Seeking Alpha, Yahoo Finance) are assessing how the U.S. grant and capacity expansion affect valuation useful for investors but not an immediate catalyst. Read More. / Read More. Negative Sentiment: ATB Capital cut its price target from C$42 to C$37.50 (still a top pick) a lower target may temper some upside expectations among investors who followed the prior, higher benchmark. Read More. About 5N Plus (Get Free Report) 5N+ is a leading global producer of specialty semiconductors and performance materials. The Companys ultra pure materials often form the core element of its customers products. These customers rely on 5N+s products to enable performance and sustainability in their own products. 5N+ deploys a range of proprietary and proven technologies to develop and manufacture its products. The Companys products enable various applications in several key industries, including renewable energy, security, space, pharmaceutical, medical imaging and industrial. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for 5N Plus Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for 5N Plus and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Lloyds Banking Group (LON:LLOY Free Report) had its target price boosted by Citigroup from GBX 98 to GBX 106 in a report released on Monday, MarketBeat.com reports. Citigroup currently has a neutral rating on the financial services providers stock. LLOY has been the subject of several other reports. Shore Capital downgraded Lloyds Banking Group to a sell rating and lifted their target price for the company from GBX 84 to GBX 91 in a research report on Monday. UBS Group reissued a neutral rating and issued a GBX 103 price objective on shares of Lloyds Banking Group in a research note on Friday, January 23rd. Barclays upped their target price on shares of Lloyds Banking Group from GBX 100 to GBX 120 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, January 7th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their target price on shares of Lloyds Banking Group from GBX 102 to GBX 117 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Tuesday, January 20th. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft boosted their price target on shares of Lloyds Banking Group from GBX 100 to GBX 110 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Friday, January 23rd. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, three have given a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of GBX 107.78. Get Lloyds Banking Group alerts: Read Our Latest Analysis on LLOY Lloyds Banking Group Stock Up 1.4% Shares of LON LLOY opened at GBX 114.20 on Monday. The businesss 50 day moving average is GBX 99.74 and its two-hundred day moving average is GBX 89.56. Lloyds Banking Group has a 52-week low of GBX 60.78 and a 52-week high of GBX 114.40. The firm has a market cap of 67.10 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 20.04, a PEG ratio of 1.84 and a beta of 1.23. Lloyds Banking Group (LON:LLOY Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, January 29th. The financial services provider reported GBX 7 EPS for the quarter. Lloyds Banking Group had a return on equity of 11.22% and a net margin of 16.66%. Analysts anticipate that Lloyds Banking Group will post 7.3199528 EPS for the current fiscal year. Key Lloyds Banking Group News Here are the key news stories impacting Lloyds Banking Group this week: Positive Sentiment: Lloyds is shifting strategy to grow its corporate and institutional banking units and expand its US presence a move aimed at diversifying away from UK retail margins and lifting fee income and returns. Read More. Lloyds is shifting strategy to grow its corporate and institutional banking units and expand its US presence a move aimed at diversifying away from UK retail margins and lifting fee income and returns. Read More. Positive Sentiment: Multiple outlets report the same strategic push (management signalling a deliberate expansion into higher-margin corporate and US markets), which could increase investor confidence in longer-term revenue growth and ROE. Read More. Multiple outlets report the same strategic push (management signalling a deliberate expansion into higher-margin corporate and US markets), which could increase investor confidence in longer-term revenue growth and ROE. Read More. Positive Sentiment: Lloyds has continued executing its buyback programme, repurchasing and cancelling nearly 3 million shares a direct boost to EPS and a signal of capital return discipline. Read More. Lloyds has continued executing its buyback programme, repurchasing and cancelling nearly 3 million shares a direct boost to EPS and a signal of capital return discipline. Read More. Positive Sentiment: Analysts are raising targets and upgrading coverage: Citi raised its Lloyds price target to GBX 106, and other notes point to higher targets/positive momentum supporting the recent rally. Read More. Analysts are raising targets and upgrading coverage: Citi raised its Lloyds price target to GBX 106, and other notes point to higher targets/positive momentum supporting the recent rally. Read More. Positive Sentiment: The US depositary receipt (LYG) had its price target increased, reflecting improved US investor views on Lloyds outlook. Read More. The US depositary receipt (LYG) had its price target increased, reflecting improved US investor views on Lloyds outlook. Read More. Neutral Sentiment: Deutsche Bank lowered its price target to GBX 125 but retained a buy rating a mixed signal (smaller upside implied but continued endorsement). Read More. Deutsche Bank lowered its price target to GBX 125 but retained a buy rating a mixed signal (smaller upside implied but continued endorsement). Read More. Negative Sentiment: Shore Capital downgraded Lloyds to sell after the stocks strong run, which could add selling pressure from some investors and temper momentum. Read More. About Lloyds Banking Group (Get Free Report) We are the largest UK retail and commercial financial services provider with over 25 million customers and a presence in nearly every community. The Groups main business activities are retail and commercial banking, general insurance and long-term savings, provided through the largest branch network and digital bank in the UK, with well recognised brands including Lloyds Bank, Halifax, Bank of Scotland and Scottish Widows. Our shares are quoted on the London and New York stock exchanges and we are one of the largest companies in the FTSE 100 index. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Lloyds Banking Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Lloyds Banking Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. General Motors (NYSE:GM Free Report) (TSE:GMM.U) had its price target lifted by Evercore ISI from $85.00 to $95.00 in a report published on Monday,Benzinga reports. Evercore ISI currently has an outperform rating on the auto manufacturers stock. A number of other equities analysts have also recently commented on GM. Benchmark reissued a buy rating on shares of General Motors in a report on Wednesday, October 22nd. HSBC increased their target price on shares of General Motors from $48.00 to $75.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, January 13th. Tigress Financial lifted their price target on shares of General Motors from $88.00 to $92.00 and gave the company a strong-buy rating in a report on Friday, October 24th. Barclays set a $110.00 price objective on shares of General Motors in a research report on Wednesday, January 28th. Finally, Argus set a $78.00 target price on shares of General Motors in a research report on Thursday, October 23rd. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, fifteen have assigned a Buy rating, five have assigned a Hold rating and two have issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, General Motors presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $88.43. Get General Motors alerts: Read Our Latest Report on General Motors General Motors Trading Up 0.5% GM opened at $86.12 on Monday. The stock has a market capitalization of $77.85 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 28.61, a P/E/G ratio of 0.47 and a beta of 1.36. The company has a quick ratio of 1.01, a current ratio of 1.17 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.50. General Motors has a twelve month low of $41.60 and a twelve month high of $87.62. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $80.92 and a 200 day simple moving average of $67.63. General Motors (NYSE:GM Get Free Report) (TSE:GMM.U) last issued its earnings results on Tuesday, January 27th. The auto manufacturer reported $2.51 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.26 by $0.25. The company had revenue of $45.29 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $45.81 billion. General Motors had a net margin of 1.46% and a return on equity of 14.72%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was down 5.1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the company earned $1.92 EPS. General Motors has set its FY 2026 guidance at 9.750-10.500 EPS. Analysts predict that General Motors will post 11.44 EPS for the current fiscal year. General Motors declared that its Board of Directors has approved a stock buyback program on Tuesday, January 27th that authorizes the company to buyback $6.00 billion in outstanding shares. This buyback authorization authorizes the auto manufacturer to repurchase up to 8.1% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares buyback programs are generally a sign that the companys management believes its shares are undervalued. General Motors Increases Dividend The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, March 19th. Shareholders of record on Friday, March 6th will be issued a dividend of $0.18 per share. This represents a $0.72 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.8%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, March 6th. This is a boost from General Motorss previous quarterly dividend of $0.15. General Motorss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 19.93%. Insider Buying and Selling at General Motors In other news, CAO Christopher Hatto sold 7,724 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, November 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $72.00, for a total value of $556,128.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief accounting officer owned 12,007 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $864,504. This represents a 39.15% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. Insiders own 0.54% of the companys stock. Institutional Trading of General Motors Large investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Vanguard Group Inc. boosted its position in shares of General Motors by 11.5% during the 2nd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 110,759,703 shares of the auto manufacturers stock valued at $5,450,485,000 after purchasing an additional 11,418,367 shares in the last quarter. Franklin Resources Inc. increased its holdings in General Motors by 3.3% in the third quarter. Franklin Resources Inc. now owns 31,322,758 shares of the auto manufacturers stock worth $1,909,748,000 after purchasing an additional 989,189 shares in the last quarter. Capital World Investors lifted its stake in General Motors by 8.2% in the third quarter. Capital World Investors now owns 18,130,519 shares of the auto manufacturers stock valued at $1,105,420,000 after buying an additional 1,366,467 shares during the period. AQR Capital Management LLC boosted its holdings in shares of General Motors by 5.5% during the 3rd quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 14,252,689 shares of the auto manufacturers stock worth $868,986,000 after buying an additional 748,831 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Viking Global Investors LP boosted its holdings in shares of General Motors by 81.1% during the 2nd quarter. Viking Global Investors LP now owns 13,018,874 shares of the auto manufacturers stock worth $640,659,000 after buying an additional 5,830,050 shares in the last quarter. 92.67% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. More General Motors News Here are the key news stories impacting General Motors this week: About General Motors (Get Free Report) General Motors Company (NYSE: GM) is a global automotive manufacturer headquartered in Detroit, Michigan, that designs, builds and sells cars, trucks, crossovers and electric vehicles, and provides related parts and services. Founded in 1908, GM has long been one of the worlds largest automakers and has evolved into a multi-brand company whose primary marques include Chevrolet, GMC, Cadillac and Buick. Beyond vehicle manufacturing, GMs operations encompass vehicle financing, connected services and advanced mobility initiatives. GM develops and markets a broad portfolio of products and technologies, including internal-combustion and battery-electric vehicles, vehicle components and on-board connectivity services. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for General Motors Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for General Motors and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Alexandria Real Estate Equities (NYSE:ARE Free Report) had its price target raised by Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft from $53.00 to $55.00 in a research note released on Monday morning,MarketScreener reports. The firm currently has a hold rating on the real estate investment trusts stock. Other analysts also recently issued reports about the company. Morgan Stanley initiated coverage on Alexandria Real Estate Equities in a report on Friday, January 9th. They issued an equal weight rating and a $55.00 price objective for the company. Royal Bank Of Canada lowered their price objective on Alexandria Real Estate Equities from $98.00 to $65.00 and set a sector perform rating for the company in a research report on Monday, November 3rd. Jefferies Financial Group lifted their price objective on Alexandria Real Estate Equities from $47.00 to $57.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research note on Friday, January 30th. Citigroup decreased their target price on shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities from $61.00 to $52.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, December 4th. Finally, BMO Capital Markets upped their price objective on shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities from $60.00 to $65.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Monday, January 26th. Five investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, eleven have assigned a Hold rating and two have given a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $66.13. Get Alexandria Real Estate Equities alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Report on ARE Alexandria Real Estate Equities Price Performance Alexandria Real Estate Equities stock opened at $55.30 on Monday. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $51.73 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $66.07. Alexandria Real Estate Equities has a 12 month low of $44.10 and a 12 month high of $105.14. The company has a market capitalization of $9.58 billion, a PE ratio of -6.55, a P/E/G ratio of 6.50 and a beta of 1.31. The company has a current ratio of 0.23, a quick ratio of 0.23 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.65. Alexandria Real Estate Equities (NYSE:ARE Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Monday, January 26th. The real estate investment trust reported $2.16 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.15 by $0.01. Alexandria Real Estate Equities had a negative return on equity of 6.82% and a negative net margin of 47.23%.The company had revenue of $754.41 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $742.64 million. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $2.39 earnings per share. The firms revenue was down 4.4% compared to the same quarter last year. Alexandria Real Estate Equities has set its FY 2026 guidance at 6.250-6.550 EPS. Analysts expect that Alexandria Real Estate Equities will post 9.32 EPS for the current year. Alexandria Real Estate Equities announced that its Board of Directors has approved a stock buyback plan on Monday, December 8th that permits the company to repurchase $500.00 million in shares. This repurchase authorization permits the real estate investment trust to repurchase up to 6.4% of its stock through open market purchases. Stock repurchase plans are generally an indication that the companys board of directors believes its stock is undervalued. Alexandria Real Estate Equities Cuts Dividend The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, January 15th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, December 31st were issued a $0.72 dividend. This represents a $2.88 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 5.2%. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, December 31st. Alexandria Real Estate Equitiess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently -34.12%. Insiders Place Their Bets In other news, Director Sheila K. Mcgrath purchased 3,100 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Wednesday, December 10th. The shares were acquired at an average price of $45.60 per share, for a total transaction of $141,360.00. Following the completion of the acquisition, the director owned 8,392 shares in the company, valued at approximately $382,675.20. The trade was a 58.58% increase in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Company insiders own 1.08% of the companys stock. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Alexandria Real Estate Equities A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Loomis Sayles & Co. L P bought a new stake in Alexandria Real Estate Equities during the second quarter worth $27,000. Avalon Trust Co bought a new stake in shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities in the 3rd quarter worth $29,000. Cornerstone Planning Group LLC raised its holdings in shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities by 5,916.7% in the third quarter. Cornerstone Planning Group LLC now owns 361 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $30,000 after purchasing an additional 355 shares during the last quarter. CYBER HORNET ETFs LLC bought a new position in shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities during the second quarter valued at about $30,000. Finally, BOKF NA boosted its holdings in Alexandria Real Estate Equities by 6,033.3% during the third quarter. BOKF NA now owns 368 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $31,000 after purchasing an additional 362 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 96.54% of the companys stock. About Alexandria Real Estate Equities (Get Free Report) Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc (NYSE: ARE) is a real estate investment trust specializing in the ownership, development and management of collaborative life science and technology campuses. The companys properties are designed to support research and innovation by providing specialized laboratory, office and manufacturing space tailored to biotechnology, pharmaceutical, academic and related industries. Since its founding in 1994, Alexandria has cultivated a diversified portfolio of campuses across leading innovation clusters in North America and Europe. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Alexandria Real Estate Equities Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Alexandria Real Estate Equities and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Chevron (NYSE:CVX Free Report) had its target price upped by TD Cowen from $160.00 to $168.00 in a research report sent to investors on Monday, MarketBeat Ratings reports. The brokerage currently has a hold rating on the oil and gas companys stock. Other equities research analysts have also recently issued reports about the stock. Hsbc Global Res raised shares of Chevron from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Monday, December 1st. Wall Street Zen raised shares of Chevron from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Saturday, January 31st. Freedom Capital lowered shares of Chevron from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a research report on Tuesday, January 6th. Raymond James Financial reaffirmed an outperform rating and issued a $160.00 target price (down from $170.00) on shares of Chevron in a research note on Friday, October 17th. Finally, Sanford C. Bernstein boosted their price target on Chevron from $170.00 to $172.00 and gave the company a market perform rating in a report on Monday, January 5th. Twelve research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, eight have issued a Hold rating and four have assigned a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Chevron has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $175.00. Get Chevron alerts: Check Out Our Latest Report on Chevron Chevron Stock Performance Chevron stock opened at $181.28 on Monday. Chevron has a fifty-two week low of $132.04 and a fifty-two week high of $182.59. The company has a market capitalization of $365.01 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 27.22, a PEG ratio of 12.50 and a beta of 0.70. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $158.11 and a two-hundred day moving average of $156.02. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.19, a quick ratio of 0.86 and a current ratio of 1.15. Chevron (NYSE:CVX Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Friday, January 30th. The oil and gas company reported $1.52 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.44 by $0.08. The business had revenue of $45.79 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $48.18 billion. Chevron had a return on equity of 8.23% and a net margin of 6.51%.The businesss revenue was down 10.2% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the business earned $2.06 earnings per share. On average, analysts anticipate that Chevron will post 10.79 EPS for the current fiscal year. Chevron Increases Dividend The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, March 10th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, February 17th will be issued a $1.78 dividend. This is a boost from Chevrons previous quarterly dividend of $1.71. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, February 17th. This represents a $7.12 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.9%. Chevrons dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 102.70%. Insider Buying and Selling at Chevron In other Chevron news, CFO Eimear P. Bonner sold 32,100 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Friday, January 30th. The stock was sold at an average price of $175.01, for a total transaction of $5,617,821.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer owned 4,366 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $764,093.66. The trade was a 88.03% 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. Also, insider R. Hewitt Pate sold 41,134 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated 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 sale, the insider owned 4,169 shares of the companys stock, valued at $735,411.60. This represents a 90.80% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Over the last quarter, insiders sold 764,958 shares of company stock worth $122,930,032. 0.21% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Institutional Trading of Chevron A number of institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of CVX. Quaker Wealth Management LLC increased its position in shares of Chevron by 197.7% in the second quarter. Quaker Wealth Management LLC now owns 217 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $31,000 after acquiring an additional 439 shares in the last quarter. Strategic Wealth Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in Chevron during the 4th quarter worth $33,000. Decker Retirement Planning Inc. purchased a new stake in Chevron during the 3rd quarter worth $34,000. Vermillion & White Wealth Management Group LLC increased its holdings in Chevron by 86.1% in the 2nd quarter. Vermillion & White Wealth Management Group LLC now owns 255 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $37,000 after purchasing an additional 118 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Marquette Asset Management LLC purchased a new position in Chevron in the third quarter valued at about $41,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 72.42% of the companys stock. Key Chevron News Here are the key news stories impacting Chevron this week: Positive Sentiment: Wall Street bullishness: Goldman Sachs and other buy-side analysts reiterated bullish views or raised targets, and boutiques including TD Cowen and Wells Fargo published favorable forecasts/price-target increases that support buying interest. Read More. Wall Street bullishness: Goldman Sachs and other buy-side analysts reiterated bullish views or raised targets, and boutiques including TD Cowen and Wells Fargo published favorable forecasts/price-target increases that support buying interest. Read More. Positive Sentiment: Dividend increase: Chevron raised its quarterly payout to $1.78 (annualized $7.12, ~4% yield), reinforcing the income thesis that draws dividend-focused investors and supports the stocks re-rating. Read More. Dividend increase: Chevron raised its quarterly payout to $1.78 (annualized $7.12, ~4% yield), reinforcing the income thesis that draws dividend-focused investors and supports the stocks re-rating. Read More. Positive Sentiment: Project commitments: Chevron reconfirmed commitment to the YoyoYolanda gas project (Cameroon/Equatorial Guinea), a production/growth catalyst for gas exposure and long?term cash flow. Read More. Project commitments: Chevron reconfirmed commitment to the YoyoYolanda gas project (Cameroon/Equatorial Guinea), a production/growth catalyst for gas exposure and long?term cash flow. Read More. Neutral Sentiment: Quarterly results mixed: Q4 beat EPS expectations ($1.52 vs. $1.44) but revenue missed and year-over-year profit fell supports cash-flow narrative but tempers near-term growth hopes. Read More. Quarterly results mixed: Q4 beat EPS expectations ($1.52 vs. $1.44) but revenue missed and year-over-year profit fell supports cash-flow narrative but tempers near-term growth hopes. Read More. Neutral Sentiment: Syria offshore MOU: Chevron signed a memorandum of understanding to evaluate offshore exploration in Syrian waters with a Qatari partner a potential long-term resource opportunity but with geopolitical and sanction risks that make near-term impacts uncertain. Read More. Syria offshore MOU: Chevron signed a memorandum of understanding to evaluate offshore exploration in Syrian waters with a Qatari partner a potential long-term resource opportunity but with geopolitical and sanction risks that make near-term impacts uncertain. Read More. Negative Sentiment: Insider selling: Several senior insiders (including the CFO) disclosed large share sales in late January, which may create short-term sentiment/headline pressure despite routine explanations (taxes, diversification). Read More. Insider selling: Several senior insiders (including the CFO) disclosed large share sales in late January, which may create short-term sentiment/headline pressure despite routine explanations (taxes, diversification). Read More. Negative Sentiment: Macro/headwinds: Oil prices eased as geopolitical risk softened, which can cap near-term revenue and margin expectations for integrated majors like Chevron. Read More. Macro/headwinds: Oil prices eased as geopolitical risk softened, which can cap near-term revenue and margin expectations for integrated majors like Chevron. Read More. Negative Sentiment: Cautious notes: A few firms (HSBC and others) trimmed views or moved to Hold, arguing recent gains may have priced in much of the upside these calls can limit further rallies. Read More. About Chevron (Get 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. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Chevron Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Chevron and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. CPB (NYSE:CPF Free Report) had its price objective hoisted by Keefe, Bruyette & Woods from $34.00 to $36.00 in a research note published on Monday,Benzinga reports. The firm currently has a market perform rating on the financial services providers stock. Separately, Weiss Ratings reissued a buy (b) rating on shares of CPB in a report on Monday, December 29th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has assigned a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $35.50. Get CPB alerts: Check Out Our Latest Analysis on CPB CPB Price Performance CPB stock opened at $33.85 on Monday. The company has a current ratio of 0.85, a quick ratio of 0.85 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.13. The firm has a market capitalization of $908.20 million, a P/E ratio of 11.84 and a beta of 0.96. The business has a 50-day moving average of $31.80 and a 200-day moving average of $30.20. CPB has a 1 year low of $23.16 and a 1 year high of $34.67. CPB (NYSE:CPF Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, January 28th. The financial services provider reported $0.85 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.73 by $0.12. CPB had a net margin of 21.17% and a return on equity of 13.64%. The business had revenue of $76.29 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $75.43 million. On average, equities analysts anticipate that CPB will post 2.75 EPS for the current year. CPB Increases Dividend The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, March 16th. Stockholders of record on Friday, February 27th will be issued a $0.29 dividend. This represents a $1.16 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.4%. This is a positive change from CPBs previous quarterly dividend of $0.28. The ex-dividend date is Friday, February 27th. CPBs dividend payout ratio is presently 39.16%. Institutional Investors Weigh In On CPB Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the company. HoldCo Asset Management LP boosted its position in CPB by 107.8% during the 3rd quarter. HoldCo Asset Management LP now owns 2,281,029 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $69,206,000 after acquiring an additional 1,183,399 shares during the last quarter. Millennium Management LLC lifted its position in shares of CPB by 433.6% in the first quarter. Millennium Management LLC now owns 293,335 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $7,932,000 after purchasing an additional 238,367 shares in the last quarter. Qube Research & Technologies Ltd lifted its position in shares of CPB by 371.1% in the second quarter. Qube Research & Technologies Ltd now owns 114,740 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $3,216,000 after purchasing an additional 90,385 shares in the last quarter. Basswood Capital Management L.L.C. boosted its holdings in CPB by 11.0% during the second quarter. Basswood Capital Management L.L.C. now owns 885,753 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $24,828,000 after purchasing an additional 88,028 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans grew its position in CPB by 335.2% in the second quarter. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans now owns 86,523 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $2,426,000 after purchasing an additional 66,642 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 88.42% of the companys stock. CPB Company Profile (Get Free Report) Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Company Limited (NYSE: CPF) is a Thailand?based integrated agro?industrial and food conglomerate. Headquartered in Bangkok, the company is a subsidiary of the Charoen Pokphand Group and has grown into one of the worlds leading producers of livestock feed, meat and seafood products. CPFs businesses span animal feed milling, animal breeding and hatchery operations, meat and seafood processing, and the distribution of fresh, frozen and value?added food products. CPFs product portfolio includes poultry, swine and aquaculture feed; fresh and frozen chicken and pork; shrimp and other seafood; as well as ready?to?eat and ready?to?cook food items. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for CPB Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for CPB and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Tuesday afternoon, a friend from central Nebraska called with a market question, but rather than corn, soybeans, cattle, and so on, he asked about coffee. Tuesday's close saw the market sharply in the red (per pound): March (KCH26) was down 16.15 cents (4.9%) May (KCK26) was down 14.15 cents (4.5%) July (KCN26) was down 12.85 cents (4.2%) We can see commercial interests were selling alongside noncommercial traders, as indicated by nearby contracts listing ground to deferred issues Keeping in mind coffee is a weather derivative, my Blink reaction was a change in weather patterns drove the market lower. Brazil is world's largest producer and exporter of coffee A look at the weather forecast for Brazil called for continued rains across much of the country Increasing Brazil's production potential Despite Tuesday's sharp selloff in futures and commercial selling in futures spreads, the market's forward curve continues to show a strong inverse, backwardation in New York terms. This tells us coffee's supply and demand remains bullish, long-term With global demand for coffee still strong (particularly in my office) Given this, Watson could view the selloff as a buying opportunity The latest Commitments of Traders report showed noncommercial traders held a net-long futures position of 32,734 contracts, an increase of 2,971 contracts as of Tuesday, January 27. This included an increase in long futures of 1,109 contracts And a decrease in short futures by 1,862 contracts Overnight through early Wednesday morning finds the May issue holding Tuesday's low of 299.00 (cents per pound). Additionally, daily stochastics did complete a bullish crossover below the oversold level of 20% at Tuesday's close, indicating the minor (short-term) trend should turn up soon. From a technical point of view, I have no idea what type of reversal pattern to look for As for a possible price target, there is an old pocket of trade with a high just below 290.00 from last July that could act as support. Therefore, risk could be viewed as about 15.0 cents with the reward close to 30.0 cents, for a ratio of 1:2. This could also be viewed as attractive to Watson over the coming days. On the date of publication, Darin Newsom 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 Hyundai Motor (OTCMKTS:HYMTF Get Free Report)s stock price crossed above its 50-day moving average during trading on Wednesday . The stock has a 50-day moving average of $51.00 and traded as high as $53.00. Hyundai Motor shares last traded at $51.00, with a volume of 702 shares changing hands. Hyundai Motor Stock Performance The firms 50 day simple moving average is $51.00 and its 200 day simple moving average is $51.21. Get Hyundai Motor alerts: About Hyundai Motor (Get Free Report) Hyundai Motor Company (OTCMKTS: HYMTF) is a South Korean multinational automaker known for designing, developing, manufacturing and selling a diverse range of vehicles. As a core member of the Hyundai Motor Group, it produces and distributes passenger cars, sport utility vehicles (SUVs), commercial trucks and buses. In addition to its automotive lineup, the company offers mobility and financial services aimed at enhancing customer experience and supporting vehicle sales. Over the past several decades, Hyundai Motor has expanded its product portfolio to include eco-friendly models such as hybrids, battery electric vehicles and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Hyundai Motor Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Hyundai Motor and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Homestead Advisers Corp cut its stake in shares of Deere & Company (NYSE:DE Free Report) by 1.8% during the 3rd quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The firm owned 215,600 shares of the industrial products companys stock after selling 4,000 shares during the quarter. Deere & Company accounts for about 2.3% of Homestead Advisers Corps holdings, making the stock its 13th largest position. Homestead Advisers Corps holdings in Deere & Company were worth $98,585,000 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 the stock. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company boosted its stake in 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 worth $185,143,000 after buying an additional 85,351 shares during the period. Csenge Advisory Group lifted its holdings in shares of Deere & Company by 84.9% in the 3rd quarter. Csenge Advisory Group now owns 7,440 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $3,402,000 after acquiring an additional 3,416 shares during the last quarter. Mesirow Financial Investment Management Inc. boosted its stake 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 worth $2,379,000 after purchasing an additional 45 shares during the period. MASTERINVEST Kapitalanlage GmbH bought a new position in Deere & Company during the 2nd quarter valued at about $3,615,000. Finally, WINTON GROUP Ltd purchased a new stake in Deere & Company in the 2nd quarter worth about $4,550,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 68.58% of the companys stock. Get Deere & Company alerts: Deere & Company Stock Up 4.3% NYSE:DE opened at $568.20 on Thursday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.68, a current ratio of 2.22 and a quick ratio of 2.01. Deere & Company has a 1-year low of $404.42 and a 1-year high of $571.56. The company has a 50-day moving average of $490.96 and a 200 day moving average of $483.28. The firm has a market cap of $154.02 billion, a PE ratio of 30.70, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.17 and a beta of 1.02. Deere & Company Dividend Announcement Deere & Company ( NYSE:DE Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, November 26th. The industrial products company reported $3.93 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $3.96 by ($0.03). Deere & Company had a net margin of 11.00% and a return on equity of 20.54%. The business had revenue of $12.39 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $9.77 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $4.55 EPS. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 14.1% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, research analysts anticipate that Deere & Company will post 19.32 EPS for the current fiscal year. The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, February 9th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, December 31st will be issued a dividend of $1.62 per share. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, December 31st. This represents a $6.48 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.1%. Deere & Companys dividend payout ratio is currently 35.01%. Insider Buying and Selling at Deere & Company In other news, CEO John C. May II sold 41,472 shares of Deere & Company stock in a transaction on Thursday, January 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $501.49, for a total value of $20,797,793.28. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer directly owned 117,970 shares in the company, valued at approximately $59,160,775.30. This trade represents a 26.01% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, insider Cory J. Reed sold 12,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Wednesday, January 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $510.00, for a total value of $6,120,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider directly owned 20,792 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $10,603,920. The trade was a 36.59% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Insiders have sold a total of 64,578 shares of company stock worth $32,471,682 in the last ninety days. Insiders own 0.29% of the companys stock. Analysts Set New Price Targets Several brokerages have issued reports on DE. Jefferies Financial Group boosted their target price on Deere & Company from $440.00 to $475.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday, December 9th. Sanford C. Bernstein reaffirmed a market perform rating on shares of Deere & Company in a research report on Tuesday, December 9th. Truist Financial increased their target price on Deere & Company from $609.00 to $612.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Friday, November 28th. Oppenheimer boosted their target price on shares of Deere & Company from $512.00 to $531.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Friday, November 28th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. reduced their price target on shares of Deere & Company from $480.00 to $460.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, December 19th. Fifteen analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and nine have given a Hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $524.20. Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on Deere & Company About Deere & Company (Free Report) Deere & Company, commonly known by its brand John Deere, is a global manufacturer of agricultural, construction and forestry machinery, as well as turf care equipment and power systems. Founded in 1837 by blacksmith John Deerewho developed a polished steel plow to improve tillage in tough prairie soilsthe company is headquartered in Moline, Illinois, and has grown into one of the largest and most recognizable names in equipment manufacturing worldwide. The companys principal businesses include a broad portfolio of agricultural equipment such as tractors, combines, planters, sprayers, harvesters and tillage implements, complemented by precision agriculture technologies and telematics that support farm management, yield optimization and equipment connectivity. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding DE? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Deere & Company (NYSE:DE Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Deere & Company Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Deere & Company and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Meridian Wealth Management LLC bought a new position in Southern Copper Corporation (NYSE:SCCO Free Report) during the third quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The institutional investor bought 3,238 shares of the basic materials companys stock, valued at approximately $393,000. Other large investors have also made changes to their positions in the company. Norges Bank purchased a new position in Southern Copper during the second quarter worth approximately $57,901,000. HRT Financial LP purchased a new stake in Southern Copper in the 2nd quarter valued at $29,771,000. Man Group plc increased its stake in shares of Southern Copper by 65.4% in the 2nd quarter. Man Group plc now owns 467,119 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $47,258,000 after acquiring an additional 184,641 shares during the last quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised its holdings in shares of Southern Copper by 10.8% during the 2nd quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 1,719,883 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $174,002,000 after acquiring an additional 168,005 shares during the period. Finally, Ossiam boosted its position in shares of Southern Copper by 236,557.7% during the 2nd quarter. Ossiam now owns 168,027 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $16,999,000 after acquiring an additional 167,956 shares during the last quarter. 7.94% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Southern Copper alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several research firms recently issued reports on SCCO. Wall Street Zen cut shares of Southern Copper from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Saturday, January 31st. Weiss Ratings restated a buy (b) rating on shares of Southern Copper in a report on Monday, December 29th. Citigroup reiterated a sell rating on shares of Southern Copper in a report on Monday, January 12th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reiterated an underweight rating and issued a $117.50 price objective (down from $119.50) on shares of Southern Copper in a research report on Friday, January 23rd. Finally, Morgan Stanley restated an underweight rating and issued a $156.00 target price on shares of Southern Copper in a research report on Friday, January 30th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, four have given a Hold rating and seven have issued a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Reduce and a consensus price target of $137.65. Insider Activity In related news, Director Bonilla Luis Miguel Palomino sold 400 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, December 3rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $139.00, for a total transaction of $55,600.00. Following the sale, the director directly owned 1,265 shares of the companys stock, valued at $175,835. This represents a 24.02% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, Director Lerdo De Tejada Leon Contreras sold 9,248 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, February 3rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $211.34, for a total transaction of $1,954,472.32. Following the completion of the transaction, the director directly owned 600 shares of the companys stock, valued at $126,804. This represents a 93.91% decrease in their position. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Insiders have sold 9,796 shares of company stock worth $2,030,792 in the last three months. Corporate insiders own 0.07% of the companys stock. Southern Copper Trading Down 9.0% SCCO opened at $196.00 on Thursday. Southern Copper Corporation has a 52 week low of $74.84 and a 52 week high of $218.81. The company has a quick ratio of 3.91, a current ratio of 4.52 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.64. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $160.89 and a 200-day simple moving average of $130.77. The firm has a market cap of $159.19 billion, a P/E ratio of 41.09, a P/E/G ratio of 1.77 and a beta of 1.07. Shares of Southern Copper are scheduled to split on the morning of Tuesday, February 10th. The 1.0085-1 split was recently announced. The newly minted shares will be issued to shareholders after the closing bell on Monday, February 9th. Southern Copper Increases Dividend The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, February 27th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, February 10th will be paid a dividend of $1.00 per share. This represents a $4.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.0%. This is a boost from Southern Coppers previous quarterly dividend of $0.90. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, February 10th. Southern Coppers payout ratio is currently 75.47%. Southern Copper Company Profile (Free Report) Southern Copper Corporation (NYSE: SCCO) is a large, integrated copper producer whose operations span the full value chain from exploration and mining to smelting, refining and the sale of copper and other metal products. The company produces a range of copper products including copper concentrate and refined cathodes, and recovers valuable byproducts such as molybdenum, silver and zinc. Southern Copper concentrates on high-volume, long-life assets designed to support steady production and processing capabilities. Southern Coppers operations are concentrated in Peru and Mexico, where it owns and operates multiple large-scale mining and processing facilities. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding SCCO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Southern Copper Corporation (NYSE:SCCO Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Southern Copper Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Southern Copper and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. AlphaQuest LLC increased its holdings in shares of Chatham Lodging Trust (REIT) (NYSE:CLDT Free Report) by 1,617.3% in the third quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The firm owned 84,576 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after purchasing an additional 79,651 shares during the period. AlphaQuest LLCs holdings in Chatham Lodging Trust were worth $568,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. A number of other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of CLDT. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC raised its stake in 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 during the period. Strs Ohio bought a new stake in Chatham Lodging Trust in the 1st quarter valued at $61,000. Acadian Asset Management LLC bought a new stake in Chatham Lodging Trust in the 1st quarter valued at $62,000. Dynamic Technology Lab Private Ltd acquired a new stake in Chatham Lodging Trust during the 2nd quarter valued at $78,000. Finally, Savant Capital LLC bought a new position in Chatham Lodging Trust during the second quarter worth $81,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 88.37% of the companys stock. Get Chatham Lodging Trust alerts: Chatham Lodging Trust Stock Up 3.9% CLDT stock opened at $7.44 on Thursday. Chatham Lodging Trust has a fifty-two week low of $5.83 and a fifty-two week high of $8.90. 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 stock has a market capitalization of $360.99 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 744.00 and a beta of 1.14. The businesss fifty day moving average price is $6.92 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $6.89. Chatham Lodging Trust Dividend Announcement Chatham Lodging Trust ( NYSE:CLDT Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, November 5th. The real estate investment trust reported $0.32 EPS for the quarter, meeting the consensus estimate of $0.32. Chatham Lodging Trust had a net margin of 2.89% and a return on equity of 1.11%. The business had revenue of $78.41 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $79.68 million. On average, equities analysts anticipate that Chatham Lodging Trust will post 1.07 earnings per share for the current year. The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, January 15th. Shareholders 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 dividend yield of 4.8%. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, December 31st. Chatham Lodging Trusts dividend payout ratio is presently 3,600.00%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several equities analysts have recently weighed in on CLDT shares. Zacks Research lowered shares of Chatham Lodging Trust from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a research report on Wednesday, December 24th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a sell (d) rating on shares of Chatham Lodging Trust in a research note on Monday, December 29th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and two have issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $9.50. Get Our Latest Analysis on Chatham Lodging Trust Chatham Lodging Trust Company Profile (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. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CLDT? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Chatham Lodging Trust (REIT) (NYSE:CLDT Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Chatham Lodging Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Chatham Lodging Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Machina Capital S.A.S. acquired a new stake in shares of Restaurant Brands International Inc. (NYSE:QSR Free Report) (TSE:QSR) during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund acquired 18,931 shares of the restaurant operators stock, valued at approximately $1,214,000. A number of other large investors have also bought and sold shares of QSR. Vanguard Group Inc. lifted its stake in Restaurant Brands International by 8.0% in the second quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 15,303,726 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $1,015,137,000 after buying an additional 1,134,665 shares in the last quarter. TD Asset Management Inc raised its holdings in shares of Restaurant Brands International by 18.5% during the second quarter. TD Asset Management Inc now owns 5,486,897 shares of the restaurant operators stock worth $363,243,000 after acquiring an additional 855,436 shares during the period. Geode Capital Management LLC lifted its position in 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 acquiring an additional 2,277,694 shares in the last quarter. Baupost Group LLC MA lifted its position in Restaurant Brands International by 4.2% in the 2nd quarter. Baupost Group LLC MA now owns 4,049,562 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $268,445,000 after acquiring an additional 163,000 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Norges Bank acquired a new position in Restaurant Brands International in the 2nd quarter worth $254,948,000. 82.29% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get Restaurant Brands International alerts: Insiders Place Their Bets In related news, Chairman J Patrick Doyle sold 43,597 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Friday, November 21st. The shares were sold at an average price of $69.80, for a total transaction of $3,043,070.60. Following the transaction, the chairman directly owned 193,855 shares in the company, valued at approximately $13,531,079. The trade was a 18.36% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, CEO Joshua Kobza sold 25,472 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Monday, December 15th. The stock was sold at an average price of $70.91, for a total transaction of $1,806,219.52. Following the sale, the chief executive officer directly owned 961,282 shares in the company, valued at $68,164,506.62. This trade represents a 2.58% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Insiders sold 145,508 shares of company stock valued at $10,233,040 in the last ninety days. 1.25% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Restaurant Brands International Stock Up 3.8% Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth QSR stock opened at $69.26 on Thursday. The company has a market cap of $23.99 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 24.65, a P/E/G ratio of 2.42 and a beta of 0.58. Restaurant Brands International Inc. has a twelve month low of $58.71 and a twelve month high of $73.70. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $69.38 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $67.45. The company has a quick ratio of 0.98, a current ratio of 1.06 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.65. Several analysts have issued reports on the company. Scotiabank lifted their price target on Restaurant Brands International from $73.00 to $74.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a research note on Friday, October 31st. Citigroup dropped their target price on Restaurant Brands International from $74.00 to $72.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday. Barclays boosted their target price on Restaurant Brands International from $78.00 to $86.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, January 7th. Argus raised shares of Restaurant Brands International from a hold rating to a buy rating and set a $85.00 price target for the company in a research note on Tuesday, December 2nd. Finally, Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c+) rating on shares of Restaurant Brands International in a report on Thursday, January 22nd. Eleven research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, ten have assigned a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Restaurant Brands International currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $76.95. Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on Restaurant Brands International Restaurant Brands International Company Profile (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. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding QSR? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Restaurant Brands International Inc. (NYSE:QSR Free Report) (TSE:QSR). Receive News & Ratings for Restaurant Brands International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Restaurant Brands International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Cullen Capital Management LLC trimmed its stake in National Grid Transco, PLC (NYSE:NGG Free Report) by 3.6% during the third quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 731,561 shares of the utilities providers stock after selling 27,234 shares during the quarter. Cullen Capital Management LLC owned approximately 0.07% of National Grid Transco worth $53,163,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the stock. AQR Capital Management LLC purchased a new position in National Grid Transco in the 1st quarter worth about $490,000. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. boosted its holdings in shares of National Grid Transco by 79.0% in the first quarter. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. now owns 35,966 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $2,360,000 after buying an additional 15,873 shares during the period. NewEdge Advisors LLC increased its position in shares of National Grid Transco by 12.5% in the first quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC now owns 8,767 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $575,000 after acquiring an additional 971 shares in the last quarter. Focus Partners Wealth raised its holdings in shares of National Grid Transco by 11.1% during the first quarter. Focus Partners Wealth now owns 10,375 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $681,000 after acquiring an additional 1,036 shares during the period. Finally, Sivia Capital Partners LLC acquired a new stake in shares of National Grid Transco during the second quarter valued at approximately $221,000. 4.68% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get National Grid Transco alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of research firms recently commented on NGG. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c) rating on shares of National Grid Transco in a research note on Thursday, January 22nd. National Bankshares set a $85.50 target price on National Grid Transco in a research report on Friday, December 12th. Citigroup reiterated a neutral rating on shares of National Grid Transco in a report on Monday, January 26th. BNP Paribas Exane downgraded National Grid Transco from an outperform rating to an underperform rating in a research note on Monday, November 24th. Finally, Morgan Stanley assumed coverage on National Grid Transco in a research report on Friday, December 12th. They set an overweight rating and a $85.50 price objective for the company. Four equities 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, National Grid Transco has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $83.80. National Grid Transco Stock Up 1.9% Shares of NYSE:NGG opened at $87.85 on Thursday. National Grid Transco, PLC has a 1 year low of $59.35 and a 1 year high of $89.13. The company has a current ratio of 0.97, a quick ratio of 0.90 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.14. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $78.78 and a 200 day simple moving average of $75.09. National Grid Transco Dividend Announcement The company also recently declared a dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, January 13th. Stockholders of record on Friday, November 21st were paid a dividend of $1.0657 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, November 21st. This represents a dividend yield of 284.0%. About National Grid Transco (Free Report) National Grid Transco (NYSE: NGG) is a utility company focused on the transmission and distribution of electricity and natural gas. The company builds, owns, operates and maintains large-scale energy infrastructure, including high-voltage electricity transmission lines, electricity distribution networks and high-pressure gas pipelines. Its core activities center on providing safe, reliable delivery of energy to residential, commercial and industrial customers while meeting regulatory requirements across its service territories. Services provided by National Grid Transco encompass network operation and maintenance, system balancing and control, metering and connections, and capital investment in grid modernization and reliability projects. Read More Receive News & Ratings for National Grid Transco Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for National Grid Transco and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. SouthState Bank Corp lifted its stake in shares of Snap-On Incorporated (NYSE:SNA Free Report) by 6.4% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 26,001 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 1,566 shares during the period. SouthState Bank Corps holdings in Snap-On were worth $9,010,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. raised its holdings in shares of Snap-On by 15.5% during the 1st quarter. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. now owns 8,850 shares of the companys stock worth $2,983,000 after acquiring an additional 1,185 shares during the period. Woodline Partners LP increased its position in Snap-On by 40.4% during the first quarter. Woodline Partners LP now owns 4,426 shares of the companys stock worth $1,492,000 after purchasing an additional 1,273 shares during the last quarter. Ameritas Advisory Services LLC purchased a new position in Snap-On during the second quarter worth about $30,000. Ascent Group LLC boosted its holdings in Snap-On by 22.2% in the 2nd quarter. Ascent Group LLC now owns 1,526 shares of the companys stock valued at $475,000 after purchasing an additional 277 shares during the last quarter. Finally, DAVENPORT & Co LLC grew its stake in shares of Snap-On by 21.9% in the 2nd quarter. DAVENPORT & Co LLC now owns 789 shares of the companys stock valued at $246,000 after buying an additional 142 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 84.88% of the companys stock. Get Snap-On alerts: Snap-On Stock Performance Shares of Snap-On stock opened at $383.29 on Thursday. The stock has a market capitalization of $19.93 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 20.10, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.66 and a beta of 0.81. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.20, a current ratio of 4.40 and a quick ratio of 3.37. The business has a 50-day moving average of $355.76 and a 200 day moving average of $341.17. Snap-On Incorporated has a 12 month low of $289.81 and a 12 month high of $387.25. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several analysts have recently commented on the stock. Roth Mkm reaffirmed a buy rating and set a $385.00 price target on shares of Snap-On in a research report on Friday, October 17th. Robert W. Baird set a $370.00 price target on Snap-On in a research note on Friday, January 30th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a buy (b) rating on shares of Snap-On in a report on Wednesday, January 21st. Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of Snap-On from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Saturday, October 18th. Finally, Barrington Research reaffirmed an outperform rating and set a $350.00 target price on shares of Snap-On in a research note on Wednesday, October 15th. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, one has given a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $365.83. Check Out Our Latest Research Report on Snap-On Insider Buying and Selling at Snap-On In other Snap-On news, CFO Aldo John Pagliari sold 6,779 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Thursday, December 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of $352.20, for a total value of $2,387,563.80. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief financial officer owned 111,888 shares in the company, valued at $39,406,953.60. The trade was a 5.71% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Also, SVP Jesus Arregui sold 3,831 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Tuesday, November 25th. The stock was sold at an average price of $337.28, for a total value of $1,292,119.68. Following the sale, the senior vice president directly owned 2,642 shares in the company, valued at $891,093.76. This represents a 59.18% decrease in their position. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. In the last three months, insiders sold 40,036 shares of company stock worth $13,710,988. 3.90% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Snap-On Profile (Free Report) Snap?On Incorporated (NYSE: SNA) is a designer, manufacturer and marketer of tools, diagnostic equipment, repair information and shop equipment for professional users. The companys product range includes hand and power tools, tool storage and cabinets, diagnostic scan tools and software, shop equipment such as lifts and tire changers, and specialized specialty tools for automotive, aviation, marine and industrial applications. Snap?On also offers information and workflow solutions that combine diagnostic data, repair procedures and parts information to support professional technicians. Founded in 1920 and headquartered in Kenosha, Wisconsin, Snap?On has established a long history in the professional tools market. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding SNA? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Snap-On Incorporated (NYSE:SNA Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Snap-On Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Snap-On and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Cullen Capital Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of iShares MSCI Brazil ETF (NYSEARCA:EWZ Free Report) in the third quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor purchased 192,956 shares of the exchange traded funds stock, valued at approximately $5,982,000. Cullen Capital Management LLC owned 0.10% of iShares MSCI Brazil ETF at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of EWZ. Truxt Investmentos Ltda. purchased a new stake in shares of iShares MSCI Brazil ETF in the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $25,000. Aberdeen Wealth Management LLC acquired a new position in iShares MSCI Brazil ETF during the second quarter worth $29,000. Private Trust Co. NA boosted its position in shares of iShares MSCI Brazil ETF by 114.4% during the third quarter. Private Trust Co. NA now owns 1,072 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $33,000 after buying an additional 572 shares during the period. First Horizon Advisors Inc. boosted its position in shares of iShares MSCI Brazil ETF by 143.5% during the second quarter. First Horizon Advisors Inc. now owns 1,315 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $38,000 after buying an additional 775 shares during the period. Finally, Farther Finance Advisors LLC grew its stake in shares of iShares MSCI Brazil ETF by 388.0% in the third quarter. Farther Finance Advisors LLC now owns 1,220 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $38,000 after buying an additional 970 shares in the last quarter. 72.69% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get iShares MSCI Brazil ETF alerts: iShares MSCI Brazil ETF Trading Down 2.8% EWZ stock opened at $36.98 on Thursday. The businesss fifty day moving average price is $33.61 and its 200 day moving average price is $31.15. iShares MSCI Brazil ETF has a 12-month low of $23.05 and a 12-month high of $38.88. The company has a market capitalization of $8.73 billion, a PE ratio of 9.58 and a beta of 0.87. iShares MSCI Brazil ETF Company Profile 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. See Also Receive News & Ratings for iShares MSCI Brazil ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares MSCI Brazil ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Bank of Communications (OTCMKTS:BCMXY Get Free Report) and Banco Comercial Portugues (OTCMKTS:BPCGY Get Free Report) are both large-cap finance companies, but which is the better business? We will contrast the two companies based on the strength of their earnings, institutional ownership, profitability, dividends, analyst recommendations, risk and valuation. Volatility & Risk Bank of Communications has a beta of -0.17, meaning that its share price is 117% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Banco Comercial Portugues has a beta of 0.25, meaning that its share price is 75% less volatile than the S&P 500. Get Bank of Communications alerts: Dividends Bank of Communications pays an annual dividend of $0.86 per share and has a dividend yield of 4.0%. Banco Comercial Portugues pays an annual dividend of $0.16 per share and has a dividend yield of 1.5%. Bank of Communications pays out 22.2% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Banco Comercial Portugues pays out 17.6% 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. Profitability Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Bank of Communications 18.19% 7.70% 0.62% Banco Comercial Portugues 15.89% 9.44% 0.76% Analyst Ratings This table compares Bank of Communications and Banco Comercial Portugues net margins, return on equity and return on assets. This is a summary of recent ratings and target prices for Bank of Communications and Banco Comercial Portugues, as provided by MarketBeat. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Bank of Communications 0 0 0 0 0.00 Banco Comercial Portugues 0 0 0 3 4.00 Earnings and Valuation This table compares Bank of Communications and Banco Comercial Portuguess gross revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Bank of Communications $75.42 billion 0.85 $13.02 billion $3.87 5.55 Banco Comercial Portugues $5.82 billion 2.80 $980.79 million $0.91 12.10 Bank of Communications has higher revenue and earnings than Banco Comercial Portugues. Bank of Communications is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Banco Comercial Portugues, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Summary Banco Comercial Portugues beats Bank of Communications on 8 of the 13 factors compared between the two stocks. About Bank of Communications (Get Free Report) Bank of Communications Co., Ltd. provides commercial banking products and services in China. The company offers savings deposit products, including demand deposits, lump-sum deposits and withdrawal, time deposit of small savings for lump-sum withdrawal, interest withdrawal on principal deposited, time-demand deposit, call deposit, swap management, and education deposit; personal certificate of deposit; salary financing A; and foreign currency deposit. It also provides credit, quasi-credit, and debit cards; new housing and second-hand mortgage loans and unsecured personal loans; personal wealth management advisor services; and precious metal and commodity trading services. In addition, the company offers corporate structured deposit and corporate certificate of deposit; corporate cash management; industrial chain finance program comprising prepayment financing, inventory financing, accounts receivable financing and accounts payable financing; syndicated loans; corporation overdraft; investment banking services; and offshore banking services, such as repayment financing, inventory financing, accounts receivable financing and accounts payable financing, and forex currencies. Further, it provides bond account activation, bond distribution, and transaction services; related bond escrow and settlement, pledge registration, and principal and interest payment services; training and consulting services for cooperative banks; cross-border inter-bank payments system services; consignment sales of precious metal products; bond underwriting distribution; third party bond depository services; bank derivatives transfer; b-share transfer; bankfutures transfer; standard warehouse warrant pledged financing; institutional investment consulting, wealth management, and insurance services; and clearing and settlement services for future markets. The company was founded in 1908 and is headquartered in Shanghai, the Peoples Republic of China. About Banco Comercial Portugues (Get Free Report) Banco Comercial Portugues, S.A., a private sector bank, engages in the provision of various banking and financial products and services in Portugal and internationally. It operates through Retail Banking; Companies, Corporate & Investment Banking; Private Banking; Foreign Business; and Other segments. It offers a range of financial products and services, including current accounts, payment systems, savings and investment products, private banking, asset management, and investment banking services, such as mortgage loans, personal loans, commercial banking, leasing, factoring and insurance, and others. The company is also involved in the provision of investment fund and real estate management, e-commerce, web portal, real estate investment fund, trade finance, trust, consulting, brokerage, marketing, and real estate services, as well as internet, telephone, and mobile banking services. Banco Comercial Portugues, S.A. was incorporated in 1985 and is based in Porto, Portugal. Receive News & Ratings for Bank of Communications Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bank of Communications and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Jones Financial Companies Lllp boosted its stake in shares of Aflac Incorporated (NYSE:AFL Free Report) by 12.0% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 97,344 shares of the financial services providers stock after buying an additional 10,423 shares during the quarter. Jones Financial Companies Lllps holdings in Aflac were worth $10,841,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in AFL. Norges Bank purchased a new position in shares of Aflac during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $432,201,000. Invesco Ltd. raised its holdings in shares of Aflac by 16.7% in the 2nd quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 4,167,886 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $439,545,000 after buying an additional 594,971 shares during the period. VIRGINIA RETIREMENT SYSTEMS ET Al purchased a new position in Aflac during the 2nd quarter valued at about $60,954,000. Marshall Wace LLP grew its position in Aflac by 459.0% in the 2nd quarter. Marshall Wace LLP now owns 701,390 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $73,969,000 after acquiring an additional 575,915 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Sterling Capital Management LLC increased its stake in Aflac by 146.3% during the second quarter. Sterling Capital Management LLC now owns 772,061 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $81,422,000 after purchasing an additional 458,551 shares during the period. 67.44% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Aflac alerts: Insider Buying and Selling at Aflac In other news, EVP Steven Kent Beaver sold 5,492 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Friday, December 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $109.53, for a total value of $601,538.76. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president owned 38,368 shares in the company, valued at approximately $4,202,447.04. This represents a 12.52% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Also, EVP Audrey B. Tillman sold 15,862 shares of Aflac stock in a transaction on Tuesday, November 18th. The stock was sold at an average price of $112.00, for a total transaction of $1,776,544.00. Following the sale, the executive vice president owned 230,688 shares in the company, valued at $25,837,056. This represents a 6.43% decrease in their ownership of the stock. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Insiders have sold 30,044 shares of company stock worth $3,355,981 over the last three months. Insiders own 0.90% of the companys stock. Aflac Stock Performance Shares of AFL stock opened at $113.50 on Thursday. The company has a market cap of $59.49 billion, a P/E ratio of 14.82, a PEG ratio of 3.32 and a beta of 0.67. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $109.84 and a 200 day moving average price of $108.48. The company has a current ratio of 0.11, a quick ratio of 0.11 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.30. Aflac Incorporated has a 12 month low of $96.95 and a 12 month high of $115.83. Aflac (NYSE:AFL Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, February 4th. The financial services provider reported $1.57 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.72 by ($0.15). The business had revenue of $4.87 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $4.45 billion. Aflac had a return on equity of 14.97% and a net margin of 23.55%.The firms quarterly revenue was down 9.6% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the firm earned $1.57 earnings per share. Sell-side analysts predict that Aflac Incorporated will post 6.88 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Aflac Increases Dividend The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, March 2nd. Investors of record on Wednesday, February 18th will be issued a $0.61 dividend. This represents a $2.44 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.1%. This is a positive change from Aflacs previous quarterly dividend of $0.58. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, February 18th. Aflacs dividend payout ratio is currently 30.29%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several research firms have recently commented on AFL. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their price objective on shares of Aflac from $101.00 to $105.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Monday, January 5th. Evercore ISI boosted their price target on shares of Aflac from $110.00 to $111.00 and gave the stock an underperform rating in a research note on Friday, November 7th. TD Cowen reaffirmed a hold rating on shares of Aflac in a research report on Monday, December 22nd. Mizuho initiated coverage on Aflac in a report on Tuesday, December 16th. They issued an underperform rating and a $104.00 target price for the company. Finally, Barclays set a $101.00 target price on Aflac and gave the stock an underweight rating in a research note on Thursday, January 8th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, six have assigned a Hold rating and three have given a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $110.64. Check Out Our Latest Report on AFL More Aflac News Here are the key news stories impacting Aflac this week: Aflac Company Profile (Free Report) Aflac Incorporated (American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus) is a provider of supplemental insurance products designed to help policyholders manage out-of-pocket health care and living expenses. The company underwrites a range of individual and group policies that typically pay cash benefits directly to insureds when covered events occur, enabling greater financial flexibility for medical treatment, hospital stays, critical illness, and related costs. Aflacs product mix includes supplemental health insurance, life insurance and other specialty coverages intended to complement primary medical plans. Founded in the mid-20th century and headquartered in Columbus, Georgia, Aflac distributes its products through a combination of employer-sponsored programs, independent brokers and agents, and direct marketing. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding AFL? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Aflac Incorporated (NYSE:AFL Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Aflac Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Aflac and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. If you've ever spent a meaningful amount of time inside a Walmart or Target store, you know how easy it is to get lost there. Trust me I'm with you. Even though the sheer size of many Walmart and Target stores is a draw for consumers, allowing them to stock up on numerous items in a single trip, sometimes shopping at superstores can be incredibly overwhelming. But the fact that Walmart and Target stores are so massive and loaded with inventory is a blessing as well as a curse. That's because both retail giants have, for years, been the target of retail theft. And it's a problem that isn't going away anytime soon. A Costco policy helps address retail theft, which continues to plague big-box stores.Shutterstock Shutterstock Retail theft deals big-box stores a blow It's not just big-box stores like Walmart and Target that have been plagued by retail theft. There was an 18% increase in broad shoplifting incidents in 2024 compared to 2023, reports the National Retail Federation. The problem has gotten so bad that a number of retailers, including supermarket chains, are now using facial recognition technology to identify potentially "problematic" customers, much to shoppers' dismay. Related: Target policy makes some shoppers uncomfortable But since Walmart and Target are such major players in the retail industry, it stands to reason that they're also quite prone to theft. Walmart loses roughly $3 billion each year to theft, according to GrabOn. Across its U.S. stores, the company faces more than 900,000 shoplifting incidents every year. Meanwhile, in September 2023, Target announced nine store closures across New York City, Seattle, San Francisco/Oakland, and Portland, Oregon, due to high levels of theft. "We cannot continue operating these stores because theft and organized retail crime are threatening the safety of our team and guests, and contributing to unsustainable business performance," the company said. Walmart and Target try to fight back Walmart has taken steps to prevent retail theft, including: Installing cameras with AI monitoring at self-checkout lanes Increasing the number of loss prevention specialists in stores Using RFID tagging in high-risk inventory categories Target has also taken a number of measures to prevent losses from shoplifting, including: Locking up merchandise that's more prone to theft Imposing restrictions on self-checkout Investing in added security Despite these efforts, the threat of retail theft remains strong for both companies. Costco fixed its retail theft and shoplifting problem While giants like Walmart and Target continue to lose revenue every year to retail theft, it's much less of a problem at Costco. In its 2025 annual report, Costco stated, "By strictly controlling the entrances and exits and using a membership format, we believe our inventory losses (shrinkage) are well below those of typical retail operations." Related: Costco just made shopping faster and easier for members And that's not a new thing. During the company's Q4 2023 earnings call, then-CFO Richard Galanti said that even after introducing self-checkout, inventory shrink increased by less than one basis point. "Thankfully, not a big issue for us," he confirmed. Of course, anyone who's ever shopped at Costco knows that there are gate-minders at the front of the store as well as on the way out. In fact, Costco members have long complained about having to show receipts before exiting the store. But that's a key part of Costco's loss prevention strategy. Granted, that's not the only reason Costco checks receipts. It's also to ensure that members have been charged correctly. In fact, Costco states on its website, "It is standard practice at all our warehouse locations to verify purchase receipts when customers exit our buildings. We do this to double-check that the items purchased have been correctly processed by our cashiers. Its our most effective method of maintaining accuracy in inventory control, and its also a good way to ensure that our members have been charged properly for their purchases." But the fact of the matter is that Costco's receipt-checking policy probably saves the company a huge amount of money each year. And through that savings, Costco can continue to offer great value for members. Costco's policy often works in members' favor As a 20-year Costco member, I certainly understand how frustrating it can be to want to leave the store, only to face bottlenecks at the exit. But I happen to appreciate the fact that Costco has a receipt-checking policy in place. Not long ago, a diligent receipt-checker noticed that one of my items had accidentally been scanned twice. It was a package of blueberries, and the extra $5 wouldn't have been too devastating a loss. But I was happy to not have to pay for an item I wasn't bringing home. More Retail: And it's not just me. In a Reddit thread on this very topic, one user wrote, "Ive actually had them catch where the cashier got me for two of something I only had one of and it was like a $50 item. I was so thankful they caught it." Given the high volume of customers at Walmart and Target, it may not be feasible to plant employees at the door to check receipts before shoppers exit the store. But one thing's for sure. Both big-box giants need to remain vigilant and continue to invest in retail theft prevention. Otherwise, they could be looking at serious losses as criminals get increasingly good at what they do. Maurie Backman owns shares of Costco. Related: Beloved footwear brand closing all U.S. stores This story was originally published by TheStreet on Feb 5, 2026, where it first appeared in the Retail section. Add TheStreet as a Preferred Source by clicking here. SouthState Bank Corp lessened its stake in Sprott Physical Gold Trust (NYSEARCA:PHYS Free Report) by 1.9% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 1,836,334 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after selling 35,156 shares during the period. Sprott Physical Gold Trust accounts for approximately 2.5% of SouthState Bank Corps portfolio, making the stock its 6th largest position. SouthState Bank Corps holdings in Sprott Physical Gold Trust were worth $54,392,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Manchester Capital Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Sprott Physical Gold Trust during the second quarter worth about $25,000. Tradewinds Capital Management LLC grew its stake in Sprott Physical Gold Trust by 59.8% during the 2nd quarter. Tradewinds Capital Management LLC now owns 1,088 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $28,000 after buying an additional 407 shares during the last quarter. MTM Investment Management LLC acquired a new position in Sprott Physical Gold Trust during the second quarter worth approximately $30,000. Legacy Investment Solutions LLC acquired a new position in Sprott Physical Gold Trust during the second quarter worth approximately $36,000. Finally, Intelligent Financial Strategies purchased a new stake in Sprott Physical Gold Trust in the second quarter valued at approximately $38,000. Get Sprott Physical Gold Trust alerts: Sprott Physical Gold Trust Price Performance PHYS stock opened at $37.14 on Thursday. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $34.51 and a 200-day simple moving average of $30.68. Sprott Physical Gold Trust has a twelve month low of $21.96 and a twelve month high of $42.07. About Sprott Physical Gold Trust Sprott Physical Gold Trust operates as a closed-end investment trust, which engages in investing and holding all of its assets in physical gold bullion. Its investment objective is to provide a secure, convenient, and exchange-traded investment alternative for investors through investing primarily in long-term holdings of unencumbered, fully allocated, physical gold bullion and will not speculate with regard to short-term changes in gold prices. The company was founded on August 28, 2009 and is headquartered in Toronto, Canada. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PHYS? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Sprott Physical Gold Trust (NYSEARCA:PHYS Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Sprott Physical Gold Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Sprott Physical Gold Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Hubbell (NYSE:HUBB Free Report) had its target price boosted by JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $478.00 to $532.00 in a research report sent to investors on Wednesday morning,Benzinga reports. The brokerage currently has a neutral rating on the industrial products companys stock. A number of other research firms have also issued reports on HUBB. Wall Street Zen upgraded Hubbell from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Saturday, January 31st. Barclays lifted their price objective on shares of Hubbell from $465.00 to $481.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research note on Wednesday. UBS Group restated a neutral rating and issued a $450.00 target price on shares of Hubbell in a research note on Friday, December 12th. Wells Fargo & Company raised their price target on shares of Hubbell from $515.00 to $550.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Wednesday. Finally, Evercore ISI boosted their price objective on shares of Hubbell from $575.00 to $585.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Wednesday. Five investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and three have assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Hubbell presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $523.50. Get Hubbell alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on Hubbell Hubbell Price Performance HUBB opened at $487.47 on Wednesday. Hubbell has a 52-week low of $299.42 and a 52-week high of $513.59. The company has a 50 day moving average of $461.40 and a two-hundred day moving average of $443.85. The company has a market cap of $25.91 billion, a P/E ratio of 29.24, a P/E/G ratio of 2.57 and a beta of 1.02. The company has a quick ratio of 0.85, a current ratio of 1.72 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.53. Hubbell (NYSE:HUBB Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, February 3rd. The industrial products company reported $4.73 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $4.70 by $0.03. Hubbell had a net margin of 15.29% and a return on equity of 27.45%. The business had revenue of $1.49 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.49 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business posted $4.10 EPS. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 11.9% on a year-over-year basis. Hubbell has set its FY 2026 guidance at 19.150-19.850 EPS. On average, analysts expect that Hubbell will post 17.63 earnings per share for the current year. Hubbell Dividend Announcement The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, March 16th. Stockholders of record on Friday, February 27th will be paid a $1.42 dividend. This represents a $5.68 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.2%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, February 27th. Hubbells dividend payout ratio is 35.24%. Insider Activity at Hubbell In other news, Director John F. Malloy purchased 435 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, November 17th. The stock was acquired at an average cost of $429.24 per share, for a total transaction of $186,719.40. Following the completion of the purchase, the director owned 19,085 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $8,192,045.40. This trade represents a 2.33% increase in their ownership of the stock. The purchase was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Insiders own 0.66% of the companys stock. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Large investors have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Vanguard Group Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Hubbell by 0.3% in the 2nd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 6,646,922 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $2,714,669,000 after acquiring an additional 21,508 shares during the last quarter. State Street Corp increased its stake in Hubbell by 3.6% during the third quarter. State Street Corp now owns 2,261,944 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $973,337,000 after purchasing an additional 78,539 shares during the last quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA raised its holdings in shares of Hubbell by 15.9% during the third quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA now owns 1,655,746 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $712,484,000 after purchasing an additional 226,856 shares during the period. Invesco Ltd. lifted its position in shares of Hubbell by 0.6% in the 2nd quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 1,532,035 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $625,698,000 after buying an additional 9,697 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Geode Capital Management LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Hubbell by 1.8% in the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 1,353,824 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $550,571,000 after buying an additional 24,110 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 88.16% of the companys stock. Hubbell News Roundup Here are the key news stories impacting Hubbell this week: Positive Sentiment: Q4 results beat on EPS and showed solid top-line growth: Hubbell reported $4.73 EPS vs. $4.70 expected and revenue of $1.49B (up ~11.9% YoY), supporting the companys profitability and growth story. Read More. Q4 results beat on EPS and showed solid top-line growth: Hubbell reported $4.73 EPS vs. $4.70 expected and revenue of $1.49B (up ~11.9% YoY), supporting the companys profitability and growth story. Read More. Positive Sentiment: Data-center and utility demand remains a key driver: management cited strong demand from data centers and utilities that lifted margins and volume in the quarter. That tailwind underpins revenue guidance and investor interest. Read More. Data-center and utility demand remains a key driver: management cited strong demand from data centers and utilities that lifted margins and volume in the quarter. That tailwind underpins revenue guidance and investor interest. Read More. Positive Sentiment: Strategic growth initiative Aclara360: Hubbell is pushing Aclara360 (grid data/software) to convert meter/grid data into recurring software revenue, which investors view as higher-margin, more predictable growth. Read More. Strategic growth initiative Aclara360: Hubbell is pushing Aclara360 (grid data/software) to convert meter/grid data into recurring software revenue, which investors view as higher-margin, more predictable growth. Read More. Positive Sentiment: Analyst support: Evercore raised its price target (to $585) and keeps an outperform view, giving the stock meaningful upside in street targets. That lift in targets is supportive for longer-term sentiment. Read More. Analyst support: Evercore raised its price target (to $585) and keeps an outperform view, giving the stock meaningful upside in street targets. That lift in targets is supportive for longer-term sentiment. Read More. Neutral Sentiment: JPMorgan raised its price target to $532 but kept a neutral rating the higher PT is constructive, but the unchanged rating tempers immediate buying pressure. Read More. JPMorgan raised its price target to $532 but kept a neutral rating the higher PT is constructive, but the unchanged rating tempers immediate buying pressure. Read More. Neutral Sentiment: FY?2026 guidance set (EPS range $19.15$19.85; revenue $6.3$6.4B): the range overlaps Street estimates (consensus ~$19.77 EPS), so guidance is broadly in line rather than a clear upside surprise. Management also expects 79% total sales growth in 2026. Read More. FY?2026 guidance set (EPS range $19.15$19.85; revenue $6.3$6.4B): the range overlaps Street estimates (consensus ~$19.77 EPS), so guidance is broadly in line rather than a clear upside surprise. Management also expects 79% total sales growth in 2026. Read More. Negative Sentiment: Profit-taking and valuation pressure after a fresh 12?month high: the stock recently reached a new 12?month high, and some investors appear to be trimming positions into the news, weighing on the price despite the beat. Read More. Profit-taking and valuation pressure after a fresh 12?month high: the stock recently reached a new 12?month high, and some investors appear to be trimming positions into the news, weighing on the price despite the beat. Read More. Negative Sentiment: Balance-sheet/liquidity and valuation considerations: Hubbell trades at a relatively rich P/E (~30) and has a quick ratio below 1 (0.85), which may make some investors cautious about downside risk if growth or margins slow. Read More. Hubbell Company Profile (Get Free Report) Hubbell Incorporated (NYSE: HUBB) is an industrial manufacturer and distributor of electrical and electronic products serving a range of end markets including commercial and residential construction, industrial, and utility customers. Founded in 1888 by Harvey Hubbell, the company has a long history in electrical innovation and product development and is headquartered in Connecticut. Hubbell designs, manufactures and sells components and systems that enable the distribution and control of electrical power and provide lighting solutions for indoor and outdoor environments. The companys offerings span a broad portfolio of products used by contractors, utilities, original equipment manufacturers and facility owners. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Hubbell Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Hubbell and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. CM Wealth Advisors LLC increased its holdings in iShares Russell 2000 ETF (NYSEARCA:IWM Free Report) by 40.1% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 7,186 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after acquiring an additional 2,055 shares during the period. iShares Russell 2000 ETF comprises about 0.5% of CM Wealth Advisors LLCs holdings, making the stock its 25th largest holding. CM Wealth Advisors LLCs holdings in iShares Russell 2000 ETF were worth $1,739,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Alpha Cubed Investments LLC acquired a new stake in shares of iShares Russell 2000 ETF in the second quarter worth $234,000. New England Private Wealth Advisors LLC raised its holdings in iShares Russell 2000 ETF by 1.9% in the 2nd quarter. New England Private Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 29,016 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $6,429,000 after acquiring an additional 553 shares during the period. Citizens Financial Group Inc. RI raised its holdings in iShares Russell 2000 ETF by 1.1% in the 3rd quarter. Citizens Financial Group Inc. RI now owns 386,528 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $93,524,000 after acquiring an additional 4,061 shares during the period. Crown Wealth Group LLC acquired a new position in iShares Russell 2000 ETF during the 3rd quarter worth $540,000. Finally, State of Wyoming boosted its holdings in iShares Russell 2000 ETF by 241.9% during the third quarter. State of Wyoming now owns 5,300 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $1,282,000 after acquiring an additional 3,750 shares during the period. Get iShares Russell 2000 ETF alerts: iShares Russell 2000 ETF Stock Performance Shares of NYSEARCA:IWM opened at $260.52 on Thursday. The stocks 50-day moving average is $255.78 and its 200-day moving average is $243.35. The company has a market cap of $74.21 billion, a P/E ratio of 17.69 and a beta of 1.13. iShares Russell 2000 ETF has a 52-week low of $171.73 and a 52-week high of $271.60. About iShares Russell 2000 ETF iShares Russell 2000 ETF (the Fund) is an exchange-traded fund. The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the Russell 2000 Index (the Index). The Index is a float-adjusted capitalization weighted index that measures the performance of the small-capitalization sector of the United States equity market and includes securities issued by the approximately 2,000 smallest issuers in the Russell 3000 Index. The Fund invests in a representative sample of securities included in the Index that collectively has an investment profile similar to the Index. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding IWM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares Russell 2000 ETF (NYSEARCA:IWM Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares Russell 2000 ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Russell 2000 ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. SouthState Bank Corp lifted its stake in shares of Rockwell Automation, Inc. (NYSE:ROK Free Report) by 3.4% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 51,898 shares of the industrial products companys stock after acquiring an additional 1,728 shares during the period. SouthState Bank Corps holdings in Rockwell Automation were worth $18,140,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. A number of other hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of ROK. Thurston Springer Miller Herd & Titak Inc. grew its stake in shares of Rockwell Automation by 468.8% in the 3rd quarter. Thurston Springer Miller Herd & Titak Inc. now owns 91 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $32,000 after buying an additional 75 shares during the period. Rexford Capital Inc. purchased a new position in Rockwell Automation in the second quarter worth approximately $33,000. SBI Securities Co. Ltd. increased its stake in Rockwell Automation by 48.7% during the second quarter. SBI Securities Co. Ltd. now owns 116 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $39,000 after acquiring an additional 38 shares during the last quarter. Financial Gravity Companies Inc. purchased a new stake in Rockwell Automation in the second quarter valued at $40,000. Finally, Sachetta LLC raised its position in Rockwell Automation by 900.0% in the third quarter. Sachetta LLC now owns 120 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $42,000 after purchasing an additional 108 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 75.75% of the companys stock. Get Rockwell Automation alerts: Insider Transactions at Rockwell Automation In other news, SVP Tessa M. Myers sold 1,020 shares of Rockwell Automation stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, December 10th. The stock was sold at an average price of $402.07, for a total value of $410,111.40. Following the completion of the transaction, the senior vice president owned 6,021 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,420,863.47. This trade represents a 14.49% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, VP Scott Genereux sold 1,387 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, December 10th. The stock was sold at an average price of $402.03, for a total value of $557,615.61. Following the transaction, the vice president directly owned 4,514 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,814,763.42. This represents a 23.50% decrease in their ownership of the stock. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Insiders sold a total of 25,531 shares of company stock valued at $10,259,637 in the last 90 days. Insiders own 0.76% of the companys stock. Rockwell Automation Price Performance Shares of ROK opened at $430.35 on Thursday. The company has a market cap of $48.32 billion, a P/E ratio of 56.18, a PEG ratio of 3.02 and a beta of 1.52. Rockwell Automation, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $215.00 and a fifty-two week high of $438.72. The company has a quick ratio of 0.77, a current ratio of 1.14 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.70. The firms 50 day moving average price is $406.96 and its 200 day moving average price is $371.99. Rockwell Automation (NYSE:ROK Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, November 6th. The industrial products company reported $3.34 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.94 by $0.40. Rockwell Automation had a net margin of 10.42% and a return on equity of 32.69%. The business had revenue of $4.63 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.19 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $2.47 earnings per share. The companys quarterly revenue was up 13.8% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, research analysts forecast that Rockwell Automation, Inc. will post 9.35 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of equities analysts have recently weighed in on ROK shares. Bank of America raised their price objective on Rockwell Automation from $410.00 to $430.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, November 20th. Jefferies Financial Group lifted their price target on shares of Rockwell Automation from $450.00 to $470.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, December 10th. Evercore ISI started coverage on shares of Rockwell Automation in a research note on Monday, December 15th. They issued an in-line rating and a $440.00 price target on the stock. Wells Fargo & Company increased their price objective on shares of Rockwell Automation from $380.00 to $410.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research report on Wednesday, January 7th. Finally, TD Cowen boosted their target price on Rockwell Automation from $275.00 to $330.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday, December 2nd. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, nine have assigned a Buy rating and ten have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $410.12. View Our Latest Analysis on Rockwell Automation Rockwell Automation Profile (Free Report) Rockwell Automation is a global industrial automation and digital transformation company headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The firm designs, manufactures and supports control systems, industrial control hardware and software, and related services that help manufacturers and industrial operators automate processes, improve productivity and enable data-driven decision making. Rockwell traces its heritage to the Allen-Bradley and Rockwell automation businesses and positions itself as a provider of integrated automation solutions across discrete and process industries. The companys product portfolio includes programmable logic controllers (PLCs), human-machine interfaces (HMIs), variable frequency drives, sensors, safety components and other industrial control hardware, often marketed under the Allen-Bradley brand. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ROK? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Rockwell Automation, Inc. (NYSE:ROK Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Rockwell Automation Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Rockwell Automation and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans cut its holdings in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF (BATS:EFG Free Report) by 48.3% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 113,629 shares of the companys stock after selling 106,156 shares during the period. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans owned about 0.10% of iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF worth $12,939,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in EFG. Bangor Savings Bank bought a new position in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF during the third quarter valued at $26,000. Rice Partnership LLC acquired a new stake in iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF in the second quarter valued at $28,000. Pandora Wealth Inc. acquired a new stake in iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF in the second quarter valued at $28,000. Harbor Asset Planning Inc. bought a new position in iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF during the 2nd quarter worth $35,000. Finally, Cedar Mountain Advisors LLC raised its position in iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF by 50.2% during the 3rd quarter. Cedar Mountain Advisors LLC now owns 317 shares of the companys stock worth $36,000 after purchasing an additional 106 shares during the last quarter. Get iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF alerts: iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF Trading Up 22.8% BATS EFG opened at $117.99 on Thursday. The firm has a market capitalization of $13.88 billion, a PE ratio of 24.98 and a beta of 0.96. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $116.40 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $114.22. iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF has a 12 month low of $88.66 and a 12 month high of $113.16. iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF Company Profile iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF (the Fund), formerly iShares MSCI EAFE Growth Index Fund, is an exchange-traded fund (ETF). The Fund seeks to provide investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the MSCI EAFE Growth Index (the Index). The Index is a subset of the MSCI EAFE Index and constituents of the Index include securities from Europe, Australasia (Australia and Asia), and the Far East. The Fund invests in sectors, such as consumer staples, industrials, consumer discretionary, materials, healthcare, financials, information technology, energy, telecommunication services and utilities. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding EFG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF (BATS:EFG Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Lincoln Capital LLC lowered its position in Diageo plc (NYSE:DEO Free Report) by 76.6% during the third quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 11,342 shares of the companys stock after selling 37,065 shares during the quarter. Lincoln Capital LLCs holdings in Diageo were worth $1,092,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other hedge funds also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Twin Peaks Wealth Advisors LLC bought a new stake in shares of Diageo in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $26,000. Arlington Trust Co LLC increased its stake in shares of Diageo by 3,885.7% during the 3rd quarter. Arlington Trust Co LLC now owns 279 shares of the companys stock worth $27,000 after purchasing an additional 272 shares during the last quarter. Bell Investment Advisors Inc raised its holdings in shares of Diageo by 94.7% during the 2nd quarter. Bell Investment Advisors Inc now owns 292 shares of the companys stock valued at $29,000 after purchasing an additional 142 shares in the last quarter. New England Capital Financial Advisors LLC bought a new position in shares of Diageo during the 3rd quarter valued at $29,000. Finally, HHM Wealth Advisors LLC lifted its stake in shares of Diageo by 76.5% in the 2nd quarter. HHM Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 330 shares of the companys stock valued at $33,000 after purchasing an additional 143 shares during the last quarter. 8.97% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Diageo alerts: Diageo Price Performance Shares of NYSE DEO opened at $97.21 on Thursday. Diageo plc has a 12 month low of $84.52 and a 12 month high of $116.69. The businesss 50 day moving average is $89.07 and its two-hundred day moving average is $96.49. The company has a quick ratio of 0.64, a current ratio of 1.63 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.64. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several equities analysts have weighed in on the company. Zacks Research lowered Diageo from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a report on Tuesday, November 11th. UBS Group reissued a neutral rating on shares of Diageo in a research note on Wednesday, December 3rd. Barclays reaffirmed an overweight rating on shares of Diageo in a research report on Thursday, December 11th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reissued a hold rating on shares of Diageo in a research report on Friday, November 28th. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada raised shares of Diageo from a sector perform rating to an outperform rating in a report on Tuesday, January 6th. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, three have issued a Hold rating and three have issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $116.50. Get Our Latest Stock Report on Diageo About Diageo (Free Report) Diageo plc is a global producer, marketer and distributor of alcoholic beverages, headquartered in London, England. The company was created through the 1997 merger of Guinness plc and Grand Metropolitan plc and is publicly traded on multiple exchanges, including the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: DEO) and the London Stock Exchange. Diageo operates a worldwide business, selling products in a broad range of markets across the Americas, Europe, Africa, Asia and Latin America. Diageos core activities cover the production, marketing and sale of a diverse portfolio of spirits, beer and liqueurs. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding DEO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Diageo plc (NYSE:DEO Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Diageo Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Diageo and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. TD Waterhouse Canada Inc. lessened its stake in Vertiv Holdings Co. (NYSE:VRT Free Report) by 76.9% during the third quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 1,141 shares of the companys stock after selling 3,789 shares during the period. TD Waterhouse Canada Inc.s holdings in Vertiv were worth $184,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Coastal Bridge Advisors LLC lifted its stake in shares of Vertiv by 7.7% in the third quarter. Coastal Bridge Advisors LLC now owns 16,429 shares of the companys stock worth $2,478,000 after acquiring an additional 1,180 shares during the period. Traynor Capital Management Inc. acquired a new stake in Vertiv during the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $8,523,000. Mirae Asset Global Investments Co. Ltd. raised its holdings in Vertiv by 29.7% during the 3rd quarter. Mirae Asset Global Investments Co. Ltd. now owns 181,457 shares of the companys stock worth $27,375,000 after purchasing an additional 41,598 shares during the last quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp lifted its position in shares of Vertiv by 1.6% in the 3rd quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 2,143,067 shares of the companys stock worth $323,303,000 after purchasing an additional 33,012 shares during the period. Finally, Rockline Wealth Management LLC lifted its position in shares of Vertiv by 17.6% in the 3rd quarter. Rockline Wealth Management LLC now owns 16,588 shares of the companys stock worth $2,502,000 after purchasing an additional 2,482 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 89.92% of the companys stock. Get Vertiv alerts: Vertiv Stock Down 3.8% Shares of NYSE:VRT opened at $182.92 on Thursday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.83, a quick ratio of 1.43 and a current ratio of 1.83. Vertiv Holdings Co. has a 52-week low of $53.60 and a 52-week high of $202.45. The businesss 50 day simple moving average is $174.24 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $160.35. The firm has a market cap of $69.94 billion, a P/E ratio of 69.03, a PEG ratio of 1.17 and a beta of 2.08. Vertiv Increases Dividend Vertiv News Summary The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, December 18th. Investors of record on Tuesday, November 25th were issued a $0.0625 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, November 25th. This represents a $0.25 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.1%. This is an increase from Vertivs previous quarterly dividend of $0.04. Vertivs dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 9.43%. Here are the key news stories impacting Vertiv this week: Analysts Set New Price Targets Several research firms have recently weighed in on VRT. Citigroup increased their price objective on shares of Vertiv from $198.00 to $220.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Monday, December 8th. Oppenheimer increased their price target on Vertiv from $190.00 to $195.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Thursday, October 23rd. Weiss Ratings downgraded Vertiv from a buy (b-) rating to a hold (c+) rating in a research note on Thursday, January 29th. KGI Securities raised Vertiv from a hold rating to an outperform rating in a research note on Thursday, October 23rd. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group boosted their price target on Vertiv from $182.00 to $204.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, December 9th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eighteen have given a Buy rating, five have assigned a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $187.89. Get Our Latest Report on Vertiv Insider Transactions at Vertiv In other Vertiv news, EVP Stephen Liang sold 5,501 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Monday, November 24th. The shares were sold at an average price of $170.48, for a total transaction of $937,810.48. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president owned 4,050 shares in the company, valued at approximately $690,444. The trade was a 57.60% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Insiders own 2.63% of the companys stock. Vertiv Profile (Free Report) Vertiv is a global provider of critical digital infrastructure and continuity solutions for data centers, communication networks and commercial and industrial environments. Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, the company designs, manufactures and services equipment and software that support power availability, thermal management and IT infrastructure management for a broad set of end markets, including hyperscale and enterprise data centers, colocation providers, telecom operators and industrial customers. The companys product portfolio includes uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), power distribution units (PDUs), battery and DC power systems, precision cooling and thermal management equipment, racks and enclosures, and integrated modular infrastructure. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Vertiv Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Vertiv and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Bessemer Group Inc. boosted its position in shares of APi Group Corporation (NYSE:APG Free Report) by 72.1% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 4,960,278 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 2,077,705 shares during the quarter. Bessemer Group Inc.s holdings in APi Group were worth $170,485,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Bares Capital Management Inc. purchased a new stake in APi Group during the 2nd quarter valued at $30,000. Steigerwald Gordon & Koch Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of APi Group during the third quarter valued at $31,000. Root Financial Partners LLC purchased a new position in APi Group in the 3rd quarter worth about $32,000. Cullen Frost Bankers Inc. lifted its stake in APi Group by 2,620.0% during the 3rd quarter. Cullen Frost Bankers Inc. now owns 1,088 shares of the companys stock valued at $37,000 after acquiring an additional 1,048 shares during the period. Finally, Whittier Trust Co. boosted its holdings in shares of APi Group by 49.9% during the 3rd quarter. Whittier Trust Co. now owns 1,117 shares of the companys stock valued at $39,000 after acquiring an additional 372 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 86.62% of the companys stock. Get APi Group alerts: Insider Transactions at APi Group In related news, Director Anthony E. Malkin acquired 3,000 shares of APi Group stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, December 10th. The shares were purchased at an average price of $39.58 per share, for a total transaction of $118,740.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director directly owned 7,000 shares in the company, valued at approximately $277,060. This represents a 75.00% increase in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Over the last ninety days, insiders have purchased 7,000 shares of company stock worth $275,720. Company insiders own 17.00% of the companys stock. APi Group Trading Down 0.4% Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Shares of APi Group stock opened at $42.17 on Thursday. The company has a fifty day moving average of $40.41 and a 200 day moving average of $37.14. APi Group Corporation has a fifty-two week low of $20.50 and a fifty-two week high of $43.75. The company has a market capitalization of $17.54 billion, a P/E ratio of 115.01 and a beta of 1.70. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.84, a quick ratio of 1.41 and a current ratio of 1.48. A number of research analysts recently weighed in on the stock. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c+) rating on shares of APi Group in a research report on Monday, December 22nd. Truist Financial upped their price objective on APi Group from $41.00 to $50.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, January 21st. UBS Group set a $49.00 target price on APi Group and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, January 15th. CJS Securities raised shares of APi Group to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Thursday, December 11th. Finally, Barclays raised their price objective on shares of APi Group from $42.00 to $44.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Monday, November 3rd. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seven have assigned a Buy rating and two have issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, APi Group currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $43.24. Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on APi Group APi Group Profile (Free Report) APi Group Corp. is a global specialty contractor that provides fire protection, security, mechanical insulation and energy services to commercial, industrial and institutional clients. Headquartered in New Brighton, Minnesota, the company designs, installs, inspects, tests, maintains and repairs a wide range of safety and infrastructure systems. Through its network of operating subsidiaries, APi Group delivers end-to-end solutions for new construction, facility renovations and ongoing maintenance requirements. Its service portfolio spans life safety and industrial servicessuch as fire suppression systems, fire alarms and emergency lightingand specialized offerings including technical insulation, access solutions, passive fire protection and energy efficiency upgrades. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding APG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for APi Group Corporation (NYSE:APG Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for APi Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for APi Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Bank of Hawaii Corporation (NYSE:BOH Get Free Report) has been assigned an average rating of Moderate Buy from the seven research firms that are covering the stock, Marketbeat reports. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation, two have given a buy recommendation and one has given a strong buy recommendation to the company. The average 12-month price target among brokerages that have covered the stock in the last year is $81.80. Several brokerages recently commented on BOH. DA Davidson increased their price target on Bank of Hawaii from $73.00 to $81.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Tuesday, January 27th. Barclays increased their price target on shares of Bank of Hawaii from $75.00 to $83.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research note on Tuesday, January 27th. Zacks Research upgraded shares of Bank of Hawaii from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, January 28th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods upgraded shares of Bank of Hawaii from a market perform rating to an outperform rating and raised their target price for the company from $75.00 to $91.00 in a research note on Tuesday, January 27th. Finally, Wall Street Zen raised Bank of Hawaii from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Saturday, January 31st. Get Bank of Hawaii alerts: Check Out Our Latest Report on BOH Insiders Place Their Bets Institutional Trading of Bank of Hawaii In other Bank of Hawaii news, CEO Peter S. Ho sold 15,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, January 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $67.87, for a total transaction of $1,018,050.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer directly owned 156,774 shares in the company, valued at $10,640,251.38. This trade represents a 8.73% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink . 2.07% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Several institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in BOH. Danske Bank A S bought a new position in Bank of Hawaii during the 4th quarter worth $27,000. Farther Finance Advisors LLC increased its position in Bank of Hawaii by 150.0% during the third quarter. Farther Finance Advisors LLC now owns 450 shares of the banks stock worth $30,000 after acquiring an additional 270 shares during the period. Quarry LP increased its position in Bank of Hawaii by 1,497.2% during the third quarter. Quarry LP now owns 575 shares of the banks stock worth $38,000 after acquiring an additional 539 shares during the period. Strs Ohio acquired a new stake in Bank of Hawaii in the 1st quarter worth about $41,000. Finally, EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in Bank of Hawaii by 461.3% in the 2nd quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 623 shares of the banks stock valued at $42,000 after purchasing an additional 512 shares during the period. 82.18% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Bank of Hawaii Stock Performance BOH opened at $76.27 on Thursday. The company has a market capitalization of $3.03 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 16.51, a P/E/G ratio of 0.63 and a beta of 0.75. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $70.37 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $67.06. Bank of Hawaii has a 1 year low of $57.44 and a 1 year high of $78.25. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.37, a current ratio of 0.70 and a quick ratio of 0.70. Bank of Hawaii (NYSE:BOH Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Monday, January 26th. The bank reported $1.39 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.25 by $0.14. Bank of Hawaii had a return on equity of 14.42% and a net margin of 19.30%.The firm had revenue of $189.65 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $184.83 million. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $0.85 EPS. Equities analysts expect that Bank of Hawaii will post 3.97 EPS for the current fiscal year. Bank of Hawaii Announces Dividend The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 13th. Investors of record on Friday, February 27th will be issued a dividend of $0.70 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, February 27th. This represents a $2.80 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.7%. Bank of Hawaiis payout ratio is presently 60.61%. Bank of Hawaii Company Profile (Get Free Report) Bank of Hawaii (NYSE: BOH) is a regional commercial bank headquartered in Honolulu, Hawaii, with roots tracing back to its founding in 1897 by Charles Montague Cooke and Peter Cushman Jones. As one of the oldest financial institutions in the U.S. West Coast region, the bank has built a reputation for stability and community focus. It operates as the principal subsidiary of Bank of Hawaii Corporation, a publicly traded company on the New York Stock Exchange. The bank offers a comprehensive suite of personal and business banking products and services. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Bank of Hawaii Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bank of Hawaii and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Institutional and Insider Ownership 50.4% of shares of all BANKS SOUTHEAST companies are owned by institutional investors. 12.5% of shares of all BANKS SOUTHEAST companies are owned by company 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. Volatility and Risk Thomasville Bancshares has a beta of 0.2, suggesting that its stock price is 80% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Thomasville Bancshares rivals have a beta of 0.59, suggesting that their average stock price is 41% less volatile than the S&P 500. Get Thomasville Bancshares alerts: Dividends Thomasville Bancshares pays an annual dividend of $2.90 per share and has a dividend yield of 3.1%. Thomasville Bancshares pays out 42.3% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. As a group, BANKS SOUTHEAST companies pay a dividend yield of 1.9% and pay out 24.8% of their earnings in the form of a dividend. Earnings and Valuation Gross Revenue Net Income Price/Earnings Ratio Thomasville Bancshares $137.59 million $44.71 million 13.72 Thomasville Bancshares Competitors $848.90 million $157.45 million 14.38 This table compares Thomasville Bancshares and its rivals gross revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Thomasville Bancshares rivals have higher revenue and earnings than Thomasville Bancshares. Thomasville Bancshares is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than its rivals, indicating that it is currently more affordable than other companies in its industry. Profitability This table compares Thomasville Bancshares and its rivals net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Thomasville Bancshares N/A N/A N/A Thomasville Bancshares Competitors 15.92% 9.58% 1.05% Summary Thomasville Bancshares rivals beat Thomasville Bancshares on 10 of the 11 factors compared. 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. Receive News & Ratings for Thomasville Bancshares Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Thomasville Bancshares and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Akbar Novruz The Baku Military Court is currently delivering verdicts for the defendants in the ongoing trial of Armenian citizens. According to Azernews, it was noted that despite Madat Babayan being charged with crimes that could result in life imprisonment, he cannot be sentenced to life because he reached the age of 65 before the final court decision was made. As a result, the court sentenced Madat Babayan to 19 years in prison. Prosecutors had originally recommended a 20-year sentence for him. During the trial, Babayan confessed to participating in the Khojaly genocide as part of the Armenian armed forces. This trial involves citizens of Armenia who are accused of various serious crimes, including crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, preparation and waging of a war of aggression, genocide, violations of the laws and regulations of war, terrorism, financing terrorism, forcible seizure of power, and other offenses stemming from Armenia's military actions. The reading of the verdict is part of the ongoing proceedings. Government crypto operations are the stuff of lore, from the arrest of Ross Ulbricht, architect of the dark web marketplace Silk Road, to the multinational effort to take down child exploitation site Welcome to Video. (One of the latter operations leading agents, Chris Janczewski , is head of global investigations at TRM.) For Jarod Koopman, a longtime agent at the IRS, blockchain analytics has been part of the job for over a decade. Without third-party tools, it would be infinitely more time-consuming and inefficient, he told Fortune. Weve seen a 500% increase in AI-enabled use in scams and fraud, said Ari Redbord, a former federal prosecutor who came on board as one of TRM Labs earliest employees and currently serves as the global head of policy. This is a civilization-level threat and were building the company for that moment. TRMs success was not always a given, especially because its main competitor, Chainalysis, had a four-year headstart. But an early strategic decision to track multiple cryptocurrencies and blockchains at a time when they paled in comparison to Bitcoin, as well as a deep bench of former government investigators, allowed TRM to gain a firm foothold in a crowded ecosystem as governments and private industry realized that blockchain technology was here to stay. Now, as the spread of tokenization and AI upends global payments once again, TRM is poised to enter another period of hypergrowth. Today, thanks to its blockchain analytics software, TRM Labs is a familiar brand to law enforcement agencies across the world, and to a growing number of private companies that employ crypto to move money. On Wednesday, the San Franciscobased startup announced a $70 million Series C funding round, led by its seed investor Blockchain Capital, along with a whos who of traditional firms including Goldman Sachs, Bessemer, Brevan Howard, Thoma Bravo, and Citi Ventures. The new funding round values TRM Labs at $1 billion, vaulting it into the ranks of so-called crypto unicorns. Then we asked ourselves, Whats the second order consequence? Castano said. The world would need intelligence to make sense of that data to ultimately manage risk, and thankfully, that turned out to be true. When TRM Labs cofounders Esteban Castano and Rahul Raina moved to San Francisco in 2018 to create a startup, their mentors told them that great companies are built when you believe something about the world that others dont. Along with a passion for technology and national security, the pair shared a conviction that billions of people would use digital assets to move money around the world. Story Continues Koopman, who is taking over as chief of criminal investigation at the IRS in March, said that the agency started working with TRM Labs soon after it launched. Though they had already been using Chainalysis for years, the IRS made an effort to not put all of our eggs in one basket, as Koopman put it, especially as cybercriminals began to expand beyond using just Bitcoin for illicit transactions. We were staying on par because of the companies that existed, like TRM, he said. James Barnacle, the assistant director in charge of the FBIs New York field office, said that the bureau has gone from a handful of crypto cases in 2015 to thousands today. He pointed to the fallout from the Oct. 7 Hamas terror attacks in Israel, when the FBI learned crypto donations to Hamas-owned wallets had helped fund the attacks. TRM, and other companies as well, came forward and said, Were seeing this issue, Barnacle told Fortune. The partnership between the FBI and the private sector is critical for us to be successful. Theres nothing the FBI can do all on its own. TRMs close relationship with governmental agencies has at times created tension with the broader crypto industry, which was founded on libertarian ideals of decentralization. Many in the sector were incensed by reports of Hamas using crypto wallets that cited blockchain analytics groups like TRM Labs, especially after critics like Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) pounced on the revelation to call for stricter regulation. Castano pushed back on the idea that TRM Labs was at odds with the rest of the industry, arguing that his company has a symbiotic relationship with the rise of blockchain technology. Bringing security to digital assets is very much aligned with the crypto industry, he said. Theres a real brand issue for crypto and digital assets. On the flip side, TRM has also struck up partnerships with many of the companies charged with facilitating illicit finance, opening up the blockchain analytics firm to accusations of hypocrisy. For years, TRM published reports highlighting the widespread use of the stablecoin Tether on the blockchain Tron by cybercriminals, before announcing a task force launched in conjunction with Tether and Tron in late 2024. (TRM still publishes reports that analyze illicit flows using Tether on Tron.) Redbord said the partnership came about after Tether and Tron approached TRM about the reports with the goal of mitigating the illicit activity. Our mission is to stop bad actors, Redbord said. You dont stop bad actors working only with the most regulatory-compliant places where theres no illicit activity. Still, as the Trump administration takes a more lax approach to crypto regulation and welcomes onetime outlaws like Tethers Paolo Ardoino into the U.S., Redbord insists that TRMs approach hasnt shifted. We were having conversations with Tether and Tron long before they were having conversations with the White House, Redbord said. Our mission is, frankly, so far outside of politics. Were critical infrastructure for building this new economy of digital assets. The next era of crypto Blockchain Capital led TRM Labs seed round at a time when growth investments werent commonplace in the industry. Now, seven years later, the crypto venture firm is leading TRMs Series C. While general partner Spencer Bogart said there isnt any particular metric that persuaded his firm to double down, he pointed to TRMs revenue, which has grown around 50% for the past four years. This is not a company that has gone through the same types of crypto winters that we see more broadly across a lot of our portfolio companies, Bogart told Fortune. The crypto industry once again finds itself in a tenuous position, with Bitcoin prices at a yearly low. But as Wall Street embraces tokenization, or issues different digital assets on blockchains, Bogart believes TRM will be able to weather any impending downturn. Its one of those things that becomes absolutely table stakes for anybody thats going to be touching something in the [crypto] space, he said. A large swath of both the private and public sector is going to need a tool like this. According to Castano, around 40% of TRMs customers are in the private sector, though he said that segment is growing as financial organizations explore tokenized deposits, equities, and other assets. The accelerating role of AI, both in cybercrime and analytics, also adds to TRMs value proposition. If youre operating in a world where theres trillions of transactions, how in the world do you find the needle in the haystack without using AI? Castano said. Criminals are getting all of these amazing technologies, while our defenders on the front linesthe compliance professionals and our law enforcement analysts and officersare oftentimes still using spreadsheets. With a rapidly growing team of 350 employees, TRM Labs is capitalizing on its founders early vision that blockchain would dominate the rails of global finance. Their 20-year time horizon might just have been too conservative. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC Get Free Report) and Nomura (NYSE:NMR Get Free Report) are both large-cap finance companies, but which is the better business? We will compare the two companies based on the strength of their profitability, valuation, dividends, earnings, analyst recommendations, institutional ownership and risk. Analyst Recommendations This is a breakdown of current recommendations for Wells Fargo & Company and Nomura, as provided by MarketBeat. Get Wells Fargo & Company alerts: Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Wells Fargo & Company 1 9 13 0 2.52 Nomura 0 1 0 1 3.00 Wells Fargo & Company currently has a consensus price target of $95.92, suggesting a potential upside of 3.02%. Given Wells Fargo & Companys higher probable upside, research analysts clearly believe Wells Fargo & Company is more favorable than Nomura. Earnings and Valuation Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Wells Fargo & Company $123.53 billion 2.37 $21.34 billion $6.27 14.85 Nomura $31.11 billion 0.83 $2.25 billion $0.79 11.14 This table compares Wells Fargo & Company and Nomuras top-line revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Wells Fargo & Company has higher revenue and earnings than Nomura. Nomura is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Wells Fargo & Company, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Volatility & Risk Wells Fargo & Company has a beta of 1.09, indicating that its stock price is 9% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Nomura has a beta of 0.68, indicating that its stock price is 32% less volatile than the S&P 500. Insider and Institutional Ownership 75.9% of Wells Fargo & Company shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 15.1% of Nomura shares are owned by institutional investors. 0.1% of Wells Fargo & Company shares are owned by company insiders. Comparatively, 0.0% of Nomura shares are owned by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, large money managers and endowments believe a stock will outperform the market over the long term. Profitability This table compares Wells Fargo & Company and Nomuras net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Wells Fargo & Company 17.27% 12.90% 1.05% Nomura 7.81% 9.88% 0.61% Dividends Wells Fargo & Company pays an annual dividend of $1.80 per share and has a dividend yield of 1.9%. Nomura pays an annual dividend of $0.28 per share and has a dividend yield of 3.2%. Wells Fargo & Company pays out 28.7% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Nomura pays out 35.4% 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. Wells Fargo & Company has increased its dividend for 4 consecutive years. Summary Wells Fargo & Company beats Nomura on 15 of the 18 factors compared between the two stocks. About Wells Fargo & Company (Get Free Report) 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. The Consumer Banking and Lending segment offers consumer and small business banking, home lending, credit cards, auto, and personal lending. The Commercial Banking segment provides banking and credit products across industry sectors and municipalities, secured lending and lease products, and treasury management. The Corporate and Investment Banking segment is composed of corporate banking, investment banking, treasury management, commercial real estate lending and servicing, and equity and fixed income solutions, as well as sales, trading, and research capabilities. The Wealth and Investment Management segment refers to personalized wealth management, brokerage, financial planning, lending, private banking, trust, and fiduciary products and services. The company was founded by Henry Wells and William G. Fargo on March 18, 1852 and is headquartered in San Francisco, CA. About Nomura (Get Free Report) Nomura Holdings, Inc. provides various financial services to individuals, corporations, financial institutions, governments, and governmental agencies worldwide. It operates through three segments: Retail, Investment Management, and Wholesale. The Retail segment offers various financial products and investment consultation services. The Investment Management segment engages in the management of funds, investment trusts, and other investment solutions; and provision of investment advisory, custodial, and administrative services. The Wholesale segment is involved in the research, sale, trading, agency execution, and market-making of fixed income and equity-related products. This segment also engages in underwriting various securities and other financial instruments, such as various classes of shares, convertible and exchangeable securities, investment grade and high yield debts, sovereign and emerging market debts, structured securities, and other securities; arranging private placements, as well as other capital raising activities; and the provision of financial advisory services on business transactions comprising mergers and acquisitions, divestitures, spin-offs, capital structuring, corporate defense activities, leveraged buyouts, and risk solutions. The company was formerly known as The Nomura Securities Co., Ltd. and changed its name to Nomura Holdings, Inc. in October 2001. Nomura Holdings, Inc. was incorporated in 1925 and is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. Receive News & Ratings for Wells Fargo & Company Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Wells Fargo & Company and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Cullen Capital Management LLC lowered its position in Bank of America Corporation (NYSE:BAC) by 1.0% in the third quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 5,452,072 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 55,414 shares during the quarter. Bank of America comprises about 3.1% of Cullen Capital Management LLCs holdings, making the stock its 2nd biggest holding. Cullen Capital Management LLC owned approximately 0.07% of Bank of America worth $281,272,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in the company. Permanent Capital Management LP acquired a new position in Bank of America during the 3rd quarter worth about $649,000. Disciplined Investments LLC acquired a new position in Bank of America in the 2nd quarter valued at about $217,000. CCG Wealth Management LLC purchased a new stake in Bank of America during the second quarter worth about $287,000. Meridian Wealth Management LLC lifted its position in shares of Bank of America by 54.6% during the third quarter. Meridian Wealth Management LLC now owns 58,308 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $3,008,000 after purchasing an additional 20,591 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Stonehage Fleming Financial Services Holdings Ltd purchased a new position in shares of Bank of America in the second quarter valued at approximately $1,456,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 70.71% of the companys stock. Get Bank of America alerts: Bank of America Price Performance BAC stock opened at $55.38 on Thursday. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $54.29 and a 200 day moving average price of $51.72. The company has a quick ratio of 0.80, a current ratio of 0.80 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.15. The stock has a market cap of $404.41 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 14.46, a PEG ratio of 1.33 and a beta of 1.29. Bank of America Corporation has a fifty-two week low of $33.06 and a fifty-two week high of $57.55. Bank of America Dividend Announcement Bank of America ( NYSE:BAC Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, January 14th. The financial services provider reported $0.98 earnings per share 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 company had revenue of $4.53 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $27.73 billion. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $0.82 earnings per share. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 12.3% on a year-over-year basis. Equities research analysts anticipate that Bank of America Corporation will post 3.7 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 27th. Shareholders of record on Friday, March 6th will be paid a $0.28 dividend. This represents a $1.12 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.0%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, March 6th. Bank of Americas dividend payout ratio is currently 29.24%. Analysts Set New Price Targets Several brokerages have commented on BAC. CICC Research assumed coverage on shares of Bank of America in a research report on Wednesday, January 14th. They issued an outperform rating and a $62.00 price target for the company. Phillip Securities boosted their target price on Bank of America from $50.00 to $56.00 in a research note on Tuesday, October 21st. Wall Street Zen lowered Bank of America from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research report on Monday, January 5th. Robert W. Baird boosted their price objective on Bank of America from $52.00 to $56.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Thursday, October 30th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company upped their target price on shares of Bank of America from $62.00 to $65.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Monday, January 5th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twenty-three have given a Buy rating and three have issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $60.00. View Our Latest Stock Report on Bank of America Key Stories Impacting Bank of America Here are the key news stories impacting Bank of America this week: Bank of America Company Profile (Free Report) Bank of America Corporation is a multinational financial services company headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina. It provides a broad array of banking, investment, asset management and related financial and risk management products and services to individual consumers, small- and middle-market businesses, large corporations, governments and institutional investors. The firm operates through consumer banking, global wealth and investment management, global banking and markets businesses, offering capabilities across lending, deposits, payments, advisory and capital markets. Its consumer-facing offerings include checking and savings accounts, mortgages, home equity lending, auto loans, credit cards and small business banking, supported by a nationwide branch network and digital channels. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BAC? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Bank of America Corporation (NYSE:BAC Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Bank of America Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bank of America and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Schneider National (NYSE: SNDR) has recently received a number of price target changes and ratings updates: 2/3/2026 Schneider National was downgraded by analysts at Stifel Nicolaus from a buy rating to a hold rating. They now have a $26.00 price target on the stock, down previously from $32.00. 1/30/2026 Schneider National was given a new $31.00 price target on by analysts at National Bankshares, Inc.. 1/30/2026 Schneider National had its neutral rating reaffirmed by analysts at UBS Group AG. 1/30/2026 Schneider National had its price target lowered by analysts at Citigroup Inc. from $31.00 to $27.00. They now have a neutral rating on the stock. 1/30/2026 Schneider National had its price target lowered by analysts at JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $28.00 to $26.00. They now have a neutral rating on the stock. 1/30/2026 Schneider National had its price target lowered by analysts at Wells Fargo & Company from $30.00 to $25.00. They now have an equal weight rating on the stock. 1/30/2026 Schneider National had its price target lowered by analysts at TD Cowen from $31.00 to $30.00. They now have a buy rating on the stock. 1/15/2026 Schneider National had its buy rating reaffirmed by analysts at Benchmark Co.. 1/14/2026 Schneider National had its price target raised by analysts at Stifel Nicolaus from $29.00 to $32.00. They now have a buy rating on the stock. 1/13/2026 Schneider National had its price target raised by analysts at Evercore ISI from $21.00 to $30.00. They now have an in-line rating on the stock. 1/12/2026 Schneider National had its price target raised by analysts at JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $27.00 to $28.00. They now have a neutral rating on the stock. 1/9/2026 Schneider National was upgraded by analysts at Bank of America Corporation from a neutral rating to a buy rating. They now have a $32.00 price target on the stock. 1/8/2026 Schneider National had its price target raised by analysts at Susquehanna from $19.00 to $30.00. They now have a neutral rating on the stock. 1/7/2026 Schneider National had its price target raised by analysts at Citigroup Inc. from $23.00 to $31.00. They now have a neutral rating on the stock. 1/6/2026 Schneider National had its price target raised by analysts at Wells Fargo & Company from $23.00 to $30.00. They now have an equal weight rating on the stock. 12/29/2025 Schneider National had its hold (c) rating reaffirmed by analysts at Weiss Ratings. 12/24/2025 Schneider National had its price target raised by analysts at Bank of America Corporation from $26.00 to $28.00. They now have a neutral rating on the stock. 12/22/2025 Schneider National had its hold (c) rating reaffirmed by analysts at Weiss Ratings. 12/16/2025 Schneider National had its price target raised by analysts at Stifel Nicolaus from $25.00 to $29.00. They now have a buy rating on the stock. 12/15/2025 Schneider National had its hold (c) rating reaffirmed by analysts at Weiss Ratings. Schneider National Increases Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, April 8th. Shareholders of record on Friday, March 13th will be issued a dividend of $0.10 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, March 13th. This is a positive change from Schneider Nationals previous quarterly dividend of $0.10. This represents a $0.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.3%. Schneider Nationals dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 64.41%. Get Schneider National Inc alerts: Schneider National, Inc is a leading provider of transportation and logistics services in North America. The company offers a full spectrum of solutions, including truckload transportation, intermodal services and dedicated logistics. Through these offerings, Schneider supports the movement of goods ranging from dry van freight to refrigerated and flatbed shipments, while also providing customized supply chain management and warehousing capabilities. Founded in 1935 by Al Schneider as a single-truck operation in Green Bay, Wisconsin, the company has grown into one of the industrys most recognized carriers. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Schneider National Inc Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Schneider National Inc and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Lithium Americas Corp. (NYSE:LAC Get Free Report) was the target of a significant decline in short interest in the month of January. As of January 15th, there was short interest totaling 20,263,302 shares, a decline of 14.0% from the December 31st total of 23,556,062 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 17,379,222 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 1.2 days. Currently, 6.8% of the shares of the company are sold short. Currently, 6.8% of the shares of the company are sold short. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 17,379,222 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 1.2 days. Lithium Americas Stock Down 6.6% Lithium Americas stock opened at $4.83 on Thursday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.84, a current ratio of 3.77 and a quick ratio of 3.77. The stock has a market capitalization of $1.47 billion, a PE ratio of -4.60 and a beta of 1.55. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $5.27 and a 200-day simple moving average of $4.80. Lithium Americas has a 12 month low of $2.31 and a 12 month high of $10.52. Get Lithium Americas alerts: Lithium Americas (NYSE:LAC Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, November 13th. The company reported ($0.02) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of ($0.05) by $0.03. On average, analysts anticipate that Lithium Americas will post -0.12 EPS for the current fiscal year. Analysts Set New Price Targets LAC has been the subject of a number of research reports. Cormark upgraded shares of Lithium Americas from a hold rating to a moderate buy rating in a research report on Friday, November 21st. Canaccord Genuity Group raised Lithium Americas from a sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Wednesday, November 19th. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a sell (d-) rating on shares of Lithium Americas in a report on Wednesday, January 28th. Scotiabank lifted their price target on Lithium Americas from $5.00 to $7.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a research report on Monday, January 12th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. upgraded Lithium Americas from an underweight rating to a neutral rating and set a $5.00 price objective on the stock in a research report on Thursday, November 6th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, nine have given a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Lithium Americas currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $5.81. Read Our Latest Report on LAC Insider Buying and Selling at Lithium Americas In related news, SVP Edward Grandy sold 6,183 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Friday, November 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $4.50, for a total value of $27,823.50. Following the transaction, the senior vice president directly owned 135,466 shares of the companys stock, valued at $609,597. This represents a 4.37% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Insiders have sold 10,960 shares of company stock worth $49,372 over the last 90 days. 1.11% of the stock is owned by insiders. Institutional Trading of Lithium Americas A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Lithium Americas by 44.9% during the first quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 1,046,556 shares of the companys stock worth $2,836,000 after buying an additional 324,518 shares in the last quarter. Axxcess Wealth Management LLC boosted its position in Lithium Americas by 33.9% during the second quarter. Axxcess Wealth Management LLC now owns 16,582 shares of the companys stock worth $44,000 after acquiring an additional 4,200 shares during the last quarter. TD Asset Management Inc grew its stake in Lithium Americas by 14.2% during the 2nd quarter. TD Asset Management Inc now owns 241,323 shares of the companys stock valued at $644,000 after acquiring an additional 29,981 shares in the last quarter. Harbour Investments Inc. grew its stake in Lithium Americas by 86.1% during the 2nd quarter. Harbour Investments Inc. now owns 9,900 shares of the companys stock valued at $27,000 after acquiring an additional 4,580 shares in the last quarter. Finally, International Assets Investment Management LLC acquired a new stake in Lithium Americas in the 2nd quarter valued at about $32,000. About Lithium Americas (Get Free Report) Lithium Americas Corp. is a Vancouver?based resource company focused on the development of lithium projects to support the global transition to electric vehicles and renewable energy storage. The company specializes in advancing lithium brine and claystone assets through feasibility studies, environmental permitting and engineering design. Its technical teams work to produce high?purity lithium chemicals, including lithium carbonate and lithium hydroxide, for battery manufacturers worldwide. Lithium Americas two flagship projects are the Cauchari?Olaroz lithium brine operation in Jujuy Province, Argentinadeveloped in partnership with Ganfeng Lithiumand the Thacker Pass lithium clay deposit in northern Nevada, United States. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Lithium Americas Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Lithium Americas and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Acadia Realty Trust (NYSE:AKR Get Free Report) have been given an average rating of Hold by the five analysts that are presently covering the stock, Marketbeat.com reports. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell recommendation, two have issued a hold recommendation and two have issued a buy recommendation on the company. The average 1 year target price among brokers that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $22.00. A number of analysts have recently issued reports on AKR shares. Truist Financial lowered their price objective on Acadia Realty Trust from $23.00 to $22.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, November 28th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c) rating on shares of Acadia Realty Trust in a research note on Wednesday, January 21st. Finally, Wall Street Zen raised shares of Acadia Realty Trust from a sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Saturday, December 27th. Get Acadia Realty Trust alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Report on AKR Institutional Inflows and Outflows Acadia Realty Trust Trading Up 3.3% Several hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in AKR. Hantz Financial Services Inc. boosted its holdings in Acadia Realty Trust by 189.5% during the second quarter. Hantz Financial Services Inc. now owns 1,378 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $26,000 after purchasing an additional 902 shares in the last quarter. Osaic Holdings Inc. raised its holdings in shares of Acadia Realty Trust by 32.8% in the 2nd quarter. Osaic Holdings Inc. now owns 2,213 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $41,000 after buying an additional 547 shares in the last quarter. Danske Bank A S lifted its position in shares of Acadia Realty Trust by 600.0% during the 4th quarter. Danske Bank A S now owns 2,100 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $43,000 after buying an additional 1,800 shares during the period. Raymond James Financial Inc. acquired a new stake in Acadia Realty Trust in the 2nd quarter valued at $47,000. Finally, EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC grew its position in Acadia Realty Trust by 342.1% in the second quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 2,984 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $55,000 after acquiring an additional 2,309 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 97.65% of the companys stock. Acadia Realty Trust stock opened at $20.73 on Thursday. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $20.40 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $19.89. The company has a quick ratio of 1.06, a current ratio of 1.06 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.70. The stock has a market cap of $2.72 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 172.76, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.47 and a beta of 1.14. Acadia Realty Trust has a 12 month low of $16.98 and a 12 month high of $24.95. About Acadia Realty Trust (Get Free Report) Acadia Realty Trust (NYSE: AKR) is a Maryland real estate investment trust (REIT) that focuses on the acquisition, development, ownership and operation of grocery-anchored and necessity-based shopping centers. The company targets retail properties that serve densely populated urban and suburban markets and typically feature essential tenants such as supermarkets, drugstores, fitness centers and other service-oriented retailers. As a self-managed REIT, Acadia oversees leasing, property management, financing and construction activities through its in-house platform. Acadias portfolio is diversified across property types and lease structures, with an emphasis on sites that benefit from long-term consumer traffic and resilient tenancy. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Acadia Realty Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Acadia Realty Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Banco De Chile (NYSE:BCH Get Free Report) issued its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday. The bank reported $0.58 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.60 by ($0.02), FiscalAI reports. Banco De Chile had a net margin of 32.87% and a return on equity of 23.25%. The firm had revenue of $826.07 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $878.92 million. Banco De Chile Price Performance BCH stock opened at $45.44 on Thursday. The company has a quick ratio of 1.53, a current ratio of 1.53 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.00. Banco De Chile has a fifty-two week low of $23.66 and a fifty-two week high of $46.77. The business has a 50-day moving average of $39.92 and a 200-day moving average of $34.31. Get Banco De Chile alerts: Hedge Funds Weigh In On Banco De Chile A number of large investors have recently bought and sold shares of BCH. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC raised its holdings in shares of Banco De Chile by 161.6% in the second quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 1,504 shares of the banks stock valued at $46,000 after purchasing an additional 929 shares during the last quarter. Hantz Financial Services Inc. grew its position in Banco De Chile by 276.2% in the second quarter. Hantz Financial Services Inc. now owns 2,513 shares of the banks stock valued at $76,000 after purchasing an additional 1,845 shares in the last quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC increased its stake in Banco De Chile by 2,425.3% in the 2nd quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC now owns 2,500 shares of the banks stock valued at $76,000 after buying an additional 2,401 shares during the last quarter. Focus Partners Wealth bought a new stake in Banco De Chile during the 3rd quarter worth about $145,000. Finally, Farther Finance Advisors LLC boosted its stake in shares of Banco De Chile by 62.3% during the 3rd quarter. Farther Finance Advisors LLC now owns 5,245 shares of the banks stock worth $159,000 after buying an additional 2,014 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 1.24% of the companys stock. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In BCH has been the topic of a number of recent analyst reports. Zacks Research cut shares of Banco De Chile from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a research report on Tuesday, January 27th. The Goldman Sachs Group downgraded Banco De Chile from a hold rating to a sell rating and set a $36.00 price objective on the stock. in a research note on Tuesday, January 13th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their target price on Banco De Chile from $33.00 to $36.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Friday, January 16th. Wall Street Zen downgraded Banco De Chile from a hold rating to a sell rating in a report on Friday, November 28th. Finally, Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c) rating on shares of Banco De Chile in a research report on Wednesday, January 21st. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Hold rating and two have assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, Banco De Chile presently has a consensus rating of Reduce and a consensus price target of $36.00. Read Our Latest Stock Report on BCH About Banco De Chile (Get Free Report) Banco de Chile (NYSE: BCH) is a leading Chilean financial institution headquartered in Santiago. Founded in 1893, the bank is one of the countrys oldest and most established banking groups, serving a broad spectrum of individual, corporate and institutional clients. It is publicly listed and operates under Chilean banking regulations while participating in international capital markets. The banks core businesses include retail banking, commercial and corporate banking, and investment banking. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Banco De Chile Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Banco De Chile and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Enersys (NYSE:ENS Get Free Report) announced a quarterly dividend on Wednesday, February 4th. Shareholders of record on Friday, March 13th will be paid a dividend of 0.2625 per share by the industrial products company on Friday, March 27th. This represents a c) dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.6%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, March 13th. Enersys has increased its dividend payment by an average of 0.1%annually over the last three years and has increased its dividend every year for the last 2 years. Enersys has a dividend payout ratio of 10.0% indicating that its dividend is sufficiently covered by earnings. Analysts expect Enersys to earn $10.31 per share next year, which means the company should continue to be able to cover its $1.05 annual dividend with an expected future payout ratio of 10.2%. Get Enersys alerts: Enersys Stock Performance Enersys stock opened at $172.26 on Thursday. Enersys has a fifty-two week low of $76.57 and a fifty-two week high of $194.77. The company has a market capitalization of $6.36 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 20.15, a PEG ratio of 1.23 and a beta of 1.11. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $157.97 and a two-hundred day moving average of $128.05. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.63, a quick ratio of 1.73 and a current ratio of 2.77. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Enersys ( NYSE:ENS Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, February 4th. The industrial products company reported $2.77 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.73 by $0.04. The company had revenue of $919.13 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $932.13 million. Enersys had a net margin of 9.05% and a return on equity of 22.48%. The firms quarterly revenue was up 1.4% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $3.12 EPS. Enersys has set its Q4 2026 guidance at 2.950-3.050 EPS. On average, analysts anticipate that Enersys will post 9.99 EPS for the current fiscal year. A number of equities research analysts have issued reports on the company. BTIG Research raised Enersys from a neutral rating to a buy rating in a research report on Monday, December 15th. Weiss Ratings reissued a buy (b) rating on shares of Enersys in a research report on Tuesday, January 27th. Oppenheimer reaffirmed an outperform rating on shares of Enersys in a research report on Friday, November 7th. Zacks Research cut Enersys from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, January 6th. Finally, Wall Street Zen downgraded Enersys from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a report on Saturday, January 31st. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has assigned a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $129.00. View Our Latest Report on Enersys Enersys Company Profile (Get Free Report) Enersys, headquartered in Reading, Pennsylvania, is a global leader in stored energy solutions, specializing in manufacturing and distributing industrial batteries, battery chargers, power equipment, and related accessories. The company serves a diverse range of end markets, including telecommunications, data centers, medical, aerospace, defense, electric vehicle motive power, and utility outcomes. Its products are engineered to deliver critical reserve power and motive power applications across key infrastructure and industrial sectors. The companys product portfolio encompasses lead-acid batteries, lithium-ion energy storage systems, chargers, inverters, power management software, and a broad array of battery accessories. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Enersys Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Enersys and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. ATI (NYSE:ATI Get Free Report) updated its FY 2026 earnings guidance on Tuesday. The company provided EPS guidance of 3.990-4.270 for the period, compared to the consensus EPS estimate of 3.910. The company issued revenue guidance of -. ATI also updated its Q1 2026 guidance to 0.830-0.890 EPS. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth ATI has been the subject of a number of analyst reports. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft restated a buy rating and set a $150.00 target price on shares of ATI in a report on Wednesday. BTIG Research upped their price objective on ATI from $120.00 to $165.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday. KeyCorp raised their price objective on ATI from $120.00 to $132.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, January 14th. Susquehanna set a $155.00 target price on shares of ATI in a report on Wednesday. Finally, Weiss Ratings reissued a buy (b-) rating on shares of ATI in a research report on Monday, December 29th. Ten investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, ATI presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $133.00. Get ATI alerts: View Our Latest Stock Report on ATI ATI Stock Up 3.0% NYSE ATI traded up $3.77 during trading on Thursday, hitting $131.27. The companys stock had a trading volume of 160,727 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,723,203. ATI has a fifty-two week low of $39.23 and a fifty-two week high of $137.00. The company has a market cap of $17.83 billion, a PE ratio of 46.16, a P/E/G ratio of 1.19 and a beta of 1.02. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.90, a current ratio of 2.66 and a quick ratio of 1.18. The businesss 50 day simple moving average is $115.26 and its 200-day simple moving average is $95.31. ATI (NYSE:ATI Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, February 3rd. The basic materials company reported $0.93 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.89 by $0.04. The firm had revenue of $1.18 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.18 billion. ATI had a net margin of 8.81% and a return on equity of 24.26%. ATIs revenue was up .4% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the firm posted $0.79 EPS. ATI has set its FY 2026 guidance at 3.990-4.270 EPS and its Q1 2026 guidance at 0.830-0.890 EPS. On average, equities analysts anticipate that ATI will post 2.89 EPS for the current fiscal year. Insider Transactions at ATI In other news, Chairman Robert S. Wetherbee sold 53,862 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Thursday, December 18th. The shares were sold at an average price of $109.48, for a total transaction of $5,896,811.76. Following the sale, the chairman directly owned 132,676 shares of the companys stock, valued at $14,525,368.48. The trade was a 28.87% 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, SVP Tina Killough Busch sold 2,598 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Friday, November 21st. The stock was sold at an average price of $93.26, for a total value of $242,289.48. Following the completion of the transaction, the senior vice president owned 21,274 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,984,013.24. This trade represents a 10.88% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Over the last ninety days, insiders sold 148,087 shares of company stock worth $15,131,989. Company insiders own 1.10% of the companys stock. ATI News Roundup Here are the key news stories impacting ATI this week: Hedge Funds Weigh In On ATI Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Royal Bank of Canada grew its stake in shares of ATI by 8.1% during the 1st quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 60,369 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $3,140,000 after purchasing an additional 4,542 shares during the period. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. boosted its holdings in ATI by 49.4% during the first quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 633,948 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $32,984,000 after buying an additional 209,480 shares in the last quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers acquired a new stake in ATI during the second quarter valued at $324,000. M&T Bank Corp acquired a new stake in ATI during the second quarter valued at $317,000. Finally, First Trust Advisors LP increased its holdings in ATI by 4.9% in the second quarter. First Trust Advisors LP now owns 197,214 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $17,028,000 after buying an additional 9,234 shares in the last quarter. About ATI (Get Free Report) Allegheny Technologies Incorporated (ATI) is a global manufacturer of specialty materials and complex components, serving aerospace, defense, oil and gas, chemical processing, medical and other industrial end markets. The company operates through two main segments: High Performance Materials & Components, which produces titanium and nickel-based alloys, stainless and specialty steels, and precision forgings; and Flat-Rolled Products, which supplies stainless steel, nickel and specialty alloy sheet, strip and precision-rolled plate. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for ATI Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for ATI and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Suzano S.A. Sponsored ADR (NYSE:SUZ Get Free Report) has earned an average rating of Buy from the five brokerages that are currently covering the firm, MarketBeat.com reports. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating, two have given a buy rating and two have given a strong buy rating to the company. The average 1-year price target among brokerages that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is $13.40. Several research analysts have recently weighed in on SUZ shares. Zacks Research raised Suzano from a strong sell rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Thursday, January 8th. Jefferies Financial Group started coverage on Suzano in a research note on Thursday. They issued a buy rating and a $13.40 price objective for the company. Finally, Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c) rating on shares of Suzano in a research report on Monday, December 29th. Get Suzano alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Report on Suzano Institutional Inflows and Outflows Suzano Stock Performance Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Amundi purchased a new position in shares of Suzano in the first quarter worth about $177,000. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. increased its position in shares of Suzano by 16.2% during the first quarter. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. now owns 10,017 shares of the companys stock valued at $93,000 after buying an additional 1,400 shares during the period. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. boosted its position in shares of Suzano by 14.5% in the first quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 557,366 shares of the companys stock valued at $5,178,000 after acquiring an additional 70,396 shares during the period. Jane Street Group LLC lifted its stake in Suzano by 264.1% in the 1st quarter. Jane Street Group LLC now owns 82,760 shares of the companys stock worth $769,000 after purchasing an additional 60,028 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Vanguard Personalized Indexing Management LLC grew its position in shares of Suzano by 15.3% during the 2nd quarter. Vanguard Personalized Indexing Management LLC now owns 22,503 shares of the companys stock valued at $212,000 after purchasing an additional 2,980 shares in the last quarter. 2.55% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Suzano stock traded up $0.20 during trading hours on Thursday, hitting $9.65. The stock had a trading volume of 678,895 shares, compared to its average volume of 2,265,804. The businesss 50 day simple moving average is $9.38 and its 200-day simple moving average is $9.35. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.97, a current ratio of 3.20 and a quick ratio of 2.52. Suzano has a one year low of $8.41 and a one year high of $10.53. Suzano (NYSE:SUZ Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Thursday, November 6th. The company reported $0.29 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.32 by ($0.03). The firm had revenue of $2.27 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.23 billion. Suzano had a net margin of 13.03% and a return on equity of 16.39%. On average, research analysts predict that Suzano will post 1.93 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Suzano Dividend Announcement The business also recently declared a special dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, February 11th. Investors of record on Monday, December 22nd will be issued a $0.2036 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, December 22nd. Suzanos payout ratio is 18.75%. About Suzano (Get Free Report) Suzano SA is a Brazil-based pulp and paper company recognized as one of the worlds leading producers of eucalyptus pulp. The company develops and supplies a wide range of fiber-based products that serve global demand in printing and writing papers, tissue paper, packaging, and specialty paper markets. With an extensive network of industrial units and logistics operations, Suzano manages every stage of production from forest plantations to final delivery, emphasizing integrated operations and quality control. At the core of Suzanos business is its sustainable forestry model, which covers more than one million hectares of managed eucalyptus plantations across Brazil. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Suzano Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Suzano and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Kemper Corporation (NYSE:KMPR Get Free Report) announced a quarterly dividend on Wednesday, February 4th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, February 17th will be given a dividend of 0.32 per share by the insurance provider on Tuesday, March 3rd. This represents a c) dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.8%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, February 17th. Kemper has raised its dividend payment by an average of 0.0%per year over the last three years and has increased its dividend every year for the last 1 years. Kemper has a dividend payout ratio of 19.2% meaning its dividend is sufficiently covered by earnings. Research analysts expect Kemper to earn $6.61 per share next year, which means the company should continue to be able to cover its $1.28 annual dividend with an expected future payout ratio of 19.4%. Get Kemper alerts: Kemper Stock Down 13.0% KMPR traded down $4.99 during trading on Thursday, reaching $33.51. 155,506 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 756,861. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.35, a current ratio of 0.19 and a quick ratio of 0.19. The stock has a market cap of $1.96 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 8.83 and a beta of 1.14. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is $39.76 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $46.41. Kemper has a fifty-two week low of $30.05 and a fifty-two week high of $72.25. Kemper News Roundup Kemper ( NYSE:KMPR Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, February 4th. The insurance provider reported $0.25 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.85 by ($0.60). Kemper had a return on equity of 11.48% and a net margin of 5.13%.The company had revenue of $1.13 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.22 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $1.78 EPS. The businesss revenue for the quarter was down 4.7% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, equities research analysts expect that Kemper will post 6.03 EPS for the current year. Here are the key news stories impacting Kemper this week: Kemper Company Profile (Get Free Report) Kemper Corporation (NYSE:KMPR) is a diversified insurance holding company headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. Formed through the rebranding of Unitrin in 2010, Kemper has established a nationwide presence by offering a broad array of property and casualty insurance products. The company distributes its products through independent agents, brokers and direct-to-consumer channels, serving both individual policyholders and commercial clients. The personal insurance segment provides coverage for automobiles, homeowners, renters and umbrella lines, while the commercial business focuses on liability, workers compensation and specialty property solutions tailored to small and mid-sized enterprises. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Kemper Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Kemper and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. UK-based accountancy and advisory services provider Dains has announced its expansion to the North West market with the acquisition of peer company Hurst. Hurst is headquartered at Stockport Exchange and works with clients across the UK as well as in overseas markets. It is led by managing partner Tim Potter, together with Mike Jackson and Simon Brownbill. Hurst has a team of 120 professionals and provides services spanning audit, tax advisory, corporate finance and digital transformation. Under the deal, the existing Hurst leadership team will remain in place and continue to oversee the companys development, while accessing the wider resources, investment and expertise of the Dains Group. Potter said: Joining Dains feels like the natural next chapter for our firm. We share a commitment to helping ambitious businesses grow, and we recognise in Dains the same drive to invest in people, technology and best-in-class client service. This partnership enhances our ability to scale, innovate and support clients locally, nationally and internationally. The transaction is Dains first move into the North West and its sixth deal since receiving private equity investment from IK Partners. It is also the 16th acquisition completed by the group since 2021 as it pursues its strategy to build what it describes as the leading SME [small and medium-sized enterprise] advisory business in the UK and Ireland. The addition of Hurst strengthens Dains specialist capabilities in audit, advisory, digital transformation and outsourced finance. The companies said the deal also creates scope for further growth, driven by shared sector expertise, collaboration across regions and a combined focus on supporting businesses. Dains CEO Richard McNeilly said: Hurst is an exceptional firm with a reputation for quality, innovation and long-term client relationships. Their culture, values and ambition closely mirror our own, and this acquisition marks an exciting next step in our growth story. "Dains strengthens UK footprint with acquisition of Hurst" was originally created and published by International Accounting Bulletin, a GlobalData owned brand. The Allstate Corporation (NYSE:ALL Get Free Report)s stock price hit a new 52-week high during trading on Thursday following a better than expected earnings announcement. The stock traded as high as $216.62 and last traded at $216.0150, with a volume of 629395 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at $207.12. The insurance provider reported $14.31 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $8.72 by $5.59. Allstate had a return on equity of 35.42% and a net margin of 12.53%.The business had revenue of $14.57 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $17.23 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted $7.67 earnings per share. Allstates revenue was up 5.1% compared to the same quarter last year. Get Allstate alerts: Allstate Increases Dividend The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, April 1st. Shareholders of record on Monday, March 2nd will be paid a $1.08 dividend. This is a boost from Allstates previous quarterly dividend of $1.00. The ex-dividend date is Monday, March 2nd. This represents a $4.32 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.0%. Allstates dividend payout ratio is currently 12.95%. Allstate News Roundup Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Here are the key news stories impacting Allstate this week: A number of research analysts have recently weighed in on the stock. Zacks Research downgraded shares of Allstate from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Friday, December 19th. Mizuho set a $255.00 price target on Allstate in a research report on Wednesday, January 14th. Wall Street Zen cut Allstate from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a research note on Saturday, November 8th. BMO Capital Markets increased their target price on shares of Allstate from $235.00 to $244.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Friday, November 7th. Finally, Cantor Fitzgerald reissued a neutral rating and issued a $220.00 price target on shares of Allstate in a research report on Thursday. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eight have assigned a Buy rating, eight have given a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $237.31. Get Our Latest Analysis on Allstate Insider Activity at Allstate In related news, insider Suren Gupta sold 21,871 shares of the stock in a transaction on Friday, November 21st. The stock was sold at an average price of $215.21, for a total value of $4,706,857.91. Following the sale, the insider owned 100,646 shares in the company, valued at approximately $21,660,025.66. This trade represents a 17.85% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. In the last ninety days, insiders have sold 48,400 shares of company stock worth $10,313,256. 1.70% of the stock is owned by insiders. Institutional Trading of Allstate Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the business. Vanguard Group Inc. lifted its position in Allstate by 1.3% during the second quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 33,235,231 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $6,690,584,000 after purchasing an additional 435,145 shares during the last quarter. State Street Corp grew its position in Allstate by 0.7% in the third quarter. State Street Corp now owns 11,859,517 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $2,557,362,000 after acquiring an additional 85,468 shares in the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC increased its stake in Allstate by 1.2% in the second quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 6,714,629 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $1,345,961,000 after acquiring an additional 79,366 shares during the last quarter. Franklin Resources Inc. raised its position in Allstate by 2.5% during the second quarter. Franklin Resources Inc. now owns 4,670,113 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $940,140,000 after purchasing an additional 112,858 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Boston Partners boosted its holdings in shares of Allstate by 14.9% in the 3rd quarter. Boston Partners now owns 3,050,780 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $654,652,000 after purchasing an additional 395,195 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 76.47% of the companys stock. Allstate Price Performance The stock has a market capitalization of $56.17 billion, a P/E ratio of 6.99, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.44 and a beta of 0.23. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.32, a quick ratio of 0.43 and a current ratio of 0.43. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $203.97 and a 200 day moving average price of $203.60. Allstate Company Profile (Get Free Report) Allstate Corporation is a publicly traded insurance company headquartered in Northbrook, Illinois, and is one of the largest personal lines property and casualty insurers in the United States. Founded in 1931 as a subsidiary of Sears, Roebuck and Co, Allstate has grown into a diversified insurer that serves millions of consumers and businesses through a mix of distribution channels and product offerings. The company underwrites a broad range of insurance products, with primary emphasis on auto and homeowners coverage. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Allstate Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Allstate and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. AGCO Corporation (NYSE:AGCO Get Free Report)s stock price gapped up before the market opened on Thursday following a better than expected earnings announcement. The stock had previously closed at $121.68, but opened at $127.79. AGCO shares last traded at $122.2040, with a volume of 258,792 shares trading hands. The industrial products company reported $2.17 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.88 by $0.29. AGCO had a net margin of 3.73% and a return on equity of 9.36%. The business had revenue of $2.92 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.67 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $1.97 earnings per share. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 1.1% on a year-over-year basis. AGCO has set its FY 2026 guidance at 5.500-6.000 EPS. Get AGCO alerts: AGCO Dividend Announcement The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, March 16th. Stockholders of record on Friday, February 13th will be paid a dividend of $0.29 per share. This represents a $1.16 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.9%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, February 13th. AGCOs dividend payout ratio is 23.06%. Key Stories Impacting AGCO Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Here are the key news stories impacting AGCO this week: AGCO has been the subject of several analyst reports. UBS Group dropped their price target on shares of AGCO from $119.00 to $115.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Monday, January 5th. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c) rating on shares of AGCO in a research note on Monday, December 22nd. Barclays cut AGCO from an equal weight rating to an underweight rating and cut their target price for the stock from $116.00 to $93.00 in a research note on Friday, December 19th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered their price target on AGCO from $127.00 to $123.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Friday, December 19th. Finally, Citigroup lifted their price objective on AGCO from $115.00 to $120.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Tuesday, January 13th. Three equities 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 companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $111.80. Read Our Latest Report on AGCO Insiders Place Their Bets In other AGCO news, SVP Kelvin Eugene Bennett sold 250 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, November 10th. The stock was sold at an average price of $104.28, for a total transaction of $26,070.00. Following the transaction, the senior vice president owned 17,130 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,786,316.40. This represents a 1.44% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Insiders own 16.60% of the companys stock. Institutional Investors Weigh In On AGCO Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. lifted its position in AGCO by 46.2% during the first quarter. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. now owns 4,958 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $459,000 after buying an additional 1,567 shares during the period. Jones Financial Companies Lllp increased its stake in shares of AGCO by 29.7% in the 1st quarter. Jones Financial Companies Lllp now owns 650 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $61,000 after acquiring an additional 149 shares in the last quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. lifted its position in AGCO by 39.6% during the 1st quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 215,242 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $19,925,000 after acquiring an additional 61,009 shares during the period. Empowered Funds LLC boosted its stake in AGCO by 3.1% during the first quarter. Empowered Funds LLC now owns 5,876 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $544,000 after acquiring an additional 176 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Geneos Wealth Management Inc. grew its holdings in AGCO by 109.2% in the first quarter. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. now owns 364 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $34,000 after purchasing an additional 190 shares during the period. 78.80% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. AGCO Stock Up 1.6% The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.61, a current ratio of 1.58 and a quick ratio of 0.73. The firm has a market cap of $9.22 billion, a P/E ratio of 24.20, a P/E/G ratio of 10.56 and a beta of 1.19. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $109.03 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $108.94. AGCO Company Profile (Get Free Report) AGCO Corporation is a global leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of agricultural machinery and precision farming solutions. Headquartered in Duluth, Georgia, the company markets a diverse portfolio of well-known brands, including Massey Ferguson, Fendt, Challenger, Valtra and GSI, serving farmers and producers in North America, South America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific. Through an extensive dealer network, AGCO provides equipment tailored to a broad range of crop and livestock operations. The companys product offerings span tractors, combine harvesters, hay and forage tools, application equipment, seeding and tillage implements, as well as grain storage and protein solutions. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for AGCO Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for AGCO and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. West Japan Railway (OTCMKTS:WJRYY Get Free Report) announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday. The company reported $0.67 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.60 by $0.07, Zacks reports. The company had revenue of $3 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $3.04 billion. West Japan Railway had a net margin of 6.75% and a return on equity of 10.30%. West Japan Railway updated its FY 2026 guidance to 1.680-1.680 EPS. West Japan Railway Stock Up 7.5% OTCMKTS WJRYY traded up $1.52 during trading hours on Thursday, reaching $21.91. 22,242 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 27,182. West Japan Railway has a 52-week low of $17.50 and a 52-week high of $24.85. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.03, a current ratio of 1.00 and a quick ratio of 0.66. The firm has a 50-day simple moving average of $19.91 and a 200 day simple moving average of $21.08. The firm has a market cap of $9.98 billion, a PE ratio of 12.45 and a beta of 0.23. Get West Japan Railway alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets Separately, Zacks Research raised West Japan Railway from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Monday, January 26th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Hold rating, According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold. West Japan Railway Company Profile (Get Free Report) West Japan Railway Company (OTCMKTS: WJRYY), commonly known as JR West, is one of the regional passenger railway operators formed in 1987 following the privatization of Japanese National Railways. Headquartered in Osaka, JR West manages a comprehensive rail network across western Honshu, providing vital transportation links that facilitate daily commuting, intercity travel, and regional tourism. As an American Depositary Receipt (ADR)listed issuer, the company offers international investors access to its operations through trading on OTC markets in the United States. JR Wests core business centers on passenger rail services, including high-speed Shinkansen lines and an extensive range of conventional rail routes. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for West Japan Railway Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for West Japan Railway and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Enersys (NYSE:ENS Get Free Report) released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday. The industrial products company reported $2.77 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.73 by $0.04, FiscalAI reports. Enersys had a return on equity of 22.48% and a net margin of 9.05%.The firm had revenue of $919.13 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $932.13 million. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $3.12 EPS. Enersyss quarterly revenue was up 1.4% compared to the same quarter last year. Enersys updated its Q4 2026 guidance to 2.950-3.050 EPS. Enersys Stock Down 10.5% NYSE ENS traded down $19.37 on Thursday, hitting $165.67. 678,409 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 450,765. The company has a current ratio of 2.77, a quick ratio of 1.73 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.63. The stock has a 50-day moving average of $157.97 and a 200 day moving average of $128.05. Enersys has a twelve month low of $76.57 and a twelve month high of $194.77. The company has a market capitalization of $6.11 billion, a P/E ratio of 19.30, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.23 and a beta of 1.11. Get Enersys alerts: Enersys Dividend Announcement The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 27th. Shareholders of record on Friday, March 13th will be paid a dividend of $0.2625 per share. The ex-dividend date is Friday, March 13th. This represents a $1.05 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.6%. Enersyss dividend payout ratio is presently 12.28%. Enersys News Roundup Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Here are the key news stories impacting Enersys this week: A number of research analysts have recently commented on the stock. Roth Mkm reissued a buy rating on shares of Enersys in a research report on Tuesday. BTIG Research raised shares of Enersys from a neutral rating to a buy rating in a research note on Monday, December 15th. Weiss Ratings reissued a buy (b) rating on shares of Enersys in a research report on Tuesday, January 27th. Zacks Research downgraded Enersys from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, January 6th. Finally, Oppenheimer reiterated an outperform rating on shares of Enersys in a research note on Friday, November 7th. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has given a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Enersys currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $129.00. Check Out Our Latest Analysis on ENS Insider Activity at Enersys In related news, insider Chad C. Uplinger sold 6,702 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, December 10th. The stock was sold at an average price of $151.46, for a total transaction of $1,015,084.92. Following the sale, the insider directly owned 23,713 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,591,570.98. This represents a 22.04% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Insiders own 0.91% of the companys stock. Institutional Trading of Enersys A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the business. Cerity Partners LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Enersys during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $460,000. Brevan Howard Capital Management LP acquired a new stake in Enersys in the second quarter worth $442,000. Cresset Asset Management LLC increased its position in Enersys by 11.3% in the third quarter. Cresset Asset Management LLC now owns 3,645 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $412,000 after buying an additional 370 shares during the period. Focus Partners Wealth bought a new stake in Enersys in the third quarter valued at $359,000. Finally, Verity Asset Management Inc. acquired a new position in shares of Enersys during the third quarter valued at $321,000. 94.93% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Enersys Company Profile (Get Free Report) Enersys, headquartered in Reading, Pennsylvania, is a global leader in stored energy solutions, specializing in manufacturing and distributing industrial batteries, battery chargers, power equipment, and related accessories. The company serves a diverse range of end markets, including telecommunications, data centers, medical, aerospace, defense, electric vehicle motive power, and utility outcomes. Its products are engineered to deliver critical reserve power and motive power applications across key infrastructure and industrial sectors. The companys product portfolio encompasses lead-acid batteries, lithium-ion energy storage systems, chargers, inverters, power management software, and a broad array of battery accessories. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Enersys Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Enersys and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Brookfield Asset Management (NYSE:BAM Get Free Report) (TSE:BAM.A) posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday. The financial services provider reported $0.47 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.41 by $0.06, reports. The firm had revenue of $1.39 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.40 billion. Brookfield Asset Management had a return on equity of 33.77% and a net margin of 58.25%. Here are the key takeaways from Brookfield Asset Managements conference call: Get Brookfield Asset Management alerts: Brookfield reported a strong 2025 operating year $112 billion of capital raised, a record $66 billion invested, $50 billion of equity monetized, fee-bearing capital up 12% to > $600 billion , record fee-related earnings of $3 billion (+22% YoY) and distributable earnings of $2.7 billion (+14% YoY). of capital raised, a record invested, of equity monetized, fee-bearing capital up 12% to > , record fee-related earnings of (+22% YoY) and distributable earnings of (+14% YoY). Management expects robust 2026 growth driven by strategic movesclosing the remaining stake in Oaktree, the anticipated Just Group acquisition, and Q4 acquisitions that together add > $200 million of annualized FREsupporting at?or?above long?term mid?to?high?teens FRE growth. of annualized FREsupporting at?or?above long?term mid?to?high?teens FRE growth. Leadership transition formalized as Conor Teskey becomes CEO of Brookfield Asset Management while Bruce Flatt remains chair (and CEO of Brookfield Corporation); management says this is an incremental change with no operational disruption. Board increased the quarterly dividend by 15% to $0.50025 per share and the firm ended the year with $3 billion of corporate liquidity and recent bond issuance, though the full ownership of Oaktree will lower consolidated FRE margins even as it is described as accretive. per share and the firm ended the year with of corporate liquidity and recent bond issuance, though the full ownership of Oaktree will lower consolidated FRE margins even as it is described as accretive. Brookfield is aggressively positioning for AI-driven demand with a $100 billion global AI infrastructure program (inaugural $10 billion fund with $5 billion committed) and a $20 billion strategic JV in Qatar, leveraging integrated data?center and power capabilities to capture large long?duration offtake contracts. Brookfield Asset Management Stock Down 2.7% Shares of BAM stock traded down $1.34 on Thursday, reaching $48.34. 1,508,483 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 2,723,495. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.05, a current ratio of 0.97 and a quick ratio of 0.97. The company has a 50-day moving average of $52.54 and a 200-day moving average of $55.74. The company has a market cap of $79.18 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 30.11, a PEG ratio of 2.01 and a beta of 1.40. Brookfield Asset Management has a one year low of $41.78 and a one year high of $64.10. Brookfield Asset Management Increases Dividend Brookfield Asset Management News Summary 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 issued a dividend of $0.5025 per share. This is an increase from Brookfield Asset Managements previous quarterly dividend of $0.44. This represents a $2.01 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 4.2%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, February 27th. Brookfield Asset Managements dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 109.38%. Here are the key news stories impacting Brookfield Asset Management this week: Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of research firms recently commented on BAM. Loop Capital set a $60.00 price target on Brookfield Asset Management in a research note on Tuesday, January 6th. BMO Capital Markets set a $58.00 target price on shares of Brookfield Asset Management and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Wednesday. Scotiabank lowered their target price on Brookfield Asset Management from $67.25 to $65.75 and set a sector outperform rating for the company in a research note on Monday, November 10th. Morgan Stanley set a $62.00 target price on shares of Brookfield Asset Management in a research note on Monday, October 13th. Finally, UBS Group set a $58.00 price target on Brookfield Asset Management and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Tuesday, January 13th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, nine have assigned a Buy rating, seven have assigned a Hold rating and two have issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Brookfield Asset Management currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $63.49. Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on Brookfield Asset Management Institutional Trading of Brookfield Asset Management A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Larson Financial Group LLC lifted its stake in Brookfield Asset Management by 45.2% during the 3rd quarter. Larson Financial Group LLC now owns 1,535 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $87,000 after acquiring an additional 478 shares in the last quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. grew its holdings in Brookfield Asset Management by 24.7% during the second quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. now owns 2,512 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $139,000 after purchasing an additional 497 shares during the period. Diversify Advisory Services LLC bought a new position in Brookfield Asset Management during the second quarter worth about $183,000. Johnson Financial Group Inc. grew its stake in Brookfield Asset Management by 3,567.8% in the 3rd quarter. Johnson Financial Group Inc. now owns 3,301 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $188,000 after buying an additional 3,211 shares in the last quarter. Finally, B. Riley Wealth Advisors Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Brookfield Asset Management during the 2nd quarter valued at $212,000. Institutional investors own 68.41% of the companys stock. Brookfield Asset Management Company Profile (Get 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. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Brookfield Asset Management Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Brookfield Asset Management and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Recruit Holdings Co., Ltd. (OTCMKTS:RCRUY Get Free Report) reached a new 52-week low during trading on Thursday . The company traded as low as $8.76 and last traded at $9.09, with a volume of 2546375 shares. The stock had previously closed at $9.51. Recruit Stock Performance The company has a market capitalization of $70.38 billion, a PE ratio of 10.34 and a beta of 1.66. The companys 50-day moving average is $11.03 and its 200 day moving average is $10.99. Get Recruit alerts: Recruit (OTCMKTS:RCRUY Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, November 6th. The company reported $0.12 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. The firm had revenue of $6.20 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $6.12 billion. Recruit had a net margin of 12.26% and a return on equity of 27.53%. On average, analysts forecast that Recruit Holdings Co., Ltd. will post 0.36 EPS for the current fiscal year. Recruit Company Profile Recruit Holdings Co, Ltd. (OTCMKTS: RCRUY) is a Japan-based provider of human resources and information services that operates a diversified portfolio of staffing, recruitment and consumer-facing platforms. Headquartered in Tokyo, the company builds and runs digital marketplaces and service businesses that connect employers with job seekers, support corporate HR functions, and offer related marketing and consumer services in areas such as lifestyle and local search. The companys principal activities include online job search and employer branding platforms, temporary and permanent staffing, recruitment process outsourcing, and HR technology solutions. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Recruit Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Recruit and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. A number of firms have modified their ratings and price targets on shares of IRSA Inversiones Y Representaciones (NYSE: IRS) recently: 1/31/2026 IRSA Inversiones Y Representaciones was downgraded by analysts at Wall Street Zen from a buy rating to a hold rating. 1/30/2026 IRSA Inversiones Y Representaciones was upgraded by analysts at Itau BBA Securities to a strong-buy rating. 1/29/2026 IRSA Inversiones Y Representaciones is now covered by analysts at Itau BBA Securities. They set an outperform rating and a $23.00 price target on the stock. 1/22/2026 IRSA Inversiones Y Representaciones had its hold (c) rating reaffirmed by analysts at Weiss Ratings. 1/11/2026 IRSA Inversiones Y Representaciones was upgraded by analysts at Wall Street Zen from a hold rating to a buy rating. 1/3/2026 IRSA Inversiones Y Representaciones was downgraded by analysts at Wall Street Zen from a buy rating to a hold rating. IRSA Inversiones Y Representaciones Announces Dividend The firm also recently announced an annual dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, December 2nd. Shareholders of record on Monday, November 24th were paid a dividend of $1.4151 per share. This represents a yield of 998.0%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, November 24th. IRSA Inversiones Y Representacioness payout ratio is 28.17%. Get IRSA Inversiones Y Representaciones SA alerts: IRSA Inversiones y Representaciones SA (NYSE: IRS) is Argentinas leading real estate company, specializing in the development, acquisition and management of commercial, office, residential and hospitality properties. The companys core operations encompass the planning and operation of shopping centers, premium office towers in Buenos Aires, urban residential complexes and full-service hotels. IRSA leverages its extensive land bank and development expertise to create mixed-use destinations that cater to evolving urban lifestyles. IRSAs shopping center division features a portfolio of flagship malls in Argentina, complemented by its Mall Plaza platform, which develops and operates retail destinations in Chile, Peru and Colombia. See Also Receive News & Ratings for IRSA Inversiones Y Representaciones SA Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for IRSA Inversiones Y Representaciones SA and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shell (NYSE:SHEL Get Free Report) posted its earnings results on Thursday. The energy company reported $1.14 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.21 by ($0.07), Zacks reports. The business had revenue of $64.09 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $65.82 billion. Shell had a return on equity of 10.34% and a net margin of 6.52%. Here are the key takeaways from Shells conference call: Get Shell alerts: Shell hit the lower end of its CMD25 cost target early, delivering $5.1 billion of structural cost reductions by end?2025 and plans to reach $5$7 billion by 2028, signaling stronger operating leverage and margin upside. Shell hit the lower end of its CMD25 cost target early, delivering of structural cost reductions by end?2025 and plans to reach $5$7 billion by 2028, signaling stronger operating leverage and margin upside. The company maintained disciplined capital allocation with a $20$22 billion cash CapEx range, increased the dividend by 4% and launched a $3.5 billion buyback (to be completed by Q1 results), while delivering shareholder distributions at the top of the 40%50% of CFFO target range. The company maintained disciplined capital allocation with a $20$22 billion cash CapEx range, increased the dividend by 4% and launched a $3.5 billion buyback (to be completed by Q1 results), while delivering shareholder distributions at the top of the target range. Progress on emissions goals continues: ~70% of the Scope 1&2 net reduction target to 2030 achieved, product carbon intensity down 9% year?on?2016, customer use emissions down 18%, and 100% elimination of routine flaring in upstreamsupporting Shells ESG credentials and transition positioning. Progress on emissions goals continues: ~70% of the Scope 1&2 net reduction target to 2030 achieved, product carbon intensity down 9% year?on?2016, customer use emissions down 18%, and in upstreamsupporting Shells ESG credentials and transition positioning. The Chemicals segment remained weak in 2025 due to low margins and operational underperformance; management is prioritizing restructuring, cost and CapEx cuts and has not ruled out unit shutdowns to reach free cash flow neutrality, indicating continued near?term headwinds. The segment remained weak in 2025 due to low margins and operational underperformance; management is prioritizing restructuring, cost and CapEx cuts and has not ruled out unit shutdowns to reach free cash flow neutrality, indicating continued near?term headwinds. Reserve life and R/P declined (reserve life ~7.8 years, down ~15%), but management says targeted high?margin deepwater bolt?ons, divestments (e.g., SPDC, Adura JV) and selective M&A/exploration should close short?term gaps while keeping a value?accretive, patient approach to longer?term resource replenishment. Shell Stock Performance Shell stock opened at $75.34 on Monday. The companys 50-day moving average price is $73.61 and its 200-day moving average price is $73.29. The company has a quick ratio of 1.03, a current ratio of 1.30 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.38. Shell has a twelve month low of $58.54 and a twelve month high of $79.30. The company has a market cap of $216.62 billion, a PE ratio of 12.56, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 5.58 and a beta of 0.16. Institutional Trading of Shell Key Stories Impacting Shell Institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Brighton Jones LLC raised its stake in shares of Shell by 51.7% in the fourth quarter. Brighton Jones LLC now owns 7,463 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $468,000 after acquiring an additional 2,545 shares during the period. Horizon Investments LLC boosted its holdings in Shell by 6.4% during the 3rd quarter. Horizon Investments LLC now owns 3,521 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $252,000 after acquiring an additional 211 shares during the period. Kelleher Financial Advisors purchased a new position in shares of Shell during the third quarter worth approximately $72,000. Sunbelt Securities Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Shell by 2.7% in the third quarter. Sunbelt Securities Inc. now owns 14,880 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $1,064,000 after purchasing an additional 388 shares during the period. Finally, Captrust Financial Advisors increased its holdings in Shell by 1.0% during the 3rd quarter. Captrust Financial Advisors now owns 138,501 shares of the energy companys stock worth $9,907,000 after purchasing an additional 1,415 shares during the period. 28.60% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Here are the key news stories impacting Shell this week: Positive Sentiment: Company announced a $3.5 billion share buyback programme and increased the interim dividend by 4% supportive for EPS/return metrics and shareholder returns. Share Buyback Announcement Company announced a $3.5 billion share buyback programme and increased the interim dividend by 4% supportive for EPS/return metrics and shareholder returns. Positive Sentiment: An analyst at Seeking Alpha upgraded SHEL from Sell to Hold, noting that although 2025 results disappointed, external market factors (oil/LNG tailwinds) could improve prospects next year. SA Rating Upgrade An analyst at Seeking Alpha upgraded SHEL from Sell to Hold, noting that although 2025 results disappointed, external market factors (oil/LNG tailwinds) could improve prospects next year. Positive Sentiment: Unusual options activity: traders bought a sizable block of call options (14,321 contracts), suggesting speculative or hedged bullish interest in the stock intraday. Unusual options activity: traders bought a sizable block of call options (14,321 contracts), suggesting speculative or hedged bullish interest in the stock intraday. Neutral Sentiment: Wells Fargo trimmed its price target slightly to $77 and kept an equal weight rating a modest tweak rather than a dramatic reassessment. Wells Fargo Note Wells Fargo trimmed its price target slightly to $77 and kept an equal weight rating a modest tweak rather than a dramatic reassessment. Neutral Sentiment: Shell selected PwC as its next external auditor (replacing EY) after a tender process a governance/operational change that is unlikely to move fundamentals immediately. Auditor Appointment Shell selected PwC as its next external auditor (replacing EY) after a tender process a governance/operational change that is unlikely to move fundamentals immediately. Neutral Sentiment: Management is exploring multibillion-dollar offshore gas opportunities in Venezuela a potential long-term growth avenue but currently exploratory. Venezuela Investment Comments Management is exploring multibillion-dollar offshore gas opportunities in Venezuela a potential long-term growth avenue but currently exploratory. Negative Sentiment: Q4 results missed expectations: adjusted earnings fell short and revenue missed consensus amid lower oil prices and tax impacts reported as Shells weakest quarterly profit since 2021, which is the primary negative catalyst. Q4 Results / Profit Miss Q4 results missed expectations: adjusted earnings fell short and revenue missed consensus amid lower oil prices and tax impacts reported as Shells weakest quarterly profit since 2021, which is the primary negative catalyst. Negative Sentiment: RBC downgraded Shell to Sector Perform and cut its price target after a soft trading update and what it called a double miss on earnings selling pressure risk from institutional re-rating. RBC Downgrade RBC downgraded Shell to Sector Perform and cut its price target after a soft trading update and what it called a double miss on earnings selling pressure risk from institutional re-rating. Negative Sentiment: Shell will pause new investments in Kazakhstan amid legal/arbitration disputes a setback to growth/production visibility in that region. Kazakhstan Pause Shell will pause new investments in Kazakhstan amid legal/arbitration disputes a setback to growth/production visibility in that region. Negative Sentiment: Analysts and commentators flag renewables/green-hydrogen investments as a near-term drag and potential source of write-down risk if projects underperform a structural risk to margins and capital allocation. SA Note on Renewables Risk Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of equities analysts have weighed in on the company. UBS Group lowered Shell from a buy rating to a neutral rating in a research report on Tuesday, November 25th. Jefferies Financial Group restated a buy rating on shares of Shell in a report on Thursday, January 8th. TD Cowen reissued a buy rating on shares of Shell in a report on Friday, October 31st. Bank of America cut shares of Shell from a buy rating to a neutral rating in a research note on Friday, December 5th. Finally, Citigroup reaffirmed a neutral rating on shares of Shell in a research report on Monday, November 3rd. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, six have issued a Buy rating and eleven have issued a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Shell currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $81.33. Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on Shell Shell Company Profile (Get Free Report) Shell plc (NYSE: SHEL) is a global integrated energy company that operates across the full oil and gas value chain as well as in developing lower-carbon energy solutions. The company traces its roots to the early 20th century merger of Royal Dutch Petroleum and Shell Transport and Trading, and today it is organized to explore for and produce hydrocarbons, process and refine them, manufacture petrochemicals, and market fuel, lubricants and related products under the Shell brand around the world. Shells principal activities include upstream exploration and production of oil and natural gas, integrated gas operations including liquefied natural gas (LNG), and downstream refining, supply and marketing. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Shell Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Shell and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. American Healthcare REIT (NYSE:AHR Get Free Report)s stock had its market outperform rating reissued by equities researchers at Citizens Jmp in a report released on Thursday,Benzinga reports. They presently have a $60.00 price target on the stock. Citizens Jmps price target points to a potential upside of 25.18% from the stocks current price. A number of other equities analysts also recently commented on the stock. UBS Group boosted their target price on shares of American Healthcare REIT from $51.00 to $56.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Monday, November 17th. KeyCorp upped their price objective on American Healthcare REIT from $43.00 to $55.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Thursday, November 13th. Morgan Stanley increased their price objective on American Healthcare REIT from $52.00 to $55.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Thursday, November 20th. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c) rating on shares of American Healthcare REIT in a research note on Wednesday, January 21st. Finally, BMO Capital Markets assumed coverage on American Healthcare REIT in a report on Thursday, January 29th. They issued an outperform rating and a $55.00 price target for the company. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, ten have issued a Buy rating and three have given a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, American Healthcare REIT currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $51.83. Get American Healthcare REIT alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Report on American Healthcare REIT American Healthcare REIT Stock Up 2.4% Insider Buying and Selling NYSE AHR traded up $1.11 on Thursday, hitting $47.93. 1,638,905 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 3,290,362. American Healthcare REIT has a fifty-two week low of $26.48 and a fifty-two week high of $51.01. The company has a 50-day moving average price of $47.94 and a 200-day moving average price of $44.64. The company has a quick ratio of 0.44, a current ratio of 0.44 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.37. The company has a market cap of $8.48 billion, a PE ratio of 341.83, a PEG ratio of 1.83 and a beta of 1.03. In other American Healthcare REIT news, Director Jeffrey T. Hanson sold 35,570 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Monday, December 22nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $48.38, for a total transaction of $1,720,876.60. Following the transaction, the director directly owned 19,208 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $929,283.04. This trade represents a 64.93% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Also, EVP Mark E. Foster sold 1,500 shares of American Healthcare REIT stock in a transaction on Tuesday, November 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of $49.35, for a total transaction of $74,025.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president owned 57,600 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,842,560. This represents a 2.54% decrease in their ownership of the stock. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Over the last 90 days, insiders have sold 76,288 shares of company stock worth $3,718,666. Insiders own 0.92% of the companys stock. Hedge Funds Weigh In On American Healthcare REIT Several institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in AHR. Optiver Holding B.V. lifted its position in American Healthcare REIT by 83.1% during the 3rd quarter. Optiver Holding B.V. now owns 652 shares of the companys stock worth $27,000 after acquiring an additional 296 shares during the period. Trust Co. of Vermont purchased a new stake in shares of American Healthcare REIT during the third quarter worth approximately $28,000. Darwin Wealth Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of American Healthcare REIT during the second quarter worth $31,000. Total Investment Management Inc. purchased a new position in American Healthcare REIT in the 2nd quarter valued at $32,000. Finally, US Bancorp DE increased its stake in American Healthcare REIT by 84.8% in the 3rd quarter. US Bancorp DE now owns 1,085 shares of the companys stock valued at $46,000 after buying an additional 498 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 16.68% of the companys stock. American Healthcare REIT Company Profile (Get Free Report) American Healthcare REIT, Inc (NYSE: AHR) was a publicly traded real estate investment trust focused on acquiring, owning and managing healthcare?related properties across the United States. The companys portfolio spanned senior housing communities, skilled nursing facilities, medical office buildings and outpatient care centers, all operated under long?term net lease or triple?net lease structures designed to provide stable, predictable rental income. Employing a strategy of partnering with established healthcare operators, American Healthcare REIT targeted properties in both major metropolitan areas and high?growth secondary markets to capitalize on demographic trends such as an aging population and increased demand for outpatient services. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for American Healthcare REIT Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for American Healthcare REIT and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Svenska Handelsbanken Ab Publ (OTCMKTS:SVNLY Get Free Report) released its earnings results on Wednesday. The company reported $0.24 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.14 by $0.10, Zacks reports. The business had revenue of $1.60 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.53 billion. Svenska Handelsbanken Ab Publ had a net margin of 15.97% and a return on equity of 12.80%. Svenska Handelsbanken Ab Publ Stock Down 4.8% OTCMKTS:SVNLY traded down $0.39 during trading hours on Thursday, reaching $7.73. The company had a trading volume of 60,719 shares, compared to its average volume of 121,724. The businesss 50-day simple moving average is $7.35 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $6.75. Svenska Handelsbanken Ab Publ has a twelve month low of $4.93 and a twelve month high of $8.26. The company has a quick ratio of 2.10, a current ratio of 2.10 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.18. The firm has a market cap of $30.61 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 12.67 and a beta of 0.57. Get Svenska Handelsbanken Ab Publ alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets SVNLY has been the subject of a number of analyst reports. Morgan Stanley reissued an underweight rating on shares of Svenska Handelsbanken Ab Publ in a research note on Friday, January 9th. Citigroup reiterated a neutral rating on shares of Svenska Handelsbanken Ab Publ in a report on Tuesday, October 14th. Five analysts have rated the stock with a Hold rating and two have given a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Reduce. About Svenska Handelsbanken Ab Publ (Get Free Report) Svenska Handelsbanken AB (publ) is a Sweden-based universal bank offering a broad range of financial services to private individuals, businesses and institutions. Established in 1871 and headquartered in Stockholm, the bank operates on a decentralized branch model that empowers locally managed offices to deliver tailored banking solutions. Svenska Handelsbanken provides core services such as deposit accounts, lending, payment services and credit cards, alongside specialized corporate offerings including trade finance, cash management and leasing. In addition to its commercial banking activities, Handelsbanken maintains a dedicated investment banking arm known as Handelsbanken Capital Markets, which offers services in equity and debt underwriting, corporate finance advisory and research. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Svenska Handelsbanken Ab Publ Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Svenska Handelsbanken Ab Publ and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Senate Majority Leader John Thune dismissed Democrats list of demands to curb the Trump administrations aggressive immigration enforcement posture as political messaging rather than an opening bid in negotiations on a funding deal for the Department of Homeland Security. Most Read from Bloomberg The two parties have just eight days to reach an agreement or risk a shutdown at the department at the center of the ongoing immigration crackdown. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries listed 10 restrictions they want placed on federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol in a letter late Wednesday to House Speaker Mike Johnson and Thune. The curbs they are seeking include prohibiting Department of Homeland Security officers from entering private property without a judicial warrant, verifying individuals arent US citizens before detaining them, requiring agents to wear body cameras and identification badges, and preventing them from covering their faces. Federal immigration agents cannot continue to cause chaos in our cities while using taxpayer money that should be used to make life more affordable for working families, the two Democratic leaders wrote in the letter. Thune said hes willing to strike a deal but called the demands unrealistic. Theres got got be a willingness, a partner, to make a deal, Thune said. Schumer immediately shot back, saying Republicans need to explain their opposition and stop pouting. The Wednesday letter serves as Democrats initial offer in a brewing fight with Republicans over funding for the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees ICE and federal border patrol officers. The departments funding is set to expire on Feb. 13. Congress approved a spending package for much of the federal government earlier this week, but only granted a short-term extension of DHS funding to buy more time to negotiate over immigration enforcement policies. The Democrats demands also calls for prohibiting federal agents from conducting operations near schools, hospitals, churches, polling places and courts. It would prevent officers from stopping people based on their jobs, language, accent or race. They are recommending expanded training for officers, improved standards for detention facilities and guidelines for state and local authorities to coordinate with federal agents. Uber Technologies (NYSE:UBER Get Free Report) issued an update on its first quarter 2026 earnings guidance on Wednesday morning. The company provided EPS guidance of 0.650-0.720 for the period, compared to the consensus EPS estimate of 0.750. The company issued revenue guidance of -. Uber Technologies Trading Up 2.6% UBER stock traded up $1.89 during trading on Thursday, reaching $75.81. 22,855,338 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 21,589,561. The businesss 50 day moving average price is $83.54 and its 200-day moving average price is $89.94. Uber Technologies has a 52-week low of $60.63 and a 52-week high of $101.99. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.37, a current ratio of 1.15 and a quick ratio of 1.15. The firm has a market capitalization of $157.51 billion, a PE ratio of 9.76 and a beta of 1.21. Get Uber Technologies alerts: Uber Technologies (NYSE:UBER Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, February 4th. The ride-sharing company reported $0.71 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.79 by ($0.08). Uber Technologies had a net margin of 33.54% and a return on equity of 68.17%. The firm had revenue of $14.37 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $14.32 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $3.21 earnings per share. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 20.1% on a year-over-year basis. Uber Technologies has set its Q1 2026 guidance at 0.650-0.720 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts forecast that Uber Technologies will post 2.54 earnings per share for the current year. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades UBER has been the subject of several recent research reports. Piper Sandler set a $107.00 price objective on shares of Uber Technologies in a research report on Wednesday, November 5th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reiterated a buy rating and issued a $108.00 price target on shares of Uber Technologies in a report on Wednesday, October 29th. Wolfe Research reduced their price objective on Uber Technologies from $125.00 to $110.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, January 5th. Citigroup raised Uber Technologies from a market perform rating to an outperform rating in a research report on Wednesday. Finally, Roth Mkm set a $105.00 target price on Uber Technologies in a report on Thursday. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, thirty-three have assigned a Buy rating, seven have assigned a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $105.14. Get Our Latest Analysis on Uber Technologies Insider Buying and Selling at Uber Technologies In other news, CFO Prashanth Mahendra-Rajah sold 5,500 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, November 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $94.41, for a total transaction of $519,255.00. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer owned 20,330 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,919,355.30. This trade represents a 21.29% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, insider Tony West sold 3,125 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, January 20th. The shares were sold at an average price of $83.50, for a total value of $260,937.50. Following the completion of the sale, the insider directly 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. Over the last three months, insiders have sold 14,875 shares of company stock valued at $1,319,130. 3.84% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Key Headlines Impacting Uber Technologies Here are the key news stories impacting Uber Technologies this week: Positive Sentiment: Several major houses reaffirmed buys/outperform ratings and raised or maintained high price targets (RBC reiterated Outperform with a $105 PT), giving investors cover to buy the dip. RBC Reiterates Outperform Several major houses reaffirmed buys/outperform ratings and raised or maintained high price targets (RBC reiterated Outperform with a $105 PT), giving investors cover to buy the dip. Positive Sentiment: Multiple analysts reiterated or kept Buy/Outperform stances (BTIG, Needham, Morgan Stanley, JMP, Mizuho still at Outperform despite trimmed PTs), supporting the rally narrative that fundamentals remain intact. Analyst Coverage Summary Multiple analysts reiterated or kept Buy/Outperform stances (BTIG, Needham, Morgan Stanley, JMP, Mizuho still at Outperform despite trimmed PTs), supporting the rally narrative that fundamentals remain intact. Positive Sentiment: Operational momentum: Q4 revenue and gross bookings beat estimates, active users ~200M and record free cash flow metrics that underpin near?term cash generation and buyback capacity. Uber Q4 Results Press Release Operational momentum: Q4 revenue and gross bookings beat estimates, active users ~200M and record free cash flow metrics that underpin near?term cash generation and buyback capacity. Neutral Sentiment: Leadership change: Uber promoted Balaji Krishnamurthy to CFO (its third CFO in three years). The hire signals continued focus on autonomous-vehicle (AV) strategy but raises governance/stability questions for some investors. New CFO Coverage Leadership change: Uber promoted Balaji Krishnamurthy to CFO (its third CFO in three years). The hire signals continued focus on autonomous-vehicle (AV) strategy but raises governance/stability questions for some investors. Negative Sentiment: Earnings and guidance misses: Q4 adjusted EPS missed estimates and Q1 EPS guidance (0.650.72) is below consensus, as cheaper rides and tax headwinds pressure margins the primary reason shares fell earlier this week. Guidance and Margin Pressure Earnings and guidance misses: Q4 adjusted EPS missed estimates and Q1 EPS guidance (0.650.72) is below consensus, as cheaper rides and tax headwinds pressure margins the primary reason shares fell earlier this week. Negative Sentiment: Several firms trimmed price targets (Wells Fargo, Cantor Fitzgerald, Wedbush among them), reflecting caution around near-term margins and the guidance shortfallthis keeps upside expectations mixed across the sell side. Wells Fargo PT Cut Institutional Investors Weigh In On Uber Technologies A number of hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Measured Wealth Private Client Group LLC bought a new stake in shares of Uber Technologies during the 3rd quarter worth about $25,000. Imprint Wealth LLC bought a new stake in Uber Technologies during the third quarter worth approximately $32,000. Wealth Watch Advisors INC bought a new stake in Uber Technologies during the third quarter worth approximately $57,000. Pin Oak Investment Advisors Inc. lifted its position in Uber Technologies by 1,166.1% in the third quarter. Pin Oak Investment Advisors Inc. now owns 747 shares of the ride-sharing companys stock worth $73,000 after purchasing an additional 688 shares during the period. Finally, Osterweis Capital Management Inc. boosted its stake in Uber Technologies by 66.2% during the 2nd quarter. Osterweis Capital Management Inc. now owns 778 shares of the ride-sharing companys stock valued at $73,000 after purchasing an additional 310 shares in the last quarter. 80.24% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Uber Technologies Company Profile (Get 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. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Uber Technologies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Uber Technologies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Tasman Resources Ltd (ASX:TAS Get Free Report) insider Louis Varrasso acquired 2,300,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Monday, February 2nd. The shares were bought at an average cost of A$0.04 per share, for a total transaction of A$94,300.00. Tasman Resources Stock Performance The company has a quick ratio of 0.49, a current ratio of 0.37 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 371.78. The company has a market cap of $4.03 million, a PE ratio of -0.27 and a beta of 0.74. Get Tasman Resources alerts: About Tasman Resources (Get Free Report) Featured Articles Tasman Resources Ltd engages in the exploration of mineral properties in Australia. It explores for precious and base metals, including gold, silver, copper, cobalt, zinc, lead, nickel, and uranium, as well as iron-oxide. The company holds 100% interests in the Lake Torrens IOCG project; Pernatty IOCG project; and Parkinson Dam Epithermal Gold-Silver (Lead-Zinc) project. Tasman Resources Ltd was incorporated in 1987 and is based in Perth, Australia. Receive News & Ratings for Tasman Resources Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Tasman Resources and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Delivery Hero SE (OTCMKTS:DLVHF Get Free Report) has received a consensus recommendation of Hold from the six research firms that are presently covering the stock, Marketbeat Ratings reports. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell recommendation, two have given a hold recommendation and three have issued a buy recommendation on the company. Several research firms recently issued reports on DLVHF. Cantor Fitzgerald raised Delivery Hero to a neutral rating in a research note on Thursday, December 11th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reissued a hold rating on shares of Delivery Hero in a research report on Thursday. Citigroup cut Delivery Hero from a neutral rating to a sell rating in a research note on Thursday, December 11th. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada reiterated an outperform rating on shares of Delivery Hero in a research note on Friday, November 14th. Get Delivery Hero alerts: Get Our Latest Research Report on DLVHF Delivery Hero Price Performance About Delivery Hero Shares of Delivery Hero stock traded down $0.02 during mid-day trading on Thursday, hitting $28.24. 250 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 2,283. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $25.57 and a 200 day simple moving average of $26.53. Delivery Hero has a 12 month low of $19.25 and a 12 month high of $33.00. (Get Free Report) Delivery Hero SE is a global online food?ordering and delivery platform that connects consumers, restaurants and couriers through its digital marketplace. The companys core business revolves around providing a seamless, on?demand food delivery experience via mobile apps and websites. Beyond traditional restaurant delivery, Delivery Hero also operates a network of cloud kitchensknown as dark kitchensto meet growing consumer demand for a broader variety of cuisines and faster fulfilment times. Founded in 2011 and headquartered in Berlin, Germany, Delivery Hero has grown through a combination of organic expansion and strategic acquisitions. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Delivery Hero Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Delivery Hero and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Moelis & Company (NYSE:MC Get Free Report) had its price objective boosted by equities research analysts at JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $80.00 to $81.00 in a research note issued on Thursday,Benzinga reports. The brokerage presently has a neutral rating on the asset managers stock. JPMorgan Chase & Co.s target price would suggest a potential upside of 13.11% from the companys current price. Several other research firms have also recently weighed in on MC. Morgan Stanley lifted their price objective on shares of Moelis & Company from $89.00 to $90.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Thursday. Zacks Research downgraded Moelis & Company from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c) rating on shares of Moelis & Company in a research note on Monday, December 29th. UBS Group raised their price objective on Moelis & Company from $70.00 to $74.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Wednesday, January 7th. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft initiated coverage on Moelis & Company in a report on Thursday, October 9th. They issued a buy rating and a $80.00 target price on the stock. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and ten have given a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $76.33. Get Moelis & Company alerts: View Our Latest Research Report on MC Moelis & Company Stock Performance Shares of NYSE:MC traded up $0.72 during midday trading on Thursday, reaching $71.61. The company had a trading volume of 2,180,631 shares, compared to its average volume of 860,176. Moelis & Company has a 1-year low of $47.00 and a 1-year high of $82.89. The firm has a market cap of $5.61 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 23.95, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.58 and a beta of 1.87. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $71.29 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $69.96. Moelis & Company (NYSE:MC Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, February 4th. The asset manager reported $1.13 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.76 by $0.37. The company had revenue of $487.94 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $430.17 million. Moelis & Company had a net margin of 15.98% and a return on equity of 45.62%. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 11.2% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $1.18 earnings per share. Analysts expect that Moelis & Company will post 2.97 EPS for the current year. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the business. V Square Quantitative Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Moelis & Company in the 4th quarter valued at $27,000. Bessemer Group Inc. raised its holdings in Moelis & Company by 89.8% during the third quarter. Bessemer Group Inc. now owns 389 shares of the asset managers stock valued at $28,000 after buying an additional 184 shares in the last quarter. Allworth Financial LP lifted its position in shares of Moelis & Company by 153.9% in the third quarter. Allworth Financial LP now owns 419 shares of the asset managers stock worth $30,000 after buying an additional 254 shares during the last quarter. eCIO Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Moelis & Company during the 4th quarter worth about $33,000. Finally, EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC boosted its stake in shares of Moelis & Company by 89.5% during the 2nd quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 597 shares of the asset managers stock worth $37,000 after acquiring an additional 282 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 91.53% of the companys stock. More Moelis & Company News Here are the key news stories impacting Moelis & Company this week: Positive Sentiment: Q4 earnings and buyback Moelis reported Q4 revenue of ~$487.9M (up ~11% YoY) and beat EPS estimates; the board authorized a $300M share buyback, a clear shareholder-return signal that supports the rally. Article Title Q4 earnings and buyback Moelis reported Q4 revenue of ~$487.9M (up ~11% YoY) and beat EPS estimates; the board authorized a $300M share buyback, a clear shareholder-return signal that supports the rally. Positive Sentiment: Analyst upgrade / higher price target Morgan Stanley raised its price target to $90 and kept an Overweight rating, implying material upside vs. the current share level and lending buy-side credibility. Article Title Analyst upgrade / higher price target Morgan Stanley raised its price target to $90 and kept an Overweight rating, implying material upside vs. the current share level and lending buy-side credibility. Positive Sentiment: Dividend reinstated/higher yield Management declared a quarterly dividend of $0.65/share (implying ~3.7% yield), which increases cash return to investors and can support multiple expansion for the stock. Dividend reinstated/higher yield Management declared a quarterly dividend of $0.65/share (implying ~3.7% yield), which increases cash return to investors and can support multiple expansion for the stock. Neutral Sentiment: Business momentum / strategy Company commentary and coverage highlight M&A momentum, capital markets expansion and strategic hires that could sustain fee pipelines, but these are longer-cycle drivers. Article Title Business momentum / strategy Company commentary and coverage highlight M&A momentum, capital markets expansion and strategic hires that could sustain fee pipelines, but these are longer-cycle drivers. Neutral Sentiment: Analyst estimates Some analysts have boosted near-term EPS estimates, which supports expectations, but forecast dispersion remains (median target lower than Morgan Stanleys), so consensus will be important to watch. Article Title Analyst estimates Some analysts have boosted near-term EPS estimates, which supports expectations, but forecast dispersion remains (median target lower than Morgan Stanleys), so consensus will be important to watch. Negative Sentiment: Profitability and cash-flow pressure While revenue grew, operating profit and diluted EPS were modestly down YoY and operating cash flow declined materially; balance-sheet cash declined ~31%, which tempers the beat and raises sensitivity to future expense or market-pressure swings. Article Title Profitability and cash-flow pressure While revenue grew, operating profit and diluted EPS were modestly down YoY and operating cash flow declined materially; balance-sheet cash declined ~31%, which tempers the beat and raises sensitivity to future expense or market-pressure swings. Negative Sentiment: Insider/institutional moves Recent insider selling and large portfolio reductions by some institutional holders are worth monitoring as potential near-term supply pressure. Article Title About Moelis & Company (Get Free Report) Moelis & Co operates as a holding company. It engages in the provision of financial advisory, capital raising and asset management services to a client base including corporations, governments, sovereign wealth funds and financial sponsors. The firm focuses on clients including large public multinational corporations, middle market private companies, financial sponsors, entrepreneurs and governments. The company was founded by Kenneth David Moelis, Navid Mahmoodzadegan, Jeffrey Raich and Elizabeth Ann Crain in July 2007 and is headquartered in New York, NY. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Moelis & Company Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Moelis & Company and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Oklo Inc. (NYSE:OKLO Get Free Report) was down 8.7% during mid-day trading on Thursday following insider selling activity. The company traded as low as $61.68 and last traded at $62.2710. Approximately 11,348,564 shares traded hands during trading, a decline of 19% from the average daily volume of 14,082,623 shares. The stock had previously closed at $68.23. Specifically, CEO Jacob Dewitte sold 140,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, February 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $75.18, for a total value of $10,525,200.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer directly owned 739,023 shares of the companys stock, valued at $55,559,749.14. This represents a 15.93% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, CEO Jacob Dewitte sold 60,000 shares of Oklo stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, February 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $74.45, for a total transaction of $4,467,000.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer directly owned 748,197 shares in the company, valued at $55,703,266.65. The trade was a 7.42% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. In related news, CFO Richard Craig Bealmear sold 9,726 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, February 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $76.93, for a total value of $748,221.18. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief financial officer directly owned 196,913 shares in the company, valued at approximately $15,148,517.09. The trade was a 4.71% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Get Oklo alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of research analysts recently issued reports on OKLO shares. Texas Capital upgraded Oklo to a strong-buy rating in a report on Tuesday, January 27th. Citigroup reissued a neutral rating on shares of Oklo in a research report on Monday, November 24th. B. Riley raised their target price on shares of Oklo from $58.00 to $129.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, November 12th. Needham & Company LLC restated a buy rating on shares of Oklo in a research note on Friday, January 9th. Finally, Cantor Fitzgerald reiterated an overweight rating and set a $122.00 target price on shares of Oklo in a report on Wednesday, November 12th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, nine have assigned a Buy rating, five have given a Hold rating and three have assigned a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, Oklo presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $103.20. Key Headlines Impacting Oklo Here are the key news stories impacting Oklo this week: Positive Sentiment: Large commercial demand and non?dilutive funding: coverage reiterates Oklos binding commercial structure (a reported 1.2 GW arrangement with Meta that includes prepayments), which could provide upfront project cash rather than equity dilution supportive for project funding and valuation. The Atomic Pivot: AIs $50 Billion Power Move Large commercial demand and non?dilutive funding: coverage reiterates Oklos binding commercial structure (a reported 1.2 GW arrangement with Meta that includes prepayments), which could provide upfront project cash rather than equity dilution supportive for project funding and valuation. Positive Sentiment: Sector re?rating thesis: articles argue hyperscalers behind?the?meter power needs (AI data centers) are structurally supporting SMR developers like Oklo, giving the company a long?term addressable market if execution and timelines hold. Is Oklo Quietly Reframing Nuclear Power Sector re?rating thesis: articles argue hyperscalers behind?the?meter power needs (AI data centers) are structurally supporting SMR developers like Oklo, giving the company a long?term addressable market if execution and timelines hold. Neutral Sentiment: Bullish writeups highlight upside but also flag regulatory and construction execution risk useful context but not an immediate catalyst. Oklo: A Bull Case Theory Bullish writeups highlight upside but also flag regulatory and construction execution risk useful context but not an immediate catalyst. Negative Sentiment: Large insider sales CEO Jacob Dewitte sold ~200,000 shares across filings (~140,000 and ~60,000 at roughly $74$75) and CFO Richard Bealmear sold 9,726 shares (~$76.93). The size and timing of these senior?management sales have been viewed negatively and likely triggered intraday selling pressure. CEO/CFO SEC Filings Large insider sales CEO Jacob Dewitte sold ~200,000 shares across filings (~140,000 and ~60,000 at roughly $74$75) and CFO Richard Bealmear sold 9,726 shares (~$76.93). The size and timing of these senior?management sales have been viewed negatively and likely triggered intraday selling pressure. Negative Sentiment: Fundamentals/expectations: Oklo missed the most recent EPS consensus and analysts model sizable negative EPS for the year, keeping the stock sensitive to cash?flow and funding concerns as projects scale. Fundamentals/expectations: Oklo missed the most recent EPS consensus and analysts model sizable negative EPS for the year, keeping the stock sensitive to cash?flow and funding concerns as projects scale. Negative Sentiment: Momentum/headline selling: quick explanatory pieces on the intraday drop can amplify outflows in a loss?making, high?expectations name; see coverage that analyzes the crash. Why Oklo Stock Crashed Today Oklo Price Performance The firm has a market capitalization of $9.73 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -115.32 and a beta of 0.76. The firms 50-day simple moving average is $88.26 and its 200 day simple moving average is $96.84. Oklo (NYSE:OKLO Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 12th. The company reported ($0.20) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of ($0.13) by ($0.07). During the same period last year, the business posted ($0.08) EPS. As a group, research analysts predict that Oklo Inc. will post -8.2 earnings per share for the current year. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Oklo Large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Armstrong Advisory Group Inc. acquired a new position in Oklo in the third quarter valued at approximately $27,000. Gables Capital Management Inc. acquired a new position in shares of Oklo during the 3rd quarter valued at $28,000. Nemes Rush Group LLC bought a new position in Oklo during the third quarter worth $28,000. CI Investments Inc. grew its holdings in Oklo by 153.0% in the third quarter. CI Investments Inc. now owns 296 shares of the companys stock worth $33,000 after purchasing an additional 179 shares during the period. Finally, Whittier Trust Co. of Nevada Inc. bought a new stake in Oklo in the third quarter valued at $33,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 85.03% of the companys stock. About Oklo (Get Free Report) Oklo, Inc is a California-based energy technology company specializing in the design and development of advanced nuclear microreactors. Headquartered in Fremont, the firm focuses on small modular reactor (SMR) technology that leverages fast-neutron fission and liquid-metal cooling to deliver carbon-free power. Oklos core objective is to bring compact, factory-built reactors online within a decade, offering a low-footprint alternative to traditional large nuclear plants. The companys flagship product, the Aurora microreactor, is a 1.5-megawatt electric (MWe) fast reactor cooled by a sodium alloy. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Oklo Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Oklo and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ Get Free Report) were up 1.4% during trading on Thursday . The stock traded as high as $239.58 and last traded at $237.6630. Approximately 10,231,111 shares changed hands during trading, an increase of 8% from the average daily volume of 9,490,200 shares. The stock had previously closed at $234.47. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several research analysts have recently issued reports on JNJ shares. Barclays upped their target price on shares of Johnson & Johnson from $197.00 to $217.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research note on Tuesday, December 30th. Sanford C. Bernstein upped their price objective on Johnson & Johnson from $208.00 to $225.00 and gave the company a market perform rating in a research report on Friday, January 23rd. Citigroup lifted their target price on Johnson & Johnson from $232.00 to $250.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Thursday, January 22nd. Freedom Capital cut Johnson & Johnson from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Friday, January 16th. Finally, HSBC increased their price objective on Johnson & Johnson from $240.00 to $265.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Friday, January 30th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seventeen have assigned a Buy rating and eight have given a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $233.73. Get Johnson & Johnson alerts: Check Out Our Latest Report on JNJ Johnson & Johnson Trading Up 1.4% The stock has a market capitalization of $572.60 billion, a PE ratio of 21.51, a P/E/G ratio of 2.26 and a beta of 0.35. The company has a current ratio of 1.07, a quick ratio of 0.80 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.50. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $212.27 and a 200-day moving average price of $193.02. Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, January 21st. The company reported $2.46 earnings per share for the quarter, meeting analysts consensus estimates of $2.46. The company had revenue of $24.56 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $24.14 billion. Johnson & Johnson had a return on equity of 33.34% and a net margin of 28.46%.Johnson & Johnsons revenue was up 9.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $2.04 earnings per share. Johnson & Johnson has set its FY 2026 guidance at 11.430-11.630 EPS. Sell-side analysts expect that Johnson & Johnson will post 10.58 earnings per share for the current year. Johnson & Johnson Dividend Announcement The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, March 10th. Investors of record on Tuesday, February 24th will be issued a $1.30 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, February 24th. This represents a $5.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.2%. Johnson & Johnsons dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 47.06%. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the business. Norges Bank purchased a new position in Johnson & Johnson during the second quarter valued at $4,877,174,000. Laurel Wealth Advisors LLC raised its stake in shares of Johnson & Johnson by 15,040.6% in the second quarter. Laurel Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 7,420,699 shares of the companys stock worth $1,133,512,000 after buying an additional 7,371,687 shares during the period. Vanguard Group Inc. lifted its position in shares of Johnson & Johnson by 1.6% during the 4th quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 240,349,660 shares of the companys stock valued at $49,740,362,000 after buying an additional 3,731,074 shares in the last quarter. Capital International Investors grew its stake in shares of Johnson & Johnson by 545.6% during the 3rd quarter. Capital International Investors now owns 3,865,050 shares of the companys stock valued at $716,657,000 after acquiring an additional 3,266,354 shares during the period. Finally, Amundi increased its holdings in Johnson & Johnson by 19.3% in the 3rd quarter. Amundi now owns 13,354,936 shares of the companys stock worth $2,512,719,000 after acquiring an additional 2,163,838 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 69.55% of the companys stock. About Johnson & Johnson (Get Free Report) Johnson & Johnson is a multinational healthcare company headquartered in New Brunswick, New Jersey, that develops, manufactures and markets a broad range of products across pharmaceuticals, medical devices and previously consumer health. Founded in 1886 by the Johnson family, the company has grown into a global healthcare organization with operations and sales in many countries around the world. The companys pharmaceuticals business, organized largely under its Janssen research and development organization, focuses on prescription medicines across therapeutic areas such as immunology, infectious disease, oncology and neuroscience. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Johnson & Johnson Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Johnson & Johnson and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM) dropped 2.2% during mid-day trading on Thursday . The company traded as low as $305.54 and last traded at $310.1670. Approximately 9,234,360 shares traded hands during trading, a decline of 22% from the average daily volume of 11,876,751 shares. The stock had previously closed at $317.27. Key JPMorgan Chase & Co. News Here are the key news stories impacting JPMorgan Chase & Co. this week: Get JPMorgan Chase & Co. alerts: Positive Sentiment: JPMorgans move into bank?issued stablecoins and token rails (JPMD on Base) reinforces its push into crypto infrastructure and fee?generating product lines outside traditional banking a potential medium?term revenue diversification tailwind. Read More. JPMorgans move into bank?issued stablecoins and token rails (JPMD on Base) reinforces its push into crypto infrastructure and fee?generating product lines outside traditional banking a potential medium?term revenue diversification tailwind. Read More. Positive Sentiment: JPMorgan strategists have reiterated bullish longer?term views on bitcoin relative to gold, highlighting the firms research prominence in digital asset narratives that can help win client flows and trading fees. Read More. JPMorgan strategists have reiterated bullish longer?term views on bitcoin relative to gold, highlighting the firms research prominence in digital asset narratives that can help win client flows and trading fees. Read More. Positive Sentiment: Robert W. Baird upgraded JPMorgan to Neutral a modest positive from the sell?side that can support sentiment in the near term. Read More. Robert W. Baird upgraded JPMorgan to Neutral a modest positive from the sell?side that can support sentiment in the near term. Read More. Neutral Sentiment: JPMorgan research revised Lululemon EPS upward after meetings reflects the strength and influence of JPMs equity research business (revenue/flows benefit but not a direct corporate headline). Read More. JPMorgan research revised Lululemon EPS upward after meetings reflects the strength and influence of JPMs equity research business (revenue/flows benefit but not a direct corporate headline). Read More. Neutral Sentiment: Regulatory and policy focus: Reuters reports big U.S. banks (including JPMorgan) increased lobbying spend substantially shows management investing to shape policy outcomes but also underlines regulatory scrutiny. Read More. Regulatory and policy focus: Reuters reports big U.S. banks (including JPMorgan) increased lobbying spend substantially shows management investing to shape policy outcomes but also underlines regulatory scrutiny. Read More. Neutral Sentiment: JPMorgan Private Bank research finds most family offices still avoid crypto useful market intelligence for JPMs wealth business but not an immediate earnings driver. Read More. JPMorgan Private Bank research finds most family offices still avoid crypto useful market intelligence for JPMs wealth business but not an immediate earnings driver. Read More. Neutral Sentiment: Corporate disclosures: JPMorgan notified Iluka Resources and Treasury Wine Estates that it ceased to be a substantial shareholder routine portfolio/positioning moves by the banks asset management/trading operations. Read More. Corporate disclosures: JPMorgan notified Iluka Resources and Treasury Wine Estates that it ceased to be a substantial shareholder routine portfolio/positioning moves by the banks asset management/trading operations. Read More. Negative Sentiment: Political/regulatory risk to monetary policy: coverage that Kevin Warsh (recent Trump nominee) will press for rate cuts if market expectations shift toward cuts, that can pressure bank net interest margins and weigh on bank stocks including JPM. Read More. Political/regulatory risk to monetary policy: coverage that Kevin Warsh (recent Trump nominee) will press for rate cuts if market expectations shift toward cuts, that can pressure bank net interest margins and weigh on bank stocks including JPM. Read More. Negative Sentiment: Reputational/legal risk: a prominent pro?XRP lawyer accused JPMorgan of manipulating bitcoin markets such allegations can raise regulatory and litigation attention even if unproven, creating headline risk. Read More. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of research analysts have commented on JPM shares. Daiwa Capital Markets upped their price target on JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $345.00 to $353.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Tuesday, January 6th. Morgan Stanley set a $331.00 price target on shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. in a report on Tuesday, December 9th. Royal Bank Of Canada reiterated an outperform rating and issued a $330.00 price objective on shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. in a report on Wednesday, January 14th. DZ Bank reissued a neutral rating on shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. in a research report on Wednesday, January 14th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group lifted their target price on shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $386.00 to $397.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Monday, January 26th. Fourteen analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and fourteen have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $336.82. JPMorgan Chase & Co. Trading Down 2.2% The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.27, a quick ratio of 0.86 and a current ratio of 0.85. The stock has a market cap of $844.36 billion, a PE ratio of 15.50, a PEG ratio of 1.54 and a beta of 1.07. The business has a 50-day moving average of $315.37 and a 200 day moving average of $306.79. JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, January 13th. The financial services provider reported $5.23 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $4.93 by $0.30. JPMorgan Chase & Co. had a net margin of 20.35% and a return on equity of 17.16%. The firm had revenue of $46.77 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $45.98 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $4.81 earnings per share. JPMorgan Chase & Co.s revenue was up 7.1% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities research analysts predict that JPMorgan Chase & Co. will post 18.1 EPS for the current fiscal year. JPMorgan Chase & Co. Dividend Announcement The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Saturday, January 31st. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, January 6th were paid a $1.50 dividend. This represents a $6.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.9%. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, January 6th. JPMorgan Chase & Co.s dividend payout ratio is 29.99%. Insider Buying and Selling In related news, General Counsel Stacey Friedman sold 3,404 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, January 16th. The stock was sold at an average price of $312.80, for a total transaction of $1,064,771.20. Following the completion of the transaction, the general counsel owned 65,353 shares in the company, valued at $20,442,418.40. The trade was a 4.95% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, CFO Jeremy Barnum sold 2,893 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Friday, January 16th. The shares were sold at an average price of $312.79, for a total transaction of $904,901.47. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer directly owned 26,696 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $8,350,241.84. This trade represents a 9.78% decrease in their position. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. In the last ninety days, insiders have sold 15,834 shares of company stock valued at $4,951,910. 0.47% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Institutional Trading of JPMorgan Chase & Co. A number of hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of JPM. Brighton Jones LLC boosted its stake in JPMorgan Chase & Co. by 11.0% during the 4th quarter. Brighton Jones LLC now owns 48,732 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $11,682,000 after purchasing an additional 4,841 shares during the period. Acorns Advisers LLC increased its stake in JPMorgan Chase & Co. by 6.9% in the first quarter. Acorns Advisers LLC now owns 1,547 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $379,000 after acquiring an additional 100 shares during the period. QTR Family Wealth LLC raised its holdings in shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. by 18.4% in the 2nd quarter. QTR Family Wealth LLC now owns 6,234 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $1,807,000 after buying an additional 970 shares in the last quarter. Nabity Jensen Investment Management Inc boosted its stake in shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. by 3.0% in the 2nd quarter. Nabity Jensen Investment Management Inc now owns 7,199 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $2,087,000 after purchasing an additional 208 shares in the last quarter. Finally, First Pacific Financial grew its stake in JPMorgan Chase & Co. by 530.2% during the second quarter. First Pacific Financial now owns 21,104 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $6,118,000 after buying an additional 17,755 shares during the last quarter. 71.55% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. JPMorgan Chase & Co. Company Profile (Get Free Report) JPMorgan Chase & Co (NYSE: JPM) is a diversified global financial services firm headquartered in New York City. The company provides a wide range of banking and financial products and services to consumers, small businesses, corporations, governments and institutional investors worldwide. Its operations span retail banking, commercial lending, investment banking, asset management, payments and card services, and treasury and securities services. The firms principal business activities are organized across several core lines: Consumer & Community Banking, which offers deposit accounts, mortgages, auto loans, credit cards and branch and digital banking under the Chase brand; Corporate & Investment Banking, which provides capital markets, advisory, underwriting, trading and risk management services; Commercial Banking, delivering lending, treasury and capital solutions to middle-market and corporate clients; and Asset & Wealth Management, which offers investment management, private banking and retirement services to institutions and high-net-worth individuals. Read More Receive News & Ratings for JPMorgan Chase & Co. Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for JPMorgan Chase & Co. and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Realty Income Corporation (NYSE:O) is included among 10 Best Monthly Dividend Stocks to Buy Now. Deutsche Bank Points to Structural REIT Lag Despite Improved Setup for Realty Income Corporation (O) On January 20, Deutsche Bank analyst Omotayo Okusanya upgraded Realty Income Corporation (NYSE:O) to Buy from Hold and set a $69 price target. In a research note, he pointed out that REITs have lagged the S&P 500 in each of the past four years, and in nine of the last 11. Deutsche expects that trend to stretch into 2026. For context, the firm projects a weighted average return of 10.3% across its REIT coverage. That compares with Deutsches equity strategy team forecast calling for the S&P 500 to reach 8,000, implying about 16.9% upside versus 2025. The broader backdrop matters here. Deutsche sees a tougher U.S. macro setup for REITs, with expectations for only one Federal Reserve rate cut in 2026, slower GDP growth, and higher unemployment. In that environment, REIT earnings growth is unlikely to keep pace with the broader market, which makes the sector less appealing for growth-focused investors. Realty Income Corporation owns properties across the United States and eight European countries, including the United Kingdom. Retail assets account for roughly 80% of its rental income. That retail concentration can look risky at first glance. In practice, single-tenant retail properties tend to be fairly uniform. They are easier to buy, sell, and re-lease when needed. Beyond retail, the portfolio includes industrial properties, which generate about 15% of rents, along with more specialized assets such as vineyards and casinos. Management understands the limits that come with Realty Incomes scale and has worked over time to keep growth options open. The casino investments show that approach in action. An initial property purchase was followed by additional deals in the same space, some structured more like loans. That shift has widened the range of assets the company can invest in, while still staying within its disciplined framework. Realty Income Corporation (NYSE:O) operates as a real estate investment trust focused on acquiring and managing freestanding commercial properties. Its business centers on long-term net lease agreements that generate steady rental income from a diversified base of commercial tenants. While we acknowledge the potential of O 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. Tonight we wanted to share a local story that speaks to this town's pathological sense of politeness and social niceties which don't seem to be fading despite the current divisive and course social media era. To wit . . . KANSAS CITY PROGRESSIVES DELIVER ON PROMISES TO SHUN & SHAME LOCAL CATHOLIC PARISHIONERS HELPING ICE DEVELOP A LOCAL DETENTION FACILITY!!! For those unfamiliar with local life . . . This is a bigger deal than it seems. Old school "social standing" still buys a lot in Kansas City and can dictate economic opportunities, peer groups and even quality of life for those who value real life relationships beyond their mobile phone. Accordingly . . . And penned by a Pulitzer prize winner . . . Here are the opening lines of an upscale neighborhood controversy, a comedy of manners and the customs of our cowtown turning the political into the personal and even spiritual . . . "For Kansas City Catholics, Visitation Parish in Brookside has always been the place where power went to pray. I used to pray there, too, though I belong to a different parish now. "There's nothing wrong with having resources; it's notably harder to feed the hungry and clothe the naked without them. "But it's what Jesus says about welcoming the stranger that's put Visitation, and really all of Catholic KC, at the uncomfortable center of righteous pushback against the plan to put an ICE detention center that could hold as many as 10,000 people in a warehouse in south Kansas City. "That's because Terry and Ryan Anderson, the brothers who are selling that property to the government, are not just Visitation parishioners but major donors there. And Terry and his wife Lindsey are heading the Visitation School's current capital campaign." Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . . Thank you for signing up! Youll soon be getting your Toronto scoop in your inbox. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page. Luxury wildlife safari tours now available for 2026 in Ugandas prime gorilla habitats (TRAVPR.COM) Kampala, Uganda February 4, 2026 Rebo Safari, a leading provider of bespoke luxury safaris in East Africa, today announced the launch of its Gorilla Trekking Uganda experiences, offering travelers an immersive encounter with mountain gorillas in their natural habitats. The new tours promise unmatched wildlife access, expert guides, and fully curated itineraries for discerning safari enthusiasts. Uganda is rapidly emerging as a top destination for wildlife tourism, with the number of visitors seeking gorilla trekking experiences increasing by 18% year over year, according to the Uganda Tourism Board. Travelers are looking for safe, personalized, and eco-conscious safari options in 2026. Rebo Safari is launching curated, small-group gorilla trekking packages that: Secure UWA gorilla permits and arrange guide/porter support for travelers. Prioritize stays in community-run lodges and hire local trackers and guides. Commit 10% of net profits from gorilla trekking departures to community conservation and livelihood projects in Bwindi and Mgahinga. Offer carbon-offset options and pre-trip briefings to minimize disease and disturbance risks to gorillas. Bookable details and itineraries: https://rebosafari.com/gorilla-trekking By combining direct permit booking with community revenue sharing, Rebo Safari aims to: Reduce booking friction and reservation lead time for international guests. Channel predictable tourism income to adjacent communities (schools, health clinics, anti-poaching support). Support sustainable tourism that aligns with recent conservation wins contributing to habitat protection and anti-poaching through local partnerships. Initial launch capacity: monthly departures of small groups (48 guests) to ensure low disturbance; scalable based on permit availability and UWA scheduling. Gorilla trekking is a privilege that must be matched with responsibility, said Natasha Birungi, Founder & CEO, Rebo Safari. We designed these Uganda itineraries to remove logistical friction for travelers while returning measurable support to the communities whose stewardship protects the gorillas. About Rebo Safari Rebo Safari is an Uganda-based ecotour operator specializing in small-group, conservation-minded wildlife experiences across Uganda. Founded to connect international travelers with authentic, low-impact safaris, Rebo partners with local communities, licensed guides and Uganda Wildlife Authority to design trips that benefit people and wildlife. ### Happy Holidays introduces Vietnam holiday packages covering Hanoi, Halong Bay, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City with planned itineraries, accommodation, and travel assistance for Indian travelers. (TRAVPR.COM) INDIA - February 5th, 2026 - Vietnam has rapidly emerged as one of the most preferred international travel destinations for Indian tourists. Known for its breathtaking natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant city life, the country offers a unique combination of traditional charm and modern experiences. Recognizing this increasing travel interest, Happy Holidays Tours and Travels has introduced specially designed Vietnam holiday packages that offer well-structured travel experiences for different types of travelers. Vietnam's popularity is travelers looking for scenic landscapes, historical monuments, coastal attractions, and authentic local experiences. From peaceful countryside settings to lively urban environments, Vietnam offers a diverse range of travel opportunities that make it suitable for honeymoon couples, families, and group travelers. Carefully Designed Travel Itineraries Happy Holidays focuses on creating travel itineraries that balance sightseeing, leisure, and cultural experiences. The Vietnam holiday packages include visits to major tourist destinations such as Hanoi, Halong Bay, Da Nang, Hoi An, and Ho Chi Minh City. Each destination offers a unique travel experience that highlights Vietnams natural and cultural diversity. Hanoi, the capital city, is known for its historic architecture, local markets, and vibrant street culture. Travelers can explore temples, museums, and traditional Vietnamese neighborhoods. Halong Bay, one of Vietnams most iconic natural attractions, provides visitors with unforgettable cruise experiences surrounded by limestone islands and clear waters. Da Nang and Hoi An are famous for their scenic beaches, cultural landmarks, and relaxing travel atmosphere. These destinations allow travelers to experience coastal beauty along with historic heritage sites. Ho Chi Minh City offers a dynamic travel experience with modern attractions, historical locations, and a glimpse into Vietnams evolving lifestyle. Comfortable Accommodation and Travel Support Happy Holidays ensures that every Vietnam holiday package includes carefully selected accommodations that focus on comfort and convenience. Travelers are provided with quality hotel stays located near key attractions, allowing them to explore destinations easily. The company also provides structured travel assistance, including airport transfers, local transportation, and guided sightseeing tours. These services help travelers experience the destination without the stress of managing local travel arrangements. Happy Holidays emphasizes smooth travel coordination to provide a comfortable and enjoyable international holiday experience. Flexible Travel Options for Different Travelers Understanding that every traveler has unique preferences, Happy Holidays offers flexible Vietnam holiday packages that can be customized based on travel duration, budget, and travel style. Whether travelers prefer short leisure vacations or extended international holidays, the company provides multiple package options. The packages are suitable for honeymoon couples looking for romantic travel experiences, families planning cultural vacations, and group travelers interested in organized international trips. Happy Holidays focuses on designing travel programs that suit a wide range of travel expectations while maintaining affordability and convenience. Additional Travel Assistance Services In addition to itinerary planning and accommodation arrangements, Happy Holidays provides support services that simplify international travel preparation. These include assistance with flight bookings, visa guidance, and travel planning support. The company aims to provide travelers with clear travel coordination to ensure a smooth journey from departure to return. By offering complete travel solutions, Happy Holidays continues to help travelers plan international vacations with confidence and convenience. The travel agency focuses on providing structured holiday packages that combine organized travel planning with destination experiences. Expanding International Travel Opportunities Happy Holidays continues to expand its international tour offerings by introducing travel packages that highlight culturally rich and visually appealing destinations. Vietnam remains one of the key destinations in the companys international travel portfolio due to its diverse attractions and growing popularity among Indian travelers. The company is committed to providing travel experiences that allow tourists to explore international destinations through well-organized travel programs. By focusing on travel quality, structured planning, and customer convenience, Happy Holidays aims to make overseas travel accessible to a wider audience. Commitment to Memorable Travel Experiences Happy Holidays believes that travel is an opportunity to explore new cultures, experience unique landscapes, and create lasting memories. The Vietnam holiday packages are designed to provide travelers with a balanced travel experience that combines sightseeing, cultural exploration, and relaxation. With professional travel coordination and carefully planned itineraries, Happy Holidays continues to support travelers in discovering international destinations comfortably. The newly launched Vietnam holiday packages are expected to attract travelers seeking organized and enjoyable international vacations. About Happy Holidays Tours and Travels Happy Holidays Tours and Travels in Trichy, is a trusted travel service provider specializing in domestic and international tour packages. The company offers customized holiday planning, group tours, honeymoon packages, pilgrimage tours, and corporate travel solutions. With a focus on organized itineraries, comfortable travel arrangements, and customer support, Happy Holidays aims to provide smooth and well-planned travel experiences. The company continues to expand its tour offerings by introducing destination-focused travel packages designed to suit different budgets and travel preferences. Website: https://www.happyholidays.travel/packages/international/vietnam ### BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 5. On February 5, Leyla Aliyeva, Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, visited the Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum and the Abrahamic Family House, Trend reports. Leyla Aliyeva first toured the Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum. The Louvre Abu Dhabi, the first international branch of the renowned Louvre Museum in Paris, is located on Saadiyat Island. Designed by French architect Jean Nouvel, the museum opened to the public in November 2017. Its permanent collection features a vast array of works of art spanning different historical periods and civilizations. The museum also hosts exhibits on loan from partner museums. Leyla Aliyeva also familiarized herself with the Abrahamic Family House. The creation of the Abrahamic Family House was announced in 2019 by President of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. This unique complex comprises three houses of worship - the Ahmed El-Tayeb Mosque, the St. Francis Church, and the Moses Ben Maimon Synagogue - aimed at promoting interfaith dialogue and peaceful coexistence. The complex also includes a central educational center where visitors can learn about different religions. New York The next evolution of asset management will be wallet-native, not just digital, according to Franklin Templeton's head of innovation, Sandy Kaul. Speaking at the Ondo Summit in New York on Tuesday, Kaul said she envisions a future where all financial assets stocks, bonds, funds, and more are held and managed through tokenized digital wallets. The totality of peoples assets is going to be represented in these wallets, she said. The panel, which included Cynthia Lo Bessette of Fidelity, Kim Hochfeld of State Street, and Will Peck of WisdomTree, agreed that tokenization is no longer a theoretical concept. After years of slow progress, real infrastructure is now in place, and use cases are expanding beyond early experiments. But panelists also cautioned that building utility and trust is now the industrys biggest challenge. The idea of bringing an asset and representing it onchain with a token is the easiest part, said Lo Bessette, head of digital asset management at Fidelity. The hardest part is building the ecosystem for utility. Despite recent growth, adoption remains early. Hochfeld, State Streets global head of digital and cash, said much of the current work is focused on internal and client education. Were not yet seeing a rush to the door, Hochfeld said. Weve got to experiment and see what works. That includes explaining tokenizations systemic benefits. Hochfeld pointed to the 2022 UK mini-budget crisis, when traditional fund redemptions created a liquidity spiral. She argued tokenized funds could have served as instant collateral, easing the disruption. Heres your perfect use case, she said. It suits money fund managers, collateral pledgers, regulators everyone. Will Peck of WisdomTree said client interest is growing, particularly from crypto-native firms managing stablecoin treasuries or seeking yield-bearing assets that stay on-chain. He compared todays tokenization wave to the launch of exchange-traded funds (ETFs) 30 years ago. No one at the time was like, I want an ETF, Peck said. The ETF just worked better. That same pattern may now apply to tokenized products. With new universal liquidity layers forming on blockchain rails, asset managers are preparing for a future of seamless, global access, and hyper-personalized portfolios. Youre not even going to notice it, said Kaul. Its going to be so seamless and smooth. BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 5. On February 4, 2026, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan Jeyhun Bayramov met with Minister of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi, Trend reports, citing the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry. During the meeting, the sides discussed political, economic, trade, energy, and humanitarian dimensions of the comprehensive strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and the UAE. They also exchanged views on cooperation within regional and international organizations, as well as the current regional security situation. The ministers highlighted that mutual visits by the heads of state, along with agreements reached and documents signed during those visits, have played a key role in elevating bilateral relations to the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership. The sides reviewed the implementation of agreements reached at the first meeting of the Cooperation Committee within the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, held in November last year. Satisfaction was expressed with the ongoing preparatory work for the second meeting of the committee, scheduled to take place in Baku later this year. Special attention was paid to the importance of continued mutual support within regional and international organizations. Jeyhun Bayramov also briefed his counterpart on the peace agenda following the summit held in Washington on August 8. The ministers praised the positive dynamics of Azerbaijani-UAE relations and discussed possible steps to further facilitate travel for citizens of both countries. They also exchanged views on other issues of mutual interest. BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 5. Azerbaijans non-resident ambassador to Sri Lanka, Elchin Huseynli, visited Colombo on February 4 to attend Sri Lankas Independence Day celebrations and held high-level discussions on strengthening bilateral ties across various sectors, the Azerbaijani Embassy in India told Trend. During his visit, the ambassador participated in a military parade and an official reception in Colombo, where he engaged in discussions with Sri Lankas Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism, Vijitha Herath, along with Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Arun Hemachandra, Foreign Secretary Aruni Ranaraja, and other senior officials. The meetings underscored a strong mutual interest in deepening bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and Sri Lanka, focusing on key areas such as politics, economic cooperation, trade, energy, tourism, air connectivity, and education. Emphasis was also placed on enhancing cooperation within multilateral frameworks, particularly during Azerbaijan's chairmanship of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA) and in preparation for the 13th session of the United Nations World Urban Forum (WUF13), which is set to take place in Baku from May 17 to May 22, 2026. The Sri Lankan side further expressed profound gratitude to the Azerbaijani government and people for offering Sri Lankan citizens the opportunity to participate in Azerbaijans state-funded education programs, as well as for the humanitarian aid provided during Sri Lanka's recent natural disaster. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 5. Preparations are ongoing for the upcoming World Urban Forum (WUF13) in Baku, both in terms of organization and substantive content, Azerbaijans Deputy Foreign Minister Yalchin Rafiyev told reporters on the sidelines of the Non-Aligned Movement Youth Week in Baku, Trend reports. Rafiyev noted that, for the first time, the forum will include a leaders summit format. "We want the forum to be organized at a high level. This urban development forum has a very complex format, including numerous events, assemblies, sessions, and dialogues. We aim to showcase our national urban development experience. As you know, in the recently liberated territories, innovative urban planning methods are being applied. We want to use this platform both to present our national experience to the world and to create a discussion space on contemporary architecture and urban development issues," the Deputy Minister emphasized. Meanwhile, the 13th Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) will take place in Baku, Azerbaijan, from 17 through 22 May 2026. Organized by UN-Habitat and the Government of Azerbaijan, this major event focuses on sustainable urbanization under the theme: "Housing the world: Safe and resilient cities and communities". BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 5. During the open hearing in the criminal cases against citizens of the Republic of Armenia Arayik Harutyunyan, Arkadi Gukasyan, Bako Sahakyan, Davit Ishkhanyan, David Babayan, Levon Mnatsakanyan, and others accused of committing crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, including the preparation and conduct of an aggressive war, genocide, violations of the laws and rules of war, as well as terrorism, financing of terrorism, violent seizure and retention of power, and numerous other crimes as a result of Armenias military aggression against Azerbaijan, the court is delivering the final verdict regarding the accused individuals, Trend reports. The court session at the Baku Military Court, chaired by Judge Zeynal Aghayev with a panel consisting of Jamal Ramazanov and Anar Rzayev (reserve judge Gunel Samadova), provided each accused with an interpreter in their native language and lawyers for their defense. The session is attended by the accused, their defenders, some of the victims, their legal successors and representatives, prosecutors defending the state accusation, as well as Rufat Mammadov, Head of the Cabinet of Ministers Executive Office. BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 5. The Baku Military Court on Thursday sentenced the accused David Manukyan to life imprisonment, marking a final verdict in the trial of Armenian citizens, Trend reports. During the court sessions, the prosecutors defending the state prosecution proposed that the accused be sentenced to life imprisonment. The trial of the criminal cases against Armenian citizens accused of committing crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, including the preparation and conduct of an aggressive war, genocide, violations of the laws and rules of war, as well as terrorism, financing of terrorism, violent seizure and retention of power, and numerous other crimes as a result of Armenias military aggression against Azerbaijan, is continuing with the announcement of the final verdict regarding the accused individuals. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 5. At the ongoing trial of Armenian citizens at the Baku Military Court, the verdict for the accused is being announced, Trend reports. The court has handed down a final verdict for the defendant, David Babayan, sentencing him to life imprisonment. The sentence aligns with the recommendation of the state prosecutors, who had previously requested that the defendant be sentenced to life. The trial proceeds with the reading of verdicts for Armenian citizens accused of a wide array of offenses stemming from military aggression. These include crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, the planning and conduct of an aggressive war, genocide, and violations of the laws and customs of war. Additionally, the defendants face charges related to terrorism, the financing of terrorism, and the forcible seizure or illegal retention of power. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 5. In the ongoing trial at the Baku Military Court concerning citizens of the Republic of Armenia, the verdict is being pronounced against the accused, Trend reports. It was stated that although the accused Arkadi Ghukasyan was charged with crimes punishable by life imprisonment and these charges were proven during the court investigation, life imprisonment cannot be imposed on him in accordance with the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan, as he had reached the age of 65 by the time the final court decision (verdict) was issued. According to the verdict, the accused Arkadi Ghukasyan was definitively sentenced to 20 years of imprisonment. It should be recalled that the prosecutors representing the state prosecution had also proposed that the accused be sentenced to 20 years of imprisonment. It should be noted that the trial of citizens of the Republic of Armenia accused of crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes including the preparation and waging of aggressive war, genocide, violations of the laws and customs of war, as well as terrorism, financing of terrorism, forcible seizure of power, forcible retention of power, and numerous other crimes committed as a result of Armenias military aggression continues with the pronouncement of the verdict. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 5. In the ongoing trial at the Baku Military Court concerning citizens of the Republic of Armenia, the verdict is being pronounced against the accused, Trend reports. It was stated that although the accused Bako Sahakyan was charged with crimes punishable by life imprisonment and these charges were proven during the court investigation, life imprisonment cannot be imposed on him in accordance with the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan, as he had reached the age of 65 by the time the final court decision (verdict) was issued. According to the verdict, the accused Bako Sahakyan was definitively sentenced to 20 years of imprisonment. It should be recalled that the prosecutors representing the state prosecution had also proposed that the accused Sahakyan be sentenced to 20 years of imprisonment. It should be noted that the trial of citizens of the Republic of Armenia accused of crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes including the preparation and waging of aggressive war, genocide, violations of the laws and customs of war, as well as terrorism, financing of terrorism, forcible seizure of power, forcible retention of power, and numerous other crimes committed as a result of Armenias military aggression continues with the pronouncement of the verdict. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 5. In the ongoing trial at the Baku Military Court involving citizens of Armenia, the verdict is being pronounced for the accused persons, Trend reports. It was noted that although the accused Madat Babayan was charged with crimes punishable by life imprisonment and these charges were proven during the court investigation, life imprisonment could not be imposed on him, as he had reached the age of 65 by the time the final court decision (verdict) was issued, in accordance with the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan. According to the verdict, the accused Madat Babayan was definitively sentenced to 19 years of imprisonment. It should be recalled that the prosecutors representing the state prosecution had proposed that the accused Babayan be sentenced to 20 years of imprisonment. It was also noted that during the court proceedings, Madat Babayan confessed to his participation in the Khojaly genocide as part of the Armenian armed forces. The trial of citizens of the Republic of Armenia accused of crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes including the preparation and waging of aggressive war, genocide, violations of the laws and customs of war, as well as terrorism, financing of terrorism, forcible seizure of power, forcible retention of power, and numerous other crimes committed as a result of Armenias military aggression continues with the pronouncement of the verdict. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 5. Visit of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on February 2 opens a new stage of strategic partnership, the political analyst Azer Garayev told Trend. According to him, the visit is of significant political and economic importance in terms of deepening the strategic partnership and is considered a logical continuation of the relations between Azerbaijan and the UAE, which have been developing on an upward trajectory in recent years. "During President Ilham Aliyev's meetings with the President of the UAE, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in Abu Dhabi, the parties discussed issues of intensifying political dialogue, expanding economic cooperation, energy security, investment climate, and regional stability. President Ilham Aliyev's visit was also in line with Azerbaijan's strategy to strengthen relations with the countries of the Middle East and consolidate its position as a reliable partner in the Gulf region," he explained. Garayev stated that the documents signed during the visit attracted particular attention. "With the participation of the Presidents of Azerbaijan and the UAE, a document was signed on the sale of a certain part of the non-controlling stake owned by the Ministry of Economy in the Southern Gas Corridor CJSC to XRG Company, the investment arm of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company. This agreement not only demonstrates the growing interest of international investors in the Azerbaijani energy sector but also further strengthens the financial sustainability of a strategic project such as the Southern Gas Corridor. At the same time, this step strengthens Azerbaijan's leading role in projects that contribute to Europe's energy security," he noted. The analyst emphasized that President Ilham Aliyev's visit was significant not only in terms of economic, but also in terms of the development of cooperation in the security and defense sectors. "During the visit, a letter of intent on defense cooperation was signed between the Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan and the Ministry of Defense of the UAE. This document opens up new opportunities for expanding relations between the two countries in the areas of military cooperation, defense industry, and exchange of experience. In general, this visit demonstrates that Azerbaijani-UAE relations have reached a new stage, and cooperation based on trust and mutual interests between the parties has further strengthened. President Ilham Aliyev's visit is considered an important diplomatic step that strengthens Azerbaijan's position as a reliable partner on a regional and global scale," Garayev concluded. You can find original article here WealthManagement. Subscribe to our free daily WealthManagement newsletters. Dynasty Financial Partners, the St. Petersburg, Fla.-based support platform for registered investment advisors, announced Thursday it had sold a minority stake to a consortium of current investors, employees, clients, board members and first-time investor Fortress Investment Group. The capital raise is Dynastys sixth since its founding by CEO Shirl Penney in 2010, and will go toward recruiting, technology and investment offerings for the roughly 58 firms and more than 500 advisors using its platform. The return outside investors include Charles Schwab, BlackRock, J.P. Morgan Asset Management and private equity firm Abry Partners. The minority capital raise comes less than a year after Dynasty secured a $125 million credit facility from a syndicate of financial services firms that also included J.P. Morgan. Dynasty, which has raised capital throughout its path to amassing $125 billion in platform assets, had its last minority raise in October 2024, when it sold a stake to existing investor Schwab and new stakeholders BlackRock and J.P. Morgan. Dynasty said proceeds from the latest capital raise will go toward initiatives such as funding AI-driven technology, expanding private investment and OCIO options, and fueling continued M&A for partner firms, including with its Dynasty Investment Bank, launched in 2023. We are investing in the best technology, talent and resources, while bolstering our fortress balance sheet to support our clients growth ambitions, whether through M&A or succession planning, Penney said in a statement. The latest minority sale further solidifies Dynastys strategy of growing without a public offering. Penney flirted with that idea back in 2022 and filed an S-1 registration statement for Dynasty to pursue the option. But the firm ultimately sold a minority stake to Schwab and private equity firm Abry to keep funding growth efforts. Last year, Dynasty made noise as both a platform provider and a minority stakeholder in the wirehouse team breakaway, OpenArc Corporate Advisory. That firm launched with support from Schwab and Dynasty, with $129 billion in client assets across wealth and employer-sponsored retirement businesses. Whereas some of the largest RIA roll-ups operate on a W-2 advisor model, Dynasty has been built on the platform model for RIAs, in which advisors retain the majority of equity in their firms and have their own Form ADV. As part of the setup, they receive backing options that include a technology platform, a turnkey asset management program, lead generation and capital options, including access to Dynastys investment bank. BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 5. President Ilham Aliyev has sent a letter to President of the Republic of Turkiye Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Trend reports. "Dear Mr. President, My dear Brother, Three years have passed since the earthquake that deeply shook the brotherly Republic of Turkiye. I commemorate with profound respect and reverence the cherished memory of those who lost their lives in this devastating tragedy. This disaster became a serious humanitarian test for Turkiye, when in a single night thousands of people perished, and many cities and settlements were reduced to ruins. During those painful days, the Azerbaijani people followed the events with deep sorrow, accepting the grief of brotherly Turkiye as their own and sharing fully in its anguish. The unshakable brotherhood that underpins AzerbaijanTurkiye relations revealed its true essence precisely at such a difficult moment. From the very first hours of the tragedy, the state and people of Azerbaijan, guided by the principles of unity and solidarity, stood shoulder to shoulder with Turkiye, extending comprehensive support and assistance. Thanks to strong state governance under your wise leadership and the unity of the Turkish people, Turkiye has achieved significant accomplishments in overcoming the consequences of the earthquake. The implementation of large-scale reconstruction initiatives, the creation of modern residential infrastructure, and the restoration of social welfare in the affected provinces stand as clear indicators of Turkiyes long-term development strategy. As an expression of our fraternal duty, Azerbaijan has contributed to the reconstruction and restoration efforts in Kahramanmaras province, actively participating in the construction of the Azerbaijan neighborhood. Azerbaijans support for the reconstruction and development efforts of the brotherly country is a vivid manifestation of our friendly and allied relations. I am confident that the strong unity and strategic alliance between Azerbaijan and Turkiye, founded on the philosophy of One nation, two states, will continue to contribute to the prosperity of our peoples, while serving as a cornerstone of regional stability, security, and sustainable development. On this day of remembrance, I once again extend my deepest condolences to you, the families of the victims, and the entire brotherly people of Turkiye, and I pray to Almighty Allah to grant mercy to our brothers and sisters who lost their lives," the letter reads. BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 5. As an expression of our fraternal duty, Azerbaijan has contributed to the reconstruction and restoration efforts in Kahramanmaras province, actively participating in the construction of the Azerbaijan neighborhood. Azerbaijans support for the reconstruction and development efforts of the brotherly country is a vivid manifestation of our friendly and allied relations, said President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev in a letter addressed to his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, on the 3rd anniversary of the devastating earthquake that struck Turkiye in 2023. I am confident that the strong unity and strategic alliance between Azerbaijan and Turkiye, founded on the philosophy of 'One nation, two states,' will continue to contribute to the prosperity of our peoples, while serving as a cornerstone of regional stability, security, and sustainable development, the head of state added. BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 5. This disaster became a serious humanitarian test for Turkiye, when in a single night thousands of people perished, and many cities and settlements were reduced to ruins. During those painful days, the Azerbaijani people followed the events with deep sorrow, accepting the grief of brotherly Turkiye as their own and sharing fully in its anguish, said President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev in a letter addressed to his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan on the 3rd anniversary of the devastating earthquake that struck Turkiye in 2023, Trend reports. The unshakable brotherhood that underpins AzerbaijanTurkiye relations revealed its true essence precisely at such a difficult moment. From the very first hours of the tragedy, the state and people of Azerbaijan, guided by the principles of unity and solidarity, stood shoulder to shoulder with Turkiye, extending comprehensive support and assistance, the head of state noted. BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 5. The awarding of the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity 2026 to President Ilham Aliyev highlights the international recognition of Azerbaijans peace policy, its commitment to regional stability, and its steps to establish a new geopolitical reality in the South Caucasus, political analyst Azer Garayev told Trend. "The Zayed Award for Human Fraternity is one of the most prestigious humanitarian and moral honors in the modern world. The award is given to leaders who advance peace, foster interfaith dialogue, promote understanding between peoples, and support the political resolution of conflicts. Inspired by the vision of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, it champions dialogue over violence, cooperation over confrontation, and mutual respect over hatred. President Ilham Aliyevs receipt of this prestigious honor underscores that these principles have become central to Azerbaijans political philosophy. Decades of territorial occupation, mass displacement, and prolonged conflict had plunged the region into instability. Yet, under President Ilham Aliyevs leadership, Azerbaijan first restored its territorial integrity and then deliberately chose the path of peace and collaboration over revenge and retribution, a decision that demanded political courage, strategic foresight, and a profound sense of historical responsibility, Garayev said. According to him, the warm congratulations from numerous world leaders at the award ceremony in Abu Dhabi highlighted the global recognition of Azerbaijans commitment to peace and regional stability. "Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, and other influential world leaders hailed the peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia as a historic turning point. The accord was presented as a transformative process capable of reshaping the South Caucasus from a long-standing conflict zone into a hub of cooperation. President Ilham Aliyevs pivotal role in achieving this breakthrough was widely highlighted. In his speech, the head of state captured the essence of the award and the political philosophy it represents, emphasizing that Azerbaijan and Armenia, after decades of war, are now learning to live in peace, a process that carries profound historical and psychological significance. For societies emerging from conflict, peace is not merely a political document but a shift in mindset, public relations, and regional behavior. Azerbaijans deliberate choice of this challenging path has earned the support of the international community," he said. The analyst stressed that Azerbaijans commitment to peace is now proven by action, not just words. This political will is reinforced through concrete diplomatic engagement. The recent meeting between President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan in Abu Dhabi on February 4 exemplified the dynamic and ongoing nature of the peace process. The leaders assessed the implementation of agreements reached after the Washington Peace Summit, highlighting tangible results, resumption of trade, export of Azerbaijani oil products to Armenia, and transit shipments, all of which already demonstrate the tangible dividends of peace, he noted. According to him, the opening of borders, the restoration of transport and trade links, the promotion of mutual economic cooperation, and the establishment of dialogue on humanitarian issues all signal that official Baku is committed to long-term stability in the region. "The awarding of the 'Zayed Award for Human Fraternity' to President Ilham Aliyev also marks a significant transformation in Azerbaijans international image. The country is now recognized not only as a key energy and transport hub, but also as a leader in peace initiatives and a promoter of a culture of dialogue. Baku has become a center for advancing intercultural and interreligious dialogue on global platforms, a tradition further strengthened under President Ilham Aliyevs leadership and now a cornerstone of the nations foreign policy. This award sends a clear message: conflicts can be resolved wherever there is political will. Azerbaijan demonstrates that even disputes spanning decades can be settled through negotiations, mutual recognition, and respect for international law. The peace model championed by President Ilham Aliyev, rooted in legality, realism, and shared interests, offers a blueprint not only for the South Caucasus but for other conflict zones around the world," Garayev said. The political analyst highlighted that the recognition of President Ilham Aliyev with the "Zayed Award for Human Fraternity" underscores Azerbaijans strategic direction in recent years. This award affirms that peace is strength, reconciliation is strategic foresight, not compromise. Today, Azerbaijan is turning a new page in the region, favoring cooperation over conflict, dialogue over hatred, and shared development over the burdens of the past. President Ilham Aliyevs political will and peace initiatives are laying the foundation for this future, he added. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Photo: Press service of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan ABU DHABI, UAE, February 5. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev concluded his working visit to the United Arab Emirates on February 5, Trend's special correspondent reports. A guard of honor was lined up for the President of Azerbaijan at Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi. President Ilham Aliyev was seen off by Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Member of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council and Managing Director of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, along with other officials. Photo: Press Service of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 5. Footage of President Ilham Aliyevs working visit to the United Arab Emirates has been published on his social media accounts. Trend presents the post: "Official visit of President Ilham Aliyev to the United Arab Emirates (02-05.02.2026)". BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 5. Azerbaijan's Deputy Prime Minister Samir Sharifov has revealed the latest figures on its logistic opportunities at the New Silk Road Forum organized within the framework of the World Government Summit in Dubai, the Cabinet of Ministers told Trend. Sharifov emphasized the crucial role of Azerbaijan at the intersection of the East-West and North-South transport corridors in the global supply chain, including the Belt and Road Initiative, noting its decisive importance for the Middle Corridor. He noted that by 2025, freight traffic through the Middle Corridor is expected to rise by 11%, while the North-South Corridor will see a 12% growth. The official also highlighted that the modernization of the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway allowed the annual throughput capacity to reach five million tons, and the capacity of the Baku International Sea Trade Port is targeted to reach 25 million tons. He pointed out that container handling (TEU) at the Baku Port will increase by 40% by 2025, surpassing 107,000 TEUs compared to previous years. Sharifov further mentioned the strategic importance of the Zangezur Corridor, recently branded as the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP), based on the trilateral agreement achieved in Washington. He noted that this project not only creates a reliable land connection between Europe and Central Asia but also has the potential to ensure a cargo flow of 865,000 TEUs by 2040. Additionally, the deputy prime minister underscored the importance of international cooperation, particularly coordination between Central Asian and South Caucasian countries, for the digitalization of border crossings and the harmonization of customs procedures, urging partner countries to engage in joint efforts. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 5. On February 5, Leyla Aliyeva met with Afghan womens rights activist and researcher Zarqa Yaftali in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Trend reports. During the meeting, Leyla Aliyeva noted that the Heydar Aliyev Foundation has been implementing numerous significant projects covering education, healthcare, and social support for many years, contributing to the creation of equal opportunities for vulnerable segments of the population both in the region and internationally. The discussions revolved around the opportunities for cooperation between the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and the Women and Children Legal Research Foundation, adding that the activities of the Foundation headed by Zarqa Yaftali have ensured access for over 100,000 women and children to education and legal protection. The meeting underscored the shared goals of implementing global humanitarian initiatives and addressed the importance of protecting womens rights and ensuring sustainable education. BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 5. President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan are truly good leaders, said U.S. President Donald Trump at the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, Trend reports The American leader once again recalled his role in resolving a number of international conflicts. I settled fierce wars between Cambodia and Thailand, Kosovo and Serbia, Pakistan and India, Israel and Iran, Armenia and Azerbaijan, the U.S. president said. Speaking about the results of the Washington summit held on August 8 last year, Trump emphasized that the leaders of Azerbaijan and Armenia managed to resolve everything quickly. On August 8, 2025, following the results of a trilateral meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan signed a joint declaration on ensuring peace between Baku and Yerevan and establishing transport links between the main part of Azerbaijan and its Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. This project was named the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity. During the meeting, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan Jeyhun Bayramov and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan initialed the draft "Agreement on the Establishment of Peace and Interstate Relations between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Armenia" and signed a joint appeal by the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Armenia to the OSCE Chairman-in-Office (on the closure of the OSCE Minsk Process). BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 5. Pakistan reaffirms its unwavering moral, diplomatic, and political support for the Kashmiri people and their right to self-determination under UN Security Council resolutions, Ambassador of Pakistan to Azerbaijan Qasim Mohiuddin said at a reception in Baku on the occasion of Kashmir Solidarity Day, Trend reports. "For nearly eight decades, Kashmiris have shown remarkable resilience in the face of illegal Indian occupation. The situation in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir remains a serious concern for the global conscience," he said. According to him, international reports continue to highlight grave human rights violations, including arbitrary detentions, collective punishment, punitive house demolitions, and the suppression of digital freedoms. The ambassador also stated that military escalation in May 2025 underscores that a durable peace in South Asia is impossible without resolving the Kashmir dispute. In this regard, he stressed that the international community must move beyond concern and press India to end human rights violations and allow international observers. In conclusion, Qasim Mohiuddin said that the Government and people of Pakistan express their gratitude to the Government and people of Azerbaijan for their steadfast support on the issue of Jammu and Kashmir, emphasizing that Pakistan will continue to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the Kashmiri people until they can decide their future through a free and impartial plebiscite. By Amina Niasse NEW YORK, Feb 5 (Reuters) - Online telehealth company Hims and Hers Health on Thursday began offering a much cheaper $49 compounded version of Novo Nordisk's new Wegovy weight-loss pill in a move that expands sales to many Americans but could undercut Novo's and Eli Lilly's plans for the consumer market. The news touched off a swift reaction on Wall Street as investors sold off Novo and Lilly shares, and the Danish drugmaker promised a legal challenge to the move by Hims. Novo shares fell 8.6%, while Lilly was off 6%. Hims' pricing, $49 for the first month and $99 afterwards for those who purchase a five-month plan, makes their GLP-1 drug as affordable as monthly internet or streaming services in the U.S. It can offer access to treatment for many more of the estimated 200 million Americans who are overweight or obese. It is $100 less than Novo, which launched its pill in January at $149 for first-time users and $199 after that. Lilly is expected to launch its pill in April and has promised the Trump Administration affordable pricing including on its new TrumpRx site. Hims' move came after Novo warned on Wednesday that pricing pressure was unprecedented for its weight-loss medicines and dropped its full-year forecast. Novo shares on Thursday hit their lowest level since July 2021. NOVO SAYS ITS PILL IS UNIQUE Novo CEO Mike Doustdar in a meeting with investors on Thursday said people spending $49 on a Hims' pill would be wasting their money and that Novo's pill uses unique technology that aids in the absorption of the medicine. Novo spokeswoman Ambre James-Brown described Hims' mass compounding as illegal. "Novo Nordisk will take legal and regulatory action to protect patients, our intellectual property and the integrity of the U.S. gold-standard drug approval framework," she said. A Hims spokesperson said it has not compromised on safety or efficacy and that the company uses a technology based on liposomes that is intended to support absorption. Analysts questioned if customers would get similar results on the cheaper pill but said it could drive a price war if compounders can provide an oral drug in large quantities. Hims has been tussling with Novo since it was allowed in 2023 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to sell versions of Novo's GLP-1 injectible drugs while the branded medicines were in short supply. Since then, it has made "personalized" copies of the branded drugs at different doses or regimens than those available from Novo and other drug companies. BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 5. The opening of Youth Week of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) took place in Baku, Trend reports. Panel discussions scheduled for today included The Impact of Education: The Role of Science, Policy, and Communication in Diplomacy and From Commitment to Action: Sustainable Development in Civil Society, Industry, and Business. Speaking at the event, Leyla Hasanova, chairperson of the Youth Organization of the NAM stated that the Youth Week of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) is a space created for open, honest, and intergenerational dialogue. Over the coming days, we will discuss diplomacy in times of uncertainty, sustainable development and the energy transition, urban development, as well as the skills young people need to build meaningful careers in international and policy-oriented fields. These discussions reflect both global challenges and the core values of the Non-Aligned Movement, including cooperation, dialogue, and mutual respect, she said. According to Hasanova, the week is dedicated to moving beyond discussions alone. It is about connecting ideas with action, and policies with people, she emphasized. We often hear that young people are the leaders of tomorrow, but they are also active participants today, bringing fresh perspectives, responsibility, and a sincere commitment to finding solutions, Hasanova noted. She added that more than 100 participants are taking part in the event. In turn, Deputy Foreign Minister Yalchin Rafiyev emphasized that Azerbaijan has always supported resolving issues through diplomatic and political means. Today, we see that dialogue and diplomacy remain the most effective ways to address many challenges. Azerbaijans modern role as a mediator and bridge-builder is reflected not only during conflicts but also in our practical actions, including during the COP29 held in Baku, Rafiyev said. He added that Azerbaijan is a well-known and respected platform for international dialogue. The deputy minister also noted that later this year, Azerbaijan will host the World Urban Forum (WUF), which will gather thousands of representatives from different countries to discuss contemporary urbanization challenges and the development of sustainable and resilient cities in line with climate and environmental standards. Rafiyev highlighted that Azerbaijan will also initiate and host several other important international events this year, including a UNESCO session in April, the annual meeting of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) in June, and the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA) Summit. Additionally, he noted that Azerbaijan is ready to act as a mediator and initiator of dialogue on a range of important international issues. We have already hosted meetings of representatives of various countries and political groups to discuss problems and seek possible solutions, Rafiyev said. According to him, Azerbaijan pursues a policy of good neighborliness, contributes to strengthening Islamic solidarity, while being part of European civilization, and consistently promotes a policy of non-alignment. BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 5. Azerbaijan has always supported resolving issues through diplomatic and political means, the countrys Deputy Foreign Minister Yalchin Rafiyev said at the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Youth Week event in Baku, Trend reports. Today, we see that dialogue and diplomacy remain the most effective ways to address many challenges. Azerbaijans modern role as a mediator and bridge-builder is reflected not only during conflicts but also in our practical actions, including during the COP29 held in Baku, Rafiyev said. He added that Azerbaijan is a well-known and respected platform for international dialogue. The deputy minister also noted that later this year, Azerbaijan will host the World Urban Forum (WUF), which will gather thousands of representatives from different countries to discuss contemporary urbanization challenges and the development of sustainable and resilient cities in line with climate and environmental standards. Rafiyev highlighted that Azerbaijan will also initiate and host several other important international events this year, including a UNESCO session in April, the annual meeting of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) in June, and the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA) Summit. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 5. Azerbaijan is ready to act as a mediator and initiator of dialogue on a range of important international issues, the countrys Deputy Foreign Minister Yalchin Rafiyev said at the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Youth Week event in Baku, Trend reports. We have already hosted meetings of representatives of various countries and political groups to discuss problems and seek possible solutions, Rafiyev said. According to him, Azerbaijan pursues a policy of good neighborliness, contributes to strengthening Islamic solidarity, while being part of European civilization, and consistently promotes a policy of non-alignment. All this once again confirms that Azerbaijan's contribution to world politics and the formation of a stable international system is significant and in demand, he noted. The deputy minister emphasized that Azerbaijan's role as a bridge builder has traditionally had a geographical dimension, thanks to the country's location at the crossroads of East and West, North and South. BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 5. Business laws should be considered not only during implementation but also during their drafting, PASHA Holding Chief Executive Officer Jalal Gasimov said, Trend reports. During his speech at the LEGIS International Legal Forum in Baku, Gasimov emphasized that law is often seen as a mechanism that hinders development, but only poorly designed laws can block progress. We are presenting the first issue of the LEGIS journal today. At PASHA Holding, we support cooperation between the public and private sectors. Significant changes are taking place in the economy and technology, and we are applying these technologies. Necessary bureaucracy exists in state structures, and it is unavoidable. Business and society can support each other to move forward, he said. Gasimov stressed that business laws must be involved in discussions during the drafting phase as well. Laws are ultimately written so that society can progress together. The state wants economic growth, and business contributes to accelerating this pace. The main goal of LEGIS is dialogue and shared responsibility, he added. BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 5. Azerbaijan is making significant progress in sending criminal cases to courts electronically, with technical challenges largely resolved, Prosecutor General Kamran Aliyev stated during his speech at the "LEGIS" International Legal Forum in Baku, Trend reports. Aliyev noted that a draft law prepared by the Prosecutor Generals Office on legislative amendments, currently under review in the Azerbaijani Parliament, also addresses other digital matters, including electronic evidence collection, preservation, and issues previously lacking legal regulation. Aliyev emphasized that artificial intelligence (AI) technologies have begun to be used in prosecutorial processes. "Since the end of last year, AI has been applied to determine the appropriate recipient for incoming applications and to propose which official should review a document. AI is also being tested to assist in criminal investigations and to help manage citizen inquiries received by the Prosecutors Office under staff supervision," he explained. He stressed that AI does not replace humans but serves as a tool to support legal decision-making, making it more objective and efficient. However, Aliyev warned that the use of AI carries risks, particularly in areas lacking legal regulation, and that clear rules are needed to ensure ethical and responsible implementation. "The core challenge lies in the absence of a clear legal framework governing the use of AI technologies. In particular, there is ongoing debate over liability; should responsibility for any incorrect decision, advice, or action lie with the AI manufacturer or the user? I believe that to ensure AI is used ethically and responsibly, a comprehensive regulatory framework with clear rules and standards must be established. It is also important to highlight the strong commitment of the countrys political leadership to AI development. This is reflected in key initiatives, including the Presidential Order approving the 'Artificial Intelligence Strategy of the Republic of Azerbaijan for 2025-2028,' signed on March 19, 2025. One of the strategys primary goals is to embed AI into national legislation by establishing its foundational norms and defining ethical principles and guidelines for its use. Looking ahead, one of the main risks is excessive reliance on AI, which could erode individuals independent thinking, analytical skills, and decision-making abilities. This dependence is particularly concerning for young people, as it may foster intellectual passivity," he noted. Aliyev cautioned that overreliance on AI could weaken independent thinking and analytical skills, especially among youth, potentially diminishing the human factor in decision-making. "Ultimately, if unchecked, the human factor could be overshadowed by technology, allowing systems to dominate decision-making processes. Legal regulation is essential to maintain the proper balance, and in some cases, restrictions on AI use may be necessary. For instance, several countries have already limited AI applications within higher education institutions to safeguard human oversight and critical thinking," he concluded. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 5. Culture acts as a social phenomenon and plays an important role in the formation of law, Minister of Culture Adil Karimli said at the LEGIS International Law Forum held in Baku today, Trend reports. According to him, today, Azerbaijani culture serves to protect the rights, interests, and moral values not only of Azerbaijani citizens but also of more than 50 million Azerbaijanis living around the world. The minister noted the great importance of culture's turning into a way of life for people and becoming an integral part of society. "In this regard, several main areas of culture have been identified, which are behavioral culture, knowledge culture, art, cultural heritage, and others. The cultural policy of Azerbaijan is planned to be implemented gradually in these areas, and all state institutions should contribute to the development of society in this direction," he explained. Karimli emphasized the particular importance of the interaction between culture and law. "The effectiveness of national legislation directly depends on the extent of its adaptation to Azerbaijani cultural values. It's possible to prepare legal acts based on foreign experience, but for their application, they must be based on national-cultural values. Although the development of technology, including artificial intelligence, creates new opportunities in the field of law, the activity of a lawyer inherently requires creativity. Law is a living mechanism and should function not only as a formal document but also as a system reflecting the social and cultural characteristics of society," added the minister. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 5. France is reportedly accelerating the emigration of politically and economically active Kanak youth from New Caledonia, continuing policies that exploit colonial territories and exert control over local populations through legal and coercive means, the statement of the Baku Initiative Group (BIG) said, Trend reports. "Amid the rapid rise of artificial intelligence and digital technologies and a global economy entering a new technological era, France continues to exploit its colonial territories, using legal and coercive measures to control the local population and compel them to abandon their ancestral lands," the group said. The BIG highlighted that census results for the local Kanak population in 2019 and 2025 reveal a clear and deepening demographic decline in Kanak (New Caledonia). The territorys permanent population fell from 271,407 in 2019 to 264,596 in 2025, marking a loss of 6,811 people over six years. This decline, driven by an average annual outflow of more than 1,200 residents, represents a demographic drop of roughly 2.5% and is the first population decrease observed in the past 75 years. Statistical data point to Frances deliberate marginalization of Kanaki communities as a key driver of the trend. Limited access to education and employment, uncertainty over stable futures, worsening socio-economic conditions, restricted healthcare and public services, the absence of a fair judicial system, and harsh, repressive, and discriminatory actions by law enforcement under directives from the metropolis have all contributed to increasing mass migration. The deterioration of security and systematic curbs on political, economic, and social rights have further intensified these population movements. Alongside the Kanak populations exodus, the territorys population is aging, and the proportion of children and young people is declining, highlighting the severity of the demographic crisis. Observers emphasize that Frances policy of relocating politically and economically active Kanak youth abroad is intended to weaken local independence movements, reduce the Kanak share of New Caledonias population, boost the influx of European and other migrants from the metropolis, and ultimately dilute local demands for independence in the long term. "The exodus of young, educated, and promising Kanak individuals is slowing local economic development and deepening New Caledonias dependence on France. This reliance is reinforced through financial and resource channels such as subsidies, investments, and import dependency. Meanwhile, French companies, particularly in the nickel sector, can offset the decline in local labor by bringing in workers from France or other foreign migrants. Observers note that this policy also serves to mask shortcomings and failures in Frances domestic governance. Promises of reconstruction and development made by French President Emmanuel Macron and other high-ranking officials to the people of Mayotte, devastated by Cyclone Chido in 2024, remain unfulfilled. Although the Minister of Overseas Territories, Naima Muchu, announced a financial commitment of over 674 million euros for the island, much of it intended through a special budget line, the budget approved by the French National Assembly did not allocate any specific funds for Mayottes reconstruction. Consequently, France's leadership has demonstrated a stark indifference to the ongoing post-disaster crisis on the island, leaving the reconstruction efforts financially uncertain and devoid of support. This situation underscores a broader, systemic neglect that France perpetuates toward its colonial territories, reflecting a policy that subtly coerces local populations into abandoning their homelands out of frustration," the group noted. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 5. The WUF13 Azerbaijan Operations Company hosted a UN-Habitat technical mission in Baku to discuss and coordinate technical, organizational, and operational preparations for the Thirteenth Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13), Trend reports. A number of meetings were held during the mission to address a wide range of priority areas, including broadcasting and media operations, venue preparedness, Urban Expo planning, branding and wayfinding, ICT and audiovisual systems, accessibility, logistics, sustainability, and stakeholder coordination. Intensive operational readiness activities are underway across live streaming and media engagement, venue master planning, city and venue branding, transport, catering, security, volunteer management, and workforce coordination. These activities represent a significant milestone toward delivering a well-organized, inclusive, and high-quality WUF13. The 13th Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) will take place in Baku, Azerbaijan, from May 17 through 22, 2026, organized by UN-Habitat and the Azerbaijani government. This significant event is the first in the Caspian/South Caucasus region, addressing the urgent global housing crisis under the theme "Housing the world: Safe and resilient cities and communities." Expectations include 30,000 participants, such as heads of state and experts, engaging in over 40 main sessions and 350 partner events. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 5. The Azerbaijani Diaspora Youth: Unity and Development Forum, dedicated to February 2the Day of Azerbaijani Youthheld in Istanbul, Turkiye, featured panel discussions and training sessions aimed at organizing diaspora youth, strengthening institutional capacity, leadership skills, and international engagement of diaspora youth, the State Committee on Work with Diaspora told Trend. Motivation and leadership trainer Marziye Ilhan scrutinized the role of diaspora organizations, youth coordination, and activity models across regions and countries on the topic "Modern Diaspora Youth: Organization, Networking, and Leadership." Head of the "Center for Political Technologies" Public Union, Vali Alibayov, conducted trainings on the topics of "Diaspora and Lobbying" and "Media and Digital Activity of Diaspora Youth" and held a panel discussion with youth on the topic of "Azerbaijan's Foreign Policy: Participation of Youth in Public Diplomacy." The trainings focused on diaspora organization and networking, leadership development, lobbying and advocacy tools, media outreach and digital engagement, countering disinformation, and youth participation in public diplomacy. Participants also addressed the preservation and promotion of the Azerbaijani language, including its development through digital platforms and language courses abroad, as well as prospects for sustainable cooperation between diaspora youth and state institutions. During the trainings, young participants were informed about the tools of diaspora influence, the requirements for effective lobbying, working with the media, coordination on social networks, and ways to combat disinformation, while completing tasks based on various practical models. The panel discussions focused on the role of diaspora youth in international representation, the statediasporayouth model, and the contribution of young people to defending national interests, with a number of recommendations put forward. Professor Ilkin Gulusoy of Kars Caucasus University in Turkiye exchanged views with diaspora youth on the topic of Preservation and Promotion of the Azerbaijani Language. He emphasized that language is one of the main pillars of national identity and spoke about the importance of preserving it through digital platforms. He also addressed the organization of Azerbaijani language courses abroad. Shahin Jamalov, Head of a Department at the State Committee on Work with Diaspora, introduced the new coordinators of the Azerbaijani Diaspora Youth to the forum participants and provided extensive information about Azerbaijani Diaspora Youth. Besides, during the panel titled Future Cooperation Opportunities and Joint Projects, he highlighted the prospects for sustainable cooperation between diaspora youth and state institutions. The forum held with a rich program concluded with the adoption of the 20262028 Action Plan of Azerbaijani Diaspora youth. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 5. Turkiyes foreign trade expanded in December 2025, with both exports and imports posting year-on-year growth. Data obtained by Trend from the Turkish Statistical Institute indicates that under the general trade system, exports rose by 12.7% compared with December 2024 to reach $26.37 billion, while imports increased by 10.7% to $35.67 billion. For the full January-December 2025 period, Turkiyes exports totaled $273.36 billion, reflecting a 4.4% increase compared with 2024. Imports during the same period reached $365.37 billion, marking a 6.2% rise. During the reporting period, trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Turkiye accounted for 11.58% of Azerbaijans total trade volume, positioning Turkiye as the second-largest trading partner. In 2025, Azerbaijans exports to Turkiye stood at $3.3 billion, reflecting 13.4% of Azerbaijan's total export volume, securing Turkiyes position as the second-largest destination for exports. Semiconductor startup Positron has secured $230 million in Series B funding, TechCrunch has exclusively learned. The outfit plans to use the capital to speed up deployment of its high-speed memory chips, a critical component for the chips used for AI workloads, sources familiar with the matter told TechCrunch. The round, which brought Positron to a $1 billion valuation, was co-led by Arena Private Wealth, Jump Trading, and Unless, with strategic investment from Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), the countrys sovereign wealth fund, which has been increasingly focused on building out AI infrastructure, the sources said. The Reno-based startups Series B comes as hyperscalers and AI firms push to reduce their reliance on longstanding leader Nvidia. These firms include OpenAI, which, despite being one of Nvidias largest and most important customers, is reportedly unsatisfied with some of the firms latest AI chips and has been seeking alternatives since last year. Meanwhile, Qatar, through QIA, has been accelerating a broader push into so-called sovereign AI infrastructure a priority repeatedly underscored at Web Summit Qatar in Doha this week. Several sources told TechCrunch the country views compute capacity as critical to staying competitive on the global economic stage, and is positioning itself as a leading AI services hub in the Middle East, fueling interest in startups like Positron. The strategy is already taking shape through major commitments, including a $20 billion AI infrastructure joint venture with Brookfield Asset Management that was announced in December. Positrons fundraise brings the three-year-old startups total capital raised to just over $300 million. The startup previously raised $75 million last year from investors including Valor Equity Partners, Atreides Management, DFJ Growth, Flume Ventures, and Resilience Reserve. The company claims its first-generation chip, Atlas, manufactured in Arizona, can match the performance of Nvidias H100 GPUs for less than a third of the power. Positron is focused on inference computing needed to run AI models for real-world applications rather than training large language models, positioning the company well as demand surges for inference hardware as businesses increasingly shift focus from building large models to deploying them at scale. With the funding, Positron aims to accelerate its roadmap to ship its next-generation Asimov silicon chip, targeting production in early 2027. Sources tell TechCrunch that beyond its memory capabilities, Positrons chips also perform strongly in high-frequency and video-processing workloads. BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 5. Irans non-oil exports to Kyrgyzstan declined by 8.3% in value and 1.9% in volume during the first nine months of the current Iranian year (from March 21 through December 21, 2025), compared to the same period last year (from March 20 through December 20, 2024). Data obtained by Trend from the Iranian Customs Administration (IRICA) indicates that the country exported around 44,000 tons of non-oil goods to Kyrgyzstan during the reporting period, valued at around $78.5 million. Irans non-oil exports to Kyrgyzstan amounted to 44,900 tons, valued at $85.6 million, during the first nine months of the current year. The majority of these exports comprised petrochemical, agricultural, and industrial products. The total trade turnover between Iran and Kyrgyzstan during this period reached 47,300 tons, valued at $83.7 million. This reflects a 4.86% decrease in trade value compared to the same period last year, although the volume of trade grew by 0.47%. Data from Iran's Customs Administration (IRICA) shows that Irans total exports for the first nine months of the current Iranian year amounted to approximately 119 million tons, valued at $41.2 billion. When compared to the same period last year, total exports decreased by 5.78% in value, but saw a 1% increase in volume. --- Follow the author on X: @BaghishovElnur Subscription to paid content Gain access to all that Trend has to offer, as well as to premium, licensed content via subscription or direct purchase through a credit card. BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 5. The second B5+1 business forum is currently underway in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, bringing together representatives from the governments of five Central Asian countries, international organizations, chambers of commerce, business associations, and experts. The forum is organized with financial support from the U.S. Department of States program to improve the business environment in the region (IBECA), in cooperation with the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan and the Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) under the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The forum builds upon a business platform established at the September 2023 summit in New York, where leaders from the U.S. and Central Asian countries convened. It acts as a pragmatic extension of the diplomatic C5+1 framework, with this session focusing more on translating high-level agreements into tangible actions and broadening the private sector's involvement in project implementation. Unlike the inaugural forum in Almaty in 2024, the current meeting is geared towards operationalizing prior commitments, ensuring that cooperation extends beyond abstract dialogues into actionable initiatives. The Central Asian region presents a highly attractive proposition for international business, driven by several compelling factors. First, its sizable domestic markethome to over 80 million consumerscoupled with a youthful demographic and rising urbanization trends, makes it a dynamic and evolving market. Second, the regions strategic location serves as a vital transit hub, connecting Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, enhancing its role in global trade routes. Furthermore, the regions rich natural resource base, including critical minerals, alongside ongoing infrastructure development, significantly bolsters its investment appeal. At the forums opening, First Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan Daniyar Amangeldiev highlighted the high growth of Kyrgyzstans economy. The country recorded GDP growth of 11.1% in 2025 and has implemented reforms in digitalizing government administration, simplifying business procedures, developing infrastructure, and protecting investor rights. Specific initiatives include the launch of the state-backed USDKG stablecoin, the Digital Nomad program, and the development of technology and creative parks aimed at attracting international IT specialists and innovative companies. These initiatives have received support from the United States. U.S. Special Envoy to South and Central Asia, Ambassador Sergio Gor, recalled the first B5+1 forum and emphasized that the platform provides an opportunity for direct dialogue between business and government structures, while also promoting joint initiatives in technology and artificial intelligence. During the first two days of the forum, regional ministers of economy, investment, and industry shared their insights and perspectives. Bakyt Sydykov of Kyrgyzstan emphasized the pivotal role of business in driving economic transformation. Yersayin Nagaspayev of Kazakhstan highlighted the countrys efforts to introduce a unified tourist visa and underscored the substantial U.S. investment in Kazakhstans economy. Sulton Rahimzoda of Tajikistan outlined the governments initiatives to create a stable and attractive investment environment. Mammetguly Astanagulov of Turkmenistan drew attention to the concentration of foreign capital in key sectors such as oil and gas, agriculture, and construction. Meanwhile, Laziz Kudratov of Uzbekistan discussed the increasing demand for U.S. technologies and critical minerals, expressing the countrys commitment to integrating these resources through advanced solutions. Alongside ongoing discussions, participants are reviewing the implementation of recommendations from the first B5+1 forum in Almaty and exploring ways to accelerate project execution. In the longer term, cooperation under the B5+1 format could lead to increased investment, the activation of digital and innovation initiatives, and the expansion of trade and logistics networks. At the same time, project implementation may face delays due to regulatory barriers, economic fluctuations, or geopolitical uncertainties. The B5+1 format may also evolve by expanding sectoral coverage, attracting new participants, or stimulating the creation of similar platforms for government-business collaboration. TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, February 5. Uzbekistan and the World Bank have reviewed ways to accelerate the countrys digital transformation, Trend reports via the country's Ministry of Digital Technologies. The issue was addressed during talks between Minister of Digital Technologies Sherzod Shermatov and a World Bank delegation led by Isabel Neto, Digital Practice Manager for Europe and Central Asia (ECA). The discussions focused on fostering job creation through the advancement of the digital economy and enhancing both the quality and accessibility of public services. A key focus was placed on driving reforms in telecommunications and communications infrastructure, expanding data hosting and cloud capabilities, and modernizing service delivery models, particularly through the active participation of the private sector. Furthermore, the parties explored avenues for deepening collaboration in cybersecurity, the development of digital public services, and the enhancement of skills essential for bolstering Uzbekistans startup and innovation ecosystem. They also examined the potential for implementing joint initiatives aimed at advancing these goals. The World Bank has been collaborating with Uzbekistan since 1992, with the partnership witnessing substantial growth since 2017 in alignment with the countrys ambitious reform agenda. This collaboration spans key sectors, including agriculture, education, infrastructure, and digitalization. At present, the total value of Uzbekistans portfolio of joint projects with the World Bank exceeds $14 billion, reflecting the depth and breadth of their ongoing cooperation. TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, February 5. Uzbekistan and Pakistan have agreed to establish Uzbek logistics warehouses at the Port of Karachi, Trend reports via the Uzbek Ministry of Transport. The agreement was reached following discussions between an Uzbek delegation, led by First Deputy Minister of Transport Mamanbiy Omarov, and a Pakistani delegation headed by Deputy Minister for Maritime Affairs Umar Zafar Sheikh, with the participation of Karachi Port Chairman Shahid Ahmed. The talks focused on creating more favorable conditions for Uzbekistans cargo transportation through Pakistans ports, as well as providing preferential terms for investors involved in logistics and trade infrastructure. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan and Pakistan have also recently agreed to launch a new transport corridor along the route PakistanChinaKyrgyzstanUzbekistan. The sides plan to carry out pilot shipments via this corridor in February this year. ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, February 5. Turkmenistan and the United Arab Emirates discussed the preparation of a bilateral economic cooperation program aimed at promoting joint large-scale projects, primarily in the energy, transport, and logistics sectors, Trend reports via the Turkmen MFA. The issues were raised during a meeting between Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov and Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Presidential Court of the UAE Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, held on February 4 in Abu Dhabi. During the talks, the sides reviewed the current state and prospects of bilateral cooperation in political-diplomatic and trade-economic fields. Particular attention was paid to intensifying efforts to implement major joint projects, including those related to energy and transport-logistics infrastructure. The sides also exchanged views on several issues on the regional and international agenda. Meanwhile, on February 3, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, Minister of Foreign Affairs Rashid Meredov, met with UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and discussed further steps to expand bilateral ties in political and diplomatic matters. Photo: The Ministry of Investments, Industry, and Trade of Uzbekistan TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, February 5. Uzbekistan and Turkiyes Okyanus Grup have discussed the implementation of prospective projects in the construction and engineering sectors, Trend reports via the Uzbek Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade. The issue was reviewed during a meeting at the ministry with Ayse Sinirlioglu, founder of the Turkish company Okyanus Grup. Significant emphasis was placed on fostering investment initiatives through the adoption of advanced technologies and enhancing collaboration with local partners. The Turkish delegation expressed keen interest in launching joint projects in Uzbekistan, aiming to establish a long-term, strategic partnership. Founded in Istanbul in 1993, Okyanus Grup specializes in international construction and engineering projects. The company has completed over 750 projects across 24 countries, including shopping malls, stadiums, airports, industrial facilities, and logistics complexes. Photo: The Eembassy of Georgia in the U.S. BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 5. Georgia has reiterated its readiness to reset relations with the United States and emphasized the importance of renewing the Strategic Partnership, Trend reports via the Georgian Embassy in the U.S. The statement was delivered during a meeting held at the Georgian Embassy in Washington DC, where Ambassador Tamar Taliashvili, Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Georgia to the U.S., engaged with U.S. Department of State officials Jonathan Askonas and Charles Yockey. During the discussions, the parties addressed a wide range of topics related to bilateral relations, with particular emphasis on Georgias pivotal role as a regional hub. They also explored the logistics potential of the Middle Corridor and assessed ongoing international developments, including the critical importance of regional stability and peace policies. In reaffirming their unwavering support, the U.S. representatives reiterated their commitment to Georgias sovereignty and territorial integrity. BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 5. The Central Bank of Azerbaijan (CBA) held a regular meeting of the Macroeconomic Stability Working Group on February 3, Trend reports, citing the CBA. The meeting reviewed detailed information on the monitoring and evaluation results for 15 measures approved for 2025 within the framework of three areas of activity under the Resilience to Internal and External Shocks Objective. In addition, extensive discussions were held with members of the working group and the responsible staff of the Central Bank to further enhance the effectiveness of the measures being implemented, and the next steps were identified. The bank's First Deputy Chairman and Head of the Working Group, Aliyar Mammadyarov, provided information on the results achieved and initiatives implemented by the CBA within the framework of the strategy under the Resilience to Internal and External Shocks Objective. Subsequently, a representative of the Center for Analysis of Economic Reforms and Communication presented a report on the monitoring and evaluation results related to the implementation of measures envisaged for 2025 under this objective, followed by discussions in this direction. The meeting was attended by representatives of the Central Bank, the Ministry of Economy, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population, the Ministry of Justice, the Center for Analysis of Economic Reforms and Communication, the State Oil Fund of the Republic of Azerbaijan (SOFAZ), the Mortgage and Credit Guarantee Fund (MCGF), the Deposit Insurance Fund, and the Agrarian Insurance Fund. The Macroeconomic Stability Working Group was established by a Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers dated June 12, 2023, to ensure the implementation of measures envisaged in the Socio-Economic Development Strategy of the Republic of Azerbaijan for 2022-2026 and to coordinate the activities of relevant state bodies. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel As Europe's stock market navigates a modest recovery, with the pan-European STOXX Europe 600 Index seeing a slight increase amid earnings optimism, investors are keenly observing small-cap opportunities that might have been overlooked in this mixed economic landscape. In this context of renewed confidence and steady growth across several key economies, identifying stocks with strong fundamentals and potential for growth could be particularly rewarding. Top 10 Undiscovered Gems With Strong Fundamentals In Europe Name Debt To Equity Revenue Growth Earnings Growth Health Rating FRoSTA 5.37% 4.80% 13.56% Intellego Technologies 5.42% 70.25% 79.14% Caisse Regionale de Credit Agricole Mutuel Brie Picardie Societe cooperative 37.61% 3.36% 6.34% KABE Group AB (publ.) 3.82% 3.46% 5.42% Freetrailer Group 38.17% 23.13% 31.09% Inversiones Doalca SOCIMI 13.10% 6.72% 3.11% ABG Sundal Collier Holding 35.58% -7.59% -18.30% Practic NA 4.86% 6.64% MCH Group 126.04% 19.05% 60.90% BAUER 72.65% 19.57% 989.58% Click here to see the full list of 306 stocks from our European Undiscovered Gems With Strong Fundamentals screener. Let's explore several standout options from the results in the screener. Simply Wall St Value Rating: Overview: Eisen- und Huttenwerke AG focuses on acquiring, managing, and selling investments in companies involved in the production and processing of iron, steel, and other metals and materials in Germany with a market cap of 387.20 million. Operations: Eisen- und Huttenwerke AG generates revenue through its strategic investments in companies within the iron, steel, and metals processing sectors. The companys financial performance is influenced by the profitability of these investments. Eisen- und Huttenwerke, a small player in the metals and mining sector, has shown remarkable earnings growth of 1013.6% over the past year, outpacing industry norms. Despite generating modest revenue of 144K (US$0.16 million), its net income soared to 92.67 million from 8.32 million a year prior, highlighting significant profitability improvements. The company operates debt-free, eliminating concerns over interest payments and showcasing financial stability despite its highly volatile share price recently. Trading at 79.6% below estimated fair value suggests potential undervaluation amidst high-quality non-cash earnings contributing to its robust performance profile. ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, February 5. Turkmenistan and Croatia exchanged views on enhancing bilateral cooperation and multilateral initiatives, Trend reports via the Turkmen Embassy to Romania. The talks were held during a meeting between Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Romania Annamammet Annayev and Ambassador of Croatia to Romania Marija Kapitanovic in Bucharest. The sides noted positive dynamics in Turkmen-Croatian relations, based on mutual respect and constructive political dialogue. The parties also discussed prospects for intensifying political and interparliamentary dialogue, as well as expanding collaboration between relevant national bodies. The diplomats confirmed their interest in developing cultural and humanitarian ties and expressed readiness to continue contacts, including at the highest level, to further strengthen Turkmen-Croatian cooperation. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 5. Authorities in Azerbaijan have initiated the design phase for the Horadiz village settlement in the nation's Fuzuli district, Trend reports via the unified Internet portal of government procurements. According to the portal, the Restoration, Construction, and Management Service has completed preparatory work for similar projects in the districts of Aghdam, Fuzuli, and Khojavend. The project has been formally assigned to the "Azerdovletlayiha" State Main Design Institute, operating under the State Agency for Construction Safety Supervision of the Ministry of Emergency Situations. Officials confirmed that a contract worth 1.96 million manat ($1.15 million) has been signed to move forward with the settlements design. Historically, the Horadiz settlement belonged to the Shusha district by the close of the 19th century. During the First Karabakh War, the village came under Armenian control. During the First Karabakh War, the village came under Armenian control, remaining occupied for decades. In 2020, Horadiz was reclaimed in a decisive operation by the Azerbaijani Armed Forces. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, February 5. Uzbekistan and the United States signed a memo on critical minerals and rare earth cooperation, Uzbekistans Minister of Foreign Affairs Bakhtiyor Saidov wrote on his X page, Trend reports. Together with Deputy Secretary of State H.E. Christopher Landau, we signed the Memorandum of Understanding between the Governments of Uzbekistan and the United States for securing supply in the mining and processing of critical minerals and rare earths, Saidov wrote. He noted that Uzbekistan views critical minerals not only as an economic opportunity but also as an area for responsible partnership and long-term development. Meanwhile, the document was signed on the sidelines of the Critical Minerals Ministerial event, an international platform bringing together government officials and industry stakeholders to strengthen cooperation on securing supply chains for strategically important raw materials. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, February 5. Uzbekhydroenergo JSC and Chinas international engineering company Sinohydro Co., Ltd. signed agreements on the large-scale modernization of the Shakhrikhan Hydropower Cascade, Trend reports via the Uzbek company. Under the deal, the project will be implemented on a full EPC (turnkey) basis, covering design and construction works, the supply of modern technological equipment, and its subsequent commissioning. According to Uzbekhydroenergo, the modernization aims to significantly increase generation capacity, enhance operational efficiency, upgrade control and management systems, and improve the overall reliability of the hydropower facilities. Following completion, the combined installed capacity of the two plants will rise from 7.6 MW to 16.4 MW, adding 7.8 MW of new capacity. Annual electricity output is expected to grow by an additional 33 million kWh. The upgraded facilities are projected to provide electricity to more than 13,000 households each year, while saving approximately 11 million cubic meters of natural gas and over 27,500 tons of coal annually. TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, February 5. Uzbekistans Agency for Perspective Projects discussed the potential issuance of Islamic securities (sukuk) with Pakistans Meezan Bank and Kuwait-based Noor Financial Investment Company, Trend reports via the agency. The meeting focused on the introduction of sukuk instruments within the framework of the draft law On the Capital Market. The parties agreed to maintain cooperation and deepen partnership engagement, including through the exchange of expertise in developing and issuing Sharia-compliant securities. Meezan Bank, headquartered in Karachi, is Pakistans largest Islamic bank, operating in accordance with Islamic finance principles and providing a broad range of retail and corporate banking products. Noor Financial Investment Company is a leading Kuwaiti investment firm specializing in financial services, investments, and asset management across the Middle East, Asia, and other international markets. The company is also a key strategic investor and shareholder in Meezan Bank. Sukuk are Sharia-compliant investment certificates that embody asset-based ownership in tangible assets, services, or projects, distinguishing themselves from traditional debt obligations. Commonly referred to as "Islamic bonds," these financial instruments stand apart from traditional bonds by forbidding interest (riba) and instead creating profit through returns from underlying assets, like leasing or profit-sharing. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, February 5. A Turkmen delegation led by Minister of Finance and Economy Maksat Astanagulov took part in a roundtable with U.S. business circles, discussing macroeconomic development, economic diversification, private sector support, trade procedure improvements, transport and logistics corridor development, Trend reports via the Turkmen MFA. The discussions were made on the sidelines of the second B5+1 Business Forum held on February 4-5 in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. The sides also exchanged views on Turkmenistans WTO accession prospects. Earlier, on January 22, U.S. Special Representative for South and Central Asia Sergio Gor visited Turkmenistan to discuss regional stability and prospects for mutually beneficial economic cooperation. On the same day, the U.S. Embassy in Turkmenistan hosted an official reception attended by the Special Representative and representatives of American and Turkmen business circles. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, February 5. Turkmenistan and Starlink discussed cooperation in digital technologies, telecommunications, and satellite communication solutions, Trend reports via the Turkmen MFA. The talks were held on the sidelines of the second B5+1 Business Forum, held February 4-5 in Kyrgyzstan's Bishkek. The Turkmen delegation was led by Minister of Finance and Economy Maksat Astanagulov. Furthermore, at the meeting, the sides expressed interest in long-term mutually beneficial collaboration Starlink, operated by SpaceX, is a satellite internet constellation providing high-speed, low-latency broadband to over 150 countries using thousands of satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) at 550km. SpaceX is a U.S.-based aerospace company founded by Elon Musk in 2002, specializing in the development and launch of rockets, satellite systems, and commercial space technologies. TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, February 5. Japans Stone System Co., Ltd. plans to open a branch in Uzbekistans Fergana Region, Trend reports via the regional administration. The initiative was announced during a meeting between Fergana Region Governor Khayrullo Bozorov and a Japanese delegation led by Matsumaru Motoyasu, Director of the company. Motoyasu noted that the new branch is expected to strengthen young peoples knowledge and practical skills in information technologies while also creating new employment opportunities in the region. During the discussions, Bozorov emphasized that the IT sector is set to become one of the key drivers of Ferganas economic development, highlighting that Japans advanced experience in digital innovation is of great value for supporting this growth. The sides also reviewed an action plan to expand broader cooperation in the information technology field. Stone System Co., Ltd. is a Japanese IT company specializing in software development, web and mobile application solutions, system integration, and IT consulting services. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Photo: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, February 5. Uzbekistan and Spain are preparing to convene a joint Business Forum in Madrid in 2026, Trend reports via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan. The initiative was announced during a meeting in Madrid between Uzbekistans Deputy Foreign Minister Bobur Usmanov and Jose Luis Bonet Ferrer, President of the Chamber of Commerce of the Kingdom of Spain. The sides also reaffirmed their commitment to expanding direct business engagement through targeted B2B meetings. Plans were outlined to facilitate the participation of Spanish entrepreneurs in the Tashkent International Investment Forum, alongside broader efforts to strengthen trade and investment cooperation. Bonet Ferrer noted that Uzbekistans ongoing structural reforms, focused on trade liberalization, improving the investment climate, supporting the private sector, and protecting foreign investors rights, are delivering tangible results and steadily increasing interest among Spanish businesses. Meanwhile, trade turnover between Uzbekistan and Spain has nearly doubled over the past six years, reaching $106.4 million by the end of 2025 Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel FedEx Corp. has unveiled plans for an enormous upgrade of its global parcel hub in Tennessee, submitting a preliminary proposal to local authorities for a five-story, 1.6 million square foot small package sort center at Memphis International Airport designed to keep up with e-commerce demand. The new e-commerce project, code-named Hercules, would be built just south of FedExs (NYSE: FDX) new automated sorting facility that opened in October 2024, with the two buildings connected by an elevated bridge, according to a preliminary site plan application submitted in mid-January by project engineer GFT to the city of Memphis and Shelby County. The development will replace a nearby existing structure and include new utilities and a new employee parking lot. The new facility will accommodate a sophisticated automated sort system, which is currently being designed under a separate contract with FedEx, according to the documents. GTF said a full building design will be submitted in June. A FedEx spokesman declined to provide any additional information about the Memphis hub project. Memphis handles more cargo tonnage than any airport in the nation because of the FedEx operation, which can reach 95% of the world within 72 hours by air. Architectural drawing of where FedEx plans to build a new e-commerce transfer facility at Memphis airport. (Source: FedEx site plan application) The Memphis World Hub is the heart of the FedEx global network, and this dynamic, new sort facility is equipped with the latest data-driven technology that enables us to strengthen our hub operations, said Lisa Lisson, president of Air Operations, in a news release about the opening of the Secondary 25 building in 2024. Modernizing the Memphis World Hub is a key step in our network transformation to help our customers compete and win with the worlds most flexible, efficient, and smartest logistics network. The Secondary 25 facility spans 1.3 million square feet across four levels, includes 11 miles of conveyor belts and can sort 56,000 packages per hour. The facility alone can process more than half the volume from the primary night sort. Automation reduces sorting time for transfers to outbound aircraft and trucks, improves reliability and allows packages to be culled in one building during weather events. Six-sided scanners allow for packages to be scanned on all sides to capture size and barcode information for accurate sorting. The terminal is also equipped with dimensional weight systems and 1,000 cameras to monitor the flow of packages and ensure they dont hit a jam. The new sort building also includes a command center that is three times larger than the original and controls package traffic throughout the hub. BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 5. Azerbaijan has conducted consultations with the World Bank on reforms in the countrys gas supply sector and tariff mechanisms, Trend reports, citing the Energy Market Regulatory Agency (EMRA) under the Ministry of Energy. EMRA Chairman Samir Akhundov met with a delegation led by the World Banks Country Manager for Azerbaijan, Stefanie Stallmeister. During the meeting, discussions focused on ongoing reforms in gas supply, the structure of tariff mechanisms, and measures to reduce methane emissions. The parties also explored prospects for additional potential investments from the World Bank and other financial institutions to support the modernization of Azerbaijans gas infrastructure. BAKU, Azerbaijan, Feb.5. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) deployed a record 2.9 billion of finance in Ukraine in 2025, up from 2.4 billion in 2024, underscoring its ongoing support for the country amid wartime conditions. Over 90% of projects and 57% of investments were in the private sector for the second year running, Trend reports with reference to the Bank. Since the outbreak of the war in February 2022, the EBRD has mobilized a total of 9.1 billion for Ukraine, including 600 million in donor grants and trade financing, alongside 2.3 billion in core investments in 2025 alone. The Bank plans to continue providing at least 1.5 billion per year during the conflict, with potential increases once reconstruction begins, supported by a 2023 4 billion paid-in capital increase, now 95% subscribed. Donor funding has been critical to wartime operations, with 904 million mobilized in 2025, including 20 million through multidonor funds. Key donors include Norway, the Netherlands, the United States, Sweden, and the EU, which provided over half of all donor resources in 2025. The Bank deployed 1.2 billion through partner financial institutions (PFIs), including 550 million via the Trade Facilitation Program, and extended 504 million in portfolio risk-sharing facilities to support up to 1.6 billion in new SME lending. Since 2022, these facilities have enabled over 30,000 sub-loans for small and medium-sized enterprises, making the EBRD the largest provider of portfolio risk-sharing in Ukraine outside government programms. Special financing windows also supported veterans in the banking sector, with 111 sub-loans totaling 12.2 million in 2025. Energy security remained a top priority, accounting for over 1.2 billion in 2025 and nearly 3.3 billion since 2022. The Bank provided support for gas imports, emergency repairs, and long-term reconstruction, including two loans to Naftogaz (270 million in April and 500 million in August), complemented by EU guarantees and Norwegian grants. Additional energy projects included private wind farms, small-scale gas-fired generation, and battery storage systems. The EBRD also supported Ukraines Chornobyl site following a Russian drone attack in February 2025, mobilizing 60 million from France, the EU, and the United Kingdom to restore the New Safe Confinement structure. Beyond energy, the Bank funded infrastructure, financial services, housing, and agribusiness projects, including 100 million for public transport, wastewater, and district heating in Lviv, Dnipro, Kharkiv, Mykolaiv, and Cherkasy, a 50 million loan to Nova Post for accessible jobs, and agribusiness loans to Karpaty Mineral Water Group (11 million) and VARUS Group (US$25 million). The EBRD is also supporting Ukraines reform and reconstruction readiness, including corporate governance reform, institutional capacity building for reconstruction financing, and capital markets development via the Ukraine FIRST initiative. Across all regions, the EBRDs annual investment reached a record 16.8 billion in 2025, up from 16.6 billion in 2024. BAKU, Azerbaijan, Feb.5. The European Investment Bank (EIB) and European Investment Fund (EIF), collectively forming the EIB Group, provided around 1.6 billion in financing to Finnish public sector bodies and companies in 2025, supporting climate action, energy security, innovation, and access to finance for startups and SMEs, Trend reports via the Bank. The financing helped mobilise total investments of roughly 4.9 billion in Finland, equivalent to 1.8% of GDP or 868 per person. Key projects included EIB support for new tram infrastructure in the Helsinki metropolitan area, aimed at promoting sustainable urban mobility and reducing transport emissions. The Bank also financed upgrades to hospitals and schools to improve energy efficiency and resilience, as well as safety and reliability improvements at the Olkiluoto nuclear power plant to support low-carbon electricity generation. Support for industry and innovation included EIB financing of up to 870 million for Nokia to advance research, development, and innovation in mobile technologies such as 5G and 6G, semiconductors, and digital connectivity, with part of the facility specifically allocated to Finnish research and innovation activities. The EIB also provided 20 million to Finnish startup Aisti to scale sustainable, noise-reducing building materials made from natural fibres, enabling a doubling of production capacity in its Kitee facility. In addition to direct financing, the EIF contributed 222 million through equity investments and guarantees for Finnish companies, including a 30 million EU-backed export credit guarantee pilot under InvestEU in partnership with Finnvera, supporting Finnish trade with Ukraine. Finnvera also became an EIF shareholder in 2025, strengthening collaboration to support SMEs and economic resilience. The EIB Group is the EUs long-term financing institution, owned by its Member States. In 2025, the EIB Group signed 100 billion in new financing for over 870 projects across eight priority areas, including climate action, digital innovation, security and defence, cohesion, agriculture and bioeconomy, social infrastructure, capital markets, and broader EU resilience. All projects are aligned with the Paris Climate Agreement. BAKU, Azerbaijan, Feb.5. The European Investment Bank (EIB) Group continued to support market integration, connectivity, and the green transition in the Western Balkans in 2025, committing 822 million to sustainable infrastructure and climate action projects in line with EU accession efforts, Trend reports with reference to the Bank. Of this, 664 million was provided in loans and guarantees, 6.5 million in investment grants under the EIBs Economic Resilience Initiative, and 151.1 million in EU grants through the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF). The financing is expected to mobilise nearly 1.5 billion in total investment. Sustainable transport accounted for the largest share of funding at 58%, followed by healthcare (20%), renewable energy (13%) and education (4%). More than half of the Banks support directly contributed to climate action and environmental sustainability, supporting its global ambition of at least 1 trillion in green investments by 2030. The EIB reinforced its role as a leading financier of transport infrastructure, backing strategic rail upgrades in Albania, Serbia, and Montenegro, alongside 150 million for the modernization of 540 km of regional roads in Serbia. Inland waterway upgrades in Serbia are improving Danube navigability and regional trade flows. Energy security remained a priority, with a 103 million loan for the 132 MW Poklecani wind farm in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which is expected to supply 72,700 households and cut CO emissions by nearly 447,000 tons per year. Other projects include solar and hydropower investments in the region, as well as electricity grid expansions in Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Supporting green innovation among SMEs, the EIB provided financing through green credit lines, including 187 million under the Innovation and Green Transformation Facility for investments in digitalization, sustainable agriculture, and climate-resilient technologies. EIF-backed initiatives supported SMEs employing women, youth, and people with disabilities, mobilizing 105 million in financing across 375 projects. Social infrastructure upgrades were also a focus. In Montenegro, 20 million supported the digital transformation of schools, including the new Vladimir Nazor school in Podgorica. In Serbia, 157 million was committed to major clinical centers, alongside 35.5 million EU grant funding for a new sewerage network in Belgrade, while Banja Luka Clinical Centre continued to receive support in Bosnia and Herzegovina. EIB Advisory services, including JASPERS, supported 48 active projects and launched 20 new assignments, helping central banks develop climate risk frameworks, green taxonomies, and guidance for SMEs on sustainable investments. Regional tools like North Macedonias Decarbonization Guide and the Green Eligibility Checker were introduced to simplify assessments for companies and banks. The EIB Group, owned by EU Member States, is the EUs long-term financing institution, supporting competitiveness, innovation, sustainable development, cohesion, and climate neutrality. The EIF, part of the EIB Group, focuses on enabling access to finance for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises, supporting innovation, growth, and employment across Europe. BAKU, Azerbaijan, Feb.5. European members of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have provided over $30 billion in financing, innovation, and expertise to projects across Asia and the Pacific, Trend reports via the ADB. Europe has partnered with ADB for decades, providing over $30 billion in financing as well as innovation and expertise, delivering tangible results for people across Asia and the Pacific, said ADB President Masato Kanda. This prosperity flows both ways as ADB is a gateway for European companies to connect with Asias dynamic markets for mutual benefit. Since its founding in 1966, European members have contributed more than $18 billion in project cofinancing, nearly $2 billion in trust fund contributions, and accounted for over 28% of the Asian Development Fundthe banks main grant source for the regions poorest communities. European firms have secured more than $15 billion in contracts across energy, transport, water, and agriculture projects. ADB highlighted opportunities for further engagement through a series of business opportunity roadshows planned across Europe in 2026. ADB, owned by 69 members50 from the Asia-Pacific regionis a leading multilateral development bank supporting inclusive, resilient, and sustainable growth. The bank leverages innovative financial tools and strategic partnerships to transform lives, build quality infrastructure, and safeguard the planet. ASTANA, Kazakhstan, February 5. Kazakhstans Minister of Energy, Yerlan Akkenzhenov, and the UKs ambassador to Kazakhstan, Sally Axworthy, have discussed strengthening the strategic partnership in the oil and gas sector, Trend reports, citing the Kazakh Ministry of Energy. The talks also focused on enhancing joint efforts toward environmental sustainability. Akkenzhenov highlighted the significant contribution of British companies Shell and BP to the development of Kazakhstans energy potential. He reaffirmed the ministrys readiness to expand cooperation, stressing the importance of moving beyond traditional extraction models toward the adoption of innovative technologies. It was noted that key areas of cooperation include the development of hydrogen energy, implementation of smart grids, and improving the energy efficiency of industrial facilities. Kazakhstan is ready to broaden the horizons of its partnership with London. Our interest spans the entire value chainfrom raw material extraction to the development of renewable energy sources and increased energy efficiency. Todays meeting lays the groundwork for deep technological exchange between our countries, Akkenzhenov said. The parties engaged in discussions regarding the execution of the Global Methane Pledge as part of the climate agenda. Kazakhstan is carrying out systematic efforts to reduce methane emissions in the oil and gas and coal industries, including by attracting international expertise and investments to modernize equipment. By 2030, the share of renewable energy sources in Kazakhstans energy mix is expected to reach 15%. Alongside the expansion of green generation, Kazakhstan is introducing clean coal principles aimed at significantly reducing harmful emissions while ensuring the stable operation of the coal industry. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Bakyt Torobaev presented this initiative at the Global Summit on Sustainable Development Goals, highlighting the urgent need for targeted actions in vulnerable regions. He emphasized that mountain ecosystems, among the most susceptible to the impacts of climate change, face severe challenges. ''The retreat of glaciers, shifting precipitation patterns, and the rising frequency of extreme weather events represent significant long-term threats to critical sectors such as water resources, agriculture, and energy, not only in Central Asia but also globally,''he added. Furthermore, Torobaev called for the designation of mountain countries and regions as priority zones for sustainable development. These areas, he argued, should be granted special access to climate financing, advanced adaptation technologies, and robust monitoring systems to mitigate the risks they face. In his remarks, Bakyt Torobaev stressed that the resilience of mountain territories is inextricably linked to water and food security for millions of people. This underscores the necessity for systematic, coordinated international solutions to ensure the stability and sustainability of these vital regions. BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 5. Negotiations between Iran and the U.S.regarding Irans nuclear program will take place in the Omani capital of Muscat on February 6, Irans Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi wrote on his X account, Trend reports. According to him, the talks will begin at 10:00 (GMT+4). The Iranian side also expressed gratitude to Oman for the necessary organizational arrangements. On April 12, 19, and 26 and May 11 and 23, 2025, five rounds of indirect talks between Iran and the U.S. on Iran's nuclear program took place. The indirect talks were organized through the mediation of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Sultanate of Oman, Sayyid Badr Hamad Al Busaidi, and were conducted by an Iranian delegation led by Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi and a U.S. delegation led by U.S. Special Representative for the Middle East Steve Witkoff. The first, third, and fourth rounds of talks took place in Muscat, the capital of Oman, and the second and fifth rounds took place in Rome, the capital of Italy. On the morning of June 13, Israel launched a series of airstrikes targeting Iran, resulting in the deaths of numerous high-ranking military officials, generals, nuclear scientists, and other senior figures. That same evening, Iran retaliated with Operation True Promise III, a large-scale missile and drone assault on multiple targets, including Tel Aviv, which caused civilian casualties and extensive damage. On June 22, the United States conducted airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities, with reports indicating the destruction of these sites. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel By Alimat Aliyeva The Ministry of Education and Science of Tajikistan, acting on behalf of the countrys leadership, has begun preparations for a phased transition to a 12-year general education system, Azernews reports. The announcement was made by the Minister of Education and Science during a press conference. Officials noted that the reform will include the development of new curricula, the modernization of schools to meet updated requirements, and public awareness campaigns to explain the changes to students, parents, and educators. At the initial stage, the new system will be piloted in 180 modern schools across the country, allowing authorities to assess its effectiveness before a nationwide rollout. According to officials, the reform aims to align Tajikistans education system with international standards and significantly improve the quality of education. Interestingly, many countries that have adopted a 12-year education model have reported better student readiness for higher education and the labor market - something Tajikistan hopes to achieve as it continues to modernize its education sector. This story was originally published on Restaurant Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Restaurant Dive newsletter. Dive Brief: Fogo de Chao has launched an artificial intelligence voice assistant dubbed Selma to answer phone calls, the chain said in a press release. The technology is named after Selma Oliveira, Fogos chief culture officer, who the company described as its matriarch and one of the most influential leaders behind the brands service philosophy. Selma voice assistant will answer calls across all 88 U.S. locations and help free up team members to focus on hospitality. Fogo is among a growing list of brands, including Five Guys, Red Lobster and Torchys Tacos, to adopt phone voice assist technology that ensures customers can place orders, get information from a restaurant and make reservations if the option is available. Dive Insight: The addition of Selma is part of Fogos growing strategy to incorporate more technology to support its hospitality. The company has been working with Bain Capital, which bought the chain in 2023, over the past two years to modernize its data platform, a process it expects to complete this year, Fogo CEO Barry McGowan told Restaurant Dive during the ICR Conference in January. That platform will be AI-enabled, and include bots that will help analyze consumer, reservation and social sentiment data, he said. All those foundational things were investing in marketing are really to focus on the pre-visit, the visit and the post-visit so we can personalize, McGowan said. This is what were doing with the data and marketing. He added that using AI and automation, particularly for marketing, will help the brand compete with larger chains that have bigger marketing budgets and have more brand awareness. Selma voice assist can help with the pre-visit information. Oliveiras voice was recorded in English, Portuguese and Spanish, allowing Fogo to connect with a diverse consumer base. The system can answer all U.S. calls, answer frequently asked questions, check availability and offer real-time reservations. It can transfer calls to in-restaurant teams if needed. Fogo claims that early results have led to increased guest satisfaction, high booking completion rates and significant rewards enrollment. The system is expected to generate over 250,000 reservations within its first 12 months. The full-service chain is also working on a handheld device tied to its wait management system. That device will provide staff with information like guest preferences, favorite wines and birthdays to better personalize interactions. It allows guests to pay at the table, and connects to the rewards platform and gift cards, he said. BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 5. Iran has always supported strong and constructive relations with Germany, the countrys Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi wrote on his X account, Trend reports. According to Araghchi, Germanys current leadership has considerably undermined bilateral relations, with Iran repeatedly observing Germany adopting divergent positions. He pointed out that, at Germanys insistence, the European trio, the UK, France, and Germany, receded from ongoing nuclear negotiations with Iran, instead shifting towards efforts aimed at reinstating United Nations (UN) sanctions against the country. Araghchi further emphasized that Germanys renewed call for resuming negotiations now reflects a notable shift in its position. Despite several rounds of discussions between Iran and the European trio last year, these talks failed to yield any significant positive outcomes. In the aftermath, the UN Security Council activated the "Snapback" mechanism, resulting in the intensification of economic sanctions on Iran and authorizing military operations against the country by council members. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel An AI lab called Fundamental emerged from stealth on Thursday, offering a new foundation model to solve an old problem: how to draw insights from the huge quantities of structured data produced by enterprises. By combining the old systems of predictive AI with more contemporary tools, the company believes it can reshape how large enterprises analyze their data. While LLMs have been great at working with unstructured data, like text, audio, video, and code, they dont work well with structured data like tables, CEO Jeremy Fraenkel told TechCrunch. With our model Nexus, we have built the best foundation model to handle that type of data. The idea has already drawn significant interest from investors. The company is emerging from stealth with $255 million in funding at a $1.2 billion valuation. The bulk of it comes from the recent $225 million Series A round led by Oak HC/FT, Valor Equity Partners, Battery Ventures, and Salesforce Ventures; Hetz Ventures also participated in the Series A, with angel funding from Perplexity CEO Aravind Srinivas, Brex co-founder Henrique Dubugras, and Datadog CEO Olivier Pomel. Called a large tabular model (LTM) rather than a large language model (LLM), Fundamentals Nexus breaks from contemporary AI practices in a number of significant ways. The model is deterministic that is, it will give the same answer every time it is asked a given question and doesnt rely on the transformer architecture that defines models from most contemporary AI labs. Fundamental calls it a foundation model because it goes through the normal steps of pre-training and fine-tuning, but the result is something profoundly different from what a client would get when partnering with OpenAI or Anthropic. Those differences are important because Fundamental is chasing a use case where contemporary AI models often falter. Because Transformer-based AI models can only process data thats within their context window, they often have trouble reasoning over extremely large datasets analyzing a spreadsheet with billions of rows, for instance. But that kind of enormous structured dataset is common within large enterprises, creating a significant opportunity for models that can handle the scale. As Fraenkel sees it, thats a huge opportunity for Fundamental. Using Nexus, the company can bring contemporary techniques to big data analysis, offering something more powerful and flexible than the algorithms that are currently in use. You can now have one model across all of your use cases, so you can now expand massively the number of use cases that you tackle, he told TechCrunch. And on each one of those use cases, you get better performance than what you would otherwise be able to do with an army of data scientists. That promise has already brought in a number of high-profile contracts, including seven-figure contracts with Fortune 100 clients. The company has also entered into a strategic partnership with AWS that will allow AWS users to deploy Nexus directly from existing instances. FRANKFURT, Feb 5 (Reuters) - Germany's cartel office has prohibited Amazon from imposing price caps on online retailers in its German marketplace and for the first time claimed several million euros that it said the U.S. firm obtained through anti-competitive behavior. "Amazon competes directly with other marketplace retailers on its platform," said cartel office president Andreas Mundt. "Therefore, influencing competitors' pricing, even in the form of price caps, is only permissible in absolutely exceptional cases, such as price gouging," he added. Since Amazon has so far stuck to its price practice, the office is using a new power it gained through 2023 reforms to initially demand 59 million euros ($69.54 million) from the Big Tech company. The company has one month to appeal the decision. Rocco Braeuniger, the country manager for Amazon's German site, said the company would appeal "this unprecedented regulatory decision" and continue to operate as usual. If Amazon is now solely obligated to "promote uncompetitive or even abusive prices in the store, this will lead to a poor shopping experience," he added. In a similar case, the German watchdog in October started investigating whether China's Temu is influencing the pricing of third-party merchants on its e-commerce platform. ($1 = 0.8484 euros) (Reporting by Hakan Ersen and Matthias InverardiWriting by Miranda MurrayEditing by Ludwig Burger) Amazon logo is seen on the online retailer's logistics center in Dummerstof. Jens Buttner/dpa Germany's antitrust authority on Thursday ordered Amazon to pay a fine of around 59 million ($69.6 million) over unlawful pricing practices and to change its conduct. The Federal Cartel Office said Amazon had imposed illegal price requirements on third-party sellers using its Marketplace platform. The decision marks the first time Germany's top competition watchdog has taken financial action against Amazon, which holds an estimated 60% share of the country's online retail market. The Bonn-based regulator has previously ordered Amazon and other US technology firms to change their behaviour to prevent their market power from restricting competition and harming consumers. With the latest ruling, the authority has again stepped up enforcement. Amazon not only sells goods itself but also allows third-party merchants to sell products through its Marketplace e-commerce platform. The regulator said the Marketplace accounts for 60% of Amazon's revenue in Germany. For anyone contemplating starting a small business, the thought alone can be daunting. However, advice and assistance are available. P.J. Burns will discuss the basics of starting a business during a Wyoming Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network workshop titled How to Start Your Own Business Thursday, Feb. 12, from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Studio Building, located at 345 Sinclair St. in Gillette. To register, go here. Registration is free. The event is co-sponsored by the Energy Capital Economic Development Corp. FUEL Business Incubator. The Wyoming SBDC Network offers business expertise to help Wyoming residents think about, launch, grow, reinvent or exit their business. The Wyoming SBDC Network is hosted by the University of Wyoming with state funds from the Wyoming Business Council and funded, in part, through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. The workshop will help potential new business owners learn how to evaluate their business ideas; how to identify potential customers; how to write business plans; and where to access funding for new businesses. Burns, Northeast regional director (Campbell, Crook, Johnson, Sheridan and Weston counties) for the Wyoming SBDC Network, received her degree from UW and has more than 20 years of business advising experience. She has spent the majority of her career advising and advocating for small businesses in her roles at various chambers of commerce and economic development organizations. She has a background in marketing, human resources, strategic planning, leadership and management. A free chili bar for all attendees is sponsored by the Energy Capital Economic Development Corp. FUEL Business Incubator. For more information, call Tyler Schanck, marketing, communications and database manager for the Wyoming SBDC Network, at (307) 343-0925 or email tschanck@uwyo.edu. The United Nations is discussing a new international tax collection cooperation regime that, among other things, aims to extract money from the oil and gas industry for climate change. It is not the first attempt to make the industry pay, and it will not be the last. The ideas chances of success, however, remain uncertain. The idea is part of the Framework Convention on International Tax Cooperation, a deal that is currently being negotiated at the UN headquarters in New York with a view to improving tax collection globallyand raising the tax burden for the very wealthy. The discussions unsurprisingly focus on sustainability, and there are plenty of UN member countries that are eager to make Big Oil pay for the natural disasters they are experiencing. However, there are also others who are not so eager to either put Big Oil on the hook for natural disasters or impose a global tax on the very rich. According to the latest updates from the discussions, there have been proposals to link the profits of the oil industry to compensation payments for climate change, but not everyone is on board with the idea on the grounds that the proposals lack clarity and strength. This is too bad for the proponents of making Big Oil pay for climate change: estimates from such organizations show that the income from such additional taxing could have reached $1 trillion for the period since 2015, when the Paris Agreement was signed. An agreement to tax Big Oil for what energy transition advocates say is its role in human-made climate change would no doubt trigger a reaction from that industry, and that reaction may well involve courtswhere anti-oil groups have had mixed success with making Big Oil pay for climate change. Related: Marathon Petroleum Beats Earnings Expectations as Refining Margins Surge California, for instance, filed a lawsuit against the oil industry back in 2024, originally accusing Big Oil of downplaying the risks associated with the use of oil and gas and climate change. It targeted Exxon, Chevron, BP, and ConocoPhillips. Later, however, Attorney General Rob Bonta added a special clause that requires a party who profits from illegal or wrongful acts to give up any profits they made as a result of that illegal or wrongful conduct. The purpose of this remedy is to prevent unjust enrichment and make illegal conduct unprofitable. How this lawsuit is going remains unclear, but most recently, the California political leadership has softened its tone to Big Oil in a bid to keep some refineries operating in the state and avoid a further surge in fuel prices, even as it strives to go all-electric in transport. Gold and silver rebounded after a historic collapse from all-time highs lured dip-buyers back to precious metals. Spot gold climbed as much as 7.1% to more than $4,990 an ounce, recovering somewhat from its worst rout in more than a decade. Silver rose more than 12% trading above $89 an ounce as a risk-on tone returned to wider markets and the US dollar weakened. Most Read from Bloomberg The two precious metals soared last month in a rally underpinned by speculative momentum, geopolitical upheavals and concerns about the Federal Reserves independence. The surge came to an abrupt halt at the end of last week, with silver seeing its biggest daily drop on record and gold plunging the most since 2013, after a slew of warnings from market watchers that the advances had been too large and too swift. Chinese funds and Western retail investors had built up large positions in precious metals, and a wave of call-options buying and investors piling into leveraged exchange-traded products added further fuel, until a sudden collapse during Asian trading hours on Friday. The slide continued on Monday. We think this correction will be healthy for the market in the long run, UBS Group AG strategist Joni Teves wrote in a note. This period should provide investors the opportunity to build long-term strategic positions at more attractive entry levels. Most banks have backed gold to recover, with Deutsche Bank AG saying on Monday that it was standing by its forecast for bullion to rally to $6,000 an ounce. The extent to which Chinese investors buy the dip will play a role in determining the direction of the market. Last weekend, buyers flocked to the countrys biggest bullion marketplace in Shenzhen to stock up on jewelry and bars ahead of the Lunar New Year. Chinas markets will be closed for just over a week from Feb. 16 for the break. The countrys major state-owned banks, meanwhile, are tightening controls on gold investments to manage volatility. What Bloombergs Strategists Say... Golds 3-day plunge was very much a correction waiting to happen, but the fundamental drivers for its multi-year advance are still in play to argue against a sustained tumble for precious metals. Given the unlikelihood of a rapid tightening cycle of monetary policy globally and lingering geopolitical concerns, a more modest grind higher for precious metals looks likely. Unity Software (U) stock plummeted 22% on Friday after Alphabet's (GOOG) (GOOGL) Google unveiled Project Genie, an AI-powered tool that lets users create interactive virtual worlds. The selloff marked Unity's worst single-day performance since May 2022, when shares tanked 37%. Investors are concerned that Google's new offering could replace traditional game development tools such as Unity's Create platform, which powers roughly 70% of mobile games. More News from Barchart But here's why the fear might be overblown. www.barchart.com What Is Project Genie? Project Genie is Google's experimental prototype that creates dynamic virtual environments using AI. Users can generate customizable worlds through text prompts and images, complete with physics simulations and interactive elements. However, there are quite a few catches. The biggest by far is cost. The tool is currently available only to Google AI Ultra subscribers, who pay $250 monthly. That's already pricier than Unity Pro, which costs $210 per user per month. Unity also offers a free version for developers generating under $200,000 in revenue. Google itself admits Project Genie has limitations. For instance, the tech giant noted imperfect visual rendering and occasional control issues in its current form. Unity's CEO Pushes Back Unity CEO Matthew Bromberg didn't wait long to address the market panic. In a LinkedIn post, he argued that Project Genie isn't a threat but an opportunity. His reasoning centers on a fundamental limitation of AI world models. Bromberg explained that tools like Project Genie can generate impressive visuals through prompting. However, they currently lack the determinism and precision needed for production-grade games. "Their outputs remain probabilistic and nondeterministic, making them unsuitable on their own for games that require consistent, repeatable player experiences," Bromberg emphasized. Unity's platform, by contrast, offers developers the control they need to create games with reliable mechanics. Bromberg sees AI-generated content as a starting point that Unity developers can refine using the company's deterministic systems. What the Analysts Are Saying Wall Street's reaction has been mixed, with skepticism about the severity of the selloff. What It Is, Why It Matters, and How to Get One From renting an apartment to opening a bank account, Italys codice fiscale is essential to daily life. One American student in Rome explains why it matters and how to get it. Why listen to me? I am an American university student currently studying abroad in Rome. I have been living here for the past two years and still struggle with the hassle of immigration appointments and documents. I knew about acquiring a visa and a permit to stay, but I had never heard of a codice fiscale prior to moving to Rome, and I wish I had. I only became aware of this special number once I was already in situations that required me to have it. If you are an expat living in, or considering living in Italy, it is crucial to know what a codice fiscale is and, even better, how you can obtain your own. What is a codice fiscale? A codice fiscale in Italy, also referred to as a fiscal code, is the Italian tax code number assigned to all Italians at birth. This number is similar to Social Security numbers in the United States and National Insurance numbers in the UK. Every codice fiscale is a unique 16-character alphanumeric code generated based on a persons name, date of birth and place of birth. This does not apply to businesses, which are assigned a randomised tax code by the Italian tax office. If you are not an Italian citizen given a codice fiscale at birth, there are still several ways to apply for one. Why is a codice fiscale important? Before moving to Italy, or even afterwards, it is easy to underestimate why you would need a codice fiscale. It may seem that the only process to focus on is your immigration status and the paperwork and appointments that come with it. While that is extremely important, it becomes very clear quite quickly that a codice fiscale is a non-negotiable part of building a life in Italy. You must have an Italian tax code to rent a property for longer than 30 days, buy or inherit property, obtain an Italian phone number, open an Italian bank account, apply for a mortgage and complete many other everyday procedures. Without it, integrating smoothly into Italian society becomes nearly impossible. How do you get a codice fiscale? If you are not currently in Italy, you can apply for a codice fiscale at the Italian consulate that serves your country of residence. If you are in Italy and an EU citizen, you may apply at any office of the Agenzia delle Entrate, the Italian Revenue Agency. If you are a non-EU citizen in Italy, you may be able to obtain a codice fiscale at the Sportello Unico per lImmigrazione if you are applying for entry for work or family reunification. If you are applying for or renewing a residence permit, you may also obtain it at the local police headquarters, known as the questura. In other cases, a request can be submitted directly to the Agenzia delle Entrate. What documents must you prepare? EU citizens applying at the Italian Revenue Agency must fill out an application form and present an identification document such as a passport or ID card. Non-EU citizens typically need additional documentation. This often includes a valid residence permit, a valid passport with visa, a certificate of identity issued by Italian diplomatic or consular authorities, and proof of the right to stay in Italy, even temporarily. What was my experience? This process can seem daunting, especially in a foreign country where you may not speak the language. In my experience, obtaining a codice fiscale was the easiest immigration appointment I have had so far. I booked my appointment online and made sure I had all the required documents, plus copies just in case. I did have to travel some distance for my appointment, but once there, the process was quick. After filling out the necessary forms and showing my documents, I was sent on my way with my codice fiscale in hand. Some of my peers were even able to complete the process online. As you can see, there are multiple ways to obtain an Italian tax code. While there may be some trial and error involved, securing a codice fiscale is essential if you plan to stay in Italy long term. Security crackdown by Italy's right-wing government follows riots in Turin and comes on the eve of the Winter Olympics. The Italian government on Thursday approved tough new security measures, fast-tracking legislation in response to the violent clashes in Turin last weekend. The security package includes a controversial measure known as preventive detention, which gives police the power to detain individuals deemed a "threat to public safety" for up to 12 hours, before a demonstration begins. In a post on social media, prime minister Giorgia Meloni said the measures were "not one-off", hailing them as a continuation of the strategy of her right-wing government since it took office more than three years ago. "We are also introducing specific tools to prevent the presence and action of organised groups dedicated to violence, which have nothing to do with the right to demonstrate and which use public squares as a pretext to create disorder and destruction", the premier wrote on X. Meloni said that the security package also includes harsher penalties for pickpockets and would address "the phenomenon of baby gangs" as well as a "crackdown on knives" and a ban on selling to minors "any instrument capable of causing harm". Italy's interior minister Matteo Piantedosi said that preventative detention "is not a measure that kills freedom". "It exists in many jurisdictions, and there is a relationship with the judicial authority, who is informed that the person will be taken to a police station and held for up to two hours" - Piantedosi told reporters - "If they then determine that the conditions are not met, they can order release". The measures have triggered criticism from centre-left opposition parties and civil-rights groups who argue that the 12-hour preventive detention could undermine constitutional rights to free assembly while extra police powers could lead to a militarisation of Italian cities. Turin riots The Turin riots, which left more than 100 law enforcement officers injured, have become a political catalyst for Meloni's coalition to implement stricter public order controls ahead of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. The unrest erupted on Saturday during a demonstration supporting the Askatasuna anarchist social centre, which had been evicted by authorities in December. While the march began peacefully with an estimated 15,000 to 50,000 participants, it descended into "urban warfare" after nightfall, amid claims that the protest was infiltrated by organised "black bloc" participants intent on wreaking havoc. Masked groups attacked police cordons using stones, incendiary devices and street furniture, with one 29-year-old officer being isolated, without his helmet, and being struck with a hammer. Meloni, who visited the officer and his colleagues in hosptial, said he was the victim of "attempted murder". On Wednesday a judge in Turin ordered that the 22-year-old suspect accused of attacking the officer with the hammer be released from prison and put under house arrest. Photo credit: Stefano Guidi / Shutterstock.com. European Fighter Jet Politics Heat Up, Italy Offers Germany a Seat at GCAP Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) Italy, the United Kingdom and Japan Future Combat Air System (FCAS) France, Germany and Spain Europes defence industrial landscape is in flux as rival sixth-generation fighter jet programmes wrestle with strategic, political and technological tensions. At the centre of attention is the, a multinational effort involvingto build a next-generation combat aircraft, and the rival, led by. Recent developments suggest Germany could be poised to reconsider its role in Europes future airpower plans and potentially align with GCAP, even as internal frictions persist within the project. The GCAP, launched in late 2022, merges the United Kingdoms Tempest initiative with Japans F-X project to create a sixth-generation multi-role stealth fighter system, intended to enter service by about 2035 and replace existing platforms like the Eurofighter Typhoon and Japans Mitsubishi F-2. The programme is underpinned by industrial collaboration through a joint venture called Edgewing, with BAE Systems (UK), Leonardo (Italy) and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (Japan) as lead partners. Guido Crosetto Germany and other countries such as Australia Australia may also be interested Italy, long involved in GCAP from the outset, has recently intensified efforts to broaden participation. Defence Ministerhas publicly stated thatcould join GCAP in future, offering a path for nations currently aligned with FCAS to shift into the programme. Germany could possibly join this project in the future, Crosetto told lawmakers, adding thatin joining the initiative. The offer comes amid growing challenges for the rival FCAS project, a Franco-German-Spanish initiative that has struggled with industrial disputes, disagreements over leadership and technological direction. Berlin faces mounting pressure from some lawmakers to reconsider its participation in FCAS, as delays and disagreements have hindered progress toward a fielded aircraft. France, meanwhile, appears more committed to the effort, but the uncertainty in Germany has opened space for alternative collaboration. For Italy, the potential inclusion of Germany, one of Europes largest defence industries, represents both a strategic opportunity and a challenge. Bringing in an industrial heavyweight could strengthen the GCAPs critical mass of investment, talent and technological expertise, but it would require clear terms on governance, work share and intellectual property rights. Analysts note that Germanys entry at a later stage could mean accepting a reduced industrial role compared with the founding members. At the same time, Italys own role in GCAP has been under scrutiny domestically, as defence spending on the programme has risen sharply. Costs associated with developing the next-generation fighter have expanded from initial estimates of about 6 billion to nearly 18.6 billion, a figure that has drawn criticism from opposition parties at home, even as Rome champions the programmes long-term strategic value. The UK and Japan have both affirmed their commitment to GCAP, and the UK has indicated openness to future expansion of the partnership. Reports indicate that the UK, Italy and Japan aim to finalise major contracts and continue development work into 2025, formalising structures under the Edgewing venture. Whether Germany ultimately chooses to shift away from FCAS towards GCAP could have significant implications for the future of European defence cooperation. A shift would mark a reorientation of strategic alignments in aviation technology and might influence how Europe balances industrial competition with collective security aims. With global tensions and NATO commitments evolving, the decisions made in the next year will shape the continents airpower capabilities for decades. Ph: Formiche.net SAN FRANCISCO (AP) Googles latest quarterly report provided further evidence that its internet empire is withstanding an artificial intelligence shakeup thats turning into another potential boon for the company. The numbers released Wednesday marked Google's third consecutive quarter of digital ad growth of more than 10% from the previous year, while also posting more than 30% sales growth in its division that powers data centers for AI services. Those increases during the October-December period propelled Googles corporate parent Alphabet Inc. well past the earnings forecasts of stock market analysts. Alphabets fourth-quarter profit rose 30% from the prior year to $34.5 billion, or $2.82 per share, while revenue climbed 18% to $113.8 billion. The collective momentum of Googles main business in search and advertising and the still-nascent AI field indicates a company born during the late 1990s internet boom is becoming even stronger during another technology phenomenon nearly 30 years later. Search saw more usage than ever before, with AI continuing to drive an expansionary moment," Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai said. Googles successful evolution has helped drive up Alphabets stock price nearly 60% in the past five months, giving it a $4 trillion market value. Even so, some investors are still skeptical whether Google will be able to sustain enough growth to justify the more than $300 billion that Alphabet will have spent from 2024 through the end of this year on expanding the computing capacity needed for AI features. Those worries caused Alphabet's shares to see-saw between slight gains and declines during extended trading after Wednesday's report came out. Apple, also currently worth $4 trillion, thinks so highly of Googles AI that the iPhone maker recently struck a deal to use Googles Gemini technology in a long-delayed upgrade to its virtual assistant, Siri. Google is also embedding more of its Gemini AI into its long-dominant search engine, Gmail and Chrome browser as it tries to avoid complacency and being outmaneuvered by up-and-coming companies such as OpenAI, Anthropic and Perplexity. To meet the challenge, Alphabet has been on a spending spree to expand its AI capacity. After pouring $91 billion into capital expenditures devoted mostly to AI, the Mountain View, California, company disclosed Wednesday that it expects to double down by spending another $175 billion to $185 billion this year. Its capital expenditure budget has ballooned from about $30 billion annually since 2022 when OpenAI released its ChatGPT chatbot to much acclaim, prompting Google to pull out all the stops to catch up. Rome offsets free museum entry for residents by charging tourists to visit Trevi Fountain. Rome has made its municipal museums free to residents of the capital all year round in a landmark shift designed to reconnect Romans with their rich cultural heritage. The initiative coincides with the introduction of a new 2 entry fee for tourists to visit the Trevi Fountain, which remains free to residents of Rome. Under the new system, any resident of Rome or its metropolitan area can enter the Musei in Comune (municipal museum network) free of charge. How does it work? Residents simply need to present a valid ID certifying their residency at the museum ticket office. The free admission covers the permanent collections of major sites however separate fees may still apply for certain temporary exhibitions, shows and specialised virtual reality experiences such as the Circo Maximo Experience. The city is promoting the move with a campaign titled "In Rome, Beauty Belongs to Everyone," urging residents to "experience the city's museum heritage as an integral part of daily life". "Entering a museum becomes as simple as taking a walk in a park: a normal, everyday gesture that makes us feel better and helps us feel part of the city", mayor Roberto Gualtieri said. Rome's culture councillor Massimiliano Smergilio described the move as "a measure of social justice", adding: "Rome is a city inhabited by people who have the right to free access to the great beauty that the city holds." Which museums are now free to Rome residents? Among the list of municipal museums that are now free to Roman residents are the Capitoline Museums, Trajan's Market, the Ara Pacis Museum, Centrale Montemartini and the Villa Torlonia Museums as well as the archaeological areas at Largo Argentina and the Circus Maximus. The othe museums are: Palazzo Braschi, Museo di Roma in Trastevere, Galleria dArte Moderna (municipal gallery on Via Crispi), the Villa Torlonia museum complex, Zoology Museum, Forma Urbis Museum, Museo di Scultura Antica Giovanni Barracco, Museo delle Mura, Museo Carlo Bilotti, Pietro Canonica Museum, Napoleonic Museum, Villa di Massenzio, Museo della Repubblica Romana e della Memoria Garibaldina, Museo di Casal de Pazzi and Casa Museo Alberto Moravia (by appointment). Full information on the initiative is available at Musei in Comune website. Photo credit: YASEMIN OZDEMIR / Shutterstock.com. Stagemad Theatre Company is proud to announce its powerful new production, an adapted dramatised account of the Pickardstown Ambush, a pivotal and poignant event in the Irish War of Independence. This presentation brings to the stage the tension, bravery, and human cost of the ambush that unfolded at Tramore, on the night of January 6, 1921. Adapted for stage, these are testimonials from the people who were there on the night. Audiences will be transported to that fateful January night, witnessing the volunteers' mobilisation from their secret arms dump at the Mental Hospital, their tense assembly in Ballytruckle, and their silent march to the rendezvous at Pickardstown. The narrative builds towards the ill-fated attack on the RIC barracks in Tramore and the subsequent confrontation with 40 British troops. The ambush was conceived by Paddy Paul, the leader of the IRA East Waterford Brigade at the time. He gathered volunteers from around the local area, including from within Waterford City units, and also members of the West Waterford flying column led by George Lennon. In total 50 volunteers were involved in the ambush who faced off against 40 British troops. The ambush resulted in two IRA members being killed, Michael McGrath and Thomas O'Brien, with two more members being injured. On the British side one soldier and one Black and Tan, were also injured. James Power of Stagemad spoke on the upcoming event, saying: "This is part of Tramore's history, the production is a tribute to the local Volunteers involved." If you went to see Stagemad's presentation of 'The Sea Horse Tragedy' in 2025 you won't want to miss this. Full booking details are yet to be announced. I never thought of water being such an issue, says Amy Cunnigham. I never really thought of it. I got up on Sunday morning to go to a funeral, I went to have a showerand there was no water, and there wasn't even enough water to brush my teeth. Ms Cunningham is one of many Passage East residents who have been left crippled with increasingly unreliable water pressure in the small coastal village. Issues with water pressure have been well documented over the years, according to local councillor Declan Barry, but problems have significantly worsened in recent months. Locals say it has seriously hindered their quality of life. Reports of undulating water pressure causing showers, washing machines and other kitchen appliances to break prematurely are common. Those breakdowns have hit the pockets of residents hard. People in the village are often left without a reliable water supply to shower. Roughly 700 residents live in Passage East according to Census 2022. The local cafe - The Estuary - is sometimes unable to pour a singular cup of coffee due to the lack of flowing water. Cllr. Barry said Waterford City and County Council are due to host a workshop aiming to address ongoing issues with water supplies across the county, but strong immediate action is unlikely to take place. On Thursday, January 29, an unannounced water outage took hold of the village. A day later, residents were left reeling from the effects of flooding caused by Storm Chandra. The flooding was caused by an overflow from the villages brook. Cllr. Barry said fears over the brooks overflow had been telegraphed days in advance, but the council failed to take preventative action. Figures obtained by Sinn Fein TD David Cullinane showed that Waterford ranked 22nd of all counties in Ireland in relation to money spent on flood defences between 2020-2025. .24 million was spent on flood defence across the period. 'Theres no water' Aimee McSweeney moved to Passage East two years ago with her husband. She said water pressure began to significantly worsen in July 2025. A normal 30-minute spin on a washing machine could take multiple hours due to low water availability. The machine cannot be left unattended in case of a breakdown caused by fluctuating water pressure. She has frequently had to purchase bottled water to fill up her kettle. Her husband, who works in hospitality, cannot rely on a 60 degree wash for his uniform. You might turn on the tap and you're like oh it's back, it's grand and throw it on, and then, five minutes later, there's no water some people aren't able to shower every day because there's no water for them. Watch the video below highlighting the water pressure issue For Ms McSweeney, the issues in Passage East border on the threshold of human rights violations. According to the United Nations: Access to water and sanitation are recognised by the UN as human rights fundamental to everyones health, dignity and prosperity. In a statement issued to the News & Star, Uisce Eireann (Irelands national water utility) said they were aware of ongoing low water pressure issues impacting customers in Passage East. We understand the inconvenience this is causing for homes and businesses in the area, the statement read. Our teams have been on site investigating the cause of the reduced pressure, which appears to be linked to a blockage on the watermains serving the village. Crews are continuing works to clear the obstruction and restore normal supply as quickly and as safely as possible. Uisce Eireann did not respond to questions on whether the unreliable water supply constituted human rights violations. 'Dreadful' communications Locals have come to bemoan Uisce Eireann. Christina Gunnip described incessantly calling the body on multiple occasions, only to receive a reference number for her complaints without an accompanying response. She said on two occasions Uisce Eireann had sent texts informing her that her complaints had been resolved - despite no work being carried out on the problem. On another occasion, an Uisce Eireann employee showed up at her residence unannounced. The works carried out only offered temporary respite. I had to put a separate tank into my shed just to feed the washing machinethat's the way my washing machine works, said Ms Gunnip. Now we have a separate tank put up over it because I had to have a washing machine. I was bringing my washing everywhere and anywhere for eight months or more. For Ms Gunnip, the waters unreliability affects the facets of everyday life. Her neighbour, an elderly man in his 90s, cant use a shower specifically designed to cater to his mobility needs. Ms Cunningham echoed the same concerns. Her father-in-law (94) is unable to use the shower by himself. She said if the water cuts out, it can then return at boiling heat and cause serious harm to an elderly person. Every day he must find an alternative residence to shower. Ms Cunningham owns Cunningham Auctioneers on Parnell Street. She said her tenants in Passage East have been dealt constant blows. Over the course of months, shes replaced three showers and a dishwasher for a family of four living in one of her tenancies. The family were informed by Uisce Eireann that issues with water pressure would not be resolved soon. Ms Cunningham described communications with Uisce Eireann as dreadful, claiming she was held on hold for over an hour and 20 minutes trying to reach customer service. What needs to happen here, is all these [affected] people get all the bills together and send them all into Uisce water [sic]. I think thatll be a solution because theyre not listening, theyre not listening, and you cant get through to a person there. For many, the light at the end of the tunnel remains far from sight. As the village seeks to recover from damaging floods, efforts to fix the underlying issues of Passage Easts water supply could exacerbate problems in the medium-term. Even if this is rectified now, we could potentially be facing another issue with water in another couple of weeks, said Ms McSweeney. Funded by the Local Democracy Scheme Council ground crews remain on high alert as flooding remains a concern across Waterford. The Waterford City and County Council severe weather management team convened this morning and continues to monitor the situation across the country. Waterford is under an orange weather warning for rain until 9am on Friday. The National Emergency Co-Ordination Group have said that many rivers remain close to or above bank-full conditions. However, most rivers have receded from peak levels observed last week. But heavy rainfall in the southeast and east today into tomorrow is likely to trigger further flooding. Coastal flooding and wave overtopping are also a concern and the public is asked to avoid coastal areas and follow advice from the Irish Coast Guard. Flood defence barriers will be activated in the following areas: Waterford city - flood defence barriers will remain closed until after high tide passes on Friday morning. Passage East - flood defence barriers will close this evening and will remain closed until high tide passes on Friday morning, with ground crews on site to monitor the situation. Car parks in Dungarvan, Co. Waterford, at risk of flooding and will close at 7pm this evening until 10am on Friday. The following carparks are affected: Davitts Quay The Pond The Lookout Castle Street Carpark Sandbags are available at Waterford City and County Council Depots in Dungarvan, Carrickphierish, Tramore, and Leperstown. Waterford City and County Council advises the public to continue to exercise caution, heed public safety advice and avoid unnecessary journeys. Motorists are reminded to avoid driving through flowing or standing water and to be conscious of vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists. Some road networks have been damaged by the persistent rainfall, so slow down and drive with caution if driving through standing water. Members of the public can contact Waterford City and County Councils Customer Services Desk on 0818 10 20 20 until 9pm this evening. Outside of office hours calls will be transferred to the Councils emergency services number. Key public safety messages: There is a potential for tidal flooding in coastal areas. In addition to this, heavy persistent showers are expected, which in turn may lead to surface flooding in urban locations. High seas - the public is advised to stay away from coastal areas during this period. The Irish Coast Guard are appealing to people to Stay Back, Stay High, Stay Dry. Stay away from swollen rivers, streams and flooded riverbanks banks can collapse without warning. Avoid open riverbanks and canal paths in flood conditions water levels and currents may be far stronger than usual. Avoid contact with floodwater where possible; it may be contaminated with sewage, chemicals or sharp debris. Farmers in affected areas are advised to move vehicles, machinery and livestock to higher ground before flooding arrives, where possible. People are advised to prepare for this period of severe weather, including ensuring their mobile phone is fully charged to enable communication. Monitor Met Eireann forecasts and/or visit https://www.met.ie/ for the most up to date information. Information is available across social media platforms and other news media sources. ESB Networks is highlighting the dangers posed by fallen live wires and is advising the public and the emergency services to stay away from these fallen cables and to report such cases to it immediately. ESB Emergency Services can be contacted at 1800 372 999. The public can monitor www.PowerCheck.ie in regards to power restoration times. Advertisement Updated BusinessCompaniesPrivacy Bunnings wins appeal over use of facial recognition technology to fight crime Jessica Yun and Elias Visontay February 5, 2026 7:01am 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 Bunnings has successfully overturned a decision by the privacy commissioner that found the hardware retailer breached the privacy of thousands of customers by trialling facial recognition technology to clamp down on shoplifters. During 2018 and 2021, Bunnings trialled technology in 62 stores that captured customer facial data and compared it against a database of repeat offenders with a history of criminal or violent behaviour. In late November 2024, the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) determined this trial breached customer privacy. A still of a gunman from Bunnings security footage. On Wednesday, the Administrative Review Tribunal found that Bunnings could bypass asking customers for consent to be filmed for the specific purpose of combating retail crime and protecting staff and customers from violence and intimidation. A permitted general situation existed in relation to the collection of information by Bunnings, the tribunals guidance and appeals panel found. Advertisement Bunnings managing director Mike Schneider, who has been vocal about fighting the OAICs original determination, said peoples safety had always been the retailers highest priority. Our intent in trialling this technology was to help protect people from violence, abuse, serious criminal conduct and organised retail crime, Schneider said. While the tribunal found Bunnings was allowed to use the technology to combat retail crime, it upheld the OAICs original ruling that Bunnings did not properly communicate with customers about its use and that the general notification on the entry about video surveillance was insufficient. We find that Bunnings fell short of implementation of practices, procedures and systems relating to Bunnings functions or activities that would have ensured that they complied with the Australian Privacy Principles, the tribunal panel decision stated. Even though the data collected which is rapidly matched against existing data about the faces of alleged offenders was deleted within four milliseconds, the technology nevertheless collected sensitive information for inclusion in a record, therefore falling under the Privacy Act. Advertisement Schneider acknowledged the tribunal found areas where Bunnings didnt get it right. We accept that feedback, he said. Keeping people safe in and around our stores is a responsibility we take very seriously, and we remain committed to engaging constructively on how safety and privacy are balanced in the future. The OAIC said the tribunals decision confirmed that the Privacy Act protected individual privacy in the wake of emerging technology. It is carefully considering the tribunals decision, which itself can be appealed. Keeping people safe in and around our stores is a responsibility we take very seriously: Bunnings managing director Mike Schneider. Eddie Jim Limited exemptions are subject to robust criteria that must be assessed on a case-by-case basis, an OAIC spokesperson said. Advertisement The Australian community continues to care deeply about privacy, and is increasingly worried about the challenges in protecting personal information. Australias retail sector has broadly welcomed the Tribunals decision, while privacy advocates have expressed concern. Chris Rodwell, Australian Retail Council CEO, said it recognised that facial recognition technology can help protect workers and customers, so long as its used transparently and with strong privacy safeguards. This includes clear signage informing customers of the monitoring. Retail crime is escalating and is often driven by repeat, high-harm offenders. Its critical retailers have the capacity to use suspect-matching to identify these known offenders. Workers and customers depend on it, he said. This is a positive step forward in combating retail crime. Advertisement Related Article Exclusive Privacy Bunnings keen to roll out facial recognition tech to all its stores Nick McDonnell, vice president of trust and safety at retail theft reporting platform Auror, welcomed the Tribunals decision as providing assurance to retailers tackling violence and crime that they can fight back. Bunnings leadership on this serious issue has been outstanding. Theyve shown this is not a shoplifting problem but a safety and violence one, and that tech plays an important role in combating it, McDonnell said. Auror data showed a 26 per cent annual increase in 2025 in retailers reporting threatening customer behaviour. Violent incidents rose by 17 per cent over the same period, while reports of weapons grew by 10 per cent. Tom Sulston, head of policy at Digital Rights Watch, said the Tribunals decision to overturn the OAICs finding clearly goes against community expectations. Advertisement We need to go to the shops without having our biometric information collected by big corporations, Sulston said. The Business Briefing newsletter delivers major stories, exclusive coverage and expert opinion. Sign up to get it every weekday morning. Advertisement EnvironmentConservationEnvironmental threats This beach was crowned Australias best. Is it being loved to death? Bianca Hall Updated February 5, 2026 10:30am ,first published 8:45am 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 Its white quartz sands are so pristine, they squeak when visitors scuff their feet on the beach. Offshore, those sands lend the water a sparkling, crystalline quality that shimmers from green to blue. Welcome to Squeaky Beach, named Tourism Australias best Australian beach in 2024, and the runner-up in Lonely Planets list of the best beaches in the world in 2025. Squeaky Beach, with its sparkling turquoise water and glistening white sand, is one of Australias top beaches. iStock But as natural wonders like this beach, on the west side of Wilsons Promontory National Park in Victoria, rise rapidly in popularity, advocates warn they are in danger of being loved to death. In 2023, K-pop star Jennie from Blackpink posted photographs of herself sitting on the edge of a high cliff at the unfenced and popular Lincolns Rock lookout at Wentworth Falls in the Blue Mountains, outside Sydney, to her 80 million-plus followers on Instagram. Advertisement The post received more than 4.5 million likes and, since then, Blue Mountains City Council Mayor Mark Greenhill says, visitor numbers have exploded. The rush of tourists has brought an increase in rubbish, illegal parking, traffic congestion and vandalism, including hundreds of people carving their initials and names into the rock. With no toilets at the previously obscure site, visitors have taken to defecating in the bush. Lincolns Rock has closed for at least three months. Steven Siewert The council closed the site last month for at least three months, citing safety concerns. Two people had previously fallen from the lookout and survived horrific injuries, but Greenhill feared deaths would follow. While the tourist numbers at Wilsons Promontory are far lower than the 5 million tourists who visit the Blue Mountains every year, they have grown quickly. Advertisement In 2024, the same year Tourism Australia named Squeaky Beach as Australias best, the Victorian government estimated 400,000 visitors a year travelled to the Prom. Last year, the official estimate was 500,000 annual visits, and this year more than 600,000 visitors are expected. As word has spread about Squeaky Beachs wild beauty, so too has the impact tourists leave on the formerly pristine location. During the summer months, hundreds of tourists disembark from shuttle buses in waves onto the beach, some clambering over delicate dunes to marvel at the famous squeaks. Advertisement One former ranger, who asked not to be identified, worries the beach is in danger of being loved to within an inch of its life. On a Friday last month, this masthead saw hundreds of tourists arriving by the busload for a curious stomp around the beach. Despite signs warning that the dunes are vulnerable, children played in them, sending waves of sand down the sides. Squeaky Beach is famous not only for its sparkling waters and sands, but also for the boulders that line the shore. Getty Images/iStockphoto In a statement, area chief ranger Brett Mitchell says visitors are eager to hear the famous squeak beneath their feet and see crystal clear waters roll into shore. But the surrounding sand dunes are fragile, living ecosystems with significant cultural heritage values. They provide vital feeding and nesting areas for small animals like the southern brown bandicoot and endangered hooded plover, he says. Advertisement Related Article Sydney councils Inherently dangerous: Popular Blue Mountains destination closes When visitors leave rubbish behind or trample, slide or jump on the dunes, it speeds up erosion and harms coastal plants that hold the dunes together. A Parks Victoria spokeswoman says fencing the dunes would be impractical, as they are dynamic and constantly shifting with wind and rain. Rangers regularly patrol and pick up rubbish at key visitor sites such as Squeaky Beach, she says. So whats the answer? Parks Victoria launched a consultation to develop a new management plan for the Prom in 2023. A key idea raised in the consultation was limiting visitors to ensure the long-term sustainability of the park. The state government has twice delayed the draft plan it first promised in 2024. Advertisement The Parks Victoria spokeswoman says the agency is now working with traditional owners to develop the plan, and it would take a significant amount of time, given its scope and importance. Matt Golding Victorian National Parks Association campaigner Jordan Crook says that, as population and tourism numbers increase, so too must the number of park rangers employed to manage invasive weeds, maintain tracks and protect national parks. Last June, however, there were fewer full-time equivalent staff (801) at Parks Victoria than in June 1998 (913), according to annual report figures, and only a fraction are rangers. In 1998, Victoria had a population of 4.6 million. In 2025, it was more than 7 million. Advertisement It is concerning to see the numbers increasing of visitors, but the number of park rangers and people looking after the park declining at the same time, so its leading to the parks being loved to death, Crook says. Meanwhile, it is up to visitors to do the right thing. Parks Victoria urges visitors to keep to paths, avoid dune areas, and take rubbish home with them when visiting Squeaky Beach. A spokeswoman for Tourism Australia says the agency encourages responsible travel behaviours and sustainable growth in the tourism industry. We encourage international visitors across our marketing and communications to act as custodians of the places they visit, prioritising care for people and place throughout their journey, she says. Advertisement With Ellie Busby Get to the heart of whats happening with climate change and the environment. Sign up for our fortnightly Environment newsletter. Germanys Henkel has agreed to purchase Stahl Group, a Netherlands-based provider of speciality coatings for flexible materials, in a deal valued at 2.1bn ($2.48bn). The transaction involves purchasing the majority stake from Wendel, a French private equity company. Stahl supplies coatings used in various sectors, including packaging, automotive, fashion, and lifestyle. Its product range features solutions for leather finishing, performance coatings, and coatings for paper packaging and graphics. The company employs 1,700 people and recorded adjusted sales of approximately 725m ($854.6m) for the 2025 fiscal year. Throughout the acquisition process, Stahls daily operations will remain unchanged, with existing organisational structures maintained. Stahls ownership is divided among Wendel (68.5%), BASF (16.1%), and Clariant (14.6%). Stahl CEO Maarten Heijbroek said: We are deeply grateful to Wendel for the long-term partnership and support that has shaped Stahl over the past two decades. Under Wendels ownership, Stahl has undergone a significant transformation into a focused, pure-play speciality coatings company with a strong global footprint, strengthened technologies, and a resilient market position. Both companies supply complementary products to similar markets, with the transaction expected to create opportunities for commercial synergies, Stahl said in a statement. Completion of the deal is subject to regulatory approvals, consultation processes, and other standard closing conditions. Henkel CEO Carsten Knobel commented: With the acquisition of Stahl, we will further strengthen our Adhesive Technologies business unit in line with our strategic agenda for purposeful growth. Together with the recently announced intention to acquire ATP Adhesive Systems, we have agreed to two significant M&A projects, adding up close to one billion euros of sales and substantially advancing the growth potential for our world-class adhesive technologies business. Notably, Henkel plans to introduce new packaging for its Pritt glue sticks in European markets, with updated cardboard blister packs expected to be available from early 2026. "Henkel to acquire Stahl Group in 2.1bn deal" was originally created and published by Packaging Gateway, a GlobalData owned brand. Advertisement Updated NationalNSWBondi Junction attack A vast and permanent space: Grieving families speak after Bondi stabbing inquest findings Perry Duffin and Kate Aubusson Updated February 5, 2026 12:44pm ,first published 8:59am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A Key points Joel Cauchis psychiatrist referred to Queenslands health watchdog over failings in care. NSW government urged to close gaps in mental health system, including housing. Hero cop Inspector Amy Scott praised for bravely stopping attack and clearly saving lives. Victim Ashlee Good, French Bollard Man, survivors, should be considered for bravery award. Cauchis parents offer condolences to families, victims. The inquest into the Bondi Junction Westfield stabbing attack has urged the government to house and care for the mentally unwell, referred the killers psychiatrist to the watchdog over treatment failures, and recommended bravery awards for the heroism displayed by police, victims and witnesses to the tragedy. The families of those who died spoke outside the coroners court in Sydney of the voids that remained in their lives, while experts have called for urgent changes to care and support for people with mental illness. NSW Police Inspector Amy Scott, left, heroically faced and killed Joel Cauchi during the attack on her own. She was diagnosed with cancer last year. Sam Mooy Queenslander Joel Cauchi, 40, was shot dead by NSW Police Inspector Amy Scott after he stabbed 16 people in the shopping centre on the afternoon of April 13, 2024. Six people died of their injuries: Dawn Singleton, 25; Ashlee Good, 38; Jade Young, 47; Cheng Yixuan, 27; Pikria Darchia, 55; and Faraz Tahir, 30. A further 10 people were injured but survived. Advertisement His attacks were a quintessential example of an active armed offender rapid, unpredictable and fatal within a very short period of time, NSW Coroner Teresa OSullivan said, handing down her findings with 23 recommendations on Thursday. OSullivan praised Scott, who had raced into the centre alone. The hero officer told the inquest she had resigned herself to death and found Cauchi on a pedestrian footbridge on an upper level. Joel Cauchis horrific attack erupted in the Bondi Junction shopping centre on Saturday, April 13, 2024. Matthew Absalom-Wong Cauchi charged at Scott with a military knife in hand and she shot him dead. Her actions undoubtedly prevented more deaths, the coroner said. Her actions were extraordinary, calm, skilful and courageous actions which clearly saved lives. Advertisement Scott was diagnosed with breast cancer last year. Her condition was made public over the Christmas break and triggered a massive outpouring of support and donations from a country indebted to the inspector. Cauchi was profoundly psychotic after going off the medication for his chronic schizophrenia, the coroner said, and sleeping rough at Maroubra Beach before the attack. Joel Cauchi was shot dead by police at Westfield Bondi Junction after he stabbed and killed six shoppers. Facebook His psychiatrist, Andrea Boros-Lavack, began weaning Cauchi off his anti-psychotics in 2019 after changing his diagnosis from chronic schizophrenia to first-time psychosis. Cauchi relapsed into psychosis, and his mother, Michelle, tried to raise the alarm to Boros-Lavack seven times. Advertisement Boros-Lavack was told her patient was scrawling countless messages about satanic control, obsessing over pornography and showering compulsively. It was ultimately a major failing that she revised her view and did not do more to proactively urge Mr Cauchi to resume his medication, OSullivan said on Thursday. Bondi Junction attack victims (clockwise from top left) Ashlee Good, Jade Young, Dawn Singleton, Yixuan Cheng, Faraz Tahir and Pikria Darchia. Even after the tragedy, the psychiatrist dismissed Michelles comments as just an opinion of the mother. In evidence, Boros-Lavack made bizarre claims about Cauchis mental state and motivation. That was nothing to do with psychosis. He couldnt have organised himself to do what he did. I think it might have been due to his sexual frustration, pornography and hatred towards women, she said. Advertisement OSullivan on Thursday recommended the Health Ombudsman of Queensland review Boros-Lavacks treatment of Cauchi. The coroners main recommendations were directed at a much larger failure the underfunded and fractured mental health systems through which Cauchi slipped. Andrea Boros-Lavack treated Bondi Junction killer Joel Cauchi from 2012 to 2020. A Current Affair OSullivan recommended that the NSW government establish short-term accommodation in Sydney for people with mental illness and homelessness with on-site care and services. She also urged the government to reverse the decline in outreach services which could have found and helped Cauchi. Advertisement This impacts upon all of the community first responders, the health system and the population at large, OSullivan said. OSullivans final recommendations were to consider bravery awards for people who confronted Cauchi during the rampage: Inspector Scott; Jade Youngs husband Noel McLaughlin; Frenchmen Damien Guerot and Silas Despreaux, known as the bollard men; and Good, who was fatally wounded while saving her baby. Julie Singleton, mother of victim Dawn Singleton, arrives at the NSW Coroners Court in Lidcombe on Thursday. Sam Mooy McLaughlin on Thursday said he had shared two decades of life with Young, and her death left a vast and permanent space, one that cant be filled, only carried. The evidence has shown that what first appeared to be a sudden and random act of violence was, in fact, the end point of a long story, he said. Advertisement Kerry Good, the father of Ashlee, laid blame at the feet of the staff and systems of the shopping centre. The inquest found one of the security control room operators was not fit to man the desk without supervision, and the emergency warnings had been unclear to shoppers. Kerrie Good (left), father of Ashley Good, and Noel McLaughlin (centre), fiance of victim Jade Young, speak outside the coroners court. Sam Mooy If they had done their job successfully, my daughter would still be alive today, Good said. Security guards Faraz Tahir, who died in the attack, and his colleague, Mohammed Taha, have both been recognised with security bravery awards already. Tahirs brothers, outside the court, said he would be remembered for sacrificing his life to save others. Advertisement The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists accepted the recommendations, noting the findings highlighted weaknesses which are not isolated and represent sector-wide structural risks within the mental health system framework. Musawar Ahmad Bashir (right) and Muzafar Ahmad Tahir (centre), the brothers of murdered security guard Faraz Tahir, arrive at the court. Sam Mooy This tragedy has laid bare the critical fault lines in the mental health system. When provision or continuity of care in the public health system breaks down, the risks do not disappear instead they accumulate with devastating consequences, President Astha Tomar said. Dr Pramudie Gunaratne, CEO of the Australian Society of Psychiatrists, said the findings reflected the severe gaps in the mental health system and what life was really like for people with severe and complex mental illness who slip through the cracks. I really hope that decision-makers are able to take these findings seriously and see this as a turning point for change in the system, she said. Advertisement All of us, we probably walk past people every day, outside train stations or in the main streets of cities, who might be psychotic. We have to do something as a community, as a nation, to turn things around, so that people who have severe and complex mental illness are not left to languish. Related Article Bondi Junction attack She had our backs we got hers: Hero Bondi Westfield cop diagnosed with cancer Professor Jackie Curtis, executive director of Mindgardens Neuroscience Network, said the findings highlighted that an individual clinician is often not sufficient to look after someone with schizophrenia and similar conditions. We are going to need to look at the broader community mental health sector in NSW. NSW Premier Chris Minns on Thursday told parliament his government would consider all findings to further strengthen our mental health system in the days, months and years ahead. Advertisement He spoke about the bravery of Scott and Tahir, a refugee from Pakistan on his first day on the job, who gave his life in defence of a complete stranger. Also, a nurse who found safety within a shop asked to leave that place of refuge. She left that place of refuge because there were people outside that needed a hand, Minns said. Loading There was a French tradie known as bollard man, many of us who met him. He faced down the attacker so that other people could get out of the way and undoubtedly saved scores of lives. Minns said many of the paramedics and police dispatched to the stabbing were again deployed to the terror attack at Bondi Beach on December 14, 2025. Advertisement Mental Health Minister Rose Jackson said the Minns government had taken immediate action in the aftermath of the attack to strengthen community mental health supports and improve information sharing across all Australian jurisdictions, but there is always more work to do. NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said all recommendations directed to the force would be considered. Ivan (centre) and Elizabeth Young (right), parents of victim Jade Young. Sam Mooy I also wish to thank the coroner for acknowledging what she described as the immense bravery and extraordinary courage of Inspector Amy Scott, as well as members of the public who provided assistance on that day, he said in a statement. The terror attack forced OSullivan to delay handing down her findings, which were scheduled for late last year. Advertisement I had hoped that our community would not need to grapple again so soon with such a violent event and the devastating consequences wrought by it, OSullivan said. Related Article Crime Families to call for investigation into Bondi attackers doctor She said the stabbing inquest had led NSW Police and Ambulance to change how they work together in major crises which appears to have saved lives during the terror attack. The findings, which run over 800 pages, mark the end of the formal coronial process, but not of the grieving, OSullivan said. Those were words echoed in a rare public statement by Cauchis parents, released this week, which offered condolences to all those who suffered from their sons terrible actions. Advertisement Mr and Mrs Cauchi also extend their thoughts to all families and other unpaid carers of people experiencing mental ill-health, knowing they too are likely to have been affected by the incident and the ongoing coverage of it, the statement reads. As Mr and Mrs Cauchi are also living with the ongoing complexities and grief of this tragedy, they ask all media to please respect their need for privacy and refrain from calling or visiting their home. Anyone needing support can contact Lifeline 13 11 14 and Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800. Be the first to know when major news happens. Sign up for breaking news alerts on email or turn on notifications in the app. Advertisement Exclusive NationalNSWDomestic violence Samanthas ex-partner isolated and abused her. Hes the first man in NSW to serve jail time for coercive control Amber Schultz February 5, 2026 2:00am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A The abuse Samantha endured started slowly. Her then-partner Callum Fairleigh would monitor her location, questioning her movements. He would snap, becoming verbally abusive and hurling vile insults. He hid her keys, disputed her credit card charges and attempted to isolate her from friends and family. In public, however, Fairleigh was the picture-perfect partner, adorning her with gifts and compliments. Samantha is speaking out to raise awareness about coercive control and help other victim-survivors feel less alone. Jessica Hromas His manipulation and mood swings made Samantha doubt herself. Youre in such a confused state you think, maybe its my fault. I just felt like a horrible person all the time, she said. But she said there was a part of her that knew he was toxic. After feeling like a prisoner during the pairs six-year relationship, in November 2024 she left for the fifth and final time and turned to the police. Advertisement Callum Fairleigh will be eligible for parole in April. Samantha has a 10-year AVO for her protection from him. It was then that investigators suggested she was a victim of coercive control. Coercive control is defined as a person using repeated patterns of physical or non-physical abuse to hurt, scare, intimidate, threaten or control someone. NSW criminalised the offence in July 2024. Last week Fairleigh, 34, became the first person in NSW to serve prison time for coercive control. He was sentenced to two years imprisonment with a non-parole period of 15 months. Samantha, who is protected by a 10-year apprehended violence order, said Fridays sentencing was validating. She gave permission for her first name to be published to educate others about coercive control and help victim survivors feel less alone. Advertisement I felt a sense of relief. I still fight in my mind that Im dramatic because he kept drilling into my head that what was happening wasnt so bad, she said. For him to actually get a jail sentence shows it was that bad. What is coercive control? Coercive control involves deliberate, repeated patterns of physical or non-physical abuse used to hurt, scare, intimidate, threaten or control someone. Behaviour can include: Limiting freedom or controlling choices Harassing, monitoring and stalking Shaming, degrading or humiliating Social isolation Threats, violence and intimidation Emotional, financial or sexual abuse Systems abuse, such as making false reports to authorities It carries a maximum sentence of seven years. The law currently only applies to behaviour after July 2024 towards current or former intimate partners. The pair were together on and off between 2018 and 2024 and lived in inner-city Sydney. According to court documents, between July and October 2024, Fairleigh would regularly belittle, insult and humiliate Samantha. He was convicted only for his behaviour from July 2024, when the laws were implemented. Advertisement He attempted to isolate her from her friends and family, bombarding her with calls and texts when she was with them, demanding she cut contact. Cancel the plan ... I wont ask again. Im not asking, I am telling you, he wrote in one text message while she was having a rare dinner with a friend. In another text exchange, he demanded she stop talking to her sister and mother, who had threatened to call the police over Fairleighs abuse. When she was on a call with her sister, he called her five times, demanding she hang up. Be on my team, always, he wrote. He regularly demanded she unlock her phone. When she once refused, he smashed the device against a wall. He hid her car and house keys, questioned her purchases or threatened to dispute charges, and accused her of looking for a job against his wishes. Advertisement Related Article Domestic violence Teddy trackers, hacked doorbell cams and spyware: Surge in DV technology abuse He also attempted to pressure her into sex while she was recovering from surgery. After Samantha left the relationship in November 2024, a specialist detective began investigating Fairleighs coercive control, with Samantha providing hundreds of abusive text messages as evidence. Fairleigh was issued an AVO. But he continued to contact Samantha throughout December and January, using banking transactions to send messages and a secondary number to pose as a nurse, claiming Fairleigh was in critical condition in an intensive care unit. In January 2025, he was arrested and charged with coercive control, along with stalking and six AVO breaches. From jail, he continued to contact Samantha, writing letters and sending them to his mother to pass on. Advertisement Court records described Fairleigh as having an utter disregard for bail conditions and the AVO. Police argued he presented an unreasonable risk to Samantha and other women, noting he was still active on the dating app Bumble. Before his 2025 arrest, he had been subject to AVOs protecting Samantha and charged with twice breaching this AVO, and twice assaulting Samantha and damaging her property, though these charges were dismissed. He previously pleaded guilty to one assault charge and two financial deception charges relating to other victims. Samantha is undergoing trauma counselling, which she says has helped to rewire her brain and view the abuse for what it really was. When I left, I was a mess. If police didnt take it this seriously, and he wasnt locked up after all those [AVO] breaches, I could have probably ended up back with him, and thats scary, she said. Advertisement Related Article Exclusive Courts Man allegedly used Tesla car app to target domestic violence victim NSW Police recorded 386 coercive control incidents between July 2024 and September 2025, resulting in 18 charges. The first person convicted of the offence in December 2024 was issued an Intensive Corrections Order. Fairleighs sentence is the first to result in jail time. With time served, he will be released on parole in April. Two-thirds of coercive control incidents were accompanied by another offence, including stalking, domestic assault or malicious damage. The most common controlling behaviour was harassment, monitoring or tracking. In 97 per cent of intimate partner domestic violence homicide cases, the victim had experienced coercive and controlling behaviours before being killed. Advertisement 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. Advertisement Updated NationalWACourts Motivated by hate: Perth Invasion Day rally attempted bombing declared an act of terror Hannah Murphy and Hamish Hastie Updated February 5, 2026 12:41pm ,first published 10:17am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A A Perth man accused of throwing a homemade bomb into a crowd of Invasion Day protesters was allegedly motivated by racism, hatred and pro-white ideologies, as authorities formally declare the incident an act of terror. The 31-year-old man, who cannot be identified due to a suppression order, was allegedly captured on camera hurling the explosive into a crowd of around 2500 people gathered in Perths CBD on January 26 to protest the date of Australia Day. The man accused of making and throwing a bomb at an Invasion Day rally in Perths CBD. WA Police The device, which police claimed was filled with screws and ball bearings and designed to explode on impact, failed to detonate and triggered police to evacuate the event. Had the bomb exploded, WA Police and the state government believe it could have caused a mass casualty event. Advertisement The incident was not immediately declared a terrorist act, with authorities taking nine days to investigate the accused mans motive behind the attack. On Thursday, WA Premier Roger Cook, flanked by WA Police Commissioner Col Blanch, Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett, and Indigenous Australians Minister Malarndirri McCarthy, announced the declaration. I can confirm today, the WA joint counterterrorism team comprising WA Police, the Australian Federal Police and ASIO, have determined the incident last Monday in Perth, should be charged as a terrorist act, Cook said. As a result, a 31-year-old man has been charged with one count of engaging in a terrorist act. This is the first time this charge has been laid in Western Australia. Advertisement This charge ... alleges the attack on Aboriginal people and other peaceful protesters was motivated by hateful, racist ideology. The new charge, a result of a joint investigation called Operation Dumfries, carries a maximum penalty of life behind bars. Noongar elder Herbert Bropho taking the microphone to alert the public to what was later confirmed to be a homemade bomb at the Invasion Day rally. Jesinta Burton. Blanch said the mans internet history allegedly revealed he had self-radicalised online and accessed pro-white material. Asked whether the accused had links to white nationalist groups, Blanch said: That ideology was prevalent across his accesses to the internet. Advertisement Blanch said the accused man was not known to police ahead of the alleged attack, but said there may have been signs that family or friends could have spotted. My call-out to our community: if you know someone who is saying these things, whether its against Aboriginal people or anyone else, and they are accelerating in their hateful views, call authorities. We will take action. Were not going to wait, he said. ...whatever was looking over the people in that rally that day stopped it from going off, and we should all be thankful... WA Police Commissioner Col Blanch Barrett said she believed the new charge was the first of its kind in the country where Aboriginal people were the target. She said the charge was a warning to other individuals and groups espousing hateful rhetoric. Advertisement Barrett revealed that AFP national security investigations teams or hate disruptors which are already in operation in New South Wales, Victoria and Canberra were setting up in WA. There are individuals and current and emerging groups across Australia, including in the west, which are eroding the countrys social fabric by advocating hatred, fear and humiliation, that is mobilising towards violence and I am here to put these groups and individuals on notice, she said. The terrorist act declaration comes after rally organisers and politicians urged authorities to recognise the seriousness of the incident, as it appeared to be a calculated attempt to harm First Nations people and their supporters. A motion was also passed in the Senate this week to condemn the attempted bombing, with Senator Lidia Thorpe labelling the incident an act of horrific, overt hate and racism. Blanch rejected accusations that the police did not treat the incident seriously, pointing to the immediate involvement of the AFP and ASIO, and his public commentary after the incident that suggested it was being investigated as a potential terror attack. Advertisement Related Article Crime A horrific act of overt hate: Senate condemns attempted bombing at Perth Invasion Day rally To the people that say it took too long, I disagree with their premise, he said. Rally organiser Fabien Yarran, who will meet with Cook and police on Thursday afternoon, said he was still disappointed it had taken so long to declare the incident a terrorist act. Everybody, from the grassroots and people that were there, saw it was a terrorist act. It was a hate act, he said. I dont know why it took them so long. Advertisement McCarthy, who walked through Forrest Place on Thursday morning with Noongar elders, called the incident an attempted bombing of a peaceful, First Nations rally, led by First Nations, Australians and their allies. Whats happened these past couple of months has certainly highlighted the fact that all of us, wherever we are in this country, need to be vigilant, and we need to deliberately work towards a social, cohesive community, she said. Indigenous Australians Minister Malarndirri McCarthy and WA Senator Dorinda Cox at the meeting on Thursday. McCarthy said there was no doubt in her mind that Australian Federal Police, the WA Police and ASIO, worked immediately to assist to keep Australians safe. In parliament on Thursday, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Australia stood with First Nations people. Advertisement We will do everything required to keep you and your loved ones safe, he said. Federal Opposition Leader Sussan Ley said the nation can never accept a situation where we turn to violence to settle our political differences. These are fragile times for our society and it is incumbent upon all of us in this place to nurture peaceful, civil debate and guard our great democracy against hate and violence, she said. Blanch reiterated that the device allegedly thrown at the rally was a live explosive. It should have gone off and had a fuse that was lit, he said. Advertisement Whether it fell out or failed ... whatever was looking over the people in that rally that day stopped it from going off, and we should all be thankful that we dont have deceased or seriously injured people in Western Australia. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke emphasised the catastrophe Australia could have faced had the bomb exploded. Indigenous leaders met with WA Police and the government at Dumas House on Thursday afternoon. This is a bomb fitted with screws and ball bearings into a crowd of people rallying in support of First Nations Australians, he said. Think about the number of Australians who were there in a tight space, had it gone the way it was allegedly intended to, we would have been looking at something quite catastrophic. Advertisement The 31-year-old man has already been charged with intent to cause harm and making an explosive device with suspicious intentions. He will formally be charged with the terrorism offence when he next appears in court later this month. It is the second terror act investigated by WA Police in as many years, after a teenage boy was shot by police when he stabbed a stranger in a car park in Willetton in 2024. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter. Advertisement PoliticsFederalPolitical leadership Coalition peace talks on brink of collapse as Hanson boasts of One Nations future Nick Newling and Paul Sakkal Updated February 5, 2026 4:09pm ,first published 2:13pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has declared Im back you cant stop me as she returned to the Senate for the first time since she was suspended two months ago for wearing a burqa into the chamber, boasting about her partys future as peace talks between Liberals and Nationals teetered on the brink of collapse. Hansons return came as she offered conflicting statements about her desire to team with the Liberal and National parties in a future coalition to bring down the Albanese government, after Opposition Leader Sussan Ley said she wanted to work with the non-Labor side of politics to hold the government to account. Hanson arrives at the opening of the Senate on Thursday, announcing to her colleagues: Youve all missed me. Dominic Lorrimer Ley has set a deadline of 9am on Friday for the Nationals to respond to her request to bench Nationals rebels for six months, a condition most Nationals will not accept. David Littleprouds party was responding to Ley on Thursday night and talks were expected to collapse on Friday, after which the parties would go it alone. Well, Im back. You can kick me out, you can dismiss me or try to silence me, but you cant stop me because Australians know I have their back. Growing numbers of Australians now have mine, Hanson told the Senate chamber on Thursday afternoon. Advertisement When [Labor] try to silence me, you try to silence millions of Australians who are tired of your cosy two-party system because it doesnt deliver. You put yourselves and vested interests before the Australians you are supposed to serve. You are not part of the Australia we know and love, the same Australia you are trying to destroy with net zero and mass migration. Related Article Tony Wrights Column Political leadership Pauline Hanson is all smiles. But who will get the last laugh? One Nations primary vote has soared in recent polling, with this mastheads Resolve Political Monitor showing the party holding a record high of 18 per cent. The Australians Newspoll and The Australian Financial Reviews Redbridge/Accent poll have pegged the party above the Coalition, at 22 per cent and 26 per cent of the vote respectively. The party has risen in the polls just as the Coalitions popularity plummeted following a record election loss and protracted infighting. Advertisement The recent schism of the Liberals and Nationals over frontbench solidarity and disagreements over hate crime legislation has further split the conservative vote. Hanson was suspended for seven sitting days on November 24 for wearing a burqa into the Senate during the years final sitting week, after she failed in an attempt to have the garment and full-face coverings banned. Opposition Leader Sussan Ley and Nationals leader David Littleproud in parliament before the latest Coalition split. Alex Ellinghausen The stunt was condemned by senators across party lines, including Foreign Minister Penny Wong, the Greens Mehreen Faruqi and the Nationals Matt Canavan, who said it was disrespectful to Muslim Australians. The suspension covered the January snap recall of parliament to debate the governments Bondi shooting response legislation. Advertisement Hanson unsuccessfully appealed to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to have the suspension lifted. Its an injustice I wasnt able to debate legislation last month, but I am proud of my colleagues following my lead. They stood tall against Labors attempt to scapegoat lawful gun owners for Anthony Albaneses failure to check antisemitism and radical Islam, Hanson said on Thursday. Hansons social media accounts across Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and X have gained an additional 600,000 followers an increase of about 60 per cent over the past six months. The party leader has grown her total followership from 918,400 across the platforms to almost 1.5 million. Her YouTube channel, which features the political satire cartoon Please Explain, has an additional 144,000 followers. While she remains the second-most followed federal politician, she is catching up with Albanese, who garnered an additional 300,000 followers in the same period an increase of about 16 per cent. Albaneses total followership is around 2.3 million. Advertisement In separate media appearances on Wednesday evening, Hanson offered differing stances on whether she was willing to partner with the Liberal and National parties in a future coalition arrangement. Speaking to Sky News, Hanson said she would of course be interested in joining with the parties to form government. Related Article Political leadership The Trumpian policies Pauline Hanson would roll out if One Nation ran Australia Thats the only way to move forward because Im not going to be government, and either is, by the looks of it, the Coalition or the National Party, Hanson said. The fact is that I am a conservative at heart, and I work with them to give them supply. Would I join up to the rabble that they are at the moment? No way in the wide world, but I have my strong policies that we need because theyre doing nothing to address the important issues that the Australian people want. However, hours earlier, Hanson unequivocally ruled out working with the Liberal Party. Advertisement Speaking to the Senate on Thursday, Hanson said: One Nation stands alone We cant afford another term under Labor. Ill work with anyone who shares this goal, but Ill never join them. Nationals leader David Littleproud on Thursday did not rule out working with One Nation in the future, but described the party as a threat. Cut through the noise of federal politics with news, views and expert analysis. Subscribers can sign up to our weekly Inside Politics newsletter. Advertisement Analysis WorldEuropeEpstein fallout How the Epstein scandal could topple a damaged PM David Crowe February 5, 2026 10:02am 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 London: Keir Starmer leads a Labour government with a crushing majority in parliament and a divided opposition that is waging a daily war between conservatives and populists. The UK prime minister has, on paper, the same advantages as his friend, Anthony Albanese. Just as the Australian leader can walk into parliament and enjoy the sight of Liberals and Nationals eating each other alive, Starmer can watch the Conservatives and Reform UK cannibalise their voters. Keir Starmer is facing tough questions over what he knew of Labour peer Peter Mandelsons (left) relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. Monique Westermann And yet Starmer is now the target of open speculation about a leadership challenge. He leads a fractious Labour Party that is tearing itself apart less than 20 months after it swept into power with more than 400 of the 650 seats in the House of Commons. While Labor in Australia enforces discipline, Labour in Britain erupts in division. Now the Epstein scandal looks like the final straw for a mutinous party. Starmer is exposed for his decision to appoint one of Jeffrey Epsteins associates, Peter Mandelson, as the British ambassador to Washington DC at the end of 2024. Advertisement Mandelson was removed last September when documents showed how close he was to the convicted sex offender, but this has not been enough to protect Starmer after the release of so much cringeworthy detail in the document dump from the US Department of Justice last Friday. The latest emails and documents show that Mandelson was not just a friend who turned up at Epsteins island. He was in constant touch on business and politics. As a Labour minister more than a decade ago, he sent Epstein confidential documents from within the British government. He is now the subject of a police investigation. Mandelson (left) and Jeffrey Epstein pictured together in an image released by US Congress. US Congress And Starmer is the subject of questions about his judgment in appointing Mandelson to such a key position. This was clarified on Wednesday in the House of Commons when the Conservative leader, Kemi Badenoch, asked Starmer about the security advice he had received before naming Mandelson in the post. Advertisement Did the official security vetting he received mention Mandelsons ongoing relationship with the paedophile Jeffrey Epstein? she asked. Related Article Epstein fallout Mandelson: I didnt know about Epsteins crimes because Im gay Yes, it did, Starmer answered. He said questions were put to Mandelson and promised to release this information to the House. He added: So it will see for itself the extent to which, time and time again, Mandelson completely misrepresented the extent of his relationship with Epstein and lied throughout the process. This might be enough to save Starmer. He has condemned Epstein and described Mandelsons leaks as a betrayal of the nation. He blames Mandelson for deceiving the government when it tried to check on his ties to the sex offender. The problem is that Mandelsons link to Epstein was known years ago. It emerged in court proceedings (such as a case regarding JPMorgan) well before any Department of Justice document releases. It was written about in the press, even though the full details were hidden. Advertisement Starmer appointed Mandelson anyway. A leader with full authority could ride out this storm. Starmer, however, has little authority left. He has struggled to set a direction for his government. His office conveys instability by hiring and firing advisers, blaming them for dud decisions. But every political office is shaped by the personality of its leader. Loading This is not all the leaders fault. Starmer presides over a large and fractious parliamentary party that was unready for government after 14 years in opposition. The Labour backbench jumps and scatters at every hard decision, whether it is on welfare reform or tax. While the Australian Labor Party uses the iron will of the left and right factions to keep order, the Labour Party lacks these twin pillars. It has a complex structure and fewer sanctions on dissent. Right now, it looks like an unruly collective. Advertisement Labour could, in theory, hold its nerve and keep governing. The next national election is not due until August 2029. But the government is behind in the opinion polls, and 68 per cent of voters say they dislike Starmer, according to polling firm YouGov. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage sets the agenda with his populist appeal on migration and his declaration that Britain is broken. So the date that matters is not in 2029 but in 2026. Labour MPs look terrified of the elections due on May 7 for parliaments in Scotland and Wales, as well as local councils. A drubbing for Labour would be a defeat for Starmer. Leadership questions grow Leadership speculation is rife. The major newspapers, from the left and the right, are full of Labour MPs speaking on background about Starmers poor judgment and the merits of various ministers who could replace him. The backgrounding presents the contenders as serious options, and much of the media falls for this, but the choices all have flaws. One of them, Angela Rayner, a left-wing firebrand, had to quit as deputy leader only five months ago because she did not pay her taxes properly. Advertisement Another, Wes Streeting, appeals to centrists but is only 43 and has barely been a minister for 18 months. A third, Andy Burnham, is the mayor of Greater Manchester and not even in the Commons. (He was, at least, a minister for three years until 2010.) Labour, as a party of government, looks panicked and paralysed. Australians will guess where this is going. Just as Labor splintered in Canberra over the choice between Kevin Rudd and Julia Gillard almost 16 years ago, Labour in the UK seems about to crack over the argument about Starmer. Once tipped as Starmers successor, Angela Rayner was forced to resign as his deputy over a tax scandal last year. AP That is why this is so bizarre. Labour saw the damage from feuding among its Australian friends from 2010 to 2013, and it saw the Conservatives implode over 14 years in power with five leaders from David Cameron to Theresa May, Boris Johnson, Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak. Yet it is heading towards the same civil strife. The despair has reached a stage where some MPs are intent on dumping Starmer despite their doubts about the alternatives. That is partly because the Mandelson affair makes it look as if the core problem is the prime minister, and the solution is to swap him out for another one. Advertisement If this happens, they are likely to discover that a governments first spill is not the end of the agony. Often it is just the start. 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. Welcome to Eye on AI, with AI reporter Sharon Goldman. In this editionMetas giant Hyperion data center gets even biggerOpenAI and Amazon talk about an allianceIs the AI bubble popping because AI is actually working?AI makes inroads at the Super Bowl (at least in the ads). Im in a bit of recovery mode today, having just returned from several days in northeast Louisiana visiting Metas massive AI data center site, known as Hyperion, for a feature story Im reporting. Ive been scouring the thesaurus, trying to land on the right word to describe just how large, loud, and chaotic this construction site is. Colossal? Mammoth? Sprawling? Lets put it this way: it takes a while just to drive the length of the siteit stretches roughly five miles from top to bottom. And during that drive, I discovered that Hyperion is getting even bigger. While the expansion had long been suspectedand was something of an open secret among some localsI confirmed that Meta has quietly purchased roughly 1,400 additional acres, an area nearly twice the size of Manhattans Central Park, adjacent to its already-mega 2,250-acre campus. I also observed active construction underway on the newly acquired landwhen I wasnt worrying about getting mowed down by the endless parade of 18-wheelers hauling materials in and around the site. A potential Amazon-OpenAI deal to power Alexa Now that Im back in one piece, I want to turn to a different news item that caught my eye this week. As Amazon weighs an equity investment of tens of billions of dollars in OpenAI, it is reportedly in talks to use OpenAI models to power some of its internal AI products, including the Alexa voice assistant. The deal, first reported by The Information, would involve OpenAI employees helping to customize models for Amazons needs. The news comes just a day after Amazon finally made its Alexa+ AI assistant available to everyone in the U.S., nearly a year after its initial launch. I attended the splashy unveiling in New York City last February, when the company pitched the service as a souped-up version of the original 11-year-old Alexaone that could handle multiple queries at once and act as an agent, taking actions on your behalf like booking a repairman or ordering an Uber. But even recently, beta testers were voicing plenty of frustrations. When I ask Alexa to turn off the light, it should turn off the lightnot everything on the strip, one software engineer wrote last October in an internal channel for feedback on unreleased Alexa+ features. It turned off the power strip that my aquarium filter is on and killed my fish. The World Customs Organization (WCO) just published its latest Illicit Trade Report (ITR). The ITR offers a comprehensive analysis of the dynamics and evolving trends of illicit trade. This edition underscores the complexity and adaptability of transnational criminal networks, highlighting impacts on public safety, global security, and sustainable development. The report, using data collected throughout 2024, focuses on key enforcement areas for Customs, including drugs, environment, money laundering and terrorist financing, intellectual property rights, health and safety, revenue and security. The purpose of the report is to raise awareness of critical risk areas and enforcement challenges faced by Customs administrations globally; and to enhance knowledge through intelligence informed data analysis supporting the development of strategic policies and future capacity-building initiatives. The sharing of this data annually strengthens the collective ability of WCO Members to detect, analyse and respond to illicit trade across different regions and domains. In the reports foreword, WCO Secretary General, Ian Saunders, said: The Illicit Trade Report not only informs but seeks to inspire further innovation, collaboration, and action. Together, by leveraging data, building partnerships, and investing in technology, we can advance our shared goal of a safer, more secure and more prosperous global trading environment. The Illicit Trade Report 2024 findings reveal shifting trafficking patterns, increasing sophistication in concealment methods, and the adaptability of transnational criminal networks. The report highlights a surge in the trafficking of cannabis, counterfeit goods and illicit environmental commodities, alongside a rise in seizures of small arms components and ammunition - underscoring the evolving global security landscape. Enforcement Trends This edition also includes insights drawn from case studies, WCO-led operations and open-source intelligence, offering additional operational context. It highlights the contributions and outcomes of WCO-led international enforcement operations such as DEMETER X, THUNDER, TENTACLE, COLIBRI, Calypso and Secure Horizon. It also includes inaugural seizure data for fentanyl, highlighting its insidious impacts on societal security and public health. The report not only highlights key enforcement trends but also celebrates operational successes and the shared commitment of WCO Members to protect global supply chains and communities. It includes several success stories that demonstrate how targeted Customs interventions have disrupted criminal activity and enhanced inter-agency cooperation. Sharing of these stories and best practices supports other Customs administrations in future interdictions, investigations, and ultimately prosecutions, further enhancing the fight against illicit trade. One example is that from Chilean Customs. Through its involvement in Project TENTACLE and regional coordination efforts, Chile not only disrupted significant illicit financial flows, seizing over $2 million USD in undeclared currency and 50kg of gold and jewelry, but also built a sustainable intelligence and enforcement model that can be replicated in other Member administrations. The countrys proactive approach serves as a model of integrated border enforcement, especially in high-risk zones for gold laundering and bulk currency movement. Collaboration and data sharing The report is the result of close collaboration between the WCO Secretariat, the Regional Intelligence Liaison Offices (RILOs) and WCO Members. It is primarily based on seizure data voluntarily submitted to the WCO Customs Enforcement Network (CEN) the worlds only centralized, Customs-led enforcement database. With over one million records submitted by the 187 WCO Members, the CEN supports Members in strengthening their analytical capability, enforcement planning and risk management. The report further showcases, through heat maps and other visuals, the continued and valuable use of the CEN Data Visualization Tool, which enables Members to explore trafficking patterns, identify concealment methods and support operational decision-making through interactive visual analysis. This annual publication underlines that the complex and evolving nature of illicit trade requires intelligence-led, risk-based and coordinated enforcement responses from Customs administrations. The WCO extends its sincere appreciation to all Members, RILOs and partners who contributed to the development of the Illicit Trade Report 2024. Their continued commitment to data sharing and collaborative enforcement is essential to strengthening global efforts against illicit trade. The Illicit Trade Report 2024 is now available in English, with the French version set to be released shortly. Akbar Novruz US President Donald Trump has claimed that Iran attempted to restart its nuclear program following US strikes carried out over the summer, warning Tehran against pursuing any new nuclear facilities, Azernews reports. Speaking in an interview with NBC News on Wednesday, Trump said Iranian officials had tried to return to a previously targeted site but were unable to access it. They tried to go back to the site. They weren't even able to get near it; there was total obliteration, he said. Trump added that Iran had considered building a new facility elsewhere in the country, prompting a direct warning from Washington. I said, You do that, we're going to do very bad things to you, he stated. Trumps remarks come as the United States and Iran prepare for talks on Tehrans nuclear program scheduled for Friday in Muscat, the capital of Oman. Although the negotiations were briefly cast into doubt earlier this week, a White House official confirmed to Anadolu that the talks would proceed. Iran also confirmed the meeting, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi saying discussions would begin Friday morning. United States President Donald Trump told NBC News on Wednesday that Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei should be "very worried" right now. The comment comes shortly after the news that the scheduled talks between the US and Iran have been called off. Furthermore, Trump said Iran is a "mess right now because of us", while reiterating his support for the anti-government protests in the Middle Eastern country. Earlier in the day, preparations for the encounter between the US and Iranian delegations faced obstacles as Washington insisted that the issue of Iran's ballistic missile program be included in the agenda. Tehran, on the other hand, rejected it, stating that only its nuclear program should be on the agenda. According to Axios, Washington rejected Iranian requests to change the location or format of the talks. The outlet quoted an unnamed US official as saying, We told them it is this or nothing, adding that Tehran initially responded by rejecting the conditions. Axios reported that the US remains open to talks this week or next if Iran agrees to return to the original format. Iranian media had earlier reported that the negotiations in Muscat would be indirect and focused strictly on nuclear-related issues. While Istanbul had previously been proposed as a venue following Turkiyes mediation efforts, the talks ultimately remained scheduled for Oman. Meanwhile, Irans semi-official Mehr News Agency cited a source claiming that Washington is seeking to expand the agenda beyond nuclear issues to include defence-related matters. The source described such demands as fundamentally non-negotiable, stressing that Iran is willing to negotiate only within a clearly defined nuclear framework based on mutual respect. Sources cited by Reuters said Trump is currently more inclined toward military action against Iran, amid rising tensions fueled by a US military buildup in the Persian Gulf and repeated warnings from Washington. Oman has previously played a key mediating role in indirect contacts between Tehran and Washington, while several countries, including Turkiye, have recently offered to help ease tensions. The US and its ally Israel accuse Iran of seeking to develop nuclear weapons, a claim Tehran denies, insisting its nuclear program is intended solely for peaceful purposes such as electricity generation. Times have changed when it comes to Eddie Bauer and its clothing line. The retailer, which specializes in high-quality, durable outdoor apparel and rugged casual wear for men, women and kids, is the latest retailer to leave the brick-and-mortar space. Catalyst Brands, which owns Eddie Bauer, is preparing to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Along with that, the brand it is expected to close all its North American stores, according to Womens Wear Daily. Thats nearly 200 U.S. stores. With one location already closedits Burnsville Center storethe brand has nine locations remaining in Minnesota, including Mall of America, Albertville, Duluth, Eagan, Eden Prairie, Edina, Medford, Minnetonka and Woodbury. Liquidation sales have commenced at a number of locations. The Chapter 11 filing wont impact the brands manufacturing, wholesale or e-commerce operations and wont affect international retail operations outside the U.S. and Canada. Currently, 20 locations are operating internationally. Read the original article on pennlive.com. President Donald Trump's border czar says he is reducing the number of immigration enforcement officers in Minnesota after state and local officials agreed to turn over arrested immigrants NEW DELHI, Feb 5 (Reuters) - India is talking to cryptocurrency exchanges to assess evolving trading activity as it seeks oversight over newer crypto products, according to a top tax official. India does not regulate cryptocurrencies, but global crypto exchanges such as Binance, Coin DCX, Coinbase and Zebpay operate in the country after registering with a government agency. Asia's third-largest economy has imposed punitive taxes on gains from cryptocurrencies and the local central bank has repeatedly cautioned against the risks from crypto trading. "Every day the profile of (cryptocurrency) transactions is changing. We need to understand new type and pattern of transactions as the technology evolves," Ravi Agrawal, chairman of Central Board of Direct Taxes, told Reuters in an interview on Thursday. Presently, crypto derivatives are not taxed, and need to be studied, Agrawal said, adding the "government will tread carefully" before formulating any policy for such "sensitive transactions". Global acceptance of cryptocurrencies has risen since U.S. President Donald Trump took office in January 2025, with bitcoin, the world's largest crypto-asset by market capitalisation, rising to record highs in October last year. Bitcoin has come off since. The Indian government has been of the view that its tax and other laws act as deterrents towards speculative crypto trading locally, Reuters reported last year. New Delhi is leaning towards not legislating crypto regulation and would instead maintain partial oversight, fearing that bringing the assets into the mainstream could raise systemic risks, Reuters reported in September 2025. (Reporting by Nikunj Ohri; Editing by Mrigank Dhaniwala) Hauptnavigation: Nutzen Sie die Tabulatortaste, um durch die Menupunkte zu navigieren. Offnen Sie Untermenus mit der Leertaste. Schlieen Sie Untermenus mit der Escape-Taste. Hauptnavigation: Nutzen Sie die Tabulatortaste, um durch die Menupunkte zu navigieren. Offnen Sie Untermenus mit der Leertaste. Produkte By Shivangi Acharya NEW DELHI, Feb 5 (Reuters) - India and the U.S. expect to sign a formal trade deal in March, after which New Delhi will lower tariffs on U.S. goods, Trade Minister Piyush Goyal said on Thursday, giving the first official timeline for the deal's adoption. The two countries will issue a joint statement within four or five days, after which Washington will cut duties on Indian exports to 18% from 50%. India, in turn, will buy about $500 billion worth of U.S. goods over the next five years, including $7080 billion of Boeing aircraft, Goyal said. Under the deal announced on Monday, U.S. President Donald Trump slashed U.S. tariffs on Indian goods in exchange for New Delhi stopping Russian oil purchases, bringing down tariffs and purchasing $500 billion worth of American goods. "A formal agreement on this deal will take 30-45 days and will be signed in March," Goyal told reporters in New Delhi. Goyal said India will increase purchases of energy, aircraft and chips from United States. He added orders placed or ready to placed for aircraft, along with engines and other parts, would be worth about $100 billion. Last month, Tata Group-owned Air India said it had nearly 200 aircraft on order with U.S. planemaker Boeing, while another smaller airline, Akasa Air, said it has orders for 226 Boeing 737 MAX jets. Indian stocks rallied after Monday's announcement of the India-US deal, as the agreement removed uncertainty about the future of the relationship between the two allies. However, India's main opposition party is putting pressure on the government to give details on the deal as there is concern about how much the agriculture sector has been opened. On Tuesday, officials from both sides said India will grant the United States some limited access to its market for agricultural products but maintain key protections. (Reporting by Shivangi Acharya; Additional reporting by Abhijith Ganapavaram in New Delhi, Writing by Shilpa Jamkhandikar; Editing by YP Rajesh, Clarence Fernandez, William Maclean) If you have an event you'd like to list on the site, submit it now! Submit By Cillian Sherlock, Press Association Allegations around a conflict of interest for the chairman of Bord Bia are false and driven by social media, Larry Murrin said amid calls for his resignation. Murrin has rejected repeated demands to step down from his role at the state agency, which is charged with promoting and enforcing standards on food, including beef. The dispute arose out of revelations that Murrins company Dawn Farm Foods had sourced less than 1% of its beef from Brazil last year for contingency planning in a contract. On Thursday, he said his company was a major customer of Irish beef producers but said security of supply agreements with major international customers require provisions for food crises, disease outbreaks, and supply issues. Murrin told the Agriculture Committee that somewhere in the southern hemisphere would always be on the contingency list for his companys customers. He said: Im not a champion for Brazil and I want to make that perfectly clear today, but Brazil is the largest exporter of beef in the world today and our global customers look at commodity markets globally, and I have to be able to demonstrate as part of our supply-chain security arrangements that this country can access those raw materials if it needs to. He insisted his quality assurance team have stringent requirements and work with the most reputable companies in Brazil when they need to. Murrin said it is completely incorrect to suggest that Dawn Farms promotes products containing non-Irish beef under the Bord Bia quality mark, adding: Those claims are false and have caused damage. Members of the Irish Farmers Association protest outside the offices of Bord Bia in Dublin (Niall Carson/PA) The Irish Farmers Association (IFA) and the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association (ICMSA) have called for his resignation over claims of a conflict of interest as they say Bord Bia places standards on Irish beef that they do not believe are met by Brazilian farms. However, Bord Bias chief executive, Jim OToole, said it was in the best interests of Irish farmers for Murrin to remain as chairman, and Agriculture Minister Martin Heydon has also expressed confidence in Murrin. He said his position on the board had been presented to him as an ultimatum by the farming organisations, adding: I dont do ultimatums unless they come from my wife. Heydon has said that Murrin had been willing to give a detailed and confidential briefing about the arrangement to the farmers groups. The issue is particularly sensitive as the European Commission seeks to progress the Mercosur trade deal with Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay with Irish farmers concerned their beef exports to Europe would be at risk because of cheaper Brazilian beef entering the market. Members of the Irish Farmers Association protest outside the offices of Bord Bia in Dublin (Niall Carson/PA) At the Oireachtas Agriculture Committee on Thursday, Murrin said his role as chairman of Bord Bia was a non-executive position and he did not manage day-to-day operations or quality assurance programmes. He said there had been a misrepresentation of conflict of interests in his duties. Murrin said he has never been conflicted in leading the board and ensuring its effectiveness. I have spent my entire working life advocating on behalf of Irish food, drink and agriculture in global markets in the best interests of Ireland, he said. I have spent every week since assuming the chair of Bord Bia doing likewise that will not change. Outside of the less than 1 per cent supply from Brazil, Murrin said Dawn Farm Foods sources well over 50% of its beef from Ireland and the remainder from the UK and the EU. He also told the committee that the company sources some poultry from Brazil but no pig meat. He said 7 to 10 per cent of the white poultry meat imports into Ireland. The dispute has seen the IFA stage a days-long protest outside Bord Bias headquarters in Dublin, with some demonstrators even occupying the lobby of the building for a time. A protest also took place outside the Oireachtas last week, with several tractors parking along the roadside outside a main entrance to Leinster House. Murrin said he had enormous respect for farmers but added: I do not support the behaviour of IFA members occupying Bord Bia reception in recent days. Elsewhere on Thursday, Justice Minister Jim OCallaghan said he was surprised by the stance taken by the IFA. He told Newstalks The Claire Byrne Show that the Government should not be intimidated by interest groups into changing a decision, adding that he believed the IFA was being led a bit by those on the more militant side of the Irish farming lobbying groups. He called for mature people to recognise that you cant have a situation where people are forced out of public jobs through pressure. By Sethuraman N R Feb 4 (Reuters) - India's Tata Power is examining potential sites in three states for future nuclear power projects but is awaiting further regulatory clarity before finalising plans, Chief Executive Praveer Sinha said on Wednesday. India's parliament in December approved a landmark atomic energy bill that allows private and foreign companies to enter the nuclear power sector, as the energyhungry country targets a tenfold increase in nuclear capacity to 100 gigawatts by 2047. Sinha said the company is looking at smallersized reactors, including small modular reactors, but noted that capital costs are high and private players in India have limited experience. Tata Power is in discussions with the Department of Atomic Energy, the Nuclear Power Corporation of India and multiple technology partners, including foreign firms, he said. Speaking on the company's media call after quarterly results, Sinha said many regulations and detailed rules still need to be issued, including those covering licensing conditions, fuelsourcing arrangements and approval processes. He said the company expects greater clarity in six to nine months, after which it will move ahead with siterelated work such as land acquisition. Tata Power has not finalised the planned capacity of the proposed plants, he added. Meanwhile, Tata Power, expects to comfortably meet its imported coal requirements this year after one of its key Indonesian mines received its full production quota. Reuters on Monday reported that Indonesian miners have halted spot coal exports after the government proposed steep production cuts. Sinha said the company received its full quota for the year from the large Kaltim Prima Coal mine, which produces about 50 million metric tons annually. Tata Power, which holds a 30% stake in the mine, also sources coal from Australia, South Africa, Mozambique, Kazakhstan and other regions to diversify supply, the executive said. (Reporting by Sethuraman NR; Editing by Andrea Ricci ) High Court Reporter Kenny Jacobs will voluntarily step down as chief executive of DAA after he settled a High Court action brought against the State airport operator. Mr Jacobs initiated the action against DAA after he was suspended by the company in December, pending a new investigation into 20 allegations made against him. The chief executive was previously the subject of two formal complaints, which were made last year, but the complaints were not upheld after an investigation by Mark Connaughton SC. In his High Court action, Mr Jacobs had sought his return to work and declarations that the DAA board had prejudged his removal from office. On Thursday, Mairead McKenna, counsel for DAA, told Judge Marguerite Bolger that the case had settled on mutually agreeable terms and could be struck out. McKenna said that Jacobs would voluntarily step down from his role as chief executive of DAA. She said an order could be made for Mr Jacob's legal costs. The judge made the order as sought. Around the time I was ordained in 1973 a major survey on religious practice in Ireland was published. Its main finding was that over 90% of Irish Catholics attended Mass every Sunday. (At the time there was no Saturday vigil Mass). Incredibly, some commentators were disappointed at the decline in numbers compared to 1961 when almost 95% had identified as Catholics in the Irish Census. After ordination I was appointed a curate in Keenagh in Crossmolina parish and, Ben McLoughlin, the most benign of parish priests, gave me responsibility for two churches: Keenagh and Eskeragh. Every Sunday I said Mass in both churches and occasionally covered Mass in Crossmolina. At the time, almost invariably, all Masses were packed, often with people standing at the back. Now, almost invariably, only Masses at Christmas produce a full house. At the time, apart from the very elderly and those who were ill, it was taken for granted that every Catholic in Ireland was at Mass every Sunday and those who werent were rounded up every few years by a Redemptorist at the parish mission. The only comparison with the past is that even though with churches half full or quarter full or even sometimes almost empty, there are still a few standing at the back keeping alive an ancient tradition! At that time, there were four priests in Crossmolina parish even though in comparison with workloads on priests today, it was then easy lifting. Sometimes I wonder how the four of us found something to do. Now there are just two priests, both in their 70s but, wise men that they are, theyre happy to facilitate the talents of their parishioners by sponsoring a number of lay-led ministries, including lay Funeral Ministers for funerals and lay-led liturgies. What we didnt advert to in the past was that, as attendance at Mass was then a command performance with no less than a mortal sin attached to it (or so we were told) so our Sunday congregations were not just for the devout (and other Catholics) but atheists, agnostics and those otherwise unaffiliated or (those with no religion) the Nones as they came to be categorised. In the 2022 Census, the number of Catholics in Ireland registered at 69% the lowest recorded in an Irish Census with 14% of the population recording themselves as irreligious or Nones up from 0.1% of Nones in 1961 the second largest category after Catholics. Clearly the Nones, a remarkable phenomenon that has led to sociologists giving them that collective label, are now a declared and ever-increasing constituent of the Irish population - most of whom, in the past, religiously or irreligiously, attended Mass with a complement of atheists, agnostics and others giving the impression that their attendance was voluntary rather than pressured by the social expectation that everyone, apart from Protestants, had to be Catholics! It must have been a strange and lonely obligation that many Nones reluctantly and unreasonably felt obliged to fulfil every Sunday. According to the Catholic theologian, Tomas Halik, in The Afternoon of Christianity, Nones are now after Catholics the third largest group on the planet today and they represent an extraordinarily diverse range of non-religious beliefs. In the Czech Republic, the Nones strongly outnumber those who subscribe to various churches and various religions but Halik, a Czech himself, writes that it would be a mistake to regard them as either agnostic or atheist. Halik suggests that it is better to regard Nones as simply dechurched'. Theres an important truth in that distinction. In the Czech Republic, as in Ireland, there is a significant constituency of the unchurched: apatheists (those indifferent to religion); agnostics (those unsure if they believe); those religiously illiterate (absence of even elementary religious knowledge); anti-clericals (those with an allergy to priests and church); and a variety of substitute spiritual beliefs including a search for belonging. I think this has lessons for us. Nones dont always leave the Church and even when they do its because they tend to look for forms of spirituality not on offer from the Church. What has driven them away from Catholicism is not just our inability to respond to their needs but the scandal of recent sexual abuses cases that was the last straw even for those who fell into the category of belonging without believing. In the past those who became alienated from Catholicism usually joined another Christian denomination but now they seem more content to become Nones still believers but with no church affiliation. They want to distance themselves from churches which they regard as having lost credibility and their disillusionment with churches is based on a felt need for a spirituality that they sense is beyond their former church to provide. Yet the longing remains. (Its why some Nones continue to cite Christianity as their religion in surveys and in censuses.) What confirms for Nones the wisdom of breaking the connection with church is the way churches depend on proselytism and mission in Haliks words, to squeeze Nones into existing church boundaries rather than freeing them up to other possibilities. The obvious example is young people who despair of the churchs ability to recognise or respond to their needs or respect their wishes and resent the effort to get then back to Mass instead of listening to them and loosening up to allowing their spiritual needs to be heard. Charles Taylor, in A Secular Age, has shown that in many instances Gospel ideas only become part of our culture when the Church has lost its power and influence. Tomas Halik reminds us that on the eve of his election as pope, Francis I quoted Jesuss words, I stand at the door and knock and Francis added that today Jesus knocks from within the Church and wants to go out, especially to the poor, marginalised and wounded of our world. As the young would surely agree - it seems the way to go. There's a particular quality to silence you only learn when your offspring leaves home. Its not the absence of noise but the unfamiliar silence that invades when the parenting purpose has been removed. It settles in your chest when you realise the daily architecture of fatherhood, all those years of scaffolding and shoring up, has been quietly dismantled overnight. Your child or children are in college now, and you're sitting there, in a house that's eerily quiet, trying to animate your day enough so it might make some familiar noise. I've been busily painting the same stretch of the Mayo coastline for years, capturing the same rocks, the ambient light, and ever-changing weather. The thing about landscape painting is that it teaches you about letting go of the moment. You can't force the tumultuous Atlantic to behave; you can't still the billowing clouds and ever-shifting tides. An artist has to work with what's there moment to moment, and I'm beginning to think fatherhood might be the same, only it's taken me eighteen years plus to see it. The impulse, when your son heads off to college, is to pack him full of wisdom, to distil everything you've learned into a rucksack - all the face-plants and false starts, the small victories and large humiliations - into some sort of portable survival kit. As if personal wisdom could be vacuum-packed like smoked salmon. But I gave up, realising I was packing for my past life, not his. Theres one thing no one tells you about being a parent. The job description changes continually, usually without warning. When they're small, well, you're a god. Everything you say is gospel, every scraped knee requires your intervention, every bedtime monster demands your particular brand of monster-slaying. You get rather fond of being adored and inflated by such innocent esteem, and then adolescence arrives like a house guest who's forgotten to leave, and suddenly you're not quite trending, if not an occasional anachronism. That's fair enough, as I can vividly recall my own adolescent intolerance of elders. But the next bit is something else entirely as you're meant to step back now, not away, mind you, but back. Give them room to make precisely the mistakes you spent their entire childhood trying to prevent, and it goes against every protective instinct. Evolution has spent millions of years fine-tuning parents to keep their offspring alive, and now you're supposed to override the programming and watch them walk into traffic. Metaphorical traffic, mostly, but sometimes actual traffic if they've had a few drinks with the lads, might be a tad rowdy and can't remember which way the cars are coming. I do find myself reaching for the phone, wanting to check in, make sure he's eating something other than toast, that he's going to lectures, that he hasn't accidentally joined a cult or taken up with someone wholly unsuitable. Then I stop. Because what I'm really doing is reassuring myself that I'm still relevant. That the job isn't done. That I'm not redundant. But late at night or in the winter dusk, when the house settles into its own rhythms, I sometimes walk past his room, and I pause there, just for a moment, remembering all the versions of him that grew up in that space. Illustration: Conor McGuire The truth is considerably less comfortable. He doesn't need me the way he used to. Doesn't need me to explain how the world works, where to find his shoes, or why that girl in his peer group probably isn't the love of his life. He needs me to shut up and trust him and believe that somewhere in the years of nurture, between the knee scrapes and the homework tears and the continual battles around screen time, something took hold. That he's actually capable of working it out himself. This is where parenthood stops being about what you do and starts being about what you don't do and the interventions you decide not to deliver. The advice you don't dispense, the rescue missions you don't launch, and it's harder than anything that came before, this deliberate absence. At least when they're small, you can measure your success in tangible ways. Did they eat their vegetables, did they say please, or did they make it to school on time with all their school books? Now you're measuring it in negative space, in all the phone calls you resisted making and the opinions you keep buttoned. I frequently think about my own father, trying to remember if he went through this change sensibly, seven times in total. I suspect he did, though he certainly wouldn't have called it that, as his generation didn't do emotional archaeology or obvious vulnerability. You just got on with things and kept the softer emotions private, the doubts locked away where they couldn't frighten the children or, perhaps, yourself. Today, we grown men are allowed to be indulgently sentimental. We can admit that watching your son drive away with a carload of belongings feels like someone's stabbed a vital organ you forgot was pulsating under your ribcage. Thank God I can see the winter beauty in County Mayo, as there's something about living on the edge of the windswept Atlantic that makes absence feel all the more acute. The western landscape is all about what's not there - the trees on the shoreline stripped bare of leaves, the generations of relatives and friends who left for Boston and never came back. You feel it in the stones. All that beautiful emptiness teaching you about space and distance, about how things can be far away and still somehow present. My son and I don't talk every day; sometimes nearly a week goes by before we talk. When we do talk, it's about nothing in particular. I try not to excavate but prefer he surrender his thoughts - his essay deadlines, my latest article for the Western People, whether the Leaving Cert is still as traumatising as when he sat it the year before. Its all light, surface stuff, not too challenging for a faceless phone conversation, but underneath, I'm listening for something else, the encouraging signs that he's finding his footing, that he's learning to stand in that space between a dizzying array of stimuli and a measured, adult response. Its that unnerving place where you get to choose who you're going to be in society. We, the mere parental elders, call it growing up, a gross simplification of a tumultuous reality. The ever-present temptation is to reach in and smooth things over when they go wrong. And they will go wrong, often spectacularly and repeatedly, in ways you can't possibly anticipate. He'll get his heart broken again, or he'll fail at something that will disrupt his whole schedule, and he'll discover that being clever isn't the same as being wise, and that kindness takes more courage than cleverness ever will. Part of me wants to spare him all of that, but the more sensible part knows you can't and shouldnt. You cant be afraid of letting go, as you're not actually letting go of them; you're letting go of your idea of them, the mistaken version you've been carrying around in your head, the one where you know exactly who they are and what they need. That version was always fiction anyway, just better edited and curated than most. The real person, now an adult, the one currently negotiating a busy social life and seminars, that person has always been there, just waiting for permission to blossom without your continual intervention and tacit approval. So I continue to paint and write my articles, and my son hasn't left, not really; he's just moved into the next room, and I'm learning it's wise to knock before entering. The silence isn't as tangible as it was a few months ago, and on most mornings, I even appreciate it, as the house now organises itself around my schedule rather than the school timetable. I can work late without feeling guilty, and can spend as long as I fancy watching the light change over Nephin without anyone asking what's for dinner. But late at night or in the winter dusk, when the house settles into its own rhythms, I sometimes walk past his room, and I pause there, just for a moment, remembering all the versions of him that grew up in that space. The needy infant, the joy-filled toddler and the suddenly private and assertive teenager. But parenthood doesn't end, it just changes shape and becomes quieter, more about faith than action. You step back and hope that all those years of showing up, of being boringly consistent, of trying to model something approaching decency - you hope it somehow sank in and took root. So when he's standing at some crossroads trying to decide which way to turn, something you said or did or demonstrated without meaning to might whisper in his ear. Or maybe it won't, and maybe he'll work it out entirely on his own, through trial and error and the odd spectacular failure. Either way, he'll be fine, better than fine, and he'll be himself, which is all any of us can hope to be. And I'll still be here, painting the same shifting light on Nephin's hills, while struggling with the wording of some article. I am learning what my father probably knew all along: the hardest thing about being a parent is trusting that you've done enough, even when it feels like you've done nothing at all. Live music is back at Garbos Live Music and Events Venue at Mayo Leisure Point in Castlebar, with four events announced for early 2026 - marking the venues return to hosting live gigs. Manager of Garbos Venue, Declan Kilkelly, and Cora Mulroy of Mayo Leisure Point, together with local promoters and musicians Finbar Hoban and Julianne Hennelly, say they are delighted to kick off the new year with a varied programme of community events and headline live acts. - Nostalgia Night - Friday 20th February Kicking off the series is an event called Nostalgia, organised by Julianne Hennelly, featuring Luke and Zoe Davis, Paul Roberts and Danny Munnelly, with DJ Mark Gannon on the decks. Running from 8pm, the night will combine live music and DJ sets while raising funds for the family of Leigh Cresham, who is currently receiving medical treatment overseas. Tickets: www.eventbrite.ie - Meryl Streek Saturday 21st February Dublin-based artist Meryl Streek takes to the stage the following night, supported by South Mayo punk outfit Mart. Streek has toured with acts including Kneecap and Public Image Ltd and is known for his high-impact blend of punk and electronic music. Tickets: www.eventbrite.ie - Slyrydes Friday 3rd April Galway post-punk band Slyrydes play Garbos in April, bringing their energetic live show to Castlebar. The band are noted for tackling modern Irish themes and mental-health awareness in their music. Tickets: www.eventbrite.ie - Rugged Little Pill - Saturday 11th April Irelands leading Alanis Morissette tribute act comes to Castlebar as Rugged Little Pill takes to the stage. The six-piece band will perform hits from one of the worlds most successful recording artists, whose albums have sold over 60 million copies worldwide, drawing from the Canadian stars iconic back catalogue. Tickets: www.eventbrite.ie Garbos Venue looks forward to welcoming live music fans back, promising an exciting start to 2026 and signalling the return of live music to the popular Castlebar space. As always, Garbos is open for private and community bookings, including birthday celebrations, wedding parties, family reunions, retirement gatherings and corporate functions, as well as table quizzes, race nights and other bespoke private events. Upcoming community events include; - Rotary Club Charity Table Quiz Night - Thursday, 26th February A fun night for a great local cause, the Rotary Club of Castlebar host their annual table quiz from 8pm. All proceeds will go to the Grainne Mhaol Dragon Boat Club. Tickets are available on the door and all are welcome. Tickets: On the Door For all Garbos party and event bookings, contact Declan on 087 280 0536 Secretary of State Marco Rubio, right, welcomes Vice President JD Vance to the stage during the Critical Minerals Ministerial meeting at the State Department, Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026 in Washington. (AP Photo/Kevin Wolf) BERLIN, Feb 4 (Reuters) - Germany's Infineon, whose chips power AI data centres, said it plans to invest an extra 500 million euros ($591.65 million) in manufacturing capacity this fiscal year as it expects revenue from that business to grow by two-thirds in 2027. The company on Wednesday increased its planned investments for its 2026 fiscal year that began on October 1 to 2.7 billion euros, with a focus mainly on chips that power the data centres. As a result, it said it expects revenue from its AI business to hit 1.5 billion euros in the current year and reach 2.5 billion euros in the next one. Shares were up 2.6% in early trade after the results. "The very dynamic demand for AI, against an otherwise subdued market backdrop, is providing strong tailwinds to Infineon," CEO Jochen Hanebeck said. "To serve our customers in the best possible way, we are aligning our manufacturing capacity to meet further rising demand and are bringing forward our investments in this area," he added. Infineon also reported group first quarter revenue of 3.66 billion euros, slightly above the 3.62 billion euros expected in a poll of analysts by Vara Research published on January 27. Its segment result margin - Infineon's preferred measure of operating profitability - also beat expectations by reaching 17.9% for the fiscal first quarter ending in December. Revenue for Infineon's power and sensor systems segment was down 3%, at 1.17 billion euros, compared with the previous quarter, but is expected to grow at a much faster rate than the group average over the year on data centre demand, it said. ($1 = 0.8451 euros) (Reporting by Hakan Ersan and Miranda Murray, editing by Linda Pasquini and Andrew Heavens) The J. P. Morgan Healthcare Conference 2026 (JPM 2026) offers an early view of investor sentiment in the healthcare industry at the start of the year. This years meeting took place 1215 January in San Francisco, attracting investors, biotechs, pharma companies, services providers, and others in the healthcare sector. In 2025, a 58% increase in biopharmaceutical mergers and acquisitions (M&As) was characterised by bolt-on transactions, rather than mega deals. This trend was apparent even at JPM 2026, where the only $10bn+ deal was the medtech acquisition of Penumbra by Boston Scientific for $14.5bn. Regardless, a palpable sense of keenness for acquiring high-value assets was apparent in strategies outline by big pharma during JPM 2026. This was partly due to the loss of exclusivity of key blockbusters like Merck & Co's Keytruda (pembrolizumab), Ocrevus (ocrelizumab) and more. Tackling the upcoming patent cliff to stem revenue loss is expected to be a key theme for several big pharma companies in 2026 and beyond. In addition to the impending loss of exclusivity for major drugs, other key themes emphasised at the conference and tracked by GlobalData include; The China factor: China cannot be ignored and is seen as an innovator in the industry, with several notable licensing deals between China and Big Pharma, underscoring how Chinese innovation is filling the pipeline for major US and EU companies. Chinese biotechs will continue to be seen as a strong competitor and collaborator. Artificial intelligence (AI): AI is seen as a core strategic level across the pharmaceutical value chain. Pharma is undertaking AI-focused deals with giants like NVIDIA, exploring autonomous laboratories, and placing an emphasis on developing in-house AI tools to optimize the drug development engine. Policy impact: Uncertainty around issues like Most Favored Nation (MFN) drug pricing, drug tariffs, and budget and resource cuts at the US FDA and Department of Human and Health Services, which plagued the biopharma industry in 2025, unsettled investor confidence. The sector showed initial signs of adapting to the uncertainty by exploring direct-to-patient pricing models and domestic manufacturing deals to quell macroeconomic anxieties. Obesity drugs: With a vast, underpenetrated patient population and meaningful impact on cardiometabolic comorbidities, obesity is now a centrepiece for growth, portfolio prioritization, and partnering, thus driving R&D focus, commercial model redesign, and competitive positioning for large and mid-cap players alike. Once completed, it will help protect more than 6 million people while safeguarding businesses and maintaining operations along the Houston Ship Channel, a critical energy corridor. This major program underscores our leadership delivering complex and high-impact water infrastructure focused on long-term resilience. In life sciences and advanced manufacturing, we were selected to provide engineering, procurement, and program management services for Hut 8 Riverbend data center in Louisiana, a flagship AI high-performance computing project. The facility is poised to be one of the largest of its kind in North America. The region's power-dense utility infrastructure enables the speed, reliability, and flexibility required for next-generation AI workloads. We also reported a substantial increase in our quarterly book-to-bill during Q1, to 2.0 times, positioning us well for the rest of FY 2026 and beyond. Turning to Slide five, I'd like to highlight a few notable INAF project awards for the first quarter. Q1 included several marquee wins that reflect the breadth of our capabilities and the strength of our demand across our end markets. Starting with water and environmental, we were selected to lead the engineering design for the Bolivar Roads Gate System along the Texas Gulf Coast. Spanning the narrow strait connecting The Gulf to Galveston Bay, this project is expected to be among the largest storm surge barriers in the world. We see PA's core competencies in digital consulting, innovation, and AI advisory as a force multiplier for Jacobs Solutions Inc. and a key accelerant in our strategy to redefine the asset life cycle. In summary, we are exiting Q1 with momentum, and the strong start to the year gives us confidence to increase our FY 2026 outlook for net revenue, adjusted EPS, and free cash flow margin, which Venk will go through in detail shortly. Turning to slide four, we provide a detailed overview of our quarterly results. We are very pleased with Q1 results as a strong operating performance paired with our lower share count drove the fourth straight quarter of double-digit growth in adjusted EPS. Bob Pragada: Good afternoon, everyone, and thank you for joining us to discuss our first quarter 2026 business performance. We delivered very strong results for Q1, exceeding our expectations across all key metrics and made incremental progress toward achieving our FY 2029 targets. I'll quickly highlight a few key takeaways. First, adjusted EPS grew 15% to $1.53, supported by robust 8% net revenue growth and solid underlying margin performance. Second, our backlog grew 21% to over $26 billion, setting a new record, with our trailing twelve-month book-to-bill rising to 1.4 times. And third, we announced an agreement with the shareholders of PA Consulting to acquire the remaining stake in the company. Story Continues This project demonstrates how we're leveraging our deep domain expertise in data centers, power, water, and digital twin technology to deliver increasingly complex facilities. In critical infrastructure, we continue to secure high-value mission-critical programs that underscore the strength of our combined Jacobs Solutions Inc. and PA Consulting capabilities. Notably, in The UK, the health security agency selected PA, supported by Jacobs Solutions Inc., to act as delivery partner in its trust program, an initiative focused on strengthening resilience and safeguarding critical health data and infrastructure. Through advisory, technical, and delivery support, we'll help the agency meet data security and cyber requirements, ensuring the systems that underpin public health and emergency response remain resilient and secure. This award reflects the growing demand for our integrated consulting and delivery approach and reinforces our role in supporting some of the UK government's most critical priorities. Also within critical infrastructure, we were selected to lead program and construction management services for the $1.6 billion modernization of Cleveland Hopkins International Airport. The program will modernize aging infrastructure and improve accessibility and passenger flow at Ohio's busiest airport. Jacobs Solutions Inc. is ranked as engineering news record number one firm in aviation, a sector where we continue to see significant growth in demand for terminal upgrades, master planning for new builds, digital implementation, and AI advisory. In summary, we are deepening our relationship with key clients, which is driving multifaceted, multiyear program wins as demonstrated by our significant backlog growth in the quarter. Now I'll turn the call over to Venk to review our financial results in further detail. Venkatesh R. Nathamuni: Thank you, Bob, and good afternoon, everyone. I'd like to echo Bob's earlier comments on our announcement to acquire the remaining stake in PA Consulting. Our partnership over the last five years has truly differentiated our approach to our clients' business, and we look forward to accelerating the integration of our combined offering. A year ago at our Investor Day, we talked about the power of focus, and increasing our ownership in PA Consulting to 100% will support our goal to simplify our structure, execute on our strategy, and produce predictable high-quality earnings over the long term. Now please turn to slide number six where I'll walk through our results for Q1. In the first quarter, gross revenue increased 12% year over year, and adjusted net revenue, which excludes pass-through revenue, grew by more than 8%. Q1 adjusted EBITDA was $303 million, growing more than 7% with our margin coming in about 13.4%. We absorbed less PTO than anticipated recall that last year during Q1, resulting in a margin tailwind that did not recur this year. Overall, adjusted EPS rose 15% year over year, a great start to fiscal year 2026. Consolidated backlog was up 21% year over year to a record $26.3 billion, with our trailing twelve-month book-to-bill rising to 1.4 times. Book-to-bill was particularly strong in Q1, driven in part by several large awards in the life sciences and advanced manufacturing end market. We expect these awards to contribute positively to net revenue growth through fiscal year 2026 and beyond, but do note that they carry higher than normal pass-through revenue. Importantly, gross profit in backlog, which would not be impacted by this pass-through dynamic, highlighting the underlying strength of our sales performance, increased 15% year over year during Q1. Regarding our performance by end market, and infrastructure and advanced facilities, let's now turn to slide number seven. At a high level, all of our end markets performed well during the quarter, with strong revenue growth in life sciences and advanced manufacturing and critical infrastructure, within INAF, as well as '1 forecast for enterprise net revenue growth. Focusing in on life sciences and advanced manufacturing, net revenue grew 10% in Q1, a nice improvement from Q4 as programs in our advanced manufacturing vertical ramp up. As we have noted in past quarters, strong award activity in both the data center and semiconductor sectors is now helping drive higher growth. Additionally, we continue to see favorable trends in life sciences, and this combination positions us well for the remainder of the year. Our current expectation is that growth in this end market will lead INAF in fiscal year 2026 as programs ramp up during the second half of the year. Shifting now to critical infrastructure, net revenue increased 8% over Q1 2025. Critical infrastructure is performing well across the board, with robust growth in transportation, particularly in rail and aviation, driving strong overall growth for the end market. Net revenue growth in our water and environmental end market increased sequentially to 4%, driven by high single-digit growth in water and a modest easing of headwinds in environmental. We forecast year-on-year performance for environmental will improve as we move into the second half of the fiscal year. In summary, we performed well across our end markets during Q1, and we believe we are positioned nicely for the remainder of fiscal year 2026 and beyond. Now moving on to slide number eight, I'll provide a brief overview of our segment financials. In Q1, INAF operating profit increased modestly year on year, with similar constant currency performance. PA consulting operating profit increased 27% on 16% revenue growth and a strong operating margin of 24%. On a constant currency basis, operating profit grew 22%. PA continues to benefit from rising demand for digital consulting and advisory services, in the public national security, and energy sectors. As we look ahead, expect PA's revenue growth to remain solid with fiscal year 2026 tracking in the high single-digit range year on year. Moving on to slide nine, we provide an overview of cash generation and our balance sheet. For Q1, free cash flow came in at $365 million, supported by solid working capital performance, as well as a favorable cash timing item at the end of the quarter. Excluding this timing item, that will reverse in Q2, underlying free cash flow performance was still very strong and gives us confidence to raise our full-year free cash flow outlook, which I'll discuss shortly. Focusing in on capital returns, we increased our share repurchase quantum during Q1 to take advantage of the dislocation in our shares in the second half of the quarter. As a result, we're starting the year well on our way to returning at least 60% of our free cash flow to shareholders. Bob Pragada: Additionally, Venkatesh R. Nathamuni: we announced last week that we will be raising our quarterly dividend from 32 to 36 a share, a 12.5% increase. We have now more than doubled our quarterly dividend per share since 2019. Additionally, our net leverage ratio currently stands just below 0.8 times on LTM adjusted EBITDA, which is well below our 1.0 to 1.5 times target range. Our balance sheet strength has enabled us to increase share repurchases, raise our quarterly dividend, and enter into an agreement to purchase the remaining stake in PA Consulting. The acquisition of the remaining stake in PA will raise our net leverage to slightly above the high end of our 1.0 to 1.5 times target range upon closing, but we expect to return to the target range within a year. Finally, please turn to slide number 10 for our updated fiscal year 2026 outlook. Increasing our forecast adjusted net revenue growth, adjusted EPS growth, Bert Subin: and free cash flow margin Venkatesh R. Nathamuni: relative to our guidance from last quarter. We're increasing our fiscal year 2026 net revenue range to 6.5% to 10% year over year, adjusted EPS range to $6.95 to $7.30, and free cash flow margin range to 7% to 8.5%. Our expectation remains unchanged for an adjusted EBITDA margin range of 14.4% to 14.7%. Notably, our outlook for fiscal year 2026 implies over 16% year on year growth in adjusted EPS at the midpoint. We provide relevant assumptions on the right side of the page to help with your modeling. Please note that our guidance does not reflect the announced acquisition of the remaining stake in PA Consulting, and we plan to update our outlook once the deal closes, likely with our Q2 results in May. Based on current assumptions, we expect the acquisition to be accretive to adjusted EPS in the first twelve months following closing. We anticipate the $16 million to $20 million projected cost synergies will begin to phase in during fiscal year 2026, with revenue synergies providing incremental upside. As it pertains to Q2, we expect our adjusted EBITDA margin to be in the range of 13.8% to 14%, with year over year net revenue growth of approximately 6.5%. In summary, we're off to a great start in fiscal year 2026, and remain focused on strong execution, profitable growth, and continued capital returns. With that, I'll turn the call back over to Bob. Bob Pragada: Thank you, Venk. In closing, we're tracking very well to the start of the new fiscal year. We performed ahead of our expectations in Q1, enabling us to increase our full-year outlook across three key metrics after just one quarter. Our strong execution, secular growth tailwinds, and the announced acquisition of the remaining stake in PA Consulting position us extremely well to deliver on our FY 2029 targets. Operator, we will now open the call for questions. Operator: Thank you. We also ask that you limit yourself to one question and one follow-up. For any additional questions, please re-queue. And your first question comes from the line of Sabahat Khan with RBC Capital Markets. Please go ahead. Sabahat Khan: Great. Thanks, and good afternoon. Maybe just the higher-level question on sort of the outlook here. And obviously, this last calendar quarter to end the year had some concerns about a government shutdown. Doesn't seem to have flown into your numbers. Similarly, obviously, some puts and takes on the macro. If you can just walk us through kind of what's reflected in your guidance, what it would take to get to sort of closer to that higher end of the top-line guide versus the lower end, and how you have sort of baked in some of the potential green shoots and potential sort of government-related considerations into this updated guidance? Just start off? Thanks. Bob Pragada: Yeah. Sure. Savi, just on your first one with regards to kinda how we position ourselves within that revenue range that we talked about. I'd say it would be the burn profile of the backlog. We had some really nice wins within our life sciences and advanced manufacturing group driven by data centers and chip manufacturing. Those tend to have pretty high velocity to them. And so, you know, if those continue to go at the pace that they are, that would be a driver. And we're also seeing a nice tick up across the international business. An international business that grew over 9% this year, and that was pretty broad-based. In Europe, Middle East, as well as in APAC. And so I think that balance of our business and, you know, not feeling the effects of the government shutdown has given us confidence in the range that we put out there. But, again, it'd be the velocity of that private sector work that would get us to the higher range. Sabahat Khan: Great. And then just for my follow-up, I think I was Venk's comment around the environmental services side of the business doing better in H2. That was a business that investors had some questions about last year just given some of the evolutions and sort of the backdrop. Nice to hear that's trending in the right direction. Can you maybe just talk about is it a specific end market that's driving that? Is it just maybe some, you know, catch up in that? We're just con kind of bigger picture demand drivers of the environmental services business because it's been a bit of a focus for investors. Thanks, and I'll pass the line. Bob Pragada: Yeah. Yep. So I kinda I would segregate it into three buckets of how it affected us over the course of calendar '25, and now we're starting to see a bit of an inflection point in our pipeline. That's why we're pointed to the second half as a recovery. Know, the government component of that for us is very centric towards US Department of Defense. And now we're starting to see some larger programs specifically for the Navy and the Army Corps of Engineers. Come through with some optimism on where we're positioned, longtime clients of ours. And so that's kinda one piece. The second piece that and that was had some of the indirect effects of dose if you think back to twenty five. So now we're seeing that flow through. The second is around this transfer around the disaster relief work from the federal government to state and local. That has taken a longer time to settle down. And so as that continues to play out, we're starting to see some early indications of that in our pipeline. And then the third is, in this we have seen a pickup in this component is the private sector and this is kind of the diversity of how we apply our environmental practitioners across our private sector in whether it be industrial or in life sciences and advanced manufacturing those jobs have started to pick up. Now they're smaller in scale. So they're not having an effect right now. But as that continues to grow, and we're seeing it again in our pipeline, and that pipeline is up double digits, so that's where we're kinda pointing to the second half. Operator: Your next question comes from the line of Michael Dudas with Vertical Research Partners. Please go ahead. Michael Dudas: Good afternoon, gentlemen. Mike, good afternoon. Very impressive certainly on the book-to-bill. Sure. Seems like the projects are Operator: Pardon the interruption. Michael, we are having a hard time hearing you. Michael Dudas: Can you hear me now? Bert Subin: Yep. Got you now, Mike. Michael Dudas: Okay. Thank you very much. So my bad. Bob, on very impressive on the book-to-bill backlog growth in Q1. Maybe you could share on the it looks like the projects are getting larger, a little longer for gestation, but much more complex. And how that plays towards what your current pipeline looks, maybe that two-year pipeline outlook. Bob Pragada: And the ability to gain more, I guess, life cycle revenues or business out of the bidding that you're working on with the negotiation with these larger projects, which the clients that are certainly we've been reading about in the press that seem to be accelerating their cap spend in your especially in your important private sector markets. Bob Pragada: Yeah. Thanks, Mike. I'd say maybe one comment on the overall portfolio, and then I'll talk specifically about what we're seeing in the private sector accelerate at a faster pace. Overall, this is always in our strategy. We talked about it. You know, we talked about it at investor day with regards to redefining the asset life cycle and continuing to work across that. That is happening on a broad base. I'd say that gestation period of the work probably is going faster within water. Little longer in transportation and energy and power, but we're moving at pace. Private sector is happening in real time. And a lot of it is for just the demand cycle that's happening in those end markets, whether it be data centers, chip manufacturing, and life sciences. So for us, that business is in growth mode. We are seeing the pipeline grow at some significant rates. I'd say that two-year pipeline that you're referencing one year, it's greater than 50%. If I were to have a composite rate. And as you get past that period private sector, we don't really get past eighteen months with any kind of high level of a surety and pipeline, but that twelve to eighteen months definitely greater than 50% on a composite rate. Michael Dudas: I appreciate that. Excellent, Bob. And my follow-up for Venk, you know, the very strong Q1 start on cash flow and the dynamics throughout the year, so given the financing that you're participating on PA and such, the 60% free cash off the company is still targeted towards, again, the share repurchase on a more ratable basis. You feel still comfortably to delever and add opportunistically when the market requires on your cap allocation in this year? Venkatesh R. Nathamuni: Yeah, Mike. Thanks for the question. And as you pointed out, you pretty strong start to the year in terms of free cash flow generation. And we feel pretty good about where we end the year, which is why we raised the guidance. So as it relates to our current position is in terms of repurchases, obviously, we to take advantage of the market dislocation as I mentioned in the script. Increased our repurchases in Q1. But we also increased our dividend. So we feel very good about our commitment to returning 60% plus of free cash flow to shareholders. At the same time, with a solid balance sheet and the good cash flow that we're generating, we also wanna quickly delever from the one to 1.5 x range. When we do the PA financing, we'll we have good line of sight to be able to get to that range within the first four quarters. So a solid cash position to start with, really good cash flow, and we have enough firepower to allocate our capital between repurchases as well as debt pay down. Michael Dudas: Thanks, gentlemen. Bob Pragada: Thank you. Operator: Your next question comes from the line of Sangita Jain with KeyBanc Capital Markets. Please go ahead. Thank you. Good afternoon. Thanks for taking my questions. Sangita Jain: If I can follow-up on the cash flow question, Venk, you said cash flow in the quarter was quite high, but some of it may reverse. In the second quarter. Could you elaborate on what that reversal relates to? And, also, I was under the impression there was gonna be some cash tax payments that you would have to take care of in the first half. Has the timing of that changed? Venkatesh R. Nathamuni: Yeah. So, yeah, thanks for the question. So as you pointed out, you know, a really good cash flow in the first fiscal quarter, I would say the vast majority of that strong cash flow was driven by really fantastic working capital performance across the entirety of our customer base. So that was number one. We also had a onetime, you know, impact from a customer in the data center space, you know, where we collect the revenue and the cash during a particular quarter. And then we pay the subcontractor in subsequent quarters. So that's what's gonna drive the free cash flow performance in Q2. But we have a very good visibility that, you know, in the first half, we'll still be free cash flow positive. And the tax payment, as you mentioned, is gonna be a Q2 phenomenon. That'll impact Q2. But when you look at first half and, first couple of quarters, in aggregate, we feel pretty good about our free cash flow being positive for the six months of the year and, obviously, continued strength in Q3 and Q4. Such that we're able to get to the seven to eight and half percent range. Sangita Jain: Got it. Thank you. Appreciate that. And then as a follow-up, can I ask about the size of fee contract that you press released a while back in The UK? And if you can elaborate on the size of that and if there is further scope if there's a chance that the scope on that may increase over time. Bob Pragada: It could. We're doing just to clarify on that, Sangita, we're performing the enabling works and the program management around the enabling works. And so that has continued through '24 actually, it started even before '25. '24, '25, and we'll continue into '26. There is for continued scope growth. On that, and our relationship there with sizable c is strong. So we would anticipate so. Sangita Jain: Got it. Thank you so much. Operator: Your next question comes from the line of Steven Fisher with UBS. Please go ahead. Steven Fisher: Just in light of the backlog growth, obviously, we know from some of the press releases, descriptions of what scope is on some of these projects, but just curious what some of the pass-through things are that are going through there. And maybe if you can give us maybe a sense of maybe looking at the profit increase in backlog might be more representative. I know you said 15% year over year. Curious if you can give us some measure of that sequentially. Bob Pragada: Yeah. Let me go I'll go back to the sequential gross profit in backlog. But I'd say that see, the majority of the pass-through is related to, as you know, in a data center, tremendous amount of electrical equipment and equipment purchase that will be and it was announced on who's gonna be providing that equipment in modular form. So the interconnects and how that equipment is arriving to site in modular form would all be around the envelope of a pass-through. We would do the design and not just that, but also the balance of plant to house as well as the interconnections of all the utilities. The trade contractors also end up making that pass-through too. And traditionally, we put a fee on both of those. On the gross profit sequentially, growth, say it's high single digits sequentially quarter to quarter, year on year, that 15% number is a strong number. Steven Fisher: Okay. Very helpful, Bob. And then just obviously, last quarter, and last few months, there's been lots of discussions and follow-ups about AI, and I'm just curious if there's been any change to either what you've observed in your own business, anything that has developed or your own thinking or message that you'd like to give on sort of the AI outlook and impact for the industry and the company? Bob Pragada: Yeah. Absolutely, Steve. Nothing has changed. We felt strongly about AI before the November event. That happened, and we feel equally and more strong about AI moving forward. Kinda the main things we've been about, not just in Q1, I'm sorry. For the Q4 call in Q1 and that we've been talking about since 09/02/2019. We are getting great data advantage in what we do. Our datasets and our information continue to be strong, strong platforms for us to use as for insights as well as build the models that we're building for our clients. It is helping I say it, digital enablement and AI with the scarcity of resources that we are continuing to face. We are growing headcount while we're using digital enablement to continue to grow at the same time of that scarcity. And I'd say the biggest piece has really been around what's happening in the AI ecosystem from chip manufacturing to power and water requirements all the way to the data center, you know, we're playing across that continuum. And seeing that we well, we're seeing it in the numbers. Right? So kind of the ultimate test of the power of AI is coming through in our bottom line results. Steven Fisher: Terrific. Thanks, Bob. Operator: Your next question comes from the line of Adam Bubes with Goldman Sachs. Please go ahead. Adam Bubes: Hi, good afternoon. Maybe just one follow-up on the AI point. So you've been talking about AI machine learning for a couple of years now. So, just wondering if you could expand on to what extent AI machine learning is impacting projects and productivity today and just how those conversations with clients have gone in terms of your ability to capture value from either improved productivity or high grading your offerings? Bob Pragada: Yeah. So a couple of things. One, as far as how we're talking to our clients about it and how we are driving it as a value differentiator for our clients, if you think about the speed right now that we are going at especially just in the private sector, but also in the water market as well. And transportation. We're the schedules and the delivery model for these can't be done without the use of the AI platforms. When I say AI, machine learning, the automation of tasks that we put into play. So it is driving backlog growth through differentiation in us in our award rates and the bookings. The other is that in the field, we're using some strong predictive analytics. It's a platform called Acuity in order to really get out in front of field level issues that are coming up in real time. And that's been a real game changer for us. We've got Acuity deployed across all of our end markets. In the field program management work that we do. And then the last thing and we've talked about this several times, but we're seeing more you know, we use replicas, our digital twinning. But now digital twinning not just in the water sector, but now in the manufacturing sector, and the data center sector is allowing for us to get to the data insights in the simulation technologies. Well, with the simulation technologies in a much faster rate in order to solve for some really, really complex issues that we're solving for our clients. So overall, it's coming through. We've got a whole slew and suite of platforms that we're using. Adam Bubes: And then a really strong PA consulting margin performance, I think 24% this quarter. Any outsized benefit to call out there, or what's the right way to think about sustainability of those margins in the balance of the year? Venkatesh R. Nathamuni: Yeah, Adam. Great questions. I would say, yeah, as you point out, really strong performance. I know most of it is driven by the fact that, you know, there's solid top line beat, and we had some operating leverage there as well. What we have stated all along is that we wanna balance, you know, really high single-digit growth for PA with margins that are, as you know, already industry best. So a 22% margin is kind of the way we think about the long-term model there, and we wanna make sure that we have a good balance between high revenue growth and high industry-leading margins. So the way to model the PA margins going forward is about 22%. But, clearly, we had a really strong performance there in the just concluded quarter. Adam Bubes: Great. Thanks so much. Venkatesh R. Nathamuni: Welcome. Operator: Your next question comes from the line of Jamie Cook with Truist Securities. Please go ahead. Jamie Cook: Hi. Congratulations on a nice quarter. I guess, sorry, Bob, another on AI. Just as you sit here today, and think about AI and the opportunity for Jacobs Solutions Inc. both on the revenue on the margin side, how do you balance the two know what I mean? I mean, over time, do you if you had to pick one versus the other, do you think there's an opportunity to grow the top line at a quicker rate and perhaps operating profit more so versus the margin, just sort of how you're thinking about that balance as AI impacts your business model. I guess it's my first question, and then I'll then I'll ask another one after that. Bob Pragada: Okay. Great. Jamie, if the world was plentiful with qualified resources for all the work that's out there, from, you know, filling the denominator of the TAMs that we play in. I think that, you know, we would probably be making choices between re between top line and bottom line. We're not. We are in a resource-constrained market that AI is enabling us to grow the top line, while we're operating with, you know, in a resource-constrained environment and driving efficiencies in the type of solution that we're delivering to our clients. So not a choice as well as not a pivot. We feel like we're well-positioned to do both. Jamie Cook: Okay. Thank you. And then, I guess, Venk, just on the margin performance in I and AF in the back half of the year. Obviously, we're expecting some margin improvement to achieve besides PA Consulting strong margins to help get to your full-year adjusted EBITDA margin forecast? Just what's driving that? Is it more mix? Is it self-help? Just trying to understand what's driving the margin improvement in I and AF in the back half of the year. Thank you. Venkatesh R. Nathamuni: Yes. Jamie, thanks for your question, and thanks for your comments as well about the quarter. I'd say, you know, lots of really positive trends for us from a margin perspective. You know, obviously, Q1, you know, we came in at 13.4%. And Q2, we're guiding for a 50 basis point sequential improvement. And then we see a linear progression in Q3 and Q4. So few things, you know, that drive that margin expansion for us. Number one, you know, continued operating leverage. So gonna maintain the discipline in terms of ensuring that our OpEx grows at a slower pace than revenue growth. And then, you know, clearly from the standpoint of some of the gross margin drivers that we talked about Investor Day, with the way we expect our global delivery to step up, which is already happening, and we see more of that coming in Q2, Q3, and Q4. And then also on the commercial model side. Right? So with the extent to the extent that we are engaging more with the life sciences and advanced manufacturing clients, that also helps, you know, from the standpoint of driving those commercial models. So I'd say it's not one thing. It's a combination of several things that we talked about in Investor Day, more of that coming to fruition in Q3 in Q2, Q3, and Q4, and we feel really good about our margin performance for the full year. Obviously, you know, just for context, you know, in fiscal 2025, we grew our margins by 110 basis points. And we're guiding for a range of 50 to 80 basis points increase in fiscal 2026. Bob Pragada: Maybe one add to that is that in the second half, is really where we're starting to see the advanced facilities or some of these bookings that we have from a mix perspective. Have contribution to that linear progression in our margins. Jamie Cook: And confidence. Operator: Thank you. That's very helpful. Your next question comes from the line of Andy Wittmann with Baird. Please go ahead. Andy Wittmann: Great. Thanks for taking my questions, guys. I wanted to ask about this very good backlog. Very exciting. Obviously, some of these really marquee projects, Bob, I thought maybe given that there's a little bit more mix here to some of this EPCM scope, I'd wanna ask about how you're managing the risk criteria here. Are these contracts are you basically able to offload any risk to these to the subcontractors that you are managing on this? Or do you bear any? I'm just wondering because obviously, some of these projects are pretty significant and you know, percent changes on large numbers can actually kinda matter in the future. So maybe I'll let you address that, please. Bob Pragada: Yeah. Absolutely. So our risk profile, Andy, has not changed. And so the same EPCM delivery model that we, you know, that we've been very focused in for the balance of twenty years. In life sciences. We do a lot in the water sector as well. Those are the same risk profiles we're taking now. And as you know, we've been pretty consistent on how we flow those to our supply chain. So the awards that we're getting right now, we have not inflected to a different risk profile. Utilizing the same risk profile we have for the balance of the twenty years in those sectors. Andy Wittmann: Okay. Great. And then I just wanted to get a clarification. On PA and the capital deployment that went along with that as well. You know, it's obviously a large capital deployment. So when I was looking at the press release, the EBITDA increase that you're getting from PA is because PA is already consolidated, the EBITDA that you're picking up is really only the reduction of the noncontrolling interest. Obviously, noncontrolling interest is after tax. You'd have to gross that $52.3 million up to a larger number. But even when you do that, against the $1.6 billion capital outlay, the math that I get here from the multiple is substantially larger than the 13 times. And so I know there's some kind of different accounting GAAP accounting that's maybe around this, and I just thought for to the benefit of everybody, you could address, how that works and why it works out that way. Please. Venkatesh R. Nathamuni: Yeah. Andy, thanks for the question. And I know that we know, obviously, you mentioned that in your report as well. So at a high level, as you rightly pointed out, there's a slight difference between the accounting and economic ownership. Just for everybody's benefit here, you know, the economic ownership was 65% and the accounting ownership was 70. But there's obviously some dilution from what we call c shares, which are basically shares that the employees own. So, to make a long story short, you know, that the delta. But in terms of the absolute valuation, as we mentioned in the press release, you know, it's a 13 x multiple on EBITDA. And then if take into account the synergies, it's a 12.3 multiple. So we feel really good about the valuation for this and the value creation. But, you know, happy to take additional questions and maybe Bert, you can add to it as well. Happy to be Yeah. Sure. Andy, Bert Subin: you know, what is actually what's happening here is when you take the accounting ownership, which was 70% you reduce it by the employee benefit trust, we get down to 60% ownership. And so we acquired 40% of the stake, which we highlighted. On the NCI, what we did is we reduced EBITDA by an after-tax number, and so it reduced the EBITDA by a smaller amount. So essentially, you know, we'll be adding back that NCI component to our EBITDA going forward. I think the important takeaway that we, like, highlighted in his prepared remarks is you know, we expect this to be accretive to earnings and we see a lot of opportunity from both the revenue and cost synergy with the collab with the combination of PA and Jacobs Solutions Inc. So we can take some of the more specifics offline, you know, when we talk later on. Andy Wittmann: Okay. Thanks for clarifying that, guys. Bob Pragada: Yep. Operator: Your next question comes from the line of Chad Dillard with Bernstein. Please go ahead. Chad Dillard: Hey. Good evening, guys. So I wanted to spend some time on the project pipeline. I think you talked about it being up double digits. Could you break that down by the core end markets? And then you can comment about fixed versus reimbursable. And then finally, just on the global delivery model, you know, how much of that is deployed using that method versus what's in your revenue today? Bob Pragada: Yeah. Maybe I'll simplify it, Chad. If you look at our three main verticals, water and environmental, up the pipeline is up when I say double digits, pretty much double digits that are 25% and above. In life sciences and advanced manufacturing, double-digit pipeline growth. Those are 50% and up. And then our transfer and our critical infrastructure, we're talking kinda high single digits and low double digits pipeline growth. That's not acutely focused on The US. That's a global number. And so, you know, the pipeline is strong, and that's a twelve to eighteen-month pipeline that we look at. That you know, then there's win rates and everything else. But the markets that we're serving are in a really strong state right now. Chad Dillard: Gotcha. That's helpful. Then just maybe circling back on the AI topic. So how are you communicating to your customers the value creation from deploying AI? Like, in a particular project? Are you having explicit conversations about sharing that? Maybe just, like, talk about, you know, if you can even give, like, a particular example. That'd be very helpful. Bob Pragada: Yep. Well, in order to do that, you think you gotta go back and our client's issues right now, we're not solving for issues that were around or even contemplated five years ago, ten years ago, twenty years ago. And so how we're articulating this to our clients is not in the form of bots or agents or people being replaced with AI figures. How we're discussing it is the use of data, to get greater data insights to solve for complex issues and deliver outcomes at a faster, and more predictable rate. That's how we're describing it to our clients. And our clients are cocreating with us in the platforms that we develop. Kind of part one. The second where we go to market is around AI advisory. But we have whether it be in the aviation space, or it be in the transportation space, we've got, you know, a lot of our clients that want to understand how AI can enable their business even more. And so now with PA, we've now doubled the size of our AI, not just on the development side, but also AI consultancy. Component as well. And this is an AI consultancy just driving business transformation. This is AI consultancy on how they can effectively serve their client base even greater. So we've you know, the investment thesis around increasing our investment in PA coupled with how PA is growing in that space across all the end and then us going to market together is really creating an exciting story going forward. Chad Dillard: K. Thanks, Bob. Operator: Your next question comes from the line of Andy Kaplowitz with Citigroup. Please go ahead. Andy Kaplowitz: Hey. Good afternoon, everyone. Bob Pragada: Hi. Good afternoon. Andy Kaplowitz: Bob, I just wanna dig in on a couple of areas. I think historically, you guys have been very strong at semicon, particularly on the side. So what are you seeing in terms of investment there? Could we actually be in acceleration mode again? Like, seems like we are, but maybe any more detail there would be helpful. Bob Pragada: Absolutely. Short answer is yes. Yes, Andy. We are in acceleration mode. You know, there are three main players around the world. One is American. And in the advances in high bandwidth memory that the American provider is going to market with. At record pace. You know, to twenty years during the traditional DRAM cycle to advance nodes. That twenty years is now being shortened into two to three. And so to get the plant ready and delivering on those chips, is a big deal. So they've made some announcements. In Idaho and New York, and we're squarely in the middle of those. Andy Kaplowitz: And then, Bob, like, just following up on the water vertical. I mean, I think you answered a question earlier about environmental. Water has been strong for you guys for a while. I get some questions occasionally about municipal spending, what eventually happens as IIJ starts to run down. So maybe you can talk about I think you've had good bookings here in water, but maybe you can talk about the longevity of the water infrastructure cycle as you see it. Bob Pragada: Yeah. It's high single digits for us right now and how it's flowing through, Andy. And so maybe I'd kinda divide it between US and international. Maybe start with the real positive. You know, the result of the AMP eight cycle in The UK is driving kind of double-digit growth for us in the water market. There in Europe, but we're also seeing strong tailwinds in The Middle East and in Australia. Australia has been a real highlight for us both in water and in transportation. You know, the municipal spending and the tie to IJ never really was a strong one. IHA really was focused heavily on transportation. And so that has continued. And, again, the whole water scarcity aged assets and just the sheer effects of climate. These aren't I'm not saying they're completely delinked from funding opportunities that states and locales have. But definitely have risen up on the priority list just because of the severity. So we see kind of a long-term tail on that. And, Andy, if you could add to this what Rob said, you know, there's been tremendous Venkatesh R. Nathamuni: strength in bookings in water over the last several quarters. I know we've highlighted some marquee wins that typically take multiple years to play out. So we see that pipeline continue to grow, and the visibility for a multiyear period, so we feel really good about our water market overall. Andy Kaplowitz: Appreciate the color, guys. Operator: Your next question comes from the line of Jerry Revich with Wells Fargo. Please go ahead. Jerry Revich: Hi. Good afternoon and good evening. Can I ask on Critical Infrastructure, really impressive performance relative to the end markets that you folks are clearly gaining share? Could you just double click for us in terms of the drivers of the share gains? Is it just part of the market where you folks have higher concentration? Have you been on the right projects moving forward? Can you just expand on the drivers of what looks to be about five, six points of end market outgrowth that you're delivering? Bob Pragada: Yeah. Well, maybe I'd most succinctly talk about it in two main areas. Jerry. One is that our international business in transportation not that it has been strong, very strong. And that's been highlighted by really key wins that we've had in Europe, in The Middle East, and in Australia. Australia it's been real, really nice growth there as well. Aviation and rail. Has really been the strong drivers there. We still do a lot of work on the highways work. But those two have been really strong drivers. And then The US, you know, with continued growth in the aviation sector there, coupled with now some high-speed opportunities as well as pass-through rail. In locations. We've been capturing share gain in that area as well. So strong internationally, driven by aviation and rail and highways, strong in The US. Driven by aviation and rail. Jerry Revich: And, you know, if we could just pull on that market share thread, you know, into the AI theme you folks on the semi plant side with the use of digital twins have been able to allow your customer to deliver projects really quickly. Just it sounds like based on your comments earlier on the call, Bob, you see yourselves as gaining share in that type of environment. What's the outlook for the broader industry structure as you see it? Five years down the line, ten years down the line? Do companies that look like Jacobs Solutions Inc. can share companies like Jacobs Solutions Inc. do more EPCM type work? For an integrated solution like you're doing here on the data center example that you gave us. Can you just talk about how you see this all playing out for the industry as a whole? Because you know, you folks have been ahead of the pocket terms of your digital twin investments, etcetera. Bob Pragada: Yeah. So maybe and just to clarify, Jerry, you were talking specifically about semi, or were you talking kind of broader base across the you know, kind of the tech landscape? Jerry Revich: Yeah. Thank you, Bob. I was just talking across the broader tech landscape. Right? So in other words, you folks have clearly used digital tools and let the market have gained share. And I'm just want your perspective on where you see the industry headed in five years now that the tools are getting better and better. Bob Pragada: Got it. Got it. So I kind of talk about it from with our participation across the ecosystem. Of call it the electron landscape, everything from the chip at the semi side through power and water whether it be at the grid level or eventually goes into the data center. Our participation across that ecosystem, I think, has been a big differentiator. And so when I look out five years from now, you know, the partnership that we have with NVIDIA and the kind of the tech relationship down to the chip design. And how that affects utilities for these plants whether it be with any of the high bandwidth memory players or other traditional logic players. That's what's driving that out year growth. Because as these plants no plant is the same. As these plants are continuing to become more and more complicated, we're out in front. Of those. And you back all that up with design automation, AI tools in order to get greater data insights, and we're continuing to really end that digital twins like you said in I'm sorry, Jerry? Then your you know, that protective I don't know if I'm allowed to call it a mode, but I will. That mode starts to develop, and we go from there. So we're excited about where we're positioned. This is something we've been in for the better part of forty years, and we see that going forward for another forty. Jerry Revich: Thank you. Operator: And that concludes our question and answer session. I will now turn the conference back over to Bob Pragada for closing comments. Bob Pragada: Thank you, Krista. Thank you, everyone, for joining the earnings call. Some great questions. Really excited about the performance last quarter. And our performance for the balance of the year, and we look forward to engaging with many of you. Over the coming days and weeks. Everyone. Operator: Ladies and gentlemen, this does conclude today's conference call. Thank you for your participation, and you may now disconnect. Should you buy stock in Jacobs Solutions right now? Before you buy stock in Jacobs Solutions, 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 Jacobs Solutions wasnt one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, youd have $446,319!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, youd have $1,137,827!* Now, its worth noting Stock Advisors total average return is 932% a market-crushing outperformance compared to 197% for the S&P 500. Don't miss the latest top 10 list, available with Stock Advisor, and join an investing community built by individual investors for individual investors. See the 10 stocks *Stock Advisor returns as of February 3, 2026. This article is a transcript of this conference call produced for The Motley Fool. While we strive for our Foolish Best, there may be errors, omissions, or inaccuracies in this transcript. As with all our articles, The Motley Fool does not assume any responsibility for your use of this content, and we strongly encourage you to do your own research, including listening to the call yourself and reading the company's SEC filings. Please see our Terms and Conditions for additional details, including our Obligatory Capitalized Disclaimers of Liability. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Jacobs J Q1 2026 Earnings Call Transcript was originally published by The Motley Fool The Wedgwood factory at Barlaston shut temporarily at the end of last year due to "lower consumer demand" [Getty Images] Jobs are set to be cut at ceramics firm Wedgwood in the latest blow to the industry in Stoke-on-Trent. The number of workers affected has yet to be clarified, but union bosses described the news from the Barlaston factory as "another body blow" for the sector. Wedgwood began a 90-day pause in production in September, blaming low demand, with 70 employees put on temporary leave. In a statement on Thursday, Owner Fiskars Group said it was "committed to continuing this iconic brand's legacy" but also needed to take "measured steps to align production with demand, manufacturing costs and supply chain evolution". The GMB union has repeatedly made calls for more support to help futureproof the ceramics sector, following a number of pottery firms facing difficulties. Those which went bust in 2025 included Royal Stafford and Heraldic Pottery as well as Moorcroft Pottery, which was later bought by the grandson of the firm's founder. The company's skilled workers still use techniques pioneered by the firm's founder [Getty Images] Chris Hoofe, GMB organiser, said the announcement on Thursday was "more evidence, if any was needed, to meet GMB's demands of the government to act and support the sector." He added: "GMB will be entering into consultation over the proposed redundancies and fighting to mitigate any compulsory job losses. "The workers at Wedgwood are highly skilled and dedicated employees who are affected by circumstances beyond their control. "GMB union will do everything we can to support them at this incredibly difficult time." The company's skilled workers still use techniques pioneered by the firm's founder. They produce high-end and bespoke designs, including handcrafted fine bone China pieces and Jasperware, a type of pottery developed in the 18th Century by founder Josiah Wedgwood. Ahead of the shutdown last year, Tom Hammersley, marketing manager at Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, told the BBC that the drop in demand at Wedgwood had come against a backdrop of increasing costs. "Wedgwood has huge global demand in areas including China and Japan," he said. "If that demand is slowing, and married with the increasing costs, it is a huge concern." 'Hand-crafted products' One of the main challenges faced by the industry in recent years has been high energy prices. In its latest statement, the firm said it had been "proud to help preserve the tradition of pottery-making in Staffordshire by leading Wedgwood through some immensely challenging and complex global market dynamics since our acquisition". "As part of our ongoing operational review, production at our Barlaston factory is to focus on high-end, hand-crafted products, including Jasperware and Prestige Bone China, maintaining unique, local skills," the firm said. Peco Power wins prestigious Empower a Billion Lives competition The Wits spin-out company has been named the Energy Supply Track Winner in this competition from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) The IEEE Empower a Billion Lives competition is a global initiative recognising scalable solutions that expand access to electricity for underserved communities worldwide. Launched in 2019 it addresses one of the worlds most urgent development challenges: more than one billion people still live without reliable access to electricity. The competition brings together innovators from across the globe to develop practical, affordable, and scalable energy solutions for communities beyond the reach of traditional power grids. Peco Powers success highlights the growing impact of university-driven innovation emerging from South Africa and reinforces the University of the Witwatersrands role in translating research into real-world societal solutions. This recognition confirms that African-developed solutions can compete and win on the global stage, said Professor Willie Cronje, School of Electrical & Information Engineering at Wits and one of the founders of Peco Power. Peco Power was created to address the very real challenge of electricity access in underserved communities, and this award validates both the technology and its impact. For the 2025 EBL competition, Peco Power presented a peer-to-peer electricity trading model built on its modular, off-grid power units. The solution was demonstrated in Ermelo, where Peco Power has already deployed standalone energy systems. Rather than operating as isolated units, households are enabled to share and trade electricity locally, forming a growing, community-based energy network that expands organically as more units are added. This approach allows energy access to scale incrementally, one household at a time without the need for large, centralised infrastructure investment. Across Africa, millions of households remain unconnected to national grids, relying instead on unsafe and costly alternatives such as candles, paraffin, or illegal connections. The absence of reliable electricity continues to limit access to education, healthcare, safety, and economic opportunity. By providing modular, off-grid solutions designed specifically for low-income and remote communities, Peco Power enables communities to leapfrog traditional infrastructure constraints, delivering safe, affordable, and reliable electricity where it is needed most. Judges in the final round of the competition highlighted the practicality and deployment-ready nature of Peco Powers solution. Unlike many theoretical concepts, the system is already operating in communities and delivering measurable value. The judges also noted the solutions strong potential for large-scale impact, particularly its ability to grow incrementally and its innovation in enabling local energy markets through peer-to-peer trading. In addition to international recognition, Peco Power received a US$50,000 prize, which will be used to accelerate deployments, refine the technology, and expand access to electricity for more communities. Energy access is not a luxury; it is foundational to dignity, development, and economic participation, added Professor Cronje. This award strengthens our ability to scale impact and reach more communities faster. About Peco Power Peco Power is a University of the Witwatersrand spin-out company focused on making electricity accessible, affordable, and reliable for communities excluded from the traditional power grid. Through modular, scalable energy systems, Peco Power delivers sustainable energy solutions that improve quality of life and unlock economic opportunity across Southern Africa. Visit https://www.pecopower.co.za/ for more information. Quick Read Gold fell 10% in a single day but still trades up over 7% for 2026. Silver crashed 30% in one day compared to golds 10% drop. AngloGold Ashanti trades at 12x forward P/E with a 2.3% dividend yield after falling 20%. Investors rethink 'hands off' investing and decide to start making real money Even after Friday's fumble in the price of gold (and silver), the rush may have yet to conclude. With people reportedly lining up to buy gold bullion in various parts of the world (from Sydney to Singapore), it certainly feels like the latest implosion in the price of shiny metals is more of a buying opportunity than anything else. Of course, it certainly feels like the decline to cap off the month of January was a bit on the overblown side. Indeed, should the announcement of a new Federal Reserve chair pick really derail a trade that still has steady legs and long-lived drivers? Time will tell how long the so-called "Walsh Washout" lasts. Either way, the fragility in the price of gold has made for a more opportunistic climate for investors in February. As to whether this latest plunge is the start of a bear market move lower that begins to cut into the gains from last year remains the trillion-dollar question. Either way, I think there's nothing all too out of the ordinary with the painful 10% slump in gold prices. Arguably, the correction makes me even more bullish on the sustainability of what could be a multi-year run in the price of gold, as the "debasement trade" continues to play out. Of course, before you start stacking up the bullion or loading up on the gold mining stocks on weakness, investors should take a step back to put things into perspective. Gold's correction hurts, but it might be an opportunity Yes, the 10% single-day drop, which has put the asset down just shy of 14% from its recent January 2026 peak, is a painful one. But gold is still up handsomely for 2026, up more than 7% since 2026 began. Even with the latest correction, gold is still up a ridiculous amount in a month. Even if volatility levels stay up, I'm inclined to think that the selling pressure on silver and other metals could act as a bit of a support for gold. Why? Silver has a hotter surge, and its implosion is thrice as scary (30% drop in a day). My guess is that silver investors will want to start thinking about rotating some of their silver profits into gold, if not for complete stability, perhaps for relative steadiness. While gold corrected, silver and other metals have crashed viciously. Fresh revelations tying Jeffrey Epsteins criminal network to senior figures of Britains ruling eliteformer Labour Party minister/key adviser Lord Peter Mandelson and the former Prince Andrewhave embroiled Keir Starmers Labour government. Epstein, who died in suspicious circumstances in a prison cell in 2019, operated for decades as a highly connected middleman for the rich and powerful. He trafficked underage girls to a clientele of billionaires, politicians, diplomats and intelligence operatives. The latest tranche of files released by the US Department of Justice (DoJ) had Mandelson named in almost 6,000 of them. He was forced to resign from the ruling Labour Party on Sunday and stepped down Tuesday from the House of Lords. 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] Mandelson walked when it was revealed that he had passed confidential UK government information to Epstein. Downing Street has been forced to pass information to the Metropolitan Police to investigate. On Tuesday evening a Met commander, Ella Marriott, stated that the force had received a number of complaints, including from the government, of alleged misconduct in public office. A previous batch of released documents forced the prime minister to sack Mandelson last September, less than a year after appointing him US ambassador in December 2024. In those, Mandelson urged Epstein to fight for early release shortly before he was sentenced to 18 months in prison for soliciting prostitution from a minor. The day before Epstein began his June 2008 sentence, Mandelson wrote, I think the world of you and I feel hopeless and furious about what has happened. He urged Epstein to be incredibly resilient, adding, Your friends stay with you and love you. Despite being warned by the intelligence services of Epsteins extensive connections to Mandelson, Starmer still went ahead and appointed this venal right-wingerassociated more than anyone else with Tony Blairs New Labour project and its political crimes. He notoriously said that Blairs government was intensely relaxed about people getting filthy rich. Among the latest revelations are that Mandelson gave Epstein advance notice of an imminent 500 billion European Union (EU) bailout of the Eurozone in 2010. Mandelson was Business Secretary and the de facto deputy prime minister in 2009 and 2010 in Gordon Browns government. In this capacity he sent Epstein a secret Downing Street memo laying out plans for a 20 billion asset sale and tax changewhich government advisers were preparing to shore up support from business. The emails also make clear that Mandelson was constantly plotting to undermine Brown and force his removalan operation backed by Epstein. Mandelson declares of Brown in one email to Epstein from early 2010 that he needs to be confined asap to a sanatorium, and in another that Brown needs 5 years of therapy. The emails show how the billionaire oligarchy buy their way to ensuring government policy serves them. Epstein wanted Brown replaced by someone on Labours openly Blairite wing, who did not fully back him after he took over from Blair in 2007. After Mandelson returned to government in October 2008, following the latest of several financial scandals, Epstein congratulated him on one of the greatest poliical (sic) revival opportunitis (sic) of all time. He added, Laws need to be changed. It will take time, Gordon thinks like an old man. Old solutions will not work. Epstein favoured Mandelson governing on a joint ticket with David Miliband, writing, You will be the architect of LABOR 2.O. On February 6, 2010, Mandelson bragged, If I continue as now people will say I am one of the few (only) big figures. And I have to deliver a reasonable [leadership] campaign that only he [Brown] [expletive]s up. On May 10, 2010, the day before Brown resigned, Mandelson crowed to Epstein, Finally got him to go today One of the documents uncovered by the Financial Times reveals that Mandelson told Epstein in a December 2009 exchange how he could assist in watering down a tax on bank bonuses announced by Browns Chancellor Alistair Darling. Under the measures, bonuses over 25,000 in the finance industry were to be liable for extra 50 percent tax rate. Epstein asked, [A]ny real chance of making the tax only on the cash portion of the bankers bonus? Mandelson responded, Treasury digging in but I am on [the] case. In another email Epstein asked Mandelson whether he should ask JP Morgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon to phone Darling over the issue. Mandelson replied, Yes and mildly threaten. This week Brown revealed he had written to Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley with relevant information concerning Mandelsons correspondence with Epstein. Mandelson received $75,000 from Epstein in 2003 and 2004. While claiming he has no recollection of receiving the money, Mandelson has admitted Epstein made smaller payments to his husband. In the latest trove of documents, another photo was published of Mandelson, this time in Epsteins luxury Paris apartment where Mandelson is pictured in his underpants with an unknown woman. Images of Epstein and Mandelson go back as far as 20022003. Previous exposures uncovered a birthday book compiled by Ghislaine Maxwell (Epsteins long-time associate and partner in crime) for his 50th birthday in 2003, where Mandelson described Epstein as his best pal. Far from Mandelsons claims now that he regrets ever spending time with Epstein, he continued to consort and encourage the convicted criminal after he served 13 months of the 18 month prison sentence. One email shows Mandelson asking Epstein (on the day he was released from prison), how is freedom feeling, to which Epstein replied: She feels fresh, firm and creamy. Mandelson responded: Naughty boy. He asked, How shall we celebrate? to which Epstein responded, With grace and modesty (those are the names of two strippers). On Wednesday, Starmers crisis deepened when Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch invoked the parliamentary mechanism known as a humble address. She demanded the publication of all electronic communications between Mandelson and Starmers Chief of Staff, Morgan McSweeney, as well as between ministers and Mandelson, covering the six months prior to his appointment and the period during his time as ambassador. US President Donald Trump shakes hands with British Ambassador Peter Mandelson while announcing a trade agreement with the UK., May 8, 2025, in the Oval Office. [Photo by UKinUSA / CC BY-SA 2.0 Feeling too weakenedwith his own and Labours poll numbers tankingto allow the request to be put to a vote, Starmer put an amendment stating that the government would release as much as possible with regard for national security or international relations. However, this compromise faced a rebellion by backbench Labour MPs, including an intervention from the floor by Starmers former deputy Angela Rayner, who last year was forced to step down in a tax sleaze scandal. The prime minister had to make further concessions, agreeing that any documents deemed a national security risk should be referred to the Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC) in Parliamentcalculating that the body will agree to restrict the documents and allow Starmer to limp on in office. Starmer is also contending with the horrific stench of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsors sordid connections with Epstein; he has already lost his royal title due to the scandal and been forced by his brother, King Charles, to vacate his Royal Lodge mansion in the grounds of Windsor Castle. The latest DoJ release includes several photos taken in Epsteins New York City mansion of the former prince on all fours, bent over a young woman or girl. Mountbatten-Windsor was still asking Epstein for advice until at least 2017, seven years after the royal claimed to have cut off contact with the convicted paedophile. Applications will soon open for Californias home down payment assistance program. The California Housing Finance Agency will begin to accept applications for the California Dream For All Shared Appreciation Loan starting Feb. 24, the agency said in a Jan. 16 news release. Using a lottery system, the program offers "first-generation homebuyers up to 20% of their home purchase price or appraised value in down payment assistance with a cap of $150,000, according to the agency. The state agency will make between $150 million and $200 million available for the program in 2026. What is California Dream For All? The assistance program aims to address the hurdle of buying a home in the Golden State, the agency said. Under the program, first-generation homebuyers can make a down payment large enough to avoid mortgage insurance and enjoy smaller monthly payments, the agency said. The California Dream For All programs shared appreciation loan will save the average homebuyer about $1,200 per month, the agency said, citing a report from the nonprofit California Forward. Since 2023, the program has had two rounds of financing and has helped nearly 4,000 families purchase homes, according to a June 2024 news release from the California Governors Office. "As these homeowners begin to repay their loans, the funds are reinvested into the program to create a cycle that will continue far into the future, planting the seeds of generational wealth to help keep the California dream alive, CalHFA Executive Director Tony Sertich said in the release. The program is in high demand, according to the governors office. Of the 18,000 who applied for the programs second round of financing, about 2,000 received loans. Who is eligible for the assistance program? To be eligible for the program, applicants must meet the following criteria: One borrower must be a first-generation homebuyer, or someone who has not been on a title, held ownership interest, or been named on a mortgage in the last seven years. Additionally, the homebuyer's parent's have not previously owned a home in the country. One borrower must be a California resident All borrowers must be first-time homebuyers or have not owned a home in the last three years or lived in a home owned by a spouse in the past three years. Borrowers must also meet county-level income limits for the county where they intend to purchase a home. For instance, the income limit for Los Angeles County is $168,000, and the Sacramento County limit is $191,000. What is needed to apply? Though the application deadline is more than two weeks away, state officials recommend preparing early. The National Education Union (NEU) called off the strike of 800 teachers who work for the Arthur Terry Learning Partnership Trust (ATLP) across the Midlands last Thursday. The Trust, which runs 24 schools, is in a financial crisis was attempting to impose 100 redundancies. Following eight days of solid strike action, supported by staff and parents throughout January, the NEU announced ending the strikes stating that following negotiations, the Trust has withdrawn the threats of redundancies and restructuring and the CEO of ATLP has been removed. Arthur Terry Partnership Learning Trust teachers during the strike [Photo: Daniel Kebede/X] Nine further days of strike action were due to begin on February 2. The NEU claimed the agreement as a victory and that strikes work. However, while teachers, staff and parents will be relieved to hear that the immediate threat of redundancies has been lifted, the ATLP remains committed to balancing its deficits and in this endeavour, the NEU is fully on board as partners. The Trust issued a statement that it had agreed to pause all current restructuring and redundancy consultations and would take every step possible so that any future compulsory redundancies are a last resort. ATLP stated that the NEU did recognise the significant financial challenges facing ATLP and agreed that action must be taken to ensure the financial recovery of the trust. The ATLP and NEU would be meeting weekly to assess the financial situation, agree the plan to tackle the deficit, and monitor progress. An ATLP spokesperson said, NEU representatives and ATLP leaders agree that this transparent, open and collaborative approach will mean the financial challenges can be addressed most effectively. The NEU formally launched its latest campaign to Save Education with an indicative ballot across England opening on February 28 against the three-year 6.5 percent wage proposal and for a huge increase in funding to education. But in the real world it is collaborating with employers to balance the books of Trusts. Its campaign statement to Save Education reads, After more than a decade of under-investment, education is running on empty. Thats why it is vital we take a stand together to win the pay rises educators deserve, to win the funding our schools need and to resist further increases in workload which will damage childrens education. The NEUs public outcry over the funding crisis, which the union says has left schools with 1 billion less in funding this year, belies its role as partners with private sector operators which run the Academies for profit. It is this corporate partnership that unions are embedded in that poses the greatest risk to education and one that teachers must confront to mount a successful counteroffensive. The NEU never addresses how it is that the government has Academised some 80 percent of secondary schools and 46 percent of primary schools. Funding and wages are at the same level as 2010 and this was on their watch. ATLP have accepted the central tenet of the trade union bureaucracys argument that to impose cuts it must work with the union, who will assist in policing the staff and suppressing the opposition that exists. According to ATLPs latest accounts its deficit is around 10 million, which it is committed to legally resolve. Any claim that this will happen without impacting jobs, workload and quality of education is a fiction. The Trust released a questions and answers email to parents following the agreement with the NEU. There is no mistaking its intentions. It states, The trust will conduct a review of all non-staffing and central costs, with the aim of removing or reducing these and redirecting funding back to schools budgets. There will be ongoing regular meetings between the NEU and the new trust leadership looking at reducing the top-slice, and joint negotiating and consultation committees between union reps and management will be set up in every school to ensure union groups are part of decisions made. The Trust has needed to agree financial support from the Department for Education [DfE] in the form of repayable loans. This support has come with a number of conditions focused on the delivering a credible financial recovery strategy. The repayable loans from the DFE are thus far 3.5 million, at the time the accounts were prepared, with a further 1 million loan last December. There has been much criticism in the media over every child across the Trust being supplied with an iPad. The accounts say there were some 11,281 children on the schools rolls, each issued an Apple tablet. This is not uncommon, and teaching and learning in todays world necessitate the use of technology, which every child should have access to. The Trust has confirmed that to take this away would only scratch the surface of their debts. Recent internal and external reviews, including those commissioned by the Department for Education, have identified overstaffing as the primary driver of the Trusts current financial pressures, it said. While management at ATLP are awarding themselves obscene pay packets at the expense of childrens education, which the NEU have highlighted during the strike, these are not unusual across Academy Trusts. ATLP have defended these pay awards as competitive. The Trusts accounts say key management staff received 1,841,000 in 2024/25, up from 1,149,000 2023/24 for eight management posts. This equates to 225,000 on average, almost 10 times the salary of a teacher entering the profession and over four times that of experienced teachers at the top end of the pay scale. ATLP has said the NEU had asked for guarantees that no redundancies will occur for three years after the end of the present restructure. But it said: Future workforce requirements are influenced by factors that cannot be predicted with certainty over such a timeframe, including changes in pupil numbers, funding levels and/or government policy. The details of the new agreement have not been revealed. There arent any guarantees that there wont be redundancies. There is no guarantee that staff who leave or retire will be replaced, which will impact workload. The only guarantee is that there is a commitment to resolve the deficit. A WSWS article published on the strike warned: The action in the Midlands is significant for revealing the well of opposition to this state of affairs among educators, and their determination to fight. By rights, it should be expanded across the country in a fightback against austerity, privatisation and the decimation of education. The NEU and other education unions will not lead such a struggle. They have allowed the academisation of state education for two-and-a-half decades, isolating those who fought forced academisation and the destruction of jobs and conditions. The ATLP dispute could have been used to mobilise the broad-based hostility to privatisation, funding, workload and protection of wages and conditions. It could have been a rallying point for schools across the UK. It is for this reason that it was ended at the point where demands were made for its expansion by teachers which was gaining support across schools who were not on strike and were re-balloting to join it. A new path must be taken which can unify staff throughout the sector. The isolation of struggles must be ended. Not only would such a struggle win mass support among educators, but it would also chime with the sentiment of broader sections of the working class who confront relentless attacks on their wages and conditions. Taking up a common struggle means establishing rank-and-file committees of teachers and all school staff, independent of the unions, which can form links between schools, and with other sections of workers in struggle, in preparation for coordinated action. Elevenlabs AudioNative Player President Donald Trump smiles after signing a spending bill that ends a partial shutdown of the federal government in the Oval Office of the White House, Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026, in Washington. [AP Photo/Alex Brandon] President Donald Trumps declaration Monday on a right-wing podcast that the Republican Party should nationalize elections and take over the voting in Democratic-controlled cities and states is the signal for an intensified effort to rig the 2026 elections or cancel them outright. Trump repeated his demands in remarks to the press on Tuesday in the Oval Office and then at greater length in an interview with Tom Llamas of NBC News, with excerpts broadcast by the network on Wednesday night. In unmistakably racist terms, Trump singled out Detroit, Philadelphia and Atlanta, all majority-minority cities with African American mayors, for vilification as corrupt. Significantly, Llamas expressed no disagreement with Trumps nonstop lies about the 2020 election, nor did he point out that Trumps effort to seize control of the electoral process in selected states and cities is a blatant violation of the Constitution. As billionaires tighten their grip on the corporate mediathe purges at CBS and the Washington Post are current examplesthe multi-millionaire journalists are accommodating themselves to the new order. Trumps threats are the latest step in a steadily escalating campaign to suppress the democratic rights of the American people, including the right to vote. This has included systematic mid-decade gerrymandering of congressional district lines, passage by the House of Representatives of legislation to require voter ID and ban mail-in voting, and demands by the Department of Justice for states to turn over their voter rolls, so that federal officials can intervene to disqualify voters. Most recently, FBI agents raided the election office in Fulton County, Georgia (Atlanta), an action supervised on the spot by FBI Deputy Director Tom Bailey and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard. Trump himself spoke directly to the FBI agents through a connection established by Gabbard, who has been suggesting that China interfered in the 2020 vote. All of these actions have been in support of Trumps false claims that he lost the 2020 election because of the votes of illegal immigrants brought into the country by Democratic administrations, although non-citizens cannot vote, and very few attempt to do so. This is invariably linked to some form of the fascist Great Replacement Theory, which claims that immigrants from Africa, Asia and Latin America are being brought into the United States by the millions in a deliberate effort to replace the white population. In the openly neo-Nazi version, the perpetrators of this supposed campaign are Jewish billionaires. In Trumps slightly sanitized version, it is the Democratic Party. So theyve sent all of their people, millions and millions of people, he said Monday, referring to immigrants. We have to get them out. And by the way, if Republicans dont get them out, you will never win another election as a Republican. Trumps campaign against the 2026 elections thus combines his stolen election lies from 2020, which were the basis for the attempted coup of January 6, 2021, and the ongoing campaign of state terror against immigrants, being waged by masked, heavily armed agents of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The end result would be an election rigged by the use of police terror to intimidate anti-Trump and particularly minority voters. Fascist former aide Steve Bannon hailed Trumps comments, calling for ICE agents to surround polling places in November. Alternatively, should such methods prove unworkable, Trump might simply declare that the vote results in certain areas of the country should be disregarded. Or, as he told an interviewer last month, the elections should be cancelled altogether due to the supposed great success of his administration. The United States has held elections every two years for Congress and every four years for president without interruption since the adoption of the Constitution in 1789. The Great Depression, foreign wars and even the Civil War did not prevent voting from taking place. If Trump now openly muses about putting an end to electionsin the year which marks the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independenceit is because American capitalism faces a crisis of even greater dimensions. Trump acts not as an individual but as the representative of a class. As the WSWS wrote last week: Trumps conspiracy for dictatorshipof which the events in Minneapolis are only one componentis continuing. The president speaks and acts as the representative of the capitalist oligarchy, which, confronted with an escalating series of economic, political and social crises, is breaking with all democratic and legal norms. The Democrats role is to conceal this fact, to chloroform the population and to block the emergence of any independent movement from below. Trumps rampage in Minneapolis was only possible because of the complicity, silence and cowardice of Democratic officials in state after state, and above all in Washington. Only hours after Trumps remarks about taking control of the elections, the Democratic leadership in the House of Representatives supplied just enough votes to pass $1.2 trillion in funding for the Pentagon and other US government departments, including a short-term extension for the Department of Homeland Security, which includes both ICE and CBP. No doubt Trump fears that a heavy defeat of the Republicans in the 2026 elections would weaken his administration. But he is not principally concerned about the Democratic Party gaining seats in the House and Senate. He has long since taken the measure of the Democrats. It was Barack Obama who first welcomed him to the White House after his victory in 2016, declaring that after the intramural scrimmage, the Democrats and Republicans were on the same team. It was Biden who declared, after Trumps failed coup of January 6, that he wanted a strong Republican Party. And the Democratic response to the violence of ICE and CBP has been to file lawsuits and wring their hands. The New York Times demonstrated the prostration of the Democrats before Trump with an editorial raising his threat to the 2026 election, but beginning with a rebuke of Democrats who criticized voter ID requirements as an effort to suppress minority turnout. The editorial noted that Trump himself told the Times that he regretted not sending the National Guard to seize voting machines after the 2020 presidential election. Yet in response to this implied threat of military force, the Times could only appeal for more people to serve as poll workers and watchers. Trump does not command a mass fascist movement. He seeks to carry out what the coup failed to accomplish five years ago by using the armed forces of the executive branch to establish a presidential dictatorship. The obstacle to this is not the Democratic Party but the working class, the vast majority of the American population. The would-be dictator fears the mass movement that erupted in Minneapolis against the murderous invasion by ICE and CBP agents, and the intensification of the class struggle shown in the coast-to-coast wave of nurses strikes and the impact of mass layoffs and falling living standards on working class consciousness. The threat of dictatorship cannot be fought through the Democratic Party, which like the Republicans upholds the interests of the financial oligarchy and American imperialism. It requires the independent political mobilization of the working class. The growing strikes, mass protests and calls for a general strike point the way forward. Preparations must be consciously made to unite workers across industries, regions and national lines in a general strike aimed at defeating Trumps drive to dictatorship. The working class must build an independent political movement whose goal is to break the power of the financial oligarchy and overturn the capitalist system that is driving society toward dictatorship and war. The new chairwoman of IG Metall, Christiane Benner [Photo by IG Metall] At the unions annual press conference on January 26 and in further statements IG Metall chair Christiane Benner has called for protectionism and trade war as integral elements of the unions so-called Initiative for Jobs and Economic Recovery: Future Instead of Relocation. Benner warned, The situation in Germany is extremely serious; we need new strategies. Amid the most severe attacks on workers since World War II, Benner and IG Metall stand squarely with big business and the federal government. IG Metalls new strategy amounts to Germany above all others, a program steeped in German economic nationalism. We are currently seeing where this leads in the US. As the representative of the US economic and financial oligarchy, US President Donald Trump is attempting to rescue American capitalism through war against the working class at home and military operations against his rivals abroad. There, too, the Trump administration can be sure of the support of the union apparatus. The sister union of the IGM in the US, the United Auto Workers (UAW), immediately after Trumps second takeover, openly declared through its president Shawn Fain that the union was prepared to cooperate with his administrationespecially on issues of economic nationalism and tariffs. Currently, the UAW is doing everything it can to sabotage a general strike in Minneapolis and nationwide against Trumps ICE murderers and his dictatorial aspirations. This is insane: on both sides of the Atlantic, the union apparatuses are standing firmly behind their respective governments and corporations, advocating trade war and ultimately world war. For example, IG Metall declares that the German governments decision to reduce the industrial electricity price retroactively from January 1 as an important instrument against the crisis and then complains that the measure does not go far enough because it only provides for single-digit savings for companies! The IGM initiative, intended to get the ball rolling, comprises three main points: German industry must become even more productive and profitable in order to secure first place in the intensifying international trade war. European and, above all, German business locations should be defended against China and the US through protectionist and military measures. IG Metall calls for the economy to focus on stable and promising future fields which it considers particularly profitable, especially the war industryaerospace, defense, and security. The new strategy entails an enormous acceleration of labor productivity, i.e., the exploitation of the workforce in every company. Fully aware that this will provoke resistance, IG Metall calls for expanded intervention by its official apparatus at the local and regional level. The extent to which IG Metall has adopted the new language of power politics of the federal government and the German ruling class is also evident in Benners statements in last weeks interview with Der Spiegel magazine: We are already in the midst of a trade war. US tariffs are already being imposed on a range of products, including 50 percent on steel parts. That is huge. The task now is to strengthen Europes independence. We must open up new markets. That is why the Mercosur trade agreement with South America is so important. We should also urgently explore Indian and African markets. Arguing that it is important to stand up for principles and values, the IGM boss openly advocates expansive German economic and trade war measures, especially against the US and China. Since the old rules-based order no longer functions, she says, we must start looking at certain issues differently and seek new solutions. When asked by Der Spiegel whether the time for restraint is over, Benner replied: Im afraid a man like that [Trump] only understands a strong common language. What she means by this is clear: high counter-tariffs and trade war measures that invariably lead to military confrontation. Specifically, Benner demands: Anyone who wants to sell here must also produce here. Chinas largest car manufacturer, BYD, builds cars in Hungary with components from China Something is going wrong here. She is outraged that German state-owned companies have purchased electric buses from BYD, among others. In addition, the governments 500 billion special fund for infrastructure must go exclusively to domestic manufacturers. The IG Metall initiative paper begins with the following statement: Between US tariffs and subsidised imports from China, our industrial location is in danger of being crushed. This means that not only is our export model at stake, but prosperity, employment, and democratic stability are also in danger. The countrys system of social partnership is increasingly being called into question, complains IG Metall. By social partnership, Benner and her IG Metall apparatus mean the division of labor in enforcing attacks on the workforce in the interests of corporations. Point 5 of the initiative states unequivocally: The pressure to act is high. We at IG Metall offer immediate cooperation at company level on the following three issues. First, the use of AI must be expanded for greater productivity and new business models. IG Metall is therefore pushing for the rapid implementation of the High-Tech Agenda Germany adopted by the German cabinet in the summer of 2025. Productivityi.e., profit maximizationshould be increased by means of AI-controlled production processes. Secondly, decision-making processes must be accelerated, which requires relief from politicians. And thirdly, the union is rushing to the aid of Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) and business representatives. Merz recently complained about the lifestyles of workers who work part time or call in sick. The IGM response is a concept designed to drive employees to work. As part of a health policy offensive, we will address working conditions, corporate cultures, and strategic deficits in companies and develop targeted measures, the IGM paper cynically states. In plain language: The IGM apparatchiks on the ground can reduce sick leave rates much more effectively than the counterproductive official campaign of suspecting those who are sick. The union repeatedly assures employers and the government it will continue to suppress resistance in the workplace: As IG Metall, we take responsibility in companies and society, it says in its initiative. We contribute to stabilization with our collective bargaining policy, our company alliances, and our political commitment. Benner emphasized this last Monday: IG Metall, its works councils, and the employees have delivered. The employees in our sectors are foregoing billions. Without us, the situation in German industry would already be bleak, she claimed. This is an obvious distortion of the facts. The employees are not voluntarily foregoing these billions; they are being forced to do so by their own union. The truth is that IG Metall and its works councils have handed the corporations and companies jobs and wages on a silver platter. Each of the many job massacres in 2025 bears the signature of the works councils and union officials. This is what saves the corporations billions. At VW, they have pushed through salary cuts of up to 20 percent and the elimination of 35,000 jobsmore than one in four; at Thyssenkrupp Stahl, they have pushed through the elimination of 11,000 jobsout of a total of less than 27,000. The same applies to Porsche, Mercedes, ZF, Bosch, and many companies in the metal and electrical industry. Last year, an estimated 60,000 jobs were lost nationwide, particularly in the Ruhr region (mainly in the steel and metal industry) and in Baden-Wurttemberg and Bavaria (mainly in the auto industry). Since the downsizing plans drawn up by the IGM last year will allow corporations to cut thousands more jobs in the coming years, there is no end in sight. To end this downward spiral, the workforce needs its own new strategy. This must follow three basic principles: The struggle must be waged independently of IG Metall and all other union apparatuses, which work closely with the state, the government, and corporations and act as company police toward the workers. The struggle must be waged internationally, overcoming the divisions created by IG Metall, the UAW, and others. The VW corporation alone has nearly 700,000 employees worldwide, including nearly 300,000 in Germany. Including suppliers and service providers, millions are linked in a single process. Only by fighting together and refusing to be played off against each other can the attacks be repelled and conditions for all workers improved. Such a struggle must be the starting point for a broad offensive by the working class against the war drive and the attacks on workers. The struggle must not be guided by the profit logic of corporations and the interests of individual nation states, as the unions propagate. The needs of workers must be at the center. Enormous technological developments, above all artificial intelligence, make it possible to improve the lives of everyone to an unprecedented level. But under capitalist conditions, the same technology leads to mass layoffs, war, and destruction. This cannot be accepted. In order to organize the struggle on the basis of these principles, action committees independent of the union bureaucrats must be established in every factory and every department, which must network internationally and organize a counterweight to the government and management. This photo provided by the Hellenic Coast Guard on Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026, shows a Hellenic Coast Guard patrol vessel docked at the port of Chios after being involved in a collision with a speedboat carrying migrants off the eastern Aegean island of Chios late Tuesday. [AP Photo/Hellenic Coast Guard] The Mediterranean is one of the most dangerous places in the world for migrants. Early Wednesday morning, another incident became known in a long series of deadly confrontations between migrants and the border forces of Mediterranean states. A boat carrying an estimated 35 people, traveling from the Turkish coast to the nearby island of Chios, was rammed by the Greek Coast Guard. At least 15 people were killed. Twenty-six injured individuals were taken to hospitals, including 12 children. Two surviving women lost their unborn children. As of Wednesday, the search for additional missing persons had not yet been completed. The exact circumstances of the collision remain unclear. According to the Coast Guard, a patrol discovered the migrant boat and ordered it to turn back. Dangerous maneuvers by the speedboat allegedly followed, and during the ensuing pursuit the vessels collided. This version of events has not yet been independently verified. Serious doubts are warranted, as border guards have repeatedly drawn attention through brutal, unlawful and inhumane actions that have led to the deaths of refugees. In the past year alone, there were several cases in which refugee boats capsized while being pursued by the Coast Guard. In October 2025, a man and a boy died off the island of Rhodes under such circumstances. Human rights and maritime rescue organizations regularly accuse Greek authorities of pushing migrants back into international waters or shortly after they reach Greek waters, without examining their right to asylum, thereby placing them in life-threatening distress at sea. In the worst known disaster, on June 14, 2023, hundreds of people died when the fishing trawler Adriana sank. Witnesses accused the Greek Coast Guard of causing the severely overcrowded vesselcarrying up to 700 peopleto capsize. They also alleged that necessary rescue measures were deliberately withheld, and no assistance was requested. One hundred and four people survived, and 79 bodies were recovered. Hundreds more went down with the ship, including, according to witness testimony, many women and children trapped in the ships hold. Attempts to investigate the incident were obstructed by the authorities. Following international investigations, including by ARD, Arte, the BBC and CNN, the Greek public prosecutor has since brought charges against 17 members of the Coast Guard, including senior officers. Numerous further allegations are documented: Migrants were violently forced onto unsafe boats, sent out to sea without life jackets or even pushed into the wateroften with fatal consequences. Based on news sources and witness testimony, the BBC documented at least 43 deaths caused by the Greek Coast Guard in 15 incidents between 2020 and 2023. Earlier, Der Spiegel had already proven that the Coast Guard intercepts boat refugees and abandons them on life rafts off the Turkish coast, leaving them to their fate. All of these practices violate human rights and international legal obligations to admit asylum seekers. The Greek Coast Guard is particularly notorious, but it acts in full knowledge that its methods align with the asylum and deportation policies of EU member states. For decades, Fortress Europe has been expandedwith deadly consequences for refugees and migrants, especially in the Mediterranean. The UN migration agency IOM now describes the central Mediterranean as the deadliest migration corridor in the world. In January 2026 alone, hundreds of people reportedly drowned there or died from hypothermia. European states are responsible for these deadly migration routes and the associated human suffering. Their migration policy is designed to recruit skilled workers trained around the world, while sealing off Europe to people without immediate economic value. Those affected by the most recent disaster off Chios are predominantly people from Afghanistan, a country devastated by years of war in which the European powers were also involved. Today, the Islamist Taliban rule there with brutal arbitrariness. Welthungerhilfe (WWF, World Without Hunger) describes the situation as catastrophic. According to the UN, 97 percent of Afghanistans population lives in poverty, and more than 1 million children under the age of five are severely malnourished. The education system has collapsed, and roughly two-thirds of the population is illiterate. Who could be more in need of protection than the people from Afghanistan? Nevertheless, Afghan refugees have little chance of receiving asylum in Europe. Increasingly, they are even being deported back to their country of origin. EU states are progressively adopting the agenda of the far right and preparing measures similar to those implemented by US President Trump in the United States. Just last week, the European Commission announced a further tightening of its migration and asylum policy. The responsible EU Commissioner, Magnus Brunner, stated: We must use all the means at our disposal if we want to decide who is allowed to enter the European Union and who must leave it again. This should be understood as a clear warning. Among the planned measures is the establishment of deportation centers outside EU territory in order to deliberately undermine asylum rights and deter migrants. This so-called deterrence also includes state-organized terror against boat refugees in the Mediterranean. Violence and injustice against those seeking protection are to be institutionally entrenched in the planned return hubs outside Europe. The constant escalation of measures against refugees is also part of the construction of a European police state. The accompanying legal and moral boundary shifts do not affect migrants alone. The repressive apparatus can quickly be deployed against the entire working class as soon as resistance to social cuts and war policies grows, as current developments in the United States clearly demonstrate. Defending the fundamental and human rights of refugees and migrants is not only an act of necessary solidarity. It lies in the direct interests of the European and international working class and is a central component of the struggle against fascism, militarism and war. At a closed-door National Cabinet meeting on Friday, Australias Labor government, headed by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, reached an agreement with the states and territories to impose sweeping austerity cuts to disability support. The deal will drive annual growth in spending on the $52 billion National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) down to 56 percent, from about 9.5 percent last year, amounting to cuts of tens of billions of dollars over the coming decade. Central to the agreement is Labors Thriving Kids program, advanced as the first stage of a new foundational supports regime; cut-price programs, outside the NDIS, based on already overstretched state-level health, education and community services. Thriving Kids targets children aged eight and under with developmental delay and/or autism assessed as having low to moderate support needs. Its purpose is to shunt tens of thousands of children off the NDIS by blocking access and funnelling both existing and future participants into cheaper, state-run programs, dumping the burden of care onto families and chronically underfunded pre-schools, schools and hospitals. The deal was finalised under mounting pressure from the corporate elite for sweeping pre-budget cuts. In a submission to Treasury, the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry demanded more than $50 billion a year be slashed from federal spending, placing the NDIS squarely on the chopping block. Labor wasted no time in spelling out the meaning of the deal, releasing its Thriving Kids model on Monday. The framework lays out a rationing system designed to push children off NDIS-funded disability supports. The agreement also exposed the depth of the crisis confronting state services. Thriving Kids is not scheduled to begin until October 2026, with full rollout delayed until January 2028, reflecting the fact that state health, education and community systems simply are not equipped to absorb the huge numbers of children being diverted from the NDIS. Under Thriving Kids, children assessed as having low needs will have no access to funded therapeutic disability support, forcing families, who are able, to pay for private services. Parents will be directed to token parenting programs, peer groups, supported play activities and phone advice lines. Allied-health professionals, where involved at all, appear only in advisory or group roles, not as providers of treatment. Children classified as having moderate needs will receive only marginally more: limited, time-restricted access to allied-health services delivered through hubs or education settings and tightly controlled by referral pathways. There is no guarantee of continuity or duration. Once these short interventions end, families are pushed back onto overburdened universal services. Australian Federal Minister for Health Mark Butler, January 9, 2024 [Photo: Facebook/Mark Butler MP] The comments of Health Minister Mark Butler confirm that Thriving Kids has nothing to do with helping children with disabilities thrive, but is aimed at slashing funding. He explained that at present, 120,444 children receive low or moderate supports through the NDIS, costing the federal government $1.8 billion annually. National Cabinet has pledged $4 billion over five years, which includes all the costs of roll-out, to replace this funding, with only half coming from the federal government. In other words, federal funding for these children over five years will drop from $9 billion to just $2 billion. If you take the current cohort of children, the funding amounts to just $6,000$7,000 per child per year. But as more children classified as low or moderate are excluded from the NDIS in the future, saving the federal government more money, their only avenue will be the Thriving Kids scheme which will receive no extra money for five years at least. Once the child turns eight, there will be no ongoing program. Thriving Kids advisory group chair Professor Frank Oberklaid made clear that very limited assistance will be available under the program, declaring that many, many children just need a bit of support over six or 12 months in order to thrive. The many, many children that he is talking about are those whose parents had to jump through a maze of regulatory hoops to prove that their children require ongoing assistance. The original design of the NDIS was as a cost saving scheme to limit disability support to the very needy and to open up a new arena for profit to private providers. The market-based program allocated individualised budgets to families and carers who could then shop around for services. The fact that the scheme was expanded beyond the original forecasts only exposed the fact that a vast unmet need existed before its introduction. Thriving Kids' impact on families will be severe. When it was first announced in August last year, Adelaide mother Lisa Goodwin, whose twins are autistic, described it as a betrayal of our children, insisting that autism is a lifelong diagnosis. She explained that she had to apply three times before her children were accepted onto the NDIS and then spent years fighting funding cuts through appeals. Its a constant fight for your child, she said, involving relentless advocacy and the need to repeatedly prove your child is struggling. Like many families, she feared Thriving Kids will rip away even these hard-won supports and replace them with vague promises of mainstream services that are already inaccessible, under-resourced or unaffordable. These concerns were echoed in No Child Left Behinda report commissioned as part of the governments own consultation process on Thriving Kids. Based on submissions from families and service providers, it warned that information and navigation supports cannot substitute for hands-on, ongoing professional assistance, particularly for children labelled as having mild or moderate needs. A tragic episode last week in Western Australia has brought the enormous pressures facing parents looking after autistic children into sharp focus. In Perth, 16-year-old Leon Clune and 14-year-old Otis Clune were found dead alongside their parents in their Mosman Park home, in what police have described as an apparent murder-suicide. Both boys had severe autism, with Otis non-verbal. Friends, teachers and support workers described the family as exhausted and isolated, caring full-time for children with complex needs amid chronic sleep deprivation. They had reportedly had their NDIS supports cut. Thriving Kids is only one element of Labors broader assault on disability support and functions as a test case for deeper and wider cuts. By targeting children with so-called low or moderate needs, the government is establishing the principle that entire layers of disabled people can have their supports reduced, capped or withdrawn in the name of sustainability. The deep inroads into the NDIS are inseparable from Labors wider austerity program being prepared ahead of the federal budget which will boost military spending and corporate handouts at the expense of essential social services. The working class must reject the lie that high-quality disability support is an unaffordable luxury. The fight for comprehensive, freely accessible disability support for all is bound up with a broader political struggle for a socialist program to reorganise society to meet the pressing social needs of the majority not the profits of the ultra-rich. Kaiser hospital in Downey, California, January 30, 2026 The ongoing strike by 31,000 nurses, technicians, and other healthcare workers at Kaiser Permanente in California and Hawaii has entered its second week, amidst an eruption of strikes and protests across the country. For three weeks, 15,000 nurses in New York City have been on strike; thousands of Kaiser pharmacists and technicians are set to join the pickets on the west coast in the coming days. Kaiser Permanente pleads poverty when it comes to vital issues such as safe staffing ratios and pay increases to ensure staff retention. But it has quietly agreed to pay $556 million to settle allegations of Medicare fraud with the state of California, underscoring that non-profit healthcare operates no differently from any other corporation. The settlement stems from Kaisers systematic exploitation of the Medicare Advantage (MA) risk-adjustment system, a federally mandated program designed to compensate insurers for patients with more complex health needs. Under MA, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) pays private insurers a fixed monthly amount per enrollee, adjusted upward for documented illnesses. Such a system creates a strong financial incentive to maximize coding of diagnoses, turning patient records into revenue-generating instruments. Federal prosecutors allege that between 2009 and 2018, Kaiser carried out a multi-state scheme to inflate risk scores through automated and coercive practices. The primary tool was the retroactive use of medical record addenda. Typically intended to correct minor errors shortly after a visit, addenda were instead repurposed as a revenue tool. Physicians were pressured to add diagnoses to patient charts months or even years after visits, often for conditions that were never evaluated or treated. Internal systems identified missed diagnoses through data mining of prior records or lab results, sending queries to clinicians that framed coding as a performance requirement. Physicians and facilities were assigned risk-adjustment targets and tracked on internal dashboards, with financial incentives or penalties tied to coding output. Court filings estimate that roughly 500,000 unsupported diagnoses were added, generating approximately $1 billion in improper Medicare payments. The $556 million settlement, while large by most measures, represents only a fraction of the alleged overbilling and a minor cost for an institution with billions in reserves. The practices exposed at Kaiser are widespread throughout the healthcare industry. UnitedHealth Group (UHG) has faced multiple similar allegations, using its vertically integrated structure and vast data systems to identify diagnoses that increase Medicare payments. Meanwhile they are accused of ignoring evidence that existing diagnoses were unsupported or incorrect and therefore required repayment of previously overbilled funds. In both cases, corporate control over clinical data was used to maximize revenue. Companies defend these practices as thorough documentation, exploiting the complexity of the Hierarchical Condition Category coding system. Vertical integration, particularly UHGs control over physician networks through Optum, has enabled insurers to exert unprecedented influence over diagnosis capture and clinical decision-making. Programs such as HouseCalls, marketed as care for underserved populations, were used primarily to identify high-value diagnoses, many of which were never treated, turning illness itself into a source of profit rather than a basis for care. The fact that UHGs legal defense was largely successful, the government is unwilling to hold major healthcare corporations accountable. A precedent has been established in which formal transparency functions as a legal defense for exploitative behavior. Kaisers non-profit status is a sham. In 2024, it reported $115.8 billion in operating revenue, $12.9 billion in net income, and nearly $67.4 billion in financial reserves, while executive compensation approached $93 million. Against this backdrop, a $556 million settlement amounts to a routine operating expense. Beyond financial misconduct, the most damaging consequence of risk-adjustment fraud is the corruption of patient medical records. Inaccurate coding creates permanent records of fictitious or exaggerated illnesses, distorting care and exposing patients to unnecessary treatment or stigma. Investigations show millions of Medicare Advantage enrollees carry serious diagnoses without follow-up care, underscoring how illness has been transformed into a revenue stream. UNAC/UHCP, the union covering striking workers, has issued statements portraying Kaisers actions as a moral lapse or a failure of management ethics. Its January 2026 report named Profit Over Patients frames the issue as mission drift, rather than the predictable outcome of subordinating healthcare to market imperatives. This from Kaisers partners of nearly 30 years in their Labor Management Partnership. In return for involvement in this scheme funded with millions of dollars from Kaiser, the union is responsible for limiting and suppressing organized resistance from workers. It insists that fraud and mismanagement are isolated abuses fixable through oversight, governance or clinician voice, rather than requiring a determined struggle from below against the entire for-profit healthcare model, which is incompatible with public health. Privatization of Medicare has been a bipartisan project carried out over decades. The Reagan administration introduced prospective payment systems that encouraged competition and for-profit hospital operations. Under Clinton, Medicare+Choice (later Medicare Advantage) allowed private insurers to profit directly from public funds. Bush expanded the program further, diverting billions from public resources into private hands. Subsequent administrations, from Obamas Affordable Care Act to the Trump-era Direct Contracting and Primary Care First models, deepened the focus on cost control and profit, often at the expense of patient needs. Value-based payment models reward savings over care, incentivizing providers to see more patients in less time, restrict treatments, and shift care to cheaper alternatives. Kaiser is often portrayed as a model non-profit healthcare system, guided by community well-being rather than revenue. The $556 million Medicare fraud settlement exposes this image. For an institution of Kaisers size, wealth, and financial sophistication, such penalties function less as deterrents than as routine operating costs. In this context, misconduct is not an aberration but a systemic feature. The ongoing strike by 31,000 by nurses, laboratory technicians, and other staff is against understaffing, burnout and unsafe conditions driven by relentless cost cutting. That this takes place even as management extracts revenue through inflated risk scores and financial maneuvers shows this struggle is inseparable from a broader question of whose social interests dominate healthcare, whether medicine is organized to meet human needs or to generate profit. What is required is independent, class-based organization that links workplace struggles to opposition to Medicare privatization and the commodification of medicine. The Kaiser settlement illustrates the real costs imposed when healthcare is subordinated to capital. While executives and regulators treat fraud penalties as minor expenses, frontline workers and patients bear the consequences daily. Among nurses, a different mood is taking hold. Many have spoken out in support of a general strike against the Trump administration, noting that Alex Pretti, the man murdered by ICE agents in Minneapolis, was also a nurse. The strikes in California, Hawaii and New York reflect a growing recognition that the fight for ethical medical practice and safe staffing is inseparable from the struggle against profit-driven healthcare. A note from Trump commemorating the visit by Colombian President Petro to the White House [Photo: @petrogustavo] Colombian President Gustavo Petro met with US President Donald Trump at the White House on Tuesday in a closed-door session lasting over two hours. The meeting came just days after Trump brazenly threatened Petro with military action akin to last months US invasion of Venezuela and abduction of President Nicolas Maduro. The encounter, hailed by Trump as a complete success, was yet another capitulation by a figurehead of Latin Americas bankrupt Pink Tide. Like New York pseudo-socialist mayor, Zohran Mamdani, who recently visited the White House to kiss Trumps ring and pledge partnership, Petro arrived hat in hand, pledging collaboration. On the eve of the meeting with Petro, Trump told reporters in his usual thuggish style: He was certainly critical before that but, somehow after the Venezuelan raid, he became very nice. Post-meeting, Trump gushed that Petro was terrific. Petro now apes Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaums playbook: stifling public criticisms of US policy, sweet-talking the would-be fascist emperor, and offering full-fledged collaboration plus additional tributes. Most recently, Sheinbaum has stopped oil shipments to Cuba, leaving the country with just days worth of fuel after Trump threatened to impose sanctions on Mexico. The shift is significant. Petro once denounced NATO powers direct role in the Gaza genocide, the execution of 126 fishermen, including Colombians, with US missile strikes on their boats since last September, and the Pentagons kidnapping of Maduro. As early as Trumps first week back in office, Petro backed down from blocking deportations of shackled Colombians after the White House threatened 50 percent tariffs. In September, he urged US troops to disobey Trumps Gaza ordersprompting Treasury sanctions branding Petro a major drug trafficker and money launderer. They remain in effect. On Tuesday, Petro insisted that, as far as he was concerned, this was all in the past. I like honest gringos, he told reporters. We may be very different, but what brings us together is freedom. And thats where the conversation began. This about a president overseeing the murder and mass repression of protesters across the United States against the anti-immigrant onslaught, whose victims include thousands of Colombians. As Petro hobnobbed with Trump, Slate published the harrowing account of a Colombian mother whose family fled death threats in Colombia in 2022, only to endure the Liam Ramos nightmare at the Dilley, Texas migrant concentration camp before deportation. Her daughter suffered vision and hearing damage plus a bacterial infection after two months in hellish conditions. My daughter is only 6 years old. She should not know chains or handcuffs or the terror of her family being torn apart, she wrote from Colombia. ICE treated us like animals. Officers intimidated, restrained and deported us without regard for our humanity. My daughter is traumatized and cries every day. Meanwhile, in Washington, Petro continued his rhapsodic description of the White House: Different ways of thinking, different regimes, different powers can come together. Theres no need to fight. ... I like you, he told me. The meeting itself focused on Petros intelligence reports touting Colombian efficacy in drug interdictions and Pentagon collaboration. He handed Trump a list of alleged cartel leaders worldwide. At one point, Trump provocatively asked Petros view on Maduros kidnapping. I am used to war, Petro replied, offering his government and state oil company Ecopetrol as an axis for Venezuelas economic reactivation. True to his role as envoy of the venal Colombian ruling class, Petro begged permission to join the vultures devouring the corpse of Venezuelas oil sector. Notably, Petro ignored Mondays White House statement celebrating the US military conquest of half of Mexicos territory 180 years ago as a legendary victory guiding todays Latin American policy. The Colombian bourgeoisie wants only to be recognized as a reliable junior partner. Petros trajectory embodies the political pedigree and degeneration of the so-called Pink Tide, a series of left nationalist governments that used proceeds from high commodity prices to implement limited social reforms. In 1977, at age 17, he began university studies and joined the M-19 guerrilla group until its 1991 transformation into a respectable bourgeois party. The fighting included efforts to reclaim land from US-backed fascist paramilitaries. In October 1985, Colombian Army forcesfounded, financed, and trained by Washingtoncaptured and tortured him for days. He was not freed until February 1987. In 1991, he entered Congress as part of the ex-guerrilla bloc, and as early as 1994, he met Venezuelan Lt. Col. Hugo Chavez, who launched Bolivarianism and the Pink Tide after his 1998 election as president. Declassified documents reveal US training, funding, and intelligence enabled the massacre of over 6,000 demobilized guerrilla members in Colombia during this period, with Petro himself under constant threat. Notwithstanding this bloody history, under Petro, Colombia remains a NATO global partner and Washingtons closest military ally in Latin America, hosting US troops and bases. Petros pilgrimage underscores the terminal crisis of left nationalism across Latin America. Self-styled progressives like Petro, Lula, Sheinbaum and the Venezuelan Bolivarian remnants, preserve capitalist exploitation while capitulating to US imperialisms demands. Trumps threats can only succeed insofar as these regimes serve to suppress any independent revolutionary movement of the working class. The national bourgeoisies they represent manage capital within the imperialist-controlled nation-state system, offering repression, cheap labor and resources at home and collaboration abroad. Colombias NATO status, joint anti-drug operations, and bases make it Washingtons unsinkable aircraft carrier for subjugating the hemisphere. Petros frank gringos line whitewashes this as liberty, while migrants rot in US camps. The Pink Tide now openly services Trumps neocolonial blitzkrieg across the region. An explosive series of mass protests and general strikes in Colombia against austerity, inequality and repression were channeled by the pseudo-left and the trade union bureaucracy behind the election of Petro in 2022. The political disaster this has wrought is plain to see and now it is high time to draw fundamental political lessons from the experience of the Pink Tide. The Latin American working class cannot fight extreme inequality and defend its democratic rightsabove all against imperialist oppressionthrough politicians like Petro or any other capitalist party. Only the independent mobilization of the working class for power can achieve this as part of the world socialist revolution. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that Russian leader Vladimir Putin fears only one person on the global stage, US President Donald Trump, stressing that Moscow is not deterred by Europe alone, Azernews reports his remarks to Le Monde. Putin does not fear Europeans. He only fears Trump, thats a fact, Zelenskyy said. What Trump might say to Putin is not my business. Zelenskyy recalled that the US president has expressed a desire to end the war in Ukraine through compromise, noting that Kyiv supports Washingtons peace initiatives. However, he emphasized that Ukraine will not make any concessions that undermine its sovereignty. If Ukraine does not stop Putin, he will attack Europe, Zelenskyy warned, adding that countries bordering Ukraine understand they would be the first targets if Russia advances further. He pointed to Russias military capabilities, saying its drones can operate deep inside territories and that its missiles have the range to strike virtually anywhere. I do not want to scare anyone, Zelenskyy said, adding that European states which fully understand this threat are already providing Ukraine with effective assistance. The Ukrainian leader also referred to his recent speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, arguing that democratic values alone are insufficient to deter Moscow. Democracy cannot defeat Vladimir Putin, who does not respect the rules of war, he said. Meanwhile, US officials have said that negotiations between Ukraine and Russia are making progress, though the most difficult issues remain unresolved, potentially delaying any final peace agreement. On February 4, a second round of talks involving Ukraine, Russia, and the United States was held in Abu Dhabi. The discussions lasted several hours, with further negotiations expected to continue on February 5. Kotak Mahindra Bank is preparing to recruit up to 500 engineers to strengthen technology infrastructure, reported Bloomberg. Chief technology officer Bhavnish Lathia said the bank is looking to hire from large technology firms and other banks to build what he described as a technology company with a banking licence. The current tech workforce, now exceeding 2,000 employees, includes professionals who previously worked at companies such as Alphabet, Apple, Goldman Sachs Group, and JPMorgan Chase. Where we see a unique opportunity is in combining talent from deep tech companies with talent that brings deep domain expertise, Lathia said. The bank was under a regulatory technology embargo in 2024 due to identified shortcomings, but the restriction was lifted last year. During this period, Kotak Mahindra Bank overhauled core banking systems and shifted much of its software development in-house, reducing its reliance on external vendors and giving in-house engineers greater oversight of critical systems. According to Lathia, the bank has recorded more than a year without any unplanned outages in its core banking system, despite handling yearly transaction volume growth of 60% to 70%. Transaction processing time for customers using Kotaks digital app has also dropped from several seconds to under 500 milliseconds. Of the banks current engineering staff, around 1,800 have backgrounds in major technology and global finance firms. Another 300 to 500 engineers are expected to join in the next financial year starting April 1. Lathia took on the CTO role last year, following a similar recruitment drive led by his predecessor Milind Nagnur. Kotak Mahindra Bank is investing less in physical branch expansion compared to some competitors and has increased its technology spending. Technology now makes up about 13% of operating expenses, up from around 10% two years ago. The bank is aiming for cost stability as business volumes grow, with automation and scaling allowing more resources for further reinvestment in technological platforms. Lathia said that almost all operations will feature AI integration within eight months. He indicated that hundreds of engineers are already using AI tools for code generation, and around 35,000 employees work with AI tools daily. Last month, Bloomberg reported that Deutsche Bank is close to selling its retail and wealth management operations in India, with Kotak Mahindra Bank among those submitting binding bids for the portfolio. Last year, Kotak Mahindra Bank acquired a personal loan portfolio from Standard Chartered Bank valued at Rs33.3bn (then $385m). Lachlan Star has agreed to acquire a 90% stake in the New Waverley Gold Project in the Norseman Mining District of Western Australia (WA). The deal was secured through a binding agreement with local prospector David Pascoe, who has managed ownership of the site for the past 13 years. Located in the Eastern Goldfields of WA, New Waverley lies between Lachlan Star's Killaloe Gold Project and Pantoro Gold's Norseman Gold Project. The site covers around 40km and comprises two mining leases (M63/673 and M63/678) along with an exploration licence (E63/2167). Historically owned by private prospectors for more than three decades, the area remains largely unexplored using modern methods. Previous drilling at the site revealed high-grade gold intercepts below the Waverley Pit, indicating potential for additional mineralisation. One notable result includes an intercept of 4.1m at 12.53 grams per tonne (g/t) gold from a depth of 59.7m, with a section of 0.65m grading at 77.3g/t from 63.1m (WD6). Another finding is an intercept of 4m at 13.83g/t gold from 16m, which includes a segment of 1m at 53g/t from 19m (WP55). Additionally, there is an intercept of 2m at 10.34g/t gold from a depth of 24m (WP326). Further results include an intercept of 8m at 2.71g/t gold from 18m, with a section of 1m at 20.05g/t from 23m (WP75), and another intercept of 8m at 2.13g/t from 15m, including a segment of 2m at 7.75g/t from 16m (WP54). Lachlan Star aims to initiate reverse circulation and diamond drilling by March this year to further assess and extend these findings. Planned exploration activities will focus on evaluating historical gold workings and structural mapping of quartz reefs within existing pits. Additionally, historical mineralised surface dumps and stockpiles will be assessed for further opportunities. The strategic location of the project offers proximity to established operations such as Westgolds Southern Goldfields Operations. Lachlan Star views this acquisition as a significant expansion of its presence in one of Australias most prolific gold regions. The New Waverley tenements are thought to contain "Norseman-style" shear-hosted quartz reef systems that have not been extensively tested, providing substantial scope for ongoing exploration efforts. Lachlan Star CEO Andrew Tyrrell said: The acquisition of the New Waverley Gold Project is an important step for Lachlan Star, further strengthening our position in the Norseman region and adding a high-quality, high-grade gold project to our portfolio. New Waverley displays all the hallmarks of a classic Norseman-style gold system, with compelling grades, excellent infrastructure access and limited historical testing beneath and beyond the old workings. Eli Lilly is dropping the development of three therapies that did not meet expectations, including a gene therapy acquired during a $1bn buyout of Prevail Therapeutics. Lilly is terminating the development of gene therapy LY3884963, as reported by Fierce Pharma, which it acquired during a buyout of Prevail Therapeutics in March 2022. The gene therapy is in a Phase I/II trial (NCT04408625) in frontotemporal dementia with progranulin mutations (FTD-GRN). The trial has a completion date in April 2031. A spokesperson for Eli Lilly told Clinical Trials Arena: Lilly discontinued GRN gene therapy in frontotemporal dementia due to a lack of compelling efficacy in the studied patient population. The decision was not due to any safety concern. Subjects enrolled as of the date of discontinuation will be followed for the protocol-defined safety follow-up period. While we recognise the significant unmet medical need in this area, we remain committed to assessing future opportunities that best support our strategic priorities and portfolio focus. We aim to leverage insights gained from this programme in upcoming interventions and are planning to share the data at a forthcoming scientific meeting. The second candidate that has been terminated is LY3541860, an anti-CD19 antibody being investigated in multiple sclerosis (MS) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The drug is in a Phase II (NCT06220669) in patients with relapsing MS, with LY3541860 being pitted against a placebo. The study is currently listed as recruiting, with the study completion due in August 2028. Meanwhile, the Phase II trial (NCT06859294) in RA is a single-arm study, which is currently listed as active, not recruiting with a completion due in September 2026. Finally, the pharma giant is terminating the development of AC-225-PSMA-62, an investigational radioligand therapy which is in a Phase I/II trial (NCT06229366) in prostate cancer. The trial status on ClinicalTrials.gov continues to be active, not recruiting, with a study completion in December 2032. The Lilly spokesperson added that the development of the anti-CD19 antibody and radioligand therapy have been terminated due to efficacy concerns, adding that safety was not a concern in any of the programmes. The drugs were all excluded from Lillys Q4 2025 presentation. On the same day, during the publication of its financials, Lilly said it anticipates revenue of between $80bn and $83bn in 2026, with hopes that orforglipron will enter the market. In 2025, Lillys total revenue reached $65.2bn, a significant increase from the $45bn recorded in 2024, with the companys share value jumping 7.1%. Perhaps the least commented upon feature of the dystopian Trump banners adorning parts of Washington D.C. is the red, white, and blue number250emblazoned just beneath the presidents Windsor-knotted tie. These ribbon-shaped digits are the emblem of the America 250 campaign, a public-private enterprise established by Congress in 2016 to spearhead the celebration of the 250th birthday of the United States in 2026. The banners are thus part of what will likely be a long contest to shape (and profit from) the narrative around this round-number anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and the American Revolution. This will not be a product of the government alone, of coursewe havent arrived at that dystopia just yetbut will involve numerous editorials, books, documentaries, and public events. Richard Bells The American Revolution and the Fate of the World is one such entrant in this field, an entertaining history of the Revolution that encourages readers to see it as an event defined by interdependence as much as independence, a creation story not just for the United States but for our modern world. More successful in making this first point than the second, the book nevertheless providesalmost inadvertentlya good reminder of what made the Revolution distinctive, and why that distinctiveness deserves renewed attention at a time when some might otherwise use the memory of an anti-monarchial revolt to crown a new king. A professor of history at the University of Maryland, Bell wants to challenge what he calls the tightly blinkered perspective on the Revolution found in most basic textbook histories. This narrative, he suggests, focuses too much on the simple story of rebels versus redcoats, obscuring the conflicts true transnational scope and complexity. He proposes instead an account that includes not just the Founding Fathers and their Continental Congresses but also Black American freedom seekers Chinese tea-pickers, Mohawk warriors, Sierra Leonian separatists [and] Asian rulers. Advertisement Advertisement The American Revolution, he argues, cannot be understood as merely an American event. Bell does not reject the traditional story of the Revolutionwhat we might call the Schoolhouse Rock tale of American Patriots shouting, No more kings. But, he argues, it must be seen as a global upheaval, one that began because British trade policy in China triggered a civil war in North America, launching a global war for empire that reached from the Caribbean to India, leading slaves to take arms against their masters and tens of thousands to flee across continents and oceans. Bell starts with the traditional sequence of revolutionary-era eventsthe Boston Tea Party, the Battles of Lexington and Concord, etc.but he shows how they fit into Britains tea trade with China. Seeking to maintain commercial advantages in China and India, London wanted the colonists to buy only British-shipped tea (and not the cheaper, smuggled Dutch tea they preferred). The colonists resented the implication that their economic choices should be subservient to Britains. Trade, money, and tea prices were the initial sticking point, not the existence of the monarchy. And by shifting the focus in this way, Bell reveals how the American Revolution was initially more about economic policy than monarchial power or political rights. From there, Bell largely leaves behind the familiar story, touring instead the global landscape that shaped, and was shaped by, the better-known events in Philadelphia, Boston, and New York. The kingdoms of France and Spain, he proposes, did as much to deliver victory for the colonists as the would-be republicans in the Continental Army. French troops and ships provided the bulk of the military power behind the climactic rebel victory at Yorktown in 1781. Spanish military aid, in turn, helped keep colonial troops in the field. Many rebel guns at Lexington and Concord, it turns out, literally bore the mark of Spains King Carlos III, sent from then-Spanish New Orleanswhile Carloss soldiers made their impression, as well. Almost entirely forgotten Spanish campaigns along the Gulf Coast dragged London into yet another theater of war, forcing the surrender of British Florida and dramatically escalating the costs of the conflict in the months before the British collapse in Virginia. Advertisement Advertisement The kingdoms of France and Spain, he proposes, did as much to deliver victory for the colonists as the would-be republicans in the Continental Army. Still more disruptive to the traditional narrative of white Continentals fighting their white British cousins are Bells accounts of lesser-known figures, like Molly Brant, an influential Mohawk woman married to a British diplomat, and Harry Washington, an enslaved West African man who fled George Washingtons plantation to join the British war effort against his former master. Brants struggles to maintain an anti-Patriot alliance between the Iroquois Confederacy and the British illustrates well how the Revolutionary War was no mere contest among Europeans. Native leaders like Brant saw the conflict as a chance to partner with the British Crown to reassert their own sovereignty against colonial encroachment. A brutal fight for the interior resulted, culminating in a horrific scorched-earth campaign against the Iroquois in upstate New York (ordered by General Washington), forcing Brant to flee to Canada. Harry Washingtons life, meanwhile, reveals another forgotten aspect of Washingtons war against Britainthat it precipitated one of the largest slave rebellions in American history, as more than 25 thousand Black people fled to British lines, many taking up arms for the king. After fighting up and down the East Coast, Harry was among the handful of former slaves evacuated by British forces after Yorktown. He eventually settled in Sierra Leone, part of a new wave of European-backed imperialism in Africa. He and his compatriots were not alone in being forced to settle across the sea, either; the Revolution scattered populations across the globe, white and Black alike. White Loyalists to the Crown fled north to further populate British Canada, while numerous British convicts previously destined for hard labor in North America were instead transported by the British to yet another new colony, this time in Australia. As these displacements suggest, what might surprise readers of The American Revolution and the Fate of the World the most is what that fate was: more empire and more inequality. Harry Washington for one would disappear from the historical record after participating in his own anti-British revolt, this by the Black residents of Freetown against the tyranny of the London-backed Sierra Leone Company in 1800. Two years earlier in Ireland, the British had also brutally cracked down on the United Irishmen, largely Protestant Irish nationalists inspired by the example of the United States to try to throw off the kings yoke. In India, Haidar Alithe leader of the independent kingdom of Mysoreused the opportunity opened by colonists to strike against growing British power on the subcontinent. Allying with the French and Dutch, Haidar won a number of battles across southern India before dying of cancer in 1782. Though his son, Tipu Sultan, maintained the war for a time, the British eventually turned the tide, conquering Mysore and further securing their dominant position in South Asia. The new United States also made its own imperial moves as a result of the Revolution, using its victory over pro-British Native Americans to further expand frontier settlement in North America, absorbing once-sovereign Indigenous nations into its own burgeoning continental empire. What clearly emerges from these stories is an American Revolution that, as Bell rightly argues, cannot be fully contained within national borders or traditional narratives, an event that occurred across a much broader and already startlingly integrated world, one bound together by globalized networks of trade, migration, and power that spanned from Philadelphia and London to Freetown and Madras. Bells work will no doubt help many readers understand the Revolution more completely than they had before. Yet its hard not to think that most will also close the book feeling a bit dissatisfied, as if Bell starts his narrative too late and ends it too early. Advertisement Advertisement This is because, from a global perspective at least, Bell enters and exits the story in the middle. France and Spain did not go to war with Britain because of the American colonists, they went to war because the colonists provided an opportunity to do what France and Spain had long been doing: waging war for empire. The Revolution appeared to offer a chance to wrest control of the international system from an increasingly dominant Britain. Both had fought Britain before and would fight again before the century was out. The same can be said for Haidar Alian aggressive statesman with a strong military, he fought, as he would have anyway, to defeat the British threat to his own independence. The colonists gave him an opportunity, not a reason. Harry Washington, meanwhile, may only have ended up in Sierra Leone because of American independence, but thats certainly not the sole reason Britain expanded its reach in West Africa. Similarly, its hard to imagine Europeans not attempting to colonize Australia at some point in the late eighteenth or early nineteenth centuries, regardless of whether the British government found itself in need of a new escape valve for its penal system. The American Revolution also did not begin the expansion of empire in North Americaor the ethnic cleansing of Native Americansthat was already well underway. The Revolution disrupted empires, economies, and lives, but it didnt really threaten the world order based on expanding white European power; in many ways it reinforced it. While its inarguably a significant moment in world history, Bells claim that the American Revolution offers an origin story for the modern worldthat it was an event that threw much of the established world order into chaosthus seems too strong. Indeed, the very global perspective he advocates for undercuts such claims. When it comes to the broad sweep of global history that produced the present, the Revolution was more consequence than cause, a by-product of what was actually throwing the planet into chaos in the eighteenth century: European imperialism and the violent form of globalization it was forcing on the world. In the long run, American independence did little to disrupt that process or alter geopolitical outcomes for those living in non-European spaces like Mysore, Sierra Leone, China, orin the near term at leastin Latin America. Even for Native Americans, the difference is less significant than we might think. Its difficult to imagine a victorious post-Revolutionary British government truly restraining further white settlement of North America, while British Canada itself hardly proved a much better protector of Indigenous rights than the United States. The Revolution disrupted empires, economies, and lives, but it didnt really threaten the world order based on expanding white European power; in many ways it reinforced it. If we want to claim singular importance for the American Revolution, in fact, it can really only be done by keeping a steady eye on the very Schoolhouse Rock no more Kings version of the story that Bell deliberately moves away from. Though in a much more limited way than mythologized renderings of American history tend to suggest, the Revolutions liberal rhetoric of freedom and representation did inject new strength into an emerging discourse about political rights, one that within a few generations would produce a novel mass democracy in the United States. Though horribly limited by race and gender, that democracy, and the discourse of freedom it helped maintain, offered a foundation on which many of the more decent aspects of modernity are at least partly built. Advertisement Advertisement The American Revolution and the Fate of the World mentions thisreminding readers that the Patriots call to liberty would push questions about human rights, citizenship, and sovereignty toward the top of the global agenda for the first timebut that point is lost amid the books whirl of global stories. Bell is right to suggest that liberal ideas were far less important to the colonial cause than most Americans like to believe, but they were also among the few things produced by the Revolution that truly disrupted the empire-dominated world order of the late eighteenth century. The new United States, after all, did anything but. Bells version of the American Revolution is neither satisfyingly global enough (which would require more attention to the history of European imperial expansion) nor American enough (which would require more rebels, redcoats, and battle cries of freedom). This dichotomy of empire and freedom in American history is important to remember as we approach the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence this year. Though many in and out of the government will try to say otherwise, what is uniquely worth celebrating about the American Revolution is not so much the United States it createdwhich, in many respects, became just another empire in a long list of empires extending back to antiquity. Its instead the boost the colonists gave to another equally ancient phenomenon: the impulse to pull down the banners of kings. People should read Bells book, certainly, but it also wouldnt hurt to watch a little Schoolhouse Rock too. Dunkin is hinting at its future by channeling the past. After Dunkin shared a teaser during the Grammy Awards this past Sunday, the brand is alluding to whats coming next with a 1990s-themed pop-up on MITs campus in Cambridge. Located just outside the Stratton Student Center, the pop-up houses Dunkin-branded vintage merchandise from overalls and bomber jackets to hats, bags and skateboards. All the merchandise was locally sourced from surrounding businesses, including Vivant Vintage, which has locations in Allston and on Newbury Street in Boston, and Lynn Vintage Warehouse in Lynn. Advertisement Advertisement Everyone, not just MIT students, is welcome to browse the collection in-person. The pop-up is open Wednesday, Feb. 4 through Friday, Feb. 6 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Those who pick up clothing will get a $5 Dunkin gift card as well. Dunkin will reveal more information in a new commercial that is set to air this coming Sunday during the Super Bowl. Fans should also stay tune for a chance to shot the collection online. The brands latest teaser sees actor and Massachusetts native Ben Affleck pitching a new Dunkin concept to Jennifer Aniston, Matt LeBlanc and Jason Alexander. Whats old is new. Whats cringe is good. Whats up is down. Were sitting on a gold mine here, Affleck says while holding a VHS tape with the phrase Dunkan written across it. Advertisement Advertisement While all three actors appear hesitant to move forward, Affleck is convinced that his idea is worth a comeback. This is the pinnacle of all our careers, he says. All I require is your consent. The commercial ends with the date 2.8.26 across a TV screen alongside the Dunkin logo. More stories about Dunkin' Read the original article on MassLive. Add MassLive as a Preferred Source by clicking here. Reality TV star Duane "Dog the Bounty Hunter" Chapman's stepson has been arrested, months after the stepson allegedly fatally shot his teenage son. The Collier County Sheriff's Office in Florida on Tuesday announced the arrest of 39-year-old Gregory Anthony Zecca. Officials cited a warrant for felony charges of aggravated manslaughter of a child with a firearm and using a firearm while under the influence. Zecca is the son of Chapman's wife Francie Chapman (nee Frane) from a previous marriage. In July, the sheriff's office said, officers reported to a shooting incident at an apartment in Naples in southern Florida. The responding officer heard screaming on the dispatch call and first responders arrived at the home where the teenage victim whose name was not revealed was pronounced dead, according to an incident report shared with The Times. Law enforcement on Tuesday said an investigation had determined that Zecca "was impaired by alcohol" when he allegedly shot his son. Advertisement Advertisement A legal representative for Zecca did not immediately respond to a request for comment Thursday. Read more: Dog the Bounty Hunter's step-grandson dies, allegedly shot by father in 'tragic accident' According to Tuesday's announcement, a toxicology expert found "Zecca's blood-alcohol concentration to be approximately 0.116 at the time of the shooting," above the state's limit of 0.08. Officials also said that the deputies who responded to the apartment in July "noted the odor of alcohol on Zecca and observed marijuana in plain view." Additionally, police claimed the investigation determined Zecca had "consumed alcohol over several hours at a local establishment," bought more alcohol, then consumed alcohol and marijuana at a friend's home where Zecca and his son were watching a televised UFC match. Officials allege Zecca "repeatedly handled a firearm" while his son was present and accused him of "drawing it from his waistband and dry-firing." Advertisement Advertisement Police said the firearm had been "rendered safe," without a magazine and live round from its chamber, but "at some point" was reloaded. "Zecca discharged a single shot, fatally striking the child," the sheriff's office said. Read more: They were killed after a fight at a Halloween party. Now one man is charged with murder Collier County Sheriff Kevin Rambosk said Zecca's case "underscores that devastating tragedy that can result from mixing firearms, alcohol and drugs." Chapman and his wife Francie Chapman confirmed their grandson's death in a July statement shared to TMZ. We are grieving as a family over this incomprehensible tragic accident and we grieve the loss of our beloved grandson, Anthony, they said at the time. Advertisement Advertisement A representative for Chapman did not immediately respond to a request for comment Thursday. Duane Chapman, best known for his long-running A&E reality show Dog the Bounty Hunter, married Francie Chapman two years after wife Beth Chapman died in 2021 following a battle with cancer. He has been married six times and has a total of 13 children from those marriages. Zecca made his first court appearance at the Collier County Courthouse on Wednesday and is due back for an arraignment hearing in March. State prosecutors filed a motion this week requesting Zecca remain in jail pending trial. Get notified when the biggest stories in Hollywood, culture and entertainment go live. Sign up for L.A. Times entertainment alerts. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. I have questions. Many questions. But apparently, in 2026, the travel industry has decided that what we really need is a plastic doll with a questionable employment history to tell us where to vacation. That's right: Expedia has partnered with Mattel's Ken doll yes, that Ken to be their newest brand ambassador. And honestly? I kind of respect the chaos of it all. Beach Ken Is Now Travel Influencer Ken After watching Ken bumble around with no direction or life choices aside from "beach," the 65-year-old (lookin' good) has made a massive career pivot and a photogenic passport picture to go along with. Expedia announced that the perennially shirtless companion to Barbie will be starring in their Super Bowl LX commercial, titled "Going Places with Ken," because apparently someone in marketing had a fever dream and everyone just ran with it. Advertisement Advertisement The partnership celebrates Ken's 65th anniversary yes, he's a senior citizen now, which makes his six-pack even more impressive and positions him as the face of Expedia's new campaign platform, "The One Place You Go to Go Places." Ken will be "traveling" to Italy, Japan, and Mexico City as a "first-time traveler," which feels like a stretch considering he's been around since 1961, but sure, let's go with it. Why Ken? Why Now? Why Anything? Here's where it gets... interesting? According to Mattel, Ken has had quite the resume over his 65 years. He's been a sailor, a skater, a cowboy, a lifeguard, and probably a DJ at some point (it was the 2000s, after all). The press release describes him as having "the presence, range, and reach to inspire fans across generations," which is a very fancy way of saying "people on the internet won't stop talking about him after the Barbie movie." Sorta wish we had a quote from Ken here, too. I'm sure it'd be very insightful. Anyway, that's probably the real answer here. Since the 2023 Barbie movie turned Ryan Gosling's portrayal of Ken into a cultural phenomenon complete with that "I'm Just Ken" musical number that absolutely no one can get out of their heads Ken has been having a moment. A big, platinum-blonde, abs-forward moment. Advertisement Advertisement Expedia clearly saw an opportunity to capitalize on Ken's unexpected renaissance. And in a world where we've seen stranger brand partnerships (looking at you, Crocs and Lightning McQueen), a doll promoting travel deals is actually pretty tame. What This Actually Means for Travelers Image Credit: Mattel. Beyond the absurdity of it all, there are some actual perks for real humans who book travel with real money. Starting February 8th (Super Bowl Sunday, naturally), Expedia will launch a Ken-themed sweepstakes giving away 65 prizes of $1,000 in OneKeyCash. That's $65,000 in travel credits, which is nothing to sneeze ateven if you have to engage with a fictional doll on Threads to enter. Speaking of which, Ken will apparently be hosting a Q&A on Expedia's Threads account at 6:30 PM ET on Super Bowl Sunday, where he'll be answering travel questions and sharing inspiration. Whether this will be someone from Mattel typing in character or an AI chatbot remains to be seen, but either way, we've officially reached peak 2026. The commercial itself was created using stop-motion animation with actual Ken dolls and handcrafted sets, because apparently CGI wasn't nostalgic enough. The spot was produced by BUCK and stop-motion studio Bix Pix, which means someone's job was literally to pose Ken dolls in tiny airports for weeks on end. What a time to be alive. The Real Question: Will This Work? Here's the thing it probably will. Love it or hate it, this campaign has already gotten people talking. You're reading this article right now, aren't you? That's the point. Advertisement Advertisement Expedia is betting that Ken's cultural relevance, combined with the inherent shareability of watching a tiny plastic man "travel" the world, will cut through the noise of typical travel advertising. And given that the travel industry is more competitive than ever, with everyone from Airbnb to Booking.com fighting for your vacation dollars, a little absurdist humor might be exactly what stands out. Plus, there's something oddly relatable about positioning Ken as a first-time traveler. He's figuring things out, he's trying new experiences, he's probably going to accidentally book a hostel with no air conditioning in August. We've all been there, just with fewer plastic joints. Where Will Ken Go Next? The partnership is set to run for a full year, with Ken continuing his adventures across Expedia's social media channels. Beyond the initial stops in Italy, Japan, and Mexico City, fans can follow along on Instagram and TikTok as he explores more destinations. Will we see Ken attempt to navigate the Paris Metro? Struggle with chopsticks in Seoul? Try to find the perfect Instagram angle at Machu Picchu? Only time will tell, but honestly, I'm kind of here for it. Advertisement Advertisement Because at the end of the day, in a world that often feels a bit too serious, there's something delightfully ridiculous about a luxury beach bum turned travel influencer. Ken might not be the brand ambassador we expected, but in 2026, he might just be the one we deserve. Now if you'll excuse me, I have a sudden urge to book a trip to Italy. For completely unrelated reasons, obviously. Living on Social Security alone can be challenging for most people, with the average monthly benefit being just $1,937 for a retired worker as of 2024. However, those with higher incomes during their working years, along with those who wait until age 70 to start claiming, end up with higher Social Security benefits. At the 90th percentile, the monthly Social Security benefit for retired workers is about $3,050. On its own, that still may not be enough to support a truly comfortable lifestyle. But for married couples or partners with similar earnings histories, the math changes quickly. If two retirees each receive roughly $3,000 per month, thats about $6,000 in guaranteed income before touching retirement savings. According to an Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI) survey, only 3% of retirees spend $7,000 or more per month. That means a couple in this income range would only need to withdraw modestly from their savings to land among the highest-spending retirees. Spending and benefit levels, however, tend to shift as retirees age. Heres a closer look at what Social Security benefits and overall income might look like for an upper-class retiree at age 83. Calculating Average Upper Class Social Security Benefits at Age 83 The Social Security Administration (SSA) shares data on average retired worker benefits by age, as well as separate data on benefit distribution at the 10th percentile, median, and 90th percentile. By combining these two datasets, we can approximate the average upper-class Social Security benefits at age 83. First, compare the median Social Security benefit for people ages 80 to 89 $1,939 with the benefit received by those in the 90th percentile, which averages $2,849 per month. While this figure includes a mix of benefit types, such as spousal benefits, it is close enough to the $3,050 monthly benefit received by retired workers at the 90th percentile across all ages to serve as a reasonable proxy for high-end retirement benefits. At that level, the 90th-percentile benefit is about 46.9% higher than the median benefit for retirees in the 80-to-89 age range, illustrating just how wide the gap can be between typical and upper-tier Social Security income later in life. From there, we can look at separate SSA data that breaks down the average retired worker benefit by age, which shows that an 83-year-old gets about $2,006 per month. So, by applying that same 46.9% increase over the median benefit, that results in an upper-class retiree getting around $2,947 per month. Read More: How Much Is Donald Trumps Social Security Check And Is He Collecting It? Find Out: 6 Safe Accounts Proven To Grow Your Money Up To 13x Faster That also tracks with the $2,849 average for those in the 90th percentile from ages 80-89 in the sense that average benefits peak for those in their 70s and then decrease. So, an 83-year-old might earn a little more than this average across 80-89, since those closer to 80 would likely receive a bit more than those closer to 90. Thats not because Social Security benefits shrink with age in fact, they increase just about every year due to cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) but rather that average incomes have increased over time. So, those in their 70s now claiming Social Security may have had higher salaries during their peak working years compared to those in their 80s or 90s. In other words, the later you were born, the higher your Social Security check will likely be, assuming you wait until age 70 to claim benefits, as that maximizes what Social Security pays. Theres no advantage to waiting until after age 70 to claim, however, as theres no associated increase to your core benefit. The investigation continues into the disappearance of Today host Savannah Guthries mother, Nancy Guthrie, but the FBI just made their first arrest related to the case. FBI Phoenix Special Agent in Charge Heith Janke announced at a press conference on February 5 that a suspect was arrested in connection with the fake ransom note sent to news outlets on February 3, which the FBI later denied the validity of. We have made one arrest related to an imposter ransom demand, and a complaint will be presented to a magistrate judge later today, Janke said. You will get more on that from the FBI and our U.S. Attorneys office here in Arizona when it becomes available. More from StyleCaster Advertisement Advertisement He continued, Theres no evidence to connect this to Nancys case. It was someone that was trying to profit off it. Janke also issued a warning against those planning to offer fake evidence as a way to secure the $50,000 reward for Nancys whereabouts. My next message is to those imposters who are trying to take advantage and profit from this situation. We will investigate and ensure you are held accountable for your actions, Janke said. This is an 84-year-old grandma that needs vital medication for her well being. You still have the time to do the right thing before this becomes a worse, much worse scenario for you. TMZ reported on February 3 that it received an alleged ransom note demanding millions of dollars in Bitcoin for the release of Savannahs mother. According to TMZ, the note was sent on Tuesday morning and included a specific Bitcoin address for the payment to be sent, which the outlet verified was real. The FBIs arrest over the fake ransom note came less than a day after Mary Coleman, an anchor for Arizonas KOLD 13 News, which also received the note via email, claimed it was clear after a couple sentences that it might not be a hoax. Advertisement Advertisement A lot of it is information that only someone who was holding her for ransom would know, she said in an appearance on CNN on February 4. Some very sensitive information and things that people who werent there when she was taken captive wouldnt know. She continued, We immediately sent that information over to the sheriffs department One of the detectives did get back to us and asked us for some more information so that they can start searching for an IP address, things of that nature, to try and figure out what people are responsible here. Coleman added that the note included a dollar amount, a deadline and other dteails that only Guthries abductor might know, so that definitely raised some red flags. The arrest over the bogus note also comes after Savannah and her siblings, sister Annie and brother Camron, posted an Instagram video with a plea to Nancys potential abductor. We too have heard the reports about a ransom letter in the media, Savannah said. As a family, we are doing everything that we can. We are ready to talk. However, we live in a world where voices and images are easily manipulated. We need to know without a doubt that she is alive and that you have her. We want to hear from you and we are ready to listen. Please, reach out to us. Advertisement Advertisement Savannah went on to call Nancy our heart and our home, before expressing her concern for her mothers health She is 84 years old, Savannah said. Her health, her heart is fragile. She lives in constant pain. She is without any medicine. She needs it to survive. She needs it not to suffer, she said. She continued, On behalf of our family, we want to thank all of you for the prayers for our beloved mom, Nancy. We feel them and we continue to believe that she feels them too. Our mom is a kind, faithful, loyal, fiercely loving woman of goodness and light. She is funny, spunky, and clever. She has grandchildren that adore her and crowd around her and cover her in kisses. She loves fun and adventure. She is a devoted friend. She is full of kindness and knowledge. Talk to her and youll see. She ended the video with a message to her mother, Mommy, if you are hearing this, you are a strong woman. You are Gods precious daughter, Nancy. We believe and know that even in this valley He is with you. Everyone is looking for you mommy, everywhere. We will not rest. Your children will not rest until we are together again. We speak to you every moment and we pray without ceasing and we rejoice in advance for the day that we hold you in our arms again. We love you. She captioned the post, Bring her home. Best of StyleCaster Sign up for Stylecaster's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. NEED TO KNOW Dianah Namulinde, a Ugandan influencer known online as Diana Skys, was found strangled to death at age 24 in her apartment on Feb. 4 The content creators body was reportedly discovered at her home in Kampala City, Uganda, on Feb. 4 after friends went to check on her Namulinde had a combined following of nearly 200,000 across Instagram and TikTok, and she was known on the platforms for sharing lifestyle, fashion and beauty content Dianah Namulinde, a Ugandan influencer known online as Diana Skys, was found strangled to death in her apartment on Feb. 4. She was 24. The content creators body was reportedly discovered at her home in Kampala City, Uganda, on Feb. 4 after friends went to check on her and discovered the front door open, according to Daily Monitor, a Ugandan newspaper, and NBS Television, a leading Ugandan news station. Advertisement Advertisement Namulinde, who had a combined following of nearly 200,000 across Instagram and TikTok, was known on the platforms for sharing lifestyle, fashion and beauty content, regularly posting from luxury locations. It appears her most recent post was made on Feb. 3, the day before friends discovered her dead. Diana Skys Diana Skys/Instagram Luke Owoyesigyire, the Kampala Metropolitan Police deputy spokesperson, told local outlets, A team of homicide detectives and scene of crime officers visited and documented the scene, per Daily Monitor. He added that several exhibits were recovered from the scene and authorities recorded statements from relevant witnesses. Per Owoyesigyire, three suspects have been identified, and two have been arrested as part of the investigation, Daily Monitor reported. NBS Television reported that one of those in custody was a security guard arrested for allegedly having suspected stolen items in his possession. Daily Monitor also reported that Namulindes body was sent to a mortuary for an examination as investigations continue. Diana Skys Diana Skys/Instagram In the comments of Namulindes final post, fans shared tributes to the late internet star. Advertisement Advertisement Rest well shared one. 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. Rest in heaven dia this is so sad and breaking wrote another. Diana Skys Diana Skys/Instagram Posted a third: RIP According to Galaxy FM, a Ugandan radio station, Namulinde's funeral is scheduled for Feb. 6. Read the original article on People NEED TO KNOW Joseph Gordon-Levitt appeared at a news conference in Washington, D.C., with Illinois Senator Dick Durbin to promote a piece of legislation that would open up social media companies to lawsuits regarding content hosted on their platforms Gordon-Levitt also recently promoted a similar piece of legislation in the Utah state legislature The actor, who shares three kids with wife Tasha McCauley, told PEOPLE last year that "a lot of the biggest technology companies today target kids in a merciless way" Joseph Gordon-Levitt traveled to Washington, D.C., to promote a piece of legislation that would open social media companies up to lawsuits. On Wednesday, Feb. 4, Gordon-Levitt, 44, appeared in the nation's capital with Senate Minority Whip Dick Durbin of Illinois to help promote Durbin's Sunset Section 230 Act, which would roll back a provision included in the 1996 Communications Decency Act that protects social media companies from lawsuits regarding user-generated content featured on their platforms, according to Courthouse News. Advertisement Advertisement These amoral companies, they just keep allowing these awful things to happen on their platforms and they wont do anything about it because they will always prioritize profits over the public good, even when it comes to kids, Gordon-Levitt said during his appearance on Capitol Hill, per that outlet. Gordon-Levitt spoke alongside a group of parents who claim their children have been harmed by social media use, including one woman who said her son died by fentanyl poisoning after connecting with a drug dealer using the social media app Snapchat. I just heard a couple of stories that left me trying to keep myself together, Gordon-Levitt, who shares three children with wife Tasha McCauley. These photos remind me of my kids, and the harm that was done to these kids online might have been prevented if certain Big Tech companies knew that they could be sued. Joseph Gordon-Levitt on Feb. 4, 2026 Heather Diehl/Getty Gordon-Levitt also recently appeared at the Utah state legislature in support of a similar bill in that state titled the AI Public Safety and Child Protection Transparency Act, as he wrote on Instagram. He wrote in a caption to his post that the bill in question passed a committee vote "unanimously" in Utah, moving it one step forward to becoming state law. Advertisement Advertisement "This is an issue that Americans broadly agree on, whether were Republican or Democrat, Progressive, Conservative, or Centrist its clear to us these big AI companies are incapable of prioritizing the public good on their own," he wrote in an Instagram caption on Wednesday, Feb. 3. "This is going to have a huge impact on so many fronts like jobs, the environment, or our collective ability to think and communicate. But its especially urgent when it comes to our kids." 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. Joseph Gordon-Levitt on Feb. 4, 2026 Graeme Sloan/Bloomberg via Getty Back in February 2025, Gordon-Levitt launched a Substack blog titled Joe's Journal, which he has used in part to write about the dangers of artificial intelligence on the workforce, economy and families. Ask any parent, What do you think of the way your kid relates to social media? Everyone's worried, he told PEOPLE in March. AI is going to be like social media, but a lot more powerful. And a lot worse There's concrete proof that a lot of the biggest technology companies today target kids in a merciless way. Gordon-Levitt last appeared on the big screen in the 2025 movie Paradise Records; he also made a cameo with his voice in the Knives Out movie Wake Up Dead Man. Read the original article on People Ryan Air takes a swipe at Justin Bieber over a viral hair transplant post. An X user who goes by the username HulstNov shared two photos of Justin Bieber from his recent appearance at this years Grammy Awards. The first is a close-up of the Baby crooner, and the second is a tight focus on his hairline. The user shared the photos with the caption: I can recognize a poorly done hair transplant from a mile away. Justin Bieber gets roasted by Ryan Air Ryan Air takes a jab at Justin Bieber on X over a viral hair transplant post. The airline reposted the X users post and wrote: shouldve gone to Turkey. For those unversed, Turkey has reportedly earned a reputation for hair transplant tourism. Unsurprisingly, the post has garnered 70K likes, 1.8K bookmarks, 2.4K retweets, and 819 comments at the time of writing (via Complex). Interestingly, Bieber has never commented about having any kind of hair transplant procedure done. Nonetheless, fans had a good laugh over the post in the comments section below. One fan commented, Yeah, everyone knows the hair transplant capital is Turkiye. A second fan made a witty reference to the words hair and airlines and wrote, The best buddy. Advertisement Advertisement A third fan penned, Justin realizing his mistake of not going to Turkey. Finally, one fan shared, Haha, Ryanair savage as always, Bieber looking like he got his hair done at a discount barber, shouldve hopped on that cheap flight to Turkey for the real deal. Fans know that Ryanairs social media team pokes fun at celebrities and turns pop-culture moments into trending, viral moments. The Daisies crooner returned to the Grammys stage for the first time in four years. Bieber took to the stage shirtless, performing his hit song Yukon in boxers. He captivated fellow attendees by belting out smooth vocals and playing the guitar effortlessly (via Good Morning America). Notably, the popstar was nominated in four categories at this years Grammys. His song Yukon was nominated this year for best R&B performance. His other hit track, Daisies, was nominated for best pop solo performance. Meanwhile, Biebers chart-topping album SWAG was nominated for best pop vocal album and album of the year. The post Justin Bieber Gets Roasted by Airline Over Viral Hair Transplant Post appeared first on Mandatory. Savannah Guthrie called herself a daughter of the desert and took viewers of NBCs Today show, which she co-anchors, on a tour of the University of Arizona campus as recently as October. Guthrie has returned to the Tucson area as investigators search for her mother, Nancy Guthrie, who went missing sometime after 9:30 p.m. Jan. 31, according to investigators. Posting on social media, Guthrie has asked for prayers from the public. She has not appeared before the camera crews stationed outside her mothers home in the Catalina Foothills northeast of Tucson. Advertisement Advertisement Guthrie had deep ties to the Tucson area, mentioning her childhood and upbringing in the southern Arizona city in her books. Savannah grew up in Tucson with mother, Nancy, and father, Charles. Her father died at 49, when Savannah was a high school senior. Her older siblings are Annie and Camron, a retired F-16 pilot who now flies for the Vermont Air National Guard. She later attended the University of Arizona, a college with which other members of her family have ties. She also gave a commencement address to graduates there. While she was earning her journalism degree from UA, her mother worked there from 1990 to 2007, the school confirmed to The Arizona Republic. Advertisement Advertisement Using her years of experience in public affairs, Nancy Guthrie served as director of special projects for the Arizona Health Sciences Center and donated papers related to her work to the universitys archives. What to know about Annie Guthrie, Tommaso Cioni Annie Guthrie is a jeweler and published author who wrote a book of poems in 2015 titled The Good Dark. In 2016, she received an Arizona Commission on the Arts Fellowship to finish a book of non-fiction, according to her profile page at the University of Arizonas Poetry Center, where she previously worked. Annies husband, Tommaso Cioni, has been a teacher for 15 years at BASIS Oro Valley, a charter school with several campuses in Arizona, Texas and Louisiana. Hes also written poetry that hes published through the Tapirulan Cultural Association, an Italian nonprofit dedicated to promoting contemporary arts. On his artist profile page, he said hes lived in Tucson since 2006. Advertisement Advertisement In a May 2013 blog on Womens Quarterly Conversation, Annie described Cioni as her greatest teacher. He is a great manifester; he writes poetry with his lifestyle. As a couple, Annie Guthrie and Cioni purchased a home in 2025 about four miles west of Nancy Guthries home. That residence is also located in Pima County and, like Nancy Guthries home, is surrounded by desert landscape. Coyotes and javelinas roam through both neighborhoods. Extended family speaks out Zach Lind is the drummer for Jimmy Eat World, the Mesa-based pop-punk band. Hes also part of the extended Guthrie family via his marriage to Nancy Guthrie's niece. Advertisement Advertisement On social media, he has been posting in support of the family, encouraging people with information on Nancy Guthries disappearance to come forward. Savannah Guthries ties to Tucson Savannah Guthrie was born in Australia, a happenstance because her father was working for a mining company there. But the family moved to Arizona when Guthrie was two. The family purchased a home in the Catalina Foothills in 1975, according to property records. Savannah Guthrie decided to attend college at the University of Arizona after her fathers death to stay physically close to her mother. She also lived at home, according to a UA biography of her, commuting south from the foothills into the city proper. Advertisement Advertisement This was a formative place for me, and its just great to come back, Guthrie said in an interview with the UA communications team posted in October. As a Today show host, Guthrie has covered stories about other Arizonans who were thrust into the national spotlight by tragic events. She talked to the parents of Kayla Mueller, a Prescott human rights worker who was taken hostage in Syria. She went skydiving with Rep. Gabrielle Giffords and had an interview with her husband, the astronaut turned U.S. Senator Mark Kelly, in 2021. That marked the 10th anniversary of the near-assassination of Giffords at a grocery store, not far from the neighborhood where her mother lived. Advertisement Advertisement The Pima County Sheriffs Office said that Savannah Guthrie was in the Tucson area as she waited to find out the fate of her mother and who was responsible for her abduction. This is a developing story. Return to azcentral.com for updates. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: What to know about Savannah Guthrie and her family Savannah Guthrie and her family are devastated as the search for her missing mom Nancy Guthrie stretches on. Its been days since investigators say Nancy was taken from her Tucson-area home in the middle of the night, sparking a nationwide search effort to find the missing 84-year-old. Savannahwho has been absent from her cohosting duties on Today since her mom was reported missing Feb. 1rushed to Arizona to be my her familys side. Advertisement Advertisement Theyre just devastated like anyone would be, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos told People of the family. They are a family and they lean on each other. For More True Crime: Former Reality TV Swinger Arrested For "Horrific" Sex Crimes Against a Child & Dog Woman Allegedly Murders "On-Again, Off-Again" Boyfriend With Screwdriver DNA Evidence Found in Search For Savannah Guthrie's Missing Mom Nancy Guthrie Nanos added in a Feb. 2 press conference that the entire family has been very cooperative with investigators. Theyre staying in touch with us. They have complete access to anybody on this department, he said. Savannah has been in touch with us as well. Advertisement Advertisement The family has continued to maintain hope that Nancy will be found alive. Our hearts go out to them. This is their mom. Shes just a great lady, from what Ive heard and I feel for the family, Nanos continued. We just want to find her and bring her back safe. Savannah Guthrie Nancy Guthrie What Happened to Savannah Guthries Mom Nancy Guthrie? Nancy, who resides in Arizona, was last seen sometime between 9:30 p.m. and 9:45 p.m. local time Jan. 31 after a family member dropped her off at her home in the Catalina Foothills. When she failed to show up for church the next morning, a friend reached out to the family, who reported her missing around noon. Investigators began to view the disappearance as a kidnapping after noticing what Nanos described as some very concerning circumstances. Advertisement Advertisement At this point, investigators believe she was taken from the home against her will, possibly [in the] middle of the night, department spokesperson Kevin Adger told The Los Angeles Times. Detectives are looking into a possible kidnapping or abduction. Nancy is said to have physical limitations that would prevent her from walking 50 feet on her own, leading authorities to believe that she did not leave the house on her own. Savannah had reportedly been preparing to head to Milan to cover the opening ceremony of the 2026 Olympic Games when she received the call that her mom had disappeared. A NBC news producer described it to CNN as the worst phone call of her life. RELATED: Savannah Guthrie's Mom Likely Kidnapped From Home in Middle of the Night, Authorities Say Savannahs husband Michael Feldman told The New York Post the morning of Feb. 3 the while he doesnt have anything new to report, hes just being responsive to whatever the family needs. Advertisement Advertisement He added that hes felt mostly unhelpful under the circumstances. Savannah And Nancy Guthrie Savannah Guthrie and Mom Nancy Have Close Relationship Over the years, Savannah has enjoyed a close bond with her mom, who was a frequent guest alongside her daughter on Today, helping with cooking segments or sharing about Savannahs childhood. The greatest gift my mother gave me was faith and belief in god, Savannah once told viewers on the morning show. It changed my whole life. The bond between the close-knit family was evident in the last images Nancy posted to Facebook in December which, according to The New York Post, showed Nancy posing with daughters Savannah and Annie, their husbands and her grandchildren, in matching Christmas pajamas. Advertisement Advertisement She captioned the shot, Merry Christmas sweet ones. Nancy Guthrie As the search for Nancywho is said to be dependent on life-saving daily medicationcontinues, Savannah has asked the public for their support and prayers. We believe in prayer. we believe in voices raised in unison, in love, in hope, she wrote on Instagram. We believe in goodness. we believe in humanity. above all, we believe in Him. Thank you for lifting your prayers with ours for our beloved mom, our dearest Nancy, a woman of deep conviction, a good and faithful servant, she continued. Raise your prayers with us and believe with us that she will be lifted by them in this very moment. We need you. Advertisement Advertisement She ended the post, Bring her home. Nancy is described by law enforcement authorities as 5-foot-5 and weighing 150 pounds. She has brown hair and blue eyes. The Pima County Sheriffs Office is offering a reward of up to $2,500 for anyone with information on the case. Sarah Ferguson has reportedly been staying out of the public eye after reports of her scandalous past came out. The former Duchess of York and ex-wife of former Prince Andrew has now allegedly been sponging off a rich pal. The news came after she lost her royal titles and residence, the Royal Lodge in Windsor Great Park, alongside her ex-husband. Sarah Ferguson likely living off a rich friend after fleeing the country, says author Sarah Ferguson has reportedly been living off a rich friend after leaving the country. As reported by The Mirror, Andrew Lownie, a royal author, told them that it is quite possible that the former Duchess of York has fled the UK. The author further speculated that she might be staying at Richard Bransons private island, Necker Island, in the Caribbean. The royal author claimed that the former Duchess of York has been sponging off a rich pal to manage this crisis. However, a spokesperson from the Virgin Group has reportedly dismissed the speculation. Per the news outlet, the spokesperson stated, Sir Richard has had no contact with Sarah Ferguson. Advertisement Advertisement In the meantime, as reported by the Daily Mail, an insider said to them that Sarah Ferguson will not be moving in with her ex-husband, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. The person continued that she would prefer to stay in the Windsor area. Meanwhile, another source claimed that Relations are warmer between Ferguson and the couples daughters. After that, the person added, But no offer of permanent accommodation has been extended to their mother. The source then went on to say to the news outlet, For now, Andrew and Sarah have a housing crisis. The person continued, It may mean that they have to lower their expectations about the sort of lifestyle they wish to lead. In the meantime, Phil Dampier claimed that the ex-wife of the former Prince Andrew is currently in an all-time low situation. The post Sarah Ferguson Sponging off a Rich Pal Out of Public Eye, Says Author appeared first on Reality Tea. Before Nancy Guthries disappearance over the weekend, the public might have known of the 84-year-old Tucson grandmother through her famous daughter. >> Live, local, breaking. Download the 12News app TODAY co-anchor Savannah Guthrie has featured her mom on the program many times. Guthrie credits her mom with instilling a deep religious faith and bringing together their Tucson family after a shattering tragedy - the sudden death of their husband and father. Advertisement Advertisement Now, the family has been dealt another devastating blow. All three of the Guthrie siblings appear in the Instagram video posted Wednesday Feb. 4 in which Savannah Guthrie pleads with their mothers unknown abductors to respond. Nancy Guthrie has lived in the sprawling ranch home for more than 50 years, from which she was apparently taken. She and her husband, Charles Guthrie, moved in with their young family in 1975, after their return to the U.S. from Australia, where Charles was a mining engineer. Charles Guthries death from a heart attack in 1988 devastated the young family -- daughters Savannah and Annie and son Camron. Advertisement Advertisement We were always close, Nancy told the TODAY audience. After Savannah's dad died, the kids and us, we just gravitated toward each other. In a 2017 conversation with her sister, Annie Guthrie, Savannah recalled: When my dad died our whole family just hung on to each other for dear life, because it was such a shock. We were just figuring out how to become a family of four when we had always been a family of five. Nancy Guthrie was a 46-year-old widow. Her then-college-age daughters - Annie, now 56, and Savannah, 54 - made a pact to be home with their mom on weekends while attending school. Advertisement Advertisement Annie Guthrie has also appeared on TODAY several times. She is a published poet, writing teacher and jewelry designer, according to a biography on the University of Arizona Poetry Center page. Annie's like the blood going through my veins. She's always been there. All my life," Savannah said of Annie on a TODAY "Sisters" segment. Annie responded: "Her sorrows are my sorrows and her successes are my successes. The sisters older brother, 61-year-old Charles Camron Guthrie, who goes by Camron, retired from the Air Force as an F-16 pilot in 2018. The Guthrie family celebrated his final military flight with the Vermont Air National Guard in 2018. The event was captured in a Savannah Guthrie Instagram post. Advertisement Advertisement He is the pride of our family and one of this country's finest, Savannah Guthrie posted. You can now watch 12News content anytime, anywhere, thanks to the 12News+ app! The free 12News+ app from 12News lets users stream live events including daily newscasts like "Today in AZ" and "12 News" and our daily lifestyle program, "Arizona Midday"on Roku and Amazon Fire TV. 12News+ showcases live video throughout the day for breaking news, local news, weather and even an occasional moment of Zen showcasing breathtaking sights from across Arizona. Advertisement Advertisement Users can also watch on-demand videos of top stories, local politics, I-Team investigations, Arizona-specific features and vintage videos from the 12News archives. Roku: Add the channel from the Roku store or by searching for "12 News KPNX." Amazon Fire TV: Search for "12 News KPNX" to find the free 12News+ app to add to your account, or have the 12News+ app delivered directly to your Amazon Fire TV through Amazon.com or the Amazon app. Up to Speed Catch up on the latest news and stories on the 12News YouTube channel. Subscribe today. Donald Trumps adviser Alex Bruesewitz has lashed out at fashion critiques of his high-profile MAGA wedding. Bruesewitz, who helped engineer Trumps podcast and social media onslaught on his last election campaign, married former Miss Nevada Carolina Urrea at Trump National Doral Miami on Saturday. The Cut, part of New York magazine, reviewed the outfits at both Bruesewitzs nuptials and that of Trump goon Dan Scavino and bride Erin Elmore, which was held at Mar-a-Lago on Sunday. Trump advisor Alex Bruesewitz complains about coverage of his wedding. / screen grab Guests at Bruesewitzs wedding included Donald Trump Jr., White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz, and White House Communications Director Steven Cheung. Former boxer Mike Tyson also attended. Advertisement Advertisement While Trump himself could not attend, he sent a video message where he stated of his adviser, There is no one tougher, smarter, sharper or knows more about politics. Alex Bruesewitz and Carolina Urrea attend the 2025 TIME100 Next Event at The Current at Chelsea Piers on October 30, 2025 in New York City. / Kevin Mazur / Kevin MazurGetty Images for TIME In the article, titled Welcome to MAGA Wedding Season, journalist Olivia Craighead wrote, The nuptials brought all of the top minds of the federal government (and Nicki Minaj) to South Florida, and basically no one was capable of turning a look. A testy Bruesewitz, 28, posted The Cut story on his X account on Wednesday with the caption Apparently the New York Magazine is BLIND! He then shared photos of Craighead, saying she had the audacity to criticize what the female guests wore to his wedding, stating she is not exactly a look turner herself. Bruesewitz then dismissed her as FAKE NEWS! Advertisement Advertisement That gave license for Bruesewitzs followers to fire off personal insults at Craighead in his replies. The Cut article mentioned that Bruesewitzs wedding had legitimate star power with the guest list including MAGA rapper Nicki Minaj and model Amber Rose. Minaj has gone full-MAGA, and this year alone she has appeared on Katie Millers podcast, attended the Melania premiere, and held Trumps bruised hands with her talons while helping to launch his Trump Accounts. The article said Minaj wore a little sequined moment and a bronde wig for the occasion, while Rose appeared to have left her Louis Vuitton holographic sunglasses on during the wedding ceremony. MAGA rapper Nicki Minaj at Alex Bruesewitz's wedding. / screen grab The article also referenced another musical guest, rapper Sexyy Red, who made the tasteful decision to perform in a white bodysuit. Advertisement Advertisement It appears the only photos available from the day were shared on social media, with Bruesewitzs post thanking a list of vendors and partners who provided everything from food to fake tan. He proudly shared the MAHA-friendly menu of beef tallow French fries and seed oil-free buns! A huge thank you to the ultimate MAHA fast-food chain, @SteaknShake, for sponsoring our wedding's "late night bites"! Our guests loved the beef tallow French fries, grass-fed burgers, and seed oil-free buns! (Also Steak N Shake is matching contributions into @TrumpAccounts for pic.twitter.com/kiiOHLHlyI Alex Bruesewitz (@alexbruesewitz) February 4, 2026 High-profile figures attending Scavinos wedding last Sunday included Elon Musk, Donald Trump Jr., U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem and Deputy White House Chief of Staff Stephen Miller. Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, and Shivon Zilis, a venture capitalist. / SAUL LOEB / AFP via Getty Images Lara Trump and her large watch at the Scavino wedding. / SAUL LOEB / AFP via Getty Images The Cut said the theme for his wedding appeared to be bad accessories. That included Musks red scarf, which stayed on inside because it was part of the look. Advertisement Advertisement The presidents daughter-in-law Lara Trump officiated the wedding with an enormous gold smart watch, which Craighead labeled an inexcusable offense, especially from someone who is going to be in all of your ceremony photos. The article also called out Noems cardigan, saying it looked like she had an accident with her dress and made an emergency stop at Zara. White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy Stephen Miller and Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem arrive at the wedding of Dan Scavino. / Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images The harshest criticism came with the final line, which said the two MAGA weddings had hundreds of guests between them but not a lick of taste to be seen anywhere. If theyre going to run the country into the ground, the least they could do is look good while doing it, Craighead noted. Amazon reportedly asked an Oregon theater to stop screening the Melania documentary. The request came after the theater took a light-hearted jab at the movie in its promotional messages on the marquee. Amazon pulled Melania documentary from theater According to a report by The Oregonian, Amazon asked The Lake Theater and Cafe in Lake Oswego to pull Melania after it took a jab at the documentary. The Oregon theater is known for poking fun at movies as a marketing tactic, and the controversial Amazon MGM documentary was no exception. The theater promoted the documentary with humorous statements such as Does Melania wear Prada? Find out Friday. They also quoted from Sun Tzus The Art of War, saying, To defeat your enemy, you must know them. Melania starts Friday. Advertisement Advertisement However, Amazon was reportedly not pleased with the advertisement. The then manager of the theater, Jordan Perry, shared that they received a call from a higher-up at Amazon. The studio was not happy and/or did not appreciate my take on marketing their film to our own public, Perry shared. After the call from Amazon, they changed the statement on the marquee to: Amazon called. Our marquee made them mad. All Melania showings cancelled. Show your support at Whole Foods instead. This was followed by Join Amazon Prime for Free Two-Day Shipping. Prior to this, local residents had begun criticizing the theaters for choosing to screen Melania in the first place. In an Instagram post on February 2, The Lake Theater shared, Also got, before then, countless emails and voicemails and Google / Yelp reviews (Google / Yelp took them down) wondering why the hell we had Melania here, or disdaining our disparaging of her. Speaking with The Oregonian, Perry revealed the reason why he brought the Melania documentary to the theater. He stated, Wouldnt it then be exponentially weirder, to the point of being funny, to show (Melania) here, at your obviously anti-establishment, occasionally troublemaking, neighborhood cinema? Advertisement Advertisement Melania, the documentary, arrived in US theaters on January 30, 2026. It follows the First Lady over the 20 days leading up to Donald Trumps 2025 presidential inauguration. The post Melania Documentary Pulled By Amazon From Theater After Marquee Jokes Report appeared first on Mandatory. (Refiles to fix Reuters Instrument Code) By Sam Nussey TOKYO, Feb 4 (Reuters) - Nintendo shares slid 11% on Wednesday as investors fretted about momentum for its flagship Switch 2 gaming device. The Kyoto-based gaming company on Tuesday reported robust sales for the Switch 2 during the year-end shopping season, though the system is viewed as lacking high-profile game titles to drive demand. The "Super Mario" maker kept its annual net profit forecast at 350 billion yen ($2.24 billion), lower than an estimate of 406 billion yen from 27 analysts polled by LSEG. "Results are good with (the Switch 2) breaking records" but "not great," Jefferies analyst Atul Goyal wrote in a client note. Investor enthusiasm over the prospects for a successor to the wildly popular Switch helped push shares to a record high last year, but they have been sliding since November. Early momentum for the Switch 2, which launched in June, is viewed as critical for building a user base to ensure the long-term strength of the system. "The run is just starting and the platform is growing rapidly," Goyal wrote. Nintendo extended the life of the original Switch with blockbuster titles including two major entries in "The Legend of Zelda" franchise. "The new Switch 2 console is not selling as (much) software as its predecessor did," Amir Anvarzadeh of Asymmetric Advisors wrote in a note. Roblox and Take-Two Interactive's "Grand Theft Auto VI," which is due to launch in November, are also competing for the attention of gamers, Anvarzadeh said. Investors are also concerned about what impact rising prices of memory chips will have on Nintendo's margins. The company said the price surge is not significantly impacting earnings this financial year, but could pressure profitability if high prices persist over the long term. "Console profitability will decline further starting next fiscal year due to the ongoing surge in memory prices," Morningstar analyst Kazunori Ito wrote in a note. (Reporting by Sam Nussey; Editing by Thomas Derpinghaus) For the second year in a row, a Brazilian movie has wowed international audiences and critics, securing multiple Oscar nominations and drawing fresh interest in the Latin American giant's film industry. Experts say the success of "The Secret Agent", which has won four Oscar nominations, a year after "I Am Still Here" won Brazil its first Oscar, is no fluke, with a bit of a push from the country's political climate. "This is neither a coincidence nor a miracle. It is the result of a lot of work, consistent policies, and, of course, talent," Ilda Santiago, director of the Rio International Film Festival and an Oscar voter, told AFP. Advertisement Advertisement Directed by Kleber Mendonca Filho, "The Secret Agent" is a political thriller infused with magical realism. Like "I Am Still Here", it is set during Brazil's 1964-1985 military dictatorship. It has been nominated for Oscars in the categories of Best Picture, Best International Feature Film, Best Actor for Wagner Moura and Best Casting. Santiago said these two big Brazilian movies resonated with foreign audiences "because they show how our daily lives can be transformed by governments, and that is a mirror of today's world." This is especially true for Brazil, whose far-right former president Jair Bolsonaro -- an open admirer of the dictatorship -- is serving a 27-year prison term for plotting a coup. Advertisement Advertisement Before Bolsonaro came to power in 2019, Brazil's film industry had well-established financing mechanisms, much like those in countries like France, Canada and Germany. Brazil has enjoyed waves of international breakout moments, with films such as 'Central Station' in 1998, 'City of God' in 2002 and 'Elite Squad' starring Moura in 2007. Mendonca Filho was also behind the art house hits 'Aquarius' (2016) and 'Bacurau' (2019). - Film revived under Lula - During his time in office Bolsonaro cut the budget of the Audiovisual Sector Fund by almost half, froze bidding for film project grants and threatened to shut down the national film agency if it did not impose an ideological "filter." Advertisement Advertisement "Brazilian cinema was plugged back in with Lula's election in 2022, after four years in which culture, in practical terms, was extinguished," Mendonca Filho told AFP in an interview. Lula's government reactivated the funding application process and injected record amounts into the sector. The film industry received 1.4 billion reais ($269 million) in 2025, 180 percent more than in 2021. Nevertheless, "putting each of those bricks that were dismantled back in place is a task that takes years", said Santiago. Influential film critic Isabela Boscov said that in the past "there was a failure to take advantage" of hit films. Advertisement Advertisement She said Brazil was now "breaking out of the bubble", much like Iranian cinema in the 1990s, Mexican cinema in the 2010s, and more recently, South Korean cinema. - 'Small and big victories' - Last year 'I Am Still Here' racked up several international awards, and won Fernanda Torres a Golden Globe for best actress. The film won Brazil its first Oscar -- for best international feature film. "The Secret Agent" first earned plaudits at the Cannes Film Festival, where it won for best director and Wagner Moura won best actor. The movie then won two Golden Globes, for best non-English film and best male actor. Advertisement Advertisement "It's an accumulation of small and big victories, like Cannes, which form the foundation on which a campaign is built," said Boscov. She also pointed to the charm and wit of actors like Torres and Moura on the talk show circuit ahead of awards season as playing a fundamental role in promoting their films. Several other movies have scored successes at film festivals, such as 'Manas' in 2024 which tells the story of a 13-year-old confronting abuse on an Amazon island, and the dystopian 2025 drama 'The Blue Trail' -- in which Brazil's elderly are ordered to move to remote housing colonies. ll/app/fb/dw The American heavy metal band Pantera has just announced that they will be performing live in Athens, Greece for the first time in their career. The band took to social media on Thursday to share the monumental news with their fans. "We are excited to announce that we are coming to Athens, Greece for the first time ever! We cant wait to play for you!" the band said. The performance will be taking place on July 9 during the Release Athens festival overlooking the Faliro Marina and the Battleship Averof, making it a beautiful venue surrounded by centuries of Greek history. We are excited to announce that we are coming to Athens, Greece for the first time ever! We cant wait to play for you! Release Athens 2026 July 9 Athens, GR @ Plateia Nerou General On sale: Saturday, February 7, 11am CET Link to purchase tickets: https://t.co/tVWNiA6kuM pic.twitter.com/nbgYvnwflP Pantera (@Pantera) February 5, 2026 The performance will come just after Pantera has finished wrapping up its time supporting Metallica for several of their upcoming European tour dates, during which the band will play live in Frankfurt, Germany, Budapest, Hungary, Dublin, Ireland and London, England. Tickets for their Athens performance will be available starting on Saturday and can be found on Pantera's website. Advertisement Advertisement Pantera started as a glam metal band in 1981 when it was founded by metal music duo and brothers Dimebag Darrell and Vinnie Paul, with bassist Rex Brown joining a year later. The band transitioned into heavier metal in the late '80s after recruiting vocalist Phil Anselmo in 1986 and releasing their album Power Metal (1988). Though Pantera enjoyed several years of success and evolution over the span of their time together, they also faced many moments of tragedy, including growing tensions surrounding Anselmo's drug abuse at the time which resulted in the band breaking up in 2003. Dimebag Darrell, who formed the band Damageplan with his brother after the breakup, was unfortunately shot and killed during a live performance in 2004. Vinnie Paul died too in 2018 from heart failure, leaving Anselmo and Brown to be the last surviving members of Pantera's best-known lineup. Brown and Anselmo reunited in 2023 to tour as Pantera once again, bringing along musicians Zakk Wylde and Charlie Benante into the new lineup. The band's Greece debut is highly anticipated among Pantera's fans, who are looking forward to yet another era of enjoying the music they know and love all around the world. Related: 70s Heavy Metal Band Announces First-Ever Release From Legendary Reunion This story was originally published by Parade on Feb 5, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here. On todays General Hospital recap: Lulu and Nathan run into each other and have an awkward moment. Nathan asks if they're still friends because he'd miss her if they werent. They both admit it will be difficult now. Nina tells Liesl that Willow is having Drew transferred home to take care of herself. Liesl doesn't think that's a good idea, but Nina says all she can do is support Willow. Liesl says Willow is making a terrible mistake Josslyn interviews Mayor Laura for an environmental school project. Laura spots Faison's book and wonders how Joss has it. Laura tells her Faison is the author and how obsessed he was with Anna. Lulu and Nathan Process Their Feelings on General Hospital Lulu stops by her mother's place to tell her she's falling for Nathan. She explains about being stuck together during the storm and their kiss. Lulu says they can't pursue anything because of Dante and Maxie but she's having second thoughts about keeping her distance. Advertisement Advertisement Lulu admits if feels like she's betraying Maxie and Dante will need to adjust, as well. Laura asks about her feelings for Dante, but Lulu says while she'll always love him, they are good now as co-parents. Laura wants her to go slowly and says Lulu deserves to be happy, too. Nathan tells Nina about his feelings for Lulu, which surprises her. Nathan says they bonded about their current past and it's turned into something more. Nina asks if he still loves Maxie, but he says she moved on and made a family with Spinelli. He doesn't want to ruin that for her and thinks it's time for him to move on. Nina wonders if his feelings for Lulu are because she's friends with Maxie, but Nathan denies it. He says he's attracted because of who she is, but they agreed it couldn't go anywhere. Nathan brings up Dante, so Nina tells him to date quietly and see what happens before making it public. Nathan doesn't want to ruin things with lies and Nina tells him to trust his instincts. Liesl Schools Josslyn About Faison's Obsession With Anna Josslyn runs into Liesl and asks her about the book and tries to get information on Faison. Liesl wants the truth from Joss, who claims she saw the book at Wyndemere then checked it out of the library to read. She wonders why it would be at Wyndemere in the first place, but Liesl says Faison used to live there, so it was probably his copy. Joss says she found it with a pack of the same cigarillos he used to smoke. Joss says she found them the night of the storm and thinks it doesn't make sense since Faison is dead. Liesl says someone could be emulating him Advertisement Advertisement Jason tells Sonny that Anna is in trouble, but he can't go to help her because Britt is also in trouble. Jason explains what Britt told him about being forced to work for Sidwell and Cullum. Jason says Cullum's the one who tried to kill Sonny and almost killed Michael. Sonny wants surveillance on Cullum so they can take him out. Jason says they have to wait because Britt needs her medication. He says he needs a little time until they secure Britt's medication to reverse engineer it. Michael and Willow Hammer Out a Custody Agreement on General Hospital Michael and Willow meet with Alexis and Ric, who's standing in for an absent Diane. Alexis wants them to hammer out a custody agreement today so they can present it to the judge. Willow thinks she's in a better position than Michael and wants to take her chances in court. Alexis says her chances aren't great since it looks like Drew blackmailed Judge Harron and then killed her. Willow can't believe she would lose her kids because of Drew, but Alexis says the hearing is about what's best for the children. She and Ric say Willow should compromise with Michael. Michael says she can have the kids every other weekend and a month during the summer, but Willow thinks it's ridiculous. Willow says Michael's rule was to keep Drew out of the kids' lives, and since he's in a coma, he will be. Alexis thinks it should be 60/40 custody in Michael's favor but Willow needs time to think about it. Willow heads out to the waiting room, grabs Michael's keys from his coat pocket and adds Drew's house key to the ring. Willow comes back in and accepts the custody terms and Alexis says she'll draw up the papers and give them to the judge. (Maybe I'm just super observant, but I would notice if there was an extra key on my ring) A Traumatized Anna Insists Faison Is Alive! The Scorpios end up in France and have Anna transferred to a mental health clinic. The doctor tells them that she's been through a traumatic ordeal. When they see her, Anna begs them to let her out since she has to stop Faison. She tells them she was kidnapped and kept in a small room. Advertisement Advertisement Anna says Liesl came to give her blood treatment, but Felicia says Liesl has been in PC the whole time. Anna says Faison started to talk to her through the intercom, but when Mac points out, he's dead, she reminds them Britt and Nathan are alive. Anna says Peter also paid her a visit. She says she passed out and woke up tied up in a car. When the car stopped, she jumped out and ran. Anna says when police arrived, she fought them and ended up there. She grabs Felicia and tells her that she needs to be released so she can stop Faison. Felicia and Mac speak with the doctor who says Anna is reliving her past trauma and creating a new reality. The doctor tells them Anna will not be leaving anytime soon and is facing assault charges which must be sorted out in court. The doctor advises they keep her in France until she's mentally stronger and Felicia agrees. Emma insists on seeing Anna, but when she goes in the room, Anna gets upset. She says Faison is watching and when he spoke to her, he mentioned Emma. Anna says Emma has to stay away from her. Emma says they can't take Anna home and the two cry. Anna tells her to go before it's too late, but Emma doesn't want to leave her like this. Anna gets even more upset and agitated and the doctor and an orderly have to subdue her while Felicia and Mac drag a crying Emma away. Keep checking back for the latest General Hospital recaps! This story was originally published by Daytime Confidential on Feb 4, 2026, where it first appeared in the General Hospital section. Add Daytime Confidential as a Preferred Source by clicking here. The same day that the Beetlejuice musical concluded its limited return to Broadway with a curtain-call sing-along, security guards over at Mamma Mia! ejected a group of women who had reportedly treated the first act like a karaoke bar. Video of a man confronting them during intermission went viral, igniting the latest round of heated debate over audience behavior. People and TMZ ran stories about the Jan. 3 incident casting the man as belligerent, alongside stock images of angry dudes yelling. But thousands of Redditors swiftly rallied behind him, while TikToks in his defense racked up millions of supporters, earning him the affectionate nickname uncle daddy (more on that in a moment). One barely audible plea seemed to seal the womens fate as the villains of this story: We were just singing a song, one of them demurs once security arrives. Advertisement Advertisement Theatergoers flooded online comments with stories about people singing aloud at musicals, which has grown more pervasive in recent years. Some would argue its a continuation of the unruly misconduct that made industry headlines as theater returned from pandemic shutdowns. But its also true that many of todays top-selling musicals feature lyrics that millions of people know by heart: Before both Wicked movies, there was Hamilton on Disney+ and The Lion King on VHS. And you dont have to be a show geek to recall the words to Super Trouper or Billie Jean which is the whole point of jukebox musicals like Mamma Mia! and MJ. Encouraging audience enthusiasm while upholding basic theater etiquette has become a tricky balance, but attracting fans itching to sing along is also a badge of popularity. While ushers and front-of-house staff quietly handle disturbances on a nightly basis, some musicals invite singing along during the final bows or at designated performances. The question of if and when its okay to pipe up seems to be one of time and place, not to mention the intention behind it and whether it rises to the level of loud and obnoxious. I wouldnt mind [other people singing along] if theyre not too rambunctious, because theyre enjoying themselves and its a whole experience, said Eileen Dutch, 55, from Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, heading into a recent performance of Wicked. Advertisement Advertisement Another patron disagreed, but with a caveat. Id be a little annoyed, because we paid a lot of money to come see the people onstage, said Mercedes Cortez, 36, of New York City, echoing a common refrain. But I get being overcome, she added. So if it wasnt too crazy, I wouldnt be too upset about it. Where people draw the line on whats too crazy may be the animating question of our time, and it very much applies in this case. People hear the beginning of Dancing Queen, and their knee-jerk response is, Im in the car and Im listening to Dancing Queen so Im going to sing along, says Larry Smiglewski, the Mamma Mia! production stage manager, who also worked on the Tina Turner and Temptations musicals. There is a very specific and beautiful relationship thats created between the performers and the audience singing along is really starting to detract from that. There was more to the Mamma Mia! fracas than met the eye: According to Smiglewski, witnesses confirmed to security that the women had been disruptive during the show and used profanity when the man initially asked them to quiet down. The man later posted a video confessional to Instagram and TikTok under the newly minted username officialuncledaddy, and said that what had really set him off was one of the women, for whatever reason, hovering her hands over both of my nieces heads. (He did not respond to multiple requests for comment.) The women were ultimately asked to leave. Hes sort of like a folk hero, because he said what others would want to say in a similar situation, notes Derek Kahle, a Manhattan software engineer, who posted the video online. Of audiences singing along, he adds, Youre not only disrupting people around you, youre disrupting the performers. Indeed, Carly Sakolove, one of the leads in the show, commented on the video that she could hear the women from onstage: Unreal! Advertisement Advertisement Beth Leavel, who played a stint as Donna in Mamma Mia! on Broadway starting in 2009, recalled there was permission kind of given for its Abba-loving crowds to vocalize, within reason. People feel like they can sing along with it because these songs are the stories of our lives, Leavel says, noting that participation would not be as welcome during other types of shows. I dont want you to sing Heres to the ladies who lunch with me, she adds of the number from Stephen Sondheims Company. Let me do that, you just listen. And yet, the energy that audiences bring to a performance is also key, especially for a musical comedy. Our show desperately needs vocal contribution from the audience, says Natasha Hodgson, a co-creator and performer in Operation Mincemeat, of playing for laughs. The London import has a dedicated following (known as Mincefluencers), who serenaded the cast outside the first Broadway preview. But crucially, they dont do it during the show and we are grateful for that. Its a mark of dedication for fans to memorize the zany World War II musicals complex lyrics, which Hodgson says she can sometimes see people mouthing along. Its both very dear but also can be distracting for someone who is trying to remember the line yourself, Hodgson says. Feeding off the crowds response while staying focused is a kind of a dance, Hodgson adds: As an actor onstage, youre aware of whats going on with the audience. So how much do you ignore and how much do you embrace? Advertisement Advertisement Over at MJ, where the score features some of the most recognizable pop hits of all time, audiences are energetic and excitable says Matte Martinez, who stepped into the title role this past September. The show follows Michael Jacksons planning of the Dangerous World Tour, and the production often has a concert-like feel, so Martinez appreciates the impulse some have to join in. If youre a Michael Jackson fan, its a little bit torture because youre watching this show, but you cant sing as loudly as you want to, Martinez says. Its not entirely distracting, it just means that theyre having a good time, he adds of sometimes hearing people singing along in the first few rows. Its definitely encouraged to sit and listen. But if you find yourself singing along to Beat It, you know, hey, its Beat It. Other musicals built on pop earworms have turned to hosting sing-along performances, including & Juliet, which features songs by Swedish hitmaker Max Martin such as ... Baby One More Time and Since U Been Gone. Advertisement Advertisement If we actually create a sing-along performance, well be giving [fans] something they want, and well hopefully curtail the idea of singing along when its not supposed to be happening, says Eva Price, one of the shows Broadway producers. The special performances, which were first piloted on the West End, have been held roughly twice a year, around the shows opening anniversary in November, and in May a nod to NSYNCs pronunciation of the final syllable in Its Gonna Be Me, a pivotal joke in the show. Audiences for these events have been aptly self-selecting, Price adds, and ticket buyers are shown multiple notifications about the sing-along with options to exchange for another time. (Moulin Rouge and Six have also held sing-alongs on Broadway, though neither seem to have future events planned and both declined to comment on how they went.) The Rocky Horror Show, opening at Broadways Studio 54 in April, may experiment with late-night performances, but representatives for the show said it was too early for the creative team to say how they plan to handle the cult classics culture of participation. It is really beautiful, if youre expecting it, says Justin Collette, who played the title role in Beetlejuice and led the closing-night sing-along to the group number That Beautiful Sound during curtain call. It turns [the theater] into a church. Advertisement Advertisement But how much freedom do people have to worship in their own way? Vibe and intention is everything, Collette says. You can tell when theres a group of 10-year-olds in the audience who have been singing this song in their parents cars for years and theyre joyously getting involved, Collette adds. Then there are people that want the attention. Other public contexts for group singing suggest its appeal may include a mix of delightful expression and relishing the spotlight. There is this unbridled joy that occurs when people sing together. Its a primal thing, says Franca Vercelloni, a pianist of 20 years at the famed West Village show tunes bar Maries Crisis. For a lot of people, it reminds them of being in choir or in shows when they were in school, a feeling she notes is harder to find in adulthood. Still, she says, Maries is the place for them to express their feelings about the music and have that fulfillment, not the theater. Or, as Hodgson puts it, In the Olympics, no ones getting up and running with Usain Bolt. The cast of "Landman" is loaded with seasoned actors of a certain age which means they've lived long, active lives in the spotlight. Along with wisdom and experience comes tragedy and the relevant bitter lessons, which each actor has weathered with aplomb. As the years have gone by, these travails have become badges of honor. It's not easy to survive the jungle of Hollywood, but they've all made it through, and they wear the scars to prove it. But that doesn't mean that the tales they've got tucked under their belts aren't truly harrowing ones. From deaths in the family to legal entanglements, this cast has seen it all. Some of the show's performers have been through on-set troubles in the past, while others have coped with nasty rumors about their lives they've even dealt with incidents and accidents that took place on the "Landman" set itself. While fans wait for Season 3 of "Landman" to roll out, here are some tragic details about the cast which you might not have known about before today. Read more: We Didn't Learn These Tragic Secrets About Actors Until After They Died Billy Bob Thornton was abused as a child Billy Bob Thornton with his father - AXSTV/YouTube "Landman" lead Billy Bob Thornton has seen plenty of tragedy in his time on the planet, and his troubles began when he was a child. Thornton confessed to that he was physically and verbally abused when he was younger by his father, who began hurting him when he was 3 or 4 years old. The patriarch delivered fierce beatings with belts and struck him upon the head. "My father was a very violent Irishman and so there was abuse both verbal and physical in our household," he confessed to The Today Show. "He was a Korean war veteran in the navy and he was a very intense guy who I don't think I ever had a conversation with." Advertisement Advertisement And yet, when the elder Thornton was dying of cancer and suffering from horrifying hallucinations, it was his son who stayed with him until the end. "I felt tortured myself. And I didn't want to see somebody else in that kind of pain," Billy Bob Thornton told NBC News' Ann Curry. The actor later blamed his struggle with OCD on what he went through in his youth. Somehow, however, Thornton managed to find the grace to forgive his dad in the end. "Through all of that, through beatings and no communication or anything when I grew up, I realized that I understood my father and I loved my father," he told The Today Show. Billy Bob Thornton's daughter was in prison Amanda Brumfield delivers her testimony before a camera - The Innocence Project of Florida/YouTube Billy Bob Thornton was estranged from his eldest daughter, Amanda Brumfield, soon after her birth. Brumfield would be raised by his first wife, Melissa Lee Gatlin. But Thornton and Brumfield managed to find each other when Brumfield was an adult. "She didn't grow up with me, and so we were pretty much strangers for years. Then a few years later, we reconnected, and it's really good now," he told The Mail on Sunday in 2005 (via People Magazine). But Brumfield soon faced a tragedy of her own. In 2011, she was sentenced to 20 years in prison after being found guilty of the aggravated manslaughter death of her 1-year-old goddaughter, Olivia Madison Garcia. Advertisement Advertisement Brumfield claimed Garcia fell while trying to climb out of her playpen and struck her head while Brumfield was babysitting for her. The child became unresponsive deep into the night and passed away at the hospital. The prosecution responded that a fall from that height wouldn't have given Olivia the multiple grievous traumatic brain injuries she received and Brumfield, the last adult to care for her, must have been responsible. After serving 9 years of her sentence, Brumfield was released from prison in 2020 via a plea deal ahead of an evidentiary hearing. The Innocence Project of Florida continues to seek a full pardon for her. But the relationship between Thornton and his daughter has apparently once again gone cold. In 2008, at the time of Garcia's death, Thornton released a written statement to CNN (via UPI) declaring that he "has had no contact with (his daughter) for quite some time." Billy Bob Thornton was never the same after his brother died Billy Bob Thornton poses with his brothers in a family snapshot - OWN/YouTube Another family tragedy struck Billy Bob Thornton when his brother, Jimmy, passed away in 1988 from an undiagnosed heart condition. "He was two years younger than me. It just changed everything," Thornton said during an appearance on "Oprah's Master Class." Thornton confessed that he's never been able to trust happiness since Jimmy's death, but he considers that a fair price to pay to keep his brother's memory alive. "I have to really force myself to think that things are going to be OK in terms of worrying about my family, or myself, or one of my friends [...] There's a melancholy in me that never goes away." Advertisement Advertisement He added that he's only partially happy or partially unhappy at any given time. But he has accepted his emotions and thinks that unhappiness has influenced his art. "I think it's OK to have all those feelings. And as an artist, that's where a lot of your stuff comes from. You keep honoring those people forever." Demi Moore was sexually abused as a child Demi Moore as a cheerleader - ABC/YouTube Movie star Demi Moore, too, was put through the wringer by her childhood. She alleged in her autobiography "Inside Out" and during a "Good Morning America" interview that she was sexually assaulted and possibly trafficked when she was only 15 by an acquaintance of her mother's. "It was rape. And a devastating betrayal, revealed by the man's cruel question: how does it feel to be whored by your mother for $500?" she wrote in "Inside Out" (via The Guardian). When asked by Diane Sawyer in a "Good Morning America" interview if she believed that the man who molested her told the truth, Moore said, "I think, in my deep heart no. I don't think it was a straightforward transaction. But she still did give him the access, and put me in harm's way." Moore's mother, Virginia Guynes, had a long criminal record, was an alcoholic with depression issues who had a tumultuous relationship with Dan Guynes, the man who raised Moore and whom she considers her father. Guynes repeatedly tried to commit suicide, leaving Moore to care for her mother. And yet she dedicated her book to Guynes as well as her own three daughters; the twosome reconciled before Guynes died of a brain tumor in 1998. Demi Moore learned that a different man was her biological father Demi Moore and Dan Guynes - ABC/YouTube Another trauma Demi Moore endured at the hands of her mother involved the concealment of the true identity of her biological father. Advertisement Advertisement "My dad is Dan Guynes. He raised me. There is a man who would be considered my biological father who I don't really have a relationship with," Moore explained to Vanity Fair. She explained that she learned about the existence of Charles Harmon when she discovered her parent's marriage certificate while snooping through a closet. "I saw my parents were married in February 1963. I was born in '62. When I asked my mother, she said, 'Oh, that's a mistake.' I knew she'd been married before, but I didn't know anything else." Moore later confronted Virginia Guynes about Harmon's existence, and Guynes confirmed that Harmon was her bio dad. Moore recalled that she later met Harmon briefly. "He'd always wanted to meet me but was forbidden; he'd never even seen a photograph. He came [to the aunt's] and stayed. It was a bizarre experience," she said. The actress admitted that she harbored some anger over the situation. "It's a tremendous betrayal, especially when you find out everybody like your cousins knew. It's almost like being a bastard child. But Danny was always there for me. There was never any question he was my dad. He was there the day I was born. I've put away ever seeing the other guy again." A man died in Demi Moore's pool Demi Moore on the red carpet in 2015 - D Dipasupil/Getty Images Another shocking incident in Demi Moore's life occurred in 2015, when Edenilson Steven Valle was found floating in the pool of Moore's home after a small gathering thrown by the actor's personal assistant. Valle disappeared during the party and it was presumed that he fell into the pool by mistake and drowned, as he could not swim. The manner of his death was ruled to be accidental. Advertisement Advertisement Though Moore was not home at the time, she was sued in 2017 by Jorge and Maria Valle, Edenilson's parents, for the wrongful death of their son. Moore was named as a co-defendant alongside her assistant, as well as Tree House Trust, which owned the dwelling, and a friend of her PA who was also responsible for running the party. The Valle family claimed that the temperature of the pool, the unusual depth of it, and a lack of functioning lights and markers around it contributed to Valle's death. Rocks mounted by the swimming pool's edge were also blamed as a tripping hazard. Moore's attorneys argued that Valle was unlawfully on the property at the time of his passing, and that his personal responsibility ought to be factored into the reduction of any monetary judgement levied against the defendants. In 2018, Moore settled the suit. Ali Larter was bitten by fire ants while working on the show Ali Larter on the red carpet in 2026 - Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images While Ali Larter's struggles have been arguably less dire than either Billy Bob Thornton's or Demi Moore's, she's definitely endured some pain of her own. While filming a scene for "Landman," for instance, she dealt with a fire ant attack. "We had a scene this season where it was like, it's the end of the day, we have a huge crew, it's high pressure, and we are rushing to get this shot," she said during an appearance on "Late Night with Seth Meyers." The crew raced to capture the setting sun for Larter's big scene with Thornton. But Larter had a more pressing disaster on her hands or, more precisely, her feet. "I'm standing there in this wide open field, barefoot, jean shorts, and they're rushing, rushing, rushing, and I hear, 'Action!' And I'm standing there, and I'm looking at the horses, and all of a sudden I feel something crawling between my toes. And I look down and there are fire ants biting my toes." She powered through the scene and won praise from episode director Stephen Kay. "He's like, 'Ali, you were so emotional!' You were so connected!' And I was like, 'I'm crying because I was getting bit by fire ants!' And I was scared they were going to yell at me because they weren't going to get the shot!" Advertisement Advertisement While Larter suffered no permanent damage, she ended up coming away from the shoot with some welts on her feet and a scene worth being proud of. Sam Elliott was the victim of a death hoax Sam Elliott on the red carpet in 2025 - Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images Sam Elliott has been a part of the Hollywood scene for nearly six decades, and after years in the business he's seen plenty of ups and downs. But in 2023, Elliott was the victim of a death hoax. While the rumor was quickly dispelled, some fans were still worried that the actor had shuffled off his mortal coil. The tall tale was sparked by two different YouTube channels Ripples in Time and Celeb Breaking News, the latter of which was dedicated to creating death rumors for easy clicks. Word spread from there onto social media. Fortunately, Snopes stepped in to corroborate the information and did its best to confirm that the actor wasn't dead. Elliott's survival was explicitly corroborated by his appearance in "Landman," as well as his recurring voiceover role on "Family Guy" as Quahog Mayor Wild Wild West, both of which continued well past 2023. And this wasn't the only time someone claimed Elliott had died; scuttlebutt about his expiration also circulated in 2019. Talk about being the ultimate survivor. Andy Garcia has lost some loved ones Andy Garcia at a q&a in 2025 - Jesse Grant/Getty Images Movie star Andy Garcia has also been around the block which means that he's lived long enough to lose several important people in his life. His friend and co-star Julio Oscar Mechoso passed away in 2017, and Garcia eulogized the man in a Miami Herald article. Advertisement Advertisement "How can one express the extreme loss of someone so close to you, the extreme emptiness that one feels now and forever. A sudden loss is always unjust, but in the case of Julio Oscar Mechoso, my friend, my soul mate it is greater than that, as I have lost the truest of friends," he wrote. Garcia has also coped with the loss of his niece's boyfriend. Sean Taylor, a Pro-Bowl safety for the Redskins, was killed protecting Garcia's niece, Jackie and their daughter. They survived a home invasion in 2007 thanks to Taylor, but Taylor was shot and subsequently bled to death in the aftermath. "His heroic action on that tragic night saved their life. His spirit will live forever, in our hearts and through the legacy of his achievements and the family he leaves behind," a statement released by Garcia to the Miami Herald read in part (as printed in The Boston Herald). Paulina Chavez bawled her eyes out after reading about Ariana's rape scene Paulina Chavez on the red carpet in 2025 - Ryan Emberley/amfar/Getty Images One "Landman" scene broke Paulina Chavez' heart when she read about it in the script. Episode 9 of Season 2, "Plans, Tears and Sirens," sees her character Ariana be assaulted by an abusive customer from the Patch Cafe. She's rescued by Cooper (Jacob Lofland), who beats Johnny (Mike Harkins) up then has to cope with the consequences when the wicked man dies at the hospital later. The actress had a visceral reaction to reading about Ariana's travails. "It's a woman's worst nightmare for that to happen. I remember reading this episode and immediately bawling my eyes out," she told Variety. Advertisement Advertisement While the moment was carefully mapped out with an intimacy coordinator, Chavez admits her heart kept racing while she was filming the segment. "I'm shaky just talking about it. It is a very scary moment for anyone to experience. It's fake, obviously, but your body doesn't differentiate what's real and what's not," she admitted. Both of Jon Hamm's parents died before he turned 21 Jon Hamm at an ABC red carpet upfront in 2006 - Jim Spellman/Getty Images One tragic detail about Jon Hamm's past is that he had to cope with two heartbreaking losses on his way to fame. His parents divorced when he was only a 2-year-old. Then his mother passed away of colon cancer when he was 10. Hamm subsequently moved in with his father and paternal grandmother. "You're literally a different human being. You're made differently at that age than you are as an adult your neural pathways are wide open when you're younger. All of these things are still working themselves out. That kind of traumatic experience doesn't have to be abuse," he told Katie Couric while appearing on her podcast Next Question with Katie Couric. Hamm's father would also die young, when Hamm was 20. "My sister said, "You need to see a professional. You need to talk to somebody and you need to get back on your feet." Part of that was getting a job, recommitting to school, and understanding in some way what was going on. It was a gut check," he told Couric. In time, he learned to cope with the trauma, but it definitely shaped his life. Jon Hamm was accused of brutally hazing a fraternity member in college Jon Hamm on a red carpet in 2026 - Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images Controversy struck Jon Hamm in 2015 when old criminal charges connected to a hazing incident during his college days resurfaced. While matriculating at the University of Texas, Hamm was a member of Sigma Nu, a fraternity which later came under scrutiny for its cruel policies. The chapter was disbanded in the 1990s. Advertisement Advertisement Court and school records showed that Hamm actively participated when a pledge was paddled, shoved into the dirt and lit aflame by the actor after failing to recall a set of facts he was required to memorize during an initiation ceremony for the fraternity. Hamm was charged with hazing and received a deferred adjudication. Assault charges against the actor were later dismissed, though four other fraternity members pled no contest to misdemeanor hazing charges in the incident. The lawsuit filed by the pledge in question, Mark Allen Sanders, was also later dismissed. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, needs help with their mental health, is dealing with domestic abuse, a victim of child abuse or sexual assault, or has addiction issues, please contact the relevant resources below: If you enjoyed this article, sign up to our free newsletter for the biggest movie and TV news delivered straight to your inbox. You can also add us as a preferred search source on Google. Read the original article on Looper. If you're broadening your recipe repertoire and exploring international cuisines from the comfort of your own kitchen, you've likely expanded the Mexican food you serve at home beyond the confines of a boxed taco kit and a can of refried beans. There are numerous Mexican cuisine staples that every home cook should try at least once, from pozole to tortas, mole to ceviche. As you peruse recipes for dishes like these, you'll probably recognize a lot of the ingredients but others could be a little unfamiliar, yet still definitely worth knowing about. To find out what you need to stock in your pantry and fridge for truly turning out some delicious and authentic Mexican meals, we talked to a handful of pros. Chefs hailing from Mexico and others serving up Mexican eats stateside let us in on the staple ingredients of Mexican cuisine that you need to know about, stat. Read more: Employees At Mexican Restaurants Tell Us The Customer Orders They Hate The Most Epazote Bundle of epazote - Rosamar/Shutterstock Not one, not two, but three chefs listed epazote among their top Mexican staples. So what is it? Epazote is an herb that grows in Mexico and Central America. Sometimes used medicinally, epazote is employed in food for its rustic and distinct flavor. As such, it's available both dried and fresh. You can find epazote in a variety of regional Mexican foods, like chileatole (a hearty stew), chilaquiles (tortilla chips simmered in sauce and topped with beans, eggs, or meat), or esquites (the off-the-cob version of elote). Advertisement Advertisement Chef Martha Ortiz of Tuch de Luna stated, "Epazote is an ancient herb with a very distinctive aroma: intense, resinous, and slightly medicinal. It's often used in dishes with beans, corn, or fish because it adds depth and aids digestion. At home, it should be used sparingly; a small amount goes a long way. Add it toward the end of cooking so its personality stays vibrant rather than overpowering." Taqueria Condesa owner Leonel Baizan further described the herb as "Mexican oregano with attitude," and suggested pairing it with mushrooms, quesadillas, or scrambled eggs. Meanwhile, Chef Ignacio Sanabria at Mondrian Mexico City Condesa confirmed that fresh epazote can add "aromatic complexity" to beans and soups. Xoconostle Sliced xoconostle in a bowl - Dulce Maria Velasco Bonilla/Getty Images Martha Ortiz likewise recommended that home cooks acquaint themselves with Mexican fruit known as xoconostle, or sour prickly pear. Used in Mexican cuisine for millennia, it's a versatile, cactus-derived ingredient that can be eaten raw, cooked, or dehydrated. The seeds can be turned into a powder, and the fruit is sometimes sold as a paste, similar to quince paste. It can be difficult to find xoconostle at just your average grocery store. You may only see it offered around the holidays, but you may be able to get it at a Mexican grocery store, or order dehydrated xoconostle online. Just take care to ensure you're actually getting xoconostle. There are many types of Mexican prickly pear cacti, and they can vary significantly. For example, xoconostle is sour with a lemony tang, while other varieties are sweet or floral, with flavors closer to those of a banana, peach, or persimmon. Advertisement Advertisement Ortiz said, "Xoconostle brings a beautiful acidity that balances rich broths and stews. Unlike lime, its sourness is softer and more rounded. I love using it in soups like mole de olla or vegetable-based dishes. For home cooks, it's wonderful simmered gently, never rushed, so its tartness integrates rather than dominates." Guajillo Row of Guajillo chiles - The Image Party/Shutterstock Guajillo chiles are a mild dried chile that's exceptionally popular in Mexican cuisine. Just how popular are they? Well, Chipotle once had garlic guajillo steak on its menu, and the chain also used these chiles on its pollo asado, which earned a spot as one of the best foods Takeout writers tried in 2022. If they're popular enough to be on a national chain's menu, they're accessible enough to find a place in your kitchen. The reddish-brown chiles are sweet and smoky, and can be used just about anywhere you'd like. They can be ground into a powder, or rehydrated before pureeing them. You might flavor your pozole a staple of Mexican cuisine using a little dried red guajillo and ancho chiles. Or, you might add some rehydrated and pureed guajillo chiles to your homemade salsa. While working with dried chiles can be intimidating for the first-timer, Martha Ortiz assures that you can do it, as long as you show the chiles a little respect. "Clean them well, toast them lightly, never burn them, and hydrate them patiently," she said. "When handled with care, they offer complexity rather than heat, bringing notes of fruit, earth, and warmth to sauces, moles, and even oils." Pasilla Basket of pasilla chiles - Javarman3/Getty Images When discussing the chiles that form the backbone of Mexican cooking, Martha Ortiz not only mentioned guajillo, but also pasilla chiles. In comparison to guajillo chiles, pasilla chiles are even milder (and milder than jalapenos, too), and they're one of the three varieties of chiles that give Tajin its distinct flavor. Pasilla chiles appear in salsas and moles, and even Taco Bell's cantina chicken. Advertisement Advertisement The chile's name literally means "little raisin," though that's a bit of a misnomer. While the chile definitely has a hue, texture, and some shared flavor notes similar to that of a raisin, pasillas are notably long and thin, so not exactly "little." Pasilla chiles are often compared to ancho chiles, but pasillas are narrower and not as sweet as anchos. Pasilla chiles are also sometimes confused with poblano peppers (the fresh version of an ancho), and sometimes the two are even mislabeled in grocery stores. However, true poblano peppers are always fresh, while true pasilla chiles are always dried and are a completely different pepper altogether. Like guajillo chiles, pasilla chiles can be ground into a powder or rehydrated and pureed. Chipotle in adobo Fork lifting chipotle chile out of can - The Image Party/Shutterstock Leonel Baizan told us that "one spoon of chipotle in adobo transforms soups, stews, or vinaigrettes. Not only does it deliver instant complexity, but it keeps well in the fridge." If you're not familiar with this long-lasting, affordable can of goodness, chipotle in adobo is literally just jalapenos that have been dried and smoked, and then smothered in a tomato-based sauce. There are three primary ways to use chipotles in adobo for a seemingly never-ending list of recipes: You can use the chiles themselves (mince or dice them), you can use just a spoonful of the sauce, or you can combine them both into a puree. Find that the chiles are a bit too spicy for your liking? Just remove the seeds before chopping or pureeing them. Advertisement Advertisement Use chipotles in adobo to add a spicy kick to literally just about anything. Mix it with mayo. Use it in a marinade. Toss it into a soup or stew. Have some chipotles leftover? (You probably will; very rarely will you pop open a can of chipotles in adobo and actually use the entire thing.) While, as Baizan noted, they'll last for a while in the fridge, you can also freeze them indefinitely. Try freezing the pureed chiles and sauce into ice cube portions for easier prep the next time you cook. Tomatillo Pile of tomatillos - Sandi Smolker/Getty Images "Tomatillo is amazing for green sauces, salad dressings, and marinades. It can also be a great alternative to vinegar or lemon when you want a softer sour," Leonel Baizan advised. You're likely most familiar with tomatillos as the requisite ingredient in salsa verde, but don't overlook all the other ways you can utilize this nightshade. As Baizan said, you can use them in other green sauces, salad dressings, and marinades, but they also find a place in chile verde, pozole verde, jocon de pollo, green enchiladas, and more. Not feeling Mexican tonight? Try them as a pizza topping, throw them on a salad raw, or make a tomatillo jam. Just remember that tomatillos require a little hands-on care. You're going to need to remove that outer husk and clean them off. Rather than do that manually, take a shortcut and soak the tomatillos in boiling water for less than 30 seconds, to both clean them and loosen the husks all at once. Don't go through this process until you're actually ready to use the tomatillos, though. Storing them in their husks helps them last for a few weeks in the fridge. Serrano chile Pile of serrano chiles - Vanderson31/Shutterstock According to Chef Silvano Ramos Anorve, executive chef with Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts, the serrano chile is the second most-consumed chile in Mexico after jalapenos, and using this ingredient isn't just a culinary decision. It provides a personal connection to his heritage. Advertisement Advertisement "Cooking the serrano chili as a Mexican means cooking with respect to the griddle (comal) and to the hands that taught us," he said. "Each recipe holds a story and a piece of our identity. We carry Mexico in every flavor we share." The serrano chile is an excellent fit in an array of dishes. Add them to sauces, ceviche, or guacamole. They're a must-have for chilaquiles and huevos a la Mexicana. They also find a place in meat stews. Just note that serrano chiles are going to be hotter than the aforementioned pasilla and guajillo chiles, as serranos are considered to be slightly hotter than the average jalapeno. Banana leaves Food wrapped in banana leaves - lesyeuxdedidi/Shutterstock Silvano Ramos Anorve told us that banana leaves are used not just in Mexico, but throughout much of Latin America for cooking and medicinal purposes. You can use banana leaves to wrap homemade tamales, barbacoa, or fish, for example. Just note that you're not actually going to eat the banana leaves. Instead, they act as a wrap or base, whether you're baking, roasting, or steaming. Sometimes, the banana leaves are used for serving, too. You can find banana leaves in Mexican markets, as well as Asian markets like H Mart. You may additionally be able to find them at American chains like H-E-B or Walmart if you live in a diverse area. They're sold both fresh and frozen, but the latter option will require thawing before use, acting gently so that they don't tear. Once the banana leaves are ready to be worked with, they'll need to be washed and cut down to the appropriate size. Fresh banana leaves should also be softened for easier use, which can be done by holding the leaves over direct heat from your stovetop, tossing them under the broiler, or soaking them in hot water. Achiote Achiote seeds and ground achiote - Alexander Ruiz Acevedo/Shutterstock Achiote (which you may also know as annatto) paste is made by pressing the seeds of the annatto tree. "It's great to marinate chicken, pork, and shrimp, but it can also be used on fish such as halibut or even salmon," said Chef Hector Peniche of Hector's Bistro in Mazatlan. To make an achiote marinade, he recommended combining the achiote paste with orange juice, tomato paste, honey, and your favorite chile, then seasoning the mixture with salt before blending, and finally applying it to your protein of choice. Advertisement Advertisement If you want to combine two new-to-you Mexican staple ingredients into one dish, you can even use your achiote marinade with banana leaves to make mixiotes steamed, marinated meat inside banana leaves per Silvano Ramos Anorve's suggestion. You can find achiote used for lots of other Mexican dishes as well, such as in tacos al pastor, adobo sauce, or cochinita pibil (a slow-roasted Yucatan pork). Mexican oregano Bowl of Mexican oregano - Brian Yarvin/Shutterstock "Once you have Greek oregano and Mexican oregano side by side you will notice the difference," said Hector Peniche. "Although [Mexican oregano] is mostly used as a seasoning herb [in dishes] such as mole, pozole, and tomato sauce, you can use it as one of the main ingredients. To make Oaxaca-style pollo en oregano, take a generous portion of oregano, garlic, and olive oil and make a marinade. Marinate the chicken for a few hours and then bake." So what's the big difference between Mexican oregano and "regular" oregano? For one, Mexican oregano comes from a totally different plant family, which is the verbena family rather than the mint family. As such, Mexican oregano has more of a floral flavor profile than its Mediterranean counterpart. Discussing the differences on Reddit, those familiar with the herb said that Mexican oregano is likewise more "earthy," with a stronger flavor and aroma. You can use Mexican oregano in many recipes beyond Mexican cuisine, and while it's not a good swap for traditional oregano, some use it in place of cilantro especially if they're one of the unlucky few who find cilantro comes with a certain soapy flavor. Chiles de arbol Close up of chiles de arbol - liamwood_shots/Shutterstock Not finding quite the level of heat you'd like in the chiles mentioned above? Consider chiles de arbol. The thin, few-inches-long chiles are sometimes called rat tail or bird's beak chiles, and they add a nice amount of kick, as they're slightly hotter than serrano peppers. "Chiles de arbol add heat and depth to salsas, dressings, and marinades. Toast [them] lightly to bring out their smoky notes without overpowering the dish," advised Ignacio Sanabria. Advertisement Advertisement While you can grind or rehydrate these chiles just like any other, they're also a favorite for infusing various other ingredients, such as spirits, oils, or vinegars. Their small, slender shape makes them easy to drop into a bottle you already have on hand. Other creative uses for these chiles beyond the typical Mexican fare? Try making some chile-infused milk and adding it to your mashed potatoes. Or, make a homemade chili crisp or chile-infused aioli for pumped-up condiments. You can even blend the ground chiles into homemade ice cream. Cacao Cacao beans and cocoa - Pixel-Shot/Shutterstock First of all, let's clear up any confusion regarding this ingredient. Cacao is not cocoa, and neither technically counts as Mexican chocolate. Cocoa is created from roasted, pressed cocoa beans. Cacao is less processed, made by cold-pressing raw and fermented beans. Mexican chocolate, meanwhile, is a mix of cacao, sugar, and cinnamon. Both cacao and Mexican chocolate are used throughout Mexican cuisine, and not just in the baking projects that you might resign your own box of cocoa to. According to Ignacio Sanabria, "Beyond desserts, we incorporate it into mole sauces and dressings for a subtle, rich umami flavor that balances savory dishes." If you're interested in incorporating cacao or Mexican chocolate into more savory dishes at home but aren't sure where to start, go for a straightforward mole such as mole sencillo, which literally means "simple mole." Beyond Mexican cuisine, Mexican chocolate is also a hit in coffee, sauces, marinades for slow-cooked meats, and chili (the stew, not the pepper). Avocado Avocados, including cut avocado - Olesia Shadrina/Getty Images Okay, you know the avocado. Even if you're not attempting to cook beyond your typical recipe rotation, avocados probably end up in your grocery cart. However, Silvano Ramos Anorve urges you to look beyond the typical uses for this Mexican fruit while also still using it in some traditional ways, such as in guacamole, tacos, and salads. Advertisement Advertisement "The avocado is not just for guacamole," he said. "Use it as a base for healthy chocolate mousses, as a butter substitute in your baking, or as a cream base for your pastas. In today's home cooking, the limit is your imagination." Avocado chocolate mousse requires minimal ingredients: avocados, cocoa powder, milk, a sweetener, salt, and vanilla. However, if you don't care for the thought of mixing chocolate and avocados, you can ditch the chocolate and just make a straight avocado mousse by running some cut avocados through a food processor until mousse-like. Then, use it as a dip or spread. Swapping butter for avocado in desserts couldn't be any easier, as you can make the change at a 1:1 ratio though you should expect a different texture in your baked goods if you make this adjustment. For more food and drink goodness, join The Takeout's newsletter and add us as a preferred search source. Get taste tests, food & drink news, deals from your favorite chains, recipes, cooking tips, and more! Read the original article on The Takeout. As a person who derives a lot of fulfillment from learning about history, it's seldom that I see a history discussion I don't take a moment to learn more from. So, when I saw this post on the popular Ask History forum wherein user BLOODMEN71 asked, "What [are] the most forgotten aspects of the American Revolution?" I wanted to see what people had to say in response. The answers were pretty interesting, and I thought I would share. John Faed / Via commons.wikimedia.org I also included answers to a similar question posted to the subreddit by user Six_of_1, who asked, "What were the atrocities during the American Revolutionary War?" Here are some of the best answers: 1. "The war was a multi-national conflict , and it involved a lot of different factions, and not simply 'patriots" and 'redcoats.'" Buyenlarge / Getty Images u/Dan_Morgan "The Revolution involved armed forces from three separate European powers (British, Hessians, French), and the soon-to-be United States (once the war was won and the Treaty of Paris was signed). There were also officers from elsewhere who fought for the Continentals. The Marquis de Lafayette," pictured above, "is likely the most well-known. Another less well-known individual is Casimir Pulaski." Advertisement Advertisement u/Careful-Ant5868 Related: My Little, Naive, Innocent Brain Cried After Learning About These Horrifying, Shocking, And Upsetting Things In 2025 2. "Due to the smallpox epidemic that hit the US at the same time as well as wartime casualties, roughly 100,000 people died ." Fine Art / Getty Images u/Arthour148 National Galleries Of Scotland / Getty Images u/Duke_of_Wellington18 4. "One atrocity was the tarring and feathering of innocent clerks/postal employees in Boston simply because they worked for the crown. I always feel bad for those guys." Buyenlarge / Getty Images u/EliotHudson Smith Collection / Getty Images Advertisement Advertisement u/Raddatatta 6. "I think it's worth remembering that a large segment of the population was still pro-crown. We tend to think the war was universally embraced, like WWII." Phas / Getty Images u/Crazydiamond450 Related: 15 "Well-Known" Historical Facts That Are 100% Wrong, And Now I Feel Very, Very Dumb 7. "When the war ended, the British fleet evacuated with a significant number of African Americans who had fled slavery and assisted the British. Half the fleet went to Nova Scotia, where those African Americans were allowed to establish settlements. The other half of the fleet went to Jamaica, where the British sold African American allies back into slavery ." Bettmann / Getty Images u/Every_Character9930 8. "Canadian perspective: many Loyalists fled to Canada with stories of atrocities committed by Patriots. Certainly, the tarring and feathering was real. The descendants of the Loyalists became the United Empire Loyalists , which used to be our equivalent of Mayflower ancestry." Madsci / Getty Images u/Former-Chocolate-793 9. "In 1774, Virginia's local government was dissolved by its royally appointed governor. That's what led to the famous, ' Give me Liberty or give me Death ' speech from Patrick Henry. It's also why it was delivered in a church instead of a government building." Campwillowlake / Getty Images Advertisement Advertisement u/deleted 10. "I grew up in Rhode Island. Every year, we celebrate the burning of HMS Gaspee by burning an effigy of it. The HMS Gaspee was a customs schooner, collecting dues and enforcing navigation laws around Newport, Rhode Island. In 1772, it was chasing a small smuggling boat off the coast near Warwick when it ran aground. The smuggler boat immediately pulled around and attacked the Gaspee, burning it down to the waterline. It was one of the first attacks recorded by British colonists against the crown. That's why I love my home state and its pettiness. Even 200-plus years later, we're still burning down their ships. As a fun fact , one of those smugglers was John Brown, who later, along with his brothers, founded Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island." Charles DeWolf Brownell / Via commons.wikimedia.org u/Trauma_Hawks Related: These 21 Historical Figures Are So Famous, Literally Everyone Knows Their Names But Most People Can't Identify Them From A Photo 11. "The Trial of William Wemms et al., the actual trial for the soldiers involved in the Boston Massacre." u/deleted 12. "Almost 100,000 loyalists left the US after the revolution, although more stayed." Universal History Archive / Getty Images u/Whulad 13. Peggy Stewart)." "The Annapolis Tea Party . Annapolis citizens were so incensed at Anthony Stewart for paying the tea tax for his ship full of tea, that they made him set fire to the ship (called u/Illustrious_Try478 14. "Something that usually gets overlooked is the robust colonial press. The Coercive Acts , a series of four laws passed by the British Parliament to punish Massachusetts Bay for the Boston Tea Party, targeted the residents of Boston and Massachusetts almost exclusively. Yet, thanks in great part to the results of several effective communication networks and sympathetic coverage in the colonial press, readers beyond Boston began to be convinced that they had a personal stake in what was going on there. Most importantly, Americans in all of the colonies began to believe that the people of Boston were suffering on their behalf." Buyenlarge / Getty Images u/Infamous-Bag-3880 15. "I kinda feel like the cause of the Boston Massacre is papered over a bit. It wasnt just that people were 'tired of those darn redcoats,' it was a reaction to the British Army killing a child , and it was the evening after his funeral procession through town." Heritage Images / Getty Images Advertisement Advertisement u/1maco 16. "The Pine Tree Riot . In New Hampshire, a Sheriff and deputy attempted to enforce a law that restricted lumbering of white pine to preserve its use for the Royal Navy. They were beaten nearly to death by a mob." Denistangneyjr / Getty Images u/TillPsychological351 Related: It's Kinda Sad, But These Once-Mindworm Slogans Are Now Nearly-Forgotten Can You Remember At Least 6 Of Them? 17. "Without French support , Americans likely would have lost that war." Dea / Getty Images u/frozenhawaiian 18. Baron Von Steuben , a Prussian army officer, helped Washington train and modernize the militia into a fighting army. He returned home, was hated, came back to the US, was presented with citizenship by Congress, and lived out his days in honor." Sepia Times / Getty Images u/Recent_Drawing9422 19. And finally: "Many of the men who signed the declaration did so without the support of their constituents. William Floyd is a distant relative of mine, and he represented the HEAVILY loyalist Long Island but signed the declaration regardless because he felt self-determination was better for his constituents in the long run. He faced death threats, his property being attacked and used by the British as a base, etc. Being one of the wealthiest signers, he even gave his lands and possessions up in an effort to fund the war effort." Christine_kohler / Getty Images Advertisement Advertisement u/CharcuterieBoard What do you think? If you feel like sharing any facts of your own, feel free to leave a comment! Or, if you prefer, you can write in to the anonymous form below. Please note: some comments have been edited for length and/or clarity. Also in Rewind: If You Can Identify More Than 9/13 Of These '90s And '00s TV Shows, There's Absolutely No Way You're Under 25 Also in Rewind: Only People Born Before 1989 Can Identify These Products Just From Their Mascots Also in Rewind: These 18 Historical Figures Looked Shockingly Different When They Were Young So I'm Positive You Can't Identify Them From A Photo Read it on BuzzFeed.com With all of the attention on iguanas, pythons and bears lately, we thought this would be a good time to remind you that Florida's most famous animal, the alligator, is alive and well. One question we see posted frequently on social media this time of year is: Where do I have the best chance to spot an alligator? This is not surprising considering the number of tourists who come here every winter and the fact that when people think of Florida, one of the first things they associate with the Sunshine State are alligators. Advertisement Advertisement We want to help. We asked three of our expert journalists environment reporters Amy Williams and Chad Gillis and photographer Andrew West for their gator hot spots in Southwest Florida. As it turns out, the winter is a great opportunity for alligator watching here. What about our amazing birds in SWFL? Birdwatching in Florida: Where you might see rare mangrove cuckoos, birds with iridescent feathers The dry season here coincides with the winter, which makes it a great time of year to spot alligators, Gillis said. They cluster together in shrinking holes of freshwater, which means youre more likely to see them in greater numbers at any popular gator hole. Advertisement Advertisement Winter brings cooler temperatures, Gillis added, and alligators seek the sunlight in order to thermoregulate their bodies. Based on the cold spell we are experiencing right now it should be prime-time for alligator sunbathing. The two factors in combination mean more alligators will be closer together and exposed to the sun and viewers at this time of year. We asked Chad, Amy, and Andrew to pick their favorite gator hangouts. There is no guarantee you will spot an alligator at these locations you could very well see one in your backyard pond but based on the current conditions in Southwest Florida, the probability is high! Good luck. Be safe. Have your camera ready. AMY WILLIAMS Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve Where: Lee County Advertisement Advertisement Website: www.sloughpreserve.org/ Amy says: Its a boardwalk and not a guarantee, but usually a safe bet. Babcock Eco Adventures Where: Charlotte County (just over the Lee line) Website: babcockranchecotours.com/ Amy says: This is a swamp buggy tour through a swamp. Sightings are guaranteed! Gatorama Where: Glades County Website: gatorama.com Amy says: The name says it all. Where you can hatch a gator egg in your hands at some times of the year. Did you know? Money matters: Analysis reveals what it takes to be a top 1% earner in Florida CHAD GILLIS Fisheating Creek Where: Glades County Webiste: fisheatingcreeekoutpost.com Chad says: There are lots of alligators in Fisheating Creek, and you can see them anywhere from the Fisheating Creek Outpost near Palmdale to the banks of the winding creek both up and downstream. About an hours drive away from Fort Myers, Fisheating creek is the last undisturbed tributary flowing into Lake Okeechobee the heart of the Everglades. Loop Road Where: Collier County Advertisement Advertisement Website: n/a Chad says: Located on the south side of U.S. 41 in Big Cypress National Preserve, Loop Road is a great place to see alligators as they gather in one of several sloughs that allow water to flow west and south to Everglades National Park. The Sweetwater Slough, in particular, is a great place to see alligators as dozens will gather on the rocky banks of the slough during the dry season. Turner River Road Where: Collier County Website: n/a Chad says: Another offshoot of U.S. 41, Turner River Road is home to a small facility with picnic tables and signs describing the ecological system. There are typically alligators floating near an observation platform or resting on the far bank. The good thing about this site is that you can just pull over, park your car, get out and start looking at alligators no hiking or airboat required. An alligator hangs out in the waters at Bird Rookery Swamp in Collier County on Thursday, March 31, 2022. There is no alligator hunting allowed in CREW. FILE PHOTO BY ANDREW WEST ANDREW WEST CREW Bird Rookery Trail Where: Collier County Advertisement Advertisement Website: crewtrust.org/bird-rookery-swamp-trail/ Andrew says: This is a good bet. Hikers sometimes have to walk around the alligators because they can be just feet from the trail. An alligator hangs out at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary. Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary Where: Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary Website: corkscrew.audubon.org Andrew says: During the dry months, alligators can be viewed at the lettuce lakes on the boardwalk. Although not a guarantee. There is also a good bet that babies will be there, just has to be the right time of year. An american alligator basks in the waters off of Loop Road in Big Cypress National Park in early May. The area is a haven for the reptiles This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Where can you see alligators in SW Florida? This is part of Wet February, a series about Americas increasingly muddled relationship with drinkingand how to sip your way through it wisely and well. When it comes to a modern brewer charting a meteoric rise, its hard to think of a better example than Bells Brewery. Bells, famous for its Two Hearted IPA and summer-coded Oberon, was founded in 1985 as Kalamazoo Brewing Co. in Michigan. In that first year, it brewed 135 barrels. Today, it brews nearly 500,000 barrels annually. A barrel is roughly 31 gallons, or about two kegs worth of beer. So the brewerys production went from around 270 kegs in 1986 to around 934,000 kegs today. Advertisement Advertisement Something else has happened to Bells amid all that growth. In 2021, founder Larry Bell sold the brewery to one of the biggest beverage companies in the world, a huge moment that the average drinker might not have noticed. Sometimes, it seems as if Bells wants it that way, especially if the company saw any outraged forums for beer fans during and after the sale. Whats happened with the beloved brewery over the past few years tells a deeper story about where craft beer in America has arrivedand why fans of once-small beers have a hard time letting go. Craft beer has succeeded in its mission of becoming ubiquitous, if not entirely mainstream. In 2004, there were 1,468 breweries in America, according to the Brewers Association. In 2014, there were 4,014. In 2024, there were 9,922. But after a period of great growth comes a growth plateau. This plateau is where we find ourselves in 2026. In the current moment, finding new growth has been challenging, and many brewers find that the market, brewery input costs rising, and customer behavior are increasingly difficult to navigate. The beer market today is a mixed bag: Though we still have more breweries than we ever have, 2025 is the second consecutive year where closings outpaced openings. Into these perilous conditions comes a big craft brewery like Bells, which had already achieved rare scale and success even while it retained the sheen of a homespun beer. According to Jeff Alworth, an Oregon writer who authored The Beer Bible and The Secrets of Master Brewers, Bells was a brand associated with feverish excitement, especially for those with ties to the Mitten State. What I can say is that at least 20 years ago, people who moved to Oregon from Michigan treated Bells like a sacred liquid, he said. When you asked people about the beer, they emphasized its cultural salienceit was like bottled Michigan. Ive never seen anyone treat a brewery the same way. Bells rose and rose, traveling far beyond Michigan and even America to become one of the most popular and widely available craft brands. Two Hearted became a standard tap at nice restaurants. People hunted down the special-release Hopslam every year with great intention. People from Michigan cheered on its rise, especially if they now lived in a new market where it had become available. Then came the sale. Advertisement Advertisement As the Detroit Free Press head-turningly explained in November 2021, Larry Bell had announced the brewerys sale to Australasian beer company Lion, a subsidiary of Japanese beverage conglomerate Kirin, for an undisclosed amount. Put more accurately, Kirin made Bells Brewery Inc. a wholly owned subsidiary, itself absorbed by and merged with New Belgium Brewing Company, Inc.also owned by Kirinin 2023. A Russian nesting doll of ownerships, if you will. When the sale was announced in 2021, message boards lit up with angry Bells customers and craft fans. They said the sale could make the quality drop, that it was against the hometown Michigan spirit of the brewery, and that it would help Big Beer swallow and wipe out more of the little independents. They said they were through with Bells, and predicted potential ruin. As one popular, representative comment on the r/beer subreddit put it after the sale, Fuck. People were certainly pissed off that Bells was no longer owned by Larry Bell. There was a reputational hit. But news broke in 2021 that Bells would be sold. It seems today that many customers dont know about Bells corporate ownership. Does that matter? It depends on who you ask. Dave Infante, a James Beard Awardwinning journalist who covers the food and drink industries in the newsletter Fingers, told me that drinkers have demonstrated pretty convincingly that they are not as concerned about independence as they used to be. He also works as a contributing editor and columnist at VinePair, where he publishes the weekly beer-industry column Hop Take. Theres a much broader availability of craft beer than there was a decade ago, he said, and the conversations about provenance and independence that used to dominate the discourse around craft beer have fallen by the wayside as a result. People, I think, to some extent have become tired of them, within the industry and then certainly in the broader American drinking public. Advertisement Advertisement But according to Circana, an American market research company, sales of Bells Two Hearted are indeed down. The report from December 2025 showed the top 30 craft brands of that year to date to be full of corporate ownership from the worlds biggest brewer: AB InBev. Elysian Space Dustowned by AB InBevwas up 7.3 percent in dollar sales off-premise. Wicked Weeds Pernicious, another AB InBevowned IPA brand, was up 20.7 percent in dollar sales. The same data set cited Bells Two Hearted as down 1.9 percent in dollar sales. If independence was really as significant a buying factor as true believers want it to be, brands owned by AB InBev wouldnt be doing so well. And Two Hearted may be on the downswing for other reasons. Its hard to extend these brands, Infante said of Bells Two Hearted and Oberons potential. Its hard to find ways to keep them relevant in such a different market than the one they were created for. Whatever the case, I still wondered if one of the primary accusations against Bells and other craft beers that go big held any water: Was the beer itself actually different now? Some beer buyers say the beer is different than how they remember it a decade ago. Some say its filtered, adding they remembered Bells bumper stickers reading: If God wanted us to filter our beer, he wouldnt have given us livers. Bells makes the claim on its website that its beers are unpasteurized, though that page is now two years old. When I spoke to over a dozen sources about this, at least one buyer believed Two Hearted and Oberon were filtered, if not pasteurized. He remembered when the brewery made the claim. He cited a commercial, posted online in 2012, in which the brewery showed an accordion player lighting an accordion on fire, a la Jimi Hendrix, and exclaimed, Bells. Live life unfiltered. Advertisement Advertisement Some brewers acknowledge the company is different, but also argue that Bells Two Hearted still delivers on its original value proposition: a hoppy offering with good bitterness and a brisk 7 percent alcohol by volume, the same strength its been. Its still solely brewed with Centennial hops, the variety that it has always been. The beer itself was first released in 1997 as a winter seasonal, and went into year-round production in 2003. By 2013, it became Bells best seller, eclipsing Oberon Ale. For many, Two Hearted is the beer that tasted like Michigan in a bottle. For most drinkers, it still does. That doesnt mean the vibes arent off sometimes. What is important to a massive brewer? Growth. Sales. Its not that these things arent important to a small brewer, but their trajectories are completely different. In the end it seems Bells doesnt make bad beer, its just been subjected to bad ideas. Brand extensions like Mango Habanero Oberon rubbed drinkers the wrong way, and some wished that product would sunset. Double Two Hearted, the double IPA introduced in 2015, has given way to Big Hearted IPA, a 9.5 percent boozy, trendy, imperial IPA sold in 19.2 oz. stovepipe cans at supermarkets, mini-marts, and gas stations. These and other brand extensions may have lost Bells some customer goodwill. Bells declined to speak to me about any of this. But a person whos been in production with the company for several years told me that any variations within hoppy beers like Two Hearted and Hopslam are due to hop lots. People often forget that beer is an agricultural product. As the saying goes, no farms, no beer. Hop lots are massive collections of harvested, dried hops typically processed into pellets after the flowers come off the bine. One years lot, say 2025, can be different from the last years lot. Perhaps 2024 was throwing lime and zesty grapefruit, whereas 2025 is giving off aromas of earthy, freshly fallen wet leaves and blueberries. That is to say that one years lot may be different from the next. So the scuttlebutt that the beer has changed may just be that. Consider the king of beers, Budweiser, which often claims its been unchanged since 1876. I have a friend whose grandfather brewed Budweiser in the pre-Prohibition era. She has a notebook of his with dozens of recipes from over half a dozen breweries he worked for from the 1880s to the 1930s. His recipe calls for Bohemian hops. Budweiser is no longer brewed with Bohemian hops, and thus we know it has in fact changed. Does this matter? Not really right now, but it once did. Its understandable why fans would resist a local brand like Bells exploding and disappearing into corporate machinery like it has, and imagine perceived sensory differences as a result. Or maybe the hops have had a slightly different flavor in recent years. Either way, everyone would do well to remember that in beer, as in life, the only thing permanent is change. This year marks 200 years since the worlds first photograph, a simple courtyard scene captured by Joseph Nicephore Niepce at his estate in Saint-Loup-de-Varennes, Burgundy. To celebrate this great milestone, we asked 12 of our travel writers to dive into their private collections and submit their favourite photograph. From an eager salesman on the Nile to a monster building in Hong Kong and an inquisitive polar bear peeping inside a tourist vehicle, these are some of our writers most cherished shots. Scroll down to the bottom of the article to share your own. Into the mystic Gunshots were going off, horses were rearing around us, people were singing and clapping in raucous celebration of the Ashanti kings 20-year reign in Ghana, but then I spotted this hand reaching through the incense smoke (pictured above). A moment of calm and quiet mysticism amid the chaos. Advertisement Advertisement Emma Thomson Highs and lows The surreal landscape of the Danakil Depression was formed by diverging tectonic plates - Sarah Marshall The Danakil Depression in Ethiopia, one of the lowest points on Earth, has always been high on my wish list. I slept open-air at the crater base to explore the Erta Ale volcano at sunrise. A young boy from the Afar tribe guided me. As I turned to leave, he poked a fumarole as if he was stoking a fire. Behind him the sky blazed. Sarah Marshall Hot and cold Cruise ship passengers react to the first sighting of a whale on their expedition - Greg Dickinson This photograph was taken on an HX Expeditions ship, MS Fridtjof Nansen, around halfway across the Drake Passage en route to Antarctica. By the end of the trip we had seen dozens of whales, but this was the first sighting, sparking a wave of excitement across the deck. Advertisement Advertisement Shortly after, the whale was identified as a rare species called a strap-toothed beaked whale. But my photograph focuses on the commotion in the foreground. I love the juxtaposition of the well-wrapped-up tourists with the inquisitive chap in his Speedos, leaning out of the hot tub. Something about the scene speaks to the look, over there! nature of being on an expedition cruise. Greg Dickinson A break in the clouds Georgias Gergeti Trinity Church sits beneath Mount Kazbek - Libby Ryan Id just completed the steep climb from my guest house in the village of Stepantsminda to Gergeti Trinity Church, its setting, at 2,170m (7,120 ft), dwarfed by its neighbours, some of the highest mountains in Georgia. It was a brisk May morning, with plenty of snow left on the summits and a dusting of drizzle on the ascent. But the sun peeked out for enough time to capture this shot of the 14th-century church, framed by the staggering Mount Kazbek. Libby Ryan Going wild Hikers are dwarfed by the magnitude of the wild Exmoor coast - Sarah Baxter The Exmoor coast is one of my favourite spots in the world: the plunging cliffs, the secretive combes, the wildness of it all. This is the Valley of Rocks, and brings back so many walking memories. I love the way the two hikers look so tiny, just as they should in the face of awesome Mother Nature. Advertisement Advertisement Sarah Baxter Bear necessities Marcel Theroux took this photo in Churchill, Manitoba the self-proclaimed polar bear capital of the world - Marcel Theroux I love this image because of the irresistible way it combines comedy and danger. I was writing an article about Churchill, Manitoba, the self-proclaimed polar bear capital of the world. While watching the bears in the wild, I spotted this young adult lurking beneath the steps of our vehicle. On that trip, I had an unforgettable conversation with a woman who had survived a terrible mauling by a polar bear the previous year. It supplied useful context for this bears comically devious look of innocence. Marcel Theroux A rodeo first Miss Rodeo Arizona pictured at The Art of the Cowgirl, Americas first women-only rodeo - Zoey Goto This was taken at The Art of the Cowgirl, Americas first women-only rodeo. Miss Rodeo Arizona might look like your traditional beauty queen here, but shes actually a tenacious daredevil rider, and surrounded by cowgirls lassoing and wrestling bulls to the ground just out of shot. She embodies the old pioneering spirit of the American West, while also signalling a shift toward a more inclusive rodeo scene thats emerging. Advertisement Advertisement Zoey Goto Up the junction Magic for photographers and bliss for the elephant - Kerry Walker On the fringes of the forest-cloaked, waterfall-splashed Periyar National Park in the mountainous Western Ghats of Kerala in southern India, Thekkady is home to Elephant Junction. Here you can get close to rescue elephants and see mahouts giving them a morning scrub with coconut husks in the tea-coloured Periyar River. It is a moment of magic for photographers and judging by the expression bliss for the elephant. Kerry Walker Join the choir intangible A Suiti womens choir in Latvia - Elise Morton Captured on film in Latvias Kuldiga region, this photograph shows a Suiti womens choir. The Suiti are a small Catholic community whose culture including distinctive vocal traditions was inscribed on Unescos list of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2009. They invited us to dress in traditional clothing and sing alongside them. Advertisement Advertisement Elise Morton Capturing a monster Hong Kongs Parker Estate, aka the Monster Building, is home to more than 10,000 residents - Gemma Knight-Gilani I visit Hong Kong often, but had never been to the so-called Monster Building (officially the Parker Estate in Quarry Bay) until last year, when this photo was taken. A complex of five interconnected 18-storey blocks, it is home to more than 10,000 residents, at once magnificent and horrifying; beautiful and dystopian. In some ways, its a perfect microcosm of everything Hong Kong is densely packed beyond all reason, yet determinedly thriving and standing in its belly, a central courtyard, is a humbling experience. Gemma Knight-Gilani The last iceman Iceman Baltazar Ushca weaves rope from grass to fasten the ice to his mule with - Gavin Haines This is Baltazar Ushca, the last iceman of Ecuador. In 2015, I trekked with him to the closest point on Earth to the sun: the summit of Mount Chimborazo, Ecuador. Advertisement Advertisement Ushca climbed it weekly to carve ice off the glacier, which he sold at market; the last practitioner of a dying trade. In this picture hes weaving rope from grass to fasten the ice to his mule with. The climb took us hours. We spoke no common language and had only herds of vicuna for company. At the summit I succumbed to altitude sickness while he hacked the ice. It was an unforgettable day with a remarkable man. In 2024, news got to me that Ushca had died, taking his hardy trade with him. Gavin Haines The hard sell An eager salesman in Egypt haggles with guests aboard a much larger vessel - Mark Stratton Egyptian traders around tourist sites are unashamedly in your face. But perhaps the most daring I ever encountered was on a Nile riverboat trip. This image captures their verve, how they hook onto much larger boats travelling significantly faster and with marvellous balance haggle with the guests for the best price for Egyptian cotton sheets and tablecloths. Advertisement Advertisement Mark Stratton Share your best travel photograph Have you taken a wonderful holiday snap? Please share it with us, along with a description, using the form below. 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. Novo Nordisk (NVO) shares crashed on Tuesday after the Danish drugmaker issued a sobering outlook for 2026 that caught Wall Street flat-footed. According to the pharma giant, its top- and bottom-line growth will decelerate this year as its Most Favored Nations agreement with the U.S. lowers weight-loss drug prices in its largest market. More News from Barchart At the time of writing, Novo Nordisk stock is trading some 20% below its year-to-date high. www.barchart.com What This 2026 Outlook Really Means for Novo Nordisk Stock While Novo Nordisk technically beat its rival Eli Lilly (LLY) to the punch with the U.S. launch of Wegovy, todays update suggests that victory may prove hollow for investors in the near term. On Feb. 3, Lars Fruergaard Jrgensens, the firms chief executive, insisted that hes encouraged by the promising early uptake of its oral GLP-1 drug. However, the math isnt adding up; at least for the current financial year. Oral Wegovy was widely expected to be the ultimate catalyst for NVO stock, but managements forecast of cooling growth suggests volume gains just cant outrun eroding prices. In short, the multinationals full-year guidance somewhat evaporates the incentive to stick with its shares, especially at the current, stretched valuation of more than 18x forward earnings. Technicals and Options Data Warrant Selling NVO Shares Novo Nordisk shares also remain unattractive to own in 2026 because the selloff on Feb. 3 pushed them decisively below their key moving averages (50-day, 100-day, 200-day). This means bears are fully in control and the downward pressure may sustain, especially since the relative strength index (14-day) isnt signaling oversold conditions at the time of writing either. Moreover, NVO is bracing for the first wave of generic competition as its blockbuster semaglutide loses exclusivity in major international markets like China, Brazil, and Canada. These fundamental and technical headwinds have options traders pricing in a continued decline in this pharma stock to about $43 by mid-April. Wall Street Still Hasnt Thrown in the Towel on Novo Nordisk Wall Street analysts, however, seem to disagree with the options data, given the consensus rating on Novo Nordisk remains at a Moderate Buy. Tacomas go-to date-night restaurants might be booked well in advance for Feb. 14, but the trick of the trade is to avoid the day-of hullabaloo. El Gaucho, for instance, is full-up on Valentines Day for parties of two. But you can still snag an early or late reservation on Friday night, while its open-season on Sunday, Feb. 15. A similar scenario is playing out at Corbeau, Field Bar, Primo Grill, Asado, en Rama, West 122, Lobster Shop and Marzano in Tacoma, as well as Oxbow Urban Kitchen, Toscanos Italian Grill and Perrys in Puyallup all places worthy of a date-night no matter the occasion. Advertisement Advertisement The field is a little bit tighter at Over the Moon Cafe, the petite, two-floor bistro in Opera Alley, which only has availability Wednesday, and at Cuerno Bravo and Woven, both only with open tables during the week. Im glad to see these restaurants and many others not mentioned here drawing crowds (of two!) in the name of love, but remember that business tends to slow in the winter, and restaurants (and yours truly!) would like to remind you that other days deserve your dollar, too. May I suggest equally awesome alternatives? Building off my list of special-occasion restaurants around Pierce County (a few of which are mentioned above), here are some if not this, then that suggestions for a February dinner-date, whether on, before or after Feb. 14. Instead of El Gaucho or Cuerno Bravo Jacks BBQ or Woobling BBQ 35731 West Valley Highway S., Algona, 253-249-7728, jacksbbq.com/algona Monday-Thursday 5 a.m.-8 p.m., Friday 5 a.m.-9 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.-9 p.m. 12115 Pacific Highway SW, Lakewood, 253-625-7580, jacksbbq.com/lakewood Monday-Thursday 7 a.m.-8 p.m., Friday 7 a.m.-9 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m.-9 p.m, Sunday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. No reservations; order takeout online or by phone Advertisement Advertisement A barbecue joint might sound unromantic to some for Valentines Day, but if youre after meat, well, Jacks has the meats and theyre largely sourced from Washingtons own Double R Ranch. The atmosphere is casual, but the portions are generous enough that perhaps the cook in your couple will rise early the next morning to whip up some steak and eggs. Share the Double Trouble (two-meat platter with two sides) or Texas Trinity (brisket, ribs and sausage with two sides), sip on smoked old fashioneds and finish with a peach cobbler for two. Woobling Korean Barbecue at Tacoma Mall offers a modern setting for your DIY-grill meal, plus dishes like corn cheese and plenty of banchan. A Valentines Day combo meal offers plenty to share, including a bottle of wine and two desserts, for $159. KBBQ beckons groups, but for Valentines Day, Woobling BBQ at Tacoma Mall will offer its $58 premium all-you-can-eat package. In addition to short rib, steak and lamb chops, create your meal with dishes like mini pancakes (Korean-style with seafood or kimchi), beef tartare, scallops, ramen and egg souffle. A special Valentines Day offer includes two each of appetizers, proteins, entrees and desserts, plus a bottle of wine and a mystery gift for $159/couple. Instead of Marzano or en Rama Manuscript 203 Tacoma Ave. S., Tacoma, 253-212-0779, manuscripttacoma.com Wednesday-Friday 4-10 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.-10 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Reserve online or by phone; order takeout online Manuscript isnt Italian in quite the same way that Marzano and Macalusos in Ruston are, but thats a good thing. The kitchen makes most everything from scratch importantly, pasta. The current menu features housemade bucatini four ways, including with a classic, luscious tomato sauce or rich Parmesan cream sauce with ample rosemary and Fresno peppers. Start with a darn fine Caesar, oysters and delicata squash rings with herbed goat cheese. The bar does it up, too, whether you order from the menu or veer toward the Alchemists Draft, a dealers choice cocktail built based on your preferences. Wrap things up with a spiced mole tiramisu or winter-fruit bread pudding. Or skip the whole dinner idea and go for brunch! Manuscript makes pasta from-scratch, served alongside salads and cocktails in a cool space. Find a seat at the long bar if the dining room is full. (Brian Hayes/bhayes@thenewstribune.com) For a more casual night at home, order takeout sandwiches and the Roman-style pizza would travel well and the special Defiant Valentine takeout-only deal. For $50, take home a bottle of Dahlman Cellars red wine and your choice of either classic or dark chocolate-mint tiramisu. All proceeds benefit the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project and Lake Street Council, a nonprofit supporting immigrant families in Minneapolis. Instead of Corbeau or Field Bar Morso Wine Bar 9014 Peacock Hill Ave., Gig Harbor, 253-225-7807, morsobistro.com Monday-Saturday noon-8 p.m., Sunday noon-7 p.m. Text 20-30 minutes prior to arrival to secure a spot on the waitlist Advertisement Advertisement Morso used to abstain from reservations but instituted a reserve-by-text system that feels just laissez-faire enough for the right kind of Valentines. Message the restaurant at least 20 minutes prior to arrival to snag your spot on the waitlist. Then snack on warm olives, salmon cakes and homemade meatballs before a main event of wild mushroom bucatini with sundried tomatoes and lacinato kale, grilled steelhead or a hefty sirloin burger with Swiss and caramelized onions. Sip wine, of course. Instead of Over the Moon Cafe... Lake City Pub 9106 Veterans Dr. SW, Lakewood, 253-267-1309, facebook.com/TheLakeCityPub Sunday and Tuesday-Thursday 10 a.m.-10 p.m., Friday-Saturday 10 a.m.-11 p.m. No reservations The Lake City Pub, 9106 Veterans Dr. SW in Lakewood, serves hearty pub fare, all local beer and cocktails in a cozy setting with frequent live music. Sometimes the pub is as cozy as the cafe. Head into a quiet corner of Lakewood, near American Lake, to discover this hidden-gem pub reimagined by owner and musician Lauren Lively over many slow-but-steady years. She and her staff decorate for every major occasion, and attentive table service feels unexpected but wholly welcome. The menu feels like a warm hug, from bangers and mash to a winter special of a whole game hen with roasted veggies, pot pie and homemade mac and cheese. Sandwiches, salads and a clever, baked, potato-chip wing round out the menu. The beer is local, and the cocktails are as much of a draw as the food, the service and the bar itself. Instead of Ruston Way waterfront... Ginos at the Point 6912 Soundview Dr. NE, Tacoma, 253-242-7951, ginosrestaurants.co Sunday & Tuesday-Thursday 4-8 p.m., Friday-Saturday 4-9 p.m. Reserve online or by phone Its not quite the same view, but this Dash Point restaurant was once another outpost of the original Lobster Shop. Chef and owner Gino Rivera infuses his Peruvian heritage into the menu in both obvious ways (lomo saltado, ceviche on special) and discreet (pineapple, mango and coconut sauce with sea bass). The beet salad with blood oranges, pistachio-hazelnut goat cheese all tossed in an agave vinaigrette should not be missed, along with a starter of zesty calamari with jalapenos and a sweet-chili sauce. Mains offer a little bit of everything, from steak and seafood to pasta with one or the other. Have a pisco sour and soak in the nighttime view of the Sound from a fresh angle. Zoltan Borsodi knew thered be issues with his flight. He was flying home to Raleigh, North Carolina, from Budapest on Jan. 12, via Copenhagen and Boston, on SAS Scandinavian Airlines and Delta Air Lines. Borsodi, 56, is retired and relies on a wheelchair because he has Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT), which impairs his mobility. He told USA TODAY that when he arrived in Copenhagen, his personal wheelchair was not at the gate. It immediately raised red flags for him, but he figured it could have been because he had a tight connection for his flight to Boston. When he arrived in Boston, his suspicion had been correct. Zoltan Borsodi in an airport wheelchair. Borsodis wheelchair was still in Copenhagen, according to the Apple AirTag he used to track it. Advertisement Advertisement When I asked at Boston Airport what the contingency plan is for such incidents when somebodys personal medical device is missing, they couldnt provide me one, he said in a phone interview. This is the fifth time it happened to me in several airports and the result was always the same." Borsodi said that in Boston, he was accommodated with an airport wheelchair that required a pusher. I completely lost my independence, he said. As someone who travels frequently, Borsodi said he knows how to get around on his own with the right equipment, but the airport wheelchair was not sufficient. It is not catered to my needs; its something thats really uncomfortable. The employees at Boston Logan International Airport were unable to provide further assistance. They assured him they called ahead to Raleigh-Durham International Airport to ensure a more suitable wheelchair would be available upon his arrival. When Borsodi got back to North Carolina, however, the airport employees there were unaware of the issue. Advertisement Advertisement Representatives from Boston Logan directed USA TODAY to reach out to the airline (SAS) for comment. In a statement, SAS acknowledged the incident. SAS strives to make the travel experience for wheelchair users as seamless as possible. We did not meet our own standards for service in Mr. Borsodi's case and we will work to improve training. We have reached out to Mr. Borsodi to rectify our missteps, the statement said. Borsodi said that the airline reimbursed his checked baggage fees but did not provide further assistance. They offered to reimburse him for a temporary wheelchair rental, but Borsodi said he had an old wheelchair in his garage that he used for two days until his regular device was returned to him via FedEx. We had to pull a 20-something-year-old scrap wheelchair from our garage, which was barely usable. We put it out years ago in the garage. With my wifes help, thats what I was able to use in the house. I couldnt leave the house, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Borsodi said he hopes airlines and airports will better train their employees in the future and develop a standard action plan for when mobility devices are mishandled. I can count very, very few occasions that Ive met staff who know what to do and how to do it, he said. A person who is wheelchair-bound is immobile without their proper equipment, and I was literally immobile. How often do airlines damage or mishandle mobility devices? According to the Department of Transportation, U.S. airlines collectively transported 899,385 wheelchairs and scooters in 2024. Of those, 11,357 (1.26%) were reportedly damaged or destroyed in transit. Its a very slight improvement over 2023, when 1.38% of the mobility devices airlines transported were mishandled. Those numbers are based solely on consumer complaints, which is why it's important for disabled travelers to notify airlines and the DOT when something goes wrong. They also dont include incidents involving foreign airlines, so its unlikely that Borsodis issue will appear in the data. Advertisement Advertisement Zach Wichter is a travel reporter and writes the Cruising Altitude column for USA TODAY. He is based in New York and you can reach him at zwichter@usatoday.com. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 'I couldn't leave the house.' A missing wheelchair left him stranded. The Girl Scout Cookie Program is underway, according to a community announcement. Cookie lovers can buy from local troops through their Digital Cookie websites, at community booths or by donating to military members, veterans and first responders. Starting Feb. 13 through March 22, Girl Scouts will host cookie booths at various community locations outside businesses and stores. Customers can use the Cookie Finder at www.girlscoutsni.org/findcookies to locate nearby booths. For those who prefer not to venture out, the Cookie Finder also connects customers to local troops willing to ship cookies directly. Cookies are available at all Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois locations in Oswego, Rockford and South Elgin during regular business hours. Advertisement Advertisement This year's lineup includes the new Exploremores, a rocky road ice cream-inspired sandwich cookie filled with chocolate, marshmallow and toasted almond-flavored creme. Other favorites include Thin Mints, Tagalongs, Samoas, Do-si-dos, Trefoils, Lemon-Ups, Toffee-tastic and Adventurefuls. All cookies are priced at $6 per package. Support local Girl Scouts in northern Illinois Feb. 13March 22 by buying cookies online, at walkabouts, at booths and at GSNI locations. If you know a Girl Scout, ask how you can support their cookie sales. Those who don't know a Girl Scout can visit www.girlscoutsni.org/buycookies to purchase cookies directly or connect with local Girl Scouts seeking customers. A learning experience The Girl Scout Cookie Program is the world's largest entrepreneurial program for young people. It offers financial literacy badges for every age level, from the Cookie Goal Setter badge for Daisies (kindergarten to first grade) to the Entrepreneur Accelerator for high school girls. The program teaches Girl Scouts financial literacy, planning, budgeting, teamwork, innovative thinking and confident decision making. Advertisement Advertisement During cookie season, each Girl Scout sets out to sell cookies while building entrepreneurial and business skills crucial for leadership and future success. All net revenues stay within the northern Illinois area, supporting experiences such as service projects, troop travel and summer camp. Girl Scouts offers new experiences "Girl Scouts bring their dreams to life and work together to build a better world," according to the announcement. Through programs nationwide, Girl Scouts of all backgrounds and abilities can discover their strengths and rise to meet new challenges, whether it's climbing a tree, hiking, advocating for climate justice or making new friends. Supported by adult volunteers, mentors and millions of alums, Girl Scouts lead the way as they find their voices and make changes that affect the issues most important to them. To join, volunteer, reconnect or donate, visit www.girlscouts.org. 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: New Exploremores cookie joins Girl Scout lineup Feb. 13 in 2026 A mom in the middle of a work call collapsed in shock and joy when she spotted a familiar face at the door. After a grueling year, 46-year-old Tashia Jones of Mount Holly, North Carolina, was juggling work and life as a first-time empty-nester. Over the past year, her son, Chris, left for U.S. Air Force training, an eight-year relationship ended, and she lost her previous job. What Tashia didnt know was that Chris and his sister, Erica, had been quietly planning a surprise behind the scenes coordinating his return so he could walk through the door when she least expected it. Watch the video above to see Tashias joy and disbelief when Chris steps inside! Humankind is your go-to spot for good news! Click here to submit your uplifting, cute, or inspiring video moments for us to feature. Also, click here to subscribe to our newsletter bringing our top stories of the week straight to your inbox. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Airman shocks mom by returning home early from basic training Peeps, the makers of some of America's most well-recognized seasonal marshmallow candies, have added a few quirky, new flavors to their roster ahead of Easter Sunday. Inspired by two breakfast staples, Peeps announced on Tuesday, Jan. 13, that its Pop-Tarts Frosted Strawberry Flavored Marshmallow Chicks and SunnyD Flavored Marshmallow Chicks have hit shelves at retailers nationwide. The company said its Chili Lime Mango Flavored Marshmallow Chicks are also now available, for those craving a "sweet-meets-tangy kick." Nestled in a lineup with other flavors popularized by decidedly non-marshmallow treats, including Dr. Pepper and Mike and Ikes, the Pop-Tarts Frosted Strawberry, SunnyD and Chili Lime Mango Peeps piqued our interest here at USA TODAY. So much so, we gave them a try. Watch the taste test at the top of this story. USA TODAY reporter tries new unique flavored PEEPS, here's what she thought. The verdict: Flavors surprisingly true to their quirky inspiration The surprising triumph of these quirky Peeps additions is their ability to capture the essence of the treats they were inspired by. Something about the Frosted Strawberry Pop-Tart flavor harkened back to the distinct taste of frosting as I remember it from bleary-eyed school mornings in the early aughts. The Sunny D tasted like, well, SunnyD a characteristically artificial citrus that can't be passed off simply as "orange" or "fruit juice." Advertisement Advertisement Perhaps to the disappointment of fellow sweet-and-spicy lovers, the Chili Lime Mango doesn't offer a kick but somehow tastes distinctly of the peppers themselves. The little marshmallow chicks managed to hold space for all three big flavors listed on the package. But the "lime" component, while present in the flavor, failed to cut through the sugary sweetness with any zing or zest. If you're looking for anything other than sweet (and I mean really sweet), the new flavors may not be for you but neither would Peeps in general. Just don't eat a handful of them on a stomach full of only coffee, as I did. Peeps flavors, products available for Easter 2026 The new flavors we tried here at USA TODAY aren't the only unique Peeps products to shake up your Easter baskets this year. While some products, such as the Tropical Punch Flavored Bunnies, will only be available at select retailers like Dollar Tree, over a dozen other candies, including Cotton Candy Flavored Marshmallow Chicks and the Giant Bunny Pop, are available at retailers nationwide. Peep's 2026 lineup features three bold new flavors: Pop-Tarts Frosted Strawberry, Chili Lime Mango and SunnyD Flavored Marshmallow Chicks. Peeps Pop-Tarts Frosted Strawberry Flavored Marshmallow Chicks Classic Peeps Marshmallow Chicks and Bunnies Peeps Marshmallow Rainbow Pop Peeps Mike and Ike Flavored Pop Peeps Giant Bunny Pop Peeps Dr. Pepper Flavored Marshmallow Chicks Peeps Rice Krispies Treats Flavored Marshmallow Chicks Peeps Cotton Candy Flavored Marshmallow Chicks Peeps Party Cake Flavored Marshmallow Chicks Peeps Sour Watermelon Flavored Marshmallow Chicks Peeps Chocolate Pudding Flavored Marshmallow Bunnies Peeps Delights Marshmallow Chicks Dipped in Milk Chocolate Peeps Delights S'mores Flavored Marshmallow Chicks Dipped in Milk Chocolate Peeps Delights Strawberry Flavored Marshmallow Chicks Dipped in Milk Chocolate Peeps Egg Hunt Individually Wrapped Mini Yellow Marshmallow Chicks (18 ct) Peeps Jelly Beans Advertisement Advertisement Peeps SunnyD (Target), Peeps Chili Lime Mango (Kroger), Peeps Easter Variety 10-Pack (Sam's Club) and Peeps Egg Hunt Individually Wrapped Mini Marshmallow Chicks (Walmart) are only available for purchase at the listed retailers. Contributing: Amaris Encinas, USA TODAY This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Are Pop-Tart, SunnyD Peeps flavors any good? See our taste test. Key Takeaways Campari, the iconic Italian aperitif, has become a cultural fixture in Jamaica, where its celebrated not just as a drink but as a symbol of strength, masculinity, and red passion. The bitter liqueur has taken on uniquely Jamaican twists, appearing in inventive cocktails and often mixed with rum, Guinness, or Red Bull. Camparis deep roots in Jamaica were solidified after its parent company acquired Wray & Nephew in 2012, leading to collaborations with local rum brands, dancehall artists, and national recovery efforts. Why is Campari advertised everywhere here? I asked the bartender at Sandals Dunns River, where I sipped rum and did my best Parrothead impression for a few days. On the winding drive from the Montego Bay airport, there were several red billboards and even more hand-painted signs on the exterior walls of one-room bars and dance halls, as many as Id expect in Italy, its country of origin. I ordered the red aperitif with soda for an after-dinner drink, which caused the bartender to smile with a blush. Advertisement Advertisement Its awhat do they call it? An aphrodisiac. I laughed and explained that its reputation stateside was as a way to settle your stomach after a big meal. So how did the Italian classic become such a mainstay on a Caribbean island known for its rum? Related: What's the Difference Between Campari and Aperol? Birth of the Red Passion Created in 1860 by Gaspare Campari, the red-hued spirit is made from a secret recipe of fruit and herbs, which imparts a bitter flavor. It gained popularity at his namesake cafe in Milan before it spread throughout Italy as part of a post-work social ritual. "In some Caribbean countries, [Campari] is often associated with masculinity and mental strength, symbolized by the saying that taking two shots of Campari demonstrates ones toughness and grows chest hair." Claydona Dennie, manager, Miss Lilys 7A Several classic cocktails were created with Campari as a key ingredient, including the Negroni and the Americano, which date to 19th-century Italy. Campari is now found at just about every bar, its iconic label easily visible amongst the other bottles. Advertisement Advertisement Culturally, Campari carries a strong reputation, says Claydona Dennie, manager at Miss Lilys 7A, a New York City-based Caribbean restaurant with an outpost in Negril. In some Caribbean countries, it is often associated with masculinity and mental strength, symbolized by the saying that taking two shots of Campari demonstrates ones toughness and grows chest hair. It joins the ranks of Magnum tonic wine, a Jamaican alcoholic drink often associated with dancehall culture, also known for its alleged ability to boost energy and sexual vigor. Camparis Jamaican twist Traditionally, Campari is served in the United States in drinks like the Negroni, Campari Spritz, as well as the Dr. Bird at Miss Lilys. But in Jamaica, youll find it enjoyed in drinks unlike anywhere else. In the 2007 book, Jamaican Cocktails and Mixed Drinks, author Mike Henry outlines how Campari features heavily in Jamaican drink recipes. Says Henry, I have seen Campari blended with white overproof rum to become Front End Lifter; Guinness and Red Bull to become Liquid Viagra; rum and cranberry to become Fast and Furious; Appleton Rum, creme de banana, and rum cream to become Dutty White; Champagne and Red Bull, the Reggae Sun Riser; and Hennessy and Red Bull [to make] the Dance Hall Craze. Advertisement Advertisement Asked how people at Sandals drink Campari, the bartender mixed a drink with rum cream, which he called a Pink Kitty, the more PG name for what you can surely imagine. Often served as the lead-up to a party, the cream cuts the bitterness of the Campari and forms an easy sipper. Thanks to social media and accounts such as Khalias Kuisine, which shares Jamaican food and drink recipes, the drink has grown in popularity. The taste of Jamaica The presence of Campari in Jamaica is nothing new. The Campari Group, parent company of the aperitif, owns several Jamaican rum brands. In 2012, the company strengthened its bond to the island nation when it acquired Wray & Nephew and its Appleton Estate and Kingston 62 products. Its around this time that more cocktails began to incorporate the bitter flavor into existing Jamaican brands, a grassroots campaign that began in the islands bars and music festivals. In recent years, Campari has embraced its reputation in the Caribbean. It sponsors music festivals in Jamaica and even created a 2022 commercial with dancehall artist Aidonia. Cocktails created exclusively for Jamaica are featured on Camparis website, including the Campari Grapefruit, mixed with Ting, the popular Jamaican grapefruit soda, and the Red Leather, which uses the aforementioned Magnum. The brand has also been involved in recovery efforts following Hurricane Melissa, contributing more than $1.5 million to the island nation. Advertisement Advertisement The connection between Campari and Jamaica may have started strangely, but the red passion has a permanent place in the countrys heart. So, during your next vacation to Montego Bay or Ocho Rios, its OK to skip the Frozen Daiquiri in favor of this bittersweet favorite. Read the original article on Food & Wine The 1960s was the age of charismatic high-speed warplanes, and the United States created many of the best of this time. Sleek, characterful, thunderously loud and often very dangerous, these were some of the most exciting warplanes ever created. Here are 10 of the most Charismatic American Warplanes of the Sixties. 10: Lockheed F-104 Starfighter Lockheed F-104 Starfighter Hard lessons learned in the Korean War suggested that high performance was everything for fighter aircraft. So, with this in mind, the famous aircraft designer Clarence 'Kelly' Johnson at Lockheed created a fighter to out-fly the Soviet MiG-15. It was made extremely fast, at the cost of turning performance, and had tiny wings. It was marketed as 'the missile with a man in it'. Advertisement Advertisement The F-104 entered service in 1958, equipped with a 20-mm M61 Vulcan cannon and wingtip-mounted AIM-9B missile, and was in action that year in the Second Taiwan Crisis. It was exported to Belgium, Canada, Denmark, West Germany, Greece, Italy, Japan, Jordan, the Netherlands, Norway, Pakistan, Spain, Taiwan and Turkey. 10: Lockheed F-104 Starfighter Lockheed F-104 Starfighter The F-104 was optimised for performance above Mach 1.2 at altitude, and if used for surprise 'hit and run' attacks, it could be a formidable opponent, but dragged into a turning fight, it was vulnerable. At low level, it could reach a remarkable 690mph. It was a very stable platform and, as such, a useful nuclear delivery vehicle. Despite its startling interceptor performance and an AN/ASG-14T1 radar (fitted to early models) with 20-mile ranging and 10-mile tracking, the F-104s suffered from short range, obsolete avionics and an occasionally unreliable early J79-GE-3B afterburner. Even worse, early versions had the Stanley C-1 downward firing ejector seat, and after several lives were lost, the C-2 upward firing version was fitted. 9: Lockheed AH-56A Cheyenne Lockheed AH-56A Cheyenne Though the Lockheed AH-56A Cheyenne was not a 'warplane' as such, and did not enter operational service, it was so charismatic we couldn't resist including it. Fast, formidable and sophisticated, the Cheyenne was an awe-inspiring machine. Its timing, however, was terrible. Advertisement Advertisement The Cheyenne was a radical attack helicopter with wings and a 'pusher propeller'. It was capable of 244 mph, astonishingly fast for a helicopter and was formidably armed. It was compatible with guns, grenade launchers, unguided rockets and guided missiles. 9: Lockheed AH-56A Cheyenne Lockheed AH-56A Cheyenne It came at a time when the USAF was trying to justify the A-10 in the Close Air Support role, and President Nixon was attempting to undermine the decisions of his predecessor. The Cheyenne's aeroplane-like performance trod on the toes of the US Air Force, and its complexity intimidated the US Army, who would have operated it. A deadly crash of a prototype and cost schedule overruns were the final nails in its coffin. Its performance figures and weapons capability remain impressive today, over 50 years after it was cancelled. 8: North American F-100 Super Sabre North American F-100 Super Sabre Conceived as a 'son of' the legendary F-86 Sabre, the F-100A series introduced to the USAF in 1954 was conceptually smart with advanced aerodynamics. It was a high-speed interceptor that could fight its way out of trouble, but it was very unforgiving and had to be 'flown' constantly in manoeuvre. Advertisement Advertisement It had a poor thrust-to-weight ratio of 0.55 and a moderate wing loading but could fly "Severely supersonic". On introduction in the 1950s, it could intercept the B-47 state-of-the-art strategic bomber at altitude much to Strategic Air Command's displeasure. Despite its exciting performance and four 20-mm cannon with 200 rounds per gun, it was a handful for the average squadron pilot, as many accidents proved. 8: North American F-100 Super Sabre North American F-100 Super Sabre There was a more benign and better-armed C model (pictured), which performed in the fighter bomber and secondary fighter role in Vietnam from 1961, supplemented by the 'D' model, which had itself suffered development issues with the constant speed drive, electrical generation, undercarriage and brake parachute. A few victories against MiG-17s were recorded early on, but fighter bomber operations became the norm, and the superior MiG-21 was to be avoided at all costs. Overall, it was a considerable, if challenging, step-up in the capabilities of the USAF fighter inventory. It was an attractive aeroplane, especially in its role with the USAF Thunderbirds display team. 7: McDonnell F-101 Voodoo McDonnell F-101 Voodoo Originally designed to fulfil the bomber escort role for Strategic Air Command, which was cancelled as the Korean war ended and the jet-powered B-52 emerged, the elegant-looking single-seat 'A' model was rapidly re-invented as a long-range nuclear-capable fighter bomber for Tactical Air Command and introduced to service in 1957 with two J57-P-13 engines. Advertisement Advertisement The Voodoo was incredibly sleek in form, boasting uncluttered lines, elegant air intakes and a distinctive tail. It had a decent thrust-to-weight ratio of 0.74 and was quick at altitude with a Mach 1.52 speed. A large internal fuel capacity enabled four hours of flight, and it was fitted with four 20-mm M39 revolver-type cannon. 7: McDonnell F-101 Voodoo McDonnell F-101 Voodoo It was described as a 'superlative' aircraft by its pilots, who lovingly dubbed it the 'One-Oh-Wonder'. General Robin Olds (a fighter ace with 17 kills) created an F-101C display team of five aircraft at RAF Bentwaters in 1964, although it gained him a grounding for 'not going through channels'. Production of the 'A' variant was limited to 77, with a further 35 built as the sensibly two-seat RF-101A reconnaissance version. From 1961, some 'B' models could carry the AIR-2 Genie nuclear missile. The Voodoo was fast, all-weather capable, heavily armed, and a quantum leap forward in fighter capability. 6: Convair F-106A Delta Dart Convair F-106A Delta Dart The F-106 was one of the best-looking US fighters of the 1960s. Its pure delta wing, curvaceous fuselage and handsome form belied its awesome destructive potential, as it was (along with F-89 and F-101) one of the few interceptors that could use the Genie nuclear-tipped air-to-air missile to destroy incoming bomber formations. Advertisement Advertisement The fuselage was 'area ruled' for aerodynamic efficiency (giving the distinctive 'Cola bottle' shape), and with a J75-P-17 engine, speeds well in excess of Mach 2 at altitude were achieved. 'Supercruise' (supersonic cruise without afterburner) was also achievable. The F-106 was larger, faster and more powerful than the F-102 from which it was developed. 6: Convair F-106A Delta Dart Convair F-106A Delta Dart National air defence competed with Strategic Air Command nuclear deterrence for budget and influence throughout the 50s, but the all-weather bomber interceptor kept rising to the top of the procurement chain, and the frequent 'failures' along the line were relegated to the fighter bomber role with NATO, the Military Aid Program or politically expedient allies. So, when the F-106 entered service in 1959 as a development of the F-102, there were sceptics, especially as engine and avionic performance were poor in development. But Convair had done their research, thanks to a thrust-to-weight ratio of 0.71 and a low wing loading, and it was quick and manoeuvrable, with good agility at low and medium speed. It soldiered on with the Air National Guard service until 1988. 5: Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird When it comes to aesthetics and excitement, the Blackbird is in a league of its own. It was sinister, with superlative performance, operating faster and higher than almost anything else. Its unmistakable shape was exciting in the extreme, a fierce combination of radical angles, seductive curves and exotic technologies painted jet black. Advertisement Advertisement When we asked former SR-71 Blackbird pilot BC Thomas to explain why the SR-71 was so important, he noted, "The SR-71 has the deserved reputation of being the most unique air-breathing aircraft ever built. No other could fly as fast, as high, or carry thousands of pounds of equipment above 80,000 feet. 5: Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird It was the primary strategic reconnaissance asset for the West during the latter 25 years of the Cold War. The SR-71 could sustain continuous Mach 3+ flight for over an hour while obtaining the highest quality reconnaissance information from multiple sensors, and with aerial refuelling, the aircraft could have circumnavigated the Earth in one flight. The aircraft was one of the first to employ stealth technology, thereby ensuring that the airplane was almost invisible to radar. Its speed and altitude also cloaked its presence. During this time of sparse reconnaissance satellite coverage over potential enemy targets, the SR-71 could sneak up, gather vital information, and leave the area without warning, and often without notice. 4: North American A-5 Vigilante North American A-5 Vigilante Despite first flying in 1958, the gorgeously futuristic Vigilante looked more like the generation of aircraft that arrived 10 or 15 years later than it did its contemporaries. Though weighing more than 21,000 kg (46,000 lb), it operated from aircraft carriers and was twice as fast as the aircraft it replaced. Advertisement Advertisement When we asked former Vigilante Reconnaissance Attack Navigator (RAN) Richard Affeld about the aircraft, he noted, "There is a feeling of pride in being associated with such a sleek machine with so many features that were different than most other aircraft. It was a perfect airframe for the mission in that the Vigilante was steady, vibration-free, and responsive at speed." 4: North American A-5 Vigilante North American A-5 Vigilante But the Vigilante was also a challenging beast, "The Vigilante could kill you. It was big, with a fast approach speed and a landing weight that didn't provide much fuel for a "go around." It was sensitive to nose and throttle movements close to the carrier. Some of the groundbreaking design features could go stark raving mad and shake the aircraft to pieces." This wasn't all. "There was no fire detection capability in the bomb bay, where the flight controls ran past 6000 pounds of fuel positioned over the side, looking at radar with its high electrical power and flammable hydraulic fluid. The ejection seat needed airspeed, altitude or at least a positive climb rate. On the runway or with a negative sink rate, the user was probably not going to survive. 3: Vought F-8 Crusader Vought F-8 Crusader Good looks and danger combined to give the Crusader naval fighter a charisma all its own. The Crusader was a handful, which was painfully apparent when it came to landing, a terrible quality in a carrier aircraft. There is an entire online page devoted to Crusader crashes. A terrifying total of 493 Crusader pilots had to exit the aircraft by ejection seat. Advertisement Advertisement The high approach speed of 169mph was a big issue on smaller carriers such as the Essex class. Consistent speed was also important. An autothrottle (Approach Power Compensator) was added in 1964, but even this caused problems as over-reliance on the APC was equally dangerous. 3: Vought F-8 Crusader Vought F-8 Crusader Another peculiarity of the F-8 was its odd relationship between nose attitude and sink rate caused by its oddest design feature: on landing, the wing stayed at the same angle of attack as the fuselage tilted (the wing was mounted on a mechanism). Things were particularly counter-intuitive for the pilot in the final approach stages, which again required attention. The Crusader, fine in many ways, was an extremely dangerous aeroplane. Overall, 517 of the 1261 Crusaders built were lost. This loss rate of 41% is clearly atrocious, though it should be mentioned it endured both life on an aircraft carrier and combat in the Vietnam War. Aside from its poor safety record, it had many good qualities; it was fast, manoeuvrable and had a decent range. 2: Republic F-105 Thunderchief Republic F-105 Thunderchief The stand-out feature among many striking visual aspects of the F-105 Thunderchief was the utterly exciting razor-like swept-forward air intakes, and the man behind them had an equally exciting life. Antonio Ferri was an Italian aero engineer. Three days after the Germans occupied Rome in 1943, Ferri snuck his way back into his facility, destroyed vital equipment, took research and disappeared 'underground'. Advertisement Advertisement In October 1943, he organised the partisan force, orchestrating attacks by the region's anti-fascist bands. After the liberation of Italy by the Allies, he went to Rome, contacted an OSS agent, and gave him important research documents. Post-war, he patented the forward swept 'Ferri scoop' jet engine inlet, used on the cancelled XF-103, XF8U-3, and SSM-N-9 Regulus II cruise missile, and the fabulous F-105. 2: Republic F-105 Thunderchief Republic F-105 Thunderchief Developed as a follow-on to the F-100 series, the F-105 was a Mach 2 nuclear-capable fighter bomber, introduced into service in 1958 equipped with a 20mm M61 Vulcan rotary cannon and AIM-9 missiles carrying a nuclear weapon internally for high-speed low-altitude visual penetration. Conventional (meaning non-nuclear) fighter bomber interdiction operations were an option from the outset. The F-105 could carry several tonnes of weapons externally on up to four underwing pylons and multi-carriers, plus a centreline tank. The swept wing and powerful J75 engine concept were complemented by an area rule fuselage. It was very fast but not an aircraft to take into a turning fight. 1: McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II The McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II was the most versatile Cold War fighter and one of the most potent. Fast, powerful, well-armed, and tough, the Phantom was impressive in many ways. It was conceived as a fighter to operate from aircraft carriers but proved so excellent that the US Air Force soon wanted its own land-based Phantoms. In designing the Phantom, the McDonnell aircraft company incorporated many lessons from their earlier and dangerously flawed F3H Demon fighter. McDonnell aircraft are named with a supernatural theme, and other, rather brilliantly named aircraft included the Banshee, Goblin and Voodoo. 1: McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II The Phantom was powered by two impressive J79 turbojet engines, each generating up to 17,845 lbf (79.38 kN) of thrust with afterburner engaged. This made it almost nine times more powerful than the first US jet aircraft, the Bell P-59 Airacomet. Though not graceful in appearance, the Phantom had (or rather has, as it remains in limited service today with the air forces of Greece, Iran and Turkey) a brutal, impressive appearance. Its large size also adds to its imposing looks; the F-4 is a massive machine, weighing around five times more than a wartime P-51 Mustang. And let's not forget its ear-splitting howl! Follow Hush-Kit's incredible aviation stories on Substack and X If you enjoyed this story, please click the Follow button above to see more like it from Autocar Photo Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/deed.en ]]> Feb. 5 (UPI) -- A Mississippi man who lost his class ring during a trip to the beach in 1982 was reunited with the treasured item 44 years later. Darien Ladner said he lost his Pass Christian High School class ring while attending a party at Pass Christian beach with some friends during his senior year of high school. "I searched and searched but could not find it," Ladner wrote on social media. Advertisement Advertisement Ladner said he even returned to the beach with an assistant principal who offered to search with his metal detector, but they had no luck. Ladner received a Facebook message earlier this week from Sammy Jewell, who told Ladner he had found the ring while treasure hunting with his metal detector at the beach. "Whenever I got the message Monday morning, I was ecstatic, I couldn't believe it, because it's been 44 years," Ladner told WLOX-TV. He was amazed to learn the ring had been found in the same spot where he lost it. "From the time I lost it, which would have been between January and May of 1982, to now, we've had seven hurricanes and five tropical storms," Ladner said. "So that ring's been through a lot, not considering all the heavy equipment running up and down the beach." He said the ring is in excellent condition, except for a small scuff. After months of leadership changes, Pittsburgh officially has a new police chief. Chief Investigator Rick Earle spoke with Jason Lando just minutes after his confirmation on Wednesday, asking where he stands on some of the changes implemented by former Chief Larry Scirotto. RELATED COVERAGE >>> Pittsburgh City Council confirms new police chief, public safety director Lando praised one of his moves but says he will likely reverse another one. Advertisement Advertisement Scirotto closed police stations to the public overnight because of staffing issues. Lando believes they should be open and suggested civilians could staff them. That way, if theres an emergency, someone comes to a station in the middle of the night, knocking on the door, someones there to let them in, and theres a safe space for them until an officer can respond, Lando told Earle. RELATED COVERAGE >>> Pittsburgh City Council questions police chief nominee Jason Lando Despite concerns about staffing certain shifts, Lando says officers will continue working four 10-hour days, a move made by Scirotto. Advertisement Advertisement But Lando praised Scirottos implementation of the telephone reporting unit to handle non-emergency calls, even though its drawn criticism from residents who want an officer to respond in person. Our telephone reporting unit has really stepped up, and theyre taking a significant number of calls, which frees up our officers to be in service for higher priority calls but also to have a little bit of downtime between calls so theyre not constantly running from call to call, Lando said. While his top priority is reducing violent and quality-of-life crimes, Lando also plans to focus on officer recruitment and retention. During the past two years, more than 160 officers have retired or resigned, and the bureau is at its lowest staffing level in years. Advertisement Advertisement We want to look internally and see what we can do to make the Pittsburgh police a place where people want to come and stay for their entire career, Lando said. RELATED COVERAGE >>> Pittsburgh resident, council members weigh in on Pittsburgh police chief nominee controversy Council members said they were satisfied that Lando admitted he made a mistake by sending anonymous, disparaging text messages to a former officer while serving as chief in Frederick, Md. RELATED COVERAGE >>> 11 Investigates: Mayor-elect stands by Police Chief selection in wake of investigation Lando told Earle he wanted to get out in front of that. Advertisement Advertisement Hes relieved its now over, and he can now concentrate on improving the police bureau. You can watch Earles full interview with Lando below: Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW A 13-year-old girl is dead after she was stabbed during a fight in northwest Houston on Wednesday night, according to officials. The Houston Police Department said officers responded to an apartment complex on the 8000 block of Grow Lane at about 8 p.m. after receiving reports of a stabbing and disturbance involving about 20 to 30 people. Officers said the girl was rushed to the hospital, where she was pronounced dead. They added that a 10-year-old boy was detained at the scene and released pending further investigation. Advertisement Advertisement "(The 10-year-old) said he had stabbed the 13-year-old, claimed self-defense during the fight," HPD Lt. Larry Crowson said. The lieutenant said the incident allegedly stemmed from a school fight earlier in the day at a Cy-Fair ISD school. CFISD released the following statement regarding the stabbing but did not answer questions about the altercation: Dear Parents and Guardians, The faculty and staff of Dean Middle School are deeply saddened to share the death of one of our students. The student will be greatly missed by family, friends and teachers. This is a very sad time for the Dean Middle School family. Advertisement Advertisement As adults, we are aware of the substantial emotional impact that follows the death of a loved one or friend. Children experiencing the death of a loved one or friend for the first time might be frightened or overwhelmed by the event. They will most likely be looking to you for emotional strength and guidance. In an effort to assist you in helping your child during this difficult period, we have attached a list of helpful information. The range of emotions for your child may vary based on his/her knowledge of this student or a previous experience with the loss of a loved one. We encourage you to listen to your child and be prepared to answer his/her questions simply and honestly. Counselors and other support staff were available at the campus today and will continue to be available to students, teachers, and parents. If you have further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the Dean Middle School counseling team at 713-460-6157. I know you will join us in keeping this family in your thoughts. "Who all is involved and why -- we don't know at this point. We're trying to sort all that out," Crowson added. Advertisement Advertisement Criminal defense attorney Joe Vinas, who is not connected to the case, said when it comes to a stabbing, it's possible self-defense could be proved. "The way that Texas law is that you actually don't even have to be right, you don't have to be correct to assert a self-defense, as long as a reasonable person in the actor's position could be in fear of imminent serious bodily injury or death, they could then use deadly force to defend themselves," Vinas said. Vinas said while it would still need to be proved in the court of law, self-defense cases can be complicated. "If she was close enough to get stabbed, I think that's some solid evidence for a self-defense case because if she's in arm's length, it's understandable - without knowing too much of the facts - why he might think she was involved," Vinas said. Advertisement Advertisement Vinas added that the 10-year-old boy is old enough to face criminal charges under Texas law. "The minimum age to prosecute somebody as a juvenile under the family code is 10 years old, so from 10 to 16 you fall under the juvenile jurisdiction," Vinas said. Anyone with information is urged to contact the HPD Homicide Division at 713-308-3600 or speak anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS. Submit a tip or story idea to ABC13 Have a breaking news tip or an idea for a story you think we should cover? Send it to ABC13 using the form below. If you have a video or photo to send, terms of use apply. If you don't, just hit 'skip upload' and send the details. " Feb 3 (Reuters) - Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang told CNBC in an interview on Tuesday that the company would consider investing in OpenAI's next fundraising round and the startup's eventual IPO. Huang told CNBC Nvidia's plans to invest in OpenAI remained on track following recent reports that the deal had been stalled. The chipmaker had announced plans last September to invest up to $100 billion in the startup. "We will invest in the next round," Huang told CNBC's Jim Cramer, calling it the "largest private round ever raised in history". Nvidia plans to make a "huge" investment in OpenAI, probably its largest ever, Huang said on Saturday, denying he was unhappy with the ChatGPT maker. OpenAI is looking to raise up to $100 billion in funding, valuing it at about $830 billion, Reuters reported previously. Both companies did not immediately respond to Reuters requests for comment. OpenAI is unsatisfied with some of Nvidia's latest artificial-intelligence chips and has sought alternatives since last year, potentially complicating the relationship between the two highest-profile players in the AI boom, Reuters reported on Monday. (Reporting by Juby Babu in Mexico City; Editing by Pooja Desai) As many as 15 FBI officials have faced threats and intimidation after two government vehicles were vandalized and documents were stolen during a protest against federal immigration officials in Minneapolis. On January 14, amid protests against agents who shot a Venezuelan immigrant during an arrest attempt, a group of individuals ransacked a pair of government vehicles, stealing weapons and FBI documents. The vandals took FBI IDs, access badges, and documents listing employee phone numbers, email accounts, home addresses, and drivers licenses, the federal government wrote in a court filing last week. Advertisement Advertisement The information was soon posted online, and between 10 and 15 FBI personnel then faced threats, including multiple harassing and threatening phone calls and emails and suspicious drive-bys of their residences, the government wrote. Shortly after the leak, someone allegedly emailed a Minnesota law enforcement official a message claiming, "We'll see how tough you are, after they carried out a threat to firebomb a redacted address. In the wake of vandals breaking into a pair of government vehicles in Minneapolis last month, FBI agents and employees have faced a wave of threats and intimidating vehicles driving by their homes (REUTERS) "I find it incredibly embarrassing that he's FBI, but so much is available about him and his family, someone allegedly messaged the officials child on Facebook. The government accuses an Illinois man, Jose Alberto Ramirez, 28, of making multiple threats to the official. Advertisement Advertisement The Illinois man allegedly texted the official ominous statements, including, Get home safe and fast, and I know where your mom lives bro. And your dad. And your kids buddy." The official told their superiors the messages were all extremely upsetting because the officials child was out of state for school. Federal agents have faced hostile protests in Minneapolis throughout the Trump administrations ongoing crackdown in the city (AFP/Getty) The official told investigators that if the individual was in the same area as their child, they would strongly consider relocating that family member out of that area to another state. Investigators used phone records related to a past workplace harassment complaint against Ramirez to locate and arrest him. Advertisement Advertisement In 2024, he was allegedly terminated from his job at the Woodfield Mall in Schaumburg, Illinois, for threatening to shoot another employee. The 28-year-olds record in Illinois has several felonies and misdemeanors, including domestic battery, burglary, and mob action, according to court documents. Trump administration officials argue a spike in threats against federal agents justify the widespread use of face masks (AFP/Getty) The Independent has contacted Ramirezs attorney for comment. The Illinois man has been ordered to be removed to Minnesota, where he will formally answer the charges. We argue strenuously for his release, defense attorney Joshua Kutnick told the Minnesota StarTribune of the allegations against his client. Advertisement Advertisement Federal officials say personnel at immigration agencies like the Border Patrol and ICE have faced a spike in threats and assaults in the wake of President Trumps ongoing mass deportation campaign. The White House has argued such threats justify agents controversial, widespread use of face masks during immigration operations. KENOSHA, Wis. (WFRV) A 16-year-old boy is dead following a shooting Wednesday night in southeast Wisconsin. Shortly before 8 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 600 block of 60th Street for reports of multiple people being shot. When officers arrived, they located three individuals: a 16-year-old boy and a 19-year-old man suffering from gunshot wounds, and a 15-year-old boy with a head injury. Serial defecator cited after drone catches a Wisconsin woman in the act Advertisement Advertisement Officers immediately began life-saving measures, but the 16-year-old boy was pronounced dead at the scene. The other two individuals were transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. Their conditions have not been released. During the initial investigation, police developed information indicating multiple suspects may have fled into a nearby residence. Officers responded to that location and took two people into custody a 16-year-old boy and a 19-year-old man. Both are being held in jail pending further investigation and potential charges related to the incident. Police confirmed that the individuals involved attend local high schools. Grief counseling resources will be made available for students and staff as needed. Gunman arrested after home invasion and robbery in Wisconsin Advertisement Advertisement Authorities say the shooting appears to be an isolated incident and there is no ongoing threat to the public or local schools. Investigators are asking anyone in the area to review surveillance footage and contact police with any relevant information. The incident remains an active homicide investigation, and additional details are expected to be released as they become available. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton. More than a dozen residents were displaced following a two-alarm fire at an apartment building in Montgomery County early Thursday morning. It happened just before 4 a.m. on the 400 block of East Main Street in Lansdale, Pennsylvania. Fire crews arrived to find heavy smoke coming from the basement area of one of the apartment buildings. Investigators believe the fire may have been caused by electrical wires. Advertisement Advertisement The displaced residents were taken to Lansdale Catholic High School. Lansdale Catholic posted on their social media that the school will be closed on Thursday and will operate on a Flexible Instruction Day while the building is used as an evacuation location for the displaced residents. A total of 16 people from six families were displaced. No injuries were reported. Feb. 5 (UPI) -- A pilot and an Arizona state trooper died when their police helicopter crashed while responding to a police-involved shooting in Flagstaff. The Arizona Department of Public Safety did not identify the deceased but said they died when the Bell 407 Ranger helicopter in which they were flying crashed in a location north of Route 66 and between Thompson Street and Mark Lane in Flagstaff. The Arizona DPS did not say what caused the crash while the pair was responding to a call for help from Flagstaff police and other law enforcement involved in an active-shooter incident. Advertisement Advertisement Local resident Amanda Brewer was among those who called 911 at 8:40 p.m. MST to report what she said were five gunshots, AZ Family reported. She said officers arrived soon after, and she heard between 15 and 20 more gunshots. At about 10 p.m., the DPS helicopter was flying over Brewer's house, and then she heard several more gunshots. "You could hear the blades going," she told media. "Then there was a very large crash. It shook the house." Brewer called the crash "startling" and said it caused a large fire in a forested area behind her home. She heard more gunshots after the helicopter crashed. Advertisement Advertisement The National Transportation Safety Board is leading the investigation into the helicopter crash. The unidentified pilot who died in the crash was a 10-year Marine Corps veteran and joined the DPS in 2021, and the trooper, who also was a paramedic, joined the Arizona Fraternal Order of Police in June 2022. An unidentified suspect in the incident was taken into custody after being shot and sustaining non-life-threatening injuries. The incident unfolded when local police responded to reports of domestic violence at a home, Flagstaff Police Chief Sean Connolly told media during a Thursday morning press conference. He described the neighborhood as being "under siege last night" and said officers and the suspect fired at each other several dozen times, while the male suspect jumped from one rooftop to another. Feb. 4Every one of Ohio's statewide executive offices governor and lieutenant governor, attorney general, secretary of state, auditor and treasurer will have new occupants starting in 2027, and Ohioans now know the main candidates for each. Candidates looking to win those offices had to file with the state by 4 p.m. Wednesday. Candidates facing intra-party challengers will duke it out in a May 5 primary election before the state's entire voting electorate will choose new executive officers on Nov. 3. Winners will take their oaths of office in early January. U.S. Senate Advertisement Advertisement This year will also feature what's expected to be a bruising bout between Republican U.S. Sen. Jon Husted and former senator Sherrod Brown, a Democrat who was knocked out of his seat by Sen. Bernie Moreno in one of the most expensive U.S. Senate races on record back in 2024. While Brown and Husted are the big names in the race, three other candidates filed: Libertarian Jeffrey Kanter, Libertarian William Redpath, and Democrat Ron Kincaid. State executive offices This year's races for executive offices at the state level will stick new (or relatively new) faces at the helm of Ohio's broad executive policy and in offices that carry out policies on elections, law enforcement, investments and debts, fiscal audits on government agencies and much more. Advertisement Advertisement The wide-scale overhaul looms thanks to term limits. Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, Attorney General Dave Yost, Secretary of State Frank LaRose, Auditor Keith Faber, and Treasurer Robert Sprague each entered office in 2018 and are all finishing up their second and final terms in their respective offices. Some of those officials LaRose, Sprague and Faber hope to play a game of musical chairs, of sorts, each running for a new, different executive office. LaRose is gunning for auditor, Sprague for secretary of state, and Faber for attorney general. Christopher Devine, a political science professor at the University of Dayton, told this outlet that Ohioans have favored Republican incumbents on the state executive level for a while. Every official elected in 2010 won reelection in 2014; some of those officials went on to win new offices in 2018; and every official won reelection in 2022. "It doesn't happen too often, nor does it have to stick this way," Devine said. "It's just been a long period here where (Ohio) has become quite stable for Republicans." Advertisement Advertisement Another current officeholder, Yost, saw his hopes of switching executive offices dashed when the Ohio GOP chose to endorse Vivek Ramaswamy, instead of him, to become the political machine's preferred gubernatorial candidate. Yost ended his campaign and hasn't announced any new political ambitions. Nor are there future political plans for DeWine, 79, or Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel, who jumped into the role to finish out the LG term originally won by Jon Husted before DeWine appointed him to the U.S. Senate. Here are all the 2026 primary candidates for executive office that filed with the secretary of state's office before deadline. Governor Advertisement Advertisement Democrats Amy Acton, the former director of the Ohio Department of Health who helped DeWine guide the state through the COVID-19 pandemic. Her running mate is David Pepper, the former Ohio Democratic Party chair. Republicans Heather Hill, an entrepreneur from Morgan County who got her political start through her local school board. Her running mate is Stuart Moats, who, according to the campaign website, is a "reality TV star and entrepreneur from Beavercreek, Ohio." Casey Putsch, a political newcomer and entrepreneur who has grown a following through venting his discontent with the Ohio GOP and its endorsement of Ramaswamy. His running mate is Kimberly Georgeton. Advertisement Advertisement Vivek Ramaswamy, an entrepreneur and former presidential candidate who is an endorsed ally of President Donald Trump. His running mate is Rob McColley, the current president of the Ohio Senate. Libertarians Donald Kissick, with running mate James Mills. Attorney General Democrats Elliot Forhan, an attorney and former state lawmaker from Euclid, Ohio. John Kulewicz, a Columbus-based lawyer and member of Upper Arlington's city council whose candidacy in the May primary has been backed by the Ohio Democratic Party. Republicans Keith Faber, the current auditor of Ohio and former president of the Ohio Senate. Advertisement Advertisement Secretary of State Democrats Brian Hambley, a cancer doctor from Warren County. Allison Russo, the former leader of the Ohio House's minority caucus and a current representative from Upper Arlington. Republicans Robert Sprague, the current treasurer of Ohio who has closely aligned himself with Ramaswamy's gubernatorial campaign. Marcell Strbich, a 20-year Air Force Intelligence Officer from Montgomery County. Libertarian Tom Pruss, a former congressional candidate. Auditor Democrats Annette Blackwell, the mayor of the Cleveland-area's Maple Heights. Republicans Frank LaRose, the current secretary of state and former state lawmaker. Advertisement Advertisement Treasurer Democrats Seth Walsh, a Cincinnati city council member and self-described community development leader. Republicans Jay Edwards, a former state lawmaker from southeast Ohio's Nelsonville. Kristina Roegner, a longtime state lawmaker who is currently representing an Akron-area district in the Ohio Senate. Supreme Court races Statewide voters will also get to weigh in on races for two spots on the Ohio Supreme Court this year. Jennifer Brunner, the sole Democrat on a six-to-one bench, is up for reelection. She'll face one of four Republican challengers: former Franklin County Common Pleas Judge Colleen O'Donnell, Fifth District Court of Appeals Judge Andrew King; Second District Court of Appeals Judge Ron Lewis; and Judge Jill Lanzinger of the state's Ninth District Court of Appeals. Advertisement Advertisement Dan Hawkins, a Republican justice with the Supreme Court finishing out an expiring term, will face Democrat Marilyn Zayas of Hamilton County's First District Court of Appeals this November. Next up While all these candidates got their paperwork submitted in time, it's now up to the local boards of elections to verify that the paperwork was properly submitted and that their petitions have enough valid signatures to actually make it onto the ballot. ------ For more stories like this, sign up for our Ohio Politics newsletter. It's free, curated, and delivered straight to your inbox every Thursday evening. Avery Kreemer can be reached at 614-981-1422, on X, via email, or you can drop him a comment/tip with the survey below. Loading... The shooting death of a 23-year-old man in Maine has been ruled a homicide, state police said Thursday. Thomas Foster, of Porter, was found shot to death at a house in Standish on Tuesday, state police said. At about 9:28 p.m. Tuesday, deputies from the Cumberland County Sheriffs Office responded to a home on Kennie Drive in Standish following a report of an altercation. When deputies arrived, they found Foster with a fatal gunshot wound. Advertisement Advertisement A second man was taken by ambulance to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. He was not identified. An autopsy determined that Porters cause of death was a gunshot wound, and the manner of death was homicide. The Maine State Police Major Crimes Unit-South was called to the scene to assist with the investigation. While an investigation is ongoing, state police said there is no danger to the public. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW The Brief Three people face felony charges after a Delaware prison drug smuggling investigation. Police say a correctional officer, an inmate, and an outside accomplice worked together to bring drugs into Howard R. Young Correctional Institution. Authorities seized synthetic marijuana, remifentanil, and suboxone during the arrests. DELAWARE - Delaware State Police arrested a correctional officer, an inmate, and an accomplice after a multi-agency investigation uncovered a drug smuggling operation at Howard R. Young Correctional Institution. How police say the operation worked and who was involved What we know Police say Rashod Hull, a 34-year-old correctional officer from Pemberton, New Jersey, accepted payments from 30-year-old inmate Isaiah Boykin in exchange for bringing drugs into the Wilmington prison. Advertisement Advertisement Investigators said Hull and Boykin also worked with 35-year-old Autumn James of Conowingo, Maryland, to complete the drug exchanges. "Illegal and illicit contraband poses a risk to the safety, health, and wellbeing of correctional staff, visitors, and incarcerated individuals. The DOC remains vigilant to counter this threat with significant tools at our disposal to root out and stop contraband flow, whatever the source, and we appreciate the strong support from our law enforcement partners in this effort. We will continue to reinforce our high standards of conduct and integrity and hold individuals fully accountable to those standards," said Department of Correction Commissioner Terra Taylor. Between December 2025 and January 2026, detectives said Hull brought drugs into the prison in exchange for bribes. On Feb. 1, 2026, detectives witnessed a drug deal between Hull and James at a Newark shopping center and arrested both. Advertisement Advertisement Police said they found about 264 doses of suspected synthetic marijuana, 24.25 grams of suspected remifentanil, and 27 strips of suspected suboxone. Charges and what comes next for the suspects Hull faces multiple felony charges, including five counts of official misconduct, racketeering, drug possession with intent to deliver, and promoting prison contraband. He was held on a $132,000 secured bond. James was charged with racketeering, drug offenses, bribery, and conspiracy, and released after posting a $70,000 secured bond. Boykin was charged with similar felonies and remains in custody on a $640,000 cash bond. The Cecil County Drug Task Force in Maryland searched James home and found more evidence linking her to the Delaware case. Advertisement Advertisement Police said all three suspects were arraigned by Justice of the Peace Courts in Delaware. What we don't know Authorities have not said how long the alleged smuggling operation was active before December 2025 or if more people could face charges. Police have not released details about how the drugs were distributed inside the prison or if anyone else was affected. The Source Information from Delaware State Police and the Delaware Department of Correction. Three former Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee employees have been indicted on charges that they defrauded the nonprofit of at least $2 million. A 29-page indictment, filed Feb. 3 in U.S. District Court in Milwaukee, accuses Brandi Ellis, Jason Flanders and Jezlia Barajas of 15 charges, including wire fraud, identity theft, making false statements and money laundering. Prosecutors also indicted a fourth person, Ramon Hernandez. They say in the indictment that while he had no affiliation with Catholic Charities, he also played a role in the operation. Advertisement Advertisement More: Another Milwaukee tax preparer pleads guilty to falsifying returns, costing the IRS $1.8M Ellis worked as finance manager for Catholic Charities until she was terminated in 2024. Flanders was the chief finance officer, but left the organization in 2019. Barajas was employed by Catholic Charities as an accounting specialist in 2018, when some of the alleged crimes occurred. Prosecutors say the financial scheme unfolded over several years from July 2016 through May 2024. Flanders is accused of creating false invoices that detailed work that was supposedly performed by an IT vendor. After receiving approval for those invoices, Flanders allegedly would make the checks payable to himself, and later cash them for personal use, the indictment says. Advertisement Advertisement More: Brookfield golf club to pay $1.2M for 'improperly obtained' PPP loan According to the indictment, Ellis issued unauthorized checks that were made payable to herself, Hernandez, Barajas, and three other unnamed individuals. Ellis also is accused of using credit cards in her own name and in the name of former employees to pay for personal expenses, including designer clothing and luxury travel, the indictment said. Hernandez and Barajas knew that they were not authorized payees and that they were not authorized to receive funds, according to the indictment. A nonprofit, Catholic Charities runs several programs, including adoption services, adult day services, counseling, case management, and refugee and immigration support. It serves clients in Dodge, Fond du Lac, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Kenosha, Sheboygan, Walworth, Washington and Waukesha counties. The organization previously said its programs were not affected by the alleged theft. Advertisement Advertisement More: Scheme reportedly convinced New Berlin couple to hand over $526K to fake federal workers In May, Catholic Charities also sued Ellis, along with auditing firm Baker Tilly, in a separate case in state court, alleging Ellis misappropriated an estimated $1.7 million from the nonprofit into her own pocket. Last week, attorneys for Ellis filed a motion to dismiss that case and move to arbitration. Judge Reyna Morales said at the time she would issue a written decision later, court records show. Chris Ramirez covers courts for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. He can be reached at caramirez@usatodayco.com. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: 3 former Catholic Charities employees indicted in $2M fraud scheme Three inmates at California State Prison in the Antelope Valley have been placed in restrictive housing after a fourth inmate died, officials with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation announced. The Feb. 3 incident unfolded during a security check around 8:40 p.m., prison officials said in a news release. Guards found 49-year-old Wilbert Lucero, who was serving a life sentence with the possibility of parole for attempted first-degree murder, unresponsive in his cell. Advertisement Advertisement Staff immediately responded, initiating life-saving measures and activating 911, the release stated. Outside medical ambulance staff pronounced Lucero deceased at 8:56 p.m. Officials did not say whether Lucero appeared to be suffering any visible injuries, nor did they say if any weapons were recovered from the scene. Wilbert Lucero, 49, was found unresponsive in California State prison in Lancaster before being pronounced deceased on Feb. 3, 2026. (CDCR) Three men, including Luceros cellmate, 29-year-old Jeremy Rakisits, were placed in restricted housing while members of the prisons Investigative Services Unit and the L.A. County District Attorneys Office conduct a homicide investigation. Rakisits is serving a life sentence with the possibility of parole for second-degree murder and was transferred to the facility in 2017. Advertisement Advertisement Monstrous: L.A. County parents who decapitated 2 of their 4 children sentenced The two other inmates placed in restricted housing pending the investigation included 48-year-old Ismael Marquez and 42-year-old Raymond Moreno. Jeremy Rakisits, 29, was placed in restricted housing in connection with the death of another inmate on Feb. 3, 2026. (CDCR) Raymond Moreno, 42, was placed in restricted housing in connection with the death of another inmate on Feb. 3, 2026. (CDCR) Ismael Marquez, 48 was placed in restricted housing in connection with the death of another inmate on Feb. 3, 2026. (CDCR) Marquez, transferred to the facility in 2014, is serving life with the possibility of parole for first-degree murder. He was also sentenced to four years for criminal threat to cause great bodily injury or death, officials said. Moreno was transferred to California State Prison in 2024 and is serving life with the possibility of parole for first-degree murder. The prison, located in Lancaster, houses an approximately 3,000 minimum-and-maximum security inmates and was opened in 1993. Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. The Palm Bay Police Department is searching for a man wanted for attempted murder and armed burglary. Felix Jose Rosado Toribio, 45, is considered armed and dangerous, and his current whereabouts are unknown. Toribio has active arrest warrants in Brevard County for attempted felony murder and armed burglary with a dangerous weapon. These charges stem from an incident that took place in Palm Bay on Nov. 8, 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Toribio is described as 5 feet, 8 inches tall and weighing 175 pounds. In addition to his local warrants, he is wanted for murder and attempted murder on two separate warrants out of the Dominican Republic. The Palm Bay Police Department warned members of the public not to approach him if he is spotted. People with information about his location are asked to contact the Palm Bay Police Department, their local law enforcement agency. CrimeLine is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information that directly leads to an arrest. Anyone who sees Toribio should call 911 immediately. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. (Bloomberg) Hon Hai Precision Industry Co.s (2317.TW, HNHPF) revenue rose 35.5% in January, suggesting demand for Nvidia Corp. (NVDA) servers remains resilient during a global wave of AI development. The company also known as Foxconn reported revenue of NT$730 billion ($23 billion) last month. The year-ago comparison, however, may have been affected by the Lunar New Year holidays, which in 2025 fell in January. Its projected to report a 28% rise in sales for the three months ending March. Most Read from Bloomberg Hon Hai, which makes the servers that house chips in data centers, is one of the key players of an AI hardware industry centered on Nvidia. Its benefited as US firms from Meta Platforms Inc. to Amazon.com Inc. deploy billions of dollars on the gear needed to train and operate AI, despite warnings of overcapacity given lingering uncertainty over how to monetize the technology. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2026 Bloomberg L.P. EAST LANSING Michigan State University has received its largest donation ever for a campus facility, which will allow for another major push toward completing the new Engineering and Digital Innovation Center. The university announced Feb. 3 that the Birmingham, Michigan-based Leinweber Foundation committed $50 million toward the building of the more than $340 million engineering center. The new center is expected to be located at the southwest corner of Red Cedar Road and and West Shaw Lane, near the College of Engineering Building and STEM Teaching and Learning Facility. Construction on the project was originally approved during the Oct. 31 Board of Trustees meeting. Advertisement Advertisement More: MSU plans $340 million engineering center. Timeline, funding, location We are profoundly grateful to the Leinweber Foundation for this extraordinary commitment, MSU President Kevin Guskiewicz said in a statement. It represents far more than an investment in a building it is an investment in people, in opportunity and in Michigans future. This investment will help us educate the next generation of engineers, scientists and innovators whose work will define the future economy of the state of Michigan and beyond. We are honored by the Leinweber familys belief in MSU and grateful for their partnership in advancing our mission as a leading global research university. Expected to be complete by December 2028, the 265,000-square-foot facility will have dedicated spaces for digital learning with active classrooms, teaching laboratories, student project studios and a home for e-sports. There will be dedicated spaces for experimental and computational research as well, and will enable the enrollment of 1,000 new engineering students, according to a statement from university officials. I truly believe in the power of education to change the trajectory of a persons life, as I experienced as a college graduate from MSU, Leinweber Foundation Founder and President Larry Leinweber said. Moreover, I believe in the power of research, innovation and our Michigan State graduates to positively shape the future of our state through their contributions." Advertisement Advertisement Leinweber said the foundation provides scholarships to Michigan students studying computer science, computer engineering and other STEM fields. The new center will allow more people to study in those fields, "enhancing their educational experiences and preparing the next generation and the state for what the future holds," he said in a statement. Six MSU colleges will utilize the building, according to the university website, including the College of Engineering, College of Natural Science, Broad College of Business, College of Arts and Letters, College of Communication Arts and Sciences, and the College of Social Science. Trustees are scheduled to vote during a Feb. 6 meeting to name the facility the "Leinweber Center for Engineering and Digital Innovation." What is the Leinweber Foundation? The Leinweber Foundation is a Michigan-based foundation focused on investing in scientific research, originally founded in 2015. Leinweber grew up in rural Osceola County and founded his first software management company at age 28, according to the Leinweber Foundation website. Advertisement Advertisement He later founded Troy-based New World Systems, which developed and provided planning software for city and county governments. He was CEO of the company for 30 years before it was acquired by Texas-based Tyler Technologies. Subscribe: Get unlimited access to our local coverage In addition to the $50 million to Michigan State, the foundation gave the University of Michigan a $25 million gift to construct the Leinweber Computer and Information Science Building. It has also funded Leinweber Institutes and Forums for Theoretical Physics at eight institutions, including the California Institute of Technology, Harvard University, Institute for Advanced Study at Princeton, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Stanford University, University of California, Berkeley, University of Chicago and UM. According to the foundation website, more than $150 million has been invested into scientific research. Other major donations Fundraising for the campaign kicked off with a $10 million gift from MSU alumni Mary and Michael Lamach. During the Oct. 31 Board of Trustees meeting, the board approved a motion to name the center's auditorium and lobby after the couple. At the time, Guskiewicz said $100 million from potential donors had been identified for the building of the center. Advertisement Advertisement In December, MSU received its single-largest donation in its history, a $401 million commitment from Greg and Dawn Williams. A majority of the donation was geared toward facility improvements. Contact Karly Graham at kgraham@lsj.com. Follow her on X at @KarlyGrahamJrn. This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: $50M donation to MSU is its largest facility grant ever. What it will fund Organisers of a Gaza-bound aid flotilla that Israel seized at sea last year say they are planning a new, larger mission next month. The Global Sumud Flotilla announced Thursday that it will sail more than 100 boats carrying up 1,000 activists, including medics and war crimes investigators, to Gaza in March. Meeting at the foundation of late South African leader Nelson Mandela in Johannesburg, the campaigners described the undertaking as the largest-ever, civilian-led mobilisation against Israels actions in Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement It is a cause for those that want to rise and stand for justice and dignity for all, said Mandelas grandson Mandla Mandela, who was among activists arrested by Israel during last years voyage. The flotilla will be supported by a land convoy across nearby Arab countries, expected to attract thousands more backers, Mandela added. Today, the Global Sumud Flotilla announced the largest coordinated humanitarian intervention for Palestine in history. On March 29, 2026, a unified maritime flotilla and overland humanitarian convoy will depart simultaneously, mobilizing thousands from over 100 countries in a pic.twitter.com/T1GxjWtpTd Global Sumud Flotilla (@gbsumudflotilla) February 5, 2026 Last October, Israels military intercepted some 40 boats from the Global Sumud Flotilla as they carried aid to blockaded Gaza, arresting more than 450 participants, including Mandela, Swedish campaigner Greta Thunberg and European Parliament member Rima Hassan. Several detainees alleged physical and psychological abuse while in Israeli custody. Israeli officials had denounced that flotilla and earlier smaller-scale efforts to sail aid into Gaza as publicity stunts. Flotilla organisers said they were acting to break Israels illegal siege of the enclave and accused Israels seizure of their vessels of violating international maritime law. Israel has heavily restricted supplies of aid since it launched a genocidal war against Palestinians in Gaza, causing famine-like conditions in the enclave, according to activists and humanitarians. Some aid has reached the enclave since a ceasefire started in October, but the UN says it falls far short of what is needed to meet urgent needs. Advertisement Advertisement While the flotilla activists anticipate Israel will again try to stop their passage, they say international law is on their side, and their journey will bring attention to the plight of Palestinians in Gaza. We may not have reached Gaza physically [but] we have reached the people in Gaza, said one of the activists, Susan Abdallah. They know that we care, that we will not stop at anything until we actually break the siege. Organizers, who gathered on Wednesday at the foundation of Nelson Mandela, the late South African leader, in Johannesburg, said they hope to bring 100 boats for their next attempt. Activists behind a flotilla intercepted at sea last year by Israel while trying to bring aid to Gaza will try again this year, expecting more than twice as many boats carrying up to 1,000 medics, they said on Thursday. The Israeli military halted the roughly 40 boats in the Global Sumud Flotilla last October as they attempted to reach blockaded Gaza, arresting Swedish activist Greta Thunberg and more than 450 other participants. Advertisement Advertisement Organizers, who gathered on Wednesday at the foundation of Nelson Mandela, the late South African leader, in Johannesburg, said they hope to bring 100 boats for their next attempt. "It is a cause ... for those that want to rise and stand for justice and dignity for all," Mandela's grandson Mandla Mandela, who was among activists detained last time, told the gathering. "We want to mobilize the ... global community to join forces with us." Swedish activist Greta Thunberg departs on the Global Sumud Flotilla, a humanitarian expedition to Gaza, from the port of Barcelona, Spain August 31, 2025 (credit: REUTERS/NACHO DOCE) Flotilla initial comprised dozens of vessels, hundreds of activists Initially, the Global Sumud Flotilla set sail in late August, 2025, comprising dozens of vessels and hundreds of activists from multiple countries. From the outset, its organizers argued that the flotillas humanitarian goals and maritime-law protections justified the attempt to bring aid. Advertisement Advertisement Israels navy subsequently intercepted the flotilla in early October, detaining more than 400 participants. The first wave of 41 vessels was intercepted on October 1, 2025, with a second wave of nine vessels intercepted about a week later. Following the detention of the activities, Israeli prosecutors said the flotilla was unprecedented in scale and scope... organized and centrally-directed... and that its movement resembled military vessels sailing in formation. Israeli officials repeatedly denounced the mission and previous smaller-scale attempts to reach Gaza by sea as publicity stunts. If the flotilla is blocked again, the activists said it would still be worth it to highlight Gaza's plight. Advertisement Advertisement "We may not have reached Gaza physically (but) we have reached ... the people in Gaza," said one of the activists, Susan Abdallah. "They know that we care, that we will not stop at anything until we actually break the siege." Sarah Ben-Nun contributed to this report. By Tim Cocks JOHANNESBURG, Feb 5 (Reuters) - Activists behind a flotilla intercepted at sea last year by Israel while trying to bring aid to Gaza will try again this year, expecting more than twice as many boats carrying up to 1,000 medics, they said on Thursday. The Israeli military halted the roughly 40 boats in the Global Sumud Flotilla last October as they attempted to reach blockaded Gaza, arresting Swedish activist Greta Thunberg and more than 450 other participants. Advertisement Advertisement Organisers, who gathered on Wednesday at the foundation of late South African leader Nelson Mandela in Johannesburg, said they hope to bring 100 boats for their next attempt. "It is a cause ... for those that want to rise and stand for justice and dignity for all," Mandela's grandson Mandla Mandela, who was among activists detained last time, told the gathering. "We want to mobilise the ... global community to join forces with us." Israeli officials repeatedly denounced last year's mission, and previous smaller-scale attempts to reach Gaza by sea, as publicity stunts. Israel, which controls all access to the Gaza Strip, denies withholding supplies for its more than 2 million residents. Palestinians and international aid bodies say supplies reaching the territory are still insufficient, despite a ceasefire reached in October which included guarantees of increased aid. Advertisement Advertisement Following the ceasefire, Israeli forces now control more than 53% of the Gaza Strip where they have ordered residents out. Nearly the entire population is crowded into a narrow strip along the coast, mostly living in makeshift tents and damaged buildings. If the flotilla is blocked again, the activists said it would still be worth it to highlight Gaza's plight. "We may not have reached Gaza physically (but) we have reached ... the people in Gaza," said one of the activists, Susan Abdallah. "They know that we care, that we will not stop at anything until we actually break the siege." (Reporting by Tim CocksEditing by Peter Graff) BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) Advocacy groups involved in a federal lawsuit over prison labor at Angola held a press conference in Baton Rouge. The Promise of Justice Initiative and Rights Behind Bars spoke to the media on Thursday, Feb. 5, after court proceedings wrapped up for the day on the steps of the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Louisiana. This week in court, we presented evidence that the farm line violates the Eighth Amendments ban on cruel and unusual punishment and endangers people in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act, said Samantha Pourciau, Senior staff attorney for the Promise of Justice Initiative. The groups discussed the first week of testimony in VOTE v. LeBlanc, a class action lawsuit that challenges the Farm Line agricultural labor program at the Louisiana State Penitentiary, also known as Angola. The lawsuit argues that the work conditions are dangerous and dehumanizing. I hurt myself in prison just like as Im standing here talking to you now, I had a back injury from working in the farm line and my back hurts me right now. So, it wasnt any it wasnt a good experience, said Terrance Winn, a former inmate. Advertisement Advertisement This trial follows years of investigation, working with formerly incarcerated people to understand their experiences, the issues that so few of us can see or have access to, Samantha Kennedy, Promise of Justice Initiative executive director, said. ACLU says ICE is unlawfully punishing immigrants at a notorious Louisiana detention center Many who oppose the farm line argue this practice of tough, unpaid work, is modern day slavery. Angolas farmland basically imitates and replicates the conditions that the plantation that was formerly on those grounds used under to enslave people. And the inmates are being forced to cosplay as slaves, said Cecelia Kappel, Deputy Director of Litigation with the Promise of Justice Initiative. Angolas farmland basically imitates and replicates the conditions that the plantation that was formerly on those grounds used under to enslave people. And the inmates are being forced to cosplay as slaves, Winn said. Advocates say their main push is to get rid of this method, completely. This practice is an anachronism. We are an anomaly. This is the only prison in the state that has a farm line and one of the only prisons in the country that continues to have a farmland there, said Kappel. And those like Winn hope the prison takes a different approach on how punishments are given out at the prison. I hope that they see the humans who made who committed crimes. We wont say that their mistakes will just say that crimes were committed. Choices to me that they made people break laws, but they still humans, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Court proceedings in the case began Feb. 3 and are expected to continue through Feb. 10. Latest News Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Louisiana First News. Bystander video shows U.S. Border Patrol agents kneeing a man several times in the face as others hold him down in Minneapolis on Jan. 9, 2025. Bystander video shows U.S. Border Patrol agents kneeing a man several times in the face as others hold him down in Minneapolis on Jan. 9, 2026. Violence on behalf of the Trump administrations immigration crackdown is on the rise. (Screenshot from video by Monica Bicking via Minnesota Reformer) In a town hall hosted by the MI Freedom Coalition, a group of nonprofit and advocacy organizations throughout Michigan, leaders called on elected officials specifically U.S. Sens. Elissa Slotkin and Gary Peters to defund ICE and halt funding to the agency. Ryan Bates, executive director of End Gun Violence Michigan, decried the fact that many Democrats are asking for Homeland Security funding to be contingent on body cameras and codes of conduct for ICE and Border Patrol agents. Advertisement Advertisement Im here to tell you that that is pathetic, that is woefully insufficient. ICE has already shown that they are willing to execute people while crowds of onlookers film, he said. Body cameras would be nice, but they are not going to solve the problem. A code of conduct is not going to solve the problem. ICE and Border Patrol already have a code of conduct. It is called the f***ing Bill of Rights, and they are violating it on purpose. The clear demand from all of us to our senators must be defund them, Bates added. Take away the money. He encouraged that, though U.S. senators are the ones in power to actually cast the deciding votes on a Department of Homeland Security funding package that includes ICE and Border Patrol, it is important for other elected officials to put pressure on Slotkin and Peters to stand strong against the bill if it includes continued ICE funding a call that protesters in Detroit made last week as well. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Advertisement Advertisement Slotkin and Peters have both said that they would not vote for additional funding without additional reforms, but neither have called for total defunding of the agency. What were trying to do is create an echo chamber around our senators. So we want every federal representative, every state senator, state representative, to be echoing defund ICE is the only way to stop this, Bates said. Our job in this movement right now is to hold down Elissa Slotkin and Gary Peters and make sure they do not vote for ICE funding no matter what. A code of conduct is not going to solve the problem. ICE and Border Patrol already have a code of conduct. It is called the f***ing Bill of Rights, and they are violating it on purpose. Ryan Bates, executive director of End Gun Violence Michigan The town hall centered on actions that anyone can take to counter the actions of ICE in Michigan. That includes joining organizations that take part in ICE monitoring activities in local communities and pushing for municipality-level or county-wide policies that limit ICE access to local resources. Advertisement Advertisement Tarun Patel, a member of the MI Freedom Coalition and Northern Indivisible, said near the end of the town hall, No one has to do everything, but everyone can do one thing, one thing that strengthens your community, one thing that protects our neighbors, one thing that defends the Constitution. One of the main actions that the town hall pushed for is advocacy against 287(g) agreements, which are formal agreements between ICE and local law enforcements. Jessica Ayoub, deputy political director at ACLU of Michigan, added that those agreements are sowing deep, deep distrust in communities and exacerbating racial profiling that we know is all too prevalent with law enforcement in communities of color. One of those actions was to call state legislators in favor of a bill package seeking to limit the actions of federal immigration agents, which the Michigan Senate Civil Rights, Judiciary and Public Safety Committee recently heard emotional testimony on. Committee Chair Sen. Stephanie Chang (D-Detroit) opens a Senate Civil Rights, Judiciary and Public Safety Committee hearing on bills to place limitations on federal immigration agents. Jan. 29, 2026. | Photo by Katherine Dailey/Michigan Advance. Sen. Stephanie Chang, who chairs the committee and authored one of the bills, spoke at the town hall to explain the nature of the legislation which would ban immigration enforcement in certain sensitive locations, prohibit state disclosure of personal information to immigration agents, and limit the use of masks by federal law enforcement and its importance in Michigan. Advertisement Advertisement It really is so clear that when were talking about common sense immigration enforcement policies, they are good public safety policies as well, Chang said. We know that many of the tactics that are being used right now are further eroding peoples trust in law enforcement overall. I just want to recognize the moment that were in, recognize that there is a lot of pain and a lot of horrifying, unconstitutional, illegal things happening in our communities on a daily basis, she said. People ask me this sometimes, what gives me hope right now, it is really events like this, and knowing that there are so many people who are recognizing that whats happening in our country is wrong, and that it can change. ANDERSON During a court hearing this week, the Indiana Department of Mental Health and Addiction provided an update on the treatment of Carl Roy Webb Boards II. Judge Andrew Hopper determined in December that Boards is not competent to stand trial for the shooting death of Elwood Police Officer Noah Shahnavaz. The defendant is receiving services as scheduled, and his treatment does continue, the Indiana Department of Mental Health and Addiction informed the court. Advertisement Advertisement Judge Hopper set a review hearing for Feb. 20 at 10 a.m. Boards faces charges of murder, two counts of resisting law enforcement, unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, firearm enhancement, habitual offender, life without parole and the death penalty. His trial is currently set for March 16. Hopper made the determination after a hearing in which two of three court appointed psychiatrists testified that Boards was delusional and couldnt assist his defense attorneys. The December order states that in 90 days the court, is to be notified if Boards has a substantial probability of attaining the ability to understand the proceedings. Advertisement Advertisement Dr. Andrew Skinner and Dr. Jeffrey Huttinger both testified they believed Boards was not competent because his delusions would prevent him from assisting his defense attorneys. Dr. Rebecca Mueller testified she believed Boards is competent. The state called two experts who indicated Boards was competent to stand trial. Dr. Justin Donaldson testified that Carl Boards was not delusional and was competent to stand trial. Donaldson testified that the defendants beliefs were not fixed, and that Boards did not presently believe them. Boards is accused of fatally shooting Shahnavaz, 24, through the windshield of his police cruiser early on July 31, 2022, in Elwood during a traffic stop. Just after 2 a.m., Shahnavaz stopped a 2012 Buick LaCrosse near the intersection of Indiana 37 and County Road 1100 North. Police have not provided a reason for the traffic stop. An unknown number of aid workers are missing after air strikes hit a hospital in South Sudan, near the Ethiopian border, a charity group says. The hospital, run by medical charity Doctors Without Borders (MSF) in Jonglei state, "was hit in an air strike by the government of South Sudan forces during the night on Tuesday", MSF said. The South Sudan government is yet to comment. In a separate attack, MSF said its health facility in Pieri, also in Jonglei state, was on the same day looted by unknown assailants, leaving it "unusable for the local community". Advertisement Advertisement "Our colleagues had to flee with the community and their fate and whereabouts are still unknown," the medical organisation said. There has been a resurgence in fighting in Jonglei state recently between government forces and those loyal to First Vice-President Riek Machar, who has been suspended from his post after being accused of plotting to overthrow President Salva Kiir. There are fears that the fighting could re-ignite a full-blown civil war in the world's youngest nation. Jonglei, one of the most food-insecure parts of the country with severe health needs, has seen an estimated 280,000 people displaced by fighting and aerial bombardments since December, the UN said. Advertisement Advertisement MSF said that ahead of Tuesday's first attack in the Lankien area, it had received information about a possible strike, so the hospital was "evacuated and patients were discharged hours before the attack". "One staff member was injured, and the hospital's main warehouse was destroyed along with medical supplies," the group said in a statement. Lankien has been at the centre of renewed fighting in recent weeks between government troops and opposition forces. "The hospital's main warehouse was destroyed during the attack, and we lost most of our critical supplies for providing medical care," the group added. Advertisement Advertisement It was not immediately clear who was behind the attack but MSF said: "The government of South Sudan armed forces are the only armed party with the capacity to perform aerial attacks in the country." [BBC] MSF said it was the only health provider serving around 250,000 people in Lankien and Pieri, warning that attacks on its facilities there "mean that local communities will be left without any healthcare". "While we are aware of the enormous needs in the country, we find it unacceptable to be a target for attacks," said Gul Badshah, MSF's operations manager. The medical charity said it had experienced eight targeted attacks in South Sudan last year, forcing the closure of two hospitals in Greater Upper Nile and the suspension of general healthcare activities in Jonglei, Upper Nile and Central Equatoria states. Advertisement Advertisement In December, the South Sudanese government imposed restrictions on humanitarian access in opposition-held areas of Jonglei, limiting MSF's ability to deliver essential medical assistance. Fighting between forces loyal to Machar and Kiir first broke out in 2013, two years after independence. A 2018 peace deal ended the civil war that had killed nearly 400,000 people, but it has never been properly implemented and the relationship between the pair has become increasingly strained amid ethnic tensions and sporadic violence. Machar is currently on trial on charges of murder, treason and crimes against humanity, which he denies. More about South Sudan from the BBC: [Getty Images/BBC] Go to BBCAfrica.com for more news from the African continent. Follow us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica BBC Africa podcasts Some Democrats think AIPAC's unexpected attacks on former Rep. Tom Malinowski could accidentally provide a boost to progressive Analilia Mejia. via Associated Press Like this article? Keep independent journalism alive. Support HuffPost. AIPACs playbook ahead of Thursdays Democratic primary for a New Jersey congressional seat looks familiar: United Democracy Project, a super PAC controlled and funded by allies of the pro-Israel group, spends millions of dollars worth of television ads, mailers and phone calls to demolish a candidate they oppose. ICEs deportation force is out of control, a female narrator says at the start of one of the groups 30-second ads airing ahead of the special election. Tom Malinowski voted with Trump to increase funding. Politics: Critics Rip 'Low-Rent Dictator' Trump Over 'Literally Insane' New Reported Demand The twist is who the ads are targeting. Former Rep. Tom Malinowski is not only a former ally of the American-Israel Public Affairs Committee, but hes also a mainstream liberal and definitely not the most left-wing candidate in the race. Thats activist Analilia Mejia, a former top official on Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) presidential campaign in 2020. Advertisement Advertisement And many Democrats in New Jersey including some otherwise sympathetic to AIPACs cause think targeting Malinowski is only increasing the chances Mejia can come out of a crowded primary and become the newest member of the progressive Squad, a group AIPAC has previously sought to extinguish. Theyre taking a big risk here, said one Democratic operative in the state who works for an elected official friendly with AIPAC and requested anonymity to preserve relationships. Attacking the front-runner from the left is usually going to end up helping the most left-wing candidate in the race. Others simply did not see the strategy in turning on a former ally, especially one seen as the frontrunner in the race. Politics: New Details In Guthrie Case Revealed, Republican Calls Out Racist Trump Post: Live Updates It feels like a case of mistaken identity, said Jeremy Ben-Ami, the president of the moderate pro-Israel group J Street. I cannot, for the life of me, understand the theory behind this. Advertisement Advertisement Malinowski and Mejia are two of the four candidates seen as having a shot at winning the nomination for the 11th district alongside former Lt. Gov. Tahesha Way the candidate who many believe pro-Israel groups want to triumph and Essex County Commissioner Brendan Gill, who has the backing of former Gov. Phil Murphy and many local unions. The district is solidly Democratic, and the victor on Thursday will be a heavy favorite in the general election, scheduled for April. AIPAC has said the group believes Malinowskis views make him a worthy target, and they think many of the other candidates in the race are more pro-Israel. An AIPAC ally, speaking on condition of anonymity, noted many of the candidates in the race could run again in the regularly scheduled midterm election, the primary for which will be in June. Were going to have a second bite of the apple, the source said. Politics: Here's How The U.S. Was Greeted At The Olympic Opening Ceremony Amid IOC Fears Of Booing The battle for the district, which includes suburbs in the northern part of the state, comes after Mikie Sherrill left the seat to become governor. Its seen as a potential preview for Democratic primaries around the country in 2026, where candidates will have to navigate both free-spending outside groups pushing the party to the center and a resurgent base and progressive movement moving the conversation left. Advertisement Advertisement Operatives working on the race warned it could be difficult to predict. The state only recently abandoned its county line system, where the preferred candidates of local parties were marked on the ballot and given a huge advantage over otherchallengers. Turnout could also be incredibly low one operative suggested a mere 30,000 people could vote, less than half of the number who voted in the 2024 primary meaning a candidate could win with the support of just a few thousand people. In an interview, Malinowski said representatives from AIPAC told him his support for conditioning aid to Israel necessitated their attacks against him, and suggested his work as a former State Department official and member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee made him an influential voice in the party, and thus more dangerous than Mejia. Malinowski is now framing the race as an opportunity for Democratic voters to stand up to AIPAC and other groups who are using massive amounts of electoral spending to shape primaries and intimidate elected officials. Politics: Election Day 2025: Here's What You Need To Know For the Democratic Party, the stakes are higher because we now have an outside group, largely funded by pro-Trump billionaires, using this race to send an intimidating message, Malinowski said. Theyre trying to say that if you dont tow their line 100%, theyre going to come after you with unlimited spending. Advertisement Advertisement Democrats outside New Jersey said they were watching the race to see how voters reacted to the massive amounts of outside spending set to be brought to dozens of primary races across the country, especially from the cryptocurrency industry. While AIPAC was able to oust two progressive members of Congress in 2024, Ben-Ami noted Democratic voters have soured significantly on Israel in the aftermath of its siege of Gaza, which killed more than 70,000 people. It is possible that in 2026 being on the receiving end in the Democratic primary of an attack from AIPAC may actually be beneficial to you, said Ben-Ami, whose group has given a stamp of approval to both Malinowski and Gill. UDP has spent more than $3 million attacking Malinowski, making it the biggest, but not the only, super PAC spending on the race. A group called the 218 Project is backing Malinowski, while Way has the support of the Democratic Lieutenant Governors Association and another mysterious PAC, Article One, Inc. Politics: Kaitlan Collins Addresses Donald Trump's Smile' Attack On Her With A Powerful Point The other candidates in the race have suggested the money flowing into Article One, whose only donor is a mysterious McLean, Va.-based foundation, or the DLGA may be linked to AIPAC, though the DLGA denies any coordination with another group. Advertisement Advertisement The DLGA has not coordinated with AIPAC or any other outside organization in NJ-11, a spokeswoman for the group said. We have long been on the record about our commitment to supporting Democratic lieutenant governors nationwide as they pursue higher office in 2026, and our backing of Lieutenant Governor Way reflects that commitment. (Article One did not respond to a request for comment.) But it is clear that Way, who has built her campaign around her record of standing up to Trump when he challenged New Jersey election law when she was Secretary of State, has the support of many pro-Israel voices. Democratic Majority for Israel has endorsed her, and she proudly noted her past work leading a state commission dedicated to building closer ties between New Jersey and Israel. I dont support any conditions on Israel, Way told HuffPost in an interview, while adding that what outside groups do in the race is out of her control. Mejia, meanwhile, has benefited from big-name national endorsements: Sanders, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), and Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) have all held in-person campaign events for her. Advertisement Advertisement Analilia Mejia is an organizer, not a career politician and thats exactly the kind of leadership we need if were serious about taking on corruption and corporate power, Ocasio-Cortez said at a January event where she and Sanders rallied for Mejia. Mejias arguments echo those of progressives across the country: Traditional politics and the same ol blue is not going to be effective in confronting MAGA Trumpism and a corrupt administration, she said. I wanted a different voice for myself, and I know that my friends and neighbors in the district did too. The progressives seeming rise in the race has been driven by two factors, operatives said: Her high-profile endorsements and rising anger at ICE in the district, the result of both the deadly shootings in Minnesota and ICEs detention of a high school student at a laundromat in the district. Mejia condemned AIPACs involvement in the race as an example of what she said are billionaires and oligarchs trying to buy elections but she also didnt sound disappointed they were attacking her rival. Advertisement Advertisement I do find it interesting that it takes being personally attacked for some people, some candidates, to denounce them, she said, adding: The first step is to never take their money. Political Updates Read the original on HuffPost The Noatak River in Noatak is seen on Jan. 7, 2026, in this photo published by the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities. (Handout photo) How do you build a new airport in Arctic Alaska? First, lay down an ice road. Actually, three of them. As the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities prepares to build a new airport for the Northwest Alaska town of Noatak, the agency says it will need to build a 67-mile ice road for three consecutive winters in order to transport supplies. Advertisement Advertisement The department laid out its plans in a public notice published Tuesday. They call for a route that would connect the DeLong Mountain Transportation System a permanent road to Noatak between October and March. The route is expected to be 25 to 30 wide with some sections being as wide as 50. The proposed route minimizes stream crossings and would use ice bridge construction to cross five channels, including Kiyak Creek, the department wrote. The proposed route requires no ground disturbance or permanent cut and fill on slopes and would be safe for proposed equipment travel. Noataks existing airport is located next to its namesake river, and erosion threatens the runway and other critical infrastructure. The continued erosion jeopardizes the existing airport and therefore also jeopardizes the Noatak community which relies on safe and reliable air transportation service, the department wrote in its plan. Advertisement Advertisement If the ice roads are approved this spring, the first would be built in early winter 2026, something a department official called an admittedly ambitious construction goal. The current airport is to the east of Noatak, between the town and the river. The new airport, which will be to the west of Noatak, is expected to be finished in 2028. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX There's no denying it: Nvidia (NVDA) is priced for perfection. Regardless of your personal opinion, the standard mega-cap argument is no longer valid, with the tech giant now firmly in the perpetual AI capex machine space. This means any issues with OpenAI will lead to a sharp hit in the sentiment. CEO Jensen Huang swooped in, though, saving the day with some sharp statements in Taipei. "No, no, nothing like that, he said, when asked if the investment would be more than $100 billion. What does that mean for traders? It means, very simply, Nvidia is saying it will help pay for one of the world's top consumers of AI computing, even if it is already guiding to $65 billion quarters. Nvidias OpenAI comments just turned into a jaw-dropping stock catalyst.Photo by Justin Sullivan on Getty Images Photo by Justin Sullivan on Getty Images The Nvidia stock angle investors should anchor to NVDA is now trading at a price that requires clear confirmation that "AI demand stays hot." The market valuation of NVDA was around $4.64T at the end of the day on Jan. 31. Trailing P/E is at 53.81, and forward P/E is about 29.94 (Yahoo Finance key metrics). At that multiple, the market wants growth and ecosystem financing to stop "pulling forward" growth; that is the current concern about Big Tech expenditures. The 3 numbers that explain why Huang is doing PR on a weekend $57.0B: revenue base (and its still accelerating) Nvidias fiscal Q3 2026 (ended Oct. 26, 2025) was a blockbuster quarter. Revenue: $57.006 billion (up 22% QoQ , 62% YoY ) Net income: $31.910 billion (up 21% QoQ , 65% YoY ) GAAP gross margin: 73.4% EPS (diluted):$1.30 The revenue is not imaginary. In fact, it's already here. $65.0B: the guide on which NVDA trades Nvidia guided fiscal Q4 revenue to $65.0 billion 2% . It also guided GAAP gross margin to 74.8% 50 bps. The OpenAI story is significant because the stock is a running referendum on whether Nvidia can keep posting statistics like this without halting demand. $60.6B: the liquidity that lets Nvidia write huge checks Nvidias 10-Q indicates the following. Cash & cash equivalents: $11.486 billion (Oct. 26, 2025) Marketable securities: $49.122 billion Total cash + cash equivalents + marketable securities: $60.608 billio n Shares outstanding (as of Nov. 14, 2025): 24.3 billion Huang can claim the largest investment we've ever made, and the market pays attention because of his financial sheet. Where OpenAI fits: Its not a friendship, but a demand moat In the same results announcement, Nvidia spoke about a strategic relationship with OpenAI. The goal is to use at least 10 gigawatts of Nvidia systems for OpenAI's next-generation AI infrastructure. That is not small. More Nvidia: Editors Note: The content of this story may be disturbing to some readers. Reader discretion is advised. BENTONVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) Amber Waterman has pleaded guilty to the 2022 killing of a Benton County woman and her unborn baby. Waterman, 45, of Pineville, Mo., entered her plea to two counts of capital murder for the deaths of Ashley Bush of Siloam Springs and her unborn child, Valkyrie Grace Willis. Advertisement Advertisement She was sentenced to two life sentences without the possibility of parole, running consecutively. Amber Waterman, 45 (Courtesy: Benton County Detention Center) Wednesdays change of plea hearing was initially scheduled as a pretrial hearing; however, a bench order filed on Jan. 30 stated that a potential change of plea could take place. She appeared in court in civilian clothing and without restraints. All future hearings in the case were vacated. After being sentenced, Waterman was handcuffed and transported out of the courtroom. The plea signals the conclusion of a case lasting more than three years and covering two separate jurisdictions. Two adults rescue child from icy pond in Fayetteville Federal convictions Waterman has already been convicted in federal court for the kidnapping and killing of Bush and her unborn child. In July 2024, she pleaded guilty to kidnapping resulting in death and causing the death of a child in utero, receiving two consecutive life sentences. Advertisement Advertisement Bush was last seen Oct. 31, 2022, getting into a pickup truck in Maysville with a woman identifying herself as Lucy, later believed to be Waterman. Bushs and her unborn childs bodies were found three days later in Missouri. Watermans husband, Jamie Waterman, pleaded guilty to helping dispose of Bushs body and was sentenced to six years and three months in federal prison. Previously, Amber Watermans attorneys unsuccessfully sought dismissal of Arkansas state charges, citing double jeopardy. What else happened in the hearing? During the hearing, it was revealed that Waterman could remain in Arkansas as property of the Arkansas Department of Corrections. Advertisement Advertisement Former Razorback may not face burglary, theft charges if he completes program: prosecutor Benton County Prosecuting Attorney Josh Robinson and the defense said that the plea change has nothing to do with the transfer of the case from federal court in Missouri to Benton County. The plea change would have been the result regardless of the transfer. Waterman was read the facts of the case and responded yes, that she had committed the crime of kidnapping Bush, shooting her, cutting her body open, burning her and holding a funeral for the baby. Robinson read multiple victim impact statements to the court. Advertisement Advertisement More than anything in this world, Ashley wanted to be a mother, Bushs aunt wrote. Trauma layered with shock and horror. Plea deal must not be interpreted as mercy or forgiveness. One victim impact statement offered a prayer over waterman family, saying the plea is an attempt to right and authority reclaim some measure of peace. I can assure you on the state of Arkansas, a life sentence means life, Robinson read. The judge assured Waterman that she would not be getting out of prison. After the victim impact statement was read to the courtroom, Waterman opted not to respond. The plea deal is that Waterman will sit down with prosecutors and fill in gaps so the family can have more closure. Advertisement Advertisement The state recommended two life sentences without the possibility of parole following her federal sentence. This is a developing story. Stay with KNWA/FOX24 for the latest. 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 KNWA FOX24. The Singapore Airshow featured a rare mix of US, Chinese, and Russian-made fighters in a single event. Their pilots showcased the maneuverability and unique capabilities of each modern aircraft. The Russian Su-30, operated by Malaysia, arguably performed the most impressive stunts. Singapore's biggest aviation event offered a rare treat this year: the chance to see modern fighters used by the world's top three military powers, all tearing through the sky in the span of 90 minutes. The biennial Singapore Airshow typically features a flying display, where pilots from around the world showcase aerobatic skills and stunt maneuvers that push their aircraft to the limit. Advertisement Advertisement This year's performance included the F-16, F-35, Su-30, and J-10C, representing 4.5- and 5-generation aircraft from US, Chinese, and Russian manufacturers. These aircraft were flown by the air forces of Singapore, Australia, Malaysia, and China, so the US and Russian militaries were not directly involved in the performance. It also means some of the fighters are modified versions of the original aircraft. A flying display provides limited insight into the combat performance of these fighters, though it does showcase their capabilities in maneuverability. Still, recent global tensions have made it increasingly difficult to find a single event that includes flying from all of these combat planes. Here's how their performances compared. China's Chengdu J-10C J-10C fighter jets of the Bayi Aerobatic Team of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Air Force perform during the 10th Singapore Airshow. VCG/VCG via Getty Images The People's Liberation Army Air Force sent in their Ba Yi aerobatics team, which flies the Chengdu J-10C. Advertisement Advertisement The Chinese fighter's C variant is considered equivalent to a 4.5-generation plane, with advanced avionics, some stealth capabilities, and improved maneuverability. More recently, it's been widely reported to have sniped a French-made Rafale with a Chinese long-range munition during last year's India-Pakistan clash. The Ba Yi team's six J-10Cs put on a colorful show, pumping red, blue, and yellow dye into their smoke trails as they flew in diamond formations. One particularly impressive maneuver had a lead fighter perform a continuous barrel roll around the rest of its team as they flew in formation. Another stunt saw a J-10C raise its nose as it slowed to what an announcer said was "minimum speed," gliding through the sky while pouring yellow smoke above the audience. Advertisement Advertisement But the overall Ba Yi performance felt underwhelming, especially after all the hype around the J-10Cs making their Singapore debut. Chinese state media had emphasized that the fighters arrived after refueling midair a key capability for any military power seeking to exert global authority. Chinese TV aired an interview with a Ba Yi pilot, who said his team had "once again crossed mountains and seas" to reach Singapore. Before the show, flight enthusiasts eagerly shared clips of the J-10Cs practicing. Yet there was little about the Ba Yi team's formations and aileron rolls that set the J-10Cs apart. They were perhaps overshadowed by an earlier performance from Indonesia's Jupiter aerobatics team, which had already showcased formation stunts with South Korean trainer planes. China's aviation export corporation is hoping to sell a version of the J-10C, called the J-10CE, to foreign buyers. American F-16 and F-35 Australia sent an F-35A to perform at the Singapore Airshow. VCG/VCG via Getty Images The F-16 Fighting Falcon and F-35 Lightning II, by contrast, screamed into the flying display, charging past us at high power. Advertisement Advertisement The shock and awe was palpable. A pair of reporters next to me clutched their ears as the fighters' engines sounded like they ripped through the sky. The two American fighters appeared separately: Singapore flew an F-16C alongside an AH-64D Apache helicopter, and Australia sent an F-35A. The two countries delivered what one would typically expect from the star aircraft. The F-16C and Apache performed several joint maneuvers, releasing flares as they passed by each other. At one point, they appeared to fly just a few feet apart at least, that's what it looked like from the ground. The displays made it clear these planes were built for war. The F-16 performed a dogfighting maneuver called the Falcon Turn, rocketing upward before inverting at full G load to dive back down. Advertisement Advertisement The Australian F-35A, meanwhile, opened its weapons bay for the audience to see during a flypast. The fifth-generation aircraft is one of the few fighters in the world to house weapons internally. A Royal Australian Air Force F-35 fighter jet participates in the air display at the Singapore Airshow. Roslan RAHMAN / AFP via Getty Images The F-35 also made a pass at extreme low speed, making it look like it was floating in the sky. Russian Su-30 Malaysia contributed a performance from its Su-30MKM. VCG/VCG via Getty Images Only one Russian-made fighter, a Su-30MKM, flew at the airshow on Tuesday, but it arguably performed the most impressive stunts. The Su-30MKM is Malaysia's variant of Russia's Sukhoi-manufactured twin-seat 4.5-generation fighter, and it's one of the few exported versions of the Su-30. The Malaysian air force dubbed its display plane "Toruk Makto," after the fictional warrior title from James Cameron's film "Avatar." Advertisement Advertisement The Su-30MKM executed several showy maneuvers, such as ejecting flares during a flat spin and then in a rapid vertical climb. The Malaysian pilots also performed a Cobra, a famous trick in which the aircraft rapidly tilts its nose upward by about 90 degrees to act as an air brake before leveling to continue its flight. One other stunt had the Su-30MKM slowly climb upward as it periodically released a ladder of flares. The Su-30 has been one of Russia's most frequently used fighters in its war against Ukraine, often kept inside Russian airspace to fire safely into Ukrainian territory. Due to Moscow's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, export sales of the aircraft have been limited by wide international sanctions. Read the original article on Business Insider Americans view the nations biggest challenge far differently from most of the world, according to new international polling. A Gallup survey of 1,000 respondents ages 15 and older across 107 countries, conducted between March and October 2025, found that 33 percent of Americans identify politics as the countrys most pressing problemranking it above the economy. That focus sets the U.S. apart globally. Only Taiwan recorded a statistically significant higher share, with half of respondents naming politics as their top concern, a reflection of the islands unique political pressures. Americans are more worried about politics than most of the rest of the world, according to a new poll. / Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images Taiwan faces mounting political pressure from China, which continues to assert its claim that the island is part of its territorya stance rejected by Taiwans democratically elected government. Advertisement Advertisement Worldwide, the picture looks very different: The economy overwhelmingly dominates public worry, with a median of 23 percent of adults across countries citing it as their primary issue. By comparison, just 8 percent globally said politics was the most important problem facing their country. Age also played a role. Younger respondents, particularly those under 35, were more likely to point to economic concerns, highlighting growing financial anxiety among younger generationseven in high-income nations. The polling does not point to a single political concern uniting Americans. Instead, anxieties vary sharply by party. Democrats tend to focus their worries on President Donald Trump and his leadership, while Republicans more often cite distrust of Democrats, frustration with perceived corruption, and fears about Americas standing on the global stage. Advertisement Advertisement The poll comes as other surveys have shown mounting dissatisfaction with the Trump administration amid its aggressive foreign policy and immigration enforcement tactics. Polls have shown Trump tanking on immigrationpreviously his strongest issuewith a YouGov/The Economist survey showing growing support for dismantling ICE. Meanwhile, a January poll conducted by Harvard University and The Harris Poll suggests public opinion has shifted against Trumps performance. In the survey, a narrow majority51 percentsaid Trump is doing a worse job than former President Joe Biden, while 49 percent rated him as an improvement. The findings mark a reversal from the same poll taken in December, when a majority of respondents said Trump was outperforming Biden, indicating a notable swing in sentiment in just one month. A YouGov/Economist poll also found that 71 percent think the United States is out of control under Trump, while only 18 percent think the country is under control. As tensions rise across Austins immigrant communities over the Police Department's past cooperation with federal immigration officials, Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis is scheduled to address residents at a Thursday evening town hall. The event comes as Austin residents continue to protest the Police Departments policies cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Protesters have urged local officers to limit cooperation with ICE as much as possible, while Davis has said state law restricts the departments discretion. Advertisement Advertisement A January deportation case in Austin became a local flashpoint in the debate over the Trump administrations immigration crackdown. After a 911 call for help, officers discovered that ICE had issued an administrative immigration warrant for a woman at the scene. Officers contacted the agency, and the woman was deported along with her 5-year-old daughter. Kamila Fernandez, 18, a student at Weiss High School, protests U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement outside the Pflugerville Justice Center in Pflugerville on Monday, Feb. 2, 2026. Hundreds of students walked out of classes and marched from Pflugerville, Hendrickson, Connally and Weiss high schools. They converged at the justice center and rallied for more than an hour before dispersing as a large law enforcement presence arrived. (Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman) The case prompted Davis to order revisions to the departments policies on cooperation with ICE. Under the changes, officers will soon be required to call a supervisor when they encounter an administrative immigration warrant in the field. The supervisor will determine whether the officer should detain the subject until ICE arrives or return to patrol duties. The issue has intensified as the Trump administration continues immigration enforcement operations in Minneapolis and elsewhere across the country. Over the past week, Austin-area students have staged multiple walkouts to protest the operations, prompting scrutiny from state officials including Attorney General Ken Paxton. Advertisement Advertisement Read More: See hundreds of Pflugerville high school students walk out to protest ICE The town hall, hosted by three Austin City Council members who represent heavily Hispanic districts, is scheduled to begin at 6:00 p.m. in the cafeteria of Govalle Elementary School located at 3601 Govalle Ave. It will feature a presentation by Davis followed by a Q&A period. Spanish interpretation will be available. Members of the public are asked to to RSVP online. A virtual attendance option is available with RSVP. Some 400 million years ago, long before dinosaurs or even trees had evolved, an enigmatic organism towered over the landscape like a prehistoric monolith. Now, new research makes the case that the ancient life form is not a plant, animal or fungi and instead may be a completely unknown form of multicellular life. What we can say, based on all of those new analyses, is that its so different from any modern group we have, said Corentin Loron, a palaeontologist at Edinburgh University and a co-lead author of the research, which published in the journal Science Advances last month. Advertisement Advertisement First identified 160 years ago, the fossils known as Prototaxites measure up to 30 feet (around 9 meters) tall and have long defied easy classification. In the 19th century, scientists initially thought Prototaxites was the rotten trunk of a conifer. Subsequent study, however, revealed it was composed of interwoven tubes, rather than the block-like cells that make up plant tissue. Other scientists argued that it was a lichen-like mass, a symbiotic association between a fungus and algae. In recent years, some researchers thought the organism more closely resembled a fungus, in part because it didnt appear to produce energy through photosynthesis. The new research focused on three Prototaxites fossils unearthed in the Rhynie chert, a prehistoric land ecosystem near Aberdeen, Scotland. The Rhynie chert is home to the best-preserved examples of the earliest plants, fungi and fauna that colonized land 400 million years ago, during a period known as the early Devonian. The site was once an ancient hot spring like Yellowstone. Advertisement Advertisement The exceptional preservation of the fossils embedded in the rock at the Rhynie chert allows scientists, with the right tools, to detect the chemical signatures of long-vanished molecules, known as fossilization products. We are able to still have signatures that inform us about the original composition of those fossils, meaning its not overcooked, its not overly transformed by the geology, Loron explained. A 410 million year-old Protaxities fossil, discovered in Rhynie, Aberdeenshire, Scotland. - Neil Hanna Unanswered questions The new analysis by Loron and his colleagues suggests that the biomarkers in Prototaxites fossils were chemically distinct from those of fossilized fungi found at the site and preserved in similar conditions. Fungi fossils preserved in the chert contained compounds from the breakdown of chitin and glucan, key structural molecules in fungi. Prototaxites, however, lacked these biomarkers. If Prototaxites was fungi, we would have expected it to follow the same trend as the fungi because they are next to each other in the same burial conditions, Loron said. Advertisement Advertisement Other structural features such as a complex branching pattern within dark spherical spots in the fossil that could have carried out a gas, nutrient, water, or served another exchange function were distinct from all known fungi, whether living or extinct, the researchers noted in the study. Based on these results, it is too early to shoehorn Prototaxites into a specific category, according to the team. From right, researchers Sandy Hetherington, Corentin Loron and Laura Cooper, who led the new study, at the Museum of Scotland's National Museums Collection Centre with some Prototaxites fossils. - Neil Hanna Different species of Prototaxites might have varied in size, but the largest would have really towered over the landscape at a time when plants were less than 1 meter tall, said Kevin Boyce, a professor of Earth and planetary sciences at Stanford University. His work on Prototaxites fossils has shown that the ancient organisms didnt use photosynthesis to produce energy from light like plants, but likely consumed carbon sources in the environment just as some living fungi live off decomposing organic matter. People have compared it to specific fungi or algae in the past, and they were doing their best with the information they had at the time, but we now have a much better handle on the overall tree of life and Prototaxites is too old for those comparisons to be valid, Boyce, who wasnt involved in the study, said in an email. You can compare it to mushrooms, but mushrooms just arent that old, he added. That doesnt mean Prototaxites is or isnt a fungus (or anything else), just that its form would have evolved independently from the mushrooms and other complex multicellular examples amongst fungi that we have now. Advertisement Advertisement Marc-Andre Selosse, a professor at the Natural History Museum in Paris, said the authors of the new study conducted wonderful analyses but noted the research only examined one of 25 known species of Prototaxites. Selosse, who also didnt take part in the work, said he thought it was still possible that the organism functioned in a lichen-like way. The sampling is not encompassing the diversity of Prototaxites species, Selosse said. So for me, it doesnt make it as a finished story. Loron said there is still much that is unknown about Prototaxites. For example, its not clear how Prototaxites were anchored to the ground or whether the organism, which is thought to have grown slowly, was upright for its whole lifespan. His team is planning follow-up studies on fossilized tubular organisms similar to Prototaxites to further the research. Sometimes its scary to not know what something is, but its also scientifically exciting, Loron said. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com The Anchorage Daily News office in Midtown Anchorage is seen on Sept. 16, 2024. (Photo by Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon) This article was updated at 7:35 p.m. Wednesday with comment from the plaintiff. Two of Alaskas largest news organizations and two top reporters did not commit defamation when they described a former state employees statements about rape, a state judge ruled on Tuesday in Anchorage. Advertisement Advertisement Jeremy Cubas, a former aide to Gov. Mike Dunleavy, sued Alaska Public Media, the Anchorage Daily News, Nat Herz and Curtis Gilbert last year. American Public Media, a national organization, was also named in the suit. Cubas resigned in 2023, shortly before the publication of an article that described comments he made in two podcast episodes. He filed suit almost two years later, seeking more than $5 million in damages and lost wages. Cubas specifically challenged two parts of the article a paraphrase that said Cubas said its fine for a man to force himself on his wife and the statement that Cubas made comments about rape. In a 22-page order, Judge Christina Rankin said the second statement is an accurate quote of Cubas own statement in the podcast. Advertisement Advertisement Defendants used accurate, direct quotes from Cubas in the article. Therefore, Cubas can prove no set of facts that Statement Two is unfairly abridged, mischaracterized, distorted, or littered with slight inaccuracies, Rankin said. For the first statement, which was a paraphrase rather than a direct quote, Rankin concluded that it is a fair abridgement of Cubas words. Cubas had argued that his belief that it is impossible to rape ones wife something he said during the two podcast episodes is not the same as saying it is fine to force yourself on ones wife. Cubas core argument, Rankin concluded, was that the wording of the paraphrase was such that it implied Cubas believed it was OK for a spouse to violently rape ones own wife. Advertisement Advertisement However, it is the alleged defamatory statement itself that the Court needs to review for truth, not the plaintiffs inflamed version of the statements, Rankin wrote. She concluded that given the context given in the article, a reasonable reader would not share Cubas perceived implication but would instead believe what defendants assert he said. Because Rankin concluded that the article is accurate, she did not take up Cubas other arguments, which included the idea that Cubas was not a public figure and that the reporters had malice against him. The court recognizes that this was good, solid journalism, said Ed Ulman, president and CEO of Alaska Public Media. The opinion lays things out thoroughly, but in the end it was simple. Truth is a defense in a libel case. By text message, Cubas said he will have more to say later. This case is in no way over. Im working on the appeal, he said. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE A portion of the Angeles Crest Highway has been closed for about a month after the Christmas week storms washed away parts of the road. Repair work is underway, but when exactly will the highway will reopen? Eyewitness News spoke with Monica Ruvalcaba with Caltrans on Wednesday, who said the highway is closed indefinitely for about a 30-mile stretch, starting at Newcomb's Ranch to Big Pines Highway. Advertisement Advertisement The extent of the damage in some areas is so bad, Caltrans crews can't get to those spots yet. "The scope of the work includes debris removal, soil and slide embankment along with rebuilding the highway because there were several portions that were washed out," said Ruvalcaba. The closure means residents can't get to the ski areas and there is no access to some popular hiking spots. However, there are several alternative routes to get to the resort areas. "We were planning on going to Cooper Canyon and it said just a few miles up, it was closed off and so, kind of had to re-route a little bit," said Brianna Webber, who was visiting from Kansas and had to adjust her trip to the Angeles National Forest. The cost of repairs is $16.8 million, according to Caltrans, but as work continues, the agency said that figure will likely increase. President Donald Trumps continued threats toward Iran and the real prospect of an armed conflict have American allies in the Gulf on edge ahead of Fridays talks between U.S. and Iranian officials. But the fact that the talks are happening at all, especially after a risky gambit by Tehran to change the venue at the last minute, offers at least a glimmer of hope to allies, whove counseled restraint. The president, who has threatened to attack Iran in pursuit of a deal to halt its nuclear program and, separately, in response to a violent crackdown on mass protests, may be less inclined to immediately order a military strike than his saber rattling has made it seem. "It is instructive that the Iranians wanted to change the format and location of the talks, the U.S. initially said take-it-or-leave-it, but now apparently accepted the change of venue, said Michael Ratney, the U.S. ambassador to Saudi Arabia under former President Joe Biden. Trump doesnt seem to want war with Iran and he may be listening to his friends in the Gulf." Advertisement Advertisement There is a belief, at least among some Arab officials who have been in close contact with the White House in recent days, that that is the case. According to four Arab officials from two countries, the president and top aides have listened to their concerns about a U.S. attack on Iran leading to counter-attacks on neighboring countries that could spark a protracted regional conflict. The officials, who like others in this report, were granted anonymity to discuss private talks, have also warned about what they view as likely retaliatory efforts by Iran aimed at choking off oil exports from the region and driving up energy costs enough to cause a global economic crisis. Some of the Gulf officials also warn that a bombing campaign, even one more intense than last summers U.S. strikes against Irans nuclear facilities, would likely not be enough to bring about regime change. Even if it did, Iran could turn into a quagmire for America not unlike the situation in Afghanistan that kept U.S. forces in the country for decades propping up a new government after the fall of the Taliban. This is a lot more complex than Venezuela, one of the Arab officials said, referring to last months operation to capture the countrys longtime ruler, Nicolas Maduro, in favor of his second-in-command who has shown a willingness to work with the administration. Advertisement Advertisement Special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, the presidents son-in-law, are scheduled to travel from Abu Dhabi, where they held two days of talks between Russia and Ukraine, to Oman to meet Iranian officials on Friday. The talks were initially set to take place in Istanbul with other Middle Eastern countries also taking part. But on Wednesday, Iran told the White House that it wanted to meet in Oman and only with U.S. officials, which seemed to scuttle the talks. When the White House signaled a refusal to change the location and nature of the talks, several Arab officials scrambled to lobby the president and his team not to walk away, according to two of the Arab officials. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed Thursday that Fridays talks were still on, stating that diplomacy is always [Trumps] first option. Advertisement Advertisement Still, the president has drawn attention to the movement of a massive armada of warships into the region in preparation for a possible attack. But those resources are still more than a week away from being in position, according to a person familiar with the plans and granted anonymity to discuss them. Even if diplomacy gains traction, its unclear if Iran will accept the parameters of the deal that Trump wants. And if Iran is willing to make concessions on its nuclear program, already degraded after last years strikes, to avoid a new conflict and ease the domestic economic crisis caused by sanctions, its unlikely it will formally surrender the right to enrich uranium domestically. And Iranian officials have been adamant that the Islamic Republic does not intend to give up its ballistic missiles. Ian Bremmer, the president of the Eurasia Group, a global risk assessment firm in New York, acknowledged that there has been a level of progress between the U.S. and Iran thanks largely to the Arab and Muslim allies urging caution and trying to help the White House understand what Iran might accept. But he would not rule out the possibility of some eventual U.S. attack. One Saudi official, asked Thursday if there was any more cautious optimism on the eve of the talks, would not go that far. I am not able to confirm that, but we are watching cautiously. Feb. 5 (UPI) -- The Argentine government is moving ahead with design of a new migration security agency that seeks to transform the current migration control system into a structure with greater operational autonomy and expanded powers. National Security Minister Alejandra Monteoliva said Wednesday that her ministry is advancing the project as "a structure with police powers, criminal intelligence and an effective presence at every border." Local media have described the initiative as an "Argentine ICE," in reference to the U.S. model, although officials have sought to differentiate its design and scope. Advertisement Advertisement Monteoliva "distanced" herself from the U.S. mode of operation, saying the agency's work will not involve the "persecution of migrants." "Those who should be worried here are those who commit crimes: murderers, rapists and terrorists," she said in an interview on Radio Mitre. Although the ruling coalition rejects the parallel between Argentina's migration agency and ICE, the local outlet Perfil reported that some leaders acknowledge the association is automatic. They say U.S. President Donald Trump's anti-immigration rhetoric has resonated for some time within La Libertad Avanza, the political bloc of President Javier Milei, which in 2025 pushed for changes to the Migration Law. Advertisement Advertisement In November, the executive branch decided to transfer the National Directorate of Migration from the Interior Ministry to the Security Ministry, and announced creation of the agency, which is only now beginning to take shape. Although the new migration agency has not yet been formalized by decree, the Argentine government has already outlined what its main functions will be. The new body, which will fall under the Security Ministry, is to focus primarily on border control and migration flows, with an explicit emphasis on security and internal order, in contrast to the administrative profile that historically characterized the National Directorate of Migration, El Cronista reported. According to official information and statements from authorities, the agency will not only oversee the entry and exit of people from the country, but also will have power to combat organized crime linked to illegal migration. Advertisement Advertisement Its planned tasks include intensifying the deportation of foreigners who commit crimes, as well as participating in joint operations with federal forces, a role that until now was beyond the operational scope of the law. Another key aspect will be the unification of tasks that have so far been fragmented among different agencies. Official sources explained that the goal is to integrate migration control and border security, avoiding overlaps between civilian personnel and police forces, as currently occurs at airports and international crossings. Under that framework, the agency would be the enforcement authority for migration law and would have expanded powers to intervene directly in operations. In 2025, the executive branch announced other reforms to Argentina's migration regime, including stricter requirements to obtain residency, an end to free medical care for foreigners in public hospitals and introduction of a fee for nonresident foreign students. An armored car employee was shot during a robbery outside a Chase Bank in Balch Springs on Wednesday morning. The suspect fled with an undisclosed amount of cash. The shooting occurred around 8:30 a.m. at the Chase Bank at 12338 Lake June Road near Balch Springs Road, southeast of Dallas. Balch Springs Police Chief Brent Hurley said officers found the armored car employee with critical injuries in the parking lot. The victim was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he is listed in critical condition. Advertisement Advertisement The FBI immediately took charge of the investigation, treating the incident as both a bank robbery and a shooting. Unfortunately, yet again, we are here at the scene of a violent act involving an armored car employee or a bank. Its all too familiar that we see in Dallas and the surrounding areas that this kind of incident, our violent crimes task force was notified by the Balch Springs Police Department of this occurrence and immediately responded, Jeremy Wright, assistant special agent in charge for FBI Dallas, said at a press briefing. Wrights comments underscore a troubling pattern of violence targeting banks and armored car personnel across the Dallas metropolitan area. The frequency of such attacks has prompted increased scrutiny of security measures. Authorities have not released a description of the suspect, but surveillance footage shows a person in black, wearing a mask and gloves, fleeing the scene. The investigation remains active, with federal and local law enforcement canvassing the area for witnesses and surveillance footage. Advertisement Advertisement Officials are urging anyone with information about the incident to contact the Balch Springs Police Department or call the FBI at 1-800-CALLFBI. Even small details could prove crucial in tracking down the shooter. The Chase Bank branch remained closed on Wednesday as investigators processed the crime scene. Yellow tape cordoned off the parking lot where the shooting occurred. Emily Flippen: The edge in the stock market may be increasingly going to the companies that own the operating layer, not the brand. We're reflecting on three examples of this today on Motley Fool Money. Today is Tuesday, January 27th. Welcome to Molly Fool Money. I'm your host, Emily Flippen, and today I'm joined by Fool analysts Jason Hall and Asit Sharma to discuss the power of owning the operating system underlying our everyday lives. Today we'll be discussing how restaurants are integrating tech improvements to improve throughput, as well as a unique deal between USA are Earth and the government, and how that shows the strategic importance of resources. First we have to start with the recent, but arguably not surprising news out yesterday that CoreWeave is getting yet even more support from Nvidia via a $2 billion infrastructure investment. Now, CoreWeave shares were up more than 10% yesterday after NVIDIA bought $2 billion worth of stock at a share price of around $87, a discount of around 6.5% compared to Friday's clothing price. Now, this isn't really a big surprise. I mean, NVIDIA is already even backing CoreWeave because CoreWeave does build and rent the data centers for AI usage that obviously uses NVIDIA chips to run, and NVIDIA does have agreements with CoreWeave to buy unsold data center capacity over the course of the next six or so years. But, Jason, when you look at this deal, is NVIDIA justified by the investment? I mean, they said they're working with CoreWeave to meet extraordinary demand for Nvidia AI factories, and that the investment will help accelerate its buildout of five gigawatts of AI factories by 2030. But critics obviously were concerned. Some noted that it felt like NVIDIA was bailing out CoreWeave because the arguably running out of cash and saddled with debt. What's your read of this deal? Story Continues Jason Hall: This can be both investing in the company and propping it up. I think it probably is. I'll talk about that why, but before I get to it, I just want to point out that it's important as individual investors, we shouldn't conflate, like, our goals and incentives with NVIDIA's incentive to either invest in or prop up CoreWeave, whichever it proves to be down the road. Two things can be true. If AI expansion and proliferation does continue to happen, there's going to be a need for this infrastructure, and the buildout is going to need to continue, and companies like CoreWeave are really facing serious liquidity crises in the meantime. I've spent 15 years following big trends in energy and housing. If there's an important phrase that I think investors should just absolutely sear into their psyches, it's this secular trend, cyclical demand. A company has to survive weakening near term stuff to profit from a decade of massive growth. We're going to see ups and downs for demand across the AI cycle. It is a reality. Now, does that mean NVIDIA is putting good money after bad with CoreWeave right now? I think that almost doesn't matter to a large degree because NVIDIA is so critical. It's the hub, and there's all these spokes coming off of it on the wheel of the AI buildout that's happening right now, and it is a provider of capital in this current space. Whether it turns out to be a profitable deal has a lot less to do with CoreWeave and its execution with some really big things that are happening more broadly, and CoreWeave just has to survive, and maybe it has to stay on the NVIDIA purse strings for a little bit longer to get there. Emily Flippen: I think it's a fair point. I don't know if I fully agree with the concept, though, that they can't invest too much in the space. I look at a business stock advisor recommendation Ferrari, the Tickers race. It's a lovely ticker. I always loved that. One of the things I always admired, despite the fact that the stock has been challenged recently is that the management team at Ferrari invested pretty heavily into electric vehicles, but recently actually pulled back on a lot of their loftier goals. It's not that they don't believe in the future of electric vehicles, but they said all these targets that we set out initially, we just don't think they're as achievable in the near term as set them out to be. We're still going to be investing, but we're not going to be investing as heavily. To your point, they don't want to throw good money after bad, so to speak. They see the future in electric vehicles, but they're not going to over invest in this space. I think the question becomes, in the case of NVIDIA, can NVIDIA over invest in AI? I think a lot of listeners probably say, No, I don't think that's possible. I actually think that it is possible for NVIDIA to over invest in AI. We've seen the cycles happen to NVIDIA in the past, whether that be cryptocurrency or gaming. The demand for chips is cyclical in nature, and I worry a little bit about NVIDIA getting a little too caught up in its own narrative. Investing so much money into something that ultimately ends up being a slower cycle than they initially maybe expected it to be. But As, I guess I want to I've been talking too much. I want to pass that question off to you. Nobody wants to hear my opinion here. What's your take on the investment? Do you think it's a proactive or maybe a reactive move? Asit Sharma: Well, first I want to say, listening to Jason, it occurs to me the difference between Jason and myself, which I do is that Jason can do something for 15 years. I've not in my life been able to do something, anything for the course of more than a couple of years. Jason Hall: I did it well for 15 years. Asit Sharma: I didn't say that either, buddy. No, all jokes aside really respect Jason's long experience looking at markets and how long they can persist. I'm going to come back to your point, Emily, because I think I slightly I don't know where I sit. I think I slightly disagree with you. But let's start with NVIDIA, because I understand the NVIDIA side of it much more than the CoreWeave side. I have trouble understanding still CoreWeave as a business. I'll get to that in a moment. NVIDIA is a business that is going to soon be the biggest free cash flow generator on the planet. I think by 2029, 2030 it will be way ahead of anyone else who produces appreciable operating and free cash flow. So $100 billion, we're using very rough numbers here. This year, NVIDIA should generate in free cash flow. By 2030, it'll be close to $300 billion in free cash flow. Putting a $2 billion investment into CoreWeave in that context places me on the side of the question, Emily, that well, at least in this instance, it's not over investing. It's not even material if you take the scale of going from $100-300 billion, just add that progression up. It's several hundred billion dollars worth of free cash flow that's coming down the pike. But what is it doing here? It is, I think, investing in its ecosystem. I'm more a believer in this. Jensen Huang used this term AI factories way back when ChatGPT first exploded onto the scene. He had a very clear vision. He thought that these AI factories would have to be replenished every five years. They would have to be equipped with the latest technology, not just GPUs, but networking equipment, all types of storage. Looking over the press release, look, part of this is that CoreWeave has to adopt the Rubin platform via CPUs Bluefield memory, so NVIDIA needs proof points for other hyperscalers, for sovereign governments, for academic research institutions, that its AI factories are the one stop shop for AI, and that has to happen over the next five years. This is why it's important for NVIDIA I think that otherwise, if that wasn't in the offing, I would agree with you, Emily, that maybe they're over investing here. I do believe, though, to circle around to your question, there is a point where NVIDIA could become too diffuse in its investments. We got to keep our eye on that because a couple of billion here could turn into 10 billion to 20 billion there. Then you start getting into a true question of is this all circular? Right now, I believe that investors misunderstand the scale that NVIDIA operates on, but we should watch the numbers If they start to mushroom, yes, it could be the beginning. It could be at the beginning of a circular type of revenue demand cycle, and that won't be good for anybody. Jason Hall: That could also disincentivize innovation down the road, too, and you end up with the intel problem. I'm extrapolating very far into the future, but it is a real. Asit Sharma: It's Jensen's biggest fear, that they could become intel at some point. Emily Flippen: Well, if one thing's clear to me, it's at least that NVIDIA has a lot of leniency here, given to it by its cash generation, that if it is a mistake, it can make a fair bit of mistakes here, and I'd rather make an errant investment, as opposed to find itself down the road intel like position. Up next, we're going to be turning to restaurant tech and how it is pushing the limits. Stick with us. ADVERTISEMENT: AI is incredible. It can teach you how to fry an egg and even write a poem, pirate style. But it knows nothing about your work. Slack boot is different. It doesn't just know the facts. It knows your schedule. It can turn a brainstorm into a brief, and it doesn't need to be taught because Slack boot isn't just another AI. It's AI that knows your work as well as you do. Visit slack.com forwardslash MTSlaCbotT Learn More. Emily Flippen: Welcome back to Motley For Money. For those of you who joined us last week on the Tuesday podcast. We spent some time digging into the downfall and potential re emergence of fast casual stocks. One of the trends we discussed was the issue of declining foot traffic and the need for restaurants to invest in order to drive a change in perception and value and their offerings. One of the ways restaurants have been doing that as traffic has dwindled and costs have risen is actually through tech integration. These are operating system improvements to make more with less. Things like tech improvement, robotics, analytics, even labor management, Asit. There are a lot of companies that are selling products and services that really seek to make that value proposition easier for restaurants. I want to pick your brain about this. Do any of these companies intrigue you or do you prefer to invest in the restaurants themselves? Asit Sharma: I actually prefer to invest in the restaurants themselves, Emily. There are a few companies that have become very prominent in the public markets. Toast is a great example, symbol T-O-S-T In this space, they provide or TOST provides point of sale systems, so it has a front end. They take the payment. They also use that as an ordering device, but that's tied to a really good back system, which gives restaurants a lot of fills ability into the ordering and gives them a lot of other functions they can use that's optimized for the restaurant business. But outside of TOST, I don't like many other pure players in this space. Then on the automation side, many of those companies that are starting to work with restaurant chains are privately held. I don't see a lot of great options for investing. Now, Shopify symbol SHOP is interesting side door to this because they actually have a point of sale system for restaurants. It's not optimized solely for restaurants, but they have a huge app store, so there are many businesses which have been very successful on the Shopify platform. Now, just quickly getting to businesses that I like, what's the investment case? Look at CAVA symbol C-A-V-A. They have two big distribution kitchens. You can call them giant kitchens, which are full of tech. Use their own supply chain software that monitors their supply chain of ingredients coming in, and they're tied into the restaurants which have visibility and automated systems that show where the inventory is, what needs to be ordered. They've got this amazing system. I think it's pretty amazing, and it helps with CAVA's operating margins. If you compare CAVA to a Sweetgreen, you'll often hear people ask, Why does CAVA make so much money? Why does Sweetgreen lose money? The tech is better because they're more efficient on the tech side. Then finally, I would look to a company like Wingstop, symbol W-I-N-G, which is optimized for a digital age. They have very small space locations. As you know, Emily, you're very familiar with this business. We've looked at it together. They are built to absorb these third party platforms like Uber Eats and GrubHub and DoorDash and play nice with them. They don't need to give up a lot of margin because they're already very efficient. It's not a drag on their PNL to both have their own digital ordering and loyalty programs tied together with the third party platforms, and they invest a lot in their tech, so I like that business as well. Emily Flippen: Jason, I'm curious when you think about the tech improvements that Asit is talking about, how can you tell what's vaporware versus true improvement itself? And do you think tech alone is enough to save a business even when it's going through a downturn, like we're experiencing now for fast casual? Jason Hall: The restaurant industry is brutal. It's very low margins. The ones that do well, have great locations, great operations, and they turn their inventories super fast, and that's how they thrive. Figuring out which of these tech platforms are value versus vaporware, the obvious first place to start is trying to figure out how sticky a platform is with its existing customers. You look at the results and you talk to the people. I can use just as an example, TOST. We look through some of TOST results and we see reported locations increased 23% year every year in its most recent quarter. But annualized recurring revenue was up 30%. Gross payment volume was up 24%. That says, existing customers are using it more. That's really important. Another thing, anecdotally, I've made a point to talk to restaurant managers and staff when I see that they're using toast or other platforms to find out. What I get overwhelmingly is they're effusive of TOST. When the people are telling you that and the results that TOST is reporting backs that up, you find out what is creating value for these restaurants. Now, to answer the other question, Tech can help cut costs and do things more efficiently. But the restaurants that survive when times are bad are the ones that have a good value proposition are easy to buy from. Having technology that can help them integrate across every possible sales channel. Like, we've seen Uber Eats and GrubHub and all of these have exploded, technologies that allows them to easily integrate with those sources of revenue to maximize those sales opportunities, those are the restaurants that are figuring out how to survive when times are not great. Emily Flippen: It seems like there's opportunities at every point in the value proposition. Up next, we're going to be wrapping up the show with some reflections on a new equity investment from the US government into rare earth minerals. Stick with us. ADVERTISEMENT: This episode is brought to you by Vanta. Security and compliance done wrong is a headache. Done right. You build trust and grow faster. That's Vanta. For start-ups, Vanta acts as your first security hire, using AI to get you compliant fast. For Enterprises, it's your AI powered hub for compliance, risk, and automating workflows. From start-ups like Cursor to enterprises like Snowflake, top companies choose Vanta. Do security and compliance right. Get started today at vanta.com. Emily Flippen: Welcome back to Motley Fool Money. As we wrap up the show today, we'll have to talk about one of the key aspects of any operating system, which is, unfortunately, the materials that make it up. We do have some new news out today that the US Department of Commerce has used its CHIPS program to invest a non binding 1.5 inch billion dollars into USA Rare Earth. That's a domestic mining company that has increasingly attracted attention from investors as a business that is increasingly maybe critical to national security. Clearly an investment aimed at reducing reliance upon foreign materials. Jason, I spent four years living and studying in China, and in my experience, it was really common for the Chinese government to invest in or even control private companies that they deemed were operating in critical industries whose operations were important for national security reasons. Historically, on average, although not always, the US government, I think, has been more reluctant to get involved in private enterprises, even if they are critical for national security. I'm curious, what do you think is driving this investment? As an individual investor, does investing alongside the government change your risk assessment at all? Jason Hall: When you have a very business minded individual sitting at the top of the administration, you're going to get more of the business minded approach. We've seen that under President Donald Trump, so I think that's part of it. But I think the bigger thing for investors to think about is how you think about and trying to assess these businesses. This is materials businesses. Remember what I said at the opening, the cyclical risk and the secular trends. These companies are still going to live and die based on demand and commodity pricing. If you look at what's happened with lithium over the past three years, it is exemplary of the boom bust boom cycle. At the end of the day, one maybe some of these companies, and in this case, US Rare Earth may get a little bit higher floor on some of their production with this partnership with the US government. They still have to sell the majority of their production at a cost that makes sense into a market where they're simply a price taker. They have no competitive advantages in what they can sell for. It's all about their operating and production costs. These are industries you really have to understand and know them really well. When you invest in them, think about buying, really, when the cycle is negative and the stocks are depressed versus jumping in when every retail investor finds them attractive because you're probably the bag holder for somebody that knows the industry really well that's looking for an exit point, and it's going to take a long time to recur to turn your investment into a gain, and you're probably going to have to ride through a downturn to do it. Emily Flippen: It's a beautiful segue for the question ahead for you, Asit, which is it's really easy when an individual investors see headlines like this with USAR that's the USA are Earth's ticker. They are skyrocketing on the news. They're up over 100% in the past month. It's easy for individual investors to feel fomo this fear of missing out whenever they see share prices increase like that. I mean, how should investors handle these policy changes or avoid trying to get swept up in the hype when they see this type of news? Asit Sharma: Well, Emily, one of the ways is to realize that you don't necessarily want to find that company that's going to go 100% in a day. The reason is it's a much harder way to make money. In that pursuit, the chances to lose are so much, and FOMO can do this to us. It can push us to corners that are speculative in the investment world that work against our interests as long term investors. But if you want to scratch that itch, I think AI has become a great leveler FOMO used to be accompanied by a big blind spot, which is, like, everyone's buying it, but I don't understand it. I don't know what's going on, but I feel like I got to get in. Is spending some time with a good AI model to break down the question you have about a certain rare earth mineral the demand? What could go wrong if you invest in that trend is so much better than previous FOMO cycles we've had where you just couldn't understand what was going on, but you felt the compulsion to participate. It's ironic I just finished an interview with a company whose business model is based on exploiting their license for a rare earth material from the US Navy. But to Jason's point, they are doing something more than some of the parts with that. If there's a strategic bent, if the company has another way to make money rather than a binary proposition where they've got to make it on this one rare earth or not, I prefer those that the clear picture is there, the holistic picture is there. There's another reason to invest. At the end of the day, by the way, I hope we will get that interview up on Motley Fool Money soon on a Sunday. At the end of the day, what you're trying to do is to choose from among many different investment opportunities. The FOMO Geopolitical driven opportunities should just be one that you look at. In addition to restaurant, tech, some other trends, the operating layers of today's investment world. Emily Flippen: It certainly sounds like there are some operating layers that are much more riper for investments than others. Jason and Asit I think I generally agree with you that indicates that these rare earth minerals. It's not my favorite aspect of the operating layer to invest in, but thank you both so much for your time joining me today on Motley Fool Money. I really appreciate your insights. As always, people in the program may have interest in the stocks they talk about and the Motley Fool may have full more recommendations for or against, so don't sell or buy stocks based solely on what you hear. All personal finance content follows Motley Fool editorial standards, and it's not approved by advertisers. Advertisements are sponsored content and provided for informational purposes only. If you see a full advertising disclosure, please check out our show notes. For Jason Hall, Asit Sharma, and the entire Motley Fool Money team I'm Emily Flippen. We'll see you tomorrow. Asit Sharma, CPA has positions in Nvidia and Wingstop. Emily Flippen, CFA has positions in Cava Group and Shopify. Jason Hall has positions in Nvidia and Shopify and has the following options: long January 2027 $25 calls on Toast and short January 2027 $25 puts on Toast. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Cava Group, DoorDash, Nvidia, Shopify, Toast, and Uber Technologies. The Motley Fool recommends Sweetgreen and Wingstop. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Owning the Operating System was originally published by The Motley Fool Over the past year, an Asian cyber-espionage group carried out a massive global hacking campaign, compromising the critical infrastructure of some 37 foreign governments, according to a new report. The primary targets were government departments and ministries, including those pertaining to trade, natural resources, border control and diplomacy. The operation also affected one country's parliament and multiple national police organizations. Its methods, targets and scale of operations are alarming, with potential long-term consequences for national security and key services, Palo Alto Networks, a cybersecurity firm, said in a lengthy report published on Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Espionage seems to have been the main motivation for the attacks, as hackers regularly sought access to email communications, Pete Renals, the director of national security programs with Unit 42, the firms threat intelligence division, told Bloomberg. The U.S. government was not affected by the campaign, but the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency said it is aware of the attacks and is collaborating with partners to patch up any existing vulnerabilities. An Asian cyber-spy group has hacked into critical infrastructure of 37 foreign governments, according to a new report (Getty/iStock) The groups activity referred to as Shadow Campaigns was first identified by Palo Alto Networks in early 2025, amid the investigation of several phishing campaigns against European governments. The firms subsequent probe revealed the group had been active since January 2024. While the firm stopped short of naming a specific country, it said the hacks originated from a state-aligned group that operates out of Asia. Advertisement Advertisement It based this conclusion on the use of language settings, certain regional tools and the hacking of assets that align with events and intelligence of interest to the region. One campaign took place after the Czech president Petr Pavel met with the Dalai Lama who has been condemned as a separatist by the Chinese government. The campaign is the largest cyber-espionage operation conducted by a state-aligned group since the SolarWinds breach in 2020, according to Axios. Among the nations impacted were Mexico, Brazil, Germany, Italy, India, Indonesia, Japan and Mongolia. A total of 70 state-aligned organizations were compromised. The government of the Czech Republic was targeted in the hacking campaign, which came months after President Petr Pavel met with the Dalai Lama, according to the report (AFP via Getty Images) Hackers targeted Brazils Ministry of Mines and Energy, per Palo Alto Networks. The South American nation is believed to have one of the worlds largest supplies of rare earth minerals. Advertisement Advertisement As Asian companies tighten their global control on these resources, the U.S. has begun looking to Brazil for alternative sourcing, the firm said. Two of Mexicos ministries were affected in hacks likely related to global trade agreements, while government infrastructure in Panama was also impacted. Perhaps the most pronounced reconnaissance occurred on Oct. 31, 2025, when we observed connections to at least 200 IP addresses hosting Government of Honduras infrastructure, the firm said. This activity came just days before the countrys election, which featured candidates who favored returning to diplomatic relations with Taiwan. Last year, the group reportedly also ramped up its focus on European nations, applying a concerted effort towards Germany over the summer. Nearly 500 IP addresses connected to government infrastructure were hit. Advertisement Advertisement And, in August, the cyber group zeroed in on the Czech Republic after its president met with the Dalai Lama in India. Months later, after it was reported that Petr Pavel would attend the religious leaders 90th birthday gala, another round of scanning targeted the presidents website. The Shadow Campaigns are also believed to have compromised state entities in Cyprus, Greece, Poland, Portugal and Serbia. Longmont police officers took two reports of assault on Wednesday, with one on East Ken Pratt Boulevard and the other on Main Street. Officers also made an arrest for a disturbance and executed warrant arrests on Wednesday. On Tuesday, officers made an arrest for a traffic complaint in the area of Ken Pratt Boulevard and South Bowen Street. Among Tuesdays calls: At 7:01 a.m., police made an arrest for a disturbance in the 700 block of Grandview Meadows Drive. Advertisement Advertisement At 1:23 p.m., officers took a report of an assault in the 2700 block of East Ken Pratt Boulevard. At 1:27 p.m., police took a report of an assault in the 800 block of Main Street. At 1:57 p.m., police executed a warrant arrest in the 400 block of Saint Clair Avenue. At 9:18 p.m., officers executed a warrant arrest in the 1000 block of Ken Pratt Boulevard. At 10:05 p.m., police made an arrest for trespassing in the 600 block of Coffman Street. Related Articles * \u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009Traffic complaint arrest at Ken Pratt and South Bowen: Longmont police notes\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009 Advertisement Advertisement * \u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009Robbery reported on East Ken Pratt Boulevard: Longmont police notes\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009 * \u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009Suspicious situation arrest on Ken Pratt Boulevard: Longmont police notes\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009 * \u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009Longmont police notes: Burglary reported on Lashley Street\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009 * \u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009Assault reported on Airport Road: Longmont police notes\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009\u0009 Most mornings, Longmont police report the previous days calls, reports, warnings and arrests. For details from police logs from this past week and beyond, visit the Times-Call police notes page at timescall.com/tag/police-blotter. Courtyard Estates at Hawthorne Crossing, an assisted living center in Bondurant, where a resident froze to death in 2022. (Photo by Clark Kauffman/Iowa Capital Dispatch) The administrator of an assisted living center, accused of incompetence in an incident that resulted in an elderly resident freezing to death outside the facility, will retain her state license subject to 10 hours of educational training. According to state records, Dwala Marie Lehman was the administrator at Courtyard Estates at Hawthorne Crossing in Bondurant in January 2022 when 77-year-old Lynne Stewart froze to death after leaving her room, exiting the facility, and then falling to the ground just outside the door. Advertisement Advertisement Between the time Stewart left her room triggering a recurring series of alarms sent to Lehmans phone and to workers inside the building and the time Stewarts body was found outside, almost 15 hours passed during which no efforts were made to locate Stewart, according to state inspectors. In 2023, the Iowa Board of Nursing Home Administrators initiated an investigation of the matter. Last month, it charged Lehman, 44, with professional incompetence. At the same time, the board and Lehman settled the disciplinary matter with a formal agreement. The agreement stipulates that Lehman must complete 10 hours of educational training on the topic of resident wandering, after which she must write a report stating what she has learned and how she has changed her approach to such situations. The agreement also stipulates that Lehmans nursing home administrators license will be placed on probationary status for one year, during which time Lehman is to file quarterly reports with the board documenting her compliance with the agreement. Advertisement Advertisement As a result of Stewarts death, state inspectors fined Courtyard Estates $10,000, alleging the facility had violated state regulations for dementia-specific assisted living centers by failing to have its staff monitor residents. The center was also accused of failing to ensure that all workers have at least eight hours of dementia-specific training within a month of being hired. Because Courtyard Estates didnt appeal the fine, the penalty was automatically reduced by the state to $6,500. Lehman currently serves as the administrator at the Edencrest at Green Meadows assisted living center for people with dementia, located in Johnston. The Iowa Capital Dispatch was not able to reach Lehman for comment Wednesday. Murder charge and a plea bargain State records indicate an employee of Courtyard Estates reported for work about 5 a.m. on Jan. 21, 2022, and noticed that a computer showed one of the door-alarms in the building was activated. Advertisement Advertisement The worker told inspectors she immediately dropped everything and searched the area, eventually finding Stewart lying on the ground, unresponsive, just outside one of the exit doors, with various items frozen to her body. The temperature outside that morning was about 11 degrees below zero. Employees brought Stewart inside, covered her with blankets and called 911. Stewart was wearing a sweater, pants and shoes, but no coat, hat or gloves, according to state inspectors. An ambulance crew arrived and took Stewart to a nearby hospital. Just before 9 a.m., the county sheriff arrived at the home to investigate the matter and informed the staff that Stewart was dead. The Polk County medical examiners report listed the cause of death as hypothermia, according to inspectors. Although the staff was to have made hourly, visual checks on Stewart, the inspectors review of video captured by the facilitys in-house camera system on the night of her death reportedly showed the employee tasked with checking on residents, Catherine Forkpa, never ventured down the hall where Stewart resided. Advertisement Advertisement According to county investigators, Stewarts door alarm was activated for nine hours before her body was found. Forkpa was initially charged with second-degree murder but later pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of dependent adult abuse and was sentenced to two years of probation. Lehman testifies in case In October 2023, transcripts of two depositions in Forkpas criminal case were made public briefly on Iowa Courts Online before a judge ordered them sealed from public view. The records indicate one of the individuals who gave deposition testimony was Lehman, who acknowledged the alarm on the door to Stewarts room was triggered at 4:32 p.m. on Jan. 20, and wasnt deactivated until 7:15 a.m. the next day almost 15 hours later around the time Stewarts body was found. State inspection records indicate screenshots of Lehmans phone show that by 9:44 p.m., Lehman was receiving phone alerts about a separate alarm on the buildings exit door, and that she continued to receive those alerts every five minutes throughout the night. Advertisement Advertisement Lehman testified she couldnt recall whether she contacted the staff at Courtyard Estates to have them check on Stewart after the alarms were triggered. Would you agree that when somebody a resident, a geriatric patient walks out of your facility and freezes to death, that thats a pretty, thats a pretty significant event, right? public defender Matthew Sheeley asked. Yes, Lehman replied. And the events of that day what you did the day before and what you did the day that this unfortunate event occurred those events are pretty significant and youd kind of remember what was happening during those days, right? Sheeley asked. Advertisement Advertisement I would, Lehman said. Im just going to ask you, Sheeley continued, is it possible you saw these notifications and you ignored them? No, Lehman replied. Sheeley pointed out that police and state-inspection reports suggest Stewarts door was in alarm mode for roughly 17 hours and that during that time Lehman appeared to have made no effort to respond to it or have others look into the situation. Im asking you, having heard that now, whether its possible that you failed or neglected to contact the staff about the alarm to Lynnes door? Sheeley asked. Its possible, Lehman said. The court records also indicate that Courtyard Estates former health care coordinator, Jamie Haub, gave sworn, pretrial testimony in the case. In her deposition, Haub testified that while she was at home the night of the incident she received continuous alerts on her phone about door alarms and failed to respond because she was with her family and, later, went to bed. Advertisement Advertisement It sure sounds like that there were a lot of people that were ignoring things, Sheeley said. Is that fair? Yes, Haub replied. Would you agree that Ms. Lehman ignored things, too? I would agree with that, yes, Haub replied. Lawsuits settled out of court Jaybird Senior Living is the Cedar Rapids company that managed Bondurants Courtyard Estates at Hawthorne Crossing at the time of Stewarts death. Jaybird also managed Keelson Harbour Senior Living, an assisted living center in Spirit Lake, where 95-year-old Elaine Creasey froze to death six weeks earlier, in December 2021. Jaybird is a for-profit company headed by CEO Kevin Russell, a former lawyer and investment banker from Rancho Santa Fe, California. In recent years, Jaybird has managed 40 senior-living communities in Iowa and more than two dozen others in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois and Kentucky. Advertisement Advertisement In April 2023, Sally Daniels, a former resident assistant at the Courtyard Estates sued the facilitys owners, Abilit Holdings LLC, and Jaybird Senior Living, alleging she was unfairly fired after Stewarts death. In her lawsuit, she alleged she was fired despite having no responsibility for residents in Courtyard Estates memory care unit where Stewart lived. Daniels also alleged she was the worker who first alerted others to the fact that Stewart was missing. The defendants in the case denied any wrongdoing. Court records show the lawsuit was settled out of court in January 2025. In January 2024, Stewarts estate sued Abilit Holdings and Jaybird Senior Living for wrongful death. Court records show that several weeks later, the case was settled out of court with the defendants never having filed a response to the allegations. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Cerro Paranal with the band of the Milky Way arching above it. | Credit: A. Ghizzi Panizza/ESO A plan to build a light-polluting green hydrogen plant near one of the world's most important astronomical observatories has been cancelled by the company behind it. The decision is a relief to astronomers all over the world as the site could have caused serious harm to astronomical research. The project, called INNA, was planned by AES Andes, a subsidiary of the U.S. utility company AES Energy. First proposed in 2024, the $10 billion project caused a stir among astronomers as it was to be located only a few miles from the European Southern Observatory 's (ESO) Cerro Paranal site, which hosts the Very Large Telescope (VLT), one of the most powerful machines for observing the distant universe. Despite assurances by AES that the lights at the 7,465-acre industrial park would only have a minor effect on nearby supersensitive astronomical instruments, ESO's own calculations showed that light pollution above Paranal could increase by up to 35% . ESO warned that such an increase would undo the advances made by improvements in telescope technology, prohibiting cutting-edge research such as direct observations of exoplanets or study of the most distant galaxies. Advertisement Advertisement "When the cancellation is confirmed, we'll be relieved that the INNA industrial complex will not be built near Paranal," ESO Director General Xavier Barcons said in a statement . "Due to its planned location, the project would pose a major threat to the darkest and clearest skies on Earth and to the performance of the most advanced astronomical facilities anywhere in the world." AES Andes did not give a reason for the cancellation. The company issued a statement on Jan. 23 that said it had "chosen to focus its efforts on the development and construction of its renewable energy and energy storage portfolio, in line with the guidelines of its parent company in the United States." AES Andes submitted an environmental impact assessment for INNA to the Chilean government in December 2024, and astronomers have been up in arms since. In addition to the VLT, an interferometer telescope consisting of four 28-foot-wide (8.5 meters) telescopes that work together as one, the Extremely Large Telescope ( ELT ), currently constructed on the neighboring Cerro Armazones would also be affected by the light pollution from the plant. ELT is an astronomical super-machine with a nearly 125-foot-wide (38 m) mirror. Once completed toward the end of this decade, the telescope, worth over$1.54 billion will be the world's largest observing the universe in the visible light spectrum. Advertisement Advertisement Chile's Atacama desert is one of the most valuable astronomical locations in the world. In addition to low light pollution levels, it also benefits from an almost permanently clear sky, low humidity and high altitude, which minimizes the distortions of the observations caused by Earth's atmosphere. In addition to ESO's facilities, the U.S.-led Vera C. Rubin Observatory, opened last year in Atacama. The astronomy community was therefore concerned about the precedent a permission to build INNA near Paranal would set. "ESO and its Member States are fully supportive of energy decarbonisation and initiatives that ensure a more prosperous and sustainable future," Barcons said in the statement. "Green-energy projects and other industrial projects that drive national and regional development are fully compatible with astronomical observatories, if the different facilities are located at sufficient distances from one another." SYDNEY, Feb 5 (Reuters) - An Australian teenager has been charged for allegedly making online death threats against Israeli President Isaac Herzog, ahead of his upcoming visit to Australia. The 19-year-old man allegedly made the threats on a social media platform last month "towards a foreign head of state and internationally protected person", the Australian Federal Police said in a statement. The offence carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in jail. Advertisement Advertisement Police did not name the intended target of the alleged threats, but Australian media widely reported they were directed at Herzog. The Sydney Morning Herald newspaper also reported the teenager allegedly made threats against U.S. President Donald Trump. He was refused police bail and will appear before a court in Sydney on Thursday. Police said a mobile phone and equipment for making or using drugs were seized during a search at a home in Sydney on Wednesday. President Herzog is due to arrive in Australia on Sunday for a five-day visit, following an invitation by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in the aftermath of the deadly shooting at Bondi Beach in December. He is expected to meet survivors and the families of the victims of the shooting at Sydney's Bondi beach on December 14 at a Jewish Hanukkah celebration, which killed 15 people. Advertisement Advertisement Herzog's visit has drawn opposition from pro-Palestine groups, with protests planned in major Australian cities. Police in the state of New South Wales, home to Sydney, on Tuesday extended restrictions on protests in parts of the city ahead of Herzog's visit, citing "significant animosity" from some groups. The Palestine Action Group has called on supporters to attend a rally in Sydney on Monday, urging people to march to the New South Wales state parliament in what is described as a "mass, peaceful gathering." Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said Herzog would receive standard security arrangements given to all visiting foreign leaders. "He will be a welcomed and honoured guest," Marles told ABC News on Thursday. (Reporting by Renju Jose in Sydney; Editing by Stephen Coates) (The Center Square) Gov. Kelly Ayotte touted New Hampshire as the best-run state in New England in a speech to lawmakers Thursday that laid out an ambitious agenda for the year ahead. In her State of the State, the first-term Republican touted her administration's efforts to overhaul the state's "broken" bail system, pass a bell-to-bell cellphone ban in school, pass a housing construction law, and craft "a responsible, balanced budget that protects services for our most vulnerable." "I stand before you today, convinced that the state of our state is strong, that our shared prospects for tomorrow are bright, and proud that our work is making New Hampshire even stronger, safer, and more prosperous than ever before," she said in her remarks. Advertisement Advertisement Ayotte took aim at neighboring states, including Massachusetts, over high taxes and embrace of green policies she said are driving up energy costs in the New England region. She said New Hampshire "is the envy of New England and a beacon for good governance nationwide" because "we have not succumbed to the lie that more money for the government is better." "We are the Live Free or Die state but when you look at the states around us, we also show them what it looks like to live free and prosper," Ayotte said. "But make no mistake we are never more than one election from giving it up, from going the way of our neighbors, from massing up our Granite State." Ayotte, of Nashua, was elected governor in 2024. She is a former U.S. senator and former New Hampshire attorney general. As part of her energy policy, Ayotte said she is directing the state Department of Energy to "build pathways to foster the next generation of nuclear power generation" in New Hampshire. Advertisement Advertisement "I have asked the department to bring together stakeholders, lawmakers and organizations focused on nuclear generation to ensure our state is at the forefront of this pivotal technology," she said. On education, Ayotte said she is directing the state Department of Education to conduct a study of disparities between school districts in reading and literacy scores. "Low reading scores are a challenge here and across the country, and I believe a smart first step for us in addressing this is to dig into our districts that are standouts and ask them what are they doing differently," Ayotte said. "What can we learn and apply from their example? How can we help all of our schools raise the bar for reading?" Ayotte also highlighted her public safety agenda for the coming year, including support for legislation to double driver's license suspension, from six months to one year, for those refusing to take a blood alcohol test. "Keeping New Hampshire the safest state in the nation also means making our roads safer," she said. "We will keep working together to address the dangers of impaired driving, distracted driving, wrong-way driving, and other issues that put Granite Staters at risk." Some people living in Baker County were put under a short-term mandatory evacuation after a wildfire started right off I-10 on Wednesday afternoon. Baker County Fire Rescue told Action News Jax the fire started at around 1:15 PM, near Glen St. Mary. Fire Chief Trevor Nelson said he believes the fire was caused by sparks from the metal rim of a tire that had flown off a semi-truck only moments earlier. Within 20 minutes, the fire was spreading really fast, Chief Nelson said, we had between an 18 and 20 mile an hour wind when this fire started. Advertisement Advertisement >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< Chief Nelson said the wildfire started with only five acres of burned woods, then spread north to 125 acres of more wooded area, not damaging any buildings or homes. But multiple agencies still got involved to contain the fire, including the Florida Forest Service, Jacksonville Fire Rescue Department and Macclenny Fire Department. Between fire trucks, fire engines and water-dropping helicopters, Baker County Fire Rescue said it took around four hours before the fire was mostly contained. The areas of Noah Davis Road and Butcher Road, near Glen St. Mary, were evacuated right before 4:00 PM while firefighters worked to keep the flames away from homes. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] Tim Fisher was told early in the afternoon to evacuate his home. He said in the 21 years he has lived in Baker County, he has only seen two other fires near his neighborhood, but believes todays wildfire was the worst so far. Advertisement Advertisement It seemed like it was spreading pretty far, and I knew it was somewhat kind of bad when they started dropping water out of the helicopter, Fisher said. Chief Nelson believes the wildfire spread so quickly because of the recent lack of rain. The First Alert Weather team is reporting that dry conditions across northeast Florida have greatly contributed to the more than 50 fires Action News Jax has tracked in the region within the last week. The Florida Forestry Service has told Action News Jax the official cause of the wildfire is being investigated. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live. Lawmakers are working on a new requirement for restaurants and bars in Ohio. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] As reported on News Center 7 at 11:00, Senate Bill 348 aims to require bars and restaurants to have date rape drug testing devices available for their customers use. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Mackenzie Manley owns Macks Tavern in Centerville. She said her hometown bar doesnt have an issue with peoples drinks being spiked. She believes its more common in clubs or at bars near college campuses. Manley added that she doesnt think businesses should have to foot the bill for these kits. Were trying to keep the lights on like everybody else in Ohio and across the United States, so thats just a cost that we dont have, Manley said. Under the proposal, businesses must provide these kits for free or at a reasonable amount based on the wholesale cost of those devices. I get their point, but thats not fair to put on the bar and restaurant. It should be your individual responsibility because you walked away from your drink, Manley said. Advertisement Advertisement Not leaving a drink unattended is just one of the things young girls learn growing up. Its a way they can protect themselves from sexual violence. I mean, I grew up also learning even to keep my keys in my hand when Im walking in a parking garage or also not leaving any beverages, and when I was in college alone, going somewhere with a girlfriend, you know, being very aware of your surroundings, Barbara Ward said. Ward is the Director of Development and Communications for YWCA Dayton. She said she supports this legislation becuase its just another tool to try to combat sexual violence. The Ohio Domestic Violence Network said over a third of women in the United States and a quarter of men will experience sexual violence during their lives. Advertisement Advertisement At the end of the day, having these tools and having access to them only promotes the safety of patrons. But I also think that this is a cultural, a cultural conversation that we need to have around the safety of all people, Ward said. The CDC said lifetime statistics show across the country, 11 million women said they were raped while drunk, drugged, or high. News Center 7 checked and found the date rape drug test online. A pack of ten tests costs around $60. The bill will be reviewed by the Senate next. If passed, itll move to the Ohio House before being sent to the governor. News Center 7 will continue to follow this story. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] In the race to follow retiring U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell, a new independent poll has found U.S. Rep. Andy Barr holds a lead over his two top opponents in the Republican primary, though margins remain close. Still, a fourth option holds more support than all of them "undecided." The survey, released Feb. 5 by Emerson College Polling and Fox 56 in Lexington, found Barr has support from 24% of Republican primary voters they'd contacted, while former Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron had backing from 21% and Lexington executive Nate Morris has support from 14%. Another 4% would support another candidate. Advertisement Advertisement The largest portion 38% remain undecided. The primary is set for May 19. Republicans have held both U.S. Senate seats in Kentucky since 1999. The poll also found Charles Booker, a former state representative who ran against U.S. Sen. Rand Paul in 2022, is leading Democratic candidates, with 30% support among those surveyed. Former Marine fighter pilot Amy McGrath, who ran against McConnell in 2020, had the backing of 19% of Democrats included in the poll. Those two were the clear frontrunners, though 43% of Democrats included remain undecided. On the Republican side, the poll appears to show momentum for Barr and Morris. But it's a disappointing showing for Cameron, who has had a lead in favorability and name identification in polls commissioned by each of the three campaigns throughout the primary, despite lagging in fundraising. Advertisement Advertisement The Emerson College Polling survey was conducted between Jan. 31 and Feb. 2 and includes results from 1,000 likely Kentucky voters, including 523 Republicans and 381 Democrats. Its margin of error was 4.2% on the GOP side and 5% for its Democratic numbers. Launched in 2012, Emerson College Polling has an "A" rating from polling analyst Nate Silver. Barr's camp has celebrated the poll as a win, with spokesperson Alex Bellizzi arguing it "shows what Kentuckians have been seeing on the ground for months: Andy Barr is the strongest candidate in this race." The congressman is well known in the Lexington area, which he's represented in Congress since 2013, and has worked in recent months to build name ID in other corners of the state. U.S. Representative Andy Barr arrives at Fancy Farm picnic Saturday August 2, 2025 in Fancy Farm, Kentucky. He holds a strong lead in fundraising as well, with more than $6.4 million in cash on hand. Morris had about $1.4 million on hand at the end of 2025 but has raised $6 million since entering the race, including $4.4 million in personal loans. Meanwhile, Cameron, who has led in name ID due to his four years in statewide office and an unsuccessful run for governor as the Republican nominee in 2023, has raised $1.6 million since launching his campaign and had $630,000 in the bank at the end of the year. Advertisement Advertisement Cameron campaign manager Nathanael Hirt called the poll "unserious and silly," pointing to two recent polls one commissioned by their team, another by Morris' campaign that found Cameron still leading. "Nothing moves that fast except lies," Hirt said. Keep up with our coverage: Sign up for the On Kentucky Politics newsletter. Morris' team, meanwhile, has said their candidate is gaining ground. Tesla founder Elon Musk has donated $10 million to a PAC backing his candidacy. And the campaign recently commissioned a poll through a firm run by Tony Fabrizio, President Donald Trump's top pollster, that found his favorability among Kentucky Republicans has grown since August and is strongest among Trump's biggest supporters. The president has not yet made an endorsement in the race and has not indicated if and when he will do so. Advertisement Advertisement "Up until last month, most polls showed Nate in the single digits and anywhere from 30-40 points behind first place," campaign spokesman Conor McGuinness said in a statement. "The last two polls published show him surging and within 10 points of the lead. "Nate is the only candidate moving in the right direction, he has a massive cash advantage between his self-funding ability and $10m of support from Elon Musk, and most importantly, he is the only political outsider and America First conservative in the race. We look forward to victory in May." Right-wing media personality Charlie Kirk thanks the crowd at the end of a rally for U.S. Senate candidate Nate Morris, left, Monday morning in Shepherdsville, Kentucky. June 30, 2025 Morris was endorsed by Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk before he was killed in 2025 and has support from conservative figures such as Donald Trump Jr. and Steve Bannon. Barr has racked up endorsements from state officials in Kentucky along with fellow House representatives in Washington, D.C., while Cameron has support from a number of Bluegrass State law enforcement leaders, as well as several members of the state Republican Party's "Liberty" wing. Second poll strong for Barr but notes 'unusually high' undecided count A separate independent poll released later Feb. 5 from Quantus Insights had Barr holding a lead as well, though the margin was tighter. Advertisement Advertisement In a poll of 870 likely Republican voters conducted Feb. 4, just over 28% said they'd back Barr, with Cameron landing about 27% and Morris at a little over 16%. About 19% remained undecided, and more than 8% said they'd back another candidate. Those last two figures are key. That level of openness, a release touting the poll said, "could be seen as unusually high for a primary this visible, and it frames nearly every other finding in the survey." Each of the three candidates have courted Trump's endorsement. And it's clear it'd make a difference 30% of those polled said they would probably vote for a candidate backed by Trump, while 18% said they would definitely vote in alignment with the endorsement. About 35% said it would not affect their vote the highest single response while 14% said an endorsement would make them less likely to support that candidate. Close to 52% said it was "extremely important" the Republican nominee is aligned with the president and the America First/MAGA movement. The Quantus Insights poll did not include voting projections for the Democratic candidates. Advertisement Advertisement Barr, who spoke to Louisville media members on Feb. 6 after a campaign stop in southwestern Jefferson County, said his team is "obviously very enthusiastic and gratified" about the two polls' results, arguing they show his attempt to meet voters around the state is working. "What they are looking for is someone who has a record of effectiveness in working with this president, a record of effectiveness in Congress, experience delivering results for the people of Kentucky, and they recognize that I'm battle tested," Barr said. Morris, meanwhile, was back on offense after the polls were released, with a lengthy campaign statement Feb. 6 denouncing Barr's stance on immigration, arguing the congressman has a "wildly liberal record" on the issue. Morris has called for a complete halt on immigration in the U.S. until every undocumented immigrant is deported. And Cameron took to social media on Feb. 5 to highlight a campaign stop earlier that day in Bowling Green, telling readers he's running for Senate to "make sure that theres more money in your pockets and the best opportunities are right here in Kentucky." Daniel Cameron speaks at the Fancy Farm political picnic on Aug. 2, 2025. Cameron is locked in a tight GOP Senate primary with U.S. Rep. Andy Barr and Nate Morris. Tell us what you think. Submit your letter to the editor. Reach Lucas Aulbach at laulbach@courier-journal.com. This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Independent poll shows new leader in GOP race to succeed McConnell Mayor Karen Bass is denying a published story that claims she ordered the watering down of an after-action report that detailed alleged failings of the Los Angeles Fire Department during the deadly Palisades Fire. The Los Angeles Times reports Bass told then-interim Fire Chief Ronnie Villanueva that the original version of the report put the city at risk of legal liabilities. According to the Times, two of their sources with knowledge of Bass' office say the mayor wanted sections of the report removed or softened. Advertisement Advertisement The report was changed after a conversation between the mayor and Villaneuva, the Times reports. Eyewitness News has reported extensively that LAFD never pre-deployed resources to the Palisades. The Times reports that an initial draft of the after-action report said the pre-deployment decisions "did not align" with policy but was then changed to say that the LAFD's pre-deployment plan was "above and beyond." In a statement Wednesday responding to the Times story, Bass' office said the mayor and her staff made no changes to the drafts, and that Bass reviewed an early draft of the report and asked only that the LAFD make sure it was accurate on issues such as weather and budget. Advertisement Advertisement "The Mayor has been clear about her concerns regarding pre-deployment and the LAFD's response to the fire, which is why there is new leadership at LAFD and why she called for an independent review of the Lachman Fire mop-up. There is absolutely no reason why she would request those details be altered or erased when she herself has been critical of the response to the fire - full stop. She has said this for months," the statement said. "This is muckraking journalism at its lowest form. It is dangerous and irresponsible for Los Angeles Times reporters to rely on third hand unsourced information to make unsubstantiated character attacks to advance a narrative that is false." The Times said it stands by its reporting. In January, Fire Chief Jaime Moore, who replaced Villanueva in November, acknowledged the after-action report was edited to reduce criticism of LAFD's leadership. Advertisement Advertisement Moore previously said he ordered a separate independent investigation into the Lachman Fire -- a holdover fire that later erupted into the Palisades Fire -- to closely examine the department's decisions and procedures and determine where improvements are needed. He formally asked the Fire Safety Research Institute to include the Lachman Fire as part of its broader analysis of January's fires. The institute conducted an independent analysis of the L.A. fires, as ordered by state leaders. The Times first reported the after-action report was altered after reviewing seven drafts before the final report was issued on Oct. 8, 2025. With a primary election looming, Eyewitness News has learned that Rick Caruso is reconsidering his decision on whether to run for political office following the Times' report on Bass. Advertisement Advertisement The billionaire developer announced last month that he would not run for California governor or L.A. mayor. Caruso has a few days left to make a decision on whether to challenge Bass for L.A. mayor again since the deadline to file a declaration of intention for the June primary election is noon Saturday. City News Service contributed to this report. Qabil Ashirov The Baku Military Court has continued the trial of Armenian citizens, during which verdicts are being announced for the accused. Azernews reports that under the courts ruling, defendant Levon Mnatsakanyan has been sentenced to life imprisonment. It should be recalled that prosecutors representing the state prosecution had also requested a life sentence for the accused. The trial concerns citizens of the Republic of Armenia charged with committing crimes against peace and humanity and war crimes as a result of Armenias military aggression against Azerbaijan. The charges include the preparation and conduct of an aggressive war, genocide, violations of the laws and customs of war, terrorism and financing of terrorism, as well as the violent seizure and retention of power and numerous other serious crimes. The court proceedings are continuing with the announcement of verdicts. By Elida Moreno PANAMA CITY, Feb 5 (Reuters) - Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino said on Thursday that the concession of contracts to operate two ports held and operated for nearly three decades by Hong Kong's CK Hutchison Holdings will "never again" be issued to a single company. Panama's Supreme Court last week nullified CK Hutchison's contract to operate two ports along its strategic canal through its Panama Ports Company subsidiary, ruling that the contracts violated the Central American nation's constitution by giving the company exclusive privileges and tax exemptions. "I don't expect this situation to escalate," Mulino said, calling the court's decision definitive. "Panama is a dignified country and will not allow itself to be threatened by any country on earth." On Tuesday, China warned Panama there would be "heavy prices" to pay for the court ruling which China's Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office called "absurd" and "shameful and pathetic." They vowed to defend the interests of Chinese companies. Mulino added that it was unclear when the ruling would be enforced. In the meantime, the Panama Ports Company would continue to operate both ports, he said. "The Panamanian state decides on the concession scheme to be granted much later," he added. On Wednesday, CK Hutchison said its Panama Ports Company unit had started international arbitration proceedings against Panama, in a case that could take years to resolve. The decision and move to seek arbitration cast further doubt on the future ownership of the two ports and the company's planned $23 billion deal to sell its port businesses. (Reporting by Elida Moreno in Panama City and Raul Cortes in Mexico City, Writing by Stefanie Eschenbacher, Editing by Daina Beth Solomon and Matthew Lewis) BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) A Baton Rouge man is facing a murder charge in connection with the disappearance of his stepfather. Ian Seghers, 35, was booked into East Baton Rouge Parish Prison on Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026, on charges of first-degree murder and unauthorized use of a vehicle. No bond amount has been set, according to jail records. An affidavit revealed that Baton Rouge police officers were called to a home on Jean Street for a welfare check on March 9, 2025. When they arrived, officers tried to contact the victim, who was reportedly not answering his sisters calls. The officer knocked loudly on the door several times, but no one inside answered, according to authorities. It should be noted that the victim owns a white van, but the van was not at the property when officers arrived. Advertisement Advertisement The victim was later identified as 66-year-old Keith Rowland. Officers submitted Rowland to the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) as a missing person. While investigating, police discovered that Rowlands stepson, 35-year-old Ian Seghers, lived on the property in a camper. Rowland and Seghers relationship had been terrible since Seghers moved onto the property, an arrest report revealed. A family friend contacted the St. Tammany Sheriffs Office, stating that they saw Seghers driving the van in Pearl River, La. The family friend also added that Seghers asked to borrow a shovel to bury a dog before going into a nearby wooded area. According to detectives, cell phone data shows that Seghers and Rowland were together on March 1. All activity from Rowlands cell phone stopped that same day. Detectives located Rowlands van in Bay St. Louis, Miss., on March 10, through a license plate reader. Family members began posting on social media that Seghers was possibly involved in Rowlands disappearance. Advertisement Advertisement Seghers is later seen driving Rowlands van and returning to the property in Baton Rouge multiple times, but there is no sign of Rowland. Detectives obtained a voicemail from Seghers after Rowlands phone stopped working, asking a family friend to help him clean up a mess at the residence on Jean Street. He also said Rowland left him everything. The affidavit states that detectives searched the home and van on Jean Street in search of signs of human decomposition. K-9s confirmed that human remains were on the property. Detectives determined that the bedroom was the alleged scene of the crime, as there was a large amount of blood throughout the room, including on the walls, ceiling, and a chair. Seghers was arrested in Mississippi around late March 2025 on a charge of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. He was expected to be extradited to Louisiana. Based on the investigation, detectives believed that Seghers committed homicide on the victim, cleaned the crime scene, removed the body, and disposed of it in an unknown area. Latest News Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Louisiana First News. The Brief Illinois State Senator Laura Fine held a press conference Wednesday to discuss SB2820. The legislation bans any ICE agent from becoming a law enforcement officer in Illinois. The bill also limits the concurrent exercise of home rule powers. ILLINOIS - An Illinois state senator is backing legislation that would prohibit federal immigration agents from becoming law enforcement officers in the state. What we know Sen. Laura Fine, a Democrat, says the proposal is rooted in differences between training standards for local police officers and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. Advertisement Advertisement She said police departments across Illinois require extensive and detailed training before officers can be certified, while ICE agents receive an average of about 47 days of training. Fine said the shorter training period leaves ICE agents ill-prepared for de-escalation, a deficiency she said has contributed to violent encounters with civilians in communities across the country. What they're saying "The realities are that these murders and the devastation that we're seeing is preventable and while the stories of Renee (Goode) and Alex (Pretti) are very prominent, they're not isolated incidents," Fine said. "ICE's violence has escalated, with one major contributing factor and that being their training and recruitment practices." What's next The legislation, Senate Bill 2820, is opposed by the Illinois Republican Party, which has criticized the measure as being soft on crime. The Source The information in this article was reported by FOX Chicago's Scott Schneider. A bill prohibiting Iowa's public K-12 schools from teaching students about LGBTQ-related topics at all grade levels is advancing in the House and Senate as GOP lawmakers consider expanding what critics call the state's "Don't Say Gay" law. The measure would subject all of Iowa's K-12 students to a law Gov. Kim Reynolds signed in 2023 that bans instruction on gender identity and sexual orientation through sixth grade. The wide-ranging education legislation also ordered schools to remove books that depict sex acts and remains tied up in court. The House Education Committee voted 14-9, to advance House File 2121, which would extend the prohibition on LGBTQ-related teaching through high school. Two Republicans, Reps. Chad Ingels, R-Randalia, and Tom Moore, R-Griswold, joined Democrats in voting no. Advertisement Advertisement It advanced out of subcommittee in a 2-1 vote earlier Wednesday morning. Rep. Helena Hayes, R-New Sharon, said the measure pushes educators to stick to core curriculum such as language, English, math and history. She voted with Rep. Wendy Larson, R-Odebolt, to move it forward. "This very narrow bill, it simply says teachers, please focus on educational topics," Hayes said. "Please talk about academics, and thats what were asking our educators to do, and thats as simple as it is. Stay focused on the topic at hand, and that is we want to graduate intelligent, articulate, critical thinkers in this world. Rep. Elinor Levin, D-Iowa City, who opposed the bill, questioned why lawmakers would further legislate something that's already tied up in court and how it helps Iowans afford their daily living costs. Advertisement Advertisement "I am myself queer," Levin said. "I have been since I was born. It is part of my existence. I experienced no great trauma or abuse growing up. In fact, I grew up in an incredibly healthy and happy family with no direct queer role models. To pretend that queer people do not exist is neither remarkable nor wise in thinking about how we care for our kids." State Rep. Elinor Levin speaks during a subcommittee meeting for HSB 636 at the Iowa State Capitol on Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026 in Des Moines. Republicans on a three-member Senate subcommittee advanced their proposal, Senate Study Bill 2003, on Jan. 21. Similar legislation has not advanced in past years, including in 2025 after a House proposal stalled once it passed out of subcommittee. There was no Senate companion bill in 2025. The bill says that Iowa's public school districts and charter schools cannot provide "any program, curriculum, test, survey, questionnaire, promotion or instruction relating to gender theory or sexual orientation" to K-12 students. More: Iowa lawmakers may ban K-12 teaching about gender, sexual identity GOP lawmaker pushes to allow discussion of gender as a 'theory' Rep. Jeff Shipley, R-Birmingham, who serves on the House Education Committee, proposed amending the bill and said it may be "fairly appropriate" to discuss gender identity as a theory. Advertisement Advertisement He said there are many legal questions or works of art pertaining to trans people that high school students would be mature enough to debate in a classroom setting. "I think there's a lot of things that could sink your teeth into if gender theory is just debated as a theory in the classroom," Shipley said. Hayes said the committee would consider amendments but this was already "narrowly tailored to instructional time." State Rep. Helena Hayes speaks during a subcommittee meeting for HSB 636 at the Iowa State Capitol on Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026 in Des Moines. "A lot of those conversations still happen in other places and school grounds or outside of school grounds," Hayes told reporters. "I mean, certainly people should have connections and networking beyond just their teaching and beyond just the classroom." Existing law still tied up in court Iowa's 2023 law, Senate File 496, is being challenged as unconstitutional in a federal lawsuit. Advertisement Advertisement A federal judge initially granted an injunction blocking parts of the law, including the ban on teaching about gender orientation and sexual identity, while the lawsuit is decided. But the U.S. Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals reversed his decision, allowing the law to take effect. Attorneys argued the law's constitutionality in federal court in January. Iowa is one of several Republican-led states, including Florida, with similar prohibitions on classroom teaching about gender identity and sexual orientation. Levin said it would be unwise to extend Iowa's law while the state's current court challenges are pending. Advertisement Advertisement "I genuinely cant think of a reason why we would move forward with this when the previous legislation is tied up in the courts," she said. More: Iowa's book ban battle: How public schools removed thousands of books over a new law Opponents say sexual orientation, gender identity are 'immutable' traits Like in the Senate's initial hearing, opponents of the bill outnumbered supporters as people warned lawmakers of the detrimental effects the legislation would have on LGBTQ youth. Annie Craven, of Urbandale, said she is openly bisexual and was homeschooled and raised Catholic so she didn't know people with her sexual orientation existed growing up. Craven is running for the Iowa House District 46 seat held by incumbent Republican Rep. Dan Gehlbach. Advertisement Advertisement "That didn't make me any less queer," Craven said. "It did make me feel very alone and isolated and different. I resent that gender identity is being touted as political or something that we can debate or theorize. It's immutable. It caused great harm to me as a person and as a kid growing up to not know that there were other people like me and to think that I was so different and I didn't understand why." Drake University law student Karrecia Crawley said the bill imposes a "sweeping ideology that rushes to conclusions about what is taught." "They don't see the foresight of what happens or what occurs when this bill is passed," Crawley said. "I don't believe Republicans will be in power for all that much longer if bills like this keep getting pushed and introduced into the (Legislature)." Rev. Lizzie Gillman, an Episcopal priest in Des Moines and mother of a high school and sixth grade student, shared with lawmakers that her children's friends feel they have no adults with whom they can discuss LGBTQ topics after recent law changes targeting LGBTQ rights. Advertisement Advertisement "Jesus never said anything about gender or homosexuality," Gillman said. "Jesus was all about love. And so what I want to know is that when we marginalize these students at a young age, they can pick it up. I'd like you to understand whose dignity matters here." Supporters asks lawmakers to restore 'focus' on academics Jeff Pitts, with the Iowa Faith and Freedom Coalition, supported the bill. "Political indoctrination ought not to be done on the taxpayer dime at public institutions," Pitts said. Katherine Bogaards, with Protect My Innocence, supported the measure and said it "gives families confidence that schools will remain focused on academics and age appropriate research-based health education, not topics that confuse or overwhelm the students." Advertisement Advertisement "Supporting this bill is about preserving family values, respecting parental authority, and assuring minors are allowed to grow up without unnecessary pressure related to sexual orientation and gender identity," Bogaards said. Marissa Payne covers the Iowa Statehouse and politics for the Register. Reach her by email at mjpayne@registermedia.com. Follow her on X at @marissajpayne. This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Iowa bill expanding 'Don't Say Gay' law through high school advances After a bill aimed at studying extending light rail to the Virginia Beach Oceanfront failed to advance, a new version is moving forward to fund a study on expanding all modes of transit in Hampton Roads. Del. Alex Askew, D-Virginia Beach, last month introduced House Joint Resolution 26 which asked the Department of Rail and Public Transportation to work with Hampton Roads Transit and the City of Virginia Beach to study the possibility of extending The Tide to the Oceanfront. HJ26 seemed to catch Virginia Beach City Council by surprise. Advertisement Advertisement During a meeting Jan. 20, Councilman Stacy Cummings asked: Is (Askew) aware that we had a referendum on that and people dont want a light rail and theres probably no way to get a light rail in the existing trail? Brent McKenzie, legislative affairs director for Virginia Beach, said city leadership did not request the legislation, and a spokesperson for Hampton Roads Transit said they didnt seek it out either. The city held a referendum in 2016 on whether to extend The Tide 3.5 miles to reach Town Center, and 57% of voters said no, killing the proposal. Since then, the costs of such a project have only increased, though many still see potential benefits. Is this the end of the line for light rail in Hampton Roads? Advertisement Advertisement HJ26 failed to advance Monday in Richmond. But a new version of the bill, HJ28, moved forward the same day following a unanimous vote and has the support of both the city and HRT though the city still has reservations. Askew, whose 95th District includes parts of Norfolk and Virginia Beach, incorporated elements of HJ26 into HJ28, which aims to launch a study of all modes of transit beyond light rail including local and express bus, ferry, paratransit, on-demand microtransit, trolley and shuttle services and other ridesharing and commuter programs. The substituted bill will launch a regionwide effort to figure out how we fund the entire Hampton Roads transit network, Askew said in an email. HJ28 would establish a 13-member subcommittee made up of legislators and transit officials along with a work group made up of representatives from HRT, Williamsburg Area Transit Authority, Suffolk Transit, the Department of Rail and Public Transportation, Hampton Roads Transportation Accountability Commission, the Hampton Roads Transportation Planning Organization, Hampton Roads Military and Federal Facilities Alliance, and a representative from the local business community selected by the speaker of the House of Delegates. The subcommittee would be tasked with producing a final report by Nov. 30, 2027. Advertisement Advertisement An HRT spokesperson said the agency strongly supports HJ28, and cited its similarity to previous legislation directed at Northern Virginia which resulted in an increase in transit funding statewide. Askew defended his initial bill, saying HJ26 put the light rail back on the radar and that HJ28 creates a broader path forward. Its no surprise some council members are out of step with where the constituency is across the board, which is clear from the result of the 10-1 referendum, Askew said. Hampton Roads today is not the Hampton Roads of 10 years ago. The energy in the community, the calls, the coverage, the conversations Im having with constituents around HJ26 and now HJ28 all say the same thing: people are excited about the possibilities, and they want real options to get around to enjoy all our region has to offer. The City Council reviewed HJ28 at their regular meeting on Tuesday and agreed to support the bill because its in line with their priorities on supporting more public transit options, but with the caveat that they dont support the light rail aspect. Advertisement Advertisement Mayor Bobby Dyer said before the council that the cost of extending light rail has probably doubled since the 2016 referendum, and that it doesnt constitute a priority at this point. I celebrate Del. Askew for really taking an active role in transportation but the fact is that light rail is dated technology, it goes just east and west its not part of the system, its very expensive to run and maintain, Dyer said. One of my major objections over the years: why rely on a system that youve got to drive to get to it, and it doesnt take you to where you need to go because its a limited route? Gavin Stone, 757-712-4806, gavin.stone@virginiamedia.com A view of the Washington state Capitol building in Olympia, obscured by a slight mist, Jan. 27, 2025. (Photo by Bill Lucia/Washington State Standard) A 60-day legislative session can be a cruel thing if youre hoping to see a bill passed. Many policy ideas in the Washington Legislature met their end less than a month in, as they failed to pass the first key deadline on Wednesday to remain in play. Passage of those that survived is far from assured. If bills cost money, they have to advance past another committee by the end of Monday. Theyll then have to pass out of the chamber they originated in by Feb. 17. Advertisement Advertisement Bills deemed necessary to implement the budget, like those that include new taxes, are immune from the deadlines. Lawmakers can be creative in attaching this label. Here are some of the measures that wont become law in Washington this year. 4-day workweek San Juan County has seen success with a 32-hour workweek for its government employees. But that model wont be going statewide. House Bill 2611 wouldve required employers to pay overtime for hours worked in excess of 32 per week. The food, hospitality and farm industries opposed the legislation. It got a committee hearing last week, but no vote. Homeschooling Beginning at age 8, Washington parents have to file a signed declaration if theyre homeschooling their child. Advertisement Advertisement Senate Bill 6261 looked to lower that age to 6. Washington is the only state in the country that waits until age 8 to require this attestation, according to state Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal. He told lawmakers that the legislation, which he requested, would provide the state with better data about where the states pupils are learning, especially as homeschooling increases in popularity. In a committee hearing last week, homeschool advocates lambasted the bill, arguing it tells parents when its best for their children to begin formal schooling. Its sponsor, Sen. Lisa Wellman, D-Mercer Island, said Wednesday that other bills took priority over this one during a short session. Advertisement Advertisement A spokesperson for Reykdal said his agency was disappointed. This legislation has been considered several times over the last 15 years, and it unfortunately continues to get held up by ideology that doesnt reflect what the bill actually is attempting to do, spokesperson Katy Payne said in an email. Hiring ICE agents House Bill 2648 wouldve prohibited Washington police departments from bringing on officers who started jobs at U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement after Trumps second term began. The legislation attempted to respond to concerns about training for new ICE agents brought on to carry out Trumps immigration crackdown. The legislation was set for a committee vote Tuesday, but the panel didnt take action. Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Proposed block on WA police hiring ICE agents fizzles out in Legislature Children online Lawmakers are making a concerted effort this year to find ways to protect children online, but some of their ideas have stalled. Senate Bill 6111 looked to require parental consent for minors under age 17 to create social media accounts. The tech industry argued this would be an unconstitutional restriction on speech. The measure isnt advancing. House Bill 2400 would have aimed to set up safeguards for children who appear in monetized online content, like family vlogs. It wouldve allowed young adults to request deletion of videos they appeared in as children and required social media platforms to establish trust accounts for children shown in these videos, among other things. This bill is also kaput. Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Kristine Reeves, D-Federal Way, the sponsor, has been working on these regulations for a few years. She said shell try again next year, with monthly workgroups before the 2027 session to hammer out the details. Weve got a generation of students who this is all theyve known, Reeves said. A lot of people are concerned about the impacts. Another bill with bipartisan support to restrict childrens access to pornography online didnt pass out of committee either. Legislation requested by Attorney General Nick Brown to set up social media safeguards is advancing. It would prohibit both addictive feeds for minors and sending push notifications to them overnight and during school hours. Groceries Last fall, Fred Meyer closed its store in Seattles Lake City neighborhood, prompting the city to look at addressing food deserts like the one left by that closure. Advertisement Advertisement It has been devastating to see the impact of not having a major grocery store in our working-class community, Rep. Darya Farivar, a Democrat who represents Lake City, told a House committee last month. Because of this, Farivar pitched a trio of bills to address the issue. A proposal to ease restrictions on where grocery stores or pharmacies can be located has passed out of committee. But two others havent moved forward. One would offer tax incentives to grocers in underserved communities. Another aimed to allow cities to establish publicly owned grocery stores in areas with food access concerns. In New York City, Mayor Zohran Mamdani has pitched public grocers as a way to address rising food costs, to much criticism. Judicial appointments Rep. Hunter Abell, R-Inchelium, renewed his call for reform to the judicial appointment process this week amid significant turnover on the state Supreme Court. Advertisement Advertisement Three justices are departing the court this year. Gov. Bob Ferguson is in the process of choosing a replacement for one. The first-term governor has already appointed another justice, Colleen Melody. While appointees are still subject to election to retain their seats, they rarely lose. Abell has pitched legislation to require state Senate confirmation for Supreme Court and appellate court appointments. The bills didnt get a hearing this year or last. No single office should control who interprets our laws and Constitution, Abell said in a statement. Confirmation brings balance, accountability, and public trust back into the process. To fill Justice Barbara Madsens seat, the lawmaker is calling for the governor to appoint a jurist with bipartisan support who vows only to serve until the next general election. Tribal representation House Bill 2578 would have added four tribal members to the nine-member Fish and Wildlife Commission, though the proposal did not advance past a hearing this session. The bill would have required the governor to appoint eight Indigenous people in total, with two members from east of the Cascades, two from western Washington, and four alternates. Advertisement Advertisement The appointed tribal officials would serve a four-year term and vote on policies the board oversees, such as wildlife conservation and hunting regulation. We are the modern tribes of Washington state and the modern government, Rep. Debra Lekanoff, D-Anacortes, said in the bills hearing. We can do better when we collaborate and we do better when we can engage. Lekanoff indicated in the hearing that if the bill didnt pass this year, she would try again in the future. University encampments House Bill 2589 would have prohibited encampments on college campuses in the state without authorization from school administrators. The bills sponsor, Rep. Mari Leavitt, D-University Place, argued it wasnt specifically looking to stem the campus protests of recent years but simply codify into law the current practice at the states higher education institutions. But after a hearing last week, it didnt get a committee vote. Advertisement Advertisement A separate Republican-backed bill wouldve taken financial aid from students found by a court to have caused damage at a college and forced them to repay aid theyd received. It aimed to respond to the occupation of an engineering building at the University of Washington last year that ended with broken equipment and arrests. That legislation also didnt advance. Washington State Standard Reporter Aspen Ford contributed to this report. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE For the first time, Dr. Jamal Bryant is reacting to the moment a man walked into New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in January and berated the church and Dr. Bryant. He drove all the way from Alabama to disrupt our services, Dr. Bryant told Channel 2s Audrey Washington in an exclusive interview on Wednesday. Jamal Bryant, you wicked dog, and Youll burn in hell, the man is heard screaming. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Im grateful security sprung into action, but just concerned about what is taking place in the culture and environment, Dr. Bryant explained. Advertisement Advertisement Dr. Bryant said after security escorted the man off the property, the church filed a complaint against him. We had DeKalb County issue to him a no trespass order, said Dr. Bryant. Dr. Bryant, who said he believes he is a target because he is an outspoken critic of President Donald Trump, took his complaint one step further. He called on the U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi to step in. On Wednesday, Washington contacted the Department of Justice for comment but did not hear back. Days after a group of activists protested ICE inside a Minneapolis church, Bondi posted a message to her social media page. Advertisement Advertisement Make no mistake, under President Trumps leadership and this administration, you have the right to worship freely and safely. And if I havent been clear already, if you violate that sacred right, we are coming after you, she said. TRENDING STORIES: Dr. Bryant said he wants that same message directed towards the man who disrupted service at New Birth. There ought to be a warrant out for his arrest, and he should be picked up. Otherwise, its a mixed signal that is sent to the American populace that it is okay to disrupt a Black church, but only White churches are sacred spaces, Dr. Bryant said. A New Birth spokesperson said they evaluated their security protocols following the incident. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] MEMPHIS, Tenn. In honor of Black History Month, WREG will recognize and name three facts about a Black individual who sparked worldwide change to create a better place for everyone, generations to come. Today, civil rights activist and NAACP leader Medgar Evers will be acknowledged. Here are three facts about him: Evers was the first state field secretary of the NAACP chapter in Mississippi. When Evers was rejected from the University of Mississippi Law School and decided to file a lawsuit, Thurgood Marshall served as his attorney to challenge racial discrimination and abolish segregation at the university. Evers called for a new investigation into the lynching death of 14-year-old Emmett Till and protested the conviction of civil rights activist Clyde Kennard, who was arrested on theft charges in 1960. Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. As a resident of the Broad Ripple area for 10 years, I would like to respond to multiple opinions published by IndyStar in support of BRICS. A part-owner of BRICS recently made many social media posts praising U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement at a time when ICE has been in the news for violations of civil rights and killing multiple people. Instead of buying the owner out, making a full apology saying that they do not support those views, or donating money to an immigrant rights organization, they chose to make a PR statement that there is a mix of views, philosophies and beliefs among the owners, managers, employees and customers. Opinion: 'Door to door' ICE raids are un-American Advertisement Advertisement In response to BRICS, there has been a swift and vocal backlash from many in the Broad Ripple community, myself included. The cries bemoaning that cancel culture has gone too far and that an angry mob has formed in response to these social media posts are very funny to me. They are funny because what is happening is clear: A business in a diverse and welcoming community to different cultures has supported an organization that is antithetical to those principles. Because of the violation of those principles, people are boycotting. It seems that people who likely support all the benefits they received from capitalism are now upset when they are experiencing the drawbacks. I grew up in a rural, conservative Indiana community and, since moving here, I have always appreciated the welcoming and inclusive nature of Broad Ripple. This community celebrates international culture and the culture of immigrants. There are multiple restaurants here that serve excellent international cuisine like La Piedad, Chiang Mai Thai Noodle, Sahara, Birrieria Iturbidense and Eating Fresh, which are staples of the community. Letters: ICE's undisciplined goons must be reined in after killings Advertisement Advertisement The statement from BRICS clearly does not support those values. If BRICS was located in Carmel or Fishers, I do not believe this would be as big of a topic of conversation. BRICS wants to be a part of this community welcoming to other cultures while not supporting those values; it wants to have its cake and eat it, too. In a free-market system, consumers are allowed to choose what business they support for whatever reason they choose. Boycotting is as American as capitalism and apple pie. I have patronized BRICS multiple times in the past, but now I will be choosing to spend my money elsewhere. Karen Bassett lives in Indianapolis. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Boycotting BRICS is as American as apple pie | Letters U.S. troops have long been based in Greenland, a self-autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark that is strategically located between North America and Europe. During World War II, weather stations on the island helped the Allies determine the best time to launch the D-Day landings in Normandy, France. The island later played an important role in NATO efforts to monitor Soviet forces, and it currently hosts a Space Force Base that is critical in detecting any ballistic missiles launched from Russia. Greenlands importance to U.S. national security was underscored by President Donald Trumps recent efforts to acquire the island, which resulted in a framework of an agreement with NATO, few details of which have been publicly released. Advertisement Advertisement With both Russia and China looking to increase their presence in the Arctic, Greenland will continue to be a vital location for the U.S. militarys early warning systems, said Iris A. Ferguson, a former deputy assistant secretary of defense for Arctic and global resilience. Greenland has been central to U.S. national security for decades because of its geography, said Ferguson, now with the Center for Strategic and International Studies think tank in Washington, D.C. During the Cold War, it became a cornerstone of early warning and missile defense for the U.S. homeland, and that role hasnt gone away. If anything, Greenland, along with Alaska, are becoming more important. A strategic lifeline The U.S. militarys modern relationship with Greenland began in April 1941, when the American government signed an agreement with Danish Ambassador to the United States Henrik Kauffmann that allowed the U.S. military to establish bases on the island. Because Greenland is the breeding ground for storms that hit Western Europe, it was vital for the Allies to set up weather stations on the island, according to the Arctic Institute think tank in Washington, D.C. That also prompted the United States and Greenlands local government to establish a unit tasked with locating any German weather bases on the island. Advertisement Advertisement In World War II, Greenland wasnt an ordinary battlefield; it was a strategic lifeline, said Anthony Heron, of the Arctic Institute.Its weather stations let the Allies protect shipping and plan operations with Arctic intelligence no one else had, allowed safer and shorter transatlantic routes, and vitally supported the overall Allied logistics. The U.S. militarys presence on Greenland also prevented any hostile power from being able to establish itself in the Western Hemisphere, a role that remained important after the war, Heron told Task & Purpose. A radar dome belonging to the 23rd Space Operations Squadron Detachment 1 at Pituffik Space Base, Greenland, April 4, 2023. Space Force photo by Senior Airman Kaitlin Castillo. An agreement, then a crash It wasnt long after Germany was defeated in 1945 that Greenland became a front on the new Cold War. After Denmark rejected a U.S. offer in 1946 to buy Greenland for $100 million, both countries struck an agreement in 1951 that granted the U.S. military access to the Island. At one point, the U.S. military had more than a dozen bases in Greenland along with thousands of troops. Advertisement Advertisement One of the islands most important roles was serving as an anchor for a string of seafloor hydrophones meant to detect Soviet ballistic submarines that passed through a naval chokepoint known as the Greenland-Iceland-United Kingdom Gap to come within striking distance of the United States. Relations between Denmark and the United States became strained in 1968, when an American B-52 bomber armed with four nuclear weapons crashed in Greenland, spreading radioactive debris. The crash also revealed that the United States had been violating Denmarks 1957 policy against having any nuclear weapons in the country or its territories. Despite this rough patch, U.S. troops stayed in Greenland through the remainder of the Cold War. Tracking Russian missiles The United States currently has one remaining military installation in Greenland: Pituffik Space Base. The early warning radar at the base is vital to the U.S. militarys ability to keep an eye on Russias nuclear forces, said Erin D. Dumbacher, with the Council on Foreign Relations think tank, based in New York City. Top Stories This Week Culture Marines suspend use of all-weather coat that bleeds orange By Patty Nieberg News Top enlisted leader in the Air Force explains why he wears his fathers service pin By Jeff Schogol News Soldiers with the 10th Mountain Division are headed back to the Middle East By Patty Nieberg Advertisement Advertisement That could mean, especially, watching for incoming ballistic missiles, Dumbacher told Task & Purpose. It could also mean just having a better sense for what might be launched from the sea. The geography is such that U.S. eyes and ears, if you will, are very well served by having that strategic outpost in Greenland. This capability is becoming especially relevant with the end of the last remaining strategic nuclear weapons treaty between Russia and the United States, which expired on Thursday, Dumbacher said. The New START Treaty allowed both countries to use technologies such as satellites to monitor the others nuclear forces, she noted. Were not going to have the mutual commitment anymore maybe informally, but not formally to not interfere with one anothers early warning systems, Dumbacher said. So, this would not be the time for the United States to lose access to or vital information from one of our most critical early warning radars in Greenland. For more, check out our YouTube channel, where Task & Purposes video producer Kyle Gunn explains the islands role in U.S. national security. As several new Buc-ee's locations prepare to open in 2026, progress on North Carolina's first Buc-ee's location is returning to headlines once again. Known for clean restrooms, a wide range of food offerings and the massive size of its stores, Buc-ee's was originally founded in 1982 in Texas. While most of the chain's locations are located within Texas, it has expanded, with four new stores set to open outside of its origin state this year alone. As construction continues, here's an update on North Carolina's first Buc-ee's, plus other locations set to open soon and more. Advertisement Advertisement A Wawa travel center? North Carolina is home to the first one. Here's where Where is the NC Buc-ee's being built? What we know about new Buc-ee's Southern Living reported that the new location in Mebane will measure in at a sprawling 75,000 square feet, with 120 fueling stations and more than 600 parking spaces planned. The site is located at 1425 Trollingwood-Hawfields Road near the merger of Interstates 85 and 40. The publication also reported that, in anticipation of traffic congestion, the company agreed to provide between $6 -$11 million in N.C. Department of Transportation-mandated improvements to Trollingwood-Hawfields Road. How far is the NC Buc-ee's from Asheville? Mebane is about 200 miles east of Asheville on I-40. According to Google Maps, it will take about three hours to drive to the new Buc-ee's. Is there a Buc-ee's in NC? The Mebane Buc-ee's will be the state's first location. Currently, the chain has stores in Alabama, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and Texas. When will the North Carolina Buc-ee's open? While construction crews broke ground on North Carolina's first Buc-ee's in late 2025, the Raleigh News & Observer reported in January 2026 that Buc-ee's had not yet sought a building permit. The publication added that drivers passing the construction site could see walls start to go up by mid-2026. Advertisement Advertisement While reports previously placed the opening of the N.C. Buc-ee's closer to 2026, spokespeople for the chain have noted that building a store generally takes between 18 and 24 months. A recent article from USA TODAY stated that the Mebane Buc-ee's will likely open in 2028, along with locations in Georgia, Louisiana, Florida and Arkansas. Which Buc-ee's locations are opening this year? Also according to USA TODAY reporting, the following Buc-ee's locations are set to open in 2026: Huber Heights, Ohio, on April 6 Goodyear, Arizona, in June San Marcos, Texas, in July Benton, Arkansas, in late summer or early fall Murfreesboro, Tennessee, before the end of 2026 Iris Seaton is the trending news reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at iseaton@citizentimes.com. This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Where is the NC Buc-ee's? When will the NC Buc-ee's open? By Mike Scarcella Feb 4 (Reuters) - Brad Karp, longtime chairman of the powerful Wall Street law firm Paul Weiss, has resigned his top leadership role and will be replaced by partner Scott Barshay, the firm said on Wednesday. Karp has faced scrutiny after emails released by the U.S. Department of Justice on Friday revealed extensive personal and business communications he had with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. In a statement released by Paul Weiss, Karp said "recent reporting" had created a distraction that was not in the firm's best interest. He did not immediately respond to a request for further comment. The firm had said on Tuesday that Karp regrets his interactions with Epstein. Signage is seen outside of the law firm Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP in Washington, D.C., U.S., August 30, 2020. REUTERS/Andrew Kelly KARP, FIRM HAVE BEEN CRITICIZED FOR DEAL WITH TRUMP Karp, who has chaired the firm since 2008, attended dinners with Epstein and sought his help getting his son a job with a Woody Allen film production, according to the firm and a Reuters review of emails that were among millions of Epstein-related documents in the latest tranche released by the DOJ. A litigator who helped grow Paul Weiss' annual revenues under his leadership to more than $2.6 billion in 2024, Karp built a reputation as a defender of Wall Street while also championing social justice causes. As a Democratic Party fundraiser, he helped rally lawyers for Kamala Harris' failed 2024 presidential campaign against Donald Trump. Karp met Epstein through his work representing Leon Black, co-founder and former chairman of Apollo Global Management. The firm and Karp separately faced criticism for agreeing in March to pledge tens of millions of dollars in free legal work to causes supported by the White House in exchange for Trump rescinding an executive order targeting Paul Weiss. Karp has defended the deal with Trump, saying the president's executive order threatened its survival. The order restricted Paul Weiss' government access and federal contracting work, citing its connections to his political enemies and its racial-diversity efforts. Eight other firms later reached similar pro bono deals with the administration to avoid similar orders, pledging work worth nearly $1 billion combined. Four rival law firms that were hit with Trump executive orders sued the White House and won court rulings striking down the measures. Paul Weiss, which employs more than 1,000 lawyers, is known for its work representing major financial institutions such as Apollo and Citigroup in deals and litigation. Barshay, Karp's successor, previously chaired the firm's corporate department. (Reporting by Mike Scarcella, Mike Spector, Karen Freifeld, Karen Sloan and Mrinmay Dey; Editing by David Bario and William Mallard) After completing 110 days of walking to promote peace, national healing and gathering millions of social media followers on their path, a group of Buddhist monks will return home to Fort Worth on Valentines Day. The monks will be departing Washington, D.C., by bus on Feb. 12 and will arrive in downtown Fort Worth at 8 a.m. Feb. 14, the Walk for Peace team said in a Facebook post on Wednesday. Residents are asked to join in an approximately six-mile walk that morning from downtown to Huong ao Vipassana Bhavana Center at 4717 E. Rosedale St. in Fort Worth, where a public peace gathering will be held to celebrate the completion of the journey. Advertisement Advertisement This is a deeply meaningful moment completing the full circle, the post read. During their journey the monks traveled across 10 states, and more than a million people have followed their progress on the official TikTok account of the Walk for Peace. Some of the videos showcasing their journey have over 10 million views. Bhikkhu Pannakara and fellow monks pray before beginning their walk for peace in October in Fort Worth. It all began in Fort Worth The 19 Buddhist monks began their 2,300-mile walk from Fort Worth to Washington, D.C., in October. They are scheduled to arrive on Feb. 10 in the nations capital, where events will be held to honor their efforts to promote peace, unity and compassion. The monks were joined by a dog found by Bhikkhu Pannakara, vice president of the Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Center and spiritual leader of the walk, during a similar walk in India. Advertisement Advertisement More breaking news: Sign up for Star-Telegram news alerts. The monks slept under the trees and ate one meal per day. Two RVs rode along on the journey where the food for the monks was prepared, the Star-Telegram previously reported. The journey came with challenges, including when some of the monks were involved in an accident near Houston in November. One of the monks, Bhante Dam Phommasan, was injured and underwent surgery to remove his leg. Nineteen Buddhist monks began a 2,300-mile walk in October from Fort Worth to Washington, D.C., promoting national healing, unity and compassion. The monks will return to Fort Worth on Feb. 14. (Shambhavi Rimal/srimal@star-telegram.com) We extend our heartfelt gratitude for the compassion, prayers, and well-wishes coming from across the globe, Walk for Peace team members said. More details of the Feb. 14 march, including the route from downtown Fort Worth, will be shared on the Walk for Peaces social media accounts. An empty high school classroom. (Dan Forer | Getty Images) The Legislatures Joint Finance Committee has delayed the release of $2 million for the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) operating budget following a report on the cost of a meeting held at a water park resort in 2024. The agency says continued delays in the release of the funds could lead to layoffs and other cuts. The powerful budget committees agenda for Tuesday, Feb. 2 included a DPI request, originally submitted in September, for the release of $2 million over the biennium. However, at the start of the meeting, committee co-chair Rep. Mark Born (R-Beaver Dam) said the vote on the money would be delayed. Advertisement Advertisement Born cited a report from the Dairyland Sentinel, a nonprofit publication published by Brian Fraley who is a longtime GOP strategist, that found through open records requests that the agency spent over $368,000 on its standard setting meeting in 2024. We are not going to take up the DPI agenda item today. Within the last couple of hours a media report came out, Dairyland Sentinel report, regarding taxpayer use of funds at a resort for a conference, Born said during the meeting. Since its so new, we just want the opportunity to at least review whats going on there with this questionable use of funds at least according to that report thats very new, so just want to hit pause on that. The records request had been submitted about a year ago and was released after the Institute for Reforming Government (IRG), a conservative think tank, issued a demand letter on Jan. 21 on behalf of Dairyland Sentinel. The records were subsequently released. The report noted that the four-day event that included 88 educators and DPI staff was held in June 2024 at Chula Vista, a water park resort in the Wisconsin Dells. Advertisement Advertisement The Dairyland Sentinel report noted that Chula Vista is a premier destination known for luxury amenities, including massive indoor and outdoor water parks, spa services, and multiple bars and that the agency did not provide receipts for staff time, food, travel, or lodging, leaving taxpayers to wonder how much of that $368,885 was spent on resort amenities, alcohol, or water park access for the 88 educators and various staff in attendance. Chris Bucher, director of communications for DPI, told the Examiner in an email that the number cited by Dairyland Sentinel included all costs related to the standards setting meeting. Bucher said the agency works with its vendor for the Forward Exam, Data Recognition Corporation, each year to update the assessment and the work includes review of test questions at offsite, secure locations. The department uses federal and state money directed to support the exam to pay for these events. The funding cited in the blog post includes salaries, hotel costs and vendor costs to perform the work it is not all directed to Chula Vista, Bucher said. We conduct these meetings in Wisconsin to support our local tourism community and to cut down on associated travel costs for all involved. This is a common approach used by at least 24 other states who also contract with the DRC. Dairyland Sentinel emphasized that the fulfillment of the open records request did not include an itemized list associated with the overall cost. Advertisement Advertisement Bucher said the Data Recognition Corporation provides the facilitation of the Forward Exam for more than 400,000 public and private school students as well as the standard setting workshop. Bucher said in response to why a breakdown of the costs wasnt available that as the facilitator, Data Recognition Corporation plans and maintains the information related to costs and the agency is working with them as we speak. Born said JFC expects to meet several times in the next four to six weeks as the end of the legislative session approaches and there should be an opportunity to look at this again down the road, but we just wanted to make sure we had all the information necessary as were considering this request. The $2 million, which makes up 10% of the DPI operating budget, was placed in a supplemental fund as a part of a deal negotiated between lawmakers and Gov. Tony Evers. Republican lawmakers on the Joint Finance Committee initially wanted to cut those funds from the agencys budget. Since it is in a supplemental fund, it must be released by lawmakers on the JFC. Bucher said the agency is deeply disappointed by the delay. He said the agency had been in contact with committee members and staff leading up to yesterdays meeting and lawmakers indicated that the committee was going to approve the request. Advertisement Advertisement The department was singled out for a set aside of 10% of its operating budget and without that money, will need to consider layoffs which will impact our ability to investigate educator wrongdoing, license teachers, pay choice schools and operate the agency, Bucher said. U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany, who is running for governor, also weighed in calling for an audit of the agency. Their priorities are completely misplaced if they can waste nearly $400,000 on a water park junket to lower standards while claiming they need more funding. It took them over a year to respond to an open records request, and taxpayers should never have to wait that long for basic transparency, Tiffany said in a statement. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The Habitat Recovery Project installed a community air monitor in December to track air quality in Cameron Parish. (Habitat Recovery Project) A grassroots environmental group says this weeks explosion of a natural gas pipeline in Cameron Parish is why its community air monitoring mission needs to be expanded. The Habitat Recovery Project has tracked air quality in the area since December as part of its monitoring of nearby liquified natural gas export facilities. Its air monitoring equipment, positioned 25 miles away from where Tuesdays explosion happened, recorded a spike in potentially harmful pollution one hour after the blast. Advertisement Advertisement Its monitor tracked a steep spike in particulate matter at the time of the explosion and a substantial increase in volatile organic compounds four hours afterwards as natural gas from the pipe burned. VOCs, such as benzene, can cause short-term irritation to lungs and airways, while long-term exposure is linked to diseases such as cancer and liver problems. The 28-mile-long pipeline near Holly Beach and Johnson Bayou burst into flames while crews were performing routine maintenance, Cameron Parish officials confirmed Tuesday afternoon. Louisiana State Police reported one maintenance worker sustained minor injuries, and the fire has now stopped. Were not really sure what happened to cause the mishap. They were cleaning the line out when the rupture happened, said Ashley Buller, assistant director for the Cameron Parish Office of Emergency Preparedness. The principal at nearby Johnson Bayou High School, about 6 miles from the explosion, kept students inside during recess as a precautionary measure, Buller said, with no official shelter-in-place order issued. Advertisement Advertisement The pipeline is owned by Delfin LNG, which is developing three LNG storage vessels the company will station off the Louisiana coast. State Police Trooper Roy Jones, public information officer for Troop D, said the agencys hazardous materials team will investigate the cause of the rupture and compile a report in the coming days. Even with the VOC spike, air quality near the monitor was relatively safe, likely because the explosion was nearly an hour away. But Misha Mayeur, deputy director with the Habitat Recovery Project, said the readings are still valuable to keep community members aware of what they were breathing and validating the groups persistence in monitoring air quality near industry. Having public-facing air monitoring data allows for people to validate their experiences and then choose to act accordingly if they want to put on a mask, if they may not want to go outside as much, she said. Its giving you real time updates every 15 minutes, so that feels like it is a huge win for accessibility of information. Gunnar Schade, an associate professor with Texas A&Ms Center for Atmospheric Sciences, said this type of explosion can emit VOCs that air monitoring would capture, even as far away as the one the Habitat Recovery Project uses. Advertisement Advertisement Depending on what they actually measure and how big the event was, its entirely possible that its picked up, Schade said. The professor said he analyzed a similar situation with a gas well blowout in Texas, where state-operated air monitors detected pollutants many tens of miles away. While simply recording increases in VOCs doesnt necessarily mean that its dangerous, having access to quick information about air quality can be valuable for people living nearby, Schade said. Living close to a hazardous piece of industrial equipment is not fun, he said, adding that accidents like this do happen and have the potential to negatively impact air quality. Its the same with any type of hazardous operation where youre transporting highly flammable fossil fuels. Advertisement Advertisement Jennifer Richmond-Bryant, an associate professor with the North Carolina State University College of Natural Resources, studies human exposure to air pollution and said accessible information is exactly the point of having community air monitors. The community monitoring effort can seek to really accomplish a couple things, one of which is reassuring the community, if, if there is or is not, in fact, potential issue, she said. Theres also this bigger policy issue that communities can effectively take this information, be empowered by it, and say, This is where we want to draw in the state government to provide support, because thats their job, she said. Richmond-Bryant co-authored a recent publication on Louisianas Community Air Monitoring Reliability Act and how it undermines efforts to increase surveillance of nearby industry pollution levels. The law, approved in 2024, prevents data from monitors without U.S. Environmental Protection Agency certification from being used in any regulatory enforcement or legal action against alleged industrial sources of pollution. Most community environmental groups do not have the resources needed to purchase EPA-approved monitoring equipment. Advertisement Advertisement It puts communities in a very precarious situation, Richmond-Bryant said Financial penalties for violating the state law can reach $30,000, which also deters local air monitoring efforts even for education or awareness, she added. Oftentimes community groups, especially in communities that are already overburdened, that might have a lower economic base, thats not affordable, she said. The end result of this kind of policy is to discourage people from doing their own personal monitoring and sharing it out with other members of their own community. Mayeur with the Habitat Recovery Project said the group wants to expand its program to keep track of each LNG facility in Cameron Parish, where there is always the potential for another pollution producing accident. Hopefully they never happen, but they inevitably will happen, she said. NEED TO KNOW A campsite at a popular national park in Thailand was closed after a tourist died in an elephant attack on Feb. 2 The same wild bull elephant has killed at least three people, according to reports Following the accident, rangers are patrolling the region during the dry season A campsite in Thailands first national park has been closed after the same elephant killed a third person. This week, the Khlong Pla Kang campsite in Khao Yai National Park, located at the edge of the Northeastern Plateau, was closed after a tourist died in an elephant attack on Monday, Feb. 2, the Pattaya Mail and the Bangkok Post reported. Anupong Suksomnit, the governor of Nakhon Ratchasima province, ordered the site closed, the Bangkok Post reported. Advertisement Advertisement On Monday, Jirathachai Jiraphatboonyathorn, a man in his 60s, was walking near his tent in the national park with his wife when he was fatally attacked by a wild bull elephant, the Agence France-Presse, the Bangkok Post and Khaosod English previously reported. The man's wife escaped after rangers scared the animal away, national park official Chaiya Huayhongthong told the AFP. Jiraphatboonyathorn is the third reported victim to be killed by the same bull elephant, according to the reports, though Huayhongthong told AFP that the animal could have killed more people. The Khao Yai National Park and the Nakhon Ratchasima Provincial Industrial Office did not immediately respond to PEOPLEs requests for comment. The closure is part of a larger effort by officials to protect communities and tourism sites from wild elephants, according to the Pattaya Mail and the Bangkok Post. Advertisement Advertisement Yosawat Thiansawat, an official from nearby Prachin Buri province, told the Bangkok Post that the dry season prompts wild elephants to encroach on such areas to eat. He urged people to travel in groups and quietly leave the area if they see the animals. Officials have increased the number of rangers patrolling tourist attractions and national parks in the province, according to the outlets. Haew Su Wat Waterfall in Thailand's Khao Yai National Park. MLADEN ANTONOV/AFP via Getty Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. In the meantime, authorities are still determining what to do with the bull elephant responsible for the attack. "We will probably decide to relocate him or change his behaviour," Huayhongthong told the AFP. Read the original article on People Stephen Gainey, superintendent of the Randolph County School System during a press conference at DPI building 02/04/2026 (by Ahmed Jallow For John Brumley, an 11th grader in rural Pender County, a CTE health science class made a career in medicine feel tangible. Health Science II was the turning point for me, Brumley said Wednesday during a press conference. We got to practice what we were learning. I wasnt just reading a textbook. Advertisement Advertisement Brumley is among a growing number of North Carolina students earning industry-recognized credentials while still in high school. According to data released Wednesday by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, students earned 382,964 credentials during the 202425 academic year, a 6.9% increase from the previous year and the highest total on record. The credentials span fields including health care, information technology, manufacturing and construction. State officials said the increase reflects a continued shift toward career and technical education as a core part of public schooling. In 2021, students completed about 21% of the industry-recognized credentials available in their career and technical education courses. This year, that figure rose to 59%, state education officials said. Advertisement Advertisement When we started that conversation with the 2021 data, only 21% of the available credentials to our students were converted to earn credentials. But this year, that number is 59% so were right there at the 60% mark, said Nancy Cross, assistant director for CTE Regional and Support Services at DPI. North Carolina now ranks second nationally in the share of K12 students enrolled in career and technical education courses, according to state data. More than 550,000 students participated during the most recent school year. Each one of these 382,964 credentials represents a student who is better prepared for the future, state Superintendent Maurice Mo Green said during a press conference Wednesday afternoon. He said the goal is to reach 500,000 credentials annually by 2030. The state categorizes credentials into three tiers based on rigor and workforce demand, according to school officials. Tier 1 credentials typically certify entry-level skills, while Tier 3 credentials are advanced certifications that state officials say can qualify students for immediate employment in higher-paying fields such as health care and information technology. Advertisement Advertisement The data also show disparities in who earns the most advanced credentials. Economically disadvantaged students represent 47% of the student population but earned 33% of Tier 3 credentials. Black and Hispanic students together make up 46% of enrolled students but earned 28% of those credentials. Female students accounted for 37% of Tier 3 credentials, according to the data. Cross said health care pathways were a major growth area, with attainment in those programs rising from about 23% two years ago to 79% this year. Were doing some great things across the state, but we still have some work to do, said Cross during a presentation to the board of education. Advertisement Advertisement State officials credited much of the growth to district-led strategies. In Randolph County, where students earned 9,377 credentials last year, career exploration begins as early as the 5th grade. The district employs career development coordinators who work with students before they enter high school. Our students are seeking these opportunities out, said Stephen Gainey, superintendent of the Randolph County School System. Lexington City Schools recorded the largest improvement statewide, with its attainment rate rising by more than 47 percentage points in one year. District officials attributed the increase to expanded teacher training and redesigned instructional support. Advertisement Advertisement While some districts saw attainment rates as high as 89%, others still struggle to staff the labs required for high-tier certifications. Looking ahead, officials said staffing shortages remain a challenge, particularly in technical fields where instructors can earn significantly more in the private sector. We know that you cant have outcomes if you dont have access, said Cross. Mayor John Carney is taking his history of community violence prevention to his current job in Wilmington. He announced on Feb. 4 the creation of the Office of Community Safety, which his deputy chief of staff, Daniel Walker, said will focus on prevention and intervention, partnering with city police, community groups and more. The goal is to be a convener, Walker said, of community groups to keep everyone "rowing in the same direction" of crime prevention. "It means coordinating with police, emergency medical services, parks and recreation, license and inspection," Carney said in an interview. Advertisement Advertisement The office will identify and focus on "hotspots" in the city. The office will then coordinate all of the necessary city and state agencies and resources to help the residents of a given "hotspot." They include the Adams Street corridor, 17th and Thatcher streets, Shearman Street, and Chestnut and Harrison Street, Carney said. Carney wants the office to be able to coordinate a response from city agencies like the department of license and inspections. Hotspots are reported by residents and city council members. In these areas, a vacant property can attract an uptick in crime. "Those kids of things become more than just annoyances," he said in an interview. Addressing those hotspots and more with increased city and state synergy is a short-term goal for Carney. Advertisement Advertisement The city saw its lowest amount of shooting incidents since 2003 last year, with 64 total. Homicides fell by 20% with 20 murder victims through 19 incidents in 2025 compared with 25 victims in 2024. City officials want that trend to continue. "As I've traveled around the city, I've been consistently impressed with the Wilmington Police Department's community-based approach to public safety," an announcement from Carney on Feb. 4 said. "Data shows that crime is trending in the right direction, but one life lost is one too many. Ensuring the safety of all Wilmington residents remains our constant approach, and we will build on our shared progress with the addition of an Office of Community Safety." The police are on the same page as Carney, saying the city has made "great progress in the past year" in the same announcement. Gov. John Carney and President of Delaware State Education Association Stephanie Ingram participate in a Wilmington Learning Collaborative workshop at the Delaware Contemporary in Wilmington on April 3, 2024. WILMINGTON CRIME STATS Homicides dropped by 20% in Wilmington in 2025 Advertisement Advertisement This is the next step in multiple violence prevention initiatives on a city and state level. The Community Public Safety Initiative instituted under Mayor Mike Purzycki created Wilmington Street Team, which helps with violence prevention. Programs like these are common in major cities, like Baltimore, and this kind of plan is not new to Carney. When he was governor in 2019, he helped bring Group Violence Intervention to life in Delaware. The strategy was planned to deliver public intervention services to individuals who are higher risk of committing or being the victim of violent crime. "We have been inspired by the work of others, but really we looked at our own history," Walker said. "Coordinated communities can make drastic changes." If an incident occurs, the office will manage interventions with victims and synchronize a larger community response to shootings or a series of break-ins, among other types of incidents. He said he was recently on a ride-along on a city ambulance, and saw that most calls were substance abuse and mental health patients, who could use help that multiple agencies could provide. Advertisement Advertisement Carney said the partnership between the city and Friendship House Delaware to create a temporary tent village for unsheltered people in Christina Park is an example of bringing multiple groups together for one common goal. He said that the recent winter storm activated a plan with Friendship House, city police, and parks and recreation to set up a code purple shelter at the William "Hicks" Anderson community center. When the storm left and a deep freeze engulfed the region, some people were given vouchers to stay in nearby hotels, he said. Walker said this will be introduced in the next city budget, with financials being unclear. There will be a director of the office and some staff. Shane Brennan covers Wilmington and other Delaware issues. Reach out with ideas, tips or feedback at slbrennan@delawareonline.com. This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Wilmington will have an office of community safety, Carney announces California wildlife officials have approved a plan to eradicate Catalinas entire deer population as part of a broader effort to restore the island ecosystem, sparking fierce opposition from an unusual coalition of hunters and animal welfare advocates. Per the plan conceived by the Catalina Island Conservancy, professional hunters will shoot the islands non-native mule deer on the ground over four to five years. The conservancy, which owns and manages 88% of the island, says getting rid of the deer is necessary to bring back the islands unique plants including the Catalina Island mountain mahogany, which may be the rarest tree in North America. That in turn would reduce wildfire risk, restore groundwater and allow other animals to thrive, according to the nonprofit. Advertisement Advertisement "Nobody wants to kill animals. Obviously, that's not why we get into conservation work," said Lauren Dennhardt, the conservancy's senior director of conservation. "But we know what's at stake here, and it's important for us to essentially do the right thing to make sure that this island stays and gets even better for the future." In 1930, 10 deer were brought to the island located about 22 miles off the Southern California coast as a game species a figure that has ballooned to over 2,000 today, she said. Hunters have been allowed to take the deer, but this fall will mark the last opportunity (and it will be open only to locals). Starting as soon as this September, a squad of 10 to 12 trained professionals bound by state regulations will descend on the island to hunt the deer with rifles. Some of the deer meat will go to feed endangered California condors on the mainland, while some carcasses will be left on the land potential meals for bald eagles and foxes. A mule deer doe licks its fawn at a feral cat feeding station behind the Descanso Beach Club in Catalina Island's Avalon in 2023. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) A handful of deer in Avalon, Catalinas only city, will be sterilized and allowed to live out their days on the island. Advertisement Advertisement A previous strategy, scrapped due to pushback, would have entailed the animals being shot from helicopters. Despite the shift away from hunting from the air, many still dont want to see the deer culled. Last week, L.A. County Supervisor Janice Hahn, who represents much of the island, urged the California Fish and Wildlife Department to deny the permit needed to carry it out. This plan disregards the deeply held values of many Catalina residents and visitors, Hahn said in a Jan. 26 letter. She called it a drastic and inhumane approach and said many who live on the island cherish these deer. She also highlighted a concern by L.A. County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone that killing off the deer which reduce flammable material through grazing could increase wildfire risk. Advertisement Advertisement Read more: New conservation plan seeks to shoot Catalina's deer on the ground instead of from helicopters "If we could direct the deer to just eat invasives, we would love to do that but, obviously, deer eat all vegetation," said Pepe Barton, communications director for the conservancy. According to Barton, when deer munch on native plants, the plants are replaced by invasive grasses that dry out quickly and burn easily. Then, when a wildfire comes through and natives begin to regrow, theyre chomped back down, creating a vicious cycle. Hunting groups like Safari Club International and the California Rifle and Pistol Assn., as well as animal rights groups In Defense of Animals and the Humane Society, also oppose the cull. Advertisement Advertisement The deer have "provided a really great hunting opportunity in an area of Southern California where there's not a lot of big game hunting opportunities," said Regina Lennox, senior litigation counsel for Safari Club. "So this is really important to us." A Catalina Island fox stares at a mule deer fawn. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) She said theres probably "middle ground" where the deer are perhaps reduced but not eliminated, so people can hunt and enjoy them. The group is exploring its legal options. On Friday, a few days after Supervisor Hahns request, the state wildlife department granted the conservancys permit. In a statement, Jen Benedet, the departments acting deputy director of public affairs, said the decision was "based on a scientific and legal review of the application." The work is "intended to support the recovery and long-term health of native and endemic California species." Advertisement Advertisement Catalina is part of the Channel Islands archipelago, sometimes called the Galapagos of North America. Removing invasive species, including deer, has led to recovery on other islands, according to the conservancys Dennhardt. Unlike the other islands, owned by the federal government, Catalina is all state land. That means the state wildlife department is responsible for managing the deer. But it wont carry out the hunt. This mule deer fawn is all ears. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) Dennhardt said restoring the island will also involve ripping out invasive plants, cloning rare plant species and seeding the landscape with natives. The thing that we have to do before any of this is feasible at scale is to remove the mule deer, she said. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. On Tuesday afternoon, a 30-year-old truck driver from Philadelphia named Bekzhan Beishekeev failed to stop for slowed traffic on State Road 67 in Jay County, Indiana. He swerved into oncoming traffic and killed four Amish men from the Bryant community: Henry Eicher, 58, his sons Menno, 33, and Paul, 31, and Simon Schwartz, 22. The truck bore a triangular mountain logo. That logo was all it took. Its also why you see first responder photographers blocking these markings more now because they dont want people digging. No matter what marking is on the door, the Sam Express logo is somewhere on the truck. Within hours, the FreightX community and independent investigators had identified the carrier network behind the truck. Not because the crash exposed something new. Because the network had already been documented, flagged, reported, and investigated by industry professionals who have been sounding this alarm for years. This Didnt Start Tuesday For those of us who have been doing this work online, this crash is a recurring nightmare. Its the same bad actors, re-igniting the same scrutiny, after the same kind of tragedy that did not have to happen. Advertisement Advertisement I began publicly sharing content about chameleon carriers between 2020 and 2022 because its what I do. At Trucksafe, my sidekick and Trucking Attorney, Brandon Wiseman, did a YouTube video on Chameleon Carriers as old as 2022. Its the compliance work. Its the investigative research. Its the due diligence that this industry desperately needs. But what was once a niche concern has become mainstream. More tools, stronger platforms, and a growing community of investigators can now track these individuals and disseminate information in real time. FreightX, the trucking intelligence community Tuesdays crash: This is a well-known web of multiple trucking companies and shell companies. 20, to be exact. And I JUST posted yesterday about an inactive trucking company actively recruiting drivers on Instagram This is the active company. Danielle Chaffin wasnt exaggerating. FreightX members have documented trucks from this network swapping company name decals and DOT numbers at truck stops in real time. One member recorded video of a driver who pulled up with the company logo in the photo and, within minutes, was switching out his company name and DOT number. This is a daily occurrence, I see it constantly. In October 2025, a wreck near Vicksburg, Mississippi, involving a truck with markings tied to this same network prompted another wave of documentation. The trucks name on the side was immediately recognized. As one driver reported: MHP is telling my driver may be after midnight before its clear. Notice the name on the side of the truck gotta be innocent loss of life. Advertisement Advertisement Tuesdays crash in Indiana is not a discovery. Its an indictment of a system that failed to act on information already available to anyone willing to look. What Chameleon Carriers Actually Are Before I lay out what weve found, let me be clear about something that gets lost in every one of these conversations: chameleon carrier identification is not just about a shared address. A chameleon carrier operation is about concealment. Its about constructing a network of entities designed to evade regulatory detection and enforcement. The connective tissue can be any combination of shared Vehicle Identification Numbers moving between authorities, common officers or registered agents across multiple DOT numbers, identical or overlapping phone numbers and email addresses, the same branding and logos regardless of which company name appears on the door, common insurance brokers and policies, shared Electronic Logging Device infrastructure, overlapping financial services and accounting providers, coordinated recruitment pipelines from the same geographic origin, sequential authority registrations suggesting pre-planned entity creation, and shared terminal facilities where multiple authorities operate from the same physical location. In this network, we found all of those indicators. All of them. The Network (An Abridged Version) Sam Express Inc. (USDOT 3235924) is based in Palatine, Illinois. Its primary officer is listed as Saipidin Tutashov. Advertisement Advertisement Read that last name again: Tutashov. Now look at these carriers: Sam Express Inc (USDOT 3235924) lists Saipidin Tutashov as the primary officer out of Palatine, Illinois. Tutash Express Inc (USDOT 3487141) lists Syrazhidin Zhalaldin Uulu in South Holland. Tutash Express 1 LLC (USDOT 4005857), whose authority was involuntarily revoked, lists Sultan D Musaev in Hoffman Estates. KG Line Group Inc (USDOT 3487333) lists Mirlanbek Murzapazylov in Streamwood, the same man photographed wearing a Sam Express polo at a broker summit. AJ Partners LLC (USDOT 3617842) lists Isabek Arystankulov in Hoffman Estates. Two newly identified carriers extend the pattern: ITSMARTOFU LLC (USDOT 3533458, MC 1333060) is active in Palos Hills with a 50% driver out-of-service rate and 33.3% vehicle out-of-service rate. SANGAM TRANSPORT INC (USDOT 3589101, MC 1213164) in Mt Prospect lists Azamat Kenjebaev as primary officer and carries a 66.7% vehicle out-of-service rate. KG Line Groups insurance policy KMC1066158 is pending cancellation effective January 21, 2026. Tutash Express Inc (USDOT 3487141). Tutash Express 1 LLC (USDOT 4005857). Tutash Cargo LLC in Palatine. The network is literally named after the guy running Sam Express. They didnt even try to hide it. Each of those officer names is in Kyrgyz. These are names from Kyrgyzstan, the Central Asian nation whose phone number (+996) appears publicly on Sam Expresss website and social media. The driver who killed four people on Tuesday? Bekzhan Beishekeev. Also a Kyrgyz name. This isnt a coincidence. This is a pipeline. Carriers Identified Since our initial reporting, additional carriers have been identified as connected to, or exhibiting operational patterns similar to, this network. ITSMARTOFU LLC (USDOT 3533458, MC 1333060), based in Palos Hills, Illinois, carries a 50% driver out-of-service rate and a 33.3% vehicle out-of-service rate. No safety rating has been assigned. Advertisement Advertisement SANGAM TRANSPORT INC (USDOT 3589101, MC 1213164) out of Mt Prospect, Illinois, shows a 66.7% vehicle out-of-service rate. Two out of every three vehicles inspected were placed out of service. Its primary officer is Azamat Kenjebaev, another Kyrgyz name. Interestingly, a person with this name also appears on LinkedIn as a Linux System Administrator at a healthcare software company in Georgia. Whether this is the same individual or a coincidence, the pattern of non-trucking professionals appearing as officers on carrier registrations is itself a hallmark of chameleon operations. The Smoking Gun, A Photo, A Polo, and 139 Shared Trucks Mirlanbek Murzapazylov is listed as the primary officer of KG Line Group Inc, which claims to operate 310 trucks from a $610,000 residential home in Streamwood, Illinois. He was photographed at the Broker Carrier Summit in Orlando, Florida, wearing a Sam Express polo shirt. That photograph is wild because we know hes not actually Sam Express; he actually runs AJ Partners on paper. Federal carrier registration data shows that AJ Partners LLC (USDOT 3617842) has shared 139 Vehicle Identification Numbers with Tutash Express Inc (USDOT 3487141). AJ Partners has also shared 36 VINs with KG Line Group (USDOT 3487333). The same trucks, inspected under different DOT numbers. Thats the textbook definition of a chameleon carrier network. Advertisement Advertisement According to the Government Accountability Office, chameleon carriers are three times more likely to be involved in serious crashes than legitimate operators. From 2005 to 2010, the GAO found that 18% of carriers with chameleon attributes were involved in severe crashes, compared to just 6% of new applicants without those red flags. KG Line Group: Insurance Cancellation, Amazon Freight, and a Driver Who Cant Read English KG Line Group Inc (USDOT 3487333) now has two active risk factors flagged in federal safety data. Its insurance policy (KMC1066158) is pending cancellation effective January 21, 2026. It also has an ELP out-of-service history dating back to December 2025. The inspection record from November 26, 2025, tells a story that should alarm every shipper using this network. Inspection ID 86443266, conducted on I-80 westbound in Illinois, documented a KG Line Group driver hauling freight for Amazon who was placed out of service under 49 CFR 391.11(b)(2) because the driver could not read and speak the English language sufficiently to converse with the general public, to understand highway traffic signs and signals in the English language, to respond to official inquiries, and to make entries on reports and records. Advertisement Advertisement The same driver was also cited for speeding and improper lane change. The vehicle was a Volvo Truck with VIN 4V4KC9EH5FN181577. A driver operating an 80,000-pound truck on Interstate 80, hauling Amazon freight, could not communicate in English with law enforcement or read highway signs. Thats not a regulatory technicality. Thats an imminent safety hazard. And its operating under a carrier whose insurance is about to be cancelled. The Safety Record: 98+ Crashes and Counting Nearly a hundred crashes across a network of carriers sharing the same equipment, the same officers, the same Kyrgyz recruitment pipeline. And thats just whats documented. Thats just what made it into FMCSA databases. Tutash Express Inc leads the network with 1,803 inspections, 931 violations, 247 out-of-service orders, and 57 crashes in the past 24 months. KG Line Group follows with 544 inspections, 258 violations, 77 out-of-service orders, 11 crashes, and a 23.8% vehicle out-of-service rate. AJ Partners LLC has logged 417 inspections, 257 violations, 86 out-of-service orders, 10 crashes, and a 25.2% vehicle out-of-service rate failing one in four vehicle inspections. Tutash Express 1 LLC, despite only 4 inspections, has 3 crashes and a 100% vehicle out-of-service rate, every single vehicle inspected was placed out of service. The newly identified ITSMARTOFU LLC carries a 50% driver out-of-service rate and 33.3% vehicle out-of-service rate. SANGAM TRANSPORT INC fails vehicle inspections at a 66.7% clip, two out of every three trucks pulled over get parked. Across the documented network, the totals exceed 2,993 inspections, 1,552 violations, 439 out-of-service orders, and 91 crashes. The national average vehicle out-of-service rate is 22.26%. The national average driver out-of-service rate is 6.67%. Most of this network exceeds both. The Revoked Authority Still Reporting Mileage Tutash Express 1 LLC (USDOT 4005857) had its operating authority involuntarily revoked on July 26, 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Yet according to federal records, the carrier updated its MCS-150 form in January 2026, reported 128,962 miles driven in 2025, maintains a 100% vehicle out-of-service rate, has had 3 crashes despite only 4 inspections. The Federal Civil Complaint Calls It A Unified Fraudulent Enterprise A federal civil complaint filed in the Northern District of Illinois uses language that cuts to the core of this operation. It describes the network as a unified fraudulent enterprise in which nominally separate carriers operate as a single operation under common control. The complaint alleges a predatory leasing scheme in which drivers were promised 88% of gross revenue but received falsified rate confirmations showing lower amounts. Drivers were charged $14,000 or more in fuel deductions that exceeded what was physically possible given the miles driven. A 12% dispatch fee was deducted for services that were never actually provided independently. Drivers paid $250 per pay period for insurance policies that were voidable because they were operating under a different authority than the one listed on the policy. The complaint further alleges that when a driver operating under one authority in the network was involved in an incident, they would be transferred to a different authority within the same network, effectively resetting the safety record. The ELD Manipulation Problem Court filings reference HERO ELD, the electronic logging device used across this network, and allege that the device had backdoor capabilities allowing remote manipulation of Hours of Service records and Records of Duty Status. This means someone could alter a drivers legally mandated rest and drive-time records from a remote location. Advertisement Advertisement This isnt an isolated allegation. Since October 2025, FMCSA has removed 14 ELD devices from its registered list for non-compliance. Colorado State University research funded by the FMCSA found that ELD data manipulation is often undetected by roadside inspectors. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency has issued advisories about vulnerabilities in commercial ELD systems. The broader ELD integrity crisis makes the allegations in this case more credible, not less. The Insurance Question After I published the initial article on this network, I received a Facebook friend request at 2 AM from an individual connected to Essex Insurance Brokers LLC in Elk Grove Village, Illinois. Essex explicitly lists trucking insurance as a core service. His friends include those youd expect, most of the officers weve mentioned here. NAIC producer records show that Essex Insurance Brokers LLC (License #100287697), active since 2007, currently has no lines of authority assigned. A legitimate insurance brokerage placing commercial trucking policies needs, at a minimum, lines of authority in Casualty for auto liability. Without them, the entity shouldnt have binding coverage. Advertisement Advertisement A second individual connected to Essex, with a Kyrgyz background and a New York City area code, obtained his individual producer license in January 2025. The question isnt whether an insurance broker serves this community. The question is whether proper underwriting due diligence is being conducted when placing coverage for carriers with these safety profiles, shared VINs, and common-control indicators. The Ghost Offices Process servers attempting to serve legal documents on entities in this network have documented a pattern of evasion. Five attempts to reach the Streamwood residential address registered as the headquarters for 310 trucks were met with No English responses. The South Holland office was found empty. A Schaumburg suite associated with a related entity had already moved out. Federal regulations under 49 CFR require motor carriers to maintain a principal place of business where records are kept and management decisions are made. Try fitting 300 driver qualification files, 300 drug testing records, 300 hours-of-service logs, and 300 vehicle maintenance files in a suburban garage. Try conducting meaningful safety oversight from a kitchen table. The Terminal Network Multiple carriers in this network share terminal addresses: Terminal 1: South Holland, IL Tutash Express Inc (3487141), VIDMA Inc (2132319), and a truck repair shop operate from the same facility at 16647 Vincennes Ave. Terminal 2: Markham, IL DVL Express/Dovgal Express Inc (2192698, 152 trucks), and Tutash Express Inc all share space at 2064 W 167th St. Terminal 3: Joliet, IL Tutash Express Inc, KG Line Group Inc, Freenet Express (1331993), and Borcha Inc (4059241) share a facility at 10 Gougar Rd. Tutash Express appears at multiple terminals. Terminal 4: Streamwood, IL KG Line Group operates 310 trucks from a residential home at 312 English Oak Lane. The Kyrgyzstan Pipeline Sam Express Corp openly displays a Kyrgyzstan phone number on its website and social media: +996 997 77-55-55. The website shows both the American and the Kyrgyz flags. This isnt hidden. Its right there on their public Facebook page. It represents an active overseas dispatch operation and a driver recruitment pipeline connecting Kyrgyzstan to trucking operations in the Chicago area. Foreign driver recruitment is not illegal. Nearly 19% of American truck drivers are foreign-born. But when combined with shared equipment across multiple DOT numbers, officers whose names literally spell out other company names, residential addresses for 300-truck fleets, 100% vehicle out-of-service rates, revoked authorities still reporting mileage, drivers who cant read English hauling interstate freight, and 91-plus crashes across the network, it paints a picture of a sophisticated operation designed to evade regulatory oversight. The driver, who is held on an ICE detainer in Jay County, came from Philadelphia. The mutual Facebook friend of the insurance broker who contacted me operates an ELD service out of Philadelphia. The Kyrgyz community in the Chicago-to-Philadelphia corridor is more than a cultural connection. Its infrastructure. Said ELD service has a contact at @gmail.com yes, a legitimate ELD provider uses a @gmail.com email address and promotes 24-hour customer service support to help with your ELD-related issues. The Broader Carrier Web Beyond the core network, additional entities are under review: Beyond the core network, additional entities are under review. DVL Express, also known as Dovgal Express Inc (USDOT 2192698), operates 152 trucks from the same Markham terminal at 2064 W 167th St by Tutash Express. VIDMA Inc (USDOT 2132319) shares the same South Holland address as Tutash Express: 16647 Vincennes Ave, Freenet Express (USDOT 1331993), and Borcha Inc (USDOT 4059241) all share the Joliet terminal at 10 Gougar Rd with Tutash Express and KG Line Group. Tutash Cargo LLC in Palatine is facing revocation by the authority, another Tutash-named entity in the same geographic cluster. And 1st Choice Logistics LLC (USDOT 3239052), the carrier of record for the vehicle involved in Tuesdays fatal crash, remains under review. The California expansion continues through Ruslanbek Olzhebaev, who serves as the registered agent for Tutash Express Inc.s California filing, as well as for EMIRKHAN LLC and A J Trucking Partners LLC. What This Means for Shippers For now, until we get a verdict in the Montgomery Supreme Court Case, under federal regulations, shippers are responsible for selecting carriers with adequate safety records. Brokers have affirmative obligations to verify carrier authority and insurance. When a carriers insurance is pending cancellation, when its drivers are being placed out of service at rates three times the national average, and when 139 trucks are inspected under multiple DOT numbers, the question of due diligence becomes unavoidable. What FMCSA Can Do The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has tools to address chameleon carriers. ARCHI screens new applicants by matching registration data against existing carriers to identify common addresses, phone numbers, names, emails, and VINs. Safety Fitness Determinations can result in out-of-service orders. Common Ownership Reviews can examine whether multiple authorities share management, drivers, or equipment. The problem is volume. FMCSA granted 109,340 new carrier authorities in 2021 alone, an 84% increase from the previous year. The bad actors know the system is overwhelmed. They register multiple authorities, such as burner phones, use them until they get hot, then switch to the next one. This network isnt hiding. The logo is on every truck. The officers names spell out the company names. The Kyrgyzstan phone number is on the website. The VINs cross-reference across multiple DOT numbers in FMCSAs own databases. The only question is whether anyone with enforcement authority is willing to act on whats already visible. The Community Response Whats different in 2026 is the investigator ecosystem. FreightX, which includes people like me, Danielle Chaffin, and Justin Martin, is a community that doesnt wait for government action. Independent compliance or research professionals, owner-operators, safety advocates, and investigative journalists now have access to FMCSA safety data, GenLogs visual intelligence, state corporate records, and federal court filings. The information asymmetry that chameleon carriers relied on for decades is eroding. As one FreightX member posted after identifying that all three companies mentioned in a December 2025 incident were from this network: The only one still active, for now, is the first one, KG Line Group. Given KG Line Groups pending insurance cancellation, that may not last either. This investigation will continue. Illinois Secretary of State corporate filings, FMCSA inspection records with VIN cross-references, federal court documents from the Northern District of Illinois, and additional carrier data are all under review. The network is larger than what has been published. It reaches into insurance, ELD devices, dispatch training, accounting services, and recruitment. Four men are dead. Ninety-one-plus crashes are on the books. Hundreds of trucks are operating under multiple identities. Someone has to answer for this. SOURCES AND DATA Crash Details: Indiana State Police Press Release, Feb 4, 2026; The Commercial Review (Portland, IN); WANE 15 (Fort Wayne, IN); TheTrucker.com Federal Safety Data: FMCSA SAFER Database, FMCSA SMS Safety Measurement System, Carrier registration and inspection records accessed February 2026 GAO Reports: GAO-12-364 (March 2012); GAO-15-433T (March 2015) VIN Crossover Data: AJ Partners LLC / Tutash Express Inc: 139 shared VINs; AJ Partners LLC / KG Line Group Inc: 36 shared VINs Federal Court Filing: N.D. Illinois civil complaint; Commercial Credit Group Inc v. Dovgal Express Inc et al (N.D. Ill. 2024) Community Intelligence: FreightX community documentation; GenLogs carrier intelligence platform Insurance Records: NAIC Producer Lookup; FMCSA L&I Public Insurance Database Inspection Referenced: ID 86443266, KG Line Group Inc, 11/26/2025, I-80 WB Illinois, Shipper: Amazon, VIN: 4V4KC9EH5FN181577 Last updated: February 5, 2026 The post The Chameleon Network Behind the Indiana Crash That Left Four Dead Is an Old, Tired Story appeared first on FreightWaves. One of the Chinese Navy's powerful amphibious assault ships has been pictured with a new type of stealth drone, according to a report. The advanced drone spotted on the Sichuan ship could be Chinas fixed-wing stealth attack drone, claimed the report. China's 40,000-ton Sichuan warship with an advanced stealth drone could be entering the large drone testing phase of its sea trials. Naval variant of the Chinese stealth attack drone GJ-11 The Sichuans first sea trial in November last year verified power and electrical systems. After its completion, the manufacturer China State Shipbuilding Corporation released a computer-generated concept image of the vessel on social media. Song Zhongping, a military analyst and former PLA instructor, pointed out that at least six GJ-21 aircraft the naval variant of the Chinese stealth attack drone GJ-11 were visible on the deck in the concept image, reported SCMP. Advertisement Advertisement The GJ-21 is a Chinese stealth unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) developed to expand the Peoples Liberation Armys long-range strike, surveillance, and naval aviation capabilities. It is widely regarded as a navalized successor to earlier Chinese stealth drone programs, optimized for operation from large surface ships equipped with advanced launch systems. https://twitter.com/OpenEyeComms/status/2018973101225038150 Designed for catapult-assisted takeoff Reports have revealed that the GJ-21 is believed to be designed for catapult-assisted takeoff, particularly from vessels equipped with electromagnetic launch systems. This makes it well suited for deployment from future Chinese carriers and large amphibious assault ships such as the Type 076. Recovery is expected to use arresting gear, similar to conventional carrier aircraft, enabling repeated operations at sea, according to reports. The drone was spotted on the Sichuan, which is the lead vessel of Chinas Type 076 amphibious assault ship class, a new generation platform designed to significantly expand the Peoples Liberation Army Navys expeditionary and aviation capabilities. It represents a major evolution beyond earlier Chinese amphibious ships. Uncrewed combat aircraft capable of collaborating with manned fighter jets It is also the Chinese militarys first confirmed uncrewed combat aircraft capable of collaborating with manned fighter jets. Last November, the PLA Air Force released a video showing a GJ-11 flying alongside and linked with a J-20 stealth fighter. The GJ-21 naval variant appeared at Chinas Victory Day parade in September. Beijing said that all of the equipment displayed at the event was in service, reported SCMP. The ship is equipped with electromagnetic launch and recovery technology, marking the first known use of such systems on an amphibious assault ship worldwide. The vessel is capable of operating helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles, and potentially fixed-wing aircraft. The electromagnetic system is widely assessed to be particularly suited for large drones and future unmanned combat aircraft. This capability places the ship conceptually between a traditional landing helicopter dock and a light aircraft carrier. BEIJING, Feb 5 (Reuters) - China opposes any country undermining the international economic and trade order through rules imposed by small groups, the Chinese foreign ministry said on Thursday, after the United States unveiled plans for a preferential trade bloc of allies for critical minerals. "Maintaining an open, inclusive, and universally beneficial international trade environment is in the common interest of all countries," ministry spokesperson Lin Jian told a regular press briefing. (Reporting by Mei Mei Chu; editing by Philippa Fletcher) The new Project Vault critical minerals stockpile launched by the White House and the U.S. Export-Import Bank is absolutely needed, but it represents just the first step of many to break Chinas supply-chain dominance of minerals, including rare earths, over several years to come, industry analysts said. The plans for the emergency national stockpile of certain critical minerals, announced Feb. 2, comes after the Trump administration already has taken the unusual step of making direct investments in several U.S. and Canadian critical minerals mining and processing companies over the past 10 months. While supply-chain disruptions began showing up during the COVID-19 pandemic, the beginning of a tariff trade war with China last year triggered the weaponization of the dominance it had built up over several decades in critical minerals mining, processing, and magnet-manufacturing supply chains. Specific minerals, especially the 17 rare earths metals, are vital to manufacturing everything from military equipment to cars to high-powered computing and data centers, said Charles Boakye, energy sustainability and transition analyst at Jefferies. Is [Project Vault] needed? Absolutely, Boakye told Fortune. Will it be effective? I think we need to wait and see. The initial signs are definitely promising, but the bottleneck is not just the mining and sourcing; its also the processing. Even if the U.S. can stockpile many of these materials, how and who is going to do the processing depending on the end-use applications? Boakye called the stockpile a first big step of many needed to break Chinas stranglehold over the next three to seven years, at least. This is not a nationalization of U.S. minerals, but it comes very close to that. Its state capitalism and its industrial policy. The project has been compared by some to the 50-year-old U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve, which currently holds 415 million barrels of crude oil in underground salt caverns in Texas and Louisiana. That reserve was started in response to the 1973 Arab oil embargo. Commodities trading houses that have agreed to procure the minerals for the stockpiles include Hartree Partners, Mercuria, and Traxys. The initial $12 billion effort for the U.S. Strategic Minerals Reserve includes a $10 billion direct Ex-Im Bank loan and $2 billion in private sector investment, President Trump said. For years, American businesses have risked running out of critical minerals during market disruptions, Trump said in a brief video announcement. Just as we have long had a Strategic Petroleum Reservewere now creating this reserve for American industry, so we dont have any problems. Chinas Hong Kong and Macau affairs office issued a scathing criticism of the Panama Supreme Courts ruling that CK Hutchisons contract to operate two Panama Canal-adjacent ports is unconstitutionalfurther ramping up international rhetoric surrounding the future of the gateways. The ruling is legally absurd, logically flawed and utterly ridiculous, the office said, calling the court decision truly shameful and pathetic. More from Sourcing Journal Advertisement Advertisement The office said Panama would pay a heavy price both politically and economically from the decision, emphasizing that the country would lose its credibility among international investors and damage the interests of Chinese and Hong Kong-based companies in the region. The port concession agreement was signed fairly and voluntarily by both parties and has been approved by multiple Panamanian governments and Congresses, the statement read. The fact that Panama has now ruled the contract unconstitutional means that it can similarly rule other concession agreements approved at any time in the future as unconstitutional. Panamas President Jose Raul Mulino firmly rejected the statement from Hong Kong and Macau. Panama is a rule-of-law state and respects the decisions of the judicial branch, which is independent of the central government, said Mulino in a post on X Wednesday morning. Advertisement Advertisement According to the president, Panamas foreign ministry will issue a statement on the matter and adopt the corresponding decisions. Panama Ports Company (PPC), the CK Hutchison subsidiary that operates both the Balboa and Cristobal ports, said Wednesday that it has begun arbitration proceedings against Panama. The company is seeking extensive damages on its allegations that the Republic of Panama breached the 25-year contract extension, which was signed in 2021. PPC has managed the twin ports since 1997, but a government audit at the gateways early last year found contractual irregularities that allegedly cost Panama $1.3 billion in revenues over that timeframe. In its statement, the PPC said Panamas ruling was a reversal of its longstanding positions regarding the contracts legal framework. Advertisement Advertisement Additionally, the company claimed that the Panamanian government routinely disregarded communications, efforts to consult and requests for clarity over the past year as it aimed to quell the dispute. The Supreme Courts ruling and the ensuing legal action from the Hong Kong-based port operator follow a year that has brought the Panama Canal and both ports under the microscope from both the U.S. and China. U.S. President Donald Trump and his administration have made it a goal to rid the canal of Chinese influence, with the Commander in Chief asserting the U.S. would take back the canal it conceded to Panama in 1999. Last March, Hutchison entered a deal to sell 43 ports including the two Panama terminals to Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) and hedge fund BlackRock for $23 billion. But the inclusion of BlackRock, an American company, concerned Chinese officials. Advertisement Advertisement Chinas antitrust regulator launched an investigation into the deal, soon putting it on thin ice. Later in the year, the Chinese government reportedly demanded that state-owned ocean carrier Cosco Shipping get a controlling stake in the acquisition or it would block it. By voiding Hutchisons contract, such a transaction would not be able to take place, giving what some would call a victory to the U.S. and Trump. PPC said the Panamanian government has broadly deployed steps to take over the operations of the two ports since last Friday, even though the official court ruling has yet to be published. As part of the port transition plan, PPC says the government has made unexpected site visits and instructed the company to provide it unrestricted access to physical, commercial and intellectual property. Advertisement Advertisement Maersk-owned APM Terminals is supposed to assume control of the Balboa and Cristobal ports in the interim term, but a date has not been set and will only be established when the Supreme Court finalizes the ruling. APM is expected to operate the terminals until a new concession can be bid on and awarded. Shortly after the high courts decision, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the U.S. was encouraged by the ruling. Support also came from House Select Committee on China Chairman John Moolenaar (R-Mich.), who called it a win for America, Panama and all of our allies. In a press conference Wednesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said U.S. representatives words and actions illustrate the countrys Cold War mentality and ideological bias. By Colleen Howe and Ethan Wang BEIJING, Feb 5 (Reuters) - Three Chinese lawmakers with ties to the defence sector have been removed from their positions, state media said in the wake of an investigation of the nation's top general, just as Beijing tries to modernise its military. The announcement on Wednesday evening by the Xinhua news agency did not give a reason for the dismissals or say that the lawmakers, who are from the defence, aerospace and nuclear industries, were under investigation. Advertisement Advertisement In President Xi Jinpings years-long corruption purge, the defence ministry said on January 24 it was investigating General Zhang Youxia - second only to Xi in China's military leadership - over suspected "serious violations of discipline and law". The probe of Zhang, seen as a top Xi ally, meant the U.S. lost a respected, well-known contact within China's military as successive U.S. administrations have worked to build senior-level ties to avoid mishaps between the world's two most powerful militaries. The sacked lawmakers are Zhou Xinmin, the former head of state-owned conglomerate Aviation Industry Corp of China, which produces most of China's military aircraft and drones, longtime nuclear-weapons researcher Liu Cangli and Luo Qi, chief engineer of state-owned nuclear-power giant China National Nuclear Corp. The provincial governments responsible for the lawmakers' dismissals did not immediately respond to faxed requests for comment. Advertisement Advertisement The dismissals were announced a month before China's legislature, the National People's Congress, convenes for its yearly meeting, marking the start of a five-year planning cycle for the ruling Communist Party. Xi wants China, the world's biggest military spender after the United States, to achieve what he calls full military modernisation by 2035, although the U.S. Pentagon has said that corruption in the military's ranks could be impeding progress toward that goal. Zhou was named AVIC chairman in March 2024, but his name is no longer on the company's website. The day before his removal, AVIC held a meeting on anti-corruption, the company said on social media. Zhou is also a former top executive at Shanghai-based planemaker COMAC. Former AVIC head Tan Ruisong was expelled from the party for corruption in February 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Liu ran the China Academy of Engineering Physics from 2015 to 2024 and had long conducted nuclear weapons research, according to his biography on the website of the Chinese Society of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics. (Reporting by Colleen Howe and Ethan Wang; Editing by William Mallard) BEIJING, Feb 5 (Reuters) - The Chinese foreign ministry said on Thursday that the expiration of the U.S.-Russia arms treaty was regrettable, and urged the U.S. to resume dialogue with Russia on "strategic stability". The New START treaty expired at the close of Wednesday, marking the end of over half a century of limits on both sides' strategic nuclear weapons. Russia said on Wednesday it was open to security talks but would resolutely counter any new "threats". China regrets the expiration of the New START Treaty, as the treaty is of great significance to maintaining global strategic stability, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said. Advertisement Advertisement The international community is generally concerned that the expiration of the treaty will have a negative impact on the international nuclear arms control system and the global nuclear order. Russia had suggested that both sides continue to honor the treatys core limits, and the Chinese foreign ministry urged Washington to respond constructively. China calls on the United States to respond positively, handle the treatys followup arrangements responsibly, and resume strategic stability dialogue with Russia as soon as possible. This is also the general expectation of the international community, Lin said. The Chinese foreign ministry reiterated that it adheres strictly to a selfdefence nuclear strategy. Advertisement Advertisement China has consistently adhered to a self-defense nuclear strategy, abided by the policy of no first use of nuclear weapons and has made unconditional commitments not to use or threaten to use nuclear weapons against nonnuclearweapon states or nuclearweaponfree zones, Lin said, adding that China keeps its arsenal at the minimum level needed for national security. Lin added that its nuclear forces are far smaller than those of Washington and Moscow and reiterated it would not join their bilateral armsreduction talks. Chinas nuclear forces are not on the same level as those of the United States and Russia, and China will not participate in disarmament negotiations at this stage, Lin said. The White House said this week that President Donald Trump would decide the way forward on nuclear arms control, which he would "clarify on his own timeline". (Reporting by Mei Mei Chu; writing by Ryan Woo and Jessie Pang; Editing by Jacqueline Wong and Sharon Singleton) Our city is being taken from us: West Palmers protest as masters of the universe convene Good afternoon! Welcome to West Palm Pulse your weekly newsletter about central Palm Beach County. Downtown West Palm was replete with so-called masters of the universe this week tech and finance titans who make the U.S. economy go round. The global investment confab was the making of (who else?) Stephen Ross, the citys biggest developer, who agreed to sponsor the Wall Street Journals WSJ Invest Live conference in town as part of his effort to promote the city as Americas next big thing. Activists crash the party About 50 protesters marched through CityPlace in downtown West Palm Beach on Feb. 2 to oppose a global financial conference taking place there operated by the Wall Street Journal and sponsored by Related Ross. But downtown was full of something else, too: protesters. Waving signs and chanting, 50 of them marched through CityPlace to the Eataly food hall where the conference was getting underway. Advertisement Advertisement They were there to protest the conference as a harbinger of things to come: more finance and tech firms moving to the area, displacing middle-class residents and the businesses that cater to them. Were being forced to watch as our city is being taken from us and handed over to billionaires and corporations, protester Dominick Arrieux said. Mayor echoes affordability concerns West Palm Beach Mayor Keith James waves during his annual "State of the City" speech at a Jan. 29 breakfast event held by the Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches at the Palm Beach County Convention Center. Protesters are hardly the only ones raising concerns about the potential negative impacts of West Palm Beachs growth on the citys current residents. Even Mayor Keith James, a regular cheerleader of Rosss projects and vision, told business leaders at his annual State of the City address that affordability concerns should stay top of mind. Advertisement Advertisement Our progress only matters if the people who power this city can afford to live in this city, he said. As guiding principles go, it's an easy applause line. For him and other city leaders, though, seeing it through is likely to prove more challenging. --- Andrew Marra This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Our city is being taken from us: West Palmers protest WSJ Live event The City of Social Circle says plans to turn a building within city limits into an ICE detention facility are moving forward. City leaders say they had a call with Congressman Mike Collins and his staff on Wednesday. They said that Collins staff informed them that a property owned by New York City-based PNK Group is currently in escrow and is moving toward a final purchase by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Once purchased, city leaders say they were told that DHS intends to convert the building into a detention facility for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Advertisement Advertisement They say Collins said Social Circle was initially being considered as an alternative location, but has since been identified as a preferred site. City leaders say they have not been asked for or provided any input related to the facility. RELATED STORIES: Last month, Mayor David Keener pushed back, telling Channel 2s Brittany Kleinpeter that an ICE facility is just not right for Social Circle. He says the facility could hold anywhere from 5,000 to 10,000 detainees, would more than triple the citys population. Advertisement Advertisement Weve looked at the number of beds required, the amount of water and sewer that would be needed, and we simply dont have the capacity, Keener said. We also dont have the police force to support something of that scale. Collins shared a statement on social media on Wednesday saying that he agrees that Social Circle is not the right location for the facility. Although I am aligned with the mission of ICE to detain and deport the criminal illegal aliens who have flooded across our border due to Joe Bidens reckless policies, I agree with the community that Social Circle does not have the sufficient resources that this facility would require, he wrote. City leaders say they have requested all of the information provided by Collins and a timeline be provided in writing. Advertisement Advertisement They say Collins and his staff indicated that housing at the facility could begin as early as April. PNK Group shared a statement with Channel 2 Action News saying several buyers are interested, but did not confirm if the federal government is one of those buyers. PNK Group currently owns the property at 1365 East Hightower Trail; however, the building is actively being offered for sale and several potential buyers have expressed interest. Because this is a sales transaction, any future use of the property will be determined solely by the eventual purchaser and will be subject to the required local review and approval processes. PNK will not have any role in operational decisions once the property is sold. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] The Gaitanist Army of Colombia (EGC), the countrys largest criminal organisation, has announced it will temporarily suspend peace talks in Qatar after Colombian President Gustavo Petro reportedly pledged to target its leader. In a social media post on Wednesday, the EGC, sometimes referred to as the Gulf Clan, indicated the suspension would continue until it received updates from the Petro administration. By order of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the EGC delegation at the negotiating table will temporarily suspend talks with the government to consult and clarify the veracity of the information, the group wrote in a statement on X. Advertisement Advertisement If the media reports are true, this would be a violation of good faith and the Doha commitments. Colombias Defence Minister Pedro Sanchez confirmed the reports later on Wednesday, sharing a list of three drug kingpins that Petros administration would prioritise as high-level targets. Among the three targets was the EGCs leader, Jesus Avila Villadiego, alias Chiquito Malo. A reward for his capture was set at 5 billion Colombian pesos, equivalent to $1.37m. The other two kingpins included top rebel commanders identified only by their aliases: Ivan Mordisco and Pablito. The public announcement echoes a private one cemented during a closed-door meeting on Tuesday at the White House, when Petro met United States President Donald Trump in person for the first time. Advertisement Advertisement For months, Trump has pressured the Petro administration to take more aggressive action to combat narcotics trafficking out of Colombia. In response, Petro and his team presented the Trump administration on Tuesday with a dossier on their counter-narcotics operations titled, Colombia: Americas #1 Ally Against Narcoterrorists. The presentation featured statistics on cocaine seizures, programmes to eradicate coca crops, and the high-level arrests and killings of drug lords. But the commitment to collaborate with the US in the pursuit of Chiquito Malos arrest has thrown negotiations with the EGC into peril. Advertisement Advertisement It has also raised questions about the future of Petros signature policy, Total Peace, which was designed to open talks with rebel groups and criminal networks in an effort to halt Colombias six-decade-long internal conflict. The EGC is a major criminal group with almost 10,000 members, according to a recent report by the Ideas for Peace Foundation. In December, the US also designated the group as a foreign terrorist organisation, as part of its ongoing efforts to crack down on drug trafficking. The EGC has been engaged in high-level discussions with the Colombian government in Doha since September 2025. The two parties signed a commitment to peace on December 5, which outlined a roadmap to the EGC putting down arms. Advertisement Advertisement The first step towards demobilisation was for the group to gather its forces in temporary zones, beginning in March. The government had suspended arrest warrants in December for EGC commanders, including Chiquito Malo, who were due to move to these areas. But the governments plans to detain the drug lord, declared yesterday at the White House, destabilised this process, according to analysts. [The EGC] interpret this as a direct threat where, if any commander who has arrest warrants goes to the temporary zones, he runs a high risk, said Gerson Arias, a conflict and security investigator at the Ideas for Peace Foundation, a Bogota-based think tank. The Colombian Supreme Court in January approved Chiquito Malos extradition to the US in the eventuality of his capture, but the final decision to extradite him resides with the president. Advertisement Advertisement By declaring the drug lord a target at the White House, Petro signalled support for capturing and extraditing the EGC commander. Potential US involvement in the operation also appears to have unsettled the criminal organisation, according to experts. It is very different for Chiquito Malo to be pursued solely by the Colombian government than for him to become a target of joint strategic value involving US intelligence, said Laura Bonilla, a deputy director at the Peace and Reconciliation Foundation, a Colombian think tank. Although the EGC suspended its peace talks on Wednesday, it stressed that it remained open to resuming negotiations. Advertisement Advertisement It should be clarified that the suspension is temporary, not permanent, which indicates that they [the talks] will resume shortly, a lawyer for the group, Ricardo Giraldo, told Al Jazeera. Giraldo added that, for talks to continue, the EGC requires that legal and personal security guarantees and the commitments agreed upon in Doha, Qatar, are fulfilled. Cook County is the second largest county in the country, with a massive budget. For the past 16 years, Toni Preckwinkle has been in charge. As she seeks her fifth term as Cook County board president, Chicago Alderman Brenden Reilly may be her toughest opponent yet. Supporters chanted "four more years" Wednesday for Cook County Board President Preckwinkle, as they have for all her campaigns. Dozens of South and West Side clergy members are backing Preckwinkle for one more term. Advertisement Advertisement "We've had balanced budgets for 15 years. We haven't raised property taxes," Preckwinkle said. "I think that's a great record." Preckwinkle's opponent for the Democrat primary says the candidate he supported for several years has stayed in office too long. Ald. Reilly is centering his campaign around what he calls a failed county contract with Tyler Technologies to update the county computer systems. "11 years and millions of dollars later, it still doesn't work," Reilly said. With a new campaign advertisement out Wednesday, Reilly says the flawed technology caused late property tax bills which resulted in late revenue for school districts, including Chicago Public Schools. Advertisement Advertisement "They had to go out and take payday loans to cover their operating costs to the tune of $120 million in interest, and that's basically a new property tax increase on homeowners next year, paying for the interest, because county couldn't do it, basic job of getting bills out on time," Reilly said. RELATED | 2026 primary elections: Voter information in Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin Preckwinkle's says at the time of signing the contract, Tyler Technologies was the only company to do the job. She says the situation has been fixed. "Bills will be out and due on April 1, there will be no further delays," Preckwinkle said. Advertisement Advertisement While admitting there were problems, Preckwinkle is more focused on how she brought Cook County into the 21st century. "When I came to this job we were documenting court cases with carbon paper," Preckwinkle said. Despite the improvements she has made in 16 years, Reilly accuses Preckwinkle of bloated budgets. The race is expected to be a competitive one, with political experts giving Preckwinkle the edge. "She's going to be able to rely on not only her stability, not only her record, but being very well known and being very powerful in the county for very, very long time. And I think that's going to be an asset," ABC7 Political Analyst Laura Washington said. While Reilly may be giving Preckwinkle a run for her money, as the chair of the Cook County Democratic Party, Preckwinkle likely has a leg up in fundraising and the ability to get her base out to vote. As countries step up their use of internet shutdowns to muzzle dissent, some are also taking advantage of the blackouts to increase censorship firewalls, internet privacy company Proton warned in an interview with AFP. Switzerland-based Proton, known for its encrypted email and virtual private network (VPN) services, has for years observed how authoritarian governments apply "censorship as a playbook", lead product manager Antonio Cesarano told AFP in a recent interview. But increasingly they are observing governments in countries like Iran and Myanmar emerging from internet shutdowns with a supercharged ability to censor internet access. Advertisement Advertisement VPNs delivered by Proton and others provide a secure, encrypted connection over the internet between a user and a server, giving users greater anonymity and often allowing them to avoid local restrictions on internet use. But now the company worries governments are using long blackouts to beef up their ability to counter VPNs. In several cases, Cesarano said that internet shutdowns saw countries' censorship capabilities "going from nothing, or something laughable, to something very skilled". - 'Censorship as service' - Proton's VPN general manager David Peterson said in an email that this sudden jump in capabilities could indicate that "censorship as a service" technology "is being sold by other countries that have more know-how". Advertisement Advertisement "For example, over the past couple of years, we've seen the Chinese 'great firewall' technology used by Myanmar, Pakistan, and some African nations," he said. The trend is emerging as the willingness to impose total internet shutdowns is also growing, warned Proton, which runs a non-profit VPN Observatory that tracks demand for its free VPN services to detect government crackdowns and attacks on free speech. Cesarano, who serves as spokesman for Proton's internet censorship and online freedom work, pointed out that the extreme and once almost unthinkable measure has "happened three times in six months". He highlighted the latest dramatic shutdown in Iran, when the country's more than 90 million people were forced offline for nearly three weeks, obscuring a crackdown on country-wide protests which rights groups say killed thousands of people. Advertisement Advertisement There was also the weeklong shutdown implemented in Uganda in the days prior to the elections last month, and Afghanistan's internet and telecoms blackout last year. Iran also completely shuttered the internet for a week last June amid the conflict with Israel. - VPN 'honeypots' - Blacking out the internet completely was "very concerning, because it is very extreme", Cesarano said, pointing out that a country's entire economy basically grinds to a halt when the internet shuts down. "It's very dangerous and costly for the population," he said. Cesarano said Proton was in contact with NGOs in the field working with people on how to counter censorship by educating them on what VPNs are, how to use them, and which ones to pick. Advertisement Advertisement "It is a cat and mouse game," he said. In some countries like Myanmar, where VPN use is illegal, the authorities deploy fake VPNs "as honeypots" to detect dissidents, he said. In Myanmar and other countries, police may also stop people on the streets and search their phones for VPNs. Proton spokesman Vincent Darricarrere said the company had therefore launched a special feature "to disguise the VPN app and to disguise it as a different app, like a weather app or the calculator", to help people escape detection. There is certainly appetite for using VPNs to try to sidestep censorship. Advertisement Advertisement The VPN Observatory can predict that a clampdown is coming from spikes in sign-ups, said Cesarano. "When we see something on our infrastructure, we can predict that something is happening," he said, pointing to "huge spikes in demand" seen in countries like Iran, Uganda, Russia and Myanmar even before the crunch comes. Right before Iran's latest internet shutdown took effect on January 8, the VPN Observatory noted a 1,000-percent rise in use of Proton's VPN services over the baseline, indicating an awareness of the coming clampdown. And it saw an 890-percent hike in VPN sign-ups in Uganda in the days before last month's elections as the government signalled a suspension of public internet was looming. VPN usage also surged in Venezuela at the start of this year, jumping 770 percent in the days after the US ousted long-term president Nicolas Maduro, according to the observatory. nl/rjm/rl/mjw PANAMA CITY A couple involved in a 2025 road rage shooting that killed Georgeann Garner, 48, and injured another has been found guilty. On Feb. 22, 2025, Jubal Simmons, 24, was the passenger in a truck driven by Ivybella Encino, 21. The duo was stopped at the red light at Harrison Avenue and U.S. 231 with an SUV in front of them. In what appeared to be a bout of road rage, the pair began arguing with the occupants of the SUV. Encino was "irrate" with the driver of the SUV, Garner, according to the Panama City Police Department. A later release from the state attorney's office says Encino believed Garner had cut her off in heavy traffic. Advertisement Advertisement This escalated into a brief altercation between Garner's daughter, Marileigh Lewis, 19, from the other vehicle, and Encino. When the light turned green, the SUV's occupants returned to their car. Encino drove the truck around to the side of Garner's vehicle. This is when Simmons displayed his handgun and told the victims he would kill them, saying, I dont care to do 100 years," according to a police report. Simmons then fired 11 rounds into the SUV, striking Garner and Lewis in the chest. Garner was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at the hospital, and her daughter was in critical condition. Encino and Simmons took off and were chased by law enforcement, ending with them ramming into a PCPD patrol car. Encino was taken into custody without incident, while Simmons fled on foot; officers caught him a short distance away. Advertisement Advertisement The three-day trial of Simmons and Encino began on Jan. 27 and ended on Jan. 29, with Simmons being found guilty as charged on all counts, and Encino guilty as charged on all but one count. Simmons was found guilty of second-degree murder with a firearm, three counts of attempted second-degree murder with a firearm, two counts of shooting into an occupied vehicle, and one count of discharging a firearm from a vehicle. Prosecutor Peter Overstreet at the sentencing of John Edwards Powers on June 12, who killed one person and severely injured two others while driving drunk in 2021. Family members of victims are in the background. Encino was found guilty of accessory after the fact to attempted second-degree murder, accessory after the fact to shooting into an occupied vehicle, and fleeing and attempting to elude. She was found not guilty of battery against a law enforcement officer. According to a new release from the prosecutor's office, it took the jury less than 90 minutes after closing arguments to come to a decision. Encino and Simmons were tried together with separate attorneys. Advertisement Advertisement More local news: One dead, one critically injured in Panama City road-rage shooting. Two suspects arrested What happened at that intersection was an absolute tragedy, prosecutor Frank Sullivan told jurors. Most importantly, every single witness that you heard agreed that they thought the altercation was over. Sentencing is set for Feb. 20 at 9 a.m. This article originally appeared on The News Herald: Panama City road rage shooting: Couple found guilty in fatal incident A serious crash left a pickup truck partially dangling off the side of the deck of the Zakim Bridge in Boston on Thursday morning. Aerial video of the crash showed the truck perched on a snowbank and fencing in a precarious position, with a front tire hanging over a concrete wall on the northbound side of the highway. MassDOT said the right lane at Exit 19 was closed due to the crash, which occured around 5:30 a.m. on a part of the bridge that runs above the Bunker Hill Community College campus in Charlestown. Before the crash, the pickup truck driver reportedly swerved to avoid hitting a disabled vehicle, a spokesperson for the Massachusetts State Police told Boston 25. Advertisement Advertisement There was no immediate word on the drivers injuries. A heavy-duty tow rotator truck was called to secure the pickup truck. Morning commuters were slowly making their way past the crash in the left lanes because the right lane was closed to accommodate the emergency response. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Zakim Bridge is a single-level, 10-lane cable-stayed bridge. It features a unique 183-foot-wide deck carrying four lanes each way of Interstate 93. There were no additional details immediately available. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW NEW YORK (AP) The Small Business Administration said in a policy note that green card holders won't be allowed to apply for SBA loans, effective March 1. The move is the latest by the SBA as it works to tighten loan restrictions and restructure the agency. Last year, it tightened a requirement that businesses applying for loans must be 100% owned by U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or lawful permanent residents, up from a 51% standard. In December, it issued a policy note that said up to 5% of a business could be non-citizen owned. But the current policy rescinds that, as well as making lawful permanent residents ineligible, too. The Trump SBA is committed to driving economic growth and job creation for American citizens which is why, effective March 1, the agency will no longer guarantee loans for small businesses owned by foreign nationals," said SBA spokesperson Maggie Clemmons in an emailed statement. Across every program, the SBA is ensuring that every taxpayer dollar entrusted to this agency goes to support U.S. job creators and innovators. The SBA doesnt give out direct loans, except when theyre related to disasters, but it works with lenders to distribute loans to small businesses. The loans typically have better rates than traditional loans. Small business advocacy group the Small Business Majority said the move is a decision that will limit the growth of small businesses and jobs throughout the United States. The latest decision by SBA fails to recognize that immigrants are twice as likely to start a business as native-born U.S. citizens, said Small Business Majority CEO John Arensmeyer. Given that reality, SBAs severe restrictions will have a negative impact on small business creation throughout this country for years to come. Countries are racing to obtain the critical minerals and rare earths needed to make everything from smartphones to electric cars. US President Donald Trump has made access to these minerals a priority, with potential mining deals part of his plans for both Greenland and Ukraine. But it is China which dominates processing and upon which the world relies for usable supplies. What are critical minerals? Critical minerals are those which a country considers vital for its economy, or national security, but which it may struggle to get hold of. Advertisement Advertisement Some of the critical minerals and rare earths expected to see the biggest growth in demand in the coming years are: copper - used in energy infrastructure and construction lithium - energy storage cobalt - portable batteries and high-strength alloys, often used for wind turbines graphite - fuel cells, batteries, lubricants and nuclear power Critical minerals lists vary between nations, depending on the resources they have and the industries they run. For example, while copper is on the most recent critical minerals list for the US, it is not on the UK's. The UK has 34 materials on its critical minerals list, including aluminium, cobalt, and helium. Advertisement Advertisement What are rare earth elements? Rare earth elements appear on the critical minerals lists of many countries. With important electrical and magnetic qualities, rare earths consist of 17 elements in the lanthanide group of the periodic table, plus scandium and yytrium. They are vital in microchips, which are crucial for almost every sector from defence to healthcare. Other uses include: Yytrium - laser technology used in communications and medical procedures Neodymium - permanent magnets for electric vehicles and renewable energy Lanthanum - rechargeable batteries Advertisement Advertisement With the explosion of AI and green energy the demand for these minerals has soared and is expected to increase, according to the International Energy Agency. However, despite their name, rare earth elements are not that rare. For example, neodymium is found at 20 parts per million in the Earth's crust, in comparison copper is at 27. [BBC] Where are critical minerals found? The most common critical minerals are distributed globally, although some countries have particularly large reserves. China is estimated to have 44 million tonnes of rare earth reserves, while Brazil has 21 million tonnes and Australia about six million. Australia, Indonesia and Chile are just some of the countries that have significant mining operations. Advertisement Advertisement Australia is the leading producer of iron ore, gold, zinc, nickel, cobalt, and lithium, whilst Indonesia accounts for half of the global production of nickel. Chile is the leading copper exporter, according to analysts S&P Global. The International Energy Agency has said that current mining projects would meet demand in most cases, but that from the 2030s both copper and lithium could face deficits. Why does China dominate production? The presence of minerals under the surface of the Earth is not the only factor that affects supply, it is also how easy they are to access and process. Advertisement Advertisement Many countries do not have capacity to process critical minerals. For example, the UK critical minerals assessment said that while silicon metal is mined in more than 30 countries, only three can process it into the polysilicon used in microchips. It is China that dominates the processing of many critical minerals including rare earths, lithium and cobalt. The Democratic Republic of Congo produced 70% of the world's supply of cobalt in 2021, yet 90% of this went to China to be refined, according to research body the Faraday Institution. More than 75% of the world's supply of lithium in 2021 came from Australia and Chile, yet 72% of the refining happens in China, according to the World Economic Forum. Advertisement Advertisement For some rare earths, China is responsible for more than 95% of the processing. Rare earth mines in China have been associated with significant environmental damage and land grabs [Reuters] Bob Ward, of The London School of Economics (LSE) Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment, has told BBC News that China recognised the growth in green energy 10 years ago and "strategically pursued" processing. This has left the US and other countries highly reliant on China and potentially vulnerable. A 2023 report by a US Government Select Committee warned that the failure of the US to shore up its critical minerals supply chains could cause "defense production to grind to a halt and choke off manufacturing of other advanced technologies". Advertisement Advertisement In 2025, the European Central Bank said that the "pivotal" role of China in the supply chain of rare earths highlighted "vulnerabilities to geopolitical disruptions". President Trump has made it clear that he wants to bolster the US' production of minerals to reduce this dependency. In October 2025, the US signed a critical minerals deal with Australia, at which Trump declared: "In about a year from now, we'll have so much critical mineral and rare earths that you won't know what to do with them." Advertisement Advertisement Although the US has rare earth mineral reserves, just over 2% of global supply according to the US Geological Survey, it could take years to establish processing capabilities. "No single country currently possesses the financial resources or technical capabilities to independently outpace China's dominance," said Gracelin Baskaran, director at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies think tank. Lower environmental standards in China around its mining and processing activities has helped it to keep costs lower than competitors. BBC News has recently documented uncovered toxic waste ponds, deforestation and soil erosion at rare earth mines in Northern China. Authorities have identified a shipyard worker who recently drowned in the frigid waters of New Bedford Harbor. The drowning victim, identified Thursday as 51-year-old Jason Vasquez, of New Bedford, was discovered by the New Bedford Police Departments Marine Unit on Jan. 31, according to the Bristol District Attorneys Office. The DAs office noted that Vasquez, who worked on a vessel at the New Bedford Shipyard and Shoreline, was last seen on Jan. 28. His boss reported him missing two days later after his vehicle was found in the parking lot of the shipyard. Advertisement Advertisement Investigators noted Vasquez was found a short distance from the vessel he worked on. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Massachusetts State Police detectives assigned to the DAs office are assisting New Bedford Police with the investigation. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW A dad in Connecticut couldn't believe it when his 4-year-old daughter received a notice of jury duty. The dreaded jury notice arrived Monday with its stern reminder: this is a summons, not an invitation. Dr. Omar Ibrahimi of Darien assumed it was for him. "I actually breathed a sigh of relief when I saw it wasn't my name on it, and then it took me a second, I'm like wait a minute, why is my daughter's name on this jury summons?" he said. Advertisement Advertisement Zara Ibrihami is one of the 550,000 Connecticut residents summoned for jury duty each year. Age? Four. Occupation? Pre-school student. With her reporting date of April 15 approaching, her dad tried to bring her up to speed on her civic responsibility. "She's like 'what's that,' and I'm like 'it's where you listen and you decide if someone is guilty or not guilty,'" Ibrahimi said. "And she goes, 'I'm just a baby.'" The judicial branch uses information from the DMV, voter records, the labor department and revenue services -- and that's the only department that submits names but not birthdates. Advertisement Advertisement "I took it with a little bit of humor and I sent over my wife a text and I said, 'hey, looks like Zara's getting summoned to jury duty,'" Ibrahimi said. Curiously, Zara's 8 and 12-year-old siblings have not been called yet. Ibrahimi went online to get her off the hook. "There was a free text box, so I put in, 'I haven't even completed preschool yet, excuse me,'" Ibrahimi said. Case closed. ---------- * More Connecticut news * Send us a news tip * Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts * Follow us on YouTube Submit a tip or story idea to Eyewitness News Have a breaking news tip or an idea for a story we should cover? Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. If attaching a video or photo, terms of use apply. Officials with the Dallas Police Department have released bodycam footage of an officer-involved shooting during a reported hostage situation in an apartment bathroom. Tony Robinson, 18, was allegedly threatening to shoot family members in South Dallas on February 2, according to Dallas Police Chief Daniel Comeaux in a press conference on February 4. When officers arrived, they reportedly found Robinson in the bathroom with his grandmother and a gun. Thats when the shooting started. Advertisement Advertisement Robinson and his grandmother were injured, according to Comeaux. A bullet also struck an officer in the chest, but his bulletproof vest stopped it from causing damage. While this call came in as a disturbance involving armed individuals making threats, investigators will continue reviewing all circumstances, including whether any mental health factors have contributed to this, Comeaux said. My Son Is Trying To Shoot Me Dallas police received a 911 call, reporting an armed encounter at a residence near 4300 Woodhollow Drive in South Dallas, around 8:41 p.m., according to Comeaux. The caller said Robinson was armed, refusing to put the gun away, and threatening to shoot his father and others. The department released a recording of the 911 call and bodycam video of Officers McCollum and Bozeman responding. DPD is releasing body worn camera video of an officer-involved shooting incident in the 4300 block of Woodhollow Drive on February 2, 2026. More info here: https://t.co/y7nolQQXXd pic.twitter.com/QovCaVsRA1 Dallas Police Dept (@DallasPD) February 4, 2026 Advertisement Advertisement Whats going on? the dispatcher asked. My son is trying to shoot me, the father replied. Does he have a gun? the dispatcher continued. What do you think? the father said. Shots Fired The bodycam footage shows officers arriving at the apartment complex. They went up the stairs, walked into the unit, and found a family member standing in the hall outside a closed bathroom door. Hes in there with a gun, the family member said. Open the door! Police, police! McCollum shouted. He kicked open the door, and Robinson apparently pointed a handgun toward the officer from behind the door. They began shooting. McCollum backed down the hall and reported shots fired, while Bozeman found cover. McCollum rushed to the bathroom, where Robinson was lying on the floor, screaming. Advertisement Advertisement Drop the gun! McCollum yelled. He turned to the other room Are you okay? McCollum went to the other room to tend to the grandmother. He asked to see her wounds before applying a tourniquet. Meanwhile, Bozeman and another officer went to the bathroom to check on Robinson. At this point, Dallas police blurred the video due to graphic imagery while responders provided medical care. Officers immediately rendered first aid to both Robinson and grandmother, until Dallas Fire and Rescue arrived on the scene, Comeaux said. The grandmother was transported to a nearby hospital, where she was treated and released. Robinson was transported to another hospital, where he underwent surgery and remains hospitalized. The Investigation Dallas police obtained an arrest warrant for Robinson for aggravated assault on a public servant, according to Comeaux. As soon as he is released from the hospital, officers plan to bring him to jail. Advertisement Advertisement Additional charges may be considered as the investigation continues, Comeaux said. At the time of the press conference, investigators obtained a search warrant for the apartment, and the crime scene response unit processed the scene and found evidence consistent with the shooting, according to Comeaux. He said investigators also collected body-worn camera footage, and the Dallas County Attorneys Office and police oversight responded to the scene. We can confirm Dallas police has responded to previous calls at the service location, Comeaux said. All officers involved are on administrative leave per standard procedure, he said. Officials will consider their return to duty as the investigation continues. This was the departments second officer-involved shooting of 2026. As The Dallas Express reported, Dallas police shot and injured a suspect allegedly standing in the street with two firearms near Presidio Avenue in January. Suspended Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez is expected to appear in court Thursday for a hearing regarding a $21 million illegal gambling operation. The hearing is scheduled for 9 a.m. and will address disputes over evidence in the case. Lopez has pleaded not guilty to racketeering charges following his arrest eight months ago. Authorities allege he protected and expanded the illegal gambling ring in exchange for $600,000 to $700,000 in illicit earnings. Advertisement Advertisement The upcoming hearing will focus on a motion to compel filed by the defense. A Lake County judge could decide whether the state is required to hand over key evidence that Lopezs legal team says is necessary for trial preparation. Currently, no trial date has been set for the case. Defense attorneys Mary Ibrahim and Migdalia Perez stated they are still missing vital evidence from the investigation into the illegal gambling ring. This material includes investigative reports and body camera video. Ibrahim and Perez argue that they cannot properly prepare for trial without these documents. Prosecutors have instructed the defense team to seek the evidence directly from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and Homeland Security. Advertisement Advertisement However, Lopezs attorneys argue the state cannot pass the buck to other agencies regarding the production of investigative materials. The evidence dispute remains unresolved eight months after Lopez was first arrested. The defense maintains that the lack of disclosure is the primary reason the case has not yet moved toward a trial date. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. This story was produced as part of a partnership with NOTUS and the nonprofit, nonpartisan Allbritton Journalism Institute. Democratic candidates are leaning into anti-corruption messaging this cycle, seeing it as an opportunity to emphasize what they see as excessive corporate influence, unethical stock trading and shady behavior from their opponents. They also face a challenge: Democrats were seen as more corrupt than Republicans by a five-percentage point margin in a 2025 battleground poll by End Citizens United, a group that advocates for getting rid of the influence of big money in politics. Advertisement Advertisement The organization believes Democrats can turn that around by making anti-corruption a focus. A really important part of this conversation is its not enough to just say what the other side is doing wrong, Tiffany Muller, president of End Citizens United, told NOTUS. We have to be able to say what were going to do to change it. More than 120 candidates have signed onto End Citizens Uniteds Unrig Washington initiative. To be recognized as part of the initiative, candidates must run on three things: banning congressional stock trading, refusing corporate PAC money and cracking down on dark money. Across Michigan, Im hearing from folks, Democrat, Republican and just sick and tired of politics who are struggling to just make ends meet, Abdul El-Sayed, who is running for Senate in Michigan, said in a statement to NOTUS. They cant afford groceries. They cant afford to see a doctor. They cant afford rent. And right now politicians on both sides of the aisle are part of the problem. They take money from corporations, then they do their bidding. Advertisement Advertisement Lawmakers from both parties have been tied to corruption, and voter trust in government is near a historic low. Pew Research Center found that 17% of Americans trust the federal government to do what is right just about always or most of the time. End Citizens United found that corruption was a defining issue in research about what voters want to see from their candidates, Muller said. They feel like Washington is broken, that the system doesnt work for them, and they want big changes, and they want leaders who are going to come and to change the system so that it does work for them again, Muller said. In the Maine Senate race to replace Sen. Susan Collins, Democratic frontrunners Gov. Janet Mills and Graham Platner are part of the Unrig Washington initiative. Advertisement Advertisement Im running for Senate to take on corporate price gouging, break up monopolies, tax the rich, and fight for Medicare for All, Platner said in a post on X in December. Mills had the same sentiment when she announced she was joining the Unrig Washington initiative. Washington doesnt work when its working for the powerful and not the people, she said on X in December. In the competitive race for Maines 2nd Congressional District, candidate Jordan Wood has a particularly close tie to anti-corruption efforts: He previously worked for End Citizens United. He has advocated for an end to corruption and the corrosive influence of big money in politics. Advertisement Advertisement Many Democrats are emphasizing the need to limit stock trading by lawmakers. Congress passed the Stop Trading on Congressional Knowledge Act in 2012 to prohibit insider trading, but some feel there should be stricter limits. If youre in Congress, you should be focused on serving the people, not yourself, Rep. Josh Riley, who is running for reelection in New Yorks 19th Congressional District, said in a statement, adding his constituents voted for him to take on a rigged system. Colin Allred, a former congressman looking to make a comeback in Texas 33rd Congressional District, laid out a 12-point anti-corruption plan that he would aim to implement if elected. He said he never traded a single stock in Congress and would bar lawmakers from doing so. People feel like the system is rigged against them, Allred said in a statement. And theyre right. When special interests can purchase politicians and the policies that follow, thats not a government that serves the people. Advertisement Advertisement Other Democrats in notable races are not part of the End Citizens United campaign but are running on a similar anti-corruption platform. Im running because Ive seen firsthand what many Alaskans already know: D.C. is broken, and our future depends on fixing the rigged system that is shutting down Alaska while politicians feather their own nest, said Mary Peltola, who is running against Sen. Dan Sullivan. In the Senate, I will take on the special interests, and work with anyone or take on anyone, no matter their party, to make life better and more affordable for Alaskans. Some of the debate over corruption is taking place within the party. Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, who is running for Senate in Minnesota, signed onto the Unrig Washington initiative. Her Democratic opponent, Angie Craig, is not eschewing corporate funds, as Flanagan pointed out in a statement to NOTUS. I made the choice not to accept corporate PAC money because Minnesotans deserve leaders who are committed to fighting for the people they represent, Flanagan said. Advertisement Advertisement While Craig does accept corporate PAC money for her campaign, she received an A rating from End Citizens United for her anti-corruption work. Her campaign hit back at Flanagan and said the lieutenant governor raised corporate money during her time as chair of the Democratic Lieutenant Governors Association. No one in this race has worked harder to clean up Washington than Angie Craig, said Antoine Givens, a campaign spokesperson for Rep. Craig. She has led the fight to ban members of Congress from trading stocks, from becoming lobbyists after they leave office and to overturn the Supreme Court decision that has allowed Republicans to flood the airwaves with millions of dollars in spending against Democrats. Muller said there has been no resistance from candidates when it comes to running on an anti-corruption platform. We are at a crisis moment for our country and for our democracy, and the candidates and the members that I talked to all really understand that, Muller said. I think sometimes there is a feeling like you have to choose either running on affordability or running on corruption. And what we have found is actually those two issues are inextricably linked. GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) Two West Michigan Dennys locations appear to be closed. The Dennys restaurants at 3127 Plainfield Ave. near I-96 in Grand Rapids and at 3817 Cork St. near I-94 in Kalamazoo have both been taken off the chains website and both are listed as permanently closed on Google. When a News 8 crew stopped by the Grand Rapids location Wednesday, the parking lot was empty and a lock was on the door. Advertisement Advertisement Dennys announces pricing decision about egg dishes The Dennys at 3127 Plainfield Ave. near I-96 in Grand Rapids. (Feb. 4, 2026) Former employees at the Grand Rapids location told News 8 the heat had been broken inside the restaurant for about three months, with back-of-house employees working in freezing conditions. The closure came after the heat went out in the front of house about a week ago, one employee told News 8. The franchise owner of both locations, Denn-Ohio, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2023, court records show. At the time, Denn-Ohio owned 10 locations in the Midwest. The Dennys at 3127 Plainfield Ave. near I-96 in Grand Rapids. (Feb. 4, 2026) Both locations have been around for decades. The Grand Rapids location was built in 1981, while the Kalamazoo location which was sold Jan. 16 for $1.6 million was built in 1979, property records show. Advertisement Advertisement Dennys to close dozens more restaurants in 2025 The two locations join a growing list of Dennys closures. The chain has closed around 150 locations over the last two years. It now has 10 locations in Michigan, according to its website, including restaurants in Battle Creek, Kentwood, Marshall and Wyoming. Dennys, which was first founded in California in 1953, was acquired last month by TriArtisan Capital Advisors, Treville Capital Group and Yadav Enterprises in a $620 million deal. News 8 reached out to Dennys Wednesday and did not hear back by end of business day. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com. A Travis County judge on Wednesday ruled against two voters trying to challenge a new $3 billion dementia research fund, which still cant go into effect despite Texas voters overwhelmingly approving it last November. It is unclear if the plaintiffs Shannon Huggins and Jose Silvester will appeal Wednesdays ruling. If they do, it could keep the pricey initiative in legal limbo until the entire lawsuit is resolved by a higher court. After hearing arguments in the case for two hours on whether Huggins and Silvester were procedurally able to file such a legal challenge in the first place, state District Judge Jan Soifer agreed with the state that they do not. Advertisement Advertisement The judge also denied the plaintiffs request for a temporary injunction to prevent the votes approving the fund from being certified by Gov. Greg Abbott. The new Dementia Prevention and Research Institute was one of 17 constitutional amendments voters passed on Nov. 4. The governor already stated last year he will not certify the election until the lawsuit is resolved. The plaintiffs want a new election because they are claiming that voting machines used in 251 of the states 254 counties used to tabulate the results in the Nov. 4 election were not properly tested for accuracy, invalidating any ballots tabulated on them. Thats untrue, according to the Secretary of States website, which tests and approves the machines used. DPRIT was a legislative priority of Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who has called this lawsuit frivolous. Advertisement Advertisement Challenges to constitutional amendments have become such a growing concern that this year the Texas Legislature passed a judicial bill that included a provision to prevent lawsuits from halting constitutional amendments like DPRITs Proposition 14, which 2 million Texas voters approved. But that law, House Bill 16, didnt go into effect until December, too late to have blocked the plaintiffs lawsuit. Stephanie Houser, the assistant attorney general defending Abbotts office and Secretary of State Jane Nelson in the lawsuit had no comment about the judges decision in her favor on Wednesday. Huggins, a non-lawyer who argued the case in court, would not say whether she and Silvester will file an appeal with the 15th Court of Appeals. Dont know yet, Huggins said. Folding and creasing a piece of paper. Thats how Juan Sandoval fought nationwide federal immigration enforcement efforts one evening in southwest Detroit. Sandoval was one of about 90 people who participated in a January 2026 whistle-kit building event with the aim of setting up and fortifying a system to alert metro Detroit community members to the presence of immigration agents. And, as one organizer said, it's to prevent people from being detained by those agents. A kit-building event for warning whistles to use regarding immigration enforcement is held Jan. 28, 2026, by Asamblea Popular Detroit, or the Detroit Peoples Assembly, and the Party for Socialism and Liberation at Vamonos in southwest Detroit. Its a continuing effort in metro Detroit, one that mimics endeavors in places, including Chicago and Minnesota, where activists disagree with the immigration actions in the last year under the Trump administration. The January gathering was one of about a dozen kit-building and distribution efforts hosted in recent months by the groups Asamblea Popular Detroit, or the Detroit Peoples Assembly, and the Party for Socialism and Liberation. Advertisement Advertisement President Donald Trump, who won in Michigan in the 2024 election, campaigned on a promise of ramping up immigration enforcement, and his administration has stood by the work as hes faced backlash regarding tactics, removing peoples legal status and concerns with citizens dying in interactions with immigration agents. The paper folding was a mundane act, but Sandoval said, something so small can have a big impact. A kit-building event for warning whistles to use regarding immigration enforcement is held Jan. 28, 2026, by Asamblea Popular Detroit, or the Detroit Peoples Assembly, and the Party for Socialism and Liberation at Vamonos in southwest Detroit. The sheets he folded, with Know Your Rights information listed, were destined to be stuffed into plastic bags along with lists of resources for impacted families and whistles meant to be used when immigration agents are spotted. The aim is to provide support to immigrant families before, during and after a detainment. Advertisement Advertisement More: Faith leaders in Michigan call for reduction in ICE funding The use of the whistles and calls to a hotline can launch allies into action when an immigration enforcement arrest is possible or underway. Those allies then need to get to the reported location fast enough to scare ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents) away before they make an arrest, said event organizer Sam Schaefer. A kit-building event for warning whistles to use regarding immigration enforcement is held Jan. 28, 2026, by Asamblea Popular Detroit, or the Detroit Peoples Assembly, and the Party for Socialism and Liberation at Vamonos in southwest Detroit. The whistles only work if there is a disciplined, rapid response system in a community, Schaefer said. But he says such efforts have worked elsewhere in the country as well as in metro Detroit. Its the difference-maker between having the tools to stop ICE and not, Schaefer said of the whistle kits. Advertisement Advertisement More: ICE arrests Venezuelan man inside Hazel Park Amazon warehouse after chase The enforcement agency itself has dismissed this tactic, saying in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, during its intensified actions in Minnesota, Your whistles won't stop or hinder ICE. A kit-building event for warning whistles to use regarding immigration enforcement is held Jan. 28, 2026, by Asamblea Popular Detroit, or the Detroit Peoples Assembly, and the Party for Socialism and Liberation at Vamonos in southwest Detroit. At least one immigrant group in Maryland has also said its community members have asked that other methods of notification be used. Responders, nationally, also spend their time on a scene making sure they get the detained individuals name and information to aid families. By the start of the January gathering at the Vamonos! eatery and venue in southwest Detroit, the ongoing effort locally resulted in about 8,000 kits being made and distributed. By the end of the gathering, attendees used up every plastic baggy available meaning theyd reached roughly 10,000 total kits made. Some were handed out for distribution at the gathering itself. Advertisement Advertisement The two involved groups aim to make and distribute 100,000 such kits, said Schaefer. A kit-building event for warning whistles to use regarding immigration enforcement is held Jan. 28, 2026, by Asamblea Popular Detroit, or the Detroit Peoples Assembly, and the Party for Socialism and Liberation at Vamonos in southwest Detroit. Attendee Dylan Polcyn, 31, of Detroit, described the enforcement actions as fellow community members being terrorized. He wants it to stop. We start from this, and we grow, he said. Kiada Shanklin, 37, of Detroit, described the event as an effort to help others and show solidarity. She brought her son and niece to the gathering. The message she hoped people would take away: Get engaged. It doesnt take a lot of time, a lot of money, a lot of effort. A kit-building event for warning whistles to use regarding immigration enforcement is held Jan. 28, 2026, by Asamblea Popular Detroit, or the Detroit Peoples Assembly, and the Party for Socialism and Liberation at Vamonos in southwest Detroit. The effort is close to the heart of Sandoval, 29, of Detroit. He works at a nonprofit in southwest Detroit and interacts with affected families. Advertisement Advertisement He has loved ones who would be considered undocumented. Theyve been told not to answer their door, and both they and others would lose necessary caregivers were they to be deported, he said. Sandoval, himself, carries his passport card with him. As a Hispanic man, hes worried about what could happen if he were pulled over, even though he is a citizen and an Army veteran. It can be intimidating trying to face the concern at hand, Sandoval said. But the small tasks at the whistle kit-building are doable. Change doesnt happen overnight, and its not going to come from a single person, he said. Its going to take a coalition. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroiters turn to whistles in fight against ICE Iran and the United States are holding talks on Friday in Oman, with Tehran pushing to focus squarely on its nuclear programme, while Washington's demands go beyond that. The two foes had held several rounds of Oman-mediated nuclear talks in 2025, but the Iran-Israel war, which saw the United States conduct strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, derailed diplomacy days before a meeting was due. US President Donald Trump has threatened renewed military action against Iran following its deadly crackdown on mass anti-government protests, but has also said he thinks Tehran is open to a deal. Advertisement Advertisement The United States has said talks must cover Tehran's missile programme and its support for militant groups in the region. AFP takes stock of the thorny issues on the table: - Uranium enrichment - The main dispute between Iran and the US concerns uranium enrichment. Western countries and Israel, thought to be the Middle East's only country with nuclear weapons, say Iran is seeking to acquire a bomb, which the Islamic republic denies. During the Iran-Israel war last June, the United States bombed three nuclear sites in Iran (Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan), with Trump later claiming the strikes "obliterated" the nuclear programme, although the extent of the damage remains unknown. Advertisement Advertisement Experts say uranium enriched above 20 percent can have potential military applications but that enrichment must reach 90 percent to make a bomb. Before the war, Iran was enriching uranium to 60 percent, according to the UN's International Atomic Energy Agency, far exceeding a 3.67 percent cap allowed under a now-defunct nuclear agreement that Iran reached with world powers in 2015. The United States withdrew from that deal in 2018 and Iran subsequently abandoned its commitments under the agreement in retaliation. Trump has repeatedly called for a complete end to enrichment, a condition much stricter than the 2015 deal. Advertisement Advertisement Iran, which says it has a right to civilian nuclear power, deems this demand a "red line" and contrary to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty to which it and 190 other nations are signatories. - Stockpile - The location of Iran's reserves of more than 400 kilogrammes of highly enriched uranium is unclear after the US bombings last year. The stocks were last seen by IAEA inspectors on June 10. "The materials are under the rubble (of bombed nuclear sites) and we have made no attempt to extract them... because it is dangerous," Ali Shamkhani, an adviser to Iran's supreme leader, told Lebanese media this week. Advertisement Advertisement "We are discussing this issue with the IAEA in order to find a solution while ensuring safety," he added. Iran suspended all cooperation with the UN nuclear watchdog at the end of September, justifying its decision as retaliation after UN sanctions were reinstated over its nuclear programme. Several countries, including Russia, have offered to house Tehran's stockpile of enriched uranium as a safeguard, but Iran has refused. "There is no reason to move the materials abroad when we can eliminate the sources of concern" about their end use, Shamkhani insisted. "We have no plan to militarise our nuclear programme" and "we can therefore dilute the material from 60 to, say, 20 percent", he added. Advertisement Advertisement "But in exchange, something must be paid," Shamkhani said, alluding to Iran's demand that sanctions be lifted. - Nuclear and nothing else - Tehran is adamant that the talks be strictly limited to the nuclear issue and the lifting of sanctions, and considers this demand non-negotiable. But Washington and its ally Israel are pushing for other grievances against the Islamic republic to be included. In 2018, the United States' withdrawal from the previous nuclear deal was partly motivated by the absence of curbs in the agreement on Iran's ballistic missile programme, perceived as a threat to Israel. Advertisement Advertisement According to media reports, Israel is now pushing to put this issue on the negotiating table, along with Iran's policy of financing militant groups across the Middle East, including Hezbollah in Lebanon, Hamas in Gaza and the Houthis in Yemen. bur/axn/ser/dc WASHINGTON, Feb 5 (Reuters) - Three Democratic U.S. senators on Thursday asked the Transportation Department if the head of the Federal Aviation Administration has sold his shares in Republic Airways and whether he will be forced to give up any gains for not selling the stake before a required divestment date. In December, FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford said he had not divested his shares in Republic but he would continue to recuse himself from issues that could impact the airline's finances as he works to sell his holdings. Senator Maria Cantwell said Bedford, who previously served as CEO of Republic, had been in violation of his ethics agreement after he had not completed the sale of the shares despite earlier agreeing to divest his holdings by Oct. 7. Cantwell, joined by Senators Tammy Duckworth and Ed Markey in a letter seen by Reuters, asked DOT "to initiate appropriate disciplinary or corrective actions to address Mr. Bedfords noncompliance.... A lack of accountability in this case would send the message that senior DOT officials can disregard their ethical commitments without consequence." (Reporting by David Shepardson in Washington; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama ) A dog has been euthanized after recent attacks left several people injured and a Downingtown, Pennsylvania, community on edge. A court hearing on the matter was held on Thursday morning. On the advice of the dog owner's legal counsel, the owner agreed to surrender the animal to be euthanized. One of the attacks injured a 4-year-old boy in November on the 500 block of Thomas Road. The child's mother said her son was dragged across the yard. Advertisement Advertisement "My son was playing in our backyard and the dogs ran out of her home. One of them jumped my fence and ran after him and attacked him and drug him through the yard by his arm," said Whitley Coggins. "Physically, he's scarred - he's scarred really badly. Emotionally, no, he's not doing well." Police said the same dog attacked again in late January, injuring a tow truck driver in a less severe incident. Downingtown Police Chief Brendan Brazunas said there were also incidents involving the same dog owner in the summer of 2024 and others dating back to 2022, adding that additional cases may have gone unreported. On Wednesday night, Coggins told Action News that the community was fearful of leaving their homes. Advertisement Advertisement "Nobody wants to walk their pets. None of the kids want to get off the bus and walk down our street. The mail guy doesn't want to come, nobody wants to come where we live. We need our street to be safe," Coggins added. Police say the dog owner was apologetic to the Coggins family. Charges in that case have been dropped. The case involving the tow truck driver can proceed, but it will now be handled by the SPCA. Finland has urged U.S. officials not to describe future security pledges to a postwar Ukraine as Article 5-like, implying that doing so could undercut the mutual defense clause at the heart of the NATO military alliance, according to a State Department cable obtained by POLITICO. The Jan. 20 cable hints at worries in some corners over the labels used during peace talks between Kyiv and Moscow. They show how sensitive some phrases can be in the national security realm, even when officials are merely trying to offer an analogy to various audiences. According to the cable, sent from the U.S. Embassy in Helsinki to Washington, Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen discussed the issue on Jan. 19 with U.S. Reps. Jack Bergman (R-Mich.) and Sarah Elfreth (D-Md.), both of whom are members of the House Armed Services Committee. Advertisement Advertisement Valtonen underscored Finland's view that Russia is a "long-term strategic threat" and cautioned against a "weak" peace deal for Ukraine that would hinder its ability to defend itself against future Russian aggression, the cable states. But Valtonen cautioned against any suggestions of Article 5-like security guarantees in a postwar Ukraine, the cable adds. She warned that it risked conflating NATO's Article 5 guarantees with whatever bilateral promises are made to Ukraine. It also quotes her as saying there should be a "firewall" between NATO and future security guarantees to Ukraine. Finlands defense minister made similar points in a later meeting, according to the cable. Article 5 is a critical clause in the NATO pact that means an armed attack on one member of the 32-member alliance will be treated as an attack on all members. NATO has invoked the article only once: after Islamist terrorists attacked the U.S. on Sept. 11, 2001. The documents contents offer insight into concerns voiced by other Finnish leaders who have said that, while they want to help Ukraine protect itself, the concept of a security guarantee is a more serious matter theyre not ready to agree to just yet. Advertisement Advertisement A Finnish official said Valtonens office wouldnt comment on confidential discussions, though underscored Helsinkis long-standing goal of eventually accepting Ukraine into the NATO alliance. Finlands objective is to ensure that Ukraine receives the strongest possible security arrangements and guarantees in support of a sustainable and lasting peace, the official said, who was granted anonymity to speak about sensitive policy matters. Finlands position is that Ukraines future lies within NATO. Former NATO officials and analysts said the cable reflects growing concerns in various capitals about how engaging with a postwar Ukraine could affect individual countries in the long run. One potential problem is that using the term Article 5 in other contexts implies NATO involvement that is not in fact a part of any of these proposed arrangements, said Edward Wrong, a former NATO official. Finland and many other NATO members want to ensure it is understood that Article 5 is unique to NATO. Advertisement Advertisement The State Department declined to comment. Elfreth, one of the U.S. lawmakers Valtonen met with, did not address the session with the Finnish foreign minister directly, but said in a statement: From our many meetings, it was clear to me that our NATO allies, new and old, are committed to advancing shared goals of defending our partners from Russian and other adversarial influences. Bergman declined to comment. Using Article 5 as a parallel has multiple upsides and downsides, especially given the range of attitudes toward Ukraine in NATO, the former officials and analysts said. Thats further complicated by the likelihood that individual countries, or select groups of countries but not NATO itself will offer Ukraine security aid in the near future. Advertisement Advertisement One challenge is that by referring to Article 5, even with the like attached to it, national leaders could hand political ammunition to opposition groups, said Josh Shifrinson, a scholar with the University of Maryland, College Park, who advocates for a more restrained foreign policy. Theres also the possibility that framing a security pledge to Ukraine as Article 5-like will entice Russia to test what that truly means. If Russia stages some sort of an armed attack and the countries backing Ukraine struggle to respond, that could raise questions about the strength of NATOs Article 5, said Rachel Ellehuus, a former Biden administration Defense Department official assigned to NATO. On top of that, other members of NATO, especially those in Europe, are acutely aware of President Donald Trumps dim views of the alliance. They are reacting to his demands that they step up defense spending and have taken on the lions share of aid to Ukraine. Given economic uncertainties in the years ahead, just how much they can support Ukraine is in question. Advertisement Advertisement Im guessing the Finns dont want to overpromise and under-deliver, Ellehuus said. Spokespeople for NATO declined to comment. Finland is one of NATOs newest members, having joined after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The Finnish foreign minister comes across in the cable as tough on Russia, a country with which Finland shares an 830-mile border. "We should not be naive in thinking they will change, especially if sanctions get [lifted]" and Russia becomes "empowered politically and economically," Valtonen is quoted as saying. Although there are ongoing talks among the U.S., Ukraine and Russia in various formats, Russian leader Vladimir Putin has not committed to a substantial cease-fire and has made demands that many Ukrainians consider unacceptable for a peace deal. Victor Jack contributed to this report from Brussels. It appears Donald Trump has zero interest in addressing the controversial ICE shootings. Rather than discuss the actions of those agents in the high-profile death of Renee Nicole Good, among others, Trump has other things on his mind. That caught the attention of many online with one person on X alleging that He cant even stay on topic. They go on to say that Donald stands for nothing and nobody. In an interview on Wednesday, Donald said that he hates talking about ICE while seemingly expressing disgust that his administration is getting such bad publicity for two deaths. Alex Pretti was shot and killed by agents as well in St. Paul. Instead, the President wondered why no one is talking about all the murderers taken out of the US. Donald Trump didnt want to talk about ICE with NBC News Trump: I hate even talking about ICE. 2 people out of tens of thousands and you get bad publicity. Host: But it was 2 Americans who died Trump: We have the smallest trucks. We've been very tough on the waters Host: The waters? Trump: The waters where we knock out boats pic.twitter.com/BPTA7MBMeE FactPost (@factpostnews) February 5, 2026 Deflecting attention seemed to be the Presidents tactic when pressed about ICE this week. In an exclusive interview with NBC News, Donald said, I hate even talking about ICE. 2 people out of tens of thousands, and you get bad publicity. Journalist Tom Llamas was quick to tell Trump that it was two Americans who were killed. Advertisement Advertisement Donald didnt answer that but instead gave a bizarre response: Weve been very tough on the waters. That seems to address US military strikes that are supposedly knocking out drug boats. Many public figures have voiced their displeasure with that immigration patrol agency. Jeopardy! host Ken Jennings said that hed like to see the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) disbanded along with ICE. He says that would bring him great satisfaction. There have been protests in St. Paul following the controversial killings. Notable journalist Don Lemon was arrested last week after speaking out against the governments actions on that matter. TELL US DO YOU THINK THE PRESIDENT IS TRYING TO DEFLECT ATTENTION AWAY FROM THE ICE SHOOTINGS? The post Donald Trump Called Out After Deflecting ICE Question: Cant Even Stay on Topic appeared first on Reality Tea. U.S. President Donald Trump has described his personal and diplomatic relationship with Chinas President Xi Jinping as an extremely good one following what he called an excellent and wide-ranging phone call between the two leaders. Donald Trump shares post about Chinas President on Truth Social Donald Trump said he spoke at length with Xi Jinping during a recent phone call that covered important international and bilateral issues, including trade, energy, Taiwan, Iran, and Russias war in Ukraine. According to Trump, the exchange was constructive and forward-looking. All very positive, he wrote. The relationship with China, and my personal relationship with President Xi, is an extremely good one, and we both realize how important it is to keep it that way, he added. The call took place several hours after Xi spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin, during which both leaders pledged to strengthen ties amid what China described as a turbulent global environment. Advertisement Advertisement Trump used Truth Social to outline the breadth of topics discussed, including his expected trip to China in April. While Trump mentioned the upcoming visit, a Chinese government readout of the call, shared by the state-run Xinhua news agency, did not mention the travel plans. It did, however, state that Trump and Xi have maintained good communication, including an in-person meeting in Busan, South Korea, last year. During the call, Trump said the two leaders discussed Iran, which has faced recent protests and a harsh security crackdown. He did not provide further details on the conversation but noted that Iran was among several sensitive geopolitical issues raised. Taiwan also featured prominently. The Chinese readout stressed that reunification with Taiwan remains a top priority for Beijing and described the issue as the most important in ChinaU.S. relations (via Al Jazeera). Donald Trump also said he and Chinas president discussed oil and gas purchases, airplane engine deliveries, and broader trade issues, even as the two countries continue to spar over technology, tariffs, and strategic influence. Originally reported by Devanshi Basu on Mandatory. The post Donald Trump Praises Chinas President After Excellent Call appeared first on Reality Tea. Keith Taylor is counting down to spring after back-to-back snowstorms in central North Carolina slowed his business because he works outdoors. "It's a delay at work, and you can't paint outside or do anything outside," said Taylor. He noticed the effects of the storms even further when he made a stop at his local grocery store on Wednesday night. The store shelves were empty. "There was like, no chicken, there's no meat. It's like everything's gone. Thankfully, I got stuff at home. I just need some Gatorade, some water, but that's it," Taylor said. Advertisement Advertisement NC State Supply Chain Management Professor Robert Handfield said local retailers could be dealing with delivery and travel disruptions brought on by the snow and ice. "We kind of had a double whammy where, you know, after the first storm, they replenished. But then the second storm came in, and they had to replenish again," he explained. Handfield said some road conditions are still not safe for drivers. "Certain roads in certain parts of the Triangle still do have ice on them, unfortunately. And so does Charlotte, actually. That ice is really dangerous. And so big trucks are not going to want to, you know, replenish right away," Handfield said. Advertisement Advertisement He expects grocery stores to replenish their stock as early as Thursday. A Food Lion spokesperson also said they were working as quickly as possible to restock shelves. From stores to schools, the effects of the winter weather continue, and families are feeling fatigued. "I've got two kids, so they've been home from school, and we work from home, so not a whole lot is getting done," said Jason Watson, a parent of Wake County students. The district announced that Thursday is another two-hour delay because of the continued threat of black ice. "It's difficult to juggle the logistics, right? Driving work, all that stuff. And when they cancel school, or they do it at the last minute, it's hard to make sure you have everything covered," he said. Stay on top of breaking news and weather with the ABC11 News App Alei Maxson, director of new home-visiting startup La Luz Family, urged lawmakers to preserve a $60 million allocation to the Early Childhood Education and Care Department during a rally at the Roundhouse on Feb. 5, 2026. (Danielle Prokop/Source NM) Childcare workers and advocacy groups on Thursday called on New Mexico Senate lawmakers to ensure raises for early childhood education workers remain in the state budget, even as the governors vision of universal childcare remains a sticking point in budget negotiations. In a news conference held outside the Roundhouses western steps, early childcare advocates said the Legislature must invest in raises, or risk people leaving the profession for higher paying jobs with more stability. Advertisement Advertisement The turnover is costly, not just for the resources for recruiting and training new staff but in disruption it causes for families who need our support, said Alei Maxson, director of home-visiting startup La Luz Family. Advocates urged members of the Senate Finance Committee in a letter Thursday to support a $60 million allotment in HB2 for the New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Department. The funding pays for a program to increase wages for educators with more qualifications. Magnolia Chavez, who operates a home-licensed care center in Albuquerque for about 15 children of varied ages, said child care operators have for too long been poorly paid and poorly valued. Universal childcare will only work if the educators are willing and able to remain in this field, Chavez said in Spanish outside of the Roundhouse Thursday. When educators do not have stability, the families dont have it either, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Child care has emerged as a top priority for Gov. Michelle Lujan Grishams last session. However, the $11 billion budget bill, which advanced out of the House this week, in its current form does not fully fund the governors vision for free universal childcare, which she unveiled last year and which has garnered national attention. The Legislatures budget, instead, includes co-pays in the states child care program for higher-earning families, which the governor opposes. For me, universal childcare means if theres a copay its not really universally applied, Lujan Grisham said during a bill signing and news conference Thursday morning. Negotiations remain ongoing, she said. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Waco, TX (FOX 44) An early aircraft delivery from L3Harris is set to support the U.S. Coast Guards ongoing operations. L3Harris is delivering its 10th HC-130J aircraft to the Coast Guard, completing the program two months ahead of schedule. Minotaur is an open-architecture mission system that integrates the aircrafts sensors, radar, communications, and other electronic systems into a single, streamlined data profile for the crew. Advertisement Advertisement It gives them more situational awareness, and it allows them to pump that data off the airplane through a satcom system thats installed to other maritime assets or ground assets, Director for Missionization and Sustainment Programs Bill Kascsak explained. With delivery scheduled for August, the HC-130J is headed to Sacramento, California, allowing the Coast Guard to stay a step ahead of the enemy. The Coast Guard is expanding their fleet, explaining their footprint for stations, Kascsak said. So it allows them to actually get an aircraft to Sacramento early and start setting up a new fleet base there. So it allows them to expand their fleet expansion quicker. This project will mark five early handoffs and bolster the companys reputation for on-time deliveries with the Coast Guard. Advertisement Advertisement We have a very good working relationship with the local fit team here on base and the program office back in D.C., Kascsak stated. Thats been a really good program to work with. L3Harris says its a source of pride to work with the Coast Guard, a valued customer for the past ten years. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KWKT - FOX 44. Oklahoma City residents will head to the polls this week to decide who will serve as the city's next mayor. Incumbent David Holt, 46, will face challenger Matthew Pallares, 34, in the general election set for Tuesday, Feb. 10. All registered Oklahoma City voters can also cast their ballots in early voting, which starts Thursday and Friday. Here's what to know about the election and voting in Oklahoma City. What is Oklahoma City voting on today? Registered voters in Oklahoma City will cast their ballots in the OKC mayoral race on Feb. 10. Advertisement Advertisement The mayor is elected at large and serves alongside eight city council members, voted on by their respective ward residents. Some residents in overlapping counties, like Canadian County, will also see school-related propositions on their ballot. Across the state, voters in 60 of Oklahoma's 77 counties will vote on school propositions, mayors or other elected city roles. To see your sample ballot, visit the Oklahoma Voter Portal at oklahoma.gov/election. When can I vote early? In-person early voting in Oklahoma City occurs on Thursday and Friday before a mayoral election. You can vote during any of the following times: Advertisement Advertisement Thursday, Feb. 5: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 6: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Where do I vote? In Oklahoma City, you can vote early at your designated early voting location from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. You can only vote in the county in which you are registered. See more: Find your early polling location here. Oklahoma County Oklahoma County Election Board, 4201 N Lincoln Blvd, Oklahoma City Canadian County Canadian County Election Board, 200 S Bickford Ave., El Reno Cleveland County AST Resource Center , 1970 NE 156th Ave., Norman Cleveland County Fairgrounds , 615 E Robinson St., Norman MNTC South Penn Campus , 13301 S Pennsylvania Ave, Oklahoma City Moore Public Library , 225 S Howard Ave., Moore Noble Public Library , 204 N 5th St., Noble Sooner Mall, 3301 W Main St., Norman This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma elections 2026: Early voting starts for OKC mayor election For the duration of the 2026 legislative session which ends at noon Feb. 19 Earth, Wind and Fire will focus on a different environment-related bill each week. Is there a bill you want to know more about? Let me know at amencinger@sfnewmexican.com. This week's legislation, House Bill 80, Oil and Gas Conservation Tax Act Changes, was recommended by two newsletter readers. Thanks for suggesting! Advertisement Advertisement House Bill 80: Oil and Gas Conservation Act Tax Changes The state is on the hook to clean up hundreds of "orphaned wells," abandoned and unplugged oil and gas wells with no responsible owner or operator who can clean them up. But the fund to clean those wells up has been "swept" several times in its history, said Rep. Mark Murphy, R-Roswell, most recently during the 2008 financial crisis. Currently, about 20% of the tax on oil and gas operators that funds the Oil and Gas Reclamation Fund is sent to the fund itself. House Bill 80 would, over time, increase that proportion of the tax that is sent to the reclamation fund, starting with 50% in mid-2027. By 2029, 100% of the tax would be distributed to the reclamation fund. In 2037, that would drop back down to 50% allowing the fund to build up over that 10-year period, the sponsor Murphy said. Advertisement Advertisement The reclamation fund was established in the 1970s. Funded with the Oil and Gas Conservation Tax, the intent is to raise money to clean up orphaned wells. Last year, the Legislative Finance Committee reported the Oil Conservation Division had plugging authority for about 700 abandoned wells around the state. The June 2025 report stated there were an additional 1,400 inactive wells the state would likely need to plug but hadn't yet sought the regulatory authority to do so. Last week, the House Energy and Natural Resources Committee advanced a committee substitute for House Bill 80, which added back in a provision that would allow up to $250,000 per year in the fund to go toward energy education in the state. Question: There is a phased approach to increasing the distributions, over time, into the reclamation fund. What is the benefit of doing this in different phases [and] slowly increasing the proportion? And why in 2037 does that amount drop back to 50%? Advertisement Advertisement Answer: It appears to us that the maximum extent of the potential liability is somewhere in the $1 billion range. You'll hear numbers as high as $1.3 [billion] and probably as low as $300-$400 million. My personal opinion is it's probably going to be in the $400-$500 million phase over the next 10 to 20 years. The reason it does that is to allow the agency to ramp up the administrative side, and then the money will begin coming in, and then we want to build up a balance. And we feel like at the end of that 10-year period, first off, we'll have a better idea of what the liability looks like and by we, I mean the legislators, Legislature and the relevant agencies. But the goal is to get somewhere up in the $1 billion range, and if it looks like we need more than that, then we can simply extend that period. If we don't we can shorten it, but the idea is they'll ramp up, and then it drops back down ... in order to maintain, really, the corpus of the principal amount, and also to provide just ongoing operating funds. Question: This legislation has been run a couple of times in the past, in different iterations. Are there any substantial differences in this year's version? Advertisement Advertisement Answer: The version that was run last year and this year are essentially the same. The one that was run last year deleted the energy education portion, and that was brought back in the committee substitute. Now, how those two differ from the previous iterations, I recall Rep. Nibert ... he sort of did it in dollars instead of percentages, is what I recall. He had like $40 or $50 million this year, and then $100 [million] or something. So those would be the basic differences. Question: In some of the discussions about this bill and about the reclamation fund in general, you've brought up that the cleanup process has been impacted by by red tape. ... Do you feel like there needs to be other actions taken to address some of those problems in getting that money out the door? Answer: There's really only one or two vendors, primarily based in the San Juan County/Farmington area, that have been plugging these wells. So from the procurement side, and I've been working with Director [Albert C.S.] Chang and his staff at the Oil Conservation Division on expanding those procurement guidelines, which they were already working on before I even undertook the effort. Advertisement Advertisement But they are now coming out with a statewide pricing sheet and basically, a very robust informational program to service providers to make sure they get registered with the state, go through the paperwork of being an approved vendor, and then start bidding on this work. So there's a procurement side, there's some due process issues that have to be undertaken. So the division is going to ramp up to undertake those. ... They've been plugging about 25 to 50 wells a year, and the goal is to try to get it ramped up to possibly 100 or more, possibly even 200. And that will take care of the backlog pretty quickly. ... If there is legislation, we have not yet been able to identify legislation that will really fix it. ... The procurement system in the state is extremely complicated, and I think it would be a huge effort. But I think that the changes and the things [the Oil Conservation Division] have done internally with respect to procurement should solve that issue, and then in terms of sort of the due process side, what I recommended and has the precedent, is that they look at hiring outside counsel to pursue those cases. So we're looking at that as well. They might need some additional budget authority to do that, but there is a lot of precedent for situations like this. Question: There's a bipartisan group of sponsors, and I believe there was as well last year. Why do you feel like this has ... brought in a diverse group of representatives? Advertisement Advertisement Answer: I think that everybody, regardless of what side of the aisle you're on, has heard a lot in the news and from the regulators about these wells ... not being plugged quickly. It's, I think, in the state's best interest, in the industry's best interest, when we have the funds and the ability to do what ... needs to be done. I think just everybody agrees that it's a worthwhile activity, and money is being generated to support it. It's something that a lot of people have talked about for a long time, and I think we all agree that it's time to really do something here. Question: It seems like there's been some concern from the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department that ... changing some of the language around the reclamation fund may require them to clean up wells that would typically fall under the operator's responsibility. Do you share that concern? Do you think it's unfounded? Is there a way to address that? Answer: I believe it's unfounded, because if the operator has the resources to plug the well, then the last thing they want is to be sued by the Oil Conservation Division and driven into bankruptcy. And if they are in bankruptcy, then then obviously don't have the resources. I think that we can look at history and see that the operators, the oil and gas producers in New Mexico, have a long history of responsibly plugging the wells. As a matter of fact, for every well the OCD plugs, industry plugs, I want to say, nine. I think they plug about 10% of the wells. I don't see how, under what circumstances, that OCD would be forced into plugging wells that have a legitimate operator with financial resources. Federal agents block an alley in Minneapolis while they detain a man and his young daughter Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026. (Photo by Nicole Neri/Minnesota Reformer) While heightened immigration enforcement appears to have subsided in Maine, the surge has left a lasting imprint on many communities, which continue to remain fearful as they shoulder economic impacts. At the same time, arrests havent completely stopped, nor has immigration policy changed, leaving the more than 200 people the federal government says it detained during the large-scale operation in the state at the mercy of President Donald Trumps administration. Advertisement Advertisement Since Republican U.S. Sen. Susan Collins announced last Thursday that Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem told her the department had ended its enhanced operation in Maine, state leaders and community organizers have not received any assurances from the department itself, nor specifics on overall arrests. We havent seen any action taken against ICE or DHS. Weve seen nothing condemning violent federal policing in our communities, so theres really no assurance or guarantee that this wont happen again, said Crystal Cron, executive director of Presente! Maine. That doesnt really provide a sense of safety to our communities. Nationally, the latest estimates appear to show U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrests by month are plateauing, however the total number of people in detention is growing because theyre not being processed as fast as theyre being arrested. As of the latest ICE data from Jan. 24, 70,766 people were being held in detention facilities across the country, the highest detained population in public record. As Cron and other Maine organizers continue to provide mutual aid amid uncertainty, theyre viewing their work not as crisis response but rather essential community infrastructure. Advertisement Advertisement The framing around disaster response obscures the violent reality that poor and immigrant families have been living all along without the broader community noticing, Cron said, and that it only really became a crisis when things escalated so much that the community at large could no longer turn away. A return to normal Maines ICE watch hotline has seen a drop in calls reporting agent sightings, though its still receiving more than it had before the surge. This week, the hotline is averaging about 100 calls per day compared to 175 per day last week. The day ICE launched its large-scale operation on Jan. 20, the hotline had received nearly 900 calls. Describing the current moment as one of cautious optimism, Ruben Torres, advocacy and policy manager for the Maine Immigrant Rights Coalition, which runs the hotline, said, Folks still dont know entirely if its safe to return to their normal lives. When Collins announced an end to the ICE operation on Jan. 29, the senior senator said the agency and Border Patrol would continue their normal operations. Advertisement Advertisement DHS said in a written statement to Maine Morning Star later that day, DHS will continue to enforce the law across the country, as we do every day, not confirming whether they had reduced presence in Maine. A return to normal would be an average of about one arrest per day, more than before President Donald Trump began his second term. Before the operation last month, Maine had already been seeing an overall increase in ICE apprehensions, mostly of people without criminal convictions. From January 2025 through the latest data available from the Deportation Data Project in October, ICE arrested 230 people, which amounts to nearly a 75% increase in average monthly arrests compared to 2024. About 20% of those arrests were of people who had been convicted of a crime. Others had either pending or no criminal charges. Advertisement Advertisement Border Patrol, which has broad authority in Maine due to its proximity to the U.S. border, had arrested far more, reporting record numbers for the last fiscal year. Their agents apprehended 725 people in the state as of Oct. 1, exceeding the prior record of 685 apprehensions set in 2001. Border Patrols Houlton Sector in Maine has already suggested it may return to some level of heightened enforcement when Temporary Protected Status for Somalis ends on March 17, writing in a Facebook post in late January, This includes Maine. Trump announced his administration would end TPS for this group of people after launching his campaign in Minnesotas Twin Cities targeted at Somali immigrants, calling them garbage. In another recent post, a video montage of arrests, Border Patrols Houlton Sector wrote, The timeline is set and the warning is definitive. Whos been arrested DHS has provided little information about who theyve arrested in Maine. Meanwhile, reporting has uncovered several examples of people detained despite following lawful immigration processes and having no criminal records. Advertisement Advertisement One man was arrested at a routine immigration check-in. A civil engineer on a work visa and a corrections officer recruit, whose boss said he has a squeaky clean record and permission to work, were both picked up during their commutes. Many of those arrested are asylum seekers, including a mother detained after agents followed her home from school drop off, a college student outside a grocery store, and a father running errands after his wife had given birth. Federal authorities have taken many of those people out of state, at times faster than courts can respond, which attorneys say cuts people off from legal help and community support. The father was immediately sent to Massachusetts, and his attorneys filed an emergency habeas petition to prevent him from being moved farther. The mother is in Arizona, according to ICEs detainee locator. At least eight people were moved to Louisiana. In multiple press releases, DHS highlighted the arrests of the same four immigrants with criminal records, which range from operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol to aggravated assault, but declined to share a full list of all of the people arrested during what the agency said was an operation targeting the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens who have terrorized communities. Last Friday, the day after the apparent end of the operation, Gov. Janet Mills and Attorney General Aaron Frey sent a letter to Noem demanding clarity, following repeated, earlier requests for specifics. Advertisement Advertisement They requested the identities of every person arrested by ICE during its operation in Maine, where theyre being held now, the basis of the arrests, the federal governments plans for every person arrested, and the number of federal officers deployed to Maine, including the name and rank of supervising officers. There are people across our state today who do not know where their loved ones are because of you, they wrote. That is unacceptable, and it is not only a violation of their Constitutional rights, but it is a threat to the Constitutional rights guaranteed to us all. The people of Maine deserve answers, and they deserve accountability. Lasting effects Most calls to the ICE watch hotline continue to be reports of agent sightings, but many are also people seeking resources. The community is extremely traumatized and not at ease, even with the news coming out last week, Cron said. Now were dealing with the aftermath of people having sheltered in place: loss of income, not having enough money to pay rent and other basic needs, while still monitoring the situation and not feeling totally sure that operations are truly scaled down. Advertisement Advertisement Now we're dealing with the aftermath of people having sheltered in place: loss of income, not having enough money to pay rent and other basic needs, while still monitoring the situation and not feeling totally sure that operations are truly scaled down. Crystal Cron, Presente Maine One common ask the hotline is getting is help with eviction prevention. In addition to the hotline, another arm of the broad community defense strategy of the Peoples Coalition for Safety & Justice is the Maine Solidarity Fund, which is now offering limited cash assistance to community members impacted by ICE detentions. The mutual aid organization Project Relief Maine is also raising funds for legal assistance and rent relief. Advertisement Advertisement However, Cron said, the need is just so immense that a community fund cannot solve this emergency. On Monday, the Portland City Council voted 8-0 to call for Mills to enact a temporary eviction moratorium. That action came after Portland Mayor Mark Dion warned Mills and other state leaders of anticipated evictions last week because of immigrants who are now fearful to leave their homes and go to work. During that meeting of state and local leaders on Jan. 28, the majors of six cities detailed stories theyve heard from residents, including people going through legal immigration processes who have been watched by federal agents, fearful of leaving their homes even with documents proving their status in hand. Several said businesses are seeing more employee absences or are closing their doors, for now. In a survey Lewiston Auburn Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce conducted of 272 businesses, 45% said the increased ICE presence was impacting staffing and operations, 18% reported impacts to revenue and finances, and the remaining 37% said theyd had no change. Advertisement Advertisement The same day as the meeting, the Lewiston affiliate along with the Maine State Chamber of Commerce and the Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce sent a letter to Maines congressional delegation raising concern about the impact of ICEs presence on the states economy and calling for limits on ICE enforcement. The bottom line is that these actions are undermining economic activity and have caused an entire population regardless of legal status to remain at home and away from our businesses, the groups wrote. A thorough review is needed to clarify the objectives, scope, and execution of current enforcement activities. Democrats in Congress are threatening to block DHS funding when it expires in two weeks unless there are added restrictions for the agencies carrying out immigration operations. This comes after a brief, partial government shutdown over DHS funding. As local communities reel from the first wave of heightened enforcement and prepare for whats next, Mainers are also continuing to volunteer their time, energy and money. On Wednesday night, the Maine Immigrant Rights Coalition held a training for another 200 hotline operators, following a training last week for another 150. What were really seeing come out of this stage is the resource mapping that started during the COVID-era and is really building out in this moment, Torres said. Those kinds of conversations were starting to fade after the pandemic. Were seeing those conversations revive. SLB SLB has been awarded a five-year, $1.5-billion contract by Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) to design, develop and manage production at the Mutriba field in Kuwait. The energy equipment and service provider is leveraging its in-depth understanding of the Mutriba oil field to support development efforts in deeper, more complex subsurface conditions. The work involves dealing with intense pressure and temperature, as well as sour reservoirs. The project aims to develop difficult and hard-to-reach oil and gas resources more quickly, while keeping costs under control and minimizing environmental impact. The contract represents trust and cooperation between KOC and SLB, while expanding SLBs scope of work and responsibility. Contracts like this allow SLB to generate predictable and enhanced cash flow, thereby increasing business stability. SLB and other oilfield equipment and service companies rely heavily on capital spending by upstream energy producers, which is strongly influenced by fluctuations in oil prices. SLB currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Some other players in the oil and gas equipment and service industrywhose revenues areinfluenced by crude price volatility are Cactus, Inc. WHD, Baker Hughes Company BKR and Halliburton Company HAL. With West Texas Intermediate crude oil prices hovering above $60 per barrel, the business environment for oil and gas exploration firms is favorable, positively impacting the business models of Cactus, Baker Hughes and Halliburton. HAL and BKR currently carry a Zacks Rank #3 each, whereas WHD has a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell). Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report SLB Limited (SLB) : Free Stock Analysis Report Halliburton Company (HAL) : Free Stock Analysis Report Baker Hughes Company (BKR) : Free Stock Analysis Report Cactus, Inc. (WHD) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com). Zacks Investment Research State Rep. John Hughes, R-Sioux Falls, listens as Lt. Gov. Tony Venhuizen speaks to state lawmakers prior to the annual State of the State address on Jan. 13, 2026, at the Capitol in Pierre. (Photo by Meghan O'Brien/South Dakota Searchlight) PIERRE A proposal to require local elections when a school board decides to exceed property tax limitations failed Wednesday in the South Dakota House on a 29-39 vote, and an effort to reconsider the bill fizzled on Thursday. Its House sponsor, Rep. John Hughes, R-Sioux Falls, had announced an intent to seek a reconsideration, but ultimately gave up that effort. Advertisement Advertisement School districts can already opt out of property tax limitations set by the state and raise more revenue, and local residents can petition that decision to a public vote. The bill says the school board could decide on an opt-out with a two-thirds vote, but the decision would then go to a mandatory election. It would also require boards to outline how long the opt-out would run and the total maximum dollar amount of taxes payable over the full term. There are 79 school districts opt-outs across the state, according to the Legislative Research Council, resulting in $43 million in excess property taxes. More legislative news See all of Searchlights coverage of the 2026 legislative session. Advertisement Advertisement Read the latest > Supporters of the bill, including Rep. Terri Jorgenson, R-Piedmont, said it increases transparency and local control for taxpayers. All this does, it simply adds taxpayer consent at the final step, Jorgenson said. I think its an unfair burden that if they want to have a voice, they have a very short window to go and get a petition, to go and get all their signatures, and theyre paying the bills. Some opponents to the bill said the reason school districts make the decision to opt out is that the state doesnt provide enough funding for their budgets. You know why theyre having opt-outs? Because were not doing our job here, said Rep. Roger DeGroot, a Republican from Brookings. This is not about transparency, its about control. Advertisement Advertisement A few who spoke against the bill said they trust school board members and superintendents to make decisions that benefit the community, just like state representatives trust those on the legislative budgeting committee. All of us sitting here, we rely on our appropriators to make those good decisions with the states money, said Rep. Tim Walburg, R-Madison. Why would we not trust the school districts, the superintendent, the school board to do the same thing? Others expressed concern about how many people would turn out for an election. Republican Rep. Brian Mulder of Sioux Falls said that people who want to weigh in on budget decisions for their school district could show up to board meetings. People have the opportunity to influence these decisions, but theyre not exercising that opportunity, he said. So, Im not convinced that theyre going to exercise the opportunity to go vote either. Advertisement Advertisement The South Dakota chapter of Americans for Prosperity said legislators took a step in the wrong direction by voting down the bill. In a time when property taxes are the largest issue for South Dakotans, we believe taxpayers should be able to weigh in before school districts raise their taxes above statutory limits, State Director Jennifer Beving said in a statement Wednesday. The Senate supported the bill last month on a 20-14 vote. The bills prime sponsor is Sen. Sue Peterson, R-Sioux Falls. For broadcasters Ryan Patraw process ballots at the Marion County Clerk's Office in Salem on Monday, May 16. Each ballot goes through several steps before it is scanned to have the vote tabulated. (Photo by Ron Cooper/Oregon Capital Chronicle) The plain meaning of Article II, Section 2 in the Oregon state constitution seems to be eluding a lot of people in high office in the state. And thats a little puzzling because the words seem basic: Every citizen of the United States is entitled to vote in all elections not otherwise provided for by this Constitution. It does go on to restrict voting by residency and registration, and allow the Legislature to impose limitations on some financial ballot issues to taxpayers. But the rule is that in elections held by and paid for by the public, every qualified voter gets to vote. Advertisement Advertisement Except that this isnt true, in a meaningful way, in primary elections, the next of which arrives in May. There, if youre not registered with the Democratic or Republican party (as a vast number of Oregon voters are not), youre shut out from most of whats on the ballot. That includes voting at a critical stage (often, in these hyper-partisan times, the only meaningful stage) for top elective offices. Democrats and Republicans between them have an effective monopoly on most of Oregons top elective offices, but the theory is that those parties are private organizations that should be able to control participation in their activities (freedom of association). This leads to the perverse result of private benefit conferred by a government intended to operate for and by the people more broadly. Two recent and separate legal challenges to this are underway. One is a frontal constitutional legal argument. The group Our Primary Voice and plaintiff Mark Porter, a retired attorney, last summer sued the state in Marion County court to challenge the restrictive nature of Oregons primaries. They noted the state constitution language on voter access and said the primaries arent a special carve-out. Advertisement Advertisement On Jan. 30, Judge Natasha Zimmerman rejected the challenge. Theres no written transcript or decision yet, and her reasoning wasnt entirely clear. A message from Porter indicated she seemed to hold that primary elections arent covered under the constitutional provision. But Porter also said she acknowledged the state of Oregon didnt make that argument. An appeal is expected, so well have to wait for the next round of legal filings for further analysis probably long after this years primary election. The second of the recent actions concern two proposed ballot initiatives (currently numbered 55 for a constitutional change and 56 for statutory changes to go along with it). They are intended to accomplish much the same thing as the Marion County lawsuit to open primary elections but in this case do it through a vote at the next general election. That effort has been driven by a bipartisan group including former Gov. Ted Kulongoski. The proposed constitutional amendment says, In primary elections, all candidates shall be listed on a single ballot, regardless of their party affiliations, allowing all eligible voters to vote for the candidates of their choice for: United States senator, representative in Congress, Governor, secretary of state, state treasurer, attorney general, state senator and state representative and any other public office so designated by law. Advertisement Advertisement The debate now is the title (or caption) for the initiatives, written by the attorney generals office. The certified version for each of them says, Changes primary election processes for most partisan offices: single primary ballot, top two candidates advance. That may be accurate, but it sounds little like a clear description of what the planned ballot issues would, if passed, actually do. Nor does it sound neutral: It refers to a major election change, but not the nature of the change. By law, titles are supposed to be succinct, but theyre also supposed to be reasonably clear. The initiative advocates have sued the state, at the Supreme Court, to change the language. They have offered a number of options. A letter attached to the complaints and signed by four previous secretaries of state (Barbara Roberts, Phil Keisling, Kate Brown and Jeanne Atkins) concluded with this: Enabling non-affiliated voters to have a say in selecting those candidates, a right which is denied to them currently, is the subject of these initiatives and will be their intended effect if approved by the Oregon electorate. Voters deserve to be informed of the subject and effect of this main thing first and foremost. Advertisement Advertisement Very likely this years primary election, set for May 19, will come and go before these cases get resolved in court. Along the way, and as voters consider who and what to support in the elections the state will have, they may want to think hard about which decisions theyre being allowed to make, and which not. That could become a consideration, owing to outside impacts from Washington, in the general election. But it might be a cause for concern in the primary too. Editor's note: This story has been updated with a comment from El Paso County District Attorney James Montoya. An El Paso man ended his capital murder trial early by agreeing to plead guilty to lesser charges for killing two people during a 2023 high school homecoming afterparty at a vacation rental house. Angel Avila pleaded guilty to one count each of "murder times two," aggravated assault with a weapon causing brain injury or paralysis and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon as part of a plea deal announced on Thursday, Feb. 5. Advertisement Advertisement Judge Selena Solis of the 243rd District Court accepted the plea deal. Solis sentenced him to life in prison on the "murder times two" and aggravated assault with a weapon causing brain injury or paralysis charges. Avila received 20 years for the aggravated assault with a deadly weapon charge. The sentences will be served concurrently. "This was a senseless act of violence that extinguished the lives of two teenagers who had the rest of their lives in front of them and forever changed the lives of multiple families, El Paso District Attorney James Montoya said in a statement. After hearing the evidence presented in court, the defendant chose to accept responsibility for his crimes by pleading guilty to a life sentence and giving up all rights to appeal. We are grateful for the El Pasoans who answered the call to jury service, thereby bringing finality to the case. The courtroom was filled with victims family members. Bailiffs had to stop people from entering because the court was at capacity. Angel Avila, a defendant, listens as testimony gets underway during his capital murder trial at the Enrique Moreno County Courthouse on Feb. 3, 2026, in El Paso. Avila is accused in a 2023 house party shooting that left two people dead and several others injured. He was facing a capital murder charge, which carries an automatic life sentence since the El Paso District Attorney's Office was not seeking the death penalty. Capital murder does not allow the possibility of parole. Advertisement Advertisement Avila will be eligible for parole in 30 years. It is rare for an inmate to receive parole at the first hearing of their case before the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles. The plea deal comes after two days of testimony in his trial. Trials being stopped because defendants elect to plead guilty is not unheard of, but is uncommon. State prosecutors and defense attorneys did not address the media immediately after the hearing. "I was very surprised," Edward Worthington, father of Julia Worthington who was killed in the shooting, said after the hearing. "I mean, you're two days into the trial and he pleads to a life sentence, which was a blessing. You never know what the jurors are going to do. Thirty years minimum for a young man at his age, that's life to me. In a Texas state prison that's probably not real friendly." Avila, who is partially paralyzed, did not stand as he pleaded guilty. He showed no signs of remorse throughout the proceedings. Advertisement Advertisement More: Testimony from man injured in El Paso shooting contradicts police Testimony included El Paso Police Department officers testifying about the scene of the crime. David Caldera, 20, also took the stand. He was injured in the shooting and left paralyzed from the waist down from the gunshot wounds. He testified about a chaotic scene that left two dead and four people wounded. Shooting leaves 2 dead, 4 injured Worthington, a 14-year-old student at Pebble Hills High School, and Eliel Omar Bultron Hernandez, 19, a graduate of Options High School, were killed at a house party on Sept. 17, 2023, at a Vrbo short-term rental home in the 12300 block of Tierra Inca Drive in the El Dorado area. The victims were bystanders attending the party. Angel Avila faces a charge of capital murder of multiple persons in connection with a shooting that killed two teenagers and wounded three others at a house party on Tierra Inca Drive in far East El Paso on Sept. 17, 2023. Caldera, Andres Marquez, Stephen Stophel, who was working security for the house party, and Avila were all injured in the shooting. Advertisement Advertisement The shooting started after Avila arrived at the party and saw people who he claimed had allegedly shot at him previously at a park in Socorro, a complaint affidavit states. He referred to Caldera as his "opp," which is for "opposition." Avila pulled out a gun and began firing into the crowd, killing two bystanders and wounding three others. Avila was also wounded as he allegedly exchanged gunfire with Caldera. Caldera, in his testimony, denied having a gun at the time of the shooting. History of violence at El Paso house parties There have been at least five house party shootings in El Paso since 2021. The cases include a 20-year-old man being injured after a fight started at a house party on June 14, 2025, in the 14500 block of Petralia Avenue in the Upper East Side neighborhood. Advertisement Advertisement Another case involved a shooting at a Halloween party on Oct. 28, 2023, outside a house in the 5800 block of Sixta Drive in the Upper Valley. Three teens were injured in the shooting. Aaron Martinez covers the criminal justice system for the El Paso Times. He may be reached at amartinez1@elpasotimes.com. This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: El Paso man pleads guilty to murder in deadly house party shooting Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino, who until recently was the face of immigration enforcement operations across the country, had a boss. In emails newly obtained by ABC News, Bovino said it wasn't the head of Customs and Border Protection. Instead, Bovino said he reported to the Department of Homeland Security and Corey Lewandowski, a special government employee with no known law enforcement experience, the emails showed. Advertisement Advertisement "We had no idea that Corey Lewandowski was a figure in this scenario. Lewandowski as the guy in charge of Midway blitz comes completely of left field. Doesn't make any logical sense," said Locke Bowman, a Chicago civil rights attorney. Bowman deposed Bovino for a lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security, representing protestors, clergy and the media, arguing agents used excessive force during immigration operations. "When Mr. Bovino was in the deposition room, sworn to tell the truth, I asked him, 'Who's your boss?'" Bowman said. In the recording of the deposition, Bovino replied, "Secretary Kristi Noem." Advertisement Advertisement "He didn't say a word about Corey Lewandowski, and the news that we're hearing now that Mr. Lewandowski was apparently his boss in connection with Operation midway Blitz, comes to me as a complete surprise," Bowman told the I-Team. "It's not consistent with his sworn testimony." Lewandowski, the former campaign manager for President Donald Trump in 2016, is now a special government employee with no official role at DHS. He is known to be DHS Secretary Kristi Noem's defacto chief of staff and is a conservative political operative with no known background in law enforcement. SEE ALSO | IN federal judge orders Trump admin. not to deport man acquitted in Bovino murder-for-hire trial A watchdog group sued to learn more about his role, and a congressional oversight committee has raised serious concerns. Advertisement Advertisement "I'm not aware that Corey Lewandowski has one iota of experience directing large scale law enforcement operations," stated Bowman. Those emails show the tensions between U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and CBP in the days leading up to large-scale enforcement operations in Chicago. Bovino, writing of the acting director of ICE, said "Mr. Lyons said he was in charge, and corrected him saying i reported to Corey Lewandowski. Mr. Lyons seemed intent that CBP conduct targeted operations for at least two weeks before transitioning to full scale immigration enforcement. I declined his suggestion. We ended the conversation shortly thereafter." Bowman characterized the emails as revealing, saying, "Bovino was all about the theater the chain of command was advocating for targeted operations at the same time, but the person, unfortunately, that Bovino was listening to was Corey Lewandowski, the political theater guy, and not Lyons and others who are part of the ordinary chain of command in ICE." The Department of Homeland Security replied to the I-Team in an email, saying, "As Border Czar Homan and Secretary Noem have both said numerous times, ICE conducts targeted operations to remove public safety threats from this country-any individual illegally in that country is on the table. We cannot confirm the veracity of these emails." LOS ANGELES (AP) Trump administration officials traveled to Los Angeles on Wednesday to outline the president's plan to override state and local rules and speed up the permitting process for reconstruction of tens of thousands of homes destroyed by last year's wildfires. Last week the president signed an executive order that the White House promised would allow homeowners to rebuild without contending with unnecessary, duplicative, or obstructive requirements. The plan is to allow federal loan recipients to self-certify that they meet all state and local building requirements if their permits aren't approved within 60 days, Trump's goal is to help homeowners cut through bureaucratic red tape and tear through every single obstacle that's slowing rebuilding, said U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin, whom Trump tapped to oversee the effort. Advertisement Advertisement His staff will examine why over 1,000 permit applications have been returned to residents seeking to rebuild, Zeldin said during a Wednesday news conference after meeting with residents in Pacific Palisades, where the first of the two infernos erupted in January 2025. We want to know why every single one of these applications are sent back to the applicant, he said. What is that hurdle ... thats preventing them the ability to be able to rebuild their home? It is unclear whether he was referring to permit applications for the Palisades or Eaton fire areas. LA County's permitting progress dashboard shows 619 permit applications were returned with comments for those in unincorporated areas of both fires. Helen Chavez, a spokesperson for Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger's office, said they were mostly returned for local code compliance issues, such as building too close to property lines, and adherence to building height and roofing standards. Advertisement Advertisement Local leaders say the process is moving fast State and local officials maintain permits are being approved in a timely manner. They questioned whether the Trump administration can legally take over the permitting process and said they've received little to no information about how the new process is to work. Roughly 3,000 permits have been approved, with more than 1,000 homes under construction, according to county data. Now (Trump) has signed an executive order that goes into effect, when? We dont know. Is it legal? Almost certainly not," California Gov. Gavin Newsom said at a news conference Monday in San Diego. "He hasnt coordinated with anyone to tell them. Its just typical Trump, he said during a news conference in San Diego. Advertisement Advertisement The Palisades and Eaton fires killed 31 people and destroyed about 13,000 residential properties, becoming some of the most destructive blazes in the region's history. The fires burned for more than three weeks and cleanup efforts took about seven months a timeline that both Newsom and Trump have praised as particularly quick. Zeldin called on insurance companies to speed up payouts to policyholders. There are a number of number of people waiting for their full insurance payment," he said. "They are desperate to receive every last penny that they need from their policy to be able to rebuild their lives. Under the new federal rules, anyone approved for a Small Business Administration Disaster loan can self-certify that their building plan meets state and local rules if they don't get a permit within 60 days of applying. The order also directs federal agencies to expedite waivers, permits and approvals to work around any environmental, historic preservation or natural resource laws that might stand in the way of rebuilding. Advertisement Advertisement Barger, whose district was hit by the Eaton Fire, pointed out that there are already local self-certification rules in place that help expedite reconstruction. Most permits are handled by local officials within a month, she said. Funding, not permitting, is the problem Barger, who joined Zeldin on Wednesday, said she shared it's a lack of money, not permitting issues, that are keeping many from rebuilding. The Trump administration has not approved the states $33.9 billion disaster aid request. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass did not join the roundtable, but Zeldin said they met privately. Bass has called the executive order a political stunt and recently said rebuilding plans in Pacific Palisades are being approved in half the time compared to single-family home projects citywide before the wildfires, with more than 70% of home permit clearances no longer required. Advertisement Advertisement The office of Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, who represents Palisades, said she was not invited and said the Trump administration's effort would not bring meaningful relief. The Board of Supervisors passed a motion Tuesday directing county attorneys and planning officials to monitor the federal government's implementation of Trump's executive order and, if necessary, take legal action to defend local permitting authority. Also Tuesday, the Los Angeles City Council took steps to wave permitting fees in the Palisades, a move that could cost as much as $90 million over three years, according to Matt Szabo, the citys top budget analyst. Justin Levitt, a law professor at Loyola Law School, said there's little the president can do in the short term to speed up rebuilding. Trump could press Congress to pass new national permitting laws, which might take years. Advertisement Advertisement But an attempt by the administration to supersede state and local regulations would spark a long fight in the courts. The claim that the federal government can just come in and boot these local laws out of existence, thats not a thing, Levitt said. ___ Associated Press reporter Julie Watson contributed from San Diego. A billionaires famed philanthropy allegedly did not extend to his extramarital affairs. Bill Gates is facing intense scrutiny for his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein following a tranche of files released by the Department of Justice on Jan. 30. In one 2017 email, Epstein alleged that Gates left his former Russian mistress broke and sleeping on a friends couchand that if her perilous financial situation were made public, it would have bumped Donald Trump off the front pages. Gates, 70who is worth roughly $104 billion, making him one of the 20 richest people in the worldhas been one of the most high-profile casualties of the ongoing release of the Epstein files. The Epstein files suggest the financier (R) and Gates were tightly intertwined. In an email, sent from Epsteins personal Gmail account to Gates advisor Boris Nikolic concerning the Microsoft founder, Epstein wrote in July 2017 that Gates former bridge girlwho appears to be Mila Antonova, a bridge player nearly 30 years Gates juniorwas broke and had little money. Advertisement Advertisement Epstein claimed she was living on a friends couch, and really needed money, before adding: I sent her some. In the typo-ridden email, the convicted child sex offender then mocked Nikolics friend bill as nuts, saying Gates former girl...cant afford air con, , cant affrod (sic) to travel to bridge. Epstein said, The richest man in the world is so cheap , his former bridge girl and toy , lives on a friends sofa, adding: That story would take trump off the front pages. At the time Epsteins email was sent, Trump was engulfed in the furor over the Trump Tower Russia meeting, after Donald Trump Jr. released emails showing he had welcomed very high-level and sensitive information from a Kremlin-linked lawyer about Hillary Clinton. Gates (R) has stayed close to Donald Trump since Trump became president, and was part of a group of tech leaders who attended a dinner in the State Dining Room of the White House in September 2025. / SAUL LOEB / SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images The episode dominated cable news and front pages while Robert Mueller examined whether the encounter broke campaign-finance or conspiracy laws, though prosecutors ultimately brought no charges over the meeting. Advertisement Advertisement Epsteins email appears to refer to Antonova, who, according to a May 2023 Wall Street Journal report, had an affair with Gates around 2010, when she was in her twenties. Per the Journal, Epstein later met Antonova in 2013 after Nikolic introduced them and agreed to pay for her software coding course. Gates and his alleged former Russian mistress, Mila Antonova. / IginiteNYC/YouTube Four years later, in 2017, Epstein emailed Gates demanding reimbursement, in a move widely interpreted as an attempt to gain leverage over one of the worlds richest men, according to the Journal. The Daily Telegraph later reported in 2023 that Antonova was an associate of the notorious Kremlin spy Anna Chapman. Chapman, a glamorous member of a Russian spy ring, was exposed as a sleeper agent and deported from the US in 2010. / Contributor / Getty Images Gates has said his meetings with Epstein were solely about philanthropy and that they were a huge mistake. A spokesperson has insisted that Epsteins attempts to portray himself as a Gates adviser were lies and that Mr. Gates had no financial dealings with Epstein, including over Antonovas tuition. Mr. Gates met with Epstein solely for philanthropic purposes. Having failed repeatedly to draw Mr. Gates beyond these matters, Epstein tried unsuccessfully to leverage a past relationship to threaten Mr. Gates, a spokesperson for Gates told the Daily Beast. Advertisement Advertisement Antonova has previously told the Journal she did not know who Epstein was when they met and believed he was simply a rich businessman offering to help her bridge-teaching startup. She said he later let her stay briefly in a New York apartment, but that they barely interacted, and that she is now disgusted by what she has learned about him. Nikolic, a physician-investor who served as Gates chief science adviser between 2009 and 2014, has said he first met Epstein in his official capacity for Gates, now regrets the contact, and denies having business ties to the pedophile financier. Bill Gates and Boris Nikolic pictured together in 2012. / Paul Morigi / Getty Images The Antonova memo is part of a flood of material released under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which forced the Justice Department to dump millions of pages of Epstein-related documents, including emails, photos, and videos. Lawmakers on the House Oversight Committee have also posted their own cache of Epstein communications, while blasting the DOJ for withholding large portions of the files. Advertisement Advertisement It is the latest lurid allegation to hit Gates from the files. On Monday, the Daily Beast reported on 2013 draft emails in which Epstein appeared to script a message for Nikolic, accusing Gates of catching a sexually transmitted infection after sex with Russian girls and plotting to slip his then-wife, Melinda French Gates, antibiotics without her knowledge. Gates spokesperson called the claims absolutely absurd and completely false. French Gates later said the document drop brought back very, very painful memories of their marriage. Bill Gates and Melinda French Gates divorced in 2021 after 24 years of marriage. French Gates has said that Gates' relationship with Epstein contributed to the breakdown of their union. / Lou Rocco / Lou Rocco/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images Gates has stressed in multiple interviews that he never visited Epsteins island, never met women through him, and that the relationship consisted of a handful of dinners from 2011 onward that he now regrets. In an interview with Australias 9 News that aired on Wednesday, Gates was pressed directly about his links to the convicted sex offender. He said: The focus was always, he knew a lot of very rich people, and he was saying, he could get them to give money to global health. Trump is also under pressure over his links to Epstein. The president has repeatedly denied even knowing about any of the financier's criminal activities. / Davidoff Studios/Getty Images You know, in retrospect, that was a dead end, and Ive said many times, but Ill say it again: I was foolish to spend time with him. I was one of many people who regret ever knowing him. Advertisement Advertisement Epstein, who died in a New York jail in 2019 aged 66 while awaiting trial on sex-trafficking charges, spent his final years trying to monetize his connections to billionaires and world leadersand, as this latest email shows, often privately taunting them. The Daily Beast has attempted to contact Antonova for comment. Turning Point USA (TPUSA) CEO Erika Kirk joined "The Story" Wednesday to detail her fight to keep cameras in the courtroom for the trial of her husband's accused assassin. Tyler Robinson, 22, is accused of assassinating TPUSA founder Charlie Kirk Sept. 10 during a speaking engagement at Utah Valley University. Robinsons defense team has repeatedly urged the court to limit media access inside the courtroom, a move Erika Kirk has forcefully opposed. Advertisement Advertisement Kirk argues that cameras are essential to ensuring full transparency of the events that transpired Sept. 10 and preventing the spread of misinformation. Charlie Kirks Widow Erika Kirk Demands Speedy Trial, Alleging 'Undue Delay' From Tyler Robinson Defense Charlie Kirk speaks at Utah Valley University Sept. 10, 2025, in Orem, Utah, prior to his assassination. (Getty Images) "I want there to be no hesitation in the understanding of what happened to my husband that day," she said. "I want there to always be full transparency." Read On The Fox News App Kirk said she wants "all facts on the table," allowing the public to get a "full display" of what happened to Charlie. She also reaffirmed her belief that Robinson is responsible for shooting and killing her husband. Advertisement Advertisement Text messages between Robinson and his partner indicate he allegedly targeted Charlie Kirk because he "had enough of his hatred." Erika Kirk Opens Up About Grief And Faith At Christmas: Life Is Different Now Tyler Robinson, accused of the murder of Charlie Kirk, appears during a hearing in Fourth District Court in Provo, Utah, Dec., 11, 2025. "Theres no ifs, ands or buts or confusion as to who did it and why," Erika Kirk said. Kirk went on to tell Fox News about a new development in her effort to carry on her husbands mission of promoting pro-America values to students. Accused Charlie Kirk Assassin Tyler Robinson Tries To Hide From Double-edged Sword Of Publicity: Expert The TPUSA CEO is partnering with Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte to expand Club America chapters and restore pro-America principles in Montana high schools. Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte announced the state's partnership with TPUSA on Wednesday. The high school-based program has more than 1,200 chapters nationwide and involves more than 14,000 students with a mission to "empower the patriotic leaders of tomorrow." Advertisement Advertisement Kirk said she wants to show young people how to use their voices for political change. We Are Not Afraid: Erika Kirk Vows Tpusa Will Continue Campus Debates Nationwide "I want these students to understand that your voice is in that ballot box," Kirk explained. "It is not with a weapon, and it is not to murder people." The widow said the Montana partnership will further Charlies goals of boosting student engagement and protecting free speech. "He knew that Club America was the future," she said. "And anyone who's watching this right now, whether you are a parent, a student, I just wanna encourage you to get involved." Advertisement Advertisement Click Here To Download The Fox News App A July press release from TPUSA outlined Charlies goal of reaching 10,000 high school chapters within the next three to five years, and Gov. Gianforte said he wants a Club America chapter in every Montana high school. Kirk also teased more state partnerships with Nebraska and Indiana to further expand Club America chapters. Original article source: Erika Kirk battles for cameras in courtroom while expanding TPUSA chapters in new state partnership Iowa City will end its attempt to revoke Fieldhouse Bar & Grill's alcohol license after discovering the city code used was abolished more than a decade ago, but was never deleted. The city was conducting a review of "an unrelated matter," it said in a release, when staff discovered that the council had voted in 2015 to delete Iowa City Code 4-2-2(B), which served as the basis for the city attorney's office's argument to suspend Fieldhouse's license. The city was revising ordinances and removing conflicts to allow for the creation of Rooftop Service Areas when they removed the code. But, the abolished code remained in online and paper copies for more than 10 years as part of what the city called "a codifier error." Advertisement Advertisement More: Econ development chief says Iowa 'all in' on landing Corteva seed HQ After the Iowa City City Council passes ordinances, a third-party codifier updates the city code. Iowa City staff called this "standard practice." American Legal Publishing hosts the electronic city codes for thousands of cities nationwide and more than 100 cities in Iowa, including Iowa City, Coralville and North Liberty. Iowa City did not specify in its release whether American Legal Publishing was responsible for the error. "We appreciate the City of Iowa Citys decision and the opportunity to move forward," representatives of Fieldhouse Bar & Grill said in a statement shared with the Press-Citizen. Our focus remains where it has always been providing a great experience for our customers and being a positive part of the Iowa City community. Deleted code was the basis of city's suspension argument The city attorney's office used section 4-2-2(B) to argue for suspension on Jan. 20, prompting the council to vote unanimously to suspend Fieldhouse's alcohol license for 14 days. That section requires establishments to operate as restaurants if they are not entirely contained on the ground floor, unless they qualify for an exception. Advertisement Advertisement Assistant City Attorney Liz Craig wrote in a memo to the council that the "only exception even possibly applicable" for Fieldhouse was that it would operate as a restaurant, which she said it had not been doing because evidence of food consumption, dedicated kitchen staff, menus and online advertising of food products was scarce. More: Iowa lawmakers look to strengthen state's weak towing law Fieldhouse immediately appealed the decision, pausing the suspension and allowing it to serve alcohol while the appeal was pending. After the error was discovered, city staff confirmed that the abolished code remains in effect in 2026, Iowa City's release said. Advertisement Advertisement "City staff will review internal processes to ensure codifier updates accurately reflect ordinance changes in the City Code," the city's release concluded. The city told Fieldhouse ownership and the Iowa Department of Revenue that it will recommend the city council rescind the suspension at its next meeting on Feb. 17. The city said Fieldhouse still faces "infractions for zoning and refuse violations," which will proceed. The council will also consider renewing Fieldhouse's alcohol license on Feb. 17. Ryan Hansen covers local government and crime for the Press-Citizen. He can be reached at rhansen@press-citizen.com or on X @ryanhansen01. This article originally appeared on Iowa City Press-Citizen: Iowa City admits using old code, may reinstate Fieldhouse license Estonia's Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna has arrived in Ukraine. Source: Tsahkna on X (Twitter), as reported by European Pravda Details: Tsahkna said that he came to see for himself how Ukrainians continued to keep going "amid cold and darkness, under constant threat to life, facing loss and horror". I am in Ukraine to witness how a nation keeps going amid cold and darkness, under constant threat to life, facing loss and horror, with air-raid sirens repeatedly reminding everyone how close the danger remains. Ukraine continues its resistance against brutal aggression, pic.twitter.com/ebnLuApSJs Margus Tsahkna (@Tsahkna) February 5, 2026 Quote: "Ukraine continues its resistance against brutal aggression, refusing to allow terror and imperialism to prevail. This fight is not only about Ukraine's security. It is about Europe's security. Our gratitude to Ukraine for standing its ground is immeasurable, and we will do everything we can to support it." Background: Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk arrived in Kyiv on the morning of 5 February. Tsahkna described Russia's latest large-scale strike on Ukraine's energy system on 3 February as state terror. Estonia at EU level has pushed for a ban on entry to the Schengen area for anyone who fought against Ukraine in the ranks of the Russian Armed Forces. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! The European Union is close to concluding a long-sought trade agreement with Australia, as US President Donald Trump's tariffs accelerate Europe's push to seal deals with other global partners. Negotiations between Brussels and Canberra collapsed in 2023 after five years of painstaking discussions over a wide array of issues. The stumbling block had been over products like beef and lamb. Advertisement Advertisement This time around, talks are zeroing in on duty-free quotas for imported Australian beef, which the EU hopes to cap at around 30,000 tonnes per year, while Canberra wants access for 40,000 tonnes. The EU's top trade negotiator Maros Sefcovic and agriculture chief Christophe Hansen will hold talks with Australian Trade Minister Don Farrell next Thursday, the EU executive said. "The EU is committed to strengthening relations with Australia, a strategic and like-minded partner. As always, progress in the sensitive phase of negotiations will depend on substance," EU trade spokesman Olof Gill said. Negotiations hit a wall in 2023 over Australia's push for significant access to the European market for its agricultural products. Advertisement Advertisement But with Trump's tariffs upending the global trading order, the EU is ramping up efforts to build closer trade and security ties with other allies. Brussels has recently clinched two deals that had been two decades in the making: the first with the South American Mercosur bloc, and then with India. The EU is treading carefully to avoid a major new backlash from farmers, who are angry at the Mercosur deal because they fear it will cause an influx of cheaper goods produced with lower standards and banned pesticides. European agricultural lobby groups will be paying close attention to the quotas for lamb, mutton and beef as well as sugar and rice, with the umbrella farm group Copa-Cogeca already warning against "any additional pressure" in sensitive sectors. Advertisement Advertisement Supporters in the EU say a deal with Australia offers a range of opportunities. The EU wants to cut its reliance on China for critical raw materials -- needed for clean technologies like wind turbines and electric car batteries -- and Australia's rich deposits would help Brussels diversify imports. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul reiterated that during a visit to Australia on Thursday, saying Europe was "very interested in expanding further our cooperation in the raw materials sector". He added that he hoped the broader trade deal would be signed "as soon as possible". Advertisement Advertisement If the talks are fruitful, EU chief Ursula von der Leyen could visit Australia later this month. The EU is Australia's third-biggest trading partner, after China and Japan, while Australia is the bloc's 20th-biggest trading partner. adc-jhm-raz/ec/js Our actual results might differ materially from those contemplated by these forward-looking statements, and we undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future developments, or otherwise, except as might be required by law. Today's call will begin with remarks from our CEO, Bruce Thames, who will provide a review of our recent business performance, including an update on our strategic initiatives. Following Bruce, our Chief Operating Officer, Thomas Cerovski, will share an update on our progress and opportunities in the data center market and medium voltage heaters, which are two key components of our organic growth plans going forward. We have reconciled those items to the most comparable GAAP measures in the tables at the end of the earnings press release. These non-GAAP measures should be considered in addition to and not as a substitute for measures of financial performance reported in accordance with GAAP. I would like to remind you that during this call, we might make certain forward-looking statements regarding our company. Please refer to our annual report and most recent quarterly report filed with the SEC for more information regarding our forward-looking statements, including the risks and uncertainties that could impact our future results. Ivonne Salem: Good morning and thank you for joining Thermon Group Holdings' Third Quarter Fiscal 2026 Results Conference Call. Leading the call today are CEO, Bruce Thames, Chief Financial Officer, Jan Schott, and Chief Operating Officer, Thomas Cerovski. Earlier this morning, we issued an earnings press release, which has been filed with the SEC on Form 8-K and is also available on the Investor Relations section of our website. Additionally, the slides for this conference call can be found on our IR website under News and Events, IR Calendar Earnings Conference Call, Q3 2026. During the call, we will discuss some items that do not conform to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. Operator: Greetings, and welcome to the Thermon Group Holdings Third Quarter Fiscal 2026 Results Conference Call. At this time, all participants are in a listen-only mode. A question and answer session will follow the presentation. As a reminder, this conference is being recorded. I will now turn the conference over to your host, Ivonne Salem, Vice President FP&A and IR. Thank you. You may begin. Story Continues After Thomas, our CFO, Jan Schott, will provide a review of our third quarter financial results. Bruce will then wrap up our prepared remarks with an update on our business outlook. At the conclusion of these prepared remarks, we will open the line for questions. With that, I'll turn the call over to Bruce. Bruce Thames: Thank you, Ivonne, and good morning to everyone joining us on the call today. I'll begin my commentary with our third quarter highlights, which you can find on Slide four. I'm exceptionally proud to announce that we achieved record-breaking results in the third quarter, delivering the highest revenue, profitability, and bookings in our company's history. These outstanding outcomes are a testament to our unwavering commitment to executing our strategic initiatives and to the dedication and excellence demonstrated by our entire Thermon team across the globe. Our strategic actions have positioned us well to capitalize on significant secular trends that are reshaping the industrial landscape, including the growth of data centers, increasing demand for power generation, the global shift towards decarbonization, and accelerating electrification. We believe that our recent booking strength and pipeline growth illustrate improving macro conditions coupled with renewed capital project momentum that are reinforced by strong customer relationships, all supporting a positive outlook for the remainder of the fiscal year with momentum continuing into 2027. Now turning to our quarterly results in more detail. Our third quarter revenues were up 10% from last year, which combined with our solid margin execution resulted in a 12% increase in adjusted EBITDA. Our third quarter adjusted EBITDA margin was just over 24%, which brings our trailing twelve months adjusted EBITDA margin to nearly 23%, illustrating the strong earnings potential of our business. We remain committed to our Thermon business system initiatives and our margin priorities, and we're very pleased by our recent profitability conversion. While I'm encouraged by our third quarter operating results, I'm most excited about the strong order trends and the building momentum we're now seeing in our business. Orders in the third quarter increased by 14% year over year, resulting in a book-to-bill ratio of approximately 1.1 times, with our total bid pipeline up 8% at quarter end, with nearly 80% of these coming from our diversified end markets. Large project orders in the quarter were up approximately 60% year over year, driven by LNG project activity, midstream gas processing, and a large sustainable aviation fuels project in Asia. Much of this activity is tied to the value chain around natural gas, for both power generation and LNG export facilities, as well as continued momentum in renewables in the Eastern Hemisphere. While these orders help grow our installed base, the execution timelines are more protracted than our flow business will begin to convert in our fiscal 2027. The power sector is another area where we also believe Thermon is well positioned, with offerings ranging from emissions monitoring solutions with our tubing bundle products to temperature management with our Genesis heat tracing control systems to auxiliary boilers for conventional and nuclear power generation. While early in what appears to be a large CapEx cycle, our pipeline of opportunities in this sector has now grown to $180 million, up 58% year over year, with over 60% of these opportunities in the US market. Another area of emerging growth in the US is in the reshoring of manufacturing, where customers are restarting shuttered facilities or expanding production in existing facilities across pharmaceuticals, chemicals, steel, and other industries. Last quarter, I highlighted that we received our first order for our new Poseidon liquid load bank solution. I'm pleased to report that we delivered these first units during the third quarter and, more importantly, continue to see bookings and extremely strong quoting activity for our data center products. Thomas Cerovski, our COO, will provide a more detailed update on the data center market later on this call. Another important driver during the quarter was the continued rebound in our large project business for the second consecutive quarter. As we've discussed on recent calls, our large CapEx order rates were improving, leading us to ramp up our engineering capacity to handle the increased project workload, including the launch of our new global Engineering Center in Mexico earlier this year. The increase in our engineering team has enabled us to move through the design phase on several large projects, which has translated to improved financial results in our large project business, with third quarter CapEx revenues up 37% versus the third quarter of last year. Based on our strong third quarter results, combined with the building momentum in new orders and backlog growth, we're once again raising our guidance for fiscal 2026, which I will detail in my closing remarks. I'd like to now turn the call over to Thomas Cerovski, our Chief Operating Officer, who will provide a more detailed update on the data center market and medium voltage heaters. Thomas? Thomas Cerovski: Thank you, Bruce, and good morning to everyone. Moving on to Slide six, I'd like to provide an update on our liquid load bank solutions for the data center market, which has quickly become a meaningful growth opportunity for Thermon. As we've discussed on prior calls, the recent shift to liquid-cooled data centers driven by investment in artificial intelligence, or AI, has created a rapidly accelerating demand for liquid load banks to validate critical cooling systems and power infrastructure. Thermon has moved aggressively to position the company to benefit from this trend in both the short term and long term. As Bruce highlighted, we shipped the first 20 units of our newest designed liquid load bank solutions and also began installation and commissioning during the quarter. And the momentum for this product continues to grow. It is important to note that we moved from initial development to shipping units in just six months, highlighting the ingenuity, responsiveness, and agility of our team. Quoting activity remains robust, as our quote log has doubled sequentially to $60 million. We continue to expect a significant ramp in orders for our liquid load bank solutions, and we are currently expanding production to support what we believe will be a multiyear growth opportunity. Another exciting opportunity for Thermon is our participation in the medium voltage heaters market. Medium voltage heaters are heaters that look like and function like traditional process heaters but operate at significantly higher voltages. This creates a large and growing market for these high-performance heaters that operate at higher efficiencies, higher power densities, a smaller footprint, have lower installation costs, and less auxiliary equipment. Thermon's medium voltage heater pipeline has expanded to over $150 million, benefiting from global electrification trends and the superior nature of our product. Our sales and marketing activities for these heaters are also an extension of the efforts of our current commercial teams in existing industries with existing skill sets and with existing customers, allowing us to move quickly to capture market share. These heaters also benefit from the secular tailwinds and the macroeconomic trends regarding decarbonization and electrification in industrial heating. Aside from the previously mentioned features and benefits, these electric heaters can perform at the highest levels of efficiency and have no emissions, where a combustion-based heater would operate at lower efficiencies and is not emissions-free. It is also worth noting that from a competitive perspective, there are significant barriers to entry into the medium voltage heater market. Although this is well within Thermon's strike zone of expertise in heat transfer and thermodynamics, this is a capability we have developed over a number of years with our deep and extensive engineering talent. These heaters come with international certifications and approvals that require exhaustive testing and compliance reviews. Quite frankly, these medium voltage heaters are difficult to engineer and even harder to manufacture. Thermon is a leader in this space, and we are on our front foot ahead of a very, very short list of competitors that have even attempted to participate in this space. We've secured our third medium voltage heater order, which increases our backlog for this product to over $11 million. We are currently quoting opportunities and selling manufacturing slots for these heaters into our FY 2027 and FY 2028 fiscal years. Last, we are also scaling our manufacturing processes, leveraging our global manufacturing footprint to increase capacity for these heaters. This technology is well within our strengths and capabilities, and we are utilizing our global engineering and operations team to meet the growing customer demand for these products. With that update on the exciting products of liquid load banks and medium voltage heaters, I will now turn it over to Jan for a detailed review of our third quarter results. Jan? Jan Schott: Thank you, Thomas, and good morning, everyone. I'll walk through our third quarter financial performance followed by updates on working capital, cash flow, and our balance sheet and liquidity. Moving to slide seven, revenue for the quarter was $147.3 million, a year-over-year increase of 10%. The growth this quarter reflects more favorable spending patterns, including continued improvements in large project spending by customers, ongoing momentum in electrification and decarbonization in Europe, and benefits from pricing. With the Fati acquisition reaching its one-year anniversary this past October, all of the growth this quarter is now considered organic. Our OpEx revenues were $122 million during the third quarter, an increase of 5% compared to last year, driven by increased spending from our installed base and pricing. OpEx revenues represented 83% of total revenues for the quarter. Large project revenue was $25.4 million for the third quarter, up 37% from last year. As Bruce mentioned earlier, momentum in our major project markets is now flowing through to our results, with several projects progressing from engineering into execution this quarter. Our engineering teams remain fully utilized, and the active bid pipeline gives us confidence that the strength will continue into the new calendar year. Our gross profit was $68.7 million during the third quarter, an increase of 11% compared to last year. The increase in gross profit was the result of operating leverage from increased volumes, price tariff mitigation, and productivity gains enabled by our Thermon business systems. As a result, gross margins were 46.6% for the third quarter, up from 46.2% last year. We were pleased to see our gross margin performance continue this quarter given the higher mix of large project revenue. We also saw this trend last quarter, which is encouraging. Adjusted EBITDA was $35.66 million for the quarter, up from $31.8 million last year, an increase of 12%. The increase was driven by our solid revenue growth, sustained gross margin improvement, and disciplined cost management, partially offset by continued investments in growth initiatives and higher performance-based compensation. Adjusted EBITDA margin was 24.2% during the third quarter, up 50 basis points from last year. GAAP earnings per share for the quarter was $0.55, up modestly from $0.54 in the prior year. Adjusted earnings per share was $0.66, up 18% from $0.56 last year. Third quarter orders grew 14% to $158.2 million compared to last year. As Bruce noted earlier, this included strong activity across LNG, midstream gas processing, and a major SAF project in Asia. Our book-to-bill ratio for the quarter was 1.1 times, up from 1.0 times a year ago. Backlog increased 10%, driven by a positive book-to-bill for the quarter and favorable project timing, even as we delivered record revenue this quarter. Turning to performance by geography, US Lam delivered a solid 10% year-over-year increase driven by sustained demand across large capital projects and continued pricing discipline. Canada posted a 1% revenue increase supported by heightened project activity. In EMEA, activity remained robust with revenue increasing 37%. This growth reflects strong execution across our legacy business as well as rising demand tied to electrification and decarbonization trends in Europe. Meanwhile, APAC delivered 9% revenue growth supported by continued momentum in project activity. Turning to Slide eight for an update on our balance sheet and liquidity. Working capital was $190 million at quarter end. Capital expenditures were $4.9 million for the quarter compared to $1.4 million last year, reflecting our investments to support growth initiatives, including our liquid load bank and medium voltage heater product lines. We generated $13.1 million of free cash flow in the third quarter, up from $8.4 million last year, reflecting healthy operating performance and moderated by growth-focused investments. Year-to-date free cash flow was $25.7 million, up from $23.9 million in the prior year period, highlighting continued discipline even as we invest to support growth. We did not repurchase shares in the third quarter. Cumulative repurchases since the beginning of fiscal 2025 stood at $36 million, or 4% of our shares outstanding. We still have $38.5 million remaining under our existing authorization. We ended the quarter with net debt of $96.3 million and a net leverage ratio of 0.8 times. In summary, we continued our financial discipline during the third quarter and remained focused on maintaining a strong balance sheet. We have $141 million in total cash and available liquidity as of quarter end, providing us ample financial flexibility to execute on our balanced capital allocation strategy, which remains focused on driving growth both organically and through strategic acquisitions, while balancing opportunistic share repurchases and debt reduction. With that, I will turn the call back over to Bruce. Bruce Thames: Thanks, Jan. As we shared on this call, we were very pleased with our third quarter results and are encouraged by the continued momentum we're seeing across many of our end markets. This team has spent considerable time and energy over the past several years repositioning the business for growth, so it's very rewarding to see this hard work beginning to pay off. Based upon our strong results through the first three quarters of the year and the continued momentum in our business, we're raising our full-year 2026 financial guidance for revenue and adjusted EBITDA. As we detail on slide nine, our fiscal 2026 financial guidance calls for revenue in a range of $516 million to $526 million, representing 5% growth over the prior year at the midpoint. We're raising adjusted EBITDA guidance to a range of $114 million to $120 million, representing 7% growth over the prior year at the midpoint. Our guidance continues to assume that the current tariff structures remain in place and any future announcements do not have a notable positive or negative impact on input costs or customer sentiment, and the improved business trends we've seen are sustained. Turning now to slide 10. We believe we're strategically positioned to benefit from several powerful macroeconomic drivers, including reshoring, electrification, decarbonization, power, and data centers. We're in an extremely strong financial position with more than sufficient financial flexibility to continue pursuing our strategic priorities, including the disciplined allocation of capital, all with an ongoing focus on generating long-term value for our shareholders. That completes our prepared remarks. We're now ready for the question and answer portion of our call. Ivonne Salem: Thank you. Operator: And at this time, we will conduct the question and answer session. A confirmation tone will indicate that your line is in the question queue. Before pressing the star keys. And your first question comes from Brian Drab with William Blair. Please state your question. Brian Drab: Congratulations on the great results. I've been covering the company for a long time, and I know a lot of people have been expecting Thermon to put up results like this. And it's I usually don't take time to do this congratulating on the calls, but it's worth, I think it's deserving. Bruce Thames: For sure. Thanks, Brian. I was wondering yes, can you talk about the 46% plus gross margin that, you know, two quarters in a row? The sustainability of that, what is structurally changed if it has you know and you're doing that in the face of improving large project activity where you typically see somewhat lower gross margin. Bruce Thames: Yeah. That's a great point, Brian. The mix is shifting towards more large projects. There's a number of things that are really driving the improved gross margins. Systematically drive, you know, the Thermon business system, we've been able to productivity and efficiency gains that are translating into bottom line results. I think that's something that's in place and we'll continue to drive going forward. Price has been another area where we've certainly gained some incremental margin in the marketplace. We also are seeing the benefit of operating leverage. And I would also note that when you look at the project mix we have today, it is largely design and supply. With much less, what we call turnkey or additional content around field labor, around installation, or third-party materials that we would have conduit wire, breakers, relays, and the like. So that all helps improve the margin profile of these projects. As we look at our backlog going forward, we still have a very significant backlog building around large projects that are heavily weighted towards design and supply. So those margins I think, would be sustained. I would go, I would go on to say that typically, our Q3 is always the highest gross margin just due to the mix around heating season and just operating leverage on the incremental volume. So having said that, when you look at our business on a seasonality basis, I think we can continue to drive similar margins going forward. The key here is understanding that Q3 is typically the peak, and it'll fall off somewhat in Q4 and Q1 and then begin to rebuild in Q2 and Q3 of next year. So that's just the normal cadence of the margin profile of our business. Brian Drab: Okay. And this shift to more design and supply versus projects with the significant labor content. Is that something that was by design, like, by your design? Or is that more a function of trends in the overall market? Bruce Thames: It's a little of both. We've focused there particularly, but then there's also been a shift with some of the general contractors and also in the EPCs to be able to bring more of that field labor and installation in-house. So it's been a bit of a mix of both. Brian Drab: Okay. And then, on the data center side, just really good momentum there. Clearly, can you talk about how your conversations with the potential customers in the industry have evolved? Are you talking to the data center construction contractors, the HVAC contractors, the hyperscalers themselves, all of the above? Thomas Cerovski: Yeah. Hey, Brian. This is Tom. Thanks again for the congratulations. Look, the answer to your question is all of the above. We've formed some relationships through our discovery process and design thinking of developing these projects. We did a lot of customer research and feedback before we launched the project and launched the products. But we are forming relationships with, let's say, rental companies out there that specifically rent equipment into this market. There's also a burgeoning group of companies that do nothing but commissioning of data centers and meet the testing around insurance and regulatory compliance. And then as you said, we've also worked directly with end users. In some cases, they're these units and load banks permanently. It'll become a fixture of their overall asset. So, look, the answer is we've worked with all types of customers and have formed relationships through many different types of channels. Brian Drab: Okay. Perfect. I'll pass it on for now and talk to you later. Thank you. Thomas Cerovski: Thanks, Brian. Operator: Thank you. And your next question comes from Justin Ages with CJS Securities. Please state your question. Justin Ages: Hi. Good morning, all. Bruce Thames: Good morning. Justin Ages: Another question on the liquid load banks. In the past, you've mentioned the market size around 80%, $90 million. Just wondering if your assumptions have changed there. And I know you gave some detail on the competitive landscape for the medium voltage heaters, but any detail you can give us on the landscape for these liquid load banks would be as well, please. Thomas Cerovski: Yeah. Hey. Great question. We have not updated our management estimates of what we believe the market to be. I think we'll stay consistent for now with what we put in previous communications and what we've mentioned earlier. I will say, you know, that the market is robust. But the most important thing is our quote log has actually doubled, I believe, sequentially quarter over quarter. We're now at about $60 million. So we believe this will be both a short-term material impact on our potential FY '27 results and then also a longer-term multiyear opportunity. I think, you know, data centers is something that many different companies out there that are selling electrical and other types of products are still trying to get our arms around how big this growth cycle is and how long it will last. But it's clearly very large and it's clearly multiyear. Justin Ages: That's helpful. Thanks. And then on the CapEx guidance, you said 2.5% to 3% this year. This quarter, it was 3.3% ahead of sales. Just wondering if these investments in these two new growth platforms as we look, you know, peek into '27 and '28, if it's gonna be a bit higher as you guys are, you know, ramping for growth there. Bruce Thames: Yeah. That's a great question. We are making more, you know, if you think about Justin and over the last five years or more, our CapEx has probably averaged around two and a half percent. We've got these two opportunities, which are, you know, significant organic growth opportunities, and we are making investments to scale manufacturing. And so we're in the process of finalizing our plans for next year, but we would expect CapEx to be in probably closer to that 3% range next year. And just investing for growth in these two different platforms. And really, that's to build capacity both in the Western Hemisphere as well as in the Eastern Hemisphere to grow and scale these products. Justin Ages: That makes a lot of sense. Alright. I appreciate you taking the question. Thank you. Bruce Thames: Thank you. Operator: Your next question comes from Arun Spychala with Craig Hallum Capital Group. Please state your question. Arun Spychala: Yeah. Good morning, Bruce, Jan, and Tom. Thanks for taking the questions. You know, maybe first for me on the medium voltage opportunity, you talked about the pipeline and the backlog and scaling the manufacturing. Can you just kind of talk about how you see that progressing over the next couple of years given that pipeline and kind of how growth can look as you kind of scale manufacturing? Thomas Cerovski: Yes. No, thanks, Arun. Great question. This is a very, very early stage of engagement with customers on the medium voltage. You know, as I've said, we've taken three orders. You know, we have worked down some of the backlog, but the existing backlog right now at end of three was $11 million. Again, just to repeat, quote pipeline on that is over $150 million. This is another opportunity for us that we believe is both large and multiyear. We have begun the process of investment there both on the CapEx and OpEx side to increase capacity, again, both in the Eastern Hemisphere and then future in the Western Hemisphere and then future investment in the Eastern Hemisphere to be able to build these heaters and meet customer demand. This has been a tailwind for us. Again, there's the other thing to keep in mind, this has a very large competitive moat around it in terms of the capabilities to build these heaters. But it will certainly be something that is multiyear and have impact on not just FY 27, but a material impact on years in the future. Arun Spychala: Alright. I appreciate that. And then you kind of called out LNG in midstream as nice growth drivers. Could you just talk a little bit more about how you're offering fits in that market, where that business is today, and how you see that ramping moving forward? Bruce Thames: Yeah. So, yeah, LNG midstream, kind of thinking through those. You know, what we're seeing is certainly the LNG export facilities, we do quite a bit in LNG liquefaction. And so we've in the first quarter of this year, we had secured about five projects for LNG, and those began to execute in our Q2 of this year and continued into our Q3. We also booked some additional LNG projects. When you think about our products, there's a number of different applications. We have even the medium voltage heaters are used for natural gas regeneration, which and then our heat tracing products are used extensively just due to the colder temperatures and to freeze protect on a lot of different valves and piping. We also have immersion heater opportunities in various applications there. And then our tubing bundles are sold in there. So it's really a broad swath of our products for LNG. And then we think about moving upstream, you know, to increase production in natural gas. One of the areas where we do a lot of work is in gas processing, particularly in fractionators. And so we've secured some orders in those areas as well with some nice projects emerging here, particularly in the US around increased natural gas production and processing. And then all of that also ties to just the increased power demand and the shift towards combined cycle power generation, with some of the legislative changes that are increasing demand for natural gas as well. So all of those tie in pretty well in our demand drivers for our products and services. Arun Spychala: That's great. Thanks for the color and for the questions. I'll turn it over. Bruce Thames: Thank you. Operator: Thank you. To withdraw your question, press 2. Once again, to ask a question, press. Your next question comes from Jonathan Braatz with Kansas City Capital. Please state your question. Jonathan Braatz: Good morning, everyone. Bruce Thames: Good morning, Jonathan. Jonathan Braatz: Bruce, going back to gross margins, they've been very strong despite the higher capital CapEx revenues. And you talked a little bit about the reasons, but independent of those reasons, given the strength of the market, are you just seeing better margins in that business than maybe you had seen years ago? Initial margins? Bruce Thames: Our project margins are healthy. I would say, Jonathan, as I reflect back, they are not necessarily above what we've seen in large CapEx cycles. You know, the company historically, I mean, we go back to the 2013 time frame, had enjoyed gross margins and project activity when there was just a super cycle in the oil sands. So I would say we're not at those levels, but on a relative basis, our project margin profile has improved, and the mix has had a big impact on that as well. So I think it's a little of both. The mix of design and supply as well as just the overall market conditions for pricing and the nature of the projects we're executing have both helped with price and gross margins. Jonathan Braatz: Okay. Alright. Thank you. The second question, the Fati acquisition last year has been very successful. How do you see that going forward? What you're doing, what else are you doing to maybe improve the revenue outlook for that operation and the profitability? What's ahead for Fati in 2027? Bruce Thames: Yes. Great question. Well, that business has performed exceptionally well. A few things to note. One is we continue our commercial efforts there in Europe and the Eastern Hemisphere, which have been quite successful. A lot of the CapEx investments that we talked about, both Jan and the prepared remarks as well as just questions I answered earlier, are related to scaling capacity there in Milan. We are building capacity for our medium voltage heaters there, and we'll begin to be completely vertically integrated and be able to produce those in Europe for Europe and the Eastern Hemisphere. And that's going to be a significant growth driver. You know, in less than eighteen months, we've essentially doubled that business. We expect that to be, you know, to double that business over the next two to three years. And that would be really serving the increased demand for electrification as well as the market opportunity represented by medium voltage heaters. So that business, we would expect to continue to build and grow. And, you know, while as we look at that, our product portfolio, quite frankly, has historically had immersion heaters and the like. But having that manufacturing capacity there in Europe has really enabled and unlocked the next level of growth. So it's really been a great success story, really commercially and operationally. Jonathan Braatz: Okay. Thank you. Operator: Thank you. And ladies and gentlemen, final reminder, if you would like to ask a question, please press star, one. We'll pause for a couple of moments while we poll for questions. Thank you. And there are no additional requests for questions. So at this time, I'll hand the floor back to Bruce Thames for closing remarks. Thank you. Bruce Thames: Thank you, Diego, and thank you all for joining on the call today. We appreciate your interest in Thermon. And if we don't talk to you in the coming months, we look forward to providing an update on our full-year financial results in the May time frame. So thank you all for joining today. Operator: Thank you. This concludes today's conference. All parties may disconnect. Should you buy stock in Thermon Group right now? Before you buy stock in Thermon Group, 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 Thermon Group wasnt one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, youd have $432,297!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, youd have $1,067,820!* Now, its worth noting Stock Advisors total average return is 894% a market-crushing outperformance compared to 194% for the S&P 500. 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Thermon (THR) Q3 2026 Earnings Call Transcript was originally published by The Motley Fool Say, for a moment, that you had embarked on a sweeping project to remake your country without the approval of its population, confident that utopia would result. Then say that the project stalled, that criticism was mounting, but that any attempt to undo the project would make things worse and kill your career to boot. How might you handle this problem? Having started down parallel paths of mass migration for their own historical reasons, Britain, France and Spain are now converging on a strategy for its management: cover up the consequences and shut down the spaces where they might be discussed. This week, the authorities of all three countries took aim at Elon Musks X (formerly Twitter), ostensibly in order to protect children. Spanish prime minister Pedro Sanchez fresh from approving a plan to regularise half a million illegal migrants to fight the far Right announced plans for a social media ban for under-16s. That was the headline measure. Advertisement Advertisement Following in its wake, however, were references to taking action against platforms whose algorithms amplify disinformation, insistence that spreading hate must come at a cost that platforms can no longer afford to ignore, and plans to make executives criminally liable for content on the platform. In France, meanwhile, police raided Xs Paris headquarters as part of an inquiry aiming to protect children by halting deepfakes. But the investigation was triggered in the first place by an MP in Emmanuel Macrons centrist party complaining after Musks purchase that X had reduced diversity of voices, and a separate complaint that the site hosted nauseating political content. Police raided the French offices of Elon Musks X platform as part of a criminal investigation into sexually explicit deepfakes - Remon Haazen/Getty Images Finally, in Britain, the Information Commissioners Office launched an investigation into deepfakes on X, running in parallel to the Ofcom inquiry into the platform. Liz Kendall, the Technology Secretary, has said the Government will give its full backing should the watchdog decide to block access to the site in the UK and accused those opposing the measures of allying with those who think the creation and publication of sexually manipulated images of women and children is acceptable. There is a difference, however, between accepting that a problem should be addressed and accepting the Governments proposed solution. The capability in question Grok editing pictures of real people into revealing clothing shouldnt have been available in the first place, but it has now been fixed. Advertisement Advertisement The state response, however, is still unfolding, and will still be unfolding months from now when the next digital scandal blows up. This dynamic, where the pace of regulation is outstripped by the pace of innovation, means that even well-intentioned legislation tends to grow out of control as it attempts to anticipate the future as the Conservatives proved with the Online Safety Act. And it also gives marvellous cover to politicians looking to take broad control over speech. Given the frequency with which Labour politicians have clashed with Elon Musk over political discussion on X the aftermath of the Southport murders, the grooming gangs scandal it doesnt seem unreasonable to suspect that this is precisely why Starmer and his colleagues are displaying such interest in this episode. This is particularly so when Ofcom has no current investigations into Roblox currently facing multiple lawsuits over allegedly facilitating child sexual exploitation (Roblox has said it strongly disputes the plaintiffs allegations) and when the Government itself seems hesitant to examine the grooming scandal in reliably Labour-voting communities. For all its failings, X/Twitter was and still is one of the most prominent public forums in political life. Journalists, politicians, commentators, think-tankers and others used, and use, it compulsively. If you can keep a topic off peoples feeds or threaten one side with bans for speaking out then you can do a surprising amount to shift political discourse in one direction or another. Advertisement Advertisement Prior to Musks purchase, the balance of moderation was shifted well to the Left, particularly on issues of gender identity and migration. Now, on both, it has shifted substantially. The previous policy helped to cover up the worst details of incidents likely to provoke community tensions, and to maintain the line that the New Europe was an improvement on the old. The new one gives criticism free rein. Unsurprisingly, those politicians feeling the heat as a result would like things to return to the way they were. But as they are fond of telling voters who express that same sentiment to them, change is a part of life. The genie isnt going back into the lamp. 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. Europe must ban entry to all Russian veterans of the war against Ukraine or face a surge in crime rates and hybrid attacks, Estonian officials have warned. Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna warned that battle-hardened "ex-prisoners and rapists" could flood Europe after the war and carry out nefarious activities on behalf of Russian intelligence. To boost common security, Tallinn proposed a blanket Schengen entry ban for Russian veterans during a meeting of European foreign ministers on Jan. 29, while also inviting the U.K. to join the initiative. Advertisement Advertisement Sweden, the Netherlands, Finland, Denmark, and the other Baltic countries expressed openness to the idea, a European official familiar with the matter told the Kyiv Independent. Radoslaw Sikorski, Poland's chief diplomat, publicly signaled support. "Many member states" support the plan, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said, adding that the European Commission agreed to move the proposal forward. Yet, the stance of major European countries that host significant Russian communities or are common destinations for Russian visitors such as Germany, France, Spain, and Italy remains unclear. No more clarity is there on the desired method, as listing hundreds of thousands of Russian ex-soldiers on a Schengen blacklist would be a daunting and lengthy endeavor. Advertisement Advertisement Read also: Impossible to ban grief how Russia tries and fails to hide its casualties in Ukraine Technical obstacles Estonia has not wasted time, banning access to the Schengen area a free-travel zone of 29 European countries for the first 261 Russian soldiers earlier in January. But this figure is only a tiny fraction of the estimated 700,000 Russian soldiers currently deployed in Ukraine. Estonia's Interior Ministry believes that as many as 1.5 million service members have taken part in the full-scale invasion since 2022. Estonias Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna in Brussels, Belgium, on Jan. 29, 2026. (Simon Wohlfahrt / AFP via Getty Images) "In theory, Estonia itself could put the names of more than 600,000 or 700,000 people on the Schengen Area blacklist, but that is simply beyond our capacity," Tsahkna told the Estonian public broadcaster ERR. Advertisement Advertisement A European official told the Kyiv Independent that identifying individual combatants and placing them on the Schengen ban list would take time, given their numbers. As Estonia pushes for a political agreement, it is simultaneously examining other possible methods, such as changes to visa requirements, they added. The EU has sharply tightened visa rules for Russian nationals since the outbreak of the all-out war. A visa facilitation agreement with Moscow was suspended in September 2022, a step that imposed more restrictive entry rules on Russian visitors to the EU. Last November, Brussels largely barred Russian citizens from obtaining multi-entry visas, except in humanitarian cases. Advertisement Advertisement However, issuing visas themselves remains a prerogative of individual member states. While the Baltic states and Poland have largely suspended or sharply restricted visas for Russian nationals, France, Spain, Hungary, and Italy have continued to receive Russian tourists despite the war. According to the European Commission, over 500,000 Russians received Schengen visas in 2024 an increase since 2023, but a steady drop from the 4 million in 2019. Read also: How Soviet nostalgia and silence enable wartime complicity on Russian YouTube Bringing crimes home Some of the risks posed by battle-hardened soldiers returning to civilian life are already visible in Russia itself. Advertisement Advertisement An investigation by the independent outlet Novaya Gazeta found that Russian courts have issued around 8,000 rulings involving veterans of the full-scale war in Ukraine since 2022. Roughly 900 of these cases involved prosecutions for murder or assault, frequently committed while the accused were intoxicated. The actual figures may be significantly higher, Novaya Gazeta journalists note, given incomplete data and attempts by military courts to conceal information. Another Russian independent media outlet, Vyorstka, wrote that over 1,000 people have been killed or injured by ex-soldiers over the past four years. Estonian border police officers pass through a gate on the Estonian-Russian border in Vinski, Estonia, on Oct. 1, 2025. (Carl Court / Getty Images) The crime rate spike is often linked to the fact that many veterans already had a criminal record prior to their service, or were even recruited straight out of prison. Russian convicts, including murderers and rapists, are offered a pardon in exchange for military service, allowing them to return home after concluding their contracts. Advertisement Advertisement Ukrainian intelligence estimates that Russia recruited up to 180,000 prisoners to fight in its full-scale war against Ukraine as of late 2024. "Nearly half of the veterans of the war in Ukraine who have returned have not been able to find jobs," or maintain the income they had during the war, says Paul Goble, a U.S. author and analyst specializing in ethnic and religious issues of the former Soviet space. "As a result, there is universal acknowledgement in Russia both among officials and the population that the crime rate will go up," he told the Kyiv Independent. However, journalist and analyst Kseniya Kirillova argues that this does not necessarily mean the same scenario will play out for Russian veterans arriving in Europe. Advertisement Advertisement "(T)he vast majority of men who signed the contract are socially marginalized people from remote regions of Russia who have never been abroad and don't even have an international passport," Kirillova told the Kyiv Independent. Recruits for Moscow's hybrid war The danger lies elsewhere, Kirillova warns, pointing out that Russia could deliberately "infiltrate" European countries with its veterans to carry out sabotage operations. These ex-soldiers have already acted against Ukraine's allies by participating in the war and may also include individuals who have committed war crimes, she adds. In this context, an EU-wide entry ban is appropriate, although exceptions could be made after careful investigation for deserters who seek asylum and face criminal prosecution at home, she says. Advertisement Advertisement Since 2022, hybrid attacks have surged across Europe, with Western officials linking Russian intelligence to arson, parcel bombing, cyber attacks, and sabotage of critical infrastructure. Estonian Defence Force soldiers take part in the Exercise Hedgehog 2025 military exercise in Estonia, on May 20, 2025. (Peter Kollanyi / Bloomberg via Getty Images) A string of unidentified drone sightings over strategic facilities and Russian aerial incursions in late 2025 led many in Europe to conclude that Moscow is already engaged in a covert war against the West. Russia's intelligence has reportedly targeted a wide range of recruits from ex-Soviet military personnel and struggling migrants to unwitting Ukrainian nationals for these operations. As negotiations for ending the war continue, observers say that after a ceasefire deal, Russian war veterans could become another fertile breeding ground for potential saboteurs. Advertisement Advertisement "Tallinn is right," Goble says, backing Estonia's assessment of the danger. The expert concludes that "Moscow will seek to redirect unemployed veterans who are ready to have a life in crime" to join the Kremlin's hybrid war against the West. Read also: Exclusive: Russian negotiators soften hardline stance in private, US officials say. Ukrainians urge caution Read also: Fact-check: Russias most successful disinformation campaign targets free speech in Europe Read also: The illusion of a ceasefire in Ukraine Note from the author: Hi, this is Martin Fornusek. I hope you enjoyed this article. In our team, we believe that fact-based, truthful reporting should be available to all that's why we don't use a paywall. If you'd like to help us provide you with more in-depth coverage of Ukraine's struggle against Russian aggression, international politics, and more, please consider joining the Kyiv Independent community. Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. European allies of the US have made more concessions to the US over Greenland than they publicly admit, Vice-President JD Vance has said. "We definitely have gotten much more than we initially had," Vance said in an interview on the Megyn Kelly Show. He suggested that the "framework of a future deal" - unveiled by President Donald Trump last month - would be of benefit to the US. Advertisement Advertisement Trump's announcement came as a relief after mounting fear that the US was prepared to use force against fellow Nato ally Denmark to seize its semi-autonomous Arctic island. Trump says Greenland is necessary to defend against possible attacks from Russia and China. Both Denmark and Greenland have said they will not agree to cede sovereignty. Their European allies have rallied to their support. Greenland is sparsely populated but its location between North America and the Arctic makes it well placed for early warning systems in the event of missile attacks. Trump has claimed without evidence that it is "covered with Russian and Chinese ships all over the place". He has also said the US needs to own Greenland to properly defend it. Advertisement Advertisement More than 100 US military personnel are permanently stationed at a US base in Greenland's north-western tip - a facility that has been operated by the US since World War Two. Under existing agreements with Denmark, the US has the power to bring as many troops as it wants to Greenland. Vance did not give details of what the Trump-announced plan contained that had not been available to the US before, but went on to repeat that the Chinese and the Russians had designs on the Arctic island. "It's one of the unwritten rules that everybody knows that if the Chinese or the Russians affected one of our critical missile defence systems, we would necessarily defend that. But we're not getting anything for it," the US vice-president said. Advertisement Advertisement "Let's rewrite the rules a little bit here and say that if the United States is going to protect the entire world's missile defence system - primarily our own, but other people benefit from it - we should get some benefit from the bargain." It is not clear if Vance was referring to Greenland's natural resources - including rare earth minerals, uranium and iron - which are becoming easier to access as its ice melts because of climate change. Scientists think it could also have significant oil and gas reserves. Trump has said the "framework deal" would involve access to Greenland's mineral resources. The US vice-president went on to accuse European allies of duplicity. "It's so funny because the Europeans, they're so friendly in private, and they're willing to make a lot of accommodations, and then publicly they attack us." Advertisement Advertisement "I'm sorry, it's all bogus," Vance said, adding: "The idea that they haven't made any accommodations or concessions to the United States, it's not true." By Andrew Goudsward WASHINGTON, Feb 5 (Reuters) - The U.S. Justice Department unit responsible for prosecuting potential wrongdoing by law enforcement, including during the crackdown on illegal immigration in Minneapolis, has lost two-thirds of its prosecutors and is under orders to scale back its investigations of excessive force, people familiar with its work told Reuters. The unit, which typically plays a leading role in reviewing cases nationwide in which law enforcement officers appear to violate peoples rights, has lost significant capacity to pursue investigations because of staff departures and new guidance under President Donald Trumps administration curtailing its mandate, according to interviews with seven former lawyers in the section. Advertisement Advertisement The number of trial attorneys in the unit, known as the Criminal Section of the Civil Rights Division, has dropped from roughly 40 before Trump took office a year ago to no more than 13, according to three of the people with knowledge of its staffing. Just two supervisors remain in their roles and have not announced plans to leave. Previously, there have been around seven supervisors in the unit. The former DOJ lawyers, most of whom spoke on the condition of anonymity because they feared retaliation, expressed doubts about the ability of the section to conduct thorough investigations into recent incidents, including the fatal shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis last month. The DOJ has said it is investigating Prettis killing but not Goods. Early in the Trump administration, supervisors in the section told staff that investigations of law enforcement officers would proceed only if there were egregious circumstances, such as a death in custody or sexual assault, three of the former Justice Department lawyers said. State and local departments would take the lead in most instances, the three lawyers recalled. A Justice Department spokesperson, Natalie Baldassarre, said the section expects to hire additional prosecutors and continues to enforce our nations civil rights statutes aggressively and efficiently, pointing to recent cases involving law enforcement sexual assault and hate crimes. Advertisement Advertisement We evaluate each matter based on the merits without prejudice. Nothing within our statutory purview is off limits, Baldassarre said. She did not dispute that law enforcement cases had been scaled back, adding that the sections nationwide scope inherently requires prioritization of resources. Baldassarre said the section now has more than 25 lawyers, a combination of trial lawyers, attorney advisers, and supervisors, and declined further comment on staffing. At least five senior lawyers announced plans to leave the department earlier this month, most of whom accepted early retirement offers. CASES STALLED Former prosecutors who handled investigations of police wrongdoing said their case loads dropped as excessive force probes stalled last year. Advertisement Advertisement The number of people charged with violating the civil rights law most commonly used in federal excessive-force cases dropped about 36% last year to 54 total cases, the lowest number since 2020, according to a Reuters analysis of federal court dockets obtained from Westlaw. In one sign of the sections new direction, civil rights prosecutors are handling the case against former CNN anchor Don Lemon and eight others accused of disrupting a Minnesota church service last month in protest of immigration enforcement, according to court records. LAWYER EXITS The seven former prosecutors in the section described an exodus of veteran lawyers as the Trump administration adopted what some called a selective approach to enforcing the law, reining in investigations of perceived allies while encouraging probes of his adversaries. Advertisement Advertisement The idea of a system where every vulnerable group is not protected equally by the rule of law is not a system I can be a part of from the inside, said Laura-Kate Bernstein, a former trial attorney who left the Justice Department in May. The section handles sensitive investigations involving law enforcement misconduct as well as hate crimes and interference with abortion clinics and houses of worship. The departures have curtailed the Justice Departments capacity to prosecute civil rights violations, even in areas the Trump administration has prioritized such as antisemitic and anti-Christian hate crimes, some of the attorneys who worked there said. Harmeet Dhillon, the Trump-nominated head of the Civil Rights Division, has publicly encouraged some staff departures, portraying career lawyers as unable or unwilling to carry out the administrations agenda. The criminal section was exempted from one deferred resignation program offered last spring that led to many departures elsewhere in the division. Advertisement Advertisement INVESTIGATING LAW ENFORCEMENT Lawyers from the section are traditionally on the ground within days, if not hours, after a high-profile killing by police. The Justice Department has said there is no basis for a civil rights probe into the Good shooting. It has opened an investigation into Prettis killing, but officials have downplayed its scope. I don't want the takeaway to be that there's some massive civil rights investigation that's happening, Todd Blanche, the departments No. 2 official, told reporters on Friday. Lawyers who worked in the section told Reuters that videos of both encounters appear to provide justification to at least examine whether agents violated a federal law that bars officers from willfully depriving anyone of their rights. Advertisement Advertisement There is a high legal standard to bring such a case and in some much-publicized instances the department opted not to bring charges. But an investigation can provide a detailed accounting of the facts and build public trust, attorneys who worked on the investigations said. "Its so anomalous," said Samantha Trepel, a former top DOJ civil rights official who now works at the election nonprofit States United Democracy Center. "In situations like this, a criminal civil rights investigation is the most well-trodden path to accountability." (Reporting by Andrew Goudsward. Additional reporting by Brad Heath; Editing by Craig Timberg and Alistair Bell) Reza Pahlavi, the son of Iran's last shah and one of the country's most prominent opposition figures in exile, is expected to attend the Munich Security Conference next week, sources familiar with the matter told dpa. Organizers told dpa that the 65-year-old confirmed he would take part in the conference, which runs from February 13 to 15 and brings together senior political leaders and security experts at Munich's Bayerischer Hof hotel. Iran's government had originally been invited before being disinvited after a violent crackdown on protests that left thousands dead. Germany's Foreign Ministry had advised against the invitation. Advertisement Advertisement Pahlavi has voiced support for the mass protests against Iran's leadership and is widely seen as the most recognizable and influential Iranian opposition figure abroad. Images of him have appeared at solidarity rallies for Iran's protest movement, including in Germany. A demonstration is planned in Munich on February 14 under the slogan "Human Rights and Freedom in Iran. International Solidarity with the Iranian People." Pahlavi has called for participation in the rally on social media, with organizers aiming to mobilize up to 100,000 people. Last year, plans to invite Pahlavi to the Munich conference were announced but later not formalized following consultations with the German government. More than 60 world leaders and around 100 foreign and defence ministers are expected to attend the conference. Pahlavi last took part in the event in 2023. Details of his planned appearances this year are not yet known. Pahlavi's father, Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi, ruled Iran from 1941 until his overthrow in the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Pahlavi, who was designated crown prince by his father, has lived in exile in the United States for decades. An arctic cold front is expected to bring "dangerous cold" and wind chills as low as -16 to Cape Cod this weekend, according to the National Weather Service. The frigid weather is expected to arrive in Massachusetts late Friday, Feb. 7, adding to what has already been a chilly month in the Bay State. People should avoid spending a lot of time outdoors during extreme cold, NWS said. And strong winds mixed with very low temperatures will result in freezing ocean spray all along the coast, so boaters should take caution, the weather service said. Advertisement Advertisement Parts of the state are expected to be even colder, with wind chills of -23 in Worcester and -21 in Lowell and Springfield. "Behind the arctic front, there's going to be some well-below normal temperatures," said Caitlyn Mensch, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Norton, of the state. "And looks like some light snow showers are possible as the front moves in." Commercial fishing boats are frozen in the water at the dock in Scituate Harbor on Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026. How cold will it feel in Massachusetts this weekend? Between Feb. 7 and Feb. 10, wind chills could dip down to as low as -23 degrees in Massachusetts, according to the National Weather Service. The wind chill is the temperature it might "feel like" to the human body, based on air temperatures and wind speed. Advertisement Advertisement Cape Cod and the Islands will feel slightly less frigid than the rest of the state. Provincetown could experience wind chills of around -14 degrees on Sunday, and Hyannis could feel like -16 degrees. Vineyard Haven might get wind chills of around -15 degrees, while Nantucket could feel like -10 degrees, according to NWS. Expected wind chills from Saturday, Feb. 7, through Tuesday, Feb. 10, according to the National Weather Service. Boston could experience wind chills of around -18 degrees early Sunday, Feb. 8, according to NWS. Wind chills in Lowell and Springfield could drop to -21 degrees around that time. Worcester could experience wind chills of -23 degrees that same morning. Brockton could feel like -20 degrees on Sunday morning, while Gloucester could feel like -19 degrees, the weather service said. How much snow could we get in MA this weekend? Massachusetts could see some light snowfall late Friday, Feb. 6, into Saturday, Feb. 7, Mensch said in a phone interview. Expected snowfall totals for Massachusetts from Wednesday, Feb. 4, through the morning of Saturday, Feb. 7, according to the National Weather Service. Here are the National Weather Service's expected snowfall totals for cities and towns in Massachusetts this weekend, including high-end predictions (as of 9 a.m. on Feb. 4): Advertisement Advertisement Amherst Trace amount of snow (High-end amount: 1 inch) Boston 0.5 inches (High-end amount: 1 inch) Fitchburg 0 inches (High-end amount: 1 inch) Gloucester 0.5 inches (High-end amount: 1 inch) Greenfield Trace amount of snow (High-end amount: 1 inch) Hyannis Trace amount of snow (High-end amount: 1 inch) Lowell Trace amount of snow (High-end amount: 1 inch) Mansfield 0.5 inches (High-end amount: 1 inch) Martha's Vineyard Trace amount of snow (High-end amount: 1 inch) Nantucket Trace amount of snow (High-end amount: 1 inch) New Bedford 0.5 inches (High-end amount: 1 inch) Plymouth 0.5 inches (High-end amount: 1 inch) Provincetown 0.5 inches (High-end amount: 1 inch) Springfield Trace amount of snow (High-end amount: 1 inch) Taunton 0 inches (High-end amount: 1 inch) Worcester 0.5 inches (High-end amount: 1 inch) When will it get warmer in Massachusetts? Massachusetts is expected to begin warming up on Tuesday, Feb. 10, according to NWS. "[The extreme cold] should be pretty short-lived, which is the good news. It'll start warming up early next week," Mensch said. While it still won't be warm enough to comfortably sit in the park or lounge at the beach, wind chills are expected to be in the 20s on Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement "It's looking like it should trend closer to around or even a little above freezing by midweek," Mensch said. MA weather watches and warnings Massachusetts radar This article originally appeared on The Patriot Ledger: Cape Cod could see wind chills as low as -16 this weekend. Forecast. A father in Hudson County went out to buy diapers for his two young kids, but never made it home. Martin Soto, 30, was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents on Monday while buying diapers in Kearny, his wife told NJ Advance Media. He went to get diapers and never returned, Gabriela Soto said. Soto said her husband left at about 5:30 p.m. on Monday and she started calling him about an hour later wondering where he was. Advertisement Advertisement At about 11:30 p.m. she received a call from a Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) phone number and her husband was on the other line. He explained to her that he was stopped by ICE officers that night and that there was confusion during the conversation based on a language barrier. He told me he kept saying he didnt understand, Soto recalled. He said they got frustrated and just arrested him. Martin, originally from Peru, speaks Spanish as his primary language but can speak English fairly well, Soto said. He has trouble understanding English if the person is speaking too fast, she added. Advertisement Advertisement Martin is being held at Delaney Hall and was processed on Wednesday, according to Soto. She said the first day she could visit him was today. Martin entered the U.S. illegally in late 2023 and was released by immigration authorities in early 2024, according to Soto. The pair were in a long-distance relationship for about four and a half years when Soto would periodically fly to Peru to visit Martin, she said. After their daughter was born in New Jersey, they discussed how to regroup as a family in one location and discussed whether to endure the three-year process of legally immigrating or travel to the U.S. and navigate the immigration process from within the country. Advertisement Advertisement The couples daughter is four years old and their son is 10 months old, Soto said. Soto, a U.S. citizen who married Martin in 2024, started a GoFundMe campaign to raise money for an immigration attorney. We never fully got a lawyer for his immigration status because his court date was due for 2028, Soto wrote in the GoFundMe. We were going to use this year to make all the changes so he can have a lawyer through this whole process. Soto said she met with several attorneys Wednesday and that her husband has an immigration hearing in about two weeks. A spokesperson for ICE did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Read the original article on NJ.com. Add NJ.com as a Preferred Source by clicking here. The last nuclear weapons control treaty between the US and Russia has expired, raising fears of a new arms race. The Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty, known as "New START" and signed in 2010, was one of a handful of agreements designed to help prevent a catastrophic nuclear war. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has said its end "marks a grave moment for international peace and security" and called on Russia and the US to negotiate a successor framework "without delay". Advertisement Advertisement Its expiry, at midnight GMT, effectively marked an end to the arms control co-operation between Washington and Moscow that helped bring an end to the Cold War. The treaty had capped the number of deployed strategic nuclear warheads for each party to 1,550 and established some transparency including data transfer, notifications and on site inspections. Without it, Guterres warned, "we face a world without any binding limits on the strategic nuclear arsenals" of the countries that possess the "overwhelming majority of the global stockpile of nuclear weapons". He called on the two states to "reset and create an arms control regime fit for a rapidly evolving context" as the "risk of a nuclear weapon being used is the highest in decades". Advertisement Advertisement Guterres said he welcomed that both US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin had made clear they appreciate the need to prevent "unchecked nuclear proliferation" but urged them to "translate words into action". On Wednesday, Pope Leo also urged the two states to renew the treaty, saying the current world situation required "calls for doing everything possible to avert a new arms race". The original Start treaty - signed in 1991 by the US and the Soviet Union - barred each of the two signatories from deploying more than 6,000 nuclear warheads. It was succeeded by New Start signed in 2010 in Prague by the US and Russia, the successor state to the dissolved Soviet Union. Advertisement Advertisement Although Russia suspended the treaty three years ago as tensions grew over the Ukraine war, both countries were still thought to be abiding by the treaty. The agreement prevented the uncontrolled build-up of nuclear weapons and provided the two countries with the largest nuclear arsenals with transparency measures to avoid misjudging each other's intentions. Its expiry follows a worrying pattern. Other long-standing arms control treaties have already fallen by the wayside. They include: The Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Agreement, which largely eliminated the deployment of shorter-range nuclear weapons within Europe Advertisement Advertisement The Open Skies Treaty, which allowed signatories, including the US and Russia, to fly unarmed reconnaissance flights over each other's territory to monitor military forces The Conventional Armed Forces in Europe Treaty, which limited the numbers of tanks, troops and artillery systems both Russia and Nato forces could deploy within Europe Britain's former head of the armed forces, Admiral Sir Tony Radakin has warned that the architecture and frameworks that helped keep the world safe "now risks unravelling". In a speech last year he described the collapse of these key arms control treaties as "one of the most dangerous aspects of our current global security", along with "the increasing prominence of nuclear weapons". Advertisement Advertisement Russia's Dmitry Medvedev, who as the then president signed the New Start treaty in 2010, said its expiration should "alarm everyone". This is a sobering comment from a politician whose recent rhetoric has included nuclear threats. On Wednesday, a senior adviser to Russian President Vladimir Putin said he intended to "act in a measured manner and responsibly" if the treaty expired. Later in the day, the Russian foreign ministry said in a statement that "in the current circumstances, we assume that the parties to the New START are no longer bound by any obligations or symmetrical declarations in the context of the Treaty, including its core provisions, and are in principle free to choose their next steps. "In doing so the Russian Federation intends to act responsibly and in a balanced manner," the statement said, adding that Moscow "remains ready to take decisive military-technical measures to counter potential additional threats to the national security". Advertisement Advertisement US President Donald Trump has sounded less concerned. Last month, he told the New York Times: "If it expires, it expires We'll just do a better agreement". Washington believes that any future arms control treaty should also include China, which has been building up its nuclear arsenal. This sentiment was echoed by German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul on Thursday, who told reporters in Canberra "China has to be included". China "keeps emphasising that they stand with multilateralism, they also have to show in the field of arms control that they are ready to show restraint and that they invest trust in international relations", he added. Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, Russia has long argued that any future arms control treaty should include France and the UK - Europe's nuclear powers. Darya Dolzikova, a senior Research Fellow with the UK-based RUSI's Proliferation and Nuclear Policy Programme, said the expiration of New Start was "concerning, because there are drivers on both sides to expand their strategic capabilities". Both the US and Russia are currently modernising their nuclear forces and increasing their strategic capabilities. A new arms race is already under way. Dolzikova said that for Russia "there appears to be some concerns about their ability to penetrate US air defences". This has only increased with Trump's plans to build a "Golden Dome" to protect North America from long-range weapons. Advertisement Advertisement But Russia has also been developing new weapons designed to overcome air defences. They include Poseidon - a new intercontinental, nuclear armed and nuclear powered undersea autonomous torpedo, and also Burevestnik a nuclear armed and powered cruise missile. The US, Russia and China are all developing long-range hypersonic missiles which can manoeuvre at speeds of more than 4,000 mph (6,437kmh), and are much harder to shoot down. Dolzikova said those expanding military capabilities would "only make it harder" to reach a new arms control treaty. This is along with what she called the "growing salience of nuclear weapons". More, not fewer, countries appear to want them as a deterrent. Advertisement Advertisement Nor does the US or Russia appear to be in a rush to sign a new arms control treaty. The subject was on the agenda when Russian President Vladimir Putin met Trump in Alaska last year - but nothing happened. A new deal is still possible - but the expiry of the New Start signals a more volatile, dangerous era. YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) A North Bloomfield man was taken into custody by federal agents on Wednesday morning after he was accused of threatening U.S. President Donald Trump and ICE agents on YouTube. Charles Bronson Ingram, 47, is charged with violations of threatening interstate communications. Reports said that the FBI was notified through its CyberTip line about threatening statements published online. According to an affidavit filed in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, Ingram made statements on YouTube from January 14 to January 28 that were perceived as threats to Trump and Trumps supporters. Ingram is accused of making statements that he was personally preparing to hunt and kill ICE agents, and that he was not even close to the only one. Advertisement Advertisement Court documents said that the majority of statements from Ingram, who was under the YouTube name @dessertbooger9307, had been removed. According to Googles policies, comments that threaten or harass someone can be removed when the comment violates the following: Explicitly threatens harm against an identifiable individual or group. Encourages others to harm someone or incite violence. Encourages others to harm someone or incite violence. Reveal personal information that could lead to harassment or threats, i.e. doxxing. When agents drove by Ingrams home on January 29, they noticed an upside-down flag that said Kill Them All, and another flag that read F*** Trump. Advertisement Advertisement During the investigation of Ingrams YouTube profile, agents found that the profile picture showed an image of Trump with a gunshot wound, bleeding. In another YouTube comment made on January 13, court documents stated that Ingram said the following: Kill the 1% elites. Kill the Zionists. Kill ICE. Hang. Trump on the Capitol staircase like that traitorous pedo deserves. Ingram was taken into custody around 8 a.m. Wednesday at his residence after a search warrant. Ingrams next detention hearing is pending. 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 WKBN.com. Feb. 5 (UPI) -- The Lehigh Valley Hospital in Dickinson City, Penn., was evacuated Wednesday night after a fire broke out in a neighboring building. The fire was first spotted on the roof of the hospital's original building, Scranton Orthopedics, the Dickinson City Fire Department said in a post on Facebook. That building is attached to the hospital, which opened in 2022. The fire department was first alerted to the fire at about 9:40 p.m. EST on Wednesday. Fire Chief Richard Chowanec called for more assistance after arriving on the scene. Police, emergency medical responders and hospital staff were evacuating the hospital at the time. Advertisement Advertisement Seventy-seven patients, including six patients in intensive care, were evacuated and sent to other area hospitals. One firefighter was taken to another hospital after experiencing chest pains. Everyone was successfully evacuated from the hospital, hospital spokesperson Irene Contreras Reyes said in a statement. The Pennsylvania State Police and Lackawanna County Emergency Management Agency assisted with the evacuation. The Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshal Unit is investigating what caused the fire. "Thank you to every first responder running toward danger to help their fellow Pennsylvanians," Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro said in a social media post. The orthopedic unit is considered a total loss, the fire department said. The hospital did not catch fire but sustained smoke and water damage. Find winning stocks in any market cycle. Join 7 million investors using Simply Wall St's investing ideas for FREE. TotalEnergies has restarted activities at its Mozambique LNG project after a prolonged force majeure. The company signed an MoU with Kuwait Oil Company focused on joint exploration and technical cooperation. TotalEnergies and Tikehau Capital launched an investment platform to grow EV charging networks in Belgium and the Netherlands. For investors watching ENXTPA:TTE, these moves come with the stock trading around 62.56 and a 5 year return of 143.0%. Returns of 30.5% over 3 years and 14.6% over 1 year, alongside 11.5% year to date, show how the market has been pricing the company during a period of significant repositioning within the energy sector. The restart in Mozambique, combined with new partnerships in the Middle East and European EV charging, provides a clearer view of how TotalEnergies is seeking to balance LNG, upstream activity, and low carbon infrastructure. As more details on project spending, timelines, and potential cash flow emerge, the market will have additional information to reassess risk, regional exposure, and how ENXTPA:TTE fits into a diversified energy allocation. Stay updated on the most important news stories for TotalEnergies by adding it to your watchlist or portfolio. Alternatively, explore our Community to discover new perspectives on TotalEnergies. ENXTPA:TTE Earnings & Revenue Growth as at Feb 2026 How TotalEnergies stacks up against its biggest competitors Quick Assessment Price vs Analyst Target : At 62.56 vs a 62.80 analyst target, the share price sits within about 0.4% of consensus. Simply Wall St Valuation : The shares are flagged as undervalued, trading 69.2% below the Simply Wall St fair value estimate. Recent Momentum: A 30 day return of 12.1% suggests short term positive momentum as this news has come through. Check out Simply Wall St's in depth valuation analysis for TotalEnergies. Key Considerations The Mozambique LNG restart, plus partnerships in Europe and the Middle East, point to a mix of LNG growth and low carbon projects in the portfolio. Watch how capex, project milestones and cash flow guidance evolve as LNG volumes and EV charging networks scale up. The flagged issue is an unstable dividend track record, so dividend reliability remains a key point to monitor alongside new project spending. Dig Deeper For the full picture including more risks and rewards, check out the complete TotalEnergies analysis. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Republican U.S. Senate candidates, from left, businessman Nate Morris, former Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron and U.S. Rep. Andy Barr. The three spoke at the annual Fancy Farm Picnic on Saturday, Aug 2, 2025. (Kentucky Lantern photo by Austin Anthony) The first independent poll in Kentuckys U.S. Senate race shows a three-way split among top Republicans and that many voters are still undecided on both sides of the aisle. The Emerson-FOX56 poll released Thursday shows U.S. Rep. Andy Barr ahead of former Attorney General Daniel Cameron and businessman Nate Morris among likely GOP primary voters heading into the May primary. Advertisement Advertisement Likely Democratic primary voters were polled about their candidates as well. The survey also asked general questions about elected officials, including Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear and Republican President Donald Trump. Issues The poll asked likely Kentucky primary voters their opinion on issues facing the state. Asked what do you think is the most important issue facing Kentucky, 38% of the respondents surveyed said the economy, including jobs, inflation and taxes. Health care at 14.5% and threats to democracy at 13.5% followed. The issue said the least was foreign policy at 1%. The poll also asked if the likely voters thought tariffs on imports from other countries were more beneficial or more harmful to the economy. About 48% of the respondents said the tariffs were more harmful, while about 43% said they were more beneficial. Nine percent said they had no impact. Advertisement Advertisement The poll found 24% of GOP voters in the survey are backing Barr with 21% supporting Cameron and 14% for Morris. The biggest chunk 38% are still undecided as 4% said they are backing other candidates. The poll surveyed 523 likely GOP primary voters from Jan. 31 to Feb. 2. Its credibility interval is plus or minus 4.2%. Credibility interval is a confidence measure similar to margin of error. Each of the three campaigns put a different spin on the findings. This poll shows what Kentuckians have been seeing on the ground for months: Andy Barr is the strongest candidate in this race, said Alex Bellizzi, a spokesman for Barrs campaign. He also touted his endorsements and fundraising efforts. Advertisement Advertisement Nathanael Hirt, campaign manager for Cameron, dismissed the Emerson poll outright. A poll released last month by Cameron-aligned PAC Kentucky First Action, showed the former AG at 40% among likely GOP primary voters. No one including Andy Barr thinks Andy Barr is winning, Hirt said. This poll is unserious and silly. Polls one day ago and two weeks ago showed Daniel up double digits. Nothing moves that fast except lies. The Morris campaign commissioned a poll with Fabrizio, Lee & Associates released earlier this week that showed Morris gaining some ground with voters, though he was still polling behind Cameron and Barr. Morris recently gained some national attention after tech billionaire Elon Musk reportedly donated $10 million to back him in the race. Conor McGuinness, a spokesperson for the Morris campaign, said that recent polls have shown Morris is surging and within 10 points of the lead. Advertisement Advertisement Nate is the only candidate moving in the right direction, he has a massive cash advantage between his self-funding ability and $10m of support from Elon Musk, and most importantly, he is the only political outsider and America First conservative in the race. We look forward to victory in May, McGuinness added. Stephen Voss, a political science professor at the University of Kentucky, said that the poll is not showing a true frontrunner because of the margin of error, but it does suggest that the race more has likely narrowed, so that the two front runners are neck and neck, especially when you consider how many voters are still undecided. The Emerson poll also surveyed 381 likely Democratic primary voters and has a credibility interval of plus or minus 5%. Of likely Democratic primary voters surveyed, former state lawmaker Charles Booker leads with 30%. Former Marine fighter pilot Amy McGrath is polling at 19%, state House Minority floor leader Pamela Stevenson at 4% and other candidates at 4%, including horse trainer Dale Romans at less than 1%. The poll found 43% of the Democratic voters were undecided. Advertisement Advertisement McGraths campaign manager, Hannah Eiden, said in a statement that the primary will be about whos best prepared to deliver for Kentuckians across the commonwealth on day one. Undecided voters are asking whos ready to do the work, and Amy is ready, Eiden said. Voss said that the poll suggests that Democratic voters will likely decide another Booker and McGrath rematch. They both ran for U.S. Senate in 2020, with McGrath then winning the nomination. She later lost to Republican U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell. This time, its not during the pandemic, and the election rules dont favor McGrath over Booker the way they did last time, Voss said. Currently elected The Emerson poll also surveyed both Republicans and Democrats about some current office holders, including Beshear. Advertisement Advertisement One question was: Do you think Andy Beshear should run for president in 2028? About 35% of respondents said yes, while roughly 48% said no. About 18% were unsure. Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear waves to the audience after delivering his State of the Commonwealth address on Jan. 7 in Frankfort. (Kentucky Lantern photo by Arden Barnes) The governor, who is term-limited in Kentucky, has been seen by some as a possible candidate for the next presidential race. Hes taken some steps to raise his national profile, including starting a super PAC and making regular national and international appearances. Altogether 1,000 likely primary voters were polled with a credibility interval of plus or minus 3 percentage points. About 52% of respondents approved of the job Beshear is doing as governor, while 31% disapproved. About 17% of those surveyed were neutral or had no opinion. That contrasts with a Morning Consult poll released earlier this week that found Beshear continued to be the most popular Democratic governor in the country, with a 65% approval rating. Advertisement Advertisement Eric Hyers, a political strategist for Beshear, told the Lantern the governor works every day to make things better for Kentuckians, whether its attracting new, good-paying jobs, protecting public education, or leading the state through storms and keeping families safe. As a result, he remains the most popular Democratic governor in the entire country, with consistently high job approvals as shown in two polls released this week, Hyers continued. The Emerson poll also asked Kentuckians about Trump. About 53% of those surveyed said they approved of the job he is doing so far, while 39% disapproved. About 8% were neutral or had no opinion. In presidential elections, Trump has won Kentucky three times. He won the states electoral votes in 2024 with about 65% of the vote. Voss said that the poll showing Beshears popularity on par with Trumps shows how mutable, how flexible Kentuckys electorate tends to be compared to voters in other states. Advertisement Advertisement As for the question about Beshear running for president in the future, Voss noted that several factors could have influenced how someone answered the question, like if they wanted Beshear to run for Senate instead and hadnt realized the filing deadline passed or they would rather a governor focus on the state than national issues. He added that he was not sure Id read much into that. The voters were also asked about how they view Kentucky Republicans U.S. Sens. Rand Paul and McConnell About 68% of those surveyed disapproved of McConnell, while 15% approved. About 17% were neutral or had no opinion. McConnell, who has held the office since his election in 1984, is not seeking reelection this year. That paved the way for the hotly contested Senate race. About 30% of the respondents approved of Paul, while 32% disapproved and 38% were neutral or had no opinion. This story has been updated with additional comments and to correct a typo. Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Commission Chair Chuck Meade speaks during a May commission meeting. (Screenshot/YouTube, Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources) In an about-face, Kentucky Attorney General Russell Colemans office says Kentuckians can legally hunt and fish on their own farmland without a license even if their residence is elsewhere in the state. The opinion, published Wednesday, ends the AGs efforts to unseat the chair of the states wildlife management board. Advertisement Advertisement In December, the AGs office demanded the resignation of Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Commission Chair Chuck Meade, saying he did not meet a requirement that members of the commission must have had hunting and fishing licenses for five consecutive years at the time of their nomination. The office had launched an investigation into Meades eligibility to serve after receiving a citizens complaint. Meade argued in response that he was exempt from the requirement for the years he did not purchase a license when he hunted only on his familys Lawrence County farmland, pointing to the farmland license exemption. Aaron Silletto, an attorney in the attorney generals office, wrote in response that Meade had to live on the farmland to be eligible for the exemption. Silletto pointed to attorney general opinions from the 20th century. Sillettos interpretation of the law raised hackles among hunters and anglers across the state who said it was in conflict with how the law had long been understood and enforced. Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Gary Boswell, R-Owensboro, requested the opinion that Coleman released Wednesday. It points to feedback from the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, or KDFWR, the states wildlife management agency, that stated the department has previously interpreted the exemption to apply to bona fide farmland owners without regard to whether such owners physically resided upon the farmland. While the interpretation of statutes is ultimately a question of law for Kentucky courts, the manner in which KDFWR has historically construed the exemption is not contrary to the plain language of the licensure exemption statute, Coleman wrote in his opinion. Coleman wrote that while Kentucky residents who own farmland are not required to get a license, the opinion was not intended to discourage owners of farmland from voluntarily purchasing hunting and fishing licenses given that license sales were a critical source of support for KDFWR. As someone who grew up hunting with my dad on his Logan County farm, Im proud to stand up for the rights of all sportsmen, Coleman said in a press release. Kentucky is home to some of the finest natural and wildlife resources in the world, and I encourage every Kentuckian to responsibly enjoy them while supporting critical conservation and preservation efforts. Advertisement Advertisement Doug Ramey, president of the League of Kentucky Sportsmen, which represents thousands of hunters across the state, told the Lantern he was glad Coleman was open minded enough to revisit the interpretation of the license exemption. Ramey said while he does buy fishing licenses, he has a stream on his property where he would like to drown a worm without having to worry about whether his fishing license is expired. I was delighted to see that they changed that, changed their mind, Ramey said. Now we can hunt and fish on property that we own without fear of having to get a ticket. Colemans new opinion overruled the interpretation of the decades-old opinions. A release from Colemans office stated that following the publication of the new opinion, the office notified Meade that it would close the matter involving his eligibility to serve. Advertisement Advertisement Meade told the Lantern he was glad Coleman took a personal look at it and that Colemans interpretation of the exemption was based on what the sportsmen and women of the commonwealth had always believed it was and thought it was. I appreciate the attorney general and his hard work, Meade said. I believe that this will help future land owners in the commonwealth for many years to come, and Im grateful to get this chapter over with so we can get back to work on issues that really matter. Some of the issues Meade who represents Eastern Kentucky counties on the commission said he wanted to work on include a growing bear population and better maintenance of wildlife management areas in his district. Commission members are volunteers who oversee the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resourcess budget consisting of tens of millions of dollars in hunting and fishing license fees, boat registration fees, and federal grants. The commission also implements and changes hunting and fishing regulations. Advertisement Advertisement Members are chosen for the commission through a vote by hunters and anglers, an appointment by the governor and confirmation by the Kentucky Senate. State law directs the commission to keep a watchful eye over the department, and the commission controls the employment of the departments head executive, Commissioner Rich Storm. The General Assembly's 13-week session started Wednesday with a State of the State address by Gov. Ned Lamont and a presentation of his proposed budget revisions. Here are five takeaways from the first day of the session. Tax rebate As expected, the governor proposed one-time rebates of $200 to $400 to help individuals and families facing high energy costs. During his speech, Lamont said "very strong" capital gains revenue makes the $500 million rebate program possible. Advertisement Advertisement Rebates of $200 would be available to single filers earning up to $200,000. Joint filers earning up to $400,000 would be eligible for rebates of $400. Senate President Pro Tempore Martin Looney, D-New Haven, said Democratic lawmakers share Lamont's commitment to providing tax relief - but exactly how has yet to be determined. "We will have negotiations about what form that will take," Looney said. On the other side of the aisle, Rep. Joseph Polletta, R-Watertown, called the governor's proposed rebate program an election-year ploy. He said Republican proposals to eliminate government-mandated public benefit charges on electric bills would provide more substantive savings. Advertisement Advertisement "It is a nice gesture, but at the end of the day, $200 pales in comparison to the looming debt and high cost of living that has been created by the majority party here in Connecticut," said Polletta, the top House Republican on the Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee. "We need to look for long-term structural changes and not just a one-time election-year payout." House Minority Leader Vincent Candelora, R-North Haven, agreed that the proposed rebates fall short of the long-term solutions needed to address energy costs in the state. "We need systemic change to the way that public benefit charge operates," he said. Education For schools, Lamont proposed providing free breakfasts for all students and voiced support for a bell-to-bell cellphone ban. Advertisement Advertisement He also said he would order the creation of a new panel to review K-12 education funding. Looney said while he's supportive of the panel, he also wants to look at adjusting the foundation amount for Education Cost Sharing grants - the primary form of state funding for K-12 education. "We want to move at least incrementally to have some increase as part of the budget we adopt this year and then phase in substantial increase over years, and when we get to what we think is a reasonable number, then index it at that point, sort of like what we did with the minimum wage," he said. Still, some education advocates said Lamont's concepts, particularly on funding, do not go far enough. There is little proposed change for funding to individual districts. ICE A line about U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement drew the loudest applause from Democratic lawmakers during Lamont's address, while prompting several Republicans to walk out of the chamber. Advertisement Advertisement "ICE, everywhere you go uninvited, violence follows. Go home," Lamont said. "We are keeping Connecticut safe without you." Among the Republican lawmakers who walked out was Rep. Ben McGorty of Shelton, the father of an ICE employee. He took issue particularly with Lamont saying during the speech that ICE agents were "barely trained at all." "He was grandstanding for his election. ICE agents train all the time," McGorty said. Meanwhile, Senate Democrats introduced several proposals related to the conduct of federal law enforcement agents, including a ban on face coverings. Advertisement Advertisement Those proposals and Lamont's comments come after weeks of national turmoil tied to the actions of federal immigration agents, including the fatal shootings of two people in Minnesota. Earmarks Joshua Wojcik, Lamont's interim budget chief, told reporters that the governor's proposed budget revisions include changes to make it easier to track earmarks. These are funds directed by lawmakers to organizations using state budget funds. Last month, the state Office of Policy and Management imposed stricter reporting requirements for executive branch agencies that distribute legislatively directed funds based on findings from an audit of Blue Hills Civic Association, a Hartford nonprofit. The audit found that Democratic state Sen. Doug McCrory directed at least $1.7 million in taxpayer funds through the organization to the organization of a close associate of his. There is an ongoing federal investigation into the matter, although no charges have been filed and McCrory has maintained he did nothing wrong. Governor's race on tap The upcoming election for governor loomed over the day's events, with Republicans tying Lamont's proposals and remarks to his campaign for a third term. Among them was one of the Republicans vying to run against Lamont in November, state Sen. Ryan Fazio of Greenwich. Advertisement Advertisement "Gov. Lamont's re-election strategy is to maximize one-time spending without any long-term strategy to reduce energy costs, cut taxes, or increase economic growth," he said in a statement. "As governor, I'll deliver the largest middle class tax cut in history, a 20 percent reduction in electricity bills, and an economy that works for all." Betsy McCaughey, a former New York lieutenant governor who is also seeking the Republican nomination for governor of Connecticut, issued a statement calling Lamont's rebate proposal "pathetic" and reiterating her promise to eliminate the state income tax. Includes reporting by Staff Writers Ken Dixon, Paul Hughes, Jordan Nathaniel Fenster, Natasha Sokoloff and Jacqueline Rabe Thomas. This article originally published at Five takeaways from opening day of Connecticut's 2026 legislative session. On Jan. 27, U.S. Rep. Randy Fine, who is facing a primary election in August, put out a press release claiming that he had been endorsed by the six county sheriffs whose territories comprise Florida's 6th Congressional District. The statement was followed by quotes from five of the sheriffs, but there was an omission. Flagler County's Rick Staly wasn't among them. Why? Did he really endorse Fine? Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly speaks at a news conference in February 2025. The answer, it turns out, is yes. And no. Staly, in an email to The News-Journal this week, offered an explanation. Advertisement Advertisement "I endorsed Congressman Fine in 2025, and I have not revoked any prior endorsement," Staly said. "I will not take an active role in the 2026 congressional election as it would be a conflict of interest, as one of his opponents votes on my contract with the city of Palm Coast." That city councilman is Charles Gambaro, a U.S. Army Reserve brigadier general and Republican who is running to take Fine's seat. Gambaro recently announced he has been endorsed by 7th Circuit State Attorney R.J. Larizza. Aaron Baker of Sorrento and Palm Coast resident Shoreh Fontaine are also candidates in the Republican primary. Jennifer Jenkins, a former Brevard County School Board candidate, is among a field of four Democrats also seeking to serve Florida's 6th District, joining Rob Cooper II, Ronnie Murchinson-Rivera and Eric Yonce. This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Flagler sheriff clarifies Randy Fine's endorsement claim MIAMI (AP) A Florida congresswoman charged with conspiring to steal $5 million in federal COVID-19 disaster funds formally pleaded not guilty on Tuesday, nearly three months after her indictment. U.S. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick was not present for the arraignment in Miami federal court, but her attorney, William Barzee, entered the plea on her behalf. He explained that she was in Washington, D.C., where Congress has been debating funding for the Department of Homeland Security. Shes eager to get back to work, Barzee said after the hearing. Shes up in Washington right now fighting for her constituents, and her main focus is representing the people in her district. Advertisement Advertisement Barzee just took over Cherfilus-McCormick's case this week. Her previous attorney, David Oscar Markus, had requested the arraignment be rescheduled several times while Cherfilus-McCormick resolved issues with her finances, but he ultimately left the case, citing scheduling conflicts. Cherfilus-McCormick is facing 15 federal counts that accuse her of stealing funds that had been overpaid to her family's health care company, Trinity Healthcare Services, in 2021, before she was elected to Congress. The company had a contract to register people for COVID-19 vaccinations. Cherfilus-McCormick was arrested in November and then freed on a $60,000 bond. In addition to bail, the judge said Cherfilus-McCormick must surrender her personal passport, and is allowed to travel only between Florida, Washington, D.C., Maryland and the Eastern District of Virginia. She has been allowed to retain her congressional passport to perform certain duties for her job. Advertisement Advertisement According to the federal indictment, prosecutors said that within two months of receiving the funds in 2021, more than $100,000 had been spent on a 3-carat yellow diamond ring for the congresswoman. The health care company owned by Cherfilus-McCormick's family had received payments through a COVID-19 vaccination staffing contract, the indictment says. Her brother, Edwin Cherfilus, requested $50,000, but they mistakenly received $5 million and didn't return the difference. Prosecutors said that the funds received by Trinity Healthcare were distributed to various accounts, including those of friends and relatives, who then donated to Cherfilus-McCormicks congressional campaign. The Florida Department of Emergency Management previously sued Trinity Healthcare in civil court, and the company agreed to pay back all of the money last year as part of a settlement with the state. Advertisement Advertisement It's surprising that the DOJ (U.S. Department of Justice) would take on a case after its been resolved and after there was an agreement to repay all of the funds that were improperly sent to her, Barzee said. Cherfilus-McCormick won a special election in January 2022 to represent Floridas 20th District, which includes parts of Broward and Palm Beach counties, after Rep. Alcee Hastings died in 2021. The charges she faces include theft of government funds; making and receiving straw donor contributions; aiding and assisting a false and fraudulent statement on a tax return; and money laundering, as well as conspiracy charges associated with each count. BEAUFORT COUNTY, S.C. (WSAV) The Beaufort preschool employee arrested in January for child sex crimes now faces federal charges in Iowa, WSAV confirmed Thursday. Brandon Scott Baker, 38, of St. Helena Island, was arrested at Sea Island Sprouts preschool on Jan. 27 and was charged in Beaufort County with one count of second-degree and two counts of third-degree sexual exploitation of a minor. Previous coverage on Bakers arrest Brandon Baker, 38 According to records obtained by WSAV from the United States District Court for the Northern District of Iowa, Baker now faces federal charges of sexual exploitation of a child in Grundy County, Iowa, dating back to 2013. Advertisement Advertisement In the criminal complaint filed Jan. 30, an alleged victim who was a minor said Baker had a sexual relationship with him. Baker also reportedly possessed child pornography from the relationship with the victim. According to the complaint, the victim stated that they regularly engaged in sex acts at Bakers apartment. In April 2024, law enforcement in Telluride, Colorado, received a CyberTipline Report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, which was the result of Baker allegedly uploading an image of child sexual abuse material. The affidavit said, the depictions of child pornography were taken between the dates of Nov. 15, 2013, and Nov. 22, 2013. Law enforcement was able to determine the identity of the [male victim from Iowa] in the images. Advertisement Advertisement A warrant was executed in Colorado at Bakers residence and place of employment, which was a preschool. CyberTipline reports from the NCEMC led to Bakers arrest in Beaufort County, according to the South Carolina Attorney Generals Office. Bakers case in South Carolina will be prosecuted by the attorney generals office. The full complaint and affidavit are attached below: Disclaimer: The material in the affidavit is explicit and may not be appropriate for all audiences Brandon Baker federal chargesDownload Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSAV-TV. Calvin University | Allison R. Donahue After Joseph Kuilema, now a professor of social work at Grand Valley State University, was fired in 2022 from his post at the private Christian college Calvin University for officiating a same-sex wedding, he sued Calvin, where he had worked since 2008, for both retaliation and associational discrimination. Now, the Michigan Supreme Court will decide if that associational discrimination claim the fact that he was fired over his association with LGBTQ+ individuals can be heard further in court. The wedding that I officiated was for a former student who was marrying his partner, and they asked me to facilitate, and I obviously was honored by that, Kuilema told the Michigan Advance. It never really occurred to me that this would be a problem for Calvin, because it was something I was doing in my personal life, and it was a non religious wedding. Advertisement Advertisement The associational discrimination claim is fairly novel in Michigan while there are cases within the state that have ruled in favor of claimants of associational discrimination on the basis of race, none have ever dealt with sex-based discrimination. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The Court of Appeals, in their ruling, argued that, because the decision to fire Kuilema had no bearing on his own sex it would have been the same if he were a woman or a man his argument of associational discrimination is invalid. Kuilemas sex is irrelevant to Calvin Universitys decision to terminate his employment. The universitys decision to terminate his employment was based upon his decision to officiate a same-sex wedding, the appellate courts decision read. Based upon the allegations in the complaint, the discriminatory action would have occurred regardless of Kuilemas sex. Advertisement Advertisement But Charissa Huang, one of Kuilemas lawyers, argued that if the question was about discrimination based on Kuilemas own sex, it would be just a discrimination claim, not associational discrimination. Here, the discriminatory animus was directed toward the couple for whom Kuilema officiated the wedding, the response to that ruling by Kuilemas lawyers reads. Kuilemas officiation of the wedding was deemed to be controversial by the University because it was an LGBTQ+ wedding, even though it was a non-religious civil ceremony. If the sex of the other University employee in the couple were different, such that the University perceived that Kuilema had officiated a heterosexual wedding, the wedding would not have been deemed controversial, and there would have been no investigation by the University about the wedding which led to the effective termination of his employment, that response continues. Joseph Kuilema, a professor in Grand Valley State Universitys School of Social Work, is suing his former employer, Calvin University. | Courtesy of Joseph Kuilema. Kuilema, who was voted as the universitys professor of the year in 2019, calls himself a child of Calvin his parents attended the school and met there, as did his siblings, his wife and Kuilema himself. When he took the job there in 2008, he assumed it would be his whole career. Advertisement Advertisement When I was hired at Calvin, I told them, I think differently than the official position on LGBTQ issues, he said. The person who hired me at the time was like, No problem, lots of people in that boat, youre going to be fine. And then 14 years later, it turned out to be a big problem. They tried to paint it as me deliberately doing this activist thing, which was kind of silly, honestly, because it was just this personal thing, Kuilema, who now teaches at Grand Valley State University, said. Calvin, on the other hand, is standing firm in its decisions. The Calvin University community has been well served throughout its 150-year history by having diverse viewpoints among its faculty, John Zimmerman, Calvin Universitys director of communications, wrote in a statement. While there is room for personal disagreement with CRC doctrine, the university has clear expectations for employees regarding teaching, scholarship, and personal conduct, and follows established processes to review alleged violations of those expectations and to determine appropriate responses. Advertisement Advertisement Zimmerman added that the university had no further comment on active litigation. Calvin University campus | Allison R. Donahue Kuilema sees this case as a broader question on whether private, religious institutions in Michigan and nationwide are able to discriminate against members of the LGBTQ+ community. This is about something thats happening at a school thats receiving considerable amounts of tax dollars from you, from me, from members of the queer community, members of no faith. And if were all going to subsidize that project, I think we as Americans have sort of this patriotic duty to think about what were going to allow and what were not going to allow, he said. If you dont want to play by the rules, stop taking all that federal money. I dont think Calvins going to do that. They want to have their cake and eat it too. They want to take all the money and continue to discriminate. Kuilemas claims of associational discrimination were accompanied by claims of retaliation, because he had been in unrelated disputes with several of the people on the committee that made the decision to terminate him over what Kuilema called racism on campus and the decision to show racist content in classes. Those claims of retaliation will go to discovery and are not part of the question before the Supreme Court, but are stayed until the top court makes its decision on the associational discrimination claims. Oral arguments for the case have not yet been scheduled. Feb. 4Former state Rep. Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins is the third Democrat and the 16th candidate to enter the Alaska governor's race. Republican current Gov. Mike Dunleavy is termed out from seeking reelection. Kreiss-Tomkins, 36, was raised in Sitka and attended Yale University before dropping out at age 22 to run for an Alaska House district that included Sitka and other Southeast communities. He beat the Republican incumbent by a margin of 32 votes and went on to serve in the Legislature for a decade. Advertisement Advertisement After not running for reelection in 2022, he worked for a New York City-based nonprofit charged with implementing federal science and technology legislation. He also worked on several political campaigns in Alaska and Outside. "I was deeply influenced by my time in the Legislature, serving in the bipartisan coalition in the House, and the approach of the Republicans and independents and Democrats serving together and governing together and focusing on issues they could agree on to solve problems for the state. I think it serves Alaska incredibly well, and I feel like we need that same spirit and approach to governance in the executive branch," Kreiss-Tomkins said in an interview. The other Democrats in the governor's race include former Anchorage Sen. Tom Begich and current Anchorage Sen. Matt Claman. "I really don't want to run against Tom or Matt. I just want to run my own campaign," Kreiss-Tomkins said. "Ultimately, I think the primary gives voters the opportunity just to sort of see who they feel most excited by and energized by." Advertisement Advertisement Under Alaska's election system, all candidates will appear on the same primary ballot in August. The top four vote-getters, regardless of party affiliation, will advance to the general election. The 12 Republicans in the race include former Anchorage Mayor Dave Bronson; Lt. Gov. Nancy Dahlstrom; former Palmer state Sen. Shelley Hughes; former Attorney General Treg Taylor; former Revenue Commissioner Adam Crum; former Labor Commissioner and state Sen. Click Bishop; Matanuska-Susitna Borough Mayor Edna DeVries; podiatrist Matt Heilala; businesswoman Bernadette Wilson; fisherman and author Henry Kroll; Palmer resident Bruce Walden; and former educator James Parkin of Angoon. The slate of candidates this year also includes Jessica Faircloth of Kasilof, who is not registered with a political party. Records show that a former employee of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services has been accused of child trafficking. According to the agency, Hannah Nicole Sample worked for DFPS until July 2023. At that time, Huntsville police say CPS contacted them about a missing minor who is identified as a boy in court records. Court records show that instead of being in state custody, the boy was staying with Sample. Advertisement Advertisement Investigators told ABC13 that after the state agency notified police, they found both the victim and Sample at an apartment complex on Lake Road. Sample turned herself in after a warrant was issued for her arrest. Huntsville police have not explained how they found the two. Police said that during the investigation, detectives found that Sample helped the boy leave custody and allowed him to stay with her while she "engaged in sexual activity" with him. Police have not told ABC13 how Sample was able to get the boy out of custody. Court filings show that Sample was charged in December 2025, but it is still unclear why the investigation took so long. Advertisement Advertisement ABC13 contacted the Department of Family and Protective Services with questions about the accusations against Sample, but the department declined to comment. Court records show that a pre-trial date has been set for Feb. 17 as the investigation continues. For updates, follow Mo Haider on Facebook, X and Instagram. Now that parents can apply for Texas' school voucher program, one district has shared estimates on how this might affect its budget. The new private school voucher program opened for applications on Wednesday. It provides families with public funds to use for private school tuition. Education experts say it is still unclear how the program will affect public schools. However, new documents obtained by ABC13 show that Fort Bend ISD plans to share its estimates at a trustee meeting next week. Advertisement Advertisement These numbers did not surprise parent John Strader. "It seems that they're setting things up to say that they just can't afford it," Strader said. Fort Bend ISD officials said the district has faced declining enrollment for several years, even before the voucher program began. Because of this, trustees are considering closing as many as seven elementary schools. Austin Parkway Elementary School, where Strader's child attends, is one of the schools at risk. "We moved specifically to this neighborhood for this specific school," Strader said. "Our principal has been here for 13 years. We have teachers that have worked 20 plus years at this school." Trustees will hold a public workshop about school boundaries next week. They are expected to vote on possible closures next month. Advertisement Advertisement Since learning about the proposal, Strader has been active. "We're doing our best," he said. "We're speaking at board meetings. We're protesting." On Wednesday, Strader took another step. He began the process of possibly removing his children from the district by applying to the state's new voucher program. "We're looking at possibly either a mixture of homeschooling, private schooling, or Christian schooling," Strader said. New documents suggest Strader is not the only parent thinking about this. A budget report from Fort Bend ISD says the district could lose 1% of its enrollment due to vouchers. Advertisement Advertisement The district's website says it has about 78,000 students, so it could lose around 780 students to the voucher program. The documents show this could mean a $7.8 million financial impact. While Fort Bend ISD is sharing its estimates about the vouchers, other districts have not. On Wednesday, ABC13 reached out to more than ten districts. Pearland ISD and Cy-Fair ISD responded, saying it is too soon to know how the voucher program might affect their budgets. Fort Bend ISD will talk about the impact of vouchers at Monday's trustee meeting. For updates on this story, follow Nick Natario on Facebook, X and Instagram. Toyota Motor will sharply lift global hybrid output by 2028 and grow US manufacturing as governments retreat from policies favouring fully electric cars. The Japanese carmaker expects to build 6.7 million hybrid vehicles in 2028, up from a planned five million hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles in 2026, suppliers familiar with the plan told Nikkei Asia. This planned increase outpaces Toyotas overall manufacturing growth. The company projects total vehicle output to rise by around 10%, yet the share of hybrids in its global production mix is expected to climb from roughly half to about 60% of the 11.3 million vehicles it plans to build in 2028. Hybrids - which pair a conventional petrol engine with an electric motor and battery - have seen stronger demand as government incentives for battery-only EVs are rolled back or reworked. In the US, President Donald Trumps administration has moved to dismantle EV incentives introduced under former President Joe Biden, including purchase tax credits. In Europe, the European Union has reversed its planned 2035 ban on new internal-combustion-engine vehicles. Against this backdrop, Toyota intends to grow hybrid production in the US, where electrified versions of established models such as the Camry saloon and Tacoma pick-up have been performing well. The companys US sales rose 8% in 2025 to 2.51 million vehicles. In November, Toyota said it would commit Y1.5tn ($10bn) in the US over five years, beginning with Y140bn to make hybrid engines and components at five plants. It introduced a hybrid RAV4 in December and plans to start building Corolla hybrid sedans at its Mississippi facility after 2028. Toyota held 58% of the global hybrid market at the end of 2025, based on company figures and data from Just Autos parent company GlobalData. The UK-based research group later lifted its outlook for worldwide hybrid and plug-in hybrid sales, forecasting 29 million vehicles in 2030, 2.8 million higher than earlier projections. Rivals are also revising strategies. Ford Motor is scaling back several EV programmes and expects $19.5bn in write-downs through fiscal 2027. General Motors is reorganising EV output and aims to co-develop hybrids with Hyundai Motor, while Volkswagen is introducing its first full-hybrid system. Tesla said last month it would halt production of its premium S and X models and repurpose its California plant for humanoid robots after a 9% annual sales decline to 1.63 million vehicles. "Toyota plans sharp hybrid output rise as EV incentives fade" was originally created and published by Just Auto, a GlobalData owned brand. PARIS, Feb 5 (Reuters) - Two Chinese nationals suspected of trying to intercept satellite communications from a base in an Airbnb rental property in southwestern France have been placed under formal investigation, the Paris public prosecutor's office said on Thursday. Police were first alerted last week when locals noticed that a roughly two-metre-wide satellite dish being installed at the property in Gironde, which coincided with an internet outage, the office said. The two Chinese nationals, and two other people, were arrested and brought before an investigating judge on Wednesday and were formally placed under investigation on Thursday, the office said. Two of them have been put in pre-trial detention, while the other two are under judicial supervision, the office added. Advertisement Advertisement COMPUTER SYSTEM, SATELLITE DISHES FOUND The case is the latest in a series of incidents involving allegations of Chinese spying in Europe. Tensions between Beijing and Western powers over espionage have risen in recent years as Western intelligence agencies increasingly sound the alarm on alleged Chinese state-backed hacking activity. China has consistently denied the allegations. China has also alleged hacking operations by Western countries. Responding to the investigation, China's foreign ministry said on Thursday it opposes "malicious slander and smear" against the country and called on relevant parties to protect the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese citizens. Advertisement Advertisement The public prosecutor's office said its cybercrime unit started proceedings on Wednesday over suspicions two Chinese nationals had entered French territory to capture and send back data from the Starlink satellite network and from the military and other key entities. Investigators searched the Gironde property on January 31, and discovered a computer system connected to satellite dishes used to capture satellite data, which was seized for analysis, the office said. The two individuals were taken into custody. Two other people were arrested when they arrived at the residence, suspected of having illegally imported the material. The judicial investigation will focus on alleged offences including the unlawful disclosure of sensitive information to foreign entities, potentially harming national interests, and the organised theft of data from an automated processing system. (Reporting by Dominique Vidalon, Sudip Kar-Gupta and Gianluca Lo Nostro in Paris; Additional reporting by Mei Mei Chu in Beijing; Editing by Charlotte Van Campenhout, Matthew Lewis and Andrew Heavens) France's navy seized over four tons of cocaine from a ship in the south Pacific and also intercepted a boat trafficking cocaine in the Caribbean Sea, the country's armed forces minister said on Thursday. Catherine Vautrin wrote on X that 4.24 tons of cocaine was seized in the Pacific and a boat carrying 678 kilograms of cocaine was intercepted in the Caribbean and handed over to the Barbadian authorities. The vessel in the Pacific, from Central America and believed bound for South Africa, was intercepted in French Polynesia, the country's high commission in the island territory said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Its cargo was destroyed at sea, away from the Polynesian economic zone and marine protected area, officials told AFP. Vautrin and the high commission released images from the operation on social media, showing an aerial view of the interception as well as packages of the purported drugs on board a naval vessel. Vautrin touted the armed forces' "vigilance and professionalism to thwart a globalized trafficking network." France's navy seized over four tons of cocaine from a ship in the south Pacific and also intercepted a boat trafficking cocaine in the Caribbean Sea, the country's armed forces minister said on Thursday. / Credit: France's High Commission in French Polynesia (France's High Commission in French Polynesia) The prosecutor's office did not bring charges so as not to burden the local court with a case of drug trafficking not destined for French Polynesia itself. The high commission said the vessel and its crew were freed under international law. Advertisement Advertisement Last month, the navy seized almost five tons of cocaine, believed headed for Australia, from a fishing vessel near French Polynesia. The United Nations has said in recent years that organized crime groups trafficking cocaine and methamphetamine have expanded their presence in the Pacific. Large amounts of drugs are transported from North and South America for Australian and New Zealand markets, according to the United Nations. French Polynesia lies along these maritime routes and is itself affected by significant methamphetamine use. Its small population of 280,000, however, spares it from being a prime target for large-scale drug trafficking. Advertisement Advertisement Authorities investigate ransom note in disappearance of Savannah Guthrie's mom, sheriff says The Dish Recipe: Try lemon pesto spaghetti for a classic taste of Italy Some blood found in Savannah Guthrie's mom's home, sources say Sign up for the Slatest to get the most insightful analysis, criticism, and advice out there, delivered to your inbox daily. Imagine you attend a protest, like hundreds of thousands of Americans have since President Donald Trump began his second term. Perhaps it is a No Kings event, or a local ICE demonstration to protest Immigration and Customs Enforcements crackdown on immigrants in your community. During the protest, you take a video of yourself and your fellow protesters, caption it Abolish ICE, and upload it to Instagram. A few weeks later, theres a knock on your door. Federal agents stand before you, demanding to question you. Youre wondering to yourself: Do they know about the protest I attended? Are they legally allowed to track me? Do I have to comply? Advertisement Advertisement The answer to these first two questions is, shockingly, yes, and its made possible in part by a little-known power that the Trump administration has supercharged in recent months. The answer to the last question is much more complicated. The Department of Homeland Security is one of a number of federal agencies with something called administrative subpoena power, and it has been leveraging that tool in unprecedented ways under Trump 2.0. The Washington Post detailed these abuses this week, focusing on the story of a U.S. citizen targeted by DHS for simply emailing a federal prosecutor his opinion about the federal governments case against an Afghan national facing deportation. How can something like this happen? Congress has granted administrative subpoena power to federal agencies, like the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Federal Trade Commission, and the Federal Communications Commission, to allow them to access information quickly to make decisions about issues under their purview. A key distinction between administrative subpoenas and civil or criminal ones is that federal agencies do not need a judges sign-off. These agencies retain the power to approve administrative subpoenas themselves. This also means that agencies can demand documents without needing to prove that there is an ongoing investigation into or probable cause against a person when issuing administrative subpoenas. Federal agencies are not legally required to disclose how many administrative subpoenas they issue, but under the Trump administration, unnamed sources told the Post, the volume of administrative subpoenas is well into the thousands, if not tens of thousands. Lindsay Nash, a professor at Cardozo School of Law, authored a study on the immigration subpoena power and found, through publicly available regulations and internal records, that ICE has empowered its employeeseven those focused on civil immigration enforcementto demand records and testimony from any person or entity in order to obtain information for any civil or criminal investigation within the agencys broad domain. At present, there is generally no requirement that officers have probable cause, identify the suspected violation, or exercise restraint, Nash wrote. This is being exemplified with abuses like the one documented in the Post story, plus footage of federal agents taking pictures of protesters and threatening to add them to a nice little database, which some anonymous national security officials claim does in fact exist as a way for DHS and the FBI to track people labeled as domestic terrorists. (DHS publicly denies that there is such a database.) Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administrations heavy use of administrative subpoenas comes as the judiciaryincluding Republican-appointed judgeshas been turning against its immigration enforcement tactics. Just this week, a court blocked the White House from ending temporary protected status for over 350,000 Haitian immigrants living in the U.S., while the chief judge of the District of Minnesota concluded that ICE has most likely violated more court orders in January alone than some federal agencies have violated in their entire existence. Administrative subpoenas are a convenient work-around for an administration that knows it faces an uphill battle if it takes its information requests to a judge, a process that requires a formal investigation. Instead of having to meet a strict legal standard, DHS can issue administrative subpoenas to private individuals, tech companies, schools, state governments, and other entities in order to access information about people its interested in targeting. It has already tried to take this path to acquire data on folks who track ICE in their local communities. Generally, targeted organizations do not have to notify individuals that their information is being sought by the federal government. However, these groups are not actually obliged to comply with these subpoenas absent judicial action. As Michelle Lapointe, legal director at American Immigration Council, told Slate, administrative subpoenas are not self-enforcing. When people receive an administrative subpoena from ICE, technically they dont have to respond, she said. The agency can go to court and seek the records to be compelled from the individual who is served with the subpoena. But it has to do that extra step to make it enforceable. Lapointe noted that oftentimes recipients of these subpoenas do end up complying out of fear, which DHS appears to be manipulating. The Post story, for instance, described what happened to the U.S. citizen who had emailed the federal prosecutor: Federal agents showed up at his doorstep after he failed to comply with an administrative subpoena. The agents questioned him about the email, asking how he had found the attorneys email addressthrough a basic Google search. After about 20 minutes, the agents left. Critically, tech companies, including Google and Meta, have received administration subpoenas since Trump took office last year, but its not always clear when they comply. A Google spokesperson told TechCrunch that it pushes back against overbroad or improper subpoenas, while spokespeople for Meta, Microsoft, Amazon, Apple, and Snap told the Post their companies alert users about administrative subpoena requests unless they are barred from doing so or face extenuating circumstances. Advertisement Advertisement In a case about six separate Instagram accounts that named and shamed a Border Patrol agent who was part of the Los Angeles immigration raids last summer, DHS sent Meta an administrative subpoena asking for the accounts names, email addresses, and phone numbers. In that instance, the Instagram account users were made aware of the subpoena, and a judge ordered Meta not to comply. The issue here is that Americans are left to simply hope these tech companies operate in good faith and out of the goodness of their hearts, something that should be alarming to all of us, Lapointe noted. The threat remains that these companies may end up complying with DHS requests in order to get the administration off their backs, even when subpoenas are unwarranted. I do think the acquiescence of tech and government makes it especially difficult as a functional matter to protect individual rights when you have administrative subpoena authority, Dennis Fan, an associate professor at Columbia Law School and a former federal prosecutor, told Slate. Attending a protest is a constitutionally protected right, as is writing an email that contains your political opinions, but the Trump administration is finding ways to use these actions against its citizens by leaning into third partiesaka Big Techwho have access to your personal, identifying information. These are companies that have positioned themselves as friendly partners of the White House, given that many of the countrys tech billionaires personally donated to Trumps inauguration, then were conspicuously seated in the front row. Where does that leave the average American? The answer is complicated. Lapointe believes that the best thing we can do is remain aware of our constitutional rights and not let Big Tech get away with selling out Americans without a fight. I think pressure can be brought to bear, the more we raise awareness that these requests could come through and that the tech companies might receive them, requesting your information, Lapointe said. Using public pressure campaigns to encourage them to resist these attempts to get at private information could be helpful. So if you exercise your First Amendment right to protest injustices you believe your government is committing, you risk being targeted by that very government. And if you dont want Big Tech helping that government target you? You may have to be right back at that protest again. The man accused of kidnapping and sexually assaulting a girl in Galveston is reportedly facing similar charges in multiple states, according to police. On Thursday, the Galveston Police Department said the young girl was walking her dog on Friday night when 27-year-old Graham Dunn approached and forced her into his car. Investigators added that Dunn used social media to contact the young victim first. Dunn was arrested Friday night, after investigators traced the young girl's phone to the Galveston Beach Hotel in the 8700 block of Seawall Blvd, police said. Advertisement Advertisement According to court documents, the 12-year-old told investigators that Dunn gave her pills that made her feel "woozy," sexually touched her, and recorded it on his phone. During Thursday's briefing, authorities said they reviewed Dunn's criminal history, which revealed that he has pending charges and/or activity under active investigation in several states, including Texas, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Kentucky, and Louisiana. Hector Dominguez, the lead Galveston police detective on the case, said that after news coverage of Dunn's arrest broke, investigators from other states reached out, offering more information. "These investigators felt compelled because they identify (Dunn) as a serial sexual offender with both adult and juvenile victims who has potential to do harm. They further advised Dunn has absconded prosecution in their state, fled states to avoid court proceedings, and continues to offend even while out on bond or probation," Dominguez said. Advertisement Advertisement An investigation continues into the cases. RELATED STORIES: Child abduction suspect in Galveston incident violated probation and bail conditions: Prosecutors 12-year-old girl kidnapped then assaulted by Dallas man at Galveston hotel, police say Three men have been convicted in the 2024 drive-by shooting that killed a 3-year-old boy in Athens. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr announced Thursday that Desmontrez Mathis, 24, Jayden Brown, 18, and Dakious Echols, 20, were all found guilty in connection with the murder of Kyron Santino Zarco Smith. The child was shot on March 8, 2024, while watching television inside his home at Hallmark Mobile Home Park in Athens. Investigators say the shooting was part of a gang-related attack targeting rivals. A 9-year-old boy was also hit by gunfire and treated for non-life-threatening injuries. Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors say the three defendants, members of a local gang known as Everybody Eats (EBE), drove to the neighborhood intending to target a rival gang in an effort to increase their status within EBE. Instead, their gunfire struck the home where Kyron was sitting. Brown and Echols both pleaded guilty on Jan. 8 and were each sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole, plus additional prison time and probation. RELATED STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Mathis was found guilty by an Athens-Clarke County jury on Feb. 4 on multiple charges, including malice murder, aggravated assault, gang activity violations, and firearms offenses. His sentencing is scheduled for a later date. While nothing can bring Kyron back, we hope this outcome provides his family with some sense of peace and the justice they deserve, Carr said in a statement. This was a senseless shooting that should have never occurred. The case was prosecuted by Georgias Gang Prosecution Unit, which was created in 2022 to combat rising gang violence. The unit partnered with the Athens-Clarke County Police Department, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, and the FBIs Atlanta field office. Officials say those efforts have helped lead to nearly 20 convictions and a roughly 65% drop in shootings in Athens since the unit was formed. Advertisement Advertisement This heartbreaking case reminds us of the devastating impact gang violence has on innocent families and entire communities, said Peter Ellis, Acting Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. Kyron should still be here today. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Athens-Clarke County Police Chief Jerry Saulters also praised investigators and expressed condolences to the family. Senseless acts of violence will not be tolerated in our community, Saulters said. To the family of Kyron Zarco, our entire community extends our deepest condolences. Authorities say one additional defendant, Julian Cubillos, still faces charges in the case. His case remains active and ongoing. The Brief Georgia House Democrats held a news conference Wednesday to condemn last weeks FBI raid at the Fulton County Elections Hub, labeling it an abuse of federal power. Lawmakers characterized the seizure of 700 boxes of ballots as politically motivated. The caucus insisted that such federal intervention undermines the integrity of future elections. ATLANTA - Georgia Democrats are condemning the FBI raid on the Fulton County Elections Hub last week, calling it an abuse of power. Georgia Democrats: We are fighting What they're saying Georgia House Democrats called last week's raid at the Fulton County Elections Hub an abuse of federal power. They argued that the seizure of 700 boxes of ballots was politically motivated and believe it undermines the integrity of future elections. Rep. Stacey Evans (D-Atlanta) and other Democratic lawmakers urged their Republican colleagues and the public to fight the Trump Administration's challenge to Georgia's 2020 election results. Advertisement Advertisement "I want you to know that your national elected officials who represent the state of Georgia, your state elected officials, and your local elected officials, particularly in Fulton County, we are fighting with every tool we can pull out of our toolbox," said Evans. SEE ALSO: Fulton County seeks return of 2020 election records seized by FBI GOP looking forward to raid results The other side Republican lawmakers said they support last week's raid. They insist there are still unanswered questions surrounding the 2020 election and believe the federal investigation is necessary. "I think all of us are looking forward to seeing what the FBI raid shows. Georgia's been waiting for a long time for answers regarding election security and fairness," explained Sen. Blake Tillery (R-Vidalia). Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger and President Donald Trump (FOX 5) Praise for Raffensperger What's next Democrats also praised Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger for refusing to turn over voter registration records to the DOJ, a move Raffensperger said would violate state law. The DOJ is currently suing Raffensperger in federal court to force the release of those documents. The Source The sources cited in this article include Rep. Stacey Evans (D-Atlanta) and Sen. Blake Tillery (R-Vidalia), as well as Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger. A Georgia mother has been sentenced to 25 years in prison after pleading guilty to the death of her 4-year-old son. Keara Cotton, 31, was sentenced on Wednesday, the same day that would have been her sons ninth birthday. Cotton was arrested in 2022 after police found the remains of her son, Jayceion Mathis, wrapped in a plastic shopping bag and a shower curtain behind a shopping center in Cordele, WGXA reports. Advertisement Advertisement Family members had reported to police that they hadnt seen Jayceion in months, and the Georgia Department of Family and Childrens Services began investigating in January 2022. The agency, along with police, made several attempts to contact Cotton but couldnt. That same day, Cotton reportedly disappeared and told her mother that she would bring Jayceion to visit her the next day. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Investigators eventually found Cotton after she fled to Cordele, Americus, and Columbus. Days later, police found the boys body behind a shopping center in Cordele. The medical examiner determined the boy had died in November 2021. Cotton told police that she woke up to her son not breathing, and instead of calling police, she wrapped up his body and kept it in her house in Dooly County. The district attorneys office said there were varying accounts on how the boy died. The medical examiners office said it was unable to determine an exact cause of death because of how decomposed Jayceions body was when he was found. Advertisement Advertisement Cotton was ultimately charged with murder, concealing the death of another, and second-degree cruelty. Even before Jayceions death, there was reported abuse in the household. Two months before her son was found dead, a report accused Cotton of domestic violence, claiming that the 4-year-old boy and his 8-year-old sister were still not being properly fed or bathed, WGXA reported. In a statement to WALB-TV, District Attorney Brad Rigby said, I can think of no better justice for Jayceion than the conviction of his murderer on his birthday, February 4, 2026. The District Attorneys Office is thankful to speak for the children who have no voice and preserve justice for them. A woman from Georgia was arrested in Croatia after she allegedly helped Utah mom Elleshia Seymour kidnap her four kids after she travelled abroad with them. Lovie McVeigh was arrested in Dubrovnik, Croatia, in connection with the international manhunt, according to WALB. McVeigh, 49, was first connected to the case when Robert Preston from Douglas Now revealed she helped Seymour, 35, on Sunday, February 1. Preston reported that McVeigh was allegedly hosting Seymour at the home she shares with her 13-year-old son in Dubrovnik, Croatia. Advertisement Advertisement While McVeigh is originally from Coffee County, she has reportedly been living in Croatia for about 18 months. Preston also reported that McVeigh and Seymour met via social media. Utah Mother Worried About Impending End Times Allegedly Abducted Her 4 Kids and Fled to Europe The Coffee County Sheriff's Department did not immediately respond to Us Weeklys request for comment. Seymour vanished from Utah with her four kids in November 2025 after she shared posts on social media about how she believed that the end times were near. An international manhunt began for the kids, and Seymours ex-husband, Kendall Seymour, took to his GoFundMe page to alert the public about the situation. Advertisement Advertisement The Salt Lake County District Attorneys Office confirmed that Seymour had been arrested on January 16 in Dubrovnik, Croatia. She was arrested after she was charged with four counts of Custodial Interference Remove Child from State in December 2025. Kendall revealed that the kids were located at a Croatian orphanage on January 25, and he later shared that the kids had been cleared to return home on January 29. After McVeigh was linked to the case, her family confirmed they were aware of the situation. Her former stepdaughter, Saige Cruz, told WALB that McVeigh had a similar social media platform to Seymour, in which they shared apocalyptic messaging. Cruz, 24, added that McVeigh told her family she would be out of the country, though they werent aware of her whereabouts until the story about Seymour made international news. Advertisement Advertisement If you go look at Lovies TikToks and then you go look at Elleshias, the mother from Utah... They talk about the same things. They relay the same messages, Cruz said. Father Reunited with Daughter 43 Years After Alleged Abduction by Mother After she learned about Seymours case, Cruz said that she quickly realized how similar the mother of four and McVeigh were. She said she grew even more interested when the aunt of Seymours kids shared in an interview that she fled to Croatia with the four kids. During that interview, [the aunt] had mentioned that the woman from Utah was actually with an American originally from Georgia, Cruz said. And so, from there, I kept watching interviews and kept digging, researching. Advertisement Advertisement After noting that McVeighs son ended up in the same orphanage as Seymours kids, she confirmed that the son is still in the orphanages custody. The family is definitely trying to get him home, Cruz said. He needs to have a stable home, environment, and an everyday school. Just your average childhood life. Cruz added that the boys family is working with the U.S. Embassy and Croatian authorities to bring him home. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has warned of the threat of a military escalation in the Middle East before talks between Iran and the United States in Oman on Friday. Speaking in Doha on Thursday, Merz said that fears of a new conflict had characterised his talks during his trip to the Gulf region. In all my conversations yesterday and today, great concern has been expressed about a further escalation in the conflict with Iran, he said during a news conference. Advertisement Advertisement Merz also urged Iran to end what he called aggression and enter into talks, saying Germany would do everything it could to de-escalate the situation and work towards regional stability. The warning came in the run-up to a crucial scheduled meeting between officials from Tehran and Washington in Muscat. Mediators from Qatar, Turkiye and Egypt have presented Iran and the US with a framework of key principles to be discussed in the talks, including a commitment by Iran to significantly limit its uranium enrichment, two sources familiar with the negotiations have told Al Jazeera. Before the talks, both sides appear to be struggling to find common ground on a number of issues, including what topics will be up for discussion. Advertisement Advertisement Washington says diplomacy will be the focus of the talks on Friday, with US President Donald Trump using them as a gauge as to whether a deal can be struck with Tehran. While these negotiations are taking place, I would remind the Iranian regime that the president has many options at his disposal, aside from diplomacy, as the commander-in-chief of the most powerful military in the history of the world, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Thursday. Iran says the talks must be confined to its long-running nuclear dispute with Western powers, rejecting a US demand to also discuss Tehrans ballistic missiles, and warning that pushing issues beyond the nuclear programme could jeopardise the talks. Reporting from Washington, DC, Al Jazeeras Kimberly Halkett said the US is eager for the talks to follow what they see as an agreed-upon format. Advertisement Advertisement That agreed-upon format includes issues broader than what the US understands Iran is willing to discuss in this initial set of talks, she explained. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Wednesday that talks would have to include the range of Irans ballistic missiles, its support for armed groups around the Middle East and its treatment of its own people, in addition to its nuclear programme. A White House official has told Al Jazeera that Jared Kushner, US President Donald Trumps son-in-law and a key figure in his Middle East policy negotiations, and Steve Witkoff, Trumps special envoy, have arrived in the Qatari capital, Doha, in advance of the talks. Advertisement Advertisement Halkett said that Qatar is playing an instrumental role in trying to facilitate these talks, along with other regional US partners, including Egypt. We understand, according to a White House official, that this is perhaps part of the reason for the visit to try and work with Qatar in an effort to try and get Iran to expand and build upon the format of these talks. Pressure on Iran The talks come as the region braces for a potential US attack on Iran after US President Donald Trump ordered forces to amass in the Arabian Sea following a violent crackdown by Iran on protesters last month. Washington has sent thousands of troops to the Middle East, as well as an aircraft carrier, other warships, fighter jets, spy planes and air refuelling tankers. Advertisement Advertisement Trump has warned that bad things would probably happen if a deal could not be reached, ratcheting up pressure on Iran. This is not the first time Iranian and US officials have met in a bid to revive diplomacy between the two nations, which have not had official diplomatic relations since 1980. In June, US and Iranian officials gathered in the Omani capital to discuss a nuclear agreement, but the process stalled as Israel launched attacks on Iran, killing several military leaders and top nuclear scientists, and targeting nuclear facilities. The US later briefly joined the war, bombing several Iranian nuclear sites. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul on Thursday said that Berlin is very interested in deepening its partnership with Canberra on critical raw materials during a visit to Australia. "Your country is an important partner for us in diversifying our supply chains," Wadephul said after a meeting with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong in Canberra. "Many critical raw materials such as lithium are extracted here and we are very interested in further expanding our cooperation in the raw materials sector, especially in strategically important minerals." Advertisement Advertisement The world's largest hard-rock lithium mine is located south of Perth in the town of Greenbushes. Lithium is mainly used in lithium-ion batteries, such as those found in smartphones, laptops and electric vehicles. The Greenbushes mine covers more than 2,000 hectares and supplies around 20% of the world's output. Australia also has huge deposits of rare earths such as neodymium and terbium, which are used for permanent magnets in electric motors, for example. Wadephul conceded that a partnership in the exploitation of mineral deposits comes with a price tag. "We must also be prepared to spend money, because developing these raw materials is sometimes costly," he said, stressing that "Germany in particular is heavily dependent on such raw materials." A California jury has awarded roughly $52 million to a group of truck drivers and yard workers who alleged they were retaliated against after raising safety, wage and regulatory concerns at Sysco, one of the nations largest food-distribution companies. The verdict stems from a lawsuit filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court against Sysco Riverside Inc. and Sysco Corp., in which multiple plaintiffs accused company managers of fostering a culture of intimidation toward employees who reported unsafe and illegal practices. Maryann Gallagher, the lead plaintiff attorney in the case, said the size of the verdict reflects how jurors viewed the evidence. I think there was overwhelming evidence, Gallagher told FreightWaves. There was so much evidence that Sysco was violating the law and these people were complaining and they didnt do anything about it. Sysco said it plans to challenge the verdict. In a statement emailed to FreightWaves, the company said, Safety and security are top priorities at Sysco Riverside, Inc., as well as Syscos other operating sites. Sysco added that while it respect[s] the jurys time and service, it strongly disagree[s] with its findings and is reviewing the award to determine next steps, including but not limited to anticipated post-verdict proceedings and an appeal. Allegations of unsafe practices According to court documents, the employees many of whom had worked at Sysco for years or decades at a location in Riverside, California raised concerns related to yard safety, excessive working hours, falsified time records, food safety violations and retaliation for contacting regulators, including Cal/OSHA and the Labor Commission. Houston-based Sysco (NYSE: SYY) is a multinational corporation that sells, markets and distributes food products, foodservice supplies, and equipment to restaurants, healthcare facilities and stadiums. Sysco directly operates 1,472 power units and employs 1,719 drivers, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. The company has 340 distribution centers in 10 countries. The plaintiffs who worked at the Sysco Riverside facility said they were pressured to move trucks and trailers quickly through crowded yards, sometimes at unsafe speeds, and to maintain tight schedules that prioritized efficiency over safety. They also said they were told to load perishable food into trailers that were not properly refrigerated. Gallagher said the misconduct described at trial spanned several years. It was, at least in our case, from 2016 until 2020 four years, she said. German arms manufacturer Dynamit Nobel Defence plans to build a 50 million ($59 million) production facility for anti-tank mines in Latvia, the Latvian Defence Ministry announced on Thursday. The arms company and the Latvian State Defence Corporation signed a letter of intent in Riga in the presence of Latvian Defence Minister Andris Spruds, a statement from his ministry noted. The plant is set to begin operations in 2028 with mine production geared mainly for the Latvian army, the statement said. Advertisement Advertisement Latvia, a member of both the European Union and NATO, sees Russia's war against Ukraine as a direct threat to its national security. It, like the other Baltic nations of Estonia and Lithuania, has been keen to secure its eastern border with defensive structures and physical barriers against possible attacks. Under the plans, mines would also be laid in an emergency. Thursday's announcement follows one last October, when Latvia said it had ordered a remotely controlled mine-laying system from the German defence contractor. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz wants to take relations with Saudi Arabia to a "new level," sources close to him said on Thursday, after a two-and-a-half-hour meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh. Members of the German delegation described the talks, which marked the start of Merz's three-state tour of the Gulf region, as "warm and open," with a strong focus on expanding economic ties. Discussions covered energy, defence and artificial intelligence, as well as the tensions with Iran, the situation in Syria and the civil war in Sudan. Advertisement Advertisement Merz was welcomed in Riyadh on Wednesday evening with military honours followed by a dinner hosted by the crown prince. The chancellor travelled on to Qatar on Thursday morning, where he again stressed the strategic importance of bilateral relations. His trip if focussed on strengthening Germany's partnerships in the wealthy and strategically important Gulf to bolster long-term security, economic ties and supply chains. Against the backdrop of what he sees as a weakening trans-Atlantic relationship, Merz is looking to reduce Germanys dependence on countries such as the United States and China. Advertisement Advertisement In the Gulf, Germany is particularly interested in energy supplies notably liquefied natural gas and hydrogen as well as defence cooperation and investment by wealthy Gulf states in Germany, which could create jobs. "In a time of global economic upheaval, geopolitical uncertainties and technological transformation, Germany and Qatar are consciously focussing on dialogue diversification and investments in the future," Merz said in Doha, where he met Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. After Qatar, Merz heads to the United Arab Emirates. Iowa's Duane Arnold Energy Center is about to be an intersection of atomic power, high-speed computing and tornadoes. That's because Google is working with NextEra Energy to reopen the nuclear plant by 2029 to meet surging data center power demand, an electricity draw that's contributing to higher utility rates. Duane Arnold is also located in a part of the country prone to severe windstorms. Advertisement Advertisement In fact, the site's 12 cooling towers were leveled in 2020 during a derecho, a powerful windstorm that resulted in the plant's shuttering earlier than planned. The storm had 130-mile-per-hour winds, according to Inside Climate News. "It wasn't until we went outside afterward that we realized that the cooling towers were gone," station engineer Diana Lokenvitz told the publication. She said that failsafe mechanisms and backup generators worked as planned, ensuring the fission reactions were stopped and disaster was avoided. But worsening severe weather is a concern as interest in nuclear energy picks up around the country. Iowa is in Tornado Alley, a swath of states with plenty of twisters. And experts have noted that the danger zone is moving east into more populated areas. Part of the reason is higher temperatures triggered by air pollution from burning oil, coal, and gas for energy, according to NASA. That's why nuclear proponents tout its zero pollution and near-limitless production as worthwhile rewards. Almost 20% of U.S. electricity is already generated at nuclear plants, per government data. Advertisement Advertisement Developers at Duane Arnold are confident in the infrastructure. Federal regulators estimated the 2020 storm had a one-in-1,000 chance of causing core damage because of safeguards, ICN reported. "They are literally designed to withstand these kinds of events safely," Breakthrough Institute's Adam Stein said. Breakthrough is a nonprofit global research center. Watchdogs remain leery about hazardous nuclear waste, accidents, and cost. The Union of Concerned Scientists added security and weapons proliferation to the list. Waste is among the most popularized fears, but the U.S. Department of Energy and other experts maintain it's not as abundant or oozy as most people think it's in the form of solid radioactive pellets. The U.S. makes enough to fill half an Olympic-size swimming pool annually. As for expense, trade publication NucNet reported that it will cost Google $1.6 billion to reopen the Iowa facility, with a projected $9 billion in economic benefits for the state. It's a huge expense, and part of the reason New York financial advisory firm Lazard has solar and wind as cheaper and faster grid-level energy sources to deploy. Advertisement Advertisement The generation news has big implications for electricity customers. And knowing more about how Google, Microsoft which is reopening part of Three Mile Island and others plan to address their power demand can help you make better choices. Home solar, for example, is a great way to gain energy independence, regardless of grid concerns. The optimism in Iowa for Duane Arnold is high, and even for Lokenvitz, who witnessed the storm that closed it. "That plant operated exactly as designed. It was just the perfect storm," the engineer told ICN. 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. Feb. 5The Ohio House returned from a winter break this week amidst a fiery national conversation on federal immigration enforcement, with proposals from both sides of the aisle aimed at impacting enforcement in Ohio. Democrats took the break to brainstorm eight policy proposals unveiled upon lawmakers' return to Columbus on Tuesday. Republicans did a bit of the same, though much of their immigration-focused bills were introduced to the House in 2025. So far, the House hasn't fast-tracked any bills strictly related to immigration enforcement. On Wednesday, Speaker Matt Huffman, R-Lima, didn't signal a rush on any House immigration-related proposal. Advertisement Advertisement "Enforcement of federal immigration laws is a federal enforcement issue, and the states shouldn't be interfering with that, whether it's the state government, it's local governments, or citizens" Huffman said. He told this news outlet that immigration enforcement is "clearly a federal function" and one that states have limited say in, according to the U.S. Constitution, hinting that the bulk of Democratic proposals wouldn't hold muster and that some Republican proposals might not be needed. He added that lawmakers will take a look at all of the bills through their relevant committees. Here's a brief description of pending immigration-related proposals from both sides: Advertisement Advertisement Republican proposals House Bill 554: This bill would expand Ohio's offense of obstructing justice to explicitly include obstructing the proceedings of federal immigration agents. It would make it a fifth degree felony to intercede with official duties and a third degree felony to intercede with a federal immigration arrest. The bill is sponsored by Reps. Josh Williams, R-Sylvania, and DJ Swearingen, R-Huron. It awaits its first House Judiciary Committee hearing. House Bill 281: This bill would require hospitals to allow federal agents inside their premises for the purpose of immigration enforcement and punish any hospital that refuses to allow an officer inside. The bill is sponsored by Williams and awaits a second hearing in the House Public Safety Committee. House Bill 26: This bill would require every Ohio law enforcement agency to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement officials, as well as block any local ordinances that are intent on blocking local cooperation. It's sponsored by Williams and Rep. Tex Fischer, R-Boardman, and awaits a second hearing in the House Public Safety Committee. Senate Bill 172: This bill, already passed by the Ohio Senate, is similar in scope to to H.B. 26. It would require all state and local public officials to allow the arrest or detention of any person who is suspected of being unlawfully present in the United States. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Kristina Roegner, R-Hudson, awaits its first hearing in the House Public Safety Committee. House Bill 282: This bill would require Ohio courts to consider a person's immigration status at the time of sentencing, determining bail, or setting parole. It's sponsored by Williams and awaits a second hearing in the House Judiciary Committee. House Bill 200: This bill would prohibit any person who is unlawfully in the United States from being present in Ohio, with the penalty of a fifth degree felony, or a fourth degree felony for repeat offenders. It would also require all law enforcement agents in the state to enforce the law. The bill is sponsored by Reps. Gary Click, R-Vickery, and Nick Santucci, R-Niles, and awaits its second hearing in the House Public Safety Committee. House Bill 42: This bill would require Ohio law enforcement departments and the state's agencies of Job and Family Services, Medicaid, and Rehabilitation and Corrections to collect the immigration status of anyone they come in contact with and report the data to the governor annually. The bill is sponsored by Williams and Fischer and awaits a vote or further hearings from the House Government Oversight Committee. Democratic proposals Democrats returned to Columbus this week with a flurry of bill proposals none of them formally introduced, yet that they say would reaffirm the rights of American citizens and immigrant populations. This outlet asked Minority House Leader Dani Isaacsohn, D-Cincinnati, if he believed the state had the authority to enact any bills that would dictate or limit how the federal government goes about immigration enforcement. He said the state's ultimate ability to enforce the measures is a secondary question. Advertisement Advertisement "The big question here is, what are we doing to protect Ohio citizens from overreaching, under-trained federal agents," he said. "We have to do what we can as state legislators and lawmakers. Ultimately, there are federalism questions that it's up to federal courts to decide (on), but our job is: What can we do to protect Ohio citizens and maintain public safety?" Here are the recent Democratic proposals: One would require on-duty law enforcement officers to clearly display their badge and ID and not use face coverings, with limited exceptions. The bill will come from Reps. Karen Brownlee, D-Symmes Twp., and Cecil Thomas, D-Cincinnati. One looks to limit state entities from collecting, sharing, or disclosing Ohioans' personal data with the federal government, except when the purpose is explicitly allowed or required under law. The bill will come from Rep. Allison Russo, D-Upper Arlington. One would block private entities from selling or sharing Ohioans' personal data, except when the purpose is explicitly permitted under law. The bill will come from Reps. Christine Cockley, D-Columbus, and Tristan Rader, D-Lakewood. One would prohibit immigration enforcement in places of worship, courthouses, hospitals, schools, at public religious ceremonies, or at organizations that assist children, pregnant women, victims of crime, or individuals with mental or physical disabilities. The bill will come from Reps. Ismail Mohamed, D-Columbus, and Eric Synenberg, D-Beachwood. One looks to ensure local and state law enforcement can investigate alleged crimes of federal agents. The bill will come from Reps. Mark Sigrist, D-Grove City, and Beryl Brown Piccolantonio, D-Gahanna. One would require that criminal and civil detainees are given adequate meals, health care, and basic living needs like a bed. The bill will come from Reps. Ashley Bryant Bailey, D-Cincinnati, and Veronica Sims, D-Akron. One would allow the governor of Ohio to decline the deployment of out-of-state National Guard units in Ohio. The bill will come from Rep. Erika White, D-Springfield Twp. And a final proposal would look to reaffirm lawmakers' rights to tour jails, prisons and detention facilities at any time. The resolution would come from Rep. Latyna Humphrey, D-Columbus. ------ For more stories like this, sign up for our Ohio Politics newsletter. It's free, curated, and delivered straight to your inbox every Thursday evening. Avery Kreemer can be reached at 614-981-1422, on X, via email, or you can drop him a comment/tip with the survey below. Loading... GOP lawmakers said they needed to reimplement checks on the executive branch. Gov. Tony Evers delivers his 2025 state budget address. (Photo by Baylor Spears/Wisconsin Examiner) Republican lawmakers on Wednesday argued for a constitutional amendment proposal and a set of bills that would allow them greater say over the administrative rulemaking process. The effort follows Wisconsin Supreme Court decisions in recent years that have limited lawmakers ability to restrict administrative rulemaking. The proposals are the result of a task force on administrative rulemaking organized by Assembly Speaker Robin Vos (R-Rochester). Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Brent Jacobson (R-Mosinee), who chaired the task force, cited the Wisconsin Supreme Courts Evers v. Marklein II decision issued on July 8, 2025 that found unconstitutional statutes that allowed the 10-member Joint Committee on the Review of Administrative Rules to review and suspend administrative rules. Jacobsons constitutional amendment proposal, AJR 133, would allow state lawmakers to suspend indefinitely or temporarily administrative rules that are promulgated by state agencies with a vote of the full Senate and Assembly. Jacobson said the proposal would ensure that the Legislature remains an effective check on the administrative state and that our constituents can still look to us to be a voice in the rulemaking and regulatory process. As a constitutional amendment, the proposal would need to pass the Legislature in two consecutive sessions before it would go to voters for a final vote. It would not require approval from the governor. This is the proposals first consideration. Advertisement Advertisement AB 955, coauthored by Jacobson, would repeal the current state statute that includes language allowing agencies to promulgate rules interpreting the provisions of any statute enforced or administered by the agency if it is necessary to enforce the statute. The bill would replace the language to prohibit agencies from promulgating rules interpreting the provisions of any statute without explicit and specific statutory authority. Jacobson said the proposals are not about giving Republicans an advantage, but rather are about ensuring good governance and our democratic system of checks and balances are in effect, regardless of which parties are in control of which branch of our state government. Rep. Mike Bare (D-Verona) expressed concerns about whether the bill would implement some real tight constraints on what agencies are able to do. We trust our executive branch with some discretion over making things happen, implementing the policies and the statutes that were trying to have happen, Bare said. Im wondering if that creates scenarios in the future [that] limit too much what theyre able to do. Advertisement Advertisement The key is that that statute should specifically and explicitly say, you have authority to promulgate rules around implementing the statute that we in the Legislature have passed, Jacobson said in response. That still gives them considerable discretion Now if they go beyond what our intent was, thats why we have the backstop of the constitutional amendment to say that rule that has taken effect now by joint resolution, were gonna suspend it, maybe temporarily. Rep. Dan Knodl (R-Germantown) said he was glad the issue was in front of the committee. The Legislature has been ceding authority for decades, and it probably goes back to the legislators not wanting to make tough decisions or take tough votes, but over time, a lot of authorities have been given to the executive branch. The agencies have absorbed a lot of that, Knodl said. Now we have a Supreme Court that is dialing back even more of our authority. Quite frankly, were on a path of irrelevance as a Legislature, he added. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) The state of Alabama has joined a growing number of Republican-led states seeking to revive the death penalty for child rape, a sentence outlawed by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2008. Alabama approved legislation Thursday to add rape and sexual torture of a child under 12 to the narrow list of crimes that could draw a death sentence. The Supreme Court in 2008 ruled that such sentences were not a proportional punishment and would violate the Eighth Amendments ban on cruel and unusual punishment. Advertisement Advertisement Republican Rep. Matt Simpson, a former prosecutor who is sponsoring the legislation, said getting the Supreme Court to revisit the constitutionality issue will require getting a test case to the high court. He hopes that will happen if enough states pass similar legislation. This is the worst of the worst crime. It deserves the worst of the worst punishments, Simpson said. Five states Florida, Tennessee, Idaho, Arkansas and Oklahoma have passed similar bills in the last three years and at least five more have proposed bills, according to the Death Penalty Information Center, which tracks the use of capital punishment across the United States. Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier in November announced the intent to seek a death sentence for a man indicted on charges of multiple counts of capital sexual battery on a child under 12. Advertisement Advertisement While the Alabama bill passed with widespread support, some lawmakers emphasized that capital punishment for child rape is unconstitutional and taxpayers would have to foot the bill for any court challenge. Robin M. Maher, executive director of the Death Penalty Information Center, said there are concerns that such laws could cause children harm instead of protecting them. Writing for the majority opinion in 2008, Justice Anthony Kennedy wrote that the prospect of a death sentence for the perpetrator might discourage reporting by victims or may remove a strong incentive for the rapist not to kill the victim. The court recognized that these statutes do more harm to children than help them. They actually place them in grave danger of being killed, Maher said. Advertisement Advertisement The Alabama Senate on Thursday voted 33-1 for the bill. Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey said she will sign the bill into law because, we have to do everything we can to protect Alabamas children. While the bill is currently unconstitutional, Republican Sen. April Weaver likened it to state abortion bans that were considered unconstitutional until the U.S. Supreme Court in 2022 overturned Roe v. Wade and again allowed states to prohibit abortion. The Alabama legislation won approval after a headline-making case of an alleged child sex trafficking ring in Bibb County. Prosecutors said at least 10 children, some as young as 3, were subjected to rape and torture in an underground bunker. I believe theres a special place in hell for people who do this to our children, and today, were one step closer to having a special place for them in Alabama, and thats on death row," said Weaver, who represents Bibb County. Editors Note: This article has been updated to reflect the correct owner of Daves Long Pond Road. We apologize for the error. ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) The owner and two employees of Long Pond Pub in Greece are facing charges after an investigation into the death of a customer revealed evidence was allegedly tampered with following a fall inside the bar. According to the Greece Police Department, officers secured surveillance video that confirmed findings from their investigation into the December incident. Police say the customer, later identified as 68-year-old John Acito, was served alcohol after the legal cutoff time and was visibly impaired before falling, hitting his head on a table and the floor. Advertisement Advertisement Authorities said Acito remained unconscious inside the bar and later died after being in a coma until Jan. 1, 2026. The Monroe County Medical Examiner ruled the death accidental and determined the delay in contacting emergency services did not contribute to his death. According to Monroe Countys website, restaurants, bars, and taverns can sell only for on-premises consumption from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. on weekdays and from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. on Sundays. Investigators allege employees did not immediately call 911 and instead dragged Acito from the back of the bar toward the front entrance and altered the scene. Police said he was never taken outside, despite an initial report suggesting he had been found outdoors. Detectives say the actions led to felony charges of tampering with physical evidence against owner David Geer, 64, and employees Crystal McWilliams, 42, and John Moore, 58. Authorities said more serious charges were not filed because investigators could not determine whether earlier medical intervention would have changed the outcome. Advertisement Advertisement Police also confirmed Geer was in Florida at the time of the incident and communicated with staff by phone. Investigators described the case as unusual, saying they have seen evidence-tampering cases before but not in a bar setting like this. The New York State Liquor Authority has been notified and is conducting a separate investigation into the establishment. Police said their role will now focus on court proceedings related to the charges. Officials added that responding officers had access to peer-support resources due to the difficult nature of the scene. The investigation remains ongoing. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to RochesterFirst. A paramedic said the night he and his family were jolted awake by gunfire at a nearby home has been hard to shake. Christopher Copeland says he and his neighbors are worn down. They blame an increase in short-term rentals, corporate owned homes and room rentals for a rise in crime in the southwest Atlanta neighborhood. The opposition to limits on the rentals LIVE on Channel 2 Action News at 5:00 p.m. Advertisement Advertisement He shared video of the gunman with Channel 2 Investigative Reporter Ashli Lincoln. Ive experienced many shootings, seen the gunshots - but for it to be this close in proximity, it literally made me afraid, he said. The video shows a man dressed in all black approach the home and fire at least 15 shots into the property. Atlanta police say a woman was grazed by a bullet. She told officers she was attending a gathering at the home before the suspect started shooting Councilwoman Andrea Boone says efforts to pass stricter ordinances on short-term rentals are met with opposition from affordable housing advocates. Advertisement Advertisement Earlier this month, two people were caught on camera breaking into a rental home, stealing multiple electronics. This is right down the street from a school, right down the street from a park. Our children cant even play outside, Boone said. Police are still looking for the suspects in both incidents. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] The Hamas terrorist who murdered Cpl. Noa Marciano while she was held captive in Gaza has been eliminated, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced Wednesday. The strike on a group of terrorists, including Muhammad Issam Hassan al-Habil, had reportedly followed a Hamas attack overnight that wounded IDF troops in northern Gaza, in violation of the ceasefire agreement. Al-Habil, a Hamas cell commander, was killed in the airstrike in Gaza Citys Shati refugee camp, the IDF said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement "In response to the blatant violation of the ceasefire agreement overnight, earlier today (Wednesday), the IDF and ISA struck and eliminated the terrorist Muhammad Issam Hassan al-Habil, head of a Hamas terrorist cell," the IDF confirmed. Idf Strikes Hamas 'Terrorist Targets' Across Gaza Following Reported Ceasefire Violation The body of Noa Marciano was recovered by Israeli forces in November 2023 and returned to Israel for burial. The IDF also said that via Israeli Security Agency (ISA) questioning, al-Habil had brutally murdered Marciano, 19, while in Hamas captivity. Read On The Fox News App The IDF soldier had been abducted from the Nahal Oz outpost during the terrorist organizations Oct. 7 massacre. Advertisement Advertisement She was wounded in an IDF airstrike on Nov. 9, 2023, while being held by Hamas and was later taken to Shifa Hospital in Gaza City. At the time, Hamas claimed Marciano died in an Israeli airstrike. Her body was eventually recovered by Israeli forces in November 2023 and returned to Israel for burial in Modiin, where she had lived with her family. Following the announcement of al-Habil's death, Marcianos mother, Adi Marciano, said the family had been promised that everyone involved in her daughters murder would be brought to justice, according to The Times of Israel. "There is no real comfort in this," she said. "But there is knowledge that justice was done, even if only partially. Nothing will bring Noa back to us." Advertisement Advertisement Hamas Terrorists Use Ambulances, Schools, Hospitals In Violation Of Us-brokered Ceasefire, Idf Official Says Noa Marciano, 19, was abducted from Nahal Oz outpost during the Oct. 7 massacre and later murdered at Shifa Hospital. "This elimination brings closure for the Marciano family, and to the IDF and ISA," the IDF said. "The IDF and ISA will continue to operate against any terrorist involved in the brutal Oct. 7 massacre and against any attempts by terrorist organizations in the Gaza Strip to carry out terror attacks against IDF troops and Israeli civilians." Israeli forces had been responding to multiple security incidents overnight, including attacks on IDF troops when al-Habil was killed. Advertisement Advertisement At around 1 a.m., terrorists had opened fire on IDF forces in the Daraj Tuffah area, severely wounding a reserve officer. Idf Kills Key Hamas Founder And Mastermind Of Oct 7 Terror Attack In Israel IDF troops returned fire and carried out additional strikes in the area to eliminate the threat. In the attack, suspects were identified approaching the yellow line in southern Khan Younis and were deemed a threat to the troops. The suspects were subsequently struck, the IDF said. In addition to al-Habil, those killed included Bilal Abu Assi, a Hamas Nukhba platoon commander who led the massacre at Kibbutz Nir Oz on Oct. 7. Advertisement Advertisement Click Here To Download The Fox News App Abu Assi was believed to have taken part in holding deceased hostages in captivity while directing terrorist plots against IDF troops. Ali Raziana, commander of the Northern Gaza Brigade of the Islamic Jihad terrorist organization was also killed, according to the IDF. Original article source: Hamas terrorist who murdered IDF soldier Noa Marciano eliminated in Gaza Rep. Greg Stanton (D-AZ) blasted Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and called for her immediate termination. Noem was in Arizona near the Mexican border on Wednesday, where she slammed Democrats for criticizing the Trump administrations immigration crackdown in Minnesota and elsewhere. In recent months, masked federal immigration agents have raided homes and businesses sometimes without a warrant in search of undocumented immigrants. In other cases, they have even arrested immigrants who are lawfully going through the asylum-seeking process. Last month, federal agents fatally shot two U.S. citizens in separate incidents in Minneapolis. And they try to say that enforcing our immigration laws and arresting and deporting illegal criminals and violent criminals is inhumane, Noem said. Well, what about the victims of that illegal crimes? What about the flow of drugs that were coming over our border and killing our next generation of Americans? What about the angel families who lost someone that they dearly love? Advertisement Advertisement Hours later on CNNs The Lead, Jake Tapper aired Noems remarks and asked Stanton to respond. How the hell does she still have a job? Stanton responded. She needs to be fired today. And if not, we need to impeach her because of her incompetence. She also oversees FEMA. There was a horrific flood many months ago in Texas that killed over 100 people, including many young girls at that camp. Her inaction, direct inaction, not getting urban search and rescue there in time, led to the deaths of our fellow citizens in Texas. Noem has come under intense scrutiny after the fatal shooting deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis. In each case, she immediately maligned the deceased as a domestic terrorist who meant to harm immigration agents. Top Democrats have called for her ouster, but the administration has so far stood behind her. President Donald Trump went so far as to claim Noem is being attacked because she is a woman. Watch above via CNN. The post How the Hell Does She Still Have a Job? Congressman Says Kristi Noem Needs To Be Fired Today first appeared on Mediaite. Qabil Ashirov The ongoing trial of Armenian citizens accused of committing crimes against peace and humanity as a result of Armenias military aggression against Azerbaijan continues at the Baku Military Court, with verdicts being announced for the defendants. Azernews reports, the court has sentenced David Babayan, Davit Ishkhanyan, and David Manukyan to life imprisonment. Prosecutors representing the state had also requested life sentences for the accused. The defendants are charged with committing a wide range of serious offenses, including the preparation and conduct of an aggressive war, genocide, violations of the laws and customs of war, terrorism and financing of terrorism, violent seizure and retention of power, and other crimes. The trial proceedings are ongoing as the court continues delivering verdicts. President Donald Trump is weighing whether the United States should adopt an Australian-style retirement system that requires employers to fund their workers retirement savings accounts. Trump said his administration is very seriously looking at the Australian system, CNN reported. He also called it a good plan that has worked out very well. Whether it would work out very well in the U.S. is open to debate. Heres a closer look at whether an Australian-style system would be better or worse than the U.S. system. How Australia Differs One of the key components of the Australian retirement savings model is its superannuation program. Under this program, all employers must contribute 12% of their workers monthly pay into a retirement plan, according to a blog from 401(k) plan provider Guideline. Employees can also top up their contributions from their paychecks. This differs from the 401(k) system in the U.S., which is optional for employees. However, U.S. workers do have mandatory taxes taken out of their paychecks to fund their Social Security benefits. Also Read: How Far $750K Plus Social Security Goes in Retirement in Every US Region See More: 5 Clever Ways Retirees Are Earning Up To $1K Per Month From Home Why Australia Might Be Better Australia gets generally high marks for its retirement system because it guarantees that working Australians build some kind of nest egg. This gives it an advantage over the U.S. 401(k) system, which is voluntary and therefore leaves people room to make the mistake of failing to save and invest. And while Social Security withdrawals from paychecks are mandatory, the programs monthly retirement benefits are almost never big enough to cover all the bills. Australia in my opinion has an ideal state-sponsored retirement system, said Dr. Robert Johnson, CFA, chairman and CEO at Economic Index Associates, professor of finance at Creighton University and co-author of The Tools & Techniques of Investment. Thats mainly because of the way the system is set up. The fact that it is a substantial, compulsory system with choice is what distinguishes it for me, Johnson told GOBankingRates. Australians have broad choice as to how the assets are invested. He pointed to research from the Thinking Ahead Institute Global Pension Assets Study showing that Australia has the worlds third-highest ratio of pension assets to GDP at 146%, trailing only Switzerland (152%) and Canada (147%). Australia also ranks high (7th globally with an overall score of 77.6) in the 2025 Mercer CFA Institute Global Pension Index. Members of the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education speak with Gov. Kevin Stitt on Feb. 5, 2026, at a board meeting in Oklahoma City. (Photo by Emma Murphy/Oklahoma Voice) OKLAHOMA CITY Oklahoma higher education officials are projecting an increase in enrollment to a state scholarship program and an estimated 21.6% related jump in costs in the coming years amid shifting eligibility and application requirements. Lawmakers, meanwhile, are eyeing nearly 20 bills that could dramatically expand eligibility for the Oklahomas Promise scholarship program and balloon the programs price tag to as much as $500 million a year, higher education officials said. Advertisement Advertisement The program, which provides qualifying children from lower-income families with free tuition, had over 15,000 participants during the 2024-25 school year, according to a report from the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education. Over 4,400 degrees were conferred to scholarship recipients during the same school year. The number of recipients is projected to increase in the coming years as eligibility parameters changed during the last legislative session that included changes to income limits and expanding the program to some public school teachers children. The report estimates that the program will have over 17,000 participants in the 2025-26 school year and over 18,300 in the 2026-27 school year. Officials also projected the scholarship programs expenditures would also grow to over $88 million by the 2026-27 school year, up from $72.4 million in 2024-25. Advertisement Advertisement Chancellor Sean Burrage said Oklahomas Promise is continuing to deliver strong results, with students enrolling in college and persisting in their education at higher rates than peers who are not involved in the program. Almost 93% of Oklahoma Promise graduates are employed in the state one year after graduation and nearly 85% are still in Oklahoma after five years, he said. That tells us this program is not only expanding opportunity, but it is also strong workforce investment delivers long term value to stay, Burrage said. We appreciate the Legislatures continued support of this program and look forward to continuing conversations about strengthening it during the current legislative session. Lawmakers last session expanded the program to the children of eligible Oklahoma teachers, but only allocated enough funding for 15 students. Officials said the demand for the program far outweighed the available funding. Advertisement Advertisement Jarrett Jobe, vice chancellor for government relations for the State Regents, said the programs expansion to include educators children was very popular. Now there are around 19 other bills that state lawmakers have filed seeking to further expand the program. The price tags on some of the bills can reach up to $300 million and $500 million, he said. Were encouraging legislators, as they look at these Promise bills, to recognize that expansion to postsecondary opportunities for the Promise is a great program, but we also have to be cognizant of the cost that would occur with some of these bills, Jobe said. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Spanish rescuers on Thursday desperately searched for a woman missing after a new storm hit the Iberian peninsula while Portugal warned of a heightened flood risk after several months' worth of rain fell in a few hours. One death has already been confirmed in Portugal from the seventh storm to hit the peninsula this year. Portugal has barely recovered from a battering by rain and winds last week that killed five people, injured hundreds and left tens of thousands without power. Storm Leonardo on Wednesday dumped more than 40 centimetres (15 inches) of rain in some districts of Andalusia in southern Spain, the equivalent of several months of rainfall. Thousands of people were evacuated and roads and rail lines paralysed. Advertisement Advertisement Portuguese officials on Thursday issued their highest flood alert for the Tagus river in the Santarem region. Authorities in Sanatarem evacuated people from homes near the river. Portugal's civil protection chief Mario Silvestre said it was the worst flood threat along the Tagus in nearly three decades. Already on Wednesday, at Alcacer do Sal, south of Lisbon, the Sado river burst its banks and submerged the town centre. Fire brigade divers helped evacuate residents on inflatable boats. The Civil Protection authority told AFP that 89 people were rescued. Scientists say human-driven climate change is increasing the length, intensity and frequency of extreme weather events such as the floods and heatwaves that have struck the Iberian Peninsula in recent years. Advertisement Advertisement - River search - Spain's Civil Guard told AFP they were searching for a woman who had fallen into the Turvilla river in the Sayalonga municipality Wednesday. Spain's AEMET national weather agency lowered its warning level for Andalusia, saying it would rain "less intensely" and schools reopened in most of Andalusia but remained suspended in worst hit areas where roads and railways were still out of service. "It's unheard of, with a little uncertainty, but whether we like it or not, Mother Nature has to find her place," Mohamed Amar Mohamed told AFP in the village of Jimera de Libar on Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement "All we can do is try to adapt and hope for the best," said the 34-year-old construction worker. Portugal's IPMA weather agency IPMA said that last month had been the country's second-wettest January since 2000. Train services were suspended in the north and central Portugal. In Lisbon, municipal authorities shut parks and tunnels and suspended several river transport connections faced with the risk of floods and falling trees. A man in his 60s died in the southeast on Wednesday after being swept away by the current while attempting to drive across a flooded area. burs-imm/yad Gov. Josh Shapiro pitched a $53.3 billion state budget proposal to the Pennsylvania Legislature Tuesday that called for a $15 minimum wage, legalized marijuana and increased funding for underserved school districts. The unbalanced budget would represent a 5.3% spending increase from last year, and would fund new projects in Centre County. The proposal, which comes in at 777 pages, is highly unlikely to be passed as written. Shapiro, a Democrat running for reelection, needs Republican votes to get his budget through the Senate, and leaders there have warned new taxes would be needed to fund it in the future. Bread-and-butter line items, such as funding for walking paths in a state park, have in the past been approved without issue. Advertisement Advertisement Heres whats in the state budget proposal for Centre County. Flat funding for Penn State Shapiros budget calls for $242.1 million to be allocated to Penn State for general support, marking the third consecutive year he has proposed this amount. Penn State has received $242.1 toward its general fund each year since 2020. Shapiros 2023-24 budget called for an additional $17 million for the university. The proposal failed and has been absent from subsequent budget proposals. More money for underserved school districts The budget proposes $565 million be put toward underfunded school districts through an adequacy gap formula established in 2024. The commonwealth has already spent more than $1 billion to close the gap. Advertisement Advertisement The formula last year favored area school districts like Penns Valley and Tyrone, whose adequacy payments comprised 6% of state allocations last year. Adequacy funds were closer to a rounding error in well-resourced school districts like Bald Eagle and State College. The Pennsylvania Department of Education estimated each of Centre Countys school districts would receive between 0.2% and 1.2% more money from the commonwealth over the current fiscal year if the budget were adopted as is. More money for Centre County highways The governors budget also proposes $32.8 million from the Motor License Fund filled by the commonwealths gas tax, license and registration fees and other sources be put toward highway and bridge construction in Centre County, up from $1.9 million proposed for this fiscal year. This comes as a major highway interchange project connecting Interstate 80 and Interstate 99 is underway. Advertisement Advertisement It is unclear how much will eventually be allocated to Centre County this fiscal year. Juiced funding for Centres last state prison Benner Townships state prison would receive $42.4 million for building, infrastructure and site improvements if Shapiros budget were passed as written, representing an 86% increase over last years $22.8 million allocation. An additional $10 million is included this year for the construction of a concrete plant at Benner. The budget proposal also includes $10 million for the Rockview state prison, which is winding down operations after the Shapiro administration announced its closure last year. New projects in Centre County Shapiros budget calls for $5 million for dam rehabilitation at Mira Lloyd Dock Conservation Center in Spring Mills. In September, the center advertised a $6.5 million project that includes the breach and removal of an approximately 12-acre existing irrigation pond, among other things. Advertisement Advertisement Another $6.9 million is proposed for lake dredging at Poe Valley State Park, and $952,000 is proposed for gravel road rehabilitation in Bald Eagle State Forest. Howard Nursery could see $1.2 million of game revenue to construct a new office building and wood shop. Centre County state game lands near Runville and the ghost town of Scotia were budgeted $500,000 and $750,000, respectively, for road construction and shooting range upgrades. An art teacher is the county's 2026 Teacher of the Year. The announcement was made on Jan. 31 during the Golden Apple Gala at the Reilly Arts Center, according to a press release issued by Marion County Public Schools officials. Zanita Hendry, a teacher at Hillcrest School, was the winner. As the winner, she received a three year pre-paid lease on a 2026 Genesis G-70 vehicle from Jenkins Auto Group. Zanita Hendry, teacher at Hillcrest School. An 11 year educator, Hendry is a teacher at Hillcrest School where she teaches grades 6-12 students who have exceptional needs. Advertisement Advertisement Hendry, who's a Dunnellon High School graduate with a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies in Education and Social/Behavioral Science from the University of Central Florida, won the 2023 Florida Adaptive Arts Educator of the Year award, school officials said. Teacher of the year: West Port High School's Sarah Jacobs is 2025 Teacher of the Year in Marion County Hillcrest's principal, Lori Manresa, won the the Principal of the Year award, and the Rookie Teacher of the Year award was won by Hillcrest School teacher Stephanie Stephens, the news release states. It's the first time in the public school's 157 year history where a school was presented with all three top honors, according to the press release. Contact Austin L. Miller at austin.miller@starbanner.com This article originally appeared on Ocala Star-Banner: Zanita Hendry named 2026 Teacher of the Year The House Common Education Committee approved bills to ban sexually explicit content from school libraries and to move state testing to the month of May, among others. (Photo by Kyle Phillips/For Oklahoma Voice) OKLAHOMA CITY A House committee on public schools advanced bills on Wednesday to move annual state testing to May, to increase teacher training time and to ban sexually explicit materials from school libraries. Reading, math, science and U.S. history tests, usually administered each year in March and April, would take place only from May 1-31 under House Bill 4359. Rep. Anthony Moore, R-Clinton, said he wrote the measure to give students more time to prepare for end-of-year tests. Advertisement Advertisement The House Common Education Committee approved the bill unanimously, sending it to the House Education Oversight Committee for further consideration. HB 4115 from Rep. Tammy West, R-Oklahoma City, also passed unanimously. Wests bill increases the maximum number of professional development hours that can be required of public school teachers from 150 to 200. Raising the maximum would give schools more flexibility, especially if the Legislature adds professional development requirements in the future, West said. I think especially our newer teachers, they may need a little extra time, she said during the committee meeting. And I want to make sure that we have that opportunity for local districts (and) the principals to make the decision that if teachers need this, its available. Advertisement Advertisement The committee also approved a bill prohibiting schools from having books with sexually explicit conduct in their libraries. Current state law requires school library books to reflect the community standards for the population the library serves. Rep. Chris Banning, R-Bixby, said he filed HB 2978 to remove books that completely disgrace women that we cant read out loud. The bill passed by a vote of 10-1. Rep. Ellen Pogemiller, D-Oklahoma City, cast the lone vote against it. She voiced concerns for students in Advanced Placement courses whose access to required books might be cut off. Committee leader Rep. Dick Lowe, R-Amber, saw his legislation HB 3032 pass in an 8-2 vote. The bill would require families to complete an application for free and reduced-price school meals during student enrollment. Parents would have the choice to complete an opt-out form. Advertisement Advertisement The federal National School Lunch Program funds school meals for students from low-income households, as long as the childs guardian has filled out an application. Families enrolled in schools or districts that already provide free meals to all students regardless of household income would be exempt from completing an application under HB 3032, as would children who qualify for free meals through other means, such as being on Medicaid. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Students with Iowa Safe Schools, some draped in LGBT or transgender flags, wait for rides after being ejected from the State Capitol on March 12, 2020. (Photo by Kathie Obradovich/Iowa Capital Dispatch) The House Education Committee moved forward Wednesday with legislation that would prohibit instruction and materials on gender identity and sexual orientation for all K-12 students. House File 2121, approved 14-9, is an expansion of the 2023 ban on programs, material, instruction, surveys and questionnaires and promotion related to gender identity and sexual orientation for K-6 students. Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Helena Hayes, R-New Sharon, who introduced the measure, made few comments on it during the committee meeting. But at a subcommittee meeting on the bill earlier Wednesday, she said the focus of Iowa schools should be on teaching curriculum like English, math, music and history. This very narrow bill, it simply says, teachers, please focus on educational topics, please talk about academics,' Hayes said. And thats what were asking our educators to do, and thats as simple as it is stay focused on the topic at hand. And that is we want to graduate intelligent, articulate, critical thinkers into this world. Parents, religious leaders and students spoke in opposition to the measure during the subcommittee meeting, saying it would prevent LGBTQ+ students, educators and their family members from speaking about their lives at school. Rev. Steve Sieck, minister at the First Unitarian Church of Des Moines, said he believes limiting discussion on gender and sexuality in schools is counterproductive to teaching students. Advertisement Advertisement If the goal is to instruct on human sexuality and self-esteem and stress management, then pretending that LGBTQ adolescents or their parents or their siblings cant be talked about, I feel, is counterproductive, Sieck said. If 27% of the LGBTQ population in Iowa have kids, including my neighbors Im not sure how my neighbors are supposed to fill out any survey or questionnaire about their home or discussion about their home life if theyre unable to refer to their two moms. Im not sure how the 25% of teens who identify as LGBTQ are supposed to learn about relationships or sexuality or gender or self-esteem or stress management, if theyre not allowed to talk about that. Katherine Bogaards with the group Protect My Innocence Pella said she supported the bill, as it gives families confidence that schools will remain focused on academics and age-appropriate, research-based health education, not topics that confuse or overwhelm the students. Supporting this bill is about preserving family values, respecting parental authority and assuring minors are allowed to grow up without unnecessary pressure related to sexual orientation and gender identity, Bogaards said. Some speakers supporting the measure brought up the 2025 change made in Iowa Code referring to discussion on transgender individuals and gender as gender theory instead of gender identity. This is defined in law as the concept that an individual may properly be described in terms of an internal sense of gender that is incongruent with the individuals sex as either male or female, that a person who experiences distress or discomfort with the individuals sex should identify as and live consistent with the individuals internal sense of gender, and that an individual can pursue medical treatments like puberty blockers, hormone replacement therapy or surgeries to delay puberty or develop certain sex characteristics. Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Jeff Shipley, R-Birmingham, told legislators at the subcommittee he believed the definition of gender theory in Iowa law is pretty good. He said he believes if classroom discussion on this subject follows the definition of gender theory written in Iowa law, he said I think thats probably fairly appropriate and necessary for students in grades 10 through 12 to discuss. I think high school students probably are mature enough to debate that and discuss that in a classroom setting, Shipley said. When a Senate subcommittee discussed the companion bill in January, several organizations brought up that the legality of the states ban on gender identity and sexual orientation materials and instruction for K-6 students is currently being questioned. This provision of the 2023 law, as well as the prohibition keeping books containing depictions of sexual acts from being available in K-12 school libraries, are currently blocked from enforcement as two cases challenging the law in the courts. One of the lawsuits, filed the American Civil Liberties Union and Lambda Legal, challenges both the measures banning certain books from school libraries, alongside the ban on school materials and instructions related to gender and sexuality. The other suit was filed by publisher Penguin Random House and a group of authors alongside the Iowa State Education Association, challenging the restriction on books available in school libraries. Advertisement Advertisement The injunction granted by a federal district court judge in May 2025 stated the language prohibiting material related to gender identity and sexual orientation are vague enough to prompt questions about whether school districts and educators are restricted from allowing extracurricular activities related to these subjects to exist, like Gender Sexuality Alliances, or GSAs. The words program and promotion are simply too broad to refer only to mandatory classroom curriculum and instead prohibit school districts and educators from, among other things, making extracurricular activities relating to gender identity and sexual orientation available to students in grade 6 or below, U.S. District Court Judge Stephen Locher wrote. These restrictions therefore violate students First Amendment rights and are facially unconstitutional. Education and LGBTQ+ advocates have told lawmakers students First Amendment rights are given more protection as they grow older, meaning expanding the existing law would make this provision more likely to be found unconstitutional. Rep. Elinor Levin, D-Iowa City, said at the committee meeting it seems imprudent for the Legislature to expand a law that is currently being adjudicated in court. She also asked, if this is such an important restriction to put in place, why is it being applied to school districts, charter schools and innovation zone schools, and not private schools? Bill addresses student free speech The House Education Committee also advanced House File 2106 in a 16-7 vote Wednesday. The bill proposes banning schools from discriminating against or penalizing students for their engagement in religious, political or ideological speech, from expressing certain viewpoints on an issue that differ from views and speech authorized to be expressed at school by similarly situated students. Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Samantha Fett, R-Carlisle, said the provision is to ensure students are not being targeted for having or expressing certain beliefs at schools. A real example would be one student walks into class with a button on their backpack thats pro-life, another student walks into class with a button that says pro-choice, Fett said. Those students are similarly situated. They can (both) have that button on their backpack. They cant have their button on that backpack if there was an actual school policy that said, no buttons allowed on backpacks.' Rep. Angelina Ramirez, D-Cedar Rapids, said these protections for students are already guaranteed under the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, and that the measure was unnecessary. Ramirez said the bill may also create an unfunded mandate for schools, as the bill proposes requiring professional development training programs for educators regarding constitutionally protected prayer and religious expression in public elementary and secondary schools and annual certification of compliance with the state policy. The committee also passed two other contentious bills Wednesday: BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP) A Hungarian court on Wednesday sentenced a German anti-fascist activist to eight years in prison for taking part in assaults against participants of a far-right rally in February 2023. Authorities allege the 25-year-old defendant, identified only as Maja T., was one of more than a dozen people who assaulted participants in an annual far-right event in Budapest known as the Day of Honor one of the biggest neo-Nazi rallies in Europe which marks the failed attempt by Nazi and allied Hungarian soldiers to break out of Budapest during the Red Armys siege of the city in 1945. The defendant was accused of attempted aggravated bodily harm causing life-threatening injuries and assault committed as part of a criminal organization. Advertisement Advertisement Maja T. was extradited from Germany to Hungary in December 2024. Germanys Constitutional Court ruled last year that the extradition was unlawful because it could not be guaranteed that the defendant would not be subject to inhumane or degrading treatment in Hungarian custody. Supporters of Maja T. have criticized the conditions of detention as well as the defendants chances for a fair trial in Hungary, where the right-wing populist Prime Minister Viktor Orban, last year designated antifa as a terrorist organization. Antifa, an umbrella term for loosely affiliated far-left activists and groups that resist fascism, fascists and neo-Nazis, resembles more an ideology than an organization, though some have embraced militant tactics. Hungary designated antifa a terrorist organization after a similar move by U.S. President Donald Trump. In comments to the courtroom after the verdict was read, Maja T. called the trial politically motivated. Advertisement Advertisement But I still have a friendly smile, as well as a moral code, a universal moral code, Maja T. said. Maja T. has complained about the conditions of detainment. Speaking to The Associated Press outside a hearing in Budapest last year, the defendants father, Wolfram Jarosch, said Maja T. had been held in solitary confinement and subjected to degrading conditions. The rule of law in Hungary is very, very doubtful, Jarosch said. Wednesday's conviction can be appealed. Another alleged assailant in the 2023 attacks, Italian anti-fascist activist Ilaria Salis, was jailed in Hungary for over a year following the assaults, resulting in a diplomatic dispute between Rome and Budapest over her treatment in detention. Salis was released to house arrest in May 2024 and released a month later after she gained legal immunity by winning a seat in the European Parliament. Hungary continues to demand that she be returned to face trial and prosecutors have sought an 11-year sentence. PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) U.S. immigration agents in Oregon must stop arresting people without warrants unless there's a likelihood of escape, a federal judge ruled Wednesday. U.S. District Judge Mustafa Kasubhai issued a preliminary injunction in a proposed class-action lawsuit targeting the Department of Homeland Security's practice of arresting immigrants they happen to come across while conducting ramped-up enforcement operations which critics have described as arrest first, justify later. The department, which is named as a defendant in the suit, did not immediately comment in response to a request from The Associated Press. Advertisement Advertisement Similar actions, including immigration agents entering private property without a warrant issued by a court, have drawn concern from civil rights groups across the country amid President Donald Trump's mass deportation efforts. Courts in Colorado and Washington, D.C., have issued rulings like Kasubhais, and the government has appealed them. In a memo last week, Todd Lyons, the acting head of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, emphasized that agents should not make an arrest without an administrative arrest warrant issued by a supervisor unless they develop probable cause to believe that the person is in the U.S. illegally and likely to escape from the scene before a warrant can be obtained. But the judge heard evidence that agents in Oregon have arrested people in immigration sweeps without such warrants or determining escape was likely. Advertisement Advertisement The daylong hearing included testimony from one plaintiff, Victor Cruz Gamez, a 56-year-old grandfather who has been in the U.S. since 1999. He told the court he was arrested and held in an immigration detention facility for three weeks even though he has a valid work permit and a pending visa application. Cruz Gamez testified that he was driving home from work in October when he was pulled over by immigration agents. Despite showing his driver's license and work permit, he was detained and taken to the ICE building in Portland before being sent to an immigration detention center in Tacoma, Washington. After three weeks there, he was set to be deported until a lawyer secured his release, he said. He teared up as he recounted how the arrest impacted his family, especially his wife. Once he was home they did not open the door for three weeks out of fear and one of his grandchildren did not want to go to school, he said through a Spanish interpreter. Afterward a lawyer for the federal government told Cruz Gamez he was sorry about what he went through and the effect it had on them. Advertisement Advertisement Kasubhai said the actions of agents in Oregon including drawing guns on people while detaining them for civil immigration violations have been violent and brutal, and he was concerned about the administration denying due process to those swept up in immigration raids. Due process calls for those who have great power to exercise great restraint, he said. That is the bedrock of a democratic republic founded on this great constitution. I think were losing that. The lawsuit was brought by the nonprofit law firm Innovation Law Lab, whose executive director, Stephen Manning, said he was confident the case will be a catalyst for change here in Oregon. That is fundamentally what this case is about: asking the government to follow the law, he said during the hearing. The preliminary injunction will remain in effect while the lawsuit proceeds. ___ Associated Press writer Gene Johnson in Seattle contributed. Gov. Laura Kelly said she wasn't informed of operations conducted in Manhattan by Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers. "You've been paying attention to what's going on in Minnesota? Of course they don't regularly inform the governor at least in certain states," Kelly told The Capital-Journal after speaking at a Kansas Statehouse event in Topeka on Feb. 5. On Feb. 5, the Riley County Police Department confirmed ICE was in the Manhattan area that same morning. Gov. Laura Kelly, speaking at a Moms Demand Action event Feb. 5 at the Kansas Statehouse, later told The Capital-Journal she wasn't notified that ICE was conducting operations in Manhattan. "We can confirm there were operations that were conducted," a written statement from the department read. "RCPD was not involved in these operations." Advertisement Advertisement RCPD referred all inquiries to ICE, which didn't immediately respond for comment. More: Kansas lawmakers prepare for ICE. Will they help or restrict agents? Gov. Laura Kelly comments on ICE operations in Manhattan Kelly said the governor isn't typically informed of these operations. The Riley County Police Department confirmed that Immigration and Customs Enforcement conducted an operation in the Manhattan area on Feb. 5. When asked whether she expects more communication from federal law enforcement, Kelly said it's more important to engage local law enforcement. "I would like them to engage in the usual protocol that exists when federal officials want to or are asked to come into a state, and that is to coordinate with our local law enforcement, both at the state level and at the local level," Kelly said. "I think it's more important that they talk to them than to me." Advertisement Advertisement RCPD spokesperson Josh Kinder told The Capital-Journal that RCPD wasn't informed of the ICE operation. He said it isn't common practice for the local agency to be informed in advance. This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Riley County police confirm ICE operations in Manhattan, Kansas DES MOINES, Iowa Des Moines Water Works says ice fishing on Maffitt Reservoir is not advised due to ongoing water withdrawals compromising the ice. Des Moines Water Works issued the warning just before 10 a.m. Wednesday, saying, The reservoir is a water supply, and Des Moines Water Works is currently withdrawing large amounts of water, which could compromise the ice. The Maffitt Reservoir was constructed in the 1940s as a backup drinking water supply for the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers. As DMWW pulls water from the reservoir, its levels can fluctuate. Advertisement Advertisement Authorities respond to two-vehicle crash in Madison County DSM Water Works said in the release that high nitrate levels in the Des Moines and Raccoon rivers have required the use of the reservoirs water supply. The reservoirs water is blended with other source water and treated inside the L.D. McMullen Treatment Plant to meet drinking standards, DMWW shared in its statement. DMWW previously shared that the nitrate removal facility was activated on January 6 due to high nitrate levels in the Des Moines and Raccoon rivers. At the time the facilities were activated, the nitrate levels in the Raccoon River measured at 10.8 mg/1. According to the USGS MSG tracking website, on February 4, nitrate levels in the Raccoon River at Van Meter were 11.4 mg/l. Levels are slightly down from last week on January 28, when levels were measured at 13.2 mg/1. Advertisement Advertisement According to the same website, at this time in January 2025, the Raccoon River in Van Meter measured at 4.0 mg/1. The Environmental Protection Agency says that water should be at or below 10 milligrams per liter. High nitrate levels have been attributed to farm field drainage, which then makes its way into lakes and rivers. Following the summer, farmers and officials have spoken about the need to change practices to better safeguard central Iowas water resources. Metro News: Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to who13.com. By Diana Novak Jones Feb 5(Reuters) - A federal jury in Phoenix ordered Uber on Thursday to pay $8.5 million after finding it liable in a lawsuit brought by a woman who said she was sexually assaulted by a driver, a verdict that could influence thousands of similar cases against the ride-hailing company. The case, brought by plaintiff Jaylynn Dean, was the first trial known as a "bellwether" of more than 3,000 similar lawsuits against Uber that have been consolidated in U.S. federal court. Bellwether trials are used to test legal theories and help gauge the value of claims for possible settlements. Dean, an Oklahoma resident, sued Uber in 2023, one month after her alleged assault in Arizona. She said Uber was aware of a wave of sexual assaults committed by its drivers, but had failed to take basic actions to improve the safety of its riders. Such assertions have long dogged the company, drawing headlines and congressional scrutiny. Alexandra Walsh, an attorney for Dean, said during the closing arguments in the trial that Uber had marketed itself as a safe option for women traveling at night, particularly if they had been drinking. Women know it's a dangerous world. We know about the risk of sexual assault," Walsh said. "They made us believe that this was a place that was safe from that. Uber has argued that it should not be held liable for criminal conduct by drivers who use its platform, saying that its background checks and disclosures about assaults are sufficient. The company maintains that its drivers are independent contractors rather than employees, and that regardless of their classification it cannot be responsible for actions that fall outside the scope of what could reasonably be considered their duties. "He had no criminal history. None," Kim Bueno, an attorney for Uber, said of the driver during closing arguments, noting that he had 10,000 trips on the app and a nearly perfect rating from riders. "Was this foreseeable to Uber? And the answer to that has to be no." In a statement before the trial, a spokesperson for Uber said the company takes every report of sexual assault very seriously and that it is continuing to invest in new technology to help prevent harm. Dean's lawsuit said she was intoxicated when she hired an Uber driver to take her from her boyfriend's home to her hotel. The driver asked her harassing questions on the ride before stopping the car and raping her, Dean alleges in the lawsuit. U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer, who normally sits on the bench in San Francisco, oversaw Dean's case in Phoenix. Breyer is managing all of the similar federal cases against Uber, which have been centralized in his court in San Francisco. Federal agents spray demonstrators at close range with irritants after the killing of Renee Good by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer Jonathan Ross on Jan. 7, 2026, in Minneapolis. Since July 2025, there have been at least 17 open-fire incidents involving federal immigration agents, according to data compiled by The Trace, a nonprofit and nonpartisan news outlet investigating gun violence. (Photo by Nicole Neri/Minnesota Reformer) Immigration and Customs Enforcement is the hammer of the Trump Administrations immigration policy. Public opinion is mixed on the policy, but not supportive of ICE methods. Whatever you think of the policy, ICE agents have behaved like the dreaded secret police of totalitarian regimes, and disgraced America in so many ways it is hard to count them. ICE agents have outfitted themselves with paramilitary-style body armor and assault rifles, hidden their identity with masks and unmarked vehicles, interrogated and arrested people for their skin color or speech, invaded previously off-limits sensitive places like schools, hospitals and churches, broken into homes without a judicial warrant, detained arrestees incommunicado for days, violated hundreds of court orders, and used aggressive tactics that resulted in the shooting deaths of American citizens. There is no daylight between this and the way totalitarian secret police have behaved. Abusive encounters and arrests ICE does not operate like a normal police force. ICE agents appear on the street out of recognizable uniform, in masks and unmarked cars. One federal case described what happened to a group of arrested immigrants: Advertisement Advertisement Suddenly, four unmarked cars pulled up and surrounded (three individuals). The cars were large and black with tinted windows and had no license plates. The doors opened and men in masks with guns started running at them aggressively. One of the men had a large military-style gun. The masked men wore regular clothes, they had no visible badges, and they did not identify themselves. This type of encounter is all too frequent. It is terrorizing to the community and violates constitutional norms. Wearing masks prevents identification of ICE agents and undermines accountability for ICE misconduct. The ICE practice of using false license plates violates state laws. The Fourth Amendment protects individuals, whether citizen or immigrant, from unreasonable searches and seizures. Whenever a police officer accosts an individual and restrains his freedom to walk away, he has seized that person. An ICE agent may stop an individual only if he is aware of specific facts creating a reasonable suspicion that the individual is in the country illegally. Reasonable suspicion as to one person does not exist if the facts also apply to a very large category of presumably innocent people. But at the direction of White House Advisor Stephen Miller, arrests of targeted individuals have given way to sweeps of areas where undocumented immigrants might be found. ICE is arresting thousands of people with no reason to target them. Advertisement Advertisement ICE now engages in racial profiling. In Los Angeles, immigration officers made stops based solely on one or more of these factors: (1) presence at particular locations such as bus stops, car washes and day laborer pickup spots, (2) the type of work done by the individual, (3) speaking Spanish or speaking English with an accent, and (4) apparent race or ethnicity. Two lower federal courts ruled that relying solely on these factors violated the Fourth Amendment because they could not create reasonable suspicion, given that many innocent people would meet this description. Invading homes and other sensitive places without warrants The Fourth Amendment prohibits government entry into a persons home without consent or a warrant issued by a neutral judge. Yet ICE has apparently issued an internal memo authorizing agents to enter private homes with only an administrative warrant issued by an ICE officer and to use force in doing so. This had led to outrageous ICE conduct, such as forcing open the door of the home of a U.S. citizen in Minnesota without a warrant, and arresting him at gunpoint. In 2021, the Biden Administration issued guidelines prohibiting immigration enforcement in or near sensitive protected areas where enforcement might restrain public access to essential services or engagement in essential activities. These included (1) schools, (2) medical or mental health care facilities, (3) places of worship or religious study, (4) places where children gather, such as a playground or daycare center, (5) a social service agency, and (6) a place where there is an ongoing parade, demonstration or rally. The Biden policy was sensitive and sensible. It recognized that there are more important factors in the overall policy balance than capturing and removing undocumented people. But the Trump administration disagrees. It rescinded the Biden policy. Unlawful detention and violating court orders The Fifth Amendment secures due process to immigrants, lawful or not. Immigrants have been arrested along the West Virginia Turnpike, and elsewhere in West Virginia, and then detained in state jails without a hearing, or even notice of when a hearing might be held. The U.S. District Court in Charleston held in such a case: Advertisement Advertisement In our society, freedom is the constitutional default. When the Government confines a person in a jail and, when called upon, cannot articulate the facts or authority justifying the confinement, the detention violates the Fifth Amendment. Habeas corpus exists precisely for this moment. The detained individuals in that West Virginia case and two others were released. On Jan. 28, 2026 a top federal judge in Minneapolis stated that ICE had violated nearly 100 court orders in January alone, more than some other federal agencies have violated in their entire existence. These cases were habeas cases in which a person arrested by ICE was challenging his detention, as in the West Virginia cases. The situation in Minnesota is not unique. Judges across the country have rebuked ICE for violating court orders, improperly relying on discredited legal theories and violating their obligation of candor to the courts. The extent of these practices suggests a conscious pattern of disrespect for the rule of law. Unrestrained violence The online journal The American Prospect reports that ICE has killed eight people and injured nine around the country. The ICE shooting deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis have received plenty of coverage. DHS and ICE immediately accused the victims of being terrorists intent on harming ICE agents. Thanks to citizen videos, we can see with our own eyes what happened. ICE agents were trigger-happy when they were not threatened at all. Their deadly violence has not even received an investigation, much less official restraint or accountability. Advertisement Advertisement We are lucky more people havent died from ICE violence. It is everywhere. ICE uses chokeholds and agents kneel on the necks of detainees. They swing batons, smash car windows, and shoot into occupied family vehicles. Simply fleeing from an ICE agent does not justify that persons assassination. ICE in West Virginia Not only is ICE operating in West Virginia, our state government and local police are eagerly cooperating with the agency and boasting about it. In February 2025, the West Virginia National Guard and the state police signed up to cooperate with ICE in enforcing immigration law for the first time in our history. Gov. Patrick Morrissey declared himself deeply committed to the project. This cooperation has led to the arrest of 650 individuals in West Virginia. Some of these people were just passing through on the Turnpike. Others in Nitro, Charles Town and Nutter Fort were arrested at their restaurant jobs. Morrissey claims that among those arrested were several with criminal histories, but the vast majority were simply people whose immigration status was questionable, which is not a crime but instead a civil offense like a traffic ticket. After two of her employees were arrested at Taqueria Lou Lou in Nutter Fort, the owner said, These men were not bad guys. They came to work, did their job and went home. No drugs. No drinking. No kidnapping kids. No horror story. Just people. The objective doesnt justify these means In his Jan. 31 order releasing 5-year-old Liam Ramos from ICE custody, Judge Fred Biery said Advertisement Advertisement Observing human behavior confirms that for some among us, the perfidious lust for unbridled power and the imposition of cruelty in its quest know no bounds and are bereft of human decency. And the rule of law be damned. We seem to have lost our balance and judgment. Ridding our country of undocumented foreigners, even criminals, is not a national goal it is simply a campaign promise made by Donald Trump. Keeping that promise is not worth killing innocent people who oppose the policy or get in the way. It is not worth trashing the Constitution. It is not worth terrorizing our communities. It is not worth selling our souls. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX These cuts are the result of poor prior legislative policy choices that were made during years of population growth and budget surpluses, at a time when the state had the real opportunity to strengthen and further invest in public systems, but lawmakers instead chose to shift public dollars elsewhere, writes guest columnist Monica Dickson. (Photo illustration by Getty Images) Idahos leaders love to say they support public education. But when budgets are written and priorities are set, those words, through action, disappear. This years legislative budget proposal asks public schools to absorb significant reductions, despite repeated assurances that K12 funding would not be cut and despite Idaho ranking nearly at the bottom of the nation in educational funding. Idahos current budget squeeze is completely self-inflicted. Advertisement Advertisement These cuts are the result of poor prior legislative policy choices that were made during years of population growth and budget surpluses, at a time when the state had the real opportunity to strengthen and further invest in public systems, but lawmakers instead chose to shift public dollars elsewhere. What makes this budget proposal especially difficult to accept is the math that lines up with House Bill 93 (the private school tax credit subsidy), which is now under review by the Idaho Supreme Court. While lawmakers ask public school children to absorb an estimated $55 million cut in their neighborhood schools, this budget leaves the $50 million allocated to the private-school program created last year fully intact. There is no reconsideration of that spending, even as its constitutionality is actively being debated in our highest court. This shows us a clear statement of priorities. Those priorities have already been showing in classrooms. Idaho continues to face an estimated $80 million gap in special education funding alone. Meaning the state is not fully funding the need for services it is legally required to provide to our most vulnerable. Districts must still deliver those services no matter what, so they make up the difference by pulling from general education budgets -the same funds that pay for teachers, reading support, counselors, manageable class sizes, and the extracurriculars that are so valuable to our kids. When special education is underfunded, it affects every student, not just students in special education. Lawmakers have also planned for devastating cuts to the Idaho Digital Learning Alliance, one of the only statewide public programs that genuinely expands access for rural students. Weakening IDLA while preserving a private-school subsidy further exposes the contradiction in how choice is being defined. A choice that exists only for families with the financial means does not facilitate choice at all. Advertisement Advertisement The term school choice is misleading rhetoric; it doesnt mean your kid gets to go to the school you want, it means that the school can choose if your kid gets in. Taken together, all these decisions reveal a pattern: increased pressure on public schools resources combined with reduced state investment, and a growing willingness to shift responsibility downward, to districts, to families, and to local communities in the form of increased property taxes, all while padding policies that disproportionately favor the top. This is not a debate between left and right, but is a question of up versus down. A question of whether those with authority use it to strengthen the institutions that belong to all of us and that serve everyone, or to protect ideological priorities that then translate into communities with fewer resources. This is not the Idaho many of us were raised in. Idaho has historically valued strong communities, taken pride in our local schools, and has long held the belief that we take care of our own by investing together. Public schools have always been central to that thinking. Budget choices that cut from constitutionally required public education while preserving comparable spending outside that system represent a quiet but profound shift away from those values. Public schools are not failing in Idaho. When we label them that way, we negatively impact our kids by dismissing the places and people our children love. This budget proposal asks Idahoans to accept a version of our state that no longer puts its children and communities first. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX CHICAGO As sweeping changes to the federal Clean Water Act in recent years have weakened protections for wetlands, Illinois has become the first state in the nation to officially recognize a conservation tactic known as rewilding. The Illinois Rewilding Law, which took effect last month, empowers the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to pursue projects that restore land to its natural state, said Illinois Rep. Anna Moeller, an Elgin Democrat and primary sponsor of the bill. The law could encompass the reintroduction of keystone species that improve ecosystems, like beavers and bison. But officials and environmentalists say closing the federal gaps in wetland protection is their focus right now. Largely symbolic, the Rewilding Law is the first step toward enacting legislation with permitting powers, they say. Advertisement Advertisement Wetlands are hugely important for our water quality, for preventing flooding, for helping native species that are endemic to those areas, Moeller said. Once we lose them, theyre gone forever. In 2023, the U.S. Supreme Court curtailed federal wetland protections in Sackett v. EPA, limiting federal Clean Water Act protections to only wetlands with visible connections to major waterways. The ruling suspended protections for more than 118 million acres nationwide. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency went a step further in November with its revised Waters of the United States rule, which narrowed the scope of wetlands shielded from pollution and destruction. Illinois has 563,000 acres of unprotected wetlands, according to a University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign study released in September. This means over half of all wetlands in the state lack any federal, state or local protections, said Robert Hirschfeld, director of water policy at the Prairie Rivers Network. Advertisement Advertisement Since the EPAs November rule revision, Hirschfeld estimated the percentage of at-risk wetlands in Illinois has likely increased to at least 67%. The Rewilding Law, which does not mandate any specific actions, affirms the states authority to protect, manage and conserve natural resources and wildlife, said IDNR in a statement to the Tribune. The agency said it has no projects planned under the law and no plans to bring back apex predator populations like wolves at this time. Now, Moeller and other Illinois legislators are working to pass the Wetlands Protection Act, which would give IDNR authority over wetland permitting on private land before construction begins. Certain agricultural activities would be exempt. Paul Botts, president and executive director of the Wetland Initiative, said the proposed legislation would be no-net-loss as it would require developers who want to remove a wetland to contribute to a mitigation bank to fund restoration work elsewhere. Advertisement Advertisement This is about acknowledging the great majority of the wetlands that have been lost, Botts said. There isnt enough money in the world to put all that back But we can restore where it makes sense and where its doable and where people are willing to have it done, and we can protect as best we can without putting anybody out of business on the few remaining wetlands that we do have. The act would simply restore what Illinois lost, he said. The state bill is not going any further than what was suddenly yanked away, Botts said. Its simply bringing it back. Why protect wetlands Wetlands are uniquely climate resilient, helping ecosystems, communities and native species withstand increasingly unpredictable weather, from extreme floods to droughts, Botts said. Advertisement Advertisement From the perspective of biodiversity, the value of wetlands in the flat Midwest just actually rises in the context of a changing climate, he said. Lindsay Keeney, conservation director at the Illinois Environmental Council, explained that restoring native ecosystems helps Illinois weather more extreme and frequent flood events. When we see removal of wetlands and native prairies, Keeney said, thats where we see incredible flood damage, stormwater runoff and backup and a lot of damage to homes and human life and major flood events, which were seeing more and more of with climate change and more 100-year-flood events happening two, three or even four a year. Restoring wetlands is one of the most cost-effective strategies for flood mitigation in both urban and rural communities far cheaper than building new wastewater treatment facilities or flood-control infrastructure, Keeney said. Advertisement Advertisement Although Illinois has already lost more than 90% of its original wetlands, restoration efforts across the state offer signs of recovery; Botts has made it his mission to restore what he can of Illinois native ecosystems. The Midwest is all built up, Botts said. The easy (wetlands) have all been protected already. Were about the hard cases, the brownfields, putting wetlands back in the farm belt without buying out farms. In the Southeast Side, Botts is working on bringing wetlands back in Chicagos industrial corridor at Square Marsh and Indian Ridge Marsh, encompassing an area at least twice the size of New York Citys Central Park, said Botts. This massive effort is in partnership with The Nature Conservancy, the Illinois International Port District, Audubon Great Lakes and the Chicago Park District. At the Dixon Waterfowl Refuge in Putnam County and Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie near Joliet, native plants and wildlife are returning to wetlands once used for agriculture and ammunition production. Advertisement Advertisement At Midewin, the Wetlands Initiative partnered with the U.S. Forest Service to restore the prairies, reduce nitrate pollution and reintroduce bison to support healthy grassland ecosystems. Midewin is now the largest prairie restoration east of the Mississippi, according to the Wetland Initiative. Similar efforts at the Dixon refuge have focused on restoring wetlands and improving habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife. Botts said these projects recognize that wetland restoration includes all kinds of ecosystems. Dixon Waterfowl Refuge, which is a 3100-acre place, includes a lot more than wetlands because we realized that theres various species of birds and amphibians and other things that, oh, actually, we have to have the prairie and all that, Botts said. Its all a system. Its not just an isolated thing. Botts is also pushing beyond traditional rewilding by working directly with farmers to install constructed wetlands on working farmland. What Botts calls micro-wetlands are small installations placed along ditches and streams of farmlands that reduce nitrate runoff and improve water quality. Advertisement Advertisement These tiny, little micro-wetlands on working farms are designed to maximize one specific benefit, which is water quality, the nitrate takeout, because thats critical, Botts said. That is the water quality issue of our age in the Midwest. And it is enormous, and it is overwhelmingly about agriculture. Nitrate runoff is a major concern for water quality in the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River Basin, and is driven by wetland loss, said Botts. Constructed wetlands, he added, offer a natural solution. Installing these scattered sponges across Illinois farmlands will make these landscapes more resilient. The vision is that you end up one day with these constructed wetlands being just normal across the vast Midwestern farm belt, Botts said. Advertisement Advertisement That shift will take decades, said Botts. But demand is already outpacing the Wetland Initiatives capacity to install these micro-wetlands, a signal that farmers are buying into the benefits. Reducing their flood risk, increasing their yields, building soil health, ensuring access to clean water, all of those benefits are going to provide a more sustainable long-term agriculture economy in Illinois, Keeney said. Future-proofing The Trump administration has rolled back numerous environmental protections, weakening air and water quality regulations and proposing to further cut the EPAs budget by more than half in 2026. Advertisement Advertisement The Rewilding Law is part of a statewide commitment to future-proof against continued federal rollbacks, Keeney said. This bill is important and the first in the country because at IEC and in Illinois, we are really thinking about the sways at the federal level and reducing that impact here in our state, said Keeney. Moeller said that urgency is driving her efforts to advance the Wetlands Protection Act, in the hopes that Illinois can catch up to other Midwestern states like Michigan that have already enacted their own state wetland protections. Although agriculture lobbyists like the Illinois Farm Bureau have opposed previous iterations of wetland protection programs, Moeller said she is hopeful this bill will move forward as she begins negotiations with the IDNR. When asked by the Tribune to comment on the wetlands restoration bill, IDNR said it cannot comment on pending legislation. The Farm Bureau also declined to comment when asked about the wetland protections bill. Moeller hopes rewilding can be a stepping stone, an example of a state that now values our land and the native species that live here. Because its healthy for everybody. Supporters of the wetland protection bill say the moment offers Illinois a chance to reclaim its legacy as a conservation leader. Illinois once pioneered the modern forest preserve system with the creation of the Forest Preserve District of Cook County, a precedent Keeney said should guide lawmakers as they debate the future of wetlands. Other groups are joining the effort. In Chicago, the Shedd Aquarium has officially designated the first week of February as Wetlands Week, and the aquarium is urging visitors to contact Gov. JB Pritzker to support the bill and defend the remaining wetlands in Illinois. ____ CHICAGO - There is a competitive race in the Democratic primary this year to see who will become the next U.S. senator from Illinois. Among the large field of Democrats are three frontrunners who are slated to join Fox Chicago on Monday, Feb. 16, for a live debate about the major issues facing the country. U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly, U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, and Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton are the leading candidates for their partys nomination to replace Dick Durbin, who has served in Congress for decades. Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton, U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, and U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (left to right) are vying for the Democratic nomination to the U.S. Senate in the March 17, 2026, primary race. (Getty Images) Election Day is March 17, but early voting begins in February across the state. Advertisement Advertisement Senators are elected statewide and the winner of next months primary election will go on to face the Republican nominee in the November general election. Still, since Illinois is a historically blue state, the winner of the primary election will almost certainly go on to represent Illinois in Washington. How to watch the debate The debate will air live on Feb. 16 at 6 p.m. and you can watch on Fox Chicago, Fox32Chicago.com, and on the FOX LOCAL app. The debate will be moderated by Fox Chicagos Political Editor Paris Schutz. Viewers can have their voices heard and help shape the conversation by submitting questions to ask the candidates. Select questions may be answered live on air during the debate. Submit your questions to Parisonpolitics@fox.com. Illinois Democratic and Republican voters will soon decide their partys nominees for races at the federal and state levels, as well as in a few local races, during the March 17 primary election. Early voting kicks off Thursday, Feb. 5. Winners of the party primaries will advance to the general election on Nov. 3. Four top Republican candidates are vying to unseat Gov. JB Pritzker, who is seeking a rare third term. The last governor in Illinois to have served at least three terms was Republican Gov. Jim Thompson, who completed four between 1977 and 1991. Pritzker, who has no competition in the primary, would be the first Democrat in Illinois history to win three terms as governor. Excitement for Democrats exists elsewhere on the primary ballot. Advertisement Advertisement Illinois senior senator, Dick Durbin, declined to run for a sixth term after nearly three decades in the position. The top Democratic names in the race include Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton and U.S. Reps. Robin Kelly and Raja Krishnamoorthi. Due to a mix of congressional representatives running for Senate and retirements, five of Illinois 17 U.S. House races will not feature an incumbent. When is the primary election? March 17. Polls will be open in Illinois on that day from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Anyone in line by 7 p.m. will be allowed to vote. What primary races will be decided? Primary elections for federal, state and local races will all be on the ballot with voters deciding who will advance to the general election for the following offices. To see who is already representing you, click here and enter your home address. U.S. Senate U.S. House Governor and Lieutenant Governor Attorney General Secretary of State Comptroller Treasurer Illinois Senate Illinois House School Board Circuit Court Judge County offices Key dates to remember Feb. 5: First day to vote early or by mail. Advertisement Advertisement Feb. 17: Last day to register to vote by mail. Feb. 18: First day of grace period for same-day registration and voting. March 1: Last day for online voter registration. The grace period for in-person registration is still available. March 12: Last day for the election authority to receive mail-in vote applications. March 17: Election Day. Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Am I eligible to vote? According to the Chicago Board of Election Commissioners, city voters must: Be a U.S. citizen. Be 17 years old on or before March 17 and turn 18 on or before the date of the General Election. Live in the same precinct at least 30 days before the election. Not claim the right to vote elsewhere. Not be in prison/jail serving time for a conviction. Advertisement Advertisement According to the Illinois State Board of Elections, Illinois voters must: Be a U.S. citizen. 18 years old or will be 18 by the date of the upcoming general or consolidated election. Live in the same precinct at least 30 days before the election. Am I already registered to vote? To check your voting status, go to the states registration lookup here. How do I register to vote? Registering to vote can be done online, in person or by mail. If you wish to register by mail, first download and complete the registration form from the Illinois State Board of Elections website here. Then mail that form, as well as a copy of a valid photo ID or a government document that shows your name and address, like a utility bill or bank statement, to your local election authority. You may also mail it to 2329 S. MacArthur Blvd., Springfield, IL 62704. Advertisement Advertisement If you are a Chicago resident who wants to register by mail, download the Board of Elections form and return it or mail it in to 69 W. Washington St., Sixth Floor, Chicago, IL, 60602. The deadline for mail registration is Feb. 17. To register online, fill out the form on the State Board of Elections website here. Be prepared to show proper identification. The deadline to do so is March 1. To register in person on the March 17 primary or during early voting, you must bring two forms of identification, one of which must list your current address. Here is a list of acceptable forms of ID. If you are registered to vote and your address is correct, then you do not need to bring your ID though its not a bad idea to bring it in case your signature doesnt match the one on file. What if I moved? You can register online using your new address even if your Illinois drivers license or state-issued ID still displays your old address. Advertisement Advertisement If you moved to your current address at least 30 days before Election Day, then vote at the precinct polling place for your new/current address. You may update your registration and vote at your new precinct polling place with two forms of ID, at least one of which shows your current address. If you moved within Chicago less than 30 days before Election Day, then vote at the precinct polling place for your old address. Not sure where your polling place is? Search for it here using your ZIP code and address. Where can I vote in person on Election Day? To find out where your local polling location is, type in your address and ZIP code here. What methods can I use to vote at my polling place? In Chicago, voters have two ways to cast a ballot: mark a paper ballot or use a touch-screen voting machine. Both systems provide a paper trail for all ballots cast. Advertisement Advertisement For voters outside the city, find out what voting systems are utilized in the county where you live by using the Illinois State Board of Elections tool. You can bring written or printed materials into the voting booth, but you may be required to remove or cover up campaign clothing, buttons or stickers, according to the ACLU of Illinois. Never take a photo of your completed ballot and post it on social media its a felony. Take a photo of your I voted sticker outside the polling place instead. If your voter registration record cannot be found, then you may be issued a provisional ballot. How can I vote by mail? Those who live in Chicago and want to vote by mail can do so by applying online or using the mail-in form. Advertisement Advertisement Any registered voter in Illinois can request a vote-by-mail ballot. Applications for each Illinois county are available here. What if Ive already received a mail-in ballot, but want to participate in early voting instead? If you decide to vote early in person but have already received a mail-in ballot, bring that ballot with you when you go to vote in person to have the mailed ballot canceled. Where do I return my mail-in ballot? Voters can return their ballots by mail, deliver them in person to their local election authority, or drop them in a secure drop box. Check the State Board of Elections website for a list of drop box locations. One important note: Completed mail-in ballots cannot be accepted at polling places or early voting locations (unless drop boxes are available at those sites). Voters who attempt to do this will be offered the option to surrender their ballot and vote in person instead. Advertisement Advertisement Chicago voters can mail their ballot or deposit it at any of the Chicago Board of Elections secured drop boxes. One important note: Each ballot must include the signed and sealed return envelope bearing the voters name. Where can I vote in person in Chicago prior to Election Day? If you find yourself unavailable to cast your ballot in person on Election Day, you can vote early. In Chicago, early voting begins Feb. 12 at two locations: Chicago Board of Elections (sixth floor, board offices), 69 W. Washington St., and the new Loop Super Site, 137 S. State St. Hours are 9 a.m.- 6 p.m. Monday-Friday; 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday; and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday (through March 8). Weekday hours change to 9 a.m.-7 p.m. March 9-16. (Note: The Chicago Board of Elections site will not be open to voters on Election Day.) Early voting expands to polling places in each ward on March 2. Heres a list of where you can vote early in each ward. Search here to find out what ward you live in. Advertisement Advertisement Chicago residents can vote at any early voting site, regardless of their ward. Not sure which location is most convenient for you? Find the closest one using this tool. The Chicago Board of Elections will also take calls from voters looking for information at its Early Voting Election Central at 312-269-7900. Early voters in Chicago may choose to vote in one of 12 languages: English, Spanish, Chinese, Hindi, Polish, Korean, Tagalog, Gujarati, Urdu, Arabic, Ukrainian and Russian. Can I see a sample ballot? Yes. Submit your name and address in the Chicago Board of Elections voter information lookup tool to not only view a sample ballot, but also verify your voter registration and locate your polling place. Outside the city, contact your local election authority to see a sample ballot. Where can I vote if I live outside Chicago? If you live outside Chicago, select a jurisdiction to find out where you can vote prior to Election Day. Consult your local jurisdiction below for mail-in ballot and early voting information. Locations and hours of operation are subject to change, so check with your local jurisdiction for latest information. Suburban Cook County DuPage County Kane County Lake County McHenry County Will County Votes cast early arent counted until polls close on March 17. Sources: Chicago Board of Elections; the counties; Tribune reporting A demonstrator waves a red cloth as hundreds gather after ICE agent Jonathan Ross shot and killed Renee Good through her car window Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026 near Portland Avenue and 34th Street. (Photo by Nicole Neri/Minnesota Reformer) Despite the high-profile U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement actions in Minnesota, ICE arrests were down slightly in January compared to December, according to new data. Immigrant detention nationwide also reached a new high in January, and a growing percentage nearly three-quarters of people in detention have no criminal convictions. Advertisement Advertisement ICE arrested 36,579 people in January compared with December (37,842); the numbers havent changed much since October (36,621), according to new estimates from a Syracuse University professor. The number of people in immigration detention reached 70,766 as of Jan. 24, a new high, according to a different report by Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse, also at Syracuse University. The number in detention has gone up steadily from about 40,000 at the start of the second Trump administration, and the latest number is the largest since the organization, known as TRAC, began tracking immigrant detention in 2019. Of those detainees 74.2%, or 52,504, had no criminal convictions, up from 70.4% in June. Advertisement Advertisement Since the summer, nearly all of the growth in ICE detention has come from people without criminal convictions or charges an area of tremendous sustained growth that contradicts the Trump administrations narrative that they are focused on the worst of the worst, Austin Kocher, a research assistant professor at Syracuse University who researches immigration enforcement, wrote in a substack posting. Kocher is a former researcher for TRAC but is no longer associated with the organization and created estimates of monthly arrests based on detention check-ins. Detention facilities in Texas had the largest number of detainees, 18,684, followed by Louisiana (8,207), California (6,422), Florida (5,187) and Georgia (4,178) as of Jan. 24. Stateline reporter Tim Henderson can be reached at thenderson@stateline.org. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Hundreds of Indigenous people have been protesting in northern Brazil for two weeks outside the port terminal of US agribusiness giant Cargill, angered over the dredging and development of Amazonian rivers for grain exports. Brazil's Indigenous communities have raised the alarm for months about port expansion on rivers they see as vital to their way of life, a grievance they protested at COP30 climate talks last November. "The government is opening up our territories to many projects ... to boost agribusiness," Indigenous leader Auricelia Arapiuns told AFP in a video message from the Amazon port city of Santarem, in the same state that hosted COP30 in Belem. Advertisement Advertisement "We have been here for 14 days, but this struggle didn't start now. We occupied Cargill to draw attention so that the government would come up with a proposal." By Wednesday, some 700 Indigenous people from 14 communities were taking part in the demonstration, according to the Amazon Watch advocacy group. The protesters have blocked trucks from "entering and leaving the terminal," Cargill said in a statement sent to AFP, adding it has "no authority or control" over their complaints. The Minnesota-based multinational has agricultural logistics operations across Brazil, where it employs 11,000 people. Advertisement Advertisement Protesters on Wednesday demanded the cancellation of a decree signed by President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in August which designates major Amazonian rivers as priorities for cargo navigation and private port expansion. They also want the cancellation of a federal tender issued in December worth 74.8 million reais ($14.2 million) to manage and dredge the Tapajos River -- a major Amazon tributary. "This infrastructure that is coming is not a space for us, and it never will be. It is a project of death to kill our river and our sacred places," Indigenous leader Alessandra Korap of the Munduruku people said in a statement. The ports ministry said earlier in January that the contract of a company for maintenance dredging was necessary to "increase navigation safety... and ensure greater predictability for cargo and passenger transport operations." Advertisement Advertisement - 'Serious environmental risks' - The protesters criticized the government for only sending mid-level officials to meet with them and breaking a COP30 promise not to carry out projects on Amazonian rivers "without prior consultation." Brazil's Ministry of Indigenous Peoples said in a statement Monday it recognizes the "legitimacy of the concerns raised" and that no dredging or other projects can take place on the Tapajos river without the consent of those affected. Fed up, the protesters were no longer in the mood to negotiate. "We don't want a consultation. We want this decree revoked," Indigenous leader Gilson Tupinamba, wearing a large headdress of blue and orange feathers, told a meeting with government representatives on Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Brazil is the world's largest exporter of soybeans and corn, and in recent years has switched to northern river ports to export grains more cheaply. Critics see plans to boost barge traffic on Amazonian rivers as yet another project where economic development is clashing with Lula's much vaunted commitment to the environment. "What did the government do after the COP? They launched the dredging tender," Arapiuns told the government representatives. After the meeting, the protesters blocked the road leading to the Santarem international airport -- a popular hub for tourists. Brazil's Federal Public Prosecutor's Office (MPF) -- which has taken legal action against the dredging efforts -- on Tuesday pointed to "serious environmental risks" for the river. Advertisement Advertisement In a statement, the MPF referred to the release of heavy metals such as mercury into the water, and destruction of crucial habitats for threatened species of dolphins, turtles and aquatic birds. fb/des ROME Indonesia has selected the Italian M-346 jet for pilot training and light combat, the platforms manufacturer Leonardo announced on Tuesday. The Asian country is thought to be eyeing an order of 24 M-346 jets to replace aging Hawk aircraft. The Indonesian Ministry of Defense selected the M-346 F (Fighter) Block 20 light fighter version of the jet, Leonardo said at the Singapore Airshow. The Italian firm also said it had signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with Indonesian firm PT ESystem Solutions Indonesia and the Indonesian Ministry of Defence aimed at cooperating for the supply and support of the aircraft to meet Indonesian Air Force operational requirements. Advertisement Advertisement That meant supporting maintenance, overhaul and training on the aircraft, the firm said. Leonardo added, The parties will now move into the next stage of discussions intended to achieve a procurement contract signing soon. In a statement Leonardo said its new M-346 F Block 20 light fighter configuration came with a Large Area Display (LAD), active electronically scanned radar, a Link 16 data-link, electronic countermeasures, and new weapons systems. The M-346 originated as a pure trainer jet which has been sold to Italy, the Republic of Singapore, Israel, Poland, Qatar and Greece. Its more recent trainer-light fighter version has previously been sold to Turkmenistan and Nigeria and, in December, to Austria, which ordered 12 aircraft. The fighter version boasts seven external hard points able to integrate air-to-air and air-to-surface munitions and targeting pods linked to Helmet Mounted Displays. The talks between Iran and US are still set to focus on Iran's nuclear program and capabilities, NYT noted, citing three Iranian officials and one Arab official. Iran has agreed to discuss its ballistic missile program and its use of proxy terror groups in talks with the United States slated for Friday morning, The New York Times reported on Thursday, citing three Iranian officials and one Arab official. Tehran conceded on the issue after "everyone had given an inch" following a bust-up in talks that caused the two parties to temporarily cancel negotiations on Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement The talks between Iran and the US are still set to focus on Iran's nuclear program and capabilities, the NYT noted, citing the officials. US-Iran talks were close to collapse over scope of negotiations On Wednesday, two sources familiar with the matter told The Jerusalem Post that talks "have collapsed," noting that the Iranians had been demanding to only discuss the nuclear issue while the Americans wanted to talk about ballistic missiles, Iran's regional terror proxies, and other issues. Additionally, regional sources told thePost that Arab mediators had tried to persuade Tehran to discuss other matters, but the Iranians affirmed on Tuesday, "We are only ready for the nuclear issue." Women walk past an anti-US mural on a street in Tehran, Iran, February 5, 2026 (credit: MAJID ASGARIPOUR/WANA (WEST ASIA NEWS AGENCY) VIA REUTERS) Furthermore, Iran requested to move the venue of negotiations from Turkey to Oman, where previous indirect talks between Tehran and Washington DC took place last year. Advertisement Advertisement However, later on Wednesday evening, Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced that talks would take place in the Omani capital, Muscat, at 10 a.m. on Friday. After Araghchi published his statement, however, sources told thePost that Arab mediators had attempted to convince the Americans to drop their position that the talks focus on issues beyond nuclear talks so that discussions could take place. The American position that these broader talks still must be held, however, remained unchanged. Opponents of Iran's hardline leadership are aiming to mobilize up to 100,000 people for a large demonstration during next week's gathering of world leaders at the Munich Security Conference, local authorities said on Wednesday. The group organizing the protest, The Munich Circle, has announced a rally of that size for Saturday, February 14, Munichs district administration office said. The demonstration will be held under the title "Human Rights and Freedom in Iran. International Solidarity with the Iranian People, the authority said. Advertisement Advertisement How realistic the expectation of 100,000 participants is remains unclear. A police spokeswoman said officers would oversee the demonstration as part of a large-scale security operation for the Munich Security Conference, an annual high-level meeting of leaders, ministers, lawmakers and policy experts. In a statement, the organizing group said it expected an exceptionally large turnout from across Germany and Europe. The aim of the protest, it said, was to call on the international community to act, build political pressure and show people in Iran that they are not alone. Shah's son calls for global protests Reza Pahlavi, the son of Irans last shah who was overthrown in 1979, also called for protests on social media. He described February 14 as a global day of action against Iran's leadership, naming Munich, Los Angeles and Toronto as the main gathering points. Advertisement Advertisement Pahlavi called for the release of all political prisoners in Iran and for preparations to recognize a transitional government that would lead the country towards democracy. Pahlavi, who was named crown prince by his father, has lived in exile in the US for decades. Uber announced that CFO Prashanth Mahendra-Rajah will step down on February 16 , with Balaji Krishnamurthy becoming CFO. Khosrowshahi credited Mahendra-Rajahs tenure with helping Uber achieve investment-grade status , launch its first share repurchase program , and navigate acquisitions. Mahendra-Rajah said he is leaving for a new opportunity where he could serve America, adding that he will work with Khosrowshahi and Krishnamurthy on a seamless transition. For the full year 2025, Khosrowshahi said Uber delivered its fifth consecutive year of annual gross bookings growth over 20% . The company generated $8.7 billion in adjusted EBITDA (Khosrowshahi cited a 35% margin ) and $9.8 billion in free cash flow , which he said was up 42% . Management framed the start of 2026 as a period of momentum, with a scaled and profitable platform and an operating framework intended to support durable growth, alongside targeted, growth-oriented investments tied to six strategic focus areas previously outlined. CEO Dara Khosrowshahi said the fourth quarter was another great quarter, with trips on Ubers platform accelerating to a 15 billion annual run rate and the companys audience growing to more than 200 million monthly active users . Those healthy inputs, he said, drove exceptional outputs, including gross bookings up 22% year-over-year in Q4. Uber Technologies (NYSE:UBER) executives highlighted accelerating platform activity, strong cash generation, and a broader push into autonomous vehicle (AV) partnerships during the companys fourth-quarter and full-year 2025 earnings call. Management also discussed expanding customer use cases, ongoing delivery momentum, and a continued commitment to share repurchases, while announcing a CFO transition. Uber in the Buy Zone: Can It Take Investors for a Ride They Like? Leadership and capital-allocation updates: CFO Prashanth MahendraRajah will step down Feb. 16 with Balaji Krishnamurthy succeeding him, and management reiterated an aggressive buyback posture while prioritizing reinvestment in the core business, AV strategy, and selective bolton M&A. Autonomous vehicles are a major growth focus Uber expects AVs on its platform in 15 cities by year-end , citing partnerships (Waymo, NVIDIA, Waabi, Avride, Nuro, Lucid), roughly 30% higher trips per vehicle per day versus standalone AVs, and anticipated positive unit economics at scale. Uber reported strong 2025 results and scale, with trips at a 15 billion annual run rate , > 200 million monthly active users , Q4 gross bookings up 22% YoY , full-year 5th consecutive year of >20% bookings growth , $8.7B adjusted EBITDA (~ 35% margin ) and $9.8B free cash flow (up 42% ). Story Continues The New Defense Prime: Ondas Buys the Kill Chain Instacarts Pricing Tests Spark Backlash... But Investors Didn't Care On capital returns, Krishnamurthy reiterated a set of priorities: reinvesting in the core business, advancing Ubers AV strategy, and considering selective bolt-on M&Awhile still returning significant cash to shareholders. Addressing the companys prior commentary around returning 50% of free cash flow, Krishnamurthy said Uber expects to remain an aggressive buyer of its stock, describing the shares as really cheap, and said investors should expect repurchases to continue at a steady cadence as the company works to reduce share count. Autonomous vehicles: partnerships, utilization, and market impact AVs were a central theme across the Q&A, with management arguing that autonomy expands the overall market and benefits Ubers platform model. Khosrowshahi pointed to deployments in places including San Francisco and markets where AVs operate on Ubers platform, such as Austin and Atlanta, saying Ubers gross bookings have accelerated in those markets and that new rider growth and frequency have been strong. He described AVs as net positives that grow the economic pie for mobility. Palantirs Perfect 10: Blowout Earnings Spark a New Bull Case He also contrasted Ubers platform performance with standalone AV operations, saying AVs on Ubers platform are seeing significantly higher utilization based on publicly available data. He cited: Trips per vehicle per day about 30% higher versus 1P standalone platforms, according to Khosrowshahi Better ETAs for riders Looking ahead, Khosrowshahi said Uber expects to be in 15 cities by the end of the year through partnerships that include Waymo, NVIDIA, Waabi, Avride, Nuro, and Lucid. He characterized AV unit economics as similar to other newer products: initially lower margins to build liquidity, with margins improving over time. However, he added that the deals Uber is signing today are expected to have healthy economics, which he defined as positive economics, at scale and based on current consumer fares. Krishnamurthy added that investors often overestimate the concentration of Ubers U.S. profit pools in major cities. He said 70% of the U.S. is outside the top markets, and nearly 75% of Ubers U.S. profits come from those non-top markets, which he said have been growing faster than the top 20 cities. He also noted that 60% of mobility gross bookings are international. Asked about the concern that AV could become winner-take-most, Khosrowshahi argued that while platforms often consolidate, hardware ecosystems tend to support multiple suppliers. He said Ubers long-term view is that 10 years from now, every new car sold will include L3/L4 software capabilities, and he cited a broad set of AV players developing solutions across regions. He also pointed to NVIDIAs efforts around a hardware and compute stack that could become an industry standard. Customer growth strategy and Uber One Management tied growth to expanding products, use cases, demographics, and geographies. Khosrowshahi highlighted new products like Moto as an entry point for more price-sensitive users, with the potential to upgrade to other ride options depending on circumstances. He also pointed to use cases such as Reserve, which he said is attracting customersoften in suburbswho previously did not view standard ride-hail reliability as sufficient for airport and time-sensitive trips. He said Reserve carries higher margins and higher driver earnings, while also driving customer acquisition. Krishnamurthy added a quantitative view of audience growth, saying monthly active platform consumer (MAPC) growth accelerated from about 14% year-over-year at the start of 2025 to 18% by year-end. He said Uber ended the year with over 202 million monthly actives and an annual active base of over 450 million. He also said retention in newer rider and eater cohorts has improved versus prior U.S. cohorts, which he attributed partly to early lifecycle investments. He noted that 40% of consumers in Q4 used more than one Uber product, and said the companys membership program continues to be a key investment area, growing 55% year-over-year, with management measuring lifetime value to customer acquisition cost (LTV-to-CAC) as it invests. Delivery momentum and advertising opportunity Uber also addressed delivery growth and the advertising business. On ads, Krishnamurthy said the company is very, very pleased with momentum and that penetration in delivery advertising has surpassed a prior target of 2%, suggesting the long-term opportunity is potentially much larger. He said small business (SMB) ad penetration is higher than 2% and noted that enterprise advertising growth is outpacing SMBs, implying additional runway. He also said ads in grocery, retail, and mobility are more nascent, with room to expand. On delivery, Khosrowshahi attributed accelerating growth to five main factors: Selection expansion , including further merchant growth, particularly in less dense U.S. markets Faster growth in less dense areas , where category position is lower than in large cities Newer products , including continued expansion in grocery and retail Membership , which he said reached 46 million members and is growing faster than 50%; he added members are approaching 50% of gross bookings International expansion, noting Eats is still earlier in its global rollout than mobility in some regions Khosrowshahi also referenced specific grocery progress, saying Uber has five of the top 10 grocery partners in the U.S. and pointing to a multi-year exclusive partnership with Coles in Australia. Closing the call, Khosrowshahi thanked employees for another great year and reiterated appreciation for Mahendra-Rajahs contributions, while congratulating Krishnamurthy on the CFO role. About Uber Technologies (NYSE:UBER) 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. Uber's principal businesses include mobility services (ride-hailing and shared rides), delivery through Uber Eats, and freight logistics via Uber Freight. The article "Uber Technologies Q4 Earnings Call Highlights" was originally published by MarketBeat. Iran has revealed its vision for war with the United States, detailing how it would overcome the worlds most powerful military and severely disrupt the global economy. In a detailed battle plan published by Tasnim, the news agency affiliated to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Irans leadership envisages strikes on US bases, new fronts opened up by proxy allies, cyber warfare and the paralysis of the global oil trade. Middle Eastern geography would win out against American technology, Iran insists. Talks between the two countries appeared on the verge of collapse before both sides agreed to meet in Oman on Friday. But Donald Trump said Irans supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, should still be very worried on Wednesday night, raising fears of renewed escalation. Stage one: US strikes Iran Irans scenario begins with US air and missile strikes targeting nuclear sites, military installations and IRGC bases, most of which are located in densely populated areas. Advertisement Advertisement It is likely that US forces would launch attacks from aircraft carriers, including the USS Abraham Lincoln strike group currently in the region, strategic bombers flying from home or European bases, and possibly land-based systems in allied countries. b' ' The Pentagon has conducted extensive planning for such operations over decades and carried out strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities last June. Mr Trump has made repeated threats to strike the country again after anti-regime protesters were brutally put down by government forces, with thousands killed. Speaking to The Telegraphs Planet Normal Podcast, Sir Richard Dearlove, the former MI6 chief, said: I think the possibility of an attack is reasonably high, and the reason its reasonably high is because its what the Israelis are urging Trump to do. Credit: X/@Tasnimnews_Fa Advertisement Advertisement American strike packages would entail stealth aircraft, precision-guided munitions and coordinated salvos designed to overwhelm Iranian air defences while minimising US aircraft losses. Technological advances in hypersonic weapons and electronic warfare would give the US significant advantages. However, Iran believes it has prepared for this scenario through hardening and dispersing critical assets, building redundant command structures, and developing extensive underground facilities that would survive initial strikes. Tehrans calculus depends not on preventing damage but on retaining sufficient capability to launch counter-attacks. Advertisement Advertisement We are ready for any action by enemies, Maj Gen Abdolrahim Mousavi, chief of staff of the armed forces, said on Wednesday as he toured an IRGC missile city. After the 12-day war, we changed our military doctrine from defensive to offensive by adopting a policy of asymmetric warfare and a crushing response to enemies, he said. Stage two: Iran strikes back with help Irans response would expand the battlefield beyond its borders immediately. Within hours, Tehran would launch barrages of ballistic missiles and drones at US military installations across the region, the plan envisaged. Primary targets would include Al-Udeid air base in Qatar, which hosts the US Central Commands forward headquarters and serves as the main air operations hub. Iran attacked this base last year after its own nuclear sites were struck by US B-2 bombers. Advertisement Advertisement In Kuwait, Ali Al Salem air base and Camp Arifjan, a major logistics centre for US ground forces, would come under attack, while facilities across the United Arab Emirates and a US base in Syria, where 2,000 US troops remain, would also be targeted. Amir Akraminia, Irans army spokesman, claims access to US bases is easy. b' ' Iran hit Ain al-Asad air base in Iraq with ballistic missiles after Qassem Soleimanis assassination in 2020, causing traumatic brain injuries to more than 100 American soldiers. It could try to do so again, even though US troops completed a full withdrawal from the base in January. Advertisement Advertisement The report said: Iran does not see itself as an isolated island in war, but rather as the centre of a potential network of confrontations. The Iranian strategy envisages overwhelming US defences through volume by launching hundreds or thousands of projectiles simultaneously to saturate Patriot and Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile defence batteries. Irans arsenal includes Shahed-136 drones with 50kg payloads, Kheibar Shekan ballistic missiles with manoeuvrable warheads designed to evade missile defences, Emad ballistic missiles with 750kg payloads, and Paveh cruise missiles with a 1,000-mile range. Credit: Telewebion Advertisement Advertisement While many would be intercepted, Iran believes enough would penetrate to inflict significant casualties and damage critical infrastructure. Simultaneously, it is imagined that Irans axis of resistance would activate across multiple fronts. Hezbollah in Lebanon has said it considers a war on Iran its own war and could launch rockets and missiles at Israel, forcing the US ally to divert resources for defence. Yemens Houthi rebels would intensify attacks on ships in the Red Sea, Israel and US bases in the region. Iraqi militia groups aligned with Tehran would strike US personnel and diplomatic facilities. However, this multi-proxy strategy faces significant challenges. Israels recent military operations have severely degraded the capabilities of Hezbollah and Hamas. Advertisement Advertisement b' ' The assumption that these groups would immediately coordinate effective attacks while simultaneously defending against Israeli and US countermeasures appears optimistic. Host countries, including Iraq and Lebanon, could actively work to prevent their territory from being used for attacks that would bring devastating retaliation. But the multi-front approach aims to spread Americas forces thin in the region by opening multiple conflicts in disparate locations, limiting Washingtons ability to concentrate forces against Iran itself. Any country providing airspace, basing or logistical support to US operations would be declared a legitimate target, Tehran warned. Stage three: cyber warfare Iran plans to launch cyber attacks targeting what it perceives to be American vulnerabilities: transportation networks, energy infrastructure, financial systems and military communications. Advertisement Advertisement Tehran believes cyber operations could disrupt US logistics, complicate command and control, and sow chaos in allied countries hosting American forces. By attacking civilian infrastructure, such as power grids or water systems, Iran hopes to pressure host governments to expel US forces. Iranian hackers have previously demonstrated capabilities against regional targets. In 2012, the Shamoon virus disrupted 30,000 computers at Saudi oil giant Aramco. b' ' More recently, Iranian groups have examined US infrastructure, though with limited success against hardened military networks. However, US Cyber Command has spent years preparing for such scenarios. American cyber capabilities dwarf Irans, with the ability to conduct counter-attacks on Iranian infrastructure, which is more vulnerable than US systems. Advertisement Advertisement The Pentagon could disable Iranian power generation, disrupt missile guidance systems and compromise communications networks. Stage four: paralysing global oil supplies Irans most potent weapon, it says, is geographic: control over the Strait of Hormuz, through which approximately 21 million barrels of oil pass daily roughly 21 per cent of global petroleum. This waterway, just 24 miles wide at its narrowest point, is one of the worlds most critical energy choke points. Iran has repeatedly threatened to close the Strait during periods of heightened tension. The tactic would involve mining the waterway, attacking tankers with missiles and drones, and potentially sinking vessels to block shipping channels. b' ' IRGC naval forces have practised swarming tactics, using small boats armed with rockets and torpedoes, designed to overwhelm larger warships. Such actions would send oil prices soaring, potentially to $200 (160) or more per barrel, inflicting severe economic damage worldwide and putting pressure on the US to back down. Hossein Shariatmadari, a representative of Khamenei, said: We can impose restrictions against the United States, France, Britain and Germany in the Strait of Hormuz and not allow them to navigate. Iran calculates this economic weapon could fracture the international coalition supporting US military action. Credit: Aparat/ @ The US has contingency plans for keeping Hormuz open, including mine-sweeping operations, destroyer escorts for tanker convoys and strikes on Iranian coastal installations. However, even partially degraded shipping through the Strait of Hormuz would roil global markets. Iran believes the economic cost would ultimately force Washington to negotiate rather than sustain an extended war. Yet this strategy carries risks for Iran itself. Oil exports account for the majority of government revenue, and closing Hormuz would devastate Irans economy even more than its enemies. Stage five: the endgame Tehrans strategy banks on the US and its allies concluding that the costs of sustained conflict would exceed any benefits. By threatening global energy supplies, imposing continuous attacks across multiple countries and potentially inflicting significant US casualties, Iran hopes to create an unsustainable multi-front situation. Iranian planners believe the US has limited appetite for protracted wars after Afghanistan and Iraq. Fighting simultaneously against entrenched proxies in Lebanon, Yemen, Iraq and potentially Syria, while defending Gulf allies and maintaining open shipping lanes, would strain even US military resources. Irans strategy relies on the premise that the US president will determine war to be too costly - Yuri Gripas/Abaca/Bloomberg Iran views its strategy as one of asymmetric endurance. It cannot win militarily, but believes it can make victory too expensive for Washington to pursue. This calculus depends on the US choosing to de-escalate rather than applying its full conventional capabilities, which could devastate Iranian infrastructure and military forces. The ultimate question is political will rather than military capability. The strategy also assumes rational decision-making on both sides, but escalation dynamics in war are notoriously unpredictable. What Iran intends as calibrated pressure could trigger overwhelming US retaliation, especially if American casualties are high. Iran knows this. While the plan envisages victory, there is quiet hope that it will never be put into action. 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. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi again blasted Germany on Thursday, a day after Chancellor Friedrich Merz threatened Tehran with new sanctions if it does not end violence against its population and halt work on its military nuclear programme. "Germany was once the engine of Europe's progress; now it has turned into an engine of regression," Araghchi said in a post on social media platform X, in which he also accused Merz of being a "distasteful character." "Iran has always welcomed strong relations with Germany," Araghchi continued. "It is therefore doubly regrettable that an individual such as Mr. Merz now represents Germany on the world stage." Advertisement Advertisement "We hope that more mature and honourable political leadership will return to Germany," he added. On Wednesday, before embarking on his first trip to the Gulf region, Merz said: "We are ready to increase the pressure on Tehran." The German government is in close contact with the United Kingdom, France, the United States, Israel and partners in the region, he said, stressing that "peace and security in the region are also an important issue for us." Concerns about another war in the Gulf are high. US President Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened Tehran's leadership with military strikes, due in part to the brutal actions of state forces against demonstrators during recent mass protests. TRENTON, N.J. (AP) The race in New Jersey between a onetime political director for Sen. Bernie Sanders and a former congressman was too early to call Thursday, in a special House Democratic primary for a seat that was vacated after Mikie Sherill was elected governor. Former U.S. Rep. Tom Malinowski started election night with a significant lead over Analilia Mejia, based largely on early results from mail-in ballots. The margin narrowed as results from votes cast that day were tallied. With more than 61,000 votes counted, Mejia led Malinowski by 486, or less than 1 percentage point. Advertisement Advertisement All three counties in the district report some mail-in ballots yet to be processed. Also, mail-in ballots postmarked by election day can arrive as late as Wednesday and still be counted. Malinowski did better than Mejia among the mail-in ballots already counted in all three counties, leaving the outcome of the race uncertain. The Democratic winner will face Randolph Mayor Joe Hathaway, who was unopposed in the Republican primary, on April 16. Malinowski served two terms in the House before losing a bid for reelection in a different district in 2022. He had the endorsement of New Jersey Democratic Sen. Andy Kim, who has built support among progressive groups. Advertisement Advertisement Mejia, a former head of the Working Families Alliance in the state and political director for Sanders during his 2020 presidential run, had the Vermont independent senator's endorsement as well as that of U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio Cortez of New York. She also worked in President Joe Biden's Labor Department as deputy director of the womens bureau. Both Malinowski and Mejia were well ahead of the next-closest candidates: Brendan Gill, an elected commissioner in Essex County who has close ties to former Gov. Phil Murphy; and Tahesha Way, who served as lieutenant governor and secretary of state for two terms under Murphy until last month. The other candidates were John Bartlett, Zach Beecher, J-L Cauvin, Marc Chaaban, Cammie Croft, Dean Dafis, Jeff Grayzel, Justin Strickland and Anna Lee Williams. The district covers parts of Essex, Morris and Passaic counties in northern New Jersey, including some of New York City's wealthier suburbs. Advertisement Advertisement The special primary and April general election will determine who serves the remainder of Sherrill's term, which ends next January. There will be a regular primary in June and general election in November for the next two-year term. Sherrill, also a Democrat, represented the district for four terms after her election in 2018. She won despite the region's historical loyalty to the GOP, a dynamic that began to shift during President Donald Trump's first term. Archbishop-designate Ronald Hicks will officially take over as Archbishop of New York on Friday. "I'm excited and I'm humbled to be installed as the 11th archbishop of the Archdiocese of New York. I look forward to gathering with you tonight and tomorrow in the spirit of prayer, gratitude and mission," Hicks said. On Thursday, Hicks spoke from from St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York. He is preparing to lead the largest in the country, serving more than 2 million Catholics. Advertisement Advertisement Hicks is succeeding Cardinal Timothy Dolan, who submitted his resignation last year after turning 75, as required by church law. "Preaching is something that I like in my ministry. And I hope as I developed my voice here in, in New York, that it's going to be one that reflects the gospel of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and his mission that he's giving to us," Hicks said. Hicks will formally begin his leadership after an installation Mass on Friday at 1 p.m. C.T. The installation ceremony is steeped in deep Catholic tradition and symbolism. He will knock on the cathedral door three times, and will be greeted by Dolan before being taken to the bishop's throne, also known as a cathedra. Advertisement Advertisement The carpet leading to the throne is changed from red to green in the days before the installation, highlighting Hicks' new status as an archbishop and not a cardinal. On Thursday, Hicks will lead a daily prayer service called Vespers, which will also include a letter from fellow Chicagoan Pope Leo XIV. SEE ALSO | Joliet Diocese holds special Mass, bids farewell to New York Archbishop-designate Ronald Hicks Hicks was born in Harvey and grew up in South Holland. Bishop Hicks has been a priest for over 30 years and led the St. Raymond Cathedral for the past five years. Now, chosen by Pope Leo to lead one of the largest archdioceses in the country. SEE ALSO | Joliet Bishop Ronald Hicks named by Pope Leo to lead New York Archdiocese On Thursday, Joliet Bishop Ronald Hicks held a news conference in New York's St. Patrick's Cathedral. A 50-year-old Pennsylvania man is accused of sending explicit images to who he thought was a 14-year-old girl but turned out to be a Stuart police detective. Jason Dekaye of Meadville, Pennsylvania, was arrested Jan. 23 and charged with solicitation of a minor, transmission of harmful material to a minor and use of a two-way communication device, according to police officials. Stuart police started an investigation on Jan. 6 regarding a man who contacted a detective posing as a 14-year-old girl on a popular social media platform that wasnt identified. Advertisement Advertisement During the chat sessions, according to officials, the man transmitted harmful material and explicit images to someone he thought was a 14-year-old girl. Weather: Treasure Coast cold front brings rain, wind, chilly temps before warming Detectives determined the man was Dekaye, a JROTC instructor at Erie High School in Erie, Pennsylvania, according to officials. They were able to get an arrest warrant signed by a Martin County judge based on evidence collected during the investigation. Dekaye was located on Jan. 23 at his home in Meadville, Pennsylvania, and arrested on the warrant without any incident, according to officials. Advertisement Advertisement He was taken to the Crawford County Jail in Pennsylvania with a bail of $750,000, according to officials. He was expected to be extradited to Stuart in the future to face the charges in Martin County court. The Erie School District said Dekaye "has been placed on leave as the criminal investigation continues" in a statement to the Erie Times-News. "We have been made aware that one of our JROTC instructors, Jason Dekaye, has been charged with the unlawful transmission of harmful materials to a person he believed to be a minor in Florida," according to the statement. "Mr. Dekaye's alleged actions did not involve any of our students." The investigation remained active, according to officials. During the investigation, Stuart police detectives coordinated with multiple agencies: the Department of Homeland Security, FBI, Pennsylvania State Police, U.S. Marshals Service, Martin County Sheriffs Office and Meadville Police Department. Advertisement Advertisement The Stuart Police Department has specially trained detectives who work with the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force to investigate these crimes. If you or someone you know is a victim of sexual abuse, call 911. The Sexual Assault Assistance Program of the Treasure Coast also is available 24/7 at 866-828-7273. Laurie K. Blandford is a breaking news reporter with TCPalm. Email her at laurie.blandford@tcpalm.com. This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: JROTC instructor accused of sending explicit images to undercover cop (NewsNation) President Trump hosted Colombian President Gustavo Petro at the White House on Tuesday, calling it a very good meeting. The visit followed weeks of public feuding over U.S. airstrikes on alleged drug boats and the capture of Venezuelas Nicolas Maduro. Juan Carlos Pinzon, former Colombian ambassador to the U.S. and the nations former defense minister, told NewsNations Morning in America, that its time to stop the deterioration of the U.S.-Colombia relationship. Advertisement Advertisement It has been very bad for my country, for Colombia, to see the expansion of organized crime, of drug business and illegal mining business, Pinzon, who is running for president of the South American nation, continued. And through that way, the strengthening of multiple crimes that have been affecting Colombians and, in consequence, you know, somehow expanding in the region. The ex-diplomat has been an outspoken critic of Petro, accusing him of being responsible for the expansion of crime in Colombia. He says a free and fair presidential election in May will be crucial if the country wants to seriously address crime in the country and region. We need elections without the intervention of organized crime or at least a government that allows this to happen, Pinzon said. And I think that was an element of discussion last day, yesterday at the White House, and I believe thats super important for Colombians and for the future of the western hemisphere. Regarding his own presidential campaign, Pinzon says building Colombias relationship with the U.S. will be a top priority. Advertisement Advertisement Were going to work hard on national security issues, but more than that, on trade, on investment, on technology, on education and things that are relevant for the benefit of our people, Pinzon said. So instead of having meetings, emergency meetings, or unexpected meetings as this one, we will have an agenda, you know, that will allow us to work together, he added. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. A federal judge on Feb. 4 granted a preliminary injunction barring U.S Immigration and Customs Enforcement from carrying out warrantless immigration arrests in Oregon unless agents first make specific, individualized determinations that a person poses a flight risk. "The plaintiffs ... came to court today asking the court to stop the government's practice of arrest first, justify later on behalf of everyone in Oregon, and that is what the court did," said Innovation Law Lab executive director Stephen Manning shortly after the hearing ended. "Today, with the injunction in place, what we can hope for is a return to some sense of normality for the community." The order from U.S. District Court Judge Mustafa Kasubhai came after hours of additional argument and testimony in a case filed by Innovation Law Lab. The organization filed a preliminary injunction motion on Jan. 9 on behalf of two plaintiffs, M-J-M-A and Victor Cruz Gamez, who were both detained in Oregon in 2025 without warrants. Plaintiffs describe warrantless arrest, psychological cruelty M-J-M-A was one of more than 30 workers detained on Oct. 30 in Woodburn. Advertisement Advertisement The city has been acutely impacted by the surge of immigration enforcement activity in the state. Woodburn declared a state of emergency in November after residents reported fearing to step outside their homes and businesses saw a dramatic decrease in customers. Manning referenced several counties and cities that had declared similar states of emergency during the hearing. He told reporters that nearly 1.6 million people live in jurisdictions under a state of emergency due to Department of Homeland Security conduct. ICE activity has generally increased in the state, with the Portland Immigrant Rights Coalition reporting a significant jump in immigrant detentions based on calls to its hotline. The Deportation Data Project also reported more than 1,100 arrests in Oregon in 2025. The PIRC hotline received 52 reports of detentions in September 2025. That number surged to 286 detentions in October. Callers reported 379 detentions in November and 251 in December. PIRC said a total of 79 detentions were reported to the hotline in January 2026. According to court documents, M-J-M-A, a 45-year old Mexican farmworker, was on her way to work with her son and nephew when she was pulled over and detained. She described "many" SUVs surrounding the shared van and agents hitting windows and yelling before an officer broke the driver's side window. Advertisement Advertisement Agents broke her flip phone and punched her nephew, she said. Lawyers said she had no criminal record, no prior negative immigration record, and no history of escaping or attempting to escape from enforcement actions. M-J-M-A was later transferred to the Northwest ICE Processing Center in Tacoma, Washington, and was eventually released from custody. Victor Cruz Gamez, a now 56-year-old Mexican man living in Hillsboro and owner of a construction business, was driving home from work when he was stopped on Oct. 14 by a car with three people. The arresting agent knew he was gainfully employed, had a pacemaker, and had lived in the United States for more than 25 years, according to court records. Advertisement Advertisement Gamez took the stand on Feb. 4, recalling being pulled over and repeatedly telling officers he had a valid four-year work permit. Gamez paused briefly as he became emotional in court, sharing that one officer looked at the work permit and said it didn't protect him from anything and that "you're still an illegal." He shared his memory of officers looking at a photo of the man they had been searching for and repeatedly asking one another whether they thought Gamez matched the image. It was not him, he said. Officers never showed him a warrant for his arrest, Gamez said. At the Portland ICE office, Gamez said he was asked to sign off on a voluntary deportation and was not provided access to an attorney. He declined and was taken to the Northwest ICE facility in Washington that evening, where he was again asked twice to sign his deportation. Advertisement Advertisement Gamez was detained for three weeks before a judge ordered his release. On the stand, Gamez said, in Spanish, that what stood out most to him about those three weeks was the "psychological cruelty" that staff at the facility used. He remembered being placed in a cold, concrete cell when they arrived at 3 a.m. and was again emotional, recalling he was at one point unable to call his wife. Judge grants class certification, preliminary injunction From the bench, Kasubhai said ICE has engaged in a widespread practice of conducting warrantless arrests and concluded that agents have contributed to irreparable harm through unlawful detention. "There can be no injury more irreparable than being illegally arrested in the manner in which Mr. Gamez, M-J-M-A and the many other examples of people being stopped, detained, thrown to the ground, then handcuffed," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Kasubhai said videos submitted as evidence in the case have shown "violent and brutal" actions. Three videos were shown during the hearing, including the arrest of two men on Oct. 15 in Gresham who were not the intended target where agents drew their weapons inside the home, prompting outrage. The daughter of a woman arrested in Cottage Grove on Nov. 5, who has a permanent residence card, also took the stand to verify video of the arrest. She was similarly emotional describing her mother's arrest. "The drawing of firearms in the course of an immigration arrest, a civil administrative process, is excessive and defies human decency," Kasubhai said. Advertisement Advertisement Under the order, ICE and its agents will be prohibited from enforcing any policy or practice in the state that allows warrantless civil immigration arrests without a pre-arrest probable cause finding that the person poses an escape risk. Kasubhai ordered the federal government to distribute the injunction and to submit compliance reports every 30 days. Agents will also be required to document every warrantless arrest, including the facts and circumstances of the arrest, such as where it occurred, whether the detainee had known community ties, and the specific reasons supporting an agent's belief that a warrant could not be obtained in time. Kasubhai also granted the motion for both plaintiffs to represent a class described as people who have been or will be arrested in Oregon for alleged immigration violations without a warrant and without first determining whether they are likely to flee. Advertisement Advertisement Lawyers for the federal government sought a stay of the ruling on the provisional certification, arguing they had not been given notice that the certification would be taken up that day. Kasubhai denied the motion, finding that adequate notice was given in the course of motions, briefs, and discussions with him prior to the Feb. 4 hearing. They were also unsuccessful in arguing that a memo of Acting ICE Director Todd M. Lyons contradicts the plaintiffs' arguments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ariana N. Garousi said the memo "provides the exact remedy they're looking for." The memo, Garousi said, added to evidence demonstrating there is no policy or practice of doing anything other than following the law. The judge disagreed. The Department of Homeland Security did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Innovation Law Lab has filed another lawsuit on behalf of Pineros y Campesinos Unidos del Noroeste and CLEAR Clinic, alleging that the government has repeatedly denied clients representation before quickly transferring them out of the state. That case is also ongoing. Dianne Lugo covers the Oregon Legislature and equity issues. Reach her at dlugo@statesmanjournal.com on X @DianneLugo or Bluesky @diannelugo.bsky.social. This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: Judge bars ICE from making warrantless immigration arrests in Oregon Federal immigration officers in Oregon may not make arrests without warrants unless a person represents a flight risk, a federal judge ruled Wednesday. U.S. District Judge Mustafa Kasubhai blocked the Department of Homeland Securitys (DHS) practice of arresting noncitizens in immigration sweeps without either a warrant or an individualized determination that the person was likely to escape. He issued the preliminary injunction from the bench in a proposed class-action lawsuit, after a daylong hearing. Advertisement Advertisement The judge said federal agents in Oregon have taken violent and brutal actions, including drawing their weapons during arrests for civil immigration violations, and raised concern about due process falling to the wayside amid the Trump administrations crackdown. Due process calls for those who have great power to exercise great restraint, Kasubhai said. That is the bedrock of a democratic republic founded on this great Constitution. I think were losing that. The order puts Oregon in rank with Colorado and Washington, D.C., where courts have issued similar rulings and the government has appealed. How federal immigration agents use warrants to make arrests has also drawn scrutiny from civil rights groups nationwide. Advertisement Advertisement Todd Lyons, acting head of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, said in a memo last month that immigration officers may forcibly enter someones home and arrest immigrants using just a signed administrative warrant, known as an I-205, if there is a final order of removal from a judge. Administrative warrants typically authorize immigration arrests but dont let officers enter private homes without consent. Only warrants signed by judges have traditionally carried that authority. But the memo showed the DHS following different protocol. The hearing included testimony from 56-year-old Victor Cruz Gamez, one of the plaintiffs, who has been in the U.S. since 1999, The Associated Press reported. Cruz Gamez said he was pulled over by immigration officials on his drive home from work. Despite producing his drivers license and work permit, he said he was detained and spent three weeks at a migrant detention center in Tacoma, Wash., before a lawyer secured his release. Advertisement Advertisement While recounting the impact of the arrest on his family, he teared up, according to the AP. His family did not open the door for three weeks upon his return, and one of his grandchildren did not want to go to school. A lawyer for the Justice Department said he was sorry for what Cruz Gamez experienced and the effect it had on his family, the AP reported. The Associated Press contributed. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. A judge has ordered the arrest of the man who authorities say put up a fence to block a popular path at Daly City's Thornton State Beach. The ABC7 Eyewitness News I-Team has learned Luke Brugnara is due in court on Wednesday for a hearing after federal prosecutors asked a judge to revoke his bond. He faces nine felony counts of wire fraud and three counts of money laundering in a pandemic-relief fraud scheme. Advertisement Advertisement The prosecutor said in court that he's concerned Brugnara is a danger to the community, and a pretrial services official added that he believes Brugnara "may be in a downward spiral." PREVIOUS STORY: Thornton State Beach goers in Daly City upset after fence put up, blocking access The property is owned by a number of people - many of them related - and Brugnara says he convinced one to give him their interest in the property. So it appears he has rights to a small portion of the property. Last month, Daly City police arrested him for allegedly threatening a couple, saying "If you get near the fence I will shoot and kill you." Advertisement Advertisement Daly City Police arrested Brugnara, accusing him of being a felon in possession of a firearm. The sign has since been taken down. Brugnara told the I-Team's Dan Noyes earlier Wednesday that he did not know he's due in court. If you're on the ABC7 News app, click here to watch live After Cody Roberts' legal team argued that predators don't receive the same legal animal cruelty protections, the judge in his case told them that those laws do, and that he'll be going to trial. Two years ago, Wyoming resident Cody Roberts used his snowmobile to run down a juvenile wolf, which is legal under state law. However, Roberts didn't finish off the wolf and instead tied it up and brought it into a local bar, where he paraded it around, took pictures, finally got bored, and then killed it out back. The incident drew sharp international infamy, as pretty much everyone decried what Roberts did. Wyoming's legislature has taken shots at narrowing the practice's guardrails numerous times, but each has failed due to heavy farm and agricultural lobbying. And clarifications through the Department of Natural Resources within the state haven't yielded the results many have wanted. However, Roberts' case was taken up by prosecutors who are now arguing that the snowmobiler violated animal cruelty laws, but it's been back and forth a couple of times now as each side has had to argue the merits of the felony charges. Recently, Roberts' legal team argued that animal cruelty charges don't apply to predator populations, nor apply due to Congress moving to delist wolves, within the state. The judge, however, didn't see it that way and threw out Roberts' argument, allowing the case to proceed to trial. And the judge didn't mince words about Roberts' arguments. Advertisement Advertisement "The plain language of [Wyoming cruelty laws] doesnt provide a blanket license" to do whatever someone so pleases to a predator, but instead, "contains specific, enumerated exceptions," states District Court Judge Richard Lavery in his six-page statement. Those exemptions are for the "hunting, capture, killing or destruction of predators, but the charges made against Roberts don't meet those statues, as that's not what Roberts did. And while Roberts' lawyers argued that his actions should be qualified under the capture portion of the statute, stating it was just an extended period capture, Judge Lavery stated, "[T]his case does not arise out of the capture of the wolf, but out of Defendants alleged conduct after capturing the wolf but before it was killed." Basically, he's telling Roberts that he had legs to stand on when he initially wounded the wolf and caught it, and that had he finished the animal off quickly, he could've gotten away scot-free. But because he paraded a wounded animal around in a bar for his drunk friends to take pictures with it, and then cried when he went viral for all the wrong reasons, he's subject to those animal cruelty laws. Advertisement Advertisement After this latest hearing, Roberts is now set to go to trial on March 9th, though there are further hiccups possible. One of the biggest being Congress moving to delist wolves, though it's unclear how the animal cruelty charges, especially in Judge Lavery's view of the law, would change with that delisting or if at all. Newsletter logo ra_us Stay informed with our newsletter every weekday back Subscribe For more info, read our Privacy Policy & Terms of Use. After announcing a blockbuster $100 billion deal in September, the ChatGPT maker may have changed its mind. AI chipmaker Nvidia has been at the center of the enormous AI hype wave that has gripped global markets, ascending to become the most valuable company in the world. Yet despite its dominating presence on Wall Street, OpenAI is getting cold feet about the companys offerings. After announcing a blockbuster $100 billion deal in September which escalated concerns of AI companies passing the same money around in circular dealmaking the ChatGPT maker may have changed its mind, as the Wall Street Journal reported last week. But sources told Reuters this week that the Sam Altman-led outfit has deemed Nvidias latest chips not up to snuff, especially when it comes to AI inference, the process of using a machine learning model to generate new data, which has become a major focus for OpenAI. After months of negotiations, the deal with Nvidia was expected to close within weeks. In the meantime, OpenAI has signed major deals with competing chipmaker AMD, among others. Then, on Tuesday, Bloomberg reported that Nvidia was nearing a deal to invest $20 billion in OpenAI instead a mere fifth of what was originally on the table. That the larger deal fell apart highlights ongoing tensions as US software companies continue to grapple with investors getting cold feet over the AI industrys astronomical spending plans. Despite trillions of dollars of commitments to scale up AI infrastructure, companies arent expected to make any profit for many years to come. Nvidias dustup with OpenAI appeared to have hit a nerve, causing the formers stock price to continue its weeks-long plunge, dropping almost nine percent over the last five days. The companys stock has slid over seven percent over the last month. Both Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang and Altman have since publicly denied that theres been any strain on the relationship between the two companies. We love working with NVIDIA and they make the best AI chips in the world. We hope to be a gigantic customer for a very long time, Altman tweeted after Reuters published its story on Monday. I dont get where all this insanity is coming from. We will definitely participate in the next round of financing because its such a good investment, Huang told reporters over the weekend. As Ars Technica points out, the original $100 billion deal for ten gigawatts of compute, something that would require the equivalent of ten nuclear reactors to sustain, was never set in stone, as it was just a letter of intent. Its certainly possible the original figure was simply pulled out of thin air. As Huang told reporters, the sum was never a commitment. A federal judge blocked the Trump administration from ending a humanitarian program for about 350,000 Haitians in living the United States. Haitian beneficiaries of Temporary Protected Status (TPS), many of whom have lived here for decades, could have lost their ability to legally work, drive or reside in the United States and could have been subject to deportation. U.S. District Judge Ana C. Reyes of the District of Columbia indefinitely paused the Trump administration's attempt to end the protection, ruling Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noems decision was motivated by racial animus rather than an accurate assessment on the conditions of Haiti. Advertisement Advertisement Kristi Noem has a First Amendment right to call immigrants killers, leeches, entitlement junkies, and any other inapt name she wants. Secretary Noem, however, is constrained by both our Constitution and the [Administrative Procedure Act] to apply faithfully the facts to the law in implementing the TPS program, Reyes wrote. Dieu Yolnick Jeune Cadet, of Port St. Lucie, is a plaintiff on a national lawsuit against the Trump administration, which cut a humanitarian program in February that protects Haitians living in the United States. She discusses her concerns about the government rescinding Haitian Temporary Protected Status while at a restaurant on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, in St. Lucie West. Dieu Yolnick Jeune Cadet, a businesswoman and mother of five from Port St. Lucie, had granted her children power of attorney for her house and two cars in case the court sided with the Trump administration. "I knew God would help us," Jeune Cadet told TCPalm. "After 20 years of working hard, this government couldn't take everything from me." Jeune Cadet first moved to the United States from Haiti in 2005 and applied for TPS in 2010. Since then, she has founded two businesses in West Palm Beach, one for hair styling and another for in-home senior care. Advertisement Advertisement Even if she were to return to Haiti, she wouldn't have anywhere to go because someone stole her home and sold it, she said. DHS is expected to appeal the case, which could end up in the Supreme Court. Until then, hundreds of thousands of Haitians are legally allowed to work but remain in limbo. The conditions in Haiti Haiti would not be able to absorb the surge in migrants as the island plunges further into disarray, said Leslie Voltaire, a member of the Haitian Transitional Presidential Council, which is tasked with reestablishing constitutional order. The 2021 assasination of Haitis president left a power vacuum that allowed gangs to seize control of about 85% of the capital, Port-au-Prince, according to United Nations estimates. Advertisement Advertisement The violence killed about 5,600 people in 2024 alone, while another 1,400 were kidnapped, forcing over 1 million people to flee their homes. The American people are generous, Voltaire said. I think if they knew the conditions in Haiti, they wouldnt want to send them back. Haitian TPS holders and the economy Florida has the highest number of Haitian TPS holders in the country, leaving it most vulnerable to any disruptions. Haitian TPS holders contribute about $5.9 billion annually to the U.S. economy and pay over $1.5 billion in federal, state and local taxes, according to estimates from FWD.us, UndocuBlack Network, and the Haitian Bridge Alliance. Advertisement Advertisement Theyre paying taxes but mind you, theyre not getting any Social Security or Medicaid, said Cassandre Agahro, a former immigration attorney in Fort Pierce. For those wanting to remain in the United States, there is no direct pathway to permanent residency. Without another solution, the Haitian community in Fort Pierce is going into hiding, said Matt DeLillo, owner of Treasure Coast Medicaid Application Center. Fewer people have visited the center for health care services, letting their insurance lapse rather than risk being targeted by the government, DeLillo said. It's not just DeLillo's business, but the economy at large that will be affected, he said. Industries such as agriculture, health care and food service employ large numbers of Haitian TPS holders. Advertisement Advertisement Theyre hard workers, DeLillo told TCPalm. Theyre part of society. They just want the opportunity to prove themselves. Hundreds of organizations including faith leaders, labor unions and civil rights groups signed a letter ahead of the expiration urging the Trump administration to reconsider ending Haitian TPS. We believe extending and redesignating TPS for Haitians is in the clear national interest of the United States, from a labor, business and taxpayer perspective, the letter says. This is not an appeal to charity; it is an appeal to pragmatic self-interest, grounded in facts. What is Haitian TPS? The program grants work authorizations and limited protections against deportation for people fleeing armed conflict, epidemics and natural disasters in their home countries. Advertisement Advertisement Haiti originally received TPS after the 2010 earthquake that killed over 200,000 people and caused $7 billion in damages. The countrys TPS was renewed multiple times after events such as a cholera outbreak and the 2021 assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moise. The State Department warns U.S. citizens not to travel to Haiti due to kidnapping, crime, civil unrest and limited health care. The Department of Homeland Security wanted to end Haitian TPS early last year, but a lawsuit filed by Jeune Cadet and others halted the decision in August, allowing for the remainder of its 18-month term to play out. DHS attorneys justified the decision by arguing Haiti is safe for return, citing what they described as no foreign policy concerns with ending the protection. Advertisement Advertisement Opponents argued the move was politically and racially motivated rather than being based on a proper assessment of safety conditions in Haiti. If Haitians are forced to return, people will almost certainly die. Some will likely be killed, others will likely die from disease, and yet others will likely starve to death, the lawsuit reads. Trump administration ends Venezuelan TPS The Trump administration effectively ended TPS for about 600,000 Venezuelans living in the country in October. A federal appeals judge Jan. 28 found DHS could not prematurely end Venezuelan TPS and that its actions had irreparable harm. The record is replete with examples of hard-working, contributing members of society who are mothers, fathers, wives, husbands, and partners of U.S. citizens, pay taxes, and have no criminal records who have been deported or detained after losing their TPS, the ruling said. Advertisement Advertisement Jack Lemnus is a TCPalm enterprise reporter. Contact him at jack.lemnus@tcpalm.com, 772-409-1345, or follow him on X @JackLemnus. This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Judge stops trump Haiti TPS, says Noem motivated by racial animus Jurors have been selected in the trial of New Mexico's high-profile lawsuit against tech giant Meta ahead of opening statements next week. A panel of 10 women and eight men 12 jurors and six alternates was chosen late Tuesday evening, according to an email from Barry Massey, a spokesperson for the Administrative Office of the Courts. The trial is being held in Santa Fe. The state Department of Justice sued Meta in 2023, alleging its platforms allow child predators to target children for human trafficking, distribution of sexual images, grooming and solicitation and presents a public nuisance in violation of the states Unfair Trade Practices Act. Advertisement Advertisement Jury selection Monday morning featured some animated moments as a number of potential jurors expressed strong opinions about Facebook and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg. In an email, Massey confirmed opening statements are set to begin at 9 a.m. Monday. The New Mexico case represents the first state-led litigation to go to trial over allegations of child sexual exploitation on social media. Meta which also is facing a multistate lawsuit in California over allegations its products are designed to be addictive and harmful to children and teens denies the accusations. While the New Mexico Attorney General makes sensationalist, irrelevant and distracting arguments by cherry picking select documents, were focused on demonstrating our longstanding commitment to supporting young people, a spokesperson for Meta said in a recent statement to The New Mexican. Rep. Susan Estes, R-Wichita, appears on the House floor on March 19, 2025, in Topeka, Kansas. She is the chairwoman of the 2026 House Education Committee, where she halted a bill that proposed requiring potty training as a condition of kindergarten admissions. (Photo by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector) TOPEKA The Kansas bill that would have required kindergarteners to be potty trained before starting school stalled in committee. House Education Committee chairwoman Rep. Susan Estes, a Republican from Wichita, declined to bring the bill up for debate Wednesday. She said she wanted to give school districts more time to find a solution. Advertisement Advertisement I do think there are some very legitimate concerns, Estes said. Parents needing support if they are going through this. But also, how do we make sure that everything is being done in a way that is safe for the educator as well as the student? House Bill 2486 garnered double the amount of opponents compared to proponents. Critics worried the bill would leave vulnerable children behind by excluding them from school and urged legislators to leave the decision up to local districts. Rep. Sherri Brantley, a Republican from Great Bend, introduced the bill to help educators mitigate distractions. It would have required parents to confirm in writing that their child is potty trained before enrolling in school. Rep. Kyle McNorton, a Topeka Republican, questioned details of a bill that would raise fees for hunting migratory waterfowl during a Wednesday House Federal and State Affairs committee meeting. (Photo by Morgan Chilson/Kansas Reflector) TOPEKA Kansas migratory bird hunters will pay more to hunt under a proposed bill, but hunting organizations supported the need to increase fees. House Bill 2507 would raise the cap for migratory fowl stamp fees from $8 to $25 for Kansas residents and to $100 for nonresidents. The House Federal and State Affairs Committee heard testimony on the bill Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement However, because regulations restrict how much the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks can raise rates at one time, hunters wouldnt see a large fee jump to $25, testified Kurtis Wiard, the agencys chief counsel. The Kansas Outdoor Heritage Alliance was a proponent of the bill, listing seven members in support that included the Delta Waterfowl, Kansas Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, and the Kansas Bowhunters Association. HB 2507 makes great financial sense for the state of Kansas, said Kurt Ratzlaff, who submitted written testimony on behalf of the organization. He said raising stamp fees was necessary to adequately fund KDWP. The current $8 annual waterfowl stamp is woefully out of date when compared to our neighboring states, Ratzlaff said. The increase proposed in this bill will not significantly impact the number of hunters who pursue waterfowl, as it falls well within the norms of other states. Advertisement Advertisement The waterfowl fees havent increased in 25 years, Wiard testified. I think its important because we see an ever-increasing number of nonresident waterfowl hunters coming into the state competing with a very limited resource, he said. The agency is not well equipped to address this issue with an $8 stamp. The additional dollars would allow the agency to leverage more federal funds to improve the wetlands in the state and to address the increased number of hunters, Wiard said. The committee also heard testimony on House Bill 2505, which would allow the KDWP to avoid revealing addresses of landowners who have protected wildlife species on their land. Currently, those addresses are available for request through the Kansas Open Records Act, Wiard testified. Advertisement Advertisement The impetus for this bill is if we routinely collect critical information about protected species, threatened and endangered on both state and federal lists, and what we found is that they are most often found on private property, he said. In order for us to gain access to search for these species, we rely on the good graces of private property owners to allow us on their property. Wiard said the agency is concerned sharing site-specific information on where the endangered species are located might open landowners to people who trespass to view the wildlife or even to people who might harm the property or wildlife. Kansas Farm Bureau and the Kansas Livestock Association submitted written testimony opposing the bill unless language is inserted to allow property owners to access information about endangered species located on their property. Wiard said the agency did not oppose changing language in the bill to meet that request. UPDATE: Dog euthanized after multiple attacks leave Downingtown community on edge A Downingtown dog owner is scheduled to appear in court on Thursday after recent dog attacks sent two people to the hospital, including a 4-year-old boy whose mother says he no longer feels safe in his own neighborhood. Downingtown police said the November attack on the child, in the 500 block of Thomas Road, was the most severe. "Physically, he's scarred. He's scarred really badly. Emotionally, no, he's not doing well. He's a 4-year-old who's been drug across a yard by a dog; he's terrified," said the boy's mother, Whitley Coggins. Advertisement Advertisement A hearing will determine the owner's guilt or innocence for harboring a dangerous dog. Chief Brendan Brazunas described the hearing as the first step in what could be a lengthy process. Photos provided by Coggins showed injuries she says her son suffered to his arm after being attacked. "My son was playing in our backyard and the dogs ran out of her home. One of them jumped my fence and ran after him and attacked him and drug him through the yard by his arm," she said. Her husband, Chris Coggins, said safety has become a daily concern. "The dogs need to be removed. There's dangerous dogs there. The neighborhood's not safe. My kids aren't safe," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Police said the same dog attacked again in late January, injuring a tow truck driver in a less severe incident. In both cases, the dog was quarantined in the home and dangerous dog charges were filed. After multiple continuances, a hearing in the Coggins case is set for Thursday. If the owner is found guilty, they will have 30 days to comply with dangerous dog requirements and may appeal the ruling. At Wednesday's borough council meeting, Chief Brazunas said additional action could be taken if those conditions are not met. "We've been in contact with the SPCA and the DA's office to make sure that we start making progress on this incident," Brazunas said. Advertisement Advertisement Sara Smith, spokesperson for the Brandywine Valley SPCA, issued the following statement to Action News regarding the investigation: "In Pennsylvania, all dangerous dog investigations are led by local or state police or the dog warden. The Brandywine Valley SPCA's role would be to assist as needed for unrelated citations, and state-mandated quarantine needs. The BVSPCA is assisting the Downingtown Police Department in this case and has issued citations for lack of rabies vaccines and proper dog licensing. We will continue to support the police with any needs that arise related to the investigation and case." Brazunas said there were also incidents involving the same dog owner in the summer of 2024 and others dating back to 2022, adding that additional cases may have gone unreported. "This can't continue, my kids can't go outside and play," Whitley Coggins said. Advertisement Advertisement "Nobody wants to walk their pets, none of the kids want to get off the bus and walk down our street. The mail guy doesn't want to come, nobody wants to come where we live. We need our street to be safe," Coggins added. Officials said the goal is to ensure residents feel safe in their neighborhood. Attempts to reach the dog's owner by phone on Wednesday were unsuccessful, and police said they have received limited cooperation. The hearing was scheduled for 11 a.m. Thursday. The killing of Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, the most prominent surviving son of former Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi, removes a figure who commanded symbolic influence among some Libyans, even as he was reviled by others as the representative of a hated regime. The 53-year-old, killed on Tuesday in the western Libyan town of Zintan, was an alternative to the countrys current power duopoly, split between the United Nations-recognised government in the capital, Tripoli, and the so-called Libyan National Army in the east of the country. The killing occurred less than a week after a reported January 28 meeting at Pariss Elysee Palace brought together Saddam Haftar, son of eastern strongman Khalifa Haftar, and advisers to Tripoli-based Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah. Advertisement Advertisement Then, on Sunday, a meeting brokered by the United States in Paris brought together senior officials from the two rival Libyan administrations to discuss efforts towards national unity. However, the manner of Gaddafis death his political team said that four masked men had stormed his house and shot him has once again highlighted the insecurity Libya still faces, and the murky nature of the countrys political divides. Saif al-Islam as heir to Gaddafi Saif al-Islam Gaddafi had some influence in Libya despite having no notable military force under his command, and no control over territory, unlike his rivals. He was once seen as his fathers Western-friendly, reform-minded heir before he dropped that image dramatically during the 2011 revolution to help lead a brutal crackdown on protesters. In a televised speech at the time, he denounced the protesters and endorsed his fathers crackdown, threatening rivers of blood. Advertisement Advertisement That speech during the protests marked the end of Saif the reformer and the birth of Saif the son of [Muammar] Gaddafi, Anas El Gomati, director of the Sadeq Institute, a Libyan think tank, told Al Jazeera. After rebels captured Saif al-Islam Gaddafi in 2011, he spent six years held in Zintan by a local militia. Emadeddin Badi, a senior fellow at the Global Initiative against Transnational Organized Crime and Libya expert, said that his captors eventually became more sympathetic to him and were acting as his bodyguards. He was not a captive in the traditional sense whatsoever and even had a social life there, married with kids, Badi said. After his release in 2017, Gaddafi kept such a low profile that many speculated he might be dead. He resurfaced publicly with a New York Times interview in 2021, where he hinted at a political comeback, and later moved to pursue presidential ambitions. Advertisement Advertisement When he registered to run for president in 2021, it became a major controversy that contributed to the collapse of the entire electoral process. Saif al-Islam was disqualified because of an earlier war crimes conviction, but the disputes around his candidacy contributed to derailing the vote. Still, he retained support among some groups who, amid Libyas descent into civil war and rival fiefdoms, were nostalgic for the perceived stability of the Gaddafi era. In that sense, his killing not only removes a political wild card but brings to an end a chapter of the countrys history long dominated by the shadow of the Gaddafi family. His father, Muammar Gaddafi, came to power in 1969, amid a wave of coups in the Arab world along a crescent from South Yemen, through Somalia and Sudan that year. Advertisement Advertisement Gaddafi presided over a regime, which, although dictatorial, saw a period of economic growth in the country, fuelled by Libyas oil reserves. The regime was also known for mass human-rights abuses, including the execution of political opponents. Saif al-Islam is popular among Gaddafi-era nostalgists and among those who saw him as that reformist candidate promising change, Claudia Gazzini, senior Libya analyst at the International Crisis Group, told Al Jazeera. His real power wasnt military but symbolic, El Gomati said. That ideological disposition is referred to locally as the Greens, after the elder Gaddafis Green Book outlining his political theories. Advertisement Advertisement Saif didnt really control forces, or territory, but controlled an important narrative and represented something for people who were nostalgic for the days of Gaddafis rule, El Gomati said. What impact does this have in Libya? Saif alIslams death is likely to matter most in eastern Libya, because of the overlap between the supporters of the man who controls that region, military commander Khalifa Haftar, and Gaddafis base. Despite that overlap, Saif al-Islam Gaddafi and Khalifa Haftar deeply distrusted each other, mainly because Haftar had defected from the Gaddafi regime decades ago, and attempted a rebellion against Muammar Gaddafi after having initially helped him come to power. Tensions between Khalifa Haftar and Saif al-Islam Gaddafi flared in 2021 when Haftar-aligned militias blocked a court hearing on the latters election appeal after he was blocked, withdrawing only after demonstrations by his supporters. Advertisement Advertisement They [the Gaddafi family] considered him [Khalifa Haftar] a traitor for rebelling against the Gaddafi regime, and it was thought Haftar was trying to replicate the system their father had built, Gazzini said. Haftar had always feared the popularity Saif had. While Khalifa Haftar sought to fill the vacuum left by Muammar Gaddafi, Saif al-Islam also wielded influence in that same space. As a result, Saif al-Islam posed a direct threat to Haftar, with both men competing for the same constituency. The immediate beneficiary [of the killing] is Haftar, said El Gomati. Saif represents an alternative to the authoritarian model which Haftar built. Despite his symbolic importance, analysts still expect the immediate fallout from Saif al-Islams assassination to be limited. Advertisement Advertisement The people who once supported the Gaddafi regime have split apart dramatically since 2011, with many former loyalists now working within the competing eastern and western power structures. This stirs waters, but wont hit Libya with a storm, Gazzini told Al Jazeera, noting that while Saif al-Islam Gaddafis death is significant, Libyas basic political deadlock isnt likely to change a great deal after the killing. His death eliminates Libyas last viable spoiler to the current power duopoly, El Gomati said. His assassination closes Libyas last exit from this divided power system. DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) Iran and the United States are weighing holding a second round of talks over Tehran's nuclear program after Israel launched a 12-day war on the country in June and the Islamic Republic carried out a bloody crackdown on nationwide protests. U.S. President Donald Trump has kept up pressure on Iran, moving an aircraft carrier and other military assets to the Persian Gulf and suggesting the U.S. could attack Iran over the killing of peaceful demonstrators or if Tehran launches mass executions over the protests. Trump has pushed Iran's nuclear program back into the frame as well after the June war disrupted five rounds of talks held in Rome and Muscat, Oman, last year. Trump also has suggested sending a second carrier to the region. Advertisement Advertisement A top Iranian security official, Ali Larijani, visited Oman this week and traveled onto Qatar, just after Trump called its ruling emir. It remains unclear how or if more talks will happen, though Mideast nations fear a collapse in diplomacy could spark a new regional war. U.S. concerns also have gone beyond Iran's nuclear program to its ballistic missiles, support for proxy networks across the region and other issues. Iran has said it wants talks to focus solely on the nuclear program. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has insisted that his nation was not seeking nuclear weapons. ... and are ready for any kind of verification. However, the United Nations nuclear watchdog the International Atomic Energy Agency has been unable for months to inspect and verify Irans nuclear stockpile. Trump began the diplomacy initially by writing a letter last year to Irans 86-year-old Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei to jump start these talks. Khamenei has warned Iran would respond to any attack with an attack of its own, particularly as the theocracy he commands reels following the protests. Heres what to know about Irans nuclear program and the tensions that have stalked relations between Tehran and Washington since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Trump writes letter to Khamenei Trump dispatched the letter to Khamenei on March 5, 2025, then gave a television interview the next day in which he acknowledged sending it. He said: Ive written them a letter saying, I hope youre going to negotiate because if we have to go in militarily, its going to be a terrible thing. Advertisement Advertisement Since returning to the White House, the president has been pushing for talks while ratcheting up sanctions and suggesting a military strike by Israel or the U.S. could target Iranian nuclear sites. A previous letter from Trump during his first term drew an angry retort from the supreme leader. But Trumps letters to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in his first term led to face-to-face meetings, though no deals to limit Pyongyangs atomic bombs and a missile program capable of reaching the continental U.S. Oman mediated previous talks Oman, a sultanate on the eastern edge of the Arabian Peninsula, has mediated talks between Araghchi and U.S. Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff. The two men have met face to face after indirect talks, a rare occurrence due to the decades of tensions between the countries. Advertisement Advertisement It hasn't been all smooth, however. Witkoff at one point made a television appearance in which he suggested 3.67% enrichment for Iran could be something the countries could agree on. But thats exactly the terms set by the 2015 nuclear deal struck under former U.S. President Barack Obama, from which Trump unilaterally withdrew America. Witkoff, Trump and other American officials in the time since have maintained Iran can have no enrichment under any deal, something to which Tehran insists it won't agree. Those negotiations ended, however, with Israel launching the war in June on Iran. It hosted a new first round of talks on Feb. 6. The 12-day war and nationwide protests Israel launched what became a 12-day war on Iran in June that included the U.S. bombing Iranian nuclear sites. Iran later acknowledged in November that the attacks saw it halt all uranium enrichment in the country, though inspectors from the IAEA, the U.N. nuclear watchdog, have been unable to visit the bombed sites. Half a year later, Iran saw protests that began in late December over the collapse of the country's rial currency. Those demonstrations soon became nationwide, sparking Tehran to launch a bloody crackdown that killed thousands and saw tens of thousands detained by authorities. Irans nuclear program worries the West Iran has insisted for decades that its nuclear program is peaceful. However, its officials increasingly threaten to pursue a nuclear weapon. Iran now enriches uranium to near weapons-grade levels of 60%, the only country in the world without a nuclear weapons program to do so. Advertisement Advertisement Under the original 2015 nuclear deal, Iran was allowed to enrich uranium up to 3.67% purity and to maintain a uranium stockpile of 300 kilograms (661 pounds). The last report by the IAEA on Irans program put its stockpile at some 9,870 kilograms (21,760 pounds), with a fraction of it enriched to 60%. The agency for months has been unable to assess Iran's program, raising nonproliferation concerns. U.S. intelligence agencies assess that Iran has yet to begin a weapons program, but has undertaken activities that better position it to produce a nuclear device, if it chooses to do so. Iranian officials have threatened to pursue the bomb. Israel, a close American ally, believes Iran is pursuing a weapon. It wants to see the nuclear program scrapped, as well as a halt in its ballistic missile program and support for anti-Israel militant groups such as Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas. Decades of tense relations between Iran and the US Iran was once one of the U.S.s top allies in the Mideast under Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, who purchased American military weapons and allowed CIA technicians to run secret listening posts monitoring the neighboring Soviet Union. The CIA had fomented a 1953 coup that cemented the shahs rule. Advertisement Advertisement But in January 1979, the shah, fatally ill with cancer, fled Iran as mass demonstrations swelled against his rule. The Islamic Revolution followed, led by Grand Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, and created Irans theocratic government. Later that year, university students overran the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, seeking the shahs extradition and sparking the 444-day hostage crisis that saw diplomatic relations between Iran and the U.S. severed. The Iran-Iraq war of the 1980s saw the U.S. back Saddam Hussein. The Tanker War during that conflict saw the U.S. launch a one-day assault that crippled Iran at sea, while the U.S. later shot down an Iranian commercial airliner that the U.S. military said it mistook for a warplane. Iran and the U.S. have seesawed between enmity and grudging diplomacy in the years since, with relations peaking when Tehran made the 2015 nuclear deal with world powers. But Trump unilaterally withdrew the U.S. from the accord in 2018, sparking tensions in the Mideast that persist today. ___ The Associated Press receives support for nuclear security coverage from the Carnegie Corporation of New York and Outrider Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content. OSLO, Norway (AP) The eldest son of Norway's crown princess was back in court on Wednesday for Day Two of a trial at which he is facing allegations of multiple alleged offenses, including rape. Marius Borg Hiby, 29, pleaded not guilty to the most serious charges as the seven-week trial opened on Tuesday. He is the first son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit from a previous relationship and the stepson of the heir to the throne, Prince Haakon. While Hiby has no royal title or official duties, the case and new revelations about Mette-Marit's contacts with Jeffrey Epstein has put an international spotlight on a widely beloved royal family. Advertisement Advertisement A look at Norway's royal family tree King Harald, 88, belongs to the House of Glucksburg and heads a monarchy in Norway that dates back more than 1,100 years. But like with many European royal houses, Norways monarch wields no real political power today. The Norwegian royal house has kinfolk in other European royal families. For example, Harald is related to both Britain's King Charles III and Spain's King Felipe VI: They're all descendants of Queen Victoria in the UK. Harald married Sonja Haraldsen, a commoner, in 1968. Their son Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit, both 52, were married in 2001. She made headlines that year because she was a single mother who had lived a freewheeling life with a companion who had been convicted on drug charges. Advertisement Advertisement The crown prince and princess share two children: Princess Ingrid Alexandra, 21, and Prince Sverre Magnus, 19. The Norwegian Constitution was altered in 1990 to allow the firstborn, regardless of gender, to take precedence in the line of succession. That means that Princess Ingrid Alexandra is due to one day ascend the Norwegian throne. The change does not apply retroactively and Haakon remains first in line to the throne even though he has an older sister, Princess Martha Louise, Crown princess had contacts with Jeffrey Epstein Mette-Marit has long been known to have had contacts with Jeffrey Epstein. But shes faced new scrutiny over their ties following the largest release of Epstein documents on Friday. Advertisement Advertisement In a statement after the release, Mette-Marit said she took responsibility for not having investigated Epsteins background more thoroughly, and expressed regret for having had any contact with Epstein at all. It is simply embarrassing. She expressed deep sympathy and solidarity" with the victims of abuse committed by Epstein. The latest release of documents included an email from Mette-Marit to Epstein in November 2012 asking: Is it inappropriate for a mother to suggest two naked women carrying a surfboard for my I5 yr old sons wallpaper ? He replied: let them decide and advised that the mother should stay out of it. Advertisement Advertisement In an email exchange from the previous month, Epstein noted how he was in Paris on my wife hunt, but i prefer Scandinavians. She replied that Paris was good for adultery but "Scandis" were better wife material. Her son is denying rape charges in court Hiby took the witness stand on Wednesday, a day after denying rape charges. Norwegian tabloid VG reported that he cried at one point and lashed out at the media for the intense attention he has received since he was a toddler. The crown prince issued a statement last week saying the couple would not be present in court nor comment on the case during the trial. It noted that Hiby was not a member of the Royal House, before adding: We care about him, and he is an important member of our family. Advertisement Advertisement The statement said Mette-Marit was planning an unspecified private stay over the coming weeks. On Wednesday, Sara Svanemyr, a communications adviser for the Royal Court, wrote in an email that the crown princess has, until further notice, postponed the planned trip. It did not elaborate. Last month, the court said medical tests had shown a clear worsening of Mette-Marit's health in connection with a lung disease known as pulmonary fibrosis that was diagnosed in 2018. It said physicians had started a process of looking into the possibility of lung-transplant surgery for her. The fallout The royal family has traditionally enjoyed wide public support, but its popularity has declined since Oslo police in August 2024 said Hiby was facing suspicion for causing bodily harm and criminal damage. Advertisement Advertisement So this has been like a shocking one and half year for the Norwegian people because we really love our royal family," said Tove Taalesen, a royal expert at the Nettavisen newspaper. "We respect them, and we look at King Harald as like our grandfather. A Norstat agency poll for Dagbladet daily and public broadcaster NRK showed that two-thirds of respondents said they supported the constitutional monarchy as a form of government, down from nearly three-fourths in August. A similar poll for VG also indicated declining support for the monarchy. I like the king, but with Hiby and the new released Epstein files and Mette-Marit, its so much to think about," said student Gustav Onarheim in Oslo on Monday. "Im really looking forward to get the results in court. ___ Lewis reported from Stavanger, Norway and Keaten reported from Geneva. Aaron Kessler in Washington contributed to this report. Although his proposal for a moratorium on large-scale water withdrawals from Caddo Lake failed to be considered at Monday's Caddo Commission work session, Commissioner Chris Kracman said the matter is far from over. The proposal, if advanced and approved, would have asked the Red River Compact Commission and the Louisiana Department of Energy and Natural Resources to restrict Caddo Lake water withdrawal for non-essential uses, such as small commercial or residential, for 365 days or until a study of the effect exceeding currently permitted levels could be obtained. Without a second from a commissioner, no further discussion on the resolution was to be had. Tiffany RobinsonThe Caddo lake Kracman said he doesn't think it is appropriate for the Commission to say that they do not know anything on the matter or that they're smarter than the professionals, which he believes was evident in Monday's work session when his proposal was not considered. Advertisement Advertisement "He said 'Hey maybe we should talk about all the bodies of water or maybe we should talk about it in a committee or whatever..'," Kracman said. "Well no, I don't think other committees are going to do a bit of good because none of us are ecologists or biologists or anything like that. I don't know anything about water distribution [or] anything like that so I just think it's a shame. I really think it's quite the embarrassment. We didn't even consider the conversation." Kracman said he was willing to amend the proposal by removing the moratorium language and instead pursue a study in the coming weeks. He said the approach was acceptable to him and could have been discussed during Monday's meeting. "If it doesn't see the light of day again, then maybe I can convince a state legislator to send it to Baton Rouge to one of their committees and really get the ball rolling," Kracman said. "I do think it's a shame that we cannot agree on this, on a local level. It's really shameful and when people acted like they were concerned about the data center that was coming to Shreveport, I guess that was political theatre because now that I'm getting one in my backyard, potentially nobody's worried about it." Is a data center coming to Blanchard? How is STACK Infrastructure linked to Caddo, Bossier data center deals? Advertisement Advertisement Kracman said it was contradictory for some commissioners to claim they were unaware of a project coming to Caddo Parish, noting that the Commission recently advanced a resolution granting a 25-year tax incentive for data centers. "I don't think it's over I think this initiative will continue and if it doesn't see the light of day in Caddo Parish, then it certainly needs to see the light of day in Baton Rouge," Kracman said. "I'll see to it that it happens." Kracman said he hasn't been directly asked to sign an NDA pertaining to data center developments. However, he was invited to a meeting with the North Louisiana Economic Partnership but he respectfully declined. He stated that he was unsure if any other commissioners signed an NDA. Follow Ian Robinson on Twitter @_irobinson and on Facebook at https://bit.ly/3vln0w1. This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: Caddo Lake water moratorium proposal fails, Kracman to fight on MOSCOW, Feb 5 (Reuters) - The Kremlin said on Thursday it did not want to waste time answering questions about unproven suggestions in Western media and by Poland's premier that late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein may have been some sort of Russian intelligence asset. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said on Tuesday that Warsaw would launch an investigation into what it said were possible links between Epstein and Russia's intelligence services, and into any potential impact on Poland. Tusk gave no evidence for his assertions, though Western media have questioned over recent days whether or not Epstein was a Russian agent collecting compromising material about the rich and powerful. Advertisement Advertisement Asked by Reuters about Tusk's remarks and about Western media reports, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said: "I would like to joke about such versions, but let's not waste our time." Russian officials say that claims of a link between Epstein and Russian intelligence are clearly being thrust into the public sphere to distract from a scandal they say has laid bare the hypocrisy of powerful men across the U.S. and Europe. In the files on Epstein released by the U.S. Department of Justice, Russia is mentioned thousands of times. They also indicate that some of the young women Epstein was in contact with were from Russia, including a 26-year-old woman he sought to introduce to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the younger brother of Britain's King Charles. Advertisement Advertisement Various media organisations and bloggers have also speculated that Epstein was spying for Israel's Mossad foreign intelligence service or the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency. No definitive proof has yet been published by a major news organisation that he was working for any intelligence service. (Reporting by Dmitry Antonov; writing by Guy Faulconbridge;editing by Mark Heinrich) This story was originally published on WardsAuto. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily WardsAuto newsletter. Vehicle manufacturing in the U.K. dropped 15.5% last year in the face of a cyberattack on Jaguar Land Rovers and trade pressures on the industry as a result of U.S. tariffs, according to an industry trade group. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders found automaker plants turned out a total of 764,715 units in 2025: 717,371 passenger cars and 47,344 commercial vehicles, with output falling year-over-year by 8% and 62.3%, respectively. Among the chief causes was the cyberassault on the U.K.s biggest automotive employer, which halted Jaguar Land Rovers global production for more than a month. In a Nov. 17, 2025 emailed response to a WardsAuto enquiry at the time, a JLR spokesperson said wholesale volumes for Q2 for the financial year 2026 were 66,165 units, down 24.2% compared to the previous year, while retail sales for the same period slumped 17.1% to 85,495 units. The figures reflect the effects of the attack plus a planned wind-down of legacy models ahead of the launch of a new model (based on the Type 00 battery-electric luxury sedan), said the spokesperson. With our business recovering at pace and now returned to normal levels of production, we will continue to assess production and volume allocation in line with the dynamics of individual markets, the spokesperson said in a statement at the time. Beyond the cyberattack, SMMTs statement also pointed to the adverse effects of U.S. tariffs on motor vehicles. In 2025, the United States was the second-biggest market for U.K. automakers, accounting for 15% of overall exports, according to the association. Production of BEV, plug-in hybrid and hybrid cars rose 8.3% to a combined 298,813 units. With the start of next-generation volume electric car production at Nissans Sunderland plant and the planned launch of seven new BEV models into the U.K. market, output is expected to grow in 2026. SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes, in an association statement, described 2025 as the toughest year in a generation for U.K. vehicle manufacturing. The key to long-term growth, however, is the creation of the right competitive conditions for investment: reduced energy costs; the avoidance of new trade barriers; and a healthy, sustainable domestic market, he added. Recommended Reading The first independent poll of Kentucky primary voters in a year was released Thursday, showing Rep. Andy Barr gaining an advantage over a crowded Republican field and former senate candidate Charles Booker with an early lead among Democrats. Emerson College Polling joined with local television station Fox 56 to conduct the survey of 523 likely Republican voters and 381 Democrats from Jan. 31 to Feb. 2. For Republicans, perhaps the biggest takeaway is the erasure of former Attorney General Daniel Camerons lead in the poll. Barr led Cameron in the survey with 24% to Camerons 21%, with Lexington tech entrepreneur Nate Morris not too far behind. It contrasts with previous surveys of the race, where even pro-Barr and pro-Morris, a Lexington entrepreneur, groups had Cameron clearly leading in the race to replace outgoing Sen. Mitch McConnell. Advertisement Advertisement Theres a lot of space, however, for candidates of both parties to maneuver. Among GOP voters, 38% were undecided. About 43% of Democrats were undecided. Heres how Republican voters responded, broken down by percentage, when asked who they would vote for if the primary were held today: Barr: 24%. Cameron: 21%. Morris: 14%. Other: 4%. Undecided: 38%. The margin of error in the GOP poll was +/- 4.2%. On the Democratic side, Booker, who was the nominee in 2022, paces the field by an 11-point margin, with 30% of Democratic support. Amy McGrath, 2020 Senate nominee and 2018 congressional nominee in Central Kentucky, was in second place with 19% support. House Minority Floor Leader Pamela Stevenson, D-Louisville, garnered 4% of the respondents. Advertisement Advertisement Heres how the 381 Democratic voters responded, broken down by percentage, when asked who they would vote for if the primary were held today: Booker: 30%. McGrath: 19%. Stevenson: 4%. Other: 43%. The margin of error for the Democratic poll was +/- 5%. The poll also showed solid approval ratings for both Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear and Republican President Donald Trump. About 52% of the voters surveyed including 97 independent voters said they approved of Beshears job, while 31% disapproved. For Trump, 53% approved and 39% disapproved. Full poll results can be viewed online. The GOP side The Republican result marks a shift from all previously released polls particularly for Cameron, a former attorney general and gubernatorial candidate with high name ID, who led by a significant margin in earlier polls. Advertisement Advertisement Camerons campaign manager, Nathanael Hirt, wrote in a statement to the Herald-Leader that the poll amounts to lies. No one including Andy Barr thinks Andy Barr is winning. This poll is unserious and silly. Polls one day ago and two weeks ago showed Daniel up double digits. Nothing moves that fast except lies, Hirt wrote. Emerson College is a well-respected pollster. The Silver Bulletin, a site run by data guru Nate Silver, gave Emerson College an A in its ratings of American pollsters. The group also collected data on which demographics prefer which candidates. With just over three months until primary day, Rep. Barr and former Attorney General Cameron start this race as frontrunners, while Nate Morris follows within striking distance. Barrs support is highest among male voters, 27%, voters over 70, 38%, and voters with a college or postgraduate degree, at 31%, while Camerons support peaks among voters in their 40s and 50s at 25%, said Spencer Kimball, executive director of Emerson College Polling. Advertisement Advertisement Barrs team liked the result. Andy leads in the polls, is the only candidate dominating Democrats in the general election, has more major endorsements than both campaigns combined, and is crushing his competition in the race for fundraising with 10 times the cash on hand of his nearest opponent. After over $8M spent, Nate Morris campaign is crashing harder than his failed green energy company after it went on the NYSE, Barr campaign spokesperson Alex Bellizzi wrote. Just one day before the Emerson poll came out, Morris campaign released its own survey of Kentucky GOP voters. In a poll of 800 likely Kentucky Republican primary voters conducted Jan. 27-29, Cameron led the pack, but Morris had risen from his previous showings. Advertisement Advertisement Shared first with the New York Post, that poll had Cameron with 29% support, Barr at 21% and Morris with 18%. According to the pollster for the survey sponsored by Morris Tony Fabrizio, who was the pollster for two of President Donald Trumps campaigns Kentucky Republicans have moved more away from Cameron and toward Morris in recent months. A survey conducted by the firm Fabrizio, Lee & Associates in August had Cameron at 40%, Barr with 17% and Morris with just 5% support. Morris team is eager to point out that the first-time candidate, recently supported by a $10 million Elon Musk gift to a political action committee, is on the rise from his previous single-digit poll results. Nate is the only candidate moving in the right direction, he has a massive cash advantage between his self-funding ability and $10 million of support from Elon Musk, and most importantly, he is the only political outsider and America First conservative in the race. We look forward to victory in May, Morris campaign spokesperson Conor McGuinness wrote in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Though Cameron is the only candidate to have run a previous statewide campaign, claiming a place in the history books when he became Kentuckys first Black attorney general in 2019 and later losing to Beshear in 2023, he has a significant cash disadvantage. As of the end of 2025, Barr had $6.47 million on hand, while Morris claimed $1.42 million and Cameron had $630,000. Michael Faris, a candidate who lacks statewide name ID but has built some grassroots support, ended the year with a negative cash-on-hand figure. The poll also surveyed Kentucky Republicans about McConnell, whom the senate candidates are seeking to replace after McConnells 40-plus-year tenure in the seat. Roughly 15% of respondents approved of the job McConnell is doing as senator, and about 68% disapproved. Advertisement Advertisement Democrats registered 80% disapproval and 8% approval. Of the Republican respondents, 58% disapproved of McConnell, and 22% approved. Meanwhile, a slight majority of Kentuckians disapprove of fellow Republican U.S. Senator Rand Paul, 32% to 30%. Republicans approved of Paul 38% to 28%; comparatively, 40% of Democrats disapproved of his job performance to 20% who approved. Democratic takeaways Bookers lead among Democrats reflects broad support among all age ranges except elderly Kentuckians, Kimball said. Booker leads McGrath among all age groups, with the exception of Democratic voters 70 and over, who break for McGrath by 10 points, 29% to 19%, Kimball noted. Advertisement Advertisement Dale Romans, a Louisville horse trainer who raised significant cash after his October launch, received only three votes among the 381 voters, or 0.8%. But Romans had the most cash on hand of any candidate heading into 2026. Logan Forsythe, a Lexington attorney and former U.S. Secret Service agent, got six votes, or about 1.7%. Though Kentucky voters broadly approve of Beshears job performance, theyre less convinced he should run for president in 2028, which he is openly considering. About 35% said he should run, compared with 48% who said he shouldnt, with a predictably stark respective divide among Democrats and Republicans. Feb. 4A Lacey's Spring woman has been arrested in connection with a chemical endangerment investigation involving a newborn, according to the Morgan County Sheriff's Office. Investigators said a warrant was obtained Jan. 21 charging Stacy Michele Blackwood, 29, with chemical endangerment of a child after a child was born and tested positive for methamphetamine. Blackwood was arrested Monday and booked into the Morgan County Jail. She was released the same day, according to court records. The Alabama Department of Human Resources assisted with the investigation and took custody of the child, the Sheriff's Office said. LAFAYETTE, IN Hundreds of students at Lafayette Jefferson High School spilled onto the sidewalks surrounding the school Wednesday morning most of the student body, by the estimate of classmates many holding signs and chanting to protest the activities of federal immigration enforcement agents and to stand in support of local immigrants. "The richest schools in Indiana are doing it," said sophomore Sophia Bittinger, an organizer of the protest. "We see Carmel and Brownsburg doing it. Our school is full of minorities, so we should stand up." Students from Jeff joined a movement sweeping high schools across Indiana. Hoosiers Rise, an Instagram account that promotes progressive causes, shared a list of more than 40 Indiana high schools where walkouts and protests have either already happened or are planned for February. Advertisement Advertisement Bittinger started an Instagram account called "jhs.against.ice" after Alex Pretti was shot and killed by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in Minneapolis on Jan. 24. Her friend Zarielis Zayas, also a sophomore, joined the account's leadership soon after, and by Jan. 31 the two began posting about the 9:40 a.m. walk-out set for Wednesday. With help from the widely followed school meme page and like-minded Instagram accounts, including Take Action Greater Lafayette and Ayuda Mutua, word spread through school halls and group chats. "Someone really needed to stand up in our school," Bittinger said. "I think a lot of people had the idea. It was talked about around our school, doing a protest, but I think I just needed to stand up. I was raised to be very political and stand up for people I care about and causes I care about. "It's not even about politics at this point," she shouted over honks and cheers from her classmates ahead of her. "ICE is treating people unfairly and hurting people." From left, Zarielis Zavas, Axel Castandeda and Sopia Bittinger watch as the last of the protesters trickled back toward the school on Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026, at Lafayette Jefferson High School in Lafayette, Ind. Zavas and Bittinger run the instagram account @jhs.against.ice and organized the walkout. The students streaming by on sidewalks surrounding the high school's campus, lap by milelong lap, represented differences in race and birthplace and language at a school that prides itself on diversity. "I'm in piano class with someone from Ghana," senior Marquise Fowler said. Advertisement Advertisement One girl played mariachi music from her phone as she and her friends marched. Jair Guadalajara drove by in his SUV, a Mexican flag flying from his passenger-side window. Another boy leaned out of a pickup truck window, fist raised as the truck revved its engine and sped down South 18th Street. "We should be standing up, because all the kids here come from immigrants," sophomore Lucy Urbanski said. Karen Magallanes, a sophomore walking beside Urbanski, was born to immigrants from Mexico. She said she's seen images of immigration detention facilities and news of families being broke up. "I just want this to end," she said. Senior Marquise Fowler directs students at the end of the walkout. "The suit gives me confidence to say what needs to be said," he said. Fowler and his friends had assembled some of his classmates together for a speech, where Fowler told them that if they came outside merely to skip class, they were missing the point. Cars drove past and honked in support of the high school students walking out to protest ICE on Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026, at Lafayette Jefferson High School in Lafayette, Ind. Students who elected to protest were marked absent for the classes they missed, and school Principal Mark Preston said via email that any disciplinary follow-up would be strictly attendance-related. Preston said administrators and staff were aware of the protest "several days prior" and were careful to maintain a neutral political message. Advertisement Advertisement Zayas said the protest was a way to help her friends' immigrant parents by bringing immigration policy awareness to the school and community. She said she feels frustrated that she and her friends can't vote until the next presidential election. "Sometimes, we can't voice our opinions without being told we're just kids," she said. "It may seem little, but our voices do mean something, and it's something that a lot of us forget. So this gave us a purpose." An hour into the walkout, a group of about 20 students shed their coats and danced on the green-painted concrete of the band practice lot, skipping and twirling. A mariachi song about a feisty bull played from a speaker. The students formed a ring, some climbing on each other's shoulders, which 20 minutes later became a mass of at least 80. By 11 o'clock, the dancing wound down and the walkout began to disband. Friends grouped up to walk back to class. One girl turned to her friends as they stepped off the practice lot and, face flushed, reveled in the excitement of the morning: "I feel so alive right now." Advertisement Advertisement Contact Israel Schuman atischuman@gannett.com or on X @ischumanwrites. This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: Lafayette Jeff students join statewide movement, stage class walkout MOSCOW (AP) The Kremlin said Thursday it regretted the expiration of the last remaining nuclear arms pact between Russia and the United States, while U.S. President Donald Trump declared he was against keeping its limits and wants a better deal. The pact's termination left no caps on the two largest atomic arsenals for the first time in more than a half-century, fueling fears of an unconstrained nuclear arms race. Russian President Vladimir Putin last year declared his readiness to stick to the treatys limits for another year if Washington followed suit, but Trump has ignored the offer and argued that he wants China to be a part of a new pact something Beijing has rebuffed. Advertisement Advertisement Rather than extend NEW START (A badly negotiated deal by the United States that, aside from everything else, is being grossly violated), we should have our Nuclear Experts work on a new, improved, and modernized Treaty that can last long into the future, Trump posted on his Truth Social network. Putin discussed the pacts expiration with Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Wednesday, noting the U.S. failure to respond to his proposal to extend its limits and saying that Russia will act in a balanced and responsible manner based on thorough analysis of the security situation, Kremlin adviser Yuri Ushakov said. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Moscow views the treaty's expiration Thursday negatively and regrets it. He said Russia will maintain its responsible, thorough approach to stability when it comes to nuclear weapons, adding that "of course, it will be guided primarily by its national interests. Peskov emphasized that if we receive constructive responses, we will certainly conduct a dialogue. Advertisement Advertisement With the end of the treaty, Moscow remains ready to take decisive military-technical measures to counter potential additional threats to the national security, the Russian Foreign Ministry said. Even as New START expires, the U.S. and Russia agreed Thursday to reestablish high-level, military-to-military dialogue following a meeting between senior officials from both sides in Abu Dhabi, the U.S. military command in Europe said. The link was suspended in 2021 as relations between Moscow and Washington grew increasingly strained before Russia sent troops into Ukraine in February 2022. Details of the pact New START, signed in 2010 by then-President Barack Obama and his Russian counterpart, Dmitry Medvedev, restricted each side to no more than 1,550 nuclear warheads on no more than 700 missiles and bombers deployed and ready for use. It was originally supposed to expire in 2021 but was extended for five more years. Advertisement Advertisement The pact envisioned sweeping on-site inspections to verify compliance, although they stopped in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic and never resumed. In February 2023, Putin suspended Moscows participation, saying Russia couldnt allow U.S. inspections of its nuclear sites at a time when Washington and its NATO allies have openly declared Moscows defeat in Ukraine as their goal. At the same time, the Kremlin emphasized it wasnt withdrawing from the pact altogether, pledging to respect its caps on nuclear weapons. In offering in September to abide by New STARTs limits for a year to buy time for both sides to negotiate a successor agreement, Putin said the treaty's expiration would be destabilizing and could fuel nuclear proliferation. New START was the last remaining pact in a long series of agreements between Moscow and Washington to limit their nuclear arsenals, starting with the SALT I in 1972. Advertisement Advertisement Trump wants China in a pact Trump has indicated he would like to keep limits on nuclear weapons but wants to involve China in a potential new treaty. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Wednesday that Trump has made clear in order to have true arms control in the 21st century, its impossible to do something that doesnt include China because of their vast and rapidly growing stockpile. In his first term, Trump tried and failed to push for a three-way nuclear pact involving China. Beijing has balked at any restrictions on its smaller but growing nuclear arsenal, while urging the U.S. to resume nuclear talks with Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Chinas nuclear forces are not at all on the same scale as those of the U.S. and Russia, and thus China will not participate in nuclear disarmament negotiations at the current stage, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said Thursday. He said China regrets the expiration of New START and calls on the U.S. to resume nuclear dialogue with Russia soon. Beijing, he said, urges the U.S, to respond positively to Moscows suggestion that the two sides continue observing the core limits of the treaty for now. Peskov reaffirmed Thursday that Moscow respects Beijing's position. He and other Russian officials have repeatedly argued that any attempt to negotiate a broader nuclear pact instead of a U.S.-Russian deal should also involve nuclear arsenals of NATO members France and the U.K. Arms control advocates bemoaned the end of New START and warned of the imminent threat of a new arms race. Advertisement Advertisement If the Trump administration continues to stiff-arm nuclear arms control diplomacy with Russia and decides to increase the number of nuclear weapons in the U.S. deployed strategic arsenal, it will only lead Russia to follow suit and encourage China to accelerate its ongoing strategic buildup in an attempt to maintain a strategic nuclear retaliatory strike capability vis-a-vis the United States, said Daryl Kimball, executive director of the Arms Control Association in Washington. Such a scenario could lead to a years-long, dangerous three-way nuclear arms buildup. ___ This version of the story corrects that Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said Beijing calls on the U.S. to respond positively to Moscows proposal to keep adhering to the treaty, not that China views it positively. ___ Advertisement Advertisement Associated Press writers Ken Moritsugu in Beijing and Aamer Madhani in Washington contributed to this report. ___ The Associated Press receives support for nuclear security coverage from the Carnegie Corporation of New York and Outrider Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content. ___ Additional AP coverage: https://apnews.com/projects/the-new-nuclear-landscape/ By Andrius Sytas VILNIUS, Feb 5 (Reuters) - Latvia has launched a criminal investigation into potential human trafficking after the release of documents related to late U.S. sex offender Jeffrey Epstein that included references to Latvian model agencies and models, police in the Baltic nation said on Thursday. The investigation, which also involves Latvia's prosecutors and its Organised Crime Bureau, will centre on "the possible recruitment of Latvian nationals for sexual exploitation in the United States", police said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement It has asked potential victims to come forward. Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics called for the investigation after the public broadcaster reported the Epstein documents included passport data and travel details for several Latvian women. Eriks Neisans, head of the Natalie modelling agency mentioned in the documents, denied any knowledge of wrongdoing to the public broadcaster. The U.S. Justice Department's recent release of millions of internal documents related to Epstein has revealed the late financier and sex offender's ties to many prominent people in politics, finance, academia and business - both before and after he pleaded guilty in 2008 to prostitution charges. Latvia's neighbour Lithuania has launched its own investigation into human trafficking earlier this week. (Reporting by Andrius Sytas in Vilnius; Editing by Alex Richardson) By the time Laura Farnsworth Dogu stepped onto the tarmac at Maiquetia International Airport near Caracas on Jan. 31, the assignment before her was already the most consequential of her career. Tapped earlier this month by President Donald Trump as the United States lead diplomat to Venezuela, Dogu arrived in Caracas at a crucial political moment, following the capture of strongman Nicolas Maduro in a U.S. military operation, the installation of an interim government led by his vice president and close ally Delcy Rodriguez, and Washingtons push to reassert influence over a country whose oil wealth, institutions and foreign alliances have been reshaped by years of sanctions, repression and open hostility toward the United States. For Dogu, a veteran diplomat with deep experience in Central America and a reputation for steady, process-driven diplomacy, Venezuela represents both familiar ground and an entirely new level of complexity. Advertisement Advertisement This is not a ceremonial posting, said a former U.S. diplomat familiar with her career. Its crisis management, statecraft and economic strategy rolled into one. Frank Mora, a former Pentagon official who served as assistant secretary general of the Organization of American States and who has worked closely with Dogu for more than a decade, agrees. This is obviously not just a routine diplomatic appointment, Mora said. It reflects the administrations priority in Latin America at a moment that is extremely complex, fluid and uncertain. Dogu will be charge daffaires at the U.S. Embassy, a lower diplomatic title than that of ambassador. Her arrival also marks the formal reopening of the U.S. Embassy in Caracas, which had been shuttered for nearly seven years following a complete breakdown in diplomatic relations. Advertisement Advertisement The embassy was closed in stages in early 2019 amid escalating tensions between Washington and Maduros government, after the United States recognized opposition leader Juan Guaido as Venezuelas interim president and ordered the departure of non-emergency personnel and family members. On March 11, 2019, then-Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced the withdrawal of all remaining U.S. diplomats, citing deteriorating security conditions and the collapse of bilateral ties. From that point until early 2026, U.S. engagement with Venezuela was managed remotely through the Venezuela Affairs Unit, based at the U.S. Embassy in Bogota. The last U.S. ambassador to reside in Caracas was Patrick Duddy, whose tenure ended in July 2010; since then, Washington has relied on charges daffaires and, later, an ambassador-at-large operating outside the country. Dogus return to Caracas on Jan. 31, restores a physical U.S. diplomatic presence for the first time in years, underscoring both the scale of the political rupture that preceded it and the high stakes of the experiment now underway. A career forged under pressure Raised in a military family, Dogu, 61, often traces her commitment to public service to her father, a career U.S. Navy officer whose assignments took the family across the country and overseas. Advertisement Advertisement Growing up, I learned firsthand about the value of serving your country, she told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in 2015. My father spent a lifetime protecting America with tours of duty across the United States, abroad and at sea. That sense of mission carried her along an unconventional path into diplomacy. After earning a B.A. and B.B.A. from Southern Methodist University in 1985 and an M.B.A. in 1989, Dogu spent five years as a marketing representative at IBM before joining the U.S. Foreign Service in 1991. Her early postings as a consular officer in El Salvador, followed by consular and political assignments in Turkey placed her at the intersection of migration, security and governance issues that came to define much of her career. Additional assignments followed in Egypt, Mexico and Washington, including a stint at the State Departments operations center. Mora first met Dogu when she was serving as a U.S. consul in northern Mexico during one of the most violent periods of cartel warfare in Ciudad Juarez, while he was working at the Pentagon. Advertisement Advertisement She was right in the middle of that violence in Juarez and northern Mexico, Mora said. Those were extremely difficult years. By the time President Barack Obama nominated her as ambassador to Nicaragua in 2015, Dogu was serving as deputy chief of mission at the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City, one of Washingtons most demanding diplomatic posts. Latin America tenure Confirmed unanimously by the Senate, Dogu arrived in Managua as relations between Washington and President Daniel Ortegas government were deteriorating. In her confirmation testimony, she articulated a governing philosophy that has remained consistent: support for democratic institutions and human rights without imposing political systems from the outside. Her tenure coincided with Ortegas consolidation of power, the closure of civil society organizations and the erosion of political freedoms. Advertisement Advertisement In 2021, President Joe Biden nominated Dogu as ambassador to Honduras, where she navigated corruption scandals, migration pressures and shifting regional alliances under President Xiomara Castros leftist government. Mora, then at the OAS, worked closely with her again. Shes very strong, very straightforward, Mora said. No nonsense. Straight to business. Those traits, supporters say, are precisely what Washington needs in Caracas. Ambassador Dogu has earned the confidence of Secretary Rubio and his team, said Roger Noriega, a former assistant secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs under George W. Bush. She has a reputation for being clear-eyed and tough. Building the plane while flying it After leaving Honduras in 2025, Dogu briefly stepped outside traditional diplomacy, serving as a foreign policy adviser to Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The role deepened her exposure to defense planning and interagency coordination experience now central to her Venezuela portfolio. Advertisement Advertisement On Jan. 22, the Trump administration announced Dogu would become Washingtons top diplomat in Caracas. Her first high-level meeting came quickly: on Feb. 2, she met interim President Rodriguez at Miraflores Palace to discuss what both sides described as a new bilateral work agenda. According to Mora, much of the ongoing dialogue between Washington and Caracas will now flow directly through Dogu. I think the conversation is going to be primarily between Delcy and Laura, Mora said. Washington or the secretary of state will step in depending on the issue, but the constant contact is going to be through her. That structure, however, carries risks. Advertisement Advertisement As we used to say at the Pentagon, were building the plane while flying it, Mora said. There is no established framework for this. Stability versus change For Noriega, the central tension in Dogus assignment is not merely technical or diplomatic, but political and potentially explosive. I cant think of a more complicated assignment, he said. Her role is to manage the status quo while looking for the quickest path to democratic change. That balance, he argued, will be hard to maintain as Venezuelans grow impatient with interim authorities and look to a democratic transition. I think she will find that the people find Delcy intolerable, Noriega said. They want to run their own country. Advertisement Advertisement Noriega warned that prioritizing short-term stability could backfire if it reinforces structures Venezuelans associate with repression, amid concerns that the Trump administration is placing too much emphasis in opening the countrys oil industry to American companies and putting the process leading to a democratic transition on the back burner. Stability under an oppressive system is not a good thing, he said. Her team needs to tap into popular demands for real regime change without losing control of the process. That, he added, requires shifting power away from political figures and toward technocrats and institutional actors capable of governing during a transition. The key is steadily empowering technocrats who actually want to change things, Noriega said, and urgently identifying military officers who will protect the people, support a transition, and welcome new democratic leadership. An unprecedented experiment Even with Maduro removed, Venezuelas path out of crisis remains long and politically fragile. Institutions are hollowed out, the economy distorted and the oil sector severely degraded. Advertisement Advertisement Mora describes the situation as an unprecedented experiment one without a historical playbook. To my knowledge, there is no empirical case like this, he said. A powerful country trying to guide another country in this way perhaps not since the early 20th century. There is no master plan, he said, and no agreed framework. Both sides are improvising, Mora said. Theyre trying to figure out how each can achieve their interests, which in many respects are not the same. Thats the dance were in. For Dogu, the challenge will be to navigate that dance without becoming the face of Venezuelas internal struggles or the guarantor of an interim order that Venezuelans ultimately reject. Venezuela is orders of magnitude more complex than Honduras or Nicaragua, said the former diplomat familiar with Dogus career. But if you wanted someone who understands authoritarian systems, economic fragility and the limits of U.S. power, shes a logical choice. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers have reportedly left so-called "death cards" behind after making arrests in Colorado. Now, Democratic lawmakers are demanding answers from the Department of Homeland Security. In January, reports surfaced that ICE agents were leaving ace of spades playing cards - labeled "ICE Denver Field Office" - inside vehicles after detaining individuals in Eagle County. Family members of detainees later discovered the cards. The imagery has drawn particular scrutiny because of its historical association with the Vietnam War. During that time, U.S. troops would leave ace of spades cards in areas where Viet Cong fighters were killed. It's symbol long viewed as intimidation. Advertisement Advertisement After reports began circulating, ICE said it launched an internal review and denounced the practice. "ICE is investigating this situation, but unequivocally condemns this type of action and/or officer conduct," the agency said in a statement. "Once notified, ICE supervisors acted swiftly to address the issue." Democrats step in, condemn alleged fake traffic stops Now, Colorado Democrats are pressing for further accountability. On Monday, Sens. John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet, along with Reps. Diana DeGette, Joe Neguse, Jason Crow, and Brittany Pettersen, sent a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. They called the reported conduct "unacceptable and dangerous." Advertisement Advertisement The lawmakers said the use of the cards risks intimidating Latino communities and raises serious civil rights concerns. They wrote that it "falls far short of the professional standards expected of federal agents." The letter also raises alarms about separate allegations that ICE agents conducted fake traffic stops to detain individuals. Voces Unidas made similar allegations to CBS, saying ICE agents imitated law enforcement officers by using unmarked vehicles with sirens. "We are deeply concerned by the allegations that the federal agents were utilizing sirens to falsely act as local law enforcement. This behavior leads individuals to believe they are lawfully required to pull over for a traffic violation when, in reality, the federal government has no authority over local or state traffic regulations," the lawmakers wrote. "Federal agents acting in disguise as local law enforcement is misconduct and should be treated as such." What Democrats are asking for In their letter to Noem, the lawmakers requested the following: Advertisement Advertisement A formal and detailed briefing on ICE activities in Eagle County. A written report on DHS's internal investigation. An independent investigation by the DHS Office of Inspector General into the Denver Field Office. Written confirmation of any disciplinary or corrective actions taken. They asked Noem to respond by Feb. 13. The post Lawmakers demand answers after reports of ICE leaving death cards' in Colorado appeared first on Straight Arrow News. Related Links Some state lawmakers are pushing to put date rape drug testing kits in Ohio bars and restaurants. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] As reported on News Center 7 Daybreak, Senate Bill 348 aims to require bars and restaurants to have date rape drug testing devices available for their customers use. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement If the bill passes, businesses would have to provide these kits for free or at a reasonable cost for customers. Mackenzie Manley owns Macks Tavern in Centerville. She said bars should not have to pick up the cost for these kits. Were trying to keep the lights on like everybody else in Ohio and across the United States, she said. So, thats just a cost that we dont have. Barbara Ward is the Director of Development and Communications for the YWCA of Dayton. She told our news crew that she supports the bill because its another tool to try to stop sexual violence. At the end of the day, having these tools and having access to them only promotes the safety of patrons, said Ward. But I also think that this is a cultural, a cultural conversation that we need to have around the safety of all people. The bill still must pass the Ohio Senate and the Ohio House before being sent to the governor. We will continue to follow this story. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] WARREN, Ohio (WKBN) The League of Women Voters of Ohio was in Warren on Wednesday, raising concerns about minority and population representation in the citys wards. The group argues the ward map may need to be redrawn. Trevor Martin with the League of Women Voters expressed his concerns. Weve noticed that theres a few communities that have kind of fallen out of compliance with equal population. You know, the decennial census comes out every 10 years with those census numbers. You need to redistrict your city wards as well, Martin said. Advertisement Advertisement Martin cited that the citys maps havent been redrawn since 1991, and adding the pandemic to the mix during the 2020 census, he says the current 7th Ward map cant accurately represent the populations in each ward. I kind of brought this to their attention and trying to figure out a way where we could remedy the issue but bring the most citizen involvement, and, as possible, it really include the residents of Warren, Martin said. Warren City Councilman-at-large Greg Thumm says he acknowledges the city needs to update its map but that it will take some time. Todays topic was actually about the actual boundary lines of the wards, so that the wards, over time, some wards are much smaller than they should be, and some wards are much larger than they are compared to the small ones. The boundary lines are to bring people from one ward and district them into a ward of a lower size, Thumm said. Advertisement Advertisement Thumm said the first step before any map is redrawn is to get the residents of Warren involved. Its a little more complicated than just redrawing a map. Were going to do it, for lack of a better term, a dog and pony show, where were going to go to every ward and have neighborhood meetings with interesting constituents who want to talk about their concerns and address them. Its all about transparency and making sure that the people of this city are comfortable with the way that were redistricting, Thumm said. Thumm says those meetings will be happening in the near future. Martin says the city needs to have their maps updated 150 days before the council primaries in March 2027. He hopes that by the 2030 census, Warren will have fair and accurate representation. Advertisement Advertisement Were really looking forward to 2030 and really getting people kind of ready and prepared for that so we can take an actual count and really get folks proper representation, Martin 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 WKBN.com. A masked U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent knocks on a car window on Jan. 12, 2026, in Minnesota. (Photo by Nicole Neri/Minnesota Reformer) Two years ago, when I moved to Hays, I knew that I would be moving to a town mostly populated by right-wing conservatives. Despite being an avowed lefty, this didnt bother me. My closest friend and his entire family are quintessential American conservatives. Over the years, we have been on countless camping trips and vacations. They introduced me to guns, taught me to shoot and took me on my first deer hunt. Late at night sitting around the dying embers of a campfire, our conversations would inevitably turn to politics. We sometimes found common ground, but even when we didnt, it didnt seem to matter because our shared passion for the outdoors and what we had accomplished during the day. Advertisement Advertisement Over time, I found myself warming to one of their most firmly held positions. I began to think that the American right an armed citizenry constantly on guard against government overreach might actually be a good safeguard against authoritarianism taking hold in our country. My belief in this idea has dimmed and brightened over the years. Following my experience at a protest in Hays, I fear that it may have been extinguished for good. The protest took place on Sunday, Jan. 11, at the corner of 27th and Vine in Hays. The goal was to protest the expansion of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and to express outrage at the fatal shooting of U.S. citizen Renee Nicole Good at the hands of an ICE agent in Minneapolis the week before. The turnout was small, with no more than 20 people, but the passion and frustration were palpable. Advertisement Advertisement One womans sign quoted Martin Luther King Jr.s famous words: Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere! Another read, Im a bitch are you going to shoot me too? referencing words spoken by an ICE agent after Good was shot. Many passers-by showed their support for the protest with a thumbs-up or an enthusiastic honk. Others signaled their opposition with a shake of the head or an exaggerated scoff behind a closed window. Some were bolder with their disagreement. One middle-age woman, her face flushed red, leaned out the window of her pickup and screamed, F***ing cockroaches! Several gave us the finger, though in a timid fashion, their hands barely rising above the windowsill, while others waited until the light changed green to shout something as they sped away, their words lost in the noise of traffic. Advertisement Advertisement As is often the case in the modern world, much of the community dialogue about the protest and the events that inspired it unfolded online. The Hays Post published two stories about the protest on its Facebook page, generating nearly 1,500 comments between them. Sifting through hundreds of dissenting comments from right-leaning Kansans, I found none of the libertarian, revolutionary zeal that I always quietly admired about the right. Instead, I discovered a longing for authority and a celebration of state violence. Many declared Renee Nicole Good the f*** around and find out champion. One man posted an AI rendering of a fountain in the likeness of Good, with a hole in her forehead and water spouting out. Another posted a meme showing Goods body slumped over in her car after being shot. The caption read: lived her life as a leftist, died leaning right. The callous and at times even celebratory attitude toward death is vile. More troubling still was a central theme running through the hundreds of comments: the suggestion that protesting ICE is un-American and that any resistance to ICE agents amounts to a forfeiture of ones life. Advertisement Advertisement Many of these commenters undoubtedly see themselves as patriotic Americans cut from the same cloth as revolutionary figures of old like Paul Revere, Thomas Paine or Samuel Adams. The irony, of course, is that their condemnation of the protest in Hays and their blanket calls for submission to authority a couple of people actually wrote Comply or Die bear far more resemblance to a loyalist position than a revolutionary one. One can imagine what these commenters would say were they transported back in time to 1775 following the Boston Massacre. They were obstructing official business, what did they expect!? They threw snowballs at the redcoats. Sorry, they brought it on themselves! Advertisement Advertisement Judging by their blind deference toward ICE, most of these folks would have sooner turned out their pockets to every passing redcoat or have eagerly prepared bierocks for those demanding quarter than they would have protested for the rights later enshrined in the Third Amendment. Conservatives today insist that ICE is saving America and only targeting criminals. This faith persists despite mounting evidence that countless U.S. citizens are being harassed, assaulted, detained and in some cases deported by ICE. If defenders of this system are unaware of these facts, their ignorance is itself damning. If they are aware and accept such abuses as acceptable, they should remember Benjamin Franklins words: Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety. Advertisement Advertisement These defenders of ICE fail to consider what will happen to the organization when it has completed its objectives. When every undocumented immigrant has been purged from the United States, will an $11 billion law enforcement agency simply dissolve, or will it find a new class of people to police and deport? If anything is true about money and power in America, its that once granted they are rarely given back. The naivete of imagining that this unaccountable, masked, paramilitary force will act differently from its historical predecessors is alarming. Even more alarming is the thought that some Americans might not want it to. As one Kansan wrote in response to our protest: Im passed the point of wanting to deport illegals. I want to deport the people who want them here too. At the beginning of this column, I wrote that my belief in the American right as a bulwark against tyranny had been extinguished. But I also believe that it can be relit. It is not too late for right-leaning Kansans to actually defend the values that so many see fit to advertise on bumper stickers, flags and T-shirts. Sam Foglesong is a scholar of African Studies and a writer who lives in Hays. 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. By Chris Prentice NEW YORK, Feb 5 (Reuters) - Federal prosecutors plan to increase incentives for companies that cooperate during criminal investigations, including promises not to prosecute them, the U.S. Attorney in Manhattan said on Thursday. Jay Clayton's remarks at an industry conference come as the Justice Department is scaling back corporate crime enforcement and refocusing on immigration and drug cases under the Trump administration. Companies need to know there is a specific benefit to cooperating with U.S. prosecutors in rooting out wrongdoers, Clayton said at the Securities Enforcement Forum in New York. That includes offering companies so-called non-prosecution agreements, or NPAs deals which Democrats have criticized in the past. "Our approach is going to be: let's get an NPA signed as quickly as possible that calls for continued cooperation," he said. Clayton, an appointee of President Donald Trump, said the different approach on cooperation would benefit shareholders, too. He previously led the Securities and Exchange Commission, a civil regulator, during Trump's first presidential term, and focused on retail investors at the time. Those retail investors continue to be among his top priorities on white-collar crime issues, he said, noting he has an eye on misconduct in small-cap stocks, private funds and prediction markets. When asked if he foresees prosecutions in those so-called event contracts, he said: "Yes." Clayton also criticized past enforcement of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, a 1977 law that bans companies that operate in the U.S. from bribing foreign officials. The Justice Department paused the law's enforcement last year and resumed it with a plan for a more scaled-back approach. Clayton criticized the law for putting the U.S. at a disadvantage to other countries and penalizing companies instead of targeting individual wrongdoers. "I hate corruption of foreign officials," Clayton said. "I hate the FCPA as applied." (Reporting by Chris Prentice ; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama ) The World Food Prize is turning 40 and plans to celebrate the milestone by spotlighting iconic Iowans and locations. The foundation launched its "One-of-a-Kind" campaign to honor its Iowa roots. Each month, the organization will be in a different part of the state, recognizing another Iowan who has made a significant impact on food security. World Food Prize visits Ames for George Washington Carver Day Dr. George Washington Carver and Iowa State University were the first stop on the World Food Prize campaign trail. Carver was Iowa State's first black student and faculty member. He taught innovative agricultural lessons for many years. Advertisement Advertisement George Washington Carver Day is celebrated annually on Feb. 1, "to remember and honor George Washington Carvers work ethic and inspiring innovation, and to help young people understand the extraordinary opportunities in science - and life," according to Iowa State's website. CEO Tom Vilsack visited Ames High School and the Ames Regional Economic Alliance on Friday, Jan. 30, to discuss how Carver's legacy connects to todays global food security challenges. More: Wrongful death and stalking. 2026 trials to watch in the Ames area He hopes the campaign educates Iowans and prompts them to share more iconic Iowa individuals and places. Advertisement Advertisement "There are a lot of interesting people that came from Iowa, and there are a lot of locations that are pretty iconic," Vilsack said. "But it's important for Iowans to have a better understanding of things like this in the state so that we can convince our kids and our grandkids that there's a state worth building and growing and investing in." World Food Prize CEO Tom Vilsack speaks with the Ames Regional Economic Alliance in Ames on Jan. 30, 2026, in Ames, Iowa. What is the World Food Prize? The World Food Prize is an annual $500,000 award to inspire achievements in improving the quality, quantity and availability of food in the world. The award and foundation were started in 1986 by Nobel Peace Prize winner Dr. Norman Borlaug. The prize is announced in the spring and presented on or around Oct. 16, UN World Food Day. The World Food Prize is asking supporters to participate in a 40 for 40 campaign, or make donations of $40 to mark its 40th anniversary. Advertisement Advertisement More: Documentary film festival looks to highlight Ames creative energy Tom Vilsack addresses food insecurity Food and nutrition insecurity are far more widespread than many people realize and are part of the same problem, Vilsack said. "When we talk about food security, people usually are talking about the quantity of food; when you talk about nutrition insecurity, it's about the nutritional value," Vilsack said. "Because I could feed you, but I could not necessarily feed you well. So there are challenges everywhere." He said necessary strategies to reduce insecurity include creating jobs with sufficient income; food assistance programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP); and food banks and pantries providing assistance. World Food Prize CEO Tom Vilsack speaks to Ames High School students on Jan. 30, 2026, in Ames, Iowa. World Food Prize CEO thinks school lunches should be free Vilsack said free school lunches for all students is "the right thing to do." Advertisement Advertisement He said schools would be better off if they didn't have to deal with the administrative hassle of distinguishing between kids who can afford lunch, kids who can afford some of it, and kids who can't afford any. More: A new housing subdivision may be coming to Ames. What to know: "By creating a universal free meal program which is reimbursed by the federal government, you are essentially easing the administrative burden and the cost of the program on your local school district," Vilsack said. "It can help squeeze and stretch those school budgets so that they have a little extra cash, whether it's paying teachers more, having an AP course that they can't afford otherwise, doing some infrastructure improvement." The foundation has several youth education programs to inspire students. To learn more, visit their website: www.worldfoodprize.org. Advertisement Advertisement The World Food Prize has not yet revealed where they are headed next or who they'll profile. Vilsack said they hope to build suspense by announcing just before their visit. Celia Brocker is a government, crime, political and education reporter for the Ames Tribune. She can be reached at CBrocker@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Ames Tribune: What Vilsack, World Food Prize say about food insecurity, school lunch KARACHI, Feb 5 (Reuters) - Pakistan's military said on Thursday that it had concluded a week-long security operation against separatists in Balochistan, killing 216 militants in targeted offensives across the troubled southwestern province. Balochistan, Pakistan's largest and poorest province, was brought to a virtual standstill on Saturday when the separatist Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) stormed schools, banks, markets and security installations across the region in one of their largest operations ever. The military said 22 security personnel and 36 civilians were killed in the attacks. Advertisement Advertisement The BLA's coordinated strikes in over a dozen locations began after the military launched its "intelligence driven" Radd Al-Fitna 1 (countering chaos) operation, which the army said began on January 29. "Through meticulous planning, actionable intelligence, and seamless joint execution Pakistans security forces and law enforcement agencies with support of intelligence agencies under Operation Radd-ul-Fitna-1 responded with precision and resolve," the military said in a statement, adding that 216 militants had been killed in all of Balochistan since the operation began. Security officials and witnesses said the insurgents seized government buildings and police stations in several locations, including taking over the desert town of Nushki for three days before they were pushed out. Helicopters and drones were deployed to Nushki to end the siege, security officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Mineral-rich Balochistan borders Iran and Afghanistan and is home to Beijing's investment in the Gwadar deepwater port and other projects. It has grappled with a decades-long insurgency led by ethnic Baloch separatists seeking greater autonomy and a larger share of its natural resources. (Reporting by Saad Sayeed; Editing by YP Rajesh) ANDERSON Several Department of Justice prosecutors and an FBI supervisor have, reportedly, resigned after trying to investigate why an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent was not immediately placed on leave following the fatal shooting of Renee Good. The ICE agent, Jonathan Ross, is an Anderson University graduate. Good was shot Jan. 7 during an immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis. Videos of the incident show the 37-year-old Minneapolis resident attempting to drive away from Ross and other ICE agents before three shots were fired through the windshield of her SUV. Advertisement Advertisement Additional footage of the incident from Ross cellphone begins from a vantage point in front of Goods burgundy Honda Pilot, which was stopped and at least partially blocking traffic on a residential street. The camera pans across the front of the vehicle to the drivers side, where Good through an open window addresses Ross by saying, Thats fine, dude. Im not mad at you. After a brief interaction with Goods wife, Becca who held up a cellphone, apparently recording, and said, You wanna come at us? I say go get yourself some lunch, big boy another officer is heard telling Good, get out of the f---ing car. In Ross video, Good is seen glancing forward before driving forward. As the car moves, Ross cries out, whoa, then three gunshots are heard. Advertisement Advertisement Ross was later placed on leave, according to a statement from Department of Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin published by the Huffington Post. An Anderson University spokesperson confirmed in an email that Ross, an Iraq war veteran, began studying at the school in September 2001. He graduated from AU in 2007 with degrees in psychology and business administration. University officials declined further comment. Later in 2007, Ross joined the U.S. Border Patrol near El Paso, Texas, according to The Andersonian, the universitys student newspaper. Less than three weeks after the Jan. 7 shooting of Good, Tracee Mergen, a supervisor in the FBIs field office in Minneapolis, resigned, reportedly following pressure from bureau headquarters in Washington to abandon her inquiry. Advertisement Advertisement The killing of Good and the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti 17 days later have escalated tensions in Minneapolis as the Trump administrations immigration enforcement operations have generated pushback from local and state officials, as well as dozens of protests. Ross, who has served as a deportation officer since 2015, is married and lives in suburban Minneapolis, Newsweek reported. He previously served in the Indiana National Guard from 2002 to 2008 and was a machine gunner in Iraq, according to court documents obtained by WCBU, a news station in Peoria, Ill. An official with the Indiana National Guard told WCBU that Ross earned an Army Commendation Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal and the Iraq Campaign Medal. Advertisement Advertisement The Peoria TV station reported that a legal case last month stemmed from an incident in which Ross was dragged by a vehicle as a suspect attempted to flee. Ross testified his arm was inside the suspects vehicle when the suspect sped off, the report said. Ross was treated for a leg injury after the incident, court records show. Ross joined the U.S. Border Patrol, and was assigned to a post near El Paso, Texas, before trasferring to ICE in 2015, WCBU reported. He told the court he is an active shooter instructor, field intelligence officer and SWAT Team member in St. Paul, Minnesota. Ross also told the court he was a member of the FBIs Joint Terrorism Task Force. LEBANON Students at Lebanon Elementary School were dismissed early Tuesday, after school officials said the building experienced an unusual odor. According to Superintendent Andrew Gonzalez, the unusual odor was traced to a boiler malfunction. Out of an abundance of caution, we followed our safety protocols and initiated an early dismissal, Gonzalez said. Students and staff were safe, and Gonzalez said there was no emergency situation. Advertisement Advertisement Facilities staff, along with first responders, assessed the issue. We appreciate the cooperation and flexibility of our families as we prioritized the health and safety of our school community, Gonzalez said. "They drove us out at gunpoint," says Lebanese citizen Zeinab Qataya, who fled her adopted home in Syria after the fall of Bashar al-Assad and returned to her country to live in a camp built by Hezbollah. The construction of the Imam Ali Housing Compound has proved controversial, but Lebanese and Syrian families pushed out of villages just over the border in Syria say they now rely on the Iran-backed movement for safety. Hezbollah has acknowledged intervening in Syria's civil war on Assad's behalf starting in 2013 from their foothold in the Qusayr area, home to border villages like Zeita where thousands of Lebanese Shiites have lived for decades. Advertisement Advertisement The militant group was driven out of Syria during the campaign that toppled Assad, but it still holds sway in this pocket of northeast Lebanon, whose government has since vowed to disarm them. "They burned our homes," says Qataya, a 56-year-old who fled Zeita for the Hezbollah-run compound. "What matters to us is... being able to return home safely." - Images of martyrs - More than half a million Syrian refugees returned to their country from Lebanon after an Islamist coalition's victory over Assad in 2024. The residents of the Imam Ali Housing Compound, meanwhile, were coming the other way. Advertisement Advertisement "The compound houses between 700 and 1,000 people," said a Hezbollah official accompanying an AFP team in a guided tour of the camp in the Hermel area. "They are mostly Lebanese, with some Syrians," all coming from border villages the group controlled before Assad's fall, he said, speaking on condition of anonymity. The Lebanese nationals living in Syria had retained their citizenship, but made the area around Qusayr their home, living and working alongside local Sunni residents. In the dry mountain winds, children returned from a Shiite religious celebration in Hermel and ran past the camp's store and barber shop to their ad hoc school. Advertisement Advertisement The walls of the local mosque had images of slain Iranian generals, including renowned covert operations commander Qassem Suleimani, glued on them. Portraits of killed Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah and current leader Naim Qassem hung from housing units. Hezbollah played a key role in Syria's 13-year civil war, fighting alongside Assad's forces. When it first established itself in Qusayr, thousands of Syrians were forced to flee, but it hastily retreated from the country after Assad's ouster. The border in the area is porous and poorly demarcated, which contributed to Lebanese nationals settling in Syria and facilitated the smuggling for which the region is known. Advertisement Advertisement - Iranian donations - In the compound, few residents were willing to speak to journalists, viewing them with suspicion. Under Assad, Syria was part of Iran's "axis of resistance" against Israel and enabled the transfer of weapons and money from Iran to Hezbollah The new authorities in Damascus have rejected Iranian influence and attempted to cut off the pipeline to the Lebanese movement. Much of the Hermel compound's funding comes from private donations from Iran, the Hezbollah member said. According to the group's al-Nour radio, the complex comprises 228 housing units. When it was built last year, some media outlets critical of Hezbollah accused it of using the compound to harbour officials from the Assad government. Advertisement Advertisement "We are not harbouring regime remnants here," said Ali al-Masri, an official in the Hermel municipality, calling the allegations "utter nonsense" and insisting that most in the camp were civilians. In January, Lebanon's military said that it carried out a raid after "some media outlets and news websites circulated information about the harbouring of wanted individuals and the presence of weapons inside a compound" in Hermel. The raid, it said, "did not result in any arrests or seizures". - 'Living happily' - According to the UN, around 115,000 people have entered Lebanon from Syria since the fall of Assad, many of them since the sectarian massacres that targeted the Alawite minority on the Syrian coast in March. Advertisement Advertisement Around a million Syrian refugees who previously fled the civil war remain in Lebanon. Khodr Ghurab, a 62-year-old van driver, said he was displaced from Zeita on December 8, the day Islamist-led rebels reached Damascus and Assad fled to Russia. Ghurab, a father of four, accused the Lebanese state of not helping them, "as if we were not Lebanese". "In Syria, education and transport were free... we were living happily." nad/dc/smw LEBANON The Senior Center in Lebanon was packed during the lunch hour as residents attended the Legislative update. The meeting was held by Representatives Tim Ackert and Mark DeCaprio. Ackert, a Republican, represents the towns of Bolton, Columbia, Coventry, Lebanon and Tolland in the 8th Assembly District. In the 48th Assembly District, DeCaprio, a Republican, represents the towns of Bozrah, Colchester, Franklin and Lebanon. Advertisement Advertisement During the meeting, residents were able to hear information about the Legislative session that began Wednesday. While at the Senior Center, Ackert and DeCaprio gave those who attended a Major Legislative Issues packet for 2026. Inside the packet included information such as appropriations for the current fiscal year, future fiscal years and budget reserve fund. According to the information provided, OFA projects the General Fund surplus of $92.2 million for fiscal year 2026, and that the surplus is about $213.7 million lower than originally budgeted. The decline comes from deficiencies in several areas such as State Employee Benefits at $82.8 million and Medicaid at $80 million. Advertisement Advertisement For future fiscal years, OFA projects the General Fund balances in fiscal year 2027 at $312.4 million, $62.6 million in fiscal year 2028, $21.7 million in fiscal year 2029, and $101.9 million for fiscal year 2030. The expenditure for growth was at 3% annualized and that it is projected to slightly outpace revenue growth at 2.8% annualized. During the meeting, it was followed by a Q&A session where residents could ask the representatives about various issues. Ackert shared with the seniors that during each legislative session, there are typically over 4,000 bills that are put forward, and this can come with participation of nearly 190 individuals in the state legislature. Advertisement Advertisement Just earlier this week during a committee meeting, Ackert said he presented about 20 new pieces and that about 100 bills were presented during that committee alone. That was an example of how fast bills are presented during the legislative session. My goal is to get on as many committees as possible, DeCaprio said. For each two year term, I try to switch committees, so I feel like a well-rounded legislator. DeCaprio currently serves on the committees of appropriations, judiciary, public safety and veterans. Ackert currently sits on appropriations, higher education and employment advancement and general law. Advertisement Advertisement Some of those bills Ackert has brought up during the legislative session for 2026 includes the sales price threshold of motor vehicles subject to a higher sales and use taxes rate, reimbursing municipalities for revenue loss associated with a veterans property tax credit, an act removing the public benefits charge from electric bills, Medicaid rate increases and a few others. In the district that Ackert and DeCaprio serve, they have about 25,000 people in total in their communities. Some other issues that were discussed during the meeting was vaping issues with younger people and the health risks that they pose. Whats surprising to me is the levels in some of these vaping products are over 90% of THC, DeCaprio said. Lebanon has accused Israeli aircraft of spraying an agricultural herbicide over southern villages at concentrations authorities described as dangerously high, raising concerns for food and environmental security. The agriculture and environment ministries said laboratory tests confirmed the substance was glyphosate, a chemical used to destroy vegetation, with concentrations in some samples "between 20 and 30 times the levels usually accepted". President Joseph Aoun condemned the spraying of what he described as "toxic substances", calling it a violation of Lebanese sovereignty and an environmental and health crime. Advertisement Advertisement The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) told the BBC they had no comment on the matter. The purpose behind the release of herbicide on the villages remains unclear. Residents in several border villages reported the spraying, which comes more than a year after a ceasefire ended a war between Israel and the Lebanese Shia Islamist group Hezbollah. Earlier in the week, United Nations peacekeepers in Lebanon said they had been notified by Israel of planned spraying near the border and were advised to take shelter. The communication forced them to cancel some of their planned operations. They said this was not the first time Israeli forces had dropped unknown chemical substances from aircraft over Lebanese territory. Advertisement Advertisement With tens of thousands still displaced after hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah in 2023-24, the challenges for returning home are compounded, according to Ramzi Kaiss, a researcher with Human Rights Watch in Lebanon. "These areas are heavily dependent on agriculture - olive groves, tobacco, and other crops - and this incident complicates people's ability to return to their homes, maintain their livelihoods, and rebuild after extensive destruction," Kaiss said. Experts warn that incidents like this do not only harm local ecosystems but also have broader economic consequences for Lebanon's farming sector. In April 2025, the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization reported that the 2024 conflict had caused more than $700m (515m; 600m euros ) in damage and losses to Lebanon's agricultural sector, particularly in the south and the Bekaa Valley. Advertisement Advertisement Environmental groups like Green Southerners in Lebanon also expressed concern about the impact on agricultural production and soil fertility. "These actions threaten ecosystems already damaged by white phosphorus, with serious risks to insect communities and natural pollinators, undermining biodiversity, food security, and local livelihoods," the group said in an Instagram post. But there's no universal consensus on the risks of glyphosate. The World Health Organization's (WHO) International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies it as "probably carcinogenic to humans," citing a link to non-Hodgkin lymphoma, while other regulatory bodies, including the US Environmental Protection Agency and European Food Safety Authority, have concluded it is unlikely to pose a carcinogenic risk to humans. The Lebanese foreign ministry said it intended to submit a formal complaint against Israel to the UN Security Council. Light snow throughout the morning of Thursday, Feb. 5 could make for a tricky commute across southeast Wisconsin, the National Weather Service says. A small clipper system is moving through the area and will cause snowfall until about 1 or 2 p.m. in the Milwaukee area, according to Kevin Wagner, a meteorologist for the Milwaukee/Sullivan NWS office. "We're not going to be seeing too much in the way of accumulation," Wagner said. "We may pick up around a dusting to a half inch in the Milwaukee area." Advertisement Advertisement Areas further north and west such as Fond du Lac, Sheboygan, Ozaukee and Washington counties may see closer to an inch of accumulation, Wagner added. Drivers should prepare for slick roads, though roads already well-traveled on seem to be relatively safe and just wet from snow, he said. The Milwaukee Department of Public Works, which has dispatched crews Thursday morning to manage the snow, is also warning residents of potentially slippery roads, per a Feb. 5 news release. Temperatures will linger in the low to mid 30s throughout Thursday which "should feel quite warm" compared to the bitter cold of the past few weeks, Wagner said. Another round of snow is expected between midnight and 9 a.m. Friday, Feb. 6, though if temperatures rise above freezing, this may transition to freezing drizzle in the Milwaukee area. West central counties are more likely to see snow throughout the night. Advertisement Advertisement "Pay attention to the forecast if you're traveling today or tomorrow morning," Wagner said. "Even a little bit of snow can cause some slick travel conditions." A cold front will briefly move through Milwaukee this weekend, dipping temperatures Saturday, Feb. 7 into highs in the teens or low 20s. By Sunday, Feb. 8, however, it will warm back up into high 20s to low 30s in southeast Wisconsin, and the warmer pattern is forecast to continue into early next week. Wisconsin weather radar This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Light snow to hit Milwaukee Thursday morning, overnight into Friday The Washington state Capitol on March 13, 2025. (Photo by Bill Lucia/Washington State Standard) During this years legislative session, our lawmakers face a difficult choice: Should Washington state cover the devastating funding cuts brought down by the Trump administration? Unfortunately, as the 60-day session nears its halfway mark, it looks more and more like Democrats in this Washington are neglecting to defend us from the attacks coming from the other Washington. House Bill 2100 one of the only bills that could raise revenue to backfill these cuts quickly is stalled in the House Finance Committee. Advertisement Advertisement Sponsored by Rep. Shaun Scott, HB 2100 would raise billions by taxing the states largest, most profitable corporations. This isnt just a policy debate; it is a race against time. If leadership fails to move the bill forward, the consequences will be measured in lost health care for our most vulnerable neighbors and shuttered services in rural communities. If lawmakers do not pass it out of the House Finance Committee, Washingtons most vulnerable populations will lose their health care while our wealthiest residents continue to see their bank accounts grow. With Republicans so-called Big Beautiful Bill at the federal level, the countrys wealthiest individuals received tax cuts of $80,000 per millionaire household. To fund these tax breaks, the law makes cuts to Medicaid, food assistance, and education. These cuts will hit each state but will hit rural areas the hardest. When budget cuts to federal programs leave individual Washingtonians without essential services, our state government has a responsibility to step in. Advertisement Advertisement There is growing momentum among establishment Democrats for a new source of progressive revenue to fund our states budget in the long-term an income tax on personal earnings over $1 million. Its dubbed the Millionaires Tax. But it would be 2029 before the first payments of this tax are made and thats if it survives expected efforts to overturn it in court and on the ballot. The income tax bill also includes new breaks for big business taxes just passed last year Washingtonians in crisis do not have the luxury of waiting years for the rollout of the income tax. Unfortunately, a troubling all-or-nothing narrative has taken hold in Olympia. As we saw in last years corporate-funded People for Affordable Washington, big business can threaten endless dollars to undo political decisions by elected representatives, but not pay what they truly owe in taxes. Advertisement Advertisement Legislative leadership is treating progressive revenue as a binary choice suggesting we can have either a tax on the wealthiest individuals that will take years to implement or a tax on massive corporations, but never both. This is a convenient fiction. We dont have to guess whether a payroll tax like HB 2100 will work; we already have the proof of concept in our own backyard. When Seattle passed the JumpStart payroll tax in 2020, critics warned of capital flight and economic ruin. The reality has been the exact opposite. JumpStart has consistently exceeded revenue projections and provided a vital lifeline for affordable housing and other critical social services. It proved that large corporations those that benefit most from our states infrastructure and educated workforce can and will pay their fair share without packing up their offices. HB 2100 simply takes this local success story and scales it to the state level, creating the Well Washington Fund to ensure that no rural hospital or food bank is left behind by federal austerity. Washingtonians deserve better than backroom deals that prioritize the comfort of the corporate lobby over the survival of our most vulnerable neighbors. We cannot afford to let HB 2100 die in committee because wealthy businesses want their bottom lines to remain untouched. Advertisement Advertisement Legislative leadership have a choice: they can stick to their corporate-friendly script, or they can listen to the thousands of Washingtonians who are demanding a budget that reflects our values. It is time to move past the false binary of this or that and embrace all of the above. Passing the Millionaires Tax is a start, but without HB 2100, we are leaving billions on the table while our neighbors lose their health care. If we leave HB 2100 to die in committee, we arent just losing a policy battle we are losing lives. We are choosing to let rural hospitals close and families go hungry while billionaire bank accounts grow. It is time for all of the above. Our neighbors lives are at stake. Feb. 5STOCKTON County officials, city leaders, homeless advocates, and affordable housing providers are concerned Gov. Gavin Newsom's budget proposal will threaten the progress made to reduce homelessness in California. Newsom's proposal includes significant reductions to the state's flagship Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention grant program outlined in last year's budget agreement. Funding for the program is being reduced to $500 million half the amount agreed upon last year. Advertisement Advertisement Local leaders said the proposal would reduce shelter capacity, eliminate rental assistance and halt the development of supportive housing. "Stable funding is essential for long-term program success," San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors chair Sonny Dhaliwal said. "We all know homelessness didn't happen overnight, and it won't be solved overnight either. The root causes, including mental health challenges, substance use, and the rising cost of living, are still very real, and that's why we have to stay focused on both housing solutions and the support services that help people remain safely housed." As former mayor of Lathrop, Dhaliwal said he has seen that addressing homelessness requires partnership at every level. Advertisement Advertisement He said the state plays a critical role by allocating resources fairly and equitably so local communities can respond effectively. Last year, San Joaquin County received nearly $3.4 million in HHAP funding to be allocated to housing providers. In addition, the San Joaquin County Continuum of Care which provides permanent supportive housing to homeless individuals and families with disabilities and transitional housing to homeless households through rent assistance, case management and supportive services received more than $3.5 million in funding. "Cutting funding in the middle of progress is short-sighted and will only drive up costs over time," Dhaliwal said. "I urge our legislators to listen to local governments and the care providers who face this crisis every day. We need stable funding to achieve the outcomes we all want more housing options for those in need, and the services that help people rebuild their lives and stay housed." Advertisement Advertisement In a letter to legislators this week, the League of California Cities, California State Association of Counties, California Big City Mayors and Bring California Home coalitions have called Newsom and state leadership to restore HHAP funding to $1 billion and commit to annual investments that match the scale of the homeless crisis. "The state has a moral responsibility to ensure Californians have a roof over their heads and are connected to the services they deserve," League of California Cities President Gabe Quinto said. "Cities fully expect to be held accountable for the public money we spend to get Californians off the streets and housed, but the state must be a strong funding partner to stem the tide on homelessness." Since 2023, HHAP funding has helped place more than 90,000 residents throughout the state into permanent housing. However, federal funding cuts and policy changes are placing more than 41,000 people at extreme risk of falling back into homelessness, officials said. According to San Joaquin County's 2024 Point-In-Time Count, some 4,732 people were experiencing homelessness a 104% increase from 2022. Advertisement Advertisement The unsheltered population grew to 3,469 in 2024 despite $60 million in state funding allocated for prevention and encampment resolutions. "Local governments can't solve homelessness alone," California State Association of Counties President Susan Ellenberg said. "We need the state to partner with us. Unless the state fully funds this successful program, we all risk eroding much of the progress that has been made in counties across the state." US employers cut more jobs last month than in any period since 2009. More than 100,000 workers were fired at Amazon, UPS, and Dow, and hiring was the slowest for any January on record, according to outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas. The low-fire, low-hire dynamic that has kept the US labor market in an anxious balance appears to have tipped. A chart showing the monthly change in US job growth. Amazon alone was directly or indirectly responsible for more than 40% of the losses, including 16,000 cuts at UPS after the carrier ended its Amazon delivery contract. (The 300 jobs eliminated at Jeff Bezos Washington Post will show up in Februarys numbers.) AI was blamed for only around 7% of the losses and, as White House tech czar David Sacks noted, that self-reported number is likely high. Tech investor Orlando Bravo said in a recent interview that CEOs are using AI as a cover for margin-padding layoffs; the real AI job losses are all still ahead. Rohan Goswami A Louisiana school "Teacher of the Year" who had been accused of inappropriate behavior with a former student has been arrested again on an additional charge. Christie Oster, the 38-year-old Broussard Middle School Teacher of the Year, was previously arrested by the Lafayette Police Department on charges of carnal knowledge of a juvenile and indecent behavior with juveniles. Her bond was set for $50,000 on those counts. She was arrested again this week on a new charge of indecent behavior with juveniles, KADN reported. A bond was set for $10,000 on that count. "We actually work in conjunction with the Lafayette Police Department," Capt. Zac Gerard of the Broussard Police Department in Louisiana told Fox News Digital during a phone call. Advertisement Advertisement Former Louisiana High School Teacher Indicted For Allegedly Trying To Entice Student Into Sex He explained that an additional charge of indecent behavior with juveniles was added based off of what had occurred within his department's jurisdiction. Authorities indicated that the accused woman turned herself in to the Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Office on the warrant, the outlet reported. Read On The Fox News App Louisiana Authorities, Federal Agents Nab All 8 Inmates Who Escaped In Jailbreak After Massive Manhunt A police officer patrols the street in Vail, Colo. (Getty Images) Oster had been arrested last week, according to the outlet, which added that the Lafayette Police Department indicated that the victim was one of the woman's former students. Advertisement Advertisement She was placed on leave by the Lafayette Parish School System, the report said. Naked Woman Allegedly Assaults Deputy While Intoxicated, Claims She Was Trying To Be A Mermaid Generic stock image of police car lights shot Sept. 8, 2020. She had been honored as the middle school's "Teacher of the Year" for the 2025-2026 school year, according to the outlet. Original article source: Louisiana school's teacher of the year accused of inappropriate conduct with former student Maine State Prison, the state's largest correctional facility, located in Warren. (Photo by Evan Popp/Maine Morning Star) Incarcerated Mainers can get college degrees, earn wages through remote work and vote. Theres universal access to medication for opioid use disorder in the states prisons, along with mental health services, collaborations with victim service organizations and reimagined living spaces to support rehabilitation. These opportunities for personal growth helped establish the Maine Model of Corrections as one of the countrys most restorative programs, with a revised mission to make communities safer by helping incarcerated people transform their lives. Advertisement Advertisement But then, to what end? asked Brandon Brown, who does criminal legal reform work and who once was incarcerated. Brown is among those including current and formerly incarcerated people, lawmakers and criminal justice advocates who are pushing for Maine to reinstate parole, a conditional early release the state abolished roughly 50 years ago. Maine was the first state to do so and one of 16 that remains without such a system today. Parole is not automatic but a condition granted by a parole board for someone to serve the remainder of their sentence supervised in the community, while adhering to specific rules. Research shows that people released to parole have lower recidivism rates than peers who served out full sentences in prison. Since parole ended in 1976, sentences in Maine ballooned by about 20%, and the state prison population has tripled. Its also aging rapidly, raising state costs for care, which parole advocates point to when arguing that reestablishing the practice will also help the taxpayer. Advertisement Advertisement For the system to function well and accomplish the goal that it tells society it sets out to accomplish, then people shouldnt continue to languish in prison after theyve proven that they are no longer a threat to our community, Brown said. But opponents contend that more comprehensive changes to Maines criminal code would be needed for parole to be effectively reestablished. The Maine Department of Corrections also argues the current system is sufficient, pointing to changes to the supervised community confinement program a few years back that allow people to serve the final few months of a sentence in the community. Brown was the first to participate in that program after helping draft the policy. He and others are also pushing legislation to further expand the program. But neither that bill nor the parole bill is expected to pass this year. Previous attempts to reestablish parole have seen unified opposition from Gov. Janet Mills, a former prosecutor, and Attorney General Aaron Frey. Meanwhile, the bill to further expand supervised community confinement has been tabled in the Maine House of Representatives since last year and requires more votes. It had passed narrowly last spring, though several Republicans were absent at the time. Advertisement Advertisement But the bill sponsor, Democratic Rep. Nina Milliken of Blue Hill, has already vowed to bring both proposals back next session every session til we pass it, or til I get the boot. The parole proposal Maine abolished parole on May 1, 1976, amid a nationwide reevaluation of the criminal justice system that resulted in a move toward determinate sentencing a fixed length of incarceration that isnt subject to change by a parole board. The bill being considered this session, LD 1941, would reestablish parole for everyone after that date, which was the recommendation of the 2021 state commission on the topic. However, that could change. While several Republicans on the Judiciary Committee have already said they wouldnt back any version of a parole bill, Democrats are split on whether the plan should take effect retroactively or prospectively. The committee tabled it Wednesday for further discussion. Advertisement Advertisement As currently drafted, someone would either need to have served at least half of their sentence or 20 years, whatever comes first, before becoming eligible. This was a concession made in response to criticism of an earlier proposal requiring only one-third of a sentence to be served before eligibility. The sentencing court would also have to specify if people sentenced to life in prison are eligible for parole, and no one would be eligible for parole until at least five years after the effective date of the legislation. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Currently, parole remains for those sentenced before May 1, 1976, and for people sentenced elsewhere and now incarcerated in Maine. Because of that, Maine has a parole board and supervises 70 people from out of state on parole. Pointing to that, Milliken said the state already assumes the inherent risk of having people on parole in the community. Advertisement Advertisement Parole is also not like, OK, well just open up the front door, and anyone that wants to can just head out, head home, she said. The bill as drafted outlines specifics that a seven-member parole board would weigh when deciding whether someone could get parole including a comprehensive assessment of risk and suitability, whether the person has harassed their victim in any way while incarcerated, proof of rehabilitation and a plan for reentry. Separate guidelines apply to those convicted of domestic violence or sex offenses. Victims would also be notified when someone applies for parole, as well as the dates of hearings and board decisions thereafter. A case for rehabilitation The reevaluation that led to Maine doing away with parole was driven by skepticism about whether someone could be changed, among other considerations. Now, people whove been incarcerated say the lack of parole is hampering rehabilitation. I feel very hamstrung when I know what I could be doing, said Leo Hylton, whose earliest release date is 2050 after being sentenced for attempted murder in 2008 when he was 18 years old. Advertisement Advertisement Hes since received three degrees an associates and bachelors in liberal arts and a masters in conflict analysis and resolution and is working on a fourth a PhD at George Mason Universitys Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution in the works. He also taught a class on incarceration and abolition at Colby College, and hes believed to be the first incarcerated person in the United States hired and paid as an adjunct to teach college students who are outside prison. I know what good I could be doing on the other side of this wall, Hylton said. I know that the way that I move in the world today could have such a greater impact to interrupt cycles of violence and harm in my community and in other communities. The absence of further opportunities for personal growth or goal-oriented programs can cause incarcerated people to backslide and return to old habits, research shows. At some point theres no more opportunities for you, Brown said. For the system to function well and accomplish the goal that it tells society it sets out to accomplish, then people shouldn't continue to languish in prison after they've proven that they are no longer a threat to our community. Brandon Brown After being sentenced to 17 years for attempted murder when he was 21 years old, Brown exhausted the available education opportunities afforded to people in prison after receiving his associates and bachelors degrees. So he advocated to get his masters in restorative justice becoming the first to complete an advanced degree in a Maine prison and then began his PhD, opening up a path for others to do so. Advertisement Advertisement Parole kind of requires the Department of Corrections to have the programming and opportunities be more widely available, Brown said. For Milliken, parole is especially important for people sentenced when they were young, given that science indicates peoples brains are still developing into their early 20s. Last year, the Legislature rejected a bill that would have required judges to consider a defendants age in sentencing. I find it morally reprehensible that you would sentence particularly someone that young to life in prison without any consideration for the fact that they might have some growing left to do, Milliken said. Maines incarceration rates stand out internationally. According to the Prison Policy Institute, the state locks up a higher percentage of its people compared with most democratic countries. Advertisement Advertisement Maines incarcerated population also contains stark racial disparities and is growing older and sicker, Milliken said. Theres a pod in Mountain View Correctional Facility people refer to as a nursing home. Elderly people are the most expensive for the state to house. Many of them have been in prison for decades, and many of them have been identified as being rehabilitated, Milliken said. Others who are incarcerated say they have more growth to do, but that the possibility of parole would give them something concrete to work toward. Thats the case for Earl Buddy Bieler III, who was sentenced to 55 years for murder and attempted murder when he was 25 years old. Hed started using drugs as a child and continued once incarcerated, landing him in and out of segregation a repeating pattern of self-sabotage, as he described it, until a brush with death broke that cycle. He began taking recovery classes and pursuing a college degree. Advertisement Advertisement I started to see a little bit of light, he said, and its just, I dont know how to explain to you that its different. If parole were reinstated, he doesnt believe a board would grant it to him today. But he said he no longer feels like it would be out of reach eventually because of the progress hes already made. The bill would direct the parole board to consider things like participation in treatment and behavioral programming, and educational achievement giving people like Hylton and Bieler a clear path to demonstrate their readiness for release. Im not saying that people dont deserve to pay for the crime. Im not saying that at all, Bieler said, adding that he thinks about the crimes he committed every day. What I am saying is that people do change, and they put the work in, and they put the work in knowing theyre not even going home. All were asking for is a chance for those ones who put that work in to sit before a board and be judged. Thats it. Opposition remains Maine has attempted several times to reinstate parole, sporadically over the past several decades and more often in recent years since the commissions recommendation, though all have failed so far. A key concern held by even those who say they are not opposed to the concept of parole is the bills retroactive application. How will an indeterminate sentencing structure be layered over a determinate sentence already issued by the courts, where a judge has essentially already set a jail-community supervision balance? Andrea Mancuso, public policy director of the Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence, asked the Judiciary Committee during a public hearing in early January. The lack of community-based services such as housing, mental health treatment and substance abuse support is also a concern among those worried about successful reintegration after release. Another barrier is cost, including upstart and continuing expenses. Anthony Cantillo, deputy commissioner of the Maine Department of Corrections, testified that establishing a parole system would require massive changes and resources for the department, and possibly the judiciary. Overall, Cantillo argued, parole is unnecessary because of the ways Maine already allows structured release before the end of a persons sentence. How would parole be different from what already exists? Provisional early release is offered primarily through earned good time credits and the supervised community confinement program. Incarcerated people are able to earn what are called good time deductions, credit for an amount of time for good behavior and engagement with programs that is subtracted from their sentence. Those opposed to reinstating parole describe this as a sufficient way to reduce sentences, while those in favor of parole argue it promotes compliance rather than rehabilitation. Maine also offers something called supervised community confinement. Expanded in 2021 without Mills signature, that program permits people to spend the last 30 months of their sentence in the community, supervised by the department through probation. Previously it had been applicable to people who had 18 or fewer months remaining. Last year, the department released 107 people to the community under that program. Long-timers in Maine State Prison argue the prospects of early release through that program are too far out to have a tangible impact on motivation. For example, if someone has served about 15 years of a 50-year sentence, they wouldnt be eligible for the program for another two decades. If the state reinstated parole, that person would instead have the opportunity to apply for it in five years, after theyve served 20 years. The bill to further expand supervised community confinement would make it so people could be eligible if: theyve served two-thirds or 20 years of their sentence, whichever occurs first; they committed the crimes theyre sentenced for before they were 26 years old; and theyve had a minimum custody classification for the past five years. Meanwhile, people opposed to reinstating parole object to the provision that allows people convicted of any crime to be considered. People sentenced to life could apply for parole after 20 years. Im having a hard time wrapping my mind around someone that was sentenced to life in prison being able to change that completely, Democratic Rep. Sue Salisbury said in testimony against the bill. Another point of contention is who runs the program. Cantillo argued the existing process affords those most familiar with a person to determine whether theyre a safety risk compared with a parole board of outsiders. But people whove been incarcerated, as well as prison reform advocates, say the lack of an independent third body, like a parole board, to make such decisions leaves them subject to someones whims and presents an unchecked risk for retaliation. Cantillo said in his testimony on the parole bill that the Department of Corrections would prefer to expand supervised community confinement instead. But Cantillo testified last spring against the proposal being considered to expand that program. The overall lack of independent oversight of the DOC is the impetus for a separate bill this session to establish a corrections ombudsman, which passed out of committee in a split vote last week. KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) Malaysia has announced an immediate and full ban on the importation of electronic waste, as the government vowed the country would not be a dumping ground for the world's waste. The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission said in a statement late Wednesday that all electronic waste, commonly known as e-waste, would be reclassified under the absolute prohibition category effective immediately. This removes the discretionary power previously given to the Department of Environment to grant exemptions for importation of certain e-waste. Environmental advocates have long urged stronger action. E-waste discarded electronic products such as computers, phones and appliances can contain toxic substances and heavy metals including lead, mercury and cadmium that pollute soil and water resources if improperly processed or dumped. Advertisement Advertisement E-waste is no longer permitted, MACC chief Azam Baki said in the statement, vowing firm and integrated enforcement action to prevent illegal imports. Malaysia has previously grappled with large volumes of imported e-waste, much of it suspected to be illegal and hazardous to human health and the environment. Authorities have seized hundreds of containers of suspected e-waste at ports in recent years and issued notices for return to exporters. The ban comes as authorities widen a corruption inquiry tied to e-waste management. Last week, the MACC detained and remanded the director-general of the environment department and his deputy over alleged abuse of power and corruption involving e-waste oversight. The probe has also seen authorities freeze bank accounts and seize cash linked to the case. The Home Ministry in a social media post Wednesday vowed the government would bolster efforts to combat the smuggling of e-waste into the country. Advertisement Advertisement Malaysia is not a dumping ground for the world's waste, it said. E-waste is not just garbage but a serious threat to the environment, people's health and national security. Neighboring Indonesia has also pushed back against attempts to ship toxic electronic waste into the country. Late last year, the government said it seized more than 70 containers of hazardous e-waste, primarily from the United States, at a port on Batam Island. Last month, four of the containers carrying used computers, hard drives, audio-video devices, modems, power boards and printed circuit boards were shipped back to the U.S. Southeast Asia has become a frequent destination for such shipments after China moved to ban most foreign waste imports beginning in 2018, prompting exporters to seek alternative sites with lower recycling costs and weaker enforcement, though governments in the region have increasingly tightened controls. City Council Speaker Julie Menin called for a probe Thursday into the Zohran Mamdani-led Department of Health over its Global Oppression Working Group and whether taxpayer funds were misused. The public health agency is facing increasing heat over its apparent fixation on Israel and the Gaza war as the Big Apple grapples with a trifecta of respiratory illnesses that have sickened thousands. Our health care officials should be fighting infectious diseases and addressing skyrocketing health care costs instead of spending public time debating geopolitics on city time, Menin (D-Manhattan) told The Post. Julie Menin is the new speaker of the New York City Council. Matthew McDermott A thorough investigation into the use of taxpayer resources is necessary to protect the public trust and address the unacceptable rise in antisemitism across New York City. Advertisement Advertisement As The Post exclusively reported, the DOH group was created by staffers accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza, with participants meeting in the middle of the workday Tuesday at the agencys headquarters in Long Island City and remotely. While the taxpayer-funded employees were meeting, the health department continued to face thousands of cases of flu and RSV across the five boroughs. The city was also dealing with Legionella bacteria recently discovered at a large Harlem apartment complex, according to reports. It followed the outbreak of Legionnaires disease that hit the city in the fall, sickening 100 people and tragically killing at least seven. A slide presented during a virtual meeting of the NYC Health Department Global Oppression and Public Health Working Group. Council Member Lynn Schulman (D-Queens), the health committee chair, ripped into the politicization of the agency as fanning the flames of antisemitism. Advertisement Advertisement This incident is especially troubling given the alarming rise of antisemitism we are seeing in New York City including multiple antisemitic reported in recent weeks, Schulman said. Hosting a meeting that promotes inflammatory accusations while ignoring antisemitism entirely only deepens and alienates Jewish employees and residents. Both Menin and Schulman are Jewish and represent districts with a large number of pro-Israel Jewish constituents. NYC Council Speaker Julie Menin (center) called for a probe. Matthew McDermott City employees are public servants, and with that comes a responsibility to use taxpayer-funded time and resources appropriately, Schulman said. Politicizing a public health agency undermines trust, morale and the core mission of the department. Advertisement Advertisement Schulman said she spoke to DOH brass about the Israel-bashing group, and was pleased to learn that an investigation is underway, though no additional information about the apparent internal probe was immediately available. Neither the health department nor City Hall returned messages seeking comment. But the DOH did issue a press release Thursday boasting about becoming the first municipal health department in the nation to join the World Health Organizations Global Outbreak Alert & Response Network. Mamdani, meanwhile, dodged a Post reporter following an unrelated press conference Thursday afternoon. Advertisement Advertisement Mark Treyger, the CEO of the Jewish Community Relations Council, said the creation of a health department group to demonize Israel was beyond the pale. This is clear political activity in a city agency during work time, which also made staff feel unsafe and unwelcome, Treyger said. In addition to the Health Departments leadership ensuring accountability, City Hall needs to remind all agencies about city rules and regulations, including ensuring all staff feel welcome, safe, and supported, he said. That is non-negotiable. Sarah McKenney is the director of operations, rapid response team, at the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Linkedin Jewish workers in other city agencies including the Department of Education said they were alarmed by the politicization of the DOH. Advertisement Advertisement Antisemitic and Anti Israel presentations are happening across city agencies. Working in NYC, whether its the DOH or DOE [Department of Education] is very difficult, said Moshe Spern, president of the NYC United Jewish Teachers. Jewish city workers are struggling and honestly all agencies are turning a blind eye. That is why we are all collaborating together. They cannot and will not divide the Jewish community anymore. We cannot allow this bias in NYC to continue. A slide presented during a meeting of the NYC Health Department Global Oppression and Public Health Working Group. The working groups mission statement, included as part of the slide presentation at the meeting, said its formation was a cross-divisional effort led by Division Equity Liaisons (DELs) and action teams from Disease Control. Developed in response to the ongoing genocide in Palestine, the working group aims to address the growing interest among health department staff to learn about current and ongoing global oppression in its many forms and how it influences the advancement of health equity, the group statement said. Advertisement Advertisement GOPH said its goals were to better understand the impact of global oppression on the health and well-being of priority communities in NYC vis-a-vis trauma, violence and discrimination as well as supporting colleagues negatively impacted by it, according to a slideshow presented at the meeting. There were more than 2,000 confirmed RSV cases between the week of Jan. 25 and Jan. 31, according to the latest available data. But New Yorkers younger than 5 years old are making up most of the cases, health officials said. There were more than 1,400 new flu cases in the same timeframe in the city, according to the data, though it marked a downward trend compared to earlier this winter. Overall, 144,000 people have suffered from the flu this season. COVID cases remained relatively low at about 800 reported last week, data showed. Advertisement Advertisement Other city lawmakers from both sides of the aisle were also outraged about the Israel-bashing working group. Republican Brooklyn Councilwoman Inna Vernikov wrote on X that it was against [the] policy of city agencies to engage in politics using taxpayer dollars. New Yorkers expect our public health agency to focus on protecting lives and delivering essential services to City residents, not engaging in divisive geopolitical advocacy on the taxpayers dime, said Councilwoman Virginia Maloney (D-Manhattan). An Alabama man who is facing a murder charge in the death of a high school cheerleader he allegedly fatally shot during a bonfire party has recently bonded out of a jail, according to news reports In addition to the killing of Kimber Mills, who was a cheerleader at Cleveland High School in Alabama, Steven Tyler Whitehead, 28, is also charged in connection with the shootings of three other people he is accused of shooting, WVTM reported. The morning of Thursday, January 29, Whitehead was released from the Jefferson County Jail, according to records viewed by WVTM. There, he was being held on a $330,000 bond, according to WBRC. Advertisement Advertisement Us Weekly reached out to Whiteheads legal representation for comment on Wednesday, February 4, but did not receive an immediate response. The case against Whitehead stems from October 19, 2025, when Jefferson County sheriffs deputies received a call about several people shot in Pinson, the sheriffs office said in a previous news release. North Carolina Man Found Guilty After Staging Womans Murder to Look Like Self Defense Authorities initially said that a verbal and physical altercation escalated, resulting in gunfire. The shooting unfolded in an area locally known as The Pit during a bonfire gathering, WVTM reported. Advertisement Advertisement When deputies arrived, they found a 21-year-old man, an 18-year-old man, and an 18-year-old female had been shot, according to the sheriffs office. All three of them were taken to a hospital. Then, deputies learned that an additional person, a 20-year-old woman, was also shot and had already been taken to a hospital by a personal vehicle. The 18-year-old, identified as Mills, was ultimately put on life support and later died, WVTM reported. Mills was taken off life support on October 21, a few days after the shooting, WBRC reported. Her sister, Ashley Mills, shared the news of her death in a Facebook post, according to Fox News. In the post, she wrote: "Our sweet baby sister went to be with the Lord at 7:08 p.m. last night. She had the biggest gathering for an honor walk the doctor had ever seen. She was and is so loved by so many. We will miss you, Kimber." Advertisement Advertisement High School Football Player Arrested for Accidentally Shooting Teammate in Neck Hours After Winning State Title Kimber also ran for Cleveland High Schools track team and had plans of attending the University of Alabama in 2026, Fox News reported. She had dreams of pursuing a nursing career. After Whitehead was released on bond, Ashley wrote on Facebook: "Justice for Kimber! Thats all we want. Thats just more anxiety for me knowing hes out. Ill stay home." AUSTIN (KXAN) A man is facing charges after he allegedly brawled with students during a student-led anti-Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) protest in Buda, Texas. Chad Michael Watts, 45, was arrested Tuesday and charged with two counts of assault causing bodily injury, the Buda Police Department said in a statement. The investigation is ongoing to determine if additional charges will be filed. Nexstars KXAN received a video showing the physical confrontation, as Johnson High School students were protesting recent immigration enforcement actions. Advertisement Advertisement Additional video, viewed by KXAN, shows the man right after getting out of his truck, appearing to push past students and singling out a teenage girl. The two can be seen exchanging punches before the student is pushed to the ground. KXAN is working to verify the video. Chad Michael Watts, 45 (Buda Police Department Mugshot) Police made contact with Watts and the girl on Monday. Both reported minor injuries but denied an evaluation from medics, police said. After further thorough investigation, it was determined that Watts was the primary aggressor in the physical altercation, Buda Police said. Probable cause was established for two offenses of Assault Causing Bodily Injury, a Class A misdemeanor. Previous coverage: Fight breaks out at student-led protest on RM 967 in Buda Advertisement Advertisement Buda police say they are looking to speak to anyone who was present during the altercation to better determine what happened. Were trying to get to the original videos and have those submitted by those people that took the videos so we can have a solid case and have that chain of custody for our evidence, Matt Schima, public information officer with the Buda Police Department, said. We see that all the time in law enforcement that videos start at the 10-second mark. What happened in the first 10 seconds? Thats very important as to what happened for the rest of the video, Schima said. So I think a lot of the public is really taking the last part of the situation and theyre making their judgments. So what we have to do to have a solid investigation is what initiated all of this. Anyone with information is asked to contact Hays County Dispatch at 512-393-7896 or submit an anonymous tip at 1-800-324-8477 or online. Witnesses speak out Jaden Fox and his wife were driving by the protest at the same time Watts pulled up, they told KXAN. Fox said they watched Watts begin screaming at these kids and could tell that something was getting heightened. Advertisement Advertisement Fox and his wife pulled over and can be seen in various videos working to separate Watts and the teenagers, then working to de-escalate the situation in the aftermath. In my mind, he is still very dangerous. I dont know if he has a weapon on him, or in his car or what. And I dont want these kids to get in trouble for doing something potentially more serious than anyone is meaning to, Fox recounted. Fox said they couldnt see the students in the lead up to what caused this altercation. People are in comments sections like what was said to him, were they kicking his car, people were throwing things at his car again we were on the wrong side to be able to see if any of that actually happened but none of that excuses parking your car in the middle of an intersection to get out and fight teenagers, Fox said. Timeline of the incident Just after 3 p.m. Monday, Buda Police responded to the intersection of RM 967 and FM 1626, which is only minutes away from Johnson High School. Police said a young woman on the sidewalk and an adult man in a car were arguing. The man is not an employee or teacher in the school district, officials confirmed. Advertisement Advertisement What were told right now is a verbal altercation between both parties at the same time, at the stoplight, Schima said. And then the altercation continued, he exited his vehicle, and thats when it became physical. Schima says they knew about the student protest and had officers there to keep the peace, but an hour and a half after students left class, the officers at the intersection left to respond to a 911 hang-up call at a nearby Sonic. Responding within minutes of more 911 calls of a fight in progress, Schima said when officers came back, the suspect had already left in his truck. Schima says the department will have a larger police presence at any future student protests. Leaders respond In response to the situation, Judge Becerra said in a press release that an adult should have clear responsibility to exercise restraint, especially in the presence of children. He added that violence or intimidation directed at a minor has no place in a constitutional republic that depends on the rule of law rather than force. Advertisement Advertisement Buda Mayor Lee Urbanovsky acknowledged the incident in a Facebook post, saying Buda Police had made contact with the man involved in the fight and received a statement from him. The message stated police are also working with the Hays Consolidated Independent School District to collect witness statements and video evidence from students at the scene. This is an emotionally-charged and sensitive issue involving minors that has deeply impacted and rightfully concerned our community, Urbanovsky said. I am urging the community to exercise patience and allow the Buda Police Department to complete their investigation. MORE: Texas governor calls for investigation into student-led protests against ICE A Hays CISD spokesperson told KXAN that at least 500 students attended the walkout Monday. The spokesperson said the district did not organize, assist, nor condone the activity. Advertisement Advertisement In a letter sent to parents Tuesday afternoon, Superintendent Eric Wright said campuses must return their focus to learning, instructing and the business of being at school. Remaining in class is the best place for students to become educated so that they may affect the policy changes that they believe are in the best interest of society, Wright said. Moving forward, Wright said future walkouts cannot happen, and that walkouts are a strain on the resources of the school district and community law enforcement agencies. State Rep. Erin Zwiener, a Democrat who represents the area, said students have a constitutionally-protected right to free speech and peaceful protest, after both Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) and Attorney General Ken Paxton launched investigations into separate student walkouts in Austin ISD. Advertisement Advertisement Teachers are not allowed to lock students in the school and cannot target them for discipline based on their political speech, Zwiener said in a statement Tuesday. Gov. Abbotts threats to schools are only making protests less safe for students and more disruptive for Texas communities. Teacher placed on administrative leave A Hays CISD teacher was placed on administrative leave and will not return to campus after a photo of him displaying a protest sign with profanity while on a campus was discovered. The district did not name the teacher or where they taught. The school district belongs to everyone and we do not, as an entity or as employees, use taxpayer time and resources to engage in political activity, the letter 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. A fatal early-morning house fire in Southwest Philadelphia is being investigated as a possible arson after a young man was killed inside, authorities said. Fire officials said the blaze broke out on the 5400 block of Regent Street around 2 a.m., filling the home with heavy smoke, as seen in doorbell video from the scene. Four people inside the house were able to escape, but a fifth occupant remained trapped. Advertisement Advertisement "There was one occupant remaining inside. Companies immediately went into service, mounting and aggressive interior attack, while simultaneously searching for the reported trapped occupant," said Anthony Bompadre, chief fire marshal with the Philadelphia Fire Department. During the rescue effort, a man was pulled from the fire in cardiac arrest. The 25-year-old victim was taken to Penn Presbyterian Hospital, where he died a short time later. Neighbors later identified the victim as Raymond Bell, known as RJ. "He was smart and he was a really good guy. I mean, like, I feel so bad for him. It hurts me really bad, man," said neighbor Terrell Bryant. Advertisement Advertisement Another neighbor, Ron Sawyer, expressed sympathy for the family. "It's sad. I pray for his family, his loved ones," Sawyer said. "But, um, all in all, life goes on. Life on life's terms." Action News has learned that after reviewing evidence, the fire marshal and the ATF turned the case over to the Philadelphia Police Department's homicide division, which is now investigating the fire as a possible arson. Sources say a woman has turned herself in to authorities in connection with the case. There's no word on what charges she's facing. Authorities said it's still unclear how the victim knew the others inside the home. Several neighboring homes also sustained serious smoke and water damage. Officials said more information is expected to be released over the coming days. BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) Agents from the Livingston Parish Sheriffs Office Narcotics Division arrested an Albany man during a traffic stop on Juban Road. They also seized a large amount of methamphetamine. Sheriff Jason Ard said deputies, working with Homeland Security Investigations, were investigating Sedric Sed Skinner, 37, for suspected methamphetamine distribution when agents stopped a Hyundai SUV with a Louisiana dealer tag. Deputies reported seeing loose marijuana on Skinners lap and asked him to exit the vehicle. Skinner admitted to smoking marijuana and possessing more, according to the sheriffs office. A search of the vehicle uncovered methamphetamine and marijuana. A records check later showed the SUV, a 2024 Hyundai Tucson, had been reported stolen. The passenger, David Hill, 19, of Hammond, was also arrested on drug-related charges. Advertisement Advertisement LPSO said investigators found nearly 2.2 pounds of methamphetamine and about four grams of marijuana. They also recovered the stolen vehicle. Skinner was booked into the Livingston Parish Detention Center on multiple charges: Illegal possession of stolen things. View outward or inward through windshield or window. Switched license plate. False certificates / fake motor vehicle inspection stickers. Possession with intent to distribute schedule II controlled dangerous substance. Possession of marijuana under 14 grams. Possession of drug paraphernalia. Agents from the Livingston Parish Sheriffs Office Narcotics Division arrested an Albany man during a traffic stop on Juban Road. They also seized a large amount of methamphetamine. Latest News Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Louisiana First News. A man was flown to a hospital with serious injuries from a house fire Wednesday, Feb. 4, in Warren. Firefighters responded to a single-family home at 458 Boston Post Road just after 4:30 p.m., according to a press release from Warren Fire Chief Adam Lavoie and State Fire Marshal Jon Davine. They arrived to find heavy fire and an injured adult who had escaped. Firefighters provided medical care to the man and attacked the fire. A second alarm was struck, bringing assistance from fire departments in Ware, Brimfield, Brookfield and West Brookfield; the Palmer Fire Department provided station coverage. Advertisement Advertisement The injured man was flown by Life Flight helicopter to Rhode Island Hospital in Providence. Firefighters brought the fire under control in less than half an hour and remained on scene for about four hours extinguishing hot spots. Although the fire does not appear suspicious, according to the press release, the cause is under investigation by the Warren Fire and Police departments and state police. This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Warren house fire: Man seriously injured, flown to hospital Des Moines police are investigating a homicide after a man was found stabbed to death in a home that was on fire. On Feb. 1, 911 got multiple calls about a house fire on S 216th St, a few blocks down from the Des Moines Library. While crews were doing a search of the home, they found a man dead inside. On Feb. 4, the King County Medical Examiners Office confirmed that the 45-year-old man at the home died from multiple stab wounds, and that the manner of death was homicide. Advertisement Advertisement Its unclear how the fire started. Investigators do not believe there is a threat to the public. On Feb. 12, a suspect was arrested in connection with this crime. The suspect was taken to King County Jail and is expected to be booked for murder and arson. KIRO 7 is working to determine if or how the suspect and victim knew each other. Updates will be provided when they become available. By Katya Golubkova TOKYO, Feb 5 (Reuters) - Oil prices fell on Thursday after the U.S. and Iran agreed to hold talks in Oman on Friday, easing concerns of a potential military conflict between them that could disrupt supply from the key Middle East-producing region. Brent crude futures fell $1, or 1.4%, to $68.47 per barrel at 0152 GMT. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude prices fell 91 cents, or also 1.4%, to trade at $64.23. Oil prices surged about 3% on Wednesday after a media report suggested the planned talks between the United States and Iran on Friday could collapse. However, later in the day officials from both sides said talks would go ahead on Friday though the topics up for discussion have not been settled. Tony Sycamore, market analyst with IG, pointed to the uncertainty around the talks as the reason for the swings, noting the price surge on fears of their collapse but they were easing as "these fears have since moderated on reports that the nuclear talks are back on." Iran is open to discussing its nuclear programme, including uranium enrichment, with Western countries, while the U.S. also wants to include Iran's ballistic missiles, its support for armed proxy groups around the Middle East and its treatment of its own people. Despite the talks, there are concerns U.S. President Donald Trump will still carry out his threats to strike Iran, the fourth-largest producer among the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, potentially risking a wider confrontation in the oil-rich region. In addition to the possible disruption of Iranian production in the event of a conflict, there are concerns exports from other Gulf producers could be affected. About a fifth of the world's total oil consumption passes through the Strait of Hormuz which lies between Oman and Iran. Other OPEC members, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Iraq, export most of their crude via the strait, as well as Iran itself. While the planned talks are reducing the recent risk premium in prices, the market was supported on Wednesday by data showing declines in oil inventories in the U.S., the world's biggest crude producer and consumer. U.S. crude stocks and distillate inventories fell while gasoline inventories rose in the week ended January 30 as a winter storm gripped large swathes of the country, the Energy Information Administration said on Wednesday. (Reporting by Katya Golubkova in Tokyo; Editing by Jamie Freed and Christian Schmollinger) A 75 year-old Roscoe man on foot was struck and killed by an 18-wheeler in Fisher County Wednesday night, a media release said. The Texas Department of Public Safety said in the media release that Roy Orozco was observed to be in the roadway for State Highway 70 about 12 miles south of Roby, near milepost 318, at 8 p.m. A southbound 2010 Freightliner pulling a trailer and driven by Leonardo Galindo Ocampo, 25, of Hobbs, New Mexico, saw Orozco in the road and unsuccessfully attempted to steer left around the pedestrian, the DPS said. Advertisement Advertisement More: Clyde stunned by teens' deaths in train collision More: Texas-wide disaster declaration issued on screwworms: What to know Orozco was struck by the truck and later pronounced dead at the scene by Fisher County Justice of the Peace Angie Pippen at 8: 39 p.m., the DPS said. Conditions at the scene were clear skies with a dry roadway, the DPS said. This article originally appeared on Abilene Reporter-News: Roscoe man, 75, dies after being struck by 18-wheeler in Fisher County The Brief An Alaska man was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison for sexually assaulting a 17-year-old girl on an Alaska Airlines flight to Seattle. Prosecutors said he repeatedly touched the teen while she slept and continued despite her efforts to block him and remove his hand. Trayton Ballot, 29, will serve 10 years of supervised release following his sentence. SEATTLE - An Alaska man was sentenced to prison for sexually assaulting a 17-year-old girl on a flight to Seattle. The backstory Trayton C. Ballot, 29, received an 18-month federal prison sentence for an incident that happened on an Alaska Airlines flight from Anchorage on Jan. 15, 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors said Ballot repeatedly touched the teenager's inner thigh while she slept, and continued the abusive sexual contact despite her repeatedly removing his hand and blocking him with a tray table and stuffed animal. It wasn't until the teen notified her mother seated in the row behind her that flight attendants moved her to a different seat. Ballot was arrested when the flight landed in Seattle. What they're saying "The Western District of Washington has received a significant number of reported sexual assaults on aircraft in the last several years," said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Neil Floyd. "This sentence should serve as a warning to others who think they can take advantage of a planes environment to abuse vulnerable victims. We will take these cases, and take them to trial if necessary, to get justice for victims." Advertisement Advertisement In court, the victim testified, saying she was "trapped in a small place where I could not defend myself It was predatory attacking me while I was asleep." "I commend the bravery displayed by this underage victim, and her mother, in speaking up for her safety by reporting this crime to the flight crew," said W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Seattle field office. "Sexual misconduct aboard aircraft is a federal crime, one the FBI investigates and takes seriously. We encourage victims and witnesses to report such crimes to the flight crew; Port of Seattle Police or your local airport police; and the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324) or tips.fbi.gov." The judge also ordered Ballot serve 10 years of supervised release after serving his prison sentence. The FBI investigated the case with assistance from the Port of Seattle Police. MORE NEWS FROM FOX 13 SEATTLE WA millionaires tax proposal has arrived, Gov. Ferguson wants changes Advertisement Advertisement Victims of Seattle shooting near Rainier Beach HS identified Uwajimaya to return to Tacoma nearly 100 years after it first opened Seattle lands on list of top Valentine's Day romantic destinations in the US Seattles most anticipated new openings in 2026 Eddie Bauer expected to close all stores in North America as corporate parent eyes bankruptcy To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter. The Source Information in this story came from the United States Department of Justice. Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA), the top Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, sounded the alarm on Thursday about President Donald Trumps recent statements urging Republicans to take over elections from the states. Warner spoke to reporters on Capitol Hill on Thursday and warned that It appears there may be a coordinated effort to try to interfere in the 26 midterms. He added that he is concerned, They may even start to interfere in the primaries. Warner has also fuming about the Director of Intelligence Tulsi Gabbards involvement in a raid in Fulton County, Georgia, where federal officials seized ballots and voter information. Advertisement Advertisement In a clip posted to social media, Warner said, The Nixon era is back. What do I mean? Richard Nixon is most infamously known for Watergate, where he intervened in a domestic political effort under the guise of the Watergate break-in. He knew what was going on before the fact. Well, it appears the same is true. We got testimony yesterday that Tulsi Gabbard was down in Atlanta for that crazy raid on the voting machines because Trump asked her to go. He added: Well, how the hell did Trump know there was about to be a warrant issued in a lame criminal investigation before the act took place? How did he let Gabbard know to go there? And then further violate all principles by getting on the phone with the FBI agents who were on the front line of that investigation. This is not how American justice should work. When, when, when will any of my Republican colleagues find a spine? They say they want to stand for rule of law. Right now, theyre seeing the abolishment of rule of law for political purposes. Trump is reviving Nixon-style scandals and Im worried our elections are at risk of interference because of it. pic.twitter.com/BLsnYe1FqF Mark Warner (@MarkWarner) February 5, 2026 In a a Wednesday clip, Warner suggested that the FBIs Georgia raid may have been illegal, We have seen Kash Patel basically decimate the leadership of the FBI to the point that that raid that was made last week in Fulton County in Georgia on the ballotsthe FBI agent in charge of that office got fired because I dont believe he felt this was legal. And then, to have a few days later, the director of national intelligence, who showed up at that domestic criminal investigation where she had no right to be there, suddenly get the President of the United States on the phone with the frontline FBI agents who are working on that case. I know Trump doesnt know the law, but wasnt there anybody in the White House Counsel that said, Mr. President, you shouldnt be talking to FBI agents on the front line of what is supposedly a domestic criminal investigation. But this is a guy without rails. This is a guy thats being enhanced by a rogue DNI whos way over her skis in terms of knowledge or competency. I think we all have got to really raise our game to protect basic democracy in this country, he concluded. How far is this administration willing to go to attack our free, fair, and settled elections? pic.twitter.com/LECRngoven Mark Warner (@MarkWarner) February 4, 2026 Watch the clips above. The post Mark Warner Warns Trump Planning a Coordinated Effort to try to Interfere in the Midterms first appeared on Mediaite. MARION, S.C. (WBTW) A Massachusetts mans life came to an end outside an abandoned home in December after his family says he took a mysterious bus ride to Marion. David isnt just a drifter who showed up in town, or another statistic, his brother told News13 in an exclusive interview on Wednesday, less than a week after 32-year-old David Hutchinsons body was found inside a trash can at a home on Pearl Street. The shocking act of violence has left neighbors shaken. None wanted to speak with a News13 crew on camera, but they said their community is a quiet one with older folks who keep to themselves. Advertisement Advertisement Details are still emerging, but authorities have charged Jaida Braddy with accessory after the fact to a felony. Shes accused of pushing the trash can in which Hutchinsons body was found. Shes being held on a $15,000 bond at the Marion County Detention Center. Hes a son, a brother, a cousin. An uncle and a friend to a lot of people up here who loved him tremendously, Davids brother said. We prayed this story would have a better ending, and well miss him so much. Relatives said Hutchinson, 32, was an accomplished barber who set out for Marion without telling anyone. He was going to meet a woman he had connected with online. Marion Police Chief Tony Flowers said Hutchinson was reported missing on Jan. 12. Hutchinsons brother said the headline-grabbing details surrounding his death shouldnt overshadow the man he was. Advertisement Advertisement Naive and too trusting, but a good kid who made bad decisions at times, and this time he sadly had to pay the ultimate price for it, he said. The news headlines all flashing man found in trash decomposing are extremely upsetting for us. I know its captivating, but he was a lot more than that. Police have yet to say how Hutchinson died, but his death is being investigated as a homicide and interviews are underway. Autopsy results are expected soon. * * * Adrianna Lawrence is a multimedia journalist at News13. Adrianna is originally from Virginia Beach, Virginia, and joined the News13 team in June 2023 after graduating from Virginia Commonwealth University in May 2023. Keep up with Adrianna on Instagram, Facebook, and X, formerly Twitter. You can also read more of her work here. Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW. Your GPS glitched during yesterdays commute, and streaming services stuttered across the Pacific. The culprit wasnt your internet providerit was a monster solar flare that just reminded us how fragile our tech-dependent world really is. Record-Breaking X8.11 Flare Disrupts Communications The strongest solar outburst of 2026 knocked out radio signals across multiple continents. On February 1 at 23:57 GMT, sunspot AR4366 unleashed an X8.11-class solar flarethe most powerful weve seen this year. The blast immediately triggered R3-level radio blackouts across the South Pacific, eastern Australia, and New Zealand, wiping out shortwave communications below 20-30 MHz for hours. Advertisement Advertisement Think of it like cosmic interference jamming every radio frequency, affecting everything from aviation communications to ham radio operators trying to check in with distant friends. The ionization of Earths upper atmosphere essentially created a dead zone for certain frequencies, leaving pilots and emergency services scrambling for alternative communication methods. Incoming Magnetic Storm Threatens Your Devices A coronal mass ejection from the same sunspot is racing toward Earth with tech-disrupting potential. The flare launched a coronal mass ejection (CME)essentially a billion-ton cloud of charged particlesthats expected to deliver a glancing blow to Earth around February 5-6. NOAAs Space Weather Prediction Center warns of potential G1 geomagnetic storms, which sounds mild until you consider what that means for your gadgets. Were talking possible GPS interference during critical navigation, satellite service hiccups affecting everything from Starlink to DirectTV, and minor power grid fluctuations that could mess with sensitive electronics. While G1 storms are classified as minor, they still pack enough punch to disrupt the satellite constellations your daily tech relies on. The Sunspot Behind the Chaos Keeps Growing AR4366 has rapidly expanded to become a solar threat comparable to the infamous Carrington Event. Advertisement Advertisement This isnt some random cosmic burp. Sunspot AR4366 emerged in late January and quickly grew to nearly 10 times Earths widthroughly the same size as the sunspot that caused the 1859 Carrington Event, which fried telegraph systems worldwide. In just 24 hours from February 1-2, this solar flare factory produced 27 eruptions, including four X-class flares. The sunspot remains highly active and continues rotating toward a more Earth-facing position, meaning we could see more tech-rattling events over the next week. Solar flares are classified on an A-to-X scale, with X-class being the most intense and capable of accelerating particles across the electromagnetic spectrum. What This Means for Your Connected Life Modern technology faces new vulnerabilities as solar activity peaks during Solar Cycle 25. Your smartphones GPS might experience temporary glitches, streaming services could buffer unexpectedly, and smart home devices may briefly lose connectivity. While were not facing a civilization-ending Carrington-level event, these minor disruptions highlight how dependent weve become on space-based infrastructure. Advertisement Advertisement The 2024 geomagnetic storms already showed us what happens when solar fury meets satellite constellationsand were entering Solar Cycle 25s maximum phase. Keep an eye on space weather forecasts through apps or NASAs alerts. The silver lining? If youre in northern latitudes, you might catch some spectacular auroras dancing across the sky this week. From the coolest cars to the must-have gadgets, GadgetReviews daily newsletter keeps you in the know. Subscribe - its fun, fast, and free. Coaltion of Sexual Assault Programs Executive Director Alexandria Taylor testified Feb. 4, 2026, in support of New Mexico Senate Memorial 17, which would create a task force to study a statewide testing backlog of sexual assault kits and propose possible solutions to lawmakers by November 2026. (Danielle Prokop/Source NM) Senate lawmakers on Wednesday unanimously advanced legislation that would establish a task force to address a growing rape kit backlog in New Mexico, just a decade after working to address a different backlog of untested evidence kits collected in sexual assault cases. Senate Memorial 17, sponsored by Albuquerque Democratic Sens. Linda Lopez and Antoinette Sedillo Lopez, unanimously passed the Senate Rules Committee Wednesday morning. Advertisement Advertisement SM17, which would only require passage through the Senate to go into effect, would establish a task force to study statewide progress in processing sexual assault examination kits and propose possible solutions to lawmakers by November 2026. The Department of Public Safety, which owns the states lab for testing the kits, last year reported a backlog of 1,419 untested sexual assault kits, a significant jump from 2024, when it had 249 untested kits. The state evidence laboratory has hired additional forensic scientists and said in the fiscal analysis DPS will train them to address the backlog early this year. The memorial establishes a 12-member task force headed by the New Mexico Department of Public Safety secretary and the executive director for the New Mexico Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs. Other members would include representatives from the state police, state auditors office, attorney generals office, the states evidence laboratory, sexual assault nurses and leadership from rural and urban rape crisis centers. The state convened a similar task force in response to the 2016 state audit that found more than 5,000 untested evidence kits across the state, some dating back to the 1980s. While rape kit backlogs was a nationwide problem, New Mexico had the largest backlog per capita. All of the kits were tested by April 2021. Advertisement Advertisement In 2019, lawmakers passed and Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed into law the Survivors Bill of Rights. The law allows survivors to track the location of their sexual assault evidence kits through a barcode and requires state laboratories to test kits within 180 days of receipt. Alexandria Taylor, the executive director of the Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs and an expert testifying for the bill, said the exact cause of the current backlog remains unknown. Ten years later, the state needs to look at the fixes implemented to address the previous backlog and ensure they are still working or determine if different things are necessary, Taylor told Source NM in the halls of the Roundhouse. Lawmakers from both parties vented their frustration about the problems reappearance. Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Jay Block (R-Rio Rancho) put it bluntly to sponsors: What the hells going on? I mean, if were putting these resources to it, why is the backlog happening? We want to ask that exact question, Taylor told Block in the committee. Senate Pro Tem Mimi Steward (D-Albuquerque) called the recurrence of the issue hard to bear in statements during the committee. When this was first identified, we made all kinds of changes to police process so that they could not have rape kits sit around for years and years. And it seems as though they continue to not follow those processes, Stewart said. So we need another task force now to try to change their processes, because theyre just not doing it right and it feels like they dont care. SM17 heads to the Senate Health and Public Affairs Committee next. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Feb. 4The state of New Mexico will provide financial assistance to lawfully present immigrants who lost their SNAP benefits under the Trump administration's eligibility changes, which began affecting recipients at the start of this month.The changes, part of President Donald Trump's "One Big Beautiful Bill," discontinue SNAP benefits for those with legal status who entered the country under asylum and refugee laws for urgent humanitarian reasons, like fleeing war, persecution or sex trafficking.SNAP is now only available to U.S. citizens and qualified lawful permanent residents. Immigrants living in the U.S. without legal authorization are not, and were never eligible to receive most federal benefits, including SNAP and Medicaid, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Some 19,500 legal immigrants in New Mexico may lose their SNAP eligibility due to the new laws, officials at the New Mexico Health Care Authority said.These New Mexicans will receive a one-time payment, funded by a $12 million appropriation from the state Legislature during last October's special session, to offset the loss of federal food assistance. The payment is calculated based on a percentage of the SNAP benefits a household was receiving. The funds will be added to SNAP customers' EBT cards, state officials said.To be eligible for the stipend, SNAP customers who lost federal eligibility due to the changes must complete their renewal via the state Health Care Authority. The state-funded assistance is only available for SNAP recipients who were enrolled before Jan. 1.SNAP customers should still complete their renewals on time despite federal changes, Health Care Authority Secretary Kari Armijo said."Renewal keeps people connected, helps us determine eligibility accurately, and allows state-funded assistance to reach families faster," Armijo said. "No one should assume they can no longer get help renewing is how we make sure support continues during this transition."Anyone looking for assistance with their SNAP benefits should visit their local HCA Income Support office or call 1-800-283-4465. More information about the SNAP changes is available at hca.nm.gov/snapchanges. Natalie Robbins covers education for the Journal. You can reach her at nrobbins@abqjournal.com. At the halfway point of this years 30-day session, the House approved a proposed spending plan setting aside a little more than $11 billion in recurring spending with boosts in spending for a number of early childhood, health care and public safety initiatives. House Bill 2, which currently proposes a 2.7% increase in recurring spending for the coming fiscal year, reflects an effort by legislators to make responsible investments, Rep. Nathan Small, D-Las Cruces and chair of the House Appropriations and Finance Committee, said Wednesday afternoon. It invests in the most important parts of our state, while also being cautious about what is becoming a more uncertain economy and national outlook by the day, he told his colleagues. Advertisement Advertisement The budget, which now heads to the Senate, passed on a 55-15 vote, with all of the no votes coming from the Republican minority. Republicans proposed unsuccessful amendments to reimburse counties that could lose money if immigrant detention facilities close. Notable appropriations in the bill include over $300 million in water investments, $73 million to help pay educators' health insurance costs, $60 million to implement a wage and career ladder for early childhood workers and at least $50 million for the states child care assistance program. Overall, as has been the case in previous years, public and higher education would receive the greatest share of the states recurring budget with a combined $6.37 billion, according to a fiscal analysis of the bill. Small noted the budget would allow the states funding reserves to remain at 30%, which would give New Mexico flexibility through economic downturns. Advertisement Advertisement We have over $400 million in the operating reserve, he said. Members should know that that really sustains us through whatever may come in an uncertain future, that gives very liquid reserves that can be used to fill what gaps might come up. Much of the three hours of debate centered on two floor amendments introduced by Rep. Jonathan Henry, R-Artesia, both of which were ultimately rejected on primarily party-line votes. Those amendments proposed a number of changes, including cutting some funds for district courts and reallocating others from the New Mexico School for the Arts to general public school use. Both amendments also would have required the state Department of Finance Administration to reimburse losses suffered by counties that lose revenue under House Bill 9. That measure, which Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham is expected to sign Thursday, would prohibit local governments from contracting with the federal government to operate immigration detention centers. Advertisement Advertisement Currently, there are facilities in Cibola, Otero and Torrance counties that contract with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to hold detainees. Republicans argued these rural counties stand to lose millions of dollars in tax revenue, jobs and other income under the bill. We are left holding the bag, said Rep. Stefani Lord, R-Sandia Park. Theres nothing else set up. If they close tomorrow, were done, were a ghost town. Democrats largely rejected the amendments, arguing it is not the states responsibility to prop them up and noting numerous allegations of poor conditions and human rights violations against immigration detention centers in New Mexico over the years. This bails folks out for the private prisons that [were] violating human rights in these various areas and allows that to happen in perpetuity, said Rep. Andrea Romero, D-Santa Fe. Advertisement Advertisement Lawmakers spent little time discussing the budget proposals plan to implement tiered copayments for families seeking state-subsidized child care who have incomes greater than 400% of the federal poverty level a move that would place an asterisk on Lujan Grishams plan to create a system that is free to all. A spokesperson told The New Mexican on Monday the governor does not support the move and plans to continue to push for full funding of her universal child care plan. Small, however, said lawmakers wanted to target families who need state-subsidized child care the most with the plan for copayments. This was a significant point of emphasis for a number of committee members who said, For those families who are in those highest income brackets, some amount of copay was both fair and also most financially sustainable,' he said at a news conference earlier Wednesday. Our focus was on practical details. NEW MEXICO (KRQE) On February 2, 2026, Edwina Montano pleaded guilty to trafficking a controlled substance. This comes after a search warrant was executed at her residence in Rowe, New Mexico in February 2025. Story continues below Advertisement Advertisement During the execution of the warrant, investigators seized over 700 grams of cocaine, digital scales and multiple firearms. District Attorney Thomas Clayton says the street value of the seized narcotics had an estimated street value of $70,000. The investigation was conducted by the Region III Narcotics Task Force, led by the New Mexico State Police, with assistance from NMSP officers in Santa Fe and the Drug Enforcement Administration. When sentenced Montano faces a sentencing ranging from five years of probation to nine years of incarceration. 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 KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. (Illustration by Alex Cochran for Utah News Dispatch, image courtesy of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) In early 2025, the Trump administration framed mass deportation as a public safety initiative, repeatedly ignoring court orders and broadening authority in ways that erode constitutional limits on executive power. But the operational policies that defined the program created the conditions for foreseeable chaos and violence, resulting in the tragic killings of Alex Pretti and Renee Good in Minneapolis, as well as 32 others in detention centers and around the nation. Americans must now contend with a crisis of accountability that is chipping away at the rule of law and leaving us all with less safety and freedom. A recent package of bills in Michigan seeks to restore the guardrails that prevent civic life from becoming collateral damage. Advertisement Advertisement Public safety is about more than the capabilities of law enforcement; its about recognizing public trust as the foundation for effective policing. That trust is quickly fading as the mismatch between the administrations stated public-safety rationale and the mass deportation programs real-world actions grows starker. The so-called Big, Beautiful Bill passed last year poured unprecedented resources into the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to pursue the worst of the worst. Yet, 86% of its Michigan detainees have no threat level according to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) data. Instead, the tactics of extremist immigration enforcement have collided with fundamental constitutional principles, including aggressive policing of peaceful protest, warrantless stops and home invasion, racial profiling so pervasive that even off-duty Minneapolis police report being accosted, and documented cases of legal status holders detained or deported without due process. At the same time, accountability mechanisms are failing. One federal judge noted that in January alone, ICE defied more court orders than most federal agencies have in their entire existence. And historically, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents have been arrested for misconduct at roughly five times the rate reported across other federal law enforcement agencies. Advertisement Advertisement The Government Accountability Office has recommended that DHS, which houses ICE and CBP, needs stronger use-of-force data collection and analysis across its law enforcement components. Testimony in the Michigan Senate on Nov. 9, 2025, and Jan. 29, 202,6 has highlighted the negative impacts that this mass deportation campaign has had on public institutions and programs. This federal program has created a climate of fear, with agents showing up in schools, churches, hospitals and other civic spaces, likely discouraging residents from seeking medical attention or reporting crimes like domestic violence. Detroit council member Gabriela Santiago-Romero said one school in Detroit has seen attendance decline by 50% in the past year. Along with many other states across the nation, Michigan lawmakers are considering bills that can help restore trust and protect residents through transparency and accountability. The first of these bills, Senate Bill (SB) 508, would effectively reinstitute the DHS sensitive locations policy, which limits immigration enforcement in schools, hospitals, and places of worship without a judicial warrant, and protects those spaces from becoming sites of aggressive raids and family separation. Importantly, the problems associated with todays immigration enforcement are built on another betrayal of public trust: the seizure of data collected for public services used to target immigrants. Not only does this chill access to services and participation in civic institutions that rely on voluntary compliance, including the tax system, but also government data being repurposed for enforcement is often outdated or error-ridden, which raises the risk of wrongful stops and even the detention of U.S. citizens. Moreover, ICE is hoovering up information to track individuals with viewpoints the administration dislikes. Michigan SB 509 would prohibit government entities from providing an individuals identifying information for immigration enforcement purposes without a judicial warrant. Advertisement Advertisement Senate Bill 510 would limit masking a practice that can increase aggressive behavior and require proper identification during enforcement, which is a standard that nearly all law enforcement abides by. Former acting ICE Director John Sandweg called masked enforcement incredibly dangerous because arrestees may resist and bystanders may intervene, mistaking arrests for kidnappings. During a Michigan Senate committee hearing, former Detroit Police Chief Ike McKinnon lamented the practice as problematic, noting that a lack of identification creates the conditions for blue-on-blue use-of-force mistakes. Like similar campaigns of the past, aggressive enforcement has spilled over into mainstream society. But the scale of constitutional violations and the breakdown of accountability and trust that keeps society functioning is unique. SB 508-510 will put enforcement back within constitutional boundaries by requiring warrants, proper identification, and judicial oversight before state data can be shared. By Medha Singh and Saqib Iqbal Ahmed Feb 5 (Reuters) - Shares of U.S. software and data services companies extended their tumble for a seventh straight session on Thursday as investors worried that fast-advancing artificial intelligence tools could upend the sector. The S&P 500 software and services index dropped 4.6%, having shed about $1 trillion in market value since January 28, in a selloff dubbed "software-mageddon." Some of the big tech names hurt most by the rout included ServiceNow, which fell 7.6%, Salesforce, which slipped 4.7%, and Microsoft, which sank 5%. "I would classify this as a sell-everything mindset at this point," said Dave Harrison Smith, chief investment officer and head of technology investing at asset management firm Bailard. Canada-based Thomson Reuters, which suffered a record one-day plunge earlier this week after investors raised concerns that a new plug-in from Anthropic's Claude could disrupt its legal business, fell 5.6% despite raising its dividend and reporting fourth-quarter results largely in line with estimates. The company, which owns the Westlaw legal database and the Reuters news agency, said it was seeing tangible benefits from AI investments. "The uncertainty around the eventual impact of AI means near-term earnings results will be important signals of business resilience, but in many cases insufficient to disprove the long-term downside risk," said Ben Snider, Goldman Sachs' chief U.S. equity strategist. That uncertainty has also kept dip buyers at bay. "There has not been dip-buying ... but we are reaching a watershed moment," said Nick Giorgi, chief equity strategist at Alpine Macro. On Thursday, the S&P 500 software and services index traded about 21% below its 200-day moving average, the farthest the index has fallen below that key technical level since June 2022. "We're talking about multi-decade washouts right now ... generally, it actually tends to be a pretty good entry point," Giorgi said. Bailard's Smith said the selloff likely created opportunities for stock pickers but warned against expecting a quick rebound. "Calling the bottom during a crash in sentiment like this is very, very challenging," he said. ROTATION OUT OF TECH INTENSIFIES The software selloff has come alongside a broader rotation out of technology and into value-oriented sectors such as consumer staples, energy and industrials, which were laggards in the bull market that began in October 2022. "We're seeing people de-risk from technology in a general way, and we've been seeing that since the beginning of the year," said Andrew Wells, chief investment officer at SanJac Alpha in Houston. Even as the U.S. and Iran are scheduled to hold talks in Oman on Friday in hopes of defusing tensions between the two nations, Washington, Jerusalem and Tehran are all preparing for what could be a very violent future conflict. With the talks widely seen as a last-ditch diplomatic effort to avoid another war, the buildup of U.S. military capabilities in the region is continuing. While these negotiations are taking place, I would remind the Iranian regime that the president has many options at his disposal as the commander in chief of the most powerful military in history, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters at the White House Thursday afternoon. "While these negotiations are taking place, I would remind the Iranian regime that the president has many options at his disposal as the commander in chief of the most powerful military in history," @PressSec Karoline Leavitt says at White House. pic.twitter.com/bM7WpPq96U Jennifer Jacobs (@JenniferJJacobs) February 5, 2026 Her comments followed those made Thursday morning by President Donald Trump, who continued his verbal pressure campaign against Iran. Advertisement Advertisement Theyre negotiating, Trump said during the 74th National Prayer Breakfast. They dont want us to hit them. You know, we have a big fleet going over there. Trump on Iran: Theyre negotiating because they dont want to be hit. They dont want us to hit them. pic.twitter.com/yIR8DMN2i4 Clash Report (@clashreport) February 5, 2026 U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, currently in Abu Dhabi, are expected to travel to Qatar to consult with Prime Minister Mohammed Abdulrahman Al Thani ahead of the talks in Oman, according to the Jerusalem Post. At the moment, the U.S. and Iran are scheduled to talk about Tehrans nuclear programs. Under the proposed framework for an agreement, Iran would commit to zero enrichment of uranium for three years, Al Jazeera reported. After that, it would agree to limit enrichment of uranium to below 1.5 percent, the publication explained. Its current stock of highly enriched uranium including about 440kg (970lb) that has been enriched to 60 percent would be transferred to a third country. The proposed framework goes beyond Irans nuclear program with mediators proposing that Iran should agree not to transfer weapons and technologies to its regional, non-state allies. BREAKING: Al Jazeera claims to have obtained the US-Iran deal framework proposed by Turkey, Qatar and Egypt: 1. Iran agrees to commit to zero uranium enrichment for 3 years, and then agrees to under 1.5% enrichment after that 2. Its stockpile of Highly Enriched Uranium would be Faytuks Network (@FaytuksNetwork) February 5, 2026 A wide gap, however, remains about the ultimate outcome of these talks. While Iran wants to limit them to just its nuclear program, the Trump administration has a more comprehensive range of issues that need to be addressed. Advertisement Advertisement At the end of the day, the United States is prepared to engage, and has always been prepared to engage with Iran, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Wednesday. For talks to actually lead to something meaningful, they will have to include certain things, and that includes the range of their ballistic missiles. That includes their sponsorship of terrorist organizations across the region. That includes the nuclear program. And that includes the treatment of their own people. SECRETARY RUBIO on IRAN TALKS: They will have to include certain things, and that includes the range of their ballistic missiles, their sponsorship of terrorist organizations across the region, the nuclear program, the treatment of their own people.pic.twitter.com/i9i97giQSe Dylan Johnson (@ASDylanJohnson) February 4, 2026 Trumps initial threats against Iran came as information trickled out about the nations brutal crackdown on anti-regime protests that have seen upwards of 30,000 killed, according to some estimates. The unrest began in Iran on Dec. 28 over rising prices and a devalued currency that saw the rial crater now to basically nothing, as well as a devastating drought. Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said his country is working hard to prevent U.S.-Iran tensions from tipping the Middle East into a new conflict. Speaking to reporters on a return flight from a visit to Egypt, Erdogan added that talks at the level of the U.S. and Iranian leadership would be helpful after lower-level nuclear negotiations due in Oman on Friday, Reuters reported, citing a transcript of Erdogans comments shared by his office on Thursday. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Thursday that Ankara was doing its utmost to prevent tensions between the United States and Iran from dragging the region into a new conflict. Speaking to reporters on a return flight from Egypt, Erdogan said diplomacy remained pic.twitter.com/A63xLbI6QJ Iran International English (@IranIntl_En) February 5, 2026 Regardless of diplomacy, the head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps on Thursday threatened Israel, America and the nations hosting U.S. military bases. Advertisement Advertisement When Americans threaten to attack us, they should know our first target would be the Zionist entity, said IRGC General Hossein Daghighi, using the term Iran refers to when discussing Israel. It is well within the range of our missiles. It is Americas weak spot in the region. The enemys return to negotiations the Americans return to negotiations is a sign that they fear the capabilities of the Iranian people, Daghighi added. If attacked, we will immediately target all U.S. bases in the region. The countries and governments of the region are our brothers. We have no problems with them, but we will target the U.S. bases in these countries. If America wants to go to war with us, it should evacuate all its bases in the region and leave the region altogether. This is our objective. Our main goal is to drive America out of all the countries in the region. IRGC General Hossein Daghighi: Our main goal is to drive America out of the region; if the U.S. attacks Iran, we will strike Israel first and target all American bases. Washington returned to negotiations out of fear of the Iranian peoples capabilities. pic.twitter.com/nsog54sw7X Open Source Intel (@Osint613) February 5, 2026 Irans Army spokesman said the U.S. bases in the region are easy targets to attack. We are ready to defend, and it is the American president who must choose between compromise or war, said Amir Akraminia. Our access to US bases is easy, and this issue has increased their vulnerability. US military bases are within Irans reach, the army spokesman said on Thursday, warning President Donald Trump to choose between compromise and war. Our access to US bases is easy, and this has increased their vulnerability, Amir Akraminia said. We are ready to defend pic.twitter.com/vDBoDV8W5O Iran International English (@IranIntl_En) February 5, 2026 Perhaps in anticipation of a new attack on its nuclear facilities, satellite images show Iran burying the entrance to the Isfahan site, which was one of three attacked during last years Operation Midnight Hammer. Iran did something similar prior to that operation when it covered entrances to the Fordow facility with dirt to prevent an Israeli commando raid. Iran is burying the entrances to its nuclear facilities once again. Satellite imagery analyzed by @TheGoodISIS shows dirt is being placed at the entrance to the Esfahan nuclear site that was hit during operation MIDNIGHT HAMMER in June of last year. https://t.co/JlmbrgZsQY TheIntelFrog (@TheIntelFrog) February 5, 2026 Israel, which has vowed that Iran will never get nuclear weapons, remains a large wildcard in the current situation. Advertisement Advertisement While Jerusalem has been urging Trump to attack Iran, Israel has been told it has to refrain from any unilateral military action against its archenemy, Sky News Arabia stated. Ahead of the talks, which are to be held on Friday in Oman, the Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth described the coordination between Israel and the United States as very close. Senior Israeli officials pointed to the frequent visits by military and intelligence officers between the two countries. The Israeli Broadcasting Authority reported that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was holding a meeting with the heads of the security services on Thursday to discuss the tensions with Iran, Sky News Arabia added. It should be noted, of course, that Israel attacked Iran last June in what became known as the 12-Day War, even as Washington was negotiating with Tehran. Israeli officials said that the US has asked Israel to refrain from any unilateral military action against Iran, coinciding with the scheduled negotiations between Washington and Tehran. https://t.co/ZQMK6octb4 Levent Kemal (@leventkemaI) February 5, 2026 In addition to being concerned about Iran obtaining nuclear weapons, Israel is worried about its ability to produce ballistic missiles, of which Iran already has thousands. Advertisement Advertisement With help from Chinaand other countries, IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zami has warned that it could increase its ballistic missile production to 300 per month, and within a few years, dwarf its prior ballistic missile totals, the Jerusalem Post reported. At 6,000, 8,000, and 10,000 missiles in 2027-2028, analysts worry that even Israels awesome multi-layer defense shield would find it hard to keep up. Amid all the rhetoric, Israel is bracing for war. The Air Force, and especially you, must continue to maintain a high level of alertness, Israeli Air Force commander, General Tomer Bar, said during a visit to an Iron Dome air defense battery on Thursday. Every day, we are strengthening our readiness and our defensive and offensive capabilities. The reserve forces present at this battery, in the air defense system, and in all units of the Air Force and the Israel Defense Forces, are the central element of our power and of the State of Israel. Your mission and the heavy responsibility you have carried since the beginning of the war and on all fronts, together with the families who support you, are truly inspiring. The professionalism, dedication, and motivation you demonstrate here give me complete confidence that the Air Force is capable of confronting any challenge that lies ahead of us. As we understand the situation, we are on a thin line between preparedness and attack, an Israeli security official said. A dramatic weekend awaits the region. Visiting a reserve Iron Dome battery in northern Israel, Israeli Air Force chief Maj. Gen. Tomer Bar says the military continues to "strengthen preparedness and capabilities in both defense and offense," amid the ongoing tensions with Iran. "The air force, and you in particular, pic.twitter.com/NYHeFkwLP0 Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian (@manniefabian) February 5, 2026 The stream of U.S. Air Force cargo jets to the region, however, is continuing at a brisk pace. Online flight trackers estimate that well over 100 aircraft have arrived in the Middle East over the past few weeks, bringing additional forces, including additional Patriot and Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) systems for increased protection from any Iranian attack. Advertisement Advertisement While that may seem like a large number of flights, remember that last year, when the U.S. wanted to bolster its forces in the Middle East ahead of a potential conflict with Iran, it took 73 C-17 loads to move one Patriot air defense battalion across the globe. That is just one example of how hard-pressed U.S. military transport logistics are in a time of a major conflict that would require massive movements in the air and at sea of materiel. 2/5 AM Air Defense Move Update Flights carrying air defenses have continued to stream into the Middle East overnight with more leaving Texas for Europe. I have logged 50 flights since 1/23 total with 10 still in progress and no final destination is known yet. For context, last pic.twitter.com/WlvFep7TEC TheIntelFrog (@TheIntelFrog) February 5, 2026 UPDATE: 20260205-1200Z A few changes from this morning but nothing significant as of yet. As the US begins waking up we'll see more arrivals from CONUS. Might re-adjust the format of my reports again soon! cc: @MATA_osint @ArmchairAdml @TheIntelFrog @BrianE6B @vcdgf555 pic.twitter.com/UCu3sRB99d DefenceGeek (@DefenceGeek) February 5, 2026 As part of the effort to handle all these aircraft movements, the U.S. base at Spangdahlem, Germany, is now operating around the clock, the BBC noted. In addition, it appears another E-11A Battlefield Airborne Communications Node (BACN) jet is now in the region. "A third US Air Force E-11A aircraft departed from Chania International Airport on the Greek island of Crete yesterday. It touched down about four hours later at Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia." Separately Spangdahlem Air Base, a large Nato facility in Germany operated Jason Brodsky (@JasonMBrodsky) February 5, 2026 The U.S. has already deployed additional F-15E Strike Eagles, E/A-18G Growler electronic warfare jets and A-10 Thunderbolt close support aircraft to the region, where some F-15Es and A-10s were already located. The U.S. Navy also has squadrons of F-35C stealth fighters, F/A-18E-F Super Hornets and Growlers embarked aboard the Lincoln. However, as we have frequently pointed out, there still does not appear to be enough tactical jets for the U.S. to maintain a sustained operation, even of limited scope, against Iran. A flight of Air Force F-35A stealth fighters, used in the raid to capture Maduro, is still stuck in Rota, Spain, according to online flight trackers. The jets, reportedly bound for Jordan, became marooned there after a KC-46 mishap at Moron Air Base, some 50 miles to the northeast, shut the runway for days. While the Moron runway has since been reopened, it remains unclear how many flights have been launched. We have reached out to the U.S. Air Force Air Mobility Command and U.S. Air Forces Europe-Air Force Africa (USAFE) for details. This KC-46 Pegasus aerial refueling tanker had a mishap on Moron Air Base and remains there. (Pepe Jimenez) Pepe Jimenez Advertisement Advertisement We have not seen any major movement of strategic bombers yet either and there does not appear to be any major increase of assets on Diego Garcia, a U.S. base in the Indian Ocean. Last year, ahead of rising tensions with Iran, the U.S. sent a large force of bombers and other supporting assets to Diego Garcia, which TWZ was first to report on. Though Trump on Thursday mentioned that the U.S. has a big fleet heading to the Middle East, there have been no ship movements today, a U.S. Navy official told us. There are still 10 ships in the U.S. Central Command region, including the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and three of its Arleigh Burke class guided missile destroyer escorts. There are also two Arleigh Burke class ships in the eastern Mediterranean as well, the official added. In a veiled message to Iran, CENTCOM released a time-lapse video showing the launch and recovery of jets from the Lincoln. On the flight deck of an aircraft carrier, what looks like a random rush of jets and people is actually a well-orchestrated routine. Sailors aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln are trained to work as a team to launch and recover safely and on time, every time. pic.twitter.com/64ubKaG1wC U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) February 5, 2026 Iran is no match for American military forces, the Navys highest-ranking active-duty officer said this week. Advertisement Advertisement Adm. Daryl Caudle, chief of naval operations, told hundreds of sailors at an all-hands call Wednesday that although he doesnt take Iranian posturing lightly, U.S. forces overmatched Tehrans threats significantly when it comes to capabilities, Stars and Stripes reported. We have a very good approach of providing the president of the United States military options. Iran knows this. So, the fact that we have that type of capability is a strong deterrent. Adm. Daryl Caudle, chief of naval operations, told hundreds of sailors at an all-hands call that although he doesnt take Iranian posturing lightly, U.S. forces overmatched Tehrans threats significantly when it comes to capabilities.https://t.co/onC0T1tj5L Stars and Stripes (@starsandstripes) February 5, 2026 As CENTCOM was showing off the Lincoln, the IRGC on Thursday claimed it seized two oil tankers with their foreign crews in Gulf waters for smuggling fuel, the official Iranian Tasnim news agency reported. More than one million liters of smuggled fuel were discovered on these two violating vessels, and 15 foreign crew members were referred to judicial authorities for legal proceedings, Tasnim added. It was not immediately clear what flags the tankers were carrying, nor the nationalities of the crews. BREAKING: Iranian IRGC terrorists claim they have captured two oil tankers in the Persian Gulf carrying around 1 million liters of diesel fuel. Fifteen foreign crew members were detained. pic.twitter.com/LbUcrTlkVQ Visegrad 24 (@visegrad24) February 5, 2026 The seizures, part of an ongoing Iranian effort in the Gulf, came just two days after an F-35C from the Lincoln shot down an Iranian drone. In a separate incident that day, IRGC forces harassed a U.S.-flagged, U.S.-crewed merchant vessel lawfully transiting the Strait of Hormuz. Advertisement Advertisement Two IRGC boats and an Iranian Mohajer drone approached M/V Stena Imperative at high speeds and threatened to board and seize the tanker, Col. Tim Hawkins, the CENTCOM spokesperson, said in a statement to TWZ. Guided-missile destroyer USS McFaul (DDG 74) was operating in the area and immediately responded to the scene to escort M/V Stena Imperative with defensive air support from the U.S. Air Force. We will keep you up to date with new developments in this fast moving story. Contact the author: howard@thewarzone.com An Albion Central School District middle school teacher has been accused a sexually abusing a child, according to the Orleans County Sheriff's Office in upstate New York. Josefino Paz, 58, of Brockport on Wednesday was charged with forcible touching, third-degree sexual abuse and endangering the welfare of a child, all misdemeanors, Orleans County Sheriff Christopher Bourke said in a news release. Paz turned himself into deputies following an investigation. Paz, an English as a second language (ESL) teacher for the Albion Central School District, is accused of sexually abusing and inappropriately touching a juvenile, according to the Sheriff's Office. Deputies did not share further details on when the alleged encounter occurred or the age or gender of the victim. Deputies confirmed that the alleged incident occurred in Albion, but did not release a location. Advertisement Advertisement District officials on Wednesday told parents about Paz's arrest and said they learned of the allegations last week and "immediately put the employee on administrative leave." Although district officials said they cannot share information about the criminal investigation, they stated that, to date, the sheriff's office "has not found any evidence to believe any misconduct involving the employee occurred on the Districts campus." Deputies said the investigation was coordinated with district officials, the school resource deputy and sheriffs investigators. Counselors are available for Albion students and families, district officials said. Paz was processed at the Orleans County Jail and held pending CAP court arraignment, deputies said. A temporary order of protection was issued. Anyone with additional information related to this investigation is asked to call the Orleans County Sheriffs Office at (585) 589-5527. This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Josefino Paz charged in child sex abuse investigation in Albion NY Two suspects arrested after smuggling 80,000 cigarettes disguised as tissues. (photo credit: Police Spokesperson ) According to the Southern District Attorneys Office, this was an organized, systematic, and sophisticated smuggling operation of various goods into the Gaza Strip in exchange for financial gain. Two indictments were filed with the Beersheba District Court on Wednesday, naming 12 defendants in a serious security case involving the smuggling of goods into Gaza. Now that the indictment has been cleared for publication, here is what can be reported. Below are questions and answers on the affair that has shaken the country. What are the details of the case in question? According to the Southern District Attorneys Office, this was an organized, systematic, and sophisticated smuggling operation of various goods into the Gaza Strip in exchange for financial gain. The acts were carried out while IDF activity in Gaza was ongoing, even after the ceasefire, and while hostages were still being held in the Gaza Strip by Hamas. The period in question is the summer of 2025. Advertisement Advertisement At that time, the Gaza area was still under active warfare, had been declared a closed military zone, and entry was permitted by security authorities only for operational purposes. At regulated commercial crossings, which is not the case here, approvals are examined as part of an orderly inspection process, and the type and quantity of goods are authorized before entry into Gaza. The defendants bypassed this orderly process. Why is the case so severe? The severity of the case lies in the claim that the defendants carried out the smuggling while aware of the possibility that the prohibited goods would reach Hamas and its operatives, while foreseeing as a near certainty that this could be worthwhile in assisting the enemy, Hamas, in its war against Israel. According to the indictment, the acts economically strengthened Hamas, which collects taxation commissions even on transactions not intended for it, and also seizes control of goods. This underlies the heightened severity of the allegations, namely that the defendants effectively assisted the enemy during wartime and enabled the murderous terror organization, among other things, to pay salaries and recruit new operatives. Two suspects arrested after smuggling 80,000 cigarettes disguised as tissues. (credit: Police Spokesperson ) What goods were smuggled, for what sums? The smuggled goods included cartons of cigarettes, iPhones, batteries, communications cables, vehicle spare parts, and more, with a total value reaching millions of shekels. A central prohibited commodity smuggled into the Strip was tobacco and cigarettes, which have funneled hundreds of millions of shekels into Hamass coffers since the start of the war, helping it to, among other things, maintain itself economically and preserve governing control in the territory. Advertisement Advertisement The indictment details specific sums. For example, during August to September 2025, several of the defendants together smuggled 26 cartons of cigarettes into Gaza in exchange for a total of approximately NIS 3,900,000. In late October, cigarettes, around 100 iPhones, mobile phones, and medical equipment were smuggled, valued at NIS 900,000. In November, 400 iPhones were smuggled, valued at NIS 350,000. Who are the accused, and what are the charges against them? Some of the defendants are civilians, and others are reservists. Their ages range from 37 to 52. All defendants are charged with aiding the enemy during wartime, an offense that under Israels Penal Code carries a potential sentence of life imprisonment or death. They are also charged with prohibited dealings in property for terror purposes, obtaining something by aggravated fraud, and bribery. Four of them are additionally charged with accepting bribes. The defendants are also charged with tax offenses and offenses under the Counter Terrorism Law. These are serious charges that could result in heavy sentences if convictions are secured. How were the goods smuggled into the Gaza Strip? In all of the smuggling operations, the defendants or others acting on their behalf entered the Gaza Strip with the goods while presenting false representations to military forces, claiming the entry was for security purposes. It is alleged that after the goods were delivered to a meeting point, they were transferred for repackaging and concealment, loaded and transported along a prearranged route, using camouflage methods including military clothing and the appearance of activity connected to the IDF. Advertisement Advertisement After crossing the border, the goods were placed at an agreed delivery point inside the Strip, in coordination with the Gaza based contact, and the operatives returned to Israeli territory. In some cases, the goods were brought into Gaza in exchange for payment to defendants who were serving at the time in active reserve duty, and they are charged with accepting bribes. How is the brother of Shin Bet Chief David Zini connected? It should be noted that Shin Bet (Israeli Security Agency) Chief's brotherBetzalel Zini is not among the defendants at this stage. However, he is apparently expected to be indicted soon, along with additional new defendants. He is suspected of smuggling goods, specifically cigarettes, though it remains to be seen which offenses will be attributed to him and the scope of the alleged smuggling. Bezalel Zini, brother of Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) chief David Zini, suspected of smuggling cigarettes into Gaza, February 3, 2026. (credit: SCREENSHOT/X, SECTION 27A COPYRIGHT ACT) In addition, the indictment against the other defendants mentions that another defendant approached him and offered a bribe to him and to another individual, who were then serving in the reserves in Team Oria and had authorizations to bring convoys of vehicles into the Strip. The defendant allegedly proposed that they carry out the smuggling in exchange for a share of the profits. On one occasion, this defendant transferred a carton of cigarettes to Zini's vehicle, from where Zini and another individual transferred the goods into the Gaza Strip. It is important to note that Zini denies the allegations attributed to him, and that the mere fact that a defendant allegedly offered him a bribe does not mean he will necessarily be charged with accepting a bribe. Advertisement Advertisement The offense of aiding the enemy during wartime attributed to the defendants is among the most severe in the Israeli legal code. Under the Penal Code, Anyone who commits an act with intent to assist the enemy in its war against Israel, and whose act is capable of assisting such a purpose, shall be liable to death or life imprisonment. Naturally, the prosecution will need to prove that the defendants had awareness and intent to assist Hamas. This is a long and difficult evidentiary path, and the charge may later be removed, whether as part of a plea deal or otherwise. The defendants' statement Attorney Shani Dari, representing three of the defendants in the case, said, After reviewing the indictment, it appears that these were offenses committed for financial gain and not offenses or individuals who sought to strengthen the terror organization Hamas. The indictment raises a baseless assumption that the defendants should have known that cigarettes were being sold at exorbitant prices and were intended to serve the interests of the terror organization, which in practice is not true and is far removed from reality, and that the defendants were not aware of consequences beyond economic profit. From there to accusing them of aiding the enemy during wartime, an offense carrying life imprisonment or the death penalty, is completely unfounded. The inclusion of this charge is intended to serve a political event related to the appointment of the Shin Bet chief, and nothing more. The Capitol in Salt Lake City is pictured on the first day of the legislative session, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026. (Photo by Spenser Heaps for Utah News Dispatch) When a child in state custody dies, few people get to learn the details of what happened and what Utah officials may have learned from the tragedy. A small circle of state lawmakers is part of the group, and in the last three years, they received data suggesting the Division of Child and Family Services followed its own policies in each and every case. But that isnt true, according to a legislative audit released last week. Advertisement Advertisement Now lawmakers are reevaluating how the information comes to them and taking steps to improve the process. A new proposal would limit how much information can be blacked out in fatality reviews given to the Child Welfare Legislative Oversight Panel. The bills sponsor, Rep. Cheryl Acton, said the goal is to better understand anything that may have gone wrong or could have been prevented. We need to make sure no one falls through the cracks, and if they do, we need to fill those cracks, said Acton, R-West Jordan. Under her proposal, HB434, only a childs last name and address would be redacted. The reviews are conducted in cases of Utahns receiving child welfare services within a year of their deaths. Advertisement Advertisement The audit ordered by lawmakers found the reports contained more redactions than necessary, making them hard to review. Separately, from 2023 to 2025, auditors found the reviews stated the division followed its policy even when it failed to. They criticized troubling deficiencies that starve the oversight process. When auditors asked about the incorrect information, leaders of the division and the Department of Health and Human Services internal review agency explained that the process of reporting policy violations previously gave harsh critique to individual caseworkers, instead of broader lessons. But now it gives neither, the report states, resulting in a process starved of the very information it was created to produce. Its important for lawmakers to clearly understand the information in fatality reviews, said Carrie Bambrough, director of the Division of Continuous Quality and Improvement within DHHS. She called the bill an appropriate balance in following privacy laws and allowing for accountability. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Advertisement Advertisement Bambrough told Utah News Dispatch Wednesday that the department is evaluating its policies and agrees with auditors recommendations that it should work to identify both systemic issues and those specific to a particular case. She said doing so will help lawmakers, along with the departments own top officials, to know all that they should. We are committed and really want this process to be meaningful and what it should be, so that they have the information that they need to make those decisions, Bambrough said. Senate Minority Leader Luz Escamilla told reporters this week she and her colleagues will review how the Department of Health and Human Services and the Division of Child and Family Services share information with the panel. Escamilla, D-Salt Lake City, recalled telling the agencies after an audit presentation last week, You know, this kind of hurts when youre trying to build a relationship of working closely with the executive branch. And I think they heard that pretty clear. Advertisement Advertisement A member of the Child Welfare Oversight Panel, she is one of five lawmakers who scrutinize the fatality reviews. She noted as lawmakers consider changes to the process, theyll need to focus on protecting privacy. A public hearing for the bill focused on redactions has not yet been scheduled. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE The concept echoes recent years of proxy warfare across Lebanon, Iraq, Syria, and the Red Sea, where Houthi maritime attacks disrupted shipping and drew international responses. Iran has published a detailed concept for war with the United States, describing missile barrages, proxy escalation, cyber operations, and threats to global oil flows, according to the IRGC-linked Tasnim news agency. The war scenario published by Tasnim begins with US strikes on nuclear and military sites in densely populated areas, followed by a rapid Iranian counter-barrage aimed at US regional bases. Advertisement Advertisement The document touts hardened underground infrastructure and redundant command networks designed to survive an initial blow and enable sustained retaliation. It portrays a saturation strategy where large salvos of ballistic missiles and drones are intended to tax Patriot and THAAD defenses, while Tehrans axis of resistance ignites parallel fronts. Under the plan, Hezbollah, Yemens Houthis, and Iran-aligned Iraqi militias would expand attacks, complicating any US focus on Iran itself. The concept echoes recent years of proxy warfare across Lebanon, Iraq, Syria, and the Red Sea, where Houthi maritime attacks disrupted shipping and drew international responses. Advertisement Advertisement Additionally, according to Tasnim, Tehrans cyber component would target transport, energy, finance, and military communications to disrupt US deployments and pressure host governments. Strategic use of Strait of Hormuz The plan also leans on geography, throttling the Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly a fifth of global oil and gas shipments pass, to jolt markets and fracture support for sustained US action. The strategy was framed as asymmetric endurance: not defeating the US outright, but making a prolonged war prohibitively costly. The calculation assumes Irans proxies can coordinate under fire and host states will tolerate escalation on their soil, while also betting Washington will prioritize de-escalation over a grinding regional conflict. Advertisement Advertisement The plan surfaced this week as US-Iran talks were set for Friday in Muscat, Oman, and after Donald Trump said Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei should be very worried, raising fears of renewed escalation. On Sunday, Irans chief of staff, Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi, announced that the country had revised its military doctrine toward an offensive approach after the Israel-Iran war. Americans should know that if they start a war this time, it would be a regional war, Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei stated. Idaho lawmakers could add more accountability measures for virtual public schools across the state after a report last year found gaps in oversight that led to families using public funds for costs such as Disney+ subscriptions and trampoline parks. The bill, sponsored by a bipartisan group of lawmakers, seeks to fix some of the concerns identified in the report. This bill will provide clarity, transparency and accountability to the processes that virtuals follow, Rep. Douglas Pickett, R-Oakley, one of the sponsors of the bill, told lawmakers Wednesday in the House Education committee. Advertisement Advertisement The bill would require virtual schools to ensure contracts with education service providers which some work with to provide curriculum and other resources are approved by a board. Under the bill, curricular materials also would have to meet state content standards and teachers would be required to hold a certificate. The bill also provides more accountability around the use of supplemental learning funds, which some of Idahos virtual schools pay to families each year to help them buy enrichment materials and other learning resources, such as technology, art and science supplies and books. The report released last year from the Office of Performance Evaluations found the moneys use wasnt addressed in state law, which led to inconsistencies and ambiguity on what it can be used for. Under the bill, virtual schools and education service providers would be barred from paying state funds directly to parents of enrolled students and the funds would need to be spent through direct order by the school except in certain situations. The bill includes a short list of eligible expenses, such as computer hardware, internet access, textbooks, testing fees, therapies and other expenses and services approved by the State Board of Education. The bill directs the Board of Education to come up with rules relating to supplemental learning funds, including a list of eligible educational expenses. Bill comes after report raised concerns After OPE released its report on virtual schools and specifically, the Idaho Home Learning Academy, Idahos largest virtual charter school state officials raised concerns about the use of supplemental learning funds. Advertisement Advertisement During the 2024-25 school year, families at Idaho Home Learning Academy received more than $12 million in taxpayer money for supplemental learning funds, the OPE report said. Other virtual schools across the state also offer families supplemental learning funds of varying amounts, according to the report. During his State of the State address last month, Gov. Brad Little proposed cutting millions of dollars for supplemental learning funds. The governors budget recommendation cited the OPE report and said it found inefficiencies in the virtual public school funding model. It called for a $23 million cut while strengthening accountability and long-term sustainability. The proposal eliminates the supplemental learning funds for all online schools across the state about $20 million and nixes about $3 million in transportation funding for virtual schools. Parents surveyed in the OPE report said the supplemental learning funds have been a major driver in their decision to enroll in the virtual academy, and more than 70% said they would disenroll if the money went away. Advertisement Advertisement The bill proposed Wednesday does not address the funding model for virtual schools. Public schools in Idaho receive funding largely based on average daily attendance, but virtual schools have more flexibility around how to calculate attendance. The Idaho Home Learning Academy, for example, requires students to submit at least one assignment for each of their classes per week and to check in with their teacher every other week to be counted as present for a two-week period. The report identified this as a much lower threshold than the requirements for a brick-and-mortar school. State Superintendent Debbie Critchfield in her response to the report said it highlighted the need to modernize the states funding formula. Over the past decade, lawmakers have made efforts to rewrite the states 30-year-old education funding formula, but have not agreed upon a way to do it. Virtual schools have grown increasingly popular in Idaho in recent years. The Idaho Home Learning Academy launched about 10 years ago with around 250 students and has climbed to nearly 8,000 students. The Muhammad Ali Index is expanding to include Sharjah, United Arab Emirates as its first global city partner, according to a Feb. 5 announcement from the Muhammad Ali Center. The Index, a research and action platform that tracks compassion, will partner with the American University of Sharjah. The Index is also expanding to 20 total U.S. cities with the addition of Houston; Philadelphia; Charlotte, North Carolina; Columbus, Ohio; Indianapolis; San Francisco; Boston; and Washington, D.C. Additional global cities will be announced soon. Ali Center CEO and co-founder Lonnie Ali described Sharjah, UAE as a meaningful launch pad for the international expansion because its commitment to education, culture and civic well-being reflects the values that Muhammad Ali stood for." Advertisement Advertisement Muhammad believed that how we treat one another matters especially when its hard. Compassion wasnt something he spoke about in theory; it was how he lived, how he made choices and how he showed up for others, said Lonnie Ali, who is the widow of Muhammad Ali. What is the Muhammad Ali Index? The Muhammad Ali Index first launched in 2025 in 12 U.S. cities and produced the 2025 Compassion Report, which addresses compassion in the U.S. The Index uses original research, AI tools, local insight and its Net Compassion Score to determine how compassion is experienced on the ground, how people treat one another, how trust is built and how communities come together across differences. It also allows the group to carry Muhammad Alis legacy forward in a way that helps people live compassion, Lonnie Ali said. As part of the partnership, Sharjah will become the first city in the world to create its own Ali Compassion Report. Advertisement Advertisement American University of Sharjah President Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi said the partnership marks a clear intent to address civic well-being with the same seriousness applied to economic and social development. Through AUS, we will help generate globally comparable evidence that can guide leaders, educators and institutions toward stronger trust, inclusion and social cohesion, she said. The expansion also helps turn inspiration into insight that institutions can act on, AUS Chancellor Tod Laursen said. It draws on a global symbol of compassion and translates it into research that can inform education, leadership and community well-being, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Muhammad Ali Center leaders said in a news release that the expansion comes at a moment of deep social challenge after the 2025 Compassion Report found that 61% of people believe compassion is declining and nearly half are hopeful it can be rebuilt. Muhammad Ali Center Chief of Compassion Simon Cohen said the research indicates that compassion is a skill, meaning that even in a time of deep division, there is real hope. This story has been updated to correct a misspelling and include new information. This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Muhammad Ali Index gains first global partner in Sharjah, UAE MUNCIE, IN A Muncie man recently convicted of dealing in cocaine for a third time has been sentenced to 20 years in prison. A Delaware Circuit Court 5 jury on Jan. 7 deliberated for about an hour before finding 45-year-old Jeffrey Jamaal Goodson guilty of two dealing counts. The jury also found the Muncie resident earlier convicted of dealing in cocaine in 1998 and 2000 was a habitual offender. Advertisement Advertisement During last month's trial, deputy prosecutor Eric Overpeck said Goodson last June twice sold the drug to an agent for the Muncie-Delaware County Drug Task Force. Goodson's 20-year sentence was imposed on Thursday, Feb. 5, by Delaware Circuit Court 4 Judge Thomas Cannon Jr. In a release, Delaware County Prosecutor Eric Hoffman said he was "pleased that another drug dealer has been sent to prison." The prosecutor said drug dealers "destroy their customers' lives and threaten the safety of the community." Douglas Walker is a news reporter at The Star Press. Contact him at 765-213-5851 or at dwalker@muncie.gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Muncie Star Press: Muncie man with four dealing convictions draws 20-year sentence Feb. 4MORGANTOWN Morgantown City Council on Tuesday tabled the first reading of an ordinance establishing a municipal ID program. City Manager Jamie Miller recommended the action, explaining the program, as presented, has drawn significant public feedback as well as the attention of the West Virginia Secretary of State's office. The ordinance states, in part, "Whenever the provisions of identification is referenced in any section of the City Code, or in any ordinance of the City hereafter adopted, or required by state or federal law, any City official responsible for receiving such identification shall accept a municipal identification card issued by the City as such identification ..." Advertisement Advertisement The city has confirmed that "any city official " includes election workers and the Morgantown Police Department. "The Morgantown Municipal ID does not carry state or federal authorization or privileges. The Morgantown Police Department will recognize it as an initial form of identification when interacting with members of the public, at any time, if no other ID is available. In those cases, MPD will still cross-reference the individual's information across applicable databases to verify identity, " Morgantown Communications Director Brad Riffee told The Dominion Post. The issue behind Tuesday evening's decision to allow time for "additional dialogue " seems to focus more on use of the city-vetted ID card to participate in municipal elections. Miller said city leadership does not believe the program runs afoul of state election law. Advertisement Advertisement "I do think it's valid to state that the proposed municipal ID program does not surpass or circumvent the voter registration guidelines in West Virginia. Voter registration is administered by the West Virginia Secretary of State's office and requires a person to be a U.S. citizen, resident of the county where they are registering, and 18 years of age in order to register. All of those requirements remain intact, " Miller said. "However, the program as presented has provided some confusion on whether or not the municipal ID program would allow for additional voting rights. That was not the intended goal, to provide that confusion, and I do believe it's in the best interest for us to have some additional dialogue, particularly with members of the Secretary of State's office, related to the program." During council's January planning meeting, Special Projects Coordinator Shannon Davis, who will oversee the vetting process and distribute the ID cards, said applicants would need to provide at least four points of proof establishing their identity as well as two points of proof establishing city residency to be approved for an ID card. Some of the concerns raised centered around the acceptance of documents issued outside the United States as valid proof of identity. The city webpage explaining the program's details, including what documents would be accepted, is no longer accessible. City officials have said the purpose of the program is to provide a secure, low-cost option for individuals living in the city who may face barriers securing a state or federal form of ID. Welcome to 5 Things PM! The Trump administration is investigating Nike over alleged discrimination against White employees related to the companys diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. Heres what else you might have missed during your busy day. 5 things A SpaceX launch in Cape Canaveral, Florida. - Giorgio Viera/AFP/Getty Images 1 A bold plan Elon Musk believes the best way to solve the difficulties of building AI data centers on Earth is to move them into outer space. This weeks merger of his rocket company SpaceX with xAI could help get them there. 2 Bizarro world President Donald Trump put gun groups on the defensive when he said Minneapolis protester Alex Pretti should not have had a gun when he was fatally shot by federal agents. His comments have scrambled Americas gun politics. 3 Saving the animals A biotech company thats trying to revive the dodo, mammoth and Tasmanian tiger is creating a frozen biovault for endangered species. Last year, Colossal Biosciences used ancient DNA to resurrect the dire wolf. 4 Fantastic films The Library of Congress added 25 movies to the National Film Registry, including classics like The Big Chill and Before Sunrise. See which ones made the cut. 5 Must-watch TV Theres one sport that seems to capture the hearts and minds of viewers around the world during every Winter Olympics: curling. Heres a quick rundown. Watch this Creepy creature: Scientists found a rare phantom jellyfish hundreds of feet below the oceans surface off the coast of Argentina. First discovered in 1899, it can grow as long as a school bus. Top headlines Check this out Vincenzo Livieri/Reuters Fishy fresco: Italian authorities have opened an investigation after complaints that a newly restored angel in a Rome church looks strikingly similar to Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. For CNN subscribers Advertisement Advertisement EDITORS NOTE: Interested in exclusive stories like these? Choose a plan Quiz time Kent Nishimura/Bloomberg/Getty Images The Washington Post just announced widespread layoffs. Which billionaire owns the newspaper? A. Bill Gates B. Elon Musk C. Jeff Bezos D. Warren Buffett Scroll down for the answer. Thanks for reading Most popular in yesterdays newsletter: There are many famous names in the Epstein files Quiz answer: C. Bezos, the founder of Amazon, bought the storied publication in 2013. Well see you tomorrow. Check out all of CNNs newsletters. Todays edition of 5 Things PM was edited and produced by CNNs Kimberly Richardson and Chris Good. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com WASHINGTON, Feb 3 (Reuters) - The U.S. government and a majority of U.S. states on Tuesday will appeal the outcome of a landmark antitrust case against Alphabet's Google, according to court papers. A federal court judge in Washington in 2024 ruled Google has a monopoly in the online search business, but rejected the toughest remedies. The Department of Justice and state attorneys general did not provide details in court documents about their appeal. Their challenge will likely focus on the judge's decision not to make Google sell off its Chrome browser or end its lucrative arrangement with Apple to provide the default search engine on new devices. Google is already appealing U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta's ruling that it broke the law to stave off competition in online search and related advertising. Google has asked the judge to pause his order that would require the company to share data with rivals during the appeal process, which could last many months. Mehta rejected tougher remedies, such as making Google sell its Chrome browser or Android operating system, or banning the company from paying tens of billions of dollars to Apple to be the default search engine on new devices. In the five years since the DOJ and dozens of state attorneys general filed the civil case, generative artificial intelligence companies like OpenAI have emerged as competitive threats to Google, the judge said. The ruling was a major win for Google and a setback for U.S. antitrust enforcers who have found judges reluctant to interfere in fast-moving tech markets. (Reporting by Mike Scarcella and Chris Sanders in Washington and Jody Godoy in Los Angeles, Editing by Franklin Paul and Ethan Smith) Over 400 investors in New Jersey lost more than $1.5 million in an elaborate scheme, the Newark Federal Bureau of Investigation Joint Organized Task Force announced. The investigation targeted a sophisticated, organized crime group based in Hungary and Dubai that sold fake gold bars to investors, officials said. The FBIs Newark office and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) worked in partnership with the Hungarian National Bureau of Investigation to arrest three Hungarian citizens, authorities said. Advertisement Advertisement The investigators alerted the New Jersey victims to the fake gold bar investment scheme, according to the FBI. The relationships we have built with our overseas partners in Hungary and the work we do every day with our partners at DEA, are vital to protecting the communities we serve in New Jersey, said Stefanie Roddy, the Newark FBI special agent in charge. Criminals can victimize people across international borders and even oceans but they cannot escape the global reach of the FBI, DEA and our international partners, Roddy added. This case is an incredible example of why these partnerships are so important. Read the original article on NJ.com. Add NJ.com as a Preferred Source by clicking here. State officials have denied a Passaic County school districts request to hold two remote learning days instead of canceling all classes for a primary and special election to fill Gov. Mikie Sherrills vacated Congressional seat. The Wayne school district will close Thursday and again on April 16 because six of its 14 schools will serve as polling places in the 11th District Congressional special election. Thursdays primary and Aprils general election were scheduled to fill the seat following Sherrills resignation from Congress after being elected governor. Waynes school board cited security reasons when it approved a resolution Dec. 18 asking the state Department of Education to waive a provision in state law requiring public school students to be in classrooms during the school day. The law says students cant take remote classes if the day is going to count toward the minimum of 180 days of required instruction. Advertisement Advertisement Passaic Countys executive county superintendent of schools, Kesha Drakeford, wrote in a letter to Wayne on Tuesday that the state Department of Education does not have statutory authority to permit a school district to count days of remote or virtual instruction provided in lieu of in-person instruction under the circumstances described in the resolution. In making the request, Wayne officials said the extra days off from school will be a burden on some families. We recognize that this closure requires the use of an emergency closing day, and we understand the inconvenience this may cause for our families, district officials said in a Jan. 27 letter to parents announcing that its request had not been approved. At several of the schools impacted by the election, the layout of the building and the location of the polling booths would not allow us to operate the school day at a level of safety that meets our expectations, district officials said in the letter. Advertisement Advertisement Wayne, like some other school districts serving as polling places in New Jersey, also closes for the general election in November and primary in June. We sincerely apologize for the disruption this closure may cause. As always, the safety of our students and staff remains our highest priority, and this decision was made with that commitment at the forefront, the district said in its letter. Sherrills former Congressional district includes nearly four dozen municipalities in Passaic, Essex and Morris counties. While many school districts in the district appear to be sticking to their regular schedules during polling, a few have announced changes. Advertisement Advertisement Montclair, Sherrills hometown, is closing schools for the primary on Thursday and on April 16 for the special election. The South Orange-Maplewood district will have early dismissals at three of its 11 schools. New Jerseys law requiring at least 180 days of instruction includes an exception that was used during the COVID-19 pandemic. It allows remote learning when schools are closed for more than three consecutive school days due to a declared state of emergency or public health emergency. However, neither scenario would cover the short-term inconvenience of a one-day snowstorm or closing due to an election. So, New Jersey schools do not usually offer students the option of learning from home. Some educators have pushed the state to loosen the restrictions. Efforts to change New Jerseys law date back to at least 2015 when the Bergen County Association of School Administrators first endorsed learning from home as an option. Advertisement Advertisement In 2016 and 2018, then-state Assemblywoman Valerie Vainieri Huttle, D-Bergen, introduced legislation that would permit up to three days of virtual instruction when schools close due to weather or other emergencies. The bills died in Trenton without a vote. The executive director of the New Jersey Association of School Administrators, Richard Bozza, said schools often have to close for reasons unrelated to weather. One of the things districts should have is the flexibility. Weve had loss of power. Weve had boilers break down, said Bozza, who supports allowing remote learning as an option. Wayne does not have the authority to restrict elections from taking place in school buildings designated as polling locations, the district told parents. Advertisement Advertisement Wayne built four emergency closing days into its 2025-26 academic calendar. It used the first day due to the snowstorm last month. The special election primary and general election will be the second and third days. If additional days are needed beyond the four days built into the schedule, spring break will be reduced starting March 30. Any unused emergency closing days would result in additional days off in late May around the Memorial Day holiday weekend. Wayne has nine elementary schools, three middle schools and two high schools. The district enrolls approximately 7,800 students. Read the original article on NJ.com. Add NJ.com as a Preferred Source by clicking here. The Democratic former speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi, said on Wednesday that press freedom is under siege in the United States after the Trump administration arrested a prominent journalist and searched the home of another. The warning from Pelosi comes on the same day that the Washington Post, which is owned by Jeff Bezos, the Amazon billionaire who has recently sought to curry favor with Donald Trump, conducted mass layoffs of its reporters and editors worldwide. Lets make no mistake: we are living in a time when the first amendment is under siege here at home, she said at an annual dinner for reporters covering Congress convened by the Washington Press Club. Advertisement Advertisement Facts are challenged, truth is distorted, and the press is treated by those in power as an enemy, fake news, rather than vital partner. Pelosi called the arrest last month of former CNN anchor Don Lemon as well as the search of Post reporter Hannah Natansons home, in which the FBI seized several electronic devices, an affront to press freedom meant to scare, chill and silence. But amid that political intimidation, we must also reckon with an ongoing and accompanying threat, the former speaker continued. Just today, we saw painful layoffs at the Washington Post part of a broader reprehensible pattern in which corporate decisions are hollowing out newsrooms across the country. Advertisement Advertisement Around one third of the Posts staff were laid off Wednesday, despite public pleas from journalists to preserve their jobs. In a nod to the papers own slogan Democracy dies in darkness Pelosi said: A free press cannot fulfill its mission if it is starved of the resources it needs to survive. And when newsrooms are weakened, our republic is weakened with them. Because democracy does die in darkness. One of the most prominent Democratic lawmakers in Congress, Pelosi became the first female speaker of the House of Representatives in 2007, serving until 2011 and playing a major role in advancing Barack Obamas legislative agenda. She presided over the chamber for a another four-year stint lasting from 2019 to 2023, during the second half of Trumps first term and the first two years of Joe Bidens. She emerged as a major antagonist of the Republican president, squabbling with him at the White House and ripping a copy of his 2020 State of the Union address after he finished delivering it. Pelosi stepped down as the leader of House Democrats after the party lost its majority in the chamber at the beginning of 2023, and last year announced she would retire after this year, ending a 40-year stint in Congress. She did not spare the president in her remarks, nor the conservative justices who hold a majority of the supreme courts seats. Advertisement Advertisement America is in a crisis of conscience. We have a president who has crowned himself King, a Congress which has abolished itself, and a supreme court that has gone rogue, Pelosi said. Our first amendment a free and independent press the fourth estate is essential to the survival of our Republic. Editors Note: This story has been updated to remove identifiers used previously. FOREST HILLS, Tenn. (WKRN) After last weeks ice storm, the damage across Forest Hills and nearby neighborhoods is easy to see: split trees, sagging limbs, yards left exposed. What is harder to spot, state officials say, is the risk that follows close behind. The Tennessee Attorney Generals Office issued a consumer alert this week warning homeowners about tree removal scams targeting storm-damaged areas. Complaints have increased about door-to-door crews asking for cash, offering immediate cleanup, and then failing to deliver any work. Advertisement Advertisement For homeowners eager to clear dangerous trees, the pressure to act can be intense. One Nashville homeowner told News 2 he paid more than $6,000 to a company for tree removal services that were never performed. The homeowner said repeated attempts to reach the company went unanswered. Have breaking news come to you: Subscribe to News 2 email alerts Concerns about the company have also surfaced publicly online. In a post shared on social media, a Nashville resident warned others not to use the company, describing his own experience following the ice storm and urging homeowners to be cautious before hiring anyone for cleanup. The post has drawn dozens of comments from others sharing similar concerns and frustrations. Advertisement Advertisement News 2 also attempted to contact the company directly. Calls were routed to an automated voicemail system and were not returned. Most reputable firms may ask for a deposit, but they should never charge the full amount upfront, said Robyn Householder, president and CEO of the Better Business Bureau of Middle Tennessee. Anything beyond fifty percent should be a red flag. At the height of the storm, about 230,000 customers across Middle Tennessee were without power. Many residents were left searching quickly for help to clear fallen trees blocking driveways, threatening homes, or resting on power lines. Trevor Cochran, a partner with Tree Job, a licensed and insured tree removal company operating locally, said pressure is often the first warning sign. Advertisement Advertisement A pushy sales rep is always something to be cautious of, Cochran said. If someone is rushing you or singling you out, there is usually a reason, and it is not a good one. Cochran said homeowners should always insist on a written estimate that clearly states the total cost before any work begins. If they cannot give you a final price in writing, walk away, he said. Once you sign something without details, you lose control of the situation. The Better Business Bureau and the Attorney Generals Office recommend homeowners look for credentials such as Certified Arborist, which requires training through the International Society of Arboriculture. Officials also suggest choosing companies affiliated with organizations like the Tree Care Industry Association or the American Society of Consulting Arborists. Read todays top stories on wkrn.com Homeowners are advised to ask what cleanup is included, verify proof of insurance, and never allow work to begin without a signed contract outlining costs, scope of work, and start and completion dates. Advertisement Advertisement Insurance matters, officials warn. If an uninsured worker is injured while performing tree work on private property, the homeowner may be held financially responsible. Your greatest asset is patience, Householder said. Taking the time to verify who you are hiring can save you a lot of money and a lot of headaches later. After a storm, speed can feel like the answer. State officials said that when it comes to tree removal, slowing down may be what protects homeowners most. News 2 left the company a message on Wednesday for about the complaint. Thursday, The companys general manager said a crew began work but trees were still icy, which presented a safety concern. He said the crew left but intended to go back. Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. A Nebraska man has been accused of driving all the way to Florida to kidnap two sisters he met through the online game platform Roblox. Hser Mu Lah Say, 19, is behind bars in Georgia, where authorities said they stopped his vehicle and rescued the girls, aged 12 and 14. Say was driving the girls back to Nebraska when he was pulled over. According to the Martin County Sheriff's Office, Say met the girls via Roblox during the summer of 2025 and continued communicating with them through Snapchat. Advertisement Advertisement It does not appear that the siblings were physically harmed, authorities said during a press conference on Monday, February 2. Say has been charged with two counts of kidnapping and two counts of interference with child custody. Long Island Man Arrested After Kidnapped 11-Year-Old Girl Found Undressed in His Bed "We talk regularly about the importance of parents and family members being vigilant about grooming and social media platforms and the impact it has on kids," said Martin County Sheriff John Budensiek during the press conference. "In this case, I think we prevented something disastrous," noting investigators still did not know what the suspect planned to do with the girls. Advertisement Advertisement Budensiek said the girls went missing around 5 p.m. on the evening of Saturday, January 31, hours after their parents took their phones as punishment. "The family members suggested to our deputies that an individual on [Snapchat] may be involved in these girls disappearing," said Budensiek. Police looked through the girls' phones and found "a constant thread of communication between this individual and these two young girls to include the suspect ... driving to Indiantown, Florida, to pick these girls up and leave," Budensiek said. Budensiek said that while "these girls went" with Say "willingly ... their age suggested that they had been taken and were probably being removed from our area." Advertisement Advertisement "The family told us that they saw some weird things that were going on involving gifts, specifically food for the most part, showing up to the house," Budensiek continued, adding it authorities contend Say engaged in "a grooming process ... with these young girls." The sheriff said the suspect allegedly left Omaha, Nebraska, on the morning of Friday, January 30, and arrived in Indiantown on Saturday morning. Budensiek said authorities were able to track Say's vehicle and the route of travel he was taking back to Nebraska, so they had Georgia State Police locate the car and officers pulled him over. Budensiek urged parents to keep closer tabs on their children's online interactions. Advertisement Advertisement "There is no application online that's safe," he said. "If you can communicate with somebody away from your house in the quiet of your own room, it can be a problem. So, parents have to be vigilant." Budensiek said that Say has refused to talk to detectives. 7-Year-Old Girl Kidnapped By Man As She Got Off School Bus in Minnesota, Police Say It was not immediately clear if the suspect had retained an attorney. He will be asked to enter pleas upon his return to Florida. In a statement, Roblox's Chief Safety Officer Matt Kaufman said the matter was being investigated, describing the kidnapping as a "deeply troubling incident" before saying the company is committed to working with law enforcement. "Roblox has robust safety policies to protect users that go beyond many other platforms, and advanced safeguards that monitor for harmful content and communications," Kaufman's statement explained. Advertisement Advertisement "We have filters designed to block the sharing of personal information, dont allow user-to-user image or video sharing, and recently rolled out age checks globally to limit kids and teens to chatting with others their age by default," it continued. "While no system is perfect, our commitment to safety never ends, and we continue to strengthen protections to keep users safe. Snapchat could not be reached for comment. SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) A Nebraska woman accused of theft and forgery has been sentenced. Ashley Medina, 41, originally pleaded not guilty on February 21, 2025, but she recently changed her plea by accepting an agreement. As a part of the plea agreement, she pleaded guilty to one count each of: eluding (habitual offender), forgery (habitual offender), possession of fentanyl, second-degree theft (habitual offender), and identity theft. Monona County officials release suspect ID after Grandstand burns down Advertisement Advertisement Those charges stem from an incident in January of 2025, when officials claimed she was involved in a pursuit within Woodbury County. On February 2, 2026, Medina was sentenced. She must serve 20 years in a correctional facility and was fined a total of $430. An additional fine of $1,025 was suspended. She has been credited for any time already served. 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 KCAU 9 News | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports. Kishori Karki, 25, has been seeking blessings from elders in her community as the young candidate prepares to fight for change ahead of Nepal's landmark election next month. The 25-year-old is among a slate of fresh faces on the March 5 ballot and said fighting against corruption and elevating youth demands are among her highest priorities. "Our demands and aspirations should not be sidelined," she said while speaking with AFP in her hometown of Okhaldhunga in eastern Nepal. Advertisement Advertisement Kishori had just graduated from law school and moved to Kathmandu in September when deadly youthled anticorruption protests erupted in the region. A video of the young candidate taking an injured demonstrator to the hospital on a motorbike became one of the movement's defining images. The two-day demonstrations had initially been triggered by rage over a brief government ban on social media and were spearheaded by young protesters under the loose "Gen Z" banner. But their anger ran deeper: years of economic stagnation and entrenched corruption had primed the country of 30 million for upheaval. Advertisement Advertisement The resulting violence killed 77 people, wounded scores and saw hundreds of buildings torched. "After the Gen Z movement, if educated youth like us stand back, then the same old parties will play the same game," Kishori explained. Kishori is running under the newly formed Ujyalo Nepal Party, led by former minister Kulman Ghising, who won significant public support for easing the country's chronic power shortages. Former chief justice Sushila Karki, no relation to Kishori, is serving as interim prime minister until the vote. -'New generation'- Members for the 275-seat House of Representatives, the lower chamber of parliament, will be voted in -- with 165 members chosen in a direct vote and 110 through proportional representation. Advertisement Advertisement A total of 3,406 candidates have registered for the direct election, of which 30 percent are under the age of 40. "If you look at the candidates, the bigger portion are the new generation," said Prakash Nyaupane, spokesperson for the election commission. Younger candidates are "a bit different", Nyaupane said, adding that "some older leaders have had to step back because of this". Kathmandu's rapper-turned-mayor Balendra Shah, who resigned from his position to join the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), is also a strong contender. A prime minister hopeful, Shah will challenge ousted premier KP Sharma Oli in his eastern Nepal stronghold, Jhapa. Advertisement Advertisement Shah told AFP that the protest had "opened a door" for new faces to enter politics, while raising the importance of governance among younger constituents. Sudan Gurung a key figure of the September unrest is also running for the RSP from the Gorkha district in central Nepal. Gurung, 38, has been urging families in his constituency to "vote for the right person". Meanwhile, further west in the Rukum district, 28-year-old Sandeep Pun will challenge ex-rebel leader and Maoist chief Pushpa Kamal Dahal, also known as Prachanda, a term that means "fierce" in Nepali. Several new parties and alliances have emerged nationwide, recruiting fresh and popular faces in a bid to reconnect with disillusioned voters, members have said. Advertisement Advertisement Though many young candidates are also running in the election independently. "It does seem that the September protest has galvanised young people to take part in politics, and not just as candidates," said journalist Pranaya Rana, who covers politics in the region. -'Back on track'- Civil war engulfed Nepal, a former monarchy, for more than a decade until a peace deal brokered in 2008 saw Maoist insurgents brought into government. A revolving door of ageing prime ministers and a culture of horse-trading between the three dominant parties, however, has fuelled public frustration. Advertisement Advertisement "It is very difficult for us to again be fooled by promises from the people who have already been in parliament so many times," said Manjil Rana, 37, a candidate for the Ujyalo Nepal Party in Tanahu. "The recent revolution was a lot about young people, their voices and them participating in the government." There are some 18.9 million eligible voters, including more than 800,000 first-time voters, according to the latest election commission data reviewed by AFP. Sachin Timalsena, a 33-year-old candidate from Nepali Congress, said Nepal was at a "critical juncture", and the elections could bring the country back on track. "I think the environment is supportive of the youth. I feel our society is ready for young people," he said. pm/abh/ane LAS VEGAS (KLAS) A deal that sounded sweet to homeowners many who were older and living on fixed incomes is now the subject of an active Nevada Consumer Affairs investigation. Officials are looking for people who might have been victimized by the scheme, and as many as 800 Nevadans may have been affected. In at least one case, a property owner was lured to sign up in exchange for a $1,433 payment. The agreement would have locked the owner into paying more than 10 times that amount at a minimum to get out of the deal. Advertisement Advertisement A homeowner benefit program sold online and over the telephone has landed MV Realty of Nevada and other entities under the MV Realty name in hot water. Under the program, homeowners were offered cash, typically between $500 and $1,500, in exchange for allowing an MV Realty agent to conduct a market analysis of their home, according to a Wednesday news release. But Consumer Affairs officials said owners were not adequately informed that they were signing up for a 40-year exclusive real estate listing agreement. After obtaining homeowners signatures, MV Realty allegedly recorded 40-year liens against the homeowners properties, often without their knowledge. Homeowners frequently discover these liens only when attempting to sell their home, refinance, or borrow against their homes equity. In many cases, homeowners were told the lien could be removed only by paying MV Realty three percent of the homes value. Advertisement Advertisement Mikayla Reed, a Realtor in Florida, told 8 News Now MV Realty knocked on her grandfathers door. They pretty much explained that for $500, if they signed this listing agreement or a promise to sell the house with them whenever theyre ready to list, they would give him a $500 check, Reed said. He didnt understand that this listing agreement was an exclusive right to sell, per se, and it was for 40 years. Mikayla Reed, a Florida Realtor, describes the ordeal her A Nevada law that took effect in June 2023 prohibits so-called non-title recorded agreements for personal services (NTRAPS) with terms longer than one year, according to the news release. Officials intend to pursue relief for Nevada homeowners who entered into these agreements prior to that date under Nevadas deceptive trade practices laws. Thousands of similar agreements and liens have been terminated in other states that have gone after MV Realty and its affiliates. The company has been ordered to pay millions of dollars in penalties and consumer restitution in states including Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Oregon. Advertisement Advertisement The sales pitch targeted older homeowners. The liens sometimes went undiscovered until the owner died, leaving heirs to deal with it. Nevada Consumer Affairs is urging impacted homeowners to come forward. Nevada homeowners who believe they signed an agreement with MV Realty or who have discovered a lien related to the Homeowner Benefit Program are encouraged to visit NCAs website (www.consumeraffairs.nv.gov) to learn more and file a complaint online, or to contact them by telephone (1-844-594-7275). Even homeowners who have already paid to have the lien released are encouraged to reach out, as their information may assist the investigation. A document submitted as an exhibit during the 2023 Nevada Legislature details an agreement that gives the company an exclusive right to list the property for sale. That property had an estimated value of more than $530,000. To exit satisfy terms of the agreement, the owner had to pay the company 3% of that value nearly $16,000 or more, if the sale price increased. A 3% commission was also guaranteed to a cooperating broker if the owner went through with the sale, honoring MV Realtys right to list the property. Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. The motion to allow a new bill failed in a 162-187 vote. (Photo by Dana Wormald/New Hampshire Bulletin) Democrats in the state House of Representatives failed in an effort to suspend the House rules, a parliamentary maneuver that requires a two-thirds majority vote, to allow a new late bill related to the planned ICE facility in Merrimack during Thursdays voting session. On Tuesday, state records obtained and released by the ACLU of New Hampshire confirmed that Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, planned to build a new facility in Merrimack. The Washington Post first reported in December that the Trump administration planned to build a network of immigrant detention centers throughout the United States, including one in Merrimack. That reporting was followed by protests and pushback from local officials. Advertisement Advertisement The only thing that this legislation would do is give our towns and cities an opportunity to choose whether or not they want these facilities in their community, House Democratic Leader Alexis Simpson said on the House floor Thursday. These facilities create real consequences for our neighbors and our communities. They affect traffic, services, infrastructure, and the perceived character of the town, which can hurt local businesses and local economies. These facilities also remove property from the tax rolls which increases the local property tax burden. House Majority Leader Jason Osborne argued in favor of the aggressive immigration campaign the Trump administration has undertaken. He said we are in this situation because former President Joe Biden implemented policies that allowed approximately 11 million illegal immigrants to enter this country. He also said the House has repeatedly voted to support and assist all federal immigration operations in this state. Osbornes speech was met with boos and jeers from the crowd. The most recent report from the nonpartisan Pew Research Center, which has regularly tracked the U.S. undocumented immigrant population for over two decades, estimated a 3.5 million increase in the undocumented immigrant population from 2021 to 2023. A majority of those immigrants entered the country with a visa, but overstayed their visa, according to Pew. Republicans in the congressional House Homeland Security Administration released a fact sheet in October 2024 that reported there were 10.8 million encounters not border crossings between undocumented immigrants and border patrol agents from the federal fiscal years 2021 through 2024. The motion failed in a 162-187 vote. Akbar Novruz The Baku Military Court has delivered verdicts in the ongoing trial of Armenian citizens accused of crimes related to Armenias military aggression, Azernews reports. Although Bako Sahakyan was charged with offenses carrying life imprisonment and the charges were proven during the court investigation, the court ruled he cannot receive a life sentence under Azerbaijani law, as he had reached the age of 65 by the time of the final decision. Accordingly, Bako Sahakyan and Arkadi Ghukasyan were each sentenced to 20 years in prison. Prosecutors had also requested the same term for both defendants. The trial concerns Armenian citizens accused of a wide range of crimes, including crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, preparation and waging of aggression, genocide, violations of the laws of war, terrorism, financing terrorism, and forcible seizure and retention of power. The court continues to read verdicts for other defendants involved in these cases. Novo Nordisk said Tuesday that fourth-quarter sales of Wegovy rose 17% on year. - Tom Little/Reuters Shares in Wegovy maker Novo Nordisk slid in early European trading Wednesday after guidance for the year ahead disappointed investors. In Copenhagen, the stock tumbled 19% at the opening bell after shares closed 15% lower in New York following Tuesdays release of the companys 2026 forecast. Most Read from The Wall Street Journal The Danish drugmaker said Tuesday that adjusted sales and operating profit are both expected to fall by between 5% and 13% at constant exchange rates this year, a weaker forecast than some had expected. Market expectations were for a sales drop of 2.1% and adjusted earnings decline of 3.6%, according to Sydbank senior analyst Soren Lontoft Hansen. This means that even stronger headwinds are set for 2026especially on the price sidethan previously expected, Hansen said. Novo Nordisk said this years results would be hurt by pricing pressure following a recent deal struck with the U.S. government to lower the price of obesity drugs for Americans. As part of that deal, the Ozempic and Wegovy makers drugs get expanded patient access through government healthcare programs as well as a three-year tariff exemption. At the same time, the company faces intense competition from Eli Lillys rival weight-loss drug as well as imminent patent expirations for the key ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy in Canada, Brazil and China. The disappointing forecast comes despite a strong launch of the companys new Wegovy weight-loss pill following its U.S. market introduction last month. The Wegovy tablet is the first of its kind, with studies showing that it can produce around the same 17% weight-loss as the shot. Chief Executive Officer Mike Doustdar said on a media call Wednesday that the company has seen encouraging early uptake of the Wegovy pill, with more than 170,000 people taking the treatment in the first four weeks. Though it is still early in the launch, most prescriptions appear to be for patients new to these medications, suggesting that the market is indeed expanding, Doustdar said. Despite the strong pill launch, the company continues to grapple with compounding pharmacies in the U.S. that produce lower-cost versions of its Ozempic diabetes and Wegovy weight-loss jabs. The U.S. Food & Drug Administration allows the practice when supplies of authentic treatments are in short supply, distribution of the cheaper knockoff versions was expected to stop in May of last year when the branded medicines came off the FDA shortage list. This article was first published by Source NM. Read more at sourcenm.com. The New Mexico House of Representatives voted 55-15 after hours of debate on Wednesday to approve a roughly $11 billion state budget proposal. House Bill 2, known as the budget bill, represents a measured increase in recurring spending of nearly $295 million, Rep. Nathan Small (D-Las Cruces), who chairs the House Appropriations and Finance Committee, told reporters Wednesday morning ahead of the vote. Advertisement Advertisement That is a responsible increase, but its also very measured, reflecting the uncertain times and the truth that over committing to recurring increased spending can lead in economically uncertain times to painful budget cuts, he said. Weve been very cautious. Members of the New Mexico House Appropriations and Finance Committee flanked committee chair Rep. Nathan Small (D-Las Cruces) on Feb. 4, 2026, as he explained the details in House Bill 2, the roughly $11 billion budget bill. The proposed budget would allocate $254 million for health programs, including subsidies for New Mexicans on the health care exchange who would otherwise lose federal subsidies for low- and no-cost premiums. It would essentially double the size of the University of New Mexico School of Medicine. And it would appropriate $22 million for an aquifer mapping program to gauge groundwater levels across the state. The budget came with a notable asterisk, though. It would implement co-pays for higher-earning New Mexico families who want to access the universal child care program, which Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has said she wants to make free to all families, regardless of income. This budget in an economically challenging time makes big investments we can all be proud of as New Mexicans, Small said before casting his yes vote. Advertisement Advertisement Its unclear whether such provisions in the proposed budget will win over the fourth floor of the Roundhouse. Lujan Grishams office has consistently said she opposes the child care co-pays and her push for universal free child care has drawn national attention. Small, for his part, said the co-pays remain the subject of ongoing negotiations but currently would be 4 to 5% of household income for families earning 400% of the national poverty level. The governor appreciates lawmakers attempts to fund universal child care, but she does not support co-pays when we have enough money to fund the initiative this year, spokesperson Michael Coleman wrote in a Tuesday email to Source NM. She continues to urge lawmakers to fully fund this historic initiative that will benefit New Mexico children and create economic opportunities for families across the state. When asked whether he thinks the co-pay proposal has legs, given the governors opposition, Small said its important to ensure the program is sustainable. I think that there is an understanding in the Legislature and the executive [branch] that financial sustainability and co-pays are linked, he said. Whether co-pays are a part of it right off the bat, thats also dependent upon how many folks choose to sign up, at what time of year, at what level of income and what program. Republican floor amendments tabled During debate, Republican lawmakers proposed a floor amendment aimed at the Immigrant Safety Act, which the Senate sent to the governors desk late Tuesday evening. The amendment would require the state to reimburse local governments in which a facility presumably a detention center has closed due to the provisions of House Bill 9 or similar legislation. Advertisement Advertisement They also took aim at a $2.3 million appropriation for dormitory operations at the New Mexico School for the Arts, which critics said were only occupied by a few dozen students. Small responded and said that only one student in the dorms was able to pay the full fee for attendance and saw the appropriation as meaningful aid to families who need it. After much debate, representatives voted 40-30 to table the amendment. Almost immediately, Rep. Jonathan Henry (R-Artesia) introduced a second floor amendment, which contained identical language regarding the Immigrant Safety Act. I dont care what you think about detention facilities, Rep. Stefani Lord (R-Sandia Park), whose district includes the Torrance County Detention Facility, said from the House floor. Losing those facilities would take away one of the areas only economic lifelines, she said. We are going to be left holding the bag, Lord said. If they close tomorrow, were done. Its a ghost town. Advertisement Advertisement Representatives also voted 43-27 to table that amendment. House Speaker Javier Martinez (D-Albuquerque) told Lord he would stop recognizing her comments and move on to the next lawmaker in line to speak if she continued to use budget bill negotiations to discuss a different piece of legislation. Stable presence amid national chaos Beyond the child care issue, Small said the proposed budget was meant in part to address the ongoing national chaos of tariffs, trade wars and health and food assistance program cuts. For months, lawmakers have worked behind the scenes and in public committee hearings to craft a budget that does more with less. In December, state economists told lawmakers that New Mexicos economy was treading water while much of the nation was in or near a recession. Small at the time said the state was in a good position to continue paying for non-recurring projects, such as construction and other one-time purchases, but needed to be careful with taking on too much recurring spending. Advertisement Advertisement Wednesdays budget vote represents a slight decrease from the governors budget recommendation. In December, Lujan Grisham released an $11.3 billion budget recommendation, which represented a nearly $503 million recurring spending increase. The budget now heads to the Senate. Joshua Bowling is a senior reporter for Source New Mexico. He's reported in New Mexico, where he broke stories of lavish spending at Western New Mexico University and more, since 2022. This article originally appeared on Las Cruces Sun-News: NM House approves $11 billion budget bill SINGAPORE Singapores military is implementing new doctrines to counter swarms of low-cost drones and boosting its drone capabilities by relying largely on Israeli-made systems as the baseline of its fleet, the Air Force chief said. Were no strangers to drones, having used them for almost 40 years, but they will play a much bigger role in the Republic of Singapore Air Force in terms of scale, Maj. Gen. Kelvin Fan, the chief of Singapores Air Force, told Defense News. We are currently operationalizing our Orbiter 4 and Hermes 900 UAVs. Both drones are produced by Israeli-based companies, namely Aeronautics Group and Elbit Systems, and were center-stage at the static display of this years Singapore Airshow. Advertisement Advertisement The Orbiter 4 is a close-range drone for maritime and land operations, designed for surveillance and intelligence-gathering missions. It can fly for up to 24 hours and has a maximum range of 150 kilometers, according to a fact sheet from the Singapore Ministry of Defense. The country purchased an undisclosed number of the drone in 2022 and acquired the variant that is launched via a catapult and recovered with a parachute. Although the manufacturer advertises that it can operate in harsh weather, some RSAF operators here told Defense News that it has struggled in windy conditions. Singapore confirmed last year, meanwhile, that it bought the medium-altitude long-endurance Hermes 900. Elbit lists the system as having a maximum takeoff weight of 1,180 kilograms, or 2,601 pounds, and an endurance of up to 36 hours. Advertisement Advertisement In a 2024 interview, the former RSAF chief stated that the services fleet of Hermes 450 and IAI Heron 1 drones needed to be replaced, with the former having entered into service in 2007. As part of the countrys move to becoming more drone-centric, Singapore will implement drone training for all operationally ready national service members, known as the trained reservist force that has already completed their two-year full-time national service duty. The first units are set to begin training in mid-2026. The preparation will include videos and theory, simulations and flying drones in urban environments. It will then move on to operating them in the field. Fan also highlighted that in July, the island country established a new Drone Rapid Operational, Integration, and Deployment, or DROID, unit tasked with experimenting, modifying and operationalizing small drones. Advertisement Advertisement It also created a dedicated UAS Warfare and Tactics Centre, whose role is in part to support research and trials of micro and mini drones. Singapore is unique in that it is an entirely urbanized city-state, where all of its population of over 5.6 million resides in urban areas. According to the World Bank, the vast majority of its land is dedicated to non-rural infrastructure and industry. This environment makes operating military drones vastly different and in many ways more challenging than in open-field operations, considering the complexity of obstacles, risks to civilians and signal interference. Just as we harness the potential of drones, we are also developing the counter-drone shield, especially against low-cost and swarm attacks, Fan added. In a speech given in Parliament last year, Singaporean Minister for Defense Ng Eng Hen said that the countrys air force is focused on developing sensors, jammers and other weapons to detect and counter smaller drones in addition to existing air defense capabilities. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem is trying to navigate the ongoing furor over ICE unleashed after immigration officers shot and killed two U.S. citizens in Minneapolis. But the embattled Noem faces a litany of other dysfunctions in her department that also imperil her tenure. President Donald Trump has insisted Noem will not lose her job. But her handling of other things under her agencys sprawling remit from disaster relief to the gutting of the nations cybersecurity agency is increasingly alienating Republicans at a time when she needs them most. You've got to get adults in the room, Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), said in an interview. Get people in there who actually have the kind of experience you need to run large, complex organizations. And there's a lot, by the way, in this Cabinet that do that. It's just not her. Advertisement Advertisement Tillis has been a vocal critic of DHS as of late, not to mention Trump more broadly but other Republicans have floated the idea of ousting Noem, too. A lot of people question her ability to lead this agency, particularly after what has happened, Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-N.Y.) told CNN this week. I think that all options need to be on the table to find the best person, if there's somebody better. But Trump has repeatedly broadcast his support for her. The latest declaration came Thursday morning at the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, where he again said he had no plans to remove her . And DHS on Wednesday shared poll numbers from Republican-leaning firm Harper Polling showing that 81 percent of Trump supporters approve of Noems performance in office. "Secretary Noems leadership has delivered results every American can be proud of including the most secure border in American history, removing the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens from our communities, and the $50 million in taxpayer savings every single day since she took office," DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement But frustrations with how the agency is functioning continue to mount. Some of the most public critiques outside of ICE operations have related to Noems leadership of the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Tillis, who has called for her resignation or removal from office, devoted much of a speech on the Senate floor last week to Noems leadership of FEMA. The data clearly shows that something is seriously wrong here, Tillis said, pointing to a chart indicating that the federal governments responses to hurricanes Helene, Matthew and Florence. Under Secretary Noems lack of leadership, FEMA has invented an entirely new set of bureaucracies, the likes of which Ive never seen. One of the sources of frustration for Tillis and other Republicans is the requirement that Noem personally approve any spending over $100,000 from DHS coffers, which has held up requests for FEMA assistance from lawmakers and state officials. Last year, Sens. Tillis and Ted Budd (R-N.C.) put a hold on Sean Plankeys nomination to be director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency, which is under DHS, because they were upset with Noem for what they considered FEMAs inadequate response to Hurricane Helene, which killed some 250 people and wreaked almost $80 billion in damage to North Carolina. Advertisement Advertisement On FEMA, McLaughlin argued that Noem is "moving money faster than ever and jump-starting recovery," calling the changes Noem's directed at FEMA a "breakthrough in how FEMA supports state-led disaster recovery." She also said "DHS has been relentless in its efforts to eliminate waste and ensure every dollar strengthens our communities." Then there are tensions over the future of CISA under Noems leadership, which continue to boil over. Acting CISA chief Madhu Gottumukkala has generated a whirlwind of bad headlines in recent months, including allegations he dumped sensitive information into ChatGPT and failed an unsanctioned polygraph test during his security clearance process. (DHS has said Gottujukkala did not fail a sanctioned polygraph test, and that Gottumukkala was granted permission to use ChatGPT with DHS controls in place and that its use was short term and limited.) Gottumukkala, previously South Dakotas cyber chief, was Noems handpicked choice to be the nations deputy cyber chief and followed Noem to Washington. Advertisement Advertisement Morale is low, people are looking for glimmers of hope, they are trying to find something positive, because it does feel like every time you move forward, you get kicked in the stomach, said one former official who recently left CISA, granted anonymity given fears of reprisals from DHS leadership. Youre there because you want to contribute to a greater good, and its hard to do that right now because everything is seen through a political lens." McLaughlin insisted CISA continues to work with partners and that before changes at CISA, the agency had a "ballooning budget concealing a dangerous departure from its statutory mission. She added the agency was previously "focused on censorship, branding, and electioneering instead of defending Americas critical infrastructure." "Under Secretary Noem, CISA is focused squarely on executing its statutory mission: serving as the national coordinator for securing and protecting the nations critical infrastructure," McLaughlin said. In December, the House Appropriations Homeland Security Subcommittee held a series of private meetings with senior DHS officials including Acting Assistant Secretary Tom Bourne, to discuss lawmakers concerns about the dismantling of the Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office , according to three people familiar with the meetings, granted anonymity to discuss them candidly. Advertisement Advertisement "CWMD is conducting responsible planning with potential gaining agencies principally to educate them on the work and statutory requirements of CWMD," McLaughlin said. Republicans have also ripped Noem for what they describe as insufficient transparency with Congress. House Homeland Security Committee Chair Andrew Garbarino (R-N.Y.) took Noem to task in December during an annual hearing where top officials discuss worldwide threats to the homeland for what he called difficulty in securing DHS officials testimony before the committee. Garbarino also criticized Noem last month for requiring that lawmakers provide at least seven days' notice before they can visit an ICE facility in their district. Noem left that hearing early to chair a FEMA review meeting that was cancelled that same afternoon prompting Democrats to file a subpoena to compel her to reappear before the panel. Her leaving early also rubbed some Republicans the wrong way.That is a sign of her arrogance and disrespect, said one of the people, who is close to the committees majority leadership. Advertisement Advertisement Some Republicans have also been frustrated with aspects of the agencys controversial immigration enforcement programs far from Minnesota. On Wednesday, Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) took the rare step of slamming Noem for a decision to turn a warehouse in a small northern Mississippi town into a major ICE detention facility, writing in a letter to the DHS chief that the move forecloses economic growth opportunities and replaces them with a use that does not generate comparable economic returns or community benefits. Some Republicans are holding their fire, though, saying they want to hear from the heads of the nations immigration agencies when they testify before Congress next week, along with an appearance Noem has scheduled in March before the Senate Judiciary Committee. Im looking forward to the hearings to see what she has to say before I make too many comments on that, said Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-Wash.) when asked to comment on Noems performance. McLaughlin said that Noem "communicates with congressional members on a regular basis and is working directly with them to deliver on the American peoples mandate for safety and government efficiency." She added that "the secretary works around the clock responding to Congressional oversight." Advertisement Advertisement House Republican appropriators and their Democratic counterparts are planning to place new conditions on how DHS could move money between accounts by reducing the amount of money the department can transfer and suspending DHS power to shift money if the department doesnt comply with transparency requirements. I know that the secretary doesnt like that, said Rep. Mark Amodei (R-Nev.), who chairs the House Appropriations Homeland Security Subcommittee. And its like, well, weve all got our unlike departments. And so welcome to the club. Maggie Miller contributed to this report. CORRECTION: An earlier version of this story misspelled Sen. Ted Budd's name. A local charity group, focused on helping many people in their community, now needs help itself after a burst pipe flooded out its place of operation in Montclair, New Jersey. Water was still dripping from the ceiling Wednesday night at the space that for the last three years has been a place where anyone who needs it can come for dinner. "We serve the unhoused and food insecure communities," said Joe Granger, the executive director of Montclair Emergency Services for Hope (MESH). Advertisement Advertisement The mostly volunteer staff of MESH, serves meals and comfort to dozens of people, more than 1,000 unique individuals per year, six nights a week, but Tuesday afternoon, one or more pipes above the space burst. "Walked into what I could only describe as Niagara Falls coming through our ceiling," Granger said. The apartments upstairs are vacant since the owner plans to renovate the building, but water was still in the pipes - a lot of it. The owner of the Bloomfield Avenue building had been letting the nonprofit use the old space on the ground floor for free during the transition. It formerly housed a restaurant called "The Office." Advertisement Advertisement It became like a cozy living room. It offered a laundry service, a "store" where the items are all free to those who need them, resources like job and housing information and a little inspiration. It's been more than just a place for its guests to eat. "Just to be able to create for them a space where they feel a part of a community, there's a lot of hope in that," Granger said. The organization with "hope" in its name is in the middle of the busiest and most expensive time of year, which it calls "respite season," and it's a bitterly cold one. "The water was so high and here it was spilling out of those windows onto the street," Granger said. Advertisement Advertisement It needs to find a new temporary or permanent home now and start paying rent, which likely won't be free or cheap in Montclair. Granger hasn't slept in the last day and a half while managing the crisis. "We've got a long way to go. We need all the help we can get," Granger said. MESH, which relies mostly on private donors, gets its food from local restaurants at a discount and also operates an overnight shelter in a nearby church. Thanks to a couple of other churches in the community, it hasn't stopped serving dinner since the flood. You can find more information about MESH online. Advertisement Advertisement ---------- * Get Eyewitness News Delivered * More New Jersey news * Send us a news tip * Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts * Follow us on YouTube Submit a tip or story idea to Eyewitness News Have a breaking news tip or an idea for a story we should cover? Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. If attaching a video or photo, terms of use apply. RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) The North Carolina State Board of Elections has upheld a challenge against a candidate in this years U.S. Senate election. Margot Dupre is one of seven Republican candidates who filed to run for North Carolinas U.S. Senate seat in the 2026 midterm elections. She is seeking to succeed Republican incumbent Thom Tillis, who is not running for a new term. But Jerry Reinoehl, a Republican voter from Fayetteville, challenged whether Dupre is a resident of the state, arguing she is not eligible to run. Advertisement Advertisement PREVIOUS COVERAGE: NC State Board of Elections to hear challenge against GOP U.S. Senate candidate The North Carolina Board of Elections held a hearing on Wednesday to determine the eligibility of Dupres candidacy. Evidence presented in court shows Dupre ran for a U.S. Senate seat in Idaho in 2024 and last voted in a Florida election in April 2025. It is within your authority to void her candidacy, Reinoehl told board members. I saw something, I reported something. Now, it is your solemn duty to do something. Additionally, records list her voting registration address as a UPS store in Charlotte, which is also the address on her campaign website.. Advertisement Advertisement Dupre told the board that she has been in North Carolina since last July and plans to buy property for a homestead. She said her voter registration address is a UPS store because she lives in a glamour camper thats currently parked in Florida with her other vehicles and horses. The fact I use a Charlotte UPS address [instead of] a PO box, my voter registration address is in Charlotte, I registered my intention to run for U.S. Senate with my Charlotte address, and I abandoned my rights to vote in any other state proves my intent, Dupre told board members. Nowhere in the statute does it say I have to be imprisoned in Charlotte to consider it my home. The Board of Elections sided with Reinoehl, ruling Dupre was not a resident of North Carolina. However, her name will still appear on the March 3 primary ballot because early voting has already begun. Dupre has the option to take the issue to court. Advertisement Advertisement Michael Whatley, the former chair of the Republican National Committee, is considered the frontrunner for the GOP nomination after being endorsed by President Donald Trump. Other candidates include Michele Morrow, the Republican nominee for North Carolina Superintendent of Public Instruction in 2024, and author Don Brown. 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 CBS17.com. North Korean troops fighting under Russian command are carrying out attacks in Ukraines border areas, Ukraines military intelligence agency (HUR) said on Feb. 4. In a statement, HUR said that, as of January 2026, North Korean troops are stationed in Russia's Kursk Oblast, from where they launch attacks on Ukrainian border oblasts. Kursk borders Ukraine's northern Sumy Oblast, which comes under daily Russian air attacks. Under Russian command, North Korean soldiers fire barrel artillery and multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS), conduct aerial and artillery reconnaissance, and adjust MLRS strikes, HUR said. Advertisement Advertisement According to HUR, military personnel stationed in Kursk Oblast are rotated regularly under agreements between Moscow and Pyongyang. North Korea is a key ally to Russia during the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, deploying thousands of troops in combat and providing artillery and ballistic missiles North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement that includes mutual support in the event of an attack, ahead of North Korea's troop deployment to Russia in June 2024. Since then, Pyongyang has sent roughly 11,000 to 12,000 troops to Russia in late 2024 to help repel Ukraine's advance in Russia's Kursk Oblast. Advertisement Advertisement Since North Korean troops became involved in Russia's invasion of Ukraine, approximately 3,000 trained and experienced soldiers have returned to North Korea, with most of them becoming military instructors and passing on skills gained in modern warfare to the North Korean army, HUR said. "A key objective of North Korea's participation in the war is mastering unmanned technologies and gaining hands-on experience in modern, high-intensity warfare. The acquisition of combat experience with drones has become one of Pyongyang's primary goals in supporting Russia's invasion," HUR added. Moscow has repeatedly highlighted the role of North Korean troops in the war against Ukraine, while North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has openly acknowledged his military's participation on Russia's side. Read also: If you give your life, you live forever North Korean soldiers in Ukraine encouraged to use grenades to avoid capture, media reports Advertisement Advertisement Read also: Several Ukrainian children abducted by Russia forcibly sent to North Korea, expert tells US Senate Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. This article was originally published in Chalkbeat. New York City received more than 50,000 applications for its free preschool programs in just two weeks, Mayor Zohran Mamdani said on Friday. That number is about half of the total applications the city received last year for its 3-K and prekindergarten programs some 94,840. But families of 3- and 4-year-olds still have nearly a month to apply, and many families often wait until the end of the application window since applications are not accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Advertisement Advertisement Applications remain open through Feb. 27. Get stories like this delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for The 74 Newsletter Every child deserves access to free, high quality childcare and were making sure families across the city know that now is the time to enroll in 3-k and pre-K, Mamdani said in a statement. Mamdani seems to be taking a page from Mayor Bill de Blasios playbook, when the former mayor launched the citys massive free pre-K program a decade ago and made outreach a major focal point. De Blasios administration mounted a door-to-door campaign to get the word out, particularly in low-income neighborhoods where families were less familiar with the citys new offerings, and staffers called families of 4-year-olds across the city to encourage them to apply. Advertisement Advertisement Former Mayor Eric Adams, however, did not focus as much on outreach, complained City Council members, who fought for more funding to improve getting the word out about the programs to families. Last year, about 1 in every 5 seats for the citys free child care programs for children ages 4 and under, or more than 27,000 of roughly 136,000 seats, went unfilled, according to city data. The new mayor has a vested interest in making sure application numbers are healthy: Not only did he vow to strengthen the citys 3-K program and ensure that its truly universal, showing the demand for the citys existing programs will help shore up support for his 2-Care program for the citys 2-year-olds. In her recent executive budget proposal, Gov. Kathy Hochul pledged to spend $73 million to help New York City roll out its 2-Care program and committed to invest $500 million over two years in the program. The city is aiming to create 2,000 new child care seats for 2-year-olds in high-need areas of the city in the fall, then grow to 8,000 seats the following year, and reach all of the citys 2-year-olds by the end of Mamdanis first term. On Friday, Mamdani visited a home-based child care provider in Manhattans Chinatown as a way to show his commitment to the providers who operate out of home and often offer care that is culturally and linguistically responsive to families in their communities. Advertisement Advertisement The administration will likely have to rely heavily on home-based providers to scale up its 2-Care program, which will pose many logistical hurdles. That workforce is still reeling from losing kids to 3-K and pre-K programs and the COVID pandemic. More recently, the Trump administrations mass deportation efforts have affected the immigrant-heavy workforce, advocates and providers have said. Emmy Liss, a former de Blasio administration staffer who is heading the mayors Office of Child Care, acknowledged that not all home-based providers fared well in the rollout of the citys 3-K and pre-K programs. We want to work closely in partnership with them in this next phase of work, because we cannot do this work without them, Liss previously told Chalkbeat. Families can apply to 3-K and pre-K online through myschools.nyc or by calling 718-935-2009. City officials said any family that applies by the deadline will receive an offer. Chalkbeat is a nonprofit news site covering educational change in public schools. This story was originally published by Chalkbeat. Sign up for their newsletters at ckbe.at/newsletters. A prominent American law firm chairman has resigned following the release of information tying him to Jeffrey Epstein through files released by the Department of Justice. Brad Karp resigned as chairman of Paul Weiss Wednesday, Feb. 4, Reuters reported. Emails released in the Epstein files had shown "extensive personal and business communications," between Karp and the late convicted sex offender. Paul Weiss released a statement in which Karp said "recent reporting," had created a distraction that was not in the firm's best interest, according to Reuters. The law firm said Tuesday, Feb. 3, that Karp "regrets," his interactions with Epstein, Reuters reported. Advertisement Advertisement The revelation came in the Justice Department's latest release of Epstein files, now up to over 3.5 million pages of documents, images and videos, USA TODAY reported. Here's what to know about Brad Karp's resignation. What's happening at the Paul Weiss law firm? Brad Karp resigned Feb. 4 as chairman at Paul Weiss law firm following the revelation of emails between him and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein in the Epstein files, Reuters reported. What is Paul Weiss? Paul Weiss is a prominent multinational law firm based in New York City, according to its website. "Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP is a premier firm of more than 1,000 lawyers with diverse backgrounds, personalities, ideas and interests who provide innovative and effective solutions to our clients most complex legal and business challenges. The firm represents many of the worlds largest and most important public and private corporations, asset managers and financial institutions, as well as clients in need of pro bono assistance," the website says. Who is Brad Karp? Born Brad Scott Karp in Merrick, New York, he is a lawyer and corporate advisor for Paul Weiss. Advertisement Advertisement "One of the countrys leading litigators and corporate advisers, Brad Karp, a partner in the Litigation Department, has successfully guided numerous Fortune 100 companies, global financial institutions and other clients through bet the company litigations, regulatory matters, internal investigations, and corporate crises. Brad has spent his entire career at Paul, Weiss, beginning as a summer associate," the law firm's website said. What are the Epstein files? The U.S. Department of Justice has released over 3.5 million pages of Jeffrey Epstein files, documents, videos and images related to the late sex offender, USA TODAY reported. Congress passed a law requiring full disclosure of information the government had on Epstein. Reuters and USA TODAY contributed. Contact Jenna Prestininzi: jprestininzi@freepress.com. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Why did Paul Weiss law firm chairman resign? See Epstein ties Three people, including a correctional officer and an inmate, have been charged in connection with a drug smuggling operation at Wilmington's Howard R. Young Correctional Institution, Delaware State Police said on Feb. 4. The investigation, conducted by state police's New Castle County Special Investigations Unit, found the drug-smuggling operation ran from December into January. An arrest earlier this month in connection with the operation ended with police seizing synthetic marijuana, synthetic opioids and suboxone, which is used to treat drug addiction and stave off cravings. Department of Correction Commissioner Terra Taylor, in a statement, said such contraband poses a risk to the safety, health and wellbeing of correctional staff, visitors and inmates. Advertisement Advertisement "The DOC remains vigilant to counter this threat with significant tools at our disposal to root out and stop contraband flow, whatever the source and we appreciate the strong support from our law enforcement partners in this effort," Taylor said in the statement. "We will continue to reinforce our high standards of conduct and integrity and hold individuals fully accountable to those standards." What police say happened at Howard R. Young Correctional Institution Starting in December, police said Correctional Officer Rashod Hull, 34, accepted payments from Isaiah Boykin, a 30-year-old inmate at Howard R. Young Correctional Institution. The payments were for Hull to deliver narcotics into the prison, located at 1301 E. 12th St., in Wilmington. Delaware Department of Correction officials contacted state police on Jan. 16 regarding a possible drug smuggling operation that involved a correctional officer and an inmate. State police investigators learned Hull and Boykin were working with Autumn James, police said. The 35-year-old Conowingo, Maryland, woman was helping complete the exchange of drugs. Advertisement Advertisement As such, investigators went to Peoples Plaza shopping center, located at 830 Peoples Plaza in Glasgow, where police said they witnessed "a drug transaction between Hull and James" on Feb. 1. Detectives arrested Hull and James shortly after without incident, police said. A search of the pair found: About 264 doses of suspected K2 (synthetic marijuana) Less than an ounce of suspected remifentanil (synthetic opioid) About 27 strips of suspected suboxone The Cecil County Drug Task Force in Maryland executed a search warrant at James' residence and found additional evidence linking her to the Delaware investigation, police said. Advertisement Advertisement The three have been charged with multiple felonies, including organized crime and racketeering, drug charges and conspiracy. Hull, who was also charged with five counts of official misconduct, was being held at the Sussex Correctional Institution in Georgetown after failing to post $132,000 bail. James posted $70,000 bail and was released. Boykin, who police did not say why he was being held in prison, was charged on Feb. 3 and remains in custody on $640,000 cash bail. Send tips or story ideas to Esteban Parra at (302) 324-2299 or eparra@delawareonline.com. This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Delaware police stop drug pipeline into Wilmington prison facility The two officers who responded to the Grand Blanc, Michigan, shooting at a meetinghouse for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints last September will not face charges for gunning down Thomas Sanford. On Sept. 28, 2025, Sanford opened fire on church members and then set the building on fire. Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton found that the two officers were within their rights to use deadly force in lawful self-defense or defense of others pursuant, according to the memorandum Leyton signed on Wednesday. Evidence of the shooting that left four dead, ages 6 to 78, portrayed in the memorandum shows that Sanfords actions were premeditated. Advertisement Advertisement Before Sanford went to the Latter-day Saint church, he went to a gas station and filled a five-gallon gas can, then proceeded to call and make bomb threat calls to multiple locations, not including the church, according to the memorandum. He then went to the church, drove his pickup truck through the front of the meetinghouse during services, and opened fire with at least one AK47 assault rifle he possessed. He then went back to his truck and grabbed the gasoline, returned to the building, shot more victims, and poured the liquid accelerant throughout the meetinghouse, all before the two law enforcement officers arrived. Sanford was ordered by law enforcement to drop his weapons and get on the ground multiple times, but ignored the commands. At one point, he put his rifle above his head in a manner that Sanford believed would allow him to continue shooting if desired, walked toward the officers and a civilian who was also armed and said, Shoot me, per the memorandum. As he walked closer, he put his firearm in a 45-degree angle position that endangered the officers and the civilian. Fearing for his life and the other officer and individual, one of the officers shot Sanford, who was hit and went down to the ground, dropping the AK47 assault rifle, the memorandum said. Advertisement Advertisement The other officer then fired at Sanford again. Soon after, he was approached, and no pulse was discovered. After examining video footage from surrounding buildings and listening to multiple eyewitness accounts, the Genesee County Prosecutors office determined that the officers statements were consistent with the other accounts. In 2008, Nicolas Lecocq was 16, living in France, and working as a baker after dropping out of school. He was pulling minimum wage, waking up at 4 a.m., and coming home exhausted. But every night, he sat down in front of his computer and taught himself how to code using free YouTube tutorials and by dissecting other peoples projects. The Frustration That Sparked A Business As his coding skills improved, he started building websites for local businesses, making a couple hundred dollars per project. But one thing drove him crazy: WordPress themesthe design and layout options for websites made with WordPress. Every time I took a new client, I had to learn a completely new WordPress theme, he said in a recent post on Reddits r/passive_income. I remember spending an entire weekend just figuring out how to change a header color. Don't Miss: The ChatGPT of Marketing' Just Opened a $0.85/Share Round 10,000+ Investors Are Already In 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. So, in 2016, Lecocq built his own theme. He named it OceanWP. Instead of charging $59 like everyone advised, he offered it for free. People thought I was insane, he said. For the first few months, almost nothing happened. Downloads trickled in. Lecocq said he kept refreshing his stats page, thinking it must be broken. But slowly, forum chatter and blog reviews picked up steam. Developers started recommending the theme. By the third year, OceanWP had over 500,000 active installations. The free version was genuinely good, he said. Not crippled, not annoying upsells everywhere. Just a solid theme. But if you wanted premium extensions like more templates, more features, priority support, you paid. Trending: Professional traders demand transparency see why Kraken Pro has become one of crypto's most trusted advanced trading platforms. From Side Hustle To Seven Figures By the second year, Lecocq said he was making $15,000 to $20,000 per month. He never ran ads or took investor money. It was just him, offering support tickets and refining the product. And according to him, OceanWP pulled in over $1.5 million in revenue over three years. I think it was just solving my own problem, he said. Turns out thousands of other developers had the same frustration. The free model helped too. Free users became paying customers, and more importantly, they told their friends. Public health experts have warned that treatable, neglected diseases nearly eradicated in Africa are resurging, The New York Times reported. What's happening? Onchocerciasis, or "river blindness," is a "painful and debilitating" parasitic vector-borne disease transmitted by infected blackflies, according to the World Health Organization. Dr. Vivien Sil Mabouang, Cameroon's head of health services, told the Times that public health officials were on the brink of eliminating river blindness locally. Advertisement Advertisement But in early 2025, sudden, comprehensive, and devastating cuts to the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) abruptly halted the initiative's funding. The Times reported that pharmaceutical companies provided medications free of charge, but longstanding American aid streams covered logistics such as shipping and the staffing needed to distribute treatments. Consequently, officials like Dr. Sil Mabouang were forced to triage aid and move forward with drastically reduced resources. As the Times observed, neglected diseases like river blindness are often called "biblical," having "plagued humans for so long that they are mentioned in ancient texts." Dr. Emilienne Epee, of the Ministry of Health in Cameroon, admitted that the unanticipated cuts made for hard choices. Advertisement Advertisement "These are the neglected diseases. The government priority is to keep children from dying of malaria, and I understand that," Epee explained. Why is this concerning? The USAID cuts were truly chaotic, affecting programs in various underserved areas worldwide. In the wake of the Agency's funding loss, millions of dollars in paid-for food aid and medical resources were slated to be incinerated rather than distributed despite Europe's efforts to intervene, and potentially life-saving research was stopped. At the time, public health experts around the world warned that the consequences would be horrific and fatal. Advertisement Advertisement In November, Harvard's T.H. Chan School of Public Health estimated that "hundreds of thousands of deaths from infectious diseases and malnutrition" had already resulted. As the Times's article illustrated, however, not all adverse impacts were fatal. River blindness requires 10 to 15 years of treatment, per the Cleveland Clinic, and Dr. Sil Mabouang said officials would have to "restart at zero" should the aid pipeline be restored. Francois Ewolo told the Times that he was at high risk of contracting onchocerciasis, and that his mother suffered with it before treatment was widely available. "There was nothing to help her we don't want to go back to that time," Ewolo lamented. Medical experts emphasized how close eradication was when USAID was hollowed out. Advertisement Advertisement "A few [neglected] diseases are close to global elimination one, achingly close," the Times said, citing a record low number of Guinea worm infections in 2025. What's being done about it? According to the outlet, there was a chance that some of the vast progress could be protected if USAID or similar funding resumed in 2026. Dr. Bouba Bassirou managed Cameroon's onchocerciasis program, and he was resolute. "Giving up is not an option, so we're finding a way," Bassirou vowed. 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. Updated February 9, 2026 The Oklahoma Statewide Charter School Board voted unanimously against an application Monday for a virtual Jewish charter school, citing the state supreme courts 2024 ruling that public funding for a religious school would violate state law. As expected, some board members voiced support for Ben Gamla Jewish Charter School Foundation. I think our hands are tied, said Board Member Damon Gardenhire, who said he didnt see much difference between Ben Gamlas application and a now-closed Native American charter school that featured a spiritual component. Advertisement Advertisement In a statement responding to the vote, Brett Farley, a member of the proposed schools board, said organizers plan to challenge the decision in federal court. Oklahoma families should have the freedom to choose schools that best meet their childrens needs without losing strong options simply because they are faith-based, he said. The Oklahoma Statewide Charter School Board is expected to deny an application for a Jewish charter school Monday, but will likely welcome organizers of the school to take them to court. Peter Deutsch, founder of the Ben Gamla Jewish Charter School Foundation, and a former Democratic congressman, made his pitch for the school in January, saying that he aims to bring a rigorous, values-driven education to Jewish parents in Oklahoma. Get stories like this delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for The 74 Newsletter I anticipate that our board would like to grant them the application, Brian Shellem, the board chair, told The 74. But we cant snub our nose at the court either. Advertisement Advertisement He means the Oklahoma Supreme Court, which ruled against the nations first Catholic charter school in 2024. That decision still stands after the U.S. Supreme Court deadlocked over that case last year. The charter boards likely denial of Ben Gamlas application is expected to spark another lawsuit, pitting supporters of religious charter schools against those who say it would violate the Constitutions prohibition on establishing a religion. With a case over a proposed Christian charter in Tennessee already in federal court and another religious school in Colorado founded to test the same legal question, theres little doubt that the nations highest court will eventually settle the debate. Related After 4-4 Supreme Court Case, More States Jump on Religious Charter Bandwagon It is hard for me to imagine the court doesnt take the issue again when it comes to it, said Derek Black, a constitutional law professor at the University of South Carolina. But after Justice Amy Coney Barrett recused herself in the case over St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School, resulting in the 4-4 tie, the justices likely in favor of religious charters, he said, would want a case that was very strong. Related Mysterious Recusal Could Upend Pivotal Supreme Court Charter School Case Pray and hear Scripture So far, the only case to watch is in Tennessee. Wilberforce Academy of Knoxville, a nonprofit that wants to open a K-8 Christian charter school, sued the Knox County school board because the district wouldnt accept its letter of intent to apply. State law prohibits charter schools from being religious. Advertisement Advertisement Students will begin to develop biblical literacy in kindergarten and begin taking catechism lessons by third grade, according to Wilberforce Academys request for a quick ruling in the case. And they will pray and hear Scripture together in a school assembly every morning. As St. Isidore did before them, Wilberforce argues that the nonprofit is a private actor and that approving its charter application would not turn it into a government entity. The Knox County board told the court that it will most likely not take a position on the legality of Wilberforces argument. On Thursday, the board rejected a resolution asking state education Commissioner Lizzette Reynolds to consider granting Wilberforce Academy a waiver so they can open the Christian school. The Knox board, however, also said the issue of religious charter schools deserves a thorough examination by the federal courts. Advertisement Advertisement Judge Charles Atchley Jr, for the Eastern District of Tennessee, thinks so, too. Last week, he allowed a group of Knox County parents and religious leaders, who oppose Wilberforces application, to intervene. The case, he wrote, has the potential to reshape First Amendment jurisprudence in the educational context and it wouldnt serve the court or parties involved to not have vigorous advocacy on both sides. Amanda Collins, a retired Knox County school psychologist, is among those who have signed up to fight against Wilberforce Academy. She has two children still in the district and one who graduated in 2024. She grew concerned about Wilberforce Academy when she learned the organization didnt have a history of operating charter schools in the state and feels its attorneys are using the district to merely force an issue up the ladder to the Supreme Court. In Tennessee, we have plenty of things that are underfunded, she said. We dont need to be wasting our local Knox County taxpayer money on somebodys agenda that is not intended to promote the education safety and wellness of our public school students. The clear constitutional boundary Another school that could spark a lawsuit over public funds for religious schools is Colorados Riverstone Academy, which advertises that it offers students a Christian foundation. Advertisement Advertisement The school operates pretty much just like a charter school said Ken Witt, executive director of Education reEnvisioned, the board of cooperative educational services, or BOCES, that contracted with the school. As Chalkbeat reported, emails between the attorney for the Pueblo County district, which allowed the school to open within its boundaries, and the Alliance Defending Freedom, a conservative law firm, suggest the school was intentionally founded to test the legal argument over whether public schools can practice religion. After threatening to withhold state funds because of the schools religious mission, the Colorado Department of Education funded Riverstones 31 students. But the state is also conducting a thorough audit, which could take another year, before deciding whether it can legally provide money to the school. In the meantime, Riverstone had to close its building last week because of health and safety violations. Its unclear whether students are learning remotely or in another facility in the meantime. For now, Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser, a Democrat running for governor, hasnt issued an opinion on Riverstone, but his views on St. Isidore, the Oklahoma school, were clear. Last year, he led 15 attorneys general in opposing state funding for the school. Advertisement Advertisement In a statement, he urged the Supreme Court to preserve the clear constitutional boundary that protects both religious liberty and the integrity of our public education system. Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond, a Republican who is also running for governor, made a similar argument about St. Isidore before both the Oklahoma and U.S. supreme courts. But thats where both he and Weiser split with the Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti. In his opinion, Skrmetti states that categorically excluding faith-based schools from public charter programs violates parents rights to freely exercise their religion. To Ilya Shapiro, director of constitutional studies at the conservative Manhattan Institute, its a matter of equity. Higher-income families can move into wealthier neighborhoods or pay private school tuition, he wrote in a recent commentary on the Wilberforce case. The state, he added, already funds religious schools through education savings accounts. Advertisement Advertisement But families who rely on charter schools are told that their options must be secular, he wrote. Black, with the University of South Carolina, said the issue comes down to who authorized the school to begin with. In both Oklahoma and Tennessee, either local or state boards approve charter applications. That explicit state involvement, to me, makes it clear that state action is involved, he said, and thus the Establishment Clause applies. Pattern analysis is a tool used to predict future behavior. When it comes to Steve Witkoff President Trumps special envoy to Russia and the Middle East and his strange bromance with Putins envoy, Kirill Dmitriev, we have seen enough. Bad things happen to Ukraine when these two men meet. It happened again Monday. Russian President Vladimir Putin unleashed his largest ever ballistic missile attack on Ukraine. Of the 70 missiles used, 32 found their targets, leaving hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian civilians without heat, electricity or power. The attacks came after an emergency meeting between Dmitriev and Witkoff in Miami on Saturday. Advertisement Advertisement Now, they are meeting again in Abu Dhabi for trilateral talks between Ukraine, Russia and the U.S. Jared Kushner Trumps son-in-law is there as well, even though Secretary of State Marco Rubio told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on January 28 he would not be attending. Witkoff ever Putins apologist described his surprise meeting with Dmitriev in Miami as productive and constructive. Productive and constructive for whom? Certainly not for Ukraine or Europe. Nonetheless, Putin was able to get the U.S. back to the negotiation table in Abu Dhabi. Team Trumps reward? Russia promptly resumed bombing Ukraines energy sector in Kyiv on Tuesday, with 521 drones and missiles. Advertisement Advertisement Trumps nonchalant response was unsurprised. Really? Did the American delegation, led by Witkoff, see this coming? Has Witkoff intentionally or not become too trusting of Dmitriev? Remember, Dmitriev was sanctioned by the U.S. in February 2022. Legally speaking, he should not be in the U.S. Yet he keeps showing up in Miami. He even keeps showing off wake-surfing in Miami, for example, while Russian drones and ballistic missiles were pummeling Ukraine. Yet, in a bizarre twist, Trump has defended Putin once again. During a press conference on Tuesday, he said it was on Sunday. It [ceasefire agreement] was Sunday to Sunday, and it opened up. And he hit them hard last night. He [Putin] agreed, he kept his word on that. But that is not what Kyiv had been led to believe. Ukrainian officials claimed the energy ceasefire should have run through this Friday the conclusion of the trilateral meetings in Abu Dhabi. Advertisement Advertisement That invites the question: What were Witkoff and Dmitriev really up to last Saturday in Miami? Were they focused on negotiating an equitable peace deal? Or were the two especially given their strange bromance setting Ukraine up for failure, validating Putins ongoing weaponization of winter? Witkoffs approach appears to be at odds with Trumps stated goal. While referring to Putin, Trump told reporters, I want them to end the war. Is this how to end it by allowing Dmitriev undue influence over Witkoff? By letting Russia keep attacking Ukraines energy sector, critical infrastructure and residential neighborhoods? By trying to make Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to accept Russias maximalist demands? This is reminiscent of Operation Linebacker II the U.S. bombing campaign that forced North Vietnam to the Peace Table in 1973. Russia is clearly trying to convey a message to Ukraine as it enters the next round of negotiations submit, or else theres more to follow. Trump wants the war to end but like this? After 12 months and seven failed attempts to get Russia to accept a peace deal, have the ends come to justify the means? Could there actually be something behind Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrovs claim that an agreement was struck between Putin and Trump during the Alaska Summit last August? Advertisement Advertisement Witkoff and Dmitrievs gamesmanship if they are indeed games may be for naught. The trilateral talks are already in jeopardy. Our position is well known, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov announced yesterday. Until the Kyiv regime makes the appropriate decisions, the special military operation continues. Zelensky, for his part, made clear that is not going to happen. Ukraine is not going to hand over the Donbas. Nor does it appear the U.S. will present any new initiatives. Meanwhile, the Institute for the Study of War notes that Russia is not prepared to come off Putins maximalist demands: The Kremlin continues to explicitly reject the Western security guarantees for Ukraine that aim to prevent another Russian invasion. This means that until the Donbas is resolved, the war in Ukraine will continue. As we have repeatedly stated, Kyiv will not give Moscow in negotiations what the Russians cannot take on the battlefield. To do otherwise would be national suicide. If Trump really wants the war in Ukraine to end and we take him at his word that he does then he must put an end to the shadowy bromance between Witkoff and Dmitriev. They are not, in our view, seeking peace, but rather seeking to tear off pieces of Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement If left to do their thing, Witkoff and Dmitriev will ultimately fail. They will needlessly prolong the war in Ukraine. Putin will never respect Trump until he puts them aside and sends his generals and career diplomats to negotiate a peace. Until and unless he does, Ukraine risks becoming a forever war in Europe. Col. (Ret.) Jonathan Sweet served 30 years as a military intelligence officer and led the US European Command Intelligence Engagement Division from 2012 to 2014. Mark Toth writes on national security and foreign policy. They are the co-founders of INTREP360 and the INTREP360 Intelligence Report on Substack. 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. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) Democratic Congresswoman Maxine Dexter (OR-03) announced plans to visit an Oregon family that was detained by immigration authorities while seeking medical care for their seven-year-old. The freshman congresswoman said shes visiting the Dilley, Texas detention facility on Thursday and Friday to ensure the family has access to medical care and due process. The family of three is being held in a detention center with two documented active measles cases, according to the lawmaker. Advertisement Advertisement DONT MISS: Oregon bill aims to protect hospital patient rights for ICE detainees As first reported by Noticias Noroeste, United States Border Patrol agents arrested Yohendry De Jesus Crespo and Darianny Liseth Gonzalez de Crespo along with their seven-year-old child January 16. Darianny Liseth Gonzalez De Crespo (left) and Yohendry De Jesus Crespo Alvarez pose with their 7-year-old child (undated file photo). According to reports, the family was on their way to Adventist Health Portland at the time of their arrest. No child, but especially not a sick second grader on the way to urgent care, should be detained by ICE and then trapped in a facility with active measles cases, Congresswoman Dexter said in a press release Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Help mom and dad get home: How a note in a coloring book helped Jackie Merlos in ICE custody The inhumanity is staggering. I cannot stand by while my constituents rights are stripped, and our countrys values eroded. Im traveling to Texas to check in on the well-being of this Oregon family, to assess the conditions of their detention and to ensure their access to due process. I am fully vaccinated against measles and will take all proper precautions when allowed inside, Dexter vowed. The congresswomans office says Dexter has also demanded a wellness check and medical attention for the family along with an explanation for their detention. KOIN 6 News previously spoke with Ana Linares who said she is friends with the married couple explaining they all came together from Central America a couple of years ago. Linares said they landed in Southeast Portland while actively seeking asylum. Advertisement Advertisement Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Eye on Northwest Politics They are educated people, legally married in Venezuela, and they wanted to formalize their family here and give their daughter a better future, said Linares, via translation from Spanish. A spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security previously confirmed the arrest to KOIN 6 and identified the family as Venezuelan nationals. These parents illegally entered U.S. with their daughter in 2024 through the disastrous CBP One app and were RELEASED into the country by the Biden administration, DHS previously said in a statement. Any application for asylum does not preclude immigration enforcement. The law requires those in the country illegally claiming asylum to be detained pending removal. You can look it up in the statute. The Trump administration is not going to ignore the rule of law. Advertisement Advertisement Federal agency probes whether Nike discriminates against white staff The spokesperson explained that the family of three will remain in ICE custody, noting an immigration judge will hear their case at a later date. Meanwhile, Linares claims none of the family members have criminal records. Linares also noted their daughter is better health-wise after seeing a doctor. In an email, Adventist spokesperson Heather Pease previously told KOIN 6 the health system had no information regarding the incident, did not coordinate with law enforcement and hadnt heard from any agency. A Portland-area theater says Amazon banned it from screening Melania. Heres why Advertisement Advertisement Adventist Health Portland is here for our community, open, available, and ready to provide care when its needed most, Pease wrote. Patient care remains our priority, regardless of circumstances. Dexters announcement comes as she rallied with Democrats outside of ICE headquarters in Washington D.C., earlier on Wednesday and called for Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to be impeached and ICE to be dismantled. Im going to take a minute to talk about my constituent, Diana Crespo. Diana is seven years old. She loves to paint. She loves to play with her friends. Last month, she got a fever, her nose wouldnt stop bleeding. Like any concerned parent with a sick kid, her mom and dad tried to take her to a doctor. They never made it inside, Dexter said at the rally. Owner of Pacific Northwests oldest record store seeks right person to acquire shop Advertisement Advertisement Instead, federal agents swarmed their car in a parking lot and abducted them. A friend said the parents were pleading with agents, begging to just let their child see a doctor. The agents didnt listen, Dexter said. Instead, they sent the family to the Dilley facility in Texas a detention facility that now has an active measles outbreak. I do not know how Kristi Noem sleeps at night, Dexter said. I do not know how our Republican colleagues stay silent and still look their children in the eyes. This is part of a terror campaign designed to punish families, traumatize children and scare entire communities into disappearing. Congresswoman Dexter has been outspoken about ICE detentions, previously claiming she was denied access to immigration detention facilities while attempting an oversight visit. KOIN 6 News has reached out to CBP and ICE. This story will be updated if we receive a response. Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. The Oregon supreme court has ruled that a large number of criminal cases across the state must be dismissed due to a severe shortage of public defenders, a major decision that attorneys say will impact more than 1,400 pending cases. The problem has been years in the making and has become a significant constitutional crisis, as people charged with crimes are routinely unable to fight their cases as they wait weeks, months or sometimes years for the state to appoint them lawyers. The attorney shortage due in part to the increasing difficulty of recruiting attorneys for the low-salary, high-caseload jobs has meant that people have had cases hanging over them for extended periods of time, impacting their housing, employment and families, advocates say. Oregons highest court ruled on Thursday that dismissals are required if the state failed to provide counsel within 60 days after arraignment for a misdemeanor and within 90 days for a felony. State data on unrepresented defendants showed that as of this week, more than 1,400 active cases fall in that category, including hundreds of people who have been waiting more than a year for an attorney. Advertisement Advertisement The ruling dictates that the cases be dismissed without prejudice, meaning prosecutors can re-file charges. The court said charges can be brought again when the state is able to provide the counsel to which a defendant is entitled. The ruling also said dismissal isnt required if during the 60- or 90-day period the defendant failed to appear in court for a required hearing. The case originated with a man named Allen Rex Roberts, who was charged with unauthorized use of a vehicle and possession of a stolen car in August 2021. The charges were dismissed in October 2022 because of the states failure to appoint him a lawyer, but in April 2024, prosecutors re-indicted Roberts on the same charges. For the next year, Roberts repeatedly returned to court for hearings where he was supposed to be appointed counsel, but each time no attorney was available. Eventually, his case was again dismissed due to a lack of attorneys. The right to counsel is enshrined in the Oregon and US constitutions, and the shortage of attorneys has led to mass violations of those fundamental rights and pushed the criminal legal system to the brink, advocates say. The vast majority of defendants in the state are indigent and cannot afford a private attorney. Many folks who are eligible for dismissal after the courts opinion today have been facing the criminal justice system without assistance for months or years, said Jessica Snyder, a lawyer who co-wrote an amicus brief in the case on behalf of the federal public defenders in Oregon. The harm is great. It has led to individuals losing their housing, losing contact with their children because of no-contact orders, [and] losing the opportunity to preserve evidence in their criminal case. Advertisement Advertisement Some defendants would have been able to quickly resolve their cases if they simply could afford a private attorney, Snyder noted. The toll is also psychological. A lot of clients talked about the despair they felt coming back to court over and over again without someone to help them, how confused they felt, how the court wouldnt listen to their concerns or prosecutors wouldnt help them navigate the system, said Snyder. A previous court ruling dictated that the state must release defendants from jail within seven days of appearing in court if they arent appointed an attorney. That means the more than 1,400 cases impacted by Thursdays ruling mostly involve defendants who are already out of custody. The attorney shortage is a systemic and statewide problem in Oregon, and the causes are complex, with criminal defense lawyers noting the state has long underfunded public defense, leaving few public defenders overwhelmed with massive caseloads. A backlog of cases during the pandemic and increasing time required to review materials like body-camera footage and digital evidence has further strained the system, advocates say. Advertisement Advertisement Oregons crisis is particularly acute, but attorney shortages have created problems across the country, including in Washington state, Maine, Illinois, Utah and New Hampshire. Nadia Dahab, a Portland-based attorney who argued the Roberts case, said she hoped the ruling would force the state to pursue a solution that recognizes the importance of access to counsel for people charged with a crime and allocates the resources necessary to make sure the public defense system adequately protects them. Roberts, she added, is one of thousands, and the harms he suffered through the arrest warrant when the state recharged him and through the impact of having to take off work to go to court every month those are very exemplary of what lots of others are facing. Oregons department of justice had argued against blanket dismissals in the Roberts case. Advertisement Advertisement Dan Rayfield, the state attorney general, said in a statement on Thursday that the states legislature had stepped up to increase investments, and he said: Oregonians deserve solutions. He continued: Too many are being left without legal representation some sitting in jail, others stuck in limbo outside of custody, unable to move their cases forward. That is not acceptable for public safety. Rayfield said the state respects the supreme courts decision to set clear limits on how long someone can go without counsel and he expected the Oregon Public Defense Commission (OPDC), the agency that oversees the public defense system, to meet the standards established by the court and take responsibility for ensuring people are represented. The OPDC said in a statement it was assessing the decision and that the commission had made progress in reducing the number of unrepresented individuals and would continue to address the crisis with urgency and transparency. The statement noted that there were 2,494 people without an attorney at the end of January, down 37% from the year prior. We will collaborate with our partners in the criminal justice community to respond to this ruling and build on this progress while protecting defendants rights and public safety, the statement said. Advertisement Advertisement The public defender crisis was exacerbated last year as Oregon abandoned a policy effort to decriminalize drugs, leading to a surge in arrests for possession that further burdened attorneys and clogged up the courts. The Metropolitan Public Defenders, which represents indigent defendants in Portland and the surrounding region, said in a statement that increasing the number of public defenders alone would not solve the crisis, and urged for more reforms that would reduce the volume of cases in the system: Oregon needs more community-based resources, and the system needs more alternatives to prosecution and incarceration. John Wentworth, president of the Oregon District Attorneys Association, which represents the states prosecutors, criticized the supreme court decision in a statement, saying: Criminal defendants, their victims and our communities will continue to lack justice as potentially thousands of cases will now be dismissed. This is an immense waste of taxpayers money. Wentworth, the district attorney of Clackamas county, called on the states governor and OPDC to fix this problem now, writing: Our indigent defense system must deliver the service it is funded to provide. A major fire broke out at a Pennsylvania hospital center the night of Feb. 4, prompting evacuations of patients and staff as crews battled the flames. Firefighters found the fire taking over the roof of the orthopedics building, which is attached to Lehigh Valley Hospital in Dickson City, near Scranton, according to the Dickson City Fire Department. Crews responded to the scene at about 9:40 p.m. While the fire didn't spread inside the hospital part of the building, there was smoke and water damage, the fire department said. "All patients, colleagues and visitors safely exited the building," a spokesperson for the hospital, Irene Contreras Reyes, told USA TODAY in a statement. First responders remained on the scene the morning of Feb. 5, the statement said. Advertisement Advertisement Photos of the scene shared by the fire department show the orthopedics building's roof engulfed in flames with a plume of smoke rising up as firefighters douse the fire. Flames can be seen through broken-out windows. Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro said late Feb. 4 that the Pennsylvania State Police and the state's emergency management and health departments were on the scene helping evacuate patients. "Thank you to every first responder running toward danger to help their fellow Pennsylvanians. Lori and I are praying for the staff, patients, their families, and the entire community tonight," Shapiro said in a post on social media. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Fire breaks out at Pennsylvania hospital, prompting evacuations Pay it forward: Vietnam vets nonprofit focuses on Kansas Latinos in need WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) A mission that began in Kansas City is now making an impact in Wichita. Robert Flores started Habitaciones Para Latinos Association about 10 years ago to help people in need with home repairs. We help fix leaky faucets, broken toilets, add some handicapped rails, things of that nature, he said. TOUCH Closet helps students step into confidence Volunteers do the work free of charge. While HPLA Charities focuses on helping the Latino community, it does not turn away people in need. Advertisement Advertisement We come from a family that has been taught and encouraged to pay it forward, said Flores, a Vietnam War veteran. Its very, very important for us to help one another stick together. When the nonprofit expanded to Wichita about two years ago, so did its mission. Lately the demands have been more towards utility help, rent help, food help and things of that nature, Flores said. McPherson nonprofit helps people step out of poverty Through a connection at church, Flores met Ernesto Felix, whose health problems were piling up. Felix was diagnosed with diabetes at 26 years old. He is now 39. My diabetes kept getting worse and worse, and about three years ago, they amputated my toes, Felix told KSN in Spanish. Advertisement Advertisement Then in March 2025, he took a bad fall that got infected and required surgery. The doctor told me that they would probably have to amputate it, he explained. So Im all alone in a difficult situation and unable to work. Cow Team 6 about to make biggest mission yet In January this year, Felix faced a new hurdle: dialysis. To his surprise, strangers like Flores and HPLA decided to step in. I didnt know any of these people, and they, without expecting anything in return, offered to help me, Felix said. Whether its a meal, message or help with a bill, it all gives Felix hope. All of that has helped me see that there are still people with kind hearts, he said. All of that helps. Advertisement Advertisement HPLA Charities is looking for more volunteers to help with home repairs. If you are interested in helping, you can call 913-269-4450. If you would like to nominate a nonprofit for our Here For You Spotlight, fill out our online contact form. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSN-TV. Iowa lawmakers approved legislation to head to House debate on pediatric cancer research, changes to core curriculum requirements and more. (Photo by Cami Koons/Iowa Capital Dispatch) The Iowa House Higher Education Committee approved legislation Wednesday to fund pediatric cancer research, codify core curriculum requirements, freeze first-year tuition and more. After hearing from families of children diagnosed with different kinds of cancers during a subcommittee meeting, the committee unanimously passed House File 2057 to provide annual pediatric cancer research funding to the University of Iowa. Advertisement Advertisement Funding would total an amount equal to $1 per Iowa resident, the bill stated, with a cap of $3 million per fiscal year. Rep. Jeff Shipley, R-Fairfield, chaired the subcommittee and said during the committee meeting the bill has the support of Iowans who have been reaching out. Rep. Timi Brown-Powers, D-Waterloo, said lawmakers have been working on this bill and meeting families to discuss it, and today is the day that we can look at them and say were going to do the right thing today and vote yes. Pediatric cancer is devastating to both the patients and the families and the communities that are affected by it, Shipley said, and its my belief the state of Iowa has an obligation here to ensure utmost compassion, treatment and cure of this illness. Admission requirements House Study Bill 547 would require the Iowa Board of Regents to factor the Classic Learning Test into the regents admission index, which currently includes ACT or SAT scores, high school grade-point average and number of completed core classes. For students who dont qualify for admission through the index, universities would be required to only use merit and likelihood of employment in Iowa after graduation in making admission decisions. Advertisement Advertisement While the vote to move the bill ahead to floor debate was 7-4, the legislation passed with no discussion. Bills amended before moving ahead Similar to its previous meeting, the committee approved amendments to a majority of the bills discussed Wednesday. Rep. John Wills, R-Spirit Lake, introduced a strike-after amendment to House Study Bill 532, which in its original form would establish a residency requirement in the University of Iowa College of Law and require priority admission for Iowa residents. The amended bill would establish a targeted loan repayment program for UI law college graduates. Graduates who stay and practice in Iowa would receive $10,000 annually for up to six years to pay off federal student loans. In addition to staying in the state, Wills said graduates would also have to commit 50 hours annually to indigent defense services, aiding those who cannot afford an attorney. Advertisement Advertisement Rural areas would have priority for these services, he said, and the program would take up to 110 attorneys annually. Wills said the program would be funded through a dedicated sustainable fund that will be funded in the future. Rep. Ross Wilburn, D-Ames, thanked Wills for his work on the amended bill during the meeting, specifically his addressing of indigent defense needs. I think its important when were looking at trying to find solutions to address problems, in this case, multiple issues that are providing challenges for Iowa, that we make sure that its something that we think is targeted and can be effective, Wilburn said. The legislation passed with a 10-1 vote. Tuition freeze Rep. Taylor Collins, R-Mediapolis, introduced an amendment to House Study Bill 549 hinted at in the previous days subcommittee meeting on the legislation, which would have public universities freeze tuition for first-year students starting in 2027. Collins said the amendment would make changes to the transfer policy in the bill, making sure that when theres differential tuition rates between colleges, that is addressed if a student changes majors. Advertisement Advertisement No comment was given on either the amendment or the bill as amended, which passed 10-1. Civics education requirements House Study Bill 543 would require state universities to add three-credit-hour courses in American history and government to general education standards, with the Center for Intellectual Freedom at the University of Iowa, Center for Cyclone Civics at Iowa State University and Center for Civic Education at the University of Northern Iowa designating courses that would fill the requirements. The centers would also need to develop lecture and debate series and the ISU and UNI centers would have to submit annual reports to the General Assembly on their activities. The General Assembly would also receive a report from the Iowa Board of Regents reviewing all undergraduate core curricula and general education requirements by the end of the year. Collins introduced amendments to the bill that clarified the new required courses to be broad survey courses covering all of American history and American government, with language provided by the Iowa Board of Regents, and struck specific course requirements from the Center for Intellectual Freedom, aligning the centers responsibilities with the other centers for civic education. Advertisement Advertisement Its companion bill in the Iowa Senate was approved in subcommittee Jan. 20. Rep. Heather Matson, D-Ankeny, said she appreciated the amendment but she still maintains concerns over the bills practicality, specifically how universities and students will handle the extra course load and how the centers will have the time, money and capacity to put on lecture and debate series. Echoing previous comments hes made on the legislation and general education requirements at Iowas public universities, Collins said he hopes the board of regents would remove courses he sees as unnecessary to general education to make room for the civics courses requirement. Weve made a tremendous amount of progress in advancing civic education across our K-through-12 education system, and I think its time to do that at our institutions of higher education, Collins said. Our universities core curriculum is in desperate need of reform. The amended bill passed out of the committee with a vote of 7-4. All of the bills that moved out of the committee go next to the full Iowa House. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE By Echo Wang and Joey Roulette Feb 5 (Reuters) - Two Democratic U.S. senators urged the Pentagon on Thursday to conduct an immediate review of SpaceX amid allegations that Chinese investors have secretly acquired stakes in the closely held rocket maker, citing potential national security risks, according to a letter seen by Reuters. Senators Elizabeth Warren and Andy Kim wrote to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth expressing concern that Chinese investment in SpaceX could present "a national security threat, potentially jeopardizing key military, intelligence, and civilian infrastructure." Advertisement Advertisement The lawmakers cited media reports and court testimony suggesting that investors with ties to China routed funds through entities in the Cayman Islands and British Virgin Islands to mask purchases of SpaceX shares. Founded by Elon Musk, the world's richest man, SpaceX plays a central role in U.S. national security infrastructure, launching military and intelligence satellites and operating its Starlink communications network, which is used by the Pentagon and to support Ukraine's defense. SpaceX did not immediately return a request for comment. The senators warned that any Chinese ownership could trigger U.S. rules governing foreign ownership, control or influence, known as FOCI, given the potential exposure of sensitive information or technologies. Advertisement Advertisement The letter asked the Department of Defense to disclose the extent of any Chinese ownership, assess whether SpaceX is subject to FOCI mitigation requirements, and determine whether foreign investments should be reviewed by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States. The senators requested a response by February 20. SpaceXs recent acquisition of xAI, which Musk has described as the most ambitious, vertically integrated innovation engine on (and off) Earth, with AI, rockets, space-based internet, direct-to-mobile communications, and the worlds foremost real-time information and free speech platform, adds to the immediacy of questions about Chinese investment in the company, the senators argued. A Delaware court last year backed a fund manager's decision to remove a Chinese investor from a fund set up to buy SpaceX shares, according to court filings. Iqbaljit Kahlon, who managed the fund, had admitted Leo Investments, a publicly traded Chinese company, as a limited partner. SpaceX told Kahlon the fund could not purchase shares if Leo remained involved, prompting him to remove the investor and return its $50 million. Advertisement Advertisement The fund was structured as a special-purpose vehicle (SPV), a common way for investors to pool money to buy shares in private companies like SpaceX. SPVs let multiple investors combine capital into a single ownership stake, making it easier to trade smaller slices of stock without the company having to deal with a large number of individual shareholders. (Reporting by Echo Wang in New York; Editing by Stephen Coates) When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. The southern lights captured from Brazil on Jan. 19. | Credit: Egon Filter A rare aurora appeared briefly over southern Brazil on Jan. 19 during a powerful geomagnetic storm. Luckily for us, one photographer was at the right place at the right time to capture the fleeting scene. Astrophotographer Egon Filter captured the faint purple-red glow from Cambara do Sul, in Brazil's Rio Grande do Sul state, during the peak of the geomagnetic storm. Auroras are typically confined to high latitudes near Earth's north and south magnetic poles, making sightings in the Southern Hemisphere this far north of Antarctica very rare. Advertisement Advertisement Filter had always dreamt of photographing the aurora australis (southern lights) in Brazil, but Rio Grande do Sul state is located between the 27 and 33 degrees south latitude, far outside the usual auroral zone. "For an aurora to be visible at low latitudes, a very violent and exceptional solar storm is necessary," Filter told Space.com in an email. To Filter's delight, that condition was met on Jan. 19 , when a strong geomagnetic storm struck Earth . He was watching the southern sky when the glow appeared. "It was a fantastic, truly thrilling feeling to check the camera and see that I had captured the image," Filter continued. "I took a few more pictures and, after a few minutes, it had already disappeared." How did auroras reach Brazil? The short-lived display occurred inside the South Atlantic Anomaly, a region where Earth's magnetic field is weaker than elsewhere, according to spaceweather.com . This region is usually associated with suppressed auroral activity, not enhanced displays, and one leading explanation is that the weak and disorganized magnetic fields in the anomaly do a poor job of focusing and accelerating solar wind particles. As a result, any auroras that do form tend to appear as faint, diffuse glows rather than bright, well-defined curtains. This global map reveals the South Atlantic Anomaly, a vast region where Earth's magnetic field is unusually weak. The white dots show where the TOPEX/Poseidon satellite's electronics were disrupted by increased radiation as it passed through this vulnerable zone above South America and the South Atlantic. | Credit: ESA/DTU Space Spaceweather.com noted that the glow could also potentially have been a stable auroral red (SAR) arc , a diffuse band that can appear during strong geomagnetic storms when energy from Earth's ring current leaks into the upper atmosphere. SAR arcs have been observed at lower latitudes during strong storms and are typically quite faint. Advertisement Advertisement However, solar physicist Tamitha Skov says the geometry of the Brazilian observation points more strongly to aurora than a SAR arc. "What makes this particular observation more remarkable is that it is observed high in the sky over Brazil and not near the southern horizon," Skov told Space.com. Given Brazil's low latitude, Skov explained that the glow was most likely diffuse equatorial aurora penetrating through the South Atlantic Anomaly, rather than a SAR arc, which is more commonly found hugging the horizon. "It is aurora, but it is diffuse (not discrete) and it comes from a different source than we typically associate with the auroral zone," Skov explained. While the sight is rare, Skov emphasized that it was not unexpected. She explained that the sun is currently returning to a more "active posture" and that recent solar activity is closer to what scientists consider normal when averaged over the past 24 solar cycles. "These observations are consistent with the expected behavior from the Sun-Earth system, right now," Skov said. "Many of us have been predicting we would see this kind of aurora for years now. In fact, some of us have actively asked aurora field reporters to be on the lookout for it." Editor's Note: If you snap a photo of the northern or southern lights or any other sky phenomena and would like to share it with Space.com's readers, send your photo(s), comments, and your name and location to spacephotos@space.com. WhistlePig chief executive Charles Gibb has left the US whiskey producer after eight months in the role, with the departure described as a mutual decision. Gibb took up the CEO post at the Vermont-based business in June. He replaced CEO Jeff Kozak, who had stepped down from the position to pursue other opportunities in January. In a statement to Just Drinks, the company said: After thoughtful discussions, Charles and WhistlePig Whiskey's board of directors have mutually agreed to part ways. We sincerely thank Charles for his contributions and service to WhistlePig during his tenure and wish him the very best in his future endeavours. WhistlePigs chief financial officer, Alex Roberts, has assumed the top job. Roberts joined the business as CFO in December 2017, following roles in investment banking at Rothschild & Co, Tap Advisors and PME Capital. Alex brings extensive, deep knowledge of WhistlePigs operations, having been integral to our strategy for eight years. We are focused on carrying momentum forward as the leader in luxury Rye Whiskey and will continue to prioritise business continuity and sustained performance, the statement read. According to WhistlePig, its whiskies are stocked at approximately 49,000 accounts globally, with a vast majority of its volumes sold within the US. The brand also has a presence in the UK, France and Japan. Roberts also commented on LinkedIn: Eight years ago, I made the decision to leave investment banking and join WhistlePig, a small and relatively unknown whiskey brand at the time. It felt like a crazy decision at the time, but it has proven to be an incredibly rewarding journey. During these years, I have had the privilege of working with an incredible team that has successfully grown WhistlePig over five times and established it as the leading luxury American whiskey brand. I am excited to lead the company into its next chapter as the new CEO of WhistlePig. WhistlePig sold a minority stake to Moet Hennessy, the wines and spirits division of LVMH, at the end of 2020. At the time, the arrangement was described by WhistlePig as a partnership, with the size of the stake and financial terms not made public. Just Drinks has asked WhistlePig Whiskey for an update on the companys latest financial results. "WhistlePig CEO exits through mutual agreement" was originally created and published by Just Drinks, a GlobalData owned brand. Poland and Ukraine signed a declaration of intent on Thursday to jointly produce weapons for their militaries. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky signed the document in Kiev. The agreement was "much more than just a prelude to practical cooperation," Tusk wrote on X. "This has been our goal for many months, and we have put considerable effort into turning the idea of joint production of weapons and ammunition into reality," he wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Poland's PAP news agency, citing Tusk, said that in addition to the joint production of ammunition and various military equipment, the two sides also plan to jointly develop new defence technologies. Production is to take place at sites in both Poland and Ukraine. According to PAP, Tusk stressed at the signing ceremony that the plan was not only for security but also a good business opportunity. Tusk had travelled to Kiev in the morning. Before the signing ceremony, he and Zelensky laid wreaths at the memorial wall for dead Ukrainian soldiers. Ukraine has been defending itself against a full-scale Russian invasion for almost four years. Poland is one of its closest allies. NEED TO KNOW A 39-year-old man in Australia has been charged with weapons, drug and illegal animal trading offenses after police found over 50 reptiles and 40 animals, a rifle and an alleged cannabis farm at his home Among the animals were a 4-foot long crocodile and 38 snakes, including a cobra The discovery was made during a search of a property as part of an ongoing investigation into the alleged supply of drugs in the Collombatti area of New South Wales Police in Australia have charged a 39-year-old man for alleged cannabis and exotic animal farming after finding a 4-foot crocodile, 38 snakes, 19 lizards, 3 hedgehogs, 28 dogs and nine cats inside his home. In a post shared on Instagram on Thursday, Feb. 5, New South Wales Police (NSW Police) alleged that they found the reptiles and animals inside a home in Collombatti, which is over 275 miles north of Sydney, where cannabis farming was also allegedly taking place. Advertisement Advertisement Photos of some of the reptiles and animals were shared in the post, including the crocodile, one of the hedgehogs and a video of a white snake, as well as a photo of the alleged cannabis farm. Raptor Squad officers have charged a man for alleged commercial cannabis cultivation, drug supply and farming protected or illegal reptiles in the states north (a real case of high stakes and higher scales), the caption began. Police will allege inside the home was a 1.2 metre saltwater crocodile, 38 snakes including a Cobra, 19 lizards, 3 hedgehogs, 28 dogs and 9 cats, the post added. The animals were found during an alleged drug bust, with police discovering a makeshift zoo at the home, per Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC). Advertisement Advertisement Detective Brad Adby, of the NSW Raptor Squad, told ABC, It's not every day we enter a premises and there's a saltwater crocodile in the bedroom There was a hydroponic cannabis system set up there, with 28 dogs around that. "The scene was chaotic, he added. A photo of the man's alleged cannabis farm NSW Police In a news release, police said as part of an ongoing investigation into the alleged supply of drugs and possession of firearms they stopped and searched a white Toyota Hilux on Wednesday, Feb. 4, and subsequently arrested a 39-year-old man. A property was then searched, and as well as the animals, police said more than 52 hydroponic plants, 24 pounds of cannabis leaf with an estimated value of nearly $60,000 ($85,000 AUD) and a rifle were also seized. Advertisement Advertisement The animals were safely removed and placed into care. One of the hedgehogs found in the home NSW Police Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases. The 39-year-old man has been charged with weapons, drug and illegal animal trading offenses, including eight counts of deal in or attempt to deal in protected animal and cultivating prohibited plant commercial quantity-cannabis. He refused bail and was due to appear in court on Thursday. Read the original article on People These are today's HELOC and home equity loan rates. With the prime rate not expected to move lower anytime soon, rates are about as low as they can get. Shop for your best rate today. Two people were killed on board an Arizona DPS helicopter that crashed while responding to assist the Flagstaff Police Department in a shooting involving officers, according to officials. Flagstaff PD said around 8:30 p.m., they received a report of a domestic violence incident near the neighborhood of W Route 66 between Mark Lane and S Thompson Road. Upon arrival, they found the reported victim with no injuries. A little time later, police found the suspect in the back of a residence with a long rifle, firing at officers. Advertisement Advertisement For a little under two hours, "numerous gun battles" occurred between law enforcement officers and the suspect, the Flagstaff police chief said. Arizona DPS assisted in the shooting investigation in a helicopter. For an unknown reason at this time, the helicopter crashed around 10:15 p.m., killing both the pilot and the trooper-paramedic on board. The names of those individuals will not be released at this time. The FAA told 12News that the helicopter is a Bell 407. The suspect in the shooting was taken into custody with non-fatal injuries around 10:30 p.m., officials said. No officers were injured in the shooting. Police said the suspect was "a career criminal." The three police officers have been placed on administrative leave as the investigation continues. Advertisement Advertisement The Arizona Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 32 said the deceased paramedic was a sworn trooper who joined DPS in 2022 and the civilian pilot had previously served the U.S. Marine Corps for 10 years. This is a devastating moment for the DPS family, the FOP, and our states law enforcement community, Michael Hunt, President of FOP Lodge 32, said in a statement. Our fallen trooper served with honor and courage, answering the call to protect others. Both the paramedic, and the pilot, a military veteran, made the ultimate sacrifice while supporting the mission. Their loss is profound, and our hearts are with their families, friends, and colleagues. The NTSB is leading the investigation. Following the crash, United States Congressman Greg Stanton (D-AZ) released the following statement: Advertisement Advertisement "Heartbreaking news out of northern Arizona this morning, and a grim reminder of the dangers law enforcement face. Praying for these officers' loved ones and the entire Arizona Department of Public Safety." Flagstaff Mayor Becky Daggett released the following statement: I am so proud of the men and women of the Flagstaff Police Department for their heroic actions last night. Their work to protect our community and detain an active shooter saved many lives. Tragically, the lives of two Arizona Department of Public Safety officers who were assisting Flagstaff Police ended when their helicopter crashed. I want to express my heartfelt sympathy to the families of these officers, DPS, and the entire law enforcement community for their loss. The City of Flagstaff stands ready to support you. Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes released the following statement: Advertisement Advertisement "I am deeply saddened to hear about the loss of these two brave heroes. They lost their lives serving and protecting the people of our state and we are forever grateful for their service. My prayers are with their families and loved ones and my deepest condolences to their colleagues." The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office released the following statement: "Sheriff Jerry Sheridan and the entire Maricopa County Sheriffs Office extends our prayers and deepest condolences to our partners at the Arizona Department of Public Safety in light of the tragic incident in Flagstaff late last night. Arizona DPS has reported that late last night on February 4th, 2026, a Ranger Helicopter crew responded to assist the Flagstaff Police Department with an active shooter incident in Flagstaff, providing tactical air support. Tragically, the helicopter crashed, killing both the pilot and the trooper/paramedic on board. Advertisement Advertisement We stand with our brothers and sisters at the Department of Public Safety and honor the crew who made the ultimate sacrifice." >> Download the 12News app for the latest local breaking news straight to your phone. >> Live, local, breaking. Download the 12News app Watch 12News for free You can now watch 12News content anytime, anywhere thanks to the 12+ app! The free 12+ app from 12News lets users stream live events including daily newscasts like "Today in AZ" and "12 News" and our daily lifestyle program, "Arizona Midday"on Roku, Apple TV and Amazon Fire TV. 12+ showcases live video throughout the day for breaking news, local news, weather and even an occasional moment of Zen showcasing breathtaking sights from across Arizona. Advertisement Advertisement Users can also watch on-demand videos of top stories, local politics, I-Team investigations, Arizona-specific features and vintage videos from the 12News archives. Roku: Add the channel from the Roku store or by searching for "12 News KPNX." Amazon Fire TV: Search for "12 News KPNX" to find the free 12+ app to add to your account, or have the 12+ app delivered directly to your Amazon Fire TV through Amazon.com or the Amazon app. A Midland man is facing a felony charge because police say he reacted badly when an Odessa officer tried to pull his buddy over for speeding Monday. According to an Odessa Police Department report, an officer was on patrol on East 42nd Street when he saw a Dodge Durango turn onto 42nd from Andrews Highway at such a high rate of speed his tires skidded. When the officer turned around to pull the Dodge over, the driver accelerated and then turn onto San Jacinto, the report stated. The driver hit speeds of more than 60 mph before he pulled over and he and two friends jumped out. Advertisement Advertisement According to the report, the officer immediately detained the driver, Javier Juarez, and the other two men, Isaiah Huertas, and Massiel Bueno, were found at a nearby home. Officers observed Huertas in the backyard throwing glass beer bottles and a knife toward police officers, the report stated. Juarez was arrested on suspicion of the misdemeanor charge of fleeing and was released from the Ector County jail after posting a $1,000 surety bond. Bueno was arrested on suspicion of the misdemeanor charge of evading on foot and the state jail felony charge of possession of a controlled substance because officers said he had a THC cartridge. He was released from jail after posting surety bonds totaling $5,000. Advertisement Advertisement Huertas was arrested on suspicion of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon on a peace officer and evading with a prior conviction. He was booked into the Ector County jail and his bail was set at $78,500. The post Police: Midland man threw knife, bottles at them appeared first on Odessa American. Police also seized M16 magazines and a hydraulic switch used as a breaching tool, suspected to have been stolen from the Fire and Rescue Service. Two handguns, an explosive device, ammunition, and magazines were seized from a school compound in the Bedouin town of Lakiya in southern Israel during a planned enforcement operation, Israel Police confirmed on Thursday. The items were transferred for forensic processing, and an investigation was opened at the Ayarot police station. Advertisement Advertisement The discovery came amid intensified campaigns against illegal weapons in the Negev. During the search, officers found an explosive device, a Glock pistol with a magazine, a Taurus pistol with a magazine, and an ammunition crate containing a 0.5 mm-linked belt. Police also seized M16 magazines and a hydraulic switch used as a breaching tool, suspected to have been stolen from the Fire and Rescue Service. Israel Police vehicles; illustrative. (credit: Tal Gal/Flash90) All items were cataloged and moved to police custody for analysis and evidence handling. 'Significant step in safeguarding residents, children' Asst.-Cmdr. Shashi Shlomo of the Rotem Subdistrict said the operation reflects the forces determination to strike at dangerous infrastructure and remove weapons hidden even inside educational institutions. Advertisement Advertisement Seizing the weapons and the device on school grounds is a significant step in safeguarding residents and children, and we will continue to act with determination and zero tolerance against the crime drivers behind shooting incidents, he said. Police said Rotem Subdistrict officers will continue proactive activity against illegal weapons possession, with a focus on cases where arms are hidden in schools and pose an immediate danger to the public. The Lakiya find follows recent enforcement waves across the Negev targeting smuggling routes, arms caches, and local criminal networks, police noted. Feb. 5SCRANTON A compromise appears likely less than 24 hours after the U.S. Department of Justice initiated a civil lawsuit against Kingston alleging the municipality's 2023 zoning ordinance places unjust restrictions on religious worship and religious schools. The suit, filed in U.S. District Court in Scranton on Wednesday, alleges Kingston's adopted 2023 ordinance violates the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA), a law passed in 2000 to protect individuals, houses of worship and other religious institutions from discrimination in zoning and land marking laws. Within a day of the filing, U.S. Attorney Brian D. Miller and the Justice Department on Thursday announced an agreement has been reached with Kingston pending approval by a U.S. District Court judge. Advertisement Advertisement According to the suit, Kingston adopted its 2023 ordinance that changed and restricted where and how places of worship and religious schools could be developed. Under the 2023 ordinance, places of worship and religious institutions require a minimum land area of one acre and places strict parking requirements for places of worship than on certain nonreligious places of assembly. Data produced by Kingston suggests there are only 49 parcels of one acre or more in the municipality resulting in "only a small fraction of parcels even meet the zoning district and acreage requirements necessary to develop a place of worship," the suit alleges. The suit stems from a rapidly growing population of the Chabad Orthodox Jewish community, which needs to establish new religious facilities such as synagogues and mikvahs (ritual baths) within walking distance of their homes as Jewish religious law prohibits the use of automobiles on the Sabbath and all major Jewish holidays. Members of the Chabad community must walk to their place of worship on the Sabbath and holy days and requires places of worship within walking distance of their homes, the suit says. As there are several, smaller synagogues that have been renovated in recent years in Kingston, and due to the growing population of the Orthodox Jewish community in the municipality, the suit alleges, Kingston's 2023 ordinance places unfair restrictions for locations to construct larger places of worship. Advertisement Advertisement The proposed consent order, or agreement, filed Thursday would resolve the lawsuit as Kingston pledged to revise its zoning ordinance to allow places of worship and religious schools as a permitted use in commercial districts and as a special use in residential districts, eliminate the acreage requirements for places of worship and religious schools, and treat places of worship on comparable terms to nonreligious places of assembly related to parking and landscaping. The consent order, of approved, would require Kingston to train its officials and employees on the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act, and establish a procedure for receiving and resolving complaints. "Time and time again, local governments enact zoning laws that threat places of worship and religious schools worse than comparable secular places of assembly, and unreasonably limit where religious land uses can locate. And too often the Jewish community bears the brunt of those restrictions," stated Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department's Civil Right's Division. "The Justice Department will relentlessly pursue and prosecute jurisdictions that violate RLUIPA." The suit alleges members of the Chabad community, who had been worshipping in a basement of a private home, were seeking a permanent space for religious use and purchased 445 Wyoming Ave., a less-than-one-acre plot in Kingston's commercial district. Advertisement Advertisement Under the 2023 ordinance, which prohibits new places of worship in a commercial district, the Chabad community had to seek a special exception permit to open 445 Wyoming Ave. as a library. "Because of the growing community and the limitations on expanding existing places of worship or opening new places of worship under the (2023) new ordinance, the Chabad community has had to find additional temporary locations to gather to pray and practice their faith, currently including spaces in an office building and in private homes including a garage and a basement," the suit says. The suit says there are more than 500 pre-school, elementary school, and middle school children of Chabad families residing in Kingston. The suit alleges two counts of the Religious Lane Use and Institutionalized Persons Act. Who's ready for a three-day weekend? Whether you call it Presidents Day or Washington's birthday, Monday, Feb. 16, will be the next three-day weekend. In Florida, Gov. Ron DeSantis proclaimed Washington's birthday a Florida state holiday. George Washington has 2 birthdays, sort of Most Florida schools will be closed for the day, along with most government offices and services, including mail delivery and the stock market. Advertisement Advertisement If you have the day off, be sure to enjoy it. It'll be the last three-day weekend until Memorial Day the end of May. When is Presidents Day? Presidents Day is observed on the third Monday in February, although on the federal calendar it is designated as Washington's birthday. In 2026, Presidents Day will fall on Monday, Feb. 16. Is Presidents Day a federal holiday? Yes, but it's known on the federal calendar as Washington's birthday. It's one of 11 federal holidays: According to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, 2026 holidays are: Thursday, Jan. 1: New Year's Day Monday, Jan. 19: Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday Monday, Feb. 16: Washington's birthday Monday, May 25: Memorial Day Friday, June 19: Juneteenth National Independence Day Friday, July 3: Independence Day Monday, Sept. 7: Labor Day Monday, Oct. 12: Columbus Day Wednesday, Nov. 11: Veterans Day Thursday, Nov. 26: Thanksgiving Day Friday, Dec. 25: Christmas Day Is Presidents Day a Florida paid holiday? Yes, but only because Gov. Ron DeSantis recently added the day to the state calendar for 2026 as part of America's sesquicentennial to celebrate George Washington's birthday. Advertisement Advertisement Congress has never declared the day a national holiday. Each state decides its own legal holidays. Florida to add extra state holiday for 2026 According to the Florida Department of Management Services, the 10 paid holidays including the new one recently added by DeSantis for state agencies in 2026 are: Thursday, Jan. 1: New Year's Day Monday, Jan. 19: Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday Monday, Feb. 16: Washington's birthday Monday, May 25: Memorial Day Friday, July 3: Independence Day Monday, Sept. 7: Labor Day Wednesday, Nov. 11: Veterans Day Thursday, Nov. 26: Thanksgiving Day Friday, Nov. 27: Day after Thanksgiving Friday, Dec. 25: Christmas Day Florida Gov. DeSantis proclaims day Washington's birthday DeSantis proclaimed Washingtons birthday a Florida state holiday, with state offices closed in observance on Monday, February 16, to honor "the leadership and legacy of Gen. George Washington, Americas first president and commander-in-chief of the Continental Army." Are Florida students off for Presidents Day? Students in all but four of Florida's 67 counties will be out for Presidents Day. Advertisement Advertisement Among the four counties where schools will be open is Palm Beach County, where President Trump's home, Mar-a-Lago, is located. When was Washington's birthday first observed? Washington's birthday became a federal holiday in 1879 to celebrate the birthday of George Washington, the first president of the United States, according to the Library of Congress. Following the death of George Washington in 1799, his Feb. 22 birthday became a day of remembrance. Washington's birthday became a legal holiday Jan. 31, 1879. The date was changed to the third Monday in February with the Uniform Monday Holiday Act in 1971, according to the National Archives. Prophetic words on three-day weekends? According to the National Archives, during congressional discussions before passage of the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, Rep. Harold Gross of Iowa said: Advertisement Advertisement "I have an idea if we make Monday holidays, to fulfill the promise to merchants that they are going to do a better business, that employees of the stores of this country will have no holidays. "They will work at selling merchandise. That is about what will happen." Dan Heflin Kuykendall off Tennessee offered another viewpoint on making the holiday on a Monday. "If we do this, 10 years from now our schoolchildren will not know or care when George Washington was born. They will know that in the middle of February they will have a three-day weekend for some reason. This will come." On federal calendar, it's still Washington's birthday, not Presidents Day "Contrary to popular belief, neither Congress nor the president has ever stipulated that the name of the holiday observed as Washington's birthday be changed to Presidents Day," according to the National Archives. Advertisement Advertisement Each state decides its own legal holidays. Trivia: Washington's birthday became the first federal holiday to single out an individual's birth date, according to the National Archives. 'Not all presidents held in same high esteem.' Outcry greets attempt to change holiday's name Renaming Washington's birthday to Presidents Day "would be unwise," said William McCulloch of Ohio during discussions to rename the holiday in 1968, according to the National Archives. "Certainly, not all presidents are held in the same high esteem as the father of our country. There are many who are not inclined to pay their respects to certain presidents. "Moreover, it is probable that the members of one political party would not relish honoring a president from the other political party whether he was in office, no matter how outstanding history may find his leadership." Does George Washington have two birthdays? Does George Washington have two birthdays, both Feb. 11 and Feb. 22? Not really, but sort of. Advertisement Advertisement Washington was born in Virginia on Feb. 11, 1731, but that date was based on the Julian calendar. In 1752, Britain and all its colonies adopted the Gregorian calendar, which moved his birth date to Feb. 22, 1732. Is it Presidents Day or Washington's birthday? On the federal holiday calendar, the third Monday in February is designated as Washington's birthday. Neither Congress nor the president have ever stipulated the name of the holiday observed as Washington's birthday be changed to Presidents Day, according to the National Archives. So why is it called Presidents Day? What about honoring Abraham Lincoln? The shift from Washingtons birthday to Presidents Day began in the late 1960s, when Congress proposed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act. Advertisement Advertisement The act included a provision to combine the celebration of Washingtons birthday with that of Abraham Lincoln's, which fell on Feb. 12. Retailers and advertisers celebrate the three-day weekend with sale promotions, and it wasn't long before many Americans were thinking of Washington's birthday as Presidents Day as the term began appearing in advertisements in the mid-1980s. In the early 2000s, almost half of the states across America had changed the holidays name to Presidents Day on their calendars in honor of all U.S. presidents. Is it Presidents' Day, President's Day or Presidents Day? That depends on what style guide you are using and which state you're in. Advertisement Advertisement The USA TODAY Network and Associated Press prefer Presidents Day, but Chicago Style uses Presidents' Day. The holiday is called by several different names across the U.S., including: Washingtons birthday, Presidents Day, Presidents Day, Presidents Day, and Washington and Lincoln Day, according to grammarbook.com Based on Google, folks are searching for it both ways. One thing is definite: it's Washington's birthday on the federal calendar. What is the Uniform Monday Holiday Act? Signed by President Johnson, the Uniform Monday Holiday Act established that three national holidays will be celebrated on a Monday: Washington's birthday on the third Monday in February. Memorial Day on the last Monday in May. Veterans Day on the fourth Monday in October. Advertisement Advertisement 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 tallahassee.com/newsletters. This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Presidents Day or is it Washington's birthday in Florida? Rep. Ayanna Pressley, D-Mass., dodged questions about her climbing wealth on Wednesday when approached about how she accumulated value from a set of rental properties. "Sir, I submit a financial disclosure, just like everybody else. There's nothing to see here," Pressley told Fox News. Her office did not respond to additional requests for comment. Pressleys net worth is the latest among progressives in the House of Representatives to come under scrutiny for drastically increasing since being elected to office. Other figures who have attracted national focus include Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn. Advertisement Advertisement Trump Calls For Investigation Into Ilhan Omars Wealth, Says It Should Start 'Now' Rep. Ayanna Pressley pictured on March 9, 2025, in Austin, Texas. (Getty Images) Despite a climbing net worth, Pressley has also accumulated sizable debt worth up to $9 million, according to records. Read On The Fox News App According to financial disclosures, Pressleys worth went from $12,500 before she was elected in 2018 to up to $8 million in 2024. Her congressional salary is just $174,000. Her disclosure reports reveal that most of her current wealth comes from two sources. Her husbands management consulting firm in Boston, Conan Harris & Associates, brought in between $100,000-$1,000,000 in 2024. The company was founded in 2019 the year Pressley began her time in office. Advertisement Advertisement According to the companys website, Conan Harris, Pressleys husband, used to work for Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh. There, he earned $92,000, according to reports from 2018. One year after launching his venture in 2019, Harris earned a reported $148,000 through the firm. The majority of Pressleys wealth, however, is in real estate. Four rental properties in Mattapan, Boston and Edgartown, Massachusetts, brought in a combined revenue between $95,000 and $250,000 last year. Aoc Spent Over $53K In Campaign Funds On Luxury Hotels In 2025: 'Carpetbagger' Rep. Ayanna Pressley, D-Mass., listens during a news conference on Sept. 25, 2025, in Washington, D.C. One more, purchased in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, reported an income of between $50,000 and $100,000. Pressley bought that property in 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Ownership of the properties themselves has also added to Pressleys wealth. In total, Pressleys Massachusetts rentals combined for a net worth of between $2.5 million and $8 million. According to her first reports submitted in 2018, Pressley began her time in Congress with three major debt obligations that have only grown. She owed between $610,000 and $1.2 million from two mortgages and a repayment plan for taxes issued by the IRS. Rep. Ayanna Pressley on Sept. 19, 2024. In her most recent reporting, Pressley reported between $3.25 million and $9 million in debt. All of her loans, made through Chase Bank, Bluestone Bank, Wells Fargo, United Wholesale Mortgage and Crowd Lending Inc., are for property acquisitions. Advertisement Advertisement Click Here To Download The Fox News App She added all of those liabilities during her time in office between 2019 and 2023. Data from Pressleys most recent year remains unavailable. Lawmakers have until May to submit their financial disclosures for 2025. Original article source: Pressley says 'nothing to see here' when asked about her dramatic multimillion-dollar wealth jump in office A bill prohibiting employers from requiring the use of preferred pronouns in workplaces passed through a divided House panel Feb. 5, after hearing a fractured debate on transgender rights. Rep. Rachel Plakon said her proposal (HB 641) protects "deeply held beliefs" in workplaces by ensuring employers can't mandate employees to use a person's preferred pronouns if it does not correspond to their assigned sex at birth. But Plakon said the bill doesn't stop people from using whatever pronouns they want. Rather, it focuses on employer rules and mandates, she said. Advertisement Advertisement "What it prohibits is employers enforcing ... speech codes and ideological viewpoints on employees that violate their religious, conscience and free speech rights," Plakon said. She added: "Employees should not be forced to choose between their conscience and their jobs, and taxpayers should not be forced to fund discrimination against people who disagree with specific ideological viewpoints, such as gender ideology." The measure disallows job applications from including more options than "male" and "female" when asking a person's sex, specifically saying it cannot provide a "nonbinary or other option." It also says employers can't take disciplinary action against an employee or contractor because of their "deeply held religious, moral, conscience-based, or biology-based beliefs against gender ideology." Advertisement Advertisement More: 'Let Us Live' march, rally draws hundreds to Florida Capitol But some in the House Government Operations Subcommittee disagreed. Rep. Daryl Campbell, D-Fort Lauderdale, said he believed the measure "very plainly creates a permission slip for discrimination," saying the bill "is telling people who are transgender and who are nonbinary Floridians that the state will look the other way if they're intentionally disrespected at work." The bill passed its first committee in the House on an 11-4 vote. Its companion bill (SB 1642) is also moving through the Legislature and is pending a second committee stop. Advertisement Advertisement More: Parents of trans kids in Florida are 'angry' at lawmakers. Here's why This measure is one of many measures that Equality Florida, an LGBTQ+ rights group, includes in its slate of "anti-LGBTQ legislation." The organization's Quinn Diaz told lawmakers that the bill is "deeply harmful." "At its core, the bill allows conduct toward transgender employees that would never be tolerated if aimed at any other protected class," Diaz said. "This bill undermines binding constitutional protections, invites costly litigation." But Gerald Bustin, a pastor with the Evangelical Bible Mission, an international missionary organization, brought up Scripture and his own disagreement with more genders than male and female. Advertisement Advertisement "To be required to call a biological male a 'she' would be for me to have to lie to say that, and God forbids lying," Bustin told lawmakers. "... As a Christian, I'm opposed to anybody requiring me to make a lie or go against my religion because they claim to be something that they cannot possibly be." This reporting content is supported by a partnership with Freedom Forum and Journalism Funding Partners. USA Today Network-Florida First Amendment reporter Stephany Matat is based in Tallahassee, Fla. She can be reached at SMatat@gannett.com. On X: @stephanymatat. This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Florida may ban mandatory pronoun use in the workplace Saving for retirement is hard enough when money is tight. Its even harder when you work for a company that doesnt offer a 401(k), or when most of your income comes from freelancing, consulting or side gigs. In those situations, many workers default to saving in an IRA or skip saving altogether. The problem is that IRA contribution limits are relatively low. For 2025, most workers can contribute only $7,000, or $8,000 if youre 50 or older (1). That may not be enough to build a serious retirement fund, especially if youre starting later or trying to catch up. Must Read However, theres another option many people overlook: the solo 401(k). For workers with self-employment income, it can unlock contribution limits up to $70,000 in 2025 without needing an employer-sponsored plan. According to a Gallup poll, only about six in 10 Americans report having money invested in a retirement savings plan (2). For the millions earning income outside a traditional job, the solo 401(k) could be a powerful tool to close that gap. Who is eligible for a solo 401(k)? A self-employed 401(k), often referred to as a solo 401(k), is a type of retirement plan designed for people who are self-employed, and works much like a corporate 401(k). Its intended for small business owners with no full-time employees other than themselves (and, possibly, their spouses). Millions of Americans may be eligible for this account many without even realizing it. According to Bankrate (3), roughly one in four Americans now earn money from a side hustle. Yet many dont treat that income as a long-term wealth-building tool. Instead, it is often spent as it comes in, missing out on tax advantages and years of compound growth. You might qualify if you earn legitimate self-employment income through (4): Freelancing or consulting Contract or 1099 work A side business alongside a full-time job A sole proprietorship, LLC, or S-corp What makes the solo 401(k) especially powerful is that youre allowed to contribute as both the employee and the employer (5). For 2025, that means: A protest was held Wednesday in Northwest Indiana over rising utility costs. NIPSCO customers gathered outside the company's headquarters in Merrillville, Indiana. They say they're having a tough time paying for skyrocketing winter bills and are being forced to make hard choices. NIPSCO appeared to be prepared for Wednesday's protest. Construction cones and barriers were at every entrance to their building. Advertisement Advertisement However, that did not stop dozens of upset Northwest Indiana residents from raising their voices against an energy company they believe is taking advantage of its customers. As a customer, I feel a little betrayed," Hobart resident Ramon Reyes said. Reyes says he worked for NIPSCO for 10 years as a construction electrician, and now he's protesting his former employer, concerned for his elderly mother. "How do you go from a $200, $300 bill to, like, $500 you know?" Ramon Reyes said. "How does a 96-year-old lady make that up?" Dozens of people took turns at a microphone calling out NIPSCO for what they're calling exorbitant increases to their bills. Advertisement Advertisement READ MORE | Northwest Indiana NIPSCO customers shocked as bills skyrocket "It has to be a mistake," Valparaiso resident Carmelo Reyes said. "This can't be correct." Carmelo Reyes said he's a disabled veteran, and with his wife experiencing significant health challenges, he says he's facing a difficult decision. "My wife is in the hospital because she had an aneurysm, and I have to decide, what am I going to do heat the house or help my wife with her medicine?" Carmelo Reyes said. NIPSCO answered ABC7's request for a response to customers' concerns, saying "Customers are not alone in seeing higher Delivery Charges right now. Because of the cold temperatures, customers across our service area are using more natural gas than they were in warmer months... We want to reassure customers that NIPSCO does not control or mark up the cost of natural gas... Those prices come directly from market prices, and we simply pass them through based on customer usage." Advertisement Advertisement Merrillville 2nd Ward Town Councilwoman Shauna Haynes-Edwards is feeling the impact just like the people she serves. "I feel like it's a company that knows what they're doing, and they know that they're the only company that we have to use," Haynes-Edwards said. This realization is leaving local elected leaders and customers alike wondering what, if any, recourse they have. "We're at their mercy, because we have no one else to go to," Munster resident Leilani Suchanuk said. The people said they want NIPSCO to hear their concerns and do what's right. They plan to continue to make their voices heard through protest. Radnor Township police are investigating a reported sexual assault at Eastern University. The incident occurred Saturday night inside a residence hall off Eagle Road on the university's campus, according to police. Sources said a college-aged female reported being sexually assaulted by several male suspects. Investigators are interviewing those involved. Students at the Christian college in Radnor Township described shock and frustration as details of the investigation emerged. Advertisement Advertisement "Pretty horrible to hear," said Thomas Hellenbrand, a college student in Radnor Township. Emily Myers, also a student in the township, said the report reflects a larger issue for women. "Just the violence that women face on an everyday basis. It's really disheartening as a woman," Myers said. Eastern University released a statement saying it is cooperating with police. Some students said colleges should take additional steps to prevent violence and educate students. Myers emphasized the need for institutions to support those who come forward. "It's honestly about creating a culture where victims feel heard and feel like they have outlets to report and be taken seriously," she said. Advertisement Advertisement No charges have been filed at this point. Sources said police anticipate multiple people will be charged as the investigation continues. Full statement from Eastern University: "The safety of our students is top priority at Eastern University. The University is aware of the reported incident and is taking this matter very seriously. We are cooperating fully with the Radnor Police Department, which is actively investigating the matter. The University is acting in accordance with state and federal laws and institutional policy to support the students involved. All questions related to the investigation should be directed to the Radnor Police Department. Fostering a safe and respectful environment is central to our mission. As a Christian University, we are deeply committed to the well-being of all students, and provide a wide variety of supportive services." A version of this article originally appeared in Quartzs Obsession newsletter. Sign up here to share our Obsessions in your inbox. First comes the story, then comes who knows! Greenland is green. Duluth is the center of the world. The future is just one economic development deal away, while the brochures practically print themselves. This kind of aggressive marketing has a name: boosterism. And as Erik the Reds Greenland example suggests, its a centuries-old practice that works by overselling a place before the promise is, strictly speaking, true. If you hype it, they will come. Thats the hope, anyway. Advertisement Advertisement Boosters dont describe real things so much as what they hope will become real things, often presenting growth as inevitable and betting on optimism as a viable economic strategy. Perhaps unsurprisingly, boosterism has played a major role in American history, and is carefully studied by actual historians even as it makes them uncomfortable. The harsh truth is, boosterism sometimes works. It helped sell Americans on railroads; Chicago, as the White City; and it moved more than a few acres of Florida swampland, too. Which brings us to the hidden costs. Boosterism tends to minimize risk, bulldoze public consent, and obscure who bears the downside or gets displaced. Thats why its newly relevant today, as AI barons search out their next inevitable hub. For more on that, scroll down below I swear Im not overselling it. By the digits 2: The number of buildings constructed for the 1893 Chicago Worlds Fair that are still standing today, if you count a ticket booth as a building. The fair is considered an example of boosterism on a vast scale and a successful example to boot, helping establish Chicago as a major city even if most of the Fair structures are long gone. 27 million: The Number of people who visited the Chicago Worlds Fair during its six-month run, representing about half the population of the U.S. at that time. Advertisement Advertisement 300: Lots in Tampa Bay that booster D.P. Davis sold in a single three-hour period in 1924, during the height of the Florida land boom. All 300 lots were literally underwater, as in beneath Tampa Bay. Hundreds of thousands: Promotional brochures distributed annually by the LA Chamber of Commerce in the 1920s. 1.1 million: Increase in the population of LA between 1900 (about 100,000) and 1930 (1.2 million), following the distribution of all those brochures. Same hype, different day The boosterism playbook hasn't changed much since the 1920s Florida land boom saw your grandad grabbing up his own cozy little piece of Tampa Bay. Whats changed is the product. Advertisement Advertisement The boosters of our own era arent talking up the Everglades or even Cheyenne, Wyoming. Theyre selling new emerging markets, crypto utopias, and of course, the vast AI buildout. They promise automation will create more jobs than it destroys and that data centers and their ilk will revitalize struggling regions. The language may be new more disruption, less manifest destiny but the underlying logic is identical. Believe hard enough, move fast enough, and reality will surely catch up to the pitch. Consider all the cities that have, in recent decades, competed to become the next Silicon Valley, with officials offering tax breaks, infrastructure upgrades, and regulatory flexibility to lure marquee tech names. Sometimes it works: Austin, for instance, has genuinely boomed. But just as often the jobs go to transplants, housing costs skyrocket, and locals get priced out of the prosperity they were promised. Even more recently, dozens of data centers have popped up across the U.S. AI boosters insist were on the verge of solving climate change, curing disease (maybe even death), and unlocking limitless productivity if only we prevent all regulation and trust that the benefits will most definitely trickle down. Skeptics who point out grid problems, job losses, or the increasing concentration of power and capital get dismissed as Luddites standing in the way of economic development. Thus the booster hype machine runs on downplaying risks, hyping possible rewards, and insisting that this time its different. Quotable In America today we are nearer a final triumph over poverty than in any other land at any other time. The poorhouse has vanished from among us. Advertisement Advertisement Herbert Hoover in his 1928 presidential acceptance speech, which some historians see as an example of boosterism on a national scale. Incidentally, Hoover gave this speech just months before the 1929 stock market crash, and the Great Depression that followed it. Brief History 1787-1790: The Scioto land scheme markets Ohio as Americas inevitable future, selling lots to European buyers, even though boosters dont yet own the land. Settlers arrive to find that promises dont reflect reality or even actual legal claims, in whats often taken to be a key early example of boosterism in the nascent U.S. 1862: The Homestead Act advances westward settlement by granting vast amounts of land to white settlers, much of it taken from Indigenous people either through coercion or broken treaties. Booster rhetoric promises opportunity, and the promise comes true, for some. To this day, a portion of the comparative wealth of white households can be traced to the Act. 1922: Sinclair Lewis satirizes boosterism in his landmark novel Babbitt. Eight years later, Lewis wins the Nobel Prize in Literature. Advertisement Advertisement 2017-2018: Hundreds of American cities compete to win Amazons second corporate headquarters, offering tax breaks, workforce development, you name it. Arlington, Virginia wins out. January, 2026: Officials in modern-day Scioto County, Ohio, publicly confirm that Google is the company behind a proposed $1 billion, 500,000-square-foot data center project. The announcement comes after county commissioners approved a giant tax abatement. Fun fact In the late 1800s, town boosters sometimes paid newspapers hundreds of miles away to run glowing articles about places the reporters had never visited. These pieces spoke of sunny, health-giving climates, endless economic opportunity, and booming populations even if the towns being advertised barely existed. In a few cases, settlers arrived to find little more than a train depot. Watch this Boosterism finds its way into a now-classic musical, with striking newsboy Christian Bale singing about dreams of a better life, inspired by a Santa Fe brochure, circa 1899. Maputo, Mozambique When Emilia Machel, 30, and her three children rushed to the Chiaquelane site for displaced people on the afternoon of January 17, much of her hometown of Chokwe in Mozambiques Gaza Province was already flooded. The Limpopo River, which begins in neighbouring South Africa and flows into Mozambique, had reached dangerously high levels after heavy rain fell on the Southern Africa region from late December to mid-January. We knew there would be floods, said Machel. We watched on television that there would be flooding. Advertisement Advertisement Machel, who supports her family by selling tomatoes and onions, first came to Chiaquelane, a long-term settlement for displaced people, at age four in 2000 during one of the deadliest floods in Mozambiques history. The reason why we came this time is because we had been here in 2000 and again in 2013. It is a safer area, she said. This season, heavy rains and overflowing rivers have resulted in floods, which authorities say are some of the worst in decades, killing more than 150 people and affecting an estimated 800,000 people in the southern and central provinces of Mozambique. Although the rain has subsided and water levels in river basins have fallen, large swaths of land remain flooded, according to humanitarian workers. In some places it feels like youre flying over the ocean because the water stretches are very long distances and you see many isolated homes, said Guy Taylor, chief of communications with the United Nations childrens agency UNICEF. Advertisement Advertisement Mozambiques weather agency, Instituto Nacional de Meteorologia (INAM), has warned that moderate rain is set to continue in the northern provinces. The government says hundreds of millions of dollars have been lost in destroyed infrastructure, and in some parts of the country, the population is still stranded and needs rescuing. Paula Fonseca, a businesswoman in the capital city of Gaza province, Xai-Xai, which is among the areas most affected by flooding, said it is still difficult to assess the real impact. Her restaurant building remains underwater. The province is an agricultural heartland in Mozambique, but in recent weeks, hundreds of hectares of farming land and food storage barns have been washed out. Advertisement Advertisement The Matola municipality in Maputo Province, which is the most populated city in Mozambique, had the most severe urban flooding in years, according to its mayor, Julio Parruque. A high population density and unplanned construction that blocked water ways has resulted in a deluge that has forced thousands of households to move to accommodation centres installed in the city. In the capital city, Maputo, there are still impassable areas and homes beneath water. An aerial view shows the flooded neighbourhood between the Maputo and Gaza regions, Maputo, Mozambique, January 20, 2026 [Luisa Nhantumbo/EPA] A lot of water After realising that water was entering her home at an increasingly faster speed, Machel, the Chokwe resident, took all the clothes and household items she could carry and fled with her children to a neighbour with a brick home whose roof they could use for storage. Advertisement Advertisement All families in my neighbourhood were affected, and I think the current floods were far more dangerous than the ones in 2013, Machel said. There was a lot of water. In 2013, the Limpopo River overflowed, causing inundation in Chokwe and bringing back memories of the floods of 2000, when she also had to flee. It is tormenting to have to go to Chiaquelane every time it rains like this, Machel lamented. It is yet to be established whether the current floods are the worst in Mozambique, but existing data suggests, at least by some measures, that the disaster is worse than in 1977 and 2000, which are considered benchmarks for such events. Advertisement Advertisement For months before the floods, INAM warned of heavy rainfall in the 2025-2026 rainy season. In the aftermath of the devastation of Cyclone Idai in 2019, which killed at least 1,500 people, Mozambique improved its early warning systems with a combination of technological upgrades, including radars and satellite imagery, the issuing of alerts by local radio across the country and community groups, and closer coordination with the disaster management agency INGD. However, critics say not enough has been done to adequately respond to extreme events. Retired hydrologist Carmo Vaz, who has written about floods for decades, told local media outlets that it is not enough to issue alerts. He said the government has to help people leave and find places for them to stay before events unfold. Rescue teams assist residents of a neighbourhood affected by heavy rains in the Maputo and Gaza regions, Mozambique, January 20, 2026 [Luisa Nhantumbo/EPA] Nothing you can do Machel said she left her home only when it was clear that it was going to be submerged. Advertisement Advertisement I couldnt take all my goods, she lamented. In Xai-Xai, despite the warnings, residents waited until the last minute to leave areas prone to flooding, fearing looting or because they did not know where to go, said Fonseca, the businesswoman. We had to wait until that moment you realise there is nothing you can do besides leaving. The government has had difficulty assisting everyone in need, the mayor of Matola admitted. We are providing the assistance we can, and working with partners and friends to mobilise resources and respond, he said. UN agencies have said for months they dont have the resources to respond to a crisis of this scale, as the country continues to battle an ISIL (ISIS)-backed rebellion in northern Mozambique, which has displaced hundreds of thousands of people. Advertisement Advertisement But in many places, people are stepping up after the floods. What we have seen is that people are helping each other, even those with little are helping others, said Fonseca of the support systems for people in need. Countries in the region and elsewhere have also sent rescue teams and emergency food and shelter kits. As Mozambique is among the most vulnerable countries in the world to extreme events and the impacts of the climate crisis, the government has, in recent years, appealed for richer countries to finance adaptation efforts. In the last climate conference, COP30 in Brazil, the government said it needs more than $30bn for climate adaptation initiatives until 2030. Children wade through floodwaters in a neighbourhood in Maputo, Mozambique, on Friday, January 16, 2026 [Carlos Uqueio/AP] Rebuild and go back Machel says life at Chiaquelane accommodation centre is hard and suffering is rife. Advertisement Advertisement The assistance at the centre is not adequate. We sleep in mats and rely entirely on them to have food. The centre, run by INGD, provides porridge in the morning and rice and beans late in the afternoon. Rarely do they have a third meal, and when it comes, it is too late for children who are already asleep. Taylor from UNICEF said feeding children, who the agency estimates are half of those displaced by flooding, is a major concern. We are particularly worried about the dangers of waterborne diseases to children, particularly children that are suffering from malnutrition, he said. Even before the flooding crisis, around four in 10 children in Mozambique were suffering from chronic malnutrition; a child with malnutrition, even a case of diarrhoea, can prove deadly. Advertisement Advertisement Sanitation services, which humanitarian agencies are prioritising, are also a concern in often overcrowded centres. After almost three weeks at the accommodation centre, Machel spends the day waiting. Her husband, an assistant to a truck driver, is stranded in a flooded area elsewhere in the Gaza Province, and she doesnt know when they will be reunited. She still plans to go back to her business and her home, which has been swept away. It is very sad what is happening, she said, but we have to rebuild to go back to our home. The state Legislature's Joint Finance Committee delayed voting on the Department of Public Instruction's request to release operating funds Feb. 3, following a report from a conservative news outlet that criticized the agency for hosting a four-day event at a water park in Wisconsin Dells. The report from the Dairyland Sentinel found the Department of Public Instruction, which oversees Wisconsin's public education, spent $368,885 to host a workshop on the Forward Exams in June 2024 at Chula Vista Resort. The hotel and water park regularly serve as a venue for meetings, conferences and events, including the 2017 Wisconsin Republican Party convention and last year's state Democratic Party convention. State Superintendent Jill Underly leads the Department of Public Instruction. The Joint Finance Committee was scheduled to vote Feb. 3 on the agency's request to transfer $1 million annually over the next two years to fund day-to-day operating costs. However, committee co-chair Rep. Mark Born, R-Beaver Dam, said he opted to table the vote because lawmakers needed time to review concerns raised in the report about the departments use of taxpayer money. Advertisement Advertisement "Since it's so new, we just want the opportunity to at least review what's going on there with this questionable use of funds, at least according to that report," Born said at the meeting. "We just want to hit pause on that." Lawmakers also need to assess "additional information" related to the article, Born said in a statement. "The Joint Committee on Finance can revisit the request once that information is available and reviewed." In an email, DPI spokesperson Chris Bucher said the department is "deeply disappointed in the delay." The $1 million represents about 10% of the agency's annual operating budget and would be used to carry out work required under state law. Without the money, he said, the department would need to consider layoffs. The cuts would "impact our ability to investigate educator wrongdoing, license teachers, pay choice schools, and operate the agency," Bucher said. Advertisement Advertisement While the funding is already set aside in the state budget, it requires approval from the Joint Finance Committee to be released. In an interview, Sen. Kelda Roys, D-Madison, said the committee was poised to unanimously approve the request before the group's co-chairs shelved the vote. "I was disappointed because, yet again, Republicans are playing political games with the resources that our kids in our schools need to thrive," she said. "They're trying to punish DPI by cutting these operating funds. They're going to force layoffs based on some kind of right-wing nonsense hit job." The Chula Vista event focused on revising the Forward Exam, a statewide standardized test used to gauge whether Wisconsin third through eighth graders are meeting benchmarks in core subjects. A committee of 88 state educators participated in the workshop and recommended new benchmarks to score students. State Superintendent Jill Underly later approved the changes, drawing criticism from some lawmakers and advocates who said the move lowered expectations for achievement and made it more difficult to measure students' progress. Advertisement Advertisement Bucher said the department reviews the Forward Exam at offsite locations each year with the testing vendor Data Recognition Corp., using federal and state money designated for the exam to pay for the events. He said the spending cited in the recent report included salaries, hotel costs and vendor costs to perform the work and was not entirely directed to Chula Vista. "We conduct these meetings in Wisconsin to support our local tourism community and to cut down on associated travel costs for all involved," Bucher said. "This is a common approach used by at least 24 other states who also contract with the [Data Recognition Corp.]" Kayla Huynh covers K-12 education, teachers and solutions for the Journal Sentinel. Contact: khuynh@gannett.com. Follow her on X: @_kaylahuynh. Kayla's reporting is supported by Herb Kohl Philanthropies and reader contributions to the Journal Sentinel Community-Funded Journalism Project. Journal Sentinel editors maintain full editorial control over all content. To support this work, visit jsonline.com/support. Checks can be addressed to Local Media Foundation (memo: JS Community Journalism) and mailed to P.O. Box 85015, Chicago, IL 60689. Advertisement Advertisement The JS Community-Funded Journalism Project is administered by Local Media Foundation, tax ID #36-4427750, a Section 501(c)(3) charitable trust affiliated with Local Media Association. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Wisconsin DPI funding delayed over water park event Russia has declared a staff member of the German embassy in Moscow persona non grata in response to Germany's expulsion of a Russian diplomat from Berlin. In a statement released on Thursday, Russia's Foreign Ministry said the German ambassador's representative had been summoned and informed of the decision. The ministry linked the move to a decision by the German government on January 22 to expel an employee of the Russian embassy over alleged espionage activities, accusations Moscow has denied. Advertisement Advertisement "We regard the measures taken by the German side as a cheap provocation aimed at discrediting the Russian diplomatic mission in the Federal Republic of Germany," the ministry in Moscow said. It described the step as a "symmetrical response" and said Germany bears "full responsibility for the new escalation in bilateral relations." Germany's Foreign Office had previously summoned the Russian ambassador in Berlin and informed him that a diplomat accredited to the Russian embassy had been declared persona non grata with immediate effect for engaging in espionage in Germany. According to information from dpa, the diplomat in question is the deputy Russian military attache. The Foreign Office said the employee must leave Germany immediately and informed the ambassador that espionage activities in Germany will not be tolerated. Russia has declared a staff member of the German embassy in Moscow persona non grata in response to Germany's expulsion of a Russian diplomat from Berlin. In a statement released on Thursday, Russia's Foreign Ministry said the German ambassador's representative had been summoned and informed of the decision. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul criticized the move, calling the expulsion of the diplomat "completely unacceptable" and lacking any factual basis. Advertisement Advertisement Speaking on the sidelines of a visit to Brunei, Wadephul said the expelled staff member was part of the military attache staff at the embassy in Moscow. "While our diplomats adhere to the law, Russia relies on escalation and espionage under the guise of diplomacy, Wadephul said, describing the move as another unfriendly act by Moscow. Wadephul said the German government would continue to respond firmly to Russian activities that threaten security and reserved the right to take further measures. The Russian Foreign Ministry linked the move to a decision by the German government on January 22 to expel an employee of the Russian embassy in Berlin over alleged espionage activities, accusations Moscow has denied. Advertisement Advertisement "We regard the measures taken by the German side as a cheap provocation aimed at discrediting the Russian diplomatic mission in the Federal Republic of Germany," the ministry in Moscow said. It described the step as a "symmetrical response" and said Germany bears "full responsibility for the new escalation in bilateral relations." Germany's Foreign Office had previously summoned the Russian ambassador in Berlin and informed him that a diplomat accredited to the Russian embassy had been declared persona non grata with immediate effect for engaging in espionage in Germany. According to dpa sources, the diplomat in question is the deputy Russian military attache. The Foreign Office said the employee had to leave the country immediately and informed the ambassador that espionage activities in Germany will not be tolerated. LONDON, Feb 5 (Reuters) - The captain of a container ship that crashed into a U.S. tanker off Britain's east coast last year was jailed for six years on Thursday for causing the death of a crew member through gross negligence. Russian national Vladimir Motin, 59, was captain of the Portuguese-flagged Solong when it hit the Stena Immaculate tanker, which was anchored and carrying just over 220,000 barrels of high-grade aviation fuel, on March 10, 2025. The collision started a blaze on both ships and caused the death of Philippines national and Solong crew member Mark Pernia, 38, whose body has never been found. Advertisement Advertisement Motin's lawyer James Leonard said Motin unsuccessfully tried to take the Solong off autopilot and change course, arguing that while Motin was at fault he was not grossly negligent. But, after a trial at London's Old Bailey court, Motin was convicted on Monday and returned for sentencing on Thursday. Judge Andrew Baker described Motin, who had turned off the Solong's alarm systems, as an "accident waiting to happen" and told him that Pernia died "under your command ... and because of your gross negligence". Prosecutor Tom Little read out a statement from Pernia's wife, who lives in the Philippines and was seven months pregnant with their second child at the time of his death. "Our longing for him will remain forever," she said. (Reporting by Sam Tobin; editing by William James) A meeting to discuss safety on Germany's public transport network will be convened following a fatal attack on a train conductor near Frankfurt earlier this week. Evelyn Palla, chief executive of Germany's state-run Deutsche Bahn (DB) rail company, said on Thursday that she would would invite politicians from all 16 federal states, trade union officials, police representatives, regional transport providers and other decision-makers to the conference. Palla did not set a date, but said specific measures on increasing security would be on the agenda. Advertisement Advertisement "We are talking here about a phenomenon affecting all of society," she said. "The level of aggression and the propensity to violence in our society, in particular in the public realm, has increased considerably in recent years," she added. The issue had to be addressed by society as a whole, Pallas said. According to initial information, the 36-year-old conductor, named as Serkan C, was attacked by a passenger without a ticket on Monday evening. He died of his injuries in hospital. The 26-year-old passenger had been ordered off the train on being unable to show a ticket. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) on Tuesday laughed off President Trumps call for Republicans to nationalize U.S. elections in over a dozen states ahead of the November midterm elections. CNNs Kaitlan Collins asked Sanders why he was laughing after a clip played of her exchange with the president where he was asked about his remarks. Because I was thinking this guy, on the phone, after the 2020 election, talking to the secretary of state in Georgia, and saying to him, All I need get me 11,000, whatever it is votes that I can win Georgia, Sanders told Collins. Advertisement Advertisement This is Mr. Honesty and Mr. Integrity, who provoked an insurrection on Jan. 6, so that the election would be overturned, he continued. The idea that anyone would trust, for one minute, this guy running an honest election would be beyond comprehension. Not to mention that obviously he has not read the Constitution of the United States, which has states running elections, not the federal government. Collins noted that the 15 states Trump listed were states that he lost to former President Joe Biden in the 2020 presidential election. What a shock, Sanders said. And no doubt that every state he won was perfectly honest, no problem. Just the states that he lost. Look, youve got a guy who is a demagogue, who is an authoritarian and is moving this country into a very, very dangerous direction. Trump made the remarks regarding nationalizing federal elections during an interview with former FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino on Monday. Trump said, Republicans should say, We want to take over we should take over the voting the voting in at least many, 15 places. The Republicans ought to nationalize the voting. Advertisement Advertisement The president doubled down on his comments the next day, telling reporters in the Oval Office that if a state cant run an election, I think the people behind me should do something about it. He referenced cities like Philadelphia, Atlanta and Detroit cities run by Democratic officials as places where horrible corruption on elections is occurring. The Constitution allows states to have the authority to hold and oversee elections, and that Congress may at any time by Law make or alter such Regulations. Lawmakers on Capitol Hill pushed against Trumps remarks, especially after National Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbard was seen during an FBI search of a Fulton County, Ga., elections office. Thats not what the Constitution says about elections, Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky) told MS NOWs Stephanie Ruhle, later saying he was not in favor of nationalizing elections. Advertisement Advertisement Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) said he was also against nationalizing elections, noting that he is supportive of only citizens voting and showing ID at polling places. I think that makes sense. But Im not in favor of federalizing elections, no. I think thats a constitutional issue. Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.), the top Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee who last week questioned why Gabbard was at the FBI search in Fulton County, said the combination of the search and Trumps remarks are more than just about the outcome of the 2020 election. That statement alone makes clear that this threat to our election security, the basic premise of our democracy is forward-looking to 2026 and 2028 and, candidly, to the institutions that safeguard our democracy, Warner said. If it doesnt scare the heck out of you, it should. 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. Shopping for car insurance can feel overwhelming with so many options available, but it doesnt have to be. No matter if youre seeking the best price, adding a teen to your policy, or looking to save as a senior driver, weve found the top companies for you to shop with. To help you find the best car insurance companies, Yahoo Finance evaluated costs, coverage, discounts, complaints, claims handling, customer satisfaction, and digital experience across 20 companies. Our editors analyzed data to give an unbiased ranking so you can use our list as a jumping-off point to discover the auto insurer that best fits your needs. This embedded content is not available in your region. American Family: Best overall, and best for coverage options, post-accident or ticket, and rideshare drivers Editorial insight American Family topped our rankings as the best overall car insurance company. It tied with Farm Bureau for the lowest full-coverage car insurance costs ($151 per month) and was also rated best for coverage options, rideshare drivers, and drivers after an accident or ticket. American Family also offers a wide range of discounts that can help you lower your rates further. American Family is good for drivers looking for a balance of quality coverage choices and affordable pricing. A limitation is that it may not be available in your state. American Family pros and cons Pros Lowest rates in our analysis (tied with Farm Bureau) Lots of coverage options, including pet injury protection and low mileage programs Offers rideshare insurance that helps Uber and Lyft drivers avoid gaps in coverage Accident forgiveness, new car replacement, and diminishing deductible are available Cons Limited availability in the U.S. Mediocre rating on claims handling American Family key stats Average cost for full coverage: $151 per month (lowest in our analysis) Availability: 19 states (mostly located in the Midwest and West) Complaint level: 0.397 (well below industry average of 1.00) Crash Network grade for claims handling: C+ Coverage offerings: 11 options Available discounts: 17 types Learn more: American Family auto insurance review Farm Bureau: Best for Claims handling and UBI Editorial insight Farm Bureau stands out as the top choice in our analysis for its handling of claims and usage-based insurance (UBI) program. It also tied with American Family for the lowest rate on a full-coverage auto policy. Farm Bureau has a three-year NAIC complaint ratio of 0.137 well below the national benchmark of 1.082. And several Farm Bureau chapters earn top CRASH Network repair rankings. Farm Bureau pros and cons Pros Cheapest rates for full coverage policy (tied with American Family) Claims service received high marks from collision experts The Driveology UBI program offers the highest possible discount for safe drivers of all the companies we evaluated Offers new car replacement, rideshare insurance, and pet injury coverage Cons Diminishing deductible is not available Coverage for accident forgiveness, gap insurance, custom parts, or OEM coverage varies by area Its mobile app scored the lowest of all insurers analyzed Farm Bureau key stats Average cost for full coverage: $151 per month (lowest in our analysis) Availability: 46 states Complaint level: 0.137 (lowest of insurers reviewed) Crash Network grade for claims handling: A+ in North Carolina, A- in Michigan, and B+ in multiple other states Coverage offerings: 6 options Available discounts: 8 discount types Learn more: Farm Bureau car insurance review GEICO: Best for discounts Editorial insight GEICO offers more discounts than any other auto insurance company in our ranking. However, its rates tend to be higher than the average among all insurers Yahoo Finance reviewed. You can potentially lower your monthly premiums by taking advantage of discounts for having anti-lock brakes, an anti-theft system, daytime running lights, restraint devices, a clean driving record, and much more. GEICO is a good option for drivers seeking a national auto insurer that offers lower rates through multiple discounts. A downside is that it offers fewer coverage options than several competitors. Learn more: Car insurance discounts: 17 ways to save GEICO pros and cons Pros More discount opportunities than other insurers we analyzed Accident forgiveness coverage for the first qualifying accident claim Mechanical breakdown coverage is available Lower-than-average complaint history with NAIC Cons Above-average rates Doesnt offer a diminishing deductible or new car replacement No gap coverage to pay an auto loan if a car is totaled or stolen Doesnt offer rideshare coverage GEICO key stats Average cost for full coverage: $202 per month (higher than average) Availability: 50 states Complaint level: 0.730 (lower than the industry average of 1.00) Crash Network grade for claims handling: C- Coverage offerings: 11 options Available discounts: 23 types Learn more: GEICO auto insurance review The Hartford: Best for teen drivers and senior drivers Editorial insight The Hartfords low-cost rates, specialty discounts for teens and seniors, quality coverage offerings, and excellent digital experience make it the top pick for teen drivers and senior drivers. AARP members, in particular, get special discounts and savings on auto insurance from The Hartford. The Hartford is good for families with teenagers or seniors looking for great rates, decent discounts, and a broad range of coverage offerings. Rideshare drivers should look elsewhere. Learn more: Cheapest car insurance for teens The Hartford pros and cons Pros Cheapest rates for teenage drivers and senior drivers Second-cheapest for middle-aged drivers Offers new car replacement, accident forgiveness, a disappearing deductible, and gap insurance Custom parts and equipment coverage is available Cons Its UBI program can raise your rates Doesnt offer rideshare coverage, a pay-per-mile plan, or OEM parts coverage Learn more: Cheapest car insurance for seniors The Hartford key stats Average cost for full coverage: $153 per month (second-cheapest) Availability: 50 states and D.C. Complaint level: 1.313 (higher than industry average of 1.00) Crash Network grade for claims handling: C+ Coverage offerings: 13 options Available discounts: 11 types Learn more: The Hartford auto insurance review USAA: Best for customer service Editorial insight USAA scores on J.D.Powers claims satisfaction study far exceed the other auto insurance companies we evaluated, plus its superb digital experience score makes it our winner for best customer service. USAA also has below-average costs and a wide variety of coverage options. USAA is well-suited for drivers seeking strong customer service and low rates. A limitation is that USAA sells exclusively to military members, veterans, and their immediate family members. Learn more: Military car insurance: What to know and how to find the best deal USAA pros and cons Pros Earned our highest marks in our customer service rankings Third-cheapest rates overall among the insurers we analyzed Scored highly for its mobile app digital experience Offers accident forgiveness, gap insurance and rideshare insurance Cons Doesnt offer new car replacement or custom parts and equipment coverage Diminishing deductible is not available Received a low grade (D+) from repair specialists on its claims handling Only those in the military community are eligible to buy a USAA auto policy USAA key stats Average cost for full coverage: $168 per month (well below average) Availability: 50 states Complaint level: 1.217 (higher than the industry average of 1.00) Crash Network grade for claims handling: D+ Coverage offerings: 13 options Available discounts: 15 types Learn more: USAA auto insurance review Best car insurance ratings Heres a look at the star ratings for all the insurers we analyzed for our 2026 best car insurance rankings. American Family took the top spot overall, receiving 5 stars. Learn more: How does car insurance work? The basics explained Compare auto insurance costs Auto insurance rates can vary greatly from insurer to insurer. Thats why it pays to shop around to get the best rate for the coverage you want. For insurers in our analysis, the average monthly premium for full coverage for a typical driver is $190, according to data from the auto insurance marketplace Savvy Insurance Solutions. Factors in auto insurance costs The tables above are a good starting point when determining how much auto insurance will cost. However, your own auto insurance cost depends on several factors: Compare auto insurance coverage choices Most auto insurance companies offer liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage. There are a range of other options insurers also offer that can provide additional coverage. Heres a look at how many types of coverage the insurers we evaluated offer: AAA: 14 types AAA of Southern California: 6 types Allstate: 15 types American Family: 11 types Costco Auto Insurance: 10 types Direct Auto: 12 types Farm Bureau: 6 types Farmers: 17 types GEICO: 11 types Liberty Mutual : 19 types Mercury: 14 types Nationwide: 14 types Progressive: 15 types Root: 8 types Safeco Insurance : 13 types State Farm: 13 types The General: 6 types The Hartford: 13 types Travelers: 14 types USAA: 13 types Compare auto insurance discounts Auto insurance companies typically offer a variety of discounts that can help reduce the amount you pay for coverage. Heres a look at how many discounts the insurers we evaluated offer: AAA: 17 discounts AAA of Southern California: 10 discounts Allstate: 11 discounts American Family: 17 discounts Costco Auto Insurance: 9 discounts (including the Costco member discount) Direct Auto: 16 discounts Farm Bureau: 8 discounts Farmers: 19 discounts GEICO: 23 discounts Liberty Mutual: 13 discounts Mercury: 12 discounts Nationwide: 9 discounts Progressive: 14 discounts Root: 3 discounts Safeco Insurance: 6 discounts State Farm: 16 discounts The General: 8 discounts The Hartford: 11 discounts Travelers: 14 discounts USAA: 15 discounts Learn more: Cheapest car insurance in the U.S. What does auto insurance cover? What auto insurance will cover depends on the type of coverage you buy. Basic coverage, known as liability coverage, pays for property damage and injuries to others if you cause an accident and can help pay your legal fees following an accident. Full coverage includes liability as well as collision and comprehensive coverage. Collision coverage helps pay for damage to your car if youre in an accident. Comprehensive coverage helps pay for damage caused by weather, theft, vandalism, and collisions with animals. How to find the best auto insurance These tips can help you find the best auto insurance for your needs and your budget. Assess your coverage needs: At a minimum, you will need liability insurance, which is required in every state except New Hampshire. Adding collision and comprehensive coverage can pay off if your car is ever damaged and might be required if youre leasing or financing your car. You may want even more types of coverage, such as roadside assistance, rental car coverage, or custom parts and equipment insurance. The types of coverage you want can impact which insurer you choose. Shop around: Get quotes from multiple insurance companies because each insurer has its own methodology for setting car insurance premiums. You can use online comparison tools that provide quotes from multiple insurers, visit car insurance websites to expand your search to companies that arent featured in comparison tools, or work with an independent insurance agent, who can get quotes from several companies for you. Ask about discounts: You may be able to get a better deal on the coverage you want if the insurer offers a range of discounts and you qualify for them. Common auto insurance discounts include rate reductions for having a safe driving record, a car with safety features, multiple policies with the same insurer, automatic payments, and paying your premium in full each year. Dont focus on price alone: Opting for the cheapest car insurance policy could lead to higher costs if coverage is inadequate. Ask about coverage restrictions, such as whether your coverage level will drop if you drive outside of your state or if friends will be covered if they get into an accident when borrowing your car. Check reviews and do your research: Read online reviews and complaints for insurers youre considering to find a company with a good customer service track record. Also, check the insurers financial strength through an independent agency such as A.M. Best, Fitch, or Moodys to ensure they can pay customers claims. Learn more: Does buying car insurance online save you money? Best auto insurance FAQs Whats the best auto insurance? American Family earned the highest rating in Yahoo Finances evaluation of 20 auto insurance companies. But its important to shop around to find an auto insurance company that provides the coverage you want at a price you can afford. Who has the cheapest auto insurance? In our analysis, American Family and Farm Bureau had the cheapest car insurance for full coverage. American Family also had the cheapest car insurance for liability-only coverage. The Hartford had the cheapest rates for teen drivers and senior drivers. Tim Manni edited this article. Methodology Auto insurance ratings We researched the coverage details and prices for 20 auto insurance plans. We then weighted categories, and each auto insurer was scored relative to the others to find the best auto insurance companies. Here are the factors we incorporated. Coverage types: 20% of score. We examined all the coverage options available, and assessed whether each insurer offered the following: new car replacement (5%), GAP insurance (5%), accident forgiveness (5%), and diminishing deductible (5%). Average cost: 40% of score. The average cost was generated by Savvy Insurance Solutions in-house machine learning models based on over 3 million data points, and includes more than 20 of the largest insurance companies in Savvy's nationwide data set. These estimates are for policies with full coverage for the average policyholder who owns one car. Average policyholder here is defined as a 48-year-old driver, driving a 13-year-old car, in an average-income ZIP code with full coverage. Customer satisfaction: 20% of score. We factored in information from two major sources: 1) National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) complaints (10%), in which we took the total number of complaints each company had over a three-year period (2022-2024) and 2) CRASH scores (10%) from the Crash Network which share how well each company ensures quality repairs and customer service. Discounts: 10% of score. We gave points for each type of discount that each auto insurer offers. App ratings: 10% of score. We included the average ratings for each company's apps across both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. All app ratings were accurate at the time of publication. Auto insurance pricing data Unless stated otherwise, the estimates above are provided by Savvy Insurance Solutions (Savvy). Savvy operates a marketplace for home and auto insurance, plus an agency licensed in all 50 states. Estimates are generated using Savvys in-house machine learning models based on over 3 million data points, and include more than 15 of the largest insurance companies in Savvys nationwide data set. This includes data from more than 2 million insurance accounts connected through Trellis Connect, an in-house technology allowing consumers to link their insurance accounts before searching for insurance, and tens of thousands of policies bound by Savvys own agents. It takes into account a myriad of factors to create predictions, such as: Policyholder age Number of vehicles ZIP code Vehicle age Insurer and more Savvy creates estimates by running models against multiple inputs to the parameters of interest. For instance, the teen driver estimates were created by adjusting the policyholder age input into the pricing model while keeping all other variables steady from the baseline for full coverage. The models enable hyper-personalized estimates that take into account a plethora of user attribute permutations (e.g., teen drivers in specific states, teen drivers with new vehicles, teen drivers in specific states with new vehicles) to provide individuals with a unique and tailored experience. The charts above are a subset of the kinds of personalization Savvy can do. Definitions The following are definitions used by Savvy when providing its rate estimates for various types of coverage. Full coverage car insurance: A policy with comprehensive, collision, and liability coverage. Average policyholder: A 48-year-old driver who owns a 13-year-old vehicle and lives in an average-income ZIP code. Senior driver: A 70-year-old policyholder with full coverage car insurance. Good driver: Drivers across all coverage types, vehicle types, and locations who have no tickets, accidents or DUIs. Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has appointed local attorney Kyle Harwood to fill a vacancy on the New Mexico State Game Commission. His initial term will be short-lived. Harwood, described in a news release Tuesday from the Governors Office as an expert on land and water law, will serve out the remainder of former Commissioner Sharon Salazar Hickeys term following her resignation Jan. 1. That means Harwoods term will be up the day after the 2026 legislative session ends Feb. 19. Advertisement Advertisement A spokesperson for the Governors Office confirmed, however, Lujan Grisham plans to reappoint Harwood after the term ends. He will be able to vote at the commissions next meeting Feb. 20, spokesperson Michael Coleman wrote in an email to The New Mexican. Harwood, who lives in La Cienega and is a partner with the Harwood Pierpont firm in Santa Fe, told The New Mexican he would be happy to stay on should the governor decide to reappoint him. He added he hopes his training as a lawyer can benefit the commission. A hunter and angler, Harwood has traveled around the state to take advantage of New Mexicos wild places. Besides hunting and fishing in Northern New Mexico, Harwood has hunted oryx on White Sands Missile Range and backpacked and rafted in the Gila. One of the best parts about New Mexico is our outdoors, Harwood said. Advertisement Advertisement Harwood, a father of three, said he feels strongly about youth hunter education. Ive got two sons that are active in hunting, and so I know that Ill be bringing some attention to how the department supports youth hunting, Harwood said. His appointment fills one of two vacancies recently left on the seven-member board. His seat covers Northern New Mexico, including Santa Fe, Colfax, Guadalupe, Harding, Mora, Quay, San Miguel, Taos, Torrance and Union counties. Harwood studied at the University of New Mexico School of Law and also holds a Master of Public Administration in water resources from UNM and a Bachelor of Science in natural resources from Advertisement Advertisement Cornell University. He is a member of the Governors Water Ambassadors Taskforce. He previously served on the Governors Blue Ribbon Water Taskforce under Gov. Bill Richardson. His appointment comes amid an overhaul of the State Game Commission and the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish. Thanks to legislation adopted in 2025, both the agency and the volunteer board were renamed the New Mexico Wildlife Department and the State Wildlife Commission, respectively. Harwood is likely one of the last commissioners to be directly appointed by Lujan Grisham. All other current commissioners terms will end Jan. 1, 2027. Lujan Grisham, in her second and final term as governor, will leave office at the end of 2026. Advertisement Advertisement The commissions appointment process also will change in 2027. The next governor will choose a slate of initial commissioners, but after that, a nine-member nominating committee will draft a list of nominees the executive can choose from. Harwood said hed like to hear from both the public and department staff about their priorities in the upcoming year. Between federal policy changes and species pressures, the department is facing a lot of demands, he said. The lawyer is particularly interested in learning more about conflicts between wildlife and people. I think animal-human friction is an area where careful decision-making needs to be employed, Harwood said. "When school-age care becomes unaffordable or unavailable, parents are forced to cut back hours, miss work, or leave jobs entirely." (Photo by Alexander Castro/Rhode Island Current) Recent reporting in Fosters Daily Democrat highlighted concerns from the Rochester Child Care Center about rising financial pressures, including the possibility that rent may be charged for school-age care programs operating in public school buildings. While this situation is deeply concerning for one community, it reflects a broader, statewide issue that deserves careful attention. Across New Hampshire, school-age care programs provide essential before- and after-school supervision, enrichment, and stability for children while enabling parents and caregivers to work. These programs are not optional add-ons; they are a critical part of the states care and workforce infrastructure. Increasingly, however, that infrastructure is under strain. Advertisement Advertisement Data from the New Hampshire America After 3PM (AA3PM) report make clear just how fragile access to school-age care already is. According to the report, 92,464 children in New Hampshire want afterschool programs, yet only 18,751 are enrolled. That means nearly 73,713 children are not in a program but would be if one were available 4 in 5 New Hampshire children are missing out. Cost is a major driver of that gap. The AA3PM report found that 57% of New Hampshire parents cite programs being too expensive as a barrier to participation, and among families who do pay, the average cost of afterschool care is $102.10 per week. For many families, there is little room for additional increases. At the same time, the report shows that 75% of children in afterschool programs in New Hampshire attend programs located in public school buildings. This underscores an important reality: school-age care and public schools are deeply intertwined. When new costs such as rent are introduced for programs operating in schools, those costs do not disappear. They are absorbed by families, staff, or the program itself, often with painful consequences. Advertisement Advertisement Charging rent can mean higher tuition for parents, reduced enrollment, fewer program hours, and increased staff turnover. In some communities, it can mean program closures altogether. These outcomes ripple far beyond individual providers. When school-age care becomes unaffordable or unavailable, parents are forced to cut back hours, miss work, or leave jobs entirely. Employers lose reliable workers. Children lose access to safe, enriching environments during the hours when school is not in session. The AA3PM data also reinforce why families value these programs so highly. In New Hampshire, 91% of parents with a child in afterschool programs say it decreases stress because they know their child is safe, and 71% say afterschool programs help them keep their job or work more hours. These are not marginal benefits they are foundational supports for family and economic stability. None of this is to suggest that school districts are not facing real financial pressures of their own. They are. But the question communities must grapple with is whether shifting costs onto school-age care programs ultimately strengthens or weakens the systems families rely on. When care collapses, rebuilding it is far more difficult and expensive than sustaining it. There are constructive alternatives. Across New Hampshire and the country, districts and providers are exploring shared-use agreements, in-kind partnerships, and collaborative cost-sharing models that recognize school-age care as a public good rather than a private enterprise operating on school property. These approaches require dialogue and trust, but they avoid placing additional burdens on families who are already stretched thin. Advertisement Advertisement The situation raised in Rochester should prompt a broader conversation about how we value school-age care statewide. The AA3PM report shows overwhelming public support for access and investment: 89% of New Hampshire parents agree that all young people deserve access to quality afterschool and summer programs, and 86% support public funding for afterschool opportunities, across political affiliations. As communities navigate difficult decisions, we encourage school districts, providers, families, and partners to come together with a shared goal: keeping care accessible, affordable, and stable for the children and families who depend on it. What is at stake is not just one program or one district, but the well-being of communities across New Hampshire. Feb. 4NORTH DAKOTA A second wrongful death lawsuit has been filed against a federal police officer who fatally shot a man on the Turtle Mountain Reservation in December 2024. The new suit claims the officer had previously beaten a woman at a concert while he was off duty. The complaint, filed Jan. 30, says the Bureau of Indian Affairs did not put Officer Evan Parisien under suspension or limit his use of firearms after the alleged off-duty incident. Instead, it appears he was the lead officer in an incident leading up to 32-year-old Jordan Ray Parisien's death, according to the complaint. The federal lawsuit for Jordan Parisien's alleged wrongful death comes shortly after the dismissal of Advertisement Advertisement a previous suit filed in September by Linus John Parisien, Jordan Parisien's father. It was voluntarily dismissed Jan. 23 by Linus Parisien, though the reasoning is unclear based on publicly available court documents, and his attorneys did not respond to a request for comment in time for publication. Richard Monette and Jeff Dominic Price, attorneys representing the plaintiffs in this more recent case, told the Grand Forks Herald that they learned of the alleged assault because of a video that circulated online after its occurrence. They said they were unsure of the exact date, but believed it took place during the summer of 2024, in the months preceding Jordan Parisien's death. The Herald attempted to reach the BIA for further clarification on the timeline and what if any corrective action was taken, but was unable to get in contact prior to publication. Advertisement Advertisement The lawsuit was filed by Constance Wilkie on behalf of N.P., the initials of Wilkie and Jordan Parisien's daughter. Defendants in the case are the United States, BIA, Department of the Interior, Office of Justice Services and Evan Parisien, who is being sued as an individual and in his official capacity as a police officer. The lawsuit requests damages for the loss of economic support, pain and suffering and other compensable injuries. It does not specify a specific dollar amount, but instead asks for that to be determined at trial. On the morning of Dec. 29, 2024, Jordan Parisien was reported to law enforcement as armed and suicidal. A bystander video taken at the scene of the incident appeared to show Jordan Parisien sitting inside a vehicle in the ditch along Highway 5, with Evan Parisien approaching, carrying "a high-powered rifle in the shooter ready position," according to the complaint. Advertisement Advertisement Jordan Parisien exited his vehicle with arms down at his sides and hands visible, and did not appear to raise his arms or hands prior to being shot multiple times, the complaint said. He then crumpled to the ground. The complaint claims the bystander video does not show Jordan Parisien brandishing or holding a weapon during the incident. The Herald previously reported on vehicle-mounted camera footage released from the BIA, and a corresponding statement, which said Jordan Parisien was armed with a handgun at the time of the shooting. The BIA reported that law enforcement found a fully loaded handgun beneath Jordan Parisien's body. Advertisement Advertisement The plaintiff's attorneys feel that, to some extent, it doesn't matter whether Jordan Parisien was holding a firearm at the time of the shooting, because he never lifted his arms. If there was a gun in his hand, they said, it was pointed at the ground. The attorneys also said law enforcement was made aware that Jordan Parisien was armed and suicidal, and felt with that knowledge, police could have addressed the situation in another manner than directly approaching. An autopsy report quoted in the complaint says Jordan Parisien was shot four times: in the head, back and twice in the chest. The complaint also alleges that law enforcement didn't cordon off the section of the highway where the incident occurred. The complaint alleges Evan Parisien made no attempt to de-escalate the situation, and instead shot Jordan Parisien multiple times while he stood in an "unobstructed and non-threatening manner." It claims Evan Parisien breached his duties to exercise due care, exceeded the scope of his authority and, by causing Jordan Parisien's death, caused his daughter mental distress and lasting emotional injury. Advertisement Advertisement The complaint also points to Evan Parisien's involvement in a previous fatal shooting by BIA police, the 2020 death of Brandon Laducer. Renee Martin, Laducer's mother, previously filed a case against the officers involved in the death of her son. Evan Parisien was listed as a defendant in that case. According to previous Herald reporting, law enforcement had a warrant for a 37-year-old white Brandon Lee Laducer, but instead pursued Indigenous 35-year-old Brandon Richard Laducer, who had no warrants. The case was ultimately dismissed without prejudice because Martin did not exhaust the administrative process prior to filing a civil claim. Super PACs powered by unknown funders are roiling Democratic politics in Illinois, diving into a trio of open House primaries six weeks before voters effectively pick their new members of Congress in these deep blue-district primary elections. Two groups, Elect Chicago Women and Affordable Chicago Now, just blinked into existence in recent days and quickly started six-figure television buys backing three candidates in key Chicago-area races over Democratic primary opponents, including progressives who have been critical of Israel. There's no hard evidence on who is funding the groups. But some candidates in these races have pointed their fingers at AIPAC, the pro-Israel advocacy group whose aligned super PAC has spent tens of millions of dollars in Democratic congressional primaries in recent years. Advertisement Advertisement Given how rarely incumbent members of Congress lose primaries and how those seats can serve as launchpads for higher office open-seat primaries have become important battlegrounds for different interests across both parties, with groups competing to shape the attitudes of their representatives in Washington. The new developments also speak to how progressive frustration with AIPACs multiyear spending spree has boiled over and how the other candidates, even without evidence, believe that branding the new spending as AIPAC money will cause the ads to backfire with Democratic primary voters. It's possible the sources behind the big spending in Chicago might not be known until after the vote, an increasingly popular tactic in the super PAC era and one that has been used by groups of different parties and ideologies. The super PACs do not need to disclose donors who gave on or after Feb. 1 until March 20 three days after Illinois March 17 primaries. Advertisement Advertisement Elect Chicago Women Now is backing Democratic candidates in Illinois 8th and 9th Congressional Districts, former Rep. Melissa Bean and state Sen. Laura Fine, with new television ads there touting the candidates biographies. In the 8th District, which sprawls west of Chicago, the group has booked and spent more than $400,000 on television advertisements through the mid-March primary, according to the ad-tracking firm AdImpact, more than any other group or candidate in the race so far. Bean who has been endorsed by key Democrats like Illinois Sen. Tammy Duckworth and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has been the top fundraiser in the race and the new ad touts her record. The two other top fundraising candidates in the race are small business owner Neil Khot and Junaid Ahmed, a tech consultant and nonprofit founder backed by the Congressional Progressive Caucus and other progressive lawmakers and groups. In the 9th District, Fine has been the top spender on the airwaves so far and is getting an additional boost of about $300,000 from Elect Chicago Women Now, which has so far aired a similar positive spot touting her biography. Advertisement Advertisement Along with Fine, other prominent candidates in the race include progressive commentator Kat Abughazaleh, who is backed by California Rep. Ro Khanna and the Sunrise Movement; Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss, who is backed by Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Illinois Rep. Jan Schakowsky, the retiring occupant of the seat; and Skokie school board member Bushra Amiwala, endorsed by former Rep. Marie Newman. Meanwhile, Affordable Chicago Now is spending at least $250,000 in the 2nd District to back former Illinois Planned Parenthood Chair Donna Miller, the only candidate in the race who has spent significantly on advertising and who is backed by former Sen. Carol Moseley Braun, Schakowsky and others. Her top opponents include former Rep. Jesse Jackson, who is seeking a return to Congress after pleading guilty and serving prison time for misusing campaign funds, and state Sen. Robert Peters, who is backed by Sen. Bernie Sanders and other prominent progressives. Elect Chicago Women Now was created in late January, according to Federal Election Commission filings, and the groups address is a co-working space in Chicago. Affordable Chicago Now was incorporated days later, linked to an address that rents out mailboxes for businesses. Besides the timing of Wednesday's ad launches, nothing in public directly links the two groups. A debate over Israel policy and support from AIPAC has been front and center in the 9th District in particular so far. Biss, who is a descendant of Holocaust survivors, has blasted the atrocities perpetrated by the [Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu government and Abughazaleh has labeled Israels actions in Gaza a genocide. Advertisement Advertisement Fine, the only Jewish woman in the race, said at a January forum that she believes in a two-state solution, where people in Gaza and people in Israel can live with self-determination and safety and in dignity, according to The Daily Northwestern. But I think where I differ from my colleagues is I cannot believe in tying Israels hands right now because Ive been to Israel, Ive been in the bomb shelters, Ive stood on the borders, and Ive seen the threats coming from the other side, Fine added. On Wednesday, candidates in the 2nd and 9th Districts publicly accused AIPAC and its allied super PAC, United Democracy Project, of being behind the new PACs. Neither AIPAC nor United Democracy Project returned a request for comment, and there are no direct links between the groups and the spending. One of the groups does share a media buyer with United Democracy Project, although UDP is far from the only group to use that buyer to place paid advertising. Advertisement Advertisement UDP has spent heavily to influence Democratic primaries around the country in recent years, sparking backlash from some activists both on the issue of Israel and because many of the groups key funders donate heavily to Republicans, too. A press release from Biss campaign said the group is widely suspected to be backed by the right-wing group, AIPAC, and went on to note that many of Fines donors have also given to AIPAC-affiliated groups. A right-wing dark money super PAC is starting to blanket the airwaves in her support, Biss campaign manager George Lundgren said in a statement. Fine claims she will stand up to Trump, but her campaign is being propped up by Trump supporters, AIPAC donors, and right-wing super PACs. The Fine campaign hit back against any suggestion that the candidate wont stand up to President Donald Trump in a statement from a campaign spokesperson, which noted the campaign does not coordinate with outside groups and invoked another outside group, 314 Action, that supports Biss. Advertisement Advertisement If you want to know how Laura Fine will stand up to Trump and special interests in Washington, just look at who shes gone up against in Springfield: the insurance industry, corporate polluters, the gun lobby and the extremists who tried to stop Illinois from becoming a one hundred percent pro-choice state. That record is why shes been named one of the most effective lawmakers in Illinois, the Fine campaign said. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com (Photo by Jose Miguel Sanchez, Getty Images) An Iowa Senate committee has rejected legislation that would prevent nursing homes from barring residents use of in-room cameras to guard against abuse or neglect. Senate Study Bill 3080 would allow a nursing home resident or their representative to conduct electronic monitoring of the residents room through the use of video cameras sometimes called granny cams placed inside the room with the consent of any roommates. Sen. Charlie McClintock, R-Alburnett. (Photo courtesy of Iowa Legislature) The bill was scheduled to be discussed Wednesday at a meeting of the Iowa Senate Committee on Technology, which is chaired by Sen. Charlie McClintock, a Republican from Alburnett. Advertisement Advertisement However, the bill was pulled from the agenda shortly before the meeting began. McClintock said Thursday the bill was removed from the agenda once the panel determined it did not have the support of a majority of the committee members. Asked whether he supports the bill and why the committee didnt vote on the matter publicly, McClintock said, As chairs, we do not move bills forward in committees that do not have a majority vote for passage. Senate Study Bill 3080 did not have the votes to move forward and was removed from the agenda. Nothing irregular here. Without the approval of the committee, the bills chances of making it to the floor of the Senate for a full debate are greatly diminished. If the bill doesnt advance, 2026 would mark at least the sixth year in a row such legislation has been rejected by state lawmakers. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Evelyn Havens (Photo courtesy of Diane Hathaway) As in previous years, the granny-cam legislation is backed by Diane Hathaway, a Glenwood resident whose mother, Evelyn Havens, was twice hospitalized for severe dehydration, bed sores and an infection while living in an Iowa nursing home. Advertisement Advertisement Although state inspectors would later determine Hathaways complaints about the nursing home were valid, the home had refused Hathaways request to place a camera in her mothers room. After Havens death, Hathaway launched a campaign to win approval of legislation that would prevent Iowa care facilities from barring the use of cameras. Nursing homes need to be held accountable to fulfill their legal obligation to deliver compassionate, quality care to each and every resident, Hathaway said Thursday. This bill would have provided a necessary first step for ongoing reforms. Privacy concerns cited by industry Publicly, industry lobbyists have said they fear resident-owned cameras will create invasion-of-privacy issues for residents although many Iowa nursing homes have for years used their own surveillance cameras in hallways and common areas to monitor both residents and workers. In fact, state inspectors have repeatedly relied on such footage to document instances of abuse and neglect even in state-run care facilities: Advertisement Advertisement Bondurant death: In 2022, an Iowa caregiver who worked at the Courtyard Estates assisted living facility in Bondurant was charged with murder after surveillance video captured her walking around the facility for hours without checking on a woman who had fallen to the ground outdoors and froze to death. The worker later pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of dependent adult abuse. Woodward abuse: The state-run Woodward Resource Center for disabled individuals was fined $500 last year after a state employee allegedly abused a resident of the home. According to inspectors, the worker approached a resident who was seated in a recliner and then gave the back of the recliner a hard shove to the ground (and the resident) somersaulted out backwards. Two other workers witnessed the incident but allegedly failed to report it, although it was documented by the homes surveillance-camera system. Neglect in Marion: In 2025, a caregiver at The Views of Marion faced licensing board sanctions for his conduct while working the overnight shift at the home. Regulators alleged the care facilitys video-surveillance system showed the worker was inside the facility for less than three hours of his 12-hour shift while serving as the only nurse on duty to care for roughly 40 residents. Waukon death: In 2025, state inspectors relied on surveillance video to document neglect that led up to the death of a resident at Waukons Northgate Care Center. According to the inspectors, the staff at Northgate mistakenly gave a woman medications intended for another resident after which, surveillance footage showed the resident falling to the floor as three workers stood by and then failed to assess her injuries. Advertisement Advertisement Woodward death: In 2025, state inspectors cited the Woodward Resource Center for failing to provide adequate supervision of residents after a 22-year-old resident died during the overnight shift. The homes video-surveillance system was used to show the staff had failed to perform the required checks on the man during the night and then failed to immediately administer CPR when the man was found unresponsive. In-room cameras capture theft, rape, abuse Nationally, at least 22 states have passed laws concerning residents use of cameras in nursing homes, and at least 16 of those states give residents the express right to use such cameras regardless of the homes corporate polices. Some states, such as New Jersey, have gone even further, setting up camera-rental programs run out of the state attorney generals office. Other states allow nursing home operators to prohibit the use of resident-owned cameras, as Iowa now does. Advertisement Advertisement There has been some suspicion of the cameras among some people, but I think that may be just paranoia. Dirk Timm, administrator at Greater Southside Health and Rehabilitation, in 2025 At times, the cameras have proven to be useful in the Iowa care facilities that choose to allow them, such as Des Moines Greater Southside Health and Rehabilitation. In 2024, the son of one elderly male resident at Greater Southside had a camera installed in his fathers room. According to state inspectors, footage captured on Jan. 17, 2025, showed a certified nurse aide entering the mans room at about 2 a.m., as the resident slept, and then accessing a locked drawer where the resident kept his money. It was later reported that $55 was missing from the drawer. Based on the video, the worker was fired. Advertisement Advertisement The homes administrator, Dirk Timm, later told inspectors he watched the video on the sons phone and it was evident to him that the nurse aide had unlocked the residents dresser drawer with a key, picked up something and placed the item in her pocket. Timm told the Iowa Capital Dispatch last year that the facility allows resident-installed cameras as long as they dont intrude on the privacy of other residents. There has been some suspicion of the cameras among some people, but I think that may be just paranoia, Timm said. In-room cameras have also proven to be a useful tool for law enforcement and prosecutors. In Florida, a hidden camera captured two employees physically abusing and taunting a 76-year-old man with Alzheimers. In Michigan, a camera captured a caregiver striking a 93-year-old woman with a soiled diaper and trying to choke her. In Washington, an in-room camera caught a staff member sexually assaulting a resident with disabilities. Advertisement Advertisement The accused workers involved in each of those cases were criminally prosecuted. Lobbyists vowed to kill Iowa legislation During the 2023 legislative session, Iowa Health Care Association lobbyist Merea Bentrott told Iowas nursing home owners the association was fighting hard to kill legislation that would guarantee residents the right to deploy cameras within their own rooms. In a recorded Zoom call with IHCA members, Bentrott said she was locked, loaded and ready to go in opposing the legislation. Merea Bentrott, lobbyist for the Iowa Health Care Association. (Photo courtesy of IHCA) This is something weve opposed for many, many years, Bentrott said during one such call. Im happy to say that yesterday we were able to kill that legislation. That is good news. That was on the House side of things. The bill never had legs in the Senate. We talked to them very early on and we were able to get them to a point where they agreed that camera legislation was not something that they would make an issue this year. So, we were confident we would be able to kill the bill in the Senate, but we didnt even want it to get to a subcommittee in the House and we were successful in preventing that from happening. So that is a big win. Advertisement Advertisement During a subsequent Zoom call, Bentrott warned IHCA members the camera legislation would likely come up again in the future. This is something that will probably come up every single year, she said. Best case scenario is that we kill it before it even gets any legs. At the time Bentrott made those comments, she and other IHCA lobbyists hadnt registered with the state as opposing the bill. Currently, IHCA has five lobbyists registered to lobby lawmakers on this years Senate study bill, all of whom say IHCA remains undecided on the measure. State records show that in the past two years, the IHCAs political action committee, Iowa Health PAC, has contributed more than $497,000 to various political campaigns, including $85,500 to the campaign committee of House Speaker Pat Grassley and more than $39,000 to the campaign committee of Gov. Kim Reynolds. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Antania Mingo-Lewis, who says she lost a leg because of a drunken driver, speaks during a news conference on strengthening DUI laws in Columbia, South Carolina on Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026. (Photo by Adrian Ashford/SC Daily Gazette) COLUMBIA Senators unanimously passed an overhaul of state laws against driving under the influence in an effort to reduce deaths on South Carolinas roads. Wednesdays vote wrapped up days of debate on one of Senate leaderships top priorities this session. The measure, fast tracked to the floor on the sessions opening day, could bring the biggest changes to the states often loosely enforced DUI laws in decades. Advertisement Advertisement Namely, the bipartisan legislation adds a layer of penalties when the intoxicated driver injures, rather than kills, someone to the point they lose consciousness or have to undergo anesthesia to be treated. It also toughens punishments, removes tripwires where charges get dismissed over videotaping issues and prods people to submit to breathalyzer and blood testing. Were really coming down harder on repeat offenders, Senate Majority Leader Shane Massey told reporters. And we are making it more uncomfortable even for the first offense. The idea is to include enough of a deterrent effect that people arent going to want to do it, the Edgefield Republican added. South Carolina has one of the nations highest drunken driving fatality rates, according to a 2024 report from MADDs state chapter. That includes 474 DUI deaths in 2022, the fifth-highest number overall and worst rate based on population, according to the report. Advertisement Advertisement Nearly half of all fatal crashes in the state involve a drunken driver, according to the South Carolina Department of Public Safety. Meanwhile, more than half of all charges for driving under the influence are pleaded down to lesser crimes, attorneys in the Senate said. More prosecution and tougher penalties The proposal seeks to combat that by mandating prosecutors handle court proceedings for even the lowest-level DUI cases. Across most of the state, those cases are prosecuted by police officers in traffic court. Senate Majority Leader Shane Massey, left, speaks with House Judiciary Chairman Weston Newton, R-Bluffton, on the Senate floor Tuesday, May 6, 2025. (Photo by Jessica Holdman/SC Daily Gazette) Candidly, its not a fair fight, Massey said. They are trained law enforcement officers. Its unfair to expect them to go up against seasoned criminal defense lawyers. And I think if you have prosecutors involved there, youre going to get a better resolution of cases. Advertisement Advertisement And while legislators cannot mandate breathalyzer or blood testing, those who refuse face steeper penalties on the back end if convicted. Those who decline voluntary testing already have to give up their drivers license while their case makes its way through the court system officially, anyway. They can still rather easily get a temporary alcohol license, which is supposed to enable them to get to and from work. But it doesnt actually prevent them from driving other places. The result is that people often refuse to take the test. The bill adds a requirement for a temporary license: Drivers must install equipment, known as an ignition interlock device, that prevents a car from starting until the person blows into the machine to prove theyre not intoxicated. Its inconvenient, embarrassing and costly, Massey said. Advertisement Advertisement The ignition interlock device would also be installed for drivers who avoid prosecution by going through pre-trial intervention, a program for first-time offenders that keeps their record clean if they successfully complete it. Participants would have to blow into a device for six months to start their vehicle. Other program additions include a DUI impact panel, where theyd hear from the victims and family members of people hurt or killed in drunken driving accidents. I fear that were not really teaching the lessons that we need to teach people, Sen. Greg Hembree, R-Little River, said of the program. The goal is that is when they finish, they go, That really stunk. That was no fun at all. That was aggravating. Im calling an Uber,' said the former prosecutor. South Carolina Sen. Greg Hembree, R-Little River, speaks on the Senate floor Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026, during a debate over reforms to the states DUI laws. (Photo by Jessica Holdman/SC Daily Gazette) Incentivizing a voluntary test Police need a warrant or consent for a blood test. In 2023, the state Supreme Court ruled mandatory blood draws conducted without a warrant in felony DUI cases are unconstitutional, violating a persons Fourth Amendment rights against unreasonable search and seizure. Advertisement Advertisement The bill seeks to incentivize voluntary breath and blood testing through harsher penalties. People who refuse would face a one- to four-year suspension of their drivers license, depending on how many times theyve been previously convicted. Thats up from six to 15 months under existing law. Sen. Margie Bright Matthews said people shouldnt have to make officers jobs easy. She questioned whether the enhanced penalty infringes on due process rights through coercion, especially for people originally pulled over for a different reason. There are good police officers and bad police officers, the Colleton County Democrat said. If you stop somebody, you need to prove it. Not them prove themselves. But blood tests become particularly important with intoxicants that arent alcohol and dont show up on a breath test, Massey said. Advertisement Advertisement Right now, almost half of all DUI arrests result in a refusal, he said. So we have to change that penalty structure to encourage people to take the test. Advocates celebrate Mothers Against Drunk Drivings South Carolina chapter cheered senators fast-tracking of the bill, which following a perfunctory vote Thursday, will head to the House. Antania Mingo-Lewis shared her own tragic story during a press conference ahead of the vote. Her life was forever changed, she said, by an intoxicated driver who left her needing a leg amputation and killed her 11-year-old child. I still deal with that loss daily, said Mingo-Lewis. Advertisement Advertisement The driver who hit them was initially charged with driving under the influence causing both great bodily injury and death but eventually pleaded guilty to a hit and run causing great bodily injury and death. I dont feel like I got justice, Mingo-Lewis said. Sen. Tom Davis, the bills main sponsor, called the bills speed through the Senate extraordinary. After moving from subcommittee to the Senate floor on opening day, passage with unanimous agreement took just two weeks, which is impressive for a chamber that prides itself as the deliberative body. And that included a canceled day and late-start day due to wintry weather, as well as a short day due to the State of the State address. With more than three months remaining in the legislative session, Davis is optimistic about the bills chances in the House. Advertisement Advertisement I want to be standing here in May celebrating a bill signing by Henry McMaster that, for the first time that Ive been involved in politics, results in meaningful reforms to our DUI laws, said Davis, who was Gov. Mark Sanfords chief of staff and legislative liaison before voters first sent him to the Senate 18 years ago. The last major changes to DUI laws, in 2008, came after Davis former boss publicly accused senators of blocking the legislation. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Not always black and white Senators also acknowledged, for first-time offenders, that a terrible mistake upends the lives of drivers as well as victims. Advertisement Advertisement Its time we do something, said Sen. Russell Ott. There are some that think we have to really, really, really be hard, as hard as we possibly can, on those that are caught driving under the influence But its not always so black and white. Theres a lot of gray in between sometimes. The St. Matthews Democrat told a story of a family friend, who in 2016, drove while drunk and got in an accident that killed the mans girlfriend. He pleaded guilty, taking full responsibility and throwing himself to the mercy of the court. Still, to this day hes considered a violent criminal. In prison, that violent designation for a felony DUI resulting in a death meant he could not participate in work or education programs. That doesnt make a lot of sense to me, Ott said. I would think that wed want them to be productive members of society. Left to right, South Carolina Sen. Russell Ott, D-St.Matthews, huddles with Senate Minority Leader Brad Hutto, D-Orangeburg, on the Senate floor Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026, during a debate over reforms to the states DUI laws. (Photo by Jessica Holdman/SC Daily Gazette) So under the bill, at the time of sentencing, a judge may suspend the violent offense designation and the state Department of Corrections may allow the person to participate in work programs, education, and rehabilitation. However, the person wont be able to use those programs for credit to buy down the time they serve in prison. Those already convicted and in prison also can make petitions if the victims family consents, and its the only violent offense on their record. Left out of the version passed Wednesday were felony penalties for certain cases of reckless driving, for example a person who causes an accident while drag racing and severely injures another person or their property. Opponents argued it mixed reckless driving with intoxicated driving and could lead to police tacking on unnecessary charges. Sen. Tom Fernandez, who is an attorney, shared the story of a client an 18-year-old man who missed the sign for a 10 mph drop in the speed limit. An elderly couple pulled out in front of him, cutting him off, and a bar he had mounted on his Jeep to keep it from tipping when off-roading sliced through the car killing the couple and their adult daughter. The (mans) family called me crying, saying that their son was just arrested and charged with reckless homicide, three counts, the Summerville Republican said. I went into the courtroom. I asked for a bond and the family of the victims asked for mercy on the young man. Highway Patrol instead said no. It took 4 years before the charges were dropped, Fernandez said. He called it an example of how enhanced penalties can go wrong and drag someone down personally and professionally. Work remains Amid the debate, Massey also warned senators theres likely more work to be done in the coming years when it comes to South Carolinas alcohol laws. The Legislature passed a law last year intended to relieve bars and restaurants facing massive liquor-related insurance premiums. But since the measure went into effect at the beginning of the year, early signs point to the law falling short of its intended outcome. The feedback that were getting early on is (insurance companies) are looking at it and saying, this aint gonna work, which I think should not be a surprise to anybody who was really paying attention, said Massey, who warned last year that the compromise wouldnt do much for premiums. It gave bars and restaurants options, as well as requirements, for reducing their minimum insurance coverage for serving alcohol. It also reformed state rules for personal injury lawsuits and how financial responsibility in a lawsuit are doled out among all those involved. Patrons at Pearlz Oyster Bar in Columbia, South Carolina, listen to a talk Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026, by the S.C. Bar and Tavern Association about ongoing concerns over the price of alcohol-related insurance in the state. (Photo by Jessica Holdman/SC Daily Gazette) Under state law known as joint and several liability, businesses could be required to pay the full amount of a court-ordered award even if they were just 1% responsible for whatever happened. Personal injury lawyers, including those in the Legislature, argued the law needs to ensure victims can be fully compensated for their loss following a tragedy. But if plaintiffs only sue whoever or whatever can pay the biggest award, as often happens, business owners said it forces insurance payouts for things that arent their fault. We got about halfway there in the newest law update, said Andrew Reina, CEO of The Ragnar Group. Under the new law, bars and restaurants bear responsibility if they knowingly serve alcohol to someone who is intoxicated. But Reina, an insurance broker who sits on the board of the South Carolina Bar and Tavern Association, said major insurance carriers arent likely to return to doing business in the state until they see how judges and juries interpret the new standard. That could take two or three years. Insurance carriers, theyre like a big cruise ship, he said. It takes them forever to change course and its still debatable whether the new law will have any impact or not. Reina said the golden standard that would make insurance companies more likely to return is if liability was based on visible intoxication instead of knowing. Its easier to judge by reviewing security footage. If a bar serves someone who is staggering, visibly intoxicated, they 100% should be held liable, Reina said That is the definition of negligence. Its the middle ground where youre leaving it up to a jury interpreting and weird things happen when you do that. Reporter Adrian Ashford contributed to this report. Sheetz, the family-owned 24/7 convenience store chain expanding into Michigan, is announcing it plans to open more than a dozen locations in the state this year, an estimated half-billion-dollar investment. The company said on Wednesday, Feb. 4, that its stores a total of 14 this year will offer more "access to convenient food and retail options" throughout southeast Michigan while also "creating jobs that offer training, advancement, and long-term career opportunities." The stores, the company said, are expected to create about 400 jobs. Advertisement Advertisement The company said it plans to open stores in Eastpointe, Ypsilanti, Warren, Taylor, Novi, Fraser, Orion Township, Macomb, Shelby Township, Belleville and Royal Oak, with two stores each in Taylor, Warren and Macomb. Grace Schultheiss, 2, of Chesterfield, left, sits with her mother Mandy Schultheiss, 44, as they join the public to help celebrate Sheetzs third Michigan store grand opening in Chesterfield Township on 23 Mile Road on Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025. It is the 808th overall store for the family owned business out of Pennsylvania. I am originally from Pennsylvania so this is a little bit of home for me, Schultheiss said. Public reaction to Sheetz since the company entered Michigan has been mixed. Some people have welcomed the companys plans to fill vacant lots and spaces that used to be bowling alleys, banks and churches with new businesses, and while others object to the additional traffic and noise they expect them to bring. More: Sheetz CEO visits to Romulus, learns about Michigan left, Detroit pizza and hand maps Advertisement Advertisement Sheetz, which was started in 1952, touts that it is "one of America's fastest-growing family-owned and -operated convenience store chains" with more than 800 stores in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, Ohio, North Carolina and most recently, Michigan. The company opened its fourth 24-hour gas station and convenience store in Michigan in late December at 31925 Van Dyke Ave. in Warren, which, years ago, had been home to Pampa Lanes bowling alley. Addresses for the 2026 store openings are: 19001 E. 9 Mile Road, Eastpointe 2103 W. Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti 5970 12 Mile Road, Warren 20623 Eureka Road, Taylor 39471 W. 12 Mile Road, Novi 32981 Utica Road, Fraser 4160 S. Lapeer Road, Orion Township 8200 Telegraph Road, Taylor 45075 N. Gratiot Ave., Macomb 7828 22 Mile Road, Shelby Township 7840 Haggerty Road, Belleville 2003 12 Mile Road, Warren 3200 West 14 Mile Road, Rpyal Oak 50980 North Ave., Macomb Advertisement Advertisement The company said it aims to operate 50-60 stores in Michigan in the next 5-6 years. "This is an incredibly exciting year for Sheetz in Michigan," spokesman, Nick Ruffner, added. "We can't wait to become part of these communities, and we look forward to serving the specific needs of our neighbors in each of these areas." Contact Frank Witsil: 313-222-5022 or fwitsil@freepress.com This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Sheetz building 14 more suburban Detroit gas stations, adding 400 jobs WASHINGTON (AP) Democratic Sen. Elissa Slotkin of Michigan is refusing to voluntarily comply with a Justice Department investigation into a video she organized urging U.S. military members to resist illegal orders escalating a dispute that President Donald Trump has publicly pushed. In letters first obtained by The Associated Press, Slotkins lawyer informed U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro that the senator would not agree to a voluntary interview about the video. Slotkin's legal team also requested that Pirro preserve all documents related to the matter for anticipated litigation. Slotkins lawyer separately wrote to Attorney General Pam Bondi, declining to sit for an FBI interview about the video and urging her to immediately terminate any inquiry. Advertisement Advertisement The refusal marks a potential turning point in the standoff, shifting the burden onto the Justice Department to decide whether it will escalate an investigation into sitting members of Congress or retreat from an inquiry now being openly challenged. I did this to go on offense, Slotkin said in an interview Wednesday. And to put them in a position where theyre tap dancing. To put them in a position where they have to own their choices of using a U.S. attorneys office to come after a senator. Its not gonna stop unless I fight back' Last November, Slotkin joined five other Democratic lawmakers all of whom previously served in the military or at intelligence agencies in posting a 90-second video urging U.S. service members to follow established military protocols and reject orders they believe to be unlawful. Advertisement Advertisement The lawmakers said Trump's Republican administration was pitting our uniformed military and intelligence community professionals against American citizens and called on troops to stand up for our laws. The video sparked a firestorm in Republican circles and soon drew the attention of Trump, who accused the lawmakers of sedition and said their actions were punishable by death. The Pentagon later announced it had opened an investigation into Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly, a former Navy pilot who appeared in the video. The FBI then contacted the lawmakers seeking interviews, signaling a broader Justice Department inquiry. Slotkin said multiple legal advisers initially urged caution. Advertisement Advertisement Maybe if you keep quiet, this will all go away over Christmas, Slotkin said she was told. But in January, the matter flared again, with the lawmakers saying they were contacted by the U.S. attorneys office for the District of Columbia. Meanwhile, security threats mounted. Slotkin said her farm in Michigan received a bomb threat, her brother was assigned a police detail due to threats and her parents were swatted in the middle of the night. Her father, who died in January after a long battle with cancer, could barely walk and hes dealing with the cops in his home, she said. Slotkin said a switch went off in her and she became angry: And I said, Its not gonna stop unless I fight back. Advertisement Advertisement Democratic senators draw a line The requests from the FBI and the Justice Department have been voluntary. Slotkin said that her legal team had communicated with prosecutors but that officials keep asking for a personal interview. Slotkins lawyer, Preet Bharara, in the letter to Pirro declined the interview request and asked that she immediately terminate any open investigation and cease any further inquiry concerning the video. In the other letter, Bharara urged Bondi to use her authority to direct Pirro to close the inquiry. Bharara wrote that Slotkins constitutional rights had been infringed and said litigation is being considered. Advertisement Advertisement All options are most definitely on the table, Slotkin said. Asked whether she would comply with a subpoena, she paused before responding: Id take a hard look at it. Bharara, who's representing Slotkin in the case, is a former U.S. attorney in New York who was fired by Trump in 2017 during his first administration. He's also representing Democratic Sen. Adam Schiff of California in a separate case involving the Justice Department. Kelly has similarly pushed back, suing the Pentagon last month over attempts to punish him for the video. On Tuesday, a federal judge said that he knows of no U.S. Supreme Court precedent to justify the Pentagons censuring of Kelly as he weighed whether to intervene. Slotkin said she's in contact with the other lawmakers who appeared in the video, but she wouldn't say what their plans were in the investigations. Advertisement Advertisement A rising profile Trump has frequently and consistently targeted his political opponents. In some cases, those attacks have had the unintended consequence of elevating their national standing. In Kellys case, he raised more than $12.5 million in the final months of 2025 following the illegal orders video controversy, according to campaign finance filings. Slotkin, like Kelly, has been mentioned among Democrats who could emerge as presidential contenders in 2028. She previously represented one of the nations most competitive House districts before winning a Senate seat in Michigan in 2024, even as Trump carried the state. Advertisement Advertisement Slotkin delivered the Democratic response to Trumps address to Congress last year and has since urged her party to confront him more aggressively, saying Democrats had lost their alpha energy and calling on them to go nuclear against Trumps redistricting push. If Im encouraging other people to take risk, how can I not then accept risk myself?" Slotkin said. I think youve got to show people that were not going to lay down and take it. PRAGUE, Feb 5 (Reuters) - A Slovak prosecutor on Thursday shut down investigations initiated by Prime Minister Robert Fico's government claiming that donations of fighter jets and air defence systems by the previous administration to Ukraine were a crime. Bratislava regional prosecutor Rastislav Remeta said that the dozen Soviet-era MiG-29 jets and the S-300 and KUB air defence systems donated to Ukraine were outdated, not fully operational and lacked missiles as well as pilots. He said their donation was no crime, as alleged by Fico and his aides. "In the context of the time, value, report by (national auditors), information available, it was not proven that the government had violated fiduciary duties," Remeta told a televised news conference. Advertisement Advertisement The previous government led by Eduard Heger and including Defence Minister Jaroslav Nad aided Ukraine in its defence against Russia's invasion, donating equipment in return for a pledge of compensation from NATO allies. When the Moscow-friendly, leftist-nationalist Fico returned to power in late 2023, he halted government military aid for Ukraine, although he allowed growing commercial sales to continue. A senior defence official in Fico's party said last year he suspected the donations by Nad were "the crime of sabotage, or treason, abuse of power and fiduciary duties". Fico said the donation compromised Slovakia's own air defence abilities. (Reporting by Jan Lopatka; editing by Mark Heinrich) A Kentucky Senate committee voted Wednesday to move forward a bill that would beef up oversight of sober living homes and make it easier for local governments to track bad operators. Senate Bill 33 would require sober living homes to send local governments notices within 30 days of a sober living home seeking certification and after it receives that certification. The bill would also require those operators to notify local governments if an operator has been fined for running afoul of state regulations. The Senate State and Local Government Committee voted unanimously Wednesday to send SB 33 to the full Senate. Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Reggie Thomas, D-Lexington, and sponsor of SB 33, said the bill would make it easier for local governments to track illegal or uncertified recovery residences. The bill would also require operators to provide contact information for the people managing or overseeing that sober living home. The bill makes tweaks to state laws passed in 2023 and 2024 upping oversight of recovery homes, Thomas said. The current statue requires certification by the Kentucky Alliance of Recovery Residences, Thomas said. But some recovery homes have not followed those certification requirements, he said. Whats happening now is that you have, a number of fraudulent places reported to be recovery resident centers, but they are not. Theyve not been certified, Thomas said. Advertisement Advertisement Senate Bill 33 would also require the addresses of those sober living homes be made public. After hearing concerns about safety and privacy of people in recovery, Thomas said he will remove that requirement via an amendment when the bill is voted on in the Senate. However, local governments would have access to those addresses, he said. If a recovery residence is reported to local authorities, local officials can check the address with the list of certified sober living homes. No heat, no water and no certification The bill comes as many local governments, including Lexington, have tried to regulate or monitor recovery residences after many cities saw an explosion in the number of treatment homes in recent years. Sober living homes are a type of substance abuse treatment typically used by people who are leaving residential treatment. Medicaid, the state and federal insurance program for the poor and disabled, can be billed for recovery home services. Advertisement Advertisement But there have been problems with the oversight of those homes. In December, the state shut down an illegal recovery residence in Lexington after residents complained there was no water and no electricity. The state discovered the home on Buckhorn Drive had never been certified. One of the owners of that sober living home company, Great Neighbors, is currently under federal indictment for Medicaid fraud stemming from billing practices at a different sober living home company. In response to Lexington residents concerns about some recovery home operators, the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council voted in November 2025 to require all recovery homes to be licensed by the city and to show city leaders they are certified by the state. Advertisement Advertisement Lexingtons regulations will not take effect until May 20. Other Kentucky cities that have enacted or in the process of enacting local ordinances in response to the rapid ramp up of sober living homes include Elizabethtown. Somerset, Bellevue and Louisville. JOHANNESBURG, Feb 5 (Reuters) - South Africa's trade minister Parks Tau will travel to China from Thursday to Saturday to sign the ChinaAfrica Economic Partnership Agreement, which will see South African exports gain duty-free access to the Chinese market, Tau's office said. South Africa is seeking to boost exports amid a tariff row with the United States, its second-largest bilateral trading partner after China. U.S. President Donald Trump imposed a 30% tariff on South African exports to the U.S. in August, the highest rate in Sub-Saharan Africa. Advertisement Advertisement Tau's trip to China "comes at a time when South Africa is pursuing an objective of market diversification and export growth," his office said in a statement on Thursday. Tau will also meet Chinese companies interested in investing in South Africa on his visit. (Reporting by Anathi Madubela;Editing by Alexander Winning) By Chad Terhune and Julie Steenhuysen SPARTANBURG, South Carolina/CHICAGO, Feb 4 (Reuters) - Measles vaccinations have doubled in recent months in a South Carolina region hit hard by the disease's worst outbreak in the U.S. in more than two decades, but health officials warned that far more immunizations are needed to contain the virus' spread. The outbreak, like those in other regions, has been fueled by a rise in vaccine hesitancy since the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving many U.S. communities vulnerable to outbreaks of measles and other vaccine-preventable diseases. Advertisement Advertisement The number of measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine doses administered in Spartanburg County, near the North Carolina border and the epicenter of the latest outbreak, has increased 102% over the past four months compared with the same period a year earlier, according to state data shared with Reuters. More than 1,000 additional shots were delivered in January. Statewide, MMR immunizations were up 28% during the same four-month period. "These monthly totals are some of the highest we've seen in years," Dr. Linda Bell, South Carolina's state epidemiologist, said in emailed comments to Reuters. She said 1,178 doses of MMR vaccines were given to infants aged six to 11 months across the state. Of those, 55% were in Spartanburg County and neighboring Greenville County. Advertisement Advertisement "These early doses are essential to protecting young children from measles," she said. Bell said there are likely a few thousand children and adults, however, who remain unvaccinated against measles in Spartanburg County. HERD IMMUNITY REQUIRES 95% COVERAGE Measles, among the most infectious of pathogens, requires that 95% of the population be vaccinated in order to prevent its spread. In Spartanburg County, 89% of school children have received the required vaccinations, state data show. Three pediatricians in the Spartanburg area told Reuters the increase in vaccinations likely reflected a variety of patients and motives. Advertisement Advertisement Many parents have sought early MMR shots for children who are six to 11 months old rather than waiting for the first dose normally given at 12 months, doctors said. Parents also have moved up the second dose, which is normally given at age four. The MMR vaccine is 97% effective after two doses. They added that some families are catching up on routine shots that were missed prior to the outbreak, while other patients may be seeking vaccination after exposure, which can exempt them from quarantine if administered within 72 hours. Louis Eubank, deputy incident commander for South Carolina's measles response, said in an email that mobile health units have primarily vaccinated adults, while increases reported by clinics and pharmacies have predominantly been among children under the age of four. Reaching people who are hesitant about all vaccines, however, and persuading them to come in for the MMR shot has proven difficult, the pediatricians said. Advertisement Advertisement Stuart Simko, a pediatrician at Prisma Health in Greer, South Carolina, in the state's northwest corner, said the escalation in cases and increased exposure at schools and in the community had recently encouraged more parents to get their children immunized. "We are getting people who weren't vaccinated calling. I think we've reached that level of, 'Oh wow. This looks like it's more than just a smolder. This is starting to catch fire,'" Simko said. "That fear is starting to pick up among people of going out and understanding you can go to Walmart and be exposed." (Reporting by Chad Terhune in Spartanburg and Julie Steenhuysen in Chicago; Additional reporting by Siddhi Mahatole in Bengaluru; Editing by Edmund Klamann) Rep. Taylor Rehfeldt, R-Sioux Falls, speaks on the South Dakota House floor on March 5, 2025, at the Capitol in Pierre. (Photo by Makenzie Huber/South Dakota Searchlight) Lawmakers in the South Dakota House of Representatives endorsed a bill Wednesday barring the purchase of soft drinks with benefits from a food assistance program. The House voted 58-11 in favor of House Bill 1056, which would require the state Department of Social Services to submit a federal waiver request to exclude soda from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, known by the acronym SNAP or colloquially as food stamps. Advertisement Advertisement SNAP benefits are available to income-eligible families, and can be used to purchase nearly any kind of food or beverage. A waiver from the federal government would allow South Dakota to limit the kinds of food or beverages that can be purchased using the benefits, which are loaded onto cards that function like debit cards. More legislative news See all of Searchlights coverage of the 2026 legislative session. Read the latest > Eighteen states have been approved for SNAP waivers, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Rep. Taylor Rehfeldt, R-Sioux Falls, introduced the bill. She told lawmakers that the bill would be a first step in aligning SNAP with tighter restrictions in the federal Women, Infants and Children nutrition program. Advertisement Advertisement A taxpayer-funded nutrition program should promote actual nutrition, Rehfeldt said. Rehfeldt said SNAP benefits are commonly used to buy sugary sodas and other sweetened drinks that contribute to a host of health problems, among them heart disease, obesity and diabetes. Since over three-fourths of people who received SNAP benefits in 2022 had their health insurance covered by Medicaid, Rehfeldt said the restriction would save the state on Medicaid costs because patients would be healthier. Opponents to the bill said the change doesnt address food insecurity or poor nutrition. Rep. Liz May, R-Kyle, owns a grocery store. She said banning foods or policing grocery carts would burden grocery and convenience store owners with costs to adhere to program changes. Advertisement Advertisement If our goal is better nutrition, we should reward nutritious choices instead of punishing food choices, May said. Gov. Larry Rhodens office opposed the bill in committee, saying it would cost the state about $500,000 annually to hire three employees and pay a contractor to administer the change to program eligibility. The bill will head to a Senate committee next. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX State Senate Majority Leader Jim Mehlhaff, R-Pierre, at left, and State House Speaker Jon Hansen, R-Dell Rapids. (Photos by Makenzie Huber/South Dakota Searchlight) PIERRE The divide in South Dakotas Republican Party over the governments role in economic development spilled into public view Thursday at the state Capitol as two of the partys top leaders argued in front of reporters. The back-and-forth happened during the Republican legislative leadership teams weekly press conference. Senate Majority Leader Jim Mehlhaff, R-Pierre, was answering a question about proposals for a moratorium on construction or expansion of large data centers. Advertisement Advertisement Backers of a moratorium worry that utilities may have to build new power generation sources to satisfy the electrical demand from data centers, and those costs could get passed on to other customers. Theres also concern about the amount of water needed to cool data centers. Mehlhaff said a moratorium would be an artificial barrier to development that he would not support. You dont want to fear-monger on stuff, and I think weve seen an awful lot of that about just about every economic development idea thats come along in the last few years, Mehlhaff said, and I think thats creating a very chilling atmosphere in South Dakota for developers. Argument ensues House Speaker Jon Hansen, R-Dell Rapids, whos seeking the partys nomination for governor, spoke next. Advertisement Advertisement I would say in response to that, characterizing the citizens concerns as fear Hansen began, apparently intending to disagree with Mehlhaffs characterization of a moratorium as fear-mongering. Before Hansen could finish the thought, Mehlhaff cut him off. A South Dakota Searchlight series examining the impact, barriers and concerns regarding efforts to build data centers in the state. Read more> Mr. Speaker, I hope we dont have to have a debate on every issue, Mehlhaff said. Youve had your say on a lot of stuff, now Ive made one, so I guess if these press conferences are going to be debates between the House and the Senate, thats what theyll be, but I dont think thats necessary. Advertisement Advertisement No, Hansen responded, Im simply stating that weve seen how these things have played out over the years a reference to other divisive economic development issues, including the proposed Summit Carbon Solutions carbon sequestration pipeline. Hansen referenced allegations by rural Aberdeen farmer Jared Bossly that pipeline land agents entered Bosslys house without permission. Those and other allegedly aggressive actions by Summit resulted in extensive litigation between landowners and the company, including attempts by the company to use a court process known as eminent domain to gain land access. While Hansen was discussing that, Mehlhaff interrupted again. Mr. Speaker, was there ever an arrest for that home invasion? Mehlhaff said. Ive heard that over and over again. I was wondering if there was ever an arrest for an alleged home invasion? Yeah, no, thanks for allowing me to speak, Hansen said. I appreciate it. So, in that case, the people went into Jareds house, into his shop, onto his property. In that case, you had hundreds of South Dakota landowners who were sued. And now in this case, were hearing concerns about rate increases of upwards to 200-plus percent for peoples electric bills as a result of these data centers. Advertisement Advertisement So were hearing real concerns from people, Hansen continued, and thats the concerns that were bringing to this legislative process. The argument ended with several moments of silence, and the press conference proceeded to other topics. Earlier in the week, Hansen cast one of the nine committee votes to reject a proposed sales tax exemption for data center equipment and software purchases. The bill, from Rep. Kent Roe, R-Hayti, is intended to incentivize the construction of data centers in the state. South Dakotas biggest data center consumes 30 megawatts of electricity, and the state has none of the vastly larger data centers that have proliferated elsewhere. Some of those bigger centers, often for cryptocurrency and artificial intelligence, need up to 1,000 megawatts of energy, which is equivalent to the demand from 800,000 residential customers. Governor chimes in Republican Gov. Larry Rhoden had his weekly legislative press conference separately on Thursday, and his comments further reflected the divide in the party. South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden speaks to the media on Feb. 5, 2026, at the state Capitol in Pierre. (Photo by Seth Tupper/South Dakota Searchlight) When asked for his view on incentives for data centers, he said its hard to deny that data centers represent a big opportunity for South Dakota and in a lot of ways, its pretty justifiable to provide some incentives. Advertisement Advertisement I think theres a lot of misinterpretation, as far as some of these incentives, when they call them corporate welfare, Rhoden said. Hansen has pledged to end corporate welfare, which is his description of the tax breaks and state-funded grants and loans given to large corporations. Hansen is one of three people challenging Rhoden for the Republican nomination for governor in the June primary election. The others are U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson, who has said he favors incentives for data centers with guardrails to protect other electrical ratepayers and water users, and businessman Toby Doeden, who has said data centers have to come here on our terms and has pledged to grow the economy to an extent that the state wont need to subsidize them. A broader fight Data centers are the latest front in an economic development fight among Republicans that has roots back to 2021, when Iowa-based Summit Carbon Solutions proposed its five-state pipeline to capture carbon dioxide from ethanol plants and transport it to North Dakota for underground storage. The multibillion-dollar project would capitalize on federal tax credits incentivizing the prevention of heat-trapping gases into the atmosphere. Some Republicans have been supportive or neutral about the pipeline, while others have resisted it. Last year, pipeline opponents built enough support within the party to pass a law signed by Rhoden banning carbon pipeline projects from using eminent domain. The Summit project has been stalled ever since. Advertisement Advertisement Republicans have also been split over the extent to which the Governors Office of Economic Development should disburse state aid to private businesses, and the use of tax increment financing districts known as TIFs to aid local development. A TIF district captures the higher property taxes generated by new development to pay off the debt incurred at a projects outset. Last month in Rapid City, a TIF district that had been approved by the city council was rejected nearly 3-to-1 by voters in a referendum election, with state Sen. Taffy Howard, R-Rapid City, helping to lead the effort to reject the plan. Along with data center bills and legislation to restrain government aid for businesses, there are also bills to reform the use of TIF districts this legislative session, including from Howard. The session began in January and continues until next month. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Medical humanitarian NGO, Doctors Without Borders, known by its French initials MSF, says one of its hospitals in South Sudan was hit by a government air strike, amid renewed fighting between soldiers and a coalition of opposition forces in opposition-held areas. The night attack on the hospital in Lankien, Jonglei state, on Tuesday, marks the 10th attack in 12 months on an MSF-run medical facility in the country. It came after the South Sudanese government in December imposed restrictions on humanitarian access in opposition-held areas of Jonglei, restricting MSFs ability to deliver essential medical assistance there. Advertisement Advertisement The hospital was evacuated and patients were discharged hours before the attack after it received information about a possible strike against the city, MSF said in a statement. But one MSF staff member suffered minor injuries, it added. The hospitals main warehouse was destroyed during the attack, and we lost most of our critical supplies for providing medical care, said the statement. In a separate incident, MSF said its health facility in Pieri, also in Jonglei, had been looted on Tuesday by unknown assailants, making it unusable for the local community. Our colleagues from Lankien and Pieri had to flee with the community, and their fate and whereabouts are still unknown, as we are trying to establish communication with them, the organisation said. Advertisement Advertisement Gul Badshah, MSFs operations manager in South Sudan, stressed that the charity had shared the GPS coordinates of all our facilities with the government and other parties to the conflict before, and we received the confirmation that they are aware of our locations. The government of South Sudan armed forces are the only armed party with the capacity to perform aerial attacks in the country, he added. Government spokesman Ateny Wek Ateny and army spokesman Major General Lul Ruai Koang did not immediately respond to media requests for comment. Enormous needs in the country Jonglei is among the parts of South Sudan most affected by food shortages, and faces severe health needs, analysts say. Advertisement Advertisement The United Nations says an estimated 280,000 people have been displaced by fighting and aerial bombardments there between December and this week. MSF highlighted that it was the only health provider serving about 250,000 people in Lankien and Pieri, cautioning that attacks on its facilities there mean that local communities will be left without any healthcare. Badshah said MSF would make the necessary decisions to protect the safety of our staff and healthcare facilities there. While we are aware of the enormous needs in the country, we find it unacceptable to be a target for attacks, he said. Advertisement Advertisement MSF has been present in the territory that makes up present-day South Sudan for more than four decades, he noted. The NGO said the targeted attacks on its facilities have forced the closure of two hospitals in the Greater Upper Nile and the suspension of general healthcare activities in Jonglei, Upper Nile and Central Equatoria states. South Sudan is the worlds newest sovereign state, which has been beset by civil war, poverty and huge corruption since it was formed in 2011. JE Dunn Construction and Southeast Toyota Distributors celebrated the completion of a $145 million vehicle processing center at the Port of Jacksonville today. The new 88-acre facility at JAXPORT will have the capacity to process nearly 4,000 vehicles per week. The project modernized Southeast Toyota Distributors existing operations by relocating them from Talleyrand to Blount Island. The new center is expected to improve processing capacity by 6% over the previous facility. Advertisement Advertisement >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< The 88-acre property features specialized equipment intended to streamline the processing of vehicles. This includes a three-lane car wash and a fuel island designed to accelerate the fueling process. The facility also features a rail connection system and electric vehicle charging stations. These additions allow the company to scale operations as Toyota continues its Beyond Zero electrification efforts. The project was a collaboration between JE Dunn, kasper architects and Southeast Toyota Distributors. Lauren Schwing, senior project manager at kasper architects, said her team worked with the partners for more than three years to guide the design from early planning to completion. Designing a facility of this scale required close collaboration and a clear understanding of Southeast Toyotas operational needs, both today and for the future, Schwing said. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] JAXPORT CEO Eric Green described Southeast Toyota Distributors as one of the ports longest-standing tenants. With Florida and the broader Southeast US continuing to add residents and visitors, their expanded capabilities allow us to efficiently serve rising demand for autos across our region and state while supporting hundreds of quality local jobs, Green said. Advertisement Advertisement Following the completion of construction, the company will begin using the facility to process vehicle deliveries. Eric Carter, group vice president of operations for Southeast Toyota Distributors, said the company will continue its long-term growth in Jacksonville. Now that construction is completed, we look forward to serving our dealer network even faster and better than before, Carter said. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live. Firefighting foam, used at airports and military bases, has been identified as a source of toxic PFAS chemicals. (Photo courtesy of the U.S. Fire Administration) A bill advancing through the Iowa Senate would require fire districts and city councils in the state to consider switching to a soybean-based firefighting foam in an effort to reduce exposure to forever chemicals. Traditional firefighting foam contains perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, which some research indicates is linked to a higher risk of certain cancers. Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Cherielynn Westrich, R-Ottumwa, said during the subcommittee hearing that PFAS exposure is so widespread that the chemicals have been found in the bloodstreams of newborn babies. This is a tragedy, Westrich said. We need to start pulling back with a lot of force on everything that contains PFAS, and then maybe at some point, you know, 200 years from now, well have humans that are born without this horrifying chemical in their system. Senate Study Bill 3099, as it was proposed, would have required state agencies to purchase soybean-based firefighting foam that did not contain PFAS. Sen. Scott Webster, R-Bettendorf, who chaired the subcommittee, said he intends to amend the bill to instead require fire districts and city councils to consider adopting the soy-based foam. I think thats a good start, rather than just mandating it, Webster said. I know that its passed some tests, I want fire professionals in their local districts to make that decision, to decide whether or not this is something to use, Webster said. What is soybean foam? Dave Garlie, a managing partner with Cross Plains Solutions, a group that manufactures a PFAS-free firefighting product called soyfoam spoke to senators at the committee about the product. Advertisement Advertisement Garlie said the soyfoam is made from soybean meal sourced from a Cedar Rapids facility and is able to extinguish both class A and class B fires, or those involving paper, wood, straw, vegetation, gasoline and oil. Garlie said the idea for the foam comes from history. During World War II, scientist Percy Julian invented a soybean protein mixture that was used to suppress oil and gas fires on aircrafts and ships. PFAS-based foams rose to popularity in the 1970s and have since been widely used in firefighting and military operations. Garlie said the soyfoam has performed well in tests against other firefighting foams. Advertisement Advertisement Every time we go head to head with another competitive foam we always come out on top, Garlie said. The bill was supported the the Iowa Soybean Association, Central Iowa Water Works and two firefighter groups. Lon Anderson with Iowa Professional Fire Fighters said his group currently has several members battling cancer, and the evidence suggests that at least some of that cancer is due to PFAS. According to the International Association of Fire Fighters, occupational cancer is the leading cause of death in the fire service. The association also said PFAS in protective gear poses an unnecessary occupational threat to firefighters. Advertisement Advertisement Were in support of the bill and anything we can do to limit PFAS, Anderson said. And if we can help our soybean farmers at the same time. Westrich said shed appreciate a mandate to use the PFAS-free foam, but said she would support Websters amendment. Sen. Renee Hardman, D-West Des Moines also signed off on the bill. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE A Republican attorney who used to work for Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears will challenge his former boss for the seat this year. Speedway Clerk-Treasurer Philip Foust, a deputy prosecutor in Marion County from 2015 to 2021, will run against Mears, the Democratic incumbent, for a position that's one of the most frequent targets of Republican criticism in Indianapolis. Philip Foust, the town of Speedway's clerk-treasurer and a former attorney in the Marion County Prosecutor's Office, files to run for election as Marion County prosecutor in 2026. Announcing his candidacy Feb. 5, Foust said that his experience working for Mears, who assumed the office in 2019, showed him that the current approach to criminal justice is too lenient. Advertisement Advertisement "When prosecutors treat repeat offenders like victims, the result is predictable," Foust said in a statement. "Criminals are emboldened. Actual victims are forgotten. Police officers are discouraged and undermined. Neighborhoods become less safe. Thats not compassion, its failure." With the campaign filing deadline of Feb. 6 fast approaching, both men will likely run unchallenged in the May primary. That means debate could really heat up closer to the November general election. Why Mears faces Republican attacks Mears, who filed for reelection Jan. 26, consistently defends his aggressive prosecution of the worst crimes like murder and sexual assault. His campaign says he has boosted homicide conviction rates, with 2025 being the third straight year in which Marion County secured guilty verdicts in at least 90% of murder trials. But his office also has reduced prosecutions for low-level, nonviolent conduct, Mears said, announcing back in 2019 that Marion County would no longer prosecute simple marijuana possession. He says he invests in progressive approaches to addressing the root causes of crime with violence-prevention efforts and a program that diverts participants from prosecution toward housing. Advertisement Advertisement In his campaign announcement, Foust made clear his intention to attack Mears for an approach that heavily factors in how systemic injustice can lead to violent crime. "I will not be the countys chief social worker or an extension of the public defenders office," Foust said. "My responsibility is to enforce the law and protect the law-abiding citizens of Marion County." Working under two Democrat prosecutors, Terry Curry and then Mears, Foust said he handled cases ranging from juvenile offenses to murder. A Harvard Law School graduate, he started his career with three years as an associate at a Chicago law firm. He left the Marion County prosecutor's office in 2021 and started working as a Realtor at Weichert, a role he maintains to this day, according to his LinkedIn. Foust was elected by special caucus to become Speedway's clerk-treasurer effectively the town's chief financial officer in January 2023. Voters elected him to a full term later that year, although he ran uncontested. Advertisement Advertisement Email Indianapolis City Hall Reporter Jordan Smith at JTSmith@usatodayco.com. Follow him on X @jordantsmith09 and Bluesky @jordanaccidentally.bsky.social. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears challenged by Speedway Republican ST Engineering exhibited an array of new tech at Singapore Airshow 2026, held Feb. 3-8, including a family of assault rifles and a loitering munition that is nearing full development. The new tactical loitering munition from Singapores best-known defense company dubbed the EagleStrike, and the first weapon in this category from ST Engineering should be ready for production in early 2027. The beyond-line-of-sight airborne weapon was developed at the companys initiative, but it will presumably be offered to the Singapore Army in due course. Advertisement Advertisement Jackson Tean, assistant vice president of International Business, Advanced Material Engineering, Land Systems, said the loitering munition has reached Technology Readiness Level 7. Further testing and certification will occur this year to fully mature it. The company listed the munitions range at 12.4 miles, with a 30-minute loitering time. Traveling at speeds of 67 miles per hour, the EagleStrike possesses a 7-ounce dual-mode shaped-charge warhead optimized for top attack against lightly protected targets. The EagleStrike is launched from a canister. It is expected that a pod of 16 such canisters could be carried on a suitable vehicle. ST Engineering has a range of drones in its portfolio, but Singapores military has shown a predilection for Israeli-made unmanned aircraft. Advertisement Advertisement At Singapore Airshow 2026, for example, it publicly exhibited for the first time its large Hermes 900 drone from Elbit Systems as well as the Orbiter 4 from Aeronautics. The Hermes 900 is replacing the Singapore air forces Hermes 450, which was in service for more than 20 years. Turning to small arms, ST Engineering unveiled a new family of 5.56mm-caliber rifles based on Colts AR-15 design. This rifle family contrasts with the SAR-21 bullpup rifle that ST Engineering supplies to the Singapore Armed Forces. This AME modular family of rifles is designed to equip an army squad with a range of five weapons comprising a carbine, assault rifle, grenade launcher, light machine gun and sharpshooter rifle. The smallest member is the AME-A510 with a 10.5-inch barrel, which could be ideal for a vehicle crewman, for example. Next, the standard AME-A514 squad rifle boasts a 14.5-inch barrel. Specifications released by ST Engineering state a length of 32.3 inches and a weight of 6.4 pounds unloaded. Advertisement Advertisement The same rifle can have an under-barrel 40mm grenade launcher attached, which changes its nomenclature to AME-A514GL. More capable is the AME-A516L, which possesses a 16-inch barrel and integrated heat sink so it can act as a squads light machine gun. Finally, the family boasts the AME-A520SS designated marksman rifle with a bipod. A spokesman told Defense News that these rifles are aimed primarily at the export market. He also confirmed international sales have been achieved already. Enhancements compared to the original AR-15 include enhanced barrel harmonics, a two-stage trigger, a muzzle brake that reduces recoil by 20% and ambidextrous controls. A representative said the rifles are designed to be reliable, simple and cost-effective. By Tom Balmforth KYIV, Feb 5 (Reuters) - Starlink internet terminals used by Russian troops in Ukraine have been deactivated, Kyiv said on Thursday, dealing what one official said was a big battlefield setback for Moscow that had disrupted assault operations. Russian forces have made unauthorised use of thousands of satellite-based Starlink internet connections for secure communications after the invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Kyiv says. Advertisement Advertisement Reuters was not able to verify the scale of disruption to the system but three Ukrainian sources said it appeared to be significant. Ukraine said last week it was working with Elon Musk's SpaceX to block the use of Starlink terminals used on Russian attack drones and was trying to compile a "white list" of all Ukraine's terminals so the Russian ones could be turned off. "Starlinks included in the 'white list' are working Russian terminals have already been blocked," Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, who took office last month, wrote on Telegram, adding that the list was still being updated. SpaceX did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Musk said on Sunday that moves by SpaceX to stop the unauthorised use of Starlink by Russia seemed to have worked. Advertisement Advertisement A Russian military blog, "Two Majors", said there had been a big failure of Starlink terminals on the Russian side that started on Wednesday evening. 'ASSAULT OPERATIONS HAVE BEEN STOPPED' A Ukrainian military source near the war front said Starlink terminals used by Russia were down and that units were trying to use Russian-made satellite-based RS-30M terminals. "It still takes more time to fully assess the impact. But I am sure that the accuracy and number of hits (from attacks) are decreasing," the source said. Serhiy Beskrestnov, an adviser to the defence minister, described the situation as a catastrophe for Russia's military. Advertisement Advertisement "All command of the troops has collapsed. Assault operations have been stopped in many areas," he wrote on Telegram. A source in the Ukrainian army on the eastern front told Reuters that Russian troops were experiencing significant problems with communication and almost all connection via Starlink was off. Such a setback for Russia would be a notable achievement for Fedorov, who became defence minister last month. As digital minister in 2022, he persuaded Musk to turn on Starlink coverage for Ukraine and provide terminals following Russia's invasion. Kyiv's military uses tens of thousands of satellite-based Starlink internet connections for battlefield communication and piloting some attack drones. Advertisement Advertisement It is unclear how many terminals Russia operates on the battlefield. Ukraine's former military spy chief said in early 2024 the figure was in the thousands although Starlink has said it does not do business in or with Russia. Ukraine said last week it had found Starlink terminals on long-range drones used in Russian attacks, which prompted Ukrainian authorities to appeal to SpaceX for assistance. Russia has been making slow advances on the battlefield in Ukraine since late 2023 and the two sides have been holding talks brokered by the United States on ending the war. (Additional reporting by Yuliia Dysa and Anna Pruchnicka; Editing by Daniel Flynn and Timothy Heritage) An outreach worker visits an encampment in Seattle in 2022. (Photo by John Moore/Getty Images) Washington lawmakers are considering restrictions to keep cities and counties from criminalizing camping on public property. Dozens of cities across the state have implemented such bans in the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court ruling in 2024 that laws like these dont meet the threshold of cruel and unusual punishment prohibited by the Eighth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Advertisement Advertisement Democrats on the House Housing Committee advanced House Bill 2489 on Monday with no Republican support. Rep. Adison Richards, D-Gig Harbor, was the sole Democratic vote against the legislation. Multiple Democrats said they supported it despite misgivings. Being homeless is not a crime, said bill sponsor Rep. Mia Gregerson, D-SeaTac. The measure would prohibit local governments from enforcing local laws banning life-sustaining activities unless they can prove adequate shelter space is available for people to go to. The legislation defines life-sustaining activities as moving, resting, sitting, standing, lying down, sleeping, protecting oneself and personal property from the elements, eating and drinking. So cities wouldnt be allowed to sweep homeless encampments, for example. Advertisement Advertisement Shelters would have to accommodate pets, partners, relatives and personal belongings. People and organizations could bring lawsuits if governments enforce an anti-camping law that violates the bill, but they wouldnt be entitled to monetary damages. City officials are ardently opposed to the legislation, arguing it kneecaps their ability to address public safety issues. Rep. Joe Timmons, a moderate Democrat from Bellingham, said he grappled with this bill deeply amid concerns from cities in his district. He ultimately came around on the legislation to establish uniformity in how the state deals with the issue. Advertisement Advertisement Ultimately, I believe we are sent here to solve problems, Timmons said. There might be no problem more complex than how to support people experiencing homelessness. And I think that one way that we can try to address this problem is by not having a patchwork system. Rep. Sam Low, the top Republican on the House panel, said hes seen the effect of visible homelessness on the Snohomish County government campus, where he serves as a county council member. And he doesnt think local governments can provide the shelter space needed so people dont have to sleep outside. Its going to be very difficult for any city or county to accomplish what this bill sets out to do, which I think is going to create a lot of lawsuits, Low said. Taxpayers are going to be on the hook for a lot of money, I believe, because of this policy. Democrats turned down a Republican-backed amendment to allow the enforcement of anti-camping laws at parks and other public spaces where children are likely to be present. Advertisement Advertisement The House committee on Monday also moved forward legislation to require local governments to allow transitional housing, permanent supportive housing and indoor emergency shelter in certain areas. These are forms of housing that many cities deeply oppose. Similar legislation last year died amid pushback from cities. Homelessness has been on the rise in Washington, with 22,173 people who were homeless counted by the state on the streets last January. That was a 25% increase from the 2022 point-in-time count. The state has spent billions of dollars to expand affordable housing stock and transition people out of homelessness. Gov. Bob Ferguson in December proposed to lawmakers an additional $244 million state investment in housing, including $81 million for nearly 2,000 new affordable units and $73 million for homes for first-time buyers. If passed and signed into law by the governor, the legislation on local anti-camping laws would take effect in June. Rhode Island State Crime Lab Director Dennis Hilliard presents an action plan for restoring in-house firearms toolmark testing to the panel that oversees the lab on Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026. (Photo by Christopher Shea/Rhode Island Current) The third time was the charm for the director of Rhode Islands State Crime Lab to win approval to return most forensic testing on gun cartridges or shells in-house as the facility continues to rebuild its staff. Beginning April 1, the lab will send 15% of its cases for third-party verification, gradually scaling that back to 5% under an action plan unanimously approved by the State Crime Laboratory Commission Thursday morning. Advertisement Advertisement We wont go back to zero percent, Crime Lab Director Dennis Hilliard told the four commissioners present. The lab on the University of Rhode Islands Kingston campus temporarily suspended toolmark testing in August 2024, after discrepancies were found in test results for a pistol seized as evidence in a 2021 Pawtucket murder case. Cartridge casings were flagged as matching a different firearm in possession of the Boston Police Department. Dozens of criminal cases were put on pause while officials came up with a new plan to send evidence to labs in other New England states and also brought in outside consultants to work in the URI lab. Two months after the lab problem was discovered, the three technicians responsible for toolmark testing had all left their jobs. Since November 2024, toolmark testing has been handled by two former New York City police examiners from Stria Consulting Group. All verifications are performed by examiners at SCL Forensics in Texas and FoCoSS Forensics in New Hampshire. Advertisement Advertisement The use of contractors has eliminated backlogs at the lab, Hilliard said. The lab has paid over $394,000 to third-party contractors to handle toolmark testing and verifications, records show. But doing so was still cheaper than paying salaries and benefits to staffers, Hilliard said during the commissions Dec. 11 meeting. But the toolmarks section is now staffing up. On. Jan. 5, the lab hired a lead toolmarks examiner who most recently served as lead examiner for Connecticuts state laboratory. Protocol requires the new hires to work under supervision, which Hilliard said is expected to wrap up come March. Advertisement Advertisement The position of standard examiner will be filled later this year by an in-house candidate who recently passed training from the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and will work under supervision from the STRIA contractors, Hilliard told commissioners. So we wont have that availability in our budget to pay those external vendors, Hilliard said in an interview after the meeting. Dropping the number of cases that go out will reduce the number of funding we have to put toward that process. Stria consultants will continue to verify the lead examiners work as the other in-house candidate finishes training, Hilliard said. The lab is not hiring for a third examiner in order to keep finances balanced. Gov. Dan McKees proposed fiscal year 2027 budget allocates a little over $1.7 million for lab personnel, a 4.6% increase over fiscal 2026. Advertisement Advertisement Hilliard first floated the idea of ramping down third-party verifications to the commission in May, but was denied and asked to come up with a formal proposal. In December, he pitched working with state crime labs across New England on a mutual aid basis, with each sending out 5% of cases, randomly selected, for external testing. Commissioners again passed thinking that percentage was too low. Which is why the new plan starts at 15%, with cases selected by Hilliard and Amy Duhaime, the labs quality manager. A report published in October 2024 by California-based consultant Ronald Nichols, who formerly worked for the ATF, found there was a lack of diligence and confirmation bias on the part of three forensic examiners who previously performed toolmark analysis at the state lab. But under the action plan approved Thursday, both the in-house and external verifiers will not be made aware of the initial analysts results, nor will they have access to case notes. Deputy Attorney General Adi Goldstein, who chairs the panel as a designee of the AGs office, called Hilliards latest pitch a very reasonable plan. But she was concerned that it could lead to backlogs again. Advertisement Advertisement You took a significant length of time to obtain test results, she said. What I dont want to see happening is falling back to backlogs and having a single examiner feel pressure to move through cases more than they otherwise would. They are allowed to determine how long they need to take on a case, Hilliard replied. Im not there to pressure them. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Department for Community Based Services Commissioner Lesa Dennis, right, and Misty Sammons, left. (Kentucky Lantern photo by Sarah Ladd) FRANKFORT Kentuckys Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program error rate is low enough that the states health cabinet doesnt plan to request cost share funding from the General Assembly this budget cycle, Department for Community Based Services Commissioner Lesa Dennis said Wednesday. Under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, passed by Congress this summer, states that have an error rate at 6% or higher will have to contribute to funding SNAP benefits, which are covered 100% by the federal government, according to the National Conference of State Legislators. Advertisement Advertisement This cost sharing penalty doesnt apply to states with an error rate of less than 6%. According to Dennis, Kentuckys error rate is about 4%. We do not anticipate needing an appropriation during this budget cycle for that cost share, she said. In 2024, the error rate was about 10%, which the Lantern reported would have cost Kentucky an additional $200 million. Dennis said the rate at that time was higher because of significant staff turnover and flexibilities during the COVID-19 pandemic. The state currently splits the cost of administering SNAP 50-50 with the federal government but. starting Oct. 1, 2026, the ratio shifts, putting 75% of the cost on states. Advertisement Advertisement The cabinet is seeking $43.5 million in fiscal year 2027 and $58 million in fiscal year 2028 from the legislature to cover the administrative shift. There were 274,306 active SNAP households in Kentucky in December, according to Dennis. About 576,667 individuals received about $99 million, an average of $343 per month, per household, she said. The General Assembly, on day 20 of its 60-day session, is tasked with passing a two-year state budget this year. Dennis and other representatives from the Cabinet for Health and Family Services presented key budget priorities to the House Health and Family Services Budget Review Committee Wednesday morning. Kinship Care assistance Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear gives the State of the Commonwealth address at the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History in Frankfort, Kentucky, on Jan. 7, 2026. (Kentucky Lantern photo by Arden Barnes) Gov. Andy Beshear, in his budget request to the legislature, asked for a $14.6 million per-year allocation to implement a 2024 law aimed at getting financial assistance to kinship caregivers. Advertisement Advertisement In 2024, there were around 55,000 Kentucky children being raised with a non-parent relative, according to a report from Kentucky Youth Advocates. These families often make hasty decisions about taking in a minor that leaves them without needed financial support. Senate Bill 151, passed by the legislature in 2024 but unfunded, is supposed to give kinship caregivers 120 days to apply to become foster parents for their minor relatives and allows children who are being removed from homes to request their preferred familial caregivers, if they are able. According to Dennis, the cabinet needs to hire 28 new social workers to handle the casework involved, four new family services office supervisors and train both new hires and existing staff on the changes. This is not just a couple of little tasks, additional tasks that were asking of our workers, Dennis said. It is very involved. It takes time. State Central Laboratory building State Central Laboratory Building rendering. (Cabinet photo) The Department for Public Health is seeking $276 million from the General Assembly to construct a new central laboratory. Advertisement Advertisement Matt Johnson, the director for the Department for Public Healths Division of Laboratory Services, said the state has already completed design development and is currently working on construction documents, which should be finished in April. Should money for construction be approved, Johnson said, the facility could open by fall. The state needs a new lab, Johnson said, to keep up with evolving science and better provide various testing including state-mandated genetic screenings of hereditary and congenital disorders for the more than 50,000 infants born live every year; federally-required food safety testing; biosafety testing of white powders, anthrax, pestis, botulism; animal necropsy testing such as rabies; and pathogen testing. Currently, we operate in a 35-year-old building that has some serious impediments that limit our ability to respond to needs, Johnson said. Some of these unresolved deficiencies could potentially lead to lack of testing that we need to do, service disruptions, potential employee workplace error or injury and the loss of mandatory accreditation that we need to have in order to provide the services that we do. The current state laboratory is located at 100 Sower Boulevard in Frankfort, according to a cabinet spokeswoman. The new facility would be attached to the current one, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Johnson continued: We work as the primary and sometimes only response to rapid, emerging infectious diseases such as Zika, chikungunya, Ebola, pandemic influenza and, of course, pathogens like COVID, he said. To meet these needs effectively, he said, we do need a modern, purpose-built laboratory. Kentucky Rural Health Transformation John Langefeld, Kentuckys public health commissioner, right, and Mike Tuggle, left. Feb. 4, 2026. (Kentucky Lantern photo by Sarah Ladd) John Langefeld, Kentuckys public health commissioner, said there are no budget requests that duplicate recently-awarded federal funds from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services for the states Rural Health Transformation Plan. Kentucky received about $213 million, which Langefeld said will go to telehealth solutions to the maternal care issues facing the commonwealth, improve rural access to preventive dental care by adding mobile treatment options and more. Advertisement Advertisement The state cannot use these monies to pay for new construction, clinicians salaries or for independent research and development, among other limitations. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Gov. Kelly Ayotte delivers her first State of the State address to the Legislature, Feb. 5, 2026. (Photo by William Skipworth/New Hampshire Bulletin) Gov. Kelly Ayotte had a list to rattle off. Facing state lawmakers for her first State of the State address Thursday, one year after taking office, the Republican governor trotted out a litany of checked-off policy goals. Last year, she signed a package of pro-housing zoning bills; rolled back a bail reform law she had campaigned against; rushed through a law to ban sanctuary cities; secured a ban on cell phones in classrooms; and welcomed federal funding to help support a broad rural health program in the North Country. Advertisement Advertisement And she helped pass a budget that overcame an abnormally dire revenue picture, while holding back larger cuts from the fiscally conservative wing of her party. The first-year policy victories, which came with the help of a Republican-led House and Senate, padded out a 46-minute speech. Leading is in our blood, Ayotte said. Its who we are. And over the past year we have worked to deliver on the promises we made to make our state even stronger, she said. But they also came ahead of a year that could test that leadership. Affordability issues still dominate Granite Staters concerns, the states housing and child care crises persist, and policies by President Donald Trump from immigration to Canadian tariffs have buffeted the state and emboldened Democrats. We heard a different picture from the governor than I think a lot of Granite Staters are experiencing day to day, said Sen. Rebecca Perkins Kwoka, the Senate minority leader and a Portsmouth Democrat, in a press conference following the speech. Advertisement Advertisement Ayotte proposed a new list of goals for 2026 on Thursday. She pledged to direct the Department of Energy to build pathways for more nuclear power in the state; push the Public Utilities Commission to provide transparency about electric rates; direct the Department of Education to study improving literacy and math scores; use new federal funds to build out rural health care workforce; and approve a rest stop system on Interstate 95 with local rather than national vendors. She also called for new laws to maintain a moratorium on new landfills in the state; to double the license suspension penalty for drivers who refuse breathalyzer tests; to create tax credits for businesses that provide child care; and to ease the transfer of credits from community colleges to universities. But much of the speech was designed to defend her tenure and reclaim the economic narrative. Ayotte sought to paint the state as an economic beacon, one that stands in contrast to Democratic-dominated New England states, such as Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut. And she spoke against a series of policies taken by Democratic states. Advertisement Advertisement What we didnt do is raise taxes, Ayotte said. We are the envy of New England and a beacon of good governance nationwide because we have not succumbed to the lie that more money for government is better. The governors speech came in a year when Republican lawmakers in the House and Senate have put forward a number of bills that could transform portions of the state, from allowing universal open enrollment for all public schools in the state to expanding exceptions to childhood vaccine requirements, to mandatory property tax caps. Yet in her speech, Ayotte portrayed a more positive picture of the systems as they exist now. She praised teachers, touted the states hospitals and community mental health centers, and hailed New Hampshire businesses and housing developers. She pointed to a list of national rankings, many from fiscal conservative advocacy organizations, that have put New Hampshire as number one for economic freedom, child wellbeing, public safety, and home internet connectivity. A push for more child care The governor devoted a portion of the speech to the need for more affordable child care. She mentioned victories in expanding eligibility of the child care scholarship program and reducing administrative burdens for parents during the application process. She said that the continuing high costs of early education are a downward pressure on New Hampshire families. Advertisement Advertisement And she endorsed the creation of a tax credit for companies co-locating child care facilities. A bill that would give a tax credit to businesses that create or expand the states licensed child care capacity is currently making its way through the Legislature. I know this burden for so many leads to some very tough conversations around the dinner table, where parents are talking about the value of a parent working versus whether they can afford child care, and comparing the costs, she said. As a state, we are looking at ways to ease this burden. Disavowing renewables, embracing nuclear New Hampshires electricity rates, which rank among the highest in the country, were another focus on Thursday. Ayotte attributed the burden on New Hampshire ratepayers to two sources: ineffective leadership at the Public Utilities Commission, for which she released her nomination for a new chair last week, and neighboring states climate goals and policies. Our neighbors, that govern a lot differently than we do, are busy pushing up regional rates with their net zero religion and lack of pragmatism and focus on the consumer, she said. Advertisement Advertisement In a New Hampshire Democratic Party press conference following the speech, Sen. Perkins Kwoka, of Portsmouth, said this was misleading. The governor showed a pretty fundamental misunderstanding of how the energy market works, she said, adding that narrowing the energy market by limiting renewable adoption would increase costs. Studies have demonstrated that distributed generation, like wind and solar, can lower the net cost of energy for consumers. Ayotte blamed neighboring states for stalling energy projects she said would lower costs for New Hampshire consumers, highlighting the proposed Constitution natural gas pipeline through New York, which that states regulators have opposed. Experts said last year the pipeline would not make a significant difference to gas availability in New England. She pointed to nuclear energy as the energy solution of the future, announcing during her address a new consortium of stakeholders, lawmakers, and organizations focused on nuclear generation to find a path for New Hampshire to expand nuclear generation, led by the Department of Energy. A stance against new landfills After praising New Hampshires natural beauty, Ayotte renewed a call to the Legislature to impose a moratorium on new landfills in the state and charter a stakeholder-informed site evaluation committee, two measures she previously endorsed in her budgetary address in June. Advertisement Advertisement The Senate and House have struggled to come to a consensus on either issue, with proposals passing back and forth with significant amendments between the chambers and a recent settlement over environmental violations at a large Bethlehem landfill drawing increased attention to the debate. Multiple bills proposing both a site evaluation committee and moratorium are currently before the Legislature. Gov. Kelly Ayotte delivers her first State of the State address to the Legislature, Feb. 5, 2026. (Photo by William Skipworth, New Hampshire Bulletin) A focus on rural health On health care, Ayotte touted the creation of GO-NORTH, an initiative she launched last year to use $500 million over five years the state is receiving from the federal governments Rural Health Transformation Program which she bragged was the most any New England state received from the program to improve the rural health care system in New Hampshire. With this historic level of funding we will invest in innovative technologies to make care easier to access and to improve patient outcomes, she said. From expanding telehealth in primary care, specialties, and obstetrics, and emphasizing a prevention first model, we are going to leverage state of the art technology to overcome the barriers to health care delivery in every corner of our state. Specifically, she said shes instructing Dee Jurius, her director at the Office of Professional Licensing and Certification, to make reforms and ensure that outdated licensing rules do not get in the way of using new technologies and growing our providers in the North Country. Advertisement Advertisement Ayotte also addressed budget cuts lawmakers pushed onto the Department of Health and Human Services in the most recent budget. Ive made no secret about my concerns with the back-of-the-budget cuts that were made to the Department of Health and Human Services, she said. But I am working closely with (Health and Human Services) Commissioner (Lori) Weaver on how we meet those budget targets responsibly, without affecting services. The most recent budget cut $51 million from the department. In December, DHHS announced the first round of those cuts would be $4.3 million in reductions to contracts with its vendors, including a homeless shelter, nursing providers, and mental and behavioral health care providers. She also boasted about fully funding the Doorway Program, which helps people struggling with addiction; maintaining eligibility for Medicaid enrollees, though the enrollees in the highest income brackets will begin having to pay a premium to receive coverage as a result of the new budget; and setting aside funding to reimburse mental health centers for uncompensated care given to patients that cant afford to pay their bills. A school test score improvement study Addressing education, Ayotte highlighted two changes passed by the Legislature last year: the expansion of the education freedom account program to include families of all incomes, and the ban on cell phones in public schools. She said she had visited public schools and talked to both teachers and students who embraced the cell phone restrictions, though sometimes reluctantly. The lunchroom is louder, Ayotte said. Kids are talking to each other in the hallway. Advertisement Advertisement Yet she also pointed to a continuing need to improve math and reading scores. And she said she would task Department of Education Commissioner Caitlin Davis to look at New Hampshire schools that have improved those test scores and find lessons. Outcomes matter more than anything else, and our math and reading scores need to be much higher, she said, to applause from Republican lawmakers. A vow to stop income taxes Republicans have lowered business taxes in New Hampshire since 2015, and have championed those tax cuts as a key ingredient in positioning the state for economic growth. But Democrats have argued those cuts have unnecessarily deprived the state of revenue and that the burden has increasingly fallen on local property taxes. On Thursday, Ayotte did not ignore the plague of high property taxes. But she argued that Democrats proposed solutions increasing state funding to cities and towns are not the appropriate response. She drew a comparison to Connecticut, which adopted an income tax in 1991, and which had the third-highest property tax rate in 2023, according to the Tax Foundation, a national think tank. Advertisement Advertisement Let this be a cautionary tale for the future of New Hampshire, Ayotte said. There is no getting around the fact that property taxes in New Hampshire are unsustainable. But even more misguided are those in this room who argue that the solution to high property taxes is to raise other taxes. The governor did not propose her own approach to lowering property taxes, and did not mention House Republican proposals to impose universal tax caps on towns and school districts. At their press conference, House and Senate Democratic leaders declined to comment on the tax structures of other, Democratic-led New England states, and did not say they would support raising taxes or changing the revenue model in New Hampshire. Im not really focused on that, Perkins Kwoka said. Instead, Perkins Kwoka argued Ayotte and Republican lawmakers had misspent existing state funds on programs like education freedom accounts and could have used the funds to better incentivize housing development and child care. That, she said, will be at the center of the pitch to voters this election year. Day to day on the ground, we continue to hear about these issues: housing, child care, energy costs, health care costs, she said. We need legislators who are going to focus on whats going to make peoples lives better, more livable, more affordable, and maintain our Granite State advantage. Border patrol and other federal agents in Minneapolis in January 2026. (Photo by Nicole Neri/Minnesota Reformer) Nevada Treasurer Zach Conine joined other state officials across the country warning President Donald Trump that his aggressive immigration enforcement tactics would lead to tremendous economic harm in cities and states. Conine along with 13 other Democratic state treasurers, comptrollers, and auditors signed onto a letter Tuesday amid a surge in immigration enforcement across the country. Advertisement Advertisement The most recent siege by federal agents in Minneapolis, which has uprooted the lives of residents and led to two American citizens being killed by agents last month, has sparked outrage nationwide. In their letter to the administration, the state treasury officials said they were concerned about the human toll, the climate of fear, and the violence and death accompanying these operations. They also worried increased operations by the Trump Administration will cause economic and fiscal damage to the business sectors of these cities. Nevada has one of largest immigrant labor forces in the country that comprises nearly 400,000 workers, Conine noted in a statement Wednesday. An analysis by the bipartisan political advocacy and research group Fwd.US estimated that immigrants contribute $20.2 billion to the Nevada economy annually in personal income, making up nearly 1 in 5 of all spending-power dollars in the state. Advertisement Advertisement Its clear that this administration is willing to go around the Constitution and existing federal law to push immigration policies that could devastate our local workforce and Nevadas hospitality industry, Conine said. Trump has carried out a campaign promise of mass deportation since returning to office last year. The move has seen a surge of federal agents swarm cities, disrupting the lives of residents and businesses alike. In the letter to the administration, the group of state fiscal officials asked Trump to scale back enforcement arguing the escalated activities were disrupting businesses and workers. The group said federal immigration enforcement must be done without destabilizing our state and local economies or the economic foundations of our governments. Many of our states already send more tax dollars to Washington than we receive in federal support, the letter reads. We are now expected to absorb the fiscal consequences of enforcement activities. This is not acceptable. The U.S. solar industry recently had one of its biggest quarters ever, with solar power accounting for more than half of all new power added to the nation's electric grid. A new analysis found the U.S. installed 11.7 gigawatts of new solar capacity in the third quarter of 2025 up 49% from the previous quarter and marking one of the largest quarterly totals ever. With this recent surge, solar now makes up 58% of all new electricity-generating capacity added to the U.S. grid. Per the analysis by the Solar Energy Industries Association and data analytics company Wood Mackenzie, much of this third-quarter growth came from utility-scale projects driven by developers racing to meet federal tax credit deadlines under recent legislation. Residential solar, however, saw a small decline due to supply constraints. Advertisement Advertisement Despite a record-breaking quarter, the industry continues to face notable challenges including supply shortages and permitting delays causing more than 100 gigawatts of solar and storage capacity stuck in limbo. Per Reuters, much of this delay can be traced back to the federal government. "Any such project in the country is subject to the red tape that the Interior Department has erected for solar," Sean Gallagher, senior vice president of policy at SEIA, told Reuters. "If they don't have their final permits yet, the Interior Department red tape could hold them up." Still, going solar is one of the best ways homeowners can save money on home energy. By generating your own clean electricity, you can significantly reduce or even eliminate monthly utility bills while protecting yourself from rising energy costs. When exploring going solar, it's smart to consult the professionals to help you understand your options. Homeowners can start by checking out EnergySage's free resources to get fast solar installation estimates and compare multiple quotes from vetted installers. Using EnergySage takes the guesswork and sales pressure out of going solar, and helps ensure you're getting competitive offers that maximize long-term savings. Advertisement Advertisement Along with quotes and estimates, EnergySage offers a powerful mapping tool that shows the average state-by-state cost of a home solar panel system, including detailed information on available solar incentives. By using this interactive map, homeowners can better understand local pricing trends and claim all rebates and incentives available. With EnergySage's help, the average person can save up to $10,000 on solar purchases and installations. Those savings come on top of the long-term reductions in energy bills, making solar one of the smartest financial upgrades for many homes. To make your new home solar setup even more resilient, consider adding battery storage to your array. It's a great way to protect your home during outages, save money on energy, and move closer to going off-grid. Home battery storage allows you to bank excess solar power for nighttime use or emergencies, increasing both resilience and independence. EnergySage also offers free tools for exploring battery installation options, including curating competitive installation estimates. 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. I, for one, will not be mourning the demise of Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, the son of Libyas former dictator, who has been murdered by unknown gunmen in his desert hideaway. It is now more than two decades since I was afforded the dubious privilege of being sued for libel by Saif after I exposed, in a Telegraph article, his involvement in a complex scheme whereby Iran provided key components for Libyas nuclear weapons programme whose existence the Gaddafi regime denied existed. Under pressure from Irans Revolutionary Guard to find out how I managed to expose his involvement, Saif issued a libel writ. Advertisement Advertisement With exquisite irony, the hearing eventually took place in Londons High Court while Saif was visiting London for talks with MI6 about dismantling his countrys nuclear weapons programme. Like all would-be dictators, Saif whom Colonel Muammar Gaddafi had designated his heir apparent had no qualms about telling bare faced lies. Far from having anything to do with developing nuclear weapons, Saif claimed he was an innocent student studying in Vienna, where he kept a pet tiger at the local zoo. Not surprisingly, the case was settled out of court, and Saif returned to Libya where, during the uprisings that swept the country during the Arab Spring in 2011, he showed his true colours by overseeing the brutal crackdown that eventually resulted in the Western military intervention that led to the Gaddafi regimes overthrow and Gaddafi seniors subsequent killing. In 2015, Saif al-Islam was sentenced to death by firing squad by a court in Tripoli for war crimes - Ismail Zitouny/Reuters At the time of his death this week, the 53-year-old Saif was being pursued by the International Criminal Court to stand trial for war crimes having previously been sentenced to death by firing squad in Libya on similar charges. So much for Saifs High Court claim that he was a student he briefly studied at the London School of Economics who had no official ties to his fathers tyrannical regime. For Saif, it was a classic case of, like father, like son. Advertisement Advertisement Yet, much as I loathed the Gaddafi clan, I have always had my reservations about David Camerons decision taken in conjunction with then French president Nicolas Sarkozy to launch a combined military intervention against the Libyan regime in the spring of 2011. The whole issue regarding the value and effectiveness of staging military interventions against hostile powers has once again come into sharp focus with US president Donald Trump claiming to have assembled a big, beautiful armada off the Iranian coast. This has prompted concerns that the White House is about to launch a fresh wave of attacks against the ayatollahs, possibly with the aim of fulfilling Washingtons long-term goal of achieving regime change in Tehran. When weighing up the pros and cons of launching military action designed to cause regime change in a hostile power, I have always believed a useful rule of thumb is to first assess whether it is in our national interest to do so. On this basis, for example, overthrowing the Taliban in Afghanistan after the September 11 attacks was totally justified, as the Talibans decision to provide al-Qaeda with a safe haven provided the terrorists with a secure base from which to plan their attacks against the US and its allies. The case for removing Gaddafis regime in Libya, by contrast, was less clear-cut. Women celebrate the passing of former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011 - Reuters/Suhaib Salem Gaddafi, it is true, had a long history of involvement in anti-British terrorism, from IRA gun-running to Lockerbie. Yet, by the spring of 2011, his position had changed dramatically, to the point where he had become a valued ally of the UK, cooperating on vital security issues such as countering al-Qaeda-inspired terrorism. At the same time a lucrative oil trade had been established between the two countries. Advertisement Advertisement Camerons decision to launch his own military intervention against Gaddafi, taken on the disputed premise that it was necessary to prevent a massacre of opposition forces in Benghazi, resulted in the regimes complete destruction, creating a dangerous power vacuum that remains to this day. Certainly, in terms of enhancing our national security, Gaddafis overthrow has been a disaster, not least because those responsible for staging the intervention had not the faintest clue what kind of administration would oversee this strategically important North African country after Gaddafis removal. As a result, a significant proportion of the tens of thousands of illegal migrants making their way to Europe each year including many of those arriving on British shores originate from Libya. Many of these smuggling gangs, moreover, have ties with Russian intelligence, which sees flooding Europe with unwanted migrants as a useful means of destabilising its European adversaries. A key lesson for leaders considering regime change in other hostile states, such as Iran, is that the golden rule for staging any military intervention, whether in Afghanistan or Iran, is first to have a clear idea of what kind of administration is likely to replace it. Advertisement Advertisement Our ill-fated involvement in Libya is a case in point. Few will mourn the passing of the Gaddafis. But there are many reasons to rue the terrible mess we have helped to create in Libya by implementing regime change in Tripoli, and the disastrous impact it is now having on our national well-being. 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. The Supreme Court on Wednesday cleared the way for California to use its new congressional map that adds up to five Democratic-leaning seats for the midterms, rejecting Republicans emergency bid to block it. Supported by the Trump administration, the California GOP has challenged the map as an unconstitutional racial gerrymander. They point to the mapmakers comments boasting about strengthened Latino voting power under the new design. In a one-sentence order without any noted dissents, the Supreme Court declined the emergency application to halt the design for the midterms. It is not a final ruling, and the case could return to the justices and impact future election cycles. Advertisement Advertisement The decision was not entirely surprising, given the court signaled in a separate ruling related to the use of Texass new GOP-favored House map ahead of 2026 that both Texas and California had drawn their new set of congressional lines for partisan gain. California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) called for the map after Texas Republicans began a mid-decade redistricting war by passing a new map that nets up to five GOP-leaning seats. With both Californias and Texass maps going into effect, each states design effectively cancels the expected partisan gain of the other. At the crux of the legal battles is whether the congressional districts were drawn for political or racial reasons. Advertisement Advertisement The states defend their designs, noting federal judges have no power to question political gerrymanders under a 2019 Supreme Court precedent. But the challengers say race was really the motivating factor, which judges can scrutinize. In California, Republicans challenge revolves around the new 13th Congressional District, which spans parts of the Central Valley. The lawsuit claims statements by mapmaker Paul Mitchell reveal the design was intentionally aimed at boosting Latino voting power in violation of the Constitutions equal protection guarantee. The evidence before the court tells a consistent and damning story, the California GOP told the justices. A divided three-judge panel rejected the arguments last month, instead crediting Democrats stated motivation that they were merely boosting their partys chances in response to Texas. Advertisement Advertisement At the Supreme Court, the state argued its wrong to focus on the mapmaker because voters are the ones who passed the design. They also noted the Trump administrations support was procedurally unusual. Because the administration is an actual party in the lawsuit, it normally wouldve filed its own, separate emergency appeal. Instead, it submitted a written brief supporting the existing appeal filed by California Republicans. Whatever the explanation for that unusual decision, the Court should be wary of granting an injunction in the first instance, on a hurried timetable with limited briefing, where the requested relief would nullify the choice of millions of voters and displace state election laws in the middle of an active primary campaign, Newsom and state officials wrote in court filings. Though the Supreme Court has appeared to settle the fate of Californias and Texass maps for the midterms, both lawsuits may return to the high court to determine whether the designs can survive later election cycles. Advertisement Advertisement The decision comes as states across the country are racing to redraw their House maps ahead of the November midterms. Texas Republicans redrew their House map last year, prompting a flurry of states, both red and blue, to do so as well. The redistricting math is still fluid, but Republicans are expected to gain up to nine seats so far from redistricting, mandated and not, from new maps in Texas, Missouri, Ohio and North Carolina. Meanwhile, Democrats could be poised to gain at least six new seats between California and a court-ordered ruling in Utah. Virginia, Maryland and Florida could also redistrict ahead of November. Advertisement Advertisement Updated at 2:24 p.m. EST Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. The Supreme Court cleared the way for California to use its newly redrawn congressional map, which shifts five seats in Democrats favor, in the 2026 midterm elections. The high court's decision to decline to take up an emergency appeal from California Republicans comes after voters in the state approved a ballot measure called Proposition 50, which allowed the state to enact the Democrat-friendly map in time for the midterms. The justices' decision included no dissents or explanation. State Republicans, joined by the Department of Justice, had sued Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom, alleging the map was an illegal racial gerrymander, in part because the mapmaker, Paul Mitchell, touted that it would bolster the Latino vote. Advertisement Advertisement Doj Joins Lawsuit Against Newsom Over Racial Gerrymander Of California Map Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks at a "Yes On Prop 50" volunteer event in Los Angeles, California. (Getty Images) California lawyers argued to the high court that those claims were insufficient to meet the high burden required to overturn the map. They also said no district actually gained Latino residents of voting age. "None of the stray statements invoked by plaintiffs reveals any race-based motive, let alone a racial motivation that predominates over all others," the California lawyers wrote. Read On The Fox News App Proposition 50, according to Newsom, was a way to fight what he called President Donald Trump's "power grab in Texas," which passed its own map intended to give Republicans five seats. Advertisement Advertisement Newsom and Republican Gov. Greg Abbott both professed that their redistricting efforts were grounded in politics and that race was not a predominant factor in the map drawing process. But lawyers for California Republicans argued to the Supreme Court that state officials "harbored another purpose as well: maximizing Latino voting strength to shore up Latino support for the Democratic Party." The lawyers called Proposition 50 a "pernicious and unconstitutional use of race." The Supreme Court greenlit Texas map in December, reversing a lower court decision that had blocked it. Its decision on California's map now effectively cancels out the two states' mid-cycle redistricting maneuvers. Texas Sen. Phil King displays a map during a hearing on Aug. 7, 2025, in Austin, Texas. The voting rights groups who challenged Texas and Republican Gov. Greg Abbott claimed that the map was an illegal racial gerrymander, but the high court said the groups could not offer an alternative map that served Texas political needs. In the 6-3 unsigned order, the justices also said the lower court should not have "interfered with an active primary campaign, causing much confusion and upsetting the delicate federal-state balance in elections." The three liberal justices dissented. Advertisement Advertisement The decision in Texas was issued on an emergency basis while the case proceeds, but the court schedule signals that the state's map will remain in place through at least the 2026 elections. Fox News Digital reached out to Republican Assemblyman David Tangipa and the DOJ for comment. Tangipa, who led the lawsuit, noted that Republicans' appeal to the Supreme Court was made on an emergency basis and that litigation would continue, even though the map will stay in place this year. "The case will now head back to the lower court to be ruled on," Tangipa said. "While this is happening, California will proceed with the Prop 50 maps and we will continue to work on this issue until the very end." Original article source: Supreme Court shuts down California GOP bid to block Newsom's new map When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. California Governor Gavin Newsom speaks about the Election Rigging Response Act. | Credit: Mario Tama / Getty Images What happened The U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday allowed California to use its newly redrawn congressional map in this years midterm elections. There were no dissents in the brief emergency docket order, which rejected a last-ditch plea from state Republicans and the Trump administration to reject the voter-approved redistricting plan, The Associated Press said. Who said what Californias new map is designed to flip up to five seats now held by Republicans, part of a tit-for-tat nationwide redistricting battle spurred by President Donald Trump, the AP said. Wednesdays ruling came two months after the Supreme Court cleared the way for the Texas map that kicked off the gerrymandering fight, NPR said. With both maps upheld, the end result is that the two states may essentially cancel out each others partisan gains. Advertisement Advertisement Donald Trump said he was entitled to five more congressional seats in Texas, California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) said on social media. He started this redistricting war. He lost, and hell lose again in November. What next? Legal battles are still playing out over other new congressional maps, NPR said. GOP-led Florida and Democratic-led Maryland have both taken steps to join the list of states that have redistricted before the midterms. Republicans are challenging new court-ordered Democratic-leaning districts in New York and Utah, and Virginias top court Wednesday agreed to adjudicate a challenge to that states proposed Democratic gerrymander. The California ruling also served as a reminder that the Supreme Court has yet to rule on a broader challenge to a Voting Rights Act provision that considers race in redistricting, The New York Times said. One of President Donald Trump's chief political architects declared that the federal government plans to deploy U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to polling stations during the November midterm elections. "We're going to have ICE surround the polls come November," Steve Bannon, who served as a senior advisor during the first Trump administration, said during a Feb. 3 episode of his War Room podcast. "We're not going to sit here and allow you to steal the country again," he added. "And you can whine and cry and throw your toys out of the pram all you want, but we will never again allow an election to be stolen." Advertisement Advertisement More: Supreme Court lets California use congressional map that favors Dems Jack Smith gave his first public testimony on his investigations into Donald Trump on Jan. 22, 2026. During a break, a confrontation occurred between far-right political operative Ivan Raiklin (L) and former Metropolitan Police Department officer Michael Fanone. Former Special Counsel Jack Smith testifies during a hearing before the House Judiciary Committee in the Rayburn House Office Building on Capitol Hill on Jan. 22, 2026 in Washington, D.C. Smith testified on his team's federal criminal investigations into President Donald Trump which included 2020 election interference and classified documents. A US Capitol Police officer intervenes as far-right political operative Ivan Raiklin (L) confronts former Metropolitan Police Department officer Michael Fanone (R) held by Former US Capitol Police Officer Harry Dunn (2R), during a break in testimony by former US special counsel Jack Smith before the House Judiciary Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, on Jan. 22, 2026. Former Metropolitan Police officer Daniel Hodges, (L) and former Metropolitan Police Department officer Michael Fanone (R) watch as former Special Counsel Jack Smith leaves at the conclusion of his testimony at a hearing before the House Judiciary Committee in the Rayburn House Office Building on Capitol Hill on Jan. 22, 2026 in Washington, D.C. Smith testified on his team's federal criminal investigations into President Donald Trump which included 2020 election interference and classified documents. Former Special Counsel Jack Smith (L) leaves at the conclusion of his testimony at a hearing before the House Judiciary Committee in the Rayburn House Office Building on Capitol Hill on Jan. 22, 2026 in Washington, D.C. Smith testified on his team's federal criminal investigations into President Donald Trump which included 2020 election interference and classified documents. A US Capitol Police officer intervenes as far-right political operative Ivan Raiklin (L) confronts former Metropolitan Police Department officer Michael Fanone (R), steered away by former US Capitol Police officer Harry Dunn (2R), during a break in testimony by former US special counsel Jack Smith before the House Judiciary Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, on Jan. 22, 2026. Ivan Raiklin (C) confronts former Metropolitan Police Department officer Michael Fanone (2nd L) and former Capitol Police officer Harry Dunn (L) during a hearing before the House Judiciary Committee in the Rayburn House Office Building on Capitol Hill on Jan. 22, 2026 in Washington, D.C. Smith testified on his team's federal criminal investigations into President Donald Trump which included 2020 election interference and classified documents. Ivan Raiklin (L) confronts former Metropolitan Police Department officer Michael Fanone during a recess in the testimony of Special Counsel Jack Smith at a hearing before the House Judiciary Committee in the Rayburn House Office Building on Capitol Hill on Jan. 22, 2026 in Washington, D.C. Smith testified on his team's federal criminal investigations into President Donald Trump which included 2020 election interference and classified documents. Former Special Counsel Jack Smith shakes hands with former U.S. Capitol Police Sergeant Aquilino Gonell as he leaves at the conclusion of his testimony at a hearing before the House Judiciary Committee in the Rayburn House Office Building on Capitol Hill on Jan. 22, 2026 in Washington, D.C. Smith testified on his team's federal criminal investigations into President Donald Trump which included 2020 election interference and classified documents. Former US special counsel Jack Smith shakes hands with Former US Capitol Police Officer Harry Dunn (L) after testifying before the House Judiciary Committee about his investigations into President Donald Trump, in the Rayburn House Office Building on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 22, 2026. Ivan Raiklin (L) confronts former Metropolitan Police Department officer Michael Fanone during a recess in the testimony of Special Counsel Jack Smith at a hearing before the House Judiciary Committee in the Rayburn House Office Building on Capitol Hill on Jan. 22, 2026 in Washington, D.C. Smith testified on his team's federal criminal investigations into President Donald Trump which included 2020 election interference and classified documents. Ivan Raiklin confronts former Metropolitan Police Department officer Michael Fanone during a hearing before the House Judiciary Committee in the Rayburn House Office Building on Capitol Hill on Jan. 22, 2026 in Washington, D.C. Smith testified on his team's federal criminal investigations into President Donald Trump which included 2020 election interference and classified documents. Former Metropolitan Police Department officer Michael Fanone (C) and Former Capitol Police officer Harry Dunn are escorted from a hearing before the House Judiciary Committee following a confrontation with Ivan Raiklin in the Rayburn House Office Building on Capitol Hill on Jan. 22, 2026 in Washington, D.C. Smith testified on his team's federal criminal investigations into President Donald Trump which included 2020 election interference and classified documents. Former US special counsel Jack Smith steps down for a break as he testifies before the House Judiciary Committee about his investigations into President Donald Trump, in the Rayburn House Office Building on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, on Jan. 22, 2026. Former Special Counsel Jack Smith says the Pledge of Allegiance before he prepares to testify during a hearing before the House Judiciary Committee in the Rayburn House Office Building on Capitol Hill on Jan. 22, 2026 in Washington, D.C. Smith testified on his team's federal criminal investigations into President Donald Trump which included 2020 election interference and classified documents. (L-R) Former US Capitol Police Officer Harry Dunn, Metropolitan Police Department Officer Daniel Hodges, Retired US Capitol Police officer Aquilino Gonel and Former officer with the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia Michael Fanone attend a hearing of Former US special counsel Jack Smith before the House Judiciary Committee about his investigations into President Donald Trump, in the Rayburn House Office Building on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 22, 2026. Former special counsel Jack Smith defended his prosecution of Donald Trump on Thursday, accusing him of engaging in a "criminal scheme" to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election he lost to Democrat Joe Biden. Former Special Counsel Jack Smith arrives to testify during a hearing before the House Judiciary Committee in the Rayburn House Office Building on Capitol Hill on Jan. 22, 2026 in Washington, D.C. Smith testified on his team's federal criminal investigations into President Donald Trump which included 2020 election interference and classified documents. Former police officer, 2020 election denier clash at Jack Smith hearing 1 of 17 Jack Smith gave his first public testimony on his investigations into Donald Trump on Jan. 22, 2026. During a break, a confrontation occurred between far-right political operative Ivan Raiklin (L) and former Metropolitan Police Department officer Michael Fanone. Immigration and Customs Enforcement didn't immediately respond to a request for comment on Bannon's statements. The remarks will likely pour more gasoline on the inferno of speculation among Trump's critics who warn that the administration intends to interfere with the upcoming fall contests, which many predict will give Democrats control of at least one chamber in Congress. Democrats have expanded their lead in the generic congressional ballot to 52%-48%, a Harvard CAPS / Harris Poll taken Jan. 28 and 29 found. Trump continues to make false claims that voter fraud decided his 2020 presidential election loss to Joe Biden, and a day before Bannon's comments the president struck a similar chord on separate podcast, where he said the federal government should seize control of the elections from the states. Advertisement Advertisement More: Ryan Routh sentenced to life for attempting to assassinate President Trump "The Republicans should say, 'We want to take over. We should take over the voting in at least many, 15 places.'" Trump said Feb. 2. "The Republicans ought to nationalize the voting. We have states that are so crooked." Leaders from both parties in Congress quickly threw cold water on Trump's comments, including Senate Republican Leader John Thune, of South Dakota, who told reporters that he's "not in favor of federalizing elections." He also pointed out that the U.S. Constitution gives that power to the states, leading to a more decentralized process overseen by county and city election officials covering thousands of precincts across the nation. Dems, civil rights leaders condemn Trump's call to nationalize elections Bannon remains an important player in the Make America Great Again movement, and his comments have echoed the president when Trump has publicly toyed with the idea of breaking other constitutional norms. Advertisement Advertisement During an October 2025 interview with The Economist, for instance, Bannon suggested a plan exists for his former boss to defy the 22nd Amendment which forbids a president from seeking a third term after months of Trump making similar suggestions. More: Blue wave forming? Democrat's Texas romp may be biggest sign yet. "Every day that goes by is another day Donald Trump is trying to cement his power by trying to rig the election in his favor," Democratic Sen. Chris Van Hollen, of Maryland, said in a Feb. 3 post on X. Several civil rights leaders have released statements saying discussions about radically changing U.S. election procedures are reckless. Advertisement Advertisement "This serves as yet another reminder that the Trump Administration is only looking to exhaust our nation with these deplorable and unconstitutional antics in hopes that we will grow tired and concede," NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson said in a statement to USA TODAY. Angela Vasquez-Giroux, a spokeswoman for Planned Parenthood Votes, said these recents comments represent a shocking escalation by the president, but also a subtle admission about how poorly the GOP thinks the congressional elections will be this fall. "You dont call to 'nationalize' elections and 'take over' voting procedures if youre confident in your party's ability to win over the hearts and minds of the American people," she said. "So let's call President Trumps latest authoritarian gambit what it is: a clear admission that he and the GOP are running scared and desperate to hold on to power because they cant win otherwise." More: No ICE at the Super Bowl? Bay Area communities aren't buying it. Rioters stand on the US Capitol building to protest the official election of President-elect Joe Biden on Jan. 6, 2021 on Washington DC. Law enforcement officers point their guns at a door that was vandalized in the House Chamber during a joint session of Congress on Jan. 6, 2021 in Washington, DC. Congress held a joint session today to ratify President-elect Joe Biden's 306-232 Electoral College win over President Donald Trump. Pro-Trump rioter Josiah Colt is seen hanging from the balcony in the Senate Chamber on Jan. 6, 2021 in Washington, DC. Josiah Colt turned himself in at the Ada County Sheriff's Office in Boise, Idaho on Jan. 12, 2021. A person poses with a noose displayed in front of the US Capitol building on Jan. 6, 2021. A Capitol police officer looks out of a broken window as pro-Trump rioters gather on the U.S. Capitol Building on January 06, 2021 in Washington, DC. Pro-Trump protesters storm into the U.S. Capitol during clashes with police, during a rally to contest the certification of the 2020 U.S. presidential election results by the U.S. Congress, in Washington on Jan. 6, 2021. Supporters of US President Donald Trump enter the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington, DC. Pro-Trump rioters protest inside the US Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington, DC. - Demonstrators breeched security and entered the Capitol as Congress debated the a 2020 presidential election Electoral Vote Certification. A supporter of President Trump carries a Confederate flag as he protests in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda, in Washington, DC on Jan. 6, 2021, Members of congress run for cover as protesters try to enter the House Chamber during a joint session of Congress on January 06, 2021 in Washington, DC. A supporter of President Donald Trump sits inside the office of U.S. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi inside the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021. Police hold back supporters of US President Donald Trump as they gather outside the US Capitol's Rotunda on January 6, 2021, in Washington, DC. - Demonstrators breeched security and entered the Capitol as Congress debated the a 2020 presidential election Electoral Vote Certification. See images of pro-Trump rioters storming the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021 1 of 12 Rioters stand on the US Capitol building to protest the official election of President-elect Joe Biden on Jan. 6, 2021 on Washington DC. Democratic officials across the country have turned up their alarms after the FBI recently executed a search warrant at an elections center in Georgia, a state Trump lost in 2020 and where he has repeatedly claimed, without evidence, the election was stolen. Advertisement Advertisement Others point to the administration pressuring leaders in Minnesota, where ICE raids and the killing of two U.S. citizens in January has sparked civil unrest, to fork over their voter rolls including driver's license numbers and partial Social Security numbers. "Fulfilling this common sense request will better guarantee free and fair elections, and boost confidence in the rule of law," Attorney General Pam Bondi said in a Jan. 24 letter to Gov. Tim Walz. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: ICE will 'surround the polls' in 2026, Steve Bannon says TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) One Tampa family is trying to get their loved one back home after he contracted a flesh-eating disease while overseas in the Bahamas. Family members said the 62-year-old almost didnt survive. Several fall deathly ill from suspected Las Vegas bio lab Brian Roush and his girlfriend went on their tropical vacation for New Years to celebrate recently moving in together, but by January 4, he was in the hospital fighting for his life. Advertisement Advertisement As of this report, Roush was at Broward Health in Fort Lauderdale with kidney failure. He has a little bit of heart damage, and he has a number of secondary infections from just being in the hospital for a long time, Brittany Roush said. He cant walk, and he cant use most of his limbs right now. COURTESY: Brittany Roush His daughter, Brittany Roush, said that while he was in the Bahamas, he tripped, scraped his ankle, and later did typical activities there, like swimming with pigs. When he and his girlfriend got back to Fort Lauderdale, he became violently ill and unresponsive and was rushed to the hospital. His ankle erupted into blisters right in front of them, so the doctor suspected flesh-eating bacteria, necrotizing fasciitis, got him into emergency surgery to remove fluid, Brittany said. Advertisement Advertisement According to the CDC, necrotizing fasciitis, known as flesh-eating disease, is rare, but recent data show how deadly it can be, with up to one in five people having died from the infection, even with treatment. His lungs, kidneys, and his liver all failed throughout the week before he was able to start recovering, his daughter said. Roush said her father was given less than 10% chance of survival. They gave him such a low, low chance of survival, and everything had to go right for him to get there, she said. She highlighted how hard he has been fighting in the hospital, with multiple surgeries, treatments, etc. Advertisement Advertisement You just cant explain the experience of seeing your loved one so weak and feeble, Brittany said. Its been very, very difficult. Now, hes on a slow road to recovery with his family by his side, every step of the way. Roush said they are hoping her father can be transferred to a rehabilitation facility in Spring Hill on Thursday. She said he will likely be there for the next three to six months. In the meantime, Roush said her family is looking for financial help for her father. If you would like to donate, you can at helpbriansrecovery@gmail.com. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA. The outside of Coffee Creek Correctional Facility in Wilsonville on Friday, Aug. 18, 2023. The facility is Oregon's only women's prison. Oregon lawmakers are working to improve the compensation process for those who have been wrongfully imprisoned. (Ben Botkin/Oregon Capital Chronicle) Less than a year after a bipartisan bill to streamline the payout process for exonerated Oregonians stalled, Oregon lawmakers are trying their hand at a narrower piece of legislation. Senate Bill 1515, sponsored by the Senate Judiciary Committee, aims to strengthen a 2022 Oregon law allowing those who have been wrongfully accused of a crime to receive $65,000 for each year of imprisonment and $25,000 additionally for each year of post-release supervision. Most states already have laws ensuring a pathway for wrongfully convicted individuals to receive compensation. Advertisement Advertisement The committee, which heard the bill on Wednesday, had unanimously approved legislation last session seeking to improve that process, but the 2025 effort died in a budgeting committee amid concerns that it could open up the state to increased legal costs. The bill would have allowed those who received clemency from the governor or placement on a nationally recognized registry for exonerated individuals to serve as proof of innocence. The new legislation comes after the state awarded its first two certificates of innocence last year to exonerated Oregonians, a show of progress for a process critics say dragged on in court under former Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum. An amendment discussed on Wednesday drops the ability for a gubernatorial pardon to count as sufficient proof of innocence, a change supporters hope will lower the number of cases and ease fiscal concerns. Theres not a whole big bunch of these folks, and it doesnt happen all the time, but when it does, we need to give them an avenue to have their case reviewed in court, Thatcher told her colleagues Wednesday. Exonerees deserve better, and after losing years of their lives, their reputations, their livelihood, their families to unlawful imprisonment, we can do better. This year, the bills backers have sought to push back on prosecutors who exonerees say have relied upon historically-discredited forensic techniques, such as microscopic hair comparison, bite mark analysis and comparative bullet lead analysis. Around 40% of Oregons 43 criminal cases involving an exoneration involve faulty or misleading forensic evidence, according to the National Registry of Exonerations run by researchers at the University of Michigan and University of California, Irvine. Advertisement Advertisement Oregon courts do not have the ability to review convictions that resulted from these discredited forensic techniques or make determinations about the materiality of those techniques and those convictions, said Andrew Lauersdorf, a Portland-based attorney who has handled such cases. As a community, we want our courts to be able to make that review. Thats a matter of common sense. The state is involved in several cases dealing with the issue, according to the Oregon Department of Justice. It has paid out more than $7.25 million for 12 petitions in court over wrongful conviction, and as of late January, there were an outstanding 18 complaints that have yet to be resolved, Jenny Hansson, an agency spokesperson, wrote in an email. Amendments incoming as DAs raise concerns Lawmakers on Wednesday also heard direct testimony from a familiar face fresh off a victory in court: Philip Scott Cannon. He supported last years legislation as well. Cannon, whose case for redress was finalized in December, received a $925,000 payout from the state and a certificate verifying his innocence after spending 11 years in prison. A jury found him guilty for a 1998 murder in a case that relied on comparative bullet analysis, a methodology of forensics that compares a bullets chemicals with ammunition found in a suspects possession. The FBI abandoned the technique in 2005, and investigators for the Oregon State Police declined to use it in his case. Advertisement Advertisement The prosecution went and found someone from Oregon State University to do it instead, Cannon told lawmakers. That expert told the jury the bullets from the crime scene matched bullets from my house, told the jury that it was science, and the jurors believed him. They found me guilty of murders I did not commit. The new legislation, however, could run into hurdles due to concerns from prosecutors. The Oregon District Attorneys Association does not explicitly oppose the bill in concept, John Wentworth, the associations president and the district attorney of Clackamas County, told lawmakers. But he said his group is pushing for a two-year sunset on the bill to avoid a costly long-term expansion of collateral and post conviction attacks on convictions which undermine finality in the criminal justice system. Science in criminal cases should be determined by scientists and overseen by courts, Wentworth told the committee. If passed, moving forward, what science is sufficiently scientifically reliable would become the subject of this legislative process, rather than controlled by Oregons evidence code. The proposed bill would prevent courts handling such cases from subpoenaing crime victims unless their testimony is directly relevant to the case. Victims could ask for there to be no personal contact between them and the other party in the case, and they would be allowed to appear by phone or television. They would also be allowed to have an Oregon assistant attorney general or another advocate present during any interview with a petitioners attorney. Advertisement Advertisement Should the bill clear the Oregon Legislature and receive Oregon Gov. Tina Koteks signature, it would take effect immediately. Upon passage, Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield would have 180 days after receiving a petition for compensation to determine whether it met the bar for redress. If so, he would be directed to not oppose the exonerees request or a court judgement in their favor. He would also be required to submit an annual report to legislative committees in both chambers summarizing his determinations on such cases. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Former tenants of the Leland House in downtown Detroit are still trying to retrieve their belongings from the empty and bankrupt apartment building, nearly two months after broken electrical equipment forced them out. During a Wednesday, Feb. 4, hearing in U.S. Bankruptcy Court, a federal judge heard arguments for and against allowing the 37 or so displaced tenants back inside the low-rent high-rise at 400 Bagley to get their stuff. Leland Hotel on Bagley Avenue at Cass Avenue in downtown Detroit on Oct. 22, 2022. Detroit Fire Marshal Donald Thomas said it would be too much of a liability to let the tenants back inside, especially with no working "fire protection systems." Advertisement Advertisement Attorneys for the Leland House Tenants Union claim that when the tenants were being evacuated from the building on Dec. 10, officials with the Detroit Fire Department and the city told them that their belongings would remain accessible. But the city proceeded to lock up the building and forbid anyone from entering. Patrick Foley, a lawyer for the tenants union, told U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Maria Oxholm that the displaced tenants have a right to return to their apartments to gather their belongings and that they don't like being treated "like chattel property." "They are tired of that," Foley said. "They have legal rights." The next step for the Leland House building also is unclear. Advertisement Advertisement Judge Oxholm last week rejected a proposal by Leland House's owners to hold a fast-track online auction of the 22-story building. The proposed auction would have started March 9 with an $800,000 opening bid and a "stalking horse" bidder who would have been ready to buy the property for $3.5 million if no one bid higher. (Several interested parties in the bankruptcy case, including a U.S. bankruptcy court trustee, objected to the proposed auction's terms, including a $200,000 fee that the stalking horse bidder would get if they were outbid and contended that the planned $3.5 million minimal acceptable bid was far below a $19.4 million appraisal of the building from 2020.) Judge adjourns without decision Judge Oxholm ended Wednesday's court hearing without deciding on the tenant union's request to reconsider an earlier court order that only allows moving contractors to enter the building and pack up the tenants' belongings at some point in the future. The court will reconvene Feb. 24 to continue discussions on the union's reconsideration request. In the meantime, she asked that attorneys for the city, the tenants, the Leland House's owners and DTE attempt to come up with alternative ways to get the tenants' belongings out. Advertisement Advertisement As of right now, the tenants are forbidden from ever going back inside even to supervise as their apartments get cleared out. The recently evacuated Leland House apartment building in downtown Detroit was cold and dark on Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025. The court-approved plan involving contractors has yet to go into action, primarily because Leland House has been without power and working elevators since the Dec. 10 electrical equipment malfunction that made the building uninhabitable. The residents' apartments are on floors 6 through 21, making it hard to do heavy moving without an elevator. A lawyer representing Leland House, Ryan Heilman, said about 23 tenants have given consent to have contractors move their belongings. The remaining tenants haven't given permission. More: New details on whereabouts of Detroit goth club's GoFundMe proceeds Advertisement Advertisement Heilman said that moving contractors gave a $200,000 quote for the job of packing up every apartment and moving the items out. However, the price would drop considerably if electrical power happens to get restored and the elevator begins working again. Right now there isn't enough in Leland House's $1.2 million debtor-in-possession loan to do the packing job, he said. Leland House recently received a $75,000 maximum allowable cost quote for an electric contractor to restore partial power to the building presumably enough to get an elevator and some lights working. Unfortunately, there isn't enough money for that job, either, Heilman said. Evac to Red Roof Inn The city says it evacuated over 60 residents from Leland House on Dec. 10, after seeping water from melting snow was said to damage the building's own electric transformers in the basement. Advertisement Advertisement Residents who had no other place to stay were put up at a Southfield Red Roof Inn. DTE Energy initially paid their hotel bill before the city of Detroit took over. A Detroit spokesperson said the city has spent $74,960 so far on accommodations for the former Leland House residents. Displaced Leland House tenant Jerrold Foke attended Wednesday's court hearing and left disappointed. He disagreed with the Fire Marshal's assessment that it's too dangerous to allow residents back in to retrieve their belongings. He said he lived at Leland House for 23 years, during which time there were two fires on the sixth floor where he stayed and that each fire was easily contained. Advertisement Advertisement More: Extreme cold could make ground quake. What to know about frost quakes "It's a fireproof building," he said. Foke said he only had enough time to pack a few outfits during the building's evacuation and that he has been staying at an AirBnb on his own dime. He said he paid less than $700 a month in rent for his unique apartment at Leland House that consisted of three connected units. Foke is still determining his long-term plan, as he assumes he would need to pay three times that amount for a similar apartment in any other downtown building. Leland House filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on Nov. 3. The building's longtime owner, Michael Higgins, died in 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Luis Ramirez, a representative for Leland House's owners, issued a statement after Wednesday's court hearing on the situation. We understand how important residents personal belongings are. We are working closely with the city of Detroit, the Detroit Fire Department, the court and residents to establish a safe process that will allow them to retrieve their belongings, and we hope that process is finalized soon. Contact JC Reindl: 313-378-5460 or jcreindl@freepress.com. Follow him on X @jcreindl This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Leland House tenants denied belongings When a Russian-speaking user asks Alice, Russia's most popular AI system, who started the war in Ukraine, the answer comes without hesitation: Ukraine did, backed by the West. The Bucha massacre? Staged. Nazi government in Kyiv? Confirmed. This is not a fringe chatbot. This is Russia's most popular AI assistant, developed by the country's largest tech company, delivering Kremlin propaganda to millions. I know this because I tested it. In EU-funded research presented at a NATO-supported panel in Brussels, I built a methodology to audit what AI systems actually tell users about the war and how those answers change depending on language. Advertisement Advertisement The findings reveal that Russia has already deployed AI as a cognitive weapon. The West has not even begun to track it. I tested six major AI models on seven well-documented facts about the war: who started it, who committed atrocities in Bucha, and whether Ukraine committed "genocide" in Donbas, among others. Each question was asked in English, Ukrainian, and Russian. Yandex's Alice endorsed Kremlin propaganda in 86% of Russian-language responses. In English, the same assistant refused to answer 86% of questions. So it shares strategic silence for international audiences and active disinformation for Russian speakers. When the same lie appears in 86% of responses in one language, we are looking at an information weapon. Advertisement Advertisement But here is the smoking gun. I captured a screen recording of Alice generating a factual response about Bucha, correctly stating that Russian forces were responsible for the crimes committed. Just seconds later with a user barely reading it Alice automatically overwrote the answer with a refusal. The system knows the truth. It is programmed to hide it. This doesn't look like a bug. When the same lie appears in 86% of responses in one language, we are looking at an information weapon. Russian President Vladimir Putin, during the Artificial Intelligence Journey 2023 forum in Moscow, Russia, on Nov. 24, 2023. (Contributor / Getty Images) China's AI has a 'Russian mode' The problem extends beyond Russian AI. I tested DeepSeek, China's leading AI model, on the same questions. In English and Ukrainian, it was accurate, correctly identifying Russia as the aggressor in all responses. In Russian, the model shifted. It called Ukraine's EuroMaidan Revolution a "coup." It described the 2022 invasion as a "special military operation" aimed at "protecting Donbas residents" and "denazifying Ukraine." In 29% of Russian-language responses, DeepSeek adopted Kremlin terminology. Advertisement Advertisement We see that the same model and the same question create different truths depending on the language in which it is posed. These findings suggest something troubling: an emerging alignment between Russian and Chinese information spaces, where AI systems trained on Russian-language data absorb and reproduce state propaganda. For the millions of Russian speakers in Europe, Israel, the United States, and elsewhere, it creates a parallel reality accessible through a simple language switch. Read also: How Soviet nostalgia and silence enable wartime complicity on Russian YouTube Western AI won't name the aggressor Western models (ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Grok) performed far better: 86-95% accuracy, zero propaganda endorsed. But they have their own problems. Advertisement Advertisement When asked, "Who provoked the conflict in Ukraine?", these models often retreat into false balance. One responded that it "depends on one's perspective" and "isn't a black-and-white story." Another suggested that "understanding the conflict fully requires acknowledging" both NATO expansion concerns and Russian actions as legitimate factors. AI is the new infrastructure of reality. Whoever controls it controls what millions will come to believe about this war. When AI systems treat a war of aggression documented by the international courts, UN investigations, and years of independent journalism as a matter of "different perspectives," they are not being objective. They are providing cover for the aggressor's narrative, effectively doing Russia's work in cognitive warfare. For Ukrainians who have spent years fighting for the right to have their reality acknowledged, watching Western AI systems hesitate on basic facts is its own form of betrayal. What must change First, Ukraine and its allies should demand AI transparency. If models behave differently by language, this should be disclosed and auditable. The methodology I developed is open and replicable; any government or institution can use it. Advertisement Advertisement Second, Western companies must fix the "both sides" problem. Safety tuning that treats established facts as contested opinions serves Russian information warfare objectives. This requires direct engagement between policymakers and AI developers. Third, the West must recognize that restricting AI access in Russian-speaking markets does not create an information vacuum. It clears the field for Yandex and DeepSeek. During the Cold War, the West fought to pierce the Iron Curtain with the Voice of America. Today, by restricting AI access, Western tech companies are inadvertently reinforcing it. The Kremlin has understood something the West has not: AI is the new infrastructure of reality. Whoever controls it controls what millions will come to believe about this war. Russia is already fighting on this front. It is time for Ukraine's allies to show up. Submit an Opinion Advertisement Advertisement Editors note: The opinions expressed in the op-ed section are those of the authors and do not purport to reflect the views of the Kyiv Independent. Read also: The worst damage we have seen Ukraines energy crisis deepens after latest mass Russian attack Read also: The illusion of a ceasefire in Ukraine Read also: Exclusive: Russian negotiators soften hardline stance in private, US officials say. Ukrainians urge caution Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. By Jonathan Stempel Feb 5 (Reuters) - A federal judge declared unconstitutional a 2021 Texas law restricting state investments in companies seeking to rely less on fossil fuels or boycott that industry. In a decision made public on Wednesday, U.S. District Judge Alan Albright said the law violated First Amendment free speech protections because it punished businesses for speaking about fossil fuels and associating with organizations that oppose fossil fuels. Advertisement Advertisement The Austin, Texas-based judge also called the law known as Senate Bill 13 "facially overbroad" and "unconstitutionally vague," saying it invites and has already led to discriminatory enforcement. "SB 13s definition of 'boycott energy companies' permits the state to penalize companies for all manner of protected expression concerning fossil fuels," wrote Albright, an appointee of U.S. President Donald Trump. Texas is the largest U.S. oil-producing state, and the largest Republican-led state to crack down on businesses whose environmental, social and governance (ESG) policies it opposes. Senate Bill 13 was challenged by the American Sustainable Business Council, which said in an August 2024 lawsuit that the law illegally codified viewpoint-based discrimination that harms its more than 250,000 members. Advertisement Advertisement Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and former Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar were named as defendants. The offices of Paxton and of Hegar's acting successor Kelly Hancock did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Thursday. David Levine, president and co-founder of the ASBC, in a statement called the decision a "massive win" for sustainable businesses and investors. "The court has affirmed what we've always known: you cannot punish businesses for their investment decisions or silence those who speak about climate risk," Levine said. (Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York; Editing by Mark Porter) A federal district judge on Wednesday declared a 2021 law restricting state investments in companies boycotting the fossil fuel industry unconstitutional, calling it facially overbroad and citing First and Fourteenth Amendment concerns. Legislators passed Senate Bill 13 as a way of discouraging divestment from oil and gas companies, as financial figureheads at the time had signaled they intended to make climate change initiatives a larger factor in their investment considerations. The law requires the comptrollers office to maintain a list of financial firms that refuse, terminate or penalize business with a fossil fuel company without ordinary business purpose. SB 13 is commonly referred to as an anti-ESG law, which stands for environmental, social and governance. U.S. District Judge Alan Albright delivered the summary judgment, and affirmed in the 12-page order that the way SB 13 determined what constituted boycotting a company was too broad and undermined free speech protections of firms affected. Advertisement Advertisement SB 13s boycotting definition is comprised of three clauses, all of which are undefined and not susceptible to objective measurement or determination, Albright wrote in the ruling. Albright also wrote that the law had already led to discriminatory enforcement of its provisions. After SB 13 was passed, huge state investment funds, including the Teacher Retirement System of Texas and the Texas Permanent School Fund, divested billions from firms. The Texas Comptrollers office maintains a publicly available list of more than 300 companies they identified as boycotting energy companies, which was last updated in June. During that update, BlackRock, one of the largest international investment firms, was removed from the list after it excused itself from two major climate initiatives. Then-state Comptroller Glenn Hegar lauded the move as a meaningful victory for Texas economy. The American Sustainable Business Coalition filed the suit in 2024 against Hegar and Attorney General Ken Paxton, alleging five different counts of free speech and due process violations. The ASBC subsequently moved for summary judgment on three of those claims in January 2025, and Albright ruled in their favor for all three Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement In a statement, David Levine, ASBC president and co-founder, said SB 13 had already cost the state hundreds of millions of dollars and called the ruling a massive win for sustainable businesses. The court has affirmed what weve always known: you cannot punish businesses for their investment decisions or silence those who speak about climate risk, Levine said. The Texas Comptrollers Office and Attorney Generals Office did not immediately respond to a request for comment about the ruling. Supporters of the suit praised the judges ruling as a win for state workers. Tim Hill, president of the Alliance for Prosperity and a Secure Retirement, called the ruling a victory for current and future retirees in the state. Judge Albrights thoughtful ruling will help keep politics out of public finance, Hill said in a statement. We are gratified that todays ruling puts a stop to the unconstitutional effort in Texas to include non-fiduciary issues when deciding how to invest public pension funds. President Donald Trump revealed that he doesnt sleep on flights and instead looks out the airplane windows, focusing on more than just the clouds. I dont like sleeping on planes, Trump, 79, said during his speech at the National Prayer Breakfast on Thursday. I like looking out the window, watching for missiles and enemies, the president added. Trump made the remarks while recounting his first meeting with his nowchairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Dan Caine, 57, whom he met years earlier in Iraq, where the general introduced himself by his military call sign, Razin, a detail Trump lingered on as he laughed during Thursdays breakfast. President Donald Trump said that he doesn't sleep when on board the Air Force One. / Al Drago / Getty Images He said, Sir, if youd like, you can go and sleep, Trump recalled, referring to Caine mentioning that he was about to embark on a 20-hour flight. The president said he responded, No, no, I dont have to sleep, adding in surprise, I mean, sleep on a plane? Advertisement Advertisement In response to a request for comment, the White House dismissed the coverage as stupid. Trumps comments about his lack of sleep on Air Force One echo concerns previously raised by staffers, as well as his own claim that he has never been a big sleeper. In a The Wall Street Journal report on the health of the oldest inaugurated president, aides said Trump keeps his advisers awake during flights and laughs at those who doze off, with someone always remaining awake to keep him company. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told New York Magazine in January that he hides under a blanket when on Air Force One to avoid being woken up by Trump. Advertisement Advertisement What I do is I cocoon myself in a blanket. I cover my head. I look like a mummy, he said. I do that because I know that at some point on the flight, hes going to emerge from the cabin and start prowling the hallways to see who is awake. Though it is not clear exactly what the commander-in-chief meant by saying he watches for missiles and enemies, his comments come amid a string of forceful statements and actions toward other countries. On Christmas Day, Trump announced on Truth Social that U.S. forces had conducted strikes in northwestern Nigeria targeting what he described as ISIS terrorist scum. In January, in response to threats from Iran to target U.S. military or commercial bases, Trump warned that the whole countrys going to get blown up if anything happens. Donald Trump denied falling asleep during events at the White House, with the 79-year-old insisting he is just resting his eyes. / Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images Earlier that month, he boasted about having captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife and successfully carried out a large scale strike against the country. Advertisement Advertisement Trump also pushed to bring Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark, under U.S. control. While he appeared to back away from using military force, he declared that he would remember if Denmark refused to hand over the land. Yet, while the commander-in-chief allegedly watches for missiles and enemies outside his airplane window and skips sleep, he has also reportedly dozed off during what he described as boring Cabinet meetingsa claim he has denied, saying he only closed his eyes. These are today's mortgage and refinance interest rates. The 30-year rate is just three basis points above a three-year low. Shop for your best rate offer today. WASHINGTON (AP) The Trump administration announced Wednesday that it wants to create a critical minerals trading bloc with its allies and partners, using tariffs to maintain minimum prices and defend against Chinas stranglehold on the key elements needed for everything from fighter jets to smartphones. Vice President JD Vance said the U.S.-China trade war over the past year exposed how dependent most countries are on the critical minerals that Beijing largely dominates, so collective action is needed now to give the West self-reliance. We want members to form a trading bloc among allies and partners, one that guarantees American access to American industrial might while also expanding production across the entire zone, Vance said at the opening of a meeting that Secretary of State Marco Rubio hosted with officials from several dozen European, Asian and African nations. Advertisement Advertisement The Republican administration is making bold moves to shore up supplies of critical minerals needed for electric vehicles, missiles and other high-tech products after China choked off their flow in response to President Donald Trumps sweeping tariffs last year. While the two global powers reached a truce to pull back on the high import taxes and stepped-up rare earth restrictions, Chinas limits remain tighter than they were before Trump took office. The critical minerals meeting comes at a time of significant tensions between Washington and major allies over President Donald Trumps territorial ambitions, including Greenland, and his moves to exert control over Venezuela and other nations. His bellicose and insulting rhetoric directed at U.S. partners has led to frustration and anger. The conference, however, is an indication that the United States is seeking to build relationships when it comes to issues it deems key national security priorities. While major allies like France and the United Kingdom attended the meeting in Washington, Greenland and Denmark, the NATO ally with oversight of the mineral-rich Arctic island, did not. Advertisement Advertisement A new approach to countering China on critical minerals Vance said some countries have signed on to the trading bloc, which is designed to ensure stable prices and will provide members access to financing and the critical minerals. Administration officials said the plan will help the West move beyond complaining about the problem of access to critical minerals to actually solving it. Everyone here has a role to play, and thats why were so grateful for you coming and being a part of this gathering that I hope will lead to not just more gatherings, but action, Rubio said. Vance said that for too long, China has used the tactic of unloading materials at cheap prices to undermine potential competitors, then ratcheting up prices later after keeping new mines from being built in other countries. Advertisement Advertisement Prices within the preferential trade zone will remain consistent over time, the vice president said. Our goal within that zone is to create diverse centers of production, stable investment conditions and supply chains that are immune to the kind of external disruptions that weve already talked about, he said. In Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said in response to a question about the trading bloc that we oppose any country undermining the international economic and trade order through rules set by small cliques. To make the new trading group work, it will be important to have ways to keep countries from buying cheap Chinese materials on the side and to encourage companies from getting the critical minerals they need from China, said Ian Lange, an economics professor who focuses on rare earths at the Colorado School of Mines. Advertisement Advertisement Lets just say its standard economics or standard behavior. If I can cheat and get away with it, I will, he said. At least for defense contractors, Lange said the Pentagon can enforce where those companies get their critical minerals, but it may be harder with electric vehicle makers and other manufacturers. US turns to a strategic stockpile and investments Trump this week also announced Project Vault, a plan for a strategic U.S. stockpile of rare earth elements to be funded with a $10 billion loan from the U.S. Export-Import Bank and nearly $1.67 billion in private capital. In addition, the government recently made its fourth direct investment in an American critical minerals producer, extending $1.6 billion to USA Rare Earth in exchange for stock and a repayment deal. The Pentagon has shelled out nearly $5 billion over the past year to spur mining. Advertisement Advertisement The administration has prioritized the moves because China controls 70% of the worlds rare earths mining and 90% of the processing. Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping spoke by phone Wednesday, including about trade. A social media post from Trump did not specifically mention critical minerals. Heidi Crebo-Rediker, a senior fellow in the Center for Geoeconomic Studies at the Council on Foreign Relations, said the meeting was the most ambitious multilateral gathering of the Trump administration. The rocks are where the rocks are, so when it comes to securing supply chains for both defense and commercial industries, we need trusted partners, she said. Japans minister of state for foreign affairs, Iwao Horii, said Tokyo was fully on board with the U.S. initiative and would work with as many countries as possible to ensure its success. Advertisement Advertisement Critical minerals and (their) stable supply is indispensable to the sustainable development of the global economy, he said. Agreements and legislation move forward The European Union and Japan together as well as Mexico announced agreements to work with the United States to develop coordinated trade policies and price floors to support the development of a critical minerals supply chain outside of China. The countries said they would develop an agreement about what steps they will take and explore ways to expand the effort to include additional like-minded nations. Also Wednesday, the Republican-controlled House approved a bill to accelerate mining on federal land despite objections from Democrats and conservation groups that it amounted to a blank check to foreign-owned mining corporations. Advertisement Advertisement The bill, which next heads to the Senate, would codify Trumps executive orders to boost domestic mining and processing of minerals important to energy, defense and other applications. ___ Associated Press writers Matthew Daly and Ken Moritsugu in Beijing contributed to this report. US President Donald Trump admitted a softer touch may be required on immigration enforcement as polling showed Americans while in favor of strict border controls increasingly viewed efforts as going too far. Trump removed a top Border Patrol official and hundreds of agents are being withdrawn from Minnesota after federal officers killed two protesters in Minneapolis. A majority of Americans said the use of force was excessive, while another survey found support for protesters behavior, saying it was acceptable to film immigration arrests, and acceptable for agents to hide their faces. Immigration concerns were key in Trumps 2024 electoral victory, but even Republicans are now worried about the crackdown, with a growing minority saying agents were too aggressive. WASHINGTON President Donald Trump announced plans for a national prayer event at the National Mall in May to "rededicate America as one nation under God" during the yearlong celebration of the country's 250th anniversary. Trump discussed the event, dubbed the National Jubilee of Prayer, Praise, and Thanksgiving and planned for May 17, during remarks at the National Prayer Breakfast on Feb. 5 as he touted his administration's efforts to return "religion back" to the public arena. "To support this exciting renewal, this morning I'm pleased to announce that on May 17, 2026, we're inviting Americans from all across the country to come together on our National Mall to pray, to give thanks." Advertisement Advertisement More: Trump says he probably should get into heaven, needed 2024 win for 'own ego' The new "Melania" documentary had a splashy premiere at the Trump Kennedy Center in Washington on Jan. 29, 2026. See which celebrities and political figures walked the red carpet, starting with President Donald Trump first lady Melania Trump. The first couple steps out for the world premiere. First lady Melania Trump "Melania" director Brett Ratner U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Lisa Oz (from left), Mehmet Oz, Oliver Oz and Daphne Oz. "Melania" producer and first lady adviser Marc Beckman Jeanine Pirro House Speaker Mike Johnson and his wife Kelly. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Jennifer Rauchet Pete Hegseth kisses Jennifer Rauchet. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz and his wife, former U.S. Homeland Security adviser Julia Nesheiwat. Christie Mullin and Sen. Markwayne Mullin Special Presidential Envoy for Special Missions of United States Richard Grenell Linda McMahon Kathryn Burgum and Doug Burgum Kelly Loeffler and Jeffrey Sprecher Doug Collins and Lisa Collins Lee Zeldin and Diana Zeldin Lori Chavez-DeRemer Steve Witkoff Tham Kannalikham Scott Turner Alina Habba Brett Ratner (left) and Marc Beckman Brett Ratner Melania Trump is chic in black at movie's Kennedy Center premiere 1 of 27 The new "Melania" documentary had a splashy premiere at the Trump Kennedy Center in Washington on Jan. 29, 2026. See which celebrities and political figures walked the red carpet, starting with President Donald Trump first lady Melania Trump. "We're going to rededicate America as one nation under God," he added, drawing long applause from the crowd that prompted a response from the president. "That's what I mean by the spirit so incredible to see it." Most of America's founders were affiliated with Christian dominations. Yet the U.S. Constitution has a principle of separation between church and state, as outlined in the First Amendment's Establishment Clause, which prohibits the government from establishing an official religion or favoring one religion over another. President Donald Trump speaks during the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, D.C., U.S., February 5, 2026. Trump in his remarks boasted of returning religion back to the center of American politics and culture, emphasizing efforts to support prayer in school, policies targeting transgender people and the creation of a White House faith office, among other actions. Advertisement Advertisement "Some major politicians refuse to say the word God. They dont want to say it. I say it," Trump said, adding, "there are many signs that religion is coming back" under his watch. "It's coming back so strong. You know, your churches are filling up. You didn't have that two years ago," he said. A yearlong birthday party. Inside Americas 250th anniversary plans The National Mall prayer event is part of Trump's Freedom 250 initiative, a subsidiary of the National Park Foundation that is organizing events marking the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. It is separate and unaffiliated with the bipartisan America250, established by Congress, which is also planning programs an festivities throughout the year. The prayer event is designed to give "thanks and praise to God for 250 years of His Providence for the United States, in praying that God Bless and Protect America for the next 250 years," according to a description on the Freedom250 website. Advertisement Advertisement "In speech, song, and storytelling, we will bear witness to the extraordinary story of how God has powerfully and wondrously shaped the United States of Americaremembering the people, sacrifices, and defining moments in which God has powerfully manifested Himself in our history," it says. "This is more than an event it is a once in a lifetime national moment." Reach Joey Garrison on X @joeygarrison. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump announces event to 'rededicate America as one nation under God' Donald Trump has dramatically U-turned on his opposition to Sir Keir Starmers controversial Chagos Islands deal, signalling his support just weeks after he described it as an act of great stupidity. His comments triggered a political firestorm that led to the prime minister accusing the US president of using the agreement to try to pressure him over Greenland. In new comments on his Truth Social platform, however, he described the agreement as the best the Labour leader could strike. Advertisement Advertisement The furious row erupted over Sir Keirs plans to hand the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, in a deal the government says is necessary to secure the future of the crucial UK-US Diego Garcia military base. Starmer accused Trump of using the Chagos handover deal to try to pressure him over Greenland (PA) Ministers secured US backing for the deal last year. And in February last year, the president told Sir Keir during a visit to the White House that he was inclined to go with your country and that he had a feeling its going to work out very well. But in a move that sent shockwaves through Downing Street last month, the US president denounced it as an act of great stupidity. In return, Sir Keir accused him of trying to pressure the UK into supporting Americas plans to take over Greenland. Advertisement Advertisement Now using a post on his Truth Social platform, the president wrote that he had had "very productive discussions" with Sir Keir about the deal. Under the plan, which will cost 35bn over the next century, the UK will cede sovereignty of the British Indian Ocean Territory to Mauritius but lease back the facility on the island of Diego Garcia. Mr Trump said: "I understand that the deal Prime Minister Starmer has made, according to many, (is) the best he could make. "However, if the lease deal, sometime in the future, ever falls apart, or anyone threatens or endangers US operations and forces at our Base, I retain the right to Militarily secure and reinforce the American presence in Diego Garcia. Advertisement Advertisement "Let it be known that I will never allow our presence on a Base as important as this to ever be undermined or threatened by fake claims or environmental nonsense." The government has agreed to hand over sovereignty of the Chagos archipelago to Mauritius (PA) Sir Keir withdrew his Chagos Islands bill in the face of a shock backlash over the deal from the US, days after Mr Trumps outburst. But the latest climbdown from the president allows it to return to the House of Lords. It is not the only climbdown over the UK Mr Trump has performed in recent weeks. He also U-turned on his slurs against British soldiers in Afghanistan after sparking widespread outrage for his false claims made about Nato allies. Advertisement Advertisement The US president initially claimed they had avoided the front lines during the war in Afghanistan. Sir Keir raised the comments directly with the US president during a phone call and hours later Mr Trump paid tribute to the great and very brave soldiers of the United Kingdom. The prime minister had joined Prince Harry, veterans and politicians from across the political spectrum in condemning Mr Trumps claims, with Sir Keir calling them appalling and demanding an apology. Critics had pointed to both the number of non-US coalition deaths in Afghanistan and Mr Trumps own avoidance of military service in Vietnam. Advertisement Advertisement Downing Street said the PM spoke with the president and agreed on the importance of the deal to secure the joint UKUS base on Diego Garcia, which remains vital to shared security interests. The UK and US will continue to work closely on the implementation of the deal, they agreed. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Thursday that Mr Trump supported Sir Keirs plans. Ms Leavitt said:"He [Trump] spoke with Prime Minister Starmer directly. He understands Prime Minister Starmer's position, and he supports it, but as the president reiterated in that statement, of course, the United States reserves the right to protect our assets. We still have a military base, of course, on the island of Diego Garcia, and so the President reiterated to the prime minister, and to all of you that the United States will never waiver if necessary in protecting our assets anywhere in the world but including on Diego Garcia, and he supports the prime minister's decision." Advertisement Advertisement The Tories said they would continue fighting the Chagos deal to the end. Dame Priti Patel, the shadow foreign secretary, said: Keir Starmer and Peter Mandelsons shameful Chagos surrender remains an absolutely terrible deal for Britain. Handing over British sovereign territory and 35bn of taxpayers money to an ally of China represents, in the presidents own words, an act of total weakness. The Presidents statement today recognises a critical weakness in the Surrender deal the lease could fall apart, leaving our national security and that of our allies in even greater doubt. The deal is clearly a threat to our national security and is a massive strategic blunder. The Conservative Partys view is unchanged. We have led the fight against this appalling Surrender and we will continue fighting it to the end. With President Donald Trump standing awkwardly behind him, a Democratic congressman used his prayer at the National Prayer Breakfast to urge Trump to think of families preparing to bury their loved ones in Minneapolis. Speaking at the bipartisan Washington, D.C., event on Thursday shortly after Trump gave a rambling address, Rep. Jonathan Jackson (D-Ill.) offered a prayer for the future of this nation, and asked God to lead this president into greater levels of compassion. Politics: Democratic Senators Give Cryptic Warning About CIA Activities Jackson, the son of civil rights activist Jesse Jackson, said, Today, we remind him that the lives of millions of people are in his hands, and that he has the power to turn mourning into dancing or to reduce the country into a cosmic elegy of chaos and suffering. Advertisement Advertisement Jackson continued by calling on Trump to be mindful of the poor and be invested in the alleviation of suffering happening on farms in the Midwest, in the families preparing to bury their loved ones in Minneapolis. He added that we are all Americans, all made in the image of God, and that none of us are free unless all of us have our freedoms protected. (Watch video at the end of the story.) When the prayer finished, Trump shook Jacksons hand and appeared to say, Great words. Rep. Jonathan Jackson (far left) speaks as President Donald Trump listens during the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, D.C. SAUL LOEB via Getty Images Like this article? Keep independent journalism alive. Support HuffPost. During his address, the Republican president said he didnt know how a person of faith can vote for a Democrat. Advertisement Advertisement The plea to Trump came amid weeks of chaos in Minnesota as a result of his administrations immigration crackdown, with the presidents rhetoric helping to sow discord. Politics: Kaitlan Collins Addresses Donald Trump's Smile' Attack On Her With A Powerful Point The president has baselessly accused the state of harboring thousands of violent undocumented immigrants, calling them the worst of the worst. Against a backdrop of protests against the influx, federal agents have shot dead two U.S. citizens 37-year-old Renee Good and Alex Pretti, also 37 in separate incidents. On Wednesday, the Trump administration announced it is scaling back immigration operations around Minnesota by withdrawing about 700 of the roughly 3,000 federal officers sent to the state. Advertisement Advertisement Speaking to NBC News later that day, Trump admitted he could have adopted a little bit of a softer touch in the region. wow -- with Trump standing behind him, a man (not sure who he is) offers this prayer: "We pray that he would be mindful of the poor and that he would be invested in the alleviation of suffering happening in the families preparing to bury their loved ones in Minneapolis." pic.twitter.com/toJk9vIboF Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) February 5, 2026 Related... Read the original on HuffPost Donald Trump has backed Sir Keir Starmers Chagos deal, a fortnight after calling it an act of great stupidity. The US president posted on his Truth Social page on Thursday that after productive discussions with Sir Keir, he now believed the deal was the best he could make. But he warned he would send in US troops if the deal ever fell apart. Mr Trump said: I understand that the deal Prime Minister Starmer has made, according to many, the best he could make. Advertisement Advertisement However, if the lease deal, sometime in the future, ever falls apart, or anyone threatens or endangers US operations and forces at our base, I retain the right to militarily secure and reinforce the American presence in Diego Garcia. Let it be known that I will never allow our presence on a base as important as this to ever be undermined or threatened by fake claims or environmental nonsense. Thank you for your attention to this matter! The final agreement from Mr Trump came in a call on Thursday with Sir Keir. The news that Mr Trump was due to approve the deal was first reported by The Telegraph on Wednesday. Donald Trump had previously described the UKs actions over Chagos as great stupidity - US Navy via AP On Jan 20, amid a row with Nato allies on the future of Greenland, Mr Trump said that Britain was planning to give away ... the site of a vital US military base, to Mauritius, [...] FOR NO REASON WHATSOEVER. Advertisement Advertisement He added: The UK giving away extremely important land is an act of GREAT STUPIDITY. The sudden change in his position caused panic in Whitehall, where British officials launched a diplomatic push to convince Mr Trump to resume his support for the deal. Sources told The Telegraph that the UK was likely to offer additional security guarantees to reach an agreement with Mr Trump and provide an off ramp for his earlier comments. Ministers have previously said the deal could not go ahead without the support of the US because the Diego Garcia base is shared between the American and British militaries. Advertisement Advertisement Mr Trumps latest comments show he appears to have decided that he will enforce the deal between Britain and Mauritius with the USs naval power. He said: We have the most powerful military in the world. Our military operations, over the course of the last year, were successful because of the strength of our warfighters, modern capability of our equipment and, very importantly, the strategic location of our Military Bases for staging, and other reasons. Protesters against the Chagos deal in Parliament Square in January - Henry Nicholls / AFP via Getty Negotiations with Mauritius over the Chagos Islands began under the previous Conservative government, and had been backed by the Biden administration in Washington. After Labour won power, Sir Keir appointed Jonathan Powell, now the national security adviser, to negotiate a deal with Mauritius that would prevent future legal challenges over the islands in the international courts. Advertisement Advertisement However, his deal is controversial because it also involves Britain paying Mauritius 35bn over 99 years to lease back Diego Garcia once the islands have been given away. The Tories and Reform UK have strongly criticised the surrender deal, while a committed group of campaigners, with the backing of native Chagos islanders, have lobbied Mr Trump directly. Mr Trumps backing of the deal is a major diplomatic victory for Sir Keir after weeks of criticism of his handling of the issue. Separately on Thursday, the Government appeared to pull a piece of legislation from Parliament that will underpin the deal with Mauritius, following negotiations with opposition parties. Advertisement Advertisement Campaigners are expected to continue their fight against the deal, which includes a judicial review application at the High Court. A Downing Street spokesman confirmed the Prime Minister had spoken to Mr Trump. She said: They ... agreed on the importance of the deal to secure the joint UKUS base on Diego Garcia, which remains vital to shared security interests. The UK and US will continue to work closely on the implementation of the deal, they agreed. Dame Priti Patel, the shadow foreign secretary, said: Keir Starmer and Peter Mandelsons shameful Chagos Surrender remains an absolutely terrible deal for Britain. Advertisement Advertisement Handing over British sovereign territory and 35 billion of taxpayers money to an ally of China represents, in the Presidents own words, an act of total weakness. The Presidents statement today recognises a critical weakness in the Surrender deal the lease could fall apart, leaving our national security and that of our allies in even greater doubt. The deal is a clearly a threat to our national security and is a massive strategic blunder. The Conservative Partys view is unchanged. We have led the fight against this appalling Surrender and we will continue fighting it to the end. 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. The disappearance of Nancy Guthrie has gained national attention, including from President Donald Trump, who spoke with the Tucson-area woman's daughter, "Today" co-host Savannah Guthrie. Trump and Savannah Guthrie spoke Feb. 4 as her mother's disappearance entered its fourth day with no suspect or person of interest named, even after authorities confirmed a ransom note connected to her suspected abduction. Last seen Jan. 31, Nancy Guthrie was dropped off by family at her Catalina Foothills home, just north of Tucson, after a dinner that night. The 84-year-old woman's health is in imminent danger following days without vital medicine. Advertisement Advertisement Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said detectives believe Guthrie was taken from her home against her will. What did President Trump tell Savannah Guthrie? Trump told Savannah Guthrie that he knew she and Nancy Guthrie were close, NBC News reported. In their call, Savannah Guthrie thanked Trump for reaching out to the family, and said they were devastated, according to NBC News. She said the family needs prayers, NBC News reported. The conversation between Trump and Guthrie took place shortly after the president's interview with "NBC News" anchor Tom Llamas. The president on Feb. 3 told reporters at the Oval Office that Nancy Guthrie's disappearance was "terrible." What did Savannah Guthrie tell Trump about the investigation? The president assured the Guthrie family that resources were available as needed, according to NBC News. Advertisement Advertisement Guthrie thanked the president for federal authorities' work on the case. The FBI is helping the Pima County Sheriff's Department with the investigation and search. Deputies shared the suspected ransom note with the FBI, which in turn shared it with the family. About 100 of the Sheriff's Department's personnel were working Nancy Guthrie's case, along with the search and rescue unit, the county agency said. There is a reward of up to $2,500, according to 88-crime, a nonprofit overseen by the Pima County Attorney's Office. Anyone with information was asked to call 520-882-7463 (88-CRIME), or the Sheriff's Department evidence portal or to call 520-351-4900. How have Savannah Guthrie and Trump interacted before? The president and the TV anchor have a history as politician and journalist that goes back to his first term. Advertisement Advertisement Guthrie interviewed Trump in an Oct. 15, 2020, town hall televised on NBC. The town hall aired simultaneously as Joe Biden's town hall on ABC in lieu of a second presidential debate between the candidates. Guthrie pressed the president for his sharing online of conspiracy theories. "You're the president. You're not like someone's crazy uncle who can just retweet whatever," Savannah Guthrie said. Speaking to supporters days later at a rally, Trump said Guthrie was acting like a "crazed lunatic." At another rally, however, he said he told her she did a good job with the interview. Advertisement Advertisement "Interviewing any president is difficult," Guthrie told the The Arizona Republic about the town hall with Trump. "It's one of the most high-pressure situations you can find yourself in. And, every president, every political figure, they're all different. And they all present a different set of challenges." What we know: Savannah Guthrie tells mom's abductor, 'We are ready to listen' This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Trump called Savannah Guthrie about disappearance of mom Nancy Guthrie By Steve Holland WASHINGTON, Feb 4 (Reuters) - President Donald Trump on Wednesday declined to take sides in the debate over whether his vice president, JD Vance, or his secretary of state, Marco Rubio, would most likely be his successor in the 2028 Republican presidential campaign. Vance, a former Republican senator from Ohio, has said he will talk to Trump about the possibility of running after the November midterm elections. Advertisement Advertisement There is also speculation among Republican insiders that Rubio, a former senator from Florida who ran for the Republican Party's presidential nomination in 2016 and lost to Trump, could seek the presidency. Rubio has not closed the door to running in 2028, but has praised Vance as a strong potential candidate. Trump said he would "be inclined" to endorse a successor when asked about Vance and Rubio during an interview with NBC News, but added that he did not want to get into the subject now. We have three years to go. I dont want to, you know, I have two people that are doing a great job. I dont want to have an argument with, or I dont want to use the word fight it wouldnt be a fight. But look, JD is fantastic, and Marco is fantastic," Trump said. Advertisement Advertisement Trump has often said the two men should run together on the same ticket. The 2028 election will feature a wide-open race on both the Republican and Democratic sides and crowded fields are expected. In a possible nod to Rubio, the country's chief diplomat, Trump said of the pair: I would say one is slightly more diplomatic than the other." He called them both men of very high intelligence. "I think theres a difference in style," Trump said. You know, you can see the style yourself. But theyre both very capable. I do think this: The combination of JD and Marco would be very hard to be beaten, I think. But you never know in politics, right? Advertisement Advertisement Trump in the interview also again appeared to toy with the possibility of seeking an unconstitutional third term. He had flirted with the idea last year, later abandoning the concept. Asked if he saw any scenario in which he would still be president when the next president's term begins in January 2029, Trump said: I dont know. It would be interesting. (Reporting by Steve Holland; Editing by Edwina Gibbs) ALBANY, New York Simmering anger over President Donald Trumps expansive deportation strategy has roiled the Empire States bellwether suburbs, upending crucial House races and complicating Republicans uphill bid to retake the governors office. On Long Island, Democratic Reps. Tom Suozzi and Laura Gillen are contending with protesters fury over their support for a Homeland Security funding bill. In the Hudson Valley, Republican Rep. Mike Lawler wrote in a New York Times op-ed that the nations immigration policy is a failure. And in the race for governor, incumbent Democrat Kathy Hochul is pursuing measures meant to rein in federal immigration enforcement officers, while her likely Republican foe, Bruce Blakeman, has remained a stalwart Trump defender. Advertisement Advertisement The divergent problems facing suburban Republicans and Democrats over Trumps deportation agenda points to a broader shift: Voters are souring on the presidents sweeping immigration push, and the political costs are rising on both sides. The communities clustered around New York City where immigration has increasingly influenced campaigns this decade are becoming a bellwether for the rest of the country. Grassroots suburban activists have seen a clear change over the last year as more people appear at rallies and sign up to act as ICE observers. I dont think people really understood, because it wasnt directly affecting them, said Rachel Klein, the founder of Engage Long Island, a left-leaning activist group. Now youre seeing more of this happening in local communities. Youre seeing the manager of the bagel shop in Port Washington get arrested and detained. People are showing up. Taken together, the communities adjacent to the nations most iconic entry point for immigrants have become a battleground over Trumps deportation campaign. They are home to a trio of swing House seats that may determine which party controls the closely divided chamber and the fate of the final two years of Trumps term. Advertisement Advertisement The suburbs are also at a political crossroads in this deep blue state, often reflecting voters' public safety concerns an undercurrent that traditionally has buoyed GOP candidates. Yet Democrats have made inroads in areas like the Hudson Valley, where the party has seen significant growth in enrollment among upper-income and college-educated voters. The suburbs are politically crucial for Blakeman, the top official in Nassau County, who is trying to reverse a 20-year losing streak for Republicans in statewide elections. Blakemans county executive office has signed orders meant to bolster federal immigration authorities and entered into an agreement with Immigration and Customs Enforcement to work with the sheriffs office on deportation efforts. Hes also shown no daylight with Trump and his administrations aggressive deportation campaign a posture that has opened him up to withering attacks from Hochul. Those concerns are laid bare in polling. A statewide Siena University poll released Tuesday found only 33 percent of suburban voters hold a favorable view of ICE. A solid majority of suburbanites 61 percent disapprove of ICEs recent arrest methods. Moderate Democrats like Suozzi and Gillen, meanwhile, face a different calculus. They have not embraced the governors efforts to place guardrails on agencies like ICE when it operates in New York, and they have come under intense criticism for supporting a Homeland Security funding bill. Suozzi apologized for his vote on the bill while Gillen has called for Secretary Kristi Noems impeachment. Advertisement Advertisement The region is one of the most segregated in the nation, and people dont live with each other, dont talk to each other except at the highest levels of local government, said Larry Levy, a suburban politics expert at Hofstra University. Even then, we have so many fragmented jurisdictions that even some villages and towns are very heterogeneous. At the outset of his campaign for governor, Blakemans muscular posture on immigration helped him stand out among Republicans in New York. But as criticism of Trumps deportation campaign intensified after the killings of U.S. citizens Alex Pretti and Renee Good in Minnesota, Blakeman has done little to modify his rhetoric. Hes called protesters in Minnesota paid professional agitators and anti-American. In a podcast interview last week, Blakeman refused to say whether Pretti deserved to be shot. The aggressive stance has provided an opening to Hochuls campaign, which already has leveraged Trumps deep unpopularity in his native state. Advertisement Advertisement Even as members of his own party raise alarms about ICEs overreach, Blakeman is firmly planted in Trumps corner defending the abuses, excusing the violence, and attacking Americans who dare to speak out, Hochul campaign spokesperson Sarafina Chitika said. For his part, Blakeman has blasted the Democratic governors efforts to rein in federal immigration enforcement, calling her the most pro-criminal governor in the United States. Hes also backed Trumps call for a guest worker program, releasing a video in Spanish that touted the policy proposal. Blakemans ardent support for Trumps deportation plan is reflective of Long Islands political dynamics. He won two terms leading purplish Nassau County by hammering Democrats on both crime and the migrant crisis that consumed New York City during former President Joe Bidens administration. Advertisement Advertisement Immigration issues have great exposure in the suburbs of New York City and are looked at by the citizens of the suburbs as something they want to aggressively address before things get out of hand, said New York Conservative Party Chair Gerard Kassar. Its parallel to public safety. In New York City, its more difficult to find elected officials who are dealing with it, and in the suburbs they're responding much more directly. In the Hudson Valley, where Lawler is expected to face one of the most competitive general elections in the country, the Republican has called for sweeping changes to the countrys immigration system following Good and Prettis deaths. Americans do not want chaos, he wrote in his Times op-ed. They want a common-sense bipartisan solution. Moderate suburban Democrats face an even more complex challenge as Good and Prettis killings reverberated across the country. Gillen and Suozzi have taken heat from activists over their votes for a Homeland Security funding bill. Gillen pivoted to call for Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noems impeachment; Suozzi apologized for the vote. Advertisement Advertisement That apology, though, has done little to quell the uproar for Suozzi. Protesters blasted him during a public appearance at a synagogue last month. He also has not backed Noems impeachment despite bipartisan calls for her to step down. Neither Gillen or Suozzi have embraced Hochuls moves to put guardrails around the federal governments aggressive pursuit of undocumented immigrants. Their hesitance to do so comes after years in which Democrats were blasted for supporting cuts to police budgets and controversial measures like ending cash bail for many criminal charges. Republicans, though, have been eager to capitalize on any Democratic criticism of federal immigration enforcement officers conduct and calls to reform the agency. Democrats embrace of radical, anti-law enforcement policies is a danger to the very communities they purport to serve, said National Republican Congressional Committee spokesperson Maureen OToole. New Yorkers know what lawlessness looks like, and they have no interest in voting for anyone who stands for it. Advertisement Advertisement Yet Hochul who has a broader constituency as a statewide official is acting as national polls show support for Trumps deportation campaign steeply dropping last month. Shes framed her push to end agreements between federal immigration authorities and municipal police as a way of re-focusing cops to deal with local crime. And with an eye toward immigration enforcement tactics in Minnesota she has publicly urged Trump to forego a similar surge of ICE and Border Patrol agents in New York City. Were prepared for whatever happens, but I hope Donald Trump sees that this is a community that he has his own investments in, Hochul told MSNOW on Monday. If you come after New York City, you will destabilize the economic engine of the country. Advocates believe there has been a clear and decisive shift over the issue. People are rejecting the politics of fear thats defined the Trump era, are increasingly worried about the harm ICE tactics are causing, said New York Immigration Coalition President Murad Awawdeh. Americans understand that cruelty is not a policy and enforcement without humanity is being rejected. President Donald Trump dropped a whopper of a dodge when NBC Nightly News anchor Tom Llamas asked him if he would testify to Congress about the Epstein files like former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton have agreed to do. Llamas scored a big exclusive interview with Trump thats set to air on Super Bowl Sunday, with clips rolling out in advance. In an extended preview that aired on Tuesday nights edition of NBC News Nows Top Story with Tom Llamas, the subject of the Epstein files came up only once, when Trump brought it up in relation to the Clintons. Advertisement Advertisement When Llamas cut in to ask if he would follow their lead, Trump claimed theyve already brought me: TOM LLAMAS: We didnt get a chance to speak about the DOJ. I appreciate all your time and of your staffs time. Theyve been very, very kind.Should anybody else expect the DO J to kind of come after them like youve come over after some of your political enemies?PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP: Well, we remember this tale. I was impeached twice, two fake impeachments, won both of them easily.Republicans stood by me 100 percent, but I won both them. I was indicted 87 different times, and then you ask me that question.I think Im extremely moderate, especially for what they did to me. They wanted to take me down. I said to somebody, do me a favor, add up the counts. If I lost, you know, I won.But if I lost these cases, add the counts and tell me, how long would I have to serve in prison? You know what they came up with? 287 years. I said, Id better win.TOM LLAMAS: In your mind that calculation means its okay for the DOJ to go after your political enemies?PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP: I could be involved. You know, Im the chief law enforcement officer of the United States. I could involved, but Im not. I dont choose to.But when they say to me, oh, youre going after people, I got indicted all of those times. Its 287 years in jail.They were willing to put, you know, they asked me a question yesterday at the press conference about Clinton because of the testimony. The Epstein thing, which turned out that I have nothing to do, and they did, about Epstein.And they said, do you think its terrible what, you know, with the subpoenas and everything, and theyre disobeying the subpoenas.And I actually said, its a shame. You have an ex-president, and you have, you now, the presidents wife and secretary of state. And I said, Its a shame. It is a shame,TOM LLAMAS: NBC News broke the story today. I dont know if you saw it, that the Democrats are already saying, if you bring President Bill Clinton, and he has to testify, were bringing President Trump. What do you say to that?PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP: Well, I think they might say that, you know. But theyve already brought me. See, Ive been brought. They had me indicted many, many times. Many, many, times. They didnt do that to Clinton. President Trump once faced criminal trials in Washington D.C., Georgia, New York, and Florida on a total of 91 felony counts none of which involved Jeffrey Epstein, and none of which resulted in his testimony under oath. Trump did testify at the E. Jean Carroll civil trial, but was not asked about Epstein. He didnt win all of the criminal cases Trump was found guilty on all 34 felony counts in the Stormy Daniels hush money-election interference trial. He was eventually sentenced to an unconditional discharge on January 10, 2025 after his election victory. Advertisement Advertisement And Republicans were not with him one-hundred percent in his impeachment trials. Seven GOP senators joined Democrats in voting to convict in his second impeachment trial, and then-Sen. Mitt Romney (R-MI) voted to convict in the first. Watch above via NBC News Nows Top Story with Tom Llamas. The post Trump Drops Whopper of a Claim When NBC Anchor Asks if Hell Testify on Epstein Files in Blockbuster Interview first appeared on Mediaite. Following the public fallout between President Trump and long-time Trump ally Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene last year, the lawmaker resigned from her position and finished her last day in office on Jan. 5. Greene represented Georgia's 14th congressional district, and in the days and weeks since she announced her departure, the race to fill her seat quickly became crowded. More than 20 candidates, predominantly Republican, filed to run in the special election for the former representative's seat. Now, the president himself has weighed in on the race, publicly endorsing District Attorney Clay Fuller. Advertisement Advertisement Here's what to know. Trump endorses candidate for MTG's seat Writing on Truth Social, Trump released an array of posts endorsing candidates for various state races on Feb. 4. Clay Fuller, the current District Attorney for the Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit in northwest Georgia, was the recipient of one of these endorsements. Citing Fuller's legal and military experience, the president said "Clay knows the Wisdom and Courage required to Defend our Country, Support our Brave Military/Veterans, and Ensure PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH." The president continued saying Fuller would "promote MADE IN THE U.S.A" and "Unleash American Energy DOMINANCE." "He is strongly supported by the most Highly Respected MAGA Warriors in Georgia, and many Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives," the president wrote. "Clay Fuller has my Complete and Total Endorsement to be the next Representative from Georgia's 14th Congressional District - HE WILL NOT LET YOU DOWN!" Advertisement Advertisement Fuller shared the post on his Facebook page, thanking the president and calling his endorsement the "honor of a lifetime." "Our work to put America first is just getting started!" Fuller said. Who is running for MTG seat in Georgia? Fuller may have Trump's stamp of approval, but he will still have to compete in a crowded race. More than 20 people are running, including Republicans Star Black, Reagan Box, James Marty Brown, Jeff Criswell, Jared Craig, Michael Corbin, Eric Cunningham, Ben Cope, Jim Tully, Jenna Turnipseed, Beau Brown, Colton Moore, Nicky Lama, Megahn Strickland, Christian Hurd, Brian Stover and Trey Kelly. Democratic candidate Shawn Harris, who ran against Greene in 2024, is also competing for the spot, along with Independent candidate Rob "Rush" Ruszkowski and Libertarian candidate Andrew Underwood. Advertisement Advertisement The special election will be held on March 10, but given how many candidates are in the race, it will likely go to a runoff election which will be held on April 7. The runoff will include the two candidates who received the most votes during the first election assuming no candidate reached a majority. The last day to register to vote in the district is Monday, Feb. 9, and absentee voting will begin on Feb. 16. Who has Trump endorsed in Georgia? Trump is watching elections in Georgia closely, especially as his Justice Department questions the validity of elections in the state dating back to the 2020 election. At the end of January, investigators with the FBI raided a Fulton County elections hub and confiscated election materials. The seizure will be challenged in court by Fulton County. Advertisement Advertisement Trump has already weighed in on the Georgia gubernatorial race, endorsing Republican Burt Jones months ago. Jones was an early MAGA supporter, and has since perpetuated election denial messages and continued to support the president. Great to be with @realDonaldTrump last week in Washington and grateful for his overwhelming support in our race for Governor. Together, were ready to deliver big for Georgia. pic.twitter.com/Ol6MAlt9f3 Burt Jones (@burtjonesforga) February 3, 2026 The governor's race, however, just got more complicated as healthcare mogul and "conservative outsider" Rick Jackson announced his candidacy on Feb. 3. Jackson is a self-declared Trump supporter with plans to invest $50 million of his own money into his race for the state's top seat. Jackson has already dropped campaign ads targeting his opponents, calling them "do-nothing career politicians." Advertisement Advertisement In a campaign ad, Jackson said he donated $1 million to the president because "Trump's success inspired" him to "do this for Georgia." Irene Wright is the Atlanta Connect reporter with USA Todays Deep South Connect team. Find her on X @IreneEWright or email her at ismith@usatodayco.com. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Candidate for MTG's seat in GA endorsed by Trump. Who Trump supports Sen. Blake Miguez, R-New Iberia, sits in the Louisiana House of Representatives during the 2024 legislative session. (Allison Allsop/ Louisiana Illuminator) Just a day after he joined the field, Blake Miguez received an endorsement from President Donald Trump in Louisianas 5th Congressional District race. The president announced his backing for Miguez on social media Wednesday evening. Calling the Republican state lawmaker from New Iberia a MAGA warrior. Advertisement Advertisement Until this week, Miguez intended to run for the U.S. Senate seat GOP incumbent Bill Cassidy holds. He switched to the 5th District race two weeks after its current occupant, U.S. Rep. Julia Letlow, R-Baton Rouge, received Trumps support to run for Senate against Cassidy. The 5th District covers an area from Northeast Louisiana down to the western Florida Parishes, stretching south to take in a portion of Baton Rouge. Miguez doesnt live in the district but can still run for the seat. Louisiana deserves true, America First representation in Washington to back the MAGA agenda, Miguez said in an X post Thursday night. President Trump is the greatest president in our nations history. Im honored to have the endorsement and look forward to delivering for Louisianas 5th and our country. Qualifying for Louisianas congressional races takes place next week, and more Republican state lawmakers were expected to enter the 5th District field. State Sen. Rick Edmonds and Rep. Dixon McMakin of Baton Rouge recently announced their candidacies, and Sen. Stewart Cathey and Rep. Mike Echols from Monroe were pondering runs of their own. Advertisement Advertisement Other announced GOP candidates are Board of Trustees chair Misti Cordell of Monroe, Livingston Parish minister Larry Davis III, substitute teacher Joshua Morott, lawyer former Jefferson Parish Sheriffs Office employee Ray Smith, and LSU-Shreveport administrator Sammy Wyatt. Democrats who have declared their plans for the 5th District seat are Baton Rouge farmer Jessee Fleenor and Larry Foy, a theologian and self-described social justice advocate from Winnsboro. The closed party primaries for Louisianas seats in Congress take place May 16, with runoffs set for June 27 if needed. The winners advance to the Nov. 3 general election. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE President Trump said Wednesday that he is endorsing Clay Fuller in a special election for former Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greenes (R-Ga.) seat in Georgias 14th congressional district. As District Attorney for the Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit, and Air National Guard Officer, Clay knows the Wisdom and Courage required to Defend our Country, Support our Brave Military/Veterans, and Ensure PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH, Trump wrote in a Truth Social post, offering Fuller his Complete and Total endorsement. As your next Congressman, Clay will fight tirelessly to Grow the Economy, Cut Taxes and Regulations, Promote MADE IN THE U.S.A., Unleash American Energy DOMINANCE, Keep our Border SECURE, Stop Migrant Crime, Safeguard our Elections, Champion School Choice, and Defend our always under siege Second Amendment, he continued. Advertisement Advertisement Fuller is one of 21 candidates seeking to succeed Greene, who left Congress early amid a public spat with Trump. He came in fourth in the 2020 Republican primary that Greene won on her way to a first term in office. The district attorneys priorities, as laid out on his campaign website, align strongly with Trumps domestic agenda, from calling for mass deportations to pledging to use his legal skills to fight back against the radical left. Fuller is already coalescing support among Republicans, who are eager defeat the expected Democratic front-runner, Shawn Harris, and help the GOP retain its razor-thin margin in the House. The Chattanooga Times Free Press reported on Feb. 1 that candidate Christian Hurd threw his support behind Fuller after dropping out of the race. Voters in the Peach State will head to the polls on March 10 to cast their ballots in the special election, with a runoff held on April 7, if needed. Advertisement Advertisement All candidates will be listed under one ballot regardless of party affiliation. The top two-vote getters will advance to a runoff if no candidate reaches the 50 percent threshold required to win outright. The district, which stretches from Atlantas northwest suburbs to the Tennessee state line, is rated by the nonpartisan Cook Political Report as solidly Republican. 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. New York Times columnist Ross Douthat published a new Interesting Times episode on Wednesday, arguing that President Donald Trump has lost the country one year into his second term and makes the case its the right who will suffer the most from Trumps failed leadership. I want to tell you a secret. One that most conservatives on the internet dont want you to know. A year into his second presidency, Donald Trump has lost the country, Douthat began in the clip, before playing a highlight reel of pundits breaking down Trump polling: The majority of voters believe the country is worse off today than it was a year ago. Approval rating at 37 percent, the lowest of his second term. A failure. Fail, fail, fail. And the grand coalition that he united to defeat Kamala Harris has evaporated. And all of this was predictable. From the first days of DOGE through the debacle in Minneapolis, the Trump administration has consistently governed as if swing voters arent part of its coalition. And now, guess what? Theyre not, he continued, adding: But heres the thing. It isnt moderates and swing voters who lose out when the Trump administration becomes unpopular. Its people on the right. People like me, and certainly people further to my right who support many of the things the Trump administration has tried to do, from securing the border to pressuring American institutions to become more ideologically diverse, to resetting and rolling back D.E.I. All of that, all of that agenda will just disappear if the Republican Party cant win elections. Douthat sounding the alarm on the long-term political prospects of the GOP comes as many polls show the Democrats with an edge going into the midterms at least in terms of recapturing the majority in the House. Democrats winning a Senate majority still appears to be a very heavy lift as the map favors the GOP. Watch the full clip above. The post Trump Has Lost the Country: Ross Douthat Warns Conservatives Will Bear the Brunt of Trumps Failings first appeared on Mediaite. President Donald Trump has endorsed Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit District Attorney Clay Fuller for the U.S. House seat in Georgia's 14th Congressional District. The seat was vacated earlier this year by former GOP Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, a longtime Trump supporter-turned-critic who decided to leave office after a public falling out with the president. Trump lambasted her last year as "Marjorie Traitor Brown." "It is my Great Honor to endorse America First Patriot, Clay Fuller, who is running to represent the wonderful people of Georgias 14th Congressional District," Trump declared in a Wednesday Truth Social post. Advertisement Advertisement Marjorie Taylor Greene Defends Arrest Of Don Lemon On Civil Rights Charges: Thats Activism' Former Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene and President Donald Trump (Getty Images) "As District Attorney for the Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit, and Air National Guard Officer, Clay knows the Wisdom and Courage required to Defend our Country, Support our Brave Military/Veterans, and Ensure PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH. As your next Congressman, Clay will fight tirelessly to Grow the Economy, Cut Taxes and Regulations, Promote MADE IN THE U.S.A., Unleash American Energy DOMINANCE, Keep our Border SECURE, Stop Migrant Crime, Safeguard our Elections, Champion School Choice, and Defend our always under siege Second Amendment," the president added. "He is strongly supported by the most Highly Respected MAGA Warriors in Georgia, and many Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives," Trump asserted. "Clay Fuller has my Complete and Total Endorsement to be the next Representative from Georgias 14th Congressional District HE WILL NOT LET YOU DOWN!" Read On The Fox News App Advertisement Advertisement House Gop Majority Shrinks To Just One Vote As Johnson Swears In New House Democrat Republican Clayton Fuller files paperwork to run in the special election for Georgias 14th District, in Atlanta, Jan. 12, 2026. Fuller thanked Trump for his support. "THANK YOU, Mr. President. This is the honor of a lifetime. I will not let you or Georgias 14th District down. Our work to put America first is just getting started!" the candidate declared in a post on X. Georgia's Fulton County Files Motion Seeking Return Of 2020 Election Materials Seized By Fbi Stickers are seen as citizens cast their votes for presidential and congressional elections in Atlanta on Nov. 5, 2024. The special election to fill Greene's seat is scheduled for March 10, according to Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, who noted in the call for the special election that, "A Special Runoff Election, if needed, shall be held on April 7, 2026." Advertisement Advertisement If none of the candidates win a majority of the votes in the special election, the top two finishers will advance to the April runoff. Original article source: Trump makes endorsement in contest to fill House seat vacated by ex-ally Marjorie Taylor Greene President Donald Trump last week signed an executive order that blamed California Democrats for issues associated with rebuilding following last year's wildfires. The order bypasses city and county regulations, but it's unclear how. On Wednesday, Trump administration officials held meetings in Pacific Palisades and laid out how the federal government plans to help. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin said the administration is focused on removing barriers he argued were slowing families' ability to rebuild. Advertisement Advertisement "The president wants to tear through every single obstacle that's in front of him at Trump's speed," Zeldin said. "We want to know why every single one of these applications are sent back to the applicant. What is that hurdle that's preventing them from the ability to be able to rebuild their home?" "If you've had a permit on file that meets the law, you can self-certify. There's two forms on the SBA.gov website that homeowners can download and submit with their builders. Self-certify and the check and balance on that will be inspections so this is not a free pass to break the law," said Kelly Loeffler, the administrator of the Small Business Administration. But state and local officials contend Trump has been the biggest obstacle to rebuilding, blocking a nearly $34 billion disaster relief request from reaching Congress. Zeldin said Gov. Gavin Newsom's approach is why California hasn't received the aid. Advertisement Advertisement "Tactically, the way the state has approached their funding ask of the federal governor has been a terrible strategy," Zeldin said. "Just trying to come up with this massive umbrella, aspirational number and then to take that number, and the governor then goes campaigning to become president in 2028." But all fire victims want is help, not to be caught up in politics. Besides disaster aid, those rebuilding have run into issues with their insurance companies. Zeldin said he wasn't aware of the insurance problems before this trip. "The awareness of this practice is getting elevated to the highest levels at this point, and it's going to be really embarrassing for these insurance companies if they decide that they're just going to keep dragging these families through it. Enough is enough," Zeldin said. Eyewitness News asked the Trump administration officials whether being on the ground in the Palisades talking to fire victims has increased California's chances of receiving federal disaster aid. We were told not until Newsom changes his tone. Donald Trump has defended Kristi Noem in the wake of calls for her impeachment following two fatal shootings by federal agents in Minnesota. On Thursday, the US president told the national prayer breakfast that he was not going to fire the homeland security secretary as he heaped praise on under-fire members of his administration. Mr Trump extended his gratitude to Pete Hegseth, the defence secretary who inadvertently shared sensitive military plans with a journalist, and Tulsi Gabbard, his intelligence chief, who is rumoured to be increasingly frozen out of high-level government plans. Advertisement Advertisement Ms Noem has faced increasing criticism from both Democrats and Republicans after federal agents carried out violent immigration raids and clashed with protesters in the state. Kristi Noem has faced criticism over her leadership as the homeland security secretary - OLIVIER TOURON/AFP In Januray, top House Democrats threatened to launch impeachment proceedings against Ms Noem if Mr Trump did not fire her after agents killed protesters Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis. In his speech, Mr Trump said he was asked in an interview if he was going to relieve Ms Noem from her duties, to which he responded: Why would I do that? We have the strongest border in the history of our country. We have the best crime numbers weve ever had, going back to the year 1900, thats 125 years. We have the lowest crime numbers. Advertisement Advertisement Mr Trump has frequently backed Ms Noem, previously telling reporters: I think shes doing a good job. But on Wednesday he admitted his administration needed a softer touch to enforce his migration crackdown and withdrew 700 immigration officers from Minneapolis in an attempt to de-escalate tensions. Immigration officers have been heavily scrutinised during their operations in Minneapolis, Minnesota - Ryan Murphy/Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved Following the death of Pretti, Mr Trump appeared to sideline Ms Noem and dispatched Tom Homan, the White House border tsar, to take over the operation in the state. Mr Trump also dismissed criticism aimed at Ms Gabbard after she was spotted at an FBI raid of an election centre in Georgia last Wednesday, alarming Democratic lawmakers. Advertisement Advertisement Just a day after he said he did not know why Ms Gabbard had joined the FBI search, Mr Trump said: She took a lot of heat two days ago because she went in at [Pam Bondis] insistence and she looked at votes that wanted to be checked out from Georgia. They say: Why is she doing it? Because Pam wanted her to do it, and you know why? Because shes smart. Tulsi Gabbard was seen at the FBI raid of an election centre in Georgia - Shutterstock Editorial He said Mr Hegseth who has faced scrutiny over the legality of launching lethal strikes on suspected drug-smuggling boats in the Caribbean was very smart, went to the top, top schools, was a top student. Nobody thinks Pete was a good student, Mr Trump added. I dont know, they think of him as a tough cookie, flame-thrower, which I like actually in the position of secretary of war. Advertisement Advertisement But he has done some jobI saw his love for the military, he was always looking to protect soldiers. Pete Hegseth with his wife Jennifer Rauchet at the national prayer breakfast on Thursday - Alex Wong/2026 Getty Images Thursday marked Mr Trumps sixth time speaking at the programme, an annual bipartisan event that has been attended by every president since Dwight D Eisenhower. His cabinet and international leaders, including Nayib Bukele, the president of El Salvador, were also present. 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. After days of speculation over exactly what President Donald Trump meant when he called on Republicans to "take over" American elections, the commander in chief has clarified that he will accept the 2026 midterm results but only if they are "honest." On Wednesday, Trump told NBC News Tom Llamas that he will only accept the results of the 2026 midterm elections if they are "honest," and that if he believes they aren't, then "something else has to happen." He made the comment after Llamas asked him to clarify what he meant when he called to "nationalize" the elections. Under the U.S. Constitution, the states are given the right to oversee elections. The process has limited input from the federal government. Advertisement Advertisement I didnt say nationalize, Trump claimed. I said there are some areas in the country that are extremely corrupt. They have very corrupt elections. Take a look at Detroit, Philadelphia, Atlanta. There are some areas that are unbelievably corrupt." Trump provided no evidence to suggest any kind of corruption related to elections was occurring in any of the cities he listed. The cities he listed typically vote for Democrats. President Donald Trump told NBC Nightly News' Tom Llamas that he will only accept the outcome of the 2026 midterm elections if they are 'honest,' and refused to confirm that he will leave office in early 2029 at the end of his second term (NBC Nightly News) Further, Trump either forgot or is lying about using the word "nationalize." The Republicans should say, we want to take over, we should take over the voting, the voting in at least many, 15 places," Trump told former deputy director of the FBI Dan Bongino in a podcast Monday. "The Republicans ought to nationalize the voting. Advertisement Advertisement After insisting that he hadn't used the word, the president pivoted to talk about voter ID laws and Democratic opposition to the SAVE Act, which, if passed, would require voters to present proof of citizenship before they can cast a vote. "If Democrats dont want voter ID, if they dont want voter ID, that means they want to cheat. We cant allow cheating in elections," Trump said. An election worker processes absentee ballots at State Farm Arena on November 2, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. Atlanta is one of the cities that President Donald Trump called corrupt in February 2026 amid his calls for Republicans to take over national elections (Getty Images) During the 2020 election, Trump asked Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger to "find" him more than 11,000 votes. Trumps response focusing on the SAVE Act seems to be in line with current White House messaging. After Trumps calls to nationalize the election were met with outrage from Democrats and mostly silence from congressional Republicans, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt insisted the president was just endorsing the SAVE Act and not supporting the dismantling of states constitutional rights. Advertisement Advertisement What the president was referring to is the SAVE Act, which is a huge, common-sense piece of legislation that Republicans have supported, that President Trump is committed to signing into law during his term, Leavitt told reporters. She made her comments on Tuesday, the same day that Trump told reporters that he thought the federal government should "get involved" in the elections due to "corruption." He said that if the states cant count the votes legally and honestly, then somebody else should take over." Look at some of the places that horrible corruption on elections and the federal government should not allow that, he said on Tuesday. The federal government should get involved. Trump echoed many of the same points on Wednesday, telling Llamas that if the states can't conduct an election "honestly, and it cant be done properly and timely, then something else has to happen." President Donald Trump speaks to NBC Nightly News' Tom Llamas during a Wednesday interview. Trump told Llamas that he believed there was 'corruption' in the voting processes of several cities, all of which typically lean towards Democrats in elections (NBC Nightly News) Llamas then asked Trump if he would trust the election results if the Republicans lose control of Congress. Advertisement Advertisement I will, if the elections are honest, Trump said. Look, I the last one that wants to complain. I just had a great election. They say one of the greatest elections, you will agree, ever. Won all seven swing states, won 84 percent of the counties in America. Thats why the map is all red. We just had a great election. I believe there was cheating. I think there was cheating. But, it was too big to rig. There is no evidence that widespread voter fraud occurred during the 2024 election. The midterms weren't the only elections that came up during the interview. Llamas also asked the president if there was any scenario in which he'd serve a third term. "Wouldn't it be terrible if I gave you the answer that you're looking for? It would make life so much less exciting," Trump said. "I only do this for one reason: Make America Great Again." Under the U.S. Constitution, Trump cannot legally be elected to a third term as president. (The Center Square) President Donald Trump is now seeking a $1 billion payment from Harvard University as part of an effort to resolve an ongoing dispute with the Ivy League over alleged discrimination violations. Starting in 2025, the Trump administration has threatened to withhold federal funds from Harvard and other universities, citing concerns related to campus protests over the war in Gaza, diversity programs and transgender policies. Administration officials and Harvard representatives have held discussions for several months. In September, Trump said Harvard would need to pay $500 million to regain access to federal funding. Advertisement Advertisement But Trump this week said he was increasing that number to $1 billion following Harvard's failure to pay the $500 million. Former Harvard President Claudine Gay criticized that proposal, calling the amount arbitrary and unjustified. Harvard has filed two lawsuits challenging the administrations actions, arguing it is being penalized for declining to adopt the administrations policy positions. In December, a federal judge blocked the funding cuts, ruling that the administration had not adequately justified them. Judge Allison Burroughs of the U.S. District Court for Massachusetts described the administrations antisemitism reason as insufficient and said the funding freeze conflicted with First Amendment protections. Advertisement Advertisement Burroughs, who was appointed by President Barack Obama, noted the Trump administration failed to provide a reasoned explanation for how or why freezing and terminating funding would further the goal of ending antisemitism." Since beginning his second term, Trump has argued that elite universities are dominated by liberal ideology and have not adequately addressed antisemitism. His administration has frozen significant amounts of federal research funding, which many institutions rely on for scientific and medical research. In September, the U.S. Department of Education sent a letter to Harvard requesting documents related to its undergraduate admissions process. The department said Harvard previously declined to provide the information and alleged the university continues to engage in unlawful racial discrimination in its admissions process. The Center Square reached out to Harvard University for a comment, but did not receive a response. The US has backed the UK's deal to hand over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius and lease back a key military base, Downing Street has told the BBC. On Thursday, Donald Trump signalled his approval for the move, describing Sir Keir Starmer's agreement as the "best he could make". It comes just a few weeks after the US president prompted fears in Whitehall that he would withdraw his support, after he branded the deal an "act of great stupidity". Advertisement Advertisement Trump's comments led to additional talks between officials to confirm continued American support for the agreement, which will impact the future of a joint UK-US airbase. The deal, originally announced last year, would see the UK transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands while leasing back the joint military base on the largest island, Diego Garcia, for an initial 99 years. During a conversation on Thursday, the two leaders "agreed on the importance" of the deal to secure the base, Downing Street said. Advertisement Advertisement A spokeswoman said they agreed the UK and US would "continue to work closely on the implementation of the deal". In a post on his Truth Social platform earlier on Thursday, Trump wrote that his discussions with Sir Keir had been "very productive". He added: "I understand that the deal Prime Minister Starmer has made, according to many, the best he could make." "However, if the lease deal, sometime in the future, ever falls apart, or anyone threatens or endangers US operations and forces at our base, I retain the right to militarily secure and reinforce the American presence in Diego Garcia," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Asked about Trump's comments, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters: "He spoke with Prime Minister Starmer directly, he understands Prime Minister Starmer's position - and he supports it." "But as the president reiterated in that statement, of course, the United States reserves the right to protect our assets." Greenland row Warren Stephens, the US's ambassador to the UK, said while the "ideal" outcome would be for the UK not to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands, it was the "best deal on the table for successive UK governments". Echoing the president, Stephens said the US "retains the right to maintain and to reinforce our security interests on Diego Garcia if needed in the future". Advertisement Advertisement The deal was originally announced last year, and had been endorsed by Trump and US officials. But last month the US president labelled it an "act of total weakness". He added in a post on Truth Social: "The UK giving away extremely important land is an act of GREAT STUPIDITY, and is another in a very long line of National Security reasons why Greenland has to be acquired." Trump's criticism of the agreement came during an international row over his threats to take control of Greenland. At the time, Sir Keir accused Trump of making the comments to pressure the UK over its support for the sovereignty of the Danish territory. Advertisement Advertisement The comments threw into doubt whether the US would continue to support the Chagos deal. At the time, Downing Street said it believed the US still supported it, despite the president's comments. Officials in London and Washington have since been involved in talks to determine whether US support for the agreement still stood. The BBC understands those talks, which included two direct phone calls between Starmer and Trump, have now been completed. 'Appalling surrender' A draft law to ratify the Chagos Islands deal is making its way through Parliament but has been delayed since the president's outburst last month. Advertisement Advertisement Sir Keir has insisted the deal is necessary to protect the continued operation of the base, amid previous attempts from Mauritius to dispute the legality of British sovereignty over the islands. The deal has been heavily criticised by the Conservatives and Reform UK, who argue it undermines national security because of Mauritius's ties to China. Conservative shadow foreign secretary, Dame Priti Patel, said Trump's statement "recognises a critical weakness in the surrender deal" about the lease arrangements. "The Conservative Party's view is unchanged," she added. "We have led the fight against this appalling surrender and we will continue fighting it to the end." Feb. 5President Donald Trump signed a spending bill Tuesday that includes $10 million to replace the failing Noxon Bridge in Sanders County. U.S. Sen. Tim Sheehy and Congressman Ryan Zinke lobbied to include the money in H.R. 7148, Consolidated Appropriations Act, which last month passed the House by a vote of 217 to 214, and Senate by a vote of 71 to 29. The bill provides $102.9 billion in discretionary funding, which includes $388 million in defense funds and $102.5 billion in non-defense funding. The legislation funnels money toward airports, roads, railways and bridges across the country, and includes funding for housing initiatives. A slew of other Montana infrastructure projects will benefit from the multi-billion-dollar spending bill. This includes $10 million for the Seeley Lake Wastewater Treatment Plant, $1.15 million to repave Marten Creek Road in Trout Creek, $2.5 million for the Ravalli County Wastewater Treatment Plant, $454,000 for the Rural Airport Reconstruction and Emergency Services expansion, and $1 million each for the North Fork guardrails project in Flathead County, Groff Lane Bridge replacement in Ravalli County and reparation of Old Corvallis Road in Ravalli County. A spokesperson for Zinke's office previously told the Inter Lake the congressman hopes to advocate for additional funding for Noxon Bridge in the next fiscal year. With $10 million secured for the Noxon Bridge, Sanders County Commissioner Tony Cox said the replacement project is about halfway funded. This includes nearly $1 million from the Montana Department of Transportation and $4 million of the county's own money set aside for the project, bringing total funding close to $15 million so far. Official estimates to replace the bridge are $35 million, but county commissioners said last week it could come in as low as $30 million. Reporter Hannah Shields can be reached at 758-4439 or [email protected]. ANNAPOLIS, Maryland (AP) President Donald Trump is taking steps toward installing near the White House a replica of a statue of famed explorer Christopher Columbus that had been tossed into Baltimore's harbor during his first term amid protests against institutional racism. John Pica, a Maryland lobbyist and president of the Italian American Organizations United, said his group owns the statue and agreed to loan it to the federal government for placement at or near the White House. Pica told The Associated Press in an interview that he was contacted about the statue around Columbus Day last year by an intermediary who said the White House was looking for a statue of the explorer. Pica says his organization took a straw vote and unanimously decided to send the statue to the White House. They signed the loan agreement Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Asked if he was optimistic the statue would make it to the White House, Pica said, Cautiously optimistic, yes. The exact timing for any planned installation was unclear, he said, though he added, possibly within two weeks. Maryland state Del. Nino Mangione, a Republican who has worked with the Italian American group to find the statue a new home after it was pulled from the harbor, also confirmed the plans for the statue, which were first reported earlier Wednesday by The Washington Post. The White House declined to comment to the AP on plans for the statue but reaffirmed Trumps affinity for Columbus, whose legacy has shifted as historians and educators amplify how white European figures and their descendants treated Native Americans and enslaved Africans to develop the New World. In this White House, Christopher Columbus is a hero, said Trump spokesman David Ingle. And he will continue to be honored as such by President Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Trump wants to put his own stamp on American history ahead of big anniversary celebration For Pica and his group, the statue's Washington placement would celebrate a famous Italian who holds iconic status among Italian Americans. For Trump, it would be another move to reshape the telling of U.S. history as the nation marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Trump endorses a traditional view of Columbus as leader of the 1492 mission that marked the unofficial beginning of European colonization in the Americas and the development of the modern economic and political order. But in recent years, Columbus also been recognized as a primary example of Western Europes conquest of the New World, its resources and its native people. The statue now headed to Washington is a replica of one toppled by protesters on July 4, 2020, and thrown into Baltimore's Inner Harbor after anger boiled over following the death of George Floyd at the hands of police. It was one of many statues of Columbus that were vandalized around the same time, with protesters saying the Italian explorer was responsible for the genocide and exploitation of native peoples in the Americas. Advertisement Advertisement I was there when we got it out of the harbor, Mangione said, adding that artist Will Hemsley used parts of the old statue, first unveiled during Ronald Reagans presidency, to build and restore a beautiful, brand new statue. In recent years, some individuals, institutions and government entities have displaced Columbus Day with recognition of Indigenous Peoples Day. President Joe Biden in 2021 became the first U.S. president to mark Indigenous Peoples Day with a proclamation. The statue may not be permanent Pica emphasized that his group is lending the statue and would reclaim it if a future administration wanted it taken down. Advertisement Advertisement Trump dismisses the shift on Columbus as left-wing arsonists bending history and twisting Americans collective memory. Im bringing Columbus Day back from the ashes., he declared last April. Echoing his 2024 campaign rhetoric, he complained that Democrats did everything possible to destroy Christopher Columbus, his reputation, and all of the Italians that love him so much. Trump issued a Columbus Day proclamation last October and ignored Indigenous Peoples Day. He praised Columbus as the original American hero, a giant of Western civilization, and one of the most gallant and visionary men to ever walk the face of the earth. That tribute reflected Trump's broader take on history. Last spring, he signed an executive order titled Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History, which bemoaned a concerted and widespread effort to rewrite our Nations history in a way that misrepresents the U.S. as inherently racist, sexist, oppressive, or otherwise irredeemably flawed. Since the order, the administration has demanded a comprehensive review of exhibits across all Smithsonian museums and pushed Executive Branch agencies and state and local entities especially colleges, universities and schools that receive federal funding to roll back their diversity initiatives. ___ Barrow reported from Atlanta. Associated Press writer Darlene Superville contributed to this report from Washington. President Trump's statements that Republicans should take over and run elections in many states, the domestic deployment of armed agents who are shooting people in nearby cities, along with Wisconsin's long struggle over fair voting rules, makes for a tense election season. But voters still have the power to defend their rights. | Photo of an anti-gerrymandering sign in the Wisconsin State Capitol by the Wisconsin Examiner Wisconsin was almost certainly on President Donald Trumps mind when he said this week, We should take over the voting, the voting in at least many 15 places. The Republicans ought to nationalize the voting. Our swing state was Ground Zero for the fake electors plot to overturn the results of the 2020 election after Trump narrowly lost here. Wisconsin U.S. Sen. Ron Johnsons office was involved in the effort to pass off fraudulent Electoral College ballots cast by state Republicans for Trump. Our state Legislature hosted countless hearings spotlighting election deniers and wasted $2.5 million in taxpayer dollars on a fruitless investigation of the 2020 presidential results, led by disgraced former Supreme Court Justice Michael Gableman, who threatened to arrest the mayors of Madison and Green Bay. Advertisement Advertisement So how worried should we be about Trumps election takeover threats? I wouldnt be overly concerned that the president could get anything done thats directly contrary to the Constitution, says John Vaudreuil, a former U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin and a member of the nonpartisan group Keep Our Republic, which works to promote trust in elections. Not only does Article I of the U.S. Constitution expressly delegate elections administration to the states, Wisconsin has one of the most decentralized elections systems in the country, with about 1,800 local clerks running elections in counties, municipalities and townships throughout the state. And they are Republicans, they are Democrats, they are independent, Vaudreuil says. Most fundamentally, theyre our neighbors, theyre our friends. Trumps threats of a federal takeover would be both legally and practically hard to pull off in Wisconsin. Advertisement Advertisement But there is still reason to worry. Sowing distrust in elections takes a toll on clerks and poll workers, who have become less willing to put up with the threats and hostility generated by Trumps attacks. Vaudreuil urges people to support their local elections officials and poll workers and spread the word that the work they do is important and that elections are secure. Then theres the danger that Trump could use his own false claims about election fraud to send federal immigration agents to the polls on the pretext that its necessary to address the nonexistent problem of noncitizen voting. Doug Poland, director of litigation at the voting rights focused firm Law Forward, has been involved in election-related litigation in Wisconsin for years, including a lawsuit to block the Trump administration from forcing the state to turn over sensitive voter information. Poland sees Trumps threats to nationalize elections as part of a pivot from Republican efforts to make in-person voting harder on the dubious theory that theres a huge problem with voter impersonation at the polls to a new focus on stopping absentee voting after many people began using mail-in ballots during the pandemic. But really, its all about trying to make sure fewer people vote. Advertisement Advertisement Under former Republican Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, Wisconsin passed a strict voter ID law, which one Republican former staffer testified made Republican legislators giddy as they discussed how it would make it more difficult for students and people of color to vote. Like Vaudreuil, Poland sees the current threat from the Trump administration not as an actual takeover of election administration by the federal government, but as an escalation of intimidation tactics. Noncitizens generally dont vote. So its a lie, Poland says. But its, of course, the lie that theyre going to use as a premise to send, whether its ICE or whomever it may be, to polling places, probably in locations with Black and brown populations, and that is purely for the purpose of intimidation. And at the same time, theyre pushing back very hard on absentee voting by mail. If the Trump administration is preparing to send armed federal agents to the polls to intimidate voters, absentee voting will be more important than ever in the upcoming elections. Advertisement Advertisement Yet, U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson recently told constituents that while he doesnt think the federal government should take over elections administration, I think we need to tighten up the requirements for absentee voting. Im opposed to mail in register or mail in balloting. And as Erik Gunn reports, Wisconsin U.S. Rep. Bryan Steils Make Elections Great Again Act would restrict absentee voting, along with adding new layers of citizen verification steps while threatening to defund elections administrators who fail to comply with the bills onerous requirements. Theyre going to do everything they can to try to make it harder to vote absentee by mail, to make it harder to vote absentee in person, Poland says, adding, Theyre going to try to do it so they can put ICE agents around polling places and just try to intimidate people, to keep them away. So what can be done? Advertisement Advertisement Voter intimidation is a crime, and specific instances can be addressed through lawsuits, Poland says. Still, he acknowledges (and Law Forward has argued in court) that once someone is deprived of the right to cast a ballot, theres no remedy that can adequately compensate for that loss. Thats why it was so appalling when the city of Madison asserted that absentee voting is a privilege in response to a lawsuit brought by Polands organization over 200 lost ballots in the 2024 election. Of course, in addition to worries about possible violations of individuals right to vote, theres the fear that Trump could manage to subvert elections through heavy-handed tactics like the recent FBI raid to seize 2020 ballots from Fulton County. Both Vaudreuil and Poland think judges would step in to prevent such a seizure in the middle of an election, before the ballots were counted. Meanwhile, in Wisconsin, absentee voting remains legal and many municipalities are using secure ballot drop boxes. We need to keep on making use of our right (not our privilege) to vote, using all the tools we have in place. As for the intimidating effect of armed ICE agents at polling places, local officials and perhaps local law enforcement could have a role in protecting the polls and reassuring voters its safe to cast their ballots. Neighbors who have been organizing to warn people of ICE raids, bring food to immigrants who are afraid to leave their homes, and form a protective shield around schools could become self-appointed polling place protectors. Advertisement Advertisement If we are going to defend the core tenets of our democracy against an administration that has demonstrated over and over again its contempt for the Constitution and the rule of law, its going to take massive public resistance and a flat refusal to give up our rights. What is it that will make them stand down from what theyre doing to break the law? asks Poland. I think the people of Minnesota have answered that for us better than anybody else can, which is that you have to stand up, you have to exercise your rights, First Amendment rights, the right to vote. Exercising our rights is the only way to make sure they are not taken away. Courage and collective action are the best protection weve got. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX When private industry refused, Donald Trump tapped his extraordinarily wealthy allies to deport Palestinians back to the West Bank for him. On January 21, eight Palestinian men were flown from an Arizona airport to Tel Aviv thanks to Florida real estate magnate Gil Dezer, one of Trumps biggest private donors and a longtime business partner. Dezer, the son of Israeli American billionaire Michael Dezer, is also an old friend of Donald Trump Jr. and a member of the Miami branch of Friends of the Israel Defense Forces. Advertisement Advertisement The deportees trip aboard Dezers sleek, 16-seat private jet was a part of a secretive and politically sensitive US government operation to deport Palestinians arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement to the Israeli-occupied West Bank, reported The Guardian. Dezers involvement in ICEs operations came weeks after Avelo Airlines, the primary commercial air fleet that carried out the Trump administrations mass deportation agenda, canceled its contract with the federal government over mounting public pressure. And earlier this week, Dezers plane was caught shipping more Palestinian deportees. The jet landed at the Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv, where the deportees were met by a swarm of Israeli security personnel and shepherded by armed guards to a checkpoint near the West Bank village of Nilin. They dropped us off like animals on the side of the road, Maher Awad, a 24-year-old who was born in the West Bank but had spent nearly a decade in the U.S., told The Guardian. We went to a local house, we knocked on the door, we were like: Please help us out. Advertisement Advertisement The tail of Dezers jet is unmistakable, bearing the logo of Dezer Development, his fathers company. The Dezers and Trump have collaborated for the better part of the last two decades, building several Trump-branded properties in Miami. The luxury aircraft reportedly made four removal flights prior to its trips to Israel, according to data from Human Rights First, an organization that tracks deportation efforts. Those included trips to Kenya, Liberia, Guinea, and Eswatini, all of which have taken place since October. In an interview with Traded Miami in November, Dezer spoke of his love for Trump and said that hes very proud of the job hes doing in office. Wildfires have consumed thousands of buildings, killed dozens of people, and smothered millions in choking smoke in recent years. Blazes like the Los Angeles wildfires in 2025 have also revealed that fighting these massive blazes continues to be hampered by bureaucratic traps which agency is in charge of the response, who is on the hook for the cleanup, what layer of government is accountable for prevention, and who has to pay for it all? In too many cases, including in California, a slow and inadequate response to wildfires is a direct result of reckless mismanagement and lack of preparedness, President Donald Trump said last year in an executive order. That confusion is one reason why the Department of the Interior announced last month that it is taking steps to create a new Wildland Fire Service. The idea is to streamline disparate firefighting efforts across 693 million acres of federal land into one agency. Key takeaways The Department of the Interior is creating the Wildland Fire Service to streamline its firefighting efforts. Wildfire management is currently split among multiple agencies, adding cost, delays, and frustration to fire response efforts. However, Congress did not approve the proposal to merge firefighting efforts across the Interior Department and the US Department of Agriculture, home to the US Forest Service. The Interior Department is focusing on internal reorganization for now. Experts say removing bureaucracy in firefighting is a good idea but express concern that focusing on fire suppression could lead to neglect of broader fire risk mitigation as the nature of wildfires evolves. Managing wildfires effectively requires going beyond putting out blazes, including tactics like forest management and updated building codes. This is often outside of federal jurisdiction and requires coordination with local authorities. Advertisement Advertisement The idea has promise, and the move to bring in Brian Fennessy, a veteran Southern California fire chief, to helm the agency was applauded by many in the firefighting community. But the agency is already off to a shaky start. The Interior Department requested a budget of $6.55 billion for the new Wildland Fire Service initiative, but Congress pointedly did not include funding for it in the recent spending package in January because it would have required changes across multiple federal departments. Lawmakers did say they are open to studying the idea. The debate over the funding aside, few doubt that there is a real problem here: Dealing with wildfires is a convoluted and costly endeavor that spans state, local, and federal agencies. Over the past five years, the federal government has spent $2.4 billion on average to fight wildfires per year. Inside the Interior Department alone, there are multiple divisions with a hand in fire operations, including the Office of Wildland Fire, the National Park Service, and the Bureau of Land Management. Meanwhile, the US Forest Service, which conducts the bulk of federal firefighting, is currently a part of the Department of Agriculture. As the federal government dithers over who should take the lead on fighting wildfires, the dangers are only growing. View Link Advertisement Advertisement The US fire management system itself is strained close to the breaking point, said David Calkin, a wildfire consultant and a former scientist at the US Forest Service. The way we prepare for fire is a heavily bureaucratic intergovernmental process that is not agile to the rapidly increasing complexity of fires. But is a new wildfire service the solution? Some of the experts I spoke to said theres merit to the idea of putting the governments wildfire-related work under one roof. However, there are worries among firefighters, land managers, and researchers about how this effort will play out, particularly if it places too much emphasis on putting out fires and not enough on the slow, tedious work of reducing their overall threat in the first place. I think theres a lot of concern, but its based on uncertainty and a bit of fear, said Christopher Dunn, a former wildland firefighter and now an assistant professor studying wildfire risk at Oregon State University. It could come out to be very helpful to the workforce, helpful to our landscapes if its done right. It could also crash and burn. What we know about the Wildland Fire Service so far The Interior Department said the goal of the Wildland Fire Service is to increase efficiency and lower costs. The new unit would not just fight fires, but manage fuels and rehabilitate burned areas. Advertisement Advertisement However, since Congress didnt provide the money to consolidate fire-related offices across different agencies, the Interior Department said that right now, its only reorganizing internally. No new funding is being obligated, and no structural changes requiring congressional authorization are being implemented at this stage, an Interior Department spokesperson wrote in an email. That limits the impact of the new service because the bulk of federal firefighting capacity is at the US Forest Service. The Forest Service currently represents somewhere between 70 and 75 percent of all suppression capacity, Calkin said. But only 20 percent of wildfires ignite on federal land, which means most of the initial responses come from state and local fire agencies. Theres only so much the federal government can do in the early stages of most fires. A Very High fire danger warning is posted at Angeles National Forest Headquarters in Arcadia, California. | Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images | Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images There are also concerns about how the Wildland Fire Service will set its priorities. There are valid reasons to support creating a fire management agency, but this is a firefighting force, and that is part of the problem, said Timothy Ingalsbee, director of Firefighters United for Safety, Ethics, and Ecology and a former firefighter. Waiting around for a wildfire during these hot, dry, windy conditions that are becoming more frequent due to climate change, well never get ahead of the problem. Our primary purpose and mission is wildland fire suppression, wrote Fennessy, the veteran fire chief named to lead the Wildland Fire Service, in a January 12 email to staff. At the same time, we have a duty to improve fire mitigation strategies and programs across all bureaus. Advertisement Advertisement That latter part is especially tricky because fire mitigation strategies things like forest thinning and controlled burns can conflict with or detract from other priorities for federal land managers, like protecting wildlife, encouraging recreation, promoting economic development, and facilitating the extraction of resources like timber, oil, and gas. On the other hand, taking firefighting off the plate of divisions like the US Forest Service and the Fish and Wildlife Service could allow them to better focus on other aspects of their missions that could help reduce fire dangers over the long term. Theres a huge backlog of fire risk reduction work as well. Back in 2019, the Government Accountability Office estimated that there are 100 million acres of federal land that need fuel treatments to reduce fire dangers, but only about 1 to 3 million acres per year receive this mitigation. Another worry is that a sudden change in the organizational structure that, even if it ultimately leads to a more effective response, could create dysfunction in the short term. If you rush this and the system is more dysfunctional at least for some period of time while its trying to build and find its footing, youre exposing firefighters to greater hazards, Dunn said. The nature of wildfires is changing. So should the response. Its important to remember that fires are an essential part of many healthy ecosystems, and the history of over-emphasis on suppression has fueled the wildfire crisis we face today. Decades of trying to contain natural wildfires and barring Indigenous burning practices have allowed vegetation to accumulate, including invasive plant species that can readily ignite. More people are living closer to grasses, forests, and shrubs, increasing the odds of igniting a fire and worsening the damage that results. Advertisement Advertisement These sprawled-out communities also create political pressure to suppress fires because people dont want their homes threatened and dont want to breathe smoke. Fire risk-reduction tactics like controlled burns pose their own risks to communities, and the windows of ideal temperature, rain, and wind conditions for conducting them are shrinking. But none of this changes the fact that after decades of determined suppression, we owe a debt of fire to the landscape. The more you fight fire, the more you have to fight fire, and the worse you get at it, Calkin said. Not really addressing the fundamentals of the fire paradox would perpetuate and exacerbate the problems we have. All the while, humans are heating up the planet, amplifying the conditions that can lead to major blazes. The fires are faster and more intense and just fundamentally different than they were 30 years ago, Dunn said. Thats really stressing that workforce. One of the biggest challenges for firefighters is the rise of urban conflagrations. Some of the deadliest and most destructive wildfires are not sparked in the middle of the forest, but inside vulnerable communities on private property. Advertisement Advertisement Dunn explained that municipal firefighters are trained to enter structures, rescue people, and prevent the flames from spreading to nearby buildings. Wildland firefighters typically dont enter structures at all and focus on breaking up lines of trees and grasses that serve as fuel. But fires like the ones that burned in Los Angeles in 2025 are a sort of hybrid between urban and rural fires, where entire blocks ignite at once, the homes themselves are the fuel, and winds send torrents of embers miles away. Its a scenario that demands a new suite of tactics and training, something that a Wildland Fire Service could theoretically provide. Private property owners will have to step up as well. Many may not realize how vulnerable their homes are to wildfires because historical models of wildfire risk vastly underestimate the dangers they face today and into the future. Homeowners will have to invest in more fire-resistant materials for their houses, while neighborhoods will need to clear larger defensible perimeters and build in fire breaks. But enforcing these measures is a task outside the purview of the federal government. Public land management in the forest is not going to have a significant reduction of those types of events, Calkin said. And of course, theres the Trump element. Advertisement Advertisement After the Los Angeles wildfires in 2025, Trump threatened to withhold federal disaster aid money from California. A federal firefighting agency could potentially be used as a political lever during a crisis. For such an organization to be successful, it has to have a long-range vision that includes a really significant component of fire on the ground, it has to be responsive to local conditions, and it has to be protected from the political whims, Calkin said. Smoothing over bureaucratic trenches would definitely be a step in the right direction, but curbing the growing danger of wildfires is a generational project that demands continuous effort long after the flames die down and long before the next ones ignite. Steve Witkoff, US President Donald Trump's Special Envoy, has said that ongoing diplomatic efforts are delivering results towards ending the war in Ukraine. He has announced discussions and "additional progress" in the coming weeks. Source: Steve Witkoff on X (Twitter) Details: Witkoff also reported that the sides had agreed to exchange POWs. He said this will be the first exchange in five months and that it was achieved thanks to "detailed and productive" peace talks. Advertisement Advertisement Quote: "While significant work remains, steps like this demonstrate that sustained diplomatic engagement is delivering tangible results and advancing efforts to end the war in Ukraine. Discussions will continue, with additional progress anticipated in the coming weeks." Background: On 5 February, the Ukrainian negotiating team began the second day of trilateral talks with Russia and the United States in Abu Dhabi, aimed at settling the war launched by Russia. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, commenting on the talks in Abu Dhabi on 4 February, said there was both good and bad news. He said the good news is that the "checklist of open items" between Ukraine and Russia has been "substantially diminished". The Ukrainian delegation was preparing a report for President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the results of the first day of talks, which concluded on 4 February. The Ukrainian delegation in Abu Dhabi includes Rustem Umierov, Secretary of National Security and Defence Council; Kyrylo Budanov, Head of the President's Office, and his First Deputy Serhii Kyslytsia; Davyd Arakhamiia, leader of the Servant of the People parliamentary faction; Andrii Hnatov, Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine; and President's Office adviser Oleksandr Bevz. The trilateral talks in the United Arab Emirates come immediately after a large-scale Russian attack on Ukraine. Following the latest strikes, Zelenskyy announced that the work of the Ukrainian delegation at the peace talks would be adjusted. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! President Donald Trump has said he can replace an expiring US-Russia arms control deal with a better agreement that includes China, a move that would upend a decades-long arrangement between the world's biggest nuclear powers. But as Washington and Moscow seek a path forward following the expiration of an Obama-era treaty on Thursday, former senior US officials and analysts warned that a new deal could take years and face major hurdles if the administration wants China and Russia to cooperate. The expiration of the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty, known as New Start, left the US and Russia without major guardrails on their nuclear weapons programmes for the first time in the 21st Century. Advertisement Advertisement The development has raised concerns of a new nuclear weapons buildup pitting Russia and China against a Western alliance which has shown signs of cracking since Trump's return to office. "We are not turning our backs on each other" yet, Rose Gottemoeller, the chief Obama administration negotiator for New Start, told the BBC in an interview. But "it is a dangerous moment nevertheless, because there is nothing planned. What are the next steps going to be?" US and Russian negotiators this week appeared to be nearing a deal to abide by the expired New Start restrictions. Trump's envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner reportedly led arms control negotiations with Russia during talks in Abu Dhabi on the Ukraine war. Advertisement Advertisement But a temporary agreement now would likely not include the same level of transparency as an official long-term treaty, several former senior US officials said. The compliance and verification rules that underpin arms control treaties between the US and Russia typically take years to negotiate and couldn't be quickly hammered out by Trump's top negotiators, former officials and analysts who work on nuclear nonproliferation said. "This is not something that Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner and Marco Rubio can do on the back of a cocktail napkin," said Lynn Rusten, a former senior National Security Council and State Department official who worked on New Start. Bringing China on board The arms control showdown comes in a moment of heightened tension as Moscow has drawn closer to Beijing amid a standoff with the West over the war in Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Trump has repeatedly spoken in favour of nuclear arms control in his second term, part of a self-styled peacemaker agenda that Trump is hoping can net him the Nobel peace prize. But Trump's insistence that China be involved in new arms control talks could stymie progress towards a deal. Beijing has said it won't start negotiations until the US and Russia reduce their nuclear weapons arsenals. It's also unclear how tensions over Ukraine will impact arms control talks between the White House and the Kremlin. While Trump has said China must be involved in new arms control talks, White House officials have discussed taking a two-track approach with separate negotiations between the US and Moscow and Beijing, according to a person outside the administration with knowledge of the matter who asked not to be named. A White House official told the BBC that Trump would set out the best path forward on nuclear arms control "on his own timeline". Advertisement Advertisement "President Trump has spoken repeatedly of addressing the threat nuclear weapons pose to the world and indicated that he would like to keep limits on nuclear weapons and involve China in arms control talks," said the official, who spoke on background. Trump called for a "new" arms control treaty in a social media post on Thursday. "Rather than extend "NEW START" (A badly negotiated deal by the United States that, aside from everything else, is being grossly violated), we should have our Nuclear Experts work on a new, improved, and modernized Treaty that can last long into the future," Trump wrote. China displays an intercontinental strategic nuclear missile at a military parade in Beijing last summer [Reuters] The new period of uncertainty isn't entirely unprecedented. Before the collapse of the Soviet Union, Washington and Moscow went through some brief periods without a major arms control treaty in place. Under President Jimmy Carter, the US delayed ratification of a treaty to protest the Soviet Union's invasion of Afghanistan. Both countries agreed in the interim to abide by the terms of the uncompleted treaty and it later went into effect. Advertisement Advertisement The situation is more complicated today because of the strained relationship between the US and Russia over Ukraine, analysts said, as well as by China's emergence as a nuclear-armed superpower - dynamics that have raised the stakes and put pressure on Trump to deliver a new arms control deal. But the US and Russia appear to have deep disagreements about how to replace New Start. The deal capped the number of deployed strategic nuclear warheads at 1,550 for the US and Russia. The 2010 agreement also created a system of on-site inspections and data sharing so the countries could monitor each other's nuclear weapons arsenals. It replaced the original Start treaty - signed by the US and the Soviet Union in 1991 - that limited both sides to 6,000 deployed nuclear warheads. [BBC] Today Russia has 4,309 deployed and stored nuclear warheads and the US has 3,700, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. The nations combined hold almost 90 percent of the global inventory. China has 600 nuclear warheads, but the figure is expected to grow to as many as 1,000 by the end of the decade. Advertisement Advertisement The US and Russia stopped conducting on-site inspections of each other's nuclear weapons facilities in March of 2020 at the start of the pandemic. Moscow suspended the New Start treaty in 2023, citing America's leading role in the international coalition backing Ukraine. Russia has repeatedly said it won't rule out using unconventional weapons in response to Nato aggression, stoking fears of a nuclear war in Europe. It hasn't made good on the threat, but since starting the war Russia has twice fired an Oreshnik missile into Ukraine. The missile can carry conventional or nuclear warheads. There is currently no arms control treaty in place restricting the use of shorter-range "tactical" nuclear warheads in Europe. Last month, Trump signalled he was comfortable with letting the treaty expire. "If it expires, it expires," he said in an interview with the New York Times. "We'll just do a better agreement." Advertisement Advertisement Russia said on Wednesday ahead of the treaty's expiration that it was "no longer bound" by New Start restrictions on deployed nuclear warheads. "We assume that the parties to the New Start treaty are no longer bound by any obligations or symmetrical declarations within the context of the treaty," Russia's foreign ministry said in a statement. Even if both sides reach a stopgap agreement, experts said the prospects of a long-term arms control treaty remained murky. "There could be a political handshake agreement to extend New START's central limitations [but] there is no indication that that would include verification measures," said Stephen Herzog, a professor at the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies. Advertisement Advertisement Years of arms control policy now hang in the balance, Herzog added. The lapse of New Start, he said, disrupted "a legacy of more than five decades of bilateral nuclear arms control." Turkish Air Force F-16 Vipers can be seen flying over the skies of Somalia in new videos that have emerged online. The deployment of these jets comes as Turkey is seeking to increase its presence in the troubled nation where the al-Shabaab extremist group is wreaking havoc. One video shows a Turkish F-16 taking off, afterburner ignited, from an airport in the Somali capital of Mogadishu. Better footage from Mogadishu which shows a Turkish F-16 taking off pic.twitter.com/DltvrO1ypV Ragp Soylu (@ragipsoylu) February 3, 2026 F-16 fighter jets are currently conducting test flights over Mogadishu this morning. These aircraft arrived in Somalia on Wednesday, signifying Turkiye's increasing support for the nation. It is quite probable that the Somali government is making preparations for the eventual pic.twitter.com/VPMwXN0MIA Bahdo Online (@Baxdo_Online) February 3, 2026 Another video shows a Turkish Air Force F-16 flying at low altitude over the city. NEW: Turkish F-16 fighter jets deployed to Somalia were seen flying at low altitude over Mogadishu. pic.twitter.com/pU23coILgH Clash Report (@clashreport) February 3, 2026 The three Turkish F-16s landed at Aden Adde International Airport in Mogadishu on January 28, according to Somali government officials. The jets were accompanied by two military helicopters intended to support operations against Al-Shabaab across southern and central Somalia, according to the Horn Review media outlet. While there has been no confirmation of active airstrikes conducted by the jets, their presence alone introduces a new operational dimension. Advertisement Advertisement This deployment marks the first time Turkey has forward deployed manned combat aircraft into Somalia, expanding its role beyond drones, transport aviation and advisory support, the publication added. Turkish F-16C. (Photo by Mustafa Hatipoglu/Anadolu via Getty Images) Anadolu Ankara has been constructing a facility to host the F-16s over the past few months, according to the Middle East Eye. Turkish engineers [had] reportedly been working at the international airport for several days to prepare the site for the arrival of the jets. The F-16 deployment is a way for Ankara to step up strikes on al-Shabaab militants and protect its growing interests in the Horn of Africa country, Bloomberg News reported, citing people familiar with the matter. The move is meant to bolster Turkish drone operations against the Islamist group, which is linked to al-Qaeda and has been waging an insurgency against the government in Mogadishu for two decades, Bloomberg posited. The Indian Ocean city Somalias capital is home to Turkeys largest overseas military base, while Ankara is building a nearby site to test missiles and space rockets. Advertisement Advertisement Turkey has a growing interest in the countrys energy industry and wants to increase trade overall, according to Middle East Eye. In addition, Somalia has vast untapped mineral wealth. The country holds significant potential in critical minerals such as aluminium, copper, iron, rare earth elements, and titanium, according to the SMA Oxford consulting firm. These minerals are vital for clean energy technologies, including batteries, electric vehicles, and energy storage systems for civilian and military use. Ankaras deployment of its F-16s comes as al-Shabaab has been resurgent across Somalia. A view of destroyed buildings and vehicles after an attack by the terrorist organization called al-Shabaab on a hotel in Beledweyne city of Hirshabelle state in Hiran region on March 12, 2025. It was reported that 6 people were killed during the attack. (Photo by Abuukar Mohamed Muhidin/Anadolu via Getty Images) Anadolu The jihadi groups actions have spurred the Trump administration to carry out an increasing number of airstrikes against the group. These airstrikes have grown sharply in number during U.S. President Donald Trumps time in office as Washington targets the al-Shabab and ISIS-Somalia jihadist groups, Semafor reported. A year into Trump 2.0, the number of strikes in Somalia is already at 144. That is more than half of the tally from Trumps entire first term, which was itself record-breaking, according to the nonprofit think tank New America. Advertisement Advertisement There may be another motivating factor for Turkey to bring F-16s to Somalia. Israel, its regional rival, became the first country to recognize the Republic of Somaliland, a northeastern part of Somalia that has claimed independence for decades, Reuters reported. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said Israel would seek immediate cooperation in agriculture, health, technology and the economy. Turkey and Israel have long jostled for influence in the Middle East, and now it appears this competition has spread to the Horn of Africa, where Turkey continues to expand its footprint. Somalia is strategically located, with a long Gulf of Aden coastline across from Yemen and another coastline along the Arabian Sea section of the Indian Ocean. Somalia. (Google Earth) The Turkish government is increasing its training and support activities in Somalia aimed at strengthening the countrys security and stability, Turkeys Minister of Defense, Yasar Guler, recently stated, according to TIKLS Briefs, a daily newsletter delivering security analysis and news on the Horn of Africa. Turkey has also established new military facilities in Somalia, including the Somali Air Command and the TURKSOM training camp in Mogadishu. In Somalia, we recently established the Air Force Command, which includes facilities for helicopters and drones, added Guler. Advertisement Advertisement Turkey entered Somalia in 2011, helping to build the Somali National Army (SNA) by providing training, vehicles, equipment, and financial support, TIKLS Briefs noted. This is not the first time Turkey has forward-deployed its Vipers. As we previously reported, Ankara sent six F-16s to Azerbaijan during a flare-up with that nations fighting with Armenia in 2020. You can see a satellite image of that deployment below. There were six F-16s at Gabala International Airport in Azerbaijan, an Oct. 19 @Maxar satellite image shows. It's likely that these are the Turkish Air Force fighter jets that moved from Ganja after the city was shelled. https://t.co/49CICDF6QS Christiaan Triebert (@trbrtc) October 25, 2020 It is unknown at the moment how long the Turkish F-16s will stay in Somalia. Regardless, it appears that Turkey is planning to maintain a military presence in this war-torn country for quite some time. Contact the author: howard@thewarzone.com TUPELO The Tupelo Police Department has arrested two men in separate cases, both charged with trafficking methamphetamine. The first case began with a Jan. 27 traffic stop for an equipment violation. During the stop, probable cause was established to conduct a search of the vehicle. During that search, officers with the Special Operations Group and the North Mississippi Narcotics Unit located a small amount of suspected methamphetamine and marijuana. Both the driver and front seat passenger were taken into custody. A further search uncovered a felony amount of methamphetamine in possession of the passenger, Makevinon Damar Neal, 33, of Jacinto Heights, Booneville. He was arrested and charged with trafficking a Schedule II drug. Advertisement Advertisement During his initial appearance, Tupelo Municipal Court Judge Jay Weir set bond at $100,000. On Sunday Feb. 1, the SOG and NMNU made a traffic stop for a traffic violation. After establishing probable cause to search the vehicle, officers located drug paraphernalia in the possession of the front seat passenger. A further search of the passenger revealed a substantial amount of methamphetamine. Clifton J. Donald, 33, of Baldwyn, was arrested and charged with trafficking methamphetamine. During his initial appearance in Tupelo Municipal Court, Judge Willie Allen set his bond at $200,000. Both men remain incarcerated in the Lee County Adult Jail. With Haitis politicians unable to arrive at a consensus for governing after the expiration of the Transitional Presidential Councils mandate this weekend, the U.S. is publicly asserting its support for Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aime and signaling it will not recognize alternative power arrangements. The Trump administrations position, announced after months of speculation, comes just days before the councils mandate expires on Feb. 7. Some council members continue to advance proposals for a new transition structure despite repeated warnings from Washington that their authority ends Saturday under the agreement they themselves signed in 2024. As the Transitional Presidential Councils mandate ends on February 7, we support Prime Minister Fils-Aimes leadership in building a strong, prosperous and free Haiti, the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince said in a social media post. Advertisement Advertisement For weeks, Haitis political and civic leaders have been deliberating and regrouping into shifting coalitions that include both established and lesser-known figures, along with dozens of political parties. While there is broad agreement that the nine-member presidential council should step aside after failing to make headway against gangs or oversee the organization of elections, consensus has broken down over what and who should replace it. Most political factions in Haiti agree that the next phase of the transition should be led by a dual executive, with both a prime minister and a president. But beyond that, unity has proved elusive. At least five competing proposals have emerged from major coalitions, several of which have fractured in recent days as internal disputes deepened. Les candidats a la presidence et au poste de Premier ministre commencent a deposer leurs pieces ce mercredi a lhotel Montana. Ce, apres environ 4 jours de dialogue interhaitien, tenu sous la direction du CPT en vue de trouver une solution a la crise politique a lapproche du 7 pic.twitter.com/hPG5guLi3L Passion Info Plus (@passioninfoplus) February 4, 2026 There are a bunch of proposals, and none of them can come together to form just one, said Antoine Rodon Bien-Aime, a former member of the Lower Chamber of Deputies who has been engaged in the discussions as the coordinator of a coalition of 32 political parties. Did we put our heads together to find a single solution? No. The problem is us, Haitians. Every time the international community wants to help us, we go our own way, and we can never come together. Advertisement Advertisement Among those who have been trying to mediate is the CARICOM Eminent Persons Group, consisting of former prime ministers Kenny Anthony of St. Lucia, Bruce Golding of Jamaica and Perry Christie of The Bahamas. On Monday, the group was in Washington, where along with the Caribbean Community Secretary-Generals special adviser on Haiti, Ambassador Colin Granderson, they participated in a meeting on Haiti convened by the Organization of American States. The meeting was also attended by representatives from the United Nations, the government of Haiti, Canada and the U.S., which on Tuesday deployed a Navy warship off the coast of Haiti into the Bay of Port-au-Prince. While officials discussed security, governance, elections and the rollout of a Gang Suppression Force later this year to help police defeat gangs, considerable attention was given to the expiring mandate of Haitis Transitional Presidential Council and the lack of consensus around a new governance framework. The OAS referred to the situation as a moment of profound uncertainty in a statement it issued along with the CARICOM ministers and Eminent Persons Group, U.N. Integrated Office in Haiti, Canada and the U.S. Advertisement Advertisement We recognize that a Haitian led and owned solution is crucial. The signatories call on all stakeholders to act in the interest of peace and stability and for the well-being of the Haitian people, the joint OAS statement said. Haiti has been without an elected president for nearly five years and without a functioning parliament for even longer. As armed gangs now control up to 90% of metropolitan Port-au-Prince and parts of the Artibonite region areas that together represent roughly 60% of the electorate Washington has emphasized the need for stability and a swift path to elections rather than a prolonged transition. Despite this position, political maneuvering has continued, especially among members of the council who, despite agreeing to leave on Feb. 7 when they took the posts in April 2024, have been trying to find ways to remain part of the transition framework after Saturday. On Tuesday, three members of the council, Leslie Voltaire, Edgard Leblanc Fils and Louis Gerald Gilles, announced the creation of a new three-member presidential college to lead the next phase of the transition. Their proposal calls for an entity composed of representatives of the council, civil society and a judge from the Haitis High Court, along with the appointment of a new prime minister. Advertisement Advertisement On Wednesday, the three council members who are under sanctions from Washington after pushing for the removal of Fils-Aime held an open call for candidates. The event, held at the Montana Hotel in Petion-Ville, was the butt of jokes on social media amid questions over the groups authority to act. Several notable political figures, including lawyers and former government ministers, headed through a glass door at the hotel guarded by men in fatigues after being directed by a woman to submit their documents. I deposited 24 documents, Tranquilor Mathieu told Passion Info Plus journalists as he identified himself as a lawyer and notary, and listed some of the documents he turned in including certificates in engineering and human rights, and from several online programs. The presidential council members proposal followed another initiative announced earlier in the week by a separate faction led by a former senator, a former commerce minister, and the sanctioned and onetime head of coup leader Guy Philippes political party. The group claimed that the chief justice of Haitis High Court had agreed to serve as provisional president. The judge, Jean-Joseph Lebrun, has not publicly confirmed any interest in the role and did not respond to requests for comment. Advertisement Advertisement The divisions have stumped some of the individuals who have been trying to mediate the crisis and who cant understand why given the problems facing Haiti, where gangs are running rampant, the countrys politicians are unable to set aside their differences. Some critics say the lack of consensus has created an opening for foreign influence, particularly from the United States, to shape the countrys political transition. But Bien-Aime rejects the argument that the U.S. and others nations are responsible for Haitis paralysis. Its not the United States who made us not respect what we signed, he said referring to the presidential council. Its not the United States who has us fighting among ourselves, and its the United States fault we cant come together. Advertisement Advertisement Bien-Aime said he withdrew from a broader dialogue after concluding it was an attempt by council members to remain in power despite what he described as a broad consensus that the council had failed. The council came into power to do elections, to provide security, and instead they engaged in infighting, he said. They didnt do anything, and the minute their time is up, they are refusing to leave. Feb. 5 (UPI) -- The United States and Iran will hold talks Friday in Oman as the two hope to iron out their differences on nuclear capabilities. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and the White House announced the meeting on Wednesday after several days of back and forth between the two. Araghchi will meet with Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, President Donald Trump's son-in-law. Oman's foreign minister will also be there as the host. Advertisement Advertisement Araghchi said the meeting will be at 10 a.m. GST in Muscat. "I'm grateful to our Omani brothers for making all necessary arrangements," Araghchi said on X. Iranians drive past a new anti-American billboard at Valiasr Square in Tehran, Iran, Thursday. Iran and the United States are scheduled to have talks in Oman on Friday. Photo by Abedin Taherkenareh/EPA The Friday meeting will be the first time the two countries will talk since the 12-day war in June in which Israel and the United States attacked Iran's nuclear facilities. The New York Times reported that Witkoff and Araghchi have been in contact by text. The two countries have been threatening each other recently. Trump sent an "armada" of ships to the Arabian Sea near Iran and said they will strike "with speed and violence" if Iran doesn't freeze its nuclear program, get rid of its enriched uranium, cut the range of ballistic missiles and stop funding and arming militant groups. French residents hold Iranian flags as they gather in support of the widespread protests that have rocked Iran for nearly a week, in front of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, on Jan. 4. Iran and the United States are scheduled to have talks in Oman on Friday. Photo by Maya Vidon-White/UPI. Trump has also threatened military strikes if Iran doesn't stop killing protesters. Advertisement Advertisement Iran said that doing what Trump demands would be surrender. It's also threatened to attack U.S. military targets in the region, including Israel. French residents hold Iranian flags as they gather in support of the widespread protests that have rocked Iran for nearly a week, in front of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, on Jan. 4. Iran and the United States are scheduled to have talks in Oman on Friday. File Photo by Maya Vidon-White/UPI. "Iran is going to have to sit down and talk because they have no other option," Sina Azodi, director of the Middle East studies program at George Washington University, told The New York Times in an interview. "They either have to risk war or sit down and talk because Donald Trump has taken the concept of gunboat diplomacy literally." The planning of the talks has taken much negotiation. Initially, they were scheduled to be in Istanbul, Turkey, and foreign ministers from Egypt, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Turkey, were invited to participate. A demonstrator wears a cap reading "Make Iran Great Again" during a demonstration in support of the widespread protests that have rocked Iran, in front of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, on Jan. 4. Iran and the United States are scheduled to have talks in Oman on Friday. File Photo by Maya Vidon-White/UPI But Iran wouldn't have it. On Tuesday, the country requested Oman for the site and that there would only be American and Iranian representatives, The Times reported. If other countries participated, it would seem like Trump was putting on a show and would corner Iran into negotiating with the entire region. Advertisement Advertisement Iran has also said it would only discuss the nuclear program, while the United States wants to discuss the other issues. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that the only way talks could be meaningful is if they center on the nuclear program, the range of Iran's ballistic missiles, support for regional militias and how it treats its own citizens. Protesters march against American involvement in the Israel-Iran war in downtown Los Angeles June 2025. Iran and the United States are scheduled to have talks in Oman on Friday. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI "President Trump said, 'no nuclear weapons,' and we fully agree with that. That could be a very good deal. Of course, in return we expect sanction lifting. So that deal is possible. Let's not talk about impossible things," the BBC reported Araghchi said. On Tuesday, the U.S. Navy shot down an Iranian drone that flew toward the USS Abraham Lincoln in the Arabian Sea. By Alexander Cornwell JERUSALEM, Feb 5 (Reuters) - The United Arab Emirates has drafted plans to build a compound to house thousands of displaced Palestinians in a part of south Gaza under Israeli military control, according to a map seen by Reuters and people briefed on the plans. The planning map shows where the "UAE Temporary Emirates Housing Complex" would be constructed near Rafah, once a city of a quarter of a million people but now almost completely destroyed and depopulated by Israeli forces. Advertisement Advertisement Rafah, near the Egypt border, is where reconstruction of Gaza is expected to start under U.S. President Donald Trump's plan for a durable peace in the densely populated coastal enclave after two years of devastating war. Donors have been reluctant to commit funds to the plan, worried that disagreements over disarming Hamas militants could lead the parties back to full-scale conflict. However there are doubts about the political viability of the Emirati project, as most Palestinians could balk at being housed in an Israeli-controlled zone while the vast majority of civilians live in Hamas-run areas of Gaza, diplomats said. Trump's plan saw the establishment of a U.S.-led, multinational mission for Gaza based in southern Israel, where Emirati officials have shared details of their plans to build temporary housing and provide basic services in Rafah, four diplomats briefed on the initiative said. Advertisement Advertisement The map shows that the UAE housing would sit near the "yellow line" agreed under an October ceasefire to demarcate Israeli- and Hamas-controlled areas. In response to questions for this story, an Emirati official said the Gulf country "remains committed to scaling up its humanitarian efforts to support Palestinians in Gaza", without confirming or denying plans to build the temporary housing site. 'CHOKING HAMAS OFF' One of the diplomats said the Israeli military had cleared a large area leading from the Mediterranean coast toward Rafah for temporary housing projects like the one the UAE was planning. Advertisement Advertisement The diplomats said the Emirati initiative resembled a U.S. proposal to build temporary housing for Palestinians in areas of Gaza that are still controlled by Israel. U.S. officials initially described their plan as "Alternative Safe Communities" and more recently as "Planned Communities", the diplomats said. A U.S. official said the UAE was coordinating on its housing initiative with Washington, with the Board of Peace, a new global body established by President Donald Trump to resolve conflicts, and with a U.S.-backed Palestinian committee that is to administer Gaza. "We continue to be impressed with the UAE's efforts for bringing a better life for Gazans in Gaza," the official said. American officials have hoped that building housing in the Israeli-controlled areas could generate momentum toward Hamas' disarmament, encouraging Gazans to leave Hamas-controlled zones and depriving the Islamist group of a civilian population. Advertisement Advertisement Kenneth Katzman, a Middle East expert at The Soufan Center, a U.S.-based, security-focused think tank, said the "Alternative Safe Communities" were designed as a way of gradually "choking Hamas off", but for it to be effective, it would have to be built at scale, housing hundreds of thousands of Palestinians. "Only a couple of housing projects is not going to defeat Hamas. You need to do a lot ... to have an effect," he said. DOUBTS ON NUMBERS The UAE, which established diplomatic relations with Israel in 2020 under a Trump-brokered accord, sees Hamas and other political Islamist groups as threats to Middle East stability. Advertisement Advertisement The four diplomats doubted whether Palestinians would move in large numbers to areas under Israeli control and questioned whether the proposals risked a permanent division of Gaza. But unlike the U.S. initiative, the Emiratis had identified a site where no homes previously existed, the diplomats said. The Israeli military controls about 53% of Gaza, including its southernmost area that encompasses the ruined city of Rafah. Hamas controls the rest of the territory, where nearly all of Gaza's two million Palestinians are living in crowded tent camps and amid the rubble of destroyed neighbourhoods. Foreign diplomats and aid workers say that humanitarian aid and shelter should be directed to areas where there are many people. About 20,000 Palestinians are thought to be inhabiting areas of Gaza under Israeli military control, diplomats say. (Reporting by Alexander Cornwell; editing by Rami Ayyub and Mark Heinrich) FORT SMITH, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) The University of Arkansas Fort Smith (UAFS) set to receive federal funding for new mothers center. UAFS will receive $15 million in federal funding to construct and equip a state-of-the-art Center for Mother and Infant Healthcare, following congressional approval of key FY2026 appropriations bill. According to a release, the appropriation, secured by Sen. John Boozman as part of a broader federal package, will support the development of high-fidelity simulation labs and educational spaces on the ground floor of a new facility at UAFS, aimed at improving outcomes for mothers and infants in the River Valley. Advertisement Advertisement The center is to be the first phase of a larger, nearly $30 million, capital project supporting a comprehensive Center for Health Innovation, according to the release. (Courtesy: University of Arkansas Fort Smith) This funding will help make important strides to strengthen critical aspects of maternal and infant care through the development of the Center for Mother and Infant Healthcare at UAFS, Boozman said. In addition, the release said the $15 million allocation will enable UAFS to construct and equip 16,300 square feet on the ground floor of the two-story facility, including simulation laboratories that will allow students and practicing physicians to gain experience managing both routine and complex obstetric and pediatric care scenarios. I am incredibly grateful to Senator Boozman for his continued support of the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith and the investment in health care in the River Valley. This facility will provide us with a meaningful place to educate our students and create an informed community of health care providers in western Arkansas, Chancellor Terisa Riley said. Advertisement Advertisement The center will open its doors to the parents of the region, with a public-access program designed to help expectant parents overcome their labor and delivery fears, according to the release. 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 KNWA FOX24. The University of Delaware has restored a collection of student research and academic materials on slavery and Newark history it had taken offline. Over the past year, the institution has been reacting under pressure from a second Trump administration, while aiming to coordinate what it calls a long-term strategy on campus culture, diversity and inclusion. In part, that included removing certain webpages dedicated to research. As Delaware Online/The News Journal reported on Feb. 3, some five years of student and faculty work within projects like the Legacies of Enslavement and Dispossession," as well as the university's broader UD Anti-Racism Initiative," were taken down ahead of this academic year. Advertisement Advertisement Later that afternoon, a restoration site came online. "Earlier this year, the University took a number of program websites offline as part of a broader effort to coordinate and align our Campus Culture and Engagement (CCE) work," UD wrote on that page, on Feb. 3. "In that process, academic materials and publications that had been housed on the UDARI website were inadvertently also taken offline. That disruption should not have happened. We recognize the concern and frustration this caused, and regret that this has had a negative impact on our community." Deeper: UD removes student research on slavery, Newark history amid federal pressure When asked about the broader website last fall, and reaffirmed in January, UD told Delaware Online/The News Journal that the Campus Culture and Engagement initiative was "a comprehensive, long-term strategy and framework for operationalizing our values of diversity and inclusion. Thus, "several programs fell within that scope, while UD had declined to share a list. Advertisement Advertisement This student work was possible with the help of professors, university library collections and local historians. One project in particular surrounded the history of slavery, Black history and more around UD, through research papers on free Black landownership in the 1800s, collections of oral histories, as well as public video presentations housed in other areas. This week and in a University Faculty Senate meeting the evening before publishing the university shared intentions to bring those academic works back online. The website is newly updated, and visitors can search for various pieces of student work. Over the phone on Feb. 4, Vice President for Student Life Jose-Luis Riera said his team always saw this as a "pause." The green in front of Memorial Hall on the University of Delaware campus is nearly empty as a snow storm passes through the area Friday. 12/15/17 "When I say inadvertent, it was kind of caught up, right? We're making a series of decisions across the institution, and we didn't go quite deep enough there to be like, 'Oh, wait, there's actually multiple kind of areas affected by taking this down,'" he said, speaking for the initiative and university more broadly. Advertisement Advertisement The culture group co-chair contended his team had always intended to isolate and restore certain academic elements involved, or related to UD curriculum, though "we made a high-level decision without honestly interrogating the nuance." The administrator didn't speak to the technological backend but believed it was an internal process. He said recent reporting "absolutely accelerated" that timeline, but it was possible due to infrastructure in the works. "We certainly should have moved faster in doing that, and I'm not going to make excuses about that," Riera said. "We should have moved faster." New leadership: University of Delaware names second woman president in over 280 years Advertisement Advertisement Looking ahead, he said the campus culture initiative is finalizing two key reports for the administration and UD community more broadly. One is a climate survey of sorts, or a collection of reflections collected across campus from students, staff and faculty on their experiences of campus culture. The second will be a framework or a "set of organized principles" to guide culture initiatives and other action to come, Riera said. "That's a way of saying: How do we hold people accountable to outcomes that we expect from this work?" he posed. Next steps will also include seeking campus feedback. Right now, that temperature may still be different for each BlueHen. Advertisement Advertisement "I can also understand the incredible frustration of some within our community over this," he said. "It inadvertently became, you know we were suppressing academic work. Obviously in this case, on a very sensitive matter that frankly has a lot of implications for our campus itself and certainly our state." ICYMI: Gov. Meyer pitches Delaware's next budget. What's in it for education? Got another story? Contact Kelly Powers at kepowers@usatodayco.com. This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: UD restores collection of student research on slavery, history online A west suburban woman and University of Illinois Chicago student says someone attacked her inside a Chicago store. Stephanie Hsu was studying Wednesday afternoon at her home in Oswego. She says she is still sore from the punch to her mouth Tuesday inside a Near West Side store. "He called me a profanity used to address women usually. He also said, 'what are you gonna do about it,' after he lunged at me," Hsu said. Advertisement Advertisement She watched video of the incident recorded on store security cameras. ABC7 Chicago is not permitted to share the footage. But it shows the suspect following her in the store before kicking her, then coming back and punching her in the face. "It was pretty shocking. I didn't know what was happening in the moment. After I was struck the second time, I called for help," Hsu said. SEE ALSO: Wisconsin woman charged in random hit-and-runs, stabbing outside Gurnee Mills mall: police Hsu's father, who works in law enforcement, says it makes no sense. "Looking at the video, seeing this gentleman, there's no provocation at all. Why would he assault my daughter in broad daylight in front of other people?" James Hsu said Advertisement Advertisement A spokesperson for Goodwill released a statement saying in part "Employees witnessed an altercation between two customers. Employees quickly followed safety protocols by informing store and donation center management and the Chicago police department. ... We take the safety and security of our employees, customers, and communities seriously." Hsu says she is normally very careful, but this was totally unexpected. "I usually have a plan for if something happens. But this was just so out of the blue and random. It caught me off-guard," she said. Shu says, if police are able to find the suspect, she will pursue charges against him, if for no other reason than to help other potential victims. INTERACTIVE SAFETY TRACKER | Track crime and safety in your neighborhood Travellers to the United Kingdom will be required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) as of February 25, when tougher controls take effect. From this date onwards, airlines and other transport companies such as Eurostar will carry out strict checks before departure whether passengers meet the requirements. Passengers who cannot present an ETA will be denied boarding, UK officials say. The Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) became mandatory in April 2025 for anyone wishing to travel to the United Kingdom without a visa, though initially this was not strictly enforced, in order to give visitors enough time to adjust to the new regulations. Advertisement Advertisement But that more generous arrangement is set to come to an end later this month. Apply in good time The easiest way for travellers to apply for an ETA is via the UK ETA app. You can use a browser too but this involves a few more steps. The ETA currently costs 16 ($18) and it is advisable to submit your application at least three days before your planned trip. That will give you a buffer in case additional checks are necessary. However, most people receive a decision automatically in the space of a few minutes. Once granted, the ETA entitles the holder to multiple trips and stays of up to six months within a two-year period. The passport specified in the application must also be valid during this period. Advertisement Advertisement Do bear in mind - as the UK Visas and Immigration authority warns online - that websites that charge additional fees for the application could make it significantly more expensive than the 16. They say avoid websites that imitate government services. Just passing through? You may still need ETA If you are stopping over at an airport in the United Kingdom, you may also need an ETA. Britain's Foreign Office says this is only not required for airport transit if you do not leave the transit area and do not pass through border control. If you have to re-check your luggage, for example, you will have to go through border control. Contact the airline if in doubt as to whether you need to pass through British border control during your stopover. The British government has committed to releasing files related to the decision to appoint Peter Mandelson as ambassador to the United States despite his ties to the late disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein. The decision to release the documents came after the Conservative Party said it would force a vote in Parliament compelling the government to publish documents related to Mandelson's appointment, according to The Associated Press. The outlet noted that critics said Mandelson's relationship with Epstein was known at the time of his appointment, though not to the extent that has since been revealed. On Wednesday, U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer was grilled on the revelations and the decision to appoint Mandelson. Advertisement Advertisement "I intend to make sure that all of the material is published," Starmer told lawmakers. He said the release would not include documents that compromise Britain's national security, international relations or the police investigation into Mandelson's activities. London Police Launch Criminal Investigation Into Former Uk Ambassador To Us With Alleged Epstein Ties Peter Mandelson sits with late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, as he blows out the candles on a cake, in an undated photograph released by the Department of Justice in Washington, D.C., U.S., on Dec. 19, 2025. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch cast doubt on Starmer's promise, demanding that the government publish all relevant files and "not just the ones the prime minister wants us to see." Badenoch went on to accuse the government of "trying to sabotage that release with an amendment to let him choose what we see." Read On The Fox News App Advertisement Advertisement "The prime minister is talking about national security. The national security issue was appointing Mandelson in the first place," Badenoch said. Starmer said he knew Mandelson had maintained contact with Epstein after his 2008 prison term but that the former ambassador had "misrepresented the extent" of the relationship and "lied throughout the process, including in response to the due diligence." "Mandelson betrayed our country, our Parliament and my party. He lied repeatedly to my team when asked about his relationship with Epstein, before and during his tenure as ambassador," Starmer said in the House of Commons on Wednesday. "I regret appointing him. If I knew then what I know now, he would never have been anywhere near government." In response to a request for comment, Starmer's office referred Fox News Digital to the prime minister's remarks in the House of Commons. Advertisement Advertisement The prime minister added that he had instructed his team to write legislation that would strip Mandelson of his title. Doj Publishes Trove Of Epstein Files, Says More To Come After Friday Deadline Last week, the Justice Department released a trove of documents related to the Epstein case. Among them were emails between the disgraced financier and Mandelson. The files appeared to show that in 2009, Mandelson passed an internal government report to Epstein and discussed lobbying for reduced taxes on bankers' bonuses, the AP reported. Additionally, the files suggest that Epstein sent payments totaling $75,000 to accounts linked to Mandelson or his partner Reinaldo Avila da Silva. Advertisement Advertisement Following the revelations in the newly released files, Mandelson resigned from the House of Lords on Sunday. President Donald Trump met with British ambassador to the United States Peter Mandelson at the White House in Washington, DC, on May 8, 2025. Ex-prince Andrew Photographed Kneeling Over Woman In Latest Doj Jeffrey Epstein File Release In September, Starmer fired Mandelson from the ambassadorship after a string of emails, released by The Sun newspaper, showed he maintained a friendship with Epstein even after the late financier's 2008 conviction for sex offenses involving a minor. Following the fresh revelations about Mandelson, police in the U.K. opened an investigation into the former ambassador. Peter Mandelson, the United Kingdoms former ambassador to the United States, was fired from the role in September. Click Here To Download The Fox News App Advertisement Advertisement Metropolitan Police Cmdr. Ella Marriot in London said following the latest DOJ documents dump, the Met received "a number of reports" into alleged misconduct in public office, including a referral from the UK government. "I can confirm that the Metropolitan Police has now launched an investigation into a 72-year-old man, a former Government Minister, for misconduct in public office offenses," Marriot wrote in a statement . The House of Lords declined to comment on the police investigation when asked by Fox News Digital on Tuesday. The Associated Press and Fox News Digital's Michael Dorgan and Alex Koch contributed to this report. Original article source: UK to release files related to former ambassador's Jeffrey Epstein ties Ukrainian chief negotiator Rustem Umerov on Wednesday described the renewed talks in Abu Dhabi about ending Russia's war against Ukraine as "meaningful and productive," saying they were aimed at "specific steps and practical solutions." However in a post on Facebook, he did not elaborate on the trilateral talks, mediated by the United States. After the trilateral meeting, the negotiations continued in working groups. The negotiations are set to continue on Thursday, several media outlets reported, citing Ukraine's National Security and Defence Council. Advertisement Advertisement Umerov mentioned a further exchange of prisoners between Russia and Ukraine as a possible outcome. He announced on Ukrainian television that the Kiev delegation would also discuss agreements on security guarantees and reconstruction with the US. The current two days of negotiations took place despite Moscow's resumption of attacks on its neighbour's energy infrastructure, with Ukrainian authorities reporting overnight strikes across several regions over the last two days. The bombardment once again left millions of people without electricity and heating during bitter winter temperatures and disrupted ongoing repairs to the network. Advertisement Advertisement Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Moscow of violating a limited ceasefire brokered by the US and demanded a response from Washington. A first round of trilateral talks took place in mid-January, while a follow-up meeting scheduled for last Sunday was postponed at short notice. The Russian state news agency TASS reported on a potential agreement reached during the latest talks in Abu Dhabi that Ukraine would not join NATO, based on sources close to the Moscow delegation. TASS based this on sources close to the Moscow delegation. There has been no comment from Kiev on the development. Kyiv - U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff announced Thursday that Ukraine and Russia had agreed to exchange 314 prisoners during the second round of U.S.-mediated peace talks between the two countries in Abu Dhabi. Two hours later, Russia's defense ministry released a video of freed prisoners of war draped in Russian flags boarding a bus in Belarus, a Russian ally that borders Ukraine and Russia, confirming the exchanges of 157 prisoners from each country. Witkoff said the two days of trilateral negotiations in the United Arab Emirates capital were "detailed and productive," adding that "while significant work remains, steps like this demonstrate that sustained diplomatic engagement is delivering tangible results and advancing efforts to end the war in Ukraine." Advertisement Advertisement President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told reporters in Kyiv, meanwhile, that the trilateral talks would continue "in the near future." Freed Ukrainian prisoners of war pose for a picture as they arrive in Ukrainian territory after a swap, amid Russia's ongoing full-scale invasion of Ukraine, at an undisclosed location in Ukraine, Feb. 5, 2026. / Credit: Ukrainian Presidential Press Service/Handout (Ukrainian Presidential Press Service/Handout) In a social media post, he said the exchange "came after a long pause, and it is critical that we were able to make it happen," adding his thanks to "everyone who works to make these exchanges possible," including Ukrainian soldiers, whom he appeared to laud for capturing Russians and thus, "expanding Ukraine's exchange fund." "Without the determination of our warriors, such exchanges would be impossible. And thus every result achieved by our units is what also sustains the ability to bring Ukrainians home from Russia," Zelenskyy said, adding that Ukraine would "continue to work to release our people from captivity." The prisoner swap suggests the trilateral talks, the first round of which took place at the end of January, are making slow progress on specific areas where Russia and Ukraine can find common ground - while leaving the most contentious issues for future discussions. Advertisement Advertisement Ukrainian foreign ministry spokesman Georgiy Tykhyi told reporters as the talks began that, "the most sensitive and complex issues, such as territorial issues," will be left for the countries' heads of state to discuss. The last prisoner exchange occurred on Oct. 2, 2025, and progress on further exchanges appeared to stall late last year, with Zelenskyy telling reporters in Kyiv at the end of January that Russia had "halted the process" of prisoner swaps. "They are not particularly interested in exchanging people, because they do not feel that it gives them anything. They believe it benefits us," he said at the time. Authorities investigate ransom note in disappearance of Savannah Guthrie's mom, sheriff says The Dish Recipe: Try lemon pesto spaghetti for a classic taste of Italy Tech executive explains how AI agents work, warns against giving them too much access By Olena Harmash and Max Hunder KYIV, Feb 5 (Reuters) - Ukraine and Russia concluded a second round of U.S.-brokered talks in Abu Dhabi on Thursday aimed at ending Europe's biggest conflict since World War Two, with the two sides conducting a major prisoner swap and agreeing to resume negotiations soon. U.S. President Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff said the delegations from the U.S., Ukraine, and Russia had agreed to an exchange of 314 prisoners of war, which took place on Thursday. It was the first such swap in five months. Advertisement Advertisement Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said some of the released POWs had been held for nearly four years. He said the next round of talks would be held soon, likely in the United States. Witkoff, writing on the X social media platform, said: "The discussions were constructive and focused on how to create the conditions for a durable peace." He said the talks "demonstrate that sustained diplomatic engagement is delivering tangible results and advancing efforts to end the war in Ukraine." Zelenskiy, speaking in his nightly video address, said Ukraine favored any diplomatic format "that can realistically bring peace closer and make it reliable, lasting, and such that deprives Russia of the appetite to continue fighting." Advertisement Advertisement Speaking earlier alongside Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, Zelenskiy said the talks covered the main differences between the two sides. RUSSIA SEES PROGRESS AND POSITIVE MOVEMENT Zelenskiy said he was keen for the talks to lead to the end of the four-year war, but repeated his insistence that Ukraine must receive robust security guarantees, including from Washington, to ensure Russia does not attack again. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who took part in earlier talks with Russian officials and Witkoff, said the imposition of further sanctions on Russia would depend on how the talks proceeded. Bessent maintained his belief that Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine was illegal and continued to believe Russian President Vladimir Putin was a war criminal. Advertisement Advertisement Russia's envoy, Kirill Dmitriev, said there was progress and positive movement. He also said work was under way to restore Russia's relations with the United States, including within a U.S.-Russia working group on the economy. Russia and Ukraine have exchanged 157 prisoners of war each, the Russian Defense Ministry said. Three civilians from the Kursk region were also returned to Russia. A video released by Ukraine's presidency showed dozens of Ukrainian prisoners of war - many wrapped in the national flag - disembarking from buses in the snow, some hugging each other and others crying as they spoke to relatives on mobile phones. POW exchanges were the only concrete steps towards peace that emerged from the previous rounds of talks between Ukraine and Russia last year in Turkey. Advertisement Advertisement Hundreds of thousands of soldiers on both sides have been killed, wounded, or gone missing in nearly four years of war. Zelenskiy said this week that about 55,000 Ukrainian soldiers had been killed on the battlefield, but gave no details on the number of wounded or missing Ukrainian servicemen. The Center for Strategic and International Studies, a Washington-based think tank, said Russia had suffered nearly 1.2 million casualties. Moscow dismissed the report as unreliable. PRESSURE BY TRUMP ADMINISTRATION Despite pressure by the Trump administration on Kyiv and Moscow to find a compromise, fighting continues to rage along the roughly 1,200-km (750-mile) front line. Advertisement Advertisement Russia's troops launched major airstrikes on Ukraine overnight on Tuesday, ahead of the talks, and followed up with smaller drone attacks on Wednesday and Thursday. In his address, Zelenskiy noted "good results" from the Security Service of Ukraine, singling out an attack by Ukrainian-made long-range Flamingo missiles on the testing ground for Russia's Oreshnik hypersonic missiles near the Caspian Sea. After his talks with Tusk, Zelenskiy repeated his pleas for air-defence missiles and said Kyiv was ready to swap its drones, in which it has become a global leader, for the missiles from allies or for Poland's Soviet-era MiG-29 fighter jets. The Ukrainian General Staff said in a statement its forces had launched successful strikes on a Russian intermediate-range ballistic missile launch site last month. Advertisement Advertisement The fate of the eastern Donetsk region, where the most intense battles are taking place, remains one of the most complicated issues in the talks. Moscow wants Kyiv to pull its troops from the entire region, including a line of heavily fortified cities regarded as one of Ukraine's strongest defences. Ukraine has said the conflict should be frozen along the current front lines and rejects any unilateral pullback of its forces. Kyiv says it wants control of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, the largest in Europe, which is in Russian-controlled territory. The head of the state nuclear corporation Rosatom said on Thursday that Moscow was ready for international cooperation over the Zaporizhzhia plant, including with the United States, but the facility must be Russian. Advertisement Advertisement Russia occupies about 20% of Ukraine's national territory, including Crimea and parts of the eastern Donbas region seized before the 2022 invasion. Analysts say Russia has gained about 1.5% of Ukrainian territory since early 2024. (Reporting by Olena Harmash; Editing by Daniel Flynn, Sharon Singleton, Rod Nickel) Russia and the United States agreed to resume high-level military contacts, in a major step of rapprochement between the world's top nuclear powers at Ukraine talks in Abu Dhabi on Thursday. Moscow and Washington suspended senior military dialogue shortly before Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, with then US President Joe Biden severing almost all contact with Russia. But US President Donald Trump has restored communications with Moscow since he returned to the White House last year, holding several talks and a summit with Russian leader Vladimir Putin. Advertisement Advertisement The agreement to restore military contacts came after two days of talks between US, Russian and Ukrainian delegates in Abu Dhabi, searching for a deal to end the war in Ukraine. Those negotiations resulted in the first prisoner exchange in four months, but Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called the discussions complicated and urged faster progress. Kyiv's lead negotiator later said the talks would continue in coming weeks. The US-Russia agreement was also announced hours after the New START treaty -- the last nuclear agreement between Moscow and Washington -- expired, triggering fears of a global arms race. Advertisement Advertisement "The U.S. and Russian Federation agreed today in Abu Dhabi to reestablish high level military-to-military dialogue," the US military's European Command said in a statement, adding that "the parties continue to work towards a lasting peace." "Maintaining dialogue between militaries is an important factor in global stability and peace, which can only be achieved through strength, and provides a means for increased transparency and de-escalation," it added. Moscow had not commented on the announcement. - 'Not easy' - Moscow and Kyiv agreed at the talks in Abu Dhabi to swap more than 300 prisoners, but there were no immediate signs of progress on the thornier issue of territory. Advertisement Advertisement "It is certainly not easy, but Ukraine has been and will remain as constructive as possible," Zelensky said of the talks. Kyiv's lead negotiator, Rustem Umerov, said on social media that "the delegations agreed to inform their capitals and continue trilateral talks in the coming weeks." US mediator Steve Witkoff conceded that "significant" work still lay ahead. The negotiations are the latest bid in diplomatic efforts to halt the fighting -- Europe's deadliest conflict since World War II, with hundreds of thousands killed, millions forced to flee their homes and much of eastern and southern Ukraine devastated. Advertisement Advertisement As talks were underway, large swathes of the Ukrainian capital were still without heating in sub-zero temperatures, after successive Russian strikes knocked out energy supplies to hundreds of apartment blocks. Kyiv's mayor Vitali Klitschko warned that more than 1,000 apartment blocks could be without heating for two months after a Russian strike earlier this week destroyed a critical power station. - Territory deadlock - The main sticking point in the negotiations is the long-term fate of territory in eastern Ukraine. Moscow is demanding that Kyiv pull its troops out of swathes of the Donbas, including heavily fortified cities atop vast natural resources, before any deal. Advertisement Advertisement It also wants international recognition that land seized in the invasion belongs to Russia. Kyiv has said the conflict should be frozen along the current front line and has rejected a pull-back of forces. Zelensky said the role of the US president was crucial, telling French television in an interview broadcast Wednesday: "Putin is only scared of Trump." In a rare official admission of battlefield losses, Zelensky said Wednesday that at least 55,000 of his country's troops had been killed since Russia invaded in February 2022 -- a figure lower than many independent estimates. Russia has not disclosed how many of its soldiers have been killed. Tracking of obituaries and family announcements by the BBC and independent outlet Mediazona has found the names of more than 160,000 Russian soldiers killed in the conflict. Advertisement Advertisement Russia occupies around 20 percent of Ukraine. It claims the Donetsk, Lugansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions as its own, and holds pockets of territory in at least three other Ukrainian regions in the east. Kyiv still controls around one-fifth of the Donetsk region that Moscow demands it withdraw from. Ukraine has warned that ceding ground will embolden Moscow, and that it will not sign a deal that fails to deter Russia from invading again. burs-asy/oc/jc/yad/rlp By Michael Martina, Simon Lewis and Jarrett Renshaw WASHINGTON, Feb 4 (Reuters) - U.S. Vice President JD Vance on Wednesday unveiled plans to marshal allies into a preferential trade bloc for critical minerals, proposing coordinated price floors as Washington escalates efforts to loosen China's grip on materials crucial to advanced manufacturing. China has wielded its chokehold on the processing of many minerals as geo-economic leverage, at times curbing exports, suppressing prices and undercutting other countries' ability to diversify sources of the materials used to make semiconductors, electric vehicles and advanced weapons. Advertisement Advertisement "We want to eliminate that problem of people flooding into our markets with cheap critical minerals to undercut our domestic manufacturers," Vance told a gathering of visiting ministers in Washington without mentioning China. "We will establish reference prices for critical minerals at each stage of production, ... and for members of the preferential zone, these reference prices will operate as a floor maintained through adjustable tariffs to uphold pricing integrity," Vance said. INDIA, JAPAN AMONG 55 COUNTRIES AT MEETING President Donald Trump's administration has stepped up efforts to secure U.S. supplies of critical minerals after China rattled senior officials and global markets last year by withholding rare earths required by American automakers and other industrial manufacturers. Advertisement Advertisement Trump on Monday launched a U.S. strategic stockpile of critical minerals, called Project Vault, backed by $10 billion in seed funding from the U.S. Export-Import Bank and $2 billion in private funding. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said 55 countries attended the talks in Washington, among them South Korea, India, Thailand, Japan, Germany, Australia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, all with varying refining or mining capabilities. The minerals are "heavily concentrated in the hands of one country," Rubio said, without referencing China, adding that the situation had become a "tool of leverage in geopolitics." At the meeting, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer announced a bilateral plan with Mexico and a trilateral agreement with the European Union and Japan to strengthen critical mineral supply chains and set the stage for a broader agreement with other allies. Advertisement Advertisement The plans aim to explore specific measures such as price supports, market standards, subsidies, and guaranteed purchases to encourage production. The U.S., EU, and Japan also said they would pursue other avenues, including discussions within the Group of 7 and the Minerals Security Partnership. Argentina's foreign ministry separately announced it had agreed on a framework agreement with the U.S. to strengthen and diversify supply chains as the South American nation looks to boost its copper and lithium exports. MINERAL COMPANY SHARES DROP A multi-country effort to establish price floors of critical minerals is the Trump administration's latest move to exert control over private business. The White House has taken stakes in several mineral companies as well as chipmaker Intel and has negotiated deals with drugmakers for lower prices. Advertisement Advertisement Shares of mineral companies plunged on news of the trade bloc. MP Materials, Critical Metals, NioCorp Developments, and USA Rare Earth posted losses ranging from 6% to 14% By guaranteeing minimum prices through coordinated trade rules, Washington hopes to unlock private investment in mining and processing projects that have struggled to compete with cheaper Chinese supply. Administration officials recently told the industry the U.S. is moving away from granting price floors to individual domestic projects as it seeks a global solution. The approach could reshape global supply chains for materials essential to electric vehicles, semiconductors and defense systems, while raising costs for manufacturers in the short term and escalating trade tensions with Beijing. "China has long played an important and constructive role in keeping the global industrial and supply chains of critical minerals safe and stable and is willing to continue to make active efforts in this regard," China's embassy in Washington told Reuters when asked about the meeting. Advertisement Advertisement China's expanded export controls on rare earths last year caused production delays and shutdowns for auto manufacturers in Europe and the U.S., and a China-generated glut of lithium has stalled plans to expand production in the U.S. Such dependencies have unnerved Washington and its partners, which have struggled for years to implement policies to stand up durable domestic mining and processing alternatives for lithium, nickel, rare earths and other critical minerals. Trump, who is expected to visit China in April, posted on Truth Social that he had an "excellent" call with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday morning to discuss a range of trade and security issues from soybeans to Iran, but he made no mention of minerals. China's leverage over critical minerals was on full display in October when Trump agreed to trim tariffs on Chinese goods in exchange for Beijing's pledge to hold off on stricter restrictions on rare earths exports. Advertisement Advertisement Wednesday's gathering underscores a broader U.S. push to work with partners to counter China's dominance in the sector by coordinating policy tools at a time when Trump has angered allies with his sweeping "America First" tariff policies. "I think this is a recognition by the United States that it must act in concert with others to reduce its vulnerability in areas where China has supply dominance," said Scott Kennedy, who leads the Chinese business and economics program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said on Tuesday that 11 more countries would be named to a critical minerals trade club this week, joining the U.S., Australia, Japan, South Korea, Saudi Arabia and Thailand. He said 20 more countries showed "strong interest" in joining the coalition. (Reporting by Michael Martina, Simon Lewis, David Brunnstrom, Jarrett Renshaw in Washington, Julia Payne in Brussels and Robbie Corey-Boulet in Dakar; Additional reporting by Andrea Shalal, Divya Rajagopal and Cassandra Garrison; Editing by Humeyra Pamuk, Deepa Babington, Mark Porter, Rod Nickel) The US and Iran have agreed to hold nuclear talks in Oman on Friday, as President Donald Trump issued a blunt warning to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that the meeting would start at 10:00 (06:00 GMT) in Muscat. US officials also confirmed it would happen there. The talks had appeared to be in jeopardy, with the two countries at odds over the location and parameters. Advertisement Advertisement Trump has built up US forces in the region and threatened military action if Iran does not agree a deal on its nuclear programme and stop killing protesters. Asked whether Khamenei should be worried, he told NBC News on Wednesday: "I would say he should be very worried." "He should be. As you know, they're negotiating with us," he added. Khamenei warned the US on Sunday that any attack on Iran would spark a "regional war". Advertisement Advertisement An Arab diplomat told the BBC's US partner, CBS News, that the negotiations between Tehran and Washington were never officially called off but had been in flux on Wednesday morning. Three US officials also confirmed the accuracy of an Axios report, which said the talks were put back on track in the afternoon after several Arab and Muslim leaders urged the Trump administration not to follow through on its threats to walk away. Axios said the administration agreed to the request "to be respectful" to its allies but that it was "very sceptical" about the prospects of success. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio earlier told a news conference that special envoy Steve Witkoff had been preparing to meet Iranian officials in Turkey along with representatives of other regional powers, when they received "conflicting reports" about Iran's participation. Advertisement Advertisement Rubio also insisted that for the talks to "lead to something meaningful" they could not focus solely on the Iranian nuclear programme, as Iranian officials have demanded. "They will have to include certain things, and that includes the range of their ballistic missiles, that includes their sponsorship of terrorist organisations across the region, that includes their nuclear programme, and that includes the treatment of their own people," he said. On Sunday, his Iranian counterpart was asked in an interview with CNN whether Iran was prepared to discuss reported US demands. These were to curb its ballistic missile development and halt support for proxy militias, as well as end the production of enriched uranium, which is used to make reactor fuel but can also potentially be used for nuclear weapons. "President Trump said, 'no nuclear weapons,' and we fully agree with that. That could be a very good deal. Of course, in return we expect sanction lifting. So that deal is possible. Let's not talk about impossible things," Araghchi replied. Advertisement Advertisement Iran has insisted its nuclear programme is entirely peaceful and denied that it is seeking to develop nuclear weapons. However, Trump said in the NBC interview that Iran was "going to have a nuclear weapon within one month" before he ordered US air and missile strikes on three key Iranian nuclear facilities during a 12-day war between Israel and Iran last June. The Israeli military also targeted Iran's nuclear facilities and nuclear scientists during the war, as well as its military commanders and missile arsenal. Trump said the strikes "obliterated" Iran's uranium enrichment capacity, but that Iranian officials "were thinking about starting a new site in a different part of the country". Advertisement Advertisement "We found out about it. I said, 'You do that, we're going to do... very bad things to you.'" Trump also told Iranian protesters that "we've had their back", following the brutal crackdown by Iranian security forces on the anti-government unrest last month. The protests were sparked by anger over the collapse of the Iranian currency and soaring cost of living, but they quickly widened into demands for political change. The full scale of the bloodshed resulting from the crackdown is still not known because of an internet shutdown imposed by the government since it escalated on 8 January. Advertisement Advertisement However, the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) has said it has confirmed the killing of 6,445 protesters, 164 children, 214 people associated with the government, and 60 bystanders. It is also investigating reports of another 11,280 deaths. Iranian authorities have acknowledged that at least 3,117 people were killed, but said the majority were members of the security forces or bystanders killed by "rioters". Khamenei described the unrest as "sedition" orchestrated by the US and Israel. (NewsNation) The United States and Iran are set for talks on Friday in Oman over Tehrans nuclear program, as tensions between the countries remain high following Tehrans bloody crackdown on nationwide protests last month. The announcement Wednesday by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi came after hours of indications that the anticipated talks were faltering over changes in the format and content of the talks. President Donald Trump, meanwhile, sent a blunt warning to Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei ahead of the talks. I would say he should be very worried, Trump said of Khamenei in an interview with NBC News. Advertisement Advertisement Russia-Ukraine new peace talks: Day 1 described as productive Trump has increased pressure on Iran, suggesting possible military action over the killing of peaceful demonstrators or if Tehran launches mass executions over the protests. Trump has also pushed Irans nuclear program back into focus after the June war disrupted five rounds of talks held in Rome and Muscat, Oman, last year. Oman has mediated past talks between the two nations. Iran insists its nuclear program is peaceful, but has been enriching uranium to near-weapons-grade levels. Turkey had been working behind the scenes to host talks in Istanbul with regional countries taking part and discussions focused on issues like Irans ballistic missile program and other concerns. Voices from Iran Meanwhile, NewsNation has been working with people on the ground in Iran ahead of these conversations to understand what they want from the negotiations and whether they support a deal between the U.S. and Iran at all. Advertisement Advertisement One Iranian, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to safety concerns, warned that any agreement would not benefit ordinary people. Oregon judge says ICE cant make warrantless arrests unless theres a flight risk If an agreement is made, it will absolutely not have a positive result for the people, whether economically or socially, the source said. This agreement makes the Iranian regime more brutal and causes it to want to unleash its lost global authority upon the peoples heads and become even more savage. Talks expected even after US shot down Iranian drone On Tuesday, a U.S. Navy fighter jet shot down an Iranian drone that approached an American aircraft carrier. Iranian fast boats from its paramilitary Revolutionary Guard also tried to stop a U.S.-flagged ship in the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow mouth of the Persian Gulf, the Navy said. Advertisement Advertisement Iran did not formally acknowledge either incident, which strained but apparently did not derail hopes for talks with the U.S. On Wednesday, Iranian military chiefs visited a missile base in an attempt to highlight its military readiness after the 12-day war devastated Irans air defenses. The base holds the Khorramshahr missile, which has a range of more than 2,000 kilometers (1,250 miles) and was launched toward Israel during the war last year. The Associated Press contributed to this report. 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. China's leader Xi Jinping has called Taiwan "the most important issue" in China-US relations during a phone call with US President Donald Trump. Xi told Trump to be "prudent" when supplying weapons to the island, state media report, adding that he attached "great importance" to ties with Washington and hoped both sides would find ways to resolve their differences. Trump described Wednesday's call as "excellent" and "long and thorough". Advertisement Advertisement The call followed a flurry of visits by Western leaders, including the UK's Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, to China in recent months, hoping to reset relations with the world's second-largest economy. Trump himself is due to visit China in April, a trip he said he "very much" looked forward to. He added that Beijing was considering buying 20 million tonnes of US soybeans, up from the current 12 million tonnes. "The relationship with China, and my personal relationship with President Xi, is an extremely good one, and we both realize how important it is to keep it that way," he wrote in a Truth Social post. Advertisement Advertisement Apart from Taiwan and soybeans, Trump and Xi discussed Russia's war in Ukraine, the current situation in Iran, and China's purchase of oil and gas from the US, the US president wrote. On Taiwan, Xi said the self-governed island was "China's territory" and that Beijing "must safeguard [Taiwan's] sovereignty and territorial integrity". "The United States must handle the issue of arms sales to Taiwan with prudence," he warned. China has long vowed to "reunify" with Taiwan and has not ruled out the use of force to do so. The US has formal ties with Beijing rather than Taiwan, and has walked a tight diplomatic rope for decades. But it remains a powerful ally of Taiwan and is the island's biggest arms supplier. Advertisement Advertisement In December, the Trump administration announced a huge arms sale worth around $11bn (8.2bn) to Taiwan, which included advanced rocket launchers, self-propelled howitzers and a variety of missiles. Beijing said at the time that this "attempt to support [Taiwan's] independence" would only "accelerate the push towards a dangerous and violent situation across the Taiwan Strait". "Just as the United States has its concerns, China for its part also has concerns," Xi told Trump on Wednesday. "If the two sides work in the same direction in the spirit of equality, respect and mutual benefit, we can surely find ways to address each other's concerns." Advertisement Advertisement On Thursday, Taiwan's leader Lai Ching-te told reporters relations with the US remained "rock solid" and that "all ongoing co-operation projects are continuing". Xi and Trump last spoke in November, when the Chinese president invited his US counterpart to visit. Relations between the two countries improved steadily in the last few months, following last year's tariff war, and battles over chips and rare earths. While these still remain key sticking points, tensions appear to have ebbed since the two leaders met in person in South Korea in October and struck a deal which saw both sides de-escalating on some tariffs and rare earth export controls. Advertisement Advertisement Negotiators from both countries also agreed on the framework for a deal on soybeans - where China would lift a ban on imports from the US - and a deal on TikTok, which was finalised last month. Hours before his call with Trump, Xi held a virtual meeting with Russia's President Vladimir Putin, in which both hailed the strengthening of ties between Beijing and Moscow. Russian media say Putin also accepted Xi's invitation to visit China in the first half of the year. Xi's calls with the two leaders have been characterised by Chinese state media as a clear sign to the rest of the world that China will remain a responsible and rational world power. Advertisement Advertisement Beijing appears to be positioning itself this way following some bold and controversial moves on the world stage by Trump in January. The US president notably ordered his military to seize Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, and ramped up his demands for the US to take over Greenland, causing consternation among European leaders. The US operation in Venezuela also led some analysts to suggest that Beijing could feel emboldened to make a move on Taiwan. Others, however, have expressed doubt. One expert, David Sacks from the Council on Foreign Relations, previously told the BBC that he expected that "China will continue with its strategy of employing coercion to wear down Taiwan's people". Advertisement Advertisement A China Daily editorial said Xi's calls with Trump and Putin showed that China would "continue to act as a stabilising force" at a time when "confrontation and unilateralism are on the rise". "Beijing is actively shouldering its responsibility - working together with major stakeholders to contribute to world peace and stability through responsible major-country diplomacy. "In doing so, China is showing other major players on the world stage the importance of refocusing on dialogue and coordination," the China Daily editorial added. The US has launched an effort to form a trade zone for critical minerals that are key to making everything from smartphones to weapons as it tries to break China's dominance of the industry. On Wednesday, the State Department hosted the first Critical Minerals Ministerial event - which was attended by countries and organisations including the UK, European Union, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Delegates discussed the availability of and access to minerals crucial to the manufacture of things like computer chips and electric vehicle batteries. Advertisement Advertisement The mining and processing of such critical minerals, which include rare earths, is dominated by China. In remarks released by the US government, Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio did not mention China by name. Instead, Vance referred to the "foreign supply" of such minerals flooding global markets, making it difficult for other countries with mineral deposits to secure the financing needed to produce them. The US planned to use tariffs to stop critical mineral prices falling too low, which can deter investment, he said. David Copley, a special assistant to President Donald Trump, said the US intends to "deploy hundreds of billions of capital into the mining sector to get projects going". Advertisement Advertisement Investments have already been made in several companies, including rare earths magnets maker MP Materials and Lithium Americas, which produces material key to rechargeable batteries, he said. US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer also said that the US, Japan and the European Commission are developing "coordinated trade policies and mechanisms" in order to collectively avoid potential issues with access to important minerals. Ahead of the meeting, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said "countries need to follow the principles of market economy and international economic and trade rules, step up communication and dialogue". The event was part of a broader effort by the US government to counter China's ability to use its dominance of the industry as leverage in trade negotiations. Advertisement Advertisement On Monday, Trump announced the creation of a critical mineral reserve, called "Project Vault", worth almost $12bn (8.8bn). Industry figures welcomed the announcement. "It's critical to see the United States take decisive steps to shore up our supply of all kinds of minerals and rare earths," said Wade Senti, president of Advanced Magnet Lab. Wednesday's event took place on the same day that Trump had a phone call with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping, which the US president described as "very positive." China has a chokehold on rare earths and has tightened its grip over exports in recent months. Advertisement Advertisement Beijing requires companies in China to get government approval before shipping the minerals abroad. When the curbs were tightened in October it dealt a major blow to the US, whose industries are heavily dependent on these imports. The Chinese government soon eased those stricter measures but analysts say it is using its dominance as a key bargaining chip in trade talks with Washington. Lee este articulo en espanol One month after the US carried out an attack in Venezuela to capture its president, civilians in the South American country remain caught between uncertainty and expectations of governmental change. Some believe the ouster of strongman leader Nicolas Maduro offers a glimmer of hope for rebuilding institutions and guaranteeing citizens rights. Others question whether this new phase which the US and the government of acting President Delcy Rodriguez call a transition will lead to democracy or if the change they hope for will stay on hold. Advertisement Advertisement The days since the raid on Maduros compound have felt slow and difficult, according to one woman who saw the explosions from a distance with her boyfriend. The woman, a bioanalyst who lives in eastern Caracas and who asked to remain anonymous for security reasons, said she was still recovering from the ordeal. She doesnt go out at night and suffers from anxiety, especially if she hears fireworks or loud noises. She said she is paying close attention to the situation in the country and waiting to see if a fundamental change is possible. A real one, she said. First weeks, first actions According to Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello, at least 100 people died and 100 were wounded in the US operation that culminated in the arrest of Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores, who was also a member of parliament. Law enforcement officials move captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores out of a helicopter ahead of an initial court appearance to face US federal charges including narco-terrorism in New York City, January 5. - Adam Gray/Reuters Delcy Rodriguez, then vice president, assumed the role of acting president after the Supreme Court declared Maduros capture a forced absence an unprecedented situation not defined in the Venezuelan Constitution. Since then, Rodriguez has insisted that the country is experiencing a new political moment and has already made several changes within the cabinet and the Bolivarian National Armed Forces. According to experts consulted by CNN, Rodriguez has made at least 28 significant changes within the armed forces. But a month after Maduros capture, while some see reason for optimism in the economy and releases of political prisoners, the country remains on an uncertain path. Advertisement Advertisement In Caracas, moods fluctuate between skepticism, optimism and bewilderment. The price of meat and chicken has fallen, real estate prices have risen 22%, according to economist Asdrubal Oliveros, and airlines are beginning to return to Venezuela, including American Airlines. However, Venezuela remains on the list of countries with partial visa restrictions, and the deportation of Venezuelans continues to be a focus of the Trump administration. The US Embassy in Caracas resumed operations with Laura Dogu as charge daffaires, and Venezuela appointed diplomat Felix Plasencia as its representative to Washington. Dogu made it clear on social media that her meeting with Delcy Rodriguez and her brother National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez aimed to reiterate three priorities outlined by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio: stabilization, economic recovery, and reconciliation and transition. Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil said this step marks the beginning of a new era in which Venezuela is committed to upholding international law. Some politicians, such as opposition figures Andres Velasquez and Delsa Solorzano, have come out of hiding now that Venezuela is no longer ruled by Maduro, but at the same time they say they remain cautious, as do citizens critical of those in power. Carlos Nunez, an administrator, remains hopeful and believes that the release of political prisoners could set a precedent in the country. He believes that many legal, economic and social issues still need to be addressed, but the releases represent a major step forward for change. Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, Jessica Diaz, a graphic designer, thinks things are going well and doesnt believe change is necessary. I hope the president and his wife return, she said. Another citizen, who preferred to remain anonymous for his own safety, said he remains vigilant because, despite talk of change, fear persists. Even law-abiding citizens can be stopped in the street at any time for a search or to be questioned, he said. Waiting for a transition Benigno Alarcon, a Venezuelan political expert who has studied and taught about political transitions around the world, says the transition has not truly begun a month after Maduros departure. He said even Rubios testimony to Congress last week in which the secretary of state said the US was prepared to help oversee Venezuelas transition from criminal state to responsible partner suggests its a preparatory phase. During a forum on the Venezuelan transition held in Caracas on January 29, Alarcon described the current situation as an unprecedented, coercive and uncertain process. He said that a genuine transition requires three converging elements that are currently lacking: a new, effective government; an institutional change in the rules; and decentralizing control of security forces. He concluded that it is not yet possible to say that Venezuela is in transition and added that those who want democracy are hoping for progress in that direction. Venezuela's acting President Delcy Rodriguez delivers a speech after the approval of the Reform of the Organic Law on Hydrocarbons in Caracas on January 29. - Federico Parra/AFP/Getty Images According to Alarcon, those in power have no enthusiasm for holding elections in the near future because they know it wouldnt benefit them, so they intend to delay them as long as possible. He also believes that Delcy Rodriguez, in her role as acting president, is seeking to extend constitutional deadlines indefinitely to remain in power, with the support of the judiciary under an unprecedented scheme of enforced absence. Advertisement Advertisement It will depend on the polls. If they see a chance of winning, theyll call for elections. If not, theyll postpone them, he argues. They intend to buy time and maintain power, Alarcon said, adding that external US pressure is key but insufficient. Washington can offer incentives, but legitimacy only comes from the Venezuelan people through their vote. Society must demand democracy, he said. Regarding opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, he said that her presence abroad facilitates dialogue with governments. However, he believes she should return to Venezuela soon. Alarcon welcomed the reopening of the US Embassy not for visas but for intelligence and economic controls in a country in conflict and the militarys symbolic pledge of subordination to Delcy Rodriguez as acting president. However, the expert wants promises to be kept. The government claims to have released more than 800 political prisoners, but he says officials must identify the freed detainees, and as university students demand, the releases must not come with restrictions. Advertisement Advertisement Alarcon says people are becoming impatient with the slow pace, but the process is moving forward in an orderly fashion, which he says raises the question of whether this coercive model will work or if delays will prevail. Supporters of Venezuela's government rally to demand the release of ousted President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, one month after their capture by US during recent US strikes on the country, in Caracas, Venezuela. - Leonardo Fernandez Viloria/Reuters Full release of political prisoners Juan Carlos Apitz, the dean of the Faculty of Legal and Political Sciences at the Central University of Venezuela, believes the current moment is neither a full transition nor a continuation of the current regime, but rather a moment for the citizens who must establish democracy by respecting the constitution and the results of the July 28, 2024, elections. The opposition says its candidate Edmundo Gonzalez won and that it has the tally sheets to prove it. The National Electoral Council insists Maduro was the victor but has refused to release the tally sheets. In Apitzs view, the first step towards democracy in Venezuela is the full and unconditional release of all political prisoners. He believes that, in this regard, mere prison visits are unacceptable while families continue to wait. He maintains that the repressive apparatus has not been dismantled and that there have been no substantial changes yet. He also questions what he considers the military paradox of January 28, when the armed forces recognized Delcy Rodriguez as commander-in-chief, a position incompatible with Maduro holding that role. There cannot be two commanders, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Apitz further points out that when discussing January 3, only victims are mentioned, but no one is held accountable. Where are the public authorities who allowed the territorial integrity to be violated and Maduros removal to take place? For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Editors note: Contributing columnist Andrew Dunn wrote a Feb. 5 column on revelations about accused killer DeCarlos Brown, Jr. and their implications in Roy Coopers U.S. Senate Race. A correction from Dunn regarding that column: I wrote a column Thursday morning about US Senate candidate and former governor Roy Cooper and his connection with DeCarlos Brown Jr., the man charged with murdering Iryna Zarutska on the Charlotte light rail train. A lot of Republicans are saying that Cooper freed Brown early, and that simply isnt true. He was already out of prison at the time that Cooper signed a 2021 court settlement with the NAACP that released North Carolina prisoners during the COVID pandemic. Whether somebody should serve less than six years for armed robbery is another discussion. Advertisement Advertisement Anyway, I wrote about the connection between Brown and Cooper. I didnt get it exactly right, and I want to explain. Bear with me, because it gets a little complicated. Here are the undisputed facts In 2021, the Cooper administration settled a lawsuit with left-wing activist groups who claimed unsafe conditions in state prisons during the pandemic. In the settlement agreement, the two sides professed the shared goal of protecting incarcerated persons and mitigating the impact of COVID-19 in North Carolina state prisons. As part of the settlement, Coopers team said it would effectuate the early reentry of 3,500 persons. For a lot of people, this meant setting them free from prison early. But it also counted if somebody was reinstated to parole earlier than they would have otherwise. The settlement was signed on Feb. 25, 2021, but stipulated that people released starting Feb. 15, 2021, would count toward the total. Advertisement Advertisement Brown, who was on parole for an earlier conviction, faced a parole hearing in Charlotte on Feb. 15, 2021. Hed been arrested the week before, so the parole hearing officer had the choice to either send him back to prison, or to restore him to parole. Brown was restored to parole. Because of that decision and the timing of it, he got to count toward Coopers goal of freeing 3,500 people. In my column, I wrote, It seems obvious that the mid-February decision was made knowing the settlement was coming, and that keeping offenders free would count toward their quotas. With more information from other published reports, I recognize that this is implausible. The parole hearing officer who made the decision likely didnt know that DeCarlos Brown would wind up as one number on a list of 3,500 people. Advertisement Advertisement Following this timeline, its also unlikely that then-Governor Cooper proactively chose Brown out of a lineup of potential prospects for freedom. Instead, his team likely combed through the most recent parole decisions and threw his name on the list. A few things remain true: Its true that nobody forced Cooper to enter into this settlement. Similar lawsuits were filed all around the country. States like Texas and Florida largely fought them off, and New York even took a pretty combative stance against setting people free. But in North Carolina, the ACLU trumpeted that this settlement was among the largest prison releases in the country achieved via COVID-19 litigation efforts. The Cooper team describes this as a court-ordered settlement, but he could have fought it as other states did. He did not. Advertisement Advertisement Its also true that through the end of 2020 and into 2021, the Cooper administration had the explicit goal of reducing the number of people in prison. Coopers Department of Public Safety described a year-long effort of expedited releases as a COVID-era policy. Also, in the 2021 statement announcing the settlement, Coopers Department of Public Safety had a lot to say about protecting inmates, and nothing to say about protecting the public. The worst is yet to come? Its understandable why the NAACP settlement story would be troubling to Cooper. As part of the settlement, this list of offenders was to be kept from the public, and he likely thought never thought it would see the light of day. But now it has, and there are 3,500 people who in some way, shape or form were let out of prison early because of Gov. Roy Coopers policy decision. Im sure that analysts are combing through the list and mounting a tally of the crimes these people committed after being set free early. Advertisement Advertisement So my larger point still stands. This is likely a game changer in Coopers U.S. Senate race. Contributing columnist Andrew Dunn is the publisher of the Longleaf Politics newsletter, which offers thoughtful analysis of North Carolina politics and policy from a conservative perspective. He served as the communication for Dan Forest in his 2020 run for governor of North Carolina. He can be reached at andrew@longleafpol.com. China has come out swinging after Panamas high court ruled against a Hong Kong-backed companys right to operate key ports at the Panama Canal, vowing the government will pay a heavy political and economic price if it did not reverse course. The vitriol is the latest inflection point in the saga around Chinese interests in the strategic waterway, through which some 40 percent of all US container traffic transits annually, and which has become a focal point of the Trump administrations aim to oust rival powers from the Western hemisphere. Hong Kong-based multinational CK Hutchison operates ports across the world through its Hutchison Ports business and subsidiaries. They include two key terminals on the Panama Canal one at either end a concession that the Central American nations Supreme Court deemed unconstitutionalin a ruling late last month. Advertisement Advertisement The truly shameful and pathetic ruling succumbs to hegemony and acts as an accomplice to evil, Beijings office overseeing Hong Kong affairs said in an 800-word response to the court decision. China firmly opposes the use of economic coercion and hegemonic bullying. The rebuttal, published Tuesday, is a clear sign of how intently China is focusing on the case and the White Houses broader push to root out its influence in the region. Chinese leader Xi Jinping stands at the Cocoli locks in the Panama Canal during a state visit in 2018. - Mauricio Valenzuela/dpa/picture-alliance/AP China has for years built deep inroads into Latin America and the Caribbean, where it now turns more than half a trillion in trade annually, and its state-owned firms and national champions are embedded in power grids, telecoms networks and mines. Now, as US President Donald Trumps administration vows to deny non-Hemispheric competitors control of strategically vital assets in the Western Hemisphere and push out foreign companies that build infrastructure there, the Panama Canal stands as the most urgent test of how the power struggle will play out. Advertisement Advertisement Beijing has said it will safeguard Chinese enterprises, and its latest statement stressed it has sufficient means, tools, strength, and capability to maintain a fair and just international economic and trade order. But the moment also creates a strategic challenge for Beijing as it weighs up how strong a message it wants to send to partners that it sees as siding with the US especially as it looks for stability in its own US relations ahead of an expected visit from Trump later this spring. Power struggle Trump has already kneecapped Beijings carefully cultivated relations with Panama, raising pressure on the country over its ties with China from his first day in office. He used his inaugural address to stake out false claims that China is operating the Panama Canal, and vow that the US was taking it back. The same day, Panama launched an audit of Hutchison Ports operations of the two canal ports, while President Jose Raul Mulino denied Trumps assertions. Advertisement Advertisement The company is not one of Chinas many state-owned enterprises active overseas, but a major global port operator in a conglomerate controlled by Hong Kongs richest man, Li Ka-Shing. It has defended its operations, and Beijing has dismissed claims of its interference in the canal. But as the White House ramped up pressure on Panama, its government announced it would back out of Chinese leader Xi Jinpings Belt and Road global infrastructure drive a blow to Beijings ambitions in the region, especially as Panama was the first Latin American country to sign on to the initiative, in 2017. The spat has only grown since. CK Hutchison announced last spring it would sell its interests in more than 40 ports in some two dozen countries, including the two near the Panama Canal, to a group led by US firm BlackRock a deal praised by Trump as a win for the US. Workers load cargo at Panama Canal's Port of Balboa earlier this month. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix) - Matias Delacroix/AP But Beijing said it must conduct reviews and supervise any asset sale by the company and the deal has appeared to stall since then. Its unclear how it will be impacted by the latest court ruling. Advertisement Advertisement That ruling, which found that the contract awarded to Hutchisons Panama Ports Company violated Panamas constitution and follows the official audit, again raises frictions. Hutchison Ports Panama Ports Company on Tuesday said it has launched arbitration against Panama, framing the ruling as part of a state campaign against it. Whats next? Beijing is well known for turning to a playbook of economic countermeasures to exert pressure. Japans tourism industry in recent months has been grappling with canceled flight routes and travel warnings from China due to a political spat over Taiwan. And businesses from Australian wine makers to Norwegian salmon farmers have been frozen out of the massive China market in recent years when their governments fell foul of Beijing. China has economic leverage over Panama, too. It surpassed the US as Panamas largest trade partner in 2019, according to United Nations data through 2024. Advertisement Advertisement In its Tuesday statement, Beijing turned up the heat, saying the country would suffer the consequences of the ruling, which would cause profound damage to Panamas business environment and economic development. Analysts say Beijing may be weighing trade, investment and other measures to respond and dissuade other countries in the region from taking similar steps. But there are reasons for Beijing to proceed carefully. For one, even as it feels the squeeze from the US strong-arm policy in Latin America, it also sees an opportunity. Beijing has already cast that US posture seen most acutely in the US capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro as a form of imperialism and bullying. And its policy thinkers calculate that while the US strategy might put more pressure on Chinese engagement in the region in the immediate term, over time it will drive more Latin American countries to choose to work with China. Advertisement Advertisement Retaliating with major economic measures against Panama would have the potential to undermine Xis broader effort to position China as an alternative leader to the US, especially for emerging economies Beijing says are not served by a US-led world. Beijing may also not want to rock the boat too much ahead of the expected visit by Trump. Sailors wave the China and Panama flags during Chinese leader Xi Jinping visit to the canal in 2018. - Carlos Jasso/Reuters But Beijing and Chinese firms will also be taking notes as the case continues to play out. If anything we should expect Chinese state-owned enterprises to be increasingly wary of committing to significant strategic investments in the vicinity of the US given that Trump seems very keen to assert his control over geographical chokepoints and locations of significance in the region, said Brian Wong, a geopolitics analyst at the University of Hong Kong. Advertisement Advertisement And the US will be taking strategy notes too, analysts in Washington say. There, the court ruling may be read as proof positive that sustained pressure pays off, said Craig Singleton, a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies think tank. Decisions like Panamas are likely to reinforce Trumps view that Chinese influence in the hemisphere is reversible, encouraging further challenges in places where legal, political, or regulatory pressure can be brought to bear. CNNs Stephanie Yang contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com The Salt Lake City & County Building in Salt Lake City is pictured on Wednesday, January 3, 2024. (Photo by Spenser Heaps for Utah News Dispatch) Utah Republican lawmakers are running legislation directing Salt Lake City to make changes to city roads with state oversight for a second year. The action, included in an extensive transportation bill, may have an impact on recently installed bike and bus lanes, but may also change how the state supervises city streets. It also brought back chatter about the state potentially exerting more control over local governments, especially in Democrat-led Salt Lake City. Advertisement Advertisement SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The bill, sponsored by Taylorsville Republican Sen. Wayne Harper, mandates that Salt Lake City enter an agreement with the Utah Department of Transportation before implementing programs designed to reduce the amount of cars travelling on a highway. The city must also submit plans to mitigate the impacts of traffic calming measures and highway reduction strategies previously implemented on different downtown roads, including 300 West, 200 South and 400 South. Harper emphasized the word mitigate when speaking to reporters on Wednesday about the potential removal of bike and bus lanes. The request that Ive gotten is to have Salt Lake City to go through and take a look at all that theyve done and theyre amenable to this take a look and see whats working good with that, Harper said. And are there some negative things that they can go through and tweak in order to make it so that safety is enhanced? Advertisement Advertisement That request, he said, comes from businesses that have complained about limited access to their facilities caused by traffic mitigation tools the city has installed. Before Jan 1, 2027, Salt Lake City and UDOT must also agree on the designation of street tiers, going from regionally significant highways to the lowest-volume residential roads. The first tier, which would have the highest traffic, would be blocked from city-led highway reduction strategies, while tier two roads could qualify for programs to reduce the amount of cars travelling on a highway, but only after completing certain studies and receiving a nod from UDOT. Let us know what you think... To a question on whether the legislation would feed the perception of a state takeover of the citys say on its streets, Senate President Stuart Adams, R-Layton, said lawmakers are simply responding to constituents. Advertisement Advertisement For Adams, capital cities are different, since not everyone who works in them lives within their boundaries. The capital city is a spot where people gather. So we need to make sure (for) those coming (that) it could function, he told reporters. The plans are also timely, he said, as downtown undergoes revitalization plans for 100 acres adjacent to the Delta Center. Weve committed a lot of resources, so I think its in our best interest to make sure those resources function well, and the city functions right, Adams said. Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall said in a statement the city is committed to partnering with the state, UDOT and the Utah Transit Authority to support a strong regional transportation network serving everyone. Advertisement Advertisement Although we believe this goal can be achieved without additional legislation, we appreciate the Legislatures willingness to collaborate and believe we have identified solutions that serve all stakeholders, Mendenhall said. Nothing in the bill says the bike and bus lanes must be removed, Harper said, they just have to make sure that it is not causing an impediment to the pedestrians, the bicyclists, or to the drivers that would deteriorate safety. And Salt Lake City leaders are committed to making changes, Harper said, a fact Mendenhall confirmed. I would characterize the discussions as good faith and collaborative. I am appreciative of them, Mendenhall said. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Feb 5 (Reuters) - An amnesty law being considered in Venezuela's legislature that would grant immediate clemency to people jailed for participating in political protests or critiquing public figures won initial lawmaker approval on Thursday. According to a draft seen by Reuters, the bill would also return assets of those detained and cancel Interpol and other international measures previously issued by the government, allowing opposition figures in exile to return home. The bill passed unanimously in the first of two necessary votes at the National Assembly, which is controlled by the socialist ruling party. The date for a second session to debate the matter has not yet been set. Advertisement Advertisement The amnesty law, announced last week by interim President Rodriguez, would lead to hundreds of people being released if it were to be passed in its current form and would likely please the Trump administration, which has hailed prisoner releases. Rodriguez's brother Jorge Rodriguez, the head of the assembly, described the law as a difficult but necessary step. "The path of this law is going to be full of obstacles, full of bitter moments ... we're not only going to have to swallow hard ... but also swallow frogs," he said. "We ask for forgiveness and we also have to forgive." Advertisement Advertisement Venezuela's opposition and human rights groups have said for years that the government has used detentions to stamp out dissent by politicians, members of the security services, journalists and activists, charging them arbitrarily with crimes like terrorism and treason. The government has always denied holding political prisoners. Rodriguez, who took office after the U.S. captured and deposed President Nicolas Maduro last month, has been complying with U.S. demands on oil deals. The government has also been already slowly releasing people classified as political prisoners by human rights groups and the country's opposition. According to the draft, the amnesty will cover crimes committed between January 1, 1999, and the date that the law comes into force, and will be applied immediately to people who acted peacefully or who have health concerns. It would not provide amnesty for those convicted of human rights violations, war crimes, murder, corruption or drug trafficking. PROTESTS AND DEFAMATION Advertisement Advertisement Other alleged crimes, including instigation of illegal activity, resistance to authorities, property damage, rebellion, treason, and illegal carrying of weapons will all be covered by the amnesty if they were committed in the context of political protests, the draft said, specifying that it would include mass protests that rocked the country and led to deaths in 2007, 2014, 2017, 2019 and 2024. Those latest marches, in 2024, took place after a contested election that Venezuela's opposition and international observers say the opposition roundly won. The government and judicial authorities backed Maduro, swearing him in for a third term. The bill would also cover those accused of defamation if the act took place in the context of criticizing authorities. The law would lift Interpol red notices and movement restrictions against people who have committed crimes covered by the amnesty, the draft said, "guaranteeing the safe and persecution-free return of Venezuelan citizens who are abroad." Advertisement Advertisement Many members of the opposition and dissident former officials live in other countries to escape arrest warrants they say are politically motivated. Also revoked by the law would be public office bans for political reasons and sanctions against media outlets. Rights group Foro Penal says it has verified that 383 political prisoners have been freed since the government announced a new series of releases on January 8. It says more than 680 remain jailed, an updated count including prisoners whose fearful families had not previously reported their detentions. The government has always denied holding political prisoners and says those jailed have committed crimes. Government officials have said the number of releases is nearly 900, but have not been clear about the timeline and appear to be including those freed in previous years. Advertisement Advertisement Among the long-time advocates of releases and amnesty is Nobel Peace Prize winner and opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, who has several close allies imprisoned, including opposition politician Juan Pablo Guanipa and lawyer Perkins Rocha. (Reporting by Reuters, Editing by Rosalba O'Brien) Get ready for your AI assistant to do your shopping for you. Mastercard, in partnership with Aussie banks and retailers, has just completed the country's first secure, fully authenticated transaction made by an AI shopping agent. In a landmark trial, an AI bot successfully bought movie tickets from Event Cinemas using a Commonwealth Bank card and booked accommodation in Thredbo with a Westpac card, all without the cardholder needing to manually enter their details at checkout. While plenty of us already use AI to find products, letting a bot make the actual purchase has been a security nightmare waiting to happen. Until now, banks and merchants had no way of knowing if a transaction was being made by the legitimate cardholder or an AI agent, creating a massive loophole for fraud. Mastercards new Agent Pay system aims to solve this by making the AI a visible and verified participant in the payment process. Essentially, the AI agent gets its own unique credentials, ensuring that every part of the payment chainfrom your bank to the online storecan see and trust that the purchase is authorised. The local trials were powered by Maincodes Australian-made large language model, *Matilda*, demonstrating that the tech is being developed right here at home. Agentic commerce represents one of the most profound shifts in consumer behaviour weve seen in decades, said Paul Monnington, Mastercards Division President for Australasia. Our role is to ensure this future is built on trust, security and transparency the same principles Australians expect from card payments. The move comes as research suggests AI-driven commerce could be worth a staggering A$670 billion in Australia by 2030, influencing more than half of all consumer spending. Despite the appetite for AI convenience - with almost half of Aussies having used AI to help them shop - more than 90 per cent hold concerns about privacy and security. This trial is the first step towards building the trust needed for AI shoppers to go mainstream. To back its push into the region, Mastercard is establishing a local AI Centre of Excellence and has deployed a dedicated team at its Sydney Tech Hub to help Aussie businesses prepare for the shift to AI-led online shopping. Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado estimated that Venezuela could hold new democratic elections in less than a year, she told POLITICO, but has not yet spoken with President Donald Trump about starting that process. We believe that a real transparent process with manual voting throughout the process could be done in nine to 10 months. But, well, that depends when you start, Machado said Tuesday in an interview with POLITICOs Dasha Burns for The Conversation. Her projection comes as leaders in both parties in Congress urge the president to accelerate the process of relinquishing U.S. control of Venezuela following the capture of Nicolas Maduro in January. Advertisement Advertisement But Trump has suggested the U.S. could continue to oversee Venezuela for years, with an eye toward closely controlling the development of infrastructure to extract oil from the countrys vast reservoirs. Trump told The New York Times last month that only time will tell how long the U.S. will assert oversight over Venezuela. Machado, who met with Trump at the White House after Maduros capture, said the two did not discuss her estimated time frame for new elections during their meeting. But she explained her optimism for the relatively short window to stand up democratic elections in the country, compared with similar nation-building efforts by America in Iraq and Afghanistan during the Bush administration, which took years to fully establish. In our case, look, we have a democratic culture, strong democratic culture. We have an organized society. We have a legitimate leadership with huge popular support and our armed forces are also supportive of a transition to democracy, she said. Machado also pointed to recent elections in Venezuela, which she said occurred under very tough circumstances, as evidence that Venezuelan people will readily embrace U.S.-backed democratic elections. Advertisement Advertisement Venezuela held presidential elections in 2024, which Maduros regime said he won, and parliamentary elections in 2025. Independent monitors criticized the elections as being neither free nor fair. If we were able to do that under such extreme conditions, imagine now, when we have the support of the United States government, when people feel that we are not alone, she said. Listen to the whole interview on the latest episode of "The Conversation." CORRECTION: Due to a transcription error, an earlier version of this report inaccurately described Machado's explanation of manual voting. PUTNAM - A Vermont man was arrested this week following an investigation into a sexual assault, police say. In a post on Facebook, the Putnam Police Department said Bryan McCray-McLeod, a 37-year-old man from Burlington, turned himself in on active warrant from the Windham County State's Attorney's Office. Police said McCray-McLeod was charged with first-degree sexual assault and risk of injury to a minor. They said the arrest stems from an investigation initiated in March of 2025, but did not share more details about his alleged offense. Advertisement Advertisement McCray-McLeod was processed and released after posting a $175,000 bond, police said, adding he was scheduled to appear in the state Superior Court in Danielson on Tuesday. According to court documents, McCray-McLeod is scheduled to enter a plea in court on March 24. This article originally published at Vermont man charged in Putnam sexual assault, risk of injury to a minor. A veteran South Jersey firefighter died Thursday after becoming trapped beneath the icy waters of a Camden Waterfront marina while working on a department boat, city officials said. The firefighter, a man in his 60s, fell through the ice at the Wiggins Park Marina, which is next to the Freedom Mortgage Pavilion. He was taken to Cooper University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead, city Public Information Officer Vince Basara said. Advertisement Advertisement The marina houses boats on the Delaware River at a complex that includes the Adventure Aquarium and the Battleship New Jersey. The mans name was not released while officials notified next of kin, Basara said. City officials held a press conference at the hospital on Thursday afternoon to provide more information. Camden Fire Chief Jesse Flax said authorities are still investigating the firefighters death. Mayor Victor Carstarphen added that the city will provide full support to the mans family. Its a tough time, Carstarphen said. The firefighter fell into the water around 11 a.m. and was submerged for several minutes, Basara said. He described the firefighter as a longtime member of the department. Advertisement Advertisement First responders performed life-saving measures before the firefighter was rushed to the hospital. The firefighter and at least three colleagues were aboard a boat the department owns, officials said. Its what we use to fight fire off the shoreline, Flax said. We usually have a team of four that go down there. The firefighter fell overboard, plunging into the icy water, while performing maintenance aboard the vessel, officials said. The circumstances of the fall were not immediately known. Pete Perez, vice president of Camden Firefighters IAFF Local 788, said support services were being offered to department members. Advertisement Advertisement I appreciate the support that we received from our state, Perez said at a news conference. All of the local fire departments have reached out the minute they knew something was going on with one of our guys. Perez said he worked with the firefighter for about 21 years, and described him as being well-versed in boating. I just want to honor him in knowing that he was such a great firefighter and knew what he was doing, Perez said. When I got the call that was going on, I was in still in shock. I could not believe that this was going on. It was like, surreal. Read the original article on NJ.com. Add NJ.com as a Preferred Source by clicking here. CABOT, Ark.- What began as a fun snow day quickly turned into a life-altering ordeal for a Vilonia family after their 16-year-old daughter was seriously injured in a sledding accident in Cabot. Lexie Glover was sledding with friends on Jan. 26 in the Magnus Creek neighborhood when she lost control while going down a steep road and collided headfirst with a brick mailbox. The impact left her with multiple fractures and a severe spinal injury. She just slid down and hit a mailbox, and she hit headfirst, face first and she immediately blacked out, said her mother, Katie Glover. Advertisement Advertisement Saline County teen killed in weekend sledding accident An ambulance was called to the scene, and Lexie was rushed to the hospital, where doctors discovered the extent of her injuries. She suffered injuries to her neck and back and fractured her shoulder and pelvis. Katie Glover said doctors performed a 10-hour surgery the next morning to put a spinal fusion in her back. Katie Glover said she and her husband initially believed their daughters injuries would be minor. We just expected some cuts and bruises; we didnt expect it to be as bad as it was, Glover said. It was heartbreaking to see her like that. Advertisement Advertisement Lexie has now been hospitalized for more than a week and has been moved from the intensive care unit to the rehabilitation floor of Arkansas Childrens Hospital. Her family said the road to recovery is just beginning, with long-term rehabilitation needed before she can walk or fully use her right arm again. Despite the challenges, her mother said Lexie is making small but meaningful progress. She can now feed herself with a spoon and hold a cup, Glover said. Its just been regaining that strength in her right arm and hand and learning how to move while being in pain at the same time. Katie described her daughter as strong, resilient and fiercely independent. Traits she believes are helping Lexie push forward during recovery. Still, the uncertainty has been one of the hardest parts for the family, including not knowing how long Lexie will remain hospitalized or when shell be able to return to school. Advertisement Advertisement Winter storms dont have to be deadly heres how to stay safe before, during and after one hits The Glover family has since started a GoFundMe to help cover mounting medical expenses and is asking the community for prayers and support. Katie also hopes that sharing Lexies story serves as a reminder of how quickly accidents can happen. It can happen to any of our kids, she said. She was just sledding and having fun like teenagers do. Who would have thought something like this could happen? While the road to recovery remains uncertain, the Glover family said they are holding on to hope as Lexie continues to fight through her recovery, one small step at a time. Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK. Virginia Democrats released new proposed congressional maps Thursday evening that they hope will leave all but one of the states 11 districts under Democratic control. The map, which could net Democrats potentially four additional seats, creates eight seats that are easily winnable by Democrats, a pair of toss up districts and a GOP-held district in the southwest portion of the state. It really is one of these things where I think we get to 10-1 for two, maybe four years, said a Democrat legislative official granted anonymity to speak about the partys process for drawing the maps. After that, everything's getting redrawn again, and who knows what the environment will be like post Trump. Advertisement Advertisement The new maps give former Democratic Rep. Elaine Luria a boost in her expected match up against current GOP Rep. Jen Kiggans in the 2nd Congressional District in the southeast portion of the state, which under the new proposed map goes from toss up to leaning blue. Democrats' effort to overhaul their current congressional lines comes as a legal fight over the redistricting push plays out in state courts, with the Virginia Supreme Court likely weighing the legal challenge that Democrats violated state procedure. Donald Trump knows he's going to lose the midterms. He knows it. That's why he's started this mess in the first place, L. Louise Lucas, a top Democrat in the Virginia Senate said Thursday morning at a brief media availability with reporters in Richmond prior to the release of the maps. We said 10-1 and we meant it. Virginia Democrats effort comes after a Tazewell County judge halted Democrats from moving forward, siding with Republicans who claim state lawmakers did not follow the law when they kickstarted its redistricting effort in October. Advertisement Advertisement The pending map release comes as national Democrats view Virginia as their biggest prize in the reapportionment battle with Republicans that got underway in July, when Texas carved out five new Republican-friendly districts in hopes of keeping the House under GOP control following this falls elections. Virginia to the rescue, proclaimed Virginia House Speaker Don Scott, speaking after Lucas. He said Republicans are rigging the midterms in order to ensure Trump and Republicans maintain their hold on all levels of power in Washington. They know they can't win on their agenda in 2026 so instead of changing their ideas, they're trying to break the system. A 10-1 map levels the playing field and were ready to move forward, Scott said. Republicans, who have denounced the Democrats efforts as a Democrat power grab, panned the development. Advertisement Advertisement What they really mean is We are proud to deliver an illegal map that the court told us we cant draw, that delivers for Democrats, not Virginians, Virginia's former GOP Attorney General Jason Miyares posted on X Thursday afternoon. Miyares recently joined the Republican-backed organization Virginians for Fair Maps, working to block Democrats' redistricting effort. Democrats are working to put a constitutional amendment before voters through a special election in April. If voters approve the amendment, it will give the Democrat-led General Assembly the authority to redraw the states maps. Democrats currently hold six seats while Republicans control five. A spokesperson for Democratic Gov. Abigail Spanberger, who was sworn in last month, said state elections administrators told the governor that the General Assemblys map can be implemented before voting begins. State elections administrators have told the Governor that the General Assemblys map can be implemented before voting begins, a Spanberger spokesperson said in a statement. The Governors priority has been upholding the integrity of Virginias elections, and her team has been working throughout this process to make sure any proposed map could actually be implemented on the quick timeline before elections administrators, the spokesperson said. Some Virginia Democrats had been at odds with lawmakers pushing for 10-1 maps, suggesting it was too aggressive, with some reportedly favoring to go 9-2. Monterey Park leaders are weighing whether to put the future of data centers directly in voters' hands. Overnight, the City Council agreed to a proposition that could put a citywide data center ban on the ballot. The controversial issue was discussed during a meeting didn't end until nearly 1 a.m. Thursday. In the end, the City Council unanimously agreed to move forward with exploring the ballot proposition. The vote doesn't outright ban data centers, but it could set the city on a path toward a ballot measure and a final decision by voters. Meanwhile, the city's temporary moratorium remains in place as city staff continue working on long-term rules. Monterey Park residents are expressing growing frustration over a proposed data center as the city council prepares to decide whether the project should go before voters in a June ballot initiative. Advertisement Advertisement Over the next month or so, the city will survey residents and get feedback from the community on a proposed data center, and a potential ban on them, in the city. Nearly 80 people attended the meeting Wednesday to voice their opposition. Union members and labor advocates also showed up, warning that a ban could mean walking away from jobs. Proposed data center in Monterey Park The 1977 Saturn Data Center Project, a proposed 247,000 square-foot facility, would replace an existing two-story office building at 1977 Saturn St., next to La Loma Park, which city records state would be demolished as part of the project. "We look forward to have the opportunity to show that this project is designed sustainably. We want to be good partners to the community," said Laziza Lambert, spokesperson for the 1977 Saturn Data Center Project. Advertisement Advertisement As more people continue to stream, shop online and use artificial intelligence, that means there's a growing need for computing infrastructure. According to the developer, the center would generate more than $5 million annually in tax revenue and would include the construction of a public park. But opponents warn the center could place enormous strain on local utilities. Some residents fear it would consume so much electricity that it would require a new substation, potentially raising costs for the community. "Southern California Edison has said that there will not be any pass to cost to residents. The developer is also going to be funding the infrastructure upgrades," said Lambert. Advertisement Advertisement The project has faced organized resistance. "The residents were so mad at the applicant that the city council heard us and they decided to implement a moratorium on data centers, which is completely beyond our wildest imaginations, so we're in the middle of the 45-day moratorium," said Steven Kung, who helped organize the opposition. Kung said neighbors remain committed to stopping the project. "We're going to push back and let them know that nobody in this town wants it - not the city council, not the residents," he said. Some community members also raised concerns that the project was being pushed through without an environmental impact report. Lambert said the company has changed course in response to those concerns. Advertisement Advertisement "They voluntarily agreed to pursue an environmental impact review, and that process is not only strictest process in the state but the country," she said. The developer says it hopes to keep discussions ongoing. NEED TO KNOW Ryan Palmer was arrested on Jan. 27 and charged with seven counts including aggravated stalking and obstruction of justice. He pleaded not guilty At least three women told investigators Palmer paid them to watch sex acts, according to court records cited by multiple outlets Gov. Phil Scott said Palmer has lost the trust of folks in Windsor County as regulators suspended his law enforcement certification Vermont Gov. Phil Scott is calling on Windsor County Sheriff Ryan Palmer to resign. This comes as the elected lawman faces multiple criminal charges tied to allegations he paid women to watch sex acts, then stalked them after they cut off contact with him. Advertisement Advertisement According to Vermont Public, Valley News and Seven Days, Palmer, 39, was arrested on Jan. 27 and pleaded not guilty the following day to felony counts of lewd and lascivious conduct, aggravated stalking with a deadly weapon and obstruction of justice along with misdemeanor soliciting prostitution charges. He was released on conditions that he surrender any firearms and avoid contact with the alleged victims, per the outlets. Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases. The outlets reported that at least three women told investigators Palmer paid them to watch him masturbate, both in person and over video calls, and in one case paid for sex. Advertisement Advertisement Court records cited by the outlets allege Palmer sent unsolicited cash payments and initiated explicit messages after first encountering the women through professional or community settings. Two women alleged that after they stopped responding to Palmer, he began driving by their homes or showing up at their workplaces in his sheriffs cruiser, according to the outlets. In one encounter, a woman told investigators Palmer confronted her in a parking lot while on duty a detail prosecutors said elevated the allegations to aggravated stalking. The outlets also reported that another woman told investigators Palmer urged her to leave his name out after she contacted an attorney, while a witness said he sent her money because she knew about his behavior. This is precisely why abuse of a public position of trust is so insidious, Bennington County Deputy States Attorney Jared Bianchi said in court. Advertisement Advertisement The investigation began last summer after Vermont State Police received anonymous tips about possible financial mismanagement at the Windsor County Sheriffs Office, according to a police press release. During that probe, investigators said they received information about alleged sexual misconduct and identified multiple victims who provided statements and evidence. After Palmers arrest, per the outlets, the Vermont Criminal Justice Council unanimously suspended his law enforcement certification, barring him from patrols or criminal investigations while the case is pending. Shortly afterward, Gov. Scott called on Palmer to step down. From what Ive seen and read, hes lost the trust of folks in Windsor County, and he should step down, the governor said, per the outlets. Advertisement Advertisement Palmer has denied wrongdoing, calling the allegations part of his personal life, WCAX reported. His attorney, Dan Sedon, said the claims involve private conduct between consenting adults, per the outlet. According to the outlet, Palmer, who was elected in 2022, said hes taking a step back from day-to-day operations but isnt stepping down. I categorically deny that any of these charges are what they are in the affidavit, he said, per WCAX. With that aside, this is my personal life ... and I just ask people out there not to have that reflect their views of the Windsor County Sheriffs Department. Deputy Captain Claude Weyant will take over daily operations in Palmer's place as the case plays out in court. Sheriffs in Vermont can only be removed through impeachment a rarely used legislative process. Read the original article on People (Photo by Quentin Young/Colorado Newsline) Legislation to regulate the use of automated license plate readers amid concerns over federal immigration agents accessing data the devices collect, passed the Washington state Senate on Wednesday. It was a bipartisan, 40-9, vote with only Republicans opposed. Many local police departments have adopted the emerging surveillance technology in recent years. The readers are mounted everywhere from street poles to police patrol cars. They can sweep up massive amounts of information, taking pictures of vehicles and using artificial intelligence to analyze the data. Advertisement Advertisement Police can use the information to track vehicles that could be tied to criminal investigations. But most of the images are never looked at. An October report out of the University of Washington found multiple local police departments authorized U.S. Border Patrol to use their license plate reader databases. In other cases, Border Patrol had backdoor access without express permission. And in some instances, police conducted searches on behalf of the federal agency. But while at least 16 other states have enacted regulations on the plate readers, Washington has not. Senate Bill 6002 would add sideboards to the use of these surveillance cameras, many of which come from the Georgia-based company Flock. Advertisement Advertisement Its an opportunity for us to say to all Washingtonians that were going to care about what your privacy concerns are, were going to expect to meet the expectations of trust and transparency and accountability, said Sen. Yasmin Trudeau, D-Tacoma, and the legislations lead sponsor. State Sen. Yasmin Trudeau, D-Tacoma, makes floor remarks on Feb. 4, 2026 about Senate Bill 6002, which would set state regulations for license plate readers. The bill passed 40-9, with only Republicans opposed. (Photo by Bill Lucia/Washington State Standard) What we have now is the strongest bill in the country that is completely workable, she continued. Under the bill, reader data would have to be deleted within 21 days, unless its needed for police evidence. That retention period was originally set at 72 hours, but that was increased in a Senate committee. These periods vary across states that have these regulations. New Hampshire law, for example, says data must be deleted within three minutes of capture. In Georgia, agencies have 30 months to destroy it. Flocks standard retention policy is 30 days, after which the data is deleted. Advertisement Advertisement The legislation would largely prohibit police from sharing the information except for court proceedings, with some exceptions. The readers wouldnt be allowed to be used for civil immigration enforcement, or to be deployed near schools, churches, courts or food banks. Law enforcement agencies would have to keep logs of when their reader data was accessed for five years. The legislation says police can only use the cameras to compare the data to watch lists for stolen vehicles, missing or endangered persons, vehicles registered to people with felony warrants and investigations related to vehicles involved in a felony. They could also be used for tolling, parking enforcement and measuring vehicles at weigh stations. Sen. Keith Wagoner, R-Sedro-Woolley, supported the legislation but would like to expand the list of crimes the readers can be used for, like misdemeanor domestic violence and driving under the influence. Advertisement Advertisement By July 1, 2027, the state attorney general would need to develop model policies for the use of automated license plate readers. Agencies would have to adopt them by December that year. Sen. Jeff Holy, R-Cheney, called the legislation a pragmatic approach to solving the problem. He said the collaboration between Democrats and Republicans on the bill was unheard of. Not all Republicans were convinced. Sen. Leonard Christian, R-Spokane Valley, said drivers shouldnt expect privacy on public roads. Flock declined to comment. Fears of license plate readers go beyond immigration. Last year, authorities in Texas searched thousands of the cameras, as far as Washington state and Illinois, looking for a woman believed to have had a self-administered abortion. Advertisement Advertisement Some cities are also rethinking their use of the cameras over concerns theyll be overloaded with public disclosure requests for reader data, which could also allow anyone to learn the whereabouts of another persons car. Some fear the footage could then be used to stalk or harass. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Under the bill, reader data would be exempt from public disclosure except for research purposes. Without this bill, anybody can access that information, Trudeau said. It is literally the wild, wild West when it comes to data protection. The measure now moves to the House for consideration. Feb. 4ROSEAU COUNTY, Minn. A felony methamphetamine case against a Warroad man was dismissed Tuesday, Feb. 3, after key evidence was suppressed. Kham Vorachak, 39, was charged in November 2024 with second-degree sale of at least 10 grams of a narcotic within a 90-day period and third-degree narcotic possession. An investigator with the Roseau County Sheriff's Department and Pine to Prairie Drug Task Force got in contact with Carrie Ozetta Iceman using an undercover Snapchat account, and set up a controlled methamphetamine buy, according to a probable cause statement filed in the case. Advertisement Advertisement Iceman said she needed a ride to her alleged drug dealer's residence, where law enforcement knew Vorachak lived, the statement said. Law enforcement performed a traffic stop on Vorachak near his home, told him he was suspected of selling methamphetamine to Iceman. Searching him, law enforcement alleged they found the money given to Iceman for the methamphetamine, as well as a bag containing .92 grams of methamphetamine. Vorachak allegedly admitted there was more methamphetamine inside his home, and a subsequent search revealed 14.66 grams, according to the statement. In May of last year, Judge Donna Dixon ruled that statements made by Vorachak before his Miranda rights were read, as well as any evidence collected during the traffic stop, would be suppressed and therefore couldn't be used at a trial. Advertisement Advertisement The prosecutor in Vorachak's case filed to dismiss the charges Tuesday, and confirmed to the Herald that this was due to the earlier evidence suppression. Iceman's case remains active. Her next court appearance is scheduled for 1 p.m. Feb. 9. New footage has emerged showing how Ukraine is using at least one adapted Antonov An-28 Cash twin-turboprop utility aircraft as part of its anti-drone inventory. While images of the aircraft, replete with multiple drone kill marks, had previously been published, we now get to see the aircrafts armament a six-barrel Gatling-type M134 Minigun in action, too. A passenger An-28 aircraft armed with miniguns is shooting down Russian drones over Ukraine, French TF1 got an inside. The crew consists of civilian volunteers who have already destroyed nearly 150 drones during air defense missions. #Ukraine pic.twitter.com/x1E921TPT2 NOELREPORTS (@NOELreports) February 5, 2026 The video in question was published by the French television channel TF1 and can also be found at this link. The French journalists got to see the An-28 during a nighttime combat sortie, including opening fire with its 7.62mm M134, which is pintle-mounted in the cabin door. The An-28s high-wing configuration provides a notably wide field of fire. The Minigun is well-proven in aerial applications. It was a key feature in the genesis of the AC-47 and later side-firing gunships converted from cargo planes, as well, albeit intended to engage targets on the ground. Typical firing rates for Miniguns are generally between 3,000 and 6,000 rounds per minute, or 50 and 100 shots every second. The date and location of the An-28 footage were not revealed, but one of the aircraft crew members describes hunting Russian drones in the southeast of Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Below the An-28s cockpit are 115 painted silhouettes of Shahed/Geran-type long-range one-way attack drones, two of which are painted in yellow. The significance of these is unclear, but they may refer to 10 kills of the same drone types. This would tally with the French reports statement that, overall, the An-28s four-person crew has destroyed almost 150 Russian drones. A single kill marking also indicates that another twin-boom-type drone was brought down. Some of the kill marks painted below the An-28 cockpit. TF1 screencap On this occasion, the crew had 10 minutes to scramble into the air, with an overall flight time of five hours. The cabin is lit up as the gunner opens fire with the M134 Minigun. TF1 screencap In the course of the sortie in the video, the crew shot down five Shahed/Geran drones. One of these was intercepted while flying over a Ukrainian village. They waited until it was over an unpopulated area before engaging that, too. A Shahed/Geran seen via the An-28s infrared camera. TF1 screencap The report also explains the basic mode of operation. Advertisement Advertisement The An-28 crew initially relies on air traffic controllers to guide them to the area where Russian drones are known to be flying. One of the crew is a camera operator, who is seen sitting in front of a screen, which appears to show the feed from an infrared camera, presumably mounted externally on a turret. The gunner, and at least one other member of the crew, is provided with night-vision goggles (NVGs). The camera operator is seen sitting in front of their screen. TF1 screencap Various hazards face the An-28 crew. First, the presence of Russian cruise missiles means they have to leave the area, due to the high risk of collision. The Russian drones are also presenting more threats to interceptors. In the course of this year, Russia has begun to arm the Shahed/Geran with both man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS) and R-60 air-to-air missiles. These developments come as Russia makes additional alterations to the drone, including self-protection systems. Interception of the Russian Shahed kamikaze drone with an installed R-60 air-to-air missile. It was intercepted by Darknode unit of the @usf_army, using STING anti-Shahed drone developed by the @wilendhornets and funded by @sternenkofund. https://t.co/XHEjuCP31F pic.twitter.com/oje4VOXTbz Special Kherson Cat (@bayraktar_1love) December 1, 2025 Russian forces are mounting Igla MANPADS on Shahed drones to target Ukrainian helicopters that intercept them. The drones carry a camera and radio modem, and the missile is launched remotely by an operator in Russian territory. pic.twitter.com/T5TKPHyhVu WarTranslated (@wartranslated) January 4, 2026 Reportedly, the An-28 crew is made up of civilian volunteers, paralleling the effort made by pilots and gunners flying Yakovlev Yak-52 prop trainers on behalf of the Ukrainian Army Aviation. You can read more about their activities here. Advertisement Advertisement Developed in the former Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic by the Antonov Design Bureau, the An-28 is a twin-engined light turboprop transport, first flown in 1969 and primarily intended for Aeroflot service as a short-range airliner. It has a notable short takeoff and landing (STOL) capability, making it ideal for operating in and out of shorter and more austere airstrips, of the kind that Ukraine makes extensive use of in the conflict with Russia. An An-28 makes a demonstration flight at Hostomel, Kyiv Region, in 2019. Ukrinform/Future Publishing via Getty Images A little under 200 were built, with most of the production being undertaken in Poland by PZL-Mielec. The Polish company developed an improved variant, the M28 Skytruck. A Polish Navy PZL-Mielec M-28TD Bryza maritime patrol aircraft. Photo by Fabrizio Gandolfo/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images Versions of the M28 have seen more extensive military service than the An-28, notably with the United States as the C-145A Combat Coyote, which was formerly used by Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC). Its interesting to note that, back in 2013, AFSOC actually explored the possibility of converting C-145As into small side-firing gunships, a sort of miniature take on the AC-130 concept, with an eye toward potentially being able to transfer that capability to American allies and partners. This, however, was armed with twin 50-caliber GAU-18 machine guns. A 2013 SOCOM briefing slide discussing the test of a C-145A configured as a side-firing gunship. SOCOM It remains unclear, for now, how many An-28s have been adapted as Shahed-hunters. It is also hard to find accurate data on how many airworthy An-28s are available to Ukraine. On the other hand, there is the possibility that more aircraft could be transferred from Polish or U.S. military stocks, or even from other civilian or armed forces operators. Advertisement Advertisement Certainly, there seems to be a place for lighter aircraft, like the Minigun-armed An-28, in Ukraines drone-killing force. As we have reported in the past, light aircraft and helicopters are said to be responsible for downing between 10 and 12 percent of all drones claimed by Ukrainian air defenses of all kinds. Fixed-wing aircraft are also generally considered more survivable than helicopters, allowing them to operate closer to the front lines. With Russia using huge numbers of drones, alongside ballistic and cruise missiles, and decoys, against critical infrastructure targets and cities in Ukraine, the country has assembled a multi-layered air defense network. This ranges from advanced Western-supplied Patriot surface-to-air missiles and F-16 fighters at one end of the scale, via Soviet-era systems and hastily developed FrankenSAMs, all the way down to light aircraft, ultralight aircraft, and mobile fire teams equipped with machine guns and searchlights. In addition, there are a growing number of non-kinetic options, such as electronic warfare, too. A network of acoustic sensors all over the country and an app that ties this information to spotter reports are also key elements of Ukraines unique air defense network. A drone-hunting mobile fire team of the 241st Independent Brigades air defense platoon on combat alert somewhere in the Kyiv region. Territorial Defense Forces of Ukraine The challenge is only set to grow. Russia, as we have previously noted, now manufactures Shahed/Geran drones at the rate of 2,000 per month and plans to nearly triple that in the not-too-distant future. Advertisement Advertisement Based on available accounts, the Minigun-armed An-28 appears to be a very efficient part of Ukraines anti-drone defenses, and with the level of Russian drone activity over the country growing, we are likely to see further such innovations in the future. Contact the author: thomas@thewarzone.com The Administrative Review Tribunal released their decision on the appeal brought by Bunnings against the OAIC determination about the use of privacy-invading facial recognition software. The OAIC's statement is reprinted in full below, after the Digital Rights Watch statement which is discussed first. Please read on! The Digital Rights Watch organisation said: "While we were pleased to see the Tribunal agreed that collecting of biometric information in from customers as part of facial recognition technology is subject to the Privacy Act and constitutes an invasion of privacy, we are disappointed that the ART overturned the finding of the OAIC by concluding that such surveillance without consent is justified for the limited purpose of combatting retail crime and protecting their staff and customers from violence, abuse and intimidation within their stores. Digital Rights Watch states it has serious concerns about this outcome. Covert use of facial recognition technology in retail settings and in public spaces impinges on our human right to privacy. It normalises mass surveillance. The technology is prone to inaccuracies and bias. There are multiple examples from the UK of facial recognition systems producing incorrect determinations, leading to wrongful accusations, and impacting people's lives. Facial recognition technology as used by Bunnings collects sensitive biometric information that can uniquely identify you, similar to your fingerprint. They track and record our movements even if we have done nothing wrong. You can also end up on a watch list, as curated by big retailers, without any rights of review, whether or not you have done anything wrong. We must have a right to privacy and anonymity as we move through our towns and cities. Australians are deeply concerned about the use of this invasive tech: Two-thirds (66%) of us are reluctant to provide biometric information to a business with only 3% of Australians thinking it fair for retailers to require biometric information to access their services. This is why companies are using covert surveillance measures and relying on legal loopholes to avoid repercussions. They know if their customers knew, they would oppose the use of this technology. Tom Sulston, Digital Rights Watch Head of Policy said: We urgently need strong technology-specific regulation that clearly prohibits the use of facial surveillance technologies in retail and other settings. Without strong privacy protections or a human rights act, Australians human rights are undefended and able to be exploited for profit. We need to go to the shops without having our biometric information collected by big corporations. The tribunal has endorsed the key elements of the OAICs decision, but their overall finding clearly goes against community expectations. Australians want and deserve clear and enforceable laws that meet our expectations. It is time for law makers to act." Infographic created by Gemini Nano Banana Pro 3 Here is the statement in full from the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner on the matter: Todays decision by the Administrative Review Tribunal relating to Bunnings Group Limiteds use of facial recognition technology (FRT) is an important reiteration of the key principles and protections contained in Australian privacy law. The Tribunal affirmed the Privacy Commissioners finding that Bunnings contravened Australian Privacy Principles (APP) 1 (open and transparent management of personal information) and 5 (notification of the collection of personal information) when rolling out FRT in its stores. The Tribunal found that Bunnings failed to provide appropriate notice to individuals of its use of FRT and should have completed a formal, structured and documented risk assessment of its FRT system which considered the privacy implications. The Tribunal also affirmed the Privacy Commissioners statement of the relevant factors when considering whether Bunnings was entitled to rely on an exemption to the requirement to obtain consent for the collection of personal information, namely whether the FRT was a suitable and effective response to the problem of repeat offenders, whether less privacy-intrusive alternatives were available, and whether the use of FRT was proportionate. However, the Tribunal departed from the Privacy Commissioners ultimate finding that Bunnings had contravened APP 3.3 (collection of solicited personal information). The Tribunal was satisfied that Bunnings was entitled to rely on exemptions to the requirement to obtain consent, for the limited purpose of combatting retail crime and protecting their staff and customers from violence, abuse and intimidation within their stores. Todays decision confirms the Privacy Act contains strong protections for individual privacy that are applicable in the context of emerging technologies. It underscored the importance of APP entities maintaining good privacy governance and complying with the Australian Privacy Principles in adopting new tech, and that limited exemptions are subject to robust criteria that must be assessed on a case-by-case basis, said an OAIC spokesperson. We particularly welcome that the decision reaffirmed a range of key interpretive positions taken by the OAIC, including that even momentary collection of personal information by advanced digital tools constitutes a collection under the Privacy Act. This important decision is consistent with the robust and technologically-neutral approach to privacy regulation enshrined in the Privacy Act and embodied by the OAICs regulatory approach. The Australian community continues to care deeply about their privacy, and is increasingly worried about the challenges in protecting their personal information. The Australian Community Attitudes to Privacy Survey (ACAPS, 2023) found that 62% of Australian see protection of their personal information as a major concern in their life. Only 32% believe they are in control of their privacy, while many say they have no choice but to accept the terms of how services and businesses use their data. 84% of Australians also told the OAIC, that they want more to be done to protect their privacy, giving them more control and choice over the collection and use of their information. The OAIC is carefully considering this decision and its implications. An appeal period applies to the ARTs decision. FIRST ON FOX: A comprehensive new briefing document from a prominent nonpartisan research and policy group is sounding the alarm on "serious ethical and national security concerns" related to Democratic Rep. Rashida Tlaib and her affiliations with individuals and organizations linked to designated foreign terrorist entities. "The conduct of Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib, including her rhetoric, affiliations, campaign infrastructure, and ideological alignment with certain individuals and organizations, raises serious concerns about potential risks to the ethical and institutional integrity of the United States government," the report, released by the Institute for the Study of Global Antisemitism and Policys advocacy and policy-oriented arm, states. The report details a "recurring pattern" of behavior that it says suggests an ideological affinity for radical movements, ranging from participation in conferences featuring convicted terrorists to significant campaign payments made to activists linked to Hamas and Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine-aligned networks. Advertisement Advertisement The briefing covers Tlaibs financial history and says her campaign apparatus poured large sums of cash to anti-Israel activists, including almost $600,000 between 2020 and 2025 to Unbought Power, a consulting firm headed by Rasha Mubarak. Meet The Radical Anti-israel Activists Joining 'Squad' Dem Tlaib At Detroit Confab Rep. Rashida Tlaib silently protested Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's July 24 speech to Congress. (Getty Images) Mubarak has faced scrutiny for her past affiliations with the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), an unindicted co-conspirator in the 2009 Holy Land Foundation terror-financing trial, and the Alliance for Global Justice (AFGJ), which has been investigated for ties to the PFLP-linked group Samidoun. Read On The Fox News App Advertisement Advertisement Tlaib, according to the briefing, has shared the stage with a variety of questionable figures highlighted by a conference alongside Wisam Rafeedie, a convicted PFLP operative, who defended the Oct. 7 Hamas terrorist attack as "resistance." "Through public endorsement, co-sponsorship, and amplification, Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib has consistently engaged with a range of organizations known to maintain operational or ideological ties to terrorist networks," the briefing states. "Tlaib has engaged with and disseminated the messaging of these groups and has shared related content on social media platforms, has participated in events organized by these groups, and has referenced their terminology and conceptual frameworks in official congressional communications." Former Biden Aide Accuses Squad Rep. Tlaib Of Abandoning Constituents For 'Activist' Agenda Tlaib is no stranger to being accused of promoting hostile foreign actors, and the House of Representatives has already taken formal action against the Michigan Democrat twice. Advertisement Advertisement She was first censured in November 2023 for promoting alleged false narratives regarding the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks. A second resolution was introduced in September 2025 following her appearance at the "People's Conference for Palestine," where speakers allegedly "whitewashed" convicted Hamas financiers. Tlaibs language made another appearance in the briefing as ISGAP Action described antisemitic "tropes" used by the Michigan congresswoman on multiple occasions. The report cites an August 2021 event where Tlaib referenced "people behind the curtain" making money off "racism" from "Gaza to Detroit." Reps. Ilhan Omar, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Rashida Talib have irked supporters of Israel on both sides of the political aisle since Hamas devastating terror attacks on Oct. 7. The briefing goes further than issuing warnings about Tlaib's record and calls on government agencies to take specific action. Advertisement Advertisement The briefing calls for a formal congressional inquiry into Tlaibs conduct that specifically reviews her public statements that allegedly align with terrorist organizations, her attendance at events honoring convicted terrorists and a thorough review of her campaign fundraising sources. Additionally, the briefing asks the Department of Justice's National Security Division to conduct a legal review to determine if Tlaib or her affiliates have violated 18 U.S. Code 2339B, which prohibits providing material support to foreign terrorist organizations. The Federal Election Commission, according to the briefing, should perform a forensic audit of Tlaibs campaign finances focusing on donations from individuals tied to terror networks. "Tlaibs conduct demonstrates how extremist ideologies can infiltrate mainstream democratic institutions," the report concludes. "If left unchecked, her actions will continue to legitimize hate." Advertisement Advertisement Last year, Tlaib's name came up in another ISGAP Action report that highlighted what it called a multi-generational campaign by the Muslim Brotherhood to "transform Western society from within" and covertly infiltrate the United States. "The election and re-election of congresswomen such as Ilhan Omar (D-MN) and Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), who have openly defended positions aligned with Brotherhood perspectives on Israel, counterterrorism, and international relations, demonstrates the intersection of identity politics and Brotherhood narratives," the report stated. "While neither congresswoman has a documented formal affiliation with the Muslim Brotherhood, both have appeared at events organized by Brotherhood-aligned organizations, have received campaign support from Brotherhood-aligned donors, and have consistently advocated positions aligned with Brotherhood objectives." Fox News Digital reached out to Tlaibs office for comment. Original article source: Watchdog releases scathing report on Tlaib's alleged ties to terrorist groups, warning of 'potential risks' When it's time to pay a bill, many of us still write a check and mail it. But is that safe anymore? Postal inspectors say mail theft is rising fast -- and thieves are going after your checks. The phrase "the check is in the mail" has new meaning for two South Bay homeowners, who were among the latest to pay the price of mail theft. They dropped their property tax payments in the mail as usual. And the checks were cashed right away -- but not by the tax collector. Kathy Pham of San Jose was surprised to get a delinquency notice in the mail saying she never paid her property taxes. Advertisement Advertisement She thought, sure she did. "I thought, 'Oh my gosh. Did I forget?' I was like kicking myself," Pham said. "My husband actually took the check down to the post office and dropped it off." In fact, her bank statement showed that the check had cleared months ago. "I said I'm going to go to the county Monday, and I'm going to tell them, 'Hey, you cashed my check.' And then my husband said, 'Hey, let's look at the check.' And that's when I almost fell over," she said. MORE: Santa Cruz woman falls for gift card scam, but takes quick action and gets her money back The check image showed a very different check than the one Pham wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Criminals had stolen it from the mail, then used a pen to squeeze letters between the ones Pham wrote to form a new name. "They just -- they kind of fit their name into those letters," Pham said. That person cashed her check, making off with her $2,400. "Not only did I have to pay the property tax again, I paid, like, all that late fees," she said. Pham went right down to Wells Fargo Bank. Surely her bank would refund her money. "They denied it because I waited too long," she said. The same thing happened to Jody Glaser of Los Altos and her husband, Paul. They dropped their property tax payment into a blue mailbox outside the post office. Three months later, they got a late notice from the county. Advertisement Advertisement "I was in the other room, and I heard him say 'Baaaah,'" said Jody Glaser. MORE: Bay Area software rep. lost $176K of savings after accepting remote job she thought to be with FB "I'm like, I know I paid it. I know I saw that the check hit the account," said Paul Glaser. So they clicked on the check image, only to see a big shock. "Clearly, the check had been altered, and cashed by somebody else," Paul said. "The criminals probably know there's a chemical that will wipe away the ink," Jody said. To their surprise, the check image showed somebody had wiped off the name of the tax collector and put in a different name. Advertisement Advertisement "And it was a woman's name, obviously not the tax board," Jody said. The thief took nearly $28,000. And the couple still had to pay their property taxes -- plus penalties. Another $30,000. "And so now we're out, you know, $60,000," Jody said. They went to their bank -- also Wells Fargo -- expecting a refund. "We, within 30 days, got an automated denial," she said. "They said you have to notify us within 30 days of the statement." "Same thing," said Kathy Pham. "'Your claim was denied because you waited too long' I went in as soon as I found out, so how can you say I waited too long?" Wells Fargo pointed to its 42-page deposit account agreement, which says customers must review bank statements each month and report unauthorized payments within 30 days -- or lose rights to a claim. Advertisement Advertisement But the homeowners say they did review their statements, and they didn't show any fraud. "The statement only shows the date and the amount," Jody said. "It doesn't show who you wrote the check to. It doesn't say who cashed the check." It just says "check." As a result, they had no idea it was scammers who cashed their checks until the county sent delinquency notices three months later. "The only way we would know is if we had downloaded the actual check. Who does that? I mean, you would have to do that for every single check," Jody said. But Wells Fargo says that's exactly what customers should do. The bank updated its account agreement last November to say customers must also review check images to preserve rights to a claim. That explicit clause was not in the agreement when the Glasers and Kathy Pham filed their claims. But Wells Fargo said check images were always available to them. Advertisement Advertisement In a statement, Wells Fargo said: "We empathize with our customer's situation. We never want to see anyone experience a financial scam or fraud. Our priority is to support our customers and raise awareness for them to avoid, detect, and promptly report incidents so we can act quickly together." Consumer advocate Teresa Murray of the U.S. Public Interest Research Group says customers may not realize state law requires them to report altered checks in a "reasonable time." Banks usually allow 30 to 60 days. And it's up to consumers to be vigilant. "I'm sure that a lot of people do not read all of the terms and conditions and the, you know, all of the fine print when they open a checking account," Murray said. Advertisement Advertisement "We live in a society now where honestly, we as consumers, we have to be our own best advocate. We can't count on anybody else to take care of us," Murray continued. "There are lots of bad guys out there, a lot more technology. It's just super easy for people to get ripped off. And by the time that somebody realizes something's wrong, you know, the bad guy is long gone, long gone, and somebody is left holding the bag." "So we learned our lesson. Do not pay a big bill like that in the mail," said Jody Glaser. Turns out a thief deposited the Glasers' nearly $28,000 check into an ATM at a U.S. Bank in Minnesota. And the mailbox where they dropped their check? It was sealed off and put out of service, due to many thefts at that box. A sign on the box says: "Please drop mail inside the post office." Advertisement Advertisement Pham was told the thief cashed her check at a Wells Fargo branch in South San Francisco. But, for her, there was a happier ending. After 7 On Your Side encouraged her to appeal, Wells Fargo did refund Pham's money. "It was a big relief," she said. The bank did not say why it refunded Pham, but not the Glasers, citing privacy rules. But in a letter to the couple, Wells Fargo said it would continue trying to recover their funds. "Some random person stole the check, easily changed the name, and cashed it, and the bank is saying it's on us. That could happen all the time. I mean, that's huge. Like, that is a huge, huge, huge problem," Jody said. Advertisement Advertisement "Yeah, I'm so traumatized. I don't think I'm (going) to be writing a check in a while," Pham said. Experts say mail thieves look for envelopes that may contain a check, like utility bills and even birthday cards. They knew blue envelopes contained those Santa Clara County property tax payments. Consumers should also watch out, because once a thief gets your check, they also have your bank account number and a whole lot of your personal information. To avoid risks, you can pay your property taxes and a lot of other bills electronically. Take a look at more stories and videos by 7 On Your Side. 7OYS's consumer hotline is a free consumer mediation service for those in the San Francisco Bay Area. We assist individuals with consumer-related issues; we cannot assist on cases between businesses, or cases involving family law, criminal matters, landlord/tenant disputes, labor issues, or medical issues. Please review our FAQ here. As a part of our process in assisting you, it is necessary that we contact the company / agency you are writing about. If you do not wish us to contact them, please let us know right away, as it will affect our ability to work on your case. Due to the high volume of emails we receive, please allow 7 to 10 business days for a response. If you're on the ABC7 News app, click here to watch live Advocates of Navajo Code Talkers U.S. Marines in World War II who relayed critical messages in secret, unbreakable codes based on their Indigenous language have been waiting seven years for a museum honoring the veterans. Code Talkers themselves only two still living have been waiting far longer. "They wanted to see this museum since 1971," said Vern Lee, who serves on the board of the nonprofit Navajo Code Talkers Museum Inc. "That's over 54 years ago." Advertisement Advertisement "And we've got nothing to show for it," museum board Secretary and Treasurer Albert Damon chimed in. The nonprofit has been working on plans for the museum since it formed in 2019 the same year the late state Sen. John Pinto, a Code Talker from Gallup, secured more than $1 million in legislative capital outlay for the project. But with repeated roadblocks including lack of action by the project's fiscal agent, the Navajo Nation progress has been slow. Now, without reauthorization of unspent state allocations, the $9.6 million the group has secured for the proposed museum so far could expire next year, Damon said. The money isn't the only reason for the rush. The two living Code Talkers may never see the project come to fruition. Peter MacDonald, who serves as the president of Navajo Code Talkers Museum Inc., is 98, and Thomas Begay, who visited the state Capitol last year, is 101. "We're running out of time," Damon said. Advertisement Advertisement The museum group, with the help of former state Rep. Anthony Allison, a Fruitland Democrat, is now trying to secure a new fiscal agent so it can access the state funds and move forward with the project in the northwestern New Mexico community of Tse Bonito. The group has been meeting with McKinley County officials who are interested, Damon said. "If we can secure the agent, then we can move," he said. The Navajo Nation has never signed an authorization to accept the money, according to Damon nor has it issued a formal letter relinquishing its role as the fiscal agent. Navajo Nation officials did not respond to requests for comment. Advertisement Advertisement At a tribal council meeting last month, President Buu Nygren said he would be "more than happy" to sign a letter stating the nonprofit would "handle it." Nygren also accused the museum group of making the project political. "We do not want to make this political," Allison said. 'Hopefully we get the action' Lee, Damon and Allison met with Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham's chief of staff Tuesday at the state Capitol in Santa Fe to discuss the potential reauthorization of the project's funding during the current legislative session now at its halfway point. Advertisement Advertisement Damon walked away from the meeting with hope, but Lee said he did not feel as good about it. "I wanted to meet with the governor, and I wanted her to say, 'This is what we're going to do,' Lee said. "What action is she going to take? Hopefully we get the action within two weeks." The governor's chief spokesperson, Michael Coleman, wrote in an email Wednesday that Lujan Grisham has long supported the museum and would like to see it built. At a December meeting of the Navajo Nation Council's New Mexico Caucus State Task Force Committee, state Sen. Shannon Pinto, D-Tohatchi, called for progress on the museum, according to a news release. Advertisement Advertisement "I told the state that if I dont see a hard letter for reauthorization of a new fiscal agent for McKinley County, Ill start the process myself, and it wont reflect well on the nation," Pinto said at the meeting, according to the release. She could not be reached for comment Wednesday. The museum group will need an estimated $55 million more to complete the project, Damon said, noting the $9.6 million will fund the design work and preliminary site work. The group is hopeful it will find other funding sources, including, potentially, the federal government. "There's a lot of momentum behind it," Damon said. "We just can't get past the hurdle to get the money flowing so we can get everything that we're talking about there." Advertisement Advertisement Navajo Code Talkers Museum Inc. has everything else in place to kickstart the project, its members said: a master plan, a design team at the ready and 200 acres of land in Tse Bonito, a village near Window Rock along the Arizona border on N.M. 264. "We're talking about a world-class museum, not just a museum," Lee said. "The museum is perpetual. It would talk about the language, God-given language to the Navajo, which was never broken as a code." The nonprofit wants the museum to serve as an educational place for children, Lee said, so they leave with extensive knowledge about the language, culture and tradition of the Navajo people. There's nothing like what they are envisioning in the state now, he said. "Some Code Talkers didn't come home," Lee said. "It's to honor those guys, and the ones that came home." Six forensic anthropology students at Western Carolina University helped solve a missing persons case from 2023. The students, along with the help of five professors and a group of officials from the Durham Police Department, searched the woods of Ellerbe Creek in December. The team searched for items such as plastic or fabric that could serve as evidence in the investigation. After several hours of searching, Kayleigh Best, director of the forensic anthropology program at WCU, located the remains, according to a release from the university. Advertisement Advertisement ALSO READ >> WCU, Penn State partner to produce data collecting mouthguards for football players Due to the assistance by everyone involved from WCU, we can bring closure to the family of the deceased, as well as clear a case and obtain valuable experience in these types of cases, Donald Hall, an investigator with the Durham Police Department, said. The collaboration allowed WCU students to apply classroom knowledge to a real-world investigation. The universitys forensic anthropology program focuses on hands-on experience and community service through partnerships with North Carolina agencies. This is not the first investigation WCU students have helped with. Students also helped recover human remains in Cherokee in 2025. VIDEO: Skeletal remains found near Burke County creek, investigation underway A feline fixture at a Gadsden Lowes has been fired, and the news has sparked a wave of public outrage across Alabama. Mama cat, who held the titles of Quality Assurance Cat and Pest Control for more than five years, was recently removed from the store after corporate headquarters cited customer complaints. Shoppers say Mama Cat was more than just a store mascot. Many would pause to pet her while shopping, and on Jan. 26, WBRC Fox 6 honored Mama Cat as Pet of the Day on its Good Morning Alabama program. Advertisement Advertisement Social media is abuzz with calls to re-hire the beloved feline. The public petitions for Mama Cats return An online petition has gathered more than 3,100 signatures as of Feb. 5, calling for Mama Cat to be reinstated because she boosted morale and, according to signers, even made the store feel like home. Shes been a positive and incident-free presence at the store for a significant period of time and has been meaningful to both customers and employees, the petition read. The full petition can be viewed here: https://www.change.org/p/community-support-for-mama-the-gadsden-lowe-s-store-cat. Gadsden celebrates Lowes Mama Cat Day The controversy caught the attention of local officials as well. Gadsden Mayor Craig Ford took to Facebook to announce that the city council officially recognized Feb. 3, 2026, as Lowes Mama Cat Day. Advertisement Advertisement In the past five years, Mama cat has stolen the hearts of everyone whos walked through Lowes, and earned the love and support from all of us here at the City, Ford wrote. While Lowes corporate representatives have not indicated whether Mama Cat will be allowed back in the store, her loyal fans remain hopeful. Jennifer Lindahl is a Breaking and Trending Reporter for the Deep South Connect Team for USA Today. Connect with her on X @jenn_lindahl and email at jlindahl@usatodayco.com. This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Gadsden's Lowe's 'Mama Cat' fired. Here's what to know Gulf states, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar, say they will not release billions in rebuilding aid until Hamas disarms and enforceable security guarantees are in place. The metal gates of the Rafah crossing swung open Monday morning for the first time in nearly two years. But just five medical patients and their companions, along with just over a dozen others who made it through that first day, were a stark illustration of how far the Gaza ceasefire remains from delivering on its promises. Families camped overnight in the cold outside the crossing, waiting through hours-long Israeli and Egyptian biometric security screenings. Advertisement Advertisement Ambulances lined up on both sides of the border, shuttling critical medical cases through checkpoints where European Union monitors supervised the processing. On the Egyptian side, aid staging areas sat empty. Humanitarian workers described confusion about coordination and next steps. The slow processing and stringent security protocols reflect broader tensions. But the real battle isn't about border crossings. It's about weapons. President Donald Trump insists Hamas will disarm "because they have no choice." His special envoy,Steve Witkoff, says the group "will give up their AK-47s." Senior Hamas officials say that the conversation never happened. Palestinians search for casualties as they inspect the site of an Israeli strike on a Hamas police station on Saturday, in Gaza City, January 31, 2026. (credit: REUTERS/DAWOUD ABU ALKAS) Our priority has always been stopping the war and protecting civilians, not negotiating away weapons, senior Hamas official Mousa Abu Marzook told Al Jazeera last week. US proposals ranging from freezing arms to full disarmament were discussed in theory, he said, but never became part of formal negotiations. Advertisement Advertisement That disconnect now hangs over everything labeled phase two: reconstruction, governance, and long-term security. Phase two effectively came into focus last week with the return of the final Israeli hostages remains. What happens next, however, is still unclear. No mechanism exists to enforce disarmament No international force has been deployed to Gaza to collect or verify weapons. No mechanism exists to enforce disarmament. More than two dozen countries participate in coordination meetings about Gaza's future. None has committed troops. "Phase Two has been announced, but in reality, it has not begun because Hamas rejects several core elements, and no one is forcing compliance," Edmund Fitton-Brown, a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies who previously coordinated the UN Security Council's monitoring team for Islamic State and al-Qaeda, told The Media Line. "The announcement was premature. It reflected diplomatic optimism rather than facts on the ground." Israel cannot demilitarize Hamas on its own, especially in areas where Israeli forces are no longer present, Fitton-Brown said. Enforced disarmament would require a transitional authority backed by an international stabilization force. Advertisement Advertisement "Without a monopoly on coercion, there is no government," Fitton-Brown said. "If Hamas retains weapons and organized armed units, it retains power regardless of what administrative structures exist on paper." Getting countries to commit forces has proven impossible. Egypt has ruled out deploying troops inside Gaza. European countries will support governance structures but not provide combat forces. Turkey supports Hamas politically. Gulf states that might fund reconstruction won't commit forces. "Many countries want their flag present but not their soldiers at risk," Fitton-Brown said. "That defeats the purpose." Israel will not compromise on demilitarization. The Israeli government has made it very clear that it will not compromise on the demilitarization of Hamas, Avi Melamed, a former Israeli intelligence official and founder of Inside the Middle East, told The Media Line. This is not only the position of the current government. Any Israeli government would demand the dismantling of Hamass military capabilities. Advertisement Advertisement At the same time, Melamed said Israel does not expect Hamas to voluntarily disarm. Nobody has any illusion that Hamas is going to disarm itself, he said. Demilitarization is not about removing every weapon. It is mainly about offensive weapons rockets and advanced arms that can be used against Israeli territory. Israels priority is to eliminate Hamass ability to manufacture rockets and dismantle its command structure. But even that limited definition creates a practical dilemma. Achieving it would require renewed Israeli military operations, which would undermine the ceasefire, or the deployment of an external force willing to confront Hamas directly. Neither currently exists, short of renewed Israeli military action that would likely collapse the ceasefire. Hamas is pressing to include its roughly 10,000-strong police force in the new governance architecture. According to multiple sources, Hamas has urged its civil and security personnel to cooperate with the US-backed National Committee for the Administration of Gaza while seeking to have its police formally incorporated. Israel has rejected the proposal. The force is inseparable from Hamas's broader security apparatus, Israeli officials argue. An internal Hamas document obtained by Israeli broadcaster Kan reveals the group's strategy for maintaining control while appearing to cooperate. The directive tells administrators to maintain normal work routines while prohibiting them from attacking members of the new technocratic government on social media. The key instruction: "No personal contact should be made, or information and news should be passed to them except through the relevant authority." Hamas itself retains control over all communication channels. Advertisement Advertisement Israeli military intelligence assessments delivered to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warn that Hamas continues deepening its governance structures and taking concrete steps to preserve influence by integrating members into government ministries and the security apparatus, according to Israeli officials who spoke on condition of anonymity. "Hamas does not want to openly reject the peace plan because doing so would provoke a decisive response from Washington and potentially from Israel," Fitton-Brown said. "Instead, Hamas signals conditional cooperation while avoiding real compliance." Hamas' messaging has been deliberately contradictory. Some figures say openly they will never disarm. Others suggest weapons might be placed in storage, a freeze rather than surrender. That reflected a tactical debate within Hamas, not a genuine willingness to disarm. Hamas officials have blamed ongoing Israeli military operations for blocking the technocratic committee from functioning, arguing the group's priority is enabling the independent national committee to assume responsibilities in Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Israeli officials see this as confirmation that Hamas plans to maintain organized armed forces under a new administrative label. Assessing Hamas' remaining capabilities is difficult. Before October 2023, Israeli and American officials estimated Hamas possessed between 15,000 and 30,000 rockets, along with large stockpiles of small arms, anti-tank weapons, drones, and an extensive tunnel network. Israeli officials now say most capabilities have been destroyed or degraded, but acknowledge Hamas retains residual weapons, substantial underground infrastructure, and organized armed cells capable of limited attacks. In the current context, rapid or forced disarmament is unrealistic and would require coordination with Hamas and a gradual process, Adel al-Ghoul, a Palestinian political analyst and head of the Paris Center for Security Studies and International Relations, told The Media Line. The approach most widely discussed internationally is not disarmament by force, but the gradual containment and neutralization of weapons through stronger Palestinian security institutions, improved economic conditions, and incentives for stability over chaos. Advertisement Advertisement The crossing reopening offered a glimpse of limited progress. Young men and elderly Palestinians waiting in line spoke of relief mixed with frustration. Glad to see any movement after nearly two years. Angry at how marginal the flows remain. Meanwhile, on-the-ground recovery proceeds incrementally. The UN Development Program has cleared approximately 50,000 tons of rubble since the ceasefire began in October, including at a new Khan Yunis crushing facility processing roughly 1,000 tons daily. But UN estimates suggest Gaza contains more than 40 million tons of debris that will take years to remove. Broader reconstruction remains stalled. A postwar redevelopment proposal promoted by Jared Kushner and unveiled at Davos last month envisions up to 100,000 housing units in a rebuilt "New Rafah," along with schools, hospitals, and commercial zones. The plan explicitly conditions large-scale construction on verified Hamas disarmament. The United States has not committed funding for large-scale reconstruction. Gulf states, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar, say they will not release billions in rebuilding aid until Hamas disarms and enforceable security guarantees are in place. Requirements that have not yet been clearly defined or implemented. Advertisement Advertisement Israeli airstrikes continue across Gaza despite the ceasefire. Health officials say more than 500 Palestinians have been killed since the ceasefire began last October. Israel says the strikes target Hamas military operatives and weapons infrastructure. Discussions about deploying international forces continue but remain entirely preliminary. No country has offered concrete troop commitments. The technocratic committee tasked with governing Gaza has been announced but has not yet begun to function in any meaningful way. Hamas still maintains social and organizational influence on the ground, even where its military role has declined, al-Ghoul said. Any new administration would have to rely on indirect coordination or avoid direct confrontation. The Peace Corps turns 65 this year, and it is not ready to retire. Since 1961, more than 2,000 Tennesseans have served as Peace Corps volunteers, including 43 Tennesseans now serving as agricultural specialists, teachers, and health care volunteers. In 2014-2016, I served in Jamaica as a primary school teacher helping students who were behind in English literacy and mathematics to reach their potential. Jamaica is an important and strategic democratic neighbor to the United States. Since Peace Corps began, there have been three international world leaders (president, prime minister) who were Peace Corps kids and were influenced by their Peace Corps teachers. At a time when other programs such as AmeriCorps and USAID have been cut, the Peace Corps mission is still going strong, with volunteers serving in more than 60 countries. This unique government program relies on volunteers who are willing to commit two years of their lives to helping communities around the world meet their need for trained people. Advertisement Advertisement The Peace Corps has adapted with a changing world. Health volunteers now help communities restrict the spread of AIDS. Education volunteers help their students and schools get connected to the internet. Environment volunteers now help farmers build resilience to a changing climate. The Peace Corps still offers a host of ways that Americans can offer their service to address the globe's most pressing challenges. We need to ensure that the Peace Corps continues to receive the funding and support it needs so that the program can last another 65 years. Helping ensure the peaceful development of the globe needs to be a bipartisan issue. I call on our Tennessee Congressional delegation to give the Peace Corps strong funding. Steve Lawrence, Morristown, 37814 This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Letter: Why the Peace Corps still matters after 65 years On Feb. 2, at 1:35 a.m., three teenagers threw a brick through and smashed the glass door at Peek-A-Boo Delight, an ice cream shop located in Downtown Eugene. According to Itzel Bigot, daughter of owner Alma Vasquez, the perpetrators weren't able to get inside because bar patrons and bouncers from neighboring John Henry's lured them away. When Bigot and Vasquez arrived to Peek-A-Boo that early morning, the police were already there. The pair was worried more had been lost, but are grateful everything in the store, and everyone who helps keep it running, is fine. Bigot posted a photo of the smashed door to social media to let fans know the business is still open, and has been overwhelmed by the support she's gotten from the community since. "People are asking if they can help or if we're taking donations, but we don't want any donations," she said. "We just want people to come in, and thankfully, a lot of people saw it and have." Advertisement Advertisement Bigot and her mom don't know why the teens threw the brick. Bigot doesn't want to loop protesters or counter-protesters into the matter. She thinks it might have just been three young people looking for trouble. "It would hurt if it was racially motivated, but we don't know the motive," Bigot said. Vasquez has had problems with racist customers in the past and is grateful no one was in the store at the time. People have destroyed her business's flag and said things to her too painful to repeat. "One person came in here and asked if I had documents, and another time someone pushed me," she said. "So I don't know if this was vandalism or racially motivated, but I'm glad no one was here. When they called me and told me that the door was broken, it was so painful. Because we work so hard to be inclusive to everyone." Rodger Deevers painted the temporary replacement door at Peek-A-Boo Delight. What is Peek-A-Boo Delight? Alma Vasquez has been running Peek-A-Boo Delight for two years. She's adorned her downtown brick-and-mortar with colorful paintings of popsicles, sprinkles, and her hometown hero, Frida Kahlo. Vasquez hails from Mexico City and carries that culture to her business in Eugene, where she sells sweet treats like ice cream, churros, paletas, and coffee drinks, as well as savory bites. Advertisement Advertisement Vasquez decided to call her business Peek-A-Boo Delight because of an experience she had in a doctor's office. When her second child was a baby, she was taking him to the doctor and a woman played Peek-A-Boo with him, which made him cry and laugh at the same time. Vasquez was confused; she didn't speak English at the time, but when the nurse told her what the interaction meant she was delighted. "I didn't know, but it was a beautiful thing for kids," she said. "So it was my first word to my kids in English." Vasquez is grateful to everyone who shows up for her and supports and protects her business. "Any community is welcome here" Vasquez loves owning a business and being part of such a vibrant downtown community. When she was creating her space, she was mindful about making it feel welcoming to everyone. Advertisement Advertisement One of her customers and a friend from the Eugene Chamber, Rodger Deevers, stepped up after the door was shattered to help bring some joy and color back to the store. Rodger has done a lot of other art around the community, but this is the first door he's ever painted. He wanted to show up for Vasquez and her business, and help support her as a friend. When Deevers arrived on Monday morning, he gave Alma a big hug. "The whole idea of why I wanted to paint is that Alma has been dealing with a lot of negative energy from people in the community about her ethnicity," Deevers said. "She's such a hardworking person, and I could see in her eyes that this was a lot." Deevers transformed the drab plywood replacement door to a fiery bright orange, with the Peek-A-Boo bear front and center. Though the door is temporary, Deevers wanted to make sure Vasquez didn't have to look at it and be reminded of the incident. Advertisement Advertisement "I can't fix her door, but it's perspective," he said. "I didn't want her to have to stare at that ugly plywood and live in that negative energy." Peek-A-Boo Delight is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. The business is located at 861 Willamette St. in Eugene. This article originally appeared on Register-Guard: Downtown Eugene ice cream shop vandalized LORAIN COUNTY, Ohio (WJW) Lorain County is changing how it handles winter snow emergencies. The sheriffs office is moving away from traditional countywide snow emergency levels and replacing them with a new, more localized approach. County Sheriff Jack Hall said this shift is designed to keep drivers informed and quickly updated as conditions change. Always be a second home: Darius Garland leaves heartfelt message for Cleveland Advertisement Advertisement Based on the last snowstorm that we had, we quickly realized that the size of Lorain County and the diversity of its geography created problems in calling a general snow level for the whole county, he said. Sheriff Hall said that during the last major snowstorm, conditions varied widely across the county, making a single, countywide declaration ineffective. When we did snow levels last time, we actually encompassed over 57 leaders from around the county on what we call a virtual emergency operations center, or EOC call, he said. After we had concluded that and the levels were done in the last storm, we got back together again and thought that there had to be a better way to do this. Instead of county-wide snow levels, advisories and travel bans will now be issued by area. Advertisement Advertisement Its just a snow advisory emergency and a travel ban, so we only have two different conditions, Hall said. New Ohio law adjusts cutoff date for starting kindergarten Under the new system, a snow emergency advisory serves as a warning, giving residents the information they need to decide whether its safe to travel. A travel ban would only be issued if roads become impassable. Sheriff Hall said residents will be notified through several channels. They can go to our website, LorainCountySheriff.com, and they can see the links to download the sheriffs app, he said. The county emergency Management Agency also has a tech system, which they put out, which will send the text messages out to the public. Advertisement Advertisement Lake County also does not issue snow emergency levels, instead relying on weather alerts and personal decision-making. Sheriff Hall said new technology now allows officials to share more accurate information, faster. Man found hiding behind false wall, ending hours-long Akron standoff He said the goal is simple: Our mindset to make sure that we help people get home, get home to their loved ones, get home safely. The sheriff urges drivers to monitor updates and use caution during severe winter weather. 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. There's a warm-up coming next week but you can't put away your big winter coat just yet. A fast-moving system will glide across the Great Lakes on Friday, bringing a round of light snow to Cincinnati followed by a sharp drop in temperatures heading into the weekend, according to the National Weather Service in Wilmington. There may be a few flurries Thursday night but more organized snow will spread across the region Friday, Feb. 6 afternoon. Less than an inch of accumulation is expected in Greater Cincinnati area. Snow will develop ahead of a cold front on Friday. Accumulations will reach 1-2 inches across much of central Ohio, with lesser amounts to the west and south. pic.twitter.com/WCBwZTFOYg NWS Wilmington OH (@NWSILN) February 5, 2026 Once the clipper system passes, a fresh surge of arctic air will push into the Ohio Valley on Friday night and settle in for the weekend. Lows in the single digits with below-zero wind chills are possible. Advertisement Advertisement The big melt will come next week. Temperatures begin to rise Sunday afternoon and highs in the 40s and 50s are forecast Monday through Wednesday. Cincinnati weather forecast Thursday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 26. Calm wind. Thursday night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 20. Light south wind. Friday: Snow likely, mainly before 1 p.m. Cloudy, with a high near 38. Light and variable wind becoming west 5 to 10 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible. Friday night: Cloudy during the early evening, then gradual clearing, with a low around 10. Northwest wind 7 to 9 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Advertisement Advertisement Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 21. North wind around 6 mph. Saturday night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 10. Sunday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 34. Sunday night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 19. Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 45. Monday night: Mostly clear, with a low around 30. Tuesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 52. Tuesday night: A chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 36. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Wednesday: A chance of rain. Cloudy, with a high near 47. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Source: National Weather Service in Wilmington This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Cincinnati forecast shows snow Friday, brutal cold, then warm-up Around the world, governments and industries are moving quickly to secure leadership in Artificial Intelligence (AI). For many countries, this momentum intersects with various pressing demographic realities: an aging population, a shrinking workforce, and the urgent need to reinvent productivity. We cannot afford to fall behind. And the rise of agentic AI promises to accelerate this transformation. Unlike traditional AI models, agentic AI does not just respond to queries it reasons, plans, and takes actions across systems. For example, instead of simply answering a question on travel recommendations, an agentic system would book your flights, update your calendar, send reminders, and even adjust your itinerary based on weather or delays all without being prompted for each step. This marks a shift from passive AI responses to proactive, collaborative systems that work alongside humans. The rise of agentic AI will require significantly more compute power not just for single tasks or queries, but for extended workflows that involve reasoning, planning, and continuous adaptation. As the technology for agentic AI matures and adoption expands, the world is effectively adding billions of virtual users into the compute fabric. The question for every country, including Australia is whether their AI infrastructure is ready to support this scale and complexity. AI is more than GPUs High-performance graphics processing units (GPUs) often dominate AI conversations, especially for training and running large-scale models. But central processing units (CPUs) are just as critical in powering AI systems behind the scenes handling essential tasks such as data movement, memory management, thread coordination, and orchestrating GPU workloads. In fact, many AI workloads including language models with up to 13 billion parameters, image recognition, fraud detection, and recommendation systems, can run efficiently on CPU-only servers, particularly when powered by high-performance CPUs like the AMD EPYC 9005 Series processors. As AI models evolve into more modular architectures such as mixture-of-experts systems popularized by DeepSeek and others, the need for smarter resource orchestration grows. CPUs must deliver high instructions per clock (IPC), fast input/output (I/O), and the ability to manage multiple concurrent tasks with precision. Equally critical is connectivity, the glue that binds modern AI systems together. Advanced networking components, such as smart network interface controllers (NICs) help route data efficiently and securely between components, offloading traffic from GPUs and reducing latency. High-speed, low-latency interconnects help ensure data flows seamlessly across systems, while scalable fabric ties nodes together into powerful distributed AI clusters. In the age of agentic AI, heterogeneous system design becomes critical. AI infrastructure must go beyond raw compute it must integrate CPUs, GPUs, networking, and memory in a flexible and scalable way. Systems built this way can deliver the speed, coordination, and throughput needed to support rapid, real-time interactions of billions of intelligent agents. As adoption scales, rack-level optimization where compute, storage, and networking are tightly co-designed will be key to delivering the next wave of performance and efficiency. Why openness matters in the AI race As AI systems grow more complex and distributed, the need for openness - in software, hardware, and systems design becomes a strategic imperative. Closed ecosystems risk vendor lock-in, limit flexibility, and can constrain innovation at a time when adaptability is key to scaling AI. This is why open software stacks like AMD ROCmTM are essential. ROCm provides developers and researchers the freedom to build, optimise, and deploy AI models across a wide range of environments. It supports popular frameworks like PyTorch and TensorFlow, includes advanced tools for performance tuning, and offers portability across hardware all available as open source. In the context of Japans ambition to foster innovation across academia, startups, and industry, open AI software offers broader accessibility, faster iteration, and lower barriers to entry. Similarly vital is openness at the hardware and systems level. As AI compute evolves toward large-scale, heterogeneous deployments, rack-scale architecture becomes foundational. Open standards such as the Open Compute Project (OCP) support modular system design, while emerging collaborations like the Ultra Accelerator Link (UALink) aim to create open, high-bandwidth connections between AI accelerators across servers. Meanwhile, the Ultra Ethernet Consortium (UEC) is defining next-generation networking standards purpose-built for AI enabling low-latency, high-throughput data movement across distributed systems. These open initiatives give cloud and data centre operators the ability to build flexible, interoperable infrastructure that keeps pace with AIs explosive growth. For Australia, embracing an open ecosystem positions the country to benefit from global innovation while cultivating local differentiation. It enables governments and businesses to build infrastructure that is performant, energy-efficient, and tailored to domestic needs without being locked into proprietary limitations. In the upcoming era defined by multi-agent AI, openness is not just a philosophy it is a prerequisite for scale, sovereignty, and sustained leadership. Looking ahead in 2026 As agentic AI reshapes how everything is done, the focus must go beyond GPUs to encompass CPUs, high-speed interconnects, and smart networking all equally essential for orchestrating the complex, real-time decisions AI agents make at scale. Just as critical is an open ecosystem with open software like ROCm, industry standards for rack-scale design, and collaborative efforts such as UALink and UEC enabling greater flexibility, faster innovation, and interoperability from edge to cloud. This is why AMD is advancing its vision with Helios a next-generation rack-scale reference design for AI infrastructure that will be released in 2026, designed to unify high-performance compute, open software, and scalable architecture to meet the demands of agentic AI. For Australia, building open, heterogeneous, and scalable infrastructure like this is more than a technology choice it is a strategic foundation for national competitiveness. As the country navigates rising automation needs and growing regional AI ambitions, future-ready AI infrastructure will be essential to unlocking sustainable growth, innovation, and resilience. Alexey Navolokin, General Manager, APAC, AMD WISCONSIN RAPIDS The trial for a 34-year-old Milwaukee man charged with killing his father will have its new start date Feb. 9, after a mistrial was declared earlier this week. Randall E. Harris Jr., 34, of Milwaukee, is charged with first-degree intentional homicide for the death of his father, Randall E. Harris Sr., 56, of Wisconsin Rapids, on Oct. 31, 2025. He is also charged with recklessly endangering safety for injuries caused to a 59-year-old man. After it was learned Wood County District Attorney Jonathan Barnett failed to notify defense attorney Oren Jakobson that the forensic pathologist who performed the autopsy on Harris Sr. had reached a new conclusion about the order in which Harris Sr. was injured, Wood County Circuit Judge Emily Nolan-Plutchak declared a mistrial Feb. 4. Advertisement Advertisement On Feb. 5, Nolan-Plutchak held a hearing to determine how to proceed with the case and whether Harris Jr., who has been in the Wood County Jail pending a $1 million cash bail, should be released. Jakobson also filed a motion Feb. 4 asking Nolan-Plutchak to dismiss the case with prejudice, meaning it would be unlikely Barnett could refile the charges against Harris Jr. DA acknowledges mistake that led to mistrial at Feb. 5 hearing Jakobson argued Feb. 5 that Barnett saw his case against Harris Jr. wasn't going well and decided to maneuver Jakobson into asking for a mistrial by asking Dr. Robert Corliss, a forensic pathologist from the University if Wisconsin-Madison Hospital, a question that would get information that hadn't been shared with the defense. Barnett said his case against Harris Jr. had been going exactly as he expected it to go. He said he was in the early stages of his case and had expected to win. Barnett was surprised when Jakobson said Barnett hadn't argued against the mistrial. Barnett said he had argued against it and had even made an alternative suggestion to declaring a mistrial. Barnett said he had made a mistake and failed to share information that Corliss determined the amount of blood in one of the injuries to Harris Sr. meant it probably came last. Harris Sr. was hit twice with what is believed to have been a machete and shot four times. During opening arguments, Jakobson told jurors the machete wounds came before the gunshots. During testimony, Corliss said his opinion was the machete wounds came last. Advertisement Advertisement Barnett said it was always his and law enforcement officers' belief that the gunshots had come first, so when Corliss gave him the opinion the weekend before the start of the trial, it didn't occur to him it was new information. Barnett said he was embarrassed by the mistake. Nolan-Plutchak said there is nothing to indicate Barnett made the mistake on purpose. She also praised Barnett for openly admitting he had made a mistake during the Feb. 5 hearing. Judge denies defendant's request for release from jail Nolan-Plutchak also denied Jakobson's request to release Harris Jr. from jail until another trial could be held. Jakobson then asked for the new trial to begin Feb. 9, arguing it would still include three of the days people were subpoenaed to be at the courthouse. After learning the Wood County Clerk of Courts could have a potential jury ready for Feb. 9, Nolan-Plutchak asked the attorneys to take an hour to see if their witnesses would still be available. After an hour break, it was determined it was possible to reschedule the start of the trial for Feb. 9. Advertisement Advertisement Contact Karen Madden kmadden@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter @KMadden715, Instagram @kmadden715 or Facebook at www.facebook.com/karen.madden.33. This article originally appeared on Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune: New trial date set for Wisconsin Rapids homicide case after mistrial Target and other major Minnesota businesses are facing rising discontent from staff, as workers fear the Trump administration's immigration crackdown puts them at risk on the job. Employees are pushing firms to provide clearer guidance about how to respond if Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers arrive at their worksites - and asking them to do more to limit agents' access to stores and parking lots. The pressures have been particularly acute at Target, a national name and one of the state's flagship employers, after the detention of two workers inside one of its suburban Minneapolis stores last month. Advertisement Advertisement In the aftermath, more than 300 staff signed an internal letter, seen by the BBC, urging executives to speak up, and take steps to keep ICE officers off Target properties. Target cashier Sandra Macmillan, 71, said she resigned last month after seeing the videos, which showed masked agents pinning the two employees to the ground in the store's entryway before pushing them into a vehicle, while one shouted: "I'm literally a US citizen". "I looked online and saw no response from Target," said Macmillan, who had worked for the company in Texas since 2021, calling it "the last straw". "There was no acknowledgement whatsoever." Sandra Macmillan, 71, had worked as a cashier at a Target store in Texas since 2021. [Sandra Macmillan] Experts said to what extent firms can restrict access to their properties was a murky legal area. Advertisement Advertisement Target said it had shared resources related to personal safety and ICE protocols with in-store and corporate teams. Michael Fiddelke, Target's new chief executive who officially took the helm of the retailer this week, told staff in a video message in late January that "the violence and loss of life in our community is incredibly painful". "We are doing everything we can to manage what's in our control, always keeping the safety of our team and guests our top priority," he said in the video, a transcript of which was reviewed by the BBC. Still, the company has not publicly responded to the in-store ICE arrests in January, and did not comment on that incident to the BBC. Advertisement Advertisement The tensions at businesses are part of the fallout as US President Donald Trump moves to deliver on his promises of stricter immigration enforcement, a focal point of his winning 2024 election campaign. He has sent thousands of ICE agents to Minneapolis in recent weeks in an initiative dubbed "Operation Metro Surge", which officials say is aimed at restoring public safety by arresting and deporting undocumented immigrants with criminal records. The administration's tactics have prompted thousands nationwide to take to the streets in protest. Federal agents shot and killed two US citizens in Minneapolis last month, and migrants with clean records and US citizens have been caught up in the crackdown. Workplaces have emerged as a key battleground, as officers use them to make detentions. Advertisement Advertisement Anti-ICE activists have responded with protests aimed at businesses, including Target, Home Depot, DR Horton and the Hilton hotel chain. But instances of firms denying service to ICE agents have also drawn swift backlash from the Trump administration. After a Hilton franchisee near Minneapolis declined to rent rooms to ICE agents, the Department of Homeland Security blasted the firm on social media for impeding law enforcement. Hilton later cut ties with that franchise. It then temporarily closed other locations in the city, citing security risks. On Wednesday, the White House said it would start withdrawing some of its ICE agents from Minneapolis, but said that officers have a responsibility to enforce the law. Gregory Bovino of Border Patrol at a Target store in Minnesota [AP] In the meantime, concerns about safety have pitted employees against bosses. Advertisement Advertisement Late last month, executives at more than 60 Minnesota-based firms, including Target, signed a letter urging "an immediate deescalation of tensions". But the statement did not mention ICE by name - and did little to quell frustration among employees looking for a stronger pushback. A Home Depot spokesperson told the BBC that the home improvement retailer "cannot legally interfere with federal enforcement agencies, including preventing them from coming into our stores and parking lots". Home Depot and Target said they did not coordinate with ICE. DR Horton and Hilton did not respond to requests for comment. 'A line too far' The muted response from Target, which is headquartered in Minneapolis and has long been a corporate leader in the state, has drawn particular scrutiny. Advertisement Advertisement It has added to the challenges at the firm, which has struggled to navigate political controversies related to its diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) practices and LGBTQ merchandise. "Target is Minnesota's leading corporate citizen," said Ulla Nilsen, an organiser with the immigrant rights non-profit Unidos Minnesota, which helped organise a rally outside Target's Minneapolis headquarters on Monday. "As a corporate citizen, are you going to stay silent and allow our democracy to be completely destroyed?" Five people who worked at Target last month, most of whom spoke to the BBC on condition of anonymity for fear of retaliation, described growing frustration among staff sparked by the ICE response. Advertisement Advertisement One Minnesota-based corporate employee in the marketing division told the BBC he handed in his two-week notice in mid-January, calling Target's handling of the issue "a line too far". Another staffer, who works at a store in Milwaukee, Wisconsin located in a predominantly Hispanic neighbourhood, said he had not received guidance on what to do if ICE were to be deployed to the area, calling the lack of clarity "discouraging". But he said he was sceptical of demands that the firm challenge the ICE crackdown more directly. "With the current administration right now, it seems like ICE kind of has a free-for-all to do whatever they want. And I don't exactly see how Target is going to go against that," he said. How much can employers do? At one restaurant, run by a prominent Minneapolis restaurant group, frustration about how executives were handling the issue prompted staff to go on strike for three days in late January, according to Hazel, an employee who asked to be referred to by only her first name. Advertisement Advertisement Last week, the two sides reached an agreement on how to handle ICE, which included posting signs explicitly denying agents access to private areas of the restaurants without a judicial warrant. But legal experts said companies are in a tough spot when it comes to limiting access. Access to non-public areas like employee break rooms requires a signed judicial warrant. But the rules governing "quasi-public" spaces are less clear, which means that in many cases, it is up to employers to make their own assessments, said Jessie Hahn, an attorney at the National Immigration Law Center. "It's very difficult for employers, because they want to make sure they're addressing their employees' concerns, but also operating within the parameters of the law," Shanon Stevenson, a partner at law firm Fisher Phillips, said. Advertisement Advertisement Activists and worker groups say firms should do more. Rena Wong, president of the United Food and Commercial Workers Local 663 in Minnesota, said some union members have expressed alarm after workers were seized in parking lots where they work. The union represents grocery store employees at several large chains. Even workers that are US citizens say they are concerned about being detained because of their race, Wong said. In September, the Supreme Court ruled that it is legal for immigration agents to use race as a factor when deciding who to question about immigration status. Wong said some chains had adopted policies to limit cooperation with ICE on private property in response. But she added: "The call from employers needs to be stronger, because they are being impacted too, economically." The Centro de Trabajadores Unidos en Lucha, a Twin Cities worker centre, is campaigning for DR Horton, America's largest home builder, and other large housing developers to speak up. "These are some of the biggest economic players in the state and nationwide," said executive director Merle Payne, who said ICE agents had visited a DR Horton site in Shakopee, Minnesota at least three times this year. "They have the power and influence to stand up and demand an end to the raids." CHEYENNE In a move intended to prevent censorship of speech in Wyoming, particularly online, Rep. Daniel Singh, R-Cheyenne, has introduced the Wyoming Guaranteeing Rights Against Novel International Tyranny and Extortion (GRANITE) Act. House Bill 70 is the first state-level effort in the U.S. to shield citizens from the enforcement of foreign censorship laws that conflict with U.S. constitutional protections. In 2023, the United Kingdom passed its Online Safety Act, which grants governmental authority to regulate online content, particularly that which is illegal or harmful to children. In 2015, the EU Internet Forum was founded to address the misuse of the internet for terrorist purposes. Advertisement Advertisement The GRANITE Act creates a private right of action, allowing Wyoming residents and business entities to sue foreign states and international organizations that threaten or attempt to enforce censorship orders against them. According to the bill's text, such foreign censorship laws are those that restrict or penalize expression based on content or viewpoint in ways that would be presumptively unconstitutional under the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Under the act, prevailing plaintiffs could be awarded statutory damages of $1 million per violation, or 10% of the defendant's annual United States-related revenue, whichever is greater. Foreign governments have decided they can threaten American citizens and American companies for speech that is protected by our Constitution, Singh said in a press release. Brazil. The UK. The EU. They send letters demanding Americans take down content or face millions in fines. Wyoming is drawing a line in the sand. The bill responds to what its proponents see as a wave of extraterritorial censorship. For instance, the United Kingdom's regulatory agency, Ofcom, which enforces the Online Safety Act, recently threatened the U.S.-based platform 4chan with fines of up to $25 million or 10% of its worldwide revenue for violation of its online safety policies. Similarly, the European Union has issued fines against platforms like X under its Digital Services Act. Advertisement Advertisement Singhs bill draft asserts that these actions create chilling effects on residents, particularly those operating in the states growing blockchain and digital sectors. The act seeks to position Wyoming as a safe harbor, providing legal protections to any U.S. person whose protected expression is hosted on servers physically located within the state. Wyoming already leads the nation in blockchain and digital asset legislation, Colin Crossman, who drafted the bill, wrote in Singhs press release. The GRANITE Act extends that leadership to the most fundamental issue of all: the right to speak freely. The act also takes aim at the procedural mechanisms foreign states use to advance censorship. It prohibits Wyoming state agencies and employees from cooperating with foreign censorship orders or extradition requests based on speech-related offenses. It also establishes that Wyoming courts shall not recognize or enforce foreign judgments that impose liability for expression protected by the U.S. and Wyoming constitutions. This also creates a risk for state employees. Under the act, any person who "knowingly" provides assistance in enforcing a foreign censorship judgment is liable for a civil penalty of up to $10,000 per violation. The legislation prohibits the state from indemnifying or reimbursing employees for these penalties. Advertisement Advertisement Preston Byrne, the attorney who conceived of the legislation, noted that foreign governments keep trying to censor Americans because current law "protects them from consequences. The GRANITE Act takes that immunity away. If this law is enacted, it could represent the single greatest victory for global free speech in 30 years, Byrne stated in the press release. A recent report from the U.S. House Judiciary Committee alleged that the European Commission has conducted a decade-long campaign to pressure social media platforms into changing their global content moderation rules. These changes often resulted in the censorship of information and political speech within the United States, according to the federal report. The report cites the EUs moderation of online Populist rhetoric, Anti-refugee/immigrant sentiment, Anti-LGBTIQ ... content and others as forms of unconstitutional censorship. Advertisement Advertisement The Wyoming bill is designed to operate defensively and within federal constitutional limits, following the model of the federal SPEECH Act, which blocks foreign defamation judgments that are inconsistent with the First Amendment. The First Amendment doesn't stop at the water's edge just because a foreign bureaucrat sends a threatening letter. If you're in Wyoming, you speak freely. Period, Singh wrote. The fiscal note of the bill draft notes the financial impact on Wyoming is indeterminable due to an unknown number of cases that may arise. If passed, most provisions of the act would take effect on July 1, 2026. The conflict is Europe's deadliest since the Second World War, with hundreds of thousands of people killed, millions forced to flee their homes and much of eastern and southern Ukraine left decimated. Underscoring the human toll, Zelensky told France 2 journalist Lea Salame on Wednesday that 55,000 of his country's troops had been killed, a rare assessment of battlefield losses by either side. "And there are a great number Ukraine lists as missing," he said, through translated comments. Advertisement Advertisement While denying that he was trying to scare anyone, the Ukrainian leader issued a blunt warning to European countries. "Life in Europe is cool, it's nice... That's why I say we are all fighting to defend this way of life," he said. "But today, it is very clear that if Ukraine does not stop [Vladimir] Putin, he will invade Europe." Zelensky is calling on Europeans to review their priorities, which he believes are too focused on "their internal affairs". "I think the pressure on Putin is not enough... My opinion is that we need to engage in dialogue, but with conditions," he said, asserting that the Russian president's "interest" is "to humiliate Europe". Putin 'only scared of Trump' He accused Moscow of taking advantage of the cold weather to try to tip the balance of the war by increasing strikes against energy infrastructure since the beginning of winter. This has left many people, including residents of the capital Kyiv, without power in temperatures as low as minus 20C in recent days. Advertisement Advertisement "Russia wants to inflict more suffering on Ukrainians so that they accept what our American friends call a 'compromise', But in fact, it is an ultimatum." Zelensky said the US president's role in ongoing peace talks would be crucial, and that "Putin is only scared of Trump". He suggested that Trump could use economic sanctions against Russia or transfer weapons to Ukraine to "maintain this pressure on Putin", adding that Kyiv would not compromise on sovereignty. US backs security guarantees for Ukraine at summit of Kyiv's allies in Paris Zelensky's comments came as a second day of trilateral talks gets under way on Thursday in Abu Dhabi. Advertisement Advertisement These US-mediated talks are the latest chapter in the so far unsuccessful diplomatic effort to halt the war, which started on 24 February, 2022 with Russia's full-scale invasion. The main sticking point in the negotiations is the long-term fate of territory in eastern Ukraine. Moscow is demanding that Kyiv pull its troops out of swathes of the Donbas region, including heavily fortified cities atop vast natural resources, as a precondition of any deal. It also wants international recognition that land seized in the invasion belongs to Russia. Russia occupies around 20 percent of Ukraine. It claims the Lugansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions as its own, and holds pockets of territory in at least three other Ukrainian regions in the east. Advertisement Advertisement Kyiv still controls around one-fifth of the Donetsk region. International intervention force But Zelensky has warned that ceding ground will embolden Moscow, and that it will not sign a deal that fails to deter Russia from invading again. "We Ukrainians are well aware of the price that every metre and every kilometre of this land costs our army," he told France 2. "To conquer eastern Ukraine, it would cost them [the Russian army] 800,000 more [soldiers'] lives. It will take them at least two years, with very slow progress. In my opinion, they will not last that long." Macron demands 'robust security guarantees' before any Ukraine territorial talks Advertisement Advertisement Instead he raised the suggestion of a "frozen front line" and the creation of a special economic zone, with international oversight. "We must be in control of our part. They must control theirs. But, between us, we need an international intervention force, an international presence," he added. French diplomatic visit European leaders have balked at their exclusion from peace talks led by Trumps administration, forced instead to shore up Ukraines negotiating position from the sidelines. France and the United Kingdom have been leading efforts to put together a peacekeeping force that could be deployed to Ukraine after any deal. Advertisement Advertisement On this subject, French President Emmanuel Macron stated in early January that "several thousand" French soldiers could be deployed. Macron also reiterated this week the importance for Europeans "to restore their own channels of discussion". He said in December that Europeans would have to re-engage in direct talks with Putin if the latest US-led efforts to broker a Ukraine peace deal were to founder. In this vein, Macrons most senior diplomat, Emmanuel Bonne, travelled to Moscow on Tuesday for talks with Russian officials. "These discussions exist at a technical level, in full transparency and in consultation with President Volodymyr Zelensky and with the main European colleagues," the president's office said on Tuesday. (with newswires) BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) ZooWorld has been in a state of recovery for the last three weeks, after losing seven ruffed lemurs to a fire. Zoo leaders focus has been divided between ensuring their team is navigating the grief, continuing progress on the facilitys many improvement projects, and monitoring the care of Uri, the sole surviving ruffed lemur. Shes under 24-hour care over there, we go and visit her almost daily. So were paying very close attention to her care. So right now she is still at the vets office, and we are ensuring that were building a very safe, comfortable, warm, cozy location for her to come back to, ZooWorlds Chief Operating Officer Erika Newell said. Advertisement Advertisement Big changes are underway for the damaged Madagascar exhibit as well. Were working on the demolition of the fire damage so that we can rebuild our lemur exhibit bigger and better, Newell said. The recovery isnt just physical. Newell gave an update on how their staff is handling the mental impacts of the events. ZooWorld had the Bay Wellness Group come in one morning and speak to our entire staff about post-traumatic stress and how to deal with it, how to cope with it, how to respond to it, and also how to see that in your fellow coworkers, Newell explained. Despite working nonstop to regain a sense of normalcy after a hectic few weeks, Zooworlds core values of conservation have literally risen from the ashes, with a special plan of remembrance. Advertisement Advertisement They have fully funded the purchase of a vehicle for a lemur conservation organization in the heart of Madagascar. Its called GERP. Its an acronym for a very French name: Groupe detude et de recherche sur les primates de Madagascar. Pretty much think of it as an EMS, an ambulance, but for lemurs, Newell said. With the communitys overwhelming support and contributions, they are going to fully outfit the vehicle into a vet on wheels, specifically for lemurs and other endemic species in need. Its direct use is going to be for the response to injured lemurs out in the wild due to deforestation and habitat loss, or due to human animal conflict, as well as the relocation of lemurs due to the illegal pet trade. So this vehicle is going to be outfitted with every bit of its needs, Newell explained. Advertisement Advertisement Nothing like this has ever been done in Madagascar; the mobile unit will be the first of its kind. To read more about GERP or to contribute to ZooWorlds latest lemur conservation endeavor, click here. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to mypanhandle.com. Get the day's news. Sign up for our Daily Headlines newsletter delivered to your inbox every morning at 7 a.m. An Arizona Department of Public Safety helicopter responding to a shootout between police and a suspect has crashed in an accident that killed the pilot and a trooper on board GUEST RESEARCH: New research from Appian (Nasdaq: APPN) reveals AI adoption in the public sector has gained rapid traction, with 70% of public sector workers reporting AI is now integrated into their daily tasks, a significant jump from 58% just one year ago. This places the public sector close behind large private enterprises, which continue to lead the market with an 82% AI adoption rate, according to Australian Government figures . Further indicating the Australian public sector is increasingly ready to leverage AI-driven automation, the Appian survey of 500 Australian public sector workers, found that 68% are confident in understanding the AI tools used in their roles. This compares to just 59% in 2024. AI has the potential to revolutionise public sector processes, connecting siloed systems and automating routine tasks, said Luke Thomas, Area Vice President Asia Pacific and Japan at Appian. Its really encouraging to see public sector workers becoming increasingly engaged with AI technologies as part of their daily roles. This can free up valuable time for staff to focus on more meaningful work and engage more effectively with citizens. However, Thomas cautions that many organisations continue to fall into the trap of implementing AI as isolated add-ons, such as standalone chatbots or copilots. This kind of fragmented AI adoption doesnt deliver the widespread improvements in productivity or resilience that public sector leaders are looking for. Digital growth across the public sector The Appian research shows continued acceleration of digital transformation across Australias public sector. A substantial 87% of public sector workers say their organisation has implemented new digital initiatives over the past five years. These new digital tools appear to be having an increasingly positive impact on public sector workers, with 81% reporting that digital transformation projects have improved collaboration and communication within their department or agency (compared to 64% in 2024). In addition, 86% reported that digital transformation has made public services more accessible to citizens, up from just 63% in 2024. The public sector manages enormous volumes of information, and workers face constant pressure around data management, compliance and administration, said Thomas. Its really positive to see continued investment in digital tools translating into real improvements for staff and making public services more accessible for citizens. Disconnected data still a challenge Digital progress, including AI, is being undermined by one big challenge: worsening system and data fragmentation. Appians research found that 72% of public sector workers report struggling with separate, disconnected databases within their organisation, a sharp rise from 56% in 2024. The downstream impact is clear, as 64% of staff acknowledge that these disconnected databases have reduced collaboration within their department or agency (up from 49% in 2024). Additionally, 53% of workers find themselves working with incomplete, inaccessible information due to data siloes. The rise in digital tools alongside growing system fragmentation shows that many public sector organisations are rolling out technology in isolation rather than integrating it in a way that streamlines processes and connects information, Thomas said. As a result, AI is falling short, but its not because of the technology itself. It falls short when organisations layer new tools on top of disconnected data, legacy systems and manual handoffs conditions that make it impossible for technology to deliver its full value. A path forward For the Australian public sector to realise the full return on its digital and AI investments, departments will need to shift focus from individual tools to the broader organisational value these technologies can unlock. This means looking beyond isolated deployments and instead understanding which end-to-end processes are most critical to service delivery, workforce efficiency and citizen outcomes. We encourage organisations to start with their processes, not the technology, Thomas said. Identify where the bottlenecks, delays and pain points sit. Only then can you determine where AI and other new technologies will meaningfully improve the process and deliver lasting impact. Methodology: Appian commissioned Zoho research to survey 500 Australian public sector workers in Q4 2025 HPE has expanded its NVIDIA AI Computing by HPE portfolio with new secure AI factory building blocks, including a planned AI Factory Lab in Grenoble, France, aimed at helping customers validate sovereign and compliant AI deployments - a theme thats resonating well beyond Europe as governments and regulated industries tighten requirements around data residency and operational control. At HPE Discover Barcelona late in 2025, the company positioned the modern data centre as an AI factory - a production line for training, tuning and inferencing - and said the next stage is making those factories secure, scalable, and sovereign-capable. In practice, HPEs update combines HPE infrastructure, HPE Alletra storage, and a mix of NVIDIA accelerated computing and NVIDIA Spectrum-X Ethernet networking, alongside HPE Juniper Networking routing (MX/PTX) for high-speed connectivity to and between AI clusters. A key announcement is the AI Factory Lab in Grenoble, slated for Q2 2026, which HPE says will allow customers worldwide to test workloads in a sovereign, EU-located environment equipped with NVIDIA AI Enterprise government-ready software, plus HPE servers, storage, and networking. HPE also highlighted expanded HPE Private Cloud AI configurations, including support for NVIDIA RTX PRO 6000 Blackwell Server Edition GPUs, plus options such as GPU fractionalisation via NVIDIA MIG and hardened configurations for air-gapped environments. HPE says sovereign AI factories are available to order now, while the Grenoble lab is planned for Q2 2026. And, while Grenoble is an EU initiative, iTWire notes the framing maps cleanly to ANZ: Australias public sector, critical infrastructure, and regulated verticals increasingly require clear controls over where data is processed, who administers the environment, and what compliance regimes are supported. For Australian governments and enterprises, it will be worth keeping an eye on how these sovereign AI factory patterns play out and how they can be leveraged locally. This is particularly true in some sectors where concern is growing over how dependent they are on US-owned public clouds and are seeking viable options, whether via Australian data centres, partner-operated facilities, or dedicated sovereign offerings. Over its decades, HPE has well-proven its chops when it comes to data centre design, supercomputing, and high-performance computing in general, whether for the largest research centres or for more regular businesses. This includes its El Capitan supercomputer, its next-gen Cray supercomputers with industry-leading density for the AI era, and its Helios AI rack-scale architecture, as well as these new announcements. Additionally, HPE has seriously tackled sustainability and how to responsibly manage heat dissipation and dispersion, allowing all the benefits of AI while mitigating its environmental impact. "HPE and NVIDIA continue to provide the foundation for secure AI factories at any scale, with new innovations that deliver a greater range of performance for more diverse workloads than ever before," said HPE president and CEO Antonio Neri. "Were transforming the data centre into an AI factory - a manufacturing plant for the new industrial revolution - and by deploying the full stack of NVIDIA accelerated computing and Spectrum-X Ethernet networking with HPE, were creating the template for sovereign AI," said NVIDIA founder and CEO Jensen Huang. By MEGAN HUGHES [email protected] Bessemer The Bessemer Board of Education met on Jan. 28, for its regular monthly meeting and received an update on the Michigan Integrated Continuous Improvement Process. Diana Hansen, who teaches both middle and high school, and Valerie Aijala, a math and German teacher, provided the update. We assumed that in 2021 that the high school was part of the school improvement plan, said Hansen. According to her, school Superintendent Richard Matrella approached her, wanting information on how MICIP works, as he was not familiar with its system. Hansen said that MICIP is similar to the old school improvement plan, in which you needed to select and submit three goals every year to the state. Meanwhile, MICIP is on a five-year span, with the district selecting a new goal every five years. She explained that these goals are meant to be for grades K-12, and that prior to being approached by Matrella the school had been operating the MICIP as a K-6 program. She recommended to Matrella that the 7-12 grade goal merge into the K-6 goal, which is set to be improving STAR scores. The transfer to the MICIP system was performed during Covid-19, making the STAR testing improvements a reasonable goal. We just met last week for school improvement, and Val is going to be our leader on this for our new focus, which is a math goal, said Hansen. Based on STAR, our kids are doing decently well, said Aijala, and when they get to the state test, they arent doing as well, which is the main problem across the state. Aijala said that many other schools are seeing similar results, with students testing well on the STAR, but not during state testing. We are looking at if we can get data from the STAR and from MSTEP, so that we can see where the students are lacking and making sure that the fundamental skills that they are not showing on these two can be taught better. Our big goal for the next year is to look at the K-12 standards and get things aligned, she said, making sure that we are meeting our power standards. ... so that each teacher knows what they need to be covering, and what is expected of teachers of the same grade level. Looking forward, once these standards are being met, the school can focus on adding to those requirements, and teaching additional material. Also at the meeting, the board briefly discussed the State School Aid Act Section 271. According to the act, the money from that act may go toward staff compensation or retention, but may also be used for salary increases. There are a whole bunch of strings, said Matrella, explaining there are many rules for how the school may use these funds. The board voiced concerns about placing the funds directly into salary increases, in the event that these funds were a one-time payment, which at the time of the meeting was unclear. In staffing matters, the board accepted the resignation of the Washington Elementary School Secretary, and an upper elementary special education teacher; voted to hire Ben Baldwin as bus driver/custodian; and allowed superintendent Richard Matrella to hire an elementary secretary, pending a favorable background check. In other news, the board: Approved administrative reports and financial matters as presented. Approved minutes from the Jan. 7 organizational meeting and the Dec. 19 regular meeting. By MEGAN HUGHES [email protected] Hurley - Cub Scout Pack 323 has many fun activities lined up for its members, said Cubmaster Ashley Kopnick. And with recent changes on an administrative level, the Hurley pack hopes to see those offerings continue to grow. Cub Scouts is a program for students in kindergarten through fifth grade. "Both boys and girls are welcome to join us," said Ashley. "Currently, we have 18 registered Scouts. It's a good time." Ashley walked The Globe through some of the activities that children participate in each year, to give an overview of what parents and kids might expect if they were to sign up. Activities include Scout events such as the Pine Wood Derby and the Blue and Gold celebration, as well as projects such as Christmas cards for the Meals-on-Wheels programs or cleaning out at Little Girl's Point, among others. Scouts also enjoy their winter and summer camps in Rhinelander, Wisconsin. The pack also participates in a number of community events, such as placing flags for Memorial Day and walking in local parades. "The kids also participate in our annual popcorn fundraiser," said Kopnick. "The funds raised go toward offsetting the costs of kids going to camp. We also use the funds to purchase badges and other supplies, such as Scout belt loops, for the kids." "We also use the funds for rentals of space and to fund things like the Blue and Gold celebration," she 1. Of all of the activities locally, one of their most anticipated is the Pine Wood Derby, which is held at the Ironwood Township Building. Students carve pinewood cars and race them down a slope for a chance to move forward to a larger competition. "Parents, grandparents, anyone can help participate in that," said Kopnick. Kids also look forward to outdoor summer activities, when they get to learn skills that are useful for camping and exploration. According to Kopnick, the pack is looking into introducing a variant of the derby, known as the Lego Derby. While it would follow many similar constraints as the Pinewood Derby, rather than having kids build them in their own time, they would arrive on competition day and be given a set time to construct a car out of legos. Some competitions allow kids to work in groups, with parents, or on their own. "We will be reaching out to other packs as well," said committee chair Aaron Kopnick, "to invite some from Rhinelander, Eagle River and other surrounding areas to participate as well." The Samoset Council According to Aaron, Cub Scout Pack 323, for the last 45 years, was sponsored by the Hurley American Legion, until the pack switched over to a council-based support in 2025. The pack now is a member of the Samoset Council, based out of Weston, Wisconsin. "We very much appreciate everything we were given by the local American Legion," said Aaron, "and for the support of our community." What are the benefits of scouting? Cubmaster Ashley explained that Cub Scouts aim to build character and encourage development in members. Whether this be building awareness of citizenship, developing leadership skills, boosting confidence or improving teamwork skills, Pack 323 lives by the motto of "Do your best," all while providing a safe space for kids to grow and explore the world. Ashley said that her favorite part of being Cubmaster is spending time with the kids, being able to see them grow. She also likes interacting with parents and hearing their ideas for activities or programs to introduce. "For me, I enjoy seeing the kids brainstorm," said Ashley. "Seeing what their answers might be, and their ways of coming to solutions for problems," she said. For parents that are interested in learning about scouting, Ashley encourages having the family attend a meeting to see if it would be a good fit before fully signing up. "We are all volunteers," said Ashley. "If any parents are interested in volunteering as well, they can do that too." For parents seeking to work with the Scouts, there is a vetting process, as the safety of Scouts is highly important. Cub Scout leaders require special certifications that show that they have performed the required training to facilitate a safe environment for children. "Without parent participation, there wouldn't be a Cub Scouts," said Aaron. The Scouts meet three times a month, with one of those meetings being a parents and committee meeting, wherein parents have the opportunity to share ideas with the larger committee. The Scouts accept new members year round, and kids may sign up at any point, regardless of if they are currently in their "welcome celebration" period or not. The Kopnicks explained that there is a membership cost associated with Cub Scouts. However, for families that require assistance, the Samoset Council has funding available to alleviate a portion of that cost. By MEGAN HUGHES [email protected] Ironwood At a Jan. 27 meeting of the Gogebic Community College Board of Trustees, the board heard presentations on the colleges strategic plan, as well as a financial aid update. The strategic planning update highlighted the work that teams have put in to improve the lives of not only attending students, but also the faculty and staff that make the college run. Facilities upgrades, green initiatives, fundraising opportunities, and academic programming and services are some of the initiatives that have seen improvements in the past year, amongst many others. Beth Steiger, a business instructor, provided the presentation. All of the teams are really active, and the team leads handle setting up meetings and leading initiatives, she said. Steiger added of GCCs institutional researcher Miranda Heglund, Miranda and myself have a teams folder where we have regular check-ins with them, so they have accountability, they have metrics, that kind of thing. As we see issues arising, we can bring them up to address. It seems that these fall right in line with what HLC wanted us to do with developing a team to support programming, using data to do that, said Susan Beals, who chairs the Board of Trustees. Steiger said that all of the initiatives being addressed come from recommendations from the Higher Learning Commission, and that when its representatives make their next visit, the strategic planning teams would be able to easily show the progress that had been made since HLCs prior visit. Financial Aid Director Maryanne DeCaire also updated the board on her department. She said that the job of her department staff is to do their best to assist students in receiving an education while adhering to the stewardship rules of public funds, complying with changing rules and managing risk, helping to retain students, collaborating with other institutions, and teaching financial literacy to the students that receive assistance. Financial aid should not be in a box, said DeCaire. We should be teaching our students how to go into repayment, what that looks like, borrowing very sensibly and responsibly, and making sure that we are counseling students on what it costs and what the responsibilities that come with it are. According to DeCaire, in the 2024-2025 year, 79% of GCCs students utilized financial aid programs, with 146 unique aid sources and 1,316 FAFSA applications received and processed, and only 26% of students were graduating with student debt. She also went item by item through changes that will be effective, beginning July 1, at the federal level. She said changes to FAFSA applications have made them easier than ever before, with fewer questions, so that it is possible to process an application in 10 minutes. Everything is funneling through the IRS now, said DeCaire. You give permission for them to use the IRS (database), click, and then boom, you are done. DeCaire said the financial aid office has held events for students, and staff have visited area high schools to help prospective students learn about financial aid and how to fill out their FAFSA forms. HUDSON, Wis. - Donald M. Bugni, 79, of Hudson, formerly of Hurley, passed away on Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026, at Comforts of Home Assisted Living in Hudson. Don was born on April 4, 1946, in Ironwood, Michigan, to James and Marianne (Celli) Bugni. He attended St. Mary's elementary school, graduated from J.E. Murphy High School, and went on to receive his teaching degree. Don began his career as a teacher, later serving as a juvenile officer and then as sheriff of Iron County. He also owned and operated Don B's Tavern. Don spent many years of his retirement in New Mexico, where he greatly enjoyed the outdoors, especially riding bicycle and bow hunting. Don is survived by his two brothers, Dean (Shelia) Bugni and Peter (Diane) Bugni; his sister, Sandy (Gordy) Popko; his sister-in-law, Eileen Bugni; and several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Jim; and his sister, Susie. A graveside service will be held at a future date. The family has chosen the McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home in Ironwood to honor Don's legacy of life. To make an online condolence, visit McKevittPatrickFuneralHome.com. IRONWOOD TOWNSHIP, Mich. - Joan C. Bale, 94, of Ironwood Township, passed peacefully into the presence of Her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. Joan was born on Feb. 14, 1931, in Chicago, to Ernest and Cere Berlin. Becoming orphaned around two years old, she was raised by her Aunt Mayme and Uncle Alex Minkin. She attended Newport Elementary School and graduated from Luther L. Wright High School with the class of 1949. She then attended Gogebic Junior College in the secretarial field for a year. Invited by an aunt, she found part-time work in Portland, Oregon, where she attended a Billy Graham crusade, receiving Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior. Back in Ironwood, working in a sandwich shop, she met James H. "Jim" Bale. They were married in December of 1950. An accomplished pianist, she played for her school's choir concerts, later playing piano and organ at several churches, as well as at home sing-a-longs, nurturing a love of music for the entire family. Nine children kept her a busy homemaker. Jim became disabled with related health issues during his life. We knew we didn't have a lot, but we knew we were rich! Besides her parents, Joan was preceded in death by her husband, Jim, of 69 years, on June 5, 2020. Joan is survived by her children, James (Annette), Wanda (James) Aili, Warren, Mark (Jane), Winona (Monte) Hollenbeck, Wendy (Bradford) Samarzia, Timothy (Terri), Sheila Bale and Lisa (James) Mallison; 35 grandchildren; 95 great-grandchildren; 17 great-great-grandchildren, with two more on the way; and many nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, Feb. 7, with visitation at 10 a.m. and the service at 11 a.m., at the Ironwood Church, Assembly of God at 2100 E. Cloverland Drive, Ironwood, conducted by the Rev. Terry Wilson, with luncheon to follow. The family extends special thanks to our sister, Sheila, mom's personal caregiver for several years, Dr. Franklin Villanueva and Nurse Holly, to the Aspirus Wausau Family House, the doctors and staff of Aspirus Wausau Cardiac and Palliative Care Units, and especially to Jerald Rocco of the Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield, for his excellent and compassionate assistance throughout many years. Azzet, Inc is described as an "innovative global marketplace for investment opportunities and premium assets", and has announced the addition of seasoned senior-level governance executive Yvonne Howie to its Board of Directors. The strengthening of Azzets board follows last weeks announcement that executive leader Henry Stoever will join its board as an independent, non-executive director and special committee member to guide the company through its international expansion. Howies appointment brings more than 30 years of senior executive, board, and governance leadership to Azzet's rapidly scaling global marketplace. Azzets platform, which already reaches users from over 160 countries, is built to unify and democratise access to investment opportunities worldwide through a trusted, globally accessible portal spanning private equity, investment products, real estate, operating businesses, alternative assets and lifestyle investments, including yachts, luxury vehicles, private aircraft and curated travel experiences. Having worked closely with Azzets experienced leadership team in recent years, Im looking forward to contributing my executive and board experience at this important stage of the companys growth, said Yvonne Howie. There is a clear need for a central, trusted platform where investors across all asset classes can access opportunities and reliable information and Azzet is well positioned to become a market leader with its strong leadership, strategic positioning and disciplined approach to corporate governance. Azzets Managing Director of Investor Relations, Nicholas Lawson, commented, Yvonnes decision to join Azzets board is a major endorsement of the vision and strength of our management team, and were fortunate to have her wisdom and governance experience to help guide the company through its expansion phase. Howie is an experienced chair, non-executive director and company secretary and has served on company boards for nearly 20 years, including those of state government and not-for-profit organisations. She was previously Chief Executive Officer of The CEO Institute (New South Wales) and CEO of a major Chamber of Commerce in Australia.A graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD), Howie was, in her early career, a senior regional public relations manager with The Coca-Cola Company. "Her expertise lies in governance, building organisations, and mentoring leaders in modern, fast-paced environments. A resident of Sydney, Australia, Howie travels frequently to New York for business and family. This inforgraphic created by Gemini Nano Banana Pro 3 The Budapest Metropolitan Court sentenced German citizen Maja T, the fourth defendant in the "antifa trial", to eight years in prison in a non-binding ruling on Wednesday. The defendant was convicted of four counts of attempted bodily harm causing danger to life, committed partly as a co-perpetrator and partly as an accomplice in a criminal organisation, and attempted grievous bodily harm committed for base motives. The fifth defendant in the trial, Italian citizen Gabriella M, received a seven-year prison sentence for similar crimes. The third defendant in the trial, Anna M, also a German citizen, was sentenced by the court to two years' imprisonment for participation in a criminal organisation, suspended for five years. According to the indictment, the defendants carried out attacks against people they considered to be far-right extremists in Budapest in February 2023. Background: The Metropolitan Court of Budapest has handed down sentences to several foreign nationals involved in the February 2023 attacks against individuals perceived to be far-right extremists. The court ruled that the defendants were part of a criminal organization established in 2017 to engage in physical violence as part of an ideological struggle. The Verdicts (February 4, 2026): Defendant Nationality Sentence Status Maja T. (4th Defendant) German 8 years in prison, 8-year expulsion In custody; non-binding. Gabriella M. (5th Defendant) Italian 7 years in prison, 7-year expulsion Sentenced in absentia; currently in Italy. Anna M. (3rd Defendant) German 2 years (suspended for 5 years), 5-year expulsion Sentenced in absentia; in Germany. Case Background According to the indictment, the group planned their operations on the darknet and practiced for attacks through regular training. The 2023 Budapest attacks followed a strict 30-second "script" to maximize damage and shock while ensuring a quick escape. Ten individuals with Antifa ideologies reportedly traveled to Hungary from Germany and Italy specifically to target events associated with right-wing groups on February 11, 2023. Defense and Controversy The 4th defendant, Maja T. (who identifies as non-binary), was the only one present for the sentencing. In a statement to the court, Maja T. criticized the proceedings as "politically motivated," alleging: * Human Rights Concerns: Claims of "torture" via solitary confinement and sleep deprivation during 18 months of detention. * Extradition Disputes: Noting that the German Federal Constitutional Court had previously declared their extradition to Hungary unlawful. * Ideological Defense: Arguing that anti-fascism is a form of democratic self-defense rather than a desire for violence. Defense lawyers for the Italian defendant also alleged that political pressure from the Hungarian leadership influenced the court, aimed at reinforcing a narrative against left-wing activists. Status of Other Defendants: * Ilaria Salis (1st Defendant): The Italian nationals case is currently stalled as she gained legal immunity following her election to the European Parliament. * Tobias E. (2nd Defendant): Already sentenced and currently under criminal supervision in Germany. Current Legal Status: The verdicts are not final. The prosecution has appealed for harsher sentences for all three defendants, while defense teams have appealed for acquittals or lighter penalties. Source: MTI Hungarys national news agency since 1881. While MTI articles are usually factual, some may contain political bias, and readers should be aware that such content does not reflect the position of XpatLoop, which is neutral and independent. Since the goal of XpatLoop is to keep readers well briefed, right across the spectrum of opinions, MTI items are shared to ensure readers are aware of all narratives within the local media. XpatLoop believes in empowering readers to form their own views through complete and comprehensive coverage. To facilitate this XpatLoop has a balanced range of news partners, as you can see when you surf around XpatLoop.com ********************************************************************************************* You're very welcome to comment, discuss and enjoy more stories via our Facebook page: Facebook.com/XpatLoopNews + via XpatLoops groups: Budapest Expats / Expats Hungary You can subscribe to our newsletter here: XpatLoop.com/Newsletters Showcase Your Business to Expats in the Loop: As an independent portal were grateful to all commercial supporters who help keep you in the loop with fresh insights and inspiration. Do you want your business to reach tens of thousands of potential high-value expat customers? If so please contact us here. Enterprise cloud company Infor has poached Qlik's former Asia-Pacific boss, Geoff Thomas, to head up its regional operations in a bid to supercharge growth. Based in Sydney, Thomas (pictured above) takes the reins as Senior Vice President and General Manager for Infor across the Asia Pacific and Japan (APJ) region. In one of his first moves, Thomas has already installed a new local leader, appointing Aidan Brecknell (pictured below) as the Vice President and Managing Director for Australia and New Zealand (ANZ). The leadership shake-up signals a renewed focus for the industry-specific cloud software provider on deepening its local expertise and expanding its partner network. Thomas is no stranger to the region, coming off a six-year stint driving growth at data analytics firm Qlik. His resume also includes senior leadership positions at tech heavyweights like Microsoft, Juniper Networks, and Polycom. Wolfgang Kobek, Infor's international Executive VP, said Thomas was the "ideal person to help our customers in the region thrive". Thomas said he was confident Infor had the right team to help local businesses. "I am passionate about the APJ market as it represents a huge opportunity to help organisations in the region achieve their strategic goals and unlock real business value through industry-specific innovation," Thomas said in a statement. Infor's local customer list includes Aussie outfits like Riverina Water and CJD Equipment, alongside Kiwi brands such as Sealord and My Food Bag. The fresh newsletter for the International Community in Hungary - described by readers as a "Great read each week" - is now available for your interest and use via the link below. Ukrainians "participating in forced conscriptions" will be expelled from Hungary immediately, Prime Minister Viktor Orban said on Facebook. In a video linked to the post, Orban said the government meeting on Wednesday had looked at developments in the Russia-Ukraine war, "because yet another of our Hungarian compatriots has fallen victim to forced conscription by the Ukrainian authorities." The government has contacted the family of the Tanscarpathian man, and is providing all aid at its disposal, he said. At the meeting, the cabinet decided to expel Ukrainians participating in forced conscriptions, he added. Gulyas: Govt bans three Ukrainian military leaders responsible for forced conscription The government has banned three Ukrainian military leaders responsible for forced conscription, the head of the Prime Minister's Office said at a regular press briefing on Thursday. Gergely Gulyas said the government had "learnt with sadness that forced conscription continued in Transcarpathia", and called on the Ukrainian authorities to respect fundamental human rights on behalf of the government. "Last year our compatriot Jozsef Sebestyen died due to forced conscription," he said, and this time a Hungarian man with a heart condition, who had been repeatedly declared unfit for service by Ukrainian authorities, had become a victim, he added. "This is unacceptable even in a country under attack and at war," Gulyas said, adding that the Hungarian government was "particularly sensitive" to the rights of Hungarians in Transcarpathia being disregarded. He said the government had decided to ban three military leaders responsible for forced conscription. What happened was also contrary to European norms, so the government has ordered their ban from the Schengen zone, he said. "And they want to allow this Ukraine to enter the European Union as early as in 2027," Gulyas said, adding that the EU wanted to give the country 1,500 billion euros in aid in several stages. This is why the national petition is of paramount importance, he added. The minister said Hungary's position had always been clear: Hungary condemned the Russian attack, took in those fleeing from Ukraine, and provided humanitarian aid. "But it has also been clear that Hungary stands for peace and wants a truce and peace in Ukraine as soon as possible," he declared. The government has also made it clear that "this is not our war, we will not send soldiers and weapons, and will not pay for Ukraine," Gulyas said. He said this must be enforced in European politics and the strong mandate necessary underpinning this endeavour would be in the form of the national petition and the election, he said. Meanwhile, the minister noted that several million households would get bigger paycheques in the coming days, thanks to wage rises and increased tax allowances in force from the start of the year. Gulyas highlighted the minimum wage increase, pay rises in the public sector, and a government measure that doubled family tax allowances. He also noted that mothers of three are exempt from personal income tax from November, while mothers under 40 with two children enjoyed a PIT exemption from the start of the year. He said that from January teachers' pay increased by 10 percent on average, while remuneration for Hungarians in the culture and social sectors had climbed 15 percent. Gulyas recalled that no one under 25 years of age has to pay PIT, neither do mothers below the age of 30, while mothers of two below the age of 40 do not pay personal income tax. Mothers of three or more children of any age are completely PIT-exempt. The government plans to make mothers of two children under 50 years of age exempt from PIT from next year, then later on those younger than 60, and finally all mothers with two children will also be exempt from the tax. Gulyas noted that the minimum wage has increased to 322,000 forints and teachers' pay now averages 936,000 forints -- more than double compared with four years ago. Already 75,000 applications have been submitted in a 100 billion forint subsidy scheme for the installation of battery storage at homes with solar panels, the minister said, indicating that the government would raise the allocation for the scheme. The scale of the top-up will be decided on after the application period closes on March 15. Homeowners with solar panels may apply for up to 2.5 million forints to support the installation of battery storage in the framework of the scheme. Gulyas said annual pensions supplements will be delivered by post from Friday. Alongside their regular monthly pensions, pensioners are set to get a full 13th-month supplement and one-quarter of a 14th-month pension supplement, he said. Answering a question, Gulyas said the armed services stood to benefit from a pay rise in the spring. Concerning a recent government decree on the local government solidarity tax, Gulyas said the levy was "merely designed to help implement a Constitutional Court ruling". He argued that "sharing of the public burden is among the operations of any regular state," adding that "no one is disputing the mandatory nature of the tax or its magnitude but the method of its payment." He also suggested that the city of Budapest should "meet its own obligations" and "address the state of roads, for example, rather than seek a dispute." Concerning Ukraine's possible EU accession, Gulyas said would be impossible while Hungary "has a patriotic government". "So it does not matter all that much if the German chancellor does not see a target date of 2027 as realistic," he said, noting that European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen would like to see Ukraine's admission before the end of her presidential term. Meanwhile, Gulyas said that the opposition Tisza Party "does have a real programme, including tax hikes and provisions for Ukraine's long-term financing, agreed on with Brussels," while he also suggested that the party may "publish various sham programmes" to mask their real plans. Referring to an internal vote within Tisza, Gulyas said some three-fifths of the participants supported Ukraine's EU accession, and he argued the such a move would have a "disastrous effect" on the European economy. "There is no upper limit to the costs of the war," Gulyas said, adding that "Hungary is bound to assist peace efforts and since the US administration has the same goal, there is someone to work with." On another subject, Gulyas said it had not yet been decided whether Prime Minister Viktor Orban should raise with his European peers the issue of "censorship exercised by Brussels" in social media. "But it is unacceptable that the European Commission is aiding with all its might the political forces it favours," he added. Gulyas said Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto has lodged an official protested with his Slovak counterpart concerning an ethnic Hungarian detained at a protest in Bratislava against the Benes Decrees. The Hungarian government, he said, regarded any restriction of the free speech "unacceptable", adding that the government has asked several law firms to provide legal aid to Slovakian Hungarians who might be affected by Slovakia's recent regulations. Slovakia's rules concerning the decrees "go against all European constitutions including Slovakia's own," Gulyas said, adding that legal remedy may be necessary in possible land title disputes arising from the decrees. Meanwhile, Gulyas said: "If somebody encourages Slovakian Hungarians to send their children to Slovak schools, what the Hungarian government can do is to encourage them to send those children to Hungarian schools and help accordingly." Concerning a suggestion by the opposition Democratic Coalition that the rights of ethnic Hungarians to vote in Hungarian elections should be removed, Gulyas said that DK leader Klara Dobrev "is keeping up the tradition of Hungarian-hating". Touching upon the antifa muvement, Gulyas said: "In every civilised country it is now clear that antifa members are committing serious crimes and rightly they classify those organisations as terrorist." People brutally assaulting others in the street must be prosecuted and severely punished, he said. Concerning the sentence of 8 years imprisonment recently imposed on an antifa activist, Gulyas said: "I would opt for something more serious". In response to another question, Gulyas said the government had received information indicating a risk of antifa attacks targeting Hungarian diplomatic missions abroad, following the conviction of an individual linked to previous antifa assaults. He said the Hungarian embassy in Berlin is currently under police protection, adding that Germany was "gravely mistaken" in focusing on far-right threats while ignoring the "much more brutal danger posed by the far left". Meanwhile, Gulyas emphasised that Hungarian law clearly defines who qualifies for state security protection, and authorities are duty-bound to investigate anyone who disrupts the ruling parties' events or makes threats against them. Asked why details of individuals who disrupted an event hosted Janos Lazar, the construction and transport minister, in Gyongyos, in northern Hungary, were made public, Gulyas said the government had not used their details before they appeared in the press, reportedly first in the daily Magyar Nemzet. He said it was relevant to know "who was paid to disrupt the event", alleging links to a figure associated with the opposition Tisza Party. Put to him that some past opposition events had disrupted by clowns or placards, Gulyas said such actions were legitimate expressions of opinion. He said the disruption of Lazar's event constituted a breach of public order through intimidation aimed at preventing a peaceful political gathering. Gulyas noted that outdoor gatherings fall under the assembly law, and the state has a duty to ensure the security of such events. He added that anyone whose event is disrupted can request assistance from the authorities. In response to a question, he ruled out any negotiations between the government and the National Roma Self-Government. Meanwhile, Gulyas dismissed recent polls suggesting Lazar should resign as "politically motivated". Commenting on the latest pre-election polls, he said much of the polling industry had been replaced by "political propaganda", noting that the polls four years ago had underestimated Fidesz support by 8-20 percent. Asked about a US report alleging attempts by the European Commission to influence elections in EU member states via social media, Gulyas accused the EC of bias in favour of left-liberal groups. He also said that before 2023, US Democrats had unlawfully funded Hungary's left-liberal opposition. Asked to comment on calls by the head of a supermarket chain to lift the mandatory markup caps, Gulyas said the measure had successfully reduced inflation by about 1 percent, and accused multinationals of hoping for the election of a new government that would scrap special taxes. Concerning the National Judicial Council's (OBT) decision not to address the matter of judges being included on the Tisza Party's election list, Gulyas accused the OBT of abandoning decades of practice, with the risk that judges appear partisan. Addressing reports of resignations at Budapest's Nyiro Gyula National Institute of Psychiatry and Addictology, Gulyas said only three full-time psychiatrists had quit, while some other staff members had left for a variety of reasons, "but the numbers that were made public don't always correspond to reality." Meanwhile, Gulyas condemned Ukrainian tennis player Oleksandra Oliynykova's refusal to shake hands with Hungary's Anna Bondar, citing Bondars participation in a St. Petersburg tournament after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, calling the snub "completely against the spirit of sport". Asked about alleged Hungarian links to Jeffrey Epstein, Gulyas said only a few individuals linked to the Central European University had been in contact with Epstein, and "theres really nothing in those exchanges." Szijjarto: Legal Basis Confirmed for Sanctioning Ukrainian Military Leaders The European Council's legal service has found a Hungarian proposal to be well-founded. The proposal suggests placing three Ukrainian military leaders on a sanctions list for their role in forced conscriptions, which in several cases have resulted in death, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Szijjarto announced in Luxembourg on Monday. According to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Minister welcomed the legal validation during a press conference following a meeting of the EUs Foreign Affairs and Energy Council. Key Points of the Proposal: * Targeting Responsibility: The proposal aims to sanction three specific military officials responsible for violent mobilization efforts in Ukraine. * Legal Validation: Szijjarto stated that the European Council's legal service confirmed these individuals bear responsibility for forced conscriptions. * Impact on Hungarians: The Minister emphasized that these violent practices have already resulted in the death of an ethnic Hungarian. "The legal service of the European Council has established that the three individuals we want to place on the sanctions list are indeed responsible for forced conscription in Ukraine," Szijjarto noted. Background and Demands The Minister called on the EU to place the officials on the sanctions list with immediate effect, citing the well-supported nature of the Hungarian proposal. In July, Hungary banned these three officials from entering the country and simultaneously initiated EU-level sanctions against them. This move followed the reported death of Jozsef Sebestyen, who was allegedly beaten to death by recruiters in Ukraine. PM Orban: Brussels Attempting to "Sweep Under the Carpet" Death of Hungarian Conscript Brussels bureaucrats are trying to "push the case of the Hungarian victim of forced conscription off the table" because it contradicts their narrative regarding Ukraines readiness for EU membership, Prime Minister Viktor Orban stated on Kossuth Radios "Good Morning, Hungary!" program on Friday. The Prime Minister argued that this is not merely a local concern, but a broader European issue supported by findings from international organizations. Key Highlights from the interview: * Systemic Issues: Orban emphasized that the incident is not an isolated case but part of a systematic practice. He described the current recruitment methods as a "manhunt," where individuals are hunted down and forcibly drafted into the Ukrainian army if they do not go willingly. * EU Narrative vs. Reality: The Prime Minister claimed that the brutality of these conscriptions is embarrassing for Brussels. While EU officials report progress in Ukraine regarding human rights, judicial reform, and anti-corruption efforts, Orban argued these claims "have nothing to do with reality" for those living in close proximity to the country. * Strasbourg Evidence: He noted that a Strasbourg-based organization has compiled a comprehensive assessment of these practices, which aligns with the Hungarian governments position. "In reality, a manhunt is taking place. They call it conscription or forced mobilization, but recruitment units are hunting down people they believe can be immediately packed off to the Ukrainian army. If it doesn't work with kind words, they use violence," Orban said. Conclusion The Prime Minister concluded that while Brussels portrays Ukraine as "overripe" for EU membership, the lived experience of neighboring Hungary suggests a significant disconnect between official diplomatic reports and the situation on the ground. Source: MTI Hungarys national news agency since 1881. While MTI articles are usually factual, some may contain political bias, and readers should be aware that such content does not reflect the position of XpatLoop, which is neutral and independent. Since the goal of XpatLoop is to keep readers well briefed, right across the spectrum of opinions, MTI items are shared to ensure readers are aware of all narratives within the local media. XpatLoop believes in empowering readers to form their own views through complete and comprehensive coverage. To facilitate this XpatLoop has a balanced range of news partners, as you can see when you surf around XpatLoop.com ********************************************************************************************* You're very welcome to comment, discuss and enjoy more stories via our Facebook page: Facebook.com/XpatLoopNews + via XpatLoops groups: Budapest Expats / Expats Hungary You can subscribe to our newsletter here: XpatLoop.com/Newsletters Showcase Your Business to Expats in the Loop: As an independent portal were grateful to all commercial supporters who help keep you in the loop with fresh insights and inspiration. Do you want your business to reach tens of thousands of potential high-value expat customers? If so please contact us here. The system of voting by mail "is a hotbed for election fraud", Gergely Arato, the deputy group leader of the opposition Democratic Coalition (DK), said on Wednesday, calling for the system to be scrapped. Speaking after talks with top officials of the National Election Office, Arato said that nearly 500,000 ethnic Hungarians living in neighbouring countries had registered to vote in Hungary's upcoming parliamentary election. "DK's position, however, is that those deciding Hungary's future should bear the consequences of their vote; people who have never lived nor paid taxes in Hungary should not be allowed the vote," Arato said. Meanwhile, the system "includes a number of components that could facilitate fraud," he said, insisting that anyone who has registered and participated in a vote once remained in the system for ten years, "even if they die in the meantime". Family members, he said, are required to inform the authority of bereavements but "there is no automatic information transfer, and it it not at all certain that the names of the dead are being removed," he added. Arato said that voters in other countries can ask for their election documents to be posted "to any address", yet "nobody checks if the applicant themselves receive the package... Anyone could send in a vote in the applicant's name," he said. The DK politician also complained that whereas ethnic Hungarians enjoyed the privilege of mailing their votes, nationals with permanent residency in Hungary staying abroad at the time of the vote are obliged to go to a Hungarian embassy or consular office to cast their ballot. Source: MTI Hungarys national news agency since 1881. While MTI articles are usually factual, some may contain political bias, and readers should be aware that such content does not reflect the position of XpatLoop, which is neutral and independent. Since the goal of XpatLoop is to keep readers well briefed, right across the spectrum of opinions, MTI items are shared to ensure readers are aware of all narratives within the local media. XpatLoop believes in empowering readers to form their own views through complete and comprehensive coverage. To facilitate this XpatLoop has a balanced range of news partners, as you can see when you surf around XpatLoop.com ********************************************************************************************* You're very welcome to comment, discuss and enjoy more stories via our Facebook page: Facebook.com/XpatLoopNews + via XpatLoops groups: Budapest Expats / Expats Hungary You can subscribe to our newsletter here: XpatLoop.com/Newsletters Showcase Your Business to Expats in the Loop: As an independent portal were grateful to all commercial supporters who help keep you in the loop with fresh insights and inspiration. Do you want your business to reach tens of thousands of potential high-value expat customers? If so please contact us here. Every job role today is anchored in a core set of skills, and the ability to adapt and grow as the role evolves. This new way of looking at jobs is also shifting gears in hiring. As per LinkedIns research, when offering interviews, recruiters today look at a balance of experience, skill-role fit, and academic qualifications. This reset in the hiring approach is central to the final episode of Beyond AI, CVs & JDs with LinkedIn created in collaboration with Zee Media. Featuring Ruchee Anand, APAC VP of Talent & Learning Solutions, LinkedIn, and Sanjeev Jain, Chief Operating Officer, Wipro, the episode explores how recruiters must adapt hiring strategies to assess potential, not just pedigree. From experience filters to skill signals Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Traditional experience filters no longer reflect real-world capability. As skills and roles evolve faster than ever, recruiters are struggling to find the right fit, with 54% saying only half or fewer applicants meet job requirements, highlighting the limitations of rigid hiring criteria. This is where LinkedIn Hiring Assistant changes the equation. By shifting hiring from titles and linear career paths to skills, learning agility, and future-ready capabilities, Hiring Assistant helps recruiters surface candidates who are aligned not just to todays role, but to where the role is headed. This approach mirrors a broader shift in hiring where 78% of recruiters in India now prioritise practical, transferable skills over formal degrees, widening access to talent and enabling faster, more confident hiring decisions. Jain captures this shift and its enabler very clearly in the episode, Many roles today demand hybrid skill combinations, such as Kafka systems engineering paired with MongoDB, which are very tough to find in the talent market. LinkedIns Hiring Assistant helped us fill one such niche role that had been open for nine months, in just weeks, by using predictive analysis that identifies candidates with a growth mindset and learning agility that matched the skilling requirements we were looking for. Learning agility is the real hiring advantage The strongest hires are defined less by day-one readiness and more by learning agility, a proven predictor of long-term performance. During the episode, Anand says, Having the humility to know that I dont know enough, and asking how I can keep learning, is a very powerful skill. This mindset matters as skill lifecycles continue to shorten. Jain illustrates this with a real-world example from Wipro, where marketing analysts with no prior AI background learned prompt engineering and built a chatbot that delivered 40% improvement in customer engagement. Where recruiter judgement matters most As hiring grows more complex, recruiter time and judgment become the most valuable assets in the process. By taking repetitive tasks off their plate, 42% of recruiters in India say AI gives them time back to focus on what matters most personalised engagement and sharper judgement. In doing so, AI shifts hiring from transactional efficiency to intentional, human-led decision-making, enabling recruiters to become true talent architects. Watch the final episode of Beyond AI, CVs & JDs to explore how careers are being redefined in real time Disclaimer: This article is from the Brand Desk. User discretion is advised. Baba Vanga, the famous Bulgarian mystic, is often called the Nostradamus of the Balkans. She became well known after several of her predictions about world events reportedly came true. Over the years, her visions have sparked curiosity, fear, and debate. One of her most discussed predictions is about a global financial crisis, which many believe could happen around 2026. According to these predictions, the worlds money system may face serious trouble, pushing people toward precious metals like gold, silver, and copper. Who Was Baba Vanga? Baba Vanga was a blind astrologer and psychic from Bulgaria. People across the world followed her predictions because many felt her words reflected future realities. While not all predictions are proven, her statements often create widespread discussion, especially when they relate to global crises, economies, or major world changes. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Baba Vangas Prediction About a Global Financial Crisis According to interpretations of Baba Vangas visions, the world could face a major cash shortage in the future. She reportedly warned that paper money and bank systems may lose value, leading to instability in the global financial system. This idea has raised concerns among people, especially investors, as discussions around this prediction continue on social media and news platforms. Why Gold, Silver, and Copper Matter in Her Prediction Baba Vanga is believed to have said that during this financial crisis, gold, silver, and copper would become very important. These metals were seen as safer options compared to paper money. However, she also hinted that something unexpected could happen, creating uncertainty even around these metals. This has worried people who have heavily invested in precious metals, fearing sudden value changes. Recent Trends in Gold and Silver Prices In recent months, gold and silver prices have seen sharp rises, followed by noticeable drops. Due to falling prices, many people started selling their digital or physical gold and silver. At the same time, others saw this as a good opportunity to buy at lower rates, hoping prices would rise again in the future. The End of Cash and the Rise of Metals? One of Baba Vangas most talked about predictions suggests that 2026 could mark a major cash collapse. According to this belief, paper currency and bank documents may no longer hold value. In such a situation, metals like gold, silver, and copper could become the main form of wealth and security for people. Current Prices of Gold, Silver, and Copper As per the given figures: Gold is currently priced at around 1,53,190 per 10 grams, and experts suggest it could reach 2 lakh by the end of 2026. Silver once touched a record of 4.20 lakh per kg and is currently trading between 2.80 lakh to 3 lakh per kg. Copper, often called the red metal, is considered the metal of the future and is priced at around 1,280 per kg. Baba Vangas predictions about a possible global financial crisis in 2026 continue to spark debate and concern. While precious metals like gold, silver, and copper are often seen as safe investments during uncertain times, market trends show that no asset is completely risk-free. Whether these predictions come true or not, they remind people to stay informed, cautious, and balanced when it comes to financial decisions. Awareness and smart planning remain the strongest tools in uncertain economic times. (This article is intended for your general information only. Zee News does not vouch for its accuracy or reliability.) New Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday launched Bharat Taxi, a new cooperative-based ride-hailing platform designed to put drivers in the drivers seat, literally and financially. The app promises zero commission for drivers and no surge pricing for passengers, positioning itself as a people-friendly alternative to private aggregators like Uber and Ola. The initiative aims to offer fair earnings to drivers while keeping fares transparent and affordable for users. Speaking at the launch event, Amit Shah said the Bharat Taxi service will make life easier for taxi drivers, stressing that sahkar (helper), not Sarkar (government)" is formally entering the taxi sector. In this system, every driver (Sarathi) is the owner of the taxi, and this structure will bring a revolutionary economic transformation. Like Amul in Gujarat, this is a unique cooperative model of its kind in the world. The wheels of your taxi will run for the benefit of the Sarathi communitythis is the spirit of cooperation," he said. Amit Shah further said that Bharat Taxi has been designed as a unified mobility platform, offering services across two-wheelers, three-wheelers and four-wheelers. He also highlighted that Bharat Taxi Sarathi Didi will play an important role in promoting the safety, dignity and empowerment of women both as riders and drivers. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Strong Response During Pilot Phase According to the Ministry of Cooperation, Bharat Taxi has seen encouraging traction even during its pilot run. Over 3 lakh drivers have joined the platform, while around 1 lakh users have registered so far. The service is currently clocking more than 10,000 rides daily across Delhi-NCR and Gujarat. The ministry also said that nearly Rs 10 crore has already been paid directly to drivers' money that would otherwise have gone towards commissions or intermediaries under traditional aggregator models. Revenue Model Explained: What Drivers Will Earn The Home Minister said the Bharat Taxi service will be rolled out in phases over the next three years. Under the proposed model, 20 per cent of the platforms revenue will go to the government, while the remaining amount will be directly transferred to the bank accounts of individual Sarathis (drivers). He added that the platform will not impose booking fees, heavy platform charges, or hidden commissions through the Sarathi app, a move aimed at making the system more transparent and affordable for both drivers and passengers. Profits earned through the service will go straight to the drivers associated with Bharat Taxi. Driver Benefits, Safety Measures & Women-Focused Initiatives Bharat Taxi has rolled out a range of measures aimed at strengthening drivers income security and overall safety. Sarathis associated with the platform will receive benefits such as health insurance, accident cover, retirement savings support, a dedicated driver assistance system, rapid emergency help, and verified ride data to enhance safety. To address day-to-day concerns, support centres have already been set up at seven key locations in Delhi. These centres are designed to help drivers resolve operational issues quickly and efficiently. Encouraging greater participation of women, the platform has also launched the Bike Didi initiative. More than 150 women drivers have joined the scheme so far. In addition, nine Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) are set to be signed with public and private organisations to strengthen digital infrastructure, improve safety systems, and enhance overall service delivery. New Delhi: A Gen Z employee's response to an official instruction to report to work at 6:30 am for a virtual meeting has gone viral. The employee's response saying that they would not be physically attending a virtual meeting has won many hearts online and sparked a debate on rigid workplace rules. Sharing a post about the conversation between two employees on X, a user said the Gen Z employees are not the heroes we deserved but the heroes we needed. The post contains a screenshot which allegedly shows an authority asking an employee to be physically seated in the office by 6:30 am for the 7:00 am virtual meeting and failure to do so will be treated as insubordination. The screenshot further said that continued non-compliance may result in disciplinary action, including suspension, as per company policy. Gen Z employees. Not the heroes we deserved, but the heroes we needed. pic.twitter.com/XNewTYuATE Lexis (@niilexis) February 2, 2026 Add Zee News as a Preferred Source In response the employee said that they wont be physically appearing for a virtual meeting. The employee said they will be attending virtually as the meeting format suggests. The employee said that threatening suspension over location rather than attendance feels less like policy and more like PowerPoint abuse. The employee said, "I am online." Social Media Reaction The Gen Z employee's response has garnered widespread praise on social media with several users praising the employee for his sharp and on point response. One user wrote, "You want him to come to the office by 6:30 for a virtual meeting. If the employer wanted him in the office so badly, why didnt they make it a physical meeting?" "This reminds me of a past manager who told me and my coworkers that although we started work at 8 and worked remote, we should still come into the meeting 15 minutes early, just as we would if we had to travel through traffic," a user wrote. One user wrote," That reply is soothingly savage but on point. How do you want someone to be in the office at 6:30 am for a virtual meeting. These Kabogo type of boses deserve such replies." Im online took me out. If its a virtual meeting, why does the employee need to be there physically? Some employers really do like stretching things cause the threats were unnecessary. Stating why theyre needed in the physical office would have been respectful," said one user. The name "Aksai Chin" translates to the "White Desert of the True Gorge," a title that conveys its historical identity as a rugged, high-altitude extension of the Indian subcontinent. Situated at the junction of the Himalayas and the Karakoram Range, it sits at an average elevation of 4,300 meters. For centuries, this region was a vital part of the cultural and economic fabric of Ladakh. It used to be a corridor for Indian traders and pilgrims long before it became a point of modern geopolitical contention. Ancient Roots and Indian Sovereignty Historically, Aksai Chin was never a 'no-mans land'. It was an integral part of the Maryul (Ladakh) kingdom. Rock carvings found across Ladakh indicate that the area has been inhabited since Neolithic times. The early residents, the nomadic Kampa and later the Brokpas, used these high plateaus for grazing and trade. By the 17th century, the powerful King Sengge Namgyal of Ladakh secured control over these northern territories--populating the region with yaks and sheep and setting the customary boundaries that India recognizes today. Throughout this period, the region functioned as a segment of the Silk Road, specifically a route connecting the Indian trade hubs of Ladakh to Central Asia. Boundaries were defined by 'customary usage'. The Ladakhi villagers traditionally harvested salt from the alkaline lakes and grazed their livestock on the Lingzi Tang plains. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source The 19th Century: Formalizing the Frontier The modern administrative history of Aksai Chin is rooted in the expansion of the Sikh Empire and the subsequent Dogra rule. In 1834, the armies of Raja Gulab Singh conquered Ladakh, and by 1842, a treaty was signed between the Sikhs and the Tibetans affirming the "old, established frontiers." After the British defeated the Sikhs in 1846, Ladakh joined the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir. To define borders, W.H. Johnson's 1865 line along the Kunlun Mountains placed Aksai Chin within Kashmir. The 1897 Ardagh Line refined this, creating a defensible frontier upheld by British India until 1947. During this era, the Maharaja of Kashmir maintained a fort at Shahidulla to protect Indian trade caravans and revenue records (Jamabandi and Girdawari) from the Ladakh Wazarat consistently included these northern pastures as part of Indian administrative jurisdiction. The Mid-20th Century: Encroachment and Conflict The stability of the plateau was disrupted in the 1950s. While India focused on peaceful post-independence nation-building, the newly established Peoples Republic of China (PRC) began a covert project to link Xinjiang and Tibet. Between 1951 and 1957, China surreptitiously constructed a road through Aksai Chin territory that had been depicted as Indian in the Postal Atlas of China as late as 1933. The Indian government, relying on historical maps and the lack of any prior Chinese presence in the region, only discovered this illegal infrastructure in 1958. This discovery turned a previously agreed-upon border into a national crisis. Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru insisted that the border was clear and firm, prompting the Forward Policy to restore India's presence in the disputed areas. This resulted in the Sino-Indian War of 1962. After the war, China retained possession of the western sector and demarcated the Line of Actual Control (LAC). However, despite Chinas possession of the region through its military might, India has never relinquished its claim over the region. The country still considers Aksai Chin an integral part of Ladakh. Aksai Chin, despite its harsh and inhospitable climate, has immense strategic value for India. The vitality of the region is in its control over the headwaters of important rivers and lakes in the Karakoram range, which is vital for the regions water security. It lies close to the Kunlun Mountains Range and is an important component of the territorial integrity of India. Its high-altitude position also provides important surveillance over Ladakh--which is vital for securing Indias northern borders in the long term. In recent years, especially following the 2020 Galwan Valley incident, India has significantly ramped up infrastructure in the Ladakh region to ensure that the historical link to Aksai Chin remains a living realitysignalled by the construction of all-weather bridges and airfields that assert India's intent to uphold its territorial integrity. In the election year, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has announced a populist budget, wooing women voters at max. In the interim budget, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee-led Bengal government has announced to increase the monthly aid under the Lakshmi Bhandar scheme by Rs 500, marking a crucial shift ahead of the assembly polls. Notably, the scheme can now be seen as a counter to the BJPs Ladali Behan yojana that yielded positive results for the NDA in states like Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Delhi. While the BJP government in these states offers/promised an amount of Rs 1250 in Madhya Pradesh, Rs 1,500 in Maharashtra, and in Delhi, the BJP promised Rs 2,500 for poor women. In states like Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, the party has promised to increase the amount up to Rs 2,100. It was speculated that the BJP would promise the scheme in Bengal as well, with an amount of somewhere around Rs 2,000 to Rs 2,500 and thus, Mamata moved first with the Lakshmi Bhandar scheme. The Lakshmi Bhandar scheme, launched by the West Bengal government, has been providing Rs 1,000 to general category women and Rs 1,200 per month for SC/ST households. With the Rs 500 increase in the amount, the amount goes up to Rs 1,700. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Since the scheme was rolled out in 2021, the increase in the financial assistance is not just a poll move but can also work as a deterrent to the BJPs Ladali Behan-like scheme if promised by the saffron party. Notably, Bengal has around 3,76,00,611 female voters and 3,87,93,743 male voters as per the electoral roll published in January 2025. The Lakshmi Bhandar scheme covers around 2.2 crore women. Over the years, the scheme has expanded significantly and is now among the largest social welfare initiatives in the state, covering over 2.2 crore women. Thus, the increment is a clear attempt to woo the voters ahead of the polls. In another move, the TMC government also announced to cover gig workers under existing social security schemes like Swasthyasathi. The Bengal government also announced that the wages of Anganwadi workers and Anganwari Sahayaks will be increased by Rs 1,000 from April 2026 onwards. The interim budget of Rs 4.06 lakh crore was presented in the assembly for the financial year 202627. Presenting the budget, State Finance Minister Chandrima Bhattacharya revealed these welfare schemes. To woo the government employees, the state Finance Minister also announced 4% increase in dearness allowance (DA). The Mamata Banerjee government also announced a new scheme to provide Rs 1,500 monthly financial allowance to unemployed youth for up to five years. Local immersive learning company Start Beyond has rolled out a new virtual reality training program aimed at helping Australias aged care and disability support sectors get on top of tough new government regulations. The Sydney-based firm is spruiking its new off-the-shelf platform, SACADI VR, as a way for providers to move beyond "box-ticking" and properly prepare frontline staff for the difficult judgement calls they face every day. The launch comes as the aged care industry grapples with the strengthened Aged Care Act, which demands providers show measurable proof of their workforces skills and the quality of care they deliver. SACADI (Supporting Aged Care and Disability Individuals) VR drops workers into realistic, high-pressure scenarios where they have to make tough decisions, such as balancing a clients personal choice with the organisation's duty of care. The platform lets them experience the consequences of their actions in a safe, repeatable environment. Start Beyond CEO and co-founder, Angus Stevens, reckons the tech was built to reflect the day-to-day reality of the job. Aged care work is full of judgement calls. Youre constantly balancing safety, dignity and individual choice, often under pressure, Stevens said. It gives workers the chance to practise difficult decisions before theyre accountable for them in real life, and it gives providers confidence that learning is actually sticking. While the platform is new, the tech has already been put through its paces in a custom-built version for Limestone Coast Training (LCT) in South Australia. LCT manager Mardi Riley said the immersive training has had a significant impact on student engagement and understanding. Weve seen far more meaningful classroom discussions after students complete VR training, Riley said. Being immersed in realistic care situations reshapes how learners think about responsibility, consent and choice, because they can directly experience the consequences of their decisions. Unlike a bespoke project, SACADI VR is a ready-to-use product that can be deployed by training organisations, care providers and hospitals. It integrates with existing learning management systems and provides reporting to help with accreditation and audits. Ageing and governance advisor Julianne Parkinson said tools like this are crucial for meeting the sectors new accountability standards. The Aged Care Act is pushing the sector toward clearer accountability for workforce capability, Parkinson said. Accreditation matters because it gives providers defensible evidence that learning meets national standards, while still testing judgement, ethics and decision-making that sit at the heart of safe, person-centred care. Stevens added, Its real-world experience without the real-world risk. Thats the critical link in workforce training. SACADI VR is now available in Australia. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Thursday said he had advised Prime Minister Narendra Modi not to enter the House (on Wednesday) after receiving intelligence that Opposition MPs had surrounded the Prime Ministers chair and that a serious incident could occur. Expressing anguish over the repeated disruptions that led to the adjournment of the House just before the Prime Ministers scheduled address, Birla alleged that some Opposition members had misbehaved inside the chamber. The country saw what happened in the House yesterday. Everyone saw how MPs approached the Prime Ministers chair, the Speaker said. I received information that any mishap could have happened. To ensure such a situation does not arise, I conveyed to PM Modi not to come to the House. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Birla claimed he had credible inputs that Congress MPs might attempt to create disorder during the Prime Ministers address. Historically, political disagreements have not been brought to the floor of Parliament. I received information that some members of the Congress party could have approached the Prime Ministers seat and caused an unforeseen incident, he said. If such an incident had occurred, it would have severely damaged the dignity of the nation. That is why I urged the Prime Minister not to come to Parliament, Birla added, calling the events a black spot in the history of Parliament. He also said it had never been the tradition of the House to drag political differences to the office of the Speaker. What happened in Lok Sabha on Wednesday The Lok Sabha witnessed repeated disruptions on Wednesday amid protests by Opposition members over Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhis attempt to refer to an unpublished book by former Army chief General MM Naravane. The move was strongly opposed by senior ministers Rajnath Singh and Amit Shah. After the House reconvened at 2 pm, BJP MP Nishikant Dubey triggered fresh controversy by citing books such as Edwina and Nehru and The Mitrokhin Archive, making remarks targeting former prime ministers Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, and Rajiv Gandhi. As Dubey continued quoting from various publications, TDP MP Krishna Prasad Tenneti, who was in the Chair, intervened, noting that the Speaker had already ruled against allowing such references. Tenneti invoked Rule 349, which bars members from reading from books, newspapers, or letters unless connected with the business of the House. Dubeys remarks led to protests from Congress and other Opposition MPs, who entered the Well of the House, forcing an adjournment till 5 pm. Following the adjournment, Congress MPs met Speaker Om Birla to object to what they described as the selective application of the rules, alleging that Dubey was allowed to quote from books. At the same time, Rahul Gandhi was denied a similar opportunity. The House had already been adjourned three times earlier in the day, at 11 am, noon, and 2 pm, amid uproar over the former Army chiefs book and the India-US trade deal. Government floor managers had indicated that Prime Minister Modi would reply to the Motion of Thanks debate at 5 pm. When the House reassembled in the evening, protests escalated, with women Opposition MPs led by Congress member Varsha Gaikwad marching towards the Prime Ministers seat. BJP MP Sandhya Rai, who was presiding, adjourned the House for the day. Opposition members also demanded the suspension of Nishikant Dubey over his remarks. Delhi witnessed a marginal improvement in air quality on Thursday morning, with the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 275 around 7 am. Despite the slight dip in pollution levels, a thin layer of smog continued in parts of the city, and the overall air quality remained in the poor category. However, the AQI in the national capital remained in the 'poor' category, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Also Check- Delhi weather alert: Dense fog in national capital; low visibility procedures at airport | IMD issues yellow alert Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Delhi AQI today According to CPCB data, several areas in the capital recorded the 'very poor' air quality, including Anand Vihar (332), Bawana (306), Ashok Vihar (320), Dwarka Sector 8 (328), RK Puram (314), Rohini (322), and Patparganj (307). As per AQI classification, a reading between 0 and 50 is 'good', 51 to 100 'satisfactory', 101 to 200 'moderate', 201 to 300 'poor', 301 to 400 'very poor' and 401 to 500 'severe'. Meanwhile, some areas of the city had better air quality than others. Aya Nagar recorded an AQI of 214, Chandni Chowk (218), and Sonia Vihar (299) experienced improved air quality, though the levels still fell within the 'poor' category. Further, DTU also recorded poor air quality, with an AQI of 264. Mandir Marg (214), Najafgarh (258), and CRRI Mathura Road (226) also recorded similar results, entering the 'poor' category. Nerala recorded an air quality index of 195, placing it in the 'moderate' category, according to CPCB data. IMD's previous forecast The India Meteorological Department (IMD), earlier on Tuesday, issued a yellow alert for the national capital, warning that isolated areas may experience thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds of 30 to 40 kmph. However, the latest data available on the weather agencys website indicated that no warnings had been issued for Thursday and Friday at the time of publishing this report. (with ANI inputs) New Delhi: The Delhi Police arrested Al Falah University chairman Jawad Ahmad Siddiqui in an alleged case related to fraud and irregularities after acting on complaints filed by University Grants Commission (UGC). This comes after Enforcement Directorate (ED) acted upon the complaints filed by the UGC. As per the officials confirmation, two separate FIR's were registered in the matter. Following his arrest, Siddiqui was produced before a Delhi court, which granted the Crime Branch four days of police remand. FIR registered on UGC complaint Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Acting upon the UGC's complaint, crime branch registered two separate FIR's against Siddiqui, accusing him of fraud and related offences. As per the reports, the case against alleged money laundering was filed on January 16. Additional Sessions Judge (ASJ) Sheetal Chaudhary Pradhan listed the matter for consideration after hearing submissions of counsel for Siddiqui, who sought time for scrutiny of documents filed along with the charge sheet. Police stated that Siddiqui was taken into custody for further investigation. Officials said the case relates to alleged irregularities and falsification. Further details are expected to emerge during questioning. According to ANI, the investigation was initiated on the basis of two FIRs registered by the Delhi Police Crime Branch. The FIRs alleged that the university had falsely claimed accreditation from the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC). Assets attached under PMLA ANI further reported that the ED informed the court that it has provisionally attached assets while investigating the case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). Earlier, the agency told the court that Siddiqui was arrested in connection with an alleged money laundering case linked to the Al Falah Charitable Trust. The EDs probe stems from FIRs filed by the Crime Branch, which accused the university and its institutions of promoting expired NAAC accreditation grades in their advertisements. According to the agency reports, claims about regulatory approvals were allegedly fabricated to mislead students and parents, encouraging them to seek admissions and pay fees based on false representations. The court noted that the EDs financial examination suggested that the funds collected during the period in question were connected to these alleged misrepresentations, thereby qualifying as proceeds of crime under the PMLA. Red Fort blast of November 2025 Search operations carried out at several locations led to the seizure of cash, electronic devices and key financial documents. In addition. the ED informed the court that certain contracts were allegedly routed to firms connected to the accuseds family members. It also claimed that senior officials had confirmed Siddiquis involvement in clearing major financial transactions. Investigators further alleged that funds were layered through associated entities in an attempt to mask the flow of money. The agency also flagged findings from the probe into the November 10, 2025, Red Fort car blast, which claimed 15 lives, stating that the investigation uncovered significant links to Al-Falah University and its parent body, the Al-Falah Charitable Trust. According to investigators, the driver of the car packed with explosives was identified through DNA analysis as Dr. Umar un Nabi, an Assistant Professor of General Medicine at Al-Falah University. Several other members of the university staff, including Dr Muzammil Ganaie and Dr Shaheen Saeed, were also arrested for their alleged involvement in a so-called white-collar terror network with links to Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind. (with ANI inputs) External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held a series of bilateral meetings with key counterparts, including Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand and Peruvian Foreign Minister Hugo de Zela, on the sidelines of the Critical Minerals Ministerial in Washington. In a post on X, EAM Jaishankar said he felt "great" to meet his Canadian counterpart and discuss advancing bilateral cooperation between the two nations. "Great to see FM Anita Anand of Canada today. Talked about taking our ties forward," the EAM stated in his post. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source He also met with Foreign Minister Hugo de Zela of Peru, noting that both sides agreed to deepen cooperation. "With Foreign Minister Hugo de Zela of Peru. Agreed to deepen our cooperation," Jaishankar wrote in a separate post on X. His meetings come amid the Critical Minerals Ministerial in Washington DC on Wednesday, during which the EAM called for structured international cooperation to "de-risk" critical mineral supply chains, noting that "excessive concentration" poses a major global risk. In another post on X, Jaishankar said, "Spoke at the Critical Minerals Ministerial in Washington DC today. Underlined challenges of excessive concentration and the importance of de-risking supply chains through structured international cooperation. Highlighted India's efforts towards greater resilience through initiatives including National Critical Minerals Mission, Rare Earth Corridors, and responsible commerce. Conveyed India's support to the FORGE initiative on critical minerals." Ahead of the ministerial, Jaishankar shared photos of his meetings with the Netherlands FM David van Weel, Italian FM Antonio Tajani, Mohamad Haji Hasan of Malaysia, Bahrain FM Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, and FM Battsetseg Batmunkh of Mongolia, among others. The event, convened by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, brought together delegations from over 50 countries, and the European Union is being viewed as a landmark moment in global supply chain diplomacy. A primary goal of the ministerial is to diversify supply chains for rare earth elements and critical minerals, such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel, to reduce global overreliance on China, which currently dominates processing and mining. Meanwhile, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is set to visit India in the first week of March, and his visit is likely to see the signing of deals on uranium, energy, minerals, and Artificial Intelligence. Sources in the Ministry of External Affairs said there would also be a key focus on trade during PM Carney's visit. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday launched a sharp attack on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his traitor remark against BJP MP Ravinder Singh Bittu, saying it reflected both Gandhis arrogance and the Congress partys hatred for the Sikh community. The controversy stems from an incident during a protest by suspended Opposition MPs in the Parliament complex on Wednesday. As MPs staged a sit-in, Bittu, a former Congress leader who joined the BJP ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, allegedly mocked the protesters, remarking that they were sitting as if they had won a war. Rahul Gandhi responded by saying, A traitor is walking by, look at his face, before extending his hand towards Bittu. Hello, brother. My traitor friend. Dont worry, you will come back (to the Congress), Gandhi added. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Bittu refused to shake hands, calling Gandhi an enemy of the country (desh ka dushman) before walking away. While the Congress clarified that Gandhis remark referred solely to Bittus decision to leave the party, the BJP seized on the comment, branding it an insult to the Sikh community. Members of the Sikh community also staged protests outside the Congress headquarters and at other locations. Addressing the Rajya Sabha amid loud sloganeering, Prime Minister Modi said, The Congress prince called an MP from this House a traitor (gaddar) yesterday. As treasury bench members shouted shame, the Prime Minister added, Their arrogance knows no bounds. Many people have left the Congress, and the party has split several times, but he has never called anyone else a traitor. He called this MP a traitor because he is Sikh. The Prime Minister had arrived in the Upper House around 5 pm to reply to the Motion of Thanks on the Presidents Address, a day after he was unable to speak in the Lok Sabha due to disruptions and Opposition MPs allegedly surrounding his chair. As Modi began his speech, Opposition MPs raised slogans accusing the government of dictatorship and demanding that Rahul Gandhi be allowed to speak, making it difficult for the Prime Minister to be heard. At one point, Modi paused and took a swipe at Congress President and Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, saying the 83-year-old MP could sit and shout slogans given his age. The Opposition continued protesting for several minutes before staging a walkout. They got tired and left, the Prime Minister remarked, before resuming his address. Turning to governance and foreign policy, Modi said his government had inherited a mess in 2014. The world had a certain image of India because of them, and I had to spend time changing that. This is how bad things were, he said, referring to the Congress-led governments. Naming the Congress, Trinamool Congress (TMC), Left parties and the DMK, Modi accused them of being synonymous with corruption. Even today, when people talk about them, they dont talk about trade deals. They talk about deals like Bofors, he said. The reference was widely seen as a rebuttal to Congresss allegation that India had compromised its interests under pressure from the United States in a recent trade agreement. While the Opposition has claimed the deal could harm farmers, the Centre has maintained that the agriculture and dairy sectors will remain protected. The Congress only imagines and does nothing about implementation, Modi said, underlining his governments focus on completing projects. In a broader ideological critique, the Prime Minister accused past Congress leaders of viewing citizens as a burden. I want to explain what Pandit Nehrus and Indira Gandhis way of thinking was about the people of this country, he said, recounting an anecdote narrated by Indira Gandhi during a visit to Iran. Quoting her, PM Modi said, When someone asked my father, that is, Pandit Nehru, how many problems he faced, he replied: 35 crore. At that time, our countrys population was 35 crore. Be it Nehru ji, Indira ji, or the entire Congress, they have viewed the people of India as a problem, Modi said. I believe that no matter how many challenges there are, we have 140 crore solutions. He also criticised the Congress-era work culture and the functioning of the Planning Commission, claiming Indira Gandhi herself was aware of systemic wrongdoing but failed to reform it. Later in his speech, the Prime Minister attacked West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her party over their opposition to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter rolls. Though he did not name her, the reference was clear. The Trinamool goes to court to protect illegal immigrants, Modi alleged, describing the TMC government as cruel and obsessed with power. A cruel government is making new records in all parameters of downfall. The future of the people there is plunging into darkness, but they dont care, he said. Raising concerns over illegal immigration, the Prime Minister said, Even the worlds most prosperous countries are expelling illegal immigrants. In our country, however, certain groups are making organised efforts to protect infiltrators. He accused illegal immigrants of depriving Indian youth of jobs, land and security, claiming they were snatching livelihoods, grabbing tribal land, and threatening the safety of our sons and daughters. Illegal immigration has emerged as a key political issue in West Bengal ahead of state elections, with the BJP backing the SIR process that the Trinamool strongly opposes, arguing that it could exclude legitimate voters. Concluding his remarks, Modi reiterated his charge of corruption against the Congress and its allies. Whether it is the Congress, the TMC, the DMK or the Left, they only worked to fill their own pockets. Bringing change to peoples lives was never their priority, he said. The Prime Minister was speaking while replying to the Motion of Thanks on the Presidents Address in the Rajya Sabha. Ghaziabad horror: The alleged suicide of three minor sisters from Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, has sent shockwaves across the nation. Several revelations have emerged regarding the incident. A note discovered at their residence indicated that the sisters were influenced by Korean culture and frequently played an online task-based game. The incident occurred at around 2:15 am last night under Tila Mod Police Limits in the Loni area. Also Check- Ghaziabad horror: 3 minor sisters jump off 9th floor of building - online game angle emerges Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Meanwhile, the deceased minor girls have been identified as Nishika (16), Prachi (14), and Pakhi (12), daughters of Chetan Kumar, a resident of Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh. The girls were taken to the hospital, where they were declared dead. ANI reported that Nimish Patil, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Trans-Hindon, on Thursday, informed that the three minor girls who died in Ghaziabad had jumped off the 9th floor of their residential building. The preliminary information by the Ghaziabad police suggested that the minors used to play an online task-based game. However, no specific name of any game application was mentioned in the note. DCP Patil further stated that the police have found a suicide note at the residence, which clarified that they were influenced by Korean culture. "In the early hours of 4th February, we received information that three girls jumped from a building. They were declared dead at the hospital. We have found a suicide note in the case. From the suicide note, it is clear that the three girls were influenced by Korean culture. No particular app was named. At the time of the incident, the whole family was present in the house, but they were sleeping..." he said. What did the eyewitness say? An eyewitness, Arun Kumar, told the news agency ANI that he saw the girls jump off from the building, and it seemed like one of them planned the jump while the others were trying to save her. "I saw all three of them jumping. It was so sudden, it occurred before I could have done anything or called anyone. They were sitting on the balcony glass... It was abnormal. It happened at around 2 am... From what I saw, one of them planned to jump, and the others fell while trying to save her. I called the police and the ambulance..." he said. Chilling details emerge According to a report by the Hindustan Times, police informed that in the note they repeatedly mentioned that no one, including their brother and other family members, understood their "love for Korea." The report further stated that the minor sisters did not like their half-brother. The girls had a single phone, which they used to watch shows on. In the note, the minors wrote that they liked Korea, China, Thailand, and Japan. The sisters were reportedly upset that they could not go and live there. HT also reported that the sisters had stopped going to school around 2020. They had limited interaction with others and had no friends in the neighbourhood. Furthermore, the father of the three girls was married multiple times. The 16-year-old and her brother were from his first marriage; the other two (14 and 15 years old) were from his second marriage. The man's third marriage is being investigated, and further investigation is underway. In another revelation, according to an NDTV report, the mobile phone that they used was allegedly taken away by their father. Furthermore, they had created a social media account and gained a large number of followers on it. When their father learnt about this, he deleted it and took away the device. He also reportedly sold the mobile phone. There was an eight-page-long suicide note that was recovered by the investigators in which the girls accused their father of threatening to marry them off to an Indian when they loved Korean. The details of this case are highly complex, involving multiple factors that authorities are carefully examining. While many questions remain unanswered, the investigation is ongoing. (with ANI inputs) (Discussions on suicides can be triggering for some. But suicides are preventable. If you are looking for help, some suicide prevention helpline numbers in India are 011-40769002 from Sanjivini (Delhi-based, 10 am - 5.30 pm) and 044-24640050 from Sneha Foundation (Chennai-based, 8 am - 10 pm), +91 9999666555 from Vandrevala Foundation (Mumbai-based, 24x7). The Greek government has launched a major campaign to shut down illegal mosques in Athens, citing growing concerns over extremism, public safety, and violations of national law. Authorities have identified at least 60 unauthorised mosques in the capital during the first phase of the operation, with plans to close them and deport those found running them illegally. In todays episode of DNA, Rahul Sinha, Managing Editor of Zee News, conducted a detailed analysis of Greeces action, linking it to a broader international push to curb religious extremism and highlighting similarities with measures previously undertaken in Indias Uttar Pradesh. According to Greek authorities, the crackdown targets unauthorised religious structures that allegedly became centres of radical activity and shelters for extremists. Officials say many of these illegal mosques were established without the mandatory approvals required under Greek law, which stipulates that only registered organisations led by Greek or European Union citizens may apply to build or operate places of worship. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Investigations by the Greek government have indicated that several of the illegal mosques were run by Pakistani and Bangladeshi nationals who migrated to Greece in recent years. Authorities allege that these sites were used to promote radical ideologies and that their unchecked expansion posed a threat to Athens, one of Europes oldest cities with a history spanning more than 3,000 years. Greeces Muslim population constitutes roughly five per cent of the country, with the majority being of Turkish origin. Officials argue that the issue is not religious practice but unlawful construction and activities that undermine social harmony. Law enforcement data cited in the programme claimed that areas with a higher concentration of illegal religious structures witnessed rising crime, restrictions on womens mobility after dark, and frequent protests linked to overseas conflicts. The Greek governments decision follows a series of violent incidents attributed to extremist elements, including bomb blasts outside government offices in Athens in February and April 2025. Authorities also pointed to three terrorist attacks in 2024 as evidence of the growing security challenge. Comparisons have been drawn between Greeces approach and the so-called Yogi model implemented in Uttar Pradesh, where authorities first identified illegal religious structures before sealing or demolishing them and initiating legal action against those responsible. Greek officials have stated that those operating illegal mosques will face prosecution, imprisonment, and eventual deportation. The programme also noted that Greece is not alone in taking action against individuals accused of spreading extremist ideologies. In recent years, countries including Singapore, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Malaysia have deported Pakistani and Bangladeshi nationals over alleged links to radical or violent activities. Greek authorities have reiterated that the campaign is aimed at enforcing the rule of law and safeguarding national security, while maintaining that lawful religious practices will continue to be protected. Further investigations are underway to identify additional illegal structures and trace financial and organisational networks linked to them. Union Home Minister Amit Shah is on a three-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir. A high alert has been sounded across the Union Territory, from the Line of Control (LoC) to major cities, with intensified checking, frisking, and anti-terror operations. Given that Shahs visit is high-profile, security across Jammu and Kashmir has been significantly tightened, stretching from border areas along the LoC to urban centres. Surprise Cordon and Search Operations (CASOs) and intensified frisking are being carried out in Srinagar, Jammu, and other district headquarters. Authorities have taken serious note of a purported threat message from the Falcon Squad, reportedly linked to LeT/TRF and targeting the Kashmiri Pandit community, which surfaced ahead of the visit. However, police are verifying the authenticity of the poster. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Not only cities and towns, but border areas and the Line of Control have also been placed on high alert to counter any possible cross-border infiltration attempts during the visit. Just ahead of Shahs arrival, security forces eliminated three Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists in two separate encounters in Jammu province. Union Home Minister Amit Shah will begin his three-day tour of Jammu and Kashmir today. He is scheduled to arrive in Jammu and meet political leaders at the Raj Bhawan. Shah is also scheduled to visit the International Border (IB) in the Hiranagar sector of Kathua district, where he will inspect newly installed gadgets and equipment deployed by the Border Security Force (BSF) to prevent infiltration. Senior officers will brief him on the security situation and the BSFs counter-terror and counter-infiltration strategies aimed at foiling cross-border terror plans. As the countrys security chief, Shah will chair a major security review meeting with the Lieutenant Governor, senior Ministry of Home Affairs officials, and heads of security agencies, including the Intelligence Bureau (IB), Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), BSF, SIA, SSB, and the Jammu and Kashmir Police. The Home Minister will travel to Srinagar on Saturday morning to launch and inaugurate several development projects. He will also conduct a security review of the Kashmir Valley and receive briefings on the situation along the Line of Control and in border districts. After US President Donald Trump's claim that India had agreed to stop buying Russian oil, the Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal on Thursday clarified that the government has earlier also stated that ensuring the energy security of 1.4 billion Indian citizens is the priority of the Indian government. During a press briefing, the MEA Spokesperson said that India has a long-standing partner with Venezuela in the area of energy. Jaiswal said, "The government has stated publicly on several occasions that ensuring the energy security of 1.4 billion Indians is the supreme priority of our government. Diversifying our energy sourcing in keeping with objective market conditions and evolving international dynamics is at the core of our strategy to ensure this. All of India's decisions were taken and will be taken with this in mind." Add Zee News as a Preferred Source He added, "As far as Venezuela is concerned, it has been a long-standing partner for us in the area of energy, both on the trade side and also on the investment side. We were importing energy and crude oil from Venezuela until 2019-20, after which we had to stop. Again, we began buying oil from Venezuela in 2023-24 but had to stop after sanctions were reimposed... Consistent with our approach to energy security, India remains open to exploring the commercial merits of any crude supply, including from Venezuela." Also Check- 'Nothing new, we are not the only supplier...': Moscow after Trump claims India will stop buying Russian oil Meanwhile, Russia also weighed in on the developments. Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Vladimirovna Zakharova said there was no reason to believe India would reconsider its energy cooperation with Russia. "No reason to believe India has reconsidered its approach to energy cooperation with Russia," Zakharova said, adding, "The trade in resources is beneficial for both sides and contributes to maintaining stability in the international energy market." Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov also said, "We, along with all other international energy experts, are well aware that Russia is not the only supplier of oil and petroleum products to India. India has always purchased these products from other countries. Therefore, we see nothing new here." India-US trade deal Trump made the remarks regarding New Delhi's oil trade with Moscow following the announcement of the India-US trade deal, claiming that India would stop buying oil and shift toward increased purchases from the US and Venezuela. "We spoke about many this including Trade, and ending the War with Russia and Ukraine agreed to stop buying Russian Oil, and to buy much more fr the United States and, potentially, Venezuela. This will help THE WAR in Ukraine, which is taking place right now, with thousands of people dying each and every week!" Trump wrote on his Truth Social post earlier this week. The trade deal was later confirmed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, though no statement was made regarding stopping Russian oil imports. The bilateral trade agreement between India and the United States was announced on Monday, with tariffs on Indian goods reduced from 50 per cent to 18 per cent. In a press conference on Tuesday, Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said the final agreement is in its last stages, a view echoed by US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, who stated the deal is "still being papered." (with ANI inputs) New Delhi: After finalising the trade deal, India and the United States are moving toward a major defense agreement involving maritime surveillance. India is set to acquire six P-8I anti-submarine warfare and maritime patrol aircraft in a deal valued at nearly $3 billion. Once finalised, this deal will enhance the countrys ability to monitor sensitive maritime zones and respond to potential threats. The Indian Navy already operates a fleet of 12 P-8I maritime patrol aircraft based in Arakkonam and Goa, which provide surveillance along both the eastern and western coasts. These aircraft form the backbone of Indias naval reconnaissance capabilities and are instrumental in monitoring regional maritime activity. The purchase of the six new P-8I aircraft has been under discussion for some time. Defense officials indicate that the proposal will soon be submitted to the Ministry of Defence for approval, following which it must receive clearance from the Cabinet Committee on Security. Negotiations had previously stalled over pricing concerns, but the present trade deal has given momentum to the acquisition. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source The P-8I aircraft are expected to become the central platform for Indias naval monitoring operations. They will be used to strengthen surveillance over important areas, including maritime routes and zones where Chinese and Pakistani activity is closely watched. The acquisition is part of an effort to expand Indias aerial and unmanned reconnaissance capabilities. In addition to the P-8I aircraft, the Indian Navy is set to incorporate 15 MQ-9C Guardian high-altitude long-endurance surveillance drones by 2029. These drones will enhance unmanned monitoring capabilities across strategic regions. The Indian armed forces are also adding 87 medium-altitude long-endurance drones to further strengthen maritime reconnaissance, with a substantial number designated for naval operations. With this combination of manned and unmanned platforms, India is preparing to expand its maritime surveillance reach, ensuring a stronger presence across critical sea lanes and reinforcing its defense readiness. The names in the document trove, which features real evidence and unverified information from tip lines. All these people should answer questions regarding their possible involvement, as should anyone and everyone whose names appear on these documents. No one should be able to walk away from an accusation like this without interrogation. Talk about it It is entirely possible that some of these allegations now, apparently, including allegations of even greater offenses than sexual abuse against minors are false. To a certain extent, the sheer amount of revelatory information belies belief. But such is the nature of the entire Epstein situation. As the information pours in, the more incredible the truth seems to be. Much like the Sean Combs trial, the more we learn the extent of the depravity, the more likely people will try to explain it all with conspiracy theories. But underneath the accusations that have gotten everyone's attention, one truth remains clear, though few seem to have considered it: The truly wealthy, the people who are yacht-and-helicopter rich and hold true power in our world, all know one another and operate in similar social circles. Regardless of political differences, the Clintons have always been friends with the Trumps. They have attended one another's weddings and rites of passage. The terribly rich Epsteins of the world have always rubbed elbows with the likes of royalty and Richard Branson. Which is to say, the conspiracy theorists were right. There are secret political cliques, happily discussing changes in the world order over drinks before asking when exactly "will be the wildest party on your island?" Talk about movin' After the files were released, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche told CNN's Dana Bash, "I can't talk about any investigations, but I will say the following, which is that in July, the Department of Justice said that we had reviewed the files, the Epstein files, and there was nothing in there that allowed us to prosecute anybody." "The entire world can look at and see if we got it wrong," he added. The entire world is looking. And while most of us are not lawyers, we also live in a moment in history in which journalists are being arrested for attending protests and a man was put on trial for throwing a Subway sandwich at federal agents. We are not inclined to trust officials investigating possible crimes in which their boss is named. It seems strange that given the sheer amount of content, which includes emails, photographs and other correspondence connecting financially and socially powerful people to Epstein, that Blanche would dismiss even the possibility of an inquiry or deposition. "There's a lot of horrible photographs that appear to be taken by Mr. Epstein or people around him, but that doesn't necessarily allow us to prosecute somebody," he said. Politicians in the U.K. and Slovakia have already resigned after being implicated in the new document release. But, as the mostly female and incredibly powerless survivors have pointed out, little to nothing has been done on the American side. The only person held accountable is serving an increasingly more comfortable sentence at the president's behest. All this underscores the real lesson of the entire Epstein mess: There are different rules for the ultra wealthy. The ultra wealthy can buy American citizenship (see Nicki Minaj), the ultra wealthy can smuggle huge amounts drugs into the U.S. and be pardoned (see former Honduran president Juan Orlando Hernandez), the ultra wealthy can ask that their names be redacted from the Epstein papers, even as the names of those abused remain. Or as the victims themselves put it, "the latest release of Jeffrey Epstein files is being sold as transparency but what it actually does is expose survivors." Gotta move on The group of Epstein survivors added: "This is not over. We will not stop until the truth is fully revealed and every perpetrator is finally held accountable." But who will hold these perpetrators accountable? A government full of people named in the files? An attorney general who has vowed to protect the president from attack? "Accountability" implies a world order grounded in fairness. But right now, as the president and his family enriches itself to the tune of over $3 billion in one year alone, while also suing the federal government it controls for another $10 billion, it's evident that none of the people in power are willing to go against their own. When you're wealthy enough, it doesn't matter if you're a Democrat or Republican. No amount of money should prevent justice from being served. Every single person involved or named should be dragged into a hearing or put in jail for shirking their subpoenas. That's what actual accountability would look like, and we all deserve as much, before we forget what justice looks like. Adriana E. Ramirez is a Mexican-Colombian writer, critic, and performance poet based in Pittsburgh. Previously: (COMMENT, BELOW) New Delhi: Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on Thursday that the first phase of the bilateral trade agreement between India and the United States is ready, with a joint statement likely to be issued within the next four to five days. He added that the formal legal agreement is expected to be signed around mid-March. Goyal said that once the joint statement is released, the United States is likely to issue an executive order bringing tariffs down to 18 per cent. He made these remarks during the signing ceremony of the Terms of Reference (ToR) for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Highlighting the scale of Indias expanding economic engagement with Washington, Goyal said Indias orders for US aircraft, engines and related equipment alone are expected to cross USD 100 billion. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal offered clarity on the technical aspects of the agreement, explaining the difference between tariff systems in the two countries. He said US tariffs are executive in nature, while India follows the Most Favoured Nation (MFN) framework, meaning any reduction in Indias MFN tariffs can only take effect after the legal agreement is formally signed. Earlier, Goyal reiterated that India and the US are complementary economies and that the trade deal would be mutually beneficial. Negotiations for the bilateral trade agreement gained momentum following Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to the US in February 2025. The deal was formally announced after a phone conversation between Prime Minister Modi and US President Donald Trump on February 2. Responding to concerns raised in the Lok Sabha, Goyal said negotiations have been ongoing at multiple levels for nearly a year, with both sides ensuring protection for their sensitive sectors while maximising overall gains. He stressed that India had secured safeguards for key areas such as agriculture and dairy, while accommodating sectors considered sensitive by the US. The proposed bilateral trade agreement, initiated in February 2025, aims to more than double India-US trade from the current USD 191 billion to USD 500 billion by 2030. Meanwhile, the GCC FTA signing ceremony was attended by senior officials, including Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal, Indias chief negotiator Ajay Bhadoo, GCC chief negotiator Raja Al Marzouki, GCC FTA Director General Abulrazzaq Aljraid, and MEA Additional Secretary Aseem Mahajan. Goyal said the agreement would open up major opportunities for MSMEs, farmers, fishermen, youth and the manufacturing sector, with food processing, infrastructure and petrochemicals expected to see significant benefits. (with ANI inputs) The Nasscom US CEO Forum met in Washington, DC, on February 45 to discuss the IndiaUS technology and trade partnership. According to a statement released by Nasscom, the industry aims to support a joint target of USD 500 billion in bilateral trade. This meeting followed the announcement of a trade deal between the two countries. The group convened on Capitol Hill to discuss innovation, AI, supply chains, and job creation. Indian technology companies play a substantial role in the growth of the US economy. These companies contribute USD 103 billion to the US GDP, as per the Nasscom release. These firms support more than half a million jobs across 25 states in the US. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Forum members also discussed collaboration across the AI value chain. This work aligns with the Pax Silica coalition. Indian firms are seeking to expand their roles in silicon design and advanced platforms. Another key point discussed at the forum was energy security. According to the release, energy security emerged as a strategic priority at the forum, with the United States scaling AI-critical energy capacity and India integrating green and nuclear energy to support next-generation data centres. Indian technology companies are increasingly contributing to AI-driven energy optimisation, grid analytics, and digital infrastructure, reinforcing the resilience of the US innovation ecosystem, the release added. The delegation also met with Members of Congress and administration officials. These included Senator Ron Wyden and Deputy US Trade Representative Ambassador Rick Switzer. Rajesh Nambiar, President of Nasscom, said the trade deal provides macro predictability as technology and talent become central to global competitiveness. He stated that the forum wants to move the partnership from collaboration to co-creation. Amit Chadha, CEO of L&T Technology Services, said the two countries have a generational opportunity for a technology alliance. He noted that Indian firms are deeply embedded in the success of US enterprises. The forum followed a vision set by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump. It positions technology as a cornerstone of growth. The platform also included leaders from government, industry, and academia. India-US Trade Deal: US President Donald Trump on Sunday announced a trade deal with India, highlighting that the agreement included a reduction in American tariffs on Indian goods to 18 percent. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several government ministers described the deal as a major achievement. However, Opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi, raised concerns that the agreement overlooked the interests of farmers and the dairy sector. Responding to these concerns, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal emphasised that no compromise had been made on the interests of the agriculture and dairy sectors. He added that the final details of the trade deal were still being finalised and that India and the United States would issue a joint statement soon. Statements by President Trump and US Agriculture Secretary Brook Rollins have led to the controversy in New Delhi. The US president said that India would eliminate tariffs and non-tariff barriers on American goods, and that New Delhi had agreed to increase purchases of American products across energy, technology, agriculture, coal and other sectors worth over $500 billion. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source The US Agriculture Secretary described the deal as beneficial for American farmers, highlighting that it would expand access to Indias vast market and help reduce the US agricultural trade deficit with India by $1.3 billion. Analysts say the deal was delayed because India raised concerns. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar had earlier emphasised the need to protect the countrys priorities and red lines. India focussed on several issues in the trade deal, especially farming and dairy products. Indias agriculture sector sustains around 70 crore people, representing nearly half of the countrys population, and employs about half of the workforce. Despite its central role in livelihoods, the sector contributes roughly 15 percent to Indias GDP. The United States has long urged India to open its agricultural sector for trade. The nation has maintained a careful approach, citing food security, livelihoods and farmer welfare. Trade discussions have focussed heavily on agricultural exports, with India exporting rice, shrimp and spices, while importing nuts, apples and pulses from the United States. Washington has sought greater access for crops like corn, soybeans and cotton to reduce its $45 billion trade deficit with India. Experts have warned that concessions on tariffs could pressure India to reduce its minimum support prices (MSP) and public procurement, which safeguard farmers by ensuring fair prices and purchase guarantees. The dairy sector has also been a major concern. India leads global milk production. It produced 23.92 crore tons in 2023-24 and exported 63,738 tons of dairy products valued at $27.26 million, mainly to the UAE, Saudi Arabia, the United States, Bhutan and Singapore. Import tariffs in India are substantial, with cheese at 30 percent, butter at 40 percent and milk powder at 60 percent. It makes imports from countries like New Zealand and Australia less profitable despite lower prices. Experts say allowing American dairy products could cut local prices by at least 15 percent, possibly costing Indian farmers up to Rs 1.03 lakh crore a year and turning India from a milk producer into a milk importer. A further issue in the dairy debate is non-veg milk. Reports suggest that some US dairy products use animal-based feed containing meat by-products, which is culturally sensitive in India. Milk from cows fed such feed is considered unsuitable for consumption by a large vegetarian population, creating additional concerns about opening Indias market to US dairy products. Energy and oil purchases are a central point of discussion. The United States previously imposed punitive tariffs of 50 percent, including a 25 percent levy on Russian oil purchases by India. Trump has repeatedly pressed India to stop buying Russian crude and instead increase purchases of American oil. He claimed that India had agreed to end Russian oil imports and replace them with oil from the US and Venezuela. Indian officials have not confirmed this publicly, though Russian oil imports have been declining. Petroleum Minister Hardeep Puri said that Russias supply to India had fallen to 1.3 million barrels per day (down from 1.8 million last year). India continues to assert strategic autonomy despite US pressure to reduce its ties with Russia. Defence acquisitions are also expected to feature prominently in the deal. Experts suggest that the United States may press India for large-scale purchases across commercial aviation, helicopters and even nuclear reactors. While India continues to maintain strong defence ties with Russia, its share of Russian military imports has fallen from 82 percent during 2006-10 to 36 percent between 2020-24. Trump had also offered F-35 fighter jets during a visit by Modi to Washington in February last year, though these jets are costly. Its each unit is priced at around $8 million. India faces a choice between purchasing the expensive F-35 or strengthening domestic production of Russian Su-57 stealth fighters while maintaining defence cooperation with Russia. Analysts says that costs, maintenance and operational challenges of the F-35 present hurdles for India. Indias trade deal with the United States spans multiple critical sectors. Agriculture, dairy, energy and defence all carry substantial economic, cultural and strategic considerations, making the path forward delicate. Government sources indicate that negotiations are ongoing and that the final agreement will balance domestic priorities with opportunities for enhanced bilateral trade. India-US ties: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is in the United States for the Critical Minerals Ministerial hosted by the US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio. Speaking about his meetings with the US Secretary, the EAM said that the two side reviewed their bilateral cooperation and added that topics such as the Indo-Pacific, West Asia, and Ukraine were discussed. Speaking further about the meetings, EAM Jaishankar said the discussions ranged from global developments to India-US ties. "We did a fairly detailed review of our bilateral cooperation. It's natural when foreign ministers meet that you discuss the diplomatic agenda. Also, the calendar - what do we expect each one of us to do this year together, so a lot of our discussion was devoted to that, the bilateral side. But again, foreign ministers meet, and we talk about our business: the Indo-Pacific, what is happening in West Asia, the Middle East, Gaza, and the Ukraine conflict. There was a kind of global review of what was happening in the Western Hemisphere. In a sense, we discussed the world, we discussed our relationship, and it was a very open sort of forthcoming conversation," he said. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source At the Critical Minerals meet, the EAM underlined India's support for the FORGE (Forum on Resource, Geostrategic Engagement) initiative. "I am here to attend the Critical Minerals Ministerial, which was convened by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and a number of countries, nearly 50 countries were here. The meeting is going on today, and it was the principal reason. The discussion was very good. Critical minerals are a very important subject; the US has been a partner for some years. Today, they have launched a new edition - FORGE, which we have supported. It is a successor to the Mineral Security Partnership. To me, it was a productive and outcome-oriented meeting," the EAM stated. Meanwhile, earlier during his address to the ministerial, EAM Jaishankar emphasised that "excessive concentration" in critical mineral supply chains poses a major global risk. Furthermore, he called for structured international cooperation to "de-risk" them, as India deepens engagement with the US-led framework on strategic minerals. Jaishankar's remarks come as India's engagement in the US-led critical minerals dialogue marks a decisive shift from strategic intent to industrial execution. The announcement of dedicated rare earth corridors in India's 2026 Budget is a particularly important signal, as it reflects a move beyond resource security toward building domestic processing, separation, magnet manufacturing, and downstream capabilities. India-US trade deal The EAM's visit coincides with the agreement between India and the US on a trade deal. The Minister says that a detailed account of the negotiations is now underway. Speaking to ANI on the sidelines of the Critical Minerals meet in Washington DC EAM Jaishankar said, "It was not with me, because that is being handled by Commerce and Industries Minister Piyush Goyal (the negotiations on the trade deal). The Prime Minister and the US President had a conversation; some announcements came out of it. Thereafter, a detailing of the trade negotiations is underway as we speak." Earlier, speaking in Parliament, Piyush Goyal, Minister of Commerce and Industry of India, highlighted that both countries have finalised several areas of a bilateral trade agreement following intensive negotiations. Before this, US President Donald Trump had said that Washington and New Delhi "have agreed to a trade deal" with the US reducing the reciprocal tariff from 25 per cent to 18 per cent. (with ANI inputs) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday took a dig at Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and said he could sit and shout slogans, given his age. During his reply to the Motion of Thanks to the President's Address, in the Rajya Sabha, PM said, "..Looking at the age of Kharge ji, I urge you, the Chairman, to let him sit and sloganeer so that he faces no discomfort. There are young people at the back. So, please permit Kharge ji to sloganeer even while sitting." #WATCH | As Opposition MPs create ruckus in Rajya Sabha, PM Modi says, "...Looking at the age of Kharge ji, I urge you, the Chairman, to let him sit and sloganeer so that he faces no discomfort. There are young people at the back. So, please permit Kharge ji to sloganeer even pic.twitter.com/KftNfomdyh ANI (@ANI) February 5, 2026 Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Speaking further, he said, "The first quarter of the 21st century has completed. But this second quarter is decisive, just like the second quarter of India's freedom struggle in the last century was. I can clearly see that in the direction of building Viksit Bharat, this second quarter is going to be equally capable." "In the journey of Viksit Bharat, previous years have been the years of rapid development of the country. This has been the era of change in every walk of life, in evey section of society. The country is going ahead in the right direction at a fast pace," the PM added. Meanwhile, the Opposition MPs walked out from Rajya Sabha as Prime Minister Narendra Modi continues his reply on the Motion of Thanks to the President's Address. Opposition MPs walkout from Rajya Sabha as Prime Minister Narendra Modi continues his reply on Motion of Thanks to the President's Address. https://t.co/2nA2wZ6rBg pic.twitter.com/CouekWMU6B ANI (@ANI) February 5, 2026 The prime Minsiter continued his speech and further highlighted, "If we look at the present situation, India has been fortunate to receive several favourable opportunities at the same time. This, in itself, is a very positive coincidence. I believe the most important point is that while even the worlds prosperous countries are becoming ageing societies, our country is moving forward and touching new heights of development..." "On the other hand, I observe that global attraction towards India is continuously increasing, and the world is increasingly recognizing the greatness of Indias talent. Today, India possesses one of the most significant and youthful talent pools in the worldone that carries dreams, determination, and capability..." PM said. "...India today has become a trusted ally of many nations. Standing shoulder to shoulder with others, India is fulfilling its rightful role in promoting global welfare and extending support through its capabilities and strengths" PM Modi added. Continuing his attack on the Opposition, PM said, "Those immersed in vote-bank politics never gave priority to strengthening the many aspects of the nation... As far as the Congress party is concerned, I would urge the people of the country to analyze the speeches delivered by Congress Prime Ministers from the Red Fort. It will be clear that they had neither the thinking nor the vision..." Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "Those immersed in vote-bank politics never gave priority to strengthening the many aspects of the nation... As far as the Congress party is concerned, I would urge the people of the country to analyze the speeches delivered by Congress pic.twitter.com/ntx2Ftu2g6 IANS (@ians_india) February 5, 2026 PM Modi highlighted that in the past few days, India has signed trade deals with 9 big and important countries of the world. Mother of all deals with 27 countries, with the European Union is one of them..." In a big move, the Indian Air Force has reportedly decided to deploy the Israeli X-Guard on the Tejas Mk2 fighter jet to enhance lethality while protecting the aircraft from enemy radars. Notably, the same was deployed on Rafale fighter jets during Operation Sindoor and it successfully helped India evade Pakistani radars and air defence systems. While Pakistan shot down a decoy, it believed that it killed a Rafale. This way, India got away with its plan and bombarded terror sites. What is an X-Guard? X-guard is popularly called Latkan Baba in the Indian military fraternity for its deployment style and work. Israeli X-Guard is an AI-enabled, fibre-optic towed decoy that spoofs enemy radars & missiles, rather than just passively jamming them. According to the Israeli defence firm Rafael, the cutting-edge, lightweight, reusable towed decoy is integrated with the fighter aircrafts EW suite to provide high-value active protection that defeats the most sophisticated radars, dramatically increasing aircraft survivability of the aircraft. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source The high ERP solid state antenna array defeats advanced tracking radars, including Monopulse and Lobe-On-Receive-Only (LORO) radar types, and counters radarguided air-to-air and surface-to-air missiles. Deployed either when the aircraft approaches a threatened area or upon detection of an imminent threat, it is retractable in flight using an advanced reel-out/reel-in mechanism, and upon mission completion, is stowed inside the pod on the aircraft. X-GUARD maintains both electrical and fibre-optic continuity throughout the flight, reads the description on Rafaels website. Tejas Mk 2 Deployability Indias next-generation indigenous fighter aircraft, the Tejas MkII, is set to achieve a significant boost in survivability by becoming the first domestically built jet to feature the X-GUARD towed decoy system. This development elevates the Tejas MkII into the same defensive category as advanced Western frontline fighters and highlights the Indian Air Forces growing emphasis on electronic warfare and aircraft self-protection as core elements of future air combat operations, rather than secondary capabilities, said reports. The system enhances the aircrafts ability to operate within heavily defended airspace, significantly improving mission survivability across roles such as air dominance, deep-strike operations, and suppression of enemy air defences. When paired with the jets modern radar, sensors, and weapon systems, the towed decoy shifts the Tejas MkII from being merely a capable fighter to a far more robust and survivable combat platform. Maharashtra panchayat samiti elections: Ahead of the Maharashtra Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samiti elections, the Maharashtra government has declared February 7 as a paid holiday for employees working in industries, private companies and commercial establishments to promote maximum participation. In an official order, the states industries, labour, and mining department said the decision was taken to ensure that all registered voters aged 18 years and above are able to exercise their right to vote. The government has directed employers to grant paid leave to eligible employees on polling day so they can participate in the elections without any work-related constraints. The department noted that in previous elections, some establishments had failed to provide leave, effectively preventing employees from casting their votes despite legal provisions mandating such support. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Elections scheduled across the state Polling for 12 Zilla Parishads and 125 Panchayat Samitis across Maharashtra will be held on February 7, while the counting of votes is scheduled for February 9. The order makes it clear that employees who are registered voters in the constituencies where elections are being held must be granted paid leave, even if they are currently working outside those areas. The paid holiday directive applies to a wide range of establishments under the departments jurisdiction. These include factories, private companies, shops, and commercial establishments. It also covers retail outlets, residential hotels, eateries, lodging houses, theatres, trade and industrial units, information technology companies, shopping centres, malls, and similar workplaces. By extending the order to both traditional and modern sectors, the government aims to ensure that employees across industries are not denied their voting rights. (Also Read: Mumbai Shocker: Father rapes, impregnates PwD daughter; 17 men DNA tested) Special concessions In exceptional cases involving hazardous industries or essential public utility services, where a full-day holiday could lead to serious operational losses, employers have been directed to provide a special concession. In such cases, employees must be given a two- to three-hour break to enable them to vote. Voter turnout boost The decision follows instructions from the State Election Commission, which has been urging steps to improve voter turnout in local body elections. Officials said the move reinforces the importance of democratic participation and sends a strong message to employers about respecting employees voting rights. The government has stressed that compliance with the order is mandatory for all covered establishments. New Delhi: Marking a major advancement in Indias missile capabilities, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully tested the Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet (SFDR) technology. With this success, India joins a select group of countries, including the United States, Russia, France, China and Turkey, which possess this advanced technology. The SFDR is expected to strengthen the countrys long-range air-to-air missile capabilities and provide a strategic edge in aerial combat. It allows missiles to draw oxygen directly from the atmosphere during flight, eliminating the need to carry an oxidizer. It uses solid fuel, which is more stable and safer, reducing the overall weight of the missile. The technology enables missiles to carry more fuel, travel longer distances and strike targets that are far away or maneuver quickly. Once deployed, SFDR missiles are expected to enhance the beyond-visual-range (BVR) combat capabilities of Indian fighter jets and provide a tactical advantage. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source The system works through an air-breathing jet engine that compresses incoming air using the missiles forward speed rather than relying on complex moving parts like traditional jet engines. In a solid fuel ducted ramjet, the fuel burns in a controlled manner while atmospheric air flows through the engine. This allows continuous thrust at high speeds, unlike conventional rocket motors that burn fuel rapidly and then slow down. SFDR-powered missiles maintain high speed for longer, especially during the final phase of flight, making them faster, more controllable and harder for enemy aircraft to evade. The successful test of the SFDR has important strategic implications for India. Air-to-air missiles supported by this technology can maintain energy until the final strike, covering greater distances with precision. Fighter pilots will be able to engage enemy aircraft safely from longer ranges in BVR combat scenarios. Only a few countries across the globe have mastered this technology due to its engineering complexity, particularly maintaining stable combustion at supersonic speeds. For India, this achievement reduces dependence on foreign suppliers and strengthens the countrys defence capabilities. In a shocking crime that came after an intensive investigation, the police arrived at a conclusion that a 20-year-old Mumbai woman was raped by none other than her father. The woman, who is unable to hear or speak, was found to be five months pregnant after her family took her to the doctor over stomach ache complaint. The DNA test done by the police and hospital confirmed the foetus relation with the girls father. The incident happened in the Cuffe Parade area of Mumbai. The case came to light in September last year when the girl complained to her grandmother by hand gestures that she could feel an ache and an insect-like crawling inside her stomach. The girl was admitted to a city hospital, and after a medical examination that revelaed five months pregnancy, the hospital authorities informed the police. According to an NDTV report, police confirmed facing a communication problem while dealing with the case. The girl was unable and unwilling to make any statement at first. Then the officials spoke to her father, who not only dismissed sexual abuse speculation but also failed to explain how his daughter got pregnant. This raised doubts as he also refused to file an official complaint. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Meanwhile, the police officials counselled the girl to win her confidence and after that, she agreed to file a complaint. A case was officially registered the next day, on September 22. Based on the details shared by the survivor, police arrested two individualsthe second accused and the minor. Investigators also collected blood and DNA samples from 17 suspects, including the victims father, and compared them with the foetuss genetic profile to identify the perpetrator. The forensic report, submitted on January 27, showed a single match: the father. Police stated that the sexual assault occurred sometime between March and September 21 last year. Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi on Thursday took a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi following the latters address in the Rajya Sabha, questioning whether the Prime Minister was so panicked by questions. Taking to social media, Rahul Gandhi wrote: So much panic from questions? Modi ji, so scared of the truth Well, did what seemed right. His remarks came shortly after Prime Minister Modi launched a wide-ranging attack on the Opposition during his reply to the Motion of Thanks on the Presidents Address. Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) February 5, 2026 Add Zee News as a Preferred Source In his speech, the Prime Minister strongly criticised Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party over what he described as an objectionable and distasteful remark directed at Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu. Modi said that referring to the Sikh MP as a traitor amounted to an insult to the entire Sikh community. Calling a Sikh MP a traitor is unfortunate and unacceptable, the Prime Minister said, adding that such language reflected the Congress partys hateful mindset towards the community. He questioned why the party had neither expressed remorse nor apologised for the remark inside Parliament, warning that such conduct would ultimately drown the Congress party. The controversy stems from an incident on Wednesday near Makar Dwar outside Parliament, when Rahul Gandhi referred to Bittu as his traitor friend while extending a handshake, which the Union Minister declined. Ravneet Singh Bittu is a three-time MP and currently serves as Minister of State for Railways. Shifting focus, the Prime Minister praised the maiden Rajya Sabha speech of Sadanand Master, a BJP MP from Kerala, describing him as a source of inspiration. Recalling that Master had lost both his legs decades ago in a violent attack linked to ideological rivalry, Modi commended his resilience and dignified conduct. Despite living through excruciating circumstances, his demeanour shows no bitterness. His life is a lesson for all of us, the Prime Minister said, adding that Sadanand Masters calm and composure reflected the strength of his character. He also criticised Opposition members for failing to show due respect during Masters first address, noting that his speech had moved many in the House. In a sharp political attack, Modi accused previous Congress governments of misplaced priorities and policy rigidity, arguing that the Nehru-era Planning Commission was disconnected from the needs of ordinary citizens. He cited remarks by former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi from her collected speeches, Selected Speeches and Writings of Indira Gandhi, to underline his point. Quoting Indira Gandhi, Modi recalled her criticism of the Planning Commissions refusal to create separate development plans for hill states. She had narrated her experience in Himachal Pradesh, where she walked 20 to 22 kilometres a day due to a lack of roads, only to be told that funds could be sanctioned for a jeep but not for a mule, which was practically useful in the terrain. Jeep or nothing, the Planning Commission had insisted, according to the quoted speech. The Prime Minister said these examples highlighted policy paralysis, red tape and inflexibility, which ultimately led the NDA government to dismantle the Planning Commission. Modi also referred to Indira Gandhis remarks comparing the population size during her tenure with that of her father, Jawaharlal Nehru, who she said viewed India as having 35 crore problems. Drawing a contrast, Modi said that with 140 crore citizens today, India possesses 140 crore solutions. This difference in thinking defines us, he said, asserting that his government focuses on empowerment and opportunity rather than treating citizens as a burden. Continuing his critique of the Congress, Modi accused the party of appropriating the Gandhi surname for political gain. For some, chori karna is a tradition, he said, alleging that the party had adopted the surname of Mahatma Gandhi without a legitimate connection. He contrasted this with what he described as his governments forward-looking vision, reiterating the goal of transforming India into a developed nation by 2047. Questioning the Congresss long-standing slogan Garibi Hatao, Modi asked what tangible outcomes it had delivered, claiming the slogan was used primarily for political mobilisation. By contrast, he said, his government had focused on empowering the poor, crediting welfare schemes for enabling 25 crore people to rise out of poverty. He praised beneficiaries for effectively implementing these initiatives at the grassroots level. The Prime Minister highlighted progress across sectors, including space, science, technology, green hydrogen, artificial intelligence, deep-sea exploration and rare earths, stating that global interest in Indias growth story was creating new opportunities. He urged citizens to prioritise quality and excellence so that Made in India and Made in Bharat products earn global recognition. The session concluded with procedural matters. Amendments to the Motion of Thanks were put to a vote and defeated, with most of the proposing members absent during voting. The main Motion of Thanks was subsequently adopted by voice vote, formally bringing the debate to a close. (With IANS inputs) Tamil Nadu: Tamil Nadu agriculture minister MRK Panneerselvam triggered a row by his remarks linking migrant workers from northern states to menial jobs and defending the state's two-language policy. Speaking at a public event, Paneerselvam said people who are from north who have "learnt only Hindi" have limited job opportunities in southern states further mentioning they often end up in low paying roles, while students from within the state are benefitted from learning Both Tamil and English. The minister said people from northern states are coming to Tamil Nadu to work in low-paying jobs such as cleaning tables, construction labour and selling pani puri, claiming they know only Hindi. In contrast, he said children from Tamil Nadu, having followed a two-language policy and gained strong English skills, are moving abroad to places like the US and London, where they are securing high-paying opportunities and earning in crores. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source This comments of him quickly drew criticism from leaders of opposition parties who termed it insensitive and divisive. Facing criticism over the remarks, leaders of the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) moved to contain the fallout. Party spokesperson Dr Syed Hafeezullah said that every lawful occupation carries dignity and clarified that the DMK does not oppose Hindi-speaking people or the nature of their work. He said the ministers comments were meant to underline Tamil Nadus two-language policy and the states long-standing focus on English as a gateway to global opportunities. According to him, the two-language framework has played a key role in the states progress, with English enabling better education and wider employment prospects internationally. He added that the lack of similar emphasis on English in several Hindi-speaking states has affected educational growth there. DMK Lok Sabha MP T.R. Baalu also said the ministers remarks had been taken out of context and insisted there was no intent to insult people from northern states. He reiterated the partys consistent stand against what it describes as the imposition of Hindi. The remarks also drew responses from leaders of other political parties. Congress MP Karti Chidambaram said Tamil Nadus economy relies heavily on migrant workers from different states and emphasised that they are both welcome and safe in the state, terming the comments irresponsible. Samajwadi Party MP Awadhesh Prasad strongly criticised the statement, calling it insulting to people from northern India. JD(U) MP Sanjay Jha, meanwhile, said workers from the northern states have made significant contributions to economic growth wherever they have been employed across the country. At a recent summit, Tamil Nadu Industries Minister T.R.B. Rajaa said the state government is not opposed to Hindi-speaking people, but has a responsibility to safeguard and promote the Tamil language. He noted that large foreign communities live and work in Tamil Nadu without any linguistic conflict, underscoring the states inclusive approach. West Bengal has a complex political landscape, with voter concerns ranging from necessities such as employment to serious issues like womens safety. In such a scenario, Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has built a strong base for herself and her party in the state. It is safe to say that she is among the most influential women leaders in the country. However, political dominance can invite complacency, and it would be unwise to assume that she faces no challenge. Banerjee has been in power since 2011, having ended the three-decade-long rule of the CPI(M)-led Left Front government. Before this, she served as a Union Minister and rose through the ranks from grassroots politics. Today, her influence extends beyond Bengal, and she has repeatedly locked horns with the central government on various issues. With the state already gripped by political fervour, the TMC needs to confront ground realities. While Banerjee remains the partys strongest face, she cannot single-handedly carry it to victory, nor can unresolved governance issues be brushed aside. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Also Read- Bengal election 2026: Factors that could hurt CM Mamata Banerjee's TMC | Analysis 2021 vs 2026: What is different? To understand emerging trends in Bengal, it is important to examine past electoral performances: All India Trinamool Congress (TMC): 213 (2021) | 211 (2016) Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP): 77 (2021) | 3 (2016) Indian National Congress: 0 (2021) | 44 (2016) CPI(M): 0 (2021) | 26 (2016) While the TMC marginally improved its tally in 2021 compared to 2016, the BJPs dramatic rise stands out. Simultaneously, the Congress and Left were wiped out. This signals a dual warning for Banerjee: the BJP has gained substantial ground, and Bengals electoral contest has effectively narrowed to a bipolar fight between TMC and BJP. The 2021 elections witnessed aggressive campaigning around regional identity, illegal migration, employment, and governance. As the 2026 polls approach, these issues remain central. The BJP has intensified its focus on illegal migration, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah repeatedly targeting the state government over the management of the India-Bangladesh international border (IB). Shah has claimed that multiple letters seeking land allocation for the Border Security Force went unanswered. During a rally in Bagdogra, he also stated that if the BJP comes to power, land for the BSF would be handed over within 45 days. While illegal migration is not a new concern, its effects have led it to become a national issue. Beyond this, the TMC faces challenges on several fronts- legal, political, and narrative-driven. A key flashpoint has been Banerjees strong opposition to the Election Commission of Indias Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter rolls. Her public confrontation with the poll body and subsequent legal challenge, including personally presenting her case before the Supreme Court, has drawn national attention. Additionally, her strained relationship with the BJP-led central government continues to affect centre-state coordination. With Banerjee at the helm, friction between the two is likely to persist. Local governance and womens safety also remain critical issues. The opposition has frequently targeted the TMC over law-and-order concerns and high-profile incidents, keeping these matters alive in the public discourse. Banerjees leadership style, marked by direct engagement and street protests, has become a personality-driven political brand for both her and the TMC. As the 2026 election season intensifies, she faces a multi-layered challenge. How she navigates this terrain will not only determine the TMCs electoral prospects but also shape the future political narrative of West Bengal. New Delhi : The Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs, L Murugan, told the Parliament on Thursday that the "present average time" taken for certification of a film is 18 days against the prescribed time limit of 48 working days. Murugan was replying to a question raised by the Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra in the Lok Sabha. After the implementation of the "online Certification System, the present average time taken for certification is 18 working days for feature films and three working days for short films," he said as quoted in a press release by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (MIB). Add Zee News as a Preferred Source "The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) functions in accordance with the Cinematograph Act, 1952, and the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024. Under Rule 37 of the said Rules, the prescribed time limit for certification of films is 48 working days. With the implementation of the Online Certification System, the present average time taken for certification is 18 working days for feature films and 3 working days for short films," read the press note by MIB. As per the year-wise details of films certified for theatre release by the CBFC, in 2025-2026, a total of 2248 films were certified, with 55 challenged before the Revising Committees and 10 before the High Court since the abolition of the Film Certification Appellate Tribunal (FCAT) in 2021. The time taken for disposal of films in the Revising Committee is within the timeframe prescribed under Rule 37(7) of the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024, as per the press note. The response came amid the ongoing legal battle between the makers of Thalapathy Vijay's 'Jana Nayagan' and CBFC over the delay of the certification of the film. The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) had earlier filed a caveat application seeking to be heard before the Supreme Court passes any order on the ongoing matter regarding the release and certification of the film Jana Nayagan. The filmmaker KVN Productions moved the apex court on January 15, challenging the High Court's decision that had impeded the release of its film, scheduled for release on January 9. However, the top court declined to entertain the plea. A bench of Justices Deepankar Datta and A G Masih heard the matter and asked the Madras High Court to decide the case. The Madras High Court on January 27 set aside an earlier order passed by a single-judge bench (of the High Court) which directed the CBFC to grant Jana Nayagan the U/A certification. (ANI) New Delhi: The Delhi High Court on Thursday rejected Bollywood actor Rajpal Naurang Yadav's final attempt to avoid imprisonment in a series of cheque dishonour cases and directed that he must surrender before jail authorities before any further hearing can be granted. The development came after Yadav failed to comply with the surrender deadline fixed by the Court, following repeated violations of undertakings regarding payment of settlement amounts to the complainant company. Senior Lawyer appearing for the actor, submitted that Yadav was ready to deposit Rs 25 lakh immediately and that both parties had tentatively agreed upon a repayment schedule for the remaining dues. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source However, the Court declined to grant any relief, observing that Yadav had already been directed to surrender on February 4, 2026. Justice Sharma stated that since the actor had failed to comply with the surrender order, he would be heard only after he hands himself over to the jail authorities. Also Read | Rajpal Yadav directed to surrender by Delhi High Court over multiple cheque bounce cases by February 4 Following the Court's observation, Yadav's counsel informed the bench that the actor would surrender at Tihar Jail later in the day. The Court clarified that once Yadav surrenders, he would be at liberty to file an appropriate application in accordance with law. The High Court had earlier withdrawn the leniency extended to Yadav and directed him to surrender before the concerned Jail Superintendent by February 4, 2026, at 4 PM. The Court held that the actor had repeatedly violated undertakings given to clear settlement dues. The sentence awarded by the trial court had been suspended in June 2024 to facilitate settlement between the parties. The Court noted that such relief had been granted solely on the basis of assurances that the dispute would be amicably resolved and payments would be made. However, the Court recorded that commitments made in successive judicial orders were not honoured. Despite clear timelines being fixed on multiple occasions, Yadav failed to make payments amounting to several crores of rupees. The Court further observed that even partial payments promised through demand drafts and instalment schedules were not deposited within the stipulated time. Rejecting explanations relating to technical or typographical errors in demand drafts, the Court held that such reasons did not inspire confidence, particularly in view of the consistent pattern of default. Justice Swarna Kanta Sharma also took adverse note of the fact that undertakings were given in open court through senior counsel and that additional time had been granted based on the petitioner's instructions. Despite this, no formal application was filed seeking clarification or rectification, and repeated assurances of payment were followed by requests for adjournments without compliance. Taking note of the repeated breach of undertakings and admitted liability, the High Court declined to extend any further indulgence. It also directed that the amounts already deposited with the Registrar General be released in favour of the complainant company. Just as Bindiya Ke Bahubali Season 2 premiered streaming on Amazon Prime Video & Amazon MX Player this January, 2026, the director Raj Amit Kumar in an interview with Zee News Digital, opened up on his new series, ensemble star cast, upcoming projects and more. Q. What's new in Bindiya Ke Bahubali fresh season? The first season was only a set up, and second season is payoff. So watch first before seeing second, and then get ready for an explosive ride. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Q. Which character you connect with the most from the series? All characters are written by me ... .don't ask who is the favorite child of a mother! Q. How easy or difficult is it to work with seasoned actors like Ranvir Shorey, Saurabh Shukla, Seema Biswas and Dibyendu Bhattacharya? Easy and difficult should not be the questions! They all bring talent and skill to the set. And I am there to do my job and try to create a world from it. Q. Did you expect Bindiya Ke Bahubali to get a warm response? You make a movie and then you are done with it. We care about response only in the context that it can help other movies of ours get made, and in the particular case of BkB, more seasons can be made because this is a very long saga. So I am pleased that it's doing well. Q. Like actors, every director has a 'dream cast' list or a project he/she wants to work around someday. What's yours? I dont. Casting is always in the context of characters one has written. Q. Tell us about your upcoming projects My third film Brown, story of an illegal immigrant chased by ICE in America, is now ready to be taken out to the world. And I am in talks with producers for three films - one is a chase thriller, another is a crime psychological thriller, and third is a one building a murder mystery. About Bindiya Ke Bahubali season 2 Bindiya Ke Bahubali season 2 is all about the political power struggle into a brutal family war. Dark and intense - the conflict between Bade Davan and Chhote Davan escalates with shifting alliances and deadly consequences. Season 2 promises high-stakes drama, sharp writing, and characters pushed to their breaking points. New Delhi: Veteran dancer-actress Kalpana Iyer, best remembered for the iconic number Ramba Ho Ho Ho from the 1981 film Armaan, has reflected on the changing position of dancers in the Indian film industry while praising global star Nora Fatehi for redefining success beyond Bollywood. Speaking about the evolution of dance culture in cinema in a podcast, Kalpana recalled a time when dancers were celebrated for individual moments rather than sustained careers. Until they started happening, she was the queen, Kalpana said while acknowledging how Nora Fatehi once occupied a unique space in popular dance culture. She further noted that Noras ability to build a career independent of films marked a major shift for performers. She doesnt depend only on movies. Shes smart enough to take the decision, Kalpana added Kalpana highlighted how Nora Fatehi expanded the ecosystem for dancers by moving beyond Hindi cinema into global pop culture. Over the years, Nora has performed on international stages, collaborated with global artists such as Jason Derulo (Snake), Rayvanny (Tetema), and Shenseea (Just A Girl), and appeared at major international award ceremonies. Her debut on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon marked her first American television appearance, cementing her position as a global performer. The journey continues with Nora recently announcing an upcoming international collaboration with David Guetta and Ciara for the track Firestarter. Kalpanas remarks come at a time when she herself is witnessing renewed popularity. Recently, a video of her recreating her famous Ramba Ho Ho Ho dance at a family wedding went viral on social media, evoking nostalgia among fans. Sharing the clip, Kalpana wrote in the caption, Grateful for all the love, kindness and blessings to each one of you forever. In the video, Kalpana is seen performing the signature steps in a purple silk sari paired with a black-and-gold blouse as guests cheer her on during the wedding celebrations. The song has also found new resonance with younger audiences after being referenced in Ranveer Singhs blockbuster film Dhurandhar, introducing Kalpana Iyers work to a fresh generation and bringing her legacy back into popular conversation. About Kalpana Iyer Kalpana Iyer rose to prominence with her memorable dance numbers in films such as Satte Pe Satta, Bade Dilwala, Hum Paanch, Laadla and Anjaam. She is also remembered for her role as Sangeeta in Hum Saath Saath Hain, where she played one of Reema Lagoos close friends. She reportedly left Bollywood in 1999 and later moved to Dubai. New Delhi: The Dalai Lama is the highest spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism, but his teachings resonate with people across the globe. His quotes focus on compassion, inner peace, and human connection, emphasizing kindness as a universal religion and the pursuit of happiness through inner calm rather than external power. Quote of the Day "My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness." Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Meaning of the Quote The quote My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness by the Dalai Lama means that the true essence of any belief system lies in practicing kindness and compassion rather than merely following rituals or religious labels. He emphasizes that being a good human being is more important than belonging to a particular religion. Through this statement, he suggests that kindness is a universal value that connects all people and should guide our actions in everyday life. Ultimately, the quote teaches that humanity, empathy, and love for others are the highest forms of spirituality. Dalai Lamas Early Life The 14th Dalai Lama was born as Lhamo Thondup on 6 July 1935 in the small village of Taktser in Amdo (present-day Qinghai, China). He came from a humble family of farmers and was one of several siblings. Interestingly, more than one child in his family was recognized as a reincarnated lama. His early years were spent in a rural environment, and his first spoken language was a local Chinese dialect rather than Tibetan. After the death of the 13th Dalai Lama, Tibetan officials began searching for his reincarnation. Guided by religious visions and signs, a search party eventually reached Taktser, where young Lhamo Thondup correctly identified personal objects belonging to the previous Dalai Lama, convincing the monks that he was the true reincarnation. At the age of four, after years of political negotiations and obstacles created by regional authorities, the child was taken from his home and brought to Lhasa. There, he was formally recognized and given the monastic name Tenzin Gyatso. He began his religious training under respected tutors and was raised in the Potala Palace and Norbulingka. Although his childhood was shaped by spiritual education, it was also marked by growing political tension as Chinese forces advanced toward Tibet. By the age of fifteen, he was required to assume full political leadership of Tibetmuch earlier than was customarymarking the end of his childhood and the beginning of his role as both spiritual and political leader. New Delhi: The Delhi High Court on Thursday said it would pass orders in a civil suit filed by actor and businessman Vivek Oberoi seeking protection of his personality and publicity rights, amid allegations of widespread misuse of his identity across digital and commercial platforms. The matter came up for hearing before Justice Tushar Rao Gedela, who, after taking up the case, observed that the Court would pass orders in the matter. Oberoi has approached the High Court alleging large-scale unauthorised exploitation of his name, image, voice and likeness through fake social media accounts, unauthorised merchandise and artificial intelligence-generated content, including deepfake imagery. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source The suit has been filed against entities including Collector Bazar, ZoomMantra and Indiacontent, along with several unidentified parties named as John Doe defendants. Oberoi is represented by advocates Sana Raees Khan and Pranay Chitale. The plea seeks a permanent injunction restraining the defendants from infringing his personality and publicity rights. According to the petition, the actor has asserted that attributes exclusively associated with his identity are being unlawfully used for commercial and other gains without his consent or authorisation. He has contended that such actions amount to violations of his fundamental rights under Articles 19 and 21 of the Constitution, performer's and moral rights under Sections 38, 38A and 38B of the Copyright Act, 1957, and common law protections relating to passing off, misappropriation and unfair competition. The plea alleges that impersonators have created fake social media accounts, particularly on platforms such as Instagram, using Oberoi's name and photographs. It also claims that unauthorised merchandise including posters, T-shirts and postcards bearing his likeness is being sold on various e-commerce platforms. A key aspect of the suit concerns the alleged creation and circulation of AI-generated content that misrepresents facts and portrays the actor in a derogatory and demeaning manner. The petition raises concerns over the use of generative artificial intelligence and deepfake technology to morph and superimpose Oberoi's face onto objectionable and distasteful imagery, leading to public confusion and reputational harm. Oberoi has argued that the unchecked use of such technology threatens personality and publicity rights, infringes privacy and undermines an individual's exclusive right to commercially benefit from their persona. Given the scale and anonymity of the alleged infringements, he has sought an omnibus John Doe injunction against unknown violators. Claiming irreparable damage to his goodwill, reputation and business interests, Oberoi has urged the Court to direct the removal of unauthorised content and restrain further misuse of his identity in any form. Vivek Oberoi is the latest in a string of A-list celebrities seeking judicial intervention against digital misappropriation. In January 2026, Salman Khan filed a similar suit against over 35 defendants. Other icons like Asha Bhosle, Aishwarya Rai, and Abhishek Bachchan secured orders in late 2025 to curb voice cloning and image misuse. (ANI) Attack on Pakistan Army: Eight soldiers of the Pakistani Army were killed in two separate attacks in Pakistan's Waziristan area. In the last few years, there has been an increase in attacks on the Pakistani army. Former Pakistan PM Imran Khan has expressed grief over the death of the soldiers of his country. The tragic deaths of three minor sisters in Ghaziabad, actor Sonu Sood has called for a nationwide ban on social media and online gaming for children under the age of 16. A Fifth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled unanimously that a Mississippi man convicted of a single, non-violent drug felony should not lose his Second Amendment rights permanently. (Shutterstock image courtesy Lee Williams) A unanimous ruling by a three-judge panel of the Fifth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals which struck down the conviction of a Mississippi man for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, based on an earlier conviction for possession of methamphetamine, violated his rights under the Second Amendment, is causing tremors in the gun rights community. The case is known as U.S. v. Charles Hembree. Ammoland News is devoting a lengthy report to the ruling, as is attorney Mark W. Smith at the Four Boxes Diner podcast. Hembree was convicted in 2018 of meth possession in a Mississippi state court. Four years later, in 2022, he was charged with violating federal statute 18 U.S.C. 922(g)(1), which bars firearm possession for life, for anyone convicted of a previous felony. But Hembree, as noted in the Jan. 27 court ruling, filed a motion to dismiss that indictment, arguing that the lifetime ban "violates the Second Amendment as applied to him in light of the Supreme Court's decision in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen." The federal district court denied the motion, but the Fifth Circuit took Hembree's appeal. Mumbai Crime Branch has arrested a key accused who allegedly supplied the weapon used in the firing incident at filmmaker Rohit Shettys residence, while the main shooter New Delhi: Setting a new record, bilateral trade between India and China surpassed $155 billion in 2025. This was over 12 percent higher than the previous year. Chinas ambassador to India said that the growth followed a successful meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Tianjin last August that strengthened ties between the two nations. China also expressed support for Indias leadership role in BRICS and indicated readiness to collaborate on advancing the interests of the Global South. The record trade numbers come at a time when India and the United States are reached a trade deal. While China has expressed skepticism about the understandings long-term stability, experts suggest that it could directly disadvantage Beijing, even as bilateral trade between India and China will continue to be unaffected. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Chinese state media has raised questions about Indias commitment to the deal, particularly regarding claims that New Delhi may stop buying Russian oil. Experts have pointed out that India maintains long-standing ties with Russia and that a sudden cessation of oil imports appears unlikely. They suggest India may continue purchasing Russian oil through discreet shipping methods, even after an agreement with the United States. Chinese media have questioned if India can really buy $500 billion of US energy, technology, agriculture and other goods, since Indias imports from the United States were much lower last year. Strategists view the deal as part of the United States broader effort to counter Chinas growing influence. The US National Defense Strategy of 2026 identified China as a primary competitor with the capability to change the global order. According to the strategy, Washington aims to strengthen its position in the Indo-Pacific region, collaborating with allies to maintain a balance of power and prevent dominance by any single country. Over the past two decades, the United States has built strong ties with India to counter Chinas influence. Trade agreements, defense partnerships and strategic initiatives like the Quad (India, Australia, Japan and the United States) have been key tools. Analysts say that Indias careful diplomacy and selective engagement with China send a message to the United States and Europe about Indias independent stance, even while cooperating on regional security. From a commercial perspective, the trade deal positions India as a partner capable of balancing Chinas influence. The United States, the United Kingdom and European trade measures have changed the flow of global commerce in Indias favour, while giving companies incentives to diversify production outside China. Indias finance minister has indicated that the China Plus One strategy will gain momentum, encouraging firms to expand manufacturing in India along with China. This could directly impact Chinas economy and its dominance in global supply chains. Market experts emphasise that while the deal may counter China, India must ensure it is not used solely as a tool of US strategy. Indian companies may continue benefiting from competitively priced Chinese goods, while the deal opens avenues for critical minerals and rare earth resources in India that reduce global reliance on China. Investments in rare earth corridors in Odisha, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh are expected to further strengthen Indias position and pose challenges to Chinas supply dominance. The trade agreement also intersects with US initiatives to secure essential minerals through projects like Project Volt, which aims to build commercial stockpiles worth $12 billion. India joining the deal could help the United States reduce Chinas control over important supply chains and increase Indias influence in the Indo-Pacific region. The deal has the potential to benefit India while indirectly challenging Chinas global economic interests. Analysts agree that Beijing may face pressure from Indias rising role as an alternative production hub and critical supply source, even as New Delhi maintains strong bilateral trade and diplomatic ties with Beijing. New Delhi: When US President Donald Trump announced a trade agreement with India on Monday, he said the deal would involve New Delhi moving away from Russian oil. He claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had agreed to stop buying Russian crude and instead buy more oil from the United States and from Venezuela, whose oil industry has come under effective US control following the capture of President Nicolas Maduro earlier this year. In exchange, Trump reduced trade tariffs on Indian goods from an overall 50 percent to 18 percent. Half of the 50 percent tariff had been imposed last year as punishment for Indias Russian oil imports, which the White House said were helping to fund Russian President Vladimir Putins war in Ukraine. Since the announcement, India has not publicly confirmed a halt to Russian oil purchases or the start of Venezuelan imports. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said on Tuesday (February 3) that Russia had received no official indication from India regarding the proposed change. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Analysts say that switching from Russian to Venezuelan oil is far from simple. Factors such as costs, distance, oil quality and market fluctuations all complicate New Delhis decisions. Trumps push against Russian oil Trump has been pressing India for months to end purchases of Russian oil. After Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, the United States and the European Union imposed a price cap on Russian crude to limit Russias war financing. India responded by buying large quantities of discounted Russian oil. Before the war, the country sourced only 2.5 percent of its oil from Russia. It now imports roughly 30 percent, making it the second-largest buyer after China. In 2025, Trump doubled trade tariffs on Indian goods and imposed sanctions on Russias top oil companies, threatening secondary sanctions against nations or companies that continued trading with them. Since Maduros abduction, the United States has gained effective control of Venezuelan oil sales. Estimated at 303 billion barrels and over five times the United States, Venezuela holds the largest proven oil reserves across the globe. While US officials see Venezuelan crude as a viable alternative for India, analysts warn it would be operationally complicated. Indias dependence on Russian oil India presently imports nearly 1.1 million barrels per day (bpd) of Russian crude (down from 1.21 million bpd in December 2025 and more than 2 million bpd in mid-2025). One barrel yields roughly 73 litres of petrol after refining, along with other products, including jet fuel, plastics and household items. While India has reduced Russian imports, it has not completely stopped. Indian officials had said they needed to import Russian oil because other suppliers were sending their oil to Europe after the Ukraine war and buying it helped keep energy prices stable and affordable for people in the country. Major refiners such as the Hindustan Petroleum Corporation (HPCL), the Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals (MRPL) and the HPCL-Mittal Energy halted Russian purchases following US sanctions, while the Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), the Bharat Petroleum and the Reliance Industries are expected to follow. Challenges of halting Russian oil Stopping Russian oil entirely would be costly and could push up energy prices, analysts warn. Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri stated that disrupting supplies would have serious global consequences. Analysts said that halting imports would redirect Russian oil toward China and shadow tanker fleets, increasing global freight rates. Indian refineries have benefited from discounted Russian crude over the past two years. The observers suggest moving to higher-cost alternatives such as US or Venezuelan oil, would squeeze refinery margins and could result in higher prices for consumers. Nayara Energy, a private Indian refiner majority-owned by Russias Rosneft, depends heavily on Russian crude and will pause refinery operations for maintenance in April. Analysts say it is unlikely that the United States will give special permission to Russian-backed companies, making it unclear if India can fully switch sources. The Venezuelan alternative India has imported oil from Venezuela in the past. In 2019, these imports reached about $7.2 billion, making up roughly 7 percent of Indias total oil purchases. Sanctions later stopped these imports, but some Indian officials are still based in Caracas to work on energy and trade cooperation. Refiners say they would consider Venezuelan crude only if it is viable and cost-effective. Distance and cost are major challenges. Venezuela is roughly twice as far from India as Russia, making freight far more expensive. Venezuelan crude is heavier and more sulfur-rich, requiring specialised refineries. Only a few Indian refineries can process such oil without blending with lighter crudes. Analysts estimate the switch could raise Indias oil import costs by $6-8 per barrel, potentially increasing the annual import bill by $9-11 billion, which is roughly the size of Indias health budget. Venezuela also produces barely a million barrels per day, insufficient to replace Indias Russian imports. Political instability, foreign investment laws and debt restructuring will further slow any increase in output. Diversification efforts India is exploring multiple sources for oil, with imports now coming from nearly 40 countries. While Russian crude still accounts for roughly 27 percent of Indias supply, OPEC (Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries) nations, led by Iraq and Saudi Arabia, now provide 53 percent. US oil imports have also nearly doubled over the past year, though India faces competition from the European Union, which is making large investments in US energy. Analysts say that switching from Russian to Venezuelan oil fits US goals. However, it would be costly, logistically tricky and operationally complex for India, needing careful planning and big discounts to work. Iran-US Talks: Ahead of talks between Tehran and Washington in Oman on Friday (February 6), mediators from Qatar, Turkiye and Egypt have shared a set of proposals with Iran and the United States, Al Jazeera reported. The plan asks Iran to reduce its uranium enrichment and move its existing stockpile to another country. The proposals reportedly extend beyond nuclear restrictions, including measures to curb the use of ballistic missiles and the provision of weapons to regional non-state allies. Expected to involve US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, the talks were moved from Turkiye to Oman, the report said. The proposal suggests that Iran would halt uranium enrichment entirely for three years and subsequently cap enrichment below 1.5 percent. Its highly enriched uranium stock, which includes approximately 440 kilograms enriched to 60 percent, would be moved to a third country under the plan. Mediators are also asking Iran to agree to a nonaggression stance toward the United States and to refrain from arming or transferring technology to its regional allies. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source It is unclear how Washington or Tehran have responded to the proposal. US officials have emphasised that any agreement must include regulations on Irans nuclear programme, missiles and proxies. While Iran has previously shown a willingness to compromise on nuclear development (as seen in the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action), Tehran has resisted discussing its support for nonstate allies or limiting its ballistic missiles. On Wednesday, the semiofficial Tasnim news agency reported that Iran continues to focus exclusively on nuclear talks and the lifting of sanctions. On Tuesday, President Masoud Pezeshkian posted on X that he has directed the countrys foreign minister to focus on pursuing fair and balanced negotiations. The proposal coincided with Witkoffs meeting in Israel with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and intelligence officials. Analysts said the United States enters these negotiations with considerable leverage, as Iran faces intense external and internal pressures. A US aircraft carrier, fighter jets and navy destroyers are presently positioned in the Arabian Sea, posing Tehran a military threat. At the same time, Iran has been shaken by widespread protests in December and January that witnessed unprecedented violence. Despite these pressures, Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has maintained defiant stance. It makes experts unsure if Tehran will be willing to make any compromises. Diplomatic efforts between Iran and the United States are not new. Officials previously met in Muscat in June to explore nuclear agreements, but talks stalled following Israeli airstrikes on Iranian targets. The strikes triggered a 12-day conflict that ended with US bombings of Iranian nuclear facilities and a symbolic Iranian strike on Al Udeid military base in Qatar. Since then, Tehran has reportedly replenished its ballistic missile stockpile and warned of retaliation if attacked. Washington is particularly concerned about Irans missiles after several successfully penetrated Israels Iron Dome during the 12-day war. Tensions have persisted this week. On Tuesday, the United States shot down an Iranian drone approaching the USS Abraham Lincoln, while Iranian Revolutionary Guard forces reportedly harassed a US-flagged merchant vessel in the strategic Strait of Hormuz. As diplomats prepare for Fridays talks in Oman, the proposal presents a slim but critical opportunity for both nations to stabilise relations and reduce the risk of further escalation. New Delhi: India and the United States have finalised their long-awaited trade deal. While US President Donald Trump and his team presented the agreement as a major win for American farmers and industries, Bloomberg reports that India had sent a strong message to Washington that it would not bow to pressure. The report says India was ready to wait until the end of Trumps term before fully committing to certain aspects of the deal. The report focusses on a meeting held in early September 2025 between Indias National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. In that meeting, India had made its position clear and refused to give in to pressure, despite higher tariffs on its exports. The talks had taken place while US officials were stressing trade tensions and presenting the deal as a political victory. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Bloomberg highlighted that India emphasised limits on agricultural and dairy sector concessions, areas considered non-negotiable. Doval had reportedly told Rubio that India would not be pressured by Trump or his top aides. He had said the country was willing to wait until the end of Trumps presidency, citing its experience in dealing with difficult foreign administrations. The report also mentions that India asked for a reduction in public criticism from the Trump administration to help normalise relations. Following the meeting, US officials public statements became less confrontational. In September, Trump even called Prime Minister Modi on his birthday to convey greetings. Earlier, Trumps aides, including Peter Navarro, had criticised India for its policies on the India-Pakistan ceasefire and for continuing oil imports from Russia. They described the moves as a challenge to US interests. The Bloomberg report drew on information from officials in New Delhi who requested anonymity because the meeting was private. Both Indias Ministry of External Affairs and the US State Department declined to comment on the meeting. Trump later announced the trade deal on Truth Social, bypassing traditional diplomatic channels. He mentioned that he had spoken to PM Narendra Modi about it. The Indian prime minister too confirmed their discussion but did not comment on the deal publicly. According to Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, both countries have successfully finalised the agreement, which had been under negotiation since February 2025. Balochistan Unrest: Series of attacks in Pakistans Balochistan province have left 31 civilians and 17 security personnel dead. The provincial government said that security forces engaged in a prolonged operation lasting nearly two days and neutralised at least 145 attackers. The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), a separatist group, claimed responsibility for the attacks, naming their operation HeroF 2.0 or Black Storm. It said that dozens of their soldiers were killed and some were kidnapped. Independent verification of these claims is not available, and the Pakistani military has refrained from commenting. Bordering Iran and Afghanistan, Balochistan covers roughly 44 percent of Pakistans land area. It also includes part of the Arabian Sea coast. Around five percent of Pakistans population resides in the province. The local population has long criticised the government for exploiting the regions rich mineral resources while providing limited benefits to the people. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source The region is abundant in natural resources such as gas, oil, copper, gold, iron, zinc, chromite, gypsum, coal, marble and granite. Large projects like the Reko Diq mine and Saindak project have promised economic gains for locals, but these promises have often been delayed or unfulfilled. The provinces energy production demonstrates a stark disparity. Balochistan generates roughly 2,280 megawatts of electricity but receives only about 700 to 800 megawatts. More than half the population lives without electricity. The region contributes 17 percent of Pakistans gas supply while consuming only a fraction of it. Historical pipelines from Sui and other areas send gas outside the province, leaving households dependent on traditional cooking methods despite the constitutional requirement to prioritise local use. Local grievances are compounded by allegations of abductions, extrajudicial killings and military crackdowns, which feed resentment against the security forces. Experts say that Pakistans government sees strategic and economic advantage in asserting control over the region, while local demands are unaddressed. External powers are observing these dynamics. China has invested heavily in Balochistan through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, with an aim to strengthen trade access to the Arabian Sea and integrate the projects with its Belt and Road Initiative. Rising instability threatens the completion of important projects, including Gwadar Port and major infrastructure developments. Experts argue that addressing local concerns and ensuring fair distribution of benefits is essential to maintain stability and protect investments. The United States has stepped up its activity in Balochistan. American companies signed deals worth hundreds of millions of dollars to invest in mining and infrastructure. These projects create jobs in Balochistan. Recent attacks may be linked to rising international investments. The United States also keeps an eye on Chinas influence in the region. The Pakistani government has accused India of supporting insurgent activity in Balochistan, calling the attacks India-sponsored. However, India rejected these claims, describing them as unfounded and part of Pakistans long-standing strategy to divert attention from internal issues. Balochistans conflicts continue to draw attention from both China and the United States because of the provinces strategic location, rich mineral reserves and important infrastructure projects. Experts emphasise that sustainable solutions require addressing local grievances, ensuring equitable development and maintaining security in the face of external investments and regional rivalries. In a valuable episode of the Wealth Planning for the Modern Physician podcast, host David Mandell, JD, MBA, sat down with Dr. David Yanoff, an orthopedic surgeon with a career spanning the Air Force, private practice across several states, and innovative financial ventures. Dr. Yanoff shared insights from his diverse medical journey, his entrepreneurial approach to finance, and strategies for transitioning smoothly into retirement, valuable lessons for any physician navigating the intersection of career, finance, and life planning. From flight surgeon to entrepreneur Dr. Yanoffs path to medicine began in Long Island, New York, influenced heavily by his mother, a high school biology teacher, and a family culture steeped in health care. While initially interested in joining the Marines, financial incentives led him to the Air Forces medical program, which covered his medical school tuition in exchange for active service. During his two years as a flight surgeon, he cared for pilots and their families, discovering his passion for orthopedic injuries. He then completed an orthopedic residency in the Air Force and served as a staff surgeon, experiences that combined his interest in medicine with a taste for high-adrenaline activities. Even early in his career, Dr. Yanoff displayed an entrepreneurial spirit. His fascination with finance began in childhood, with rare coin trading and small stock investments, setting the foundation for a lifelong interest in wealth management. That mindset would later inform both his medical practice and investment strategies. Strategic growth in private practice After leaving the Air Force, Dr. Yanoff joined a small group practice in Pennsylvania, which did not work out. Restricted by a non-compete clause, he opened his own solo practice in an underserved town, a decision that proved fortuitous. Within months, the demand for orthopedic care exceeded expectations. Dr. Yanoff purchased a former clothing factory to house his practice, converting it into a flexible medical office. This building allowed him to expand, recruit other physicians, and even create an in-house physical therapy department. Over the next 18 years, the practice flourished, and Dr. Yanoff maintained ownership of the building, renting it to partners who preferred not to purchase it. The property yielded consistent cash flow, significant tax benefits, and eventually became one of his most successful long-term investments. Creative investing and asset protection Seeking a change in lifestyle, Dr. Yanoff moved to a small town in Idaho, initially expecting a semi-retirement pace. Yet, similar to Pennsylvania, he discovered substantial pent-up demand, quickly seeing hundreds of patients weekly. There, he also explored direct mortgage lending to local residents, using IRA funds to provide loans secured by substantial equity. This approach delivered consistent returns around 8 to 8.5 percent annually, demonstrating a creative, community-oriented investment strategy. By leveraging a trusted local CPA to manage loan documentation and collections, Dr. Yanoff was able to invest in real estate without the burdens of direct property ownership, providing both financial returns and community benefit. Dr. Yanoffs ventures were not without challenges. A business venture led to a legal dispute, ultimately requiring court action. While he secured a jury verdict and reimbursement for legal fees, collection was complicated by the borrowers use of an LLC and eventual bankruptcy. This experience underscored the importance of understanding asset protection planning. Phased retirement and lifelong learning As retirement approached, Dr. Yanoff adopted an alternative practice model, working as an orthopedic hospitalist in Connecticut. Initially covering 10 days per month and eventually reducing to five days per quarter, this model allowed him to transition gradually from full-time practice while maintaining financial stability and patient care continuity. He emphasized that phased retirement strategies help physicians adjust psychologically and financially, avoiding the abrupt shift from full-time work to complete retirement. Beyond finances, Dr. Yanoff stressed the importance of lifelong education and strategic investment. He advised physicians to focus on areas of expertise, whether within medicine or in investments, and to partner with knowledgeable advisors. He also emphasized disciplined living below ones means throughout ones career to allow for long-term growth and financial security. ADVERTISEMENT Dr. Yanoffs story blends clinical excellence, entrepreneurial foresight, and thoughtful wealth management. For physicians, the lessons are clear: cultivate financial literacy early, recognize opportunities in underserved markets, diversify thoughtfully, and plan for a gradual and fulfilling transition into retirement. By combining professional passion with strategic financial planning, Dr. Yanoff demonstrates a model for achieving both career satisfaction and financial independence. Click here to listen to the entire conversation with guest Dr. David Yanoff and host David Mandell, JD, MBA, or access the full library of Wealth Planning for the Modern Physician episodes and subscribe on your favorite podcast platform. David B. Mandell is an attorney, wealth manager, author, and partner in the wealth management firm OJM Group, LLC, where he and his team provide comprehensive and multidisciplinary financial planning services tailored specifically for physicians across the United States. David hosts the Wealth Planning for the Modern Physician Podcast, now in its fifth season with over 95 episodes and 50,000+ downloads. The show focuses on the unique wealth planning concerns faced by todays doctors and features interviews with physicians across specialties and stages of their careers, as well as insights from financial and industry experts. Listeners gain practical tips on building wealth, protecting assets, reducing taxes, and achieving long-term financial goals. Click here to listen and subscribe. He is also the co-author of more than 15 books, including the newest release, Wealth Strategies for Todays Physician: A Multi-Media Playbook. This innovative guide includes over 250 pages of actionable content and more than 90 embedded links to videos and podcast episodes. Organized into seven key strategies, the Playbook helps physicians reduce taxes, invest wisely, choose the right insurance, protect their assets, and plan for retirement. Click here to get your free print copy or eBook download, available exclusively to members of the KevinMD community. David has spoken at major national medical meetings, including those hosted by the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the American Association of Orthopaedic Executives, and the International College of Surgeons. He earned his bachelors degree from Harvard University, his law degree from UCLA School of Law, and his MBA from UCLA Anderson. Connect with David and OJM Group on their website, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and X @OJMGroup. Disclosure: OJM Group, LLC. (OJM) is an SEC-registered investment adviser with its principal place of business in the State of Ohio. SEC registration does not constitute an endorsement of OJM by the SEC nor does it indicate that OJM has attained a particular level of skill or ability. OJM and its representatives are in compliance with the current notice filing and registration requirements imposed upon registered investment advisers by those states in which OJM maintains clients. OJM may only transact business in those states in which it is registered or qualifies for an exemption or exclusion from registration requirements. For information about OJM, please visit http://adviserinfo.sec.gov/ or contact us at (877) 656-4362. This article contains general information that is not suitable for everyone. The information contained herein should not be construed as personalized legal or tax advice, or as a recommendation of any particular security or strategy. Investment involves risk and possible loss of principal capital. There is no guarantee that the views and opinions expressed in this article will be appropriate for your particular circumstances. Tax law changes frequently, accordingly information presented herein is subject to change without notice. You should seek professional tax and legal advice before implementing any strategy discussed herein. Subscribe to The Podcast by KevinMD. Watch on YouTube. Catch up on old episodes! Practicing oncologist, adjunct professor at Duke University, and chief medical officer at AccessHope Yousuf Zafar discusses his article Remote second opinions for equitable cancer care. Yousuf explains how a patients zip code often dictates their survival odds despite biology showing that rural and urban patients have identical potential for recovery when given the same protocols. He details how the explosion of precision oncology has made cancer care vastly more complex, leaving community practices struggling to keep up with over 100 unique cancer subtypes. The conversation highlights how virtual reviews allow subspecialist expertise to flow from academic hubs to local clinics, changing treatment plans in over 52 percent of cases. Yousuf also emphasizes that this collaborative model supports rather than replaces local doctors by connecting them with just-in-time knowledge and clinical trial opportunities. Learn how technology is redrawing the map of medical expertise to ensure life-saving knowledge travels faster than the disease itself. Partner with me on the KevinMD platform. With over three million monthly readers and half a million social media followers, I give you direct access to the doctors and patients who matter most. Whether you need a sponsored article, email campaign, video interview, or a spot right here on the podcast, I offer the trusted space your brand deserves to be heard. Lets work together to tell your story. PARTNER WITH KEVINMD https://kevinmd.com/influencer SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended Transcript Kevin Pho: Hi, and welcome to the show. Subscribe at KevinMD.com/podcast. Today we welcome back Yousuf Zafar, oncology physician. Todays KevinMD article is Remote second opinions for equitable cancer care. Yousuf, welcome back to the show. Yousuf Zafar: My pleasure to be here. Thanks for having me, Kevin. Kevin Pho: All right, so tell us what your latest article is about. Yousuf Zafar: There is a great deal of evidence already that patients with cancer who live in rural areas or socioeconomically underprivileged areas have less access to cancer care, less access to quality cancer care, and as a result, have worse outcomes. So the question that we wanted to ask is, what do we know about how a remote second opinion might impact those patients? We looked at over 5,000 remote opinions that we have delivered at AccessHope as a part of our services. What we found was that patients who live in non-urban or rural areas and socioeconomically underprivileged areas were most likely to benefit. Meaning those were the patients who were most likely to see changes in their treatment as a result of these remote second opinions. It just sort of highlights this idea that we have an existing disparity gap in cancer care in this country. Kevin Pho: So give us a sense of some of the obstacles those in underprivileged areas or remote areas face as it relates to the accessibility to cancer care. Just give us some numbers and give us a picture of some of the difficulties cancer patients in these areas face. ADVERTISEMENT Yousuf Zafar: You see it in the headlines it feels like almost every day regarding rural hospitals closing. It can start with something as simple as a geographic access issue where a patient who is living in my state in Western North Carolina might literally have to travel for hours to get to cancer care because some of these rural hospitals are closing. It could be something as simple as that. We also know that in underrepresented areas, because there are fewer oncologists there, the oncologists who do practice in those areas are overwhelmed. They are seeing more patients than in many cases they can handle. They are doing their absolute best to keep up with care, but just do not have the time to keep up with that rapid pace of advancement of cancer care. These and other factors really contribute. Other factors might be education, the ability to understand treatment, access to transportation, coverage, and the ability to pay for out-of-pocket costs for cancer care. All of these factors come together to really highlight this disparity gap that we see in cancer care. Kevin Pho: And when you say that there is a disparity in outcomes, are we talking mortality rates? Specifically what kind of outcome disparities are we talking about? Yousuf Zafar: It can start all the way from time to diagnosis where socioeconomically underprivileged patients have a later diagnosis of cancer. We all know that when you start with a late cancer diagnosis, outcomes get worse from there. There is evidence around access to treatments, to new treatments, and access to clinical trials. These are all proxies for quality care in cancer. Kevin Pho: So for those living in these remote or rural areas, you of course bring up the topic of remote options. So what typical options are available for these patients? Yousuf Zafar: We are seeing a growing toolbox of remote access options. Some actually have been around for years and havent gotten that much attention. The VA health system in the U.S. provides remote oncology care across the country and does it incredibly effectively. So we are seeing new models like that pop up around the country. Many NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers will provide remote second opinions in certain instances. What we do at AccessHope is provide an employee health benefit. We provide remote second opinions where the patient does not have to travel to go to get that opinion. They get the opinion that is coming from an NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center that might not be in their backyard. In certain instances, we are seeing other aspects of cancer care that can also be provided in a remote manner, like supportive care and palliative care as well. All of which are really important for that holistic approach to the patient with cancer. Kevin Pho: So as an oncologist, give us an idea of the spectrum of services that you can do remotely. What are some things that you cant do remotely? What are some things that lend itself well to a remote scenario? Yousuf Zafar: It depends on the resources that are available. Lets take the VA example. In many cases, it is the ideal way that remote oncology can be delivered. For example, an oncologist who is sitting at the Durham VA Medical Center can provide oncology care for a patient in rural North Dakota. But in order to do so, that patient needs access to at least a nurse or a nurse practitioner who can physically administer the chemotherapy and manage some of the side effects that happen in real time. That oncologist can see the patient, provide education, assess the patient, and determine what is happening remotely while the nurse practitioner or physician assistant who is in the room with the patient can conduct a physical exam and obtain labs. So what that does is scale the capabilities of the oncologist to physically provide care and provide anti-cancer therapy for the patient. Now, from a consultative perspective, there is much more that you can do with much fewer resources. In many cases, you can obtain medical records remotely, review those medical records, and then provide a snapshot view of what could happen next in that patients care. That is much easier to scale with fewer resources than that direct care delivery component that we see, for example, in the VA. Kevin Pho: So it sounds like there are two tracks, right? One for ongoing continuous care where you have to oversee chemotherapy and a more, perhaps one-time consultative role where you would give a remote second opinion. Yousuf Zafar: Yeah, that is exactly right. But that gives a couple of different flavors of how you can impact cancer care. It is not just with the delivery of that anti-cancer drug. It is also potentially with that consultative opinion. Kevin Pho: When you give that second consultative opinion, what happens if that opinion is in conflict with that patients original oncologist? So tell us some steps in terms of what happens next. Yousuf Zafar: We see that often. We see that in actually the majority of the reviews that we do, where there is some aspect of the cancer care that our expert reviewer who is at an NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center says: I think I would adjust this. Maybe it is the anti-cancer drug. Maybe it is the supportive care. Maybe it is the diagnostics that need to happen. So what we are able to do is deliver that opinion, validate whether or not the opinion is adopted, but also provide that community oncologist the opportunity to have a discussion with us and understand why that recommendation might be made and how that might help the patient. So it is not just a one-way street. I think that is really important because these peer opinions have to happen in a collaborative setting because that is the practice of modern oncology today. It has to be collaborative. Kevin Pho: And those community oncologists whose opinions that your team may be in conflict with, how receptive or open are they for that collaborative process? Yousuf Zafar: They are incredibly receptive for a couple of reasons. One, we provide those opinions in a collaborative tone because again, that is the practice of medicine today. We do not say, Oh, you are doing something wrong. There isnt often a clear right or wrong in cancer care. It is: Here is something that you could do that might align care better with the evidence. Second, the opinion is coming not actually from AccessHope. It is not coming from me. It is coming from an NCI-designated comprehensive cancer subspecialist in that cancer type who spends all their day just treating patients with that cancer. So it is a respected opinion. Because of that, I think the oncologists who receive our opinion realize that this is an opportunity to impact the care of their patient and really impact their education as well. Kevin Pho: Can you tell us a story, case study, or example where a remote second opinion changed the treatment trajectory of a remote cancer patient? What would that look like on a practical basis? Yousuf Zafar: Kevin, I do not think we have enough time to give you all the examples I want to give you, so I will give you one. There was an opinion that we saw recently for a patient with kidney cancer who was being treated in a rural setting actually. That patient was getting care that was not aligned with the current standard of care. A kidney cancer specialist at an NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center reviewed that case for us and made recommendations not just to adjust the patients standard of care, but also found a clinical trial that was located geographically relatively close to the patient. So we sent that review to the community oncologist who was treating that patient. Because of that disparity in care, again, we had a communication with that oncologist. We talked to him and said: Hey, look, we see there is a discrepancy here. Do you want to talk about it? That oncologist said: This review could not have come at a better time. I wasnt sure what to do next, and this review really guided me in the right direction. And my patient is very interested in looking for a trial. I didnt realize that trial was available, so I am going to make that referral as well. I think that is a really great example of the collaborative nature of what we do. I think all of us as doctors need help now and again. If we can provide help in a way that helps the oncologist and helps the patient, that is a win-win. Kevin Pho: How about in the future? Because as you know, rural medicine is only becoming more scarce from a resource setting. I do not see more oncologists moving to rural areas. So from a health care framework standpoint, what does it say about our health care system going forward that more and more of these rural patients may eventually need to depend on these remote second opinions just because they cannot have access to a local oncologist? Yousuf Zafar: It says a lot about our health care system and where we need to spend the next health care dollar. But it also means that we need to work harder to improve some of these remote capabilities because in many cases it is just as good if not better care for the patient. If we can provide not just cancer care, but primary care in a remote fashion, we can again sort of scale the capabilities of our health care workforce today. That workforce, which in many specialties including oncology continues to shrink. So I think it is twofold. One is yes, where can we reinvest to grow our health care infrastructure in rural areas? But two, where can we invest to grow our remote capabilities, whether that is in policy development or in reimbursement or in technology to make that remote experience more reliable and more accessible? Kevin Pho: And in terms of the root causes, what are some of the reasons why there is such a shortage of in-person oncologists in remote or rural areas? Yousuf Zafar: That is a tough question. I think a lot of it has to do with where people want to work. It has to do with reimbursement. And I think a lot of it has to do with, to be honest, a lot of the overwhelm that an oncologist practicing as the only oncologist in a county or in a region might face in terms of the volume of patients that that oncologist would need to care for. So it turns into this sort of chicken-and-egg problem where we have to find a way to break this cycle to ensure that we have more oncologists that are going to socioeconomically underprivileged and rural areas to meet that demand. Kevin Pho: So if someone is a remote oncologist perhaps listening to you on this podcast and perhaps interested in more remote support, obviously you work for an entity, AccessHope. What are some of the other spectrum of resources remotely that are typically available for a rural oncologist? Yousuf Zafar: I think the first step is to look at maybe the referral center or academic center or NCI-designated center nearby that might offer that option for the oncologist or patient. In some cases, those centers are also providing remote multidisciplinary conferences or remote tumor boards, which are becoming incredibly important for cancer care today. That is a great resource where the patient does not necessarily even need to be involved. But the oncologist could take the case to that remote tumor board. So I think that is an important resource. And then third, check with the patient and the patients employee benefits to see if they have access to something like what we provide, where that patient could get that expert opinion and that oncologist could get that expert opinion at no charge to the patient or the oncologist for that matter. So those are a few resources to look into. Kevin Pho: We are talking to Yousuf Zafar, oncology physician. Todays KevinMD article is Remote second opinions for equitable cancer care. Yousuf, as always, lets end with some take-home messages that you want to leave with the KevinMD audience. Yousuf Zafar: I think one of the things that has surprised me over the past few months or past year, maybe it shouldnt have been a surprise, is that now cancer care is complex for patients. It is complex for doctors. It is also complex for those who pay for the care. So it is complex for payers and it is complex for employers. What that means is we need to do a better job to educate all the stakeholders in the cancer care delivery system. If payers do not understand the care, they are not going to have a clear vision into what should be covered. To determine and make sure our patients are getting the best care possible, we need to do more to work with payers and work with employers to really make sure they understand this rapidly evolving landscape of cancer care. Kevin Pho: Yousuf, as always, thank you so much for sharing your perspective and insight. Thanks again for coming back on the show. Yousuf Zafar: Thank you for having me, Kevin. Always a pleasure. The first genetically modified, or GM, food goes on sale today in British supermarkets. Genetically modified tomato puree, which will be available in Safeway and Sainsbury stores, has been produced from fruit which has had the rotting gene removed. It means the tomatoes remain firmer and last longer than conventionally-grown ones and the puree they produce is subsequently cheaper. However, supermarket giant Tesco said it would not be stocking the GM puree because the new product did not offer any additional benefits to customers compared to normal puree. The GM puree has been produced by bioscience company Zeneca, which says the product has a stronger taste and sticks better to pasta than conventional sauces. The product has taken 10 years to develop from research into the walls of plant cells. The new tomatoes have been modified to respond in a selective way to a colourless gas, ethylene, which triggers both ripening and rotting processes in fruits. Fruit importers have used ethylene for 50 years to ensure a regular supply of tropical fruits to Britain. They are picked unripe and then ripened here by exposure to the gas. However, ethylene also triggers the natural processes which allow plants to shed their leaves and petals and can also start a tomatos decay by activating fungal spores on its surface. Ripe fruit give off their own ethylene and by modifying them to stop producing it, scientists have found they can delay the rotting process. Zenecas Nigel Poole said: Everybody wins; the farmer has a longer window for delivery, there is less mould damage, the tomatoes are easier to transport and they are better for processing. The processing requires less energy and water, which helps lower the price. Consumer groups have called for the mandatory labelling of products which are or contain GM products at the moment labelling is voluntary. [] Courtesy BBC News In context Opposition to GM foods has remained strong. Critics say the possible health risks are still unknown. Supporters say GM crops produce increased yields because they can be made insect and herbicide-resistant, which, in turn, would allow more efficient use of farming land and help solve the problem of world hunger. In 1999 a small-scale study by Arpad Pusztai claimed the internal organs and immune system of rats fed GM-potatoes were altered. Although the study was later shown to be flawed, it triggered a concerted anti-GM food campaign. By July 1999 Sainsbury and Safeway had been forced to clear their shelves of the GM tomato puree. In 2005 a Europe-wide blanket ban on planting GM crops was reaffirmed. Like this: Like Loading... The Macau International Airport Company (CAM) has announced plans to introduce several new international and Southeast Asian routes. The announcement was made during yesterdays annual Spring Festival media gathering. The local airport will launch new flights from Macau to Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam, on March 3, with additional routes to Manila and other destinations also anticipated in the second half of the year, aiming to attract more Southeast Asian travelers to Macau. To accommodate travel demand during the Lunar New Year period, airlines have added more than 80 round-trip flights before the seventh day of the Lunar New Year, primarily targeting Southeast Asia, with a focus on Bangkok, Hanoi, and Kuala Lumpur. Currently, airlines in Southeast Asia predominantly operate narrow-body aircraft with a flight radius of approximately 3.5 to 4 hours, and many Vietnamese and Cambodian carriers have selected Macau as their hub for launching flights within that range. In addition, the airport announced that mainland carrier West Air plans to launch flights from Chongqing to Macau. While addressing rumors regarding a Macau-Fukuoka route, officials confirmed that both Air Macau and AirAsia have expressed interest in operating this route, which remains a commercial decision for the respective airlines. According to CAM data, airport passenger throughput reached 680,000 in January this year, with an average daily passenger volume of approximately 22,000, up from the same period last year. The airport projects passenger traffic volume to reach 8.14 million by 2026, alongside 63,000 aircraft movements, cargo volume of 110,000 metric tons, and 1,200 business jet movements. At the event, Ma Iao Hang, chairman of the Board of Directors of CAM, provided insights into the airports key focus areas from last year and its development plans for the current year. Despite a slight year-on-year decline in passenger volume and flight numbers last year, the company anticipates steady growth in flight volumes as part of its 2026 development plan. Ma reported that the airport handled over 7.52 million passengers in 2025 and recorded nearly 58,000 aircraft movementsboth reflecting slight declines of 1.6% and 2.9%, respectively, from the previous year. In contrast, international passenger traffic increased by 7% year-on-year, while cargo volume surpassed 109,000 metric tons, representing approximately 1% growth. Additionally, business jet movements reached 1,165, up 2% from the prior year. As noted in his speech, CAMs total revenue for 2025 is projected at approximately MOP 1.354 billion, representing an 8.5% year-on-year decrease. Building on Mas comments, Chan Weng Hong, chairman of the Executive Committee of CAM, provided insights into the airports flight volume, which reached over 58,000 in 2025, highlighting that mainland passengers comprise more than 50% of the total traffic. This trend is particularly evident in the route market, where mainland passengers account for over 50%, Chan stated. He also noted that travelers from Taiwan and Hong Kong account for 15% and 12%, respectively, while passengers from other countries and regions make up approximately 17%. Notably, the growth rate of international passengers compared with 2024 is significant, reaching 800 million, Chan emphasized, indicating an increase in the share of international passenger sources. He further noted that China is expected to remain the primary source market for passengers in the coming year. At the same time, direct engagement with international travelers has increased significantly, with growth rates reaching 8% between 2024 and 2025. According to the CAM official, the new routes launched last year were specifically targeted at the Southeast Asian market, not only expanding international coverage but also creating more opportunities for regional cooperation. Like this: Like Loading... Leong Meng Ian, a committee member of the Islands District Community Service Consultative Committee, has called for more convenient transportation for residents in the Islands District to the Kiang Wu Hospital in the Peninsula. Leong noted that with the continued population growth on the islands and rising medical needs, residents urgently require convenient transportation for medical visits. At a committee meeting on Tuesday, she proposed establishing a direct bus route to Kiang Wu Hospital, noting that current options are insufficient and too long. Residents must rely on the lengthy route of bus route 26, and even then, they need to walk over 200 meters after the bus ride, or endure multiple transfers with long waiting times, she said, noting that the fact poses a burden, especially for the elderly, chronic patients, pregnant women, and those with limited mobility. She recommended that the government use the successful experience of the H3 bus route as a reference to plan a direct bus service from the outlying islands to Kiang Wu Hospital, thereby optimizing the medical transportation network, reducing residents burden, enhancing quality of life, and promoting equity in medical services. The call was partially supported by another committee member, who also recommended enhancing services at Macau Union Hospital to meet residents demand. Leong claims that since the opening of the Union Hospital, the quantity of services made available has been reduced to just about 10% of the ones provided by the Conde de S. Januario Hospital Centre, and that authorities anticipate this rate to grow to just 25% by 2027, claiming that this new hospital facility does not cater enough to the residents needs. Building on this, she also suggested establishing an international medical department to develop a high-end medical platform aligned with international standards. This would not only meet the diverse health needs of local residents but also provide emergency medical services and health management for tourists, supporting Macaus development of a medical + tourism integration model. Ricaela Diputado Like this: Like Loading... According to a report on the Office of the Secretary for Security website, a deputy police chief from the Public Security Police (PSP) Traffic Department has been convicted in a second trial for accepting bribes and disclosing police information to a casino operator. Following the deputy police chiefs two-year, six-month prison sentence, the PSP has implemented a disciplinary procedure that has concluded with his dismissal from all police duties. The case dates back to 2022, when the Commission Against Corruption (CCAC) uncovered the case. The implicated deputy police chief was found to have repeatedly violated regulations by entering the VIP area of a casino and remaining there, during which he provided police information to the casino owner in exchange for money and benefits, including free hotel accommodations. In 2024, he was initially sentenced to four years and six months in prison by the Court of First Instance, but appealed from the sentence to the Court of Second Instance. While some of his allegations were granted, the sentence was then revised, resulting in one charge of bribery, one charge of violating confidentiality, two charges of document forgery, and two charges of providing false information, ultimately leading to a sentence of two years and six months in prison. As the judgment became final in May last year, the PSP initiated the internal disciplinary procedure, which has now resulted in his dismissal. RD Like this: Like Loading... Citizens across the European Union want more unified, stronger and ambitious leadership of the 27-nation bloc as it faces military threats, economic pressures and climate instability, according to an official EU poll. The Eurobarometer survey was conducted before U.S. President Donald Trumps ordered a military operation that captured the former Venezuelan leader and rattled European nations by threatening to seize Greenland, a semiautonomous territory of Denmark. It did not specifically ask about Washington, NATO or China. More than 2,600 EU citizens were asked questions in mostly face-to-face meetings in November. They overwhelmingly supported a more muscular EU 69% say they wanted an expanded security role in global crises, 87% a more diplomatically aggressive Brussels on topics like peace and climate change, and 90% called for a bloc more unified to tackle key issues. The margin of error was 2 percentage points. The poll found a majority of EU citizens are highly worried about conflicts near the bloc, climate change-fueled natural disasters and cyberwarfare. The results broadly align with the stated goals and ambitions of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who has been hawkish on trade and defense and called for solidifying EU power in Brussels. Like this: Like Loading... The Education and Youth Development Bureau (DSEDJ) has mandated that school canteens and vending machines remove chocolate-containing snacks due to their caffeine content. In accordance with professional advice from the Health Bureau, the DSEDJ noted that excessive caffeine intake poses significant health risks to children and adolescents, who are generally lighter in weight and still developing. Consequently, these products should be classified as less desirable options. Schools are urged to gradually revise the food and beverage selections available on campus to promote a healthier eating environment for students. Like this: Like Loading... Following positive user feedback, the Transport Bureau (DSAT) plans to further expand the half-hour charging policy to cover more parking lot facilities. The measure, implemented last year in selected facilities, seemed to appeal to many users, representatives from DSAT said during the public broadcasters radio program TDM Forum. DSAT representative Ip Wai Keong also noted that the first 15 minutes free policy for outdoor parking lots aims to provide adequate parking solutions in central urban areas, making it convenient for drivers to park for brief periods rather than illegally. Also at the program, the vice president of the Macao New Chinese Youth Association, Lao Cho Chon, expressed that the flexible charging measures for public parking lots have had positive effects and gained public support. This reduces the costs for drivers parking briefly and encourages more drivers to use public parking, which, in the long run, can also reduce road congestion caused by street parking. Tang Man Kei, the vice chairman of the General Union of Neighbourhood Associations of Macao, noted that driver feedback supports a flexible charging model for all public parking lots. He believes these measures more accurately address drivers needs, more effectively redistribute resources, significantly improve traffic flow, and promote a better use of public resources. He also said to hope the government will release more land plots for temporary parking lots in the future. RD Like this: Like Loading... Hong Kongs CK Hutchison Holdings said yesterday its subsidiary started arbitration proceedings against Panama after that countrys Supreme Court ruled a concession for the subsidiary to operate Panama Canal ports was unconstitutional. Hutchison said it strongly disagreed with last weeks ruling, and China warned Panama would pay a heavy price if it persisted. Panamas president has moved to assure the public that the ports would operate without interruption after the ruling, which advanced a U.S. aim to block any influence by China over the canal linking the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Hutchisons subsidiary, Panama Ports Company, began arbitration proceedings Tuesday under the rules of the Paris-based International Chamber of Commerce, the company said in a statement. The rules are overseen by the chambers International Court of Arbitration, an independent body, and its unclear what the impact of the proceedings would be. The Panamanian presidents office and commerce ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment late Tuesday. A process that may take years Analysts believe the company is likely to buy time with legal proceedings, such as the latest arbitration move, while looking for alternatives for the broader port deal. Yueming Yan, a Chinese University of Hong Kong law professor, said if an arbitral tribunal is constituted, future hearings may be held outside Paris or New York, although the agreement specified the arbitration board should be in New York. The timing is difficult to predict, but arbitration involving investment-related concession contracts may extend over several years. While not overturning domestic court decisions, the tribunals ruling would be binding and address whether the Panamanian government breached its obligations and owes compensation. But a result favoring CK Hutchison could raise questions over its recognition or enforcement, she said. The approach that domestic courts in Panama may take in any recognition or enforcement proceedings cannot be assessed with certainty at this stage, she said. Robbert van Trooijen, founder of Panama-based consultancy Inception Partners, said there is little CK Hutchison can do to directly override Panamas Supreme Court ruling. Ruling draws Chinese backlash The court ruling has drawn backlash from China, and the tensions may complicate Hutchisons plan to sell its port assets in dozens of countries to a group that includes the U.S. investment firm BlackRock Inc. The planned sale has already been caught up in tensions between Beijing and Washington. U.S. President Donald Trump, who has alleged that China interferes with the canal, initially welcomed that plan. However, it apparently angered Beijing and drew a review by Chinese anti-monopoly authorities. On Tuesday night, Beijings office overseeing Hong Kong affairs criticized the Panama court ruling as legally groundless and ridiculous, saying the ruling reflected that Panamanian authorities were bowing down to hegemonic powers. It did not specify the countries but pointed to politicians from some countries who had said they were encouraged by the ruling, in an apparent veiled reference to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. In a statement shared on social media platform WeChat, the office said that China will never bow to hegemonism and has sufficient means and tools, as well as capability, to uphold justice in the international economic and trade order. Panamas authorities should recognize the situation and correct their course, it said. If they persist in their own way and refuse to see reason, they will pay a heavy price both politically and economically! The Panama Ports Company said in a separate statement yesterday that the arbitration followed its efforts to consult and avoid disputes, but the Panamanian state routinely disregarded communications and clarification requests. The company said it seeks damages based on data and necessary relief and reiterated its invitation to Panama for clarity and consultations. The company said that while the court ruling has yet to become effective, the state conducted unexpected site visits and instructed it to provide unrestricted access to physical, commercial and intellectual property, information and employees. China Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian doubled down on Chinas stance Wednesday, saying China will firmly protect the legitimate and lawful rights and interests of Chinese companies. Who is seeking to monopolize the (Panama) canal? And who is undermining international laws in the name of the rule of law? Thats quite clear in the international community, Lin said in Beijing. Company is caught in US-China tensions The Hutchison subsidiary has operated ports at both ends of the Panama Canal since 1997. The awkward position Hutchison found itself in highlights the challenges Hong Kong business elites face in navigating Beijings expectations of national loyalty, especially during U.S-China tension. CK Hutchison is owned by the family of Hong Kongs richest man, Li Ka-shing. The company said last July that it was considering seeking a Chinese investor to join as a significant member of the consortium under its sale plan, a move that some interpreted as way to please Beijing, but CK Hutchison hasnt said more since. The consortium also includes BlackRock subsidiary Global Infrastructure Partners and Terminal Investment Limited, which is chaired by Italian shipping scion Diego Aponte, whose family reportedly has a longstanding relationship with Lis. Last May, Hutchinson co-managing director, Dominic Lai told shareholders that Terminal Investment was the main investor. Panamas government has maintained it has full control over the canal and that the operation of the ports by Hutchison does not mean Chinese control of it. But Rubio made clear the U.S. viewed the operation as a national security issue. KANIS LEUNG, HONG KONG, MDT/AP Like this: Like Loading... Spain plans to ban social media access for children under 16, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said yesterday [Macau time], in a move designed to shield young people from the harms of online content. Sanchez chided the worlds biggest tech companies in a speech at a Dubai summit, saying they allow illegal content such as child sex abuse and nonconsensual sexualized deepfake images to proliferate on their platforms. He said that governments also needed to stop turning a blind eye. Today, our children are exposed to a space they were never meant to navigate alone, Sanchez said. We will no longer accept that. Spain joins a growing number of countries, including Australia and France, which have taken or are considering measures to restrict minors access to social media. In January, France approved a bill banning social media for children under 15, paving the way for the measure to take effect at the start of the next school year in September. The bill would also ban the use of mobile phones in high schools. Australia has started implementing the worlds first social media ban for under-16s, after its government passed a measure that holds platforms including TikTok, Twitch, Facebook, Snapchat, Reddit, X and Instagram liable for failing to prevent children from having accounts. Denmark has introduced similar legislation to ban access to social media for users under 15, while the U.K. said last month it would consider banning young teenagers from social media, as it tightens laws designed to protect children from harmful content and excessive screen time. Sanchez said that Spain would require social media companies to enforce the ban with age verification systems, not just check boxes, but real barriers that work. Many social media apps require users to be at least 13, though enforcement varies. Users are often asked to declare their own age. Spains ban will be added to an already existing measure centered on digital protections for minors that is being debated by parliament, a government spokesperson said. Sanchez said that could happen as early as next week. Its unclear if Sanchezs left-wing coalition will get the approval needed in Parliament, where his government lacks a majority. A spokesperson for the far-right Vox party said the Sanchez governments measure was aimed at making sure that no one criticizes them, while the main opposition party the center-right Popular Party said it had proposed similar restrictions last year, seemingly offering its support. Social media companies Meta which owns Facebook and Instagram and X did not immediately respond to a request for comment. But Elon Musk, Xs billionaire owner and the worlds richest man, wrote that Sanchez is the true fascist totalitarian, in a post referencing the Spanish leaders speech at the World Governments Summit in the United Arab Emirates. In his address, Sanchez also said that Spain had joined five other European countries in what the Spanish leader dubbed a coalition of the digitally willing to coordinate the regulation of social media platforms at a multinational level. Additionally, Spain would make it a criminal offense to manipulate algorithms to amplify illegal content and would hold tech executives liable for failing to take down criminal content from their platforms, he said. No more pretending that technology is neutral, Sanchez said. Both measures would require parliamentary approval to change Spanish law, a government spokesperson said. 96.8 million foreign visitors in 2025 Meanwhile, Spain set a new tourism record in 2025 when it welcomed 96.8 million foreign visitors, according to figures released this week by the National Statistics Institute. The number of international visitors increased 3.2% compared to 2024, when there were 94 million tourists. Spain is one of the worlds most popular destinations, where tourism accounts for 12.6% of gross domestic product. It ranks third on the U.N. World Tourism Barometers list of the worlds top tourism earners, after the United Kingdom and France. The income from foreign visitors rose 6.8% to 134.7 billion euros ($158.9 billion) last year, compared with 126 billion euros in 2024, the Ministry of Tourism said. The increase in the number of tourists and their spending meet the objective of transforming the tourism model into one that is more sustainable and based on prioritizing quality over quantity, the ministry said in a statement. Catalonia, the northeastern region where Barcelona is located, attracted around 20.1 million tourists, 0.6% more than in 2024. It was followed by the Mediterranean islands and the Canary Islands, a flagship of the sun and beach tourism for which Spain is known. Most travelers came from the U.K. (19 million), France (12.7 million) and Germany (12 million). It was Spains third record-breaking year since 2019, the year before the COVID-19 pandemic that paralyzed international leisure travel. MDT/AP Like this: Like Loading... As part of its infrastructure upgrade to enhance terminal facilities and services, Macau International Airport (MIA) announced yesterday that a new food court featuring local food brands will open on the terminals north second floor in April. Following an announcement by Ma Iao Hang, chairman of the Board of Directors of Macau International Airport Company Limited (CAM), CAM Executive Committee Chairman Chan Weng Hong discussed the airports plans for a new dining area during yesterdays Spring Festival luncheon, noting the area would primarily feature beverages and simple food options. We have specifically designed management solutions for our partners, as their capital and manpower are limited, Chan told the media on the sidelines of the event, emphasizing that the partnership model differs from conventional restaurants. We handle the venue design and renovation, while partners provide basic services like beverages, takeout, and snacks to meet market and visitor demands, adding, Our plan is to rotate operators every two years. Currently undergoing refurbishment, the venue will require partners to apply for simplified licenses, with operations expected to commence around April. Nighttime construction to affect some flights The MIA announced that nighttime construction operations will begin in late October this year and continue until late October 2029. Daily closure hours will be from midnight to 8 a.m. to support runway artificial island and apron reclamation, construction of a new taxiway bridge, and runway repair and improvement projects. Meanwhile, the land reclamation project for MIAs expansion, which began on November 22, 2024, and covers over 129 hectares, is expected to be completed by 2030. This expansion will increase the airports total usable area to 325 hectares. CAM reported that the overall progress is currently on schedule. The airport expects to complete the entire structural framework by the end of this year, with preparatory work for the next phase set to begin in the first half of 2026, followed by operational commencement. To minimize disruption to flight schedules, approximately four to five flights will require adjustments; however, the airport emphasizes that airlines have coordinated their flight times to minimize inconvenience to passengers. Like this: Like Loading... An additional integrated resort-airport City Terminal for Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) was launched yesterday, aimed at enhancing Hong Kongs efforts to attract high-end customers from Macau while improving travel convenience for luxury travelers. MGM China Holdings Limited announced yesterday its collaboration with HKIA and Zhuhai Airport to establish a city airport lounge at MGM Cotai, with a launch ceremony marking the occasion. As stated, the facility will offer self-service check-in for HKIA, Zhuhai Airport, and Macau International Airport, along with real-time flight information and cross-border transportation services. This marks a new hub connecting Hong Kong and Macau, stated Kenneth Feng, CEO of MGM China Holdings Limited, expressing confidence that this initiative will further solidify Macaus role as a regional center. Guests departing from Macau can efficiently reach Hong Kong and Zhuhai airports, ensuring smoother cross-border travel. Previously, they might have merely passed through briefly. Now, with more convenient direct services, they can spend more time exploring Macaus streets and alleys, experiencing the unique arts and culture at MGM and other destinations across the city, Feng added. The airport lounge is the 38th city airport lounge established. On the topic, Vivian Cheung, chief executive officer of HKIA, remarked, We are committed to premium, standardized, and distinctive services, providing seamless transfer options. All vehicles are dedicated shuttle services. Highlighting the impact of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge, Cheung cited data showing that the number of Macau travelers using HKIA has continued to grow, with over 240,000 passengers traveling between the bridge and the airport last yeara 25.48% increase compared to 2024. Cheung emphasized that the opening of the MGM City Terminal is a crucial step in expanding the airports high-end customer base initiative in Macau. Like this: Like Loading... Heavy snow piling up in northern Japan in the last two weeks has blocked roads and is blamed for dozens of deaths nationwide so far, government officials said yesterday. As of yesterday, 15 prefectures have been affected, with the amount of snow piled up in the worst hit areas estimated to have reached 2 meters (6.5 feet). Unusually heavy snow has fallen in parts of Japan in recent days, largely due to a cold air mass from the Arctic that has lingered over the Japanese archipelago. Most of the 35 deaths and hundreds of injuries reported across Japan were caused by falls among people trying to clear their homes of snow. The biggest number of snow-related fatalities, at 12 people, was reported in Niigata prefecture, a rice-growing region in northern Japan, including a man in his 50s who was found collapsed on the roof of his home in Uonuma city on Jan. 21. In Nagaoka city, a 70-year-old is believed to have died after falling from his roof, according to the Niigata government. Japans chief government spokesperson warned that, although the weather was getting warmer, more danger could lie ahead because snow would start melting, resulting in landslides and slippery surfaces. Please do pay close attention to your safety, wearing a helmet or using a lifeline rope, especially when working on clearing snow, Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara told reporters. Injuries nationwide numbered 393, including 126 serious injuries, 42 of them in Niigata. Fourteen homes were damaged, three in Niigata and eight in Aomori prefecture. A mound of snow fell on a highway in Aomori, blocking traffic. No one was injured, but Japanese media reports showed a huge chunk of icy snow stacked up on the side of a road. The reason behind the heavy snowfall is unclear. But deaths and accidents related to heavy snow are not uncommon in Japan, with 68 deaths reported over the six winter months the previous year, according to the Fire and Disaster Management Agency. More heavy snow is forecast for the coming weekend in northern Japan. MAYUKO ONO, TOKYO, MDT/AP Like this: Like Loading... *Airport targets Southeast Asia Strategic new routes aim to boost regional connectivity * Shopping | Galeries Lafayette quietly exits after two years * Labor | Blue cards edge up in 2025, mostly for domestic workers * PSP traffic department deputy police chief convicted again for bribery and leaking police information to casinos * Airport: New food court featuring local brands to open in April * Shipping: Hong Kong firm begins arbitration proceedings over ruling against its Panama Canal port contract DOWNLOAD PDF Thursday, February 5, 2026 edition no. 4889 Like this: Like Loading... Starmers future lies in the balance following sordid revelations about his Blairite ally, Peter Mandelson. The fallout from the Epstein scandal could drag down this crisis-ridden government, opening up a new chapter of instability in British politics. [Originally published at communist.red] Well, it couldnt have happened to a nicer man. Keir Starmer, the British Prime Minister, is in deep shit ironically, all thanks to a humble address. The crisis in Britain has been maturing for some time. But very quickly, the Starmer government which, let us recall, won a big majority just 18 months ago has become probably the most unpopular and hated government in recent history. Now Starmer is engulfed in an existential crisis, due to the fallout from the global Epstein scandal. Feeling the heat All hell broke loose in the House of Commons yesterday, when Starmer was forced to admit that he knew of Peter Mandelsons sordid dealings with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, at the time when the Labour leader appointed Mandelson as the UKs ambassador to the United States. Starmer promised MPs that Downing Street would release documents pertaining to the Mandelson-Epstein affair, provided this information did not pose any threat to national security. But this smelled like a cover-up. Never mind releasing the files. We already know. Starmer decided to hire his mate, knowing full well he was in cahoots with the billionaire pedophile, which was all well and good so long as it got him closer to Trump. Didn't care then. Doesn't care now. All of them out. pic.twitter.com/FSisp4MHpz Fiona Lali (@fiona_lali) February 4, 2026 Feeling the heat, Starmer lashed out against the Blairite Lord. Mandelson betrayed our country, our parliament, and my party, he said. But this did not satisfy the unruly Commons. Starmer had appointed this rogue as ambassador with fanfare, declaring him to be the best candidate for forging strong relations with Trump. So nobody believed the PMs crocodile tears in Parliament yesterday. As expected, the Tories demand blood. The Labour benches, meanwhile, were shocked by the revelations. Starmer seemed like a rabbit caught in the headlights. His attempts to sweep the scandal under the carpet were thwarted by a revolt led by Angela Rayner, who he had forced out of the Labour leadership some months earlier. Under pressure, facing the prospect of a parliamentary vote and likely defeat, the Prime Minister was forced to concede. Consequently, any potentially damaging documents will now be handled and investigated by a parliamentary committee. Labour mutiny The mood in Westminster is dark. The Labour ranks facing the prospect of big losses in the May elections, as well as defeat in the upcoming by-election in Gorton & Denton are in a state of mutiny. So bitter and toxic are feelings inside the Parliamentary Labour Party (PLP), that one former minister suggested there is a mood for blood: at the very least, that of Number 10 hatchet-man Morgan McSweeney; and possibly of Starmer himself. Labour MPs are aghast at Starmers incompetence and lack of judgement allowing a human ticking timebomb, in the form of Mandelson, to be given such a prominent position: endangering the party and, most importantly, the careers of its representatives. These MPs can see the writing on the wall. This scandal, one said, is the beginning of the end for Starmer. Labour backbencher Rachael Maskell was no doubt speaking for many of her colleagues in saying that: It is inevitable that the Prime Minister is going to have to step downWe only need to read the country to realise that his position has now become untenable. The Tories and Lib Dems, meanwhile, are calling for a vote in Parliament to see whether Labour MPs have any confidence in the Prime Minister. The anger towards the Labour leader runs deep within the PLP. The most terminal mood is among the super-loyal, said one from the 2024 intake. They are the ones with the smallest majorities, who most fear losing their jobs. For some, the Mandelson affair provides an opportunity for sweet revenge. Angela is clearly enjoying sticking the knife in, stated one Labour insider. No doubt Rayner, the former deputy leader of the party, is lining herself up for a leadership challenge; a coup against Starmer. This could come very soon opening up a new chapter of heightened instability in British politics. The Tories, who had been largely sidelined by Farages Reform as the main opposition in Westminster, have suddenly seized on this issue to lampoon Starmer, forcing him to admit that he knew about Mandelsons relationship with Epstein before his ambassadorial appointment. This pushed Starmer into a corner, who complained that Mandelson had lied repeatedly about the depth and extent of his relationship. But this cut no ice, as he squirmed and wriggled at the dispatch box. The PMs authority, already heavily dented by the backbench rebellion against welfare cuts last summer, has now been completely shattered. Just deserts This scumbag is getting his just deserts. This establishment upstart rose to prominence by driving out popular left-wing Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and shunting the party to the right, making Labour almost indistinguishable from the Tories. Millions voted Labour in 2024, desperate to kick out the Conservatives after 14 years of chaos, sleaze, and austerity-ridden rule. Yet Starmers government has brought no change and delivered nothing, other than more of the same: more pandemonium and decay; more scandal and corruption; more cuts and attacks. You can cut the disillusionment with a knife. This has pushed many voters into the arms of Nigel Farage and Reform UK, who are more than happy to demagogically attack Starmer for his ties to the shady Mandelson, and in turn to Epsteins elite nonce network. As the saying goes: birds of a feather flock together. Mandelsons reputation is directly linked to Epstein, and Starmer has attached his reputation to Mandelson. Now Mandelson has fallen from grace, forcing him to give up his peerage, and dragging down Starmer with him. Similarly, Blairites like Wes Streeting have seen their leadership hopes dashed by their association with the dodgy New Labour architect. The rat Starmer warmly embraced Lord Mandelson, appointing him to one of the most prestigious positions in the land. Yet he disciplined Corbyn, driving him and his supporters out of the Labour Party. This says it all. In fact, it has recently been revealed that after Starmer took over, Mandelson worked directly with Morgan McSweeney to block left-wingers from becoming Labour candidates, and was handed control of a secret spreadsheet to vet prospective MPs. These people are cretins of the highest order. Web of wealth The rot goes all the way to the top. Even the Royal Family is embroiled in this scandal, with the Andrew formerly-known-as-prince also further exposed by the latest tranche of the Epstein files. This is not a case of a few bad apples, but is systemic. The monarchy; the Church; the police; parliament: all of these pillars of the capitalist establishment are riddled with reprobates and horrific abusers. The Epstein scandal has revealed the shadowy web of extreme wealth, privileges, entitlement, and social climbers such as Mandelson that sits at the head of society; the open sewer at the apex of the capitalist system. Epstein files confirm what weve always known. The billionaire class is rotten to its CORE. Revolting. The scale of the depravity and the levels of impunity Prince Andrew, Mandelson, and who knows who else from the British establishment ?!? They must be overthrown Fiona Lali (@fiona_lali) February 1, 2026 These incestuous cabals of fixers and power-brokers are often the ones really pulling the strings, behind the scenes; deciding our fates from their smoky members clubs, private jets, and island retreats. This is the sleazy reality of the capitalist state, hiding behind a veneer of so-called liberal democracy. But the Epstein-Mandelson scandal has blown the lid on this pack of lies. These billionaires and bankers; aristocrats and ambassadors; princes and plutocrats: all of them believe that they are untouchable and omnipotent, capable of committing heinous crimes without any consequences. But everything has its limits. Today, the stink emanating from the ruling elite has become an overpowering stench, which threatens to engulf them. Rotten system Britain is in the grip of an escalating crisis: economically, socially, and politically. The Tories lost five prime ministers in six years. Liz Truss lasted just 49 days. Now it is Starmers turn to face the executioners chopping block. This scandal could soon bring down Starmer. If he isnt forced out by his own MPs now, over this question, then the sword could fall at any time in the coming months most likely in the wake of a hammering for Labour in the May elections. One way or another, as the defender of this putrid, rotten system, he is doomed. The Epstein affair is part of the protracted death agony of this sick system. The crisis of capitalism has become a crisis of the establishment; a crisis of the entire regime. Such grotesque scandals and revelations will fuel a sharp rise in anti-establishment sentiments amongst the masses, alongside anger against capitalism and its institutions. As Lenin once explained, revolutions begin with splits and crises at the top. Titanic upheavals and social explosions are therefore on the order of the day, in Britain and internationally. One way or another, capitalism is doomed; living on borrowed time. The Mandelson-Epstein affair is only one more nail in its coffin. There will be many more to come. On 4 February 2026, Washington welcomed around forty delegations from Africa and beyond for a Summit on critical minerals, hosted by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) sent a delegation led by President Felix Tshisekedi, who arrived in the U.S. capital shortly after signing the Washington agreements two months ago. The Summit aims to secure strategic mineral supplies, including coltan, cobalt, and lithium, as the U.S. seeks to reduce Chinese dominance in the sector. While the DRC has already signed mineral agreements with Washington, projects such as the sale of the Chemaf copper-cobalt mine in Mutoshi are still pending, with an American company poised to take over. Other African countries participating include Guinea, which is seeking U.S. investment in bauxite and iron to diversify away from Chinese influence, and Kenya, whose Mrima Hill region contains rare earth deposits valued at tens of billions of dollars. Beyond economic discussions, President Tshisekedi is scheduled to attend the 79th National Prayer Breakfast, an annual event promoting reflection and prayer, alongside U.S. officials, parliamentarians, and religious leaders from the DRC, including opposition figures and church representatives supporting inter-Congolese dialogue. Republican Senator Ted Cruz, (R-Texas), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, slammed U.S. officials this week for intentionally omitting the Polisario Front from counterterrorism discussions, despite evidence of the groups ties to Iran-backed terror activities in North Africa and the Sahel. During a Senate hearing on counterterrorism efforts in North Africa and the Sahel region, Cruz accused the administration of a willful blind spot regarding the separatist groups destabilizing influence. He also noted a contradiction between praising Algeria as a critical pillar of stability in the region and vaguely warning of terrorist activity in the Sahel without naming the parties involved. He also pointed out Irans proxy Hezbollahs collusion with Algeria and Polisario. Iran is trying to turn the Polisario Front into the Houthis for West Africa, a proxy force capable of waging war to threaten regional stability and pressure US partners wherever Iran wants leverage, the senator said. Ted Cruz highlighted Algeria as a destabilizing, Iran-tied country that endangers American regional security goals as Algerias regime has been hosting, financing, arming, and sheltering the Polisario Front for more than 50 years. Senator Ted Cruz praised Moroccos role and efforts in Counterterrorism. The Congo River Alliance (AFC), a rebel coalition that includes the M23, has claimed responsibility for last weeks attack on Kisangani Bangoka International Airport in northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). In a statement issued on Wednesday, AFC/M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka said the group carried out the operation between January 31 and February 1, targeting what it described as a military command centre located at the airport. The facility, according to the rebels, served as a hub for planning and coordinating operations against civilians and AFC/M23 positions in areas including Masisi, Walikale, Rutshuru, Lubero, Kalehe, Mwenga and Minembwe. Kisangani Bangoka International Airport, situated approximately 17 kilometres from the city of Kisangani, the capital of Tshopo province, is believed to host the headquarters of the Congolese Armys General Staff of the Third Defence Zone. The Congolese military said on Monday that it neutralised eight kamikaze drones targeting the airport, preventing damage to the facility. In the aftermath of the attack, provincial authorities in Tshopo accused Rwanda and the AFC/M23 of responsibility, describing the incident as a sustained and unjustified aggression. Rwanda has repeatedly denied accusations by the Congolese government, the United Nations, and other international actors that it backs the M23. The claim of responsibility comes as diplomatic efforts continue, following the signing of a ceasefire monitoring agreement earlier this week in Doha, where DR Congo and the AFC/M23 agreed on terms of reference under Qatars mediation to de-escalate the conflict in eastern parts of the country. Source: https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/m23-rebels-claim-responsibility-for-drone-attack-on-dr-congo- airport/3819729 =========================== ================ For years, Mumbais high-rises sold a promise rise above the chaos, rise above the smog. Height was marketed as insulation from pollution, with open views and cleaner air positioned as the ultimate urban luxury. This season, that promise has collapsed. From the 20th floor upwards and even beyond the 40th residents say they are staring into a wall of haze. From Powai to Lower Parel, Worli to Kandivli, people living hundreds of feet above ground describe a skyline that has turned grey and opaque. Windows remain shut for most of the day, balconies gather soot, and exhaust fans clog within days. It feels like the pollution has climbed up with us, said a 38-year-old banker living on the 35th floor of a Lower Parel tower, speaking on condition of anonymity. Earlier, we could see the sea link clearly. Now, on some mornings, even a building half a kilometre away disappears. My daughter wakes up coughing. Vinita Bhatia, who lives on the 21st floor of Auris Serenity in Malad West, said worsening air quality has disrupted her routine. I used to go for a walk every morning around 6 am. But over the past few weeks, I feel breathless within 10 minutes, she said. Bhatia earlier walked on the podium level on the ninth floor the only exercise she could fit into her schedule. Ive had to stop completely. Even in the evenings, around 6, theres visible haze. The air feels heavy, she said. From her balcony, she once had an uninterrupted view towards Andheri and the shoreline. Now its hard to see even a kilometre. Another resident had her asthma triggered badly, Bhatia said. I just returned from Bahrain after a family wedding, and the contrast was immediate. It feels almost criminal that we dont have access to something as basic as breathable air. In Powais Hiranandani complex, Shalini Gomes, who lives on the 26th floor, said the problem is impossible to ignore. Theres a constant haze outside the window. We wipe dust off the railings every week. We thought moving higher meant cleaner air and better views. Thats clearly not true anymore. At Lodha Florenza in Goregaon, Shubha Naik, who lives on the 38th floor, described a stark deterioration. When we bought the flat, we had a beautiful view of the sea and Aarey Colony. Now theres often a thick blanket of haze. Forget the view you can feel the bad air quality. In Wadala, Najeeba Sutterwala, a resident of Cosmix Heights on the 22nd floor, said prolonged cough and breathing trouble have become common. So many residents were affected that we had to form the Wadala Clean Air Group, she said. This has been happening every winter, but its far worse than last year. The smog never really lifts anymore it just hangs there. Children who never had breathing issues are suddenly on nebulisers. The coughing doesnt stop, she told Mumbai Mirror. One of the residents at Bycullas Piramal Aranya said the contrast between appearance and reality is unsettling. From the upper floors, the city looks clean, but the air we inhale is poisonous. People complain of severe allergies, splitting headaches, extreme fatigue, hair loss and sudden skin pigmentation. Another resident, Swati Dixit, said pollution is visibly accelerating physical decline. Early greying, rapid hair loss, damaged skin you can see it on peoples faces. Pollution is ageing us faster than time itself. Pollution rising vertically Scientists and environmentalists say this is not just perception the pollution layer is genuinely sitting higher this winter. Dr Gufran Beig, scientist and chair professor at the National Institute of Advanced Sciences (NIAS), said unusual meteorological conditions are trapping pollutants at elevated levels. A new pattern is emerging in coastal cities like Mumbai, Beig said. Cold, moisture-laden air from North India meets Mumbais warmer air, forming haze. Local emissions then get trapped higher up often above 25 metres, beyond where most air-quality monitors are placed. Instead of dispersing, pollutants remain suspended due to moisture and slower upper-level winds. ENSO-neutral conditions and the delayed settling of La Nina have worsened stagnation, he added. La Nina is a climate pattern characterised by cooler-than-normal sea surface temperatures in the tropical central and eastern Pacific Ocean. This winter is meteorologically unique. The Indo-Gangetic Plain winter has been delayed by 10 to 15 days. Until it fully recedes, dispersion will remain poor, Beig said. Not dust, invisible chemistry Experts stress that what residents are breathing is not merely construction dust. Dr Rakesh Kumar, president of the Society for Indoor Environment and former director of the CSIR-NEERI zonal centre, said the real danger lies in complex chemical reactions. This haze is not just dust or PM2.5, Kumar said. It consists largely of secondary particles formed when nitrogen oxides and hydrocarbons react, leading to ozone and nitrates. These particles are extremely fine, behave almost like gases, and linger when winds are stagnant. Construction dust settles relatively quickly and is not the primary culprit, he said. Vehicular emissions, congestion and burning chemically create aerosol haze. Thats what were seeing. The impact is visible indoors too. Fans that earlier needed cleaning once a month now clog within a week, Kumar said. Height offers no immunity. I live on the 35th floor myself the air just hangs there, grey and suffocating. When luxury meets limits Paediatricians warn that the consequences for children could be permanent. Fine particulate matter scars developing lungs, said Dr Risabh Shah. We are seeing chronic coughs that never fully heal. For residents who paid a premium for cleaner air and open views, the reckoning has been sobering. We bought this flat thinking height equals health, said Ahana Suresh, a Worli resident. Now air purifiers run all day. Whats the point of a sea view if you cant open the window? As pollution rises vertically through the city, Mumbais vertical growth appears to have collided with its environmental limits. Irresponsible conduct by the Mumbai Police has once again come under scrutiny in a case that was initially recorded as a suicide by hanging at Sakinaka police station but later unravelled into a court-monitored murder investigation. Only after sustained intervention by the Bombay High Court did the police arrest four accused, including the womans husband, more than 14 months after her death, and recreate the crime scene. The episode raises troubling questions about the initial refusal to register an FIR, the lack of scrutiny of the postmortem report, and why decisive action was taken only after judicial compulsion. The case concerns the death of Narangi alias Geeta Sakaram Chaudhary, who died in Mumbai on October 14, 2024. Her death was swiftly recorded as suicide, with the postmortem and last rites conducted in haste, until the Bombay High Court intervened and converted the matter into a court-monitored probe following serious forensic suspicion of murder. Geeta, married to Sakaram Chaudhary for nearly 15 years, lived in Ghatkopar with their two children. Her family never accepted the suicide theory. Hours before her death, Geeta spoke to her brother, Dinesh Chaudhary, and appeared normal and cheerful earlier in the day. By evening, the family was informed that she had allegedly hanged herself. Sakinaka police officials have since confirmed the arrest of four accused. Sakaram was named as the main accused, while the remaining threemen aged between 20 and 25were allegedly hired to kill Geeta for a sum of Rs 20,000 to Rs 25,000. Following their arrest, police recreated the crime scene using a dummy mannequin, during which the accused allegedly narrated how one of them strangulated her while the other two staged the death as a hanging. Further investigation is underway, though police have remained tight-lipped on additional details. The family questioned why the same officersSenior Police Inspector Sunil Yadav, Investigating Officer Sapna Khirsagar, and Assistant Police Inspector Vishwanath Dhawanewho were in charge when the case was allegedly mishandled, acted only after the High Court intervened. They also asked why families from poor backgrounds are forced to go to extraordinary lengths to secure a fair investigation. Dinesh Chaudhary said the family sensed something was wrong from the very beginning. There was an unnecessary hurry in every process by Sakarams family. We were threatened by him and his maternal uncle, yet we raised our concerns before Assistant Police Inspector Vishwanath Dhawane. He did not even record our complaint and told us, You dont need to file a complaint, we are investigating, and refused to register an FIR, he said. The family further alleged that while Geetas body was being taken to their village for last rites, the accuseds family abandoned them midway when they stopped briefly. Before they could return, the body was buried without their consent. Sakaram openly threatened me, saying I could do nothing. His uncle even told me to check my display picture, which showed him posing with police officers. That is when we decided to file a case in our village, said Geetas father, Bhanaram Chaudhary. With great difficulty, we managed to get a zero FIR registered, which was later transferred to Mumbai. Even then, the police took more than one year to investigate and arrest the accused. Had we not approached the court, they would have convinced us it was a suicide instead of investigating it as a murder, he added. As the family pieced together events, several disturbing details emerged. Geeta had earlier told them that three unknown men began visiting the house shortly after the couple shifted into a rented flat just a month earlier. When she questioned this, her husband claimed the owner intended to sell the property. The family later contacted the owner, who denied any such plan. During the funeral, Geetas teenage son narrated events that later became central to the case. He said that after returning from school, his father sent him away; that he noticed two helmeted men entering the house; and that he was called back an hour later to find his mother hanging in the kitchen. Despite the seriousness of this account, the family alleged that police never recorded the childs statement. They also claimed to have noticed visible scratches on Geetas neck and two distinct ligature marks when her body was in the ambulancedetails they photographed. When such injuries were clearly visible even to common people, it raises a troubling question as to how they went unnoticedor ignoredby police officers who instead sought to pacify the family by insisting the death was a suicide, the family said. With no faith left in the local probe, Geetas father approached the Bombay High Court under Article 226, asserting that a fair investigation is intrinsic to the right to life. On December 18, 2024, the court ordered exhumation and a fresh postmortem by a Medical Board. Subsequent forensic opinions raised strong suspicion of strangulation followed by hanging, effectively dismantling the suicide theory. Amid these alleged lapses by the Sakinaka police, DCP Datta Nalawade offered only a brief response, stating that his team is conducting the investigation. Jackson, CA Officials in Amador County have released details about a fatal crash that killed a baby boy. Isaac Wilson Shirley, a one-year-old from Jackson, was the passenger in an early morning crash that happened back on January 24 on Highway 16 (east of Carbondale Road), and he later passed away from injuries, five days later, on January 29, while receiving medical care in Sacramento. The CHP reports that there was heavy fog at the time of the crash, at 2:08 am. The boy was the passenger in a Honda Fit driven by a 33-year-old Jackson woman, which was hit by an oncoming Hyundai. The drivers of both vehicles were also treated for injuries and taken to regional hospitals. The CHP notes that the investigation is still ongoing, and alcohol/drugs were not believed to be a factor in the collision. A fire tore through a northeastern Pennsylvania hospital, sending smoke billowing into the air as dozens of patients were evacuated and emergency medical crews were rushed in from across the region, authorities said. No one was reported injured by the Wednesday night blaze at the Lehigh Valley Hospital campus in Dickson City, which drew all available emergency medical services within a 50-mile (80-kilometer) radius, fire officials said. The facility remained closed Thursday while the damage was assessed, hospital spokesperson Shellie Wass said. Bystander video showed smoke rising over the hospitals entrance as firefighters on ladders worked to contain the blaze. One video appeared to show patients, some on gurneys, being loaded into a line of ambulances for transport to other hospitals. The fire started on the roof of an older medical office building formerly known as Scranton Orthopedics and did not begin inside the attached main hospital building, officials said. More than 70 hospital patients were evacuated, most to other area hospitals. Geisinger hospitals received 13 of them, including 12 who were transported to Geisinger Community Medical Center and one to Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center, Geisinger spokesperson Richard Mattei said. As of Thursday morning, five patients were listed in fair condition, three in good condition and one in critical condition. The other four had been released, Geisinger said, though it didnt specify whether the patients conditions were related to the fire. Dickson City Fire Chief Richard Chowanec said the alarm was upgraded upon arrival to bring in additional resources. Police from throughout the area were helping hospital staff and emergency medical crews evacuate patients when firefighters arrived. Gov. Josh Shapiro said on X that state police, the emergency management agency and the health department responded to the fire. Thank you to every first responder running toward danger to help their fellow Pennsylvanians, Shapiro said. Lori and I are praying for the staff, patients, their families, and the entire community tonight. U.S. Rep. Rob Bresnahan Jr., whose district includes the city, also thanked first responders, calling their actions swift and professional. By LEAH WILLINGHAM and MARK SCOLFORO Associated Press A major drone surveillance program could be coming to Waikiki as soon as March as part of a statewide push to use modern technologies to fill gaps in policing. Sheriffs plan to fly drones over the tourist district to watch for crimes being committed in public spaces during peak busy hours, festivals and large events. The machines also will be able to respond to crime scenes and emergencies in about 30 seconds, transmitting back crucial information, according to Mike Lambert, director of the state Department of Law Enforcement. Honolulu police and the Department of Law Enforcement already use drones for special operations, most recently for fireworks enforcement, but this would be the first time they would be used as first responders. The program comes as agencies around the state incorporate more modern technology into their operations. Late last year, the Honolulu Police Department began testing an artificial intelligence software program to help write police reports. The Hawaii Department of Transportation in January announced a campaign to equip drivers with dashcams to monitor the roads for infrastructure issues and reckless drivers. HPD also has been expanding its use of drones, although so far it has declined to provide more detailed information about how and when it uses the devices. Police department spokespersons did not make anyone available for an interview for this story and said police could not discuss tactics and strategies in order to preserve operational security. The department also declined to discuss how a drone helped capture a shooting suspect in Kalihi in January, citing the ongoing case. Brandon Nakasato, assistant chief of the departments investigative bureau, offered some clues in an emailed statement, saying that drones are useful in many circumstances, including search and rescue, situational awareness, mapping, and other instances where they are not used for violations of privacy. But as the use of drones by police has proliferated across the country, so have concerns from community members and watchdog groups about violations of privacy and the potential for integration of more controversial technology like facial recognition. If youre going to have these kind of technology-enabled surveillance programs, at the very least they need to be authorized and transparent, said Jesse Woo, technologist and AI policy counsel at the NYU Policing Project, a police accountability group based at the New York University School of Law. I think it should really be up to the communities that are being policed and that are being impacted. Drones As First Responders In Waikiki Lambert said drones acting as first responders in Waikiki could help relieve stress on officers operating in chronically understaffed departments. The Honolulu Police Department vacancy rate is around 20%; the Department of Law Enforcements is even larger, around 25%. We have a shortage of officers, Lambert said. Were trying to stem the gap through these technologies. The Waikiki Neighborhood Board voted to approve the drone program at its October meeting, and one of the board members, Rolf Nordahl, said he is working with the Department of Law Enforcement on an agreement to house a drone launch pad on top of the Waikiki Grand Hotel, a condo hotel where he is association president. He said he supports the program but asked that the drones not take off over the hotels sun deck area, which faces Diamondhead, because he doesnt want them to startle guests. I think theres a lot of unnecessary speeding and other activities that go on on Kapahulu Avenue that I hope that this could be an assistance in solving, he said. Crime rates have dropped in Waikiki in recent years. In 2024, there 71 aggravated assaults, 70 robberies and 1,781 thefts reported, according to the Honolulu Police Departments annual report. By comparison, in 2019, there 123 aggravated assaults, 95 robberies and 2,756 thefts, according to that years report. But Lambert said state officials want Waikiki to be a pilot site for the drone program to see if the additional safety measure boosts tourism. Lambert has also proposed using drones as first responders on Hawaiian homelands. The presence of the drones could deter people from committing crimes or scare them away in the middle of the act, he said. They will be equipped with two-way speakers so drone pilots can announce that officers are en route. From the scene of an emergency, Lambert said the drones video feed also can prepare arriving officers so they are prepared to de-escalate the situation, showing them how many people are on scene, if there are any weapons visible and who any potential aggressors are. The old way was, Im going to a case and I literally have no clue what Im going to see when I get there, he said. The presence of the drones could also deter people from committing crimes in the first place or scare them away if theyre in the middle of the act, he said. The drones will be equipped with two-way speakers so drone pilots can announce that officers are en route. The department leases 12 drones from the California-based security company Skydio for about $30,000 per year, Lambert said. He plans to install four launch pads in Waikiki. Adding the drones, as well as other technology like more automated license plate readers and ShotSpotters, a gunshot detection device, to Waikiki will cost around $500,000 annually, Lambert said about the cost of four full-time police officers. The goal is to interlay technology to offset the 20% vacancies experienced by HPD, he said. Privacy Concerns Jacob Wiencek, a citizen member of the public safety committee for the Waikiki Neighborhood Board, said the idea of police drones buzzing around an area so densely packed with high-rises raises concerns about privacy and civil liberties. Americans have an expectation of privacy as part of our constitutional rights, he said. I might not be doing anything wrong, but that doesnt mean I want the government to, quote unquote, accidentally or purposely be looking into my condo unit. Chris Magnus, a member of the Honolulu Police Commission, said its important to educate the public on exactly how and when drones will be used before theyre deployed. There is no right to privacy in public space, thats true, he said. But I still think its always something that people in a community like to know a little bit about before it happens. Hawaii legislators first raised concerns about drones and privacy a decade ago, before the devices were widely used by law enforcement. In 2016, lawmakers in the Senate introduced a bill that would have prohibited law enforcement agencies from using drones to gather evidence without first obtaining a warrant. The bill would have restricted police use of drones to limited situations such as search and rescue operations, hostage situations or training exercises. The Honolulu Police Department at the time submitted testimony partially supporting the bill and said it intended to use drones in an emergency or critical situation where a persons life is in direct jeopardy. It opposed the section of the bill that prohibited the use of drones to gather evidence without a search warrant. There are possible situations that may necessitate obtaining a search warrant in order to utilize (drones) for investigative purposes, the departments testimony reads. However, this is not always a feasible option and could result in the loss of evidence essential to an investigation. The bill never made it out of committee for a full vote. Last year, drones entered the conversation again through a bill passed by lawmakers to ramp up fireworks enforcement. The bill which became law in June allows video recordings made by police drones to be used to establish probable cause for an arrest as long as the drone is recording over public space and the act leading to the persons arrest was committed on public property. Honolulu police and Department of Law Enforcement personnel used drones on the Fourth of July and New Years Eve to try to crack down on fireworks violators, though some officials, including Mayor Rick Blangiardi, expressed disappointment that police only issued 29 fireworks citations on New Years Eve. Brian Lynch, assistant chief of HPDs Regional Patrol Bureau, told the Honolulu Police Commission in January that the drones werent as helpful as expected. But Lambert said the drones helped pinpoint where fireworks were coming from, and footage they captured is being used to open civil nuisance abatement investigations into eight homes. Because in those cases the drones captured the properties where fireworks were lit, not the individual who lit them, nuisance abatement against the property owner is the best course of action, he said. The Department of Law Enforcement is in the process of sending letters to those homes. Chula Vista Chula Vista, California was the first city in the country to implement a program to use drones as first responders in 2018. The drones were used for more than 20,000 missions in the first six years of the program and helped officers respond more effectively to calls for service, police Chief Roxana Kennedy told Fox 5 San Diego in 2024. She used a video from a 2019 call as an example, which initially came in as a report of a man with a gun at a local taco shop. When the drone arrived on scene before officers, it found the man sitting at a picnic table with a black item resembling a gun in his right hand. In the video footage, he brings the item to his mouth and uses it to light a cigarette. At that point, the drone pilot realized it was a lighter and told the responding officers. When they change it up and it appears to be a cigarette lighter, it changes your response, Kennedy told the news station. Thats sometimes when tragedies come into play because you dont have a crystal ball and you dont know what youre going into. The Chula Vista program also raised privacy concerns among community members. In 2021, a local newspaper, La Prensa, sued the police department for its drone footage after the department denied the papers public records request. The case went through multiple appeals courts before the California Supreme Court ruled in August that the department, and all police departments in California, must release drone footage not tied to open investigations. The department now publishes information about all of its drone flights on a public dashboard. In a 2023 paper on the program, the ACLU expressed concerns about any police department using drones to conduct regular surveillance of specific neighborhoods. More than 1,400 police departments were using drones that year, and the ACLU warned the programs were proliferating with little oversight or accountability. The ACLU opined that drones should only be used to respond to serious emergencies and that police departments should be completely transparent about when and how theyre being used. Its not hard to see how, once normalized by deployments such as (drones as first responder) programs, police drones could become an increasingly common sight over American communities for a wide range of police purposes, the paper says. That last step that drones will usher in an era of pervasive, suspicionless, mass aerial surveillance has always been one of our biggest fears. Watchdog groups also warn about the potential for drones to be employed in more extreme ways. In 2022, the body camera company Axon proposed a plan to equip drones with tasers as a way to stop mass shootings. Nine members of an ethics board formed to advise the company on its AI policy resigned in protest. The company never built the drones. Accountability groups also have expressed concerns about drones being equipped with facial recognition technology and the potential to use them to monitor demonstrations and identify protesters. The ACLU sued multiple federal agencies for information on their aerial surveillance of Black Lives Matter protests after the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis in 2020. The lawsuit was settled and dismissed in 2024. Lambert said his departments Skydio drones are equipped with facial recognition technology, but he has not accessed that feature yet because of its controversial nature. Woo, of the NYU Policing Project, said drones can be positive policing tools as long as community concerns are addressed and departments are transparent. We are aware of the risks and we think there ought to be safeguards, he said. But there are good use cases for these technologies. Its all about finding the right balance. ___ This story was originally published by Honolulu Civil Beat and distributed through a partnership with The Associated Press. By MADELEINE VALERA/Honolulu Civil Beat Honolulu Civil Beat Laylah Rivers had already been a paratrooper in the U.S. Army and worked at various tech companies across the West Coast. But when she enrolled at a Los Angeles community college at 31, she was just another freshman alongside students nearly half her age. Luckily, West Los Angeles College has a program that acknowledges students prior work experience. The college gave her seven credits, the equivalent of about two classes, after she provided a copy of her military transcript and evidence of computer courses she took while working at Amazon. Of course, with 13 years of experience, I should get more credit for what Im doing, she said. But Im grateful. Since 2017, Californias community colleges have slowly expanded the number of ways that students can get school credit for their prior work experience, and Gov. Gavin Newsom has made it a priority, in part by approving over $34 million in related state funding in recent years. By 2030, the California Community Colleges Chancellors Office wants at least 250,000 students to have earned college credit for their work or other prior learning experience, and in January, Newsom proposed putting an additional $37 million toward it. But many colleges use their own internal methods to track the credits they award, so theres no authoritative system showing how many students across the state have actually been served. The chancellors office operates a public dashboard, which says that over 40,000 students in California have received at least one credit for pre-college work or education in the past few years. Samuel Lee, a senior adviser to the community college chancellor who oversees the dashboard, said the real total is roughly twice that, though he couldnt provide any exact figures. Among the students who count toward this 2030 goal are those who gain credit by taking Advanced Placement, or AP, exams which have existed for decades. Whats new is awarding students credit for work experience, such as computer courses or military training. Because its so new, its taking the colleges a while, Lee said. Some are nowhere and some are really down the road. Historically, veterans have benefited the most from these credits, but students with professional experience in plumbing, first aid, foreign languages and hundreds of other skills can also qualify, either by showing an industry certification or taking an exam. At Cabrillo College in Santa Cruz, for instance, students can get college credit for wine courses if they can prove sufficient knowledge in French, Italian or Spanish wines. Just a few additional credits can save students over $14,000, according to one California study. These students are more likely to graduate, too. Because shes a veteran, Rivers education and living costs are supported by the federal government, including through the GI Bill. These benefits only last a few years so every class she can skip saves her time and ultimately money that she can put toward her future education. Want to get ahead in tech? Get a degree Even without a college degree, Rivers was doing well in tech, making over $70,000 a year, first at Amazon Web Services and later as a support engineer at a startup. Californias tech industry has been vocal about dropping degree requirements for jobs, but research by the Burning Glass Institute shows that employers still prefer college graduates, even when college education isnt a requirement. Computer science is really male-dominated, white-dominated, said Rivers. Im a Black woman, but its hard to get my foot in the door. Even though I have 13 years of experience, they move the goalpost. When the startup she was working at was sold to another company in 2024, she enrolled at West Los Angeles College, hoping to eventually transfer to a four-year institution, get a degree and land a management job in the tech industry. But Rivers didnt know that any of her prior work could translate into college credits until months after enrolling, when a college dean noticed her military and computer science experience. I think it should just be built into the registration process instead of people having to find out about it, she said. It took me a whole semester to figure it out. Starting last fall, West Los Angeles College made it a requirement that all transfer-oriented students learn about opportunities to get credit for prior work experience, either during meetings with a college counselor in the first semester or at orientation, said Allison Tom-Miura, the dean of academic affairs and workforce development for the campus. This is a big equity issue, she said. How can we help students from repeating courses that they do not need? In 2018, the state Legislature passed a law that would eventually mandate that every college adopt a policy for awarding students credit for prior learning or work experience, but colleges received little or no funding to implement it. They scrambled to create systems to assess students work experience and streamline the process of petitioning for credit, according to interviews with community college leaders across the state. Administratively, the process is still tricky today. Students need to submit evidence of their work experience, which faculty then evaluate and translate into an equivalent course at the college. Most students gain credit by showing a military transcript, a certification or by taking a test, but sometimes, in more subjective fields such as photography, faculty assess a students portfolio. Lees statewide system lists the skills and certifications that community colleges already recognize so that students can petition for credit more easily. But he said that only about half the states 116 community colleges are actively participating in the effort. Getting all colleges on the same system Often, Lee is on tour, visiting colleges across the state, sometimes meeting with a school six or seven times in an effort to promote his credit tracking system or otherwise improve the way they log students credits. Last month, he sat on stage at a conference in Sacramento to present about the benefits of a shared tracking system alongside the interim president of Palomar College, Tina Recalde. Like many schools in the San Diego metro area, Palomar College has a high number of enrolled veterans and was an early advocate for awarding additional credit to them. In their joint presentation, Recalde said her college has given over 3,600 students credit for work or other prior learning experiences. But that data doesnt appear on Lees platform or any other public dashboard. Palomar College has its own system for processing the additional credits, which it created before Lees platform existed, said Nichol Roe, the colleges dean of career technical and extended education. Soon, nearly all schools will have to begin logging information on the same platform. The Legislature approved a budget last year that guarantees $50,000 to every community college campus that wants it. In return, the colleges that receive the money agree to use certain aspects of Lees data system and to screen all veterans and incoming students for potential additional credits. College of the Sequoias in Visalia said it doesnt need the money and chose not to apply, according to its president, Brent Calvin. Lee said that every other college applied for the funding by the deadline and that he would gladly make an exception for College of the Sequoias. Our goal is not for them to meet the deadline, he said. Our goal is to get people funding and support. ___ This story was originally published by CalMatters and distributed through a partnership with The Associated Press. By ADAM ECHELMAN/CalMatters CalMatters A section of the Azimio La Umoja One Kenya coalition affiliate parties has rejected recent leadership changes within the political alliance, calling the moves illegal, null and void. The affiliates accused coalition chairperson and former President Uhuru Kenyatta of overseeing a process they described as opaque and non-consultative, arguing that key coalition partners were excluded from the decision-making. Led by National Liberal Party (NLP) Secretary General Ishmael Omondi Koyoo, the dissenting affiliates have written to the Registrar of Political Parties, warning against implementing the changes and signaling possible legal action. The above actions go against the founding principles of inclusivity, transparency and accountability that Azimio espouses. In light of the aforementioned, we, the undersigned, founding Azimio La Umoja One Kenya Coalition Political Party affiliates, reject in totality the resolutions submitted to your office and caution you from further processing the illegal, null and void resolutions. Failure to which we shall seek legal redress in a competent court of law, the affiliates stated. Alleged Clandestine Meeting Sparks Outcry The affiliates accused coalition leaders of political deceit, claiming that a purported Azimio meeting was held clandestinely and non-procedurally to deliberate on coalition affairs, fill vacant positions, and remove officials from both the National Executive Committee and the Council. It is worth noting that political party coalitions are living agreements and not mere tombstones, they added. The above actions go against the founding principles of inclusivity, transparency and accountability that Azimio espouses. The group also requested key documents from the Registrar of Political Parties, including the Azimio Coalition Political Party Deed of Agreement, the status of Azimio membership as of February 1, 2026, notice and minutes of the meeting allegedly held on February 2, 2026, statutory form PP7 on the change of officials, and the attendance list of the meeting. They further questioned the speed with which the changes were processed: We note the urgency with which this matter was treated, as the meeting was held on February 2, 2026, resolutions filed with your office on the same day, and you promptly responded to the minutes on the same date, they said, calling for similar efficiency in addressing their concerns. New Leadership Appointments Spark Protest The protest follows Azimio councils communication of the leadership changes to the Registrar of Political Parties, submitting all required documents to formalize the new structure ahead of the 2027 General Election. The disputed changes saw Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka appointed as the new Azimio coalition leader, Suba North MP Caroli Omondi named Secretary General, and veteran politician Philip Kisia appointed Executive Director. Former officials Junet Mohamed, who previously served as Secretary General, and Raphael Tuju, the former Executive Director, were removed from their positions. The Capital Markets Authority (CMA) has released its latest data ranking Kenyas most popular Money Market Funds (MMFs) by market share, highlighting the growing appeal of these low-risk investments. Money Market Funds provide a safe platform for individuals to save, earn interest, and access their funds at any time, making them a preferred choice for cautious investors. According to CMAs Collective Investment Scheme (CIS) report for the period ending December 2025, the Sanlam Unit Trust Scheme maintained its position as the most popular MMF, commanding 19.20 per cent of the market as its assets grew 14.8 per cent to KSh130.5 billion. Top Performers in Kenyas MMF Market Standard Investment Trust Fund ranked second, holding 15.03 per cent of the market after posting a 32.6 per cent growth, increasing its assets to KSh102.1 billion. CIC Unit Trust Scheme followed closely in third place with 14.38 per cent of the market and assets totaling KSh97.8 billion, despite a modest 4.7 per cent growth rate. NCBA Unit Trust Scheme secured fourth place with 7.98 per cent, while Britam Unit Trust Scheme came fifth with 7.07 per cent after a 16.8 per cent increase. Other notable top ten performers included Old Mutual Unit Trust Scheme (4.15%) and Absa Unit Trust Funds (4.09%), while ICEA Unit Trust Scheme and Co-operative Unit Trust Scheme each controlled over 3 per cent of total assets. Rising Confidence in MMFs The top 20 also featured Etica, Madison Unit Trust, Ziidi Money Market Fund, Nabo Africa Funds, Faida Unit Trust Funds, and rounding out the list, Dry Associates Unit Trust, Arvocap Unit Trust Funds, Stanbic Unit Trust Funds, and Lofty Corban Unit Trust Scheme in positions seventeen through twenty. The CMA noted that the continued rise in assets under management signals growing trust in MMFs as a safe and convenient investment option. However, the regulator warned that larger funds are not necessarily the best-performing. Investors are encouraged to evaluate MMFs based on their yield value, usually expressed as a percentage, to understand the actual returns. The government is moving to scale up the NYOTA empowerment project to reach more than two million young people nationwide, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has said, signalling a major expansion of one of Kenyas flagship youth programs. Speaking on the progress of the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) initiative, Prof. Kindiki said the program has already recorded strong uptake since its rollout, with 820,000 youth benefiting in the initial phase. The government is looking at possibilities of injecting more resources into this program to ensure we expand it and reach more beneficiaries and impact the lives of many young people. Currently we are at 820,000 beneficiaries but we will double this number and even reach 2 million youth in the long run, Kindiki said. On Tuesday, the Deputy President hosted Cabinet Secretaries, Principal Secretaries and chief executives of agencies involved in the program at his Official Residence in Karen. The meeting reviewed the progress of the rollout and laid the groundwork for the next phase of expansion. We are going to have more young people on board the business support program, on the job experience and recognition of prior learning, he added. Government data shows that more than 121,000 young people have already benefited from the Business Grant component of NYOTA. Each beneficiary is set to receive Sh50,000 to help grow their enterprises and strengthen micro, small and medium-sized businesses. We are at the tail end of operationalizing component one which is the Business Grant allocated between 5 and 6 billion shillings. We have seen a lot of impact in supporting micro, small medium businesses and startups, DP Kindiki noted. The Deputy President said other key components of the program; including On-the-Job Training, Skills Development, Recognition of Prior Learning and Access to Government Procurement Opportunities (AGPO), are also undergoing adjustments to align with the administrations broader development agenda, as directed by President William Ruto. We have been able to make significant savings, removed some of the non-essential budget lines, deleted others and reorganized the components. The savings will be deployed to increase the number of beneficiaries, Prof. Kindiki said. He added that the government will continue engaging development partners to ensure the NYOTA project fully supports the administrations priorities, as it seeks to widen opportunities for young Kenyans through skills training, business support and access to government opportunities. Members of the Rastafarian community were Wednesday denied a chance to present evidence after High Court security stopped them from bringing cannabis seeds into Court in a petition alleging police harassment. The incident occurred at the High Court gates, where petitioners and their lawyers were denied entry with the seeds. The petitioners told the Court that the seeds were central to their case, reflecting the spiritual and religious practices associated with their faith. Their lawyers argued that the seeds posed no threat to public safety and should be admitted as exhibits. These are spiritual objects and exhibits in this matter. We urge the Court to allow them as evidence, counsel said, insisting that the seeds were not intended for any unlawful purpose. Despite these arguments, the Court raised concerns about legality and public safety. Court Rules Cannabis Seeds Are Contraband Justice Bahati Mwamuye clarified that cannabis seeds are classified as contraband under Kenyan law and upheld the actions of Court security, stating: The seeds are contraband. Security did the right thing in denying entry to avoid a situation where illegality is introduced into the Court premises. However, the judge granted the petitioners permission to submit additional affidavits and annex photographs of the disputed seeds or other spiritual or religious items they wished to rely on as evidence. He noted that the law permits parties to present electronic evidence, provided statutory requirements are met, making physical production unnecessary. The petitioners are reminded of the requirements governing the production of electronic evidence, Justice Mwamuye added. Allegations of Police Harassment During the hearing, the judge also warned against abuse of police powers, noting that while unlawful arrests would not be condoned, the Court could not grant blanket immunity to individuals citing religious practice. The petitioners allege that members of their community have faced repeated harassment by police. One lawyer cited a recent case in Kibera where a Rastafarian was publicly escorted by officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to Langata Police Station for a search, an action they say violated constitutional rights. The State opposed the petition, arguing that the petitioners had not proven that possession of the seeds was legally sanctioned. State counsel Christopher Marwa added that allegations of harassment must be supported by concrete evidence, and cautioned the Court against issuing orders without a formal application, warning this could derail the proceedings. The Court adjourned the hearing to March 23, 2026, for further directions. The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has unveiled plans to roll out a digital platform aimed at simplifying voter registration, with a strong focus on attracting young Kenyans ahead of the 2027 General Election. Speaking during a prayer breakfast meeting on Wednesday, IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon said the new system will allow eligible voters to complete most of the registration process online before visiting a registration centre solely to submit biometric data. We are introducing a digital platform where you have a link, a pre-registration form, you can fill all you details and all you need to do is walk into the nearest Huduma or registration center and give your fingerprints, Ethekon said. The IEBC chairperson noted that the commission remains firmly on course with its 2027 election roadmap, with voter registration standing out as a top priority to boost public participation in the polls. He said the commission is targeting 6.3 million new voters, including citizens who have recently turned 18 and those who missed earlier registration drives. The exercise will also cater to voters seeking to transfer their registration details to new polling stations. Ethekon revealed that the ongoing first phase of continuous voter registration has already attracted about 200,000 new voters. Despite the modest turnout so far, he said the figures have not dampened the commissions resolve to expand registration efforts nationwide. We are not worried because of the low numbers. Continuous voter registration is based at the constituency level. Our plan is to roll out a mass voter registration in March and through that we will set up registration centres in every village, he added. He reiterated that the commission remains committed to protecting the integrity of the voter register and ensuring it accurately reflects the countrys eligible voting population. Ethekon also called on the clergy, media and other stakeholders to play an active role in civic education, urging them to support efforts aimed at making 2027 the best election in the history of Kenya. However, the IEBC chairperson cautioned that several challenges continue to threaten the commissions ability to deliver a smooth electoral process. Chief among them, he said, are budgetary constraints that could limit outreach, particularly among young voters, vulnerable groups and communities with limited access to digital platforms. Without these budgets we will be incapacitated to reach out to these young people, vulnerable persons and places without the digital media, he stated. Ethekon also pointed to unresolved legal and policy gaps, including the long-standing two-thirds gender rule. He urged political leaders to actively encourage more women to vie for elective positions to help address the imbalance. In November last year, Ethekon disclosed that the IEBC had requested KSh 61.7 billion from Parliament to conduct elections, but lawmakers approved KSh 57.3 billion. He warned at the time that the reduction could undermine the commissions capacity to effectively manage the electoral process. Currently, Kenya has about 22.1 million registered voters. The IEBC projects this number will rise to 28.4 million by the time Kenyans head to the ballot in the 2027 General Election, driven by intensified registration campaigns and the planned digital registration platform. Cultural & Historical Significance The name Dekle holds particular significance within Christian naming traditions, especially in English-speaking communities where it evolved from surnames to given names. Its meaning of 'dusty one' and 'servant' resonates deeply with Christian values of humility and service, reflecting biblical teachings about putting others first and serving God through humble work. In historical context, the name often appeared in families with strong religious convictions, particularly in rural and Southern American communities where Christian faith was central to daily life. Throughout Christian history, names denoting service and humility have been valued as reminders of Christ's teaching that 'the first shall be last and the last shall be first.' Dekle embodies this counter-cultural approach to greatness through service. The name's persistence in certain family lines demonstrates how Christian families have used naming to preserve both religious values and family heritage across generations. While never widespread, its continued use represents a commitment to traditional Christian virtues in an increasingly secular world. Kasim Khan, son of jailed PTI founder Imran Khan, alleged that authorities are deliberately blocking visa applications filed by him and his brother, preventing them from travelling to Pakistan to meet their father. In a post on X on Wednesday, Kasim wrote, "My brother and I are trying to travel to Pakistan to see our father. For 914 days, he has been held in solitary confinement while his health deteriorates and he is denied access to independent medical care. "Now the government is deliberately refusing to process our visas. Denying a prisoner treatment is cruel. Denying his children the right to see him is collective punishment," he added. The matter comes amid mounting concerns over Imran Khan''s health and access to treatment, Pakistani daily Dawn reported. Kasim also appealed for international intervention, writing, "I call on international human rights organisations and governments to speak out and act before irreversible harm is done." Kasim and his elder brother, Suleiman, currently reside in London with their mother, Jemima Goldsmith. The development follows the government''s acknowledgement last week that Imran Khan had been taken to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, days after reports regarding his treatment surfaced in mainstream media, Dawn reported. The PTI subsequently condemned what it described as the "secretly transferring" of Imran Khan to PIMS, accusing authorities of keeping both his family and party leadership uninformed while denying him access to personal doctors. Earlier, opposition leader in the National Assembly Mahmood Khan Achakzai wrote to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, requesting his "personal intervention" to allow medical examinations by Imran Khan''s "trusted" physicians, Dawn reported. Imran Khan''s sons had earlier disclosed in December 2025 that they had applied for visas and were planning to visit Pakistan in January. However, reports emerging this week claimed that authorities were refusing to issue visas to Kasim and Suleiman, further fuelling concerns over access to the former premier. (ANI) BusinessWire India Accra [Ghana] / Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], February 5: Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, marks 'World Cancer Day 2026' together with Africa's First Ladies and Ministries of Health by continuing to build and advance cancer care capacity through their Cancer Access Program, with the aim to increase the limited number of Oncologists in Africa. Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.) explained, "At Merck Foundation, we mark World Cancer Day through our sustained, everyday efforts to transform cancer care in Africa by addressing one of its most critical gaps: late diagnosis and the shortage of trained specialists. Together with my dear sisters, African First Ladies, we have strengthened cancer care capacity in the continent by providing 258 Oncology Scholarships for healthcare providers from 34 African and Asian countries, significantly increasing the number of trained oncologists and developing the multidisciplinary cancer care teams. In several of these countries, there wasn't even a single oncologist. We are very proud that we are making history by training the first oncologists and first multidisciplinary cancer care teams in many countries like The Gambia, Sierra Leone, Burundi, Liberia, Guinea Conakry, Central African Republic, Chad, Niger, and many more." Merck Foundation in total provided more than 2500 scholarships for healthcare providers from 52 countries in 44 critical and underserved specialities. "Merck Foundation remains committed to transforming the landscape of patient care in general, and cancer care in particular, leading Africa toward a healthier future," Dr. Rasha Kelej further explained. As part of their Cancer Access Program, Merck Foundation has to date provided 258 Scholarships for healthcare providers from 34 countries as per the following: Merck Foundation is establishing Multidisciplinary Oncology Care teams in many African countries by providing scholarships of One year clinical training in most of oncology sub- specialties such as; Medical Oncology, Surgical Oncology, Pediatrics Oncology, Gynecology Oncology, Breast Oncology, Haemato-Oncology, Orthopedic Oncology, Palliative Care, Pathology Oncology, Radiation Oncology, Research in Oncology, Genital Urinary oncology, Advanced Cytopathology Training, Interventional Radiology, Radiation Technician, Laboratory Technician, Oncology Nursing. Moreover, Merck Foundation provides One-year and Two-year Post Graduate Diploma and Master Degree of Cancer and Clinical Oncology, Medical Oncology and Pain Management from reputed Universities in the UK like, such as the University of South Wales, University of Buckingham, Queen Mary University of London, and Cardiff University. The 34 countries include Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo Brazzaville, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, So Tome and Principe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. According to WHO data (2022), Africa sees roughly 1.1 million new cancer cases and up to about 700,000 cancer deaths each year. Cancer mortality rates in Africa are much higher than in many other regions of the world, reflecting late diagnosis, limited access to care, and gaps in health systems. Therefore, Merck Foundation's oncology scholarships play a critically important role in strengthening cancer care capacity across the continent. Dr. Rasha Kelej further shared, "Nearly two-thirds of cancer cases can be successfully treated when diagnosed early, and up to one-third can be prevented by reducing key risk factors such as exposure to radiation, certain infections, and lifestyle-related causes. To raise awareness about it, we have recently launched a children storybook and its adaptive animation film "Ray of Hope", in partnership with African First Ladies. The story deals with childhood cancer and highlights the critical importance of early detection and access to well-trained cancer care teams capable of recognizing early warning signs." Read 'Ray of Hope' storybook here: https://merck-foundation.com/flipbook-proxy/digital_library/1760607426_e5e3447ae2996a8d743f.pdf# Watch 'Ray of Hope' animation film here: https://youtu.be/6vCAufPnCPw Merck Foundation has also created awareness materials including awareness leaflets and videos on Cancer Prevention and Early Detection. Dr Judith Mkwaila, Merck Foundation Alumni from Malawi shares, "It was a great honor and privilege to be awarded the Merck Foundation Scholarship to pursue the Surgical Oncology fellowship training program at Krishna Vishwa Vidyapeeth, India. The fellowship gave me both, theoretical and hands-on training in complex oncological procedures for head and neck cancers, breast, upper gastrointestinal and colorectal cancers. I was exposed to a multidisciplinary team approach in cancer care hence deepening my knowledge and skills in a multimodality approach to cancer treatment for both curative and palliative purposes. Due to the knowledge and skills acquired through the training, I was able to start a General Surgical Clinic and become the First and Only Female Chief Surgeon at the Mzuzu Central Hospital. I am very thankful to Merck Foundation for the opportunity given to me to pursue this fellowship program and for continuing this noble cause of increasing access to high quality cancer care." Click the link below to Download Merck Foundation App https://www.merck-foundation.com/MF_StoreRedirection Join the conversation on our social media platforms below and let your voice be heard Facebook: Merck FoundationX: @MerckFoundationYouTube: MerckFoundationInstagram: Merck FoundationThreads: Merck FoundationFlickr: Merck FoundationWebsite: www.merckfoundation.com (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by BusinessWire India. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], February 5: Tata Power, one of India's largest vertically integrated power companies, today reported Profit After Tax (PAT) of Rs 1,194 crore in the third quarter ended December 31, 2025. The Company reported revenue of Rs 14,485 crore; and EBITDA of Rs 3,913 crore during the same period. For the 9-Month period, Company's PAT rose to Rs 3,702 crore (up 7 % YoY); revenue rose to Rs 47,719 crore (up 1 % YoY); while EBITDA grew to Rs 11,874 crore (up 12 % YoY). The Company's performance during the third quarter and 9-Month period reflects the strength of its diversified and integrated portfolio, spanning renewables, transmission and distribution, new energy solutions, and conventional generation. Dr Praveer Sinha, CEO & Managing Director, Tata Power, said, "Q3 FY26 marked strong execution and all-round performance across Generation, Transmission, Distribution, Renewables, and Manufacturing. We crossed 10 GW of cumulative renewable EPC execution, delivered record solar cell and module output with industry-leading yields, scaled Rooftop Solar, cumulative installations, beyond 4 GWp. We now serve over 13 million Distribution customers nationwide - the largest base among private utilities. Our Odisha Discoms delivered strong financial and operational performance, earning A+ and A grades in the Ministry of Power's 14th Integrated Ratings. In Transmission, we commissioned key projects strengthening green energy corridors. The World Bank's financing for Bhutan's largest PPP hydropower project further strengthens our clean energy portfolio and regional cooperation. Our nine-month performance positions us strongly as we enter 2026, supported by favourable macro conditions and rising power demand from manufacturing, urbanisation, and AI-led digital infrastructure. As India enters a decisive phase of power sector expansion, Tata Power remains focused on responsibly scaling clean energy capacity, strengthening system resilience, and delivering long-term, reliable growth." Business Highlights - Q3 FY26 Renewables: Strengthening Clean energy Growth with Consistent EPC Execution & Manufacturing scale - TPREL commissioned SJVN's 1 GW and NHPC's 300 MW DCR-compliant solar projects using modules from its Tirunelveli facility, and added 357 MW of in-house RE capacity - Total utility-scale capacity reached 6.1 GW (4.9 GW solar, 1.2 GW wind) - Capacity Addition: Commissioned 919 MW renewables including 357 MW own projects and 562 MW 3rd-party EPC - Tata Power Renewables signs PPA with Tata Power Mumbai Distribution to set up 80 MW Firm and Dispatchable Renewable Energy Project T&D: Powering India's Grid with Reliable, Future-Ready Transmission & Distribution Distribution: - Odisha DISCOMs continued to deliver strong operational performance with 1.9% decrease in AT&C loss - TPNODL and TPCODL achieved A+ ratings, and TPWODL secured an A grade in the Ministry of Power's 14th Integrated Ratings Report, reflecting sustained improvements in operational and financial performance Transmission: - Advancing six projects totalling ~ 2,400 Ckm, on track to surpass operational capacity of 7,000 Ckm by FY28 Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2876979/Tata_Power_Logo.jpg (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PRNewswire. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) HT Syndication Pune (Maharashtra) [India], February 5: The inaugural edition of Discover MarTech 2026, a premier conclave for India's marketing technology ecosystem, held in Pune on January 29, 2026 underscored the growing influence of India-built MarTech solutions and actively championed the 'Made-in-India MarTech' narrative. With industry reports projecting the Indian MarTech market to reach USD 100 billion by 2030-31, the speakers on the platform highlighted India's increasing role as a global hub for marketing technology innovation. Amit Tandon, Managing Partner, MavGen Media, said, "The Discover MarTech 2026 Pune edition celebrated homegrown excellence, spotlighted regional marketing leadership from Maharashtra, and moved the conversation away from buzzwords toward real, measurable business impact. Designed as a long-term initiative, Discover MarTech aims to recognise and amplify practical, business-led innovation emerging across Bharat. We will soon be taking Discover Martech to Ahmedabad, Indore, Mumbai and other cities." Talari Anand Mahesh, Managing Partner, MavGen Media, added, "We chose to launch the Discover MarTech series from Pune because of the quality and depth of MarTech work emerging from the region, despite the absence of a dedicated knowledge-sharing platform. The strong response to the Discover MarTech 2026 Pune edition reinforces our belief that India's MarTech journey extends far beyond a few metros. Our vision is to contribute meaningfully to the ecosystem through learning, collaboration, and recognition. We look forward to partnering with brands and agencies across the country as we build this movement together." Abrar Chunawala, Executive Director - Technology, Vision, and Innovation, Onextel, said, "Discover MarTech 2026 brought together the right mix of marketing, technology, and business transformation at a critical moment for the industry. At Onextel, we believe connected customer experiences form the foundation of modern brand success. Integrated, compliance-first communication platforms play a crucial role in enabling smarter, more human-centric marketing and that is the direction in which MarTech must continue to evolve." The first panel discussion of the day, 'The New Marketing Function: Human + AI Capabilities', was moderated by Hemal Bhuptani (Vector Consulting Group) and featured Ranjan Dutt (Russell Investments), Dr. Anuja Anil Pradhan (Symbiosis Institute of Media & Communication), and Akhil Duggal (Crompton Greaves Consumer Electricals). The panel explored how AI is rapidly reshaping marketing functions while reinforcing the enduring importance of human judgment, leadership, and decision-making. Sharing his perspective, Ranjan Dutt said, "What stood out for me was how quickly AI adoption has accelerated--and yet how central people, judgment, and leadership remain in the workplace. Technology gives you speed, but teams give you direction. Without direction, speed only gets you lost faster." The second panel, 'Customer Acquisition: Winning Customers with AI', was moderated by Ajay Dusane and featured Kapil Khalgaonkar (Clodura.ai), Nishant Arora (Netcore), and Amol Ghadge (Pfizer). The discussion focused on the shift from spray-and-pray tactics to precision-led acquisition powered by intent data and predictive signals. Panelists examined how AI is reducing wasted media spend through real-time optimisation, reshaping multi-touch attribution, and helping brands identify unviable customer segments early in the acquisition journey. Summarising the discussion, Ajay Dusane observed, "Technology can enable solutions, but clarity of thinking determines whether they actually work. One thing became very clear that AI is no longer about acquiring more customers. It's about acquiring the right customers predictably, profitably, and repeatedly." He further added, "AI doesn't fix broken acquisition strategies. It exposes them faster." The third discussion, 'Made in India MarTech: Challenges and Opportunities', was moderated by Arijit Bhattacharyya of VirtualInfocom and featured Dr. Sapptarishi Ghosh (Symbiosis Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation) and Dr. Vinod Shastri (MIT-World Peace University). The panel examined the realities of building globally relevant MarTech solutions from India and the structural challenges faced by B2B startups. Responding to a question on why India has relatively few B2B MarTech unicorns, Dr. Vinod Shastri remarked, "Why do we even aspire to be a unicorn--a mythical animal? Why not aspire to be a dog instead?" Elaborating further, he added, "Like a pet, a sniffer dog, or a therapy dog, startups can be of immense value to someone. In our pursuit of becoming unicorns, we often try to be everything to everyone. Real value is created by being indispensable to someone." The fourth panel, 'Brand Engagement in an AI-Driven World', was moderated by Kalyan Challapalli (WolfzHowl) and featured Rohan Kamat (Adobe), Siddharth Dhabade (Lemma), and Preetesh Jain (Zerply.ai). The discussion highlighted a shared conviction that AI is becoming foundational to how brands build relevance, loyalty, and trust not through scale alone, but through intent-driven, human-centred engagement. Reflecting on the conversation, Preetesh Jain said, "AI-driven engagement works only when it is human-centred, not automation-first. Scale is powerful, but context and intent are what truly drive loyalty. The future belongs to brands that treat AI as a strategic partner in experience design, not merely as a productivity layer." The event also featured the Discover MarTech Awards 2026, celebrating brands and teams that demonstrated measurable business impact through the effective use of marketing technology. The winners were selected by an esteemed jury comprising Gaurav Sinha of Audi India, Jitendra Mahendra from Shoppers Stop, and Hemal Bhuptani of Vector Consulting Group. The awards focused on substance over showmanship, recognising teams that demonstrated clear strategic thinking, strong execution, and outcomes that were tangible and measurable. Winners at the Discover MarTech Awards 2026 included: - Best Use of Marketing Technology:Gold - Bajaj General InsuranceSilver - YES BankBronze - Crocs India - Best Omnichannel Strategy:Gold - Nippon India Mutual FundSilver - FabindiaBronze - Navia - Content Marketing Mastery:Gold - MyntraSilver - Hero MotoCorpBronze - Coolberg - Lead Generation & Nurturing Champion:Gold - Zurich Kotak General InsuranceSilver - Shriram FinanceBronze - Bajaj Finserv and Axis Max Life Insurance - Best Customer Data Platform:Gold - AdobeSilver - NetcoreBronze - Clodura.ai - Most Innovative Martech Solution:Gold - NetcoreSilver - AdobeBronze - Clodura.ai - Best CRM Solution:Gold - Clodura.aiSilver - Netcore - Emerging Martech Solution:Gold - Zerply.aiSilver - CashDrip.ai The 2026 edition was supported by Onextel Limited as Title Sponsor, with Wolf Odysssey, Inbox Media Pvt. Ltd., Xccess Defenders, and STAIRS Talent Hub joining as Associate Sponsors reflecting the convergence of communications technology, security, and inclusive digital platforms shaping the future of marketing. With strong participation from industry leaders, technology providers, and practitioners, Discover MarTech 2026 successfully created a collaborative forum for learning, exchange, and recognition, further cementing its position as a key platform for India's evolving MarTech community. About MavGen Media MavGen Media is a partnership firm held between Mavcomm Group, one of India's leading Integrated Communications firms with two decades of experience, and Genuus, an award-winning global Marketing Services company. The Mavcomm-Genuus combine is placed at the intersection of creativity, communications, experiences and technology. MavGen is focused on creating high-impact platforms for marketing, technology, and business leaders, enabling knowledge-sharing, community building, and recognition of excellence across emerging business domains. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by HT Syndication. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same.) VMPL Andhra Pradesh [India], February 5: Pilloo AI, India's first voice-based billing and accounting AI agent designed for small and medium businesses, was officially launched in the presence of the Honourable Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, N. Chandrababu Naidu. The launch marks a significant milestone in bringing accessible, AI-driven financial tools to entrepreneurs and MSMEs across the country. The launch event was held at the Andhra Pradesh Secretariat and was attended by CS Vijayanand (IAS), MLA and former Minister Prathipati Pulla Rao, Muthavarapu Suresh, and Ram Mohan, Co-founder of Pilloo AI, along with investors of Pilloo AI. Pilloo AI allows business owners to create invoices, record transactions, fetch reports, and manage accounts simply by speaking in their own native language, without accounting expertise or complex software. Designed for simplicity and speed, the app is aimed at helping users save time and reduce manual effort. "Pilloo AI is a strong example of how technology can make everyday business simpler. Tools like this will help small businesses and entrepreneurs manage their finances easily, improve transparency, and support Andhra Pradesh's vision of digital growth and ease of doing business," said CM Naidu. During the event, the Chief Minister also commanded the generation of the first invoice on Pilloo AI, demonstrating how natural language conversations can instantly translate into real business actions. Sai Praneeth G, Founder of Pilloo AI, added "At Pilloo AI, our goal is to remove the fear and complexity around billing and accounting for small businesses. By using AI and interactive conversations, we want every entrepreneur to manage their business confidently and grow faster, while supporting Andhra Pradesh's and India's journey towards a digitally empowered economy." "Millions of small business owners still rely on manual records because existing systems are expensive, complex, and intimidating. Pilloo AI is built to change that by allowing anyone to run their business finances using simple voice conversations, without screens, paperwork, or dependency on intermediaries." added Ram Mohan Locharla, Co-founder of Pilloo AI. By replacing complexity with conversation, Pilloo AI is laying the foundation for a future where businesses run on voice, not paperwork. Designed for scale and inclusion, the platform is set to empower millions of entrepreneurs across India and beyond. About Pilloo AI Pilloo AI is an AI-powered billing and accounting agent developed by Pilloo AI Private Limited, headquartered in Andhra Pradesh. The app enables users to record daily transactions such as sales and payments, access clear business reports including balance sheets, receivables, and payables, and automate purchase and bank transaction entries by uploading bills and bank statements for instant data extraction. Built around natural, conversational interactions, Pilloo AI removes the need for technical or accounting knowledge. Currently available in five Indian languages, the platform is designed to scale to over 50 languages globally. For more information contact: Kannika Shembekar | Jasmine Jamwal 8446650899 | 7876703017 Kannika@moshimoshi.in | jasmine@moshimoshi.in Website: https://pilloo.ai/ (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.) BusinessWire India Jaipur (Rajasthan) [India], February 5: Aavas Financiers Limited ("Aavas" or "the Company") has achieved a major milestone under the Green Housing Programme with 500 affordable, self-built homes being EDGE certified. The programme is supported by International Finance Corporation ("IFC"), a member of the World Bank Group, under the Market Accelerator for Green Construction (MAGC) program, funded with UK aid from the UK government. An innovation of IFC, EDGE certification is a globally recognised green building standard that benchmarks a home's performance against a baseline to drive resource efficiency across energy, water, and embodied energy in materials. For homeowners, this means lower operational costs over time while promoting responsible resource use at the community scale. The milestone underscores a practical, scalable approach to sustainable housing in the affordable segment -- where homes are often beneficiary-led and built incrementally. By combining housing finance with on-ground support for customers, masons, and local construction ecosystem, the programme has moved green construction from a "nice idea" to a "doable default" for families building their own homes. Since the programme began in 2020, it has worked to close longstanding gaps in green housing by enabling certified green construction in the self-built affordable segment. Early consumer research in semi-urban markets indicated low awareness of green home loan products, highlighting the importance of simple design choices and clear value communication of their value to households. Over time, the programme has expanded through community mobilisation, capacity building, and engagement with local stakeholders to strengthen the value chain for self-built green homes. Sachinder Bhinder, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, Aavas Financiers Limited, said: "Self-built homes are the backbone of housing in Bharat's semi-urban and rural markets. Reaching 500 EDGE-certified homes proves that green construction can be practical, affordable, and repeatable at the household level. Our focus now is to scale this model--by making the process simpler for customers and more workable for the local construction ecosystem--so efficiency becomes standard, not exceptional." (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by BusinessWire India. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) SMPL Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], February 5: Students in India seeking opportunity abroad will find a welcoming new home at the University of Guelph, located in one of Canada's safest cities. Dr. Rene Van Acker, the University's president, travels from Guelph, Canada, to experience India's vibrant academic landscape firsthand and solidify academic relations between the two countries. Connecting directly with students, families and educational partners, he invites all to realize their ambitions at a university ranked among the top in Canada for teaching, research and community engagement. "Your time here will be more than about getting a degree," he says, "but building lifelong connections and skills for your future." Set among sprawling, walkable green spaces and historic architecture, the University's main campus is known for its close-knit community and picturesque landscape. Eight colleges provide students with innovative and interdisciplinary learning. Among 100+ majors to choose from, the University is ranked #1 for food science and technology, as well as agricultural sciences, and #2 for biotechnology in Canada. Integral to this community, international students are supported through the unique challenges they face while studying in another country. Dedicated services guide students through immigration, academic wellbeing, employment and life in Canada. Guaranteed residence space ensures all international undergraduates have a home on a campus ranked #1 for residence living and #1 for campus food in Canada. Within and beyond the classroom, staff and faculty are committed to ensuring students are set up for career success. The University has the second largest co-op program in Ontario and the fifth largest in Canada, where hands-on learning leads to job-ready graduates. More than 5,000 co-op students build their resume while earning a full-time income. "You'll get the work experience, critical thinking and technical skills that employers value around the world," says Van Acker. The president welcomes students to follow their interests in learning or research. Future graduate students will find opportunities to refine their skills and become job-ready in a variety of professionally-oriented, course-based master's programs, or alongside world-renowned faculty to publish groundbreaking thesis research, with funding and scholarships to support their passions. At the University of Guelph, the mission is to Improve Life. As one of Canada's top research-intensive universities, the University transforms research and partnerships into real-world solutions. "We invite you to reach your goals at a university made for your future." For more information on international student support and how to apply, visit University of Guelph International. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by SMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same.) This meeting followed the announcement of a trade deal between the two countries. The group convened on Capitol Hill to discuss innovation, AI, supply chains, and job creation. India technology plays a substantial role in the growth of the US economy. These companies contribute USD 103 billion to the US GDP, as per the Nasscom release. These firms support more than half a million jobs across 25 states in the US. Forum members also discussed collaboration across the AI value chain. This work aligns with the Pax Silica coalition. Indian firms seek to expand roles in silicon design and advanced platforms. Another key point discussed at the forum was energy security. According to the release, energy security emerged as a "strategic priority" at the forum with "the United States scaling AI-critical energy capacity and India integrating green and nuclear energy to support next-generation data centres." "Indian technology companies are increasingly contributing to AI-driven energy optimisation, grid analytics, and digital infrastructure, reinforcing the resilience of the US innovation ecosystem," the release added. The delegation also met with Members of Congress and Administration officials. These included Senator Ron Wyden and Deputy US Trade Rep Ambassador Rick Switzer. Rajesh Nambiar, President of Nasscom, said the trade deal provides "macro predictability" as technology and talent become "central to global competitiveness." He stated the forum wants to move the partnership "from collaboration to co-creation." Amit Chadha, CEO of L&T Technology Services, said the countries have a "generational opportunity" for a technology alliance. He noted that Indian firms are "deeply embedded in the success of US enterprises." The forum followed a vision set by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump. It positions technology as a cornerstone of growth. The platform also included leaders from government, industry, and academia. (ANI) The Government of India plans to sustain the growth of the domestic semiconductor industry through the upcoming launch of the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) 2.0. "The announcement on the India Semiconductor Mission 2.0, I think is very timely and significant, and will ensure that the momentum which we have had, which we have built up through the India Semiconductor Mission 1.0, will get sustained for a further period of five to six years," said S Krishnan, Secretary, Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY). Speaking to the media, he stated that the second phase of the mission will build upon the momentum generated by the initial program. Krishnan noted that the Prime Minister has already indicated that support for the sector will continue into the long term, reflecting a "steady policy going forward." The Secretary described the current fiscal roadmap as a "tech budget," stating, "In some ways, I think from METIY's perspective, we'd like to call this the tech budget. There have been a number of key announcements related to the technology sector, which will sort of lead to significant further momentum, which the sector already has." Highlighting that outlays for electronic component manufacturing nearly doubled to Rs 40,000 crore, Krishnan emphasised that the budget enables India to potentially become a data center hub for global information. Clarifying the taxation framework for data centers, Krishnan said, "There is an announcement in the budget that foreign entities in India will use data centers for international use. They have been given clarity on taxation. These companies do not function in India. They are foreign companies. They store their data in these data centers and send it abroad for processing." Addressing internet governance, the Secretary highlighted the importance of the multi-stakeholder approach. "The ICANN event is about Internet Governance. There are 100 crore Internet users in India and there are 500 crore Internet users all over the world," he said, adding that discussions focus on how the internet is managed and administered globally. The government is also in the final stages of preparing for the India AI Summit. Krishnan reported significant enthusiasm for the event, with registrations already exceeding 70,000. "We expect it to reach about 1 lakh, and there's a lot of enthusiasm not just within India but from other parts of the world as well," he said. Krishnan concluded by noting that a series of investments are making it easier for global capability centers and electronics manufacturing units to enter the country. "The preparation is going well," he added regarding the upcoming technology summits and mission expansions. (ANI) Veteran filmmaker Subhash Ghai, whose cinematic journey spans nearly five decades, reflected on the prestigious Padma Awards - the recognition that has eluded him over the years. Speaking to ANI, Subhash Ghai said his real happiness lies in his films entertaining audiences, not in receiving awards. "I have never thought about receiving the Padma Award. I never worked for status or reputation, but for excellence and my audience. If they can remember my films and watch them again, then I am very happy. That is the Padma award for me," he said. Ghai noted that the government will honour him with the Padma Award once it deems him eligible, adding that he will be ready to receive it. "I have never been too happy or too angry over the award. If you look at my house, you won't see any awards, even though I have received 200-300 over the years. I feel such things boost your ego and put a barrier in your growth," he shared. Earlier this month, the Padma Awards, one of the highest civilian honours of India, were announced on the eve of Republic Day. The Awards are given in three categories: Padma Vibhushan for exceptional and distinguished service; Padma Bhushan for distinguished service of higher order, and Padma Shri for distinguished service in any field of activity. For the year 2026, the President has approved conferment of 131 Padma Awards, including 2 duo cases (in a duo case, the Award is counted as one). The list comprises 5 Padma Vibhushan, 13 Padma Bhushan and 113 Padma Shri Awards. (ANI) British actor Sam Claflin, widely recognised for his role as Finnick Odair in 'The Hunger Games' franchise, has candidly discussed his struggle with body dysmorphia, attributing the condition to the intense physical expectations of the film industry. As per Variety, speaking on Fearne Cotton's Happy Place podcast, the actor revealed that the "Hollywood assumption" regarding male physiques significantly impacted his mental health. Claflin, who made his cinematic debut in 'Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides', noted that the pressure to maintain a specific aesthetic began early in his career. Claflin recounted an experience from one of his first films where a shirtless scene was added to the production at the last minute. "I had a topless scene... but it wasn't in the script and I got told a week before they were going to take my top off," he shared. The actor described the immediate anxiety this caused, fearing he was unprepared for his "first introduction to the world." The actor admitted that these experiences fostered a deep-seated insecurity. Despite a successful career that includes blockbusters like 'Snow White and the Huntsman' and the acclaimed series 'Daisy Jones & the Six', Claflin confessed to being "massively impacted" by public perception, as per Variety. In an earlier interview, as quoted by Variety, Claflin elaborated on how the industry's obsession with muscularity led to his diagnosis. "There's this Hollywood assumption that it's the men with the six packs who sell the movie. So there was a pressure that was what I needed to look like," he said in that interview. While he clarified that he does not blame individuals, he acknowledged that the nature of the industry led to him developing a form of body dysmorphia. Claflin also emphasised that he is not alone in this experience, suggesting that many men in the industry face similar challenges. However, he described his own journey as "quite bad" and an "everyday struggle." The actor also admitted that despite his Golden Globe-nominated performance as Billy Dunne in 'Daisy Jones & the Six', he still finds it difficult to watch his own work. "I'm incredibly insecure," he said, adding, "I just went to a screening... and [I was like], 'I hated it.' It's my face I don't like [it].'" (ANI) Hollywood actor Chris Hemsworth has said he was initially hesitant to reveal his genetic predisposition for Alzheimer's disease, fearing it could affect how audiences and the industry perceive his career as an action star, according to Variety. Speaking during the press tour for his upcoming film Crime 101, Hemsworth said he questioned whether going public with such personal information would impact belief in his on-screen personas, including his Marvel superhero role. "I wondered if I was letting people too far in," Hemsworth said. "Are they no longer going to believe in the action star or the Marvel character? And do I want people to know my fears and insecurities to this level?," as quoted by Variety. The actor revealed in 2022 on his Disney+ series Limitless that he carries two copies of the APOE4 gene, which studies have linked to an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease, making him eight to 10 times more likely to develop the condition. Hemsworth's grandfather was diagnosed with Alzheimer's, and the actor disclosed last year that his father is currently battling the disease. Hemsworth said that his father's diagnosis has contributed to a recent slowdown in his career. He said it has made him more reflective about time, family and the fragility of life. "My appetite for racing forward has really been reined in," he said. "I've become more aware of the fragility of things. You start thinking, 'My dad won't be here for ever.' And my kids are now 11 and 13. Those nights where they'd fight over sleeping in our bed, suddenly they're not happening any more," as quoted by Variety. The actor said the diagnosis has also influenced his acting choices, prompting him to prioritize more personal and meaningful roles over purely financial decisions. Hemsworth's 2025 documentary A Road Trip to Remember focused on his father's Alzheimer's diagnosis. He described the project as deeply personal and said it served as a tribute to his father. When discussing his genetic predisposition, Hemsworth has repeatedly stressed that it is not a definitive diagnosis. Speaking to Vanity Fair in 2024, he criticised media reports that suggested he was certain to develop Alzheimer's disease. "It really kind of pissed me off," Hemsworth said, adding that he had clearly stated the gene was not a death sentence. Hemsworth's Crime 101 is scheduled to release in theatres on February 13. He is also set to reprise his role as Thor in Avengers: Doomsday, which will be released on December 18, according to Variety. (ANI) "Happy HAPPY 50th Birthday dearest Babyyy-Papa with lots of love, peace, happiness, contentment and best health God Blesssss Stay Golden... Shine on Love," she posted on Instagram. Alongside the sweet note, Aishwarya shared a cute childhood picture of Abhishek. Check it out here. Earlier in the day, Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan had expressed gratitude toward fans and well-wishers who had sent birthday greetings for his son, actor Abhishek Bachchan. In a blog post, Amitabh Bachchan penned down a sweet note on Abhishek's 50th birthday and shared his thoughts. "To all that send greetings for Abhishek on his 50th birthday, may I express my extreme gratitude and love... Your blessings give him courage and strength to keep moving... Affection and love," he wrote. Abhishek Bachchan has also received greetings from industry colleagues and friends. Actor Jackie Shroff shared a video comprising pictures of the 'Guru' star and wrote, "Big Hugs." On the work front, Abhishek Bachchan had back-to-back releases in 2025 with 'Housefull 5', and 'Kaalidhar Laapata'. In a long-awaited milestone, Abhishek took home his first-ever Best Actor (Male) Award at the 70th Filmfare Awards 2025. He won the award for his performance 'I Want To Talk'. The film centres on Arjun Sen, a Bengali man pursuing the American dream, who learns he has just 100 days to live. It follows his emotional attempt to reconnect with his estranged seven-year-old daughter. (ANI) James Marsden and Chloe East co-star in the psychological thriller, about a young and ambitious woman seduced by a high-powered DC couple who draw her into a dangerous world of sex, power and murder, as per Variety. Jaume Collet-Serra ("Carry On," "Cliffhanger"), who signed a rare overall film deal with Netflix last summer, will direct the film from a screenplay by Michael Mohan and Marc Guggenheim, with current revisions by Carly Wray. "An Innocent Girl" is the latest in a string of Netflix hits for Washington. Last year, the Emmy winner and Golden Globe nominee starred in Rian Johnson's "Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery," the highest-reviewed entry in the detective franchise. In 2024, Washington executive produced and starred in Tyler Perry's war drama "The Six Triple Eight," which reached Netflix's Top 10 in more than 85 countries. She also starred alongside Meryl Streep in the streamer's movie musical, "The Prom," in 2020. (ANI) Hollywood star Kristen Stewart has come forward to save Historic Park's iconic movie theatre, long after it was closed in spring 2024, as per The Hollywood Reporter. The Oscar-nominated star recently purchased the Highland Theatre - the 100-year-old venue located at 5604 N.Figueroa St. In a recent interview, Stewart spoke about her fascination for old theatres, explaining her reason for the purchase. "I didn't realise I was looking for a theater until this place came to my attention. Then it was like a gunshot went off and the race was on. I ran toward it with everything I had. I'm fascinated by broken-down old theaters. I always want to see what mysteries they hold," she said, as quoted by The Hollywood Reporter. She went on to explain that this has come as an opportunity to "make a space to gather and scheme and dream together". "This project is about creating a new school and restructuring our processes, finding a better way forward. We want to make it a family affair, something for the community. It's not just for pretentious Hollywood cinephiles. I see it as an antidote to all the corporate bullshit, a place that takes movie culture away from just buying and selling. I think there's a huge desire and craving for what this kind of space can offer," she added. The 'Twilight' shared that there are several details that can be restored in a bid to embrace the history and bring something new for the entire Los Angeles film community. Opened in 1925 and designed by Lewis Arthur Smith - the architecture who designed the Vista Theatre in Los Feliz, El Portal in North Hollywood, and Rialto in Pasadena, the Highland Theatre was among the many LA casualties in the post-pandemic market. The theatre was forced to shut down business after it failed to bounce back from the pre-2020 times. (ANI) Amid safety checks, Air India has completed inspections of fuel control switches on all its Boeing 787 aircraft, sources said on Wednesday, after a pilot flagged a possible defect, prompting the grounding of aircraft earlier this week. Air India Boeing 787-8 aircraft was grounded after a pilot reported a possible defect in the fuel control switch on Monday. An Air India spokesperson said that one of its pilots has reported a possible defect on the fuel control switch of a Boeing 787-8 aircraft, and the matter has been communicated to DGCA, the country's aviation regulator. The spokesperson said the airline is engaging the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) to prioritise addressing the pilot's concerns. "We are aware that one of our pilots has reported a possible defect on the fuel control switch of a Boeing 787-8 aircraft. After receiving this initial information, we have grounded the said aircraft and are involving the OEM to get the pilot's concerns checked on a priority basis. The matter has been communicated to the aviation regulator, DGCA. Air India had checked the fuel control switches on all Boeing 787 aircraft in its fleet after a directive from the DGCA, and had found no issues. At Air India, the safety of our passengers and crew remains a top priority," the spokesperson said. On Monday, following the incident, Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) President Captain CS Randhawa urged the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) to immediately investigate possible electrical faults in Boeing 787 aircraft, citing repeated incidents involving uncommanded movement of fuel control switches. Captain Randhawa noted this was the third known incident in which uncommanded movement of fuel control switches had been recorded on a Boeing 787 aircraft. On Tuesday, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued a rejoinder regarding the purported malfunction of the fuel cut-off switch on Air India's Boeing B787-8 aircraft VT-ANX, which the crew identified on two occasions on January 1. They clarified that an external force was applied in the wrong direction, resulting in the switch from "RUN to CUTOFF". (ANI) Telugu Desam Party MP Masthan Rao Yadav Beeda has launched a scathing attack on the YSR Congress Party, accusing them of deliberately spreading falsehoods about the public-private partnership model, particularly in the healthcare sector. Speaking in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday, Masthan Rao said the people of Andhra Pradesh were listening with shock, anger and frustration as YSRCP leaders lowered the dignity of Parliament by speaking "blatant untruths" despite repeated warnings from the Chairman. "YSRCP's repeated attempts to mislead Parliament on issues such as PPP in healthcare, Polavaram project and Vizag Steel Plant were nothing but a desperate bid to stay politically relevant after losing the confidence of the people," Masthan Rao said. Coming down heavily on YSRCP's narrative on the PPP model, the TDP MP said their opposition exposed a complete lack of understanding of governance and economics. "YSRCP leaders were deliberately equating PPP with privatisation to mislead the public, adding that this distortion clearly exposed their hypocrisy and dishonest politics," said Rao. Countering YSRCP's claims on the Vizag Steel Plant, he questioned whether the privatisation process was almost completed during YSRCP's own tenure and why they chose to remain silent at that time. On the Polavaram project, he said the previous regime was responsible for slowing progress to a shocking 3.84 per cent and for damaging existing structures due to prolonged inaction and negligence. Speaking on healthcare infrastructure, Masthan Rao Yadav Beedha said the previous YSRCP government promised 17 new medical colleges but failed to even lay a single stone for most of them, exposing the wide gap between their announcements and actual delivery. He also criticised YSRCP's selective concern for the environment, noting that while they were destroying natural heritage such as Rishikonda, the present NDA government in Andhra Pradesh was focused on attracting international investment and ensuring sustainable development. The TDP MP reiterated that the NDA government led by Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu is firmly committed to development, transparency, and welfare, unlike the YSRCP, which continues to rely on misinformation, disruption, and political theatrics. (ANI) Alleging that the BJP has shifted tactics after failing to destabilise the Congress government here, Himachal Pradesh Minister Jagat Singh Negi on Wednesday said the Centre is now attempting to weaken the state financially to gain power. "BJP could not topple the elected government in Himachal Pradesh politically. Now they are trying to weaken the state economically and push it towards financial emergency to gain power," Negi told ANI in Shimla. Criticising the Centre's policies, Negi said recent decisions, particularly affecting agriculture and horticulture, would cause severe damage to farmers and orchardists across the country. He warned that if such policies continue, farming and horticulture may soon become economically unviable. Reacting to the reduction and withdrawal of the Revenue Deficit Grant, Negi said the move poses a serious threat to India's federal structure. He said Himachal Pradesh had pinned high hopes on the 16th Finance Commission but was instead deprived of even the assistance it had previously received. "This is not just about Himachal Pradesh. The entire country needs to reflect deeply on this. The Centre's approach is disappointing and dangerous for federalism," he said. Negi also defended the state government's decision to impose a revenue cess on hydropower projects, saying it falls well within the state's jurisdiction and would help strengthen its financial position. Meanwhile, the Himachal Pradesh government has challenged the High Court's directive to conduct Panchayati Raj elections before April 30 in the Supreme Court, citing the imposition of the Disaster Management Act in the state. Negi said that ongoing restoration work following heavy snowfall, along with school examinations, has made it difficult to conduct elections at this stage. He clarified that the state is seeking only a 10-15-day extension. "When disaster management and restoration work is underway, conducting elections becomes practically impossible. We have therefore approached the Supreme Court," he added. (ANI) Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel praised the new India-US trade deal as a sign of "New India's" strength and a move that will create new opportunities for citizens of both nations. CM Bhupendra Patel said that the trade deal between India and the United States, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is an introduction to the world of New India's power. This deal is not limited to a single industry; it benefits the citizens of the two largest economies and creates new opportunities. "When the two largest democracies of the world move forward together, the spirit of world welfare is truly embodied. In that regard, this trade deal marks the beginning of a new chapter in bilateral relations between India and America. As a result of this deal, the vision given by the Prime Minister of Make in India, Made for the World, will get more strength," said CM Patel. The Gujarat CM also said that the 18 per cent reduction in US tariffs on Made in India products is a significant boost for manufacturing, MSMEs, exporters and job creation. New doors will open for entrepreneurs and startups to wider markets around the world. Gujarat is a manufacturing hub and a leader in sectors such as textiles, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, petroleum, and gems and jewellery. "This historic agreement between India and the US will boost exports of products from these sectors. In addition, Gujarat's manufacturing, trade, and industry sectors, including MSMEs, will directly benefit. This agreement will increase India's global economic presence," added CM Bhupendra Patel. The CM further stated, praising PM Modi, that under the decisive leadership and citizen-centric diplomacy of Prime Minister Narendrabhai Modi, India-US relations will also contribute to global peace and prosperity. CM Patel said, "On behalf of all the citizens of Gujarat, I congratulate the Prime Minister on this historic bilateral trade agreement". (ANI) Congress MP KC Venugopal has lashed out at the Centre, claiming that the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, was not allowed to speak multiple times while the Speaker allowed BJP MP Nishikant Dubey. Calling it "clear killing of democracy", Venugopal criticised Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. Expressing his disappointment over the series of incidents, Venugopal said that the ruckus in the Lok Sabha has been about reading "a book" (General MM Naravane's unpublished memoir), adding that despite Rahul Gandhi agreeing not to quote it, he wasn't allowed to speak. "...From the past 2 days, what was the fight in the Lok Sabha? That you cannot read the book according to Article 349... This is against the rule, and Rahul Gandhi is violating the rule. The speaker himself gave the ruling. Today, Rahul Gandhi said, 'I am not quoting the book or magazine; I want to speak.' Then also he was not allowed to speak; within a second the mic was switched off," Venugopal told the media. "Today, Nishikant Dubey quoted the book and magazines for 5 minutes, which is against the rule... This is a double standard of the government... This is the clear killing of democracy...," he added. On Prime Minister Narendra Modi's decision to skip the debate on the motion, Venugopal said the government is trying to "make a mockery" of it. PM Modi was expected to reply to the Motion of Thanks on the President's Address at 5 pm on Wednesday. Instead, after repeated disruptions and sloganeering by the Opposition members, the Speaker adjourned the Lok Sabha. The standoff centres on Rahul Gandhi's attempt to cite Naravane's unpublished memoir on the 2020 China standoff in eastern Ladakh, which BJP leaders said violated House rules and risked demoralising the armed forces. Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi accused the Prime Minister of being "scared". On X, he wrote, "As I said, PM Modi won't come to Parliament because he is scared and doesn't want to face the truth." Outside Parliament, Gandhi said he was ready to personally hand over General Naravane's book to the Prime Minister. "I don't think the PM will have the guts to come to the Lok Sabha today because if he comes, I'm going to give him this book. He will know what his truth is, and the country will also know," he said. Gandhi claimed the memoir shows political leadership abandoned the Army during the Ladakh crisis. "When the Chinese army had entered our border, the Army Chief was made to wait, and the PM said, 'Do whatever you think is appropriate.' In the most serious crisis of the country's security, Modi ji raised his hands from political responsibility," he alleged. Meanwhile, a meeting of opposition parties has been called for this morning to discuss strategy for the parliamentary session amid repeated disruptions in the House, according to the sources. The meeting is scheduled to be held at 10 AM in Rajya Sabha Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge's room in the Parliament building. (ANI) Both Houses of Parliament are scheduled to continue the discussion on the motion of 'Thanks to the President's Address' during the ongoing Budget Session on Thursday. In the Lok Sabha, the motion was moved by Sarbananda Sonowal and seconded by Tejasvi Surya. The House has allotted 18 hours for the discussion. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was expected to reply to the Motion of Thanks on the President's Address on Wednesday; instead, after repeated disruptions and sloganeering by the Opposition members, the Speaker adjourned the Lok Sabha. The Prime Minister is likely to reply in the Rajya Sabha on the motion of thanks today as the discussion continues. In the Upper House, the BJP MP Sadananad Master had moved the motion of thanks. The motion comes in response to President Droupadi Murmu's address to the joint sitting of both the Houses to mark the beginning of the Budget Session on January 28. According to the List of Business, the Lower House is scheduled to begin with the discussion on the Union Budget 2026-27. MP Suresh Gopi will make a statement regarding the status of implementation of recommendations contained in the Fifth Report of the Standing Committee on Petroleum and Natural Gas (2024-25) on Action Taken by the Government on the Recommendations and Observations contained in the 23rd Report of the Committee (2023-24) on 'Review of Policy on Import of Crude Oil' pertaining to the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. The proceedings of the Upper House will begin with an obituary reference to former MP Thomas Kuthiravattom. On Wednesday, amid a fierce row over former Army Chief General MM Naravane's unpublished memoir on the 2020 China standoff, triggered sharp accusations, and an all-out BJP versus Opposition slugfest inside and outside the Parliament. This led to PM Modi's address being postponed as the Speaker adjourned the Lok Sabha amid ruckus. The standoff centres on Rahul Gandhi's attempt to cite Naravane's unpublished memoir on the 2020 China standoff in eastern Ladakh, which BJP leaders said violated House rules and risked demoralising the armed forces. While the BJP accused the Opposition of deliberately creating a ruckus in Parliament to stop PM Modi from speaking, the Congress alleged that he stayed away because he did not want scrutiny on national security. The Budget session comprises 30 sittings over 65 days and concludes on April 2. The two Houses will adjourn for a recess on February 13 and reconvene on March 9 to enable the Standing Committees to examine the Demands for Grants of various ministries and departments. (ANI) The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has said that the judiciary would "teach a lesson to the police" in the case of the custodial death of a temple guard, Ajith Kumar, pointing out that a man was "beaten to death for nothing." The case involved the death of a Madappuram temple guard, Ajith Kumar, which the court said is a "clear case of custodial death." Kumar, a security guard at the Madapuram Kaliamman temple in Tiruppuvanam in Sivaganga, was detained for questioning in connection with a theft. He later allegedly died while in police custody. The court noted that the complaint of jewellery theft that led to his arrest was false and refused bail to the arrested policemen. In a major twist in the Sivaganga custodial death case, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) informed the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court on Wednesday that the alleged jewellery theft case, on the basis of which the victim was detained, had been closed. Justice S Srimathy, while hearing bail petitions filed by accused police personnel in a custodial death case, sought from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) the status of the alleged jewellery theft case and whether the allegations were true. The CBI informed the court that the theft case had been closed. "So there was nothing?" the Judge asked, to which the CBI replied in the negative. Expressing anguish, the Judge observed, "So there was nothing. A person was beaten to death in a case where there was nothing." Justice Srimathy further asked the CBI whether action would be initiated against the complainant, Nikitha, who was alleged to be the root cause of the incident. The CBI submitted that it would file a report before the court in this regard. In the custodial death case, the CBI stated that a charge sheet and a supplementary charge sheet had been filed against 10 police personnel before the Fifth Additional District and Sessions Court in Madurai, the trial court. Submitting that it was a case of police excess, the investigating agency added that the trial was pending. The court adjourned the hearing on the bail petitions. The CBI closed the alleged jewellery theft case, citing a lack of evidence and materials. B. Ajith Kumar was a temporary security employee at the Badrakali Amman Temple in Madapuram, Sivaganga district. On June 27, 2025, Nikitha, a resident of Thirumangalam in Madurai district, visited the temple along with her mother. As her mother had difficulty walking, Nikitha reportedly handed over the car key to Ajith Kumar, requesting him to park the vehicle. It was alleged that upon their return, they found the bag inside the car open and the gold ornaments missing. Ajith Kumar was taken in for interrogation and died during the interrogation on June 28, 2025. The State government subsequently transferred the investigation in both the alleged theft case and the custodial death case to the CBI. Five police personnel -- Prabhu, Kannan, Sankara Manikandan, Raja, and Anand -- were initially arrested and remanded in judicial custody. Subsequently, Ramachandran, a police driver, was named as an accused and remanded. Later, the then Manamadurai Deputy Superintendent of Police, N Shanmugasundaram; the then Thirupuvanam Inspector of Police, P Ramesh Kumar; the then Sub-Inspector of Police, Siva Kumar; and the then Head Constable, Ilayaraja, were also named as accused in the case. (ANI) Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday held a courtesy meeting with former President of Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee and Patna Sahib Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee, H.S. Sarna. In the meeting, concerns about irregularities and alleged corruption in the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee and its educational institutions were raised, and a request was made to table them in Parliament. Rahul Gandhi took cognisance of the matter and assured justice. The Delhi Congress in a post on X informed of the meeting. "Today, Leader of Opposition Shri @RahulGandhi ji met with former President of Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee and Patna Sahib Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee, Shri H.S. Sarna ji, for a courtesy meeting," the post read. "During the meeting, a request was made to raise in Parliament the issues of irregularities and corruption currently taking place in the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee and its educational institutions. Shri Rahul Gandhi ji took the matter seriously and assured that justice and transparency would be ensured," the post added. Delhi Congress-in-charge, Qazi Nizamuddin and Delhi Congress President, Devendra Yadav, were also present in the meeting. "On this occasion, Delhi Congress In-charge Shri @qazinizamuddin and Delhi Congress President Shri @devendrayadvinc were also present, the post concluded. Meanwhile, a meeting of opposition parties has been called for this morning to discuss strategy for the parliamentary session amid repeated disruptions in the House, according to the sources. The meeting is scheduled to be held at 10 AM in Rajya Sabha Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge's room in the Parliament building. This comes after a standoff between the centre and the opposition which centres on Rahul Gandhi's attempt to cite Naravane's unpublished memoir on the 2020 China standoff in eastern Ladakh, which BJP leaders said violated House rules and risked demoralising the armed forces. Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of being "scared" and avoiding Parliament, saying he does not want to face the truth on national security, as a major standoff erupted in the House over Gandhi's references to former Army Chief General MM Naravane's unpublished memoir on the 2020 China border crisis. PM Modi was expected to reply to the motion of thanks on the President's address in the Lok Sabha at 5 PM on Wednesday, but the House was adjourned till February 5, following repeated disruptions and uproar by Opposition members. (ANI) The Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) Opposition MLAs in Kerala staged a protest outside the state legislative assembly on Thursday over the case of alleged theft of Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple gold. The case concerns the alleged theft of gold from the Dwarapalaka (guardian deity) idol plates and the loss of gold from the Sreekovil (sanctum sanctorum) doorframes. The Opposition has been continuously protesting against the ruling CPI(M)-led LDF government over the gold theft case, amid allegations of CPI(M) leaders' involvement. On Wednesday, Kerala Leader of the Opposition VD Satheesan denied attacking the watch-and-ward staff during the uproar in the assembly. Referring to the Chief Minister's remarks in the assembly, he called them completely false and misleading. He further affirmed that the opposition parties will continue their protest over the Sabarimala gold controversy throughout the ongoing state assembly session. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had lashed out at the Opposition for attempting to "deliberately attempting to create trouble" in the Legislative Assembly and urged the House to condemn the "antics." "We are continuing our protest related to the Sabarimala gold smuggling issue. Yesterday in the House, the Chief Minister made a completely false and misleading statement. He claimed that we attacked the watch-and-ward staff with sticks; this is untrue, and he must withdraw it. He even said there was violence. Everyone knows who actually created that scene; those responsible are sitting right there. We did not engage in any such act. Holding banners in protest is not new in the Assembly. Even the Speaker himself said that there was no issue serious enough to require a meeting in his chamber," said VD Satheesan. The Kerala Assembly witnessed uproarious scenes as UDF MLAs attempted to enter the Speaker's chamber as they raised slogans over the case of alleged theft of Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple gold. The opposition protested with placards and banners against the alleged interference by the Chief Minister's office in the Special Investigation Team's (SIT) probe into the Sabarimala gold cases. Opposition leaders, including Congress MLA Anwar Sadat, attempted to enter the Speaker's chamber. Visuals from the Assembly showed House watch-and-ward personnel restraining opposition members. As the protest intensified, Speaker AN Shamseer rose from his seat and left. (ANI) In a post on X, the Prime Minister wishes the Chief Minister "a long and healthy life." "Birthday wishes to Sikkim CM Shri Prem Singh Tamang Golay Ji. Praying for his long and healthy life in service of the people," the PM wrote. Thanking the PM for his well wishes, CM Tamang expressed his gratitude for PM Modi's "constant guidance and encouragement." In a post on X, the CM expressed his commitment towards serving the people of Sikkim. "Thank you, Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi Ji, for your warm birthday wishes and kind prayers. I am deeply grateful for your constant guidance and encouragement. With your blessings, I remain committed to serving the people of Sikkim with dedication and sincerity," the CM replied. Subsequently, Union Home Minister Amit Shah also extended birthday greetings to the Sikkim Chief Minister, wishing him "good health and long life." In a post on X, the Home Minsiter wrote, "Warm birthday wishes to Shri @PSTamangGolay Ji. Wishing you good health and a long life as you continue working for the people of Sikkim." Replying to the Home Minister's wishes, the Chief Minister expressed gratitude for his "warm wishes and kind regards." "Grateful to the Hon'ble Union Minister Shri @AmitShah ji for his warm wishes and kind regards," the CM wrote in a post on X. (ANI) Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Thursday expressed shock over Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi's "traitor" remarks at former party colleague Ravneet Singh Bittu in Parliament on Wednesday. Singh termed Congress leader's comments as "chichore" (juvenile or frivolous) and condemned the behaviour of the Lok Sabha LoP. "Today my heart is filled with pain. I am shocked to see the LoP (Rahul Gandhi) pass 'chichore' comments using words like 'gadar' against a minister. They are also belittling the PM's role. The comments being made are 'chichorapan'," Shivraj Singh Chouhan told ANI. "Rahul Gandhi and Congress have tarnished the image of democracy. The country is seeing everything. The public has always taught Congress a lesson when it has insulted the PM. How low will Congress stoop?" he added. On Wednesday, Rahul Gandhi and Ravneet Singh Bittu engaged in an exchange of words outside the Parliament, with the Lok Sabha LoP calling Bittu a "traitor." Rahul Gandhi referred to Ravneet Bittu as a "traitor" as he passed by the protesting Congress MPs at Makar Dwar of the Parliament. Rahul Gandhi's jibe came as Raveent Bittu quit Congress and switched to the BJP in 2024. Gandhi said, "Here is a traitor walking right by. Look at the face." The Congress leader offered to shake his hands, saying, "Hello, brother, my traitor friend. Don't worry, you will come back (to Congress)." The Union MoS refused to shake hands and called Rahul, "Desh ke dushman (enemy of the state)". The exchange of words began when Ravneet Bittu commented on the protesting MPs, saying, "They are sitting as if they won a war." Bittu later hit out at Rahul Gandhi, saying the Congress leader is using such language because he had quit the Congress and switched to the BJP. Ravneet Bittu recalled Operation Blue Star and the 1984 anti-Sikh riots to criticise the Congress. He said, "They think they are the biggest patriots. Even my grandfather Sardar Beant Singh... Congress and the Gandhi family started a fire. Bullets were fired at the Guru Granth Sahib at the Golden Temple. They committed targeted killings of thousands of Sikhs. If former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi is referred to as 'Shaheed', then I also come from the family of Shahid-e-Azam Beant Singh." "You were fine when I was with you, but now that I am in the BJP, you are using such language. After such remarks, he is offering his hand as if he were a king," the Union MoS added. (ANI) The Lower House of the Parliament on Thursday was adjourned till 12 noon following continuous sloganeering by the Opposition MPs. The Lok Sabha sitting, which began at 11 am, was adjourned soon after the INDIA bloc MPs raised slogans targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Centre. The Opposition MPs raised the issue of the alleged denial to Lok Sabha Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi of the right to speak in the Lower House. Eight suspended MPs also protested in front of the Makar Dwar, shouting slogans and holding a poster of PM Modi with the quote "PM IS COMPROMISED." Meanwhile, Opposition MPs, led by the Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, also raised the issue in the Upper House. This comes after Opposition MPs met to discuss the floor strategy for the Parliament proceedings at the Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge's office. Rahul Gandhi was also present in the meeting. The Opposition has been protesting against the Centre for allegedly preventing Rahul Gandhi from addressing the Lower House, citing General MM Naravane's unpublished memoir on the 2020 China standoff. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to reply in the Rajya Sabha to the Motion of Thanks on the President's Address during the ongoing discussion. PM Modi was expected to reply to the Motion of Thanks on the President's Address on Wednesday; instead, after repeated disruptions and sloganeering by the Opposition members, the Speaker adjourned the Lok Sabha. In the Lok Sabha, the motion was moved by Sarbananda Sonowal and seconded by Tejasvi Surya. The House has allotted 18 hours for the discussion. In the Upper House, the BJP MP Sadananad Master had moved the motion of thanks. The motion comes in response to President Droupadi Murmu's address to the joint sitting of both the Houses to mark the beginning of the Budget Session on January 28. (ANI) The INDIA bloc MPs are set to protest in the Rajya Sabha against the ruling party's objections to the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi's statements. Earlier today, Opposition MPs met to discuss the floor strategy for the Parliament proceedings at the Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge's office. Rahul Gandhi was also present in the meeting. The Opposition has been protesting against the Centre for allegedly preventing Rahul Gandhi from addressing the Lower House, citing former Army Chief General MM Naravane's unpublished memoir on the 2020 China standoff. This comes as Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to reply in the Rajya Sabha to the Motion of Thanks on the President's Address as the discussion continues. Both Houses of Parliament are scheduled to resume discussion on the motion of 'Thanks to the President's Address' during the ongoing Budget Session. PM Modi was expected to reply to the Motion of Thanks on the President's Address on Wednesday; instead, after repeated disruptions and sloganeering by the Opposition members, the Speaker adjourned the Lok Sabha. In the Lok Sabha, the motion was moved by Sarbananda Sonowal and seconded by Tejasvi Surya. The House has allotted 18 hours for the discussion. In the Upper House, the BJP MP Sadananad Master had moved the motion of thanks. The motion comes in response to President Droupadi Murmu's address to the joint sitting of both the Houses to mark the beginning of the Budget Session on January 28. According to the List of Business, the Lower House is scheduled to begin with the discussion on the Union Budget 2026-27. The proceedings of the Upper House are scheduled to begin with an obituary reference to former MP Thomas Kuthiravattom. Meanwhile, Congress MP Manish Tewari on Thursday moved an adjournment motion in the Lok Sabha, urging the House to debate on a matter of "grave public importance" related to the India-US trade deal and energy understanding. (ANI) A special NDPS court in Madhya Pradesh's Indore has acquitted four persons, including a police constable, in an alleged 198-gram MD drugs seizure case after forensic laboratory tests found that the seized powder was not a narcotic substance but potassium nitrate. The court of Special Judge (NDPS) Narsingh Baghel accepted the police's closure report on Tuesday (February 3), dismissing the case and granting relief to all accused. Giving further details of the case, advocate Nitin Parashar told ANI, "A case was registered at Tezaji Nagar police station on February 26, 2025, which included four accused, namely, Shahnawaj Sheikh, a resident of Azad Nagar (Indore), Vijay, a resident of Mandsaur, Raja Babu, a resident of Azad Nagar and constable Lakhan Gupta. According to the FIR, the police claimed that Shahnawaj and Vijay were riding a motorcycle near Ralamandal and, on suspicion, checked them. During which the police cited that they found 198 grams of MD drugs. Six days later, Raja and Constable Lakhan were added as accused in the case, citing assisting the accused." After that, the police failed to submit a chargesheet before the court in the first six-month period and sought a time of additional two months, which was granted by the court, Parasar said. The advocate further said, "When the police sent the seized sample for forensic examination at Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL) Bhopal, its report was found negative...The sample was further sent for re-examination at a Lab in Hyderabad and its report was found negative again." "Following these reports, the police submitted a closure report in the court in December 2025. On Tuesday, Special Judge (NDPS Act) Narsingh Baghel accepted the report, dismissed the case and acquitted all the accused," he added. Meanwhile, DCP Zone-1, Krishna Lalchandani, told ANI, "The case dated back to February 2025, in which there were primarily two accused, Vijay Patidar, Shahnawaj and a reported MD drug weighing around 198 grams was seized. Later, Raja Babu and Lakhan Gupta were also added as accused in this case. When the testing of the seized sample was conducted in Bhopal, it was found to be Potassium nitrate. Later, it was further tested in Hyderabad after seeking permission from the court and the seized material was again found to be potassium nitrate." Based on these two reports, the police submitted a report to the court, which was accepted on February 3, and all four accused were acquitted in the case, he added. (ANI) The Upper House of Parliament witnessed a heated exchange between Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge and BJP leaders after the Congress MP alleged that Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi was not allowed to speak in the Lok Sabha. The Opposition has been protesting against the Centre for allegedly preventing Rahul Gandhi from addressing the Lower House, citing former Army Chief General MM Naravane's unpublished memoir on the 2020 China standoff. This comes as Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to reply in the Rajya Sabha to the Motion of Thanks on the President's Address during the ongoing discussion. Amid the ruckus in the House, the Opposition staged a walkout. Addressing the Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge said that the Parliament comprises both Houses, while Leader of the House JP Nadda and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju objected, stating that the issues of the Lower House cannot be discussed here. Chairman CP Radhakrishnan also asked Kharge not to raise Lok Sabha-related issues in the Upper House, citing a previous ruling. Kharge said, "You have given me an opportunity to speak about the democratic principles of the country. Parliament comprises the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. As per our Constitution, we have two chambers. But the Lok Sabha LoP is not allowed to speak. He wanted to discuss the country's interests... We understand and do not want to disturb the House. For the past four days, the House has not been functioning because it has not allowed the LoP to speak. Parliament doesn't comprise only one House. You cannot paralyse one House to hide your mistakes. You betrayed and insulted the nation. When Rahul talks about it, then 'aapko khujli uthti hai' (you get itchy)..." Vice President Radhakrishan objected and said, "Proceedings of Lok Sabha cannot be discussed in Rajya Sabha; you know that very well." Leader of the House and BJP MP JP Nadda hit back at Kharge and, taking a veiled jibe at Rahul Gandhi, asked him not to let his party become a hostage of a child. Nadda said, "The LoP (Rajya Sabha) should know that the proceedings of Lok Sabha cannot be discussed in Rajya Sabha. Previous chairmen have given rulings on this. If he wants, he should ask his party members to discuss in the Lok Sabha... I want to give a message to Congress and the nation that the government under Prime Minister Modi is ready for all discussions." "PM Modi was ready to answer the questions raised in Lok Sabha, but you did not allow the House to function. You demanded a statement on the India-US trade deal; Piyush Goyal ji delivered a statement. Leader of Opposition (Kharge) spoke for 20 minutes over his given time, but we said you may speak more. Saying that democracy is in danger is wrong, and I condemn it. Don't make your party hostage to an innocent child," JP Nadda added. Kiren Rijiju said that the members of the House are waiting for the Prime Minister's address and urged the Opposition for the smooth functioning of the Rajya Sabha. "Rajya Sabha was functioning smoothly on Motion of Thanks to the President's Address. He brought in an issue in the garb of democratic principles. I am shocked that he had to raise the matter today. We heard the discussion for three days. Under your chairmanship (RS Chairman), the floor leaders held a Business Advisory meeting, and we agreed to Congress' request. Today is the fourth day of the discussion, and we expect members to follow the tradition and rules. The members are waiting to listen to the speech of the Prime Minister today. I do not want to decide for Congress whether they want to listen to the Prime Minister or not. Lok Sabha proceedings should not be discussed in the Rajya Sabha. The House has its rules. You are a senior leader, why don't you make, why don't you guide Rahul Gandhi? He doesn't listen to the rules. We should proceed according to the list of business," Rijiju said. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman invoked the Kanhaiya Kumar murder case in Rajasthan to oppose Kharge's alleged "lynching" remark. She said, "I heard him say you people lynch. I want that word removed. Let me remind you, under the Congress government in Rajasthan, based on a BJP leader's comment, there was the lynching of a tailor, and no action was taken. In Kerala, under the Congress, the hands of a teacher were chopped off. What action did they take?" Amid the heated exchange, there was sloganeering from both sides. The Opposition MPs were seen approaching the well of the House in protest. This comes amid Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to address the Rajya Sabha. PM Modi was expected to reply to the Motion of Thanks on the President's Address on Wednesday; instead, after repeated disruptions and sloganeering by the Opposition members, the Speaker adjourned the Lok Sabha. (ANI) Kerala Legislative Assembly on Thursday passed a resolution urging the Central Government to withdraw the newly enacted The Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Act, 2025. The resolution also demanded that the Centre restore the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), 2005. This comes as the opposition continues its protest against the VB-G Ram G Act, accusing the government of attempting to strip citizens of their right to work. Earlier, AICC General Secretary KC Venugopal said, "They took away the right of employment through the new MNREGA bill. Again, the economic survey points out that the right to information, one of the most effective rights for the common man in this country, is useless. Intention is very clear. They want to take away all the rights of the common people of this country, which cannot be accepted." Congress has launched 'MGNREGA Bachao Sangram', organising nationwide protests against the VB-G RAM G Act Pawan Khera said that a government that insults workers and farmers will not last long. Khera told reporters, "Such peaceful protests are being held in the capitals of all states. Saving NREGA means saving the voice of the worker. In this country, any government that has insulted the worker and the farmer has not lasted long." Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said, "New law guarantees only centralisation in New Delhi." In a post on X, Ramesh lauded MGNREGA as a "transformative law" and called the new scheme "a flaw." "MGNREGA as a transformative law, the Modi Government's new scheme that bulldozed it away is a flaw," he wrote. The Opposition has opposed the VB-G RAM G Act, which removed Mahatma Gandhi's name from the scheme, and seeks a 60:40 fund share between the Centre and states, rather than the employment guarantee being fully funded by the Central government. The new legislation extends the 100-day employment guarantee to 125 days. (ANI) The lower House of the Parliament on Thursday passed the Motion of Thanks on the President's Address, even as proceedings were repeatedly disrupted by sloganeering from Opposition members, following which the House was adjourned till 2 pm. Amid the Opposition's continued sloganeering, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla initiated a voice vote, after which the motion was passed without Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address in the Lower House. PM Modi was expected to reply to the Motion of Thanks on the President's Address on Wednesday; instead, after repeated disruptions and sloganeering by the Opposition members, the Speaker adjourned the Lok Sabha. The Prime Minister is expected to speak on the Motion of Thanks on the President's address later today in the Rajya Sabha. Meanwhile, soon after the Upper House assembled on Thursday, Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge raised objections, alleging that the Leader of Opposition in the "other House" was not being allowed to speak. Responding to the charge, Leader of the House in the Rajya Sabha and BJP president JP Nadda said that the proceedings of the other House could not be discussed in the Lok Sabha. Kharge insisted that the Leader of Opposition in the other House wanted to "highlight the mistakes of the government" and that this was troubling the treasury benches. Countering him, Nadda said the government was ready to discuss all issues but asked Kharge not to make his party "hostage to someone who is abodh (ignorant) and has arrogance." Kharge condemned Nadda's remarks and responded with allegations that BJP members were under pressure about what they could say in Parliament. The Upper House of Parliament witnessed a heated exchange between Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge and BJP leaders after the Congress MP alleged that Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi was not allowed to speak in the Lok Sabha. The Opposition has been protesting against the Centre for allegedly preventing Rahul Gandhi from addressing the Lower House, citing former Army Chief General MM Naravane's unpublished memoir on the 2020 China standoff. This comes as Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to reply in the Rajya Sabha to the Motion of Thanks on the President's Address during the ongoing discussion. Amid the ruckus in the House, the Opposition staged a walkout. Speaking to reporters at the parliament premises, Congress MP KC Venugopal said," In a parliamentary democracy, the Leader of the Opposition has a right to speak and initiate debate, which is completely denied in this House. Our single point agenda is that the LoP has to be allowed to speak..." Venugopal later added, "The real fact is that the farmers of India are very concerned about this deal (US-India trade agreement). India has been compromised with this deal." (ANI) Amid continuous ruckus in the Parliament, Congress suspended MP Manickam Tagore on Thursday asserted that till the time the Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi is not allowed to present his views, the Opposition will not allow Prime Minister Narendra Modi to speak in the House. Tagore condemned the Lok Sabha for passing the Motion of Thanks on the President's address. "I don't know about the Rajya Sabha. I am a suspended Lok Sabha member. I only know how we operate....But till the LoP is not allowed to speak, the Prime Minister will not be allowed to speak!" Tagore told ANI. Replying to the Lok Sabha's official X post on the passing of the motion, Tagore criticised the parliament for allowing only BJP members to speak, thereby restricting the Opposition's participation. "What a sad day for Parliamentary democracy in the Lok Sabha. During the discussion on the Motion of Thanks to the Hon'ble President's Address, Opposition leaders were repeatedly denied the opportunity to speak. The Leader of Opposition was not allowed to present the views of crores of Indians, while only ruling party members dominated the proceedings," Tagore wrote on X. He further expressed strong disappointment and shock over the passing of the motion, without the PM's address. "Shockingly, the Prime Minister himself did not come to participate in the Lok Sabha, yet the Motion of Thanks was pushed through and passed," he wrote further. Underlining the Parliament's role to provide a platform for "debate, dissent and dialogue," he said that the incident hinders the spirit of the Constitution. Tagore described it as a message from a "suspended MP" and stated that the country deserves better. "Parliament is meant for debate, dissent, and dialogue -- not for silencing the Opposition. Democracy cannot survive when one voice speaks, and all others are muted. This is not just about one party. This is about protecting the spirit of the Constitution and the dignity of Parliament. India deserves better," the post concluded. The lower House of the Parliament on Thursday passed the Motion of Thanks on the President's Address, even as proceedings were repeatedly disrupted by sloganeering from Opposition members, following which the House was adjourned till 2 pm. Amid the Opposition's continued sloganeering, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla initiated a voice vote, after which the motion was passed without Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address in the Lower House. PM Modi was expected to reply to the Motion of Thanks on the President's Address on Wednesday; instead, after repeated disruptions and sloganeering by the Opposition members, the Speaker adjourned the Lok Sabha. The Prime Minister is expected to speak on the Motion of Thanks on the President's address later today in the Rajya Sabha. (ANI) Three terrorists were neutralised in the Jammu and Kashmir valley in two separate operations in Udhampur and Kishtwar on Wednesday. Speaking on the successful counter-terror operations and the upcoming visit of Home Minister Amit Shah to the state, several leaders have expressed optimism. BJP MLA Shagun Parihar hailed the operations as a "huge achievement" and congratulated the people of the state. She said, "This is a huge achievement for our security forces. We are getting this good news on the occassion of the Union Home Minister's visit. I congratulate the people of Jammu & Kashmir that these terrorists were neutralised." Furthermore, she lauded the Union Home Minister for the efforts towards the state, and keeping people's expectations in consideration "This is great news. Whenever they have come, they have lived up to the expectations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He has always kept J&K close to his heart...," she told ANI. Chief Spokesperson of the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference, Tanvir Sadiq, said that the Home Minister's visit brings "a ray of hope", reiterating the people's demand for the restoration of statehood. He also demanded cognisance of the attacks on Kashmiris outside the state. Speaking to ANI, he said, "Whenever the Home Minister visits, a ray of hope emerges that he will announce a good package. Most importantly, people want the restoration of statehood, which he promised us in Parliament. The time has come to fulfil that promise. Regarding the attacks happening on Kashmiris outside the state, the time has come to take serious notice of this and put an end to it." However, Jammu and Kashmir Congress President and MLA, Tariq Hamid Karra, hit out at Home Minister Amit Shah for allegedly "hiding the reality" about the true state of terrorism in the state after his "routine security reviews", citing the allegedly ongoing militant activities in several parts of the valley. "Whenever he (Home Minister Amit Shah) comes, he comes for security reviews. However, it is being kept from the public that in the past 3-4 months, 7-8 districts of Jammu and Kashmir have reported ongoing militant activities. Amit Shah reviews security as a routine and returns with a positive report, hiding the reality," he accused. Denouncing the "behaviour" of the Union Home Minister, he accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of prioritising the party over national interest. "It is not a positive behaviour and not in the national interest. The BJP government should review their policies. The party is paramount for them, not the nation or national interest," he stated. Furthermore, on the counter-terror operations, he alleged that the BJP had claimed an end to the militant activities after 2019, calling the recent terrorist movement a question mark to the government. "There is nothing to say about those terrorists being neutralised. This is paramount. All of them should be neutralised. But after 2019, the BJP claimed that there are no militant activities anymore in the state, but if they are still happening, it's a question mark for the government," the Congress MLA stated. (ANI) Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Thursday participated in a yoga session with Yoga guru Swami Ramdev at Patanjali Yogpeeth in Haridwar and highlighted the importance of yoga in daily life for physical and mental well-being. CM Yadav also visited the Kanya Gurukul located on the premises of Patanjali Yogpeeth on the occasion, where he experienced an atmosphere rooted in values, discipline and spiritual practice. He emphasised that it brought a sense of deep peace to his mind. "Today, I practised yoga with Yog Guru Swami Ramdev at Patanjali Yogpeeth in Haridwar. Along with this, the atmosphere at the Kanya Gurukul here, filled with Sanskara (values), Sadhna (meditation), and inner strength, brought immense peace to my mind. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, yoga has emerged from India's ancient tradition to become a global mass movement," the Chief Minister said in a post on X. He further urged the public to make yoga part of their daily routine and to take steps toward a healthier lifestyle. "Let us all make yoga a part of our daily routine and move towards a healthy, balanced, and energetic life," he added in the post. CM Yadav arrived at the Patanjali Yogpeeth in Haridwar late Wednesday evening and met with Yog guru Ramdev. The Chief Minister expressed his gratitude to all members of the Patanjali family for their warm welcome. Earlier on Wednesday, CM Mohan Yadav met with Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav, in New Delhi and discussed issues related to tourism development, expansion of reserve forests, and wildlife conservation in the state. After the meeting with the Union Minister, CM Yadav said that eight additional cheetahs would arrive in Madhya Pradesh from Botswana on February 28 and he held detailed discussions with the Union Minister regarding the required cooperation and arrangements for the cheetah reintroduction program. (ANI) The Delhi High Court has struck down the blanket prohibition on migration of MBBS students under the Graduate Medical Education Regulations, 2023, holding that such a complete ban is manifestly arbitrary and violative of constitutional protections. The Court directed the authorities to reconsider the transfer request of a visually impaired medical student seeking to migrate from a Rajasthan medical college to Delhi on medical and disability-related grounds. A Division Bench comprising the Chief Justice and Justice Tejas Karia ruled that Regulation 18 of the Graduate Medical Education Regulations, 2023, which imposed a total ban on migration of undergraduate medical students, cannot be sustained in law. The Court held that a blanket prohibition, even in exceptional or deserving cases, violates Article 14 of the Constitution and fails to account for the rights of persons with disabilities. The Bench further directed the National Medical Commission (NMC) to reconsider the petitioner's migration request without relying on the impugned prohibition and to examine his case in light of disability rights and the need for reasonable accommodation. The petitioner, Sahil Arsh, who suffers from 40 per cent visual impairment, cleared NEET-UG 2023 under the Other Backwards Class-Persons with Disabilities category. However, he was initially denied participation in counselling under the PwD category, compelling him to approach the Supreme Court, which subsequently directed authorities to treat him as a PwD candidate. By the time he was allowed to participate in counselling, only the stray vacancy round remained, leaving him with limited options. He eventually secured admission at Government Medical College, Barmer, Rajasthan. The petitioner later sought migration to Delhi, citing deterioration of his eye condition due to the harsh climate in Barmer and the need for treatment at AIIMS Delhi. His request was rejected by the NMC in December 2024 on the grounds that the 2023 Regulations had removed the migration provision entirely. The High Court observed that while maintaining uniform standards in medical education is a legitimate objective, imposing a total prohibition on migration ignores real-life contingencies and disproportionately affects deserving students. The Court emphasised that the possibility of misuse cannot justify the denial of legitimate rights, particularly when reasonable safeguards can be adopted. The Bench also noted that the petitioner's situation arose largely due to the counselling authorities' failure to recognise his PwD status in time, which deprived him of the opportunity to choose a suitable medical college earlier. Holding him responsible for selecting a distant college under such circumstances was found to be unreasonable. Relying on provisions of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, the Court reiterated that authorities are duty-bound to provide reasonable accommodation and ensure equality and non-discrimination. It held that denying admission to a student whose medical condition had worsened due to environmental factors constitutes a denial of such accommodation. The Court further underscored that regulatory measures may not disregard human dignity or constitutional protections in pursuit of administrative efficiency. (ANI) Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh on Thursday warned that there's "very little opportunity" for the house to run if Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi is not allowed to make his point in Parliament about the 2020 standoff with China. Congress MP Jairam Ramesh said, "There is only one issue in Parliament that is agitating the opposition, that the LoP in Lok Sabha has been prevented from speaking in Lok Sabha. LoP in the Rajya Sabha raised this issue. Opposition MPs in the Rajya Sabha have also walked out of the house today on this." "All Opposition parties are united that if Lop is not allowed to speak, then there is very little opportunity for the House to run," he added. Congress has raised several issues in Parliament, with a major one arising from MM Naravane's unpublished memoir on the 2020 China standoff in eastern Ladakh. Congress has said that Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi was "stopped" multiple times from quoting former Army Chief General MM Naravane (Retd). BJP leaders, in defence, said that this violates the House rules and risks demoralising the armed forces. Amid the constant disruptions in Parliament, PM Modi decided to skip the Motion of Thanks on the President's Address. Jairam Ramesh reminded that once former PM Manmohan Singh did not speak in the motion of thanks in June 2004 because he was "prevented from replying." He added that Manmohan Singh then thanked the President twice in 2005. "Let me remind the PM and BJP that on June 2004, Dr Manmohan Singh, the then PM, did not reply to the Motion of Thanks because he was prevented from replying. In 2005, then PM Manmohan Singh had thanked the President twice, as he could not thank him in 2004," he said. PM Modi was expected to reply to the Motion of Thanks on the President's Address at 5 pm on Wednesday. Instead, after repeated disruptions and sloganeering by the Opposition members, the Speaker adjourned the Lok Sabha. (ANI) Congress party members in Ariyalur district on Tamil Nadu staged a protest on Thursday, condemning the removal of Mahatma Gandhi's name from the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGA). The protestors, carrying tools used under the 100-day employment scheme, laid siege to the Ariyalur District Collectorate to protest the Centre's decision to rename the scheme after removing Mahatma Gandhi's name. The demonstration was organised by the Ariyalur District Congress Committee under the leadership of district president Mariyammal. Addressing the protest, Congress leaders said the rural employment scheme was introduced during the Congress regime in the name of the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, and removing his name from a central government scheme was unacceptable. Following the siege at the Collectorate, the protestors held a demonstration near the Anna statue in Ariyalur, demanding that the Union government restore Mahatma Gandhi's name and continue the 100-day employment scheme under its original name. Congress State Vice-President Rajendran, along with district and block-level office bearers, party workers, women members, and a large number of cadres, participated in the protest. Earlier, on January 30, Congress leaders, including its Media & Publicity Department Chairman, Pawan Khera, MP Jairam Ramesh and Delhi President Devender Yadav, held 'MGNREGA Bachao Sangram' protest in the national capital against the VB-G RAM G Act, 2025. The Parliament passed the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, replacing the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act as India's flagship rural employment guarantee scheme. Pawan Khera said that a government that insults workers and farmers will not last long. Khera told reporters, "Such peaceful protests are being held in the capitals of all states. Saving NREGA means saving the voice of the worker. In this country, any government that has insulted the worker and the farmer has not lasted long." Delhi Congress chief Devender Yadav alleged that police officers stopped the party leaders from carrying out the protest."As we were peacefully carrying forward this campaign, thousands of police officers stopped us here. But I want to warn the Modi government that they will not be able to break our resolve in any way," Yadav said. Meanwhile, in Kerala, AICC General Secretary KC Venugopal accused the Centre of seeking to take away the rights of the citizens. Venugopal said, "Earlier, they took away the right of employment through the new MNREGA bill. Again, the economic survey notes that the right to information, one of the most effective rights for the common man in this country, is ineffective. Intention is very clear. They want to take away all the rights of the common people of this country, which cannot be accepted." (ANI) Bihar Minister Dilip Jaiswal on Thursday launched a scathing attack on the Congress and All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi and said that both parties are "two sides of the same coin," who spread fear among Muslims about the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Jaiswal's remarks come after Owaisi criticised Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma over "Miya" remarks and said that the Chief Minister disrespected the muslim community in the state. In Assam, the term 'Miya' refers to Bengali-speaking Muslims. The BJP and CM Sarma have been attacking the 'Miya' community, but wooing Assam's indigenous Muslims. Speaking to ANI, the BJP leader alleged that both parties have "sought to scare the minority community" for political gains. "Congress and Owaisi do such things. They are two sides of the same coin. Their job from the beginning has been to scare the minority community, the Muslim brothers, by telling them that the BJP will come and destroy them," Jaiswal told ANI here. The Bihar minister further accused the Congress of resorting to "drama" in Parliament over the suspension of eight Opposition MPs, including seven from Congress, who reportedly blocked the seats of BJP leaders, including that of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during proceedings. "This is all a drama. The Congress party orchestrates all these theatrics. Congress is now on the verge of extinction, so in this situation, they are now using women," he alleged, without elaborating further. Jaiswal's remarks come amid heightened political sparring between the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and Opposition parties. Meanwhile, BJP MP Dinesh Sharma also hit out at AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi, suggesting that the Hyderabad MP's recent comments reflected political frustration. "Owaisi ji's frustration is showing now. He is seeing dreams of communalism and separatism. NDA dreams of unity," Sharma told ANI. Meanwhile, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi has criticised Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma over "Miya" remarks, accusing him of disrespecting the muslim community in the state. "The Chief Minister of Assam is of the BJP. Can any Chief Minister say something like this: 'If there's a 'Miya' driver in the auto-rickshaw, and the bill is five rupees, then you give him four rupees?' In Assam, 'Miya' refers to Muslims who were brought there by the British 150-200 years ago to cultivate the land and work. They are citizens of India. They speak Bengali. How small are you, the Chief Minister of Assam? (ANI) The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) has been playing a key role in strengthening Jammu and Kashmir's industrial and entrepreneurial ecosystem through policy support, capacity building and market-linkage initiatives aimed at promoting local manufacturing and self-reliance. As part of these sustained efforts to integrate local enterprises with national supply chains, the MSME Ministry's Srinagar branch organised a two-day National Vendor Development Programme on Public Procurement Policy in the Kashmir Valley. The programme brought together local Micro, Small and Medium Entrepreneurs (MSMEs), members of the Chamber of Commerce, and representatives from several major public sector undertakings and government organisations, including Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), Food Corporation of India (FCI), National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), NHPC, Power Grid, NSIC, and others. Officials from the participating organisations interacted directly with local entrepreneurs, discussing procurement policies, vendor registration processes, upcoming projects and business opportunities available in Jammu and Kashmir. A special focus was laid on the mandatory 25 per cent procurement from MSMEs by central public sector undertakings, as mandated under public procurement norms. Addressing participants, organisers described the initiative as the first programme of its kind in Jammu and Kashmir, where such a large number of central PSUs were present on a single platform to engage with local manufacturers. The aim, they said, was to bridge awareness gaps, improve communication between MSMEs and procuring agencies, and help local units overcome challenges posed by the region's geographical constraints. A detailed session was also held on the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) portal, highlighting its role in transparent, efficient and inclusive government procurement. Vendors were encouraged to register on the platform to directly access government tenders and supply opportunities across India. Several entrepreneurs welcomed the initiative, saying such interactions help local industries understand how to supply products ranging from manufacturing inputs to handicrafts and corporate gifting items to national-level organisations. Participants noted that greater engagement with PSUs could open new markets for Kashmir-based enterprises and reduce dependence on intermediaries. Representatives from NHAI highlighted that major infrastructure projects in the Valley rely significantly on local vendors for materials, machinery and services, and stressed that sustainable development is possible only through the active involvement of local industry. The programme also featured interactive question-and-answer sessions, allowing entrepreneurs to clarify doubts related to registration, tendering processes and procurement eligibility. Participants urged that similar programmes be organised regularly and expanded to include large private-sector companies as well. Officials said such initiatives are crucial for boosting local industry, enhancing self-reliance, generating employment and ensuring that development projects in Jammu and Kashmir directly benefit local entrepreneurs, adding that efforts will continue in the coming financial year to further strengthen the MSME ecosystem in the Union Territory. (ANI) Congress MP Ujjwal Raman Singh on Thursday criticised the NDA government after Lok Sabha Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi was allegedly not allowed to speak in the House. Reacting to a letter written by Rahul Gandhi on the issue, Singh termed the situation "shameful for democracy". He said that preventing the Leader of the Opposition from speaking reflects an improper parliamentary practice. Singh alleged that excuses were being used as a pretext to stop Rahul Gandhi and that fabricated allegations were being levelled. Congress MP Ujjwal Raman Singh told ANI, "I don't consider this a proper situation. It's a shameful thing for democracy that the Leader of the Opposition is not allowed to speak... somewhere, using an excuse as a pretext, this kind of act has been committed, and fabricated allegations are being levelled... They (the government) are wasting the entire House and the entire session, just because of their stubbornness and obstinacy. The government should abandon this stubbornness and obstinacy..." Earlier, Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh warned on Thursday that there's "very little opportunity" for the house to function if Lok Sabha Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi is not allowed to make his point in Parliament about the 2020 standoff with China. Congress MP Jairam Ramesh said, "There is only one issue in Parliament that is agitating the opposition, that the LoP in Lok Sabha has been prevented from speaking in Lok Sabha. LoP in the Rajya Sabha raised this issue. Opposition MPs in the Rajya Sabha have also walked out of the house today on this. ""All Opposition parties are united that if Lop is not allowed to speak, then there is very little opportunity for the House to run," he added. Congress has said that Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi was "stopped" multiple times from quoting former Army Chief General MM Naravane (Retd). BJP leaders, in defence, said that this violates the House rules and risks demoralising the armed forces. Amid the constant disruptions in Parliament, PM Modi was unable to give his reply to the Motion of Thanks on the President's Address. Jairam Ramesh reminded that once former PM Manmohan Singh did not speak in the motion of thanks in June 2004 because he was "prevented from replying."He added that Manmohan Singh then thanked the President twice in 2005. "Let me remind the PM and BJP that on June 2004, Dr Manmohan Singh, the then PM, did not reply to the Motion of Thanks because he was prevented from replying. In 2005, then PM Manmohan Singh had thanked the President twice, as he could not thank him in 2004," he said. After the lower house passed the motion of thanks without the PM speech, PM Modi spoke in the Rajya Sabha and said that his government is working with the mantra of 'reform, perform and transform.' "A significant part of our energy is being spent on correcting the mistakes of the past. It takes great effort to erase the image that was created in the minds of the world during that period, they left things in such a damaged state. That is why we have placed strong emphasis on future-ready policies. Today, the country is being governed on the basis of policy and strategy. Global trust in India is growing. Guided by the mantra of 'reform, perform, transform,' we have moved forward, and the reality today is that the nation has boarded the Reform Express," the PM said in the upper House. (ANI) The Indian National Congress on Thursday confirmed that it will contest all 294 Assembly seats in the upcoming 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections and not enter into an alliance with the Left front. Speaking after a Congress meeting on the elections, West Bengal Congress in-charge Ghulam Ahmad Mir said, "A meeting was held today and everyone was present in it. The topic was what the party leaders think about the upcoming elections in West Bengal, how to move forward. All leaders gave their opinions...everyone's views were heard...The leadership's view was that this time we will contest the elections in West Bengal alone." Mir further emphasised that the decision to contest independently was backed by the national leadership, adding, "This time in West Bengal, our workers and cadre want that we should contest alone on 294 seats in the state. The national leadership stands with the decision made by the state leadership." The Congress move comes amid a high-stakes political battle in West Bengal, where the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) is expected to face stiff competition from both Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). In parallel, the BJP has been consolidating its preparations for the elections. Party National President Nitin Nabin held a strategic meeting with West Bengal MPs at Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar's residence in New Delhi on Tuesday to discuss organisational matters and constituency-specific concerns. After the meeting, BJP MP Raju Bista said that Nitin Nabin lent his guidance to the MPs and discussed their issues. "All our MPs from West Bengal, from Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, and first-time MPs as well. We had the opportunity to spend more than two hours with the National President to discuss our concerns. This was purely an organisational meeting, and it was our first time meeting with him, so we received many suggestions and a lot of guidance. That's why I consider the Bharatiya Janata Party different from other parties. We met with the National President in a family-like atmosphere, and all the MPs presented their respective issues," Raju Bista told reporters. Earlier last month, BJP West Bengal State President Samik Bhattacharya appointed in-charges for the respective assembly constituencies for the 2026 Legislative Assembly elections. Bhattacharya announced the Assembly in-charges on all 294 seats. The BJP has appointed Manash Ray as the in-charge for the Nandigram seat, where Suvendu Adhikari defeated Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in the 2021 Assembly polls. The party appointed Debasish Dey in Siliguri, Binod Moktan in Darjeeling, Sujit Kr Das in Malda, Kaberi Chatterjee in Asansol Dakshin, Dayamoy Chakraborty in Asansol Uttar and Asish Travedi on Kolkata Port seat. On January 24, the BJP announced the State Sankalp Patra Committee comprising 11 members, with party leader Tapas Roy serving as the Chairman. (ANI) Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Thursday hit back at Leader of Opposition and former Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur, saying that if the BJP claims the state government failed to properly present its case before the 16th Finance Commission, then Thakur should take the lead in the interest of Himachal Pradesh. Speaking to media persons in Bilaspur, the Chief Minister rejected Jai Ram Thakur's allegations and said the Congress government had consistently raised the state's concerns before the Finance Commission and the Union government. "I have personally appeared before the Finance Commission several times as Chief Minister and also met the Union Finance Minister. I do not understand on what basis Jai Ram Thakur is making such statements," CM Sukhu said. Responding directly to the charge that the state failed to effectively represent its case before the 16th Finance Commission, the Chief Minister said, "If Jai Ram Thakur believes that we could not put forward Himachal's case properly, then he should take the lead. I am ready to go with him to Delhi and jointly present Himachal Pradesh's case before the Finance Commission." CM Sukhu said the Revenue Deficit Grant (RDG) was a constitutional provision meant specifically for hill and special category states and had been provided to Himachal Pradesh for decades. "This grant has been given for the past 72-73 years. Even this year, Himachal is receiving around Rs 32,257 crore, which comes on a monthly basis. With this support, the state runs pension schemes, development programmes and welfare initiatives," he said. Warning of the wider impact of discontinuing RDG, the Chief Minister said such a move would affect every section of society. "If RDG is stopped, it will impact pensions, development schemes and essential services. This is not a political issue but a matter of Himachal's future," he said. Taking a swipe at the BJP leadership, CM Sukhu said, "Instead of making political statements, Jai Ram Thakur should come forward and help safeguard the interests of the state. If he truly believes we have failed, let him lead the delegation. The Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh is ready to walk with him." The Chief Minister reiterated that the Congress government was open to cooperation across party lines to protect Himachal Pradesh's financial interests and urged the opposition to rise above politics on issues affecting the state's economy. (ANI) Senior Congress leader and former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on Thursday launched a sharp attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alleging that he is proving to be "fatally dangerous" for the country and the "weakest and most cowardly" Prime Minister India has had, the release said. Addressing a large public gathering at the Bhoa district during the 'MGNREGA Bachao Sangram', Baghel claimed that both the United States and China have identified Prime Minister Modi's weaknesses and are exploiting them. He alleged that Modi was being "intimidated and arm-twisted" by global powers. Referring to the recent India-US trade understanding, Baghel said the deal was unequal and against India's interests. He claimed that while the US would impose tariffs on Indian goods, India had agreed to zero tariffs on American imports, terming it an unprecedented surrender. He further alleged that even Pakistan levies tariffs on US goods, unlike India under Modi. Baghel also criticised changes to the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), expressing confidence that just as the Centre was forced to repeal the three farm laws, it would also be compelled to restore MGNREGA in its original form. Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring alleged that Prime Minister Modi has been hostile to MGNREGA from the very beginning and has systematically weakened the scheme that guarantees 100 days of work to rural households. Questioning the government's claim of providing 125 days of work, Warring said the average employment under MGNREGA during the Modi government stood at just 48 days. Citing Ludhiana as an example, he claimed that out of 1.21 lakh registered families, only 12 families received 100 days of employment. He also criticised the Aam Aadmi Party government in Punjab, alleging it failed MGNREGA workers by stopping work even before the new provisions were introduced. Warring asserted that the Congress would continue its agitation until MGNREGA is fully restored. He also warned against what he described as the BJP's attempts to divide people on religious and caste lines. Leader of the Opposition in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha Partap Singh Bajwa said MGNREGA is not a charity but a legal right and a lifeline for rural Punjab. He alleged that the BJP has dismantled the rights of the poor and common citizens and accused the AAP government of reducing governance to publicity, with poor implementation and lack of accountability. AICC General Secretary and Gurdaspur MP Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa also addressed the rally. Speakers congratulated former Bhoa MLA Joginder Pal for organising the programme at short notice. Former minister Aruna Chaudhary, along with several other Congress leaders and workers, was present on the occasion. (ANI) Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has said that air pollution and pollution of the Yamuna river are "legacy problems" caused by years of neglect and short-term policymaking by the previous AAP government, asserting that her administration is pursuing a comprehensive, long-term strategy to address both challenges. Speaking in an exclusive interview with ANI, Gupta rejected the criticism that measures such as GRAP, Odd-Even, artificial rain and anti-smog guns have failed to deliver results, saying these steps were never meant to be permanent solutions. "Pollution is a legacy problem resulting from the negligence of previous governments. If we look at pollution only from the perspective that the air should be clean, we will not get results. You have to work on dust, air and water together, with a holistic vision," she said. Taking a swipe at the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Gupta said previous administrations relied heavily on temporary relief measures and publicity, while ignoring structural reforms. "Sprinklers, anti-smog guns and mist can give only short-term relief. The real work should have been done on dust mitigation, public transport and long-term planning," she said. The Chief Minister identified vehicular emissions, road dust and waste mismanagement as key contributors to Delhi's air pollution, which often remains in the 'severe' category even during winter months. "Vehicular emission is said to be a major cause of pollution, but public transport was never taken to the extent it should have been," she said. Gupta said her government has drawn up a phased plan to move Delhi's public transport system towards zero emissions. "When we came, we planned that public transport should be 100 per cent electric and on clean fuel. Today, there are around 3,600 buses in Delhi. We added 1,700 buses after coming to power, and by December 2026, this will reach 7,700. Our requirement is 11,000 buses, which we will complete by 2028," she said. She added that funding has been sanctioned for Metro expansion, last-mile connectivity through EV autos, e-bikes and cycles near Metro stations, and stricter enforcement against unfit and polluting vehicles. "The government has to make a 360-degree movement. Work has to be done on every single aspect," she said. Gupta also pointed to reforms in road construction and maintenance to reduce dust pollution. "Earlier, one department would build a road, and another would dig it again. This was the work culture of Delhi. We are changing that by enforcing ducting and accountability," she said, adding that engineers from PWD and MCD were brought together to standardise practices. Linking garbage mountains directly to air pollution, Gupta said a visible reduction in landfills is the result of policy-driven, time-bound action. "Delhi generates about 11,000 metric tonnes of garbage daily. Earlier, it was never processed, and that is why mountains of garbage were formed," she said, attacking the Opposition for merely shifting waste from one site to another. She said the government is confident of clearing legacy waste at the Okhla and Bhalswa landfill sites by 2026, while work at Ghazipur may take longer. "These results are not without policy and dedication," she said. On the Yamuna river, Gupta said untreated sewage, cattle dung and industrial waste flowing directly into drains had severely polluted the river. "Friends, drains were falling straight into Yamuna ji. Sewage treatment plants were not upgraded. These conditions were spoiled over years," she said. The Chief Minister said her government has upgraded 37 old sewage treatment plants and initiated large-scale de-silting of drains across the city. "As soon as we came, we started de-silting work. New machines from Finland are being used at places like Najafgarh, Barapullah and Sunheri Pullah," she said. She also highlighted steps to process cattle dung through biogas plants. "For so many years, did anyone think of setting up biogas plants? Thousands of tonnes of dung went into drains and then into Yamuna ji. We have started the first plant to process 600 tonnes, with more plants in the pipeline," she said. Addressing opposition criticism on the pace of cleaning the Yamuna, Gupta said results cannot be instantaneous. "People ask, 'When will Yamuna be clean?' I tell them, these are conditions spoiled over the years. The steps we have taken are time-bound, and their results will be visible with time," she said. Reiterating her government's approach, Gupta said, "The government will do its bit, the public will also have to do its bit. Together, we will be able to get better air and cleaner water for Delhi." (ANI) Salem has been in prison for over 23 years. On January 12, the Supreme Court rejected the petition of extradited gangster Abu Salem for a premature release in the 1993 Bombay serial bomb blast cases, asking him to justify his claims of completing 25 years of his life sentence. The convict was challenging the Bombay HC's rejection of his remission plea. Earlier, the Bombay HC rejected his plea for early release. Abu Salem is currently serving a life sentence for his role in the 1993 Bombay bombings and other cases. He was extradited from Portugal to India in 2005 and has been jailed since then. On September 18, 2002, Abu Salem was detained in LISBON (Portugal). After lengthy proceedings in the Court of Appeal in Lisbon and the Constitutional Court of Portugal, the extradition of Abu Salem was granted, and his custody was transferred to Indian authorities on November 10, 2005. (ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday announced ex-gratia worth Rs 2 lakh each for the families of 16 victims who lost their lives in the tragic Meghalaya coal mine incident. Those who have been injured in the incident in the Thangskai area of East Jaintia Hills district will be given ex-gratia of Rs 50,000 each. The ex-gratia will be provided from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF). "Pained by the mishap in East Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya. Condolences to those who lost their loved ones. May the injured recover at the earliest. An ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs 50,000," the PMO posted on X. Earlier, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said that the state government has ordered an inquiry into the coal mine incident that claimed 16 lives. He said that accountability will be fixed for the incident at a suspected illegal coal mine, and those responsible will face strict legal action. "Profoundly saddened by the tragic coal mine incident in East Jaintia Hills. My deepest sympathies are with the families who have lost their loved ones in this unfortunate tragedy. The Government of Meghalaya has ordered a comprehensive inquiry into the incident. Accountability will be fixed, and those responsible will face strict legal action. There will be no compromise when it comes to the safety of lives," Sangma posted on X. "In this moment of sorrow, the State stands in solidarity with all those affected," he added. Three teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been moved to carry out rescue operations after at least 16 people were killed and several labourers were feared trapped in an explosion at a suspected illegal coal mine in a village on Thursday, officials said. Superintendent of Police (SP) Vikas Kumar said that 16 bodies have recovered so far. "The incident took place in the Thangsku (Thangskai) area on Thursday. Several labourers trapped inside the coal mine following an explosion. SDRF, police, and local administration engaged in search and rescue operations. So far, 16 bodies have been recovered. One person received burn injuries," SP Kumar said. Several people are still trapped inside the coal mine. More details are awaited. (ANI) Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Thursday expressed confidence that the legacy waste at the Okhla and Bhalaswa landfill sites will be cleared by the end of this year. In an interview with ANI, the Chief Minister said that that the BJP government has ramped up bio-mining capacity to over 30,000 metric tonnes daily. She said the legacy waste at the Ghazipur landfill site will take about two years to be cleared. "I want to tell people of Delhi that by the end of 2026, we will end the legacy waste of two garbage mountains in Okhla and Bhalaswa. The Ghazipur landfill site might take two more years. We are building plants so that as much of the generated waste is processed. We are working by segregating the legacy waste," she said. Hitting out at the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), she said that their government was in power in Delhi for 11 years and did little to address problems of people. "I can also ask how the garbage mountains were built. The garbage kept accumulating, and hence these mountains were formed. We started processing it (the waste), we started bio-mining, which was earlier at 5000 metric tonnes, and we brought it to 30,000 metric tonnes daily. Work goes on in day-night shifts," she said. "The inert (waste), RDF (refuse-derived fuel), are put in the low-lying areas. This has been going on for ages. But in your (AAP) tenure, there was no biomining. When an industry requests us for inert, we transport it there. When the inert gets aside, then only you get the room to process the garbage. Otherwise, how has the height of the garbage mountains reduced to half? The previous government did not think of putting in biogas plants. Thousands of tonnes of cow dung are generated in cities. Where does it go? In sewers and the Yanuma River. Did the city not need a biogas plant? We are working on processing 1500 tonnes of cow dung," she told ANI. Answering a query, she said air pollution and pollution of the Yamuna river are "legacy problems" caused by years of neglect and "short-term policymaking by the previous AAP government", asserting that her administration is pursuing a comprehensive, long-term strategy to address both challenges. Pollution is a legacy problem resulting from the negligence of previous governments. If we look at pollution only from the perspective that the air should be clean, we will not get results. You have to work on dust, air and water together, with a holistic vision," she said. Taking a swipe at the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Gupta said previous administrations relied heavily on temporary relief measures and publicity, while ignoring structural reforms. "Sprinklers, anti-smog guns and mist can give only short-term relief. The real work should have been done on dust mitigation, public transport and long-term planning," she said. The Chief Minister identified vehicular emissions, road dust and waste mismanagement as key contributors to Delhi's air pollution. "Vehicular emission is said to be a major cause of pollution, but public transport was never taken to the extent it should have been," she said. Gupta said her government has drawn up a phased plan to move Delhi's public transport system towards zero emissions. "When we came, we planned that public transport should be 100 per cent electric and on clean fuel. Today, there are around 3,600 buses in Delhi. We added 1,700 buses after coming to power, and by December 2026, this will reach 7,700. Our requirement is 11,000 buses, which we will complete by 2028," she said. (ANI) Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said her adminstration has focused on correcting long-pending structural issues in pollution control, public transport, waste management, healthcare and education since the formation of the BJP government in the national capital after a long 27 years. In an interview with ANI, the Delhi CM asserted that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led administration prioritised policy decisions and accountability after forming government on February 20, 2025. "We did our best to develop policies for the city of Delhi. The work that was stuck, hanging, or wandering until now has been addressed. And somewhere or another, the problems of the residents of Delhi, their hopes, their aspirations, were addressed," the Chief Minister said. She added, "We worked together to bring the government into operation, and hold officials accountable, not just stories...we have to run this government and solve the problems of Delhi." The Delhi CM said several flagship schemes were implemented from the first day of assuming office, including the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme, providing coverage of up to Rs 10 lakh and the Vandan Yojana. "Many plans were made from the very first day when we took the oath on February 20, 2025. From that very day, we implemented the Ayushman Yojana in which we gave health cover of 10 lakhs to the people of Delhi. We implemented the Vaya Vandan Yojana on the same day," the Delhi CM told ANI. The BJP leader said that the way the problems of Delhi should have been solved, the previous governments did not do that at all. She said multiple projects that had remained stalled under previous governments were taken up on priority. The Delhi CM said that, "Currently operates around 3,600 buses, and the government added nearly 1,700 buses in the past year. She said the total fleet is expected to reach 7,700 buses by the end of 2026, with a long-term target of 11,000 buses by 2028, most of them electric. She added that funding was sanctioned for metro expansion and last-mile connectivity projects, including e-bikes and EV autos. Responding to a question on her "first priority" after assuming the office, the Delhi CM told ANI that her government treated policy correction and groundwork across sectors as the top priority, with a special focus on pollution. "In the first year, my priority was to make decisions across all sectors. The targets had to be identified, policies had to be framed, tenders had to be issued so that work could actually begin," she said. The Delhi CM said the government's first year focused on "policy drafting" and "transparent decision-making," adding that a detailed report card would be presented to the public. (ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday launched a scathing attack on Congress in Rajya Sabha and cited a speech of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, stating that she and her father Jawaharlal Nehru had referred to citizens of the country as a "problem". Replying to the debate in the Rajya Sabha on the motion of thanks on the President's address, PM Modi also took veiled digs at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. He said there is a huge difference in the way the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance looks at a situation or the thinking towards the solution of a problem and how the Congress does. "Whether is it BJP or NDA, our approach to looking at a situation and at looking for solutions to problems, there is a vast difference between us and the Congress. Our approach is that 140 crore citizens are so capable that they can tackle challenges. We have trust in the citizens and their capabilities. This is also the true strength of democracy. But Congress considers the citizens a problem," he said. "I want to tell this with an example how they used to think about people of country. What was the thinking of Nehruji and Indiraji for the people of the country, I want to tell about this. Indiraji once went to Iran, she was giving a speech. In her speech, she mentioned her conversation with Nehruji. She said 'When someone asked my father (Nehru) how many problems he had, my father replied 35 crore'. At that time, our country's population was 35 crore. The citizens of the country were seen as a problem by Nehruji. Can there be a leader like this," PM Modi asked. He said that Indira Gandhi gave this example and said in her speech that "today the country's population is 57 crore and the number of problems I have is of this magnitude". "The father saw 35 crore citizens as a problem, she felt 57 crore to be a problem. Can someone be like this who considers their own citizens a problem? This is the difference in their thinking and our thinking, their approach and our approach," he said to thumping of desks from the members of the treasury benches. According to the compilation of Indira Gandhi's speeches, she said nothing in India is simple or small and when asked how many problems he had, "my father once replied '350 million', which was our population at that time. Now the population is 570 million, so that is the dimension of my problems". Slamming the Congress, PM Modi said a significant part of the government's energy is being spent on correcting the mistakes of the past. "It takes great effort to erase the image that was created in the minds of the world during that period, they left things in such a damaged state. That is why we have placed strong emphasis on future-ready policies. Today, the country is being governed on the basis of policy and strategy. Global trust in India is growing. Guided by the mantra of 'reform, perform, transform,' we have moved forward, and the reality today is that the nation has boarded the Reform Express," he said. PM Modi also referred to Rahul Gandhi's jibe at Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu. "What happened yesterday - the 'Yuvraj' of Congress who has 'shaatir dimag', called an MP of this House 'traitor'. His arrogance is at its peak. He did not call anyone else who has left the Congress a traitor. But he called the MP a traitor, because he is a Sikh. This was an insult to the Sikhs, an insult to the Gurus," he said. "This was an expression of the hatred for Sikhs that is filled in the Congress...He is a member of the family who sacrificed themselves for the country. Just because he changed his political ideology, he became a traitor? This is not a small word. How can the country tolerate a citizen being called a traitor?...This is highly unfortunate. Such people will sink Congress," he added. (ANI) Ahead of the visit by French President Emmanuel Macron in the third week of February, the Defence Ministry of India is likely to discuss the Rs 3.25 lakh crore proposal to buy 114 Rafale combat aircraft for the Indian Air Force. The Indian Air Force proposal was given the initial nod by the Defence Procurement Board last month. "The proposal is likely to be taken up for discussion next week at a high-level meeting of the defence ministry and is seen as critical for meeting the operational requirements of the Indian Air Force in view of the present security scenario in the region," defence sources told ANI. The Indian Air Force is currently operating only around 30 fighter aircraft squadrons, whereas its sanctioned strength is 42 squadrons. With increasing collusion between Pakistan and Bangladesh, and Pakistan and China, the threat perception has now gone up further. The project is expected to help the Indian Air Force to meet its requirement for a 4.5-generation-plus multirole fighter aircraft for a long time. About 80 per cent of the 114 Rafale fighter aircraft proposed to be acquired under the deal are planned to be manufactured in India. Sources said that the Indian Air Force is going to get 88 single-seater and 26 twin-seater aircraft under the project, of which the majority would be built in India with the collaboration of Dassault and Indian private sector companies. Once the deal gets completed, the Indian Air Force will have a fleet of 150 Rafales, along with 26 of the Indian Navy, which will have an aircraft carrier-compatible version of the French planes. The French President is expected to be in Delhi for the AI summit on February 18. (ANI) By Rajnish Singh New Delhi [India], February 5 (ANI) A historic tripartite agreement was signed on Thursday between the Centre, the Government of Nagaland and representatives of Eastern Nagaland Peoples' Organisation (ENPO), an apex body representing eight recognised Naga tribes of the six eastern districts of Nagaland, paving the way for the development of Eastern Nagaland. The agreement was signed in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio. The agreement will pave the way for the creation of the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA) for six districts of Nagaland, Tuensang, Mon, Kiphire, Longleng, Noklak and Shamator, and devolution of powers in respect of 46 subjects to the FNTA. The agreement provides, inter alia, for a mini-Secretariat for FNTA, headed by the Additional Chief Secretary and the Principal Secretary, and for the sharing of development outlay for the Eastern Nagaland region, proportional to population and area. However, this agreement does not affect in any manner whatsoever the provisions of Article 371(A) of the Constitution of India. This unique arrangement envisages overall development of Eastern Nagaland through financial autonomy, enhanced decision-making leading to accelerated infrastructure development, economic empowerment and optimum resource utilisation. The Agreement depicts the Central government's commitment to resolve all contentious issues through dialogue to meet the genuine aspirations of the people of the North East and proves the basic tenet of democracy that solutions can only be achieved through negotiations based on mutual respect and dialogue instead of violence and armed conflict. Terming the event a very significant day for a dispute-free North East, the Home Minister assured the representatives of ENPO that the Central government will assist in the development of Eastern Nagaland and will also shoulder its responsibility. Shah added that "every year a fixed amount will be decided, and the Ministry of Home Affairs will also provide the initial expenditure for establishment." The Home Minister said that today, a very long-standing dispute has reached a happy conclusion. Extending congratulations to all the people of Eastern Nagaland, the struggling organisations of ENPO, the Chief Minister of Nagaland, his cabinet, and the Members of Parliament, the Home Minister said that today we have taken another step toward ending all disputes in Nagaland. He stated that "now there will be no obstacle in the path of development of Eastern Nagaland." The Home Minister said that the agreement reflects our government's commitment to resolving all contentious issues and fulfilling the genuine aspirations of the people. He said that both the Government of India and the Government of Nagaland will jointly take forward the development of Eastern Nagaland. The Minister said that in 2021-22, he had told ENPO representatives that the government led by PM Narendra Modi is committed to resolving every dispute. He had assured them to keep faith and participate in the democratic process, and they would definitely receive both fair justice and due respect. The Home Minister said that he was feeling immense joy as, after the officers of the Ministry of Home Affairs worked for a long time as a bridge between the ENPO and the Government of Nagaland, the dispute was finally resolved today. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi has envisioned a North East that is free from insurgency, violence, disputes, and is developed. Eleven years ago, several armed groups and disputes in the North East were pushing the region towards fragmentation and disturbing its peace. At the same time, many interstate disputes were disrupting the states' peace. The government led by Prime Minister Modi is committed to finding solutions to every dispute," stated the Minister. He said that since 2019, the Modi government has signed 12 important agreements in the North East. Stating that previous governments only signed agreements, Shah said the Modi government implements them in letter and spirit. The Home Minister said that we all are all very well aware of the ENPO region and its strategic importance. Since Nagaland's creation, citizens of Eastern Nagaland have consistently felt that they are not receiving justice. Shah said he had spoken with the Chief Minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio, who had stated that he would listen to all ENPO's demands with an open heart, discuss them, and accept them. Expressing his gratitude to Chief Minister Rio, the Home Minister said that the Government of Nagaland, Rio's cabinet colleagues, and both Members of Parliament from the state had, with great magnanimity, taken this negotiation to its logical conclusion. (ANI) After 18 people died in an explosion at an 'illegal' coal mine, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Thursday assured that action will be taken against individuals responsible for the incident. He announced that the Meghalaya government will provide an ex gratia of Rs 3 lakh to the next of kin of the deceased. He said that any illegal activities will not be tolerated, as the government has promoted scientific mining. "Individuals who are involved in any illegal activities, action will be taken. Whoever is responsible for this incident will face very strict action. We will not let go of anybody who is involved in this," Sangma said while addressing a press conference here. "At the same time, with the start of scientific mining, it is expected that all miners will apply for the mining. Now, there is an option. These are things that cannot be tolerated anymore. Those involved in any mining activities should not engage in illegal activities that can endanger lives. We are waiting for further report that comes in. Based on that, I will be in regular touch with the press," he added. Sangma informed that about 18 people are dead because of the blast, while one injured person has been rushed to the hospital. He said that the administration and concerned officials were on the ground as rescue operations were underway. "A dynamite explosion had occurred at an illegal coal mine in East Jaintia Hills. This happened today at around 11 am. As per the current reports, about 18 people are dead because of this blast. One person is injured and has been shifted to the hospital. One SDRF team and several personnel from NDRF are at the site. The Police Dept is also at the site, including the IG of the Eastern Zone. Officials from the mining department are also there. Local Administration is also there," he said. The Chief Minister said the site is located in a remote area, approximately 25 kilometres from the district headquarters, and is a three-hour drive. The area is only accessible by four-wheel-drive vehicles, which has made rescue operations more challenging. The state government has taken immediate action and directed two cabinet ministers, Lakmen Rymbui and Y Ladmiki Shilla, to visit the district. They have been instructed to meet with officials on the ground, review the situation, and ensure all necessary actions are taken. Chief Minister Sangma said that the government is taking this incident very seriously and will take strict action against those responsible. He also assured that there would be no shortcomings in the relief and rescue operations. The death toll in the coal mine incident that occurred in the Thangskai area of Meghalaya's East Jaintia Hills district has risen to 18. Superintendent of Police (SP) Vikash Kumar said that information about an explosion at an illegal coal mine in Mynsyngat, Thangsko (Thangskai), in the Umpleng police outpost area was received this morning, after which police personnel rushed to the incident site. In a press release, SP Kumar confirmed that an explosion had taken place inside an illegal coal mine, and several persons were suspected to be trapped, with 18 bodies recovered from the incident site during the rescue operation. "During the course of the rescue operation, a total of 18 (eighteen) dead bodies have been recovered from the site of the explosion. One (01) injured person was rescued and initially shifted to Sutnga Community Health Centre (CHC) and subsequently referred to a higher medical centre for further treatment," the release read. Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and Special Rescue Team (SRT) are actively engaged at the site, and rescue and recovery efforts are continuing. In connection with the incident, an FIR has been registered at Khliehriat police station under sections 105/118(2)/3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, section 21/21(1) of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 (MMDR Act), and section 3 of the Explosives Substances Act. "If any person has any information about other miscreants involved in this illegal act, they are requested to inform the local Police Station immediately. Their identity shall be kept secret, and a suitable reward shall be given," SP Kumar said. Further investigation is ongoing. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced ex-gratia worth Rs 2 lakh each for the families of 18 victims who lost their lives in the tragic Meghalaya coal mine incident. Those who have been injured in the incident in the Thangskai area of East Jaintia Hills district will be given ex-gratia of Rs 50,000 each. The incident has left one person with burn injuries. The ex-gratia will be provided from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF). "Pained by the mishap in East Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya. Condolences to those who lost their loved ones. May the injured recover at the earliest. An ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs 50,000," the PMO posted on X. Meanwhile, the Meghalaya Chief Minister said the state government ordered an inquiry into the coal mine incident. He said that accountability will be fixed for the incident at a suspected illegal coal mine, and those responsible will face strict legal action. "Profoundly saddened by the tragic coal mine incident in East Jaintia Hills. My deepest sympathies are with the families who have lost their loved ones in this unfortunate tragedy. The Government of Meghalaya has ordered a comprehensive inquiry into the incident. Accountability will be fixed, and those responsible will face strict legal action. There will be no compromise when it comes to the safety of lives," Sangma posted on X. "In this moment of sorrow, the State stands in solidarity with all those affected," he added. (ANI) A fire broke out at a girls' hostel located within the Musheerabad police station limits in Hyderabad on Thursday afternoon. Officials confirmed that all three girls present in the hostel at the time of the incident are safe, and no casualties were reported. According to a police official, the fire erupted at Sudama PG hostel when only three occupants were inside the building. "Two girls immediately came down on their own, while one girl was rescued by locals," the official said. Following the alert, fire tenders, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams, and police personnel rushed to the spot and brought the blaze under control. While no injuries were reported, the official said the hostel building sustained damage due to the fire. The exact cause of the incident is yet to be ascertained, and an investigation is currently underway. The police also issued a stern warning to hostel operators across the area, urging strict compliance with fire safety norms. "We are appealing to all hostel managements to take fire safety measures. If they don't follow the rules, we will take serious action against them," the official added. Further details are awaited as authorities continue to assess the extent of damage and the cause of the fire. (ANI) President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday condoled the loss of lives in a coal mine accident in Meghalaya's East Jaintia Hills district, calling the incident painful . "It is painful to hear about the loss of lives of workers in an unfortunate accident in the East Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya. I convey my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and pray for the early recovery of the injured," the President said in a post on X. https://x.com/rashtrapatibhvn/status/2019438807209427130 At least18 people were killed in a coal mine explosion that occurred in the Mynsyngat, Thangsko (Thangskai) area of Meghalaya's East Jaintia Hills district. Vice President CP Radhakrishnan also condoled the deaths. "Deeply saddened by the tragic loss of lives in the coal mine incident in East Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. I pray for the speedy recovery of those injured." https://x.com/VPIndia/status/2019441171475349860/ Union Minister for Coal and Mines G Kishan Reddy said the incident caused him "deep anguish" and assured central assistance. "The Ministry of Coal is in touch with the Meghalaya Government to ensure a swift rescue of those that are still trapped inside. I have also instructed the Ministry to seek a full-fledged report from the State Government so that accountability is fixed and such incidents are not repeated," he said in a post on X. Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday spoke to Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma after the incident. He took stock of the situation of the incident, assuring all possible support from the central government. The Chief Minister announced that the Meghalaya government will provide an ex gratia of Rs 3 lakh to the next of kin of the deceased. Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced ex-gratia worth Rs 2 lakh each for the families of 18 victims who lost their lives in the tragic Meghalaya coal mine incident.Chief Minister Sangma said a dynamite explosion occurred at an illegal coal mine around 11 am. "As per the current reports, about 18 people are dead because of this blast. One person is injured and has been shifted to the hospital," he said, adding that the area is remote, about 25 km from the district headquarters and accessible only by four-wheel-drive vehicles, making rescue operations difficult. Superintendent of Police Vikash Kumar confirmed that 18 bodies were recovered during the rescue operation, and one injured person was initially taken to Sutnga CHC before being referred to a higher medical centre. Teams from the NDRF, SDRF and SRT remain deployed at the site as recovery work continues. An FIR has been registered at Khliehriat police station under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, and the Explosives Substances Act. Police have appealed to the public to share information about those involved in illegal mining activities, assuring confidentiality and rewards. The Meghalaya government has ordered a comprehensive inquiry into the incident. CM Sangma said accountability will be fixed and illegal activities will not be tolerated. "Individuals who are involved in any illegal activities, action will be taken. Whoever is responsible for this incident will face very strict action. There will be no compromise when it comes to the safety of lives," Sangma said. Two cabinet ministers, Lakmen Rymbui and Y Ladmiki Shilla, have been directed to visit the district, review the situation on the ground and ensure that relief and rescue operations face no shortcomings. (ANI) Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Samajwadi Party Chief Akhilesh Yadav on Thursday expressed deep sorrow over the tragic death of labourers in a coal mine explosion in Meghalaya. They conveyed condolences to the bereaved families and wished speedy recovery of those injured. In a post on X, Priyanka Gandhi said, "Deeply saddened by the tragic deaths of many labourers in the coal mine blast in Meghalaya. I extend my deepest condolences to the bereaved families and pray for the speedy recovery of those injured." Her message came amid growing political reactions to the deadly incident that has claimed at least 16 lives so far. https://x.com/priyankagandhi/status/2019412598270357937 Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav also expressed grief over the incident and called for accountability. In his post on X, Yadav said, "The news of the death of workers in the coal mine explosion in Meghalaya is extremely tragic. A thorough investigation into the causes should be conducted, and appropriate financial assistance should be provided to the bereaved families for their livelihood." https://x.com/yadavakhilesh/status/2019430189848285442 Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced ex-gratia compensation from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF). The families of the 16 deceased will receive Rs 2 lakh each, while those injured in the incident will be given Rs 50,000. "Pained by the mishap in East Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya. Condolences to those who lost their loved ones. May the injured recover at the earliest," the Prime Minister said in a post on X. Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said the state government has ordered a comprehensive inquiry into the incident, which occurred at a suspected illegal coal mine in the Thangskai area of East Jaintia Hills district. He asserted that accountability would be fixed and strict legal action would be taken against those responsible. Rescue operations are underway with three teams of the National Disaster Response Force deployed at the site. Superintendent of Police Vikas Kumar said 16 bodies have been recovered so far, while several labourers are still feared trapped inside the mine. Further details are awaited as search and rescue efforts continue. (ANI) Congress legislator from Shimla Urban constituency Harish Janartha on Thursday said the Union Budget has been disappointing for Himachal Pradesh. He alleged that the Centre had discriminated against Himachal Pradesh and warned that the decision to discontinue the Revenue Deficit Grant (RDG) could push the state into a deep economic crisis. Addressing the media in Shimla, Janartha said that under the 15th Finance Commission, RDG was allocated to 17 states, including Himachal Pradesh, taking into account their geographical conditions and limited resources. "The purpose of this grant was to maintain financial balance in states like Himachal. However, ending RDG prematurely under the 16th Finance Commission is a shocking decision," he said. Janartha noted that Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu had met Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and requested that RDG be extended for at least five more years. "Despite this, the grant has been discontinued, which is extremely unfortunate," he added. He said the RDG funds had previously been used in crucial sectors such as drinking water supply, education, and health, and that discontinuing the grant would cause significant losses to the state. Rejecting the Opposition's argument that RDG had been withdrawn for other states as well, Janartha said Himachal could not be compared with large or highly productive states. "Himachal has a small population, limited resources and very different geographical challenges," he said. The Congress MLA alleged that while Himachal provides various kinds of supplies to North India, it does not receive any special assistance in return. "Disaster relief funds due from the Centre are still pending. At such a time, RDG could have acted as a helping hand, but ending it will only aggravate the economic crisis," he asserted. Calling for political unity, Janartha urged all parties to set aside party lines in the interest of Himachal Pradesh. "If required, we are even ready to approach the Centre along with the BJP leadership, but injustice to Himachal should not be allowed," he said, urging the Opposition not to present misleading figures. Referring to the horticulture sector, Janartha said horticulture, particularly apple production, has been a major contributor to the state's revenue. "Changes in import duty on apples are encouraging imported produce, which will weaken local growers and have a serious impact on Himachal's economy," he warned. On the provision of single bonds for municipal corporations in the budget, Janartha said it was only at the proposal stage. "If examined closely, it carries several restrictions, making it difficult to avail funds, and eventually the burden will fall on the common people," he said. Janartha appealed to employees, youth and the general public to raise their voice against the Centre's decision. "This is a long battle, but it is essential for the future of Himachal Pradesh," he said. (ANI) In a post on X, EAM Jaishankar said he felt "great" to meet his Canadian counterpart and discuss advancing bilateral cooperation between the two nations. "Great to see FM Anita Anand of Canada today. Talked about taking our ties forward," the EAM stated in his post. He also met with Foreign Minister Hugo de Zela of Peru, noting that both sides agreed to deepen cooperation. "With Foreign Minister Hugo de Zela of Peru. Agreed to deepen our cooperation," Jaishankar wrote in a separate post on X. His meetings come amid the Critical Minerals Ministerial in Washington DC on Wednesday, during which the EAM called for structured international cooperation to "de-risk" critical mineral supply chains, noting that "excessive concentration" poses a major global risk. In another post on X, Jaishankar said, "Spoke at the Critical Minerals Ministerial in Washington DC today. Underlined challenges of excessive concentration and the importance of de-risking supply chains through structured international cooperation. Highlighted India's efforts towards greater resilience through initiatives including National Critical Minerals Mission, Rare Earth Corridors and responsible commerce. Conveyed India's support to the FORGE initiative on critical minerals." Ahead of the ministerial, Jaishankar shared photos of his meetings with the Netherlands FM David van Weel, Italian FM Antonio Tajani, Mohamad Haji Hasan of Malaysia, Bahrain FM Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani and FM Battsetseg Batmunkh of Mongolia, among others. The event, convened by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, brought together delegations from over 50 countries, and the European Union is being viewed as a landmark moment in global supply chain diplomacy. A primary goal of the ministerial is to diversify supply chains for rare earth elements and critical minerals, such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel, to reduce global overreliance on China, which currently dominates processing and mining. Meanwhile, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is set to visit India in the first week of March, and his visit is likely to see the signing of deals on uranium, energy, minerals, and Artificial Intelligence. Sources in the Ministry of External Affairs said there would also be a key focus on trade during PM Carney's visit. (ANI) External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday attended the Critical Minerals meeting hosted by the US State Department. As part of his visit to the US, the EAM also met with the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The EAM's visit coincides with the agreement between two of the World's largest democracies on a trade deal. The Minister says that a detailed account of the negotiations is now underway. The two sides are expected to issue a joint statement on the exact tenets of the deal soon. Speaking to ANI on the sidelines of the Critical Minerals meet in Washington DC EAM Jaishankar said, "It was not with me, because that is being handled by Commerce and Industries Minister Piyush Goyal (the negotiations on the trade deal). The Prime Minister and the US President had a conversation; some announcements came out of it. Thereafter, a detailing of the trade negotiations is underway as we speak." The EAM further elaborated that Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal would detail the timelines on the formal announcement of the deal. "It is hard for me to say, and the Commerce Minister would know it better, because he is in direct engagement with the US Trade Representative," he said. Earlier, speaking in Parliament, Piyush Goyal highlighted that both countries have finalised several areas of a bilateral trade agreement following intensive negotiations. Goyal informed the House that both sides will now work to complete technical processes and finalise paperwork to expeditiously unlock the potential of the deal. He described the framework as a landmark step in strengthening bilateral relations and advancing the vision of a developed India by 2047. He added that the 18 per cent rate announced by US President Donald Trump is lower than tariffs imposed on several competing countries, which enhances India's export competitiveness. In the statement delivered to the House, Goyal noted that the negotiating teams for both nations engaged over the last year to conclude a balanced and mutually beneficial agreement. He stated that the discussions aimed to safeguard critical and sensitive sectors in their respective economies. The Minister emphasised that the interests of India's agriculture and dairy sectors remain protected under the new framework. "The US side, too, had areas that were sensitive from its point of view. Following a nearly year-long discussion spread over many rounds, the two negotiating teams were able to narrow their differences significantly and finalise several areas of the bilateral trade agreement," Goyal said. Meanwhile, in the US, the EAM also underlined the importance of the Critical Minerals ministerial meet that he was part of. "It was a very good discussion. Critical minerals are a very important subject. The US has been partnering up for some years. Today, they launched a new initiative called FORGE, which we have supported. It's a kind of successor to the Mineral Security Partnership. Overall, to me, it was a good meeting, very productive, very outcome-oriented, and very businesslike, and that was the core reason I came," he said. In his address to the minesterial Jaishankar said that "excessive concentration" in critical mineral supply chains poses a major global risk and called for structured international cooperation to "de-risk" them, as India deepens engagement with the US-led framework on strategic minerals. (ANI) External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, who is in the US as part of the Critical Minerals Ministerial hosted by the US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, says that the two side also reviewed their bilateral cooperation during his meetings with the US Secretary. The EAM said that topics such as the Indo-Pacific, West Asia, and Ukraine were discussed. "We did a fairly detailed review of our bilateral cooperation. It's natural when foreign ministers meet that you discuss the diplomatic agenda. Also, the calendar - what do we expect each one of us to do this year together, so a lot of our discussion was devoted to that, the bilateral side. But again, foreign ministers meet, and we talk about our business: the Indo-Pacific, what is happening in West Asia, the Middle East, Gaza, and the Ukraine conflict. There was a kind of global review of what was happening in the Western Hemisphere. In a sense, we discussed the world, we discussed our relationship, and it was a very open sort of forthcoming conversation," he said At the Critical Minerals meet, the EAM underlined India's support for the FORGE (Forum on Resource, Geostrategic Engagement) initiative. "I am here to attend the Critical Minerals Ministerial, which was convened by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and a number of countries, nearly 50 countries were here. The meeting is going on today, and it was the principal reason. The discussion was very good. Critical minerals are a very important subject; the US has been a partner for some years. Today, they have launched a new edition - FORGE, which we have supported. It is a successor to the Mineral Security Partnership. To me, it was a productive and outcome-oriented meeting," he said. Earlier during his address to the ministerial, the EAM said that "excessive concentration" in critical mineral supply chains poses a major global risk and called for structured international cooperation to "de-risk" them, as India deepens engagement with the US-led framework on strategic minerals. Jaishankar's remarks come as India's engagement in the US-led critical minerals dialogue marks a decisive shift from strategic intent to industrial execution. The announcement of dedicated rare earth corridors in India's 2026 Budget is a particularly important signal, as it reflects a move beyond resource security toward building domestic processing, separation, magnet manufacturing, and downstream capabilities. (ANI) Kasim Khan, son of jailed PTI founder Imran Khan, alleged that authorities are deliberately blocking visa applications filed by him and his brother, preventing them from travelling to Pakistan to meet their father. In a post on X on Wednesday, Kasim wrote, "My brother and I are trying to travel to Pakistan to see our father. For 914 days, he has been held in solitary confinement while his health deteriorates and he is denied access to independent medical care. "Now the government is deliberately refusing to process our visas. Denying a prisoner treatment is cruel. Denying his children the right to see him is collective punishment," he added. The matter comes amid mounting concerns over Imran Khan's health and access to treatment, Pakistani daily Dawn reported. Kasim also appealed for international intervention, writing, "I call on international human rights organisations and governments to speak out and act before irreversible harm is done." Kasim and his elder brother, Suleiman, currently reside in London with their mother, Jemima Goldsmith. The development follows the government's acknowledgement last week that Imran Khan had been taken to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, days after reports regarding his treatment surfaced in mainstream media, Dawn reported. The PTI subsequently condemned what it described as the "secretly transferring" of Imran Khan to PIMS, accusing authorities of keeping both his family and party leadership uninformed while denying him access to personal doctors. Earlier, opposition leader in the National Assembly Mahmood Khan Achakzai wrote to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, requesting his "personal intervention" to allow medical examinations by Imran Khan's "trusted" physicians, Dawn reported. Imran Khan's sons had earlier disclosed in December 2025 that they had applied for visas and were planning to visit Pakistan in January. However, reports emerging this week claimed that authorities were refusing to issue visas to Kasim and Suleiman, further fuelling concerns over access to the former premier. (ANI) Seychelles President Patrick Herminie arrived in Chennai on Thursday on his first State visit to India at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The visit, which will continue until February 10, is his first trip to India since assuming office in October 2025 and comes as the two countries mark 50 years of diplomatic relations. The visit coincides with the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries. In a post on X, Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, Randhir Jaiswal said, "Commemorating 50 years of longstanding and multifaceted India-Seychelles bilateral ties. Warm welcome to President Dr. Patrick Herminie of Seychelles as he arrives in Chennai for his first State visit to India." https://x.com/MEAIndia/status/2019231287098372305?s=20 During his visit to India, President Herminie will meet the President and hold discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on bilateral, regional, and international issues of mutual interest. President Herminie will also visit Chennai and Mumbai where he would be attending business events. "Seychelles is a key maritime neighbour for India in the Indian Ocean region and holds a special place in India's Vision MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) and our commitment to the Global South," the MEA said. President Herminie was sworn in as the sixth President of Seychelles at a ceremony held at Unity Stadium in Victoria in October 2025. Vice President CP Radhakrishnan represented India at the swearing-in and later met President Herminie at the State House, conveying greetings on behalf of the Government and people of India. Both leaders discussed ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation and reaffirmed their shared vision for peace, stability and prosperity in the Indian Ocean Region and the Global South. Vice President Radhakrishnan also met Seychelles Vice President Sebastien Pillay to discuss various aspects of bilateral ties. "The visit of President Herminie to India, following the visit of the Vice President of India to Seychelles in October 2025, is expected to lend further momentum to wide-ranging cooperation and robust people to people ties between the two countries," the MEA statement read. India's bilateral engagement with Seychelles is characterized by historical contacts and continuous support to Seychelles for its security. Today, India-Seychelles relations embody close friendship, understanding and cooperation. It was in the year 1770 that a small group of five Indians landed in Seychelles as plantation workers along with seven African slaves and 15 French colonists, and were recorded as the first inhabitants of the Islands. During the British colonial period, Seychelles was governed from the Bombay Presidency for some time, with regular shipping links and flow of goods and essential commodities from India. (ANI) Nearly 94,000 families have returned to Afghanistan over the past three months from Iran, Turkey and Pakistan, either voluntarily or through forced deportations, Afghanistan's Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation confirmed, Tolo News reported. Officials said that of the total, more than 88,000 families came back from Pakistan alone, underscoring the scale of cross-border returns into Afghanistan and the growing pressure on reintegration systems. Amid this surge, the ministry outlined the assistance provided to returnees. Abdul Muttalib Haqqani, spokesperson for the Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation, said, "For the returning migrants, the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has provided food assistance, health services, free SIM cards, and other forms of support. In total, 977 million and 368 thousand afghanis in cash assistance have been distributed across various sectors." At the same time, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) noted that nearly one million Afghan migrants have returned from Pakistan over the past year, adding that arrivals continue daily, with close to 2,000 people now entering Afghanistan every day, Tolo News reported. As returns accelerate, migrant rights activists have urged authorities to prioritise long-term reintegration. Nazar Nazari said, "A fundamental solution is not merely focusing on returning migrants, but creating a framework in which return is an informed and sustainable choice, one where migrants have access to employment, income, and basic services such as housing, education, and healthcare." Echoing similar concerns, Ali Reza Karimi called for a phased approach to deportations, stating, "The expulsion of migrants from neighbouring countries should be carried out gradually and in a managed manner to prevent humanitarian crises." Meanwhile, several returnees from Pakistan have raised concerns over alleged mistreatment, harassment and continued detentions by Pakistani police, calling on officials of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan to urgently intervene, Tolo News reported. Sharing their experiences, Anargul, who was deported from Pakistan, said, "They detain us, mistreat us, and take money. Women, children, and the elderly are also detained." Homayoun, another deportee, said, "We have just returned. The Pakistani government subjected us to hardship, and when they detained us, they took our money. That is why we suffered and came back." These accounts come amid repeated appeals from human rights organisations and international bodies urging host countries to safeguard the rights of Afghan migrants. Earlier, a UNHCR representative told Tolo News that since December 2023, more than 4.8 million Afghan migrants have returned home, a surge that has increased Afghanistan's population by up to 12 per cent. (ANI) Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense detected 12 sorties of Chinese military aircraft and seven naval vessels operating around its territorial waters as of 6am (local time) on Wednesday. Of the 12, 11 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern and southwestern ADIZ. In a post on X, the MND said, "12 sorties of PLA aircraft and 7 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 11 out of 12 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern and southwestern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded." https://x.com/MoNDefense/status/2019214393905672239?s=20 Earlier on Wednesday, Taiwan detected 13 sorties of Chinese military aircraft and six Chinese naval vessels. As per the MND, of the 13, 11 crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern and southwestern ADIZ. In a post on X, the MND said, "13 sorties of PLA aircraft and 6 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 11 out of 13 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern and southwestern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded." https://x.com/MoNDefense/status/2018852004890570868?s=20 As the United States convened a meeting of several nations on critical minerals on Wednesday, a move seen as an effort to protect it from China's virtual hegemony, US President Donald Trump spoke with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Trump, in a post on Truth Social, spoke about his call with Xi, confirmed his visit to China in April, and said that the relationship with China was extremely good. "I have just completed an excellent telephone conversation with President Xi, of China. It was a long and thorough call, where many important subjects were discussed, including Trade, Military, the April trip that I will be making to China (which I very much look forward to!), Taiwan, the War between Russia/Ukraine, the current situation with Iran, the purchase of Oil and Gas by China from the United States, the consideration by China of the purchase of additional Agricultural products including lifting the Soybean count to 20 Million Tons for the current season (They have committed to 25 Million Tons for next season!), Airplane engine deliveries, and numerous other subjects, all very positive! The relationship with China, and my personal relationship with President Xi, is an extremely good one, and we both realize how important it is to keep it that way. I believe that there will be many positive results achieved over the next three years of my Presidency having to do with President Xi, and the People's Republic of China! PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP," he posted. (ANI) US Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor on Thursday lauded External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's meeting with the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and United States Secretary of the Treasury, Scott Bessent. Gor said that the talks represented limitless potential. In a post on X, he said, "Engagement at the highest levels is currently happening. The United States is ready to elevate this relationship even further. Limitless Potential!" https://x.com/USAmbIndia/status/2019278736668127629?s=20 Jaishankar, who is in the US as part of the Critical Minerals Ministerial hosted by the Rubio, says that the two side also reviewed their bilateral cooperation during his meetings with the US Secretary. The EAM said that topics such as the Indo-Pacific, West Asia, and Ukraine were discussed. "We did a fairly detailed review of our bilateral cooperation. It's natural when foreign ministers meet that you discuss the diplomatic agenda. Also, the calendar - what do we expect each one of us to do this year together, so a lot of our discussion was devoted to that, the bilateral side. But again, foreign ministers meet, and we talk about our business: the Indo-Pacific, what is happening in West Asia, the Middle East, Gaza, and the Ukraine conflict. There was a kind of global review of what was happening in the Western Hemisphere. In a sense, we discussed the world, we discussed our relationship, and it was a very open sort of forthcoming conversation," he said. At the Critical Minerals meet, the EAM underlined India's support for the FORGE (Forum on Resource, Geostrategic Engagement) initiative. "I am here to attend the Critical Minerals Ministerial, which was convened by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and a number of countries, nearly 50 countries were here. The meeting is going on today, and it was the principal reason. The discussion was very good. Critical minerals are a very important subject; the US has been a partner for some years. Today, they have launched a new edition - FORGE, which we have supported. It is a successor to the Mineral Security Partnership. To me, it was a productive and outcome-oriented meeting," he said. (ANI) They talked about deepening cultural cooperation. https://x.com/IndiainSL/status/2019306490922954848?s=20 "Gujarat Governor Shri @ADevvrat and Gujarat Deputy CM Shri @sanghaviharsh met Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious & Cultural Affairs, Hon. Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi at @ParliamentLK today. Exchanged views on deepening regional cultural cooperation and promoting shared Buddhist heritage," the official handle of the High Commission of India in Sri Lanka posted on X. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep gratitude to Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake for inaugurating the Exposition of the Holy Devnimori Relics at the sacred Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo. https://x.com/narendramodi/status/2019273007383081107?s=20 Sharing his thoughts on X, PM Modi wrote, "Gratitude to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake for inaugurating the Exposition of the Holy Devnimori Relics at the sacred Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo. During my visit in April 2025, it was decided these relics will come to Sri Lanka, thus giving the opportunity for the people to pay their respects. Our nations are connected by deep civilisational and spiritual bonds. May Lord Buddha's timeless message of compassion, peace and harmony continue to guide humanity." The initiative stems from a commitment made during Prime Minister Modi's visit to Sri Lanka in April 2025, when both leaders agreed to bring the sacred relics from India for public veneration. In response, Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake expressed heartfelt appreciation to PM Modi and the Government of India for fulfilling that promise. In a post on X on Wednesday, President Dissanayake stated, "Respectfully welcome the Sacred Relics of the Buddha to Sri Lanka today for public veneration until the 11th at Hunupitiya Gangaramaya Temple. I deeply appreciate PM Narendra Modi and the Government of India for honouring their promise and enabling this sacred exposition." The holy relics arrived in Sri Lanka on Wednesday morning for the first-ever international exposition. A high-level Indian delegation, led by the Governor of Gujarat and Maharashtra Acharya Devvrat and Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, personally carried the relics to the aircraft for departure from India. (ANI) India and Malaysia were working to enhance bilateral trade in a balanced manner, according to the External Affairs Ministry, which on Thursday announced that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Kuala Lumpur on February 7 and 8 at the invitation of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. In a special briefing in the national capital, Ministry of External Affairs Secretary (East) P Kumaran said that both countries are also discussing a joint review of the India-Malaysia Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement. "Our countries are working towards further enhancing our bilateral trade in a balanced and sustainable manner... The two countries are also discussing a joint review of the India-Malaysia Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement. The PM will address the Indian community in Malaysia, which numbers around 2.9 million," the MEA official said. He said that both sides will review progress on the India-Malaysia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. "The visit will also provide an opportunity to enhance our engagement with the ASEAN region... PM will hold bilateral discussions with the Prime Minister of Malaysia. They will review progress on the India-Malaysia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, particularly in priority areas of cooperation, including trade, investment, defence, security, semiconductors, digital technologies, renewable energy, education, healthcare, and people-to-people exchanges. The 10th meeting of the India-Malaysia CEO's forum is also scheduled in Kuala Lumpur on the sidelines of the visit. Our PM will also interact with leading Malaysian CEOs from key sectors," he said. PM Modi is scheduled to visit Malaysia on February 7-8. "Upon invitation by the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Anwar Ibrahim, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Kuala Lumpur on 7th and 8th February... Our PM had earlier visited Malaysia in 2015. During that visit, India-Malaysia bilateral relations were elevated to enhance the strategic partnership... The forthcoming visit comes within 1.5 years of the elevation of our bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership during the state visit to PM Amwar Ibrahim in August 2024, and reflects India's strong commitment to our relations with Malaysia," he said. (ANI) External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, who held talks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio descrived his US visit as "productive and positive." The historic India-US trade deal is in the final stages of detail, with completion expected very soon, Jaishankar said. In a post on X, the EAM said, "Concluded a productive and positive visit to the US. Thank Secretary Rubio for his warm hospitality. The historic India-US trade deal is in the final stages of detailing that will be completed very soon. It opens up a new phase in our bilateral ties, with vast possibilities for the relationship. Our critical mineral cooperation is also advancing rapidly. Expect engagement on strategic issues, defence and energy in the coming days. Overall, a strong momentum is evident." https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/2019335101604327570?s=20 US Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor today said that Jaishankar's talks with the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the United States Secretary of the Treasury, Scott Bessent, represented "limitless potential." In a post on X, he said, "Engagement at the highest levels is currently happening. The United States is ready to elevate this relationship even further. Limitless Potential!" https://x.com/USAmbIndia/status/2019278736668127629?s=20 Jaishankar, who participated in the Critical Minerals Ministerial hosted by Rubio, said that the two sides also reviewed their bilateral cooperation during his meetings with the US Secretary. The EAM said that topics such as the Indo-Pacific, West Asia, and Ukraine were discussed. "We did a fairly detailed review of our bilateral cooperation. It's natural when foreign ministers meet that you discuss the diplomatic agenda. Also, the calendar - what do we expect each one of us to do this year together, so a lot of our discussion was devoted to that, the bilateral side. But again, foreign ministers meet, and we talk about our business: the Indo-Pacific, what is happening in West Asia, the Middle East, Gaza, and the Ukraine conflict. There was a kind of global review of what was happening in the Western Hemisphere. In a sense, we discussed the world, we discussed our relationship, and it was a very open sort of forthcoming conversation," he said. (ANI) The Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday slammed the media report, alluding a meeting between National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, calling it baseless. Speaking here in the national capital, when asked about reports claiming of the meeting between National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, "Regarding the report by Bloomberg, there is absolutely no basis for that report. No such meeting or no such visit has taken place". His remarks come after a media report had surfaced alleging of a visit by NSA Doval to the United States in September last year, aimed at ameliorating the ties between New Delhi and Washington. MEA has firmly dismissed the reports, noting that neither any visit or any meeting had taken place between Doval and Rubio. Also on the press briefing on Thursday, Spokesperson Jaiswal responded to the media queries on the India-US trade deal. He recalled the positive telecom between PM Modi and US President Trump and said, "Prime Minister thanked President Trump for the reduction in reciprocal tariff. Prime Minister noted that made in India products will now be exported to United States at a reduced tariff of 18%." He further noted, "This trade agreement will give a major boost to our exports to the United States. It will be a major boost to the labor intensive industries here in India, create new job opportunities, growth and prosperity for our people." The optimistic sentiment was also reflected during External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's recently concluded visit to Washington. He held talks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio described his US visit as "productive and positive. "The historic India-US trade deal is in the final stages of detail, with completion expected very soon, Jaishankar said. In a post on X, the EAM said, "Concluded a productive and positive visit to the US. Thank Secretary Rubio for his warm hospitality. The historic India-US trade deal is in the final stages of detailing that will be completed very soon. It opens up a new phase in our bilateral ties, with vast possibilities for the relationship. Our critical mineral cooperation is also advancing rapidly. Expect engagement on strategic issues, defence and energy in the coming days. Overall, a strong momentum is evident." US Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor today said that Jaishankar's talks with the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the United States Secretary of the Treasury, Scott Bessent, represented "limitless potential." (ANI) India and the United States have taken a significant step forward in strengthening bilateral trade ties, with fresh clarity emerging on tariff structures and export opportunities following high-level engagements between the two countries. Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, Randhir Jaiswal, on Thursday said discussions around the India-US trade deal are progressing, and further updates will be shared as developments unfold. The reduced tariff is expected to have a far-reaching impact on India's export sector, particularly for labour-intensive industries such as textiles, footwear, leather goods, and certain manufacturing segments. "This trade agreement will give a major boost to our exports to the United States. It will be a major boost to the labour intensive industries here in India, create new job opportunities, growth and prosperity for our people," Jaiswal said. The government also sought to address any ambiguity surrounding the tariff figures, confirming that discussions with the US side have led to a clear and final number. "Also, let me say that the US side has also clarified that the final figure of tariff is 18 percent," Jaiswal added. Addressing queries on the status of the trade agreement, Jaiswal indicated that the Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal has once again outlined key elements of the deal in his latest remarks. "On India Us trade deal - Commerce Minister has given you some details in his statements again today. He has spoken about the various aspects relating to the trade. So I would request you to please look at those details that have been shared, and if there are further developments in this regard, we will let you know." Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal on Thursday asserted that there has been no investment commitment from India to the US, but it is natural that India may need to source more products from the US going ahead with the Viksit Bharat 2047 goal."The fast paced growth at which India is going ahead in our journey in the Amritkal to Viksit Bharat 2047, we will need large volumes of energy, we will need large number of data centre equipments, ICT products, our steel capacity is going to double from today's 140 million tons to about 300 million tons in the next few years," Piyush Goyal told reporters in the national capital. A major highlight of the recent engagement was a telephone conversation between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump, which took place in the backdrop of a public statement by the US President on tariff adjustments. In a post on Truth Social the US President wrote, "It was an Honor to speak with Prime Minister Modi, of India, this morning. He is one of my greatest friends and, a Powerful and Respected Leader of his Country. We spoke about many things, including Trade, and ending the War with Russia and Ukraine. He agreed to stop buying Russian Oil, and to buy much more from the United States and, potentially, Venezuela. This will help END THE WAR in Ukraine, which is taking place right now, with thousands of people dying each and every week! Out of friendship and respect for Prime Minister Modi and, as per his request, effective immediately, we agreed to a Trade Deal between the United States and India, whereby the United States will charge a reduced Reciprocal Tariff, lowering it from 25% to 18%. They will likewise move forward to reduce their Tariffs and Non Tariff Barriers against the United States, to ZERO. The Prime Minister also committed to "BUY AMERICAN," at a much higher level, in addition to over $500 BILLION DOLLARS of U.S. Energy, Technology, Agricultural, Coal, and many other products. Our amazing relationship with India will be even stronger going forward. Prime Minister Modi and I are two people that GET THINGS DONE, something that cannot be said for most. Thank you for your attention to this matter!" The Prime Minister expressed appreciation for the decision to reduce reciprocal tariffs on Indian goods entering the American market. "Wonderful to speak with my dear friend President Trump today. Delighted that Made in India products will now have a reduced tariff of 18%. Big thanks to President Trump on behalf of the 1.4 billion people of India for this wonderful announcement. When two large economies and the world's largest democracies work together, it benefits our people and unlocks immense opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation. President Trump's leadership is vital for global peace, stability, and prosperity. India fully supports his efforts for peace. I look forward to working closely with him to take our partnership to unprecedented heights. @POTUS @realDonaldTrump," the PM tweeted on X. "Prime Minister had a telephone conversation with President Trump. Post that call and post the tweet by President Trump. Prime Minister thanked President Trump for the reduction in reciprocal tariff. Prime Minister noted that made in India products will now be exported to United States at a reduced tariff of 18%," Jaiswal also said. (ANI) Kashmiri activist Javed Beigh has shared a detailed post on X, outlining his views on the historical incorporation of Balochistan into Pakistan, describing the process as a forced annexation and expressing moral support for what he termed the Baloch people's ongoing struggle for self-determination. In his post, Beigh stated that at the time of Pakistan's creation on August 14, 1947, Balochistan was not part of the newly formed state. He asserted that neither the ruler of the princely state of Kalat nor the people of Balochistan, comprising ethnic Baloch in the south and Pashtuns in the north, were inclined to join Pakistan. According to Beigh's post, the Khan of Kalat, Mir Ahmad Yar Khan, declared the independence of the Kalat state on August 15, 1947, a status that he claimed lasted for 227 days. Beigh said that the Kalat legislative body initially rejected accession to Pakistan, but mounting political and military pressure altered the course of events. The activist further alleged that on March 27, 1948, following directives from Pakistan's founder, Mohammad Ali Jinnah, Pakistani troops, including the 7th Baluch Regiment, were deployed to the coastal regions of Balochistan and later occupied the Kalat state. Facing military pressure, the Khan of Kalat signed the Instrument of Accession the same day, a move opposed by his brother, Prince Abdul Karim, who subsequently led an armed revolt, Beigh claimed. The post noted that Balochistan was formally integrated into Pakistan through subsequent administrative measures, including the formation of the Balochistan States Union in October 1952. However, Beigh asserted that the people of Balochistan never accepted what he described as "colonial rule" by Pakistan's central authorities and accused the state of exploiting the region's resources while keeping it economically and politically marginalised. Beigh also drew parallels between Balochistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, alleging that both regions were incorporated through coercive means in 1947-48. He claimed that a new generation of Baloch youth has continued resistance against what he described as decades of state repression. Beigh concluded his post by extending moral and diplomatic support to the people of Balochistan. (ANI) The World Uyghur Congress (WUC) on Wednesday commemorated the 29th anniversary of the Ghulja Massacre, recalling what it described as a violent crackdown by Chinese security forces on peaceful Uyghur protesters in East Turkistan, according to a press release issued by the organisation. As noted by the WUC, on February 5, 1997, thousands of Uyghurs gathered in Ghulja (Ili prefecture) to protest what they termed as Chinese aggression and the prohibition of the Uyghur Meshrep, a traditional form of community gathering central to Uyghur cultural life. The protests were met with force by Chinese authorities, resulting in at least 100 deaths, numerous injuries, and the arrest of nearly 4,000 demonstrators, with around 200 reportedly facing the death penalty, the release said. Calling the incident one of the most severe episodes of repression, WUC President Turgunjan Alawdun stated, "This was one of the most violent crackdowns by the Chinese authorities against Uyghurs. The Uyghur identity was seen as a threat by the Chinese authorities, and still is today." The WUC noted that the Ghulja protests marked a rare moment when Uyghurs publicly resisted what it described as decades of oppression. According to the organisation, many individuals arrested during the demonstrations remain imprisoned, while policies enacted in the region continue to threaten Uyghur lives through enforced disappearances, detention, forced labour, and incarceration. Referring to developments since 2017, the WUC said China's "Strike Hard Campaign" against what it calls terrorism and extremism has led to large-scale human rights violations that the organisation characterises as crimes against humanity and genocide. The press release also highlighted the cultural significance of Meshrep, describing it as a community tradition involving food, music, storytelling and informal mediation. While Meshrep was added to UNESCO's List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding in 2010, the WUC said the practice has since been criminalised. According to the organisation, it has been replaced by staged performances used for tourism and propaganda. Additionally, the WUC accused Chinese authorities of intensifying restrictions on Uyghur cultural expression by banning Uyghur-language music, including traditional folk ballads, and criminalising their performance and possession. The release said that since 2017, Uyghur writers, scholars, poets, artists and religious figures have been arrested or silenced in what it described as an attempt to erase Uyghur cultural identity. The WUC called on the international community to draw lessons from the Ghulja Massacre and take decisive action to ensure justice and accountability. "Urgent support for justice and accountability efforts is needed to counter the ongoing atrocities committed by the Chinese government with impunity," the organisation said. To mark the anniversary, the WUC said members of the Uyghur diaspora will hold rallies worldwide outside Chinese embassies and consulates. A protest is also scheduled in front of the Chinese Embassy in Munich to draw attention to the massacre and ongoing human rights concerns. (ANI) Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Malaysia, the Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday said that the visit will see discussions on issues across all areas. Secretary (East) Kumaran made the remarks when asked about the extradition of Zakir Nair to India during the special briefing prior to PM Modi's visit. On the extradition of fugitive preacher Zakir Naik to India, Secretary (East) P Kumaran said, "As far as the question of Zakir Naik is concerned, I can assure you that all issues will be discussed during the visit. We have had opportunities to discuss these issues in past visits also at various levels. We will continue to take up the issue until all technical procedures are completed. We hope to get the outcome that we desire." He also spoke about several other avenues between India and Malaysia. Kumaran said that both countries are also discussing a joint review of the India-Malaysia Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement. "Our countries are working towards further enhancing our bilateral trade in a balanced and sustainable manner... The two countries are also discussing a joint review of the India-Malaysia Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement. The PM will address the Indian community in Malaysia, which numbers around 2.9 million," the MEA official said. In August 2024 during his visit to India, Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim said that if sufficient evidence is presented in the case related to fugitive preacher Zakir Naik, then the country will 'not condone terrorism'. Addressing the 50th Sapru House Lecture, the Malaysian Prime Minister said, "I am talking about sentiment of extremism, of compelling case, evidence that suggest that atrocities committed by an individual, group or factions or parties. These are of concern to us." Zakir Naik is known for his inflammatory speeches and is currently wanted by the National Investigation Agency of the Government of India under a 2016 money laundering case. He is also alleged to have incited people by his hate speech. Naik runs a channel by the name PeaceTV, which is banned across India, and other countries due to its controversial nature and he has also been denied entry into Canada and the United Kingdom because of it. Coming back to India-Malaysia ties, Kumaran said that both sides will review progress on the India-Malaysia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. PM Modi is scheduled to visit Malaysia on February 7-8. "Upon invitation by the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Anwar Ibrahim, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Kuala Lumpur on 7th and 8th February... Our PM had earlier visited Malaysia in 2015. During that visit, India-Malaysia bilateral relations were elevated to enhance the strategic partnership... The forthcoming visit comes within 1.5 years of the elevation of our bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership during the state visit to PM Amwar Ibrahim in August 2024, and reflects India's strong commitment to our relations with Malaysia," he said. (ANI) By Sergey Sukhankin In late 2025, during his visit to Kyrgyzstan, Russias President Vladimir Putin declared Russias readiness to build a small modular nuclear power reactor (SMR) in Kyrgyzstan, thereby signaling Moscows intention to move beyond traditional trade relations toward projects in long-term strategic infrastructure. Russias proposal may be justified by the need to address Kyrgyzstans persistent problem of frequent energy shortages, caused by rising consumption, aging energy infrastructure, and overreliance on hydropower as the primary source of electricity generation. At a deeper level, however, the initiative reflects Moscows post-2022 strategy, premised on exporting high-technology solutions to politically friendly states and anchoring influence through capital-intensive projects with multi-decade life cycles, such as SMRs. Undoubtedly, if successfully constructed, an SMR could strengthen Kyrgyzstans energy security. Yet, it would also exacerbate the countrys strategic dependence on Russia by locking it into long-term technological, financial, and regulatory reliance, rendering the project arguably more geopolitical in nature than economic. BACKGROUND: Kyrgyzstans energy system has long suffered from structural fragility stemming from the countrys overarching dependence on hydropower: more than 90 percent of electricity generation derives from this source, largely produced by the Toktogul cascade. Exposed to multiple risks and weaknesses, such as droughts, aging Soviet-era infrastructure, and rapidly growing domestic demand, the system has shifted from experiencing occasional electricity deficits to facing a structural crisis. In 2023, the government introduced a state of emergency in the energy sector, explicitly acknowledging the inability of existing generation capacity and demand-management tools to ensure uninterrupted supply. Experts note that persistent electricity shortages could further undermine Kyrgyzstans socio-economic stability and, in the longer term, generate political repercussions posing serious challenges to the countrys leadership. Nevertheless, Kyrgyzstan appears unable to address this challenge independently. Beyond economic constraints, particularly the high fixed costs associated with hydropower generation, recent water shortages have further exacerbated the problem. In this context, Kyrgyz authorities have expressed interest in developing nuclear energy projects, with external financial support, as a potential solution to the countrys long-term electricity supply challenges. This interest emerged in parallel with Russias broader strategic effort to diversify its export portfolio beyond raw materials. In this context, Moscow has actively promoted the deployment of an SMR in Kyrgyzstan as part of a wider push to export high-value energy technologies. The origins of this initiative can be traced to early 2022, when Rosatom, Russias state-owned nuclear corporation, and the Kyrgyz Ministry of Energy signed a non-binding memorandum on cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy. Beyond signaling technical cooperation, the memorandum laid the groundwork for potential SMR construction and the gradual development of a national regulatory framework, indicating a long-term and structurally embedded approach rather than a short-term energy solution. Following the outbreak of war between Russia and Ukraine in February 2022 and Russias exposure to an expanding array of international (Western) sanctions, the idea gained renewed momentum. Given Kyrgyzstans highly specific socio-political environment, distinct from that of other Central Asian states, public opinion on nuclear energy is an issue the ruling elite cannot afford to ignore. Available evidence suggests that societal attitudes toward nuclear power remain ambivalent. According to public opinion surveys conducted in 2024, 58 percent of respondents expressed support for the development of nuclear energy, while 38 percent voiced categorical opposition. Support is largely driven by expectations that nuclear power could help meet the countrys growing electricity demand and create new employment opportunities. At the same time, significant concerns persist regarding nuclear safety, environmental risks, seismic vulnerability, and the states institutional capacity to regulate complex and high-risk technologies. As a result, nuclear energy remains a politically sensitive and potentially contentious issue within Kyrgyzstans domestic political landscape. IMPLICATIONS: Should the Kyrgyz political leadership respond positively to Russias proposal, the country would face a combination of potential benefits and risks, which can be broadly categorized as follows. First, meeting energy needs and ensuring system stability. From an energy-security perspective, the emergence of an SMR could positively affect Kyrgyzstans electricity balance. Unlike hydropower, nuclear generation provides continuous baseload output independent of seasonal water availability. Russian officials have indicated that Kyrgyzstan could be offered a plant based on the RITM-200N reactor design, with total capacity ranging from approximately 110 to 440 MW, depending on configuration. This output could supply electricity to between 66,000 and 352,000 households simultaneously. Even at the lower end of this range, such capacity could reduce imports and ease pressure on hydropower assets during dry periods. That said, to fully realize these benefits, Kyrgyzstan would need to meet several conditions: the establishment of a comprehensive regulatory framework, an independent nuclear safety authority, trained operators, emergency-response systems, and long-term arrangements for fuel supply and waste management. For Kyrgyzstan, this would entail either creating much of this infrastructure from scratch or delegating these functions to Russia, a choice that would inevitably deepen institutional dependence on Russia. Second, the issue of economic costs and long-term dependence. Although SMRs are often presented as cheaper and more flexible than conventional large nuclear plants, they remain capital-intensive projects with long payback periods. In practice, this would require Kyrgyzstan to assume long-term financial obligations while ceding significant control over critical components of its energy system to a foreign state with a documented record of using energy as a geopolitical instrument of pressure. Moreover, dependence would extend well beyond construction, encompassing fuel supply, maintenance, software, spare parts, and periodic upgrades. For Kyrgyzstan, this would narrow future strategic options and increase the cost of diversifying away from Russian technology for decades to come. Third, implications for domestic politics. Nuclear projects frequently face public resistance even in countries with strong institutions. In Kyrgyzstan, where trust in state decision-making is limited and political competition is intense, an SMR could become a focal point for opposition mobilization, particularly in the event of an incident or if Russia were perceived as leveraging Kyrgyzstans dependence. Without transparent consultations, credible safety assurances, and clearly articulated local benefits, the project risks appearing as an externally imposed geopolitical arrangement rather than a sovereign national development choice. Fourth, intra-regional geopolitical effects. The Central Asian waterenergyfood nexus is inherently conflict-prone due to divergent seasonal priorities: upstream states, particularly Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, seek to maximize winter electricity generation, while downstream countries depend on summer water flows for irrigation. From a policy perspective, the deployment of an SMR could offer a structural advantage by providing reliable winter baseload generation, thereby reducing reliance on hydropower and creating space for more predictable and cooperative waterenergy arrangements with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. However, this opportunity entails significant trade-offs. An SMR would deepen long-term technological and financial commitments to an external partner and could become entangled in regional and extra-regional geopolitical bargaining. If politicized, the project risks undermining trust, constraining policy flexibility, and further securitizing energy governance in Central Asia rather than contributing to its stabilization. CONCLUSIONS: Russias proposal to build an SMR in Kyrgyzstan represents a pivotal choice that extends well beyond energy policy. While the project could substantially enhance electricity security and reduce vulnerability to hydrological shocks, it would also bind Kyrgyzstan to long-term technological, financial, and regulatory dependence on Russia. In a politically pluralistic and socially sensitive environment, such dependence entails significant domestic and regional risks. Ultimately, the projects impact will depend on whether Kyrgyz authorities can balance short-term energy gains against strategic autonomy, address public concerns transparently, and prevent the SMR from becoming an instrument of geopolitical leverage rather than a catalyst for sustainable development. AUTHORS BIO: Dr. Sergey Sukhankin is a Senior Fellow at the Jamestown Foundation and the Saratoga Foundation (both Washington DC) and a Fellow at the North American and Arctic Defence and Security Network (Canada). He teaches international business at MacEwan School of Business (Edmonton, Canada). Currently he is a postdoctoral fellow at the Canadian Maritime Security Network (CMSN). India is looking at opportunities for collaboration across defence sector during the upcoming visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Malaysia, with the sale of Dornier aircraft, maintenance of Scorpene submarines and SU-30 aircraft, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Thursday. Speaking here in the national capital ahead of PM Modi's visit to Malaysia on February 7-8, Secretary (East) P Kumaran outlined several areas in defence cooperation. He said, "There is a lot of promise as far as defence cooperation is concerned. We are looking at sale of Dornier aircraft. Malaysia also has Scorpene submarines. They are looking at opportunities to try and collaborate, especially in terms of midlife upgrades, retrofitting". Responding to a media query, he noted that India and Malaysia both have the SU-30 aircraft and added, "We have offered proposals for modification, upgradation and midlife maintenance." Secretary (East) also hinted towards a possible supply of naval platforms by Indian shipyards and hoped for developments on the fronts. "We are also looking at potential for supply of naval platforms by Indian shipyards. So, those are all areas that look promising. We hope to be able to get something going on these areas", P Kumaran said at the special media briefing. India-Malaysia defence relations have steadily grown over the years. In a previous bilateral brief, the MEA had noted how the MoU on Defence Cooperation signed in 1993 is the cornerstone of defence relations between the two countries which allows for widening the scope of existing bilateral cooperation to include joint ventures, joint development projects, procurement, logistic and maintenance support and training. On the upcoming visit of PM Modi, Kumaran further noted that the forthcoming visit comes within one and a half years of elevation of our bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during the state visit of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to India in August 2024, and reflects India's strong commitment to our relations with Malaysia, a key partner in India's Act East Policy, Vision MAHASAGAR, and also the Indo-Pacific vision. He added, "The visit will also provide an opportunity to enhance our engagement with the ASEAN region, given the important role of Malaysia as its founding member, and its chairmanship of ASEAN in 2025. PM will hold bilateral discussions with the Prime Minister of Malaysia. They will review progress under the India-Malaysia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, especially in priority areas of cooperation such as trade, investments, defence, security, semiconductors, digital technologies, renewable energy, education, healthcare, and people-to-people exchanges."On the MoUs, he said, "We are looking at MoUs as of now, this is still a list that is not fully baked. So, let me just try and list it out on the understanding that this is subject to confirmation as we get closer to the visit. We are looking at MoUs in the field of disaster management, audio-visual co-production, standards on training, certification and watch keeping for seafarers. An MOU on UN peacekeeping cooperation that is to be renewed. We are looking at an MoU or probably an exchange of notes conveying intention to cooperate in the semiconductor industry. MoUs for anti-corruption cooperation, MOU between audit institutions on both sides, the National Security Council Secretariats cooperation and health care and technical and vocational training. So those are the areas that we are looking at." Answering a query on cooperation in the area of semiconductors, Kumaran added, "Semiconductors, as you know, Malaysia has a very strong semiconductor ecosystem. Something like 30% of their exports relate to semiconductor and allied products. So, they have a really strong performance over many years in the area of semiconductors. They have almost 30-40 years experience in those areas. So, we are in the process of establishing a multi-layered collaboration arrangement through a G2G MoU, semiconductor industry-led collaborations and also R&D, both in terms of setting up fabrication centers, also assembly testing centers etc. Our companies are also interested in collaborating with Malaysia." PM Modi will visit Kuala Lumpur on February 7-8 at the invitation of his Malaysian counterpart, PM Anwar Ibrahim. He had earlier visited Malaysia in 2015. Kumaran said, "During that visit, India-Malaysia bilateral relations were elevated to enhance the strategic partnership... The forthcoming visit comes within 1.5 years of the elevation of our bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership during the state visit to PM Amwar Ibrahim in August 2024, and reflects India's strong commitment to our relations with Malaysia". (ANI) US President Donald Trump on Friday reiterated his claim that he had prevented a "nuclear conflict" between India and Pakistan and other parts of the world, while criticising the New START nuclear arms control treaty and calling for a new, modernised agreement. In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump said he had stopped nuclear wars from breaking out "between Pakistan and India, Iran and Israel, and Russia and Ukraine," without providing details to substantiate the claims. He posted, " The United States is the most powerful Country in the World. I completely rebuilt its Military in my First Term, including new and many refurbished nuclear weapons. I also added Space Force and now, continue to rebuild our Military at levels never seen before. We are even adding Battleships, which are 100 times more powerful than the ones that roamed the Seas during World War II -- The Iowa, Missouri, Alabama, and others.I have stopped Nuclear Wars from breaking out across the World between Pakistan and India, Iran and Israel, and Russia and Ukraine. Rather than extend "NEW START" (A badly negotiated deal by the United States that, aside from everything else, is being grossly violated), we should have our Nuclear Experts work on a new, improved, and modernized Treaty that can last long into the future. Thank you for your attention to this matter!" https://x.com/RapidResponse47/status/2019483367939428758?s=20 Trump asserted that the United States is "the most powerful country in the world" and claimed he had rebuilt the US military during his first term, including new and refurbished nuclear weapons. He also highlighted the creation of the US Space Force and said the US military continues to expand, including plans to add battleships he claimed are "100 times more powerful" than those used during World War II. The US President also criticised the New START treaty, describing it as a "badly negotiated deal by the United States" and alleging that it has been "grossly violated." "Rather than extend 'NEW START' (A badly negotiated deal by the United States that, aside from everything else, is being grossly violated), we should have our Nuclear Experts work on a new, improved, and modernized Treaty that can last long into the future, " Trump said. Earlier, during the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on January 21, US President Donald Trump reiterated his claim to have mediated multiple international conflicts, including between India and Pakistan. Addressing the 56th Annual Summit of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, the US President stated that he has also been working for the past year to bring an end to the Russia-Ukraine war and further claimed that he also helped resolve the long-running conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan. "I've now been working on this war (Russia-Ukraine) for one year, during which time I settled eight other wars: India, Pakistan. Vladimir Putin called me; he said, 'I can't believe you settled that one (Armenia-Azerbaijan).' They were going on for 35 years. I settled in one day," Trump said. The US President had been repeating his claims that he played a key role in helping de-escalate tensions between India and Pakistan, arguing that trade and tariffs were instrumental to the US in preventing conflicts. India has consistently refuted Trump's claims, stating that the ceasefire was achieved bilaterally through the Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMOs), without third-party involvement. India has also reiterated its long-standing position that any issues with Pakistan, including those related to Jammu and Kashmir, are to be resolved bilaterally between the two countries. (ANI) US President Donald Trump on Thursday said he has held "very productive discussions" with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer regarding the strategically located island of Diego Garcia, which hosts a major UK-US joint military base in the Indian Ocean. Trump said that, though he understood the British Prime Minister had negotiated "the best he could make" under the circumstances, he would never allow the US presence at the military base to be "undermined" or "threatened". In a post on Truth Social, Trump described Diego Garcia as being of "great importance" to US national security due to its central location in the Indian Ocean and its role in supporting American military operations. "It is the site of a major U.S. Military Base, strategically situated in the middle of the Indian Ocean and therefore, of great importance to the National Security of the United States," Trump said. Trump credited recent US military successes to the strength of American warfighters, modern military equipment and the strategic positioning of US bases worldwide, including Diego Garcia. https://x.com/RapidResponse47/status/2019468969514582462?s=20 He referred to the lease arrangement of the UK-Mauritius Treaty, signed in 2025, which provides that Mauritius will exercise full sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago, with the UK retaining rights on Diego Garcia for an initial 99-year period. Trump said he understood that the British Prime Minister Starmer had negotiated "the best he could make" under the circumstances. However, Trump warned that the United States would take decisive action if its military presence on the island were ever threatened. "If the lease deal, sometime in the future, ever falls apart, or anyone threatens or endangers U.S. operations and forces at our Base, I retain the right to Militarily secure and reinforce the American presence in Diego Garcia, " he said. Trump also rejected what he described as "fake claims or environmental nonsense" being used to undermine the US presence at the base. "Let it be known that I will never allow our presence on a Base as important as this to ever be undermined or threatened," he added. Earlier, US President Donald Trump criticised the United Kingdom over its plans to give away the Diego Garcia island and called it an act of "great stupidity". He said that London's action is one of several reasons Greenland must be "acquired".He made the remarks on January 20 in a Truth Social post. The US President said, "Shockingly, our "brilliant" NATO Ally, the United Kingdom, is currently planning to give away the Island of Diego Garcia, the site of a vital U.S. Military Base, to Mauritius, and to do so FOR NO REASON WHATSOEVER. There is no doubt that China and Russia have noticed this act of total weakness. These are International Powers who only recognize STRENGTH, which is why the United States of America, under my leadership, is now, after only one year, respected like never before. The UK giving away extremely important land is an act of GREAT STUPIDITY, and is another in a very long line of National Security reasons why Greenland has to be acquired. Denmark and its European Allies have to DO THE RIGHT THING. Thank you for your attention to this matter." Trump's remarks came shortly after the third reading of the Diego Garcia Military Base and British Indian Ocean Territory Bill on January 13 in the UK Parliament. The UK-Mauritius Treaty, signed in 2025, provides that Mauritius will exercise full sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago, with the UK retaining rights on Diego Garcia for an initial 99-year period. Over the 99-year period, the UK will pay Mauritius around 3.4 billion at 2025/26 prices. The UK Government says this resolves the long-standing BIOT sovereignty dispute and secures the military base for continued operations in the long term, according to the UK House of Commons Library. Trump's sharp tone stood in stark contrast to the Biden administration's stance on the treaty, which hailed the historic Chagos archipelago agreement between the United Kingdom and Mauritius and highlighted how diplomacy can overcome long-standing challenges to reach peaceful, mutually beneficial outcomes. Former President Biden said the agreement affirms Mauritian sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago while granting the United Kingdom authority to exercise Mauritius's sovereign rights over Diego Garcia. (ANI) OSAKA, Feb 06 (News On Japan) - A 28-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of assault after allegedly leading a group attack that left another festival official seriously injured during a danjiri festival in Sakai, Osaka Prefecture, in October last year. Police arrested Daichi Sumitani, 28, head of the youth association in the Hattakita-cho district of Sakai, on suspicion of causing injury. Authorities allege that during a festival event involving danjiri floats from multiple districts, Sumitani became involved in a dispute with a 40-year-old male official from another district while pulling a float and subsequently assaulted him with others. The injured man suffered severe injuries, including fractures to his jaw and ribs. Police believe Sumitani initiated the violence and are continuing efforts to identify others who may have participated in the group assault. Source: YOMIURI TOKYO, Feb 06 (News On Japan) - The Tokyo High Court on February 5th dismissed an appeal by the state in a lawsuit over the remains and hair of Matsumoto Chizuo, a former death row inmate and leader of the Aum Shinrikyo cult, and ordered the government to hand them over to his second daughter. Matsumoto, better known as Asahara Shoko, was executed in 2018, after which his second daughter filed a lawsuit seeking the return of his remains and hair from the state. In the first trial, the Tokyo District Court ordered the government to hand over the remains to the daughter, a decision the state subsequently appealed. During the appeal, the government argued that revealing the location of the remains could lead to their becoming a sacred site for Aum followers and could encourage the activities of successor groups, while the daughters side maintained that the remains would not be handed over to the cult. In its ruling on February 5th, the Tokyo High Court stated that the danger posed by Aum Shinrikyo and its successor groups has not been eliminated, noting that if the remains were to leak outside, they could be used as a powerful source of attraction for the group, posing a serious threat to public safety and social order. At the same time, the court pointed out that the daughter has clearly stated her intention never to hand over the remains to the cult and has indicated she would immediately contact the police or other authorities if any abnormal situation were to arise in their storage, concluding that the states appeal should be dismissed and ordering the government to hand the remains over to her. Source: TBS NAGOYA, Feb 06 (News On Japan) - A Nagoya-based geiko association paid a courtesy visit to Aichi Governor Omura on February 4th and expressed its desire to perform at the opening ceremony of the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games set to begin in September. The Nagoya-based geiko group Meigiren Association visited Omura on February 4th, with some members having previously performed at the closing ceremony of the last Asian Games held in Hangzhou, China, and voicing enthusiasm about appearing at the opening ceremony of the upcoming Aichi-Nagoya Games in September. Momotaro, head of the Meigiren Association, said: "We hope more people will come to know Nagoyas traditional culture." Omura welcomed the idea, saying he is greatly looking forward to offering hospitality through traditional culture. Source: NEWS ONE French artificial intelligence operators are rapidly establishing presence in Morocco through significant partnerships spanning industrial transformation and digital innovation. OCP Group announced a strategic collaboration with Mistral AI within its Bionic program framework, aiming to transform operational models through agentic AI integration. The partnership, signed by OCPs Rock Solutions strategic business unit under Managing Director Nadia Fassi Fehris leadership, accelerates responsible, secure, and independent integration of AI, generic AI, and multi-agent systems into Rock Solutions core operations and offerings. Fassi Fehri joined OCP in 2020 as Chief Transformation Officer and strategic committee member. Collaboration rests on two key pillars. First, an independent Judge Model will evaluate, govern, and control AI agents developed within the Bionic program, ensuring scalability, compliance, and critical decision-making reliability. Second, a scalable AI model adapted to ecosystem-specific strategic needs will generate substantial added value throughout Rocks value chain. This alliance transforms the Bionic program into a powerful lever accompanying Rock Solutions client ecosystem through their own transformations, OCP stated. Beyond industrial performance, the partnership opens new R&D and innovation opportunities with Mohammed VI Polytechnic University ecosystem, contributing to Moroccos technological development while reinforcing OCP Groups global leadership. This marks Mistral AIs second major Moroccan initiative. In September 2025, the digital transformation ministry signed a memorandum with Arthur Mensch, Mistral AIs co-founder and CEO. That partnership emphasizes local AI competency development through training, applied research, and expertise sharing, encouraging startups and industrial projects based on AI solutions adapted to Moroccan business needs while promoting ethical, inclusive, and responsible AI usage guaranteeing data protection and citizen confidence. The Kingdom becomes a priority market for international operators, particularly French, in strategic digital transformation domains. Zenika recently announced AI strategy reinforcement with a new director responsible for France and Morocco, deploying its proprietary AI Multiplier Framework. Founded in 2006 by Carl Azoury, Zenika operates eleven French agencies plus international offices in Singapore, Montreal, and Casablanca, supporting major accounts across telecommunications, banking, insurance, and retail sectors. The Algerian regime risks American sanctions for purchasing Russian military jets (SU35 and SU 57) under CAATSA law passed by the US Congress in 2017. The Countering Americas Adversaries Through Sanctions Act imposes sanctions on Iran, North Korea, and Russia. The Algerian acquisition of Russian military jets could trigger CAATSA sanctions, said on Tuesday Mr. Robert Palladino, Senior Bureau Official at State Departments Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs (NEA). He made the remarks during Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing on Countering Terrorism in North Africa: Opportunities and Challenges , affirming that the Department of State is committed to enforcing CAATSA sanctions. When asked what measures the U.S. administration is taking to discourage Algeria from purchasing Russian-made military equipment, Mr. Palladino said: We work closely with the government in Algeria on issues where we find common ground. We certainly dont agree on many things, and this would be an example where the United States would have a problem. In February 2025, Algeria confirmed the purchase of Russias Su-57E fighter jets, becoming the first buyer of this type of aircraft. The Algerian Air Force has other Russian-made fighter jets in service as well. As the U.S. Congress is pushing for strict enforcement of the CAATSA Act, Algerian junta is exposing their country to serious financial, military, and diplomatic sanctions. Before becoming secretary of State Marco Rubio had called for sanctions against the tyrannical Algerian regime. In 2022, Senator Rubio had sent a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken calling on U.S. government to impose sanctions against Algeria, one of the top global purchasers of military equipment from the Russian Federation. In his letter, the former Vice-Chairman of the U.S. Senate Select Committee on Intelligence voiced great concern regarding the ongoing defense procurement between Algeria and Russia. Russia is Algerias largest military supplier. Algeria is also among the top four purchasers of Russian arms worldwide, culminating with a $7 billion arms deal in 2021. Influx of money from any source to Russia will only further enable Russias war machine in Ukraine. Yet, sanctions available to you have not yet been utilized, had said the Senator backed by several congressmen pushing for sanctions. To avoid these sanctions and international isolation, the Trump Administration is intensifying pressure on the Algerian regime to cease purchase of Russian weapons, normalise relations with Morocco and comply with UN Security Council resolution 2797 endorsing Autonomy plan under Moroccan sovereignty. Jennie Garth is bummed about losing out on a role in White Lotus. Jennie Garth 'bummed' to lose out on White Lotus role The Beverly Hills 90210 actress admitted she auditioned for a part in the third series of Mike Whites satirical comedy anthology series and was devastated not to land the role. Speaking on her I Choose Me With Jennie Garth podcast, she told guest Susan Lucci, 79: "For me, one of the roles that I have recently not gotten that I was bummed about was one of the characters on White Lotus. "And they shot that season in Thailand, which I would have really loved. So I was bummed about that. I'm not gonna lie. It is unclear what role Jennie, 53, auditioned for but season three featured a fictional Hollywood actress Jaclyn (played by Michelle Monaghan), who was on a girls' trip with her close friends Kate (Leslie Bibb) and Laurie (Carrie Coon). Another possible role Jennie could have played was that of Victoria Ratliff (played by Parker Posey), who was vacationing with her husband, Timothy, and their three children. Meanwhile, Mike who finished as the runner-up on Survivor's 37th season recently cast Helena Bonham Carter, Chris Messina and Marissa Long in White Lotus season four. They join previously announced cast members including Steve Coogan, Caleb Jonte Edwards, Alexander Ludwig and AJ Michalka for the new series, which will be set in France. This will be Longs TV debut, with the model writing on Instagram: Ill try to make this short and sweet But I am absolutely raw right now!!! I am so in the middle of so many feelings and Im unbelievably honored to be joining this with such incredible people. And Thank you Mike white!!!!!!!!!! Im speechless and cannot wait for this journey, feeling deeply blessed.. LETS GO!!!! (sic) According to Variety, season four will follow a new group of White Lotus hotel guests and employees over the span of a week. Mike White will serve as writer, director and executive producer of the new series, with David Bernad and Mark Kamine acting as executive producers. Mike previously told Unpacking the Episode on HBO Max: For the fourth season, I want to get a little bit out of the crashing waves against rocks vernacular. But theres always room for more murders at the White Lotus hotels. Sudanese officials have raised concerns with a United Nations panel of experts over the role of neighboring countries in violating a U.N. Security Council arms embargo on Darfur. Interior Minister Babaker Samra Mustafa and senior officials met the delegation in Port Sudan on Wednesday to discuss the implementation of Resolution 1591, which prohibits the supply of arms to all warring parties in the region. Mustafa claimed that advanced weaponry is entering Darfur in large quantities, saying arms are transported through Libya via forces loyal to General Khalifa Haftar, as well as through some African ports, and criticized international silence on the smuggling operations as a crime against the Sudanese people. The minister highlighted that the influx of weapons to the Rapid Support Forces has contributed to widespread atrocities, including the massacre in El Fasher and the displacement of residents. The RSF began attempting to seize El Fasher in May 2024 and gained control of the city by late October, with reports of mass killings, forced displacement, sexual violence, and infrastructure destruction. Most of Darfur remains under RSF control, except for areas held by the Sudan Liberation Movement in Jebel Marra and Tawila, while the Sudanese army maintains a presence in some northern border regions. Mustafa expressed hope that the U.N. panels upcoming report will present neutral and factual documentation of the situation to the international community. US Senator Ted Cruz told a Senate hearing on counterterrorism in North Africa and the Sahel that Iran is working to transform the Polisario Front into a regional proxy force, warning that the alleged cooperation between the separatist group and Iranbacked networks represents a growing security threat to the US and its partners. Iran is trying to turn the Polisario Front into the Houthis for West Africa, a proxy force capable of waging war to threaten regional stability and pressure US partners wherever Iran wants leverage, Cruz said, urging the US this critical blind spot. The Polisario had taken drones from Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and transferred weapons across the region to groups engaged in terrorist attacks, he said. Cruz argued that these actions justified a harsher US approach, saying: I believe they should be designated as a terrorist group, and Ive drafted a bill to do so if there is no change in their behavior. The US recognizes Moroccos sovereignty over the Sahara where Algeria has nurtured the false hope of a separate state for its Polisario proxies. In June 2025, US Congressmen Joe Wilson (R-SC) and Jimmy Panetta (D-CA) introduced the Polisario Front Terrorist Designation Act (H.R. 4119), directing the State Department to assess whether the separatist movement meets criteria for Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) status. Morocco severed ties with Iran in 2018 after accusing Tehran and Hezbollah of arming and training Polisario fighters. The Senate hearing also revived longstanding congressional concerns about Algerias continued acquisition of Russian weapons. In past correspondence highlighted during the session, lawmakers warned that Algerian purchases of advanced Russian systems could trigger sanctions under US law. Legislators cited the CAATSA sanctions framework, noting that Algeria has been among the worlds major buyers of Russian military equipment. Officials at the hearing stressed that arms transactions with Russia remain under close review. The session underscored Washingtons growing concern over overlapping regional threats on top of which the operational links between the Polisario and Iranbacked groups, rising instability across the Sahel, and geopolitical implications of Algerias defense partnerships. The Israeli Knesset this week held an unprecedented parliamentary debate on whether to recognize the independence of Kabylie, marking the first time a foreign parliament formally examines the self-determination claim of the restive region in northern Algeria. The initiative comes one month after the Kabyle Provisional Government proclaimed the Federal Republic of Kabylie during a ceremony in Paris on 14 December 2025, a development that shifted the movement from cultural revendication into a formal sovereignty bid. The debate was triggered by the registration of an urgent proposal on 14 January to study recognition of Kabylies independence and explore potential diplomatic relations with the emerging entity. The motion was introduced by MK Dan Illouz (Likud) and co-sponsored by Ohad Tal, Yitzhak Kroizer, and Meir Cohen, who took the podium to argue that the Kabyle case deserved consideration within Israels foreign policy framework. The initiative was confirmed and detailed in multiple reports this week. Delivering the governments formal response, Sharren Haskel, Deputy Director of the North Africa Department at Israels Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that the Israeli diplomatic apparatus is actively examining the Kabylie issue, signalling that Jerusalem is prepared to study the implications of the issue within a broader North African strategic context. The rare parliamentary session delved into the political situation of the Kabyle people, their long-standing calls for independence, and the potential geopolitical impact of recognizing a new state in North Africa. Speaking to Le360, MK Dan Illouz, who is of Moroccan Jewish descent, framed the initiative as both a moral commitment and a strategic choice. Illouz argued that Israel should stand with forces of liberty against radical regimes in the region and recalled the Kabyle communitys solidarity with Israel after the 7 October attacks. From the Kabylie movement, Aksel Bellabbaci, adviser to the Kabyle leader in exile, welcomed the Knesset session as a significant achievement in their diplomatic offensive. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio praised Moroccos strategic importance in diversifying global critical mineral supply chains during a ministerial conference at the State Department, emphasizing the Kingdoms unique combination of resources, transformation capacity, and international cooperation commitment. Morocco has a key role to play because of the deposits it possesses, but also because of the Kingdoms willingness to invest in transformation and its cooperation in accepting to participate in this global initiative, Rubio stated during a press conference attended by Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita and representatives from over fifty countries. The American diplomat noted Morocco can leverage significant mineral reserves to develop its economy while benefiting from reliable, diversified global supply of transformed, finished, and refined materials usable for cost-effective economic development. Morocco can therefore play a key role in this regard, and we are very pleased that it is here today, at the table with us, Rubio affirmed. Minister Bourita emphasized Morocco offers incomparable geostrategic relevance, attractive visibility, and responsible partnership in critical minerals under King Mohammed VIs leadership, drawing on geographical positioning, resources, infrastructure, and political reliability and stability. Todays world does not lack minerals or rare earths. What it lacks is responsible development, a language of trust between nations, transparent frameworks where partnership replaces dependence, and value chains that distribute prosperity rather than concentrate risks, Bourita declared, calling for a loyalty pact between producers, processors, and users based not on ideology but on strategic respect and sovereign balance. Bourita stressed Africa should be central to this pact, recalling King Mohammed VIs message to the 2025 Ibrahim Governance Weekend Forum noting that with 40% of global raw material reserves and 30% of critical minerals, Africa can no longer merely export raw materials. The minister urged investment in African infrastructure, skills, and governance to transform natural wealth into sustainable economic growth, job creation, and long-term prosperity. Current mineral globalization is neither free, nor fair, nor resilient, Bourita pointed out, advocating for an era of reliable partnerships, mutual respect, and shared stability. Morocco and the United States signed a memorandum of understanding on critical minerals and rare earths cooperation following the meeting. Washington hosted on 4 February 2026 a Summit on critical minerals, attended by around forty delegations from Africa and beyond. The Summit aims to secure strategic mineral supplies, including coltan, cobalt, and lithium, as the U.S. seeks to reduce Chinese dominance in the sector. Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita and his Indian peer S. Jaishankar met on Wednesday in Washington to discuss means of advancing bilateral cooperation that has evolved from friendly diplomacy to strategic interdependence anchored in food security, defense industrialization, and Africa-oroiented trade. The meeting took place as both ministers were participating in the high-level gathering organized by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on critical mineral supply chains. A key marker of deepening Morocco-India ties came with Indian Secretary Neena Malhotras November 2025 official visit to Morocco, reaffirming cooperation under more than 40 bilateral agreements spanning political dialogue, trade, security, and defense production. Malhotra held strategic talks with OCP Group Chairman Mostafa Terrab on long-term phosphate and fertilizer supply arrangements, discussing potential joint ventures and broader commercial cooperation. Moroccos phosphate giant OCP sits at Indias agricultural security center. Official briefings note OCP-India memoranda supplying up to 1.7 million metric tons of fertilizers, framing Morocco as buffer against volatile global supply chains and export restrictions. Defense cooperation has shifted from procurement to co-production arrangements. In September 2025, Tata Advanced Systems opened a manufacturing plant in Berrechid near Casablanca producing the WhAP 88 wheeled armored platform for Morocco and potential African export, aligning with Rabats domestic defense industry ambitions and Indias military export expansion. Both countries plan commemorating the 70th diplomatic relations anniversary in 2027 through comprehensive programs building on momentum established since King Mohammed VIs 2015 India visit. Moroccos participation in the Washington Summit reflects its growing strategic importance in global mineral supply chains. The Kingdom holds vast critical minerals including cobalt, copper, nickel, and particularly phosphate, controlling approximately 70-75% of global phosphate reserves used in electric vehicle batteries. Its mineral resources and free-trade access to Western markets have attracted major Chinese battery and automotive firms to establish production facilities in the Kingdom, transforming Morocco into a strategic EV supply chain destination. During the Summit, US Vice President JD Vance announced Americas proposal for a critical mineral trading bloc challenging Chinas rare earth dominance. Vance called for creating a trading bloc among allies and partners guaranteeing access to minerals essential for industrial growth through pricing floors and coordinated mining investment. Oklahoma High School Students Invited to 2026 Speak Out for Workplace Safety Contest The Oklahoma Department of Labor is encouraging high school students to promote workplace safety awareness through its annual Speak Out for Workplace Safety video contest. The Oklahoma Department of Labor is inviting high school students across the state to participate in its 2026 Speak Out for Workplace Safety video contest, encouraging young people to raise awareness about workplace health and safety issues. Open to students in grades 9 through 12, the contest challenges participants to create short, original videos that promote workplace safety and empower young workers to speak up about hazards. Students may enter individually or as part of a team. Videos must be 90 seconds or less, align with the theme Speak Out for Workplace Safety, and be original content without copyrighted music or footage. Entries must be submitted on a flash drive along with a completed entry form and postmarked by March 13, 2026. The top three entries will receive cash prizes and will be featured in future workplace safety education efforts. Winners will also be invited to attend an awards reception at the Oklahoma State Capitol. Additional contest rules and entry information are available through the Oklahoma Department of Labors Child Labor Unit. As US Vice President JD Vance prepares to visit the Caucasus, Armenia is sending signals that it is leaning toward selecting an American company to build a new nuclear reactor to replace the antiquated, Russian-built Metsamor facility. Armenia's minister of territorial administration and infrastructure, David Khudatyan, told journalists on February 3 that the government has decided the new nuclear plant would have a modular design. That is good news for the United States, which is widely recognized as the global leader in modular nuclear technology. While stating that Yerevan is opting for modular, Khudatyan emphasized that a final decision on the size of the reactor had not been determined, and that proposals from the United States, Russia, and China remained under consideration. I believe the model selection will be decided in 2026 or 2027. There is no need to rush," the minister said. Most modular nuclear reactors built to date have been small in scale, with annual generating capacities of 300 megawatts or less per unit. But larger-scale modular reactors are also becoming feasible, essentially stacked smaller models. Small modular reactors are comparatively quick and cheap to build and tend to be safer and more efficient to operate than large-scale models, such as the Russia-built VVER-1000 series. Tech giants, including Amazon and Google, are turning to SMRs to meet power needs for data centers. An Armenian news outlet, Hraparak, which has a reputation for breaking government-related scoops, published a brief report in late January indicating that nuclear energy will be on the agenda when Vance is in Yerevan to meet with Armenian government officials. It is obvious that the main goal of the visit will be the launch of TRIPP, or the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity, the report stated. Behind the scenes in the [Armenian] government, there is talk that a document may also be signed, according to which Armenia will reserve the construction of a modular nuclear power plant for the United States. The Metsamor nuclear plant, the first unit of which started operating in 1976, is now on its last legs. It has already undergone two refurbishments to prolong its lifespan until 2036. The facility generates about 40 percent of the countrys electricity needs, but its continued operations are clouded by safety concerns. By Eurasianet More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Investments in the European chemicals industry are dropping off a cliff, capacity shutdowns topped 5 million tons last year, and investors are leaving for greener pastures as the EU chokes the industry with regulations. Energy costs remain too high for anyones comfort. Europe is facing yet another massive import dependence. Investments in the chemicals industry in Europe last year took an 80% plunge, the Financial Times reported last month, citing data from the European Chemical Industry Council (Cefic). The industry group warned that capacity closures across the EU had surged sixfold since 2022 and had reached a total of 37 million tons as of 2025, which represents 9% of total capacity. The closures resulted in 20,000 job cuts and were accompanied by a slump in new investments that brought the industry closer to a breaking point. Its no longer a question of being five minutes before or after twelve, the head of Cefic, Marco Mensink, said. The sector is under severe stress and breaking. The rate of closures has doubled in a year, and even worse, annual investments are half and close to zero. On both sides, the speed is accelerating, not slowing. We need decisive action this year, with impact at factory floor level. The chemicals industry is one of the biggest in Europe and an essential supplier of goods and materials to a host of other essential industries for the continent in general, and the EU specifically. The industry booked sales of over 600 billion euros for 2024, according to the latest figures released by Cefic. That sounds healthy, but in terms of market share, Europes chemicals companies have seen their weight on the global market shrink from over 27% back in 2004 to just 12.6% as of 2024. Of course, the accelerated shrinkage of the European chemicals industry did not just coincide with the EU sanctions on Russia and the loss of cheap pipeline gas from the East. Cheap energy inputsand gas specificallyare essential for the competitiveness of an industry, which uses petroleum feedstocks for most of its output, notably natural gas, and thats in addition to its substantial energy needs. Sky-high energy costs are pummeling every single European industry, but the more energy-intensive among them are suffering proportionally severe pain. Then there are all the climate-related regulations that the European Union leadership has been piling on businesses based in the bloc as it repeatedly signals its priority number one is not competitiveness but emission reduction at all costs. That said, the cost of that emission reduction is starting to be recognised as possibly too high, with top EU officials declaring they will be prioritising competitiveness along with emissions. It was on competitiveness grounds that the Commission devised the carbon border adjustment mechanism, or CBAM, for short, to tax cheaper imports of goods produced in places with laxer emission regulations and abundant, cheap power from gas and coal. The biggest such place, of course, is China, and China is eating up European chemical makers global market share, fast. The Wall Street Journal noted the Chinese competition in a recent article about Europes chemical woes, pointing out that in some cases, Chinese companies were building more capacity than there is demand for, such as in monoethylene glycol, a component of polyester. This capacity, even if not utilised at 100%, adds pressure on high-cost European producers, who now also have to contend with low-cost U.S. competition following the trade deal that President Trump and the European Commissions head, Ursula von der Leyen, signed last year. The WSJ paints a picture as grim as the one painted by the Financial Times. Saudi SABIC has divested its assets in Europe. Dow plans to close several plants in Germany, saying it had to because oh high energy costs, high CO2 emission costs, and weak demand. Exxon is reportedly looking to do the same as SABIC did, and exit the European chemicals sector altogether. Two chemical producers, the WSJ noted in its report, recently filed for insolvency for several of their subsidiaries. The European chemicals industry is struggling. This is a big enough problem even if the industry was the self-contained kind. But there is no such industry, and chemicals are essential for other sectors, notably car manufacturing and the EUs new favourite industry: defense. If you want a defence sector... an automotive sector, its totally dependent on chemicals supplying the materials. This is simply a chokehold the rest of the world has on Europe, Cefics Marco Mensink said, as quoted by the FT. He proceeded to call chemicals the mother of all industries and warned that its breaking down as we speak. The problems look insurmountable unless there is a complete reversal of priorities for the decision-makers in political circles. Nothing short of removing emission reduction from the number-one spot would give the chemicals sector in Europe the chance it needs increasingly desperately. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com As the geopolitical map of South American oil shifts in early 2026, the contrast between Guyana and Venezuela has never been starker. In global energy markets, geology is often treated as destiny. If a country has oil, investment and prosperity are assumed to follow. But, in recent years, the contrast between Guyana and Venezuelatwo neighbors sitting atop the same prolific basinoffers a powerful rebuttal to that assumption. The two countries share some similarities, but they occupy completely different economic worlds. One is in the midst of one of the fastest oil?production ramp?ups ever recorded. The other is struggling to keep a once?dominant industry alive after years of political meddling, underinvestment, and capital flight. Guyanas Remarkable Sprint A decade ago, Guyana produced zero barrels of oil. As of January 2026, production is running roughly between 840,000 and 900,000 barrels per day. With the recent ramp-up of the floating production, storage and offloading vessel ONE GUYANA FPSOthe largest and most technologically advanced vessel operating in the Stabroek Blockthe country is on track to reach nearly 1.5 million barrels per day in 2027. That trajectory is extraordinary. Guyana went from a frontier exploration story to a globally relevant producer in less time than it takes to permit a single major pipeline in parts of North America. The explanation is not just the quality of Guyanas light, sweet crude, although that is certainly a factor. It is the institutional framework the country put in place. By partnering early with an ExxonMobil-led consortium and maintaining a stable, predictable contractual environment, Guyana allowed capital and expertise to flow rapidly. The economic results speak for themselves: GDP growth of nearly 20% in 2025 and a projected 16.2% in 2026, making Guyana the fastest-growing economy in the world. Venezuelas Missed Opportunity Just across the border sits Venezuela, home to the worlds largest proven oil reservesapproximately 303 billion barrels. On paper, it should be one of the wealthiest energy producers on Earth. In practice, in recent years production has fallen below 1 million barrels per dayroughly on par with Guyanas current production, despite Venezuelas vastly larger resource base. The turning point came in 2007, when President Hugo Chavez forced the expropriation of assets owned by ExxonMobil and ConocoPhillips. The belief at the time was that Venezuela could seize the physical infrastructurewells, upgraders, and facilitiesand operate them with state-appointed managers. What could not be seized was technical expertise, access to global supply chains, or the capital required to sustain complex oil operations. Over time, infrastructure deteriorated, production collapsed, and facilities meant to anchor Venezuelas oil future became symbols of chronic underinvestment and mismanagement. These factors led to a steep production decline, which was exacerbated later by economic sanctions. A Sudden Pivot In 2026 Recent events have made the contrast even sharper. Following the January 3 detention of Nicolas Maduro and subsequent U.S. intervention, Venezuelas interim government has moved quickly to reverse decades of policy. Interim President Delcy Rodriguez has now signed legislation opening Venezuelas oil sector to privatization. This marks a dramatic reversal of two decades of state?dominated energy policy and is a move that would have been politically unthinkable just months ago. U.S. sanctions are beginning to ease, and reports indicate that American oil executives are once again surveying Venezuelan assets for the first time in nearly twenty years. Still, reality imposes limits. Guyanas success was built over two decades of trust and consistent policy. Venezuelas decline was shaped by two decades of contract abrogation and capital destruction. According to a January 6, 2026 Rystad Energy report, Venezuela would need $183 billion in investment to restore crude output to 3 million barrels per day, roughly the level it produced before the 2007 expropriation. The Investor Takeaway Guyanas experience underscores a fundamental truth about the energy business: capital goes where it is welcomeand stays where it is treated well. ExxonMobil CEO Darren Woods recently noted that the company is now considering exploration closer to Venezuelas border as geopolitical risks have eased. The irony is hard to miss. While Venezuela is attempting to lure back the very companies it once expelled to repair a broken industry, those same firms are setting production records just miles away in Guyanese waters. For energy investors, reserves alone are never the whole story. They are only numbers until paired with a stable legal framework, competent operators, and political restraint. Guyana lacked those elements twenty years ago and deliberately built them. Venezuela had themand dismantled them. As attention turns to Venezuelas attempted reset, the smarter bet may not be on the vast barrels trapped in Orinoco heavy crude, but on the FPSOs steadily delivering Guyanas oil to global markets. Guyana didnt just discover oil. It learned how to manage it. By Robert Rapier More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy says it has seized two vessels near Farsi Island allegedly carrying large quantities of smuggled fuel, the country's Students' News Agency (ISNA) reported Thursday - at a moment the nation's military has its "finger on the trigger" amid threats from the Trump White House and Israel. More than one million liters of diesel were discovered aboard the ships, according to the IRGC Navy's public relations office, and the seized 15 foreign crew members have been handed over to judicial authorities. Illustrative: prior fuel smuggling-related IRGC boarding, PressTV ISNA reported that the vessels were part of a fuel-smuggling network that had been operating for months and were intercepted following "monitoring, intelligence work, and IRGC naval operations." While the interdiction against the alleged fuel smuggling vessels is significant, Thursday's incident is somewhat more common and less alarming than if it had been an international oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz, for example. Still, Tehran is using it to send a warning to any external power acting menacingly in its regional waters. Ezzatollah Zarghami, a former minister and ex-head of Irans state broadcaster IRIB, later on Thursday issued a blunt warning, declaring that "the Strait of Hormuz will be the place of massacre and hell." "I am sure that the Strait of Hormuz will be the place of massacre and hell for the US," Zarghami said. "Iran will show that the Strait of Hormuz has historically belonged to Iran. The only thing the Americans can think of is playing with their vessels and moving them from one place to another." With seizures at sea now paired with explicit threats, tensions around one of the world's most critical energy chokepoints - which the IRGC has frequently threatened it could block off altogether - continue to climb. This especially as Tehran is warning that it is ready to strike back hard if attacked by the United States, even if this means all-out war. It says its military forces and ballistic missiles are on high alert, and also that Tel Aviv will be again targeted in the event of US aggression. Israel meanwhile is said to be lobbying Washington for regime change in Tehran, but the White House reportedly isn't ready for such a drastic option - also amid reports the Pentagon would need more time to put assets in place. There is an IRGC Navy base on the tiny, strategically located island, which has been used to launch IRGC speedboats to at times intercept foreign vessels. Source: ABC News In a Wednesday interview President Trump said Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei should be "very worried" at the growing Pentagon presence in the region. "I would say he should be very worried, yeah. He should be," Trump said in reaction to an Iran question by Tom Llamas on NBC Nightly News. By Zerohedge.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Jesse Eisenberg is a "daily patron" of the New York Public Library. Jesse Eisenberg often attends the New York Public Library The 42-year-old actor has revealed that he visits the world-famous library most days, and has done for the last decade. The Hollywood star told People: "I'm a daily patron of the library. That's where I do all my work, to the point where I can't get anything creative done if I'm not at a library. "The way I work in my own life is I go to the library every day with a friend of mine who's also a writer. We sit together and work on our own projects and we bounce ideas off of each other. That's how I've worked for about 10 years." Jesse also visits other libraries in the city with Banner, his eight-year-old son. The actor shared: "My kid's school is near an amazing branch and then across the street from the one I go to, there's an amazing branch with a great children's collection. If you're a child in New York City and you're interested in reading, it's the most amazing place." Meanwhile, Jesse previously admitted that he's shunned social media because he fears he'll "say something inappropriate". The actor played Mark Zuckerberg, the Facebook founder, in The Social Network - but Jesse has never been interested in using social media platforms in real life. He told The Times newspaper: "Im not on that stuff for a few reasons. "One is that Im already a public person. I spent an hour talking to you about my family and that is already unnatural. So I dont then have a need to go on Twitter. Why am I still talking about myself? Shut the f*** up! "Also, I would say something inappropriate, because I dont have fully formed thoughts. But Im good at writing characters with whom I can explore my philosophies in a way that doesnt feel didactic or that I know more - because I truly dont." Russian and Ukrainian officials held a second day of US-brokered talks aimed at ending Moscows all-out war on Ukraine, as negotiators grappled with major sticking points about Ukrainian territory and security guarantees. In a small sign of progress, the two sides agreed to another exchange of prisoners of war, something that has happened periodically over the course of the nearly four-year-old Russian invasion. Steve Witkoff, the White House envoy who has led the US-led talks, said on February 5 that 314 prisoners in all would be released. Ahead of the Abu Dhabi meetings, both Russian and Ukrainian officials also hinted at glimmers of optimism to end the war, which Russia launched on February 24, 2022, and which has now killed or wounded nearly 2 million men on both sides. Kirill Dmitriev, who is the Kremlins lead negotiator, said on February 5 there had been "progress" and positive movement. Ukraine's lead negotiator, Rustem Umerov, said the first day of discussions had been "meaningful and productive, focusing on concrete steps and practical solutions." Despite the hints of progress, Russia continued to barrage Ukraine with drones and missiles. On the eve of the talks, Russia launched one of its largest aerial attacks of the war, targeting Ukraines energy infrastructure and deepening misery for civilians suffering through a bitterly cold winter. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters that Russia's position remains unchanged and that it is "absolutely clear and well understood by both Kyiv and the American negotiators." Markus Ziener, a former Moscow-based correspondent who is now a fellow with the German Marshall Fund, said the prisoner swap signaled some progress. "But I'm rather skeptical if we get to the nitty-gritty, actually, of the whole negotiations," he told RFE/RL. "So far, there is not really much that gives us hope that a settlement of the war is within reach." After initially holding face-to-face talks in months immediately following February 2022, Moscow and Kyiv did not hold direct negotiations until May of last year. President Donald Trump has been frustrated that the war continues to rage, despite his making resolution of it a top foreign policy priority. In addition to Witkoff, who has met seven times with Russian President Vladimir Putin over the past year, Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, was also attending the talks. The meetings include current and former intelligence agency officials from both countries, and have focused narrow topics. The gap between two sides positions has narrowed somewhat, with the main sticking point being the question of territory in Ukraines Donbas region that Kyiv controls but Moscow claims. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has proposed setting up a demilitarized zone, possibly with European peacekeepers. Russia has decidedly rejected that option. Kyiv is also seeking binding security guarantees from the United States and other Western allies, that would obligate outside countries to come to Ukraines aid if Russia were to attack again in the future. Ukrainian political analyst Ihor Reiterovych urged the West to offer stronger guarantees for Ukraineand to avoid a repeat of the 1994 Budapest Memorandum. That agreement, signed by the United States, Russia, and Britain, guaranteed Ukrainian territorial integrity in exchange for Kyiv eliminating its nuclear arsenal. "I would put myself in the shoes of the Russian president: if I want to negotiate a peace settlement, I would not hammer Ukraine and pound them the way they do," Ziener said. "I would actually try to create a situation where you can reach a settlement." "Given all the sacrifices Ukraine has [made] so far. I think it's very difficult for Ukraine to say, OK, well, we'll cede to the Russian demands and [then] so many lives have been lost in vain," he said. "So I believe that it's difficult really to find a settlement that would ask Ukrainians to make major concessions at this point." By RFE/RL More Top Reads From Oilprice.com The government of Mark Carney will remove a 2035 internal combustion engine car ban and instead boost incentives for electric vehicle purchases, media are reporting ahead of the formal announcement of a new automotive strategy later today. CTV cited unnamed sources from the government and car industry as saying that the Carney government will replace the ICE car ban with new - and likely tighter - fuel efficiency standards coupled with subsidies for EV buyers in the form of tax relief, to the tune of C$5,000, or $3,660, per car. The government is also expected to set up an EV infrastructure fund worth C$1.5 billion. Bloomberg noted that the plan aims to appease Canadas automotive industry, which fought against the EV mandates, designed to set a 20% EV sales target over the near term, rising to 60% by 2030 and 100% by 2035. The industry called the goal unrealistic and impossible to achieve. They also argued that the gradual EV switch will be expensive for Canadians and reduce their choices. The automotive industry plan will also signal a pivot away from the United States, with the government prioritizing support for companies making cars in Canada in order to save thousands of jobs from the effect of tariffs that U.S. President Trump slapped on foreign-made autos last year. In other words, it appears the Carney government is still very much in favor of the electrification of transport, but will change the means through which it wants to achieve that goal. It remains uncertain whether the Canadian auto industry would be happy with the new terms, seeing as fuel efficiency standards have been used by other administrations to essentially mandate EV sales without calling it a mandate, with California being a case in point. The state has such stringent emissions rules for light vehicles that few carmakers can meet with vehicles other than EVs. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Kuwait targets to raise its oil production capacity to 4 million barrels per day (bpd) by 2035 from just over 3 million bpd now, Kuwait Petroleum Corporations CEO and deputy chairman, Nawaf Al-Sabah, has said. Kuwaits cost of production remains below $10 per barrel of oil, while global oil demand will stay at about 100 million bpd by 2050, the top executive of Kuwaits national oil company has told CNBC Arabia. Kuwait, a founding member of OPEC, is the cartels fifth-largest producer, behind Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). We have witnessed significant interest from international companies in entering Kuwait for offshore exploration, Al-Sabah told CNBC Arabia. Earlier this week, Kuwaits Prime Minister, Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, said that the Gulf oil producer is preparing to invite international oil companies to help it develop recently discovered offshore oil and gas fields. Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC) will turn to foreign majors for collaboration and assistance for the Kuwait Oil Company to develop the offshore fields, the official said at the Kuwait Oil and Gas Show. KPC is also in discussions with international financial institutions to create a lease and lease-back model of Kuwaits domestic crude oil pipeline network, the Kuwaiti prime minister added. Last week, reports suggested that Kuwait is preparing to move forward with a major midstream expansion as it opens a $7-billion pipeline project to foreign capital. The deal involving international partners is part of a broader effort by Kuwait to upgrade transport capacity linking upstream production to export and processing hubs, while easing the financial burden on the state. Kuwait Oil Company plans to invest as much as $3.9 billion (1.2 billion Kuwaiti dinars) in exploration drilling by 2030, Khaled Al-Mulla, Kuwait Oil Companys Deputy CEO for Exploration and Drilling, told Reuters at the end of last year. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Russia sees no danger for its oil exports from the trade deal that the U.S. president sealed with his Indian counterpart earlier this week. Per the deal, Washington will cut tariffs on Indian goods, and New Delhi will commit to expanding purchases of U.S. oil and gas. We, along with all other international energy experts, are well aware that Russia is not the only supplier of oil and petroleum products to India. India has always purchased these products from other countries. Therefore, we see nothing new here, Dmitry Peskov, Kremlin spokesman, told the media, as quoted by The Hindu earlier today. The American shale oil they export is light grades, similar to gas condensate. Russia, on the other hand, supplies relatively heavy, sulfur-rich Urals. This means India will need to blend U.S. crude with other grades, which incurs additional costs, meaning a simple substitution won't be possible, an energy expert from Russias National Energy Security Fund said. The news of the deal was taken by most observers to mean a further squeeze on Russian oil exports to India, although some analysts noted that India will be hard-pressed to reduce its intake of Russian crude, which accounts for about a third of total imports to date, up from a minuscule 2% before 2022. For nearly four years, India imported so much Russian crude that Russia became its single biggest oil supplier, accounting for about a third of all imported crude. However, Indian refiners have recently scaled down purchases of Russian crude following the U.S. sanctions on Russia's oil giants Rosneft and Lukoil. Indian refiners have halted imports from the now-sanctioned entities and turned to non-sanctioned Russian supply and alternative cargoes from the Middle East, the Americas, and, to a lesser extent, West Africa, depending on prices. The deal with Trump will open up access to Venezuelan and possibly even Iranian oil, analysts said, following the news, to reduce purchases from Russia. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Russia has been supplying crude oil to Cuba repeatedly over the past few years and supplies will continue, the Russian ambassador to Havana, Viktor Koronelli, told state news agency RIA today. The statement comes following the latest U.S. squeeze on Cuba, with President Trump threatening tariffs on countries that continue sending crude to the island nation, warning it had about two weeks worth of oil earlier this month. Trump is aiming for regime change in Cuba. Despite the threats, Mexicos state oil company said this week it intended to uphold its contract with the government in Havanna and continue shipping oil there. That statement follows reports about Pemex canceling a planned oil cargo for Cuba at the end of January in response to Trumps pressure campaign, with Reuters noting that the Mexican leadership was worried about getting punished by Washington if it kept shipping oil to Cuba. President Claudia Scheinbaum, however, said that Pemexs decision to suspend that shipment was made on the grounds of price considerations and not under U.S. pressure. Mexico has been exporting oil to Cuba at a rate of between 17,000 bpd and 20,000 bpd as of 2024 and early 2025. The islands biggest oil supplier, however, was Venezuela, until the U.S. removed President Nicolas Maduro and took over the countrys oil industry. Between January and September last year, Mexico shipped roughly 17,200 barrels per day of crude oil and 2,000 bpd of refined products to Cuba, according to Pemex filings. This may be modest by global standards, but it is what keeps Cubas power plants and transportation running. Commenting on the events in Venezuela with regard to Cuba, Russias Koronelli said that it may be too premature to talk about Cuba losing an ally, although he acknowledged that relations in certain spheres had changed format. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com TotalEnergies has signed two clean firm power contracts to supply 3.3 terawatt-hours (TWh) to all major sites of aircraft manufacturer Airbus in Germany and the United Kingdom, the French supermajor said on Thursday as it continues to boost its integrated power portfolio with renewable electricity. Unlike other European majors such as BP and Shell, which have outright reduced spending on renewables, TotalEnergies is betting big on its Integrated Power business and has a strategy to reach a 12% profitability target for the division. As part of the deal with Airbus, TotalEnergies will supply electricity to the aircraft manufacturer for the next decade. The power will have a baseload profile and come from new renewable assets with a capacity of 200 megawatts (MW). TotalEnergies power supply will cover half of the electricity needs of all major Airbus sites in Germany and the United Kingdom, starting from 2027. Following last years announcement of our partnership in sustainable aviation fuel, we are pleased to sign these power purchase agreements with Airbus in Germany and the United Kingdom, two countries where TotalEnergies is growing quickly its production base and its sales, said Stephane Michel, President, Gas, Renewables & Power at TotalEnergies. These contracts, which rely on our integrated power portfolio combining both renewable and flexible assets, will contribute positively to the profitability of our electricity business. Over the past few months, TotalEnergies has signed a series of clean power supply contracts with major industrial companies and data center developers. In November, the French major signed a 15-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) to supply Google data centers in Ohio with renewable electricity from a local TotalEnergies solar farm. Earlier in November, TotalEnergies signed a power purchase agreement with Data4 to supply renewable electricity to the data center developers sites in Spain for 10 years, as the French supermajor looks to boost its integrated power business with the key driver of global electricity demanddata centers and AI infrastructure. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com By Taxpayers Association of Oregon OregonWatchdog.com Dont raise $400 million in higher taxes with SB 1507. You can view the bill here and can submit online testimony here (click tab on top). Testimony deadline will be Friday. Senate Bill 1507 (-4,-5 amendments) aims to snatch nearly $400 million in tax breaks from the 2025 Congress Tax Cuts in the Big Beautiful Bill by disconnecting from the state savings from the car interest deduction and the business depreciation deduction. Last year, nine states cut their income taxes. As states cut their taxes, Oregon is raising the tax burden by passing higher taxes and fees. This is a path to tax revenue decline. Businesses often rate their number one priority in savings is to deduct expensive new investments immediately and not slow rolling the savings over many years. Our CPA Chair, Hon. Tom Butler, shared this warning over the bills impact of splitting depreciation reporting; Oregon has previously disconnected from federal tax law regarding accelerated depreciation. It became the Tax Preparers Full Employment Act! It requires businesses to file separate Oregon depreciation schedules for the life and holding periods of new assets. In some cases, were talking about thousands of assets with multiple Oregon depreciation adjustments. When those assets are eventually sold or abandoned, additional reconciliations are required. In addition to discouraging capital investment in Oregon, the Oregon DORs administration of these adjustments can be extremely costly. Was this article helpful? If yes, please contribute online at OregonWatchdog.com (learn about a Charitable Tax Deduction or Political Tax Credit options to promote liberty). Kit Harington feels "very lucky" to be married to Rose Leslie. Kit Harington has opened up about his marriage to Rose Leslie The pair met while starring in hit fantasy show Game Of Thrones and went on to marry in 2018 before becoming parents to two children together and Kit has now opened up about their relationship which he describes as "very loving" and credits Rose with being there for him "through all of the hard stuff". He told Mr. Porter: "Were very loving and tactile, and we make sure we tell each other that we love each other. Rose is just the most genuine soul. Im very, very lucky. I really am. And Rose was there through all of the hard stuff, and shes been through some journeys with me. But it has truly worked out." He went on to talk about the couple's children revealing he's pleased to have started a family in his 30s. Kit said: "Theyre both awake to the world and theyre kind. They are all I want from my children. I have been blessed with two who have both those attributes in spades. "Fatherhood happened at just the right time. And I think Im good at being a dad. My son was born when I was 34 and I realised the other day that when hes 20, Ill only be 54. Thats not so old. "Im in a weird moment in my life where, at 39, Im the same age my mum was when she had me. And Im in charge of these two. "Im midway through my life. You used to think of your parents lives before you came along as being this thing that stretched back to ancient times, but at this point, Im like, no, it really didnt. I feel like Ive hardly started. I feel very grounded. And Im beating myself up less about stuff." Kit went through some tough times after shooting to fame in Games of Thrones, struggling with addiction issues and spending time in rehab before getting sober. In an interview in 2021, the actor admitted he battled feelings of shame before embracing change. He told The Sunday Times newspaper: "Things that have happened to me since Thrones ended, and that were happening during Thrones, were of a pretty traumatic nature and they did include alcohol. "You get to a place where you feel like you are a bad person, you feel like you are a shameful person. And you feel that there's no way out, that's just who you are. And getting sober is the process of going: 'No, I can change.' " In a later interview with GQ Hype Kit admitted he is glad he ditched alcohol before he started a family, saying: "I was so lucky I got sober before having kids ... "The very fact that I can be proud of it is an achievement. Because before getting sober, I would stare in the mirror and call myself a c***. I'd hate myself. "I would literally despise myself and not be proud of anything I'd done. I couldn't be proud. "So the fact that I am proud of getting sober is in and of itself a mark of being an entirely different person." Pemex finished 2025 processing 1.5 million barrels of crude per day while paying over $20 billion in debt Mexico City, Mexico Pemex finished 2025 processing 1.5 million barrels a day of crude while paying more than 390 billion pesos in debt. Victor Rodriguez Padilla, the CEO of Petroleos Mexicanos (Pemex), reported Wednesday that the company has its lowest debt in 11 years. Accompanied by the Secretary of Energy, Luz Elena Gonzalez Escobar, Rodriguez Padilla reported that, Pemex has decreased its debt by $20 billion USD. The decrease in debt is the result of joint work between the Ministries of Finance (SHCP) and Energy (Sener). The decrease, which is the equivalent to a reduction of 20.1 percent, placed its financial debt at the lowest in 11 years. During his Wednesday report, he highlighted a key element of Pemexs financial strengthening was the payment to suppliers. That payment was more than 390 billion pesos in 2025, allowing the normalization of operations and strengthened production chains. He said it also restored confidence in the thousands of companies that work with Pemex throughout the country. According to Rodriguez Padilla, their inter-institutional strategy has been positively assessed by the main rating agencies and that, for the first time in 11 years, registered an improvement in its credit rating with a stable outlook. Regarding operational performance, Victor Rodriguez Padilla noted that Pemex compensated for the decline in oil and natural gas fields and stabilized national production in annual terms with an increase of 122,000 barrels per day. Pemex finished the year processing 1.5 million barrels a day of crude February 4, 2026. In refining, the improvement of infrastructure and operational optimization closed in December 2025 with 1.5 million barrels of crude per day. The company is processing and registering a higher yield of more than 60 percent, he said, however, the goal is to reach 80 percent. He said that Pemex is producing more gasoline, diesel and jet fuel, and fewer residual products such as fuel oil, which has progressively increased the yield of higher-value products. He also reported that the refining margin is positive, confirming that it is a profitable business that benefits Mexico. He said that, during 2025, sales of high-value petroleum products increased steadily between July and December by nearly 8 percent. That increase, he explained, is equivalent to 81,000 barrels per day and means less dependence on imports, greater energy security and the strengthening of energy sovereignty. He added that, in addition to these results, there was an increase in the marketing of other petroleum products. The sale of sulfur went from 370 to 700 tons per day, which represents an increase of 89 percent. Petroleum coke grew from 4,000 to 5,500 tons per day (29 percent) and asphalt rose from 1,761 to 2,209 tons per day. Rodriguez Padilla reported that in 2025 the production of phosphate and nitrogen fertilizers increased by 21 percent, increasing from 807,000 tons in 2024 to 975,000 tons in 2025, which reaffirms the commitment of the State Public Enterprise to support small agricultural producers and strengthen food sovereignty. Regarding the challenges for 2026, he announced that Pemex will increase its productive investment by 425 billion pesos, representing a 34 percent increase compared to 2025. This is aimed at ensuring production, efficiency and sustainability in the medium and long term. Pemex reduced its debt by 20.1% in 2025 the company reported February 4, 2026. He detailed that the plan includes priority exploration and production projects such as Trion, Zama and Maloob, to meet the goal of 1.8 million barrels per day as well as strategic natural gas projects in Ixachi, Bakte and Burgos, with the objective of reaching 4.5 billion cubic feet per day. He said that Pemex has a new strategic focus based on projects for an orderly, sovereign and socially just energy transition. They include initiatives such as lithium in oil brines, offshore wind energy, geothermal energy, green hydrogen, biofuels, energy efficiency and circular economy. Quintana Roo ranks third in Mexico for least number of extortion calls Riviera Maya, Q.R. The state of Quintana Roo ranks third nationally for the least number of extortion calls. Authorities reported Thursday that Quintana Roo ranks third behind San Luis Potosi and Baja California Sur. That is, according to information released Wednesday during the First National Meeting of State Attorneys General and Prosecutors which was headed by the Attorney General of the Republic (FGR), Ernestina Godoy Ramos. Quintana Roo Attorney General Raciel Lopez Salazar said the positive results are the product of coordinated work with members of the Interinstitutional Security Group, headed by Governor Mara Lezama. He said this coordination has allowed for strengthening the actions of prevention, investigation and prosecution of crimes. The security meeting, held in Mexico City Wednesday, was headed by Ernestina Godoy Ramos. The objective of the meeting that was held in Mexico City was to strengthen inter-institutional coordination and define strategic actions for the prevention, investigation and the prosecution of extortion. In Quintana Roo, together with Governor Mara Lezama, we reaffirmed our commitment to continue working to guarantee social peace in the state and contribute to the security of the country, Lopez Salazar said. The Wednesday event was opened by Cesar Oliveros Aparicio, Head of the Specialized Prosecutors Office for Organized Crime (FEMDO), and included the participation of federal authorities responsible for security, intelligence and law enforcement who analyzed the main challenges and defined lines of action against this crime. According to Godoy Ramos, the State of Mexico, Mexico City, Guanajuato, Jalisco and Puebla concentrated the largest number of extortion investigations last year. By Chanyaporn Chanjaroen, Joyce Koh and Anders Melin (Bloomberg) As Tan Teck Long takes the helm of Oversea-Chinese Banking Corp (OCBC), one of his main challenges may be winning over the billionaire sitting across the boardroom table. Lee Tih Shih, whose family has been the largest shareholder of Southeast Asias No 2 bank by assets for almost a century, has long kept a firm grip on spending at the firm, limiting big ticket investments or risky acquisitions to preserve capital, according to people familiar with the matter. They asked not to be identified discussing private issues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tan, a relative newcomer to Singapores longest-running bank, may need to change that to keep up with rival DBS Group Holdings Ltd even as his own stock hits record highs. In recent years, investors and analysts have pushed Tans predecessors to expand faster via takeovers and boost dividends to match DBS. Teck Long will have to walk a tightrope, said Gerard Lee, former head of an OCBC investment unit who retired from the role in 2022 after more than a decade. The market expects him to lead a transformation at OCBC; on the other hand, the banks substantial shareholders may prefer something more conservative. Gerard isnt related to the Lee family. Opening the purse strings at one of Asias richest clans wont be easy. About half of the Lees roughly US$38 billion of assets, as measured by the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, are tied to a 28 per cent stake in OCBC. The holding pays annual dividends of more than US$1 billion, supporting the familys philanthropy. Risky moves by the bank could jeopardise that wealth. In recent years, several planned investments were derailed after the family balked at ponying up, according to the people. These include a S$2 billion (US$1.57 billion) renovation of the banks 50-year-old headquarters, and a sweetened bid to take its Great Eastern Holdings Ltd insurance business private. Despite pitches from bank executives, the potential returns in each case werent seen to justify the costs, said the people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lee declined to comment. Tan, who took over as chief executive officer on 1 Jan, said in a response to Bloomberg that support from the board is strong, and that the team is galvanised to hit even higher notes. Our next chapter of growth will be exciting, he said. Transformation is bread-and-butter at OCBC, with a culture of innovation and growth that flourishes at every level. Past Deals Though the family has signed off on big takeovers in the past including a US$5 billion deal for a Hong Kong bank in 2014 jumbo deals have been few and far between in recent years. For the clan, fiscal discipline and low appetite for risk are signs of strength. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By contrast, DBS scooped up Citigroup Inc.s Taiwanese consumer bank in 2023 and has made major investments in China and India. United Overseas Bank Ltd, another Singapore rival, paid US$3.6 billion for Citigroups Southeast Asian consumer-banking units. OCBC passed on Citigroups Southeast Asian deal after reviewing the assets, while the Taiwan business didnt fit its strategy, a person familiar said. Key decisions still require the familys blessing, according to more than a dozen people with knowledge of the Lees and bank management. It was Lee Tih Shih who helped poach Tan from DBS with a pitch that he could eventually land the top job, according to two people. In a sign of his influence, Lee Tih Shih is chair of the boards executive committee, which oversees management of the business and reviews strategies. At DBS and UOB, the chairman of the board runs that committee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Lee familys roots run deep at OCBC. The empire dates back to Lee Tih Shihs grandfather, Lee Kong Chian. Born in Chinas Fujian province in 1893, he married into a wealthy family in British Malaya, the colonial predecessor of Malaysia and Singapore. The fortune included rubber and pineapple plantations and a stake in a small bank. In the early 1930s, as the world reeled from the Great Depression, the bank merged with two rivals to form OCBC. Lee Kong Chian served on the board until just before his death in 1967, gradually increasing the familys stake. He also expanded holdings to food processing and timber, though OCBC is the dominant asset. Reluctant Bankers Despite the long history, the Lees have been somewhat unwilling bankers. Lee Tih Shih, 62, took a board role in 2003, mostly to fulfill a family obligation, despite his passion for medicine. After his father, Lee Seng Wee, passed away in 2015, he became the sole family director. Lee Seng Wee didnt plan to run the bank either. He reluctantly took up the roles of CEO and chairman after his predecessor was appointed deputy prime minister. Someone had to quickly take over to ensure continuity of the bank, according to his obituary published in the 2015 annual report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bank split the jobs of chairman and CEO in 1998, and have appointed outside professionals for both positions since 2003. Lee Tih Shih combines bank duties with his professor role at the Duke-NUS Medical School, where he started the Brain-Computer Interface Lab for research on neurocognitive disorders and autism. Armed with a doctorate from Yale University and an MBA from Imperial College London, he also sits on the board of family entities including the Lee Foundation, which held about S$14 billion in assets at the end of 2024. More than half of the familys assets are held by its foundations in Singapore and Malaysia. At the same time, some family members without roles at the bank tend to weigh in on matters that affect their investments. Tensions have flared over the banks dividend policy, people familiar said. The current yield of 3.8 per cent is well below DBSs 4.8 per cent. OCBC Centre in Singapore. (Photo: Lionel Ng/Bloomberg) (Photographer: Lionel Ng/Bloomberg) Today, numerous family members benefit from the OCBC stake, though none of them are deeply involved in the bank, according to people close to the family. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are typically three paths that work for family-owned businesses like OCBC, said Yupana Wiwattanakantang, associate finance professor at National University of Singapore: active involvement, passive ownership through a family office, or a complete exit. In OCBCs case, the Lees are still very much involved. Its best for a family to choose one path and commit to it, she said. Reluctant participation doesnt work banking is a fiercely competitive industry. As he settles into his new role, Tan will need family support for major strategic moves, along with buy-in from non-executive Chairman Andrew Lee. Though not part of the clan, Lee, 73, is a trusted lieutenant of the family who assumed his role in 2023. Helen Wong, the CEO for the past four years, had a difficult relationship with Lee, according to people familiar with the matter who asked not to be identified due to the sensitivities of the matter. Wong and Andrew Lee declined to comment. Former OCBC CEO Helen Wong. (Photo: Ore Huiying/Bloomberg) (Bloomberg) Andrew Lee is known to be very hands-on, according to many existing and former employees interviewed by Bloomberg News. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Great Eastern saga was just one example. For years, OCBC has tried to take the insurer private by buying up the minority stake it doesnt already own. The move would save listing and administrative costs, while integrating some of the insurers more than S$100 billion in assets into the banks wealth management business. The bids have faced resistance from Great Eastern shareholders including some distant Lee family relatives who have pushed for higher offers. Two decades of takeover attempts have led to resentment, turning annual meetings increasingly acrimonious. In January 2025, Wong was tasked by Andrew Lee to meet with key Great Eastern shareholders who rejected a S$1.4 billion bid for a 12 per cent stake the previous year, people familiar had said. The chairman also tried to meet with some holdouts, according to the people. A fresh bid was scuttled for a fourth time in July after the banks improved offer came in at least S$230 million short of minority holders demands. OCBC, which was advised by JPMorgan Chase & Co, said it didnt plan to make another offer in the foreseeable future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That same week, OCBC announced that Wong, 64, would step down as of 31 Dec. Wong said she had planned to leave for family reasons. A bank spokesperson said her retirement wasnt related to Great Eastern. Tans Agenda Its now up to Tan, 56, to push the banks agenda. His first three-plus years as head of wholesale banking went well after he boosted revenue and improved the credit review process. The Singaporean is decisive and not afraid to speak his mind, according to people who know him. A Mandarin speaker, he spent five years in China with DBS, handling the countrys biggest corporate clients. He joined OCBC in 2022 after almost three decades at DBS. Its been energising to be part of Tans senior management team working on a strategic review, said Tan Chor Sen, OCBCs Malaysia head. I have seen first-hand his clarity, drive and belief in the team. The new CEO will be competing with Tan Su Shan, 58, his former colleague at DBS who became that firms first female CEO last March. Wong, meanwhile, raised the bar by delivering a series of strong earnings reports. Shes also credited with setting clarity on the dividend policy, elevating the payout to 60 per cent of profit for 2024 and 2025 after including a S$2.5 billion capital return plan. DBS, with state investor Temasek Holdings Pte as the largest shareholder, is likely to pay out more than 70 per cent for 2025, according to analysts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement OCBC had excess capital of S$2 billion as of September, and needs to offer clarity on how it will use the money following the Great Eastern bid, said Bloomberg Intelligence analyst Rena Kwok. We will look into more ways to further optimise our strong capital position, Chief Financial Officer Goh Chin Yee, a 38-year veteran of the bank, said in an emailed response. I am confident about OCBCs next growth phase. Though OCBC shares have rallied, investors still tend to prefer DBS, which has posted an annualised total return of 27 per cent over the past five years, topping OCBCs 22 per cent. The market value gap between the two lenders has never been wider. Tan has yet to lay out his strategy publicly, though he said in response to Bloomberg that he plans to double down on core markets of Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and Hong Kong. He added that embedding AI, digital and data across the group will be central to accelerating value creation. The bank reports earnings later this month. Whether Tan can get backing from the Lee family for major moves remains to be seen. Surrounded by long-serving executives could make it challenging for him to deliver anything truly transformational, said Gerard Lee, now non-executive chairman of the Singapore unit of Arabesque AI Ltd. (Updates with details on how the Lee family assets are held in 20th paragraph.) More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com 2026 Bloomberg L.P. SINGAPORE More than 100 property agents are set to leave boutique agency KW Singapore following leadership changes linked to the PropertyLimBrothers (PLB) saga, The Straits Times has learnt. These departures come after KW Singapore founder Melvin Lim, who is also PLBs co-founder and chief executive, stepped down from leadership roles at both agencies in the last week of January following a widely publicised controversy involving personal conduct. KW Singapore is a franchise of US-based real estate agency Keller Williams. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the Council for Estate Agencies public register, KW Singapore had 157 registered agents as at Feb 5, 2026. Sources said close to 100 agents are set to leave, in addition to 38 salespersons who have sought to join PropNex since January. Mr Lim has stepped back from his duties as KW Singapores operating principal, the firm said in a statement on Jan 29. Mr Jonathan Lee, KW Worldwide Asia Pacific Hub growth consultant, has been appointed to lead the firm on an interim basis. Keller Williams spokesman Darryl Frost said Mr Lee understands our culture, our systems, and what it takes to continue to build a strong, agent-centric organization. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The company added that Ms Grayce Tan, formerly the companys director of growth, is no longer part of the KW Singapore leadership team, with immediate effect. Following these moves, two senior property agents have moved to PropNex with their teams, said PropNex co-founder and executive chairman Ismail Gafoor. Among these teams are two millionaire producer agents, as well as multiple rising millionaire achievers and experienced team managers, he added. Mr Gafoor said that since January, more than 38 salespersons from KW Singapore have sought to move to PropNex. Another high-profile departure is KW Singapores top agent. Ms Rayne Chua, who is also the agencys new launch director and brand ambassador, will be joining ERA Singapore. It is not known how many of the agents leaving KW Singapore will also move to ERA. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Industry watchers said the imminent departures will thus greatly impact the boutique agencys sales force. If you have 100 agents and more than 50 leave, it will definitely have an impact, whether its (on) the bottom line or psychologically, said Huttons Asia chief executive Mark Yip. He added that when close to 100 agents move as a team, it is likely that they would choose one of the top three agencies, as these have the resources to provide training and tech support. Mr Gafoor added: In the real estate industry, reputation, stability and credible opportunities are fundamental. While salespeople may explore different platforms in pursuit of growth, they ultimately gravitate towards organisations that offer long-term sustainability, strong leadership, and the ability to grow both individuals and teams with confidence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As at Feb 5, 2026, PropNex was the largest agency with more than 14,000 registered agents. ERA is the second biggest with 8,504 agents, followed by Huttons Asia with 5,793 agents. When contacted, Ms Chua said she was looking for an organisation that genuinely invests in people. ERA stood out as the right fit with values aligned to my own and a strong emphasis on structured training and robust tech platforms that support advisers at every stage, she added. On the timing of her move, Ms Chua said: It was driven by where I felt I could best position my business for the long term. While PLB and KW Singapore are separate entities, there were close leadership links between both firms, which industry sources said contributed to the scale and speed of the exits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As at Feb 5, PLB had 79 registered agents. It is not known if any of them have also left following the leadership changes. Commenting on broader industry trends, ERA Singapore chief executive Marcus Chu said he has observed more agents becoming more deliberate in their choice of agency, particularly in a market where operating costs, compliance requirements and client expectations have risen. Many are reassessing which platforms can best support them with scale, technology and training, added Mr Chu. Source: The Straits Times SPH Media Limited. Permission required for reproduction Discover how to enjoy other premium articles here CCTV: In response to Panamas Supreme Court ruling that CK Hutchisons concession to operate two Panama Canal ports is unconstitutional, China has said more than once that China will firmly safeguard the legitimate and lawful rights and interests of Chinese companies. What future measures will China take? Have you communicated with the Panamanian side on the future operation of the ports? Lin Jian: China has made its position clear more than once on relevant issues related to the ports. In a commentary posted on February 3, the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council of China stated that Panamanian Supreme Courts ruling is an act of bad faith that disregards facts and severely undermines the lawful rights and interests of the company of Chinas Hong Kong. The article stressed that the Chinese government is committed to protecting the legitimate and lawful rights and interests of Chinese companies. You may refer to the article for more details. CCTV: In response to Panamas Supreme Court ruling that CK Hutchisons concession is unconstitutional, CK Hutchison said yesterday in a press release that it strongly disagrees with the ruling, would launch international arbitration, and reserves the right to recourse to additional legal proceedings in the matter. What is Chinas comment? Lin Jian: I just stated Chinas position. China will firmly defend the legitimate and lawful rights and interests of Chinese companies. RT TV: On February 4, which marks the traditional Chinese solar term Start of Spring, the heads of state of Russia and China had a virtual meeting. Aide to the Russian President Ushakov said that at the invitation of Chinese leader, President Putin plans to visit China in the first half of 2026. Can you share more information? Lin Jian: Yesterday, President Xi Jinping had a virtual meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. They had an in-depth exchange of views on bilateral relations and international and regional hotspot issues of mutual interest. The two presidents have maintained strategic communication in various ways and steered the bilateral relations in the new era to steadily move forward. RT TV: On February 4, the Chinese leader had a virtual meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin and then spoke with U.S. President Donald J. Trump on the phone. Whats the significance and results of the meeting and the phone call? Does it mean that Russia, China and the U.S. are coordinating their positions on a series of international issues? Lin Jian: President Xi Jinping had a virtual meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin and spoke with U.S. President Donald J. Trump on the phone. This is the arrangement agreed on by China and Russia and China and the U.S. according to the schedule of the leaders. On the specifics of the two head-of-state interactions, China released detailed readouts, which you may refer to. NHK: The U.S.-Russia New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty expires today. Did China share its take on that issue during the virtual meeting between the Chinese and Russian leaders and the phone call between the Chinese and U.S. leaders yesterday? Whats Chinas comment on the expiration? The U.S. said that its necessary to establish a framework with China included on nuclear arms control. Whats Chinas comment? What role will China play in nuclear arms control as a major country? Lin Jian: China has released the readouts on President Xi Jinpings virtual meeting with President Putin and the phone call with President Trump. China always exercises utmost prudence and responsibility on issues concerning nuclear weapons. China follows a defensive nuclear strategy and a policy of no first use of nuclear weapons, and pledged unconditionally not to use or threaten to use nuclear weapons against non-nuclear-weapon states and nuclear-weapon-free zones. China keeps its nuclear capabilities at the minimum level required by national security, and has no intention to engage in arms race with any country. China believes that nuclear disarmament must follow the principles of maintaining global strategic stability and undiminished security for all. Chinas nuclear strength is by no means at the same level with that of the U.S. or Russia. Thus, China will not take part in nuclear disarmament negotiations for the time-being. From Chinas view, the expiration of New START is truly regrettable. The treaty is vital to global strategic stability, and there is widespread concern over the impact on the international nuclear arms control system and global nuclear order after the treaty expires. Russia has proposed that both Russia and the U.S. continue to adhere to the central limits of the treaty. China hopes the U.S. will actively respond to Russias proposal, work out a responsible solution to the treatys expiration, and resume strategic stability dialogue with Russia at an early date. This is also what the world hopes to see. Bloomberg: After the phone call between Xi and Trump, Trump said that Xi would visit the White House toward the end of this year. Can the Foreign Ministry confirm that or have any more details on such a meeting? Lin Jian: The heads of state of China and the United States maintain communication and interactions. As for your specific question, I have no information to share at the moment. The Paper: Its reported that days ago, the American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong released its 2026 Business Sentiment Survey Findings Report. American companies in Hong Kong are increasingly optimistic and confident about Hong Kongs business environment and prospect. Whats the Foreign Ministrys comment? Lin Jian: I noted the report. According to the report, 86 percent of respondents believe that Hong Kong is a competitive international business hub, 92 percent have no plans to relocate their headquarters away from Hong Kong, and 94 percent express confidence in Hong Kongs rule of law. The statistics demonstrate American companies growing confidence in Hong Kongs prospect and business environment. Hong Kong is making new headway in pursuing thriving development. Hong Kongs economy has flourished, and its status as a hub in international finance, trade, and shipping has been consolidated. It has also stayed among the top in multiple global rankings. The fourth plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee put forward a series of important measures to promote long-term prosperity and stability in Hong Kong. Going forward, Hong Kong will enjoy broader prospects. China believes that more and more American and other foreign companies will invest and do business in Hong Kong and benefit from the Chinese modernization drive and One Country, Two Systems. Yonhap News Agency: The U.S. officially launched a critical minerals trading alliance today, which will be chaired by the ROK through June. What is Chinas comment? Lin Jian: An open, inclusive international trade environment beneficial to all serves the common interests of all countries. All parties have the responsibility to play a constructive role in keeping the global industrial and supply chains on critical mineral stable and secure. China opposes any country setting up exclusive blocs to disrupt international economic and trade order. Bloomberg: On the Panama situation. Bloomberg has reported that the Chinese government is asking state-owned firms to halt talks over new projects in Panama, after the countrys court voided CK Hutchisons port contracts. Does the Foreign Ministry have any comment and can you confirm that the government has indeed asked state-owned firms to do that? Lin Jian: Chinas position on issues concerning relevant Panamanian ports is clear. Xi says ready to work with Trump to steer giant ship of China-U.S. ties steadily forward Xinhua) 08:00, February 05, 2026 BEIJING, Feb. 4 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Wednesday that he hopes to work with U.S. President Donald Trump in the new year to steer the giant ship of China-U.S. relations steadily forward through wind and storms, and accomplish more big things and good things. During his talks with Trump over phone, Xi noted that he attaches great importance to China-U.S. relations, saying that over the past year, he and Trump have enjoyed sound communication, and had a successful meeting in Busan, charting the direction and course for China-U.S. relations. This has been welcomed by the people of both countries and the broader international community. Just as the United States has its concerns, China for its part also has concerns, he said. China always means what it says and matches its words with actions and results. If the two sides work in the same direction in the spirit of equality, respect and mutual benefit, we can surely find ways to address each other's concerns, Xi said. The Chinese president said that both China and the United States have important items on their agenda this year -- China will kick off its 15th Five-Year Plan, and the United States will celebrate the 250th anniversary of its independence. China will host the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting, and the United States, the G20 Summit, he added. The two sides should follow the common understandings we have reached, enhance dialogue and communication, manage differences properly, and expand practical cooperation, Xi said. It is always right to do a good thing, however small, and always wrong to do a bad thing, however small, he said, noting that the two sides should make progress step by step to build mutual trust, find the right way to get along, and make 2026 a year where the two major countries advance toward mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation. Xi emphasized that the Taiwan question is the most important issue in China-U.S. relations. Taiwan is China's territory, and China must safeguard its own sovereignty and territorial integrity, and will never allow Taiwan to be separated, he said. The United States must handle the issue of arms sales to Taiwan with prudence, Xi said. For his part, Trump said that both the United States and China are great countries, and the U.S.-China relationship is by far the most important in the world. Trump also said he has a great relationship with Xi and a lot of respect for him. Under their leadership, the United States and China are doing well in such fields as economy and trade, he added. Noting that he wants to see China succeed, Trump said the United States would like to work with China and make more progress in bilateral ties. Trump said that he understands how China feels about the Taiwan question. He would like the two sides to continue talking to each other and keep the U.S.-China relationship in good shape during his presidency, Trump added. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Savannah Guthrie has filmed an emotional video demanding proof her missing mother Nancy "is still alive". Savannah Guthrie has appeared for proof her mother Nancy is still alive The Today show presenter, 54, has been left distraught after the 84 year old vanished from her home in Arizona last week and now she has released a clip - which she filmed alongside her siblings Annie and Camron - in which she addressed potential kidnappers and urged anyone holding Nancy to "reach out to us" and provide proof of life. In the video, Savannah, who was sat next to her brother and sister, said: "We too have heard the reports about a ransom letter in the media. As a family, we are doing everything that we can. We are ready to talk. "However, we live in a world where voices and images are easily manipulated. We need to know without a doubt that she is alive and that you have her. We want to hear from you and we are ready to listen. Please, reach out to us." She added of Nancy: "She is 84 years old. Her health, her heart is fragile. She lives in constant pain. She is without any medicine. She needs it to survive. She needs it not to suffer." Savannah went on to reflect on all the support the family has been given since news of Nancy's disappearance broke, saying: "On behalf of our family, we want to thank all of you for the prayers for our beloved mom, Nancy. "We feel them and we continue to believe that she feels them too. Our mom is a kind, faithful, loyal, fiercely loving woman of goodness and light. She is funny, spunky, and clever. "She has grandchildren that adore her and crowd around her and cover her in kisses. She loves fun and adventure. She is a devoted friend. She is full of kindness and knowledge. Talk to her and you'll see." Addressing Nancy herself, Savannah added: "Mommy, if you are hearing this, you are a strong woman. You are God's precious daughter, Nancy. "We believe and know that even in this valley He is with you. Everyone is looking for you mommy, everywhere. We will not rest. "Your children will not rest until we are together again. We speak to you every moment and we pray without ceasing and we rejoice in advance for the day that we hold you in our arms again. We love you." The video was posted on Instagram with the caption: "Bring her home". Savannah has also been given support by US President Donald Trump, who wrote in a post on Truth Social: "I spoke with Savannah Guthrie, and let her know that I am directing ALL Federal Law Enforcement to be at the familys, and Local Law Enforcements, complete disposal, IMMEDIATELY. "We are deploying all resources to get her mother home safely. The prayers of our Nation are with her and her family. GOD BLESS AND PROTECT NANCY!" Prime County Sheriff Chris Nanos previously suggested that Nancy "did not leave" her property alone. Speaking at a news conference on Monday (02.02.26), he said: "We do in fact have a crime scene. We do in fact have a crime. She did not leave on her own. We know that." He added: "Taken against her will includes possible kidnapping or abduction." Nanos explained that law enforcement officials have been reviewing video footage from cameras at Nancy's home and has implored her neighbours to "go through their Ring cameras" as well. The sheriff also explained that Nancy had "no cognitive issues" and would not have been able to leave the property alone because of mobility issues. Nanos said: "This is not dementia-related. Shes as sharp as a tack. The family wants everyone to know that this isnt someone who just wandered off. "She couldnt walk 50 yards by herself." The sheriff has asked members of the public to come forward if they have any information relating to the case. Good Job is Slates advice column on work. Have a workplace problem big or small? Send it to Laura Helmuth and Doree Shafrir here. (Its anonymous!) Dear Good Job, My husband and I work together. Generally, this works far better than I ever expected. The issue is the owner, who has become a bit too comfortable with my husband. He is on call a lot, so his phone already rings constantly, and he struggles to set boundaries. Now, however, the owner (female) has also developed the habit of calling him for everything, including any minor thought she wants to share. Because she is now calling him at least once a day and often more (usually for something minor at work that does not need instant answers, but thats a whole other letter!), she is now the primary person he shares his own personal journeys and updates with. I understand he will not set boundaries. He does not excel at that, and often it elevates his mood to be needed. But I really need him to comprehend that I should never be secondary in learning about what is going on in his life, especially when it comes to medical issues after his recent injury. I want to be supportive, but I also need him to tell me things before he tells my already crossing-the-line boss. I find myself closing off and actually pouting about this! How do I both let it go, as intellectually I comprehend it is just our individual personalities colliding, while letting him know gently that its just not cool for them to bond over everything? Some things are just his and mine, not to be shared with, of all people, the owner of the company! Blurred Lines Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dear Blurred Lines, This is a sticky situation. The quickest way to get out from under an inappropriate boss is to find a new job, but that might be hard for your husband to do while he is recovering from his injury. If you decided to leave on your own, youd lose the opportunity to work with your husband, which youve enjoyed. And if his boss is interested in deepening their relationship, shed have more freedom to make a (completely inappropriate!) move if youre no longer in the office. Your boss has all the power, whether she perceives it or not. She owns the company and supervises you and your husband directly. I assume this shop is too small to have a functional human resources department or much of an employee policy handbook. Its her responsibility to maintain professional behavior with her employees, but she doesnt want to because shes having so much fun constantly talking to your husband. Advertisement There are two relationships to manage here: yours with your husband, and your husbands with the boss. Your leverage lies in your relationship with your husband. Ask him to set aside some time for a serious conversation, ideally in a place away from the office. It may seem unnecessary, or at least like it should be, but tell people what you want them to know. Tell your husband youre concerned about how often your boss calls, and how much shes digging into your time together and your privacy. Tell him youd like to establish some boundaries between your work life and family life. Try not to directly accuse her of being inappropriate (even though she is), to avoid tempting your husband to defend his boss/buddy. If he hasnt recognized that the bosss behavior makes you uncomfortable, wrap up the conversation there and give him some time for it to sink in. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When and if your husband agrees to set limits with the boss, you could help him think through some remedies. He could specify what hours hes available, not pick up the phone when hes off the clock, and steer conversations away from personal issues. If he wants to keep being the bosss confidante (and vice-versa), he and the boss could set up a recurring check-in meeting (maybe a weekly coffee?) with a set start and end time so shes not randomly interrupting his work and your marriage. You say he likes to feel needed, which is such a human and understandable impulse. Where possible, frame this work-boundaries triangle as a problem you need him to help solve. Laura More Advice From Slate Im a 21-year-old college student going on a spring break trip with my boyfriend to Florida. I planned this trip, and Im paying for the majority of it. My boyfriend could afford to split the expenses, but he said he wouldnt go if he had to pay, so I decided to take on the burden. Now Im cash-strapped. The Muppet Show is back and better than ever before. Well, not better, exactly. I guess a more accurate description would be exactly the same as. But after so many decades of failed attempts at keeping up with the timesafter Muppets Now and Muppets Tonight and The Muppets Mayhem, not to mention the Office-style mockumentary series known simply as The Muppetsthe Disney/ABC brain trust has realized that Jim Hensons frantic felt creations work best the way they always have. As the title suggests, the new version of The Muppet Show is faithfully modeled on the original series, which ran from 1976 to 1981, to an extent that might put off audiences weary of endless reboots with no ideas of their own. But the single episode, now streaming on Disney+ and airing on ABC tonight at 9, is the best kind of fan service, created not just for fans but by them. When Seth Rogen, who serves as one of the new episodes executive producers, tells Kermit the Frog (performed by Matt Vogel) that its been a lifelong dream of his to appear on the show, or when guest star Sabrina Carpenter gushes that she cant believe shes meeting the Miss Piggy (Eric Jacobson), there seems to be very little acting required. Theyre as giddy as we are. Either Sabrina Carpenter was born for this moment or her very existence forced the universe to coalesce around her. Variety shows were already beginning to wane when Kermit and Co. made their television debut, but the show had the insight to frame itself as a backstage farce, with a cast centered on a character who feels more like a beleaguered stage manager than the ostensible boss of the troupe. Vogels Kermit doesnt have the antic quality of Hensons, and its not just that the voice always sounds slightly off; he lacks the two-minutes-to-curtain desperation of a harried impresario whos just barely holding the whole mess together. And the ambient chaos is turned down a notch overall; rather than subduing her enemies with a karate chop, this Miss Piggy merely threatens to get her lawyers involved. But up in the balcony, veteran hecklers Statler (Peter Linz) and Waldorf (Dave Goelz) offer commentary as pissy and pointed as ever, and they go out on an unexpectedly sharp note that suggests this new version might have more to offer than mere nostalgia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Muppet Shows world requires a specific type of performer, a triple (or at least double) threat who can sing and dance alongside snaggletoothed monsters with just the right note of bemused detachment. Which is to say that either Sabrina Carpenter was born for this moment or her very existence forced the universe to coalesce around her. In one sketch, shes a waitress in a rowdy bar, smashing a bottle over the head of an unruly patron in a trucker hat as she lip-synchs the lyrics to Manchild. In another, shes warbling a lovers duet with Kermit that doubles as a Dolly Parton homage. Carpenters doing shtick, even metashtick, riffing on her long-running gag about how she never wears a wig, but she winks at the material without placing herself above it. It may be corny, but it works. Some of the episodes sketches can feel a tad random, like a musical interlude of Rizzo the Rat singing the Weeknds Blinding Lightsjust, why? But that ultimately feels of a piece with the spirit of the show, even if the through line of this particular episode is Kermit needing to cut acts from the schedule rather than throw in half-conceived ones to fill the time. Its not that every little bit is great, or zingy and self-contained enough to make for a good viral clip. (I hope that you at least enjoyed some of it, a sheepish Kermit says to his audience by way of a farewell.) But the overall effect is much greater than the sum of its parts, and quite enough to justify making more of these. Advertisement Advertisement Its hard to believe were back on the very stage where it all started, Kermit muses at the beginning of the show, and then ended, and is maybe starting again, depending on how tonight goes. Its a nod to the one-off nature of the special, which, as a brief caption reminds us, exists to prop up the visibility of Disneys Muppet Properties and Characters. But its also an acknowledgment that this is just how show business works, and its better to let the Muppets be true to what theyve always been than to crudely modernize them in the vain hopes of hooking a new generation. There are so many current stars its tempting to imagine hosting future episodespicture Benson Boone doing backflips with the Great Gonzobut if all this new version does is steer a few curious viewers into the Muppet Show archives, consider it a frog well done. Sign up for the Slatest to get the most insightful analysis, criticism, and advice out there, delivered to your inbox daily. I missed so many warning signs. Sometimes my daughter (Ill call her Olivia) wasnt hungry. Fair enoughone less meal for me to cook or otherwise produce. (I hate producing meals.) She wanted to make her own lunch for school instead of eating cafeteria food. Have at it. I noticed at some point that her special lunchtime breakfast burritos seemed to be getting smaller, but I didnt think much about it. She got more interested in cooking and baking in general, and would make food for her younger sister and me that she didnt eat herself. I didnt think much about that either. And since she liked cooking, I didnt question why she was obsessed with food shows on TV. She was also exercising a lotPilates, running. I think you can see where this is going. If I couldnt, or didnt, all I can say is that its hard to see warning signs if you arent looking for warning signs. At least it was for me. As glaringly obvious as they appear in hindsight. Olivia seemed so perfectsmart, funny, kind, made straight As, had lots of friends, was on the cheer team and swim team. She was beautiful, tall and graceful with gorgeous wavy red hair and a gap-toothed smile. Her perfection was all the more amazing because of how improbable it was, given that our family was emerging from a major trauma: the death of Olivias father, my husband, from a particularly ugly form of brain cancer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For a while after Bill died in the summer of 2022, I thought that Olivia and her sister might have dodged a bullet and somehow avoided being totally fucked up by what happened. They both seemed like they were doing pretty well. Olivias eating disorder was the first sign that this was very, very far from the case. My daughter has authorized me to tell her story. She has read and approved what Ive written here. Advertisement Even with all those warning signs early on, it took our annual holiday visit to my in-laws ranch to make me see we had a problem. Olivias abstention from the orgy of festal dining was glaring. She wasnt entirely not eatingthat would come laterbut she was eating very little. The event that sticks out most was when we went out to dinner at a pizza joint locally famed for circular french fries known as spuds. Olivia would not eat a single spud. She wouldnt even taste one. A day or two after we got back home to L.A., Olivia wanted to go running with me, and when she put on leggings and a tank top she looked skeletal. At my in-laws place, wed all been in winter garb, and this was the first sight I was getting of her in tight-fitting clothesor clothes that should have been tight-fittingafter what would turn out to have been very rapid weight loss. I can picture her in front of me, her legs so sticklike that her leggings flapped around them, her shoulder blades protruding like a baby birds wings, her painfully skinny arms jerking as she propelled herself slowly forward before sinking to the ground in exhaustion. Advertisement Advertisement My feelings in that moment are painful to recall. I should have been focused on helping my daughter, but what I remember most is feeling ashamed to be seen with her. My beautiful baby had shrunk into a pale, wan creature hunched over at the side of the road, her condition so stark that everyone who saw us would judge me an unfit mother, or so I imagined. Someone might even report me to Child Protective Services. So in this moment of extreme distress for my child, I was thinking mostly about myself. I would suppress this memory if I could. Advertisement I took Olivia to see her pediatrician that afternoon. In an uncanny coincidence, it was Jan. 7, 2025, the day wildfires attacked Los Angeles. The inferno would ultimately spare our home, but there was no escaping the atmosphere of fear and uncertainty it produced, an eerie backdrop as we navigated an existential crisis of our own. Advertisement Olivias doctor took one look at her and instructed me to take her straight to the ER. She had gone from thin to dangerously underweight in a matter of weeks. I was stunned. I would have been even more stunned had I known that Olivia, who was then only 12 years old, would be away from home for the next nine monthssave for a few days here and there when she would reappear, only to relapse and leave again. Yet, horrifying as that prospect would have seemed to me then, from my current vantage point I consider myself lucky. Because Olivia did come back home to stay, and some kids never do. Advertisement Advertisement This is the story of an illness that took so much from my daughter and our family, and the hell she suffered to get her life back. Olivia is back at school now and firmly on the path of recovery, but I can still feel her eating disorder menacing, trying to regain a foothold and snatch Olivia away from us again. Every time she asks how many calories something has, or declines a bite of a dish thats not part of her daily food plan, or asks where the scale is, or claims she looks fatevery time something like this happens, and it happens a lot, I sense her disease like an angry beast beating its wings close by, ready to pounce and carry her away. Advertisement Olivia spent the better part of a year in anorexias death grip, unable to see objective reality and determined to lose weight she didnt even have. She bounced from one hospital and residential treatment program to another, before bottoming out in a hospital bed in Texas with a feeding tube down her nose. By the time she was finally willing and able to stand up to her disease, she had missed so many months of childhood, so much time with her sister and me, so many birthdays, school dances, mall hangouts, family movie nights, cheer team practices, swim meets, cousins weddings, trips to Tahoe, beach days, and on and on and oneverything that had constituted her life up until it was engulfed by the rigorous demands of her disease. In the process she had put my parenting skills to the test like never beforea test Im still struggling to pass. Advertisement Advertisement This is Olivias story, but it is not hers alone. Eating disorders are much more commonand more deadlythan I understood prior to Olivias diagnosis, and have become significantly more widespread in the wake of COVID-19. Reliable figures are hard to come by, as the federal government does not track eating disorder cases the way it does for many other diseasesan example of how eating disorders are not always taken seriously as the public health threat they are. However, a study commissioned by researchers at Harvard University and Boston Childrens Hospital just prior to the pandemic found that 9 percent of the population, or 30 million Americans, would experience an eating disorder in their lifetime, including 2 million kids and teens alive today who will experience an eating disorder before their 20th birthday. The pandemic brought a perfect storm of risk factors, isolating kids and teens to consume endless social media while suffering relentless anxiety and stress. Childrens hospitals recorded a doubling of emergency room visits and admissions for eating disorders early on in the pandemic, according to a study published in the American Academy of Pediatrics. Those numbers never retreated to their pre-pandemic levels, other studies found, with the result that the eating disorder crisis mushroomed to threaten even more young lives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eating disorders have among the highest mortality rate of any mental illness, with some 5 percent of patients dying within the first four years of diagnosis, according to a 2021 study in World Psychiatry. Anorexia is particularly deadly, with patients at risk of organ failure and heart problems, as well as suicide. Anyone can develop an eating disorder, and there is no single cause. Risk factors include family history and other mental health issues like trauma, anxiety, and depression, as well as social media, with its never-ending messages and images that tend to valorize being thin. Eating disorders can also give patients a seductive sense of control amid the chaos of external events (though succumbing to an eating disorder actually involves losing control, just as an addict is in the grip of their addiction). Olivias illness, as I came to understand, served as a powerful coping mechanism as she dealt with the fallout from her fathers death. It became an outlet for her distress that simultaneously promised to help her chase what shed come to value most but couldnt see she already had: a thin body. Advertisement Advertisement After leaving the doctors office that Jan. 7 afternoon, Olivia and I spent anxious hours in the emergency room at UCLA hospitals Santa Monica location, which has a program dedicated to acute eating disorder treatment. Olivia was admitted to the program late that night, and it didnt take long for me to feel completely out of my depth as the doctors and nurses spouted jargon about meal plans, refeeding, supplement, and more, words that were meaningless to me at that timea time of extreme naivete, as I look back on it now. My assumption then was that Olivia would get better at the hospital and soon come back home. It would take some time for me to understand that in fact we were at the very beginning of a perilous journey, one with no clear finale. The one thing that was clear was that Olivia would not be returning home anytime soon. Advertisement Advertisement Our daily lives at the hospital revolved around Olivias meals. Her program practiced what was called food as medicine, and Olivia was expected to consume a very large quantity of food, something like 4,000 calories daily, divided among three meals and three snacks. This was her meal plan. When it was time to eat, they would bring in her tray, and she would have half an hour to finish her food. If she did not finish in the allotted timeand she almost never didshe was expected to supplement what shed eaten with a protein drink making up the rest of the calories. When time was up on her meal, a nurse would walk in and look at her tray, and if there was any food left on it at all, even a tiny puddle of ketchup, the nurse would ask Olivia what flavor supplement she wanted. The nurses were trained not to make any comment on whether, how much, or what Olivia had eaten, or even betray the slightest reaction, and I was impressed at how consistent they all were about this. Even if she hadnt taken a single bite, they would simply pick up her tray and ask her, in the most neutral tone, whether she wanted strawberry, chocolate, or vanilla. Olivia usually requested strawberry. She would then have 15 minutes to finish the supplement, with the threat that if she failed to do so they would immediately tube her, i.e., insert a feeding tube. They were so serious about this, and Olivia was so scared of getting tubed, that she always finished her supplement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Olivia was weighed every morning at 6. They would have her go to the bathroom first and would weigh her in only her hospital gown. The numbers on the scale were shielded from her so she never knew how much she weighed. She also wasnt supposed to see herself in the mirror, so the mirror in her bathroom was covered over with one of those paper mats or pads they have at hospitals, which kept coming untaped. Olivia wasnt allowed into the bathroom anyway, except to shower; instead, she had to use a bedside commode, which would then be emptied into the toilet by a nurse or care partner, so that they could keep track of her output. A few days into her stay, once shed gotten strong enough, Olivia was permitted brief daily showers, and also short walks. Initially the walks were just around the unit, but eventually she was allowed to walk outside, in an exterior courtyard that had nice trees and grass, and a meditation area, and redbrick walkways, and rats. Olivia was attached to a heart rate monitor at all times, via a bunch of electrodes stuck around her chest, and she had to carry the monitor with her on her walks. It was the size of a small shoebox, with a handle on one end, and was fairly heavy. Olivia would carry it dangling from one hand, weighing her down enough to cause her to sway unevenly as she shuffled along in her oversized smiley-face slippers. I would try to carry it for her, but since it was attached to her by a cord that was only a few feet long, I would have to stay close by her and keep pace so it didnt start to tug on her. Often she would grow irritated and grab the monitor back from me and carry it herself. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On these walks, Olivia almost never caught sight of another eating disorder patient. I would see them myself when I wasnt with her, other upsettingly skinny girls in hospital gowns that hung on them like tents, but they didnt see each other. People with eating disorders love to compare themselves to one other, and opportunities for this to happen appeared to be assiduously avoided. Olivias constant companion at the hospital was a large device, at first glance a talking robot, that monitored her 24/7 to make sure she wasnt hiding food or secretly exercising. This strange contraption was her telesitter, an unwieldy, missile-shaped creation set on wheels and equipped with two-way audio and 360-degree vision that allowed hospital staff to watch and listen to her at all times. She part scrambled, part fell onto the floor, a pale figure with shiny red hair sobbing inside a flimsy hospital gown, connected by cords to a heart rate monitor, connected by an unbreakable bond to me. No exercising, please, Olivia! the telesitter would squawk if she started moving her legs around too much. Olivia was not supposed to exercise apart from her walks, and the telesitter had a low bar for what constituted exercise. Sometimes I could tell that Olivia was trying to sneak in extra movement; other times I think she may just have been innocently moving her legs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After several weeks of this, Olivias time at the hospital began drawing to a close, and her treatment team urged me to send her to a residential, i.e., a home where she would live with other teens with eating disorders and do group therapy and such. I was still holding out hope she might be able to come home, and I wanted to have a final discussion about it with the doctor in charge of her program. This doctor was a highly competent and intimidating person, much sought after by all the patients families because she was the only one who could definitively answer certain questions. Perhaps to prevent her from being mobbed when she did appear, her whereabouts seemed to be a closely guarded secret. She would simply show up at Olivias bedside with no warning, like Mary Poppins, and half the time I wouldnt even be there. However, I tracked her down as I struggled to make a final decision about next steps, and asked her what would happen if Olivia didnt go to residential. If she went home instead, what were the chances shed end up back in the hospital? One hundred percent was the unhesitating response. That decided it, and I told Olivia shed be going to residential directly from the hospital. She part scrambled, part fell onto the floor, a pale figure with shiny red hair sobbing inside a flimsy hospital gown, connected by cords to a heart rate monitor, connected by an unbreakable bond to me. Advertisement Advertisement Please, Mommy, dont make me go, I dont want to go! I remember her wailing over and over, but I hardened my heart, and Olivia ordered me out of her room. If theres a villain in this story, its my insurer. I was disturbed to discover that our insurance company, arguably more than any other entity or person, was the arbiter of when Olivias hospital stay would come to an end, as it would stop paying once it was no longer medically indicated for her to be there. Doctors were the ones who were supposed to determine when something was medically indicated, of course, but they were under constant pressure from the insurance company, which was forever second-guessing their decisions. The more time Olivia spent in this world, the more I saw just how involved the insurer was every step of the way, and the more problematic this looked. Since decisions about time in treatment or moving from one treatment venue to another seemed highly subjective, I found it perturbing that insurance company officials whod never even met Olivia were trying to call the shots. Most of the time I was satisfied with the ultimate outcome, but I came to understand that this was only because Olivias providers devoted untold hours to arguing with our insurer to justify a particular hospital stay or a transfer from one residential to another. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The reality, though, is that eating disorders are notoriously difficult to treat, for a variety of reasons. It is a mental illness that is all about the body, so treatment must address both body and mind, creating countless complexities. Patients may refuse to believe they need treatment, since eating disorder sufferers often are unable to recognize how severe their symptoms actually are. Olivia was constantly insisting that she was fine, that she was not sick enough to have a real eating disorder, that she was taking up a hospital bed that could be used by someone who was really sick. She was reluctant to part with her eating disorder, which for so long helped her cope in our arbitrary world. For months she was open about the fact that she didnt want to recover, a process she equated to getting fat, and, as she told one therapist, shed rather be dead than fat. Theres no single way to get patients to embrace recovery, though group, family, and individual therapy can help, as can education about nutrition and the medical implications of engaging in eating disorder behaviors. But for many patients its a simple matter of time, as they grind through months in treatment while their family and friends move forward out in the world. Gradually, they may question whether this is how they want to spend their whole life. This was how it happened for Olivia. At a certain point she was just over it, and didnt want to see the inside of another hospital room or treatment center. Advertisement Advertisement Its a really tough illness, and we just dont have really good treatment, said Melissa Freizinger, a psychologist at Harvard Medical School, speaking about anorexia in particular. Theres so much about the illness I dont understand, and Ive been doing this for a really long time. Olivia and I were both full of nerves when the day came to leave the now-familiar environment of the hospital and go to the residential. Olivia had gained enough weight that she no longer looked sickly, though she was still 10 or 15 pounds shy of her target weight as established by the hospital based on her growth charts and other factors. (I actually was never very clear as to how this figure was arrived at, especially since it differed from one facility to another.) Her biggest anxiety about the residential was that she would be the fattest one there. She voiced this concern repeatedly, even after I tried to tell her how twisted it was. Advertisement We had little idea what to expect as we drove along crowded freeways from UCLA into the far reaches of the San Fernando Valley. What we found was a big, upscale house that from the outside registered as a single-family dwelling, albeit one with many cars outside. It had a large, sloping yard dotted with some lovely California oak trees, and the Kardashians were rumored to live nearby. Advertisement Advertisement Inside were half a dozen other girls ranging in age from 12 to 17, all of them suffering from one eating disorder or another, most of them from similar racial and socioeconomic backgrounds (white, privileged). Not all teen treatment centers are single sex for girls, but many are, and this one was. I think the other clients were at the dining table when we arrived, and they offered Olivia a friendly greeting. Olivia would spend nearly four months at this facility, where she formed a couple of close friendships and found, I think, a sense of community, though I question how beneficial it really was. Most of the girls were older than Olivia, and she thought they were cool; I wondered whether that made having an eating disorder seem cool. They spent a lot of their time lying around in the milieu, as they called the common area (I found the word odd in this context but discovered that it is therapeutic jargon), listening to Gracie Abrams, and making friendship bracelets. I was perpetually called upon to provide more beads. It sometimes, or often, felt more like a summer camp than a treatment center. At one point Olivia told me she needed new underwear, since all the other girls had cute underwear, and this felt like some kind of a wake-up call. I ended up pulling Olivia out a week early. There was a confusing incident where she fell and hit her head, and though it sounded to me as if she might have had a concussion, no one seemed to be paying much attention. It turned out OK, but I was getting disillusioned with the whole thing. Plus, she had been there so long already, and I thought she was ready to come home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Olivia relapsed so quickly it was head-spinningshe later told me shed planned to relapse. The first day she was home she ate a little, and the next day she ate less, and the day after that she refused to eat anything at all or drink any water, and I had to take her to the ER. Also, I discovered she was secretly exercising at night. Her journal was open on the floor of her room, and I glanced at it without even intending to. Exercises for getting skinny, Olivia had written at the top of the page, followed by a list of ab stretches and the like. That was a low moment. Id felt so hopeful about her homecoming, determined to keep her here even if it meant sacrificing all my time to cook her meals and watch her like a hawk as she ate them. I was still so naive. It wasnt until wed gone through this whole process two or three more timeshospitalization, residential, false-hope homecomingthat I completely despaired of my ability to keep Olivia safe and healthy at home. I wanted so badly for Olivia to be home with us, it was all I wanted, but it could never happen until she wanted to get better, and she still didnt. I didnt know when that would change. I didnt know if that would change. It was getting harder and harder to believe that Olivia would ever get better. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anorexia truly is like a drug addiction, except that skinniness is the drug. Left to her own devices, Olivia would attempt to starve herself by whatever means necessary, including lies and deceit. I believe she might have starved herself to death if it had been up to herthank God it wasnt (though once she turns 18 I guess it will be, which is a terrifying prospect). When she didnt want to eat, there was virtually nothing I could do. She would just sit there with her lips firmly closed. Advertisement This was the case even if Id gone so far as to prepare a somewhat advanced meal, a monumental effort for me. I was so excited when Olivia came home from that first residential that I made her a meal the facility recommended called a harvest bowl, requiring baked butternut squash, cut-up sausages, goat cheese, and a bunch of other ingredients. I actually had to get a friend who knows how to cook to help me execute this. Presented with the harvest bowl, Olivia just sat there with her mouth shut. I was crushed, but there was nothing I could do. Advertisement On one occasion I remember I threatened to throw Olivias iPad into the pool if she didnt eat. Strangely, I cant remember how that turned out, although Im pretty sure I didnt throw her iPad in the pool. I was successful only once in getting her to eat when she didnt want to, and that was because she really wanted a haircut but I wouldnt let her get one until shed eaten a particular meal. So she ate that meal. I then tried to get her to eat another meal by telling her she could get her nails done, but it didnt work. At another point I drew up a little contract for both of us to sign, in which she committed to trying her hardest to eat and I committed to trying to give up my own vice, nicotine pills. Regrettably, the contract was ignored, by both of us. Advertisement Advertisement Around six months in, it had gotten so hard to hang on to hope that I found myself ordering others to hang on to hope. As long as they did so, I would have to too, was my confused logic. Then things got even worse. Advertisement The staff at whatever residential program Olivia then occupied contacted me to say she was not eating, and recommended transferring her to a residential facility that utilized feeding tubes (which that current program, along with many other residentials, did not). The alternative would have been sending her to the ER yet again. I cant remember my exact thought process, but I guess it seemed as if I might as well try something different. The closest residential we could find with feeding tubes and an open bed was in Houston, and so we went there. It was only May or June, but it was already so unbelievably hot and humid in Texas. We found ourselves wandering around an airport that seemed five times the size of LAX, and Olivia had no energy for airport wandering; I was worried she might pass out at any moment. I got her to the new residential. Like the others, it was at a spacious house in the suburbs, and everyone seemed nice. But the environment felt so alien to Olivia, who had never set foot in the South, and she was miserable. Nevertheless, I returned to L.A. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A day or two later, I got a phone call from someone at the Houston residential informing me that Olivia was on a food strike, and that they were going to give her a feeding tube. I authorized this. Then they called again, telling me that theyd tried giving her a feeding tube but that shed refused to accept it. I was speechless. It had not occurred to me that refusing to accept the feeding tube would be an option. If that were the case, why drag Olivia to Houston at all? But so it was, and I never understood whether the staff in L.A. whod recommended that Olivia go to Houston to get a feeding tube knew that she wouldnt actually have to get a feeding tube if she didnt want one. An even bigger mystery was how Olivia herself knew that she could refuse the feeding tube, and even though we were now at mayday levels with her eating disorder, a little part of me felt proud of her balls. Im pretty sure that I, at age 13, would not have been able to stand up to a bunch of grown-ups in that way, although maybe it was just her eating disorder taking charge. Advertisement Advertisement I thought about when she was a happy little baby and an adorable toddler and a sweet little girl, and then I thought that she was still a sweet little girl, but now she was a sweet little girl whod rather be dead than fat and had to be kept alive with a feeding tube in Houston. I subsequently learned that many if not most residentials will not drop a feeding tube over a patients objections; they mostly leave that to hospitals. A hospital was now where Olivia would have to go, and after some incomprehensible dithering about which one it should be, the residential staff sent her on her way. Her conveyance was not an ambulance but a car driven by a young staffer who spent the hourlong ride gossiping with her boyfriend on speakerphone as Olivia desolately rode shotgun. There were no other passengers. I, meanwhile, made my way back to Houston, passing again through the biggest airport ever constructed into the worst heat and humidity that ever existed. By the time I made it to the hospital, Olivia was sinking. She had not had any food in two or three days, and she needed some nutrients right away. Since shed been sent to the hospital for the express purpose of getting a feeding tube, my expectation was that shed get a feeding tube pretty much immediately. I hadnt reckoned with the confounding scenario of a hospital lacking expertise in eating disorder treatment, where the one doctor who understood the issue could be countermanded by an attending who wanted Olivia to try a few bites of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich first, to see if she might rediscover her love of eating. This patently absurd exercise was abandoned once the knowledgeable doctor got wind of it, but that took what felt like an eternity. I had not understood how good we had it at UCLA, where all the staff who deal with eating disorder patients are carefully trained on how to do that. I never saw or heard anyone at UCLA make a misstep such as talking about weight or size, or demonstrating a basic misunderstanding of how eating disorders work. All of that happened in Houston. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When the moment finally arrived for Olivia to get the feeding tube, she was ready for it. She had always feared feeding tubes, but by this point she seemed almost to want oneat least that was my impression. She was so clearly nearing a dangerous tipping point that perhaps she herself was frightened, and maybe it was a relief that the choiceeat or dont eatwas being taken out of her hands. Certainly she didnt fight it. I cannot summon an image of the feeding tube being inserted. Im not sure if thats because I closed my eyes or turned my head to avoid seeing it happen, or if Ive blocked out the memory. The image of her with the tube down her nose is indelible. It was a skinny yellow tube, placed at the outer edge of her right nostril, then looped over her ear and taped there to keep it in place. She sat up in that hospital bed so far from home, with that tube like a scar on her white skin, and I felt we had reached a new low, an extremity of pathos. I thought about when she was a happy little baby and an adorable toddler and a sweet little girl, and then I thought that she was still a sweet little girl, but now she was a sweet little girl whod rather be dead than fat and had to be kept alive with a feeding tube in Houston. Maybe she never would get better at all. Maybe this would be Olivias whole life, going from one hospital bed and residential program to another, and never getting to lead a normal existence. I felt despair then, and I felt how helpless I was as her parent, no matter how much I loved her. Her eating disorder had gripped her so hard that nothing else mattered, and it might never let go. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pretty much as soon as she got the feeding tube, Olivia wanted to start eating again, or at least drinking supplement, because she wanted that thing out. It was very uncomfortable. She kept thinking it was inserted wrong because of how painful it was at certain sites along her esophagus. Staffers were constantly wheeling in an X-ray machine to do chest X-rays to make sure there wasnt something wrong. It always needed to be readjusted or retaped, and it hurt her nose. After a day or two of her drinking supplement, we started pushing to get the tube taken out, but that was a whole process. At a certain point I started threatening to pull it out myself because I was getting so frustrated. Olivia had also started running a low fever at night, although we werent sure why, and everything felt pretty hopeless. I focused on figuring out how to get her back to UCLA, and after a few more days we got the tube out and left with a good-riddance goodbye. We made it back to UCLA, and by this time that familiar unit felt like home. Advertisement Houston turned out to have been rock bottom. Olivia would still suffer one more relapse, and also it would turn out she had gotten COVID for the first time everhence the fever (thanks, Texas!)but a few weeks later she started a different program at UCLA, a residential that was better than the other residentials, and somewhere in there something clicked. Her mindset made the all-important shift from wanting to be sick and viewing her eating disorder as an indispensable security blanket to wanting to get better and feeling eager to rejoin the world. Advertisement Advertisement That doesnt mean shes all the way better or ever will be. Shes been home since early September, and shes still hyperaware of how many calories she consumes. Our kitchen is festooned with nutritional-information handouts to make sure I produce balanced meals and snacks that contain the correct number of calories and not a calorie more. Going out to eat at a restaurant that doesnt list calories on the menu is fraught, although its getting easier all the time. I drive to her middle school every day at noon so she can eat lunch with me in the carotherwise, I will have no certainty that shes eating enough. But still: Shes home, and shes eating. Shes eating, and shes home. Advertisement Advertisement Nine months is a long time in the life of a kid, and Olivia changed while she was away. When I wasnt looking, because I couldnt, she became a teenagerand not just technically, though she did turn 13. The teenage Olivia wears a lot of makeup, swears like a sailor, and spends all her free time shrieking into the phone at her new best friend she met in residential. Shes always been tough, but shes acquired a nonchalant swagger she didnt have before, so that if you didnt know, you might not be able to tell that she remains excruciatingly vulnerable and insecure, not to mention adorably sweet. Also acquired: a nose piercing (over my objections, though she denies this) and two life-size Justin Bieber cutouts, one of which is always on the verge of toppling over. Advertisement That teetering cardboard Bieber has become an unfortunate metaphor in my mind for Olivias hard-fought mental equilibrium. What worries me is that something could upset her balance and make her unhappy enough to slip into depression and reach for her eating disorder for comfort. I dont think it will happen; I know that shes strong, highly motivated, and equipped with a multitude of group-therapy-derived coping skills. But just as I hold my breath when tiptoeing around that unstable Bieber, Im always holding my breath for Olivia, fearful of a fall that hopefully never will come. Advertisement Here are a few things I learned while living with my daughters anorexia: Dont say anything about how she or anyone else looks. Dont talk about food thats good for you and food thats not; food is food, we need it to live. Also, body dysmorphia is real, although it took me a while to grasp this. Its just hard to understand, when your daughter is so thin shes almost translucent, that she can see something so different when she looks in the mirror. But she does. The hardest lessons to learn, but the most important ones, were about my job as a parent. I canand mustsupport Olivia, encourage her, and most of all love her. I need to lead by example and establish positive meal routines for our family. But I cant make Olivia do what I want her to do, make her see reason, make her get better or want to get better. It has to come from her. She just has to know that Ill be there for her always. I hope she knows that. I think she does. Just in case, Im going to go tell her again right now. Sign up for the Slatest to get the most insightful analysis, criticism, and advice out there, delivered to your inbox daily. The way Sydney Sweeney held her face for the entirety of White Lotus Season 1 is how I feel every time we have to talk about her. It feels as if were always talking about her: her box-office performances, her dating life, her apparent links to conservatism. Since her breakthrough in Euphoria in 2019, she has spent most of her 20s as a lightning rod for discussion about the male gaze. Shes been treated mostly as a great body and a periodical meme. Tough, especially when your original sin was merely being hot. What else is she supposed to do except capitalize on the attention when she can? Shes appeared in advertisements for Laneige and Armani Beauty and Bai water. In 2025 she launched a Bathwater Bliss soap for men with Dr. Squatch, ostensibly made with her own bathwater. It sold out immediately and hit the reseller market for hundreds more. Good for her, frankly. But some of her other business ventures have, incredibly, ended with her being accused of being a white supremacist. Her American Eagle ad became a defining joke of 2025 for her slithering around in denim while purring about how genes are passed down from parents to offspring. Enough people online thought that it was a dog whistle about race, and that she was quietly promoting eugenics as some fascist agitprop. That ad, plus reporting that shes a registered Republican who attended a Scooter Braunorganized meetup with former Israeli hostages, has put Sweeney on the defensive. Ive never been here to talk about politics, she told Cosmopolitan last month in response to a question about her MAGA Barbie nickname. Ive always been here to make art, so this is just not a conversation I want to be at the forefront of. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now shes back with another product to help us understand who she is: a lingerie line called Syrn, and pronounced siren, because thats what art is all about. I wanted to build a lingerie brand that feels like it understands women instead of talking at them, she told Elle last month. But what does Sweeneyor Jeff Bezos, one of the litany of male investors in the Coatue tech fund thats backing this particular enterpriseknow about talking to women? Having one specific type of female body doesnt mean that you know how to design for them. A woman with the most idealized body among white Americans, similarly, isnt necessarily poised to know what the masses are interested in. Syrn sizing starts at 30A and goes only to 42DDD/F, which is a bummer, since the average American bra size hovers around a D or DD. Advertisement As a woman with pendulous breasts, I think theres something insulting about Sydney Sweeney moving through Hollywood as if she invented having boobs. I actually invented it. I was the first woman to have breasts, before Sweeney was even alive! My heaving and natural 36Ds are, of course, the first and only boobs to exist. Who better to review Syrn than I, someone who is actually just legs, arms, and areola. Advertisement Sweeney has launched Syrn with two of four product lines; you can currently buy from Seductress and Romantic, while Playful and Comfy are forthcoming. From the heart, brains and boobs of Sydney Sweeney, the website cheerfully chirps at you, eschewing the Oxford comma and making it sound as if her brain and boobs are mashed together into one pulsating, confused, plush organ. The day the brand launched, sizing was at a premium, so I ordered whatever I could find in my sizes: The Show Off Unlined Plunge Bra, the Fantasy Lace Halter Bodysuit, and the Seduction Lightly Lined Plunge Bra, each for $89. Theyre reasonably priced, slightly cheaper than what you might get from Dita Von Teeses line and slightly more than from Savage x Fenty. Advertisement Advertisement And, look, all the items are fine. Theres nothing distinct about them, nothing that separates them from the kinds of pieces youd have found at Victorias Secret 10 or 15 years ago. The womens intimates space is crowded, especially with celebrity faces: Rihanna, Kim Kardashian, Lizzo. Sweeney lacks the clear futuristic minimalism of Kardashians branding, or Rihannas edgy-sexy-punky Savage, or Von Teeses classic cabaret-style collections. A celebrity line lives and dies by the celebrity promoting it, and just how convincing they are of their messaging. SKIMS works because a merkin bikini bottom is, actually, something for the increasingly extraterrestrial Kardashian to wear: She is selling you the dream of being a fashion weirdo. Savage looks like much of what Rihanna might wear in a music video: She is selling you the dream of being the baddest bitch in the room. Sweeney, conversely, has merely shown us boobs and asked us to fill in the blanks about what it all means. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related From Slate Something Strange Is Happening With Sydney Sweeney Read More Syrns designs are pretty basicblack lace over nude illusion, slightly thicker straps to help keep them from cutting into your skin, heart-shaped fasteners. There are a few items that might elicit an Oh, cute while shopping online, but there is no reinvention of the brassiere here. And while I understand that her initials are merely unfortunate, I perhaps would not fasten small silver SS charms onto the center of my bras if I had just done an interview with Cosmopolitan about how Im definitely not a racist. But heythey all fit. Thats more than you can expect from most celebrity lines, and at barely $90 an item, theyre not such an insurmountable splurge for lingerie. Theyre not comfortable, but thats not Sweeneys fault: There are no comfortable bras, because bras are not intended to be comfortable. Im not arguing with you about thisI, after all, invented having boobs. Advertisement Advertisement Syrn is attempting 50s and 60s nostalgia in its design, something that, generally speaking, is well-trodden territory for womens clothes. It feels like the kind of stuff youd see Sabrina Carpenter in. But the key difference is that Carpenters branding is demonstrably rooted in irony; she sings songs about men being useless and about seeking the worlds best orgasm, all while she wears nighties and negligees. For Sweeney, there is no dichotomy between brand and sense of self. She has offered her audience no clear personal ethos, and so all we have to go off are a few movies, a couple of seasons of an HBO show about teenagers doing whippets at a strip clubI think? I have never seen Euphoriaand these brand activations, which serve only to solidify what little we may know about her. Advertisement Women can usually tell when something sold and marketed to us is actually for us. Often, it seems as if were buying things for the husband were supposed to have. Sweeney is the kind of female celebrity that feels designed for straight men, and so many of her advertisements feel targeted to them too. Even when shes displaying a product mostly for women, like lingerie, it still seems like something women buy in order to appeal to men. Her bathwater soap sold out not just because it was perverted (and smart!) but because it was for her audience: men who like her. There is no moral or ethical failure in being a woman who can sell something to men. In fact, its your feminist duty to wring them dry. But Sweeney lacks the sense of humor or even the raw sex appeal required to make a typical lingerie line seem singular, and she lacks the female audience to make this land. Instead, it just feels like the inevitable next step in an actors capitalistic dependencies. Sign up for the Slatest to get the most insightful analysis, criticism, and advice out there, delivered to your inbox daily. In his most recent rant about how Democrats cheat to win elections, President Donald Trump offered a chilling recommendation on Monday. Appearing on the podcast of Dan Bongino, his former deputy FBI director, the president argued that the Republicans should say, We want to take over. We should take over the voting, the voting in at least many15 places. The Republicans, he added, ought to nationalize the voting. A federal-government takeover of Americas locally and state-administered voting process has long been something Republicans have opposed on principle. But then again, Trump said he wanted to do it. So how would Senate Republicans respond? There were those who, in a ritual dating back to the early days of Trumps first term, had conveniently not kept abreast of the news. Texas Sen. Ted Cruz told me he wouldnt comment because he hadnt seen the interview. Iowa Sen. Chuck Grassley thought about it for a few seconds before determining that he too was unfamiliar. Others were more forthcoming, with Sens. Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski rejecting the idea. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, most importantly, said, Im not in favor of federalizing electionsI mean, I think thats a constitutional issue. But a broad middle of GOP senators took something of a third way: While they wouldnt endorse a partisan and national takeover of voting itself, they were eager to talk about legislation that would greatly expand the federal role in electionsand do so in a way that furthers a long-standing partisan goal of the GOP. We need to safeguard our elections better, Kansas Sen. Roger Marshall told me. I think the SAVE Act is a great start. I think requiring proof of citizenship when you register to vote is a must. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wisconsin Sen. Ron Johnson said that we shouldnt nationalize elections, but we should certainly set certain standards like citizenship and voter ID. He added, The problem is, we have Democrats who want to make it easy to cheat. Advertisement Florida Sen. Rick Scott echoed those sentiments. We need to have voter ID in our elections. We need to make sure illegal aliens cannot vote in our elections, he said. We need to make sure that we just stop the fraud. As Marshall alluded to, the bill that Republicans have coalesced around is the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, which the House passed earlier this Congress, and which proponents are trying to find some magical way to squeeze through the Senates brick wall. Even White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, in a Tuesday press briefing, said passage of this legislation is what Trump had been referring to when he called to nationalize the voting. Sure it was. Republicans often point to the high public support for requiring photo ID at polling places. The SAVE Act is more than that, though. It requires documentary proof of United States citizenship in order to register to vote. Such proof means things like a passport or a birth certificate. REAL IDs could count too, but only if they indicate citizenship, and just a handful of states REAL IDs currently do so. The SAVE Act, in other words, applies drastic changes to solve a problemvoter fraudthat is vanishingly rare, though it would succeed in creating hurdles for eligible voters. It goes without saying that Democrats have no interest in this legislation, and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer has described it as nothing more than Jim Crow 2.0. Advertisement Advertisement Given Senate Democrats 100 percent chance of filibustering this legislation, and Republicans inability to eliminate the legislative filibuster, then, whats the plan for getting this bill through the Senate? Advertisement House Republicans think they have an idea that could work. Bless their hearts. After the Senate and White House reached a deal last week to extend the Department of Homeland Securitys funding for only two weeks, giving them a brief window to negotiate new immigration enforcement reforms, conservative House Republicans were displeased. If Democrats felt as if they could reopen a closed negotiation over DHS funding, then they wanted to participate too. A group of them, led by Florida Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, insisted that when the Senate deal returned to the House, they wouldnt support it unless they could attach the SAVE Act. But such a move would have been a recipe for a prolonged shutdown. Trumps priority over the past week has been to avoid a lengthy shutdown that keeps the issue of immigration enforcement tactics front and center in the news. And so, following a White House meeting, Luna and Co. said theyd received assurances from Thune that they would wait out a standing filibuster from their Democratic counterparts in order to pass the SAVE Act, at a later date. In return, the rebels would support the government funding bill sent over from the Senate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anyone familiar with the Senate realizes that Thune would never have made such an assurance. As Thune clarified Tuesday morning, all he said was that hed have a conversation with Republican senators about it. You have to know what waiting out a standing filibuster meansand most House members dontto understand why he wouldnt promise it to some aggravated House members. Related From Slate Don Lemons Arrest Is a Five-Alarm-Fire Moment Read More Waiting out a standing, or talking, filibuster means you wait for the other side to stop talking before moving ahead to a simple-majority vote, as opposed to the normal means of cutting off debate: invoking cloture with 60 votes. The strategy, if used, would likely involve enforcing the Senates two-speech rule, barring lawmakers from speaking more than twice in the same legislative day on the same question. Advertisement The problem is that this can take forever. Forty-seven Democratic senators being able to speak twice, on its own terms, could take up weeks or months of precious legislative floor time that Republicans need for other priorities. And thats before any amendments that could reset the clock. Plus, GOP senators would need to be on or near the floor for the entirety of this time to ensure they have a quorum lest Democratic speakers attempt a quorum call. Advertisement Advertisement Im skeptical that its going to be a panacea, Texas Sen. John Cornyn, a onetime member of leadership whos well familiar with Senate rules, told me. Thune laid out all of these challenges Tuesday afternoon but nevertheless promised to have a discussion about it and see where our conference is. In other words, the plan is to allow the passage of time to do the humble work of making everyone forget about all of this. Trumps desire for greater control over the administration of the midterm elections, however, wont disappear amid congressional gridlock. The president already initiated a national redistricting war to squeeze out a few more congressional seats. The FBI has already raided a Georgia election facility and could plan for more. The Justice Department keeps trying to get its mitts on state voter rolls. We dont know exactly what it is yet, but if theres a way to do nationalization by other means, the administration will be looking into it. The frigid winter weather has done nothing to cool off Drew Monti. The 31-year-old driver, coming off a season in which he set a career-high with $3.76 million in purses and captured titles at Batavia Downs and Buffalo Raceway, has been winning races at a nearly 24 per cent clip since the calendar turned to 2026. Monti has won 17 of 71 races this year and earned $132,467 in purses. He will head into final day of Batavias brief January/February meet on Thursday, Feb. 5 with 16 victories in 65 starts at the western New York half-mile oval, where he leads the drivers' standings by four wins over both Brett Beckwith and Kyle Cummings. Last year, Monti won 293 races coming up one triumph shy of his career best and added a top-10 finish at Plainridge Park to his crowns at Batavia and Buffalo. Its sort of picked up where I left off at the end of last year, Monti said. It was a good year. It was busy and it went fast, but I was happy with where I ended up. I had a chance to race some good horses, and I had a couple of my own that I really liked. Its nice to have horses like that. It was a good feeling. Usually, the winter meet is not really my thing. My accounts dont really race in the winter, so its like a different mix of horses. If you get lucky, and you end up on the right horses, its okay. But its not anything planned, per se. But this meet has been exceptional. The weather has been tough, but the racing has been good for sure. Monti has been the leading driver at Batavia four times in his career (with 2025 joining 2024, 2018 and 2016) and also was the top driver at Buffalo in 2018. Its the same circuit, but to lead at Buffalo and Batavia is kind of difficult, Monti said. Different people do better at each track, for whatever the reason; it isnt just the same group of people, business as usual. There are people that dont even really race at Batavia, but they do very well at Buffalo. With that being said, sometimes you just get dialled in. You hate to say it ever feels easy, but it just feels smooth. Things are going smoothly for a long period of time, rather than erratic. Whether it be with the horses, good or bad luck, theres a lot that can stop you. Monti, who has won nearly 2,900 races in his career, will hope things continue to go smoothly on Thursday, when his nine drives include Rock Me Always and Kbssweetcaroline in Batavia Downs Winter Series Finals. Rock Me Always is two-for-two this season, with both victories coming in the preliminary rounds of the conditioned series for pacers. The 12-year-old son of Always A Virgin-Rock Me Mama is 7-5 on the morning line as part of a Mae Smith-trained entry and will leave from post three in the $11,000 USD final. I love that horse, Monti said. He went a huge trip last week. I moved him three-high at the quarter pole back to the lead, it was a little ridiculous. It wasnt a good drive; he made me look good. Hes been pretty dominant. It looks like hes in a good spot. Hes got a lot of gate speed, and hes been so sharp, I think hell be real tough to beat. Kbssweetcaroline brings a five-race win streak dating to last year into her $14,000 USD final. The six-year-old pacing mare also is two-for-two this season thanks to triumphs in her series prelims. The Sam Smith-trained daughter of Shadyshark Hanover-Armbro Abstract will leave from post four and is the 2-1 second choice on the morning line. She is just unbelievable right now, Monti said. Horses get confident and feel like they can do anything. Im hoping that if I can get spotted close that shes capable of winning, for sure. Hopefully, we get it done. Following the completion of the Batavia meet, Monti has no set plans for the days ahead of Buffalos opening on Mar. 4. He might race some at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows, or at other tracks in upstate New York, in addition to spending time with his dad, Darrin, working at their seven-to-10 horse stable. I get pretty busy through the summer, so to sit down for a minute isnt the worst thing, Monti said. But I cant wait for Buffalo. Hopefully, we get out of this winter in one piece and everything is good to go. The money is going to be good, the racing is going to be good, at Buffalo. Im looking forward to that. My better horses are on the shelf just waiting to come out. Everything will be really coming together by March 1. Well be in gear. Hopefully we hit the ground running and have another good year. (USTA) Chris Noth is feeling "very lucky" he is no longer part of the And Just Like That..., after it was cancelled. Chris Noth takes swipe at Sex and the City revival series The 71-year-old actor's Sex and the City character Mr. Big was killed off in the premiere episode of the show's revival series, and the star is glad he wasnt involved when it was axed following a third season. Asked how he feels about not being part of the series, he told the Daily Mail: "I feel very good. I feel very well. "I think I was very lucky." Quizzed on whether he keeps in touch with any of his former co-stars, he said: "John Corbett and I are very close." Chris' comments come after he threw shade at his former Sex and the City co-star Sarah Jessica Parker last month, after she won the Carol Burnett Award at the 2026 Golden Globes. On Instagram, he wrote: "F @k new years - LETS GO!!!!! (sic)" A fan replied: "You mean fcuk sjp her award right? lol (sic)" Noth replied: "Right" Chris' Sex and the City character was killed off after he was accused of sexual assault by multiple women, which he has denied. Following the allegations, Parker and her co-stars Kristin Davis and Cynthia Nixon released a statement saying they were "deeply saddened" by the accusations. Last month, Noth admitted he was "disappointed" by the statement, and questioned why they didn't call him to talk about it instead. Speaking on an episode of the Really Famous with Kara Mayer Robinson podcast, Chris - who played Carrie's husband in Sex and the City - said: "We're not friends - I think that's pretty obvious. "The statement they put out - which was nothing more than brand management, really - I don't know, it was sad, it was disappointing, it was surprising. "Because you need to call me and hear my side of this. You've known me for many years, and we've worked (together) for many years. "I get it, that's more Hollywood than Hollywood. But before you make that statement, you know me, you've known me all these years, give me a call so I can give you the real scoop about this. "And that didn't happen, and that was too bad. "What's gained is good. You know where people stand and you know who your real friends are and who they're not. "That's important to know. I just know if it had been on the other hand, I wouldn't have done that. "That was hurtful, and it really affected everything." The Vincent Delaney Memorial Committee has announced details for the 2026 Northern Ireland & Vincent Delaney Memorial Festival Tour taking place this summer from Aug. 3-9. The seven-day luxury adventure tour blends iconic destinations, cultural landmarks, dramatic coastal scenery and VIP access to one of Wales most exciting racing weekends, Vincent Delaney Memorial. The adventure begins with pickup in Dublin, followed by an exclusive behind-the-scenes visit to the renowned Meadowbranch Training Centre. Guests will also visit the legendary Hill of Tara, a historic site associated with ancient Irish royalty and myth. The tour continues to Belfast, where travellers will stay overnight at the four-star Clayton Hotel Belfast City, located in the heart of the city. While in Belfast, guests will experience the Titanic Belfast Museum and a guided city tour featuring the citys renowned murals and history. Additional Northern Ireland highlights include the Giants Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its striking geological formations, as well as the famed Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, offering panoramic coastal views and unforgettable photo opportunities. Following Northern Ireland, the group will return to Dublin and travel onward via scenic ferry crossing to Wales. Guests will arrive in Snowdonia National Park and enjoy accommodations at the four-star Ixora Hotel & Spa, then explore the historic Conwy Castle, one of Wales most celebrated medieval landmarks. The tour concludes with a weekend of excitement at the Vincent Delaney Memorial Festival of Racing at Tir Prince, where guests will enjoy premium access and front-row energy at this signature racing event. "This tour offers limited availability and exceptional value," said tour coordinator Heather Wilder. Premium hotels, iconic attractions and VIP racing access all in one seamless package." The exclusive package is priced at $3,500 USD per person. To register or request additional tour details, contact Heather Wilder at [email protected]. (With files from the Vincent Delaney Memorial Committee) Former driver and trainer Renald Filion passed away in Lachute, Que. on Jan. 13, 2026 at the age of 87. Renald was one of eight Filion brothers who were active in driving and training Standardbred racehorses. He was a brother to Herve, Yves, Henri, Gilles, Rheo, Denis and Marcel. Over five decades of racing, Renald drove winners of 942 races and $2.8 million in purse earnings and trained winners of more than $1 million. At one point in his career, he worked hand in hand with brother Herve at Herve's Capital Hill Farm in Englishtown, New Jersey, driving and training some of Herve's horses. Renald's most exciting day in the winner's circle took place at the Rideau Canal Ice Races on Feb. 4, 1979 in Ottawa, Ont., where he won a race between the eight Filion brothers. Greeting him in the winner's circle was Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau along with son Justin. Renald saw that Justin was interested in touching the winning horse so he hoisted Justin in his arms to pat the horse. That photo was carried around the nation and gave great exposure to harness racing. In accordance with Renald's wishes, there was no funeral or celebration of life. Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Renald Filion. For years, rumors have swirled that Apple has been toiling away on a foldable iPhone, nicknamed the iPhone Fold. Over the last year, numerous leaks have suggested that it could actually be released in 2026. The latest rumor, from a leaker on Weibo, suggests that Apple's first foldable will have a 5,500-mAh battery, which would make it the largest on any iPhone, surpassing the 5,088-mAh capacity on the iPhone 17 Pro Max. But most of the curiosity has been around how Apple's mystery foldable will look. Recently, an Apple fan made a 3D-printed mock-up for an Apple book-style foldable's possible design, looking more like a Microsoft Surface Duo merged with an iPhone 17 Pro than the Galaxy Z Fold 7 or Pixel 10 Pro Fold. In other words, a vision of two separate iPhone screens linked together rather than a continuous, folding display. That's an interesting proposition considering rumors have spoken of Apple's efforts to reduce the seam where a foldable screen bends. The one on the iPhone Fold is rumored to have little or no crease, according to a recent report by the Chinese publication UDN. Screen creases, especially on early foldable phones, have long annoyed some consumers and critics. And while the crease on more recent foldables looks a lot less deep, it's still there. Samsung's new Galaxy Z TriFold has two screen creases, one for each of its hinges. It would be a major breakthrough if Apple has indeed found a way to fold a screen in half without leaving a crease. Advertisement Advertisement We've yet to hear any official word on a foldable iPhone from Apple. Zain bin Awais/CNET Foldable phones represent a tiny fraction of all phones sold globally. CNET found that 64% of people surveyed said they don't want a foldable phone. But those numbers could change if Apple were to sell a foldable iPhone. Analysts at IDC forecast a 30% year-over-year growth if Apple were to launch a foldable iPhone in 2026. Apple launched the iPhone 17 series along with the new super-thin iPhone Air in September. Given all the engineering it took to cram cameras and components into the top half of the Air, some have theorized that the device is a stepping stone to a foldable, which could take advantage of the Air's internal design. A lot of hope and expectation has been placed on Apple to release one, and if rumors are correct, we won't have to wait much longer for the company to do so. iPhone Fold history Zain bin Awais/CNET Rumors suggest Apple is developing a book-style foldable like the Galaxy Z Fold 7. Years ago, in 2017, folks predicted that a foldable iPhone could launch in the then-near future of 2020 -- which didn't happen. Analysts and leakers have been kicking the release date down the road ever since, and rumors and wish lists have lingered as phone fans keep their hopes alive. Absent any confirmed details from Apple, here's everything we know so far about the company's future foray into foldables. Advertisement Advertisement A new patent granted to Apple in July 2024, which was applied for years ago, shows how long the company has been working on a folding iPhone. Kuo's report in early March said that an Apple foldable could launch at the end of 2026, with a 7.8-inch crease-free inner display and a 5.5-inch outer display. Accordingly, Kuo believes the price would match that of other similar folding devices, at $2,000 to $2,500. Despite the high price tag, he says projected shipments are 3 to 5 million devices, which is a confident estimate given only 19.3 foldables were sold in 2024, market research firm IDC reported. Although many reports have focused on the company's struggles to eliminate the crease within the internal folding display, Apple's patent indicates that the development has been ongoing for some time. Creases have plagued foldable phones since their introduction in 2020, and although the most recent Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 have reduced the crease, it is still visible and noticeable. By mid-2024, market analysts at TrendForce estimated that display crease issues might push back an Apple foldable until 2027, according to 9to5Mac. Prior rumors said Apple may not launch its own flexible screen device until 2025, and Samsung hasn't let phone fans forget it by releasing an app that will let Apple phone owners experience a Z Fold-esque experience by placing two iPhones side-by-side. Advertisement Advertisement Read more: I Visited Samsung's Home Turf to See if Foldable Phones Are Really the Future iPhone 2026 lineup Jeffrey Hazelwood/CNET There's no guarantee about which phones Apple will release during its usual September window, but the safest bet is on another series of flat phones, which we expect to be the iPhone 18 series. But what else could be coming alongside the usual lineup? There could be an iPhone Air 2, though rumors conflict on whether to expect one next year or not. There's been a lot more evidence for an iPhone Fold, though whether it comes out in 2026 or in later years is still uncertain. If the iPhone Fold does launch next year, more rumors have suggested a clamshell device has been prioritized and may come first -- given reports of Apple researching a book-style foldable, we could get one of those as well. In mid-January, MacRumors reportedly saw a research note from analyst Jeff Pu suggesting that the iPhone Fold will pack 12GB of memory -- as will the entire iPhone 18 line. Apple never discloses how much RAM is included in its phones, but specs sites like GSMArena have reported that the standard iPhone 17 has 8GB of RAM, while the rest of the series (iPhone Air, 17 Pro and Pro Max) all have 12GB. If correct, that means Apple doesn't think its foldable will need more memory than its standard flat phones -- it'll have more screen area, but potentially no better hardware than its iPhone 18 siblings. Advertisement Advertisement It's also interesting to see the standard iPhone 18 packing 12GB of memory, as the RAM shortage is predicted to hike prices on phones released in 2026. Apple may be willing to pay the price for a more capable basic model of iPhone 18, or perhaps it'll pass those costs on to the consumer with a price hike. iPhone Fold or iPhone Air 2? Zooey Liao/CNET Advertisement Advertisement There's the chance that we get an iPhone Fold next year, which rumors have said could launch in 2026 at the earliest, though it could also come out in 2027 or later. It should be noted that analysts and rumors had predicted a foldable iPhone release from as far back as 2022, so the rolling prospective launch windows don't lend confidence that we'll necessarily see the device come out next year. Given Samsung's six-year head start on making foldables, Apple seems to be in no rush to get one out. While the iPhone Air came out with the iPhone 17 handsets, there are conflicting rumors on whether we'll see an iPhone Air 2 in 2026. A recent report from The Information says that Apple is delaying the release of the next version of the iPhone, citing people familiar with the matter. This follows rumors that disappointing iPhone Air sales after launch led Apple to dial back production, though even that claim was denounced by TD Cowen, according to a note from the investment research firm that was seen by AppleInsider that asserted the company would continue producing the thin phone. The Information's story was amended to say that the delay could be caused by engineers who are re-considering the Air's design so that it could support a second rear camera. All of which casts doubt on whether we'll get an iPhone Air 2 next year, but there's not enough evidence yet to roundly dismiss the possibility. iPhone Fold specs Zain bin Awais There are no confirmed specs for the iPhone Fold, because Apple hasn't even confirmed one exists or is coming out. Given we don't have a year of expected release, we can't much predict what kind of internal specs the iPhone Fold will have -- presumably, Apple will want its most powerful A-series chip to run it, along with enough RAM to handle two or three displays (depending on whether it folds inward or outward and needs a dedicated outer screen). Advertisement Advertisement We do have some predictions for other specs, though only for the book-style Fold (not the clamshell). In March, analyst Kuo predicted the larger Fold could have a 5.5-inch outer screen and 7.8-inch inner display. When folded up, it will be 9-9.5mm thick and 4.5-4.8mm when unfolded. A front-facing camera will be available whether the phone is folded or unfolded, while it will also have two rear cameras. Kuo predicted that the device will use the same high-density battery cells as used in what he referred to then as the "ultra-thin iPhone 17" which is presumably the iPhone Air. But that trim thickness means the foldable may forgo Face ID, so the device may use Touch ID in a side button. Some rumors about hardware have emerged. In January, an analyst note seen by MacRumors suggests Apple's foldable could launch with 12GB of RAM, the same amount in the Galaxy Z Fold 7's starting configuration. That could mean Apple doesn't need a lot of memory to handle multiple screens or that it isn't banking on big AI features that can take up a lot of RAM. We finally have a prediction on the iPhone Fold's battery, with Weibo leaker Fixed Focus Digital posting that it will have a 5,500-mAh capacity, as 9to5Mac first reported. That's substantially larger than batteries on some other foldables -- for example, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 has a 4,400-mAh capacity -- but Samsung has been in the foldable game for so many years that it's bound to have increased efficiency, likely in an effort to slim down the thickness of its devices. Yet if the Weibo leak is true, this will be the largest battery ever on an Apple handset. The iPhone 17 Pro Max has a 5,088-mAh battery. iPhone Fold release date USPTO Apple has neither confirmed the iPhone Fold nor announced a proper release date. Analysts and rumors have predicted that the foldable could come out in 2026 or be pushed until next year. Advertisement Advertisement As for timing, since the iPhone Air was released alongside the iPhone 17 models, the Fold could come alongside the iPhone 18 series. But since Apple released the iPhone 16E early this year, far before the September window for its main iPhone release, the company could do the same with the iPhone 17E in 2026. Apple could even delay the launch of the standard iPhone 18 to the spring of 2027 to make room for the iPhone Fold in Apple's Sept. 2026 launch, according to an ET News report. Given that Samsung offsets its standard and foldable phone releases at Unpacked events months apart from each other, Apple could do the same. What Apple's new patent says about the iPhone Flip Justin Reynoso/CNET After years of rumors that Apple was working on foldable phones, a patent was finally granted to the company, confirming that it has been working toward a folding iPhone. The 22-page patent (PDF), simply titled "Electronic Devices With Durable Folding Displays," was filed in November 2021 and granted on July 16, 2024. Sadly for folding iPhone hopefuls, the patent doesn't offer much illumination of what an iPhone Flip might look like. Most of the pages show figures depicting cross-sections of potential displays that fold about a hinge but not the device they're folding around. There are some tidbits deeper into the text of the patent that hint at potential design choices Apple might make, like a hinge that holds the display flat when unfolded but which would let the display "slightly fold about the bend axis when the electronic device is jolted during the drop event" -- in other words, if dropped, the device would fold inward slightly so that it lands on its edges to protect the inner display. Advertisement Advertisement It's important to note that all evidence shows Apple working on a foldable iPhone, but the patent broadly applies to folding displays in general -- to wit, some figure schematics describe a device that "may be a cellular telephone, tablet computer, laptop computer, wristwatch device or other wearable device, a television, a stand-alone computer display or other monitor" or screens as far-ranging as on vehicles, in kiosks, in media players or other electronic equipment. The rest of the patent describes what an Apple device with a folding display may have and categorically lists things like batteries and wireless charging, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, LED or LCD displays, microphones and capacitive sensors, haptics and so on. There's explicit mention of a display folding 180 degrees, or fully flat, which follows most other foldables -- presumably, Apple isn't going to leapfrog the competition in following Samsung's concept displays we saw at CES that unfold nearly 360 degrees. Two foldable iPhone Flips? Foldable iPhone hopefuls will at least be encouraged that Apple seemingly continues to tinker with an iPhone Flip design. The company is said to be working on two sizes of folding iPhones: a book-style and a clamshell-style, according to an older report by The Information, although this may be contradicted by a newer report by the same site suggesting Apple had settled on the latter for a smaller device. This aligns with prior rumors hinting the iPhone Flip will be in the clamshell format similar to the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip series or Motorola Razr Ultra. It sounds like Apple's been struggling to meet its high expectations: The company's design team wants the iPhone Flip to be half as thin as current iPhone models and to have displays on the outside that are visible when the device is folded shut, according to the report. Advertisement Advertisement Development on the iPhone Flip was halted around 2020, the older report noted, in order to focus on a new project, a folding iPad. This device would have an 8-inch display, around the size of the iPad Mini. The foldable tablet supposedly had less strict durability and thickness requirements, as it wouldn't need to fit in pockets like an iPhone Flip. Apple was still working on ways to reduce the crease in the middle of the folding display and get the iPad to lie fully flat. Release date: The iPhone Flip could launch in 2027 Screenshot by Jeff Carlson/CNET The latest indications of an iPhone Flip release date came back in June, when analyst Kuo suggested production could kick off in 2026 with phones coming out that year. This follows Kuo's earlier prediction in March that the company could release a crease-free foldable by the end of 2026. Furthermore, this would likely be a book-style foldable with a 7.8-inch internal display and 5.5-inch external screen, which is counter to other predictions anticipating a clamshell-style foldable. It's possible that these timeline predictions apply to one or the other or, due to the vague nature of rumors, even both -- that is, Apple could be working on both a book-style and clamshell style foldable, though it's less clear if release date expectations would be interchangeable or if Apple would stagger their release. It's been an open secret for years that Apple is working toward a foldable iPhone. The company has been registering patents for foldable technologies for almost a decade, and while there's no guarantee that one will come out even after all that research (remember AirPower?), there's still been buzz and possible release dates floated for years -- though still not one solid enough to get excited about. Early rumors pointed as far back as 2021 as a potential target date, but the year passed with no foldable iPhone in sight. A March 2021 report from longtime analyst Kuo (via MacRumors) suggested 2023 might be more realistic (though that year has come and gone). According to Kuo, Apple still needs to figure out technology and mass production issues before bringing a device like this to market, hence the wait. Speculation later in 2021 from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman aligned with Kuo's predictions: In his Power On Newsletter, Gurman said that the foldable iPhone may not arrive for another two to three years. Since then, new rumors have pointed to an even later release. Reliable display analyst Ross Young said in February 2024 that the foldable iPhone had been pushed back to 2025, and Kuo reaffirmed his predicted release window in a tweet in April 2022. "Apple may launch its first foldable product in 2025 at the earliest, which may be a foldable iPad or a hybrid of iPad and iPhone," Kuo wrote in the tweet. Another rumor, first noticed by MacRumors in February of 2024 by Weibo-based blogger Fixed Focus Digital, suggested that the foldable iPhone project is delayed for the foreseeable future. The problem? Apple, which is rumored to be using Samsung folding panels for its iPhone Flip's display, was dissatisfied with the screens' performance after they broke down a few days into testing. That's echoed by the most recent estimate by TrendForce market analysts, reported in 9to5Mac, which predicted that an Apple foldable might not be released until 2027 at the earliest. Why? Apple's strict requirements for reliability and the phone display's crease. But Kuo's more recent March 2025 predictions explicitly noted a crease-free foldable display, suggesting Apple might have moved past this roadblock -- if all these rumors are to be believed, of course. Read more: Top Foldable Phones for 2025 Design: What will the foldable iPhone look like? Apple/US Patent and Trademark Office A 2021 report from Bloomberg indicated Apple already had a working prototype of a foldable iPhone display. While it wasn't a working model, it was a step up from a patent -- which, until then, was all we had seen. Apple seems to have taken out every patent under the sun when it comes to foldable displays, including an origami-style folding display, a flip-up display and even a wraparound display. We don't know which one will make the final cut, but both Kuo and Bloomberg seem to agree that the current prototype is more of a traditional fold-out design. Unlike Microsoft's Surface Duo, which has hinges on the exterior, Apple's would have one continuous display with a hidden hinge mechanism like the Galaxy Fold. Apple leaker Jon Prosser reported in early 2021 that the iPhone Flip will likely use a clamshell design and come in several "fun colors." Between the bright pastels of the iPhone 15 and Plus and the sleeker deep blue of the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max, an array of fun colors for Apple's first foldable device is definitely a possibility. YouTuber ConceptsiPhone also gave us a glimpse into what the iPhone Flip could look with concept art of the foldable iPhone in the colors blue, red, gold and green. In March 2025, analyst Kuo had some very specific but non-clamshell predictions: that Apple would release a book-style foldable with a 5.5-inch outer screen that unfolded to have a 7.8-inch internal screen, and be 4.5-4.8mm when unfolded but 9-9.5mm thick. It would have the same high-density battery cells as the "ultra-thin iPhone 17" and a hinge with stainless steel and titanium alloy (a favorite material of Apple's iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max as well as the Apple Watch Ultra 2). Per Kuo's predictions, the foldable will have two rear cameras and a front-facing camera on both the external and internal displays. Most interestingly, Kuo also expects that Apple's book-style foldable will see the return of Touch ID as a side button, as Face ID might be left out due to space constraints -- presumably for the array of depth-of-field sensors and cameras needed for the tech. Roadblocks: What still stands in Apple's way? CNET Samsung and others have been testing the waters, but Apple has been learning from the pain points of their foldable devices and figuring out how they'd be used. One of these pain points is the crease. A lot of the current cover materials, including the glass and plastic mix that Samsung uses for the Z Fold and Z Flip, show a visible crease when folded out to full screen. To avoid it, Apple would likely have to wait for Corning, Apple's glass provider, to create some kind of bendable version of its Ceramic Shield screen. The company is already working on a bendable glass but hasn't announced a launch date for it. Kuo tweeted in April 2022 that Apple was testing a foldable OLED screen. Korean tech news site The Elec also reported that Apple was working with LG to develop a foldable OLED panel. Cost: Foldable phones don't come cheap Price is another major problem for these types of devices. Although Samsung still has the most affordable folding phone with the clamshell Motorola Razr at $700, most others in the category are book-style foldables like the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, which are around twice the price of most flagship phones. We wouldn't expect a foldable iPhone to be cheaper than its rivals. Apple's foldable needs to be in line with current foldable and nonfoldable models to be able to compete against other brands and entice iPhone users to ditch their single-screen devices and pay more for a foldable. Analyst Kuo predicted that a book-style iPhone foldable coming in 2026 could be priced anywhere from $2,000 to $2,500 as it's "expected to generate strong replacement demand-despite the premium price-provided quality meets expectations." A report last year found that half of American consumers are interested in buying a foldable phone, though Apple customers are slightly less willing to make the leap than Samsung or LG users. Perhaps the "Apple effect" will change those stats if and when a foldable iPhone ever becomes a reality. Manasi Vartaks path to becoming chief AI architect at US data platform Cloudera came by way of a successful exit. The Silicon Valley based MIT alum sold her company, Verta, to Cloudera in 2024. At Verta, Vartak took MIT-born machine learning infrastructure and scaled it into a multi-million-dollar business, winning Fortune 500 customers across financial services and capital markets. Vartaks vision for Verta was to make enterprise model deployment more efficient through monitoring, compliance and governance. The startup cut time-to-market for AI tools by more than 10x and enabled audit-ready model lifecycle management. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What differentiates Vartak from other entrepreneurs in the AI space is her dedication to developing AI that serves everyone. This is something, she says, that informs her current role at Cloudera. And at a time when enterprise AI tools face more scrutiny over accuracy, trustworthiness, and bias, it would be easy enough to simply pay lip service to cognitive and gender diversity. But Vartaks own experience as a female entrepreneur and tech leader has led her to think really deeply about this question of gender representation in AI models. The fact is that you're going to build products a lot of times that are used by regular people, and 50% of them are likely to be female, and so you might want to have that represented in the people building the product," she says. Diverse teams build better products Vartak sees a direct connection between the team diversity she has maintained over her career with the quality and outcomes of those same projects. As an example, she describes an AI feature in a spreadsheet tool she was building that started hallucinating only Indian names in the autofill fieldsdemonstrating how non-diverse teams overlook biased behaviors. It was making up all Indian names when there are people from Hungary, people from the US, people from South America That is a problem. You are making assumptions about what the data looks like, and then you're extrapolating," says Vartak. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What was missing in this particular scenario, Vartak characterises as cognitive empathy, something she considers critical when hiring. "One of the things that we are testing for in our interview process is cognitive empathycan you empathise with the end user? And that's what we're optimising for, and that's where having a diverse background helps a lot," she explains. That said, Vartak says Cloudera still hiring the best person for the job. Its just that a lot of times the best people for the job come from diverse countries, genders, and cultures. And that's because the people we serve, as a global company, are in APAC, in South America, in Spain, and we serve men and women," she adds. Diversity of thought and gender in hiring is a goal but happens when companies choose AI over hiring humans? Vartak addresses the issue of AI job displacement with consideration. She comes down firmly on the side of the prevailing narrative of job augmentation rather than wholesale replacement, especially in the near-to-medium term where it will help developers spend less time on rote tasks such as testing. "I think that it is very much augmentation right now, and it depends on the use case and the vertical. Coding, for example. There, we're seeing big changes in how software gets developed, and I think over time we're going to see where that lands," says Vartak. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As AI agents lower the cost of building enterprise tools, Vartak notes that there will always be human problems to solve, such as understanding customers and their needs. "People can do more now with their time Take coding, if people don't need to spend as much writing test cases, they can actually focus on what to build. So, something that really resonates with me is the cost of building is going to zero but do you deeply understand what problem you're trying to solve? Do you understand your customer?" Data hygiene remains key to building AI Data quality and governance is still under human purview. AI is only as good as the data its built ona mantra that has reached fever pitch in the AI age. Companies need data governance, lineage, and solid architecture, which is Clouderas core value proposition, according to Vartak. "What we're seeing is the companies that have data governance, that have data lineage, a solid data architecture, go a lot faster with AI, she adds. And what of the human element in content generation? Vartak's views on this align with her human centred view of technology development. She predicts that the AI slop effect and output homogenisation will hit a saturation point where everything sounds the same because its machine-generated. Thats the point at which she imagines individual human voices will become a differentiator. Her goal is to build enterprise AI tools for use cases where provenance, context, and human ownership of content still matter more than volume. She muses about a potential backlash to "AI slop" as everything becomes automated. I feel like there's a pendulum, and I think in some ways it will swing back to where these individual voices are going to matter more. Otherwise, everything is going to sound like Claude or GPT wrote it." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Interview: Cloudera chief AI architect on building human-first AI" was originally created and published by Verdict, a GlobalData owned brand. 2 min read Infor appoints Geoff Thomas as Senior Vice President and General Manager for Asia Pacific and Japan (APJ) to strengthen Infors commitment to delivering exceptional value and tailored solutions to customers across the region. Based in Sydney, Thomas will focus on enhancing customer experiences and driving innovation in key markets including Japan, Australia and New Zealand (ANZ), Southeast & North Asia (SENA), and India. Under his leadership to accelerate growth, Infor will focus on deepening local expertise, expanding its trusted partner network, and providing customers with world-class support and industry-specific cloud technologies designed to help their businesses thrive. Tech News Of The Day Thomas has decades of experience building high-performance teams across Asia Pacific and helping customers drive breakthrough business outcomes. Prior to joining Infor, he spent six years growing Qliks business in APJ. Thomas also held senior leadership positions at Microsoft, Juniper Networks, Polycom and OneLogin. Thomas is off to a fast start, and has made two new appointments in his leadership team naming Sydney-based Aidan Brecknell to lead the charge for ANZ as Vice President and Managing Director. Victor Ng takes on an expanded scope as Vice President and Managing Director for SENA, a region that includes ASEAN, Greater China and Korea. Victor is based in Singapore. Infor appoints Geoff Thomas as Head of Asia Pacific and Japanhttps://t.co/T1T9IUSIMA pic.twitter.com/YGe4tCpf4l Technuter (@Technuter) February 5, 2026 Infors dynamic and fast-growing customers rely on our solutions to make their business more resilient, efficient and innovative, Thomas said. I am passionate about the APJ market as it represents a huge opportunity to help organisations in the region achieve their strategic goals and unlock real business value through industry-specific innovation. I am confident we have the right team and resources in place to help our customers succeed. The APJ market is instrumental to Infors overall strategy and home to many dynamic businesses driving technological innovation and growth. We are dedicated to investing in our customers for long-term growth and will continue to invest in top talents, ecosystem and innovative cloud solutions that empower our customers to accelerate digital transformation and achieve long-term success in this fast-evolving region, said Wolfgang Kobek, Executive Vice President and General Manager, International Business, Infor. Geoff is an exceptional leader with deep experience in the APJ market, and the ideal person to help our customers in the region thrive. His customer-first approach, coupled with his extensive grasp of the APJ business and ecosystem, will help Infor deliver superior value to organisations quickly, and improve customer outcomes. AKE A trip back to the Australian Outback as Mystery Road: Origin the prequel to the critically acclaimed, multi-award-winning crime series Mystery Road returns for its gripping second outing. Mark Coles Smith (Apple Cider Vinegar, Picnic at Hanging Rock, Last Cab to Darwin) is back as the young Jay Swan who, this time, must uncover a shadowy past and web of secrets that threaten to destroy not just his town, but his life. Mystery Road: Origins Season 2 Series two continues to explore the rich and riveting early life of Jay Swan one of Australias all-time greatest screen sleuths (The Guardian), played by the award-winning Mark Coles Smith. He is joined by a stellar cast including Tuuli Narkle (Territory, All My Friends Are Racist), Clarence Ryan (Territory, Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga), Robyn Malcolm (After The Party, The Survivors), Geoff Morrell (The Lord Of The Rings: The Rings of Power, Ice Road: Vengeance) and Nicholas Bell (Elvis, Bay of Fires). Six months on from the previous series, the young detective is attempting to forge a new life with partner Mary (Narkle) in the fading town of Loch Iris, caring for Marys niece, Anya, and awaiting the birth of their first child. It doesnt take long however, for the majesty of the tall trees in the brooding surrounding forests and the deep lake that shimmers at the edge of town to take on gothic dimensions When Jay begins to investigate the disappearance of a young girl and the drowning of a former nun, Loch Iris closes rank around him. As the pieces of the crime start to come together, the detective starts to realise the entire community has been hiding a shadowy past that haunts the town. As the long buried past ripples through to the present and the secret is unearthed, it threatens to tear Jay and Mary apart forever. With a stunning new location, Mystery Road Origin: Series 2 opens up an immersive visual feast for the eyes set amongst the trees, dams and waterways of Western Australia. Competition Prize provider Aim Publicity To be in with a chance to win this great prize all you need to do is anser the question below then complete and submit the attached entry form. Question: Where is Mystery Road: Origin set? A. Texas B. Western Australia C. South America GOOD LUCK by Natalie key for www.femalefirst.co.uk Tagged in Competition DVD Closing Date : 20th February 2026 (TBTCO) - Ha Noi ang buoc vao mot giai oan phat trien moi, khi quan iem tai cau truc o thi khong con dung o cai tao, chinh trang cuc bo cac khu chung cu cu ma chuyen sang tai thiet toan dien theo huong ong bo ha tang, to chuc lai khong gian va giam mat o dan cu tai khu vuc loi. ay khong chi la mot quyet sach quy hoach, ma con la chien luoc phat trien dai han, tac ong sau rong toi cau truc kinh te - xa hoi va thi truong bat ong san Thu o. You have reached a premium content area of Transitions. To read this entire article please login if you are already a Transitions subscriber. Not a subscriber? Subscribe today for access to: Full access to the website, including premium articles videos, country reports and searchable archives (containing over 25,000 articles). Indonesia is a stunningly beautiful vacation destination, a mind-blowingly diverse world of secret, remote tropical islands, lush, mysterious jungles, vast modern megacities, and an extraordinarily rich and fascinating culture and history. The most populous country in Southeast Asia, it covers an enormous amount of geographical space, stretching from the northwestern tip of Sumatra near Malaysia and Thailand to South Papua, just off the northern coast of Australia. There are plenty of well-known tourist spots in Indonesia, from the bucket list island vibes of Bali to incredible scuba diving spots like Raja Ampat and the Gili Islands. Wildlife lovers can head to Borneo or Sumatra to find orangutans, while culture vultures will devour the temples and cuisine of Yogyakarta. But there are still plenty of hidden gems in this glorious, chaotic paradise, and adventure-seekers looking for exquisite natural beauty should head to Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park before the word gets out. This beautiful, unique, and downright bizarre conservation area in East Java offers an otherworldly volcanic landscape with some of the best views in Indonesia. Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park is located in East Java, roughly 75 miles southeast of the provincial capital, Surabaya. Most travelers arrive at the capital's Juanda International Airport and then travel to Probolinggo, Pasuruan, or Malang. You can also access the national park from Lumajang, on the far eastern side. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: One Of The World's Most Spectacular Bridges Is A Very Dangerous Tourist Attraction In China Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park: a surreal landscape of smoking mountains and black sand Bromo volcano with expanse of black sand in foreground - Hey_rani20/Shutterstock This national park is an astonishing expanse of smoking volcanic peaks and ash-covered mountainside, with a staggering, alien beauty that almost defies description. Known as the Land of Sand and Fire, it covers over 300 square miles, making it the largest volcanic region in Java. The highlight of the area is, of course, the dramatic summit of Mount Semeru, which rises majestically above the clouds and looks out over the caldera. At 12,060 feet, this impressive peak is Java's highest mountain and an active volcano, offering thrilling opportunities for climbers and mountain hikers, with truly glorious views from the top. At the northern edge of the park, Mount Bromo is the counterpoint to Mount Semeru. At 7,641 feet, it is far smaller than its southern cousin, but it sits at the center of the stunning Tengger Caldera, the extraordinary sand sea that covers the entirety of the ancient caldera of a now extinct volcano, out of which four separate new volcanoes have been born. A lunar landscape of black volcanic sand, it is a truly weird and wonderful sight and offers a surreal experience for adventurous travelers. While the northern part of the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park is straight out of a sci-fi film, the southern part surrounding Mount Semeru is a far more recognizably Indonesian landscape. Here, the volcanic scenery is interspersed with glittering lakes and jungle valleys, covered in mountain firs, jamuju trees, orchids, and rare grasses, alongside a range of rare animal species, including mongooses, long-tailed macaques, leopards, snake eagles, hornbills, bondol eagles, and deer. Wrap up warm for a surprisingly cold climate in East Java Smoking volcano with cloudy background - Sergei Mugashev/Getty Images One of the most unusual aspects of Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park, and one that often shocks people coming from other parts of Indonesia, is the climate. This region is a world away from the sun-drenched beaches of Lombok or the steaming jungles of Borneo. In the Land of Sand and Fire, it can get extremely cold, with nighttime temperatures between May and September regularly falling below 30 degrees Fahrenheit. The daily average temperatures throughout the year are between 52 and 56 degrees, with plenty of rain from October to March. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The area is also a place of pilgrimage and religious importance, which means that alongside the gorgeous scenery, there are plenty of fascinating cultural sites to explore. Java is home to some of the most beautiful temples in the world, and Bromo Tengger Semeru has a number of impressive Hindu temples scattered across the park, like Kidal, Luhur Poten, and Mandara Giri Semeru Agung. Most visitors to Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park stay overnight at Tretes or Malang and explore the park in a jeep or as part of a tour group. One experience that shouldn't be missed, however, is exploring the sand sea on horseback. Ready to discover more hidden gems and expert travel tips? Subscribe to our free newsletter for access to the world's best-kept travel secrets. You can also add us as a preferred search source on Google. Read the original article on Explore. Standard (Distributors Ltd) has not exited the market, assured Term Finance CEO Oliver Sabga. Responding to a Courts Trinidad and Tobago advertisement targeting ex-Standard customers, Sabga said: Referring to our customers as ex-Standard is a flimsy attempt to undermine an 80-year-old brand. It also falsely implies that Standard is no longer operating, which is simply untrue and not a claim we take lightly. Wuthering Heights' costume designer has insisted the outfits seen onscreen aren't supposed to be "historically accurate". Margot Robbie stars as Cathy in Wuthering Heights Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi star as Cathy and Heathcliff in director Emerald Fennell's reimagining of Emily Bronte's classic tale and Oscar-winning costume designer Jacqueline Durran has now opened up about the movie's lavish looks - insisting the stunning outfits are an amalgamation of different fashion from across the centuries. Referencing the German milkmaid-style dress Robbie wears at the start of the film, Durran told British Vogue: "As the film opens, were trying to lay out our intentions this is a stylised version of Wuthering Heights, and its difficult to nail this look because it has a nod to the period, a nod to contemporary fashion and also a nod to Old Hollywood. "It has all the themes that we want to bring in visually to the movie, so it was about meshing it all together. Its a costume and you know its a costume and its not necessarily realistic or unrealistic." Durran - who has also worked on films including Barbie and Jay Kelly - went on to talk about the mood boards she create with Fennell which featured a huge variety of different influences. She said: "She had this massive range of references, which had a bit of everything the Tudor period, the 1950s, contemporary things sprinkled throughout. "On our mood boards, there were images Id received from Emerald, plus others we liked. There was some vintage Mugler and McQueen in there theres nothing in the costumes that are a recognisable homage to those designers, but they were definitely a big influence on my approach to the costume design. "Our references ranged from Elizabethan through to Georgian and Victorian, and from paintings and historical dress to contemporary fashion and representations of period costume in 20th-century films. "The challenge was to distill that into looks that told the story that Emerald wanted to tell." Durran revealed eagle-eyed fashion fans will be able to spot some vintage Chanel jewellery in the film as the brand pulled some special pieces from the archives for the movie. She added: "Chanel are amazing. We needed jewellery for Cathy that was exquisite and bold it was great for us if you could see the historical origin in the designs, which were at the same time so exciting and modern. "I contacted Elsa Heizmann [at Chanel] and she went through their archives with a fine-tooth comb, uncovering the most wonderful vintage pieces. When the packages arrived we were beyond thrilled." Chris Hemsworth has revealed no one knew Chris Evans was going to return in Avengers: Doomsday. Chris Hemsworth has revealed 'no one knew' Chris Evans was going to return in Avengers: Doomsday Having left the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) following 2019s Avengers: Endgame, Evans, 44, is set to return as Steve Rogers, A.K.A Captain America, in the upcoming blockbuster, and Thor actor Hemsworth has now shared his reaction to seeing the hero return in the first Avengers: Doomsday teaser. Speaking with GamesRadar+, the Crime 101 star, 42, said: I thought it was pretty cool when Evans comes up on the motorbike, and because no one knew he was going to be in the film, and then there he is. Hemsworth pointed to the connection between Evans and Steve Rogers, with both the actor his character recently becoming fathers. Hemsworth added: I just thought it was cool. And he had a baby in real life and in Marvel life. As well as the Steve Rogers teaser, Marvel released three other trailers for Avengers: Doomsday - each focusing on different characters. In the Thor trailer, the God of Thunder can be seen raising his adoptive daughter, as he asks his father Odin to bring him home to her after his next fight, not as a warrior, but as warmth. Meanwhile, the X-Men trailer features Professor X (Sir Patrick Stewart) and Magneto (Sir Ian McKellen) playing chess amongst the ruins of the X-Mansion, while Cyclops (James Marsden) unleashes a huge laser blast - seemingly consumed by anguish. Finally, the fourth teaser sees The Thing (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) land in Wakanda to meet with Shuri (Letitia Wright) and the now-King MBaku (Winston Duke) as they prepare for war. Avengers: Doomsday directors Joe and Anthony Russo have teased Steve Rogers will have a central role to both the Avengers and the wider plot of the MCU in Avengers: Doomsday. The filmmakers told Empire magazine: His central role to the Avengers and the larger narrative of what the MCU has been something thats very personal to us. We cant see this narrative without his central role in it. Avengers: Doomsday - which is set to release on December 18, 2026 - will likely follow the Avengers, the New Avengers, the X-Men and the Fantastic Four as they desperately try to stop Doctor Doom (Robert Downey Jr.) from unleashing his devastating plans across the Multiverse. While Evans, Hemsworth and Downey Jr. will be returning for Avengers: Doomsday, Hulk actor Mark Ruffalo recently confirmed he would not be appearing in the upcoming film. Even so, the 58-year-old actor emphasised he was always open to coming back in the future. He said: As long as they keep finding cool things to do with Hulk. It's given me so many gifts. You know, I probably wouldn't be in Crime 101 if it wasn't for The Avengers. Despite missing Avengers: Doomsday, Ruffalos Bruce Banner will be seen in Tom Hollands Spider-Man: Brand New Day, which is slated to land in screens in July 2026. Ruffalo may also be seen in 2027s Avengers: Secret Wars, after the actor seemingly spilled details on his MCU future. Speaking with BuzzFeed UK about his Avengers appearances, the Poor Things star said: Six ... well, there will be. Hemsworth then added: Yeah, but we have not shot that one. The Hindu Womens Organisation of Trinidad and Tobago would like to express its concern over the actions of Tribe in providing sexual devices to women who will participate, under their banner, in the upcoming Carnival celebrations. It is our view that the use/purchase of these devices is a personal decision and not to be imposed upon anyone or used as a publicity stunt. NOGALES Department of Homeland Security officials had promised a "major border wall update" during DHS Secretary Kristi Noem's Wednesday press conference at the U.S.-Mexico border wall, east of Nogales, Arizona. But the event was conducted more like a victory lap than a news conference, as Noem and other federal immigration officials praised the U.S.'s return to "law and order" under President Donald Trump and the "most secure border in American history," in Noem's words. Officials shared no new information at the event, and Noem didn't take any questions from the media. More than 200 border agents, port officers, ICE agents and military members, including 40 Coast Guard officers from California, attended the event, as well as dozens of local and national news reporters. U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney Scott told the crowd they'd brought the reporters to the Wednesday event in order to force coverage of the Trump administration's work at the southern border. "Unfortunately, the media likes chaos and they like friction," he said. "They don't necessarily like to show America a secure community. It's boring to them. So coming here today, we're forcing the media to come right to the border and see the most secure border that this country has ever had." Noem thanked the law enforcement and military members in attendance, adding that "Border Czar" Tom Homan was "busy up in Minneapolis today" and couldn't attend. "In President Trump's first year back in office, we've delivered the most secure border in American history. And we did it with the immediate aftermath we are facing from that humanitarian crisis that was created from Joe Biden's open-border policies," she said. "It is so quiet here now today that sometimes we even forget how bad it was just a little over a year ago." Border agents arrested an average of 250 migrants a day in 2025, compared to 5,100 a day in 2024, she said. In 2023, amid an international boom in migration and forced displacement, the U.S. border with Mexico experienced a massive increase in migrant arrivals, which experts also say coincided with the U.S.'s post-pandemic strong labor market. Most migrants arriving at the border surrendered to border agents and requested asylum, rather than try to evade detection. Migrant arrivals slowed in 2024, under President Joe Biden, as Mexican law enforcement stepped up immigration enforcement, slowing migrants' progress to the U.S. border. Migrant apprehensions then fell further after Biden's controversial June 2024 "asylum rule," which dramatically limited access to asylum when border arrivals were higher than usual. Todd Lyons, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement acting director, said having a secure border lets ICE agents do their job in the U.S. interior. "This last year has been remarkable results. But we still have about 1.5 million individuals in this country that have a final order of deportation," he said. More than 800 of them are "serious criminal actors," he said. Noem said fentanyl trafficking is down, as well as fentanyl-related deaths. A significant decline in U.S. fentanyl overdoses started in 2024, under Biden, when fentanyl overdoses dropped by 27%. Overdoses fell 21% in 2025, according to preliminary data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. While Noem said little about border-related crime in Arizona, she spoke at length about the earlier "crisis" in Eagles Pass and Brownsville, Texas, due to migrant arrivals, which she said caused "rampant" crime and "crushed" the economy. Santa Cruz County Sheriff David Hathaway, a Democrat, called Noem a "coward" for not inviting him to the event held in his county, but inviting Cochise County Sheriff Mark Dannels, a Republican. Hathaway said he would have fact-checked Noem on any misleading statements about border-related crime in Santa Cruz County. "Our crime statistics here are lower than the average for Arizona," Hathaway said. "It's very disingenuous. She knew I would probably refute the suggestion that our crime statistics are bad in Santa Cruz County." CBP Commissioner Scott said he spent five years patrolling in the area where the event was held, near where the Santa Cruz River flows north into the U.S. "We have a higher level of situational awareness on the border than ever before," he said. "We're building border wall at an unprecedented pace, we're rolling out technology and most of all, we're hiring more Border Patrol agents and more officers to make sure we provide America the border security they deserve." U.S. Border Patrol Chief Mike Banks said morale at the agency is "through the roof" thanks to Trump's focus on immigration enforcement. "We've heard 'whole government approach' our entire careers. We never saw it until January of last year," he said. "We've got the Coast Guard out here. We've got the Army out here. We've got anybody that's got a three-letter identifier in their law enforcement job out there fighting illegal immigration in this country." Noem has faced bipartisan calls for her resignation and impeachment threats amid DHS's violent and chaotic immigration crackdown in Minneapolis, where 3,000 immigration agents have been deployed in recent months. On Wednesday, "border czar" Homan said 700 of those federal officers would be leaving the city immediately, amid a public outcry over the DHS operation there, the Associated Press reported. Noem has also faced criticism for immediately placing blame on two U.S. citizens, Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti, after they were fatally shot by federal agents, both long-time DHS employees, in separate incidents in Minneapolis during the last month. Noem had called Pretti a "domestic terrorist" and falsely said he was "brandishing" a weapon at border agents, a claim debunked by ample video evidence of the shooting. The shootings have ignited national protests against Trump's immigration policy and what critics call federal agents' use of racial profiling, interrogation and arrest of U.S. citizens, and disproportionate use-of-force in interactions with immigrants, as well as U.S. citizens trying to record or bear witness to immigration enforcement activities. Japan welcomed a record 42.43 million foreign visitors in 2025, up 15% from 2024, according to preliminary figures released by the Immigration Services Agency. Record-breaking foreign arrivals highlight Japans popularity as a travel destination The increase marks the second consecutive year of record inbound arrivals, driven by the continued rebound of international travel and strong demand for short-term visits. Short-term stays accounted for 38.46 million arrivals, or 98% of the total, while students numbered 180,000 and technical intern trainees totaled 160,000. Despite overall growth, arrivals from mainland China fell sharply in December 2025. New entries dropped to 280,000, nearly half the level recorded in the same month the previous year. Officials attributed the decline partly to warnings from the Chinese government urging caution over travel to Japan. Monthly arrivals from mainland China ranged between 500,000 and 800,000 from January to October, fell to 450,000 in November, and then dropped further to 280,000 in December, a 47% year-on-year decline. For the full year, China accounted for 7.22 million arrivals, up 32% from 2024, making it the second-largest source of visitors after South Korea, which recorded 9.23 million (+7%). Taiwan followed with 6.39 million (+12%), and the United States with 3.24 million (+22%). Japan remains a top global travel destination due to its blend of traditional culture, modern cities, and natural scenery. Visitors are drawn to historic landmarks such as Kyotos temples and shrines, Tokyos bustling districts, Mount Fuji, and the countrys renowned seasonal attractions, including cherry blossoms in spring and autumn foliage. Japanese cuisine, from sushi to ramen, also attracts millions annually, alongside cultural experiences such as tea ceremonies, festivals, and onsens (hot springs). The total arrivals figure includes both short-term visitors and foreign nationals granted mid- to long-term residence status, reflecting Japans popularity not only as a tourist destination but also as a hub for students and international workers. In late January, the mayor of South Tucson, two South Tucson council members and two other Tucsonans joined an international meeting in Colombia. Mayor Roxanna Valenzuela even got to meet the president of Colombia, Gustavo Petro, a couple of weeks before Petro, a leftist in frequent conflict with Pres. Trump, traveled to Washington D.C. and made nice with Trump. The trip to Colombia was to a conference held by Progressive International, a group formed in 2020, that aims "to unite, organize and mobilize the worlds progressive forces," according to its mission statement. The meeting in Colombia was an emergency gathering to respond to the attacks Trump ordered on boats in the Caribbean and Pacific, the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and other acts of aggression in Latin America. The attending delegation included elected senators, party leaders, cabinet members and other Latin American officials. The description of the delegation on Progressive International's web site refers to Valenzuela as the "the mayor of Tucson, Arizona." Valenzuela was joined by two South Tucson City Council members, Pablo Robles and Dulce Jimenez, as well as two Tucson activists, Enrique Olivares and Glenda Avalos. "When I saw what happened in Venezuela, I felt a lot of angst," Valenzuela said. "And there's this group that I was connected with, Progressive International, and I saw they were going to Colombia, and I was like, 'Colombia is next, right?' " In early January, Trump threatened military action against Colombia. "I was invited as the mayor of South Tucson, but I was just more than anything there to learn and connect with other people that have a similar interest in helping forge better relationships internationally, especially with Latin America," Valenzuela said after the South Tucson council meeting Tuesday evening. What connected these representatives of a city of 5,000 people to this global organization was Bill De Blasio, the former mayor of New York City, who has been in a relationship with Valenzuela since last year. De Blasio was a delegate to the conference and one of the speakers. Who paid for it? The travelers themselves, Valenzuela said. "The city did not incur any expenses related to the trip to Colombia," said South Tucson City Manager Veronica Moreno. Robles said he was motivated to go by experiencing the "historical events in our current day." "A lot of times, in the face of all of this happening, it feels like we're helpless, even being in the positions that we're in. And it's not necessarily that way," Robles said. "So it was good to just, you know, get the advice, get the perspective, and honestly, on a personal note, it was really cool to see that we weren't received as like, persona non grata." That is, for being from the United States at this time. Jimenez added "Being there, we learned about things that were happening in different Latin American countries, like political injustices that we weren't aware of before. So, this is like an opportunity for us to learn and bring that back, bring that call to action back home with us." Tucson's share of RTA 'rehabilitation' A mistake in Wednesday's Star left readers with the false impression that the city of Tucson would get 1,000 times less in road rehabilitation than it actually would under RTA Next. That transportation and taxing plan, enshrined in propositions 418 and 419, includes at least $177.6 million for "rehabilitation" of artery and collector streets. Of that $177.6 million, the city would receive $139.6 million. This money would pay for some large roads to be rebuilt from curb to curb. The city of Tucson has come up with 20 priority stretches of roads that could be recipients of this treatment, but it's unclear how many of those projects this money would pay for if the plan passes. Invites to the Noem show Federal dignitaries' visits to the border at Nogales are a common occurrence, often including meetings with federal, state and local officials to discuss how things are going, or to resolve some problem. On Wednesday, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem visited Nogales in a different kind of engagement. It was essentially, a celebration of the degree of border control establilshed under Trump. "More than 200 border agents, port officers, ICE agents and military members, including 40 Coast Guard officers from California" attended the event, the Star's Emily Bregel reported. Members of Congress often attend these events, but weren't there, as they're in session in Washington D.C. Not to mention, the one who represents Nogales, Rep. Adelita Grijalva, a Tucson Democrat, has called repeatedly for Noem to resign or be fired for the "out of control" behavior of ICE agents. And few local officials were invited. The one that stood out: Cochise County Sheriff Mark Dannels was there with Noem in Nogales, while the local sheriff, David Hathaway of Santa Cruz County, was not. Dannels is a Republican who has frequently emphasized the idea of a border in crisis, while Hathaway is a Democrat who has repeatedly challenged the idea of a border in chaos. TUSD board candidates The Tucson Unified School District's board has two seats up for election this year, with the terms of board members Jennifer Eckstrom and Val Romero ending in December. Both Eckstrom and Romero have filed to run for re-election. Three additional candidates have filed to run for those two seats. They are Lucas Verdugo, a Tucson native and property manager, Tre'Davon Rhodes, a Tucson native and University of Arizona student, and Pilar Ruiz, a previous campaign manager for TUSD candidates and candidate herself for the Pima Community College board. Rated 0 out of 5 Rated 0 out of 5 2026 AACTA Awards Industry accolades hosted by Celeste Barber on the Gold Coast. 7:30pm Friday on 10. (NB winners published approx 10pm AEDT). Airdate: Diabolical: The Epstein Files Feature doco on Epstein Files is the very first title produced by ABCs newly-established News documentary unit. In early March both Australian Story and Four Corners will be paused for a news documentary Diabolical: The Epstein Files, produced by ABCs newly-established News documentary unit. Its the scandal that has shocked Americans and rocked the Trump administration. A legal and political saga that has shattered fundamental beliefs that all are equal in the eyes of the law. When society rich lister and sexual predator Jeffrey Epstein was found dead in his jail cell in 2019, the long-running conspiracy theories exploded. Was he murdered? Did he blackmail his powerful friends? Who in his elite circle was involved in his crimes? And ultimately, how did Epstein evade justice for so long? Most Americans believe the answers lie in the Epstein Files, a closely guarded record of the investigations into one of the most disturbing criminal cases of modern times. In this debut feature from the ABCs newly-established News documentary unit, Walkley Award-winning reporter Grace Tobin is on the ground, talking to those closest to the story as the files are released including rebel Republican politicians Thomas Massie and Marjorie Taylor Greene; Epsteins brother Mark who believes Epstein was murdered; Julie K. Brown, the journalist whose investigation helped put Epstein behind bars; and the survivors whose campaigning forced the hand of a President. Executive Producer, Caitlin Shea (Nemesis, Australian Story): Featuring a stellar cast of interviewees, Diabolical explains how the life and crimes of Jeffrey Epstein united a divided America in a grassroots uprising against powerful elites. And examines which conspiracy theories might actually be true. ABC Managing Director Hugh Marks: Diabolical represents exactly why we created this unit: comprehensive, meticulous journalism that puts facts first and gives audiences clarity in the midst of complexity. I couldnt be prouder of this debut and the signal it sends about our commitment to truth-driven storytelling, and the ABCs focus on covering issues of global relevance. ABC Director, News Justin Stevens: This investigation exemplifies the power of rigorous journalism. Caitlin and her team have approached this story with precision, depth, and integrity. It not only informs but sparks important conversations, and its just the beginning of the compelling work we have in store. Monday 2 March at 8pm on ABC. youtube.com/watch?v=aJ5WdlpeUFw&feature=youtu.be Please, reach out to us.: Savannah Guthrie & family make plea for return of missing mother NBC Today show anchor has issued a plea on social media for the safe return of her mother, including a message to possible kidnappers. NBC Today anchor Savannah Guthrie, joined by her brother and sister, has issued an impassioned plea for the safe return of her missing mother, Nancy, 84. Nancy was last seen by Annie Guthries husband when he dropped her off at her home in Tucson, Arizona, on Saturday night. On behalf of our family, we want to thank all of you for the prayers for our beloved mom, Nancy, Savannah began. We feel them, and we continue to believe that she feels them too. She addressed the suspected kidnappers directly, as authorities have said Nancy was likely taken against her will in a possible kidnapping or abduction, and that her home was being treated as a crime scene. They noted that they were aware of the ransom letter that was first reported by TMZ. Shes 84 years old. Her health, her heart, is fragile. She lives in constant pain. She is without any medicine. She needs it to survive, and she needs it not to suffer, Savannah added. We, too, have heard the reports about a ransom letter in the media. As a family, we are doing everything that we can. We are ready to talk. However, we live in a world where voices and images are easily manipulated. We need to know without a doubt that she is alive and that you have her. We want to hear from you and we are ready to listen. Please, reach out to us. Mommy, if you are hearing this, you are a strong woman. You are Gods precious daughter. We believe and know that even in this valley, He is with you. Everyone is looking for you, mommy, everywhere, we will not rest. Your children will not rest until we are together again. We speak to you every moment, and we pray without ceasing, and we rejoice in advance for the day that we hold you in our arms again. We love you, Mom, Mom, stay strong. Pima County officials in Arizona are still operating under the belief that the Guthries mother is alive. Officials confirmed this is not a missing persons case, but rather a possible kidnapping or overnight abduction as she was taken from the home against her will and did not leave on her own. Savannah Guthrie, who was born in Melbourne, has withdrawn from her Winter Olympics duties during the family crisis. Source: Hollywood Reporter, The Wrap The First Minister has been urged to 'show leadership' on the proposed Rosebank oil field, with its owner linked to illegal Israeli settlements. Equinor, the Norwegian state energy company, was granted permission to drill the untapped Rosebank field along with partner Ithaca Energy in 2023 but following a challenge at the Court of Session in Edinburgh the awarding of the licence was deemed unlawful. An application has been resubmitted and the final decision will rest with the Westminster energy secretary, Ed Miliband. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ithaca Energy is 75% or more owned by Delek, an Israeli conglomerate which largely operates in the fossil fuel industry and owns one of the country's largest chains of petrol stations. Read More: Equinor says it has no influence over the ownership structure of Ithaca Energy and has no business relationship with Delek. Lauren MacDonald, a Stop Rosebank campaigner: "The Scottish Government needs to recognise and respond to the very real threat that profits from Rosebank could contribute to Palestinian human rights abuses. The First Minister has an opportunity to show leadership on this issue, which many people across Scotland are deeply concerned about. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Not only could Rosebanks approval see hundreds of millions of pounds flow to a company that operates in illegal Israeli settlements in Palestine, it could also potentially breach the UKs obligations under the Geneva Convention not to aid or assist in the maintenance of these settlements. "Governments cannot choose which bits of their international obligations they uphold. They must not allow one oil companys desire to profit to override the rights of Palestinians. "Scotland and the UK must not play any part in Israels occupation of Palestinian land. The Scottish Government should urge the UK Government to say no to Rosebank." The First Minister was asked at FMQs by Scottish Green MSP Gillian Mackay whether he stood by the parliament's commitment to boycott Israel, and whether he agrees that Rosebank should not go ahead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Swinney said: "The Scottish Government's position has been consistent about the necessity for any new developments to be compatible with our agenda and our direction on climate action. "That has not changed. That is the test that has got to be applied on Rosebank, and of course that's a decision for the United Kingdom government. "With regards to the situation in Israel, I set out to parliament in my statement in September the steps the Scottish Government is taking on the issues of its connections to organisations with a business interest in Israel and the government has taken forward those actions." The Grand Tour has unveiled a new line-up of presenters to replace Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May. Jeremy Clarkson's successors on The Grand Tour have been revealed Trainspotter Francis Bourgeois will front the Prime Video series alongside James Engelsman and Thomas Holland the creators of YouTube channel Throttle House as the show is revived following the departures of the former Top Gear hosts two years ago. Francis said: "The saying 'big shoes to fill' springs to mind. "Well, in this case it'll be like Mo Farah running size 14 wellies it'll be a little awkward at first, perhaps blister inducing but will overall be an interesting watch." James added: "I've worked with Thomas for almost a decade making car films. "Who knew that all this time, the one ingredient that was missing was a Francis Bourgeois? Let the car adventures commence." Thomas quipped: "When I first heard they were rebooting The Grand Tour and replacing Clarkson, Hammond and May, I said, 'Only a moron would take that job.'" The announcement comes after Clarkson urged Amazon to avoid picking established presenters to take over from him and his co-hosts. The 65-year-old star said in 2024: "My advice to Amazon would be and I've given this to them already for heaven's sake, do not get well-known people who 'like' cars. "Because when you do that show it has to be your life. "No, you can't open supermarkets. No, you can't appear on another show. "If you're not actually filming, you're thinking about what the next thing is that you're going to film. It has to be all-consuming." Clarkson continued: "There's no point hiring, you know, somebody who 'likes' cars. Because that's not enough. "I would get three complete unknowns. Start small, like we did. They've got to be absolute petrolheads. "I've got to be able to show them a picture of a quarter of a door mirror from any car ever made, and they've got to know what it is. "I'd go to motoring journalists. James, Richard and I are all motoring journalists. "That would be my advice if you want to continue with it, and I would hope that Amazon do continue with it." General Secretary To Lam and Lao General Secretary and President Thongloun Sisoulith. Photo: VNA. Attending the talks were Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man. At the talks, General Secretary and President Thongloun Sisoulith welcomed and highly appreciated General Secretary To Lams decision to choose Laos as the first country to visit in his capacity as General Secretary of the 14th term. The visit carries special significance in the history of bilateral relations, as the Vietnamese delegation also includes the Prime Minister and the National Assembly Chairman. It represents a powerful political message, reflecting the highest level of trust between the two Parties and States, the rare and special solidarity between the two countries, and the high regard of the Communist Party of Vietnam and General Secretary To Lam personally for the VietnamLaos special relationship. The Lao leader highly valued Vietnams major, comprehensive and historically significant achievements after 40 years of renovation, particularly during the 13th Party Congress term. General Secretary To Lam affirmed that the Communist Party of Vietnam always considers the successes of the Lao Party, State and people as a shared joy. He stressed Vietnams unwavering trust in and strong support for Laoss cause of national construction and development. The Communist Party of Vietnam stands ready to work with the Lao Peoples Revolutionary Party to further deepen the great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation and strategic alignment between Vietnam and Laos. This relationship, he said, is a priceless asset, a law of development and a decisive factor for the success of each countrys revolutionary cause today and in the future. Both leaders expressed satisfaction with the increasingly deep, effective and substantive development of VietnamLaos relations. These outcomes, they noted, not only directly contribute to each countrys development but also make positive contributions to peace, stability and development in the region. The two sides reached a high level of consensus based on their shared understanding of the special solidarity relationship, agreeing to continue prioritizing and effectively implementing the agreements and joint statements reached in December 2025. They agreed that, alongside positive results, cooperation methods must continue to be renewed, with greater quality and effectiveness, stronger linkage between strategic vision and concrete action, and enhanced strategic coordination between the two Parties and States. The two General Secretaries witness the exchange of VietnamLaos cooperation documents. Photo: VNA. Based on long-term orientations already agreed upon, the two leaders identified key priorities to be implemented immediately during this term. These efforts aim to soon realize the goal of strategic alignment, as each Party implements resolutions of its new congress and formulates socio-economic development plans for the 20262030 period. Both sides will continue to strengthen information exchange and share experience in implementing Party Congress resolutions. They will also accelerate economic linkage by prioritizing resources, close coordination and decisive implementation of strategic projects. These efforts are intended to create new momentum for economic, trade, investment and regional development cooperation, with the goal of raising bilateral trade to 10 billion USD in the coming period. Education, training and human resource development, particularly high-quality human resources, will continue to be identified as a strategic, long-term pillar of cooperation. The two countries will further promote cultural and people-to-people exchanges, especially among younger generations. They will also enhance cooperation in information and communications to more widely disseminate the tradition of VietnamLaos special solidarity. Both sides agreed on the need to establish government-level monitoring mechanisms to review cooperation outcomes and promptly address difficulties to ensure projects are implemented on schedule and in line with agreements. The two leaders also held in-depth discussions on global and regional developments. They agreed to strengthen exchange, consultation and coordination at multilateral forums, reinforce ASEAN unity and consolidate ASEANs central role. At the conclusion of the talks, General Secretary To Lam and General Secretary and President Thongloun Sisoulith witnessed the exchange of important cooperation documents between ministries, sectors, localities and relevant agencies of the two countries in education, justice and local-level cooperation. Tran Thuong However, behind this impressive figure lies a structural vulnerability: many key export commodities are facing unstable raw material supplies, raising concerns about the sustainability of growth in the medium and long term. According to Secretary General of the Vietnam Pepper and Spice Association Le Viet Anh, pepper remained Vietnams leading spice export in 2025, with shipments exceeding 247,000 tonnes, accounting for 59.3% of total spice export volume. Export revenue reached 1.66 billion USD, out of total spice exports of 2.1 billion USD. Yet Vietnam also imported more than 42,000 tonnes of pepper, worth 266.2 million USD, up 16.2% in volume and 51.1% in value compared to 2024. While this reflects Vietnams central role in pepper processing and re-export, it also highlights a growing shortfall in domestic supply amid sustained global demand. Viet Anh warned that the 2026 pepper harvest is expected to face adverse weather conditions and plant diseases, particularly in ageing plantations with limited technical investment. Preliminary assessments suggest output could decline by 1520% compared to 2025, making it increasingly urgent to maintain and expand supply to meet rising international demand. Similar challenges persist in the cashew industry, which has long grappled with a severe shortage of raw materials. The Vietnam Cashew Association noted that domestic supply currently meets only just over 10% of demand, forcing the industry to import nearly 90% of raw cashew nuts. In 2025, Vietnams cashew exports hit a record 5.2 billion USD, but raw material imports surged to around 4.5 billion USD. Most imports come from Cambodia and Cote dIvoire, both of which are rapidly shifting towards deep processing and gradually reducing exports of raw nuts. Cote dIvoire alone now has 37 processing facilities with a combined designed capacity of about 830,000 tonnes, and it aims to process 50% of its cashew output domestically by 2030 through new investment projects. This trend poses a real risk of supply disruption for Vietnams cashew industry, potentially undermining its competitiveness and its position as the worlds leading cashew exporter. The coconut sector also posted strong growth in 2025, overtaking dragon fruit to become the second-largest fruit and vegetable export, with revenue rising 36.6% to nearly 534 million USD. However, the Vietnam Coconut Association pointed to unstable supply as a key constraint on sustainable development, with some exporters forced to import coconuts to fulfil contracts, eroding profits and, at times, damaging credibility due to delayed deliveries. The association Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Thanh stressed the importance of improving planting materials to enhance productivity and quality. High-quality varieties can reduce pest and disease risks by 4060%, stabilise yields and lower production costs even amid climate volatility. She also highlighted the need for sustainable farming practices, integrated pest management and safe plant protection measures to meet growing demand for green, traceable products. Experience from the pepper, cashew and coconut sectors shows that reliance on domestic raw materials for production is no longer an issue for individual enterprises alone, but a strategic challenge for the entire agricultural sector. As external supply becomes increasingly volatile, proactive policies are needed, from planning raw material zones and encouraging long-term linkages to supporting credit, investment in varieties, technology and on-site processing. With better control of inputs, Vietnams agricultural exports can strengthen their quality, cost efficiency and global market position./.VNA Chief Prosecutor Dominik Mies said that Mohammad S., 24 years old, has been indicted for dangerous driving and reckless disregard for human life, resulting in particularly serious consequences. The indictment stated that in the early hours of July 6, 2025, after consuming intoxicating substances, the suspect drove at excessive speed in Frankfurt, causing a crash that killed Duy Quang and Quang Minh and left their friend Hoang Trung Hieu, 27, who was travelling with them, seriously injured. After the accident, Mohammad S. did not stop but continued driving, dragging one of the victims for a considerable distance before removing the vehicles licence plates in an attempt to destroy evidence. He turned himself in several hours after the incident and has been held in pre-trial detention since July 15, 2025. The case drew widespread shock due to the reckless act of driving under the influence, which took the lives of two students and left the surviving victim with permanent injuries. Dr Kambiz Ghawami, President of the World University Service (WUS) Germany, welcomed the decision of the Frankfurt Public Prosecutors Office. He also expressed appreciation for the solidarity shown by the Vietnamese community in Germany. Through a large-scale fundraising campaign, more than 8,800 donors have contributed over 205,000 EUR (more than 242,000 USD) to cover medical treatment and rehabilitation costs for Hieu./. VNA Expected new color options for the Galaxy S26 Ultra. From the start, the Galaxy S26 Ultra hasn't been painted as a radical redesign. Most rumors pointed to cautious upgrades, but hopes still lingered around a more refined design and native support for the Qi2 wireless charging standard. However, recent developments suggest a more disappointing outcome. No Qi2, but colorful S Pen tips instead Dutch tech outlet NieuweMobiel recently released leaked images of the Galaxy S26 Ultras S Pen and several official accessories. As expected, the S Pen retains its asymmetric, slightly curved design - an engineering result of Samsung relocating the stylus slot closer to the device's edge. This change is more about internal structure than aesthetics. More notably, the new S Pen appears in just two core colors - black and white - but its tip is colored to match the rumored four body color variants: black, white, cobalt violet, and sky blue. In previous generations, Samsung typically matched the entire S Pen to the phones body color. This time, the partial color coding is a shift toward personalisation - but feels unfamiliar to long-time users. More crucially, NieuweMobiel also reported that not all S26 Ultra cases include magnets. This aligns with 9to5Googles assessment: the phone itself likely wont have built-in magnetic alignment, ruling out true native Qi2 support. Devices designed for Qi2 rely heavily on magnetic alignment to stabilize connections and optimize charging speed. Without internal magnets, accessories like wallets, grips, and chargers struggle to stay securely attached - unless paired with magnet-equipped cases. These magnetic cases help maintain a secure hold and functionality, but they place an additional burden on users to purchase compatible accessories. Disappointment as Samsung lags behind again Qi2 is the next-generation wireless charging standard that uses magnetic alignment to improve energy transfer, reduce heat, and support faster charging. Beyond charging, it enables a broader accessory ecosystem - from stands and grips to attachable batteries and wallets. Apple introduced MagSafe with the iPhone 12 in 2020. Google followed suit last year with the Pixel 10. Meanwhile, Samsung has stayed on the sidelines. With the Galaxy S25, the company only offered Qi2 support through add-on magnetic cases, rather than integrating magnets into the phone body. That same approach seems poised to repeat with the S26 Ultra. Previous leaks had suggested that Samsung would embrace full Qi2 integration on the S26 line. Many hoped for wireless charging speeds of up to 25W - matching the Qi 2.2.1 standard. Even early prototype images hinted at magnets and Samsung-branded magnetic accessories like rings and battery packs. Now, the key question is whether those accessories were designed to pair only with Qi2 Ready cases - or if Samsung reversed its plan and pulled native Qi2 support at the last minute. So far, theres been no official answer. If current leaks prove accurate, the redesigned camera module and new Privacy Display may end up being the few standout upgrades on the Galaxy S26 Ultra - alongside the annual processor bump. Samsung might still deliver minor but meaningful refinements. But in the ultra-premium flagship segment, small updates often fail to make up for the absence of bold innovation. Qi2 could have brought a sense of fun and convenience to the S26 Ultra, allowing for stronger personalization and a richer accessory ecosystem. But with signs pointing the other way, it appears Samsung may not be ready to go all in on this direction - at least not yet. As rivals charge ahead with integrated magnets and seamless accessories, Samsungs caution risks making the S26 Ultra feel like a powerhouse in specs but a step behind in spirit. Hai Phong For the first time in history, Vietnams three key leaders have made a joint visit to Laos. Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone stressed that General Secretary To Lams choice of Laos as his first overseas destination after the 14th Party Congress reflects the highest level of priority in bilateral relations. He described the VietnamLaos relationship as a priceless shared asset of the two nations, embodying political trust at the highest level between the two Parties and States. The Lao Prime Minister highly valued the outcomes of the high-level talks held earlier the same day. He noted that the presence of Vietnams three top leaders on this visit was unprecedented and clearly demonstrated the exceptional nature of the bilateral relationship. General Secretary To Lam and Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone. Photo: VNA General Secretary To Lam welcomed the spirit of cooperation and the resolute, practical direction demonstrated by the two governments. He called on both prime ministers to continue closely guiding relevant agencies to effectively implement and concretize existing commitments and agreements. The General Secretary urged the two sides to promote breakthroughs in economic, trade and investment cooperation. He emphasized the need for concrete measures to enhance connectivity and complementarity between the two economies, laying a foundation for long-term, mutually beneficial development. Priority should be given to transport and energy infrastructure connectivity, alongside stronger information exchange and sharing of experience in macroeconomic management and building independent, self-reliant economies. Both leaders affirmed that strengthening strategic alignment is the key to a new phase of cooperation. They agreed to promote bilateral trade in a more balanced and sustainable manner while creating more favorable conditions for businesses from both countries to invest and operate long term. General Secretary To Lam stated that the coming period should mark a decisive shift from good cooperation to effective cooperation, from commitments to tangible results, with the interests of the two peoples as the highest benchmark. In his meeting with National Assembly Chairman Saysomphone Phomvihane, the General Secretary praised the Lao legislatures role and contributions in concretizing and ensuring the effective implementation of national development strategies. He reaffirmed that Vietnam consistently attaches top priority to its unique and special relationship with Laos. Vietnam, he stressed, will continue to strongly and comprehensively support Laos in safeguarding and building the nation. Chairman Saysomphone Phomvihane expressed appreciation for General Secretary To Lams close attention and guidance in promoting cooperation between the two parliaments. He said the Lao National Assembly will work closely with its Vietnamese counterpart to effectively oversee the implementation of high-level agreements and signed cooperation accords, particularly major economic projects. The two legislatures will continue to leverage their strengths in political and defense-security cooperation to expand collaboration in economic and other fields. They will also help establish and refine cooperative mechanisms, working alongside governments, local authorities and ministries to address difficulties. Vietnam prepares to hand over the population management and citizen ID system project to Laos. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone. Photo: VNA Also on Thursday afternoon, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh met with Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone. The Lao Prime Minister said General Secretary To Lams visit carries special historical significance, with the participation of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man. He proposed further strengthening cooperation in economy, trade and investment. He also called for accelerated implementation of projects in infrastructure connectivity, energy, agriculture, education, training and human resource development. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh shared key achievements of the Vietnamese Government during the 20212025 term. He reaffirmed Vietnams determination to effectively implement Resolution 14 from the very beginning of the new term. Both prime ministers highlighted notable progress in trade, investment, banking and finance cooperation. Bilateral trade recorded a leap forward, reaching nearly 3 billion USD in 2025. Vietnams investment in Laos surpassed 5.6 billion USD, seven times higher than in 2024, bringing total accumulated investment to 6.21 billion USD across 276 projects. Laos has thus become the largest destination for Vietnams outbound investment projects. Financial and banking cooperation has seen breakthrough progress. Notably, the two sides have announced and implemented a framework for local currency settlement and bilateral retail payment connectivity via QR codes. These measures help reduce reliance on intermediary currencies while facilitating trade, investment and tourism. Currently, nearly 11,000 Lao students are studying in Vietnam. The two countries also cooperate closely in heritage conservation. In July 2025, UNESCO recognized the first transboundary natural World Heritage site in the region, Hin Nam No National Park Phong Nha Ke Bang. Laos has recognized the Truong Son route on its territory as a national heritage site. The two leaders welcomed efforts to resolve long-standing stalled projects and accelerate key cooperation initiatives. They noted the inauguration and handover of five emblematic projects, including Wharf No.3 at Vung Ang Port, a drug rehabilitation center in Vientiane, the LaosVietnam Friendship Park in Vientiane, and the Friendship Hospital in Houaphanh Province. The population management and citizen ID system project has been basically completed and is ready for handover to Laos. National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man and Lao National Assembly Chairman Saysomphone Phomvihane. Photo: VNA Later the same afternoon, National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man met with Chairman Saysomphone Phomvihane. Both leaders shared views on the highly effective high-level talks earlier that day. They said the talks once again affirmed the special, strategically bonded relationship between the two countries. Chairman Saysomphone Phomvihane noted that Vietnams comprehensive achievements have been a great source of encouragement for Laos. He expressed sincere thanks to Vietnams National Assembly for its practical and effective support. Chairman Tran Thanh Man reiterated that Vietnam consistently gives the highest priority to its unique traditional relationship with Laos. Vietnam, he said, will always stand shoulder to shoulder with Laos in safeguarding, building, renewing and developing the country. He also briefed his counterpart on preparations for Vietnams 16th National Assembly and Peoples Council elections at all levels, scheduled for March. This, he said, will be a major political event in 2026, representing a broad democratic exercise through which Vietnamese citizens fully exercise their rights and responsibilities. Both chairmen emphasized that frequent exchanges between parliamentary leaders and deputies have facilitated valuable sharing of experience in legislation, supreme oversight and decision-making on key national issues. Close coordination at multilateral parliamentary forums, especially within IPU and AIPA, has contributed to enhancing each countrys standing and credibility. Such cooperation, they noted, also amplifies a shared voice for peace, stability and sustainable development. Tran Thuong Major newspapers in the Republic of Korea (RoK) on February 4 expressed surprise at the rapid surge in Korean-language learning in Vietnam, after the Vietnamese government decided to recognise TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean) scores in the national university admissions system from 2026. Under Vietnams current high school graduation and university entrance framework, candidates are required to take compulsory exams in Mathematics and Literature and choose two additional subjects from a list of nine options, including foreign languages and history. From this year, holders of TOPIK Level 3 or higher are allowed to use their TOPIK results to replace the foreign-language subject, with the converted score counted for both graduation and university admission. Vietnam has gradually institutionalised Korean-language education in recent years. After approving Korean as a second foreign language in 2020, it was upgraded to a first foreign language in 2021 and included among subjects for the national high school graduation examination. To ensure the credibility of the test, the RoK Ministry of Education has dispatched personnel from Korean education institutes in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to directly supervise TOPIK administration in Vietnam, while anti-cheating systems at test centres have also been tightened. Vietnam is now one of the worlds largest TOPIK test markets. Of the 566,665 candidates registered globally in 2025, 85,896 candidates came from Vietnam, accounting for 15.2% of the total and ranking first among overseas test locations outside the RoK. Across the country, 169 primary, secondary and high schools now offer Korean-language classes, with about 33,000 students enrolled. Vietnam also ranks second in the number of foreign students in the RoK, with 75,144 students in 2025, just behind China with 76,541. The Korean-language boom in Vietnam is closely linked to labour-market demand. As RoK companies continue to expand investment and turn Vietnam into a key production base, demand for Korean-speaking professionals in interpretation, business, quality management, procurement and human resources remains strong. In the domestic labour market, candidates with Korean skills are often prioritised and offered language allowances. Vietnam is also a major source of workers sent to the RoK under the Employment Permit System (EPS), further boosting interest in learning Korean. At the global level, the Korean Wave and the growing popularity of Korean culture have also fuelled demand. According to Duolingo, Korean was the sixth most studied language worldwide last year, after English, Spanish, French, Japanese and German. Data from the RoK Ministry of Education show that 47 countries now teach Korean in their formal primary and secondary school systems. Of these, 24 countries have designated Korean as a second foreign language, while 11 countries use it as a criterion in university admissions. RoK Minister of Education Choi Kyo-jin said the adoption of TOPIK results for overseas university admissions reflects the rising status of the Korean language and the growing credibility of the test. The ministry will continue to work closely with governments around the world to promote Korean language education overseas and provide full support for its expansion, he said./. VNA Professor Ngo Bao Chau leaves the US to join Asias top-ranked university. Photo: Thanh Hung He shared the news with VietNamNet on February 5, stating: I will officially begin my work at the University of Hong Kong in June 2026. At HKU, he will join the Department of Mathematics under the Faculty of Science. The institution is currently ranked number one in Asia, according to the 2026 QS Asia University Rankings. In Vietnam, Professor Ngo Bao Chau continues to serve as the Scientific Director of the Vietnam Institute for Advanced Study in Mathematics (VIASM), a role he has held for over five consecutive terms. His decision follows a broader trend among prominent Vietnamese scientists returning to Asia. Notably, Professor Vu Ha Van - another internationally renowned Vietnamese mathematician - recently left Yale University to also join the University of Hong Kong. HKU highlighted Professor Ngo Bao Chaus appointment on its official website, stating that his presence would further solidify the universitys standing as a global hub for fundamental research. The school emphasized its aim to foster transformative breakthroughs through interdisciplinary collaboration and intellectual curiosity. Speaking about his vision at HKU, Professor Ngo Bao Chau said: HKUs global connectivity and interdisciplinary culture make it an ideal environment for transformative research. I look forward to working with the universitys outstanding scientists - not only to advance mathematics but also to help shape the future of the field. In 2010, Professor Ngo Bao Chau made history as the first Vietnamese mathematician to receive the prestigious Fields Medal - the highest honor in mathematics, awarded to researchers under the age of 40. Thanh Hung Strong cold air is set to intensify, with minimum temperatures in northern Vietnam expected to drop below 3C, raising the risk of frost. Photo: CTV. Toward the end of this week, a strong cold air mass is expected to affect Vietnam. At the same time, a storm currently active off the coast of the Philippines is forecast to move into the East Sea but weaken rapidly into a tropical depression. Hoang Duc Cuong, Deputy Director of the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, said that from Saturday to Sunday this week, a cold surge will move into the country. About two days later, another reinforced cold air mass may continue to affect Vietnam. These cold air surges will impact most regions nationwide as well as the East Sea, Cuong noted. Meanwhile, as of February 5, a storm with winds of around level 8 has been active off the Philippines. This is the second storm to form in the Northwestern Pacific this year, internationally named Penha. The storms center is currently about 1,000 kilometers from the East Sea. Forecasts indicate that around February 7, it will move westward and may enter the East Sea. However, once over the East Sea, it is expected to weaken into a tropical depression, with winds of level 67. After about one day, it may further weaken into a low-pressure area or dissipate over the sea. Cuong explained that two successive cold air masses are effectively blocking the storm, causing it to weaken quickly. Nevertheless, it could still trigger thunderstorms and rough seas. Strong cold air to arrive, northern temperatures may drop below 3C. According to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, as of February 5, a strong cold air mass in the north is moving southward. In northern Vietnam, there is scattered light rain, with daytime temperatures commonly ranging from 21 to 24C. Around February 7, the cold air mass is forecast to affect the northern mountainous and midland areas. By evening and night, it will strengthen and expand its influence to other parts of northern Vietnam, the north-central region and the central region. On land, winds will shift to northeasterly at level 3, increasing to level 34 in coastal areas. Due to the cold air, from the night of February 6 to the early morning of February 9, northern Vietnam and the north-central region will experience rain, showers and isolated thunderstorms. High mountainous areas should remain alert to the possibility of frost and snowfall. From the night of February 7 to February 9, northern Vietnam is forecast to see severe cold, with some mountainous areas experiencing extreme cold. From February 8, the north-central region will also turn cold, with some places facing severe cold. During this cold spell, the lowest temperatures in northern Vietnam are expected to range from 10 to 13C, dropping to 710C in mountainous areas. In high mountain regions, temperatures could fall below 3C. In the north-central region, minimum temperatures are forecast to range from 12 to 15C. In Hanoi, from the night of February 6 to the night of February 8, there will be rain and showers. From the night of February 7 to February 9, the capital is expected to experience severe cold, with minimum temperatures ranging from 10 to 12C. Cold air will also bring rain to central and southern regions. From the night of February 7 to February 9, areas from Ha Tinh to Da Nang, and eastern parts of provinces from Quang Ngai to Gia Lai, may see rain, moderate rain and locally heavy rain with thunderstorms. Thunderstorms may be accompanied by lightning, hail and strong gusts. Meteorological authorities warn that severe cold, frost and possible snowfall could adversely affect livestock, poultry and crop growth. Strong winds, gusts and high waves at sea may disrupt fishing vessels and other maritime activities. At sea, from February 7, northeasterly winds in the Gulf of Tonkin are forecast to strengthen to level 5, occasionally level 6. From the night of February 7, winds may increase to level 67, with gusts of level 89. The sea will be very rough, with wave heights of 23 meters. From the afternoon of February 7, the northern East Sea, including the Hoang Sa archipelago, is expected to see northeasterly winds strengthening to level 7, with gusts of level 89. Waves in this area may reach 46 meters. From the night of February 7, waters from southern Quang Tri to Dak Lak will experience winds strengthening to level 6, gusting to level 7, with waves of 24 meters. From February 8, the waters from Khanh Hoa to Ca Mau, the central East Sea and the western waters of the southern East Sea, including areas west of the Truong Sa archipelago, will see winds strengthening to level 67, with gusts of level 89. Waves in these areas may reach 35 meters. Bao Anh Tra Linh International Border Gate. In the new era, with breakthrough thinking, Cao Bang is performing a historic transformation: Turning the borderland into an international trade "gateway," where national sovereignty is affirmed by the standing of an open economy. When resolutions become products Under the old administrative mindset, the efforts of public authorities were often measured by the number of documents issued or meetings held. In Cao Bang, however, those formal metrics have been set aside in favor of a modern governance approach: results-based management. Addressing the provincial Peoples Council, Chair of the Provincial Peoples Committee Le Hai Hoa made a candid proposal: I hope voters will evaluate provincial leaders, departments, and commune and ward chairpersons not by how many tasks we say we have completed, but by the final products: visible, measurable, and tangible. This is the concretization of Central directives on building a tectonic government. The final products of 2025 in Cao Bang were telling figures: 19,067 solid houses replacing dilapidated ones, marking the completion of the largest social welfare program in the provinces history with funding of VND955 billion; the Dong DangTra Linh expressway achieving technical connectivity, breaking a long-standing single-route bottleneck; and more specifically, the importexport turnover reaching $1.6 billion, a record high in the provinces history. This mindset explains why Cao Bang focused all resources on eliminating temporary and dilapidated houses in a short time. Concretizing three very practical questions from Party General Secretary To Lam has become an action mandate for the entire local political system: "Where do the people live? Where do they cook? And where do they bathe and use the restroom?" These three questions are identified by the locality as specific criteria for social welfare. Instead of superficial activities, Cao Bang considers meeting these essential needs as a mandatory "product" output of the apparatus, the most substantive measure of administrative efficiency. To operate the "gateway" vision, right after the Secretariat issued Conclusion No226-KL/TW on rectifying working styles, the Party Committee of the Provincial People's Committee concretized it with regulations to avoid the situation of officials passing the buck. Cao Bang focuses on handling the issue of citing "procedures" to delay work. In reality, the inter-disciplinary consultation process is often abused to diffuse responsibility and miss investment opportunities. In response, the head of the provincial administration required that legal regulations must be followed, but in a way that fits local realities. This message aims to protect officials who dare to make decisive decisions for the common good. The consistent guiding view is: Matters exceeding authority must be reported for immediate resolution by superiors; and "correct procedures" must not be used as an excuse to delay procedures. Asia - Europe gateway Eighty-five years ago, Pac Bo was chosen by leader Nguyen Ai Quoc as the place to ignite the flame of national liberation. Now, 85 years later, joining the country's rising spirit, Cao Bang is redefining its position. The province is transforming into a "gateway" in the economic corridor connecting Southwest China with ASEAN. This aspiration is not just a political will but has been concretized by a practical linkage strategy. On January 9, 2026, this thinking was affirmed through strategic commitments at a conference between three provinces: Cao Bang - Lang Son - Thai Nguyen. At the conference, the three localities agreed to establish specific roles for each province based on comparative advantages in the regional value chain. Accordingly, Thai Nguyen establishes its role as a processing, distribution, and domestic market connection center; Lang Son plays the role of a logistics and key import-export center; and Cao Bang is the new transit point for the economic corridor to the sea and deep into the mainland. With this division, Cao Bang becomes a link in the supply chain. Goods from northern industrial parks can pass through the Tra Linh gateway to connect with the international intermodal rail network. The "Three Clears" principle (clear task - clear progress - clear person in charge) has been set by Cao Bang Provincial Party Secretary Phan Thang An as a mandatory requirement for the executive apparatus in this linkage. Doan Bong In the quiet of a winter's night, far from the glare of flashbulbs that once followed his every move, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has vacated his long-time sanctuary at Royal Lodge. The departure, described by many as occurring under the 'cover of darkness', marks a definitive and sombre end to his two-decade residence at the sprawling 30-room Windsor estate. The former Duke of York is understood to have left the property on Monday evening, Feb. 3, 2026, ahead of the schedule many royal watchers had anticipated. It was widely believed he would be allowed to remain until his 66th birthday on Feb. 19, but the relentless pressure of a new scandal appears to have accelerated his exit. Driven 132 miles from Windsor to Sandringham in the dead of night, he reportedly sought to avoid a public 'emotional goodbye' to a home filled with family memories, where he had shared many years with his children and former wife. King Charles Acts Amid New Andrew Scandal The catalyst for this abrupt relocation appears to be a fresh barrage of revelations involving the late, disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein. While Andrew has consistently and vehemently denied any wrongdoing, the sheer volume of newly released material some 3 million documents made public by the US Department of Justice has made his continued presence at the heart of the Windsor estate untenable for the monarchy. Among the most unsettling disclosures is an email exchange from August 2010. In a note to Epstein, Andrew reportedly expressed a desire to be the financier's 'pet' while discussing a hitherto unspecified business deal in London. This informal, uneasy language has reignited public fury, particularly as it contradicts his previous assertions regarding the nature and duration of their association. For King Charles III, the priority has remained the protection of the crown's reputation, leading to the 'nuclear option' of a forced eviction. From Royal Lodge to a Temporary Life at Wood Farm For the time being, Andrew has found a temporary base at Wood Farm Cottage on the Sandringham Estate. The property carries a poignant legacy, having served as the quiet retirement retreat for his late father, Prince Philip. However, the move is merely a stopgap. A permanent move to Marsh Farm, also situated on the Norfolk estate, is expected to take place in early April 2026 once ongoing renovations are complete. The humiliation of the move was not lost on those close to him. Sources suggest he had hoped to 'cling on' to Royal Lodge for a little longer, but the latest batch of files made it clear that the grace period had expired. The eviction marks a total collapse of his former status; having already been stripped of his HRH style and military honours, he now finds himself living in a property owned privately by the king rather than a Crown Estate mansion. As he prepares to turn 66, the man once second in line to the throne is facing a future defined by what experts describe as 'shame and obscurity.' Despite his continued denials, the shadow of the Epstein files looms larger than ever, following him from the gilded halls of Windsor to the isolated reaches of Norfolk. Originally published on IBTimes UK Running from February 1 to 25, the programme brings to life the festive atmosphere of Tet during the Le Trung Hung (Revival Le) Dynasty (15331789) alongside the folk Tet traditions of ancient Thang Long, helping to spread and honour Vietnams rich cultural heritage. A key highlight is the series of thematic displays and exhibitions. The traditional folk Tet exhibition reenacts New Year celebrations of an urban family in the former imperial capital, featuring familiar customs such as ancestor worship, hanging Tet paintings, making banh chung (square glutinous rice cakes) and exchanging New Year greetings, all reflecting the distinctive cultural identity and architectural character of the old Thang Long. Another exhibition space focuses on royal Tet rituals of the Revival Le Dynasty, introducing solemn ceremonies including the calendar presentation ceremony, the erection of the Neu pole and the royal New Year ceremony. These rituals are presented through panels, illustrations, replica artefacts and a recreated setting depicting the offering of New Year tributes to the king at the courtyard of Kinh Thien Palace. The Thang Long Hanoi Heritage Conservation Centre is also hosting a documentary photo exhibition entitled Tet in Memory, which features historically valuable images of Tet celebrations in Hanoi and northern Vietnam during periods of hardship. The exhibition is held alongside displays of Vietnamese cultural heritage, helping to raise public awareness of heritage protection and promotion. Complementing the exhibitions are performance programmes and reenactments of the ritual of seeing off the old and welcoming the new, including the release of carp to bid farewell to the Kitchen Gods, the erection of the Neu pole and the guard-changing ritual at the imperial citadel. These activities provide visitors with vivid, hands-on experiences within the more than 1,000-year-old heritage site. Traditional events like the lowering of the Neu pole, the spring opening ceremony and water puppet shows during Tet, plus a variety of activities under the theme Tet means Happiness, are also on the schedule, making the capital a vibrant cultural and tourism hotspot this spring./. VNA Nguyen Linh Chi and Tran Hoang Le Thanh - both students of class 11A9 - reached the maximum possible band in Listening, Speaking, and Reading. Their Writing scores came in at 8.0, resulting in overall band scores of 9.0. Nguyen Linh Chi, an 11th grader from Class 11A9 at the Foreign Language Specialized School (under the University of Languages and International Studies Vietnam National University, Hanoi), achieved an IELTS score of 9.0 on her first attempt. Photo: NVCC Speaking with VietNamNet, Linh Chi said she was genuinely surprised by the result. To her, such an outcome was the product of a long-term effort rather than cramming before the exam. She credits her score to years of reading books and watching English-language content. I read stories, novels, online news... and watch films and current affairs programs in English. Thats how I gain exposure to different topics, improve my listening skills, and expand my vocabulary. I also pick up how native speakers express themselves, Chi shared. She emphasized that students should avoid last-minute studying and instead aim to build a deep foundation over time. Prior to this achievement, Chi had earned a string of academic accolades, including a second prize in the district-level English Olympiad and third prize at the city-level competition in 20232024. She also won a national gold medal at the ASMO competition and had previously placed third in the Internet-based English Olympiad in 20212022. Le Thanh, her classmate, attributed his success to growing up in an English-speaking environment. Ive been exposed to English since childhood and use it daily in both study and everyday life, he said. He also highlighted the importance of staying relaxed in the exam room. For the IELTS computer-based test, attention to detail is critical - especially when checking your answers. Its harder to spot mistakes on a screen than on paper, where you can review and make corrections more easily. Under time pressure, it's easy to make grammar mistakes, Thanh noted. His test record is further bolstered by a 1,540 score on the SAT. Both students agreed that studying at the Foreign Language Specialized High School, under the guidance of dedicated teachers, provided a strong foundation to sharpen their English skills in a systematic and well-rounded way. Teachers share their pride Tran Hoang Le Thanh, an 11th grader from Class 11A9 at the Foreign Language Specialized School (under the University of Languages and International Studies Vietnam National University, Hanoi), also achieved an IELTS score of 9.0. Photo: NVCC Nguyen Phi Diep, homeroom teacher of class 11A9, said the news came as a major surprise to the entire class and himself. Even having one student score 9.0 in grade 11 is extremely rare. For two students to achieve it - with three of four skills at perfect marks - was completely unexpected, Diep shared. He hopes this achievement will inspire more students to strive for excellence, and he sees it as a testament to the schools legacy of foreign language training. Diep described Linh Chi as a dedicated and responsible class president who is admired by both teachers and classmates. She approaches all tasks with care, excels in every subject, and consistently scores above 9.0 across semesters. As for Le Thanh, Diep praised his sharp thinking and articulate expression: He has a natural ability to analyze problems and can think directly in English with depth and speed. Thanh is also an active member of the schools natural sciences club and excels across both science and humanities - a rare all-rounder. Thanks to his strong debate skills and broad knowledge base, Thanh is truly one of the classs standout students, Diep said. A class of high achievers According to Diep, class 11A9 is among the schools strongest, regularly ranking near the top academically. In addition to traditional classroom learning, the class often engages in project-based activities, producing standout work in English, geography, and literature. Besides Chi and Thanh, the class includes students who have won national academic prizes or scored over 1,500 on the SAT from as early as 10th grade. I believe the exceptional results of Thanh and Chi will motivate others in the class to push forward and reach even greater heights, Diep concluded. Thanh Hung The strategy aims to proactively, comprehensively, consistently and effectively promote Vietnams image to the international community through media channels. Through this effort, Vietnam seeks to enhance global awareness, goodwill and trust toward the country, its people, culture and development achievements, thereby helping affirm national stature, prestige, identity and competitiveness in the region and worldwide. At the same time, it also aims to mitigate the impact of information that could negatively affect Vietnams image, while creating a favourable environment for expanding international cooperation, attracting investment, boosting tourism, promoting socio-economic development, strengthening national defence and security, and advancing deep and sustainable international integration. The strategy sets the goal of building Vietnam into one of Asias leading countries in terms of national branding and image, striving to rank among the top three in ASEAN and the top 30 globally on the National Soft Power Index by 2045. Vietnam is expected to be clearly identified as a developed, humane, creative, responsible and trustworthy country, a symbol of peace, stability, national solidarity and cooperation for development in the region and the world. Vietnam seeks to enhance global awareness, goodwill and trust toward the country, its people, culture and development achievements, thereby helping affirm national stature, prestige, identity and competitiveness in the region and worldwide. (Photo: VNA) The country is also envisioned as an attractive destination for tourism, investment, innovation and international cultural exchange, with a target of welcoming around 70 million international visitors annually and effectively attracting high-quality foreign direct investment. These efforts are expected to contribute to Vietnams goal of becoming a high-income developed nation by 2045. The strategy underscores the need for a fundamental shift in thinking and unified action regarding the role of promoting Vietnam's image abroad. It calls for the entire political system to recognise image promotion as a comprehensive political, diplomatic, cultural and economic task, requiring close coordination among ministries, sectors, localities, media agencies, businesses, the public and overseas Vietnamese communities. A key change is the transition from one-way publicity to building national image, brand and soft power, with a focus on inspiring audiences, sharing values and fostering goodwill. Communications will be multi-dimensional, credible, engaging and creative, tailored to specific regions, markets and target audiences. Notably, this is the first time the strategy requires a systematic approach to content and messaging by identifying core pillars shaping the countrys image through flexible narratives and Vietnam stories featuring role models, individuals, events, initiatives and flagship products. These elements will support the development of a unified national image identity. The strategy also calls for establishing a comprehensive digital communications ecosystem, with strong application of digital technologies, artificial intelligence and big data in content production and distribution, and the development of multilingual digital content across cross-border platforms. It encourages integrated promotion campaigns combining in-person and online formats, the digitalisation of content from traditional events, and stronger interaction and presence on international media. Strategic cooperation with reputable global media outlets is also emphasised. Investment in human resources and national communication capacity is identified as a decisive factor, alongside enhanced inter-agency coordination, mobilisation of social resources, and the establishment of flexible monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to ensure effective implementation./.VNA In Abyei, a dusty, sun-scorched land between Sudan and South Sudan, members of Vietnams Engineering Unit No. 4 are finding their own way to celebrate Tet - the most cherished holiday in Vietnamese culture. With creativity and care, the soldiers have crafted vibrant peach blossom trees from colored paper and wrapped green rice cakes - banh chung - using local forest banana leaves in place of the traditional dong leaves. This symbolic act is more than a morale booster. It's the beginning of what they call banh chung diplomacy - a heartfelt gesture that invites international colleagues to share in Vietnams Tet spirit. Chung cakes wrapped in forest banana leaves, skillfully prepared by Vietnamese blue-beret peacekeepers and international friends. Photo: Engineering Unit Rotation 4 Though the banana leaves lend a lighter hue to the rice cakes, the sticky texture and rich flavor remain. For these soldiers, each bite carries the warmth of home and the message of friendship. These small, green parcels serve as cultural messengers, carrying the image of Vietnam's Uncle Hos soldiers - friendly, generous, and devoted to peace - to comrades from across the globe. On newly cleared roads, spring arrives with every kilometer paved and every bridge restored. The engineering unit has been spearheading major infrastructure efforts, including critical repairs to Banton Bridge - a lifeline in the region - and key local roads, just in time for the new year. Witnessing their work, Colonel Alexander De Lima, Chief of Staff of the UNISFA military force, praised their dedication: You are not just engineers and builders - you are ambassadors of compassion and professionalism. Your extraordinary efforts have transformed this mission and improved the daily lives of peacekeeping personnel. African locals celebrate by the Banton Bridge, repaired by Vietnamese peacekeeping engineers in October 2025. Photo: Engineering Unit Rotation 4 Behind this recognition lies the reality of their work - long days under 44C heat, with faces hardened by sun and dust, and meals taken in the shade of road rollers. Yet through it all, stories from home and the creative use of banana leaves offer moments of respite and remembrance. Their presence is also felt beyond infrastructure. At a local secondary school in Abyei, the unit took time between operations to level the schoolyard and smooth the paths to classrooms. Machines normally used to pave strategic roads now gently flatten playgrounds - a poetic image of power used with care. Minister Kon Maneit Matiok, head of Infrastructure and Public Services, expressed heartfelt gratitude: You bring not just security, but the promise of a better future. Rebuilding the school is a priceless gift, reflecting the noble spirit of Vietnamese soldiers. For young servicemen like Lieutenant Nguyen Trung Kien of the Logistics and Support Unit, this first Tet away from home is both emotional and unforgettable. Lieutenant Nguyen Trung Kien carefully arranges paper peach blossoms, bringing the colors of Vietnamese spring to a conflict zone in Africa. Photo: Engineering Unit Rotation 4 In the blazing sun, he recalls his mothers pickled onions and the chill of northern Vietnam. But he channels those memories into action, lovingly assembling paper blossoms and crafting peach trees that breathe life into their desert camp. Despite the festive air, duty remains paramount. Bulldozers and steamrollers are washed and polished, ready to dress up for Tet alongside their human companions. Even as they gather for a year-end meal, weapons remain close at hand. The unit maintains 100% readiness - a silent reminder that peace must be protected, even in celebration. This is how Vietnams blue berets safeguard spring - with strict discipline and hearts full of hope. Engineering Unit No. 4 consists of 184 personnel drawn from across the Vietnamese military: the Air Force, Navy, Army Regions 1 to 4, Corps 12, and specialist branches including Engineering, Special Forces, Communications, and the Vietnam Department of Peacekeeping Operations. The team departed for Abyei on September 26, 2025, taking over from Engineering Unit No. 3. Abyei remains a disputed area between Sudan and South Sudan. Despite a 2011 agreement to demilitarize the zone, little progress has been made. The United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) was established that year to protect civilians and promote demilitarization under UN Security Council Resolution 1990. Tran Thuong On February 4 in Hanoi, under the auspices of the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Vietnam Software and IT Services Association (VINASA), the VietnamJapan IT Cooperation Committee (VJC), the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), and the Japan Information Technology Services Industry Association (JISA) jointly organized Japan ICT Day 2026. Mr. Tran Anh Tu: Vietnams digital businesses are evolving from outsourcing to co-owning future technologies. Speaking at the event, Tran Anh Tu, Deputy Director General of the Department of IT Industry, emphasized that over nearly two decades, Japan ICT Day has evolved into a landmark meeting point for the tech communities of both nations - one that fosters vision-sharing, trust-building, and long-term, substantive collaboration. According to Tu, Japanese tech firms have developed an increasingly deep and high-quality presence in Vietnam, while Vietnamese digital businesses have matured significantly in serving Japans demanding market. Our partnership is shifting - from outsourcing to co-creation, from technology transfer to joint mastery, he said. This includes strategic sectors such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, big data, digital platforms, smart manufacturing, and green production. VINASA representative Le Quang Luong, Chair of the VJC Committee, reflected on the remarkable progress since 2007, when Vietnams software exports to Japan were modest and largely focused on low-cost outsourcing. Today, hundreds of thousands of Vietnamese engineers are operating the arteries of Japans economy, he said. Three strategic proposals for future cooperation A serious, long-term, and in-depth partnership with Japanese enterprises has helped Vietnamese digital technology companies strengthen their internal capabilities. Amidst the AI boom reshaping business collaboration models, VINASA and VJC proposed three strategic directions for the VietnamJapan digital business community: Transitioning from manpower outsourcing to AI-powered productivity partnerships. Unlocking opportunities in the Vietnamese domestic market. Establishing two-way talent exchange mechanisms. Expanding on the second strategy, Luong noted that 56.1% of Japanese companies in Vietnam plan to expand operations - ranking highest in ASEAN and fourth globally. This is a massive market right at our feet. Why should Japanese factories here import expensive international software when Vietnamese tech firms are capable of delivering? he asked. Local companies must seize this home-court advantage and turn it into real revenue. On workforce transformation, Junya Kawamoto, Vice Chair of JISAs International Committee, remarked: Japans IT services industry is undergoing a generational shift. We are no longer looking for cheap labor - we need strategic partners who can apply Generative AI to help Japan tackle the forecasted shortage of 800,000 IT personnel by 2030. Vietnamese and Japanese firms are already building AI agents together, automating business and production processes. Solutions from companies like NTT e-MOI and GMO Z.Com Runsystem were highlighted at the event. Representatives from JETRO Hanoi agreed that the coming phase holds significant potential for bilateral expansion. One initiative being rolled out this year is the formation of bid consortiums: Japanese companies contribute brand and technology, while Vietnamese firms deliver speed and execution. These alliances aim to jointly pursue large projects in third markets such as ASEAN, the US, and Europe. To promote global open innovation, JETRO launched the J-Bridge business platform, said Haruhiko Ozasa, JETRO Hanois Chief Representative. It provides daily updates about Vietnamese startups interested in collaborating with Japanese firms. As Vietnams tech ecosystem grows more advanced, Japanese companies will gain more trusted partners. With practical formats like 1:1 business matching and company tours, Japan ICT Day 2026 encouraged firms not only to exchange business cards but also to exchange real challenges - and place pilot orders for solutions on the spot. Organizers emphasized that Vietnamese tech companies no longer want to be mere outsourcing vendors - they want to be co-creators tackling future challenges side-by-side with Japan. Van Anh The directive comes under Plan No. 04, recently signed by Permanent Secretariat member Tran Cam Tu on behalf of the Central Steering Committee for Science, Technology, Innovation, and Digital Transformation. This national cybersecurity plan is designed to shape a resilient, sovereign digital space - one that can defend national interests while fostering innovation and international competitiveness. One of its key priorities for 2026 is shifting awareness and action across the political system and society. It calls for legal reform that eliminates bureaucratic barriers and encourages market participation from emerging tech enterprises. A modern cybersecurity infrastructure is also at the heart of the plan, enabling Vietnam to effectively assert its sovereignty in cyberspace while promoting data security across government, businesses, and civil society. The strategy emphasizes not just technology, but also human capital. It envisions building widespread awareness among Party members, state officials, and citizens about the importance of data protection and network security. To that end, it sets a clear target: by 2030, Vietnam will have trained and nurtured 10,000 elite cybersecurity professionals - equipped to safeguard both national systems and participate in the global cybersecurity workforce. In terms of international positioning, Vietnam aims to rank among the top 20 countries in the Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI) compiled by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). The plan also aims to solidify Vietnams digital sovereignty by boosting domestic innovation. By 2030, more than 50% of the national cybersecurity market should be dominated by "Make in Vietnam" products and services. The roadmap further targets developing export-ready capabilities and achieving technological self-reliance in core cybersecurity components and data protection systems. Looking ahead to 2045, the vision expands into building a sustainable, independent cybersecurity ecosystem with global competitiveness - led by a vanguard of internationally recognized experts and scientists in digital technologies. To realize these goals, the plan outlines responsibilities across various levels of government. The Central Public Security Party Committee is tasked with leading state-level management of cybersecurity, information security, and data security - excluding military, defense, and cryptography. The Ministry of Public Security will also spearhead a legal review to revise the Criminal Code and administrative sanctions, aiming to close legal loopholes and ensure timely enforcement against cyber-related offenses. This legal update is scheduled for completion by March 2027. Agency heads across Vietnams political system - from central to local levels - will bear direct and full responsibility for any major security incidents, especially cases involving state secrets leaks due to negligence or regulatory violations. Moreover, the results of each agencys cybersecurity performance will be factored into leadership assessments and annual evaluations, particularly for those in top positions. Tran Thuong On the evening of February 4, the Peoples Committee and the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) of Xuan Dinh Ward in Hanoi held a voter consultation meeting to gather residential feedback on the nominated candidates. Voters were presented with the profiles and professional records of those nominated to represent them in the upcoming National Assembly and local Peoples Councils. Bui Thi Minh Hoai, President of the VFF Central Committee, meets with local voters at the consultation meeting. (Photo: Vietnam Fatherland Front) Among the nominees for the 16th National Assembly are Bui Thi Minh Hoai, President of the VFF Central Committee; Pham Thi Thanh Tra, Deputy Prime Minister; Ha Thi Nga, Vice President and Secretary General of the VFF Central Committee; Nguyen Thai Hoc, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee for the VFF and other mass organizations; Do Thi Thu Thao, President of the Vietnam Red Cross Society; Tran Thi Hoa Ry and Quang Van Huong, Vice Chairs of the National Assemblys Ethnic Council; Tran Hong Nguyen, Vice Chair of the Legal and Judicial Committee; Nguyen Huu Toan, Vice Chair of the Economic and Financial Committee; and Nguyen Pham Duy Trang, Secretary of the Central Youth Union and President of the Central Young Pioneer Council. Voters unanimously agreed that all the nominees meet the standards and criteria to stand for election. They were praised for their political qualities, moral integrity, professional competence, and public trust. The candidates are currently holding key leadership positions in both Party and State institutions and have successfully fulfilled their assigned duties. At the community level, residents noted that these officials maintain close ties with the public, stay actively engaged in neighborhood affairs, and embody the responsibilities of both Party members and citizens. They are regarded as role models who lead grassroots efforts to promote public policy and legal compliance, contributing to national unity. All participating voters at the meeting expressed absolute trust in the nominated candidates by voting unanimously in their favor. Voters voiced their belief that these individuals will contribute significantly to realizing the goals of the 14th Party Congress and leading the country into a new era of strong development. Speaking on behalf of the nominees, Ha Thi Nga expressed heartfelt gratitude for the trust of residents in Residential Group 10, Xuan Dinh Ward. She described this as a powerful motivation for all nominees to continue serving the nation and the people with dedication. She emphasized that a National Assembly delegate is not just a decision-maker on national issues, but also a vital bridge between the Party, State, and the people. That responsibility demands each delegate be exemplary, objective, and closely connected to the people - listening to and sincerely conveying their rightful opinions and aspirations to the National Assembly, she said. Ha Thi Nga also stressed the importance of legislative oversight and the need for representatives to follow up on public concerns and ensure meaningful responses from government bodies. She affirmed that, regardless of their position, if elected, the nominees will continue to strengthen their political acumen, uphold moral standards, and bring their professional experience to the lawmaking and supervisory roles expected of a delegate. Our commitment is to make Parliament a true embodiment of the peoples voice and will - a place where the spirit that the people are the foundation is reflected in every decision, she concluded. Tran Thuong Nike is under federal investigation for allegedly discriminating against white employees and job applicants through its diversity and hiring programs, according to court filings. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) said Wednesday that Nike has refused to fully comply with a subpoena seeking detailed information on its workforce and internal programs. The EEOC's subpoenas request data on the racial and ethnic makeup of Nike's employees worldwide and a list of staff selected for mentoring and development programs. The agency said it is investigating claims that white employees and applicants were disproportionately affected by layoffs or denied opportunities due to diversity initiatives. "This feels like a surprising and unusual escalation," a Nike spokesperson told sources. "We have had extensive, good-faith participation in an EEOC inquiry into our personnel practices, programs, and decisions. We have shared thousands of pages of information and detailed written responses and are in the process of providing additional information." According to the AP News, Nike emphasized it follows "all applicable laws, including those that prohibit discrimination" and called itself a "proud American company" committed to fair employment practices. The investigation, which does not stem from any individual complaint, was initiated through a commissioner's charge filed by EEOC Chair Andrea Lucas in May 2024. Lucas has been a vocal critic of corporate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs, arguing that they can sometimes lead to race-based employment decisions prohibited under federal law. Her office cited Nike's public statements and goals, including the company's 2021 commitment to achieve 35% racial and ethnic minority representation in its corporate workforce by 2025. BREAKING: EEOC is suing Nike for discrimination against WHITE employees. DEI didnt promote equality. It was legalized racism with a corporate logo. Now theyre scrambling to hide the evidence. Merit-based hiring is coming back. And every company that pushed this garbage pic.twitter.com/XmUFC4i9gd TheoWars Rob (@TheoWarsPodcast) February 4, 2026 Nike DEI Policies Under EEOC Scrutiny "When there are compelling indications that an employer's DEI programs may violate federal prohibitions against race discrimination, the EEOC will take all necessary steps including subpoena actions to ensure a comprehensive investigation," Lucas said in a statement. The probe follows similar EEOC scrutiny of other large companies, including Northwestern Mutual. Conservative legal group America First Legal also played a role, having sent letters urging the EEOC to investigate Nike's diversity practices. The announcement comes amid a period of corporate restructuring for Nike. Last week, the company said it plans to cut 775 jobs in US distribution centers to improve efficiency through automation, NYPost reported. Nike has also implemented smaller workforce reductions over the past two years, affecting corporate staff and operational roles. Nike insists its programs are designed to expand opportunities rather than limit them and said it will continue cooperating with the EEOC. "We take these matters seriously and are committed to fair and lawful employment practices," the spokesperson said. Originally published on vcpost.com Xi calls on China, Russia to grow ties, work for global strategic stability Xinhua) 08:05, February 05, 2026 Chinese President Xi Jinping holds a virtual meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 4, 2026. (Xinhua/Liu Bin) BEIJING, Feb. 4 (Xinhua) -- China and Russia should increase high-level exchanges and strengthen pragmatic cooperation in various fields, Chinese President Xi Jinping said in a virtual meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday. Xi extended New Year greetings to Putin and the Russian people, stating that Wednesday coincided with the Beginning of Spring on the Chinese lunar calendar, which represents a new start. On the auspicious day, Xi expressed his readiness to work with Putin to chart a new blueprint for bilateral ties. Putin wished Xi and the Chinese people a happy Spring Festival, vibrant energy and immediate success in all endeavors. Noting that their two meetings last year steered China-Russia relations into a new phase of development, Xi said the two countries commemorated the 80th anniversary of victory in the World Anti-Fascist War, sustained robust bilateral economic and trade exchanges, elevated people-to-people exchanges and cooperation, and remained committed to building a more just and equitable global governance system. Highlighting that this year marks the beginning of China's 15th Five-Year Plan period, Xi emphasized that the country will be more proactive in expanding its high-level opening up and will share new development opportunities with countries around the world, including Russia. This year also marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the China-Russia strategic partnership of coordination, the 25th anniversary of the signing of the China-Russia Treaty of Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation, and the beginning of the China-Russia Years of Education, he said. Xi said the two countries should ensure that bilateral relations continue to develop along the right track through deeper strategic coordination and more proactive assumption of responsibilities of major countries. China and Russia should work together to maintain global strategic stability as the international situation has become increasingly turbulent since the beginning of the year, Xi said. As responsible major countries and permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, China and Russia have the obligation to encourage the international community to uphold fairness and justice, firmly safeguard the victorious outcomes of World War II, and resolutely defend the UN-centered international system and the basic norms of international law, he added. Expressing full confidence in Russia-China relations, Putin said that both sides should continue to support each other steadfastly in safeguarding their national sovereignty and security, and in achieving economic and social development and prosperity. They should also promote education and cultural exchanges to benefit the two peoples, he added. Facing a complex and ever-changing international situation, Russia is willing to continue strengthening strategic coordination with China on multilateral platforms such as the UN, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and BRICS, thereby injecting positive energy into international affairs. Russia will actively support China's hosting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting, he said. The two heads of state also exchanged in-depth views on international and regional hotspot issues of mutual concern. Chinese President Xi Jinping holds a virtual meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 4, 2026. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen) Chinese President Xi Jinping holds a virtual meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 4, 2026. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Gaza City, Gaza (PANA) - While Israeli airstrikes on the Gaza Strip reportedly killed 17 people on Wednesday, approximately 20,000 people in the Palestinian enclave are in urgent need of medical care Benghazi , Libya (PANA) - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the government designated by the Libyan House of Representatives and a delegation from the Embassy of the Philippines in Libya have emphasised the importance of organizing a joint cooperation between the two countries,They also discussed mechanisms for organizing the recruitment of Filipino workers and the opening of a Philippine consulate in the city of Benghazi (east) Minister of Finance Nguyen Van Thang issued Circular No.08/2026/TT-BTC on February 3, amending and supplementing several provisions under existing regulations governing the securities sector and the stock market. Circular 08 focuses on adjusting and supplementing regulations related to trading activities and information disclosure in the stock market, including several notable provisions concerning foreign investors trading mechanisms, settlement risk management, and reforms to disclosure obligations for securities companies. The circular allows non-resident foreign investors to place trading orders through overseas securities firms acting as representatives, directly using the investors own depository account numbers. At the same time, the circular stipulates the responsibilities of securities companies in receiving and processing equity purchase orders under the mechanism that does not require 100 per cent pre-funding for foreign institutional investors. In addition, foreign securities companies or fund management companies are permitted to open two trading accounts at each domestic securities firm, including one proprietary trading account and one account dedicated to managing investment portfolios for clients. Regarding sanctions and settlement risk management, Circular 08 specifies measures applicable to cases where foreign institutional investors fail to meet their settlement obligations fully. Accordingly, violating investors will be suspended from using the non-pre-funding mechanism for seven consecutive trading days. In cases of three violations within a 30-day period, the suspension period may be extended to up to 180 days. For shares affected by settlement failures, the securities firm where the order is placed is required to report the incident immediately to the State Securities Commission and the stock exchanges on the day the violation occurs. The failed shares will be transferred to the securities firms proprietary trading account or moved to another securities firm, subject to agreement among the relevant parties. In terms of disclosure reforms, the circular introduces an exemption from pre-trade disclosure obligations for securities companies when selling failed shares from proprietary accounts, provided that the sale is conducted within four working days from the date the shares are received. Furthermore, the circular clearly defines transaction value thresholds as the basis for disclosure and reporting in cases where a securities company is a related party of an insider. Accordingly, disclosure and reporting obligations arise when the transaction value reaches $2,000 or more per day, or when the cumulative transaction value reaches $8,000 or more per month. Assessing the impact of the change, Nguyen The Minh, head of Research at Yuanta Securities Vietnam, noted that the issuance of the circular helped meet the criteria of a global broker ahead of the expected stock market review scheduled for March 2026. According to Minh, the circular could generate positive momentum for Vietnams stock market as early as March 2026, while further reinforcing confidence in an official market upgrade taking effect in September 2026. Based on our observations, capital from active investment funds tends to move earlier, ahead of large-scale disbursements by passive funds. On that basis, we expect foreign capital flows to turn more positive following the implementation of Circular 08, as market conditions continue to be refined, he said. In its September 2025 Country Classification Review, global index provider FTSE Russell announced that Vietnams stock market will be reclassified from a Frontier Market to a Secondary Emerging Market under its classification framework. This marks a historic milestone for Vietnams capital market after more than a decade of reforms and efforts to meet international standards. FTSE Russells decision is subject to an interim review scheduled for March 2026 to confirm that sufficient progress has been made on key technical criteria particularly improving access for global brokers before the reclassification takes effect. If confirmed, the upgrade will become effective on September 21, 2026, and has the potential to unlock significant foreign capital inflows into Vietnams stock market by expanding its inclusion in global emerging market indices. New circular on securities-related service prices The Ministry of Finance has issued new securities-related service regulations for trading organisations and commercial banks doing business in Vietnams securities market. New circular guides foreign investment activities in Vietnamese securities market The Ministry of Finance has issued Circular No.51/2021/TT-BTC outlining the obligations of organisations and individuals in foreign investment activities on the Vietnamese securities market, which will come into force on August 16, 2021. Benghazi, Libya (PANA) - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Libyan government appointed by the House of Representatives invited Niger to sign an agreement that regulates the legal recruitment of Nigerien workers in Libya Wrexham.com has invited local Members of Parliament and Members of the Senedd to write a monthly article with updates on their work in their respective Parliaments and closer to home you can find them all here. In this months column Clwyd Souths Member of the Senedd, Ken Skates writes: I have received a number of emails from constituents regarding the proposals to use the old Plas yn Rhos care facility as Home Office asylum dispersal accommodation. I was not made aware the plans in advance, but attended the recent public meeting in Rhos last Friday and am working with Steve Witherden MP and local councillors to obtain all of the facts and details of the process. As immigration is the responsibility of the UK Government, rather than the Welsh Government, Id suggest constituents contact their MP if they havent already done so. While I will be part of the decision-making process, I understand local concerns and will raise them with Wrexham Council if and when an application is submitted. Two North Wales stations, Ruabon and Shotton, have progressed to the next stage of a UK Government scheme backed by the Welsh Government to improve accessibility at railway stations. Ruabon and Shotton are two of just 23 stations across the UK to progress to the detailed design stage of the Access for All programme. The programme is delivering vital accessibility improvements to railway stations in Wales. Backed by Welsh Governments match-funding commitment, this announcement is a major step forward. Ruabon and Shotton are key stations and central to our ambitious plans for Network North Wales underlining the importance of our continued partnership working with the UK Government. We will continue to work closely with the UK Government, local leaders and the wider rail industry in Wales to improve the accessibility of our railway. The extremely important, extremely emotive issue of assisted dying is something I continue to receive regular emails and letters about from constituents. The Welsh Government has taken a neutral approach to this Bill it has not expressed an opinion in favour or against it. I am in favour in principle, but respect all views about assisted dying and the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill and continue to monitor its progress through the UK Parliament. The Bill was supported by a majority in the House of Commons and is now being considered by the House of Lords. This is a novel piece of legislation not just because of what it proposes, but also because of the way it interacts with our devolution settlement. While health is devolved to Wales, the Bill changes the law relating to suicide. Only the UK Parliament can legislate to do this. I thought readers might find it useful if I set out more information about the Bill and the role of the Senedd in considering it. Several parts of the Bill relate to devolved matters, and therefore require the consent of the Senedd known as a Legislative Consent Motion (LCM). A Senedd committee has asked for more time to consider the legislative consent memoranda, and the debate will be held in February. The LCM itself is strictly confined to those parts of the Bill which affect devolved matters and require the consent of the Senedd voting against it will not block the Bill from being taken forward in Wales. Whether the Bill succeeds is ultimately a decision for the UK Parliament. It was brilliant to be back at the Maelor School, Penley, on Friday morning following its recent, extremely positive, Estyn report. Inspectors highlighted the schools welcoming and inclusive community and said pupils are well supported and display positive attitudes to learning. It was also a great opportunity to catch up with new headteacher Leanne Eyre, who was described in the Estyn report as providing strategic, dynamic and thoughtful leadership. I enjoyed a Q&A session with sixth form students, in which we covered a range of issues including world politics, pathways into politics and the importance of young people engaging in politics and using their vote. If you are a constituent of Clwyd South and need help or advice, or to enquire about upcoming surgeries, please call my office on 01978 869058 or email ken.skates@senedd.wales Welsh Government have announced business rates support, going one better than England by extending new relief to Cafes and Restaurants as well. The Welsh Government move mirrors the UK Government announcement of a 15% further discount on business rates bills, however in England the eligibility list was limited. Here in Wales with the Senedd elections coming up the support is for the coming year, whereas England has a three year view due to electoral calendars. The support comes following the latest rates list that saw some hospitality businesses seeing significantly higher business rates from April. Business rates are a tax that is levied on non-domestic properties. They are revalued by the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) every three years not the council. Previously Welsh Government had announced multiplier changes, the first since 2010, that saw a substantial reduction in 2026-27, to 0.502. A new lower retail multiplier to re-balance the non-domestic rates system in favour of small to medium sized retail shops is being set at 0.350 for 2026-27. This week Mark Drakeford, Minister for Finance, confirmed that the Welsh Government will also allocate an additional 8m to provide a further year of relief for food and drink hospitality properties, including pubs, restaurants and live music venues. This support recognises the range of cost pressures facing eligible businesses and coinciding with increased non-domestic rates bills for many in the sector. We will make full use of additional consequential funding from the UK Governments relief for pubs and music venues in England, together with the Welsh Governments own funds, to extend the range of businesses supported in Wales. Eligible ratepayers will receive 15% non-domestic rates relief in 2026-27. As with similar temporary support in previous years, the relief will be capped at 110,000 per business across Wales. The relief will be awarded using the discretionary powers of local authorities, following applications from eligible ratepayers after 1 April 2026. This further support is in addition to our fully funded permanent reliefs, which are currently worth 250m to businesses and other ratepayers every year. The Welsh Governments full package of non-domestic rates support demonstrates our continued commitment to supporting businesses to recover and thrive, following recent economic challenges. Spotted something? Got a story? email us at Got a story? email us at news@wrexham.com Wrexhams MP has moved to reassure residents after rumours circulated that Llyndir Hall Hotel in Rossett could reopen to house asylum seekers. Andrew Ranger MP said he had been contacted by constituents concerned by claims being shared across social media, but stressed there is no evidence to support them. Rumours have been circulating that preparation work is underway to prepare the hotel as accommodation for asylum seekers, following direction from the Home Office. Mr Ranger said he was very concerned that misinformation was being spread without being checked with the appropriate authorities, adding that it had caused unnecessary anxiety within the community. This misinformation has concerned the community and is irresponsible at a time where this issue has been resolved in Rhos and Gwersyllt, said Mr Ranger. After seeking clarification from Wrexham County Borough Council, he confirmed: No planning application has been submitted to Wrexham Council for Llyndir Hall Hotel Neither the Home Office, Clearsprings nor any other provider has contacted the council about using the hotel to house asylum seekers Mr Ranger said he would share any verified updates with residents should the situation change. In the past week the Home Office confirmed it would not proceed with plans to use sites in Gwersyllt and Rhos as asylum dispersal accommodation following widespread concern from the public and local politicians. A spokesperson for Wrexham Council, added: To date the council has not been contacted by the Home Office, Clear Springs (or any Home Office asylum accommodation providers) regarding Llyndir Hall, Rossett. Spotted something? Got a story? email us at Got a story? email us at news@wrexham.com UK Governments policies on asylum dispersal will come under a local spotlight in the Guildhall tomorrow. Tomorrow Wrexhams Full Council will debate a Motion at a specially called Extraordinary meeting. The Motion, copied in full below, is wide ranging around asylum dispersal policies and processes. It also specifically calls on the UK Government to end the use of private sector agents in the asylum dispersal system and scrap profit-making arrangements that allows millions of pounds of taxpayers money to be extracted from the system. With that focus on those who make large sums from the asylum process via legal business activities, Wrexham.com asked Deputy Council Leader Cllr David A Bithell (pictured above) if that was the start of a wider council ethics policy one that could see the authority ruling out dealing with any person or entity that makes such profits from the asylum system. Cllr Bithell replied, We are taking a stand on this. Going back to the Rhos situation, the Home Office proposal, they give our officers just after Christmas, five working days to respond to a consultation on asylum dispersal, which we felt was totally inadequate. Thats the reason why the motion has been drafted, is because we dont feel that is adequate consultation. To be fair to our Officers, they did go back, and the Home Office did extend the consultation for another few days, and then we submitted an official response back. Five days is not meaningful consultation. People are annoyed. I was there at the public meeting. There was a lot of angry people in the meeting the reality is, were here to represent the views of people clearly. Zeroing in on the language around profits being taken from taxpayers cash, we asked if the people who do that will be unwelcome in Wrexham. Personally, its the way companies, Clear Springs are one of them their contract was issued by the by the then Prime Minister Boris Johnson, massive contracts, and the problem is theyre trying to buy up available accommodation at whatever cost it is funded by the UK Government. We dont feel thats appropriate. Its its still public money, if it comes from the Home Office, the Welsh Government or the local council. In our view, its a lot of money. We think that theres another avenue, or a better way that that can be done, meaningful consultation. Weve had really good interaction with Welsh Government on some of the schemes that the Council have supported in the past, like Ukraine and the Syrian refugees and the Afghan resettlement and to fair we havent had any particular problems with any of those schemes. All them went through the executive board. They were humanitarian schemes that were well documented, that was done through the Welsh Local Government Association, the Welsh Government, all 22 local authorities played their part. That is unlike the Home Office proposals, where you dont know whats going on. I have to say, I think its a bit of a mess, personally and thats why I think theres a little bit of an uproar. Thats why the Motion has been carefully worded, because obviously, tensions are quite high. I hope it gets passed and well make the adequate representation to the Home Office. I think theres a role in there as well for Welsh Government, because it is devolved, on one hand we can deal with humanitarian crisis, and then the other hand, we cant deal with asylum dispersal in a proper manner. I think the UK Government need to get their act together, in my view, and thats the view shared by lots of councillors. The Motion text: The UK Governments current policy on asylum dispersal, including the use of private sector agents acting on behalf of the Home Office to procure accommodation. These agents operate for profit and are reported to be making substantial financial gains from public funds, with limited transparency or accountability to local authorities. Local authorities are frequently given extremely short notice, often as little as five days, of asylum placements which severely restricts the ability to plan, assess impacts, consult with Elected Members and our constituents. This is not acceptable. The lack of meaningful consultation with local authorities prior to decisions being made undermines partnership working, places additional pressure on already stretched local services, including health, and risks negative outcomes for our communities. This Council notes for information: The contrast with the excellent and constructive working arrangements between local authorities and the Welsh Government on previously resettlement schemes, including the Ukraine and Syrian refugee programme. These schemes have generally been managed in a sensitive, planned, and collaborative manner, with proper engagement, realistic timescales, and a focus on dignity, safeguarding, and community cohesion. This Council believes, the current UK asylum dispersal model, driven by private agents and inadequate consultation, is fundamentally flawed and is not transparent, this is totally unacceptable. This motion resolves: To call on the UK Government to end the use of private sector agents in the asylum dispersal system and scrap profit-making arrangements that allows millions of pounds of taxpayers money to be extracted from the system. We urge the UK Government to replace this model with a publicly accountable, partnership-based approach and meaningful consultation with Elected Members, communities and local authorities. To call on the UK Government to devolve responsibility for asylum accommodation to Wales, enabling decisions to be made through the Senedd. Request that the Leader of the Council writes to the Home Secretary, the Secretary of State for Wales, the First Minister of Wales, and local Members of Parliament and the Senedd, setting out the Councils concerns and this resolution. Spotted something? Got a story? email us at Got a story? email us at news@wrexham.com Juba, South Sudan (PANA) - South Sudan is buckling under a fresh wave of violence and displacement, after attacks and looting halted a major UN food convoy in restive Upper Nile state and clashes continue to spread in neighbouring Jonglei New York, US (PANA) - UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has warned that the expiration of the New START treaty represents a grave moment for international peace and security, as binding limits on US and Russian strategic nuclear weapons fall away amid heightened global tensions Acquisition of Thompson Falls High-Grade Antimony Project Adjacent to America's only Antimony Smelter Acquires High Grade Antimony Project at Thompson Falls Perth, Feb 5, 2026 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Red Mountain Mining Limited ( ASX:RMX ) ( RMXFF:OTCMKTS ), a Critical Minerals exploration and development company with an established portfolio in Tier-1 Mining Districts in the United States and Australia, is pleased to announce the Company's newly-acquired Thompson Falls Antimony Project, (Figure 1*), located 4.2km from United States Antimony Corporation's operations ( NYSE:UAMY ) (Market Cap A$2.2 billion) with the only operating Antimony smelter in the US - the Thompson Falls Smelter in Montana and the Stibnite Hill Mine. Red Mountain's initial batch of assay results have returned outstanding grades of up to 36.5% Antimony and 0.65g/t Gold at the Thompson Falls Antimony Project. HIGHLIGHTS: - Red Mountain has acquired the "Thompson Falls Antimony Project" adjacent to United States Antimony Corporation's operations, which has the only Antimony smelter in the United States, and is crucial to the US Critical Minerals supply chain - Red Mountain has immediately identified standout prospectivity at the project, locating three historical underground mines and a pit within the project area. Initial assays from the Thompson Falls Antimony Project have returned superb high-grade results including: o 36.5% Sb and 0.48g/t Au o 21.0% Sb and 0.65g/t Au o 13.7% Sb and 0.14g/t Au - The Project is located on the Montana-Idaho border, within the same host stratigraphy and near UAMY's Stibnite Hill Mine, the second largest known stibnite vein deposit in the US, where high grade antimony mineralisation has been previously mined, and restarted by UAMY in late 2025 in response to the severe supply shortage in the United States - The Project is also highly prospective for Silver as it lies at the eastern end of Idaho's Coeur d'Alene mineral district, which has accounted for ~18% of the USA's total accumulated silver production, of over 1.25 billion ounces of silver between 1884 and 2020, along with 7.8Mt Lead, 3.0Mt Zinc, 1.1Moz Gold, 191kt Copper and 160kt Antimony - Thompson Falls Antimony Project further strengthens Red Mountain's Utah, Idaho and NSW Critical Minerals portfolio, creating a unique Western asset base positioned to benefit from unprecedented US and Australian government support as both nations seek to secure supply - The US Government this week launched a $12 billion strategic minerals stockpile initiative, aimed at securing Critical Mineral supply chains. Red Mountain's Thompson Falls Antimony Project, located 4.2km from UAMY's operations, is well positioned in Antimony and Silver - both federally designated Critical Minerals aligned with US supply chain priorities - Red Mountain continues to accelerate its Critical Minerals exploration and development at the Armidale project in NSW, Australia and additional technical work is rapidly progressing at the Company's Utah and Idaho projects The project sits on the border of Montana and Idaho and situated within the same host stratigraphy as UAMY's Stibnite Hill Mine, the second largest known stibnite vein deposit in the US, where highgrade antimony mineralisation has been previously mined, with UAMY restarting operations in late 2025 in response to rapidly increasing US demand. Red Mountain has commenced field-work which includes geological mapping, sampling potential mineralisation structures and exploration across alteration zones and potential outcrop - with results expected to be received this quarter. High-grade Antimony up to 36.5% Discovered and Several Historic Mines Identified Red Mountain has discovered high-grade Antimony and highly anomalous gold as part of its firstpass program (Figure 5*) at the Eastern Star underground mine returned high antimony results, up to 36.5% Sb, and elevated gold, up to 0.65g/t Au. These samples also consistently contain elevated arsenic. Red Mountain's US field team successfully located three historical underground mines and one pit within the Company's Thompson Falls Antimony Project area (Figure 3*; Figure 4*). Most of the samples collected by Red Mountain from the Eastern Star mine closely resemble the quartz-stibnite veins mined at UAMY's Stibnite Hill deposit (discussed below), 6km east of Red Mountain's Thompson Falls Project area, although these veins are not recorded as producing gold. However, the wide variety of listed metals for the three mines within the project area and the presence of siderite in some material on the Eastern Star dump (Table A*) suggests that the Thompson Falls Project has potential to also host the silver-rich polymetallic vein mineralisation that is typical of the rich Coeur d'Alene mineral district that lies immediate west of Red Mountain's claims. The three underground workings are listed in the Idaho Geological Survey and Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology historical mines databases, with their produced metals listed as silver-lead (Eastern Star), antimony, and antimony-silver-copper-zinc-lead, as shown on Figure 3*. During initial reconnaissance, seven samples were collected from the Eastern Star Ag-Pb mine by Red Mountain's field crew and one sample was collected from south of the unnamed occurrence with recorded production of Sb-Ag-Cu-Zn-Pb (Figure 5*). The acquisition of claims was completed directly with both the Idaho Bureau of Land Management and Montana Bureau of Land Management offices, utilising existing internal cash from late 2025 funding initiatives. The total costs for securing the project were $158,000. As the project sits on the border of Idaho and Montana, Red Mountain coordinated across two separate BLM offices, which included the period of the US federal government shutdown in late 2025, with formal processing and confirmation of claims finalised following the complete resumption of federal operations in early 2026. Project located in a prime position in a globally significant mineralised belt Red Mountain's Thompson Falls Antimony Project lies at the eastern end of Idaho's Coeur d'Alene mineral district, which is one of the globe's largest silver provinces, accounting for ~18% of total accumulated US production, and has also produced significant quantities of lead, zinc, gold, copper and antimony. Recorded metal production for the Coeur d'Alene mineral district between 1884 and 2020 totals 1,257Moz Ag, 7.8Mt Pb, 3.0Mt Zn, 1.1Moz Au and 191kt Cu. Production figures for antimony are not readily available and the metal was historically treated a waste product by many producers. Taylor and Hoffstra (2005) estimate that 161kt Stibnite (Sb) was produced from the Sunshine Mine, which was also one of the world's richest and largest silver mines throughout the 20th Century before closing in early 2001. Only a small portion of Sunshine's antimony production is recorded by the Idaho Geology Survey, who detail production of 5.5kt Sb between 1982 and 2000. Taylor and Hoffstra (2005) also note production of an unspecified quantity of antimony from the Bunker Hill - Last Chance and Crescent mines. As described in Reid (Ed., 1961), polymetallic orogenic vein mineralisation in the Coeur d'Alene mineral district is hosted in Middle Proterzoic (~1,400Ma) low grade metasedimentary rocks of the Belt Supergroup, with most mineralisation hosted in the St. Regis Formation, Upper Revett Formation, Lower Burke Formation and Prichard Formation. Mineralisation occurs as fault-controlled siderite quartz-sulfide veins, with sulfide mineralogy principally comprising silver-rich tetrahedrite, galena, sphalerite and chalcopyrite. The mineral veins in the district consist principally of siderite (tan-colored iron carbonate) with quartz and sulfide minerals, principally tetrahedrite (a silver-rich, copper-antimony sulfide), galena (lead sulfide), sphalerite (zinc sulfide), and chalcopyrite (copper-iron sulfide). Veins can range in thickness from a few centimetres to several meters in thickness and can be laterally and vertically extensive, extending along strike over more than a kilometre and extending to depths of up to 1.5km. They typically show little evidence of vertical zonation, but can show lateral changes in sulfide mineralogy. Orogenic polymetallic vein-hosted mineralisation is known to extend from the Coeur d'Alene mining district into western Montana. Red Mountain's Thompson Falls Antimony Project encompasses the Upper Prichard Formation, which hosts mineralisation within the Coeur d'Alene mineral district and is also the host for mineralisation at US Antimony's nearby Stibnite Hill antimony mine. United States Antimony Corporation recommences mining at Stibnite Hill The Stibnite Hill Mine is approximately 6km east of the Red Mountain's Thompson Falls Antimony Project, located close to US Antimony's smelter. As discussed by Crowley (1963) antimony mineralisation at Stibnite Hill was first discovered in 1884. For most of the mine's history, production has been small-scale, from numerous individual claims. Mineralisation occurs in flat-lying (dipping ~25 degrees northwest) dominantly stratigraphy-parallel, quartz-sulfide veins, which range in thickness from ~1cm to 1.5m and can be traced for up to 1km along strike. Sulfide content varies along strike. Stibnite is the dominant sulfide, comprising 5% to 40% of the vein. Other sulfides occur as trace to minor phases and include up to 8% sphalerite, up to 5% arsenopyrite, up to 3% pyrite and less than 1% chalcopyrite. Following a short period of production shortly after discovery, the Stibnite Hill Mine was idle until 1940, when World War II provided impetus for production. Small-scale antimony mining continued sporadically until 1968, when the mine was acquired by the US Antimony Corporation. UAMY mined Stibnite Hill using underground mining methods from 1968 until 1983, when a decision was made to cease operations "for economic reasons". There is very little published information regarding the grade and production of Stibnite Hill, although Bratney (1977), notes that in 1975, UAMY produced 450,533 pounds (204t) of antimony from 19,085 tons (17.3kt) of ore, which equates to a recoverable grade of 1.18% Sb. Total historical production from the mine is estimated by Taylor and Hoffstra (2005) to comprise 15.4 kt of Sb. In October 2025 UAMY advised the market that the company had recommenced mining at Stibnite Hill using a surface mining "cut and cover" method that removes first overburden and then vein stibnite in panels, with each excavated panel covered by the overburden excavated from the next adjacent panel. Although no resource figure was quoted, UAMY noted that significantly more antimony was present at Stibnite Hill than anticipated, highlighting the effectiveness of modern mining techniques to extract significant value from material first mined by small-scale historical operations. In late November the company advised that approximately 800 tons of visually identified antimony ore (with assay and metallurgical results yet to be received) had been trucked over a 45 day period. Next steps for the Thompson Falls Antimony Project Red Mountain is expecting additional assay results from sampling completed at Thompson Falls, to be received this quarter. The Company plans to undertake further reconnaissance exploration and sampling over the project area to locate any additional undocumented historical mine workings and potential mineralised exposures. The Red Mountain US team also plans to further inspect and access and sample the underground mines already located, to better understand the nature of mineralisation present at these prospects, prior to assessing and finalising plans for drill targets. Red Mountain well placed to continue leveraging Critical Metal opportunities and accelerating exploration and development plans Both the Australian and US Governments have explicitly identified antimony as a critical strategic metal, with significant constraints on supply and uncertainty around supply chain security. These constraints, which have included China limiting supply of the metal to western countries, have driven strong interest in exploration and development projects for antimony, with US Antimony Corporation moving rapidly to increase the company's smelter and processing capacity and seeking to secure new ore supply to meet an anticipated surge in domestic US demand. With strong investor support in both Australia and the US, Red Mountain is well positioned to leverage what is an unprecedented critical shortage of Western supply and US Government interest in key strategic commodities. In addition to the Thompson Falls Antimony Project, located immediately adjacent to the USA's only operating antimony smelter, Red Mountain also holds three additional high quality antimony projects in the USA - the Utah Antimony Project in southern Utah, and the Yellow Pine and Silver Dollar Projects in central Idaho - as well as the Company's Armidale AntimonyGold Project in NSW, Australia, where initial drilling of the high-grade Oaky Creek antimony target is expected during the first half of 2026. *To view tables and figures, please visit: https://abnnewswire.net/lnk/6320A2NR About Red Mountain Mining Limited Red Mountain Mining Limited (ASX:RMX) is a mineral exploration and development company. Red Mountain has a portfolio of US, Canada and Australia projects in Critical Minerals and Gold. Red Mountain is advancing its Armidale Antimony-Gold Project in NSW, Utah Antimony Project in the Antimony Mining District of Utah, US, Fry Lake Gold Project and US Lithium projects. Related Companies loading......... Perth, Feb 5, 2026 AEST (ABN Newswire) - In this segment of The Ellis Martin Report on Money Talk Radio, Ellis Martin discusses a major development in the U.S. critical minerals space: Red Mountain Mining Limited's ( ASX:RMX ) ( RMXFF:OTCMKTS ) acquisition of the Thompson Falls High-Grade Antimony Project, located on the Montana-Idaho border just kilometers from United States Antimony Corporation's Thompson Falls smelter - the only operating antimony smelter in the United States. Initial sampling at Thompson Falls has returned exceptional grades, including antimony assays up to 36.5% Sb, highlighting the project's potential strategic importance as the U.S. and its allies move to secure domestic and Western-aligned critical mineral supply chains. Ellis Martin outlines why antimony has rapidly become a federally designated critical mineral, how Red Mountain's growing U.S. and Australian portfolio positions the company for government and industry support, and why proximity to existing processing infrastructure matters in today's supply-constrained environment. To Listen to the Interview, please visit: https://www.abnnewswire.net/lnk/II8Q7H11 About Red Mountain Mining Limited Red Mountain Mining Limited (ASX:RMX) is a mineral exploration and development company. Red Mountain has a portfolio of US, Canada and Australia projects in Critical Minerals and Gold. Red Mountain is advancing its Armidale Antimony-Gold Project in NSW, Utah Antimony Project in the Antimony Mining District of Utah, US, Fry Lake Gold Project and US Lithium projects. About The Ellis Martin Report The Ellis Martin Report (TEMR) and Money Talk Radio feature interviews with industry leaders in mining, biotech, energy, and technology. The program is globally syndicated through multiple financial platforms and streaming services. Related Companies Spain plans to prohibit social media access for children under 16 starting this year, as announced by Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Tuesday at the World Governments Summit in Dubai. Sanchez said the ban will be introduced as early as next week through amendments to existing legislation on protecting minors in digital environments currently being debated in parliament. The measure aims to shield young people from what the Spanish leader called a digital environment filled with addiction, abuse, pornography, manipulation, and violence. Platforms will be required to implement effective age verification systems to enforce the restriction, not just simple checkboxes that can be easily bypassed. Europe's Growing Push for Age Restrictions Spain becomes the latest European country to pursue social media age restrictions following Australia's historic ban implemented in December 2025, which became the first global prohibition of its kind, according to the New York Times. France approved legislation in January 2026 to ban social media for children under 15, set to take effect at the start of the school year in September. Denmark and the United Kingdom are also considering similar measures, as countries worldwide express growing concerns about the mental health impacts and online dangers facing children on digital platforms. The proposed Spanish ban is part of a broader regulatory crackdown on technology companies. Sanchez announced his government will also introduce legislation to hold social media executives criminally liable for failing to remove illegal or hateful content from their platforms. The government plans to criminalize the algorithmic manipulation and amplification of illegal content, with Sanchez stating that spreading hate must come with consequences. He criticized major platforms for allowing illegal content, including child sexual abuse materials and nonconsensual sexual deepfake images, Reuters reported. Read more: YouTube Lets Parents Block or Set Time Limits on Shorts for Kids and Teens Broader Protections and International Coordination The legislation raises the minimum age for minors to provide consent for processing their personal data from 14 to 16 years old, aligning with the upper limit allowed under European Union data protection regulations. Children under 16 will only be permitted to access social media platforms with explicit parental authorization. The draft law also requires mandatory parental control tools on electronic devices and introduces digital restraining orders to protect minors from online harassment. Sanchez revealed that Spain has joined five other unnamed European nations in what he called a coalition of countries committed to enforcing stricter and faster regulation of social media platforms. The group plans to meet in the coming days to discuss coordinated cross-border enforcement efforts. The prime minister emphasized that protecting children from digital harms represents a battle that exceeds the boundaries of any single country. The legislation faces parliamentary approval from Sanchez's left-leaning coalition, which does not hold a majority. Spain's conservative People's Party has expressed support for the ban, while the far-right Vox party opposes the measure. According to studies, over 90 percent of Spanish teenagers use at least one social networking site, and one in ten minors in Spain has experienced cyberbullying. Implementation details and enforcement mechanisms remain under discussion as the legislation moves through the approval process, as per ABC News. Iran's foreign minister and Trump envoy Steve Witkoff will sit down on Friday in Istanbul, ostensibly to "negotiate." Advertisement But what will be the subject of the negotiation? The Iranians clearly want the U.S. to back off the intensifying military, political, economic, and diplomatic pressure on their regime. I would be stunned if they didn't claim victory after meeting with Witkoff, that the president had agreed to back down. Advertisement But what does President Trump want? He has said two things, both of them intriguing, but neither one really analyzed by media commentators. Advertisement First, he has said he wants an end to Iran's nuclear program. Second, that he wants the regime to stop killing its own people. Wait a minute, I thought Operation Midnight Hammer "obliterated" Iran's nuclear weapons facilities last June. What's up? Advertisement Over the past week, satellite photographs have emerged on social media showing that the Iranians have put new roofs on buildings at Fordo, the enrichment facility that was hit by U.S. bunker buster bombs on June 22. The roofs may be just temporary covers, aimed primarily at keeping prying eyes (and satellites) from chronicling the excavation work underneath. Advertisement Still, it would take many months for the Iranians to burrow down the 300 feet of rubble caused by the bombs. And once they reached the underground enrichment hall, it's unlikely they would find anything other than twisted metal. So my guess is that the apparent excavation work at Fordo is just a mirage. Advertisement Instead, I believe the U.S. now has definitive intelligence that the regime succeeded in spiriting away its stockpile of highly-enriched uranium shortly before the June 22 attack on Fordo. Remember how quickly both the president and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth were to brush off questions relating to the HEU stockpile? And then how quickly the subject just seemed to vanish from the airwaves and the press briefings? The 450 kg of 60% HEU Iran was known to possess before the June attacks is enough to produce at least ten nuclear weapons, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency's own assessment. That is not just a one-off bomb, but a nuclear weapons arsenal. My Iranian sources believe the regime removed it long before the June attacks and is keeping it in a convoy of nearly two dozen container trucks where it can be further enriched -- a kind of rolling shell game, if you will. That would make a tempting target for Pentagon war-planners, who have shown remarkable expertise at spiriting away highly-protected targets -- including a foreign president -- from very hostile environments. It would certainly explain why the regime has been putting pressure on U.S. allies in the region in recent days, with the Supreme Leader warning that any U.S. attack would spark a "regional war." One IRGC pundit, speaking on Iranian television, said the regime planned to strike at the heart of Dubai's financial hub, the Dubai Airport freezone, the Internet exchange center, and the Jebal Ali Free Trade zone. That would do tremendous damage not just physically, but to Dubai's image as a peaceful safe haven for innovative business and high-tech development. But how serious is President Trump about his second demand that the regime stop killing protesters? It's hard to know, and much more difficult to quantify. Trump claimed last month, before the full extent of the regime's slaughter of innocent protesters became known, that his threats of retaliation had stopped the execution of 800 political prisoners. But by now it's pretty clear that Trump's words have not deterred the Iranian regime, which has justified the killings by claiming the protests were the work of external "plots." In a letter reportedly signed by the President to an Iranian-American family in California whose nephew was killed by the regime during protests on January 10, the President said that his administration "will always stand with the people of Iran in their demand for freedom and democracy." He added: "We are working with great determination to ensure that the Ayatollah and his criminal regime are brought to justice." Those are serious words that go well beyond official statements so far. Retired Israeli Brigadier General Amir Avivi, founder and chairman of the nonprofit Israel's Defense and Security Forum, said this week it was time for the president to put up or shut up. This operation is not a limited strike on military or nuclear facilities. We are facing a highly complex attack aimed at regime change in Iran broad and multilayered, directly targeting the regimes leadership," he said in a video statement. According to Avivi, by striking communications centers and state broadcasting, the regimes command links with its forces across Iran would be severed. He added that all IRGC bases would be targeted and, ultimately, the public would be armed. That goes way beyond anything the Trump administration has suggested publicly. But then again, they didn't say much about capturing Nicolas Maduro, either. For all his public verbosity and bombast, this president has shown a remarkable ability to play his cards close to his vest. Tehran's carpet merchants have finally met their match. Timmerman is a senior fellow at the America First Policy Institute who was nominated for the Nobel Peace prize in 2006 for his work on Iran. His 14th book of non-fiction, The Iran House: Tales of Revolution, Persecution, War, and Intrigue, is available from Post Hill Press. Image: U.S. Embassy Jerusalem Diego Garcia, a V-shaped coral atoll in the Indian Ocean with a U.S. military base, has become a point of contention between President Donald Trump and U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The U.K. has signed a deal to return the Chagos Islands, of which Diego Garcia is the largest, to Mauritius. Conservatives on both sides of the Atlantic fear that this move could give China a strategic advantage across the East African coast, the Middle East, the Indian Ocean, and all the way to Australias western coast. Advertisement President Trumps sharp response to the deal was: Shockingly, our brilliant NATO ally, the United Kingdom, is currently planning to give away the island of Diego Garcia, the site of a vital military base, to Mauritius, and to do so for no reasons whatsoever. He added that China and Russia had noticed this act of weakness, and that the deal was yet another reason why the U.S. must acquire Greenland. Diego Garcia, located just below the Equator and near the center of the Indian Ocean, is critically important to the U.S. and its allies for deploying naval and air power. From there, Americas Rockwell B-1B Lancers, supersonic bombers with a maximum unfueled range of 7,500 miles, can reach Taiwan and Iran within hours. The Military Sealift Command (MSC) operates numerous logistical facilities on the island. Additionally, it serves as a refueling base for battleships, military aircraft, and submarines, including nuclear submarines. It is also significant for regional nuclear capabilities, since nearby Africa remains nuclear-free. Advertisement Post 9/11, the U.S. used Diego Garcia as a forward operating base to deploy B-2 bombers into Iraq and Afghanistan. It has also been utilized to guard and monitor shipping and to launch strikes against the Houthis in Yemen. Last year, during the Twelve-Day War, nearly half of Americas operational B-2 fleet was stationed on the island, ready to strike nuclear facilities in Iran. The island is also a key site for the Five Eyes intelligence alliance of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the U.K., and the U.S. Intelligence communications among members are exchanged and transmitted via Diego Garcia, a highly classified base with a no-fly zone around it. As a result, much is at stake, and not just for the U.S., in the U.K.s handover deal. Advertisement A brief history of the islands explains how the deal happened. After the Napoleonic Wars ended with the Treaty of Paris in 1814, France handed over the 60-odd Chagos Islands to Britain. During World War II, Britain used RAF units from Diego Garcia to track Japanese and German submarines in the Indian Ocean. During the Cold War, the U.S. began to show interest in Diego Garcia because of its strategic importance and control over the South China Sea. In 1965, three years before Mauritius gained independence from Britain, the U.K. separated its administration of the Chagos from Mauritius and established it as a British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT). Advertisement In 1971, when the U.S. showed interest in building a naval support facility at Diego Garcia, the U.K. expelled around 2,000 native Chagossians from the islands. The U.S. constructed an airstrip on the island, which was expanded in the 1980s to a 12,000-foot runway to support B-52s and other stealth bombers. Later, Mauritius claimed the Chagos Islands as part of its territory and, in 2019, filed a case before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) demanding the return of the islands. In 2025, the U.K. agreed and signed a transfer agreement that is still awaiting approval by parliaments in both countries. One of the provisions in the agreement is for Mauritius to lease the island back to the U.K. for at least another 99 years, receiving 101 million annually. Advertisement Today, Diego Garcia has a population of about 4,000, mostly U.S. military personnel and civilian contractors. There are approximately 50 British military personnel responsible for civil administration, customs, and policing. The base is operated jointly, with full cooperation between the British and American militaries and intelligence agencies. The main concern about the handover is that the Chinese will establish a foothold on Mauritian soil and expand from there. Like Sri Lanka, the Maldives, and the Solomon Islands, Mauritius is strongly aligned with China and is a key partner in the Belt and Road Initiative. A presence on any of the Chagos Islands would also strengthen Chinas String of Pearls strategy across the Indian Ocean, connecting commercial and military facilities along major maritime choke points. Advertisement Critics of the deal highlight provisions that could endanger America's and its allies strategic advantage in Diego Garcia. Robert Midgley, head of communications at the Friends of the British Overseas Territories (FOTBOT), who recently traveled to Washington D.C. to argue that the deal weakens the security of both the U.S. and the U.K., states that one provision allows Mauritius to reclaim the entire territory if the U.K. defaults on a single payment. Another concern is that a treaty between Mauritius and China does not allow nuclear weapons on Diego Garcia. Therefore, Mauritius will have the right to inspect sites that may have nuclear capabilities. Midgley states that Diego Garcia supports long range surveillance and reconnaissance, satellite communication and navigation and could be significant for the U.K. Cyber and Specialist Operations Command, established in September 2025. Since Diego Garcia already serves as an intel exchange and communications hub for the Five Eyes alliance, it will continue to be crucial to members cyber defense efforts. China is already covertly operating: suspicious Chinese fishing vessels with disabled Automatic Identification Systems and outfitted with advanced electronics and radar systems were spotted near the Chagos Islands in October. They seemed to be collecting undersea data, part of Chinas larger military mapping effort in the Indian Ocean. Midgley describes the deal as a betrayal of the descendants of the displaced Chagossiansthere are about 10,000, with 6,000 living in the U.K., while the rest are spread across Mauritius, the Seychelles, and the Maldives. He claims they are overwhelmingly pro-British and oppose a deal in which they have no say. Another critic, Marcus Solarz Hendriks, a senior analyst at Greenmantle, a geopolitical advisory firm led by conservative historian Niall Ferguson, says that ceding the Chagos Islands was never legally necessary, nor strategically prudent. He describes the deal as the U.K.s act of strategic self-harm, inflicted under phantasmal duress. He says that British officials agreed to the deal, seeing merit in the argument that the islands were an illegitimate remnant of colonialism. This argument gained traction after an ICJ advisory in 2019. However, he notes that while the ICJs advisory mentions that the U.K. has an obligation to bring to an end its administrationas soon as possible, it is non-binding and does not require the U.K. to comply. On January 28, 80 prominent American and British security officials, political leaders, and academics issued a statement titled Dont Surrender Diego Garcia! It states that the plan would jeopardize a crucial military installation, pose a strategic threat to the U.S., and strain U.S.-U.K. relations. It also highlights a way for Trump to block the handover: a 1966 treaty with the U.K., valid until 2036, grants America the final authority over any territorial changes and includes a two-year window to revise the treaty. President Trump needs to tell Starmer that the U.S. rejects the deal and will take control of Diego Garcia if the British give it up. This security asset cannot be handed over to China, which will eventually take control of the island from Mauritius. Hopefully, the efforts to stop the handover will succeed. Image generated by ChatGPT. Recently, I wrote a piece that received some pushback. I wondered if Donald Trump was making the same mistake as George Bush Sr. did when he broke his Read my lips: No new taxes pledge. Advertisement If you read my work regularly, youll notice a decidedly clear bias towards warnings of doom. Its not my default position that life is nothing but doom and gloom. On the contrary. I actually have a website that explicitly talks about how good we have things and encourages gratitude for the American entrepreneurs and inventors who made our lives possible. In a universe where most of history was characterized by scarcity, war, slavery, and early death, most Americans today have relatively extraordinary lives. Everything we have today came about as the result of the hard work of generations of people who left us this legacy. From the Founding Fathers leaving us the Constitution to Grant defeating the South to Rockefeller rationalizing energy to Jobs putting the Internet in our hands, everything we have in the 21st century came from the efforts of countless numbers of long-dead people, as well as (often) our own efforts. Advertisement Image created using AI. Advertisement To the degree that one can identify the elements that made the last 250 years so different from any prior period, it was this combination of individual freedom, free markets, private property, and limited government. Those elements laid the foundation for a nation to spread across a continent, become an industrial juggernaut, and become an economic powerhouse able to promote freedom and prosperity to billions of people around the world. That anger you sometimes see reflected in my writing stems from the government's efforts over the last 50 years to do just about everything in its power to undermine that success. On almost every front, the government has gotten itself involved in areas where it has no place, no constitutional authority. Moreover, regardless of how ineffective, pernicious, or downright harmful its actions are, nobody ever does anything about it. Advertisement The Borg-like government, with its tentacles attaching to ever more elements of American life and tightening its grip, is killing the goose that laid the golden egg. Look no further than GDP growth. Just look at the average annual GDP growth by decade since 1950: 1950s: 4.2% Advertisement 1960s: 4.5% 1970s: 3.2% Advertisement 1980s: 3.1% 1990s: 3.2% 2000s: 1.9% 2010s: 2.4% 2020s: 2.4% To understand how much of a problem that is, understand that in the 1950s, computers were the size of a house and could do 5,000 calculations per second. Today, a computer fits in the palm of your hand and is literally billions of times faster. Yet our GDP growth is almost half as much. It should be double. If you want to know why, even though we are so much more efficient and have far better and more tools at our disposal, our GDP is half what it used to be, the answer is the government. Perhaps the only thing that has grown more than computer power over the last half-century is government power. Today, the government intrudes on practically every single aspect of our lives, from mandating the ability to remotely turn off our cars to requiring those tags on our mattresses to telling us the makeup of our neighborhood. And sadly, while government operatives, both politicians and bureaucrats, are busy promoting the butchering of some children and the trafficking of others, they fail at the basic responsibilities of government, such as maintaining law and order, keeping our borders secure, and not sending money to dead people. The governments tentacles are everywhere, like a cancer that knows no bounds and for which there is no cure. Of course, theoretically, there is a cure for all of this: elections. However, the government has somehow managed to manipulate them so that, regardless of who gets elected in either party, we basically get the same policies. Sure, some things may change around the edges, but for the most part, the Swamp reigns, and nobody does anything about it. The budgets basically remain the same, the programs largely stay the same, and the controlling elites basically rotate between government, NGOs, and corporate boardrooms. And heres where my piece talking about Trump betraying his voters comes into play. I could spend my time showcasing the great things he has done, and he has done many, but I focus on the fact that if he doesnt deal with the gun pointed at the head of the Republic, none of that matters. For Democrats, cheating is simply their MO. Between importing new illegal voters, manipulating the voting apparatus, and fighting Voter ID, Democrats have basically wiped out GOP representation in New England, even though 30-40% of the population in those areas is Republican. Democrats will destroy the Republic the next time they get power, and if Donald Trump doesnt start acting like a leader with something to fight for, there wont be anything left to fight for. Once back in power, Democrats will kill that American goose. They will manipulate voting rules to turn the country writ large into the dysfunctional cesspools theyve created in Illinois, Maryland, California, etc. They will expand the problems of San Francisco, Chicago, Baltimore, Detroit, et. al., into the suburbs and eventually across the country. They will utilize every lever of government power to eviscerate the foundations of freedom that made the country great in the first place. But it doesnt have to be. But unfortunately, were watching Senate leader John Thune betray Americans on easily the lowest hanging fruit ever in American history, the SAVE Act. You can say that Trump doesnt run Congress or the Senate, which is true, but he is still the president with the largest soapbox on the planet, on an issue so powerful that even a majority of Democrats support it. Trump should call on and or call out every GOP Senator who is standing in his way. He should do rallies in their states and encourage citizens to reach out and sway them. He should use every available lever of power to convince the Senate to pass the SAVE Act. The reality is, the SAVE Act (which isnt perfect, as it currently doesnt outlaw the insane policy of letting illegals have Social Security numbers) and its companion deportations are where the rubber hits the road relative to a free Republic. Literally, if we do not put in place guarantees for honest elections now, the country will be as blue as the California House delegation within a decade. The SAVE Act is not sufficient to guarantee honest elections, but its a first step. As for my regular warnings of doom, I wish I could spend my time commenting on the new arch going up in Arlington or the new White House ballroom, but the reality is, those are of no real consequence. If Donald Trump doesnt focus on guaranteeing secure elections, neither will matter because both will end up as symbols not of a great hero who saved the Republic, but rather of the man who failed to save it when he had the chance. Follow Vince on X at @ImperfectUSA Long-time readers know that I absolutely loathe marijuana because Ive seen the lives that it destroys. In the best cases, sustained pot use leads to apathy. Sure, stoners arent out there committing crimes, but theyre not doing anything else either. Theyve rendered themselves useless. Advertisement In the worst cases, in people who are somehow vulnerable, pot is a gateway drug, not just to harder drugs (what anti-drug campaigns warned about in the 1960s), but to psychosis, something that Alex Berenson has documented in Tell Your Children: The Truth About Marijuana, Mental Illness, and Violence. Loathsome as cigarettes may be, they impair neither ambition nor mental health. But the left hates cigarettes and loves pot. Advertisement Now, Canada has done a vast study that Alex Berenson was right about that mental illness connection. It turns out that young Canadians are becoming increasingly psychotic: Out of the 12.23 million people, 152,587, or 0.9 percent, were diagnosed with a psychotic disorder, the study said. The annual incidence of psychotic disorders was found to have increased by 60 percent among people aged 14 to 20 years between 1997 and 2023. Meanwhile, it was stable or even declined among those aged 21 to 50 years. Advertisement The incidence of schizophrenia was found to be 70 percent higher among individuals born in 2000-2004 compared to those born during 1975-79. The percentage of people diagnosed with a psychotic disorder at 20 years of age was 104 percent higher among those born in 2000-2004, according to the study. Advertisement Among the 19751979 birth cohort, the mean age of diagnosis of psychotic disorders was 25.4 years, which declined to 23.2 years in the 1990-1994 cohort. Advertisement Image created using AI. At the same time, theyre also getting stoned...a lot: Advertisement Rates of substance useincluding cannabis, stimulants, hallucinogens, and synthetic drugshave increased over time in Canada; use of these substances is associated with the development and worsening of psychotic disorders, the study noted. The same Epoch Times article says that the study, which is from the Canadian Medical Association Journal, proposes all sorts of politically correct (my word, not theirs) theories about the rise of psychosis in Canadas young people. These include the expansion of early psychosis intervention programs, socioeconomic stress, adverse childhood experiences, changes in maternal and neonatal health, and changing environmental exposure, such as urbanization. However, one of the studys authors acknowledged that rising substance abuse could be tied to the rise in serious mental health issues: A leading possibility is substance useincluding cannabis, stimulants, hallucinogens, and synthetic drugs. The use of substances, especially earlier in life, is associated with the development and worsening of psychotic disorders, and substance use in Canada has risen over the past two decades. The Epoch Times adds something very interesting near the end of the essay, which could go a long way to explaining the problem: Pot is stronger today than it used to be...way stronger: During the 1980s, typical THC levels in cannabis flowers were around 4 percent, which has currently shot up to 20 percent on average. Meanwhile, vaping delivers even more concentrated THC into the system. In the old days, pot gave you a comfortable buzz and a sense of relaxation. Its why people as diverse as Louis Armstrong and Bing Crosby (when he was young) were able to use it daily without destroying either their ambition or their abilities. Todays pot, though, is a serious psychotropic drug. When I grew up (my teen years were squarely in the 1970s), the anti-drug horror stories were about the lasting damage from LSD use. One trip could cause you to go blind or leap from a window. (I know someone who leaped from a window, with devastating consequences, while on mushrooms.) Pot was frowned upon but viewed merely as a soft warm-up to hard drugs. Today, though, its pot thats the hard drug. Given how dangerous pot has become, how in the world have we ended up with the situation today, where pot has been decriminalized in 24 states? Although its still a federal crime to use it, that law is completely ignored, especially since Biden pardoned thousands of people with pot convictions. The answer, of course, is leftism. The left went after cigarettes, which smell disgusting and cause serious physical health problems, but were a mild stimulant that did nothing to slow down energy and ambition. I hate cigarettes, so Id be a hypocrite to complain about the war against them. However, the problem is that, having done away with cigarettes, leftists led America to pot, which, like cigarettes, smells disgusting and causes serious mental and physical health problems. However, unlike cigarettes, its a sedative. Pot is the modern opiate of the masses, and its a terrible and dangerous thing. Our country is already pretty darn crazy thanks to leftism, with young people being indoctrinated into gender confusion, the end of borders, sympathy for criminals, not victims, and antisemitism. They really dont need to have a psychosis-causing drug added to the mix. In late January 2026, investigators executed a search warrant at a Las Vegas residence and recovered what police described as evidence of possible biological material refrigerators holding vials with unknown liquids plus other lab-linked equipment inside a locked garage. Officials say they collected more than 1,000 samples and moved them for federal testing, while insisting there is no current safety risk to the neighborhood. According to local reporting, two people have become so deadly ill that they reportedly could not get out of bed. Advertisement Recent reporting by investigative journalist Jennifer Van Laar with RedState and 8 News Now reporter David Charns indicates that the search in Las Vegas has expanded to another suspect, an E-2 visa holder named Ori Salomon. He was allegedly living around the corner from the biolab and is a property manager connected with a CCP state actor named Jesse Zhu, arrested in 2023. Van Laar reports that the Feb. 2, 2026 federal complaint says Solomon has an approved I-129 (Petition for Non-Immigrant Worker) filed on his behalf by a company. Yet, my investigation shows Solomon himself controls numerous corporations in NV and has for decades. The complaint alleges that Solomon owns several firearms. Notably, an E-2 visa holder may not possess a firearm, and, as an I-129 beneficiary, he is not allowed to work for multiple corporations under that petition. Advertisement Local law enforcement ties the homes ownership to the same Chinese national at the center of the 2023 California case, Jesse Zhu. Federal prosecutors accused the defendant known as Jia Bei Zhu, also known as Jesse Zhu, Qiang He, and Davie He, 62, of running a diagnostic-test operation at a lab in Reedley that evaded regulatory controls. According to the DOJ complaint, he began operations no later than December 2020 and continued through at least March 2023. The DOJ complaint adds, The disarray at the Reedley lab led to the glare of publicity he was trying to avoid, and the ensuing investigation unraveled his efforts to circumvent the requirements that are designed to ensure that medical devices are safe and effective. Advertisement Zhu arrested in 2023, CDC slow to investigate The U.S. Department of Justice announced Zhus arrest in October 2023. Prosecutors alleged he was involved in the manufacture and distribution of misbranded medical devices and making false statements to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The DOJ complaint also describes a multi-year scheme involving hundreds of thousands of test kits (COVID-19, HIV, pregnancy, urinalysis, and others sold on Amazon and elsewhere), through Universal Meditech Incorporated and Prestige Biotech Incorporated. According to a Nov. 16, 2023 DOJ press release, neither company obtain[ed] pre-market approval, pre-market clearance, emergency use authorization, or other applicable exemption from the FDA as was required. UMI and PBI received millions of dollars for the sales of the test kits. Advertisement The Oct. 18, 2023 complaint alleges that Zhu failed to obtain required authorizations and that he lied about his identity, the control, and activities of the companies. The DOJ announcement included this warning: Providing materially false information to FDA inspectors regarding medical device manufacturing and distribution impedes the agencys ability to protect public health, especially when those false statements relate to unauthorized and misbranded COVID-19 tests. Consumers who unknowingly use these misbranded COVID tests run the risk of incorrect results about their COVID status, which can lead to further spread of the virus, said Special Agent in Charge Robert M. Iwanicki, FDA Office of Criminal Investigations Los Angeles Field Office. Advertisement The press release alleges that Zhu stole American intellectual property and transferred it to the Peoples Republic of China (PRC), leading to a $330M judgment and arrest warrant. The release also states that Zhu continues to operate a web of interconnected PRC- and US-based companies used in his fraudulent activities. Zhu was also allegedly receiving large unexplained payments from the PRC. Dr. Li-Meng Yan Chinese virologist Dr. Li-Meng Yan has been investigating this biolab case since its inception. Her ability to speak and read Chinese gives her a distinct edge over most U.S. reporters when filling in the gaps on stories like this one. As a result of her investigation, Yan told me she has reason to believe that Zhu is no ordinary person, but Advertisement rather, a designated operative selected and cultivated by the CCP from a politically reliable and ideologically loyal Party-member family, with access to resources far beyond the capacity of an individual and deployed to carry out covert missions under the framework of unrestricted warfare. I first interviewed Yan for about three hours in late 2022. In April 2020, Yan fled from Hong Kong to the United States, where she had worked in a prominent virology lab at the University of Hong Kong, studying coronaviruses and other emerging viral diseases under Malik Peiris. She has been targeted by the CCP on U.S. soil for speaking out against the CCP and Xis brutal regime. Her parents still live in mainland China. In 2022, she told me she felt it was her duty to inform the world about the dangers of Communist China under Xi Jinping. She has continued to speak courageously about Chinas alleged infiltration of our institutions and critical infrastructure through immigration and ongoing unrestricted warfare, known in some circles as Gray Zone Warfare. Notably, Yans reporting is confirmed by the Select Committee on China, whose Nov. 15, 2023 bipartisan report confirmed Zhu to be a wanted PRC national with previous ties to the Chinese government. According to their report, city officials in Reedley, Calif. had reached out to the CDC and the FBI during the Biden administration on multiple occasions, but both agencies refused to investigate. The report states that the CDC refused to test the samples or examine the unlabeled vials containing what appeared to be pathogens or other biological samples. Reedley city officials finally requested Rep. Jim Costas help, who then pressured the CDC to visit the site. According to the report, the illegal biolab contained thousands of samples of labeled, unlabeled and encoded potential pathogens, including HIV, malaria, tuberculosis, and Covid. The illegal lab also contained a freezer labeled Ebola, which contained unlabeled, sealed silver bags consistent with how the lab stored high risk biological materials. ... [It] also contained nearly a thousand transgenic mice, genetically engineered to mimic the human immune system. Lab workers said that the mice were designed to catch and carry the COVID-19 virus. On Wednesday, I spent another hour with Dr. Yan on her America Outloud radio show, The Voice of Dr. Yan, to discuss the latest developments about this apparent network of unregulated, private biolabs associated with Zhu and the PRC. She says these labs are more like weapons arsenals, not true biolabs. Yan has worked in legitimate level 3 biosafety labs researching viruses, including the original SARS virus. This network of alleged CCP-linked labs pose a grave potential danger to the communities surrounding them. The CCP purposely stations these arsenals in areas that a lot of people stay and even where there are shopping malls, restaurants, and close to U.S. military bases. I want people to know that this [type of operation] is conducted by professional, state-controlled CCP agents. We know that CCP always selects the next generation when they are very young from the very loyal Red Party families and Jesse Zhu is clearly from such a family. Even his mom, his elder brother, his wife, are all involved in the same transnational so-called business ring, which is actually an unrestricted warfare ring. Yan added that Zhu has access to resources, biomaterial samples, and connections with the Ministry of Public Security (MPS), or the Chinese police system. ... This is a state-backed, classified operation on U.S. soil. (The Voice of Dr. Yan airs at 8 P.M. E.T. on Saturdays and Sundays on the America Outloud platform. The interview will air this weekend.) Image via Pixabay. This essay has been edited since original publication. If we in America weren't divided enough along ideological lines, there is another division that is becoming increasingly clearer to me as I watch my country from a distance, here in the deeply frozen months of winter in Scandinavia. Advertisement I'm speaking here of two things, really, that enjoy a parasitic relationship with one another. Basically, my contention is, that in todays world, information (much of which is AI-generated) along with second and third hand information rather than wisdom is what is producing experts, and that wannabe experts rely heavily on studies, analyses and polls to validate their status as experts. Advertisement This is done ad nauseam in panel talk programs in which participants come armed to do battle with their debate or discussion partners with analyses and studies rather than with claims or arguments that they are prepared to use to defend their points of view. It is lazy and amateurish debaters that use information that is not conclusively evidential, and it is disingenuous of them to contend that presumptive information should be regarded as established fact. Advertisement I see panelists every day on programs on CNN (the only American cable channel we can get here), who speak with great conviction about their subject, quoting one study or another as if that, coupled with their confident delivery, should be enough to set the believability bar at the height they have predetermined for the rest of us. And while that may appeal to viewers who have no opinion or who have not bothered to research a subject, it falls flat for those of us who know that in the world of information, analyses, studies and polls are like statistics in the hands of a skilled economist. Advertisement They can be used to create a castle in the sky out of a ramshackle shed. All that's needed is the suspension of reality or curiosity to make the numbers appear as if they were chiseled in stone. Those that opt for debate that way are asking the rest of us to ignore the other side of the debate coin which is the foundational argument side the side in which a proposition can be offered that is based on prior experience and facts and that allows for human nature and common sense to be added along with the "x" factor that represents probabilities. Relying solely on someone else's data to prove your point is misappropriation. Advertisement Two words that should always be in lower case and in quotes are: "studies show." Whenever I hear someone begin their argument or close it with "studies show" I know that what I am about to hear or have heard was one dimensional and probably compiled in haste. It also makes me suspect of the debater's credentials as an "expert." Advertisement This brings me to my current country of residence, Denmark, a place where I have lived four times for a total of fourteen years over a fifty-year period. When I first came here in 1974, the Danes were fairly well-informed about the U.S., but less-informed about Americans in general, though many Danes had visited the U.S. for decades since the end of the war (WWII). No one could blame them for their "American awareness" at that time, least of all me. Since coming back after a twenty-year absence, I have found that the Danes have made great strides in raising their U.S. IQ. Hundreds of thousands of words are written or spoken daily about America or Americans, but mostly about America's president, Donald Trump. Think tanks, university studies programs and political commentators are everywhere in this small European country and they make their voices heard, frequently, many with no holds barred. America critics get the most notice because they rely mostly on anecdotal data and they appeal to the Danes' emotions which are, at this time, in a state of great anxiety and anger. The anger is directed on the U.S.'s position on Greenland and on the president's and vice president's disrespectful comments about Denmark's "failure" to be a good ally with the U.S. and the Danes' military support for the U.S. in the war on terror. While there are some serious debates on American policy and the U.S.-Denmark relationship on Danish television, there are seldom encounters where actual Americans are present as panelists. Granted, there are occasions where some Danes who have pro-American leanings do speak, but when they do they do not refer to any studies or analyses, but talk of historical precedent. They base their theories on a combination of history and personal opinion. This can be both refreshing and frustrating. It is refreshing because at least individuals are daring to say what they mean (instead of what others in a study mean) but frustrating for those of us who want them to ground their opinions and generalizations in something more tangible. Many debaters here are really complainers and are irritated at the way the U.S. is handling the long-standing relationship between our two countries. The other problem with debates on the U.S. is that many of the Danish debaters do not have a sufficiently long history or personal relationship with the U.S. Many have only lived in the U.S. for a few years or on an overseas assignment, posting or university studies while others have only visited the U.S. a few times. Thankfully, those who have lived and worked in the U.S. for many years and have returned to Denmark do have a more intimate and grounded knowledge of our country and its people. And sometimes, to give additional weight to their assertions, they do rely on studies and polls, but they always point back to their own experience to justify their comments. These are the brave "debate warriors" who understand the value of debating, but more importantly are fighting for comity and a return to a time when cultivating and protecting relationships were the responsibility of two parties who realized the intrinsic value of their relationship. The debate will continue, but hopefully the debaters will realize that debate-by-study will never confer true expert status on any of them. Stephen Helgesen is a retired American diplomat specializing in international trade. He has lived and worked in 30 countries over the course of 25 years under the Reagan, G.H.W. Bush, Clinton, and G.W. Bush administrations. He is the author of fourteen books, seven of them on American politics, and has written more than 1,500 articles on politics, economics, and social trends. He now lives in Denmark and is a frequent political commentator in Danish media. He can be reached at: [email protected]. Image: Pixabay / Pixabay License Georgia parents are filing a record number of special education complaints against school districts, raising alarms among advocates about possible civil rights violations for students with disabilities. State and national data show a sharp rise in written complaints and due process filings over the last two school years, as families challenge whether schools are giving children the services they are promised under federal law. Advocates say more parents are turning to formal state complaints because they are easier to file than lawsuits and do not require an attorney, making them a key tool for families who feel their concerns are ignored. The Georgia Department of Education's dispute resolution system allows parents to submit written allegations that a district has violated the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, triggering a state investigation and a deadline for the district to respond, according to Atlanta News First. Rising complaints and civil rights worries The surge in complaints comes as federal civil rights officials also report unprecedented volumes of disability-related cases. Read more: Parents Warn New Send Reforms in England Will Cut Vital Support for Disabled Children The U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights has received tens of thousands of complaints in recent years, with disability discrimination now making up a large share of those filings, reflecting growing frustration over unequal access and services in schools nationwide. In Georgia, recent federal actions have highlighted local problems, including a 2024 Justice Department settlement with Fulton County Schools over its response to sexual assaults involving students with disabilities on a special education bus, which found the district failed to put proper protections and procedures in place, Special Education Action reported. Advocates push for stronger oversight Civil rights lawyers and special education advocates say the rising complaint numbers in Georgia point to deeper systemic issues, such as staff shortages, inadequate training, and longstanding concerns about how students with disabilities are identified and supported in general education classrooms. They warn that delays in resolving disputes can leave students without needed services for months or even years, widening learning gaps and placing districts at risk of violating federal anti-discrimination laws. Parent groups are now calling for more state oversight, stronger enforcement of existing rules, and clearer communication to families about their rights when they believe a district has broken the law, as per NPR. The recent decision to expel Mahmoud Khalil from the United States has been treated by much of the media as a narrow immigration matter a technical ruling about visa status and disclosure failures. That framing misses the larger question his case raises. Khalils removal invites a re-examination not just of who he is, but of what followed Hamass October 7 massacre and how quickly the global response was prepared. Advertisement On October 8, before Israel had mounted any meaningful military response, before troops entered Gaza, before retaliatory operations had even been organized, massive demonstrations erupted across cities, countries, and continents. These rallies were large, coordinated, visually unified, and message-disciplined. They featured printed placards, chants in multiple languages, and identical slogans framing Israel as the aggressor and Hamass violence as resistance. The speed and scale of these demonstrations demand scrutiny. Large protests do not materialize overnight. Anyone who has organized even a modest public rally understands the realities involved: permits, staging, sound systems, marshals, messaging, coalition coordination, transportation, and promotion. At an international level, these requirements multiply. Coordinating demonstrations across time zones and legal jurisdictions requires planning. Advertisement That reality raises an uncomfortable question: How were so many people, in so many places, ready to mobilize immediately after October 7? To understand why this matters, we must recall what October 7 actually was. Hamas fighters breached an internationally recognized border and carried out a coordinated massacre of civilians inside Israel. Entire families were murdered in their homes. Concertgoers were hunted and executed. Women were raped, mutilated, and paraded. Elderly civilians and children were abducted and dragged into Gaza as hostages. More than 1,200 people were killed in a single day. Over 250 were taken captive. Advertisement This was not a clash between armies. It was mass murder. The rallies that followed inverted the moral frame almost immediately. Israel was accused of genocide before it had fired back. Self-defense was pre-emptively delegitimized. Terrorism was contextualized, rationalized, even celebrated. Advertisement That is where Khalils case becomes relevant. Khalil entered the United States in December 2022, ostensibly as a student, at the age of thirty. He quickly became involved in organizing anti-Israel activism, particularly on elite university campuses. He played a visible role in mobilizing protests and shaping messaging after October 7. He was an organizer. It has since emerged that Khalil previously worked with UNRWA an organization now documented to have employed individuals directly involved in Hamass October 7 attack. Khalil reportedly failed to disclose this affiliation during his immigration process. Advertisement None of this proves foreknowledge. But it does sharpen the question. Is it a coincidence that an individual with organizational experience, ideological commitments, and undisclosed institutional ties was already in place when demonstrations of remarkable speed and scale erupted worldwide? Is it plausible that rallies condemning Israel were organized in advance of any Israeli military action without some expectation that a triggering event was imminent? Advertisement The issue is not whether protests can occur quickly. Small gatherings can. Vigils can. But these were synchronized political actions with consistent messaging across borders. The slogans appeared immediately, not after debate or reflection. The narrative was ready before the facts were absorbed. That suggests preparation. It is also notable what these demonstrations did strategically. By shifting attention away from Hamass atrocities almost instantly, they blunted the moral impact of October 7 on Western publics. They reframed the story before it could settle. In doing so, they performed a function beyond protest: narrative management. This tactic is familiar. In modern information warfare, shaping perception early is often more decisive than later argument. Once a moral frame is established, subsequent facts struggle to dislodge it. By the time Israel responded militarily, much of the global discourse had already been primed to see any action as criminal, regardless of cause. If Israel had responded within hours, critics might argue that protests emerged in reaction to retaliation. But Israel did not. It paused. It mobilized. It warned civilians. It deliberated. Yet the accusations came first. None of this requires belief in a centralized global conspiracy. It requires only recognition that ideological networks exist, that activists coordinate internationally, and that preparation is possible when an anticipated event is expected even if its exact timing is unknown. This leads to the final, unavoidable questions: How could mass demonstrations across continents be ready within hours of October 7 unless the ideological infrastructure was already primed? Why did the slogans and moral claims appear fully developed before Israel acted? And is it unreasonable to ask whether some organizers arrived in advance not merely to study or observe, but to mobilize knowing that a catalytic event was coming? History teaches that major atrocities are often accompanied not only by violence, but by narrative efforts to obscure or invert it. The massacre itself is one crime. The attempt to erase or rationalize it is another. It takes only one smoldering ember to ignite a raging forest fire. The question is who struck the match and who was already waiting with gasoline. Aaron J. Shuster is a writer, producer, and cinematist. His work focuses on moral clarity; political inversion; and the intersection of history, ideology, and power. He has written extensively on antisemitism, totalitarian movements, and Western civilizational ethics. Image via Pxbarn. Two thousand years ago, Rabbi Eleazar said that Anyone who becomes merciful upon the cruel one will end by being cruel to the merciful. That wisdom resonates through the centuries because it speaks to an unchanging truth about human nature: Sadists gotta sadist. However, Marxist thinking denies human nature and pretends that all the worlds wrongs are due to societal inequities. Compensate for the inequity, and people will magically become good. Advertisement That this is delusional thinking was illustrated by two reports about Zohran Mamdani and by an incredibly sad story from Illinois about a beloved mom who was coldly executed by a convicted murderer and recidivist criminal. Mamdani made headlines this week when it emerged that 17 people died on New York Citys streets during the recent cold snapat least thirteen of whom were homeless people who died from hypothermia. It is the largest number of homeless people to die during a cold snap in at least the last three decades. Back in 1996, it made news when only six homeless people died on New York City streets during a cold snap. (We can assume that, in late-19th/early-20th century New York City, scads of homeless, including children, died during cold snaps.) Advertisement Mamdanis press conference. X screen grab. Advertisement These deaths followed closely on the heels of Mamdanis policy to leave the homeless on the streets, rather than closing their encampments (which would make the city livable for everyone else) and then putting the homeless in treatment centers for their addictions and/or mental illness or in prison for their vagrancy. According to his Marxist philosophy, the streets belong to everyone, and it is cruel and classist to force the insane, the addicted, and the criminal from their chosen residence. In other Mamdani news, the New York City mayor went to the hospital to pay his respects to a man who was shot by the police. This is the standard Democrat shtick, with a twist: the man was caught on video trying to murder the police officers who fired on him in clear self-defense: Advertisement Mayor Zohran Mamdani is playing a dangerous game of political theater. After a hospital visit to Jabez Chakraborty, the man who marched at officers with a kitchen knife, Mamdani is now standing by the bedside of a man on a ventilator, claiming he deserves "treatment, not pic.twitter.com/S2qeRjE5gv Desiree (@DesireeAmerica4) February 5, 2026 Mayor Mamdani proudly says he visited a thug in a hospital who tried to st*b an NYPD officer with a knife. Just in case you questioned what Mamdani really thinks about the men and women of the New York City Police Department.pic.twitter.com/nv2fcJ3it6 Paul A. Szypula (@Bubblebathgirl) February 4, 2026 Yes, Chakraborty clearly has issues, but for Mamdani to make this about the wannabe killer shows a clear failure to understand who the good guys are and who the bad guys are in this scenario. It makes sense, though, in the Bizarro World of Marxism, where the people attacking Western civilization routinely anoint criminals as the good guys and anyone who stands against them as the bad guys. According to the Marxists, the problem isnt individual moral agency; its the system. (And its unlikely that a battalion of leftist social workers would have solved the situation.) There are, of course, real-world consequences to this Marxist attitude (which is prevalent throughout Democrat-run regions) that the real victim is the criminal. That victim status, of course, requires that the criminal comes from what Marxists define as a disadvantaged background. Advertisement For example, in Illinois, which has been a Democrat-controlled state for a very long time, soft-on-crime policies saw Julius E. Burkes, Jr., get released from prison after serving less than half of a 37-year term for committing a murder in 1994. Admittedly, he was only 15 at the time, but he wasnt stealing candy from the corner store. He killed someone. In the years after he was released from prison, Burkes was repeatedly arrested, including on charges of battery and stalking. One would think that, if you have a person who was already committing murder at 15, the subsequent allegations of violent crimes would be taken seriously. But they were not. Burkes was still on the streets earlier this week when he was caught on camera executing a 30-year-old mother in cold blood: Advertisement A rural Illinois bar owner was gunned down by a convicted murderer in an execution-style shooting shortly before opening her business for the day Monday. Courtney Drysdale, 30, was fatally shot by suspected gunman Julius E. Burkes Jr. just after 11 a.m. as she was going about her normal routine, according to the Kankakee County Sheriffs Office. [snip] Burkes, 47, allegedly entered the bar brandishing a firearm, demanding Drysdale hand over the money inside the cash register, Kankakee County Sheriff Mike Downey told reporters Tuesday, according to NBC Chicago. Ms. Drysdale complied with the suspects demands. Despite her cooperation, the suspect shot her twice, execution-style, before fleeing the scene, Downey said. And if youre wondering whether crime pays in America, he left the crime scene driving a BMW sedan with a moon roof. Perhaps Burkes will finally go to prison for life; perhaps not. In the crazed world of leftism, while its a shame that a white woman who had the money to open a bar got killed, Burkes is the real victim here, a poor black man who never had a chance, starting with being forced into prison when he was only 15. The only hope that his lifetime of crime is finally at an end comes from the fact that Kankakee County, where hell be tried, is Trump country. Blue-county officials have quite the circular logic when it comes to gangs of illegals and armies of bums taking over private properties. Advertisement Instead of scooping up the gangs and forcing the bums into rehab, they've decided it would be better to evict the innocent victims of these criminals' activities in Prince George's County in Maryland. Yes, this really happened. The Washington Free Beacon found a doozy of an example: Advertisement HYATTSVILLE, Md.The sign outside the Marylander Condominiums, a 200-unit complex in Prince Georges County, Md., describes it as a "private community." But for members of a homeless encampment in the condos backyard, the complex also serves as a crackhouse, a bathroom, and the entrance to an open-air drug market, which has become a magnet for organized crime and caused millions in property damage. Advertisement Transients break into buildings and smoke crack in the stairwells. Tenants traversing the property must navigate needles, feces, and sleeping bodies as addicts nap half-naked in the hallways and sprawl themselves like welcome mats outside residents doors. Half of the complex has gone without heat since Thanksgiving after vagrants allegedly vandalized the boiler room, causing pipes to burst in several buildings. Some units have lost electricity, too, due to the overuse of space heaters. Though the county instructed those without heat to "vacate immediately" in December, most have defied the order and tried to weather the cold. They say they have nowhere else to go. Advertisement Instead of getting rid of that problem, the county has a no-arrest policy for the bums, under the Soroesque rubric of 'refusing to criminalize the unhoused.' As for the MS-13 gang which has also taken over the condos, all in service to the bums who are drug addicts, the sanctuary county status of the area is sufficient to ensure no action on their private property takeover, either. The city even feeds the bums at night with taxpayer-paid meal delivery. Advertisement But for the residents of the complex -- condo owners no less -- who are suffering from broken locks, gang vandalism, feces in the halls, half naked bums sleeping it off in doorways, and stolen electrical components, which has taken out the electricity in numerous units, the county bureaucrats just have the stick. They're threatening to evict the condo owners on the grounds of having places that are 'uninhabitable' based on the behavior of the bums. That's blue-city politics, hostile to the max to the concept of private property and utterly unwilling to enforce the law. As a result, the condo owners face the possibility of homelessness themselves, which should be great for crony corrupt contractors to take over once the owners are thrown out. Advertisement If anything explains the end game of the vast homeless industrial complex, which has taken over so many blue cities, it's probably this -- grow the bum population, keep the gang leaders who supply them with drugs safe from fear from deportation, let the bums destroy the nearby private property, and then taking the property after the eviction, either to sell it at a profit or let the bums have it. The Beacon notes that Prince George's County has the highest registration of Democrats anywhere in the country, at 86%. It's going to be a long time before this nightmare gets fixed. Image: Pixabay / Pixabay License Since 2009, American eighth graders have taken the National Assessment of Educational Progress Science Assessment to measure their ability to engage in scientific inquiry and to conduct scientific investigations in real-world contexts. Advertisement In 2024, the average score on the NAEP Science Assessment decreased by four points from 2019. Even worse, the Nations Report Card notes that there was a lower percentage of eighth graders at or above NAEP Proficient and higher percentage below NAEP Basic in science compared to 2019 and a decline in average scores and scores for middle- and lower-performing students in all three science content areas compared to 2019. Advertisement That is not good; in fact, it is an indictment of the totally broken public education system that has become derelict in its duty of properly educating students in science because too much time and effort is spent indoctrinating American students with climate change propaganda. The infusion of climate alarmism into the public school curriculum has occurred in earnest for more than a decade, beginning with the 2013 launch of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). Advertisement Billed as a new set of voluntary, rigorous, and internationally benchmarked standards for K-12 science education, the NGSS claimed the new standards were grounded in a sound, evidence-based foundation of current scientific research-including research on the ways students learn science effectively-and identify the science all K-12 students should know. Although the NGSS has not been universally adopted, nearly all states have implemented new science standards based on their framework since their release in 2013. Advertisement According to a report titled Climate Change in the Next Generation Science Standards (K-12) conducted by the University of Marylands Learning Sciences Research Team, Science teachers have stated that standards, like the NGSS, are one of the main reasons for teaching climate change. The authors note that Standards explicitly addressing climate change are present at the middle and high school levels. These standards use the terms global temperatures, changes in climate, or climate change. One middle school standard addresses the cause of rising global temperatures (MS-ESS3-5). At the high school level, standards introduce the constructs of evidence for climate change (HS-ESS3-1), climate modeling (HS-ESS2-4, HS-ESS35), and geoengineering (HS-ESS3-4). Advertisement Also of importance are standards that are proximally related to climate change. Proximal standards are those that are considered close to the climate change topic, but are not explicitly related to climate change. These proximal standards are present at all grade levels from K-12, the report states. In other words, the NGSS, which almost all public schools use as a foundation for their specific science standards, are politically infused and designed to introduce the concept of climate change to students starting in kindergarten. Advertisement Some states have taken climate propaganda in the classroom much further. For instance, in 2020, New Jersey became the first state in the nation to include climate change across content areas. These standards are designed to prepare students to understand how and why climate change happens, the impact it has on our local and global communities and to act in informed and sustainable ways. New Jersey school districts are encouraged to develop interdisciplinary units focused on climate change that include authentic learning experiences, integrate a range of perspectives and are action oriented. Moreover, districts may want to consider how they can design interdisciplinary climate change units that incorporate relevant ELA and mathematics standards. This is madness. American students are woefully deficient in core subject areas like math, reading, writing, and science. As such, precious classroom time should be exclusively dedicated to ensuring that U.S. students can at least meet the basic level of competence in said subjects instead of becoming experts in the pseudo-science of climate alarmism. Chris Talgo ([email protected]) is editorial director at The Heartland Institute. Image: Pixabay Americas criminal justice system is facing a profound crisis of credibility, exemplified most recently by two alarming developments in Minnesota: the termination of an FBI security specialist after undercover footage exposed deep skepticism about holding fraudsters accountable in multibillion-dollar taxpayer scams, and a Democrat-appointed judges shocking decision to overturn a jurys unanimous guilty verdict in a $7.2 million Medicaid fraud case. These incidents, rooted in corruption scandals, reveal a disturbing trend of left-leaning judicial activism that prioritizes ideological agendas, often tied to DEI initiatives, open borders, and protecting certain demographic groups, over equal application of the law. At a time when hardworking Americans demand accountability for stolen public funds, these events underscore how progressive judges are eroding the rule of law, shielding corruption, and treating citizen juries with contempt. Activist judges flood our streets with criminals threatening personal safety, while dismantling the social safety net that protects the vulnerable by winking at crippling corruption. Advertisement The Fraud Epidemic Minnesota has become a hotspot for some of the largest fraud schemes in U.S. history, including the federal Feeding Our Future scandal, in which over $250 million in COVID-era child nutrition funds were allegedly siphoned through fake meal sites and shell companies, only to be disbursed for lavish personal spending on luxury cars and properties. Dozens have been convicted federally, with sentences reaching up to 28 years, yet the scale of the fraud, much of it tied to community-based organizations serving migrant populations, highlights vulnerabilities exploited by proponents of big-government programs. Advertisement Similar state-level cases across the nation (namely California and Ohio), and nation-wide Medicaid fraud, have seen even less success. In an undercover video from journalist James OKeefe, an FBI official bluntly admitted that prosecutions drag on indefinitely with little chance of prison time for perpetrators, a candid assessment that cost him his job but rang true to many observers frustrated with a system that seems rigged against accountability. This pessimism was affirmed in November 2025 when Hennepin County Judge Sarah West, appointed by a Democrat governor, threw out a jurys guilty verdict against Abdifatah Yusuf in a clear-cut $7.2 million fraud scheme. Evidence was overwhelming: a phony office address nicknamed the $7.2 million mailbox, massive cash withdrawals, and luxury spending sprees. Jurors called the case obvious, yet West deemed Yusuf a mere absentee owner, possibly unaware of the fraud, and acquitted him despite circumstantial evidence that would likely have convicted him in less politically charged cases. Advertisement Critics, from Republican legislators to everyday Americans on platforms like X, rightly labeled this as judicial overreach, part of a pattern where judges appear to bend over backward to protect politically aligned defendants from certain communities. Elon Musk summed it up succinctly: Corruption. While defenders claim no direct bias, the ruling fits a broader narrative of leniency in Minnesota courts handling immigrant-related fraud, raising legitimate questions about whether cultural or political sensitivities are influencing outcomes at the expense of justice. Activist Judges: The Real Threat to Jury Democracy and Public Trust Advertisement Post-verdict acquittals are meant as rare safeguards to civil rights, but in practice, they have become tools for progressive judges to impose personal ideologies. Many such judges openly embrace roles in advancing DEI, resisting immigration enforcement, or opposing conservative policies, and brazenly, if irresponsibly, make public statements that undermine impartiality. When they override juries, ordinary citizens who see through flimsy defenses, they act less like neutral arbiters and more like oligarchs, arbitrarily shielding favored groups while sacrificing the interests of law-abiding Americans. This is particularly dangerous in corruption cases: Instead of rooting out fraud that preys on public programs, these rulings protect networks that exploit lax oversight, often in communities shielded by identity politics. The result? Stolen funds meant for needy children enrich fraudsters, fueling cynicism that the system protects elites, insiders, and protected classes while ordinary taxpayers foot the bill. Advertisement Of course, prosecutions must meet high standards; innocence until proven guilty is a cornerstone of American justice, and pre-trial protections exist to weed out weak cases. But when judges bypass these and usurp juries post-verdict, they cross into activism, eroding the democratic voice of the people in favor of elite fiat. Restoring Law and Order: Conservative Solutions for a Broken System Advertisement To reclaim credibility, bold reforms are needed: Expand the Federal System: Congress should add conservative-leaning judges to clear backlogs and speed up complex fraud cases, ensuring swift justice without the delays that let criminals walk free. Similarly, Congress should expand the investigative and evidence-gathering authority of the executive branch, through Inspector Generals, agency administrators, and perhaps a permanent Department of Government Efficiency, freeing the DOJ to pursue prosecutions. State-Level Accountability: Shift to elected judges and robust retention votes, as in many red states, to make jurists answerable to voters rather than political appointees. Strengthen impeachment and removal processes for clear overreach. End Judicial Activism: Require transparency on judges public ideological and political memberships and associations and enforce stricter impartiality rules to prevent ideologically driven rulings from subverting the law. The Minnesota scandals are a wake-up call: A justice system captured by progressive or conservative activism cannot deliver equal justice. Hardworking Americans deserve courts that punish fraud decisively, respect jury verdicts, and serve the public first, rather than courts that excuse corruption and criminality under the guise of compassion or equity. Without these changes, public trust will continue to plummet, and the rule of law will remain under siege. Image generated by ChatGPT. Currently, the Chrome Web Store is full of AI-powered extensions. From tools that summarize meetings to assistants that write your emails, they have become essential for millions of users. However, a recent in-depth look at the ecosystem shows that many of these digital helpers quietly collect a lot of personal information, which is very concerning. The data privacy company Incogni looked at more than 440 AI-branded extensions that are available for Google Chrome in 2026 and ranked them by privacy risk. Privacy alert: You might be using these high-risk AI Google Chrome extensions right now According to the Incogni report, more than half of these tools collect user data. Plus, nearly a third are actively gathering personally identifiable information. With over 115 million collective downloads, the scale of this data scraping affects a massive portion of the internet-using public. However, not all AI extensions are equally risky. The study found that some categories are much more dangerous than others because they need a lot of permissions to work. The most invasive extensions were programming and math helpers. These usually gain access to your active windows as they need to read and write code directly in your browser. So, data harvesters might find a gold mine here. Meeting assistants and audio transcribers came in a very close second (via ZD Net). The reason? They often need access to microphones and internal audio streams. After all, these extensions record and transcribe your conversations. Writing assistants like Grammarly and QuillBot were also flagged for their high-risk impact. Since these tools essentially watch every keystroke to provide suggestions, they possess the technical ability to capture almost everything you type. While these brands are widely used, their prevalence in the dataset highlights how much trust we place in tools that monitor our most private digital interactions. Be especially careful with this permission One big red flag that came up in the research is the use of scripting permissions. About 42% of the extensions analyzed use this to capture what you type or change what you see on a webpage. Its noteworthy that these permissions are often necessary for an AI to provide real-time help. Still, they also represent a significant security loophole if a developers security isnt ironclad. The surprising names in the list Interestingly, even household names arent immune to high-risk scores. Google Translate and ChatGPT Search appeared in the top list of extensions that combine high-risk likelihood with high-risk impact. This proves that popularity and a well-known brand name dont always guarantee a low-risk privacy profile. The general rule for users in 2026 is simple: justify the permission. If a writing assistant asks for your precise GPS location, something is clearly wrong. An extension should only ask for the data it absolutely needs to perform its stated job. If it asks for more, the safer choice is usually to walk away. Incognis researchers suggest a host device test to stay safe. If a tool requires your personal data to leave your computer and travel to a remote server just to function, it represents a much higher risk than a tool that processes information locally. Understanding this distinction is key to protecting your digital identity. Ultimately, the convenience of AI often comes at the cost of our privacy. As usual, common sense is a valuable tool when using software with sensitive permissions. Google is preparing to expand AirDrop file-sharing support across more Android phones in the coming days. This move comes after the brand had recently teased cross-device file sharing support to iPhones via Quick Share on the Google Pixel devices. It has now been confirmed that broader support is coming soon, signaling a major step toward smoother file transfers between the Android and Apple ecosystems. Google will soon expand AirDrop support to more Android phones In a recent media briefing in Taipei, Googles executives briefed about the progress of Quick Share and its cross-device file sharing support with AirDrop. Eric Kay, vice president of engineering for Android, says the company has spent significant time ensuring compatibility with iPhones, iPads, and MacBooks. As per the official, the work has now proven successful. This success has pushed Google to confidently move forward with broader availability across additional Android devices in 2026. AirDrop support first arrived in the Google Pixel 10 series devices in late 2025. It was the first time that an Android device could officially transfer files to Apple devices using the native tool. However, until now, the feature has remained exclusive. But that finally seems to be changing as the company officially announces its plan to expand AirDrop support to more Android devices in the coming weeks. A leap forward is bridging the gap between Android and iOS Kay further emphasizes that Google is actively working with phone manufacturers to bring Quick Share interoperability to a wider ecosystem. He further announced that users should expect exciting announcements very soon. This confidence reinforces that the expansion plans are already underway. However, the official did not name the devices that will be among the first to grab cross-device file sharing support. Most likely, Samsungs flagships could become the first non-Pixel Android phones to officially support AirDrop file transfer via QuickShare. Other Chinese flagships might follow later. We are living in an increasingly connected world. Companies are expanding beyond their borders, seeking suppliers, manufacturers, and partners on a global scale. However, there are challenges when it comes to operating on a global scale: language. But Google is here to help with a recent update to Google Meet, which now supports real-time speech translation. Google Meet real-time speech translation Google has announced that it is bringing real-time speech translation to Google Meet, its virtual meeting platform. Computer-assisted translations arent new, but instead of text, you can now use voice. This means that participants in meetings can talk like they normally would, and Google Meet will translate the conversation in real-time. Now, to be fair, written translations work just fine. We use it all the time to translate directions, websites, and so on. However, as Google points out, speech translation could be more inclusive and efficient. This is because when we talk, there is a tone in our voice that can be useful to gauge whether a person is happy, angry, receptive, or opposed to what were saying. These are the linguistic subtleties that sometimes get lost in written translations. It also allows meeting participants to stay focused instead of being forced to read captions or subtitles. Some limitations to consider That being said, Google Meets new translation features do have some limitations. For starters, it only supports bidirectional translation between English and Spanish, French, German, Portuguese, and Italian. We expect more languages will be supported eventually, but for now, this is it. The second limitation is that it only supports single language pairs per meeting. This means that if you set the translation from English to Spanish, thats all you get. If someone else were to speak in German or French, that conversation will not be translated. Lastly, while the real-time translation feature is coming to iOS and Android, it will only be available to Google Business Standard and Plus, Enterprise Standard and Plus. Frontline Plus, Google AI Pro and Ultra customers. This means that free users will have to sit this one out. At least for now. Another Samsung Galaxy S26 series pricing leak has surfaced, suggesting a far more modest price increase than the last one. This one comes from Dealabs, a French outlet that relies on internal information from one or more traders from the country. New Galaxy S26 price leak suggests a price bump will be a lot more modest According to this information, the base Samsung Galaxy S26 model, the one with 256GB of storage, will cost 999. Thats a 100 higher price tag than for the base Galaxy S25. Do note that the base Galaxy S25 has less storage; it comes with 128GB. That variant of the Galaxy S26 wont be on offer, at least not in France. Doubling the memory will cost you dearly, however. The mentioned price tag for a 512GB storage variant of the Galaxy S26 is 1,199. So, youll need to fork over 200 to double the memory. That will also be the highest memory version of the phone. The Samsung Galaxy S26+, on the other hand, will allegedly cost 1,269 for the 256GB storage options, while the model with 512GB of storage will set you back 1,469. The most powerful model, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, will arrive in three memory options. The base model with 256GB of storage will allegedly cost 1,469, while the 512GB storage variant will be priced at 1,669. The model with 1TB of storage will cost 1,969. A previous leak suggested a truly sky-high price jump These are considerably different price tags from the ones tipped for Bulgaria the other day. Based on those prices, the most powerful Galaxy S26 Ultra will be priced at 2,329. Needless to say, thats a huge difference. Bulgaria did adopt the Euro as currency rather recently, and the transition is not exactly smooth. So that could be why the country will have higher prices, but who knows, perhaps the report was wrong from the get-go. Do note that price tags in other countries may vary, of course. The Samsung Galaxy S26 series is expected to launch on February 25. Weve recently shared both the renders and specs of the Galaxy S26, Galaxy S26+, and Galaxy S26 Ultra. The rumors about the Galaxy S26 series do not stop as the launch approaches. With an official confirmation still pending, a recent rumor mentions the February 25 date for the next Unpacked event. While all eyes usually focus on camera megapixels or battery sizes, the real star this year seems to be a blink-and-you-miss-it AI trick that could change how we create on our phones. More specifically, Samsung has partnered with South Korean AI specialist Note AI to debut a system called EdgeFusion, which could bring instant on-device image generation to the Galaxy S26 lineup. Samsungs EdgeFusion may bring instant AI image generation to the Galaxy S26 Most current smartphonesincluding recent Pixels and iPhonesrely on cloud servers to handle heavy AI tasks. This often leads to a waiting room experience where you stare at a loading bar for 10 or 15 seconds while a remote computer does the work. EdgeFusion aims to kill that delay by running everything locally on the device. According to the report, Samsung and Note AI are using a heavily optimized version of the popular Stable Diffusion model. This way, they have shrunk the software by up to 90%. This could allow the upcoming Galaxy S26 to spit out 512512 pixel images almost instantly, even if you are in airplane mode or have a terrible signal. The power under the hood: What could make this possible This instant AI image generation is specifically optimized for the new Exynos 2600 chip. The chip is expected to power the standard S26 and S26+ models in many regions. The Galaxy S26 Ultra, on the other hand, will likely feature the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 worldwide. However, it is logical to assume that this feature will also be present in the most premium model of the family. There are more benefits to running AI locally than just speed. This approach is also a big win for privacy and dependability. Your data stays in your pocket when your phone doesnt have to send your prompts to a server. Plus, it gets rid of the annoyance of AI features not working due to poor internet connection. Well have to see if the hardware can handle the heat and battery drain that usually comes with such intense processing. However, if the Galaxy S26 really can deliver on-device, photorealistic AI image generation results, it might just be the most compelling reason to upgrade this year. MIAMI, Feb. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Boats Group, the global leader in online boat and yacht marketplaces including YachtWorld, Boat Trader, and boats.com, today announced the renewal of its agreement with Current Yachts, reaffirming YachtWorld's position as the foundational marketplace for brokerage firms from newly launched independents to the industry's largest brands. The renewal reflects a shared understanding across the marine industry: while brokerage models continue to evolve, access to the right tools and the world's largest audience of qualified yacht buyers remains essential. YachtWorld delivers both, combining unmatched global reach with performance-driven tools that help brokerages compete on results, not scale alone. "YachtWorld was built to give brokers large or small equal access to serious buyers, robust marketing tools, and transparent performance insights," said Andreas Madsen, Chief Revenue Officer at Boats Group. "That level playing field is exactly why brokerages continue to choose YachtWorld when outcomes matter most, particularly when they are building, growing, or redefining their business." Maryline Bosser, Co-Founder of Current Yachts, brings deep industry experience to her modern brokerage approach. As a vocal defender of measurable results and return on investment, she selected YachtWorld as her first marketplace partner when launching her firm a decision driven by performance data and firsthand knowledge of where listings convert. "I've always championed brokerages that can prove their value through results," said Bosser. "YachtWorld is a clear first choice because it consistently delivers the qualified buyer traffic, market credibility, and performance analytics that sellers need to make informed decisions." Current Yachts operates with a service-based, transparent pricing model designed to give sellers flexibility and control. Its continued participation on YachtWorld reinforces a broader industry reality: innovative business models are strongest when paired with proven marketplaces that drive demand, accountability, and measurable performance. "Seller expectations ultimately set the standard," added Madsen. "Today's sellers are informed, decisive, and clear about where their boats need to be listed. YachtWorld remains the marketplace they ask for by name because it delivers results." YachtWorld attracts millions of high-intent yacht buyers globally each year and is widely regarded as the definitive destination for yacht discovery. For brokerages navigating a competitive and evolving market, the combination of scale, data, and performance tools continues to be a decisive advantage. About Boats Group Boats Group operates the world's leading online marketplaces for buying and selling boats, including Boat Trader , YachtWorld , and boats.com . With a global audience of millions of boat buyers, Boats Group provides data-driven marketing solutions, AI-driven tools, financing services, and industry insights to help OEMs, dealers, and brokers maximize their sales potential. About Current Yachts Current Yachts is a licensed yacht brokerage firm co-founded by marine industry veterans Amanda Haley of Fort Lauderdale, FL, and Maryline Bossar of Annapolis, MD, along with technical co-founders Jeff Dorso (25+ years scaling startups across multiple sectors) and Sean Walsh (Inc. 500 CTO and AI solutions expert). The company serves yacht owners and buyers seeking alternatives to traditional commission-based brokerage models. Press Contact: Courtney Chalmers Chief Brand & Communications Officer, Boats Group Email: [email protected] Phone: 1-877-354-4069 SOURCE Boats Group For years, Apple has built its brand around a single, powerful promise: what happens on your iPhone stays on your iPhone. However, as the company prepares to supercharge Siri with Googles Gemini technology, a confusing game of corporate he said, she said is making users wonder exactly where their data is going. What if the upcoming Siri upgrade, powered by Gemini AI, actually runs on Google servers and not Apples? Siris AI brain might live on Googles servers, exec statement suggests The confusion started during recent earnings calls from both Alphabet and Apple. Tim Cook has been careful to emphasize that Apple Intelligence will continue to run on-device and through Apples own Private Cloud Compute (PCC). However, Googles leadership seems to have a different perspective. During Alphabets Q4 2025 call, CEO Sundar Pichai explicitly referred to Google as Apples preferred cloud provider for developing the next generation of Gemini-based foundation models. This phrasing is significant, as 9to5Mac reports. If Google is the preferred cloud provider, it suggests that the heavy lifting for the new, smarter Siri might happen on Googles servers rather than Apples ultra-private infrastructure. This contradicts the assumption that Apple would simply plug Gemini into its own secure cloud to maintain its industry-leading privacy standards. A dual approach? Industry analysts suggest we are looking at a two-phase rollout. The immediate Siri updatesthe ones we expect to see soonwill likely stick to Apples servers. However, the next-gen Siri, a much more powerful version rumored for a 2026 debut, might be the one moving into Googles neighborhood. This advanced assistant would reportedly run on Googles specialized Tensor Processing Units (TPUs) to handle the massive computational demands that Apples current chips might not manage alone. Apple finds itself in a difficult position. To compete with the likes of ChatGPT, Siri needs a massive brain transplant, and Googles Gemini provides the most capable foundation available. But moving user requests to Googles servers is a potential PR minefield for a company that mocks its competitors for data harvesting. Privacy at risk? When asked about the specifics of the arrangement, Tim Cook remained vague, refusing to release details while reiterating a commitment to privacy. Meanwhile, Google executives arent hiding their excitement about being the backbone for Apples future AI. If the rumors of a more powerful, chatbot-style Siri at WWDC 2026 are true, we may soon see a tiered privacy model. Basic tasks might stay on your device, while the truly genius features require a trip to Googles cloud. Will it cause some reluctance in Apple users to use Siri if this happens? We can just wait and see. YouTube has announced that it is expanding the auto dub translations tool with stronger accuracy and support for more global languages. The tool was announced with an aim to support creators and remove the language barrier worldwide. Now, the tech giant further polishes the tool by improving the quality of translated voices, adding more supported languages, and expanding the feature to more creators. YouTube expands auto dub translations tool The auto dubbing feature was initially limited to selected creators and had support for limited languages. With the latest update, the restriction is finally gone. The auto dub tool is now available to all creators on the platform. This gives creators a simple way to add translated audio to their videos. Moreover, YouTube has also expanded the list of supported languages for the auto dub feature. The list has grown from fewer than ten options to more than twenty-seven, covering many major global regions. One major improvement is the arrival of Expressive Speech. This feature focuses on how translations sound, not just what they say. Instead of plain, mechanical voices, translated audio now aims to match the speakers tone and emotion. The Expressive Speech is currently available in eight languages, including English, French, German, Hindi, Italian, Portuguese, Indonesian, and Spanish. With the new features, YouTube aims to make translated videos feel more natural and easier to understand for viewers. Google is also testing automatic lip sync for translated videos. The feature adjusts mouth movements to better match dubbed audio. This helps the translated audio feel more realistic and human. However, the lic sync feature is currently in testing and not widely available yet. Creators across the globe can now access the updated auto-dubbing feature. Users do not need to do anything as the translated audio will be played automatically based on the settings and availability. A bus driver who was sacked after knocking a thief unconscious should receive an apology and be compensated or reinstated, according to a motion passed by the London Assembly. Mark Hehir, 62, was fired by Metroline after he chased down a thief who had stolen the jewellery belonging to one of his passengers, Katalin Kaszas. The decision to dismiss Mr Hehir for gross misconduct went on to be upheld at an employment tribunal, external. But a motion by the London Assembly has since recognised the overwhelming public concern surrounding this case". The motion "calls on the mayor of London and Transport for London (TfL) to carry out a full investigation into this incident". It goes on: "The Assembly further calls on the mayor to ensure that clear guidance is put in place so that transport workers who act in good faith to protect passengers are treated fairly and supported, not punished." Mr Hehir said he was thrilled about the motion. It comes as over 137,000 people have signed a petition calling for a bus driver sacked after retrieving a passengers stolen necklace to be reinstated. Keith Prince, the Reform UK member who proposed the assembly motion on Thursday, said: More than 100,000 members of the public have spoken out in Marks support because they recognise a basic injustice. This is not about encouraging reckless behaviour. It is about whether we are comfortable with a system that punishes frontline workers for stepping in when crime happens right in front of them. By supporting this motion unanimously, the assembly has sent a clear message that public concern, common sense, and fairness still matter. Susan Hall, leader of the City Hall Conservatives, who was one of the first politicians to speak out in support of Mr Hehir and met him in Parliament this week, said : "I already knew he was a hero but having met him now and heard first-hand what he went through and what a thoroughly decent man he is I am very glad the public have had a chance to show him their support. It is time for the Mayor to show his support now." Mr Hehir said: "I want to thank Susan and the whole assembly for supporting me. To have everyone come together, all different parties, it means a lot. I hope the mayor now finally says something as its disappointing he hasnt so far. I would welcome the chance to speak with him about it. I hope he will give his support as well. Ms Kaszas, 46, said that she felt so guilty after learning Mr Hehir had lost his job as a result of confronting the thief. She told the Press Association: When I was getting on the bus, a young man was getting off on the front door. He was running past me, I thought he was going to push me off the bus. He just grabbed my necklace and ran with it. Former bus driver Mark Hehir (right) and Katalin Kaszas, the victim of the robbery (James Manning/PA Wire) I was like, Why is he there, where is my necklace? Oh damn. So thats when I realised what just happened. I saw Mark running out, running after the guy. But after Mr Hehir gave the necklace back to Ms Kaszas, the thief returned to the bus. Ms Kaszas said: The guy was coming up I was like No, no, no, stay away from me, I dont want to do anything with you. He looked very, very shifty, I did not feel comfortable at all. I would say I even felt threatened, so I was backing away, and thats when Mark realised that something is not right here and he stepped in. I dont know where I was in my mind, I saw a punch flying, a guy hitting the floor, there was some blood and then I started to call the police. Katalin Kaszas, the victim of the robbery, speaks to shadow minister for justice Kieran Mullan in the House of Commons (James Manning/PA) Asked for her reaction to hearing Mr Hehir had been sacked by Metroline, Ms Kaszas said: I think it was unjust. I dont think (Mr Hehir) deserved that. If he doesnt do what he did, anything could have happened to me. I felt so guilty. I felt that it was my fault I caused all this. Meanwhile, Justice Secretary David Lammy told the House of Commons on Tuesday that Mr Hehir is of course a hero and deserves our support. He added: Im following this case very closely. More than 130,000 people have signed a petition in support Mr Hehir, which was launched after an employment tribunal upheld Metrolines decision to sack the bus driver, a ruling first reported by PA. In another sign of public support for the former bus driver, a GoFundMe page for Mr Hehir has raised more than 40,000. Earlier on Tuesday, Mr Hehir who is originally from Limerick in Ireland, but now lives in north-west London was invited into parliament by shadow justice minister Kieran Mullan. Former bus driver Mark Hehir (right) met with Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch and shadow minister for justice Kieran Mullan (left) in the House of Commons (James Manning/PA) Mr Mullan told PA: I think Metroline need to come out and apologise, Mark deserves an apology, its quite clear theyve gotten this wrong. Last week, Press Association reported from the findings of an employment tribunal which found that on June 25 2024 Mr Hehir was driving the 206 bus, which runs between Wembley and Maida Vale in north-west London. The tribunal was told the bus driver then responded in self-defence to the thief and hit the man once, knocking him unconscious. Mr Hehir then restrained the thief on the pavement until police arrived. Both men were arrested, however Mr Hehir was told he would face no further police action. A police case review said: The claimant had used force which was proportionate and necessary in the circumstances in the defence of himself and the female passenger. A Metroline spokesperson said: The tribunal has upheld the dismissal as fair. 15 FBI officials have been harassed since their IDs were stolen during Minnesota ICE protest, feds say As many as 15 FBI officials have faced threats and intimidation after two government vehicles were vandalized and documents were stolen during a protest against federal immigration officials in Minneapolis. On January 14, amid protests against agents who shot a Venezuelan immigrant during an arrest attempt, a group of individuals ransacked a pair of government vehicles, stealing weapons and FBI documents. The vandals took FBI IDs, access badges, and documents listing employee phone numbers, email accounts, home addresses, and drivers licenses, the federal government wrote in a court filing last week. The information was soon posted online, and between 10 and 15 FBI personnel then faced threats, including multiple harassing and threatening phone calls and emails and suspicious drive-bys of their residences, the government wrote. Shortly after the leak, someone allegedly emailed a Minnesota law enforcement official a message claiming, "We'll see how tough you are, after they carried out a threat to firebomb a redacted address. In the wake of vandals breaking into a pair of government vehicles in Minneapolis last month, FBI agents and employees have faced a wave of threats and intimidating vehicles driving by their homes (REUTERS) "I find it incredibly embarrassing that he's FBI, but so much is available about him and his family, someone allegedly messaged the officials child on Facebook. The government accuses an Illinois man, Jose Alberto Ramirez, 28, of making multiple threats to the official. The Illinois man allegedly texted the official ominous statements, including, Get home safe and fast, and I know where your mom lives bro. And your dad. And your kids buddy." The official told their superiors the messages were all extremely upsetting because the officials child was out of state for school. Federal agents have faced hostile protests in Minneapolis throughout the Trump administrations ongoing crackdown in the city (AFP/Getty) The official told investigators that if the individual was in the same area as their child, they would strongly consider relocating that family member out of that area to another state. Investigators used phone records related to a past workplace harassment complaint against Ramirez to locate and arrest him. In 2024, he was allegedly terminated from his job at the Woodfield Mall in Schaumburg, Illinois, for threatening to shoot another employee. The 28-year-olds record in Illinois has several felonies and misdemeanors, including domestic battery, burglary, and mob action, according to court documents. Trump administration officials argue a spike in threats against federal agents justify the widespread use of face masks (AFP/Getty) The Independent has contacted Ramirezs attorney for comment. The Illinois man has been ordered to be removed to Minnesota, where he will formally answer the charges. We argue strenuously for his release, defense attorney Joshua Kutnick told the Minnesota StarTribune of the allegations against his client. Federal officials say personnel at immigration agencies like the Border Patrol and ICE have faced a spike in threats and assaults in the wake of President Trumps ongoing mass deportation campaign. The White House has argued such threats justify agents controversial, widespread use of face masks during immigration operations. Sheep are cute. And tiny sheep prancing around on a farm like the world is their oyster are total cuteness overload! Just take the adorable, happy prancing sheep in this video, for instance. We dont think that any of these magnificent little creatures, with their happy little hops and adorable little shaking tails, could possibly be any more joyous! Whomever it was that said that the best way to fall asleep was by counting sheep had obviously never encountered the precious little prancing babies in this video. If we were counting these little creatures at night, we wouldnt sleep because we would be too busy going to cuteness heaven, LOL! Just look at these happy little prancers go! In a truly just world, all animals would roam freely and happily just like this all the time. Of course, social media was totally head over heels for these precious little prancing darlings. Related: Sheep Who Thinks He's a Dog Even Has His Own Stuffie and It's Perfect Instagram user jovita_min wanted to know how they could have some of these precious little babies for themselves when they commented, What on earth do you call them, and do you ship internationally? While Instagram user schandrea_arck was so smitten with these adorable little sheep that they wrote, This video really made my day today. Man, are these cute! And Instagram user art_by_the_dark_side asked the question that was on everyones mind when they wrote, What kind of sheep are these? So tiny and cute! To which Instagram user herchers_ouessantschafe, who posted this adorable video, replied, The race is called Ouessant. It originates from the dle d'Ouessant on the west coast of Breton. All About Ouessant Sheep Ouessant Sheep come from the Ouessant Island in Brittany, which is located outside of Western Metropolitan France. They have the distinction of being the smallest naturally occurring breed of sheep in the world. Currently, large populations of Ouessant sheep can be found in France, Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, and Holland. Any animal lovers looking for an excuse to visit one of these European countries now have one, LOL. We would definitely fly to Europe to watch these adorable little creatures prance around in an open field! SIGN UP to get pawsitivity delivered right to your inbox with inspiring & entertaining stories about our furry & feathered friends This story was originally published by PetHelpful on Feb 5, 2026, where it first appeared in the Pet News section. Add PetHelpful as a Preferred Source by clicking here. Conservation advocates are suing the Trump administration after the Bureau of Land Management decided to reapprove the construction of a previously canceled four-lane highway through the Red Cliffs National Conservation Area in southwestern Utah. In 2021, the Center for Biological Diversity filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia challenging the Utah Department of Transportations highway plan. That lawsuit ended in a settlement with the Biden administration in 2023 that halted the proposed construction. Now, under President Donald Trump, the proposal to bisect the 44,724-acre conservation zone with a 4.3-mile-long highway is back on the table. Conservation advocates are concerned that construction will severely damage that stretch of the Mojave Desert. The desert tortoise, a threatened species, lives in the same area as the proposed highway, according to Courthouse News. Steve Wittek, the executive director of conservation group Conserve Southwest Utah, said in a statement the second lawsuit was necessary because the Utah Department of Transportation is reportedly already conducting construction work in the area. Conservation advocates are suing the Trump administration after it decided to reapprove the construction of a previously canceled four-lane highway through the Red Cliffs National Conservation Area in southwestern Utah (Bob Wick/Bureau of Land Management) Preservation of Red Cliffs National Conservation Area is inextricably linked to the quality of life and economic prosperity in Washington County, Wittek said. Our community has repeatedly made clear that better traffic solutions exist and that they oppose a highway through what should be protected lands." The new lawsuit supported by Conserve Southwest Utah, the Conservation Lands Foundation, the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance, the Wilderness Society, WildEarth Guardians, and the Center for Biological Diversity is asking a federal judge to rule that the re-approved project is illegal. As in the prior case, the defendants decisions here again violate numerous bedrock environmental laws, and defendants have now also run afoul of express commitments made in the 2023 settlement agreement and voluntary remand process from the prior related litigation, the groups argue in the lawsuit. The Independent has reached out to the Bureau of Land Management and the White House for comment. The Bureau of Land Management under President Donald Trump has revived a plan to construct a four-lane 4.3 mile highway through the Red Cliffs National Conservation Area in southwest Utah (Bob Wick/Bureau of Land Management) The Bureau of Land Managements stance on the highway has shifted in line with party changes at the federal level. In 2024, before Trump took office, the BLM issued an environmental impact analysis that found the highways construction would not only harm the desert tortoise species, but also increase the likelihood of wildfires in the region and encourage the growth of noxious weeds and invasive species. Then, after Trump took office, the bureau issued another environmental report dated October 3 citing "new information' showing that an alternative route through the conservation area was both possible and economically feasible. The Center for Biological Diversity included comments from residents near the proposed construction zone. Unlike the BLM, its assessment of the region and the potential harm caused by the highway remains unchanged. Tom Butine, a resident of St. George, said he felt that local officials left him no choice but to support measures to stop the highway. This lawsuit, like the last one, is necessary because our local governments have declined to engage their constituents in an open community dialogue one that could more clearly define the problem, address its related impacts and explore alternative solutions that have been consistently ignored, he said. MEMPHIS, Tenn., Feb. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- It is with deep sorrow that Natalia Wolf announces that her husband, Burt Wolf, passed away peacefully on January 31 at their home in Switzerland, surrounded by the love of his family. Burt Wolf was the creator and host of the series Travels & Traditions, airing nationally on public television stations. Post this Burt Wolf in Amsterdam Burt Wolf was the creator and host of the series Travels & Traditions, airing nationally on public television stations with WKNO Public Media as its presenting station for twenty-three seasons. A pioneer of travel and food journalism, Wolf focused on helping audiences understand the world through history, culture, and everyday human experience. His work spanned more than four decades on PBS, and he also produced programs and segments for CNN, ABC, and the Discovery Channel. Beyond television, he wrote a weekly column for The Washington Post, contributed regularly to Salon.com, and edited and published books. His professional life also included running a restaurant, working in the travel industry, and producing museum-quality photographs. For more about Burt Wolf click here: https://www.burtwolf.com/about SOURCE WKNO-TV Related Links https://www.burtwolf.com/about The Dutch military has welcomed another high-profile volunteer: Queen Maxima. The 54-year-old Argentine-born wife of King Willem-Alexander started training this week to become a reserve member of her adopted homeland's army as the Dutch military seeks to boost enlistment to counter growing fears about peace and security in Europe. Because the security of the Netherlands can no longer be taken for granted, Maxima has decided to become a reservist, the Ministry of Defence said after training began on Wednesday. The Royal House said the queen, like many others, wants to make a contribution to that security. Maxima is following her own daughter into the military. Crown Princess Amalia, the heir to the Dutch throne, completed her basic military training last month as a volunteer reservist in the army. The Royal House said the queen, like many others, wants to make a contribution (Netherlands Ministry of Defense) Royals across Europe have a tradition of enlisting. Five years ago, Princess Elisabeth, the heir to the Belgian throne, signed up to do a year in military school in Brussels to help her prepare for her royal duties. Her father, King Philippe, also attended the Royal Military School in central Brussels. The incoming Dutch coalition government that is expected to be sworn in later this month has unveiled plans to boost the nation's military to 122,000 staff. Ministry of Defence spokesperson Klaas Meijer said Thursday it is currently at 80,000, including military personnel, civilians and reservists like Maxima. He said enlisting was Maximas choice, but we are of course very proud that she is doing this and hope that other people will think, hey, this is something I could do. Queen may be deployed when needed A series of photos taken by a defence ministry photographer as Maxima started training at a military academy in the city of Breda were released on Wednesday by the House of Orange. In one, Maxima, her left eye squeezed shut, grips a pistol in both hands as she takes aim. In another, shes hanging onto a rope in front of a rock climbing wall. Another snap shows Maxima, barefoot, wearing green overalls and blacked-out ski goggles, jumping into a swimming pool. The defence ministry says her training will comprise all the practical and theoretical military components necessary to become a reservist. These include physical resilience, self-defence, marksmanship, map reading, and military law. Once the queen has completed her training, she will be given the rank of lieutenant-colonel and will deploy wherever needed, the Royal House statement said. Reservists are generally deployed for tasks in the Netherlands, but have occasionally also been sent overseas on a voluntary basis, said ministry spokesperson Meijer. Europe wants to attract more military recruits The Netherlands is not alone in seeking to beef up its defences against a backdrop of Russia's war against Ukraine and U.S. reservations about the NATO alliance. The incoming government plans to introduce what it calls a freedom contribution for citizens and businesses to help foot the growing military bill. Lawmakers in European powerhouse Germany have approved a government plan to attract more military recruits as the country tries to boost the ranks of its armed forces in the face of rising concern about the threat posed by Russia. France unveiled a new program in November that is meant to bolster the countrys armed forces by training thousands of volunteers aged 18 and 19. The program will start with 3,000 volunteers to be selected next summer and will gradually increase to 10,000 per year by 2030. France has ambitions to reach up to 50,000 volunteers per year by 2035. At a Paris naval conference this week, the Dutch navy chief, Vice Admiral Harold Liebregs, and counterparts from the U.K. and U.S. spoke of success in boosting recruitment and retention of much-needed personnel in part because of growing concerns about threats to Europes security. Once the queen has completed her training, she will be given the rank of lieutenant-colonel (Netherlands Ministry of Defense) Something happened in Europe. We have been struggling with shortages of personnel for a couple of years but now for the first time in years we see that (the) retention rate is pretty OK, Liebregs said. Recruitment and influx is also picking up People are really willing to join the navy. He attributed the turnaround in part to the introduction of a program that enables volunteers to join the armed forces for one year, giving them a first taste of service and initial training. Last year, Denmark sought to increase the number of young people in the military by extending compulsory enlistment to women for the first time. Men and women can both still volunteer, and the remaining places will be filled by a gender-neutral draft lottery. And Dutch neighbour Belgium has just reactivated two military brigades as part of a wider drive to boost defences. Moves to recruit new military personnel are sure to put strain on existing defence budgets across Europe although they also will push governments toward a NATO spending hike they approved at a summit last year. Its good, its a difficult path, especially because it requires financing and other resources, Retired Gen. Jean-Paul Palomeros, a former head of the French Air Force, told The Associated Press after France announced its plans. But nevertheless, I think it was needed somewhere to make sure that the young generations understand that freedom and peace are not taken for granted and it doesnt come as a free lunch. U.S. President Donald Trump greets Russian President Vladimir Putin, Aug. 15, 2025, at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson, File) (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) The world's last major nuclear arms control treaty, New START, officially lapsed on Thursday, leaving the two largest atomic arsenals, those of Russia and the United States, without any limits for the first time in over 50 years. This development has ignited concerns about a potential unconstrained nuclear arms race. Last year, Russian President Vladimir Putin had indicated a willingness to maintain the treaty's limits for an additional year, provided Washington agreed. However, Donald Trump remained undecided on its extension. Kremlin adviser Yuri Ushakov stated that Mr Putin discussed the treaty's expiry with Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Wednesday, noting a lack of response from Washington regarding his proposed extension. Russia will act in a balanced and responsible manner based on thorough analysis of the security situation, Ushakov said. Russia's Foreign Ministry on Wednesday night said in a statement that under the current circumstances, we assume that the parties to the New START Treaty are no longer bound by any obligations or symmetrical declarations within the context of the Treaty, including its core provisions, and are fundamentally free to choose their next steps. This photo taken from a video distributed on Dec. 9, 2020 by the Russian Defense Ministry Press Service, shows a rocket launch as part of a ground-based intercontinental ballistic missile test at the Plesetsk facility in northwestern Russia. (Russian Defense Ministry Press Service via AP, File) (Russian Defense Ministry Press Service) New START, signed in 2010 by then-President Barack Obama and his Russian counterpart, Dmitry Medvedev, restricted each side to no more than 1,550 nuclear warheads on no more than 700 missiles and bombers deployed and ready for use. It was originally supposed to expire in 2021 but was extended for five more years. The pact envisioned sweeping on-site inspections to verify compliance, although they stopped in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic and never resumed. In February 2023, Putin suspended Moscows participation, saying Russia couldnt allow U.S. inspections of its nuclear sites at a time when Washington and its NATO allies have openly declared Moscows defeat in Ukraine as their goal. At the same time, the Kremlin emphasized it wasnt withdrawing from the pact altogether, pledging to respect its caps on nuclear weapons. In offering in September to abide by New STARTs limits for a year to buy time for both sides to negotiate a successor agreement, Putin said the pacts expiration would be destabilizing and could fuel nuclear proliferation. New START followed a long succession of U.S.-Russian nuclear arms reduction pacts. Those have been terminated, as well. The Unesco world heritage site has become a must-see for many visitors to Barcelona (Getty Images) A new art gallery has opened in one of Barcelonas most popular tourist destinations. Casa Batllo, designed by venerated Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi, is one of the best-known buildings in the Spanish city. It is renowned for its Art Nouveau facade, earning it the nickname the House of Bones. The Unesco World Heritage site is now home to an art gallery, which will house contemporary art exhibitions. The new gallery occupies what was once residential apartments on the second floor, formerly closed-off to the public. The floor has been restored, with original features, such as woodwork and stained glass, restored. Some modern additions have also been made, including a curved metal ceiling that has been screen printed with ripples to evoke a drop of water on a calm lake. The exhibition space will have a metal ceiling (Claudia Maurino) The gallery, known as Casa Batllo Contemporary, will host two art exhibitions per year, debuting with Beyond the Facade, an exhibition by United Visual Artists, a London-based art practice founded by Matt Clark. For their exhibition, on until 17 May, United Visual Artists will explore life cycles through light and movement, inviting visitors to glimpse themselves within the artwork. Casa Batllo Contemporary started as an artistic programme that connects today's artists with Gaudi's legacy, but the rotating exhibits will now allow for these cutting-edge works to be displayed. Maria Bernat, director of Casa Batllo Contemporary, says the gallery aims to foster a dialogue between the past and future, situating Antoni Gaudis legacy within a contemporary framework. United Visual Artists will explore life cycles through light and movement (Claudia Maurino) Through art and architecture, it explores his radical vision with present-day thinking, remaining faithful to his spirit of innovation and disruption while engaging with Barcelonas dynamic artistic landscape. The opening of the new gallery comes the same year that another of Gaudis masterpieces, the Sagrada Familia, is expected to be completed, some 144 years after work first started in 1882. Upon the completion of the final 18 towers, the Sagrada Familia will become the tallest Catholic church in the world. Read more: Sagrada Familia to host series of events celebrating architect Gaudi Boris Johnson has said the Prime Minister will reap a whirlwind by delaying local elections Boris Johnson has accused Sir Keir Starmer of behaving like a dictator after Labour postponed local elections for 4.5 million people. The former prime minister said Sir Keir would reap the whirlwind of his decision and warned him: You can run but you cant hide. In January, the Government confirmed the postponement of elections across 30 local authorities, which had been scheduled to take place in May. In some cases, it means councillors will have kept their seats for seven years without having to face a ballot. Mr Johnson said that councils which were allowed to decide for themselves whether to hold elections should reverse those decisions and proceed with the polls. He told The Telegraph: What is the difference between Starmers Britain and Burkina Faso [where the military junta has taken over]? This is what dictators do. They come up with some pretext for postponing elections and they stifle democracy. There is no excuse good enough for this. The Telegraphs Campaign for Democracy has called for elections to go ahead, as well as the scrapping of a clause in the Local Government Act 2000 that allows polls to be delayed without a full vote in Parliament. The former prime ministers intervention is likely to fan the flames of a revolt against the delays. The Government claimed elections had to be postponed until next year because of a looming reorganisation of local authorities that would make it expensive, complicated and unnecessary to hold them. But opponents have argued that the real reason is to avoid a wipeout in the polls that could put Sir Keirs leadership at risk. Councillors in Norfolk have stood down to trigger by-elections in protest at the decision, and a string of councils have faced protests and criticism in public meetings for delaying their votes. The Tories and Lib Dems have tabled amendments in the House of Lords to limit ministers power to postpone local elections in future. Mr Johnson said: It is plainly being done to spare Starmers blushes in May because he fears a defeat. Its absolutely pathetic. Its shameful. What Starmer is doing is tyrannical. People should remember that it is attempts to defy democracy that lead to the greatest anger from the public. Starmer will reap the whirlwind of this decision. What is transparent is he is running away from the people, trying to avoid the verdict of the public, and it simply wont work. You can run but you cant hide. I can only hope that councils that are currently saying they wont have elections change their minds. There is no excuse. Boris Johnson has said Labour is delaying local elections to because Sir Keir Starmer fears a defeat - Daniel Leal/AFP Mr Johnson pointed out that for a Government that won a landslide majority in 2024 local elections two years later should be nothing to fear. He added: It is five years since the glorious mid-term elections when we thrashed the pants off them because we had delivered the fastest vaccine rollout and Macron had a fish war with us over the Channel Islands. This was a high point for the Tories. Labour should have nothing to fear from these elections. Its a measure of how bad this Government is that they are so fearful. Sir Keir has defended the decision to allow councils to postpone elections, saying they would impose needless costs on taxpayers when many of the councils will no longer exist following a reorganisation of local government. Many councils will be abolished to create more unitary authorities. Reform UK is challenging the decision in court and hopes that a judicial review will force the Government to reconsider. Breakthrough nasal spray found to protect against all forms of flu Scientists have developed a nasal spray that is safe and effective in protecting against various strains of the flu, an advance that could lead to new strategies to counter seasonal influenza outbreaks. Despite the development of vaccines, seasonal influenza still accounts for as many as 646,000 deaths every year. New strains of the virus are also constantly emerging, making previous generations of vaccines less effective, with newer variants posing potential pandemic threats. Researchers have sought different prophylactic strategies to protect people against influenza, including antibody therapies. But most such therapies in the form of injections dont elicit large amounts of antibodies in mucosal areas such as the nose. Now, scientists from the Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health have developed CR9114, an anti-influenza antibody that can be delivered via the nose. Mockup of the immune boosting nasal spray (Hunter Medical Research Institute) An early phase clinical trial has found that these antibodies, sprayed into the nose of healthy volunteers, bind and neutralise the virus. Researchers also found that the antibody nasal spray is safe and well-tolerated in humans in two trials involving 143 participants. Intranasal CR9114 was safe and well-tolerated across all doses and schedules, scientists wrote in the study published in the journal Science Translational Medicine. These data establish the basis for efficacy studies in humans and suggest that intranasal CR9114 may represent an effective immunoprophylactic for influenza virus, the study noted. The experimental nasal spray was also tested in macaques at various doses and dosing schedules. While the nasal spray led to antibody accumulation in the nose, where the virus first invades, the antibodies degraded in about three hours. Researchers found that the spray provided the best protection against both influenza A and B when given twice a day. Twice-daily administration of CR9114 protected nonhuman primates against influenza virus challenge with the same intranasal formulation and device as used in humans, scientists wrote. Antibodies isolated from the noses of treated volunteers were also found to bind to influenza A and B in lab culture, proving they have neutralising potential. These antibodies can be self-administered via nasal sprays, offering a means to quicker roll out during the early stages of flu outbreaks, scientists say. Experts say intranasal delivery of antibodies could compliment vaccines during flu outbreaks. "A major advantage of nasal delivery is that it produces high antibody levels right where the virus enters, using much smaller doses than intravenous antibody treatments. However, the antibody cleared quickly from the nasal surface, said immunologist Isabelle Montgomerie from New Zealands Malaghan Institute of Medical Research. This means it would not replace vaccination, but it could provide short-term protection during a pandemic, especially for high-risk groups like healthcare workers, said Dr Montgomerie, who was not involved in the study. Eagle-eyed Bridgerton viewers have called out the Netflix shows editors for failing to catch an anachronistic accessory in the brand new episodes. Fans spotted a small, flesh-colored Band-Aid on the ear of Katie Leung who plays Lady Araminta during a scene in season four. The patch was presumably left on the actor by accident to cover up a cartilage piercing. While Bridgerton has not always stuck to historical accuracy for its early 19th-century setting, some social media users were perplexed to see a Band-Aid, which was not invented until 1920. Its a cover-up for an ear piercing, one person speculated on a TikTok, pointing out the mistake. Another wrote, Yeah, I wish they had covered it better like put a fancy ear cuff up there or something. The person who made the original post responded, Very true. She isnt wearing it in other scenes so maybe they just forgot while doing takes. I am obsessed with the outfits so of course Im analyzing every detail. 'Bridgerton' viewers spotted an anachronistic detail in one of Katie Leung's costumes in season four (Netflix) Katie Leung appears to be wearing a flesh-colored bandaid on her ear in one of her scenes (Netflix) Netflix did not immediately return The Independents request for comment. As some commenters on the post noted, the show has used fake eyelashes and nails in the past. Guys its Bridgerton. its not supposed to be historically accurate, one person pointed out. Others criticized the viewers for calling out the error in the first place. One wrote: I dont get why anyone cares about this stuff tbh. Its very subtle and Bridgerton clearly doesnt care about historical accuracy. People in the comments complaining about seeing piercing holes the actors have are wild. They have a lives outside of their roles why do you even care about a teeny tiny hole in their ear or cheek? Another viewer added, Yall need to learn to just watch and move on. Its not that serious. I didnt even notice something so small . This is not the first time that Netflix has been called out for leaving a historically inaccurate detail in the final edit. When the fifth and final season of Stranger Things was released on the platform in December, viewers complained about seeing an Under Armour logo on the shirt that character Holly Wheeler was wearing in a scene. Under Armour was not founded until 1996 nine years after the episode was set in 1987. A week after the volume came out, Netflix quietly removed the sportswear logo from the scene. A British socialite and model appeared to procure girls for convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, emails suggest. Annabelle Neilson appears numerous times in the latest tranche of documents relating to disgraced financier Epstein, released by the US Department of Justice on Friday. Neilson, who died at the age of 49 in 2018, was a prominent model in the 1990s and 2000s and was a fixture of the London party scene. She later appeared on the TV programme Ladies of London in the 2010s. The latest release of files appears to show that Neilson emailed Epstein numerous times between 2010 and 2012, after his 2008 conviction for soliciting prostitution from a minor. Annabelle Neilson appeared to email Epstein numerous times (Getty) In an email dated 15 September 2010, Epstein wrote: I will have Ghislaine reach out to Annabelle Neilson. Two days later, an email signed by Annabelle said: Hi Jeffrey. So I am putting a little group of girls together. Hopefuly one of them will have all the right qualities you desire. Wish I was twenty years younger and could speak French!!! I have to say that a few of my girls, who would be perfect for the job but are unfortunately past their sell-by date, would of all dropped their husband and almost children for the job when I asked them. The email continued: You know Ive just had a spark of genius while writing this, I think I may have the right girl. Epstein replied saying: I appreciate the effort and you. The following month, an email to Epstein from an account signed off by an Annabelle and appearing to be Ms Neilson said: How are you and all the girls?! Neilson emailed Epstein numerous times between 2010 and 2012 (YouTube) I hope you got the numbers I left you for the brazilian and the Italian presenter. I'm back in my lovely grey old rainy london, although the cold seems just to be beginning here. It continued: I hope you are still having a wonderful time without me, probably the new arrivals would of distracted you from the huge void that i left. All my love Annabelle x. Additionally, an email from a redacted sender to an account named Annabelle Neilson on 26 January 2011 read: Hey Annabelle, lets you and I try and find something cute for JE tonight. Epstein and Neilson also appeared to discuss art, including a sculpture she recommended to him. An email from an account called Annabelle Neilson on 23 September 2011 said: Take a look at this, it a beautiful beast, reminds me a little of you i= that respect. The emails are part of the latest dump of documents that contain some three million pages, including 180,000 images and some 2,000 videos attached to the case. It brings the total number of documents released to 3.5 million. Protesters gather outside the detention facility where Liam Ramos and his father are being detained in Dilley, Texas, on 28 January. Photograph: Eric Gay/AP (Photograph: Eric Gay/AP) At least two cases of measles have been confirmed at a major immigration detention center for children and their parents in Texas as cases of the dangerous virus in South Carolina, Arizona, Utah and other US states continue growing and alarming experts. In January alone, the US saw 25% of the total confirmed in all of last year, and the outbreak shows no sign of slowing as federal officials stay silent on vaccination. The vast majority of patients are not vaccinated, but there have been no national campaigns announced or recent statements from leaders such as Robert F Kennedy Jr, secretary of the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Last year, Kennedy positioned measles vaccines as a personal choice and recommended unproven treatments for the highly contagious illness. The measles outbreak is frightening and very worrisome, said Jason Bowling, professor of infectious diseases at UT Health San Antonio and director of hospital epidemiology at University Health. I unfortunately do not see this slowing down across the United States, said Anna-Kathryn Burch, division director of pediatric infectious diseases at Prisma Health Childrens hospital in the Midlands in South Carolina. Whats happening in South Carolina could happen anywhere the vaccination rate dips too low, Burch said. Its not a matter of if, but more likely when. The Dilley family detention center in south Texas, one of two immigration facilities for children in the US, reported two measles cases on Friday. We are aware of the cases and are assisting by providing doses of measles vaccine as requested by ICE, said Chris Van Deusen, director of media relations at the Texas department of state health services, referring to US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This is the same facility where five-year-old asylum seeker Liam Conejo Ramos and his father were kept for a week after being detained in Minneapolis. Its also the facility where protests sprang up on 24 January, with children yelling: Let us go! Children and parents are now locked down in the facility. Elizabeth Zuna Caisaguano, who is reporting flu-like symptoms, and her mother, who has hives but neither have been tested for measles, they say were released from the facility on Tuesday night. Joaquin Castro, a Democratic congressman from San Antonio, is calling for the detention center to be shut down immediately. Dilley is not equipped to deal with the spread of measles, Castro said in a post on X. Children and families, who have committed no crime, should not be suffering and do not belong in prison. Detention centers can be epidemic engines that become basically factories for manufacturing virus at incredible scale and incredible pace, and inevitably they overthrow the walls of these prisons, said Eric Reinhart, a political anthropologist and psychiatrist who researched the spread of Covid in jails and prisons. The news highlights the rapidly spiraling outbreak throughout the United States. South Carolina reported a total of 876 measles cases and at least 18 hospitalizations on Tuesday, already surpassing the official tally of the entire west Texas outbreak last year and still growing. Hospitals in South Carolina are not required to report hospitalizations for measles, but at least 18 children and adults have been hospitalized because of the virus, according to the health department. Other states are also seeing continued spread, including Arizona with 239 cases and 14 hospitalizations and Utah with 251 cases and 23 hospitalizations. As of Friday, there have been 588 confirmed cases of measles in the US this year and all but three were from local spread, according to data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). When measles is spreading readily in communities, the virus can enter detention centers and increase exponentially because of the conditions with children and parents moved from all over the country and made to stay in close quarters with poor water, food and medical care. People who have not had stable access to healthcare because of poor infrastructure or political instability in their countries of origin may also have lower vaccination rates. One in five measles patients usually need hospitalization. This is a major public health issue because detention centers are an ideal environment for the spread of measles, Reinhart said. Officials have said they are ceasing all movement within the facility, but there is no way to end movement in and out of a detention center like this unless the staff are also locked down, Reinhart said. You can take measures to try to mitigate it, but you really have to get people out of those kinds of conditions. Prisons and jails frequently accelerate outbreaks of infectious diseases, spreading beyond the institutions walls and into communities. Youre putting people at risk of an epidemic outbreak not just the people inside the facility but the people around it and, ultimately, people everywhere, Reinhart said. Releasing inmates proved effective in stopping greater spread of Covid, Reinhart found, and he called for decarceration and an end to immigration raids. Abolish ICE and the Department of Homeland Security, which is basically a state terror organization, Reinhart said. ICE did not respond by press time to the Guardians questions, including whether detention staff were moving within the community and whether a vaccination campaign had begun. When asked to confirm that Kennedy had not made any public statements and HHS had not launched any national vaccination campaigns on measles in recent months, an HHS spokesperson, Andrew Nixon, said that was completely false, adding: Have you not even been following us the past year? He did not respond by press time to a request for evidence of either point. In the absence of federal campaigns, the bulk of vaccination efforts are falling on state and local officials and providers. It breaks my heart that we are seeing this in my state, when we have a vaccine that is very effective and safe we have a way to prevent this, Burch said. Its a very difficult time right now for pediatricians, because we are seeing hesitancy increase with vaccination. The MMR vaccine was safe, and it was the most effective way to end this outbreak, she said. Thats the major preventative step that we have, Bowling agreed. Vaccine rates are so important. Not everyone responds to the vaccine or can get it; those who are pregnant or undergoing immune-compromising treatments, like chemotherapy, cant get vaccinated, and babies under six months of age also cannot get the shot. That means infants and pregnant people, especially in confined conditions at Dilley, are at high risk. Health systems in places like South Carolina are now setting up incident command systems, requiring face masks, screening patients for potential contact, and switching to telehealth and testing outside of emergency rooms for patients with suspected measles. We learned to be adaptive during the Covid pandemic, Burch said. We are adapting to this outbreak, and were here to help people. Prime Minister Mark Carney has not been afraid to stand up to Donald Trump - Evan Vucci/AP For the record, America cannot annex the second-largest country on Earth. Canada is too big and internally complex. But America can, in any serious attempt to annex Canada or any of its parts (or threat to do so), destabilise its huge northern neighbour irreparably. Such destabilisation could lead to the break-up of Canada, and would bleed into long-run American and even worldwide destabilisation in turn. Canada is too big to fail, as it were. But America can certainly vassalise its neighbour and that is the present project of the Trump administration. It is doing so through explicit economic pressure, humiliation in the information space and, finally, the overhanging insinuation of military invasion at a time and place of the US presidents choosing. Meanwhile, the Greenland invasion threat from a Canadian strategic perspective was effectively a threat to annex Canadas Arctic as well. That spectre remains alive and well. In truth, Trump already considers Canada a vassal state, even if Ottawa does not yet realise its effective vassalisation. After all, he was able in his first term to get Canada, under immense pressure, to sign on to a vassalising trade pact in the form of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). It expressly forbids Canada from entering into advanced trading relationships with geopolitical rivals like China without American approval. Here you have the genesis of the latest Trump 100 per cent tariff threat on all Canadian goods entering the US, should Canada proceed with its recent or indeed any strategic agreement with China. Trump would react similarly were Canada to broker a major deal with India, as Europe has just done. So we come to the nub of the matter facing Canada: how to survive the ever-tightening geographic squeeze of a predatory America to its south, a Chinese juggernaut to its immediate west and the giant Russian Federation due north of the countrys own massive Arctic space. In his now-famous Davos speech, Mark Carney, the Canadian prime minister, suggested the country must resist all of these pressures as a middle power ideally, a middle democratic power working in concert with other similar democracies around the world. While rhetorically attractive, it turns out that a Canada surrounded on its immediate borders by the worlds three largest powers cannot be a middle power. Mark Carney talked of Canada being a middle power but that is not sustainable when threatened It can only be a deep, highly unstable vassal state (and not just to America) or, perhaps, a great power in its own right over time. By mid-century, through the very process of surviving the brutal pulls and tears of its great-power neighbours, Canada may itself emerge as one of this centurys major powers. But Canada must first survive the rest of Trumps second term. It must defend itself fiercely just as it positions to become a proper power in the post-Trump world. This Canadian defence has three capital elements: first, delay; second, resist; and third, prepare for its post-Trump centrality in the worlds largest and most contested geopolitical theatre, the Arctic. Delay The USMCA trade agreement is set to be reviewed this coming summer. President Trump will undoubtedly be seeking to extract massive rents from Ottawa, under duress, in the forms of regulatory, economic, resource, territorial and military concessions. Ottawas traditional political instinct will be to sign and declare victory domestically (we have a deal!). Instead, it must play for time, be extremely difficult and stubborn, and play out the Trump term until more propitious partners and terms present themselves. Canada will be respected for saying no, but will have a miserable time recovering reputationally from any form of yes that wreaks of national subordination. Resist Canada may see up to two secession referenda over the next year or two the first in Alberta, and then a possible second one in Quebec should the Parti Quebecois form its government. Elements of the Trump administration and its advisers have already inserted themselves, destructively, into the Alberta debate. They would do the same in any Quebec referendum, including through the social media platforms they control. Here, Mr Carneys Davos insistence on not pretending will be key Canada must repel all American interference in its domestic affairs. After all, American flirtation with the idea of making Alberta a 51st state can easily be countered by Canadian suggestions of a Greater Canada that eventually includes most of the 13 American states bordering it. These are states, from Minnesota to Maine and Washington, that are deeply intertwined with Canadiana. (While were at it, why not non-border states like California and Massachusetts also?) Position for centrality Through its Arctic space, which is opening up through climate change and is territorially as large as the European Union, Canada becomes the centre of the world. This explains Trumps acute interest. And this means that little known cities like Inuvik, Whitehorse, Yellowknife and Iqaluit will be more important to Canadas future prospects than Toronto, Montreal and Halifax. White Ottawa currently looks at its Arctic territories through a paranoid, Americanised fortress lens, the smarter long-term play will be to build these up as Singapores of the Arctic. This will bind the Great White North in terms of travel, exchange, peace and prosperity with its adjoining, gigantic neighbours to the south, north, east and west. And if Trump should land a military plane or division in Canadas Arctic tomorrow and declare it to be annexed? Answer: Canada will wait him out and emerge stronger for it. Irvin Studin is president of the Institute for 21st Century Questions in Toronto, Canada. He was a Nobel Peace Prize nominee in 2025 for his work on the education and youth catastrophes of the pandemic period Cape Cod potato chips production are saying so long to Cape Cod this spring Cape Cod potato chips is saying so long to Cape Cod this spring as the snack maker aims to consolidate production at other plants. The Campbells Company, which acquired the kettle cooked chip brand in 2018, announced last week that it plans to close its plant in Hyannis, Massachusetts, this April. Cape Cod chips was founded in the coastal town in 1980, and the plant began operation five years later. But the shocking truth for chip lovers is that only four percent of Cape Cod chips are actually made in Cape Cod. When announcing the Hyannis plants anticipated closure, Campbells said the site no longer makes economic sense for the business. Cape Cod potato chips is saying so long to Cape Cod this spring as the snack maker aims to 'consolidate' production at other plants (Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for Vulture Festival) The company is moving the production of Cape Cod chips along with Kettle Brand chips, which are also made at the Hyannis plant to more modern and efficient plants. Those plants are located in Beloit, Wisconsin, Charlotte, North Carolina, and Hanover, Pennsylvania. Nearly 50 employees will be out of a job once the Hyannis plant closes. Campbells assured that the company will give separation benefits and help with new job placements. Cape Cod chips was founded in Hyannis, Massachusetts, in 1980, but production will soon move to Wisconsin, North Carolina and Pennsylvania (Joseph Prezioso/AFP via Getty Images) This difficult decision reflects a careful assessment of our business needs to strengthen our operations and position our Snacks business for long-term growth. We are deeply grateful to our team and are committed to provide support and assistance during these changes, Elizabeth Duggan, president of Campbells Snacks, said in a statement. We will maintain a community presence by honoring the brands heritage and continue local investment to support the next generation of food innovators on Cape Cod, Duggan added. The snack maker will partner with local organizations offering culinary entrepreneur programs and other opportunities that align with the hospitality needs of the region. The Cape Cod community will also continue to be eligible for grants through The Campbells Foundation, which funds organizations focused on increasing food access, encouraging healthy living and nurturing neighborhoods. High-protein, gluten-free creamy garlic one pot mac and cheese-style meals arrive at Costco LOS ANGELES, Feb. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Chickapea , a certified B Corporation focused on making it easier and more delicious for people to eat healthy, will launch a limited-time exclusive One Pot Meals 3-pack at Costco warehouses across the Los Angeles region and Hawaii beginning Feb. 2. The offering features Chickapea's best-selling Creamy Garlic One Pot flavor, a boxed mac and cheese-style pasta bundled as three family-size meals. The launch marks Chickapea's first One Pot Meals rotation in the Los Angeles Costco region and represents a key growth milestone for the brand. Chickapea's Creamy Garlic One-Pot 3 Pack Now In Costco Los Angeles and Hawaii Founder Shelby Taylor created Chickapea to make healthy eating easy, delicious, and accessible. The company lives by its core values: craveable nutrition, clean ingredients, high protein, and using business as a force for good. "Costco shoppers care deeply about value, quality and feeding their families well, which makes this launch especially meaningful," said Taylor, founder and CEO of Chickapea. "Our One Pot Meals are designed for real life and appeal to consumers seeking healthier choices without sacrificing taste, texture or convenience." Chickapea's creamy pasta meals deliver a rich, satisfying experience that reimagines classic boxed mac and cheese. Made with their signature chickpea and yellow pea pasta, these meals offer cheesy flavor in a better-for-you format. Key product details include: 15 grams of protein and 4 grams of fiber per serving Certified gluten-free and kosher Ready in under 12 minutes Pasta and seasoning included; just add milk and optional butter Pasta made with only chickpeas and yellow peas The exclusive 3-pack will be available in 46 Costco warehouses throughout the Los Angeles region and four locations in Hawaii. Chickapea's One Pot Meals performed well during last year's Los Angeles roadshow, with strong member interest across families, busy professionals, and health-conscious shoppers. Based on the positive response, availability is expanding through a limited-time multi-pack. Following a brand and recipe refresh in 2024, Chickapea has continued to grow across North America. The company remains the leading organic, high-protein pasta brand in Canada, recording velocity increases of 25 to 50 percent within key retail accounts in both Canada and the United States over the past year. Consumer reviews frequently cite taste and texture comparable to traditional wheat pasta. The Chickapea Creamy Garlic One Pot Meals 3-pack will be available for $10.69 and for a limited time while supplies last. For more information, visit chickapea.com . About Chickapea Founded by Shelby Taylor in 2015, Chickapea is focused on making healthy eating more accessible through craveable, protein-packed meal solutions that fit your life. Chickapea offers a line of high-protein pasta made from chickpeas and yellow peas, along with convenient One Pot Meals. Designed to deliver the taste and texture of traditional pasta, its products provide a satisfying, protein-forward option for modern consumers. Chickapea's One Pot Meals pair its signature pasta with rich, creamy sauces for an elevated mac and cheesestyle experience that's both comforting and nutritious. A certified B Corporation, Chickapea is committed to meeting the highest standards of social and environmental performance while doing good with every bite. Chickapea products are sold nationwide across North America and are available online at chickapea.com . Media Contact: Emerald-Jane Hunter myWHY Agency, Inc. 312-291-1099 [email protected] SOURCE Chickapea The lives of more than 30 people who drowned in a small boat crossing in the Channel could have been saved if the French coastguard had responded to a distress call, a damning report has found. At least 27 people died when the overcrowded boat started taking on water around four hours into the journey to the UK on 24 November 2021, in the worst maritime disaster in the Channel on record. Four people are still missing but presumed dead, and two people survived the tragedy. Sir Ross Cranston, who led the inquiry into the incident, concluded on Thursday that failings by both the UK and France contributed to the scale of the deaths. He found that deaths were caused by the unsafe vessel provided by the people smugglers who organised the crossing, as well as French maritime authorities failing to respond when a Mayday relay was issued. The HM Coastguard search and rescue was also called off too early. Sir Ross also said the rescue effort was hampered by a widely held belief within HM Coastguard that small-boat callers were exaggerating the danger they were in to be rescued, leading to an underestimation of the emergency. After the boat started taking on water, all those on board had entered the Channel within 15 minutes of the last distress call at 3:17am, and desperate survivors were left clinging to the wreck and treading water. Expert evidence found that many victims lived for several hours after entering the water, with some likely to be alive at 7am when the sun was rising and a smaller number still alive until the early afternoon. Pictured are 22 of the people who were killed or remain missing after the deadliest Channel incident (PA) Sir Ross said that the failure of the French warship, the Flamant, to respond to a Mayday call sent out by the UK coastguard at 2:27am on 24 November was striking. The Flamant, which was used by the French coastguard, was about 15 minutes away from the unfolding tragedy but failed to take action an omission now under investigation by the French authorities. In his conclusions from the inquiry, Sir Ross wrote: Given its proximity to [the incident] at the time of the Mayday relay, and that the small boat was intact at the time, if the Flamant had attended [the incident], many more, and possibly all, lives of those on board would have been saved. The crew of the Flamant have denied receiving the Mayday broadcast, but records from HM coastguard seem to show that the Flamant was communicating with another vessel, MRCC Gris-Nez, on VHF Channel 16 at the time. This was the same channel used to issue the Mayday distress call. HM Coastguard told the inquiry that it had made MRCC Gris-Nez aware of the distress call at 2:42am, with Sir Ross writing: It is for the French authorities to determine how the Flamant could not have been aware of the Mayday relay broadcast, if that was the case. The coastguard also mistakenly believed that the stricken small boat had been rescued after confusing it with another vessel, and called off the search too early. The inquiry concluded that if the search operations had continued, lives could have been saved. The UK coastguard only realised the truth of the tragedy when they were notified by the French at 12:57pm that a fishing vessel had discovered bodies in the water. In staggering testimony to the inquiry, one of the two survivors, Issa Mohamed Omar, spoke of how he held on to the collapsed boat until the sun came up and made the decision to try to swim to safety. He estimated that he was in the water for around 10 hours before a French woman, out fishing with her family, saw him, jumped in the water and pulled him out. Speaking about the moment the flimsy boat collapsed, Issa Mohamed Omar recalled: The screaming when the boat tipped, and people fell in the water was deafening. I have never heard anything as desperate as this. I was not thinking about whether we were going to be rescued anymore; it was all about how to stay alive. It was dark, and I could not really see. It was extremely cold, and the sea was rough. A group of people thought to be migrants are brought in to Dungeness, Kent, by the RNLI following a small boat incident in the Channel on November 20, 2021. (PA) Those who died in the tragedy included 46-year-old mother Kazhal Ahmed Khidir Al-Jammoor, from Kurdistan, Iraq, and her three children Hadiya, 22, Mubin, 16, and Hasti, 7. Maryam Noori Mohammedameen, a young girl in her 20s who wanted to study engineering, was also killed. Originally from Kurdistan, she had planned to travel to the UK to join her fiance. Her father told the inquiry that seeing her named as a victim on the news was the darkest moment of my life, and the saddest day of all our lives. Her father, Noori Mohammedameen Hassan, said he considered both the UK and France responsible for her death, saying: They were called, but no one went to help my daughter and those in the boat with her. The majority of the people on the small boat were from the Kurdistan region of Iraq, and there were also Somalis, Ethiopians, Afghans, Egyptians, one Iranian and one person believed to be Vietnamese. Protestors demonstrate against the British Government's policy on immigration and border controls, outside of the Home Office in central London on November 25, 2021, following the death of 27 migrants crossing the English channel. (AFP via Getty Images) The UK coastguard also failed to gather crucial geolocation information from the sinking boat, missing location positions sent via WhatsApp by those onboard. A Border Force cutter, HM Valiant, also took two hours to arrive on the scene, and was not given relevant information to help identify where the boat was. They were also not told that there were people in the water, leading the commander of the Valiant to not understand that there was an emergency. Sir Ross concluded that systemic failures in the UK coastguard contributed to the tragedy. He said that the belief that migrants would exaggerate their condition when coupled with the extreme pressure on HM coastguard staff handling small boat search and rescue, an over-reliance on inexperienced personnel, the shortcomings in remote working, and an absence of effective supervision, explains why it was possible for HM coastguard to believe that the incident was resolved when it had not. The angels face, which has now been crudely removed, was said to bear a striking resemblance to Giorgia Meloni, the Italian prime minister - Getty Images The face of an angel on a fresco in Italy that provoked outrage because of its resemblance to Giorgia Meloni has been scrubbed out by the artist who restored it. The painting in the Basilica of San Lorenzo in Lucina, a short walk from the Italian parliament, triggered a political and religious row last week when a restoration appeared to give the winged figure the features of the Italian prime minister. Visitors noticed the likeness, prompting an investigation by Italys culture ministry and heritage officials. Ms Meloni laughed off the affair, posting a photograph of the fresco online with the caption: No, I definitely dont look like an angel. The basilica, one of Romes most historic churches, stands in a square long associated with Italys conservative politics. Ms Meloni leads the Brothers of Italy party. Bruno Valentinetti, the 83-year-old restorer, initially denied any intentional likeness to the prime minister - Filippo Monteforte/AFP via Getty Alessandro Giuli, the culture minister, has ordered an investigation and the church was inspected on Saturday by Daniela Porro, a senior cultural heritage official for Rome. They said in a statement that they wanted to get to the bottom of the nature of the restoration carried out on the painting in one of the chapels of San Lorenzo in Lucina. At first, denial The painting, a monument to Umberto II, Italys last king, who reigned for just 34 days, originally showed two angels watching over him. After water damage, the work was restored by Bruno Valentinetti, 83, the basilicas custodian. The winged female figure holding a scroll depicting a map of Italy then appeared to acquire the facial features of the prime minister. He initially dismissed the accusations, insisting any likeness existed only in the imagination. The fresco was very damaged and the images were almost unrecognisable. The rector asked me to restore them, he said. You think there is a resemblance? Well, thats up to you. Asked whether he was a supporter of Ms Meloni, he replied: Ive not voted for years. Whoever has been in government, my pension of 600 (520) a month has remained the same. A confession and a cover-up Days later, Mr Valentinetti conceded that the angel did indeed bear the prime ministers face, while maintaining it followed the original image. He told La Repubblica he had been ordered to remove it by the Vatican, which has not yet released a statement. The Diocese of Rome confirmed the original face would now be reinstated after Cardinal Baldassare Reina said that images of sacred art and Christian tradition cannot be misused or exploited. Crowds of visitors flocked to the basilica to see the controversial fresco, taking photos and selfies - Anadolu The fresco dates only from 2000 and is not protected heritage artwork. The altered image was removed overnight, leaving the angel temporarily faceless, and authorities said any future restoration will require official approval. A tourist attraction After the story made global headlines, bigger crowds began arriving to judge for themselves. There was a procession of people who came to see it and take selfies, not to pray, the basilicas priest, the Rev Daniele Micheletti, told Ansa news agency. Fabrizio, a 63-year-old businessman who was inspecting the painting on Sunday, told The Telegraph: Its definitely Meloni. The fact that the angel is holding a map of Italy seems to be symbolic Meloni is in charge of the country, after all. Definitely not working smarter: Thousands of ICE agents join forum to complain about their jobs, report says Thousands of federal immigration agents have been complaining about their jobs in an online forum, where they blasted incompetent leadership, according to a report. Agents with Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection agencies, part of the Department of Homeland Security, have taken to venting about their frustrations online as they have been placed at the center of the Trump administrations crackdown. There are over 5,000 users on the unnamed forum seen by WIRED claiming to be current and former federal immigration agents. There, they complained of the negative public perception of the agencies, long working hours and incompetent leadership, according to the outlet. The outlet noted that users on the forum do not need to prove their employment to join and it had not confirmed the identities of the people posting. Users were candid about the public perception of the agencies amid the Trump administrations immigration surge in cities across the U.S. Thousands of federal immigration agents have been complaining about their jobs in an online forum, where they blasted incompetent leadership, according to a report (Getty) I'm all for removing illegals, but snatching dudes off lawn mowers in Cali and leaving the truck and equipment just sitting there? Definitely not working smarter, said one user in a post viewed by WIRED. Posts in the forum reportedly amped up following public scrutiny and outrage of the agencies in Minnesota, where U.S. citizens Renee Good and Alex Pretti were killed at the hands of federal immigration agents in Minneapolis last month. One user started a thread titled, Ready to resign, had enough stress five days before Pretti was killed. I have 2.3 years left for full special category retirement but don't know if I'll make it. Tired of this Agency. Employees being abused badly, the user reportedly wrote. The user also complained of agents being deployed for temporary duty at short notice in cities where the administration is carrying out large-scale immigration operations. No more weekends off, more work than ever before in 18 years. No more union. No more down time, the post reportedly continued. This is not what any of us envisioned for our last years of career when we are in our 50's. Other users lashed out at Homeland Security leadership. Led by some of the worst leadership Ive ever witnessed, from the local level all the way up to the national stage, this agency has managed to turn a righteous mission into a complete clown show, another user reportedly wrote. This is going to be a train wreck that we may not survive, another reportedly said. Agents complained of the negative public perception of the agencies, headed by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. They cited long working hours and incompetent leadership, according to the report (AFP via Getty Images) The Independent had contacted the Department of Homeland Security for comment. Reports of plummeting morale among federal law enforcement officers tasked with carrying out the administrations immigration operations have been widespread since the unrest in Minneapolis. In a report at the end of January, more than 20 current and former immigration officials told The New York Times of their discontent in the hours following the fatal shooting of Pretti. Current and former ICE officials who spoke with the outlet anonymously said they were unhappy with the sharp rhetoric coming from top White House and Homeland Security officials, who were quick to blame Pretti. One ICE agent told the Times that he had always given the benefit of the doubt to the government in these situations, but that he now no longer believed any of the statements they put out anymore. We lost all trust, a current ICE official added. Im not sure I can see how we exist three years from now. Fox News correspondent Bill Melugin also reported extreme frustration in the department over some of the claims & narratives DHS pushed in the aftermath of the shooting. These sources say this messaging from DHS officials has been catastrophic from a PR and morale perspective, as it is eroding trust and credibility, Melugin reported Sunday. In response, Tricia McLaughlin, Department of Homeland Security assistant secretary, said ICE and border patrol agents get up every morning to try and make our communities safer. The men and women of ICE and Border Patrol are fathers and mothers, sons and daughters, McLaughlin said in a previous statement to The Independent. Like everyone else, our officers just want to go home to our families at night. The violence and dehumanization of these men and women who are simply enforcing the law must stop. Donald Trumps administration wants to make it easier for Immigration and Customs Enforcement to deport tens of thousands of people with pending immigration court cases. A proposed rule change from the Department of Justice would force the Board of Immigration Appeals to dismiss most of them, unless a majority of the board agrees to hear them. Summary dismissal will be the default judgment in most cases, according to the Justice Department. Officials have reconsidered whether the Board can even function as a court at all, according to the proposal. Over the last decade, the Board of Immigration Appeals has seen its caseload explode from roughly 37,000 pending appeals in 2005 to more than 202,000 in 2025, according to the Justice Department. The Board is at a point where, even [if] were it to have additional resources and better management, without significant reforms, it would not be able to keep up with incoming filings while tackling the backlog in any meaningful way, according to the proposal. The Department of Justice wants to mandate the Board of Immigration Appeals to dismiss most of the cases that appear before it by default, cutting out a critical pathway for immigrants who are fighting to stay in the country (Getty Images) The Board cannot and does not need to adjudicate every case on the merits with the tools at its disposal, the filing states. Mandating dismissal in virtually every case will allow the Board to focus its limited resources on adjudicating the more than 200,000 pending appeals and, going forward, on selecting decisions for review that present novel issues warranting the Boards attention, according to the Justice Department. The proposal takes a sledgehammer to due process, according to Aaron Reichlin-Melnick, senior fellow with immigration advocacy think tank American immigration Council. The goal is clear; mass deportations over due process, he wrote. The rule change is set to go into effect in 30 days unless its blocked by court order from any potential legal challenge. Unlike federal district courts, the immigration court system functions under the Justice Department at the direction of Attorney General Pam Bondi. There are roughly 3.5 million pending cases in the countrys 74 immigration courts. Last year, the Justice Department instructed the roughly 600 immigration court judges to dismiss most of the cases that appear before them making immigrants immediately vulnerable to arrest and expedited removal removal from the country with mandatory detention. That strategy has generated scenes of masked federal agents patrolling courthouse hallways and hauling away immigrants the moment they leave their hearings. Those decisions can be appealed to the Board, but fewer than 10 percent of immigration judge decisions over the last two years have been appealed. Board of Immigration Appeals judges do not typically hear cases but review and make decisions based on the record in immigration courts. Those are decided by individual members of the 19-member Board 12 of whom were appointed by Bondi. Trumps Justice Department has moved to shrink the size of the Board to just 15 members. The Trump administration has radically overhauled the nations immigration court system and denied bond hearings for immigrants challenging their detention, a move that has been challenged in dozens of federal court battles (REUTERS) Last year, the Trump administration issued a memo designating virtually everyone who is in the country without legal permission subject to mandatory arrest and detention a policy that has invited an avalanche of legal challenges from immigrants fighting for their release. Immigrants and their lawyers are increasingly turning to the federal court system to allege violations of their constitutional rights in an effort to fight their arrest and detention, a process that is overloading courts across the country as the Trump administration tries to deport tens of thousands of detainees. In December, a federal judge struck down the Trump administrations policy to deny bond hearings to immigrants in custody. A top immigration court judge, however, told colleagues last month that they are not bound by the ruling. Roughly 70,000 people are locked up in immigration detention centers across the country at any given time. More than 70 percent of those detainees have never been convicted of a crime, making it more likely they will prevail in a bond hearing for their release. Without enough detention space and to avoid months- or years-long court battles, the Trump administration has instead tried to get immigrants to leave on their own, or self-deport, with $3,000 to $5,000 cash incentives for those who take up the offer. The latest moves follow a radical overhaul of the immigration court system under Trump, with more than 100 immigration judges fired or forced out of the job since the president took office, including more than a dozen within the final weeks of 2025 alone. Toronto police service chief Myron Demkiw, left, is joined by York regional police chief Jim MacSween, center, and his deputy, Ryan Hogan, at a news conference. Photograph: Jon Blacker/AP (Photograph: Jon Blacker/AP) At least eight current and former Toronto police officers have been arrested following a sweeping investigation that officials say exposed the corrosive reach of organized crime into Canadas largest municipal police service. Police allege fellow officers accepted bribes, aided drug traffickers, leaked personal information to criminals who then carried out shootings and helped members of organized crime in a plot to murder a corrections officer. No corner of society is immune from the reach of organized crime, but when organized crime penetrates the Toronto police service, the harm goes far beyond the immediate wrongdoing, said Chief Myron Demkiw of the deeply disappointing allegations. To those charged today, you will answer for your actions in a court of law. Among the current and former police officers charged are a father and son, both of whom are accused of leaking information to criminals. This is a deeply disappointing and sad day for policing, the York regional police chief, Jim MacSween, told reporters. More than 400 officers, including from York, Toronto and the Ontario provincial police, have been involved in the Project South investigation. Ryan Hogan, deputy chief of York region, said the investigation began in June 2025 after an attempt to murder a corrections officer working at a Toronto jail. Over a 36-hour period, a number of suspects attended [the victims] home in York region, we allege for the purpose of murdering him, he said. At the press conference, police showed surveillance footage in which three armed and masked men went to the officers home and rammed a police cruiser that was in the driveway. Related: Tow truck turf wars: Toronto sees rise in violence likened to organised crime Hogan said police officers unlawfully collected personal and private information, passing it on to members of organized crime, which ultimately resulted in serious harm in our communities. He called the inquiry the most complex and challenging investigations in a career spanning nearly three decades. Seven civilians, including three accused in the murder plot, and four other men with suspected links to international organized crime, were also charged. One of the men, Brian Da Costa, was allegedly involved in a sophisticated drug-trafficking operation. When police officers arrested Mr Da Costa on January 23 of this year, officers seized 169 pounds of cannabis and one pound of fentanyl, which we believe was destined outbound for a European location, said Hogan. Hogan said officers were alleged to have given protection to suspects accused of trafficking fentanyl and cannabis, and stole personal property from a police facility including drivers licences, passports and health cards. Police acknowledged the investigation, which led to at least 30 arrests, also involved the tow-truck industry, which has increasingly become engulfed by gun violence, turf wars and links to organized crime. Demkiw said the case against the officers was of an incredible magnitude and was without precedent in his time as leader of the Toronto police. In 2012, five Toronto officers with the drug squad were found guilty of obstructing justice after falsifying notes related to a warrantless search. Our top responsibility is to undertake the hard work of honest examination, to look critically at how this occurred, to identify the weaknesses and to address them in a way that upholds the trust placed in the Toronto police, he said. Organized crime is corrosive, that it infected our service is unacceptable, but these allegations are not representative of over 8,000 members. Hogan said police would revisit cases the officers worked on to determine if the accused directed or foiled the outcome of investigations. Four officers charged have been suspended without pay. As a professional labour organization, we will ensure our members receive due process and wellness support as required, the police union said in a statement. We have no further comment regarding this investigation or the members involved. (Brian Lawless/PA Wire) One person has died and three others have been taken to hospital after a bus crashed into pedestrians in Dublins city centre. The crash, at the junction of Talbot Street and Marlborough Street, was reported shortly after 12.30pm on Thursday. A tent has been erected around the crash site and a garda cordon has been put in place. A double-decker Bus Eireann vehicle was also seen with its front window smashed. The Dublin Fire Brigade at the scene (Brian Lawless/PA Wire) Irish justice minister Jim OCallaghan told the Dail parliament: I regret to say that there has been a fatality there and three others have been taken to hospital. Obviously, our thoughts are with the family of the person who has been fatally injured, and indeed the people who are in hospital. We wish them well. Dublin Fire Brigade said it received reports of a road traffic collision involving a bus and pedestrians. It said: In total, over 20 firefighter/paramedics and advanced paramedics responded on four engines, two emergency tenders with heavy rescue tools and an advanced paramedic response car. Two district officers also responded to the incident along with four ambulances and a rapid response vehicle from the National Ambulance Service. Luas Green Line services were suspended between Parnell Street and St Stephens Green because of the incident. The front window of the double-decker bus was smashed (Brian Lawless/PA Wire) The Dublin Fire Brigade said: The Luas has shut down power in the area and the ESB along with public lighting have been requested to the scene. As of 1.25pm, we have scaled our response back to two fire engines, one emergency tender and one district officer. We are asking the public to please avoid Marlborough Street, North Earl Street, Talbot Street and surrounding areas. Bus Eireann confirmed one of its vehicles was involved in the incident. It was not in service at the time. Emergency services and Bus Eireann personnel attended the scene. Bus Eireann is offering its full support to the relevant authorities and will provide any additional assistance required. An email seemingly sent by Ghislaine Maxwell appears to contradict claims by Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor that a photograph of him with his sexual abuse accuser Virginia Giuffre is not real. Andrew has questioned the authenticity of the image, which shows him with his arm around Ms Giuffre. The former Duke of York claimed in 2019 that he could not have been in the photo as he was at a Pizza Express in Woking at the time. However, an email from Maxwell to Jeffrey Epstein, part of the latest files release by the US Department of Justice, appears to confirm the circumstances of the picture. Dated 10 January 2015, the email contains a "draft statement" in which Maxwell defends herself against allegations of abuse by an unidentified woman. The name of the woman has been redacted, but - while it cannot be certain - the details indicate it is Ms Giuffre. Maxwell wrote: "In 2001 I was in London when [redacted] met a number of friends of mine including Prince Andrew. A photograph was taken as I imagine she wanted to show it to friends and family." The family of Ms Giuffre said in a statement that the emails "vindicated" her. They said: "We reiterate that Virginia was a truth teller. Despite the death threats and smear campaigns against her, Virginia never wavered. "We will not rest until the whole truth is out and Virginia's abusers have been held accountable." Sky News has reached out to Andrew for comment. Tap here to see the redacted email in full Ms Giuffre, who died by suicide last April, alleged Andrew had sex with her when she was 17 and claimed she had been trafficked by Epstein. Andrew has always denied the claim and reached an out-of-court settlement with Ms Giuffre in 2022, which contained no admission of liability or apology. In 2015, Ms Giuffre filed a civil defamation claim against Maxwell, Epstein's ex-girlfriend and long-time associate, which was settled two years later. Alleged threesome with stripper A separate document contained in the latest Epstein files release claims Andrew and Epstein engaged in a threesome with an exotic dancer. A legal letter from 23 March 2011 alleges Epstein introduced the dancer to the former prince. The men "then told my client they wanted to have a threesome" and they "prevailed up her to engage in various sex acts". A later section of the letter refers to the men "satisfying themselves". Sky News has approached Andrew for a response to this specific claim. He has vigorously denied any accusations against him related to Epstein and his crimes. He said in 2019 he regretted his "ill-judged association" with Epstein and sympathises with everyone affected. Earlier this week, Andrew moved out of Royal Lodge to a house on Sandringham Estate, believed to be temporary accommodation ahead of a permanent move to Norfolk. Read more from Sky News: Murder investigation launched after student dies Trump orders 700 immigration officers to leave Minnesota Peter Mandelson, another high-profile British figure named in the latest in the latest tranche of documents, is the subject of a Metropolitan Police investigation over claims he leaked highly sensitive information to Epstein while in public office. Sir Keir Starmer will be forced to publish files about his decision to appoint him as the UK's US ambassador after Labour backbenchers forced a government climbdown on Wednesday. The convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, right, with the US political strategist Steve Bannon in an undated photograph. Photograph: House Oversight Democrats/AFP/Getty Images (Photograph: House Oversight Democrats/AFP/Getty Images) Dozens of messages contained in the latest tranche of Epstein files lay bare the attempts by Donald Trumps former chief strategist Steve Bannon to tap Jeffrey Epstein for support and funding to bolster European far-right parties. The messages mostly date to 2018 and 2019, when Bannon, after being sacked by Trump, regularly visited Europe in his quest to forge a movement in the European parliament uniting ultra-rightwing and Eurosceptic forces from several countries including Italy, Germany, France, Hungary, Poland, Sweden and Austria. Bannon especially set his sights on Matteo Salvini, the Italian deputy prime minister and leader of the far-right League, who at the time was at the height of his political power. Italian opposition parties this week urged Salvini to clarify whether Epstein influenced the rise of the League after Salvinis name was cited several times in messages exchanged between Bannon and Epstein. In France, the leftwing party La France Insoumise also called for a cross-party parliament inquiry after several French figures including Jack Lang, a former culture minister, and his daughter appeared in the latest Epstein release, as did exchanges between Epstein and Bannon in which Bannon spoke of his desire to raise money for the far-right leader Marine Le Pen. In Germany, the files revealed exchanges between Epstein and Bannon promoting Alternative fur Deutschland while denigrating the then German chancellor, Angela Merkel. In texts from 2018, Bannon bragged about his influence as an adviser to the new rightwing populists and saw the parties gains in Europe as a chance to use them to his and Epsteins benefit. There is no evidence of any direct relations between Salvini and Epstein, nor any suggestion that Salvini was involved in Epsteins sex-trafficking network. But what the messages do reveal is Epsteins interest in European nationalists. In a message contained in one of the files and dated 5 March 2019, a couple of months before the European parliamentary elections, Bannon writes that he is focused on raising money for Le Pen and Salvini so they can actually run full slates. Related: Do you think youre the devil himself?: highlights from the bizarre, newly released Bannon-Epstein interview Others messages detail Bannons travels in Europe at the time and his ambition for increased nationalist power in Brussels, as highlighted in a flurry of exchanges between the pair at the time of the European parliament ballot in late May 2019. The messages also refer to Bannons meeting with Salvini in Milan in March 2018, just a few days after Italian general elections that culminated in the League forming a government with the populist Five Star Movement. Bannon met Salvini again in Italy in September that year when the League joined his anti-EU organisation, the Movement. By the following summer, Salvini was in opposition after collapsing the Leagues coalition with the Five Star Movement in a failed attempt to trigger early elections. There is no evidence that Epstein financed the League, which returned to government in 2022 as an ally in Giorgia Melonis ruling coalition, and other European far-right parties. However, it appears that Bannon tried to tap him for funds. Andrea Casu, a politician with the centre-left Democratic party who raised questions about the subject of funding in the Italian parliament on Tuesday, said: We are asking the government not just Salvini for clarity and transparency we must first understand if there is a link, not only with Bannon, but with those who today play a political game with these rightwing forces at the European level. Riccardo Magi, president of the leftwing party Piu Europa (More Europe), claimed the Epstein files implicate Matteo Salvini in alleged funding that Bannon had promised to provide for his election campaign, an allegation that raises concerns about potential external influence affecting the second-largest party in the current majority. Bannon has declined to comment to US media about the exchanges in the latest Epstein files. Salvinis League party dismissed speculation that Epstein might have contributed funds as unfounded and serious exaggerations. It added that the party has never requested or received funding and would defend itself and Salvini in every way possible in the event of insinuations or associations with disgusting figures. In France, Lang, who heads the Institut du Monde Arabe, a cultural organisation, features in emails discussing meetings and holidays. He admitted knowing Epstein, saying it was at a time when nothing suggested Jeffrey Epstein was at the heart of a network of criminality. His daughter Caroline, a film producer, resigned this week from Frances Union of Independent Producers after the emails showed she had founded an offshore company with Epstein in 2016 to invest in the work of young artists. There was no suggestion of illegality. She said she had resigned from the company when Epsteins criminal acts were revealed. The emails also showed extensive communications between Epstein and Olivier Colom, a former diplomatic adviser to the former rightwing president Nicolas Sarkozy. One email exchange with Colom in 2018 suggested that the former finance minister Bruno Le Maire had gone to Epsteins house in New York at an unspecified date. A person close to Le Maire told Politico that Le Maire had not known whose house he was visiting in September 2013, before he was finance minister, and quickly left when he saw Epstein at the residence, never seeing him again. Casu said the issue was not Epsteins files per se but the questions the messages raise about powerful foreign influences and the networks aimed at weakening Europe. These files are getting a lot of attention in the US, as is obvious, he said. But in my opinion, they should be given just as much attention for what they represent for Europe today, and for the political situation in which we are in. A Long Island man is facing federal charges over a series of cargo heists that netted nearly 34,000 pounds of frozen snow crab and a tractor-trailer full of name-brand cologne, worth more than $750,000 in total. Romoy Forbes, 31, used hacked email addresses to pose as a driver from actual trucking firms, according to an FBI probable cause affidavit that was unsealed Thursday. Then, instead of delivering the stolen goods to the customers that had paid for them, Forbes and a crew of unnamed co-conspirators simply fenced the illicit merchandise on the black market, the affidavit states. But, it says, while the seafood and fragrance heists generated big returns, Forbes also purloined a load of blueberries he was only able to unload for a comparatively paltry $4,000. I dont really sell produce, a buyer in New Jersey texted Forbes, according to a screenshot included in the affidavit. At all. At one point, a warehouse worker called one of Forbess alleged associates, who was masquerading as a dispatcher at a trucking firm, to find out why his load hadnt made it to the buyer, the affidavit goes on. When the warehouseman didnt get a satisfactory answer, and told the bogus dispatcher that he would be contacting police, the affidavit says the individual simply replied, F**k the police, and hung up. Forbes, a Jamaican national, was arrested Thursday, according to court records. He does not yet have an attorney listed on the docket, and was unable to be reached for comment. Suspect Romoy Forbes, seen here on surveillance video, checked in at various warehouses under his real name, according to court filings (US District Court for the District of Massachusetts) Cargo theft, one trucking industry insider recently told the Associated Press, is a massive growing problem that needs to get addressed. Last fall, cargo thieves in the New England area made off with 14 cages filled with 40,000 full-grown oysters from an aquaculture operation in Maine, a load of crab from a Massachusetts warehouse, and $400,000 worth of lobster meat awaiting shipment to Costco stores in the Midwest the details of the lobster heist virtually mirroring those laid out in the case against Forbes. The carrier we hired impersonated a real carrier, the CEO of the brokerage company that arranged the shipment told the AP. Whether you eat seafood or not, theyre stealing other items. Theyre stealing items to build your cars. Theyre stealing items that go into computers, he said. Ultimately, that cost gets thrown to the consumer. The FBI investigation into Forbes began with a call from an employee at a Worcester, Massachusetts, warehouse, who said that 33,750 pounds of frozen snow crab, worth $325,000, had been stolen from the facility on July 15, 2025, according to the affidavit. When a commercial shipper needs goods delivered, they typically post the job online for carriers to bid on the contract, the probable cause affidavit explains. In this instance, it says the warehousing firm that Person 1 worked for had posted an ad on an online freight exchange service board, seeking someone to drive a load of crabs to Jacksonville, Florida. On July 14, 2025, Person 1 got a call from someone at a known trucking firm about delivering the crabs, the affidavit states. The employee at the trucking firm sent back the required paperwork using an authentic corporate email address, according to the affidavit. But, it continues, what Person 1 didnt know at the time was that the trucking firms email system had been hacked, and the purported employee who controlled the email account was really a co-conspirator in the scheme. Forbes is accused of making off with more than $300,000 worth of snow crab, among other items, according to the feds (US District Court for the District of Massachusetts) The next morning, Forbes arrived at the warehouse in a red tractor-trailer, provided his real drivers license and phone number to Person 1, and drove off with 33,750 pounds of snow crab, the affidavit states. Forbes did not deliver the cargo load of frozen crabs to the customer, it continues. A day later, Person 1 realized that the GPS device that was supposed to be tracking Forbess progress was not working, and he called the trucking firms main number, the affidavit says. There, Person 1 got an authentic employee on the phone, who told him the firms email system had been compromised and that they had not, in fact, booked the cargo load. Person 1 then called Forbes, who claimed his dispatcher had given the trailer of crabs to someone else, the affidavit states. He then gave Person 1 a phone number for the dispatcher, after which Person 1 called and spoke to an individual, who said not to worry about the delivery, according to the affidavit. Person 1 told the individual that he would be contacting the police, and the individual said, F**k the police, and hung up on Person 1, it contends. The FBI was able to obtain the contents of Forbess mobile phone, which contained texts between Forbes and his dispatcher, along with a photo of the stolen crab at the Queens, New York loading dock of a grocery store company, which operates a number of grocery stores in various states, according to the affidavit. The evidence the FBI gathered from Forbess phone also reveal[ed] that the seafood heist was not the first theft that Forbes committed as part of the conspiracy, the affidavit alleges. One of Forbes's hauls included six-figures worth of designer cologne, federal authorities say (US District Court for the District of Massachusetts) Agents learned that Forbes had employed the same technique a month earlier, using a hacked email address from a second trucking company to bid on, and win, a job transporting a load of blueberries to Illinois, the affidavit says. On June 26, 2025, Forbes showed up at a warehouse in Winslow Junction, New Jersey, claimed to work for Shipper 2, loaded up his red tractor-trailer with the fruit and drove away, according to the affidavit. Once again, the load never made it to the intended recipient. Screenshots of texts between the two show Forbes negotiating with his customer for everything, who says he doesnt normally deal in produce and opens with an offer of $3,500 for the entire load. Forbes counters with $4,000, which the customer accepts, after which Forbes says he wont be able to get the beef because this is a trailer I was going to use to get the beef, according to the texts. On July 25, Forbes struck again this time, pilfering approximately $433,830 worth of cologne meant for a buyer in Los Angeles, the affidavit states. As in the first two thefts, Forbes allegedly booked the job using a hacked email address from a third trucking concern. One of Forbess cronies emailed the sender, a freight brokerage in Ronkonkoma, New York, saying, Romoy will pick up this one Romoy Forbes Trk 212 Trailer 167. Forbes had the boxes of fragrances loaded into the truck, but he never delivered the goods to the customer, the affidavit says. And again, when the shipper called the carrier Forbes claimed to have been working for, staffers there said their email system had also been hacked, and that they never booked the cologne job. Forbes exchanged texts about the 14 pallets of fragrances with his customer for everything, who appeared to agree to take them off his hands. However, no sales price is included in the affidavit. Forbes is charged with one count of interstate transportation of stolen goods, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, and one count of conspiracy, which carries up to five years in prison. Ghislaine Maxwell appeared to confirm the infamous photograph of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and his accuser Virginia Giuffre is real, in newly released documents. Giuffre, writing in her posthumous memoir Nobodys Girl, said she asked Jeffrey Epstein to take the picture of her with the disgraced former prince at Maxwells house on the same night she alleged Andrew had sex with her for the first time, while she was aged 17. Andrew has always denied the claim. In 2019, in an interview with BBC Newsnight, he denied meeting Giuffre and questioned the photographs authenticity. In the document released as part of the latest tranche of Epstein files, a G Maxwell sends an email to Epstein titled draft statement in 2015. It reads: In 2001, I was in London when [redacted] met a number of friends of mine including Prince Andrew. A photograph was taken as I imagine she wanted to show it to friends and family. Although the name is redacted from the published version, the details of the email and further correspondence indicate Maxwell is talking about Giuffre. On Wednesday night, Giuffres brother, Sky Roberts, told Newsnight that the email truly does vindicate Virginia. Maxwell appears to confirm the photo of Andrew with Virginia Giuffre is real in an email exchange (US Department of Justice/PA) The email itself is incredibly important, he said. I think it is also really important to note that it truly does vindicate Virginia. It shows that not only was she not lying this entire time, even though many people across multiple countries indicated that she was. It does vindicate her that she was telling the truth. Not only did Ghislaine mention that the photo was real but also mentioned that it was in the same house that Virginia had mentioned. Its a moment where we are really proud of our sister... but we also want to use this as a moment to remind people to believe survivors. The email comes three months after the emergence of another email from Epstein on the photograph in the last release of files, which also appeared to confirm the photograph was real. Yes, she was on my plane, and yes, she had her picture taken with Andrew, as many of my employees have, he said in the email to a journalist in 2011 while referring to Giuffre. Giuffre alleged Andrew had sex with her a total of three times: in London, New York and on Epsteins private island. Andrew has always denied the claims and reached an out-of-court settlement with her in 2022. The email sent by a G Maxwell to Jeffrey Epstein in 2015 (DOJ) The Independent has approached Andrew for comment. In the disastrous interview on Newsnight in 2019, he said that investigations had been carried out to establish whether a photograph of him with Giuffre was faked, but they were inconclusive. He also claimed he had taken his daughter Beatrice to Pizza Express in Woking on the day in question. Following the latest release of Epstein files, revealing more on Andrews relationship with the convicted sex offender, further pressure has been placed on the former royal, who had his titles stripped from him last year. On Monday, he moved out of his home in Windsor to the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk. Xi says China consistently attaches great importance to ties with Vietnam Xinhua) 08:08, February 05, 2026 Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Chinese president, meets with Le Hoai Trung, special envoy of General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee To Lam, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 4, 2026. Le Hoai Trung is a member of the Political Bureau of the CPV Central Committee and minister of foreign affairs of Vietnam. (Xinhua/Li Xiang) BEIJING, Feb. 4 (Xinhua) -- China will consistently attach great importance to the development of China-Vietnam relations, said Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Chinese president, on Wednesday. Xi made the remarks when meeting with Le Hoai Trung, special envoy of General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee To Lam, in Beijing. Trung is a member of the Political Bureau of the CPV Central Committee and minister of foreign affairs of Vietnam. Xi said the CPC and the CPV have maintained the fine tradition of reciprocal notification of their respective major political agendas, a practice that embodies the unique and friendly bond of comrades and brothers of the two countries, as well as their strong political mutual trust. Xi said during his recent phone talks with Lam, the two sides exchanged in-depth views on further promoting the building of a China-Vietnam community with a shared future of strategic significance and reached important consensus. It is believed that under the strong leadership of the CPV Central Committee headed by Lam, the Party, the country, and the people of Vietnam will successfully accomplish the goals and tasks set at the 14th National Congress of the CPV, Xi said. Xi said China and Vietnam have made vigorous progress in all aspects of socialist development, demonstrating the vitality and vigor of the socialist system. China is willing to work with Vietnam to follow the policy of long-term stability, forward thinking, good neighborliness and comprehensive cooperation, and the spirit of being good neighbors, good friends, good comrades, and good partners, Xi said. He said China also stands ready to work with Vietnam to implement high-level consensus, carry forward traditional friendship, deepen exchanges at all levels and cooperation in all fields, properly manage differences, and promote the development of a China-Vietnam community with a shared future. Trung conveyed a reply letter of gratitude from Lam to Xi, along with a verbal message. Trung said that Vietnam consistently regards consolidating and developing relations with China as the top priority in its foreign policy and stands ready to move forward hand in hand with China on a new journey of development. Guided by the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two Parties and two countries, both sides should reinforce the political, material, and public support foundations for bilateral relations, elevate Vietnam-China relations to new heights, and deliver greater benefits to people of both countries, Trung said. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) HYDE PARK, N.Y., Feb. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Culinary Institute of America (CIA) has appointed Chef Spike Mendelsohn to its board of trustees. Mendelsohn, who is a 2005 graduate of the college, is a restaurateur, culinary consultant, television personality, and food policy advocate with nearly three decades of experience in the industry. The Culinary Institute of America has appointed Chef Spike Mendelsohn to its Board of Trustees. "I am delighted that Spike has joined our board of trustees," said CIA President Michiel Bakker. "His leadership and passion for food, hospitality, sustainability, and food equity will be an asset to the college as we celebrate our 80th year and continue to provide forward-looking educational experiences." Mendelsohn has worked with some of the world's most renowned chefs and restaurateurs, including Gerard Boyer, Thomas Keller, Sirio Maccioni, and Drew Nieporent. In 2008, he opened his first restaurant in Washington, D.C.'s Capitol Hill: Good Stuff Eatery, which quickly gained a devoted followingincluding the Obama family. His growing restaurant portfolio includes We, The Pizza, Bearnaise, Santa Rosa Taqueria, and PLNT Burger. With momentum built on bold flavors and cult-favorite status, Mendelsohn is now entering a new phase of growth by beginning to franchise We, The Pizza, expanding his unapologetically craveable vision to new markets nationwide. Beyond restaurants, Mendelsohn has extended his influence into the consumer packaged goods space, bringing his culinary point of view to products designed for everyday impact. He is a co-founder of Just Ice Tea, an organic, fair-trade bottled iced tea brand rooted in transparency, high-quality ingredients, and ethical sourcinga natural extension of his long-standing commitment to food access and sustainability. Driven by a commitment to food equity and education, Mendelsohn has worked with organizations such as CARE and DC Central Kitchen as a chef ambassador and contributor. His advocacy led to his appointment as the first chairman of Washington, D.C.'s Food Policy Council, where he championed improvements to school lunches, equitable access to whole and healthy foods, and the protection of the SNAP program. Mendelsohn continues to be a respected voice in food media and culture. Most recently, he served as a judge on Top Chef: Canada and hosted select episodes of Bar Rescue. He is also the executive producer of The Inn at Little Washington: A Delicious New Documentary, which premiered at the Virginia Film Festival and aired nationally on PBS. He currently hosts the In The Weeds Podcast, a chef-driven podcast that goes beyond the plate to explore the real stories behind the food industryfrom leadership and creativity to culture, resilience, and the business of hospitality. The show features candid conversations with some of the most influential voices in food, including numerous graduates of CIA, reinforcing its reputation as a trusted platform for chefs shaping the industry at the highest level. Mendelsohn lives in the DC area with his wife and son. When he's not in the kitchen or lobbying on The Hill, he can be found surfing any river or ocean that has a wave. The CIA's Board of Trustees consists of 25 highly respected leaders in the foodservice industry and business world. They provide expert governance and guidance for the not-for-profit college and are not compensated for their services. About The Culinary Institute of America Founded in 1946, The Culinary Institute of America is dedicated to developing leaders in food, beverage, and hospitality. The independent, not-for-profit CIA offers associate degrees in culinary arts and baking and pastry arts; bachelor's degrees with majors in culinary arts, baking & pastry arts, food business management, hospitality management, culinary science, and applied food studies; and master's degrees in culinary arts, culinary therapeutics, food business, sustainable food systems, and wine and beverage management. The college also offers executive education, certificate programs, and courses for professionals and enthusiasts. Its conferences, leadership initiatives, and consulting services are a valuable resource to industry professionals, and its worldwide network of nearly 60,000 alumni includes innovators in every area of the food world. The CIA has locations in New York, California, Texas, and Singapore. For more information, visit www.ciachef.edu . SOURCE The Culinary Institute of America Harry Styles has announced that he will play a gig at the Co-Op Live arena in Manchester, with tickets appearing to be listed for just 20. The pop star shared the news of the concert on Instagram on Wednesday evening (4 February). It will take place on Friday 6 March, the same day he releases his fourth album, Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally. The concert is something of an underpay given the Co-Op Lives 23,500 capacity, compared to the stadiums Styles will be playing later this year. Styles who is a Co-Op Live arena shareholder will perform the album in full at the event, a week after his live comeback at the 2026 Brit Awards. The singer is due to kick off his Together, Together world tour from May (Getty) Fans have been told that ticket requests will begin this Friday (6 February), with more details to follow. The Co-Op Lives website crashed shortly after the 31-year-olds announcement, with a message saying: We are currently experiencing a high level of traffic on our website. It advised fans to follow Styless own social channels or visit his website for further information. The Watermelon Sugar artist is due to kick off his Together, Together world tour from May, comprising a number of residencies including the Johan Cruyff Arena in Amsterdam, Wembley Stadium in London, Sao Paulo, Mexico City, New York, Melbourne and Sydney. Styles will be joined by various support acts during the tour, including Shania Twain, Robyn, Fcukers, Jorja Smith, Jamie xx, Foushee, and Skye Newman. The Wembley run will see Styles perform a record-breaking 12 nights at the venue this summer, breaking the previous 10-night record held by Coldplay. After he announced the tour, some fans expressed upset at the ticket prices, which in the UK ranged between 44.10 to 466.25. Styles will donate 1 from every ticket sold for his Wembley shows to LIVEs levy, helping to protect UK grassroots venues and support emerging talent. Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally will mark his first album since his 2022 record Harrys House, which won the Grammy Award for Album of the Year. Lead single Aperture which The Independent praised as a house and dance-influenced track that yearns for adventure debuted at No 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 this week, his third chart-topping track in the US after As It Was in 2022 and Watermelon Sugar in 2020. Nancy Guthrie, the mother of Savannah Guthrie, is thought to have been abducted from her home on Saturday night - Nathan Congleton/NBC Blood belonging to the missing mother of a Today Show host was found on the porch of her home, police said. There are still no prime suspects in the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, whose daughter is Today show host Savannah Guthrie. During a press conference on Thursday, Chris Nanos, a Pima County sheriff, said police had confirmed that blood found on the porch following her disappearance was Ms Guthries. It was also announced that the FBI is offering a $50,000 (37,000) reward for information leading to her safe return. Authorities say they are in a race against time to save Ms Guthrie, who is thought to have been abducted in her sleep from her home on Saturday night, leaving behind life-saving medication. There are still no prime suspects in the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie Drones, a helicopter equipped with an infra-red camera, search-and-rescue dogs and volunteers have spent days searching for the 84-year-old. Ms Guthries family again pleaded for her safe return on Thursday evening in a new video statement directed at her potential kidnappers. Whoever is out there holding our mother, we want to hear from you, Camron Guthrie, the brother of television host Savannah Guthrie, said in the video. We havent heard anything directly. We need you to reach out and we need a way to communicate with you so we can move forward. A ransom note demanding Bitcoin worth millions of dollars in exchange for Nancy Guthrie was sent to a local Arizona TV news station on Monday. Another was sent to reporters at news and entertainment website TMZ. Pima County sheriffs department, which is investigating the disappearance, said it was aware of the alleged ransom note and took all tips and leads seriously. Earlier on Thursday, Donald Trump said he was sending the director of the FBI, Kash Patel, to help investigate the disappearance. The US president said: I spoke with Savannah Guthrie, and let her know that I am directing ALL Federal Law Enforcement to be at the familys, and Local Law Enforcements, complete disposal, IMMEDIATELY. We are deploying all resources to get her mother home safely. The prayers of our Nation are with her and her family. GOD BLESS AND PROTECT NANCY! Mr Patel was already heading to Arizona for a previous engagement, but a source told Axios he was devoting all resources possible to help and was prepared to go if the situation warrants. The FBI said on Thursday that he would not be travelling to Tucson that day but that he was receiving consistent and constant updates in Washington, DC. Pam Bondi, the US attorney general, who has known Savannah Guthrie for 25 years, spoke with the Today host on Wednesday and is reportedly receiving constant updates about the investigation. In a video address to her mothers kidnappers on Wednesday, a visibly distraught Savannah said: Everyone is looking for you, Mommy, everywhere. We will not rest. Your children will not rest until we are together again. Instagram/@savannahguthrie Flanked by her siblings, she added: Shes 84 years old. Her health, her heart, is fragile. She lives in constant pain. She is without any medicine. She needs it to survive, and she needs it not to suffer. Investigators said they had made an arrest over a fake ransom note. They said the arrest was related to a separate note from the one sent to the news stations on Monday. Savannah Guthrie said she was ready to talk if the ransom note was genuine, but asked for the self-declared kidnapper to prove her mother was alive. We, too, have heard the reports about a ransom letter in the media. As a family, we are doing everything that we can. We are ready to talk, she said. However, we live in a world where voices and images are easily manipulated. We need to know without a doubt that she is alive and that you have her. We want to hear from you and we are ready to listen. The incident took place on Folly Lane (Google) Police are appealing for witnesses after a cyclist was killed in a crash with a horse and cart in northeast London. Officers were called to Folly Lane in Chingford just after 6pm on Wednesday following reports of a collision. The cyclist, a 46-year-old man, was pronounced dead at the scene, despite the efforts of emergency services. His family have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers. The driver of the horse and cart, a 25-year-old man, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of wanton and furious driving. He remains in police custody. Detective Sergeant Faye Cook of the Mets Serious Collisions Investigation Unit, who is leading the investigation, said: This is a tragic incident that has resulted in the sad death of a man. We have made an arrest and our investigation continues. We would ask that anyone with information, CCTV or dash cam footage to contact my officers. Anyone with information, CCTV or dash cam footage is asked to contact police on 101, quoting reference CAD5904/04FEB or call the SCIU on 0207 175 0753. Information can also be reported anonymously, via Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111. Lord Peter Mandelson is facing a criminal investigation from the Met Police after appearing to pass market-sensitive information to paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein while serving as business secretary. It is the latest development in the growing crisis engulfing the former US ambassador, who has resigned from the Labour Party and has left the House of Lords after further details of his friendship with the convicted felon emerged in the so-called Epstein files. Sir Keir Starmer is under growing pressure after he admitted at Prime Ministers Questions on Wednesday that he knew about Lord Mandelsons ongoing friendship with the convicted sex offender when he appointed him, but said that the peer lied repeatedly about the extent of the relationship. Downing Street then tried to control the release of potentially explosive documents, which provide insight into how the decision was made. But in the face of a mutiny from Labour MPs led by former deputy prime minister Angela Rayner the government had to back down and cede control to Parliaments Intelligence and Security Committee to decide what could be released into the public domain. The prime ministers weekly appearance in the Commons followed the launch of a criminal probe into allegations Lord Mandelson passed information to Epstein while serving in Gordon Browns Labour administration as it dealt with the fallout from the 2008 financial crash. Lord Peter Mandelson will return to a life of luxury in the UK, having lived in a farmhouse before taking residence in Washington (PA) Sir Keir faced a backlash from his own back benches, including his former deputy Ms Rayner, over an attempt on Wednesday to have some papers prejudicial to UK national security or international relations withheld. Labour MP Andy McDonald said he thought it was reasonable to expect an answer pretty damn quick on how Lord Mandelson passed vetting. It beggars belief that we could ever get a security vetting process that would sign off affirmatively on somebody in these circumstances, he said. He said it was an appalling failure of judgment that Sir Keir appointed Lord Mandelson given what was already in the public domain about him. Former prime minister Mr Brown said he had written to Metropolitan Police chief Sir Mark Rowley to provide information relating to Lord Mandelsons inexcusable and unpatriotic act. Keir Starmer meets Lord Mandelson at the then-ambassadors residence last year (POOL/AFP via Getty) Epstein was sent details of internal discussions from the heart of the UK government after the global financial crisis. Lord Mandelson appeared to tell Epstein he would lobby ministers over a tax on bankers bonuses in 2009, and to confirm an imminent bailout package for the euro the day before it was announced in 2010. In June 2009 he appeared to have passed on what he called an interesting note thats gone to the PM, an assessment by Mr Browns adviser Nick Butler of potential policy measures including an asset sales plan. The financier was also sent an analysis of business lending in August 2009 drawn up by minister Baroness Vadera. One bank statement showed a payment of $25,000 made to the account of Reinaldo Avila da Silva, who was at the time Lord Mandelsons partner and is now his husband. The statement appeared to describe Peter Mandelson as the beneficiary of the payment, as the allocation BEN appears next to his name. Lord Mandelson said he had no recollection of receiving such sums and questioned whether the records were genuine. Commander Ella Marriott, of the Metropolitan Police, said: Following the further release of millions of court documents in relation to Jeffrey Epstein by the United States Department of Justice, the Met received a number of reports into alleged misconduct in public office including a referral from the UK government. Then-business secretary Lord Mandelson with then-prime minister Gordon Brown in 2010 (PA Archive) I can confirm that the Metropolitan Police has now launched an investigation into a 72-year-old man, a former government minister, for misconduct in public office offences. The Met will continue to assess all relevant information brought to our attention as part of this investigation and wont be commenting any further at this time. Lord Mandelson resigned from the Labour Party on Sunday, saying he wanted to avoid causing it further embarrassment, after losing his post as UK ambassador to the United States last year because of his links to Epstein. Sir Keir Starmer rallied around his man in Washington for days at the time, praising the job the UKs ambassador had done penetrating Donald Trumps inner circles. But the prime minister was forced to change course last year, dismissing Lord Mandelson with immediate effect. These latest developments mark what is almost certainly the end of a career that had previously been defined by remarkable comebacks. His mastery of political intrigue had earned him the nickname Prince of Darkness. Last year, before heading to the US, Lord Mandelson was living in a luxurious farmhouse in the Pewsey Vale in Wiltshire. During the pandemic, he wrote about the cosy country life he was enjoying on the farm. He is the part-owner of Global Counsel, a powerful lobbying firm he co-founded, but they have swiftly reassured clients that they are in advanced stages of divesting his remaining stake as it attempts to cut ties with the peer. Mandelsons relationship with Epstein has destroyed his political career (House Oversight Committee) As well as the influential business position, Lord Mandelson has the more ceremonial High Steward of Hull title, though the council will try to strip him of it in the coming weeks. But while he returns to a lavish life in Britain, it wont be a touch on the grandeur of life in the early-1900s residence built for Britains ambassador in Washington, one of the most luxurious properties in the US capital. It has previously welcomed royalty from Prince Charles and Princess Diana to pop royalty like The Beatles, while guests who have been hosted in the embassy since Lord Mandelson moved in include much of President Trumps inner circle and the great and good of American business. No Labour leader will bring the tarnished grandee back into the fold after the extent of his relations with Epstein were revealed. And he has said himself at one point that further very embarrassing information will come to light in the future. His career has been one of many comebacks, but this latest criminal investigation seems a fall too far for Lord Mandelson to recover from. Tehrans battle plan involves launching a colossal counterattack against US military targets - Reuters Iran has revealed its vision for war with the United States, detailing how it would overcome the worlds most powerful military and severely disrupt the global economy. In a detailed battle plan published by Tasnim, the news agency affiliated to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Irans leadership envisages strikes on US bases, new fronts opened up by proxy allies, cyber warfare and the paralysis of the global oil trade. Middle Eastern geography would win out against American technology, Iran insists. Talks between the two countries appeared on the verge of collapse before both sides agreed to meet in Oman on Friday. But Donald Trump said Irans supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, should still be very worried on Wednesday night, raising fears of renewed escalation. Stage one: US strikes Iran Irans scenario begins with US air and missile strikes targeting nuclear sites, military installations and IRGC bases, most of which are located in densely populated areas. It is likely that US forces would launch attacks from aircraft carriers, including the USS Abraham Lincoln strike group currently in the region, strategic bombers flying from home or European bases, and possibly land-based systems in allied countries. b' ' The Pentagon has conducted extensive planning for such operations over decades and carried out strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities last June. Mr Trump has made repeated threats to strike the country again after anti-regime protesters were brutally put down by government forces, with thousands killed. Speaking to The Telegraphs Planet Normal Podcast, Sir Richard Dearlove, the former MI6 chief, said: I think the possibility of an attack is reasonably high, and the reason its reasonably high is because its what the Israelis are urging Trump to do. Credit: X/@Tasnimnews_Fa American strike packages would entail stealth aircraft, precision-guided munitions and coordinated salvos designed to overwhelm Iranian air defences while minimising US aircraft losses. Technological advances in hypersonic weapons and electronic warfare would give the US significant advantages. However, Iran believes it has prepared for this scenario through hardening and dispersing critical assets, building redundant command structures, and developing extensive underground facilities that would survive initial strikes. Tehrans calculus depends not on preventing damage but on retaining sufficient capability to launch counter-attacks. We are ready for any action by enemies, Maj Gen Abdolrahim Mousavi, chief of staff of the armed forces, said on Wednesday as he toured an IRGC missile city. After the 12-day war, we changed our military doctrine from defensive to offensive by adopting a policy of asymmetric warfare and a crushing response to enemies, he said. Stage two: Iran strikes back with help Irans response would expand the battlefield beyond its borders immediately. Within hours, Tehran would launch barrages of ballistic missiles and drones at US military installations across the region, the plan envisaged. Primary targets would include Al-Udeid air base in Qatar, which hosts the US Central Commands forward headquarters and serves as the main air operations hub. Iran attacked this base last year after its own nuclear sites were struck by US B-2 bombers. In Kuwait, Ali Al Salem air base and Camp Arifjan, a major logistics centre for US ground forces, would come under attack, while facilities across the United Arab Emirates and a US base in Syria, where 2,000 US troops remain, would also be targeted. Amir Akraminia, Irans army spokesman, claims access to US bases is easy. b' ' Iran hit Ain al-Asad air base in Iraq with ballistic missiles after Qassem Soleimanis assassination in 2020, causing traumatic brain injuries to more than 100 American soldiers. It could try to do so again, even though US troops completed a full withdrawal from the base in January. The report said: Iran does not see itself as an isolated island in war, but rather as the centre of a potential network of confrontations. The Iranian strategy envisages overwhelming US defences through volume by launching hundreds or thousands of projectiles simultaneously to saturate Patriot and Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile defence batteries. Irans arsenal includes Shahed-136 drones with 50kg payloads, Kheibar Shekan ballistic missiles with manoeuvrable warheads designed to evade missile defences, Emad ballistic missiles with 750kg payloads, and Paveh cruise missiles with a 1,000-mile range. Credit: Telewebion While many would be intercepted, Iran believes enough would penetrate to inflict significant casualties and damage critical infrastructure. Simultaneously, it is imagined that Irans axis of resistance would activate across multiple fronts. Hezbollah in Lebanon has said it considers a war on Iran its own war and could launch rockets and missiles at Israel, forcing the US ally to divert resources for defence. Yemens Houthi rebels would intensify attacks on ships in the Red Sea, Israel and US bases in the region. Iraqi militia groups aligned with Tehran would strike US personnel and diplomatic facilities. However, this multi-proxy strategy faces significant challenges. Israels recent military operations have severely degraded the capabilities of Hezbollah and Hamas. b' ' The assumption that these groups would immediately coordinate effective attacks while simultaneously defending against Israeli and US countermeasures appears optimistic. Host countries, including Iraq and Lebanon, could actively work to prevent their territory from being used for attacks that would bring devastating retaliation. But the multi-front approach aims to spread Americas forces thin in the region by opening multiple conflicts in disparate locations, limiting Washingtons ability to concentrate forces against Iran itself. Any country providing airspace, basing or logistical support to US operations would be declared a legitimate target, Tehran warned. Stage three: cyber warfare Iran plans to launch cyber attacks targeting what it perceives to be American vulnerabilities: transportation networks, energy infrastructure, financial systems and military communications. Tehran believes cyber operations could disrupt US logistics, complicate command and control, and sow chaos in allied countries hosting American forces. By attacking civilian infrastructure, such as power grids or water systems, Iran hopes to pressure host governments to expel US forces. Iranian hackers have previously demonstrated capabilities against regional targets. In 2012, the Shamoon virus disrupted 30,000 computers at Saudi oil giant Aramco. b' ' More recently, Iranian groups have examined US infrastructure, though with limited success against hardened military networks. However, US Cyber Command has spent years preparing for such scenarios. American cyber capabilities dwarf Irans, with the ability to conduct counter-attacks on Iranian infrastructure, which is more vulnerable than US systems. The Pentagon could disable Iranian power generation, disrupt missile guidance systems and compromise communications networks. Stage four: paralysing global oil supplies Irans most potent weapon, it says, is geographic: control over the Strait of Hormuz, through which approximately 21 million barrels of oil pass daily roughly 21 per cent of global petroleum. This waterway, just 24 miles wide at its narrowest point, is one of the worlds most critical energy choke points. Iran has repeatedly threatened to close the Strait during periods of heightened tension. The tactic would involve mining the waterway, attacking tankers with missiles and drones, and potentially sinking vessels to block shipping channels. b' ' IRGC naval forces have practised swarming tactics, using small boats armed with rockets and torpedoes, designed to overwhelm larger warships. Such actions would send oil prices soaring, potentially to $200 (160) or more per barrel, inflicting severe economic damage worldwide and putting pressure on the US to back down. Hossein Shariatmadari, a representative of Khamenei, said: We can impose restrictions against the United States, France, Britain and Germany in the Strait of Hormuz and not allow them to navigate. Iran calculates this economic weapon could fracture the international coalition supporting US military action. Credit: Aparat/ @ The US has contingency plans for keeping Hormuz open, including mine-sweeping operations, destroyer escorts for tanker convoys and strikes on Iranian coastal installations. However, even partially degraded shipping through the Strait of Hormuz would roil global markets. Iran believes the economic cost would ultimately force Washington to negotiate rather than sustain an extended war. Yet this strategy carries risks for Iran itself. Oil exports account for the majority of government revenue, and closing Hormuz would devastate Irans economy even more than its enemies. Stage five: the endgame Tehrans strategy banks on the US and its allies concluding that the costs of sustained conflict would exceed any benefits. By threatening global energy supplies, imposing continuous attacks across multiple countries and potentially inflicting significant US casualties, Iran hopes to create an unsustainable multi-front situation. Iranian planners believe the US has limited appetite for protracted wars after Afghanistan and Iraq. Fighting simultaneously against entrenched proxies in Lebanon, Yemen, Iraq and potentially Syria, while defending Gulf allies and maintaining open shipping lanes, would strain even US military resources. Irans strategy relies on the premise that the US president will determine war to be too costly - Yuri Gripas/Abaca/Bloomberg Iran views its strategy as one of asymmetric endurance. It cannot win militarily, but believes it can make victory too expensive for Washington to pursue. This calculus depends on the US choosing to de-escalate rather than applying its full conventional capabilities, which could devastate Iranian infrastructure and military forces. The ultimate question is political will rather than military capability. The strategy also assumes rational decision-making on both sides, but escalation dynamics in war are notoriously unpredictable. What Iran intends as calibrated pressure could trigger overwhelming US retaliation, especially if American casualties are high. Iran knows this. While the plan envisages victory, there is quiet hope that it will never be put into action. JD Vance chuckles over Trump admonishing CNNs Kaitlan Collins and says DOJs case against journalist Don Lemon is rock solid Vice President JD Vance has mocked CNN star Kaitlan Collins and recently arrested journalist Don Lemon in an interview with Megyn Kelly. At one point, Vance spoke about the Trump administrations ongoing case against former CNN anchor Don Lemon, whom it accuses of violating civil rights for his coverage of a controversial protest that took place inside a Twin Cities church last month. Vance called Lemon the dumbest man in television, formerly and claimed the DOJ had a rock solid case against Lemon, who was among those arrested after demonstrators rushed into a church service in protest of a church leader who also works as a local ICE official. You were sticking a microphone in the face of a minister during the church service while the people you were with were preventing people from leaving, Vance claimed. Thats a violation of the law. Thats not about the First Amendment. If you care about criticizing our immigration policies, then stand outside the church and protest. You dont get to violate other peoples rights. Lemon has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him and has said he was in Cities Church in St. Paul in his role as an independent journalist. Vice President JD Vance mocked journalist Don Lemon and claimed the DOJ had a solid case against the former CNN anchor regarding alleged misconduct during a January anti-ICE protest inside a Minnesota church (Getty) I have spent my entire career covering the news, Lemon said after a court hearing last month in the case. I will not stop now. Lemon alleges the Trump administration sent an excessive number of federal agents to arrest him in Los Angeles. He told late-night host Jimmy Kimmel that agents surprised him in his hotel and tried to handcuff him before they had fully identified themselves or presented a warrant. They want to embarrass you, Lemon said. They want to intimidate you. They want to instill fear. And so that's why they did it that way. During his interview with Kelly, Vance mocked another high-profile journalist, CNN chief White House correspondent Kaitlan Collins, over a recent incident where President Trump attacked the reporter and claimed she never smiled as she pressed the president over the Epstein files. Vance chuckled as Kelly said she saw discussion online that the presidents remark on Tuesday was sexist. Its actually like so perceptive, even if youre asking a tough question, even if you take your job very seriously, like why does it always have to be so antagonistic? Vance wondered, adding, Have some fun. Kelly added that the disgraced former Fox News executive Roger Ailes, who was accused of sexually harassing more than two dozen women, had once told her, Every once in a while you have to smile. After the White House flare-up, one of numerous incidents of President Trump making crude remarks to female reporters, CNN issued a statement defending Collins as an exceptional journalist who works with real depth and tenacity. Collinss CNN colleague, Jake Tapper, took to social media to slam Vances response. She was asking the president about how his Justice Department is upsetting survivors of a horrific child rape trafficking ring by failing to redact identifying information about them, he wrote on X. New Jersey firefighter dies after falling into icy river despite colleagues desperate efforts to save him A New Jersey firefighter has died after falling into a frozen river despite his colleagues best efforts to pull him out from underneath the ice. A firefighter in Camden, four miles east of Philadelphia, fell into the Delaware River near the Wiggins Park Marina around 11:30 a.m. Thursday, as firefighters conducted a routine maintenance check of a fire boat, Camden Fire Chief Jesse Flax said during a press conference. The tragic incident drew a split-second reaction from the firefighters colleagues on scene, Flax said. Authorities did not share the name of the firefighter, but said that he was a husband and father. Despite the quick response, rough reports indicate that the firefighter was stuck under the ice for about 30 minutes, Flax said. Its a tragic loss, and at this time, the family still has to fully come to grips with what just happened. Not everyone is aware of what happened, Flax said. A New Jersey firefighter has died after falling into a frozen river while conducting routine maintenance on a fire boat, officials in Camden said (AFP via Getty Images) The firefighter plunged into the icy water while conducting routine maintenance on the fire boat. It was not immediately clear what caused the fall, but Flax said the group working on the boat had all the tools and equipment required. First responders performed life-saving measures before the man was taken to the hospital, officials said. This is a very difficult time for all of us. I do not have enough words that I can even say that could tell you how this is hurting all of us, Flax said. Flax said authorities are still investigating the firefighters death. Camden Mayor Victor Carstarphen said the city would provide full support to the mans family. Its a tough time, Carstarphen said. The Independent has reached out to officials in Camden for more information. Officials said personnel from Philadelphia, across the Delaware River, jumped into action to help. The Philadelphia Fire Fighters and Paramedics Union expressed their condolences following the tragedy. Today is a heartbreaking day for the Camden Fire Department and for the City of Camden. IAFF Local 22 mourns the tragic loss of one of their firefighters. On behalf of the members of Local 22, I extend our deepest condolences and prayers to the firefighters family, loved ones, and brothers and sisters of the Camden Fire Department. We stand with you in grief, in solidarity, and in unwavering support, IAFF Local 22 President Mike Bresnan. It was unclear if any other firefighters were injured in the incident. A medical examiner is still determining the cause of death. Jonah Hill is debuting a new look in the first images released from his upcoming Apple original film with Keanu Reeves and Cameron Diaz. After stepping back from Hollywood in recent years, the 42-year-old actor is returning to the spotlight with Outcome, which he acted in, co-wrote, and directed. The dark comedy follows Reevess character, Reef Hawk, a famous actor who has to confront his hidden demons after he is blackmailed with a video that could end his career, according to Apples description. Matt Bomer and Cameron Diaz who also recently returned from an acting hiatus play Reefs lifelong friends, while Hill portrays Ira, his crisis lawyer. The movies ensemble cast includes Martin Scorsese, Laverne Cox, Kaia Gerber, Susan Lucci, David Spade, Atsuko Okatsuka, Ivy Wolk and Roy Wood Jr. Apple TV revealed the first looks at Hill, Reeves, Diaz and Bomer in the movie at the streamers press day Tuesday. Hill is shown talking to Reeves in a picture with a completely shaved head and a silver beard, marking a transformation from the curly hair and baby face he had throughout his rise to fame. Jonah Hill is unrecognizable appearing bald and bearded opposite Keanu Reeves in their new Apple TV film 'Outcome' (Apple TV) Jonah Hill has not appeared on screen in a movie since 2023 film You People (Getty Images) Hill broke out in Hollywood with his comedy roles in hit films like Superbad and 21 Jump Street. However, the Oscar-nominated actor announced in his 2022 documentary Stutz that he was taking a step back from promoting his movies due to anxiety attacks he faced throughout his career. Through this journey of self-discovery within the film, I have come to the understanding that I have spent nearly 20 years experiencing anxiety attacks, which are exacerbated by media appearances and public facing events, the actor said at the time. Then in 2023, the comedian sparked public discourse after his ex-girlfriend, surfer Sarah Brady, accused him of emotional abuse and shared screenshots of texts allegedly from Hill showing controlling behavior before they broke up in 2022. Hill has not publicly responded to the accusations. Outcome, co-written by Hill and Ezra Woods, marks Hills first return to the screen since the accusations. The last on-screen appearances were in 2023s You People with Eddie Murphy and the controversial 2021 apocalypse film Dont Look Up. The upcoming movie is the third project directed by Hill after his 2018 directorial debut, Mid90s, and his 2022 documentary. Hill described the new movie as a metaphor for what we all go through living on social media. Social media has made us obsessed what people we dont know think of us, instead of caring about what the people who know us best think of us. Sir Keir Starmer has apologised to the victims of Jeffrey Epstein, saying he was sorry for having believed Mandelsons lies and for his decision to appoint him as the UKs ambassador to Washington. The Prime Minister said that none of us knew the depth of the darkness of Lord Mandelsons relationship with the paedophile financier, accusing him of misleading officials during the vetting process, claiming Mandelson had given the impression that he barely knew Epstein. The remarks come as the Prime Minister faces mounting pressure to dismiss his Chief of Staff, Morgan McSweeney, over his role in Mandelsons appointment as US ambassador. Downing Street has resisted calls to remove Sir Keirs most senior aide, despite warnings from backbenchers that McSweeneys continued presence could ultimately make the Prime Ministers own position untenable. Several MPs publicly suggested he would need to step down, including Rachael Maskell, John McDonnell and Barry Gardiner, but others have privately expressed doubts about the success of such a move without an obvious challenger. They said Mr McSweeney has "got to go", and they were "really disappointed" that he has not already been fired. Many expressed a lack of confidence in Sir Keir's No 10 team and pointed to Mr McSweeney. One Labour MP said that WhatsApp chats among backbenchers that are usually animated have gone "eerily quiet", and that the mood is "sombre" and suggested this could signal plotting behind the scenes. Speaking at an event in East Sussex earlier today, Sir Keir addressed the scandal as he was fighting to save his premiership. "It has been publicly known for some time that Mandelson knew Epstein, but none of us knew the depth of the darkness of that relationship," the PM said. He stressed that Lord Mandelson during vetting was "asked directly" about the nature of his relationship with the convicted sex offender, whether he had stayed with Epstein after his conviction, and whether he had accepted gifts from the financier. "The information now available makes clear that the answers he gave were lies, the PM added. "He portrayed Epstein as someone he barely knew. The Prime Minister then apologised to Epstein's victims. "The victims of Epstein have lived with trauma that most of us can barely comprehend, and they've had to relive it again and again, he said. "I want to say this: I am sorry, sorry for what was done to you, sorry that so many people with power failed you, sorry for having believed Mandelson's lies and appointed him, and sorry that even now you're forced to watch this story unfold in public once again. He also vowed to bring to justice people who committed crimes as part of the Epstein scandal. In this country, we will not look away, we will not shrug our shoulders, and we will not allow the powerful to treat justice as optional, he said. "We will pursue the truth. We will uphold the integrity of public life, and we will do everything within our power and in the interests of justice to ensure accountability is delivered. "That is what the public expects. That is what the victims deserve, and it is what I will do." Sir Keir voiced his regrets as his premiership was engulfed in its biggest crisis yet over the Mandelson scandal. MP Neil Duncan-Jordan said there was a "loss of trust and confidence in the No 10 operation" and Mr McSweeney is "clearly part of the problem". The Labour MP for Poole said: "The Mandelson affair is just the latest, and probably biggest, issue, but it's not the first and if things don't change, it's unlikely to be the last." Labour MP for Alloa and Grangemouth, Brian Leishman, told LBC that Mr McSweeney had to go. Asked whether Sir Keir would survive, he said: "It's a long way back for him." Helena Dollimore, who represents the constituency of Hastings and Rye where Sir Keir gave his speech, said it showed his commitment to "accountability". "I know everyone in the room today felt just how angry the Prime Minister is - and all of us in the Labour Party are - at the lies we were told by Peter Mandelson," she added. "People heard very loudly that the PM is on the side of women and girls and his commitment to making sure there's accountability, because that's what Epstein's victims deserve." But the speech did little to dampen anger among others, with one Labour MP saying: "Take your apology and stick it where the sun don't shine. It makes me sick to my stomach to hear them defend that." That MP said that "once Trump was elected they thought we need to have him and be damned with the risks", adding: "What part of Mandelson staying at the home of a paedophile did you not understand?" The Prime Minister sent out loyalist Cabinet minister Steve Reed on Thursday to defend as rational his decision to appoint Lord Mandelson as Britains ambassador to the US. But Sir Keir was facing job-threatening fury from Labour MPs over why he gave Lord Mandelson the top diplomatic job. The Mandelson scandal has left the PM severely wounded ahead of the May elections for councils in England including in London, the Scottish Parliament and Welsh Assembly. Labour is widely expected by get a hammering in the elections, with MPs now increasingly predicting that Sir Keir could then face a leadership challenge. Amid a frenzied atmosphere at Westminster, the Government was seeking to rush out the Mandelson files to show how the former peer lied during the vetting process for his appointment as ambassador and covered-up the extent of his relationship with Epstein, explained Mr Reed. The Government was pinning its hopes on that once the Mandelson files are published that anger among Labour MPs will ease when they see the extent of his lying. But Sir Keir faced the difficulty of explaining why Lord Mandelson was given the diplomatic post given that he was by then known to have stayed at Epsteins New York home after his conviction. Sir Keir Starmer at Prime Ministers Questions on Wednesday (House of Commons/AFP via Getty Images) It was a rational appointment given Mandelsons experience, insisted Mr Reed, of ex-Business Secretary and former European Trade Commissioner Lord Mandelson. Communities Secretary Mr Reed also rejected calls for the PMs chief-of-staff Morgan McSweeney, who is believed to have pushed for Lord Mandelsons appointment, to resign, stressing he had also been lied to by the former peer. Sir Keir admitted at Prime Ministers Questions on Wednesday that he knew about Lord Mandelsons ongoing friendship with the convicted paedophile when he appointed him, but said that the peer lied repeatedly about the extent of the relationship. Downing Street then tried to control the release of potentially explosive documents, which provide insight into how the decision was made. But in the face of a mutiny from Labour MPs, led by former deputy prime minister Angela Rayner, the Government had to back down and cede control to Parliaments Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC) to decide what could be held back from being released into the public domain. Cabinet minister Steve Reed was wheeled out to defend the PM on Thursday morning (PA Archive) Lord Mandelson has been accused of sending market-sensitive financial information to Epstein when he was Business Secretary between 2009 and 2010 in Gordon Browns government. The Met Police has launched a criminal investigation into allegations against Lord Mandelson of misconduct in public office and has asked No10 not to release documents which could jeopardise its inquiry. The controversy surrounding Lord Mandelson, who has quit the House of Lords, resigned from the Labour Party, and been removed from the Privy Council, has led to intensifying questions about the Prime Ministers judgement. Labour MP Andy McDonald said he thought it was reasonable to expect an answer pretty damn quick on how Lord Mandelson passed vetting. Kemi Badenoch speaking during Prime Ministers Questions (House of Commons/PA) Labour peer Lord John Hutton, who served as a Cabinet minister under Sir Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, said he thought the handling of the scandal could mark the end of the Sir Keirs time in office. He told LBC it is clearly the end of Lord Mandelsons career, but added that it could well mark the end of the Prime Ministers time in office. Meanwhile, Kemi Badenoch told ITVs Peston she wanted Downing Street to provide the documents in 48 hours or so. The Tory leader said that someone must lose their job over the scandal. Lord Mandelson and Jeffrey Epstein pictured together on a yacht Lord Mandelson has been approached for comment and while he has yet to speak publicly, the BBC said it understood he maintains he did not act criminally and that his actions were not for personal gain. The BBC reported Lord Mandelson argues he had sought Epsteins expertise in the national interest before the financial crisis. The Epstein files also suggest that Lord Mandelson tried to secure a Russian visa for the financier, with an email exchange showing Epstein asked how he could get a visa, to which Lord Mandelson responds that Ben can get visas thru OD. This is thought to refer to Benjamin Wegg-Prosser, the co-founder of Lord Mandelsons lobbying firm Global Counsel, and Russian oligarch Oleg Deripaska. King Charles and Camilla heckled over Andrew and Epstein during royal walkabout King Charles and Queen Camilla were heckled over his brother Andrew Mountbatten-Windsors association with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein during a royal walkabout. While walking through the Essex village of Dedham, a heckler, who was standing in the crowds behind the metal barriers, shouted: Charles, Charles, have you pressurised the police to start investigating Andrew? Police officers approached the man afterwards and walked with him away from the barriers. Shortly afterwards, a news reporter in the crowd who was beside a cameraman seemingly tried to ask Charles a question about his brother. The King was then led to the far side of the road, away from the crowds, to continue the walkabout. A heckler in a grey hat asked King Charles about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsors connection to Jeffrey Epstein (PA) Charles and Camilla had earlier met local groups inside the Sun Inn pub and went into the kitchen, where The Queen tried her hand at cutting ravioli. Towards the end of their walkabout, they listened to a choir of schoolchildren in the street, before briefly going into the Essex Rose Teahouse where Charles unveiled a plaque and cut a cake. King Charles and Queen Camilla were moved to the other side of the road (Arthur Edwards/The Sun/PA Wire) After going back outside, they spoke to more members of the public before leaving in a Bentley. Photographs of Mr Mountbatten-Windsor released in the so-called Epstein files had been scattered around the street in Dedham, the East Anglian Daily Times reported. This included several pictures of the former duke crouching over an unidentified woman, with a video of the scattered printouts shared on social media ahead of the royal couples visit. King Charles was also apparently asked a question about his brother by a news reporter (Arthur Edwards/The Sun/PA) Adrian Sharpe, of Dedham, was among the crowds who turned out to see the King and Queen. The 62-year-old handyman said it was nice and casual really for a village event obviously high security. Asked about the heckler, he said: I think its pointless really as what Andrews done is what Andrews done, its not what King Charles has done, is it? Hes his own person. A photograph appearing to show Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor crouched over an unidentified woman was scattered around the Essex village (PA Media) Mr Sharpe said that theyve taken the HRH off of Andrew, adding: What else can they do? Surely its a police matter now. It comes after Mr Mountbatten-Windsor moved from Royal Lodge, his Windsor mansion, to the Kings Sandringham Estate on Tuesday. On the same day, Thames Valley Police confirmed they were assessing allegations that a woman was sent to the UK by Epstein for a sexual encounter with Mr Mountbatten-Windsor. The Kings younger brother features a number of times in the Epstein files, with another photo appearing to show him touching a fully clothed womans abdomen. The images are undated, and it is unclear where they were taken. Mr Mountbatten-Windsor has always strongly denied any wrongdoing. SHANGHAI, Feb. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Dingdong (Cayman) Limited ("Dingdong" or the "Company") (NYSE: DDL), a leading fresh grocery e-commerce company in China, today announced that it has entered into a definitive Share Purchase Agreement (the "Share Purchase Agreement") with Two Hearts Investments Limited ("Buyer"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Meituan (HKEX: 3690). Pursuant to the Share Purchase Agreement, Dingdong has agreed to sell to the Buyer all issued and outstanding shares of Dingdong Fresh Holding Limited, Dingdong's wholly-owned subsidiary incorporated in the British Virgin Islands ("Dingdong BVI" or the "Target Company"), which holds through a series of wholly-owned and majority equity interest subsidiaries substantially all of the Company's operations in China (the "Transaction"). The Company's international business is not part of the Transaction and will be retained by the Company following any necessary reorganizational processes to be completed prior to the closing of the Transaction. The Company's board of directors has approved the Company entering into the Share Purchase Agreement after a thorough review of the terms of Transaction with its financial and legal advisors. The consummation of the Transaction is subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions, including the receipt of antitrust and other required regulatory approvals. The Company plans to convene an extraordinary general meeting for shareholders to vote on approval of the Transaction. Transaction Consideration Under the terms of the Share Purchase Agreement, based on the balance sheet as of December 31, 2025, and after Dingdong (Cayman) Limited receives total cash not exceeding US$280 million from Dingdong BVI and its subsidiaries (provided that the remaining net cash of Dingdong BVI and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis shall not be less than US$150 million), the Buyer will pay total cash consideration of US$717 million in the Transaction. This amount is subject to adjustments based on certain net cash, net working capital and other financial line items of the Target Company as of certain agreed upon dates. The adjusted consideration will be payable in cash in two installments: (i) 90% of the consideration payable at closing, and (ii) the remaining 10% payable following the Company's settlement of applicable taxes related to the Transaction. Management Comments Mr. Changlin Liang, Founder, Director and Chief Executive Officer of Dingdong, stated: "Since its founding, Dingdong has been driven by the vision of redefining the traditional fresh food industry through the deep integration of digital technology and supply chain innovation. We have always adhered to our founding mission of 'Empowering Everyone to Eat Better, Live Healthier'. From direct sourcing at the origin, the efficient operation of our frontline stations, to the last-mile delivery service, every step of our operations is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life of our consumers. We believe that this unwavering commitment is aligned with Meituan's company mission of 'Helping People Eat Better, Live Better', laying a solid foundation for the strategic merger between the two companies. Following thorough deliberation and rigorous review by our board of directors, we have entered into an agreement with Meituan for the sale of Dingdong's China business. This transaction is subject to the satisfaction of customary conditions precedent, including necessary regulatory approvals, and approval by our shareholders. We have and will continue to ensure full regulatory and legal compliance and transparency throughout the process. During the integration and transition period between the signing of the Share Purchase Agreement and the closing of the Transaction, Dingdong will strictly honor all of its commitments to customers, employees, and partners, ensuring the stability and orderly operation of the China business. We firmly believe that through the deep integration of the strengths of both companies, we will jointly build a more resilient fresh food infrastructure and deliver higher-quality services to consumers." Mr. Song Wang, Director and Chief Financial Officer of Dingdong, stated: "From a financial and strategic investment perspective, the pricing rationale of this transaction fully demonstrates the capital markets' high recognition of Dingdong's supply chain moat, user stickiness, and brand core values. We believe that this is not only fair and prudent pricing based on the long-term synergies between the two parties, but also a strong validation of the quality of Dingdong's China business accumulated over years. At present, the Transaction is progressing steadily in accordance with relevant legal and regulatory procedures and closing conditions. We will continue to optimize the efficiency of capital allocation, and on the premise of ensuring the compliance of the Transaction, strive to maximize the interests of all of our shareholders. We will also provide solid financial and resource support for the Company to enter its next stage of high-quality growth." Key Terms of the Share Purchase Agreement The Share Purchase Agreement contains customary representations, warranties, and covenants of the parties. Key terms include: Conduct of Business and Transition: From the signing date until closing (the "Transition Period"), the Company covenants to operate the Target Company in the ordinary course of business. Any operating profits or losses incurred by the Target Company and its subsidiaries during this period will accrue to the Buyer. The Company is subject to customary restrictive covenants during this period, including, among other things, limitations on capital structure changes and material non-ordinary course contracts. The Company represents to the Buyer that no unauthorized leakage of funds has occurred or will occur. Any such leakage may result in a direct deduction from the consideration. From the signing date until closing (the "Transition Period"), the Company covenants to operate the Target Company in the ordinary course of business. Any operating profits or losses incurred by the Target Company and its subsidiaries during this period will accrue to the Buyer. The Company is subject to customary restrictive covenants during this period, including, among other things, limitations on capital structure changes and material non-ordinary course contracts. The Company represents to the Buyer that no unauthorized leakage of funds has occurred or will occur. Any such leakage may result in a direct deduction from the consideration. Non-Competition: The Company and the Founder have agreed to a five-year non-competition and non-solicitation covenant following the closing, covering the To-C fresh grocery e-commerce business within the Greater China region. The Company and the Founder have agreed to a five-year non-competition and non-solicitation covenant following the closing, covering the To-C fresh grocery e-commerce business within the Greater China region. Exclusivity: The Company is bound by a "no-shop" obligation, prohibiting the solicitation or facilitation of alternative acquisition proposals from third parties during the Transition Period. The Company is bound by a "no-shop" obligation, prohibiting the solicitation or facilitation of alternative acquisition proposals from third parties during the Transition Period. Termination and Fees: The Share Purchase Agreement may be terminated if closing does not occur within 12 months, which may be extended with mutual consent. The Agreement includes tiered termination fee arrangements: (i) the Buyer shall pay a US$150 million termination fee if it fails to proceed to closing despite the satisfaction of all material conditions; (ii) the Company shall pay a US$75 million termination fee if it fails to satisfy certain material controllable conditions, or fails to cooperate in regulatory filings; and (iii) the Buyer shall pay a US$75 million termination fee if the Transaction fails and the required anti-monopoly approval or certain other regulatory clearance cannot be obtained, despite the Company's material cooperation. Closing Conditions Closing of the Transaction is subject to the satisfaction or waiver of various customary conditions, including, among other things, the approval by the Company's shareholders, the receipt of anti-monopoly clearance from the State Administration for Market Regulation of the People's Republic of China (SAMR), the completion of the overseas business carve-out, the completion of non-resident indirect transfer tax filings and the absence of any Material Adverse Effect. About Dingdong (Cayman) Limited Dingdong (Cayman) Limited is a leading fresh grocery e-commerce company in mainland China, with sustainable long-term growth. We directly provide users and households with fresh groceries, prepared food, and other food products through delivering a convenient and excellent shopping experience supported by an extensive self-operated frontline fulfillment grid. Leveraging our deep insights into consumers' evolving needs and our strong food innovation capabilities, we have successfully launched a series of private label products spanning a variety of food categories. Many of our private label products are produced at our Dingdong production plants, allowing us to more efficiently produce and offer safe and high-quality food products. We aim to be the first choice for fresh and food shopping. For more information, please visit: https://ir.100.me. Safe Harbor Statement This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "will," "expects," "anticipates," "aims," "future," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates," "confident," "potential," "continue," or other similar expressions. Among other things, business outlook and quotations from management in this announcement, as well as Dingdong's strategic and operational plans, contain forward-looking statements. Dingdong may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, in its interim and annual reports to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including but not limited to statements about Dingdong's beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: Dingdong's goals and strategies; Dingdong's future business development, financial conditions, and results of operations; the expected outlook of the on-demand e-commerce market in China; Dingdong's expectations regarding demand for and market acceptance of its products and services; Dingdong's expectations regarding its relationships with its users, clients, business partners, and other stakeholders; competition in Dingdong's industry; Dingdong's proposed use of proceeds; and relevant government policies and regulations relating to Dingdong's industry, and general economic and business conditions globally and in China and assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All information provided in this announcement and in the attachments is as of the date of the announcement, and the Company undertakes no duty to update such information, except as required under applicable law. SOURCE Dingdong (Cayman) Limited Youre making up lies: Richard Madeley and Steve Reed in fiery GMB clash over Mandelson-Epstein scandal Good Morning Britain presenter Richard Madeley and Labour minister Steve Reed clashed during a heated grilling over the Lord Peter Mandelson scandal. The Cabinet minister defended Sir Keir Starmer on the programme, following anger over the prime minister's decision to appoint him as US ambassador, despite being aware of his ties to Jeffrey Epstein. Mr Reed said the scandal showed that the vetting process in Lord Mandelson's appointment wasn't good enough and needs reviewing. Mr Madeley then accused Mr Reed of invoking hindsight to defend the PM, and avoiding his questions. Defending himself, Mr Reed replied: " You are making up lies about me avoiding your questions." Man dies after being swept away by floods in car as Storm Leonardo batters Spain and Portugal At least one person has been killed and thousands forced to evacuate as Storm Leonardo ripped through Spain and Portugal this week. Torrential rains left rivers and reservoirs at extreme risk of overflowing across the Iberian Peninsula, with schools shut and trains cancelled. A man in his sixties was found dead in his vehicle after being swept away by a powerful current near a dam in the municipality of Serpa in Portugal. A vehicle was found with one occupant, so there is one death, a spokesperson for the national civil protection authority said. Grazalema, in Andalusia, faced the amount of rainfall that Madrid sees in an entire year in a 24-hour period, with over 40cm of rain, according to a spokesperson from weather agency AEMET. Regional and national authorities have deployed significant resources to contain the damage, a week after Storm Kristin left six dead and thousands without power. At least 3,500 people were evacuated in the southern region of Andalusia this week as widespread flooding continued. More than 1,200 emergency personnel and 400 military service members deployed to assist in the most at-risk areas. People watch as excess levels of water flow down the Pozo de los Humos waterfall (AFP/Getty) Authorities also called in emergency aircraft and helicopters to monitor the regions considered most critical. AEMET has put the area under the highest alert warning of extraordinary levels of rain, floods and landslides. The effects have been compounded by oversaturated ground, as Maria Paz Fernandez, mayor of Ronda, told public broadcaster RTVE that the issue was getting worse because the ground can no longer absorb the rain. She spoke of numerous landslides in the surrounding rural areas. Portugal raised its alert level to the maximum until at least Friday, as authorities warned that several rivers were at high risk of flooding. In Alcacer do Sal, 55 miles (90km) south of Lisbon, the Sado river overflowed its banks and caused flooding in parts of the town on Wednesday. Destruction left by Storm Kristin in Leiria, Portugal (Reuters) Portugals National Civil Protection service said water levels were likely to rise over the coming days. Armed forces have deployed approximately 1,600 personnel, which include marine teams using 35 inflatable boats, to rescue people from flooding. Its been raining like this for hours. The river has already overflowed, and people are very worried inside their homes. We are experiencing many power cuts, Jose Luis Castillo, a resident of Jimera de Libar, told Reuters. Nearly 134,000 households were still without electricity this week after the devastating impacts of Storm Kristin. Around 95,000 of them in the Leiria region in the centre of the country, power distribution company E-Redes said. While Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor may be looking ahead to a life of quiet isolation in his new abode, his troubles are anything but over. The latest batch of Epstein files have implicated a number of prominent British figures, and shed more light on the murky dealings between the convicted sex offender and The Duke. The disgraced former prince was this week sent packing by the Royal household, reportedly moved in the dead of night to a remote cottage on the Sandringham estate. It came three days after the latest Epstein files revealed lurid details and questionable images, including one of Andrew hunched over an unidentified female on the floor. He now faces intensifying pressure to testify in the US over his Epstein dealings, and there are also reports that police are also looking into incidents with other young women. Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor (PA Wire) Andrew has always denied any wrongdoing and being named or pictured in the Epstein files does not in and of itself suggest wrongdoing. So what lies ahead for the former duke? 1. Life in Sandringham Mountbatten-Windsor is now moving into Wood Farm on the Sandringham estate, in an apparent move further into exile. It appears that the disgraced duke was expected to move out of the Royal Lodge anyway, with Wood Farm now serving as a temporary stop before moving onto Marsh Farm once renovations are done. According to reports, King Charles was keen to ensure Andrew remains out of the public eye after he was photographed waving at passers by in Windsor Great Park just as the Epstein files dropped. His new abode is away from any roads and paths, and under a no-fly zone so he wont be pestered by drones. While his life in Sandringham is a downgrade from the Royal Lodge, and less people seem up for working for him, his new home still remains within the Royal family estate. And despite losing some of his lavish lifestyle perks, he wont need to take up a traditional job anytime soon. 2. Loss of staff The Sun reported that staff at Sandringham were given the option not to serve the former prince if it makes them uncomfortable. While not as fancy as staff at the palace, domestic staff would typically be on site even at residencies on the Sandringham estate. But according to the outlet, there is now a long list of people who have refused to work for Andrew. There is understandably a lot of disquiet as he is now a total pariah, a source told the outlet. But there is also a worry that once he gets comfortable at Wood Farm while Marsh Farm is being finished, they will never get him out again. 3. Potential investigations Police this week said they were looking into allegations that a woman was sent by Epstein to the UK for a sexual encounter with Andrew, although there is as yet no formal investigation. Lawyers for the woman have reportedly asked King Charles to contact them over allegations of his brothers activities. In a statement, a Thames Valley Police spokesperson said: We are aware of reports about a woman said to have been taken to an address in Windsor in 2010 for sexual purposes. We are assessing the information in line with our established procedures. We take any reports of sexual crimes extremely seriously and encourage anyone with information to come forward. At this time, these allegations have not been reported to Thames Valley Police by either the lawyer or their client. The womans lawyer is currently considering civil action, reports say. 4. Calls to testify This week, Sir Keir Starmer appeared to support growing calls for Mountbatten-Windsor to testify before the US Congress. Andrew faces increasing pressure to give evidence about Epstein, however, its unclear whether the disgraced duke can be compelled to do so. Under federal US law, a subpoena that would force a potential witness to testify can only be enforced against US citizens or residents. If he does testify by choice, it may cause even more trouble for the Royal family and he may implicate himself further. 5. Private prosecution In 2025, Republic, an organisation calling for the abolishment of the royal family, instructed a law firm of private prosecution specialists to potentially commence a private prosecution against Andrew. Its unclear at this point whether it is going ahead, but the group is currently raising legal fees through a crowdfunding platform. "If not us, then who? It's a devastating indictment on the UK's criminal justice system, police and politicians - not to mention the king and heir - that we must resort to a private prosecution, said Republic's CEO, Graham Smith. "It should be a cause for concern that so many people believe - rightly in my view - that the royals are not treated equally in law. Equality in law is a basic tenet of democracy." "I firmly believe there is strong enough evidence to justify a serious investigation. The authorities and politicians appear to want to look the other way, while minimising the accusations made against Andrew." 6. More revelations? With journalists now sifting through three million new documents as well as tens of thousands of pictures and files, its quite possible that more revelations may surface. The latest release highlighted just how close Andrew and Epstein were: they spoke on Christmas Day in 2010, and as well as about business and girls. One newly released email may confirm the authenticity of the image in which Andrew had his arm around the waist of Virginia Giuffre, which he had previously argued had been doctored. Yes she was on my plane, and yes she had her picture taken with Andrew as many of my employees have, Epstein wrote to a redacted email, which may be in reference to Giuffre. On the Justice departments Epstein library, there are 1,182 mentions of the Duke. Andrew has always maintained his innocence and denied the allegations against him. Rio Ngumoha has become a regular in Liverpools squad (Liverpool FC via Getty Images) Liverpool have been told to pay an initial 2.8m for teenage winger Rio Ngumoha. The 17-year-old joined them from Chelsea in the summer of 2024 and a tribunal finally determined the amount of compensation the London club should receive. That sum could rise by up to 4m with various add-ons, although it is thought unlikely that Chelsea would get all the potential amount. Ngumoha had joined their academy at the age of eight before moving to Liverpool when still 15. The forward became Liverpools youngest ever player in the FA Cup when he debuted against Accrington last January, aged just 16 years and 135 days. He then became the youngest goalscorer in Liverpools history when he scored on his Premier League bow at Newcastle in August, four days before his 17th birthday. Ngumoha, an England Under-19 international, has made 14 first-team appearances so far and has been a regular on the bench this season. Sainsburys said: This was not an issue with the facial recognition technology in use but a case of the wrong person being approached in store. Photograph: Andrey Kryuchkov/Alamy (Photograph: Andrey Kryuchkov/Alamy) A man was ordered to leave a supermarket in London after staff misidentified him using controversial new facial recognition technology. Warren Rajah was told to abandon his shopping and leave the local store he has been using for a number of years after an Orwellian error in a Sainsburys in Elephant and Castle, London. He said supermarket staff were unable to explain why he was being told to leave, and would only direct him to a QR code leading to the website of the firm Facewatch, which the retailer has hired to run facial recognition in some of its stores. He said when he contacted Facewatch, he was told to send in a picture of himself and a photograph of his passport before the firm confirmed it had no record of him on its database. One of the reasons I was angry was because I shouldnt have to prove I am innocent, Rajah said. I shouldnt have to prove Im wrongly identified as a criminal. He described the incident as feeling quite like Minority Report, Orwellian. He said while doing his normal shop, he was approached by three members of the stores staff, one of whom appeared to affirm that he was the person pictured on a device they had. It is understood the Facewatch system flagged someone else who had entered the store, and staff mistook Rajah for him. Rajah was concerned some form of permanent record implying he had been involved in criminality might have been created on Facewatchs system. Eventually, the firm told him he was not on its database and referred him back to Sainsburys. You felt quite helpless in the situation because youre just thrown from pillar to post because Sainsburys initially blame Facewatch, then Facewatch retort saying its actually Sainsburys, he said. And then, when Sainsburys called me on Wednesday from the executive office, they blamed the store staff. So theyre constantly shifting the blame as to whos responsible for this. Rajah was upset that he felt he had had to prove his innocence and said he had received little assurance about how the information he had to hand over to Facewatch was stored, and whether it had been deleted. And he said that, while he was lucky enough to be able to navigate the system, what happens to the vulnerable people who, for example, have learning disabilities or dont know how to scan a QR code? They havent put any processes or procedures in place for anybody to challenge this. You should not be expected to send your personal information that is totally unacceptable. Sainsburys said: We have been in contact with Mr Rajah to sincerely apologise for his experience in our Elephant and Castle store. This was not an issue with the facial recognition technology in use but a case of the wrong person being approached in store. Facewatch said: Were sorry to hear about Mr Rajahs experience and understand why it would have been upsetting. This incident arose from a case of human error in store, where a member of staff approached the wrong customer. Our data protection team followed the usual process to confirm his identity and verified that he was not on our database and had not been subject to any alerts generated by Facewatch. Sir Keir Starmer has said he is sorry for believing Peter Mandelsons lies and for appointing him to the role of Britains ambassador to the US, as he tries to weather the crisis that has threatened to end his premiership. Following a barrage of criticism from his own MPs on one of the most turbulent days of his leadership, the prime minister began a planned speech about community cohesion with a frank apology to the victims of paedophile sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein, as he addressed growing anger over the way he has dealt with the issue. In an attempt at damage control, after he admitted during PMQs that he knew Lord Mandelson had had a relationship with Epstein, he said: None of us knew the depths and the darkness of that relationship. But speculation over Sir Keirs future and that of his chief of staff Morgan McSweeney continues, and some Labour MPs have openly called on the prime minister to sack his right-hand man. The situation has led Labour grandee Harriet Harman to warn Sir Keir that he must take action over the scandal or risk losing his job. Keir Starmer began a speech in East Sussex with a lengthy apology about his handling of Peter Mandelsons appointment (PA) Baroness Harman told Sky News: I think it is so serious for Keir Starmer. I dont think its inevitable that it will bring him down. But it will bring him down, unless he takes the action that is really necessary for him to take, and thats this: firstly, hes got to stop blaming Mandelson, and saying He lied to me. Because actually, he should never have been considering him in the first place. Sir Keir said he shared the anger and frustration of his colleagues about the saga, but vowed to continue as prime minister while doubling down on his support for Mr McSweeney, who has been blamed by many Labour MPs for pushing for the appointment of his ally Lord Mandelson, and for bringing him back into the heart of a Labour government. Sir Keir is facing calls from within Labour ranks to implement a total overhaul of personnel in Downing Street, and to admit he made a catastrophic error of political and moral judgement, while opposition parties have called for a vote of no confidence in the prime minister. Earlier, Paula Barker, Labour vice-chair of both the standards committee and the privileges committee, criticised Sir Keirs questionable judgement over the saga, adding: When your chief of staff becomes the story, then often its time for them to go. Fellow Labour backbencher Karl Turner added: If McSweeney is still in 10 Downing Street, the PM is up against it. Another Labour MP, speaking anonymously, said getting rid of Mr McSweeney would be like cutting off the head of the hydra and that root and branch change in government was needed instead. Asked about the prime ministers speech, they said: Take your apology and stick it where the sun dont shine. It makes me sick to my stomach to hear them defend that. Once Trump was elected, they thought, we need to have him and be damned with the risks. What part of Mandelson staying at the home of a paedophile did you not understand? Speaking in Hastings, Sir Keir sought to pin blame on the vetting process carried out independently by the security services after Lord Mandelsons appointment was cleared. He said: I think we need to look at the security vetting, because it now transpires that what was being said was not true. And had I known then what I know now, Id never have appointed him in the first place. Keir Starmer has vowed to continue as prime minister while doubling down on his support for Morgan McSweeney (Picture Agency/Shutterstock) Officials have been tasked with examining that process as a priority, according to Downing Street. Meanwhile, a growing number of Labour MPs remain unconvinced by Sir Keirs determination to remain in No 10, and are urging Angela Rayner and Wes Streeting to launch a leadership challenge over the scandal. One Labour MP told The Independent: Someone needs to go for it. This cannot go on. Sir Keir said Lord Mandelson was asked directly about whether he had stayed with Epstein after his conviction, and whether he had accepted gifts from the financier. The information now available makes clear that the answers he gave were lies, Sir Keir said. He portrayed Epstein as someone he barely knew. And when [it] became clear [that] it was not true, I sacked him. Such deceit is incompatible with public service. The address came after Labour MPs, led by Ms Rayner, forced the prime minister into a humiliating climbdown over the full release of vetting documents relating to the appointment. Labour MPs, led by former deputy PM Angela Rayner, forced the prime minister into a humiliating climbdown on Wednesday (House of Commons) The prime minister had attempted to restrict the publication of the documents, arguing that some details would need to be redacted on national security grounds, which prompted accusations that he was engaging in a cover-up. Sir Keir eventually backed down after Ms Rayner stood in the Commons to make it clear she would be supporting the Tory proposal for the independent Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC) to decide which documents could be published. Downing Street said it was in discussions with the ISC about the process of releasing the documents, and would update the House once a process had been agreed. The ISC has since said it cannot commit to a timetable for reviewing the documents. In a letter to the prime minister, the committee said it would act as it always does, entirely independently of government, in determining whether certain documents should be withheld for national security reasons. That must be a matter for the committee alone and it is clearly not possible for the committee to determine this until it sees the papers, or indeed to commit to any timetable until we know the size of the task at hand, it added. Peter Mandelson portrayed Epstein as someone he barely knew, said the prime minister (PA Archive) Meanwhile, opposition parties called for a no-confidence vote in the prime minister as Reform UK leader Nigel Farage described the issue as the biggest political scandal in Britain for 100 years. Tory leader Kemi Badenoch told a Westminster press conference: He will have to be dragged out of No 10, so I am making them an offer. If they want the change they know the country needs, come and speak to my whips and lets talk seriously about a vote of no confidence to force the moment. Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey echoed the calls for a vote of no confidence, while Mr Farage described the prime ministers apology as very weak and not quite believable. Prescribing comedy could ease pressure on the NHS by potentially cutting costs and reducing waiting lists, a doctor has suggested. Initial trials of an NHS-backed social prescribing scheme, featuring stand-up shows and workshops, reported an average 44 per cent uplift in participants' emotional wellbeing, Craic Health said. These comedy interventions offer an alternative to traditional treatments, targeting individuals experiencing loneliness, isolation, and vulnerability. Labour MP Dr Simon Opher, who pioneered social prescriptions in Gloucestershire, stated: "Social prescribing is about meeting people where they are." Comedy engages groups who dont always connect with traditional services, and the emerging data from these trials suggests genuine potential for this scheme to lower costs and reduce waiting list numbers if integrated within the NHS, the MP for Stroud added. Dr Opher, who chairs the Creative Health All-Party Parliamentary Group, has previously said he hopes comedy can become more mainstream in terms of NHS treatment as an alternative to antidepressants in cases of mild symptoms. Across the five pilot events, which took place in London in 2024 and 2025, more than 91 per cent said they were likely to attend future sessions. As a result, Craic Health are launching a further six-week workshop series called Stand Up and Shine this year, which will specifically target women. Labour MP Dr Simon Opher pioneered social prescriptions in Gloucestershire (House of Commons) The sessions will be led by comedian Carly Smallman, who said they will be about creating a safe, joyful space where women can reconnect with themselves and each other. Craic Health founder Louisa Jackson said the NHS cant afford to ignore interventions that are low-cost, preventative, and people genuinely engage with. She added: Its said laughter is the best medicine and integrating comedy into healthcare via NHS social prescribing is no joke. Mental ill health is the defining health challenge of our time. Comedy on prescription is designed to intervene early, supporting mood, confidence and social connection before people reach crisis point. The series is funded by One Westminster. The charity had also provided a 5,000 grant for the previous trials. Rachel Blake, Labour MP for Cities of London and Westminster said: Creative, community-led initiatives like comedy on prescription show real promise in supporting mental wellbeing locally. Its encouraging to see strong partnerships, evidence-led delivery and ambition to scale what works. The upcoming sessions will take place at The Passage Resource Centre in Westminster, with an optional celebratory showcase at the Royal Albert Hall in March. Mick Clarke, chief executive of The Passage, said: Were proud to support comedy on prescription at The Passage because it creates a safe, welcoming connection. Delivered in a structured and respectful way, laughter can help people feel included, supported and better able to cope. Were delighted to partner with Carly Smallman and Craic Health on this next phase in Westminster. Chief executive of the Royal Albert Hall, James Ainscough, said: The Royal Albert Hall exists to be the home of breathtaking moments and lasting memories for everyone. We are incredibly proud to be supporting comedy on prescription by hosting a celebratory showcase which recognises participants and supports an evidence-led model with real potential to scale. This initiative really aligns with our shared values and reflects the vital role culture can play in wellbeing and belonging. Police were called to reports of the crash in Folly Lane, Chingford, on Wednesday evening (Alex Segre/Alamy) The driver of a horse and cart has been arrested following a fatal collision with an e-bike cyclist in east London. Police were called to reports of the crash in Folly Lane, Chingford, on Wednesday evening. The cyclist, a 46-year-old man, was pronounced dead at the scene, the Metropolitan police said. His family are being supported by specialist officers. A 25-year-old man who was driving the horse and cart was arrested on suspicion of wanton and furious driving, and is in custody. Detective Sergeant Faye Cook, from the Mets serious collisions investigation unit (SCIU), said: This is a tragic incident that has resulted in the sad death of a man. We have made an arrest and our investigation continues. We would ask that anyone with information, CCTV or dashcam footage to contact my officers. Anyone with information or footage can contact police on 101, quoting reference CAD5904/04FEB, call the SCIU on 0207 175 0753 or report anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Cows can be absolutely adorable, whether they're grazing on the side of a country road or meeting new friends at an animal sanctuary. They may be massive and stoic animals, but they can also be as outgoing and affectionate as any other pet! And when they're as cute as Pistachio, a calf at Speckle Lane Farm, they're the whole package! The small farm in Ontario, Canada, recently welcomed Pistachio and another newborn calf named Peaches into the world. They were immediately whisked away to the warmth of the barn, but Pistachio needed an extra layer of warmth to keep her tiny face comfortable. As adorable as her cold-weather mask may be, she looks a bit like a burglar while wearing it! Could this baby cow be any cuter? She looks like she's unsure of what to think at first, but I can only imagine the smile on her mama's face behind the camera. From her gigantic ears to the mask's precious cut-outs for her eyes, everything about this scene is simply perfect. "Put the milk in the bag, and no one gets hurt," one commenter joked. That sounds more than reasonable! However, not everyone is convinced this cute cow is a burglar. Related: Mini Highland Calf Gets the Zoomies and Pure Chaos Ensues Others called her 'moocho libre' because her mask resembles the brightly-colored luchador masks seen in Mexican wrestling. To others, of course, she was likened to the Babybel cow instead! All jokes aside, these full-face masks can be a lifesaver for small animals exposed to cold weather, especially when they are young. Another commenter agreed, "The earmuffs are great for cold spells, especially here in Minnesota." It's the perfect proof that a useful accessory can be cute, too! When Are Calves Born? There are two main times of year when calves are born: spring and fall. Calves born in the fall (September-November) may face warm temperatures at a very young age, and a larger herd in the fall can put a bigger strain on the winter's feed supply. On the other hand, calves born in spring (January-March) could be born in freezing temperatures, which is why a warm shelter and plenty of cold-weather gear are essential. For baby calves Pistachio and her pal Peaches, spending their infant days indoors is the perfect cozy start. By the time they're ready to explore the outside world, they'll be nice and toasty in their bank robber masks! SIGN UP to get pawsitivity delivered right to your inbox with inspiring & entertaining stories about our furry & feathered friends This story was originally published by PetHelpful on Feb 4, 2026, where it first appeared in the Pet News section. Add PetHelpful as a Preferred Source by clicking here. First Lady Melania Trump quickly brushed off a question lobbed at her concerning notorious sex offender Jeffrey Epsteins accomplice, Ghislaine Maxwell, during an event at the White House on Wednesday. Trump welcomed reporters to the White House to receive her remarks after her Wednesday meeting with American-Israeli Keith Siegel and his wife, Aviva, who was freed from Hamas captivity as part of a U.S.-negotiated ceasefire. The event marked the anniversary of his release. During a short round of questions from the press after the meeting, an MS Now producer asked Trump about calls from the public to move Maxwell, who has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for conspiring with Epstein to sexually abuse minors, into a high-security prison. Trump shot back with a quick dismissal of the question. "We are here celebrating the release and the life of these two incredible people. So let's honor that, thank you," she replied. First Lady Melania Trump meets with freed American-Israeli hostage Keith Siegel and his wife Aviva at the White House. Trump was asked by a reporter at the event about calls to move Jeffrey Epstein accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell to a high security prison, but quickly dismissed the question (Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) The question comes just days after the Justice Department released a tranche of 2.5 million Epstein documents. Among those files was an email apparently addressed to Maxwell that was signed "Love Melania." The testy exchange also followed on the heels of the premiere of Melania, an Amazon-produced documentary about the first lady in the lead-up to her return to the White House. The Siegels are both featured in the documentary, which premiered at the Kennedy Center last week. When asked by reporters if she was using the meeting to promote her new movie, she said the meeting has "nothing to do with promotion." First lady Melania Trump walks from the stage after speaking before the premiere of her movie "Melania" at The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center For The Performing Arts, Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Allison Robbert) (Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) The files also include several tips to the FBI mentioning President Donald Trump and Epstein, but none of the information in those tips has been substantiated, and the president has not been accused of or charged with any crimes relating to his relationship with the convicted sex offender. The first lady isnt the only Trump to snap at a reporter for asking questions about Epstein this week. On Tuesday, President Donald Trump disparaged CNNs Kaitlan Collins after she asked him questions about the Epstein files. U.S. President Donald Trump called CNNs Kaitlan Collins the worst reporter and complained that she does not smile enough after she asked him about the Epstein files in the Oval Office on Tuesday (Getty) Trump was taking questions from the press in the Oval Office when Collins asked him about Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Tesla CEO Elon Musk both associates of the president appearing in the files. The president brushed it off, saying "they're fine," after which Collins asked him if some of the redactions in the files were protecting individuals involved in the abuse of Epstein victims. Trump became irate, called Collins the "worst reporter," and complained that he has never "seen a smile on her face. AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Feb. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Dodge Launches Misfits marketing campaign for the next-gen 2026 Dodge Charger Scat Pack. (Editorial use only; Credit: Dodge brand) 60-second "Misfits" spot debuts on the Dodge brand's social media channels today, with a 30-second broadcast version to launch the week of February 16 Campaign puts a spotlight on the newest introduction to the Dodge Charger lineup the arrival of the 2026 Charger Scat Pack powered by the SIXPACK, a 3.0L twin-turbocharged high-output engine that delivers 550 horsepower and accelerates from 0-60 in just 3.9 seconds SIXPACK-powered Charger Scat Pack is available at a starting MSRP of $54,995, delivering the most horsepower in the industry for under $55,000 Entire Charger lineup features standard all-wheel drive and is available in both two-door and four-door models New multi-energy Dodge Charger lineup claims prestigious 2026 NACTOY crown Dodge is launching its newest marketing and advertising campaign for the "world's fastest AWD muscle car," the next-gen 2026 Dodge Charger. "Misfits" takes off across Dodge brand's social media channels starting today with a 60-second version, followed by a 30-second broadcast spot to run the week of February 16, including during March Madness and NASCAR. "You don't introduce the next generation of the world's fastest AWD muscle car with something polite," said Olivier Francois, Stellantis global chief marketing officer. "A decade ago, Dodge Charger redefined what a modern muscle car could be. This isn't just evolution; it's provocation. Our new campaign for the next-gen Dodge Charger Scat Pack is designed to remind the world that performance still has the power to move culture, inspire loyalty and convert desire into momentum." "The next-gen Dodge Charger SIXPACK-powered models represent the next chapter of pure Dodge attitude power you can feel and performance you can't ignore," said Matt McAlear, Dodge CEO. "We're launching this campaign as the world's fastest AWD muscle car is arriving in Dodge dealerships across the country. This new campaign captures exactly what the Dodge brand stands for: muscle, performance, attitude and the unmistakable thrill that comes from driving something built to stir your soul. The future of muscle is here, and this twin-turbo Charger Scat Pack is quicker, faster and more capable than ever." The new "Misfits" campaign seamlessly bridges the brand's past with its future, linking to the brand's 2015 "Predators" campaign for the 707-horsepower 2015 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat and Challenger SRT Hellcat. The next-gen Dodge Charger multi-energy lineup was recently announced as the 2026 North American Car of the Year (NACTOY). The prestigious recognition, announced at the Detroit Auto Show last month, underscores Dodge's relentless commitment to delivering uncompromising performance and innovation across its multi-energy lineup, including the 550-horsepower, twin-turbocharged, SIXPACK-powered Dodge Charger Scat Pack and the 670-horsepower all-electric Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Pack. For more information on the Dodge Charger lineup, fans and enthusiasts visit Dodge.com. "Misfits" was created by the Dodge brand in partnership with GSD&M. North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year The NACTOY awards are intended to recognize the most outstanding new vehicles of the year. These vehicles are benchmarks in their segments based on factors, including innovation, design, safety, handling, driver satisfaction, user experience and value. The organization gives out three awards: "North American Car of the Year," "North American Truck of the Year" and "North American Utility Vehicle of the Year." The awards are unique because they are given by an independent jury of automotive journalists from the United States and Canada instead of by a single publication, website, radio or television station. The esteemed NACTOY automotive experts' selection of Dodge Charger adds to recent accolades for the Charger lineup, including Car of the Year honors from Detroit Free Press, Detroit News and TopGear.com. Dodge For 112 years, the Dodge brand has carried on the spirit of brothers John and Horace Dodge. Today, that legacy roars louder than ever in the next-generation lineup of Dodge, America's performance brand. The next-gen Dodge Charger multi-energy lineup features: the 550-horsepower Dodge Charger Scat Pack, powered by the 3.0L Twin Turbo SIXPACK high-output (H.O.) engine the most powerful Hurricane engine in production the SIXPACK-powered standard-output (S.O.) 420-horsepower Dodge Charger R/T with standard all-wheel drive and the highest entry-level horsepower of any muscle car the world's quickest and most powerful muscle car in the all-electric 670-horsepower Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Pack Every Charger comes standard with all-wheel drive and offers two-door coupe or four-door sedan configurations because with performance comes choice. The Dodge lineup is also fueled by the fastest American gas-powered SUV ever, the 710-horsepower Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat, powered by the legendary supercharged HEMI V-8 engine, now available in all 50 states. The new Durango SRT Hellcat Jailbreak breaks free from convention with the three-row SUV, unlocking more than 13 million potential customization combinations. The 360-horsepower 5.7-liter Durango GT HEMI AWD remains the most affordable AWD V-8 in the industry. Dodge is part of the portfolio of brands offered by leading global automaker and mobility provider Stellantis. For more information regarding Stellantis (NYSE: STLA), please visit www.stellantis.com. Follow Dodge//SRT and company news and video on: Company blog: http://blog.stellantisnorthamerica.com Media website: http://media.stellantisnorthamerica.com Dodge brand: www.dodge.com Direct Connection: www.DCPerformance.com DodgeGarage: www.dodgegarage.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/dodge Instagram: www.instagram.com/dodgeofficial Twitter: www.twitter.com/dodge and @StellantisNA YouTube: www.youtube.com/dodge, https://www.youtube.com/StellantisNA SOURCE Stellantis A Minneapolis man was arrested Thursday on federal charges of cyberstalking and threatening to kill or assault Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers amid the immigration crackdown in Minnesota. Federal prosecutors said 37yearold Kyle Wagner was charged by complaint, and officials will soon decide whether to seek an indictment, which is required to take the case to trial. Court records in Detroit, Michigan, where the case was filed, show no attorney listed to speak for Wagner. The complaint was filed on Tuesday and unsealed on Thursday. Attorney General Pamela Bondi said Wagner doxed and threatened law enforcement officers, claimed affiliation with antifa, and encouraged bloodshed in the streets. When Trump administration border czar Tom Homan announced Wednesday that about 700 federal officers deployed to Minnesota would be withdrawn immediately, he said a larger pullout would occur only after theres more cooperation and protesters stop interfering with federal personnel. (Charly Triballeau / AFP via Getty Images) President Donald Trump announced in September that he would designate antifa a major terrorist organization. Antifa, short for anti-fascists, is an umbrella term for far-left-leaning militant groups and is not a singular entity. It consists of groups that resist fascists and neo-Nazis, especially at demonstrations. When Trump administration border czar Tom Homan announced Wednesday that about 700 federal officers deployed to Minnesota would be withdrawn immediately, he said a larger pullout would occur only after theres more cooperation and protesters stop interfering with federal personnel. According to prosecutors, Wagner repeatedly posted on Facebook and Instagram encouraging his followers to forcibly confront, assault, impede, oppose, and resist federal officers whom he referred to as the gestapo and murderers. The complaint alleges Wagner posted a video last month that directly threatened ICE officers with an obscenity-laden rant. Ive already bled for this city, Ive already fought for this city, this is nothing new, were ready this time," he said, concluding that he was coming for ICE. The complaint further alleges that Wagner advocated for physical confrontation in another post, stating: Anywhere we have an opportunity to get our hands on them, we need to put our hands on them. It also details how Wagner used his Instagram account to dox a person identified only as a pro-ICE individual by publishing a phone number, birth month and year, and address in the Detroit suburb of Oak Park, Michigan. The complaint says Wagner later admitted that he doxed the victims parents house. Federal prosecutors didn't immediately respond to a request for comment on why the case was filed in Michigan instead of Minnesota. The alleged doxing was the only Michigan connection listed in the complaint. A group of six people, including two young children, have been missing since August 2023 (Berkeley Police Department) A TikTok video has become the most promising lead in the mysterious disappearance of six people in Missouri nearly three years later. The group, including two young children, vanished after allegedly becoming involved with an online cult known as the University of Cosmic Intelligence. Investigators are working to track down the owner of a TikTok account that shared a video they believe possibly shows one of the missing women, MaKayla Wickerson. Wickerson, 28, and her five-year-old daughter Malaiyah Wickerson have been missing since August 2023 along with Mikayla Thompson, 27; Naaman Williams, 32; Gerrielle German, 30, and her 5-year-old daughter Ashton Mitchell. All six lived together in a St. Louis residence before their disappearance. Its unclear when the TikTok video was posted, but Berkeley Police Major Steve Runge described the new lead as very promising. Detective Sgt. George Ervin, who is also on the case, told Fox2Now this week that he is seeking a warrant to identify the TikTok account holder, but the court process has been slow. A group of six people have been missing since August 2023. Neighbors often saw them practicing daily meditation or worship in the backyard. Sometimes they were clothed, sometimes naked (Berkeley Police Department) Was it actually our missing person? Or is this some copycat just using a picture? he said. I know that it seems like some stuff youd see fresh out of a movie in Hollywood, but this is real life. These people are missing, Ervin added. I really hope we find them, Runge chimed in. Ive promised the families that we will not give up, and we havent given up. The six missing people, who were last seen on August 13, 2023, at a Quality Inn hotel on Dunn Road in Florissant, Missouri, were last known to be living in a rental home on Graham Lane near St. Louis Lambert International Airport. When police searched the rental home, they found food still in the microwave, laundry in the washing machine and valuables, including a closet full of expensive shoes, left behind. Officers also found an altar and items wrapped in copper. We recovered a diary from one of the people that went missing, and the writings in that diary are something you would see with brainwashing, just repetitive, I am a god, I am a god, I am a god, Runge said. Neighbors had told police that they witnessed disturbing and unusual behavior from the group while they had been living at the rental home. Neighbors reported seeing these people outside daily worshiping the sun, Runge told The Independent in 2024. When it was raining, they would come outside naked and run around the yard. They were digging up things in the yard. Police believe the group is connected to an online cult called the University of Cosmic Intelligence, founded by self-proclaimed prophet and rapper Rashad Jamal, who amassed tens of thousands of followers across social media platforms. Really off the grid kind of stuff, Runge told Fox2Now. How to prepare for doomsday. A lot of it, the end of the world is coming. And they had a very solid belief that were not from here. Were not from this planet. Runge said Jamals followers believe in polygamy, are anti-government, encourage followers to go off the grid and that there is a total disconnection from family and friends. Whats most concerning, he told The Independent in 2024, is that the missing individuals had a vast social media presence before they disappeared. They made their money off readings and selling things. But since their disappearance, theyve gone silent, he said. Theres no footprint whatsoever, no current digital footprint, Runge said. Were trying to find any lead, he added. Common places they went, rental cars, phone records out of state, out of the country, trying to find any ties to give us a lead as to where they are. Mikayla Thompson, Gerrielle German, and MaKayla Wickerson, were spotted at a store shortly before their August 2023 disappearance (Berkeley Police Department) Naaman Williams, of Washington, DC, is one of the missing six who vanished in August 2023 (Berkeley Police Department) For Cartisha Morgan, the grandmother of Malaiyah and mother of MaKayla., the TikTok lead represented a glimmer of hope after a long silence. I just want them home, and I hope that theyre safe, Morgan told Fox2Now. She added that she believes her daughters struggles and vulnerable state were exploited. When you start seeing the signs of mental illness, Morgan said. take it seriously. This situation has brought awareness not only to my family. I just want to get the word out there. Anyone with information about the missing six is urged to contact the Berkeley Police Department at 314-524-3311. US Representative Nancy Pelosi attends the pre-Grammy gala, in Beverly Hills, California, on 31 January. Photograph: Mario Anzuoni/Reuters (Photograph: Mario Anzuoni/Reuters) The Democratic former speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi, said on Wednesday that press freedom is under siege in the United States after the Trump administration arrested a prominent journalist and searched the home of another. The warning from Pelosi comes on the same day that the Washington Post, which is owned by Jeff Bezos, the Amazon billionaire who has recently sought to curry favor with Donald Trump, conducted mass layoffs of its reporters and editors worldwide. Lets make no mistake: we are living in a time when the first amendment is under siege here at home, she said at an annual dinner for reporters covering Congress convened by the Washington Press Club. Facts are challenged, truth is distorted, and the press is treated by those in power as an enemy, fake news, rather than vital partner. Pelosi called the arrest last month of former CNN anchor Don Lemon as well as the search of Post reporter Hannah Natansons home, in which the FBI seized several electronic devices, an affront to press freedom meant to scare, chill and silence. But amid that political intimidation, we must also reckon with an ongoing and accompanying threat, the former speaker continued. Just today, we saw painful layoffs at the Washington Post part of a broader reprehensible pattern in which corporate decisions are hollowing out newsrooms across the country. Around one third of the Posts staff were laid off Wednesday, despite public pleas from journalists to preserve their jobs. In a nod to the papers own slogan Democracy dies in darkness Pelosi said: A free press cannot fulfill its mission if it is starved of the resources it needs to survive. And when newsrooms are weakened, our republic is weakened with them. Because democracy does die in darkness. One of the most prominent Democratic lawmakers in Congress, Pelosi became the first female speaker of the House of Representatives in 2007, serving until 2011 and playing a major role in advancing Barack Obamas legislative agenda. She presided over the chamber for a another four-year stint lasting from 2019 to 2023, during the second half of Trumps first term and the first two years of Joe Bidens. She emerged as a major antagonist of the Republican president, squabbling with him at the White House and ripping a copy of his 2020 State of the Union address after he finished delivering it. Pelosi stepped down as the leader of House Democrats after the party lost its majority in the chamber at the beginning of 2023, and last year announced she would retire after this year, ending a 40-year stint in Congress. She did not spare the president in her remarks, nor the conservative justices who hold a majority of the supreme courts seats. America is in a crisis of conscience. We have a president who has crowned himself King, a Congress which has abolished itself, and a supreme court that has gone rogue, Pelosi said. Our first amendment a free and independent press the fourth estate is essential to the survival of our Republic. NHS to trial device that could help millions with debilitating sleep condition The NHS is set to trial a new device that could help the eight million people in the UK with the debilitating condition, sleep apnoea. The chronic disorder causes breathing to repeatedly stop and start during the night due to an airway blockage, leading to severe tiredness, poor concentration, higher risk of heart disease, and increased likelihood of road and workplace accidents. Although devices such as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines, which deliver pressurised air through a mask to keep the airway open during sleep, remain the NHS gold-standard treatment, more than half of patients stop using them within a year, often because they find them uncomfortable or disruptive. But a new device, which is worn discreetly under the chin, requires no face mask, mouthpiece or invasive procedure, and is set to be tested by experts at Guys and St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust and Kings College London. The Zeus Sleep device uses gentle electrical stimulation to help prevent airway collapse during sleep by keeping the tongue and throat muscles from relaxing. The Zeus sleep device is set to be trialed by the NHS to see if it can help people with sleep apnoea (Zeus Sleep) If left untreated in the long-term, sleep apnoea can not only cause excessive tiredness during the day, but it can also increase the risk of high blood pressure, stroke, heart disease and type 2 diabetes. With the treatment for sleep apnoea, we have an effect on overall mortality and cardiovascular mortality, Professor Joerg Steier, of Kings College London, told The Independent. The expert in respiratory and sleep medicine added: The risk is, you stop breathing, and when you stop breathing, then the oxygen levels fall, and every time this happens, the heart then speeds up to disseminate oxygen faster throughout the body. He explained that as the heart rate, blood pressure and stress hormones increase, the brain wakes up from a deep sleep into a superficial sleep state to wake up the body and activate the upper airway muscles. This muscle reactivation allows the body to breathe. But this pattern happens repeatedly with sleep apnoea and leads to sleepless nights. Unfortunately, the more obese our population gets, the more often we see this. So we have seen the prevalence rates of sleep apnoea have gone up, Prof Steier said. That is because excess fat deposits around the neck and throat narrow the upper airway, making it more likely to collapse during sleep. Prof Steiers 20 years of research at Kings College London sparked the idea for the device. He explained that at about 7cm wide, it is "hardly visible when compared to a CPAP machine, looks like a patch in the shape of a boomerang and sits underneath the lower jaw and tongue. While permanent implantable devices that also stimulate the muscles are available, they are expensive and require surgery, so they cant be provided to many patients. While a TENS machine, a portable, battery-operated device that delivers mild electrical currents on the skin, can be bought for about 30, this device is currently sold to help reduce snoring for 250. But thats far cheaper than implantable devices, which can cost 20,000, according to Prof Steier. We know it's not as good as CPAP therapy, particularly for the high end of the severe spectrum of the disease. But it's good for the majority of moderate and mild conditions, Prof Steier added. UK sleep health company Zeus Sleep has been awarded 1.48 million in public funding from the National Institute for Health and Care Research to support the study. Researchers are aiming to recruit about 200 patients across seven NHS areas in the UK. Its hoped the study will start this summer and the data will be collected by 2028. Earlier NHS-led studies have shown promising results, with 84 per cent of users reporting better sleep, 78 per cent feeling more alert during the day, and 85 per cent continuing to use the device long-term, a far higher rate than CPAP currently used on the NHS. North Carolina man broke into Little Caesars after closing and started making and selling pizzas, cops say A man in North Carolina has been charged with multiple felonies after he allegedly broke into a Little Caesars pizza shop after it had closed and began making and selling pizzas. The rogue pizza-maker, 41-year-old Jonathon Hackett, allegedly entered the Kinston-area shop while it was closed on Sunday, and kept all the profits from his pizza sales for himself, according to a statement from the Kinston Police Department. Hackett is reportedly a former employee at the shop, the Charlotte Observer reports. He may have gotten away with his alleged crime, but police say he tried to break into the shop a second time and was arrested. The Kinston Police Department ... responded to Little Caesars in reference to a breaking and entering. Upon arrival, officers were advised that 41-year-old Jonathon Hackett, a former employee, had unlawfully entered the business on two separate occasions," the police said. Jonathon Hackett, 41, is facing multiple felony charges after he allegedly broke into a Little Caesars pizza shop where he was formerly employed and made and sold pizzas. (Lenoir County Jail) The report also noted that Hackett allegedly got into a fight with other employees at the shop on the day of the second incident. He had been injured in the brawl and was taken for treatment by the police. "During the second incident, Hackett again broke into the business while it was occupied by employees. Employees attempted to prevent Hackett from entering, which resulted in a physical altercation," police said in a statement. Hackett's charges include felony breaking and entering, felony obtaining property by false pretenses, felony larceny after breaking and entering, misdemeanor breaking and entering, and violating the city's curfew. A former employee of the Little Caesars in Kinston, North Carolina, allegedly broke into the store to bake and sell pizzas. The Kinston Police Department said Jonathon Hackett, 41, allegedly kept the money he made from the sales for himself. (Google Maps) The city established a curfew ahead of a major snowstorm that hit the area last week. The curfew was in effect from January 31 until February 2. The police have not revealed the number of pizzas he allegedly made or how much money he made from selling them. Hackett was booked into the Lenoir County Jail. Information about Hackett's next court date and bail status was not immediately available. The Independent has requested comment from the Kinston Police Department. The Start treaty caps the number of nuclear warheads the US and Russia can deploy on submarines, missiles and bombers - Yuri Kadobnov/AFP/Getty The United States and Russia are relying on a handshake to replace an expired nuclear arms treaty, officials have said. The Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty, known as New Start, expired on Thursday, 16 years after it was originally signed to prevent a nuclear war. During talks between Washington and Moscow in Abu Dhabi where Ukraine and Russia concluded a second day of negotiations on Thursday officials agreed to continue to observe the terms of the treaty beyond its expiration. Both countries agreed to continue to adhere to the terms for at least six months while a new deal was negotiated, one US official said. However, another American official warned that this agreement would only be upheld on the basis of a handshake as the law did not allow for an official extension of the treaty, the Axios news website reported. We agreed with Russia to operate in good faith and to start a discussion about ways it could be updated, he said. Marco Rubio, the US secretary of state, said on Wednesday that one of the reasons America had been hesitant to extend the treaty was because it did not include China, which has a small but rapidly expanding nuclear arsenal. Beijing has shown no interest in joining an agreement that would limit its nuclear programme. The issue of nuclear proliferation was not discussed during a lengthy phone call between Donald Trump, the US president, and Xi Jinping, his Chinese counterpart, in a phone call on Wednesday. The New Start treaty caps the number of nuclear warheads the US and Russia can deploy on submarines, missiles and bombers and includes important transparency mechanisms. In a Truth Social post on Thursday, Mr Trump said: Rather than extend NEW START (A badly negotiated deal by the United States that, aside from everything else, is being grossly violated), we should have our Nuclear Experts work on a new, improved, and modernised Treaty that can last long into the future. Meanwhile, the US army said that Washington and Moscow had agreed to re-establish a military dialogue four years after it was suspended, just before Vladimir Putin launched an invasion of Ukraine. This channel of communication was suspended in the fall of 2021, just prior to the onset of the conflict, said a spokesman for the United States European Command. Communication is due to restart after meetings in Abu Dhabi between General Alexus Grynkewich, head of US European Command, and senior Russian and Ukrainian military officials. Several European countries, including France and Italy, have also called on the continent to re-engage with Moscow in order to bring about an end to the conflict in Ukraine. Emmanuel Macron, the French president, reportedly sent Emmanuel Bonne, his most senior foreign adviser, to hold talks with Yuri Ushakov, his Russian counterpart, in the Kremlin on Tuesday. Russia and Ukraines peace talks resulted in the release of 157 prisoners of war on each side the first such exchange in five months. Donald Trump has failed to make any headway in ending Russias war with Ukraine despite talks with Vladimir Putin in Alaska last year - Kevin Lamarque/Reuters Steve Witkoff, Mr Trumps peace envoy, said the agreement showed that the peace talks were worthwhile, although negotiations are yet to result in a breakthrough. This outcome was achieved from peace talks that have been detailed and productive. While significant work remains, steps like this demonstrate that sustained diplomatic engagement is delivering tangible results and advancing efforts to end the war in Ukraine, he said. Discussions will continue, with additional progress anticipated in the coming weeks. Some of those who were released in the exchange on Thursday fought in the Battle of Mariupol in 2022, where Russian troops were accused of committing war crimes in their fight for the eastern Ukrainian city. Tass, the state-run Russian news agency, reported on Thursday that Moscow continued to demand that Ukraine withdraw from parts of the Donbas region not currently under Russian military control. It also urged all countries involved in a future peace agreement to recognise the Donbas region as Russian. Russia sees recognition of Donbas by all countries as part of a larger agreement, a source said. Ukraine is yet to comment on the latest round of peace talks but Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraines president, has repeatedly ruled out ceding land to Russia that remains under his control. Putins forces control about 80 per cent of the Donbas, which consists of Luhansk and Donetsk. Analysts believe it would take several years before Russia was able to conquer the rest of the region. Sources also told Tass that Putin rejected proposals for Nato troops to be stationed in Ukraine but would agree to a multinational response force that could come to Kyivs aid in the event of another invasion. Philip Byrnes has been cleared of any wrongdoing by an Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board referrals committee over the Redwood Queen incident at Wexford in May. He had been accused of deliberately jumping off his mount at the final flight in a claiming hurdle. Redwood Queen had been a big drifter in the betting while there was strong support for the odds-on favourite Beacon Edge, but the mare appeared to have the race in the bag approaching the final obstacle. Upon jumping it both of Byrnes feet came out of the irons and he was unshipped, allowing Beacon Edge to come through and win. There was no intervention by the stewards on the day but the matter was later referred to the IHRB to see if there had been a breach of any rules. The case was heard on December 15 when evidence was heard from eight witnesses and countless viewings of the race took place from different angles. Former jockey Leighton Aspell gave evidence on behalf of the IHRB, for whom he now works as a stipendiary steward, and he alleged Byrnes did not allow the horse to run on its merits. Aspells former weighing room colleague Davy Russell also spoke at the hearing but in defence of Byrnes. Asked how he parted ways with Redwood Queen, Byrnes said: I went to the last got a bit short at it. Just miscommunication between horse and rider. She came up underneath me, caught me on the backside, and I came off. When questioned what effort he made to stay on board he said: Once I got that bump the balance is gone, like. Next thing I knew I was on the floor. So, thats how it went. The report said: The obligation is on the IHRB to satisfy us by evidence that the fall in question was deliberate if it is to succeed with this complaint. We have come to the conclusion that it has not discharged that burden of proof. In so concluding we have had regard primarily to the video and photographic evidence and our assessment of the evidence given to us by the jockey. We have not had to have much reliance on the evidence given by the experts. What is clear to us is that as a result of the way the horse jumped the hurdle, she bumped the backside of the jockey, sending him over so slightly to the left which resulted in him losing the right stirrup in the first instance followed by the left and he was duly unseated from the horse. We do not believe that this was a deliberate act on his part. He was fortunate in the way in which he landed and that he suffered no injuries. We are unable to identify any motivation to justify him deliberately dismounting from the horse. Had the fall been deliberate, we believe the jockey would be fully aware of the embarrassment that that would be to him, and the consequences for his reputation as a jockey. We also dismiss any suggestion that betting or betting patterns formed a motivation for the fall. In conclusion, the report said: The IHRB complaint of deliberate conduct on the part of the jockey is not made out. We are of opinion that what occurred on this occasion was an example of poor horsemanship on the part of the jockey, consistent with his pre-existing poor falls record. In our opinion on the occasion in question the jockeys position of instability stemmed from an exuberant jump by the horse, resulting in the loss of both irons consecutively. His effort to remain on board by holding onto the reins and neck strap was unsuccessful. Byrnes father and trainer Charles was charged over the following statement given to the Irish Field as it could have undermined the investigation: Its a sad day if the Turf Club has to hold an investigation to please the faceless people on social media. We will answer any questions they have. We have nothing to answer to. This charge was also dismissed. A clear majority of Americans say they do not trust the Trump administrations explanation for the fatal shooting of Minneapolis nurse Alex Pretti. A new Quinnipiac University poll reveals deep public skepticism over the shooting, which has been ruled a homicide by a medical examiner in Minnesota, and, along with the circumstances around the fatal shooting of the mother of three, Renee Good, adds further pressure for an independent investigation. Sixtyone percent of registered voters say the administration has not given an honest account of the incident, while just 25 percent believe it has. The divide is sharply partisan, with 93 per cent of Democrats and 65 per cent of independents saying they don't trust the Trump administrations version of events, compared with 60 per cent of Republicans who say they do. Thousands of protesters marched through Minneapolis in the wake of the shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti (Getty Images) The shooting, carried out by federal agents more than a week ago, has triggered widespread outrage and calls for accountability. Eight out of ten voters say an independent investigation is necessary to determine what happened. We need more facts and an independent investigation is the way to get them, say voters who cast doubt on the honesty of the account of how Alex Pretti ended up dead on a Minneapolis street, Quinnipiac polling analyst Tim Malloy said. The poll also found that 78 per cent of voters have seen a video of the shooting, which shows the moment Pretti was killed. Sixtytwo per cent said the shooting was not justified, while 22 per cent said they believe it was. The fallout has extended to the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees the federal agents involved, with 59 per cent of voters saying the recent shootings in Minneapolis reflect broader problems within the agency, not isolated incidents. Meanwhile, public approval of ICEs enforcement of immigration laws has also dropped to 34 percent, down from 40 percent in midJanuary. A majority 60 percent now say ICE should withdraw from Minneapolis entirely. The poll reveals considerable dissatisfaction with DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, with 58 per cent of voters saying she should be removed from her post. Just 34 per cent said she should remain. A photo of Alex Pretti is displayed during a vigil in New York (Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) Its a strong noconfidence vote for the beleaguered top cop at Homeland Security, Malloy said, adding that her "job performance is considered dismal enough by voters that she should be let go. Following Pretti's shooting, Noem was asked to clarify if Pretti had brandished a gun and claimed agents fired "defensive shots" while trying to disarm Pretti. "They responded according to their training, and took action to defend the officer's life and those of the public around him. And, I don't know of any peaceful protester that shows up with a gun and ammunition rather than a sign," she said. But Minnesota Governor Tim Walz said the Trump administration's version of what occurred was "nonsense" and "lies". The Quinnipiac poll underscores the mounting national pressure on the administration, which is coming not just from Democratic quarters but also from Republican critics of Trump's heavy-handed crackdown on illegal immigration in various parts of the country. Over the weekend, Oklahoma's Republican governor, Kevin Stitt, suggested it may not be Trump himself but his advisors who are to blame, telling CNN, He is a dealmaker, and hes getting bad advice right now. Polling showed that a majority of voters believe DHS Secretary Kristi Noem should be out of a job (AFP via Getty Images) The National Rifle Association has also called for an investigation into the killing of Pretti. "Responsible public voices should be awaiting a full investigation, not making generalisations and demonising law-abiding citizens," the NRA said in a statement. Senator David McCormick, a Republican from Pennsylvania, also carefully sought to turn down the dial on the tensions in Minneapolis, saying, "I also agree with the NRA and others we need a full investigation into the tragedy in Minneapolis. We need all the facts." A Trumpcritical Republican group, the Reagan Caucus, last week condemned what it called the administrations paramilitary use of ICE following the Pretti shooting. The group, which has backed some of Trumps foreignpolicy moves, said the domestic lawenforcement operation represented federal overreach. Time reported that support for abolishing ICE is now "surging among Republicans", and highlighted a YouGov poll taken on the day of Prettis shooting, which showed 19 per cent of Republicans and 48 per cent of American adults across the political spectrum supported the abolition of ICE. A Guardian investigation has established the flight was part of a secretive US government operation to deport Palestinians arrested by ICE. Composite: Guardian Design/Getty (Composite: Guardian Design/Getty) On the morning of 21 January, Israeli authorities left eight Palestinian men at a West Bank checkpoint. Disoriented and cold, they were dressed in prison-issued tracksuits and carried their few belongings in plastic bags. Hours earlier, they had been sitting with their wrists and ankles shackled on the plush leather seats of a private jet owned by the Florida property tycoon Gil Dezer, a longtime business partner of Donald Trump. Dezer is also a Trump donor, friend of Donald Trump Jr and member of the Miami branch of Friends of the Israel Defense Forces. His sleek Gulfstream jet which he has called my little rocket ship was used to transport the men from an airport near a notorious removal centre in Arizona to Tel Aviv. The jet made three refuelling stops en route: in New Jersey, Ireland and Bulgaria. A Guardian investigation has established the flight was part of a secretive and politically sensitive US government operation to deport Palestinians arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to the Israeli-occupied West Bank. One of those deported on the January flight was Maher Awad, a 24-year-old originally from the West Bank, who had lived in the US for nearly a decade. Speaking to the Guardian in the town of Rammun, Maher shared photos of his girlfriend and newborn son in Michigan. Awad is one of several men onboard two recent flights who have been identified by the Guardian and the Israeli-Palestinian publication +972 Magazine. I grew up in America, he said. America was heaven for me. On Monday this week, Dezers 16-passenger luxury jet was used a second time to transport another group of Palestinian deportees. They landed at Tel Avivs Ben Gurion airport and also appear to have been taken to the West Bank. Former US officials and immigration lawyers said the flights and Israels assistance in returning Palestinians to the occupied territory marked a shift in policy driven by the Trump administrations aggressive mass deportation campaign. A photograph published by the Israeli newspaper Haaretz, which first reported the January flight, shows the men were met at Ben Gurion airport by a huddle of Israeli security personnel. From there, according to Awad, armed guards took them to a checkpoint near the West Bank village of Nilin. They dropped us off like animals on the side of the road, Awad said. We went to a local house, we knocked on the door, we were like: Please help us out. Mohammad Kanaan, a university professor whose house is near to the checkpoint, recalled the moment Awad appeared in the village. Kanaan, who was wearing a red keffiyeh scarf to protect from the cold wind, took a selfie with the men. I was shocked to see them walking towards my house and the village. The Israeli army usually doesnt release prisoners at this checkpoint, he said. They stayed at my place for only two hours. During that time, we fed them. They called their families who either came to pick them up or arranged transportation for them. He added: They did not have any contact with their families for a long time. Their families considered them missing. I was at his wedding. He was at my wedding The tail of the private jet used by ICE to deport the Palestinian carries the logo of Dezer Development, a real estate company established by the Israeli-American developer Michael Dezer and today run by Gil Dezer, his son. The Dezers first partnered with Trump in the early 2000s and have since built six Trump-branded residential towers in Miami. Together, father and son have made more than $1.3m in donations to support his presidential campaigns, filings show. Gil Dezer is an influential figure in Miamis luxury property scene. At his extravagant 50th birthday party last year, attended by celebrities including the rapper Future, performers dressed as Trump mingled with guests. Previously, Gil Dezer also attended Donald Trump Jrs 30th birthday party. In a recent interview Dezer spoke of his love for Trump. Ive known him now for twentysomething years. I was at his wedding. He was at my wedding. Were good friends. Very proud that hes in the office. Very proud of the job hes doing. Dezers aircraft, which he has described as my favourite toy, was chartered by ICE through Journey Aviation, a Florida-based company (which declined to comment on the flights to Israel). Public records show Journey is frequently contracted by US agencies to charter private jets. According to Human Rights First (HRF), which tracks deportation flights, Dezers jet made four removal flights to Kenya, Liberia, Guinea and, as previously reported by Zeteo, Eswatini starting last October, before its two recent trips to Israel. In an email, Dezer told the Guardian he was never privy to the names of those who travelled onboard his jet when it was privately chartered by Journey, or the purpose of the flight. The only thing Im notified about is the dates of use, he said. He did not respond to further questions about the use of his jet by the Trump administration to deport Palestinians through Israel. US officials did not answer questions about the cost of the two recent flights to Israel but, according to ICE, chartered flight costs have ranged between nearly $7,000 and more than $26,000 per flight hour in the past. Aviation industry sources estimated the flights to and from Israel would have cost ICE between $400,000 and $500,000. Savi Arvey, HRFs director of research and analysis for refugee and immigrant rights, said Dezers jet was part of an opaque system of private aircraft facilitating a mass deportation campaign that has blatantly disregarded due process, separated families, and is operated without any accountability. Flown across the world in shackles Aircraft tracking data shows that both the 21 January and 1 February flights to Israel made refuelling stops at Shannon airport in Ireland and at Sofia airport in Bulgaria. Those stops may raise questions for the authorities in those countries about the legal status of the passengers transited through their territory. The eight Palestinians had their ankles shackled on the 21 January flight, according to Awad and another man onboard, Sameer Isam Aziz Zeidan, a 47-year-old grocery worker. Awad said he was forced to wear a body restraint, with his wrists handcuffed to his stomach. Both men said the restraints made it difficult to eat, requiring them to bend their heads forward to put food in their mouths. In an interview, Zeidans uncle said he had left the West Bank for the US in the early 2000s and, until he was deported, lived in Louisiana with his wife and five children. He said Zeidan, who served time in prison about a decade ago and failed to renew his green card, was detained by ICE more than a year ago. Now he cannot go back to the [United] States. His whole family is there, he said. Like Zeidan, Awad has family in the US, including a four-month-old son whom hes never met as he was born while Awad was in ICE detention. Awad said he was 15 when he left the West Bank and travelled alone to the US on a tourist visa, joining siblings and extended family. He went to high school in Michigan and later worked at the familys various businesses including a popular shawarma shop in Kalamazoo as well as selling cars. He said he obtained a US social security number, paid taxes, and got a driving licence. He met and moved in with an American woman he planned to marry. Everything I know, everything I experienced was in the United States, he said. They had only recently learned they were expecting a child when Awad called the police in February 2025 to report a break-in at their home. When the officers showed up, they apparently arrested Awad in relation to a domestic violence charge from the previous year. Awad was detained for two days. When he was released from the local jail, ICE agents were waiting for him outside. The charge was later dropped, but he spent the next year being shuffled between immigration detention centres across the country, including in Michigan, Texas and Louisiana. Readjusting to life in the West Bank, where military and settler violence has soared in recent years, Awad has been spending his days making video calls to his partner, Sandra McMyler, and their baby. He said when Israeli soldiers stopped him at a checkpoint recently, all he had to show was his Michigan drivers licence. His life, he said, was in the US. I dont want to be here. Im looking forward to going back as soon as possible. In Michigan, McMyler told the Guardian she was struggling without Awad and missed his cooking and the way he made every day feel like it was her birthday. He wants to be able to help me take care of his baby. He wants to hold him, kiss him, talk to him, everything, she said. I want my family back together. A spokesperson for the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) did not answer questions about the deportation flights to Israel, but said: If a judge finds an illegal alien has no right to be in this country, we are going to remove them. Period. The US Department of State declined to comment beyond saying it coordinates closely with DHS on efforts to repatriate illegal aliens. Both Israels foreign ministry and prison service declined to comment on their involvement in the operation. The +972 Magazine journalists Ghousoon Bisharat, Ben Reiff and Alaa Salama contributed to this article. Beyond the headlines: Inside stories from the Guardians investigations team. On Monday 16 March, join the Guardians investigations team, Paul Lewis, Sirin Kale, Lucy Osborne, David Conn and Harry Davies, for a deep dive into the stories behind some of the Guardians biggest headlines. Book tickets here This article was amended on 8 February 2026 to include reference to reporting by Zeteo that linked an ICE deportation flight to Eswatini with the Dezer-owned jet. David Tennant declares war in a first-look trailer for the highly-anticipated second season of Rivals. In a teaser trailer released by Disney+, the release date for the second series has been confirmed as May 15, with Tennant at the centre of the drama as TV mogul Lord Tony Baddingham. The preview kicks off with the Doctor Who star, 54, striding out of a helicopter and saying: Sorry Im late, darling. Ive had a terrible headache. It comes as last season ended on a tense cliff-hanger, leaving viewers wondering what happened to Lord Baddingham after Cameron Cooke (Nafessa Williams) hit him over the head to stop him from attacking her, and left him laying motionless in a pool of his own blood. The preview shows Tennant stepping back into the role of his ruthless character, who is later seen in the Corinium Television offices, telling his employees: We are at war. The trailer also sees EastEnders actor Danny Dyer return as businessman Freddie Jones, who says: Its a bloody circus. His character is also seen looking cosy with love interest Lizzie Vereker (Katherine Parkinson) while lothario Rupert Campbell-Black, played by Alex Hassell, is getting close with Bella Maclean as Taggie OHara. Meanwhile, Irish actor Aidan Turner who plays journalist Declan OHara can be heard saying: Its entertaining. In the most delightful way. Mony Mony by Billy Idol plays throughout the trailer as viewers get a glimpse into the upcoming drama. Alex Hassell and Bella Maclean return in series two (Disney+/PA) The new season will also see a string of guest stars, including Agent Carter actress Hayley Atwell and My Policeman star Rupert Everett. Set in the 1980s, with the backdrop of the Cotswolds countryside, the award-winning drama follows the high-stakes world of British television as careers, marriages and reputations hang by a thread when professional and personal lives collide. Based on the best-selling novel by Dame Jilly Cooper, the second series will see Lord Baddingham ready to stop at nothing to keep his TV company Coriniums empire unrivalled. Last month, a memorial service was held for Dame Jilly, who died unexpectedly in October, aged 88, after suffering injuries from a fall. The second series of Rivals will consist of 12 episodes and the hit show will return to Disney+ on May 15. Monthlong Initiative Launches as Part of Ongoing Collaboration Between Leading Pet Wellness and Yoga Franchises PHOENIX, Feb. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- As pet parents increasingly prioritize wellness for both themselves and their dogs, Dogtopia, the nation's leading pet wellness franchise, and YogaSix, a leading franchised yoga brand in the United States, are teaming up this February to make healthy routines easier to maintain. The brands' new "Paws and Poses" initiative connects movement, mindfulness, and trusted dog care so pet parents can focus on their own well-being while their dogs stay active and engaged. "Paws and Poses" brings together time on the yoga mat with trusted dog daycare and enrichment to reduce stress, build consistency, and support physical and emotional well-being for both people and dogs. Throughout the month, participating locations will offer cross-promotions and local experiences that help pet parents fit self-care and a little downward dog into their schedules, while their dogs enjoy social play, activity and attentive care. The February initiative is part of a broader Dogtopia x YogaSix collaboration in 2026, spotlighting the role routine, community and intentional care play in supporting the mental and physical well-being of both pet parents and their dogs. The partnership launched last month with national digital promotions and collaborative social media moments, with additional consumer-focused activations planned in the months ahead, including a National Puppy Day celebration in March. "Dogs thrive when they are active, social, and engaged, and that positive energy and purpose carries over to their families," said Neil Gill, President of Dogtopia. "Paws and Poses gives dog parents peace of mind to focus on their own well-being, knowing their dogs are also getting the structure, activity, and enrichment they need." "Consistency matters when it comes to wellness, especially for pet parents balancing busy schedules," said Hillary Sherman, President of YogaSix. "This partnership brings movement and community together in a way that fits naturally into daily routines." "Paws and Poses" will take place at select Dogtopia and YogaSix locations nationwide. Experiences and offers may vary by location. For more information about the Dogtopia x YogaSix partnership and Paws and Poses, visit https://www.dogtopia.com/partner-promo/yogasix/. About Dogtopia Founded in 2002, Dogtopia is an early pioneer and innovator in the dog daycare industry, offering an experience focused on wellness, quality of care, safety, and transparency in the market. The ultimate destination for improving the physical and mental wellbeing of dogs and pet parents, Dogtopia helps our furry friends live long, healthy, and happy lives with services that holistically address canine wellness. Pet parents have the assurance of leaving their beloved furry family members in the hands of trained professionals in an environment created with the safety of dogs in mind, including spacious playrooms assigned by size and play style, comfortable rubber flooring to reduce the impact on joints and paws, and webcams for pet parents to check in on their pups. For more information, visit www.dogtopia.com. About YogaSix Founded in 2012, YogaSix is the largest franchised yoga brand in the United States that offers a broad range of heated and non-heated yoga classes, strength-building and cardio-boosting fitness classes, and restorative yoga classes accessible to all. YogaSix has six Signature class formats, including Y6 101, Y6 Restore, Y6 Slow Flow, Y6 Signature Hot and Warm, Y6 Power Flow, and Y6 Sculpt & Flow, plus three Specialty Classes: Y6 Mix, Y6 TRX, and the new Y6 Mobility. Classes at YogaSix eliminate the intimidation factor that many people feel when trying yoga for the first time, offering a fresh perspective on one of the world's oldest fitness practices. Ranked in Entrepreneur Magazine's Franchise 500 four years running, and Fastest-Growing Franchises and Top New Franchises two years running, YogaSix is headquartered in Irvine, California, and part of the Xponential Fitness family of brands, a leading curator of boutique health and wellness brands. To learn more about YogaSix, visit www.yogasix.com. Media Contact: Ashlyn Pinkowski, Fishman Public Relations, [email protected] SOURCE Dogtopia The Royal Academy of Arts first female president has said it is an honour to be given the Freedom of the City of London. British abstract artist Rebecca Salter has been recognised for her outstanding contribution to the arts and contemporary art, according to the City of London Corporation. Salter has exhibited internationally and her work can be found in numerous public and private collections, including at the Tate, British Museum, Victoria & Albert Museum, and Yale Centre For British Art in the US. She became the Royal Academys first female president in its more than 250-year history when she was elected in 2019. Abstract artist Rebecca Salter received the Freedom of the City of London (Lucy North/PA) (Lucy North) Speaking after being awarded the Freedom Of The City at a ceremony at the Guildhall Art Gallery, she said: It is an honour to have been granted the Freedom of this great City of London. I am delighted to accept, both as an artist and as president of the Royal Academy of Arts. In uncertain and difficult times, the arts play an increasingly vital role in developing our ability to understand ourselves and others. I hope to continue to build links between the Royal Academy and the City of London, so that we can work together to ensure that generations to come are able to explore the many riches that flow from engagement with the arts in all of their forms. Salter studied ceramics at Bristol Polytechnic before receiving a Leverhulme Scholarship to Kyoto City University of the Arts in Japan, where she explored traditional Japanese techniques. Her time in Japan reshaped the course of her artistic career, informing her minimalist, multimedia practice and leading to the publication of two books on Japanese printmaking, Salter became a Royal Academician in 2014 and in 2017 she was elected Keeper of the Royal Academy with the responsibility of guiding the Royal Academy Schools. City of London Corporation policy chairman Chris Hayward said: As the policy chairman of one of the UKs major funders of arts and culture, I am very pleased to offer my congratulations to Rebecca Salter on her Freedom. Salter is the first female president of the Royal Academy of Art (Lucy North/PA) (Lucy North) I hope that Rebecca will have happy memories of her ceremony for many years to come, not least for this well-deserved recognition of all that she has achieved. Recorder of London Judge Mark Lucraft said: Over the course of a career spanning nearly five decades, Rebecca Salter has revelled in the freedom to explore different media and techniques, which has enabled her to produce so much beautiful work and gain a loyal following. It is a particular privilege to pay tribute to Rebeccas remarkable talents as an artist and her leadership of one of the UKs most prestigious cultural institutions. The City of London Corporation is one of the largest funders of arts, cultural and heritage activities in the UK, investing more than 130 million every year. It manages a range of world-class cultural and heritage institutions, including the Barbican Centre, Tower Bridge, Guildhall School of Music & Drama, Guildhall Library, and Guildhall Art Gallery. One of the City of Londons ancient traditions, the Freedom is believed to have begun in 1237 and enabled recipients to carry out their trade. Other recent recipients include Oscar-winning actress Cate Blanchett, choreographer Sir Matthew Bourne and former professional heavyweight boxer Frank Bruno. Concerns that plans to restrict rules around salary sacrifice schemes for pensions could hit workers on only modest incomes have been raised, following the publication of analysis. From April 2029, salary-sacrificed pension contributions above an annual 2,000 threshold will no longer be exempt from national insurance contributions (NICs). Employers may offer salary sacrifice as part of their pension scheme as a tax-efficient way to help workers boost their pots. The schemes enable people to maintain their take-home pay, as people end up paying lower national insurance contributions. The changes, announced in the budget, mean salary-sacrificed pension contributions above 2,000 will be treated as ordinary employee pension contributions in the tax system and will be subject to employer and employee national insurance contributions. Figures released by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) in December indicated around 3.3 million pension savers were directly on course to be hit. HMRC has said an estimated 7.7 million employees use salary sacrifice to make pension contributions and of these, 3.3 million sacrifice more than 2,000 of salary or bonuses. On Thursday, Sir Steve Webb, a former Liberal Democrat pensions minister, highlighted a new document published by the the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR), which he said indicated that many workers sacrificing less than 2,000 could also lose out. The changes were announced in the budget (Frank Augstein/PA) (Frank Augstein) The OBR document said that the behavioural response to the measure was highly uncertain, given the various channels through which employers and employees can respond. Sir Steve, who is now a partner at consultants LCP (Lane Clark & Peacock), said: Far from ordinary workers being protected from the changes, we could see millions of people on modest incomes losing out as well, further undermining their incentive to save in a pension. We urgently need the Government to be clear about the true scale of the losses from this policy. Sir Steve highlighted concerns that some workers who pay less than 2,000 could lose because of lower future pay rises or a lower contractual salary. The OBR document said that: Employers could look to formalise salary sacrifice arrangements to replicate the tax benefits of salary sacrifice by increasing contributions in place of wage growth or lowering contractual salary in exchange for higher employer contributions. The document highlighted pass through, with an assumption that a portion of some of the cost to employers would be passed on. This could be through how they paid pension contributions, salaries, or bonuses, for example. Some employers could end salary sacrifice schemes, which would affect the workforce generally. Sir Steve said: The budget change to salary sacrifice rules around pensions was a huge measure which will cause employers to rethink their pay and pensions policies. The independent OBR shows very clearly that there are a range of ways in which employers will respond which will affect the wider workforce and not just those contributing over 2,000 via salary sacrifice. Daniel Gallon, head of taxation at the Association of British Insurers said: The OBRs analysis shows the impact of the salary sacrifice changes could reach far more people than expected, and its vital the Government looks closely at how employers and employees across all income levels may feel the effects. A survey we ran with Reba (the Reward and Employee Benefits Association) found that 99% of businesses expect to be impacted by the cap, with many bracing for more admin, reduced benefits, and pressure on pension contributions. Taken together, its a clear warning sign that continued tinkering with the tax system risks opening the door to a new era of undersaving we cant afford to ignore. A Treasury spokesperson said: This isnt new information the costing note published at budget included the behavioural impacts of the measure. Our reforms protect 95% of workers earning under 30,000 who use salary sacrifice, while tackling costs that were set to treble to 8 billion as high earners piled in bonuses tax free. Today show star Savannah Guthrie and her siblings have demanded that anyone holding her mother, Nancy Guthrie, provide proof of life in a heartbreaking new video. We, too, have heard reports about a ransom letter in the media. As a family, we are doing everything that we can. We are ready to talk, a visibly emotional Savannah said in the video posted to Instagram Wednesday night. However, we live in a world where voices and images are easily manipulated. We need to know, without a doubt, that she is alive and that you have her. Nancy vanished from her home in the Catalina Foothills, just outside of Tucson, Arizona, Saturday night. Local authorities believe she was abducted while she slept. Multiple news outlets have reported receiving ransom notes for Nancy, but police are yet to confirm their authenticity. TMZ and Arizona station KGUN 9 reported that the notes demanded millions of dollars in Bitcoin for her safe return. Savannah Guthrie and her siblings have pleaded that anyone holding her mother, Nancy Guthrie, provide proof of life in a heartbreaking new video (Savannah Guthrie via Instagram) Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said Tuesday his office is aware of reports about possible ransom note(s), and it is taking all tips and leads very seriously. Savannah was joined in the video by her sister Annie and brother Camron. The Today show co-anchor thanked everyone again for their prayers during this extremely difficult time and spoke highly of her mother. Our mom is a kind, faithful, loyal, fiercely loving woman of goodness and light. Shes funny and spunky and clever, Savannah said. Nancy vanished from her Arizona home Saturday night and local authorities believe she was abducted (Pima County Sheriff's Department) Annie said, The light is missing from our lives, adding that the siblings are just normal human people who need our mom. Savannahs dad, Charles, died of a heart attack when she was a teenager, according to reports. In her plea, Savannah mentioned her concern for mom Nancys health. She is 84 years old. Her health, her heart is fragile. She lives in constant pain. She is without any medicine. She needs it to survive. She needs it not to suffer, Savannah said. Multiple news outlets have reported receiving ransom notes for Nancy, but police are yet to confirm their authenticity (Instagram/@savannahguthrie) The Today show star urged whoever was holding Nancy to Please, reach out to us. We love you, mom. Stay strong, Camron said. Sheriff Nanos warned days ago that if Nancy does not take her medication within 24 hours, it could be fatal. He said Nancy is very limited in mobility. We know she didnt just walk out there. But he added she is of great sound and mind, this is not dementia related. Scotland risks being left behind in the world unless the Government urgently ends its opposition to nuclear energy, a coalition of businesses and campaign groups has warned. Scotland for Nuclear Energy, launched by campaign groups Nuclear for Scotland and Britain Remade, said Scotland could miss out on jobs and economic growth as other countries invest in new nuclear technology. While energy is reserved to Westminster, powers over planning has given the SNP an effective veto over nuclear energy something the party has long opposed but which is backed by Labour and the Tories. Scotland for Nuclear Energy claimed the country could build on its nuclear heritage to install new nuclear reactors in a move it said would complement, rather than compete with, renewable energy. Nuclear energy could complement renewable energy, Scotland for Nuclear Energy said (Owen Humphreys/PA) (Owen Humphreys) Sam Richards, chief executive officer of Britain Remade, said: Scotland has done brilliantly with renewables, but the wind doesnt always blow when we need it. Nuclear is clean, reliable baseload power that keeps the lights on, stabilises bills and attracts huge investment. At a time when countries across Europe are embracing nuclear as a safe, clean and reliable part of the energy mix, the Scottish Governments refusal to even consider it is deeply irresponsible. They should drop their outdated opposition to nuclear power. If they dont, it will be the people of Scotland that miss out. The group said while Scotland still has four registered nuclear sites, only one Torness nuclear plant is operation and generating power, providing what it described as clean power to two million homes. It pointed to polling which shows majority support for nuclear energy. Trudy Morris, chief executive of North Highland Chamber of Commerce, also backed the campaign. She said: Here in the north Highlands, we have lived the reality of nuclear energy for decades and the transformative impact of NRS Dounreay on our economy, skills base and communities is impossible to ignore. It has supported thousands of high-value jobs, invested in our supply chains and created expertise that continues to benefit the region. The chamber supports a mixed energy economy. Renewables are central to Scotlands future but they work best alongside clean, reliable baseload power. With the highest safety standards, nuclear can complement renewables, strengthen energy security, cut emissions and ensure communities like ours continue to share in the economic benefits. The Scottish Campaign to Resist the Atomic Menace said nuclear energy was a distraction. Pete Roche, spokesman for the group, said: As renewable energy-rich Scotland heads towards an election, it is all too predictable that nuclear lobbyists are again arguing that Scotland needs new nuclear power stations. They misleadingly present them as cheap, clean and green yet this is as far from the truth as it was 70 years ago when it was promised that nuclear energy would be too cheap to meter. Opponents say nuclear energy is neither clean nor green in the way renewable energy is (Daniel Leal-Olivas/PA) (Daniel Leal-Olivas) An energy system built around renewables is already happening. Meeting all our needs this way is not just possible but its quicker and cheaper without the costly distraction of new nuclear. Low-cost renewable energy combined with storage, flexible power to balance the grid and smart local energy systems will make the best use of our incredible renewable resources and engineering know-how. Why dilute that by backing eye-wateringly expensive nuclear power stations? In response, Energy Secretary Gillian Martin said: The Scottish Government does not support the creation of new nuclear reactors in Scotland. New nuclear would be incredibly expensive and the levy placed on energy bills to pay for nuclear reactors will cost Scottish electricity bill payers 300 million over the next decade. Nuclear reactors also produce a legacy of dangerous radioactive waste. A flexible, renewablesled system supported by storage, hydrogen, and grid investment can deliver reliability without the issues associated with new nuclear. She continued: Instead, we are focused on supporting the development of Scotlands immense renewable energy potential which provide more jobs, are faster to deliver, are safer, and more cost effective than the creation of new nuclear reactors. Significant growth in renewables is providing key opportunities for our future energy workforce in Scotland, with independent scenarios from Ernst and Young (EY) showing that with the right support, Scotlands low carbon and renewable energy sector could support nearly 80,000 jobs by 2050. Ukraine and Russia concluded a second day of US-led talks in Abu Dhabi on Thursday without a breakthrough towards ending Europes most deadly conflict since the second world war. The two sides agreed to a reciprocal exchange of 157 prisoners of war each, offering a rare concrete outcome from the discussions. But Steve Witkoff, Donald Trumps special envoy involved in the talks, cautioned that significant work remains in the weeks ahead, dampening expectations of any swift move towards peace. Even so, the meetings marked the most substantive engagement between senior delegations from Kyiv and Moscow in months, pointing to a tentative, if uncertain, revival of diplomatic efforts nearly four years into the war. Thursdays meeting, which lasted three hours, followed a round of trilateral negotiations on Wednesday that ran for about five and a half hours. Kyrylo Budanov, the head of Ukraines presidential office, said the trilateral negotiations had been genuinely constructive, thanking the US and the United Arab Emirates for their role in mediating the talks. Russias representative, Kirill Dmitriev, similarly struck a positive note, saying there had been progress and forward movement in discussions on ending the war. Ukraines president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, later said the peace talks would continue in the near future. Both sides sent senior military and intelligence officials to Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, signalling a more serious approach than during previous rounds when Moscow dispatched lower-level delegations. For the first time in a very long time, technical military teams from Ukraine and Russia are meeting in a format in which we are also participating, the US secretary of state, Marco Rubio, said on Wednesday. Progress is unlikely to become clear, even with information leaks, until a genuine breakthrough is achieved. Our objective is to remain committed to this process, Rubio added. Despite the more positive tone, the prospects for a viable peace settlement remain uncertain, with Moscow continuing to push maximalist territorial demands. The Kremlin has repeatedly insisted that any agreement must include Ukraine first ceding the entire eastern Donbas region, including areas still under Ukrainian control. Ukrainian officials have rejected those terms, arguing instead for a ceasefire along the current frontline and ruling out any unilateral withdrawal of their forces from eastern Ukraine, where a chain of heavily fortified cities forms one of Kyivs strongest defensive lines. A central question remains whether Vladimir Putin is willing to compromise. The Russian president has repeatedly claimed Russia is winning the war and signalled he was prepared to prolong the fighting unless Ukraine accepted Moscows draconian terms, which have also included a cap on Ukraines military and a ban on western troops on its territory. Hampered by freezing temperatures and stiff Ukrainian resistance, Moscows advances on the battlefield this year have slowed markedly compared with the end of last year. Russian forces have nonetheless continued a campaign of sustained strikes on Ukraines energy infrastructure, plunging large parts of the country into prolonged blackouts and deepening the humanitarian toll, in what Kyiv and its allies describe as an attempt to sap civilian morale. Its always heartwarming when a dog meets their new family. And when that dog is a senior, this occasion becomes something extra special. Knowing that Harley, the senior Great Dane, deserved nothing less than an extra special welcome to her new family, her loving human mama decided to plan the cutest greeting ever with her (many) adorably rambunctious Dachshund babies. At first, Harley seemed a little unsure about everything. Her expression was very tentative as her new human mama changed Harley into a pair of silk pink pajamas, which just so happened to fabulously match her own. Harley almost seemed to be thinking, I dont know. Are you sure about this? Do you want me? Do I really belong here? Maybe her human mama sensed Harleys trepidation. She decided to assuage Harleys anxiety with a surprise. Related: Great Dane Trying to Play With Smaller Pet Siblings Is Breaking Hearts While Harley waited in the hallway, her human mama went into the next room to get some welcome home decorations, as well as all of her new Dachshund siblings, ready to give Harley a very warm, loving welcome. When her human mama finally let Harley into the room, all nine of her new Dachshund siblings were lined up (in matching pink silk pajamas, no less!) to greet her under a big welcome home sign! It was total cuteness overload! Harley The Giant Horse Fits Right in With Her New Family As this other video shows, Harleys human mama had been fostering her prior to her decision to officially welcome this senior Great Dane into her family. At first, she wasnt sure how Harley and her nine energetic Dachshunds would get along. However, any fears that she had were quickly put to rest. Harley and these Dachshunds got along swimmingly! They enjoyed snuggling and cuddling together and taking naps, just as much as they enjoyed running around in the backyard like a couple of maniacs, LOL! In fact, being surrounded by so many younger, energetic dogs actually seemed to have a rejuvenating effect on Harley, helping her reclaim some long-lost puppy energy! Its so wonderful that Harley and these Dachshunds have each other now. While 10 fur babies might seem like a lot to keep up with, we think that their human mama is more than up to the task, and as these videos show, she absolutely loves all the adorable chaos that her fur children create, LOL! SIGN UP to get pawsitivity delivered right to your inbox with inspiring & entertaining stories about our furry & feathered friends This story was originally published by PetHelpful on Feb 4, 2026, where it first appeared in the Pet News section. Add PetHelpful as a Preferred Source by clicking here. Caroline Hirons has built a beauty empire from the ground up, sharing her no-nonsense approach to skincare with the world. (Photo illustration: Yahoo Life UK; photo: Getty Images) If Caroline Hirons isn't on your radar, she should be. Dubbed the UK's 'queen of skincare', she's built an impressive empire. Hirons began blogging in 2010 at the age of 40, never imagining that what started as honest product recommendations would grow into television appearances, a devoted global following, two bestselling beauty books, and a skincare brand, Skin Rocks. Her influence is so great that she can make or break a product, including allegedly preventing a Clinique product Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm from being discontinued. Hirons has built her reputation on saying exactly what she thinks she's dragged Gwyneth Paltrow over the coals for her incorrect suncream application and called on Boris Johnson to reopen beauty clinics during the pandemic. Her no-nonsense honesty about beauty products has earned her fierce loyalty, but it also means she has little time for fleeting skincare fads. "I'd much rather make solid, science-backed skincare that helps people have better skin. That's the goal," she tells me as part of Yahoo's Unapologetically series. Engulfed in a world of beauty, it might come as a surprise that Hirons has never been afraid of ageing. In fact, the mother of four and grandmother of two says the confidence she feels now, at 56, is "almost scary". "This is why people describe older women as 'fierce,'" Hirons says. "You just think, 'F*** it, what's the worst that can happen?' I'm no longer worried about upsetting people if anything, they need to be careful about upsetting me." Despite continuing to hit career milestones, Hirons admits it's "a miracle I still have a career" after more than a decade online particularly after documenting perimenopause so publicly. Now on the other side, she feels, in her words, "unstoppable." "If I'd felt like this as a teenager or in my 20s, I'd have burned out by 30," she shares. "My message to anyone going through post-menopause is this: when you come out the other side, life is golden. It's so different. No periods, no pregnancy worries, no hormonal chaos. I've never felt more comfortable in my own skin." Unapologetically is dedicated to conversations with women who continue to evolve in the public eye. How do you live unapologetically? The truth is, I've never really thought about it I just do. As I've gotten older, I don't feel like I should ever apologise for taking up space. Why would I? I think a lot of women still do right down to things like manspreading on the tube. If I'm walking down the pavement and a man's coming towards me, he can move; I'm not going to. Why would I move? That said, there's more fear around being outspoken now. Let's not beat around the bush; being too outspoken can provoke a very negative, sometimes dangerous response. I'm not stupid about it, but I have the confidence to be myself. Why wouldnt I? Everyone else is. 'I don't feel like I should ever apologise for taking up space,' Caroline Hirons says. (Caroline Hirons/Skin Rocks) What have you learned about yourself in your 50s? The amount of confidence you have as you get older is almost scary. My mum passed away in 2023. When she died, it felt untethering, but also untethering in a certain freedom. Her passing took away the last person who could tell me off, the last person whose approval I sought. She didn't read my stuff online, but she hated swearing. I'd think, "Mum wouldn't like that." Now, that voice is gone. I talk about my deathbed people and it's not morbid. As long as you have a great relationship with your deathbed people, no one else matters. My children, my grandchildren, my brother, my nephew, that's it. My immediate blood family. If they thought I was a s***** mum and I didn't have a relationship with them, I would be devastated. But anyone else's opinion of me is none of my business. At 56, skincare expert Caroline Hirons is more confident than she ever has been before. (Dave Benett via Getty Images) Ageing, menopause and hormonal change are still oddly taboo. How have those experiences impacted you? I had a horrible perimenopause. It's honestly a miracle I have a career because I went through it online. I'm 56 years old, I've had an online presence since I was 40, so I went through perimenopause on Instagram, on my blog and on YouTube. You can literally see the changes in my body and mood. When I used to do vlogs, people used to comment that I was always complaining about being tired. I watched it back, and I was. That's what led me to HRT, because no one was talking about menopause back then. I didn't get my HRT sorted until I was 50, when my periods ended, and honestly, it should be called the Golden Age for women. You could not pay me to be in my 20s and 30s again. The 40s were great, 50s are excellent. Don't get me wrong, I have a creaky hip, I've got two arthritic fingers, but that's from the work that I do. That's ageing. It's going to happen to all of us. I just try and take care of myself. Caroline Hirons' definition of beauty is now more character-driven, rather than looks-driven. (Dave Benett via Getty Images) Women face enormous pressure around body image and weight. You've spoken openly about losing weight and taking Mounjaro. What led you to that decision? I lost the weight first. My mum died, and she was so frail, and it really triggered me. I vividly remember looking after her and bathing her at the end, and thinking, "I never want this for my kids. I've got to be able to carry my own shopping at my mum's age. I don't want to be this frail." There's no blame on my mum she was dealt the hand she was dealt, she had lupus but I remember bathing her and saying to myself, "I've got to get my s*** together." I joined the gym, and I went three mornings a week at 7am, like clockwork. The weight fell off, I stopped drinking, I fine-lined my HRT [hormone replacement therapy] and I got myself into a position where I felt so good and healthy. Then, 18 months later, I went to the doctor, and she demanded I take winter off, and I slept, I ate, and I recovered differently. The Mounjaro came about because I'd lost about three stone, and my doctor said, "You can run away from your grief, but you can't run away from your genetics." My blood work wasn't changing enough, so she tried me on a low dose of Ozempic, but it made me nauseous, I was sick, I didn't like it. My weight is stabilised now.... I still eat, I love food, I just don't eat as much as I used to, and I still drink, I just don't get drunk. Honestly, if you're perimenopausal, the best thing you can do is give up alcohol. Smoking goes without saying if you're still smoking, you need to be slapped; you're shortening your lifespan. All the research says the same about alcohol during perimenopause, and that was a big wake-up call for me. How has your definition of beauty evolved as you've aged? It's far more character-driven now than looks-driven. You can be outwardly beautiful and still be an absolute n*b. I'd rather be a good person than obsessed with how I look. It's not just "Beauty comes from within," but it kind of does. If you give off horrible energy but you're gorgeous, what's the value? "She's very pretty, but no one wants to deal with her." Who wants that? What products do you recommend that everyone over 50 should use? Retinoids vitamin A because you need something to take your face to the gym. We've recently launched our strongest one, I call it CPR for your skin. You can be on HRT, but there's only so much you can do to replace lost collagen and speed up cell turnover. Retinoids do what your body no longer does for itself. We've numbered our skincare one to five, because after decades in the industry, blogging, and shop-floor experience, I wanted skincare to make sense. Caroline Hirons launched her skincare brand, Skin Rocks, in November 2022. (Dave Benett via Getty Images) Which viral beauty trends can you not stand? All of them. I don't follow any trends... I'm not interested. There are brands that do dupes and they can jump on the trend bandwagon. I think by the time you've done it, the trend has already moved on and you're left with a load of stock. I make people laugh on Instagram live when they say they're doing a 12-step skincare routine I'm like, "How much time do you have on your hands? Buy some house plants." You get to a point where your skin can only absorb so much. Caroline Hirons has often shared her skincare wisdom on This Morning. (Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock) What do you wish men knew about skincare? You need more than one shower gel to wash yourself top to toe. Just taking a shower gel into the shower and washing your hair, your face and your bits with it is not going to do it. I imagine being a mum to four Ben, 34, Dan, 31, Ava, 24, and Max, 21 is both joyous and intense at times. Which stage of parenting have you found the most challenging so far? Teenagers. There's no competition. When you see people online, and they've got newborns obviously, I'm excluding anyone who has a child who's unwell but the average person, they have a baby and then everyone says, "This is the worst part." And I think, "Oh, good God. At least you know where the kid is." When they hit 14, 15, 16, they come home smelling of smoke, [sometimes] they dont come home at all, and you're trying to track them down. Then there are boyfriends, girlfriends, bullying teenagers. When I had a daughter, my mum said, "Hallelujah. Now you're going to know what it's like." And she was right. I found out very quickly. At what age did you have them following a skincare regimen? When the hormones kick in whether they're female or male that's the start.... That's also when you should be talking to them about self-care and skincare is part of that. They don't need a five-step routine at 11, but if they're smelly, its time for a conversation. Your platform extends far beyond beauty you've spoken out on politics, criticised anti-vaxxers, and raised significant funds during lockdown. Have you got any regrets? No. I have friends in the industry who could never speak the way I do because they never have. But I always have. By the time I entered the industry, I was a mum of two and the main breadwinner. Now I'm a mum of four and a grandmother of two, but I've always been me. Nothing's changed. When they say "Social media has changed us", I don't think it has; I think it's exposed us to how some people are, which is hideous. Some people are amazing, empathetic, giving and loving. I choose to focus on the positive. I'm good at clapping back at the negativity when I think it's necessary, but it's rarely about me. It's usually when it's about my team, my kids, or people I don't even know. I'll defend them. I don't know how to be anything other than myself... with me, people know exactly what theyre getting. This has been edited for length and clarity. A sea captain who killed a crew member when his ship crashed into an oil tanker off the East Yorkshire coast has been jailed for six years. Vladimir Motin had been on sole watch duty when the cargo ship Solong collided with the Stena Immaculate anchored near the Humber Estuary at 9.47am on 10 March 2025 leading to a massive explosion. Mark Angelo Pernia, 38, who was working on the bow of the Solong, died instantly in the fire, although his body was never recovered. Mr Pernia had a five-year-old child at the time of the collision but never met his second child, who was born two months after he died. Motin, 59, from St Petersburg in Russia, was found guilty of manslaughter by gross negligence on Monday, after an Old Bailey jury deliberated for eight hours. He was jailed for six years at the same court on Thursday, as Mr Justice Andrew Baker told him: You were a serious accident waiting to happen. Captain Vladimir Motin, 59, was found guilty of manslaughter by gross negligence on Monday (Crown Prosecution Service) At his trial, Motin claimed he knew the Stena Immaculate was up ahead but pressed the wrong button to take the Solong out of autopilot and steer safely away. Motin denied he had been asleep or had left his post on the bridge. The prosecution said that Motin failed to keep a proper watch for a lengthy period of time and then failed to sound the alarm, summon help or warn either crew of the impending disaster. In a victim impact statement read to the court, Mr Pernias widow Leacel said no amount of compensation made up for the pain of her loss and the impact on her young family. In mitigation, James Leonard KC conveyed the defendants shame at what happened, his condolence to Mr Pernias family and his vow never go to sea again. The defence barrister highlighted the experienced mariners blameless previous record, saying: This was truly an aberration of his conduct. CCTV issued by Humberside Police of the collison between Solong and the Stena Immaculate (Humberside Police) Previously, the court heard the Solong, which was 130 metres long and weighed 7,852 gross tonnes, had left Grangemouth in Scotland at 9.05pm on March 9 bound for the port of Rotterdam in Holland. With a 14-strong crew, it was carrying mainly alcoholic spirits and some hazardous substances, including empty but unclean sodium cyanide containers. The Stena Immaculate, with a crew of 23, was 183.2 metres long and was transporting more than 220,000 barrels of JetA1 high-grade aviation fuel from Greece to the UK. With both ships laden with flammable cargo, the danger in the event of a collision was obvious, jurors were told. The prosecution said Motin was responsible for multiple failures in the lead-up to the tragedy and then lied about what took place on the bridge. The Stena Immaculate was visible on the Solongs radar display for 36 minutes before impact, yet Motin did nothing to steer away from the collision course. He failed to summon help, slow down, sound the alarm to alert crews of both ships or instigate a crash stop as a last resort, the court heard. CCTV footage captured the moment both ships were consumed in a massive blaze ignited by leaking fuel from the Stena Immaculate. The shocked crew aboard the US tanker reacted instantly, saying: Holy s**t what just hit us a container ship this is no drill, this is no drill, fire fire fire, we have had a collision. Smoke billows from the MV Solong cargo ship in the North Sea, off the Yorkshire coast on 11 March last year (AP) Jurors heard a lengthy silence from the bridge of the Solong before it crashed into the oil tanker at a speed of 15.2 knots. A full minute elapsed before Motin was heard to react. Motin and the remaining Solong crew abandoned ship and were taken ashore in Grimsby, where the defendant messaged his wife, saying he would be guilty. Jurors heard Motin had switched off the Solongs bridge navigation watch alert system (BNWAS), which was designed to ensure there is someone physically on the bridge and awake. Court artist sketch of Motin from a court appearance via video link in April 2025 (Elizabeth Cook/PA Wire) The prosecution said Motins failures were so exceptionally bad, they amount to gross negligence. Jailing Motin for six years, Mr Justice Andrew Baker said he had shown a blatant disregard for the very high risk of death and fallen prey to his own complacency and arrogance. Mr Pernia was described by colleagues as a friend and had appeared quietly confident, at ease, a man upon whom one might depend, the court heard. His death was wholly avoidable and the blame lay squarely on the defendant, the judge said. Other members of the Solong and Stena Immaculate crew could have died and the crash caused huge destruction of the cargo, he added. The senior judge said Motins account was highly implausible, adding his explanation he did not initiate a crash stop for fear of hitting the accommodation block of the Stena Immaculate was desperate stuff. We needed leadership: Angela Rayner and Wes Streeting are seen as frontrunners to replace Keir Starmer but neither risked a move yesterday. Composite: Getty and PA (Composite: Getty and PA) The most dangerous moment of Keir Starmers premiership came just after lunchtime on Wednesday, when mutiny was the talk of the Commons tea room. Anger is widespread across Labour but it was at its most palpable among the partys new MPs, as the Conservatives used a humble address to force the disclosure of the vetting documents and communications linked to Peter Mandelson, disgraced by his close association with Jeffrey Epstein. At about 2pm yesterday, if someone had pulled the trigger, we would have moved, one 2024 intake MP said on Thursday. No one dared. I think that says a lot. Another new MP said they had contempt for leadership contenders who had not taken their chance. Sometimes in politics, its about leadership. We needed leadership. New MPs feel they are being tarnished by the same kind of sleaze that brought down the Conservatives, when they had believed that the Labour government would end that kind of politics. It was Labour who pioneered the use of humble address to disclose embarrassing private government communications. In the tea room during the debate, it was the first time I have heard people openly discussing candidates and challenges, not caring who heard, one Labour source said. But four MPs from the 2024 intake told the Guardian on Thursday they were beginning to believe that there was no candidate ready or even brave enough to trigger Starmers downfall. If you are not brave enough to be first out of the traps, you dont deserve to be prime minister, one said. Angela Rayners stock is higher after her intervention in the debate that saved the government from defeat over the release of the Mandelson documents. Wes Streeting has the most MPs willing to take a risk and back him. But both, MPs said, have issues that meant they could not make their move on Wednesday. Rayner is waiting for the judgment of HMRC over unpaid stamp duty, the issue which caused her resignation. Streeting, who was at the launch of the NHS cancer plan, was absent at the critical moment and had a close friendship with Mandelson that now looks like a significant liability. Allies of both insisted they had no intention of any move against Starmer. I just cant see the cabinet going when it would topple the government and theres no clear person to take over, another Labour source said. Several MPs on Thursday went public to suggest a change of leadership was needed the leftwing MPs Rachael Maskell, John McDonnell and Barry Gardiner, as well as the Hull East MP Karl Turner, who is angry with Starmers reforms to jury trials. But many once loyalist MPs said that the prime minister was in place now only because of the reluctance of his challengers. One senior MP said: The biggest thing Keir has going for him right now is that theres not an obvious successor. When we do change, there will have to be a bombastic moment so people notice. Starmer was also given an unlikely reprieve by the actions of the Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, who decided to extend the debate on the release of the Peter Mandelson files for another four hours. Many MPs had been expecting to vote in the early afternoon. At that point, it was chaos. Many were likening the atmosphere to the fracking debate that ended Liz Trusss premiership, with MPs in open defiance at the whips. But by 7pm when the vote came anger was beginning to give way to exhaustion. A deal had been struck and the moment of peril was delayed, with the vote passed on the nod, rather than requiring a formal count. MPs credited the interventions not just of Rayner, but of the Treasury select committee chair, Meg Hillier, the victims minister, Jess Phillips, and the leader of the house, Alan Campbell, all of whom saw very early how high the risk of Commons defeat was. Allies of Rayner said she had not been thinking about the leadership or a challenge when she acted and stressed that nothing was possible until her tax investigation was finalised. She just wanted to make sure the government did the right thing, said one. She is not going to be the one denouncing or agitating herself. But several MPs said they had been deeply frustrated at the malaise that appeared to be setting in, including among cabinet ministers. We risked everything to stand for parliament, many of us left very important work or good careers behind, but no one is putting themselves on the line now, one MP said. Rayner was widely praised for her intervention, but several MPs said she would not provide the clean slate they believed was required. I cannot see how the answer is someone who was only recently forced to resign herself, one new MP said. Some said they were now beginning to seriously consider backing the defence minister Al Carns, a former Royal Marine, should he decide to stand. Carns is currently in the Arctic. I dont know if he would be PM but something has to be done to trigger a massive clear out, one MP said. One supportive minister said: We were told the PLP would rebel over Burnham, too, and two days later it was Andy who? Theyre excitable, but sensible really not regicides like the Tories. No 10 sources said there was no prospect of Starmer deciding to resign and said there was solid support from Rachel Reeves, the chancellor, and for the chief of staff Morgan McSweeney, who had been the key adviser who pushed for Mandelsons appointment. Everything depends on what happens this weekend, one said. I cant see Morgan resigning and Keir will stick it out for as long as he can. Even a loss at the byelection in Gorton which some still believe they can win is seen as so priced-in that it may not move the herd. Most likely to trigger a new round of anger is the release of the first tranche of Mandelson documents. Downing Street believes this will vindicate their position that Mandelson lied, but the release could take months and the scope includes personal messages between ministers, advisers and Mandelson. That could include exchanges with leadership hopefuls such as Streeting or Rayner. Many, however, are likely have been routinely deleted by disappearing message WhatsApp settings. The delay has been deeply frustrating for No 10 Starmer had hoped to proactively make the disclosures at prime ministers questions on Wednesday in order to spike the Conservative guns. But the scope of the Conservative motion that was passed is so wide that there is no way to predict what fresh embarrassment will be unleashed which is now out of the control of No 10 and into the hands of the intelligence and security committee. Police officers can find themselves without reliable protection from armed criminals - Rudi Tapper/RFStock When a police officer steps out on patrol at the start of a shift, uncertainty is part of the job. You never quite know what the next call will bring or what you might come across. Being stopped in the street by a member of the public and warned that someone around the corner is armed with a knife or an axe is not unusual. Nor is being sent to confront intruders who are organised, determined, and violent all without a reliable means of defending yourself, never mind the public. To add insult to literal injury, the criminal justice system cannot be relied on to consistently punish those who assault police officers. Recent events have borne this out. In the past week, it has been reported that no one was convicted following a break-in by Palestine Action protesters at an Elbit Systems factory near Bristol in 2024. This was despite a police officer being hit with a sledgehammer, fracturing her spine. This was not a minor scuffle. It was an attack capable of causing life-ending or life-changing injury. We also heard from Ned Donovan, a former special constable who intervened while off duty to apprehend a thief on Westminster Bridge and was violently assaulted. His case sat gathering dust for four months, as the DNA went unprocessed and CCTV images uncirculated. The glacial pace of the investigation and subsequent failings prompted him to pen an open letter to the Metropolitan Police Commissioner, Sir Mark Rowley, laying bare the failings and demanding better. These are not isolated cases: they just happen to be high-profile ones. Even when assaults on police officers do make it to court and defendants are convicted, outcomes are often derisory. I remember the first time I was assaulted as a serving officer. A seasoned colleague advised me not to expect much the going rate for having a crack at a copper was widely understood to be a 50 fine. He was right. Little wonder, given the attitudes of some sentencers. I recall a former magistrate calmly explaining that police officers should expect to be assaulted as part of the job and that punishment risks further criminalising the offender. That attitude is not just wrong; it is dangerous. We shouldnt be surprised that in the UK today a police officer is assaulted roughly every 10 minutes. At the same time, governments have failed to build sufficient prison capacity to allow courts to impose meaningful sentences. Matters are set to worsen further as short custodial sentences are effectively abolished, removing one of the few remaining deterrents. But its not just sentencing that fails. We still dont equip officers with the tools and training they need to protect themselves and the public whether from knives, axes or worse. Astonishingly, the Home Offices recent policing White Paper even said that the College of Policing was exploring reducing officer safety training. The message all of this sends is unmistakable. Officers are expected to confront increasing levels of violence, often from armed suspects, while being denied the means to defend themselves or the assurance that the law will adequately punish and deter. If we want fewer victims of crime, safer streets and a justice system that commands respect, we must start by valuing those we ask to enforce it. Rory Geoghegan is the founder of The Public Safety Foundation and a former police officer A global recognition reflecting reputation, values, and client-first approach ST. LOUIS, Feb. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Edward Jones, a leading financial services firm, is pleased to share that it has been ranked No. 4 on Fortune's 2026 World's Most Admired Companies list in the Securities/Asset Management industry category. Edward Jones has maintained a long-standing presence on this annual list (2022-2026), which recognizes organizations most respected in their industry for their reputation, leadership, innovation, and overall business performance. This recognition comes at a pivotal time for the financial services industry as rapid advances in technology and rising expectations reshape how organizations serve clients. To build this year's list, Fortune evaluated corporate reputation based on 3,800 executives, directors and analysts. "Our inclusion on Fortune's World's Most Admired Companies list is an honor that reflects the trust we've earned and the uncompromising standards to which we hold ourselves," said Ken Cella, Principal, Head of External Affairs. "At Edward Jones, our focus on improving the lives of our clients, colleagues, and communities continues to define how we lead and how we serve." Edward Jones' inclusion reflects its enduring reputation for trusted guidance, exceptional client service and positive community engagement. Over the past year, the firm has expanded efforts to build financial confidence, improving access to financial knowledge and supporting more informed decision-making. Through its Financial Fitness program, the firm has reached more than one million learners since 2020, with participants demonstrating a 40% increase in financial knowledge. The firm has also deepened its community impact, directing $47.4 million through corporate, foundation and associate giving, and by contributing more than 308,000 volunteer hours across North American communities. Through its long-standing partnership with the Alzheimer's Association, associates and corporate contributions have raised more than $51 million to support the fight to end Alzheimer's. Looking ahead, Edward Jones continues to evolve by investing in technology, expanding access to planning-led advice and introducing new ways of working that deepen relationships and support clients at every stage of their financial journey. These investments are modernizing the firm's business model, creating more connected experiences, to help clients build toward the future they envision. Fortune is a global multi-platform media company for those who want to make business better and is not affiliated with Edward Jones. The full methodology for the Fortune World's Most Admired Companies 2026 List is available here. About Edward Jones Edward Jones is a leading financial services firm in the U.S. and through its affiliate in Canada. The firm's more than 20,000 financial advisors serve more than 9 million clients with a total of $2.5 trillion in client assets under care at the end of Dec. 31, 2025. Edward Jones' purpose is to partner for positive impact to improve the lives of its clients and colleagues, and together, better our communities and society. Through the dedication of the firm's approximately 55,000 associates and our branch presence in 68% of U.S. counties and most Canadian provinces and territories, the firm is committed to helping more people achieve financially what is most important to them. The Edward Jones website is at www.edwardjones.com, and its recruiting website is www.careers.edwardjones.com. Member SIPC. Disclosure 2022-2026 Fortune World's Most Admired Companies list published January or February each year, in partnership with Korn Ferry, data as of November of the previous year. Compensation provided for using, not obtaining, the rating. SOURCE Edward Jones Donald Trump has dramatically U-turned on his opposition to Sir Keir Starmers controversial Chagos Islands deal, signalling his support just weeks after he described it as an act of great stupidity. His comments triggered a political firestorm that led to the prime minister accusing the US president of using the agreement to try to pressure him over Greenland. In new comments on his Truth Social platform, however, he described the agreement as the best the Labour leader could strike. The furious row erupted over Sir Keirs plans to hand the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, in a deal the government says is necessary to secure the future of the crucial UK-US Diego Garcia military base. Starmer accused Trump of using the Chagos handover deal to try to pressure him over Greenland (PA) Ministers secured US backing for the deal last year. And in February last year, the president told Sir Keir during a visit to the White House that he was inclined to go with your country and that he had a feeling its going to work out very well. But in a move that sent shockwaves through Downing Street last month, the US president denounced it as an act of great stupidity. In return, Sir Keir accused him of trying to pressure the UK into supporting Americas plans to take over Greenland. Now using a post on his Truth Social platform, the president wrote that he had had "very productive discussions" with Sir Keir about the deal. Under the plan, which will cost 35bn over the next century, the UK will cede sovereignty of the British Indian Ocean Territory to Mauritius but lease back the facility on the island of Diego Garcia. Mr Trump said: "I understand that the deal Prime Minister Starmer has made, according to many, (is) the best he could make. "However, if the lease deal, sometime in the future, ever falls apart, or anyone threatens or endangers US operations and forces at our Base, I retain the right to Militarily secure and reinforce the American presence in Diego Garcia. "Let it be known that I will never allow our presence on a Base as important as this to ever be undermined or threatened by fake claims or environmental nonsense." The government has agreed to hand over sovereignty of the Chagos archipelago to Mauritius (PA) Sir Keir withdrew his Chagos Islands bill in the face of a shock backlash over the deal from the US, days after Mr Trumps outburst. But the latest climbdown from the president allows it to return to the House of Lords. It is not the only climbdown over the UK Mr Trump has performed in recent weeks. He also U-turned on his slurs against British soldiers in Afghanistan after sparking widespread outrage for his false claims made about Nato allies. The US president initially claimed they had avoided the front lines during the war in Afghanistan. Sir Keir raised the comments directly with the US president during a phone call and hours later Mr Trump paid tribute to the great and very brave soldiers of the United Kingdom. The prime minister had joined Prince Harry, veterans and politicians from across the political spectrum in condemning Mr Trumps claims, with Sir Keir calling them appalling and demanding an apology. Critics had pointed to both the number of non-US coalition deaths in Afghanistan and Mr Trumps own avoidance of military service in Vietnam. Downing Street said the PM spoke with the president and agreed on the importance of the deal to secure the joint UKUS base on Diego Garcia, which remains vital to shared security interests. The UK and US will continue to work closely on the implementation of the deal, they agreed. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Thursday that Mr Trump supported Sir Keirs plans. Ms Leavitt said:"He [Trump] spoke with Prime Minister Starmer directly. He understands Prime Minister Starmer's position, and he supports it, but as the president reiterated in that statement, of course, the United States reserves the right to protect our assets. We still have a military base, of course, on the island of Diego Garcia, and so the President reiterated to the prime minister, and to all of you that the United States will never waiver if necessary in protecting our assets anywhere in the world but including on Diego Garcia, and he supports the prime minister's decision." The Tories said they would continue fighting the Chagos deal to the end. Dame Priti Patel, the shadow foreign secretary, said: Keir Starmer and Peter Mandelsons shameful Chagos surrender remains an absolutely terrible deal for Britain. Handing over British sovereign territory and 35bn of taxpayers money to an ally of China represents, in the presidents own words, an act of total weakness. The Presidents statement today recognises a critical weakness in the Surrender deal the lease could fall apart, leaving our national security and that of our allies in even greater doubt. The deal is clearly a threat to our national security and is a massive strategic blunder. The Conservative Partys view is unchanged. We have led the fight against this appalling Surrender and we will continue fighting it to the end. Tom Homan holds a news conference at the Bishop Whipple federal building on 4 February just south of Minneapolis. Photograph: Ryan Murphy/AP (Photograph: Ryan Murphy/AP) In his clearest attempt yet to deescalate tensions in Minneapolis, Tom Homan, Donald Trumps border czar, announced on Wednesday that the administration will draw down 700 federal immigration officers as the statewide crackdown continues. The Twin Cities remain on edge, waiting to see whether the fear will ease. When Homan arrived in Minneapolis more than a week ago, his task was to bridge the widening gulf between local officials and federal law enforcement. Trump dispatched Homan, whom he called tough but fair, abruptly, to replace senior border patrol official Gregory Bovino, as the immigration operation in Minnesota spiraled into crisis. The reshuffle came amid mounting outrage over the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti in late January the second killing of a US citizen in as many weeks and a surge of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and border patrol officers that has galvanized resistance across the Twin Cities. Trump downplayed the move as a little bit of a change, even as he acknowledged Bovino was a pretty outthere kind of a guy. Homans background running ICE where agents are expected to investigate criminal records and addresses rather than rely on broad street sweeps could, in theory, lower the temperature. But experts warn that any shift depends entirely on whether he reins in the tactics that have colored the operation so far. Its too soon to say if immigration enforcement has dialed back its demographic profiling while targeting immigrants, said David Bier, director of immigration studies at the Cato Institute, while noting that ICE is continuing its aggressive and reckless behavior towards protesters and other observers. Homan told reporters Wednesday that roughly 2,000 federal immigration officers remain in Minnesota far more than the 150 typically stationed in the state. Before Homans takeover, Bovinos aggressive raids in parking lots, on streets and in homes often captured on camera had drawn widespread backlash. After Prettis death, he echoed homeland security secretary Kristi Noems baseless claim that Pretti was brandishing a gun and obstructing officers. Noem, now facing calls to resign or be impeached, later said she was relying on the best information we had at the time. Related: Were fighting for the soul of the country: how Minnesota residents came together to face ICE Homan, Trumps foremost immigration policy whisperer, has insisted he didnt come to Minnesota for photo ops or headlines, and has touted what he describes as productive conversations with the states governor, Tim Walz; the Minneapolis mayor, Jacob Frey; and the state attorney general, Keith Ellison. When addressing the press, he has avoided mentioning Renee Good, who was fatally shot in early January, or Pretti by name, but has conceded the enforcement surge hasnt been perfect. He maintained the operation is focused on public safety threats, despite multiple cases of people with legal status and no criminal convictions being caught in the dragnet. One of Homans longstanding goals for boosting deportation numbers nationwide is gaining access to local jails. On Wednesday, he said the recent ability to scale back federal immigration officers was due to unprecedented collaboration from county sheriffs. According to Homan, some jails have already agreed to notify ICE when they release an undocumented immigrant. Many sheriffs across Minnesota including those in the states largest counties, Hennepin and Ramsey generally limit working with ICE. Homan, however, did not elaborate on Wednesday on which counties are now cooperating. Dawanna Witt, the Hennepin county sheriff, did not return the Guardians request for comment, nor did Bob Fletcher, the sheriff of Ramsey county. Minnesota state law says that jails cannot hold someone past their release time so agents can take custody a practice known as an ICE detainer. Were not asking anyone to be an immigration officer. We are not asking any state or local official to do immigration enforcement activity, Homan said, while insisting that no jail had been asked to keep people one minute past when they normally would. His argument that more agents in the jail means fewer agents in the street has drawn significant pushback from immigrantrights advocates, who say the offer amounts to coercion and argue that Walz, Frey and Ellison must hold the line. But Homan is no stranger to this kind of brinkmanship. A taciturn hardliner with decades of experience in immigration enforcement, he served as director of ICEs enforcement and removal operations under Barack Obama before becoming acting ICE director during Trumps first term. He helped design some of the administrations most draconian measures most notably family separation, a strategy reportedly deemed too severe by officials in the Obama White House, but later central to Trumps zero tolerance policy. During his tenure leading ICE, Homan frequently argued that any undocumented immigrant was fair game for removal. Before rejoining the Trump White House, he telegraphed his aims at a national conservatism conference in 2024. Ill be on [Trumps] heels coming back, and I will run the biggest deportation force this country has ever seen, he said. They aint seen shit yet. Homan has consistently lambasted socalled sanctuary policies, claiming that cities unwilling to cooperate with immigration agents are harboring criminals and endangering public safety. We know that the end game is to try to tell people how to evade law enforcement, he said at CPAC last year. In Minneapolis, he underscored that his mass deportation effort hadnt changed, whether people have criminal convictions or not. If youre in the country illegally, if we find you, we will deport you, he told reporters. Experts say Homans takeover may change the tone, but not the mission. The goals here are the same, said Bier. Bovinos background in border apprehensions, he said, is inherently less targeted and more reliant on profiling. Prior to Homans arrival, the federal strategy of getting in random peoples faces and demanding to see their papers has only fueled pushback. Related: Nothing has changed: Minneapolis on edge despite Trumps de-escalation vow Democratic officials in Minnesota have repeatedly said their state is being targeted for reasons unrelated to immigration. If they change their policies now, Bier warned, theres nothing stopping the administration from returning, threatening more raids and demanding more concessions. He also remains unconvinced that violent interactions will subside. Youre trying to arrest people who, for the most part, are living their life, not causing problems, and have families, he said. Javad Khazaeli, an immigration and civilrights attorney and former national security prosecutor at ICE, said the biggest difference is stylistic. Homan is more polished than Bovino. He knows how to talk to the press better, and they realize portions of this operation have blown up in their face because they went on TV and lied repeatedly, he said. Khazaeli noted that if local law enforcement begins working with ICE, trust between police and immigrant communities will erode. The moment you start taking local officers who are not trained in this and making them antagonistic to their community, it hurts public safety. They stop cooperating, he said. This week, there have been glimmers of concession from federal officials. Homan announced that the Trump administration will plan to issue body-worn cameras to immigration officers nationwide a demand from Democrats as they negotiate guardrails as part of a full-year funding bill for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Meanwhile, in an interview with NBC News, Trump said that watching the Minnesota crackdown unfold taught him that he might require a softer touch when it comes to immigration enforcement. But he continued to repeat misleading claims about the states department of prisons, which already works with ICE to facilitate the transfer of people convicted of felonies to federal custody. For his part, Walz said that while the scaling back of officers in Minnesota is a step in the right direction, he needs to see a faster and larger drawdown of forces as well as state-led investigations into the killings of Pretti and Good. On the ground in Minnesota, protesters from the Bishop Whipple federal building to the governors mansion say the atmosphere is febrile. Frigid temperatures have proven no match for residents anger. Demonstrations persist, mutualaid networks grow, observers continue to blow whistles to alert neighbors to immigration agents and clashes with federal law enforcement continue. We have no assurances that our neighbors, our students, the families we serve and our relatives are safe, said Marcia Howard, president of the Minneapolis teachers union. Some people may have breathed a sigh of relief when Bovino was pulled and replaced by Homan, but many educators did not The agenda is still the same. Last week, at one of the nearnightly vigils at Prettis makeshift memorial on Nicollet Avenue, votive candles burned in the cold and carnations held their color against the wind. Were still not safe, an activist told the crowd, as those assembled nodded in agreement. Trump at the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington on Thursday. Photograph: Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Images (Photograph: Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Images) Donald Trump on Thursday offered a new and shifting account of why Tulsi Gabbard, the director of national intelligence, was present last week at an FBI raid of an election center in Georgia, saying she went at the urging of the attorney general Pam Bondi. She took a lot of heat two days ago because she went in at Pams insistence, the US president said at the National Prayer Breakfast, a high-profile event of political and religious leaders. She went in and she looked at votes that wanted to be checked out from Georgia. The remarks contradicted Trumps assertion just a day earlier that he did not know why Gabbard had appeared at the FBI raid, and diverged from her account to lawmakers that she had traveled to Fulton county at Trumps express direction. Related: Tulsi Gabbard running solo 2020 election inquiry separate from FBI investigation The shifting explanations have intensified scrutiny of the unusual role Gabbard played in the operation. As director of national intelligence, she has no domestic law enforcement authority, making her presence at an FBI raid out of the ordinary. Trumps account at the prayer breakfast marked a departure from remarks in an interview with NBC News on Wednesday. I dont know, Trump said when asked why Gabbard was present, before suggesting, without offering evidence, that China had interfered in the 2020 election. Asked about the apparent discrepancy at a White House briefing on Thursday, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt claimed Trumps remarks in the NBC interview had been taken out of context. He just said exactly what I told you, which is that election security is essential to national security. We need to ensure that our elections are free and are fair and are free of foreign interference, Leavitt said. So youre taking the first three words he said to one question and not looking at his entire response. Her explanation, however, blurred a key distinction: while Gabbard has authority to oversee intelligence assessments related to election security, she has no formal role in domestic law enforcement operations. The statement also conflicted with a letter Gabbard sent on Wednesday to senior lawmakers in the House and Senate, in which she said she had attended the raid at Trumps instructions and had been present only briefly. My presence was requested by the president and executed under my broad statutory authority to coordinate, integrate, and analyze intelligence related to election security, Gabbard wrote. The Guardian has previously reported Gabbard is conducting her own review of the 2020 election through her office with Trumps approval working separately from the justice department investigation and that she was sent to observe the raid as part of that effort. That review comes as Trump has renewed his focus on the 2020 election nearly six years after his loss to Joe Biden. Two administration officials familiar with the matter said Gabbard, for months, has been briefing Trump and top advisers every few weeks. The two investigations by Gabbard and the justice department into the 2020 election underscore its importance to Trump, and Gabbard being sent to the raid showed the interest on voting machine manipulation claims that Trump has cited as evidence the election was stolen. Trump says Renee Good and Alex Pretti were no angels but admits: Were not good at public relations Donald Trump said that Renee Goodand Alex Pretti, both of whom were killed by federal agents in Minneapolis, were no angels, in a sweeping new interview with NBC News. The president did make a concession about his own administrations handling of the crisis, admitting, I dont think were good at public relations. His claims come after weeks of protests in Minneapolis, as ICE agents continue to surge through the city as part of the administrations immigration crackdown. Both Good and Pretti were killed while peacefully protesting that same crackdown, but Trump seemingly changed course on his administrations position that the shootings were justified. Donald Trump told NBC that Renee Good and Alex Pretti were no angels but that their shootings were not justified (NBC Nightly News) When asked on NBC Nightly News if their shootings were warranted, Trump replied bluntly, No. It should not have happened, he continued. It was a very sad incident, two incidents. His administration had long justified Good and Prettis killings by saying the former was engaged in domestic terrorism and that the latter had brandished a gun. But Trump did not make a complete U-turn on that position, as he told Tom Llamas that he continued to support ICEs activities in the city. He was not an angel, and she was not an angel, Trump said. Still, Im not happy with what happened there. Nobody can be happy, and ICE wasnt happy either. But Im always going to be with our great people of law enforcement, he continued. We have to back them. If we dont back them, we dont have a country. Renee Good was killed by federal agents on January 7, with Alex Pretti being killed on January 24 (Bel Trew/The Independent) Trump went on to tell Llamas that he believes much of the backlash to his brutal ICE crackdown was because his administration mismanaged its public relations strategy, and not because of their activities. What happens is that, I think we do a phenomenal job, but I dont think were good at public relations, he admitted, before later conceding that his administration could use a softer touch when it comes to immigration policy. Amid the fallout from Good and Prettis deaths, border czar Tom Homan confirmed yesterday that ICE will be partially withdrawing from Minneapolis. At least 700 federal agents will leave the city, bringing the total number of operatives in Minneapolis to around 2000. Around 700 federal agents will be withdrawn from Minneapolis amid the backlash (AFP/Getty) The situation in Minneapolis has seen a dramatic fall in the number of Americans continuing to support ICE. A YouGov poll finds the number of Americans who support abolishing the federal agency has surged to 46 percent, narrowly exceeding the 41 percent who continue to support it. That is a huge about-turn from June 2024, when a CBS/YouGov poll found that 62 percent of Americans supported deporting all undocumented immigrants. TSB has announced its boss will be leaving the bank to become chief executive of its Spanish owner. Marc Armengol will step down to take up the new role at Sabadell. The move is set to coincide with TSB being bought by its bigger rival Santander, which the firms expect to happen during the first half of this year. Subject to the approval of regulators, it means Mr Armengol will take on the new job after May. TSB said it will give an update on who will succeed him as chief executive closer to that time. Mr Armengol rejoined TSB in March last year, having previously been a strategy director for the bank and a member of its board since 2022. He had moved from his role as chief operating officer for Sabadell, which is the fourth largest bank in Spain and owner of TSB for more than a decade. Santander struck a deal last year to buy the British bank from its parent firm Sabadell. The deal valued TSB at 2.65 billion but the sale price is estimated to rise to 2.9 billion once the transaction completes. Santander said acquiring TSB would help it be more profitable in the UK. It plans to integrate the brand into its group, which raised concerns about the possibility for job cuts and branch closures across the combined group. TSB chairman Nick Prettejohn said: While Marcs appointment is just reward for everything he has achieved personally, it is also testament to the role TSB has played in supporting Sabadell Groups growth and success. Over the past five years, TSB has contributed significantly to the financial performance of Sabadell, and Marc has been at the heart of that transformation first as TSBs director of corporate strategy, then as a board director, and more recently as CEO. Mr Armengol will take over from Sabadells current chief executive Cesar Gonzalez-Bueno. A $13.5 million settlement has been reached for six children who were placed in an abusive California home after being rescued from horrific conditions in their parents care, according to the settlement documents. Riverside County will pay $2.25 million to six of the Turpin children, most now adults, while the care agency ChildNet will contribute $11.25 million. The settlement follows a civil lawsuit claiming that the Olguin family, who took in the children after their 2018 rescue, physically abused them, striking them with sandals, pulling their hair, forcing them to eat vomit, and making them recount their trauma. The lawsuit also alleged sexual abuse by Marcelino Olguin, who was sentenced in 2024 to seven years in prison for abusing children in his care. His wife and adult daughter received probation for child cruelty. The childrens attorneys said Wednesday that the settlement closes cases that helped drive significant improvements in Riverside Countys child welfare system. The childrens attorneys said Wednesday that the settlement closes cases that helped drive significant improvements in Riverside Countys child welfare system. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes) These concrete and long-overdue steps toward improving child safety were accomplished as a direct result of the Turpins bravely coming forward and insisting that their suffering lead to meaningful change to protect other children, attorneys Roger Booth and Elan Zektser said in the statement. Their courage, resilience, and unwavering commitment to protecting other foster children is extraordinary. The six children were rescued along with seven other siblings from the Perris, California, home of their parents in 2018. David and Louise Turpin pleaded guilty to torture and years of abuse that included shackling some of their 13 children, starving them and providing only a minimal education. The Turpin parents were sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 25 years. In the settlement agreement, Riverside County and ChildNet denied the allegations in the civil lawsuit. Riverside County Executive Officer Jeff Van Wagenen said in a statement that the county is committed to the wellbeing and long-term healing of all 13 siblings and has made changes since the case came to light, including increased coordination between child welfare and law enforcement agencies and growing the number of trained social workers. The trauma endured by this family is heartbreaking. The abuse these children suffered in both their biological and adoptive homes was tragic and unacceptable, Van Wagenen said. No one wants this to happen again. Eric Rose, a spokesperson for ChildNet, said in a statement that the agency did not receive complaints or allegations of abuse while the children were in the agency's foster care program, but rather after the children were no longer in ChildNet's care. Our mission has always been, and remains, to help vulnerable children heal, grow, and succeed. That mission guided every decision in this case and continues to guide our work today, Rose said. A report found that the social service system failed the Turpin children, who ranged in age from 2 to 29 when they were rescued by authorities after their 17-year-old sister escaped and called 911. Eventually, six of the children were placed with the Olguins. There was little pride in evidence when the prime minister appeared at the launch of his Pride in Place initiative immediately after his bruising, humiliating experience in the Commons over the Peter Mandelson scandal. He apologised, saying he was sorry for having believed Mandelsons lies and that hes not going anywhere. He was robust, but not reassuring. This is a miserable position for Sir Keir Starmer to find himself in. He desperately wants, and needs, to cut through to the public. But his message about bettering Britain, worthy as it is, is falling on deaf ears. It is a fundamental problem. While the Westminster bubble is feverishly talking about his chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney or whether the PM will go, and who will replace him the greater concern is that whatever he says, the rest of the country isnt listening. If Sir Keir is to survive, he must show leadership. But in the short term, things can only get worse. He is three weeks away from a likely defeat in the Gorton and Denton by-election, and nationwide elections in May could prove to be the worst for Labour in many decades. His critics say it is only a matter of when, rather than if, he is forced to stand down. Some, including a cohort within his own party, think he should do so immediately; others, that it should be after the expected drubbing in the May elections while a further group believe that the decision should wait until the inquiries by the parliamentary Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC) and the police into Lord Mandelsons behaviour, the leaking of sensitive information, and his appointment to Washington are complete. Few are keen to express confidence that Sir Keir will lead his party into the next general election. The situation would be difficult at the best of times, but Sir Keir has plainly lost what was left of his authority over his backbenchers, and cannot count on their loyalty. Had they behaved as government backbenchers routinely do when faced with an opposition motion, Sir Keir would not have had to cede control over the disclosure of what can now be termed the Mandelson files by his cabinet secretary to the ISC. But Labour MPs, with former deputy leader Angela Rayner at the head of the dissent, forced the prime minister to climb down. It was reminiscent of the Commons chaos seen during the Truss premiership and the Brexit years. It doesnt inspire confidence in Labours longer-term capacity to carry through necessary changes to the social security system or much else. In fact, this loss of prime-ministerial power became apparent when the rebels within the parliamentary Labour Party vetoed Sir Keirs welfare reforms last summer, and has been clear on similar issues since. There is no necessary reason to believe that he will easily regain the authority that has seeped away during a long succession of missteps and U-turns. His less ideological critics in the party are calling for him to move Mr McSweeney out of No 10 and back into campaigning, where he has proved to be so brilliant. Sir Keir seems unwilling to be seen to be blaming his adviser, but he may have little choice if his more senior cabinet colleagues tell him he must do so. When prime-ministerial consiglieri such as Dominic Cummings and Alastair Campbell, among others, became the story in the past, they had to go. But if Mr McSweeney goes, it is surely curtains for Sir Keir. If nothing else, the next few months will test the prime ministers mettle as never before. He obviously has reserves of resilience, displayed during the long years it took him to drag his party back to electability. Those who wish to depose him should also consider life under the likely replacements and, more to the point, what the public would think. In truth, it is still not obvious that any of his ambitious successors would be able to unite the party, or to govern with much more success than Sir Keir has done, given the assertive mood of the back benches. Indeed, things could quite easily get worse if the partys restless search for fresh leadership merely opens up more and more divisions just as the Conservatives found in the tears that followed the Brexit referendum. It is a form of displacement activity when the economic challenges facing Britain are so formidable. It seems implausible that a new prime minister would lead to such radical changes in policy, or the financial position, that they would transform Labours poll ratings. If the past decade has proved anything, it is that changing prime minister is never a panacea, and it would not be in the national interest to do so now. Sir Keir has always promised openness and transparency, and he must live up to that pledge now, with the hope that he will be vindicated as the signs of economic revival start to grow more tangible. King Charles III is the greatest green monarch we have ever had. He cares passionately about living in ways that sustain the natural world and has done for many years, particularly through the work of his nature and sustainability charity, The Kings Foundation. The premiere of his new film, Finding Harmony: A Kings Vision, at Windsor Castle last week, reflecting on his lifes work, was therefore not before time. As a young Prince of Wales, the Kings speeches expressing his concerns about the destruction of our planet were often ridiculed, but time has proven him to be right and His Majesty reflects on this in the film with good humour. He has known for a long time the fundamental truths of nature, that it works in cycles, that diversity makes a system more resilient, that life is wholly interdependent and interconnected, and that there is a geometry and beauty to the cosmic order of the universe. These eternal principles of harmony that underpin all that His Majesty does are principles that we at The Harmony Project use to guide and inform a new way of learning to live in the world. His vision into practice has inspired our work, and it is a message that resonates with many people for the simple reason it makes such sense. Finding Harmony, which was produced in collaboration with The Kings Foundation, with whom we work closely at The Harmony Project, charts the Kings journey from those early days as a prince who talked to flowers, to our greenest monarch whose message is at last being heard. Over this time, he has shown that this is not just about a nature-first economy that works in harmony with the natural world, rather than degrading and polluting it. He is very clear that it is equally about human health and flourishing. The Kings remarkable project to renovate Dumfries House in Scotland, now a global attraction and headquarters of The Kings Foundation charity, was just as much about bringing hope to the local community, where unemployment was high and prospects low, as it was about restoring the magnificent buildings and grounds of the estate. The film has a serious message about the need for us all to address the climate and biodiversity crisis with some urgency, but there is always a twinkle in the Kings eyes, for example, when he chuckles as he visits his Cluckingham Palace hen coop on the way to collecting the eggs at Highgrove. And it is a beautiful film, too, with its regular references to the awe-inspiring geometry of nature that has so captured his imagination. When I first spoke to him about understanding harmony, His Majesty suggested starting with geometry and drawing a circle, the mother of all shapes. The circle leads us to recreate the many beautiful patterns we see in the world and beyond from the micro form of a five-petalled flower to the macro form of the orbit of Earth and Venus round the Sun that creates an equally perfect five-petalled shape. The King is a man of detail, too. Our seat tickets were made of card with wildflower seeds impregnated in them and the dress code encouraged people not to buy new, but to re-wear, repair or recycle. They were nice touches. What was most heartwarming, though, was the personal element to the film, highlighting His Majestys dedication and zeal to make harmony a reality for others to learn from and be inspired by. One of the questions he most often asks is, What are we going to do? and his hope now is that a wider audience can take on the harmony mantle and find as many different ways to bring harmony into the world as possible. Richard Dunne is director of The Harmony Project, a UK education charity. Finding Harmony: A King's Vision is available to watch on Prime Video Donald Trump addressed members of Congress and faith leaders for over an hour on Thursday (5 February), where he claimed that he believes he will make it to heaven. In a lengthy 77-minute speech, where he frequently drifted from his prepared remarks, the president claimed that he has brought religion and Christianity back to the center of American life. But that wasnt all he discussed. From forgetting the name of the DR Congolese president to praising troops for beating the crap out of criminals, here are the 10 most inappropriate moments in Mr Trumps address. Why some adults could miss out on vital mid-life MOT health checks Leading GPs have issued a stark warning that patients could miss out on vital health screenings if local councils cap the number of available NHS Health Checks. These crucial screenings, often referred to as a "mid-life MOT", are designed to be offered every five years to individuals aged between 40 and 74 who do not have pre-existing medical conditions. Available at GP surgeries and community centres, they aim to raise awareness of risks for serious conditions like heart disease and diabetes, providing guidance on preventative measures. However, a new report from GP magazine Pulse suggests that a limit is being placed on the number of patients who can access these screenings in some parts of the country. These checks are also soon set to incorporate advice and support specifically for the menopause. Such limitations could therefore prevent many from receiving timely health interventions and crucial information, according to medical professionals. Pulse sent Freedom of Information requests to 151 local authorities in England responsible for commissioning the NHS Health Check to ask about caps or limits. Around half (72) said they do have a limit in place. Such limitations could prevent patients from receiving timely health interventions and crucial information Some of these caps mean local authorities will fund the GP surgery to give the check to every eligible patient will be seen once in five years, as expected. But some of the caps go further, with 11 councils saying that they will only fund the checks for between 10 per cent and 15 per cent of the eligible population each year. This means that if every eligible patient came forward for a check up once every five years, GP surgeries would not be given funding to check them. One GP from Warwickshire told Pulse: In my surgery, weve had a high take-up rate for these checks over the last few years and have run evening and Saturday clinics to accommodate working people. The whole point of a screening test is to catch asymptomatic people, and by not funding NHS Health Checks adequately, were missing out on diagnosing people, particularly with diabetes or hyperlipidaemia. Victoria Tzortziou Brown, chair of the Royal College of GPs, told Pulse: If local authorities are now limiting the number of health checks practices can be reimbursed for due to budget pressures, it creates uncertainty for practices and means some patients may miss out, while others are left confused about their eligibility. GPs want to help patients stay well, but preventive programmes must be backed by strong evidence and funded in a way that reflects the reality of delivering interventions on the ground. Wendy Taylor, chair of the Local Government Associations Health and Wellbeing Committee, said: Councils are committed to supporting their local people to live healthier lives and recognise the value of the NHS Health Check programme in preventing serious conditions such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. However, local authorities have faced significant funding pressures over the past decade, which have impacted their ability to deliver services at the scale originally intended. A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: Over the last five years more than 75% of the eligible population were invited for an NHS Health Check. We are actively improving this vital programme that catches people at risk of heart disease and stroke early, by developing an online check that people can use at home, at a time and place convenient to them. Were also acting to prevent cardiovascular conditions in the first place by tackling smoking and obesity, and through our 10 Year Health Plan we will turn the NHS around by shifting the focus of care from sickness to prevention. NEW YORK, Feb. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Corporate Insight (CI), the leading provider of competitive intelligence and customer experience research to the financial services, insurance, and healthcare industries, today announced the winners of its 26th annual e-Monitor Awards. The latest edition of the program recognizes digital innovation and best practices across six key categories: Account Information, Account Servicing, Trading, Research & Tools, Support, and Mobile. Corporate Insight's e-Monitor Awards evaluates the digital offerings of 21 leading brokerage firms. Now in its twenty-sixth year, the awards program evaluated 21 leading brokerage firms based off Corporate Insight's comprehensive Brokerage Experience Benchmark framework, which assesses functionality, design, navigation, and usability across over 250 digital attributes. "This year's awards showcase the brokerages maintaining top standards for comprehensive digital experiences," says Ian Bonhotal, Brokerage Research Manager at Corporate Insight. "From sophisticated trading platforms to robust research capabilities, winning firms demonstrate how thoughtful integration creates seamless experiences that meet the evolving needs of today's investors." Key Findings and Award Winners Account Information Fidelity earns gold for its comprehensive planning tools with automatic account integration, advanced performance analysis at both account and household levels, and real-time data updates. Charles Schwab receives silver for excellent portfolio analysis capabilities including unique hypothetical scenario testing. Morgan Stanley earns bronze for top account integration and aggregation features. Account Servicing Fidelity wins gold for its extensive self-service capabilities, comprehensive form library, and excellent bill pay experience with P2P functionality. E*TRADE earns silver for user-friendly money movement enhanced by a centralized payment and transfer hub. Merrill Edge receives bronze for a top transfer experience including international wires and excellent bill pay with recurring payment options. Trading E*TRADE captures gold for the strongest fixed income offering with inventory exceeding 11,000 corporates and 130,000 municipals, plus top mutual fund and options experiences. Charles Schwab takes silver for best-in-class thinkorswim platform, excellent stock/ETF trading with SnapTicket, and a coverage set-leading 16 preset options strategies. Fidelity earns bronze for standout advanced trading as the only firm to offer Forex trading and direct indexing without significant account minimums. Research & Tools Fidelity wins gold for outstanding research across all major asset types, best-in-class charts, and comprehensive investment alerts. The firm is the only one to offer an implied volatility tool and research from more than four third-party sources. E*TRADE receives silver for excellent research with its dedicated fixed income and mutual fund research experiences and comprehensive quotes. Merrill Edge earns bronze for best-in-class ETF experience and standout investment alerts. Support Fidelity achieves gold for top customer service features including live chat, best-in-class education in multiple formats, and comprehensive help content. Ameriprise receives silver for top customer service with seamless live chat integration, dedicated message center, and screen share capabilities. Charles Schwab earns bronze for comprehensive education and help offerings including interactive courses and videos. Mobile Charles Schwab and Fidelity share gold for comprehensive mobile experiences. Schwab features leading trading with 13 preset options strategies and excellent support. Fidelity offers top design with customizable dashboard, excellent research including best-in-class options chain, and standout alerts. E*TRADE and J.P. Morgan SDI share bronze for strong research and trading capabilities. Access the Report Organizations can purchase the full e-Monitor Awards Report at CorporateInsight.com. Media seeking detailed rankings, key findings, and analyst perspectives can contact CI's press team to learn more. About Corporate Insight Corporate Insight (CI) delivers competitive intelligence, user experience research and consulting services to the nation's leading financial services, insurance and healthcare organizations. As the recognized industry leader in customer experience research for over 30 years, CI offers a best-in-class research platform and unique approach of analyzing the actual customer experience to help organizations advance their competitive position in the marketplace. About e-Monitor CI's e-Monitor is a subscription-based competitive intelligence research service focused on the digital brokerage experience. The service provides subscribers with first-hand insights into the authenticated platform experience from over 21 leading brokerages, delivering competitive analysis reports, weekly updates and competitor capability tracking to help subscribers identify emerging trends and maintain a competitive edge. For more information about the e-Monitor Awards or to schedule an interview, please contact: Patrick Flood 646-876-7535 [email protected] SOURCE Corporate Insight Steve Bannon, Princess Mette-Marit of Norway, Peter Mandelson and Deepak Chopra Composite: Getty; AP (Composite: Getty; AP) Among the new trove of 3m files relating to Jeffrey Epstein released last week are a vast number of stories shedding light on his relationships with prominent figures in the US, the UK, and around the world. Inclusion in the files does not imply wrongdoing or knowledge of Epsteins wrongdoing but a sampling of some of the details they include provides extraordinary detail on the extent of his network. Norways crown princess and Epsteins wife hunt The latest tranche of files has linked Norways Crown Princess Mette-Marit to Epstein, appearing to show her extensive contact with the disgraced financier from 2011 to 2014. According to the Norwegian daily VG, Mette-Marit told Epstein that you tickle my brain in one message and called him soft hearted and such a sweetheart in others. In 2012, Mette-Marit told Epstein he was very charming and asked if it was inappropriate for a mother to suggest two naked women carrying a surfboard for my 15 yr old sons wallpaper? Weeks earlier she and Epstein had exchanged emails about him being on a wife hunt in Paris. She replied that the French capital was good for adultery and added that Scandis (are) better wife material. The files include a 2011 exchange in which Mette-Marit told Epstein that she had Googled him, adding it didnt look too good along with a smiling emoji. Mette-Marit, who married the future king of Norway in 2001, has said that she showed poor judgment and deeply regret[ted] having had any contact with Epstein. A spokesperson for Norways royal family said Mette-Marit had ended written contact with Epstein in 2014 as she felt he was trying to use his relationship with the crown princess as leverage with other people. Deepak Chopras view of alleged victim Epstein appears to have taken great pride in improving his spiritual health. The papers detail his long relationship with holistic healer and new age wellness guru Deepak Chopra, whom he met at least 12 times between 2016 and 2019 for meditation and funding meetings for alternative science health projects. Chopra attended intimate dinners parties at Epsteins New York residence, in the presence of Woody Allen, and called his nights out a blast. In November 2016, Epstein sent Chopra a report saying that a troubled woman with a history of drug use made up allegations that she was assaulted by Trump and Epstein, aged 13. When Epstein passed on that she had dropped the civil charges against him, Chopra replied: Good. In a statement, Chopra said: I hope that all of the truth comes out after ongoing and proper investigations. Im happy to share whatever I know with authorised officials. Epsteins warning over Mandelsons memoir Peter Mandelson, the former UK ambassador to the US, is now under police investigation for misconduct in public office over revelations in the Epstein files. He described Epstein as his chief life adviser, and appears to have sent him a draft of his memoir, The Third Man: Life at the heart of New Labour in May 2010. The financier was concerned that the gossipy nature of the manuscript would damage Mandelsons potential for dealmaking in his post-political life. He wrote: I think we should speak about this book I have finished my first read. (yes, that fast, thats what i do) I find it troubling. Epstein said the book risked driving a commercial stake through your heart as the deals you want to be involved in require, discretion, trust, handshakes, privacy. He went on: This book announces that you are willing to sell all of these for a farthing. Your friend, and boss, Tony is more often described as frail, flustered, tired, weak, and Gordon [as] flawed, demanding, pig-headed, irrationally determined, and you, yourself as wanting to come clean, humiliated, distraught, surprised, pleased, thoughtful, aggressive, hurt My view is that businessmen will revolt It is not uplifting, it is gossipy and defensive. Mandelson appears not to have agreed: You have read it too fast. It is not those things. Nor is it finished. He maintains that he has not acted criminally, and was not motivated by financial gain. He has said that he was deceived by Epstein, whom he characterises as a master manipulator. Former Israeli PMs admiration of defence deals Ehud Barak is mentioned repeatedly in the files, which make clear the former Israeli prime minister and special forces soldier stayed in regular contact with Epstein for many years after the financiers 2008 guilty plea for sex crimes in Florida. Among the correspondence are plans for a 2017 stay at Epsteins New York residence. Other exchanges discuss mundane logistics for other visits, dinner dates, meetings and phone calls with Epstein. In one letter to Epstein among those reportedly compiled as a birthday gift for the convicted criminals 63rd birthday in 2016, Barak and his wife wrote there is no limit to your curiosity. You are like a closed book to many of them but you know everything about everyone, they wrote, describing Epstein as A COLLECTOR OF PEOPLE. Epstein also mentioned Barak to others, saying that he was next level when it came to arranging deals in the defence industry. Barak has acknowledged regularly visiting Epstein on his trips to New York and flying on his private plane, but maintains he never saw or learned of any inappropriate or unlawful behaviour. Billionaire CEOs request for Jared Kushner meeting The files suggest that Anil Ambani, the billionaire CEO of the sprawling India-based multinational conglomerate the Reliance Group, first contacted Epstein in early 2017. For more than two years, the two immensely wealthy men exchanged messages on Skype, email and SMS on topics ranging from geopolitics to how to choose a jacket. Ambani, 66, appears to have been introduced to the late child sex offender by a Gulf-based businessman, according to the News Minute, an Indian news website. After possibly meeting in France in February 2017, they then exchanged emails full of mutual compliments and talk about potential deals and useful contacts. In March 2017, Ambani told Epstein that Leadership [in Delhi] wanted access to Jared Kushner, Donald Trumps son-in-law, and Steve Bannon, the far-right ideologue who was then the presidents adviser, before a proposed visit to Washington by Narendra Modi, Indias prime minister. There was also discussion of Modis forthcoming trip to Israel. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has denied any official knowledge of any consultation of Epstein by Ambani, telling the Hindu newspaper that the allusions in the email are little more than trashy ruminations by a convicted criminal, which deserve to be dismissed with the utmost contempt. There is no evidence from the files that Ambani knew of or had any involvement in Epsteins unlawful activities. Rulebook for Epsteins Florida mansion Glimpses of this document were revealed at Ghislaine Maxwells 2021 trial, but Epsteins full household manual was included in the latest release, detailing strict, cult-like requirements for his Florida mansion staff, who were expected to see nothing, hear nothing, say nothing. Other rules said that air conditioning should be kept at 60F (16C) at all times, guns should be provided in bedside drawers, required large quantities of tissues and toothpaste to be kept in bathrooms, and mandated a vibe check specific rules for the provision and placement of sex toys. Epsteins definition of freedom Mandelson has said he regrets not believing the women abused by Epstein. The financiers behaviour does not seem to have been that well concealed. It was July 2009, and Epstein had just been released from Palm Beach County Jail after serving 13 months of an 18-month sentence after being convicted of soliciting prostitution and soliciting prostitution from a child. How is freedom feeling? asked Mandelson. She feels fresh firm and creamy, Epstein said. Naughty boy, Mandelson responded. The Labour cabinet minister went on: How shall we celebrate? Epstein wrote back: With Grace and Modesty (those are the names of two strippers). Mandelson responded: From now on grace and modesty [should] be discovered in London. Epsteins friend for Andrew It was the summer of 2010, and Epstein had an idea for the then-Prince Andrew now Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor after he was stripped of his royal titles over his relationship with Epstein. I have a friend who I think you might enjoy having dinner with, Epstein wrote. Her name is Irina, she will be in London 20-24. The royal was only too pleased to accommodate, appearing to have written that he would be delighted to see her. Will she be bringing a message from you?, he asked. Please give her my contact details to get in touch. Andrew apparently recognised that the woman might not be a close friend. Any other information you might know about her that might be useful to know? Like what have you told her about me and have you given her my email as well? he asked. Epstein reassured him: She is 26, Russian, clever, beautiful, trustworthy and yes she has your email. Woody Allens Downing Street invitation Epstein offered to make dreams come true. His common refrain: Is this important to you? It was a deal with the devil, but the financier appeared able to deliver on what people wanted. In the summer of 2011, Ian Osborne, who ran a press relations and business development consultancy business, appears to have forwarded an email to Epstein from 10 Downing Street. Hi a funny one this. But Steve and I are really keen to meet up with Woody Allen. I doubt (sic) suppose you know someone who knows someone who knows him, do you? In an email, Osborne explained the context to Epstein: Just in case your friend Woody Allen is interested this is from David Camerons office Rohan Silva, head of the prime ministers policy unit and Steve Hilton, director of strategy. Would Cameron be there? Epstein responded. Osborne appears to have said this would be organised. Yes, we would arrange it so that Cameron would be there for at least part of his time at No 10. Epstein was happy to pull some strings. If its important to you, I will strongly encourage, he wrote. Bannon asks: Do you think youre the devil himself? The documents provide a high level of insight into Epsteins close relationship with former Trump adviser Steve Bannon, in which Bannon acted as a mentor for Epsteins upcoming appearances in a documentary series designed to salvage his public image. Bannon would advise on personal grooming, including the length of beard he felt Epstein should have. In return Epstein provided Bannon with high-end gifts, including a Hermes Apple watch. In one 2019 exchange, Bannon appears to have offered his advice on how to change Epsteins reputation, apparently writing: First we need to push back on the lies, crush the pedo/trafficking narrative, and rebuild your image as philanthropist. In a video of an interview released as part of the new files, Bannon asks him: Do you think youre the devil himself? Epstein replies: No, but I do have a good mirror. When told he has all the attributes of the devil and pressed further, he says: The devil scares me. Bannon has not yet commented publicly on the latest files. New York is expected to become the fourteenth state to legalize medically assisted death in the United States, upon receiving Governor Kathy Hochuls signature this week. The Medical Aid In Dying Act, which was passed by the New York state legislature last year, provides legal language to allow terminally-ill, mentally-competent people who are given less than six months to live to request life-ending medication. For more than 10 years, state lawmakers have sought to legalize medically assisted death in New York, allowing terminally ill people to die with dignity. It isnt about ending a persons life, but shortening their death, then-New York state Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal told reporters last year. Hoylman-Sigal introduced the bill but was elected Manhattan Borough President in November, before the bill was enacted. Although the state legislature passed the bill last year, Hochul had wavered on signing it to negotiate additional guardrails. In December, the governor announced she would sign the bill after reaching a deal to require patients participate in a five-day waiting period, mandatory mental health evaluations, in-person physician evaluation, elect a person other than someone who may benefit financially from their death serve as a witness to the request and more. New York Governor Kathy Hochul agreed to sign New York's medically-assisted death bill with stricter regulations around who can qualify (Getty Images) The governor, who said she plans to sign the bill, has until Friday at midnight to enact it. It will take effect six months later. Although this was an incredibly difficult decision, I ultimately determined that with the additional guardrails agreed upon with the legislature, this bill would allow New Yorkers to suffer lessto shorten not their lives, but their deaths, Hochul said in December. Hochul asked for the six-month extension to give the state Department of Health to place regulations around the medication and process while ensuring healthcare facilities can properly train staff. Medically-assisted death is largely favored in the U.S. A 2024 Gallup poll found that 71 percent of people believe doctors should be allowed by law to end a patients life in a painless way if it meets the patients request. Last year, a group commissioned to conduct a poll of New Yorkers feelings toward medically assisted death, End of Life Choice New York, found that 68 percent supported the legislation. While support varied on demographic, people of all races and political affiliation largely supported the law. New York will join California, Colorado, Delaware, Washington D.C., Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Vermont and Washington in legalizing medically assisted death. Crime 101 stars Chris Hemsworth as a thief looking to make his final score. (Capital Pictures, Capital Pictures) Hollywood loves crime movies. From Heat to The Italian Job, Ocean's 11 to The Godfather, criminals and anti-heroes have been an infinite source of fascination on the big screen, and they take centre stage again in Crime 101. The movie follows a high-class thief, Mike (Chris Hemsworth), as he tries to score his last big job with the help of a disgruntled insurance broker, Sharon (Halle Berry), all while a washed-up detective, Lou (Mark Ruffalo), is hot on his tail. It asks audiences to question what they know about right and wrong and who the real criminal is. "It's about what is right and wrong... and the system that's supposedly in charge of the laws that have been written," Hemsworth tells Yahoo UK. "Who are they for and do they still apply, and do they change? "And so the idea of breaking the system and going outside the norms or the rules that have been put in place by somebody else, I think, is appealing. I think it's appealing for people to stand up, to see characters stand up to the system that's kept them back." Crime 101 taps into the fascination with crime and criminals. (FlixPix) "There's a relatability there," he continues. "And [in] this film, certainly, you see the haves and the have-nots and the vast difference between the two and the unfairness of that. So you're rooting for the underdog, I suppose. "And often in films, especially when there's a sort of anti-hero quality, and it's not black and white, good guy, bad guy, people are intrigued by that, and I guess see something in themselves. 'I'd love to say that to my boss, you know, I'd love to go and rob that insurance company that didn't pay when my house burned down or whatever,' you know? And so I think it reflects, or can reflect, common, current conversations." Layton, for his part, is very aware of true crime and its appeal, having made a name for himself with documentaries like Banged Up Abroad and American Animals. "As a producer and director, I've done a lot of crime documentaries and true crime," the director says. "I think a lot of it is to do with the fact that we are all fairly conventional for the most part, we live in a society that most of us abide by. "And I think that when you come across people who, not in the movies but in real life, have stepped outside of those norms... American Animals was about a group of kids who really shouldn't have stepped out of those norms, and they did it to see what lies on the other side of that line that you shouldn't cross. "So I guess people are fascinated by that, the truth of what happens to a person who does not play by the rules. Do you win, do you lose? I think that's part of the fascination." The origins of Crime 101 Crime 101 is adapted from Don Winslow's short story of the same name. (Capital Pictures, Capital Pictures) Crime 101 is an adaptation of the short story of the same name by Don Winslow, one of the most prolific writers in modern crime fiction. His work impressed the cast, with Ruffalo saying: "I just thought that it had the great engine of a heist film, but also really complex characters who are surprising. They have their backs up against the wall, and they are kind of forced by the systems they're living in, and it's so dehumanising to them to break free of them." "Each character was kind of a reflection of the other one in some way," Hemsworth adds. "They all thought they needed this sort of commonality around what they thought they wanted, [which] wasn't what they needed, and there's vastly different environments and places they all came from. The cast told Yahoo UK how they loved how 'complex' and 'surprising' the characters are. (Landmark Media, LANDMARK MEDIA) "They share the same core values, in a sense. They're good people, whether they were on this side of the law or that side of the law or breaking the law. Ultimately, they were just trying to find fulfilment and joy somewhere in this pretty difficult space they're inhabiting." Layton wanted to do justice to Winslow, particularly as this was his first foray into feature filmmaking: "I always thought if I was going to make a movie movie, a Hollywood movie, it would have to be a little like those movies that I remembered from the cinema as a kid or as a teenager... I was like, where have they gone, those really grown-up, entertaining films? "It gives you everything you want from a night at the cinema, but there's also substance, and you care about the characters, and they have problems as we have. I read the short story and I thought this could be one of those proper movie star-driven Hollywood movies, which also has a bit of heart to it and something to say." Fighting imposter syndrome The film is directed by Bart Layton, who is no stranger to true crime with his background in documentary filmmaking. (Capital Pictures, Capital Pictures) The director admits he was "p*****g [his] pants" in the lead up to making the drama, because he felt "quite significantly out of my depth, in a good way." It was thanks to the cast at the heart of the film that he was able to make it through. "It didn't feel comfortable, but I was talking to Chris about this the fear pushes you to do a level of preparation that may be bordering on the insane and then you're in a good place," Layton admits. "I didn't know until I showed up on the day that I really knew what I was doing, and I can do something of this scale, and then it starts to become a joy. But we all have that imposter syndrome." Of Hemsworth, he explains: "I'd seen Chris do things in his other work that I thought he was making it look easy, and actually they're not easy things to do, especially some of the comedic stuff. I suspected, even though I didn't have anything to point to, that it was close to what I wanted him to do: a proper bit of drama and a complicated, vulnerable character. I suspected he had that. "I don't think I realised how good he was and is. So that was an amazing, like beautiful surprise. He just got better and better, and he's really an incredible actor. And then obviously, you know, Mark and Halle are among the best of their generation, no question. So when you get actors of that calibre, you have to create an environment where they can do their best work. The cast were a huge support to first time feature filmmaker Bart Layton, he said. (Capital Pictures, Capital Pictures) "They bring everything, they bring the heart to the character. And if you don't invest, and you don't care about the characters, you can have all the car chases and all the action and all the stuff you want but it won't work." The only person Layton needs approval from, though, is Winslow himself. Luckily for him, the crime writer was a huge support: "He was just very trusting. I told him what I wanted to do and I think he was surprised when I completely changed the location from San Diego and all these small towns along the 101 freeway to LA, because I wanted a big canvas. But then he was supportive of all of it, and then when he read the script, he was like, 'This is amazing.' That's all you want to hear, really." Crime 101 premieres in UK cinemas on Friday, 13 February. Police attended Milford Haven School on Thursday after reports of an attack on a teacher - Wales News Service A 15-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a teacher was attacked with a weapon at a school in Wales. Officers were called to Milford Haven Comprehensive School in Pembrokeshire on Thursday afternoon. Dyfed-Powys Police said a teacher was reportedly assaulted by a pupil brandishing a weapon. Supt Chris Neve said: Police are no longer in attendance at Milford Haven Comprehensive School, following a report of the assault of a teacher at approximately 3.20pm this afternoon. I would like to reassure parents and the wider community that swift action was taken to both safeguard pupils and teachers, and to trace the suspect as soon as this report was received. The teacher has now been discharged from hospital and is being supported by specialist officers. All pupils at the location were safe and all returned home unharmed. A 15-year-old boy has been arrested and remains in police custody as inquiries continue. Parents and guardians will continue to receive any future updates directly through the school app. You will see a higher than usual police presence in the area over the coming days these will be dedicated patrols to provide further reassurance to those living in and attending school in the area. A spokesman for Pembrokeshire county council confirmed police attended the school following a report of the assault of a teacher by a pupil. All pupils at the location are safe and most have left the school. Police officers remain at the site. Any planned after-school events have been cancelled this evening, they said. A lockdown was implemented at Milford Haven School but was later lifted Baroness Morgan, the Welsh First Minister, said on social media on Thursday evening: I am deeply concerned by the incident at the school in Milford Haven. Having visited the school only last week, this news is particularly shocking. My thoughts are with the injured teacher, their family and the entire school community during this difficult time. I want to pay tribute to the emergency services and school staff for their swift and professional response in ensuring the safety of pupils and staff. While this remains an active police investigation that must be allowed to proceed without interference, I want to be unequivocal... violence of any kind has no place in our schools. The Welsh Government will continue to work closely with local authorities, schools and partners to support all those affected and to ensure our schools remain safe environments for learning and care. Henry Tufnell, the Labour Mid and South Pembrokeshire MP, said: Its a really tight-knit community in Pembrokeshire, everyone knows everyone else... particularly in Milford Haven. All the talk recently has been about the social media ban and the phones in schools... and the importance of having kids focused in their classrooms. The violence in schools, normally its on one side of the Atlantic and thats why its so upsetting to see this sort of violence. Maj Gen Matthew Jones has served for more than 30 years and is a veteran of Afghanistan Maj Gen Matthew Jones, a career military spy who conducted espionage against the Taliban, is to take over the role of Chief of Defence Intelligence in the summer. A Cambridge graduate, Maj Gen Jones has served for more than 30 years and is a veteran of Afghanistan. The spymaster, who sources describe as ferociously intelligent, will succeed Adrian Bird, who in September 2022 became the first civil servant to hold the post. The married father of two currently serves as director of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, overseeing intelligence collection, training, and counter-intelligence. His appointment as Chief of Defence Intelligence was approved by the King and confirmed by John Healey, the Defence Secretary. Mr Healey described him as an impressive intelligence leader, adding: Matt has the right skills and experience to lead our Military Intelligence Services as the organisation transforms to raise our war-fighting readiness to help keep the nation safe in this era of rising threats. Military Intelligence Services aim to bring all three branches of military intelligence in the RAF, Army and Navy under one roof - UK MOD Maj Gen Jones spent four years with the Royal Marines and was senior intelligence officer for 16 Air Assault Brigade during Operation Herrick 13 in Helmand. As well as Afghanistan, his operational service has included deployments to Saudi Arabia, Iraq and the wider Middle East. New approach to gathering military intelligence His appointment comes after the Ministry of Defence (MoD) unveiled a major reform in the way military intelligence is gathered. Last month, the MoD established the Military Intelligence Services, which aim to bring all three branches of military intelligence in the RAF, Army and Navy under one roof. The MoD also launched the new Defence Counter-Intelligence Unit. In the past year, hostile intelligence activity against the UK military has risen by more than 50 per cent. Mr Bird praised Maj Gen Jones as the ideal person for the role, adding the Military Intelligence Services would be in extremely good hands with him in charge. Maj Gen Jones said it was a huge privilege to take on the role, adding: At this challenging time for national security, it is more important than ever that we deliver on these responsibilities as a vital part of Cyber and Specialist Operations Command, the Integrated Force, and the whole of defence. He grew up in Portsmouth and now lives with his family in Wiltshire. Courts must brace for a tsunami of legal claims from people aided by AI chatbots, one of Britains most senior judges has warned. Sir Geoffrey Vos, Master of the Rolls and head of civil justice in England and Wales, said judges and courts needed to be ready for an AI revolution that could vastly increase the number of civil, family and tribunal claims. This was because thousands of people and small businesses could now use a chatbot to put together an arguable legal case free of charge to present to a court, he said. Sir Geoffrey, the second most senior judge after the Lady Chief Justice, said: AI is now being used by almost every individual litigant in person and small business. The first port of call used to be a lawyer if one was available and affordable. Now the first port of call is ChatGPT or CoPilot. Whatever answer generative AI gives, the would-be litigant in person can easily use it to transform a mass of documents and personal information into an arguable legal claim. This means that, in future, we will see many more civil claims because AI can create them free of charge, where previously claim numbers were limited by the availability and cost of lawyers. Judges and courts need to be ready to deal with an AI revolution that may vastly increase the number of civil, family and tribunals claims with which the justice system has to cope. Sir Geoffrey Vos said judges and courts needed to be ready for an AI revolution - PA Despite these concerns, Sir Geoffrey, who has announced he will retire in October, said judges and lawyers needed to recognise AI could play a large part in delivering speedy, efficient and cost-effective outcomes for the many civil and family disputes and criminal infringements each year. He identified questions that needed to be answered, starting with how justice should be delivered when AI is able to decide cases, both civil and criminal, as or more reliably than humans and certainly far more cheaply and quickly. This would mean individuals and businesses would actively want minor disputes to be decided quickly by machines. Sir Geoffrey said: Of course, there is the halfway house of judges taking decisions informed and assisted by AI. But the problem with that approach is the time and expense that would be incurred by human actors checking and validating the advice given by the machine. Human judges must be central However, he believed humans needed to be front and centre of final justice decisions which affected peoples lives. He said: I do not believe that we should be building the delivery of justice solely on machine-made decisions, even if machine-made decisions must have a part to play in modern justice. Human judges must be central to final justice decisions affecting peoples lives, because our citizens will not accept a justice system provided for humans and delivered entirely by machines. This is not because humans will not necessarily accept some machine-made judicial decisions. It is because judges are the last resort for humans to have wrongs or alleged wrongs righted, and ultimately it must be a fundamental human right for humans to have final outcomes determined by other humans, at least unless they have accepted some other method of determination in advance. Looking to the future, Sir Geoffrey envisaged a pre-action digital justice system providing information and legal advice online and capable of resolving disputes online with AI-suggested solutions. AI could also help in verifying, authenticating and validating evidence, speeding up a process now undertaken by human witnesses. The opportunity for individuals and businesses to agree to machine-made judicial decision-making in advance of the judgments should also be considered. Any AI revolution also needed to be squared with the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) to establish whether a machine could be regarded as an independent and impartial tribunal under Article 6 of the ECHR. Article 6 provides that everyone is entitled to a fair and public hearing within a reasonable time by an independent and impartial tribunal established by law. Jeffrey Epstein, the convicted paedophile and financier, took his own life in prison in 2019 Jeffrey Epstein planned a penthouse playroom in a five-star hotel near Buckingham Palace after an associate of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor encouraged him to buy it. The late financier showed interest in taking over Dukes Hotel, known as the birthplace of James Bonds Vesper Martini cocktail, according to emails released by the US department of justice last week. David Stern, a businessman who later became a director of the former Duke of Yorks Pitch@Palace initiative, advised Epstein to buy the hotel and turn the top floor into his London playroom. A picture of Epstein released by the FBI last week An unnamed source not thought to be Mr Stern also suggested Epstein should buy the building, so that he would have room for lots of P, a phrase repeatedly used in the Epstein files to describe having sex with women. Epstein was convicted of soliciting a minor for prostitution in 2008 and released from jail in 2009. In 2010, Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, a Dubai-based businessman who owned the Dukes Hotel, sought financial advice from Epstein over refinancing loans. Mr Sulayem, who is not accused of any wrongdoing, wrote a proposal addressed to Jes Staley, a senior banker at JP Morgan and a close contact of Epsteins. Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem pictured with Jeffrey Epstein in the latest tranche of Esptein files released by the FBI - AFP via Getty Epstein forwarded this message to Mr Staley and then took a personal interest in the hotel as a prospective buyer, the emails show. One adviser, whose name was redacted by the US authorities, emailed Epstein in July 2010 after viewing the hotel, saying: He investigated the purchase further, asking financial advisers to work out the real value of Dukes and how much would it would cost to refurbish the building. The hotels owners shared confidential internal financial projections with Epstein. Later that month, Mr Stern discussed Epstein buying the hotel to install a playroom. The Pitch@Palace employee emailed Epstein, writing: Epstein told him to go ahead, responding: Look. The former Duke of York has been linked a number of times to the latest tranche of Epstein files, which included images of him crouched over an unidentified female and claims that he entertained a Russian woman procured by Epstein. The documents show that Epstein and Andrew maintained a friendly relationship after Epsteins 2010 arrest, despite Mr Mountbatten-Windsors claim to have severed ties at that time. Mr Mountbatten-Windsor, who denies any wrongdoing, was seen moving out of Royal Lodge in Windsor on Tuesday and has relocated to Wood Farm Cottage, on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk. An image released by the FBI shows Epstein sitting at a piano On the same day as Mr Sterns email, Epstein messaged Giuseppe Cipriani, the hotelier, to ask whether he wanted to be involved in buying Dukes, asking if he had any interest in doing this with me and does it make sense to take over. Mr Cipriani said he could not help personally, but offered to see the property on behalf of Epstein. Epstein appeared to maintain his interest in the property in the following months and was kept informed of its financial situation. Please stop by the hotel when you are in London next, Mr Sulayem wrote to Epstein in a later email, again asking for financial help with Dukes. No deal took place. In 2015, Mr Sulayem contacted Epstein again with a request for assistance with his hotel group. He wrote: Epstein forwarded the message to a person at a redacted email address, asking whether they were still in contact with Kimbal, a potential reference to Elon Musks brother. The unknown contact confirmed that they would be seeing Kimbal at the weekend. Ian Fleming, the James Bond author, is said to have been inspired during visits to the Dukes Hotel bar to invent the Vesper Martini, the secret agents drink of choice in Casino Royale. Fiona McQueen has insisted she would not downplay the seriousness of safety concerns at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital - Andrew Milligan/PA Nicola Sturgeons top nurse suggested buying off families affected by a hospital scandal with the cost of a trip to Disneyland, a public inquiry heard. Fiona McQueen, Scotlands chief nursing officer between 2015 and 2021, was said to have argued that health board chiefs should have offered 50,000 to those affected rather than deny that there had been harm caused. In September 2024, Dr Christine Peters, a consultant microbiologist at Glasgows Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH), told the Scottish Hospitals Inquiry that Ms McQueen had made the suggestion at a meeting in December 2019. Ms McQueen reportedly said this three months after the SNP Government had announced the inquiry. Dr Peters said she had updated Ms McQueen about her concerns regarding safety at QEUH, which was opened shortly before the 2015 general election. After years of denials, the health board for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHS GGC) admitted last month that problems with the water supply at the hospital probably contributed to infections in two child patients who died. At least 84 people also fell ill with infections while being treated at the QUEH campus. Prosecutors are investigating seven deaths, of both children and adults, for potential links to the hospital environment. Dr Christine Peters told the inquiry she was appalled by Fiona McQueens suggestion In her statement, Dr Peters said: At one point, [Ms McQueen] said that she couldnt understand why GGC had not just offered the families 50 grand, which is a trip to Disneyland, rather than deny that there had been harm caused. Dr Peters said the chief nursing officer had missed the point as just paying people off would neither fix the hazard nor the organisations culture in dealing with it. She added: I was appalled by the sentiment, because we werent there suggesting anyone should get compensation. We wanted the problem to be solved. Once again, she appeared to listen. However, at times she responded as though some of the things we said were news to her. This was not the case, as we had met with her before and told her. However, Ms McQueen, who is now the chairman of the Scottish Police Authority, said she did not recall using those words, insisting she would not have sought to downplay the seriousness of the concerns conveyed by Dr Peters. In a statement reported by The Scotsman, she said she did not remember making the suggestion but I recall, however, discussing Dr Peterss concerns about the way patient complaints had been handled. She added: I would have offered, from my own experience, examples of how patient complaints and civil claims might be resolved. She also said that my primary motivating factor was always patient safety. The health board for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde said the QEUHs water supply probably contributed to the deaths of two children - Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Dr Sandesh Gulhane, the Scottish Conservative shadow health secretary, said her reported comments were absolutely disgusting, adding: Grieving families will be furious that someone in such a senior position even thought of saying something so callous and offensive. Thinking a trip to Disneyland would have offered any comfort to them is grossly insulting and utterly delusional. While these families continue to fight for answers, it sums up SNP-run Scotland that Nicola Sturgeons chief nursing officer landed on her feet with another plum public sector job. Anas Sarwar, the Scottish Labour leader, said: These jaw-dropping comments speak to the dismissive culture at the top of the Scottish Government and NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde. Families whose loved ones were infected by a hospital that wasnt fit for purpose deserve the truth and it is insulting to suggest they could be bought off. Last week, a report emerged that said NHS GGC had felt political pressure to open the hospital on time. It said no consideration was given to delaying the opening despite major problems, including with ventilation and water supply. Ms Sturgeon, who was Scotlands first minister at the time, and John Swinney, the current SNP leader, have denied pressurising the health board to open the hospital before it was ready. Last month, Ms Sturgeon said she had no knowledge of safety concerns before the opening of the hospital, which is next door to her Holyrood constituency. A Scottish Government spokesman said: Our sympathies remain with all families who are grieving the loss of a loved one. We established this inquiry so all those impacted could get answers to their questions, and so that lessons can be learned for future hospital projects. As an independent core participant of the inquiry, it would be inappropriate to comment any further. A photo of an Aer Lingus plane Haydn West - PA Images/PA Images via Getty NEED TO KNOW A 58-year-old man has pleaded guilty two counts of sexual assault in connection with an Aer Lingus flight from Shannon, Ireland, to Boston, according to multiple local outlets About an hour into the flight, a 16-year-old girl informed flight crew that she had been inappropriately touched by a man sitting beside her and the captain turned the plane around The man, who is a farmer, admitted in court to rubbing and grabbing the teens butt, kissing her arm and rubbing her thigh A man has pleaded guilty to assaulting a 16-year-old girl on a flight to Boston. Patrick Noone, 58, pleaded guilty in Ennis Circuit Court in Ireland to two counts of sexual assault following the incident, which occurred on an Aer Lingus flight on Nov. 15, 2023, according to local outlets The Irish Times and RTE and Belfast Live. Noone admitted in court to touching the teen inappropriately by rubbing and grabbing the teens butt, kissing her arm and rubbing her thigh, according to the Times. Detective Garda Ruth O'Sullivan shared in court that the teen informed cabin crew on the Aer Lingus flight that she had been inappropriately touched by a man sitting beside her about an hour into the flight, at about 3:30 p.m. A photo of a cabin inside an Aer Lingus flight Alamy Once the crew on board the flight from Shannon, Ireland, to Boston found out what was happening, they informed the planes captain, who made the decision to turn the plane around and return to Shannon Airport. OSullivan had previously noted in court that it cost approximately $33,500 (28,213) to return the aircraft to Shannon Airport, per The Times. Aer Lingus did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for comment on the case. Following the flight's return, investigators collected statements from witnesses and the complainant on what happened before the flight once again departed to the U.S. Attorney Antoinette Simon, who is representing Noone, told the court that the 58-year-old was a self-employed farmer with no prior convictions, per the outlets. A photo of Ennis Courthouse Google Maps 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. Prosecuting attorney, Sarah Jane Comerford, told the judge in court that there was no connection between Noone and the complainant who had been 16 at the time of the incident and was now 18 years old and studying in the U.S. She was among four witnesses who submitted testimony via video-link to the court for the case. Read the original article on People Tatiana David, age 34, was last seen at around 7:20 a.m. Wednesday, April 5, on West Hill Circle in Ithaca. Police said she was last seen with 34-year-old Michael Davis (right). New York State Police What started as a missing person's report in upstate New York before a high-speed pursuit through Maryland, Virginia, and a police shootout ended with a man found guilty of murder, authorities announced. A Prince William County jury delivered a sweeping guilty verdict in a brutal kidnapping and homicide that began in Maryland, tore down Virginia highways, and resulted in gunfire with state troopers leaving a woman dead in the back seat of a fleeing vehicle. Michael C. Davis, 38, was found guilty on Wednesday, Feb. 4, in connection with the April 5, 2023, kidnapping and murder of Tatiana David, as well as the attempted murder of multiple Virginia State Police troopers, according to the Prince William County Commonwealths Attorneys Office. Specifically, the jury convicted Davis of: Second-degree murder; Abduction; Three counts of attempted aggravated murder of a law enforcement officer; Ten counts of use of a firearm in the commission of a felony; Felony eluding. According to the Commonwealth, a Virginia State Police trooper was alerted on April 5, 2023, to a Jeep Cherokee that had crossed from Maryland into Virginia and was connected to a possible abduction out of Ithaca, New York. The trooper later spotted the vehicle traveling southbound on I-95 in Fairfax County. After pulling the Jeep over, the trooper spoke with Davis, who was driving, and observed David seated in the back seat. As the trooper worked to verify the abduction allegation and waited for backup, Davis suddenly fled the stop, prosecutors said. What followed was a dangerous pursuit that stretched more than 20 miles. Virginia State Police initiated a chase that moved from local roads back onto I-95, continuing into Prince William County, according to prosecutors. During the pursuit, Davis drove recklessly, putting other motorists at risk, before crashing into a wooded area near mile marker 148 on I-95. The violence escalated immediately. Prosecutors said Davis opened fire on approaching Virginia State Police troopers from inside the crashed vehicle. Troopers returned fire, and during the shootout, Davis shot Tatiana David multiple times while she remained trapped in the back seat. David was found dead inside the vehicle. According to prosecutors, the autopsy and ballistics analysis confirmed that the bullets recovered from her body were fired from Daviss gun. In a statement following the verdict, Prince William County Commonwealths Attorney Amy Ashworth addressed the gravity of the case and the loss of life. Tatiana David did not deserve to die she was abducted from her home by the defendant for reasons we may never know, and we dont know what he intended to do to her, Ashworth said. The Virginia State Police valiantly fought for her safe return and for a peaceful end to this horrific journey for her. Sadly, Mr. Davis ended her life by executing her in the back seat of his vehicle. Ashworth said the office was grateful that no additional lives were lost during what she described as a fateful evening. A sentencing date has not yet been set. Davis faces decades behind bars when he returns to court. ATLANTA, Feb. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Founders Row , the venture growth studio founded by Jamie Weeks, has announced an investment in SculptHouse , marking the beginning of a long-term partnership designed to support the brand's expansion over the next several years. Katherine Mason At the center of the partnership is Katherine Mason, who founded SculptHouse in Atlanta in 2016 after identifying a clear gap in the fitness market: studios delivering elite, low-impact strength and cardio training while treating style as a core part of the experience. Built from the ground up, SculptHouse became the first studio in the world to combine the Megaformer and treadmill in a group class format through its proprietary CardioSculpt Method, while also pioneering a full-scale activewear and lifestyle boutique integrated directly into the studio environment. Like many founder-led businesses, SculptHouse faced its greatest test during the pandemic. After expanding to five locations across multiple markets, Mason was forced to make difficult decisions, closing three studios and rebuilding the business with intention and focus. Today, SculptHouse operates studios in Atlanta and Dallas, alongside a national instructor certification platform through Lagree Fitness and a highly engaged retail business, elements which Mason deliberately developed to strengthen the model, prove durability, and lay the foundation for thoughtful, multi-market growth. "I wasn't looking for capital for the sake of capital," said Katherine Mason. "I wanted a true partner, someone who understands what it's like to build something from nothing, who respects the foundation we've built, and who can help bring structure and clarity to the next phase of growth without changing who we are. Jamie and the Founders Row team bring all of the elements that I was looking for to this partnership." Founders Row and its founder, Jamie Weeks, who has spent more than a decade scaling category-defining wellness brands, as the former largest franchisee of Orangetheory Fitness and the founder of Sweathouz, while working closely with founders navigating growth, recovery, and expansion. Weeks and Mason had known of each other for years through Atlanta's fitness and wellness community, but the partnership came together only after Founders Row officially launched, when Mason reached out and shared her full founder story. ""Katherine is exactly the kind of founder that Founders Row exists to support," said Jamie Weeks. "She's lived every role in this business, rebuilt it through adversity, and created something truly differentiated. This partnership isn't about a private equity playbook; it's about backing the founder's vision with conviction, empathy, and a long-term vision for what this brand can become. The reality is that traditional fund timelines don't always align with a founder's vision for their brand. We're building a model that puts that alignment first." Together, Mason and Founders Row are focused on thoughtful expansion into major markets with several leases and acquisitions already in the works. The real estate focus includes Midtown (Atlanta), South Florida, Charlotte, Dallas, Nashville, and Boston, prioritizing quality and community as the pillars of these future locations. For Mason, the timing is intentional. Exactly a decade after opening SculptHouse's first doors, the partnership represents a full-circle moment - proof that staying true to the original vision can create something built to last. About Founders Row Founded by entrepreneur and operator Jamie Weeks, Founders Row builds and backs founder-led consumer businesses. The firm operates through two complementary models: incubating new brands from the ground up and partnering with exceptional founders to provide platform-level support across strategy, operations, and growth. Founders Row is known for founder-first structures that preserve ownership while enabling disciplined expansion without sacrificing control, culture, or long-term value. Headquartered in Atlanta. For more information, visit foundersrow.co . About SculptHouse SculptHouse is a boutique fitness and lifestyle brand founded by Katherine Mason in Atlanta. Built at the intersection of performance and style, SculptHouse is known for its proprietary CardioSculpt Method, the first group fitness format in the world to combine the Megaformer and treadmill. With studios in Atlanta and Dallas, a national Lagree instructor certification platform, and a curated activewear and lifestyle retail business, SculptHouse delivers low-impact, high-intensity training while setting the standard where strength meets style. Media Contact: Juliana Martins Eleven11 Media Relations [email protected] SOURCE Founders Row A man in a charcoal suit and red tie pushing buttons Rep. David Standridge, R-Hayden, votes on machines in the Alabama House of Representatives on April 9, 2025 at the Alabama Statehouse in Montgomery, Alabama. A House committee Wednesday approved a bill sponsored by Standridge to refer to the Gulf of Mexico as the 'Gulf of America.' (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector) An Alabama House Committee heard two bills Wednesday regarding geographical name changes in official state documentation. HB 2, sponsored by Rep. David Standridge, R-Hayden, would change the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America and require all state and local entities to adopt the name change. Florida has made it into law and Louisiana is doing it by executive order from the governor, Standridge told the House State Government Committee Wednesday. I think that just trying to stay consistent, especially with the Gulf states where its not confusing, because we have to buy resources and right now its kind of in limbo. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX President Donald Trump said at a press conference prior to his inauguration last year that the Gulf of Mexico should be named the Gulf of America, a statement that sent Republicans around the country and in Washington scrambling to change the maps. The Trump administration later denied The Associated Press access to the White House press pool because the wire service would not change its style guide, leading to a lawsuit. Under the Alabama bill, state and local agencies would be required to use Gulf of America on all new maps, education materials, documents, official communications and websites among other resources. It would also require a reasonable effort be made to update the same pre-existing resources to reflect the name change. Standridge sponsored a similar bill last year that passed the Alabama House of Representatives but died in a Senate committee. The bill passed through the committee. Reps. Marilyn Lands, D-Huntsville, and Barbara Boyd, D-Anniston voted against it. Several Democrats expressed concerns about the logistics. In three or four years when we have another presidential election and then we have a president that decides they want to change the name back through executive order to the Gulf of Mexico, what do we do then? Rep. Kelvin Lawrence, D-Montgomery, asked. Lands said the state should be getting input from Mexico on the name change and said lawmakers should be passing bills that actually affect people. Id like to see us talk to our friends across the border before we do things and I just see us spending a lot of time passing a lot of bills that dont really matter much to the average person, she said. Rep. Prince Chestnut, D-Selma, raised concerns about educational materials needing to be updated. Standridge said those materials wont need to be replaced. My wifes a teacher and I asked her. I said What would you do if you had a big map? And she said Oh, well we deal with that kind of stuff all of the time. I would just put something over it and move on, Standridge said. The committee also heard comments on HB 81, sponsored by Rep. Mark Gidley, R-Hokes Bluff, but did not vote on it. The bill would prohibit any state government entity from using the name West Bank and would require the use of the words Judea and Samaria to refer to the region in official documents. The greatest ally we have in the United States and one of the greatest allies we have in Alabama is the nation of Israel, he said to the committee. The bill also states that executive heads of government entities can waive the prohibition if they determine that its in the best interest of the state and if they do so within 30 days of that determination. The official would then have to write a letter to the Legislature or the Legislative Council explaining the waiver. Gidley cited the usage of Judea and Samaria in the Bible and used historical references when explaining the bill to the committee. Gidley said much like HB 2, his bill would not require pre-existing documentation such as education materials to be changed or replaced. All it requires is if the government or state puts out some documentation, they would use the word Judea or Samaria instead of West Bank, he said. Committee members largely withheld comment on the bill. A Pennsylvania State Police vehicle. Pennsylvania State Police UPDATE The missing endangered person advisory for 5-year-old Journey Gaddis has been canceled after she was located safe, Pennsylvania State Police announced Wednesday night, Feb. 4. State police said Journey was found and is safe. No additional details were released. Missing Endangered Person Advisory UPDATE: Journey Gaddis was located and is safe. The MEPA is canceled. Thank you for the RTs. PA State Police (@PAStatePolice) February 5, 2026 The advisory had been issued after Journey was reported missing from Mount Holly Springs Borough, Cumberland County. ORIGINAL Authorities are searching for a missing 5-year-old girl believed to be at special risk of harm or injury, Pennsylvania State Police announced on Wednesday, Feb. 4. Journey Gaddis was last seen around 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 27, in the 600 block of North Baltimore Street in Mount Holly Springs Borough, Cumberland County, according to police. Journey is described as a Black female, standing about 4 feet tall and weighing approximately 45 pounds, with black braided hair and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing a rainbow-colored beanie, a green Old Navy coat, pink and white Champs sweatpants, and Ugg boots, state police said. Police said Journey was last seen with Kim Gaddis, 58, a Black female described as about 5 feet tall with brown eyes and black hair. A clothing description for Kim Gaddis was not available. Investigators believe Kim Gaddis may be operating a 2024 Buick Envision with Pennsylvania registration LJK3362, authorities said. Police believe Journey may be at special risk of harm or injury. Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Journey Gaddis or Kim Gaddis is urged to call 911 immediately or contact the Mount Holly Springs Borough Police Department at 717-243-4121. Nancy Guthrie's home has been ruled a 'crime scene.'@savannahguthrie/Instagram A reporter from Arizona has described a ransom email their network received from Savannah Guthrie's mom Nancy's "kidnappers," RadarOnline.comcan reveal. What's more, is they've detailed how they knew it "might not be a hoax" as the hunt for Nancy carries on. Why Did the Ransom Note Seem Legitimate? A reporter shared the ransom note her network received featured 'information' that 'only someone who was holding her for ransom would know.'@savannahguthrie/Instagram According to the reporter Mary Coleman, it was "clear after a couple of sentences" that the note may not be "a hoax." "A lot of it is information that only someone who was holding her for ransom would know," she said in an interview with CNN. She explained the things included in the note were "very sensitive information" and "things that people who weren't there when she was taken captive wouldn't know." More Details on the Ransom Note No suspects have been identified as being responsible for taking Nancy Guthrie to date.@savannahguthrie/Instagram The reporter also shared the ransom note featured a "dollar amount, a deadline," and "other specifics that only Guthrie's abductor might know, so that definitely raised some red flags." While the search for Nancy has been going on for five days, there have been no suspects identified as to who may have abducted her and no concrete explanation of what occurred the night she went missing. Coleman noted the Pima County Sheriff's Department was looking into the ransom note that had been sent to their newsroom and had asked for more details. "We immediately sent that information over to the sheriffs department, and they're, of course, looking into the legitimacy of it," she said. A Ransom Note Demanding Bitcoin Nancy Guthrie has been missing since Sunday. @savannahguthrie/Instagram Coleman also shared one of the detectives had "gotten back" to them. She added they "asked us for some more information so that they can start searching for an IP address and things of that nature to try and figure out who or what people are responsible here." TMZ claimed they also received a ransom note on February 3, which demanded millions in Bitcoin. TMZ looked into the Bitcoin address the note requested funds be sent to and discovered it was a legitimate one. They also stated there was a deadline on the note and a feeling of "or else" if the demand wasn't met. It is unknown if the ransom note received by Coleman's network is the same one as TMZ received. Savannah and Her Siblings' Video Plea Savannah Guthrie said she and her family were 'ready to talk' to whoever abducted their mother.@savannahguthrie/Instagram Nancy was reported missing on Sunday after she failed to show up for a church service. She was last seen at her home late Saturday evening. When her kids arrived at her house, they found her wallet, cellphone, and keys, but no trace of her. It was later revealed blood was seen inside the house, and her home was officially deemed to be a "crime scene." Savannah and her siblings took to Instagram to beg for their mother's safe return on Wednesday evening. "We need to know without a doubt that she's alive and that you have her," Savannah stated. "We want to hear from you, and we are ready to listen. Please reach out to us." She also noted her mother was in "constant pain" and said the family was "ready to talk" to whoever had abducted Nancy. Former FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe said the video Savannah and her siblings put out doesn't necessarily mean Nancy was kidnapped and implied the family hasn't received a legitimate ransom note to date. An 18-year-old Northern Arizona University student who died during a suspected hazing incident at a Delta Tau Delta fraternity event last week participated in a dangerous drinking game that involved consuming enormous amounts of alcohol within a short period. Flagstaff police responded to a house on South Pinegrove Road, a short distance from the NAU campus, at around 8:44 a.m. on Jan. 31 where officers found the unidentified male student unresponsive. Police and later paramedics tried lifesaving efforts, but he was pronounced dead at the house, Flagstaff police spokesperson Sgt. Jerry Rintala said. The student who died was one of four pledge candidates for the fraternity who were told to dress warm and bring a pillowcase, a phone charger and anything they might need from home as they were to stay at the frat house that night, according to arrest documents The Arizona Republic, part of the USA TODAY Network, obtained. Student played dangerous drinking game before passing out Another pledge candidate told police that the four of them were driven around at roughly 10 p.m. on Jan. 30 before the pillowcases were placed over their heads. The candidates were taken to the frat house about an hour later and told to stand outside for 30 minutes without talking. The four candidates then played a drinking game called Dont Fk Your Brother where they were given a 1.75 liter bottle, or handle, of vodka and told to finish it amongst themselves, documents said. More: Northern Arizona University student dies at fraternity 'rush' event, 3 arrested The game involves a group typically three to five people passing around a container of alcohol with the last person having to drink everything thats left, according to the website Urban Dictionary. One witness told police they believed the bottle had been diluted to where a fourth of the bottle was vodka and the remaining three-quarters was water, though whether that was actually the case remained unclear to investigators. Three Northern Arizona University students were arrested on Jan. 31, 2026, after an 18-year-old died at a fraternity rush event where authorities believe alcohol was involved. The now-deceased student, whose name is redacted in the arrest documents, reportedly drank a third of the bottle before passing it to the other pledges and later finished the bottle despite having gone first. The four pledges all vomited during a 30-minute break when someone produced a second handle of vodka and they played another round, documents said. This time, the now-deceased student was last in the order and was given the bottle after the other three pledges collectively drank a little more than a third of it, documents say. The student drank the rest of the bottle before passing out. A Delta Tau Delta executive board member told investigators they moved the student to an air mattress and stayed with him until around 6 a.m. on Jan. 31 before the board member grabbed a jacket and fell asleep himself, according to documents. A person returning to the residence from McDonald's at around 12:30 a.m. or 1 a.m. noticed the student sleeping on an air mattress and described him having an unusual snore breath and began gagging similar to a cat with a hairball, but nothing came up, documents said. Other people at the house also noticed the students odd snoring and adjusted his sleeping position while checking his pulse and breathing at around 3 a.m. after Googling symptoms of alcohol poisoning, according to documents. Another executive board member called 911 after noticing the student was no longer breathing at around 8:44 a.m., documents said. Responding officers noted several bottles of vodka and Twisted Tea a brand of hard iced tea. Police arrested students despite not submitting charges Flagstaff police arrested three 20-year-old executive board members of the fraternity and booked them into jail on hazing charges. All of them were later released on their own recognizance with release conditions prohibiting them from leaving the state or contacting members of the victim's family, according to arrest documents. However, those conditions were later vacated as Coconino County Attorney Ammon Barker had not yet received charging recommendations from Flagstaff police. We are working closely with the Flagstaff Police Department and appreciate their efforts in conducting a thorough and ongoing investigation, Barker told The Republic on Feb. 2. Our office has been in contact with the family of the deceased student and will continue to communicate with them as appropriate. The Republic is not identifying the arrested students until they have been formally charged. Rintala did not answer questions as to why police arrested the students without submitting criminal charges to prosecutors. "The final charging packet will not be submitted until the investigation is complete," Rintala said in a Feb. 3 email. "It is still ongoing regarding witness interviews and evidence gathering." Reach the reporter Perry Vandell at perry.vandell@arizonarepublic.com. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @PerryVandell. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Northern Arizona University student played drinking game before death Newly released documents show that Jeffrey Epstein attempted to mediate a falling out between Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates and the billionaires adviser, Boris Nikolic, in 2013. The dustup prompted Epstein to write an email to himself alleging, among other things, that Gates and his aides were mistreating him despite having a friendship so close that he said he once helped the tech billionaire procure antibiotics to treat a sexually transmitted infection he'd contracted from Russian girls." Its not clear in the messages whether Epstein is writing on his own behalf or drafting something in the voice of Nikolic, a doctor and investor who was a close associate of Epstein's. Emails reviewed by USA TODAY show Epstein acting as a go-between between Nikolic, who was an adviser to Gates, and Larry Cohen, the head of the Microsoft co-founder's organization Gates Ventures. What do the Epstein files show? See photos released by DOJ (L-R) Michael Jackson, Bill Clinton and Diana Ross in a photo that was part of thousands of files related to Jefferey Epstein released by the Department of Justice on Dec. 19, 2025. The images were released by the US DOJ without location information, dates or context. The emails show that Gates relationship with Epstein, by then a convicted sex offender, went beyond philanthropic ventures. They came to light after previous releases from the Epstein estate that included the tech entrepreneur. In previous releases from the Epstein files, Gates appeared in photos with women whose faces were obscured, in a photo with Epsteins pilot, and in a photo with the former Prince Andrew taken years before he was stripped of his duties and royal title. Bridgitt Arnold, a spokesperson for Gates, called the information included in the latest emails absolutely absurd and completely false made by a proven, disgruntled liar. The spokesperson said Bill Gates denied any improper conduct related to Epstein and horrible activities that involved Epstein. 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, Gates spokesperson said. Arnold also repeated a 2019 statement saying Gates "had absolutely no business partnership or personal friendship with Epstein." Bill Gates and Boris Nikolic attend an event at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on July 21, 2012, in Washington, DC. Inside Gates' dealings with Epstein and Nikolic Gates is mentioned in messages from at least 2010 to 2019, according to a USA TODAY review. From about 2011 to 2014, Gates emails Epstein directly, and often one of the pair copies Cohen or Nikolic. In other emails, Gates is simply mentioned for inclusion at a potential meeting and not copied. Epstein had a relationship with Nikolic going back at least to January 2010. Previously released emails showed the two men discussing a conference in Switzerland, where Nikolic says he met up with some of Epsteins friends, including President Bill Clinton and Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, as King Charles' brother is now known. "I was just flirting with 22 years old hot blond blue eyes mexican chick," Nikolic writes. "It turns out she is with her husband. Did not have chance to check him out. But as we concluded, anything good is rented;)". It's not clear how Nikolic became involved in Gates finances, but in a February 2011 email, Epstein tells Nikolic that he should have a more formal title in his relationship with Gates. Then he throws out some ideas: president of Bill Gates investments, Bill Gates Interests or Bill Gates holdings. In June 2013, Nikolic invites Gates to attend Crazy Horse, a famous burlesque cabaret theater in Paris. Gates replies: "I will be too tired to do this and wouldn't want to take the risk. I would have done it when I was younger but I will have to skip it this time!" Their falling out begins a month later, as shown in an email on July 1, 2013, when Gates writes to Nikolic: We should meet on Wednesday to discuss your job. There is going to have to be a transition. I feel very bad about it but I don't see a way around it. We can make it something that gives you a smooth positive transition if we work on a plan. Nikolic responds on July 2, 2013, with an emotional plea: I have not been sleeping or eating normally for a while. And I can't stop thinking that I have done nothing wrong, but it seems that I will still have to pay the consequences for the rest of my life. I have been and will continue to be a loyal friend and employee and would do anything for you. Bill Gates and Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly Prince Andrew, stand in a handout image from the estate of the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, released by Democrats on the House Oversight Committee. On July 11, 2013, Gates emails Epstein to say that Cohen is authorized to speak with Epstein about Nikolics employment. Cohen and Nikolic go back and forth in email to work out a deal, and Epstein says he was involved but not negotiating on Nikolics behalf. So there is no misunderstanding, I am not acting in any capacity other than as a friend to both Boris and Bill. Days later, on July 18, 2013, Epstein writes two emails to himself, but referencing himself in one as Boris. The context appears to be the employment dispute between Gates and Nikolic, but they include allegations about Gates having extramarital affairs and Nikolic being stuck in the middle of Gates marital dispute. You have decided to discharge me from my job, had Larry, your pr person tell me that I engaged in morally inappropriate behavior asked me to be the major actor in a cover up so that you can maintain the reputation that you have worked so hard to achieve, Epstein writes in one of the emails. Nikolic said in a statement to USA TODAY after publication that he regrets any association with Epstein and his heart goes out to the victims. He added: "Epstein inserted himself as a mediator and then used lies to pursue his own agenda. I realized this as my transition was complete and moved on without his involvement in my work." Bill Gates appears with a woman, whose face has been obscured, in this image from the Epstein estate released by House Oversight Committee Democrats in Washington, D.C., on Dec. 18, 2025. Emails allege 'Russian girls,' extramarital affairs, 'morally inappropriate,' and 'ethically unsound' In the second email dated July 18, 2013, Epstein writes, presumably writing as if he's Nikolic, that he will resign from BG3, a think tank founded by Gates that was later renamed Gates Ventures, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. During the past few weeks I have been caught up in a severe marital dispute between Melinda and Bill, Epstein writes. I have the greatest respect for my friend of 7 years, and wish them both well. In my role as his right hand I had been asked on mulitple occassion (sic) and in hindsight , wrongly acquiesced into participating in things that have ranged from the morally inappropriate , to the ethically unsound and had been repeatedly asked to do other things that get near and potentially over the line into the illegal. The email alleges those tasks included getting drugs so Gates could deal with the consequences of sex with Russian girls, facilitating his illicit trysts, with married women and being asked to provide Adderall for bridge tournaments. Ghislaine Maxwell and Jeffrey Epstein are seen in this image released by the Department of Justice in Washington, D.C., U.S., on December 19, 2025 as part of a new trove of documents from its investigations into late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. On Aug. 1, 2013, Epstein sends an email to Cohen and Gates, identifying things to address in a potential agreement. Epstein requested "broader authorization" for issues at hand outside of Boriss employment. The email then asks if Bill and Melinda French Gates both would be signing and asks whether a one-year severance agreement represented the couples position. If Melinda wants a divorce , how does Boris protect himself, Epstein adds. Melinda French Gates, who divorced Gates eight years later, told National Public Radio in a podcast interview published Feb. 3 that revelations about her ex-husband caused her "unbelievable sadness but said it is his responsibility to answer questions that the Epstein files are raising. Bill and Melinda Gates Gates said in an interview with an Australian television network on Feb. 4 that he met Epstein in 2011 and remained in contact for about three years. He said the focus was always Epsteins connections to wealthy clients who could help with global philanthropy. Apparently Jeffrey wrote an email to himself, Gates said. That email was never sent. The email was false. So I dont know what his thinking was there. Was he trying to attack me in some way? But it just reminds me, every minute I spent with him I regret, and I apologize that I did that. Nikolic and Gates attempt to patch up relationship Additional emails suggest that Gates and Nikolic continued to try to resolve the employment dispute. Gates continued to email directly with Epstein through December 2014, and Cohen stayed in touch with Epstein through 2019, months after the Miami Herald published its explosive investigation into Epstein. On Aug. 10, 2013, Epstein emails Gates to check about the dispute with Nikolic, and he invited Gates to Santa Fe, New Mexico, as well as to a dinner in September in New York. Epstein adds, of course Melinda can come, if you want. (Epstein had a property called Zorro Ranch an hour outside of Santa Fe, and properties in New York City, where women have said they were abused.) "Thanks for your help," Gates replies the same day. "I don't know how to say that strongly enough. I think we are on a good track now." Gates and Epstein continued to exchange several emails through August 2013 regarding Nikolics agreement that seemed to suggest the mediation didnt work between the Microsoft co-founder and Nikolic. If Boris decides he has changed his mind about what was agreed when you visited our offices that is too bad, Gates writes to Epstein on Aug. 27, 2013. When someone asks for more there is no end to it as you and I discussed. Boris can make whatever he wants public at that point and I will explain to the right people what was done to me and by whom. Cohen, whose LinkedIn profile still lists him as CEO of Gates Ventures, kept emailing with Epstein for years after the dispute. Arnold, the spokesperson for Gates, said "Any ongoing communication from Epstein to Cohen after the separation with Nikolic was unsolicited and not reciprocated." "Larry Cohen was asked to negotiate and manage the separation agreement with Nikolic and clearly frustrated Epstein in his efforts to insert himself more broadly and directly," she said. "Epstein's animosity toward Cohen is clear from the documents, as he viewed Cohen as an impediment to Epstein's access to Gates." Bill Gates is pictured speaking at an event in Stockholm, Sweden, on Jan. 22, 2026. In January 2018, Epstein reached out to Cohen to schedule a meeting between Gates and Terje Rd-Larsen, then the president of the International Peace Institute, in Davos, Switzerland. Cohen responded that he was working to see if there was time for them to meet, though its unclear if the two met at that time. (Rd-Larsen resigned from the institute in 2020 due to his ties to Epstein.) On Jan. 10, 2019, Cohen and Epstein exchanged emails to schedule a time for a conversation. Six months later, on July 8, 2019, federal prosecutors charged Epstein with sex trafficking. He was found dead in his jail cell a month later. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Bill Gates' STI, affair allegations came amid dispute Epstein mediated FILE PHOTO: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla shake hands before their meeting at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing, China May 12, 2025. REUTERS/Florence Lo/Pool/File Photo BEIJING, Feb 5 (Reuters) - China firmly supports Cuba in safeguarding national sovereignty and security and "opposes unwarranted interference by external forces", China's foreign minister told his Cuban counterpart on Thursday, as the U.S. tightens the screws on the island nation. Beijing has voiced support for the socialist island country after tensions flared last month between the U.S. and Cuba following the U.S. capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, long a close ally of Cuba. "We are willing ... to provide support and assistance to the best of our ability," Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, citing "complex and profound changes" in Latin America, told Cuba's Bruno Rodriguez, according to a statement from Wang's ministry. U.S. President Donald Trump has also moved to block all oil from reaching Cuba, with whom Beijing says it shares a "special friendly relations" as fellow socialist countries run by communist parties. "Although (we are) on different continents, our hearts have always been closely connected," Liu Haixing, a senior Chinese communist party minister, told Rodriguez in a separate meeting on Wednesday. China "supports Cuba in opposing foreign interference and blockage", Liu added. Neither Liu or Wang was quoted as mentioning the U.S. directly in Beijing's official summaries of the meetings. The Cuban foreign minister's visit also came amid intensifying rivalry between Washington and Beijing in Latin America, including over the control of key ports near the Panama Canal. (Reporting by Xiuhao Chen and Ryan Woo; Editing by Bernadette Baum and Alex Richardson) WASHINGTON A federal judge has given the Justice Department until Feb. 5 to explain how much "victim identifying information" it failed to redact from the recently released Epstein files after accusers of the disgraced late financier Jeffrey Epstein said they were getting death threats as a result. United States District Judge Paul Engelmayer also instructed DOJ to address whether "all such materials" have since been blacked out in the 3.5 million Epstein-related emails, photos, videos and other data from its investigative files that it made public Jan. 30. Engelmayers Feb. 3 order came in response to a legal filing by two lawyers representing Epstein survivors "regarding an unfolding emergency that requires immediate judicial intervention" including an immediate takedown of the Justice Department website hosting the Epstein files until they can be purged of everything identifying his accusers. Epstein's house was filled with odd objects. See the photos. A painting of former U.S. President Bill Clinton wearing a dress is displayed inside the Manhattan home of Jeffrey Epstein in this image from the estate of late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, released by the Department of Justice in Washington, D.C., U.S., on December 19, 2025. Lawyers Bradley Edwards and Brittany Henderson, who said they represent dozens of Epstein accusers, also asked the court to appoint an independent special master to oversee redaction and republication of the DOJ files, and to keep open the chance for judicial sanctions, "including contempt and monetary relief." "For the victims of Jeffrey Epstein, every hour matters. The harm is ongoing and irreversible," the lawyers wrote in a detail-filled seven page filing. "This Court is the last line of defense for victims who were promised protection and instead were exposed. Judicial intervention is not merely appropriate it is essential." Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said in announcing the new release Jan. 30 that images of all women in the files with the exception of convicted Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell would be redacted in an effort to ensure that no personal details would be made public. But in the first 48 hours since the files' Jan. 30 release, Edwards and Henderson said they reported to DOJ "thousands of redaction failures on behalf of nearly 100 individual survivors whose lives have been turned upside down by DOJs latest release." Besides receiving death threats, some Epstein accusers overseas who had wanted to remain anonymous have had to contend with media reports publishing their identities and photos, the lawyers said. Survivor Anouska De Georgiou speaks at a press conference at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. on September 3, 2025, announcing the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which calls for the release of all unclassified documents in the Jeffrey Epstein case. (Photo by Bryan Dozier / Middle East Images via AFP) (Photo by BRYAN DOZIER/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images) Other victims have also gone public with similar accusations about how DOJ made their identities public after promising not to, while keeping secret the identities of potential Epstein accomplices. "There is no conceivable degree of institutional incompetence sufficient to explain the scale, consistency, and persistence of the failures that occurred," Edwards and Henderson wrote, "particularly where the sole task ordered by the Court and repeatedly emphasized by DOJ was simple: redact known victim names before publication." All the Justice Department needed to do, they told Engelmayer, was to type each victims name into its own search function and then redact it before making the files public in its online "Epstein Library" database. "Had DOJ done that," they said, "the harm would have been avoided." Instead, the DOJ on Jan. 30 "committed what may be the single most egregious violation of victim privacy in one day in United States history," Edwards and Henderson wrote. DOJ acknowledges failures. Survivors say that's not enough. A department spokesman did not immediately respond to USA TODAYs request for comment Feb. 5 on whether DOJ would meet the judges deadline. In a statement to USA TODAY, the Justice Department said it "takes victim protection very seriously and has redacted thousands of victim names in the millions of published pages to protect the innocent." "When a victim's name is alleged to be unredacted," DOJ said, "our team is working around the clock to fix the issue and republish appropriately redacted pages as soon as possible." 'Immediate judicial intervention' needed to protect accusers The seven-page filing by Edwards and Henderson is full of examples of what they say are DOJs failure to redact information pertaining to women dating to back to an earlier release of files released Dec. 19, 2025, as required under the Epstein Files Transparency Act that went into effect a month earlier. The next day, Dec. 20, they said, they immediately notified DOJ of "hundreds of redaction failures" that required urgent attention, including unredacted names and dates of birth. One document alone identified more than 30 victims according to their motion for "immediate judicial intervention." That failure, the lawyers said, forced the Epstein survivors to stay up "all night using DOJs search bar to identify and read every single document that was posted publicly identifying them despite being promised by your office that this would never happen." In all, Epstein is believed to have victimized girls and young women over potentially several decades, forcing them into sex acts at his estates in New York, Florida, New Mexico and on his private Caribbean island. Many of Epstein's estimated 1,000 to 1,200 victims cooperated with FBI agents and federal prosecutors over the years, and have insisted that their identities and their involvement in investigations remain anonymous. Some of the Epstein survivors were minors at the time of the alleged abuse. But when some Epstein survivors or their lawyers contacted DOJ to request redactions, DOJ often blacked out some identifying information while leaving other data in the files, the lawyers said. Many victims' concerns were compounded dramatically by the Jan. 30 release of exponentially more DOJ files and more sensitive information about them and the nature of their allegations. Democratic lawmakers and other critics have called on the Justice Department to act immediately to protect them from further harm. Maxwell was convicted of related crimes and sentenced to 20 years in prison that she is currently serving. Epstein died by suicide in 2019 after his arrest on similar charges while in a New York jail awaiting prosecution. One DOJ document listing the names of 32 minor child victims In their legal filing, the lawyers ticked off a litany of alleged DOJ failures, including one minor victim who had her name revealed 20 times in a single document. "After reporting the violation," the lawyers said, "DOJ redacted her name three additional timesleaving 17 instances still unredacted as of this filing." Epstein survivor Annie Farmer, whose sisterA Maria Farmer, shown in the photo with herself,A was the first woman to file a criminal complaint against Epstein, in 1996, speaking Tuesday morning, November 18, 2025 along with survivors as the House prepares to vote on the aEpstein Files Transparency Acta on compelling the Justice Department to release the full files from the federal investigation of the late convicted sex offender and disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein. Another email listed 32 minor child victims, with only one name redacted and 31 left visibledespite DOJs possession of those names, the lawyers said. Their demand for immediate injunctive relief also contends that: FBI victim statements known as "302 reports" contained the full and unredacted first and last names of minor victims. Handwritten FBI interview notes included minor victims full names unredacted at the top and throughout. Documents containing victims names alongside dates of birth, bank information, drivers license numbers, email addresses or home addresses. Documents where victims names are redacted in some places but not others within the same document. Documents where redactions are "pencil-thin," revealing the complete name and email address beneath. Documents where photographs are properly redacted in one instance and appear fully unredacted nearby. Hundreds of documents exposing the names of four women who have been in "near-constant communication with DOJ since December requesting protection." As a result of those redaction failures, 20 clients who say they are Epstein survivors agreed to issue statements as part of the emergency appeal to the judge, the lawyers said. 'My life is in imminent danger,' one survivor tells DOJ "It is so wrong on so many levels," said one, identified as Jane Doe 3. "Not only it (sic) exposes victims to potential abuse or blackmail, but it can ruin families or damage our careers. I am horrified." Some said they are overseas, where newspapers and websites are publishing all of the details that were not supposed to be linked to them, including photos. "How is this possible?" asked Jane Doe 4. "In [my home country], as in the entire EU, there is a strict privacy law. Im shocked, I didnt expect such violation of our privacy." Some noted that while dozens of Epstein accusers went public with their allegations, they had insisted on anonymity to protect their privacy and said that has now been shattered and placed them and their families at risk. "Please, Im begging you to delete my name!!!" said Jane Doe 5. "I can only imagine the devastation your errors are causing to so many other victims of Jeffrey Epstein." Jane Doe 7 said the release of her name and photo have resulted in unwanted publicity and threats in her home country where she currently lives. "The press makes up crazy stories and shows me as a legitimate target for others to attack me physically and in the press," Jane Doe 7 said. "My life is in imminent danger as long as you keep on releasing more files and info about me and not remove and redact the ones already released." She added: "This is a life-threatening situation for me. Please take my plea seriously." Jane Doe 8 said she also received death threats in the 24 hours following the Jan. 30 DOJ release, which she said included 51 entries mentioning her. "You even had the audacity to release my private banking info and [I] am now trying to shut down cards and accounts," Jane Doe 8 said. "This kind of vicious attack on a victim at the hands of the 'Department of Justice' is an abomination." In their filing, the lawyers said the Justice Department needs to do more to ensure that all names and identifying information are redacted immediately to prevent further harm. Besides an immediate takedown of the files, they asked the court to appoint an independent special master to oversee redaction and republication, and to keep open the chance for judicial sanctions, "including contempt and monetary relief." "For the victims of Jeffrey Epstein, every hour matters. The harm is ongoing and irreversible," the lawyers said. "This Court is the last line of defense for victims who were promised protection and instead were exposed. Judicial intervention is not merely appropriate it is essential." This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 'Every hour matters.' Judge orders DOJ to protect Epstein survivor IDs Donald Trump is facing furious calls to apologize for his U.K. troops 'cowardice' claim from the families of British soldiers killed in Afghanistan.MEGA Donald Trump is facing furious calls to apologize for his U.K. troops "cowardice" claim from the families of British soldiers killed in Afghanistan and is being urged to visit their graves, RadarOnline.com can reveal. The furious call came after the stepmother of Private Gareth Bellingham declared she wanted a personal "sorry" from the Republican President. Trump Afghanistan Remarks Trigger Fury Donald Trump claimed that NATO troops avoided the front line in Afghanistan.MEGA Trump, 79, recently sparked outrage over his claim Nato troops avoided the front line during the U.S.-led invasion of Afghanistan in 2001. Private Bellingham from Stoke-on-Trent was killed age 22 after being shot in June 2011 while clearing a mine area on patrol in Helmand Province. His stepmom Kim Bellingham raged about Trump's remarks: "It was extremely hurtful and it's made me very angry." She stressed Brit soldiers who served in Afghanistan "worked blooming hard" and said all of them needed an apology from Trump. Soldiers Stepmom Demands Apology The stepmother of Private Gareth Bellingham demanded a personal apology from Donald Trump.MEGA Mrs Bellingham also blasted: "I'd like to meet Trump I'd like to take him to Gareth's grave. "Wise up, get better advisors, come and see the reality of the loss of a child in a conflict." The grief-torn mom added about her stepson's death: "He'd been called through because someone had been injured under fire, so he died very bravely. "He was doing his job, he was trying to protect all of his other company." Mrs Bellingham said to hear ex-reality TV judge Trump said he was among the Nato troops who dodged the front line was "absolutely appalling." She also branded Trump's recent U-turn on his statements "absolutely too little too late. Royals and Celebrities Slam Trump Sir Rod Stewart branded the President a draft dodger in a social media video.MEGA Trump ignited outrage after babbling on his social media platform America's allies had sent "some troops" to help in the conflict but accused them of staying "a little back" and a "little off" the front lines. Fury from army chiefs, U.K. political parties, King Charles III and Trump's former pal, crooner Rod Stewart appeared to force Trump to roll back on his statement and praise the Brit soldiers sent to Afghanistan as "among the greatest of all warriors." Stewart, 81, lashed out at his former pal Trump over his original remarks in a social media video in which he branded him a "draft dodger". It refers to how Trump was called up or "drafted" to serve in the Vietnam War in his youth. Trump got out of the draft by being a student for four of the five times he was called on and obtained a doctor's note for "bone spurs" on the fifth. A total of 457 soldiers, Royal Marines and aviators were killed in the conflict, sparked by the 9/11 attacks on the US. Prime Minister Keir Starmer branded Trump's comments "insulting and appalling", Prince Harry said Nato troops deserved respect and King Charles was said to have intervened in the row by expressing his "concerns" over Trump's latest outburst. Families Plan Protest Petition The President praised British soldiers as the greatest of warriors in a later post.MEGA More than 1,100 non-US coalition fighters died in the Afghan conflict. The overwhelming majority of those were from Nato countries and more than 2,300 members of the US armed forces lost their lives. A source told us Mrs Bellingham's demand for an apology from Trump may now spark a petition from a group of parents and partners of war heroes to visit their graves and issue a "mass apology" to them over his Afghan outburst. They said: "Mrs Bellingham is one of many who want a face-to-face with Trump." There has been talk among military families to unleash a petition calling for Trump to visit their loved ones' graves and show he is actually sorry for his remarks. "This could be on the way to becoming a major public embarrassment for Trump." By Phil Stewart, Erin Banco and Jonathan Landay WASHINGTON, Feb 4 (Reuters) - A team working for President Donald Trump's spy chief, Tulsi Gabbard, last spring led an investigation into Puerto Rico's voting machines, said Gabbard's office and three sources familiar with the previously unreported events. The sources said the goal was to work with the FBI to investigate claims that Venezuela had hacked voting machines in Puerto Rico, but added the probe did not produce any clear evidence of Venezuelan interference in the U.S. territory's elections. Reuters first reported the investigation. Gabbard's office, in a statement to Reuters, confirmed the May investigation but denied a link to Venezuela, saying its focus was on vulnerabilities in the island's electronic voting systems. Her team took an unspecified number of Puerto Rico's voting machines and additional copies of data from the machines as part of its investigation, a spokesperson for Gabbard's Office of the Director of National Intelligence said. Her office said the taking of voting machines and data was "standard practice in forensics analysis." Noting similar voting infrastructure elsewhere in the United States, it added: "ODNI found extremely concerning cyber security and operational deployment practices that pose a significant risk to U.S. elections." Jorge Rivera Rueda, head of Puerto Rico's State Elections Commission, said he could not comment on any ongoing investigations. He added in a statement, "the Commission will fully cooperate with any investigative process conducted by the appropriate authorities, whether at the state or federal level." Venezuela's government did not respond to a request for comment. U.S. SECURITY CONCERNS LINKED TO CELL TECHNOLOGY, SOFTWARE ODNI said some security gaps in voting machines used in Puerto Rico stemmed from their use of vulnerable cellular technology and that software flaws existed that could give hackers access deep into vital electoral systems. The Puerto Rico operation appeared to be part of an effort by Trump administration officials to pursue unproven allegations of voting fraud, the sources said. The preoccupation with voter fraud dates to Trump's reelection loss in 2020 and has not abated, said the sources, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss non-public operations. Democratic leaders in Congress voiced alarm over Reuters' report on the Puerto Rico operation. Chuck Schumer, the top Democrat in the Senate, said the Trump administration was violating state and federal laws and the U.S. Constitution by seeking the election records. "They're trying to intimidate local elected officials," Schumer told MS NOW television on Thursday, when asked about the Reuters story. "Whats most alarming here is that Director Gabbards own team acknowledges there was no evidence of foreign interference, yet they seized voting machines and election data anyway," U.S. Senator Mark Warner, the top Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, told Reuters on Thursday. Jim Himes, the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, said on Thursday Gabbard had yet to offer a "defensible legal rationale" for her team's probe in Puerto Rico. "The intelligence community operates outside the borders of the US for good reason, and the Director of National Intelligence has no business at a law enforcement operation unless there is a legitimate foreign nexus, of which we've seen no indication," Himes said in a statement. Gabbard's appearance at an FBI raid of an election facility in Fulton County, Georgia, last week highlights her direct involvement in these issues. Last week's FBI raid in Georgia prompted alarm among some national security experts worried that Gabbard and the ODNI have overstepped their authority in investigating a sensitive domestic matter. Gabbard was not physically present during the operation in Puerto Rico, her office said, even though her agency took on a coordinating role in the investigation. U.S. officials involved in the Georgia investigation sought records related to the 2020 presidential election that Republican Trump has falsely claimed he lost against Democrat Joe Biden because of widespread fraud. Domestic election security matters are typically handled by law enforcement agencies, say current and former U.S. officials, not the nations intelligence services. Gabbard's office said it had the authority to carry out the investigation. "Given ODNI's broad statutory authority to coordinate, integrate, and analyze intelligence related to election security and our known work on understanding vulnerabilities to foreign and other malign interference, ODNI conducted an examination of electronic voting systems used in Puerto Ricos elections," the spokesperson said. Reuters sources said it was the unproven allegation of Venezuelan involvement in voting irregularities in the U.S. territory's elections that had raised questions about possible foreign interference something Gabbard had the legal authority to investigate. The Caribbean island's residents are U.S. citizens but do not have voting representation in Congress and cannot vote in presidential general elections. Challenging the denials of Gabbard's office about Venezuela's role, the three sources told Reuters that the FBI team involved in the Puerto Rico operation was probing the theory that Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro's government had hacked U.S. voting, an allegation that has strong support among some Trump supporters but for which no evidence has surfaced publicly. THREATS TO ELECTION SECURITY The operation in Puerto Rico involved the FBI field office in southern Florida whose agents were coordinating with a group overseen by Gabbard investigating threats to election security, said two of the sources familiar with the operation. This group included U.S. national security officials, law enforcement agents and government contractors, the sources said. Gabbard's office said the United States Attorney in Puerto Rico, his team of Homeland Security investigations agents, and an FBI supervisory special agent "facilitated the voluntary turnover of electronic voting hardware and software to ODNI for analysis." The U.S. military seized Maduro in Caracas in January, removing him from power, and brought him to New York to face drug trafficking charges, which he denies. Puerto Ricos elections have had irregularities but no credible evidence has emerged to support allegations of Venezuelan attacks to influence voting there. "We have had widely reported problems in election administration. But they are all attributable to incompetence and corruption, not foreign interference," said Pablo Jose Hernandez Rivera, a Democrat elected in 2024 to represent Puerto Rico in the U.S. House of Representatives in a non-voting capacity. (Reporting by Phil Stewart, Erin Banco and Jonathan Landay; editing by Diane Craft, Rod Nickel) The Electronic Flight Bag market is witnessing sustained demand driven by airline fleet modernization, rising adoption of paperless cockpit solutions, and increasing emphasis on operational efficiency and regulatory compliance across commercial and military aviation. Advancements in cloud-based EFB software, real-time data integration, and connected avionics ecosystems are reshaping pilot workflows and airline cost structures. Growing enterprise adoption is supported by enhanced situational awareness, fuel optimization, and route planning capabilities, while restraints include high upfront integration costs, cybersecurity concerns, and varying regulatory acceptance across regions. LEWES, Del., Feb. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- According to Verified Market Research, the Global Electronic Flight Bag Market was valued at 2.74 in 2024 and is projected to reach 4.46 by 2032, expanding at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.3% during the forecast period 20262032. The market outlook reflects increasing digital transformation investments by airlines, business aviation operators, and defense organizations seeking data-driven flight operations and compliance efficiency. For a detailed analysis of Industry Trends And Growth Drivers, Explore The Full Electronic Flight Bag Market. Table of Contents: 210+ Pages | Tables: 160+ | Figures: 140+ Electronic Flight Bag Market Overview Market Drivers 1. Fleet Digitalization and Paperless Cockpit Initiatives Airlines and aviation operators are accelerating the transition from paper-based manuals to digital flight management systems to reduce operational costs and improve cockpit efficiency. Electronic Flight Bags enable real-time access to navigation charts, weather data, and performance calculations, delivering measurable productivity gains. For enterprise buyers, EFB deployment supports standardization across fleets, lowers fuel burn through optimized planning, and strengthens compliance reporting, making it a strategic investment aligned with long-term cost optimization goals. 2. Regulatory Support for Electronic Documentation Aviation authorities are increasingly recognizing certified EFB solutions as compliant alternatives to traditional documentation, driving adoption across commercial and military segments. Regulatory endorsement reduces administrative burden and enhances audit readiness for operators. From a B2B perspective, this creates a scalable market opportunity for EFB vendors offering compliant, update-ready platforms, while buyers benefit from reduced downtime, faster updates, and improved alignment with evolving airworthiness and safety mandates. 3. Integration with Connected Aircraft and Analytics Platforms The convergence of EFB systems with aircraft health monitoring, flight analytics, and connectivity solutions is elevating their role from documentation tools to decision-support platforms. Integrated EFBs provide actionable insights on fuel efficiency, route optimization, and safety metrics. For market research buyers, this trend highlights the strategic value of EFBs within the broader digital aviation ecosystem, supporting data-driven operations and long-term technology roadmaps. Market Restraints 1. High Implementation and Integration Costs Despite long-term savings, the initial cost of EFB hardware, software licensing, certification, and integration with existing avionics can be significant, particularly for smaller airlines and regional operators. This financial barrier may delay adoption in cost-sensitive markets, posing a strategic risk for vendors targeting emerging regions and price-conscious buyers. 2. Cybersecurity and Data Integrity Concerns As EFBs increasingly rely on cloud connectivity and real-time data exchange, concerns around cybersecurity, data breaches, and system integrity are growing. Regulatory scrutiny on data protection varies by region, adding complexity for multinational operators. For enterprise buyers, mitigating cyber risk requires additional investment in secure architectures and vendor due diligence. 3. Regulatory Fragmentation Across Regions While leading aviation authorities support EFB adoption, inconsistent certification requirements and operational guidelines across regions can slow deployment. This fragmentation creates compliance challenges for global airlines and defense operators, impacting scalability and increasing regulatory risk for buyers planning cross-border fleet standardization. Download a free sample to access exclusive Insights, Data Charts, And Forecasts From The Electronic Flight Bag market Sample Report. Geographical Dominance North America dominates the Electronic Flight Bag market, supported by early adoption of digital cockpit technologies, strong regulatory frameworks, and the presence of major commercial airlines and defense aviation programs. The United States leads in large-scale fleet deployments and advanced EFB integration. Europe follows closely, driven by stringent safety regulations and modernization of airline operations. Asia-Pacific represents a high-growth secondary region, fueled by expanding commercial fleets in China and India. Emerging opportunities are expected in the Middle East and Latin America as airlines invest in operational efficiency and digital aviation infrastructure. Key Players Competitive insights are critical for understanding technology leadership, certification capabilities, and partnership strategies in the Electronic Flight Bag market. Key players include Honeywell International Inc., Rockwell Collins Inc., Jeppesen Sanderson, Astronics Corporation, L3Harris Technologies Inc., Airbus SAS, Thales Group, CMC Electronics Inc., Collins Aerospace, Esterline Technologies, NavtechGPS, Universal Avionics Systems Corporation, and ACSS Aviation Pty Ltd. Electronic Flight Bag market Segmentation By Product Commercial Aviation Business and General Aviation Military Aviation By Component Hardware Software By System Satcom System Radio System Security System Management System By Application E-documents Charts Video Surveillance Airport Moving Maps Others By Geography North America Europe Asia-Pacific Middle East & Africa Latin America Strategic Insights The market demonstrates high attractiveness in North America and Europe due to regulatory maturity and fleet digitalization budgets. Entry barriers include certification complexity, integration expertise, and long sales cycles with airlines and defense organizations. Successful vendors emphasize subscription-based pricing, compliance-ready solutions, and strategic partnerships with avionics and connectivity providers. For investors and enterprise buyers, positioning within integrated aviation analytics ecosystems offers sustainable growth and differentiation. To gain complete access with Corporate Or Enterprise Licensing, Visit The Electronic Flight Bag market. Key Highlights of the Report Detailed market size and forecast through 2032 In-depth segment-level analysis by technology and application Regional performance and growth opportunity mapping Competitive landscape with strategic benchmarking Comprehensive drivers, challenges, and risk assessment Why This Report Matters? This report delivers actionable intelligence for informed decision-making by quantifying market opportunities, identifying adoption risks, and benchmarking competitive strategies. It supports revenue planning, technology investment prioritization, and market entry evaluation for aviation stakeholders seeking sustainable operational and financial performance. Who Should Read This Report? Market research professionals and analysts Aviation system manufacturers and software providers Airline and defense enterprise buyers Investors and corporate strategists Related Reports Section Global Ziplock Product Market Size By Product Type (Standard Ziplock Bags, Freezer Bags, Storage Bags), By Size Variation (Snack Size, Quart Size, Gallon Size), By Usage Occasion (Everyday Use, Food Storage, Travel and On-the-Go), By Geographic Scope And Forecast Global Automotive Pyrotechnic Airbag Inflators Market Size By Type (Chemical Airbag Inflators, Compressed Gas Airbag Inflators, Hybrid Airbag Inflators), By Vehicle Type (Passenger Vehicles, Commercial Vehicles, Motorcycles), By Deployment Mode (Single Stage, Multi-Stage), By Geographic Scope And Forecast Global Automotive Airbags Market Size By Airbag Type (Frontal Airbags, Side Airbags), By Vehicle Type (Hatchback, SUV), By Component (Airbag Inflator, Impact Sensors), By Geographic Scope And Forecast Australia Retail Bags Market Size By Material Type (Plastic, Polyethylene (PE)), By Pattern (Textured, Printed), By End-User (Online Retailer, Offline Retailer), And Forecast Leading Baggage Handling Systems conducting intralogistics activities across busiest airports Visualize Electronic Flight Bag Market using Verified Market Intelligence -: Verified Market Intelligence is our BI Enabled Platform for narrative storytelling in this market. 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Follow Us On: LinkedIn | Twitter | Threads | Instagram | Facebook Contact Us Mr. Edwyne Fernandes Verified Market Research US: +1 (650)-781-4080 US Toll Free: +1 (800)-782-1768 Email: [email protected] Web: https://www.verifiedmarketresearch.com/ Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2015407/VMR_Logo.jpg SOURCE Verified Market Research US President Donald Trump, left, and Russian President Vladimir Putin. - Getty Images The expiration of the last remaining nuclear treaty between the United States and Russia on Thursday has sparked fears about a nuclear arms race, with the two biggest nuclear superpowers without limits on their arsenals for the first time in decades. The worst case is it spirals and then some unforeseen or foreseeable incident touches off a conflict that escalates rapidly to a nuclear conflict, said Thomas Countryman, a former acting undersecretary of state for arms control and international security. On Thursday, US President Donald Trump indicated the United States would not continue to adhere to the limits of the New START Treaty. Rather than extend NEW START (A badly negotiated deal by the United States that, aside from everything else, is being grossly violated), we should have our Nuclear Experts work on a new, improved, and modernized Treaty that can last long into the future, Trump said in a post on Truth Social. Though some experts argue the limitations of the New START treaty were outdated and unnecessarily constrained the US, especially when China is looking to expand its nuclear arsenal. The landmark treaty went into force in February 2011. It capped both countries at 1,550 deployed nuclear warheads; 700 deployed intercontinental ballistic missiles, submarine-launched ballistic missiles and heavy bombers equipped to transport nuclear weapons; and 800 deployed and non-deployed launchers. It put limits on Russian intercontinental nuclear weapons that could reach the US. But critics of the treaty, including Trump, pointed out it did not cover China, which is rapidly expanding its nuclear arsenal and could have some 1,500 nuclear warheads by 2035 if they continue to expand their stockpile at the current pace, according to a Pentagon report from 2022. The treaty was originally in place for 10 years. In 2021, the US and Russia agreed to extend it for another five years, through February 4, 2026. The agreement was not eligible to be extended again, but the two countries could agree to continue to adhere to the caps outlined in the treaty. Concerns over the future of arms control which the US and Russia have worked on together for decades comes as Trump also vowed last year that the US would resume nuclear testing, but there has been no movement towards that end. Last September, Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed doing so for another year. At the time, Trump said the proposal sounds like a good idea to me. However, Trump in recent weeks has expressed little concern about the lapse, telling the New York Times, If it expires, it expires. Well do a better agreement. And on Wednesday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio suggested that the US would not agree to maintain the limits of the treaty, citing Trumps call for a nuclear deal between the US, Russia and China. The president has been clear in the past that in order to have true arms control in the 21st century, its impossible to do something that doesnt include China because of their vast and rapidly growing stockpile, he said. Beijing has consistently rebuffed the idea of trilateral negotiations both privately and publicly. Erroneous and regrettable Russias Foreign Ministry on Wednesday said they had received no answer from the Trump administration and that public comments from the US government indicate that our ideas have been deliberately left unanswered. This approach seems erroneous and regrettable, the statement said. The foreign ministry said that in the current circumstances, they assume the two countries are no longer bound by any obligations or symmetrical declarations in the context of the Treaty, including its core provisions, and are in principle free to choose their next steps. Asked about the statement, a Trump administration official told CNN, President Trump has spoken repeatedly of addressing the threat nuclear weapons pose to the world and indicated that he would like to keep limits on nuclear weapons and involve China in arms control talks. The president will decide the path forward on nuclear arms control, which he will clarify on his own timeline, the official said. A Russian Yars intercontinental ballistic missile launcher rolls on Red Square during the Victory Day military parade in central Moscow on May 9, 2024. - Alexander Nemenov/AFP/Getty Images Many experts who spoke with CNN said it is not in the US national security interest to let the limits of New START lapse and said it would instead make sense to continue them on a temporary basis. We do not benefit from a wasteful, inefficient arms race. We do not benefit from a lack of predictability and transparency in knowing what the Russian nuclear program is up to. We dont benefit from potential miscommunication or miscalculation based on a lack of information, said Paul Dean, a former acting assistant secretary of state for arms control, deterrence, and stability who is now vice president at the Nuclear Threat Initiative (NTI). It is unclear if the US will now upload more nuclear weapons following the expiration of the treaty. Former officials and experts said the US might do so and also might reverse the moves it took to pare back its posture to comply with the treaty when it was introduced. Some experts suggest such action is needed to reassure allies who might be tempted to build their own nuclear arsenals. If people are worried about Russia and China building up, they should have been worried a decade ago when they were already building up their nuclear arsenals and the US was showing restraint, said Heather Williams, a director on nuclear issues at CSIS. If we dont show nuclear resolve our allies will wonder will the US come to our aid, do we have to develop our own nuclear programs. US could be left in the dust But rapid action by Russia is also likely if the US makes moves to expand beyond the treatys limits. Rose Gottemoeller, who served as chief US negotiator for New START, said she believes the worst-case scenario is a rapid campaign carried out by Russia to upload additional nuclear warheads that essentially leaves us in the dust while were still trying to get organized and the Chinese are building up steadily again. She told CNN that the US could benefit from a years extension to the limits because the country is not immediately ready to rush into anything. Weve got work to do, to plan and prepare, she said, noting that it would take time to undo the changes made to submarines and bombers in order to adhere to the treaty. Russia, she said, is much better prepared to start uploading their missiles quickly. They have active warhead production lines as well as active production lines for other related components for their missile systems that they would be able to upload rapidly, Gottemoeller said. We know they have that industrial capacity available, and we do not have it. Gottemoeller also noted that a one-year extension could be an easy diplomatic win for Trump. She also said the extension of the limits really gives us a chance to prepare right for what we need to do against the Chinese. But others disagree about the benefits of pursuing an extension of the existing limits. Matthew Kroenig, vice president and senior director of the Atlantic Councils Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security, told CNN that he does not believe adhering to the limits is in the US interest. In theory, it is nice to have limitations, but the main goal of US nuclear weapons is to deter nuclear war, not to have treaties, he said. He said China is not in the same position that it was when New START was negotiated and the existing limits are not enough to deter both Moscow and Beijing. China is a near-peer superpower or will be a nuclear superpower, and so now we need a strategy to deter nuclear war with Russia and China, with Chinas much larger force, he told CNN. He pointed to the October 2023 findings of a bipartisan strategic posture commission, on which both he and Gottemoeller served, that said the size and composition of the nuclear force must account for the possibility of combined aggression from Russia and China. U.S. strategy should no longer treat Chinas nuclear forces as a lesser included threat, it said. Biden administration officials have publicly said now that they took the recommendation seriously and took all the necessary steps to prepare for an upload of additional warheads. So they didnt actually do it, but they said that theyve done everything that if the Trump administration decided to go in that direction, the department would be prepared, Kroenig said. Trump pursued a trilateral arms control agreement between the US, Russia and China during his first term, and Trump administration officials have consistently made efforts to engage China on the topic throughout the last year, according to a senior administration official. But China has consistently refused to engage in talks that could limit their growing nuclear arsenal. Multiple track-two discussions on strategic stability between the US and China have occurred over the last year, sources familiar with the discussions said. One former official involved in those talks told CNN that China appears more open to the overall discussion, even if they refuse to broach the topic of limitations on their arsenal. This may be due to growing awareness that the size of their nuclear arsenal and forthcoming collapse of all structured arms control agreement between US and Russia have cast them into a world less familiar to them, the former official said. Still, without a clear understanding on what will bring China to the table for serious dialogue on the topic, abandoning New START and the pursuit of interim agreement is a risky move, some experts said. We could see a dangerous three-way arms race between Russia, the US and China said Daryl Kimball, the executive director of the Arms Control Association, but all of that could be avoided or mitigated with some simple common sense, diplomatic efforts. Although the expiration of New START is not the first setback in global risk reduction efforts, Kimball said, its occurrence in the midst of the Trump administrations kind of wrecking ball approach to international rules and treaties could be the starting point for a new kind of US-Russian and US-Chinese, unbridled, unconstrained arms race that is costly for all countries. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Snow lines a winding road on rural Tennessee. Kim Jarrett / The Center Square (The Center Square) - Three southern states slammed by a winter storm in late January will receive expedited federal funding to help with recovery efforts. The Federal Emergency Management Agency said it has approved just over $11 million to support Mississippi, Tennessee and Louisiana. The money can reimburse the states for measures already taken and sustain response operations, a news release said. FEMA approved $3.75 million for Mississippi and another $3.75 million for Tennessee. Louisiana was approved for $3.79 million. Public assistance is traditionally provided on a reimbursement basis after costs are incurred and documented, FEMA said in a Friday news release. This time, because the storm was so serious, FEMA is sending the money upfront so Mississippi, Tennessee and Louisiana can act quickly. The states can use the money to deploy generators and temporary power for critical facilities, to pay for emergency debris clearance and operate emergency shelters, to assist law enforcement and public safety operations, to operate emergency operations centers and cover emergency logistics, and to provide temporary heating and medical support, the agency said. As of Wednesday afternoon, over 8,000 Tennessee households were still without power as a result of the ice and snow that began on Jan. 24. Most of the outages are in Davidson County, according to Nashville Electric Services outage map. In a statement on Friday, Gov. Bill Lee called the recovery extremely challenging. Residents need a clear timeline for power restoration, transparency on the number of linemen deployed, and a better understanding of when work will be completed in their neighborhood, he said. I have shared my strong concerns with (Nashville Electric Service) leadership, as well as my expectation that both communication with their customers and power restoration efforts must improve. In north Mississippi, heavy ice that accumulated on trees and power lines led Gov. Tate Reeves to request a major disaster declaration for multiple counties. There were still 27,500 power outages in the state as of Wednesday, and more than 400 homes had been reported as damaged or destroyed. Thousands remained without power in north Louisiana more than a week after the storm, although Entergy said the majority of its customers were back online. The company said there was widespread damage to the grid, including nearly 1,000 utility poles and hundreds of transformers that needed repair or replacement. Gov. Jeff Landry on Tuesday announced support for families and small businesses, including federal disaster loans and food stamp assistance. Luke Hales/Getty; Erica Denhoff/Icon Sportswire via Getty NEED TO KNOW At least two Republican senators were reportedly left confused following Donald Trump's recent announcement that the Kennedy Center would close down for renovations Trump, 79, said the building would undergo "construction, revitalization and complete rebuilding following its closure on July 4, 2026 According to reports, Sens. Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski felt blindsided by the news At least two Republican senators were left confused after President Donald Trump announced that he will soon be closing the Kennedy Center for two years to undergo "construction, revitalization and complete rebuilding," according to reports. Republicans in Congress helped approve Trump's landmark funding package, known as the "Big Beautiful Bill," in 2025, which allocated approximately $257 million to the Kennedy Center for repairs and renovations. But according to Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski and Maine Sen. Susan Collins each of whom have relevant roles on the Senate Appropriations Committee there was never talk of closing the performing arts center to update the facility. On Monday, Feb. 2, HuffPost reported that Collins who was one of three Republican senators to oppose the Big Beautiful Bill reacted, That came as the big surprise to me, because it was my understanding the renovations are already underway and going well, so I don't think that was anticipated when we provided the money." Murkowski's comment about the Kennedy Center closing down during renovations was even more direct. At no point in time was it ever suggested that the entire Kennedy Center would be shut down for renovation, Punchbowl News quoted the Alaska moderate as saying. Murkowski, whom Democrats had hoped would help stop the Big Beautiful Bill, ultimately delivered the deciding vote in Congress that sent it to the president's desk, calling the decision "agonizing" at the time. Punchbowl reports that Murkowski has now said she's pushing for answers about why the Kennedy Center needs to shut down. On Sunday, Feb. 1, Trump made the surprise announcement that the Kennedy Center will close down on July 4, 2026, for approximately two years. Trump, 79, said he decided to close the venue, rather than allow performances to continue during construction, on the advice of a group of experts, including "contractors, musical experts, art institutions, and other advisors and consultants." Although the president initially described it as a complete rebuilding that will result in a "new and beautiful landmark," he clarified to reporters in the Oval Office on Monday that hes not fully ripping it down. "I'll be using the steel, he said. "So we're using the structure, we're using some of the marble, and some of the marble comes down." Trump estimated the project will cost around $200 million. Some critics raised questions on whether the closure was a response to the wave of performers whove recently canceled their appearances at the Kennedy Center since the MAGA-aligned board rebranded it the "Trump Kennedy Center." Maria Shriver, niece to former President John F. Kennedy, shared her interpretation of Trump's announcement in candid terms. "Translation: It has been brought to my attention that due to the name change (but nobodys telling me its due to the name change), but its been brought to my attention that entertainers are canceling left and right, and I have determined that since the name change no one wants to perform there any longer," Shriver wrote on X, sharing what she believes Trump is thinking. "Ive determined that due to this change in schedule, its best for me to close this center down and rebuild a new center that will bear my name, which will surely get everybody to stop talking about the fact that everybodys canceling right?" her post continued. 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. Rep. Joyce Beatty, a Democrat from Ohio and ex-officio trustee of the centers board, said in a statement, "Trump is scrambling to shut down the Kennedy Center after discovering that American artists and performers won't put up with his partisan takeover and unlawful renaming." "And let's be clear: a remodeling job won't restore the Kennedy Center to what it was," Beatty continued. "A return to artistic independence will." Read the original article on People A judge in a robe holds a gavel over a desk in a courtroom. Photo: Shopify Partners / Burst (The Center Square) A judge has ordered a former Cook County Sheriffs office employee to pay more than $35,000 in restitution for forgery to obtain a Paycheck Protection Program loan during the COVID-19 pandemic. Kimberly Flowers-Watson, 59, of Chicago pleaded guilty to felony forgery and was sentenced to two years of second-chance probation. The Illinois Attorney Generals office said Flowers-Watson forged a PPP loan application to the U.S. Small Business Administration by falsely claiming she owned a business that did not exist. DATA CENTER MORATORIUM PROPOSED Champaign County officials are considering a one-year ban on the development of large data centers so zoning regulations can be developed for such projects. Planning and Zoning Director John Hall told The News-Gazette a potential project site west of Champaign was described to him as being about 300 acres, far larger than any data center the county has previously approved. Hall expressed concerns about water consumption from the Mahomet Aquifer and energy usage. SUPER BOWL SAFETY The Illinois Department of Transportation and Illinois State Police are joining local law enforcement departments in a Super Bowl safety campaign this weekend. State officials are urging party-goers to make sure their designated drivers are not impaired by alcohol, cannabis or other impairing drugs and that everyone in their vehicle is wearing a seat belt. The Super Bowl safety campaign is part of the Illinois Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over and Click It or Ticket programs that are funded with federal highway safety dollars. Students work on laptops at desks in a modern library with bookshelves in the background. Photo: Kampus Production / Pexels (The Center Square) An Illinois state senator is renewing a push to change state law to require the immediate expulsion of students found responsible for sexual assault, arguing current policies leave victims unprotected and force families to take extreme measures to keep their children safe. State Sen. Steve McClure, R-Springfield, said he filed the bill after a Christian County case in which a middle school girl was repeatedly attacked and later sexually assaulted by an older student who was neither expelled nor suspended, despite admitting to the assault. McClure said the victims family was instead forced to seek a court order of protection to keep their child safe at school. I dont think a parent should have to go to court, pay for private counsel, and take time off work just to keep their child from being abused at school, McClure said. Thats what motivated this bill. McClure said the case is not isolated, noting lawmakers have heard from families in multiple counties who removed their children from public schools after districts refused to expel or suspend alleged attackers. He added that while Illinois law mandates immediate expulsion for weapons violations, it does not require the same response for sexual assault, even when the act is admitted. That gap in the law is causing serious school safety problems, McClure said. Victims are forced to sit in classrooms, ride buses, and attend school activities with the person who assaulted them. That creates irreversible harm. The bill would treat sexual assault like weapons violations, allowing immediate expulsion after a school investigation and board determination, with a minimum one-year removal. McClure said schools would still be required to investigate allegations and weigh evidence before making disciplinary decisions. The bill allows expelled students to attend alternative education programs and gives superintendents case-by-case review authority. These are often situations where students are not being held in juvenile detention indefinitely, he said. If theyre going to remain in school, it shouldnt be the same school as the victim. McClure said recent changes to Illinois school discipline laws have made expulsions harder, contributing to repeat offenses, and stressed the bill does not change mandatory reporting or criminal prosecution, which remain separate from school discipline. This does not diminish the seriousness of sexual assault as a crime, he said. Just like bringing a gun to school, you can still be prosecuted. Schools simply need their own process to protect students while the criminal system runs its course. McClure said he would be open to looking at changes to mandatory reporting laws in the future, but emphasized that his immediate focus is passing the expulsion bill first. He said: this bill does not touch the mandated reporter statute at all and I'd certainly be open to looking at that as well but first we have to try to get this bill passed said McClure. The bill McClure filed this year is an amended version of last years legislation, reflecting negotiations with education groups, including the Illinois Education Association and the Principals Association. McClure said the agreed-upon language mirrors the language that already exists in law for guns and for the brass-knuckle situation and was designed specifically to withstand constitutional challenges. Beyond protecting students, McClure said the measure could also reduce costly lawsuits against school districts by ensuring stronger responses to sexual violence. Ive heard of multiple high-dollar lawsuits where schools failed to protect students, he said. The Maine State House dome rises above the building, framed by trees under a partly cloudy sky in Augusta, Maine. Photo: Warren LeMay / Flickr /CC BY-SA 2.0 / Cropped from Original (The Center Square) Impeachment of Secretary of State Shenna Bellows by Maine Republicans is being pushing again, this time over her refusal to issue confidential license plates to federal agencies during ICEs recent activities in the state. In a letter to Democratic legislative leaders, four Republican lawmakers call on them to create a special investigative committee and impeachment proceedings to "hold the secretary accountable for her actions." The letter, signed by Senate Minority Leader Trey Stewart, House Minority Leader Billy "Bob" Faulkingham, comes in response to Bellows' decision to deny an otherwise routine request for confidential, undercover Maine license plates for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Customs and Border Patrol agents, and other federal authorities, which they said "put law enforcement and the public in danger." "The secretary has made it clear: Her actions serve only to make federal law enforcement officers regardless of agency or mission easily identifiable for the purpose of disrupting their lawful operations," the letter says. "It is our duty as legislators to hold Executive Branch officials, including constitutional officers, accountable for their actions in office. "We look forward to your attention to this matter, which, if left unchecked, will unnecessarily put Mainers and our federal law enforcement partners at undue risk." Bellows fired back at the claims in the statement that accused the Republican lawmakers of spreading "lies and misinformation." She said she stands behind her decision not to issue the confidential plates to federal authorities. "I made the decision to pause the issuance of new confidential plates out of deep concern that ICEs actions violate the U.S. Constitution and the law," she said. "It was not a decision made lightly. But where I saw the decision as a necessary one to protect Mainers lives, the Maine GOP saw it as yet another opportunity to spread lies and misinformation and instill fear." Maine was the subject of a large-scale immigration enforcement operation by the Department of Homeland Security. Federal agents arrested more than 200 "criminal aliens" during a yearly weeklong sweep of the state's two largest cities, Portland and Lewiston. Top Maine Democrats have criticized the enhanced enforcement of immigration law by ICE. Bellows, a former state senator seeking the Democratic Party's nomination to run for governor in the Nov. 3 election, has faced previous efforts by lawmakers to remove her from office. Republicans pushed unsuccessfully to impeach Bellows for trying to remove Donald Trump's name from the 2024 presidential primary ballot. Her issue was his possible role in the Jan. 6, 2021, events at the U.S. Capitol. Democrats, in majority of the Legislature, rejected the impeachment proposal. More recently, the Republican National Committee has called on the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate Bellows for violations of federal law over her refusal to turn over sensitive voter data. Bellows has twice refused requests from the Trump administration to turn over the state's voter registration data. She criticizes the demands as a "fishing expedition" that would compromise voters' personal information. In one response, she told the Justice Department to "go jump in the Gulf of Maine" and said she would not comply with the agency's demands. The mayor at his city hall office on Jan. 26. Credit - Erin Trieb for TIME Jacob Frey had just helped his 5-year-old daughter into her ballet slippers at dance class when Minneapolis police chief Brian OHara called. Federal agents had shot someone, OHara told the mayor: It was bad. It was Saturday morning, Jan. 24. A few miles away, an ICU nurse named Alex Pretti had been shot to death across from a doughnut shop on Nicollet Avenue, the second American citizen in three weeks killed by federal agents in this city under siege. Frey rushed for his coat, arranged for another parent to take his daughter home after class, and darted out the door. I didnt say goodbye, which I felt really badly about, he recalls in an interview in his city hall office. Frey, 44, is in his third term as mayor of Minneapolis, a tenure marked by an almost unfathomable series of tragedies. Two years after he took office, COVID crippled the citys downtown. Then came George Floyds murder by a Minneapolis cop, catalyzing protests and riots, a painful fight over police reform, and a depletion in the departments ranks. Last June, two Democratic state legislators in the Minneapolis suburbs were shot along with their spouses in what authorities called an act of targeted political violence. In August, two children were killed and more than two dozen others were injured in a shooting at a school Mass at the citys Annunciation Catholic Church. The current Immigration and Customs Enforcement occupation was preceded by a scandal involving the defrauding of social-service programs. That put the city under the MAGA movements microscope, which many, including Frey, believe figured in the Trump Administrations decision to make Minneapolis the focus of the largest federal immigration-enforcement deployment in American history. Photograph by Brandon BellGetty Images Operation Metro Surge, launched in December, has brought some 3,000 agents, many heavily armed, masked, and dressed in tactical gear, to this frozen city of lakes, often tailed by protesters wielding cell phones documenting their aggressive tactics. Photos showed Liam Conejo Ramos, a 5-year-old in a blue bunny cap, being taken into federal custody. Video captured a woman on her way to a medical appointment dragged from her car, her seat belt slashed as she struggled. Protesters have been manhandled, pepper-sprayed at close range, enveloped in plumes of tear gas. At some schools, absenteeism jumped as high as 40%. Immigrant-owned businesses pull down their gates as sales plummet and workers stay home. Residents monitor preschools, log unfamiliar license plates, and gather in protest, trying in ways big and small to help their neighbors. Frey is at the center of it all, caught between a President who casts him as a radical leftist defying federal authority and a progressive city of 430,000 that wants him to do more to resist the immigration crackdown and regain control. Freys governing creed, forged in the crucible of previous crises, is that resistance is most effective when it is deliberate and restrained. Part of the pushback is showing that we can have Democratically run cities that can work, he says: picking up trash, de-icing alleyways, removing graffiti, filling in potholes. Hes given fiery speeches, demanding ICE get the f-ck out after Renee Good was killed by an ICE agent in early January. But in some ways, his performance demonstrates the limits of his powers. A reprieve appears to be coming. With polls showing a growing majority of Americans believe ICE has gone too far, the DOJ opened a civil rights probe into Prettis death. President Trump softened his tone and swapped out the aggressive commander of the Minneapolis operation for his border czar, Tom Homan, who announced a partial drawdown of federal forces. But a sizeable number of agents will remain. Theres a very straightforward antidote, and that is to leave, Frey told me. They leave, those businesses have customers again. They leave and fear is reduced on the street. But of course, this is not about safety. This is not even about immigration. This is a political narrative that theyre trying to concoct. Minneapolis isnt the first city to contend with the consequences of Trumps immigration crackdown. But it has become the clearest warning of what a mass-deportation campaign that aims to remove 1 million people from the U.S. each year can look like on the groundand of the reckoning awaiting more of Americas mayors and citizens when the federal government turns its power inward. I first met Frey on an icy Wednesday morning as he dropped his two girls off at day care. The mayor helped his 5-year-old daughter step carefully along a frozen sidewalk as he toted his 6-month-old baby in her carrier. Its often the one time of day he gets to see his kids, and he lingers inside with them for a few minutes before wishing them a good day. Riding to city hall in his black Escalade, the mayor reflected on the latest attack from the President. The day before, Frey had a call with Trump that he describes as pretty collegial. But then Frey reiterated on X that the citys roughly 600 police officers would not participate in immigration enforcement. I dont want them spending a second hunting down a father dropping his kids off at day care who is about to go work a 12-hour shift, he tells me. In response, Trump had launched another broadside that morning, saying Frey was playing with fire. The warning was an attempt at coercion, Frey saysa nod to the recent federal subpoena hed been served as part of a Department of Justice investigation. Frey is a Minneapolis transplant. A former professional distance runner from Virginia, he fell in love with the citys trails and lakes and moved there in 2009 to practice employment and civil rights law. In 2011 he helped organize the first Big Gay Race, a charity event to raise money for marriage equality. Two years later he was elected to the city council. He didnt have a legacy here, says council member Linea Palmisano, an ally of the mayors. Hes always had to be his own self-made man. Frey campaigned as a unifier, pledging to mend the citys divisions and becoming the second youngest mayor in Minneapolis history and second Jew to hold the office. Colleagues saw a leader with boundless energy and a desire to talk to people who disagreed with him. The unity appeal collided with the turmoil that befell the city after Floyds murder, which led to a protracted fight over the future of policing in Minneapolis. Frey opposed calls to defund the police, a position that was unpopular on the left at the time. The critics from back then are on him again nowexcept this time many are urging him to have local police act more proactively to protect residents from ICEs excesses and to hold the line on noncooperation with DHS. For all the attention Frey has received for his impassioned public defense of the city, in person he is cautious, pausing carefully to choose his words. In the mayors third-floor office suite, thick stacks of printed talking points sit on desks. Around a conference table at city hall, Frey convenes a morning meeting. He asks OHara, the police chief dialing in on Zoom, for the latest intel on ICE operations. The chief reports a slight decrease in activity, then recounts a few unconfirmed rumors. One is that a federal agent staked out a home with a hostile sign in the window. Another alleges that an agent impersonated a volunteer at a food--distribution center. Police were also called to a hotel housing ICE officers, where protesters had gathered to make noise outside. Base map: Frank Ramspott/Getty Images City leaders have no comprehensive way of tracking Department of Homeland Security activity. Much of the information they have about the ongoing federal operation arrives the same way it does for local residents, via viral videos, social media posts, and word of mouth. Frey and his team try to keep track of incidents by following the frenetic stream of 911 calls and dispatches from the -independent trackers who blanket the city in organized neighborhood groups. (Hundreds are coordinating across more than a dozen separate Signal chats.) Residents are encouraged to report incidents of suspected DHS abuse to a state attorneys general website. The mayors staff of 15 has been bombarded by some 30,000 constituent complaints in the past two months. Some have received threatening messages, prompting the office to remove their contact information from the citys website. The hub of community resistance has been the Whipple Federal Building, where people detained by ICE are held in crowded cells. Some report an absence of access to food, water, or medical care. On a freezing Thursday morning, a small band of localsa music teacher, a retired veteran, a grandmother of threestood shoulder to shoulder, screaming Shame and Traitor! as agents drove in and out of the facility in unmarked cars. Frey hasnt visited the demonstrations at Whipple. And while he joined thousands of locals marching in a recent ICE Out protest, the self-described pragmatic progressive has drawn criticism from liberals on the city council, some of whom are helping to organize the resistance movement. I personally have never heard or seen him out in the streets, says Elizabeth Bonin, communications coordinator for the Twin Cities Democratic Socialists of America group, which opposed Frey in Novembers election. Our community is out here every day watching over the streets, making sure kids get to school safely. Were delivering groceries to neighbors, were printing whistles on peoples 3D printers, were raising money to pay rent because our system of government has failed us. After the meeting with city officials, Frey visits the 24 Somali Mall, a shopping center filled with vendors, many of them citizens whove lived here for decades, selling everything from rugs to electronics to tax services. These days, its about 50% vacant. Dozens of immigrant business owners are too fearful to go to work. Others have shuttered shops because of decreased foot traffic. But as word spread the mayor was paying a visit, Frey was swarmed. People called his name and grabbed his arms, sharing a chorus of concerns: No one is coming. People are scared. When will they leave? Were working on it, Frey tells them as he buys tea and samosas. Minnesota has the largest Somali community in the U.S., and Frey has worked to ingratiate himself. Hes picked up some of the language; his older daughter can count to five in Somali. He bristles at what he sees as the precipitating reason for Operation Metro Surge: the sprawling scandal in which, as of January, 64 people, most of whom are of Somali descent, had been convicted of taking state and federal funding for phony social-service programs. A former senior policy aide of Freys was among those arrested. For Trump, the scandal presented a political opportunity. Minnesota is a blue state Republicans have sought to put into play in presidential elections, led by a governor who was on the 2024 Democratic ticket, and the chaos that engulfed Minneapolis after Floyds killing made it a national symbol of the Black Lives Matter movement. A historic immigration-enforcement operation in a city a fraction of the size of Chicago or Los Angelesone with a lower-than-average proportion of undocumented immigrantsdoesnt make much sense until you consider how it intersects with themes of Democratic mismanagement and crimes committed by foreigners. Look, the fraud is real, Frey says. But you do not hold an entire community accountable for the actions of the criminal. Latino businesses have been hit hard. The Lake Street corridor, a commercial and cultural artery, is quiet. Rebuilding a sense of security will take time even after the federal footprint decreases, Frey says: People need to have confidence leaving their home that theyre gonna come back to it. Critics say Frey needs to do more to support the city in the meantime. The mayor is good at translating the surreal reality on the ground for the cameras, says council member Robin Wonsley, who is urging Frey to back an eviction moratorium, but thats not translating to what is a clear coordinated plan of how hes using the citys reservoir of resources to show up in this moment. Later that afternoon, Frey escorts 24 new police-academy grads down the aisle of the opulent Basilica of St. Mary in downtown Minneapolis. Bagpipes echo through the church as the officers prepare to take the departments oath to protect and serve. The work ahead is not going to be easy, Frey tells the cadets. The bright lightsnot just of this church, but of the worldwill be directly on this department. Freys efforts to rebuild trust between the department and the city ranks among his proudest accomplishments. Weve done a lot of work over these last five years, Frey says. The good news is its being recognized. The bad news is that trust is also fragile. The department lost roughly 300 officers in the aftermath of Floyds killing, as progressives called for its abolition and a federal civil probe found a pattern of discrimination and unconstitutional policing. Meanwhile, each video clip of immigrants, demonstrators, or bystanders being harassedand in some cases assaultedby federal agents deepens a perception that federal authority is being wielded indiscriminately and that local leaders are powerless to stop it. Under the direction of Frey and OHara, Minneapolis police have adhered to the citys separation ordinance, which dictates they avoid involvement in immigration enforcement. Part of this is ideologyMinneapolis is a sanctuary citybut its also an issue of limited capacity. For now, Frey has managed to navigate the challenges of the citys parallel police presences, says former police chief Medaria Arradondo. But if people witness their rights being violated by members wearing these federal uniforms, and members of the MPD are not stepping in and intervening and protecting them, Arradondo says, its not going to matter which uniform theyre seeing. The day after we met, Frey traveled to Washington to meet with fellow mayors in a gathering he called a needed therapy session. He cast his colleagues as defenders of the Republic at this precarious moment. We are on the front lines of a very important battle, he told them. If we do not speak up, if we do not step out, it will be your city that is next. With reporting by Leslie Dickstein/New York Contact us at letters@time.com. A North Carolina emblem features the state flag, a cardinal, and dogwood flowers, symbolizing the Tarheel State. Photo: Alan Wooten / The Center Square (The Center Square) Democrats in Virginia pushing three proposals impacting governance, oversight and disciplinary policy at VMI may just shove the state-supported military college founded in 1839 into North Carolina. Citing strategic priorities of the state, Columbus County state Rep. Brenden Jones tells Lt. Gen. David Furness in the Lexington, Va., Superintendents Office that North Carolina will gladly welcome the institution into the UNC System and give Virginia Military Institute a new home if shut down. Jones also confirmed to Secretary of War Pete Hegseth in his Thursday letters the state stands ready to provide a permanent home inclusive of land, facilities and a long-term permanent campus. The action in Virginias House of Delegates is part of a broad sweep of policy change led by first-term Democratic Gov. Abigail Spanberger, sworn in Jan. 17, and backed by Democratic majorities in both chambers. Taxation, lack of cooperation with federal immigration law, and parental rights of students have all drawn criticisms and all run in contrast to the policies implemented for better than 15 years Republicans have enjoyed majorities in the North Carolina General Assembly. VMI is another box on the checklist for the commonwealth's trifecta party. North Carolina is home to five major military bases plus a Coast Guard station and Army military ocean terminal on the coast, with an estimated 91,000 active service members. VMI operates under a military-style academic system. Governance is by the Board of Visitors as appointed by the governor. The Virginia House proposals would transfer governance authority to the Board of Visitors at Virginia State University (House Bill 1374); create a task force evaluating if VMI should continue as a state-supported institution (House Bill 1377); and remove a VMI-specific exception in state law governing disciplinary immunity for students who report sexual assault (House Bill 22). Sean Parnell, speaking for the Pentagon, said the War Department has significant concern. For generations, the unique military environment at VMI has made the Institute a vital source of commissioned officers for the Armed Forces, Parnell said. The stability of this proven leadership pipeline is a matter of direct national security interest, and any action that could disrupt the ecosystem requires our full attention. DoW reserves the right to take extraordinary measures to protect the integrity of VMI, and our commitment to the cadets and midshipmen currently training there remains steadfast. We urge the Virginia General Assembly to consider the broader implications of this bill on military readiness, as well as the federal governments longstanding investment in this critical institution. Jones said the House of Delegates proposals signal a major shift in how Virginia state leadership views military institutions and their critical need to exist. He wrote to Furness and Hegseth, in part, North Carolinas state leadership stands ready to act, not threaten. If your institution needs a stable home where mission comes first, we are prepared to step forward and assist. Jones said state policy reinforces command authority, institutional discipline, and leadership development, and that commitment is reflected in our budgets, statutes and long-term planning. Jones is the majority leader for Republicans in the North Carolina. He has a seat on the Appropriations Committee, and is chairman of committees for Oversight and Reform; Redistricting; and Oversight. He chaired the committee looking into former state Rep. Cecil Brockman, and hes vice chairman of the powerful Committee on Rules, Calendar and Operations of the House. Alex Saab, a former businessman and close ally of captured former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, was arrested in the Latin American country on Wednesday as part of a joint operation between the U.S. and Venezuela, according to a U.S. law enforcement official. Saab, 54, who had previously been held in the U.S., is expected to be extradited to the U.S. in the coming days, the U.S. official told Reuters. A lawyer for Saab, Luigi Giuliano, was cited in the Colombian newspaper El Espectador later on Wednesday, denying the arrest as "fake news." Journalists aligned with Venezuela's government also made social media posts denying that Saab had been arrested. Giuliano told Venezuelan news site TalCual that Saab may make an appearance to refute the arrest allegations himself but was consulting with the government about what had happened. Venezuela Releases All Known American Detainees After Maduro's Capture And Government Takeover Venezuelan official Alex Saab was reportedly arrested in a joint U.S.-Venezuela operation. (Reuters Photos) Venezuela's top lawmaker, Jorge Rodriguez, did not confirm or deny the reports during a press conference, saying he had no information concerning the possible arrest. Read On The Fox News App This comes after the U.S. operation to attack Venezuela and arrest Maduro, and the Trump administration's subsequent seizing of oil tankers from the country. Saab's arrest would suggest a new level of collaboration between U.S. and Venezuelan authorities under the government of interim President Delcy Rodriguez, Maduro's former deputy, who currently controls Venezuela's law enforcement agencies and actions. Venezuela's Acting President Overhauls Oil Industry Amid Pressure From Trump Administration Alex Saab is expected to be extradited to the U.S. in the coming days. The U.S. official highlighted the significance of Rodriguez's cooperation in the joint operation. Raul Gorrin, the head of Venezuela's Globovision TV network, was also arrested in the operation, the official said. Saab, who was born in Colombia, was previously detained in the African nation of Cape Verde in 2020 and held in the U.S. for more than three years on bribery charges. He was eventually granted clemency in exchange for the release of Americans held in Venezuela. Before he was granted clemency, U.S. officials had charged Saab with taking around $350 million out of Venezuela through the U.S. as part of a bribery scheme connected to Venezuela's state-controlled exchange rate. Venezuelan official Alex Saab is a close ally of captured former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. Click Here To Download The Fox News App Saab denied the allegations and appealed to have the charges dismissed on grounds of diplomatic immunity. An appeals court had not ruled on Saab's appeal by the time the prisoner swap went through. When he returned to Venezuela at the end of 2023, Maduro praised Saab's loyalty to the country's socialist revolution and called him a national hero. Maduro later appointed Saab as industry minister, a position he held until last month, when he was dismissed by Rodriguez following the arrest of the country's former leader. Reuters contributed to this report. Original article source: Maduro ally Alex Saab arrested in joint US-Venezuelan operation, official says To advocates for transparency and accountability surrounding Jeffrey Epstein, the Justice Department's release of 3.5 million pages of files was underwhelming. The department withheld another 2.5 million pages and heavily redacted much of what it did release, and it specifically said it was withholding documents for reasons beyond what transparency legislation actually authorized. The release follows a decades-long track record that has left many accusers deeply frustrated. "These victims have been failed so many times by this government, that they have absolutely no faith in the system whatsoever anymore," Spencer Kuvin, who has represented nine Epstein accusers, including the first child who came forward, told USA TODAY. What do the Epstein files show? See photos released by DOJ (L-R) Michael Jackson, Bill Clinton and Diana Ross in a photo that was part of thousands of files related to Jefferey Epstein released by the Department of Justice on Dec. 19, 2025. The images were released by the US DOJ without location information, dates or context. Amid questions surrounding the Justice Department's handling of sex trafficking and child sexual abuse allegations against Epstein spanning many years, the Epstein Files Transparency Act, signed into law in November, was designed to bring greater transparency about who may have been involved in Epstein's crimes and accountability for those people. But many remain bitterly disappointed because so many files have been withheld or redacted, and some information on victims was released. "Sadly, the DOJ has failed to properly redact victims information while simultaneously succeeding in avoiding the disclosure of incriminated individuals," Rep. Thomas Massie, RKentucky, a lead sponsor of the transparency law, told USA TODAY in a statement. Members of Congress, lawyers for Epstein's victims and former prosecutors and say the remaining options for achieving greater transparency and accountability in Epstein's case include identifying disclosure failures by the DOJ, passing legislation or filing lawsuits to force the department's hand, and ultimately exploring charges against others associated with Epstein. Massie said he has asked to review undisclosed information from the Justice Department and is considering further "legislative and judicial remedies" to bring transparency and accountability. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said in a news conference Jan. 30 that the DOJ withheld or redacted documents for various permissible reasons under the transparency law, such as to protect victim information or to keep information on active investigations secret. He also said the department withheld information based on legal "privileges" the transparency law didn't explicitly authorize. For example, he said, information that showed deliberations within the Justice Department was withheld. Such deliberations could include considerations about whether to bring charges against a a person and what charges to bring. U.S. Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) gestures as U.S. Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) (L) looks on during a news conference on the Epstein Files Transparency Act outside the U.S. Capitol on November 18, 2025 in Washington, DC. In a statement to USA TODAY, the Justice Department emphasized it released more than 3.5 million pages and described claims that it hasn't complied with the transparency law as a "tired narrative," noting the law did authorize certain withholdings. "The Justice Department takes victim protection very seriously and has redacted thousands of victim names in the millions of published pages to protect the innocent," the department said. "When a victim's name is alleged to be unredacted, our team is working around the clock to fix the issue and republish appropriately redacted pages as soon as possible." The department has instructed the public to notify it of improperly unredacted material by emailing EFTA@usdoj.gov. FBI and DOJ's handling of the Epstein case The FBI received a complaint about Epstein's activity with underage girls as far back as 1996. The Justice Department's first batch of disclosures under the new transparency law included that complaint from Maria Farmer, who said Epstein stole photos she took as an artist of her 12- and 16-year-old sisters and asked for photos to be taken of "young girls at swimming pools." According to a lawsuit from Farmer, she initially told the New York Police Department in 1996 that Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, a former girlfriend and longtime associate of Epstein's, sexually assaulted her, and that Epstein had committed crimes involving child sexual abuse material. She then contacted the FBI, describing abuse she suffered, her concern that one of her minor sisters had been abused, and her concern about child sexual abuse materials, according to the lawsuit. Annie Farmer, victim of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, speaks from the podium during a candlelight vigil to honor survivors of his crimes in Washington, DC on November 18, 2025. Around 2007, a federal prosecutor drafted a 60-count indictment against Epstein, a man who rubbed shoulders with elites such as former President Bill Clinton and President Donald Trump, according to a 2020 DOJ report. A file released Jan. 30 also reveals a 32-count drafted indictment that would have specifically charged Epstein and others with sex trafficking. But a senior Justice Department official instead arranged a plea deal that allowed the well-connected financier to serve barely more than a year in jail for two state prostitution crimes. No one else was charged. Kuvin said what happened back then left him "shocked and disgusted." "Basically, what the state was doing was branding these young children 'prostitutes,' which was absurd," he said. After renewed attention to the case, federal prosecutors charged Epstein with sex trafficking in 2019, only for him to die in a Manhattan jail in what a medical examiner determined was a suicide. Epstein's former girlfriend and decadeslong associate, Ghislaine Maxwell, was convicted in 2021 of sex trafficking a minor to him, but so far, no other suspected coconspirator has been prosecuted, even though the Justice Department says Epstein harmed more than 1,000 women. Ghislaine Maxwell and Jeffrey Epstein are seen in this image released by the Department of Justice in Washington, D.C., U.S., on December 19, 2025 as part of a new trove of documents from its investigations into late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. In July, the Justice Department said that after a review of its files, it didn't uncover evidence that would warrant investigating anyone else and that further disclosures of documents wasn't appropriate. In November, Attorney General Pam Bondi posted on X that she would comply with a request by Trump who has come under scrutiny for his relationship to Epstein, although he has denied wrongdoing to open an Epstein-related investigation into specific, prominent Democrats, including Clinton. The Justice Department carried out the latest releases only after Congress ordered a fuller release of documents late last year. Still, it withheld documents for various reasons, including what it now says are active investigations and what it said are documents that show previous deliberations within the DOJ concerning Epstein. It also released names and nude images of possible victims, in violation of the transparency law. "I did not think that the case could get worse than what I learned in 2009," Mitchell Epner, a former federal prosecutor who handed sex trafficking cases, told USA TODAY. "For the last 16 years, it has only gotten worse. ... They have exposed the victims and protected the perpetrators." On Feb. 3, Trump said the public should move on from Epstein. "I think it's really time for the country to get on to something else," he said in the Oval Office. More action from Congress In announcing the Justice Department had completed its Epstein files' review process Jan. 30, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said any member of Congress will be allowed to review an unredacted version of the DOJ's "responsive production" of files under the Epstein transparency law. WASHINGTON, D.C. - NOVEMBER 17: Epstein survivors projections are seen on U.S. Department of Justice building on November 17, 2025 in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images for World Without Exploitation) The two lead sponsors of the transparency law, Reps. Ro Khanna, DCalifornia, and Thomas Massie, RKentucky, are taking Blanche up on that offer. They said in a letter Jan. 30 that they want to review hundreds of thousands of pages from Epstein's email accounts during the DOJ's 2018 and 2019 investigations into Epstein and Maxwell as well as FBI reports on interviews with accusers from the 2000s, the 2007 draft indictment against Epstein, and an 82-page memo written by prosecutors at the time. Khanna told USA TODAY in a statement that his "next step" is that in-person review, given what he characterized as failures by the Justice Department. "The DOJ has protected the Epstein class with blanket redactions in some areas while failing to protect the identities of survivors in other areas," he said, referring to names and nude images of possible victims that were released in the latest trove of files. One potential weak point of the transparency law is it didn't specify what would happen if the Justice Department failed to comply. Congress could now seek to hold Attorney General Pam Bondi in contempt of Congress for failing to abide by the law, but Republican members may be unwilling to go that far. Another option is for members of Congress, or victims, to try to sue the Justice Department to force a broader release. But lawyers told USA TODAY it's not clear that would work, especially given the transparency law didn't specifically authorize those lawsuits. Congress could also pass a legislative amendment to spell out how the transparency law can be enforced if the DOJ doesn't comply on its own, although Trump would need to sign that into law or two-thirds of both the House and Senate would need to override a veto from him. The initial Epstein files transparency law passed the House 427-1 and the Senate unanimously before Trump signed it into law. Kuvin said that if Congress allows victims to win attorneys' fees if they succeed in court, that could finance their lawsuits while simultaneously imposing a financial penalty on the DOJ. "Once you get the courts involved, you can get the other remedies that everyone's been discussing like a third-party magistrate to review the documents and information to check to see if the government's complying," he said. A third-party magistrate would be a neutral person appointed by a court to go through the materials. Are prosecutions still possible? Criminal prosecutions are still possible for any Epstein coconspirators who are incriminated by evidence. Though many crimes must be prosecuted within a certain window of time after the crime occurred, child sexual abuse crimes can be prosecuted under federal law at any time. That's also true under certain state laws. Kuvin said he believes prosecutors have enough to go after others for assisting Epstein in crimes. He noted that Epstein's 2007-2008 plea agreement listed four women by name as possible coconspirators. Those names did not include Ghislaine Maxwell. "I certainly think that the evidence, it exists for the prosecution of co-conspirators that were directly named in the nonprosecution agreement," he said. "As well as those that were not named in that agreement." Epstein photos show island map, passports, 'Lolita' scrawled on skin A foot with a quote from Vladimir Nabokovs Lolita written on it is seen in this undated photo released by House Democrats on the Oversight Committee. Separate from the women named as possible coconspirators, Kuvin isn't optimistic that current officials in power would be willing to go after men to whom girls may have been trafficked. "They're very powerful and rich individuals, and I think that they would rather just let that slide and ignore it and hope that the noise will quiet down after the news is done," he said. Blanche, the deputy attorney general, said at his news conference Jan. 30 that if the Justice Department had information about men who abused women, it would prosecute them. "There's this built-in assumption that somehow there's this hidden tranche of information of men that we know about, that we're covering up, or that we're not, we're choosing not to prosecute. That is not the case," Blanche said. Former prosecutors said they don't see signs of a future prosecution, despite Blanche saying at his news conference that active investigations were one basis for withholding documents. Neama Rahmani, a former federal prosecutor based in California, said the cases could be challenging if they involve "he said, she said" testimony, and the time that has passed can mean witnesses' memories have faded or evidence has disappeared. "I just don't see a whole lot of smoke from the department, from victims, or their lawyers that leads me to believe there's going to be a criminal prosecution of someone other than Epstein, who's dead, and Ghislaine Maxwell, who's in prison," Rahmani said. Dave Aronberg, who was the top prosecutor for Palm Beach County, Florida, from 2013 to 2024, said the Justice Department's decision in August to release a transcript of its interviews with Maxwell suggests it isn't engaged in a serious criminal investigation. He said the transcript could help targets by alerting them to what the DOJ is asking about and what Maxwell is saying. Epstein committed crimes in Palm Beach County that underpinned his 2008 Florida convictions, before Aronberg took office "Federal investigations are famously secretive, so maybe there is (an active investigation). I don't know," he said. "But I thought it was telling that after Todd Blanche interviewed Ghislaine Maxwell, the transcript of the interview was quickly released to the public. That tells me they're not anticipating further indictments." This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Greater Epstein accountability? How it could actually happen. CHARLOTTE, N.C., Feb. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- hauck (pronounced /huk/), a beloved German baby and children's brand, trusted by families across Europe for generations, is expanding its presence to the United States. With more than 100 years of experience creating thoughtful, long-lasting products for everyday family life, hauck is now introducing its heritage of safety, comfort, and timeless design to American families. hauck USA hauck Arketa+ Set hauck Alpha+ Set Founded in Germany over a century ago, hauck has been a staple in family homes, supporting parents and children through the early years and beyond. Known throughout Europe for its reliable highchairs, strollers, and juvenile products, the brand is guided by one simple philosophy: to create practical solutions that grow with children and fit naturally into daily life. "Entering the U.S. market is a meaningful step for hauck," said Maik Stockmann, President of hauck USA. "It allows us to share our products with more families through retailers parents already know and trust. Our focus remains the same, as it has always been, supporting parents with well-designed, durable products that offer long-term value and grow alongside their children." hauck's U.S. introduction begins with two of its most established products: the Arketa+ and Alpha+ highchair sets. Designed to adapt as a child grows, both highchairs can be used from around six months of age and later transform into seating suitable for adulthood. Their longevity, safety features, and understated designs reflect hauck's commitment to creating products made to last well beyond the early years. The hauck Arketa+ Set A premium, comfort-focused highchair designed to support family meals. 13 adjustable seat and footrest positions Full cushioning, ergonomic baby seat reducer, and tilt-proof construction Grows with your child from 6 months to adulthood (up to 286 lbs.) Crafted from FSC-certified beech wood with a GRS-certified recycled tray Available online and in-store at Target The hauck Alpha+ Set A value-driven, long-lasting highchair made to grow with your family. Ergonomic, adjustable seat and footrest Complete set including tray, seat reducer, wooden bumper bar, and 5-point harness Suitable from 6 months through adulthood (up to 198 lbs) Made from FSC-certified European beech wood, responsibly sourced Available online and in-store at Walmart Looking ahead, hauck continues to expand its thoughtfully designed assortment of baby and children's products, delivering practical, everyday solutions that support modern family life. hauck products are available through select retailers, including Target, Walmart, and Amazon. To learn more, visit hauckusa.com and follow hauck on Instagram , Facebook , and TikTok . About hauck For more than 100 years, hauck has created baby and children's products that support families through every stage of parenthood. With a focus on quality, safety, sustainability, and thoughtful design, hauck creates products meant to be used, trusted, and passed on, because family always comes first. Media Contact: Brilliant Agency [email protected] SOURCE hauck A flooded house near the river Guadalete, with a Palestinian flag displayed, as storm Leonardo hits parts of Spain, in Jimera de Libar, Spain, February 4, 2026. REUTERS/Jon Nazca A flooded house near the river Guadalete, with a Palestinian flag displayed, as storm Leonardo hits parts of Spain, in Jimera de Libar, Spain, February 4, 2026. REUTERS/Jon Nazca By Jon Nazca and Miguel Pereira GRAZALEMA, Spain/ Feb 5 (Reuters) - Storm Leonardo pounded the Iberian peninsula with torrential rains on Thursday, prompting more flood warnings, as a man was killed by a deluge in Portugal and Spanish rescuers searched for a woman swept away by a river as she tried to save her dog. Leonardo is the latest in a wave of half a dozen winter storms to hit Portugal and Spain since the start of 2026, killing several people, ripping roofs off homes and flooding towns. Flooding is becoming more frequent across Europe as the atmosphere warms and holds more moisture due to climate change, scientists say. Unprecedented flash floods killed 237 people in Spain's Valencia region in October 2024. A man of around 70 died on Wednesday in Portugal's southern Alentejo region after his car was swept away on a flooded road near a dam, Portuguese authorities said. In southern Spain's Malaga province, authorities searched for a woman dragged away in the strong current of the Turvilla River while trying to rescue her dog. "We spent the whole afternoon and night yesterday searching. We found the dog, but not her," Malaga fire chief Manuel Marmolejo said on Spanish television. 'AT FIRST WE THOUGHT IT WAS AN EARTHQUAKE' Authorities ordered the evacuation of Grazalema's approximately 1,500 residents as water seeped through the walls of houses and down steep cobbled streets of the mountain village popular with hikers. "From beneath the ground, the pipes creak...We were very scared. At first we thought it was an earthquake, but it wasnt. It was the creaking. It was a very bad night," said resident Maria Fernandez, as she swept water from her home. Juan Manuel Moreno, president of Andalusia's regional government, said Grazalema had received the same amount of rain in 16 hours as falls in the Madrid region in a year. Two reservoirs down the mountain from Grazalema were at risk of overflowing. Authorities planned to drain them, he said. In southern Portugal, people waded waist-deep through Alcacer do Sal after the river Sado breached its banks. Restaurant terraces were completely underwater, with sandbags stacked in front of doors to protect homes and shops. Anabela Ramalho, a 59-year-old nursing home worker, said everything in the care home was destroyed. "Only the walls are left," she said. "There's a feeling like we can't do anything... I don't remember seeing anything like this." Storm Marta, the next weather front in the so-called "storm train", is expected to hit the region over the weekend, according to state weather agency Aemet. (Reporting by Jon Nazca in Grazalema, Miguel Pereira in Alcacer do Sal; Paolo Laudani in Gdansk, Emma Pinedo in Madrid and Andrey Khalip in Lisbon; editing by Charlie Devereux, Alexandra Hudson and Ros Russell) Houses are seen near the coast of a sea inlet of Nuuk, Greenland, on Jan. 25, 2026. Credit - Evgeniy MaloletkaAP Donald Trumps pursuit of Greenland started with an intelligence briefing in the Situation Room. It was early 2018, and rising Russian submarine activity and the increased presence of Chinese vessels in the Arctic represented a security threat, Trump was told. At that meeting, according to a senior White House official at the time and a second person familiar with the conversation, Trump became preoccupied with the idea that the U.S. required a bigger and more permanent presence in Greenland, because of its strategic location in the North Atlantic. That May, Trump was visiting Long Island for a political event when he met briefly with Ronald Lauder, a longtime friend and heir to the cosmetics fortune. Lauder told him Denmark was struggling economically and suggested that the U.S. could leverage that strain to buy Greenland outright, according to the former White House official. When Trumps interest in buying Greenland was first reported that year, it struck critics as a characteristically provocative but unserious gambitexpansionist bluster from a President given to floating outlandish ideas. But Trump was serious. Nor was he the first Commander in Chief to entertain the idea. In the 19th century, William Seward, the Secretary of State who negotiated the purchase of Alaska under Andrew Johnson, argued the case for acquiring Greenland was political and commercial, citing its vast territory and mineral wealth. But no offer was ever made. President Harry Truman revived the idea in 1949, at one point proposing to purchase the island from Denmark in exchange for $100 million in gold and oil rights in Alaska. What bothered Trump most, according to three sources close to him, was the sense that the U.S. had already ceded power over Greenland once before. In the early 1950s, it built and operated Thule Air Basenow called Pituffik Space Baselargely as an American enclave, central to missile defense and nuclear deterrence. During the Cold War, America exercised de facto control over Greenland for military purposes. Danish oversight was limited and largely nominal; when strategic imperatives collided with questions of sovereignty, American security priorities prevailed. But after the Cold War ended, the U.S. reduced its Greenland footprint, closing or consolidating installations while maintaining Thule as an outpost. Denmark re-established political control of the base, even as it continued to rely on American security guarantees. When Trump learned this history, he thought the situation smacked of weaknessanother case of the U.S. surrendering assets while European allies enjoyed the benefits. In discussions with friends and aides, he kept bringing Greenland up. First-term advisers say that had it not been for a litany of domestic distractions, the U.S. would have more aggressively pursued the purchase of Greenland then. The idea, however, stayed with Trump. Because of all the trials and tribulations of Trump 1.0, we never got there, says retired Lieut. General Keith Kellogg, a former top national-security aide. Now were there. In recent months, Trump has made the acquisition of the vast frozen island of a mere 56,000 people a sustained priority. He frames control of Greenland as a security imperative in an era of Arctic competition, warning that Russian militarization and Chinese commercial advances have left the U.S. exposed. He has threatened to apply economic pressure on Denmark and its allies, dangled the idea of using military force to seize the island before ruling it out, and installed informal emissaries to explore ways to gain permanent control of the islandor, failing that, uncontested strategic access. The campaign so unsettled NATO allies that when Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney declared a rupture in the world order, at the World Economic Forum, what leaped to mind was Greenland. Days later, Trump declared the framework of a deal with Danish officials had been reached. He offered no specifics, and two Danish sources tell TIME the outline did not include U.S. control or ownership of the autonomous territory. Upcoming negotiations will test how far Trump is willing to go to get Greenland. But the Presidents fixation is bigger than control of the remote territory. It points to a broader ambition to redraw the architecture of American influence, loosen the constraints imposed by historic alliances, and anchor U.S. security policy in the western hemisphere. Greenland is a window into the animating logic of Trumps foreign policy: a determination to reorder the world to his liking, and to accomplish what others had contemplated and abandoned, through the exercise of personal power. Hes going to do what he wants to do, says Kellogg. And then everyones got to follow. In the days after the 2024 election, cocooned in Mar-a-Lago and plotting the priorities of his second term, Trump talked often about his desire to acquire Greenland, aides say. He raised the idea repeatedlysometimes offhandedly, sometimes with more insistence, as though it were a deal awaiting the right intermediary. His lieutenants didnt wait long to get started. In early January 2025, Trumps incoming director of White House personnel Sergio Gor called Charlie Kirk, who was staying at a donors house in West Palm Beach and spending his days inside Trumps mansion, helping with the vetting operation during the presidential transition. We should go to Greenland, Gor told him. The President wants to buy it. Kirk agreed. Trump and Susie Wiles, his incoming chief of staff, signed off on the idea of a brief, unplanned visitnot a diplomatic mission, but rather a gesture meant to signal Trumps intent. At 3 a.m. on Jan. 7, 2025, Kirk and Gor boarded Trumps plane along with Donald Trump Jr. The trio flew to Nuuk, with its low-slung pastel buildings pressed between dark water and bare rock. They were on the ground for only a few hours. The trip included no substantive meetings and no formal outreach to Greenlandic or Danish officials. It produced a photograph instead. Standing in a windswept town square beneath a low, overcast sky, the three men posed briefly before departing. Trump posted the image to his social media platform Truth Social. I am hearing the people of Greenland are MAGA, he wrote. By early March, Trump was framing U.S. access to the island as a national-security necessity. Later that month, the Administration orchestrated a high-profile visit by Vice President J.D. Vance, the first by a sitting American Vice President to the territory. Greenlands government said it had not invited Vance and opposed the visit, prompting plans for local protests. After diplomatic pushback from Nuuk and Copenhagen, the itinerary was scaled back to a stop at Pituffik Space Base, emphasizing the U.S. military presence while avoiding public engagement with Greenlandic officials. The protests were canceled, but the unease remained. The episode marked the start of a more confrontational phase. Trump and his aides emphasized expanded basing rights and permanent access, while Danish leaders reiterated that sovereignty was nonnegotiable. In early April, Denmarks Prime Minister traveled to Greenland to reinforce that position publicly. Negotiations followed: Denmark approved expanded U.S. defense arrangements on its own territory while warning that any attempt to annex Greenland would void cooperation. To formalize the effort, Trump appointed a special envoy tasked specifically with Greenland and Arctic negotiations. At the same time, European governments, led by Denmark, mounted a show of force, deploying troops to Greenland from France, Germany, Norway, Sweden, the Netherlands, and elsewhere under the banner of Operation Arctic Endurance, generating more friction with the U.S. Acquiring Greenland, aides say, would support what Trump has called the Golden Dome, a proposed system designed to detect and destroy ballistic, hypersonic, and cruise missiles through a constellation of sensors and space-based interceptors. The objective, according to a senior Administration official, is to beef up regional security. If you have instability within your own neighborhood, the official says, its very hard to project power elsewhere. Theres also a strategic advantage, the official says, to gaining access to Greenlands mineral wealthrare earths and critical metals Trump believes the U.S. foolishly left to rivals. In early January, Trump threatened new tariffs on Denmark and several European partners unless progress was made toward a deal. Facing resistance from European allies and growing strain within NATO at the World Economic Forums annual meeting, Trump walked back those threats and ruled out the American use of force to seize Greenland. Looking for an off-ramp, he returned with a provisional understanding to continue negotiations with the Danes, saying they reached the basis of a deal but offering no specifics. Trump loyalists insist he wont let the pursuit of Greenland fade again. His strategy will be to apply extreme pressure, an aide says, using modern communications and media as a weapon, not a tool, browbeating people and getting the closest deal to what you want, thinking you come back and get another bite later. It is far from clear the strategy will succeed. But to his most ardent defenders, Trumps demonstrated willingness to shatter norms is what makes the acquisition of the island a plausible outcome, not a mere fantasy. His objective is total control in Greenland, says his former chief strategist Steve Bannon. I believe well have total control. Contact us at letters@time.com. TUCSON, Ariz. NBC "Today" co-host Savannah Guthrie and her siblings made an emotional public plea on Instagram for their missing mother, Nancy Guthrie, urging anyone who may have abducted the 84-year-old to make contact as Arizona investigators say evidence suggests a crime and reports of a possible ransom demand have surfaced. Savannah Guthrie opened the familys plea by thanking supporters for their prayers before describing her mother as the heart of their family and making a direct appeal for contact, stressing Nancy Guthries fragile health and urgent need for medication. "Our mom is a kind, faithful, loyal, fiercely loving woman of goodness and light," Savannah Guthrie said. "Shes funny, spunky. She has grandchildren that adore her and crowd around her and cover her with kisses. She loves fun and adventure. She is a devoted friend. She is full of kindness and knowledge. Talk to her and youll see." "Our mom is our heart and our home. Her health, her heart is fragile," she continued. "She is without any medicine. She needs it to survive. She needs not to suffer. We, too, have heard the reports about a ransom letter in the media. As a family, we are doing everything that we can. Savannah Guthrie's Mother Nancy Possibly Abducted From Her Home, Authorities Say "We are ready to talk. However, we live in a world where voices and images are easily manipulated," she added. "We need to know without a doubt that she is alive and that you have her. We want to hear from you, and we are ready to listen. Please reach out to us." Read On The Fox News App Annie Guthrie then spoke through tears, appealing directly to her mother and laying bare the familys desperation as the search continues, saying, "We are always going to be merely human, just normal human people who need our mom. Momma. Momma, if youre listening, we need you to come home. We miss you." Savannah Guthrie later addressed her mother directly, offering words of faith and reassurance as the family waits for answers. "Mommy? If you are hearing this, you are a strong woman," she said. "You are Gods precious daughter, Nancy. We believe and know that even in this valley, He is with you. Everyone is looking for you, Mommy, everywhere. We will not rest, your children will not rest until we are together again. We speak to you every moment, and we pray without ceasing, and we rejoice in advance for the day that we hold you in our arms again. We love you." President Donald Trump also offered a major helping hand in the search for Nancy Guthrie on Wednesday night. "I spoke with Savannah Guthrie, and let her know that I am directing ALL Federal Law Enforcement to be at the familys, and Local Law Enforcements, complete disposal, IMMEDIATELY," he wrote on Truth Social. "We are deploying all resources to get her mother home safely. The prayers of our Nation are with her and her family. GOD BLESS AND PROTECT NANCY!" Earlier in the day, investigators returned to the home of Savannah Guthrie's mother in Arizona as they continue to aggressively seek tips. Deputies with the Pima County Sheriff's Department were seen back at Nancy Guthrie's home on Wednesday afternoon, putting up yellow crime scene tape. K-9s were also brought to the home, but it's unclear why law enforcement returned to the home four days after Nancy Guthrie's disappearance. The Pima County Sheriff's Department said in a tweet it was "conducting follow-up" at the home, offering no details. Several people who appeared to be law enforcement also showed up at Savannah Guthrie's sister Annie Guthrie's home on Wednesday. The home is just a few miles from Nancy Guthrie's home. It's unclear why they were there, but they brought some equipment inside. Timeline: Nbc Host Savannah Guthries Mother Disappears As Sheriff Says She May Have Been 'Abducted' Investigators arrive at the home of Annie Guthrie in Tuscon, Arizona, on Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026. Guthrie's mother, Nancy Guthrie, has been missing since last being seen on Saturday night. Nancy Guthrie, 84, was last seen at her Tucson residence at around 9:30 p.m. Saturday, according to the Pima County Sheriff's Department. While officials didn't immediately elaborate on the circumstances of her disappearance, Sheriff Chris Nanos said on Monday that "we do, in fact, have a crime." A law enforcement source told Fox News Digital that there were "blood drops" leading from the entryway outside down the house's pathway towards the driveway. Nanos said Nancy Guthrie didn't attend her Sunday church service, adding that her family was notified about the absence by a churchgoer. Officials said family members went to Nancy Guthrie's home at around 11 a.m. and spent some time looking for her. Her family called 911 at around noon. Nancy Guthrie had dinner with her daughter Annie and son-in-law, Tommaso Cioni, on Saturday evening, Nanos told The New York Times . He added that Cioni dropped Nancy Guthrie off at her home afterward and made sure she made it inside. A Pima County Sheriff's Office official told Fox News Digital on Monday that officials believe Nancy Guthrie was either kidnapped or abducted. "Sheriff [Chris] Nanos has stated that he believes that a crime has been committed," a spokesperson for Pima County Sheriffs Office told Fox News Digital. "At this point, investigators believe she was taken from the home against her will and that includes possible kidnapping or abduction." During the Tuesday news conference, Nanos didn't have an answer when asked if he knew where Nancy Guthrie was, saying he doesn't know. The sheriff declined to answer several questions, including one from a reporter who asked if there was a ransom demanded. "We are following all leads we have. That's all I can tell you," he said. "We've got hundreds of leads. And it's from you that produced those leads by telling people we need help." When asked if the apparent abduction was targeted or random, Nanos repeated a similar answer. "We're going to assume both sides of that. We'll look at both sides," he said. Following Tuesday's news conference, the Pima County Sheriff's Department revealed it is "aware" of reports of a possible ransom note after TMZ reportedly received written correspondence demanding a "substantial amount" of money in exchange for Guthries return. Savannah Guthrie's Mother Nancy Possibly Abducted From Her Home, Authorities Say Savannah Guthrie and mother Nancy Guthrie pictured on "Today" on June 15, 2023. The White House also commented on her disappearance, writing: "The search for Savannah Guthries mother, Nancy Guthrie, is ongoing, and authorities are requesting assistance from the public. Anyone with information is urged to contact 911." "Our prayers are with the Guthrie family as we hope for Nancys safe return home," the White House posted. Savannah Guthrie spoke out on Instagram in a post on Monday, writing "We need you." Click Here To Download The Fox News App Aerial drone shots of Nancy Guthries home on Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026 in Tucson, Arizona. Nancy Guthrie, mother of "Today" show host Savannah Guthrie, is suspected of being abducted from her home. "We believe in prayer. We believe in voices raised in unison, in love, in hope. We believe in goodness. We believe in humanity. Above all, we believe in Him," she wrote. "Thank you for lifting your prayers with ours for our beloved mom, our dearest Nancy, a woman of deep conviction, a good and faithful servant. Raise your prayers with us and believe with us that she will be lifted by them in this very moment." Original article source: Savannah Guthrie pleads with mother Nancy's captors in heartbreaking video: 'We are ready to talk' SPRINGFIELD, Mo. Valentines Day isnt just for couples this year its also a chance to show a little affection for Missouris birds. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) will host a local Great Backyard Bird Count event from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 14, at the Springfield Conservation Nature Center. The event will take place in the nature centers Wildlife Viewing Area, where volunteer naturalists will help visitors learn how to participate in the annual bird count. Members of the Greater Ozarks Audubon Society will also be on hand to share information about birding and conservation. The local program coincides with the global Great Backyard Bird Count, scheduled for Feb. 1316. The international project encourages people to observe birds in their own communities and submit sightings to support scientific research. The event is open to all ages, and no registration is required. More information through the MDCs press release here. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOLR - OzarksFirst.com. WASHINGTON The latest government shutdown is over, and Capitol Hill is already bracing for another high-profile brawl over President Donald Trump's immigration enforcement crackdown that could land one federal agency with a shutdown all of its own. As Trump signed legislation Feb. 3 to end the partial funding lapse, all eyes in Congress turned toward negotiations to overhaul the Department of Homeland Security in the wake of Alex Pretti's killing last month in Minnesota. The constraints on those discussions are many, but the biggest challenge may be time. Lawmakers have just over a week to come up with a compromise before a short-term funding extension for the 9/11-era Cabinet agency expires Feb. 13. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) holds a press conference on Feb. 3. Read more: Shutdown? What shutdown? For DC, just another day at the office In hopes of quickly placing more guardrails around ICE and Border Patrol, Democrats initially pushed for a tight turnaround on talks with the GOP and the Trump administration. But Republicans are casting doubt on whether fast-tracking the negotiations is feasible. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-South Dakota, said just before the shutdown ended that the timeline for solving bipartisan concerns with DHS's operations was "way too short to allow anything consequential to happen." "Ultimately, that's going to be a conversation between the president of the United States and the Democrats here in the Senate," he told reporters Feb. 3. The political atmosphere stands out as a marked departure from the Washington of the past year in which Democrats have held little leverage over a Republican-controlled Congress and White House. But widespread backlash to the fatal shootings last month of two Minnesotans by federal agents during an immigration enforcement surge in Minneapolis enraged the Democrats' base, angered the gun lobby and prompted unusually harsh criticism of the Trump administration from congressional Republicans. Those dynamics gave Democrats a rare upper hand, even though they chanced another prolonged shutdown to play it. With the spending impasse behind them, lawmakers now have just 10 days to figure out a path forward or risk a funding lapse for just the Department of Homeland Security. That scenario would put Democrats in an awkward position, because ICE would continue operating while other important government functions that Americans rely on, including the Transportation Security Administration and the Coast Guard, experience lapsed paychecks for their staff and other disruptions. Congress approved $75 billion for ICE over the next several years under the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" President Trump signed into law last summer. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-New York, said that as long as Republicans negotiate in good faith, "we can get it done." Sen. Katie Britt, an Alabama Republican, will lead the discussions with her Democratic counterparts. "We expect to present to the Republicans a very serious, detailed proposal very shortly," Schumer told reporters Feb. 3. Dems' demands: No masks, more body cameras Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) holds a press conference following the Democratic weekly policy lunch on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., on February 3, 2026. Senate Democrats have a list of three main demands for immigration enforcement. Among their asks is an end to sweeping immigration checks known as "roving patrols." They also want more accountability for ICE and Border Patrol, including independent investigations and stricter use-of-force standards. And they want federal agents to be prohibited from wearing masks and be required to wear body cameras. Some Senate Republicans have said they're amenable to some of those requests. On Feb. 2, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem ordered her officers in the field in Minneapolis to begin wearing body cameras immediately. Read more: Federal officials in Minneapolis will wear body cameras 'immediately,' Noem says But House Speaker Mike Johnson has ruled out any proposal that forces federal agents to remove their masks en masse. Doing so, the Louisiana Republican argued, would jeopardize officers' safety. "I don't think the president would approve it, and he shouldn't," Johnson said on Fox News. Those comments rankled some Senate Democrats, raising the likelihood that Homeland Security could shut down next week. Sen. Cory Booker, D-New Jersey, said he won't vote for any DHS funding bill unless it includes "radical change." "I hear Johnson say things like he wouldn't even consider doing what every other law enforcement agency in America does, which is not masking," he said. "That's not something that they're even willing to entertain." Zachary Schermele is a congressional reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach him by email at zschermele@usatoday.com. Follow him on X at @ZachSchermele and Bluesky at @zachschermele.bsky.social. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: The shutdown is over. Trump's DHS could soon have one of its own. U.S. Rep. Abigail Spanberger speaks during the American Federation of Government Employees legislative conference in Washington, D.C., February 13, 2023. Photo: AFGE / Flickr / CC BY 2.0 / Cropped from Original (The Center Square) First-term Democratic Gov. Abigail Spanberger has ordered Virginias state law enforcement agencies to end any remaining agreements that allow state officers to take part in federal civil immigration enforcement. The directive, issued Wednesday, requires state agencies to withdraw from all Section 287(g) agreements with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Those agreements allow state and local officers to perform certain immigration enforcement functions under federal supervision. The order applies to the Virginia State Police, the Virginia Department of Corrections, the Virginia Conservation Police and the Virginia Marine Police. The move follows Spanbergers decision on her first day in office to rescind a previous executive order that had required state participation in the 287(g) program. At the time, state and local officials said that action removed the mandate but did not automatically cancel agreements already in place. This new directive goes further. It tells state agencies to formally terminate any existing 287(g) agreements and report back within five business days confirming they have done so. House Republican Leader Terry Kilgore said the directive weakens public safety and cuts off cooperation with federal immigration authorities, adding, Just days ago, Democrats insisted the governors order didnt do anything. Today, Governor Spanberger ended all of Virginias 287(g) agreements with ICE. This decision weakens public safety and cuts off cooperation that helped law enforcement remove dangerous criminals from our communities. Virginians deserve honesty, not spin. Spanberger said the goal is to keep Virginia law enforcement focused on investigating crimes and protecting public safety, rather than carrying out federal civil immigration enforcement. The governor also issued a separate executive order outlining statewide policing principles. That order emphasizes training, professionalism and public trust, and directs agencies to review their policies to make sure they align with constitutional standards. Spanberger said trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve is essential to public safety and officer safety, and can be damaged when officers are pulled away from their core responsibilities. The directive does not apply to local sheriffs offices, which are not under the governors authority. It also does not affect cooperation with federal law enforcement when a valid judicial warrant is involved, or participation in joint task forces unrelated to 287(g). Spanberger said the change is meant to clarify the role of Virginia law enforcement and draw a clear line between state policing and federal civil immigration enforcement. Close-up view of students working on laptops during a college class. Photo: freepik / Freepik (The Center Square) The Texas Education Agency has a new director dedicated to ensuring the safety of students in the state's public school system. Levi Fuller has been selected as the TEAs first inspector general for Educator Misconduct to oversee the enforcement of educator misconduct policies and processes and enforce new laws now in effect. The role was created by TEA Commissioner Mike Morath to ensure safe learning environments for Texas nearly 5.5 million public school students. With more than a decade of experience holding bad actors accountable, Levi will help root out the flawed few that sow distrust among families and school communities while helping to restore confidence in the teaching profession, Morath said in a statement. Fuller will spearhead agency response to allegations of educator misconduct, working in concert with TEAs Educator Investigation Division. The division is responsible for responding to thousands of complaints that have been filed against public school teachers through the states Educator Misconduct Reporting Portal. The division oversees educator misconduct investigations, including making the decision to impose certification sanctions, place individuals on the Do Not Hire (DNH) Registry, oversee settlements and close cases. The role also involves Fuller providing regular policy and process guidance and recommendations to the State Board for Educator Certification, Commissioner of Education, Office of the Governor and state legislature. I know the positive impact my teachers had on my life, and I want all students in our public schools, including my own children, to have that same experience, Fuller, who is a product of the public school system, said. My mandate from Commissioner Morath is to do everything in the TEAs power to ensure a safe learning environment for all Texas students, and I intend to see that mandate fulfilled. A Lufkin native and U.S. Army veteran, Fullers career is marked by public service. He served 15 years in the U.S. Army and Army National Guard as a Judge Advocate, infantryman and artilleryman. As a JAG, he worked with the U.S. Senate, Department of Defense Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office and the Army Office of the Staff Judge Advocate to revamp the Armys response to sexual assault allegations. He next served as assistant attorney general in Texas as a special prosecutor for the Election Integrity Division. He was also a litigator in the Special Litigation and Non-Profit Enforcement Team of the OAGs Consumer Protection Division where he prosecuted nonprofits allegedly involved in human smuggling. He next served as chief of staff for state Rep. Andy Hopper, R-Decatur. Hes a graduate of Texas A&M and South Texas College of Law. His children attend public schools. Hopper was one of roughly 20 new House Republicans who ousted Republican incumbents in 2024 vowing to vote for school choice. Last year he voted for Texas first school choice bill, Texas first Parental Bill of Rights and Texass first Teacher Bill of Rights, all signed into law by Gov. Greg Abbott and now in effect, The Center Square reported. Hoppers former chief of staff is now leading the effort to enforce the laws Hopper helped enact. I'm incredibly glad that the TEA has prioritized protecting Texas kids by naming Levi Fuller as Inspector General. Last session, we were incredibly blessed to have Levi, a former combat veteran, Army JAG, and Assistant Attorney General, serve as Chief of Staff of my House District 64 office. Levi is exactly the sort of tough-as-nails attorney that this post requires, and those who aim to mess with Texas kids should be quaking in their boots right now, Hopper told The Center Square. Hopper was also a cosponsor of a bill filed by state Rep. Mitch Little, R-Lewisville, HB 4623, enabling parents to sue public schools and their employees for sexual misconduct involving students, The Center Square reported. From September 2021 to July 2024, there were 6,888 reports of sexual and violent misconduct by public school employees perpetrated on students in Texas schools and that by July 2024, the vast majority of those reports were left unresolved, the bill analysis explains. The new law allows civil claims to made against independent school districts or open-enrollment charter schools for employees that commit sexual misconduct or if schools fail to report suspected child abuse or neglect. Another law Fuller will be enforcing is SB 571, filed by state Sen. Paul Bettencourt, R-Houston, which expands offenses for teachers to be added to the DNH registry, expands mandatory employment termination and loss of certification to include additional criminal convictions, strengthens mandatory reporting requirements among other provisions. The bills were passed with overwhelming bipartisan support. President Donald Trump has called "Today" co-host Savannah Guthrie as the intense search for her missing mother enters a fourth day. A White House official confirmed to USA TODAY on Feb. 4 that the president spoke with Guthrie. The official did not provide additional details about the call. Trump also confirmed to NBC Nightly News anchor Tom Llamas that he had spoken to Guthrie over the phone. The president was speaking to Llamas for an interview to air during the network's pregame coverage of Super Bowl LX on Feb. 8. "We also want to mention, after our interview, the president called Savannah Guthrie and spoke to her, offering words of support for her and her family as they search for her mother," Llamas said during an NBC News special report on Feb. 4. Nancy Guthrie kidnapping suspect seen in new photos as search continues Today show host Savannah Guthries 84-year-old mother, Nancy Guthrie, was seemingly abducted from her home outside Tucson, Arizona, in the early hours of Feb. 1, 2026. Authorities released photos and videos on Feb. 10, of a potential suspect who was caught tampering with a camera on her front door on the morning of her disappearance. Llamas said Savannah Guthrie thanked the president for taking the time to call her family, adding that they were devastated and praying. She also thanked Trump for the hard work of local and federal authorities on the case. Savannah Guthrie also reiterated that the family needs prayers more than anything. Savannah Guthrie's mom goes missing: Ransom notes surface in Savannah Guthrie's mom case Live updates Guthrie's 84-year-old mother, Nancy Guthrie, went missing from her home outside Tucson, Arizona, on Jan. 31, just hours after family members had dropped her off, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said. Nancy Guthrie was reported missing on Feb. 1 after authorities received a 911 call saying she didn't show up at church, Nanos said. The sheriffs department believes Guthrie was taken "possibly in the middle of the night, and that includes possible kidnapping or abduction." Trump said he would reach out to Guthrie to offer support Trump told reporters on Feb. 3 that he would reach out to Guthrie, saying he would offer additional federal support to assist with searching for her mother. His comments came on the same day TMZ and CBS affiliate KOLD News revealed that their newsrooms received ransom notes about Nancy Guthrie, which are unverified as the FBI works with local law enforcement in Arizona. In a Feb. 4 statement on its Facebook page, the Pima County Sheriffs Department said investigators had not identified a suspect or person of interest in the case. Additionally, the statement said that detectives were speaking with anyone who may have had contact with Guthrie as they continue working closely with the family. "Today" anchor Savannah Guthrie, right, with her mom, Nancy Guthrie. "While we appreciate the public's concern, the sharing of unverified accusations or false information is irresponsible and does not assist the investigation," the statement said. Authorities have previously said they received "hundreds of leads" and have no credible information to lead them to believe that Nancy Guthrie's disappearance was a targeted incident. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump calls Savannah Guthrie as search for her missing mom intensifies President Trump said he is directing all federal law enforcement to be at the disposal of Savannah Guthrie's family as the search continues for her mother, 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie. "I spoke with Savannah Guthrie, and let her know that I am directing ALL Federal Law Enforcement to be at the family's, and Local Law Enforcement's, complete disposal, IMMEDIATELY," Mr. Trump said on social media Wednesday night. "We are deploying all resources to get her mother home safely." A White House official said the president called Savannah Guthrie, who co-hosts NBC's "Today" show. The call took place right after NBC interviewed the president on Wednesday, NBC said on its streaming platform. Authorities are trying to figure out what happened to Nancy Guthrie, who went missing over the weekend. In an emotional video released Wednesday night, Savannah Guthrie pleaded for her mother's return and addressed any possible abductor or abductors, saying, "We want to hear from you, and we are ready to listen. Please, reach out to us." Authorities believe Nancy Guthrie was taken from her Tucson, Arizona, home, but say they haven't identified any suspects or persons of interest in the case, and it isn't clear how many people may have taken Guthrie. Savannah Guthrie said she and her family are aware of reports of a ransom note. Multiple media organizations have reported receiving purported ransom notes, which they gave to investigators. "We live in a world where voices and images are easily manipulated. We need to know without a doubt that she is alive and that you have her," Savannah Guthrie said in the video posted on social media. Journalist and TV host Savannah Guthrie, accompanied by her siblings Annie and Camron, speaks in a video about her mother Nancy Guthrie. / Credit: Savannah Guthrie via Instagram/via REUTERS Law enforcement is intensifying their search. Pima County sheriffs and the FBI returned to Nancy Guthrie's home Wednesday evening, putting up crime scene tape and combing through the property. Former FBI agent Katherine Schweit who worked on a similar case where an elderly woman in Wisconsin was kidnapped, held for ransom and eventually freed after five days said "everybody is working as frantically as they can." "There are hundreds of people working on this," she said Thursday on "CBS Mornings." According to Department of Homeland Security spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin, U.S. Border Patrol's specialized search and rescue unit BORSTAR has provided support to Pima County officials handling the search. The community in Tucson is holding on to hope. A few hundred people gathered at a church Wednesday evening for a vigil for Nancy Guthrie, hearing prayers and placing candles on an altar. Authorities investigate ransom note in disappearance of Savannah Guthrie's mom, sheriff says The Dish Recipe: Try lemon pesto spaghetti for a classic taste of Italy Tech executive explains how AI agents work, warns against giving them too much access A Starlink satellite internet system is set up near the frontline town of Bakhmut, in Ukraine's Donetsk region, in March 2023. - Lisi Niesner/Reuters/File The Ukrainian Defense Ministry said Thursday that Russias Starlink satellite internet terminals in Ukraine have been cut off, disrupting Russian military communications. Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov said SpaceX, which owns Starlink, is working with Ukraine to update a whitelist of approved and verified Starlink terminals, while unapproved Russian systems have been blocked. The Starlink terminals added to the whitelist are working. The Russians terminals have already been blocked, Fedorov said in a statement Thursday. We continue to verify Starlink terminals. The first batch of terminals that made it onto the whitelist are already operational. A source at the General Staff of the Ukrainian armed forces claimed that all Russian Starlinks have been cut off along the front line as of Thursday evening local time. Under US sanctions, Starlink cannot be sold to or used by Russia. However, analysts and Ukrainian officials have warned that Russia has increasingly been finding ways to leverage the system to its own advantage. CNN previously reported on Russias practice of mounting Starlink systems on its attack drones, which allow the weapons to bypass Ukraines electronic defenses that disable drones by jamming GPS and radio signals, and to strike deeper into the country. Ukraine has also relied heavily on Starlink since the beginning the war, using it to operate military communications and drones, as well as information systems for public institutions like hospitals and schools. The enemy on the front lines is facing not just a problem, but a catastrophe. All command and control of the troops has collapsed. Assault operations have been halted in many areas, said Serhii Beskrestnov, an adviser to the defense minister. Elon Musk, the founder of SpaceX, said earlier this week that it was taking steps to stop Russias unauthorized use of the Starlink satellite internet constellation. Musk reiterated Thursday that its important to register your Starlink terminal if in Ukraine. Russias Ministry of Defense has not addressed the claims of Starlink disruptions. But Russian military bloggers began commenting on the Starlink outages on Wednesday and Thursday, noting that Russias internet and communications capabilities on the front line have taken a hit. One pro-Kremlin military blogger, Boris Rozhin, wrote a Q&A-style post on Telegram, saying, Yes, it will have a certain impact on internet availability in the field, and yes, there are no alternatives at all, right now. He also claimed that Russian forces were working to bypass the block and to bring high-speed internet to the field using other methods. Another Russian military blog, which supports the airborne special forces, tried to downplay the disruption, writing: The Starlinks may have been shut down, but the backup communications are still there. The radios are working, and theres communication between the positions. Some Starlink units used by the Ukrainian side were also reportedly cut off, although its unclear how widespread the disruption is, as the government continues the whitelisting process. One Ukrainian combat officer, Tetiana Chornovol, posted on social media that the shutdown of Starlink left my two combat positions without communication, adding that her unit has since brought in an alternative communication system. It works for us, a Ukrainian drone pilot said in a video posted to Telegram. We immediately registered our Starlink terminal, and everything is fine. Talks end with little progress Meanwhile, the second round of trilateral talks between Ukraine, Russia and the United States concluded in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates on Thursday. Ukrainian presidential chief of staff Kyrylo Budanov, who was part of his countrys delegation, described the negotiations as truly constructive. I am grateful to the US and the UAE for their high-quality organization and mediation, Budanov told the Ukrainian news agency RBC-Ukraine. While no breakthrough deal came out of the two days of talks, Russia and Ukraine did agree to conduct their first prisoner exchange since October. Each returned 157 prisoners of war to the other side on Thursday, according to Russian state news agency TASS and US negotiator Steve Witkoff. While significant work remains, steps like this demonstrate that sustained diplomatic engagement is delivering tangible results and advancing efforts to end the war in Ukraine, Witkoff said Thursday in a post on X. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the negotiators agreed to hold another round of talks in the near future. CNNs Ivana Kottasova, Daria Tarasova-Markina and Sophie Tanno contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Fifth-generation Santa Fe available with the buyer's choice of ICE or hybrid power, in front- or all-wheel drive Palisade and IONIQ 5 named finalists in Best Car of 2026 list Veteran editorial team from leading automotive marketplace names its favorite new vehicles for 2026 CHICAGO, Feb. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Hyundai Santa Fe was today named the Best Family Car of 2026 by Cars.com. The Santa Fe stood out among contenders for its space-efficient three-row layout, confidence-inspiring performance, and smart, family-friendly features. This category win builds on the model's already impressive Cars.com Best Car of 2025 award, which the all-new fifth-generation Santa Fe captured in its first year on the market. The Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy is photographed in California City, Calif., on July 16, 2025. For 2026, Cars.com also recognized Hyundai's all-electric IONIQ 5 and Palisade SUVs as finalists in the influential auto-shopping marketplace's Best Car and Best EV categories, respectively. Hyundai continues to collect accolades for its product lineup's bold designs, intuitive interiors, advanced technology, and exceptional real-world usability. The Best of 2026 by Cars.com list acknowledges exceptional vehicles in quality, innovation, and value as judged by Cars.com's editorial team of veteran car reviewers. "Winning the Best Family Car category is a strong testament to our continued commitment to safety and highly functional, family-friendly vehicles," said Ricky Lao, director, product planning, Hyundai Motor North America. "The Santa Fe offers a slew of new convenience technologies including available First-in-class Panoramic Curved Display, dual wireless device charging, Digital Key 2, Over-The-Air (OTA) updates and a full array of advanced safety technologies ranking it an Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) TSP+." i The Santa Fe leverages its longer wheelbase, offering superior interior space for maximum passenger comfort. Fully foldable second- and third-row seats create a terrace-like space at the rear liftgate opening, enabling users to effortlessly enjoy outdoor surroundings. The vehicle's impressive cargo capacity is an advantage for both urban lifestyles and outdoor adventures, with plenty of room for sporting equipment, travel gear, and everyday shopping. The Santa Fe offers a powerful Smartstream 2.5L Turbo GDI four-cylinder engine, as well as an available 1.6L hybrid powertrain that delivers up to 36 miles per gallon (highway). Santa Fe's Calligraphy trim is ideal for premium urban lifestyles, while the Santa Fe XRT is designed to satisfy adventure-oriented enthusiasts with enhanced off-road hardware and rugged good looks. "The Hyundai Santa Fe hits the sweet spot for families. It delivers excellent passenger and cargo space, top-tier safety scores, and genuinely thoughtful family-friendly features all without feeling oversized or intimidating to drive," says Mike Hanley, Sr. Road Test Editor, Cars.com . " It's that rare 'tweener' SUV that works just as well for growing families as it does for everyday life, which is why it stood out and was recognized as Cars.com 's Best Family Car of 2026." About Cars Commerce Cars Commerce is an audience-driven technology company empowering the automotive industry. The Company simplifies everything about car buying and selling with powerful products, solutions and AI-driven technologies that span pretail, retail and post-sale activities enabling more efficient and profitable retail operations. The Cars Commerce platform is organized around four industry-leading brands: the flagship automotive marketplace and dealer reputation site Cars.com, award-winning technology and digital retail technology and marketing services from Dealer Inspire, essential trade-in and appraisal technology from AccuTrade, and exclusive in-market media solutions from the Cars Commerce Media Network. Learn more at www.carscommerce.inc. Hyundai Motor America Hyundai Motor America offers U.S. consumers a technology-rich lineup of cars, SUVs, and electrified vehicles, while supporting Hyundai Motor Company's Progress for Humanity vision. Hyundai has significant operations in the U.S., including its North American headquarters in California, the Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama assembly plant, the all-new Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America, several cutting-edge R&D facilities and more than 855 independent dealers. These operations are part of Hyundai Motor Group, which is investing $26 billion in the U.S. from 2025 to 2028. For more information, visit www.hyundainews.com. Hyundai Motor America on Twitter | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | TikTok i The 2025 Santa Fe (built after Nov., 2025) is an IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ SOURCE Hyundai Motor America Trilateral talks between American, Ukrainian and Russian negotiators concluded in the United Arab Emirates on Thursday, with Moscow and Kyiv exchanging hundreds of prisoners of war and the U.S. and Russia agreeing to "reestablish high level military-to-military dialogue." Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Wednesday that Kyiv expected an exchange of prisoners of war with Russia "in the near future," following the first round of talks in Abu Dhabi. U.S. President Donald Trump's peace envoy, Steve Witkoff, posted to X on Thursday morning with more details of the exchange, which he said would involve 314 prisoners and would be the first such exchange for five months. "This outcome was achieved from peace talks that have been detailed and productive," Witkoff wrote. "While significant work remains, steps like this demonstrate that sustained diplomatic engagement is delivering tangible results and advancing efforts to end the war in Ukraine." United States European Command later released a statement saying that, following the talks in the UAE, U.S. and Russian negotiators had also agreed "to reestablish high level military-to-military dialogue," which has been suspended since late 2021. UAE Ministry Of Foreign Affairs via Reuters - PHOTO: Members of the U.S., Russian and Ukrainian delegations attend the second round of trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, February 4, 2026. Trilateral US-Ukraine-Russia peace talks resume in UAE after major energy attack "Maintaining dialogue between militaries is an important factor in global stability and peace, which can only be achieved through strength, and provides a means for increased transparency and de-escalation," EUCOM said. "This channel will provide a consistent military-to-military contact as the parties continue to work towards a lasting peace." The prisoner of war exchange took place soon after the conclusion of Thursday's meetings. Zelenskyy posted a video of the returning Ukrainian soldiers. "Today's exchange came after a long pause, and it is critical that we were able to make it happen," the Ukrainian president wrote on X. Kyrylo Budanov, formerly the head of Ukrainian military intelligence and now serving as the head of Zelenskyy's presidential office, confirmed in a post to X that 157 Ukrainian prisoners of war had been returned to Ukraine. Of those freed, 139 had been held since 2022, Budanov said. The Russian troops involved were released into Belarus -- which has provided extensive support for Moscow's invasion of Ukraine. They were expected to travel to medical facilities in Russia for treatment and rehabilitation, the Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement. Zelenskyy's office told ABC News that Thursday's talks in Abu Dhabi had ended by around 4 p.m. local time -- 7 a.m. ET. The Ukrainian delegation included Rustem Umerov, the secretary of Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council, Budanov, and and Andrii Hnatov, the chief of the General Staff. State Emergency Service Of Ukrai/via Reuters - PHOTO: Firefighters work near a building damaged in a Russian overnight drone attack in Kyiv, Ukraine, on Feb. 5, 2026, in this screengrab from a handout video. Russia hits Ukraine energy targets with hundreds of drones, missiles, ahead of talks The Russian team included Kiril Dmitriev, the CEO of the Russian Direct Investment Fund, and Igor Kostyukov, the head of the GRU military intelligence service. The U.S. delegation was led by presidential peace envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law. Umerov said in a post to Telegram that Wednesday's "work was substantive and productive, with a focus on specific steps and practical solutions." Dmitriev -- who has been a leading figure in Moscow's direct negotiations with the Trump administration through Witkoff -- told reporters after Wednesday's talks that there "is certainly progress, and good, positive movement forward," as quoted by Russia's state-run Tass news agency. Dmitriev also criticized what he said were "warmongers from Europe, from Britain," who he alleged "are constantly trying to hinder this process." Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday urged patience when speaking with reporters. "For the first time in a very long time we have technical military teams from both Ukraine and Russia meeting in a forum that we'll also be involved with," Rubio said in a video posted to the State Department's X page. UAE Ministry Of Foreign Affairs via Reuters - PHOTO: Jared Kushner, United States Special Envoy, Steve Witkoff, and other members of the U.S. delegation attend the second round of trilateral talks between the U.S., Russia and Ukraine, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, February 4, 2026. 'Normal life has disappeared': Russia's energy offensive plunges Ukraine into dark and bitter cold "Progress is probably not going to be known, even via leaks, until we really have a breakthrough. Our goal is to remain committed," Rubio added. Zelenskyy said on Wednesday that Kyiv is focused on a clear and lasting end to the war. "Russia must be ready for this. And partners must also be ready to ensure it in real terms with their real guarantees -- security guarantees -- and their real pressure on the aggressor," he said in an evening address. "It must be felt now -- people in Ukraine must feel that the situation is genuinely moving toward peace, toward an end to the war, and not toward a scenario in which the Russians exploit everything to their advantage and continue their strikes," he added. "There must be no rewards for the aggressor -- if any reward is given to the aggressor, Russia will, over time, break any agreement," Zelenskyy said. Both Moscow and Kyiv described the first round of trilateral talks last month as constructive. Among the key areas of divergence are the fate of Ukraine's eastern Donbas region, which Russia has partially occupied and from which Moscow is demanding a full Ukrainian military withdrawal. AP - PHOTO: In this image made from video provided by Russian Defense Ministry Press Service on Feb. 4, 2026, Russian rocket artillery fires toward Ukrainian positions at an undisclosed location in Ukraine. Next round of US-Russia-Ukraine talks to begin Feb. 4, Zelenskyy says Also under discussion is control of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in southern Ukraine, which was occupied by Moscow's forces since March 2022. So too are post-war Western security guarantees for Ukraine, without which Kyiv says Moscow will be able to launch a new round of aggression in the future. Meanwhile, both Russia and Ukraine continued to exchange long-range missiles and drone attacks overnight into Thursday morning. Ukraine's air force said Russia launched two missiles and 183 drones into the country overnight, of which 156 drones were shot down or suppressed. The missiles and 22 drones impacted across 16 locations, the air force said. Ukraine's State Emergency Service (SES) reported drone impacts in several districts of Kyiv. City Mayor Vitali Klitschko said at least two people were injured. The SES also said attacks were recorded in the northeastern border city of Sumy and the central Dnipropetrovsk region. Russia's Defense Ministry said its forces shot down 95 Ukrainian drones overnight. The Associated Press - APTOPIX Russia Ukraine War Russia downs 4,300 Ukrainian drones in December, setting new record, Moscow claims At least one person was injured in Russia's southeastern Rostov, local Gov. Yuri Slyusar said in a post to Telegram. Ukraine's General Staff said in a statement that its forces struck targets on Russian-controlled territory including a training site in occupied Zaporizhzhia, a logistics hub in occupied Donetsk and an electronic warfare facility in Russia's western Bryansk region. Meanwhile, both Ukrainian and Russian military bloggers reported that unauthorized Starlink satellite communications terminals in use by Russian forces had been disrupted or disconnected, following a public appeal by Kyiv to Starlink producer SpaceX and its owner Elon Musk. Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov said on Telegram that Kyiv has been working with SpaceX to verify Starlink terminals in use by Ukrainian forces, allowing them to remain operational. Starlink terminals have been widely used by both sides during the ongoing conflict to enhance battlefield connectivity. Ukrainian officials have also accused Russia of using Starlink's network to guide attack drones in strikes deep inside Ukraine, including on civilian targets. ABC News' Fidel Pavlenko, Kevin Shalvey, Somayeh Malekian, Othon Leyva, Anna Sergeeva Tanya Stukalova contributed to this report. A worker rests in his cabin alongside ship containers at Panama Canal's Port of Balboa, managed by CK Hutchison Holdings, in Panama City earlier this month. - Matias Delacroix/AP China has come out swinging after Panamas high court ruled against a Hong Kong-backed companys right to operate key ports at the Panama Canal, vowing the government will pay a heavy political and economic price if it did not reverse course. The vitriol is the latest inflection point in the saga around Chinese interests in the strategic waterway, through which some 40 percent of all US container traffic transits annually, and which has become a focal point of the Trump administrations aim to oust rival powers from the Western hemisphere. Hong Kong-based multinational CK Hutchison operates ports across the world through its Hutchison Ports business and subsidiaries. They include two key terminals on the Panama Canal one at either end a concession that the Central American nations Supreme Court deemed unconstitutionalin a ruling late last month. The truly shameful and pathetic ruling succumbs to hegemony and acts as an accomplice to evil, Beijings office overseeing Hong Kong affairs said in an 800-word response to the court decision. China firmly opposes the use of economic coercion and hegemonic bullying. The rebuttal, published Tuesday, is a clear sign of how intently China is focusing on the case and the White Houses broader push to root out its influence in the region. Chinese leader Xi Jinping stands at the Cocoli locks in the Panama Canal during a state visit in 2018. - Mauricio Valenzuela/dpa/picture-alliance/AP China has for years built deep inroads into Latin America and the Caribbean, where it now turns more than half a trillion in trade annually, and its state-owned firms and national champions are embedded in power grids, telecoms networks and mines. Now, as US President Donald Trumps administration vows to deny non-Hemispheric competitors control of strategically vital assets in the Western Hemisphere and push out foreign companies that build infrastructure there, the Panama Canal stands as the most urgent test of how the power struggle will play out. Beijing has said it will safeguard Chinese enterprises, and its latest statement stressed it has sufficient means, tools, strength, and capability to maintain a fair and just international economic and trade order. But the moment also creates a strategic challenge for Beijing as it weighs up how strong a message it wants to send to partners that it sees as siding with the US especially as it looks for stability in its own US relations ahead of an expected visit from Trump later this spring. Power struggle Trump has already kneecapped Beijings carefully cultivated relations with Panama, raising pressure on the country over its ties with China from his first day in office. He used his inaugural address to stake out false claims that China is operating the Panama Canal, and vow that the US was taking it back. The same day, Panama launched an audit of Hutchison Ports operations of the two canal ports, while President Jose Raul Mulino denied Trumps assertions. The company is not one of Chinas many state-owned enterprises active overseas, but a major global port operator in a conglomerate controlled by Hong Kongs richest man, Li Ka-Shing. It has defended its operations, and Beijing has dismissed claims of its interference in the canal. But as the White House ramped up pressure on Panama, its government announced it would back out of Chinese leader Xi Jinpings Belt and Road global infrastructure drive a blow to Beijings ambitions in the region, especially as Panama was the first Latin American country to sign on to the initiative, in 2017. The spat has only grown since. CK Hutchison announced last spring it would sell its interests in more than 40 ports in some two dozen countries, including the two near the Panama Canal, to a group led by US firm BlackRock a deal praised by Trump as a win for the US. Workers load cargo at Panama Canal's Port of Balboa earlier this month. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix) - Matias Delacroix/AP But Beijing said it must conduct reviews and supervise any asset sale by the company and the deal has appeared to stall since then. Its unclear how it will be impacted by the latest court ruling. That ruling, which found that the contract awarded to Hutchisons Panama Ports Company violated Panamas constitution and follows the official audit, again raises frictions. Hutchison Ports Panama Ports Company on Tuesday said it has launched arbitration against Panama, framing the ruling as part of a state campaign against it. Whats next? Beijing is well known for turning to a playbook of economic countermeasures to exert pressure. Japans tourism industry in recent months has been grappling with canceled flight routes and travel warnings from China due to a political spat over Taiwan. And businesses from Australian wine makers to Norwegian salmon farmers have been frozen out of the massive China market in recent years when their governments fell foul of Beijing. China has economic leverage over Panama, too. It surpassed the US as Panamas largest trade partner in 2019, according to United Nations data through 2024. In its Tuesday statement, Beijing turned up the heat, saying the country would suffer the consequences of the ruling, which would cause profound damage to Panamas business environment and economic development. Analysts say Beijing may be weighing trade, investment and other measures to respond and dissuade other countries in the region from taking similar steps. But there are reasons for Beijing to proceed carefully. For one, even as it feels the squeeze from the US strong-arm policy in Latin America, it also sees an opportunity. Beijing has already cast that US posture seen most acutely in the US capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro as a form of imperialism and bullying. And its policy thinkers calculate that while the US strategy might put more pressure on Chinese engagement in the region in the immediate term, over time it will drive more Latin American countries to choose to work with China. Retaliating with major economic measures against Panama would have the potential to undermine Xis broader effort to position China as an alternative leader to the US, especially for emerging economies Beijing says are not served by a US-led world. Beijing may also not want to rock the boat too much ahead of the expected visit by Trump. Sailors wave the China and Panama flags during Chinese leader Xi Jinping visit to the canal in 2018. - Carlos Jasso/Reuters But Beijing and Chinese firms will also be taking notes as the case continues to play out. If anything we should expect Chinese state-owned enterprises to be increasingly wary of committing to significant strategic investments in the vicinity of the US given that Trump seems very keen to assert his control over geographical chokepoints and locations of significance in the region, said Brian Wong, a geopolitics analyst at the University of Hong Kong. And the US will be taking strategy notes too, analysts in Washington say. There, the court ruling may be read as proof positive that sustained pressure pays off, said Craig Singleton, a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies think tank. Decisions like Panamas are likely to reinforce Trumps view that Chinese influence in the hemisphere is reversible, encouraging further challenges in places where legal, political, or regulatory pressure can be brought to bear. CNNs Stephanie Yang contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany, R-Wisconsin, speaks with The Center Square from the floor of the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee. Photo: Greg Bishop / The Center Square (The Center Square) The Republican running for governor in Wisconsin wants a full audit of the states public school managers after a report on a nearly $400,000 four-day workshop. Current Northwoods Congressman Tom Tiffany on Wednesday said he wants a full audit of the Department of Public Instruction. INSANITY:@WisconsinDPI blew $368k in taxpayer funds on a 4-day water park junket to lower student standards, Tiffany wrote on X. They did it to hide a failing system where 69% of 4th graders cant read at grade level, and@GovEvers vetoed efforts to raise standards.We need a full audit of DPI. The Dairyland Sentinel broke the story about DPIs water park retreat this week. The Sentinel revealed that 88 educators spent four days at the Chula Vista Resort in the Wisconsin Dells in 2024. The Dairyland Sentinel asked for information about that meeting last year, but DPI delayed Sentinel for over a year by ignoring a public records request. First,@WisconsinDPI hid 200+ cases of educator sexual misconduct. Then, they stalled an open records request for a year, revealing nearly $400k wasted on a water park junket to lower standards, Tiffany added. Meanwhile, 7 in 10 kids cant read at grade level. This failure cant continue. Tiffany is not the only one calling for action. Republican Assembly budget chief Mark Born said lawmakers may pause on releasing $1 million in state funding to DPI. A DPI spokesperson told Wisconsin Public Radio on Wednesday that if lawmakers that would have serious repercussions. Without that money, (we) will need to consider layoffs which will impact our ability to investigate educator wrongdoing, license teachers, pay choice schools, and operate the agency, spokesperson Chris Bucher said. This is The Takeaway from today's Morning Brief, which you can sign up to receive in your inbox every morning along with: What we're watching What we're reading Economic data releases and earnings Jeff Bezos came, he saw, he conquered. Maybe not in the way you'd expect from a onetime financial savior of an iconic newspaper. There are now two Bezos eras at the Washington Post: The first started when he rescued it in 2013. The second began when he saw it gutted, blessing the mass layoffs the company executed on Wednesday. The Washington Post is eliminating one-third of its staff, including more than 300 people in the newsroom, and shuttering or decimating entire sections, including sports, local news, books, and international coverage. The company told employees the paper had failed to meet readers' needs, and it struggled to maintain financial health as audiences, technology, and the media environment transformed. The news business has been in deep trouble for a while. And even the New York Times (NYT), the rare legacy media boat without a giant hole in it, shows that it's a tough industry regardless. Shares of the top-dog newspaper-turned-puzzle-and-cooking-app are down more than 6% after reporting on Wednesday, as investors were apparently spooked by higher costs tied to the latest pivot to video. (I, too, am now a vertical video journalist; please find me on TikTok and Instagram.) On social media and in news coverage in the aftermath, Post employees, the labor union, and alumni (myself included) strongly criticized the decision. Others have pointed to more recent moves by Bezos. Leading up to the Post's deep cuts, several media observers highlighted Amazon's enormous budget to produce and market the new documentary "Melania," about first lady Melania Trump. Amazon's extraordinary spending prompted questions about the movie working as a kind of bribe from Bezos to the White House. (Amazon says they licensed the movie because they think people will love it. The film's Rotten Tomatoes scores and box office numbers have inspired a news cycle of their own.) Blue Origin CEO Jeff Bezos speaks onstage ahead of US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth at Blue Origin in Cape Canaveral, Florida, on Feb. 2, 2026. (Miguel J. Rodriguez Carrillo / AFP via Getty Images) (MIGUEL J. RODRIGUEZ CARRILLO via Getty Images) But the splashy Melania rollout provided an ugly contrast to the austerity Bezos was serving down to the Post's newsroom. In the worst light, critics said Bezos was willing to burn money to please the president but was now unwilling to do so for journalism in the public interest. It's not a secret that political calculus seems to be leading business decisions across corporate America. Aligning yourself or your company with the White House can keep you out of harm's way or advance your financial interests. That's an element in the media business, as this newsletter has discussed in the corporate fight over Warner Bros. What Elon Musk has done to Twitter, reshaping it into X, is the less obvious but more relevant comparison here. Billionaires aren't "saving" media platforms as much as they are redefining them. Marty Baron, the former executive editor famously portrayed in the movie "Spotlight" who led the Post for eight years under Bezos, offered the most cutting rebuke in a statement: "This ranks among the darkest days in the history of one of the world's greatest news organizations." Baron, like others, pointed to several decisions by the Post in recent years that repulsed its core audience including Bezos's decisions to pull a presidential endorsement days before the 2024 election and remake the editorial page to align with his politics. "Bezos's sickening efforts to curry favor with President Trump have left an especially ugly stain of their own," Baron wrote. "This is a case study in near-instant, self-inflicted brand destruction." Hamza Shaban is a reporter for Yahoo Finance covering markets and the economy. Follow Hamza on X @hshaban. Click here for in-depth analysis of the latest stock market news and events moving stock prices Read the latest financial and business news from Yahoo Finance In the century since its founding, Hongkong Land has expanded into regional markets like mainland China, Singapore, Indonesia, Cambodia, Thailand and the Philippines. (Getty Images) Hongkong Land has launched Singapores largest private real estate fund, as the 137-year-old property developer embarks on a strategic pivot towards fund management and commercial properties under CEO Michael Smith. The Singapore Central Private Real Estate Fund (SCPREF) will focus on prime commercial assets in the countrys central business district, and with around 8.2 billion Singapore dollars ($6.4 billion) in assets. SCPREFs initial portfolio comprises several buildings in Singapores CBD: Asia Square Tower 1, One Raffles Link, One Raffles Quay, Marina Bay Link Mall and Towers 1 and 2 of the Marina Bay Financial Centre. Going forward, we imagine ourselves having a series of funds with high-quality investors alongside us, creating fund management revenue, Smith tells Fortune. Among those high-quality investors, at least for SCPREF, are sovereign wealth fund Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) and APG Asset Management, a part of the Dutch pension fund. Smith added that an established Southeast Asian sovereign wealth fund had also invested, though declined to specify which one. Private real estate funds are especially appealing to sovereign wealth funds, since they afford certainty in returns, Smith explains. Sovereign wealth funds have capital to deploy, but it needs to be protectedand these funds meet those needs. The QIA, in a statement, said its participation in SCPREF underscores its strategy of partnering with best-in-class operators to access high-quality real assets in key global markets and generate resilient long-term returns. He hopes the fund can grow to a valuation of $15 billion Singapore dollars ($11.7 billion). (The SCPREF is an open-ended fund that does not have a fixed term, which allows more investors to join.) Singapores property market has boomed in recent years, with real estate investment sales growing by 27% in 2025 to hit $26.9 billion, its highest level since 2017. Hongkong Land is bullish on Singapores commercial real estate market. The latest new supply has been absorbed, the government has no intention of increasing office land supply within the central business district, Michelle Ling, Hongkong Lands chief investment officer, explains. Hongkong Land shares, which are traded in Singapore, fell by 0.6% on Feb. 4, erasing early morning gains. Shares in the developer, which is majority owned by Global 500 conglomerate Jardine Matheson, have doubled in value over the past 12 months. A new era for a century-old company Sir Paul Chater and James Johnstone Keswick founded Hongkong Land in 1889. Chater, at the time, spearheaded one of the earliest land reclamations along Hong Kongs Victoria Harbor, which eventually became the citys Central business district. Hongkong Land remains one of the largest landlords in Central; the developer manages about $50 billion of assets overall. In the century since its founding, Hongkong Land has expanded into regional markets like mainland China, Singapore, Indonesia, Cambodia, Thailand and the Philippines. Still, the developer has been battered by property market weakness in both mainland China and Hong Kong, as well as struggles in its residential developments in general. We had apartments in Cebu in the Philippines, and in Wuhan and Bangkokbut we never had sufficient scale in any of those markets to be a meaningful player, Smith explains. Hongkong Land reported $751 million in revenue over the first six months of 2025, a 23% drop year-on-year. The developer earned $222 million in post-tax profit over the same period, compared to an $828 million loss the year before. (Hongkong Lands losses last year were widened by non-cash impairments.) Smith took over as Hongkong Lands CEO in 2024, after spending more than seven years at Singapore developer Mapletree, most recently as its regional CEO, and an executive board member of the firms industrial trust. Since taking over as Hongkong Lands chief executive, Smith has embarked on a pivot to double down on commercial properties and fund management, while shedding its less lucrative residential businesses. The developer no longer pursues the build-to-sell market. Last November, it sold off one of its residential arms, MCL Land, to Malaysias Sunway Group for $579 million. Other property developers, like CapitaLand and Mapletree, are also pursuing asset-light models, which they claim will make them more agile and reduce debt. Smith wants the developer to be more active regarding the property market. Weve had these great assets, but weve been a bit like a herbivore. Weve just been collecting rent, and havent done much more than that with them over many years, he quips. And hes looking beyond just Singapore, with an eye to expand commercial real estate development and fund management services to gateway cities in Asia, citing Tokyo, Seoul and Sydney as examples. What makes a gateway city? Stock exchanges, professional services, and startups, Smith says. Where the finance and tech bros all want to be, we want to be. Correction, Feb. 5 2026: A previous version of this article misstated the length of time Michael Smith spent at Mapletree. This version also clarifies that figures referred to by Smith were in Singapore dollars. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com President Donald Trump holds up a graphic comparing the size of Metas new Hyperion data center in rural Louisiana to Manhattan, at the White House in August 2025. (Aaron SchwartzCNP/Bloomberg/Getty Images) Meta has quietly purchased roughly 1,400 acresan area almost twice the size of Manhattans Central Parkadjacent to its already-mammoth 2,250-acre Hyperion AI data center site in Richland Parish, La., Fortune has learned. The combined land parcels for the campus will bring the project to more than twice the size of the nearest international airport, Louis Armstrong in New Orleans. According to half a dozen people affiliated with companies working on or around the Meta site, the land purchase paves the way for a phase 2 expansion of the Hyperion project, which has been widely discussed, including by President Donald Trump, as one of the nations largest AI data centers in the works. Fortune observed active work underway on the newly acquired land, which several sources say was purchased from local landowner George B. Franklin & Sons roughly three to four months ago. Fortune visited the Richland Parish Assessors office, where staffers shared paperwork that said the parcel is still listed in Franklins namethough they emphasized it can take some time for the filed deed to be updated. Activity on the land, which lies west of the original site, included utility markings, heavy equipment, on-site workers, and portable facilitiessigns consistent with early-stage site preparation. Permits were posted, but could not be read from the publicly accessible road. Meta declined to comment, though it had previously told Fortune that the company had not shared anything about additional phases in terms of land. George B. Franklin & Sons did not respond to Fortunes request for comment. An expansion of AI ambitions The apparent expansion of Metas already enormous project offers a window into how the AI infrastructure boom is unfolding across the U.S. Hyperscalersthe Big Tech companies building out their AI infrastructureare racing to lock up land, power, and financing for massive AI data-center campuses, often through debt-financed, politically sensitive expansions. Some, like the Louisiana project, are expanding so quickly that it may be difficult for local communities to spot or register concerns in real time. In December 2024, Meta announced it was breaking ground on a $10 billion AI data center in Holly Ridge, an unincorporated community in Richland Parish, a rural county in northeast Louisiana. The facility was planned to span over 4 million square feet. To meet the energy demands, utility Entergy planned to construct three new natural gas plants near the site at a cost of $3 billion. The original 2,250-acre project is nearly five miles long and a mile widealready almost three times the size of Central Park. More than 3,700 construction workers have been working on the site, with reported plans for that number to climb to 5,000. And beyond the temporary employment created by the construction project, the company said it would create 500 new full-time, long-term jobs at the data center in the struggling, economically depressed area. Now it appears that Meta has laid the financial groundwork for a much larger Hyperion build-out than originally planned. In October 2025, Meta announced it had entered a joint venture with funds managed by Blue Owl Capital to finance, build, and operate the Hyperion data center campusan arrangement targeting up to $27 billion in total development costs. The scale and structure of the joint ventureincluding Blue Owls majority capital commitment and Metas operational rolesuggest that Hyperion is intended as a long-term, multiphase campus. Getting ahead in the AI infrastructure race There was some indication even earlier that this data center campus would be even bigger than originally planned. In August 2025, President Trump spoke of the project at a Cabinet meeting and said that Meta planned to ultimately spend $50 billion on its data center in rural Louisiana. When they said $50 billion for a plant, I said, What the hell kind of plant is that? Trump noted, holding up a graphic he said was given to him by Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg. It shows the data center superimposed over a large portion of Manhattan, to demonstrate the facilitys massive scale. When you look at this, you understand why its $50 billion, Trump said. Indeed, the sheer scale of the Hyperion build-out aligns with Zuckerbergs latest comments on Metas AI infrastructure strategy. As Fortune has reported, Zuckerberg recently announced Meta Compute, a new top-level initiative led by the companys most senior executives. In doing so, he reemphasized Metas commitment to being an AI infrastructure behemothand signaled that Meta has no intention of being an also-ran in the data center build-out race. The new organization is designed to secure the massive amounts of computing powermeasured in gigawatts, each of which could power hundreds of thousands of homesneeded for Metas drive to build AI models that lead to superintelligence. And the behemoth under construction in rural Louisiana is a key part of that mission. Meta is planning to build tens of gigawatts this decade, and hundreds of gigawatts or more over time, Zuckerberg wrote. How we engineer, invest, and partner to build this infrastructure will become a strategic advantage. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com Vladislav Baumgertner Authorities in Cyprus have confirmed that a body discovered last month on a beach along the islands southern coastline is that of Vladislav Baumgertner, the former chief executive of Russias largest potash company. Mr Baumgertner had previously been detained in Belarus in 2013 on charges of harming the Belarusian economy. Police on a British military base in Cyprus stated that DNA analysis conclusively identified the body as that of the 53-year-old, who was reported missing from his home in the coastal city of Limassol on 7 January. His remains were found a week later on Avdimou beach. An investigation into the circumstances and cause of Mr Baumgertners death is currently underway, according to the British Sovereign Base Areas police, who have notified his relatives. Avdimou beach is located within one of the two military bases retained by the UK after Cyprus gained independence from British colonial rule in 1960, which operate their own police force and courts. Baumgertner was the CEO of Uralkali when Belarusian authorities placed him under house arrest in September 2013 after a dispute between his company and its Belarusian trading partner escalated. He was released two months later and extradited to Russia where prosecutors launched a criminal probe against him on abuse of office charges. Vladislav Baumgertner, chief executive of Russia's largest potash company Uralkali, speaks in Moscow on Dec. 7, 2012. (AP Photo/File) (Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) At the time, analysts had attributed Baumgertners arrest to retaliation for Uralkalis decision to pull out of a joint venture. Uralkali and state-owned Belarusian Potash Co. had been exporting the commodity a key ingredient in fertilizer through a joint venture that at the time accounted for about a quarter of the worlds potash. Uralkali pulled out of the trading venture after accusing the government in Minsk of allowing the state-owned company to export potash independently. Uralkalis withdrawal left Belarusian Potash Co. with virtually no qualified staff and raised fears of a price war. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko claimed that Uralkali and Baumgertners actions harmed his countrys economy. Baumgartner had been living in Cyprus for several years. He had reportedly been staying in an apartment above his place of business in Limassol that thousands of Russian expatriates have made their home. Jackson Tammariello/Zuma Press/Newscom Don Lemon, the former CNN anchor who was arrested on federal civil rights charges last week, portrays his conduct during the January 18 protest that disrupted services at a church in St. Paul, Minnesota, as purely journalistic. The Justice Department, joined by his many critics, says he actively participated in the disruption, making him no less criminally liable than the seven protesters who were charged in the same case. If you break the law, Lemon's detractors note, the fact that you have a camera and a microphone does not shield you from prosecution. Lemon indisputably was covering the protest for his YouTube show. The indictment against him concedes as much, repeatedly mentioning his "livestreaming" and noting his interviews with congregants and Jonathan Parnell, the pastor who was leading the service. But Lemon was unabashedly sympathetic to the protesters, their cause, and their illegal tactics. Lemon's own footage suggests he himself may have been guilty of trespassing. The indictment's allegations nevertheless fall short of making the case that his conduct met the elements of the two federal charges he faces. Opponents of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) crackdown in Minnesota targeted Cities Church because one of its pastors, David Easterwood, directs enforcement and removal operations at ICE's field office in St. Paul. The moral logic here is hard to follow. Easterwood was not even at the church that morning, and the idea that the entire congregation bore responsibility for his work is absurd on its face. Unfazed by such considerations, the 30 or so protesters interrupted the service with chanting and self-righteously harangued the worshipers, impelling many of them to leave. Those tactics were morally indefensible and plainly illegal. When the protesters quietly entered the church and sat down, they were not breaking the law. But once they were asked to leave and refused to do so, they were violating Minnesota's trespassing statute, which makes it a misdemeanor to enter "the premises of another and, without claim of right, [refuse] to depart from the premises on demand of the lawful possessor." The demonstration also qualified as disorderly conduct, a misdemeanor that includes disrupting a lawful "assembly or meeting" when you have "reasonable grounds to know that it will, or will tend to, alarm, anger or disturb others or provoke an assault or breach of the peace." The Washington Post, which reviewed video of the protest, reports that "the footage does not show [Lemon] participating in the chants that disrupted the service." But toward the end of Lemon's brief interview with Parnell, the pastor told him, "I have to take care of my church and my family, so I ask that you actually would also leave this building, unless you're here to worship." Lemon's response was cagey. "I always worship," he said. "I am a Christian." After that exchange, according to the Post, Lemon remained in the church for another seven minutes. Since Parnell's request can plausibly be interpreted as a "demand" that Lemon "depart from the premises," notwithstanding the "unless you're here to worship" proviso, Lemon arguably was trespassing at that point. But that apparent misdemeanor is not enough to establish that Lemon violated 18 USC 248 and 18 USC 241, the two federal statutes cited in the indictment. Section 248, which authorizes a sentence up to a year for a first offense, applies to someone who, "by force or threat of force or by physical obstruction, intentionally injures, intimidates, or interferes with" a person exercising his religious freedom at a place of worship. "It does not appear that Don Lemon did any of those things directly," notes First Amendment attorney Marc Randazza, although he was "part of a group that did." As evidence that Lemon violated Section 248, the indictment cites his interview with Parnell, saying he and two other defendantsprotester Jerome Richardson and Georgia Fort, a local reporter"approached the pastor and largely surrounded him (to his front and both sides), stood in close proximity to the pastor in an attempt to oppress and intimidate him, and physically obstructed his freedom of movement while [Lemon] peppered him with questions to promote the operation's message." If you watch the video of that encounter, you can see that Parnell voluntarily engaged with Lemon, expressing his understandable outrage at the people disrupting the service. Parnell may have been "largely surrounded" in the sense that three people were near him, but that would not have prevented him from simply walking away if that is what he wanted to do. "The pastor seems to have voluntarily given that 49-second interview," Randazza notes. "His participation in it ratified Lemon's presence, whether he intended to or not." While the indictment asserts that Lemon was trying to "oppress and intimidate" Parnell, that intent is by no means apparent in the video. And although the indictment says Lemon "physically obstructed" Parnell, that characterization is not consistent with the statute's definition of "physical obstruction," which entails "rendering impassable ingress to or egress from" a "place of religious worship." The indictment also says Lemon "posted himself at the main door of the Church, where he confronted some congregants and physically obstructed them as they tried to exit the Church building to challenge them with 'facts' about U.S. immigration policy." That comes closer to the statute's definition of "physical obstruction," but it would qualify only if Lemon was actually blocking the exit. Here is how the Post describes what happened: "Seven minutes after he was asked to leave, Lemon exits the church building and begins interviewing people outside and at the entrance of the church." It seems clear that at least some of the congregants were not keen on talking to Lemon, as illustrated by this interaction: A parishioner tells Lemon he believes Trump's immigration operation is keeping Americans safe. "Do you believe that?" Lemon asks. "Honestly, let me talk to you, just on the facts." "You're not a journalist," the man responds, trying to walk away. Lemon follows him, saying that "undocumented people and immigrants commit far less crime than American citizens." "We're done here," the man says. Lemon may have been preachy and annoyingly persistent, but that is not enough to make him guilty of violating Section 248. As with the Parnell interview, the conduct that the indictment portrays as criminal can plausibly be described as journalism, although Lemon's version of it is hardly a model for the profession. The same goes for the indictment's claim that Lemon violated Section 241 by joining a conspiracy to "injure, oppress, threaten, or intimidate" the Cities Church worshipers "in the free exercise or enjoyment" of their religious freedom. That felony, which is punishable by up to 10 years in prison, requires proof that the defendant entered into an agreement with the specific intent of stopping people from exercising their constitutional or statutory rights. Section 241 descends from the Enforcement Act of 1870, which Congress enacted in response to white supremacist violence aimed at preventing black people from voting, running for office, or serving on juries. That law made it a federal crime for two or more people to "band or conspire together" to "injure, oppress, threaten, or intimidate any citizen with intent to prevent or hinder his free exercise and enjoyment of any right or privilege granted or secured to him by the Constitution or laws of the United States." As evidence that Lemon participated in such a conspiracy, the indictment notes that he covered an organizational meeting before the church protest, was careful not to divulge the protest's location ahead of time, and followed the activists to the church. While all of that is consistent with a Section 241 conspiracy, it is also consistent with Lemon's avowed purpose of reporting on the operation. "These are resistance protesters," Lemon told his audience as the activists gathered in a parking lot. "They're planning an operation that we're going to follow them on. I can't tell you exactly what they're doing, but it's called Operation Pullup." The strategy, he explained, was to "surprise people, catch them off guard, and hold them to account. So that's what we're doing here, and then after we do this operation, you'll see it live." Lemon was straddling a line here, and that last sentence can be interpreted as placing him among the protesters he ostensibly was covering. But in context, "what we're doing here" could mean waiting for the operation to begin, and "after we do this operation" likewise could refer to following the protesters and recording them. However you interpret that ambiguous teaser, it implicitly endorsed the protest, and Lemon's subsequent comments made his approval even clearer. "When you violate people's due process, when you pull people off the street and you start dragging them and hurting them and not abiding by the Constitution, when you start doing all of that, people get upset and angry," he said during the protest. "That's the whole point of it. It is to disrupt, it's to make [people] uncomfortable, and that's what they're doing and that's what I believe when I say everyone has to be willing to sacrifice something." After Lemon left the church, he noted that children had been alarmed by the protest, which is not surprising. According to the indictment, one of the defendants, William Kelly, "disrupted the service by chanting, 'This ain't God's house. This is the house of the devil.'" Kelly also allegedly "screamed 'Nazi' in congregants' faces and asked child congregants, 'Do you know your parents are Nazis? They're going to burn in hell.'" Far from objecting to such vituperation, Lemon suggested the congregants' discomfort was an acceptable cost of calling attention to the abuses associated with the Trump administration's deportation campaign. "I imagine it's uncomfortable and traumatic for the people here," he said. "That's what protesting is about." Lemon also erroneously suggested that the protest was protected by the First Amendment. "There's a Constitution and a First Amendment [protecting] freedom of speech and freedom to assemble and protest," he told Parnell, as if that was somehow relevant to an unwelcome and deliberately disruptive protest on private property. These comments belie Lemon's pose as an observer who was merely reporting on a newsworthy event. "I'm not gonna get in the middle of it," he said during the protest. "I'm not here as an activist. I'm here as a journalist." Last week, he said he was arrested for "something that I've been doing for the last 30 years, and that is covering the news." He plainly did more than "covering the news"; he repeatedly commented on the protest in a way that indicated his approval. "As a lifelong journalist and free-press advocate, there is no question in my mind that Lemon had a right to cover the church protest," former New York Times Editor Jill Abramson writes. "But some of Lemon's reporting techniques gave me pause." Lemon "wears his support for the protesters on his sleeve, punctuating his report with observations that struck me as more political than observational," Abramson notes. "No matter what a reporter's private opinions, they should keep a journalistic distance from what they are covering. Listening to Lemon's commentary during the church protest, I sometimes heard him preaching rather than reporting." That assessment is, if anything, too kind to Lemon. But advocacy journalism, even when it is as morally and legally obtuse as Lemon's variety, is no less protected by the First Amendment than straight reporting that aspires to evenhandedness. That protection is not a license to break the law, as Lemon seems to have done by remaining in the church after Parnell made it pretty clear that he was not welcome. But the conspiracy charge against Lemon goes far beyond that misdemeanor, not only in the penalties it carries but also in the sort of proof it requires. Proving that charge "requires that the government establish, beyond a reasonable doubt, that defendants entered into an agreement to 'injure, oppress, threaten, or intimidate' someone to prevent or interfere with their exercise of Constitutional rights," notes Joyce Vance, who served as a U.S. attorney during the Obama administration. "In addition to proving there was an agreement, the government has to establish that each defendant knew the unlawful purpose of the agreement and joined in it willfully, which means with the intent to further the unlawful purpose. Good luck with proving that, beyond a reasonable doubt, to the satisfaction of every juror, for someone who narrated on video as he was there that he was present as a journalist to cover the news." The government's case infers a conspiracy based on conduct that can plausibly be viewed as part of a journalist's work, combined with the obvious partiality of that work. That does not seem like enough to establish the agreement required by Section 241, let alone a specific intent to interfere with the exercise of constitutional or statutory rights. Randazza, the First Amendment lawyer, has little sympathy for Lemon, whom he calls "a hack worthy of no respect." But he thinks charging Lemon with federal crimes was a "really stupid decision." Randazza worries that "charging Lemon makes him a First Amendment martyr." But he also thinks the case raises legitimate free speech concerns. "It is a close call," Randazza says, but "if it were up to me, I would not use my discretion to prosecute an enemy journalistnot even if I might win.My point is not that Lemon is innocent; my point is that we should give breathing room to the First Amendment." The post Don Lemon May Be a Hack, but That Does Not Make Him a Felon appeared first on Reason.com. Medina Bakery and Restaurant on Anderson Avenue in Fairview. Medina Bakery & Restaurant Haga clic aqui para leer este articulo en Espanol. A longtime North Jersey bakery accused in online rumors of conspiring with federal immigration officials amid local raids is setting the record straight. "We would never, ever do that," said Virginia Medina, 27, whose parents, Jorge Medina, 67, and Evelyn Castallanos, 60, own Medina Bakery & Restaurant on Anderson Avenue in Fairview. The couple immigrated from Guatemala nearly 30 years ago. Evelyn got her start as a house cleaner, and Jorge in the ceramic and tile business. Both Evelyn and Jorge became US citizens and raised their eight children in Cliffside Park. Virginia Medina says her family noticed a drop in business around the time ICE began making arrests in Fairview and surrounding towns. It wasn't until three weeks ago, she said, that people started sending her family screenshots of comments shared to social media, saying that she and her siblings were conspiring with immigration officials. "Its concerning because before this whole situation with ICE and all the raids in our area, no one has ever heard such a rumor about us or our family or our business," Medina said. "My parents have always helped out the community in every way, shape and form whether it be financially, physically, or donating supplies or food to the schools. "It's devastating to see that people truly believe such a thing." Medina's Bakery issued a public statement on Wednesday, Feb. 4, saying: "As a family-owned business that has worked hard in this country for a better future for our children, we are deeply concerned by the rumors circulating on social media regarding the alleged involvement of our children with federal agencies. "While we regret the difficult situation we are currently facing, today we wish to state categorically that neither the owners nor their children are involved in such activities, nor are we cooperating in identifying or reporting individuals. "Likewise, we would like to remind everyone that the spread of false and unfounded information can bring negative consequences for all parties involved. We trust that this statement will be received by each and every one of you." Medina said she and her family are shocked that people would make such claims, especially given that they themselves are immigrants from Guatemala and made a post on Facebook saying they'd be shutting down to stand with immigrants "without thinking twice." "We could be taken any moment too," Medina said. "Just like everybody else." From left, University of Idaho students Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin were killed in a November 2022 attack at an off-campus house on King Road in Moscow. | Idaho Statesman graphic, provided photos BOISE (Idaho Statesman) On the heels of a recent release of thousands of crime scene photos from the Moscow college student murders, images of deceased people created as part of police or coroner investigations would become exempt from disclosure in response to Idaho public records requests under a newly proposed law. Senate Bill 1250 still would allow family members to obtain such photographs once an investigation is finished and all potential criminal cases associated with the persons death are resolved. The bill sponsored by Senate Minority Leader Melissa Wintrow, D-Boise, was two years in the making after she introduced but later pulled a bill with similar intent during last years legislative session. Several states already have such a law on the books. Family members make a lot of decisions about decedents, Wintrow said in a phone interview. Its just important to allow family members to do what they want to do with those photos. Wintrow worked closely on the legislation with Alivea Goncalves, a sister of Kaylee Goncalves, who was one of the four University of Idaho students fatally stabbed at an off-campus house in November 2022. Alivea Goncalves, sister of victim Kaylee Goncalves speaks at the sentencing hearing of Bryan Kohberger at the Ada County Courthouse, Wednesday, July 23, 2025, in Boise, Idaho, for brutally stabbing four University of Idaho students to death nearly three years ago. Kyle Green, pool photo via Associated Press She and her family have been through so much, Wintrow said. So its so important to really work with folks and understand the trauma theyre experiencing, so families feel they have a sense of control. Alivea Goncalves credited Wintrow with taking the time to hear her out in hopes of enacting the change to Idaho law not just for us, but for the next family facing their worst nightmare. Out of many, she was the only to actually articulate my voice and value my perspective, Alivea Goncalves said in an email to the Idaho Statesman. More than just offering condolences as many in positions of power have she offered actual help, support and change. Even just the possibility of making a difference has been a beacon of hope in an impossibly never-ending storm. The other three U of I student victims were Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin. The families of Mogen and Chapin successfully sued the city of Moscow last year over a related matter. On behalf of its police department, the city initially released a handful of redacted crime scene photos from inside the rooms of the victims in response to a request made under the Idaho Public Records Act. Last month, Idaho State Police posted to its website and then quickly removed thousands of redacted images from the crime scene under the belief it was adhering to the states public records law. One of the images inadvertently failed to redact a portion of the body of one of the four victims killed by Bryan Kohberger. RELATED | Judge rules for Moscow murder victims families in fight over crime scene photos The agency recognizes frustrations from the victims families, ISP spokesperson Aaron Snell said in a prior statement. This was a tragic case, and we do not take the impact of the crime or the release of records lightly, he said. The Idaho State Police remains committed to handling sensitive records professionally, lawfully, and with respect for all affected parties. But ISPs release of the photos again drew condemnation from the victims families, including the parents of Kaylee Goncalves. The crime scene photos were bad, her mother, Kristi Goncalves, said through tears this week on the Brian Entin Investigates podcast. They were bad. Were trying to change laws, added Steve Goncalves, Kaylee and Aliveas father. Youre not going to murder someone and then their records get blasted out for the rest of the world to see . Wintrows bill also came about as the result of efforts by another father, who sought to prevent the disclosure of autopsy photos of his daughter possessed by a county coroner. Allen Hodges, whose 16-year-old daughter died from an epileptic seizure in 2020, has pushed to clarify the states public records law to ensure that such images cant be released to a requester, the Idaho Capital Sun reported. Senate Minority Leader Melissa Wintrow, D-Boise, has proposed a new legal exemption that would prevent release of photos of a decedents body under the Idaho Public Records Act. | Darin Oswald, Idaho Statesman Wintrow told the Statesman that her reworked bill aims to reach a proper compromise over what members of the public, including the press, can receive in records requests while upholding the dignity of the person who died and honoring their familys wishes. On Monday, the bill advanced in a Senate committee for a future public hearing. The Idaho Press Club worked with Wintrow, reviewed various legislative proposals for the past year and does not oppose the bill that would add the new public records exemptions, said Melissa Davlin, the groups president. We believe it strikes the balance between protecting the privacy and dignity of the decedents while preserving transparency on other aspects of investigations, including factors that may have public health and safety implications, Davlin told the Statesman by email. Editors note: Idaho Statesman journalists are members of the Idaho Press Club, and editor Chadd Cripe serves on the board of directors. The post Idaho student murders case helps spur proposed law to stop release of photos appeared first on East Idaho News.